The Plot Thickens...

[Megatron]

The surging of energy continued for a few moments as the water spouting from the fountain began to follow an irregular pattern, shooting out onto the floor of the gazebo instead of neatly collecting into the fountain basin as it had been. Slowly, something distinct began to take shape out of the water.

A humanoid form emerged and stood at the top of the small set of stairs leading up inside the gazebo.

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg

"What are all of you doing poking around here?" she demanded, looking sternly at the gathering. "Do you think there's some sort os significance to this place? Alright, which one of you is the ringleader? Who's in charge?"

The entity resembled a human woman dressed in simple garb though that was clearly not the case. She crossed her arms and stared into the crowd, obviously expecting some kind of response and expecting it soon.

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks just stood and watched the display as human emerged from the spilled water of the fountain. He looked around the gazebo, half expecting to see a holographic projector of some manner in use. But this was an incredibly sophisticated for a hologram. Then the entity asked to speak with the leader, he looked among the group, "Do we even HAVE a leader."

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
Draco mean while straightened up immediately. his wings folded tightly to his sides. The entity was a spirit of some sort, a Nereid? Perhaps, they are water spirits. Perhaps a spectre locked to this location. Either way, an appeasement was in order or this being may very well turn hostile and refuse to aid them.

He bowed his head, "Forgive us, m'lady. We mean not to be rude. This location seemed to hold some significance. It is unique in it's placement and energies."

[Zatnik]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/85/Starscream.jpg/82px-Starscream.jpg
Location; a couple of meters above the gazebo.

Starscream, though out of direct line of sight of the 'human' from the fountain, found him attention immediatly peaked at the mention of the word 'leader.'

"Well, my dear pathetic Autobot... I should have thought that the answer to that question would be obvious...As everyone else here seems to have an unhealthy obsession with 'being dead,' as it were." At this point Starscream throws a pointed look at Megatron "I find that I must once more take it upon myself to insist on taking up that woesome mantle."

[Nightbird]

http://www.freeweb.hu/krande/rakter/3.jpg

Gwen didn't like this one bit. She didn't like the odd stare she got from the menacing looking thing with the raptor head on it's chest, she didn't like being ignored by all of these huge robots, she didn't like the screechy one period, and she sure as hell didn't like it claiming any kind of authority.
Seeing that everyone in her little group was pretty much dumbfounded (except for Tracks), she stepped forward.
"We-" her voice broke a little. She cleared it.
"This er, being may speak for some of the others- " she motioned to the seperate group- "But not us." She pointed to her own group.
"Maybe you can answer some questions we have? Like, what is this place?"

[Beepbop]

((Ack sorry for taking so long to reply ^^; ))
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/Henniarox/Tigatron1.jpg

Tigatron looked at the others in the creatures who were now gathered around the gazebo. There were two autobots, a few decepticons and a strange multitude of humans. He heard his name and looked over to see...no it couldn't be could it?

"Dinobot, Yes it is me" He said a little happier. This wasn't exactly the mech he wanted to see but any familiar face was a bonus at this point.

He then glanced at the gazebo just as a human-like figure emerged. When she demanded the information he was going to reply but saw that the others had it covered and kept quiet.

[Slagpit]

**Gazebo**

Oh, goody, now we've got more smegging giant androids and some person who walks right out of the water from nowhere. That's it, I must be in some "Better Than Life" simulation that's gone wrong for me as usual. Check please!

*Rimmer proceeded to look around in the sky, seemingly expecting some sort of cosmic waiter to stop by his table and deliver his check so he could leave*

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

**Catacombs**

You can-not destroy the da-leks! You will comply or you will be ex-ter-mi-nate-ed!

*the saltshaker thing calling itself "Dalek" shook it's various stalk things in an aggravated manner at the bounty hunter*

[Hound]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii76/Elevensies/ThumbnailRebel.jpg
Location: Gazebo clearing, Ratchet's shoulder.

Aaaand now the water turned into a person and is talking. I guess I don't have to wonder if things can get any weirder. So far, the answer's always been "Yes."

In anycase, there was no way she was speaking up for this "leadership position." Let somebody who had a clue speak up. Preferably one of the giant robots, who were probably more durable and less likely to squish if this gazebo-fountain-lady decided she didn't like their face.

Not to mention... Nora felt that leaders, probably, should pay attention in times of diplomatic communications with potentially hostile beings. And, as important as this definitely was, she couldn't help but keep sneaking glances at the dragon.

~

http://entimg.msn.com/i/125/TVDeaths/angel_gquin_125x150.jpg
Location: Forest, near Nuadaa

"Ah, no, really? I would have never, ever guessed this forest was..." His sarcasim trailed off, mid-sentence, as he followed the other's gaze. Though Doyle could hardly be classified as a major practitioner of the magical arts, neither could he be considered completely out of touch, mystically speaking. Though he couldn't tell exactly what it was, something was giving him serious heebie jeebies all of a sudden.

"What th'-" Apparently there was some conspiracy to prevent him from finishing a sentence, for he got an answer before he'd even finished asking the question. Unfortunately, it came from a most unwanted source.

The vision came with its usual violent headache, like an ice pick to the forehead. With it came an image of a clearing, with a gazebo (of all things) sitting in the center of a rather diverse congregation. Their attention seemed to be drawn to the gazebo, and Doyle had the sense that Something Important was happening inside it. However, before he got even a glimpse of what it might be, the vision had ended.

The pain was still lingering, however, and he was rather glad that he found himself kneeling on the forest floor, since staying standing seemed like too much effort. Gritting a curse out between his teeth, he added, "It was a rhetorical question, you-" And here we'll censor for naughty words.

[Crog]

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/Deathshead151matrixholder.jpg?t=1229155591

Location: The stairwell out of the catacombs

*Death's Head watched the slightly smaller robot with mild amusement and just shook his head. He stepped over it and walked up the stairs towards the light.*

Fine, if you don't want my help, then no need to offer anymore, yes? Seems it would have been a waste of good energy anyway, eh?

*Emerging into the sunlight, Death's Head suddenly swiveled his head to the North as he detected a large energy source. He started making his way towards it.*

Hmmm, lots of energy. A metropolis of some sort perhaps, hmm? I can get re-energized and perhaps a paying job. Maybe even, someone there will have heard of me, yes?

--------

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/ilmH3_sarge_bustblk.jpg?t=1229156515

Location: The Gazebo of a Thousand Wonders

*Johnson looked up as the fliers arrived. He'd seen some pretty strange things in his lifetime, but never a real life dragon. He also noted with interest that one of the flying constructs appeared to be the blue fighter craft he'd seen earlier... only mixed and moved. He shook his head in wonderment as he made his way up to the gazebo. Another point of interest that he noted was the addition of three fine young ladies... even if one of them seemed to be some sort of an alien with wings. she was certainly cute enough, they all were.*

Things are getting better here in the afterlife already. Scenery, action, beautiful ladies... Now I wonder if that shimmering fountain dispenses cigars. That's the only thing that could make this-

*As Johnson watched, the water coalesced into another beautiful lady. For a moment he was a bit taken aback. but then he smiled.*

I see, this fountain doesn't dispense cigars, it dispenses beautiful women... Now if only I can find the cigar one.

*Then he noticed that even the young women in the group seemed alarmed. That probably meant that fountains spouting out women weren't a common occurrence around here after all. He sighed, visibly drooping a bit outwardly. It was a nice idea after all, but only an imaginative dream it seemed. Johnson decided to hold his tongue when the water woman spoke. Judging from the demeanor of some of those arrayed around the fountain, some of them felt that perhaps they weren't entirely safe. Old instincts kicking in, he surreptitiously moved so that he stood in between the fountain and the small group of humans. If something dangerous did happen, he'd see what he could do to help protect them.*

Who'd have thought that even in death I'd still be working to defend others. Wonder what Miranda would think of that?

*He paused, puzzlement taking hold. Who was Miranda? He couldn't remember.*

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/megatron.jpg
Location: Gazebo

Megatron's expression didn't change at all between the appearance of the strange humanoid and Starsream's irritating response to her query. The truth was, at the moment, the Decepticon leader was in over his head, and he felt that if Starscream was stupid enough to try to claim responsibility for this entire bizarre group he could just go right ahead and do that. When the time was right, Megatron would make sure he was in control once again. For the time being Starscream could me useful for once and draw the mysterious figure's attention.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/mina.jpg
Location: Gazebo

Mina felt as though she should say something to the stranger, but everyone else seemed to be doing a good enough job at the moment. The appearance of the woman had not been terribly surprising to the princess: after all, where she came from beings existed in all forms. Rather than being rude and interrupting, she decided to be quiet until such a time as her input was requested.




http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/nuada.jpg
Location: Forest, near Doyle

The prince watched with mild bemusement as the human apparently had some sort of episode right in front of him, before he could even slap him around a bit for his nearly complete sarcastic reply. Nuada finally decided to consider the man's obvious pain as retribution enough for his attitude, at least for the time being.

"Well, now that you have a better idea what I'm talking about," he began, "Perhaps the next step would be to investigate the source. If you think you can walk without falling down again..."

Without waiting for Doyle to reply, Nuada began walking away, towards the source of the energy. He didn't care whether or not the human came along, in fact the only reason he'd even bothered to speak to the man was to see if he knew anything useful. He obviously did not, and was evidently possessed of the same horrible nature all humans shared. Good riddance.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo

"You are right about that, dragon," the woman said. "Or should I say Draco? Seems like the same thing to me anyway. Words. What an awkward means of communication."

She turned her attention towards the shrieking seeker. "So, you're claiming responsibility for this group? Are you sure you want that? Think of how well your previous ventures into leadership have turned out for you."

She waited a moment for Starscream to absorb her words. "Didn't you ever hear of the sword of Damocles?"

Finally, she turned to Gwen.

"Maybe I can," she replied, cryptically. "What is this place? What is any place? You're all here, does anything else matter? Where did you think you'd end up after you died? Some absurd notion of a euphoric afterlife, or did you hold an equally misguided belief in total oblivion? No, no. You're all in a transition stage. What you do here determines what will come next."



(Insert picture of sullen night elf here)
Location: Gazebo

Illidan observed in relative silence, though he was close to the figure she wasn't paying him much heed. He wasn't amused by her charade in the least- it was obvious to him that she not only knew exactly what was going on, but she was also responsible for it. She was merely toying with them, trying to get some kind of reaction. She was obviously teasing them with some knowledge about their lives. At the moment he would rather not speak up and have her probe into his past.

[Zatnik]

[STARSCREAM]
LOCATION: Gazebo.

If, as Illidan had privatly summised, the water-woman was trying to stir a reaction, then it was certainly going to be effective on Starscream. As the woman was speaking, he came down to ground level in order that he might STARE at her, as she commented on his previous reign. His temper was shortened further when the creature had the gall to start talking again just when he was about to do it the honor of replying.

"I have no interest in such... mythology. My reign went quite well untill my interruption." Starscream sends a heated glare at Megatron with this last word, and the next phrase was directed in that direction; "and I assure you, it is only an interruption."

"Yes, I will claim Leadership; however I claim no 'responsibility' for creatures I do not know." Starscream narrowed his optics slightly, thinking of the dragon. No, he was not responsible for dragons.

[Nightbird]

[continuing the trend of no-avs]

Gwen flinched as the water woman spoke to her, and before she could ask, Starscream got down. Gwen jumped back before she got squished.
Gwen's temper suddenly shot off.
"Uh, excuse me? There are people down here!" She shoved past his shoulder. "Y'know, some of us actually want to get out of here, so how bout you just let the lady talk!?"
Uh, Gwenny...said the little voice of her subconcious. That might've not been a good idea.

((Ohboy.))

[Crog]

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/ilmH3_sarge_bustblk.jpg?t=1229156515

*Johnson was startled by the young girl's courage as she pushed past him and the lead construct... and by her rashness as well. He quickly stepped forward and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her back.*

Now, now girlie. Let's not go and get ourselves killed. If this oversized lightbulb wants to land here, there's not particularly much we can do about it. Just keep your head down.

*He attempted to pull her back a bit, away from the constructs, and back towards the other humans.*

Now how to get that other girl down here and safely away from that other sentinel.

[Slagpit]

*In the catacombs, the Dalek trundled back into the ill-lit maze, his eye stalk not bothered in the least by the poor lighting. Soon, it came across what it had been looking for... although it was a strange place to find a computer terminal, he none the less had found one, and proceeded to jab the plunger-like thing through it, and started to siphon energy and information*

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

*Rimmer was still standing in the clearing, looking up at the sky, arms crossed, tapping a foot in irritation*

Seriously, any minute now, I'll be back aboard Starbug or Red Dwarf, and everything will make a little more sense again. At this rate, I'd even be happy to see that slob, Lister.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

*Wolfwood was still somewhere in the woods with The Doctor and a strange demon thing on his Cross Punisher, but noone seemed to notice this, so the scene seemed to just fade away*

[Coraxonyx]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNG-JIE-bQI/AAAAAAAAAPI/nhaLG8EO-44/s288/TC%201.jpg

Location: At the gazebo.

