The Energon Pub

Skies Above The Maximus Line

Just as Quantum was about to shoot down the rookie Autobot flier, he received new orders from Starscream. He aborted his actions and just flew above Air Raid and into a wormhole he had generated a second earlier, followed by the surviving seekers of his squadron. In a matter of few seconds the Autobots above the abandoned Command Bunker would be all alone.


Killzone

Quantum and his seekers exited the wormhole in close proximity to Starscream and the others.

Somewhere else in the Killzone a huge pile of debris began to shake violently and a hand broke through, grabbing something solid and pulled himself out. Juggernaut had been really lucky this time. The bombardment of his location had cut a part of the hill off and taken him with down. Burried below several ton debris, only a fraction of the tremendous firepower had hit him. With a few exterior scratches and cracks, Juggernaut had escaped certain death with only minimal damage. Also his comm-link was disfunctioning as he could only comprehend a few of the words that Fortress Maximus was saying.

>


A mile or two away from Juggernaut, Bane stood with Thrall and Imploder's group of Decepticon grunts. Once again they were under enemy fire. Thrall had suggested an old maneuvre of theirs that they hadn't used for vorns.

"Somehow I think you enjoy throwing me around..." Bane began preperation to be thrown behind the enemy. With both his swords drawn and his skull-shaped vizir down, he nodded towards Thrall silently saying he was ready.

Killzone

If Thrall had a mouth, he would certainly be grinning, evident by the slight flash of mischief in his optics.

"Well, it gets the job done don't it?" he replied, and then grabbing Bane, primed himself like a spring, and then with all his might, twisted round to gather momentum. As he span around a full 360 degrees, he then let go of Bane, throwing him far up into the air, his servos whining in protest. But the job was done, as his partner was flying up into the air in a wide arc, ready to descend upon the advancing autobots. Speaking of which, he knew he had to be moving to fulfil the second part of the strategy: destraction.

"Oi!" he barked to Imploder and his men. "KEEP THE PRESSURE UP!" he said as, transforming into his minotaur mode again, slowly turned, and grinding one of his hooves into the ground, bellowing and charged, smashing through building after building as he made his assault. The Autobots began firing at him, their flak scorching and searing at his armour, damaging him all over. But he didn't stop, he never stopped, as charging his energo-chargers, he fired a bright burst of energy from the center of his horns and blew the tire of one of the mechs, causing him to skid out of control and ultimately flip on it's back. And still he continued.

"READY OR NOT HERE I COME!!"

Elsewhere on the battlefield, Fortress Maximus recieved Juggernaught's communication and sighed in relief. Providing covering fire for another squad of Autobots trying to advance the Decepticon positions, he responded.

>>>Damn.. i'll try sending reinforcements.. Maximus out>>Brewer.. This is Maximus. We have a Bunker Captain who needs repairs to his communications array.. are you in a position to assist?<<<

Good communication was the key, especially in a crucial point in the battle. Already, infiltraters were breaking through the Polyhex lines, and the main force were almost ready to assault the line proper. Getting up, he strode over to the main Autobot position, where hundreds of mechs had taken ground in front of the main decepticon defensive line, and took cover, taking status reports as he went.

The Killzone

The warrior fembot and medic 'bot hadn't gotten far through their travel toward the Suburbs - they still had a good distance to go - before Fortress Maximus sent in a communication link to the Brewer. He transformed in mid travel, landing back on the ground and skidding to a stop, followed by Forte's immitation of him. Brewer listened, thought with much debating, and looked to his friend.

"It would probably be better to just forget about the deceased and worry about the living, right? Besides," Brewer laughed softly, "aiding a Captain will look good on my datasheet!"

"Then lets get going. I can provide cover if it's needed," Forte smiled in answer.

Brewer nodded and they transformed, heading back the direction they had came while Brewer sent a reply to Maximus:

Killzone

Hurled through the air in a perfect arch, Bane flew past the incoming Autobots, seemingly unknown of the Black Death above them. He landed not far behind them. Attacking in something that barely resembled a formation, they were focusing their attention on Imploder and his men as well as the incoming Thrall. The minotaur's ferocious and intimidating counter-assault made the Autobot forces a bit uneasy ,and they all looked at their leader who seemed just as confused and intimidated as them.

Bane knew he would take a large portion of their remaining courage by taking out the leading figure first. The Corrupticon fearlessly ran towards the rear of the Autobot group, sprinting like a gepard towards its prey. He ran past a few of the enemies in the back and beheaded the leader with both his swords in a scissor-move. In the first second or two after that, the Autobots just stood there, shocked by the sudden and brutal death of their leader.

