ANOTHER STATISTIC ADDED TO THE TALLY


Iacon -- Central Courtyard 

Air Raid stands talking to Springer, his stance easy.

Springer nods, not saying anything for a few moments. Evidently, 
Air Raid's not the only hot head in the Autobot ranks. After 
several seconds, a devilish grin flashes across his face, as he 
spots Skids wandering in. "Hey...now here's a source of 
entertainment." He winks to Air Raid and 
walks toward the strategist. "Skids!"

Skids comes forth from the Personnel Building, his walk at a pace of ease. 
He takes a glance around him and nods in polite greeting to his fellow 
fellow Autobots ahead.
Skids stops in mid step and smiles. "Grettings to you too, Springer. 
You as well, Air Raid."

Air Raid rolls his optics and makes a rather sour 
face, which blooms into an innocent smile. Under 
his breath, he mutters about tail-turnin' flamers.

Skids mocks a human stretch. "I suppose all the others are out and about I 
should say." 

Springer claps Skids on the back, knocking the smaller robot forward 
slightly. "How's it going? Been thinking too much again?" 
Springer waggles a finger disapprovingly. "Remember what 
Ratch said. Too much thinking.....makes you like Perceptor." 
Springer quickly glances over each shoulder in mock alarm, as if he expects 
Perceptor to be standing right behind him.

Skids stumbles forward, managing to catch himself in time. He clears his 
throat and straightens. "There's nothing wrong with thinking....unless of 
course there's a problem with what one thinks *about*. Wouldn't you say...
Springer?" He doesn't appear agitated. But he more than notices Springer's 
mischivious side coming into play.

Air Raid snorts in Skid's direction, but doens't say anything. He crosses 
his arms and watches the scene.
Air Raid tilts his head and interjects suddenly, "Hey, you guys wanna come 
check out the rift with me? Or can you land-bounds get down there without 
killing yourselves?"

Scattershot, who has just wandered near the group overhears the attempted 
insult.  Scattershot looks up "LAND bound?"

Skids cross his arms and arches an optic ridge. "I think he ment me, 
Scattershot."

Steeljaw yawns and wakes up a bit from his place at a nearby corner, 
stretching.

Springer's scrutiny of the Technobot leader is diverted by Air Raid's 
question. "Rift?"

Air Raid rolls his optics. "Oh yeah. Forget about that..." He scratches 
his head in human fashion, and grins a little.

Scattershot says, "I'd go, but I got some sort of odd bug in my system 
messing up my transformation."

Air Raid chuckles. "Sure, Scat...Yeah."

Scattershot looks at Raider "Heh, if only YOU had to put up with Ratchet."

Skids's curiosity is perked. "To what rift do you speak of?"

Air Raid makes a face. "I've had to many a time, sonnyboy."

Springer claps his hands together once. "Well, even if Scats doesn't feel 
up to it, -I'm- still ready for some action."

Steeljaw yawns. "What rrrift?"

Scattershot looks very upset, as if eager to go, but can't.
Scattershot says, "Well....back to MED-BAY."
Scattershot has a sarcastic digusted look on his face.

Air Raid finally notices Steeljaw, and goes down on one knee. "Hey, cat. 
'Sup? And yeah, you know, that right runnin' down the middle of the planet. 
Or do landbounds miss those kinds of things?"

Steeljaw hmms. "No, I've seen it, just haven't been therre in a while."

Springer looks around, feeling the ground shaking beneath him. "Uh, oh. I 
think that's about a seven on the Guardian scale," he states as Omega 
Supreme alters his modes on his watch.

Air Raid feels a rumbling and looks up belatedly at Omega's entrance. He 
grins, and shouts, "Omega!" in what seems to be familiar fashion.

Skids steadies himself at the guardian's arrival. He nods in a friendly 
manner per usual.
Skids smirks a little. "I do admit there must be an advantage to having an 
aerial view."

Air Raid stands back up, and smirks back at Skids. "Hey, Skids, don't 
give in so easy. Defend your wheeled self."

Springer watches Omega for several seconds, and then quickly loses interest 
when the Guardian seems content to simply stand there. Turning back to Air 
Raid, he shifts from one foot to the other in impatience. "Well? We going 
to your rift?"

Skids turns back to Air Raid. "I am what I am. I am pleased with such."