Thundercracker smirked at Starscream's display and the humans' subsequent reaction. He'd say this for the Air Commander, he made an excellent distraction. The blue Seeker decided to take his cues from Megatron and remained quiet but alert.



http://lh5.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNHEsED3G3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/ixqbe-AZuZA/s288/wash%201.jpg

Location: Also at the Gazebo.

Wash stepped forward, then back, then forward again and laid a gentle hand on Gwen's arm. "Uh, Gwen, remember what Tracks said about these guys. They're kind of dangerous, dong ma? Let's just back off."

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
Draco shifted his wings as the woman addressed him and echoed a memory of a similar comment he had made about his name. He moved a little closer, not so much as to come off as threatening, but he had a feeling she already knew his intentions. He turned cast Starscream a wary glance, not thinking very highly of the boastful mech. He leaned his head down, to get to eye level with the fountain's mistress, "M'lady, you seem to know a great deal about us and our circumstances. You say our actions her determine where we will progress to, is this a place where all lost souls go, or only a select few..."
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
The blue mech knelt down close to Gwen, showing her that he'd shield them in case things turn violent. He smiled down to Gwen, laying a reassuring hand on her shoulder, silently conveying that everything would be ok for them.

He stood up straight affixing a glare to the seeker, "As the lady said, this mech in no way represents us." Not that he recognized that hideous shriek of a voice or the venomous mech it belonged to, but he had a feeling that this was a mech he would regret knowing.

[Ratchet]

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/art/drwho2.jpg

Location: Forest w/Wolfwood


After the mysterious stranger that had both accosted the Doctor and Wolfwood seemed to disappear, the Time Lord turned to the other man with a puzzled look.

"Well my dear fellow that was a very interesting encounter if I do say so myself but perhaps we should be getting on our way?" He pointed onwards. "I have a feeling there are more answers in this direction."


http://www.comicsindisguise.com/ratchet_closeup.jpg


Location: Gazebo, with everyone, Nora on shoulder

Ratchet looked over at Nora sitting atop his shoulder briefly then turned to face the armoured human male who he felt was casting glances his way. There were so many lifeforms here now... all so different and yet all in this mysterious 'transition' period which obviously meant between life and death.
...But why?

And stranger yet, why was Starscream attempting to take control over the situation and Megatron doing nothing about it?

"What is this sword? "The medic spoke out, turning to face the strange woman. "You seem to know much about us and yet we know so little about you?"

[Hound]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii76/Elevensies/ThumbnailRebel.jpg

Nora frowned. That "sword" thing had sounded vaguely familiar. Something... Greek? Roman, maybe? To Ratchet, she muttered, "I think its... err... something in a myth. Uh... something about it hanging over some guy named Damocles's head. Maybe. I mean, I could be wrong. I learned about it in Jr. High, and that was... ages and an alien invasion ago."

She didn't try and address the woman, despite the fact no one had yet asked the question that she was dying (ahaha. This was going to get old fast) to know the answer to. For now, though, she'd settle for 'who are you?', and leave the '-and what are you going to do to us?' for afterwards.


http://entimg.msn.com/i/125/TVDeaths/angel_gquin_125x150.jpg

Doyle scrambled to his feet and wished he had some Scotch. Instead, what he got was a migrane and -this- guy for company. Yup. This is definitely Hell.

On the other hand, any company was better than no company at all. So, muttering under his breath, he followed after the Prince. Fortunately, his post-Vision headache seemed to be clearing up more rapidly than usual. Which was lucky, as he doubted he would have been able to keep up otherwise.

After a minute or so, he spoke up. "You have any idea what we're walking in to? Because, all I got was a general sense of 'something big' happening. Not to mention that it'd already attracted a crowd..."

[Slagpit]

*Wolfwood, happy to have... whatever it was... off his back, hefted his gun and followed after the Doctor*

Yeah, answers... answers would be much appreciated right now. Almost as much as a good smoke and some female company, but I'll make due with answers.

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo

The mystery woman put both hands on her hips as Starscream loomed in closer, and drew herself up to her full five foot something height.

"You boorish mechanical troglodyte!" she spat at him, ignoring everyone else for now. "What a fool you are. You can't claim leadership and then pass off responsibility. You're an idiot. You're going to be chosen last, I hope you end up on -his- team."

Without further explaining her statement, she turned away from him to face Draco, smoothing the folds of her plain white dress as if brushing Starscream off.

"Yes, yes, but where you go is ultimately up to you." her head whipped towards Ratchet. "What's to know about me? If you believed in a god before, believe in -me- now, for here I am. As for the sword, it is a moral story from your world about the perils of being in power- but the stupid one to whom the comment was directed wouldn't understand anyway. Forget I mentioned it."

She settled herself down in a sitting position on the steps. "Wait a few moments for the others to arrive, they are nearby. I don't feel like repeating myself."




http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/megatron.jpg
Location: Gazebo

The Decepticon leader's ambivalence continued to grow. On one hand, this woman was a mysterious fleshy appearing thing who was obviously toying with them in some way for reasons unknown. On the other hand, she was doing a good job of making Starscream look bad. But then, Starscream did that well enough on his own. Megatron firmly decided that he didn't like the woman one bit, but caution was a must. She seemed to be responding to everyone who was addressing her, so with any luck the others would get the necessary nfo from her. If not, well, he'd cross that bridge when he got to it. He was sure everyone else wanted the same answers he did.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/nuada.jpg
Location: Forest, with Doyle


So the idiot human was following after all... Lovely. Not only that, but he was trying to make conversation, and after he had been so blatantly rude before, too.

"Well, human," Nuada began, surprising even himself by dignifying Doyle wityh any response at all, "since the peculiar nature of this forest was so obvious to you all along, surely you can manage to reason out this new mystery without my input."

As he made his way easily through the trees the intensity of the power source became stronger. Soon the Prince could make out forms among the foliage, and what appeared to be a structure in the middle of a clearing ahead.

[Ratchet]

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/art/drwho2.jpg

Location: Forest w/Wolfwood


The Doctor looked amused by Wolfwood's comment.
"I suppose one must find their own happiness in life..." He chuckled to himself. "Forgive me for asking, but are you not a er... priest?" He pointed to Woflwood's cross. "Human priest I might add too? Or perhaps you're from a different century. Hmmm hmmm... I didn't think of that. Now what can I remember on the subject?"

He tilted his head thoughtfully for a while, as in deep thought. Finally he shrugged. "Perhaps you can enlighten me."


http://www.comicsindisguise.com/ratchet_closeup.jpg

Ratchet: Gazebo

Ratchet turned to Nora and nodded his head in understanding as the mysterious woman gave a similar explanation.

"I don't know if there is a god or what they want from us or why they would've brought us here but-"

"Wait a minute..." The Autobot said, snapping back towards the woman. "HIS team? ...Who is that?"

[Slagpit]

((Didn't you know? This is going to be a multiversal dead people soft ball tournament!))

*Wolfwood shrugged slightly and sighed*

Yeah, I was a priest. Thought it might make up for some dark times in my past. Even ran an orphanage, and collected money for it with this.

*Out of seeming nowhere, the darkly-clad man held out what looked to be a crudely-constructed box resembling a church the size of a man's head*

My portable confessional. Unfortunately, given our present surroundings, which don't in any way resemble the heaven I read about, I'm not entirely certain it turned out to be worth it.

*Not far off to the side of the path the pair were walking, a strange, inhuman scream came up from some sort of passage down underground. Reflexively, the former holy man lifted his gun and pointed it at the tunnel*

WHAT WAS THAT?!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

*In the catacombs, the Dalek screamed as it took in the energy and information in the computer, confused that it seemed to be the same information it had taken before it exterminated itself.*

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
The dragon dropped into a sitting position, folding it's arms over it's chest as it contemplated the mysterious feminine entity's words. She spoke of teams, then perhaps these tests would divide them up in accordance to their moral and ethical values. One apparently delegated to deal with the less noble aspects.

He turned to the others in the field, curling his tail back to keep from swatting anyone unintentionally. He scoured the group and the additional metal men with a curious eye, "What interesting worlds exist out there..."
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks simply stayed near the group he brought in, casting a glance back at Rimmer, "Oh pipe down, this ISN'T half as disturbing as some of the things I've lived through. Although this does rank up there with the strangest."

[MBlackwood]

((Will do my best to post within the week, guys. Apologies for the long wait - lots of homework dumped on me for the long weekend. TTwTT Pity me.))

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png

Starscream is distracted from what causing what (on Earth) would have caused a very messy mess, by the insults of this other miniscule, watery female. At this he lowered his foot, not really caring where it came down -if the human was squished it was a bonus in one hand, but in the other he'd have to clean out his thrusters again.

"Foolish, idiotic, stupid?! Who are you, diminuitive creature, to address one such as I in this manner?! You aught to be honored that I even deigned to speak to you!!"

[Hound]

http://entimg.msn.com/i/125/TVDeaths/angel_gquin_125x150.jpg

Location: Forest, near the Gazebo, with Nuadaa

Doyle grumbled under his breath, "Dunno why I even bother." Well, at least he wasn't completely alone, and, if his vision was correct, they were heading towards a gathering of some sort. Heck, maybe one of them would answer his questions.

Somewhere up ahead, he could make out voices (though he couldn't quite catch what they were saying). He picked up his pace a bit. While it had occured to him that whoever it was in the clearing ahead of them might not be particularly friendly, he figured he'd already died once. What was the worst that could happen?

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii76/Elevensies/ThumbnailRebel.jpg

Location: Gazebo

Nora considered the woman's words, thoughtfully, then quirked a brow at Starscream's outburst, then spoke up, jerking a thumb at Starscream. "I call dibs on whatever the team he's not on."

[Nightbird]

http://www.freeweb.hu/krande/rakter/3.jpg
Gwen laughed at Nora's comment and secretly thought "Second". But seeing as how Starscream really had no consideration for anyone/thing around him, and had nearly trampled her already, She decided to keep it to herself.
Teams? She thought. I already don't like this, and my woman's intuition has never failed me...

[Ratchet]

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/art/drwho2.jpg

Location: Forest w/Wolfwood


The Doctor had been reflecting on Wolfwood's words when he too heard the scream and jumped back slightly.

"Oh my word!" He exclaimed, straining his ears to see if he could hear anything further. It couldn't be... But it sounded quite suspiciously like something he had met before...

"But then why not..." The Doctor muttered, half to himself, "If anything seems possible here why could it not be possible that something like that is here too?"


http://www.comicsindisguise.com/ratchet_closeup.jpg

Location: Gazebo

Ratchet scratched his helmet a couple of times, going over what had been said about this teams business.

"Well," He half whispered to Nora. "If we are going on teams we might want some more Transformers... I can fix them you see... it might be somewhat of an advantage..."

[Slagpit]

*Wolfwood looked frantically from the the tunnel to the Doctor*

LIKE WHAT?! Something like WHAT to be here?! That sound couldn't have come from a human, nor from any of the animals from where I came from, what do YOU think it is?

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

*The dalek, finally finished it's "feeding", turned from the smashed computer and proceeded back to where it had met the bounty hunter at the stairs*

The Dal-eks shall survive! Glory to the dal-eks!

[Hound]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii76/Elevensies/ThumbnailRebel.jpg

Nora nodded, accepting it as a given that she'd team up with Ratchet. Leaning in, she half-whispered back. "There's gotta be some of these others that you'd trust, right? Maybe we can team up with them."

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo

"Who am I?" the woman straightened in her sitting position. "I'm the one who brought you here from oblivion, so you had best stop carrying on or I might just see fit to send you back. Do you think any form of afterlife would accept you the way you are now? Would you like to spend an eternity wandering through the void? Now be silent, and that goes for all of you, too," she cast a scolding gaze over the group. "Stop talking quietly amongst yourselves, you don't even know what's going on yet. I promised to explain and I will."



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/nuada.jpg
Location: Gazebo


Nuada emerged into the clearing just in time to hear the strange woman's promise to explain. How fortuitous. He would love to know why this bizarre congregation was here... Several meachanical constructs, a handful of humans, a dragon, an elf, and... A young girl with wings? Some type of minor angel or faerie creature, perhaps. Or perhaps something else...

He pushed his way into the crowd and took a standing position in front of the gazebo as if he belonged there, awaiting whatever explanation was to come.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/neillidan.jpg
Location: Gazebo


"But you'll make us wait until we all die -again- from boredom," Illidan finally couldn't take being silent anymore. "I've had enough already- You're toying with us. Does this amuse you? Pulling the dead from their rest to entertain you in your own world?"

This was almost worse than the Lich King... At least he used to dead to gain power. This being clearly already possessed more power than she could use for any understandable purpose. "Whatever explanation you intend to offer us, I suggest you give it now. We can give anyone else you've dragged into this the explanation later."

