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12:50, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Beachhead.

Posted by JumpjetFor group 0
Jumpjet
GM, 44 posts
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 07:01
  • msg #1

Beachhead

Somewhere in the American Southwest*, the Ark is situated in a rather remote place and well hidden.  Sure, there's a road that leads right to it, but the sign that says, "Road closed" seems to be pretty effective at keeping out any human visitors.  Save for the two human guests, Spike and Sparkplug, of course.

Spike is writing in his diary on the side of an exposed slope.  Perfect pickings for a Decepticon spy to transform into an innocent looking micro cassette recorder and hitch a ride into the Autobot Ark undetected.  We're not sure how he found this place, but some flash of inspiration may pop up later.

Prime is in a private meeting with the top ranking members of the Ark team, discussing the Autobots' next move.  One thing is pretty obvious to the rank and file.  Earth is probably going to be home for a long while.  Too good an energon resource to give up, and too risky to return home, leaving the precious planet in the hands of Megatron, even if his ship is completely wrecked.

*(( After spending entirely too much time trying to figure out where the G1 Ark was located, I found out that it was a mish-mash of shrugs.  Though Oregon is the most often chosen state in various TF continuities, and is somewhat close to Mt. St. Helens, the volcano that inspired the location of the Ark, that area looks nothing like the desert that Hound drove Spike around in.  So for this story, let's say they're at the fictional Mt. Hilary, near Monument Valley, AZ.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monument_Valleyhttps://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mount_St._Hilary  ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:29, Sat 01 Aug 2020.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 41 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 22:17
  • msg #2

Beachhead

  Turbo Thunder's hazy memories of GI Joe expect a commando in a ski mask to be lurking somewhere around here at the thread title.

  Meanwhile, at In Character Logic land.  Turbo Thunder is helping to examine the purity of the energon converted from the Human's oil rig while the Actually Important autobots have their meeting.  When you spend a narratively convenient indeterminate amount of time abandoned with nothing to do but maintain energon and energon accessories, you tend to pick up a thing of two.

  And after all, while the Decepticons have a lot of practice with smash and grab style collection?  They didn't even have time to gloat this time either, so clearly a rush job for would be conquerors.
Gem
Player, 40 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 06:53
  • msg #3

Beachhead

Gem is outside gazing at the sky. It's so bright and blue. So pretty. And all the light brown in the surrounding area is brighter and more colorful than the metal greys she was used to on Cybertron. Still, Gem is missing home. She isn't sure she will see it before 10 or even 100 stellar cycles.

Also part of the view is Spike, but he is already heading inside the Ark as well. So she decides to walk beside him. "Spike, your world is quite beautiful. What would you say are some of your favorite things about existence on Earth?"

Even as she says this, she is passing by Turbo Thunder, and looks in his direction curiously, waving at him before looking back at Spike. She smiles and makes a hand motion to try guiding him towards the room Turbo Thunder is in. Turbo's project looks like something she might be able to help with, but she doesn't want to interrupt her conversation with Spike when she just started it.
Jumpjet
GM, 45 posts
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 07:14
  • msg #4

Beachhead

The energon inside the smushed "cubes" is certainly up to Decepticon standards.  Very pure, concentrated, and volatile.  Having been made from a fossil fuel hasn't diminished it in any way.  There's enough in this haul alone for a return trip to Cybertron, but not so much to make a dent in the deficit once there.

Spike is gladly cooperative and heads into the room as directed.  "Well right now I'd say my favorite thing about Earth is that you're on it!  Tell me more about Cybertron!"

Jumpjet was watching a commercial for Voltron on one of Teletran's screens.  He scoffs then looks over to Gem and the eager human.  "These Earthlings are pretty awesome.  Their weapons are a million times more deadly to them than ours are to us, and yet they still they charge headlong into battle with one another.  This A-Team show I'm watching is intense."
Turbo Thunder
GM, 42 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 23:58
  • msg #5

Beachhead

  Turbo Thunder nods to Gem and Spike as they arrive, finishing his very detailed report on the Energon. Which totally isn't just copy/pasting old notes that happen to match the results, that would be crazy.

  "Why don't they just use helicopters more often if that human hates planes so much?"  Turbo COULD say the obvious, but this is a more entertaining way to slowly reveal the concept of fictional entertainment to Jumpjet.
Gem
Player, 41 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 23:49
  • msg #6

Beachhead

Gem ohs and says, "I'll have to check out this A-Team. Sounds like they live up to their name! But it is certainly consistent with another team I saw listed on Teletran-1 called the Impossible Mission Force."

Gem then looks at Turbo Thunder and shrugs. "I'll have to view the A-Team archives for a while to find the answer, but it may have to do with the demands of their missions."

Even though she is an entertainment bot, Gem is as clueless about it being fiction as Jumpjet. Why? Well the player had typed out a reason and then realized it might be more fun to find out over time through RP.

