* Bitstream changes topic to "-=2002.257=- RP starting, ummm.... now" * The Freedom is currently in orbit around planet Hodag, an uninhabited world, to retrieve the next beacon. Lightning has been dispatched to retrieve it. * Opal walks into Overwrite's little area outside Wait's office, and noticing he isn't there, hits the buzzer on Wait's office door * Roadkill is on the bridge at the comm station. * Hyperion and Chameleon are on the bridge * Roadkill recieves a comm message that's heavily encrypted and addressed to Scope * Apocrypha is also on the bridge. Come in *hits the door open button* Hey Lilwall, we just got an encrypted message for Scope. Seems t'be from Shadowpaw. Alright, pass it along. Be nice to get one ourselves, wouldn't it? * Opal enters Wait's office Heh, indeedy. *forwards the message to Scope's terminal* Got a minute? * Slipstream is snoozing on the flight deck Looks it. have a seat :) * Opal sits I've been thinking a lot lately * Avalanche is in the bar, but hasn't yet had time to get too sloshed yet. And I've made a decision, Why don't I like the sound of that? I've decided I need to leave LONAC. Again, heh. I don't know for how long, it may be permanate. What's prompted this? Shackleton. * Outreach sits in the Doctor's lounge, quietly sipping energon, flipping through a medical journal I see... It wasn't your fault. Nobody thinks it was. I know. That's not it. * Sunspot wanders into the plaza. I think I need to be someplace where no one knows. I don't want to deal with the stares anymore, Stares? What stares? [comm] Lightning to Freedom. from everyone. it's too much, and I'm tired of hanging out in my room. * Diablo sits around in Obs deck somewhere I need to get back to Emerald and the others * Talis is making training runs in the sims I said no one blames you Opal. You've gotta believe that I've never thought that. * Sunspot notices Avalanche in the bar and goes inside. It's the pity stare. [comm] Go ahead Lightning, did you secure the beacon? *mostly-asleep* wrrrg...gah! *wakes up suddenly and barely keeps her lasers from firing reflexively* * Sunspot sits down across the table from Avalanche. [comm] Affirmative. I am on my way back. I don't know what to say. No one wants you to go. I think you know that. [comm] Bay doors are open and waiting urg. *transforms, stretches, and rubs the back of her head, blinking a bit.* well, that was pointless... I know. I don't want to much either, but I feel like I have to, for now at least. I know we're a long way out, but is there any way you could help get back to Cybertron? * Avalanche looks up. Hey, you're looking chipper. * Scope hits the buzzer on Wait's office door * Slipstream wanders out of the flight deck and heads for the Plaza * Waitstate hits a signal button telling the person outside to please wait * Sunspot grins a little self-consciously. * Earshot crawls across the ceiling, happily scampering around with little reason Didn't you hear about that? I'd feel bad taking a shuttle just for me, and I couldn't make it on my own Well, we DO have two visitors that are eager to return to Cybertron... Maybe I could convince someone to take you three * Slipstream wanders into the Quick Bite but I urge you to reconsider, please But that would still leave you without a shuttle, assuming you meant for one to be used. Nope. Been passed out. Well hi there, Slipstream. What can I do for you today? :) I've already packed my quarters up. I've thought about it enough we have plenty of shuttles. we can spare one easily enough for this... Heya Terra. Hot chocergon? Coming up! We got Thrashmane back. The Strikers had him. But they gave him back for Winter. So that monster's off the ship, and I have Thrashy back. Thanks Terra :) *sits down somewhere, leans back, and stares absently at the ceiling* * Avalanche grins. Good for ya! * Terrafirma disappears into the back room for a moment, then returns with visibly hot container of specially enriched energon * Earshot skuttles across the ceiling and into the Quick Bite, he looks down and lets go of the ceiling, tfing to bot mode and landing in a booth * Terrafirma startles, almost spilling Earshot, honey, PLEASE don't do that again? yeek. you're almost as bad as Scrabble, Earshot. * Terrafirma sets down the cup at Slip's table So what're ya doing in here, then? Don't you have better places to be? * Lightning flies into the bay doors and transforms back to robot mode Thanks :) *picks up her chogergon and sips at it* * Earshot giggles "sorry!" and rubs the back of his head "can I please get something to eat?" I guess it's just a matter of asking the crew if anyone's willing to take you all to Cybertron. Sure thing. But next time use the door like a normal person! * Gravix walks into Terra's shoppe * Lightning heads for the science lab with the beacon Thrashy's off making arrangments for...something or other. So I figured I'd come down here and find you. We haven't really hung out much lately, and I...I guess it's kinda worrying me how much time you spend down here. * Slipstream looks up as Gravix walks in. "Oh, heya Grav." * Terrafirma returns with Earshot's Bucket 'O Bolts just as Gravix walks in How are things? [comm] Bridge, I am on board, you may close bay doors. Have I further orders after I deliver the beacon to the science lab? eh, not too bad. *stifles a yawn* y'self? Nothing like the lunch rush! Hey there Gravix, what can I get you? :) [comm] No, you're off duty now Lightning. Thanks * Avalanche sighs. a little slow, but it'll pick up * Earshot grins and pours a large portion of the bucket's contents into his mouth Aw, jeez, don't get worried... Well, I'm gonna go down to the plaza one more time. If anyone steps up, let me know? heh, sometimes slow is good. Until it gets borin' as all hell, anyway. :) *downs more of her drink* I'll let you know... *sigh* It's not that bad, honest. It's just... Hello Terra, I missed you there. I'll just have what she's having * Avalanche shakes his head. It's just...stuff, y'know? Thanks, *exits office, walking past Scope as she goes Another hot chocergon, coming up! I don't mind the boredom here, though I'm sure it drove my brother crazy Admiral, I'm going to go dredge up that coordinate data. * Terrafirma retrieves it * Sunspot nods. Come on in Scope I've pretty much got a handle on it now. * Avalanche looks down at his drink. * Lightning enters the lab and puts the beacon someplace then leaves for his quarters Alright, Apoc * Apocrypha heads for the science lab. Heh, prob'ly. *finishes off her chogergon* I had been meaning to try not to drink so much... Let's get out of here, hmm? We can go over to Terra's or something. How's that sound? Hope the next one ain't too far off. * Terrafirma sets down Gravix's drink, deducting the cost from his ship account * Scope enters the office Waitstate, I have recieved a message from Shadowpaw. * Slipstream gets up and takes the empty glass over to the counter. Thanks again for that, Terra. 'son my tab? * Sunspot smiles. What can I do for you, Scope? * Earshot watches Slip from his booth, then shrugs and continues to munch happily on his bolts That sounds like a good idea. You shouldn't spend so much time alone. Or alone with Splitwit. Already done, Slip :) Shadowpaw? Well, what'd she have to say? :) She and Mystery are well, although they have run into trouble once or twice. Not suprised, knowing those two * Avalanche gets up, and Sunspot follows. Cool, thankee. :) I'll see y'all later then, heh. *wanders out* She has contacted me to assist in some data she discovered oh? It concerns Mystery's former self, before we discovered him. He must be thrilled. Did she say what it was? * Sunspot and Avalanche walk through the plaza and enter the bustling Quick Bite. I've done what I could from here, but it was little. Shadowpaw is becoming increasingly worried about Mystery's well being, and believes whoever is after him is getting close * Apocrypha arrives at the science lab and sets about decrypting the coordinates. Well, I haven't seen you two in a while. How've you been? What can I get you? * Slipstream heads out of the Plaza and towards the sim rooms Hi! Um, I dunno, what've you got? * Avalanche waves to Terra. If it's alright with you, I'd like permission to journey to Cybertron and assist them. I could do a far better job there than from this distance * Hyperion is somewhat amused by what he sees on the screen in front of him at the bridge station he's sitting at. * Terrafirma ducks down to be closer to eye level with Sunny. "How about a nice enersmoothie for ya?" :) *looks over to Hyperion* Whatchya lookin' at, Hyp? Hm... you'd return when finished though, right? Of course whew Hopefully with Shadowpaw and Mystery also That sounds good! well, I guess that's pretty convenient then * Gravix sips his drink I dont' know how she can stand this stuff Just a hot chocergon for me today, thanks. I have three bots that are looking for a ride to Cybertron * Avalanche grins sheepishly, feeling kinda