| Unjust Imprisonment | |
|---|---|
| Date of Scene: | 11 February 2017 |
| Location: | Rodion |
| Synopsis: | Blast Off frees Hookshot from prison. |
| Cast of Characters: | Blast Off, Prowl, Hookshot, 87 |
- Prowl has posed:
Hookshot has been arrested and taken to a penal facility near Rodion Police Station, where the great Optimus Prime once worked as a lowly beat cop. He's been stripped of his disguises and belongings and locked in a cell in a prison block along with other miscreants who are brutish and noisy and definitely not his type.
It's been a few mega-cycles, and no one's come to interrogate him--yet. But one day Prime's second in command himself shows up at the door to the cell block, along with Streetwise, the officer who made the arrest. There's a lot of angry booing and cursing at the law mechs, as is to be expected, though some are surprised that such a high-ranking officer would show up here. Now, just who could he possibly be here for...?
- Blast Off has posed:
Someone else is here in the Police Station, someone who, like the prisoners, does NOT want to be here, but unlike the prisoners, actually came here of his own volition. Blast Off stays in the shadows, away from the prisoners, Prowl, and the Protectobot but close enough that he can hear them while listening with the aid of a device through a vent. Blast Off also wonders how the slag he got talked into this... walking deliberately into a jail is NOT his concept of a good idea. But the Decepticons seek to break Hookshot out, hopefully get him to tell the public what he knows- it could be a great PR victory for them against the Autobots. If he can pursuade Hookshot. IF. Ugh.
Blast Off can't help but wonder why it's not Swindle or Vortex doing this instead.... at least until visions of Vortex prying Hookshot apart just because he can and Swindle selling off the parts comes into his head. Uh, on second thought, maybe Blast Off IS the best mech for this job. This requires refinement, control, and /patience/, so the sniper might be as good as the Cons are gonna get right now. Blast Off radios his status to an outside Decepticon, then goes back to listening. Once he knows what they're doing he'll make more plans.
- Streetwise (87) has posed:
Streetwise isually arrests the bad guys and, from there, he lets the system deal with them as soon as his paperwork is done. But not with Hookshot. No, he's made sure to oversee every step to make sure its all done the right way. He made a promise and he keeps promises.
He just didn't know that keeping this promise would lead him to Prowl's side once again. Streetwise fights to keep his helm nodes from wiggling- which only becomes easier from the booing and hissing mechs in the jail. Well, if they didn't want to be here, they shouldn't of broken the law! He glances to Prowl, quiet. He doesn't want to speak out of turn, not with the higher ranked officer here.
- Hookshot has posed:
The rough and rowdy crowd has certainly not been Hookshot's choice of company, but with enough time to observe he's found his ways of trying to blend in. A few low brow limericks, vague posturing, and amusing anecdotes (probably stolen from someone else' life) and he's coping somewhat. Although it's been hard to not be seen as weak, for his unfinished and wiry appearance exposes his physical frailty, robbing him of the poise and confidence he usually conducts himself with. Pegs, catches, exposed wires and lines, bizarre holes and latches, mesh and a thin, almost skeletal frame is all that is beneath his various disguises, and it's neither pretty nor overly impressive. Well, other than how he can look that way without being seriously injured.
The booing causes Hookshot to look up from a grid-based game. With an imaginary grid, and bits of harmless scrap as the pieces. It isn't until certain derogatory but familiar insults are shouted out - ones that describe Prowl in less than pleasant terms - that he straightens up, alert and keen. And curious. He rolls back his shoulders - a pair of balls connected to some metal cylinders and a cagey mesh - back and lifts his chin, waiting.
- Prowl has posed:
Prowl and Streetwise walks past all the hissing and booing inmates, the higher ranking mech just ignoring them all and staring straight ahead. He stops in front of Hookshot's cell at the end of the corridor and slides inserts an access card into a reader of some sort. It slides open and he steps inside, motioning for Streetwise to close the door behind him and then stand guard outside the cell. You know--in case anyone tries anything funny.
Once that's done, he sits down across from Hookshot, glancing at the imaginary grid game briefly. "That's one way to keep yourself occupied, I suppose." he comments idly.
- Blast Off has posed:
For now, Blast Off will keep himself occupied just listening in. He's a sniper, he knows how to be patient.