She looks down at Spike and smiles. Such a nice, bright-eyed alien. She asks, "What would you like to know?"
Jumpjet
GM, 46 posts
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 18:09
  • msg #7

Beachhead

Spike laughs.  And admittedly proud that giant alien robot soldiers consider humanity brave.  "It's a running gag.  You're not supposed to question it.  Those shows are meant to be light-hearted and fun, but they're very tame compared to what really happens in war.  I've got family who fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and their war stories are pretty gruesome."

Jumpjet may or may not have believed the A-Team to be real.  He's not telling.  "Teletran.  Show me Impossible Mission Force.  Erm.  Nah.  I'll check that out later.  Show me World War Two."

There's a long list of options that appears on the screen.  Jumpjet opts for a documentary about WWII airplanes.

Spike looks to Gem, "Well for one thing, why do you transform into cars and things?"
Turbo Thunder
GM, 43 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 04:28
  • msg #8

Beachhead

  Turbo Thunder thinks it was something about cheapskate Quintessons wanting to overcharge on 'two products in one!' value, but says "Because it's faster than walking all the time".
Gem
Player, 42 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 04:35
  • msg #9

Beachhead

Gem looks saddened by Spike's description of war. She still doesn't understand why there are battle shows considered lighthearted, but leaves that alone in favor of the much nicer topic.

She'll catch up on the documentary stuff later.

Gem nods to what Turbo said and adds, "And it works for disguise. Some of the Autobots even exchanged their old alt modes for ones that match things from your world." She hopes the Decepticons haven't picked up on using disguises here on Earth, buuuut chances are they have.

"Here's mine, for example."

Gem transforms into her car mode!
Jumpjet
GM, 47 posts
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 04:55
  • msg #10

Beachhead

Jumpjet shrugs.  "Well yeah.  But don't you suppose that if we couldn't transform, we'd just build vehicles that could do the things our alt modes can?  Like this Ark..."

He flashes back to the mocking suggestions of getting a jet pack that the Seekers teased him with and shuts up.

Spike stares at Gem in wide-eyed amazement.  "Incredible!  What other tricks can you do?"

Mirage smiles and answers, "Try this one, Spike.  Now you see me."

He turns invisible.  "Now you don't!"

"Disappearing!  That's the best disguise of all!"
Turbo Thunder
GM, 44 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Sat 8 Aug 2020
at 05:13
  • msg #11

Beachhead

  Turbo Thunder once heard of an Autobot that got caught in bridge cables for over twenty minutes as soon as they got their jetpack.  Clearly someone with Jumpjet right in their name would be able to handle jumpjets though.  Alas, the Narrator can only give such assurances to the audience.

  "Anyone who nitpicks that invisibility doesn't count as a disguise is probably just jealous, and then could then melt their processor by telling them 'technically I'm disguised as what is behind me!'"
Gem
Player, 43 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 04:54
  • msg #12

Beachhead

To Turbo Thunder, Gem says, "Sure, Jumpjet! And that's exactly what the humans did! But it sure is convenient to be the vehicle, isn't it?"

Gem's side door opens and she says, "Hop in, Spike. I'm gonna take you for the ride of your life. Belt up and hang on!"

As Gem waits for Spike to do as instructed, Gem adds, "Hey Turbo Thunder, Jumpjet. How about you two take a break and join me for a bit?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:01, Wed 09 Sept 2020.
Jumpjet
GM, 48 posts
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 15:56
  • msg #13

Beachhead

Jumpjet sure can't counter Gem's point.  It's so convenient, the squishies fantasize about turning into vehicles.  ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM34jklk18o )

Mirage chuckles and agrees with Turbo Thunder.  "That about sums it up!"

Spike gladly accepts Gem's invitation and buckles in.  Before Jumpjet can object to Gem's suggestion as a waste of energon, (translation: he's a lazy ex-con who doesn't do joy-rides), Ironhide gives a nod and adds, "We could use a perimeter sweep anyway.  May as well have the three of you together for the extra sets of optics and just in case there's trouble."

Jumpjet shrugs, transforms, and follows Gem's lead.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 45 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Sun 31 Jan 2021
at 08:02
  • msg #14

Beachhead

  Turbo Thunder is energy efficient enough to get away with joyriding, oh the wonders of a boring special trait on an alien sportscar that shoots lightning.

  "Good idea Ironhide, we'll stick together. We can do more damage that way." That isn't quite how the ghostbusters quote goes, Turbo.
Gem
Player, 44 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Tue 2 Feb 2021
at 00:40
  • msg #15

Beachhead

Gem's little pea-shooter doesn't do much damage. So Turbo Thunder's point is actually a welcome one. If she had been ambushed, her best defense is to cast Erasmus's Razzle Dazzle and flee. (To be fair... it is a good defense)

As Gem rolls along the nearby area, she says, "Thanks for coming along, guys. I feel kinda like we're getting to be our own category of autobot; like the minibots."

