In Which Megatron Brings a Proposal to Air Raid.

This one is from an Autobot perspective... or rather an honorary Autobot, the human Candice. It takes place back when I had recently started playing Starchaser, so her style is more casual and less distinctive. She's more positive about life in general, having recently arrived from Cybertron and undergone few hardships on the new planet as of yet. Anyhow, Air Raid and the rest of his team have seceded from the Autobots for reasons I don't personally know, something about being mistreated all the time.

Western USA Skies

-From Outside- Hoversled is rising within the skies of the volcano seemingly practicing some maneuvering and stunts.

-From Outside- Air Raid cruises down from the stratosphere, and curves northward, flying at minimum speed over the terrain below.
-From Outside- Air Raid doesn't notice Candice's craft, and heads slowly down and to the north.
-From Outside- Air Raid heads out towards the vast horizon of the Canadian Skies.

-From Outside- You head out towards the vast horizon of the Canadian Skies...

-From Outside- Air Raid descends rapidly towards British Columbia.

You send, 'Um...Air Raid, Were you just flying over southwestern Canada just now?' to Air Raid.

Radio message from Air Raid, 'Affirmative.'.

You send, 'Um...I saw where you descended. Mind some company?' to Air Raid.

Radio message from Air Raid, 'I'm not good company right now, but if you want to land, I'm just outside Vancouver.'.

You send, 'OK' to Air Raid.

-From Outside- You descend several meters closer to British Columbia...
-From Outside- British Columbia.

-From Outside- Air Raid sits on a rock, overlooking the bay, and he tosses a ball between his hands.

-From Outside- Hoversled begins it's descent and lands only a few feet way from the Aerial.
-From Outside- Hoversled retracts it's wings, settling them back in to their original places, the vertical stabilizers also fold in and seem to vanish into the hull of the vehicle.
You command the hoversled to lower it's landing gear and park.
-From Outside- Hoversled extends three wheels, one from it's nose and one from each of it's out laying pods, then settles down on them.

-From Outside- Air Raid looks up briefly and nods, face all but coloring with what seems to be shame. But he hides it well.

Candice climbs out of the hoverseld.
Candice approaches the Aerial, not knowing exactly what to say. "Um...hello."

Air Raid offers a faint smile, and gives the ball a quick, twisting toss. He catches it in his other hand, and says, voice hoarse, "Uh, hi."

Candice glances at the ball briefly. "How goes it?" she asks.

Air Raid grins wryly. "You know how it's going. No need for me to make up something."
Air Raid's radio fizzes with activity.
Air Raid mumbles "sharp sigh*...up,...Wraith?...*sounding...bit..." into his radio.
Air Raid's radio fizzes with activity.

Candice glances up at the Areial and nods slowly. She waits for the other conversation to end before saying anything else.

Air Raid mumbles "I'm...But...I'm...you I'm...not...company...." into his radio.

Air Raid smiles weakly. "Sorry."

Candice shrugs. "No problem. Too bad they don't have answering machines for radios."

Air Raid hmms. "Yeah. Well. So, how are things with you?"

Air Raid's radio bleeps with activity.

Starchaser comes into view across the ocean's expanse, traveling from the Pacific Ocean <Canada and Arctic>.
Starchaser has arrived.
Starchaser appears as a tiny dot far above.

Air Raid mumbles "yeah....I...gu--..." into his radio.

Starchaser flies in, and is surprised to see the hoversled as she scans the area from way up high.

Air Raid sits on a rock overlooking the bay, and talking to Candice. His posture is rather slouched, and he looks up, frowning at the craft.
Air Raid's radio bleeps with activity.

Candice follows AR's gaze, not even able to start to give an answer. "Whoops," she mutters.

Starchaser mumbles "found Candice...the Hoversled,...Raid...." into her radio.

Air Raid stands and squints at the speck, audio's picking up the engines even though he can barely see the aircraft.
Air Raid frowns deeply. "Candice, inside that hovercraft now. I don't want any surprises."

Starchaser mumbles "Candice..." into her radio.

Candice nods and does what she's told
Candice hurries over to the sled
You climb into the Hoversled.

-From Outside- Starchaser switches to active scanning and powers up her third engine.
-From Outside- Starchaser's radio fizzes with activity.
-From Outside- Starchaser mumbles "supposed to..." into her radio.

-From Outside- Air Raid narrows his optics now, hearing more rumbling. He taps his comlink.