[Hound]

http://entimg.msn.com/i/125/TVDeaths/angel_gquin_125x150.jpg

Location: Newly at the Gazebo

Doyle arrived a few moments behind Nuadaa, in time to hear Illidan "politely" suggest to... whoever... to explain things to them now. Unlike the elf prince, Doyle hung back instead of trying to make his way in to the crowd. After a quick glance around at the occupants, he edged his way over to stand near the rest of the humans, though he still hung back and tried to look inconspicuous.

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
Draco slapped his forehead as Starscream attempted to crush the woman. He shook his head groaning in agitation, Maker give him strength. He turned his head sensing the new arrivals in the glen, one appearing to be of Fae lineage and the other another human.

"Such a motley menagerie we have here." He thought to himself. He silently pondered the reasoning for him to be here. Perhaps he still had to atone for giving half his heart to blood lustful monster. If that was the case, he'd serve out any punishment the afterlife saw fit to give him. But for now he was content to sit on his haunches and wait for the woman to speak.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks reached over to gently pat Gwen's back, still offering her his support that he would still protect them. He spoke softly to her, "(Do not worry, the white mech is another Autobot, I'm sure he will be willing to help us if need be. Besides, you still have your handsome knight in shining blue armor to protect you.)" He jested, trying to lighten her spirits.

The white Autobot did tug at his memories but he did not find a name to match him nor any recollection of having met him before.

[Nightbird]

Gwen smilied brightly up at Tracks. She appreciated his humor, especially in these confusing circumstances.
"So, do you remember the white one?" She hoped he did. A friend of a friend, etc etc. That, and it would be convient to be on a team of giant benevolent mechs.

[Coraxonyx]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNG-JIE-bQI/AAAAAAAAAPI/nhaLG8EO-44/s288/TC%201.jpg

Location: At the gazebo

Thundercracker shifted slightly to catch Megatron's reaction to Starscream's antics. He wondered if the various other beings here had connected them to each other yet. Not that he cared. But it would have been nice to be able to deny knowing the Air Commander.



http://lh5.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNHEsED3G3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/ixqbe-AZuZA/s288/wash%201.jpg

Location: Also at the Gazebo.

Wash stepped away as Tracks leaned down to comfort Gwen. What had the woman meant about teams? And why was the world always dividing up into sides? He sighed, but remained quiet, waiting for her to continue.

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png
Location=gazebo
Oblivion? Oblivion?!
That's insane! You're insane! Megatron couldn't kill me; especially not after painting himself purple, adopting some sort of giant petrorabit, and playing guess-who at my corination!

[Crog]

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/Deathshead151matrixholder.jpg?t=1229155591
Location: In the woods approaching the Gazebo

*Emerging from the tree line, Deathshead found himself facing not a city, but rather a small wooden structure. As the disappointment set in, he also realized that several of the numerous organisms dotting the clearing around the structure were Cybertronian. His spirits once more lifted (he'd had a lucrative contract or two concerning Cybertronians, yes?) He strode out into the clearing. As he took his place around the structure (some sort of fueling station perhaps?), Deathshead approached one of the smaller Cybertronians, a white feline looking one.*

Hmmm, this is where we get energy, yes? Won't take long will it?

________________________________________

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/250px-TK-421.jpg?t=1229155603
Location: Walking through the woods

*TK-421 made his way through the unfamiliar forest in the direction he had seen the light. As he finished humming the anthem for the umpteenth time he suddenly realized that even though he was in the middle of a verdant forest, there didn't seem to be any signs of life anywhere. There weren't any birds, and small critters, nothing. And as he thought that, there was suddenly birdsong everywhere, and something small and furry ran across his path and up a tree. He stopped for a moment in puzzlement, and then continued a slightly faster clip. Apparently this place seemed to react to his thoughts as well. This was a new development and he'd rather get where he was going before he accidentally created something- A large roar from behind him inspired him to break out into a full on run through the trees.*

_______________________________________

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/ilmH3_sarge_bustblk.jpg?t=1229156515
Location: Standing between the humans and the Gazebo

*Avery watched the goingson with grim fortitude. He wasn't sure what the hell to make of this any more. As a few more individuals, including one more human, emerged from the forest, Johnson began to feel rather uneasy about this whole situation.*

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo


"Oh, yes, it does amuse me," the woman replied to Illidan. "You are very amusing, indeed. As for you-" she extended her arm, pointing a severe finger up at Starscream's face, "I suggest you put your vocal processor or whatever you call it to rest or I'll take it away from you. You ARE dead, and if you need some reason to believe that other than the fact that you're surrounded by OTHER dead people, then it's because I say so and whatever I say is truth."

She stood up, smoothing out the folds of her clothing again. "Now, I can tell some of you are getting impatient and everyone's just -dying- to hear the explanation. So be quiet and listen, I don't want to answer any unecessary questions.

"As some of you have probably already noticed, you are not all from the same time or place. My counterpart and I sought you out as your souls were separated prematurely from their bodies. Most of you either died young or left unfinished business back home, or were just not ready to accept your own deaths."

She gave a meaningful glance towards Starscream again before continuing.

"This place is a world of our creation. In most ways it resembles everything you're used to, only it's not physically real. But that's something you should forget about in time. For all intents and purposes, it is very real, so keep that in mind for future reference. Now, that's the what. I know some of you want to know the why. That's where things get interesting! Now where is that worthless counterpart of mine?"

She glanced around meaningfully, obviously expecting the aforementioned to appear. When nothing happened after a few moments, she shrugged and turned her attention back to the crowd. "Well, he does like to make his entrances. Anyway. We intend to use our very amazing powers to determine which among you are worthy of being restored to life, or sent on to the afterlife of your choice. or whatever. Does that answer your questions?"

[MBlackwood]

((Wow, it's been forever since I've posted something here. I'll try to keep it condensed so as not to clutter up the page with retcons.))

http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo294/MBlackwood/DinobotIsWin.jpg
Location: GazeboCon '09

The dramatic emergence of the female humanoid figure from the Gazebo's fountain had startled Dinobot, who had maintained his defensive stance until she spoke and demanded they name a leader, at which point he relaxed somewhat. Still, he eyed her warily and with misgivings.

When Tigatron had replied readily to his question, Dinobot heaved a soft sigh of relief. Certainly, there was the flip side of the issue that, to be here at all, the tiger pacifist would have had to have died back in the Land of the Living, which was a sad happenstance, but it was a small comfort to Dinobot to have a fellow Beast Warrior around to simply balance out all the strangeness he had already witnessed.

The quiet deliberations of the others went on in the clearing while Dinobot contented himself (if one could call his state of mind "content") with following the repartee between the woman from the fountain and those whom she addressed. When she spoke to the group as a whole, he listened with a careful skepticism to her words. With her piece finished, he pondered his own circumstances. So my sudden departure from life seems to have been the very thing that sent me here, he thought. Odd, considering I heard nothing regarding similar practices in local folklore. Perhaps, though, I didn't read far enough into the matter. He eventually dismissed his internal debate and thought on the final note the fountain woman had made. A return to life? Do I truly want that? Certainly, there are some . . . aspects of my life I miss now, decently functioning datatrax being currently at the forefront. But, to be alive again, after all this . . . Do I truly desire that? . . . Do I deserve it?

http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo294/MBlackwood/KittyTenguShredder-2.jpg
The Shredder, meanwhile, really had nothing to say. He would have piped up and claimed the position of surrogate leader of this slow-witted group, but the screeching voice of the red-white-and-blue metal man beat him to it, and so he settled sourly on Gwen's shoulder, his tail flicking irately.

Upon the fountain woman's announcement that the upcoming test or whatever would result in one of their number being sent back to the Living Plane, however, Shredder's ears perked up instantly. If he could just live again, even in this miserable form, he was certain he could wreak his much longed-for vengeance on the four terrapin kappa who had banished him here. His blank red eyes flashing ambitiously, he hung on the woman's every word, not daring to blink should he miss something that would expedite his glorious return to life.

[Hound]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii76/Elevensies/ThumbnailRebel.jpg

So this place is "real", for all intents and purposes. Which meant they probably -could- hurt each other, despite the fact they were all already dead. Nora held her rifle a bit closer, contemplating this, until her train of thought was derailed, once again, by the woman's words.

Restored to life? She'd been dead for all of ten minutes, and now, maybe, she could go back? To what? A world conquered by aliens, with about a thousand ways to die every bloody day? Except, when she'd... died... hope hadn't seemed so far away. Gordon Freeman had returned, and the tide seemed to be turning, and everyone had just begun to think they might really have a future. If she went back, she could be a part of that. If she stayed dead, wasn't that kind of like giving up?

Alright, so, she was dead, and no one could expect her to shake it off, but... still. How cool would it be if she could?

http://entimg.msn.com/i/125/TVDeaths/angel_gquin_125x150.jpg

Well, she's a bit full of herself, isn't she? That was a much easier concept to wrap his mind around than the thought that maybe, just maybe, he didn't have to stay dead. Maybe, just maybe, he'd be with his friends again, alive and well and saving the world, one life at a time. If only he could believe he deserved it...

In an effort to keep from brooding over this, Doyle glanced around, trying to guess how these strangers were taking the news.

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png
Location=gazebo

"Oh, what a moving speach," Starscream drawled scratchily, "and such a generous offer.... were I actually dead (and you have yet to show me any convincing evidence that I am). As for this 'I always tell the truth' business? What sort of a fool would I be to take you at your word?"

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
Another chance at life? NOT GOOD.

He HAD to die so that Einon could be stopped. If he LIVED again, then so would the tyrant. NO, he was dead, and THAT was how it would remain. He would have to make that perfectly clear from the onset. But perhaps the deity already knew of his dilemma, and would take that into consideration.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks looked at Starscream, "If you are still alive, then check on your lasercore. If you are NOT dead, then it should still be burning."

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png
Location= gazebo ((Sorry for posting twice in one turn... both are very short though >_>))

"What?!" Starscream replied to Tracks, "with all of you around? You must be joking! ...Anyway, I didn't ask you, Autobot."

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/neillidan.jpg
Location: Gazebo

Something about the sound of the shrieking, irrational voice of the mechanical megalomaniac standing behind Illidan suddenly caused the night elf's already short temper to snap completely. He reeled around to face Starscream, shouting up at the robot's face.

"Shut up! SHUT UP! Nobody here wants to listen to you talk!" he balled his fists, and an ominous purple glow began to emanate from them. "If you don't believe you're dead then allow me to make it feel more real!"


http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo

"Ah, haha!" the woman clapped her hands together. "How entertaining! I love it already, this is going to be fun. But you guys better simmer down, the game hasn't begun yet."

She looked momentarily away from the confrontation and continued speaking as though nothing potentially volatile were happening in front of her. "Now, I'm sure some of you are thinking that being restored to your former life maybe isn't such a great reward. That's why we're willing to offer you other, potentially more appealing incentives. We can do anything we want to, anyway, so it would really be in your best interests to play along. Otherwise, you get to be stuck here forever! So, any questions?"

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
Draco rubbed his snout in irritation, this shrieky voiced metal knight was grating on his nerves. He glanced over at the one he had met earlier, Thundercracker and the shrieky one shared a similar appearance, he looked to the blue mech, "You seem to know this obnoxious one. Is he always this loud and irritating?"

He flicked his long tail, flaying the spines on his club shaped end.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks half shuttered his optics as he gave the jet an unimpressed glare, "Really now, with your sparkling personality, it's little wonder how you ended up here."

He turned his optics to the fountain's mistress, "So what now, we are to be divided up into teams to perform certain tasks? Sounds a lot like one of those earth gameshows to me."

[Coraxonyx]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNG-JIE-bQI/AAAAAAAAAPI/nhaLG8EO-44/s288/TC%201.jpg

Location: At the gazebo

A surge of nostalgic loyalty almost compelled Thundercracker to stand by his former (?) Air Commander. It was well within Starscream's rights to demand answers of the enigmatic organic woman and Decepticon perogatives SHOULD be upheld, but he was distracted by Draco's question, and the brandishing of his formidable tail weapon. No sense in antogonizing the powerful looking organic creature.

"Yes," he said resignedly, "he is often like this. But he's not completely wrong. Why do these beings assume that they can offer anything we want?"



http://lh5.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNHEsED3G3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/ixqbe-AZuZA/s288/wash%201.jpg

Location: Also at the Gazebo.

Wash watched the byplay between the woman and the metal man with interest. He hadn't given much thought to his afterlife. But the prospect of going back was intriguing. He wondered how much time had passed in the 'verse while he had been dead. But somehow this all seemed a little too implausible. He stepped forward to address the woman from the fountain.

"How do we know you can do what you say? So far I've seen and heard a lot of things, but nothing here feels more real than a dream to me. You said this place isn't real, so how are you going to send us back to the real world, then?"

