* Waitstate changes topic to "-=2002.186=- RP trudging underway | Now taking money donations for new webhost." * Diecast sits on the observation deck playing yet another game of solitair * EarShot walks to enginnering, looking for junk and scrap he can use for a project * Waitstate is on the bridge. A beacon has been prepared as a memorial to those who died on the planet below Launch the marker bouy, then let's leave this place... * Avalanche is in the bar. * Apocrypha is in the observation deck watching the planet. * Diecast yawns and streaches out a bit Boring. * EarShot looks around Enginnering, picking up loose tools and scrap * Anchor drops down in front of EarShot, hanging from his tail "Looking for somthing?" * Roadkill launches the bouy * Diablo leaves his quarters * EarShot jumps back a bit, shocked, then smiles "You wouldn't happen to have, like a mountain of scrap and junk I could wade through, do you?" Maybe some day we'll be able to come back and retrieve em, eh? * Slipstream is snoozing on one of the couches in the ventral observation deck * Anchor looks amused "A pile of scrap and junk, eh? My friend, you've met the right person" * Apocrypha is staring at the planet where her command all got killed. * EarShot smiles broadly "Perfect. I'm Earshot." Do we have our next set of coordinates ready? I just happen to have set up a little shop in a dark corner of the plaza, full of all sorts of useful "trash". Care to follow me? *Motions, upside down, towards the door* *nods* Yup. Just got 'em. They should be on your screen now * EarShot walks through the door, looking through it "Nice" * Sunspot walks onto the bridge. * Anchor drops from the celing and heads for the Plaza "This way" Plot a course. See if you can find somewhere en route to restock though * EarShot follows, a little amused his walking behind a metal monkey Gotchya. *plots stuff* * Sunspot stands there and just sorta watches what everybody else is doing while petting Moonstone. * Arashi plays a game of hungry hungry hippos against Chameleon, somewhere in Powerplay's shop So many supplies, so little credit * Scrabble drops from Powerplay's ceiling, lands on Cham's head, and beeps stuff at the hippos So, mister...erm, what was your name? hopefully we'll be able to trade energon I'm Anchor we have a surplus at the moment Everything is worth something, even energon * Chameleon shakes his head, watches Scrabble fall, then get attacked by the hippos. "Fear the hippos!" And yeah, I'm a monkey especially energon, depending where you are That's something Ruse has taught me * Arashi laughs at Scrabble Nice to meet you. I'm trying to build several of these *hands Anchor a hologram disc RK, got us someplace to stop? Yup, we've got something. Next set of co-ords is slightly rimwards, and the only halfway decent stop-over place 'tween there and here is some little asteroid-based station * Anchor takes it with his tail and looks at it "Hm. nice little piece of work. I think I'll hav the things you need" Speaking of which... here we are *enters the Plaza* * Scrabble attacks the hippos back, beeping rude stuff sounds good to me. Transfer it to the helm and let's get going As you command, oh grey one ;) *transfers the co-ords to the helm* * Anchor leads Earshot over to his little pile of trash and cash register in the corner "Grunge, on." How strong the message, how quick the transfer you're philosophical today, Drillmaster * the cash register beeps* Hiya boss! Finally got a customer, eh? A ship is only as good as its supply line * Cirrus lays in the course and, at a gesture from Wait, engages * EarShot walks in, pointing to the holographic blueprint "They're basically cameras, but I need so many parts, relay chips, sensornodes, about 400 different lenses...." and points to the indivisual parts in the schematic Hey, stop that! * Scrabble stops attacking the hippos and attacks Cham's hand instead Somedays I'm just like this ETA to the asteroid or whatever? Being as old as me, I like to reflect * Sunspot takes a seat at the back of the bridge adn watches everybody. * Arashi nearly falls out of his seat, laughing *scrambles to the top of the pile* Allright, here's a few things you could use. An entegram modified power source, a few nanoprojecters, and... *digs around a bit..* A casing to an old coffee mug. Perfect, eh? * Chameleon grabs a melta with his free hand and points it at Scrabble. "You're not being very nice." I'm afraid I'm a little short on lenses, they tend ot get scratched up ETA is about half an hour * EarShot looks at it, then rubs his chin "Have any old windshields? I can probably use them..." * Scrabble looks at laughing Arashi, looks at the melta, then attacks Arashi instead Uh, give me a moment * Anchor shoves a few things aside and dives into the rubble * EarShot speaks to the pile of rubble "Also if you have any old bits from targeting systems, like from tanks, I can use those for sensor nodes" [comm] Medbay to Bridge * Anchor pops back out of the pile, carefully holding an old windshield with three limbs this is the best I've got. I think I could split it up with my laser, but... *grins* it'll cost you. [comm] Bridge here, what's the haps? [comm] Restore asked me to inform Waitstate that the repairs on Opal are almost complete, in case he wanted to be here when we reactivate her * Sunspot looks up at the sound of the comm. [comm] Gotchya, I'll pass that on to Waitstate. Thanks, Welder * Drillmaster twirls his finger in mock excitement * Splitwit clasps Avalanche's shoulder from behind him "Avy! What's the current events, my main man?" Hey, grey one. Restore says they've nearly finished Opal's repairs, if y'wanna go down and visit or anything * Avalanche jumps a bit, startled. Oh, uh, heh, not much. Good. I guess we have some time before we arrive * Waitstate stands * EarShot grins and takes out a small thing that looks like a laser pointer "Used this in the caverns to mark my trail" and starts cutting small circles out of it. "Now, how about those targeting modules?" I hear you got into a little scuffle with Thrash-who-wasn't. How'd that ol M-500 I loaned ya work out in that? you've got the bridge * Waitstate heads for medbay Right. Have fun, Wait, I'll let you know when we're about to arrive Oh, yeah, that. Didn't really get a chance to use it, actually. Didn't wanna shoot any holes through Sunspot's walls, y'know. Blaah Screw that, this ship gets shot up without your help anyway. Ya should've blasted him. It was more fun beating him into the ground with my fists anyway. * Splitwit shrugs "If ye say so" * Waitstate walks outta the lift and heads around the corner to medbay So, what've you been up to these days? * Waitstate walks in Restore? * Restore and Welder finish moving Opal back to the main work bed in medbay How's she doing? Not a lot. Went down to a couple planets to help retrieve these beacon things we're looking for. For what good I was. * Splitwit