She adds, "Sure is pretty out here. Earth must be a nice place to live."
Jumpjet
GM, 49 posts
Thu 4 Feb 2021
at 21:45
  • msg #16

Beachhead

Jumpjet groans at the idea of bot cliques.  Being compared to the Seekers, Soundwave's cassettes, or the minibots is not exactly a compliment in his processor.

Spike shrugs.  A desert isn't exactly Earth's greatest vacation spot.  "It's OK.  But tell me about Cybertron!"

Ironhide grumbles, "Before the war with the Decepticons it was a paradise.  But they've turned it into a scrap heap."

Jumpjet keeps his vocal processor silent on that topic even though he's thinking "could be worse" since there's several of his old colleagues who would love to completely destroy Cybertron.

Spike ohs.  Thinking maybe this is a sore topic, he tries a different comment.  "Must be awesome to be able to travel through the stars!"
Turbo Thunder
GM, 46 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Fri 5 Feb 2021
at 11:45
  • msg #17

Beachhead

  Man, these three bots were made during a 'guns on toys are ruining our children!' phase, huh? (No it was a huge coincidence of three people sacrificing Huuuuge Guuuuns for cool optional skills)

  "The flying through the stars part is usually nice. Though, sometimes the destinations could be a letdown." Turbo Thunder is imagining Spike's excitement to fly through space for the first time being met with getting dropped off at another oil rig and told to get to work.

  Gee Turbo wherever would you get a reason to think about that while Ironhide wistfully remembers the glory days? Why didn't you defect? Oh right because of the reasons Jumpjet is super glad he did.
Gem
Player, 45 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Tue 23 Feb 2021
at 01:49
  • msg #18

Beachhead

Gem recounts the flight from Cybertron to Earth. "So on one hand, it was exciting. But on another, it was quite scary. In the end, we didn't lose anyone. And we tried to persuade the Decepticons that this wasn't the way and that they could lose bots too... but they didn't listen. Thankfully, I have seen first hand that some Decepticons do listen to reason..."

But she doesn't continue that thought. Jumpjet knows who she is talking about.
Jumpjet
GM, 50 posts
Wed 3 Mar 2021
at 06:42
  • msg #19

Beachhead

Spike hangs on every word.  "Wow!  Everything you all do is amazing!"

Jumpjet worries that the fleshlings might get some stupid ideas if word got out.  "Now don't you go thinking you Earthlings can negotiate a Decepticon into switching sides too.  Only reason that one decided to switch is because the Decepticons were about to melt him down, and the Autobots swooped in to rescue him.  Switching sides isn't something that ever happens otherwise."

"Gee.  I guess if nothing else, you Transformers sure are loyal."

LOYAL?!  Jumpjet would facepalm, but he's in vehicle mode.  Which is one way to know he's no longer a Decepticon.  A real Decepticon would bust out laughing!
Turbo Thunder
GM, 47 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Wed 3 Mar 2021
at 08:20
  • msg #20

Beachhead

Even Turbo Thunder knows a Decepticon wouldn't laugh at the idea of Loyalty if they knew Megatron was watching them.

Well okay Starscream might, but they seem to have serious problems in the processor.

"A long string of trying to not die often has the side effect of helping the same people also not die over and over. At that point you have basically become loyal by default. Especially the bots who keep whining how much they hate eachother while they save eachother, I guess."
Gem
Player, 46 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Thu 18 Mar 2021
at 21:33
  • msg #21

Beachhead

Gem says, "In the end, Autobots and Decepticons are loyal to their causes. Most Autobots are loyal to Optimus Prime, sure, but if Prime acted like a Decepticon, the Autobots would try to subdue him, find out what is wrong, and try to fix him. Because we are devoted to the protection of all life. The Decepticons are devoted to the cause of dominating others. If Megatron were to begin acting like an Autobot, the Decepticons would probably see that as weakness and try to kill him. Then they would fight each other for leadership of the Decepticons. It is sad. Just like the story you heard from Jumpjet. Personally, I still don't know why the Decepticons would melt down a perfectly useful bot, but their cruelty can sometimes rise far past reason and into just doing evil for its own sake, with no other end goal. Though I suppose they might say the same about us Auotobots..."

Gem uses a mock-voice that almost sounds Shirley Temple like. "Those Autobots are too hero-programmed! They would have won that fight if they weren't so obsessed with helping every. Little. Individual. Person! Ha! Lucky us our enemy is so Stupid!"
Jumpjet
GM, 51 posts
Fri 19 Mar 2021
at 00:57
  • msg #22

Beachhead

Spike chuckles.  "Wow.  It's a wonder those Decepticons haven't wiped themselves out yet."

Jumpjet wonders if that's entirely Megatron's fault, or him and all the top officers who don't bother trying to team up to overthrow him, instead constantly warning the rank and file that Megatron is invincible and quick to kill those who fail him.