-From Outside- Starchaser performs a deep scan on the Hoversled.

-From Outside- Air Raid mumbles "<mumble><mumble>" into his radio.

-From Outside- Starchaser's radio crackles with activity.

-From Outside- Air Raid's radio squeaks with activity.
-From Outside- Air Raid swears colorfully. "Damn. Candice, try to take some cover, and don't let them see you go. I'm going to draw attention."

-From Outside- Starchaser mumbles "to retrieve..." into her radio.

-From Outside- Air Raid doesn't summon his weapon yet, but his slouch has given way to battle-readiness, and he stands alert for any sign of danger.

-From Outside- You hear Candice's voice saying, "Gotcha. Good luck" over the hoversled's PA system.

-From Outside- Air Raid mumbles "stealth...I'm...sure...is...." into his radio.

You command the Hoversled to lift up and retract its landing gear. It is now ready for flight.

-From Outside- Starchaser gains more altitude, scanners on full.
-From Outside- Starchaser's radio fizzes with activity.

-From Outside- Swindle comes in from the east.
-From Outside- Swindle has arrived.

-From Outside- Starchaser mumbles "Yes,...Commander...." into her radio.

-From Outside- Swindle flies in, following Starchaser's radio signal.

-From Outside- Starchaser mumbles "Swindle...is...here...well...." into her radio.

-From Outside- Air Raid's radio crackles with activity.

-From Outside- Starchaser's radio bleeps with activity.

-From Outside- A cool breeze blows through the area.

-From Outside- Hoversled moves itself on over behind a small building...not seeing any other form of cover

-From Outside- Air Raid snarls as he hears a sound, and backs toward the cliffside, wings twitching against the wind. He turns to scan the area.

-From Outside- Starchaser engages her external loudspeaker.
-From Outside- Starchaser says, "Aerial!"
-From Outside- Starchaser says, "Supreme Commander Megatron would speak with you."

-From Outside- Swindle says, "Starchaser, what is the situation here?"

-From Outside- Air Raid twitches his trigger finger, though he hasn't yet summoned his weapon. His face is fixed in a frown, and he doesn't seem to be in his usual humor. "What do you want?"

-From Outside- Starchaser mumbles "me...to..." into her radio.
-From Outside- Starchaser keeps one deep scanner trained on the hoversled.

Air Raid eyes Swindle, and backs closer to the cliff, wings twitching visibly. He tries not to look at Candice's hiding place, and he cocks his head toward the Decepticons. "You have ten seconds. Spit it out."

Candice leaves the sled and runs behind another small building.

Swindle grins a bit at the Aerial. "You have him pinned down for a reason right?"

Starchaser's radio bleeps with activity.
Starchaser says, "We have no further orders, but to carry this message."

Air Raid rolls his optics, easing down a bit. "Fine, whatever. Go."

Starchaser's speakers crackle, and Megatron's voice issues from them.
Starchaser says, "Tell him I wish to meet with him in a safe location, no traps, no hostilities."
Starchaser stops the recording.

Air Raid smirks. "You wanna meet who where? And you call me pinned? Swindle, please." He laughs for the first time in a few days.

Starchaser switches her scan to the human.

Candice watches for her hiding place, not knowing what else to do.

Air Raid tips his face toward Starchaser again. "You wanna explain that message to me? Tell who to meet Megatron where?"

Swindle turns to Starchaser. "Where is the human and her sled?

Starchaser calls down "You, Aerial. The Commander would like to speak with you, and I believe that he will radio you, or perhaps he would like you to radio him. It was not made clear to me."

Candice mouths an 'uh, oh' from where she's hiding.

Air Raid smirks, puffing himself up and trying to regain his sense of humor so recently lost. "Yeah, well, tell him to radio me then. I don't have time to chase down that tin can."

Starchaser mumbles "behind...has...order...I..." into her radio.

Swindle's radio squeaks with activity.

Air Raid looks around furtively, trying to keep attention on himself. He doesn't see Candice...and hopes no one else does, either.

Starchaser's radio bleeps with activity.

Swindle starts to move down towards the buildings.

Starchaser mumbles "He...to...radio...with...information...." into her radio.

Air Raid yells to Swindle, roguish grin back in place, "Hey, scaredy! Where you runnin' off to?"
Air Raid's radio bleeps with activity.
Air Raid waits to see what the Decepticons will do, and seems ready to spring into action. On hearing his radio, however, his concentration breaks for a moment, and he seems to waver..

