Outskirts of Chicago

The once-beautiful and pristine suburbs outside the Chicago area have been reduced to rubble from the attacks on it over the past several years. Attempts to rebuild it have only met with further attacks which reduce the construction to scrap, ruining the many malls and luxurious homes. The sprawling green hills and pastures have been gutted by the numerous attempts, turning them into sickly-blackened and charred remains, however the recent peace treaty with the Decepticons has allowed citizens to begin rebuilding yet again.

Obvious exits:

Fly <Up> leads to Sky Over Chicago.

Downtown <DT> leads to Downtown Chicago.

Out <O> leads to Illinois.

F-15 Jet <Comcast>

Futuristic Starfighter [Cyclonus] has arrived.

Springer

Klive Rickelson

Klive Rickelson is actually covering a warehouse fire. The burning 4 alarm fighter behind him lights up most things around the building as he speaks, "This is Klive Rickelson, here for WGN Channel 6 news, at the scene at the 34th and Color street wearhouse fire, where this blaze has been going on for the past three hours as firemen battle bravely against the blaze...."

Soaring through the early evening sky of Chigago's cityscape are two aircraft. The first one, the red F-15 Jet would be not entirely suspect to terran eyes, would that it were not being followed by a Purple Starcraft behind him. Neither jet appear to have pilots, although the F-15 seems to have its cockpit full with something.

"We're nearly there, Cyclonus," The F-15, Name Designated: Comcast, emits via his undercarriage's speakers. "You will be able to see the target soon. The human monkeys will never know what hit them..."

Oooh, Pretty sinister, isn't it?

The horrible roar of Cyclonus' engines cuts a swath through the sky, detectable by almost anything within miles that is capable of picking up such sound frequencies. "This will be a grand day for the Decepticon Empire, Comcast. None shall stand to oppose it." Dun-dun-DUN. Cyclonus seems to have numerous items in his cockpit as well.

Springer, on the other hand, is drifting in from the great lakes, a makeshift drop-bucket mounted to his helicopter undercarriage. "I'm *trying* to keep it level," he gripes to the firefighter in his cockpit, even while he lurches through the twilight air. "You try flying with this kind of weight attached to your belly sometime. I'm not exactly designed as an air-drop helicopter, you know." Hardly flying gracefully, the triplechanger lurches towards the fire, hoping to help save a building, not knowing that he might help save a city instead.

Klive Rickelson looks behind him at the warehouse. He looks up at the helicopter and says, "Even the autobots have come to help." He looks back at the camera while it catches shots of Springer helping put out the fire. Either way, it's great for PR. "While the cause of the fire isn't known at this time, we here at WGN will keep you, the viewer, posted. This is Klive Rickelson, at the 34th and Color street warehouse fire. Back to you Ted." However, he's not packing up to head out just yet, for some reason, he feels there's a story about to hit somewhere near.

Reporter sense.. TINGLING.

F-15 Jet <Comcast> chuckles slightly (sinisterly?) as he changes his vector sharply. "Indeed.. neither the Autobots nor the humans would have expected this.. they are totally unaware." They are heading towards a part of town far away from where Springer is, for if they knew of what was there, they would be there instead. As it is, the ground below them shifts from countrysides and suburban scenery to the cityscape.. and towards the structure that the two Decepticons have an appointment with tonight. "Here we are, Cyclonus! Change trajectory!" He announces suddenly as his drops his altitude, landing directly in front..

Of Sister Mary Beth's Orphanage for Boys and Girls.

The Seeker transforms and lands in front of the orphanage. "Greetings, native infant creatures of earth!" The Seeker says enthusiastically with a smile. "The Decepticons have come to your domain of residence, offering love and friendship!"

Futuristic Starfighter [Cyclonus] banks sharply, accelerating rapidly to maintain his current speed and continue following Comcast. After all, the seeker is the only one who really knows exactly where they're going, and it is for that reason that Cyclonus does not mind being told, and thusly warned, about what Comcast is doing. Transforming and landing down slightly in front of Comcast, the Decepticon Second scowls at first, but then forces a broad smile and beckons, "Humans! Galvatron is..." Cyclonus chokes on the words at first, finding them difficult, "..a friend to all children of Earth!"

The sounds of gears whirring and a jet engine dying down can be heard, as Comcast shifts his form into his natural state.