Air Raid turns on his heel in response, and ignores Skids. He's being 
very well behaved, and everyone should be proud.
Air Raid tosses over his shoulder, "I'll meet you at the outskirts, and 
try to keep up!"

Springer is very proud. He is about to state this when he spots his buddy 
coming in through the gates. "Hot Rod!"

Hot Rod spots Springer and the rest, cocking his head up and smiling 
at the Guardian's massive back as he approaches Springer et all waving, 
"Hey bots, What's up?

Omega Supreme transforms into Defense_Base mode.

Skids gets ready to transform. "We are heading towards a rift Air Raid 
mentioned. care to join us?"
Skids transforms into Honda_Civic mode.

Springer walks past Hot Rod, following Air Raid outside. "YOU ditched us 
for a CHICK, Rod. I'll have to beat you up later, though. Want to check out 
this rift Air Raid's babbling about?"

Skids turns on his engines and inquires, "Chick?"

Hot Rod is still looking up at Omega then turns his gaze groundward as he 
nods at Springer then thrusts his arms out defensively, "Hey what was I 
supposed to do? But I'll catch up to you all later, have to take care of 
something first." Hot Rod gets an odd look as if trying to divert attention 
away from something.

Springer transforms into his helicopter mode, whirring out of the gates.
Springer escorts Skids to the rift while Air Raid goes on ahead.  On the 
way they near what is known in the Great Bridge...

Great Bridge: Springer, Air Raid, Megatron 

Air Raid inverts, and slows, circling belly-up this time. He turns a few 
barrel rolls, then continues to circle.Springer whirs in, staying close 
enough to the ground so that the ground-travelling Skids can keep him in 
sight.
Air Raid finally spies the other Autobots on the horizon, and chuckles 
to himself.
Skids applies his brakes at one point. Too intrested in trying to keep an 
optic on Springer he nearly goes headlong into a pile of debris. He rightens 
himself and continues again...trying to be more careful.
Springer flies out a short distance over the canyon, and then back to Skids, 
waiting for Air Raid to join them.
Megatron was doing something atypically evil-ish. Today it seems to be 
holding a Cybertronian, a ratty, worn, feeble-looking fellow by the neck 
out over the bridge. With the sound of jets, he pans that hawkish glare 
skyward, that scowl etching deeper.

Air Raid finishes his lazy grandstanding, and falls in on Springer's flank, 
trying to keep his speed down. He still doesn't notice any villanry, near 
the crevice or otherwise.
Air Raid shouts, over the noise of engines, "Now it's not as easy as it 
looks! It ain't straight down, so watch yer rotors and don't do anything 
stupid."

You radio to Springer: "How far is this rift?"

Springer radios Skids: "I couldn't tell you. Air Raid's leading the way, as
silly as that sound."

Being ground-bound Skids would not be in the position to readily see 
anything out of the ordinary. He soon joins the other two.

Skids radios Springer back, chuckling slightly.
You radio to Springer: "How encouraging." 

Air Raid picks up speed and makes another pass. As he does, he notices a 
familiar glint about a hundred yards to the west. "Hey!" he shouts, before 
his brain can catch up with his vocalizer, "There's someone without rust 
over there!"

Springer maintains his course and speed, letting Skids tag along behind 
as Air Raid darts about, investigating anything that might be remotely 
interesting.

Air Raid moves in to inspect almost as fast as he can shout, and immediately 
his fuel runs cold. He begins chattering into his comlink, and wings back 
toward the other Autobots.
Air Raid radios Springer and Skids: "Megatron sighted...Springer, it's yer 
call."

Skids 'ohs?' to himself. He can't help but wonder in the sudden mood. 
He then gets the radio and slows to a stop...waiting for orders.
Air Raid pulls up and gains altitude, searching for any local backup. 
Seeing none, he relays this to the others, and tries to see what it is 
Megatron is holding.

Springer radios Skids: "Skids, go on alert. Megatron's 
been detected by Air Raid. Might be more Deceps around."

Megatron shakes the frightened guy with an inky, black fist not even 
bothering with a threat. Without preamble, his radio squawks curtly 
while optics do a quick pass over the horizon. "I'm not going to ask 
again..." rasping at the form he's dangling over the precipice.