- Streetwise (87) has posed:
Streetwise's optics widen a little when he sees Hookshot. He hadn't seen him stripped down in person yet. Was that even comfortable? He gives his helm a terse shake before nodding to Prowl. Closing up behind Prowl- done! He then turns, standing in an easy parade rest to guard the door... But that doesn't stop him from turning his helm to look in and watch. Listen. He's curious and, also, gave his word! Not that Hookshot has anything to worry about- this is Prowl after all.
- Hookshot has posed:
"One of many," Hookshot responds. He looks down at his imaginary game board with a thoughtful expression and moves one of the pieces. After this, he non-chalantly looks up at Prowl, easing back in his crouched position. "And to what do I owe the pleasure? Or honour? Take your pick."
- Prowl has posed:
Hookshot may have been expecting an interrogation--but as it turns out, that's not what this is going to be. Prowl simply shrugs at his question. "You've gotten yourself into quite the predicament, Hookshot." he states. "Long list of theft charges, and an assassination attempt that you made a rather poor attempt at blaming on someone else to top it all off. With all the evidence we have lined up, you're this close to a one-way ticket straight to a spark extraction chamber at Garrus-1. But," he pauses, picking at one of the pieces of scrap and examining it absently. "I have to hand it to you, you're certainly clever in some ways." What, a compliment from Prowl?
"Still, why waste your talent on stealing art to sequester away? What good does that do you or anyone else? Certainly there are better ways to put your skills to use." He puts the piece down. "You want to get out of here, right? You want a second chance at your life. A chance to start fresh, to do something that -matters-." Why yes, now it's clear where this is going.
- Blast Off has posed:
Blast Off listens... and doesn't like what he's hearing. These Autobots are such hypocrites! Justice can be swept aside, if it means coercing yet another person into their ranks! The Combaticon's violet optics narrow, his armor bristling slightly (especially at that spark extraction bit) as he keeps otherwise quiet.
- Streetwise (87) has posed:
Streetwise opens his mouth... And then closes it, pursing his lips. Er- should he mention... "Sir-" Ah, nope. Prowl knows. He probably just phrased it wrong! Hookshot is still a suspect, he hasn't been charged... Well, HE hasn't charged Hookshot- had someone else. He doesn't speak up again, continuing to listen, brow pinching together as he does. That sounds like recruitment... Which isn't a bad idea! After Hookshot legally serves his punishment for his crimes, of course.
- Hookshot has posed:
"I never blamed the assassination attempt on anyone else. I just said the so-called evidence belonged to someone else. I'm not even sure it had anything to do with the explosion - it was just conveniently blinky." Hookshot peers at Prowl, a bright, white glow eminating from his optics. "Thefts, well...." Hookshot shrugs. "No arguments there. It's lucretive and keeps me occupied." Hookshot looks back down at his game, bringing a hand to his chin. He's about to move one of the pieces when he sees Prowl's hand in his way, taking one of the game pieces. His gaze follows the hand back up to Prowl, narrowing his optics slightly. "Well I am a thief. Thieves don't live long if they are not clever in some way or other."
There is a silence following Prowls further probative comments. They may be phrased as questions, but they certainly aren't being asked inquisitively. After a moment's pause - and another move despite the interruption to his game - Hookshot glances past Prowl. What he is staring at is anyone's guess as there doesn't seem to be anything of interest in his line of sight. "I don't see the preservation of art from the ravages of war as a waste. Some people just are too short sighted or naive to think they're private collections will eventually go the way of Harmonex." There is a pause. "It's what -matters- to me." Hookshot reserves any comments regarding second chances or spark extraction for the time being. He just continues to stare to the side and a little behind Prowl.
- Prowl has posed:
"Don't be a fool, of course it was. You can review the reports yourself, if you'd like." Prowl replies. And if he did, he would certainly find that the device's design matched the remnants from the explosives found on-site.
"Yes, of course it matters to you, but only you. But I don't suppose you're the type to -care- about what matters to anyone else." he stands up. "In that case, I presume you won't be opposed to spark extraction? After all, these are troubling times to live in...if you haven't anyone you care about or any desire to help make this world a better place, then why not simply opt out of it for now and return when things are more comfortable?"