"Think he lost his head there for an astro-second" the chillingly cold and eerie dual-voice cut through the silence, revealing Bane's twisted humouristic sense.

Killzone

>>>Acknoledged..>>Set your navicom to delta slash five two niner. Report directly to Juggernaught, and get his communication array fixed. Let him know to order his men to maintain the flank and hold his position, making sure nothing breaks through to assault our backs when we hit the defensive wall>>zzzJuggernaught..zzMedic on the....standby...>>Autobots.. commence operation Breakthrough.. all heavy weapons teams in position concentrate all firepower onto the 'con weak point.. Silverbolt and all aerial squadrons assigned to this part of Polyhex Airspace, move to provide covering fire..<<<

And there was nothing left to be said as, once again at the front, Maximus charged the line, dodging and weaving from crater to crator, wall to wall.

Like the opening of a chorus, what weapons teams had taken up position in the killzone primed their weapons and opened fire, devestating the defensive wall and bunkers in front of Maximus's party.

Even if Megatron himself was waiting in that breach, Maximus was not detered. This battle could very well decide the fate of the entire planet, and potentially end this long and bitter war. Firing his arsenal as he ran, he materialised his sword and prepared for the rigors of close quarters combat that awaited him and his men as they hit the decepticon defenses.


Far to the right flank, Thrall finally hit the startled Autobot lines, and literally rammed one of them with his head, smashing his wind screen and causing the mechs momentum to literally bury the front of him self in the ground. Swinging his energon axe, he then rained blow after blow on him, tearing the mech apart with brute force and a sharp edge. He didn't stand a chance

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Megatron detected Shockwave’s approach even before the other Decepticon had entered the room. He continued to observe the battle unfolding on the holographic display in front of him. Reports were now coming in of Autobots marauding inside of the city. The fact that they were doing so openly and not trying to stay concealed meant they were not likely to be spies of any sort. They were simply sent in to try and soften up their defenses, creating weak points in the Polyhex defensive line.

Megatron sent out a series of orders. Units realigned and shifted position, covering the gap the Autobots had punched in their lines. Even as he rearranged his forces, Megatron could already see the Autobots aligning for a spearhead attack on that point. It would still be a hard battle. If they could gain air superiority, assuming that Starscream hadn’t wasted too much of their air forces on assaulting the Maximus Line, then they would have a much better chance. They would still be outnumbered, but they could rain down fire from above, a tactic the Decepticons were quite adept at.

With those adjustments made, the Decepticon leader finally looked up at Shockwave. “The Autobots are attempting a breakthrough of our lines from Nova Cronum. It is a major assault, and yet Optimus Prime is not present, but Fortress Maximus is. The force is large, but it is made up almost entirely of forces that were already present in Nova Cronum. So far the borders with Iacon and the Heights are quiet. What is your analysis?”

-------------------

Skies over the Killzone

“Whoa!” Darkwing yelled as he veered away as Fireflight nearly took his tail off.

“Wonderful, we picked the one who is backed up by the crazy Aerialbot, assuming they aren’t all crazy.”

“Oh shut up and keep shooting? I will take out the crazy one and you just keep on that one. First one to go down in flames loses.” Darkwing swung around, trying to get on Fireflight’s tail so he could get off some shots on him.

Dreadwind sighed. “I just know both of us are going down in flames today.” The Decepticon flier fired off an air to air missile at Slingshot, hoping to take down the Aerialbot quickly before he could come about and blow him out of the air.

OoC: Sorry for the wait HH.

KillZone

Ah, the thrill of the hunt. Even if Razorclaw didn't get "into it" as vehemently as his teammates, that didn't mean he didn't enjoy blowing holes in Autobots' sides or better yet the feeling of ripping enemy circuitry out with his bare hands. He was just more in control of his emotions, and it was that control that made him the most dangerous of the Predacons in the first place.

The barrage took him slightly by surprise, not expecting that sort of brass. he ducked down behind some rubble and weathered the onslaught, taking only suberficial damage. He could see the Autobot's strategy clear as day... get in close enough to where his long-range weaponry would have devastaing effects. He didn't know just how reliant this Autobot was on long-range weapons as opposed to melle combat, but Razorclaw prefered the latter.

While Hardhead was loading his cannon that gave Razorclaw and window of opportunity, which he took without hesitation. Before he could be given a chance to unleash his ordnance Razorclaw retaliated with a barage of firepower of his own and closed the distance between them with a few powerful leaps. His grip tightened around his sword handle as his warm optics took in his foe's build coldly. "Care to dance?" he asked before swinging his sword down in an attempt to slice off the Autobot's primary weapon.