mockingly looks Avy up and down. "Uh... hired muscle?" Physically, she's fine. * EarShot puts the windshield under his arm, along with the other stuff "So, any chance I can take some targeting modules off your hands?" Yeah, I dug a few of those out We naturally had to make modifications so she could survive without her Powermaster element Mentally, well, that's to be seen. I didn't think that was possible. All things considered, you're to be commended Pretty much. But it's some way to help out. * Anchor shows a couple of small devices to Earshot "Old T-1000 tank targeting mods, vintage Autobot, plus one APG-12 thingy" nice. This should be able to at least get me a working prototype....how much you want for all of it? Her case doesn't seem to have really called for PM technology in the first place Oh, this'll cost you a pretty penny. Especially the APG-12. how so? Before I forget, I also need a couple of pieces of a laser turret. just something that's follow the line of site of the camera Any decent medic could have healed her without having to use it. One day I'll ask why it was done, and by who, may have been a shoddy doc. Nadda. don't have anything like that hm does she... know? * Avalanche carries on drinking. Back to her mental state. There's always the possibility she may already know Crystalline is gone, on a subconscious level at least. any worn or broken laser pistols? Hang on * Anchor digs around a bit No one has ever really been able to know too much about the bond formed during a *master process, it's hard to say just how much she might know But you haven't told her, I assume She hasn't been awake since the accident sedation? No, we've just kept her switched off, effectivly. It would have been too risky to try waking her before her wounds were totally fixed * Anchor picks up an old Decepticon Skyraider armlaser "This is the best I could find" * Apocrypha heads up to the bridge. Slag, it'll do especially with the loss of Crystalline, her reaction could have worsened things. yes, I imagine so how long are you going to keep her in stasis then? Her body is healed, and currently she seems in good mental health, obvious trauma signs aside She's ready to go now * Restore reactivates Opal, who begins to stir * Anchor hops over to Grunge "Ring 'em up" * EarShot smiles broadly "Hope I can pay some of this off in trade. I brought a boatload of old wares Ziggurah didn't want anymore in my shuttle, anything you readily need or want? * Grunge hums and haws to himself for a moment, before coming up with the total "All in all, you owe two-hundred fifty creds, mothman! * Opal sits up, slowly * Apocrypha gets to the door of the bridge. "Is Waitstate in there?" I really do wanna help out around here. I like going on missions like this. It's just...the last one didn't go so well. * Waitstate watches as she rouses So I heard *lets Apocrypha into the bridge* Ah, heya Apocy. No, he's down at medbay at the moment er.. what happened? Hey, maybe I could give ye a hand on the next one? I'm learning There was an accident on the planet Oh. With Opal? I feel... weird? *nods* Yup. Alone? I imagine that's normal. You were hurt. Badly... Do you think anyone would get upset if I went to see how she was doing? Try to relax, Opal, this won't be easy to take. Heh, that's not really my job assigning missions, you'd have to talk to Waitstate abou that... You were impaled, severely, while on the planet Don't think so. No harm goin' down to say hello, anyway A large icicle, in fact... I'm sorry, but... Crystalline didn't make it All right. Thank you. * Apocrypha heads off to the medbay. * Opal doesn't know how to react and just glares There was literally nothing that could be done for her. It was too late the moment it happened. It's just...I wanted to help out, but then the last mission went so badly... She was killed instantly... she didn't feel any pain Yeah. so you said. Soooooo *leans closer* Whatchu wanna do is drag me along with ya next time, yea? *after a few more moments of nothing* And... the others? ...Tip Over. *hangs his head* Am I fixed? * Waitstate looks to Restore Well, yes... Can I go then? It might be best if you stayed for observation, I'm sure I'd prefer to do a few scans, but if it's time alone you're asking for, I can do them later. Hey, I'd already have my hands full looking out for everybody else, you'd be another project entirely. * Opal gets up and leaves Yeah, but see I'd be along to give you a hand, right? What, you think I'd be along for the archalogicalness of it? Phht, not my dig. Uh, I'll go and clean up the OR, or something.. That went better than expected. This is never good... :/ * Apocrypha arrives at the medbay Thanks, Welder. *to Wait* So far, I'll keep an eye on her. * Apocrypha looks around. I think you're best off here making sure nobody shoots up the bar. * Opal runs off towards her quarters Um...Roadkill said you were here with Opal? I'm sorry, you just missed her she seemed... anxious to leave I would be too Oh... * EarShot puts the money in anchors tail "Thanks...by the way, have any old TV's and monitors for cheap? Thanks, always a pleasure *deposits the money to Grunge* TVs, eh, just dig around and find one. It's on me. How is she? Perfect, physically. Otherwise, too soon to tell * EarShot scrounges through and finds a large monitor. he hefts it on his back "Thanks. I'll come back later for some more parts if I need them" All right. Yeah Feel free. Always nice to have some customers for once, eh boss? It'll be easier to tell after she's done some mourning Shut up, or I'll disconnect your internet connection again. Closing the mouth. Zipping the lip. Not. A. Word. * EarShot starts back to his quarters, hefting the large load * Waitstate hears his internal chronometer beep we should be about to our next stop by now * Anchor rolls his optics, reaches behind the register, and shuts off the accounting computer's speakers. I'd better get to the bridge So whaddya say, eh? *nudges Avy* [comm] Hey, Wait, we're almost there. ETA is about five minutes. * Avalanche shrugs. Not my job. Ask Wait. [comm] I'm on my way Arrighty, I'll ask Wait. See what he thinks. You're better off up here anyway. * Waitstate exits medbay and heads down the the bridge * EarShot passes Waitstate "Heya" * Apocrypha fidgets. * Apocrypha follows Wait. * Waitstate gets into the lift * Apocrypha also gets into the lift. something you need? * EarShot goes to his quarters, setting down all the components and contemplating for a second Not really... I don't think I want to sit by ourselves anymore, and I don't really know anyone but the bridge crew very well. So I thought I'd watch the station approach. Unless you mind... no, no problem * Waitstate steps out as the lift stops and stops at the access panel by the bridge door here... I've keyed in bridge access for you. you're needed up there enough anyway Oh, uh, thank you. shall we? * Waitstate opens the door