As the group returns to headquarters, they can hear the sound of blaster fire!  Several Autobots are shooting at something on the mountainside!
Turbo Thunder
GM, 48 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Fri 19 Mar 2021
at 02:57
  • msg #23

Beachhead

  "Well you probably know how it goes, people you think are self destructive idiots always get their act together when it's time to cause you problems. Or be stupid in the exact way to make your day worse"

  Hound will save the day by distracting the decpticons with an illusion of a cute but EEEEVIL Decepticon Tank... Oh no they are still too determined to smash an abandoned building because tiny humans made it!
Gem
Player, 47 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Fri 19 Mar 2021
at 22:31
  • msg #24

Beachhead

(LOL at the D&D reference)

Gem meeps and says, "Who are they firing at?"

She opens her door and says, "Take cover, Spike."

Once Spike exits, Gem rolls over to the nearest autobot that is firing a weapon, transforms and asks, "What's going on?"
Jumpjet
GM, 52 posts
Fri 19 Mar 2021
at 22:42
  • msg #25

Beachhead

Spike takes cover as directed, but still winds up half exposed since he leans out to see all the action.

Jumpjet is assuming Decepticon.  It would take some kinda giant nuclear dinosaur with lightning breath to convince the Autobots to fire at a native species, and even then only if they were attacked after gifting energon goodies.

"Decepticon spy," Cliffjumper answers, "There were two, but one of them already got away!"

"Too many shadows in those cliffs!" Gears complains, "I can't get a fix on the target!"

Jumpjet doesn't bother trying to actually find anything and just shoots in the general direction all the other Autobots are shooting.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 49 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Tue 23 Mar 2021
at 05:46
  • msg #26

Beachhead

  Turbo Thunder would expect autobots to shoot at a native species, but to be fair probably not until after it gives someone the chance to say 'there were a lot of casualties that day' telling the story later.

  "Right, did they shoot back, hurl insults, or are they doing their job right which means it's probably soundwave's little jerks." Turbo isn't about to volunteer to go up there yet. He could, but that is also a good way to get off screen scream'd to death.
Gem
Player, 48 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Tue 23 Mar 2021
at 06:00
  • msg #27

Beachhead

(It occurs to me that Gem is Ravage's worst nightmare. O.O)

Gem lays down fire with the others and says, "I'm not a climber... Turbo Thunder, think you can give chase, despite the uneven terrain?"

He may not volunteer himself, but that just leaves room for others to volunteer him. "If you can tote my weight, I can hang on and join you too." of course, Gem is not one to volunteer others without also volunteering herself.
Jumpjet
GM, 53 posts
Sat 27 Mar 2021
at 05:08
  • msg #28

Beachhead

"No insults or shooting," Cliffjumper answers.

He transforms and shines his headlights into the shadows, but nothing obvious comes of it.  (( Rather than directly follow the script, GM is letting the PCs do their thing to catch Ravage. ))

Before anyone decides that his being able to fly would be useful for getting himself into the line of fire, Jumpjet decides that this is his cue to transform to robot mode and land among the Autobots and continues the barrage.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 50 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Sun 28 Mar 2021
at 00:22
  • msg #29

Beachhead

  "Yeah that sounds about right".

  Robots don't even need to breathe, and yet the still possess the ability to sigh deeply for a reason.

  Turbo Thunder nods to Gem's reckless enthusiasm, answering I should be able to pull that off, time to transform and roll up I guess."

  This isn't the worst plan. The worst plan is hoping Ravage bites him.
Gem
Player, 49 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Sun 28 Mar 2021
at 00:33
  • msg #30

Beachhead

Gem hangs onto Turbo Thunder's car mode as planned. While this does require both hands, she doesn't need either hand to shine brightly. "If you come out and surrender, you won't be harmed!"

She gives Cliffjumper a quick glance and says, "Turbo and I are going up, Cliffjumper."

She then looks at Jumpjet. "Jumpjet, circle around and cut off any escape route. Cliffjumper's got this side."

How did she wind up commanding this little squad again?
She's rank 4, they are rank 3.... no that's not the reason.
Oh right. Turbo and Jumpjet have a stronger urge to not be in charge than Gem does.
Jumpjet
GM, 54 posts
Sun 28 Mar 2021
at 15:34
  • msg #31

Beachhead

Cut off any escape?  Well unless this Con can move through rock like water, there's only East, covered by Cliffjumper, West, covered by Gem and Turbo Thunder, Down, covered by an army of Autobots, and Up, which is a sheer cliff....  Yeah.  That's the most likely way for the Con to go.  And since Autobots aren't the worst shots in the Universe, Jumpjet has a descent chance of surviving if he flies up there in a wide arc.  So up he goes to cover the vertical area above where the target is hiding.

