MR. MOTORMOUTH

The Dead End

        The Dead End is a testament to the fact that in a
war of any magnitude, it is inevitable that innocents
eventually pay the price. This sprawling landscape of
dwarfed and neglected residential blocks serves as home for
the Empties, derelict transformers who have been forced to
congregate into loose communities of refugees, dependent
upon each other for a semblance of survival. The narrow
filthy streets are full of sorrowful creatures who, starved
of the very basic Cybertronian requirements, barter among
themselves for fuel, maintenance, tools and building
materials. Huddled into doorway arches and alleyways, small
groups attempt to shelter from the cold wind.


Bluestreak is presently scanning the area, greatful for a
small break from the others. he enjouys their company,
especially on a task such as this. But it appears the
talkative Autobot sometimes doesn't feel to be so talkative.
His gun is not presently drawn. But his shoulder launcghers
are online just in case...

Moonracer is in the middle of a stunt driving spree, as she
makes her way as swiftly as possible towards the group of
Autobots she was assigned to assist, enjoying the fact she
get to drive wildly and for it to be necessary at the same
time, taking a wrong turn, she comes closer to Bluestreak
who is apart from the main group rather then the exact point
she meant to reach.

Bluestreak quickly draws his gun out of subspace within a
flash of light. As it materilizes within his hand he swiftly
turns towards the Femme's direction. It's just mere seconds
before he realizes who it is and fails to pull the trigger.
"Dont...do...that!" he yelps as he changes his stance and
lowers the firearm.
Bluestreak is already slightly nervous enough being here.
But...anyway...he forces himself to calm down and wisks the
rifle into subspace. "Whddya doin' here anyway, Moon. Sent
to keep us in line?"

Moonracer comes to a stop a few inches off Bluestreak, with
a sharp spin that she hardly manages to stop on time
"Weeeeeeee.......now that's what I call hover-racing! I bet
you thought I'd ram into you....classy maneuver, stopped
right on time...did you see it?"

Bluestreak places his hands on his hips. "Hover-racing? Ha!
Anyway...thought you'd have a bit more better things toi do
with all this um...packing we're up to."

Moonracer emits "Yeah....guess what, I was sent to help you
guys, isn't it great!? What do we do here? I kinda wandered
off in thoughts during the briefing...." she then transforms
and looks at Bluestreak cheerfully, as if unaware of the
great pounding the Autobots have been taking lately.

Bluestreak ohs. He shrugs, looking over the Femme and shakes
his head. He gestures towards the east and comments,
"Well...technically we're supposed to keep an optic on tall,
dark, and annoyances over out yonder so we know if they
start advancing on the other Bots are are...um...helping
with the packing and such. Megatron was present over there
yesterday. But right now...all we see are some guards
guarding those slagging smelters of theirs." he shudders as
he adds, "Wish there was something we could do to help those
who're there in those things."

"Ooooh!" Moonracer's optics lit brightly as she reaches with
her hand over her back, pulling her sniper rifle in a firm
grasp "I'm just the femme for those things! I can hit'em
anywhere....even when they don't see us! Really....I'll be
great help over here..." she then notes the bitterness in
Bluestreak's voice and asks suspiciously "Is something very
wrong?"

Bluestreak huhs and he glances back over to Moon. He
gestures for her to keep her gun down. "We aren't supposed
to engage unless needed. Prime's orders. They ain't even
supposed to know we're still around here." At Her question
he frowns a little. "Just gets me kinda...upset. What the
Cons are doing and stuff is all. Being run off our own
planet. Doesn't that bother you?"

Moonracer slings her rifle over her shoulder into its back-
holster. As she nods sagely "Ohhh...good thing you told me!
Because I would have made every shot, you know I would
have...." she immediatly proceeds to take a place of cover
behind Bluestreak "They won't even see a shadow of me
either, don't worry at all!" at the explanation she comes
off her hiding place and nods "I understand how it could be
sad..." and then finally looks down with optics growing
dimmer. "Well...yeah, I don't want to leave Cybertron. It
does bother me....but...but Optimus Prime explained how it
all works for the better, so I don't worry" she looks back
up, right into Bluestreak's optics. "Hey! We get to win the
war after we do this...."

Bluestreak tilts his head to the side, adverting from her
gaze. "How do ya mean?"

Grimlock drops down from above.
Grimlock has arrived.
*Splat*

Moonracer smiles as she starts explaining "See...it goes
like this. First the Decepticons force us to leave
Cybertron, that's not so cool but then when we get to Earth
we get ammunition and energon and we get stronger and we
come back to Cybertron and we kick the Decepticon's aft!
Then we also nail that creep Megatron and that's how we win
the war, awesome, don't you think!?"

Bluestreak hmms. "Well...maybe. But ya gotta admit, there's
a few hitches. And it leaves out some detail. So...you eager
to get your Bot ta Earth?"

The sky is cut by the sound of thrusters. One would tend to
question if the Decepticons have arrived or not, but a quick
glance skywards reveals the huge form of the Dinobot
Commander, weaving easily around some of rooftops of the
pathetic dwellings here. Strangely, it appears as if he's
got something, or someone slung over his shoulder.

Bluestreak overhears some of the extra noises from nearby
and goes about almost summuning his gun once again out of
impulse...but settles as he realizes it happens to be the
Dinobot commander above them. He relaxes some, but not too
much. "Ok...so. First a Femme and now a Dino. Maybe we
should send out more invataions."

Moonracer hrmms "I don't know, I really love
Cybertron....but well, if we gotta go to Earth in order to
win the war we'll do that! Optimus Prime said we'll win like
that..." she then looks up towards the newly arrived
Dinobot, her optics widening with awe, amazed anew by
Grimlock's mighty presence.

