Transformers: Steel Reign

[Charon]

"It's a pretty bad idea to go in close with a Guardian unless you can get away just as fast. Because you're not gonna do enough damage to bring it down and it will be free to squish you like a bug. Hitting it fast, hitting it hard, focusing on one spot, and keeping moving is gonna be the way to take one down."

Shellshock looked at Deathstrike. "Frankly, I'm more worried about the decepticons that are going to no doubt be acting as support for any Guardians we run into. If we have to worry about it and the decepticons as well we might end up in some trouble."

[General Havoc]

Hornet declined to continue blasting away at the fake Guardians and other holographic targets, pending Deathstrike or the others telling him to. Instead he stayed next to Crimson, and tried his best to not be noticed by anyone.

"D'you... think we're gonna have to fight Guardians?" he whispered to Crimson at the next appropriate opportunity.

[LadyTevar]

"They think we are," Crimson whispered back. "I'm not looking forward to it."

[frigidmagi]

Rodimus was in the armory on the second level of the Ark proper, near the engine port of the great ship. He stepped out a few minutes after he stepped in, replacing a ion displacer pistol into his subspace pocket.

He looked concerned, before walking to the former engineering section, he was a easy enough 'Mech to find, when someone wanted to locate him.

"Hey, Rodimus, can I take up a breem or two of your time?" I called catching sight of him. I had time to talk before attending my squad and this needed to be done anyways.

[Dark Silver]

Rodimus turned as Breakout called out his name, and a smile took place on his flex-metal faceplate. He enjoyed talking to Breakout, the Mech had a good head on his shoulders, "Sure thing 'Out, I was just about to check on the ion drives for the Ark. Walk with me."

[frigidmagi]

"I was unaware the drives stilled worked, they built these things to last. Anyways, I have a plan I would like you to look over if you have the time? Shellshock, Deathstrike and myself have worked out a rough outline for what may be a necessary operation, but I would like others to check it over before I kick it up the chain." I said walking with Rodimus.

[Dark Silver]

As they started walking away, the armory door slid open again, and two female Autobots walked out. They heard Breakout's voice, and the giggling of Runway and Foxhound silenced. They both glanced at Rodimus, then at Breakout, before walking away....was it a trick of Breakout's optic sensors...or did Foxhound adjust her armor breastplate slightly before they walked down the hall, away from the two men-bots.

"Yeah, die-cast construction, Optimus sure knew what he was doing when he had Perceptor and Wheeljack build the Ark. Four million years buried under rubble, and the engines just need to be topped off with Energon. We could have the Ark out and in orbit in a few hours if we needed to."

Rodimus glanced at Breakout, and the half grin was ever present, "So, tell me what you got planned old friend, and let's see if I can spice it up a bit.."

[frigidmagi]

Well that explains the smile, vaguely I wonder if he ever managed his half boasting goal of seducing the females of Shockwave's forces. Although I have to admit Foxhound is a rather nice looking fembot, good armor... Later for that, concentrate on the mission.

"We want to make a run on Megatron's shipyard. I believe the plan we have mapped out has a 78.67% chance of complete sucess, but I could be wrong or have missed necessary data. Either way my squad will not be ready for such a mission for some time. They require training." I say, my tone giving no clue that I even noticed the fembots. The fact that I've noted Foxhound's aft on her exit means nothing of course.

[Dark Silver]

"Megatron's shipyard?" Rodimus had turned his head over his shoulder, and whistled low....weither it was for the curve Runway and Foxhound's aft-plating, or the sheer durachrome ball bearings Breakout had with even suggesting it, couldn't be said. Maybe it was both.

"No offense 'Out, but your squad alone won't be able to punch through and take out the shipyards. We'd have to make a full scale assault to be able to push you through. We should go over these plans then...cause if we're gonna go to Optimus with it and convince him to let us go on this mission, we're gonna need our cyberducks in a row."

[frigidmagi]

"No offense 'Out, but your squad alone won't be able to punch through and take out the shipyards. We'd have to make a full scale assault to be able to push you through. We should go over these plans then...cause if we're gonna go to Optimus with it and convince him to let us go on this mission, we're gonna need our cyberducks in a row."

