[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Inclement Weather [Open]

[Deleted]

Ep. 3 | Week 1 | Day 7 | Sometime mid-morning, somewhere in Alaska

Cloudcompass, Rain

---

…
…
Initial Boot: Success
System viability: 87%
Core function(s): Stable
Fuel level(s): Low
Damage report: Mesh wound(s): -
...

Cloudcompass didn’t bother checking in with the rest of the readout, keenly aware of the many aches and pains slowly making their well-worn reappearance as awareness came back to him. Most of them had been constant company for quite a while now, like a guest long over-staying their welcome with no intent to leave.
Plus, it wasn’t like he’d been down for more than a minute. His optics onlined a second later, allowing him a clear view of a… milky white sky.

Probably clouds. Yes.
Ah. I'm flat on my back aren’t I?

With a huff and a mildly concerning creak from his vents, the snowy mech heaved himself up from the ground and took stock of, well, the damage. His processor pinged memory files of the events leading up to this point and he looked through them distractedly, shifting his weight from pede to pede as he did so, testing the ground. The space flight had been rough and frankly risky as Cuet’del, pushing his limits. Just as his struts felt the chill and the serious alerts started flashing on his HUD about things like core temperature and system shock, re-entry hit. The void’s chill burnt away in blistering heat, the part he always hated the most, and when that passed his dazed aft had spun into a free-fall.

Like some kind of amateur. Yesh.

Cloudcompass had managed to level out and slow down as much as he could as the wicked, wicked ground rose up to swallow him, eventually biting the bullet and shifting back to rootmode to better take the hit.
So now here he was. On this planet. He ignored the pang in his spark with vehement spite. It seemed…. far more barren? Than they’d first theorized all those vorns ago. It must be a regional thing. The ground was soft underfoot, the air comfortably cold and dry as the wind brushed against his plating. In the distance to his left, shapes rose up against the horizon. Probably some kind of organic structures… Trees perhaps.
In every other direction however, the land stretched out endlessly, flat, with no signs of life besides the meager ground-covering plants. There seemed to be a pool of water over to his right, and some kind of white substance sat in patches here and there.

So, what now?

He was staunchly ignoring the small drip of energon running down the armor of his forearm, the source a small gash near his elbow. It wasn’t anything serious, it could wait until he found cover, fuel, and a local alt. In any order, or none at all.
If he was also ignoring other, slightly more concerning issues- well. Who was to say?

Cloudcompass flexed his wings, testing them as he bounced on his pedes in thought. The stress of re-entry weighed on his frame, but the option to rest a minute in rootmode didn’t even cross his processor. In the blink of an optic he lurched forward and rolled into his alt, plates creaking as he warily took to the skies- wings flared and engine geared low. He kept low and arced slowly towards the distant treeline, aiming for cover. Eventually he’d find signs of life, and maybe if the universe willed it- a suitable flying vessel.

---

Eventually was, considering the length of his journey thus far, a relatively short amount of time later. The sun’s glowing shape could just be seen beyond the clouds straight above, Cloudcompass assumed that meant mid-way through the planet’s cycle. The life he’d come across up to this point had been wildlife in the woods seen from afar, or birds he avoided with long swerves in the sky. He’d taken to rootmode at his edge of the woods, switching as soon as he caught sight of the border and then immediately grateful for the reflex. If he’d flown any further he’d have easily been spotted by the small settlement further down the treeline.

Assuming they didn’t see me coming.

Although that’s rarely the case, native tech was always an unknown against his ability. It paid to be safe. Settling his weight down on his pedes, wings shuttering up tight with a painful twinge, Cloudcompass started making his sneaky approach- thanking whatever Maestonian deities he still remembered for his light colouring and the tree cover.

---

So attaining an alt was fairly painless, if… well.

Cloudcompass tried to ignore the alarm going off in the background as he made his quick escape, gunning his engines and taking to the clouds with his new, sleeker alt. Land rolled past beneath his speeding form, eventually rising into peaks pinging against his air-to-ground radar. The terrain wasn’t the only thing to change however- his wingtip sensors read an area of low-pressure ahead. Turbulence hit a moment or two later, and he cursed whatever luck he thought he’d had.

Ping
!Alert!
Fuel level(s): Low

I Know, Mae!

Loathed to admit defeat- however temporary the set-back- Cloudcompass continued to push his flight until another pocket of turbulence hit and his wings jolted painfully. He dropped suddenly, the air swept from under his wings and flinging him into yet another freefall.

Ping
!Proximity Alert!

Ah Scr-

The jet veered hard-right, catching air and just managing to avoid the bulk of the mountain’s peak, but clipping a snow drift as he did. Unbalanced, he wavered dangerously and rolled. Shifting to rootmode as he came out of the barrel roll, Cloudcompass surrendered to inevitability and avoided another crash, pedes bending under the force of hitting the ground so quickly and sinking into shin-deep snow. Powdery white exploded around his frame as he slid to a halt, and his vents heaved in the sudden stillness. Legs shaking, the snowy mech sank back into the cold substance and let his frame settle- wings flared out as his systems ticked, rapidly cooling in the chilly air.

“Well this is certainly a fragging mess.” Cloud muttered morosely, voice rough as he watched the sky darken ominously above him. The winds were picking up, a storm was brewing and bitter reality reared its ugly head in the mech’s processor. There simply was no more avoiding it, not in his condition and not with his current location. He knew this was the likely way things would play out, even if he’d hoped and planned for other possibilities.