Bluestreak turns away from the prehistoric Bot and comments.
"Well...I suppose. Actually, always did like Earth a little
better. Not at all like here."

Grimlock brings his feet downwards, and settles down with
his usual lack of grace. Namely his presence being announced
by the rumble sent through the earth from his gigantic
frame. Wordlessly, he shifts the bundle he's carrying,
dumping it into an unceremonial heap onto the metal surface
nearby. At one time it was a seeker......now there's not
much left for identification purposes.

Bluestreak reshifts his attention as Grimlock unburdens his
load out onto the metallis surface. He grunts in some
disdain as he overlooks the bounty. "Treasure hunt?" he
quips.

Moonracer stumbles slightly as the ground shakes with
Grimlock's land, but quickly regains her balance, staggering
back a bit she blinks at the remains of the seeker.
"Grimlock...you sure showed him! Wow....that's nasttty!"

Grimlock grunts towards Bluestreak. "Cons so thick in air me
Grimlock not get quiet time." he toes the wreckage, turning
it over so that's it's face up. Yep, those are toothmarks
all over the `con. "Me show this one why it bad to disturb
Grimlock when thinking."

Grimlock's optic band shimmers as he catches sight of
something. Seems this particular con had a pouch on his
waist. And there's something shining inside.....

Bluestreak watches. He's uncharacteristically quiet for some
reason.

Moonracer's sharp optics immeidatly take note of the shining
object, as though by reflex as she bends down to grab a hold
of it "Hey....look what I found!"

What it turns out to be is an energon cube. A little smaller
than usual, but nevertheless a bright, purple, shining cube.

Grimlock watches quietly as Moonracer retrieves the cube. He
then snorts as he spots it. "Hrmph. Cons got lots energy.
Not know where they get it though."

Bluestreak blinks slowly. He peers for a slightly closer
look. Some of his curiosity is arounsed. "So," he states
after a quick look. "a small energon goodie. Um...yeah. So,
what special about that?"
Energon goodie? There's a bit of stirring amongst a few of
the local populace at that word. Though they
usually flee at the sight of either faction.....there's
movement somewhere nonetheless.

Moonracer looks about, and though the greed is apparent on
her visage she looks up to Grimlock "You nailed the con, do
you want it?" looks towards Bluestreak then "Or you?" and
then later adds in a softer tone "Because if you
doooon't....then well, I think it's only fair since I found
it that....you know?"

Grimlock glares towards Moonracer. It's true that as a
higher ranking individual, he tends to get more privelages
than others as far as energon rations go. He's also used
that bit of swing of his to ensure his dinobots are never
lacking either. And Snarl is never a problem, as he runs off
sunlight when there's no energon. He makes a waving,
impatient gesture with one hand. "Grimlock not want."

Bluestreak unfortunately doesn't here the slight stirring.
Although nervous, he does have his mind also on other
matters...which doesn't bode him well.He offers a shrug.
"Well, if there was, well...you know...one of those civvies
around here I'd say give it ta 'im. But..." He pans around
speedily, "I don't see one. Anyway, would be Grim's call."

That stirring again. A lone pair of optics peek out of a
window, cautiously at the group.

Bluestreak this time does hear something. Or thinks he does
anyway. In a flash of bright light his gun materilizes
within his hand. Heswivles around and scans the area
again...this time more carefully. "You guys hear that?"

Moonracer nods gleefully at Grimlock's words . o O
(Yes...I'll get a freebie! Bluestreak will let me...ohhhh
darn, guess it's selfish to take it all for
myself.....sheesh!) O o . she pouts at Bluestreak's words
and nods "I'll save it for a civillian....though I /did/
find it!"

Bluestreak takes a step or two away from the Dinobot and His
femme...her the Dinobot and Femme. He continues searching
and then stops. "Maybe just my imagination. Ironhide did say
I was being kinda jumpy..."  Bluestreak then adds towards
the Femme, "I thought Grim found it."

The optics that were peerig out of the window stay there,
despite Bluestreak's motion when he thought he heard
something. A pair of ragged, metal hands grip the edge of a
windowsill, as if in desperation.....

Grimlock snorts again. "Me not care `bout cube." he grabs
the seeker and tosses it off to the side and out of the way
with little thought. As if it was simply a piece of rubble.

Moonracer smiles at Bluestreak "See! Grimlock says I found
it even....he just beat the Seeker up...now I get to do with
it as I want....but I'll give it to a civvie, you'll see"
she then looks about at Bluestreak's nervousness "I don't
see anything..."

Now the terminated seeker's face gets turned up as he
bounces against the far wall. One that Bluestreak should
recognize. Blazewing.

Bluestreak sighs and finally lowers his gun, dismissing the
sound as a product of his "nerves" when nothing seems to
come of it. He turns towards the other two. "Well, yeah,
Grim. Doubt...either of us do." But even as he states it it
doesn't come with full conviction. Even though the
Decepticons have done all that they have done, and doing
what they are doing even now, the Decepticon was still a
living being. He can't understand how anyone could be so
callous. His gaze falls on the Seeker's remians quite by
accident. he peers into the face and edges a little closer.
A visible shudder runs down his dorsal assembly and he
quickly turns away. This was the Seeker he ahd spared the
other night!

Moonracer notes the shudder in Bluestreak, and focuses her
optics on him "Bluestreak?" she starts approaching him "Are
you okay? What happened?"

Grimlock grunts for a moment in agreement with Bluestreak.
About the only agreement he ever gives. Although at the
smaller Autobot's action of turning around, his optic band
shimmers again. "Talk Bot got problem?" it's more of a
statement than a question. Either way he's demanding an
answer.