Starchaser enters a lower holding pattern.

Air Raid mumbles "tense,...if...hard*..." into his radio.

Swindle ignores Air Raid as he lands close to the buildings. Anyone close enough would be able to see the box-like object in his hands.

Air Raid's radio bleeps with activity.

Starchaser scans Swindle.

Air Raid summons his rifle on impulse, a purple flash surrounding his hand, and he snaps off a shot toward Swindle, hoping to gather his attention.

Starchaser switches to ground support radar mode.

Air Raid mumbles "if...your thugs....them...here,...or...open..." into his radio.

Candice sees Swindle. Hoping he doesn't see her she crawls a bit further behind one of the structures...looking for something to crawl into.

Swindle drops Box-Cage.

Starchaser eyes the Aerial very closely.
Starchaser's radio crackles with activity.
Starchaser mumbles "<mumble><mumble>" into her radio.

Swindle whistles to himself as he removes a control.

Air Raid mumbles "*sound...of two...I..." into his radio.

Candice looks around desperately for some sort of ventilation duct or open basement window...ANYTHING!

Starchaser says, "Swindle. Stop that and give them some space. Megatron's orders are to back off a ways."

Air Raid's radio crackles with activity.

Starchaser chides Swindle and rises into a high pattern, keeping her radar in combat mode.

Air Raid shouts at the two Decepticons, "Back! You want your leader to get his two cents in, then you two beat it."

Swindle says, "I'm the reason that human got away, Starchaser, I intend to recapture her."

Candice suddenly gasps and immediately covers he mouth in shock at Swindle's pronouncement.

Starchaser says, "Swindle, Megatron's' orders! Hover up here with me."

Air Raid gestures with his rifle at Swindle, "One move toward that human, and your head is gonna decorate my mantle."

Starchaser swings around in a tense arc and eyes the situation.

Air Raid mumbles "Fine. Now,...is...out...if...intend..." into his radio.
Air Raid's radio buzzes with activity.
Air Raid's radio crackles with activity.

Starchaser says, "Swindle! Don't escalate this unnecessarily."

Swindle says, "Oh fine." He opens the box, then hovers up. "Robo, activate and guard the area. Do not advance or attack."

RoboWolf has arrived.

Air Raid mumbles "'commander'. Now,...speak with...off, and..." into his radio.

Swindle says, "I repeat, guard only."

Air Raid's radio crackles with activity.

RoboWolf sits down, watching the buildings, but not moving towards them.

Swindle turns to Star. "Just so she don't run off."

Starchaser scans Swindle's device.
Starchaser says, "I swear, Swindle, sometimes..."

Candice stops moving and stays were she is for the moment.

Turbowolf surveys the area, scanning beams from his eyes watching for enemies...

Starchaser chuckles softly.

Air Raid shouts up at the Combaticon. "Look! I've had a very bad day! So don't think I won't shoot your aft right outta that sky and put your smiley head as a decal on my cockpit!"

Swindle says, "Settle down. I didn't move any closer, did I?"

Air Raid raises his rifle. "There. You're closer to the butt of my gun. Now don't get any ideas, you yellow-chassis coward! Because I'm no wishy-washy Autojerk!"

Starchaser performs a deep scan on the metal mongrel.

You hear Starchaser mutter to Swindle: "that thing...safe?..."

You hear Swindle mutter to Starchaser: "as...it...attack or..."

You hear Starchaser mutter to Swindle: "<mumble><mumble>"

Megatron comes in from the USA.
Megatron has arrived.
Megatron enters the area, exuding an aura of power and fear.

Soundwave comes in from the USA.
Soundwave has arrived.

Quazar comes in from the USA.
Quazar has arrived.

Megatron flies in, flanked by Soundwave and Quazar.

Starchaser is in a holding pattern overhead.

Quazar flies in after yon BGG...

Thermosphere comes into view from the higher regions of British Columbia)].
Thermosphere has arrived.

Air Raid snarls at the entourage behind Megatron, and he shouts up into the air, "I said YOU! Not your whole slaggin' army!"

RoboWolf is sitting close to a small group of buildings, watching them.

Thermosphere flies in and starts to circle.

Starchaser circles under Thermosphere.

Swindle is hovering in the air, the controls to the wolf in his hands.

Candice is trying to hide behind one of the buildings, hoping she isn't seen.