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png

"What, by you loosing? That would make this place feel more real; but not by convincing me of my own mortality." Starscream un-crosses his arms, acting unimpressed, "I've seen MUCH more convincing artificial realities!"

Starscream starts to make his own purple glow within his null rifles, although whether even these non-lethal weapons would fire (should he choose to do so) in this etherrealm has yet to be seen.

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/mina.jpg
Location: Gazebo

"Excuse me," Mina piped up, her tiny voice barely sounding out over the hum of energy emanating from the two combatants. "Thundercracker, is this really necessary? Why must they fight? Can't someone do something?"

There was something youthfully innocent about her request: she didn't particularly care for either of these epople judging from what she had seen of them so far, but senseless violence was just that: senseless. They were already stranded together in a strange world, powerless to do anything, and apparently at the mercy of some greater force with mysterious motives. They ought to be working together, not fighting!


http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/megatron.jpg
Location: Gazebo

Megatron watched in vast amusement as the scene unfolded. He was convinced the flesh creature had a major combat disadvantage (more out of robot pride than any real respect for Starscream) but somehow he found himself hoping the squishling would humiliate the former air commander into shutting up. At any rate, he made sure not to interfere, even moving away from the scene somewhat to allow more space.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/nuada.jpg
Location: Gazebo

Nuada also watched with curiosity. He had seen the power of mechanical beings before, but these ones were clearly independently intelligent. The elven sorceror, however, was also vastly powerful in his own right. Whatever happened, it would be a good fight. He found himself a good position to watch and settled in.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo

"Fine, fine, fight! See if I care!" the woman said, almost petulantly, to the two antagonists. "Fight, fight, fight! Let's see who wins! Then maybe we can start -my- game..."

But Illidan wasn't paying attention to her or anyone else, aside from his target. Starscream had finally pushed his last button: nobody had EVER questioned his power before, EVER- and the sorceror wasn't about to let some harping oversized toy get away with it.

"Alright, you inflated metal windbag, I'll show you something convincing!"

Without paying too much heed to the bystanders all around him, Illidan channeled a massive series of arcane bursts directly at Starscream's chest. "See how you like this!"

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png
((FRAGFRAGFRAG... this was a fairly long post that I posted hours ago, but that got EATEN! RAWR! So... now I sum up. You are all saved from having to read it!))

Starscream puts one foot back and raises an arm over his face to sheild from the onslaught... then after a moment he starts laughing, then lowers the arm. It appears for some reason, the arcane energy does vey little to his inorganic circuitry... perhaps this has something to do with the plain they are existing on, or his size distributing the forces... or the sheilding required for Starscream to be space-worthy, not that the specifics are important here.

"Is that the best that you can do? Now it's YOUR turn to taste MY power, organic groundling!"

With this small speach, Starscream fires his null rifles on Illidan.

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
Illidan's attack on the mechanoid had tickled his senses, it had been quite a long time since he had seen such a use of power, yet it seemed to have little effect on the large one and now it was attacking with an energy of it's own. He reverted back to a more battle ready stance. Raising a wing he went to shield Mina from any stray blasts, "I do not think they care to listen Lady Mina... Stay back, you don't want to get in the middle of that..."

He tensed, a low growl building in his throat, if they couldn't quell their fighting, he'd step in.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks shielded Gwen and Walsh with his hand, lightly pushing them back, "Get behind me, my plating will shield you. He aimed with his mounted heatseekers. He was unsure if he had his lethal artillery, but he could tell his non-lethal black beam gun was still in functioning order. He gestured for the humans to get back as he knelt low to the ground, providing more cover.

[Crog]

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/Deathshead151matrixholder.jpg?t=1229155591

Location: At The Gazebo/Fueling Station

*It seemed that some sort of altercation had broken out while Deathshead wasn't listening... perhaps over who was next in line? He watched as the small one used some sort of magicks.. oh how Deathsheads hated the stuff, daddy issus, yes? It didn't seem to effect the Cybertronian though, so he stopped worrying about it and turned back to his still silent companion.*

__________________________


http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/250px-TK-421.jpg?t=1229155603

Location: The Forest Near The Clearing

*Still running as though his life depended on it (which seemed odd considering he knew he had already died) TK-421 didn't dare look back to see what he knew was there. His thoughts raced through his head as quickly as he darted through the trees.*

Stupid, stupid, stupid. why did you have to think about something big and dangerous? something large with talons and razor sharp teeth and wings and a club tail and- stop that! It'll only make things worse!

*Up ahead, he could see the trees starting to thin out and he caught a glimpse of a bright purple flash and heard a series of what sounded like explosions. Whatever was in that clearing seemed to have firepower, and he'd rather be there than here now.*

_________________________________


http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/ilmH3_sarge_bustblk.jpg?t=1229156515

Location: In the middle of a firefight at the Gazebo

Jesus-!

*Johnson started to swear as the purple hued alien with the pointed ears suddenly struck out at one of the larger Sentinels with some kind of energy weapon. He turned his head and shouted to the other humans as he brought his rifle up.*

Get down!

Damn alien bastard! I will not let you endanger human lives like that. I am not going to lose any more humans here. You're going down!

*Sighting down the barrel, no time really to use the scope even if he wasn't only thirty feet away, Johnson aimed at the purple one's head and fired, even as the sentinel itself had begun to retaliate...

[Beepbop]

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/Henniarox/2char10.jpg
(( I found a picture of Tigatron in his alt mode :D Took me long enough...^^; ))
Location: Gazebo

Tigatron stared straight at the mysterious woman when she mentioned a chance at living. No one should be allowed to live again once they have died it wasn't right. Suddenly another being spoke to him he spun around and looked up at the robot-looking person.

"energy...." He said looking up at him.

"No it is not" He said trying to show that he was apologetic but when he turned back around he saw the others begin to fire on each other. Why were they fighting??? A low growl emanated from deep within the tiger-bot's throat this wasn't exactly the best time to fight they were all in a similar situation so there was no point to it.

He saw the human shoot at Illidan and couldn't help but yell out a warning to him.

"Watch out" He called to the purple elf creature.

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/neillidan.jpg
Location: Gazebo, engaged in mortal combat with Starscream


Although well intended, Tigatron's warning was totally unecessary- though at first Illidan was only half aware of the human firing at him, he had a protective shield up as any sorceror with at least half a brain would. If the bullet had managed to penetrate the shield, it was surely destroyed completely in the torrent caused by the reaction between the arcane energy coursing through Illidan's body and the attack from Starscream's weapons.

As the crackling of the energy faded, Illidan was still standing in his position whole and unharmed.

"Stay out of this, human," he muttered at the meddlesome soldier, making a small section of the air rock solid and pushing it forcefully towards the offender, just enough to discourage any further attempts to interfere.

He appeared slightly bemused, but wasn't about to give up just yet. Hurting people and things was something, perhaps the only thing, he was really good at. If the energy itself wouldn't affect the metal creature, then he knew what to do- the same as if he were fighting a felhunter that absorbed his magic.

Illidan reached out for the nearest object that seemed as though it might actually cause some damage to the metal giant- a huge boulder from around the base of the gazebo- and with a delicate guiding fling of his wrist he directed it towards the back of Starscream's head at an alarming velocity.

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png
Starscream; engaged in a somewhat fruitless epic battle with Illidan.

While hurting people was on of Illidan's major talents and being hurt had certainly appeared to be one of Starscream's in the past, it was possibly the skill he was least proud of, and least willing to excersize in front of the slowly growing crowd around the gazebo.

There were times in his life where Starscream had been particularly glad of the perks that come from belonging to a highly advanced robotic species, and a speedy race. Now there was at least one time in his death, too. For one used to dodging (or rather, attempted dodging) of fusion blasts, a rock, even a very fast rock was... possible to dodge, given the short warning the cybertronian equivalent of radar could give.

So dodge it Starscream did, leaving the rock to hurtle where it will. Not a complete loss, this rock, as it delayed Starscream's next plan of attack - squishing Illidan to itty bitty elf-goo bits - due to Starscream having to duck.

"That's... That's cheating!"

Starscream was quite taken aback: other people weren't allowed to cheat.

[Crog]

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/Deathshead151matrixholder.jpg?t=1229155591

Location: Not at an Energy Refueling Station

*So it wasn't a place to get energy then... Or at least, not a place to purchase it. But he was nothing if not resourceful, yes? There was a great amount of energy here in the air around this place. Deathshead removed his right hand and reached around behind his back. Coming back out with what looked like a cone of some sort, he screwed it into place and directed it at the fight and Gazebo. It hummed to life as Deathshead attempted to gather up some of the stray energy.*

((Not actually sure what this'll do... so I'm looking for a reaction from Megs on what trying to tap into the energy will do.))

_______________________________


http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/250px-TK-421.jpg?t=1229155603

Location: Entering the Clearing

*TK-421 emerged from the last line of trees and found himself running towards a strange ensemble of individuals. There were plenty of humans and droids, including the one he'd seen earlier. There was also the winged alien and, a purple alien, a white skinned alien, a couple of felines, a watery alien lady, and... Tk-421 skidded to a halt. The creature he'd been imagining in the forest, some sort of flying reptile, was amongst the gathered beings in the center of the clearing. He whipped his head around and scanned the trees behind him. There was no sign of anything there... nothing that had been pursuing him.*

What the...

____________________________


http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/ilmH3_sarge_bustblk.jpg?t=1229156515

Location: The Shootout at the OK Gazebo

*Johnson watched as his shot went straight and true... or at least the contrail indicated it did. But it had deflected off of some sort of shield and off into the sky.*

He's got some sort of shield!

*Before Johnson could squeeze off another few shots, having dealt plenty with shielded opponents, the alien turned and spoke to him and suddenly Johnson was hit hard in the chest with some invisible force. He flew backwards through the air, losing both his hat and his "cigar" and rolled a few times before coming to a stop on his chest. Johnson coughed violently as he brought himself up on one knee.*

Got more than a shield... he's got gravitational technology too, like the brutes.* It's as if he's got the best of the Covenant technology.

*Struggling to stand, Johnson decided that he was beginning to enjoy this so called afterlife. It may no longer be peaceful, but it was certainly no longer boring.*

[Nightbird]

Gwen did not, oddly, cower behind Tracks. She would have stayed where she was if not for him, fascinated as she was with the ensuing battle, and strained to look over him. It was like the trip of someone on LSD - a purple man got into a fight with a robot while talking to a woman made of water and a soldier opened fire.
Unforuntalty, being behind Tracks would have been smart, as the bullet that had deflected off Illidan hit her fairly squarely in the forehead.

[Crog]

((ooooooh dastardly NB, dastardly.))

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/ilmH3_sarge_bustblk.jpg?t=1229156515

Location: Near the Gazebo

No...

*The pit of Johnson's stomach dropped out as he saw the impact and watched the girl fall backward. Time seemed to slow (damn you internets! I can't see imagine this scene without thinking of Imogen Heap) as he threw one foot in front of the other, trying to get to the girl.*

Nooooo!!!

*He cast the rifle aside as he slid next to her body, prepared to perform whatever sort of medical procedure would be needed... even though he knew at the back of his mind there was nothing you could do for someone with a bullet wound to the head. He held her up in his arms. It wasn't even remotely fun any more.*

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/neillidan.jpg


Illidan thought about redirecting the boulder back towards his opponent for a moment, but instead he let it sail off into the depths of the forest as his attention was drawn away by the commotion from the bystanders. He turned his head just enough to see the aftermath of the young human woman's misfortune. He made a vexed sound: that's what happened when you tried to meddle in things you didn't understand. But for some reason, he suddenly felt foolish for wanting to prove himself to the braggart mech.

"You're not worth it," Illidan said resolutely to Starscream, and as abruptly as it had begun, the magical glow faded from around him. He was still on guard, however. not entirely convinced that his opponent would let it lie at that.

He moved to loom over the two humans, shaking his head. "If this is really a game," he growled, giving a sidelong glance to the mysterious woman of the fountain, "then it's a sick one. This is how you use your great powers?"


http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg


"Excuse me, but I had nothing to do with this particular fiasco," she said, defensively. "Anyway, she's already dead so it's nothing at all."

She moved over to Gwen and gave a loud clap of her hands. "Come on girly, wake up! Your friends are worried! Up, up!"

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks had spun, turning to check on Gwen. Even though he did know that he was dead, he still reacted as an Autobot would, to protect humans in danger, "Gwen? Gwen? Can you hear me?"

He looked down at the water woman coming over to wake her up, "I suppose in some capacity we're still capable of taking damage..."

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png

"Not WORTH it?! How DARE you speak to me like that?!" Starscream's hands dart forwards suddenly in an attempt to pick up the tall-for-a-squishy dark elf.

What to do once picking up the disgusting thing (if he was successful) he hadn't decided... what was that game Skywarp used to play?

Meh. Starscream, Supreme Leader of the Decepticons (with a glance at Megatron: well, probably) could think of his own games, he was sure. Such a benevolent Leader was Starscream that if it appologised he may even kill it quickly.