guilty for not having stopped in for so long. Sure thing Avy *winks* Three? I was aware of only two Autobots on board * Terrafirma goes after the drinks * Earshot looks around, and, when Terra's not looking, steals some of her dirty dishes and chomps them down Opal has decided to leave us, unfortunately * Slipstream arrives at the sim rooms and notes one of them is occupied. * Sunspot looks for an empty booth and chooses one near Earshot. * Terrafirma brings Avy and Sunspot their drinks You two enjoy those now! Thanks! [comm] Apocrypha to bridge. I've got the location data. * Earshot smiles and looks over at Sunspot, holding up a half-eaten plate "hungry?" Her music will be missed. Particulary the late nights she performed now and then when there was only a couple of bots up. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm... * Sunspot giggles. I've found it rather soothing No, thanks. I don't wanna take any of yours. I know. I caught a few myself. She's a brilliant performer Cybertron news. The last time Diablo and myself were there, there was talk of bringing in new security protocols. They've just been brought in. This morning a shipment of rather hard to come by components were stolen from a freighter in Cybertron orbit. [comm] Thanks Apoc, transmit it up Earshot! What have I told you about eating my dishware?! Oh? Sounds like pretty crappy security protocols then. *grins* * Hyperion reads more about it It would seem so. Hehe, sucks t'be them. I can leave anytime Opal and the Autobots are prepared. Cirrus, once the data is up, lay in a course and get us going Looks like you've been doing good business, Terra. Excellent. I'd prefer it if you took a copilot though. For the return trip, if nothing else * Apocrypha sends the information to navigation. * Earshot looks around and quickly puts the dish in his mouth, then turns and looks innocently at Terra * Apocrypha heads off to the observation deck. * Scope nods * Slipstream enters one of the unoccupied sim rooms, loads up one of her own sim runs, then tfs to fighter mode and starts the sim Hm. A large amount of powerconverters which have been obsolete for several million years were also taken too. Only a part ID number to identify the type of converters. Yes, I'm quite pleased with the amount of business I've been getting. Even if I do go through dishes like you wouldnt believe *glares at Earshot and deducts the cost from his ship account* How about... Panelbeater? He's been looking for something to keep him occupied of late * Opal enters Snake-Eyes' store and has a look around * Earshot pouts and swallows the plate I will speak with him once I leave here then I guess there are a lot of newcomers who like it here. I can understand why. Oh yes. I suppose I snagged their business before the bar could, heh * Opal picks up a snow globe with the freedom in it and goes up the counter You wouldn't belive how popular those simple little things are, heh :) * Sunspot happily drinks her enersmoothie and watches Earshot with amusement. * Arashi walks out of Powerplay's store, slightly annoyed that Frogger was run over by a truck again* Yeah, heh. One last shopping spree before I go You're leaving? Well Scope, I wish you luck and a safe return. Let me know when you all get ready to depart so I can give you a proper sendoff :) * Earshot grins and waves at Sunspot, finishing off the contents of the bucket "Hey Terra, can I eat the bucket this time?" * Cirrus lays in the coordinates and sets the course Hey boss, I got our course. Want me to make us go now? ^_^ Afraid so. Might come back one day, but I'm gone for now. *pays for globe thingy* Glad to know ya Snake-Eyes :) Hopes it all works out for you Likewise for you... Will you notify the Autobots? If you keep eating those, I'm gonna have to start serving you in those shipping crates I have in back. You wouldn't like those at all * Earshot pouts and hands the bucket back to terra * Arashi goes off to the rec room to find something to watch on the big screen in there * Opal heads up to games store * Terrafirma takes the bucket with a slight smirk and puts it away in back So have you been up to anything neat, Earshot? Yea, actually! * Earshot pulls out a small camera from his subspace compartment. it has small legs and two wings, giving is a faint resemblance of a moth check it out! * Opal enters Powerplay's store Oooooooooooooo... Hey, that's kinda cool. * Thrashmane strides out of the machine bay, flexing his wrist * Slipstream runs a four vs one