and goes in * Sunspot looks up as the door opens. Waitstate, I've scanned the station, it's not terribly advanced. What could we gain here? We're just here to pick up what supplies we can. We have no idea how long this trip is going to be, you know Anyway, thanks Av, I'll see ya around * Splitwit ducks out of the Bar and hurries off * EarShot decides to stretch his wings. [comm] Uh, Waitstate, is it okay if I launch from the flight deck? I haven't been able to fly in space for megacycles... Later! * Avalanche drinks some more. * Diablo goes to the plaza [comm] hold off on that. I wanna get us docking clearence before you do that speaking of which, RK? * Admiral-Lilwall enters the bridge and moves to his seat [Comm] We docking? Anything I could do? [Comm] I'd love to get out for a bit [comm] I'll let you know [Comm] Thanx, jefe. Just getting docking clearance now *turns back to the comm* There's a station THIS far out? it ain't much of one, really We're getting supplies? We're not quite THAT far out yet anyway. Getting there though If we can, yes * Diablo walks into the bar and finds somewhere to sit alright, we're cleared. can start docking now. * Goannis moves over to Diablo after a few moments * EarShot makes his way to the docking bay, humming happily to himself Hi :) What can I get you? Moving us into our assigned docking port I think maybe I'll stay here. I don't really need to pick up anything right now. Engineering's pretty well stocked for parts. * A short while later, the ship connects to a small gangplank There's a list of needs in the database for whoever goes over. Wonder if theres anything actually interesting there Something that's not too strong. Still want to be able to walk out of here later. How about a dark nebula, then? * The station in question is an ugly metal structure built on, and inside a large asteroid. Formerly a mining operation, the station is a complex, and almost entirely random, collection of compartments and corridors Sounds good. Wonder what the chances are of us getting kicked off THIS station... ;) I wonder when it was made. Is it Cybertronic, do you know? Mostly cybertronic. it's big enough for us, anyway who else would live in a place like this? * Goannis heads back over to the bar A dark nebula, thanks, Download coming right up [Comm] Hey, jefe, 's it cool to walk over there yet, Wait? * Download mixees the drink and slides it down the bar to Goannis, who carries it back to Diablo's table There you go *sets the drink down* [comm] up to you. we have clearance though, so I'm sure you could go on that flying excursion now if you liked well, I guess we should put out some feelers for supplies. Anyone coming with? Thanks, Goannis. Sure, why not. It might be...exciting. * EarShot tf's and is out before Wait can finish his sentence [comm] Thanks, Wait! Need me to look for supplies or info or anything, gimme a buzz! on this dump? heh, doubt it. * Apocrypha looks simultaneously thrilled and appalled. still, y'never know Think I will, been awhile since I stepped out Alright. Looks like we're docked at airlock 4, so... let's move Lead on, grey one * Waitstate heads out * Roadkill gets up and wanders after Wait * Admiral-Lilwall follows them * Redliner is at the station rec room, playing what looks like a heavy game of craps with a few of the locals... * Diablo drinks * Aries moves to the command chair seeing how it's just him and Cirrus on the bridge now * Scrabble wanders into the bar and beeps at Diablo from the ceiling above his head * EarShot soars past a window on the station, and attaches himself to a window, looking in on the game Redliner is playing * Goannis cleans tables through out the bar, starting in the area where Diablo is * After a few minutes the group arrives inside the station. The interior is dim, and the construction is every bit as ugly on the inside as it was on the outside. Though hardly crowded, there are a number of people milling about. There is a constant sound of machinary, both nearby and distant Oh look, Waitstate! At last, we found the trash room we had built into the ship * Redliner is playing with two other nondescript-looking bots... the stakes look high however. There's a piles of chips on the bet line (or whatever it's called), along with three sets of what look like keys... * Diablo looks at Scrabble and covers the drink with a hand. "My drink, not yours. You want one, get Download to make one" funny stuff. Though it IS a far cry from the Freedom * Scrabble beeps again and drops down onto Diab's head Next time someone complains about the ship, I'm sending them to a sim room and showing em this Heh, don't worry, I won't be cleaning your table until AFTER you've gone. * EarShot watches the game intently, his moth head idly chewing on bits of metal that protrude from the side of the ugly station We could just send them here instead. Which way are we supposed to go? It looks like a maze * Diablo grabs the spider and places it on the table looks like a terminal on that wall *checks out a dim light source* yep. an interactive map. and bad wiring * Apocrypha is still on the bridge, being of two minds about exploring the station. * Scrabble wanders around the table I think I can download this into our equipment * Redliner smiles grimly, looking rather nervous and determined as he picks up the set of dice... he makes a vague, complicated gesture with the dice and rolls it. It comes up as a pair of 2's and he whoops. If you can't, I'll be horribly disappointed in you and I myself *chuckles* likewise * Diecast saunters out into the station behind Waitstate and the gang "Hey" * EarShot detaches himself from the window and starts soaring through space, content with gliding around the station Ah, heya Diecast. comin' for a wander round, aye? * EarShot tf's and enters the station, smiling * Waitstate winces at Diecast's too-loud-for-his-taste exclaimation * Diecast nods and smiles towards Roadkill "Yo." Hey, Aries...what do you think? How old is this place? * Waitstate broadcasts the program to the group's computers Why'd we stop here? Ok, we're good to go I think. Keep your comms on though Primus that felt great! Haven't stretched my wings in a while....Hey WaitState! *Waves at the assembled LONACers* To pick up some supplies, supposedly. Eh, 200 thousand or more. Dunno what chances we have of getting much though * Waitstate winces again as bots in the area look towards Earshot's voice. Wait doesn't like drawing quite so much attention to himself so quickly Mind you, with construction like THAT, it could the remains of an ancient civilization * Diablo watches Scrabble while drinking some more Ah-heh. * the other two bots moan in disappointment as Redliner starts scraping the chips and keys towards himself.... then one of the "dots" on the dice fall out. The two bots stare at the weighted dice as Redliner is busy collecting his winnings. It's sort of interesting, though. I mean, nobody's