by The J Writer » Fri May 09, 2008 9:21 am
OOC - I'm assuming everyone's on board that's going, so let's move this along. IC -
Autobase Prime - Shuttle Indefatigable
With all the functional Autobots available aboard the heavy shuttle, Optimus Prime initiated take-off protocols. The armored blast doors of the Primary Hangar slid open and the shuttle taxied forward, a large deflector shield rising up from the floor as it neared the exit. The shield absorbed the exhaust blast as Prime took off, the Indefatigable's engines roaring as the craft climbed to cruising altitude and accelerated to maximum speed. As autopilot engaged, Prime turned in his chair to address the Autobots on the shuttle.
"The Tagan Heights is home to the largest Decepticon garrison on the planet, including the Constructicons and Devastator," he began. "Preliminary reports show several dozen squadrons of new 'Sweep' Drones are there as well. If this were a normal mega-cycle, I wouldn't touch the Heights with a ten-meter pole."
Prime paused, then continued. "But, this is no normal mega-cycle. We have Autobots down in the Heights with no way out. They're surrounded, outnumbered, and in the fight of their existences. They're counting on us to get them home to Iacon."
He looked around the room at the various Autobots gathered for the mission. "I know it shouldn't matter what Autobot is in trouble when it comes to giving him help, but I want you to keep this in mind. Kup is there. Ironhide is there. Most of you on this shuttle were trained by one of them, or both. I was trained by them, too. And I know that if it were any of us pinned down in the Heights, they would be there yesterday, cracking 'Con cranial units left and right. Let's do the same for them, shall we? Let's follow the example they set for us."
The shuttle's autopilot emitted a low tone, indicating that they would soon be over the LSC's coordinates. Prime stood, and drew his heavy laser rifle from subspace. Checking its energy feed and then resting it on his shoulder, he continued speaking.
"When we're over the battle, I'm dropping first. I'm going to draw the Decepticons' attention away from Grimlock's team. At the same time, I want Blurr to take as many med-kits and field-combat energon recharge units as he can carry and get them to the LSC's position. If they're going to break out, they're going to need to be functional and charged, and there's no telling how long this battle might go on." Prime looked to the others.
"Arcee," he addressed the young but capable femme warrior. "You're taking everyone else and landing on the 'Cons' flank. We're going to open up a second battlefront to make them split their attention. By then we should have the rest of the Mobilization forces on scene. After a safe drop, the Indefatigable will go into a high-altitude holding pattern over the Heights. We'll need her to get out of here when it's time."
Prime looked around the shuttle. It goes without saying that we're sitting on top of a gigantic energon bomb. Everyone on this shuttle knows that. Primus help us all if this battle goes on for much longer... He banished the thought for now. 'Warrior, not worrier.' That's what Ironhide always told recruits when they barraged him with 'What if?' questions about all the bad things that might happen in a battle. 'Stop worryin' about what if and start dealin' with what is.' Prime could hear the old soldier's words echoing in his mind.
"Questions?" he concluded the briefing. They would very soon be over the drop zone in the Heights.