Tanker vs. Speedster

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< Tankor Posed on Dec 20 07:40PM CST > Tankor has handled many, many deliveries in and around Tagan Heights, but this one is different. For one thing, he has a new purple Decepticon badge adorning his chest; for another, his cargo isn?t fully legal. Well, it isn?t legal at all, actually. He was dispatched to secure some high-grade energon, better than the slop most bots can get, and better to fuel certain activities undertaken by his new friends. So, with the help of connections to some old friends, he got what he needed and is, as innocently as possible, trucking his way towards the outskirts of Kaon to complete the delivery.
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Despite his objections, Tankor got no help for this run. While they claimed everyone else was busy, he wonders if this is some kind of trial to see how the new guy does. So, there?s a mix of nervousness and defiance brewing in him. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 07:53PM CST >- The trial run idea is fairly likely...given the recent change of leadership in the Decepticons. Scorponok isn't the type to have patience for anyone who can't hold their own if necessary. So perhaps that is the reason for this.

Tagan Heights is fairly close to Kaon, so it shouldn't be too difficult, should it? The Autobots' hold on the rest of the planet aside from the Iacon region is tenuous at best, though there is a chance he'll run into a patrol, or someone sympathetic toward the Prime will spot him and report his position to the Autobots...

It seems today is not his lucky day. As he is approaching the outer perimeter of the city, he will pick up on three distinct signatures about a quarter of a kil behind him and approaching fast. There's no doubt about it--they -don't- have good intentions! < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 07:59PM CST > Being a bit on edge, Tankor has been watching his sensor feedback like a cyberhawk, and so he is aware of three blips closing in behind him as soon as it's possible. Scrap scrap scrap. There's no way he can outrace them - he's not built for speed in ground mode - and converting to flight mode would just confirm whatever suspicions whoever they are might have. So, reluctantly, he pulls over and converts to root mode, making as if to let them all by. As a courtesy, of course. He holds his shield as relaxedly as he can, and starts practicing the cover story in his head. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 08:18PM CST >- The three blips come up on him quickly. Sure enough, they're Autobots, as clearly indicated by the red First Face insignia on their bodies. In fact, one of them he might even recognize as Blurr--the once and frankly probably still famous racer. One of those rich snobby types who treated him poorly before the war. Really anyone could likely pick him out whether he was in vehicle or biped form.

The three of them transform as well, Blurr standing slightly in front of the other two. He folds his arms and regards Tankor with suspicion. "Sir, did you know you were on a direct path toward a barricaded supply route? All trade routes in and out of Kaon are off-limits except to authorized military personnel." < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 08:30PM CST > Tankor is taken aback as he recognizes Blurr, the racer, an Autobot now, barking at him. Tankor used to enjoy taking in a race from time to time with buddies, but he grew disenchanted once Blurr started appearing in commercials for luxury plating treatments and showing off his living quarters on "Garages". Internally, Tankor's temper starts to flare, but he checks it and puts on his best look of innocence, with just a dash of indignation.

