"...Not it for asking Ironhide why we were sent out to loot without any way to bring back more than scraps." Are we sure you even deserve that 5 courage, Turbo Thunder?

  "Your alt Mode is open topped, Gem.  Though that's hardly stealthy, dumping some if we get spotted beats leaving most of this here for the cons to get after we leave.  I also didn't think 'hey, let's empty out my spare capacitors before possible combat!', so it's just basic trunks space for me."

  Turbo Thunder's actual conversion ratios are left deliberately vague on purpose.  But such catch 22 situations of storage vs output are why he's out on missions.

OOC: "You can get the occasional free energon cube, and then reimburse me for lightning I shoot decepcicons with. Or, I can shoot decepticons with lightning, and you never have to give me energon."  "Well, tactically speaking-"  "The second one means less math for you. "Second one it is!"
-Probably not quite how that conversation went.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:13, Sat 25 Jan 2020.

Jumpjet shrugs.  "I'd expect an answer like, 'Don't blame me for your lack of planning,' so why even bother bringing it up?  We can just snack on some and bring the leftovers."

What Jumpjet doesn't know is that just 1 rod would be more than enough to refuel 3 bots...  Unless one of those bots were a camel bot like Turbo Thunder.  Either way, it would take precious time to be feasting in enemy territory.

But with Gem in vehicle mode, the entire haul can be strapped into her open bay, if a tad awkwardly.  https://i.pinimg.com/originals...5039c9dba1629bf9.jpg

As the group begins headed back, the green seeker returns!  "3 Autobots at my location!  They've got a huge haul of fuel rods!  Send backup!"

His coms are apparently on speaker, because the reply is audible.  "We've got 2 of our own to deal with first."

The green seeker grumbles and starts shooting at Jumpjet and Turbo Thunder, deliberately avoiding shooting at Gem.  "Three on two and I'm left to take on 3 by myself."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:28, Thu 30 Jan 2020.

Gem was more than happy to put her car mode to use for the team. But no sooner has she been loaded up than trouble comes!

Gem says, "Nuts! He reported our haul! Sounds like he doesn't have backup for now, though. But even so... Like we planned. Look away, guys."

She watches the others to be sure they look away before turning on the lights and flashing a bright blinding light towards the seeker!

"Since I'm carrying our haul, one of you go ahead of me and the other behind me."

  "Rearguard it is. Try to get some distance so they don't land on you out of spite, Gem" Turbo Thunder may be faster than Gem, but that just means he can catch up to the group better, duh.

  He starts firing with his pistol's 'Are you sure your firepower isn't 2?' Blue Laser setting alongside Gem's (hopefully) convenient distraction.  Though 'lead with an ego boost to the Decepcicons to lull them into a false sense of security' is less a deliberate tactic, and more an inevitability when his cooler options are more situational.

Gem's blinding lights work!  The seeker swerves all over the place, completely disoriented!  Unfortunately, that makes him nigh impossible to hit with a gun.  He transforms in order to slow down, but a little too late.  A split second after disappearing behind some buildings, the Autobots can hear the loud CLANK of his body slamming into scenery.

"Ugh.  Taken down by a lightshow."

Jumpjet busts out laughing.  "Good luck coming up with a believable story about how you failed, Acid Storm!"

"That voice...  Jumpjet!?  I thought you were slag...  YOU'RE AN AUTOBOT NOW?!  Ahahahaha!  The goofy car mode suits you, slowpoke!  Wait till the others hear about this!"

"....oops.  Me and my big mouth."

Slowpoke or no, the distance between Turbo Thunder and the others is quickly widening - a perfect opportunity to show off just how fast he can go!

Now recovered from the blindness enough to spray and pray, Acid Storm fires a few poorly aimed shots at Turbo Thunder from behind cover.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:04, Fri 31 Jan 2020.

To Turbo Thunder, Gem says, "You got it, Double-T!" and does her best to keep up with Jumpjet. Her efforts are pretty decent considering she's loaded down, but there's really only so much she can do.

