Duel of the Authors

Beast Wars Anonymous

Beast Wars and all related belong to Hasbro. The story, its original contents and ideas, and any original characters belong to the author and cannot be used or reprinted without the author's permission.

Duel of the Authors, pt. 1
by Gestalt

*Scene opens. We see a base of some kind, far from the Ark and the Darkseid. Jubilee walks down a corridor, when she hears noises going on outside.*

Jubilee: What in hell? I come all the way out here and already I'm getting door-to-door salesbots knocking. Guess I should go see what they're selling. *pulls out weapons, goes to main gate entrance. Looks out and sees laser bolts chasing after a running Spider Striker* Huh?! What's going on?!

Spider Striker: What's it look like--I'm bein' slaughtered out here!... *gets pegged in the back by a laser bolt*

Jubilee: Hey! *looks for the origin of the blaster shot, but doesn't find it right away. A bolt zings past her shoulder, and Jubilee fires in its direction. The sniper that fired at her gets hit and falls back. Spider Striker turns and fires off in the distance. Jubilee joins in the attack, taking out another far-off figure.* Who are these guys?!

Spider Striker: *continuing to fire at the hidden targets.* I was on patrol! Optimus sent me! Megatron's, like, disappeared, and so have quite a few of his goons! It was me and a couple other guys that went out to search the area and see what's up! I ended up out here...*dodges another bolt, fires at another figure in the rocky cover, knocking him down* ...and got caught off guard by these bastards!

Jubilee: Would you hurry up and get in here! *Fires at the far mountain wall towards the snipers, and notes a greenish figure in the dispersed group.* Correct me if I'm wrong--but that looks like Mantor!

Spider Striker: *Turns around as he gets to the base entrance.* Aw, man! You're kidding m-- *gets hit in the chest by a bolt from Mantor.*

Jubilee: Shoot! *Fires at Mantor. Mantor takes the shot and fires back at her. Jubilee dodges and fires again, but the shot bounces off Mantor like the first.* Nu-uh...you ain't getting off THAT easily! *Pulls out a small thermal detonator and throws it. Mantor catches it and examines it for a moment. The detonator goes off, covering Mantor in a ball of fire, then expanding out in a large black cloud of smoke. Jubilee fires a few more shots, then hauls Spider Striker inside and shuts the base door.* That door should hold them. How bad is it?

Spider Striker: Not...too bad. Thanks for saving my neck there, especially with Mantor. Hey, when did you get this base anyway?

Jubilee: I've been working on it for a while. *sounds of door trying to be beaten down.* Hmm. Persistent aren't they? Come on, we'll get to my quarters. It's well protected.

Spider Striker: All right. *Jubilee runs to her quarters with Spider Striker in tow. They seal themselves in.*

Jubilee: Need to borrow my C/R chamber?

Spider Striker: Yes please. Thanks, Jubie. *Jubilee helps Striker up and starts to help him to the chamber*

Spider Striker: Definitely in love! She'll kill me but... *kisses Jubilee on cheek*

Jubilee: *shocked* What was that 'bout? I'm just helping him to a CR chamber. *sees loving look in Striker's eyes* Oh boy. He's in love with me. Now what do I do? *closes CR chamber door. Sits down and waits* Striker's in love with me? Why? Just because I helped him take on the snipers? Striker when you get out you have some explaining to do.

*INSIDE MAIN ENTRANCE*

*main door breaks down, and a group of Predacons storm the base. They hold their weapons out, waiting to take someone down. As the smoke begins to clear, Mantor appears from the entrance in beast mode, apparently unscathed from the blast of the thermal detonator. Behind him, walking with confidence, is Darkbird.*

Mantor: He's in here. I know it!

Darkbird: *sighs* Oh, my dear Mantor. What would I do without you. *smirks, then turns* Trooper, I want Spider Striker found. He knows a little too much for my comfort. *really bad breathmask impression* "They will not get away from us, this time!"

Downer: Yessir. *assembles two others to follow him as he takes them down a corridor.*

Darkbird: And what do your senses tell you?

Mantor: *gestures* This way.

Darkbird: Good. The rest of you, follow us!

*OUTSIDE THE BASE, ABOUT FIVE MILES AWAY*

Blackbird: Huh. This is cute. All of a sudden, I can't find Spider Striker. *checks scanner system for the fifth time* Nope, nada. *sighs and activates commlink* Blackbird to Optimus. We've got a prob...*interrupted by a burst of static* Damn! What the hell?! *taps commlink twice, nothing changes.* Jammed. Uh...this isn't good. Someone's out here, jamming my commlink. Which might explain why Spider Striker disappeared. *begins to walk forward* Well, if someone's thinking of ambushing me, they've got another thing coming! *Pulls out blaster and continues patrol*

*OUTSIDE, HIGH ABOVE JUBILEE'S BASE*

*Skycat is flying back from a patrol, notices all the commotion below her at Jubilee's base*

Skycat: What the crud is goin' on down there? *activates commlink, but gets nothing but static* Slag! Commlink's being jammed...whatever's happening down there can't be good if someone's bothering to jam the area... *flies down to an air vent opening near the top of the base* Oh well, guess I'm just gonna have ta drop in and see what I can see...

*ON ANOTHER SIDE OF JUBILEE'S BASE*

Hawk: *raises optic lenses after scanning Jubilee's base from a farther off ledge, masked by a group of trees.* Looks like some trouble. The whole base is being stormed. Darkbird was with them. *notes another figure flying towards the base. Brings optic lenses back down just in time to see Skycat dive down and disappear behind a portion of the base.* Hmm. What's she planning on doing? *dismounts sub-cannons, stands up* Guess I'll just have to go in and find out...

*BACK INSIDE--ABOVE A CORRIDOR*

Skycat: *crawling through air vents in the ceiling of the base, when she hears a sound in the corridor below her. Looks down and sees three Predacons combing the corridor, searching for anything.* Hmmm. Since when does Jubilee let Preds into her base? Huh. *grins wickedly* I haven't blown up anything for ages, so... *drops from vent in ceiling, pulls out her twin quasar cannons, and blasts the Predacons. Each of them drops as a blast pegs head on.* Too easy. Way too easy. Now, to find out what they're doing in here...

*INSIDE JUBILEE'S QUARTERS*

Spider Striker: Maybe I'll just stay in here. Never been in it before, kinda nice. *door opens, Jubilee staring down at him* Aw, crap. Uh, Jubilee, I'm sorry. Your just so nice and pretty, and you kicked the shit out of the snipers. It's just a crush really. I get those all the time. Even on people who hate me. It'll pass. Don't kill me. *puts hands in front of face*

Jubilee: *pulls Striker's hands away from his face* Only a crush, huh? I'll have to work on that. *kisses Striker on the cheek* I think you're silly. I like silly. *walks out of the room, leaving a stunned Striker behind*

Spider Striker: W-wait a minute! *begins to run after Jubilee* What are we going to do about those bullies out there?

Jubilee: Follow me. *walks down to the armory. Starts through the weapons equipment, grabbing a few explosives, and a blaster.* Take what you need or want. It might get a little hectic.

Spider Striker: *picks up heavy blaster, cocks it* "Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!"