As Cliffjumper closes in with his headlights pointed at the shadows, the Autobots below stop shooting to be sure they don't hit him, Gem, or Turbo Thunder.  Ravage sees this as his only opportunity and jumps out to try and run past Turbo Thunder, but Gem's glowing overwhelms his optics!  The Con squints his eyes closed, frozen in place and growling.  Ironhide tosses two set of high-tech cuffs up to Gem and Turbo Thunder.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:24, Sun 28 Mar 2021.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 51 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Mon 29 Mar 2021
at 01:06
  • msg #32

Beachhead

  Right, now all Gem and him need to do is safely secure the yappy dog of cat robots...

  "This is a terrible plan but I'm doing it anyways." Ancient tactical move. Try to just flop on top of something smaller than you.
Gem
Player, 50 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Mon 29 Mar 2021
at 01:12
  • msg #33

Beachhead

Gem catches the cuffs thrown to her and doesn't waste time in using them the moment Turbo goes for flopping on Ravage. "You've been caught, Ravage. It's OK; we are Autobots. You know you will be treated fairly. But don't get yourself in worse trouble by resisting further, OK?"

Her bright lights die down.
Jumpjet
GM, 55 posts
Mon 29 Mar 2021
at 01:39
  • msg #34

Beachhead

Though not the easiest thing in the world to pin down, Ravage is no match for the Pro Wrestling team that is Turbo Thunder and Gem.  Which means Gem's suggestion is ignored and Ravage struggles, claws, growls, and bites every step to getting tossed into a cage.

"Yeah yeah, they're quaking in their boots," Jumpjet answers Ravage, "Here, lemme help you out some..."

He cups his hands to his mouth and hollers, "Oh Soundwaave!  Ravage has been caaptured!  And he says the Autobots are gunna be sorry when you come to get hiim!"

"You can understand all his growling?" Ironhide asks.

"Well.  Yeah.  Can't everyone?"

"We will soon," Perceptor says, "Once I download the data from your processor.  Don't worry, it's perfectly harmless."

"May as well make a few upgrades while we've got him opened up," Wheeljack suggests, "Could test out my new processor boost'n invention!"

"No thanks!" Jumpjet answers hastily.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:40, Mon 29 Mar 2021.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 52 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Sat 3 Apr 2021
at 10:25
  • msg #35

Beachhead

  If only the Autobots had knowledge of the concept of Kitten Mittens, all those scratches could have been avoided.

  "Please do not tinker with Jumpjet's brain. Also no I'm not volunteering my own processor either."
Gem
Player, 51 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Sat 3 Apr 2021
at 20:18
  • msg #36

Beachhead

Gem is a big fangirl of Wheeljack and thinks he can do no wrong. "I'll volunteer for it, Wheeljack!"

She then turns her attention back to Perceptor. "The sooner the better."

Then looks at Jumpjet. "We haven't had access to Ravage aside from the battlefield."

She looks at Ravage. "Thrashing about won't change things for your benefit. It won't bring Soundwave back here sooner. It won't make us set you free. It will only waste energon. You want to conserve that energon, don't you? So that when you DO find your chance to escape, you will be able to make the trip back to your fellow cons?"
Jumpjet
GM, 56 posts
Mon 5 Apr 2021
at 03:02
  • msg #37

Beachhead

Prime vetos the brain surgery.  "We've got more pressing matters right now, and Gem is a vital member of the team we can't afford to have out of commission."

Perceptor and Wheeljack shrug off being refused access to their fellow bots brains.

"I'll just translate if it's so important," Jumpjet grumbles, "Not like anything Ravage has to say is worth hearing."

Ravage growls at him.  Upon hearing Gem's reasoning, Ravage narrows his eyes at her, but decides to quiet down.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 53 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Mon 5 Apr 2021
at 05:18
  • msg #38

Beachhead

  It is both comforting and disappointing that Prime is ready to remind others 'we don't have time to experiment on eachother's robot brains'.  Because he clearly has had practice with that speech.

  "Gem, if you are that confident in Ravage escaping I don't think they will hold back on biting you as hard as possible when they do over a compliment to his ego."
Gem
Player, 52 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Mon 17 May 2021
at 01:37
  • msg #39

Beachhead

Gem says, "Ravage probably bites Decepticons too, Turbo Thunder. I am under no illusions to believe him incapable of harming me."

She looks over to Ravage. "I know he is smarter than he is savage*. I know an intelligent individual when I see one."

*fun fact. Ravage's Intelligence is 8. Freaking 8. On par with Starscream, who is a scientist and can build gestalts from scrap parts. And Ratchet, who could get into arguments with Wheeljack concerning tech.

Once Ravage is caged, Gem sits down in front of him. "If you have anything to say, I'm willing to listen, Ravage."
Jumpjet
GM, 57 posts
Mon 17 May 2021
at 01:52
  • msg #40

Beachhead

Ravage remains silent and motionless, conserving energon.

Jumpjet is impressed.  "Wow.  Gotta hand it to ya.  You're the only one besides Soundwave who can shut him up.  He'd even interrupt Megatron!"

