| Tarn Blockade: Part 1 | |
|---|---|
| Date of Scene: | 10 August 2017 |
| Location: | Tarn |
| Synopsis: | The Decepticons must destroy the Autobots' last stronghold on the outskirts of Tarn. |
| Cast of Characters: | Prowl, Jazz, Valour, Hot Rod, Vortex, 94, Mellifera |
- Prowl has posed:
The Autobots by now have been -almost- flushed out of the Tarn region, with anti-convocation sentiments continuing to rise after the events at the City Hall. However, one last stronghold toward the northwestern pass is holed up under Ibex's outermost suburbs, receiving quite a bit of support from the larger mostly Convocation-aligned city-state.
Recently, transports to and from Tarn and Kaon had started getting shot down and looted by Autobots. It wasn't long before Con scouts discovered that the base had established a no-fly zone right on top of an important trade route from Kaon that Tarn relied and continues to rely heavily upon since withdrawing from the Convocation and joining Kaon under Decepticon jurisdiction.
As such, Megatron has ordered a strike against the Bots' last stronghold in Tarn. It won't be easy, but it's at least close to home turf for the Decepticons. They must destroy the Autobots' defenses and drive them back into Ibex. Ideally, they'll be able to requsition what's left of the base once the Bots are gone...however, the most important thing is getting this trade route back in business as soon as possible.
- Valour has posed:
Valour flies into the region as part of the vanguard -- in the front, although by no means in command. Still, he tries to lead by example, soaring bravely into the so-called Autobot "no-fly zone" with weapons armed and ready to go. As soon as he's in range, he reports in that he's locked on target and lets loose with his rotary cannon, focusing on taking out Autobots defences before they even realize the Decepticons have arrived.
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex didn't hear the 'requisition of what's left of the base'. He heard 'destroy.' And that's what he's here to do. The booster he downed before coming to the attack is just making his weapon rack itch to be shot. Good news, he gets to fire it it pretty soon. With a whoop, Vortex twirls in the air and fires a missile for the Autobots.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
With surroundings being too crowded, Skywolf comes out on the street. Then out of nowhere fires at Autobots making his presence known. Now his location is traced.
- Prowl has posed:
As soon as Decepticon forces are in range of sensors, Autobot defenses open fire, and air and ground forces begin to pour out in droves from blast doors that open in front and on both sides. Immediately, many of those on the frontlines get shot down--but there are more where that came from.
Additionally, two auto-turrets on each side near the side doors emerge from the roof and start firing into the assault.
- Jazz has posed:
Jazz runs among the turrets and talking in low tones to a few of the lower ranks pointing at targets and slapping them on the back and then smiling and somehow, the light catches that winning smile and glints through the battle. It should be a weapon unto himself. The Con steeping out of the shadows catches his eye and he fires off a few rounds. Smiling turning to a grimace.
- Hot Rod has posed:
Inside the Autobot base, somewhere where there's a view, sits Hot Rod, finding with his pyropen. He still doesn't know how he feels about the Decepticon occupation of Tarn, and the events that had surrounded the sniper incident so long ago.
When the Decepticons suddenly appear on the horizon and begin opening fire on Metroplex, Hot Rod stands up, brow ridges furrowing.
"Damn."
He sighs, hesitating for a moment just before transforming and heading towards the melee. "<Jazz, status update?>" he tight beams the superior officer.
- Valour has posed:
In tetrajet mode, Valour dodges and streaks through the sky, agilely evading the Autobot defences. "Keep at, Cons!" he calls out encouragingly. "We will demonstrate to them who rules the skies, and who will determine who may and may not fly over Tarn!" Valour spirals down, continuing a steady barrage of laserfire from his nose-mounted rotary cannon. "Decepticons forever!"
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex takes a hit, sending him spinning... Which honestly looks pretty normal for the erratic copter. He cackles, spin turning into a natural barrel roll before tilting forward to continue his approach. He primes another missile, mind buzzing as he notices something moving. Oh, he loves it when an Autobot colors himself so... Lively. Makes for an easy target. He shoots off the missile for Hot Rod with a whistle. "Miss me? Because I ain't missin' you!"