Jubilee: Follow me.

MEANWHILE: ...

Mantor: This way! *starts down a hall* Spider Striker's this way. And there's someone else.

Darkbird: Yes--fine, good. Tell you what, go ahead and get Striker. *stares at a bulkhead* There's something else I want to be ready for. Men, follow him. *Mantor and the troops continue down the corridor, Darkbird stays where he is.* What an interesting experience. Never felt this before. But, nonetheless, it's there. I can tell. Blackbird is coming near. *looks back down the corridor.* I should probably go to meet him. See what kind of fun I can have.

*OUTSIDE THE ARMORY*

Jubilee: I can hear them! They're just around the corridor.

Spider Striker: Ready! *Two troopers appear around a corner, weapons blazing. Spider Striker fires back, dropping one of them. Jubilee fires at the other, but he ducks back behind the corridor bend.*

Jubilee: Let's see him duck away from this... *pulls out a grenade, presses activation top, and throws it down the corridor.* Get back!

BOOM!

Spider Striker: Think that did it. *a laser bolt zings past him from down the corridor* Ack! Guess not! *fires back at the troopers, Jubilee along side him*

*DOWN ANOTHER CORRIDOR*

Hawk: *can hear laserfire* Hmm. A firefight. *checks internal scanners* Sure are a few signatures in here. Better be cautious...

*A CORRIDOR DOWN FROM THE ARMORY*

Mantor: Get up, fool! *forces downed trooper back to his feet.* You two! go around the corridor and get them from behind! Everyone else, continue firing! *troopers split accordingly*

Jubilee: *still firing, trying to hold the Predacon troopers back* Don't let up. We can still take them down! *laser blasts start to appear from behind the two Maximals.* Oh no!

Spider Striker: They're surrounding us! *turns and fires behind him.*

Jubilee: Keep firing down the other way. I'll take care of the guys behind us! *Turns and throws another explosive. The two troopers run back before the grenade detonates. Jubilee chases after them, firing all the way*

Spider Striker: Oh, that's great. *aims for a portion of the corridor side, waiting. A trooper appears at that point, aiming to fire, when Spider Striker picks him off.* Hey! Not bad! *Fires off a few warning shots* Eat that, Preds! *Two more troopers appear around the bend, firing back. Mantor is just behind them* Oh Shit! Mantor followed me in?! *dodging firepower, counterattacking* This could be bad...

*OUTSIDE THE BASE'S MAIN ENTRYWAY*

*Blackbird lands in front of the Jubilee's base. He looks around for a bit, and finally finds the main doors. They have been blown inward.*

Blackbird: Hmm, wonder if I should knock first? *He is about to enter the base, but before he can, he hears a chanting behind. He knows the voice is Darkbird's but he still stands facing the entryway, letting the scene play out.*

Darkbird: "Isn't this religious? Oh yes. *puts his arms up and tilts his head in a crucifix-like stand*. The immortal battle of good vs. evil--saint vs. sinner. But, you're still not having any fun!"

*Blackbird spins around quickly, pulls out his rifle from subspace, and fires at Darkbird. Darkbird dodges it and fires back, then runs for cover behind a rock, still firing back as he approaches his cover point. Blackbird continues to fire at him, but Darkbird keeps avoiding the blasts, ducking behind the rock in front of him. Darkbird fires back again and pegs Blackbird in the shoulder. Blackbird holds his shoulder for a second, then flies up and fires down at Darkbird. Darkbird ducks to try and avoid the hailstorm of fire. He stands up, then fires a perfect shot at Blackbird, pegging him right in the chest and sending him to the ground. Darkbird laughs and walks out from behind his rock.*

Darkbird: Sucker...

*ANOTHER PART OF THE BASE*

Jubilee: *Firing at the retreating troopers* This is getting annoying! Sit still! *notes as a small cubical device gets thrown in her direction.* Oh, sh... *dives out of the way just as it explodes, tearing up the corridor* Man! Yer ruining my base! *fires back, angry. Takes down one of the troopers. The other ducks down a corridor. Jubilee starts to follow, when she notices another cube on the ground* Aw, c'mon!! *Dives out of the way as it blows apart more of the corridor.* That's it! Now, I'm REALLY mad!

*BACK AT THE ARMORY*

Spider Striker: *shoots another Predacon trooper, knocking him back. Gets jumped by the last trooper before he can shoot him* Aaah! *pinned down*

Mantor: Haha! This was too easy. *takes Striker's weapons.* Trooper, stand down. I want Spider Striker to myself! *raises talons*

Spider Striker: Eep! *Mantor slices into Spider Striker, throwing him into the nearby wall.* Mantor: This shall, indeed, be fun!

*Mantor starts to bring down his beast claws as Spider Striker shields his face.*

Mantor: That's right. Tremble with fear!

*Mantor starts to laugh manically when Spider Striker kicks up with both his feet, tossing Mantor into the wall. The troopers start firing at Spider Striker as he jumps up.

Mantor: No! *climbs to feet* He's mine!

*The troopers step back as Mantor lunges towards Spider Striker. Spider Striker leaps out of the way, running on Mantor's back as the mantis flies by.*

Spider Striker: "That all you got?"

Mantor: I've got a lot more than you!

Spider Striker: All right then. "Let's get ready to rumble!"

*Spider Striker gets into a battle stance. He raises his hands and a small but very sharp red talon emerges out of each of his fingertips.*

Spider Striker: "It slices! It dices! It even makes french fries in...."

Mantor: Shut up!

*Mantor fires his eye and shoulder cannons at Spider Striker. Spider Striker leaps out of the way, lands in front of Mantor and rakes his talons across the mantis's chest. Spider Striker then leaps again over the Predacon's head and delivers a roundhouse kick to the Predacon's back. Mantor quickly recovers and punches Spider Striker in the head, sending him down. Spider Striker starts to jump again but Mantor grabs him by the neck. Mantor then grabs his opponent's legs and raises him above his head.*

Mantor: And now, arachnid, you diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie!!!!!!!!!

*As Mantor begins to slam Spider Striker on his spiked knee, Spider Striker fires a cyber web line and swings safely out of Mantor's grip.*

Spider Striker: No thanks. I rather enjoy my life.

Mantor: ARGH!!!!! *Mantor fires his eye beams at Spider Striker knocking the Maximal off his web line.*

Spider Striker: >oomph!< Man, this is nuts! Even with my sixth sense warning me, I barely have time to react...whoa! *Mantor charges Spider Striker at full force...*

*BACK OUTSIDE THE BASE*

Darkbird: *walks over to Blackbird and looks down at him.* That was too easy. I almost regret it. Almost. *Darkbird points his rifle at Blackbird's head, but before he can pull the trigger, Blackbird's optics snap on-line suddenly, and he swipes at Darkbird's legs, knocking him down. With a wry smile, Blackbird stands up and kicks the rifle out of Darkbird's hand, then points his own rifle at Darkbird's head. Darkbird sits up a little, but was still holds down by Blackbird's rifle.*

Darkbird: Oh, nice going. Cute little feint, there, too. "But I think you better pull the trigger my Sean, cause I don't give a fuck"!