He turns to peer at Streetwise through the beams that make up the containment field. "Yes Streetwise what is it? Any sign of trouble, or intruders?" His gaze turns toward the vent where Blast Off is hiding. Is it coincidence, or does Prowl know something the Combaticon doesn't?
- Blast Off has posed:
Though Blast Off can detect presences through his scanners, he can't SEE, so he has no idea what Prowl is doing. What he's saying, though, just elecits more bristling. The NERVE of these Autobots.
- Streetwise (87) has posed:
Streetwise stiffens a bit. He sorta wants to speak up about a few things- like how spark extraction seems a little... Drastic. Hookshot hasn't even been convicted yet. But Prowl is probably just talking big- classic text book interrogation tactic. "Er- no sir! Everything's clear, sir!" He glances in and to Hookshot before looking ahead.
- Hookshot has posed:
"I don't suppose you are the type to -care- about what matters to anyone else either. We have that in common." Hookshot shifts his gaze back to Prowl, smiling slightly. His face is one of the few features that doesn't appear quite as unfinished, albeit the white glow of his optics depart from the usual blue. But that's easily explained away by filters - he has a few to flick down behind his optical lens to change colours.
"Mmm yes, you make it sound as if I'd ever be released from spark extraction. Or that not sharing your view of how to make the world a better place means one would be better off disembodied." Hookshot slides a surreptitious glance towards Streetwise before looking down at his game, moving another piece with an almost skeletal looking hand. "Enough dancing around, m'dear Prowl. You're recruiting, and I don't blame you. I'm good at what I do. But threatening spark extraction, well... it's a bit..." Hookshot holds up a hand , palm faving down, and shakes it lightly side to side, frowning slightly. "Nnnnn lacking." One glance beyond Prowl. "Smacks of the type of corruption I hear ALL kinds of rumours about. So who would hang for the assassination attempt in my place? Someone has to be blamed, right? I'm sure you have a string of patsies lined up."
- Prowl has posed:
"This isn't about me, Hookshot." Prowl shakes his head. "It's about you. Your choice. I'm not the one threatening spark extraction, the law is. Your track record would certainly warrant such a punishment, if one could even call it that. Trust me, I know how these things typically go. With the evidence that has been presented, you're not likely to win this one. I'm just giving you an option that most others--" he gestures around behind them at the other cells. "--don't have the luxury of. Only you do, because of your fairly rare skillset. Consider yourself fortunate."
He shrugs then, and opens the door to leave. As he walks past Streetwise, this may be Blast Off's best chance at getting to the target--they appear to still be unaware of his presence, so if he could ambush Streetwise before he seals the door again, he might be able to pull this off...
- Blast Off has posed:
There we go... with Prowl leaving, Blast Off begins to make his move. The Combaticon slinks through the vent systems, making his way closer until he's where he needs to be. He doesn't want to take on Prowl AND the Protectobot plus who knows how many other guards alone in close quarters... he'll wait for Prowl to exit before he tries breaking Hookshot out.
- Streetwise (87) has posed:
Streetwise looks as Prowl as he walks past. Ah, right. Closing the door, that's his job and he's more than happy to do it! Expecially for Prowl. He turns and pauses, staring at Hookshot. "Hey..." Why does his gut tell him he's failing this mech miserably. He's doing everything right, how could he fail Hookshot and the promise he gave. He drops his voice some. "Um, I'm still investigating the assination attempt- unless that thing about the patsies was a confession, heh..." He rubs the back of his helm, glancing behind him and fingers hovering just above the panel to close up the cell.
"But you should think about joining us- the Autobots. You wanted to preserve art, right? We could help you do that." Streets smiles, the kind smile of an optimist. "And it'd almost be like community service for your, uh... Previous crimes." Cough. "But, er, yeah. Hey, if you need me, you can ask for me. I'll makes sure the guards know to tell me if you need me or if anyone's bothering you. Okay?" Just the quick reassurance and he'll feel better about closing this cell.
- Prowl has posed:
Prowl is stepping into the elevator to take him back to the ground floor now, but listening in to what Streetwise is saying. Yes, such optimism has its merits in certain situations, like this one. Community service--that is a nice idea.
- Hookshot has posed:
Hookshot smiles and shakes his head as Prowl lays before him some normally hope-squashing realities. He has nothing more to say, but rather chuckles as Prowl shrugs and leaves. The chuckle dwindles down to a snicker as he returns to his game. Although, in some light, his smirk could almost look like a sneer. Or... a snarl. But maybe, just the trick of the light.