Bluestreak subconsiously forces himself to move away from
his two comrades. He mutters a brief sigh before he replies,
trying to dismiss the matter "Um, nothing. It's nothing.
Just...a little unnerved on this place is all." he raises
his hand to his helm. "So, er...um..." He tries to distract
himself. "Kinda quiet out." And he fails miserably.

Moonracer looks aside at Grimlock and offers "Was it
something I said? I mean...I wasn't going to eat the ener-
goodie by myself..I can share"

Grimlock grunts in a dismissive gesture. But his player
isn't done tormenting ol Bluestreak. Noooooo siree. With a
deft movement, the dinobot brings his sword into existence,
the weapon still shimmering slightly with traces of energon.
It's a safe bet where it came from too. The dinobot's other
hand produces a rag, with which he starts to put to use on
the blade, wiping the residue off of it.

Grimlock is of course fully nonchalant about the whole
business. As he usually is.

Bluestreak humps. "Oh, that. It's nothing to do with the
energon goodie, Moonie. Just, that Con. He's the creep I
fought last night." He shrugs again. "I held him at
gunpoint. He was weaponless and defenseless so I let him go
and---." He cuts himself off as Grimlock does what he doess
while his player OOCly kicks Grim for being so darn
insensative. ;)

Moonracer thinks a moment and then decides to approach
Bluestreak, "You can have my energoodie if it will make you
feel better...I mean, Grimlock didn't know...I'm sure of
it..."

Grimlock's hand moves several times up and down his sword,
the weapon coming out shining like a beacon. Satisfied, the
Dinobot Commander slaps it, end first into the ground, and
he tosses the now soiled rag away. In a fit of irony, the
rag proceeds to land on Blazewing's now inert
head....draping over it. Grimlock's glare switches back to
Bluestreak as he stops talking. "Hrmph. This change. Him
Bluestreak usually talk so much me Grimlock have to cover
audios. Now him not talk at all." Insensitive? Oh Grimlock
just OOOZES insensitivity!

Bluestreak is about to state, 'Grimlock was there' but
thinks better of it for a change. He clenches his hands into
fists ans the emotion builds however. Finally, he
releases...something. "Yeah...well, what of it, Dinobot?" he
snaps back at 'im

Grimlock's eternal glare dosen't waver an inch, though it
burns back towards the Autobot now. "You Bluestreak got
problem?" Again, it's more a demand, than a question.

Moonracer looks from Grimlock to Bluestreak and back
"Err....guys, you don't wanna annoy each other now, you
know?"

Bluestreak is about to add a reply towards Moonracer's offer
but Grimlock's overbearing presense gives presedence.

And that's one heck of an overbearing presense too. When
Grimmy's got a problem, he DEMANDS your attention. Such a
lovable type ain't he?

Bluestreak states, "I'm not the one being annoying." That's
a switch. He turns away and heads towards another section of
this area. It may be unwise for him to do so. But right
now...it's better than if he choose to stay in the immediate
vicinity...with a certain Dinobot.  Besides...Grimlock's a
heck of alot bigger than Bluestreak.

Moonracer looks towards Grimlock and gasps "Grimlock....are
you upset with Bluestreak?"

Grimlock snorts indignantly as Bluestreak moves off. He then
glances towards Moonracer, and snorts again. "Me Grimlock
not care what Bluestreak do. Long as he do it. Him
Bluestreak have problem? Me not care. Grimlock just do what
Grimlock s'posed to do." a giant hand grasps the hilt of his
sword, yanking it from Cybertron's surface, and pointing the
tip of the weapon at the Decepticon corpse. "Me Grimlock
smash cons."

Moonracer smiles "And that's the best thing to do Grimlock,
you rock!" she then looks back at Bluestreak, and starts
sneaking towards him, hoping he wouldn't turn away from her.

Bluestreak snorts softly and kicks at some debris as he head
off on his own. Suprisingly, near that building where those
peering optics had been previously watching. His shadow
falls against the remains of what still stands there as it
passes by.

Yep. Those optics are still there, though they shrink back a
bit as the Autobot draws closer. Nevertheless, they continue
to watch silently the whole while.....

Bluestreak looks towards the wall and groans inwardly. "You
want somethin'?" he asks, though he doesn't turn to face
Moonracer.

Moonracer stops a very short distance from Bluestreak,
surprised that he could tell she is there. "Errr...me? Yeah!
Sure...I wanted to give this to you..." she extends her hand
holding the ener-goodie towards Bluestreak "Just so you'll
feel better....come on, cheer up"

Bluestreak actually had seen her shadow cast among the
building as wel. But doesn't comment. He turns around slowly
at what appears to be a peace offering. He furrows his
brows, considering something, before extending his own hand
and accepting the pre-offered gift. "Um...yeah...thanks."
Maybe find someone who needs this more than I do, he muses
to himself.

Grimlock watches the two Autobots for a moment longer, then
grunts and shoulders his sword, adopting a statuesque pose.

The optics switch from Bluestreak....to the object being
passed in his hands....
Moonracer sighs and looks up in frustration, she wants to
cheer Bluestreak up but just can't manage, it is at this
frustrated gesture though that her optics lock on the pair
of optics in the window. She remains silent, but just looks
at those optics curiously.

Bluestreak postitions himself as if he were going to head on
his on way again. "Take care, ok? I'll take the lookout on
the southside if ya need me."