*Blackbird looks at Darkbird for a second, and is about to pull the trigger. Before he can, Darkbird unsheathes his claws behind his back and brings his right arm around to attack. Blackbird kicks his arm, however, before he can get the chance to do any damage. Blackbird then punches him in the face, dazing him. Then he spins around and lands the heel of his foot right on Darkbird's jaw, knocking him down. Blackbird begins to kick Darkbird while he's on the ground. Darkbird grabs Blackbird's foot and trips him. Darkbird gets up and slashes at Blackbird, scraping his chest, but not doing any real damage. Blackbird jumps up and begins punching Darkbird in the face again. Darkbird quickly recovers and punches Blackbird in the jaw, then grabs him and throws him into some rocks. He kicks Blackbird in the chest, then the face. Darkbird laughs as he looks down at Blackbird's body. He grabs Blackbird's head and slams it face first into a rock. After that, Darkbird stomps on Blackbird's body a bit more.*

Darkbird: *Whew!* Well, that was fun! Now, what else can I do to him?... *He looks around for a moment, then spots a huge rock. He goes over to it and struggles to pick it up. He walks back over to Blackbird's body with the rock, planning to drop it on his twin. As he gets ready to drop it, Blackbird suddenly wakes up and rolls out of the way, just in the nick of time.

Blackbird stands up, then lunges at Darkbird. He tackles Darkbird to the ground and begins to punch him repeatedly in the face. He grabs Darkbird's head and punches him a last time, then gets up and begins to walk to the base doors again. Right when he's at the doorway again, he hears screaming behind him and turns to see Darkbird running towards him at full speed. Blackbird ducks and rolls out of the way right as Darkbird brings his claws down, scratching the side of the base. He turns to Blackbird and begins to charge him, slashing wildly. In one of his sweeps he finally catches Blackbird's arm, causing him to withdraw it in pain. Darkbird lunges at Blackbird, but Blackbird lowers his head, catches Darkbird as he's sliding over his back, then stands up and slams Darkbird down onto a nasty looking rock behind him. As Darkbird gets up, Blackbird takes another rock and cracks him over his head, knocking Darkbird out cold. Blackbird stands there for a minute, then finally walks into the base.*

*AT THE ARMORY*

*Spider Striker fires two web spheres at the fast approaching Mantor. The spheres explode just to the sides of Mantor's head, blinding him.*

Spider Striker: Mmm. Extra creamy! *Spider Striker pulls out his laser pistols and fires on the blind mantis, but only to see the blasts bounce off his armor. * Dammit! "Why won't you die?!" *Mantor finally burns through the webbing laughing hysterically.*

Mantor: Because you would enjoy my death, spider. And I have to many brethren to avenge to be killed by you!

Spider Striker: Of course. *in voice exactly like Waspinator's* "Ooh! Why universe hate Waspinator?" *Normal voice* Ah, jeez. You made me quote Waspinator! "Now you must die!"

Mantor: No, I do believe that shall be you! *dodges out of the way as Spider Striker continues to fire at him*

Spider Striker: Man! Yer even more slippery than Tarantulas!

Mantor: *laughing harder than before* Oh, that arachnid was fun to kill. You should've been there! Even you could appreciate the way I did it. It was a work of art!

Spider Striker: He killed Tarantulas? Oh, God! That means what I saw...

*Spider Striker again leaps into the air. As he comes down, he grabs Mantor's head with both hands, lodging all his talons into Mantor's cranium. Mantor screams and fires his eye beams. Spider Striker takes the full force of the blast and is sent flying. He collides with a wall and falls to the ground unconscious. Mantor again stands over Spider Striker and raises his beast claws.*

Mantor: Now, where were we...?

*plasma blasts fly down the corridor, decimating the other troopers from behind. Mantor turns to see Hawk, his dual-cannon brought to bare.*

Hawk: Over here. At the live target! *constant barrage of firepower begins hitting Mantor. The Predacon growls as he turns to attack Hawk. The warrior hybrid continues the assault, noting as certain shots deflect after hitting portions of Mantor's armor*

Hawk: Better keep away from those areas...

*watches Mantor as he begins to run forward, despite the attack. Hawk opens shoulder launchers, adds salvo of mini rockets to dual-cannon attack*

Hawk: You ever fall over?

Mantor: *blasts hit and cause damage--others bounce away* Does it look like it?

*rocket hits Mantor in the face and finally pierces armor around one of his mandibles.*

Hawk: *still firing* That should take a good amount of cosmetic surgery.

Mantor: AAARGH! You'll pay for that!

Hawk: Doubtful. *Activates Jet-pack. Jet-flips up and over Mantor, still firing dual-cannon. Lands on other side, getting a few shots in on Mantor's back. Pierces armor in a few places.*

Mantor: *turning around* EEYAAGH!!! *charges again*

*shots begin to head towards Mantor's legs and feet. Pieces of armor get blown away little by little as Mantor closes the distance gap. Shrapnel and insectoid beast parts begin to fly everywhere from the lower limbs. First limb is blown off. Mantor keeps charging. Second is pierced at two points. Keeps charging. Arm finally gets torn away by rockets. Keeps charging...*

Hawk: Like a damned Klendathu Arachnid! Drop, you piece of...

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

*Mantor drops a half meter from where Hawk stands, smoldering from all over.*

Hawk: *Holding position* Okay. That took a little longer than I... *Mantor's other arm comes up quick--sinks into Hawk's left leg*

SH-I-I-INK!

Hawk: AUGH! *drops dual-cannon--reaches back and pulls out arched blade, igniting it. He slices Mantor's arm off. Deignites blade, and puts away. Hawk picks up and separates sub-cannons, holstering them. Pulls limb out of his leg using both hands* RRRGH! *Tosses away* Ungh! I'm going to have to put in for some down time on that one...

*AT FAR END OF CORRIDOR*

*Jubilee takes a shot at one of the trooper's ankles. He falls over, and Jubilee shoots at him until he is no longer functional.*

Jubilee: *firing at remaining trooper who is running away* Come back here! OOOOH! I've had enough!

Skycat: *from a corridor junction ahead of the trooper* Let me give you a hand! *fires quasar cannons, leveling the Predacon.* See? Easy!

Jubilee: Skycat! How'd you get in here?

Skycat: I have my ways.

Jubilee: Come on, I left Spider Striker to fend for himself. Follow me. *both run down the corridor to the armory. Hawk is standing over a messed up pile of Predacon troopers and Mantor. Spider Striker is slumped against a bulkhead, partially messed up.*

Jubilee: Oh Man, sorry Striker. I mean, I'm gone a few minutes and they're cutting you up again.

Hawk: He'll be all right. You might want to start getting him back to the Maximal base at the Ark. This whole setup isn't going to hold for long. And if Darkbird has any other troops, it'll only get worse.

Jubilee: Man! I just finished this thing! *sighs.* Then, if we have to go, let's go. *Jubilee helps Spider Striker up, while Skycat and Hawk walk with them, weapons ready.* We might not be able to leave just yet. I want to get Spider Striker to the CR-chamber in my quarters before we leave. He is in pretty bad shape.

