A Brief History of the TFL Roleplay

This section is a read-only archive of the first Transformerland Roleplay section. Read, enjoy, and join up with our new storyline!

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PART XXI: Starscream's Gambit

As Goldbug, Elita-1, Cliffjumper, and Sideways arrive back at Iacon they detect the explosion coming from the direction they had come. Alarms begin going off inside Iacon indicating that sensors at the Energon Bar have been destroyed all at once. As the group enters the base they inform the gathered Autobots that soon after they had left, the Energon Bar was destroyed. Blackjack is about to leave to investigate, but decides to stay for orders. Everyone turns their attention to Sideways who has collapsed due to lack of energy. He is brought to the medbay and secured, to be treated as a threat until he can be identified as an Autobot.

Rodimus orders all Autobots to a meeting in the war room and explodes. He demands to know why Sideways was brought into Iacon without his permission, blaming Goldbug for a lapse in judgement. He orders Goldbug, Cliffjumper, Elita-1, and Arcee to head to the power facility they'd secured and set up a continuous Energon hookup to Iacon, Cambreaker and Kup are to finish setting up internal security, and he demands that someone finds Magnus. Feeling that Rodimus acted unjustly towards Goldbug, Blackjack decides to leave and investigate Magnus and the destroyed Energon Bar. He rolls out with only a passing comment to his commanders. Feeling down on himself for allowing the current situation, Goldbug resolves to head out with Arcee. He is comforted by Elita-1 and Cliffjumper. Meanwhile, Ultra Magnus arrives at Iacon and is told by Blurr that Rodimus wishes to see him.

As he arrives in Rodimus's office, Magnus puts the next part of his plan into motion. When Rodimus asks where he has been and what he has doen with Galvatron, Magnus goes off on him. He blames Rodimus and his poorly laid out orders for the whole thing, saying that he was only carrying out his orders. The entire attack is designed to erode Rodimus's already shaky self-confidence. It works like a charm. At the power facility, Arcee, Goldbug and the others quickly set up the power syphoning system. Returning to Iacon, Arcee finds out from Cambreaker and Kup that Rodimus is not doing well. She goes to speak with him but Cliffjumper tags along and says that he thinks that Rodimus is doing fine. Frustrated that Rodimus would fall back into self-loathing after all she had done to encourage him, Arcee leaves. Goldbug suggests to her that they should go and speak with the new bot since he is still being 'held captive' in the medbay.

Arriving at Kaon, Megatron assigns Galvatron to check the security cameras near the bar to see what they show of its destruction. Galvatron assigns this to Bruticus while he works on developing Preparation D. He enlists the help of Rumble is setting up this newest trap for Cambreaker which involves a can of oil sitting on the ground under an anvil tied on a rope. Megatron also calls Dezsaras to meet with him and instructs him to go to Earth and set up his Hydrothermocline to begin turning Earth's water into Energon. He then leaves to perform his own investigation on the destruction of the bar. Dezsaras notes to Leozack that Megatron is a fool for caring so much about his bar and not taking advantage of their superior numbers to destroy the Autobots once and for all.

In the Iacon medbay, Arcee and the other introduce themselves to Sideways who is irratable about still being treated like a prisoner. Kup enters followed by Rodimus who orders Sideways restraints removed. Sideways is glad to be free but demands that they help him locate his 'minicons'. At that moment a message from Megatron asking for Rodimus comes over the comm frequency. Rodimus begins asking everyone if they knew how Megatron had been able to use that frequency, indicating that perhaps it was Sideways. The new bot explains that he had deactivated all of his comms channels except for that specific Autobot frequency. Sideways then begins to tell them his story and how he had come to be under Decepticon command then left when he discovered what they stood for.

After working with Kup, Cambreaker heads down to the munitions area. He is surprised to find Ultra Magnus lurking about. The two bots begin to discuss the antiquated state of weapons in the armory when Cambreaker overhears Hi-Q speaking as though he is Optimus Prime. He asks Magnus about it, but the larger bot only attempts to direct the conversation in another direction. When he continues to press the issue, Magnus insists that the discussion be left for another time. Their conversation is interrupted by Starscream who has arrived in the Iacon airspace and sends a message looking to make a deal to ensure Megatron's downfall. After a tense few moments with Autobots getting into battle positions, Rodimus responds by giving Starscream thirty seconds. Starscreams replies that he only wished to tell them that the Decepticons know about Iacon and are on their way. He then leaves but waits nearby to see what happens when Megatron attempts to attack the Autobot stronghold. Cambreaker and Rodimus being making a plan to lure the Decepticons to the gates of Iacon and then having another force cut off their retreat. Cambreaker offers to head up the second squad and begins to gather his team.

Galvatron, and Rumble head to the ruins of the Energon Bar and begin setting up Preparation D. Megatron also arrives at the bar with his new tank and begins looking around for evidence. Then he begins to ponder the possiblity of his friend Time Traveller having been in the bar when it collapsed. He sends for Shrapnel to come to the bar and search the wreckage. The Insecticon arrives and creates an army of clones to scour the wreckage while he slips away to meet with Starscream who he wishes to join forces with. Upon meeting Starscream he pledges his loyalty to the cause of overthrowing Megatron and then informs Starscream that the attack on Iacon had been called off. A furious Starscream heads to the bar to confront Megatron. Meanwhile, a bored Galvatron throws a chunk of rubble at Rumble which starts the two Decepticons throwing pieces of the ruined bar at each other unitl ordered to stop by Megatron. Megatron laughs at Starscream's complaint and then orders him and Shrapnel to head to Earth and check on Dezsaras's status.


Part XXI comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 21-22
Outside the Bar: pages 12-14
Cybertron's Streets: page 8
Iacon: pages 12-17
Last edited by Blackjack on Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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PART XXII: The Autobots Strike

Resigned to locating the Hydrothermocline, Dezsaras heads to Earth. He is greeted by Stalker who informs him of its location. They head to an abandoned looking Earth military base where they meet up with Vileblade and Wideload who were two of the Decepticons Megatron had left on Earth to guard his invention. They inform Dezsaras that the hydrothermocline itself is of no use on Cybertron but they can just as easily transport the Energon cubes it produces through the Space Bridge. Dezsaras orders them to begin draining Earth's oceans to provide Energon and he informs Megatron of the current situation. Megatron orders him to begin Energon production and warns him of treachery from the incoming Starscream and Shrapnel. He then heads to the Cybertron side of the Space Bridge to begin recieving the Energon. When the two arrive, Dezsaras tells them that he too feels that Megatron is a weak leader and warns them not to interfere with any of his plans.

During the confusion at Iacon, Blackjack had been spying on Megatron and the others at the Energon Bar. He takes note of Megatron's new Neutro Fusion Tank and learns that the Decepticons are still using Kaon as a base of operations. He then recieves a message from Cambreaker telling him to return to Iacon. But when he arrives he finds that there is no activity and no plans. He reveals his Headmaster to the group and begins to relax as well but is interrupted by an alarm. Another newcomer is approaching the gates of Iacon. Tired of waiting for something to happen, Blackjack heads out and introduces himself to the two-headed dragon named Doublecross. He then comes up with an idea to go on a scouting mission to find out what the Decepticons are up to. He offers to take the new bot and is also joined by Blurr and Sideways.

Seeing Blackjack and the others leave, Goldbug decides they may run into trouble since their group consists mainly of bots who are no good at stealth. He decides to tail them, maintaining radio silence. As Blackjack's team heads down Cybertron's highways towards Kaon, he asks if Megatron is still in command of the Decepticons. Sideways replies that he is and suggests that now may be the best time to end Megatron's reign forever. Soon, the Aerialbots appear overhead and join their group. However these Aerialbots are really Skyquake and the Predators in disguise. Feeling confident that they now have the strength to make a full attack on Kaon, Blackjack orders the Autobots to push forward.

At Iacon, Cambreaker finds a deserted war room. Feeling oblidged to take command of the situation, he orders all remaining Autobots to join him for planning. The Throttlebots, Cliffjumper, Kup, and the Aerialbots respond. He begins to think that now is a good time to strike at Kaon and contacts Blackjack to see if he has scouted anything yet. Finding that Blackjack also has the Aerialbots with him, he informs him that they are fakes and to keep an eye on them until he and the others can get there. Wanting to keep Blackjack and the others out of danger and finally wanting to strike at the 'cons, Cambreaker orders the Autobots to roll out.

Having fallen asleep, Rumble awakens and finds that Galvatron is also asleep. He awakens the Decepticon sub-commander and complains that the trap isn't working. He then suggests that the two of them seek out a weaker bot to damage and use as bait to lure Cambreaker there. Galvatron ignores the plan but comes to the same conclusion. The two search for any Autobots in the area but, finding none, decide to return to Kaon. At Kaon, Stalker recieves word from Skyquake about the incoming Autobot attack force. He suggests to Megatron that action should be taken and Megatron responds with an order for all Decepticons to attack the Autobot invaders.

The false Aerialbots combine into Superion and begin to attack Kaon while Blackjack and the others watch. Dezsaras points out to Megatron that it is only the two of them, Stalker, and Shrapnel against the attacking Autobots. He orders Stalker to launch an ICBM at the Autobot position. Seeing the incoming missile, Blackjack is about to dive for cover when Cambreaker arrives and dives between the other Autobots and the missile, taking the full force of the blast on his shield. He is badly damaged and in need of serious repairs. To his surprise, an old friend of his Minerva arrives and begins to treat his wounds. Dezsaras calls off 'Superion' as Liokaiser arrives and begins to attack the Autobots. He notes that his plan is working perfectly and that Megatron suspects nothing. Megatron, dismissing the Autobot threat, leaves Dezsaras in charge and heads for the Space Bridge to check on the Hydrothermocline.

Minerva takes Cambreaker away from the battle and near the site of the destroyed Energon Bar in order to get a better look at his wounds. They are followed by Sideways and Doublecross. Once they arrive, Sideways points out the 'free oil' sign and the trap, but it is too late as Preparation D is set off by Doublecross. Laughing at the poorly designed trap, Cambreaker downs the barrel of oil and gains enough strength to transform for the journey back to Iacon. He and Minerva head back while Sideways moves to infiltrate Kaon and Doublecross joins Kup on the front lines. Arriving back at Iacon, Minerva takes Cambreaker to the medbay and begins to work on him. The two express their gladness to see one another again and reminisce about the time before the war a little. Cambreaker sends a message to all Autobots on the front lines that his is still functional and that they should continue fighting. He makes a decision that day to lead the Autobots in the absence of Rodimus, Ultra Magnus, and Arcee.

Inside of Kaon, Sideways disguises himself to look like Thundercraker and proceeds to locate the Decepticon computer mainframe. He plans to disable the computers and set the autodefenses to attack Decepticon targets instead of Autobots. He calls Cambreaker to inform him of this and is instructed to do as much as he can to back up Kup and the others. Meanwhile, Megatron finds the Hydrothermocline to be working perfectly. He is suddenly attacked by none other than the Dinobots. They overpower him and force him into the Space Bridge, pressing a button that will send Megatron to far corner of the galaxy. Taking off their disguises, the Dinosaur Force rehearse the plan that Megatron had to leave on business and appointed Dezsaras as temporary commander.

Cliffjumper who is scouting the battlefield for any remaining Decepticons finds Dezsaras charging his Living Metal Destroying Cannon with it aimed at Goldbug and Kup. He ambushes the Decepticon lieutenant and with the help fo the Throttlebots gets the upper hand. Stalker appears and holds Wideload at gunpoint, but fails to disarm his prisoner. Wideload blasts them both and all of the small 'bots retreat back to Kup. Sideways is making his way to the computer mainframe when he is run into by Rumble who had just arrived and is unaware of the battle. Sideways, in disguise as Thundercraker, tells him he will lead him to the battle, but looses Rumble as soon as he can. He arrives at the mainframe and physically enters it. After only a few cycles, he finishes his work and leaves for Iacon.

Galvatron arrives at the Energon Bar in a go-kart made from Wheelie's parts after he and Rumble had captured and tortured the small bot. He finds his trap set off and evidence of Cambreaker having been there. Cursing his nemesis, Galvatron makes his way to Cybertron where he finds Shrapnel who tells him about the attack and the intruder in the mainframe. He is also approached by the leader of the Dinosaur force who informs him of Megatron's disappearance. As they are discussing this, Sideways's face appears on monitors around the base and explains that he left them a surprise. A countdown begins and the main reactors of Kaon explode. As the reactors detonate, a sinister voice is heard by all transformers, the voice of Unicron.

At this point the current roleplay roster includes:
Megatron
Galvatron
Deszaras
Rumble
Shrapnel
Cambreaker
Minerva
Blackjack
Kup
Goldbug
Sideways
Doublecross
Blurr
Rodimus Prime (missing)
Arcee (missing)
Ultra Magnus (missing)
Sixshot (missing)
Starscream (occasionally)
Quicksilver (occasionally)
Sunstreaker (occasionally)

Part XXII comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 22-23
Iacon: pages 17-19
Outside the Bar: pages 12-15
Cybertron's Streets: pages 8-12
Trypticon (Decepticon City): page 2
Earth: pages 8-9
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Post by Blackjack »

PART XXIII: A Change In Command

Reaching Iacon, Sideways sheds his disguise and reports to Cambreaker that he suceeded in detonating the reactors of Kaon. He then hears the voices and feels that he should explain that he is a creation of Unicron which was freed when the dark lord was destroyed in this dimension. He tells Cambreaker that he fears being used as Unicron's minion once more. For his part, Cambreaker ignores the warning but is glad to see some damage has been done to the 'cons. He orders all Autobots off of the battlefield while the explosions occur, Kaon has become too unstable. Kup and the others retreat.

Seeing the retreating Autobots, Dezsaras heads inside ready to assert himself as commander. He begins giving orders, assuming that Galvatron will continue to work on his plans to destroy Cambreaker and ignore the rest of the Deceptions. Galvatron, although horrified by the thought that the Autobot intruder may stolen certain 'items' of importance to him from the computer files, stands up and defends his position as second in command. Rumble backs him up. As Dezsaras steps down, Galvatron begins to order all Decepticons to rise up in retaliation against the Autobots, but gets a better idea. He spray paints himself orange with the intention of using the tracking system on his go kart to locate the Autobot base and infiltrate it 'in disguise'. Rumble heads to the communications room and gets Soundwave to relay Galvatron's order of rising up against the Autobots to every Decepticon on Cybertron and Earth.

Goldbug, Kup, and the Throttlebots arrive at Iacon and proceed to the medbay to be debreifed by Cambreaker. He explains that although they won at Kaon today, they now have to worry about the possibility of Unicron asserting his power over Sideways. He instructs the 'bots under his command to take a quick time to rest but to try and find Doublecross and Blackjack. Suspecting that there had been some infighting among the Decepticons, Cambreaker also mentions that he would like to speak to Megatron or Galvatron to find out if they would help him to deal with Dezsaras. The Throttlebots tend to their fallen comrade Wideload. Shrapnel arrives at Iacon, per Galvatron's orders to follow Sideways, and begins to attack the walls with his army of clones but is quickly foiled by a chemical defense system.

Watching Galvatron leave and assured that he will become an Autobot prisoner, Dezsaras recalls Omega Fortress to Cybertron. He appoints Leozack his second in command and orders him to take half of the Brestforce to Earth and continue their operations there. He then locates Rumble who is getting a drink and orders him to send Ravage to Iacon to check on Galvatron. Feeling secure in his plans, Dezsaras leaves Kaon for the Omega Fortress which had just arrived on Cybertron.

As the orange go kart pulls up to Iacon, Galvatron finds it is easy to get past the gate guards Topspin and Twintwist by pretending to be Wheelie and speaking in rhyme. Doublecross arrives at Iacon roughly the same time as Galvatron with a shipment of supplies he had raided from a Decepticon supply depot. As Galvatron continues into the base, he is quickly discovered by Cambreaker who sends Cliffjumper to disarm him and bring him to the medbay for a discussion. Shrapnel meanwhile disables the chemical defense system and instructs his clones to continue wearing away at Iacon's walls. Kup heads down to the walls and sprays a chemical compound that will keep the Insecticons out for good. In the medbay, Cambreaker confronts Galvatron and asks why he has come alone, suggesting that perhaps he had been betrayed. Realizing that no Decepticons had come to back him up, Galvatron begins to regret his decision to infiltrate Iacon.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the galaxy, Megatron awakens on a small planet to find one of his loyal Decepticons has revived him. It is a lost warrior named Nightshade who had been created by Megatron vorns ago. She had been seeking her lost brothers when she had encountered the fallen Decepticon leader. Megatron orders her to seach for energy resources he will need to return to Cybertron. While she does this, he discovers stasis pods containing two very powerful Decepticons. Satisfied with his finds, Megatron order Nightshade to use her abilty to open a rift so that they may return to Cybertron.

Galvatron listens intently as Cambreaker continues to theorize that one of his subordinates must have cut off the attack, thinking Galvatron dead already. He realizes that Dezsaras must be behind this and runs from Iacon screaming about the traitor. In his rage, he runs past Ravage who has infiltrated Iacon and is contending with Kup. Seeing Galvatron go, Cambreaker suggests to Minerva that they take a drive to clear their circuits. During this drive they notice two stasis pods trapped in some rubble. Freeing them and taking them to the medbay they are surprised when the beings inside begin to awaken. The somewhat organic beings introduce themselves as Rattrap and Dinobot. As Minerva repairs Kup's vocal sensors which were damaged during his brief scuffle with Ravage, Cambreaker introduces the Autobots and guesses that their appearance may be the result of a transwarp malfunction. As more Autobots arrive in the medbay to meet the newcomers, they are all surprised by the appearance of Rodimus Prime. He explains that he has been on a special mission and had taken Arcee along as backup.