Those optics were peering at Bluestreak, so they don't
notice Moonracer right away. Nevertheless, there's that
phenomenan of when you get an odd feeling that someone's
looking at you, and they trace over towards the femme,
returning her stare for a few seconds. The silence is
abruptly cut by a panicked squawk....and the optics are
gone. Though there's now the sound of mad scrambling

Moonracer turns her head back towards Grimlock and the soon
to be departing Bluestreak "Hey guys did you see that..."
she points up at the window "I saw someone's optics in
there, we were being spyed on! Isn't this exciting?"

Bluestreak swiftly turns around, making a steady u-turn
towards the biulding he ahd passed and left the Femme.
Ok...he ran back is more like it. "Waht the heck was that?"

Bluestreak looks to where Moonracer is pointimg and even
ventures a step. He calls his weapon out from subspace to be
on the safe side but doesn't raise the barrel. "Alright. We
know someone's in there. Might as well come on out."

The scrambling starts to move along the inside of the
building, and immediately is summed up as a metallic form
bursts into the open, rushing at all tilt. Even moving that
quickly, one can tell it's an empty.

And he's making a break for it. Of course, looking over his
shoulder as he is, he isn't paying attention to in front of
him. And he runs right into Grimlock's leg. *BONK*

Grimlock grunts and glances down at the empty. Before the
smaller form can react, one gigantic hand proceeds to seize
him by the scruff of the neck and haul him upwards, another
squawk coming forth. Now that he's sitting still, he appears
about as big as your average minibot.....

Moonracer turns around to look after the empty. "Wha...."
she then blinks as he hits Grimlock "Hey...that's no spy!"

Bluestreak whoahs as he nearly get runover by said empty. He
regains his footing and optics the metallic speedball as his
race comes to an arupts end. He straightens up and returns
the gun to it's proper place. He sighs and heads on back.
Maybe to save the little fella from Grimlock. He slows and
then stops, perring at the little guy. "Who are you?
Bluestreak adds to Grimlock, "Hey, Grim, careful, ok?"
almost forgetting that a few moments ago he had been rather
upset with him. Almost.

Grimlock hrmphs, and does give the empty a quick shake
nonetheless, keeping him in an iron grip that he'll never
break out of on his own. "Me Grimlock not like people who
spy......"

Moonracer blinks "Hey! If he was around, maybe there are
more who could get hurt...I'll go look after them, ok? It'll
just be a sec..." she rushes towards the building the empty
came out from, quite rashly and without any thought.

The empty practically squeaks, flailing about wildly, his
hands and legs

Bluestreak's brow creases. "Grimlock, put him down."

Grimlock actually ignores Bluestreak for the moment, now
glaring at his captive. Another shake gets another squawk.
"Maybe cons give energon to this one. So can spy on bots?"

The empty squeals pathetically. "No! No! No! I swear! I
didn't!"

Bluestreak ventures another step forward, getting a bit more
angered. "Or maybe he's just trying to make do with what he
has, like the rest of the civvies. Put him *down*." Now,
usually, Bluestreak isn't as upfront or assertive. However,
somethimes, like this time, there are certain issues that
reach so far down that Bluestreak has no choice to but just
to go ahead and act on them.

Grimlock's optic band shimmers, and his glare goes back to
Bluestreak again. For a few moments, the dinobot is
silent......until his free hand raises upwards. "Me Grimlock
think you..." a fingers jabs the Autobot in the chest, none
too gently. ".....Bluestreak get straight who you order
`round." nonetheless, his other hand opens, releasing the
captive....so that gravity can take over. *CRASH*
Gravity + Empty = Empty in crumpled heap on ground.

Bluestreak stares at the Grimlock sternly while shoving the
Dinobot's hand away. Well, at least the Empty was let go.
"Me think you need to remember giving orders doesn't mean
you can be a bully either." He lowers himself so he's
kneeling by the civillian as he offers him a helping hand
up...trying to discern just how badly the Empty may have
been hurt. "You ok?" he questions. he knows from personal
experiance he may be far from it however.

The Empty groans. Slowly sitting up with the assistance. He
was lucky. The land around here is relatively flat, so the
only extra injury he's incurred is another dent to add the
many that adorn his body as it is. He's got the typical
mismatch half-starved look of your typical civilians
nowadays.....

Bluestreak's player, of course, knows Grimlick is not just
going to stand there and... take that more than likely...

Grimlock, suprisingly remains quiet. He's curious enough
that he wants to find out about the Empty himself. But just
wait'll this is over......ohhhh yes indeedy.

Bluestreak takes hold of the Emptie's hand and places the
energon cube he had precured from Moonracer within his plam
and closes his fingers around the cube. "Uh...you best go
now...unless there's any way one of us could help ya," he
states. "Or...well...one of us," he adds as an afterthoat.
afterthought

The empty stares at the gift for an unbelieving moment. His
optics trace to Bluestreak, and he quickly scrambles to his
feet, noting to stay -away- from the dinobot in the process.
An acknowledging nod is only his answer, before he abruptly
turns and scampers off......

Bluestreak doesn't observe in which way the Empty heads off.
He's too busy contemplating what action the Dinobot will
take with *him*. he already well knows the Dinobots are not
known for being "gentle" except...maybe for Sludge.
Come to think of it...too bad Sludge aint here innit? ;)

Not being gentle is right. A large hand seizes around
Bluestreak's upper arm, and he's abruptly hauled into the
air, whether he likes it or not, to be brought optic to
visor with the Dinobot Commander.

Bluestreak let's out a suprized, but not shocked, ack as
he's hoisted upwards, feeling the grasp touch upon some
minor injuries that are still healing from yesterday's
battle. He narrows his optics into slits as he obersevers
the Dinobot Commander. "Well, go ahead and thrash me. What
you're good at. I've know how ya work."