Killzone

Hardhead, unlike some Autobots, never underestimated his opponants. He wasn't some civilian turned warrior, he was a professional on par with most of the decepticon's middle echelons, and could cope to an extent with their top brass, their leaders excluded. Another Autobot would of been completely surprised by the speed and grace Razorclaw used to assault him. However, Hardhead at least had the combat reflexes to spin out of the way of Razorclaw's shots, though it provided the desired effect of stopping him from grounding himself sufficently to let off his main gun.

And by that time, it was too late to use it, as Razorclaw came down, and aimed his sword towards his main gun. The vibrations of the blade cutting deeply into his thick armour, Hardhead grunted in pain as he felt it hack away the majority of the barrel from his maingun . Razorclaw was good.

He also had a big sword, and was in range of using it.

In response to the decepticon's query, Hardhead gritted his teeth and sprung back, dematerialising one of his shatterblasters as, bringing the other one upwards, fired a barrage of crystal shards in his general direction.

He wasnt one for words, even in the heat of battle.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Shockwave focused his optic sensor on Megatron as he spoke, but other than a slight flicker, there was no indication that the Military Operations Commander was registering what was said to him. He stood motionlessly by the side of the holographic display, like some cold monolith abandoned on a deserted planet's surface.

One or two brief astroseconds after the Decepticon Supreme Commander had finished speaking, Shockwave's cranial module shifted slightly to the side, and his gaze lowered on the three-dimensional map once again.

The purple Decepticon studied the displays silently for a short period of time, his vast data grid began to gather and process all the available information with one single goal: to produce optimal results. Megatron would expect no less.

In the optics of Megatron, Shockwave was more of a scientist than a warrior, but a scientist powerful enough to virtually turn real life-cycle and military situations into experiments, of a sort. Then, observe, gauge and solve those situations in accordance with the given goals and priorities. That was the most powerful asset Shockwave could provide the Decepticons with. And it was probably that asset that made him useful to Megatron himself. Usefulness held a value Shockwave could see why was important.

It was time to prove he was still useful.

"Analysis: Relation of Autobot-Decepticon forces: 48.37192-51.62808% Decepticon disadvantage can be overcome with proper utilisation of Polyhex stationary defences," the Military Operations Commander then began, his optic sensor flickering more deeply, still set firmly on the holographic display.

"Further analysis: full Autobot military capacity is greater than the forces present at Polyhex. Presence of Fortress Maximus gives 99.999998% probability that this attack is part of a large-scale Autobot strategy. Possible goals of said strategy: to disable Decepticon military capacity, inflict decisive casualties in Decepticon resources and mech-power. Absence of Optimus Prime gives a 87.251945% probabilty that another Autobot strike force is on standby as reinforcements, or is on the way to deployment."

A brief silent pause followed, on the one hand, to allow Megatron to register and process the information, and on the other, to let Shockwave calculate his own suggestions for solving the matter.

As an indication that he was done and was ready to present them to Megatron, Shockwave raised his cranial unit and focused his optic on the Supreme Commander.

"Conclusion: time is a decisive factor. Decepticon military capacity is reduced approximately 1 percent per 10 breems. Suggestion: elimination of Autobot presence in Polyhex as soon as possible. Prepare for either defensive or offensive measures, depending on further Autobot mobilization."

Killzone

"DIE DECEPTICON!" one of the Autobots had gathered enough focus from the sudden strike of the Black Death to retail. He stormed towards Bane with his energon axe above his head, ready to cleave the Corrupticon in two.

Bane blocked the attack and the two combatants was face to face with eachother. The Autobot warrior stared right into the green glowing optics that seemed to radiate death and decay. An astro-second later, Bane pushed the attacker back with great force and stabbed him with both his swords.

"Follow your own advise" and he chopped off the head with a spin-attack.

The Autobots were outnumbering them, but the Corrupticons, aided by Imploder's small group of rookies, had taken them off-guard and scattered them. Bane and Thrall was causing some serious damage in the midst of the enemy.


Killzone - (Right Flank)

Elsewhere, Juggernaut received a very fragmented message from his commander. Something about a medic. The captain assumed Maximus had send over a medic to repair the comm-systems. Communication was vital for any army and the Autobot army was no exception. Especially not now where he was commanding the right flank of invasion force and his forces was under assault by some of the heavy hitters of their opponents.

The Killzone

Thrall roared as one of the Autobots, armed with a shoulder mounted rocket launcher, fired it in his direction, smashing into his side. However, his minotaur mode was designed specificly to take punishment, and aside from ruining his finish and badly denting some of his plates, it did little. In response, he transformed, and imediately his neutron cannon folded out and his retorted with a neutron barrage, blowing the autobot back as the blasts seared gorges through his side.