Excited about being able to relinquish command to their true leader, Cambreaker begins filling Rodimus in on what occured while he was out. He also suggests that now is the best time to strike at the weakened Decepticon forces. However Rodimus insists that he be taken on a tour of the new defense system before he will authorize an attack. Seeing the coming confrontation, Rattrap and Dinobot leave with Kup to become authorized with the Autobot security systems. Cambreaker replies that he was not trying to give orders and only suggested a course of action, but that he would follow any command from Rodimus. Minerva tries meekly to interject her own opinions into the converstation as well.

With Galvatron out of the way, Dezsaras begins organizing his troops for an attack on Iacon. He orders the Dinosaur force to assault the main walls of Iacon and the Brestforce to create a tunnel to Iacon's power core and plant a bomb. While the Dinosaur Force are en route to Iacon they are shot down by a cranky Galvatron who mistakes them for Autobots. As Dezsaras and the Brestforce depart for Iacon, Rumble spots them and decides to investigate. Realizing they intend to attack Iacon, he grabs a Cybertronian telephone and calls the Autobot base, pretending to be an Autobot and warn them. The call is intercepted by Cliffjumper who begins to warn other Autobots of a possible attack. Suddenly, the bomb placed at Iacon's power core detonates, disabling the power to most of Iacon. The Brestforce begin an attack on the now defenseless Iacon. Dezsaras attempts to call them off, saying they had done their job, but Leozack ignores the order and the Brestforce unites to form Liokaiser.

Feeling the shockwave's from the bomb, Rodimus and Cambreaker cease their bickering and begin to assess the situation. Following their order, Sideways makes his way to the ruined power core and begins searching for a way to repair it and disable Liokaiser. On the walls of Iacon, Arcee and several other Autobots attempt to hold off the gestalt monstrosity to no avail. Hearing that Arcee is in danger, Rodimus rushes to help her. Cambreaker, who had been about to order an EMP attack on the Decepticon invader, receives a message from Sideways suggesting that they use a core containment device to trap Liokaiser in pure Energon. He and Minerva head to the power core to pick up Sideways.

In a nearby abandoned building, Dezsaras attempts to pick off Autobots with his living metal destroying cannon. He is interrupted by Dinobot who had sensed another Decepticon signature in the area. However Dinobot is surprised by the intervention of a new Decepticon named Firehawk. Seeing his friend held at gunpoint by this new Decepticon, Rattrap blasts Firehawk from afar, hitting him in the knee and toppling him. Dezsaras forms his sword and joins battle with Dinobot. Meanwhile Shrapnel, who had been lurking nearby, spots Rattrap. Sensing the danger, Rattrap throws an explosive charge which takes out Shrapnel's remaining clones.

Cambreaker's team arrive on the battlefield while Rodimus, Arcee, and others are keeping Liokaiser's attention. Sideways zooms ahead, drawing the powerful gestalt towards the EMP target area. The group manages to hold Liokaiser off long enough for Kup to fully charge the EMP. Once the Decepticon gestalt has been neutralized by the EMP blast, Minerva fires the core containment device at him, separating him into the Brestforce members and trapping them. Seeing that his forces are getting defeated, Dezsaras fights on. He calls a retreat however when he receives a message from Megatron, who has returned to Cybertron.

Part XXIII comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 23-25
Iacon: pages 19-25
Cybertron's Streets: pages 12-13
Deep Space/Miscellaneous Planets: pages 12-13
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Post by Blackjack »

PART XXIV: Darkest Hour

At Kaon, Megatron watches as Decepticon warriors begin returning to heed his call. The first to arrive are Galvatron, Dezsaras, Shrapnel, and Rumble who have been fighting at Iacon. Shortly after they arrive, Sunstorm appears explaining that he had been drained of energy following his last battle with the Autobots and had gone into hiding so as to recharge. Lastly, Dirge arrives after spending some time on Earth. Excited to see so many of his warriors return, Megatron introduces his two newest warriors Nightshade and Firehawk. He then reveals that he also has a new secret weapon that will be used in an upcoming battle against the Autobots. He instructs Galvatron to go alone to his chambers and inspect his newest acquisition. He then appoints Sunstorm as aerial commander and orders him to take the other fliers and scout the perimeter of Kaon for any Autobot spies. Taking this position seriously, Sunstorm begins to question the new Decepticon seekers about their histories as the group patrols. He wishes to know how they will fair in the upcoming battle against the Autobots.

Following the battle with Dezsaras's forces, the Autobots begin the brief clean up of Iacon. The Brestforce is taken to a secure holding area deep within the fortress and Cambreaker makes the rounds to congratulate his fellow Autobots on a battle well fought. As he searches for Rodimus Prime, Cambreaker notices Rattrap and Dinobot and invites them into his quarters so he may officially welcome them as Autobots. Sideways retreats to his laboratory seeking to develop a portable version of the core containment device. The dinobot Snarl approaches the gates of Iacon and begins pounding on them in order to get them to open. Cambreaker sends Cliffjumper, Elita-1, Doublecross, and the Throttlebots on a mission to bring back artillery from Tagon Heights and then leaves to continue his search for the Autobot commanders. As he is stepping out of his office, he notices Rodimus and Arcee headed for the command center.

Megatron recalls his warriors to Kaon with the intention of revealing his new secret weapons. Soon all of the Decepticons are gathered anxiously around the doors to Megatron's chambers awaiting their leader's announcement. Soon the doors to Megatron's chambers open and two new Decepticon warriors step through. They are none other than Rodimus Prime and Arcee, displaying new paint jobs and reprogrammed as Decepticons. Many of the assembled Decepticons look on with disbelief as Megatron explains how he had come upon the two Autobots within stasis pods and had reprogrammed them to serve only him. Feeling confident that the Autobots will not be able to stand against the Decepticon forces and the Matrix-bearer, Megatron orders all of his troops to board Astrotrain and prepare for a full assault on Iacon. He instructs Galvatron to take their two newest warriors and eliminate Cambreaker and he instructs Dezsaras to take Shrapnel and Rumble to free any Decepticon prisoners. As Astrotrain takes off, Megatron receives a message from the double of Arcee and Rodimus he had planted in Iacon which contains information on Iacon's defense systems and the Autobots guarding it.

As Rodimus and Arcee examine profiles of the Autobots residing in Iacon, Cambreaker enters the command center followed by Minerva. Seeing their inactivity, he explodes in frustration. He accuses Rodimus of poor leadership at a critical time. He explains that they should be striking back against the Decepticons while they're weakened, not examining their own defenses. As he is about to leave, Arcee pushes him up against the wall and warns him not to threaten them again. Realizing something is seriously wrong, Cambreaker and Minerva retreat to Cambreaker's quarters where he issues an order to all Autobots to head to battle stations in preparation for a possible Decepticon assault. He also mentions that Rodimus and Arcee are unfit for duty and must be detained if they are spotted.

Unaware of the chaos brewing at Iacon, Blackjack comes up the road driving Megatron's neutro fusion tank. He is greeted at the gate by Rattrap who had gone down to see who had been banging on the gates. Hearing Cambreaker's orders, Blackjack drives the tank into the central courtyard of Iacon. Many Autobots begin to gather around the tank and eventually Cambreaker himself comes out to see what the commotion is about. When asked how he acquired the new toy, Blackjack explains that during the attack on Kaon he had snuck away and found the tank parked in a hangar. He had then taken it to get a new paint job and had it refitted as a transformable weapon he referred to as The Royal Flush. He then introduces himself to the new 'bots.

Seeing that most of the Autobots are distracted by Blackjack's arrival with the tank, the false Rodimus and Arcee spring into action. They stand near the security system consoles in the command center and detonate. The resulting shockwave is felt throughout Iacon. Sensing an imminent attack, Noticing the explosion in the commander center, Sideways patches himself into the network and begins to repair any damage he can. He opens a stasis pod he had found in order to reactivate a companion of his named Rev. Cambreaker orders all Autobots to assume battle stations and then instructs Minerva to prepare a shuttle for an eventual evacuation of Iacon. Heading to Sideways lab, Cambreaker meets Rev and is informed that Sideways has given temporary control of Iacon's security systems to his own supercomputer. Satisfied that things are under control, he heads to the surface to find Minerva.

As expected, the Decepticon forces begin to swarm Iacon's defenses. Sunstorm and Nightshade watch from high above as Rumble heads out with Dezsaras's team for the interior of Iacon, plotting his vengeance for Rumble's earlier practical joke. As Cambreaker begins firing on the first seekers to hit the walls, he is surprised by a blast from behind and when the dust clears is shocked to see Rodimus and Arcee standing side by side with Galvatron. As Cambreaker comes to his senses and engages the traitors, Dinobot realizes that the Decepticons must have sent additional troops around from another side to reach inside of Iacon. He, Snarl, and Rattrap search for flankers while Blackjack opens up on incoming seekers with the guns on the Royal Flush.

The Decepticons heading into Iacon via the tunnel made by the Brestforce into the power core are halted when they run across a shield created by the core containment device. Dezsaras invents a quick solution to this by collapsing a section of the ceiling and motioning his team upward. Meanwhile, Cliffjumper and his team begin to scramble back towards Iacon and send a message which is intercepted by Dinobot. Once he has explained the situation to Cliffjumper, Dinobot realizes that Cambreaker will need help defending the main gates and heads there. He arrives just in time to see the interim leader being triple teamed by three powerful Decepticons. Arcee holds Cambreaker still while Rodimus delivers a crippling blow which shatters one of Camberaker's optics. Dinobot leaps into the fray and begins to engage Galvatron, but is distracted when Galvatron releases his Playbot collection and shows Dinobot a centerfold of Ms. Cybertron.

As Cambreaker and Dinobot continue the difficult battle against the Decepticons and their former leaders, Minerva attempts to get the shuttle ready for evacuation. Although the shuttle is nearly ready it has fallen under heavy attack from Decepticon fliers. She sends out a distress call. Receiving the call, as well as much of the Decepticon comms chatter, Blackjack transforms the Royal Flush and blasts off to engage the Decepticon airforce. Seeing that the skies are clearing, Minerva activates the shuttle's shields and begins helping Autobots in her area evacuate. Not wanting to be left out of the fight, Snarl catches up with Dinobot and tackles Galvatron. Dinobot is holding his weapon at Rodimus Prime's head, asking for a reason no to kill him when Megatron arrives and gives his reason: he will kill Dinobot. However Megatron had failed to notice Cambreaker who now strikes with his axe, severing Megatron's arm cannon from his body. An enraged Megatron returns by producing his flail and striking back at Cambreaker.

Eventually making their way to the prison cells with the help of Shrapnel's clones, Dezsaras's team find all of the Brestforce except Leozack. Dezsaras orders the clones to remove the Brestforce members and then directs his team to the battlefield to bolster the Decepticon attack. Upon emerging, Rumble spots the Royal Flush and notes that the seekers are getting what they deserve. Dezsaras orders Death Cobra to bring the Omega Fortress to the battlefield and then begins firing on the Royal Flush. Seeing Cambreaker critically wounded by Megatron, Dinobot orders Snarl to take their leader to the shuttle while he faces Megatron. As the Autobots begin to fall back, Arcee unleashes her Energon bow upon them, causing Cambreaker to fall from Snarl's back. He attempts to transform but with so many of his systems damaged, he is barely able to function.

Amidst the battle, Sideways activates a device which detonates his laboratory within Iacon and creates a powerful shield around the shuttle. Now that the Autobot's escape is reinforced, he, Rev, and Rattrap attempt to assist Dinobot, Cambreaker, Snarl. Seeing the fleeing Autobots, Galvatron transforms to his gun mode and begins blasting. Sideways rams the stationary Galvatron causing him to tip over. After righting himself, Galvatron begins blasting at the Autobot escape shuttle. Seeing the incoming blast, a barely concious Dinobot makes one last heroic effort to jam his sword in Galvatron's gun barrel, causing the Decepticon to explode.

In the sky above the battle, Blackjack is pushing the Decepticon seekers back when the Royal Flush is swarmed by hundreds of Insecticon clones. As they begins chewing on critical systems, Blackjack activates mechanisms to shake them off. That is when the blast from Dezsaras's living metal destroying cannon strikes the vessel. As the Royal Flush goes down in flames, Blackjack dives out and begins to engage Dezsaras. Seeing that his forces are being pushed back and that Rumble is aloen, Sunstorm puts his plan into action. He and Nightshade grab rumble and warp with him to the Smelting Pools on Cybertron. He mercilessly melts Rumble's arm and leaves him to his fate. As they return to the battle, Sunstorm orders all of his forces to
begin searching for any Autobot escape shuttles.

Cliffjumper and Elita-1 locate Goldbug and the Throttlebots on the battlefield and help them to evacuate to the shuttle. In order to cover the retreat for Cambreaker and Dinobot, Snarl stands alone against Megatron, Arcee, and Rodimus. Using her tail to trip the two Autobot traitors, she then engages Megatron in a long, hard fought battle. Blackjack does some damage to Dezsaras with a well placed kick to the head, but once on the ground he is no match for the Decepticon lieutenant. Managing to dislodge Dezsaras's tiger beast from his leg, Blackjack attempts to reason with his opponent. Arcee meanwhile spots Rattrap attempting to retreat and begins firing on him. Cliffjumper arrives and begins to reinforce Snarl, who has managed to severely damage Megatron. but is surprised by Rodimus. Having Cliffjumper thrown at her, Snarl is distracted long enough for Megatron to step away. Rodimus and Arcee approach Snarl and begin to explain how Cambreaker is a Decepticon spy and that they are trying to help the Autobots. Believing their lies, Snarl leads them towards the shuttle.

Now that most of the Autobots have boarded the shuttle, Sideways begins to prepare the vessel for launch. Minerva asks to be allowed to tend to the wounded and is shocked when a badly damaged Cambreaker is brought on board. Seeing that most of his companions had already boarded the escape shuttle, Blackjack makes one final darinn maneuver. As Dezsaras fires several rockets in his direction, Blackjack reveals that the Royal Flush had not been damaged by Dezsaras's cannon as it is not made of living metal. He leaps into the mighty vessel and rockets towards the atmosphere, thanking Dezsaras for the interesting battle.

Rattrap, Snarl, Cliffjumper and a few other Autobots are now the only ones left. In order to prevent Snarl from leading the two traitors onboard the shuttle, Sideways begins to takeoff. Dinobot sends a last minute message to Snarl, informing her that Rodimus and Arcee are now Decepticons. This only serves to confuse the dinobot even more. As Blackjack drifts in space, barely concious, he has flashbacks of the great war and of a 'bot named Roulette who was left behind during a similar retreat. Coming to his senses he vows never to leave another Autobot behind. Returning to the planet's surface, he loads the remaining Autobots into the Royal Flush and carries Snarl towards the Autobot shuttle which is now entering orbit.

Note to Readers: As this was the most significant and heavily player involved battle fought in the history of the roleplay, it is extremely hard to follow. There are characters constantly doing one thing or another and in the midst of it there was a major rules controversy. If you attempt to read pages 25-36 of Iacon, please note the following interesting and important skirmishes between player characters:

Cambreaker vs Rodimus, Arcee, and Galvatron
Dinobot vs Galvatron
Dinobot and Cambreaker vs Rodimus, Arcee, Galvatron, and Megatron
Cliffjumper vs Shrapnel
Snarl vs Megatron (very worthwhile)
Blackjack vs Dezsaras
Snarl, Rattrap, and Cliffjumper vs Rodimus, Arcee, and Megatron
If there are any that I left out, please PM me.

Part XXIV comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 25-29
Iacon: pages 25-36
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Post by Blackjack »

PART XXV: Exodus

As the shuttle begins to take off, Minerva busies herself with making repairs to the wounded Autobots as best she can. After seeing to Cambreaker's condition she attempts to help the confused Snarl understand what she had been told. Minerva explains that Rodimus and Arcee had turned Decepticon and explains the difference in faction symbols to the confused dinobot. Realizing her mistake, Snarl asks for their forgiveness, which Minerva gives. A weakened Cambreaker begins to give orders again. At his command, The Royal Flush is brought onboard the shuttle via a tractor beam. In the distance the Autobots can see the form of a mighty warship.

The Decepticons on the ground begin to regroup and concentrate fire on the shuttle, but the Autobots have managed to elude their grasp. Still they have conquered all of Cybertron, Megatron announces that they have much to celebrate. Looking away from his troops for a moment, Megatron cannot help but feel uneasy about how little he knows of the Autobot's new commander Cambreaker. Entering Iacon, Galvatron explains the entire story of his future to Megatron: how he was close to ruling the entire universe until Cambreaker appeared with a new Autobot army and a strange weapon which had sent him to this time. Considering this, Megatron and Galvatron are about to watch one of the Fembots Gone Wild discs on Iacon's main computer when they are interrupted by Dezsaras. Megaton asks him for thoughts on what to do about Cambreaker and he suggests hiring a bounty hunter. Megatron agree and places a bounty of 10,000 shanix on Cambreaker's head. He then sends Dezsaras to contact a hunter he knows, although this one has been known for his brutality.