ever kept good records out here. * Roadkill raises a browplate at the jumpy Waitstate. "Paranoid much, grey one?" ;) hardly. I simply despise looking like a tourist Ooooh Ah, fair enough. Might be something interesting in the architecture or the particular revision of Cybertronix the builders spoke or something. Don't worry about it, man. Look like you know what's going on and people'll just assume you're from this... uh, shit hole. * EarShot looks around "Jeez, this place is almost as bad as Ziggurah's joint on YahgDull. Primus you wouldn't believe the smell a dead stink-frog can exude..." Easy to see why when you look at this place. I wonder who was mining it, would seem unlikely for it to have been Cybertronians we all have a copy of our wants and needs, yes? Let's spread out, see what we can find Hey uh, need me to do anything? * Admiral-Lilwall wanders off Me too, Wait, I'm not sure what we need. * Waitstate pulls a few extra datapads from seemingly nowhere * Redliner pauses as the two bots suddenly snatch their keys from the table and start babbling and swearing at him, pointing at the weighted die. Redliner looks sheepish, casually dropping the real dice behind his back and kicking it out of the rec room into the hall. ... Can I do somthing else? I don't really feel like actually doing the looking around. Not my thing * Waitstate shrugs * Diecast takes the datapad "Eh, I'll wander around and keep an eye out" up to you. take shore leave, if you can find anything in a place like this A seedy place like this usually has a gambling joint. I'm gonna check out the gambling area I saw while I was buzzing the joint. Wanna join me Diecast? * Diecast perks up at the mention of "gambling" Maybe having a look around here will take my mind of things. [comm] hey bots, I just rounded a corner and found a wall. I think our map is a little out of date. [comm] *chuckles* Y'sure you were holding it up the right way, Lil? Do I! Lead the way. I'll go see if I can catch up with Wait and the others. Yeah, that'll work. See you later. * EarShot grins, looking at the map "I was on the north side, so it has to be....this way" and starts down a corridor Have fun * Apocrypha jogs off to undock. [comm] well, keep your internal mapping program running so you don't get too lost at least Always do ... Uh, usually * Roadkill hangs around with Waitstate cos he couldn't be bothered doing much else [comm] What, and take the fun out of this place? Meet you back at the ship in an hour or so * Waitstate checks his own map. "I knew that was too convenient" * Diecast follows the moth around [comm] I'll be there * Redliner argues with his players, making a grab for his set of keys but gets his set taken first. The argument escalates and voices are raised. * EarShot grins "Havent gambled in forever. It'll feel good to see if I still have the touch" I got the touch... I got the power... * Diecast stubs his toe on a bucket "Gah, sonofa..." * Waitstate heads off in a direction different than Lil and Diecast went * Quickwind bumps into Waitstate while rushing past in the other direction * Apocrypha enters the station and sees no one. * EarShot grins "You functional, Diecast?" I'll heal Er, sorry there... Uhp! 'Scuse me. Sorry for running into you like that... No problem Sure. Didn't mean to run you down... *rushes around the corner* * EarShot makes it to the gambling pit "Ahhhh, time to cheat a few back-galaxy hicks outta their creds" o.O *watches Quickwind go by* Well, that was interesting * Waitstate silently thanks Primus he doesn't have any pockets or accessible cargo storage very odd I'd swear I had my pocket picked, if I had any, heh *chuckles* I think he was in too much of a hurry to do anything like that, Wait. not that you look like much of a target anyway. ;) * Diecast moseys down to a table next to Redliner, ignoring the shouting, and has a seat for some five-card draw. I like to call it being "inconspicuous", thank you very much * Apocrypha wanders into a dingy gathering place of some kind, which might be a bar, a gambling parlor, a boxing ring, a cockfighting pit, a race track, or some combination thereof. *sniggers* Of course. * Redliner and the other two bots start getting a bit heated about the argument. In the meanwhile, Red manages to swipe the weighted dice off the table without the other two noticing. ;) So, any idea where we'll find anything we're looking for? * EarShot stands next to Diecast, but notices the argument "Be right back, Diecast" and moves over to the argument "Problems, gentlebots?" * Diecast folds where? no. But by the looks of things, it'll probly be by accident. *nods* Prolly. That'd be aboput right. * Diecast keeps an eye on Earshot, doesn't want him to get in any trouble, ya? * Apocrypha looks for LONACers. * Redliner shoves one of the bots into the other and turns quickly to Earshot *snarls* Cheaters! They've swiped the dice! * an average sized bot crashes out of a door a few meters ahead of Wait and Roadkill and slams into the wall, slumping to the ground * EarShot gives Redliner and the other two an easy grin "Well the last thing we want is a brawl in the middle of this fine establishment, right?" * Waitstate jumps back a little * Waitstate looks around to see who or what tossed the bot * Roadkill blinks and eyes the bot warily * Diecast watches Earshot carefully, not really paying attention to the game * the bot is a female autobot, goldish orange in colour, appearing to be capable of changing to some form of sports car, possibly earthern Don't believe this lying bastard, he's been using weighted dice! This scraphead is a bloody cheat! * Roadkill approaches the downed femme and extends a hand. "Need a hand up, miss?" That was rude. *sounds of a brief fist fight* Thanks *takes roadkill by the hand* Weighted dice, eh? No worries. *helps her up* what's going on? are you ok? * EarShot nods "of course, but can you both tell me you've never cheated at a casino game? This time this bot just happened to get caught" * Diecast stands up and saunters over to Earshot and Redliner "So what makes you think this guys cheating?" * a large white autobot moves out into the hall, noting Roadkill and Wait *to Redliner* Were you cheating? ah, are you with her? you alright, Zonic? they're trying to steal my ship. Look, they've even tried to hide the evidence! *points to the empty space by the passline* Yeah, fine. * Apocrypha notices and recognizes Earshot as she wanders the station, and heads in his direction. * the pair of dice is gone, naturally. Will probably end up with a headache later. Yeah, he's with me. * EarShot turns "Well, this bot *points to redliner* does have a point. where are these 'loaded' dice?" I'm Oildrill, and this is Zonic. * Oildrill's appearance obviously gives him away as a tanker truck Nice to meet you. You guys need help or anything... ? * the other two bots look astounded for a moment and then very angry From that? *motioning to the door* Nah, just some theives who stripped our shuttle clean decided they didn't want to say sorry who the hell're you anyway? You three together on this? yeah! * Apocrypha slows as she notices that there's obviously a confrontation going on. We're just some passerbys. Who like a good,*clean* games You might be able to help us with some information though.. maybe Damn, did you contact the authorities? assuming any exist here * EarShot smiles "Diecast is correct.I assure you, I do not know this bot. we not with him...now, how can we settle this in a nonviolent way?" bloody right! *punches Diecast squarely in the face!