| abstract | - Blue Hovercraft Grapple Combat Dunebuggy Blue Ligier JS-11 Metallic Triceratops Bugatti Veyron Garbage_Truck White Lamborghini Kenworth K100 Aerodyne Red Spacecraft The announcer's chair is vacant. A harried-looking Six Lasers' staffer runs up to the chair and explains, "Uhm, we meant to have a special guest here, but he... got stuck in space traffic, I guess, so, uhm..." ...and then he's knocked over by a fast blue blur! But it's not Blurr. It's a... mutant alien hedgehog? "Heeey, racers! I hope everyone is feeling way past cool today! They called me up on short notice. Guess I was their second pick, huh? Well, you all just line up behind that starting line, and when the lights go, goooo!" Red lights flash... Amber lights flash... Green lights flash! Race: Race Track is initialized. Ready to begin a new race. Combat Dunebuggy revs his engine a few times, not entirely sure if he's glad to see there's some actual Decepticon compatition, or if he should be annoyed that it's a bunch of those Stunticons... And a Dinobot? That's unexpected. Oh well. Sandstorm waits with his engine warm until the light hits green, then peels out with the typical burst of speed and roostertails of sand behind him. Fortunately not aimed at blinding anyone. Though the Wrecker isn't putting it all the way to the floor -just- yet, until he sees just what the compatition is going to do. Metallic Triceratops begins to trundle on at the green, "Me Slag not so fast, but me Slag dedicated. Plus Me Slag use horns to make tires flat!" he says, happy with his dino logic applied to the situation. White Lamborghini 's engine vibrates along with the rest of his body as he waits at the starting line. It's not high enough to disrupt anyone's systems, but it might be somewhat aggravating to anyone near him. "Oh, geeze, I can't handle the wait, Motormaster, will they just get on with it!?" he gasps out. "Come on, green light, GREEN LIGHT!" he screams at the lights as they slowly (well, to him) advance from red, to yellow, to green. And finally, once they hit green, Breakdown just tears down the track like a rocket! "AAAAAAHHHHHH!" Garbage_Truck drives up the starting line. He may not be the biggest or the fastest, but he was here to have fun. Maybe he'll win another shiny medal, or better yet maybe one of the other contestants will crash in a spectatular explosion, like all those races on tv! Oh that would be wonderful! As the Green light flashes, he reves his engine and then takes off down the track at top speed! Blue Hovercraft flies over towards his Wrecker brother and hovers in place waiting on the green light, "Think we'll beat the Dinobots?" he lowers himself to conserve on energon.. though his engines are still in stand by he readies his thrusters, while wondering if flying is considered cheating. Blue Ligier JS-11 wheels into the race tracks, squeezing himself into a position near the front as to avoid the exhaust fumes that are being emitted at the starting zone. The moment the green light flashes and the flag is waved, the blue race car's wheels begins to spin, burning only a bit of rubber in the process as traction kicks in and the vehicle is propelled forward like a rocket. Except at 1/8th of it's speed. It was a great metaphor though. Mirage begins weaving in left and right through the slower contestants as he aggressively pursues for the fore front of the race. Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 's big diesel rumbles and shudders as he guns it into life. "Breakdown, this is our time! The enemy has us outnumbered three to one! Only we are willing to shoulder this burden for the Decepticons! These odds are not to be feared; they're an opportunity for GLORY! Drive hard! Drive for VICTORY!" Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne inspires White Lamborghini with terrifying and threatening words! Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +Metallic Triceratops 5 0 FEARLESS -- +Combat Dunebuggy 5 0 AGGRESSIVE -- +Garbage_Truck 6 0 FEARLESS -- +Blue Hovercraft 7 0 FEARLESS -- + Junk-Cycle 8 0 FEARLESS -- +White Lamborghini 9 0 FEARLESS -- +Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 9 0 FEARLESS -- Bugatti Veyron 10 0 FEARLESS -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Blue Hovercraft opens up his vents and his thrusters ignite flashing out bright blue plasma as the little hover sled takes off as soon as the light turns green. The Jumpstarter just sort of hovers along the raceways.. wondering how Sandstorm is doing, "Wait a minute.. how long is this race anyways?!" he calls out and decides to slow down a tiny bit to conserve on energon in case it turns out to be a marathon. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Neutral. Sonic, because let's be real about who this is, exclaims, "And they're out of the gate. That Bugatti's at the head of the pack, but right behind him are the Lamborghini, the Kenworth - yow, that's a fast truck - and the Ligier. So I have to ask, space robots - just what is with all the strange exotic cars, anyway? Looks like the dinosaur's in the back, but he sure looks like a tough customer - at least stage boss worthy." Combat Dunebuggy screechs a bit as he wheels around a corner, leaving a few tread marks as he skids around the turn. It gives some of the faster and more aggressive drivers a chance to get a bit farther before he pulls himself back under control. (darnit, looks like the actual racers may need a hand up there.) he muses to himself. Once he's out of the turn he shifts into high gear and opens the throttle up. Metallic Triceratops plods along at a steady pace. He keeps a wary eye out for anyone trying to mess with him, pass him, or just getting in his way. Thud Thud Thud Thud go his huge feet as he makes his way around the track. "Good thing Me Slag no breathe." he says to no one in particular "Otherwise this be harder than it looks!" he doesn't even pay attention to position he's in, as long as he can keep on keepin' on - for now, at least. Combat: Combat Dunebuggy sets his defense level to Fearless. Kenworth K100 Aerodyne notices Mirage running alongside him; he's a fast little guy. As is Penumbra, with the brutal power of the Veyron's engine thrumming away. But Motormaster is a sadist at heart, and Mirage looks more fragile. With a howl of screeching tires, Motormaster swerves sideways and tries to crush Mirage into the wall of the track! White Lamborghini feels compelled to race harder by one of the things he fears more than anything, and yells, "Right, Motormaster, I won't let those Autobots anywhere near me!" However, to his extreme disappointment many of the Autobots are keeping up with him. One of them is even ahead of him! "Oh, geeze, I don't like this Motormaster!" Breakdown says, painfully aware of all the Autobots swarming around him. "We're surrounded!!!" He tries to avoid them as much as possible, trying to speed ahead rather than smash any nearby Autobots! Combat: Metallic Triceratops sets his defense level to Aggressive. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne strikes Blue Ligier JS-11 with his Blood On The Track - Terror In The Stands (Ram) attack! Bugatti Veyron takes an early lead at the start of the race, ahead by only a place with the thunder of three other engines right behind him. He decides to keep inching ahead. "Keep the bugs off your glass and keep the bear off your tail." "Remember ME, crawling snake?" Motormaster gloats at Mirage as he tries to grind him against the barrier. "That's for your MEDDLING in the Demolition Derby! That medal should've been OURS!" Blue Ligier JS-11 races ahead as the natural speed of all the racers begins to become visibly apparent as the race drags on. Eventually the small race car finds himself in the midst of... STUNTICONS! If that doesn't alarm the Autobot counter-intelligence, the fact that Motormaster is coming straight at him does! Mirage does the logical thing and tries to move out of the way but finds himself too close to the wall and soon he gets rammed right into the wall, "Argh! Believe me the pleasure was all mine, motor mouth!" The blue race car spins out of control for a bit as it bounces off the wall, heading straight towards the next closest contestant! Combat: Blue Ligier JS-11 sets his defense level to Protected. Combat: Blue Ligier JS-11 misses White Lamborghini with his Ram attack! Garbage_Truck continues trucking along behind the others, watching the much faster Autobots and Decepticons pass him, but it's still early in the race. At the moment, he doesn't seem to bothered with attacking anyone. Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Aggressive. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +Metallic Triceratops 9 0 AGGRESSIVE -- +Blue Ligier JS-11 9 0 PROTECTED -- Blue Hovercraft 11 0 NEUTRAL -- Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 13 0 FEARLESS -- Junk-Cycle 15 0 FEARLESS -- White Lamborghini 18 0 FEARLESS -- Bugatti Veyron 0 1 FEARLESS -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Protected. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Neutral. Sonic winces as the hulking, sinister Kenworth smashes into the fragile little Ligier, and he narrates, "Look like there's some kind of vendetta going on now, they're not even done the first lap. Way past uncool, man. But oh, the Bugatti's done his first lap! And that bullied Lamborghini is right behind him. The pack's separating out a bit more now, and the Ligier's stuck back with that stage boss dinosaur, ouch!" Blue Hovercraft has no rearview morrors or any mirrors for that matter so he cant see whose behind him. But he can see a whole lot of mechs in front of him. The Jumpstarter decides to throw caution to the wind and just punch it, "Smell you later guys!!" and he floors i as he pushes out as much juice through his thrusters as he can to try and get into a decent race position, "Of course the Cons are playing dirty!" he mutters to himself. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Blue Ligier JS-11 sets his defense level to Fearless. Bugatti Veyron gains a comfortable lead for a moment at the cost of burning through a lot of energon plus some luck. Now he eases back just a little going into his second lap. "Round and round we go." Combat: Bugatti Veyron sets his defense level to Aggressive. Kenworth K100 Aerodyne pulls away from Mirage, chortling with icy mirth, and coasts through a curve, engine-braking with a low clattering sound. He has his eye on the Veyron coming up from behind; that thing's going to be tough to beat, but Motormaster has SOME faith in Breakdown. He's trained his Stunticons as well as he can. If he can clear a path for them, it might be a path to victory. The long odds only make it all the more enticing. Metallic Triceratops continues to plod on, keeping his eye on the race ahead of him. He sees Mirage and Topspin ahead of him, but decides he won't sabotage any Autobots in this race. He's here just to see if he can do it. He continuse to race on, going as fast as his stubby little legs can carry him. If he had visible features Sandstorm would wince at Mirage getting slammed around like that. As is his engine just emits an extra rumble that could be taken as a growl. "Com'n Topper!", he shouts to be heard over various roaring engines to the other Wrecker. "If they're gonna play rough, lets give 'em someone rough to play with eh?!" The dunebuggy speeds right by Motormaster while the latter is coasting from his ram. Maybe after he catchs up to his little stunticon buddy he'll deal with the big -- Moto's not going far for the moment. White Lamborghini screams, "AAHHHHHH AHAH AAHHHHHH!" as Mirage nearly swerves into him! Breakdown is always alert to even the remote possibility of danger, however, and jinks hard to the left, putting himself right next to the inner barrier of the track, hugging it as much as possible during a turn. As he pulls this maneuver, he manages to cut ahead of many of the Autobots. Once he's in the straightaway before the checkpoint, he takes up a spot in the middle of the track as he tries to keep up with Penumbra. "MOTORMASTER!" he calls out, "Just a suggestion, but you need to take out that g-guy in the lead if he gets too close to you!" Blue Ligier JS-11 spins through the race tracks, missing Breakdown in the process and leaving a large amount of dust clouds that follows behind him, "Gah, down but not out yet! I'll be sure to properly return the favour the next time, Motormouth!" The Autobot counter-intelligence specialist vows before putting himself back into the proper gears and accelerating ahead at his maximum speed, leaving behind broken fragments from his vehicle body frame as he speeds off once more. "I have my eye on him already!" Motormaster calls back to Breakdown. "Don't worry yourself about what -I- will do! Watch out for enemies trying to sabotage you, and keep focussed on speed! Speed and supremacy!" Garbage_Truck winces as he sees that braggart motormaster ram into Mirage so early in the race, but then what can one expect from a Decepticon. He ponders trying to slam into the large Kenworth, as he pulls up close to him. Then at the last moment the Junkions decides to try and sideswipe the large truck. "These games are for fun, you really should play fair!" He says, but also hoping that if the truck is knock around it would give him the explosion he is hoping to see today. Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Garbage_Truck strikes Kenworth K100 Aerodyne with his Ram attack! Kenworth K100 Aerodyne snarls and swerves in the opposite direction, trying to plow into Sandstorm and blame it on the garbage truck. Blue Ligier JS-11 watches in the distance as the large black groovy truck gets slammed into, "Ah hah! Put the dent in him good, Lab-Brat! I need to be making a speedy recovery, personal pride rides on it!" Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne misses Combat Dunebuggy with his Whoopsydoodle (Ram) attack! [Pulled -2] Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 13 0 AGGRESSIVE -- Garbage_Truck 15 0 FEARLESS -- Junk-Cycle 17 0 PROTECTED -- Blue Ligier JS-11 17 0 FEARLESS -- Blue Hovercraft 19 0 FEARLESS -- Combat Dunebuggy 1 1 FEARLESS -- +White Lamborghini 8 1 FEARLESS -- +Bugatti Veyron 9 1 AGGRESSIVE -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Sonic cups his hands around his mouth and calls out, "Hey, that's not very sporting, lil' Ligier! Be the better man... robot... car and turn the other cheek... tail light? Aw heck if I know what - you all look like badniks to me! No offense. That rad dune buggy just barely evades being part of a three car pile-up, phew. The Bugatti continues to be trailed by the Lamborghini - can he keep it up? Let's see!" Blue Hovercraft watches as Sandstorm goes zooming pass him, "What the..?" then he notices that h's pulled along side Mirage. Thinking he's one of the race leaders.. but then reality sinks in as he sees Slag, "What in the name of Primus are you doing way back here..? he question Mirage before calling out to the Dinobot, "Hey Slag.. go munch on some Decepticon metal buddy!" then the hoversled decides to shift his etubines into a different setting to try and conserve on energon. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Protected. Combat Dunebuggy pulls closer to the edge of the track as Motormaster lurchs towards him, looking for a moment as if he's going to get squashed like Mirage did... until the last moment as his right side hits the boundry at and intentional angle and kicks the buggy up onto the opposite pair of wheels, turning his profile tall and narrow enough to scoot out of the way as the big truck rumbles by. Someone's putting his stunt driving skill to use. Once he's clear Sandstorm thumps back down on all four tires, rounding the last corner of the lap and continuing to try and close in on the Decepticons ahead of him. White Lamborghini creeps closer and closer to Penumbra, bearing down on his rear bumper. "Heheheh, look out, Autobot! Stunticons don't play nice!" he mocks, but then he has a horrifying thought! What if Penumbra tries to hit HIM!? Uttering a small gasp, he swerves to the right, and he shakes a bit as he expects the Autobot to pull something! And anyway, he supposes that Motormaster told him to focus on speed, and that sounds like a good plan for now! Bugatti Veyron sees Breakdown catching up and eases back just a little more. "You look like you want to get by... be my guest." Combat: Bugatti Veyron sets his defense level to Neutral. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Protected. Metallic Triceratops continues to plod along, when he notices that Motormaster is nearby. How lucky is that for him?! He's not sure how long he'll have the opportunity, but he IS a Decepticon and he can't let him hav a chance to win, now can we? Positioning himself just right, he turns his head and rams his horns into the cab's side, hoping to blow out tires as well as do damage! Kenworth K100 Aerodyne decelerates further, in hopes of blocking the leaders of the pack as they approach from behind; curse that dump truck! Combat: Metallic Triceratops strikes Kenworth K100 Aerodyne with his Ram attack! Garbage_Truck luaghs as he succeeds and cuts off Motormaster. "That'll show you, you big lug!" He announces, not seemign to mind that he almost got Sandstorm smashed up to, but considering the Junkion has almost no safety protocals, its kinda understandable, right? Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Protected. Kenworth K100 Aerodyne finds himself tangled up with a triceratops! Double curses! Bang! Crash! Anybody would probably have mistook themselves for being on the set of Days of Thunder if they too had this many vehicles spinning out of control in front of you and car fragments flying all over the place! Nevertheless that's exactly what Mirage is seeing as he swirvels left and right pass Motormaster's inert form, "I'll be sure to send my regards on the next lap back, Motormouth!" He speeds off ahead and passes Lab-Brat, "Brilliant job there, Lab-Brat. I'll be treating you to Cybertron's finest diner for this someday when the war ends. Count on it." Zoom zoom, Mirage speeds onwards. Kenworth K100 Aerodyne says, "Damn your eyes, Junkions!" Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Fearless. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 14 0 AGGRESSIVE -- Garbage_Truck 18 0 PROTECTED -- Blue Hovercraft 3 1 PROTECTED -- Junk-Cycle 4 1 FEARLESS -- +Blue Ligier JS-11 6 1 FEARLESS -- +Combat Dunebuggy 9 1 FEARLESS -- White Lamborghini 17 1 FEARLESS -- Bugatti Veyron 18 1 NEUTRAL -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Sonic stabs a finger at the racers from his announcer's box and notes, "See, I told you that dinosaur was a mean customer! Looks like the Kenworth didn't make any friends when he slammed that Ligier. How does the business end of those horns feel, buddy?" He slaps his knee and laughs a bit. "But oh, the Bugatti graciously /slows down/," he says it like a curse word, "and the Lamborghini still can't pull ahead!" Combat: Metallic Triceratops sets his defense level to Protected. Metallic Triceratops slows up after ramming Motormaster, no doubt bracing himself for retaliation. He slows up his pace, perhaps deploying a little strategy. "Me Slag say you bring it on Motofoto!" anything to distract and keep fighting a Decepticon through the race. White Lamborghini can't keep up the brutal pace of this race forever, and is forced to reduce his speed in order to avoid burning out all of his fuel. "Hnnnh, hnnnh... I'll get you, Autobot, I'll get you!" he wheezes, slowing down somewhat, but nevertheless doggedly pursuing Penumbra. Blue smoke chugs from Motormaster's stacks as he opens the throttle and starts ponderously upshifting. "I'm not here for YOU, imbecile!" he replies to Slag, pulling away. But can he catch up to anything important now? Combat: White Lamborghini sets his defense level to Guarded. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Aggressive. Bugatti Veyron hmms as Breakdown is hesitant to pass despite slowing down and making way. No chrome off his hubcaps. The black and dark red sportscar keeps his pace for now. To his current running mate Breakdown he says, "I love the sound of road under my tires, don't you?" Garbage_Truck says, "Thanks Mirage!" as the Lieger speeds past him with promises of good times. He speeds up some after recovering from his collision with Motormaster; wanting very much to keep ahead of the Stunticon leader who'll likely be out for revenge." Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Neutral. Combat Dunebuggy mentally frowns as despite his efforts the two Decepticons are just hanging out of his reach. On the bright side, he rounds the bend in time to see Slag give Motormaster a taste of his horns. "Atta way Slag, rough him up good!" ... Though, on the other hand, this means he's still got to get around the thug again. After a thought Sandstorm throttles down a bit and pulls wide to the side ...Though it's hard to tell if he's trying to avoid confrontation or draw it towards him and away from the other good guys in the race. You never know with those Wreckers... Combat: Combat Dunebuggy sets his defense level to Protected. Blue Hovercraft can't help but laugh as he catches sight of Slag giving Motormaster a friendly nudge. Then he sees that he's managed to gain ground and is rapidly approachng Sandstorm, "Hobrother.. you seem to be doing pretty well, I could have used your help during the demo derby though.." he checks to maske sure Mirage is still keeping pace. At least he has Autobots around him and doesn't have to worry about getting tagged. Blue Ligier JS-11 continues pass through the competition just enough to be free of most of the other vehicles in his immediate vicinity. Unfortunately the damage that he had sustained earlier on his body frame is placing an increased drag, slow him down somewhat and even worst, increasing his fuel expenditure, "Nearly to the bottom..." The blue Ligier race car shifts gear and attempts to go just a little bit further, braving his chances. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Fearless. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metallic Triceratops 14 0 PROTECTED -- Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 10 1 FEARLESS -- Junk-Cycle 12 1 FEARLESS -- Combat Dunebuggy 12 1 PROTECTED -- Blue Ligier JS-11 14 1 FEARLESS -- White Lamborghini 4 2 GUARDED -- +Bugatti Veyron 7 2 NEUTRAL -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Sonic watches the race raptly, though this is all pretty slow to him, so his foot gets a'tapping as he sits there. "This round doesn't seem as rough. Maybe they're finally running low on fuel. Now like me. I always stock up on dee-licious chili dogs, like you can get at the concessions stands here. Now those are good and filling, mm-hmm." He rubs his belly, then gives a thumbs up, and winks for the camera. "The leader and his follow remain the same, but oh! That Ligier sure is trying hard to make up lost ground." Metallic Triceratops continues to Plod along slowly, looking left and right and taking in the sites. It almost seems like he's enjoying himself. He gets to run, which he doesn't usually do, and he's gotten to tangle with a Decepticon - so far it's a pretty fun race. He keeps on keepin' on, looking for another Decepticon to cause trouble for. Combat Dunebuggy ehehes at Topspin. "Sorry brah, I wanted to, but I was needed elsewhere. Just 'cuz everyone's playin' nice fer the truce don't mean patrols don't need to be done. Then whoots as Mirage passes them and starts making headway against the lead. "Go get 'em fancy wheels!" Bugatti Veyron enters his third lap and calls back to Breakdown, "You know I raced your team mate Dead End once. Great great time. Course this was back on Earth and not for any medals." He keeps his continues his current pace and navigates the track. Blue Ligier JS-11 can feel himself getting progressively lighter! That's not a great thing as it can only mean that he's running low on fuel! "Hate to let you two down, but I'm a little spent on energon!" The blue Ligier shifts gears and the racers that were previously around him suddenly pulls forward at tremendous speeds! It's not that the other contestants had suddenly gained speed, but rather Mirage has downshifted to a lower speed in order to regenerate his energon reserves. "I'll get the next few buggers that decides to crash the party, just keep on going ahead." Well isn't really the type of guy to be volunteering himself such visible heroics, it's only because he's been pressed into the situation due to circumstances that he puts on his bravado. Combat: Blue Ligier JS-11 sets his defense level to Protected. White Lamborghini is wary of the garbage truck, which is still precariously close to himself! "STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!" he screams at the jukion, swerving wildly across the track as he tries to take evasive actions against a ramming attack which should be incoming any... moment now? He does increase his speed a little bit more, however, perhaps to prevent Mirage from getting any closer. Then, Penumbra mentions racing Dead End. "Yeah? Did he win? And why didn't he slag you!?" Is Dead End a traitor!? Kenworth K100 Aerodyne cruises around the track, gradually accelerating. He's a lap behind now, of course. But Breakdown is still up near the front! Not quite as close to Penumbra as he was, perhaps... If only Drag Strip was here! Motormaster has great faith in Drag Strip to be the best in any race. Or to savage anyone who gets in his way. Combat: White Lamborghini sets his defense level to Neutral. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Fearless. Bugatti Veyron calls back, "Nah, he didn't win, but only cause he rubbed fenders with another racer. All in good fun." Blue Hovercraft watches as Mirage goes zipping away, "Got your second wind, eh?!" he calls after the race car. So far he's been playing nice by staying on the track and obeying the rulse of the race by making turns like any other wheel vehicle, "Catch you at the finish line!" he tells the junk cycle beside him just as the hoversled seems to take off a tiny bit as his anti-graves lift the oddly designed pontooned sled into the air. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Guarded. The Stunticon is Psychic! As Lab-Brat notices that the other Stunticon is starting to lap him, The Junkion decides to try and help the faster Autobots by trying to knock the other Stunticon around a bit to slow him down! "Hey, I think you need to slow down some!" Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Neutral. Combat: Garbage_Truck misses White Lamborghini with his Ram attack! Of course the Stunticon's Psychic abilities hep him avoid the Junkion's attack. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metallic Triceratops 15 0 PROTECTED -- Garbage_Truck 4 1 FEARLESS -- +Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 14 1 PROTECTED -- Blue Ligier JS-11 14 1 PROTECTED -- Blue Hovercraft 15 1 GUARDED -- Junk-Cycle 18 1 NEUTRAL -- White Lamborghini 10 2 NEUTRAL -- Bugatti Veyron 16 2 NEUTRAL -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Sonic snorts, "Looks like the garbage truck is making a business of playing dirty. Just figures, huh?" The blue hedgehog shakes his head in disgust. "With that Ligier fading fast, the motorcycle and the... whatever the heck that is pull ahead!" White Lamborghini swerves wildly away from the garbage truck as his worst fears come true! Well, worst fears of the moment. "SCREW YOU, JUNKION PIECE OF SCRAP!" he shrieks as he suddenly, and powerfully, accelerates, leaving the Junkion in his dust. Coming up on another straightaway, he tries to recover lost distance with Penumbra. The only catch is that Motormaster is looming rather close to him! Breakdown gives him a wide berth, because he never trusts his own boss! "Uh, h-hey, Motormaster," he mumbles. Bugatti Veyron almost glides supernaturally around the track as he nears the the end of his third lap, the nervous Stunticon falling behind little by little, obviously conserving energon like he is. He sees many Autobots up ahead. Including Slag... still on his first lap? Oh. My. Maker. Metallic Triceratops continues to plod along, content not to be a contender in the race but rather make a noble showing for the Dinobots. As long as there's no Decepticons to lay to ruin, he won't hurt fellow Autobots, even if he doesn't like most of them. Combat: White Lamborghini sets his defense level to Aggressive. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Neutral. Garbage_Truck should have figured the Lambo would be too fast to ram, as he misses when Breakdown accelerates. So much for helping his allies. Oh if only he could use his explosives, that would throw the Stunticon off course and make for a much more exciting race! Once more he eases up after his attack, especally seeing that he's starting to get into the red. Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Protected. Combat Dunebuggy ehehehes as the Decepticons are starting to come up from behind again. While it was nice giving his energon system a chance to catch up, it also was an attempt to get into a more appropriate position to do what he really wanted. Abruptly he punchs the gas and throws it back into high gear, veering across the track from the opposite side to try and catch the lead car off guard suddenly and clips his rear quarters. "Just drivin's boring. It's time to WRECK N RULE this race!" Combat: Combat Dunebuggy sets his defense level to Fearless. Blue Ligier JS-11 loses speed and watches as half of the contestants that were behind him shoot ahead like speeding rockets while his energy systems collects some fancy waddyacallitsmig to recharge his systems. Well. Except it didn't happen. It looks like that earlier ram had blown some of Mirage's energy systems and the engine fails to recover energy, leaving Mirage behind in the distance, "Of all the things that could've gone wrong!" Mirage grumbles, although he keeps it short and begins to accelerate again from the dead stop that he was in. Combat: Combat Dunebuggy misses Bugatti Veyron with his Wouldn't be a Wrecker without the wrecks! (Ram) attack! [Pulled -2] Kenworth K100 Aerodyne gears down for the curves, looming behind Breakdown in a protective/threatening manner. Kind of a paternal manner. Wife-beating belt-whipping rival-murdering long-haul-trucker sort of paternal manner. "Eyes forward, Breakdown. Maintain an even strain, as the seekers say." Kenworth K100 Aerodyne , home on the weekends. Weekends are dreaded in the Stunticon household. Bugatti Veyron Tokyo Drifts out of Sandstorms wrecking path. "Tut-tut, grain-brain." Blue Hovercraft floats along the track at high speeds making an odd whizzing sound, he gleee happily as it seems like he's finally gaing some head way in this race.. even though the same fenders and tailpipes are in front of him. He is forced to lower his altitude some to conserve on energon. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Guarded. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metallic Triceratops 15 0 PROTECTED -- +Garbage_Truck 8 1 PROTECTED -- Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 17 1 FEARLESS -- Blue Ligier JS-11 1 2 NEUTRAL -- Blue Hovercraft 1 2 GUARDED -- Junk-Cycle 3 2 NEUTRAL -- White Lamborghini 19 2 AGGRESSIVE -- Bugatti Veyron 4 3 NEUTRAL -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Sonic's jaw drops, and he just stares at Sandstorm for a long moment, before snapping, "What was that for!?" But he throws his hands in the air and cries out, "Yes! The Bugatti is on lap three, the final lap!" Metallic Triceratops decides to open up the speed again, picking up the pace. He hopes to make a full lap..but what's this? Motormaster is once more in his sights? Let the fun begin!! He speeds up, and uncerimoniously plugs the Kenworth with his horns. Happy Motoring!! Combat: Metallic Triceratops sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Metallic Triceratops strikes Kenworth K100 Aerodyne with his Ram attack! Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Protected. Blue Hovercraft is getting plenty sick of staring at Sit-Comm's tailpipe and sucking on junkion exhaust. So the smallest of the Wrecker kicks it into over drive. Hfires off the afterburners annd takes off trying to catch the race leaders in one final burn of energon. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Fearless. Bugatti Veyron doesn't know what's up with lap numbers, thinking he just made it onto lap number 4, having done 3 laps now. Crazy sscoreboard systems. Anyway, hearing he is on the final lap, he decides he has the energon to go full throttle and road-wild. Combat: Bugatti Veyron sets his defense level to Fearless. White Lamborghini is about to acclerate even more when he realizes that Sandstorm is right on his tail! "Oh, slag! No good, no good!" he whimpers, and attempts to swerve about the track wildly to try and help prevent Sandstorm from scoring a hit on him! Combat: White Lamborghini sets his defense level to Guarded. Combat Dunebuggy misses trying to give Penumbra a push... but in the end it all turns out to be part of the plan as it were. The other Autobot goes faster to keep out of his way, while the dune buggy woggles back and forth a bit to get back under control. "Wheeee haaa!" He veers back and forth, trying to use the momentum from one missed collision to careen into another! Kenworth K100 Aerodyne finds Slag blocking the track! AGAIN! "This is infuriating!" He brakes, trying to at least run over Slag's tail for the insult. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne strikes Metallic Triceratops with his Speedbump Tail (Ram) attack! [Pulled -2] Combat: Combat Dunebuggy strikes White Lamborghini with his Skidding Sideswipe (Ram) attack! [Pulled -2] Garbage_Truck continues to speed up at a steady rate, trying to catch up with the other racers. But he can't help but Snigger abit as he see Slag gore Motormaster once more in his rearview mirrors. Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Guarded. Blue Ligier JS-11 speeds pass Sandstorm, and technically closes the distance a bit more with Breakdown. After taking a quick glance at the position board, Mirage complains, "Well, looks like the bunch of here are clearly only middle of the pack caliber! How pitiful." The blue Ligier race car makes a visible bump as its gears is shifted upwards and the vehicle swiftly gains more speed, pulling ahead, "Hah! Nice one Sandstorm!" Of course Mirage isn't all about the team spirit, he's a sneaky bastard after all. This just another step in getting closer on the rankings. Oh if only Mirage could do his usual shifty optic side-to-side glances in this mode. Combat: Blue Ligier JS-11 sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Fearless. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metallic Triceratops 15 0 FEARLESS -- Garbage_Truck 11 1 GUARDED -- Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 19 1 FEARLESS -- +Blue Hovercraft 8 2 FEARLESS -- +Blue Ligier JS-11 9 2 FEARLESS -- Junk-Cycle 10 2 FEARLESS -- White Lamborghini 19 2 GUARDED -- Bugatti Veyron 15 3 FEARLESS -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== The lap numbering system is in Space French. :(Sonic half covers his unnaturally large eyes with his hands, as the carnage mounts, dinosaur to Kenworth and Kenworth to dinosaur, and dune buggy to Lamborghini! A staffer rushes over and whispers something to Sonic, causing him to look rather shocked, "The space traffic has let up, you say? And /spaceship/ tracking radar is having trouble following this guy? Geez, who did you invite - the Flash?" Blurr has connected. And in the distance, there is a blue blur... That blur is Blurr himself, who comes roaring towards the race track at his best speed - roaring despite his own silent hover-build because as he moves, he continually cracks sound, sending shockwaves through the air as he goes. Is the late announcer trying to make up lost time? NO! For as he arrives on the scene, he immediately crosses the starting line! Though late and laps behind everyone else, the supersonic speedster, moving once more with a velocity that should be impossible for a land vehicle, a velocity he had recently been unable to achieve, seems intent to try to enter the race himself! Race: Blue Hovercar joins the race. Metallic Triceratops gets his tail ran over! While it hurts his pride more than his tail, he still can't let this slide! "Me Slag say you Motofoto rude! Me Slag trash you now!!" Bugatti Veyron finds himself approaching Motormaster, and just /knows/ this is trouble. He slows the frak down. "A convoy...." Combat: Blue Hovercar sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Bugatti Veyron sets his defense level to Guarded. Combat: Metallic Triceratops misses Kenworth K100 Aerodyne with his Ram attack! Kenworth K100 Aerodyne finally closes in on the Veyron from behind! "A, ha ha! I've dealt with Mirage already... now it's YOUR turn, little one!" Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne strikes Bugatti Veyron with his Galveston Style (Ram) attack! Blue Hovercraft starts to tire as he's expending way too much energon and not really making any ground with the race leaders. Thern he starts to wonder where Sandstorm and Mirage are. The hover sled descends back down onto the race track while still zipping along using all that momentum he's built up from flying. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Guarded. White Lamborghini takes his first hit of the race as Sandstorm slams into him from the side, sending him spinning wildly out of control! "YOU STINKING AUTOBOT PIECE OF SLAG!" he screams. "I'm not g-gonna lose a medal to you!" He's strongly tempted to swerve back into Sandstorm, but he refrains for the moment, as it might cost him to even try. As he recovers, he tries to continue to evade Sandstorm! Bugatti Veyron curses in redneckese! It's one of those rare times being right brings zero comfort and trying to avoid fate is futile. He just starts accellerating from scratch again. Combat: White Lamborghini sets his defense level to Protected. Garbage_Truck continues onwards, as he sees his Junkion Lally and new friend Mirage catch up to him, on their most recent lap. "Hey guys!" He announces as Motormaster continues to be a bully. Blue Ligier JS-11 looks around again, and to his surprise he finds Topspin and Sit-Com STILL at his sides, "Well, aren't you two a sight for sore optics?" Of course the Autobot counter-intelligence specialist does a double check on his current velocity. Yep, he's giving it all he's got, those earlier rammings must have done a good number on his acceleration systems. Of course the fact never dawns across Mirage that he might not be as fast as he think he is, he's too damn snobby to realize it. There's a familiar flash on Mirage's viewscreen, yep, almost out of fuel again. The blue Ligier race car shifts gear again and falls back in speed once more! Zoooom, put put put! Combat: Blue Ligier JS-11 sets his defense level to Neutral. Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Neutral. Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Protected. Combat Dunebuggy breaks off from his first slam into Breakdown, but keeps his gas pedal down in an attempt to not lose too much momentum from the collision and let the Stunticon get too far ahead of him again. "I'm not done with you yet bucko!" As he actually starts to gain some position on him, Sandstorm abruptly spins around backwards, and then slams on the breaks! He screechs to a halt, hopefully right in front of the stunticon before he can swerve away! Combat: Combat Dunebuggy misses White Lamborghini with his Sudden Stop (Ram) attack! [Pulled -2] Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Blue Hovercar 13 0 FEARLESS -- Metallic Triceratops 17 0 FEARLESS -- Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 2 2 FEARLESS -- Blue Hovercraft 12 2 GUARDED -- Junk-Cycle 14 2 PROTECTED -- Blue Ligier JS-11 14 2 NEUTRAL -- +White Lamborghini 5 3 PROTECTED -- Bugatti Veyron 15 3 GUARDED -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Sonic watches the carnage unfold - and watches in wonder as the real announcer who was slated for this shindig instead tries to join the race! He calls out, "Hey there bro! I know my racing feet are itchy, too, but the race has already started! C'mon, there's all the chili dogs you can eat up here in the announcer's box." Sonic promptly scarfs one down and grins cheesily for the audience. "All the chili dogs I can eat, I guess. You robots don't really go for chili dogs, do you? But we've got golden rings, too, and chaos emeralds, even!" Sonic holds up an armful of golden rings and chaos emeralds. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Protected. Bugatti Veyron drives with an old granny demon on his back now... is forced to drive 'cautious' to survive. Motormaster still at his fender, Penumbra doesn't snail it at least. Which for his model is still pretty damn speeding ticket outrunningly fast. Blue Ligier JS-11 slows down a bit more as he discovers himself in a more favourable positioning, "Still half the round to go and already low on fuel!" The blue Ligier race car begins swirving in and out as he steers clear from other on going vehicles while he slows down. VROOM! What was that?! Mirage's rear view mirror shows... Blurr?! "Huh, looks like the speedster got his speed back again." Combat: Blue Ligier JS-11 sets his defense level to Protected. Kenworth K100 Aerodyne has to cut the throttle back as the pack tightens up, and tries to muscle in on Penumbra to block and hold back the Autobot leader as he decelerates. Combat Dunebuggy mutters as the Stunticon manages to slip past him a second time. Oh well, hopefully he forced him to slow down enough that it helps the other bots. Seriously, you thought he was here to try and win the race? Psssht. Much like the Junkions, he'd rather see a crash! Though as Breakdown slips away, he huffs and puts it into reverse. Not as fast, but he's still moving that way at least... So yes, for the moment he's racing, backwards. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Neutral. "No chili dogs no and I know this doesn't count I mean I know it's not for real but it's been too long and I mean waaaaay too long I mean months too long since I've been able to glide like this and I've just got to run even if it's not for rea- yipes! Sorry, Topspin!" he shouts as he passes the Wrecker (though, of course, the Wrecker is still too laps ahead of him). "Oh gosh oh gosh they're all packed together but I can do this just watch me!" he shouts as he manauvers to try to glide past Motormaster, Mirage, and Sit-Com. As he approaches Mirage, he shouts triumphantly, "YES! I'm back!" Combat: Combat Dunebuggy sets his defense level to Protected. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne misses Bugatti Veyron with his Boxing 'Em In (Ram) attack! [Pulled -2] Metallic Triceratops continues to plod on, moving quickly for a metallic dinosaur but not fast enough to be a seriously threat in this race other than a proactive roadblock for Decepticons. He moves on around the track, hoping that at some point he actually completes a lap. Backfire has arrived. White Lamborghini pulls those kinds of stunts himself all the time, and so when Sandstorm hits the breaks, Breakdown pulls away, and tears ahead of the triple-changer! "Nice try, triple-LOSER!" he yells, "That was your last chance to stop me, now NOTHING CAN STOP ME NOW! Hahaha... right?" There's still a lot of Autobots up ahead! He doesn't want to risk running into them, but still, he's got to place... right? "What was that? What are you Autobots trying to pull?!" demands Motormaster as a blue flicker whistles past. Combat: White Lamborghini sets his defense level to Fearless. Bugatti Veyron has Motormaster's number this time, faking left, then veering right and accelerating /just/ enough so the truck-con finds nothing but air to bust through. "Not this time, Motormaster. One kiss is all you get." Garbage_Truck continues on increasing speed, espcially as he notices the blue blur Blurr behind him. "Oh my, I don't think I want to get ran over by someoen goign that fast!" He says. Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Junk-Cycle strikes Kenworth K100 Aerodyne with his Take THAT Goliath! (Ram) attack! [Pulled -2] Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Neutral. Kenworth K100 Aerodyne overcorrects for missing Penumbra, and thanks to that Junkion's help, bounces onto the side of the track and has to decelerate to get back on! "Go, Breakdown, go!" Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Fearless. Blue Hovercraft sighs and doesn't seem to be making any ground regardless of how much ebnergon he uses. He decides to take the inside lane to perhaps cut some milage on the track and possibvly hugging the wall will keep him safe from the more agrgresive racers. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Fearless. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metallic Triceratops 2 1 FEARLESS -- +Blue Hovercar 5 1 FEARLESS -- Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 4 2 PROTECTED -- Junk-Cycle 16 2 FEARLESS -- Blue Ligier JS-11 17 2 PROTECTED -- Blue Hovercraft 0 3 FEARLESS -- White Lamborghini 13 3 FEARLESS -- Bugatti Veyron 3 4 GUARDED -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Sonic fails to entice his co-announcer to actually come up and co-announce. He facepalms and then puts the gold rings and chaos emeralds back in their box, chowing down on another chili dog. "Man, some people." He shakes his head. But more happily, he announces, "And we have a winner - Mr. Bugatti Veyron!" Blue Ligier JS-11 barely swirves out of Blurr's path in time to avoid a nasty collision, "Hey! Can't you try harder to not ruin my day?!" He then watches as Motormaster whiffs against Penumbra and a kamikaze Junk-Cycle colliding against the large black truck in retaliation. Well. It's kind of sad that even a Junkion has more Autobot spirit than Mirage. Maybe that's why people think Mirage is an untrustworthy shifty bastard? Either way, other contestants continues to zip pass him. The blue Ligier race car pulls close into the insides of the race track and begins accelerating again, attempting to recover lost progress. Combat: Blue Ligier JS-11 sets his defense level to Fearless. Blue Hovercar passes Slag as he finishes his first lap, not to mention clearing that nasty multi-car jam. "Sorry Mirage I'll do what I can but even with all that extra training it's a little hard to move right at this speed anyway gotta go so I'll talk to you later!" Combat Dunebuggy is still driving backwards for the moment, so he can see Blurr speeding up, and right past him. "Hah! I told ya they'd get yer speed force back for ya Blurr!" Finally he hits the rear brakes to swing himself around facing forward again, and shifts up a gear to get going. Still not up to full speed, but it's really a mute point at this part of the race, he already did what he could to slow Breakdown. Bugatti Veyron crosses the finishline getting out of harms way long enough to do so. He goes full throttle and then peels out over to the winners circle or wherever racers go when they've placed and need to get out of the other racers way. Race: Bugatti Veyron leaves the race. Combat: Combat Dunebuggy sets his defense level to Guarded. White Lamborghini sees nothing ahead but a clear raceway! So, he takes a little bit easy as he loops around the track. Finally, he sees the finish just up ahead! Is he going to make it? "Am I really going to make it?" he wonders aloud. "Oh, please, Primus, let me make it!" Garbage_Truck shifts back a gear, as this racing is startign to get a bit boring for him, no explosions, not even a Decepticon clonse enough to try and bash. The bored Junkion is almost tempted to try and run into one of the Autobots near him for some excitment, how do people stnd watching people make left turns all day when there are no fablous crashes or explosions? Blue Ligier JS-11 lets out an outraged cough as Blurr speeds further ahead, leaving him in the dust. ~/o Go, young speedsters be free tonight. Time is oooon your side. ~/o Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Aggressive. "Why does everybody keep calling it 'speed force'?!" Blurr exclaims. Kenworth K100 Aerodyne grinds his gears in frustration as Penumbra howls across the finish line. "Junkion! You meddler! You INTERloper! I could've HAD him!" Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne sets his defense level to Fearless. Metallic Triceratops finally finishes a lap and is happy to have done so. He slows up, content to see one of his fellow Autobots cross the finish line first. He continues to eye the Decepticons as he plods along a bit slower than he was. Combat: Metallic Triceratops sets his defense level to Guarded. Combat: Kenworth K100 Aerodyne strikes Junk-Cycle with his Road Rage! (Ram) attack! Blue Hovercraft starts to lower himself back onto the track when he sees the finish line. Its now or nothing. The little hpover sled lets his turbines spin and engines work overtime as he forces out whatever energon he has left in his take to pour the juice through his thrusters giving him that little added boost to finish the race in at least the top 6 position. He's going so fast now that he doesn't seem to notice anything going on around him. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Aggressive. Well, it was pretty much inevitable that slamming into Motormaster would gain the attention of the Stunticon Commander. The Little Junkcycle that Could gets batted to the side of the track. He tries to right himself and get back on the track to play ketchup. At least an Autobot crossed the finish line first, he notices to his relief. Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Protected. Bugatti Veyron reflects to himself, "I am redeemed in the eyes of my maker and it is good." With a series of gear shifts and smoothly sliding components, the Bugatti Veyron sportscar transforms into the Autobot Penumbra. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Fearless. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metallic Triceratops 3 1 GUARDED -- Kenworth K100 Aerodyne 16 1 FEARLESS -- +Garbage_Truck 8 2 AGGRESSIVE -- +Combat Dunebuggy 9 2 GUARDED -- Junk-Cycle 16 2 PROTECTED -- +Blue Ligier JS-11 6 3 FEARLESS -- +Blue Hovercraft 9 3 FEARLESS -- White Lamborghini 1 4 FEARLESS -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Sonic shouts over to Blurr, "I don't! Forget that Speed Force nonsense. Golden rings and chaos emeralds are the way to go! ...and you can buy them at one of Six Lasers fine jewellery concession stands." Pan shot to a jewellery concession stand. Sonic winks and thumbs up. "And we have a runner up! The Lamborghini snags silver - jeez, we could have just done the first round, for how little the leader and follower changed!" Alas, it wasn't enough to keep the Stunticon from getting second. At least an Autobot got first! Having had his moment to recoup from his last maneuver, Sandstorm finally shifts back into full throttle. Takes note of who's around him. "Com'n guys, we've still gotta race for third place. HOOHAH!" Blue Hovercar slips past Motormaster, though he's still only on his second lap. "Well not going to place in this one but it's not too bad considering how much of a head start start and what's that about chaos emeralds do they have anything to do with lenses because I think there's been a lot of things going on with lenses lately but I haven't heard anything about rings or emeralds!" Combat: Combat Dunebuggy sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat Dunebuggy granted is nowhere near it himself, but he's gotta encourage his Wrecker brah and that darn shifty ghost-err-Mirage! Garbage_Truck continues on, knowing he's got no chance for bronze. "A ha ha!" Motormaster's cold laughter booms out as he transforms (incidentally disqualifying himself, not that he really had a chance at a medal by that point) and skids off of the track, punching his fist into his palm in triumph. "Even against these ABSURD odds, the Stunticons prevail!" He strides off down the pit road to go make sure the race officials give Breakdown his due as the Silver Medalist, at gunpoint if necessary. With a loud clacking and grinding sound, Motormaster pulls himself up into his grim humanoid form. Race: Motormaster leaves the race. White Lamborghini laughs nervously as he rolls over the finish line, just in time before any other Autobots caught up to him! "Hahaha, I made it! I really made it! Haha... hehhhhnnnh... heehhhnnnnh.... oh, oh, geeze... heehhhhhnnnhhh...!" He rolls off the track towards the pitstop, shaking uncontrollably. His engine begins to vibrate almost involuntarily, as well, and the pitcrew is baffled as all of their equipment mysteriously stops working! Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Fearless. Race: White Lamborghini leaves the race. "In spite of not being Drag Strip, you have done well, Breakdown," Motormaster says in his backhanded-complimentary way. Penumbra tries to buff out some surface scraping on his paint around the dentings Motormaster gave him, just out to look as good as possible for any photo ops. Blue Hovercraft grumbles but eventually crosses the finish line just a few seconds after the Stunticon, "Beaten by a Stunticon.. how shameful." the little hoversled mutters as he powers down to try and conserve whaeveras left in his energon tank. Blue Ligier JS-11 sees Breakdown in front, just moments away from crossing his final lap and placing second. Nothing can prevent the Stunticon from his inevitable victory, dun dun dun. The blue Ligier race car can only keep zipping forward as best as he can. White Lamborghini tries to reply to Motormaster, but all that comes out is, "Th-th-th-thpptttt, th-th-thpptt!" A puddle of energon begins to form under him. Uhoh, his fuel pump's leaking again. "If you're going to insist on being useless withered bags of juice, you can get out of here and get Breakdown a proper ROBOTIC mechanic!" Motormaster roars at the baffled organic pit crew. "Lest I excise you like a tumor!" Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Fearless. Metallic Triceratops cotinues to plod along, even long after the race has been decided. Looks like someone is living the olympic spirit and continuing on. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metallic Triceratops 3 1 GUARDED -- +Blue Hovercar 8 2 FEARLESS -- Garbage_Truck 16 2 FEARLESS -- Combat Dunebuggy 17 2 FEARLESS -- Junk-Cycle 4 3 FEARLESS -- Blue Ligier JS-11 15 3 FEARLESS -- Blue Hovercraft 17 3 FEARLESS -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Some sickeningly adorable woodland creatures are fetching the medals and laurel wreaths for the medalists. The pit crew looks on in horror as a rather rotund doctor steps out of the shadows and promptly zaps them all into robots. He tips his non-existent hat to Motormaster. Sonic shouts, enraged, "Doctor Robotnik!" and leaps down from the announcer's stand, chasing after his nemesis. "I admire that filthy human meatbag's methodology," Motormaster remarks, surprised at Dr. Robotnik's sudden appearance and solution to the not-enough-robot-crew problem. Despite his speed, Blurr is still behind everyone but Slag! And, well, Motormaster, but Motormaster isn't racing anymore, so that hardly matters. Still he pushes forward as much as he can, even though there's no hope of him making bronze at this point (not that there ever was since, well, he wasn't in the race from the beginning). Combat Dunebuggy is more or less cruising along at this point, keeping pace with Topspin even though he's a lap behind. With all the decepticons out there really isn't a reason to smash into anyone else.. unless someone tries to take his teammate out roughly then he might have to do something about it. Blue Hovercraft uses his reserve of nox during the last bit of straight track which sends the little hoversled rocketing towards the finish line. He can only be thankful that he's hoveing above the track floor cuz a bump or rock would be very hazardous to his health going this fast which makes it extremely difficylt to steady himself. Garbage_Truck continues along, holding a steady rate, as he pulls into the inner lap to try and at least complete another lap. Well, hopefully the animals will be better equipped to deliver medals now that they are robots. Breakdown tries to convey something to that effect, but all that comes out of his vocalizer is incoherent sputtering. The organic pit crew, meanwhile, stares fearfully up at the huge Motormaster, and one of them says, "Uh, we'll get right on it!" and he talks to someone on a walkie-talkie. Moments later, a non-Cybertronian robot of some kind walks into the pit stop. "Okay, what's the problem--ARGGHHH!" Once the robot approaches Breakdown, the Stunticon's vibrating engine instantly shorts out his circuits and leaves him a twitching, drooling heap on the floor. The remaining pit crew runs for their lives. Blue Ligier JS-11 continues to zip forward, but the forward scenary doesn't change much. Well except Blurr who was in front of Mirage just a few moments ago now suddenly popping up BEHIND him instead. That's ought to freak any racer out. Combat: Metallic Triceratops sets his defense level to Protected. Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Protected. Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Fearless. Motormaster has to resort to shaking Breakdown and ordering him to get a grip on himself. Penumbra watches the manhandling going on over at the Stunticon pit and wonders if Motormaster is looking for Breakdown's keys to fall out. Metallic Triceratops continues to trundle on, even though the race is all but over. "Me Slag keep going, finish race." Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metallic Triceratops 4 1 PROTECTED -- Blue Hovercar 0 3 FEARLESS -- Garbage_Truck 3 3 FEARLESS -- Combat Dunebuggy 3 3 NEUTRAL -- + Junk-Cycle 8 3 PROTECTED -- Blue Ligier JS-11 3 4 FEARLESS -- +Blue Hovercraft 7 4 FEARLESS -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== With Sonic off having some ridiculous battle with Dr. Robotnik, a harried Six Lasers staffer takes over, aheming nervously, "Terribly sorry about that. Anyway, we're just waiting on bronze, right? So... looks like that pontoon boat has it, though that Ligier came close! Everyone, a big round of applause for our contestants? And... my word, is that blue car on the third lap already?" And Blurr is... still behind everyone but Slag, though he's just moments away from passing Lab-Rat and Sandstorm! Of course, Topspin has the medal already, but for Blurr, this isn't about medals, it's about White Lamborghini manages to pull himself together once Motormaster gives him a good shake, and his engine's vibration drops down to a low hum. He transforms, slowly and with great effort, into robot mode. The Stunticon attempts to stand on his own, but winds up collapsing onto his face. "I-Is it over?" he asks Motormaster, as if begging. The white Lamborghini pops up into the jittery Breakdown! Motormaster says, "Yes, and you won second place. Now straighten up in case they decide to give out some kind of prize on the spot!" "Good job, Topspin! It was too late for me and it wouldn't really be fare anyway but it's good that another hovercar got the medal," Blurr babbles! Breakdown is given a robotic laurel wreath and a robotic silver medal by the badniks. Whoops, looks like the roboticiser got the prizes, too! Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metallic Triceratops 4 1 PROTECTED -- Garbage_Truck 3 3 FEARLESS -- +Combat Dunebuggy 9 3 NEUTRAL -- Junk-Cycle 10 3 PROTECTED -- Blue Hovercar 13 3 FEARLESS -- Blue Ligier JS-11 3 4 FEARLESS -- Blue Hovercraft 16 4 FEARLESS -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== "YAY! WAY TO GO TOPPER!" Sandstorm cheers as the other Wrecker passes the finish line. That's good enough for him, that two Autobots finished in places Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Protected. Blue Hovercar is running low on fuel! Looks like he'll have to slow down! Combat: Blue Hovercar sets his defense level to Neutral. Garbage_Truck notcing his low fuewl reserves and knowing he's not gonna get anything, Labby shifts down to his lowest gear for a bit Blue Hovercar is, however, in the lead among those who haven't crossed the finish line. It appears that the little hovercar that, a few days before, couldn't, now really can! Blue Ligier JS-11 skids a stop as he passes the finish line, albit a few seconds later than Topspin. The blue Ligier race car splits open and reconfigures into Mirage's robotic mode before he does the classy thing and congratulates the Wrecker, "Hmpf, not bad Topspin. Looks like you do got it in you to give us racers a run for our credits on the race tracks." He looks behind him, scanning the area for the certain speedster, "Now speaking of a mech that could give us a run for our credits on the race tracks... where's Blurr?" Breakdown manages to pull himself to his feet in time to collect his prizes! "Haha, silver. It was close, though! So many freaking Autobots! Man..." He gives an exhausted sigh as he puts the wreath and the medal over his neck. "I thought the Olympics were supposed to be our break, but I feel more exhausted than ever!" Blue Hovercraft has difficulties trying to stop as the nox burn has sent his momentum out of control. The little hoversled zips pass the finish line and seems as if his prize is going to be a collision with the track wall. But the little jumpstarter lifts up from the ground and shoots straight up into the skies. Only to descend moments later asfter habing used up all of his ecess momentum. Metallic Triceratops keeps walking, just like Forrest Gump, not deterred and not distracted. Now it's just him and the track..no Decepticons to ram, no autobots to protect it's just him and the track. One stubby leg in front of the other. "Wow, that guy's fast," the Junk-Cycle comments, as Blurr zips past him. Then two more Autobots cross the finish line. No bronze for him, but it was a small sacrifice indeed. Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Fearless. Blue Ligier JS-11 transforms into his Robot mode. "It NEVER ends," rumbles Motormaster, arms crossed over his chest sternly as he watches the remaining racers zip around the track. Combat: Blue Hovercraft sets his defense level to Neutral. He's talking about Slag, of course. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metallic Triceratops 4 1 PROTECTED -- +Garbage_Truck 6 3 PROTECTED -- Combat Dunebuggy 14 3 NEUTRAL -- Junk-Cycle 16 3 FEARLESS -- Blue Hovercar 2 4 NEUTRAL -- Mirage 10 4 FEARLESS -- Blue Hovercraft 2 5 NEUTRAL -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Combat: Garbage_Truck sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Combat Dunebuggy sets his defense level to Fearless. Garbage_Truck shifts up to full gear once he has more fuel. Metallic Triceratops steps it up a notch and moves just a little faster. Combat Dunebuggy sees the finish line! Not that it matters at this point, but he shifts up to full speed for the heck of it to finish the race out properly. Combat: Metallic Triceratops sets his defense level to Fearless. Blue Hovercar crosses the finish line, taking fifth place despite his late start! He spins as he passes that finish line, slowing himself down by facing the other direction, and as soon as he's bled off enough momentum to safely transform, he does so, leaping into the air and cheering for himself. "That was great better than great that was fantasting you guys have no idea how much I missed that but now I've got it back and I'm whole and I'm me and I'm Blurr and..." he lowers his hands and looks around at the other Autobots, and the smile turns faintly sad. "I'll, uhm, kind of miss being a ble to talk to you guys though." Suddenly, Blurr is a robot! Race: Blurr leaves the race. Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings... ============================[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer Pos Lap Defense-Level ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +Metallic Triceratops 8 1 FEARLESS -- Garbage_Truck 13 3 FEARLESS -- Combat Dunebuggy 1 4 FEARLESS -- Junk-Cycle 4 4 FEARLESS -- Mirage 10 4 FEARLESS -- +Blue Hovercraft 8 5 NEUTRAL -- + Racer within ramming distance -> You! ===========================[ Sorted by Leadership ]=========================== Blue Hovercraft lands and flip transforms into the form of the win sauced little Wrecker Topspin. He holds up his hands and smiles as he waves to the fans? He looks around, "Where'd Mirage go.. did he pull his disappearing trick again?" he looks around now wondering where to go to get his medal. He walks over slowly to the pit crew for a refill on energon, "Boy.. I think I've had enough of speed for a long time to come at least a few mega cycles." Blue Hovercraft transforms into his Topspin mode. Combat: Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Protected. Metallic Triceratops keeps going..can't stop now..almost done with the second lap. Only one lap after that. Slag continues on now as a matter of pride. Dinobots don't quit. Combat Dunebuggy speeds over the finish line finally, just behind the junk cycle. "Good job out there dude!" He transforms as he skids to a stop, using one hand for a brake along the ground before he finally slows down enough to come to a stop. Standing, he dusts his hands off, and goes over to throw an arm around Blurr's shoulders. "You? We'll miss being able to understand you!" He teases. "But it's good to see ya back to normal." Motormaster has disconnected. With a lightning fast flip and twist, Sandstorm lands in his robot mode, ready for action. Race: Sandstorm leaves the race. Race: Mirage leaves the race. Race: Garbage_Truck leaves the race. Race: Junk-Cycle leaves the race. Lab-Brat changes back to his robot mode, which mostly consists of him standing up and lifting his head. Blurr actually remains in place long enough for Sandstorm to thorw the arm around his shoulder, though he nearly vibrates in his desire to be about five or six different places at once. "It's great to be back to normal because I missed this I mean I guess in a way it was nice to see everyone moving at my speed for awhile but this is the way I'm supposed to be and... and I think everything you guys taught me will help me now that I'm back to normal too!" The one on Junkion. Lab-Brat eventually crosses the finish line, last, well last for those that are actually fast as Slag contin ues to plod on behind him. Penumbra sneaks over to the race board and 'adjusts' it to read out Slag is on his last lap. ;) Mirage gives Blurr a quick glance, looks up and down, yep the speedster's back alright, "So. How'd you manage to get your speed back anyways?" A Six Lasers staffer runs over to Blurr and whispers in his audio, "Say it was Pennzoil, and we'll make it up to you." Topspin walks over to Mirage and pats him on the shoulder plate, "Hey brother.. you did good, gave me a run for my credits. I could plasma torch the medal to give you half.. we both deserve it." "Oh we got some more of the unobtanium and we used that to fix my power chip rectifier so that I can move my normal speed a-" Blurr turns towards the Six Lasers staffer and blinks. Several times. It might not even be visible. "Pennzoil?" he asks, confused. Sometimes, for as quick as he is, Blurr can be kind of slow on the uptake. The Six Lasers staffer just facepalms. Though it takes much longer than the race took, long after the crowds and the racers and most everyone has left Slag finally crosses the finish line. All three laps, completed. No one can say him or any Dinobots ever quit anything they start. They might not win all the time, but if they start something they finish it! Penumbra watches Slag go round and round as he gets work done on himself to get right as rain again. Walking out to the finish line as the Dinobot crosses, Penumbra has an energon cube in hand waiting for Slag. "Outstanding, Slag." Backfire has left. Sandstorm has left. The metal Triceratops rears back as it transforms to reveal itsself as Dinobot Slag! Mirage casually accepts the pat by Topspin, "Nah, you've deserve that medal right and proper." He then tugs the Wrecker a bit closer though as he lowers his voice as he reveals a frigid smile, "But the Olympics is almost over, and that means the truce will be over soon too. I've got some plans for those meddling Stunticons, and I wouldn't mind you and the Wreckers lending a hand." Oh ho ho, shifty Mirage. Plotting again. Topspin smiles as he stand by the finish line and he claps when the Dinobot finally crosses, "Great effort you put in there Slag! Me Topspin am proud of you!" he looks around as it seems like everyone has taken off, "Well guys.. shall we head home now?" Must have been the excercise tuckering the Dinobot out? Penumbra smiles easily and nods. Time to ride off into the sunset. Penumbra has left. Lab-Brat has disconnected. Gold: Penumbra Silver: Breakdown Bronze: Topspin 4. Mirage 5. Blurr, who wasn't even supposed to be in the race and showed up absurdly late 6. Sit-Com 7. Sandstorm 8. Lab-Brat 9. Slag Disqualified Due To Transformation: Motormaster End Of Stage Boss: Slag, for taking it slow and steady during the 2031 Land Race
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