At least I managed to get a local alt.

He’d have to call for aid.

Resigning himself to it- no use crying over spilt oil after all- he broadcast a short message on a general scale. It effectively revealed his current location to any cybertrons scanning for it, and he had no means to shield it from… unwanted hears, but it was the best he could do for now. This had been one of the finer details of his plan he’d somewhat overlooked. To say that was being regretted now would be an understatement.

::Requesting assistance, marooned, regional temperatures dropping below sustainable levels::

Cloudcompass hesitated over just what he should say, but resolved to withhold his designation at first and the actual pressing issue until whoever answered, answered. Then, well. Maybe he could decide what now.

[Rain]

The day has so far proved uneventful which was a good thing by Rain's reckoning. It gave her time, time she spent perusing documentaries about the fauna of Earth. She was still bewildered and mesmerized by the sheer variety of oceanic life, such environments being rare on Cybertron. A small part of her was annoyed by the interruption from comms, a distress call from a currently unidentified mech. But that was her duty today and she greeted the change to routine with enthusiasm.

Rain paused for a second to gather her response before she hit the reply button on the radio. Her voice was professional and calm.

::This is Rain replying to your distress call. I assure you I am non-hostile. I will meet you in a few moments to ascertain what assistance I can provide. Please standby.::

The reply was broadcast on a narrow beam, to limit any chance any purveyor of ill intent would not intercept the Omega Base location. Rain checked the location of the distress call so she could program the ground-bridge. As she realised how cold the location was, she paused before rushing into anything.

"Hey Sundance, can you cover me on comms, we got a fresh arrival?" Rain leaned over her chair to look over to where Suni was messing around juggling and humming to herself.
"Oh? Where at?" Suni's tone was curious as she maintained focus on her juggling.
"Alaska, up north in the snow"
"...oh that's heckin cold. Yeah, that track is all yours, I got you covered here" Sundance supspaced her balls one by one and moved up next to Rain by the desk.

Rain tapped quickly at the controls loading the destination of the distress call into the ground-bridge controls, which she adjusted for one kilometer up, and one kilometer out. Safe venting distance. She briefly tapped the desk in thought as she considered that she would need extra help for safety.

::Good Morning Skystone. I'm flying out to assist a fallen mech. I would appreciate the help of someone with cold resistance like yourself. If your keen to wing it, come through the groundbridge, oh and watch the first step, going in one klick up.::

With the basic details dealt to, Rain offered her chair to Sundance, pulled the activation lever for the ground-bridge, ran, transformed, flew, and popped out the other side of the scintillating portal in Alaska.
 
She was greeted by the frigid air of the far north. It bit into her wings, but it would be some time before the cold started to cut too deep. The turbulent wind proved slightly troublesome, Rain had the skill, but not the mass to really fight it. She intended to be quick. She circled briefly until she spotted the prone mech in the snow below. Rain descended and then landed on her hooved peddes with practised grace about 50 meters away from the new mech. She crouched, ready to act decisively if she needed to.

"I'm Rain, I'm friendly unless you give me reason not to be. What's your name and current status? It looks like you came down hard." Again her tone was quiet and peaceful, with just a gentle implication of curiosity underneath.

[Deleted]

Skystone had been walking back to her quarters when she received the comm message from Rain.

Quirking a ridge, she turned course to the groundbridge.

::Mornin’ to you as well. On my way.::

Approaching the groundbridge, she nodded to Sundance as the groundbridge opened before stepping through.

Taking a few powerful strides, she transformed and headed into the sky, quickly spotting Rain and catching up to her. She felt the nip of the chill, but it was far from unpleasant. Being able to travel in space meant a fair amount of cold resistance.

Upon landing, she crouched next to Rain and listened to her opener, turning to the object of interest. There was a thread of tension that ran all the way through her wings. She’d met countless war refugees in her lifetime. They weren’t always completely adjusted, and she’d learned the hard way to approach a downed, strange Cybertronian carefully.

“And I’m Skystone. We don’t mean any harm.” Her tone wasn’t exactly placating, but it was about as gentle as she let it get nowadays.

[Coldwind]

The northern reaches of planet Earth were a forlorn place. Even a dead Cybertron felt more like home than this. Though Coldwind had no love lost for that accursed wasteland, she at the very least missed the silence. This planet was not only barren but loud. Unimaginably so. Though the Seeker flew high above the clouds, she could see them grow monstrous and bloated with that iconic dark tint. And she could hear the thunder roar as well. A storm was coming, casting a tall shadow over the frigid plains.

Everything on this wretched world was hideous. And even worse, her hunt for the enemy was so very uneventful lately. She couldn't even remember the last time a living Autobot crossed paths with her. Luckily, Flatline was not around to see it or give Coldwind any sass over her lack of success. Not like he would ever come along anyways. Being a medic and a grounder, he'd probably dismiss her flights of fancy as "mindless gallivanting." She had half the mind to agree at this point when suddenly—a message came through.

::Requesting assistance, marooned, regional temperatures dropping below sustainable levels::

There you are.

Finally someone. It all paid off. If it was not an Autobot, it was surely not an ally either. This was not a secure channel, so a Decepticon was unlikely. This had to either be a poor, stranded soul that did not know any better or a foolish Autobot doing what foolish Autobots do best...

...being easy pickings.

