* Bitstream changes topic to '-=2002.033=- rp your bloody heads off, people 
* Sunspot is in her quarters working on stuff.
* Lifeblood rocks.
* Lifeblood rocks back and forth.
<Cirrus> Now entering Chie'd orbit. Orbital control has confirmed our landing clearence.
* Avalanche is in the simroom as usual.
* Roadkill is on the bridge
<Waitstate> Good. Killer, announce our arrival to the crew
* Splitwit drinks away what little sorrows he has
<Roadkill> will do. [shipwide comm] Heads up everyone, we've arrived at the planet Chie'd. Have fun!
<Trickshot> C'ngharg Jie {Tales of Dead Men in some alien language*...in other words Trickshot's personal log}
<Splitwit> And so THAT's when I decided that the best place for me to go to would be Hyrule Castle, home of Gannon the prince of thieves! *moves hands for effect*
<Roadkill> So, any plans oh mighty grey one?
<Trickshot> *What brings me here is a little R&R and a new target {ooc: better ;p}
* Avalanche hears the comm and grins.
<Sunspot> Ooooo, planet...
<Waitstate> I plan to unwind. There has been entirely too much stress lately. I also plan to see if I can find a specialist to check out Lifeblood
* Splitwit spins in his chair
<Twilight> Split, you're a drunken idiot.
<Trickshot> Apparently, someone has got a mad on for a bunch of neutrals... and sources have just confirmed they've arrived here just when I was about to begin my search
* Splitwit shoves his cup into Twi's chest.  "Yeah, y'only sayin' that 'cause... 'cause you're jealous... or yeh."
* Avalanche turns off the sim and leaves.
* Twilight just looks at Split and blinks
<Trickshot> Apparently, they've managed to piss off an occasional bot here and there. Now it's enough that someone's gone to the trouble of hiring me...
* Sunspot starts wrapping up her project.
<Waitstate> What about you, Killer? Any plans?
<Trickshot> As always, I'll assess the damage it would cause before making this bot meet its maker...Quints, Primus, whatever the Pit his religious preference is...
* Avalanche heads for Sunspot's quarters, figuring she'll know about this planet-visiting business.
<Roadkill> At the moment, no, not really...
<Roadkill> *shrugs* I'll prolly just tag along with ya like a lost puppy dog, heh.
* Cirrus giggles. "Or a lost kitty maybe?" :)
<Trickshot> All I know is that he is the leader of the little neutral faction...a former bartender....
* Avalanche knocks on Sunspot's door.
<Roadkill> Hehe, that too. Kitty's currently asleep in my room though.
<Waitstate> Good place for it
<Trickshot> I've known a lot of bartenders in my time. They know everything...and are good judges of character...one as a leader...well, the universe would be in trouble if that was always the way
* Sunspot quickly finishes putting away her tools and goes to the door.
<Cirrus> I'm gonna see if Avalanche'll go shopping with me! :D
* Sunspot opens the door. "Oh, hiya, Avy! Did you hear we get to go to a planet?"
<Waitstate> Someone new to mooch off of, eh? I dunno if he has any cash though
<Trickshot> This one will be rough.   Neutral factions end up having connections on both sides.   Which means this guy is bound to find out what I do...
<Roadkill> *chuckles* Good luck, Cirrus. 
 * Moonstone stands on the edge of Sunspot's table and chirps at Avalanche.
<Trickshot> So, the best thing is to act like a retired idiot...playing on things that are half truths...
<Cirrus> I have money! I sold some pictures I took!
<Trickshot> And, remember never take the offer for a drink...
<Waitstate> Well bravo then. I'm pleasantly suprised :)
<Avalanche> Yeah!  I came by to see what's involved in getting a ride planetside.
<Roadkill> I'm just plain surprised, hehe. Can I borrow some cash off ya, Cirrus? ;)
<Restore> [comm] Waitstate, please report to medbay.
<Waitstate> [comm] On my way
<Trickshot> Or else I poor my damn spark out...it's rare that I let a mark know he or she or it is one...usually I give that honor before I kill them or let them know I've decided to let them function
<Waitstate> Pardon me, you two :)
* Waitstate heads to the lift
* Splitwit stands up
<Trickshot> lol
* Splitwit wobbles a bit
<Cirrus> Aww... how much ya need?
* Splitwit stands straight
* Splitwit walks out the door
<Roadkill> heh, I was jokin', li'l one. but if y'got any t'spare.... *grins*
* Waitstate heads up a level to Medbay
<Sunspot> Well, we go to the shuttle bay.  Gimmie a second to finish putting away this stuff and I'll show you were it is...
* Sunspot turns back to the stuff on her table.
<Cirrus> I dunno... I have shelves with nothing on them! hehe
* Waitstate walks in to Medbay
<Roadkill> Heh, fair enough. go fill 'em up with junk. ;)
* Avalanche steps in and picks Moonstone up off the table.
<Cirrus> That was the general idea, hehe
<Waitstate> Restore? You called?
<Restore> Yes, I've discovered something regarding Lifeblood. Of course, it pretty much only confirms what we know so far...
<Waitstate> Oh? What did you find?
<Trickshot> Okay, enough of the emotional chip... it's time to see whether or not the mark is worth it...
* Sunspot finishes organizing the parts from her project.
* Trickshot goes to the nearest bar
<Sunspot> Okay, let's go!
* Sunspot heads out the door.
<Restore> Whenever we first brought Mystery back on line, we wantd to perform a routine brainscan *leads Wait to the main console*
* Avalanche follows, carrying Moonstone.
* Splitwit slithers down a hallway looking for someone to leech off of
* Waitstate nods and follows
<Restore> Lifeblood demonstrated how it all worked, by having it done on himself.
* Restore brings the scan up on the veiwer* 
* Sunspot heads for the shuttle bay.
* Switchbox wanders into the shuttle bay, paying more attention to his datapad than to where he's going.
* Switchbox looks up, scanning the room
<Switchbox> Anybody going planetside?
<Trickshot> First off, Bartenders always seem to know each other. It's like some wierd subspace communication or they were just stamped off the same processors. 
* Sunspot walks and walks until she gets to the shuttle bay.
<Splitwit> *saunters into the shuttlebay* And we've got us a par-TAY!
<Switchbox> Oh, hi Splitwit.  I was wondering where everybody was.
<Trickshot> Well, most of the time anyway...
<Restore> This is from that demo, *taps in another command, bringing up a similar yet noticably different scan* and THIS is from when Lifeblood first joined us.
* Splitwit points at Switchbox. 
<Splitwit> You bet your processor we're goin down to that big furry ball, bro'
<Switchbox> It's furry?
<Waitstate> That's more deviation than normal memory storage can account for...
<Splitwit> From my perspective, it's damn furry
* Sunspot looks around the shuttle bay.
<Switchbox> Gngnh.  Shoulda packed some actual artillery.
<Sunspot> Hi, Split!  Hi, Switchbox!
<Switchbox> Hi, Sunspot!
* Avalanche grins and waves.
* Moonstone chirps.
<Splitwit> Hey, whaddya know, the chick and her burly protecter. .  Now we've got us a swingin' party goin
<Restore> Sometime between his and Mystery's arrival, he began to lose to his mind. 
<Waitstate> Is there a current scan?
* Roadkill decides he isn't needed on the bridge anymore and heads to the shuttle bay
<Switchbox> Who's going down?
<Restore> No indications of what might be causing it so far. But I can only guess making use of the Waste on Hellfire sent him over the edge.
* Splitwit raises his hand
* Roadkill arrives in the shuttle bay
<Sunspot> We're gonna go!  Right?
* Sunspot looks up.
<Avalanche> Yep!