* heh, everyone here has to be their own authority, we've discovered * Diecast stumbles back a few and winces, shaking off the punch "Okay, that was stupid." That's what I figured... sorry to hear about your ship * Diecast uses the distance between him and the first bot and delivers a powerful kick to his midsection We're looking for a group that calls themselves 'low-nack' or something similar. We've been tracking their ship for a few weeks now, and figured they might stop here. * bot#1 is shoved backward into his pal by Diecast's kick. They both stagger backwards into the table * Waitstate looks to RK, a bit worried Yeah, one of their crew is our ex-commander, and 'Bot HQ asked us to find him and see if he wanted to return to active duty. * Roadkill just blinks indifferently, looking mildly curious. why's that? * Diecast unhitches his "tommy" gun from his hip, twirls it around, and points it at the first bot "Cool off, you two" Zonic> You guys heard of them? * Redliner takes the opportunity to pounce bot#1 and tries to pry his keys out of the bot's hand... yeah. heard of 'em. * Diecast moves the muzzle away from the two grappling bots * EarShot sighs "I really hate to do this..." and puts his arms up, sonic energy crackling from his wrists "But you had all better calm down" and sends a small sonic wave over all three of them I don't suppose maybe you know how we could contact them? With our ship trashed, and no credits, we're stranded here if they don't come and visit this place we might know how to get in touch with them. who are you looking for exactly, anyway? Just out of curiosity This guy... *takes out a holopad and activates it, bringing up a holo image of Tip Over* * Diecast steadies his gun, pulls the trigger three times, and puts a bullet into each of the bot's right shoulders. He commanded us on a planet far off from this dump, for a few hundred years * Waitstate freezes as he sees the image * Redliner and the other two bots are blown over backwards into a heap After our war with Deceps there was done, we were found by Cybertron, and taken back. But Tip Over wanted to retire I'm afraid you're not going to have much luck getting in touch with him... * Redliner and the other two get plugged by Diecast's shots! *points to the first two bots* You, give the red guy the keys, and get your cans outta here. Yeah, even though he was named as a possilble matrix carrier * EarShot sighs and looks at Diecast "You'd think we wouldn't have to resort to violence" Hey, he hit me *rubs jaw* Oh? He's left the group hasn't he, slag. I TOLD you he wouldn't have hung around for lonac, Oildrill! * Redliner and the other two groan, lying on the ground and not moving. They're a bit shocked. * EarShot points his moth-head gun at the two bots, covering Diecast "I suppose they had it coming" Maybe if you could help us contact this group he joined, they may know where to reach him Oh jeez, it was just your shoulders. * Diecast helps Redliner up I'm afraid it's a little more complicated than that oww, hey, don't... Uh, hey. Earshot, other guy...what's going on? Where's the rest of LONAC? See... I'm afraid your friend... was killed recently. [comm] Waitstate, I havn't found anything useful here, this place is a hole. If only it were all black so we didn't have to look at it. I'm heading back to the ship * Redliner raises a hand and accepts Diecast's assistance up to his feet What?! * the other two bots struggle to their feet, looking very pissed off * EarShot looks over "Hey Apoc. just settling a brawl. Last we saw wait he was near the entrance" There was an accident. Horrible, tragic... it was just a few days ago The keys? yeah, you miserable cheats! fork 'em over! Who are you, you're part of this neutral group, aren't you? * EarShot's wrists crackle with more sonic energy as the pissed bots look at him and Diecast What happened? Cool your jets, bud Sorry *deactivates his sonic amplifiers * Redliner holds out a hand as the other two bots, who are both unarmed, stare warily at Diecast. Bot#1 hands over to the keys to Redliner, chassis rattling a bit in his nervousness. It was a cave in. Our drill malfunctioned... I don't think I'd like to go into detail. It was quick though And yes, we're part of the group you're looking for * Zonic drops the holopad * Oildrill and Zonic are stunned for a few moments, clearly upset by the news *mutters* you're lucky this time, Redliner.. *backs off. They both make a hasty retreat.* How can we contact your commanding officer? We'd like to organise temporary passenger status until we can find our way back to Cybertron Like I said, out shuttle was scrapped, so we're stuck here otherwise. * EarShot smiles at Redliner "You really cheat them?" * Diecast looks at Redliner "Cheat or what?" I'd be happy to grant you passenger status, especially considering the fact that I had to be the one to deliver the news You're the commander? * Roadkill picks up the holopad Zonic dropped and hands it back to her * Redliner is too busy shaking a fist at the now-retreated two bots. "They've got my money!" he snarls, and as he shakes his fist, several pairs of craps dice tumble out of the hole in his shoulder. * Admiral-Lilwall reenters the freedom and heads for the bridge Yes, I am actually. Waitstate, of LONAC *offers a hand* * Diecast catches the dice with lightning fast reflexes *feels them* These the dice you used? * Oildrill shakes Waitstate's hand, as does Zonic * EarShot looks down at the dice, then back at Redliner, and laughs lightly * Waitstate meanwhile sends a silent request back to the ship requesting background checks * Redliner turns swiftly to face Diecast and he groans. "Uhh. I just keep 'em for luck," he explains hastily. * Diecast narrows his optics and shoves the dice in Reds chest we're at docking port 7. I'm hoping you'll know how to get there, unless you want to stay with us til we go back * Redliner staggers back a bit at the shove. "Unh, hey, gimme a break. They've got all my money anyway...!" Eh. we're looking for supplies to restock with Could've been worse Come on, Earshot. Let's go back to the Freedom. So were we, heh. Found a lot of trash, and a bar/casino. Wasn't much we could use, even if our ship wasn't trashed. * EarShot nods "yea, wanna play a game of Earth Poker when we get