Hookshot's gaze shifts to Streetwise and his smirk goes to a pleasant smile. "Not a confession in the least. Just some light teasing. If he's so certain that my case is hopeless, then what more can I lose?" Hookshot shrugs and tilts his head - which appears porportionately large on his seemingly shrunken frame without any of his disguise armour. "I understand you wanting to help, but don't put offers on the table you aren't authorised to. It's cruel to get someone's hopes up, only to have them quashed by people higher up the chain." Although his face is all pleasantry, there is a stern edge in the mech's voice. An admonition, or a warning? "But I'll be sure to ask for you when you are needed. Now, go out there and keep the world safe from the hardened, nasty criminal elements like myself."
- Blast Off has posed:
Blast Off is in no hurry to do anything stupid, so he waits until it seems Prowl is gone before slipping from his hideyhole. The sniper has his ionic blaster in hand. Quickly. Silently. Time to make his move. Blast Off sneaks as softly as he can up behind Streetwise before swinging his weapon up behind the Protectobot's head and aims (literally) to shove it in the back of his helmet. He hisses quietly, "Move and I'll blast your head off."
- Streetwise (87) has posed:
Yeah, didn't think that was a confession. Streetwise's features set at that next statement though. "Your case is not hopeless. I don't give my word when I can't keep it. I told you I'd make sure this was done right. If you didn't attempt an assassination, I'm going to prove it and bring the real culprit to justice." Streetwise may be something of a goody-twoshoes but he's a young mech. Being told he's wrong or unable just fills him with... With... Well, determination or something equally powerful! Wonder if this is how Hot Rod feels. "You may have stolen but I don't think you're hardened or nasty. Keeping the world safe includes making sure no innocent mech gets called guilty." He won't have it! He refuses.
Streetwise vents. Ah, he was getting his engine all hot and bothered over this. "I'll be back. The next time you see me, I'll have-" And he's cut off by cold metal against his helm. His energon lines take an icy plunge and he tries not to shiver or shake. Being held at point-blank range is new. And terrifying.
Streetwise doesn't move, tensing, thinking. Deep vent, deep vent. Okay, okay. Idea, plan, now act. His servos curl into fists and he, as discreetly as possible, brings one object into the palm of one hand. "Not moving," he assures, optics wide and trying not to look a little panicked. "Who's this."
- Hookshot has posed:
There is little point in hiding the grin that continues to grow across Hookshot's angular face as Streetwise continues on with his ideals and set of determination. "Right, right, well, your little speech has certainly restored my faith in hard word, devotion, and justice." Hookshot chuckles, and then his gaze alights upon Blast Off as he comes up behind Streetwise. He casually glances back down at his game, gathering up the pieces of scrap. "Well. What an interesting turn of events - and the plot thickens!"
- Blast Off has posed:
"I'm your end, if you give me reason." Blast Off answers/doesn't answer Streetwise coldly. He's in full merc mode here, excercising the precise and aggressive training he's recieved from Onslaught. He doesn't want to wind up in a cell himself, either, so he tries to shove Streetwise forward into the cell with one hand as the other continues to hold the gun to his head. "Get inside. Hookshot. Hello. Bit of an abrupt greeting, but you heard Prowl. The Autobots have already judged you and sentenced you unless you bend to their will. Come with me and taste freedom again."
- Streetwise (87) has posed:
The light in Streetwise's optics pale with furthered panic. Perhaps to a seasoned war veteran, that line would have gotten to an eye roll. But he's fresh, just a beat cop. He drags his pedes, looking around frantically before locking optics with Hookshot. He starts shuttering his optics at the mech. He swallows thickly before speaking. "He has NOT," Streets argue, sounding defensive and trying to keep his voice from shaking ho boy.... Here we go. Optics still staring at Hookshot, he slowly offlines his optics.
Then he drops the flashbang grenade he's holding.