Grimlock stares for almost a full minute. Strangely enough,
when he speaks, his voice remains in the usual tone as
before, as if his regular emotions hadn't wavered an inch.
His rock solid state of calmness holds true. "Me Grimlock
not waste time trash `bot." he lets go of Bluestreak,
tossing him back slightly like one might discard a paper
doll. A finger jabs outwards again, in the Autobot's
direction. "You Bluestreak like him Prime. Forget too easy
that this war." a motion to that corpse earlier. "That proof
of war. If let enemy go, then they come back `gain. Maybe
smash -you- next time. Him Prime always forget. That why him
weak. But me Grimlock not weak. Me know how win war. Smash
cons, smash all cons."

Bluestreak lands on the hard surface on his feet, somehow
manageing avoiding being dumped right on his aft. He blinks
as it registers that a "pounding of some sense" is not what
the Dinobot is interested in. "Prime doesn't forget,
Grimlock. There's a differnce between us and the
Decepticons. He's just remembering. Prolly hoping you
remember too. Bots kill as a last option only. To do
otherwise would make us just as bad as they are."

Grimlock's optic band shimmers again. As he falls into
silence a second time. Finally, he speaks again. "Cons not
`fraid to kill." it's blunt, and it's true. "Bots not kill,
but cons kill. Soon there be no bots."

Bluestreak picks up his chin. "Autobots have killed,
Grimlock. Or have you forgotten that too? They just don't go
about the methods of your personal preference. They're not
as...brutal."

An angry shimmer goes through Grimlock's optic visor. "Bots
kill, but not kill `nuff! What bots expect in war? Pol-i-
tics? (he had to struggle for that one) Bots let enemy go
most times!" with a suprisingly quick maneuver, the
Dinobot's arm jabs out and seizes Blazewing's form, hauling
it up for Bluestreak to see. "You Bluestreak have him con
when weak! But let go! Then con come back and attack
Grimlock." an angry motion, and the remains are returned
where they originally landed, with a heavy clatter of metal
on metal.  Grimlock says, "Me Grimlock finish job."

Bluestreak's gaze falls on the remains of the Seeker, barely
able to hide a his trembling as the Dinobot's words seep
inward. He aruptly adverts his gaze downward, away from what
had been the Decepticon. He finds being able to articulate a
response diffificult. "And you did a good job," he states
before looking up. "And you would rather I shoot him at
point blank range, without thought or feeling? That's what
*they* do."

Grimlock grunts. "And that why they winning."

Bluestreak counters innmedately with, "You want us to be
just like Decepticons then? What would be the differnces
between the factions then, eh? If we're sopposed to be
differnt then *how* are we suppased ta be differnt?"

Grimlock harumphs. This is a part that's difficult for him,
but he sorts his own argument. "Cause we not make slaves and
wreck planets like him Megatron."

Bluestreak sets his jaw. "So to stop him we use his methods?
That what you're saying?"

Grimlock grunts. "What me Grimlock saying is.....If fight
war, then fight and win. Not lose. Dead hero no good. Live
winner who get what he wants.""

Bluestreak feels some of the tension loosen from his smaller
frame. "Even if it means sacrificing who and what you are?"
Sometimes it just depends on which war one finds more
important.

Grimlock bahs. "If want fight war. Then make sacrifice."

Bluestreak then shakes his head. Actually, to be honest, he
would rather *not* fight within this war at all. But, he
feels he has little option. There's a debt he can never
fully repay and a homage to be made. "too many sacrifices,"
he mutters, so low he may be barely heard.

Grimlock glares towards Bluestreak for a moment longer
before he raises his arms, and bends downwards, compacting
and flipping around into his towering dino mode.
Grimlock cocks his head to one side, but rather than
attacking, he flashes row upon row of razorsharp teeth. And
that's not a friendly smile either. "Hrmph. This why bots
lose war. Always worry bout sacrifices, and not war."

Bluestreak keeps the gaze locked with his fellow Autobot
before retreating a step as he shifts within his transforms.
"Too you, perhaps," he retorts, but almost sadly. "To some
of us it depends which war you refer to." With that he makes
a half turn. He pauses as if about to add something else,
only to complete the turn. "I better check with the others.
Cya, 'round," he grunts as he begins heading back towards
Ironhide's last known location.

Grimlock watches Bluestreak wander off, then gives an abrupt
snort, turning and beginning to wander off in his own
direction.
Grimlock leaves towards the north.
Grimlock has left.

<The next night while on yet another patrol...>

Bluestreak `s jabbering with a grumpy Ironhide and a
slightly irritated Wheeljack. have to wonder how they got
that way. *snicker* He turns back to Ironhide. "how long are
we out here for anyways?"

Moonracer comes around after she completes her own little
stroll around the perimeter, holding her sniper rifle
tightly in her hands "Hey guys...what's all the noise
about?"

Ironhide shakes his head at Bluestreak, "'til Prahme says
so."

Bluestreak slightly sighs. he moves himself around to see
the approaching Moonracer and nods to her in greeting.
"Ah...nothing really. Just...well...you know. Um...so found
anything?"

Looking west, you see...

        This district of Cybertron is not really a city at
all, merely a few blocks of the metropolis that is one of
the few areas to remain under Autobot control. It is a
district where Decepticons fear to tread, and Autobots can
be no more confident. Slaughter City has gained its fearsome
reputation because of the attitudes of its once-inhabitants
-- mechanoids who were likely to gun down any intruders in
cold blood, regardless of their loyalties. Although they
claimed to be Autobots, the garrison that occupied this
sector had little or no connection with the main Autobot
army. Its darkened buildings seem to have a much more sombre
aura about them than any others in the city, with even less
activity about them than similar edifices.

Bluestreak seems a bit bored as well. And that may not be so
good...

