by Smokescreen85 » Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:31 pm
- Motto: ""A look can be deceiving; a touch can be lethal.""
- Weapon: Twin Shoulder-Mounted Rocket Launchers
Area 51
Skywarp had just reached the airfield when he received Megatron’s transmission to withdraw. The seeker had hoped to find spare parts from the damaged jets on the runway to somewhat repair himself. That way he could get back into jet mode and help Thundercracker take down the Autobot flier who had so humiliated the teleporter not once but twice. Unfortunately, Skywarp would now have to wait to exact his planned vengeance on the inferior, but very lucky Aftershot.
“Lucky slagger,” Skywarp muttered to himself as he turned away from the airfield and watched as the remaining buildings of the base were destroyed by Megatron’s blasts. Hopefully, his leader had not seen the way ‘Warp had been defeated and would not scrap him for being so ineffective in battle. Megatron was not one to accept failure from his Decepticons and even though Skywarp was one of the elite seekers, he certainly had not presented himself as very elite during this important battle.
Mustering up the last bit of energy in his body, Skywarp ignited his foot thrusters and took to the skies. Still unable to fly in jet mode due to his damaged tailfin and wing, ‘Warp remained in robot form and flew over the battlefield. Looking down, he saw a sight he had wanted to see since the fight began. It was Aftershot crash landing on the desert floor below. Thundercracker had done it!
“Way to go, ‘Cracker!” Skywarp said, cheerfully, pulling along side his friend. “It’s good to see that Autobot flier go down. Thanks for helping out.” The teleporter then set course for the rendezvous point. “We should get going. I’m low on energy and we don’t want to keep the boss waiting.”
*********
Divebomb let out a triumphant screech as his talons raked across the breast plate of Swoop. His new eagle alt mode definitely had its advantages over a simple Cybertronian jet fighter. He could now inflict damage on his enemies in vicious, new ways and be close enough to see the fear in their optics when he did so. Swoop was afraid now even if he would not admit it.
Divebomb watched as his old rival backed away and flew higher. “You’re not running away are you, Swoop? I thought we were having fun!” The flying Dinobot then dove down at him again, a tired maneuver that failed to impress or to scare the Predacon. Divebomb then came around to face his adversary directly, showing no fear and hoping to deal another deadly slash across Swoop’s metal frame. But then the mechanical pterosaur did something unexpected. He transformed into robot mode, brandishing his energy sword and coming at the Predacon with great speed.
“I’m always hungry for fried Dinobot!” Divebomb growled, also transforming into his robot mode. Pulling out his laser-guided sword, the Predacon quickly brought his weapon up in front of him as Swoop closed in. The sound of swords clashing together could be heard for miles as the Predacon blocked the Dinobot’s attack. The heat from Swoop’s sword was intense, but not too distressing. “Now we’re really cooking! Ha! Ha!”
Just then Divebomb received Megatron’s transmission. Ah, slaggit! Not now! The flying Pred thought with a grimace on his faceplate. He was angry. He wanted to finish Swoop off for good this time and now he was forced to retreat. Swoop would probably think him a coward and claim victory, but Divebomb would have none of that.
The Predacon pushed away from Swoop and drew his laser rifle. “Well, Swoop, it appears I must go. It was fun while it lasted, but orders are orders. Don’t for one astrosecond think you’ve won this battle. You have not! We will finish this dance another time at another place. Then you will know defeat like you did the last time!”
Divebomb then fired off several laser shots at Swoop before transforming back to eagle mode and heading south to the rendezvous point.
*********
Sludge smiled slightly as one of his blasts struck Swindle in the chest plate. The Decepticon didn’t appear to suffer any major damage, but it was enough to keep the ‘con at bay while the Dinobot’s arms continued to regain their strength. Feeling had returned completely to his left limb, but his right was still tingling some from the last gyro attack. He had a loose grip on his energo sword, though, refusing to give it up for any reason.
Then Swindle began backing away from Sludge, babbling on about rescheduling their fight or some nonsense like that. “Anytime, Decepticon,” The Jungle Warrior replied as he watched Swindle transform and retreat from his sight.
Sludge took a moment to gather his strength. The energon infusion he had received earlier gave him a well-needed boost, but it was quickly wearing off. His energy levels were dropping fast, and he needed to fully recharge soon or he would once again find himself in stasis lock.
The Dinobot then received a transmission from Optimus Prime, ordering all Autobots to meet two klicks east of the human installation. Sludge remembered Optimus from long ago. He remembered that Prime was a weak leader who was unable to do what needed to be done in order to defeat the enemy. The strongest should always lead. That’s what Sludge had come to believe in, and Prime wasn’t it. Grimlock was the strongest in Sludge’s optics and that’s whom he would follow.
Sludge then plodded off looking for the Dinobot Commander. He soon found him down on one knee and leaning on his sword. “Grimlock!” Sludge exclaimed as he hurried over to his leader’s side. “Let me help you.” The Jungle Warrior bent down and placed his good arm around Grimlock’s back and attempted to lift him up.
*********
Smokescreen sat up more when Optimus Prime arrived. It was his meager attempt to stand at attention and show respect without actually standing. His battered legs and low energy levels prevented him from doing so. Prime didn’t speak directly to him, but did acknowledge the diversion expert with a glance before instructing Bumblebee and Wheeljack to help him.
Smokescreen smiled as his Autobot comrades each grabbed an arm and hoisted Smokey to his feet. “Thanks, guys,” the red and blue mech said as the servos in his legs strained under his weight. “If you can just help me to the top, I should be able to transform and make it the rest of the way, myself. My damaged legs shouldn't get in the way when I’m in car mode.”
By the time the trio had begun to ascend the crater, Optimus had already dug out Slag and was at the top with the deactivated Dinobot. That’s why he’s the leader, Smokey thought as they continued their climb. Each step was painful for Smokescreen even with the support of Bumblebee and Wheejack. The Autobot racer just tried to ignore the pain and stay focused on the light above. They were almost there.
Finally, the three Autobots reached the top of the crater. Smokescreen let out a sigh of relief and looked at his comrades. “Hey, we made it. Now, let’s see if I can transform.” Pulling his arms away from the two mechs, Smokey began the slow and painful transformation process. He began by folding his arms in under his chassis as his chest rotated upwards. His lower body then spun around as his damaged legs came together. Lastly, the front and rear ends pushed towards each other and locked together to complete his Nissan 350z alt mode. It wasn’t a perfect fit, and his car form looked like it had been in a demolition derby, but it would have to do.
The Autobots then received Prowl’s transmission. “Why don’t you guys go help the twins? I should be okay on what’s left of my reserve power.” Smokey said to Bumblebee and Wheeljack. “Thanks again for all the help. I’ll see you at the rendezvous point.” The diversion expert then slowly rolled out, heading two klicks east of the human installation.