The Energon Pub

Crash Site

Silverbolt was a little shocked that Topspin would ask such a question with him and Slingshot standing there. Sure, they aren't a big shuttle but they can help transport the injured.

"Hey Topspin, the Aerialbots can help with transportation of you, Springer, and Nova Strike since you are all injured."

Silverbolt then turned his head to the usual boisterous one of his team.

"Look at it this way, Slingshot, if that Con had that much firepower and skill to take on these many Autobots, he would be tough. It may also been that the Bots weren't ready for an attack but looks like they were able to at least survive it."

Med-Bay

Zero ever optimistic even after “meeting” Slag replied.

“No Broadside I highly doubt he was here to visit, but you know what this means...... Grimlock must be here too.”

Zero had been pricked by curiosity of meeting the fighting legend in person but the wolf-bot was smart enough to know Grimlock did not receive his reputation of being cranky for nothing and so meeting him was probably not a good idea.

Orpheus's voice caught Sub-Zero's attention, the black and silver bot smiled at his fellow.

“Sure Orpheus, Training sounds entertaining...”

He looked at Broadside who was all for it and then at Forte, letting his optics wander to Brewer and Archangel.

“It will be a nice change from guarding the med bay doors.”
he laughed.





Crash Site

Springer approached Kup a prominent limp in his step. As he did he sent a transmission to Wheelbar,

>>Wheelbar you can go on ahead with the others, I may be a while.<<

Springer straightened his frame as best he could and waited a moment before addressing the older Autobot.

“Kup, Topspin's over exaggerating I'm not that.......'
as he spoke his leg went out from under him causing him to smash into the ground.
“....OK....OK Maybe your more perceptive than I thought Topspin.”

Springer smiled even in a bad situation it was hard to keep the triplechanger down.
“So, I call SHOTGUN.”
He threw topspin a comical look.

Crash Site

Springer's transmission reached him just as he got to the group of recovering Autobots, and just as Springer's leg collapsed.

"Not until you've got your own ride." He laughed as he bent down to help the bot up.

Maximus Line - Crash Site

"Good work, Hardhead," Kup told the veteran tank-mech as he secured the area. He knew the stolid ground assault Autobot could be counted on to make life difficult for any Decepticon that attempted to enter the area while the wounded were being evacuated. As Silverbolt offered his unit's aid in transporting the wounded, Kup nodded appreciatively.

"It'll be a Pit of a lot quicker than hauling them on the ground," he said. "And I don't think we want to stick around and see if Six-Mode Sally comes back for another pass at us."

Skydive, standing not far from the Aerialbot commander, commed the other members of the team to make the commanding officer's orders so. >>"Fireflight, retrieve your carry rig from subspace and airlift Nova Strike back to Autobase Nu. Slingshot, you're best-equipped for this sort of thing, so you'll take Springer." The Triplechanger was the most massive of the three wounded Autobots, and so Slingshot's VTOL form would be best for moving him. "Air Raid, take Topspin."<<

The other two Aerialbots swooped in from their medium-altitude patrol and began preparing to help their wounded comrades back to base.

Autobase Nu - Command Center

Grimlock began drumming his fingers on the arm of the command chair. How long did it take for the old Autobot to get back to base? He tapped in a few commands on the chair and brought up a holographic map tracking Kup and his team as they approached the base. A few more buttons pressed brought up the data on the recent fight Kup had been involved with. Grimlock was also interested in this new Decepticon but he didn’t want or need to ask Prowl to see the info.

He looked up at Prowl. “Yes, putting old team back together. At least that the plan. Might all run out of energon and shut down before Kup get back to base though.” The Dinobot commander wasn’t known for his patience. What little of it he had was rapidly wearing thin.

Maximus Line - Crash Site

>>"Roger that.<< Air Raid Replied with a sigh

We missed all the action and now transporting injured bots back to base. The Aerialbot thought to himself as He decreased his altitude from the patrol to Locate Topspin.

Air Raid buzzed over the crashsight looking for the Injured Jumpstarter. When he finally located Topspin his control stick pulled back as he trottled down. His nosecone aimed toward the sky, he quickly transformed at the top of his flying arc and landed in a crouched position right infront of the Jumpstarter with Carry rig in hand.

Air Raid rose and stepped toward Topspin. "Let's get you to base for repairs. Convert to alt mode and I'll get you hooked up for transport."

Autobase Nu - Just outside Medbay

When Slag said he was 'going with you', generally you were lucky if you saw him again before you reached your destination. And even then, he could easily decide a different destination was better for him. So he headed off to the medbay ahead of Swoop, the mech who actually needed to go there.