* Switchbox appears mildly perplexed
<Splitwit> Damn right
<Switchbox> Thrashmane going with?
<Waitstate> That did seem to be the final trigger. I'd noticed a little erratic behavior before then, but honestly it wasn't any worse than the rest of the loonies that live here
<Cirrus> [comm] Hey Avalanche! You going planetside? :)
<Restore> LONAC's greatest drawback, no doubt :)
<Roadkill> you guys all goin' planetside, aye?
<Sunspot> Hi, Killer!
* Thrashmane skids into the shuttle bay as fast running as fast as he can in lion mode and nearly crashes into Avalanche
<Roadkill> heya Sunny one 
<Avalanche> Heya, Roadkill.  You coming too?
<Splitwit> Yo, 'killer.
* Avalanche jumps aside, startled by Thrash, and nearly falls over.
<Switchbox> Hi, Thrashmane.
<Roadkill> yeah, got nothin' better t'do. 'sides, it's been a while since I terrorised any local traffic. *grins*
<Thrashmane> Gah, sorry!  I didn't want to miss the first flight out :)
<Restore> Anyway, I've not yet gotten a current scan. I've been mulling over his recent work projects, they may hold some type of clue as to a cause, but it will take time.
<Avalanche> [comm] Hey, Cirrus!  Yeah, I'm headed down.  Looks like a party down here!
<Waitstate> I hope so. Interested in getting some assistance? I thought about trying to recruit some medical staff while I was downside
* Splitwit takes another sip from the bottle in his hand, remaning in the back of the group as the Cool Quiet Kid
<Sunspot> Hi, Thrashy!
<Cirrus> [comm] I'm coming too! I'll follow you down :)
<Switchbox> Reckon anybody else is going to show up?
* Trickshot enter's The Planetside Bar...
<Splitwit> Let's leave before anyone else does.
<Thrashmane> Hiya Sunspot! :)
* FireDive looks up from the corner to see a new person enter the bar.
* Thrashmane stands and transforms at the same time
<Switchbox> Sounds good to me, Split.
<Restore> If you'd like, I don't know how much help they'd actually be at the moment though. 
<Splitwit> To the shuttle!
* Splitwit marches off to the nearest shuttle, being Anchor's Apartment.
* Trickshot notes a collection of a few neutral robots and some random former Decepticons in that mix...they give a polite nod...
<Sunspot> Are you sure we can take that one, Split?
<Restore> I'm going to be running a few checks on Lifeblood later, specifically concerning any Waste possibilities
<Thrashmane> Oh, the monkey's junkship
* Trickshot antes up
<Switchbox> Yeah, uh, Split?
<Trickshot> What's the word on the ship that just came in? 
<Splitwit> *waves hand dismissingly* Yeah yeah, it's just Anchor's.  He knows me and he won't mind.
* Switchbox follows at a safe distance
<Waitstate> Keep me informed of any breakthroughs. I'll be planetside after a while
<Roadkill> heh, if ya say so, Splitty
<Splitwit> So let's leave before he finds out we stole his ship and stuff.
* FireDive keeps an eye on the newbie.
<Switchbox> Right on.
* Cirrus sets the bridge systems to stationkeeping and heads for the launch bay
* Splitwit kicks the door opened
<Barkeep> *shrugs* Dunno...
<Sunspot> Is it even safe?
* Thrashmane looks at Sunspot, then follows
* Restore goes back to work 
* Trickshot sighs and offers a few energon chips
* Sunspot follows after Thrashy.
<Splitwit> It's like that ship from that one movie with the war in the stars and stuff, y'know?  Bicentenial Goosehawk or somthin'.
<Splitwit> The dudeman kept it in really good condition but the ship looked like a piece of crap; that's how Anchor is with his ship.
* Roadkill wanders after Sunny
* Waitstate sees that the doc is done with him and leaves, knowing more conversation isn't forthcoming except at great person risk
<Barkeep> *smiles* It's a bunch of aligned neutrals... call theselves the League of Non-Aligned Cybertronians
<Splitwit> *flips a few switches, revs the engine, then gives the crew a thumbs up*
<Trickshot> Isn't that a bit oxymoronic? 
<Barkeep> *shakes his head  
* Avalanche follows everyone else, wondering if he's going to have to carry Moonstone around te whole trip.
<Switchbox> Yeah, but I think we'd be better off robbing the Wookie's ship than we are with Anchor.
* FireDive moves closer to hear more of the barkeeper's conversation with the new person.
<Thrashmane> So Split, you don't know how to pilot, do you?
* Trickshot notes the curious bot...
* Cirrus arrives in the launch bay and watches the shuttle load up
<Splitwit> What, me?  I've aint' got a clue, and besides, I'm piss-drunk
<Splitwit> No way I'm touchin' these controls
<Trickshot> Would you happen to know the guy in charge?  I hear he's a former barkeep 
<Roadkill> y'know, it's times like these I wish I hada flight capable mode... heh. 
* Chameleon leaves his quarters. Ghost close behind him
<Roadkill> looks like I'll be piloting. Again. Fun!
* FireDive goes back to drinking her drink, attempting to blend back in.
<Splitwit> Take it away, Roadkill!
* Avalanche catches up with Sunspot on the ship. "Hey, did you wanna take Moonstone down?"
* Splitwit ushers Roadkill to the pilot's chair
* Thrashmane overhears.  "I can take him...?"
* Sunspot looks up.
<Sunspot> There he is!
<Sunspot> Thank you!
<Barkeep> *smile turns to a straight face* Ain't enough energon trilters to give you that info
* Roadkill squeezes past everyone in the shuttle and drops down into the pilot seat
* Sunspot takes Moonstone.
* Moonstone settles into his accustomed places around Sunspot's shoulders.
<Trickshot> *damn I hate professional courtesy...
* Moonstone chirps up at Thrash.
<Roadkill> everyone buckle up, we're goin' in hot! *starts up the shuttle*
<Thrashmane> Hey there, draggy :)
* Switchbox secures his harness
<Chameleon> [comm to Waitstate] Is now a good time to talk, or not?
* Splitwit takes a seat in the corner, 'cause there are only two seats total and a ton of junk littering the ship
<Waitstate> [comm] now's probably the best time for it I've had all year
<Trickshot> Look, I'm just sick of this mercenary business. I need a group of suckers that will help protect my back from all that I've done with my mercenary days.   
* Roadkill signals the bay doors to open, then flies the shuttle out of the Freedom and down towards the planet
* Avalanche finds some reasonably stable-looking junk to sit on.
<Trickshot> Autobots won't take a former Decep like me...  And the Deceps, well...let's say that my depature from my former business has caused the rumor mills to work overtime
* Cirrus runs after the shuttle, dives out of the bay, uses his thrusters to clear the ship, then freefalls for a while, only TFing to jet mode when he starts to veer away from the shuttle
<Barkeep> *eyes Trickshot knowingly* I wasn't born four million years ago son...
<Chameleon> [comm] Ok then. Where should we meet?
* Splitwit notices a panel starting to fall off its hinges and leans against it
<Waitstate> [comm] I'm on deck 5, near medbay. How's Conference Lounge 5L?
<Trickshot> *Next time I'll listen to my own damn processors about Barkeepers...this story won't jive with their leader either...
* FireDive keeps an ear on the conversation, and enjoys her drink.
* Thrashmane rubs Moonstone's head
<Trickshot> Fine, think what you will....
<Chameleon> [comm] That works. We'll meet you there
* Trickshot walks over to FireDive...
* Moonstone makes a happy dragon sound.
* The shuttle soon arrives planetside and lands at the spaceport on the edges of the main area of settlement
* Waitstate heads down the hall to the lounge, opens it, turns on the lights, and waits
* FireDive looks up as the stranger apporaches her.
