HOSTAGE CRISIS IN CAPITAL CITY Iacon -- Central Courtyard Windcharger skids to a stop suddenly, "Who wants to go to Capital City? Hot Spot? Silverbolt?" Windcharger mock punches an invisible foe. Silverbolt stares at Wincharger...wondering about his energy. Brawn wanders out from underneath the shuttle where he was taking a 'nap'. Optimus Prime focuses his optics on Silverbolt as he steps out, but as he receives a radio message he stops in his tracks. His optics narrow. "Autobots, we have a situation at hand. Astrotrain and Buzzsaw have taken hostages in Capital City, somehow managing to break through the garrisonoutside the city. Hot Spot, Windcharger, Silverbolt, you're with me. Brawn looks at Optimus, "Uhhh....guess that dosen't include me huh?" Windcharger says, "'Cons! Yes, lets kick those tin plated turkeys right in the aft!" Hot Spot looks to Optimus and nods before transforming Windcharger transforms into Corvette mode. Silverbolt gives a nod of acknowledgement, already guessing what the stare was for. But doesn't let his guilt show. Silverbolt transforms into SST mode. Optimus Prime sends off a quick radio message, then heads for the gates. "You know better than that, Brawn. I'll call if the situation becomes more than we can handle." Brawn nods, "Can't blame a bot for tryin huh?" Windcharger yells out while he is already tearing out of the courtyard. "See ya later Brawn, I'll save a few pieces for you!" Optimus Prime transforms into Semi mode. Optimus Prime says, "Roll out!" Capital City -- Main Gates Optimus Prime transforms into Robot mode. Ultra Magnus is standing a few feet away from a large warehouse, just in front of the large doors blocking his path, though he could undoubtably burst them down upon a whim. His rifle is crutched against his arm, aimed at the door should it open. He looks over his shoulder, observing the newcomers, not surprised at all. "There you are. I am unsure of the amount of hostages, but they are threatening to execute them should we take action." Optimus Prime points to positions around the building. "Windcharger, Hot Spot, do rotating ground patrols around this building. Silverbolt, I want you in the air." Brawn drives in -very- carefully.....at even the HINT of the Bots being there he transforms and takes to cover. Brawn transforms into Robot mode. Optimus Prime says, "Woo! Brawn leapfrogs to the top of the list!" Windcharger continues to drive straight at the perpatrators, then switches course and starts to jet around the building. Buzzsaw Yells out to the bots that seem to have decided to play hero today "Ummmm, that looks a lot like action good sirs" Optimus Prime walks up to Magnus, and nods, folding his arms across his chest and glancing inside the building. "What do they want?" Ultra Magnus shakes his head. "I have no clue, though Buzzsaw has stated that he doesn't expect to leave here emtpy handed. Perhaps you would like to do the negotiating honours?" Optimus Prime stares inside and nods. "Very well." He then raises his voice and yells back into the building at Buzzsaw. "What is the purpose of this action, Decepticons?" Ultra Magnus radio buzzes with activity. "Astrotrain states that he wants us to surrender one Autobot to him and allow them to leave Capital City unharmed." Buzzsaw takes a peek out the window Windcharger continues around the building, raising various debris and dust by his intense speed. Brawn perks up, listening to Magnus' words..... Hot Spot listens to Ultra Magnus carefully Astrotrain nods to Buzzsaw, and sneers as one of the Empties tries to move towards the door. The Empty cowers down and huddles in a corner with the rest of them. Brawn continues to hide behind his large piece of rubble.....being VERY careful this time. Ultra Magnus leans over, rifle still pointing at the door, muttering to Optimus. You hear Ultra Magnus mutter to Optimus Prime: "hostage every...in...have...action....shouldn't..." Silverbolt remains circling the city by air, keeping an open optic from skyside. Brawn yerps quietly as he sees Bolt overhead and adjusts his shelter accordingly. Optimus Prime yells out again to the building. "I'm waiting for your response, Astrotrain." Optimus Prime stares inside and nods. "Very well." He then raises his voice and yells back into the building at Buzzsaw. "What is the purpose of this action, Decepticons?" Astrotrain nods to Buzzsaw, but he listens outside carefully. Astrotrain motions for Buzzsaw to answer. Optimus Prime nods briefly to Magnus. Buzzsaw Yells loud enough for everyone outside to hear "First you have to back off. And no more circleing around the building" Buzzsaw continues "Back off now!, at least 100 paces away from the building, and no motion...or this guy" He holds up an empty to a window "Gets his head taken off." Optimus Prime motions with his arms. "Alright, everyone, back off." Optimus Prime says, "Silverbolt, are there any entrances you can see from above?" Optimus Prime says, "Windcharger, get in close to the building. There are plenty of walls without windows." Ultra