And so, with mind resolute, she swooped down through the angry clouds, making a sharp turn towards the direction of the signal. Engines boomed loudly at full speed as lightning crackled through the air and rain whipped her hull. Coldwind's quarry was miles away now, but one of the luxuries of owning that powerful body of hers was the speed of its chosen altmode. It wouldn't take more than a few minutes of flight.

But it just kept getting better. Not even a full minute after the message, she heard another voice break through the deafening ambiance. The sound of it was feminine and unlike any she has heard before. The name Rain did not ring a bell. She must not be in their files. But she would be after today.

But which one will you be, I wonder? A new beast to prey upon, perhaps—or another wayward hunter. Though the latter is unlikely. There is no spit, no fire. And besides, a genuine extension of friendship is unbecoming of predators.

Oh, Coldwind loved having options. Perhaps she would kill the poor sod first and make his "savior" watch. Or maybe she would beat them both within an inch of their lives to give their final moments some meaning before they died in the snow—unmourned and remembered. All provided they were both Autobots, of course.

It would be a shame if she had found only one or, even worse, none. Then she would have to go through the trouble of holding hostages to lure out Prime's virtuous bunch and that was no fun. At least when compared to encountering her enemies out in the open.

---

It did not take long... and there they were. Not two, but three. And one of them was big too, similar in frame to Coldwind herself. This day was just a gift that kept on giving. In any event, now was the time to get a closer look and confirm if they were Autobots. Upon which note, the Seeker swooped down gracefully, transforming as she plummeted towards the ground.

She fell into the snow with a loud thud, landing on her two feet in a slightly hunched position. The wings on the Vosnian's back flared out as she straightened up to full height a good distance away from the Autobots and Cloudcompass. First, she looked at him, then at them. Red optics flared dauntingly through the infernal weather. Eventually, they focused on the emblem on Skystone's shoulder.

Perfect. Autobots.

Coldwind adjusted her posture to seem more intimidating with talons fully on display. She was not a friend and made it clear through body language alone. But if that was not indicative enough, surely the massive Decepticon emblems on her outstretched wings were. However, she also noted the lingering air of caution. It was easy to figure out from there that Cloudcompass was not one of them.

"Funny," she exclaimed sadistically, holding in laughter.

"I came out here because of a distress signal and who should I find but Autobots? You are so predictable—always chasing after luckless fools in need. What nonsense."

Coldwind then shook her head with a light chuckle.

"Tell me, do you ever tire of this farce?"

While the Decepticon did not attack, she was ready to. In turn, she was equally ready to defend herself should one of the Autobots snap back with weapons instead of words. Still, in case the newcomer was somehow in league with them, she decided to keep track of him too. One could never be too cautious when it came to being outnumbered. Not that Coldwind felt to be disadvantaged. She could always call for backup and depend on disposable minions to cover her retreat.

[Deleted]

If Cloudcompass had known-
Well. A lot could be said there.

::This is Rain replying to your distress call. I assure you I am non-hostile. I will meet you in a few moments to ascertain what assistance I can provide. Please standby.::

He hadn’t expected an answer so quickly, is all. In retrospect, staying on his aft in the snow when someone- multiple someones in all likelihood- were on their way had been stupid, but in his defense bridge tech had only been a possible variable in his planning. An unknown variable, as like most of the other finer details, such as ‘bot and ‘con presence- resources- fuel.

Oh Mae, what would Flicker say about me now?

...She’d probably laugh.

The thought made his spark ache, so he stamped it down and staunchly tucked it away to be ignored.

That aside, laying on his back in a state of mild surprise as his processor tackled just how easy that was allowed Cloudcompass to spot a flash above him in the distant, darkening clouds. At first he thought it was lightning, but soon the choppy sound of a small prop chugging against the winds brought his focus back to the present.

A plane?

No, a fellow cybertronian...

A moment or two later he got his answer, as a small push-propellor aircraft broke cover and circled in descent a little ways off. Finally gaining the presence of mind to get up from the ground, arms sinking into the snow as he propped himself up to do so, CC’s wary sizing up of this new person was cut off by another set of propellers cutting through the wind. He swayed a little on his pedes, minutely shifting their positions in a form of agitated fidgeting as he quickly glanced upwards, searching for his second… rescuer. He supposed. The urge to grimace was fought down, and instead he schooled himself to face this latest misadventure as squarely as he could- legs braced wide against the wind buffeting his frame even as his knees were a bit shakier than he would have liked. His wings were folded tightly to his back, twinging, and he stood haunched in on himself gingerly. The tension in his cabling was clear, even as his expression gave next to nothing away.
The second flier touched down and crouched next to the first as they spoke.

Rain and Skystone.

Silence reigned for a moment, naught but the wind howling around the mountain peaks as Cloudcompass took in the first two cybertronians he’d seen in… vorns. The bi-coloured first, Rain, curiously lacked a faceplate- bearing instead a large, singular optic and what seemed to be a digitigrade leg configuration. Skystone, in contrast, was large and stocky, mostly white with bits of colour here and there. His gaze fell on the autobot insignia blazoned on her shoulder, sticking there for a moment before he glanced between the two once more. Both seemed to be prepped for the worst, and the thought of simply bolting there and then flashed across his processor. But no. This was the plan. He took a deep intake of frigid air and focused on that- the plan- to steel his nerve.