<Roadkill> Last stop, everybody off! heh.
* Chameleon and Ghost make their way to the conference lounge
<Switchbox> That wasn't so bad.
* Cirrus flies over the shuttle, then TFs and lands beside it
* Thrashmane makes sure he's the first to be to the door, just ahead of Sunspot
<Trickshot> There's three reasons why someone eavesdrops, they know something, they're curious, or both 
<Sunspot> Yay, we're here!
<Trickshot> which one is it? 
<Splitwit> Naw, see I told'ja this ship'd hold up just fine
* Avalanche gets up and makes for the door.
<FireDive> Let's just say I'm curious.
* Splitwit stands up and the panel behind him promptly breaks off its hinges, spilling a broken pipe and some wires out
<FireDive> Not many strangers come in here.
<Switchbox> ...How bad is that?
* Roadkill shuts the shuttle down and joins the others
<Trickshot> Strangers? 
* Chameleon and Ghost walk into the conference lounge and take a seat
<Roadkill> not bad enough to bother worrying about, heh. least, not for the moment.
<FireDive> People who aren't normal guests here.
<Switchbox> Gnn.
<Thrashmane> So...  Roadkill, you said this was  close to the entertainment region of this city?
<Trickshot> heh
* Switchbox joins the group.
<FireDive> Or they come in with other regulars.
* Waitstate hits a button and the doors close and the room goes into privacy mode
<Waitstate> I assumed this was personal... please, sit down
* Sunspot looks around.
<Trickshot> I know what Strangers are...what I mean is that I am rather well know around some parts... not to be arrogant...
<Cirrus> Hi guys!
<Chameleon> Just tactibot stuff
<Splitwit> Cirrus! Long time no see, yo
<FireDive> I've only been coming here for about a month.  Not much else to do since I came around here.
* Cirrus walks up to the group, stopping more or less next to Avy
<Avalanche> Hey, Cirrus!  Glad you made it, little guy!
<Cirrus> Wouldnt miss it! :)
<Trickshot> So, going back on the being curious part... Would you have happened to hear anything about this Neutral group? 
<Waitstate> So... what's going on then?
* Thrashmane flexes a bit
<FireDive> Not really.
<Sunspot> Okay, let's go find fun stuff to do!
<FireDive> I have a communicator I jury-rigged a while back.
<FireDive> Guess I could go check that.
<Switchbox> What's to do here, anyway?
<Splitwit> My suggestion?
<Splitwit> To the beer!!
* Splitwit points off into the horizon
<Chameleon> Basically, all we want to know is if there is something for us here
<GhostStalker> Or if we're only here for when lonac ends up in more trouble than it can handle
<Switchbox> Do we know where the beer lies?
<Waitstate> I'm not sure I know what you mean?
<Trickshot> Not really is an answer that someone gives if they want to say nothing about something they are trying to protect
<Splitwit> Over yonder.
<Thrashmane> Over the hills and far away..
<Trickshot> At least, in my experience....
<Trickshot> That tends to be the case
* FireDive points to the weapons pile next to the door.
<Trickshot> Nice assortment...all though pretty standard fare...
<FireDive> The twin swords in there are mine.  Let's grab them and go someplace we can talk better.  a little quieter.
<Sunspot> Well, lead us, Split!  Use your special bar sense!
* FireDive notes something coming on her sensors.
<Chameleon> Is there some sort of role for us here, other than sitting around the majority of the time, or not
<FireDive> Looks like some new people are approaching.
<FireDive> No ID on my scanners.
<Splitwit> My Drunkard Sense is tingling!
* Splitwit looks around and hunches up a bit
* Trickshot shakes his head.
* Splitwit tiptoes off in one direction
* Splitwit tiptoes into a lightpole and knocks it over
* Avalanche looks around the city as he follows the group.
* Sunspot laughs at Split.
<Waitstate> Well... I'm not sure how to answer that. If you want to know if there's some sort of military application for your group, then I guess the answer is no. As I'm sure you know, I'm not looking to fight a war
* The lightpole transforms into a tall and thin, almost butler-like, robot and stands up, then looks disgustedly at Splitwit
<Cirrus> Hey, Avy, wanna hit the shops? _
<Lightpole Bot> *mockingly* I'm sorry, was I in your way?
<Trickshot> Now, as to your offer of swords... I'm more of a gun man myself
<Thrashmane> Am I the only one seeing a lightpost robot?
<Splitwit> Gwuh...?
<Avalanche> Shopping sounds like fun. And it'll give me a good excuse to look around this city. Anybody else up for shopping?
<Trickshot> Ten paces and all that
* FireDive goes over to the pile and draws out her ancient Metallikato blades and goes outside.
* Cirrus looks mildly disappointed that others have been invited
* the Lamp post transformer snorts and walks off
<Switchbox> Eh, sounds good to me.  I haven't got much to spend, but it would be nice to have a look.
* Trickshot grabs his standard issue laser rifle by the door
<FireDive> I wasn't asking for a fight.
<FireDive> I was trying to get you out of there.
<Sunspot> Ooooo, shoppig's nice...
<FireDive> I'm not wanting my business to be known in there.
* Splitwit rubs his visor
<Trickshot> Well, for a moment I thought you might be flirting
<Splitwit> That was... wierd.
* Trickshot grins beneath the faceplate
* FireDive sheathes both of her swords next to her wings.
<Trickshot> But, I don't want anyone taking my gun like you don't want anyone taking your swords
<Chameleon> We understand that you're not wanting to fight, we're just attemping to re-evalute our situation now.
* Trickshot holsters his weapon
<Avalanche> It looks like the shopping district should be...this way.
<Waitstate> Let's look at this another way... what are you, as a group, looking for?
* Avalanche points down a street.
<FireDive> I'm part of the local law enforcement group.
* Splitwit follows off after Avalanche and company
* Trickshot backs up a bit at that announcement
<FireDive> You're not on any of my rap sheets.
<FireDive> Don't worry.
* Avalanche sweeps Cirrus up and carries him piggy-back.
* Cirrus yips in delight. "Wheeee!" :D
<Trickshot> Good, and I wasn't...
* Roadkill chuckles and follows Avalanche and Cirrus
* Thrashmane transforms back to a lion
<Roadkill> hay 'lanche, can I get a ride later too? *grins*
<FireDive> A shuttle just landed at the 'port.
<FireDive> No ID on it, or the passengers.
<Trickshot> So, you obviously know more than you let on...or you're going to tell me to be on my way "out of town" 
<Avalanche> Don't you think you're a little big for that? ;)
<Roadkill> Aw, go spoil my fun, why don't ya. ;)
<Trickshot> For a local enforcer, you sure don't know much
<Chameleon> Something where what we're trained to do will get put to use. Or just something to do in general. Diab gave us the option of leaving here if we felt it was necessary.
<Trickshot> Evidently, you don't tip the barkeeps enough...
<FireDive> I know the guy who is really in charge of that bar has been causing trouble.
* Sunspot huddles close to Thrashy.
<Trickshot> Anyone who comes that cheap always causes trouble
<Switchbox> Planet seems friendly enough.
<Thrashmane> Y'want a ride too, Sunnies?
* Cirrus watches everything from WAY UP HIGH! :D Relatively speaking
<Waitstate> Tell me then... what were you trained for?
* Sunspot tries to stifle a giggle.
* Restore enters the medbrig* 
* Restore looks in on Lifeblood* 
* Splitwit is still in a daze from that robot that transformed into a lamp post.... why?
<FireDive> The group of new people is over there.  Apparently they want to go shopping.
< Restore> How are we feeling today, Lifeblood?