Gem would comment about how being goofy is better than being slag. It wouldn't have quite clicked since some Cybertronians who aren't Autobots are not Decepticons either. But he added "that goofy car mode suits you" as if to insinuate he used to turn into something else. Though even that could be excused as Jumpjet might have been rescued mid-smelting. What horrors has Jumpjet seen or been through? Gem has many questions racing through the back of her mind, but foremost is survival and escape.

Gem calls out, "Turbo Thunder, there a way you can shut that Deceptitrap?"

Gem then says, "Jumpjet, don't let 'em get to you! We're not far from our goal! Besides; *I* think your car mode is sleek! And concerning your car mode, you gonna listen to the jerk who thinks it's silly to survive? Or the girl who's entire function was aesthetics and entertainment?"

  Wow, the seeker crashed already?  Granted not very hard, but hey less effort for him.

  "Yes, it's called leaving so we don't have to listen to them anymore." Turbo Thunder's parting shot didn't miss, he blew the corner off of Acid Storm's cover with a Red laser (legally distinct from the Blue laser setting) on purpose! Totally! Mostly.

  Vroom vrooms are go, and he expects the Decepticon won't be lucky enough to decide chasing them isn't worth it.

Is this what freedom feels like?  Compliments and assurances instead of jeers.  And, "leave so we don't have to keep listening to them," instead of, "put up with it or be shot."  Jumpjet knew the Autobots were different, but it's a whole other thing to experiencing it like this.

"You're so fast then why are you too tiny to see in my rear view mirror, Flaccid Storm?!"

That jab was almost enough to anger Acid Storm into comeing out of hiding.  No, not really.  It's still one on three, and his injuries will be enough to prove that he tried plenty hard to stop them.  Pew pew pew.  Whiff whiff whiff.

Soon after Turbo Thunder catches up to the other two, the team vanishes into the tunnel maze that leads back to home base.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:38, Sat 01 Feb 2020.

Flaccid Storm? How did he think of an insult that had acid in its name so quickly? And then they made it to the tunnels!

Gem says, "Oh my goodness! We really did it! Radioing Ironhide."

After all, though she feels home free, she isn't taking it for granted that Acid Storm did, in fact, radio the other cons.

She radios Ironhide. "Gem to Ironhide. We are in the tunnels returning with a good haul! Decepticon spotted us and reported our haul. Expecting potential ambush before we can get back. Please secure our return, over?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:54, Sun 02 Feb 2020.

  Turbo Thunder is pretty sure Jumpjet doesn't even have rearview mirrors? But then it's a figure of speech that many space cars without them use anyways.

  "I suppose that means in this case, I should stop hiding behind you and take the lead so I'll be the first to get shot... That probably came out wrong, but really there isn't a good way to phrase it"

Ironhide radios back, "Great going!  Keep your heads down and we'll intercept as soon as possible."

Once the radio channel is closed, Jumpjet requests, "Can we uh... keep what Acid Storm said between us?  Prime said that some 'bots might refuse to work with me if they knew I used to be a 'con, so it's best to keep that detail on the down-low."

Gem remains in car mode and is still headed towards base. May as well be covering ground while hoping for that escort she called in. "....used to be a 'con? Sure, I can keep that comment quiet, Jumpjet. But if you don't mind my asking; why were you a con? And why join the Autobots?"

(OOC note: It is hilarious how perfectly our trio of characters have played a pair of rank 3's working alongside Gem's rank 4 self. XD XD XD Gem: "Even if I was rank 3, these two would make me higher rank by default" Prime: "Rank has more to do with integrity and a willingness to lead than any skillset." Which is why Bumblebee wound up leading the Autobots in the IDW comics. Which was awesome.)

  "I think you should worry more about the next dozen times it comes up Jumpjet.  Because if you're afraid of anyone finding out you used to be a Con, it's going to be Cons screaming it at the top of their lungs every time they see you."

  Robots in disguise!  Not very good disguises at all edition.