Moonracer shakes her head "Not at all....looks like you need
Grimlock around if you're gonna find something..." she muses
cheerfully.

Wheeljack looks up sharply "What's that supposed to mesn?"
Bluestreak places his hands on his hips. "No thanks," he
states crisply. "Had enough of that Dinobot from last night
thank you very much."

Moonracer smiles and then moves over towards Wheeljack "How
are you doing Wheeljack? Staying cool in the pressure?"

Wheeljack shoots a glance at Bluestreak "Pressure I can cope
with"

Moonracer follows Wheeljack's glance all the way to
Bluestreak and asks "Bluestreak been giving you a hard
time?"

Wheeljack says, "Just a tad..unsubtle" Wheeljack was just
being honest

Bluestreak lowers his hands and distances himself from the
group a few steps, eyeing the western horizon in thought.
"Who's bein' unsubtle?" he asks curiously, tossing the
question over his shoulder?

Wheeljack sighs audibly "Alright, Alright, point taken"

Moonracer shrugs "What's the problem? I don't know too much
but maybe I can help?"

Wheeljack slowly shakes his head "Nothing, just a slur to my
technical abilities"

Moonracer huhs "But you're wonderful Wheeljack..."

Bluestreak blinkblinks and raises his free hand to his helm.
Problem? Hmm...maybe it's just a femme thing. "Problem? No
problem." He then casts a glance towards Wheels, studdying
his frame. "A slur? When was this?"

Wheeljack wonders if that was sarcasm

Ironhide begins paying attention again and grumbles, "Ya'll
git 'long. Ah'm tahred of all this fightin' and arguin'."

Moonracer looks over at Bluestreak "Did you say something
bad about Wheeljack?"

Wheeljack looks at Bluestreak "hmmm, "Is he going to blow
something up?" sounds like a slur to me"

Bluestreak looks innocent and shakes his head from side to
side. If he did say something that could be taken as an
offensive remark he doesn't recall it. But then, recall this
is a Bot that...doesn't always think before he speaks.
"No..." He then pauses as Wheeljack answers. "Oh, *that*.
Hey...it was a joke. I mean...everyone knows what the lab
looks like and all. I didn't mean nothin' by it."

Wheeljack says, "It may be a valid question but it's still
irritating"

Moonracer ohs "Maybe Bluestreak, you shouldn't say it next
to him"

Ironhide watches Wheeljack wander off before looking back to
Bluestreak, "Ya oughta keep yer mouth in check. Gonna git ya
in trouble."

Bluestreak tilts his head. "Oh, well...ok. Um...just..." His
voice trails off as Wheeljack heads elsewhere on another
patrol. He looks over towards the two remaining Autobots.
"Me? In trouble?" Well, maybe. "I don't mean anything by it.
Just thought since you two looked kinda down I would lighten
things up a little. Goodness knows we could use some of that
right now...with all going on."

Moonracer smiles "I like to light things, but not make them
explode..."

Bluestreak swings his arm behind his back. "Well...me too.
Just, what did Imake explode?'

Moonracer giggles "Wheeljack's ego!"

Bluestreak breaks out into a small grin. "Oh...that thing."
He chuckles a little and stops, frowning a little. "He's not
*really* upset is he?"

Moonracer shrugs "He'll get over it, I'm sure"

Ironhide wanders off a little bit towards the east, keeping
out of the conversation.

Bluestreak's brow slightly creases. With all the upheavel he
certainly hadn't ment to cause anyone harm. But then, he
hardly ever does. Not within his nature. "So, I guess we all
go back on patrol them...or somethin'. Or...don't we? I was
thinkin' of taken a western direction. Er...kinda. You?"

Moonracer nods "Sure...I'm just back from an all around trip
so I guess I'll stay here for a bit..." she looks towards
Ironhide, and calls at him "Ironhide...you doing well? I
hope you're not too upset about the hits we've taken,
because we're going to win..."

Ironhide just waves a hand back at the others, "Go on and
git. And stay outta fahghts."

Moonracer looks back at Bluestreak "See? Ironhide is fine,
but Wheeljack is too...."

Bluestreak ohs. "Well, kinda hope so. I mean...at their
age." He oops. "Er...I mean...um...whoops! Time for patrol.
Take care Hide...kay?"  Bluestreak offers Ironhide the
*nicest* smile in turn.

Moonracer giggles and comments "Your funny, Bluestreak, how
come you never get punished though?"

Bluestreak turns a confused glance towards Moonracer as he
heads further to the west. "Punished? Why would I be
punished?"

You head west.
Slaughter City

        This district of Cybertron is not really a city at
all, merely a few blocks of the metropolis that is one of
the few areas to remain under Autobot control. It is a
district where Decepticons fear to tread, and Autobots can
be no more confident. Slaughter City has gained its fearsome
reputation because of the attitudes of its once-inhabitants
-- mechanoids who were likely to gun down any intruders in
cold blood, regardless of their loyalties. Although they
claimed to be Autobots, the garrison that occupied this
sector had little or no connection with the main Autobot
army. Its darkened buildings seem to have a much more sombre
aura about them than any others in the city, with even less
activity about them than similar edifices.

Grimlock has just left Starscream with his 'classroom' and
moved off to brood. Everywhere he goes people tend to get
ticked with him. He's such a nice guy....

Moonracer chuckles as she follows along Bluestreak's side as
they make their way on their patrol route. "Becuase you poke
fun at people, Bluestreak"

Bluestreak still feigns innocence. "Poke fun? Me?
Hmm...well, maybe. Helps to sometimes laugh ya know? Too
many things go on that bring ya down. Just wanna help out a
lil. That's all."