<Splitwit> *grumbles to self* A lamp post... a lightpole.... why? There's no point... it's useless... I have ta know... why?
* FireDive points to the shopping district.
<Trickshot> Shopping? 
* Splitwit cringes
<Trickshot> If it's not drinks, it's that
<Lifeblood> When...you look...at Cybertron...from...space.
<FireDive> Yeah. They didn't come through on any ID that I recognize.
<Trickshot> Thanks for the tidbit...
<Lifeblood> Not...far enough...away...that it looks...like...an unmarred chrome droplet...
<FireDive> What do you expect?  This is a bit of a tourist place.
<Lifeblood> When you...can see...the scars?
<Lifeblood> Like that.
<Trickshot> Maybe you should keep the barkeep as a snitch.  He'd be easy to break with a threat to the cell
* Sunspot looks at all the shiny stuff in the windows they pass.
<GhostStalker> I would think that would be fairly obvious, being named Tactibots. Tactical assault. He's a spy, I kill those stupid enough to get into what theyre not supposed to know. The others fly and set things on fire
<Trickshot> That way you're at least 3/4 informed instead of nothing at all
<FireDive> Maybe.  But I'd prefer to keep as silent as I can.  Learn more things easily that way.
<Trickshot> To each their own...
<Lifeblood> The ruin of the others left little in the void.
<Trickshot> But I can relate
<Waitstate> I suppose I'm not opposed to covert information gathering. Primus knows I do enough of it on my own.
<Trickshot> Thanks
* Trickshot walks off towards the shoppers
<FireDive> No problem.
* Trickshot rolls his optics
<Restore> I don't suppose you're clear minded enough to have any theories as to why your cerebral circuits are, well.. damaged?
* FireDive watches Trickshot head towards the shopping district and wonders what to do next.
<Lifeblood> From the domain of his brother came forth the answer, but fragmented. The twelve bristled.
* Thrashmane swishes his tail (that isn't a tail-weapon!) side to side
<Lifeblood> I...
* Lifeblood thumps the floor.
<Trickshot> *silent my rear plate unit...that local cop just gave away her m-o...she gave me the silent treatment which confirms my suspicions...
<Lifeblood> I do...not...know.
* Avalanche hums a little tune that popped into his head, though he has no idea where it came from.
<Trickshot> *can't worry about her until she actually gets her processors in gear...I have some research to do...
* Splitwit quickly runs up infront of the group and puts out a palm. "HALT!!"
* FireDive goes around the corner and transforms into her bird mode, allowing her Autobot symbol to show. She then takes off and flies around the city.
<GhostStalker> So there will be a use for us in the future then? Or should we have returned to the Autobots when the two Turbomasters payed a visit?
<Restore> I'm looking into what you've been working with prior a few months ago, it might help. I need you to try and hold on to your sanity 
<Splitwit> Okay, that lamp post bot... I've got to find her-it-whatever, it's driving me insane!!
<Splitwit> So here I leave you dudes and dudettes, on a quest of questical proportions!
<Switchbox> Split, I doubt it was your type.
<Lifeblood> The...
<Splitwit> Silence!
<Lifeblood> The IMAGERY.
<Sunspot> Have fun, Split!  Don't let anything eat your head.
* Splitwit grins madly. 
<Restore> We're doing all that we can... Waitstate is looking into bringing in outside help
<Switchbox> No, I think that's the idea.
* FireDive perches on top of one of the lamp post bots and watches the new group of bots.
<Lifeblood> I feel...it is as if I see...I have access...to programming that...we are not meant...to access.
<Waitstate> A use? definitely. But Primus willing, you'll never see the sort of action the 'Bots can offer
<Splitwit> Still thy tongue, knave.... I've got to find that... it's so POINTLESS!
<Sunspot> Oh...
<Restore> What sort of programming? 
<Lifeblood> The racial memories...of a raceless species.
* Splitwit leaps into the air, transforms mid-jump, and puts the pedal-to-the-metal as soon as he hits the ground and drives off
* Trickshot eventually goes where there is the most noise
<Thrashmane> .. Wierd chap
<Restore> Hm...
<Sunspot> But fun when drunk!
<Roadkill> Heh, pretty much anything is fun when drunk. Take spiderbots for example. *grins*
<Lifeblood> I...try to...impose order. But there...are only...so many passages.
* Cirrus suddenly startles. *excited* "Hey, can we go in there?"
* FireDive watches the newcomers enjoy themselves.
<Trickshot> *Lampost perch...oh nice...silent indeed...reminds me of those annoying cassette drones
<GhostStalker> So I won't be needing this ever again, then? *takes shredder from subspace and places it on table in front of her*
* Avalanche looks over at the store.
<Avalanche> Ooooo, that looks neat.  We're gonna go in here, guys!
<Restore> Hold on, Lifeblood, we'll find a way to help you... *walks away*  I hope...
* Trickshot walks into the group of newcomers on purpose
<Thrashmane> I guess we're gonna go in there
<Chameleon> Well as long as there's a use here for all 5 of us, we'll be staying here
<Waitstate> I don't know about NEVER... but rarely, for certain.
* Thrashmane transforms back to robot mode
* Trickshot acts like he's not watching where he's going
<Lifeblood> Not from before the faces, Restore. But not from much past, either...
<Trickshot> *I hate the ignorant bot trick, but with the bunch of yahoos...
* Sunspot gets run into.
<Sunspot> Eek...
<Trickshot> Sorry...
* Thrashmane spins around and glares at Trickshot
<Switchbox> Can we help you?
* Trickshot glares right back
<Waitstate> Look... I can't say you guys are needed all the time. But when we need you, we REALLY need you, and sometimes, we do need you. If that makes any sense at all.
<Thrashmane> *smiles happily*
* Roadkill blinks and watches Trickshot warily
* FireDive watches the commotion, narrowing her bird eyes.
* Avalanche hears Sunspot and reflexively turns.
* Switchbox steps between Trickshot and Sunspot
<Trickshot> Actually, I heard a group came in....LONAC? 
<Thrashmane> It's pronounced LONAC
<Thrashmane> Not LONAC
<Switchbox> What about em?
* Trickshot shakes head...
<Trickshot> I need to find their leader
<Thrashmane> 'Take me to your leader' is the name of the game, eh?
* Avalanche carefully sets Cirrus down.
<Switchbox> Why would you wanna do a thing like that?
<Cirrus> Awwww...
<Trickshot> Yes, I have something important to discuss with him
<Roadkill> maybe he wants a good drink.
* FireDive takes off from the lamp post and flies around a little, staying within earshot of the group, but staying out of sight.
* Thrashmane leans against Avalanche, the resident Big Dude
* Chameleon nods
<Trickshot> You see, I'm afraid someone has contracted me to kill him
* Avalanche pats Cirrus on the shoulder and whispers. "Somethin's up..."
<Chameleon> We'll be staying then
<Roadkill> nothing new there. First time someone's just come right out and told everyone beforehand though, heh.
* Thrashmane silently arms his flare launcher behind his back
* Sunspot looks up at Thrashy.
* FireDive transforms back to robot mode and lands on a building top, staying out of sight.
<Trickshot> Well, I'm one of the last resorts you might say
* Cirrus starts paying attention and realizes what's going on, and gets serious, pulling his pistol behind his back
* Thrashmane runs his hand across his head as if he had hair. "Well, I can see someone wanting to do that to him. He's a real jerk, too."
<Thrashmane> 'Fraid we can't help you, though.
<Thrashmane> Sorry
* Switchbox shifts his weight, so that he can gauge how full his hydrolauncher is.
<Trickshot> But, I have an interesting way of deciding whether my mark functions or not...