Cyclonus reverts to his robot mode.

Klive Rickelson puts his hand to his ear radio as he gets a message. Klive laughs, "You're kidding me?" He waves to the camera man and says, "Get in the truck, get in the truck! Head to Mary Beth's Orphanage for Boys and Girls! We just got a tip that cons are there. There's no telling what they'll do!" He dives in the truck as it speeds off away from the fire towards the Orphanage a few miles away.

The doors of Sister Mary Beth's remain closed for a full minute and a half, before one trembling woman of the cloth carefully peeks her head out. "Ah... ah... I am... Sister Marie," she quietly announces, looking WAY up at the Decepticons. "We... are simple people with simple needs... and we seek no part in... your... struggles here on this planet... please, go... and leave us in peace..."

Comcast huhs, and thought the sign said sister MARY..

Springer dumps the bucket along the crest of the fire, helping douse a good portion of the fire, before noticing the camera crews racing off. "Hold on a second," he announces, as he lands, converting into his rocket-car mode. Quickly scanning the local radio channels, he picks up on numerous reports across different stations, of the two towering Decepticons sighted in Chicago. "Oh, slag," he whispers, popping the canopy open. "Out. And good luck with that fire... I've got my own situation to extinguish." And with that, as soon as the firefighter was out and on his way, four tires were squealing, and one green-and-gray rocket car was racing through the streets of Chicago...

Springer folds and contracts, transforming into a high-speed rocket-car.

"Oh, our struggles are over," Comcast says, still all happiness and smiles. He's struggling with the appropriate terminology for humans, so he just hopes he's getting this right. "We have changed our agenda, and instead of conquest, we now offer a trust and compassion, to Autobots and Earth Monkeys alike!" Ugh. The Seeker leans down on one knee to the orphanage to address Sister Marie. "Surely you wish to see the gifts we have brought your small human worm babies, flesh woman?"

Klive Rickelson pulls up with his news truck just about this time. The cameraman, with his camera still in hand, springs out of the truck to get a good shot of Comcast spilling his fuel pump about how much he loves the...flesh woman? Well, could be worse. Klive slips in front of the camera not a hundred feet Comast and Cyclonus. Klive says, "Are we on? Ahem, this is Klive Rickelson, on WGN channel 6 Chicago, soon to be on the scene of Sister Mary Beth's Orphanage for Boys and Girls. Just moments ago, an anonymous tip sent to our station said that the decepticons were heading to the orphanage, what they're going to do here is anyone's guess." He starts running towards Comcast, microphone bouncing all the way, but then stops as he's talking with the woman.

Sister Marie withdraws momentarily, repulsed at both the giant robot's appearance, and his words. Still... "You speak of repentance," she announces, tightly clasping the rosary draped around her neck. "And you claim to posess a... desire to make restitution," she tries to convince herself, even as dozens of little faces appear in windows above. This is certainly something these kids don't see every day. "Are you... coming here to... to seek forgiveness for your sins?" Sister Marie tremulously asks, hoping that maybe, just maybe, these mechanical monstrosities might have a soul to save... somewhere.

You paged Springer with 'Dude, bring out the kids! We want annoying kids jumping on us and stuff! That's the fun stuff!'.

Cyclonus shakes his head disapprovingly at Comcast's handling of the situation. His choice of words is extremely distressing, and it certainly won't defuse the situation very much, sweeping his arms wide, and nudging Comcast in the process, Cyclonus speaks up, "We come in peace, dear lady, and simply wish to prove our intentions by offering a humble sign of goodwill and charity." Cyclonus shoots Comcast a look, as if to say 'This is how it's done', before activating his radio, calling an unseen force. "Bring them in."

Springer, meanwhile, is tearing through the city streets, breaking quite a few traffic laws (but miraculously staying out of, and not causing, accidents), just trying to get to this Decepticon assault in time.

And from the skies comes a cluster of Seekers, diving down from way up high to come to a rather forceful landing upon the ground, a trio of blue, red, and green gumbies who have been given the unpleasant task of acting as amusement for the rapidly assembled crowds. The sight of Decepticons doing anything but destroying is unheard of. Lockdown, Socket, and Fuse all look between one another nervously, unsure of whether or not they can go through with this.