dogfight in the sims * Powerplay notices Opal enter the store "Hello! It's quite safe to wander around the store, the Triceratops isn't anywhere to be seen." heh, ok. * The little camera beeps and clicks happily, landing on Sunspots head and bending over, looking straight into her face * Cirrus gets the ship underway Where we off to now? Hello, little camera! * Scope goes off to find Panelbeater, leaving Wait to call the 'Bots * Waitstate summons Zonic and Oildril * The camera's lens extends. it bonks sunspot in the forehead very lightly, then flies back to Earshot * Moonstone wakes up from where he was sleeping on the table and chirps at the camera-bot. * Opal looks over the addictive time consuming strategy games * the camera clicks and whirs, fliting over and looking at moonstone intently * Zonic and Oildrill arrive at Wait's office soon after * Moonstone cocks his head questioningly at the camera. I figured since I couldnt put up my sensor nodes, I'd pool together my resources and make one bigger one that I can use Come in, please, sit down :) You called? I haven't decided on a name yet. * the camera tries to fly closer to moonstone, but bonks into him You could call him...Mothy! * Moonstone jumps back. * Chameleon wonders if he's the only one alive on the bridge or not off to who knows where, heh. Cirrus, where *are* we going? * Scope and Panelbeater find Opal and they all begin to move her stuff to the flightdeck, loading it onto a shuttle 'cording to the star charts, it's a place called "OZ-23". Not been visited before, looks like * Moonstone chirps at the camera. * Thrashmane appears in the doorway of the Quick Bite * The camera beeps back, then flits over to earshot Hope the beacon will be as easy to get from there as it was from the world we just left * Earshot grins and puts the camera away into subspace "He still needs lotsa work" * Trihorn charges out of the theater and into the plaza, with Line-In sitting on his back, encouraging him to run around to bring a bit of excitement to the otherwise currently unexciting plaza * Terrafirma stops what she's doing Thrashmane?? Hi. Uh, hey. Yes, I did. It seems I've gotten you a ride back to Cybertron * Redliner is off being lazy somewhere * Terrafirma runs out and gives him a hug! So soon? Well, it seems we have a few others that need to go out that way now. We can be ready to leave in ten minutes, so whenever they're good, we're good. * Thrashmane almost looses his footing as he's nearly tackled by Terra Er... hi. Long time no see... We thought you were dead! When did you get here? * Arashi sits himself down in a comfy couch in the rec room, and finds himself to be watching some form of sumo wrestling on the big screen. He's intrigued by it. Thanks for the hospitality, Waitstate. I wish it was under better circumstances Yeah, I may as well have been. I got back not too long ago. It's a long story, I'll have to tell it to you sometimes As do I. And you're still welcome to stay on here, if you'd like An invite that maybe one day in the future we might take, but for now, Autobots we be :) Is there a specific ship we should take belongings to? * Thrashmane gently moves out of Terras embrace and moves over to Sunspot You'll have to talk to Scope. He'll be the pilot and ship commander. Ok, we'll head down now. * Sunspot squeals. * Avalanche looks up and grins. * Terrafirma steps back, knowing better than to get between those two Hey, Thrash! Glad to see ya back! Thanks again. Interesting place you've got *the pair get up and leave* * Thrashmane smiles. "Nice to know I was missed" So did you get done with...whatever it was you were doing? .. yeah * Thrashmane flexes his wrist, "Just fixing a few things... yeah.." * Zonic and Oildrill contact Scope about leaving, then begin to move their stuff down to the shuttle Good! Do you wanna sit down and have something? * Outreach stands up and knocks on Restore's office door That's just what I was gonna ask you... come on in * Thrashmane looks over at Avy and the rest of the guys in the room Um, we could go somewhere else... No! No, here's fine... * Outreach steps in "Do you mind if I head to the plaza momentarily? I ran out of coffergon in my thermos and need a refill...anything that needs my attention right now?" * Avalanche grins. Feel free to get outta here if you wanna. Heh, doesn't bother me, Outreach :) You're free to come and go as you like, you know. Have a good time :) This place is fine, really. Nice atmosphere. it'll be nice to hang out