[Nightbird]

((Sarge could give me CPR?))
A white flash hit her, and she had the vague sensation of fallling down.
So when she was, for lack of a better word, jerked back down into her body, her head hurt.
"Holy crap." She put a hand to her head, and tried not to panic. She felt the hole in her forehead that indicated the entry wound of the bullet.
"It's ok! I'm alright Tracks." She stood up, and tried to fight off images of how she had died originally.

[Beepbop]

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp33/Henniarox/2char10.jpg

Tigatron couldn't help but also become worried when the bullet hit Gwen he hadn't seen where it impacted and quickly padded over. He sighed when she got up though she still didn't look good.

"I suggest we get the humans at a safer distance even if we are all 'dead'" He suggested not wanting the incident to repeat itself. The large cat made a point of standing near the girl just in case she needed something to keep her balance.

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/megatron.jpg
Location: Gazebo

Having seen the combatants apparently equally matched, Megatron had grown immediately bored with the confrontation. He had, however, noted the fleshling's casual dismissal of Starscream with both amusement and a hint of respect. Megatron himself often found Starscream difficult to ignore, and turning one's back on the screechy seeker was not an action done with little courage.

Having observed Illidan's power and apparent understanding of this realm, Megatron saw in the flesh creature an opportunity. If there was to be some sort of competition between the various beings in this realm, the sorceror would make a potent ally, and if anyone here (aside from the mystery woman) could find a way to escape this world it would appear to be him.

Bearing that in mind, Megatron took the opportunity to fire at Starscream's exposed back as the seeker made a grab for the night elf.


http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/neillidan.jpg


Though he was still half expecting an attack, Illidan was taken slightly offguard by the swiftness of Starscream's movements. Who'd have thought a giant machine could move so quickly?

The instant the metal fingers tightened around him, however, Illidan instinctively blinked out of the giant's hand and safely back to a position on the ground nearby.

"How dare -I-?" Illidan growled back up at Starscream, his temper setting off once more. "You have no idea with whom you're trifling, you harpy-voiced fel reaver! Give me one reason NOT to blast you clean into the twisting nether and I-"

Illidan was cut off as the blast from Megatron's weapon collided with Starscream's back. He was left speechless for a moment as he looked towards Megatron curiously.

"You were right," the Decepticon leader explained to Illidan. "He's not worth your time. Allow me to discipline him instead."


((Don't try this at home! Shots called with permission from the 'Screamer's fleshling player.))

[Coraxonyx]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNG-JIE-bQI/AAAAAAAAAPI/nhaLG8EO-44/s288/TC%201.jpg

Location: At the Gazebo scrum

Thundercracker was impressed to see the little purple organic's resilience and resourcefulness in the face of Starscream's attack. The creature was obviously more formidable than he appeared. He also noted the byplay between the humans by his feet. So, it appeared that no wounds suffered here would be fatal if the water woman did not wish them to be so. That made her interesting as well.

A long-honed survival sense made him step back suddenly as Megatron raised his fusion cannon and fired. Depending upon how the Autobots ( and others) reacted to that, this would either escalate the fight or end it. He powered up his own weapons, and took a flanking position behind his leader.

"Princess Mina," he said solemnly to the winged girl on his shoulder. "Things may get very bad here in a moment. There are too many sides here I do not trust, but this is obviously not your fight. Can you get down and away if I cover for you?"


http://lh5.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNHEsED3G3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/ixqbe-AZuZA/s288/wash%201.jpg

Location: At the gazebo

Wash was completely out of his depth. There were too many strange creatures and things were rapidly getting out of hand. The water woman seemed to be the key to the whole thing, but she was just letting the fighting happen. And then Gwen went down, and got back up. Obviously the water lady did have some kind of control over what was going on here. He rushed up to her and tried to grab her arm.

"Hey!" he said urgently. "Look lady, I'm not with these people. Nothing against them, they seem nice enough, well some of them do, but I just met them here. And I have a bunch of people who REALLY need me, back where I was. So what do I have to do to get you to send me back?"

[Hound]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii76/Elevensies/ThumbnailRebel.jpg

From her position, she hadn't been able to see what had happened to Gwen, but at the sound of the Sergeant's outcry, Nora was up on her feet and leaning precariously off of Ratchet's shoulder, one hand on his chevron for balance, the other clutching her rifle.

While it was logical to assume the other woman was all right---or, at least, as "all right" as someone who was already dead could possibly be---the young resistance medic was already trying to scramble down from Ratchet's shoulder before the thought could even cross her mind. Once it had, she immediately dismissed it. Dead or not, she was a medic, and who knew how injuries worked here?

It was tricky, climbing down without letting go of her rifle, and in the end she was more than half falling, but she made it to the ground in one piece and hurried over, and giving a general warning to the growing crowd around Gwen. "Medic, coming through. If you don't get outta my way, I'm gonna shoot your kneecaps off, which'll be a pain, since then I'll probably have to -fix- them. So, shoo."


http://entimg.msn.com/i/125/TVDeaths/angel_gquin_125x150.jpg

Doyle was torn between trying to find something safe to hind behind, and attempting to do something useful. Unfortunately for him, "something useful" won.

Since there wasn't anything he could do for the girl that wasn't already being done, Doyle cautiously approached the feuding giants, and strange purple demon elf... thing. He held his hands up, defensively, and called, "Not to interrupt your little... uh, discussion, but if you're determined to finish it, would y' mind moving a little farther away from all of us innocent bystanders?"

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
Draco growled as he saw Megatron shoot at the red and white flier. He shielded Mina with his wing, keeping his eyes locked on the silver mech. "I'll cover Mina, she couldn't ask for a better shield."

He assumed Thundercracker would go to the aid of the machine that looked similar to himself. Not knowing they were all on the same side.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks smiled down at Gwen, glad that she was still alright. But when the fusion cannon came into play he froze, recognizing the ominous sound of that powerful gun. It sent shivers down his spinal column relays. Images flashed through his processor of a violet beam of energy blasting apart metal like it was paper and the screams of mechs meeting their end with it.

To others it would have appeared that the mech had just frozen up.

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png
Location: ground-with-an-oompf

Starscream's first thought, (and coincidentally; muttering) when Illidan disappeared from within his hands was "You find a moment's respite from ONE irritating purple telepo--." A sudden fusion blast prevented this sentence from running to its conclusion.

Starscream face-planted, with a screech.

Part of him was interested to note that this DID hurt, but that that didn't necessarily mean that it wasn't just a simulation of some type. All of him ignored the idea that it also didn't mean he wasn't dead. Most of him was too distracted to wonder if it WAS a simulation -those airwaves had been odd- and the pain was rendered from previous experiance.

"Me- Megatron!" Was his slightly muffled response.

[Nightbird]

"Please! I'm fine!" she waved off the mini-crowd that seemed to be gathering. She was fine, but a little shocked, so it was good she had Tigatron to lean on.
"Tracks? Tracks?" she nudged him a little. "What's wrong?"

[MBlackwood]

((Hey, guys! This post is halfway complete. I'll post the Dinobot bit now and get the Shredder bit (which sort of expands on the Dinobot bit) up as soon as I get it done.))

http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo294/MBlackwood/DinobotIsWin.jpg
Location: GazeboCon '09
As Starscream and Illidan proceeded into a full-out brawl, Dinobot pinched the bridge of his olfactory sensor unit and shuttered his optics tightly. Not only could the Seeker not keep his vocalizer from prattling incessantly, very likely endangering them all (not that he seemed to care), but he seemed incapable of holding his battle computer in check, as well. Dinobot's headache was helped none at all by the back-and-forth between Starscream and the purple elf, nor by the ensuing energy blasts coming from both contenders, nor by the gunshots from the soldier, et cetera, et cetera. He snarled once and grumbled wordlessly, more to himself than to anyone present.

When the human male in the militaristic garb fired a shot from his weapon, Dinobot went down to one knee, a practice grilled into his programming from his years in Predacon training facilities and one which had saved his life many a time -- back when he had a life to save, he recalled with some exasperation. Why was it so difficult to get out of the living mindset? Probably, he rationalized, because he had never had cause to be out of it.

However, when the projectile fired ricocheted off the shield Illidan had raised and struck one of the human females, Dinobot felt a jolt in his spark and he grunted in surprise. Perhaps it was a leftover reaction from his final act in life, but he felt that it was wrong for the humans to suffer, they being the weakest creatures present among them all (save perhaps the little black feline which had been riding on the injured femme's shoulder). He drew closer at a crouch, arriving at the downed girl's side at about the time Illidan had broken the confrontation and turned away. He shot a glance at the elf and the Seeker to keep track of where they were before bending as low as he dared to inspect the wound.

To his mild surprise, the spot on the girl's forehead where she had been struck was not leaking any fluids, as he knew such injuries to be wont to do, but was rather slowly disappearing. This seemed to be through no action of any of their number, except perhaps the woman from the fountain, at of whom he also aimed a suspicious glance before returning his attentions to the human.

"Er," he hesitated. What was her name again? He couldn't exactly call her "injured human female", and they hadn't been formally introduced. At that moment, however, the Autobot Tracks was kind enough to bend down beside her aswell, calling her by name. Gwen. That was it.

"Gwen?" The name felt odd in his mouth component. "Are you--" his question was answered before it was fully out of his vocalizer by the girl standing abruptly and insisting that she was fine, at the same time brushing a hand over the hole that now pierced her head. "--all right? I suppose that renders that point moot. Are you certain you feel fully functional?" He looked her over sternly. He may not have ever been a medic of any sort while alive, but he knew enough about battlefield medicine to know that trauma from a wound could elude even the sufferer's knowledge until it had already done too much damage to be remedied without drastic measures.

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/megatron.jpg
Location: Gazebo

"Stop your sniveling, Starscream!" Megatron barked, moving to loom over the fallen seeker with his cannon trained on Starscream's head. "Do you think I have forgotten what you did to me? You got exactly what you deserved, and I'm sure it's only some cruel joke that caused the forces that be to reunite us. Whatever this game is about, I will not tolerate anything less than your complete submission to my will if we are to be teamed together, and if we are against one another... I won't settle for anything less than your humiliating demise. Do I make myself CLEAR?"

There could be no question that the Decepticon leader was completely serious about every word, and it was also apparent that he would take whatever steps were necessary to follow through on his threat of demise. He did not like the idea of being toyed with by a greater force, and he liked the idea of Starscream betraying him under these conditions even less. There would be no time for Starscream's usual antics- he had to quell any rebellion in the seeker immediately.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/mina.jpg
Location: Gazebo


All this was just too much for Mina. She let out a tiny gasp every time something violent happened, and she looked upon the scene with obvious worry. Dead or not, she didn't like seeing anyone get hurt, especially when there was no point to it at all.

When the worst of the violence had stopped, she carefully glided down from her robotic sanctuary and moved gracefully towards the fountain. When Wash finished speaking, she politely added her own thoughts.

"Excuse me, but if it's true that you're offering us this chance to return to life, I'd like to know a little bit more about it. I'm sure I'm not the only one who made a sacrifice, what will happen if we return after that?"



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/neillidan.jpg


Illidan watched Megatron's treatment of Starscream with obvious amusement (and ignored poor Doyle altogether: meddlesome humans!). But he soon turned his attention away from the shameful scene to watch the fountain woman and her reaction to everyone's comments. It was clear that these people weren't about to cooperate willingly without some more information. For his part, he'd play along until he saw his opportunity to seize power and free himself and these unfortunate people. Well, at least those of whom he approved.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo

The woman looked curiously down as Wash grabbed her arm. "You humans are so excitable," she said, with amusement. "That's why I like you so much. I'm glad to see that at least some people have the sense to see how amazing my offer is."

She turned towards Mina with a smile. "Princess Mina, I understand your concern. But don't worry. In your world, your sister and her friends would already have vanquished the evil by the time I returned you, therefore the need for your noble sacrifice has already passed. I know you'd like to see your family again... If only all these people would just quit bickering and listen."

She gave the group a look that suggested they should all be deeply ashamed of themselves.

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
Draco moved into a sitting position as he looked down upon the fountain maiden, a little tense about the situation, but he saw no need to escalate things further when there was no greater threat to them other than the concurrent war of the egos being played out. He sighed in resignation as he waited for the woman to delegate their first task or to divide them up. He had his own doubts, but he was a creature of patience. He'd wait until he had more information before he made final choices in the matter. However, the dragon had a pretty good idea of who he would not want to work with. With a snort, he turned his full attention to the fountain mistress.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks seemed to snap out of his haze looking down at Gwen, "Huh? What? Excuse me, I must have glitched for a moment there. I hope next time when I say get behind me, you'll do well to get behind me Gwen..."