“I am Cloudcompass.” Now he allowed a grimace, addressing the issue of a rough landing as most fliers would- tone tinged with introspective disdain.
“Atmospheric entry was rough, the mountain peak was rougher.”
In fact the only thing rougher at present was his voice. Cloud would have winced if he could spare the caring- the snowy mech was just too plain tired. He kept his hands where both could see them, carefully held loosely above his subspace hip-pockets as he continued to shift his weight from pede to pede.
Almost as an afterthought he added, “My journey’s provisions have dried. I am also low on fuel.”
If his HUD had anything to say about it, he was quite low, but he didn’t want raise that issue until necessary. His worn physical condition gave a clearer answer to his general state of disrepair, but he said nothing more.

-Which could have been attributed to the sudden arrival of a third party- the familiar whine of jets echoing across the mountains tops like a banshee’s screech over the wind. Much like Skystone this newcomer cut quite the imposing figure as they made their landing, if the polar opposite aesthetic. Their wings bore twin decepticon insignias, their eyes the trademark red and claws outstretched. Cloudcompass’ face steeled into something harder, a blank wall as he took a couple long, bouncing strides backward so as to better keep both parties in sight. His wings were blank and would remain so if he could help it- but that hadn’t stopped the ‘cons before. The flier’s own sharp fingers curved at his side and his wings twitched- the mounting tension of this standoff doing nothing to help his already frayed nerves.

Focus.

The frigid air chilled his vents and helped to quell the inky swell rising at the back of his processor.

His amber optics swept the space between all three strangers. Watching and waiting to see just how this was to unfold, how Rain and Skystone would react. If it came to a fight, well. Cloudcompass knew exactly to whom he’d lend a servo.

[Rain]

Rain watched, a smile spreading through her field as she beheld Cloudcompass standing up.The orange optics and highlights grabbed her appreciation, in such contrast to the white and black. His build, so similar to her own and those magnificent legs pulled her attention in ways she had not felt since she was a designer some five odd million years ago. Her almost blatant staring was only then interrupted by one more newcomer to their picnic in the mountains.
 
Rain heard the approach of another flier, a jet, before she saw them. They sounded like Thundercloud just a bit but there the comparison ended when Rain met the full sight of the newcomer. Time seemed to slow as Rain's processor went into over-clock. 

For a million years and more, Rain had graced the social circles of some the Cybetron's most elite. She honed an instinct for judgement. Since the empurata had brought a new outlook, she had tried to quash that instinct, but now it flared into full. 

Coldwind brought with her no illusions to Rain's singular focus. The flier was a Decepticon to the core, her bearing was downright predatory, and Rain found even her words to be threatening backed up by sheer power and confidence. A seeker, a Decepticon seeker through and through. Rain was outclassed in combat nearly every which way and she knew it. She felt that the Decepticon was toying with them, and in doing so falling prey to her own confidence. Rain would use that to squeeze out what advantage she could. Rain hated that decepticon seeker, for her words spoken with such ease, and for everything she seemed to represent in Rain's optic.

A vindictive streak grabbed tight on the hate Rain was feeling and went for a ride along with her focus. Rain wanted to survive, she wanted to protect Cloudcompass, and she wanted to kill the seeker. Strategic options and tactical strategies raced through her overworked processor. She formulated a plan and then acted before she could question her motives.

Rain adjusted her stance, so she was standing almost side on to Coldwind, left shoulder facing the enemy. 

She broadcast on Autobot encryption for Sundance and Skystone to hear.

::This is war! Sundance! Five seconds after my Mark, open a bridge, use the previous intercepted coordinates for the Mayday. Adjust ten meters south, north facing portal.:: This would bring up a portal back to Omega Outpost ten meters south of Cloudcompass facing him.

::Skystone! On my mark, run and take Cloudcompass through the bridge. I will follow!::

There was no room for argument in her hardened voice.

Rain spoke out loud once more to Cloudcompass, her tone just a touch sultry and just a touch whimsical. "I do apologise good Gentle-mech for the inclement weather this planet has provided us today. I do assure you there is much to offer wings weary from long journeys. Now I do apologize profusely for the interruption to undeniable pleasantries"

The autobot ranger brought every erg of her total existence, every second spent in meditation, every minute of training and practise and experience flowed into hard focus as she turned her head to stare at Coldwind. It all poured into lightning swift action.

::MARK!!::

Rain brought up her left arm as her bow unfolded and clicked, her right arm threaded an explosive arrow through the riser, nocked it, drew back and released. She aimed for the head.

Before the arrow landed, Rain was loading another, she would use all six she had willingly this day as quick as she could. The best defence was a better offence. 

[Deleted]

((I've been given permission to give CC the sack of potatoes treatment))

As Cloudcompass stood up, Skystone slowly started to do the same, keeping a watchful eye for injuries or discomfort of any sort.

His build was unique, a type she hadn’t often seen in her travels before the war. However, ferrying neutrals meant at this point in her life, she’d seen it all. Empurata’s, carriers, you name it, she’d most likely at least seen it once.

She went to take a step closer to Cloudcompass to offer further assistance when she heard the sound of a jet in the sky. Slowly turning, her optics narrowed fiercely as she saw the jet land...and transform into a Seeker.

Frag.

She felt her field flare out in anger at the Decepticons words.

Of course, as usual- all a ‘Con was good for was preying on the weak. Millenia really hadn’t changed much. Her wings quivered with the force of her rage, but she kept her face steely.

Her blade had just come out when Rain’s voice was heard over the comms.

Frag!