Moonracer smiles "There are other ways to laugh too"

Bluestreak turns moonracer a quized look as he glances
around the area while they continue to move amongest the
mountanious debris surrounding them. "Well...I suppose. How
do ya make 'em laugh?"

Starscream is walking slowly along one of the shattered
streets, surrounded by a little group of youthful Seekers.
Some of them appear to be carrying the remains of other
warriors with them, but all have their faces turned towards
Starscream, silent as he speaks to them in low tones.
Whatever the lecture, the words 'Dinobots', 'Revenge', and
'Idiocy' seem to surface quite a bit.

Moonracer hrmms "Like that..." without much warning she
reaches Bluestreak in an attempt to tickle him.

No the wisest thing to do while on patrol, but then again,
Moonracer never was a cautious one.
Grimlock stands quietly out in the middle of what was once a
launching pad for shuttlecraft. In the Golden Age....but not
anymore. Standing motionless, the Dinobot Commander switches
his gaze up to the sky.....his arms resting at his side,
sword hanging loosely in his hands.

Bluestreak jumps back, releasing a small giggle, trying to
keep his face straight. "Moon, calm down. We're on patrol
remember? Sides...I don't think Powerglide would like it
much either." He falls silent as he takes a nervous glance
around. "Sides...I think now we better be a bit
more....er...'on the job'."

Moonracer shrugs "Was just making a point..." she then
swings her arm about with energy as she continues on her
march "I'm already 'on the job', nothing goes by me without
me seeing it.....trust me"

Grimlock glances down again. Peering at the metal surface
that he stands upon. His optic band sweeps up, taking in the
wrecked hulks of what was once a towering city. The hand on
his sword grip tightens. At one time he hadn't thought much
of Cybertron.......but that was at a time when losing it was
inconceivable. Now.....with Prime's plan, that's all a
reality. Preferable to Earth....it's a place where the
Dinobot dosen't have to worry about small humans. Where he
can feel free to go where he pleases, when he pleases. It's
HOME....and now it's being handed over.

Starscream and his little group continue moving slowly in
the streets -- they appear to have turned out more for an
intructional lesson than a patrol, but when is a Decepticon
ever not wary? The optics of his 'students' flicker from
building to building when not directed at their commander,
and his soft, insistent lesson. ".. always strike at what
your target cherishes. You can only kill them once, after
all, but they can wish themselves dead a thousand times
before.. "

The air is split by a loud, "RAAAAAAARGH!" and a
devastatingly quick motion of Grimlock's arm. Fueled by the
incredible power within his limbs, every inch of his
frustration tearing forward, his sword whips forth like a
hell bent arrowhead, streaking to pierce through whatever
may be in it's path. That object would be a solid metal
wall, into which the blade penetrates, and sinks completely
up to it's hilt with a loud screech.

Starscream pauses for a moment as the echo of Grimlock's
bellowing reaches his audials, inclining his head to the
'class', "My point has been made."

Bluestreak shrugs towards Moonracer idly. "Well...one can
only hope." He then stops at some near distanct noise a
block or a few up ahead. "Whoah...was gonna ask ya if ya
wanted to split up. But guess we should check it out..." He
beckons Moonracer to follow as he taks off running.

Moonracer doesn't need any prodding as she turns to follow
Bluestreak with haste "Someone could be in trouble...."

Bluestreak shushes and lowers his voice. "Hey...quietly."
Gee...where's Bumblebee when you need 'em. he's the one with
the spy stuff.

Grimlock is lost in the moment, turning his glare towards
the stripped down skeleton of a shuttle. The pounding of his
metalshod feet reverbrates forward, quickly followed by a
tearing screech, as a pair of dauntingly powerful hands rip
into the vehicle, tearing a large chunk out of the frame.
Another roar and Grimlock sends the pieces of debris
spinning off, both to imbed into the wall of what must have
once been the shuttle terminal.

Bluestreak almost trips on some upturned metal and slows as
he nears the area where the Dinobot resides.

Moonracer follows Bluestreak but stops sooner then him, her
sharp optics focusing over what seems like a group of
Cybertronians in the distance, unable to make whether they
are Decepticons, Autobots, or just Civillians, she whispers
to Bluestreak "Over there..." pointing a hand at the
direction.

Bluestreak almost trips on some upturned metal and slows as
he nears the area where the Dinobot resides. He doesn't see
Starscream and his merry mechanical mechs as they are off
screen, stage right. But he peers to where Moonracer is
pointing. However, he seems more concerned about the Dinobot
as he makes himself quite a ruckus. "What in the name of the
spires is he doin'?" he exclaims as he heads closer, pulled
by his curiousity.

Grimlock grabs ahold of two main girders on the shuttle's
surface, and heaves upwards. While fully loaded, even
Grimlock would not be able to do this.....stripped down, the
shuttle is hoisted upwards, over his head. In a terrifying
show of primal rage.....and power, Grimlock heaves the
shuttle forward, sending it smashing into the terminal and
completely obliterating it in the process.

Bluestreak whaohs and scrambles back. "Ok...so...the big guy
is throwing one *major* tantrum. What's with 'im?"

Moonracer's attention is drawn by the noise and she blinks
at the awesome display "Errr....Bluestreak, better keep away
from Grimlock, I'm not sure he'd like a nice chat right
now..."

The distinctive winged forms of the figures in the distance
would probably mark them as Seekers, although their
coloration would likely be indeterminable.

Grimlock actually appears to calm down after the latest
action, his shoulders heaving slightly. Bit by tiny
bit....the Dinobot's usual, calm composure begins to creep
back, and his optic band stops its wild shimmering. His
shoulders return to their usual squared position, and calmly
now, Grimlock turns to approach where he threw his sword
earlier. Especially on Earth.....he dosen't get chances to
work out frustrations like that.