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
ON THE MAIN STREET
Being exposed in front of Autobot Defenses, Skywolf is hit critically and tries to hide behind the walls. Considering himself alone on the ground, makes less move on the attack and waits for the Defenses to run out of ammo. Searching for weak points of Defenses.
- Prowl has posed:
The first wave of Decepticon attacks explode against the stronghold's walls, causing it to tremble down to its foundation deep below the surface. It starts to look scorched and even dented in some places, however, it seems to be holding up quite well for now.
A more surgical strike on its vulnerabilities might be more effective--perhaps destroy one of the turrets and try to direct weaponry toward the hole that would create, or perhaps even get inside and attempt some sabotage. Well...the turrets aren't necessary...although trying to divebomb straight through the open doors where the Bots' forces are most concentrated probably wouldn't be a great idea. There are windows on the observation tower where the sensor arrays are--that's another possible point of entry, although again, it would be difficult to make it there before getting shot down at the moment.
Valour's melodramatic shouting earns him the attention of one someone at a machine gun. "Hahah, 'Decepticons forever', well I say 'Decepticons forever fodder!'" Lame joke, but whatever. He sprays in the sky in Valour's general direction, but most of the shots probably don't hit.
- Jazz has posed:
Jazz drops behind the wall and speaks into his radio,
"<Explosions Rod, we are gonna need you front and center on the double.>"
He points his weapon over the wall again but his target is gone this time he follows the trail of the missle fire. Tracking it back to it's source he fires in the direction of the Copter.
He radios, "<Try not to drive into the oncoming fire huh?>"
- Hot Rod has posed:
Hot Rod is driving around to the towards the front of the base and is nearly there when his spoiler and bumper are suddenly struck by some incoming missiles - aimed at him by his truly, Vortex. He swerves wildly, in an attempt to avoid spinning out of control and becoming the victim of a vehicle crash. "Frag," he mutters, his tires skidding burning rubber as he skids to a stop. His vehicle mode rifles emerge, swiveling to open fire on the helicopter. "Ha! Was that you trying? Your puns are as bad as your lame-aft explosives!"
"<Yeah? Well.. too late!>" he responds to Jazz.
- Valour has posed:
Valour dives down in his attack run, his port wing plunked by weaponsfire from one of the Autobot machine gunners. "Better fodder for a good cause than to serve the will of the oppressors!" Valour exclaims, diving right for the machine gun in a zigzagging line. Just before impact, Valour transforms, drawing an energy halberd from subspace and bringing it down directly at the gunner's mounted weapon.
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex tilts forward to increase his speed. His rotors hitch for a moment as his side is scorched by laser fire. The copter jerks and swirls to avoid Hot Rod's attack as he releases another missile- this time aiming at where the shots the hit him came from. The bigger threat is the one that actually hits, right?
Well aware of his dwinidling missile count, Vortex folds his rotors to divebomb the Autobot defenses. He twists in his transformation, before landing. "At least I hit my target, Hot Rod." He pulls out his sword from subspace, waving it around coaxingly. Look at him with the cool sword, ooooo. So shiny- just ignore the dried energon along the blade. "Now come on! I wanna have some fun!"
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
BEHIND THE WALLS
Skywolf sees some exploxion in the sky and thinks that this might be wrong idea to move further against the Defenses. But somehow gets an opening by finding some weakness and tries to fire at first chance. Skywolf looking for a backup while scaning for any Decepticon around. Skywolf say, "At this rate the barricade cannot be cleared to make the supply moving. I have to do it myself!" and makes a move ahead to get near the Defenses.
- Prowl has posed:
Valour's charge straight at the turret doesn't really do very much damage, unfortunately. Maybe he just doesn't have the mass and therefore momentum to take it out. The outer armor is dinged, but it is still functional. The gunner laughs. "I bet you won't be saying -that- when I blow your processor to microns." he sneers, still firing with the machine gun but this time at point blank range.
Overall, the Decepticons aren't doing very well as far as damage to the Bot's defenses. There's just not enough focused fire, and no one has been able to breach any of the structure's vulnerabilities yet. Skywolf's shot hits one of the infantry units as he is making a run for a flanking position, knocking him over but not doing any real damage to the stronghold.