"Yes, I do know where I'm going," Tankor replies with a lilt of annoyance. "I have customers just outside Kaon who are running low on energon. They put in an order, I'm fulfilling the order. My boss said I might run into ..." Autobot jerks, ahem, "... patrols who might have questions, so I've got a copy of the work order right here." He holds out a datapad, trying not to stab Blurr with it. It holds a legitimate-looking work order, with legitimate-looking approvals to operate in the area. The fact that there may be a hidden tunnel connecting the delivery site to the besieged city is, of course, left out. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 08:37PM CST >- Blurr takes one glance at the datapad before taking it and shoving it at one of the other 'Bots who were with him. Literally, one glance about an astrosecond long. Did he even read it at all? "Right, and what is your name, then? I know you're on a schedule, but you must understand that this kind of security is necessary, to prevent terrorists or terrorist sympathizers from smuggling supplies into Kaon." < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 08:41PM CST > Tankor watches the carefully forged datapad get tossed unceremoniously to the side, then looks back at Blurr with a jolt when he asks his name. Do his optics narrow a bit? Hopefully they don't notice. But he relishes the chance to let the superstar know who he is - though he tries to obscure it. "I wasn't aware I needed to identify myself just doing my job, but - fine. I am Tankor. Energon delivery." And Decepticon, but he leaves that out. He feels a tingle in the retractable panel hiding his new badge. "And if I'm not mistaken you are ... Blurry, is that it?" At that Tankor smirks some, and doesn't try obscuring it. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 08:48PM CST >- "Almost." Blurr smirks back. "It's Blurr. Guess you aren't too sharp, eh? Can't blame you I suppose, most delivery dro--er, delivery -servicemechs- aren't too bright." He takes out a datapad of his own, taking down something quickly. "Right, -Tankor-, we're gonna have to escort you to your destination. You know, just to be sure you aren't a lying spawn of a glitch." Yep, 100% snob, check. He grins. "Just yankin' your crankcase, it's to make sure you don't get attacked by those insurrectionists I was talking about. You know, the Decepticons. Or Decepticon sympathizers." < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 09:00PM CST > Insulting his intelligence is a great way to rocket to the top of Tankor's slag-list. He just barely manages to contain himself as the racer runs his mouth some, and then offers - no, insists - to escort him. Great, exactly the opposite kind of escort Tankor demanded in the first place. And also unacceptable; even if the drop point looks perfectly innocuous, the Autobots will certainly add it to a watch list "just in case". He has to lose them, but they probably won't just let him go no matter how much he objects. He glances to the others to see if he can spot wings, but otherwise complies for the moment. "Yes, I've heard of the Decepticons. And normally this 'servicemech' is smart enough to take care of himself, but if you insist ... just stay out of my way." He steps back out to the road and reverts to ground mode, and begins to resume his "delivery". He also makes ready to vent some ignited fuel around him before too long. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 09:05PM CST >- It's not immediately clear whether the other two can fly or not. But since he appears to comply for now, they just fall in behind and to both sides of him as he starts back off again.

Blurr chuckles, taking the position directly behind him. "Ah-ah, don't get too overconfident! You know what they say, overconfidence is your enemy's greatest advantage." Sure, he's one to talk. "You never know how many of them might show up. This is just a little extra insurance, you know? You might even be able to charge your client a little higher for it." < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 09:10PM CST > "I'm sure they'd be delighted to see you," Tankor replies drolly. He proceeds down the highway for a short while ... is it enough? Surely long enough, he can't stand being around Blurr for much longer. He spots a rusted pothole in the road that will serve just fine. He drifts a little and runs over it, his chassis slamming into the surface. He then swerves and yells, "Look out! Rupture!" Immediately, flames shoot out from around and behind his large fuel tank. He continues swerving, more wildly now, perhaps "accidentally" singeing or even knocking aside his escort. He also takes the opportunity to accelerate; the better to take off if possible. "Stay clear!" he shouts back with as much faux concern as he can muster. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 09:21PM CST >- The two 'Bots who had taken the side positions are taken by surprise, the swerving transport slamming into them. The spin out of control and are quickly engulfed in flames. Whether they're dead or just out of commission remains to be seen.

Blurr, on the other hand, is too quick for that. He jumps out of the way, darting up the outside of a nearby building and hanging on to an external pipline as if to heed Tankor's warnings. "Slag!" he curses. "Smart enough to take care of yourself, huh? You can't even steer clear of a stationary -pothole-!" < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 09:30PM CST > "You were distracting me!" he shouts back. But no matter, he's shaken the other two, and he knows Blurr has no flight mode. "I need to get clear, in case the entire load goes up!" With the additional momentum from accelerating, he is able to smoothly roll and transform into flight mode, still trailing sputters of flames as he begins to rise into the sky. Now all he needs is for that dimwitted racer to not start taking shots at him, and he's out of this mess - mostly. There's still the matter of making the delivery unnoticed, but that's a problem he'll tackle once he's safely anonymous. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 09:40PM CST >- "Ha, yeah right! You're the only one around here right now who can blow up your own load...that is unless -I- do it." Blurr shouts after him. Because seriously, why would the energon just spontaneously set itself on fire? -Someone- set it on fire, and it -wasn't- the Autobots. "What do you think I am, stupid?"