with some friends, for a change. * Diablo leaves the obs deck and heads for the plaza * Slipstream restarts her sim yet again * Outreach nods and smiles, heading for the plaza * Thrashmane moves to a table * Avalanche nods in the direction of Earshot. "Meet the new mothboy yet?" [comm] Waitstate, we're good to go in a few minutes. We're just packing up the last belongings now * Talis exits the sim and starts walking down the corridor towards the plaza * Thrashmane pulls out a chair for Sunny So, um... what can I get you? On the house this time, of course :) [comm] I'll come down to the launch bay then * Splitwit enters the Sim and "Woah"s when he sees Slipstream flyin' around, kickin' ass and takin' names. * Sunspot sits back down. * Waitstate puts down his pads and heads down * Thrashmane takes his own seat, "I don't know, what do you recomend?" *sim pauses as Slip notices Splitwit enter* Nyrg. I thought I -locked- that door.... Ah-heh. Hiya. * Splitwit waves Well personally I'm fond of my enersmoothies, but the hot chocergon is a big seller * Splitwit fires his jets and floats over to where Slip is, "Yo. Hiya. Hey" Two enersmoothies, please Comin' up! What're you doin' in here, Split? * Terrafirma quickly and efficiently retrieves two smoothies and sets them down in front of Thrash I 'unno. I haven't had a decent fighty in a while. I didn't notice if the occupied lights were on, so I figgered no one was in here. So.... I waltzed on in and BAMMO * Moonstone walks over and sniffs one of the enersmoothie glasses. Wow. Efficient service * Thrashmane pats Moonstone on the head Gah. The light for this room must be blown out or something. Figures. * Splitwit shrugs * Outreach walks into Terra's restuarnt "This place seems to be able to suffice..." * Zonic and Oildrill enter the shuttle and take a shuttle in back while Panelbeater readies it for launch I 'eard from Roadkill you practically killed yourself in these things, safties off and that sorta thing. What's the scoop with that? So... how... are you? Afternoon Doctor. Can I get you something? :) * Thrashmane is nervous * Waitstate arrives in the launch bay * Slipstream tfs to bot mode so she can properly glare at Split * Splitwit smiles guiltily Remind me to hurt Roadkill later. * Moonstone chirps happily up at Thrash. * Slipstream continues to eye Splitwit flaty, arms folded Aaarighty then. * Splitwit floats in simspace * Outreach smiles, holding up his thermos "If you dont mind, could you fill this with your strongest coffergon, please?" * Opal hands Waitstate a data pad what's this? *takes it* this how you can contact me if for some reason you'd have to Sure thing, doc. No spam thanks, blackie <:) If you don't mind, Split, I was in the middle of a training run here. Out please. Ahey, sure, no problem. * Splitwit floats out towards the door, then stops before he gets there. "Training f'what?" * Outreach nods "Thank you" * Terrafirma fills the thermos from an ornate looking dispenser Just training. I've gotten out of practice lately. Well hey, so've I. Can I join ye? Me? never! heh. But I hope a few letters now and then from your friends are ok :) * Outreach takes out his credits, handing a few to Terra "Thank you very much" I don't think you'd be able t'keep up, Split. Jetpacks really ain't up to takin' on proper starfighters. Of course:) Thanks for, well, I dunno. But thanks Oh, it's THAT sorta thing, is it * Opal gets into the shutte * Terrafirma takes the credits Enjoy! * Splitwit floats out the door but stopps it from closing, "Hey, next time you're all like shooting things on foot and the like, gimmie a ring, eh?" * Splitwit lets the door close Feel free to come back any time, ok? We're gonna miss you around here * Outreach walks out, sipping from the thermos, looking around the plaza passively We'll be gone for quite some time, of course *mutters* Yah, sure, whatever. yeesh. *tfs back to starfighter mode and resumes her interrupted sim* Scope, Panelbeater, good luck. Zonic and Oildrill, it was good to have met you * Scope nods and enters the shuttle Don't wait up *after making a few rounds in and out of shops and such at the plaza, Talis gets bored and heads back into the sims, hoping he can write a better training program* * Waitstate steps back to the bay control box and opens the doors * Shuttle launches just after * Admiral-Lilwall notes the launch from his console [comm to wait] Sending out a mission? * Slipstream gets shot down in her sim, growls to herself, and restarts