The Autobot shuttle reaches Cambreaker's ship the Ætherspite and behold the sleekness and size of an Autobot warship. Once the refugees have boarded, the ship enters transwarp. Dinobot and Rattrap head to the ship's bar to unwind and leave Snarl sleeping in a corridor. Cliffjumper heads to the cargo bay to see if Blackjack is alright and encounters one of Cambreaker's crew, a fembot named Redline, who offers to help him move Blackjack and the Flush. Minerva helps a still blinded Cambreaker make his way to his quarters where the captive Leozack now lays unconcious. He notes to Minerva that he would like to remove Leozack's optics to replace his own damaged ones and then have the Decepticon's spark imprisoned.

Galvatron complains to his commander that he should be the one to destroy Cambreaker and shows Megatron his newest plan: Preparation F. Megatron reminds his other self that they should not underestimate Cambreaker and by hiring this bounty hunter Galvatron will have some backup should he need it. Several Decepticon warriors who had been off world arrive at Iacon, including Thundercracker and Onslaught. They are told to wait while Megatron sends the seekers to gather Decepticons from Kaon for a meeting.

As the Autobots go about their tasks aboard the 'Spite, they are all notified by Cambreaker that he would like to see them for a meeting on the bridge. Dinobot, Rattrap, and Snarl race through the corridors and argue over who wins, but take a much more somber tone once they see the condition of their leader. A still not fully repaired Cambreaker addresses the assembled Autobots. He speaks of the events that have passed and promises them a return to Cybertron once they are ready. He instills hope in the bedraggled refugees and gives them a sense of purpose renewed. He then explains that they are headed for a deserted planet rich in stockpiled resources and dismisses the Autobots until they reach this destination.

Feeling a renew sense of hope, the Autobots leave to relax and enjoy their stay about Cambreaker's ship. Dinobot, Rattrap, and Snarl return to the bar and when the dinobot falls asleep from consuming too much Energon, Dinobot and Rattrap decide they should go to the cargo areas to see about building themselves a smaller, scout ship. After receiving instructions from Blackjack, Cliffjumper and Redline return to the cargo bay and move the Royal Flush. The Throttlebots examine security tapes of the battle to see what occured after they had been knocked unconcious. As Cambreaker and his companions are leaving, he spots an unfamiliar 'bot. She introduces herself as Swift, a new recruit sent to help them. Cambreaker and Minerva welcome the new Autobot, but Blackjack retreats to his quarters, distracted and not certain he trusts the mysterious new Autobot.

At Kaon, Rumble comes online after having survived Sunstorm's wrath. He awakens in the medbay to find that Starscream has arrived and is ordering all Decepticons who are able to head to Iacon for a meeting with Megatron. Nightshade and Shrapnel, who had also been seeking repairs, stand ready to go. In deep space, at the Shraki Bounty Hunter hangout, a powerful looking mech recieves a transmission from one of his minions. He exits the bar and heads to his ship, heading towards Cybertron to hear the proposal of someone named Megatron.

Part XXV comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Kaon (Decepticon HQ): page 29
Iacon: pages 36-39
Deep Space/Miscellaneous Planets: page 13
The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): pages 1-4
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PART XXVI: The Hunter

The ship of Destoroyah the bounty hunter lands on Cybertron and the hulking mech makes his way towards Kaon. Once there, he demands to be shown to Megatron. Soundwave notices the newcomer and ejects Rumble to guide him to Iacon where Megatron currently resides. Along the way, Rumble asks Destoroyah about his job as a bounty hunter but receives a very short answer. Soon the pair arrive at Iacon and Destoroyah is shown to Megatron. As Rumble is sent to fetch drinks, Megatron address the hunter. After a brief exchange it is clear that Destoroyah is not afraid of Megatron and the Decepticon commanders offers to up his bounty to 15,000 shanix plus expenses. He also orders that the bounty hunter work under Galvatron, at this Destoroyah explains that he will not take orders but will work with Galvatron. The Decepticon second-in-command is skeptical of the bounty hunter but after Destoroyah modifies Preparation F to be more lethal, he begins to like the newcomer. Introducing his crew, Overcast and Warstorm, Destoroyah leads them from Iacon ready to do the job.

Inside Cambreaker's quarters, Minerva begins to look over the damages to her friend and leader. Having dismissed Swift to introduce herself to some of the other Autobots, he had decided to allow Minerva to do some repairs. He begins to tear out his own damaged systems when she warns him not to damage anything critical. He explains that he has an idea to improve his systems for future battles and would like to meet with Blackjack and Redline, who he calls to his quarters. Inside his own quarters, Blackjack debates with his headmaster partner the idea of separating from one another. Brakkas expresses that he is willing to fight to the end with the Autobots, even if Blackjack's motives are focused more on personal revenge than for the good of the Autobot cause.

After Rattrap returned to his quarters to work on designs for their new ship, Dinobot made his way to the armory to repair and remodel old Autobot weaponry using technology and ideas from his own time. He is interrupted by Snarl who begins wondering what everything is and even attempts to test fire some of the weapons inside of the ship. She is scolded by Doublecross, but he get hit with one of the weapons for his trouble. Rattrap arrives in the armory and begins discussing ship plans with Dinobot. Feeling as though he needs to explain his motives to Cambreaker, Blackjack walks to his friend's quarters for their meeting. He and Redline listen as Cambreaker explains his plans and then he begins to tell them of his plan to hunt down Roulette's murderer. Although he is hesitant to join Cambreaker's team, his old friend reminds him that he is one of the 'bots he trusts most. Realizing that Cambreaker is the only one left to lead the Autobots and that he will need friends around him, he resolves to do what must be done.

As the seekers: Thundercracker, Dirge, Thunderwing, and Starscream arrive at Kaon they are also joined by the triple changer Octane who is nervous about regain Meagtron's trust. Once all have arrived, Megatron orders most of the seekers and Octane to sweep the planet one final time for any Autobot actvity. While they make certain there are no Autobots on Cybertron, he and the other will go to work and enslave humanity. He also orders Rumble and Shrapnel to inspect the Hydrothermocline which Dezsaras reminds him was damaged during his battle with the dinobots. As the seekers begin their sweep, the rest leave for the Omega Fortress.

In need of a break from working on ship plans, Rattrap and Snarl head to the bar for some relaxation while Dinobot mentions he wishes to speak to Cambreaker and Minerva about something. At the bar Rattrap spots Swift and identifies her coloration as that of a Decepticon. As he and Snarl demand to know her allegiance, Goldbug explains that he and the Throttlebots had just met her but she was certainly an Autobot. Goldbug introduces himself and his team to the newcomers and the group enjoys some Energon that Snarl finds in the bar's Energon cellar. Dinobot makes his way to Cambreaker's quarters and explains that he is thinking of doing some upgrades. Cambreaker explains that they would be happy to help him, but it should wait until after they make their next stop. He is interrupted by Sideways who had found something useful to their cause out in space and was requesting a pickup. Also noting Dinobot's interest in upgrades, Redline mentions she would be glad to help with the upgrades before heading out to her qurarters where she picks up her pet the mousebot Snafu.

Having taken a walk around the 'Spite, Blackjack enters the bar to find that Snarl has demolished most of it and is throwing Energon barrels out from the cellar. In order to put an end to the chaos, he invites everyone in the bar to his quarters for a little gambling. An excited Snarl turns the remains of the bar into a sledge and begins carrying around the Energon and the smaller Autobots. Cambreaker is pleased by Sideways find and instructs him to store it in his quarters. He then contacts his crew and explains that they soon will be departing for their first destination, the volcanic world of Charr. Although they had just reached Blackjack's quarters, Snarl does an about face and begins dragging her sledge to the shuttle bay. Sideways returns to his lab and suggests to Rev that they modify their alt modes to suit the climate of the planet. The Autobots all arrive at the shuttle bay and some begin to have second thoughts about landing on a volcanic world. Cambreaker arrives and explains that it is not active. He divides them into two teams and they depart in two shuttles for the planet's surface.

Destoroyah's team meanwhile has been investigating the site of the Autobot escape shuttle takeoff in order to detect any residual radiation that they could track. Finding just what they need, the bounty hunter leads Galvatron to his ship, explaining that it will be the best vehicle to use in locating Cambreaker. Elsewhere on Cybertron, Octane and Starscream make an interesting find while patrolling the planet. They discover a cave full of guardian robots, some are even active. After defending themselves they contact Megatron who instructs them to reprogram the guardians to protect Cybertron in their absense.

Part XXVI comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 29-30
Iacon: pages 39-43
The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): pages 4-9
Cybertron's Streets: page 13
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Post by Blackjack »

PART XXVII: Upgrades

The Autobot teams arrive on Charr and head for Galvatron's fortress there. From the fortress they take all supplies they can find. While investigating Galvatron's chambers, Cambreaker comes upon a voodoo doll that Galvatron had made of him. He takes this doll along after coming up with an excellent way to make use of it. Goldbug also has found something useful, Galvatron's personal files. Meanwhile on the 'Spite, Blackjack awakens from being knocked out by Snarl. He finds that the shuttles have left and calls for any Autobots remaining on the ship to help him modify the Royal Flush. Double Clutch and the Throttlebots respond to the summons.

As the Decepticon shuttle flies through space, Meagtron communicates with one of his commanders on Earth. Overlord informs Megatron that he has begun preparing the weaponry they will need to conquer the planet. He also has plans to set up an energy harvesting operation at the Hoover Dam, determined to keep the Autobots from ruining it. When the other Decepticons arrive on Earth, Megatron dispatches Rumble and Dirge to the Florida Keys to check on the Hydrothermocline. He then isntructs Shrapnel to assist Overlord in taking over the dam for Energon production. Dezsaras comments that he must leave to continue work on one of his side projects, Super Energon.

The Autobot's return to the 'Spite to unload their gear and get repairs from the accidents that occured on Charr while they were gathering supplies. As Rattrap begins sorting the gathered equipment, Cambreaker asks Snarl to deliver weapons to the armory and for Sideways to examine all technical equipment. Having found the parts he needs to perform his upgrades, Dinobot heads for a medbay to begin the process. With his own designs in mind for the voodoo doll, Cambreaker asks Minerva and Redline to meet him in another medbay. He also instructs all Autobots to ensure they receive proper maintenace checkup before another mission so that no more accidents will occur.

As Destoroyah's crew reaches the point where the Autobot shuttle intercepted the 'Spite, they momentarily loose the trail. Galvatron suggests that he would like to visit his fortress on Charr in order to get some things he will need in his battle against Cambreaker. Destoroyah agrees but dispatches Warstorm to follow the newly picked up trail of Cambreaker's ship. As Warstorm nears the 'Spite's location, he sends out a distress signal as an Autobot named Stormflight. The signal is intercepted by Sideways who summons Cambreaker to his lab. Sensing that someone is attempt to tail them, Cambreaker tells Sideways to instruct Stormflight to meet them at a location on the opposite end of the galaxy from their destination. Warstorm manages to put a tracer on the 'Spite before leaving to investigate the coordinates.

As Cambreaker returns to the medbay for his operation, he asks Dinobot and Rattrap to meet him there for new orders. Once they've arrived he asks them to initiate one of their earlier made secret plans since he is currently unable. Dinobot reveals to Cambreaker that on Charr he discovered the Transmetal driver from his own time and asks that their leader keep it safe for him. Meanwhile, Goldbug contacts Blackjack to come and inspect the information he had taken from Galvatron's computer. When he arrives at Goldbug's quarters, Blackjack finds that the files consist of Galvatron's Fembots Gone Wild collection as well as files on many of the Decepticons. He requests copies of all the information, thinking he may get a clue to Roulette's murderer, and invites Goldbug to the bar in order to get to know him.

Sideways detects Warstorm's tracking drone and let's Cambreaker know. Rattrap devises a plan to get rid of the drone and send a decoy to the coordinates they had sent Warstorm to. Dinobot offers to take a remote rocket pod and knock the drone off of the hull although it is a risky action. The gambit meets success and Dinobot returns to the ship, stating that he would now like to go to the medbay and take care of his upgrades. Warstorm reaches the coordinates given to him by the 'Spite and finds nothing. He begins to devise a new course of action when the decoy probe arrives and detonates, sending him into stasis lock. He transmits a distress signal to Destoroyah before blacking out.

Rumble and Dirge arrive in the Florida Keys to find that the Hydrothermocline has a check engine light on. Not knowing what to do, Rumble gives the device a swift kick before returning to Megatron. Somehow this fixes the problem. Not wanting to alert the humans or worse the Autobots to their activities, Overlord has developed some devices that can be used to control human minds. He gives these to Shrapnel and instructs him to make the humans steal energy from the dam for them. Seeing that all operations are going well, Megatron calls Dezsaras to him and orders him to continue to oversee the Earth operations while he, Rumble, and Dirge return to Cybertron. He promotes Dezsaras to Lieutenant Commander.

In the Ætherspite medbay, Minerva and Redline work tirelessly on repairing and upgrading Cambreaker's systems. After many cycles, they step back and admire the new Autobot commader. Using Galvatron's voodoo doll Cambreaker has modified himself into a Headmaster. He now has an upgraded vehicle mode designed for the battlefield as well. Seeing that their work turned out well, Redline returns to her own experiments while Minerva heads next door to assist Dinobot with his upgrades. There she learns that he would like to become a Transmetal 2 version of himself based on Rattrap's memories. The process is quick and painful but soon a whole new Dinobot stands before the group. At the bar, Blackjack buys Goldbug a drink and the two begin to discuss their pasts a little as well regretting that they no longer have time for anything fun. Snarl finds some barrels of 45 percent pure Energon and calls for a drinking game.

As Dinobot and Rattrap enter the bar, everyone stops what they are doing and stares at the transformation of their comrades. Sideways and Rev also arrive with new alt-modes and Blackjack can't help but remember he has to have some work done himself. Snarl meanwhile begins pouring out large quantities of the strong Energon to every 'bot in the bar. She continues to find stronger and stronger drinks until Sideways insist she let him pick what they drink. One by one, Snarl beats all comers in drink large quantities of Energon. Knocking on the door of the medbay, Blackjack finds it empty and decides to wait for someone to come along. Although he dreads the upcoming operation, he knows he has a promise to keep to Cambreaker.

Part XXVII comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): pages 9-14
Deep Space/Miscellaneous Planets: pages 13-14
Earth: pages 9-10
Charr: pages 1-? (Note: the information on what occured on Charr is based on player memories as this data has been lost).
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PART XXVIII: Return to Earth

Cambreaker enters the bar and surveys the disarray. He informs the assembled Autobots that they will reaching their next destination soon and he will need everyone to sober up. Since Snarl and Goldbug are the only semi-sober ones, he asks them to take the others to the lounge area for some rest. Rattrap stumbles to the repair bay to find that he had left a lot of unfinished work. He repairs a maintenance bot and then programs it to activate other maintenance bots in order to complete the tasks while he does other things. He calls Dinobot to help him gather the supplies he will need. Cambreaker arrives at the medbay in time to see a nervous Blackjack about to undergo his operation. As Minerva and Redline begin the modification, Redline becomes distracted and unable to focus on the task. She is scolded by Brakkas and reassured by Cambreaker and manages to finish the work. As Blackjack steps down and lets Minerva receive her modifications, Cambreaker announces that by the time they are complete they will have reached their next destination. He tells the crew that he would like them ready for space walk and craft retrieval.

Destoroyah's ship arrives at Charr and Galvatron departs. As he arrives at his fortress, he finds that it has been ransacked and that many things have been taken including his Cambreaker voodoo doll. He becomes entraped by a pair of pink, fluffy handcuffs and gets covered in cleaning oil. Disgraced, he returns to Destoroyah's ship and they set off. The ship receives Warstorm's distress call and stops to launch a medical drone and retrieve their fallen comrade. As Warstorm is brought aboard, Overcast announces that they have recalculated the warp trail. They begin following the 'Spite's new warp trail unaware that they are following a decoy probe launched earlier by Rattrap.

On Earth, the Decepticon forces continue putting their plans into action. Overlord's component godmasters Mega and Giga appoint Shrapnel as governor of the dam energy gathering and return to their base. Thunderwing reports to Dezsaras for orders and he suggests using their camoflauge technology to make himself appear as Skyfire. He also disguised Dreadwind and Darkwing, Overlord as Omega Supreme, and himself as Swoop. The group continues to wreak havoc disguised as Autobots. Overlord asks Dezsaras about the protection around the Hydrothermocline but Dezsaras assures him that he has four elite Decepticons guarding it.

As Minerva finishes her upgrades, she and Cambreaker head down to the repair bay to see the work Blackjack and Double Clutch are doing on the Royal Flush. Blackjack greets them and explains his plans and then the group heads to the shuttle bay where Rattrap and Dinobot are showing the weaponry they'd developed. Cambreaker explains to the gathered Autobots that they will be stopping near the dark side of a small moon to gather a crashed Autobot shuttle and a few other supplies. Then they will see what else needs to be done in the area for departing. As the 'Spite comes out of hyperspace, the Autobots recognize the planet as Earth. One by one the assembled Autobots put on jet packs and dismount from the mighty warship towards the small, grey rock orbiting the blue-green planet.