Stomping up to the medbay once more, Slag saw Snarl and Ironhide at the doorway, inspecting the damaged doorframe. He growled his disgruntlement. "Is whole base this badly put together? There no room for proper bots to walk, and if us so much as bump walls they crumble like tinsheet. How anyone stand to live here?" He didn't seem to be waiting for an answer from his teammates, though.

Slag then noticed Broadside, Sub Zero, Brewer, Forte and Orpheus standing around near the doorway of the Medbay. "Hey, you mechs leaving? What if important Autobot need repair, me no see anyone else in there? Someone just supposed to work all equipment themselves?"

Autobase Nu - Just outside Medbay

"Slag! There you are. Frag it! What is wrong with you! We're meant to be finding Kup, not destroying our own base!" Ironhide shouted at Slag, who didn't seem to be listening and was in fact talking to Broadside, Sub Zero, Brewer, Forte and Orpheus .

Ironhide around to face Snarl. "What's the point? Eh, Snarl?" Ironhide asked.

Autobase Nu - Landing Pad

"Well. This boring." said Sludge to nobody in particular onboard the Dauntless. As he got off of his seat, Sludge transformed into Dino mode, landing on the extra two feet he now had with a large crash. "Me go see what Wheeljack do." And with that, Sludge left the Dauntless and walked up to Wheeljack.

"What you Wheeljack doing?" He asked Wheeljack. "Can me Sludge help? Me Sludge bored."

Autobase Nu - Command Center

Prowl's answering grunt could have been interpreted any number of ways. In truth, it was the closest to a civil exchange he'd had with Grimlock in quite some time. The natural follow-up question, of course, was just where he intended to headquarter his re-commissioned Lightning Strike Coalition. However, trepidation as to just what the answer might be kept the strategist from voicing it. Primus willing, it would be some place far enough away from Nova Cronum that these impromptu visits from the Dynobots would be few and far between. But not so far away that they could not capitalize upon whatever gains the LSC happened to make.

For now, he had data to compile. And Prowl had a feeling that Grimlock was no more inclined toward casual chatter just then than he was.

Autobase NU: Shuttle Pad

Skyspy bobbed twice as its lense zoomed in and out of Slag's head. Its computers quickly processed the configuration of the Dynobot and registered its codes and energy signatures. With a new pulse of Ion energy, the little scanner departed Slag's general vacinity and began to follow after the remaining energy trail of the Dynobots.

"Sorry bout that Slag," Wheeljack wired over the communication frequency, "Sky Spy there is just showing abit of curiosity. So no worries, its completely safe." It was a good thing Slag could not see the inventor for if he had, the warrior would have seen fingers crossed as Wheeljack spoke.

As Sky Spy putted along, the little camera and scanner emitter took in its surroundings. It spun around several times allowing its computer processor to analyze various equipment as Cybertronian and what was alive and which was not. Soon it turned a corner and deeked around several technicians eventually arriving to the source of the energy signature trail created by the remaining Dynobots. The satellite beeped twice not really trying to gain attention, but still not exactly knowing to remain quiet in its adventures.

Maximus Line: Crash Site

"I'm... I've been better Devcon." Nova finally admitted as he forced his body to override various safeties and rerouted power and fluids around his damaged systems. His arm hung limp at his side as he forced himself to his feet with a shudder. The blaster was returned to its holster just as he fell back to a knee. "Damn, Slag it to the pit," he swore.

"At least I ain't goina rust here." He punched the ground with his uninjured hand. "A lift would be nice," he finally admitted as Kup began to organize the withdrawl form the area. He hurt badly and had lost at least a gallon of fuel and other large amounds of fluids. Though the leaks had been stopped thanks to the reroutes, he was in no condition to make the trip under his own power.

Maximus Line ~ Crash Site

"Bah, excuses.." Slingshot mumbled in response to Silverbolt's comments as he waved a hand in Skydive's direction to acknowledge the Strategist's request that he transport Springer's wrecked form back to base. Moving over to the Wrecker Commander, who was having difficulty in just standing up straight, Slingshot transformed into his VTOL form and began to fire up his thrusters "Well come on then, get on board.." He barked at Springer "..Before you fall on your face again. Oh, and mind the paintwork while you're at it"

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(OOC ~ Deathcaller hasn't posted in about a month, so I think Brewer and Forte are no longer active characters)IC

Autobase Nu ~ Medbay Entrance

Clapping his hands together in almost childlike anticipation, Orpheus was happy to hear that he wouldn't be blowing stuff up by himself as both Broadside and Sub-Zero agreed to come along.