Skids radios Springer: "Afirmative." 
Skids transforms into Robot mode.
Skids summons his gun from supspace. He feels somewhat vulnerable on 
the ground with his two comrades in the air. But little can be done to help 
the situation.

Air Raid suddenly swoops low, and lands at a run, not far from where 
Megatron is having his cat-and-mouse. He slows to a halt several yards 
away, and decides to begin this, Air Raid Fashion. "Hey, uh, Megatron!" 
He grins then, charmingly, though you can tell he's on edge.

Springer hovers in midair, hanging over Skids. Swivelling towards 
Megatron's reported position, he transmits another com-message to Air Raid.

Skids watches with a tense expression. He frowns.
Skids radios Springer: "I fear such an action is rather unadvisable." 

Air Raid toggles his com link, and switches it off with a *click*. So far, 
he has summoned no weaponry, and he stands with his fingers outspread. 
Still grinning, he takes another step forward and darts a glance at the 
hapless Cybertronian. "What you, uh, got there?"

Springer radios Skids: "Maybe so, but we can handle him, if he's alone."

Megatron's features crease in the 'How Dare You' fashion, furrowing his 
brow. Slowly, he swivels his helmed head, "Presumptious little Aerialbot, 
are you sure you have Prime's permission to be so far from safety?" 
managing a sardonic, if still decidedly edgy, sneer.

Skids continues to watch the display up ahead. He slightly shakes his head 
at the Aerial's foolhardy actions. He stays where he is...but his 
stance reveals his readiness for battle...or as ready as he can be anyway. 
He doesn't notice the purpose of Air Raid's actions.

Springer transforms into his robot mode and drops out of the sky, landing 
with a thump next to Skids. Triggering his com-link again, he attempts to 
send a message through to Air Raid, and is met only by a dead line. Rolling 
his optics, he quirks his head in the Aerialbot's direction. "C'mon, Skids. 
I think we're about to have to drag Raid home in a little baggie."

Skids looks to Springer. "What an enlightning thought," he states with 
sarcasim.
Skids takes a step forward, and then another. The specticle makes his gears 
turn. He wouldn't enjoy seeing another comrade fall.

Air Raid takes another, shaky, step foward. He doesn't seem terrified, but 
you can tell that his reflexes are tuned to the breaking point. He's taking 
no chances after what happened last time he messed with Decepticon CO. He 
smiles. "You see a leash around this neck? And you're the one playing with 
toys there. Ain't that a kid's thing to do?"
Air Raid shifts slightly, from foot to foot. He gestures a little with his 
fingers. "C'mon, Megs," he stresses the hideous nickname, "lemme see what 
you got."

Springer begins striding heroically towards the precipice, Skids cautiously 
following behind.

Megatron's fingers shift and arm lowers slighly just to remind the 
Cybertronian of his position. "What I see is an Aerialbot far from home 
who should be running along before he gets himself hurt." leveling that 
classically Megatron stare.

You whisper, "To what do you suppose he's up to?" to Springer.

Air Raid doesn't flinch, but his optics burn with tension. Anything 
might set him into an explosion of action -- likely in the form of 
escape -- but curiosity and duty both seem to drive him onward. "Look, 
your Evilness, I respect your, uh, well, game here...but this guy don't 
look like he want to play. See what I'm sayin'?"

Megatron edges a piece of refuse over the lip of the bridge with a boot.

Springer glances over his shoulder as Skids mutters something to him. 
"That's what we're about to find out." Cresting a rise, he spots Megatron 
conferring with the much-smaller Aerialbot. As his hand strays towards the 
pistol mounted on his hip, Springer calls back to Skids again. "Better open
a channel to Iacon. This is the -perfect- place for an ambush."

Skids nods. "You are correct. Very perfect place."

Air Raid doesn't hear Springer yet. He's hoping he can diffuse this before 
the slower Autobots arrive.

Megatron throws a tergid glance at the civilian, "I'm /quite/ sure he's 
happy where he is." that thin lipped sneer quircking in a dry, almost-smile.

Springer nods in agreement with Skids, as he hefts his laser and checks the 
charge rate. "Right, that's what I just said. Better get on the horn and 
see if we can scrounge up any reinforcements, if we need 'em."

You say, "I agree."

<Autobot> Skids says, "Attention.  Assistance may be needed at the Great 
Bridge. Megatron sighted. Please respond."