Hawk: All right. Skycat, hold the far corridor for them. I want to test a theory, if we aren't going to leave just yet. *Runs down a battered corridor* Darkbird is running this raid. I didn't think Megatron would have allowed him to go on his own, especially with that many bots. This adds to our theory that Megatron has disappeared. I've got to find out how. Getting into their base might be my only way. *continues to run through the base.*

*ANOTHER PART OF JUBILEE'S BASE*

*Blackbird combs the inside of Jubilee's base, walking through a maze of corridors. Turns a particular corner, only to find himself staring down the barrels of Skycat's twin quasar cannons.*

Blackbird: *dryly* Nice to see you too, Skycat.

Skycat: *surprised* Blackbird! What're you doin' here? *realizes that she's still pointing her cannons at Blackbird and quickly holsters them, embarrassed.* Ahh...sorry 'bout that. We've just had a bit of a Pred infestation here, and I guess I'm still a bit jumpy. *notices Blackbird's rather beat-up condition* Sweet merciful crap! What happened to you?

Blackbird: Oh, not much. Just had a bit of a run-in with Darkbird, is all. *grins smugly* Unfortunately for him, he came off second-best in that round. Anyway, have you seen Spider Striker around anywhere?

Skycat: Oh, yeah. He's in Jubilee's CR-Chamber, 'cause of the Pred attack. Jube's with him. C'mon, he should be out soon, if he isn't already. *Skycat leads Blackbird to Jubilee's quarters.*

*OUTSIDE THE BASE*

*Darkbird stands and looks himself over. He's a bit of a wreck, but still in functioning order*

Darkbird: *shaking head* Oh, I do hate it when that happens! Oh well, at least I'm back and now I can go find that Spider ninny and "disembowel him! No, I don't like that 'bowel' thing. Gut him". Yes, that sounds better. *Unsheathes claws and begins to look for Spider Striker inside the base. Stops mid-step down one corridor as Hawk emerges*

Hawk: *stands in front of Darkbird* You want the kid, you have to go through me. *pulls out hilts--ignites arched blades* As far as me, and no further. We fight, and we fight for real. *defensive stance, narrows infrasensors* Let's see what kind of warrior you truly are.

Darkbird: Let's see, what kind of warrior am I? *Looks behind Hawk and sees a blur move about.* Oh, yes, that's the kind. *Hawk turns quickly, the sounds of temporal distortion catching his attention. But, it's too late. A charge attaches itself to Hawk's shoulder. He deignites one of his blades, grabbing for the charge and throwing it down the hall. It detonates, and only then does Hawk realize it's a concussion grenade. His systems go to automatic auxiliary mode.He turns to fight off Darkbird, when a pair of claws rake his shoulder. Darkbird takes advantage of the situation, slicing his claws into Hawk's side. Then, he feels a pair of claws rake his back, then Darkbird's cut into his chest.* The kind that fights dirty! *Rakes claws across Hawk's face.* The kind who makes sure the deck is always stacked in his favor. *Slashes Hawk some more, then sticks claws into Hawk's neck and holds to face.* And, most importantly, the kind who will do anything--anything--to win. *Drops Hawk.*

Mirage: So what do we do with him now?

Darkbird: "I've got a nutty idea."

Mirage: As always. I have found Mantor and the other Predacons. Mantor is the only one still able to function. But, he'll need CR time.

Darkbird: Go in and get him, then head back to the base. Make sure nobody sees you. Spider Striker can wait. For now. *Takes Hawk's body and walks off.* Far, far too easy! Hahaahahahaahhahaahahahahahaahahhahahahaahahahahhaahhaha!!!!!!

*BACK INSIDE JUBILEE'S QUARTERS*

Spider Striker: *emerges from the CR-chamber. Turns to Jubilee* Twice in one day--that's gotta be a record! *sees Blackbird & Skycat* Blackbird! What happened to you?

Blackbird: *mournfully* Do I really look that bad?

Skycat: *grinning* BB here just gave ol' Darkbird a well-deserved and long-overdue trouncing.

Jubilee: That's great! Congrats, Blackbird!

Skycat: We'd better be heading to base back at the Ark, though. The area's still being jammed, and Optimus needs to know about what's happened here.

Spider Striker: Hold on a minute. The Cat sisters are out there. I...I can't just go back to base unless...

Jubilee: We aren't going to have time hunting for a Maximal and her turncoat sister. We have to...

Spider Striker: Hey! Catsclaw is not a turncoat! How dare you say that! *turns down corridor and runs off*

Skycat: That probably wasn't the best thing to say.

Jubilee: Dammit! *Sighs* You're right, that was stupid. *shakes head* I suppose I have to go after him. You two head back to the base and let Optimus know what's happened, could you?

Skycat: Will do! *Skycat, Blackbird and Jubilee run to the outside of the base, then head in their opposite directions*

Duel of the Authors, pt. 2
by Gestalt

*LATER, BACK AT THE DARKSEID*

*Hawk wakes up--notes himself inside a cage of some kind. Body is all wrecked*

Hawk: Mirage...forgot about that guy. I had wondered what that noise was... *tries to break free* Hmm. Nice and tight. Makes things a little more interesting. *notes surroundings* In the Predacon base. Probably brought me here after...who knows what. But, they brought me here. Just like I thought they would. *checks internal repair system* Everything is up in functioning order. A little sluggish in some points. Definitely going to have to get the construct repaired. Really need it.

Darkbird: Probably not right now, though. That'll come up later, once I REALLY start to get nasty. You think this was rough?

Hawk: Interesting. Definitely. But I've been through rough. This was just a luck shot.

Darkbird: But you were stupid enough to let yer guard down. Doesn't matter if it was lucky or not. If you can't pay attention to your surroundings, that ain't my fault. But I'll exploit the hell out of it.

Hawk: *runs diagnostics on scanning and audio equipment.* Everything's on auxiliary mode. Whatever was in that concussion charge, it did a number on my senses. So, is there a reason I'm in here and not on one of your Undertaker symbols?

Darkbird: Meh--I got tired of you hanging there. Besides, though it was poetic, it wasn't very...safe.

Hawk: I scare you some, don't I?

Darkbird: Watch yourself, metal-feathers.

Hawk: Where's Megatron and all them?

Darkbird: Mmm, around. Maybe not around here, but around.

Hawk: They left you in charge?

Darkbird: *examining clawtips* Maybe.

Hawk: Well, now that you have me all caged up, what's the new plan?

Darkbird: And, I'm gonna tell you because...?

Hawk: *smirks* All good villains do.

Darkbird: Oh yeah, that's good. The ol' "let's tell Mister Bond everything" bit, eh? Well, I'm not that kind of villain.

Hawk: *testing one of the bars* I noticed.

Darkbird: You aren't breakin' those down, you know. *unsheathes claws* But, yer welcome to try. Unless, of course, you haven't learned your lesson...

*multiple booms shake the base.*

Darkbird: What in...? *booms continue* Feels like they're raking the outside of the hull. *New sound of firepower is heard* Hah! There go the autoguns. Whoever's out there's screwed! *new form of firepower heard--explosions*

Hawk: Sounds to me like the guns are going out.

Darkbird: Hmm. At least we still have Sentinel...

Hawk: *recognizes new laser resonance* Aw, shit.