The Decepticons arrive back on Cybertron and Megatron begins to hand out orders. He sends Rumble to find Octane and Starscream and find out what they had been doing during while the other Decepticons were on Earth. Megatron also calls Sixshot to him and asks the ninja warrior to search for Rodimus and Arcee, a task which Sixshot feels is below himself. Lastly Megatron makes contact with Barricade and asks him to come to Iacon. While searching, Rumble discovers the cave that Octane and Starscream had found earlier. In the darkness, he bumps into Octane who steps on him and confuses him with Frenzy. Insulted, Rumble informs the two dolts that Megatron wants them to return to Iacon and report.

Onboard the 'Spite, the Autobots who had passed out begin awakening and Cliffjumper receives orders from Cambreaker to keep an eye on things while they are out. Snarl looks down at the Earth and wonders if she would find any traces of the other dinobots if she went down to the planet. On the moon, Sideways and Rev discover an ancient gunship and begin working on getting it operational. Cambreaker and the others reach the shuttle and begin exploring. During his explorations, Cambreaker finds a log that explains that the ship had once been used by Rodimus, Arcee, and the dinobots among others. He also notes the name of an Autobot named Ripwing. As Minerva and Redline explore the ship's medbay, they find a stasis pod belonging to the same Ripwing but he is heavily damaged. As Snarl hears the news of the dinobots having been on the shuttle she becomes interested and asks Cambreaker to search the moon. He replies that they haven't seen them yet but perhaps Snarl should replay the last battle at Autobot City in the 'Spite's training simulator.

As Sideways and Rev maneuver their ship towards the 'Spite the power systems give out. Sideways manages to replace the power with a minicore long enough to get them back to their ship. Rattrap begins piloting the shuttle towards the 'Spite as well. Meanwhile Dinobot finds the body of a small Autobot and brings it to the medbay upon Cambreaker's request. This Autobot is the headmaster partner of Ripwing and the two could not be repaired if they were separated. As the two ships dock at the 'Spite, Rattrap begins to ask what they should do about the readings of 'con activity on the planet below. Cambreaker notes that there are two major sites of activity: the Hydrothermocline and the Hoover Dam. Rattrap suggests blowing them both up with explosives he'd crafted. While Cambreaker is thinking he is alerted by Goldbug who had been following Earth news reports about Autobot attacks on cities. Cambreaker realizes that they can use Dezsaras's own scheme against him by having the team attacking the Dam be Autobots and the team attacking the Hydrothermocline disguised as Decepticons. Rattrap and Dinobot prepare to attack the Dam while Cambreaker, Redline, and Blackjack head to the Hydrothermocline.

The new Autobot shuttle, named the Nighteye, descends towards the planet with Redline at the helm and the two teams depart. Rattrap and Dinobot land in the water near the dam and quickly go to work. Without Decepticons nearby they are able to move and move out, destroying the dam and releasing the river. In Florida, Cambreaker and Blackjack, now disguised as Destoroyah and Warstorm, engage the Decepticons guarding the Hydrothermocline. From his command aboard the newly christened Maus, Sideways detects an incoming signature neither Decepticon nor Autobot. Having recalculated their trajectory after discovering the false trail, Destoroyah's mighty ship comes out of warp near Earth. Detecting the Autobot signatures, they begin locking weapons.

Part XXVIII comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Iacon: pages 43-44
The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): pages 14-19
Deep Space/Miscellaneous Planets: page 14
Earth: pages 10-12
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PART XXIX: A Narrow Escape

Onboard the Ætherspite, Snarl becomes restless at the thought of other Autobots taking shuttles to Earth and not inviting her to go and look for the dinobots. She heads to the bridge and demands to Minerva that she be allowed to take a shuttle and go down to the planet. On Earth, Cambreaker finds that the Decepticons guarding the Hydrothermocline are tougher than he'd planned and Blackjack is taking his time with the explosives. As they leave, Blackjack sends some comms to Cambreaker implicating that Dezsaras had given them the orders to do this. The two Autobots activate rocket packs and head into space to rejoin their friends. At the Hoover Dam, Overlord is shocked by the amount of human lives that the Autobots would sacrifice in order to defeat their plans. He sends Dreadwing and Darkwing to inform Dezsaras and sends a message to the ship that has now appeared in Earth's orbit, asking for help in fighting the Autobots. Receiving no answer, Overlord blasts off towards the site of the battle.

The Maus and the Nighteye engage Destoroyah's ship but manage to do little damage. Fortunately the maneuverability of the two smaller craft allows them to dodge much of the incoming fire. When Cambreaker's message is received, Redline begins to bring the Nighteye closer to the atmosphere for pickup while Sideways attempts to buy them time. He turns to Rev and says that the best way to distract Destoroyah's ship now is to ram them. However before they get the chance, Overlord and Dreadwing are detected and the Maus moves to intercept. As the Nighteye narrowly catches Cambreaker and Blackjack, Rattrap devises a plan to escape from the bounty hunter's clutches. Dinobot and Blackjack man turrets and begin firing on the attacking Decepticons while he instructs Redline on where to go. Meanwhile, Destoroyah orders his crew to set up a minefield around the moon in order to cut off the Autobot shuttle's path to the 'Spite.

Dirge is the last Decepticon to depart from Astrotrain, he carries a box of bats he acquired on Earth and gathers with the others for Megatron's new orders. Megatron orders Barricade and Rumble to set up a minefield and other defenses around Iacon in case of the Autobots' return. He is informed of the guardians in the cave by Starscream and orders him and Dirge to return there and activate all of them. A noise from behind makes Megatron turn and he sees Rodimus and Arcee approaching carrying a battered Sixshot. Although they state that they had defeated Sixshot in battle, Megatron doesn't believe them. Sixshot, who had been knocked unconscious by an Autobot defense system, awakens and drops a dud bomb on Arcee before departing to await new orders. Megatron orders Rodimus to take Arcee to Iacon's repair bay. Left to his own devices, Octane begins searching for an energy reserves left on Cybertron. He decides to investigate MacAdams Old Oil House.

As the bounty hunter's ship closes in on the 'Spite, Cambreaker radios Minerva to do a cold start warp nearer to Earth in order to pick them up. As Minerva is receiving the orders, she also is dealing with the demanding Snarl. Although anxious to disobey orders, Snarl decides that not leaving the 'Spite is best for the Autobots at the moment and follows orders. The risky maneuver pays off and as soon as the 'Spite warps, the Nighteye is able to dock and then the craft warps once more away from the Earth. As per Cambreaker's orders, Sideways brings the Maus into transwarp right behind the 'Spite. Cambreaker makes haste to the bridge to congratulate Minerva on saving them all. In her excitement, Minerva shows her affection for Cambreaker by giving him a quick kiss before they are interrupted by Snarl. Hearing Snarl's plea to help her find the dinobots, Cambreaker explains that her friends are probably in pods somewhere in deep space. If she helps Dinobot and Rattrap repair the newly acquired shuttles they can be used to search for the dinobots.

As the 'Spite continues through space, Cambreaker detects another escape pod floating in space and dons a rocket pack for quick retrieval. Once the pod is onboard, he and the other Autobots stand eagarly around it waiting for Minerva to open it. It is a small, greenish Autobot and Snarl is disappointed to see someone other than a dinobot. As Minerva works to repair the new find, Cambreaker heads to the repair bay to see what assitance Rattrap might need. Rattrap mentions that he needs some mechanical work done and also wants to install a spark into the Nighteye. Surprised that Rattrap had possession of such a thing, Cambreaker leaves the delicate task to his rodent friend and handle the mechanical work. Rattrap takes the spark to its designated containment area and installs it gently. Very soon a soothing female voice tells him that she is now online. He welcomes Nighteye to the Autobot family.

Octane descends to the lower levels of Cybertron and soon finds himself at Maccadams. Unfortunately for him it has become a safehouse of Autobots who have decided to ignore the neutrailty policy. Beaten to within an inch of losing his spark, Octane stumbles back to Iacon. In the Iacon medbay, Rodimus watches as Arcee undergoes the repair process. She jolts and shakes while in the maintenance sleep. Inside of her subconcious there are two personalities fighting for control, the once heroic Autobot warrior loyal to Optimus Prime and the fearsome Decepticon loyal to Megatron. The struggle is taking a serious toll on her. Meanwhile Rumble and Barricade find the entrance to a secret weapons cache under and Energon Ices stand. Gathering up the mines they will need, they return to the surface and begin building up Iacon's defenses. Megatron recieves a comm from Dezsaras who tells him of the damaged Hydrothermocline. Demanding that his lieutenant get it cleaned up and disgusted that his warriors are dropping like files, Megatron heads to the repair bay to check on Arcee.

Redline calls Minerva and Cambreaker to her medbay as she is finishing the repairs to Ripwing and Fetch. As the new Autobot comes online, Cambreaker explains where he is. Ripwing salutes and in a very serious military fashion expresses his eagerness to serve once more. In the other medbay, Hound begins to come online and Minerva leaves to tend to him. As soon as Ripwing hears that Snarl is aboard the ship, he perks up, the dinobots were considered somewhat legendary among his team and to meet one would be a dream come true. Redline takes him to the repair bay where the others are working on Nighteye. Once Ripwing is introduced, she offers her services to Rattrap. Having just instructed some of his maintenance drones to bring some smaller escape shuttles from the 'Spite into the repair bay, Rattrap tells her he would like help converting them to armored drop pods. Seeing that everything is coming along, Cambreaker announces that once their work is done he would like to run some training exercises and leaves to fetch the other Autobots.

As he closes the comm, Dezsaras tunes in to an Earth news broadcast about the Autobot destruction of the Hoover Dam. He smiles as another broadcast shows himself pledging to assist the humans in exchange for sixty percent of their energy resources. Everything was going according to plan. Overlord meanwhile finds himself abandoned by the other Decepticons as he returns to Earth. He begins to consider his aliegences. As Destoroyah's ship follows the trail from the retreating Autobot vessel it encounters a field of mines left behind to prevent their advance. He chuckles at the Autobot's pitiful attempt as he activates the anti-mine systems. This system however has the drawback of draining energy reserves at an increased rate and the ship must now find a station and refuel, giving up the hunt for now.

Part XXIX comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Iacon: pages 44-46
The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): pages 19-22
Deep Space/Miscellaneous Planets: pages 14-15
Earth: pages 12-13
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NOTE: To all who read my notice about Part 30 being the epic battle, it would seem I misjudged the length of events in the roleplay. I promise that it is coming but not for a while.

PART XXX: Training Day

Inside of Arcee's mind voices begin to repeat, voices from her past. She hears Kup, Rodimus, herself, Megatron, and even Optimus Prime. As Rodimus leans in to see what is occuring, the light from the Matrix begins to affect both himself and Arcee. As she comes to, her Autobot personality is dominating and she is horrified to find herself among the Decepticons and wearing their insignia. Megatron stands nearby, pleased to see his warrior repair and tells her that he has a special mission for her and Rodimus. Rumble and Barricade finish setting up the defenses and link them remotely to Kaon using an old defense network discovered by Soundwave. As they return to Megatron, Rumble spots a sleeping Dirge and awakens him. Dirge unleashes his bats upon Rumble but they are no match for Ratbat who is released by Rumble. As Dirge vows to create better bats, Megatron tells them to stop fooling around and return to Kaon to oversee its repairs. As Dirge and Rumble take off they begin to race each other back to the Decepticon HQ.

As Snarl is introduced to Ripwing she is confused about the headmaster process and attempts to remove her own head. She then gets the idea to take Ripwing with her and go search for the dinobots. Ripwing understands how Snarl feels, missing his own team, but assures the dinobot that they will find her friends in time and they must train first. Sideways had just finished installing a new hyperdrive onboard the Maus when Cambreaker's message about training arrived. He and Rev leave the ship and proceed to the 'Spite where they find Rattrap and Redline still working on the Nighteye and offer to help. Cambreaker stops by Blackjack's room and knocks on the door. As his friend comes to the door he can tell that he is troubled. The two sit a while and talk about their pasts and what it means to be a Cybertronian citizen and also a soldier. Feeling encouraged, Blackjack leaves to find the new 'bots and introduce himself while Cambreaker leaves to find Minerva. He encounters Cliffjumper who is on his way to the medbay for an upgrade.

Dinobot encounters Snarl and Ripwing while on his way to the bar and convinces them to go along. Snarl forgets all about finding the dinobots as the prospect of drinking Energon comes up. Ripwing had never seen anything like Dinobot and the two begin to discuss where Dinobot had come from. Arriving at the bar, Snarl wastes no time in bringing out the heavy drinks and finds that Fetch enjoys drinking as well. Minerva is assisting Goldbug with some upgrades of his own as Cliffjumper arrives. The two become excited when they learn that Hound has been found and begin reminicsing about their time on Earth. Kup awakens in a stasis pod and also finds his way to the medbay just as Cambreaker arrives. As Minerva finishes the upgrades and gives Kup a checkup, Cambreaker suggests that they all head to the bar for a meal before the training. Rattrap, Redline, and Sideways finish up work on the Nighteye and also decide to head to the bar.

Somewhere in space near the planet Micro, Sixshot drifts considering the current changes to the Decepticons with the victory and the additon of Rodimus and Arcee to their ranks. He is suddenly visited by Greatshot, one of his long time friends who had joined the Autobots. The two talk for a great time about Greatshot's decision to join the Autobots. Greatshot reminds him of the unrepairable scar he bears from a battle long ago and a warrior who's 'will to live' allowed them to fight on against a powerful opponent. As Greatshot vanishes, Sixshot consider the life he took those many vorns ago. He wonders just what was it about her will that allowed her to fight like that. With this on his mind, he heads back to Cybertron.

Within the bar, Snarl finally finishes a mixture of the most potent Energon and fuels she can find. She presents this 'Dinobot Juice' and asks which Autobot would like to be the first to try it with her. Blackjack enters and immediately takes the challenge. Downing some Dinobot Juice, he immediately regrets it and, along with Snarl, is forced to drink large amounts of water from a nearby main to stop the burning. Redline watches amused as she sips some Energon provided by her for Rattrap and mentions that may like to try the drink as well when training is over. Snarl pours her a glass but, as she states she doesn't want it now, Rattrap tries it instead. He finds water as the only solution to the burning as well. Kup strides into the half-flooded bar and shuts off the water. Cambreaker soon follows and scolds them for getting over-energized so soon.

Cambreaker announces that they are ready to begin training. He makes a speech to the assembled Autobots to remind themselves of who they were before the war and to find out who their brothers and sisters were as well. All of the Autobots are moved and Blackjack even compares it to Optimus Prime. Next Cambreaker explains that their first training exercise will be a scramble where they will man the gunships and attempt to keep asteroids from damaging the 'Spite's shields while a ground crew investiages a signal coming from a larger asteroid. As the Autobots begin the mission they enjoy being able to wear off some aggression and all think about their previous lives and those of their comrades. During the exercise however, Ripwing detects something while scanning the asteroids. He quickly notifies Dinobot who orders them all to stop firing as another stasis pod has been located on one of the asteroids.

Cambreaker's team descends to the asteroid only to find that it has somehow developed an atmosphere and a swamp-like ecosystem. Snarl begins to charge though the swamp, now believing a dinobot must be in the pod. Cambreaker grabs her tail and urges her to stay back with the others as they make their way through the treacherous swamp. Suddenly they are ambushed by a group of Ick-Yaks. As soon as Cambreaker detects the ambush, the two gunships begin getting into firing positions, Kup particularly is in no mood to face Ick-Yaks. Not seeing what all the big deal is about holding back, Blackjack takes the first shot and enrages the creatures to attack. As the Autobot ground team and their air support make quick work of the Ick-Yaks, Goldbug decides to ignore orders and search for the pod on his own. Seeing their companion take off, both Blackjack and Cliffjumper decide it isn't a good idea to let Goldbug go off by himself and follow.

As the battle concludes, Cambreaker makes his way back over to his companions. He suggests they go and find the others and see if they'd encountered anymore trouble on their way to the pod. As they advance through the jungle, they find Blackjack who has stepped into some quicksand and the Maus which is attempting to send down a tow cable for Blackjack. Cambreaker tells Kup that he needs Blackjack on the ground to show them which was Goldbug and Cliffjumper went. He then notices something coming through the jungle towards them, but is relieved to find it is only the dinobot Sludge. Snarl is elated to see her team member but wishes to press on and find the pod, hoping for more dinobots to be inside. Goldbug meanwhile is close to the pod when his feet hit a trip wire. Suddenly an explosion is heard and a large shockwave rocks the asteroid.

As the bounty hunter's ship heads for a refueling station, Galvatron decides he has had enough waiting for the hunter to locate Cambreaker. He takes an escape pod from the ship and heads back towards Cybertron. Rumble and Dirge arrive at Kaon to find that the outside of the fortress is boasting some new defenses. As they approach the door, Shockwave asks them for a password. Failing to correctly guess it, Dirge inserts Rumble in cassette mode into the mail slot. The two goons make their way to the control room where they receive a full report from Shockwave that the repairs are at ninety percent. At Iacon, Megatron sends Rodimus and Arcee on a mission to find the Autobots and assist Galvatron and Destoroyah. He then orders Barricade to take him to Kaon so he can check on the repair progress himself, leaving a delighted Starscream in command.