But even that isn't enough to get Ravage to budge.  Jumpjet laughs!

Meanwhile, Prime is at work analyzing what data was stolen.  "Megatron will be targeting energy sources.  Looks like we're going to have to come up with a way to warn the power plant workers without alarming the general population."
Turbo Thunder
GM, 54 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Mon 17 May 2021
at 10:23
  • msg #41

Beachhead

  "another day being glad biting me is less painful for me than whatever has their teeth in me, but I don't think Ravage would let that stop him anyways" Ravage has 8 INT and clearly 11 Spite.

  He looks over to Prime, asking "Are we expecting Megatron to try and be subtle while shouting how superior to the locals he is and shooting everything on his way into a power plant?... Oh right, that's why he keeps soundwave around." Turbo Thunder can just imagine the monotone sigh as Soundwave blocks earth communications so nobody can report about Megatron flipping inferior earthling tables.
Gem
Player, 53 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Mon 31 May 2021
at 06:35
  • msg #42

Beachhead

Gem nods to Turbo Thunder. "That and we'd like the power plant workers to not even be there when Megatron attacks them..."

Gem says to Prime, "We have human allies. Why not ask them?"

She then looks around to see if Spike is still nearby and... functional. "Spike? You still here? And is Sparkplug around...?"
Jumpjet
GM, 58 posts
Tue 1 Jun 2021
at 02:55
  • msg #43

Beachhead

Prime answers, "Subtlety isn't Megatron's style, but even he should realize that it would be more advantageous when he doesn't have a working ship."

Spike gives Gem a thumbs-up.  "Still here.  And we've got several ways to warn the others."

Sparkplug adds, "If you think it especially urgent, I can use radio."

Prime answers, "Affirmative.  Megatron will strike the nearest energy source to his location the moment he gets information on it.  Focus your transmission on power plants near where your oil rig was."

Sparkplug gets started, apparently already proficient in operating Teletran 1.  Enough to radio specific power plants, anyway.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:00, Tue 01 June 2021.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 55 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Wed 2 Jun 2021
at 00:54
  • msg #44

Beachhead

  Advanced computers that are harder to use are for pretentious loser aliens anyways. Cybertron tech is so good you don't even need any labels on the buttons to be user friendly!

  "Well, you all saw what happened to the oil rig even with us around to try to reduce the property damage the Decepticons caused. So yeah, urgent sounds about right."
Gem
Player, 54 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 07:47
  • msg #45

Beachhead

Gem smiles to the humans. "Thank you, you two."

Gem strokes her chin in thought. "Optimus? I have an idea, but I don't want to say it in front of Ravage on the off chance he may escape."

She looks in Ravage's direction. "Who's on guard duty anyway...?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Fri 04 June 2021.
Jumpjet
GM, 59 posts
Thu 10 Jun 2021
at 16:58
  • msg #46

Beachhead

"You betcha!" Spike answers cheerfully, "We live here, so anything we can do to help stop the Decepticons, we're all over it!"

Sparkplug adds, "Yeah.  Now that you mention it.  We're out a job thanks to those crank cases.  More than happy to help pay them back for that."

"Gears," Prime commands, "You'll be taking the first shift watching our prisoner."

"Why am I always stuck on guard duty?"

"Because you're good at it."

"Nice way to say I'm terrible at everything else, Optimus.  Thanks."

Prime nods to Gem and heads away from Ravage.

Jumpjet is torn.  On the one hand, morbid curiosity what sort of hairbrained scheme the entertainer has in mind.  On the other, being present when it is suggested means he'll probably be assigned to the part where he's herding Earth cattle for some strange reason.  Come to think of it, there's no getting out of it regardless because he's already a part of Gem's team.  Better to be present to shoot the idea down before he's simply ordered to do whatever insane task he's got to do.  So he tags along.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:01, Thu 10 June 2021.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 56 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Fri 11 Jun 2021
at 03:52
  • msg #47

Beachhead

  Ah, revenge. One of the most civilized of cultural instincts as an offshoot of spite. Maybe the locals will deal with Decepticon intentions a bit better than most.

  "Thanks Gears, don't taunt them up close or they will find some way to bite you through the bars."
Narrator
GM, 3 posts
Victor Caroli
Distinctive Voice
Sun 13 Jun 2021
at 00:05
  • msg #48

Beachhead

Secretly, Prime knows that Gears is smart enough to stay the hell away from Ravage, but will torment him with non-stop complaints.  >:)
Gem
Player, 55 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Sun 13 Jun 2021
at 00:48
  • msg #49

Beachhead

Gem looks at Gears and says, "Most of use are terrible at everything except our primary function, Gears."

