| The Fall of Helex | |
|---|---|
| Date of Scene: | 09 September 2017 |
| Location: | Helex |
| Synopsis: | The Autobots make their final stand in Helex--and lose. |
| Cast of Characters: | Prowl, Springer, Valour, Hot Rod, Vortex, Imager, Brawl, 92, 94 |
- Prowl has posed:
Tensions have been rising around Helex over the past few megacycles following the unexpected turn of events regarding the election. Naturally, the Convocation has been repeatedly demanding that the newly-formed "Triumvirate" reverse its unsanctioned creation and unorthodox election, neither of which have any provision anywhere in Convocation law.
The city continued to refuse and ignore the demands, until they turned into threats--if Helex would not submit willingly, then they would have no choice but to honor the Triumvirate's declaration of independence from Convocation authority and consider it a member of the enemy Kaon federation due to Decepticon occupation.
As such, Autobot military forces have been gathering on the perimeter for a couple of solar cycles now, no doubt ready to strike soon. Today seems to be the day now, as aerial scout units can already be seen running recon from high above, searching for weak points in the Decepticons' defense.
- Xaaron (92) has posed:
In the time since the election, Xaaron has been busy, working for peace. He's tried to talk with Optimus Prime, with the Triumverate, with the Helexian people -- anyone who would listen. Unfortunately, it seems most people won't. Now, he's in the city, at the border. He scans the Autobot forces amassed there, looking for their commander. If it's Optimus Prime, perhaps he can be made to see reason. If it's Prowl... Helex is doomed.
- Imager has posed:
"Question." Imager raises her hand from the ranks, a finger extended. "Ah....If I say that I am really uncomfortable actually shooting at people...especially that, and with this whole 'occupation of a city state'..." Her voice trails off as she looks aside, "Okay, there wasn't really a question, I just really think this is a really bad idea and that I'm pretty certain people, myself included, are going to get killed, if we have to do the shooty-shooty." She lets that hang on the air for a moment, then follows up, "Like, Deadly scared, here, is what I am saying."
- Prowl has posed:
Prowl is up in one of the recon ships, examining incoming readings from the craft's sensors and giving other ground and air units instructions regarding where and how to strike. Industrial sector has a lot of cover, and not a lot of defenses just yet. Or at least that's how it appears. So they'll focus fire near there.
It's a good thing he isn't down on the ground with the infantry where Imager is needing some encouragement because that isn't really his strong suit. But that's why you have people like Springer around.
- Springer has posed:
Springer looks up at Imager and smiles confidently. He hefts his heavy blaster cannon and says, "Don't worry, Mage. When it's time to do the shooty-shooty, I'll keep you safe. Just keep me in energon -- Killin' Decepticons is thirsty work!" He checks the charge in his weapon and leans it back on one of his massive shoulders, looking cool, relaxed, and ready to go. "When's this party get started?" he calls up to Prowl.
- Brawl has posed:
The Triumverate had been stubborn about redacting their decision to leave the Convocation and throw Helex into the Decepticon's protection. However, usually they made a show of at least 'listening' to Xaaron. But there was nothing to be said that would change things. The die had been cast.
Seizer had been helping to organize the civillians to defend themselves in the inevitable attack from Autobot forces, while the other two concerned themselves with rallies. And thus, when the alert came out that Autobots appeared to be mobilizing to move in, the tense and restless city threw itself into motion. Barely trained civillians had been spread around the city, in and out of buildings, ready to fend off an attack. And when recon flies over the industrial sector, the seemingly undefended territory suddenly comes alive with mechs swarming out of buildings and forming loosely strategic clusters. While the Triumverate had sought the Decepticons for protection, they were NOT about to leave the protection of the city entirely in their hands. Whether it was insecurity or pride, the citizens were moved to defend against Autobots occupation, rather than being good little civvies and just getting out of the Decepticons' way. Whether they prove to be a boon or a hindrance remains to be scene.
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex kicks his feet as he sits on top of one of Helex's buildings. He hums off-key to himself, playing with some magnets in one hand while holding binoculars with the other. "Ohhhh, I love a-bustin' up some Autoboooots. I just a-love how they sliiiiice. Slivers, quarters, or cubes- doesn't matter! Because I love just a-bustin' some Autobots~" He sing-songs, looking over the Autobots. Red, red, red, red- what's with Autobots and being red... Oh, look, a green!