there?" *shrugs* * Redliner closes his fist over the dice and where they go, nobody knows. "Hey, wait!" * Diecast replaces the gun on his hip * EarShot turns to look at Red Yeah? I think we'll just stick around with you until you're ready to leave, I don't think a pair of strangers walking onto your ship would be ignored look, uhh... thanks... * Admiral-Lilwall enters the bridge and reclaims the command chair from Aries No problem. *mutters to self* one would hope... Of course, you're welcome to join us * Diablo finishes his drink then leaves the bar * EarShot waves away the thanks "think nothin of it" * Network transmits data back to Wait from the Freedom hey, I gotta pay you back somehow! c'mon, hang around for a game, eh? .. Allright * Redliner tosses the dice away and holds up his hands to show they're empty. "Clean game, honest." * Apocrypha wanders off while Earshot and Diecast banter with their new friend. *grins* You're on *data connection* They check out just fine. I must say they sound like interesting bots, I look forward to conversing with them if given the chance, * EarShot laughs "This I gotta see" *data connection* So sad about Tip Over though, isn't it? If only they'd left to find us a few days earlier they would have met again with him * Redliner smiles. "Name your game, friends. By the way, I'm Redliner..." * Apocrypha continues her search for Waitstate. [data] Indeed it is... I sometimes have wondered what kind of commander Tip Over was * Diecast sits down across from Redliner. "I'm called Diecast. Game's blackjack, if you've heard of it." *grins* Call me Earshot, and deal me in *lost in conversation connection* Irony is such a funny thing, mind you I suppose this isn't completely ironic afterall, accidents will happen after all! [data] many thanks for the check. Never can be too careful [data] cruel twist of fate though, at any rate *lost in conversation connection* My pleasure! I'd be happy to do it again sometime, but Bit rarly takes a break to recharge and it's just so hard to get in any research with him online * Redliner sits down as well, pausing for a moment to examine the hole in his shoulder, wincing a bit. "Er, sure. Blackjack it is... nice to meet you two, where're you from?" * Diecast shuffles Iron plated cards, that means no X-Rays, got it? [data] I'll see about getting you a dedicated connection of your own when I get back then *lost in rambling conversation connection* And he's such a bore, really, I mean, would it hurt so much for him to excercise his audio processors now and then? * Diecast chucks a card face down to each of them, then one face up * EarShot grins "Any other time I'd call you paranoid, Diecast" look up at Redliner "no offense" [data] *laughs* Bit wasnt built to be interesting ;) eheh. None taken. Bets? * Hyperion enters the bridge * Roadkill waits for Waitstate to snap out of his internal dialogue. ;) * EarShot grins at Red "We're from LONAC" and throws his chips into the middle "bet ten" *lost in rambling conversation connection* honestly, it's like you don't even exist sometimes. Then there's Format, interested until he gets bored with you. I often wonder what actually passes through his mind when he's looking back at you * Redliner looks a bit harried for a moment. After a moment of hesitation he tosses his keys onto the table. S'all I got left *shrugs.* LONAC? what's that? * Diecast eyes Ear, and chucks twenty down League Of NonAligned Cybertronians. *rambles, ignoring Waitstate* Sometimes I wonder if anything at all goes through his mind. But at least he pretend to be interested sometimes, that's polite I suppose, but even still * Waitstate lets Network ramble and tries to multitask * EarShot grins easily, giving nothing away, and quietly drops thirty into the middle *grins* preoccupied, grey one? So, any promising areas we should check? no kidding? There's an official league for neutrals these days? Fairly often, yes. why do you ask? heh Kinda *looks innocent* Oh, no reason... It's a ship, see. We go around. Doing stuff. Me and Earshot are new, sort of. Either of you hitting? *connection* Well, sorry to cut you short Waitstate, I'm sure it's and interesting tale but you'll have to tell me about it another time, I'm afraid I have a few more things to do right now * Diecast stays * Network cuts the connection * EarShot nods to diecast "I'll stay" * Waitstate shakes his head as the data connection goes dead *all eyes on Redliner* uh. Stay. There's a so called shop that has nurmerous parts for sale. Allright, flip em * Diecast puts his other card face up--seventeen * EarShot has the ace of spades showing, and flips over the jack of clubs I wouldn't make a junkion pay for any of it though. That's pretty much all there is really, unless you wanted to dismantle someone's shuttle, that's proven effective :) * Redliner flips his cards, forgetting that he hadn't even bothered to check. -- a pair of face cards * Redliner mutters a swear. Yeah. Don't worry about your ship though, apparently no one tries for the docked vessels very often, usually crew on board to stop them. Landed craft are easy to access, etc Hm. I'd hate to think our stop here was a bust Oh bugger we're glad you stopped by, bad news aside. * Diecast shoves the creds over to Earshot Allright, we're outski Hm... what about your ship? Surely there's at least usable scrap left * EarShot grins and accepts the creds "nice playing a hand with ya, Redliner" well, it couldn't hurt to have a look at this supposed shop, aye? * Diecast stands * Redliner sighs and smiles grimly. "Yeah, not a problem..." say, err, does this LONAC thing pay at all? Just some outer hull and framework really. I guess it depends on just what you're looking for. There's stuff there that even the thieves didn't take More or less Depend on your deffinition of the word It's more of a room and board thing I mean, I'm downright broke right now. I've just lost my shuttle to you, and those two morons took off with the rest of my cash. Landing pad #3 if you wanted to see the carcass oh primus, it's not military, is it? Well, now you're just gonna have to start over, eh NonAligned usually means not-military, so nope * EarShot looks at diecast and laughs and the mention of the word military we need raw material as much as anything. we have machine shops and matter resequencers to take care of specialized parts if need be * Diecast shakes his head for a second, fighting off a feeling of vertigo "Why don't I show you there?" * Roadkill has been very subtly eyeing Zonic appreciatively this whole time well, it's no good to use anymore, so you wanted to haul back you're craft's flight deck to pick at, it's yours. You've given us a place to stay for awhile so I guess it's the least we could offer right onw you mean it? I mean, it'd be great, honest. * EarShot grins "Well I can't speak for our leader, but I dont think you'd be _TOO_ annoying to have around" and laughs * Diecast transforms into a car "Follow, eh?" * Zonic is completely oblivious to Roadkill's optic pervs of course we'd pay you fair market value for the material * Redliner smiles. "Sure." He shifts to motorcycle * Diecast drives ahead at a moderate pace heh, no need. Like I said, you're giving us news and passage * EarShot soars above Diecast and Redliner * Redliner follows along after Diecast * Diecast sees the cycle next to him, and floors it, reaching the Freedom's bay quickly * EarShot uses his wings to make small bursts of wind, keeping up with Diecast and Redliner well, I did offer, heh * Redliner pursues, seeking to pass him! * Waitstate sends back location data for the stripped ship so the Freedom can retrieve it * Admiral-Lilwall gets the message from Waitstate * Apocrypha continues poking around the station, looking for interesting historical artifactery as well as Wait. of course, we all know that Wait here is damn glad he -doesn't- hafta pay ya for it. *grins* [comm] Diablo, feel like bossing a few of your team mates around a bit? * Diecast transforms at the airlock Here she is, the LSS Freedom. She's a beaut * Redliner slows down as he approaches the airlock and TF's. [comm] What exactly would I be getting them to do? * EarShot transforms and lands next to Diecast Hey, Earshot, you wana show him around? [comm] Waitstate just notified me of a scrapped shuttle at the station, think you could get a few of your guys to take two of our shuttles and tractor it back to the flight deck? I'm kinda tired hmm, big ship. Sure, Diecast * EarShot smiles and walks through the airlock "follow me" [comm] Should be able to manage that [comm] Thanks. It's at landing pad #3 sure... * Redliner follows the mothbot, looking around like a tourist. * Diablo heads off to the shuttles and comm's Arashi, Chameleon and Starstorm * Zonic and Oildrill follow Wait and Roadkill around the station * Roadkill acts all gentlemanly to Zonic * EarShot walks to the Plaza "This is where most of the cool stuff happens...or so I've been told...and here's the most important thing..." walks to Neutral Ground "the BAR!" * Apocrypha nearly collides with Waitstate's group at a cramped, five-way intersection. fancy meeting you here small universe, ain't it. heh Oh, sorry. I've been looking for you. * Redliner nods with approval. "Now that's more like it." geez this place is big... Since you weren't still near the entrance where Earshot said you'd be. * Arashi, Chameleon and Starstorm meet Diablo a little after he gets there, then are told what they're going to be doing * EarShot walks in and hops onto a stool at the bar, motioning for Redliner to do the same, then waves at Download "Hey, barkeep!" Another Autobot, hi :) Just what I've been wanting to do my whole life! * Redliner marvels at the cleanliness of it all mostly as he casually climbs onto a barstool next to Earshot. * Download moves over to the bots I still don't understand what your organization actually does, Earshot... What can I get ya? Oh, uh, hello. * Scrabble drops from the bar ceiling and lands in front of Redliner and Earshot, then beeps at them I didn't realize there were any Autobots out here. * Diablo and Chameleon get in one shuttle, and Arashi and Starstorm get in the other Are you on some kind of a mission? Organisation? heh! We ain't no organisation yes, actually. well, we were, anyway. * EarShot smiles at Download "Gimmie a SlagMaster" and turns to Redliner "What do we do? Live. We don't instigate. We don't antaganize. We live. We live how we want" [comm to bridge] Think you can open these big doors that are in the way? Just think of LONAC as a struggling nuetral colony with a really cool place to live * Admiral-Lilwall keys the bay doors open * Shuttles leave the ship uhh... what's that? *has a staring contest with Scrabble for a moment* * Scrabble stares back at Redliner, then beeps hello * Download mixes up a slagmaster and slides it over to Earshot * EarShot looks at Scrabble "Odd, the hallucinations usually come after" and tries to pet Scrabble We came looking for LONAC, more specifically, Tip Over :( huh. * Scrabble lets Earshot pet it * Apocrypha's shoulders fall. * Redliner looks up at Download. "That's it? No prerequisites?" Now we're just going to hitch a ride until we can get ourselves back to Cybertron * EarShot snags the drink, sips it, looks around to make sure no one is watching, and offers some to Scrabble * Scrabble beeps happylike and sips some of the drink You a member? * The shuttles eventually find landing pad 3, then carefully begin to tractor the scrapped shuttle back to the ship * Redliner absently scrubs at an ancient, faded, and more importantly scratched-off imprint of an Autobot sig on his chest. "Sure, if you guys'll have me..." Got cash on you? * EarShot pops down his blackjack winnings "I'll cover him, Download" what ya want :) * Redliner smiles. "Lucky bugger won my ship off me, so I'm pretty much down to nothing. I'll have whatever he's got, I guess." * EarShot grins "hand this bot a slagmaster, my good barkeep" * Download mixes up another slagmaster and sets it down in front of Redliner * EarShot grins and tosses Redliner his shuttle keys "Here. ya might want these back" * Redliner catches the keys singlehandedly. "Hey! You really mean it?" I haven't been around people this nice since -- well, I forget. * Diablo stares out the shuttle windows, not paying attention to what's going on. * EarShot smiles "I gotta shuttle of my on in docking bay. better ask before you park it in here, though" thanks, man. *picks up the slagmaster and raises it with a smile at Download* oh yeah? So hey, who's your superior around here? *sips his drink* * Chameleon looks at Diablo for a moment and is glad that he's doing the piloting himself Bot by the name of Waitstate. great guy, got me outta a nasty bit of business couple planets back. So, where to next? you sound like you've been here a while. What sort of nasty business? [comm to bridge] We're about ready to put this shuttle scrap in the landing bay, so make sure no one's messing about in there. I was a slave to a merchant. Waitstate bought my freedom [comm] you're all clear, Cham * EarShot sip his drink no kiddin'? wow. * Chameleon punches Diablo in the arm then returns to the shuttle controls a real uhh, what's the word... generous guy, that. Anyway, I've been here a little bit. everyone here's nice. that I've met anyway this berg have any particular destination? *sip* Uh, sorry.. * Shuttles all land in the landing bay safely [comm] Wait, we've secured that shuttle you mentioned, found anything else? wow, that was quick. [comm] nothing yet. from the sound of things, anything we DO find is likely to be stolen property anyway * Admiral-Lilwall keys the bay doors closed once the shuttles land Don't worry, Hyperion told me a while ago about it. Now lets get outta here. I'm not sure. You'd have to ask Wait himself. Hold on a sec [Comm] Hey Wait, could you meet a potential member in the bar? probably better that way, Zonic. Less chance for anything else for it to be taken from it * Tactibots leave the shuttles and go their seperate ways Heh, if they could find anything. *mumbles* this is too good to be true... [comm] in a bit, yeah [comm] thanks. I gotta wonder if we wouldnt be just as well off taking the DEM and blasting what we wanted off of the hull of this place. ah well I may as well go back now. I'm wanted back on the ship, and I'm sure our new guests would like some place to take a rest so that's it? Just sign up and bang, no price tag, bed and board, no obligations? * EarShot turns to Redliner "wait he for WaitState. He's the one with the dull grey paint job, you can't miss him. I've gotta go work of a project in my quarters. Talk to ya soon?" maybe you should haul it to Junk and see what the Junkions would pay for it, heh * Diablo goes to obs deck * EarShot grins "This place isnt about raising warriors or scamming money out of you. It's just a place to be." nah, we can use it, regardless * Slipstream is still snoozing on one of the couches in the obs deck not a problem man. I love it here already. *smiles.* Well, if you're ready to return, so are we. We've seen enough of this place over the last few days I may check out more of this place later, but I'm ready to return for now If it's ok with you, Waitstate, could we use Tip Over's place of stay? * EarShot pats Redliner on the shoulder "talk to ya soon. come by my quarters!" and wanders off I... suppose that's ok Thanks. * Zonic and Oildrill follow Waitstate back to the Freedom * Apocrypha examines details of the metalwork as the group moves along. * Roadkill wanders back to the Freedom with Wait, Zonic and Oildrill * Waitstate heads back, hoping against an irrational fear that the corridors have all changed positions * Redliner cranes his head a bit to watch Earshot depart... and then looks back at Download if he's still puttering around there. * Download sits at a terminal behind the bar downloading gaming programs that he'll likly never use * Waitstate arrives at the airlock after several minutes of twisting and turning corridors well, here's my ship * Waitstate motions. "After you" * Diablo decides against disturbing Slip and sits somewhere, looking out the big window * Goannis finishes up her cleaning and puts the cleanign stuff away before exiting the bar and returning to her quarters * Zonic and Oildrill step into the Freedom * Scrabble is still on the bar, trying to attack Redliner's drink Nice place Good to be walking in something clean and tidy after being on that station for a week Yeah, I can imagine... that place is a dump ack.. We try and keep it up * Redliner grimaces and tries to gently push the Scrabble thing away with a finger... I'm not even sure Cybertrons built that thing. * Scrabble looks up at Redliner, beeps, then goes back to trying to climb into the glass no, bad.... thingy..! * Scrabble gives up on the drink, so climbs up Redliner's arm and perches on his shoulder instead well, I don't really care who built it, but they oughta get smacked across the head for doing such a bad job It didn't seem like the nicest clientele, either. *to whoever's nearby, Download in particular* guh, this thing is attacking me...! What's it doing?! What brings you to LONAC anyway, Apocrypha? Uh, present company excepted, of course. * Scrabble sits there and beeps all happylike at Redliner wha..? oh. Scrabble, crawl off and bother whoever's in the theatre enjoying a flick * Scrabble beeps something nasty at Download leave the new guy alone until he's official, we don't wanna frighten him off yet s'not gonna bite me or anything, is it? *sideglances apprehensively at the spidery thingo.* Well, I'm sort of on leave. I was out doing some research on an ancient Autobot station, and ran into Waitstate and his group, and they've been, uh...well, I've been following them while they...do some exploring, as well. * Scrabble waves one leg at Redliner all friendly like heh, not much. its owner will deck you if you hurt it though. Scrabble, rack off go annoy Trihorn or something who owns it? * Scrabble clickbeeps something -extremely- rude sounding at Download Slipstream, one of our bridge staff Found any place interesting this far out? Eh, nothing we'd really call -interesting-, as such. Anyway, I've got other business to take care of at the moment. Roadkill will show you around, I'm sure. :) *wanders off* * Scarab crawls out from the bar store room this place seems pretty big to be so empty. How many people live here, anyway? * Scrabble spots Scarab and beeps hello, waving one leg hyperactively Well, would you mind terribly if we veiwed Tip Over's body, pay our respects? *mumbles* oh primus, there's more of 'em... * Scarab beeps back I...need to go. It was nice meeting you. * Apocrypha walks away quickly. Can't say for certain, probably something between 40 and 60 I guess Um, well... *rubs the back of his head absently* We weren't actually able to recover Tip Over's body. It's got most everyone kinda upset, and I think we plan to go back sometime to rectify that... Not easy picking up new bots, even ordinary civs You left him behind?! * Scrabble leaps from Redliner's shoulder and dives down into his glass, finally able to get to the drink * Roadkill winces Zonic, please... Not by choice. Definitely not by choice. please what?! oh, so you're actively trying to recruit members, huh? gyah...! *flinches reflexively as his drink gets mauled by the spiderbot* * Roadkill silently curses Wait and Apocrypha for abandoning him. We understand, it's just.. still news. Perhaps we should retire to his room..? * Scrabble beeps happily from inside the glass Of course. This way... *starts for TipOver's old room* * Apocrypha sits down around a bulkhead and can't stop herself from straining to listen to the Autobots and Roadkill. * Zonic and Oildrill follow Roadkill, Oildrill trying to keep his comrade calm * Redliner makes a face and pushes his glass away. "You don't recruit non-Cybertronians, do you? Or non-metallic lifeforms at all?" * Scrabble continues happily sloshing around inside the glass We're open to it, and we've had nebulon member until a few days ago, but we don't like to talk about that yet. Kinda, not good on crew morale, ya know? * Scarab crawls up the wall behind Download *arrives at TipOver's room and keys it open* Here we are. The ship has facilities for human sized beings, but as you might imagine, they don't sign up in droves thanks, Roadkill. No problem. See you around. * Zonic and Oildrill enter the room, closing the door behind them But the boss doesn't have anything against them joining * Roadkill wanders back to the bridge hmm... * Redliner gazes at the backwall, absently watching Scarab as his mind wanders off. * Admiral-Lilwall changes topic to "-=2002.187=- RP bludgeoned to death so shh! Sleeping!"