As much as Skystone wanted to try and rend their opponent apart, what Rain made sense. Skystone was the most equipped to swiftly relocate Cloudcompass to safety. Her hatred of Decepticons didn’t outweigh her age old instinct to protect those least equipped to protect herself.

Crouched still, she gazed intensely as she watched Rain bring her weapons out, waiting for the mark.

I hope you know what you’re doing, Rain.

Rain gave her little speech to Cloudcompass, and Skystone figured that was about all the comfort he could be afforded at the moment. This ‘Con looked even more murderous than most, and something about her- her field, her demeanor- made her shiver in a way she hadn’t in a very long time.

Rain’s command broke through her introspection. Gathering herself, she shot to her pedes.

Feeling somewhat as if she was re-living her own past, Skystone rushed towards the neutral.

“Sorry about this, but we don’t have time for a comfortable transport. Hold on tight...don’t look back. We’re headed somewhere safe now.” The words were an odd mix of gruff and comforting.

Grabbing the smaller mech, she threw him over her shoulder, not sure how well he could walk on his own, and ran towards the groundbridge, singularly focussed on getting Cloudcompass to safety.

Once through the groundbridge, Skystone gently lowered Cloudcompass to the ground, giving him a once over before turning and to give Sundance a nod of acknowledgment.

"We'll have you all set with Patch, our medic, before too long. Just rest easy for a minute." Her face softened slightly as she said this to the mech,  knowing how disorienting this was for him. Then she turned to where they'd come from, waiting intently for Rain to follow through.

[Coldwind]

Coldwind watched them carefully, making note of the subtlest cues and details. She wanted to remember her enemy. She had done that many times in that past because she took a sickly pleasure in exploiting their weaknesses. Nothing quite made people feel powerless like being thwarted at every turn.

"What? Have you no answers to my question?" Coldwind remarked with jolly sarcasm. Pretending to be hurt, the smug bastard.

She toyed with the bitter and grim Autobots, making one thing plain. This was a sport for her. Nothing more. Lives taken were points gained. Battles fought were games won. And when the dust settled, there was nothing left but ash, and stone, and spilled Energon.

"Well, then. It is of no moment. Just give me a good fight."

The Seeker tilted her helm backward with a grin of pure glee written across her hardened features. And that smile said it all. She lived for these moments. When everything was at stake. When it was a matter of life and death, of victory and defeat. Only then did Coldwind feel truly alive. After centuries of bloodshed, she could conceive of no other form of joy or entertainment. Everything else felt empty and hollow. There was only war.

And it was in this moment of euphoria that the Autobots made their move. The large one went to carry their injured charge. It was only natural that she should be chosen to do so...Alas, Coldwind had no time to process that.

Rain nocked her arrow and loosened it but the hulking femme was quick to catch on. She tilted her shoulder forward as if by instinct. There was no hesitation in her movements as a violent explosion followed. After the boom, silence fell, giving voice to Alaskan howling winds.

But when the smell of burnt metal and the haze dispersed, Coldwind still stood there, a modest hole staring back at Rain from the brute's right pauldron. And in that hole, gleamed the smallest hint of a blue liquid.

"Disappointing," Coldwind grumbled, bothering to wipe away the driblet of Energon.

So much effort for a single drop.

She slammed her fists together, forming a thin coating of ice with a loud, metallic clink. And then she charged. Fast and decisive, Coldwind rushed ahead to close the distance between herself and Rain, hot air escaping from the vents on her chest. Her weight gave the Seeker terrifying momentum.

If she managed to land a solid hit on somebody like Rain, the impact would be catastrophic.

[Deleted]

They had a plan.

Cloudcompass was too far from the Autobots to sense anything from their fields, not that he would’ve wanted to, but Rain’s minute shift in both stance and demeanor suggested something was afoot. Meanwhile, the decepticon spoke in a way, a tone, that momentarily sent the snowy mech back to another time, another fight, another planet-

His wings stiffened against his back, the only indication to the embers of a deep-set anger rekindling in his spark.

"I do apologise good Gentle-mech for the inclement weather this planet has provided us today. I do assure you there is much to offer wings weary from long journeys. Now I do apologize profusely for the interruption to undeniable pleasantries"

-He wasn’t sure if it was Rain’s tone or her words that confused him more, and he had barely a second to ponder it anyway. Not a moment after his brow arched skeptically did the field explode into movement. Quite literally.

In retrospect it was understandable why Skystone had swept him up and over her shoulder on their mad dash to the bridge, but his processor had to catch up to that after the fact (also, whatever remained of his dignity smarted- but he'd long learned to ignore that). They knew nothing about the actual state of his system, afterall. But as the bigger femme hauled his aft straight off the ground he’d seized up immediately in shock, the air knocked from his vents by the impact. It was by pure will that Cloudcompass didn’t thrash on instinct, the inky swell of fear niggling the back of his circuits ever since he’d hit planet-side suddenly crashing down in an almighty torrent. He failed to properly register Skystone’s words, a short spit of static cut before it could truly escape his voice box. The momentary panic however, was just that. Cloud got a grip on his erratic panic and battered it down with practiced motions quick enough that his terror barely even bleeped through the imperceptible cloak of his field.

Then the blue-green swirls of a bridge washed over them, providing a much needed distraction and preventing Cloudcompass from seeing beyond- was Rain following behind them?