- Jazz has posed:
Jazz dives behind the walls again as the rockets come screming in from more or less the same location. He looks behind him to make sure that everyone else is OK then standing and looking over the wall at the two loudmouths he just shakes his head.
"First one down, first one to get shot at,"
he turns his gun towards Valour squeezes off a few rounds.
- Mellifera has posed:
The Decepticons might not be doing well, but it seems as though someone has decided to throw a little bit of chaos into the works. A large mechanical bee descends towards the mouthy gunner, delicate fore-legs grasping the mech's shoulders while the abdomen curves towards his back. The tip of the abdomen ends in a sharp stinger that glints briefly before jabbing towards the mech, hoping to find purchase in a weak spot.
- Hot Rod has posed:
Hot Rod makes a sound of frustration, and transforms. "You wanna have fun?" He growls, "Well I'm just getting started."
His hand switches out for a spinning rotor blade, charging Vortex, despite the sword he's waving.
- Valour has posed:
Valour smashes the machine gun with his energy halberd, but without a lot of mass behind his attack the wiry Decepticon just doesn't do a lot of damage. Worse yet, his position puts him right in line for a devastating counter-attack that blasts him right off the wall. As he sails backward, he makes a perfect target for Jazz, who strikes him with epic coolness and panache before Valour even lands. As he falls, Valour desperately tries to lock his Seeker-lasers on Jazz and fire back before Valour hits the ground hard.
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex laughs, leaning back and spinning on a heel to sidestep Hot Rod's strike. "Ooo- someone's all riled up," he teases, rotors twitch and shuddering on his back from his booster induced... Boost. "Blades really ain't your style, ya know. Ever thought about arrows? Crossbows goin' fast in the black market." He continues making casual conversation as he adjusts his grip on his sword and slashes at the autobot.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
IN FRONT OF DEFENSES
With the Defenses being cracked open from the sideways it is now vulnerable to plunder easily. But still functional and fires at Skywolf directly, with no defenses surrounding is been hit from Side Turrets. As he sees some Decepticons around may be they can bring the Defenses down and make the routes clear. Skywolf saw someone in the command center and fires directly at them. Skywolf says, "Though you all may be inside and covered, dont think that will remain intact!" and transforms.
- Mellifera has posed:
With the lippy gunner 'distracted', the big Bee goes for another gunner. There's a methodicalness to it, like she was going from flower to flower, rather than from mech to mech. Again she 'grasps' a mech and tries to sting him.
- Prowl has posed:
The gunner cackles as Valour falls, deciding that it's time to move on to other, stronger targets, since it seems Jazz has him well in hand. But then, he gets ambushed by an Insecticon, whose stinger sinks right into his back before he can even realize what hit him. "Arghh!" he cries out in pain, feeling his servos start to seize up. The same thing happens to her second target...but with the gunners down, an opportunity presents itself when Skywolf's missile strikes the gun she is near. it cracks down the middle--perhaps she can chew her way inside if she can destroy the gun.
- Jazz has posed:
Jazz calls out, "Hot Rod..fall..ba..Grr nevermind," he turns to the mechs right next to him and says, "Covering fire!"
Jazz leaps over the defenses, briefly, you think you may see a cape form out of subspace that allows him to gracefully 'float' through the air seeming to dodge Valour's laser attacks with only a hip swivel. He lands with one hand on the ground and the other holding his gun. Scanning the area he calls out,
"Alright guys we have one in the air and three on top. Keep and eye on Hot Rod and give him cover fire, he likes to drive into enemy fire," then pointing at Valour he says "I have that one," then pointing to the Bee he says, "Don't forget about -that- one,"
Then with a deadly smile, one the light still seems to catch, and glint, he charges Valour with guns blazing.
- Hot Rod has posed:
Hot Rod stumbles back when struck by the Combaticon. Fluid rushes from his torso from the gash that Vortex's sword has inflicted. He winces, but is undeterred. He continues to advance on the Decepticon, albeit slower now. "I don't... give up that easily," he grunts. The photon lasers on his arms emerge, and he aims at his enemy.