OOC: Winner By Default is a proud tradition, Gem.

Jumpjet nearly skids off the road from Gem's "used to be a 'con?" question.  Maybe she was too distracted to hear what Acid Storm said.

"Um.  You can't really help what factory you were manufactured in, Gem.  I didn't choose to be one of them and never would have.  They're insane.  I became an Autobot 'cause the 'cons were about to melt me down, but your guys rescued me along with the other prisoners.  So either be an Autobot or sit on my tail waiting to be found and melted down."

He pauses a moment, considering Turbo Thunder's words.  "Good point.  So I need a better cover story.  Um.  I was a double-agent.  Infiltrated the 'cons to supply you guys with important info.  But my cover was blown.  That's why they were gunna melt me down.

"Thanks.  Both of you.

(( Jumpjet: "I just want to be left alone."  Cons: "Rank 0.  You get to be everyone's whipping boy."  Autobots: "Yeah, don't we all!  Sounds like you're Sergeant material."  ))

In a mix of horror, sorrow and anger, Gem says, "What is their problem?! Why would they melt you down?! Well now I *know* the Autobots are destined to win! Even if we left them be, those jerks would destroy themselves for us! But the Autobots aren't gonna let them be. We won't quit until their reign of terror is over. They would slag us anyway, so they better know we are ready to die trying to stop them. I don't wanna cease functioning, but if I do, at least it will have been for a purpose."

Sure, Decepticons may say dying in their slag pits has a purpose, but Gem clearly can't or won't see that as a purpose. Certainly not one worth dying for.

"You're welcome, Jumpjet." Gem says in a calmer tone with still the undertone of anger shaking her vocalizer. Her voice stabilizes and she says, "A cover story sounds more like a question for someone good at such things, which I am not. Who all rescued you?"

Gem isn't ignoring Turbo Thunder. It's just that Jumpjet already addressed TT's point.

OOC: Heh.

  Decepticons.  When lessons about recycling go horribly wrong.  Transformers is a series that can't make up it's mind exactly what environmental warnings it wants to give.

  "You should probably run it by whoever is supposed to know first, so you don't end up making people think you are a double agent or something."

"Mirage and Beachcomber," Jumpjet answers, "Um.  Wow.  Really don't know how to respond to you guys.  You're the best."

Soon the group is intercepted by Ironhide and Brawn.  The bad news is that they only slow down the team.  The good news is that being slowed down didn't really matter - no hostility is encountered.  And they heap on praises for the huge haul.

Once back at base, the group again crosses paths with Wheeljack and Bumblebee on their way out from the Perceptor's fuel storage area.

"Woah!  That's a huge haul!" Wheeljack comments, "That alone would get us to the energy world!"

"Whoooeee.  Makes the handful we got look like pittens.  Nice work!" Bumblebee adds.

Jumpjet continues to be flustered with how rainbow-and-sunshine the Autobots are and remains speechless.

Gem is happy to transform back to robot mode and be free of that load. But far more happy about the fact she and her allies are no longer in danger.

Gem gives a full report. The reason why their haul was so large. The fact they were attacked by Acid Storm and that he reported seeing a large haul, but the other cons basically told him off. She is, of course, omitting any comments about Jumpjet having been a con. Doesn't mean she can't tell about blinding Acid Storm with her ability.

Hearing Wheeljack's comment, she looks excited. "Really? Well good. The sooner we can advance, the better."

She then looks at Ironhide. "Are Mirage or Beachcomber available? Their names came up in something and I need to speak with them about it."

  "Past experience has taught me to worry about the trip back OFF an 'energy world' Wheeljack.  But I doubt everyone would be so excited about it if that part wasn't expected to be easy."

  He shrugs in regards to Bumblee's comment. "Not many bots who will say no to a pittance these days, Bumbelee.  Those accumulators don't build up a charge like they used to either."

  Turbo Thunder opts to leave the name dropping of vague subjects to the more cutesey bot. They are less suspicious than he would be.