Oh good, The typical terran meat monsters have send some of their media fools. Comcast was wondering when they were going to arrive.

"Why.. yes.. Sistermarie," he says, as if that was her first name. The Seeker makes the most of the PR moment and shifts his attention as he speaks from The Sister to the reporter. "As my good friend, Cyclonus, has explained, we offer charity, and possibly a chance for the less fortunate of your kind to enjoy a gift, from their new friends from the stars." The Seeker opens his cockpit at this point. "To this end, we have aquired some playthings for the children to enjoy." Comcast retrieves a handful of toys from his chest's storage. Several large plush bunnies, for all the children to play with. "There should be enough for everyone!" He says, his smile not diminishing in the least, as he holds his hand out close to the ground for all the happy children to take a cuddly toy. "And our good friends here, Lockdown, Socket and Fuse are only too happy to offer rides in the sky for your younglings!" He continues to smile, as he looks at the three of them, saying through gritted teeth, "Aren't you?"

Klive Rickelson looks on as the seekers land and he begins to speak, "Oh come now, you 'really' take us to be some kind of fools? Just because you give some stuffed animals to the kids and offer rides, means nothing to the rest of the world." He looks at the kids and says, "Though I have to admit, it's a start." He looks back at the camera and says, "Ladies and Gentlemen, what you're seeing is real. The decepticons....have turned good. I know, I can't belive it either, but there you have it." He points at the kids and the seekers.

Sister Marie looks more and more unsure by the moment, even as the main door begins to creak open. "Children!" she exclaims. "Go back inside! I don't want you exposed to this kind of..." But by now, the Decepticon's show of good faith and claims of amusement are too much for the kids to withstand. First, two of the older boys scurry out, heading towards one of the three seekers in the back, then a little girl that might almost be five rushes out and latches onto a big stuffed bunny... and then, a virtual tide of children begins to spill forward, until no less than forty filled the square in front of the orphanage. Sister Marie, of course, was frantic with panic for the children's safety...

Cyclonus looks over his shoulder briefly to the three assembled gumbies, a momentary pink flash in the shape of a sword appearing in the hand that is reaching behind his back to his own cockpit before vanishing into nothingness. "Yes, children! Those of you who are big and brave enough to soar through the clear skies and chase your dreams may do so as long as you like!" Cyclonus pulls several toys from his cockpit before revealing them to the crowd of children, "And those that are afraid may enjoy these wonderous gifts!" Cyclonus holds out a small collection of Transfarmers: Rednecks in Disguise, and GIBOB toys, smiling pleasantly. His face grows more and more incredibly sore by the astrosecond.

Klive Rickelson can just stare at the cons for a few moments before walking up towards Comcast and says, "Excuse me, Mr Comcast, I'm Klive Rickelson, channel 6 WGN news. So, why has the cons suddenly switched from being evil, to being good? I think that's the biggest thing on our minds right now."

Lockdown buries his face in his hands as Cyclonus and Comcast urge the children to treat them like their parents' car, and Socket momentarily recoils before the sight of Cyclonus' implied threat. Fuse meanwhile silently weeps inside, thinking about how all these kids will probably make him do loops and rolls and then get sick and ruin his new upholstery.

The children begin clammering for trips into the nighttime sky, for more stuffed goodies, for action figures and boardgames, for the latest Playstation 5 games. Sister Marie is fighting tears, praying silently for her charges' safety, even as a couple more nuns scurry into the yard to try and restore a sense of order...

Sister Marie has nothing to worry about! Comcast only offers trust and love and cuddles and happy things! "That's it, children, help yourself!" He says through his maintained smile, before he gets up and approaches the Reporter. "And yes, we have turned over a new leaf, to use one of your own terms! Hello friends. I am Comcast. As our /elected/ leader, Galvatron, has decreed, we are making an attempt to right some of our wrongs, and strive for peace with both your kind and our fellow Autobots. These paltry gifts - which I assure you were purchased legitly - are but a start."

Meanwhile, somewhere in Australia, the toymaker who agreed to trade his wares for ore and rare minerals is still puzzled as to why two large robots required the Bunnies..