As he was about to suggest they make tracks, the return of Slag interrupted proceedings, as the Dinobot made his feelings known about pretty much everything, the makeup of the base walls, the layout of the base itself, and of course, who should be in the Medbay. Now Orpheus was not exactly the brightest spark, but even he knew he wasn't much use in the running of the Medbay and it's equipment "Hey.." He began in reply to the large Dinobot "..If you're so worried about Medbay stuff, why don't you go help out?" The young Warrior retorted "..We ain't no Medics, so what good can we do in there?" He continued, not aware that he may be lighting Slag's short fuse of a temper "..Besides, Archangel's running things in there, and he's the best Doc we've got!" Orpheus stated without a hint of hesitation in his voice, to him, Arch was the greatest Medic ever to be adorned with an Autobot Insignia, though he was, as always, most likely wrong.

Maximus Line - Crash Site

Hardhead had started to secure the area, however; he was more than disappointed with the demeanor presented by the Aerialbots. Hardhead moved over to support Springer and offer him aid if need be. “If you pesky Aerial units spent as much time focusing on the job as you do whining. Our wounded would already be secure and back at the base.” Hardhead said grimly while he remained in tank form.

“If you want a ride back to base that wont complain as much, I’ll give you a lift Springer.” Hardhead expressed. He didn’t see anything remotely funny about damaged Autobots being berated while they suffered injury. His engine would become louder due to the change in his demeanor.

Crash Site
Topspin groaned as he positioned himself under air raid, in his alt mode he really felt the damage Sixshot had done.
‘Be careful Air raid if I fall I’m going to dent easily, my back armour has been blasted to the pit and my engines don’t work, besides I’d hate to have to turn you into scrap, we know each other so well.’
Topspin grinned at the Arialbot as he waited for Air Raid to fly him back to Nu where he would be placed in a snug CR chamber and his aches and pains would disappear. Leaving him free to work out how to get back at that monstrosity of a Decepticon. Topspin turned to see how Springer was doing.
‘Hey Springer! Bet my lift’s faster than yours!’

Autobase Nu - Medbay

Mouthing of at Slag was a gamble at the best of times, doing so when the bot was already in a clearly fowl mood could technically be classed as suicide. Still Broadside did admire Orpheus for having the guts to stand there and talk back, most bots would have run for cover as soon as they heard the Dinobot stomping in their general direction. Broadside couldn’t shake the feeling that Slag might respond to Orpheus comments in a vicious way so he casually moved to a position where he could intervene if either one decided to act
‘What you doing here anyway Slag, been round this way once all ready if I’m not mistaken and we were the only mech’s here then to.’

Underground

Drillbit was tunneling under the terrain of Nova Cronum for almost six cycles until he had realized his position. He was never good at directions, Boss had always been there to guide him.

But Boss isn't here anymore, Bit. He's far away now, and you're not a miner anymore. said that voice we all have in the back of our heads, Oh, and watch out for that foundation rod.

But it was too late, the only fault in his alt. mode was clearly apparent now. His drills cleared a path that was never directly in front of him, his alt. mode's "face" was always exposed to damaging debris and well... stuff like this.

Told you.

Drillbit really hated that voice at this point. But he knew where he was now; right below Autobase Nu.

<<This is Drillbit, requesting permission to enter Autobase Nu. Please reply.>> said the bot over his comm. link.

(OOC: Since we don't have a Fireflight player, I'll NPC him a bit if the Mods don't mind.)

Fireflight landed next to Nova Strike like he was ordered to.

"Hey Nova Strike, I'm here to help you get back to base. It looks like you have taken some serious damage in the fight. I'll try to make the flight as easy on you as possible."

Fireflight transforms and prepares for Nova Strike to get boarded.

Autobase Nu - Outside Medbay

Having Ironhide, Wheeljack, Orpheus, Broadside all talking to him at once was disconcerting to Slag, as he couldn't really keep track of what they were all saying. He twisted between the 3 speakers and his radio, and then finally lost it.

"YOU WHEELJACK SHUT UP!!!" He screamed into his radio.

"YOU RED GOT NOTHING BETTER TO DO?!??!?" He snapped at Ironhide, almost punching a pointed finger through the reb bot's windscreen chest.

"YOU....YOU...." Broadside's size was pretty much the only thing stopping Slag from punching the triplechanger there and then. Luckily it also caused Slag to overlook Orpheus, who wasn't quite as sturdy.
"You Tallguy think me Slag want to be here? We want to be in Uraya kicking Decepticon Aft like Dynobot supposed to. But no, you stupid boss Prowl and old rusty Kup make us wait here for cycles!! Me Slag only come to Medbay again because there nothing else to do! Unless you got Decepticon prisoner who need be broken, or bunch of buildings you don't need."
"You no like Me Slag?? That fine, you see my aft soon as you bring Kup here."