Magnus shakes his head uneasily, not liking this at all. He slowly steps backwards to the distance specified, rifle not leaving his hand, still levelled at the entrance of the building. Windcharger skids to a halt, and starts to drive back towards Prime and Magnus. As he gets close he hops into the air, transforming. He lands on his feet as sparks are strewn upon the ground. Windcharger transforms into Robot mode. Optimus Prime calls out. "What is it you are hoping to accomplish today, Astrotrain?" he asks. Buzzsaw laughs a evil laugh "Great, I see we are getting along perfectly now, now I think these pathetic welps would make a great trade for one of you." Silverbolt says, "Affirmative. Visual shows there is a front and back enterance. The back enterance looks to be partially concealed by debris." Optimus Prime says, "Land there and prepare to head in. As quiet as possible." Windcharger continues to back off into the shadows and various other buildings, not trying to gain any attention. He then starts looping back to the warehouse threw various alleywats. Optimus Prime nods. "Fine, take me." Silverbolt says, "Acknowledged." Ultra Magnus shakes his head. "Not a chance. I'm your volunteer." Optimus Prime says, "I didn't ask for volunteers" Laserbeak flies overhead. Content to watch the situation. For now. He perches on a broken pipe thats sticking out of a building. Hot Spot moves over towards Optimus and says to him "No....both of you are too important. Let me go Optimus." Ultra Magnus looks at Optimus, staring directly into his optics. "We're not going to debate this. You underestimate your worth. Do you REALLY want to condemn us by making yourself a hostage? We need you, you have to think about that." Optimus Prime turns with a glare briefly at both of you. "Quiet. Your opinions are noted." Laserbeak looks down at Buzzsaw. If it could sigh. It would. Windcharger scampers quickly to and fro, attampting to get close. He finally manages to get to the side of the warehouse, away from any windows and just around the corner from Buzzsaw. Silverbolt makes one last circle and seems to towards the north behind some of the taller buildings that have somehow remained standing. This is where he transforms and lowers himself behind the broken downs structure which hold everybot's interest. Silverbolt transforms into Robot mode. Laserbeak looks DEAD at Windcharger. It makes no move at all to warn it's brother of the impending danger. Ultra Magnus frowns, stepping away from Optimus. "As you wish. Let the record show I objected this rash, illogical and impulsive action. Shows tons of responsibilty, Prime. Tons." Windcharger looks at Laserbeak, gives a slight smirk, and shrugs. Laserbeak locks it's dual ruby crystal guns at a point off and down in front of him. The laser sights flare to life as it locks onto Windcharger's head. Grapple has arrived. Silverbolt wisks his gun from subspace simply hoping he had chosen his manner of descent wisely. He very quietly dislodges one of the metal sheets blocking the back door and gets hismelf ready. Brawn yerps at the sight of Grapple and buries himself completely in the debris....staring out a small hole.... Laserbeak radios on a broad band frequency to Buzzsaw and Astrotrain, apprently not caring who hears his speech. "Care to explain your actions Brother?" Laserbeak looks over Buzzsaw and the the larger form of Astrotrain. It narrows it's dark yellow eyes in annoyance. Starscream has arrived Starscream roars into the area, flying low to the ground in a search pattern. Silverbolt presses himself closer to the back of the building and sinks to a squat...concealing himself admist the 'junk' hoping not to be seen skyside. Buzzsaws voice can be heard as he talks into a radio. Windcharger stays pressed up against the warehouse, only Laserbeak spotting him, just around the corner from Buzzsaw. Optimus Prime seems to almost sigh, and with a resigned voice calls out, "Starscream." Hot Spot looks up and groans as he sees the seeker enter the area. Optimus Prime says, "New arrival. Starscream. Be on your toes. No further Autobots report to the situation." Laserbeak finds a new target for his guns. Prime. The twin guns lock onto the Autobot leader, apprently in defence of the /mighty/ Starscream. Looking for tricks. Or a oppertunity. Or perhaps just wishful thinking. Brawn gulps. Buzzsaw peeks out the window and notices Starscream "Starscream, we are situated in the warehouse." Windcharger breathes a sigh of relief as Laserbeak turns his attention elsewhere, but is slightly pertrubed at his new target. Grapple seems to be rumbling through, he sends a tightbeam to Prime. Starscream suddenly dips towards the ground, landing neatly on the ground between Prime and the warehouse. Starscream transforms into Robot mode. Silverbolt blinks...not really able to see what is going on from his viewpoint. Optimus Prime stares at Starscream, optics narrowed. "What a pleasure to see you, Starscream." Grapple drops the crate to the ground, gently, an almost audible sigh