Darkbird: Excuse me? Wanna watch your fucking language?

Hawk: You might want to watch your assplate in a minute. I'm already dead, but you will be too if you don't get out of here.

Darkbird: What the hell are you talking about?! Threatening me?!

Hawk: No--warning you. You've never met Darkstorm have you?

Darkbird: Friend of yours?

Hawk: Nope. Archenemy actually. But, he'd kill you too, just because.

Darkbird: Because what?

Hawk: Oh--because you have feathers...because of your bad antics. Because he's five times taller than you. Because he's in the mood. A number of things.

Darkbird: Well, if he's anything like your sorry ass, then I have nothing to worry about.

Hawk: No, he's worse. He's already killed me once.

Darkbird: So? That ain't so hard. Mirage...*character decloaks* Watch him. *Darkbird converts to beast mode. Flies out of Predacon base--still being hammered by firepower. When he gets outside, he sees no one.*

Darkbird: Haha! I show up an' he runs. Little chickensh...

*Black jet flies over Predacon base--easily forty meters in length. Swoops low, almost hitting Darkbird. Engine wake burns at Darkbird's feathers a little as the ship passes by, the wash pulling him towards the jet in a frenzy. Darkbird recovers from the turns and spins, when the soundwave from the engines hits. It shatters one of Darkbirds audio receptors.*

Darkbird: AAUUGH!! What the fu... *looks up. Jet is gone. Shakes head and runs audio reboot to clear out ringing in remaining audio receptor, then flies back into the base* Great, finally take the base for myself, and we already have a new friend. We'll have to deal with him later, and oooh, how I'm gonna have fun. *flies to war room, where Hawk's cage is. Cage is torn open, Mirage sprawled on the floor with scorch and puncture marks around his front plating* What the hell happened??!!

Mirage: Idiot hit me with some damned rockets from his shoulders.

Darkbird: What?? I had those disabled.

Mirage: Apparently, it didn't work. Then, he ended up cutting the cage out with a small energy dagger of some kind.

Darkbird: Wonderful. Just friggin' wonderful! Computer, keep Sentinel on-line. The only good thing Megatron ever did was steal that...

COMPUTER: Invalid request. Program, Sentinel is not found.

Darkbird: What kind of bullshit is that? What are...*thinks* that bastard took it... The Old Man took it!! Well, we're getting it back. Mirage, your status...

Mirage: I can barely walk...

Darkbird: Good, cloak and follow me. This asswipe is gonna learn not to fuck with the Lord of Darkness...

*MEANWHILE, A FEW MILES AWAY FROM THE DARKSEID*

Hawk: *sees Jubilee as he walks to the Maximal base* Hey there.

Jubilee: You're a mess!

Hawk: Merely cosmetic. But I got Sentinel. Right under their noses.

Jubilee: Great job; nice going! You better get back to base and get repaired. Man is Op and the others going to be happy to see Sentinel again.

Hawk: What are you doing out this far?

Jubilee: Spider Striker hunting. He sort of took off after getting our of the 'R-chamber. Looking for the Cat Sisters.

Hawk: I see. One other bit of news. It seems that Darkbird has taken the Pred base. No sign of Megatron, or his regulars. Looks like it's only Darkbird and those still loyal to him.

Jubilee: Wow. Hurry and get back. Optimus will need to know. I'll back you up. *Hawk makes his way back to base.* HEY LORD OF DARKNESS! COME OUT AND MEET THE LADY OF LIGHT! You good for nothing. Oh sure you can take over the Pred base, but what good is that if you can't even keep the one badly damaged prisoner that you had there? Come on, that's just pathetic! *waits for echo to die out throughout the desert valley.* Hmm. Wonder if he heard me?

*BACK AT MAXIMAL BASE, A FEW MINUTES LATER*

*Hawk walks up to the base at the side of Mount St. Hillary. Optimal Optimus is standing there, waiting for Hawk to approach*

Primal: You look like scrap, Hawk.

Hawk: Yeah, I've been getting that. Rhinox is going to be pretty happy to see this again. *Holds up Sentinel*

Primal: I got your communiqué. Good work. Think you two can plug it back in before the Preds can attack?

Hawk: I can, but I don't know if they'll be attacking.

Primal: I see. You figure it has to do with the fact that Darkbird is in command.

Hawk: Megs wouldn't just give him command. Something happened. But, I don't think that will matter. Darkstorm is showing up again.

Primal: So you said. He attacked the Predacon base. Any idea what he was after?

Hawk: He might have simply been testing Sentinel, seeing it's weaknesses. But there might be more to it. I didn't bother checking out the rest of the base once I got Sentinel back. Still, he might make his way here. We should probably get this thing plugged in before I even bother doing CR time.

Primal: Understood. Go find Rhinox and get Sentinel back on-line A.S.A.P.

Hawk: Got it. *walks inside with Optimus, then splits off to find Rhinox*

Primal: *walks up to Axalon remnants, where Rattrap is sitting at a terminal.* Rattrap.

Rattrap: What's up?

Primal: Get a hold of Jubilee. She was out there covering Hawk's way home. Call her back in, and then set up a search party with Cheetor and Blackbird to find Spider Striker.

Rattrap: Got it. *flips comm switches* Hey, Jubes. Ye readin' me out there? Fearless leader here wants ye te' head back as soon as ye can. Copy?

*static*

Rattrap: Eh...Jubilee, come in. We need ye te' come back te base, pronto.

*static*

Primal: What's wrong?

Rattrap: Can't get through. Either the signal's jammed...or it ain't there.

Primal: *straightens* That's a problem. Do what you can to get through to her.

Rattrap: I'll try. *continues to flip comm switches to clear signal as Primal walks out* Jubee. Hey Jubes, come in. Jubilee, are ye there?...

*OUTSIDE...*

*soundwave from a jet's engine roar coats the sky. Scene switches to a smoldering wreckage. Parts that are not melted or ash blackened are identified as Jubilee's. Commlink is still active...*

Rattrap: Jubilee, come in please. Ye there?

Wildfire: Jubilee is no more, Rattrap. There is only Wildfire now. *Phoenix Rising from the scrap that was Jubilee*

Wildfire: Darkstorm, you're going to wish that you hadn't shot me in the back like that. Now you have unleashed the fury of the Phoenix!

Rattrap: Well whoever ya are, ya might want ta head for the base, Hawk's tryin' ta get Sent'nel workin' and the BossMonkey's gonna want ta see ya.

Wildfire: Fine I'm coming in. As soon as I find Striker. *flies off looking for Striker* Striker where are you? *continues to fly for a while, when she sees Striker ducking into a cave. Lands and goes into the cave* Striker are you ok? I came to take you back to base...

*a shot is fired.*

*MEANWHILE*

*Hawk is repairing his outer hull while Rhinox is helping*

Rhinox: The damage looks pretty much cosmetic, with a few exceptions. How'd you let Darkbird take you down?
Hawk: Actually, it wasn't just Darkbird. Mirage had a good hand in it too. Besides, they eventually took me to the Predacon base didn't they? Though, I had hoped they would have taken me to their own base of operations instead of the Darkseid. Guess we'll just have to find that one on our own.