it. Again. [comm to Lil] Something like that. I assumed Opal had seen you... she's leaving us. Scope and Panelbeater are going to Cybertron with her to help out Shadowpaw, too. While they're going, they're taking along Tip Over's friends [comm to Wait] Oh. [comm to Lil] You... didn't know about any of that, did you? * Outreach wanders around the plaza, looking for a place he can buy the newest medical journals I'm okay. I came down here while you were busy because I had heard that *somebody* had been spending too much time in the bar lately. * Avalanche looks innocent. * Thrashmane looks over at Avalanche * Thrashmane looks sad Whaaaaaaat? Primus I missed this place. [comm to Wait] nope * Thrashmane puts his head in his hands, "You have no idea what it was like, the things they did. The things they've DONE." [comm] Geez, sorry then. I'll fill you in on the details later then * Sunspot gets really worried. * Thrashmane sighs Jeez, maybe you need to open up a bar tab, too... * Avalanche grins. *head towards the celing, eyes closed* I don't drink. Whaddya say, we can go back over to the bar! * Avalanche snickers. Not anymore That's what I used to say, buddy. * Sunspot scowls at Avy. Don't encourage him. * Splitwit skips down the hallways, arriving inexplicably at the observation deck, where he plops down on a couch Okay, okay, fine... I asked Waitstate if he'd give me an officer's position on the bridge. * Outreach shrugs, and decides to got back to the medbay, not enjoying wondering around aimlessly That'd be nice... * Diablo finally arrives in the plaza and walks into Terra's store * Talis reaches the sims again, setting the program up from the panel outside one of the sims * Slipstream gets shot down yet again in her sim and shuts it off finally, muttering to herself. * Redliner is being lazy on the obs deck... * Slipstream tfs to bot mode and walks out of the sim room, then leans tiredly against the wall * Redliner appears to be napping on a chair Hey Slip. what have you been up to? *continues to program* Sunny, why don't we go for a quick walk? * Sunspot nods. * Thrashmane darts a look at Avy hm? *looks up, startled* Oh, just some training. *is still leaning against the wall and looking rather worn out* * Outreach hums softly, enjoying the peace, and he heads to the obs deck Go on, you two. I'll, um...hang out with Terra. And not go back to the bar at all. Yeah * Thrashmane stands been training hard? urrr, haven't been training hard enough lately, it seems. *rubs her face* * Sunspot gets up and clings to Thrash. maybe you've been training too hard. If you're that burnt out. burnt out? *raises a browplate at Talis* What makes ya think that? * Thrashmane smiles a bit and puts his arm around Sunny, and heads out the door Blargh, Redliner. You know that? Blarg So, ah, Terra, how've you been? *shrugs* I'm the energy specialist in my group. I'm one of the guys in charge of rationing and supplying fuel stores. Pretty good I think. Business is better than ever :) So I ended up learning to gauge energy levels. * Chameleon pushes buttons on his bridge station, seeing how many different types of beeps he can get from it ....zzz.... A long time ago, Sunny, you told me about your friends who had died. ... Yeah, Blarg, you know that? *keeps punching buttons on the sim-panel* That, and you keep leaning on that wall in a not-so-casual fashion * Roadkill sends a message to Cham's bridge station, challenging him to a computer game of something or other. Some people 'round this place man, they're just all like "Yeah I kick ass and don't talk to me." Good! Sorry I haven't been around much. They're all like all high and above everyone else and... * Splitwit rants and rants to Redliner, who's sleeping * Sunspot looks up and nods solemnly. Heh. *stands up properly* Observant one, ain't ya? God, I'm sorry about that. *shrugs* gotta be sometimes. I should've done somthing, then, but I didn't. I've seen you around some... you feeling down, hon? ...hey, could you help me out with something? You weren't there then. I didn't even know you yet. You shouldn't go blaming yourself for it... hmm? * Avalanche nods a little. have you ever done a mid-air/space refueling before? .. and then you help 'em out and you give 'em a hand and you know what you get? You get no respect, no respect! ...who's uhh... unnhh... wuh? *mumbles* Naw. Never needed to. Designed to be able t'go a long way on little fuel, y'know? *grins somewhat lopsidedly* I... I mean, when you told me, I should