* Thrashmane raises one hand, 'signalling' the rest of the group to stop drawing their weapons
<Trickshot> If the effect of his death is too much, then I don't kill him...
* GhostStalker returns her shredder to subspace
<Waitstate> I'm glad to hear it
<Waitstate> I'd hate to see you troublemakers go ;)
* FireDive pulls her slim rifle from subspace, ready to see what happens next.
<Trickshot> It's just a little little policy I have...
<Thrashmane> *walks a little closer to Trickshot*  Now, you see, we're not actually -associated- with LONAC.  A little fan club, if you will
<Switchbox> I'm sure it's a fascinating process, but Waitstate's a damn fine barkeep, and the universe would weep at his loss. You have a nice evening, sir.
<Trickshot> *suckers
<Trickshot> Fan Club?  I see
* Roadkill watches Thrashy curiously and keeps a wary optic on Trickshot
<Chameleon> I'd hate to imagine how boring it'd get without us causing trouble
* Switchbox tenses, irritated
* Thrashmane makes a fist behind his back as he slowly gets closer to Trickshot.
* Avalanche does a quick mental inventory of his missle count and makes a mental note to find some sort of handweapon when he gets back to the ship.
<Thrashmane> *smiling* So, why'd you wanna kill ol' Wait?
<Trickshot> Well, being "fans" of LONAC...
<Trickshot> I never mentioned his name...
* Trickshot grins beneath the faceplate
* Cirrus doesnt put his pistol away. He's an excellent marksman and a quick draw, despite what people might think of him
<Thrashmane> You said, though, you wanted to take out the leader.
<Thrashmane> *cocks head to one side* The leader being Wait'
<Waitstate> Heh, you know it. But the damage to the ship is well worth it :)
* Waitstate offers a hand.
<Thrashmane> Well, he does mix good drinks.
* FireDive takes aim on Trickshot, as he seems to be a trouble maker.
* Trickshot notes the rather ridiculous nature of their lies with all their horrid body postures wanting to jump him
* Trickshot rotates his hand and arm as he draws and shoots the gun right out of FireDive's hands
<Thrashmane> And, it's not like there are too many sparks that can put shooting across the galaxy at light speeds looking for new life and new civilizations while mixing the best damn drinks on their resume, follow?
* Trickshot holsters his weapon back and looks at Firedive.....
<Switchbox> Yeah. ....Freeweight's a damn fine barkeep, so we were hoping to visit him while he's in town.  Sorry we can't be of more help.
* FireDive backs off and draws her swords.
<Trickshot> Now, there's no reason to be aiming at me like that 
* Chameleon lets Scarab out of his arm compartment and watches him jump at Wait's hand
<Roadkill> who's aiming? ;)
<Thrashmane> *one optic narrows*
<Trickshot> Our other friend up there...
* Sunspot steps back.
* Trickshot points to the bird...
<Roadkill> *quietly* ah, the birdy tryin' to be inconspicuous?
* Thrashmane is suddenly very aware he's right in the other's line of fire...
* FireDive runs to the other side of the building and jumps down, transforming to car mode and driving off.
<Waitstate> Augh! Now, if I could get rid of all of THOSE with you leaving, I might consider it ;p
* Roadkill chuckles slightly
<Trickshot> Triple changers....
<Trickshot> gotta love em
<Thrashmane> No one I know
<Chameleon> He just wanted to say hello
* Thrashmane takes off his left hand--effectivly arming his flare launcher in the process--and chucks it over his shoulder
* GhostStalker gets up and leaves quietly
<Thrashmane> Ever seen a 'bot who can remove a hand?
* Thrashmane drops back next to Avalanche and points his launcher at Trickshot, a determined look on his face.  "I thought so."
<Waitstate> Yeah... I guess they're ok. I sure look up more often since they're been around, heh
* Waitstate realizes the room is more empty than it was a moment ago
* Sunspot winces. She's never gonna get used to him doing that...
<Waitstate> ...I guess that's where she got her name.
* Trickshot is slightly irritated by the rabble...
* Switchbox draws his hydro rifle
* Sunspot steps back near Cirrus.
* FireDive drives up a back allyway she knows of with a hologram program at the end.
<Roadkill> *puts a hand on Thrashy's shoudler* Power down a bit kitty, mkay?
<Chameleon> Could be. Theres plenty we dont know about her
<Cirrus> *quiet* don't worry Sunny, I'll protect you
<Trickshot> Threats and threats...
<Trickshot> So, either you're rabid fans or out to protect your boss
* FireDive activates the hologram program before entering the allyway, so the ally looks empty.
<Trickshot> By your overly gross postering I'd say the latter
<Trickshot> In other words, you suck at lies
* Splitwit charges around the corner, dragging the lamp post bot by one hand* Guys! Guys look who I found! Her name's Perplex and she's real cool and... woah.
<Roadkill> *raises a browridge* 
<Roadkill> Split, you have either the best or worst timing I've ever seen. Haven't figured out which yet though.
<Switchbox> Or we're just easily irritated by pompous bots.  I recommend that you back off.
* Chameleon grabs Scarab and puts him away
* FireDive drives backwards a little bit.
<Splitwit> *Standing more or less behind Trickshot* Um... why'ya'll got your guns and junk out like that?  It's bad posture.
<Waitstate> Well then... is there anything else I can do for you? Anything more you wanna talk about?
 * Trickshot grabs Splitwit
<Splitwit> Urk?
<Chameleon> Nothing that I can really think of
* Trickshot then tosses him to the group
<Switchbox> Guy's some kind of wannabe bounty hunter.  Bit of a nuisance.
* Perplex, the lamp post 'bot, looks around and and backs away a bit
<Trickshot> Join your friends
<Splitwit> Que?
* Avalanche catches Split, though it knocks him back a little.
<Switchbox> I believe our new friend just gave oyu an order, Splitwit.
<Waitstate> Well, if I can, don't hesitate to mention it. I know I can get kind of busy, but I try to keep an open door policy
<Splitwit> What the hell's goin' on here?
* FireDive silently revs her engines. No one treats a guest of this planet like that.
<Roadkill> Nothin' t'worry about too much, Splitty.
* Trickshot shakes head...
<Trickshot> Holograms are so passe
* Chameleon nods
* Splitwit throws one arm down, in the process flipping his hand out for a shrap-blaster tube
* Switchbox cocks his weapon
<Splitwit> Might as well join the party
<Roadkill> *throws a glance at Split and the others* Back down, you lot.
<Trickshot> look, "fans" 
<Trickshot> I've given you the opportunity.   Prove your leader is worth keeping alive...
<Switchbox> Can someone enlighten me as to why we're still being so friendly with this guy?
* Switchbox twitches
<Trickshot> or the leader of your fandom
<Switchbox> Back down!?
<Trickshot> whatever
<Roadkill> *sighs and talks to the air just above his head* It'd be nice, if, for once, we could get off a planet -without- being involved in a firefight...
* Sunspot lowers the ol' shades.
<Splitwit> Nary a shot fired yet, 'Killer.  Just a whoooooole lot of threats, it looks
<Switchbox> Get smelted, friend.  Maybe you should start by explaining to *us* why *you're* owrthy of keeping alive?
<Cirrus> *steps forward* Geez, this is silly! What is with you? Why do you wanna kill Waitstate, huh? It's stupid!
* FireDive sits still and continues to watch.
* Trickshot sighs...
<Roadkill> He's gonna get paid for it, most likely, Cirrus.
<Cirrus> Well that's a stupid reason to kill someone.
* Trickshot activates his jump pack which throttles him into the air draws his weapon and then shoots all of the guns right out of their hands....then lands right back down and holsters his weapon...
<Trickshot> If I had a chance, you'd all be dead
<Switchbox> But he's more interested in his own voice than he is in his reward, so at least that's good.