Part XXX comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Iacon: pages 46-48
The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): pages 22-29
Deep Space/Miscellaneous Planets: page 15
Earth: page 13
Kaon (Decepticon HQ): page 30
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PART XXXI: Revelations

Feeling the shockwave, Sideways immediately heads off to investiage and although Blackjack tries to hold him back he disappears into the jungle. When the others catch up with him, they find him kneeling before a mine field in front of a small stasis pod. Cliffjumper and a stasis locked Goldbug lay nearby. Cambreaker calls for the gunships to come and pick up the damaged 'bots and asks Minerva to get inside of his vehicle mode so he can navigate through the mine field to the pod. Sideways meanwhile activates one of the mines while trying to disarm it. Seeing the explosion, Kup calls for the exercise to be terminated and orders all 'bots to make their way back to the shuttles. Snarl and Sludge begin clearing a landing zone for the two shuttles. As Kup follows Cambreaker into the mine field, Ripwing begins using his magnetic abilities to lift damaged Autobots away from the danger. He lifts Sideways clear of the mines without effort, but when he attempts lift Goldbug and Cliffjumper he also attracts a number of the mines directly towards himself.

Seeing that mines are heading for his companion, Kup throws the hover stretcher to Cliffjumper. When Cliffjumper is unable to grab it, Minerva jumps through the mine field to assist him. Fortunately the weight of the three small 'bots is not enough to set off the mines and they successfully escape from the field. Once his companions are clear, Ripwing sends the mines into the air and detonates them. Cambreaker asks for a magnetic grapple hook to be used to snag the pod before the group evacuates the asteroid. Rattrap asks Redline to come aboard the Nighteye and help him tend to the injured as he had left the Nighteye's medbay in orbit around the asteroid. Redline also senses that he enjoys her company. Cambreaker and Kup oversee the evacuation and soon every 'bot is off of the swampy asteroid and on their way back to the 'Spite.

Megatron and Barricade arrive at Kaon and call for Rumble and Dirge to join them. Dirge destroys the password system on his way to meet Megatron but when Megatron questions him about it, he lies that it was broken already. Megatron decides he wants to hear the report about the defenses from Shockwave firsthand and proceeds to the control room. Seeing that everything is in order, he orders Shockwave to have several of the reprogrammed guardian robots brought to Kaon to be used as guards. He then invites Baricade, Rumble, and Dirge into his quarters to explain his latest scheme. He reveals that this plan is the same one he had been plotting for ages, to turn Cybertron into a mobile war world.

Unable to locate a bulk freight service to deliver the guardians, Shockwave sends a message to Starscream and Octane. The message is also received by Galvatron who had just returned and checked that his Preapartion F was still in place. Galvatron communicates with Megatron who instructs him to assist Octane and Starscream in moving the guardians. He proceeds to the cave where he supervises as Octane loads a few of the guardians onboard his freight jet mode. Galvatron ties two more guardians up with a rope and forces Starscream to tow them while he rides in Starscream's cockpit. Shockwave becomes irritated that the process is taking so long and Galvatron tells him not to worry. Octane reminds Shockwave that he only cares about their timing because Megatron is present.

Onboard the Maus, Blackjack has an odd feeling about the minefield on the asteroid and asks Sideways if he learned anything about them. Kup also notes that he wants a report on what they find. Sideways mentions that there is a lab aboard the Maus that they can use to analyze a mine he managed to recover. Ripwing also tags along, mentioning that the mines are similar to what his team The Autobot Crusaders used to guard their drop pods. As both ships dock with the 'Spite, Cambreaker announces that they will have 40 minutes to prepare for some simulation training exercises. He and Minerva are then approached by Chase who shows them a datapad Goldbug had developed for a new body that he had been too shy to ask about. They decide that implementing this new body is the best way to repair Goldbug.

Cambreaker announces to the crew that they will be opening the stasis pod and many of the disembarking Autobots gather around it to see who its occupant is. As Minerva is about to open the pod, Ripwing runs up and announces that one last trap must be disabled. He types a code in to the back of the pod and explains that he realized from the mine technology that the pod was that of an Autobot Crusader. As the group looks on, Snarl introduces Sludge to Dinobot. Sludge says he feels that Dinobot is a little small to be their leader and Dinobot assures him that he will only be in charge of them until Grimlock can be found. As the pod opens, two small 'bots emerge from the body of a larger Autobot. They recognize Ripwing and introduce themselves as Noise and Mute. The Crusader in the pods stirs and introduces himself as Racetrack. He then introduces four more of his partners: Howl, Webs, Doublebarrel, and Quickshot.

Meanwhile Cliffjumper is blaming himself for what happened to Goldbug on the asteroid. He wanders to the bar intending to drink alone, but is intercepted by Kup who says he wants to keep the small 'bot company until his friend is repaired. As Double Clutch finshes up the work on Goldbug's new body, he calls Redline in to perform the spark transfer. She begins the delicate task as Cambreaker and Minerva stop by to see how 'Bumblebee' is coming along. Most of the remaining 'bots decide to head to the bar, which Dinobot deems will be disasterous with two dinobots instead of one. As soon as Sludge discovers the 'Dinobot Juice' things get out of hand once again and the bar is trashed within minutes. Growing impatient with the computer scans on the mine, Blackjack retreats to his quarters and begins reviewing files on the current Decepticons. He comes across one he recognizes and realizes he has found the name of Roulette's murderer. He memorizes every piece of the Decepticon's profile.

As Kup watches the antics of the dinobots, he decides enough is enough and instructs his crew to clean up and gather in the Maus hangar for inspection. Snarl still has mud in her transformation systems so she asks Sludge to douse her with water and the two set off for the shuttle hangar. Meanwhile Rev is attempting ro redock the Maus with the 'Spite after some tests when all of the ship's power systems fail and it begins to drift away. They replace the emergency generator with another power core, but Sideways notes that there are still other problems that will need to be accounted for. Cliffjumper stops by the medbay on his way to the hangar and sees that Bumblebee is waking up. Impressed that his specs worked, Bumblebee is pleased with his new, more powerful body. Minerva is also glad that the procedure was successful and allows herself a moment to relax before the Autobots gather for space walk training.

Octane, Galvatron, and Starscream arrive at Kaon with the Guardians and seek out Shockwave to find out where they should go. As they are unloading, Shockwave asks Galvatron how his mission to destroy Cambreaker went and Galvatron responds that it was a failure but he has plans to bait Cambreaker back to Cybertron. Rumble arrives in the hangar and informs Galvatron and the others to come with him to the war room. Once there Megatron also asks about the status of the mission to which Galvatron replies that the bounty hunter is still on the trail. Megatron then explains that their next course of action is to head to the Energon Bar and rebuild it. For this task he calls upon Scrapper of the Constructicons, but expects all other Decepticons to do their part. As the celebratory Decepticons depart for the bar, on Earth another Decepticon sits back on his throne and muses that his plans to conquer the Universe are coming to fruition.

Part XXXI comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Iacon: page 48
The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): pages 29-35
Earth: page 13
Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 30-33
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PART XXXII: Family

As the zero gravity training ends, all the Autobots make their way back to the their favorite places on the 'Spite to relax for a little while before the next training. Sideways and Rev loacate the damage circuits aboard the Maus and begin setting a course back to the 'Spite. Rattrap asks the Nighteye to go over combat data from the encounter with the Ick-Yaks and comments that the ship used too much Energon in its cannons. The Nighteye tells him to lighten up and let her have fun sometimes and Rattrap storms off. He almost runs over Redline as he heads towards his quarters and the red scientist bot manages to calm a little. He takes her up to the top of the observation deck and the two spend some quality time together looking out into space at the peacefulness of the stars.

Cambreaker makes his way to Minerva's quarters to inform her that during training they had picked up another Crusader stasis pod. As they open it they are suprised by the hulking Autobot who emerges and immediately locks weapons on them. Minerva explains that she and Cambreaker are Autobots and the Crusader calms down and introduces himself as Starblast. Cambreaker welcomes him and mentions that some other members of his crew are enjoying themselves at the bar. Sideways and Rev find themselves unable to communicate with the 'Spite to determine its current location and drift farther away back towards Earth's moon. Sideways mentions that he feels something is drawing him back there. He and Rev manage to locate the circuitry that is malfunctioning and locate the 'Spite so that they can find their way back to it.

As Starblast departs, Cambreaker and Minerva find themselves with a rare moment of time to themselves. Setting down in his quarters, Camberaker tells her that everything that has happened has made him realize his feelings for her and he is concerned that their duty will make their relationship difficult. Minerva reassures him that everything will work out and they spend time reminiscing about their pasts before the war. Both come to realize that they had seen each other from afar when she was a dancer and he a young senator, but it wasn't until they served in Optimus Prime's unit that they had met. Feeling that he needs to spend sometime with another 'bot, Blackjack makes his way to Kup's office and begins to chat with the older 'bot about the security files he'd been reviewing. They are interrupted by Mute and Webs who wants to give Kup a report on the mine technology used to guard their drop pod. Kup is delighted by this information but gives Blackjack one last glance to let him know not to do anything stupid.

Ripwing helps Racetrack set up his quarters aboard the 'Spite and the two head down to the bar to see their companion Starblast. The Crusaders are delighted to be back together and Starblast also finds he has a lot in common with the dinobots. Snarl suggests that he try armwrestling them and Starblast quickly defeats first Sludge then Snarl. Seeing the other dinobots beaten by Starblast, Dinobot offers him a challenge and Snarl says that Dinobot is probably the strongest one of the dinobots. Wideload also offers to armwrestle Sludge and Snarl but is knocked into a table by both and must be carried away to his quarters. Hearing the loud music and table's crashing from the security office, Kup decides that he and Blackjack should go and break up the party. They arrive at the bar and he orders them to stop drinking and punishes them by making them clean the corridors of the ship. As he is about to hand out further orders, Sideways appears and mentions that he would like to show Kup a data disc he had found. Left in charge, Blackjack tells them he doesn't want to be the badguy and he organizes the cleaning into a contest.

Although there is some complaints from the Crusaders, most of the 'bots immediately begin doing their best in order to win Blackjack's mystery prize. When he sees that the Crusaders are objecting, he gets in Starblasts face but fails to intimidate the mighty warrior. When Kup emerges from his office to fetch Webs to help in decoding the disc, he commends them all on a job well done. A few moments later, Cambreaker comes down and sees the cleaning as well. He is enthusiastic to see the crew of Autobots getting along and working so well together. He announces that it is now time to begin the final stage of their training simulations of live combat training against the Decepticons.

The Decepticons arrive at the Energon Bar and begin working together to restore it to its former glory. Rumble, Frenzy, and the Constructions, Galvatron begins framing walls, and Octane delivers a supply of fresh Energon from them to enjoy while working. However he begins to get bored and drink his own supply. Megatron calls Rumble away to show him the Engine Room he had built into Cyberton and while he is away the construction is completed. He returns and leads the Decepticons into the newly rebuilt Energon Bar and explains how he and Time Traveller built the place as a neutral zone for both factions. He sends a message over Autobot frequencies that eventually reaches the 'Spite. Most of the assembled Decepticons are uneasy about the thought of inviting the Autobots back to Cybertron. Galvatron however says he will be happy just to know where Cambreaker is. The Decepticons wait for a long time, drinking, telling stories, playing practical jokes, and just enjoying one another's company. Megatron makes a toast to his mighty warriors as the evening wears on.

Part XXXII comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): pages 35-41
Best Energon This Side of Polyhex: pages 19-21
The Leader's Table: pages 3-6
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PART XXXIII: The Dark Matrix

Nightshade, who has quietly been watching the Decepticons celebrate, finally speaks to Galvatron and Megatron mentioning that she has somehting in mind that she would like to tell them in private. Galvatron leads them to the private room built for him above the Energon Bar. Once there, he accidentaly stumbles into a button which activates some additional features of the room but quickly turns it off. Nightshade explains to the two leaders that there is exists an object known as the Dark Matrix which was hidden from Unicron deep within Cybertron. It is an equal and opposite power source to the Autobot Matrix and is meant to wielded by a Decepticon Leader. Galvatron becomes particularly interested in this and encourages Megatron that they could use the Dark Matrix to destroy Cambreaker. The group moves back to the main bar and Megatron asks for warriors to volunteer to go with Galvatron on the mission to retrieve the Dark Matrix. Rumble and Dirge volunteer one another and Scrapper also offers to go since the mission will focus on exploration of Cybertron's tunnels.

Onboard the Ætherspite, the Autobots leave the simulator and disperse to rest and relax after a greuling training session. Snarl, Sludge, and the Crusaders immediately head for the bar, but Dinobot reminds them that they will be reaching Cybertron soon and will want to be in top condition for a real fight with the Decepticons. The two dinobots instead follow their leader back to his quarters where he reviews their battle strategies from the simulator and gives them tips on how to be more effective in combat. Blackjack passes the group in the hallway on his way to his own quarters. He looks once more at the screen showing the Decepticon he vows to destroy and lays down. As he drifts into a recharge sleep, he considers how much he has changed since the loss of Iacon.

As the Decepticons venture down into the darkness of Cybertron's tunnel, Galvatron expresses his concern that they have no idea what exactly they are looking for. Dirge points out that he discovered a rough map of Cybertron's tunnels while exploring Iaocn. Nightshade also helps by providing an image of the Dark Matrix she had kept in her memory banks. She explains that her twin sister had been charged with guarding the powerful artifact. At first Galvatron is excited by the concept of Decepticon twins and he eagarly comms Megatron. But then he realizes that the Dark Matrix may have already been used by Nightshade's sister. He also wonders if the Autobot know of Dark Matrix since they had a map of the tunnels.

To calm the Decepticons' many questions, Nightshade reluctantly explains how she came to be. She and her bretheren had been a separate race known as Shadowcons. They had been twisted by Unicron but later imprisoned by Primus. Although her sister had been charged by the deity to guard the Dark Matrix, the others had been freed by Megatron and offered to serve him in return. However they had been separated during the Great War and she had spent many vorns searching for her siblings. With this information in mind, the Decepticons continue to follow Nightshade into the depths of Cybertron.

As the Decpticons press on, they soon discover that they are out of range of communications. As the darkness begins to become oppressive, Dirge finds a switch on one of the walls, but is nervous to press it. Rumble knocks him into the switch and a section of the wall collapses, covering them in Energon waste. The two Decepticon stooges find a hidden passage behind the wall and begin to follow it. It ends in a metal grating and as Dirge is attempting to move the grating, silver tentacles come through and begin to grab him. The other Decepticons rush to his aid and send the monster back into the depths. As the Decepticon push farther, Dirge sends Batzilla to scout ahead and receives a report that many booby traps lay ahead.

As Megatron sits in the bar and waits for Galvatron he notices a strange transformer wreathed in darkness enter. He walks over to the stranger and introduces himself, learning that the stranger was a Deception scientist named Darkshock who had been sent to assist Megatron by other forces. As he is listening to Darkshock, another of Megatron's warriors enters the bar. It is Solar, one of the most loyal seekers, and he is in terrible condition. Megatron orders Darkshock to repair solar and begins chatting with the new bartender. Octane arrives and informs Megatron that he had made some improvements to his Earth vehicle modes. As soon as Solar is repaired, he tells Megatron that he failed the mission given to him and that the Starblast Project was sabotaged by Autobots.

Blackjack awakens from his maintenace sleep to find that the 'Spite is unusually quiet. He walks out into the corridors and finds Redline also coming out of her room. The two chat a little about the return to Cybertron when they are interrupted by a noise from inside the engine room. Opening it up, Blackjack finds the two-headed dragon 'bot Doublecross who had gotten lost. In the bar, Racetrack sits and thinks about the difficulties of retaking a 'con controlled world when he is joined by Starblast. The big Crusader trys to encourage his friend but is reminded that someone from the project may have already reached Cybertron before them and be waiting in ambush. Their conversation is interrupted by a comm from Dinobot who wants them to come to him for training as he is finished instructing the other dinobots. Rattrap, who has been conducting tests on the Nighteye, takes a break to walk into Cambreaker's office and discuss strategy for the upcoming battle.

Cambreaker is surprised as Rattrap enters and demands to know his strategy. A moment later, Sideways also enters and presents Cambreaker a disc containing information he had gathered on Iacon's current condition. He details his plans to hit multiple 'con positions at once in order to confuse their command structure and then explains that he must check on Minerva. Rattrap and Sideways both decide to go and make certain their crafts are functional before the battle. Cambreaker finds Minerva just about to leave the medbay and find him. The two share some words about the upcoming battle and how they must stay together. They are interrupted by Ripwing who wants to have his partner Fetch's magnetic abilities checked out before the upcoming assault. She explains that it is probably an issue of them having been inactive for so long and encourages him to continue to test the ability after she makes a few adjustments. With everything working they head to the hangar where the Autobots are assembling in preparation for the attack. Cambreaker arrives and informs them that the time has come.

Before they can advance into the trapped corridor, the Decepticons discover a stasis pod. Galvatron orders Scrapper to energize the pod and Scourge emerges from within. He explains that he is a Decepticon leader from another dimension but will gladly follow Galvatron now that he is in their dimension. Scourge easily destroys the traps so that the Decepticons may advance. Soundwave appears in the tunnel and Galvatron asks how he arrived so quickly. He explains that he had found an alternate route that they can use for their exit. As Nightshade had travelled with the Decepticons she began to think of them as too incompetent to give them the Dark Matrix. However she finally decides that she could just reclaim it later and warps into a secret chamber nearby their present location. Once she has retreived the Dark Matrix she presents it to Galvatron who is reminded by Soundwave that the Dark Matrix belongs to Megatron. The group immediately heads to the surface but as they near it, they hear the sounds of battle and can only assume that the Autobots have returned.