have acted, but I didn't. I should've done somthing to help you, but I lacked the strenght to do so You ever feel like...like you wanna do what's right, but you have no idea what "right" really is anymore? You were there. That's all I needed. Hm... I think I know what you mean * Terrafirma sits down next to Avy But what about the others...? heh, that'll be a challenge then. See, I've been trying to program in random scenarios for refueling, and the computer keeps calling up subjects I have no problems assisting. Like Slipstream. *stern* I don't want anyone else to be hurt by those monsters Aah. Sounds interesting. I feel like I'm being selfish by staying here. I think these sims were designed for lots of things, but there seems to be a loophole in that I can't get a difficult subject going. * Sunspot nods. Why's that? * Chameleon sends a message back to Roadkill's station 'Frogger. 2 Player.' I've some ideas, and some equipment... I just need the support. *chuckles* Yah, there ain't much in the difficult levels. Y'want hard, y'gotta program it y'self. *msgs back* You're on. :) There's a war going on out there that I still feel like I should be a part of. Just because I got shot in the back by some Autobots doesn't make the Decepticons any better. I've been trying. Can't say I'm much of a programmer though. Heh. Hehe, yeah. Most my sim runs a friend gave to me... oh, ages back. I'd help... I could try. I don't know. I just freeze up with them sometimes... Like...y'know, like flashbacks. Though It's probably because I can predict the conditions too well, based on the randomizer. Out in the field, it's not always like that, and I need a subject that doesn't have a pattern to it. War's no good for anybody, except maybe the arms dealers * Earshot is in his quarters, quietly and tirelessly working on his camera-bot So, did you want to give me a hand with this? *chuckles dryly* subject? y'make it sound so... technical. or something. * Thrashmane looks down at Sunspot, then averts his gaze to his feet See, that's the thing. I like it here, and I like the idea of helping out here and fighting for my friends and Lonac...so I'm torn. well, it is a simulator. I'd do anything for you Heh, that's true What I want more than anything is to not lose anybody else. I left the war because I didn't want to lose anymore friends! Well, maybe being here is the right thing too And you won't lose anyone else, I promise. It won't happen. So basically, y'want me t'act as an out of fuel starfighter for ya t'practice on, aye? It won't happen I was built to be a protector. I...I guess I just have to convince myself that the small things are just as important as the big ones. that's about it. heh, arighty then. Sounds interesting. * Slipstream has gone back to leaning against the wall, arms folded loosely I can think of a few "small things" that really need your protection, too All right. *erases the last set of parameters he'd written in* I don't know if I like the idea of you going after them, but...I just don't want you getting hurt. I'm not scared to get hurt. I'm not scared to die. I'm just scared of being the only one to survive. If you're going to hunt them...be careful. *closes eyes* I'm not going to do anything drastic. And I am going to need help. Where I'll find it, I'm not sure. When, I don't know. * Talis walks into the sim room, transforms, then flies into position. I need to get my mind straightened out... It was easy before my memories started coming back. I forgot what had driven me to fight so hard. But now that it's coming back...I feel like I should be out doing something. And at the same time I know why I needed to leave the war. * Slipstream follows Talis into the sim room I'm here for you. *picks up something on the comm and pauses his frogger game* Hang on a sec, Cham... I for one think you're in the right place at the right time * Roadkill focuses on the comm signal ....zzz.... You don't need to do anything you don't have to. Anything interesting, Roadkill? I want to help. I'm not afraid of getting hurt. Yeah Lil, I'm pickin' up a distress signal here. It's faint, but it seems t'be right in our flight path. * Thrashmane smiles and lets out a happy laugh Any telling from who? We're not *that* far along yet For now, both of us don't need to think about it. I guess...I just need to get settled back into my head. I'm remembering new stuff all the time. It's like living a good couple hundred years in a few weeks. Not sure. Like I said, it's