- Valour has posed:
Valour hits the ground hard, and bounces once, losing his halberd in the process. He looks barely able to move, but he doesn't give up. Instead, he sits up just enough to open a pod of mini-missiles built into his upper chest. << I'm... distracting... the General, >> he radios the others. << Keep... firing! >> With what might be his last action before modelocking, Valour lets loose an entire barrage of missiles at the Autobot defences, sending the central cluster directly at Jazz.
- Vortex has posed:
Vortex pauses after his strike, running his fingers over the fresh energon on his blade. "Oh, memories~" he says in a sing song voice. Ok, maybe getting boosters from Mixmaster wasn't the best decision... And taking them before battle was probably not good either. But Hot Rod's blast his Vortex in the face and- yep, DEFINITLY a poor choice. It was nice up until this point though.
Vortex grabs his scorched face. Burning! Its the worst paint! It's almost not even enjoyable. "You're not fun anymore!" he tells Hot Rod in a petulant tone. This isn't a battle, its a game! "Ugh, I'm leaving if you're gonna cheat like that!" He stows his sword away, taking a few steps back. "Oh, hey! And tell Blurr and Springer I said Hi and 'heads up.'" He laughs and then groans from his burns before flipping into alt mode and taking off in a flurry of rotors to go wreck havoc elsewhere on the battlefield.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
DEFENSES BREACHED
With the command centre exploded, Skywolf can see some officials inside. He thinks that this is the right time to charge and release some insane assualt towards them and transforms. Skywolf says, "I have came this far and with the Defenses being imploded we can clear the routes now!" while looking at the condition of Defenses.
- Mellifera has posed:
Dinner is served! Well, maybe not dinner, but the split in the gun casing presents a perfect opportunity for Mellifera to use her teeth. Lowering her head into the crack, the Insecticon starts chewing the insides, humming happily to herself at the prospect of a nice snack and the ability to cause more damage. Of course, to an onlooker, it just might seem like the 'bug' got hungry.
- Prowl has posed:
Valour's missile barrage in combination with Skywolf's cannons manage to give Mellifera even more of an opening through the damaged gun casing. As it turns out, the Scrapmaker is mounted to the wall, and once it has been chewed up by the Insecticon, its remains crumble and fall away, taking some of the outer wall with it. While it isn't completely through to the interior, the zolanium layer is at least gone, which is the hardest part. The inner layers don't present as much of a challenge to Mellifera as that one does and this gives her the perfect opportunity to get inside quickly and perhaps bring a few others with her without being noticed...
Thus far, with the battle raging all around her and the gunners she just stung down for at least a few breems, no one outside seems to be trying to focus her. Inside may be a different story, but she'll have to find that out soon enough.
- Jazz has posed:
Jazz matrix dodges all of the mini missles released and seeing Valour fall he gives him a optic look for a few seconds then turns and heads back to the base. Defense is the objective right? "Hot Rod, Good Job! Get back and defend, we have two that are threats no longer," He pauses to aim his gun and fires at Skywolf
"You get the Bee!"
- Hot Rod has posed:
Aw man. He had just been getting warmed up and now the Combaticon wants to ditch? "What the hell?!" Hot Rod yells after the now retreating Decepticon. "You're.. just a strut less coward, you know that?" Then he grumbles curse words to himself, folding his arms.
"Yeah, yeah, fine," he says to Jazz's order, transforming and falling back.
- Valour has posed:
Valour struggles to his feet, left behind by Jazz. He's failed to breach the defences, and now he's failed to even keep the Autobot general occupied so he couldn't organise the Autobot pushback. Valour scans the emplacement above until he spots the location of Mel's rupture. Not willing to let the Insecticon go it alone, Valour activates his damaged anti-gravs, flying upward to join her and opening fire on the remaining defences as he soars past.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
AFTERSHOCK
With some Decepticons being called off, Skywolf holds his position and initiates the final attack to destroy Defenses for good. Skywolf sees the cargo is going to arrive in few minutes and the routes needs to be cleared. With some distraction faced an incoming attack from Jazz caught him off-guard. Skywolf says, "Its not going to be easy I have to attack nearby Bots for good measure." and moves towards Jazz.pP
- Mellifera has posed:
Mellifera raises her stinger in the air for a moment, almost like a signal, before she starts to burrow deeper, her mandibles crunching and chewing her way into the fortress. If she understands the command to 'get' her, she makes no outward sign. As Valour nears her, she buzzes her wings, but makes no other notice of the Seeker. She's too busy looking for the best places to chew.