"THAT ALL YOU GOT???!" he yelled, as, turning and breaking into a run, he continued to punish the hapless Autobot with barrage after barrage, causing him to spasm in agony as the shots tossed him around on the floor. Finally, when reaching him, he brought up his axe and then slammed it down on the wounded mech's head, splitting it in half from the cranium to the top of the neck.

He had to duck to avoid fire from a laser rifle of another Autobot, and surpressed him with a barrage from his own ranged weapon. Turning, he roared again and thrust himself onwards, intending on finishing his next victim.

His kill counter clicked thirty at the bottom left of his vision.

The Killzone

Recieving feedback from Fortress Magnus, Brewer did exactly as told, setting his navicom to the specified channel. He sped to the direction of Juggernaut, Forte following close behind, as they dodged enemy fire.



The Killzone - Right Flank

Soon, the two made it to the more narrowed area of their mission. It wasn't too hard to find the 'bot, and they approached him hurridly. Brewer transformed, saluting Juggernaut, and reported, "Fortress Maximus neds your men to maintain the right flank and hold your position. We can't let anything break through. But before that, I'm sure you need your communication systems fixed." He whipped out a simple tool from a compartment in his fore-arm and grinned. Behind him, Forte only watched for any reason to activate her defensive modes out of stand-by.[/b]

Backstreets of Polyhex

Nova Strike shook his head as he slid his blaster back into the hip holster. "Its good to see you Impactor. When we lost communications with your unit we feared the worst." He turned and looked at the older mechanism with a wide youthful grin. "Glad my fears weren't realized."

"Agreed."

The squadron leader nodded his head at his only functional partner and looked back at the elder officer. Overhead the stary sky turned black as flack bursts exploded after drone fighters and bombers. "I'm guessing your squad took it heavy on the way in... or out. Either way you're the only one here aren't ya. So care to tell me whether or not that comm network tower was knocked out?"

The Killzone

The pain in his arm subsided a bit with the removal of the offending sword, but there was still fluid leaking out of the wound, not that it actually gained Orpheus' attention, all he was interested in was the 'Con who put the wound there. Shaking his arm out while turning towards where his blow had forced Rampage to retreat to, Orpheus replied to the glare given to him with a grin of his own, before the Predacon launched himself towards the young Warrior, sword first.

"Not again" Was the thought that formed itself in Orpheus' circuits as he saw the Thermosword once more heading towards him, having only enough time to get one hand up to grab the hilt of the sword, before the full force of Rampage hit him. Staggering backwards, Orpheus tried to remain standing, but even his strength couldn't prevent him from crashing backwards through the remains of a wall onto his back, pulling the Predacon with him.

Feeling the heat of the sword's blade getting closer to his neck, Orpheus extended his left arm, pushing harder on the hilt of the sword, slowly inching the blade away from his neck. Face to face with Rampage, the Autobot Warrior grinned once more as he felt the sword's heat less and less on him "What's the matter?" Orpheus asked, still grinning, he was thoroughly enjoying himself now "Go on, take your best shot"

----------------------------
Skies Over The Killzone

"Right, time for some payback" Air Raid announced as he came back around to face Quantum, only to see the Seeker disapear back into another hole "Wait, what the? Where's he going?" The Aerialbot exclaimed "He ain't getting away that easily" He once more announced, before pointing himself in the direction of the wormhole and accelerating towards it.

"Don't even think about it Air Raid.." A voice interrupted the black jet "..Now's not the time to be following 'Cons into strange holes, form up and lets get going, we've got more pressing priorities"

"Ah Slaggit.." Air Raid replied, his disaproval obvious "..You sure know how to spoil a good time Commander Killjoy" "Well, that's my job" Silverbolt replied "Now get your squadrons together and fall in, we're moving out now, Commander Maximus and the rest of the ground forces are about to breach the Decepticon line and we're following them in providing cover" The Aerialbot Commander finished off, Air Raid acknowledging the order with an air of disapointment, before falling into line behind Silverbolt alongside Skydive, the rest of the enlisted aerial squadrons falling into formation behind the 3 Aerialbots.

The killzone

Rampage as usual didn't really think of what he was doing so he just acted; as unpredicatble as he was he did enjoy a good fight and right now he was indeed having fun. Well he wasn't too thrilled about being pulled through the remains of a wall...but as with all things it was soon forgotten as he started to think on his prey.

Orpheus was a nice decent challange; Rampage would give him that but he was also fast becoming a little too irritating for his own good. Especially that best shot remark; yes now that was annoying and if Rampage actually had any means of coherant thought he might have shot him. However thankfully for Orpheus; Rampage didn't. Instead he punched him with all the force and speed he could muster; right in the face. After all where was the fun in playing fair. Rampage did also hope that his hit would free his sword then he could strike again.