The image of the decepticon jet standing tall and intimidating against the Mountain’s snowy peak pinged across his processor’s eye, and he found that he hoped she was. They were strangers to him, but he wouldn’t deny that any loss of life on his account would be regretful and, well- if he was being brutally honest- counter-productive. His carelessness would also spite him forever if someone died because he’d taken a calculated risk he’d forgotten had consequences for others. Not to mention his surprise that the bicoloured push-prop would risk herself so readily in the first place- he was a complete unknown, so why-?

Cloud’s thoughts were interrupted as Skystone’s pedes hit harder ground with a few harsh and heavy clangs, and he was swiftly- but gently- lowered to the floor. Thankfully too, he wasn’t sure he could stand after that- if his knees weren’t shaky before, that whole experience had turned them to energon-jellies. It hadn’t been particularly smooth either, as the several aches across his frame- notably the wings currently pinned beneath him straining against their anchors- reared their heads once more. He wouldn’t complain, however. No, now was a chance to processor just what the frag had happened and-

Wait, where am I?

Cloudcompass cast an optic from side to side quickly, a belated half-aft attempt at getting his bearings considering most of his focus was currently on the portal still open behind Skystone’s looming frame. It seemed to be a bunker of somesort, there was an Autobot insignia painted on the floor a little ways off to the side. The walls seemed to be of brownish stone.

Underground? That did nothing to ease his confusion, and only added consternation to the flier’s overall mess of an emotional array. Something in his core did not like that possibility one bit.

Orange-blue on white suddenly caught his optic, and belatedl- again- he realized they were not alone. His frame stiffened, and Cloud’s face reset into the same stony expression as before- no field to speak of to give any indication to his thoughts. Of course, this was just a front. His helm felt like it was splitting in two with the flurry of information and conclusions being drawn from what he was seeing. He quickly turned back to Skystone, sparing further observation and introductions for later- and his own sanity. Cloud wasn't even considering what kind of entrance he'd just made- that mortification was also for later.

….Am I actually in the Autobot base? No- That is illogical. Somewhere else then…

Also, Rain had yet to emerge from the bridge even if it had been a solid handful of… well Cloudcompass didn’t know exactly but he hadn’t been on the ground for very long considering. That realization was enough to completely bring him out of his musings and gave him an anchor point, something to fix his focus on before his intakes got too erratic.

"We'll have you all set with Patch, our medic, before too long. Just rest easy for a minute."

The snowy mech would thank them for their kindness later- at least, well, he took the minute shift of Skystone’s expression to be that- and beyond that they’d saved his life. He’d owe them a debt one way or the other, so did it really matter? In any case, his answering question was rather short, as he stiffly started to rise to his feet once more, using the ledge behind him as leverage (and support)- if only to unpin his wings. Already the warmth of… wherever they’d landed was working a much needed second wind upon his frame and functions.

“What about Rain? She will need assistance.” Worry strained his tone slightly and his wings were inching upwards in agitation, even as a small part of Cloudcompass continued to wonder why he cared at all.

[Rain]

Rain would have been delighted to know the other cared for her wellbeing, even the new mech too, but her thoughts were not there.

Rain held her second shot just long enough to see what damage she had done to her opponent. And then she held a moment longer as she soon realised just how little damage it was. She now knew just exactly why the decepticon was so bold, because they were simply so terribly powerful. It was hard to believe that a flier could be so well armored, the decepticon existence was tantamount to being an insult to Rain's sensibilities, but reality would not alter unless she forced it too. Rain's resolve flickered for a nanosecond at the looming behemoth before hardening again under her deadly intent.

The hydraulics of her shoulders whined as the archer sought every last joule of potential energy. She timed her shot with Coldwinds leg movements, aimed for the gap in the armor between left thigh and hip, and released the second arrow.

Instantly she nocked her third. If the second arrow scored a solid hit, the third would aim for simple center of mass, and if the second arrow did not halt the monster she would be firing point blank at Coldwind's belly. 

Rain did not for an instant even hope she could fly faster than the Seeker. 

[Deleted]

Skystone wasn’t a stranger to feeling conflicted, but it never made it any easier. Yes, Rain would need help if she wasn’t able to get away from the Seeker. But Cloudcompass also couldn’t be let to roam base, and she was the one directly responsible for him.

“Rain isn't going to continue the fight if she can help it- she knows to head to base as soon as she’s given the opening. But there’s nothin’ you can do, and I can’t leave you here. Rain said she’d follow, we have to trust her.”

It almost physically pained Skystone to say it, but it was the most pragmatic solution. Calling in other Autobots could mean escalating the situation to catastrophe, and she didn’t want to cause that simply because she overreacted and had no faith in Rain’s ability.

She turned to Cloudcompass again, her face set a little harder.

“Now. I’m not tryin’ to interrogate you, but before I can take you anywhere else, I need to know a few things. I’m assuming you’re not a ‘Con. Don’t see an insignia on you either. So I’m going to take a guess and say you’re a neutral?”

She’d wait for him to answer this question before she asked any others. If he was a (dedicated) neutral, she needed to get him patched up and get him in contact with the other neutrals. If this incident made him interested in the Autobot cause, she needed to get him to someone more in charge than her.

[Coldwind]

BOOM! Another arrow, another explosion—and Coldwind's footfalls fell silent for a time. A few moments of utter silence followed, but then, she stepped out of the smoke, cerulean Energon dripping down the length of her leg. And she was laughing. It was a hollow, gaudy noise. Coldwind was on a hunt and nothing would stop her.

"So silent. So determined. So bold. So stupid."