Part XXXIII comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): pages 41-44
Best Energon This Side of Polyhex: pages 21-23
The Leader's Table: pages 6-7
Tunnels Under Cybertron: pages 2-7
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PART XXXIV: Beachhead

The roleplay roster for each faction at the current time included the following players:

Decepticon:
Megatron
Galvatron
Dezsaras/Darkshock
Overlord
Dirge
Rumble
Scrapper
Octane
Nightshade
Soundwave
Solar
Destoroyah
Shrapnel (missing)
Starscream (missing)

Autobot:
Cambreaker
Minerva
Blackjack
Rattrap
Redline
Dinobot
Snarl/Sludge
Sideways/Rev
Ripwing/Fetch
Racetrack
Starblast
Doublecross
Bumblebee
Cliffjumper
Kup
Swift (missing)

Hearing Cambreaker's message, the teams assemble and board their respective ships. Cambreaker, Blackjack, Minerva, Redline, and Double Clutch board the Nighteye with Rattrap as pilot. The dinobots, Crusaders, Throttlebots, and Doublecross board the Maus with Sideways as pilot. Although each feels something different about the upcoming battle, all are resolved to fight as hard as they must in order to reclaim their home. And then they are there, the 'Spite comes out of transwarp above Cybertron and both gunships depart. Cambreaker's team lands on the surface and he waits as one by one the other Autobot teams report their status. Kup reports that the Maus and the Nighteye are in position as well and the teams move out. Blackjack and Redline separate from Cambreaker and make their way silently towards a small, Energon Ices stand. The dinobots and Crusaders land elsewhere and begin moving out.

In the sky above Kaon, the massive form of the Ætherspite appears. Moments later, the first neutron bomb is dropped as Kup commands to fleet to begin shelling the Decepticon fortress. The Nighteye and the Maus also begin to open up on Kaon with everything they have. Detecting the attacking, Shockwave activates the defenses and orders all Decepticons to scramble and defend the city. Dinobot and his team reach Iacon city's central power grid and easily take control. He messages Blackjack that they are ready to kill the power in his area. Blackjack and Redline descend into the bunker beneath the Energon Ices stand and he explains its significance as a Great War safe house. He activates a switch and reveals a hidden tunnel that they are taking. Noticing that the laser mines have been removed, he sends a message to warn Cambreaker and they head into the darkness. Receiving Blackjack's message, Cambreaker instructs Double Clutch who is piloting the Royal Flush to continue and to be on the lookout for the mines. He and Minerva proceed to the same Energon Ices stand to pick up explosives and then depart for a different tunnel.

As the orbital bombardment increases, Shockwave activates the shield energy absorption technology which allows the shields to increase in power from the attacks. Seeing that their attacks are only strengthening the shields, Sideways comms Cambreaker who suggests firing on the moat and infrastructure surrounding Kaon. The ships begin this tactic and Shockwave sees that he has a free moment to contact Megatron. The first shock waves from the assault on Kaon reach the bar and cause Darkshock to spill a little of his drink. Just as Megatron and the others are beginning to question the source of the tremors, Shockwave's message is received. He orders Solar and Octane to take to the skies and scout as he and Darkshock head back to Kaon.

Cambreaker and Minerva reach the section of the tunnel that the Brestforce had made into the bowls of Iacon. They enter through the hole in the ceiling and turn off Sideways' core containment device. They then set to work repairing Iacon's defenses. Meanwhile, Blackjack and Redline exit their tunnel into the cell block of Iacon and begin to infiltrate the fortress. They reach the end of a long corridor and see Cyclonus and Scourge guarding the door they need to enter. Using his stealth field and thought scanner, Blackjack manipulates the two 'cons into fighting each other. They enter Iacon's computer core and Redline gets to work. In a few clicks, Blackjack comms Dinobot to turn the power back on and also let's Cambreaker know that it's time to 'sweep the house.' Dinobot acknowledges and his team throws the switch. They move out and he instructs them to be on the lookout for any Decepticon autodefenses.

Sideways notices the outgoing message from Shockwave and suggests that they cut off future 'con communication. The Nighteye responds and begins to scramble their channels. Both ships locate the city's primary power generators but they are located under several layers of thick concrete. Cambreaker suggests that they continue picking off any targets they can until the generators can be breached and to keep any Decepticons from entering or exiting the fortress. Rattrap's team spots Solar and Octane take to the sky and they fire several 'con seeking missiles at them. Solar easily evades and shoots down Octane's tail as well. Megatron sees that his Decepticons are in one piece and transforms to gun mode, ordering Darkshock to begin blasting at Rattrap's team. Seeing the Decepticons blasting at them, Rattrap orders his group to fall back towards Kaon and asks the Nighteye to provide covering fire. Having repaired the defenses, Cambreaker and Minerva leave through another tunnel and the Autobot commander smashes through Preparation F without so much as a scratch. Arriving the Iacon courtyard, he commands other Autobots in the area to help secure Iacon while the others push towards their other goals.

As Galvatron and the others reach the surface of Cybertron, Soundwave steps forward and demands that Galvatron hand the Dark Matrix to him so that he may give it to Megatron. Galvatron blasts as Soundwave and exclaims that he will give the Dark Matrix to Megatron when he is ready to. He flies away as Soundwave releases Buzzsaw and Laserbeak to tail him. Rumble and Dirge and also about to tail Galvatron when Megatron orders them to return and assist in the battle against the invading Autobots. Nightshade, realizing that it was a bad idea to give the Dark Matrix to Galvatron, flies after him and tries to convince him to surrender it to her. Blinded by the power, Galvatron refuses to give up his 'precious Matrix' and he files away with Scourge following him. Having left the refueling port, Destoroyah's ship had been able to follow the 'Spite's warp trail more easily. The mighty battleship comes out of transwarp to see the planet of Cybertron.

As Dinobot's team receives Cambreaker's orders, he tells the Crusaders to head to Iacon and backup their leader while he and the dinos assist with the assault on Kaon. Blackjack finishes his fight with two other Decepticons who had been trying to stop Redline's work and regroups with Cambreaker in the courtyard as the Crusaders also arrive. Cambreaker tells Racetrack to check on the defensive turrets while he, Starblast, and Ripwing head off to Tagon Heights to fetch some much needed defensive hardware. He leaves Minerva and Blackjack in command in his absence. As Minerva instructs Racetrack on how to repair a damaged turret, Blackjack and Double Clutch move the Decepticon guards to the cell block. Redline finishes her work on the computer mainframe and the group of Autobots regroups, feeling that although they had secured Iacon a greater battle was yet to come.

As the Crusaders finish loading Cambreaker with weapons they detect two Decepticons on their way to Iacon. He dispatches Ripwing to investigate. Recognizing Solar, Ripwing begins to engage the two. Cambreaker contacts Rattrap to see what his current position is and Rattrap returns that he and his team are on their way to Kaon. As he finishes the comm with Cambreaker, Rattrap is surprised to find Dinobot, Snarl, and Sludge who join up with him. Feeling that a major Decepticon retaliation is on the horizon, Cambreaker sends a message for Blackjack to join up with Rattrap's team at Kaon and for Minerva and Redline to return to the 'Spite to get it ready for a larger battle. As he races back towards Iacon, he can see the looming shadow of the bounty hunter's ship in the skies above the planet.

Part XXXIV comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): page 44
Best Energon This Side of Polyhex: page 23
Tunnels Under Cybertron: pages 7-8
Cybertron's Streets: pages 13-15
Iacon: page 49
Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 33-34
Deep Space/Miscellaneous Planets: page 15
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Post by Blackjack »

PART XXXV: The Ætherspite Embattled

As the Deceptions advance towards Iacon, Megatron also sees the massive form of the bounty hunter's ship in the sky. Although he is enraged by Galvatron's betrayal, he is pleased to see one of his investments is paying off. Realizing that defense should be their priority, he orders all Decepticons to fly back to Kaon and let Destoroyah take care of the invading Autobots. The bounty hunter ship opens weapons on the 'Spite and even from the planet the massive blast can be seen. Cambreaker asks Starblast to take him up to the 'Spite as quickly as possible. Sideways also moves the Maus to dock with the 'Spite in preparation for the upcoming battle. Destoroyah's ship fires again and begins to wear down the 'Spite's shields.

Galvatron returns to the site of Preparation-F with Scourge in tow only to find that it has been set off by Cambreaker. In a rage, Galvatron fires his cannon at the trap and sets off the undetonated explosives. Moments later a very charred Galvatron begins following Cambreaker's trail only to lose it where he took to the air with Starblast. Cambreaker arrives on the bridge of the 'Spite and leaves Starblast to rejoin the battle. He then begins commanding the fleet to continue bombarding Kaon while he raises shield power and prepares to engage the bounty hunter's ship. Rattrap's team arrives at the edge of Kaon to find that the shield is still up. He divides them into two groups, Dinobot and his team will be responsible for capturing the city once he and his group have lowered the shields. He is about to head in alone when Blackjack appears and blasts open the tunnel for him. The two Autobots proceed into the maintenance tunnels below the Decepticon fortress.

Somewhere beneath Kaon, the dinobot leader Grimlock awakens from slumber, he sends out a comm to any nearby Autobots. Dinobot's team blasts open another ventilation shaft and begins making their way into the city when the receive the comm. Incredulously, Dinobot informs Grimlock of their location. Both Snarl and Sludge are extremely pleased to see their leader again. Meanwhile, Shockwave is alerted to the presence of the Autobots inside of the tunnels by a careless Blackjack. He announces to the intruding pair that they will not live long and dispatches Unit Alpha to destroy the two Autobots. Realizing that Shockwave must have deduced their plan, Rattrap tells Blackjack that they are going to hit a different power station than originally anticipated. The pair makes their way up two levels to a corridor full of sentry guns which Shockwave had activated. The two Autobots easily take out the guns and Rattrap enters the power station while Blackjack deals with the sentry drones that Shockwave had dispatched. While chasing the drones down one of the corridors, Blackjack comes face to face with one of the reprogrammed Guardian Robots. As he is figuring out his next move, Rattrap detonates the power core and grab Blackjack as he darts back into the tunnel. With the primary power grid down, Shockwave is forced to switch to auxiliary and put all power into the shields.

As Megatron and the other Decepticons are arriving at Kaon, he detects the presence of the dinobot team in the maintenance shaft and heads in personally to take care of things. There he comes face to face with Grimlock who offers to fight Megatron so that the other dinobots can press on. Dinobot asks Sludge for his sword so that he and Megatron can fight the old-fashioned way. The two warriors begin to have an all out duel to the death while the other dinobots and Decepticons look on.

The Maus docks with the 'Spite and Sideways begins to rush a much needed ECM module into the battered Autobot craft. Cambreaker receives reports from Kup and Bumblebee that the 'Spite is losing shield power and is badly damaged, he only laughs and says that 'it's time to roll over and die." The 'Spite rolls on its side, allowing the powerful groundpounder cannons to open up on the bounty hunter's vessel while the second shield generator is activated. The Autobot warship also continues to drop proton bombs on a damaged Kaon. An enraged Destoroyah exclaims that he wishes to be warped aboard the Autobot craft so he can finish them off with his bare hands. He orders Overcast to use their secret weapon, the energy lance which reduces the 'Spite's shields to five percent. Cambreaker notes this weapon's use and merely has his crew turn on the first generator again which had mostly recharged. He orders them to finish off the bounty hunter ship and although Bumblebee protests he obeys. The bounty hunter ship is all but obliterated.

Cambreaker sends a message to the ground asking why the shields are still up and if it would still be possible to attack Kaon. Blackjack warns him that they are down there watching the duel and Rattrap adds that a concentrated attack on the top of Kaon's dome wouldn't hit them but may overload the current shields. He then notices Darkshock silently approaching the group and fires a warning shot at the unknown Decepticon. As the group of dinobots and Decepticons looks on, Grimlock attempts one final attack in a gambit to defeat Megatron or die trying. Although weakened, Megatron manages to counter the attack and decapitate the dinobot leader. He then asks if anyone else would like to challenge him. Seeing Grimlock cut down, Dinobot flies into a rage and takes up Sludge's sword. He leaps into battle.

Laughing as his ship enters its 'dead' mode, Destoroyah prepares to warp aboard the 'Spite. His ship detonates, releasing damaged sections of hull and allowing a much smaller craft to jet away from the Autobot warship while he and Overcast make their way onboard the 'Spite. Finding no one around, Destoroyah fires a missile at a wall section in order to get Cambreaker's attention. Seeing that he has intruders aboard the 'Spite, Cambreaker sends Racetrack to take a shuttle down and evacuate their team from Kaon. He then lights up the corridors to show Destoroyah right where he is. Meanwhile Starblast finds Ripwing engaged with Solar and Octane. He immediately begins blasting at Solar who turns to see their new attacker. Solar does not fire on Starblast but instead tells him that he is a Decepticon and that they are on the same team. Seeing that Octane is being beaten by Ripwing, Solar insists that the two of them retreat and find Megatron leaving a confused Starblast behind.

Darkshock sees the ratbot firing at him and sneaks close enough to shred Rattrap's gun. He makes a remark about both factions always fighting one another and is content to watch the battle quietly from inside of a nearby pipe. Seeing that Dirge and Rumble are mocking Grimlock's death, Blackjack decides to wipe the smile off of their faces. He walks over and challenges the two. Dirge responds and follows Blackjack away from the battle, Rumble also follows thinking that Megatron doesn't need them to watch his back. Blackjack easily dodges Dirge's first shot and thinks that the battle will be an easy one. Dirge returns by activating a secret weapon: a subsonic emitter designed to make the target see their greatest fear. Suddenly, Blackjack's mind is sent back to the great war. Surrounded by the chaos and bodies of his fallen comrades, he runs from the battle into the wastes of Cybertron.

Part XXXV comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): pages 44-45
Cybertron's Streets: pages 15-17
Iacon: pages 49-50
Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 34-37
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Post by Blackjack »

PART XXXVI: Familiar Face

As Blackjack disappears into the wastes, Rattrap decides that it is a good time to evacuate everyone. The Nighteye swoops down and lowers cables for the Autobots while providing covering fire at the Decepticons. As the gunship makes its way back towards the 'Spite, Rattrap radios Cambreaker to tell him of Blackjack's odd retreat. Cambreaker is curious about his friend's disappearance and worried about the bounty hunter onboard his ship, but enthusiastic as the ground pounder cannons finally break Kaon's sheilds. The Autobots cheer as the mighty Decepticon fortress begins to break apart, great chunks tumbling into the moat below. Once the Nighteye has docked with the 'Spite, Cambreaker asks Rattrap to take the bridge while he, Minerva, and Redline deal with the bounty hunter. He also asks Dinobot and the others to return to Iacon and guard it until things are taken care of up there and they can begin the search for Blackjack.

Megatron looks on in horror as his once-great fortress is reduced to rubble by the Autobot bombardment. He orders all Decepticons to retreat to Iacon, but Darkshock suggests that the Autobots may have already seized their former headquarters. Seeing the sense in his minion's words, Megatron orders the Decepticons to fall back to Tarn and attempts to contact Shockwave. Shockwave reports that he is trapped under the rubble in Kaon and cannot communicate with the Guardians or any of the other defense systems to dig himself out. Rumble meanwhile has been affected by Dirge's fear weapon and is seeing bugs coming towards himself. Once he snaps out of it, he and Dirge begin attempting to dig Shockwave out. Octane and Solar arrive and report that they were held up by the Autobot Crusaders. Another seeker, named Sarahnator lands near Megatron and asks what has happened. Megatron is suspicious of the new fembot but when she shows no fear of him he smiles. He orders Solar to remain there and help Dirge and Rumble search for Shockwave while he, Octane, and Sarahnator attempt to locate the traitor Galvatron.

As Blackjack ran from the battle, he found himself heading deeper and deeper into Cybertron's Southern Wasteland and farther from his fears. Then in the distance he saw a purple and pink fembot who seemed oddly familliar. He stopped and called out, thinking at first it was Roulette, but as the fembot approached she told him that she was not Roulette, she was Arcee. Blackjack could hardly believe this, Arcee had been a Decepticon traitor when last they'd met. But she'd also been a friend of his from long ago, back in the days of the Great War. He listened to her story and began to lead her back towards the other Autobots. Although neither of them was sure what had caused her to change sides, Blackjack was certain that she was again an Autobot and he was ready to die for it.

After some brief negotiations, Destoroyah realizes that he has been utterly defeated and agrees to leave peacefully. Once he and Warstorm and dealt with, Cambreaker decides that it is time that they all returned to Iacon. He asks Rattrap and Redline to search for Blackjack and the two leave to fetch jets from the Nighteye to use in the search. As the battered Autobot warship makes its way towards Iacon, Cambreaker and Minerva don rocket packs and prepare to jump. He tells Minerva a dream about falling through time and space and then mentions that he is becoming more comfortable with flying again, but that he will never board the Maus. The two land in the streets of Iacon and Cambreaker recognizes the battered buildings from his past. As he and Minerva walk towards the fortress, she asks him what is on his mind and he tells her that he misses the music that she used to dance to. Then he remembers something and quickly leads her back to his quarters within the fortress. Once there he produces an antiquated music box and activates it. As the haunting melody fills Iacon's empty corridors, he asks her to dance again like in the days before the war. Elsewhere Racetrack finally locates Starblast and Ripwing and reunites with Crusader bretheren.