The Killzone

Wink looks towards Blink as they get Starscream's order.

"Well that saves us from having to do the bunker run."

"Yeah, but...ah, never mind."

Blink transforms

"Come on lets' go."

Wink transforms and takes off as well. They set their course to get into formation with Starscream. Blink radioes to Starscream

"Starscream, Blink and Wink taking formation on your wing. Well make sure no Autobot makes it out of the Kill Zone alive."

Skies above the Killzone

"Shouldn't we go join up with all the Seekers?" Space Case asked as he and Hooligan flew above the battlefield.

"We're not really dogfighters, though, are we?" Hooligan asked in reply.

"Nuh-uh." Space Case agreed, though he agreed with anything his fellow Cyberjets said.

"So then, we'd mostly just get in the Seekers' way then, wouldn't we?" Hooligan asked suggestively. Although he wasn't a genius by anyone's standards, Hooligan certainly knew how to lead his comrade to whatever conclusions he wanted him to have.

"Yeah, I guess we kinda would." Space Case agreed after pausing to think about it for a moment.

"So then, why would we want to go join them?"

Space Case took an even longer pause to think about it before replying. "We wouldn't, 'cause we would get in their way, and the Seekers would get mad at us."

"Right. So then, wouldn't we be better off staying out of their way and just attacking the Autobots on the ground?" Hooligan suggested.

"Yeah! Let's blow up some Autobots on the ground!" Space Case agreed excitedly.

“Woah, hey! Look at that Autobot!” Hooligan exclaimed as he spied a target. “He’s huge! We should blow up that Autobot, first.”

“Why?” Space Case asked.

“Remember what Skyjack always tells us?”

“’Bout what?”

“About important targets.” Hooligan reminded his squad mate.

“Oh yeah!” Space Case had to think about it for a moment before he remembered. “We’re ‘sposed to blow up important looking things, first.”

“Well, doesn’t that big Autobot look pretty important?” Hooligan was already lining himself up for an attack, knowing that Space Case would follow him.

“Yeah. He looks really important.” Space Case agreed as he adjusted his course to follow Hooligan.

Hooligan primed his missile launcher as he neared his chosen target. “Are you ready to fire?”

“Yeah. I’m ready.”

“Are you locked on?”

“Yeah. I’m locked on.”

Hooligan was quiet for a moment as he and Space Case drew in closer to their target. He only had so many missiles, and didn’t want to waste one on a bad shot. “Shoot ‘im!” Hooligan released his missile. An instant later, Space Case did the same. Hooligan then began to pull up and away, with Space Case following suite, as he didn’t want to risk getting close enough for retaliatory fire. He still kept a watch on his target, however, as the two missiles streaked in toward Fortress Maximus.

(OoC - Sumowrestler seems to be MIA at the moment, so I hope nobody has any objections to me taking over Skydive temporarily)IC

Skies Over The Killzone


"Oh superb" Slingshot thought to himself as his radar indicated that he had an incoming explosive visitor, and it was going to arrive before Slingshot could come around.

Thinking quickly, Slingshot calculated that he wouldn't be able to turn in time and return fire at Dreadwind, but he could get a shot at Darkwing possibly before the missile caught up with him.

"Fire, not much time here, lets play a little game of musical 'Cons. You take mine, I'll take yours, first one shot down wins" Slingshot commed to his often wayward teammate "You got it 'Shot" The Aerialbot Scout replied before pulling up and attempting a typically over the top manouver that he was trying to copy from Skydive.

Straightening his course up, Slingshot made sure he had Darkwing firmly in his crosshairs before letting rip with a volley of mortar fire, just in time as the air to air missile finally caught up with him, exploding and shredding his left wing to pieces, sending him spiralling towards the battle below, smoke pouring up.

Seeing this, Fireflight swore to himself, and began preparing 2 of his firefog missiles for launch, hoping that Slingshot's attack was well on it's way to hitting Darkwing. "Here goes nothing" Fireflight said to himself as he got enough of a lock on Dreadwind before firing both missiles, and following them in.


Silverbolt left the remaining members of his team well alone. He wanted to send some help, but knew that they had to insure that the attacking ground forces were well protected from Starscream and his Seekers first.

"Silverbolt Sir, may I advise we move to intercept Starscream and his team in a pre-emptive attack to make sure they don't cause Commander Maximus and the rest of the ground forces any problems" Skydive commed to the Aerialbot Commander "Agreed Skydive, lets try to match up as best as possible, we're outnumbered with Slingshot and Fireflight otherwise engaged, but we must make sure the Seekers are focused on us and not the groundpounders" Silverbolt replied "Skydive, you and me will engage Starscream and the pair of Seekers on his wing, Air Raid? I assume you have no problems enagaging your friend from earlier?"