The brute was no longer running. Not because she couldn't but because she wanted to squeeze at least a bit of joy from what turned out to be a rather underwhelming hunt mark. And so, she made her stride slow but wide and menacing. The Seeker was sure of her superiority and Rain no longer deserved her full force. Now, the little plane's only purpose was to lure out a bigger fish—Skystone.

"But I've killed braver, and faster, and smarter. You bore me!"

And then she stopped walking as Rain readied her third arrow. The sound of transformation followed and a plate emerged from the small of her back, then another above, and another yet. Several more layered themselves atop each other until Coldwind's entire helm was covered in a thick carapace. From the sides of her cheeks, a facial mask unsheathed with a metallic slash. And lastly, a V-shaped visor fell from her brow to obscure the optics behind red glass.

"Your friend...on the other hand," the butcher's voice was distorted and unpleasant to the audials. She did not have the time to finish her sentence as yet another arrow flew her way. Coldwind ducked to the side and let it explode against one of the faraway cliffs, even as she coated the snow around her in sapphire blue.

"She will make a fine trophy. Perhaps a new set of wings to mount on the wall of my quarters."

And then she was there. Close, so very close. Giddy with anticipation, Coldwind made the last few steps with a light sprint and—before Rain could nock her fourth arrow—she grabbed her by the shoulder and squeezed tight. The metal screamed in agony as it broke under Coldwind's force. It did not have much time to cry azure tears before Coldwind yanked her arm back and THREW Rain with immense strength.

---

The Decepticon let the Autobot fall a good distance away from where they clashed. While a blue streak of Energon dotted Rain's trajectory, some of it still stained Coldwind's claws. She wiped it against her injured thigh, letting the liquid drizzle down and join the thinning stream.

"Do it. Call your friends. Take them down with you. Be a burden."

Another chuckle, more grating than the last. It was clear that Coldwind did not kill Rain when she had the chance by design. She needed a hostage to lure out the big girls and boys. That's what worked back home on Cybertron. It should work on this ball of unsightly dirt just as well.

"Or you could try to run. Though I'm certain you would not get far before I caught up. Helpless, little thing that you are."

Would Rain take the chance to run and live? Would she still fight in spite of her odds? It did not matter to Coldwind. She was in her element.

"But surely...At least you have a name, don't you? What is it?" The Seeker asked curtly with a stern tone. Coldwind remembered all her conquests, be they insignificant or galactic powerhouses. Oh, yes. She remembered them all. Lightfright, Zonebreaker, Blue Sheet, Mach, Racket. Only five names from a long list of those who have suffered and died because this maniac found it entertaining.

Rain could very well join them.

((Edit: Permission granted to play with Rain a bit, xoxo!))

[Deleted]

Fair enough.

Skystone made a point, and she held the bottom line here. No matter how it made his wings twitch with unease, it was ultimately her decision. Falling into thought, he rocked on his toes a little, unable to stop the habit- the twin support spires of his pedes clicking softly against the floor with every shift. The snowy mech’s amber optics fell upon the ground bridge once more, expression unreadable, field indiscernible. It wasn’t like he could provide much help, generally and especially in his current sorry state- only cover fire. Maybe a bomb if they got lucky, but flight seemed… daunting at the moment.

But even so little could make the difference, and he did not want his first impression on the bots of this planet to be the potential death of an ally, while he stood safely in what could also, potentially, be their base. It was ultimately Skystone’s decision (and he very much doubted in his ability to duck past her and run for it- a course of action which would be both unwise and scrapping in its own right, so the thought was shut down as soon as it crossed his processor) but he could, ah, make a proposition. The uneasy sway that churned his tanks of a situation beyond his depth turned into warmth, determination swiftly coming back to him with the beginnings of a plan. Now he could only hope his rescuer would agree. Taking a strong hold of this second wind- for he knew it would not last- Cloudcompass first answered Skystone, meeting her gaze as she turned to face him, remaining unperturbed. Even if she had been about to interrogate him- it would only be understandable.

“So far, yes.” He agreed with a single nod, words clipped with a sort of awkward ineptitude. If he remained neutral… well. That was to see. Continuing on-
“Trusting your companion is- admirable. But-” Cloud paused, the white rings of his optics narrowing as they glanced away. Wings twitched and rose an inch at his sides. That probably wasn’t the right word, the right way- Flicker was always better with these things- Cut’lem Mae- he plowed on ahead anyway. Ruffled feathers could be soothed. He reset his voice box with a subtle-unsubtle sputter and tried again, focusing on the other flier once more.
“To be direct, we both go. I can provide cover fire- enough for a distraction at least.” Pondering just how effective his rifle’s rounds would be against a truly massive seeker was an exercise in futility.
“You wouldn’t leave me here, I would not be the indirect cause of an autobot death.” Hopefully. “...A comm call would tell us if she require’s aid.” He added tentatively, almost as an afterthought as he glanced away. He did not want the femme to think he was being condescending, or ordering her to do anything in anyway. It was, however, a suggestion, one he made only because he didn’t know if Skystone had already tried it.

His optics flicked briefly towards the bridge and back to Skystone, gauging her reaction and wondering if the few moments that passed between their escape and now could be considered too long. The distinct feeling that she should’ve been back by now put him on edge, but Cloud wrestled it aside along with the rest of the frigid fears that leeched the shadowy corners of his processor- now was not the time. Outwardly it seemed like he was bracing himself, shoulders tensed, he bounced a little as his weight settled squarely on his toes and his wings tightly refolded at his back, aches remaining ignored. The jet was stubbornly, determinedly set on not simply standing by it seemed, for better or worse.