*Hawk and Rhinox finish repair work on his outer hull, then head to the briefing room. Primal, Rattrap, Silverbolt, Cheetor, and Blackbird are waiting.*

Primal: Glad you could join us. Let's get this briefing started. Everyone please add your knowledge to this situation. The situation is as follows: Darkbird has control of the Predacon base, Darkstorm has resurfaced, another figure...um, Wildfire, has come along out of no where, and Spider Striker, Jubilee and the Cat sisters are out there alone. Now, getting to Darkbird. He apparently has full control of the Pred base, with whatever other Predacons on his side. We know that at least Mirage is there, and it sounds like Terminx is as well.

Silverbolt: Recon reports show minimal defenses around the base after Darkstorm's attack. And, since Hawk has reaquired Sentinel, that makes things much harsher for the Predacons.

Hawk: At this point, we have to figure out who's still out there. If we're going to make this strike count, we have to do it right. That means recon the area for anyone and everyone, that even may include finding out where Megatron and the rest of them are.

Blackbird: It'll probably be best to go in groups, since both Darkstorm and Darkbird are out there.

Primal: Blackbird, Rattrap and Cheetor; you have already been set up for a search and rescue for Spider Striker and Jubilee.

Hawk: I will be accompanied by Silverbolt. We'll be scanning for Predacon signatures around the planet.

Primal: Rhinox, you take Rattrap once he gets back from Blackbird and Cheetor's run, and make another recon run on the Pred base. Find out what you can inside and out.

Hawk: And, everyone--watch for Darkstorm.

Primal: Any questions?

*no one protests*

Primal: Good. Let's go, people, we have a mission to complete!

*MEANWHILE*

Darkbird: So, Hawk thinks he can escape and take Sentinel with him and just get away with it? Well, we'll see about that. I think it's time I put a plan into action that I've been holding onto far too long.

Mirage: And that is?

Darkbird: Oh, you'll see.

*Walks into his quarters, then goes into secret lair.*

Darkbird: Now, you'll see my ultimate plan come to fruition. Something I've been saving for just the right occasion. Something that would destroy both the Maximals and Predacons. I suppose with all these other people after me, now's the right time.

*Takes out small remote control, then presses main button. The ground suddenly begins to shake and a good portion of the caves floor splits in two. Then a huge platform comes up. A rack emerges through the center of the platform, carrying hundreds of Battle Droids*

Mirage: How did you find all the materials to build of these?

Darkbird: Oh, you'd be surprised.

*Presses second button and the rack begins dropping off all of the battle droids. With the press of a third button, all the Battle Droids come on-line.*

Darkbird: Now, I want you all to go out and destroy anything that gets in your way! Take no prisoners! Uh, except of Blackbird and Hawk. I want to deal with those two personally. *A cave wall splits open that leads outside. Battle Droids pull out their weapons and start marching out.*

Darkbird: Now, we will see who attacks who. Mhehehehehehhahahahaahahahahaahahahahahahhahaahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!

*ON RECON PATROL; SILVERBOLT AND HAWK*

Hawk: *shaking his head* Well, Primal's not going to like what we found one bit.

Silverbolt: I have yet to meet a Maximal that does not taste the bitterness of loosing a warrior. Jubilee was a good friend, and did not deserve to die.

Hawk: *sighs* If we weren't so damned busy, we could have stopped and salvaged her remains for a proper burial.

Silverbolt: We may yet still have the chance, once our current situation is...*Silverbolt stops midsentence. He starts to look around*

Hawk: *suddenly aware* Picking up on that, too?

Silverbolt: Indeed. It is pretty strong--coming from that direction. It appears that our sinister friend has reappeared. We should report back to...

Hawk: Hold up. This one's different. Too sporadic, almost like a bunch of signals at one source. Darkstorm doesn't give off that kind of signal. We have speed on our side, so if it's more than we can handle, we'll bug out quick.

*characters fly over a large hill, leading into a grass valley*

Hawk: *stops short in mid-flight* Aw, hell... *sees hundreds of battle droids, in square marching formations, with heavy tanks trailing behind them.*

Silverbolt: By...the Matrix!... *both turn around and fly away quickly*

Hawk: Yup, it's official; Pepsi has taken over the Beast Wars...

*ON SEARCH PATROL; CHEETOR, RATTRAP, AND BLACKBIRD*

Blackbird: Spider Striker, Jubilee, come in.

*Static.*

Blackbird: Slag! I still can't reach them! Where are they?

Cheetor: Don't worry, we'll find them.

Blackbird: I hope so. I don't like this whole situation. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Rattrap: Would you two pipe down, I've got a signal. Make that a whole lot of signals.

Cheetor: What is it?

Rattrap: Don't know. But we're about to run right into it!

*The three stop and hide behind some trees and look for the source of the signal. Unfortunately, they find it. A large group of battle droids begin marching through the area.*

Blackbird: Holly shit!

Rattrap: I've been saying it all along. We're all gonna die.

*AT A FAR OFF CAVE*

Spider Striker: I don't know what you are, but you stay back. *pulls out sonic rifle* I just had a vision. Mock me if you want, but a Phoenix was in it. It was probably Firehawk but I ain't chancing it. *fires warning shot*

Wildfire: *ducks out of the way* Striker, chill. It's me, Jubilee. I had a Phoenix protocol installed before I left Cybertron, I didn't think it'd work, but it did. Darkstorm killed my other body. This is the one I have to use now. Don't be afraid. I'm still your friend. Please come back to the base with me.

Commlink: *Primal's voice* All flyers return to base.

Wildfire: See I have to go back. Come with me, please.

Spider Striker: Jubilee?

Wildfire: Yep. So are you coming?

Spider Striker: Of course! Sorry about being frightened. What's a Phoenix protocol?

Wildfire: I'll explain later. Let's go!

*AT MAXIMAL BASE*

Primal: Repeat, all Maximal flyers, back to the base immediately! Rattrap come in.

Rattrap: I'm here. An' so are a bunch of other bots!

Primal: It looks like we'll have to cut yours and Rhinox's infiltration mission entirely.

Rattrap: Looks like yer cuttin' our regular search op too. If this is about what we're seein' out here...

Primal: Yes, Rattrap. Unfortunately... *looks at view screen* ..that's exactly it. All flyers, return to the base, immediately. Our only chance may be a combined aerial assault. Move it, bots, we don't have much time!

*MEANWHILE*

*Catsclaw and Catspaw are out on scouting duty in beast mode*

Catspaw: I'm telling you! Striker and I are just friends!

Catsclaw: And I'm telling you, if he touches you, he's... *Catsclaw drifts off as she notices the army of battle droids heading their way*

Catsclaw: Primus, I thank you for this bounty for which I'm about to receive. Catsclaw, TERRORIZE!! *Catsclaw transforms and starts attacking*

Catspaw: Oh, no. Catspaw to anyone! Me and my sister are being attacked by an army of battle droids of some sort! Don't tell anyone I said this, but we need back up! Catspaw maximize! *Catspaw transforms and joins battle*

*FROM A CAVERN*

Wildfire: *turns off commlink* Sorry Striker, but I'm going to have to leave you here at the cave. Make it back to the base if you can. I'll be back there as soon as I deal with these Battle droids attacking everyone. *Kisses Striker on the cheek*

Spider Striker: Be careful.