Ramjet comes in from the USA.
Ramjet has arrived.

Candice doesn't see the newcomers of course but she hears them. She mumbles a quick prayer.

Air Raid backs up against the cliffside, nearly ready to leap off and into the wind. He keeps his rifle trained in Swindle's direction, however, and watches the crowd with growing unease. "This is NOT what I had planned, Megatron!"

Thermosphere mumbles "columbia..." into his radio.

Megatron spots Starchaser circling, and heads for her locations.

Starchaser mumbles "you...me...sled..." into her radio.

Megatron's radio squeaks with activity.

Megatron mumbles "No...." into his radio.

Starchaser's radio buzzes with activity.

Starchaser flips straight up and lowers her thrust so that she is hovering as well.

RoboWolf ears twitch as he hears the human whisper, but he doesn't move.

Thundercracker comes in from the USA.
Thundercracker has arrived.

Megatron lands with a grace that seems inconsistent with his size, and holds his hands up, striding towards Air Raid. "You have nothing to fear from the Decepticons, Aerialbot."

Starchaser chuckles softly at the distressed Aerial.

Thermosphere circles, as if on guard.

Candice holds herself tightly.

Quazar lands a few feet behind Megatron after transforming.

Air Raid growls, lip curling in a snarl, his usual buoyant manner seeming to have evaporated long ago. "Stand back, con, or I'll twisty tie your aft."

Starchaser circles closer and closer to the ground, largely unnoticed by the others.

Quazar transforms into Robot mode.

Starchaser transforms into Robot mode.
Starchaser walks back towards the buildings and looks curiously at Swindle's beast.

Megatron stops at Air Raid's threat, and smiles. "I am only here to offer you something, Aerialbot. If I wished for your destruction, you would already be nonfunctional."

Candice notices movement not that far away from her and holds her breath.

Starchaser's glance flicks over to the human, just to let her know that she has not gone unseen.

Air Raid's wings twitch, wind nearly buffeting him over the edge of the cliff. But he maintains his balance with relative ease, and watches the assemblage with his rifle upraised. "Yeah, not if I could help it. You couldn't hit me if I was flyin' with blindfolds. Now, if you want my *trust*... " he looks around, "...then call off the brute squad."

Starchaser walks over to the hoversled and kneels next to it, examining the construction.

Megatron nods, still smiling, and calls back to Soundwave. "Soundwave! Pull the rest of the Decepticons back! I wish to leave our uncomfortable friend at ease!"

Ramjet has left.

Candice's eyes widen as she realized she was indeed found. Here comes that sinking feeling.

Brawl comes in from the USA.
Brawl has arrived.

A cool breeze blows through the area.

Starchaser smiles sweetly and predatorily at Candice, then holds one blue-black finger to her lips.

Air Raid snorts. "Uncomfortable? I think smart is more like it. Get those things away from me..." He wrinkles his nose in human fashion, "They stink."

Thermosphere has left.

Soundwave nods solemnly.

Air Raid keeps an optic on Swindle and Starchaser. "All of them," he adds. "Just you, Megatron, and no tricks."

Thundercracker frowns at that last comment

Swindle sighs and hovers down to the box. "Robo, return to your cage."

Brawl drives noisily into the area, treads clanking and creaking loudly.

RoboWolf has left.

Thundercracker's radio fizzes with activity.

Starchaser watches the creation appreciatively.

Swindle closes the box-cage, then picks it up and flies away from the buildings.

Thundercracker mumbles "<mumble><mumble>" into his radio.

Air Raid eyes Megatron slowly as his troops depart. His unease is apparent, but despite his nervousness, there doesn't seem to be fear in his optics.

Starchaser mutters to you: "Human, who constructed this device?"

Thundercracker transforms into F-15 mode.
Thundercracker jumps up and transforms into his jet mode.
Thundercracker heads up through the clouds towards Canadian Skies.

Megatron watches as the other Decepticons move off, and then nods to Air Raid. "Satisfied?"

Soundwave heads up through the clouds towards Canadian Skies.
Soundwave has left.

Swindle drives south past customs into the USA.
Swindle has left.

Starchaser stands, and walks slowly away from the hoversled.

Quazar follows Soundwave not sure what is going on.

Candice looks up questionably at the Decepticon, not answering.

Air Raid quirks an optic ridge and keeps watching. "When none of them are in my line of sight, then yes, I will be."