[Rain]

The second arrow hit home, Rain was sure of the precision of the impact, but the seeker only paused her determined approach for a second.

::SHUT OFF THE BRIDGE! REPOSITION TO MY COORDS ON MY MARK!::
Rain shouted down the comms to Suni

The third arrow flew and somehow the seeker was fast enough to dodge the projectile through pure reflex or anticipation. And then the intervening distance was zero.

Rain’s shoulder crunched in near agony under the decepticon’s immense grip. Metal screamed and tore, energon line ruptures as clawed fingers dug deep, and then she was thrown. Under the sheer force of the movement, Rain’s lacerated shoulder tore further as it was wrenched.

Her arc through the air carried Rain over twenty paces, such was the sheer power the decepticon wielded. The much lighter flier landed on her back in a tumble, twisting as she impacted snow covered rock. Through the fall she felt one of her alt's fore-wings crumple on her back and one of her horns snap off it's base.

Rain clenched tight her cables as she fought through the pain. Vindictive hatred, desire and fear meshed together, focused into a cohesive whole again, Rain fixed upon her pain and twisted it away.

With tight control, she stood up, fists clenched even as her left shoulder continued to leak oil and energon dripping from her knuckles. Never in her life had she fought an opponent so tough and strong, and she knew she could not fight much further. The bow on her left arm folded away as she considered options. With her damaged shoulder, she could not draw and likely not transform cleanly, and the damaged fore-plane would stop her from flying.

She was desperate, and at that point reckless can seem quite reasonable, and surprise tactics held more favor than they otherwise would. That was Rain right now. She studied her opponent. The decepticon had strength, armor, speed and even reflexes beyond Rain's. There had to be a compromise somewhere Rain thought. Her roots as a designer picked out spots that Rain could never hit, the back of the knee she figured was about as best as she could get.

One by one, she cycled the two arrows into her waiting hand. She made no pretense to hide them, the seeker’s vision seemed good enough to pick an oncoming arrow so it seemed likely bad sleight of hand would hold no chance.

“Fine! You have at least earned my respect, call me Rain, but your banter is oh so cliche, do you believe your own hype? Do you kiss Megatron’s aft with those lips?” Rain finally caved just a little, giving in to a desire for communication, but also desire for backtalk.

And then Rain bolted straight at the decepticon. Slim agile legs devoured the distance in a second. At the last step, Rain ducked and dived to the right, she threw herself flat to the ground with a half twist and punched out with her right hand. The decepticon also twisted at the last moment to intercept, trying to punch downward at her tiny prey. Rain’s punch missed her intended target, instead driving two explosive arrows into the side of the seeker’s left knee.

The resulting explosive force rocked the much larger flier, while sending Rain tumbling with a completely fractured and burnt hand. Before the seeker could regain any footing, Rain had rolled back onto her feet and was running away.

::BRIDGE ON ME NOW, TWO SECONDS ONLY!::
Rain once more shouted down the lines.

The now familiar scintillating doorway of energy tore open just long enough for Rain to dash through to safety before sealing her away from the decepticon seeker.

---

Rain looked behind her as the ground-bridge shutdown, and then looked at her companions one by one. With her near insane focus still holding, she wasn't yet just ready to listen to the pain signals hammering away in her processor.

“Suni, would you please be kind enough to get a cube or two for our parched friend, thank you.” Rain’s tone was quiet as she waited for all the questions she knew were coming.

“Ahh yeah, sure thing.” Sundance replied. “I want the full replay later okay.” There was concern in her voice, undisguised. She left the controls and trotted out to get the energon.

Rain took the seat at the controls and enlarged a real-time weather map of Earth. She looked over her shoulder and the new and interesting mech. “We can't keep you here sorry Cloudcompass until you clear security, I’ll find us someplace warm and quiet to relax.”. Then Rain spoke into the comms aloud so her friends could also hear.

::Patch, if you’re available, could you please join us at the ground-bridge. Thank you.::


((Puppeting of Coldwind done with player's permission))

[Deleted]

Skystone decided she liked Cloudcompass. It was always refreshing talking to those who made plans rather than demands.

His logic was sound, and it was a good loophole to getting to Rain despite her wishes.

She also noted both his uncertainty and his “for now” at her question of him being neutral.

She nodded along as he spoke through his idea, but her main attention was of course on the groundbridge, waiting for Rain to come through.

Truth be told, once Cloudcompass was done speaking, Skystone was already subconsciously walking towards the groundbridge anyway, as she had fully expected Rain by then.

It had been too long, and by now, any damage could have been done. Taking Cloudcompass’ advice, she pinged Rain.

“You make good points, and it’s officially been too long. I’m pinging her now.”

::Checking in. Do you need any…?::

Before she could even finish the statement, the groundbridge went down. She spun around to glance at Sundance, confused as to why exactly the bridge had been closed.

Not but a few moments later, it reopened, and thank Primus Rain stepped through. She was a little worse for wear, but she was alive and that’s what mattered.

Skystone stayed silent during Rain’s initial interactions, simply observing the dynamics, especially her attitude towards Cloudcompass.


She broke her silence when Rain called Patch.

“I hope you’re expectin' to get checked out as well,” she said mildly. The words weren’t demanding, there wasn’t much intonation at all in fact, but Skystone's brow was angled down slightly in concern as she looked over Rain's wounds.