Wildfire: Always! *flies off towards the battle droids. Activates commlink* Catsclaw, 'Paw, I'm coming, try to hold your position!

* SEARCH GROUP*

Rattrap: Well, you guys heard the boss monkey, we gotta get back ta the base.

Blackbird: Oh yeah, we'll just fly out in front of these guys and hope they don't notice! I mean, these guys aren't rocket scientists, but they aren't that dumb!

Cheetor: So, what do we do?

Blackbird: I don't know. Waitaminute! I got an idea! Rattrap, you have any demolition charges with you?

Rattrap: Of course.

Blackbird: Well, hand me a couple.

Rattrap: What are ya gonna do.

Blackbird: Create a diversion.

Rattrap: Awright. *Rattrap pulls out a couple of bombs and hands them over.*

Blackbird: OK, now when you guys hear the signal, run like hell!

Cheetor: What's the signal?

Blackbird: Coupla' loud explosions. *Runs off into the forest, leaving Rattrap and Cheetor with confused looks on their faces. Runs behind a tree near the Battle Droids and places a charge on it. Runs off. Charge goes off and tree falls and crush a couple of droids.*

Rattrap: There's the signal!

Cheetor: You sure? He said a couple.

Rattrap: Now ain't the time to be picky, kitty cat. Let's go! *They each transform to their vehicle modes and head for the base.*

*Some Battle Droids are inspecting the tree.*

Blackbird: Hey, morons! Up here!

*Battles Droids look up and see Blackbird.*

Blackbird: Here, catch.

*Drops two more charges. A Droid catches one and it explodes in his hand, taking out the Droids next to it. The other one goes off with similar results.*

Blackbird: Well, see ya guys later.

*Flies back to base, while trying to dodge laser blasts.*

Blackbird: Maybe that wasn't such a good idea.

*Takes a blast to the back and falls to the ground. Struggles to sit up and sees a sea a Battles Droids coming towards him.*

Blackbird: "Aww crap"!

*A comet of fire comes down towards the Battle Droids and burns a group of them to a crisp* Blackbird: Oh great, out of the pan and into the fire.

Wildfire: Hey, that's no way to thank the person who just rescued you. I was trying to track Catspaw and Catsclaw. Apparently, they're in the area somewhere. *looks around and sees quite a few more Battle droids. Forms a fireball and throws it at the droids*

BOOOOM

Wildfire: Those droids are sooo stupid.

Blackbird: Thanks. We should probably keep moving though. There are probably more on the way.

*Tries to stand up, but grunts in pain then falls back down.*

Blackbird: Uh, think you can give me a lift?

Wildfire: A lift? Sure! *Grabs Blackbird and flies towards the base. The flight only takes a couple of cycles*

Wildfire: *into commlink* Hey, you guys want to open the doors? I've got Blackbird and he's injured.

Primal: Accknowleged. Opening the doors.

*Flies in the doors and to the CR room*

Wildfire: There. Now you owe me one BB.

Blackbird: Hey, Wildfire, whatever you want, just ask. "But keep it along the lines of borderline psychotic".

Wildfire: I'm not sure what the favor will be but I'll keep that in mind when I ask. Anyway I have to go look for Striker, see ya later. *Closes the CR hatch with Blackbird inside. Leaves and starts to head for the outside in search of the Cat Sisters, when she bumps into Hawk* Hey, Hawk looks like you're feeling better.

Hawk: Uhp...yes I am. *a little perplexed* And you are?

Wildfire: Oh, sorry, I'm Wildfire. I was Jubilee, that was until Darkstorm blew my body up.

Hawk: Interesting. And how did you survive?

Wildfire: I have a special protocol....*sees Striker down the hall*... Excuse me, I just remembered something I have to do. Striker wait up!

*runs down the hall trying to catch up to Striker*

Hawk: Yup. Very interesting. *walks off*

Spider Striker: Hey, Wildfire!

Wildfire: Where you off to?

Spider Striker: Well, I... *sigh* I was headed out side to help the cat sisters. Alone.

Wildfire: Alone? But..

Spider Striker: I don't have time to explain! I just gotta go! *runs off*

*MEANWHILE*

Hawk: *walks down hall--sees Blackbird as he emerges from CR-chamber.* Got pretty messy out there for you, didn't it?

Blackbird: Yeah, well, whatever. I'm going to my quarters. Wake me up when the war's over. *Begins to walk to quarters, but suddenly alarms start going off.*

Computer: Warning, multiple energy signatures detected outside of base. Repeat, multiple energy signatures detected outside of base.

Blackbird: Oh, of course. *Begins to head for control room, then notices Nightfox running towards him.*

Nightfox: What's going on?

Blackbird: Something very bad. Let's go. *They both head to the control room where they find the other Maximals working at different stations.*

Blackbird: Let me guess, Battle Droids.

Primal: Among other things.

Nightfox: Like what?

Primal: Catspaw reported that her sister attacked a small group of them, and we're detecting another signal outside as well.

Hawk: Yeah, and it looks a lot like Darkstorm.

Blackbird: Oh this just keeps getting better and better.

Siege: Well, what are we waiting for? They're not Preds, but they'll do!

Primal: Would you shut up! We need a plan. Where's Spider Striker?

Wildfire: *just entering the room* He took off to help the Cat Sisters. He said he didn't have time to explain.

Blackbird: Ah, shit!

Primal: What is it?

Blackbird: Well, this sure seems like the end, so he must think it's his mission.

Primal: Well, that's just prime!

Hawk: All right. It's time to plan an offensive. Those droids are on their way here, and we'll need to lighten the assault waves as best we can.

Blackbird: All right. But someone's going to have to go get Spider St...

Hawk: He's made a choice to help the Cat Sisters, and we aren't going to waste any other members to go and get him. Besides, our first offensive is going to require our flyers. Line up according to call. Blackbird, Wildfire, Silverbolt, Cheetor, Skycat, Siege. We are the first wave against these battle droids. Take to my wing in a wedge formation, and follow my orders. To the letter.

Primal: Rattrap, Rhinox, Nightfox, B'boom. You will join me in the main defensive perimeter of the base. We have Sentinel, but we're going to have to make sure they don't even get that close. Hawk, can you locate Darkstorm's current location.

Hawk: Checking. *turns to monitor, punches a few buttons. Stares at screen* Nothing. There's a good chance his radar-assimilative armor has already adapted to the new sensor and scanning systems.

Primal: Prime. *sighs* Just prime. Then, we'll have to do what we can. Remember, keep a lookout for any Predacons, in case they are setting up a sneak attack while our attention is grabbed.

Hawk: All flyers, transform and on my wing. *Activates, jet-pack, lifts off ground. Other flyer Maximals transform, taking up a wedge formation. Fly off toward main group of battle droids.*

Primal: All right. Everyone else, take up positions around the base. Stay ready, and look for trouble. I don't want to be taken by surprise.

Duel of the Authors, pt. 3
by Gestalt

*LATER*

*All flyers in formation. Above cloud cover, and are approaching target area.*

Blackbird: *lets out a breath as he psyches himself* This is going to be one for the books.