Once inside the base and out of Ravage's (And Gears) earshot, Gem looks up at Prime and says, "So I was thinking; what if we created an energon source for the Decepticons to raid? Essentially controlling where they go? And then when they partake of the energon, the energon itself can either have nano trackers or some kind of stasis inducing agent in it so that when they imbibe, they conk out and we can swoop and take them all prisoner without having to resort to violence? On Cybertron, this idea would never have worked... but here on this alien world neither we nor the cons know about? What do you think, Prime?"
Jumpjet
GM, 60 posts
Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 06:47
  • msg #50

Beachhead

Gears shrugs.  "He does that I'll bite him back."

Jumpjet is pleasantly surprised at Gem's idea.  It isn't annoying for him directly.  Not that he can tell, anyway.  So may as well keep quiet this time.

Prime processes for a moment.  "That's a fine idea and the sort of thing that inspires innovation.  Right now we don't have the technology to pull it off.  Feel free to brainstorm with Wheeljack.  In the mean time, I need to focus on locating the enemy headquarters."

Prime heads for the spy-bots.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 57 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Thu 24 Jun 2021
at 00:40
  • msg #51

Beachhead

  "Normally I would be deeply questioning this plan, but if things work out with working with the locals then a plan consisting of 'waste energon' might not hurt us nearly as badly as it hurts the Decepticons even if it worked."
Gem
Player, 56 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Sat 26 Jun 2021
at 05:48
  • msg #52

Beachhead

Gem ohs. Right. It would still need some means of being made. She kinda took for granted it would be easy for someone like Wheeljack or Perceptor.

She looks at Turbo Thunder and says, "That's the idea. Besides... we are now on a world that has abundant energy and are friends with a few natives. HOPEFULLY, this means we won't starve in the near future. But for the record, I am more than willing to go into stasis to conserve energon for everyone else."

That said, she quickly takes the cue from Prime to go aside with Wheeljack. "So what would an idea like that take, Wheeljack...? Soundwave can probably see through any normal corruption in energon, so I guess the real trick is having it go past sensors like him."
Jumpjet
GM, 61 posts
Sat 26 Jun 2021
at 06:32
  • msg #53

Beachhead

"Not sure exactly what would make Megatron more drawn to your poison energon instead of any of the other zillion sources scattered all over this planet," Jumpjet muses.

Wheeljack thinks, "Ya know?  I'm actually pretty surprised Shockwave or Megatron haven't used that sorta trick on us yet.  We'd've been pretty likely to fall for the bait back home.  That fact alone makes me think it's probably impossible using current known science.  But now that we're on an alien planet, who knows what neat resources and discoveries we'll find here that we've never encountered before!  Might just be possible.

"Great idea, by the way!  Keep thinking outside the box like that and I'm sure you'll come up with something amazing!"


Wheeljack pulls up technical data on energon's properties and starts to code a, "what happens to a transformer if you corrupt his energon with this Earth mineral," type simulator.

"Nanites..." he mutters, "Or maybe a shrink ray!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:33, Sat 26 June 2021.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 58 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Sun 27 Jun 2021
at 04:55
  • msg #54

Beachhead

  "Maybe they didn't want to give Starscream any ideas, considering it is also the sort of plan Megatron would shout at to deal with the technical details for him."

  For all the jokes about Megatron putting up with Starscream for the sake of those sweet sweet tech specs on his roster, it probably crosses a line to go 'Starscream! I order you to make some space poison, and to NOT poison ME with it!'

  "Also this might be the grunt work energon pumping experience talking, but... You might have a faster time by doing a bad job making the energon and going from there."

  We have removed the poisonous impurities creating out sustenance, and now to add poison impurities to our sustenance... why are you looking at me like that?
Gem
Player, 57 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Sun 4 Jul 2021
at 07:34
  • msg #55

Beachhead

Gem's reaction to Wheeljack calling her idea a good one is much like the following image:

https://media1.tenor.com/image...r.gif?itemid=5561713

To Jumpjet, she says, "Convenience, Jumpjet. No matter whether you are Autobot or Decepticon, you go for the path of least resistance for the most gain. If we make the energon convenient for Megatron while making it appear totally natural for him to discover it, he will undoubtedly go for it."

To Turbo's comment, Gem ponders. "Wish it was that simple. The idea is to make whatever problem undetectable. Unless... Turbo, you ever get a bad batch without noticing it was bad until too late? If so, that data could be very useful."
Jumpjet
GM, 62 posts
Mon 5 Jul 2021
at 03:18
  • msg #56

Beachhead

Jumpjet shrugs.  "If it were me, a new, super-convenient energon source suddenly appearing would be suspicious."

Wheeljack, being who he is, doesn't really know how to process senpai reactions and focuses on his work.  "Then figure out a way to make it not suspicious.  Best thing to do in the brainstorm phase is to keep an open mind."

"Not a brain bot."

"Yeah?  So what?  Shouldn't stop anyone from trying."