faint, and all staticy. I'm trying t'clear it up... Distress call? So, let's get this sim started, aye? I'm glad you came back... Increase our speed, Cirrus. Keep working on the signal, Roadkill * Roadkill nods It's a standard distress beacon... hah, we've got a hailing frequency here! I'm glad nothing happened to you [comm] Waitstate, we're picking up a distress call from a ship that seems to be in a our flight path You can thank Avalanche for that. [comm] well, I guess we can't avoid this one. I'm on my way up What happened? * Waitstate heads to the bridge * Talis flies WAY out ahead of Slipstream I missed a lot, I think.. * Sunspot looks down. ... Never mind That must be terribly stressful. I guess I can understand why you've been drowning your troubles lately... all right, Slip, set up rendezvous at mark oh-four-three-point-two. Come in at a velocity of 242. I was scared. Too scared to fight. Arighty. *tfs to starfighter mode and does so* * Waitstate walks into the bridge What've we got? It's just too much too fast. now, move in on an approach vector, hold speed. Distress beacon, hailing frequency. Weak, staticy, but pretty close. * Talis locks heading and speed in Can we get a comm signal? Think so... I'm just trying to slow things down a little, I guess... * Roadkill hails the ship I'm sorry I didn't fight him... I thought you were dead... ...shut up already, I've got something here! Hello? Can someone hear me? [comm] Yeah, we hear ya. What's goin' on? okay, nice and steady. I'm releasing the fuel cable Don't worry, heh. Avalanche was there. ... Avalanche. Hm. * Talis fuel cable starts sliding out from under Talis' ship-mode. Thank Primus, FINALLY. We're in big trouble out here. we need help! I think he'd help us. Hm. So you're with me? * Sunspot nods. Hm. * Thrashmane smiles I don't want to force you to do anything Arighty, so what do I do with that fuel cable thing? Things have to be finished. I'm real glad you agree. Hello? Hello? Damn, I've lost them! I TOLD the I didn't know how to use thing thing! Some other time, I think I'm going to have to talk with Avy... Where's your external fueling port? [comm] We're still here, don't worry. What's the problem? ...y'know, it's been so long since I last used it, I almost can't remember. Heh. Top of the fuselage, just behind the cockpit. Whew! [away] nevermind, I still have em! * Roadkill hands the comm over to Lilwall. While you were gone, he started getting some of his memory back. I'm surprised he hasn't gone back to the Autobots already... We're badly damaged, adrift. Raiders or something. The crew's all dead... the engines are useless * Thrashmane nodds [comm] Damaged vessel, we have a fix on your location and are closing in. Get surivivors ready for evacuation, we'll have a medical team standing by, He beat up Winter pretty bad... I never really knew the guy too well Thank you! Thank you! [away] we're saved! What about security? * Talis starts transmitting HUD information I could go down to the docking bay with Dark Star and the others Not something you tell them about, Drillmaster. And yes, a good idea. Cufs and Hitchhike will meet you there Of course not all right, realign yourself to follow those track lines, then hook up with the fuel line. He was worried about me while you were gone. Until he started remembering things and then he was busy worrying about that. Arighty... *does what Talis says* Well then, I'll see them there * Drillmaster leaves Cirrus, when we arrive bring us around so we can dock with them via the flight deck Yes sir! Well, you've got two big strong guys lookin' after you. Lucky girl * Thrashmane smiles and rubs Sunny's head kinda hard [comm] Restore, we're about to pickup a bunch of survivors, set up camp on the flight deck * Talis waits until the connection is complete, then calls the program to an end * Sunspot laughs. [comm] No problem. all right, that's the easy part. Now let's try it in atmosphere. Not often I hear you laugh... [comm] Damaged ship, we're on our way. Can you tell us who you are? [comm] and how many you've got on board [comm] Cuffs, Hitchhike, head down to the flight deck, we're getting visitors we need you to keep an eye on. Dark Force will meet you there, [comm] Yes sir. It was weird when you were gone. It was like everything between losing my team and you disappearing was a big nice dream. And then I had to deal with reality again. I think I worried a lot of people... * Talis changes the program to atmospheric, 30,000 feet off ground floor