Springer careens around a corner, heading at speeds well above a hundred miles per hour, as he finally spies the orphanage. Five Decepticons this close to this many children is a scene he never hoped to see... but it was there, and he had to deal with it. All of these thoughts cross his mind in the split second it takes to reach the orphanage... and a decision is quickly made. In a flash, he converts into robot mode, bounding into the air as he does. Even as he somersaults through the air, he draws his light saber from behind his back, landing hard, just beyond the Decepticons. "I don't know what you're up to," he growls, holding his blade at the ready, "But it ends right here, and right now."

You paged Springer with 'You can handle the Sister if you'd like :)'.

Comcast gets up brandishing a single plush bunny toy. "Why, Springer! There's no need for weapons this day. As our /elected/ leader Galvatron has offered, we are to offer our services to humanity as we strive for peace! Perhaps you'd like to help distribute the toys!" He offers his single Bunny to the Autobot.

<Earth> A news broadcast to shatter your otherwise boring day from the WGN channel 6 news team with this 'SPECIAL REPORT'! A shot of Sister Mary Beth's Orphanage of <insert city in Illinois> with Comcast, Cyclonus, and several seekers playing with the kids while the nuns taking care of the orphans are apparently going crazy. A reporter says when he's next to Comcast, "Excuse me, Mr Comcast, I'm Klive Rickelson, channel 6 WGN news. So, why has the cons suddenly switched from being evil, to being good? I think that's the biggest thing on our minds right now." To which Comcast replies, "That's it, children, help yourself!" He says through his maintained smile, before he gets up and approaches the Reporter. "And yes, we have turned over a new leaf, to use one of your own terms! Hello friends. I am Comcast. As our /elected/ leader, Galvatron, has decreed, we are making an attempt to right some of our wrongs, and strive for peace with both your kind and our fellow Autobots. These paltry gifts - which I assure you were purchased legitly - are but a start."

Cyclonus continues to remove toys from his cockpit for some time, occasionally looking over his shoulder to be sure that that the three seekers are performing their duties to a tolerable degree. A few kids that step down form the jets as they land and finish their aerial performances are woozy, but it's certainly nothing time won't fix. The joyous occasion is shattered, however, as Springer races to the scene, Cyclonus' wide, dopey grin melting away into a fierce scowl. "/Autobot/..." Cyclonus freezes, realising what he was about to say and quickly changing it, his face immediately brightens, and he gestures to the green bot with open arms ".. Comrade! Such hostility is not terribly characteristic of you. Must you frighten the children with such brutish acts?"

DepthCharge has arrived.

Klive Rickelson makes a run back for the truck knowing what might happen with bots and cons come together. Like feuding aunts at a family reunion. You know the purses will be flying shortly. He calls into the camera and says, "This is Klive Rickelson, WGN channel 9 news...back to you Ted!"

Meanwhile, the kids are trying to get three of the most valiant and dedicated of the Empire to offer rides, like they were in a petting zoo. They scream and shout asking questions, trying to be the first, and other shouting besides. "I want the red one!" "No, /I/ want the red one!!" "That one's called Dirge. I saw him in the news once." "take me! take ME!!" "Are you the bad guys or the good guys?" "Hey, he's got two bunnies!" "No, this is for my friend! I'm keeping it for him!" "I wanna fly to the MOON!" "I'm Sandra Lee, and S-A-N-D-R-A spells Sandra.." "I TOLD you I was friends with the Autobots! Didn't I tell you?"

Springer says, "I don't think I've ever heard a bigger load of slag, Cyclonus," he snarls, nodding curtly to the nuns. "Please pardon my language, sisters. But as I was saying," turning his gaze back to the Decepticon subcommander, "the Decepticons are well-known and documented for their brutish, imperialistic, combative, violent, and uncompassionate ways. Your actions here do not redeem you from the atrocities you have committed for millennia. Pack up and GET OUT NOW." He doesn't care if he scares the kids. They should be scared of this confrontation. His sword is still at the ready, held on the defensive... but he would be damned if he let one child get hurt today."

DepthCharge floats on down out of the air, anti gravs working away deep inside his chest. He has heard reports of Decepticons playing with kids. And he, for one, isn't going to miss this for all the world. More so since Comcast is here. The Aquabot lands down and the gates of the orphanage and notices Springer. Giving the other Autobot a nod, DepthCharge begins to walk over.