"I know but if I can train them up I believe my squad would be best to take point. We are also going to require diversionary assualts on other fronts if we can swing it. It's all on here." I say handing Rodimus a small disc with all the plans and projections on it. To be honest I'm good at operational planning, but Roddy has a gift for it. There is a reason he ran a successful rebel team on Cybertron longer then anyone else.

[Dark Silver]

"I hear you on that 'Out." Rodimus took the disc, and slipped it into a slot on his arm, he'd look over it in a bit. "Now that's done...." Rodimus whistled loudly, as Foxhound and Runway came back towards them, both fem-bots having a knowing twinkle in their optics and a grin on their flexmetal lips, "We still got sometime left on that Vorn.....and I think Foxhound has been eyeing you..."

Rodimus grinned as he wrapped a arm around Runway and pulled her to him."

[frigidmagi]

I have a squad to run... they need training... It's been longer then Hornet's been functioning... I mean... Ah to the Pit with it, I got half a Megacycle.

[General Havoc]

Hornet emitted an audible gulp (simulated as always), and seemed (though it was probably just a trick of the light) to grow just a little bit paler and a little bit smaller. Fighting Guardians was not something he had any conception of how to do.

"... how're we s'pposed to do that?" he asked Crimson after a few seconds' thought. Even Shellshock was outclassed by a guardian, and Hornet was how many times weaker than the artillery bot?

[LadyTevar]

"... how're we s'pposed to do that?" he asked Crimson after a few seconds' thought. Even Shellshock was outclassed by a guardian, and Hornet was how many times weaker than the artillery bot?

"That's what we're discussing now," Crimson answered. "Don't worry, teenybot... you and I will not be on the heavy fighting. They know we're both too weak to be much good."

[General Havoc]

Hornet seemed torn between relief and shame, which was perhaps natural, and his expression was worried as he looked back up at Crimson.

"I wanna help the others," he said, his voice making it abundantly clear that he had no idea how or even if he could do so. "If we have to fight a Guardian... there's gotta be something we can do?"

It seemed logical enough to him, but it was unclear if there WAS anything.

An idea suddenly hit him. "Maybe we can get Wheeljack to let me have Glassgas missiles!" he chirped excitedly, his fear overcome by the natural enthusiasm he had for being allowed to carry "cool" weapons. In many ways, Hornet was less of a jet plane, and more of a little kid who had been given a jet plane to play with whenever he wanted, and constantly sought to push the envelope with more gadgets of dubious safety and wisdom. "Or even antimatter?!"

It did not occur to Hornet that only the most insane, desperate, or thoughtless quartermaster would give Hornet an antimatter weapon.

[Charon]

Shellshock shook his head. "The best you and Crimson can probably do for us Hornet is to make sure we only have to deal with a Guardian and not a Guardian and his entourage of Decepticons." Shellshock looked closer at Hornet. "As for Antimatter... maybe when you're older."

[General Havoc]

"When you're older." Those words were as deadly to Hornet's imagination and flights of fancy as an antiaircraft gun, and as always when confronted with them, he seemed to wilt and lowered his head and crossed his wings poutingly. All he wanted to do was help!

Suddenly another idea crossed his mind, and as always, he forgot that he was supposed to be pouting.

"Wait, Crimson, couldn't you get Wheeljack to give you some more weapons? Like maybe some antimatter missiles? For shooting at the Guardians?"

Hornet grinned up at Crimson, unaware that it was beyond obvious what his game was. After all, once Wheeljack gave Crimson the missiles, she would then need something to fire them with, and Hornet JUST HAPPENED to know a little airplane who could carry a quartet of medium-range missiles....

[LadyTevar]

"That's a good idea Hornet," Crimson said, leading the little bot to his doom. "But I don't have racks for them, so it would be a waste of effort. You might see if Slipstream or Deathstrike need them, however."

The two older, bigger Fliers could actually put those missiles to Good Use.

[rhoenix]

Listening to Hornet made Blindside shake his head slightly and chuckle, though he did not take his optics off of his target. Hornet actually reminded him of himself when he was younger...except less annoying, and more likable.

Two careful though unintentional misses with his rifle proceeded a lucky headshot of a Terran MiG Headmaster. A part of him was getting a bit bored of shooting by now, but the rest of him knew he had to be better than "awful" to have a chance of helping those of his assigned group with anything resembling cover fire.