He cast a cautious glance at the silver mech again, only this time there was a much stronger sense of familiarity. There was still a missing name, however the visage brought up strong feelings of emotion. A sense of dread, with a healthy amount of fear, peppered with some anger and disgust came immediately to his processor. When it came time to part, he'd be sure to steer himself and his charges clear of the Decepticons.

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png

"You expected me to sacrifice all of us for the merest chance that you might survive, oh mighty Megatron? Maybe you should have been an Autobot instead."

Starscream (who was feeling muddy again) raised his head and winced slightly at the sight of the fusion cannon.

"...Although... that said... it was Astrotrain's idea."

[MBlackwood]

((ooooooh dastardly NB, dastardly.))

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/ilmH3_sarge_bustblk.jpg?t=1229156515

Location: Near the Gazebo

No...

*The pit of Johnson's stomach dropped out as he saw the impact and watched the girl fall backward. Time seemed to slow (damn you internets! I can't see imagine this scene without thinking of Imogen Heap) as he threw one foot in front of the other, trying to get to the girl.*

Nooooo!!!

*He cast the rifle aside as he slid next to her body, prepared to perform whatever sort of medical procedure would be needed... even though he knew at the back of his mind there was nothing you could do for someone with a bullet wound to the head. He held her up in his arms. It wasn't even remotely fun any more.*

((Can't believe I didn't say this before, but . . . *deep breath*

Mmm, whatcha saa-ay,
Mmm, that you only meant well?
Well, of course you di-id.
Mmm, whatcha saa-ay,
Mmm, that it's all for the be-est?
Well, of course it is.
Mmm, whatcha saa-ay,
Mmm, that it's just what we need?
You decided thi-is?
Mmm, whatcha saa-ay,
Mmm, what did you say?

*snerk* And now, a long-overdue post that still isn't in quality where I want it to be but needs to be posted before I beat myself over the head with a mallet for getting so far behind in my RPs.))

http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo294/MBlackwood/KittyTenguShredder-2.jpg
When Gwen's head had been struck by the bullet, Shredder had lept from his former perch to the ground with a yowl and dashed up onto the shoulder of the nearby Wash. What with the firefight between Illidan and the loudmouthed metal man, the former Demon Lord was loath to tread on the ground itself, for fear of an undignified death by Gigantic Steel Boot Heel. That said, the shoulder of a mere human was unlikely to be a much safer position, as humans tended not to be tall enough to merit more than a passing glance from taller beings.

Shredder glowered over at the two combatants, the shorter (and more familiar) of whom soon broke off the conflict and turned to walk away. The ensuing one-sided fight between the metal man with wings and the other metal man he watched with amusement until his new perch moved up beside the Lady of the Fountain. No longer able to get a truly clear view of the action - most of it being obscured by the small crowd of beings surrounding the girl, Gwen, - Shredder resigned himself to attending to the new exchange between Wash and the Lady, then between the winged human girl and the latter.

After a good two minutes of thinly-disguised impatience, Shredder piped up in his own humiliatingly high-pitched voice from Wash's shoulder: "My Lady, I, too, desire to return to life. However, I would much rather return in the form that is most . . . familiar to me, rather than this tiny, powerless one. Is there any way my wish may be granted? I am willing to pay whatever price needs paying in order for this to be so." He was completely serious. He hungered for vengeance and conquest, though he attempted to dampen this mood before the fountain woman picked up on it. Shredder felt that she, like him and his Spirit ilk, was possessed of many abilities that allowed her to pierce the Souls of those around her and see within them whatever she needed to see. He needed to be wary of this, and of her.

His Demon's Instinct told him that it would be very unwise to attempt to recruit this watery person as an ally, powerful or not.

http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo294/MBlackwood/DinobotIsWin.jpg
When Tigatron approached and recommended moving the humans elsewhere, Dinobot considered his words. "I do not believe that course would better our cause much," he replied. "Our . . . hostess appears determined to have us play her game, and I very much doubt she would allow us to go far."

Saying this, his gaze returned to the woman from the fountain and found himself caught up in her Stare of Mass Disapproval along with the rest of their eclectic little mob. The "tone" of her metaphorical eye beams rubbed him the wrong way; her stubborn greater-than-thou attitude reminded him very strongly of a certain rodent. Coming from a human female, this impression seemed simply wrong on far too many levels to count.

"What, then," he asked, "is it you want us to do? I am certain these little side-conversations would die down if you would simply tell us what you wish to say and be done with it." Another rash of lost-and-found reports flooded in from his datatrax. The experience was no longer annoying so much as frustrating and painful; in a human, the symptoms might have been called "migrane with selective amnesia," if such a condition existed.

[Coraxonyx]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNG-JIE-bQI/AAAAAAAAAPI/nhaLG8EO-44/s288/TC%201.jpg

Location: At the gazebo

Thundercracker lowered his weapons, powering them down. The brief fight had ended the way most of the Decepticons' recent conficts had, with a bang and a whimper. Turning his attention back to his recent passenger he noticed that Mina had made her way toward the fountain woman instead of back behind the dragon as he had instructed her. He frowned. She appeared to be unharmed, but that was probably just luck. Why was she so careless of her own safety? And why, really, did he care? He moved a little closer to the group around the woman, so as to overhear their conversation better.



http://lh5.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNHEsED3G3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/ixqbe-AZuZA/s288/wash%201.jpg

Location: Also at the Gazebo.

Wash hadn't noticed the Shredder's pricking claws on his arm until the little creature spoke up right in his ear. He looked down at the red-eyed kitten. What had it just said about 'paying any price'? Was he, Wash, willing to pay any price to go back to Zoe, his beautiful, beloved amazon woman? Damn straight he was.

"The critter has a point," he said in agreement. "Some of us have, er...compelling reasons to return. Name your terms."

[Ratchet]

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/ratchet_closeup.jpg

Location: Gazebo

Ratchet had stayed silent this entire time watching the scene before them unfold because as much as the woman's words began to sink into his processors, he also felt completely helpless to do anything.

He also hadn't realized that Nora seemed to be a human medic, which impressed him quite a bit. He also felt guilty for not at least inspecting the human girl that had gotten shot, but somehow he knew she was going to be all right from it.

"What is the point of all this.." He muttered, sighing and tapping his helmet. "Starscream might have an idiotic way of demonstrating it, but I sort of agree with him in a way. We had our chances, sure... But why prolong the inevitable?"

It was a half truth. Ratchet would've liked nothing better than to head back to the Autobot city and continue to help his fellow mechs, but it almost felt like... cheating somehow. And now that both Megatron and Prime had joined them here it seemed a sort of logical conclusion, that maybe their part to play in history had come to an end.

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png

Starscream turned his head towards Ratchet.

"You agree that Megatron should be an Autobot? Really?" He breifly looked back to Megatron -or more precisely, his fusion cannon- before continuing; "Because right now would be an excellent time for you to come and claim him."

[Hound]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii76/Elevensies/ThumbnailRebel.jpg

Nora had the good sense to wait until her unwilling patient had checked on her big, blue friend. Once that was done, however, she turned to Gwen, hands on hips. "Now, you say you're fine, but just let me take a look, all right?"

Not waiting for an answer (or a protest), she leaned in to get a good look at the wound. After a few moments of study, she stood back, and patted down her vest, apparently looking for something. "Well, you're not bleeding, but its probably lucky you're already dead. Here." She snagged Gwen's hand and dropped a thick vial filled with some green substance onto her palm. "Its a regenerative solution. You just hold this end up against your neck--" Nora gestured on her own "--to inject it. Its... what's the word... Pneumatic?"

((Err, going by the fact the medics in the game more or less hand out medkits/health packs for everything, and they're essentially these white boxes holding these cylinders full of green stuff. No one actually says IG they're "regenerative gel" but... since it immediately gives you back hit points, with no rational explaination, I'm going with that...))

[Ratchet]

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/ratchet_closeup.jpg

Location: Gazebo

Ratchet gave Starscream a flat stare.
"I'm sorry, you must be confused, I was subtley referring to not obeying the.. woman..." He was pretty sure she was a woman, but then again everyone that seemed to have some kind of power here seemed to be something althogether different.

"But it seems if we don't do what she wants then we're all stuck here, even unable to die apparently." He gestured to Gwen.

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks shook his head, reaching up to lightly touch his helm. Whatever connections being mad failed. He knew the sound of that cannon meant danger, but he didn't know what it was connected to. Recovering quickly he looked down to Gwen with a smile, "Forgive me, my processor froze up for a moment there. I'm quite alright Gwen, it's you whom I'm more worried for... Hmm, mayhaps the woman can heal that wound. I'm sure it cannot be doing good for your self-esteem."

He looked up at the white medic looking bot stepping forward to speak, he too seemed familiar, yet he wore the Autobot brand. He tilted his head, "Excuse me, but do I know you?"

[Nightbird]

Gwen didn't bother arguing with the medic, but did as she was told.
"Thank you.....Nora, was it?"
She looked back at Tracks.
"You sure your alright? You looked terrified there."

[Crog]

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/Deathshead151matrixholder.jpg?t=1229155591

Location: The Power Source

*Deathshead ignored everything around him. It didn't involve him, yes? Instead he started siphoning of energy from the structure.*

__________________________________________

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/250px-TK-421.jpg?t=1229155603

Location: The Clearing

*TK-421 turned back to the clearing and watched the events of the fight unravel... As things came to an end, he approached uncertainly. He made sure to keep his blaster leveled on the large reptile as he made his way to what looked like some more humans.*

__________________________________________

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x148/shaztalion/ilmH3_sarge_bustblk.jpg?t=1229156515

Location: The Aftermath

*Johnson watched with wonder as the girl slowly stood up and started moving about again. somewhat ashamedly, he backed away and stood apart from the rest of the group. He watched as the water woman approached, and he watched as the human medic came down and saw to her. Looking over at his discarded rifle, his thoughts grew dark.*

Salvation? Resurrection? I don't deserve it. I tried to protect them... but I just.. I just...

*He looked back at the other humans, and then down to the side arm at his waist. What then?...*

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/megatron.jpg
Location: Gazebo

Megatron's only response to Starscream was an emphatic narrowing of his optics. That SHOULD have been all that was necessary to quell any further dispute from other Decepticons.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo


The mystery woman, who was rapidly losing popularity among the crowd, simply stood still and allowed some more chaos to unfold around her. What did it matter how long this lasted, to her time was nothing- and these entities had nothing but time. Let them settle down first, then they'd get down to business. She gave the cat and his new human mount a small nod as if to acknowledge their willingness to cooperate, but nothing more. To Ratchet she said nothing.

Deathshead would likely find his siphoning attempts as fruitless as water drinking itself, since his own form was being generated by the same source of power he was attempting to tap.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/nuada.jpg
Location: Gazebo


"Hmph," The Prince finally spoke up, moving forward in the crowd to join the group crowding the woman. "You're the one who should be ashamed, trying to manipulate us by using a young girl."

He gave Mina a brief glance: she was clearly not human, so his rampant misanthropy didn't extend to her. "Excuse me, Princess, for speaking on your behalf. But you musn't let this entity sway your mind, nor use your unfortunate plight to further her own cause."

That being said, Nuada turned to face the water woman. "Whatever form of being you are, you must already be aware that everyone here either wishes to return to life, or move on to a suitable afterlife. You offer this to us as though we have a choice, yet it would seem we are at your mercy. Is the penalty for refusal truly eternal imprisonment in this plane? You have obviously removed us from our proper places in order to set up this elaborate illusion. What a cruel choice, to be part some cosmic game, or face a foreign purgatory. Truly, you -should- be ashamed, if your kind is even capable of any morality."

The irony of his own speech wasn't entirely lost on the Prince, since he had long since abandoned the general code of morality held by his own people in favour of a vigilante justice of his own design. However, he was not devoid of his own ethics and everything about this woman rubbed him the wrong way. His pride simply wouldn't allow him to be some puppet for a greater being's amusement, but he had no desire to remain trapped in this realm, either.



http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/neillidan.jpg
Location: Gazebo


Illidan looked Nuada over for the first time: the pale elf had a regal bearing about him, reminding the night elf a bit of that revolting traitor, Kael'Thas. Yet his words rang true and reflected Illidan's thoughts almost exactly. He was feeling slightly vindicated by the general rebellion of the group: evidently the chosen souls were not behaving as their captor had hoped. He could definitely use that... If he could convince them that he may be able to free them from her control, he may be able to get their allegiance.

Thanks to his encounter with Starscream, he was certain now that he could manipuilate the energies of this place as easily as those he was used to from home, and perhaps even moreso. He was also certain that it was only a matter of time before he was able to beat the woman at her own game, so to speak. He just needed to play along long enough to grab his chance.

[Ratchet]

http://comicsindisguise.com/Rorschach_white.jpg

Location: Outside Gazebo

"Rorschach's journal, November 2nd, 1985.

"Found journal here in strange place. Thought I had dropped it off in New York at newspaper office before leaving to Antarctica with Nite Owl. No matter.