Skids nods to Springer. "Radio has been transmitted. One can only hope."

Air Raid takes another step forward. He still runs his mouth, trying to find
a foothold in the coversation. "Now, come on...at least tell me what this 
is all about before you toss him. Not that I care about someone outside the 
team."

Megatron shifts his stance and turns a shoulder to the Aerialbot, "Enough 
of my time has been wasted..," grating low, gravelly. "If you have lied to 
me..." very seruptitiously glancing down into the expanse.
Megatron rasps from over a shoulder to Air Raid, "How noble of you."

Air Raid smiles in condescending fashion. "That means we're both doing 
our jobs, doesn't it?"
Air Raid takes another step forward, and says suddenly, brashly, "So 
tell me one thing before you *go*." He stresses the word, and hopes he can 
get Megatron to drop the civilian.

Skids raises his optic ridge as he finally realizes that Megatron has a 
captive.  His frown deepens.  "Oh, no."

Megatron tosses a sidelong glance at Air Raid, "I haven't the time to 
indulge you." giving the Cybertronian a curt nod, "And neither does he." 
letting the civilian drop unceremoniously.

Air Raid optics widen and he makes a dash for the side, but the civilian 
is gone. He hears a crash, then the sound of metal tearing, then...silence. 
He teeters, undecided as to whether he should go after. It's a moment long 
to leave himself exposed.

Springer's mouth drops open as he watches the civilian drop screaming 
over the side of the bridge. "Da**it!" He runs for the side of the cliff, 
but can't do anything as the doomed Transformer disappears into the darkness.

Skids narrows his optics, uttering a slight growl another life has more 
than likely been lost. He tries to push it aside for the moment, knowing 
another may soon follow.
Skids can't help but dread whetever Megatron's next action might be.

Megatron hardly spares a glance except for a self-righteous scowl at the 
remaining Autobots. Amidst stunned reactions, he ignites thrusters and 
spirals into the sky.

Air Raid turns back around then, jaw open and optics hardened just a bit. 
He still doesn't draw his weapons, and stands with his back to the crevice. 
He says nothing, and watches Megatron's departure.
Air Raid keeps watching until the Decepticon is out of view, then turns 
back to the crevice. Any emotion is wiped from his face, and he seems to 
have become jaded to this sort of thing, at least on the outside.

Springer turns away from the chasm as he hears the Decepticon Commander 
taking off. Looking incredulously at Air Raid, he points at the rapidly 
departing Megatron. "What are you doing just standing there gaping like 
some moron! Bring him down!"

Air Raid stares a moment, then lurches obediently into action. But his 
reflex is slow, and his persuit is half-hearted.

<Autobot> Springer says, "Medical team to the Great Bridge, immediately!"

Air Raid actually fires a few shots at Megatron, but they fly wide, except 
for one laser beam which steaks along his side. His paint job is marred, but 
except for that, it does no damage.

Springer watches Air Raid take off after Megatron, and then transforms, 
dropping into the chasm. "Skids, stay here. I'll be right back."

Megatron is quickly dwindling to a mote in the night sky.

<Autobot> Grimlock says, "Me not medical team... but me getting there."

Air Raid follows after, half his heart into his job. He disappears over 
the horizon in persuit.

Skids blinks as the initial shock passes. He watches Springer take leave 
and can only pray the mechanoid is still operational...

Air Raid is a dwindling sound of engines, and nothing more. Neither he 
nor Megatron are visible any longer.

Skids optics the fleeing Megatron and the pursuing Air Raid and then turns 
to regard Springer's return, ominously 
quiet.

Springer arrives back out of the canyon, trailing what remains of the 
neutral behind him, attached by a long cable. Gaining altitude, he brings 
the body over to where Skids is standing, allowing the other Autobot to 
get a grip on the smashed mess.

Skids wisks his weapon quickly into subspace and rushes to aid the 
civillian. Very gently he takes hold of the battered form.

Grimlock comes slowly flying in, about as fast as he can fly. He quickly 
scans the area. "So, what you make fuss about? Too many civilians for you?"

Springer waits until Skids secures the body, and then transforms back to 
robot mode, landing quickly and rushing over to see if he can help.
Skids looks down on the mechanoid, trying to decipher if there are any signs 
of life. He lays him down, looking him over.
Grimlock lands on the ground with a thump, next to Skids.