"Stupid question boss" Air Raid replied succinctly. Silverbolt smiled internally before opening up a link to the whole Autobot aerial force "OK, move out and advance on the Decepticon aerial forces and engage them. It is imperative that they do not hinder the progress of the ground troops, now's our time, I know you won't let me down" Silverbolt closed off the link and began the charge, Air Raid, Skydive and the remaining aerial squadrons quickly following suit.

---------------------------------------
The Killzone

"Arghmpff" Orpheus exclamied as Rampage's fist impacted on his face, breaking his 'nose' and cracking his visor. The warrior's reaction was to release his grip on the hilt of the sword and push up with all his force into the Predacon's chest, lifting him up, off and away. His visor snapping up, and with a small stream of fluid running down his face, Orpheus looked over to Rampage and then grinned once more.

"Not bad, for a 'Con anyway" The young 'Bot joked, still not getting the fact that he was thouroughly annoying his Decepticon sparring partner, and began to work his way back up to a standing position.

------------------------------------
Polyhex Line - The Breach

The Autobots had done what they wanted to do: They had put a hole in the Decepticon defensive line, and they were about attempt to make their way through it. Awaiting them was a sizeable force of Decepticons, amongst them one who was assumed dead by all those who knew him, several hundred years ago. Some around him had an idea of who he was, others just stared with unsure curiosity, his imposing Energon Scythe towering over him.

He'd been here so many times before, waiting for the battle to commence. In the Arena before the war even began, the countless battles he took part in with his fellow Corrupticons, and those previous battles of this magnitude where he was part of the entire Decepticon forces, to him it made little difference, his role was always the same, and the result was almost always the same: Victory.

Those who had realised who and what he was had gathered around him, waiting to follow him into the fray. It wasn't something that he particularly seeked out or desired, but equally, it wasn't something that he resented, if those less experienced want to follow him, then who was he to deny them that? After all, they were only following him because they knew that if they did, their chances of surviving what lay ahead were better than if they went alone.

How he came to still be alive is something known only to a few members of the Decpeticon army, not even his fellow Corrupticons knew of his continued existence. The truth being that he had been saved from near death, and been slowly brought back to his former self, fully fucntional and fully restored. He had been ready to return to action for some time, but he had been held back for a situation such as this, a situation that desperately needed his talents and abilities.

None of this mattered to him or played on his thoughts, Havok's thoughts were focused on one thing and one thing only: Winning this battle for the Decepticon cause, and destroying any Autobots who dared to stand in his way.

The Killzone

Bane swung his swords with a grace and dreadful beauty only seen in the arenas of ancient times. One by one they fell to his sharp blades as they cut off limbs, impaled their lasercores or killed/impaired them in other, not so merciful ways. Both he and Thrall had been fighting for a few dozen breems now, taking on every single Autobot that had stood against them in defiance.

As the last Autobot wave was beaten, Bane ordered for a break as the few survivors escaped.
"Why are we letting them escape?" Imploder looked like a huge question-mark. The young platoon-leader had found a liking with the Corrupticon way of dealing with the opponents and was disappointed to see the last ones get away with their life intact.
"We are letting them escape so they can tell the others what awaits them. Fear is an useful tool, if used properly" Bane lectured the rookie leader. The vizir transformed back and revealed his normal face.

"Thrall, create a little welcome-gift to our friends" Bane said and looked suggestively at the bodies of their fallen foes, while grinning in a twisted, sick way.


The Killzone - Right Flank

Juggernaut nodded as Brewer saluted. Behind the smaller Autobot was fembot and some other ones.

"So few?" Juggernaut asked as he placed himself on a piece of debris, so that the medic could fix his communication systems. He looked at the new arrivals. Most of them looked like rookies. They were eager no doubt, but their inexperience could cost them dearly, especially against such relentless and merciless as the Corrupticon threat that had cost him a company already. He had hoped for more troops, but guessed that Maximus couldn't spare more than these two handfulls.

"You there" he pointed at a small group of Autobots "report to Dogfight overthere. You two are staying near me" he told Brewer and Forte. The fembot looked like a competent warrior, despite the size, and the medic was always nice to have around.

"Oh, and mind scanning the rest of my systems, comrade?" he asked Brewer. Jugger was not sure how severe his internal damage was after the fireworks created by the Polyhex defenses. It was the only reason he still hadn't lead the main-attack on the right flank yet. Before he had been buried, he had ordered his strike forces to attack the enemies' left defense-line and keep the Corrupticons busy till reinforcements came. As he had escaped the debris, he had quickly realized what they were up against. The whole battalion had been slaughtered by those murderous beasts and right now the survivors of the strike force was retreating. Jugger did not want to leave his commander to fight the mainforce of the Decepticons all by himself. It was imperative that his forces would break through and rendez-vous with Fortress Maximus.