emitting, and transforms... Grapple transforms into Robot mode. Starscream manages a mock-bow, optics glinting in amusement. "Always happy to please." Optimus Prime waves a hand at the building behind Starscream. "I'd be happy to take your tour if you'll call off your friends inside." Laserbeak sits there, on his perch. Still as a statue. Guns locked on Prime's head. Starscream folds his arms across his chest, tilting his head to the side, regarding Optimus with a crafty smirk, and replies.. nothing. He lets the moment simmer. Brawn continues to watch from his hiding place, being careful not to be spotted. In a higher pitched voice Buzzsaw calls out "What do you think sir, we do have the advantage" Optimus Prime continues to gaze at Starscream with a casual look. "So, here we are. I can see you are thoroughly pleased with yourself. Trying to decide how to handle this situation? What would make you look better? Letting the hostages die, or letting them live. Difficult choice for the new, kinder, gentler Starscream, wouldn't you agree?" Laserbeak looks about the building and takes to the air. He begins to circle, looking for a entrance. Silverbolt tightens the grip on his gun somewhat. Starscream unfolds his arms, spreading them, palms up, a gesture of peace, despite his feral smile. "Oh, not at all, Optimus. This one is quite easy. Because, you see.. I'm the same Starscream I always was.. " He seems to be purposefully letting the fate of the neutrals dangle, his posture contrary to his expression contrary to his words... enjoying the moment. Laserbeak peels off hard to the left and into the building. Buzzsaw quickly turns around to see just entered the building, guns raised "Oh, it's you." Laserbeak looks at Buzzsaw. He nods. "Yes. Me. Your dear brother." Laserbeak looks to Buzzsaw. "Who all is in this building? Beyond the Emptys?" Starscream murmers something into his radio. Laserbeak nods to Buzzsaw. "Dispach Astrotrain to obtain More warriors. We cannot hold this number of units in one place long." Optimus Prime says, "Silverbolt, Windcharger, stand ready." Optimus Prime nods skeptically. "Sure, Starscream. So did you come to be a part of the situation, or not? If not, kindly leave so we can move on. Silverbolt says, "Acknolwedged." Windcharger flexes his hands, ready to go at a moments notice. He maintains radio silence. Optimus Prime says, "Windcharger, could you throw a forcefield over the entire group of hostages?" Buzzsaw hold an empty to the window "Are you willing to let Astrotrain leave here unharmed?" Windcharger says, "Yes, if I could see them. I only see the one Buzzbeak has." Optimus Prime nods. "I am. He is free to go." Silverbolt edges further to the door. Starscream plants his hands on his hips, widening his optics, voice tinged with scorn. "You wish me to leave? So you can go about getting these civillians killed?" Concern fills his voice, though his optics remain quite amused. "This is all a misunderstanding. We will allow the neutrals to go, of course." Starscream mutters something into his radio. Optimus Prime says, "I can see the bulk of the group. There are approximately 20 at this moment, at to your position" Astrotrain steps out of door confidently, smirks at the Autobots "See Ya" Windcharger says, "I'll blanket the area with a field, but it won't be very strong due to the largeness of the group and inexact positioning of them." Optimus Prime says, "You shouldn't have to worry. Silverbolt, your job will be to make sure that neither of the birds fire upon Windcharger." Silverbolt says, "Understood." Optimus Prime says, "Do not, I repeat do NOT, fire upon Laserbeak unless he takes hostile action against the hostages or you." Silverbolt says, "Acknowledged." Buzzsaw Calls out to Prime "If I let the empties go, do you promise to let all of us leave unharmed?" Starscream's optics narrow in irritation. Optimus Prime stares down Starscream as Astrotrain leaves. "So you say now, Starscream." Starscream calls out heatedly, "We are /Decepticons/! We need no promises from _Autobots_. Release them, now!" Windcharger says, "Lets kick their afts just for making us drive out all this way Prime, they deserve a whoopin'. Plus, I need to give Brawn something to be jealous of." Brawn grumbles...and -almost- snaps off a snide reply.... Buzzsaw tells the hostages that they are free to go. With that he goes into the back of the warehouse and seems to disapear Buzzsaw suddenly disappears from view! Laserbeak tears out of the buidling...radio on broadband. "Buzzsaw...Starscream...I now why I keep company with that uncharismatic BOOR Soundwave. At least he has 2 neural processors to rub together!" Optimus Prime seems to relax slightly as the hostages go free. Optimus Prime says, "Grapple, Windcharger, Silverbolt, the hostages are free. Move out and protect them NOW." The ire fades from Starscream's expression as soon as it came, and for some reason, he seems... pleased at Laserbeak's outburst, chuckling softly to himself. Laserbeak flies up and around the building in