((OOC: Sorry. Again. I hate holding up the RPG. But, you know, it's always some excuse. "I'll check up on the progress later." Which becomes, "I need a moment to plan things out." Then "I'm too tired to write a decent post." Procrastination sucks. Sorry for holding all of you up, especially those of you with characters in limbo waiting for my post.
I was originally going to play things out a little bit longer with the action, but I squandered the opportunity. If it seems like the development is rushing a little bit, it's because it is. Feel I need to catch up to the action to get Silverbolt in position for stuff. So, sorry in advance.
Also, I'll post for Tantrum tomorrow during the day if I have a chance between calls. I wanted get something contributed tonight... and hopefully, Rattrap and/or Dinobot and/or Cheetor are somewhere nearby and available.
))
Wintersong wrote:Wintersong looked at Silverbolt thoughtfully, taking just a few brief moments to let his words sink in after he gave his name. It seemed for once her instincts were right unlike many other times, the fuzor was nothing like most of the Predacons and actually seemed genuine with what he said...until his last words made the tigress do a double take at Megatron's full intentions. A low growl escaped her at this,"That explains why he's going full out this time instead of retreating."She said darkly but perked up when hearing Dinobot's orders,"I'll activate mine in a few moments Dinobot."She replied over the coms before looking towards Silverbolt as he transformed and offered his help with getting to her teammates faster.
In all honesty Wintersong had never in her life flown or gotten a lift from a flier, but with a brief glance towards the battle field she decided it was better then risking her boosters or wasting the energy. With a nod she moved over and climbed onto Silverbolt's back, finding it a little odd to be given a ride from someone when she might usually be the one to give the ride to smaller members of the Maximals. "Silverbolt do you think you can get me to Orcarnier first? Right now he needs the help more then anything and I know it'll be risking your life with Megatron but we can't let him suffer either."She asked, hoping he would be willing to take the risk while she also tapped a place on her arm with the plating sliding back to reveal a small keypad and she typed a quick command to activate the mines. With that done she could only hold on and hope they wouldn't be too late.
Silverbolt looked at battle taking place between Orcariner and Megatron, then back in the direction of the Maximal base. He felt a good deal of compassion and sympathy for the desire to help one's comrades... but, unfortunately, he simply could not accommodate. He needed Wintersong to heed his warning and inform the others to withdraw or face termination. And if he brought her to the thick of the battle, riding in right under Megatron's nose, he knew that her life too would be in jeopardy and the message might never get delivered.
"I'm sorry, but I cannot place you in danger." He told his passenger as he took off with a mighty flap of his wings.
"Your words of warning will save far more of your comrades' lives."
Sensing Wintersong's concern, he continued after a moment.
"After I return you to your friends, I will see what I can do for your comrade. I hope you understand that I cannot offer any guarantees... but I give you my word I will offer him whatever chance I can to escape." Beyond some misdirection or stalling, he wasn't sure he could offer much assistance to Orcariner. Megatron's wrath would be severe should he discover his subterfuge. But Silverbolt was determined to remain loyal both his fellow Predacons and his principles.
He flew the relatively short distance back towards the Maximal base as close to the ground level as possible. He hoped that aggressively flying map-of-the-earth would keep his passenger safe from any stray blasts from the battle while providing him cover from the eyes of his comrades. As he crested an embankment, the Maximal ship Axalon came into view. Only a short distance remained between him and his goal.
An autogun, damaged in previous assaults, was able to spark back to life.
Unknown signature detected.
Silverbolt's optics widened as he realized he was being painted by the radar. It had the drop on him... and he didn't have long before a target lock would be acquired. Thinking of his passenger's safety, he rolled to drop Wintersong clear of the line of fire.
"Primus be with you, Wintersong," was all he had time to say. Silverbolt banked hard and climbed out, trying to gain the advantage of altitude and present himself as a difficult target to for the autogun to track. As the autogun obtained a lock, Silverbolt transformed into robot mode.
"Silverbolt, Terror-arooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo," he howled as a salvo from the autogun made contact, sending him spiraling down to the ground in a shower of metallic feathers.
The impact with the ground was devastating. Systems and servos going offline. So, this was to be his end, then? Shot down, far behind enemy lines. Little hope of rescue... and a growing belief that his comrades would not attempt a rescue even if feasible. Trapped in a savage battle to the death between two determined foes. Yet still, he had to try. He sensed his enemies closing in. With great effort, he was able to prop himself up on his elbows, his optics struggling to focus on his approaching enemies. At the least, he would meet his end with honor and stoicism.