- Prowl has posed:
Clearly, Mellifera has not chosen the best place to chew. But in the heat of the moment, that may be a challenge especially for those not intimately familiar with the Autobots' infrastructure. One of the cables is still live with high voltage, sending a shock through her body. Not enough to do too much damage, but perhaps enough to stun her momentarily. Valour or someone had better give her some cover fire before someone spots her and takes her out before they can get inside!
- Jazz has posed:
Jazz throws up an arm to block the blade and it digs deeply into his arm, "Finally come out of hiding? Bad choice con," Jazz brings his other arm around manifesting an energon axe and swiping at Skywolf, "I would suggest that you fly far, far away right now. We will take care of you friends for you."
- Hot Rod has posed:
Hot Rod pulls up behind Jazz, looking sulky and worse for wear, his spoiler extremely crooked. "He's kinda right, you know," he mutters grumpily, "this party's pretty much over," he says, "you should quit now, while you've got time."
- Valour has posed:
Valour senses something wrong and frowns. He's lost his halberd and can barely walk from his injures, but the last thing he's going to do is let another Decepticon down. He reloads his Seeker lasers and steps close to Mel, protecting her against incoming attack. While he waits for Autobot reinforcements, he studies the area around him, trying to find the best options for doing as much damage as possible and then possibly pulling back should Mel need to retreat.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
Jazz tried to make Skywolf run, but he stand to his position for further annihilation to be taken. Launches his final attack at the Defenses to make it useless and then leave when the routes are cleared for transport. Its been 3 hours now and the battle is still on. Skywolf think to focus on the Defenses only.
- Mellifera has posed:
Mellifera just sort of lies there for a few moments, twitching, her antenna waving erratically. Yup, she got quite the stun from that last bite. It was a doozy!
- Prowl has posed:
Someone seems to have noticed that Mellifera is almost inside, though it's probably going to be too little, too late. Most of the Bots' forces are busy warding off the frontal attack, though a few of them try to take potshots at the Insecticon without seriously damaging the base itself. This proves to be difficult.
- Jazz has posed:
Jazz looks at Skywolf First as he goes back to attacking the defense he twists his lips and looks at Hot Rod who rolled up behind him, "I said shoot at the bee. Shoot. Look......shoot....it's woosy, if you need to go grab a turrent do it. Those guys have been attacked and may need your help," then turning back to his adversary he levels his rifle again and fires at Skywolf who just left the engagement. Curious.
- Hot Rod has posed:
"..." Hot Rod is in his alternate mode so Jazz won't be able to actually see him face, but his demeanor is somewhat sour. "You don't need to tell me how to shoot," he mutters.
His photon cannons swivel to aim at Mellifera. "Alright last chance. Get out, or get scrapped."
- Mellifera has posed:
Mellifera eventually overcomes the effects of the live wire. Shaking herself, she buzzes irately at Hot Rod's threat. Either she doesn't understand him, or she simply doesn't take his threat seriously: it's hard to tell. Waving her antennae around in an intricate pattern, she flicks her stinger upwards again before chewing a hole straight into whatever lies beneath. Hopefully there are no more vicious live wires. That's too much spice for /this/ bee.
- Skywolf (94) has posed:
With too much firepower against Skywolf, Jazz managed to hit him badly. Skywolf being injured makes his last move to eradicate the Defenses once and for all.
- Prowl has posed:
Despite the wires, Mellifera manages to get inside and bring whoever is close behind her along with! Outside, the battle still rages on, where most of the Bots' forces are, so if the Decepticons play their infiltration and sabotage game right, they may still win the day...