Quazar heads up through the clouds towards Canadian Skies.
Quazar has left.

Thundercracker comes in from the USA.
Thundercracker has arrived.
Thundercracker flies swiftly into the area.

Starchaser disappears behind a stand of office buildings.

Soundwave comes into view from the higher regions of British Columbia)].
Soundwave has arrived.

Air Raid doesn't look anywhere but at Megatron and the other Decepticons, and he hopes desperately that the little human has found a suitable place to hide. He doesn't need to add guilt to the turmoil of the last few days.

Megatron does not move, merely holds his ground, still smiling. "I have heard reports of the Aerialbots' dissatisfaction with the Autobot command structure."

Thundercracker's radio squeaks with activity.

Starchaser raises an eyebrow at the human, then spins on her heel and stalks off towards the outskirts of the little town.

Air Raid smiles back, lips twisted into mock politeness, and he keeps his rifle in place. "Well, then you're finally up to speed. Let me guess...You want me to switch sides? Haven't we done this before?"

Candice pushes herself up against the wall, seated on the ground, watching Starchaser closely

Starchaser stops at a mini-mart at the outside of town and sits, leaning against the pump structure, one knee drawn up to her chin. She watches the huddled Candice while listening to the Aerial and Megatron speak.

Starchaser distractedly sketches something in the slushy road with one finger, a circuit diagram of some sort.

Air Raid keeps an optic out for any movement around Candice's hiding spot, but his attention seems riveted to the Decepticon commander. Twice the wind buffets him precariously near the edge of the cliffside, but he seems to pay it no attention.

Soundwave keeps his distance, staying quite far away with the others.. "Who's here still?"

Thundercracker just stands around patiently, arms crossed
Thundercracker transforms into Robot mode.
Thundercracker lands and transforms into his robot form.

Ramjet comes in from the USA.
Ramjet has arrived.

Shred comes into view across the ocean's expanse, traveling from the Pacific Ocean <Canada and Arctic>.
Shred has arrived.
Shred soars in, wings gently flapping, as unseen jets help along his swift flight.
Shred glides in high above...

Megatron raises his arms into a gesture of peace, he looks directly at Air Raid, "It seems that I have pressing matters to attend to, Air Raid, I would like to see you join us. Seeing your current dilemma with the Autobots, You have my sympathy."

Candice eyes the Decepticon warily.

Shred drops down slowly, and lands on the mini-mart, nodding silently to Starchaser, taking in the activity

Megatron looks down at the ground for a moment, smirking. After a moment, he raises his head to speak. "I am sure you are as committed to your brethren as I am to the Decepticons. However, you must ask yourself. Are the Autobots committed to -you-?"

Air Raid is very aware of any movement made by the distant Decepticons, and he follows Shred's descent with wary intent. His answer, however, is directed at Megatron. "Spare me. Just get to the bottom line, because if you want my assistance in anything, you need to convince me, and I've already seen what your kind does."

Megatron narrows his optics slightly, looking straight at Air Raid. "My kind? I will -tell- you what my kind does! We seek only to return Cybertron to its former glory! This planet offers severely needed resources, and I will waste no time in harvesting them! Your so-called leader, Optimus Prime, spends far too much of his time concerning himself with needless causes. The Decepticons only desire to revive our beloved homeworld."

Candice continues to watch the Decepticons near her warily.

Air Raid sighs sharply, and gestures with his rifle. "No, you don't understand on two accounts. First, my *leader* is not Optimus Prime. If you think he is, then you're not as up to speed a I thought. And secondly, my focus is a lot narrower than you seem to think it is, and I don't' give a flippin' updraft for your glory. So just tell me what it is you want, because I've had a *bad* day, and I'm not really ready to hear your stars and stripes speech."

Megatron points at Air Raid. "Then I ask you, Aerialbot. What do -you- want?"

Air Raid suddenly throws his head back and laughs, and regards Megatron with a cock-headed grin. "What do I want? Ha! You know, if you weren't the leader of such a bunch if scrap sucking rust swillers, I could actually thank you for asking me that. Now, if you were sincere, I would tell you. But since you're not, why don't you just tell me what it is you want out of me, and we can start from there?"

Megatron's optics flare, as he glares at Air Raid. "You don't -know- me, Aerialbot. You only know what you have -heard-! You have no idea what I can offer you. Perhaps you should consider this; Why would the Decepticons choose to follow me? Yes, I am powerful, but if they worked together, they could -easily- replace me. I am leader because I further the interests of -all- under my command! And I could do the same for you and your fellows."