<Roadkill> oy.
* FireDive drives out of the allyway and runs into Trickshot, knocking him over.
* Roadkill just shakes his head slightly and chuckles
<Cirrus> Now, a GOOD reason is to protect someone! *pulls out his sniper rifle, aims, and puts a bullet into Trickshot's gun arm*
* Switchbox charges into Trickshot, ramming him with his shoulder.
<Chameleon> Guess I'll be going now. See you around.
* Switchbox transforms into his off-road mode.
* Chameleon gets up and leaves the room
<FireDive> Thought you were up to no good.
* Switchbox drives off, then doubles back to ram into Trickshot
<Trickshot> *stupid...but the confusion is good
* FireDive transforms to bird mode again and gets out of the fray.
<Waitstate> Alright Cham. Be seeing you around then :)
* Roadkill grabs Trickshot by the shoulder, then faces the others. "Back down the lot of ya, right -now!-"
* Trickshot opens shell forcing everyone off.....
* Switchbox hits. WHAM!
* Avalanche stands defensively by Cirrus and Sunspot.
* Trickshot escapes in robot mode to the nearest corner leaving his shell behind
<Switchbox> What the Pit has gotten into you, Roadkill?
* Thrashmane sighs 
<Cirrus> Hey! He's a Pretender!
* FireDive follows Trickshot quietly.
<Roadkill> I am TRYING to resolve this peacefully without unecessary conflict.
<Roadkill> Is that really so much t'ask?
* Splitwit stands there, then notices Perplex has left. Damnit!
<Switchbox> Seeing as how he's already shooting at us, YES!
* FireDive flies back to the newcomers.
* Switchbox drives off after Trickshot's robot mode.
* Thrashmane sighs, covers his eyes "Sunspot, get your visor up!"
* FireDive transforms to robot mode and lands in front of the group.
* Roadkill grumbles to himself and rolls his optics, then tfs.
* Thrashmane aims straight up and fires a flare, detonating it 50 meters in the air and blinding everyone except him and Sunspot
 * Trickshot notes the whole crew chasing him down...
<Switchbox> Hell!
<Roadkill> Fine, y'guys can handle this however ya see fit. I'm tired of all this slaggin' "lets make threats and start fights instead of using our HEADS."
* Switchbox crashes into a wall
* Trickshot activates flare optics
* FireDive covers her eyes. Damn newcomers.
* Cirrus picks up his fallen pistol and puts it away. "He broke it!" :(
* Sunspot clings to Thrashy.
* Switchbox staggers into robot mode
* Thrashmane waits a moment, then runs up and grabs Trickshot by the neck and throws him against a wall
<Switchbox> In case you didn't notice, we didn't start this.
<Thrashmane> Everyone PUT YOUR WEAPONS DOWN
<Trickshot> oof.....
* Thrashmane steps on Trickshots head
<Roadkill> it takes two t'start a fight, Switch.
<FireDive> I would if I could see...
<Roadkill> and I, for one, don't intend to get involved in another fight.
<Switchbox> Yeah.  Us showing up at a planet and peacefully borwsing its shops was CLEARLY an aggressive act.
<Thrashmane> Put your weapons down and calm yourselvs down for a moment, damnit
* Thrashmane takes his foot off Trickshot's head and helps him up
* Switchbox walks over to where his gun landed
* Trickshot gives a slight respectful nod
<Cirrus> Avalanche, he broke my gun. 
<Trickshot> I'll put down mine if you put down yours
<Switchbox> Yeah, fine, whatever.  This guy wants to off a nice guy for money. Clearly, we should sit down to tea with him.
* Thrashmane shoots a glare at Switchbox.  
<Avalanche> Don't worry, we'll get ya a new one...
<Switchbox> So what's the plan, then?
<Trickshot> Tea?
* Avalanche walks quietly up to Trickshot.
<Trickshot> I like coffee actually ...
* Trickshot rolls optics..
<Roadkill> milkshakes are nice... 
* FireDive notes her optics are coming back online, so she starts to sneak off, as no one seems to notice her.
<Avalanche> Ya wanna know why you shouldn't off Wait?  
<Switchbox> Terran expression.  No big... oh yeah, you're a Pretender.  You'd have heard of it.
* Trickshot nods
<Avalanche> Because if not for him, I would be lying dead in a slagging scrap heap.  And that ship's got a good couple dozen stories like that.
* Thrashmane lets out a breath
* Splitwit chases off after Perplex
<Trickshot> You see, this is the kind of proof that I speak about. But, unfortunately, I can't give him a grandfather clause... any past good deed is off limits
<Trickshot> I'd have to watch him in action ...
<Trickshot> And make my own assessment whether he BECOMES a mark or not
<Switchbox> Which means putting you within firing range of him, right?
* FireDive watches from a distance.
<Switchbox> Gee, what a capital idea.
<Thrashmane> Switchbox...
<Switchbox> WHAT!?
<Switchbox> Why are we reasoning with this?
<Thrashmane> Your name's Trickshot, right?  Ex Decepticon?
<Trickshot> Yes
<Sunspot> Because we're right, I think...
<Trickshot> The one and only 
<Thrashmane> I trust you, then.
<Cirrus> Avy, I haven't shot anyone in a long time... should I have?
<Switchbox> You trust...
<Switchbox> Oh, melt me right down. I can't believe this.
* FireDive narrows her eyes. She was always taught that once a Decepticreep, always a Decepticreep.
<Avalanche> You did good, Cirrus.
* Thrashmane puts his hand in Switchbox's face. "I know I'm going on what I was doing earlier, but after seeing what this guy's done, I trust him"
<Avalanche> Nothin' that can't be patched up easy.
<Cirrus> I just didn't want him shootin' anybody...
<Thrashmane> I've heard stories, Trickshot. Stories of you keeping your word as to if you're going to 'mark' someone or not.  Stories of the honorable mercenary.
* Switchbox relaxes
* Switchbox mutters inaudibly
<Avalanche> I know. It's okay. He'll be fine.
<Trickshot> Same stories that got me in trouble with the Decepticons...hence the former
* Thrashmane turns around and closes his optics.  "I trust him, and I don't care if you do or not, Switchbox.  He'll keep his word."
* Sunspot finally retracts her visor.
* FireDive wonders how 'Honor' and 'Decepticon' made it into the same sentence.
<Trickshot> If your Waitstate is as good as some of the stories, then he's safe...
* Cirrus huddles up against Avalanche, uncertain, his moment of boldness faded away entirely
<Switchbox> Honorable mercenary. I can't....
<Sunspot> He's as good as everything you could have heard and better...
* Switchbox tenses up again
<Thrashmane> Magnum was a different story, Switchbox.  This one's different.
* Trickshot looks at Switchbox
<Switchbox> Of course he is.
<Trickshot> Keep the mistrust, it might keep you alive
* Avalanche pats Cirrus on the back.
<Thrashmane> Wait, you never new Magnum.... forget it
<Switchbox> I'd heard a little about him, but no.
<Sunspot> Maybe this one can manage not to die...
<Switchbox> Doesn't matter to me.
<Trickshot> Magnum ?
<Trickshot> Where do I remember that one from....
* FireDive puts her hands on her sword hilts and watches.
<Thrashmane> Maximum Magnum, he used to be with us
<Trickshot> So many, even I lose track....
<Trickshot> Stories for a later time...
<Trickshot> Now, about the fan club thing...
<Trickshot> Seriously...
<Trickshot> That needs work
<Thrashmane> Hey Sunspot, um, would you happen to see where I threw my hand? 
* Switchbox kneels down to examine his rifle.