Vortex's rotors perk and he leans forward from his perch, zooming in on. Oooooh, he's here! << Oh Braaaawlieee, my favorite Autobot-y is here. You're not allowed to kill him, okay? >> Exchange magnet for a glue gun, waiting patiently with rotors all fluttering behind him. << S'all mine, got it? I call dibs. >>
- Brawl has posed:
There weren't a lot of things Brawl liked more than engex and hitting things. Actually, there weren't any. Oh wait, explosions is up there. Still, somehow, Helex had somewhat endeared itself to Brawl. Enough that he often showed more enthusiasm whenever he was posted to Helex, even when it was a boring job like patrolling. Or lying in wait. Brawl couldn't understand why, when the Autobots began pooling their resources outside of Helex' borders, they didn't just send him in to blow them all to pieces. Why were they waiting? But other than some grumbles and moody demeanors, he didn't mind too much. Instead he just passed the time telling some of the Helex citizens who were SUPPOSED to be patrolling about the times he punched Springer into a wall, or the time he beat down Prowl ALL BY HIMSELF (blatant lie - Mellifera and Skywolf softened him up first) or laughing about one too many drunken bar fights. Details of which usually got mixed up from story to story. And when Vortex message cuts into the middle of him telling the BEST part, he growls. <<**STATIC*** ...care who calls dibs, it's about who gets 'em first!">> Even the static sounds angry. There is a pause. <<**static** ...one is your favorite again?>> Brawl looks up to the sky from his position out on the street, squinting somewhat. When he goes to return to his story, he realises the two mechs he'd been bragging to had moved on to get into position - and away from him. This just adds to Brawl's ire (it doesn't take much) and what little patience he'd been exercising is stripped away. While the point was to lure the Autobots into what was supposed to seem like an under guarded section, Brawl lobs a shot at one of the recon planes.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
While waiting at Tarn for Valour, Skywolf thinks of moving ahead alone at Helex to see what is going on over there. Skywolf transforms and is heading over to Helex. He have been heard of Autobot Forces are stationed at Helex to fight against Triumvirate and Decepticons. As he was going to arrive at Helex while in flight mode, Skywolf sees Autobots have gathered around the square before the govenment buildings. He stops at the outskirts of Helex and lands to watch for any consequences to happen. As Skywolf notices Brawl and Vortex have already been arrived at the scene to make their presence felt.
- Prowl has posed:
Well, that's one thing Prowl wasn't completely expecting--the Triumvirate has enlisted -untrained- civilians to fight? What were they thinking?! A confused scout comes in on the comms.
<< S-sir? The civs, they...Prime? >>
A sigh. << They leave us with no choice, having made theirs. We can't let the Decepticons take control of Helex. Autobots, attack! >>
And so it begins. As the new Helex militia pour out onto the streets, they are greeted with a missile salvo from Autobot aerial units.
- Xaaron (92) has posed:
Xaaron blanches as the people of Helex come out to defend themselves -- against the much more heavily armed and armored Autobot Army. 'This is going to be an energonbath,' he thinks worriedly. He moves himself bodily in between the Autobots and the gathered Helexians. "Please," he calls out to those on both sides. "This isn't the way to handle this dispute! No one has to die here today!"
- Springer has posed:
Springer frowns as the civilians fan out to defend their city. Suddenly, he doesn't seem as confident. << Prowl, >> he radios up to the command ship. << Are you seeing this? The people of Helex are moving against us. Do you really want us seen shooting our way through civilians? >>
Just in case, Springer positions himself between Imager and the gathering makeshift militia, trying to protect her in case things go badly. Springer hasn't seen Vortex yet, or else he'd know -- things are going to go badly.
Springer curses and ducks as Brawl lobs a shot at one of the recon planes, and Prowl orders the attack. Sigh. It's on. Springer reluctantly fires past Xaaron into the assembling crowd.
- Imager has posed:
Imager gives Springer a wary look, "Uh......" Her optics look him over a bit more. "Okay then..." She still sounds rather non-commital to the whole thing. This was it, though. A battle. An actual Primus-Forsaken battle. Cybertronian vs Cybertronian, on the streets of Helex. And she was going to be a part of it.
Imager realized she needed to intake, and slowly willed herself to do so. Her giant tower shield before her, the novice Autobot was at a crisis of conscience already, and she hadn't even pulled a trigger. Her optics went to her shield, knowing what it represented to her once, and then the mass of Helexians.
The order was given, and her spark wasn't in it. The Convocation forces moved, and she was carried along in the wave, some of them scream, psyching themselves up. She screamed as well, as panic took her as she was carried forward into the Helex Milita's ranks.
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex stows the binoculars before falling forward and off the edge of the building. << Its the law of dibs, Brawl! Besides, you're a slow tank! I'll get there first anyhow. >> Already he can hear the beginning cacophony of war. Ah, like music. He twitsts and transforms, rotors spinning rapidly to proprel him forward, towards the Autobots. The closer he gets, the faster his rotors spin. Ungodly fast, in fact.