"Surroundings are odd. Wonder if Dr. Manhatten transported me here instead of finishing me off. Possible, but unlikely. Last thing I remember is bright flash of blue light.

"Not sure where I am. Will investigate."

The small man known as Rorschach placed his pen back into his trenchcoat pocket and placed his journal in another. He had been sure he parted with his precious journal before journeying out with his former partner to Antarctica. Oh well... There wasn't much he could do about it now.

Walking along a brightly lit and foresty path, he eventually came to a large structure that looked like a giant gazebo. What was even stranger was that he heard voices inside.

Now reaching into his pocket, he clutched his small harpoon gun and looked around for a suitable place of entry. The front wouldn't do, he would be in plain sight - completely vulnerable. However a quick look around the area really told him he had no other choice. Some of the phrases he was picking up from inside sounded... odd... some of the voices seemed strange and distorted. Nobody had noticed him yet either, which also seemed odd.

"Hmph." Rorschach muttered as he stealthily made his way to the back of the crowd, where he could hear more and perhaps learn what was going on.

[Hound]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii76/Elevensies/ThumbnailRebel.jpg

"Yup. That's right." Nora sketched a very loose salute to Gwen, and then made to move back over to Ratchet. As she did so, however, she caught sight of the expression on Johnson's face, and changed her course.

Approaching the armored man, she quirked a concerned brow and offered, "Well, this'll probably be one of the dumbest questions I could ask, considering our situation but... You okay?"

[Zatnik]

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/images/thumb/b/b7/Starscream_uscomics.png/150px-Starscream_uscomics.png

"Oh, that." Starscream glances back at Megatron. "Working -temporarily- on the premise that I AM already dead... in what way should a threat to terminate me be cause for concern?"

[Ratchet]

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/theranon.jpg

Location: The Gazebo

Suddenly the air around the gazebo grew still. Out of nowhere a large flash of light appeared in the centre of the building, radiating heat and temporarily blinding those close enough to its proximity.

When the light finally dissipated, a figure was left standing, brushing dust off his dark red coat. He had a fiery aura around him, looking around at everyone with an arrogant stare.

“All right, all right I’m here.” He said, giving a nod to the blue woman. “So sorry I’m late but I’ve been trying to do some research, deciding which shapes would be most appropriate for you all, you know etcetera, etcetera…” He flapped his hand like a talking puppet before continuing. “But now that I’m here I suppose we can begin, hmmm?”

In a sweeping motion he gestured to the blue woman.

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo


"Well it's about time you arrived!" ignoring everyone else around her, the woman swept to face the fiery new arrival. "I've had to put up with their bickering and general stupidity for long enough while you were taking your sweet time 'preparing'. If you think this is going to make me lose out of frustration, you're wrong. I've already decided what the first round will be, and I get first pick of combatants!"

She made a swift motion, grabbing onto Illidan's arm and pulling him over to her. "We're going to set up the castle siege. Illidan Stormrage is on my side and this time I'm playing Defenders. See if you can -cheat- your way to victory at offense. Princess Mina will be the castle monarch. Now pick your team leader."


http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/neillidan.jpg
Location: Gazebo


Illidan tried to conceal his expression of horror as the woman not only manhandled him, but then proceeded to claim him as property for her imminent tournament. "Now wait just a second here- Don't we have any say in this?"


http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/mina.jpg
Location: Gazebo

Mina paled slightly at the woman's comment about her. "What does it mean, the castle monarch? Siege? What are we supposed to do?"

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
Draco snorted as he noticed the new arrival and the task was set out before them. Now they were being assorted into teams. He looked over the company assembled and at the fiery man who was now going to choose a team captain. Settling back on his haunches he waited the man's judgment, "So it finally begins..."

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
At the confused look on the white mech's faceplate, he assumed that no, he did not know him. As well as such, he turned his attention back to Gwen and the others.

[Coraxonyx]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNG-JIE-bQI/AAAAAAAAAPI/nhaLG8EO-44/s288/TC%201.jpg

Location: Standing with the group at the gazebo

An experienced warrior, Thundercracker instantly grasped the intent of the proposed exercise. Generally he preferred to break a siege, rather than withstand one, especially given the primitive fortification provided to the defenders. But would he want to attack a castle that sheltered Princess Mina? He admired the young organic for her courage and philosophical acceptance of her condition. He shifted slightly, trying to avoid the eye of the new arrival. If the red man was attacking, let him pick Autobots for his team.



http://lh5.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNHEsED3G3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/ixqbe-AZuZA/s288/wash%201.jpg

Location: At the gazebo.


Wash shook his head at the byplay between the fire man and the water woman. They wanted them to play a game? "Some game" he muttered, eyeing the formidable mechanical warriors and heavily armed soldiers in the group. Tracks was amiable enough, but perhaps the pilot would be smarter to get on a team with one of those big deadly looking chaps. Or maybe there would be another way to fight.

"Hey!" he called. "Will there be ships or anything in this fight? Not all of us came armed, you know."

[Ratchet]

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/theranon.jpg

Location: The Gazebo

"Team leader... team leader..." The strange man pondered, tapping his finger to his chin.

Well the dragon was certainly tempting, he looked strong and wise. On the other hand he had certain plans for the other members, some of which he had hand picked himself.

"You!" He said, pointing to Megatron. "You're my team leader. You are a leader yourself, naturally you are a good choice."

He floated himself over to where the woman stood.
"So since you think I'm going to be cheating at everything how will this go? Shall we take turns picking?"

[Slagpit]

((Well, since the Doctor seems dead set on not answering Wolfwood's question...))

*the strange, otherworldly construct emerged from the catacombs in front of the wandering priest and the musical clown. It's eyestalk swiveled as it looked from one to the other in turn. It then jolted backward suddenly at seeing the second*

You... You are re-cog-nised.... you are an en-e-my of the Dal-eks! The com-ing storm! THE DOC-TOR! YOU SHALL BE EX-TER-MI-NAT-ED!

*Wolfwood turned to his companion (or would HE be the companion?) with a wry smile.*

Oh, well, I'm really glad I'm traveling with you now. And I thought needle noggin was trouble.

[MBlackwood]

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/comicsforum/picture.php?albumid=71&pictureid=859
Location: GazeboCon

At the arrival of the fiery individual, Dinobot started and raised an arm to shield his optics from the glare, then glanced at the Water Woman as she reprimanded her colleague for keeping them waiting. He looked from one to the other. Fire, water; it made reasonable sense, on a certain level and provided one didn't overthink it too much.

As the two metaphysical beings bickered and squabbled about picking team captains and the rules of their upcoming game, Dinobot "rolled" his optics and muttered sarcastically, "O brave new world, that has such people in't. Feh."

The 'raptorbot glanced around him and saw that few of his fellow dead were at ease with this new series of events. The human in the tan uniform, Wash, made a good point in asking what weaponry they would be taking into the game. He rose from his crouch, turned to face the man and woman, and drew a little closer so he wouldn't need to shout to be heard.

"Hnnn, Yes, armament would seem to be in short supply among those of us who did not possess integrated weaponry at the time of death. Truly, in a pinch, rocks and sticks can be highly servicable as instruments of war. I would know. However, this game sounds much more advanced than a mere exercise of charge and retreat. Will you be providing firearms to those who have none or will you leave them to engineer some other manner of defense for themselves?"

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/comicsforum/picture.php?albumid=71&pictureid=844
Location: GazeboCon, Wash's shoulder

Though the tiny black kitten would never admit it, he was beginning to feel antsy. This was beginning to sound like some form of war game, and he was ill-equipped and ill-suited to such a task in the form he had now. However, Illidan's assault on the winged metal man had encouraged him, and he had felt about for some stirring of his old powers. Sure enough, he could sense answering vibrations from his surroundings that he could not attain before, which gave him a measure of confidence. All he could think to do now was to continue to pressure those mystical connections and keep them open so he would have them available to him later when all this talk was over; finished.

When the blue automaton with the demon's head on his chest had said his piece, Shredder looked to the two humanoids and listened for an answer. Much as it irked him to remain silent and unnoticed, he didn't have much else to say on the subject as yet. All he really wanted was for this blasted due process business to be over and for the game to begin.

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo

"It never ceases to amaze me that even the dead fail to learn patience," the woman remarked, looking over the crowd and giving Illidan's arm a fond pat (much to his disgust). "The full rules of the first excersize will be explained once our teams have been chosen. To summarize, the game will be won when either the attackers capture the castle monarch -alive-, or the defenders defeat the team leader of the opposing team. If the attackers 'kill' Mina then they lose. That means you can't just blast the castle to little bits."

She looked at her fiery counterpart again. "Yes, I believe you will cheat because you always cheat. This time I'm going to be keeping a closer eye on you. So you want Megatron, then I'm going to choose Thundercracker for my team and you're going to take Starscream. Who else do you want?"

The two mystery beings exchanged more words, choosing their teams with some more bickering and accusations of cheating. Eventually it was decided that the defenders counted Ratchet, Tigatron, Johnson, Rorschach, Doyle, Nora, Gwen, and Rimmer in addition to Illidan, Thundercracker, and Mina among their ranks. The opposing team led by Megatron included Starscream, Draco, Tracks, Dinobot, Shredder, Nuada, Wash, TK-421, and Deathshead.


"Alright, gather into your groups and give me your undivided attention, and I better not hear anyone complaining. You'll be working very closely together for this so I suggest you all learn to get along and get to know each other's strengths. Basically, the attackers will be aiming to siege the castle and capture the monarch while the defenders want to prevent this from happening. Your equipment is whatever you have on you and anything you manage to find along the way. You'll have plenty of time to plot your attack and defense plans but not so much time that we get bored waiting for the action. If you are 'killed' in the game you are out until the next round. Talk amongst yourselves and now is the time for any questions!"

[Tracks]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/DracoIcon.jpg
The dragon rose and padded towards the group of attackers. Strange, attacking a castle, he was getting the sense of deja vu. Ah well, at least his experience could actually be put to good use here. Not that this was something he was proud of knowing, a necessity of the time more than anything else. However, if it would serve to expedite their stay here, then so be it.

It was wrong for souls of the departed to be toyed with in such a manner. However, if these being possessed such power, antagonizing them would do no one any good. So it would appear they'd have to jump through the hoops for now.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x90/Nagi-Oki/Art%20Pics/TrackIcon.jpg
Tracks gave Gwen an assuring pat on the shoulder and a smile before he took his place with the other attackers. His Autobot programming disliked the fact that there were so many humans on the opposing team. Even though they were already dead, he doubted he could actually bring himself to hurt them or fight them. Not unless they allied themselves with Decepticons, probably the ONLY exception that his programming would allow. Well, perhaps there was something else he could do...

He eyed the two Decepticons warily, still untrusting of the two. It would probably help if he could actually remember who they are. It was irritating how familiar they were and yet, their identities remained elusive. Dangling upon the tip of his glossa and yet, nothing came to mind.

He looked around the group.

[Coraxonyx]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNG-JIE-bQI/AAAAAAAAAPI/nhaLG8EO-44/s288/TC%201.jpg

Location: Joining the defenders.

Thundercracker frowned down at his team. The only two other Cybertronians were the Autobot medic and the small white 'bot with the animal alt mode. Two of the humans looked adequately armed, and Illidan possessed some substantial, but mysterious, power. Not much to go up against both Megatron and Starscream, as well as the dragon, though. They also had the dubious advantage of the defensive structure, and the rules of the game prevented typical Decepticon siege-breaking tactics. But their own objective was to defeat Megatron.
'Defeat', the woman had said, not 'kill'. Perhaps an important distinction, he turned to her.

"What are the conditions that would serve as "defeat" of the attacking team's leader? Does he have to be destroyed?" he asked, nonchalantly (he hoped).



http://lh5.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNHEsED3G3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/ixqbe-AZuZA/s288/wash%201.jpg

Location: Joining the attackers.


The pilot moved carefully, so as not to dislodge the little feline on his arm. "Looks like we're on the same team, kitten." he said conversationally to the creature. Wash was pleased with his assignment. In addition to the amiable, and well armed, Tracks, they were getting three more of the metal men, the scary skull guy, the fellow with the huge spear and the big dragon. And all they had to do was kidnap a girl. Easy job, and no killing required. He grinned up at the group as he took a place next to the dude in the white armor.

"I can't wait to see you fellas in action," he said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "What's the plan, fearless leader?"

[MBlackwood]

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/comicsforum/picture.php?albumid=71&pictureid=844
Location: Ga-ZEE-bo with Wash who, sadly, has no ga-LOSH-es.

Shredder chuckled darkly, a peculiar sound when filtered through his tiny vocal cords, and sat himself regally on Wash's shoulder. "Indeed," he replied. "It would seem our team is the likely candidate for victory." This fact pleased the little black kitten to no end. He couldn't be certain if his abilities would be on the same par as Illidan's, but there was at least some mystic connection now where before there was none. That, at least, was progress, and progress would just have to do until Shredder could facilitate a more complete return to his full potential. Shredder purred contentedly at the thought of going once more into battle with at least a measure of his former strength.