After leaving Iacon, Galvatron and Scourge arrive at the City of Vos. They land on the tallest building and Galvatron declares that the city is now under his control and he will be building a new lair there. He dispatches Scourge to locate Megatron and spy on him. He then begins attempting to convert the Decepticons living in the city to his cause. Nightshade arrives and attempts to reason with Galvatron to get the Dark Matrix back. She soon finds that he has been driven completely insane and decides to fake loyalty to him until he made a mistake that would allow her to regain the Dark Matrix. She shows Galvatron how to open the Dark Matrix and combine it with his own spark, increasing his power immensly. The now empowered Galvatron leaves to find his predecessor and claim dominion over the Decepticon forces.

As Rattrap and Redline speed through the wasteland in the small scout ships, Redline points out the figure of Blackjack and an unknown femme in the distance. Rattrap comms Dinobot, who has followed them in the Nighteye, to be ready to pick them up. Dinobot is uneasy at the fact that there is someone else with Blackjack but follows orders. As they approach Rattrap and Dinobot both recognize Arcee and react in their own ways. Dinobot wants to rip her apart but Rattrap holds him back and demands to know from Blackjack why he has brought the traitor with him. Seeing the anger in their faces does not surprise Arcee, but she feels bad that Blackjack is trying so hard to trust her and go against his friends. She tells him that perhaps she should just leave now before the situation gets worse. He reminds her of who she once was, an Autobot. Blackjack turns to the group and asks if any of them have ever wondered if they deserved a second chance for something they have done. The words particularly fall upon Dinobot who remembers his own Predacon past. Rattrap decides that she must be brought before Cambreaker for final judgement. Neither Arcee nor Blackjack looks forward to this as they board the Nighteye and head for Iacon.

Arriving at the ruins of Kaon, Scourge begins to search for Megatron but is distracted when Galvatron arrives and demands an update on Scourge's mission. He is about to explain his progress when Nightshade arrives and distracts Galvatron attention. Octane and Sarahnator both detect Galvatron's position and report it to Megatron. Sarahnator is the first to locate Galvatron but she does not immediately take hostile action, instead taking the opportunity to adjust her lipstick in the reflection from Galvatron's cannon. Octane sneaks up behind Galvatron and points his weapon at the traitor's head. In addition, Scourge, who remembers suddenly being betrayed by Galvatron in his own dimension, points his sword at Galavatron's head. A moment later Megatron arrives to deal with his traitorous sub-commander.

As the Nighteye touches down in Iacon, she scolds Rattrap for being so soft in his treatment of Arcee and suggests that it is only because she is a relation to him. Her words sting Rattrap and he feels tired and in need of a break from all of the pointless fighting. Once on the ground, he leads Arcee into the fortress cell block and places her in a cell with wall restraints and a speech neutralizer. Blackjack watches Rattrap lead Arcee away and gives her a last, comforting glance. He then heads to Cambreaker's last known location, walks down the music filled corridor, and knocks. Cambreaker listens as Blackjack explains about Arcee's return and does not react with the anger that Blackjack had anticipated. Instead his mood is nostalgic and thoughtful. He tells Blackjack that he and Minerva will go and deal with Arcee and that he will be needed on other missions in the meantime. Blackjack agrees and tells them that he has a mission of his own that he would like to undertake, reconissaince against the 'cons. Cambreaker warns him to be careful and instructs Dinobot and Rattrap to take their teams and head to Tagon Heights to get the facility there up and running again. He leads Minerva into the cell block as Blackjack takes off into the Cybertronian night determined to find Megatron and learn how he turned Arcee into a Decepticon.

Part XXXVI comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

The Ætherspite (Cambreaker's frigate): page 45
Cybertron's Streets: page 17
Iacon: pages 50-51
Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 37-40
Southern Wasteland: pages 1-2
The City of VOS: page 1
Last edited by Blackjack on Mon Mar 07, 2011 6:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Blackjack »

PART XXXVII: Judgement

All over Cybertron, the after effects of the battle begin to take shape. A defeated Destoroyah and Warstorm land on the surface of Cybertron and the bounty hunter orders his lackey to get his second and third ships operational. Sideways is suddenly overcome by a presense of Unicron, awakened by the use of the Dark Matrix, and he begins to speed down Cybertron's highways searching for a way to ressurect his former master. At Kaon, as Solar approaches Rumble to demand an update on the retreival of Shockwave, the one-eyed Decepticon becomes visible through the wreckage. Elsewhere in Kaon, Megatron confronts the traitorous Galvatron and demands that he hand over the Dark Matrix. Galvatron removes the Dark Matrix from his chest, but instead of giving it to Megatron, he activates it and blinds all present except himself and Nightshade. He blasts the blinded Megatron and he and Nightshade warp away with Megatron as their prisoner. She suggests putting stasis cuffs on Megatron, but all Galvatron can find are the pink, fuzzy handcuffs. Seeing the power of Galvatron, Sarahnator tells him that she wishes to join and leaves the others to find Galvatron. An enraged Scourge and Octane leave to hunt for Galvatron and are joined by Destoroyah who also wishes to find Megatron and get paid.

Arcee waits in the cell, unsure of how long she has been there and with Blackjack's words of trust still ringing in her ears. She awakens from her half-sleep when she hears footsteps approaching. She hopes for Blackjack, but instead sees Cambreaker and Minerva. Minerva begins to tend to her wounds as Cambreaker removes to speech supressor. He asks her a simple question, what she is doing there. She responds with conviction, trying to show him with her words that she is willing to repent for the sins she has committed against him and the Autobots. Cambreaker's only reaction is to give her an Energon knife and turn his back, telling her that she has a job to finish. When Arcee does not strike, he disarms her and tells her that he thinks that she may be telling the truth. He asks her what she would do to regain their trust and leaves her to think on this while he deals with other matters.

As Sideways is working in his lab, energy released from the Dark Matrix by Galavatron triggers something within his spark. A faint hint of the presense of Unicron begins to influence him and he takes off across Cybertron, searching for the Dark Matrix. He first encounters Scourge and Octane and asks them to assist him in locating Galvatron and the Dark Matrix in exchange for power. Octane replies that they are already seeking Galvatron and will help him as long as it suits their purpose. At Kaon, Darkshock checks on the progress of Shockwave's rescue and sees that it has been successful. He begins to set up sentry guns to guard Kaon's perimeter. Octane sends a message to the other Decepticons to assist them in locating Galvatron and Solar orders the other Decepticons to follow. Shockwave challenges Solar's command and then leads the Decpeticons himself to Octane's permission. Scourge considers Sideways' request and then decides that he wants nothing to do with an Autobot. He decapitates Sideways who thanks him for saving Cybertron moments before he shuts down.

Dinobot locates the Crusaders and picks them up in the Nighteye as it heads towards Tagon Heights. He orders the team to attach locator beacons to themselves in case they become separated. As the gunship nears Tagon, Redline asks Rattrap if they have current maps of the Heights. He replies that he and Cambreaker had been already working to plan an expansion there and they had set up plans in Nighteye. He asks Dinobot and the Crusaders to search the tunnels below the abandoned factory site they plan to use as a base while he and Redline use Nighteye to set up a temporary computer core. The Crusader's begin searching the area and Racetrack's casette Howl picks up a distress signal. Following the signal, he and Starblast find the stasis pod of a damage blue fembot and bring her back to the others. Meanwhile, Blackjack follows the trail of Sidewasy from Iacon not knowing it belongs to his companion. He arrives in time to witness the decapitation of Sideways by Scourge and decides to follow the Decepticons to Megatron and extract his revenge on Scourge later.

On Earth, Overlord begins to feel abandoned by the other Decepticons and orders Dreadwind and Darkwing to accompany him to their secret ocean base so that they may begin their own plans for Earth. On Cybertron, Galvatron and the fembots return to Vos with Megatron and place him a secure cell. Galvatron explains his plan to use the Dark Matrix to move Cybertron into Earth's orbit and create a disaster so that Cambreaker would emerge and fight him. He is about to begin this plan when Sarahnator asks to go to the mall. Galvatron puts on a coat and pimp hat, takes Megatron's shanix card out of his wallet, and leaves Nightshade to guard Megatron. She exchanges a few words with Megatron and tells him that he never should have released the Shadowcons as she has her own plans for the Dark Matrix.

The other Decepticons, with the exception of Shockwave who had gotten lost, rendezvous with Octane and Scourge and continue the search for Megatron. Solar assumes command and orders Dirge to fly over the city of Vos as they approach it. Rumble releases Ravage to scout the city and determine Megatron's location. He and Dirge decide to ditch the others and rescue Megatron on their own in order to gain his favor. Solar spots them sneaking away and forces them to take to the air. Inside of Vos, Ravage locates Megatron and begins watching Nightshade's actions looking for an opportunity to free their leader. Seeing that Rumble and Dirge have not followed orders and have instead left him to wait, Solar orders Octane to do aerial recon. When Octane does not report back, he takes to the air himself.

Having followed the Decepticons to the edge of Vos, Blackjack waits with his stealth activated as the Decepticons argue. When Ravage is released into the city, he follows and finds the building where Megatron is being held captive. Having no clue what is going on, he decides to wait and see what happens next. As Destoroyah approaches Vos, he sees Galvatron and Sarahnator exit and tracks them to the mall. In an attempt to flush out Galvatron, he transforms to tank mode and begins shelling it. Seeing that Destoroyah is out to get him, Galvatron uses the Dark Matrix to animate four of the mini-con rides at the mall and orders them to attack the bounty hunter. Sarahnator forces him to buy her an expensive lipstick before they escape and return to check on Megatron. Ravage stops watching Megatron and returns to Rumble and Dirge. As Nightshade also leaves the cell building, Blackjack's stealth gives out and he finds himself alone with Megatron. He is about to make a deal with Megatron to release him in exchange for the information he needs when Darkshock, who had been perched on the ceiling, drops a technoweb on him.

As Blackjack falls into stasis, Rumble and Dirge walk into the building and attempt to release Megatron by pulling on the bars. They are zapped by the electricity running through the bars and fall into the door open switch. Scourge enters behind them and hands the now freed Megatron his fusion cannon. Galvatron and Sarahnator arrive to find Megatron freed and with the other Decepticons there to back him up. He explains to the them that he would never kill Megatron as it would kill him too and he is merely trying to lure Cambreaker into his Preparation G trap. Darkshock suggests that they use Blackjack as bait to lure Cambreaker instead of fighting amongst each other. Blackjack's headmaster partner separates from Blackjack and suggests to the 'cons that he and Jack will lead Cambreaker into the trap themselves in exchange for information about Arcee. Darkshock says that he will accept Blackjack's help if he is allowed to put a shorter device inside of Blackjack in case of treachery. After consulting with Blackjack, Brakkas tells him to install the device. At that moment, Destoroyah arrives at the small building and demands to be paid for his work. Solar creeps up behind him and places a gun to his head since he is threatening Megatron. Soon everyone is pointing their weapons at everyone else.

Megatron ends the squabble by calling for silence and demanding that Galvatron and the fembots submit to him. Seeing no other way out, Galvatron reaches for the Dark Matrix. However Nightshade seizes the opportunity to take the Dark Matrix from Galvatron. She then warps Galvatron and Sarahnator from the building to another location on Cybertron and leaves, stating that she has other uses for the Dark Matrix. A defeated Galvatron decides that he must now beg Megatron's forgiveness. Megatron orders Blackjack and his headmaster partner locked up in the cell and that the Decepticons begin the search for Galvatron. Destoroyah lays out his terms of payment and then leaves to collect on some other debts while Megatron gets the money together. As Nightshade is departing from Galvatron, she comes upon an image of Unicron who asks her to help him regain his power by using the Dark Matrix.

Part XXXVII comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Cybertron's Streets: pages 17-19
Iacon: pages 51-52
Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 40-42
The City of VOS: pages 1-4
Tagon Heights: pages 1
Earth: page 13
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PART XXXVIII: The Challenge

Starblast removes the fembot from the stasis pod and lays her down. No one has answered his call for help so his partner Source begins to work on her. Source gives her serveral jolts of energy and eventually one from Starblast himself before she comes around. Twinblade awakens to the large Autobot looming over her and realizes she has been out a while. As a Decepticon spy, she decides to play an Autobot in order to gather intel on them. Rattrap and Redline reach the central spire of their planned Tagon Heights factory and note that the power core is in terrible disrepair. With hard work and with Nighteye acting as a computer core, the facility is up and running in no time. Rattrap sets several factories working on armor production and several on automated turret production. Redline suggests that their next task be to set up a permanent computer core as Nighteye could not be stationed at the facility forever.

Nightshade tells Unicron that she has other plans for the Dark Matrix and that she would never help him. She explains that she is off to Earth to resurrect her leader The Fallen and she departs. Rumble places Brakkas on a hook in the cell and Darkshock hauls Blackjack's body in. He stops and whispers to the headmaster that he would like to discuss with him once the other Decepticons have left. Sarahnator helps Galvatron to his feet and trys to console him. Galvatron rises and decides that he would rather die than submit himself to Megatron's command. He sends a message to Megatron and challenges him to a one on one duel to the death for supremacy over the Decepticons. An unknown Decepticon named Striker has been watching Galvatron and Sarahnator and sends his partner Snatch to interact with them. Sarahnator points weapons at Snatch and Galvatron demands to know his loyalty. But before he can react, Dirge lands and tells Galvatron to return to Vos for his fight with Megatron. Galvatron returns that the fight will be on his terms and that Megatron will meet him halfway. As Dirge leaves to tell Megatron, Sarahnator writes Kick Me on his back with lipstick.

As the other Decepticons leave, Darkshock turns off the bars to the cell and enters. He asks Brakkas for the names of all of the Autobots on the planet currently and is told that he will need to rejoin with Blackjack. Darkshock sets up a device that will electrocute both the Autobot and his partner if they try to escape and then releases Brakkas. Once he is whole, Blackjack answers the question as best he can. He decides there is no harm in telling the 'con as they would lose the war eventually anyway. Dirge returns to Vos and begins to report to Megatron when Rumble comes up behind him and kicks him. He ignores it but Rumble kicks him again and tells him that someone told him to do it, someone with sloppy handwriting. Enraged that someone wrote on him, Dirge leaves to find the culprit. Tired of waiting for Galvatron's answer, Striker emerges and asks Galvatron how much he would pay for his services. Galvatron demands his loyalty instead of paying and Striker sicks his army of partner bots on him. A frustrated Galvatron begins to think it is a trick by Megatron to cheat before their battle and he offers Striker 100,000 shanix to do the same thing to Megatron. A satisfied Striker leaves to find Megatron.

Satisfied with the first answer, Darkshock asks Blackjack the name and class of the Autobot's warship and learns about the 'Spite but not its class as Blackjack doesn't know. When he rejoined with Brakkas, Blackjack had sent a homing beacon to the Royal Flush and now waits for the Decepticon to keep talking so that his powerful weapon can arrive. Darkshock asks only one more question, why he fights. Blackjack is suprised by the question and explains that he fights to protect fallen and present comrades. He then asks the Decepticon's name and tells him that if they weren't on opposite sides they could have been friends. Darkshock deactivates the devices, allows Blackjack to leave, and then heads down into his secrect laboratory beneath Vos. Galvatron is still waiting for Megatron to arrive when he receives a comm telling him to meet the commander at a different location for their battle. He and Sarahnator head out.

Having gone searching for his friend after receiving Blackjack's message, Rev arrives at Sideways' body and sends a signal for the Maus to pick them up. The gunship cloaks and quickly retrieves the two Autobots ferrying them back to Iacon. Once inside the fortress, Sideways thanks Rev for rescuing him and then his body disintegrates leaving only his conciousness in an armored shell behind. Cambreaker and Minerva are leaving Arcee's cell when a message from Rev alerts them of Sideways' condition. He asks Minerva to go have a look at Sideways while he tries to locate Blackjack and sends a message to Dinobot and Rattrap. Minerva heads to the medbay to find the decaptiated Sideways and no sign of Rev who has gone to the command center to monitor security. She is startled by the headless form of her companion but resolves herself for the work ahead.

Having located Megatron, Striker sets up an ambush and sents Snatch to speak to the Decepticon commander. He offers Megatron a deal to pay Striker 100,000 shanix or be destroyed. Megatron laughs and says that they will surrender or be destroyed by him. Solar, Dirge, and Rumble arrive and Snatch recognizes Solar. Seeing his old friend again, Striker returns to Megatron's side and explains that he was tricked by Galvatron. As he is explaining this, Galvatron and Sarahnator arrive and the showdown begins. Dirge asks to be allowed to kill Sarahnator for putting the lipstick on him and Megatron tells him he may when the duel is finished. Striker sends Snatch to Galvatron to tell him that they will still help him win against Megatron. He then orders his partner Shutdown to send out a signal to weaken Megatron's fusion cannon. Sarahnator pulls out pom poms and starts cheering for Galvatron. The two Decepticon commanders prepare to face one another.