Vortex chuckles as he feets the wind currents shift, beginning to turn in his favor. Literally. The wind buffets against buildings, a tunnel beginning to form until it touches down and- The Combaticon tilts and lets loose a cyclone. << I love it when Autobots conregate, they make it so much easier for us, >> Vortex laughs over comm to Brawl, watching his self-made tornado move.
- Brawl has posed:
One of the civillians, carrying a large arm cannon that looks like it belongs in a museum and not in active use, peers at Xaaron as he calls out to both sides. "Yeah, tell that to the Autobots! They're the ones..." Springer's attack narrowly misses this individual on the frontline, but scores a mech behind him. The mech doesn't finish his sentence, but gives Xaaron a meaningful expression, one that relays 'see what I mean?'. The time for words has passed, and the mech aims his cannon at Springer. Actions speak louder than words.
The rest of the civilians, weapons ready and begin firing at the invading forces. A first row of mechs fire off shots from weapons with highly limited ammunition or charges and low accuracy, only to quickly drop to their knees or transform into low-lying modes and peel away while higher positioned mechs begin firing an array of lasers which are lower powered, but less cumbersome. That is, the ones who still have their nerve. Some of the mechs balk at the last minute and flee for cover.
BRAWL
A few pot shots at air crafts isn't satisfying. Especially since they don't connect. Sometimes being slow just irks the mech, but he won't be any faster on foot than he is as a tank. Brawl begins moving to where the action is, still firing at anything he sees moving in the air that isn't Vortex. Or a seeker. Anything else, though, free game. It will take Brawl just a little longer to get to the actual battle. <<*STATIC* you.>> There was probably an insulting verb in there somewhere, but it is said with some measure of endearment. A tiny measure.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
As Skywolf sees some firepower have been engaged on the streets, he slowly moves ahead behind an old building to take cover and plan for his next move for an attack. While other Decepticons have also started to fire against all wills. Skywolf thinks to remain at his position and waiting for Megatron to order him to engage in the battle as no backup can arrive.
- Xaaron (92) has posed:
Xaaron ducks as the Autobots rush past him, ignoring him as they charge to engage the Helexian ranks. Even as he rises, his shoulders remain slumped -- he's failed, and the deaths today will be on his conscience. As the Autobots move past him, Xaaron turns to impotently watch the battle. He moves to the side, under a lamppost -- not seeking cover, but no longer actively trying to get in the way. In shame Xaaron turns away from the militiamech that called out to him. Truly it's been underscored that there's nothing he can do. The die is cast. The Autobots and Helex are at war.
- Springer has posed:
Springer glances upward, too late, as Vortex's vortex envelops both Imager and himself. "Slaggit!" he curses, as high winds and pelting debris threaten to knock him down and out of the fight. Bracing his feet, he makes a Herculean effort to stand his ground. He raises his blaster cannon towards the eye of the tornado, trying to spot Vortex through the howling maelstrom. Getting as best a lock as he can, Springer opens fire, as the militia's attacks sail past him in the din.
- Imager has posed:
A gust of wind of tremendous strength catches the big Femme as she's moving forward. A helicopter, apparently one of the actual Decepticons, roars overhead, forcing the wind to pick up further. Weak laser fire pings off of her as the clash between both sides finally hit. Mechs roar, metal clangs, and there's the general press of forces engaging in melee. Several mechs take shots at Imager, who just stands there blankly, as the attacks mostly bounce off of her. "Agghh! No! Stop it! I'm not going t..." Two mecha attempt to push her over, unable to really damage her much. She balks at the move, "Hey knock it off!"
Eventually she staggers out of the initial melee, horrified by the incident. There was no glory, no heroism here, it was just carnage. She puts a hand on her knee, trying to assess the situation. That's when Brawl appears on the horizon. And there she is by herself. <<Uh Tank....There's a tank.>> Imager transmits rather blandly. Brawl keeps moving forward, though still a bit away. Without much in the way of combat instincts, she holds up her shield before her, as if that's going to save her from whatever tank shells will be falling shortly...
- Prowl has posed:
Prowl watches as many of the civilians actually do the smart thing and run away. That's a relief, but there will always be those stubborn ones who will refuse to stand down despite the overwhelming odds (people like Hot Rod). He spots Xaaron standing out there like a fool, too. He sighs. "Xaaron! What are you doing? You need to evacuate. I'll send a medical transport."
By now, both air and ground forces have begun to push their way into the city. An explosion rapport can heard as a large shell strikes a wall that had been quickly erected near the perimeter in preparation for the incoming attack. The scout units who had been on recon before drop from the high-altitude scouring to begin attempting to pick off the mechs firing from the high ground.