* Switchbox keeps on muttering
* Switchbox picks up the rifle gently, getting a better look at a leak in the ammunition tank.
* FireDive leaves her swords be, transforms to car mode, and rolls out.
<Trickshot> I can get you a much better improved model....
<Trickshot> I have connections
<Thrashmane> EVERY merc' has "connections"
<Thrashmane> Where do you all get these connections?
<Thrashmane> Why don't *I* have connections?  
<Trickshot> Maybe I can give you some kid...
* Switchbox does not look up
<Switchbox> This one's fine, thanks.
<Trickshot> There's a few people would be happy to setup up a bruiser like you 
<Thrashmane> .. A bruiser?
<Trickshot> You know, the stepping on the head bit
* FireDive drives out of town back to her cave.
* Switchbox sets to work on sealing the leak
* Trickshot rubs his cranial unit
<Thrashmane> .... Cirrus, am I a bruiser?
* Sunspot looks around.
<Cirrus> Ummm
<Cirrus> I thought you were a kitty...
* Sunspot walks over to Switchbox and hands him the welder out of the kit in her hip compartment.
<Trickshot> And Thrash...don't step on me again... Or I'll assess you...
* Switchbox looks up
<Switchbox> Thanks, Sunny.
<Thrashmane> Okay, so Trickshot, now what?
* Trickshot ponders for a second
<Trickshot> Take me to your leader? 
* Switchbox can now finish the repair in a few seconds.
* Switchbox shakes the rifle a bit, ensuring that the problem is repaired.
<Thrashmane> Can do
* Switchbox hands the welder back.
<Switchbox> It's appreciated.
* Thrashmane flips a panel on his 'mane' arm open, fiddles with some equipment, and hails the Freedom
* FireDive arrives at her cave, transforms back to robot mode. Ah, home sweet home.
<Switchbox> We're taking Trickshot to the Freedom?
<Thrashmane> Maybe
* Sunspot puts the welder back in its case.
<Thrashmane> [comm] Captain?
<Trickshot> *kids...
<Waitstate> [comm] Waitstate here. What's up?
* FireDive stretches and walks into the cave, enjoying all the comforts of home on Cybertron.
<Thrashmane> [comm] We've got a mercenary here who wants to kill you if you can't prove yourself to him.  Want to talk to him?
<Waitstate> [comm] Who are you and how did you get this number? :p
<Thrashmane> [comm] Er, this is Thrashmane.
<Thrashmane> [comm] On Chie'D
* Sunspot goes to stand near Thrashy some more.
<Waitstate> [comm] Yes Thrash, I know that. You miss my point, I think
* Thrashmane puts one arm around Sunspot
<Thrashmane> [comm] I think I do
<Trickshot> If he is a Barkeep he should have heard my name
<Trickshot> Whether it's the good stories or bad ones...
<Switchbox> There are good ones?
<Waitstate> [comm] How about I don't talk to him and we pretend I did?
<Thrashmane> [comm]... Anyway, he says that you should've heard of him.  His name's Trickshot.
<Trickshot> *hook line...come on sinker...
* Trickshot nods at Switchbox
* Avalanche puts Cirrus up on his shoulders again, hoping it'll make him feel better.
<Switchbox> Eh, it makes sense.  Misinformation pays in your business, right?
* Cirrus grins again. Yay!
<Trickshot> Something like that
<Waitstate> [comm] He has an honorable rep. However, I have this little policy of avoiding all people who desire to kill me.
<Thrashmane> [comm] Um... okay
<Thrashmane> [comm] Hold on
<Trickshot> I have no desire...yet
<Thrashmane> *to Trickshot* Sorry, you'll have to try again some other day
<Waitstate> *to self* Granted, they still seem to find me...
<Switchbox> I guess pretending that you've got a code of honor makes it easier to stomach yourself, eh?
<Sunspot> I guess it's really not the best approach to take, huh?
<Trickshot> That's the oldest one in the book kid...
<Thrashmane> .. What is?  
* FireDive stretches out on her recharge bed and enjoys a nice recharge after setting the defenses on her cave to automatic.
* Trickshot looks at Switchbox
<Trickshot> It's why I assess the situation before someone becomes a mark.....
<Trickshot> That way there is no "stomaching" involved
<Thrashmane> Mark mark mark, all you talk about is mark. Are you cheating on your girlfriend with someone named Mark?  I bet that's it
<Switchbox> Yeah. If you actually believe that you're qualified to decide which innocents live and which die, I guess you don't have to worry about it.
* Trickshot gives Thrash an odd look
<Switchbox> It's a nice illusion.
<Trickshot> Who said anyone is truly completely innocent?   
* Switchbox shrugs
<Switchbox> Nobody is.
* Avalanche watches everything quietly, still not feeling quite enough a part of things to bicker alongside everyone else.
* Roadkill has long since left the group and is off terrorising local traffic in his monster truck mode
<Switchbox> But your average bot doesn't make a living off the suffering of others.
* Switchbox slouches a bit.
<Trickshot> My marks don't suffer....
<Trickshot> Death is instant
* Thrashmane takes Sunspot aside, away from Trickshot and Switchbox.  "You feeling okay?" 
* Sunspot nods.
<Sunspot> I was just a little scared there, that's all.
<Thrashmane> Well, you handled yourself well back there :)
* Sunspot smiles.
<Switchbox> For someone who's so sure about the morality of what he does, you sure do waste a lot of breath justifying it.
<Sunspot> You seemed to have everything under control.
* Trickshot shakes head...
<Thrashmane> I wasn't sure what I was doing, really.  I just had an idea and went with it...
<Sunspot> I trusted you, though!  But I'm glad nobody got hurt...
<Switchbox> Whatever.  This conversation isn't worth my time.  I'm going to have a look around, see if you've got any friends.
<Trickshot> I have no compunctions about what I do...  But, I make sure I do it right.   
<Cirrus> *to Avy* Can we go? This is boring, and I don't like him...
* Switchbox calls back over his shoulder "Did a bang up job this time."
<Avalanche> Yeah, how about we go back to our shopping?
<Trickshot> Well, all I can say is that assessing Waitstate from afar is going to be much tougher than directly ...
* FireDive continues her recharge cycle in her cave, enjoying the sweet oblivion of nothingness.
* Trickshot leaves the group with that last remark... and goes to retrieve his shell
<Thrashmane> *snaps fingers* You know what I'm going to do?
* Switchbox pauses at the door of a bar, and sees that Trickshot is leaving the group.
<Thrashmane> I'm gonna go buy you somthing, Sunspot! *wide grin*
<Sunspot> Eee!  Really?
<Thrashmane> Yeah, I'll be back in a few cycles. 
<Cirrus> Let's go Avy! :)
* Trickshot notes the shell has damage...
<Thrashmane> Hey guys, I'll be back in a bit
* Thrashmane transforms and bounds off
* Avalanche overhears Sunspot and Thrash.
<Avalanche> You wanna come with us then, angel?
* Switchbox heads back over to Sunspot and Avalanche.
<Switchbox> Where are you lot going?
<Trickshot> By the pit, I shouldn't turn off my pain receptors like that...but I had no choice...
<Sunspot> Yeah, I'll go with you guys!
<Avalanche> We're gonna continue that shopping business we were discussing earlier. 
<Switchbox> Ahh. That'll be.. good.
<Cirrus> I saw a neat shop with toys and videogames and stuff!
<Sunspot> Yay!
<Switchbox> I don't feel at all right, leaving this unresolved.  But I guess I should relax.
<Trickshot> *This damn shell transmits the pain...but I guess it's better than an actual person willing to stab you in the back 
<Avalanche> Yeah, not much to be done about it.
* Trickshot reenters the shell and goes to the nearest medport
<Switchbox> So. Toys?