After having scoured the Tagon Heights underground, Dinobot and Ripwing report in to Rattrap. Starblast, Racetrack, and Twinblade report in the exact same time and Starblast introduces the newcomer to the group. Rattrap is glad to hear that the city is quiet and introduces himself to Twinblade, who is calling herself Twinspin. He then explains that Redline is setting up a computer core and that the rest of them need to work on building a defensive dome around the factory area to protect it from attacks. As he returns to Iacon, Blackjack tells Cambreaker he is coming back and then heads down into the cell block to visit Arcee. She is making repairs to herself using tools Minerva had left and is glad to see him. Seeing that he is weary, she tells him that he should get some rest instead of visiting her and he tells her that he won't stop until the Decepticon are defeated. She admires this and when he tells her that he was trying to find out what they did to her she tells him not to take it on himself. She asks him to let her go with him.

Megatron starts the fight with a cheap shot while Galvatron is distracted by Sarahnator. Both Decepticons battle hand to hand using their signature moves and eventually Megatron has Galvatron right where he wants him and calls for a chair. Rumble takes Solar's chair and throws it to his commander. Striker, angry that Rumble would show such disrespect, sicks his partners on the small Decepticon. Scourge comes over and demands that they cease fighting and watch the battle. Grumbling, both sides agree to watch as both leaders fall to the ground. As Megatron prepares for his finishing move, a Decepticon named Sucker Punch approaches the group and begins to watch. He is spotted by Rumble, but is left alone for the time being. Megatron gets Galvatron with a choke slam and prepares for his finisher when Galvatron evades and produces a smelly sock. He uses the sock to temporarily distract Megatron while he spray paints a message on a nearby wall. As Megatron gets up, Dirge and Rumble provide him with a variety of weapons to use against Galvatron.

Seeing that Galvatron is about to be beaten with Megatron's new sledgehammer, Sarahnator produces a board covered in razor wire and gives it to Galvatron. Seeing the new present, Galvatron takes it an another wire covered board and faces Megatron and his hammer. The Decepticon commander easily knocks Galvatron's boards away and performs his Tombstone Piledriver. Galvatron lies on the ground, defeated as Megatron points his fusion cannon at him. Dirge and Rumble introduce themselves to Sucker Punch and explain that the two Decepticon commanders are fighting for supremacy. They turn back to the battle to see that it is over with Megatron as victor. Seeing that the battle is over, Destoroyah approaches Megatron as his two reserve warships appear overhead. He warns Megatron one last time to prepare his payment but it beamed aboard the ship before he can say more. Warstorm explains that they have been called to Earth by Dezsaras. The two ships depart as Megatron prepares to pass judgement on the traitors.

As Minerva works to repair his body, Sideways stirs and thanks her. He explains that he doesn't remember anything except leaving Iacon and being attacked by Scourge. He explains his plans for a new body after being forced to disintegrate his old one. Minerva agrees to help him build a new body and tells him that she must report to Cambreaker about his experiences as it may be important to notify all Autobots of a potential threat. He shows her his ideas for alt modes and they decide on one that Sideways himself prefers: a BMW M3 GTR. He leads Minerva to his lab and shows her how to use the machine that will create him a new alt mode. Blackjack is about to leave the cell to talk to Cambreaker about their plan when he sees that Cambreaker had been standing in the cell block entrance for part of the conversation. Arcee pleads with him to release her or execute her and he strides over to her with his axe out. He states the 'execution is for Decepticons' and asks to know what they are planning. Blackjack explains that he would like to scout Decepticon bases with Arcee so they could destroy any of the places the 'cons had left to hide on Cybertron.

Part XXXVIII comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Cybertron's Streets: pages 19-23
Iacon: pages 52-53
The City of VOS: pages 4-7
Tagon Heights: pages 1-2
Last edited by Blackjack on Mon Mar 14, 2011 3:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Blackjack »

PART XXXIX: Deal With A Decepticon

Cambreaker listens to Blackjack's plan and then agrees, but not without them setting up tight beam communications with the 'Spite. He then leads the two of them to the armory. Arcee is surprised that she is so readily trusted to be out on her own with no restraints. Cambreaker makes a show of presenting her with her Energon bow and pistols as a sort of 'welcome back' gift. She notices the blemish on one of her pistols from firing at Cambreaker's back and takes a moment to clean the weapon before holstering it. As soon as they have armed themselves, Cambreaker sends them out and sends a message to Minerva. While overseeing Sideway's reformatting, Minerva receives Cambreaker's message and agrees to meet with him. She asks Rev to watch over Sideways and to help him to a CR Chamber when his new alt mode is finished. Minerva heads to Cambreaker's office where he explains the situation with Blackjack and Arcee. Although Minerva is still angry at Arcee, she tells Cambreaker that she believes he made the right choices and that Blackjack will know how to take care of himself.

At Tagon Heights, Redline finishes her work on the computer core for the factory complex. After many cycles of work she is exhausted and low on energy and comms Rattrap to bring her some. Rattrap responds and heads off to assist Redline but relays to Dinobot that Cambreaker wants him and his team ready for another mission, a fight against the 'cons. As Rattrap leaves, Dinobot turns to the Crusaders and informs them of the upcoming mission. At Vos, Megatron passes sentence on Galvatron and Sarahnator telling them that they must rebuild Kaon under Scrapper's guidance. As they leave, he address the new Decepticon who introduces himself as Sucker Punch. He explains that he was built and trained by Shockwave to serve only Megatron. Pleased to see his numbers growing, Megatron and the others set off for Kaon to check Galvatron's progress.

After searching for a while with no luck, Blackjack and Arcee arrive at the city of Vos, the Decepticons' last known location. Blackjack checks the building where he had been held but finds no sign of the 'cons. At Kaon, Galvatron is rebuilding the walls while Sarahnator works on her tan. He realizes that the only way out of this is to modify Megatron's memory circuits to make him forget their treachery. Scourge is the first to arrive and he notices Sarahnator slacking off and throws her at Galvatron. When Megatron arrives he sees the two laying down on the job and gets angry. Galvatron attempts to modify his memory by smashing a five ton brick against his head, but this only serves to make Megatron angry. He blasts Galvatron and warns him to have made progress by the time he returns. He then leads the Decepticons to the Energon bar for a drink in celebration of his return to power.

When Blackjack emerged from the building, Arcee told him that she had found several sets of Decepticon tracks leading away from the city. They follow the tracks to the battle site and eventually to Kaon, where they find Galvatron and Sarahnator working on rebuilding the fortress. Telling Arcee to stay put, Blackjack sneaks close using his stealth field and appears before Galvatron. Almost getting his head blown off at first, he recovers by telling Galvatron he wishes to deal and that he is in possession of Galvatron's stash from Charr. He gets Galvatron's attention and is told that he will turn himself in to Cambreaker if Megatron's memory chips are erased and his stash is returned to him. Blackjack agrees to the terms and returns to Arcee. She is reluctant to meet up with Megatron again, but Blackjack assures her that they will be getting backup first. He sends a comm to Cambreaker to have the dinobots ready to go on a mission.

Megatron and the rest of the Decepticons arrive at the bar and Scourge begins handing out drinks. All of Striker's partners get strong Energons, Megatron gets a coffee, and even Octane returns to enjoy the party. During the celebration, six warriors enter the bar and report to Scourge. They leave as abruptly as they've enter and Scourge explains to Megatron that they are a Decepticon commando squad led by Mega-Octane and under his command. He had instructed them to find a suitable location for a temporary Decepticon base while Kaon was being rebuilt. Octane comments that he doesn't like Mega-Octane and that the other probably couldn't transform into a trunk and a jet. Meanwhile, Galvatron manages to rebuild a portion of Kaon while the others are away. He creates a laboratory for himself and gets to work on his next Preparation.

As Snarl is patrolling the Iacon perimeter, she notices a familliar form lumbering towards Iacon. It is Grimlock, holding her head in her hands. She explains that her brain and vital functions are kept in her feet so she was able to survive. Snarl takes Grimlock to the medbay where Cambreaker has just arrived to speak with Minerva and Sideways. Minerva sets to work replacing Grimlock's head while Cambreaker speaks to Sideways about the work on the mainframes. He is about to leave to check up on the Tagon Heights projects when he runs into Swift and offers to take her with him. Cambreaker notices a bright green pendant around her neck and asks her about it. She explains that it was given to her by her trainer Jazz a long time ago. Inside the medbay, Grimlock's constant attempts to help begin to annoy Minerva and she uncharacteristically yells at the dinobot leader. Feeling a little bit like Ratchet, Minerva apologizes and explains she needs Grimlock to be still during the repairs.

Arriving at Tagon Heights, Blackjack sends a message to Dinobot asking him to get his team together to go and party with the Decepticons. Dinobot informs Rattrap that they will be leaving and gathers up the Crusaders. He is about to contact Snarl when the dinobot contacts him to tell him that Grimlock is alive. Excited to meet Grimlock, Dinobot follows Blackjack and the others back to Iacon. They pass Cambreaker and Swift halfway and Swift notes that things can get pretty crazy sometimes. As they approach the fortress, Blackjack has difficulty getting the group to stop but manages to do so with minimal destruction. He contacts Snarl and Grimlock who's repairs are just wrapping up and asks them to join him. Grimlock is interested in meeting Dinobot who hands leadership of the team back to the dinobot's original leader. Meanwhile, Sideways installs the first of many mainframe terminals and begins to check on the backup power generators, finding that there are some electrical problems.

At the Energon Bar, Dirge sends Rumble's booster seat into the ceiling and Megatron demands that Dirge get him down. The two Decepticon stooges comically deal with the situation and Rumble ends up climbing on Dirge's shoulder instead of taking another seat. Feeling as though the Decepticons have become incapable since he was last on Cybertron, Sucker Punch heads out of the bar to be alone. Meanwhile, Nightshade arrives on Earth and assumes an Earth alt mode of an F-35 fighter jet. She makes her way to the Pyramids in Egypt and uses the Dark Matrix to revive her master The Fallen. She explains that his Solar Harvester is still in place on Earth but the Autobot Matrix needed to power it is on Cybertron. The Fallen and Nightshade immediately depart for Cybertron.

Part XXXIX comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Cybertron's Streets: page 23
Iacon: pages 53-55
Kaon (Decepticon HQ): pages 42-44
The City of VOS: page 7
Tagon Heights: pages 2-3
Best Energon This Side of Polyhex: pages 24-25
Earth: page 13
Last edited by Blackjack on Thu Mar 17, 2011 3:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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PART XL: Revenge of the Fallen

Note: I know, I know copyright enfringment. But ours is better than Michael Bay's.

Swift is impressed by the massive armored factory complex that Rattrap, Redline, and the others have built at Tagon Heights. She asks to be given access to a long range transmitter. Rattrap wonders why she needs one, but gives her permission but only if she relays her message through Iacon so as not to give away their base's location. Cambreaker asks him about the status of Project Demolisher and explains that Sideways is hard at work installing mainframes for Project Paranoia. Rattrap leads them into the factory's central spire where he asks the Nighteye for an update on Demolisher. Nighteye explains that the project is ready to enter the production stage. With everything in order, Cambreaker suggests that they all take a break and go looking for some Decepticon trouble.

The Fallen's ship touches down on Cybertron near Kaon, disturbing Galvatron's work on his latest weapon. Nightshade asks her master what his plans are and he responds that he will ask the Decepticons to join him in his quest to get the Matrix of Leadership. Seeing that there are no Decepticons at the partially rebuilt Kaon, Nightshade directs her master's attention to the activity at the Energon Bar. A few cycles later, Galvatron emerges from his lab, ready to take a break after finishing work on Preparation H. While Sucker Punch is contemplating, he sees The Fallen's ship touch down near Kaon and heads inside to inform Megatron. A short time later, Nightshade and The Fallen approach the bar and seeing that it is too small for him to enter, The Fallen sends Nightshade in as his emissary.

Before they head to the Energon Bar, Blackjack feels that he should explain the rules to the new 'bots. Several members of the group are outraged that there is a neutral zone where Decepticons are welcome. Ripwing confronts Blackjack about this and he explains that he is planning to use the bar as a weapon to get them drunk and learn the location of their bases. Racetrack convinces Ripwing that it would be good to get the Decepticons drunk and ruin their systems before the next battle and he agrees to come. Grimlock also warns Blackjack that if the Decepticons try anything the dinobots will fight them regardless of the neutral zone. Once this is resolved, the group races towards the bar. The dinobots arrive first but wait for Blackjack. As he steps inside, Blackjack notices Megatron and resolves himself to do whatever is necessary to erase the Decepticon leader's memory chips.

Sucker Punch is surprised to see so many new Autobots entering the bar and sits back to observe the encounter. Twinblade sneaks away from the others and assumes her Decepticon form before joining Rumble and Dirge. Wanting to make sure the Decepticons knew just how many of them there were, Racetack ejects his entire team of cassettes. Dinobot busts out the Dinobot Juice and gives some to Megatron challenging him to try it. The Fallen watches from a distance as the Autobots enter, waiting for Nightshade to return with Megatron. Scourge and his commando unit also arrive at the bar. He spots Blackjack and offers to buy him a drink in toast to their 'well being and health'. Seeing that Dinobot has already started on Megatron, he decides to sit back and get to know his enemy a little better. There is something about this Decepticon, an intelligence sort of like Darkshock's.

Not wasting any time, Snarl pours huge helpings of Dinobot Juice for Grimlock and herself and they begin wrecking everything in sight. Dinobot and Megatron start their informal drinking contest, neither yielding from the first glass. Twinblade's appearance gets Rumble and Dirge's attention but Rumble is a little jealous when he sees she has eyes for the seeker. Scourge introduces his commando unit to Blackjack but becomes agitated by Blackjack's many questions about him and orders some higher quality drinks. As he is suspicious of the 'con, Blackjack confirms with Scourge that the drinks are nothing dangerous. Nightshade walks up to Megatron and asks for him to come outside. He tells Dinobot to put their contest on hold and walks out of the bar to see The Fallen. He listens to The Fallen's offer to join him and receive limitless Energon and laughs. He explains that he already has limitless Energon from the Hydrothermocline.

Seeing Megatron and Nightshade exit the bar, Grimlock gets up and heads outside to challenge Megatron to a duel once more. Sucker Punch and Scourge also head out to advise Grimlock not to pick a fight now. Galvatron reaches the bar to find Nightshade among the group outside and demands to be given the Dark Matrix back. Sensing trouble, Blackjack heads outside to diffuse the situation. Between himself and Scourge, Blackjack manages to convince Grimlock to give up her revenge for that moment at least and go back inside. He offers to buy Galvatron a drink and even offers to bring some Dinobot Juice outside for The Fallen. Megatron orders his Decepticons to return to the bar and reminds The Fallen that he is now leader of the Decepticons. Enraged that Megatron has become so defiant, The Fallen states that it is not over and that he will have revenge. As he and Nightshade depart, he explains to her that they must find Rodimus Prime holder of the Matrix.

Watching The Fallen leave, Blackjack decides to go inside and wait for Megatron as Galvatron will be wondering if he has completed his end of the bargain. He sits at the Leader's Table which is certain to get Megatron's attention. Megatron enters and sees Blackjack. Assuming he is the Autobot leader, he invites Blackjack to drink with him, Galvatron, and the now tipsy Dinobot. Galvatron meanwhile decides to gather the one remaining ingrediant for his Preparation H: methane gas. Deciding that it is to his advantage to tell Megatron that he is Cambreaker, Blackjack challenges the Decepticon leader to a drinking contest with Snarl's new and improved Dinobot Juice. Just to tip the odds in his favor, Blackjack slips Snarl a Cybertronian sleeping tablet to slip into Megatron's next drink. Laughing at how puny 'Cambreaker' is, Megatron accepts the challenge.

With Snarl and Grimlock gone from the Iacon medbay, Minerva decides to let Cambreaker know that the repairs are complete and catch up on some other projects. Having fully repaired the Iacon power generators, Sideways heads to his lab to finish work on a matter shrinker/enlarger he is developing. With this device installed, he heads to the Energon Bar for a drink. As Sideways enters the bar everyone stares for a moment. His alt mode is so changed that he looks like a completely different 'bot. Grimlock is becoming sick from ingesting too much of the new Dinobot Juice. She releases a large quantity of methane which Galvatron attempts to collect. Realizing that the new Dinobot Juice causes methane buildup, he orders a round of it for everyone in the bar. As Blackjack begins to feel the effects of the Dinobot Juice, Snarl tells him that the pill isn't finishing Megatron. He gives her a second one that he brought along just in case.

Sideways watches in disgust as the 'bots and 'cons make a mess of the bar. After just a short time, he receives a comm from another 'bot and takes off. Not wanting to be left out, Sucker Punch asks for a Dinobot Juice and takes the one with the second sleeping pill. Despite this, the first sleeping pill finally kicks in and Megatron collapses on the floor of the bar with Snarl falling on top of him a moment later. Galvatron is extatic to collect the methane released as they pass out. Seeing that he has won, Blackjack announces that he will let Megatron be the victor and leans down to pin a medal on him. While doing so, he switches a couple of the wires in Megatron's head and erased the last few cycles from his memory, not wanting to do any greater harm out of a sense of honor. After doing this, he too passes out with a blast of methane. Galvatron rushes to harvest this and with it has enough to complete his latest weapon to use against Cambreaker.

Part XL comes from the following roleplay threads if you would like to read for yourself:

Best Energon This Side of Polyhex: pages 25-29
Iacon: pages 55-56
Tagon Heights: page 3
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