Air Raid smirks, and says deadpan, "They bow and scrape because you would shoot them in the aft. I *have* heard the name Slagmaker, you know." He adds, "And anyway, anyone associating with that disgusting bunch of roachicons deserves what people think of him."

Candice very quietly icks.

Starchaser doesn't miss the human's sound.

Air Raid seems reasonably collected, despite the current situation, but there is a strain and weariness that sits just beneath his features. He seems to be at the end of a very long and stressful string of events.

Megatron does not seem affected by that insult. "You are so misled, Aerialbot. If I did not hate Autobots and their allies so much, I would feel pity for you. Bah! Let Optimus Prime continue to order you around, following his idiotic orders. If you have no ambitions of your own, STAY with the Autobots!"

Candice shifts uncomfortably in her seat.

Air Raid snorts derisively. "Um, Earth to Megatron. I told you I'm not an Autobot. He's *not* my commander." Of course, he doesn't go on to explain the rest of his situation, which is quite new and unique to his short life span.

Shred claws at the roof of the building, repositioning himself.

Megatron's lip curls into a slight sneer. "You are missing the point. You obviously have your own interests. Why not join with a force that feels the same way as you?"

Candice glances up above her, feeling some of the cinders from the roof fall into her hair. She slowly blinks and sighs inaudibly.

Air Raid shakes his head slightly, and rolls his optics toward the sky. "So you want me to join you. You want me, or my whole team?" He shifts his stance slightly, flicking a glance over to Candice, and then back at Megatron.

Candice leans back against the wall and continue to listen to the conversation.

Megatron crosses his arms, regarding Air Raid with a faintly distant look. "I never -asked- you to join the Decepticons, Aerialbot. However, if you have difficulties with the Autobots, I suggest you look to my side of this conflict. If you and your brothers are concerned more with your own interests, rather than the Autobots' foolish quests, the Decepticons may be more to your liking. We seek only what is best for ourselves, and our allies."

Air Raid raises an optic ridge, corner of his mouth lifting in a lopsided grin. "Well if that doesn't just top of my week." Face a careful mask of interest, he steps forward. "And what would this -- alliance -- involve?"

Candice measures her breathing carefully.

Megatron's smile grows wider. "My greatest wish is to end the conflict here on Earth, so the entire Cybertronian race can concentrate on greater things. With you and your brothers' aid, this pointless conflict could be ended much sooner. While Optimus Prime is content to force his morality on the Autobots, I desire to provide the -universe- to my followers!"

Candice blinks, wishing there was something she could do besides being so helpless.

Air Raid gives his shoulder a half-shrug, as if shaking himself free from some of the tension. He seems to be thinking hard, as if considering how he wants to approach this. He says, after a moment, "Well, this is an interesting conversation at least." He flicks a glance around, apparently uncomfortable with the dilemma he's been presented with. "Tell you what. I need to confer with my team...Should I get back to you?"

Shred is getting bored, having heard all this before

Megatron nods once. "You may be surprised to hear this, Aerialbot, but I -am- agreeable. Contact myself, or one of my troops, when you have conferred with your brothers. I am most anxious to hear what they have to say."

Air Raid holds up his free hand, two fingers extended. "Two things: first, I will only contact you. If I'm going to make a deal, it's going to be honestly and straightforward. Not through one of your...thugs."

Megatron nods again. "Very well. Contact me when you are ready to converse further."

Air Raid continues, "Secondly, as a way of earning my trust, I want the human Candice to be left alone."

Megatron says, "Very well. The human will not be disturbed."

Air Raid nods, and lowers his rifle. "I'm not saying yes, Megatron. Don't think I'm trying to deceive you."

Megatron narrows his optics. "It would be unwise to attempt to deceive me, Aerialbot. I am no fool."

Swindle stands up and stretches, as if to show this has lasted much too long. He'd yawn if Transformers needed to do such things.

Air Raid snorts. "And it would be unwise to use deceit with us. So because of that, I'm not answering right now. I'm thinking. I want that on record."
Air Raid gestures. "Now, since all of your troops know where Candice is currently hiding, as you leave, I want them to skirt the area in a wide arc, and not come near her. And if I'm followed, you lose my trust."