Bluestreak gulps audibly as he watches. "Well, yeah.
Apparently. What do ya think...happened? It can't be over
what we talked about last night cannit?"

Moonracer hrmms "I don't know, I think he's more upset
because we're leaving....you never can tell with the
Dinobots, it could be something else too" she then looks
back at the distance, recalling from her training that it's
important to keep track of things like that. "I think I can
see wings...are you sure we should ignore their presence?"

Grimlock retrieves his sword, sliding it out of the wall
effortlessly. He peers at the blade for a moment, before
returning it to subspace. As if he had just arrived....he
starts to glance around himself, almost like re-studying his
surroundings.

Bluestreak tightens his grip around his gun. "Probably
not..." he says. "But, we aren't too engage until they
attack *us*. Prime's orders, Moon. So...guess we just keep
an optic on 'im." His gaze again falls on the Dinobot. No,
it can't be from last night that angers him so much. It's
something else.

Grimlock turns and begins to plod -straight- for where
Bluestreak and Moonracer are.

Bluestreak blinkblinks as he sees which direction the
Dinobot is heading for almost immediately. "Ulp. Er...you
said we stay away from him. You didn't say anything about
him staying away from us..."
Long distance to Starscream-P: Bluestreak-P thinks she hasta
stop waffling now. having waaaaaay too much fun with the
blabbermouth

Moonracer remains in the cool 'I found you' posture as she
looks and points with her hand towards the group of Seekers,
not overly familiar with the term "Don't Draw the Enemy's
Attention If Possible"
Waaaaay off in the distance, a number of the Seekers can be
seen turning around in response to

Moonracer's incessant pointing, and gesticulating to the
others.

Grimlock continues to approach the two Autobots, right up to
the point where he's practically standing next to them, his
huge frame towering over both.

Bluestreak is more concerned with a certain Dino, thank you
very much, He's closer. And, just because they've spotted
the Seekers doesn't mean he's seen them. "Well, yeah. Of
course. I ain't carrying no sign saying 'shoot me'...erm...I
think."
Bluestreak then shuts up for a second or two as Grimlock
halts in front of him and the femme. he stares at his torso
and works his way up. He offers a nervous little smiles and
says, "Uh...hi."

Grimlock glares towards Bluestreak, and jabs forth with a
finger again at the Autobot. "Dino-bots go to Earth." he
states. "But not give up. Lose Cybertron, not lose Earth.
Him Prime will run `gain if things go bad.....but dinobots
stay. Dinobots not run `gain. Ever."

Moonracer looks up at Grimlock and says cheerfully, not
quite getting his foul mood. "Hey...you won't need to
Grimlock, I'm telling you we'll win in the end, you'll see!"

Bluestreak falters somewhat. All this finger jabbing.
Sheesh! makes one think that's the only way
Grimlock thinks he knows who he's talking too. "Ok," he
states, raising a hand in mock defense. "I believe you.
Besides, he adds, "I hightly doubt Prime would leave the
humans to fend for themselves anyway."
Bluestreak then pauses a moment and whispers to the Femme,
"You got pom-poms stashed somewhere dontcha?"

Grimlock merely grunts, ignoring Moonracer's jovialness.
He's one that's immune to over_cheerful_cheerleader types.
Without another word, he turns, and begins to plod off
again.

Moonracer turns her head to look at Bluestreak, her optics
widen in puzzlement "Pom-poms?"

Bluestreak steps aside as Grimlock passes. He rubs his helm
as Grimlock plods off, He considers the remains of the
shuttle and frowns. "Um...later Grim." Guess we now know
*why* he's called Grim. Anyway, he doesn't say too much as
the Dinobot takes his leave. But he does adress his comrade.
"Yeah...pom-poms. You know cheering and stuff? Overly happy
people? Dressed in---?" He then drops it. "Ferget it. You'll
find out when we get to Earth. We...better head on now. And,
keep an optic on those guys, or whatever/whoever they are,
eh? Don't need suprises."

Moonracer waves after Grimlock, still not quite aware of his
mood "See you later Grimlock, take care of yourself!" she
then looks back at Bluestreak as he explains. "Errrr...I'm
not sure I follow, that a compliment?" she asks the only
thing on her mind, not quite understanding what it's all
about. Bluestreak can be like that.

Bluestreak gestures towards the gathering of Seekers off in
the distance, tho not knowing they *are* Seekers mind you.
To Moonracer's question he doesn't answer. Mainly because if
he did, he knew *this* time he would be in trouble. Instead
he offers her a lopsided grin. With a flash of light his gun
wisks back into subspace seconds before he assumes his
alternate self. "You keep in touch ok?"
SYSTEMS: Transformation into Mazda_Z95
With a mental command Bluestreak resumes his automotive
transform.

Grimlock gets a distance away from the other two, then
activates his foot thrusters and just...soars upwards. Doing
that, which many Autobots can't. ;)
Bluestreak has wings too! Just can't...do the flying thing.

The little commotion that occurred amongst the group off in
the distance seems to have been settled, because they
continue to amble off.

Moonracer blinks, and looks after Bluestreak in surprise.
Feeling a bit uneasy as he doesn't give her an answer "You
poked fun at me, haven't you?"

A small chuckle emits from the silver and black Autobot form
as he pulls back, ready to veer off. "Cya, around, Moon."

Bluestreak knows he should be doing the patrol on foot. But,
he would rather work his way in reaching the far end of the
city and work his way back if at all possible. Without
drawing attention to himself he begins moving towards said
direction, saying nothing more.