Air Raid chuckled. "The only Scrap I see at the moment is you Topspin"

Air Raid attached the carry rig to Topspin's lift points and double checked them to make sure they were secure. While holding the other end the Aerialbot Jumped into the air and transformed with afterburners blazing. Within a moment the Aerialbot and his cargo were airborn heaading toward Autobase Nu.

"That would be a safe bet because I was always faster than Slingshot." Air Raid said refering to the comment Topspin made to Springer. Air raid then playfully simulated a bit of turbulance and quickly lost a bit of altitude. "Woah," Air raid said with a half smile within his voice," It would be an even safer bet if you layed off the Energon goodies."

Autobase Nu - Repair Bay

Swoop felt so much better after washing the acid rain and grime from his hull. His paint was a little worse for the experience, but at least the Dauntless was good to go. Anyone who knew the dinobot pilot knew that he was obsessively protective of any ship he got his hands on. As far as Swoop was concerned, the Dauntless was HIS protoform. That's all there was to it.

As he emerged from the decontamination area, the pterodactyl heard the ruckus out front of the repair bay. He rolled his optics. Under most circumstances, he'd be more than happy to throw his two credits into any argument that came his way. But right now, he just wanted to get the pit out of Nova Cronum before Grimlock decided to give Prowl a closer look at his new teeth. Exiting the repair bay by another door, Swoop quickly made his way to the hangar.

Medbay

Zero sucked air through his oral intake making a quiet hissing / inhaling type noise. As Orpheus laid his opinions on Slag. That was not the best move for him to make since Slag was already mad.

“Ahhh, Orph, perhaps we should go now before the holograms get cold. Wouldn’t want a second rate simulation would ya? I’ll let you have first crack at Starscream if you like.”

As he spoke Zero had positioned himself in front of Orpheus in preparation of pulling his friend away should Slag start throwing his fists. His optic visor trained on the towering mech. ~ Uraya~ Zero thought to himself …… Uraya? ……… then it dawned on him …. The LSC … That’s why he wanted Kup!


Crash Site

Springer made another attempt to stand accepting Hardhead’s support with a nod. Then he turned his gaze to Slingshot. That was not the way to get on the lead wrecker’s good side. Slingshot was lucky the triplechanger was not one to anger easily. Jokes aside he spoke to Hardhead,

“I appreciate the offer but I believe it would be an insult to deny Slingshot a chance to show off how powerful his alt is. Than and air travel would be faster. I wanna talk to Prowl ASAP.”

He shifted his weight,

“But a little help climbing aboard my ….. Chariot ……….”
Springer grinned mischievously even when chastised it was hard to put his personality down.
“…….. would be greatly appreciated.”

Springer climbed aboard the Aerialbot as gently as he could manage.

“If I ruin your paint, I promise I’ll fix it myself.”

That could have been a threat since Springer was in no way artistic enough to do a good job.

Springer waved at Topspin and Air Raid ……
“I think I would loose the bet if I made one there.”

Maximus Line - Crash Site

With Hardhead and the Aerialbots on the scene to provide protection and the wounded all squared away for transport, Kup was confident that the return to Autobase Nu could be conducted without unpleasant event. He transformed into vehicle mode and gave the final order to move.

"Autobots, roll out! We're gonna make this quick so we can get the wounded the proper attention they need."

His engines roared as he rumbled ahead of the others to take the point. With his exceptionally thick armored hide and lack of damage from the encounter with the Decepticon Sixchanger, he was best-suited to lead the convoy back to Nu. As he rolled forward, the old vet's primary processor drifted to the old days, when the Lightning Strike Coalition battled the Ultracons, Predacons, and just about everyone else. The Dark Ages are called the Dark Ages for a reason, but by Primus' left foot actuator, we had ourselves some good times scrappin' and feudin' with everyone we crossed paths with.

He accelerated slightly. I just hope Grimlock doesn't bug out of Nova Cronum before I even get back to base!

Maximus Line-Crash Site

Silverbolt heard the order and noticed that a couple of his Aerialbots left early. Shaking his head at a couple members of his team, he looked at Fireflight getting ready to help Nova Strike out. Knowing Skydive, he is also ready to get going.

"All right Aerialbots, it is time to transform and take our injured back to base. Skydive, I want you to take point and catch up with your brothers. For some odd reason, Air Raid and Slingshot got impatient for the order to move out. Fireflight, I want you get going once Nova is ready. I'll take the rear. Transform and fly!"