Prowl spots Brawl firing at the air units. Opening the hatch to the vessel he was on he jumps down as it drops him onto the top of a nearby tower. The Combaticon is a large target, easy to snipe from afar--and given their last confrontation, he'd rather see the tank taken out of the picture first. He doesn't fire just yet though, instead scanning for any existing weaknesses in his opponent's armor.
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex twists in the air, having released his cyclone and now free to fly. Those below? Not so lucky He hovers there patiently before transforming and folding his rotors as he falls, timing it to the point where his tornado moves on. "Hi Springer!" He calls, whipping his gun around before litting off a shot of adhesive.
- Brawl has posed:
Helex Militia
The militia were forced to get out of the way of Vortex' oncoming... Vortex, and there's some ire as the whipping winds effect their shots. However, once the Tex Twister abates, the militia clash with the encroaching enemy forces in closer quarter combat. Several of the mechs who have taken the higher ground are picked off by aerial units, but then some come out of hiding to take their places, returning fire into the sky. Formations HAD been drilled and discussed, but a lot of that seems to be forgotten now as the civilians on the ground charge with heedless bravado, yelling and screaming battle cries, some of which up the ham meter of this encounter considerably, as they dissipate into disorderly violence.
Brawl
Imager was right to raise her shield. Because the moment the large, dull green tank is aware of her large presence, the turret readjusts, and the large barrel of Brawl's cannon directs itself menacingly at Imager. Steady on its treads, the tank comes closer at a slow yet somehow menacing pace before attacking. Good job, Imager! Fire successfully drawn to the large obvious target while Prowl seeks to find the quickest way to disable the bothersome tank.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
BEHIND THE OLD BUILDING
Skywolf notices someone have spotted him, and started to firing at him. He thinks Helex Militia consisting of local civilians cant fight against trained Autobot Forces and comes out of cover to the streets for an full on attack. Because of too much firepower against Helex Militia, they are scattering and running away from the battle. Now there are only three Decepticons remains on the battlefield. Skywolf aims for a nearby targets.
- Xaaron (92) has posed:
Xaaron looks up towards Prowl's ship as he's radioed. << Don't worry about me, >> Xaaron radios sadly. << Worry about yourself, and for the people of Helex. When this city falls to the Decepticons, and it will, know that you sacrificed Autobot and Helexian lives in an attack that serves nothing than to demonstrate the Autobots will not allow a polity its own self-determination. You are in the wrong, Prowl, and you damage the Autobots' credibility even more than the damage you're doing to this city. >>
- Springer has posed:
Springer fires at Vortex and then grimaces as he misses. Springer steps forward, trying to advance towards Vortex as the Combaticon transforms -- only to be hit by Vortex's accursed glue gun, instantly slowing his progess. Belaying his intention of drawing his sword, Springer instead aims his blaster cannon at Tex again, but this time makes an adjustment to the setting. "You like blowing people around," he comments calmly. "Let's see how you like a taste of your own medicine." Springer powers up his weapon, and then unleashes a cyclone blast of his own before taking a blast from Skywolf's neuron cannon.
- Imager has posed:
Imager stands her ground, as well as a petrified Autobot novice can do. In other words, she cowers against the shield. Brawl's cannon fires, slamming a sonic shell into her shield, which absorbs most of the impact. Sent back a good three meters, Imager manages to stand her ground. A lance of fire catches her in the shoulder. It was enough to urge her to do something before she got killed for being stupid. Still, nobody was handling this tank!
Imager did her best to gird up her manifold, and pushed forward. The big femme hurls herself forwards to the tank, intent on forcing him to mode change. No main cannon, less of a threat right? She grabs at Brawl right at the front end of his armored tank form, and moves to pick up his front half...and attempt to tip him over!
- Prowl has posed:
<< We couldn't just sit back and let the Decepticons take the city, Xaaron. >> is all Prowl offers in response to the Emirate's tirade. He can argue with the mech later, right now he has bigger problems. Like big tank Decepticons. Having gathered some useful data, he fires on Brawl, aiming for a crack in his armor that may have been created by Imager just now. Just as the recoil from the shot hits, Skywolf's barrage chips a shoulder, leading him to quickly duck behind a lighted sign for cover.
Someone has indeed spotted Skywolf. Firing revealed his position, and a couple of assault drones suddenly divebomb him from the right flank.
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex lands hards and stumbles. He pretends he didn't though. YOU DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING. As he catches himself and straightens, he stiffens, seeing that cannon and... It doesn't get anywhere close to him. "Holy... SLAG! You suck- haha!" He cackles as he takes this chance to run at Springer. "Now lemme show you how its really done!" Exchanging gun for sword, he takes a swing at Springer.