Ironhide answers, "Mirage is rarely available.  Nearly 'round the clock spy duty.  But I can leave a message for him to look you up the next time he's in to report.  Beachcomber was on one of the heist teams, so he should be enjoying some well-earned R&R right now.  Like you should be doing."

Wheeljack nods.  "Not to worry, my friend.  We've got contingency plans in place.*  No ship is to leave Cybertron unless they have enough fuel for a round-trip in case of a need for a last-minute abort, and have enough supplies for emergency repairs.  Long range scans can't warn you when a world might have some hostile subterranean species with long-range lasers, after all.  Moreover, we've always got a rescue team on reserve in case the away team gets disabled.  Prime's taking volunteers for the away team, by the way.  You interested?"

Jumpjet considers the offer.  "Yeah.  I think I'll sign up for that."

Bumblebee smiles back at Turbo Thunder and thumbs-ups.  "Thanks, bud!  Still, I'll feel more like I earned my keep when we come back with a world's worth of harvested energy!"

*(( The audience was never told why the Autobot heroes were never sent a rescue team in the G1 series, but in this story it certainly won't be for lack of precautions.  Autobots can make blunders, but I can't imagine lack of rescue or survival protocol for space flights being one of them. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:45, Tue 11 Feb 2020.

Gem is a bit more attached to Cybertron and hesitates a moment. "I would like to, yes. I'm not much of a warrior at all, so I think I'd be better on the away team's task than here at home."

She looks to Ironhide and gives him a handshake. "Will do, Ironhide. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me, Ironhide. Despite what I just said to Wheeljack, I do feel more confident already!"

Gem will get proper R&R... though her idea of that is probably to sing and dance for other resting Autobots. Bring back a small taste of the Golden Age. She hopes to find Beachcomber when she goes to do so. But either way, invites her two new pals to go with her on said R&R.

  "Yeah. At least I ended up on probably one of the only places in the galaxy where giant predators understand that bots aren't food."How do organics survive long enough to evolve when they keep trying to eat things they can't even digest? How!?

  "Hey, competition is great as long as it doesn't involve trying to trip eachother Bumblebee" It's totally fine to do it to assholes though, that's how an 'only' 7 speedy boy car escapes bad guys half the time after all.

 It's probably selling Gem short that she was filed under 'nothing better to do right now', but it is factually accurate that Turbo Thunder indeed, has nothing better to do than hang out watching Gem.

Jumpjet follows after Gem as well.

Beachcomber values his solitude, so he's not found where the singing and dancing types hang out.  But he's not hard to find.  He's reclined at a long-abandoned observation deck that provides a nice view of the stars.

When the group arrives he welcomes them.  "Oh hey, Jumpjet.  How was your first assignment?"

"Was practically perfect.  If not for running into a seeker.  Who outed me."

"Yeah?  You're surprised?  You've a long way to go if you thought you were disguised well enough."

Jumpjet pauses.  "On the bright side, my new team is willing to keep my being an ex-con secret."

"Not that fond of the idea of Autobots keeping secrets from one another, truth be told."

Gem says, "None of us are fond of it, but not everyone can handle the same things, Beachcomber. I came here to ask if you have some ideas on how to further disguise him? It was his voice that gave him away to Acid Storm. And if Acid Storm reports what happened in detail, his current alt-mode will also give him away to any future encounters with the Decepticons. I'd like to think no Autobot would question Prime's judgement on bringing Jumpjet into our cause. But for now, Jumpjet needs this."

She bends over to whisper into Beachcomber's ear. "He's used to Decepticons, who find excuses to hate. He needs it in order to transition into our ranks smoother without feeling so insecure that he slips up or locks up."

She waits in the position in case Beachcomber has anything of his own to whisper, but will straighten out if he doesn't.

Given interruption of alone time as it is, Turbo Thunder opts to stay out of the personal space zone of Beachcomber on the off chance they get pouty over crowding.

Just because Autobots usually don't go around killing eachother for petty reasons, doesn't mean they can't be petty.