"But Springer.." Comcast offers, "The human Michael Briar has accepted our peace offerings, surely you could find it in your energon processor to do the same?" He gives his toy to young little stevie before patting him on the head. "Please.. if you have reason to doubt us, do not interrupt us and spoil the childrens day, but observe, to discover the truth, we are doing nothing but giving the less fortunate a more pleasant day." Either way this battle goes down, Cyclonus can handle the Triple Changer. Comcast leaves him to talk to the human reporter. "Do not fear Springer," He says to Klive, "He has reason to be reluctant to accept our change and tender of peace. It is something that every member of the Decepticons will have to do from this day forward." It's safe to say at this point that he is blisfully unaware of DC.

"Now, now, Springer. Control yourself. Those times are over now, and we intend to set things right, on this world and our own." Cyclonus looks to the children scattered about the area, an eerie gleam in his optic, "These beings deserve better than this ugly spectacle of yours, and I intend to be sure they enjoy their special night." Turning back to the Autobot, Cyclonus looks between Springer and DepthCharge, "Peacefully. And while we may never repay our debt to the cosmos for our actions, we certainly may do our best to ease the suffering we have caused, isn't that right, Comcast?"

Klive Rickelson does stop and turn around watching the mexican standoff between the autobots and decepticons. He calls out, "I think you might prove it to them if you hand over your weapons."

Springer says, "The burden of proof is with you," narrowing his optics. "I've got all the good reputation I need right here." he offers, tapping the Autobot logo on his chest. "One presumably good deed doesn't erase everything else that you've done, and you picked one hell of a way to show your good side." Glancing at the nuns, he sighs. "Pardon the language again, ladies."

Fuse, Socket, and Lockdown are resting on the ground, allowing children to clamber all over them and earning unhappy, but polite, responses from the trio. They're far too occupied with worrying what the rugrats are going to do to them, and of course, Cyclonus is standing right there, so it's not like a couple pesky Autobots are any serious problem. But little Jacob, who gets motion sick and is currently heaving on Lockdown's landing gear certainly is. "/GROSS!/" "Get it off! Get it off!" "That's just not right." "Someone get it away from me! Primus! Why won't it stop?!"

DepthCharge just watches and listens, noticing the situation here may get ugly. He puts a hand on Springer's shoulder and says, lowering his voice, "Autobot Springer, remember, we are guests to this planet. Therefore if the human population wishes to allow lying, deluded, black hearted beings." The Aquabot pauses to look directly at Comcast and Cyclonus and give them a sweet smile, in case they overheard any of that, "to run amuck, it is not our place to say they can't. For now, I advise just watching cautiously. If the Decepticons do perform an act that is aggressive, then we can intervene."

Springer says, "You mean we should let the Decepticons have free rein, until a kid gets hurt. Yeah," he growls, squeezing the grip on his light saber. "That's smart."

Comcast really doesn't know what to say to the reporter.. but the truth. "My weapons are a part of my systems... they are a part of me. But they are powered down." The Seeker makes a mental note not to point or anything when everytime he does, he's aiming a weapon at someone. "I can personally vouch that Cyclonus left his weapon at home.. /DEPTHCHARGE/." He adds, darkly, as the Aquabot speaks up. Stealer of Anti-Gravs. Killer of Fulcrum. And all round nauseatingly noble person. After a small moment, his smile returns along with his pleasant tone. Just as well the cameras were turned off just then. He gets up and produces a copy of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' from his cockpit, showing it to the children climbing his Seeker kind. "Now, gather around, children, it's time for a story!"

Cyclonus sits down, cross-legged, taking a place alongside Comcast, "You will enjoy this one, earth children. It's a wonderful story about growing up and becoming someone special, which is something you are all destined to do under the new peace treaties that we are working hard to establish." Cyclonus shoots a look to Springer and DepthCharge, "And that certain parties, who refuse to bury old grudges, are attempting to sabotage." Cyclonus reaches into his cockpit once again and produces a small stack of books, "Comcast will read as many stories as you like, children, and if you tire of that, Lockdown will show you some.." Cyclonus hesitates, finding the very idea difficult to bring forth into speech, ".. arts and crafts! Won't this be fun?"

Klive Rickelson just drops his jaw and shakes his head, "Common Bill...this story's getting cold." He climbs back into his truck, still slightly miffed that the cons are not attacking anything. I mean common, they're cons! Not having them steal stuff would be like Jeffrey Dahmer going to McDonalds for a Big Mac instead of eating Mac at home. It's just not natural.