- Brawl has posed:
Helex Militia
The Helex Militia are testing themselves in the smelting pit of battle, those incompetent or undermotivated fall quickly being left as little more than piles of slag in Helex' streets. Meanwhile, those with true gusto or competence continue to stand and fight, devoted to their polity, separated from their junk ore brothers in arms.
Brawl
There is something very confusing about someone running at Brawl. Especially someone unknown. Someone like Springer, Brawl could somewhat comprehend. But this? While recharging for another shot, Brawl is suddenly aware of just what this large femme is attempting, and his treads begin rolling, trying to push forward and resist being flipped over. To his further puzzlement, Brawl feels the front of his tank being liftedn up. "Hey what the!?". As intended, Brawl is forced to transform. It is during this transformation that Prowl's attack hits him. He howls, though it's hard to tell if it is in pain or fury. POssibly both. Brawl fights to get his feet firmly planted and begins to push back against Imager to try and throw her to the ground. He attempts to drive a knee into her leg to unbalance this in hopes of making this task easier. Brawl's only solace is that no one is witnessing him struggle to overpower some nobody. Of course, little does he know he's matching mettle with a musical icon - but music was not Brawl's thing. Although there is still energon leaking from his wound, Brawl has already forgotten about it. Which can work to Prowl's advantage.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
ON THE STREETS
Skywolf manages to pull an average attack on nearby grounds. While other Decepticons fires at all directions against Autobot Forces. Some attacks lands on Brawl, who is in his alternate mode. Due to Skywolf being in the front without any cover, the Convocation Forces takes him out with an Divebomb attack and temporarily decreases his firepower. But Skywolf brings himself up and aims at Prowl through the Convocation Forces and initiates an attack.
- Xaaron (92) has posed:
Xaaron shakes his head sadly, and makes for the medical transports -- maybe he can at least help load the wounded. "The city is already lost," he says quietly to himself in response to Prowl's assertion, but likewise decides not to pursue the matter now -- once Prowl has made up his mind, he knows, nothing Xaaron can say would dissuade him anyway.
- Springer has posed:
Springer woahs as the wind tunnel he creates goes wild and strikes Brawl instead of Vortex. The result just makes him smirk, however. "I'd apologize for that, but I'm not really sorry," he admits. "Still, maybe I should stick to more controlled fire in close quarters like this." He shifts his blaster cannon back to energy-fire mode and aims it at Vortex, only to be struck deeply in his arm by the Combaticon's sword.
Anger and a bit of glee brightens Springer's optics. "Oh, you asked for it now." Magnetizing his cannon to his thigh for use later, Springer draws his sword, and slashes quickly at Tex before the interrogator can get back out of range.
- Imager has posed:
Musical Icon. Yes that was appropriate. And yet she had another worthwhile endeavor at her disposal. "Uh...Hey!" She staggers back, eyeing Brawl warily. "Could I get you to stop?" Her eyeridges raise up for a moment, but naturally the request was foolhardy. "Kay then..." The Maestro knew she was pretty big, and pretty tough. She wasn't all that trained at combat, preferring to use her natural traits.
As she moved to lockup with Brawl, there was a tiny light at her midsection, and where there was one of her, there were now three. Each one mimicking the same moves as she lumbers in, hands raised. Brawl outclassed her now, as she quickly noted, servo to servo. She raises her right hand to just smash the Con right in the faceplate. "I don't wanna do this!"
- Prowl has posed:
The medical transports are indeed filled with wounded. Both Autobot and Helexian--yes, the Autobots are still helping those who swore to fight against them with the hope that they'll come around. Perhaps they will realize that the Decepticons sent them to die on the battlefield but the Autobot picked them back up again despite their antagonistic intentions. Perhaps that will give the Emirate a little more hope...
Prowl was focused on Brawl when Skywolf fired at him, this time managing to do a little more damage and actually drawn his attention. That seeker does look somewhat familiar--yes, wasn't he at Tarn? Slag it. Prowl momentarily leans out from his cover to launch a missile at Skywolf with the hope of either destroying his cover or taking him down for the count.
All around, the carnage continues, but with so many civilians in the mix the Autobots are losing ground. They may be untrained, but there's just so many of them! And they know the city better than anyone. They just keep coming, and getting destroyed, and coming and getting destroyed without relent.
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex's rotors give a spin of excitment, lithe frame twisting out of the way of Springer's blade. "Aw, that was cute~" Vortex taunts. "Its nice knowing that you missed me, though!" He swipes his blade up to cleave into Springer. "After you threw away my last gift, I was afraid we were gonna have troubles."
- Brawl has posed:
Some of the wounded resist Autobot help, others are grateful. Some aren't conscious so they have no say in the matter. But those still capable of fighting continue to do so.