Megatron nods once more. "I am not trying to deceive you, Aerialbot. I am of course interested in my own concerns. Fortunately, yours are similar."

Candice blinks, feeling only slightly more relaxed.

Megatron says, "Very well. The human is free to depart. The Decepticons will depart as well."

Air Raid nods. "Then I will stay and watch you leave. Good day, Megatron." He smiles, looking youngish for a moment. "I mean that."

Swindle flies off looking a bit bored.

Starchaser cranks herself to her feet.

Swindle drives south past customs into the USA.

Shred rises, gently off the building.

Megatron watches Air Raid a moment more, and then smiles slightly as he rises
into the air, flying westward.

Starchaser spins on her heel and heads north, out of town.

Megatron heads out to sea.
Megatron has left.

Starchaser transforms into Pyramid_Jet mode.
Scramjet exhaust screaming, Starchaser slingshots into the upper atmosphere.
Starchaser heads up through the clouds towards Canadian Skies.
Starchaser has left.

Candice doesn't seem to move from her location until all the Decepticons have
finally left.

Shred glides, slowly up above
Shred heads up through the clouds towards Canadian Skies.
Shred has left.

Candice uses the brick wall for support to get to her feet.

Air Raid breathes an audible sigh of relief, and makes his way directly toward Candice. "Get your craft," he says as he nears, "I'm shadowing you back."

Candice nods. "Alright." She makes her way over to her craft and mouths a silent "Thank you."
You climb into the Hoversled.

-From Outside- Air Raid keeps an optic out for Cons, but his rifle is gone into subspace, and his tiredness shows clearly now. He merely nods, and jumps clumsily into the air.
-From Outside- Air Raid transforms into F-15 mode.
-From Outside- Air Raid flips down into a sleek, black F-15.

You command the Hoversled to lift up and retract it's landing gear. It is now ready for flight.
-From Outside- Hoversled raises up A little and retracts it's landing gear.
-From Outside- Hoversled extends it's wings, the cylinders on it's sides becoming wing mounted thrusters, two long thin vertical stabilizers rise up and lock into place over the back of the small craft.

<Cut to outside the Ark>

-From Outside- Air Raid has arrived.
-From Outside- Air Raid transforms into Robot mode.

-From Outside- Hoversled retracts it's wings, settling them back in to their original places, the vertical stabilizers also fold in and seem to vanish into the hull of the vehicle.
You command the hoversled to lower it's landing gear.
-From Outside- Hoversled extends three wheels, one from it's nose and one from each of it's out laying pods, then settles down on them.
Candice climbs out of the hoversled.

Air Raid stumbles to the ground, and walks Candice inside, not pausing for anything.
Air Raid says, "Let's go. Move. Now."

Candice nods.

You proceed into the Ark.
Security Hallway

Air Raid has arrived.
Air Raid goes into the command center.

You go into the Command Center.

Air Raid stumbles in, Candice in tow. He pauses just inside the door and stands tiredly gazing at the gathering. "Candice..." he says quietly..

Air Raid mutters to you: "I'm sorry...we didn't get to finish our...um, conversation."

Bluestreak is standing near Percy; he has his hand on his chest, rubbing it thoughtfully

Candice stops and gazes to look up at Air Raid

Air Raid looks a bit dazed, and seems to be gathering his scattered thoughts. He barely notices where he is, much less who else is in the room.

Ramhorn's ears perk up, he gets up, and slowly approaches Candice

Bluestreak turns at the sound of a voice and blinks.

You mutter to Air Raid: "Um...raincheck?"

Bluestreak says, "Hey, it's Air Raid! Thought you left or something, Raider?"

Air Raid walks over to the southern exit, nodding numbly to Candice. "Bye," he mutters as he leaves, and you can hear him clanking down the hall toward the farthest corridor.

Candice glances up at the Aerial in deep concern. "Thanks, Air Raid."

Air Raid grins and hears it in his daze.
Air Raid doesn't even register what Bluestreak says.
Air Raid goes out into the main corridor.
Air Raid has left.

Bluestreak blinks again. "What was THAT all about?"
Bluestreak mumbles "<mumble><mumble>" into his radio.
Bluestreak's radio fizzes with activity.

Ramhorn looks after Air Raid. "I didn't even get to say hello."

Perceptor frowns, looking at Candice. "Was there a problem?"

You send, 'I'm here if you ever need me.' to Air Raid.

Ramhorn mumbles "<mumble><mumble>" into his radio.