DepthCharge says to Springer, lowering his voice again, trying to make Springer see the logic of this situation, "Alright Autobot Springer. Tell me what you want to do. How do you want to resolve this situation. Shall we attack the Decepticons? What then? They'll attack back. And then we'll be causing open warfare to occur right at this orphanage, amongst all this children. In front of the media cameras. That will really show everyone who the 'bad guys' are." He looks back up, towards Comcast and smiles again. Saying idly, "Yes. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Or you could read to them 'Finding Nemo'. It is about a small, lost soul who disappears in the oceans around Australia. Can you imagine that? And people look and look for the little lost Nemo, but he can't be found."

Sister Marie is completely in tears now, being comforted by a couple of the other nuns, as the chaos goes on around her. Everything she's ever seen or known tells her that these Decepticons are evil incarnate... but the Autobots aren't even doing a thing! Where is the justice in that?

<OOC> Springer says, "Wait a second. I helped Comcast search for Fulcrum's body, as Aether. Does that mean I'm Dorie?"

<OOC> Cyclonus says, "Yes. Yes it does."

<OOC> Springer says, "And you can be Bruce, Cyc."

<OOC> Cyclonus says, "Autobots are friends, not food."

Comcast steels himself from the response from DepthCharge. He was pretty much expecting the Aquabot to make a remark like that. As he mentally makes a note to add this moment to the list of reasons why he wants to put DC's head in a vice, he pleasantly retorts, "I think the Autobot will find that that is in fact a film, and not a book." GRRR DC. He sits there as the children amass infront of him. "Are we all here? Right. Now, One day, there was a very little egg.." The Seeker may or may not be quoting a passage from the book, but as it turns out his player didn't realise his daughters copy of it was elsewhere until it was too late, so we'll all just have to imagine that he's reading this book word for word. But hey, isn't using your imagination more fun?

Springer lowers his sword a little, becoming more and more tense by the moment. "COMCAST," he roars, seemingly infuriated. "End this now! Your little charade has gone on long enough!" His words are filled with venom and darkness... but why? Was he truly more concerned about the children's safety... or the idea that the Decepticons' apparently benevolent actions were making him look like the villain here?

Cyclonus remains quiet, peering over Comcast's shoulder as if he were deeply interested in the children's story that his fellow Decepticon has chosen. As Springer roars his ultimatum, Cyclonus raises a hand, gently and slowly lowering it as he presses a finger to his mouth in imitation of the human gesture, "Shhhh... This is the best part."

Lockdown is currently trying to clean the disgusting collection of vomit adorning his leg, muttering under his breath in irritation at how humiliating this all is. Socket is helping him, using a stuffed rabbit to soak up and wipe away some of the mess, and praying that the two officers don't notice. Fuse is curled in a fetal position, facing away and trying to find a way to make sure this never happens again. Silly gumbies.

The children are enthralled as Comcast reads the story. And it is indeed the best part.. well, it's not really, but Cyke doesn't know that. "On Friday, he ate five oranges.. BUT HE WAS /STILL/ HUNGRY." The last part is boomed as Springer tries talking over his storytime. He shoots a 'how rude!' glare at the triple changer.

Springer just gnarls his teeth, and remains ever vigilant... shoudl the Decepticons make even one false move...

<Decepticon> Cyclonus says, "Excellent idea, Comcast. The humans will be quite pleased."

DepthCharge has connected.

<Decepticon> Comcast says, "Almost as much as Galvatron, Cyclonus."

<Decepticon> Cyclonus says, "Indeed."

Springer doesn't listen to the story. He doesn't pay attention to the children or nuns, aside from evaluating them in a tactical fashion... as individuals to defend. He just watches Cyclonus and the Seekers, wondering if it's his lot to take care of five Decepticons at once. If that's what it comes to... then so be it.

<Decepticon> Cyclonus says, "We must continue such operations in many more places. It can only serve to help our cause."