"Less talking more dying!" Brawl growls at Imager. Yeah. Telling him she doesn't WANT to fight isn't going to make much of a difference. Actually, there probably isn't much she could say that would stop him from continuing to fight with her. Now. Using lights and doubles to confuse the already simple mech, that might have some effect. Brawl's faceplate barely shows a dent after Imager's fist connects with it, and he's not overly stunned. And Distracting as the hologram is, what hit Brawl was definitely solid. And he can follow that line of logic clear enough. Brawl winds back his arm and sends a sloppily aimed punch at Imager's blinky twinkly midsection.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
As Skywolf fires at Prowl with his Core Blaster attack, Helex Militia have also gathered in considerable amount against Convocation Forces. With Vortex and Brawl taking and giving as much damage as they can. As to much firepower against Skywolf, Prowl fires an Guided Missile attack at Skywolf and it misses him from few distance. While he transforms into flight mode for eradicating some recon planes.
- Xaaron (92) has posed:
Xaaron assists with the wounded as much at they'll let him. He tries to use his known neutrality to help in dealing with the wounded Helexians -- he's been fighting for their independence all this time -- maybe they'll trust him to get them to safety.
- Springer has posed:
Springer grumbles as he's cleaved open again. Vortex's glue is having its desired effect, seeping into Springer's joints and slowing him down. Energon runs from deep cuts in Springer's armor, but the Autobot defender isn't yet down for the count. "I did appreciate your little gift," Springer grunts through the pain. "And I have something for you in return." Springer twists as far as his injures and the glue will allow him, and slashes at Vortex with a savage strike.
- Imager has posed:
Imager shudders, actually reeling back from Brawl's hammering punch. The look of abject shock and dismay from that gut punch would take up a whole half page if this story was annotated in comic form. "Wh...a...hhhh....." Oil bursts from her lips, she staggers down to one knee, still compromised from that hit. 'This guy is going to kill me', she thinks to herself. Brawl looms over her, both of her holograms taking the same kneeling position. 'I gotta take him down...I...I could bring him in...' Her fists bawl up as she looks at the Combaticon, then brings both hands together against her shield as her joints push into motion. It isn't pretty, but Imager comes at Brawl with her shield before her, just plowing into him as hard as she can muster.
- Prowl has posed:
Prowl curses as the missile doesn't connect. Well, those seekers are very agile--they know how to shake a lockon. But as Skywolf turns and flies after the Bot aerial forces, the tactician takes advantage of this and fires another projectile in his direction.
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex jumps back as Springer strikes. He snorts and laughs. "Hahahahaaaa- you're really that awful! Blurr had my face buried in the ground at this point!" Snickering, he practically bounces on his pedes, trying to piece together where to strike next... And then he lunges, aiming to plunge his sword into Springer's chassis. It's like ten matrixes wide though, hopefully he'll hit something important.
- Valour has posed:
Valour hovers over the battlefield, surveying the carnage below. He can't help but smile with pride as the Helexian citizens take up arms to defend themselves, some showing great bravery even with little training and improvised weapons. Some of them will make fine Decepticons someday. In the meantime, Valour draws his energy halberd and swoops down to attack.
- Brawl has posed:
Helex Militia
Sensing that perhaps the fight may be entering its last stages, the civillians push against the Autobot advances with renewed vigour. And perhaps less caution. They begin trying to push combatants towards specific buildings. Suddenly, some of them back off, and moments later sharp snaps and loud booms can be heard as several buildings explode. Naturally, these buildings had been carefull evacuated beforehand.
Brawl
Moving out of the way is for sissies! As such, Brawl attempts to stand his ground against Imager's charge. Which is perhaps foolish. But he'd rather foolishly prove he's not going to be scared by someone, no matter how big they are. Or perhaps there is some cunning in the mech. Brawl puts out his hands and braces himself for impact. There is a scrrreching noise as the metal on his feet drag against the street as two opposing forces clash. Then, Brawl suddenly swings to the side to encourage Imager's own strength and potential energy to send her stumbling. While doing so, he also interlocks his blocky fingers and tries to bash Imager in the side with a twin-fisted punch.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
While in flight mode Skywolf fires Missiles attack but it misses though. But Prowl returns with his Guided Missile attack and heavily damages Skywolf. As the battle rages on Skywolf waits for Brawl and Vortex to finish their adversaries too. As some other mechs also arrives on the scene in form of Hot Rod and Valour. Skywolf aims for Prowl and initiates the attack in full throttle.
- Springer has posed:
Springer is driven back as Vortex strikes home with one attack after the other. Luckily, the attacks of Vortex's wit don't strike home quite so hard -- Springer knows Blurr is far faster than he is, and a more able athlete to boot, so he doesn't take the comparison personally. "Obvious, I need some practice," Springer admits, narrowing his optics as energon runs from a multitude of deep gashes in his armor. "I appreciate you volunteering!" Starting to feel a little woozy from energon loss, Springer lunges at Vortex with a wild attack.