a graceful arc that belies his annoyance at his Commander and brother. Windcharger jumps into action running up to the hostages, taking a defensive stance. He peers to and fro looking for trouble. Laserbeak circles the building. He seems to be....choosing something? Silverbolt moves to obea the order, joining his comrades rather quickly...maintaiging visual lock on the Decepticons present. Buzzsaw flies stealthed out of the building. Windcharger grumbles to himself about not having any fun. Optimus Prime walks up closer to Starscream, facing him eye to eye. "Now, I think it's time for you to take your leave. It was, as always, such a pleasure to see you again." Silverbolt withholds a characteristic snort as he maintains his wary stance. Starscream turns his attention back to Optimus, re-folding his arms over his chest, widening one optic in the equivalent of an eyebrow-raise. "What, not enough good will for you?" Grapple looks at Starscream. . o ( What an egotistical idiot! ) Optimus Prime's optics narrow a bit. "No, I'm just worried your quota for the day will run out soon." Brawn almost laughs at Prime's statement..... Windcharger calls out, "Kick his aft, Prime!" Brawn fights to hold in a burst of more laughter at Windcharger's quip! Optimus Prime shoots a quick glare in Windcharger's position before turning back to Starscream. Windcharger looks away, avoiding Prime's gaze. He whistles a nice Cybertronian tune. Starscream inclines his head to Optimus, as if to say 'touche', and leisurely turns to go, calling back over one shoulder as he does, "I trust you'll tour the new Decepticon acquisition at some point, and find out the extent of my.. good will." Silverbolt arches an optic ridge in skeptism. Laserbeak looks at Starscream. Silverbolt simply blinks, confused, then hmphs. Optimus Prime turns to follow Starscream with his optics as he leaves. "Oh, it's high on my 'Things to do list', Starscream." Windcharger laughs outloud, then tries to gain his composure. He starts chanting quietly, "Take a swing... take a swing..take a swing..." Optimus Prime shoots a glance back at Windcharger again. "That's about enough, Windcharger." Brawn laughs at about the same time Windcharger does. He muffles his voice by mashing his face into the debris. Grapple turns slightly, optics glinting as he spots Brawn... Brawn gulps as Grapple spots him.....waiting for the other Autobot to reveal his position..... Silverbolt refrains from his usual optic roll and watches the Decepticons leave. Windcharger looks away again and starts whistling another Cybertronian tune, a marching song to be exact. Starscream pauses at the outburst from Laserbeak, looking quizzically after the fleeing cassette, seeming, for a moment, as if he has no idea what he's hearing, before a spark of recognition flickers in his optics, and his expression.. as well as his fists tighten, for just a moment, before smoothing. With that, he swiftly launches himself into the air. Starscream transforms into F-15 mode. Grapple says, "Brawn, what *are* you doing there?" Brawn motions to Grapple to -be quiet-. He whispers... Optimus Prime manages not to turn and look at Grapple's statement, but you can see his head tilt to the side a bit at it. Starscream soon dwindles to a tiny speck in the sky. Silverbolt inwardly groans at the new player found on the field. 'Well, he did say he was irresponsible' he thinks. Brawn speaks in a very low voice to him, "C'mon.....Prime said if it seemed like people needed help I could go...." He looks over at Prime's back guiltily..."but I was worried.... can you blame me?" Grapple says, "Yes, I can blame you!" ilverbolt relaxes some and wisks his gun into subspace, He disregards the other situation brewing and regards the hostages. "Are you funtional?" You say, "Are medics required?" Brawn sighs...knowing he's been totally revealed he stands up out of his hiding spot. Though he does glower at Grapple, "Oh, gee....sorry. Didn't know ya didn't care 'bout yer comrades..." Optimus Prime finally relaxes his form and turns. "See to it that the area is secure, Silverbolt. You're in command here for the moment." You say, "Acknowledged." Windcharger watches as the hostages disperse, then trots over to Prime. "Well, *that* was sure boring." Optimus Prime walks out of the city with that... Silverbolt gives Prime a small nod and gives a sigh. Grapple says, "You disobeyed an order, of sorts, since there was no need for you to be here." Brawn crosses his arms defiantly, "Well I wasn't the only one goin' off doing things not according to regulations...... like holding back repairs...." Optimus Prime pauses at the gates and stares at Brawn. He speaks slowly, as if choosing his words carefully. "You... get... BACK... to Iacon." Windcharger gazes at Brawn, not sure if he should laugh or feel bad for him. Brawn jumps at Prime's words and does his SECOND imitation of Blurr, "AllrightI'llbegoingnowseeyou!" With that he tranforms and races out of the city! Brawn transforms into Land_Rover mode and speds back for the city.