"I'd say poison all the ones close to the Decepticons," Spike suggests, "It's not like us humans need energon."
Turbo Thunder
GM, 59 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Tue 6 Jul 2021
at 00:30
  • msg #57

Beachhead

  "I mean, I was all alone on that stormy hunk of sea water and sharp rocks. So I couldn't really afford to let that happen with the lightning and thermal converters." Is Cybertronian purgatory working at an energon pump that nobody will ever come to?... Nah, not passive aggressive guilt themed enough.

  "Still, that does mean a long list of all the ways a bad batch could be processed before anyone stopped it... Okay wait a minute."

  Spikes suggestion was probably along the lines of 'screw with every power source in general', but... "We keep expecting to have to make it, but what if there really WAS energon on this planet already? If there was, then the Decepticons would go for that first no matter how much prank energon we made."
Gem
Player, 58 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Tue 6 Jul 2021
at 07:00
  • msg #58

Beachhead

Gem ponders Turbo's comment and says, "Hmm... much as I want to help Wheeljack come up with methods for my idea, I think the best way we can help is to go over the energy sources in the area."

Gem then looks at Spike. "Mind going over those with me, Jumpjet and Turbo Thunder?"
Jumpjet
GM, 63 posts
Mon 19 Jul 2021
at 02:43
  • msg #59

Beachhead

Jumpjet isn't quite sure what to make of Wheeljack's retort.  Probably has been spoiled by Autobots with sense enough to keep dumb ideas to themselves.  Given the chance, Astrotrain would try and convert this world's public transporation into an army of drones.  Let alone the dumb ideas the others have.

"My idea is to abandon the thought of developing poisonous energon.  It sounds like something that'll end up backfiring."

"Is there a source of pure energon on Earth?" Sparkplug asks Teletran-1.

"Negative.  No naturally occurring sources of energon found on sensors."

"A stockpile!" Spike blurts out with a snap of his fingers, "You guys leak to the enemy the location of an energon stockpile you've been building up.  Where the defenses aren't quite completed.  That'll be a prime target, and they'll be congratulating themselves for getting the drop on y'all!"

Jumpjet is shocked that a boilerplate worker Earthling has such cunning.  But then their news feeds do suggest in spite of their loudly praising idealism, they're all Decepticons at heart.  Minus the ability to transform.  And made of squishy biology.  And tiny.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:47, Mon 19 July 2021.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 60 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 05:39
  • msg #60

Beachhead

  "I am kind of biased against ruining energon on purpose even if my old job was almost as painful as my new job, to be fair."

  Then Spike suggest just freaking lying. "Yeah we would have to have done something like that anyways huh? Otherwise we'd be sitting around with a pile of bad energon wondering 'why isn't anyone trying to steal this yet?'""
Gem
Player, 59 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Wed 21 Jul 2021
at 05:40
  • msg #61

Beachhead

Gem says, "Hmm... I understand your bias, Turbo, but the main point of poisoning energon would be so that when the cons consume it, they wouldn't be able to fight and thus, we wouldn't have lasers and fushion cannons firing at us or fists flying. Just limp cons we get to detain without anyone being hurt."

She looks at Spike. "That said, time is of the essence and it sounds like Spike's idea will probably make the best use of time. And we can still lay a trap, just that it won't be the energon itself... the energon will just be bait. Good thought, Spike! Let's tell Prime."

She begins heading back in the direction Prime went.
Jumpjet
GM, 64 posts
Sat 31 Jul 2021
at 04:31
  • msg #62

Beachhead

Spike smiles and gives a thumbs-up.  "Glad to help!"

Jumpjet continues to be amazed at how different these Autobots are.  Like, just annoy your leader with whatever dumb idea and expect to not be punched for wasting his time.  And then for said leader to put his own dumb twist on the idea and call it his own.  And blame the enemy and middle management when it fails.  Come to think of it, the only reason the Autobots haven't already beaten the idiot Decepticons is because they're too blasted nice.

Wheeljack hmms.  "I'll need some test subjects once I find a way to make knock-out energon...  Ravage would do nicely.  Mention that to Prime for me, would ya?"

...OK most of the Autobots are too blasted nice.
Turbo Thunder
GM, 61 posts
It's Thunder, not Fire.
I'm legally distinct.
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 04:25
  • msg #63

Beachhead

  "...Okay so this is a secret plan, and you want to test it on the tiny decepticon spy who works for soundwave... But also I'm not volunteering, so I guess just handing secrets to Ravage is only the second worst option."

  Ravage is tiny in context of being a regular sized autobot. Sorry extra tiny humans.
Gem
Player, 60 posts
Sparkles! Rainbows!
Explosions!
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 13:04
  • msg #64

Beachhead

Gem nods to Turbo's comment and says, "Either way, I'm going to see what Prime is up to. Luring the cons like Spike said sounds like a plausible idea that we can do with any energon, so I'm sure Prime will give it consideration."

With that, she smiles down at Spike and with a hand gesture, invites him to walk with her. Then looks expectantly at Turbo Thunder and Jumpjet.
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