Hawk: Let's make sure the book is written properly.

Wildfire: Another Covenant of Primus, eh?

Hawk: Close. Though, we may want to change the last part of the titling.

Skycat: That'll make it kinda long, huh?

Siege: That depends on who lives, don't it?

Silverbolt: I, for one, do not plan on dying today.

Hawk: It usually isn't part of the plan, but it's never indefinite. And since that is being brought up, the rule is, no dying.

Wildfire: Cute.

Hawk: Change to waypoint, Bravo. Range; four-point-seven kilometers. Maintiain formation, and descend to angels, one.

Cheetor: Huh? Angels, one?

Blackbird: Old earth Air Force and Naval code. Descend to angels one means descend to one thousand feet.

Siege: He coulda just said that.

*all flyers descend through clouds, holding formation. Clouds keep them covered for a few seconds. Then, the clouds clear, revealing the terrain below. And more*

Wildfire: Oh jeez. There's thousands of them!

Siege: Not for long.

Hawk: everyone, Maximize!

*All obey, converting to robot modes, and pulling out weapons.*

Hawk: Stay in formation until they fire. Wait for my signal, then break. Blackbird and Silverbolt with me, Siege, Skycat and Cheetor, with Wildfire.

Siege: You kiddin'? Honestly thought I was stayin with you flock of ducks? See ya--these low-grade drones are mine! *breaks and flies towards battle droids at his own angle*

Hawk: Dammit! Get back here! *Siege ignores* The rest of you, stay in formation. Wait for my signal.

*approach gets closer. hover tanks in back raise their cannons. Battle droids raise their guns, though they are far out of range. First series of cannons fire, followed by second.*

Hawk: That's it--break into groups!

*Cheetor, Skycat and Wildfire break formation to the right--Blackbird and Silverbolt close up with Hawk as they break to the left.*

Hawk: First salvo, fire!

*Hawk and Silverbolt fire their rockets into group of battle droids. All three side-slip to the right as more cannons fire at them. Hawk dismounts sub-cannons as Blackbird pulls out his weapon.*

Hawk: Silverbolt, with me, low and fast. Blackbird, on my signal, break hard right and start firing. *first missiles and rockets hit battle droids, tearing them up.* Start firing! *Blackbird and Hawk open fire with standard weaponry, as Silverbolt keeps launching wingtip missiles.*

Blackbird: *Taking down a few battle droids* This is too easy!

Hawk: *destroying a bunch more* It isn't over 'til the last one drops. Don't let up. *continues to pummel the droids as they return fire, streaks of red fly by them* Blackbird! Break now!

*Blackbird breaks right, keeping parrellel with the droids. fires off rounds of firepower, taking the front line of droids down as he goes.*

Hawk: Silverbolt, help me with those tanks...

*Flash of light and sudden boom to Hawk's right occurs as a blast from one tank's turret hits Silverbolt in the left wing. The explosion forces Silverbolt back harshely, tearing the wing off. Silverbolt spins out of control, landing in a group of battle droids. Some droids get torn up by the Maximal's landing--the rest surround him*

Hawk: Damn! *interlinks sub-cannons as he approaches one of the tanks in particular. Dodges the other tanks' cannon fire, going too fast for the battle droids to catch him. Dual-cannon pings, and Hawk aims and fires straight down the tank's turret cannon. As the blast of energy travels down the cannon into the tank's turret, Hawk pulls up quick. The turret hatch explodes open, fire also travels back through cannon. Whole tank explodes as Hawk flies up, the shockwave tearing up nearby battle droids and bumping neighboring tanks over.*

Skycat: *from Hawk's commlink* Need a hand, old-timer? *Skycat joins in, flying in from behind the group of droids, and starts firing at battle droids*

Hawk: Thanks--we can use the hand.

Skycat: No problem!

*Blackbird climbs to join Hawk, who flies towards Skycat.*

Blackbird: Where's Silverbolt?

Hawk: He went down. Right into the droids' nest.

Blackbird: Shit! We have to go after him!

Hawk: Wrong call. He's either dead or already captured. As cold as it is, our priority is defending the base.

Skycat: How much damage have you done?

Blackbird: We've taken out quite a few battle droids, but there're still quite a few more, and those tanks are starting to get annoying.

Hawk: Attacks on the outer hull aren't enough. We need to get to the insides.

Skycat: We should probably take out the tanks last. There are more droids than hover tanks, and even though the bigger ones are more powerful, we can take them out easier if we don't have to deal with the troops.

Blackbird: She's right. All those walking Wizard-of-Oz dropouts are in the way. Once we take them out, we can work on the tanks up close.

Hawk: Right. Since they have no short range defenses except for the battle droids, they won't be able to defend themselves.

Blackbird: Think we should reassemble?

Hawk: *triggers commlink* Cheetor, Wildfire, how are you guys doing?

*CHEETOR'S POSITION, ABOVE THE FAR END OF THE DROID GROUP*

Cheetor: *into commlink* We've got some help. They, um...just came out of no where...

Blue Blaze: Take that! And THAT! And some of this! I'll show ye who's boss! Hahaha!

*Blue Blaze has arrived and is shooting around at the droids and blowing them up one by one*

Velvet: *joining Blue Blaze* Stop, you sound crazy.

Blue Blaze: No I don't.

Velvet: Yes, you do.

Blue Blaze: No I don--AAHHHH!!*;'.,@--... *A droid hits her and she blows up.*

Velvet: NOO!!! *Now Velvet is blowing up droids*

Starflame: They killed her! Now, I'll kill them!

Clawblade: What? Are you crazy?!

Starflame: YES! *fires and decimated 50 droids. Velvet kills 20*

Clawblade: I'm out of here. *Clawblade runs back to The Caves.*

*HAWK, SKYCAT, BLACKBIRD*

Hawk: Cheetor, what's going on over there? *drops optic lenses, scans the other side of the battle group.* We've got a few extra bodies fighting the droids. One other is leaving the scene. Where'd they come from?

Cheetor: Dunno--they just came out of no where! But they're taking out quite a few droids!

Blackbird: That's always a good thing...

Hawk: Damn. Make that one less extra body. *retracts lenses* One of them just took a bad hit.

Skycat: Then, let's get over there and give them a hand!

*all three fly to far end of battle group. Start firing at battle droids. Aiming is sporadic, but droids are dropping from all around.*

Blackbird: We're thinning them out! We might actually stop these guys after all!

Hawk: *turns and fires rockets at two droids, decimating them* Don't stop--keep on the assault...

*perfect shot hits Skycat in the stomach, tearing at her armor. She begins to drop to the troops below*

Hawk: Dammit! *flies after her, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her to safety. Hawk flies higher up.*

Skycat: Ungh!! He...made a good...shot, huh?

Hawk: *examining damage* Yeah, he sure did. Let's get you out of here.

Cheetor: Hawk, we need you to give us a hand. We can't hold them off forev--#!.'.@,. *Cheetor is hit in the back. Explosion causes Cheetor to spin forward and fall.*

Hawk: Have to hurry. *flies to far end of valley, away from battle. Sets Skycat down* Co