Grimlock folds his arms across his chest and looks at Springer. "So, what 
wrong? Why you call for help?"

Springer kneels down beside Skids and what's left of the Cybertronian, 
ignoring Grimlock's snide remark. "Looks like no amount of Ratchet's 
handiwork is going to help this guy..."

Skids's brow creases. "If he's alive, his signs must be very low..."
Skids answers Grimlock without looking, "Megatron was here. He did this."
Grimlock's stance changes immediately. "Where?"

Springer points upwards, not looking at Grimlock. "Air Raid is chasing him."

Grimlock suddenly looks down at the injured Cybertronian, and his optics 
flash a bit in anger.  
A low gutteral sound emits from the mechanoid and then falls into silence. 
A small flicker of light behind the mech's severaly damaged optics dies. The 
form falls limper still.
Grimlock sends a radio message off.

Springer watches the last life flicker out of the shattered form, and then 
stands slowly, finally acknowledging the Dinobot leader's presence. 
"Megatron dropped him off the side of the bridge. We were too late to do 
anything about it. Air Raid might have been able to stop him, but didn't 
even try."

Grimlock's brow crinkles. "Why?"

Springer shrugs, his face showing anger and frustration. "I haven't the 
slightest. All I know is that he just stood there as Megatron dropped him 
off the side. Skids can back me up on this."

Skids kneels there, silent. "All life should be respected," he mutters 
sadly. He then gets to his feet. "Perhaps. Or perhaps he saw what Megatron 
was holding before any of us and did for the situation what he could." 
He looks to Springer just then...and also Grimlock. "Tragic this is. But the 
Aerial was also the first to react to the general situation as well."

Grimlock growns. "Air Raid say he following at safe distance. Me no 
believe. Him likely get in trouble."

Skids isn't quite sure he's making that much sense at this point. He's 
still trying to regain his bearings. "I'm not sure it was wise for Air 
Raid to follow. Megatron's likely headed for home territory."

Grimlock shrugs. "Megatron just shoot both if him try to interfere." He 
turns to Springer. "So, you big rank guy here. What we do now? Stand here 
and talk more?"

Springer gives Skids an odd look, and then turns back to Grimlock. 
"Is Air Raid still following that pile of trash?"

Grimlock nods. "Yup. And no answer radio anymore. Just say 'out'"

Springer scowls. "Forget it, then. Let's get back to base. Skids, you got 
enough cargo space to carry him?" He points to the nearly deceased 
Transformer.

Skids looks to the mechanoid again. It seems that, despite his words to 
Springer the day before, he cares about the civillians more than he would 
admit. He nods. "I believe so," he answers. "You called Air Raid to 
follow Megatron. Are you going to call him back?"

Grimlock's optics narrow. "We just leave Air Raid?" he questions. "Me not 
leaving Autobot behind, Springer."

Skids agrees. "Nor will I."

Springer triggers his com-link in exasperation, glaring at Skids and 
Grimlock, and shouts something into it.
Grimlock is standing and staring at Springer, arms folded.
Skids's optics flicker to the mechanoid and then in the direction the 
other two had flown.

Springer flicks off his comlink, and then takes several steps away from 
everyone else, pacing back and forth for several minutes, hands on hips, 
staring at the ground.

Skids turns to Springer as well...wondering what comes of this. "And?"

Grimlock snorts. "No think too long. Megatron take less time to smash 
Air Raid than it take for you to make decision."

Springer seems much calmer when he rejoins the group, his normal demeanor 
seeming to have returned. "Ok, everything's cool. Raid's in Bot territory, 
reutrning to base. Grim, load that body into Skids, and we can get back home 
too."

Skids nods. "Very well."
Skids transforms into Honda_Civic mode.

Grimlock nods, muttering loud enough for everyone to hear. "Wouldn't want 
actually do something about Megatron. This easy way out."

Skids opens his back doors as he moves his back seat down to offer more room,
awating the cargo.

Grimlock picks up the body with surprising gentleness, and places it into 
the back of SkidsSkids answers. "I doubt there's much we could now do as 
Megatron is within his own territory. And battling him hear would have been 
senseless."