- Hookshot has posed:
"Oh my, oh my, what a dilemma. Freedom is irresistable from this perspective, especially what with Prowl's bluster of my inevitable fate." Hookshot slowly stands up from his crouch. "And yet, well... if I have the slimmest chance of getting through this gracefully, I'd best not go willingly with a branded terrorist, as pleasant as he and his friends may be. However...." Hookshot looks as though he were to say more, which is no surprise for the long-winded mech, but then Streetwise makes his move. Hookshot sees the blinking of the optics, and dims his own uncertainly. Problem is.... they blink on too soon and get burned by the flash anyway. Strangely, the mech doesn't flinch or show physical distress. He remains calm, casually taking a few steps back to where he know there is a wall and leans against it. "...I'm rather defenseless... frail, really." Hookshot mentions this offhandedly.
- Blast Off has posed:
Blast Off huffs as Streetwise argues. "Don't lie, Autobot, I heard what he just said!" He's about to say more when suddenly BANG!!!blind. Blind! "Gahhh!!!" The Combaticon suddenly can't see, immediately stumbling back as one hand rubs at his optics and the other waves the gun in front of him. "Hookshot, we can argue semantics later! Are you coming or not? Trust those who threaten you with spark extraction, or come with me. Now!" Given that he can't see, and shooting Hookshot by accident might sour the mech on that whole "I'm here to rescue you" idea, he keeps his finger on the trigger but strains to listen for oncoming footsteps.
- Streetwise (87) has posed:
Streetwise onlines his optics but their offline sensors weren't blinded by the pulse of feedback the flashbang provided. He looks to Hookshot- he's okay! Yay!- and then turns to Blast Off. He ignores curses from other inmates that were blinded as he looks at the shuttle. Its the same one from before, that was protecting Swivel. But the gun is no longer to his helm and he has to act quickly before his grenade's effect wears off. First things first, he needs to get that gun away from him.
"He doesn't need you- he can trust in me," Streetwise snaps as he rushes the shuttle, going to put his arm in a hold and wrestle the gun out of his servo. "And no one is 'safer' with Decepticons!"
- Hookshot has posed:
"Oh dearest me, yes, well, you're right. I could hardly be safe with a Decepticon. I mean, have they ever acted heorically for the safety of others? Of course not. They are dastardly ne'er-do-wells who kill and plunder for the hseer love of anarchy." Perhaps Hookshot is hamming it up a little, putting on his over-dramatic orator voice. But despite standing there and speaking a pretty piece, the mech, despite being blinded, is also gesticulating flamboyantly. Then suddenly lunges towards the sound of Blast Off's voice, in an effort to HELP Streetwise apprehend the curr!
- Blast Off has posed:
"Right, sure he can trust in you," Blast Off bites back sharply, still listening hard for footsteps. "An Autobots' favorite line- until they stab you in the back or coerce you." Frag, he rubs his optics but everything is still washed out. Frag frag frag he wishes his teammates were here right now. Wait... there goes feet... Streetwise is coming... Blast Off huffs and aims where he thinks the noise is coming from, bracing. Even as he squeezes the trigger, the sudden force grabbing his arm tells him he didn't move fast enough. "Gahh!!!" There's a hint of panic in his voice at the contact- this won't do, won't do at all. Up close combat isn't his forte anyway and right now he can hardly SEE! Hopefully that shot he just fired will strike something vital.
As Hookshot speaks, the Combaticon's engines rumble angrily... he's starting to think this is going to be one of those missions that require several bottles of high quality wine to forget afterwards. He jerks at the Protectobot's hold, struggling to free himself. Possibly somehow managing to wrest Streetwise right into Hookshot's path, maybe, by pure blind dumb luck.
- Streetwise (87) has posed:
Streetwise might make a very undignified sound as that shot comes close to hitting him. Ohthankprimus. And then he's all over Blast Off. His engine is running and revving loudly, smooth despite all the heat it pours out. "You're- hey!" And Hookshot grabs HIM and NOT Blast Off. "Hookshot, get back, this is dangerous!" He tries to push Hookshot away while also trying to remove that gun stull. But to pit if he let's any non-combatant get shot on his watch!
- Hookshot has posed:
"I can't see!" Hookshot responds sounding panicked as he fumbles against Streetwise. Streetwise will feel the pattern of hands against him as Hookshot uses him as an opposing force to steady himself and gain his bearings, all the while trying to deal with Blast Off. Or so, that is what it seemed at first. With surreptitious grace, Hookshot's reach aims a bit higher, more towards Streetwise' helmet, his natural built in magnets activating. Just need contact at the right....