[General Havoc]

Hornet's optics fell again as Crimson saw through his cunning plan ('cunning' being a relative term). But unfortunately for all concerned, her 'suggestion' about Deathstrike or Slipstream needing the missiles gave him another idea. Crimson was perhaps more savvy about these things than most, and already suspicious of his motives for suggesting the antimatter missiles.

Deathstrike however...

He managed to suppress a grin at his own (perceived) cunning, and simply smiled up at Crimson, which was of course, a terrible enough sign of what threatened to come. "Okay!" he chirped, and without hesitation (another bad sign) he hopped (literally) over to where Deathstrike was.

"Um... Deathstrike?" he asked, not sure of how best to phrase this for the former Decepticon, whom he was certain didn't much like him. "I was... um... thinking... if we're gonna have to fight Guardian robots, maybe Wheeljack has some missiles for us fliers that could help out?" He grinned endearingly, hoping it might work

[LadyTevar]

Crimson facepalmed. She knew as soon as she saw Hornet's grin that he'd thought he found a way to get around it. She hadn't expected him to skip over to Deathstrike, however.

Poor Hornet. Deathstrike was going to burst his bubble really damn quick.

[frigidmagi]

My Cerebro-circuits are still buzzing as I reach the door to the range with perhaps an astrosecond to spare. I wipe the smirk off my face, Foxhound gave me her room number and com channel, but they don't need to know about that. I make my expression impassive. The Ark's sensors tell me that the squad is in there and for the most part has been in there for some time. Practicing I would guess. I run a check over myself to ensure I have the proper appearance for command. Finding myself satisfactory I enter the room. The banter stops has I enter, welcome back to squad command Bot, try not to fuck it up this time.

There's a new flier, must be a new recruit. I'll get the info from Deathstrike later.

"I'm glad to see everyone taking their training so seriously Bots. That's good. Now listen up, this is evalution of your marksmechship skills. It is strictly to help me and Deathstrike determine your level of skill. There will be no penalties for poor performance... This time. Deathstrike will running the computer while you shot individually and as a group according to my direction. We will be going through a number of individual and team exercises over the next 68 mega cycles. A good number of you have performed admirably as individuals over the last couple of engagements with the enemy and it has been noted and appreciated by command. But it's not enough! You will have to preform as a team, not a ragged collection of individuals. All of you will be given briefings on your role within the squad and training to fulfill that role. This is necessary bots., this squad is likely to be in the thick of things and as often as not in front of everyone else and I see you prepared for that. Are there any questions before we begin?" I say.

[Cynical Cat]

"You know Wheeljack better than I do," said Deathstrike mildly. "Does he have missiles that are more effective than the ones in the armoury? If so, maybe you should ask him. And if you don't know, maybe you should ask if he does."

He might of been inclined to say more, but then Breakout entered the room and began his speech.

[rhoenix]

Hearing the doors to the firing range open and seeing Breakout walking through with his peripheral vision, Blindside halted his firing simulation, and stood gracefully. It might have been his imagination...but it almost seemed as if Breakout was trying to hide a smile on his face as he entered. Nah.

Breakout walked briskly into the room, gazed cooly at those gathered, and began speaking in a loud, clear voice; one used to giving clipped and no-nonsense responses.

"I'm glad to see everyone taking their training so seriously Bots. That's good. Now listen up, this is evaluation of your marksmechship skills. It is strictly to help me and Deathstrike determine your level of skill. There will be no penalties for poor performance... This time. Deathstrike will running the computer while you shot individually and as a group according to my direction. We will be going through a number of individual and team exercises over the next 68 mega cycles. A good number of you have performed admirably as individuals over the last couple of engagements with the enemy and it has been noted and appreciated by command. But it's not enough! You will have to perform as a team, not a ragged collection of individuals. All of you will be given briefings on your role within the squad and training to fulfill that role. This is necessary bots, this squad is likely to be in the thick of things and as often as not in front of everyone else and I see you prepared for that. Are there any questions before we begin?" I say.

At this, Blindside looked around without moving his head, and didn't see many volunteering questions just yet. With a slight shrug, he spoke up. "Breakout, my marksmanship skills are...not that impressive, and I admit that. I'd like to go first to get my test over with."

[Cynical Cat]

Deathstrike quickly threw together a shooting regime consisting of multiple mobile targets and alternating waves and mixed groups.