"Battle-formations" he barked, intended to attack in great numbers this time, including the reserves.
"We counter attack in two breems, Dogfight. Prepare your squadron for a bombing run"
"As you wish, Jugger"

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Megatron listened to Shockwave’s analysis as he continued to watch the changing situation on the holographic display. The Military Operations commander’s analysis of the situation matched his own, for the most part. With a battle this large taking place, Prime couldn’t be far. He would likely lead another strike force or reinforcements to help finish off the battle. Already the Decepticons were outnumbered; additional Autobots would only make the imbalance worse.

The Decepticons did have a few advantages though. They were still fighting on the defensive, with fortifications and other fixed defenses to back them up. Pound for pound, Decepticons were superior fighters to Autobots, due both to the more selective nature of the Decepticons and the more pacifistic mentality of the Autobots. Finally, the Decepticons had two of the brightest strategic minds on the planet working up a counter to the Autobots attack.

“Shockwave, I have gathered our reserve forces on the left flank of the Autobots spearhead here.” He jabbed a finger down at their location on the holographic display. “We will allow the Autobots to have their moment of glory rushing in at what they think is a hole in our lines, all the while using our artillery, fixed defenses and air power to wear them down. Once they are fully engaged with the forces gathered at this perceived weakness in our line, I want you to launch a massive assault on the Autobots flank with out reserve forces. You will lead this attack personally. I will monitor events from here, looking for whatever Prime is planning.”

He looked up at the other Decepticon. They could not afford to lose Polyhex. Already Decepticon morale was low, and that loss would likely finish them. They needed to hold out while his other plan was still under construction. Cyclonus, Scourge and Sixshot were only the first taste of what he had in store for the Autobots. They thought they had him beaten back and on his last leg. He knew otherwise. Some territories and soldiers had been sacrificed for the greater good of the Decepticons. He never wanted to lose any territory, but if he had to it would be territory of his chosing. The Decepticons might be backed into less than half of the planet, but soon they would burst forth and reclaim lost territories. Soon the Decepticon emblem would adorn the Autobase in Iacon. But first they needed to hold off this attack on Polyhex. It’s fall could jeopardize all of his plans.

Polyhex, Defensive breach

The Autobots continued their relentless assault, covered by the unyielding bombardment of their heavy weapon teams that gradually finished what was left of the defenses at this point, and at their head, a frantic Fortress Maximus.

He fought like a god, tearing through decepticons left right and center, at the very front of the line. His armour was, by now badly mauled but yet still servicable. Firing again and again with his photon rifle, he blasted decepticons to peices as his soldiers fought alongside him, dieing alongside him. Every death he saw, every life he took pushed him even further. He wanted an end to this.

It was then, that suddenly he felt a missile slam into his side, and gasping in pain, staggered to the side. It was mostly superficial, but enough to make him notice. Rapidly turning he noticed a pair of Decepticon jets streaking through the sky. Twisting his neutron cannon upwards, he fired several shots towards Space Case and Hooligan, not as accurately as he might normally do, but hopefully ward them away from the ground forces before their own fliers could intercept them.

Materialising his immense sword, he leapt up and through the defensive line, laying down a line of fire from his mortars as, flicking his wrists downwards, used his wrist-mounted machine guns to cover himself from a sudden flank by decepticons. But now, they were through. Hundreds of Autobots were making their way through the breach now, and by now, the breach was widening.

As he and his warriors broke through the trench, they came face to face with the decepticons waiting for them behind their own lines. 'Blast... they were trying to funnel us through...' he thought to himself, firing all of his weaponry in a concentrated effort.

Amongst the throng, he suddenly swore he had seen a Corrupticon, one who from his data banks was certain was dead. Still, it didn't concern him too much. The entire group was a problem, and was pretty much the only thing stopping them establishing a breach. Pressing on, he continued the fight.


The Killzone

Thrall glanced towards Bane, and then towards the strewn Autobot bodies with a look that could best be described as disgust, dispite his featureless expression. He was a warrior, and the dead, dispite being his enemy deserved at least a peice of respect. It was what he would of wanted.

"Oi.. you're the bloody creative one.. you butcher the carcasses." he spat back at Bane. The latter Corrupticon could be defined roughly as the COrrupticon's leader, but in truth the Corrupticons worked on a rough shod-democracy: each member fighting amongst each other for superiority. His visor flared as he prepared for a potential showdown. But he knew Bane wouldn't touch him. He was too precious to be destroyed.