- Blast Off has posed:
Blast Off finally CAN see, thank Primus- just in time to watch Streetwise wrest his gun away from him. Double frag. The sniper is a long range warrior, not a close range one, and doesn't have the physical strength to provide a lot of resistance. Violet optics flash with alarm. Primus, he's going to not only fail this mission but get arrested himself, isn't he? He's just trying to think of his next move when Hookshot incapacitates the Protectobot FOR him.
"Excellent!" Blast Off has no idea Hookshot ever attacked him, given he was blind and it didn't connect, but now he sees the prisoner come to his aid. The shuttleformer exhales a loud huff as he attempts to break free and shove the Autobot onto the floor, where he'll try to contain those hands next.
- Streetwise (87) has posed:
"Hookshot, Hookshot, please!" Streetwise sounds a little desperate here. Desperate to makes sure the mech comes to no harm. And then he has Blast Off's gun. The pit in his tanks vanishes, his face alighting with close victory. He can keep Hookshot safe and arrest this- Streetwise doesn't get to finish that thought. His vision clouds, his hearing snapping silent while everything gets... Fuzzy.
His engine hitches painfully and then whines, joints locking up. Streetwise hardly notices the shuttle forcing him off, falling to the ground. His audios ring, everything murkey as the muddled dark vision filled with flickering static. He's still clutching Blast Off's gun. His engine revs suddenly and then gutters into silence.
- Hookshot has posed:
"Oh my, look at that....!" Hookshot says, putting a hand over his mouth as if shocked at the outcome of his seemingly blind flailing. He then looks at Blast Off. "Forget what I said earlier, you're my hero!" Watch out for the next oncomming attack! Hookshot literally throws himself at Blast Off, liberated princess style, forcing him to either try and catch the rather frail looking prisoner, his objective, into his (snerk) mechly arms, or let him drop and maybe be dashed into many pieces - which in turn would mean a big bad MISSION FAIL. Surely, Onslaught wouldn't approve of THAT, would he?
- Blast Off has posed:
HaHA!Blast Off ISN'T GOING TO JAIL! This is great! Feeling much happier, the Combaticon wrests Streetwise's hands behind him, still kneeling on top of him, when he looks up and OH! WWith a blink of surprise his arms reach out reflexively- more to prevent Hookshot from crashing into him than anything else. "Uh...wut." Blink. "Uh..." Blink blink. "We have to get out of here NOW!" The Combaticon looks for his gun to grab it even as he tries to set Hookshot down.
- Hookshot has posed:
Hookshot wraps his arms around Blast Off's neck and clings to the mech rather than let himself be put down. "Great, let's go. Where are we going? Are you in a hurry, because I'm feeling RATHER underdressed for the occasion, and they confiscated my armour. If we have time, think we could gander on over there and retrieve it." Hookshot asks, but before Blast Off can even say anything, he arches an optic ridge and then frowns lightly. "No? Didnn't tink so. Well, I have some cached in various places, we can make a stop to one of those so I can cover myself up - I do look rather ghastly like this!" He brings his face closer to Blast Off's. "If anyone ask, you dropped Streetwise. Okay?" He then tilts his head back, resting it against Blast Off's upper arm. "Nap time." And his optics go dark as his head lolls to the side. Abruptly.
- Blast Off has posed:
Blast Off actually looks at Hookshot's appearance for the first time. Oh. Yeah, he does look rather a sight. Still, the Combaticon's face starts scrunch8ing up until Hookshot backs away from the whole *go for my armor* idea. "Yes, sounds good, and yes, that can wait... We can get you presentable *after* we escape here. We-" Oh. Uh. WHAT. Blast Off stares at the other mech goes out like a light. WUT NO. UGH. Blast off grumbles, but at least Hookshot is light, even for him. The Combaticon can get his gun and get ready to leave.
But first, he stops to look down at the Protectobot immobilized on the floor. He studies him, hmm... yep, he's not moving. Blast Off leans a little closer to smirk under his faceplate. "Tsk, Autofool. You said last time that you were going to arrest me the next time you saw me? Here I am, already in jail, no less- and look at this. Look at *you*. TSK. Such poor performance. Then again, don't forget- you WERE up against a COMBATICON. Don't feel TOO bad for losing to one of us, most people do." He looks imperiously down at the 'bot, then turns and makes a hasty exit- time to get outta jail free.