Silverbolt jumps into the air and transforms into his alt mode but not getting too far ahead so Fireflight can get into the middle of the Aerialbots. Silverbolt then decides to remind the two early ones about them as a group on a private communication to both of them.

"Air Raid and Slingshot, remember that we are a team and fly as a team. Just be glad that there aren't any Seekers nearby or you would have been picked off. It is ok to joke around when we aren't on a mission but when we are transporting injured, we have to keep them in mind over our own desires. Silverbolt out."

Incoming Message From Iacon ~ Ark 13

To Autobase Nu Command, temporary base Commander Prowl. The Ark 13 will be soon arriving in Nova Cronum Airspace, Ultra Magnus in charge. Commander Magnus requests the services of 6 Autobots currently under your command, Broadside and The Aerialbots, for offworld mission to planet AC-488, Ark 13 out

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(Um, Sumo, Slingshot's still on the ground, only Air Raid has taken off )IC

Maximus Line ~ Crash Site

"And if you ground pounders weren't so inept, you wouldn't have to need us 'Pesky' Air Units to bail you out all the time" Slingshot retorted to Hardhead, his annoyance with the whole situation steadily increasing, a fact wasn't helped as Top Spin jokingly bet his Commander that he had a faster ride back to base. Now it was no secret that Slingshot was the slowest of the Aerialbots, and that wasn't lost on Air Raid, as the black jet rubbed that fact in a little more as he took off and headed for home with his cargo safely secured.

As Springer finally got back to his feet and replied to Hardhead's offer, Slingshot snorted derisively, before the Wrecker turned his attention to the VTOL jet. Struggling to let the 'Chariot' jibe slide, Slingshot just waited for Springer to climb aboard, doing his best to ignore the comment about his paintjob "It'll all be over soon, it'll all be over soon" The Aerialbot repeated to himself like a mantra, until Springer was securely onboard.

"Hold on tight, if you fall off, I'll get blamed" Slingshot said as he began to lift off, his systems adjusting themselves to the added weight he was carrying "See ya back at base slowpoke!!" He called down to Hardhead as he slowly gained altitude and moved to fall into formation.

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Autobase Nu ~ Medbay Entrance

Orpheus was oblivious to how close he may have come to being back in the Medbay as a patient, he could only laugh as he watched Slag shout at everyone and everything. He wasn't laughing to annoy the Dynobot, he was genuinely amused at what he was watching, Orpheus could never be confused for a sophisticated 'Bot, and ironically, he shared many attributes with the Dynobots, including a love for destroying Decepticons, but that was of little use here.

Looking down at Sub-Zero, the young Warrior looked slightly confused "Huh? Holograms get cold?.." Orpheus mumbled in reply, before the prospect of blowing up Starscream, even a replica, dominated his thoughts "..Hehe, I could take that puny flier, hehe, let's go guys" The Black 'Bot chuckled to himself as he patted Broadside on the chest and Sub-Zero on the shoulder "See ya Slag" Orpheus shouted cheerily as he wandered off down the hallways waving to the Dynobot, not waiting for the others in the slightest.

Maximus Line - Crash Site

Hardhead helped Springer onto Slingshot helping him position himself on the plane. “Couldn’t they have found you a better ride?” Hardhead exclaimed while he took a couple steps back. “Slowpoke!” Hardhead grunted and looked at the sky while the pair traveled back towards the base. “You better be in the sky!” Hardhead said while shaking his fist from the ground, he glanced around to make sure no one was left behind.

When Kup gave the order to rollout, Hardhead transformed into his tank mode and started travelling back to base, behind him smoke clouds formed.

Under Autobase Nu

Drillbit hadn't got a reply for a cycle now, and he was getting irritable. Even a lowly rank 5 got some respect and here he was, energy depleted, armor worn down and his cockpit was damaged from his crash into the support balance.

"Slaggit..."

With great disregard for the base he decided to dig upwards, straight into the heart of Autobase Nu.

Autobase Nu – Outside Medbay

Snarl stood there silently as Slag yelled at every bot in the vicinity except for him, and Snarl planned on keeping it that way. Grimlock told him and the others to keep an eye on Slag and make sure he didn’t destroy the base. Grimlock did not tell them to get in the flamethrower’s face and make him angrier. Slag needed time to cool down his servos and this situation wasn’t helping. So, Snarl decided it was time to draw the angry Dinobot’s attention away from Ironhide and the others. “Hey, Slag. Me, Snarl, thinks maybe we should find Grimlock. Maybe he find where Kup at already. Then we can get outta here. What you think?”