The Killzone

"Starting with that moral and honour-nonsens again?" Bane's optics glowed with an intense greenish light, indicating that he was annoyed, once again, by Thrall's ineffectiveness in warfare. There was too much of a duelist in him than a real warrior. Real warriors did everything possible to defeat the opponent, duelists was only concerned with honour and respect gained by what they perceived as 'fair fight'. War was neither. If only the mighty gladiator would let go of his chains, he could become the ultimate warrior.

"If you don't do it, I'll do it..." he moved towards one of the dead Autobots with one of his swords ready "and you know the dead would be better off with you doing it... than me" maybe the Corrupticons were very equal on most matters, but not all were born to lead. Bane was officially the commanding officer in the group and the one usually issuing orders due to his ability to take advantage of any tactical opportunity presented. That and his always cold, observant and ruthless nature.

It was quite a provocation actually and Bane wasn't exactly sure if Thrall would react violently or remain calm. One thing was sure tough, that his precious honour would not allow him to strike down one of his own. At least not over the matter of mutilation of the bodies of their sworn enemies, that actually served a very important purpose.

Skies above the Killzone

“Woah! Slag!” Hooligan narrowly avoided being hit by one of Fortress Maximus return shots. The inaccuracy of the fire seemed more like simple discouragement than an attempted kill, but it was plenty of discouragement for Hooligan. “He shot at us! Slaggin’ Autobot!”

“Yeah. I hate it when they do that.” Space Case agreed.

“And he didn’t die when we shot him, either.” Hooligan continued to complain. “They’re supposed to die when we shoot them.” He then spotted an Autobot medic loading up an injured soldier for transport back to their territory. “Here, like this.”

Hooligan angled in on the medic and armed another missile. He sent a spiraling contrail smashing straight into the Autobot’s left shoulder. The warhead’s detonation tore the limb clean off and shredded the torso it was attached to. “There, see? Like that. He died like he was supposed to.”

“I saw.” Space Case agreed. “He did. He died.”

Hooligan then got an idea that sounded much safer than his last one. “Hey! Medics are important, right?”

“Uh… Yeah. I guess so.”

“So then, let’s blow up some of them, instead.” Hooligan suggested. “They shouldn’t shoot back as much.”

“Yeah! I bet they won’t even shoot back at all!” Space Case liked this prospect much better than getting shot at by the giant Autobot again.

The pair of Cyberjets flew off further into the kill zone, looking for more Autobot medics. Hooligan soon spotted an emergency vehicle with Autobot markings. “That one’s yours, Case.”

“Heh heh heh.” Space Case chuckled merrily as he launched one of his missiles toward the medic. His aim was slightly off, however, and the missile hit the ground next to its target instead. The force and proximity of the explosion was still enough to crush armor along the vehicle’s flank and flip it over onto its roof.

“Yeah, we should definitely blow up more targets like those.” Hooligan said as he led Space Case off across the battlefield in search of more easy pickings.

The Killzone

Rampage was very pleased that Orpheus had let go of his sword; though he hadn't quite expected to be thrown off with quite that much force. Nevertheless with a quick movement he was back on his feet.

Rampage was naturally a psycopath and if there is one thing you don't do (unless you can back it up of course) is to taunt a psycopath...especially one who was capable of looking after himself.

With an audible snarl Rampage simply charged again this time he jumped aiming to bring his sword crashing down though his opponents neckplates diagonnally through to his hip on the other side with as much force + gravity; that he could muster. In otherwords he aimed to cut Orpheus in half.

The killzone

Dispite the carnage going on around them, Thrall still found time to glower towards his partner, his hand visibly tightening on his axe. Now they were in a standoff, and there were other decepticons around. The gladiator was well aware of the implications of doing this wrong: either he made the Corrupticons look weak, or he made himself look weak. He had to do this right.

"Yer know it's slaggin' overkill Bane.." he finally spat. "They're Autobot scum, but they had the lugnuts ter face us in open battle. Besides, i reckon they're already scared outa their skidplates 'cause they already KNOW we're here.."

The hand on his axe gripped tighter, as he then sent him a direct communication. >>>Yer lettin' the virus get to yer.. Come on.. we've killed 'em. Yer know Havok would stand by me if he was still alive..<<<

Then, he spoke again. "Though i suppose we could always put the bodies somewhere where they can see 'em, as they are. We wouldn't 'ave time to do the whole flayin' thing anyway before they attack again. Whatdaya say?"

Had he known that Havok was still alive, he would of appreciated the irony right now

He glowered towards Bane still, determined not to stand down but to use the lull in the fighting to try and talk some 'sense' into his comrade.