- Imager has posed:
Imager goes down to the ground at a bad angle, landing on her shotgun as she does. She actually skids for a few steps before coming to a stop. Brawl had caught her telegraphing, and capitalized upon it, denting her quad-layered elendium armor right in the flank. She plants both hands to the ground, more oil on her faceplate, "Izz.....Izzat all you got?" Slowly she pulls herself up, and notes the oil loss. Mage wipes the back of her hand against her faceplate, then comes forwards towards Brawl again. "Hitch......I got plenty more in my tank. Howzabout you?" With a grunt, she comes in for another move, of all things to do to Brawl, TACKLING him isn't high on anyone's list of good ideas, and yet the Maestro comes in like a linebacker.
- Hot Rod has posed:
Arriving late to the game is the former Nyonian rebel, his engines revving loudly as he speeds towards Helex. He heads straight for the wounded, passing Prowl on his way over. "Prowl!!" he yells, "this is absolute nonsense, dammit! We need to retreat. There are too many civilians! Helex belongs to the Decepticons. We're wasting ammo."
On his way over to help Xaaron with the wounded, Hot Rod passes Vortex and Springer meleeing. "Not you again," he growls at the helicopter, "can't you mind your own damn business??"
- Prowl has posed:
So they've turned their own buildings into traps...well, perhaps Helex really is too far gone. Unfortunately for Prowl, the building he happened to be standing on suddenly lights up below, fire traveling rapidly upward as it threatens to collapse the entire thing. He curses and transforms, driving off the edge and landing on a ramp between the tower and the mezzanine of another structure. This gave Skywolf an opportunity to hit him with another missile, sending him spinning off course.
Slag it...Imager is in trouble. This isn't going well. Regaining control, he drives down the ramp, aiming to distract Brawl at least momentarily to get some of his aggro off of her. He fires the last of his missiles at the tank.
Meanwhile, one of the larger Autobot vessels begins to move over the heart of the city, wielding the current fleet's largest weapon--the chaos rift combustor. It has been charging this entire time, and is now set to fire upon the Triumvirate's headquarters. If Helex and the Decepticons can focus fire to bring it down, the Autobots lose their advantage. Hopefully for them, this will end the carnage--for now.
- Valour has posed:
Valour swoops down towards the convocation forces, using his speed and momentum to add power to his attack as he swings his energy halberd and aims for faces and necks. "You shouldn't have come here, Autobots," he warns them. "The people have chosen, as soon all of Cybertron will choose. Your days as oppressors is over. It is time for revolution!" Spotting the chaos rift combustor charging and aiming right for the Power Base, Valour turns, and bravely hurls himself right at the weapon, determined to defend the Triumverate at all costs!
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex laughs, cocky as ever. He's hit every time, dodged every blow! "You can't touch me, Springer!" He teases as something BRIGHT RED zips by not too far. Oh-ho-ho! "Heya hot shot! Long time, no-ACK." Looks like third... Fourth? Fifth? Time's a charm because Springer's hit lands and sends Vortex sprawling. "RUDE, I was talking to someone!"
- Brawl has posed:
BrawlIndeed, tackling Brawl is not common. Brawl would find this unsettling, as to him it translates an eagerness to die, if he had the personality to be unsettled. Instead, he's just bemused. Brawl gets bowled over this time by Imager's onslaught of sheer tenacity. <<What the pits!? This femme just don't give up! I keep punching her and she keeps tackling me? What gives?>> Brawl was about to reprise with an uppercut, but alas, a missile hits himstead. Brawl rolls a few times from the impact, stopping as his back hits the wall of a building. "That DOES it!" Brawl isn't sure where the hit came from, and the smoke from the explosions makes it even harder. Or is that smoke from his own armour. He might be a little smoky. Brawl grabs his electron gun, eager to try and finish off Imager if possible - or at least send her packing.
Helex Militia
Just then, an emergency radio signal goes out to both Decepticons and Helex militia warning them of the weapon that the Autobot have trained on the Triumverate's last known location - a building with many non-militia civillians still present. It's location is transmitted, and an urgent call to destroy or disable the weapon is issued. Thus, those capable of doing so break away from their current engagement start attacking the weapon with everything they've got. Whether it's fighting their way closer or firing at it from a distance, they are madly scrambling to stop it.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
BATTLE RAGES ON
As Skywolf's attack manages to hit Prowl, he have also taken some critical damage as well. The Helex Militia have made their presence known and keep the control on Convocation Forces intact. With battlefield clears, Skywolf initiates his final attack on every Bot available in the range.