<Trickshot> Fan club....hadn't met such a rabid fan club since I had a mark on that purple Dinosaur...
<Sunspot> Yeah!
* Avalanche grins.
<Avalanche> We're probably mostly shopping for the kiddies here.
* Thrashmane trots down a dark allyway, singing lightly to himself "Bird-bird-bird.. bird's the word, everybody know's that the bird is the word..."
<Avalanche> So point the way, Cirrus!
* Cirrus thrusts out an arm and finger toward the shop!
<Trickshot> Journal of the Dead Man {okay, skip the alien language bit..} 
* Avalanche leads the way. "Off we go!"
<Trickshot> First assessment: Crew is extremely loyal to the captain, that much was, literally, painfully obvious
<Trickshot> Second assessment:  Since I've obviously blown my cover, they'll be on their toes from now on...  This makes research into the effect of the mark's spark termination more difficult. 
* Avalanche hums another little song that popped into his head.
* Cirrus hums along. He knows this one it seems.
* Avalanche finds a promising-looking store. "Is this it?"
* Cirrus bounces. "Yeah!"
<Trickshot> Solution:  Find a way aboard the Freedom to do an assessment...or skip the whole thing and just complete the mark as per contract
<Sunspot> Ooooo, this looks neat...
* Avalanche realizes he's not getting through that door with Cirrus up there and puts the little guy down.
* Cirrus runs in and starts looking around excitedly
<Trickshot> There are those few occasions where I've done the latter...
* Sunspot runs in and looks for carts for her handheld game.
* Avalanche steps in and looks around.
<Trickshot> Post assessment: As a martyr, Waitstate may make the crew even stronger with their resolve...if any indication of their teamwork holds true...
<Trickshot> of course, then their first mission will be to kill the assassin...
* Switchbox looks at some older electronic toys
* Cirrus runs back to Avy with an armload of models and action figures
<Cirrus> Look what they have!
<Avalanche> Oooo, those are neat! :)
* Trickshot goes to call in a few favors...
* Avalanche picks up a little humanoid figure with a lever on its back. "Now what's this do?"
<Cirrus> He's got quick-draw action! He's one of my favorites
<Cirrus> And look! These ones transform, like us! Humans get all the really cool toys. They're so small though...
<Avalanche> Yeah, that IS tiny...
<Cirrus> There's a bunch of others, but they're too small for us to play with, so they don't carry em here
<Switchbox> The humans are tiny, too.
* Sunspot sets Moonstone down on the counter and sorts through a promising box of game cartridges.
<Cirrus> Hold on to these for me?
* Avalanche takes the armful of stuff.
* Cirrus goes over to the electronics section
<Cirrus> Hey Sunny, c'mere! I wanna get one of those games like you have
* Sunspot goes over to Cirrus.
<Switchbox> They've got so much neat stuff...
<Switchbox> So.. so primitive...
<Sunspot> The originals are really little, but I could make you a bigger one like mine out of one!
<Cirrus> oh, so do I get the stuff they have here or what?
<Sunspot> Get one of the ones from here and I'll fix it up for you!
<Sunspot> And get some games, too!
<Cirrus> You gotta show me which ones to get :)
<Sunspot> Ooooooo...
* Sunspot digs through the box, knowing there were a couple really good ones she passed up because she already had them.
<Avalanche> I guess sometimes the primitive stuff is more fun, eh, Switchbox?
<Switchbox> Oh, you're getting one of those?
* Avalanche shrugs.
<Switchbox> Heck yeah, Av. I dunno that I'd buy any of this, but it gives you a sense of history.
* Thrashmane reappears somewhere rubbing his head
* Diablo spots the lonac bots that are planetside through a window while on his way to the other side of the planet to meet Hyperion, but doesn't stop
* Cirrus eagerly grabs up the games and equipment Sunny selects
<Sunspot> The games can be used as-is, but y'see, the system's too little for us to use.  It's all human-scaled.
* Cirrus nodnods
<Sunspot> Actually...you see if there are any more games you think look fun, and I'm gonna go look for parts!
<Thrashmane> LONAC...? Yeah
<Cirrus> k! *takes over the rummaging*
* Thrashmane chuckles for a moment, then straightens up and heads off in search of Sunspot and company
* Sunspot finds some bins of spare parts and starts looking for a screen and some toggles.
* Avalanche decides to look through the merchandise himself to see if anything rings any bells.
* Cirrus realizes he has more than a dozen games in his pile, and decides that's enough for now
* Cirrus goes over to where Avy is.
<Avalanche> You find some good games?
<Cirrus> yeah. Sunny picked out these ones for me, and I picked out these others :)
<Avalanche> Well good!  That'll give you something fun to do when you get bored on the bridge!
* Thrashmane finds the shuttle and sits down against a bulkhead
* Cirrus giggles at the thought of Waitstate yelling at him for playing his little game
* Sunspot finds a few good pieces and sets them aside.
<Sunspot> Hmm, I think this is the best I'm gonna be able to do here...  I bet Anchor has a bunch of stuff I can use back on the ship, though!
* Sunspot puts Moonstone back on her shoulder and picks up the parts she found.
* Cirrus follows Avy around while he shops
<Sunspot> Looks like this is it, guys!  Are you two ready to go, or are we still looking?
<Cirrus> I'm done.
<Avalanche> I'm ready if the lil' guy here is ready.
* Sunspot takes her parts up to pay.
<Cirrus> I'm gonna need a biiiig bag, hehe
* Moonstone jumps from Sunspot's shoulder into Avalanche's arms.
<Avalanche> Oh, hello there, Moonstone.
* Sunspot pays for her stuffs and steps aside for Cirrus.
* Cirrus puts down his games, then motions for Avalanche to put down the action figures and stuff
* Avalanche carefully sets down the toys without dropping the dragon.
<Sunspot> I guess now that we're done here we should probaby head back to the shuttle to meet everyone...
* Cirrus pays and watches the clerk's eyes light up at the total
* Cirrus takes the two giant bags
<Cirrus> I'm ready!
<Sunspot> Okay, let's go!
* Sunspot leads the way back to the shuttle hangar.
* Avalanche follows.
* Sunspot gets to the shuttle and sticks her head in. "Anybody back yet?"
* Cirrus follows, his bags of aquisitions swinging baaack an forrrth...
<Thrashmane> Gwh?
<Thrashmane> Ello?
* Thrashmane stands up a bit shakily
<Sunspot> Hi, Thrashy!  What'd ya get me? :D
* Thrashmane twitches 
<Thrashmane> Get you? Oh um... I...
* Avalanche steps on the shuttle, too.
* Thrashmane coughs
<Sunspot> Awwwwww, you said you were gonna get me a present...
* Cirrus loads his stuff on the shuttle
<Thrashmane> I'm sorry, um... Sunspot?
* Sunspot looks at Thrashy funny.
<Sunspot> Did you get knocked in the head during that fight, kitty?
<Thrashmane> No, no I'm just fine
* Sunspot finds a nice stable place to stash her bag of parts.
<Thrashmane> I'm sorry :)
* Sunspot goes to sit down next to Thrashy.
* Cirrus gets a marker and writes his name big on the bags
<Sunspot> It's okay, I think that fight left us all a little disoriented...
<Avalanche> So should we just wait until everybody else shows up?  Or are we not going to be able to pry Splitwit out of whatever local pub he's found until the ship leaves orbit?
* Cirrus giggles
* Thrashmane stays quiet
* Sunspot snuggles up to Thrashy and yawns.
* Thrashmane puts his arm around Sunspot for the nth time
* Moonstone sniffs the room a little bit and chirps questioningly.
* Avalanche pats the little dragon.