Candice is looking slightly pale. "Um...yeah. But...it's taken care of."

Ramhorn says, "You OK, Candice?"

Perceptor hmms. "What was the difficulty?"

Candice umms, "Just some slightly rough turbulence."

Perceptor frowns.

Candice hmphs. "Ok, so not so slight."

Bluestreak mumbles "what...happened?...I...mean,...out there...come you...such...a rush?...time,...first place,...don't...understand, me...here...be someplace...think...mad....you...alright?...are...you doing?...your...to yourself?...than...stuck here....come...wherever you..." into his radio.

Bluestreak looks down at Candice. "So what happened?"

Candice shifts uncomfortably. "I...don't really want to talk about it."

Bluestreak blinks. "Uhh, OK I guess..."

Candice starts moving towards the door. "Um...I'm I've gotta get some sleep. I'm exhausted. I'll see you all later."

Bluestreak says, "Umm, goodnight Candice. You need a lift?"

Candice sighs inaudiably and then shrugs. "Sure...I guess so."

Bluestreak nods.
Bluestreak transforms into 280_ZX mode.
Bluestreak opens a door. "You look too tired to stay on my shoulder this time, so hop in."

Candice walks over, her steps somewhat unsteady as she gets in, carefully slides into the front seat and buckles herself in.

Bluestreak heads out the door towards the barracks.

Candice say, "Thanks, Bluestreak.. for the ride I mean."

Bluestreak turns the corners slowly so as not to bounce Candice around too much. He says, "Well, at least you got to see your friends the Aerials again. How are they doing?"

You go into the main corridor

Candice softly sighs again. "They're in one piece," she answers.

Bluestreak chuckles. "They are? I thought there was five of them. Wouldn't that mean five pieces? Unless you mean Superion, of course."

You head into the Barracks.

Candice frowns slightly, not in the mood to be amused. "Um...yeah. There are five."

Bluestreak cruises in auto mode. He honks his horn cheerfully.

Stormwind's visor darkens greatly... "Excuse me..."
Stormwind gets up and heads for the corridor
Stormwind walks back to the Long Corridor.
Stormwind has left.

You say, "Stormwind and I aren't on real good terms either, I guess."

Candice hehs, shaking herself free of her thoughts. "Whatever gave me that idea."

Bluestreak's face on the screen shows troubled astonishment. "She really did hit me."

Candice blinks. "Stormwind???"

Bluestreak's image head nods.

Candice falls back in her seat and shakes her head. She mutters to herself: "What a night..."

Bluestreak's face says, "She slugged me. That's why she's confined to the Ark. You can't see it now, but she dented my chest where the bumper is."

Candice's eyes widen. "She HIT you?"

Bluestreak's image head nods again.

Candice grumbles. "Everyone is at each other's throats."

The screen says, "That's what my reaction was too. We were playing around before that, but I didn't realize she was serious. I mean, she'd do some kicks, and I'd tag her when she missed. Boy does she have lousy aim too. No, I think she just hates me in particular."

Candice sighs. "I told you earlier she thought you meant every word you told her. She doesn't know you're just teasing."
Candice adds, "And don't worry. She hates me too probably."

Bluestreak's image face grins. "Maybe we should start our own club?" He heads for Candice's room.

Candice gives a half-hearted shrug. "At least she didn't call you a traitor."

Bluestreak hmms.
Bluestreak stops in front of the garage door and says, "You don't look so good, Candice. Kinda pale. You need company tonight?"

Candice nods. "Yeah. I suppose I do, Bluestreak."

Bluestreak waits patiently for the door to rise.

You move into the office.
Public Relations Office

Candice waits for the Autobot to stop before unbuckling her belt

Bluestreak opens a door and parks himself.

Candice gets out of the car and stumble somewhat to her bed, grunting a little as she sits, brushing cinders from her lengthy strands of hair.

Bluestreak chuckles and observes, "You need to go through the car wash a few times, Candy."

Candice ttttthbs lightly. "Very funny, Blue. Very funny."

Bluestreak says, "Hey, I need a wash too. How about putting that rag to good use, eh?"

Candice looks tiredly at the rag and blinks. "Not tonight, Blue. Maybe some other time."

Bluestreak laughs quietly.

Candice sighs, looking thoughtful for a moment.

Bluestreak says, "Maybe tomorrow then, eh? Then you can tell me what's on your mind maybe, eh?"