Skids closes the doors after the mechanoid is secured. "I appreciate the 
assistance, Grimlock."

Grimlock pauses. "This 'bot territory, you know."

Springer's scowl returns as he overhears Grimlock's comment. "I'm ignoring 
that, Grimlock. If Prime wants to react to what happened here, he will, but 
the only thing we're going to get if we try to catch Megatron outside of 
Polyhex is killed. Now, let's just get back to Iacon so I can stop playing 
commander." He shakes visibly. "Doesn't suit me."

Grimlock shrugs. "You go back to base. Me stay, look around, make sure 
Air Raid ok."

Skids answers, "Radio if either of you need assistance."

Springer turns toward the Honda. "I'll escort you back to Iacon."

Grimlock takes off, and heads off in the direction that Air Raid was 
supposed to be going.
Springer crouches to leap into the air, preparing to transform, when 
Grimlock makes his statement. "Ahhh....alright. Well then..." 

Springer pauses, obviously not used to serving as a field commander, a job 
more suited to the Prowls and Ultra Magnuses of the world. "....uhhh....Hot 
Spot is on duty, I think. See if he can do anything with that Transformer. 
Maybe there's no chance at all, but we've still got to try. I'll head out 
with Grimlock."
Springer transforms, not bothering to wait for a response that might force 
him to change plans AGAIN.

<Cut to Area around Iacon...>

Area Around Iacon: Hot Spot 

Skids drives into view. he seems to be more careful than usual...although 
he's driving with a slightly higher speed. He slows to a stop when he 
reaches the Protectobot.

Skids states, "I have a mechanoid within. Badly damaged. Can you help?"

Hot Spot raises an eyebrow "How badly is he damaged? I have some medical 
know-how...but it's kind of limited as to how much I can really do."

Skids opens his back doors. "He's in here." When peering inside all one can 
see is a battered mess. "Megatron mercilessly dropped him off the Great 
Bridge."

Hot Spot gasps slightly "The great bridge?"

Skids responds. "Yes. The Bridge. Air Raid caught sight of Megatron and 
saw what he was planning to do before either me of Springer."

Hot Spot shakes his head and quickly transforms in order to perform a more 
accurate evaluation.
Hot Spot transforms into Repair_Bay mode.

Skids adds, "Unfortunately, Megatron dropped the civillian anyway."

Hot Spot carefully removes the mechanoid from Skids and begins examining 
him.
Skids backs up somewhat.
Skids transforms into Robot mode.

Hot Spot says solemnly "Vital signs falling fast..."
Hot Spot uses laser scalpels and soldering irons to quickly rejoin broken 
connection....but they seem to be breaking faster than he can fix them.

Skids steps forward and grimly shakes his head. He places a hand carefully 
on the mechanoid's shoulder. He moves back as Hot Spot begins working but 
notes the Protectobot's manner. He can only watch.

Hot Spot works feverishly to try to save the mechanoid's life "C'mon! C'mon!"

Skids knows he's rather usless as far as repairs are concerned. He falls 
into silence once more.
Springer whirs in, alone.
Springer transforms into Robot mode.

Skids turns to the triplechanger as he arrives. He quickly takes notice of 
his sole standing. "The others?"

The mechanoid's gears churn suddenly. But it's unclear whether they are a 
reflexive action to the work or if the work is having a benefical effect.

Hot Spot jumps a bit as the mechanoid sparks, then his optics begin to dim. 
"No you don't! You ain't finished yet!"
Hot Spot continues feverishly working even though the mechanoid seems to 
be completely lifeless...not giving up hope.

Springer transforms, landing on the ground heavily, and walks over to the 
other Autobots, stopping near Skids. He stands there silently, watching as 
Hot Spot attempts to revive the fallen Cybertronian.

A small gutteral sound again emits from the mechanoid just as it did at the 
site of the bridge. But it is lower, and is rather painfully made. It lapses 
into silense followed by a rather sickining sound somewhere in the mechaoid's
chest.

Hot Spot gets a small blip on his medical scanner as the mechanoid seems 
to be revived for a brief second. 
Hot Spot calls out "Where's Ratchet when you really need him! I'm not a 
friggin' doctor!"

Skids turns back to the mechanoid, knowing Hot Spot's measures are more 
than likely in vain.

Springer smiles sadly. "Just do what you can, Hot Spot. We're not expecting 
miracles here."