- Imager has posed:
This scuffle with Brawl was getting dangerous. More and more of Imager's vaunted armor was getting torn apart. She struggles with him further, retreating back to her feet when a missile catches her in the back. Her armor was very good at helping spread concussive attacks, but it wasn't quite fully there to do its job. She huffs out a breath, hands on her knees. Brawl catches her with the ole Electron Gun ploy, and the effect is noticable. The electricity just seems to roll through her, crackling wildly. Her eyes flare up, as electricity pours out of her mouth, leaving her steaming and damaged. Apparently she's quite conductive. "St....Stupid....Tank...." She pants again, "I'm toughern you...I just gotta bust on through ya!" Putting her bad leg forward, she raises her one good-armored leg up to just give Brawl a big boot to the manifold.
- Hot Rod has posed:
"You all need to get the hell out of here," Hot Rod growls back at Vortex. He immediately starts helping medevac the wounded civilians, but there's just so many. This was no place for skirmish between Autobots and Decepticons. "<Prowl do you read me?! Civilians are falling left and right. Are you out of your mind or what?? If the people of Helex chose Megatron, we're not going to win them over by attacking the city!>" However, he notices Brawl giving a lady trouble. "Hey, ugly!" he yells at the tank. His alt mode rifles emerge, and he aims at the Combaticon's backside, in an attempt to distract him.
- Prowl has posed:
Prowl was busy trying to distract Brawl, when one of Skywolf's missiles hit him from behind, sending him reeling. And Brawl didn't even pull away from Imager. "Hgnnn..." The tactician groans as he recovers himself, loading a cluster of grenades into his shoulder-mounted launchers and fires them into the fray. Yep...Brawl's going to be on fire again. At least it's warm, right? A massive orb of rift energy hurtles at the Council seat building, toppling its upper half with a single blow. It then starts to charge up again immediately, however this will take time. The Decepticons had better destroy it before it fires again--the structure won't be able to take another hit like that!
The ship it's on immediately starts to retaliate against the focused fire as forces quickly respond to the alert, but there's just too many of them...with the Decepticons AND countless civilians wailing on it, its armor quickly buckles though at great cost to said civilians, many of whom have little stamina. Its engines burst are set ablaze, and it falls to a fiery demise, crashing through an elevanted expressway into the subterranean tiers of the city.
Prowl curses again as he sees this transpire. They've lost the advantage. << The Combustor is down--we're pulling out....Helex is lost. >> And with that, the Autobots begin a tactical retreat, air units immediately pulling to a safe out-of-range altitude and ground forces exiting in dropships.
- Xaaron (92) has posed:
Xaaron helps Hot Rod with the wounded, silently agreeing with his assessment of the situation. Still, trying to tell Prowl anything....
- Springer has posed:
Springer finally drives Tex back, knocking him on his axe. Springer takes a step forward, hoping to finally finish Tex off -- and then he gets the order to retreat. "Next time, punk!" he warns, and sheathes his sword, moving quickly to help get the wounded Autobots the pit out of Helex.
- Imager has posed:
Imager looks back as the large ship with the Autobots spews out plasma, and starts to descend quicky. "Scrap...." The plasma fire starts up, engulfing much in flames. She simply stares at it, "Holy...Scrap...." She glances back to Brawl, then to the Autobot forces. She starts taking several guarded steps back, away from Brawl. One of the troop transports drops down to start picking up Convocation forces, she grabs ahold of one of the outside handles and step pads. As it starts to take off, she watches Helex burn, somberly.
- Brawl has posed:
In moments, Brawl goes from getting wittled away at by a Maestro to suddenly being attacked from all different directions. It's confusing, almost overwhelming, and ends with Brawl being on fire. AGAIN! It would seem that lately Brawl can't go anywhere without being set on fire. Imager is able to get away without any further attacks from Brawl. In fact, everyone is as Brawl actually begins rolling around to try out this supposed technique to get rid of fire. Ever heard of it? Stop drop and roll? Though he does it with fair skepticism. So Brawl is rolling around in the streets as debris falls down beside him. What a sight.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
As the Skywolf's final attack hit some nearby targets, Prowl initiates his Phosphex Grenade attack and its takes out all Decepticons in range and heavily damageSkywolf's health. As it was escape sequence move that leads to an Autobots retreating out of Helex, with Decepticons and civilians of Helex came out victorious forcing Autobots running.
- Hot Rod has posed:
Seems like Prowl finally got some sense into his cerebro-circuitry and is calling a retreat. "... about time," the young flameo grumbles. He does a 180, leaving the fight he'd initially tried to start with the rather brainless Combaticon. Tires squealing over burned debris, Hot Rod makes a beeline for the Autobot HQ back in Iacon.