Besides himself, there were some heavy contenders among their number, including the dragon - called Draco, if the Fountain Woman was to be trusted, which the Shredder wasn't entirely certain she was - two of the more menacing giant metal men, the metal man with the reptillian head mounted on his chest, and the humanoid with the vaguely skull-shaped head and the fierce tusks. The rest were various degrees of expendable, particularly Tracks (bothersome feline-hater!) and the two unarmored humans (bothersome mortals!), but workable in the context of a large-scale battle.

They could, for instance, make very handy meat-shields.

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/comicsforum/picture.php?albumid=71&pictureid=859
Location: Gazebo, joining the Attackers
Dinobot wasn't sure what to think of being assigned to take orders from another Megatron, much less what to think of that Megatron being the original, from whom all the mad plots of his former superior derived. All he was sure of was that, thankfully, his datatrax seemed to have settled for the most part. At least, they were no longer constantly spamming his onboard computer with lost-and-found reports, instead favoring to do so every few kliks. For this, he felt an iota of gratitude to whatever force had made it possible for him to think clearly again.

Their team selected, the warrior moved to stand in the general vicinity of his new leader, but not without misgivings. He would be against Tigatron, an unfortunate twist of fate, as they had only just met each other again. Then on his team he had Starscream the Screechy to worry about, whom Dinobot didn't doubt would be a headache for their entire group. At least this insanity won't end in true bloodshed, he mused to himself. The human, Gwen, proved that handily enough.

A thought occurred to him after Thundercracker had spoken, and he turned to voice it to the two ringleaders of this circus. "Where, precisely, is this castle we must plan around located? Will we be given the opportunity to view it before we formulate our plans?" Already, his tactically-gifted processor was tallying up numbers, considering possible strategies, judging probable skill sets and levels amongst his teammates, and basically providing itself every excuse not to think about how many humans and likely pacifists stood among the ranks of those he was intended to fight.

[Hound]

(In a bit of a hurry, Imagine Picture of Doyle Here, actual picture sometime later)

Doyle
Location: Gazebo, amongst the Defenders.

Perfectly willing to just fade into the crowd, Doyle quietly went to join his new "team" and wondered how much help he would actually manage to be. Without any weapons on hand, he supposed he'd have to improvise. Ah well, it wasn't like he hadn't had lots of experience with that.

Finding himself standing in the shadow of the giant, white robot, next to a woman in white and grey, wearing symbols similar to a medic's red cross on either shoulder, and clutching a hefty looking gun like her life depended on it, Doyle offered his hand, somewhat cautiously. "Err. Hi there. I'm Doyle."

((Similarly, Picture of Nora To Be Here Soon))

Nora
Location: Likewise, with defenders.

Before she could get a response out of Johnson, the two apparently omnipotent beings divvied up the teams, and Nora decided it might be best to follow their instructions and not push her luck. She gravitated back to stand close to Ratchet, and shifted her grip on her weapon, as she sized up the other team. "Gee," she muttered, after a moment. "Fighting against giant robots and aliens. What a completely new and novel experience. I'm sure glad I've never had to do that before." At least no one would be dying this time.

One of her fellow defenders sidled up next to her, and offered his hand and a greeting. Nora accepted the hand and nodded. "I'm Nora. Nice to meet you."

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo


"Hm, defeat, right," the woman looked Megatron over as if considering what exactly it would take to defeat him. "Total destruction would not be necessary, but it needs to be to the point where he can either fight no longer or admits defeat himself and gives up the siege. And no," she turned to Dinobot, "you can't get a tour of the caste before you attack it. Do you think that ever happens in reality? Take this seriously! You'll make your plans when you all get placed in your starting positions."


http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/neillidan.jpg

Illidan finally tore himself away from the strange being's grasp and scoffed at her. "You tell us to take this seriously yet you treat us like toys. If I go along with this charade it's for my own reasons, not yours."

He looked over the assembled group of defenders he was most likely going to have to direct himself. He couldn't be sure how much experience any of them had with defending against sieges, so he had to assume his own personal experience would be the most valuable in this situation. Mina seemed to be a liability, she didn't seem to have any ability to defend herself if the defenses were breached somehow. Illidan spoke quietly to the group so as not to be overheard by the attackers. "When we arrive at the castle we will find a secure location for Mina. I think it would be sensible to assign her a few personal guards to ensure nobody manages to sneak into the castle and claim her while everyone else is fighting. Anyone who feels they would be less effective in the main combat but can keep alert and watch for intruders should volunteer for this duty."


http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/megatron.jpg
Location: Gazebo


Megatron hated just about everything about this world already, but he was truly ambivalent about being the leader of this sorry group. He supposed it could have been worse if Starscream had been assigned to lead. He looked over his shoulder at the other group as though suspicious they might be listening. "We will discuss our tactics at such a time as we are positioned for the siege and away from the enemy," he told his new followers. "Until then all of you should consider your personal strenghts and weaknesses as I'm not familiar with most of them."

[MBlackwood]

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/comicsforum/picture.php?albumid=71&pictureid=859
Location: With the Attackers

At the Fountain Woman's dismissive response to his query, Dinobot bristled. He had only desired a look at the castle and the surrounding lands in general; not once had he asked for anything he wouldn't take the opportunity to gain through observation on any standard infiltration mission. Whether the Woman had been concious of his meaning and purposefully ignored it or remained oblivious to it, she had succeeded in further riling up the Maximal's ire.

In reply, he snarled and returned fire with dripping sarcasm. "But why ever would we not receive a tour of the premises we are to storm? It is only ever the proper procedure for an attacking party to be recieved cordially by their enemies and instructed in all the recommended tactics to raze the target utterly. You do us a great injustice, madam."

http://www.comicsindisguise.com/comicsforum/picture.php?albumid=71&pictureid=844
Location: Wash's shoulder

At Dinobot's outburst, Shredder rolled his eyes and snorted disdainfully. Fruitless expenditure of glib comments and pathetic wit would get them nowhere. All it would do is drag out these blasted proceedings even more, and the small black feline was beyond impatient to begin this confounded game. He just barely managed to resist kneading his claws into Wash's shoulder in frustration, as he didn't desire to be ejected from his newfound perch without another readily available.

[Zatnik]

Starscream
Location: With attackers

Starscream grimaced at his team placement. Not only was he on side with a dragon and a kitten, but he was second under Megatron's command again. Having been named directly after Megatron, Starscream had no doubt of his position...

"Since this is obviously my own personal section of the pit, Megatron, why don't you illucidate us to your undoubtedly 'failproof' plan, oh mighty team Leader?"

[Coraxonyx]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNG-JIE-bQI/AAAAAAAAAPI/nhaLG8EO-44/s288/TC%201.jpg

Location: With the defenders

Thundercracker nodded at the fountain woman's clarification. Then he turned to his group.

"I think we would do our best planning at the castle. I know where it is and how to get back there. I am wiling to carry the organics in flight," he turned to face Ratchet and the strange small Cybertronian. "But I believe the two of you would be too massive for my fight capacity. Can you follow me from the ground?"

http://lh5.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNHEsED3G3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/ixqbe-AZuZA/s288/wash%201.jpg

Location: With the attackers


Wash smirked at the robots' bickering. He'd never known a captain who had an easy time of things. He sized up the silver and red giant. If the wings and other flight parts built into the robot's structure were more than cosmetic, he just might have something to contribute to the success of their mission.

Shifting slightly, he addressed the big machine, "Hey, Starscream, is it? You can fly, right?"

[Hound]

http://entimg.msn.com/i/125/TVDeaths/angel_gquin_125x150.jpg

Location: With the Defenders

Doyle felt a touch of relief, hearing Illidan's instructions. He'd been having some serious doubts about how effective he'd be, up against dragons and giant robots, but standing watch over a pretty lady? That was more his cup of tea. Besides, it'd free up some of the other, more combat capable of their company.

However, it would probably be best to wait until they actually got to the castle before volunteering. Who knew how good those big machines could hear.

[Zatnik]

Starscream
Location: With attackers
http://www.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:Hs_NMEfZ9r9jmM::i36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/gposkas/starscream.jpg

Starscream leant forward, and looked around until he spotted Wash. Deciding not to step on the insect for presuming to speak to him - in part because he didn't want to have to pick out bits from his thusters, and otherwise because he wasn't entirely sure it would even work, here - and deigned to answer.

"No, my wings are purely ornamental; of course I can fly!"

He paused for a moment, taking on a less sarcastic/scathing tone.

"I'm only the fastest - and best - flier of my class; the very pride of the Cybertronian War Academy."

[Megatron]

http://www.imperialsquid.com/stuff/avatars/omni.jpg
Location: Gazebo

"Well, enough lollygagging," the woman spoke, suddenly. "Now that everyone is acquainted with their teams, I'm going to place you in your starting positions and you can set your plans in motion! Good luck, and may the best team win!"

She gave her group a stern look that indicated they better win, OR ELSE, and all of a sudden the gazebo scene disappeared. Now the defenders were all assembled in the large courtyard of the mountaintop castle, but it was not the same crumbling building Mina and Thundercracker had previously seen. Now it was fully reconstructed, complete with banners and all the equipment one would expect of a fortress.

The attackers now found themselves positioned at the base of the mountain where they could see the region surrounding the caste quite well. One wall of the castle was built up a sheer cliff that seemed more or less inaccessible by climbing. However, around the other sides the slope was less steep and there was a well constructed path leading to the main doors of the castle. The slopes were also lightly forested, providing cover but not too thick to pass through.

[Darth Krande]

(What happened? Did the story die???)

[Crog]

[Hokay... so I fell off the side of the planet, but now I wish to return! With a vengence! Also... *kicks RP to try and bring it life once more* Pictures will be added later once I've managed to get back into my photobucket... it's been too long.]


DeathsHead

The energy source prooved mosted illusive. Try as he might, Deathshead couldn't seem to draw power from it, eh? His efforts continued until, with a flash, he was suddenly elsewhere. Looking about in mild consternation, he found himself at the base of a mountain. He turned to one of the nearby Cybertronians, one with one of those, what did they call them, Autobrands, yes?

"This landscape is like water, yes? difficult to maintain a steady living here I imagine, eh?"



TK-421

TK-421 moved to stand with his group, still uncertain what was going on. He saluted his new commander, and started to speak when suddenly the air shimmered around them, and their little army was suddenly standing at the foot of a great mountain. Startled he looked about him in confusion, instinctively raising his blaster rifle and covering the area.



Johnson

Johnson didn't hear Nora, lost in dark musings as he was. But as the air shimmered around them, and he suddenly felt hard stone beneath his boots. He looked about him in bewilderment, thoughts of his pistol pushed aside as he tried to grasp what had just happened.

Where the hell?

[Coraxonyx]

At the castle

http://lh4.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNG-JIE-bQI/AAAAAAAAAPI/nhaLG8EO-44/s288/TC%

Thundercracker was too accustomed to Space Bridge technology to be disoriented by the sudden shift in location. He was, however, pleasantly surprised at the improved condition of the castle. It was still incredibly primitive, but it had a certain pleasing solidity to it now. He stepped back and kicked in his boot thrusters to assay a quick aerial survey. The quicker they marked Megatron's approach, the better.

With the attackers
http://lh5.ggpht.com/coraxonyx/SNHEsED3G3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/ixqbe-AZuZA/s288/wash%201.jpg

Wash was momentarily startled at the abrupt change in scene with no apparent sense of movement. "That's disturbingly unnatural," he muttered half to himself and half to the little kitten. But he remembered their purpose in being there and addressed his attention to the big gray robot. What was the plan going to be?

[Crog]

[ 8D Excellent! It's coming back to life!]

[Megatron]

((Nice work, Crog. Y'all better get to posting before my attention span wanes!))

[Hound]

((Hojeez! This is back? Woot! Uh, it will take me just a bit to read up and remember who all I was playing >.>))

[Hound]

http://entimg.msn.com/i/125/TVDeaths/angel_gquin_125x150.jpg
Name: Doyle
Location: With the Defenders, at the Castle

Now that was decidedly disturbing. Doyle felt the hair on the back of his neck go up, and reached a hand up to rub nervously at it. "Nice place," he observed, nervously, and then turned to Illidan, clearing his throat. "So, ah, I'll volunteer to play bodyguard, unless someone has a better idea."

Feeling the need to 'sell himself', so to speak, and not look quite like a spineless coward who wanted to sit out of the fight, he added, "I don't fancy going toe-to-toe with one o' those big metal boyos, but I can shoot a crossbow pretty fair, and... I get premonitions, occasionally. Nothing I can control, but," Doyle shrugged, "Its possible t' Powers That Be'd be willing t' give me a hint, if someone's sneaking up."

Actually, he didn't think it was terribly probable---since when did the Powers ever do something nice for him? Or to him, for that matter---but it was worth mentioning.