Cyclonus turns to the three seekers as the story ends, "Indeed, Comcast. Lockdown, Socket, Fuse. Your presence here may now be considered unnecessary." Looking over to Springer, Cyclonus adds, "I fear that if you three should remain a moment longer, it will only serve to escalate hostility in our Autobot friends. Return to your posts." Cyclonus then turns back to Comcast and begins to stand, "It is a pity. I longed to take several of the wonderful little humans into outer space to see the beauty of the stars." Choke. "I apologise, children. It seems we are unwanted, regardless of our intentions." Sniff. Poor bunnyears.

DepthCharge nods in agreement with Comcast as he says he should be leaving, "Yes. All good things must come to and end. And it appears that is also true for all sickening things. Well, I won't say it has been fun, because it hasn't. But goodbye Decepticons."

Springer flicks his wrist, whipping his light saber in a quick spiral. "All right, Decepticons. Time to hit the skies. Sisters, I'm sorry for the confrontation, but Decepticons are notorious for living up to their name. If I were you, I would have every single thing they leave with you checked with the EDC for any potentially dangerous substances." He peers upwards for a moment, then adds, "You know. Explosives, poisonous chemicals, razorblades in candy, that sort of thing."

The children all say "Awwww.." in unison. A few of them wave to DepthCharge, since they recognize him from the television, but some give him strange looks. Why is the nice DepthCharge not letting them fly through space? The poor children just don't understand. At least they got the toys. One by one, she picked them up, as Springer so HELPFULLY says how they could be poisonous. Way to go, Autobots. Nice one.

Lockdown looks up from creating a large Decepticon sigil made of glitter and glue on a huge piece of bristol board, sighing audibly, "We're leavin' already?" Socket looks up from a jar of paste, a small amount of the sticky substance trailing down his chin, "Yeah! This was just getting fun!" "That's not what I meant, dummy!" retorts Lockdown. Fuse meanwhile twitches slightly, and mumbles, "Never gonna be clean. Never again. Can't get clean..." An adorable, yet complete inaccurate, rendition of a green and purple cat adorns his left leg, stretching from the ankle to just below the knee.

DepthCharge just watches and waits, starting to tap his foot. Begone evil Decepticons!

Springer snarls, as the nuns hurry to herd the children back into the orphanage, often insisting they leave the toys there for the time being, before they could be checked. "Sisters, with your permission, we Autobots can set up a legitimate activity session, supervised by the EDC if you so choose, scheduling permitted..." At the moment, of course, the nuns are just happy that the situation is OVER. They have no interest in perpetuating it.

Comcast kicks his antigravs, gently raising himself away from the children. "Be well, Children. And remember the gifts the Decepticons have bestowed upon you. Hopefully the Autobots do not harm the toys we have given you as they examine them for all the scary things in the world, which aren't there. Sistermarie.. thank you for the time you have allowed us to spend with your young ones." his mechanical face softens. "We only hope you can find it in yourself to forgive us for our sins. We admit there are many, but this is the start." With that, he glides off into the night sky.

"Ugh," Comcast adds some distance away from Autobots and prying ears. "Did all that nauseating grinning hurt your jaw as it did mine?"

Cyclonus joins Comcast above the ground, motioning for the other three seekers to follow. As Lockdown and Fuse gleefully take off, Socket greedily scoops up as many jars of paste as he can and slyly places them away into his cockpit, for later. "Be well, children of Earth. Be strong and proud, and you will succeed in everything you do." Joining Comcast high above the city, Cyclonus scowls, in an effort to stretch his face in a different direction, "Quite. I cannot wait until this charade is over and we may return to raze this wretched place. The look on the human's faces will be priceless."

"Annoying spawn of this planets meat monsters," Comcast mutters. "I'm getting a full oil change on my jaw servos. When we get back." He complains as he transforms and leaves the earth city. He then realises. "Cyclonus.. those toys we just purchased.. that was an expense that the Empire is covering, isn't it? I mean, it's not coming out of my personal executive rations. Is it?"

"Springer should feel blessed by Primus that this operation requires a great degree of self control." Transforming, Cyclonus accelerates slightly, moving closer to the seeker, "We shall see if the results of this little trip are worth sparing DCI another deduction in it's overall allocation of energon."

With this remark, Cyclonus' engines flare to life, tremendous power emenating from them as they push the starfighter foward to its maximum atmospheric velocity.

Comcast's arms move towards his back as his chest and wings shift themselves until he once again resembles an F-15 fighter jet.

Jumping up, Cyclonus switches to his spaceship mode.