Hot Spot looks around and lets out a long sigh as the mechanoid's vitals 
flatline completely, "I did what I could..."
Hot Spot transforms into Robot mode.

Skids blinks and nods rather slowly. "That was all any of us would have 
asked."

Hot Spot transforms back into robot mode and quietly walks away, not 
wanting to look back "I...I couldn't save him...the damage was too 
extensive..."

Springer sighs, crossing his arms. "Well, that's it, then. Another nameless 
loss in this here war of ours..."
Springer says, "It's alright, Hot Spot. We know you tried everything. I 
think he was a lost cause the moment Megatron tossed him over the side."

Skids narrows his optics somewhat and then turns ot Springer. "What of 
the others, " he says in a low voice. "They didn't come back with you."
Skids seems to be boucing back and forth between how's he's affected by the 
loss of the civillian as well as concern for his comrades...hoping the same 
does not happen to them.

Hot Spot nods "I just wish I could have done more....I don't have the 
training..."

Air Raid has arrived.
Air Raid skims in and circles twice before finding a spot to land. He slows 
from a run, then comes in nicely next to Springer, where he waits patiently.
A significant amount of time later, Grimlock follows in after Air Raid.

Skids hears to sound of jet engins and turns to Air Raid with a nod as he 
lands and transforms. After Grimlock arrives as well he assumes his question 
has already been answered.

Springer crouches down next to the body, hefting it up in his massive arms. 
"Ah well. I guess we should all be used to this by now. Should we put him in 
the crypt?"

Skids says nothing for a few moments, then: "Accepted it perhaps. Used to it?
No."

Air Raid looks blandly down at the offline mechanism. He seems unmoved, 
though anyone knowing him at all would realize that's not the case. He 
glances backward, trying to sense if he should simply retreat.

Skids turns to Air Raid. "You did what you could...before Springer and I 
knew what was transpiring," he offers sincerely, if not somewhat lamely.

Springer seems to have forgotten about his earlier anger, as he turns to 
face Air Raid. "Why was Megatron holding this poor soul by the neck anyway?"

Air Raid's face falls a little, and he says in sincere voice "I really 
did try. I...knew if we went in shooting it'd just be over quicker."
Air Raid shakes his head. "Dunno. He didn't say."

Skids comments darkly, "I doubt Megatron would feel he needs a reason for 
anything he does."

Air Raid doesn't respond on that.
Air Raid says, a little too brightly, "Well, I'll be on my way back to base. 
Sorry I couldn't save the guy. I tried." He turns on his heel and starts 
making his way toward the edge of the city.

Springer turns to watch Air Raid head into the base, his slightly narrowed 
optics the merest indication of any hard feelings. As soon as the Aerialbot 
disappears inside, he turns to the others. "Shall we? I don't feel like 
standing outside of Iacon holding a dead guy all day."

Air Raid blends into the thin crowd, and is gone.

Skids watches wordlessly and then gives nods to Springer. "Yes. Lets."

Springer turns and stalks into the base, still carrying the body.

Iacon -- Gates of Iacon

Skids follows in after the triplechanger.Skids's mouth is set in a firm 
line. "Sad situation indeed," he finally states.

Springer nods, heading towards the personnel wing. "Yeah."
Springer heads into Iacon's courtyard.

Iacon -- Central Courtyard

Skids comments, "We all did what we could, Springer." He's not entirely 
certain he's helping...and not quite sure he believes it himself.

Springer continues walking through the courtyard. "Yeah, I know, Skids. 
When something like this happens, though, you always lay awake at night, 
going over the 'what-ifs'. Y'know?"

Skids agrees. "I know all too well. Common stake in our lives, I fear."

Springer nods, continuing into the medical wing.

Skids makes certain to open the doors for Springer...considering his 
burden.

Iacon -- Central Lobby <Science Building>
Iacon -- Repair Bay <Science Building>

Springer carefully places the body on one of the med-tables, and then 
pulls a white cover over it. After staring at the corpse for a few seconds, 
he turns back towards Skids, sighing. "Well, that's that. I guess I'll go 
make my report now."

Skids gives an awknowledgement after looking downward for a few moments... 
"Understood."

Springer turns on his heel and strides out the door, disappearing down the 
busy hallway.