He clambers to the top of the building and hurls a grenade in Tankor's direction from the roof, aiming for his main engines! < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 09:54PM CST > Yes, Tankor thinks, probably incredibly so. He considers delivering a treatise on energon ignition methods to put Blurr in his place, but he's getting away anyway. Can't hearrrr youuuuu. Unfortunately, Blurr has guessed rightly, and now there's a grenade to deal with, so. He cuts the flames off and converts back to root mode, thrusting at an angle away from the grenade to avoid too much damage. Meanwhile, he takes out his blaster cannons and returns fire. "Some escort you are!" < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 10:03PM CST >- The grenade explodes in the air near Tankor instead of right up against his armor as he takes an evasive maneuver. Hot gases expand, but it's not that large of an explosive, fortunately enough for him.

"But you didn't -want- an escort, did you? Why else would you try to blow me up, huh? Like I said, not stupid. But fine, go ahead and keep on thinking I am, all the better for me!" Blurr twists and jumps across the roof of the building, avoiding most of the shots, though some of them graze him in the side. "Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way: Either you surrender yourself and your cargo now, or I beat the slag out of you until your load really -does- go up!" He pulls out a stun weapon and prepares to use it, but doesn't fire just yet. < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 10:13PM CST > Didn't Blurr say something about overconfidence? Yet he's the one stuck on top of a building while Tankor floats free. The grenade impact does damage his legs and thrusters some, though, and that's enough to make Tankor stick around a while longer instead of simply fly off. From his superior position, Tankor stows his blasters and brings out his flamethrower. "No, I didn't want an escort, this fuel isn't for you. But since you insist on your 'way', Autobot, let me make a special delivery!" Paying no heed to whatever weapon Blurr may try to use next, he swoops down low and lets loose a torrent of flame as he goes. Try and dodge that, speedster. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 10:26PM CST >- Why yes, Blurr is the one 'stuck' on top of a building. But Tankor is the one 'stuck' carrying around an extremely volatile payload! So yes, overconfidence. "So why are you complaining about a bad escort when you didn't even want one to begin with? Pfff, you just make no sense!"

The flamethrower catches him in the shoulder, burning his upper arm before he manages to roll out of the way. "Okay then, I guess we're going with the 'beat the slag out of you until your cargo blows you up, then drag you off to Garrus-1' option!" He fires the electro-laser, aiming for Tankor's foot thrusters in an attempt to fry circuitry and ground the triplechanger. < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 10:35PM CST > Tankor's feet sting and prickle as the stunning laser hits its marks, and his thrusters give out. He curses to himself as he drops to the roof. He lands with a stumble, but keeps a hold of his flamethrower and his shield. "I make no sense? You want to beat me up until I explode and then send me to prison! It sounds like whatever circuit speeders you took for racing scrambled your brain module!" He lays out more flame between himself and the Autobot, to buy time until his auto-repair systems get his thrusters back online. He also, reluctantly, primes a small flow of the high-grade energon he's carrying, as a last resort. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 10:42PM CST >- "Oh no, I don't -want- to beat you up, don't get me wrong, mech. I never said I -wanted- this. If it were up to me, I'd rather you'd surrender and come peacefully. But -no-, seems you preferred the hard way!"

Blurr backs away from the flames, the heat scorching his already partly-burned armor which wasn't all that sturdy to begin with. Some of his own energon is starting to leak from areas that have actually been melted through to his fuel lines or had been struck by Tankor's cannon earlier. He doesn't make any offensive moves just yet... < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 10:52PM CST > Tankor glares at Blurr over the small inferno he's created. Oh, he'll need some more of those luxury plating treatments after this. "I'd prefer that you leave me alone to do my job! But I guess a simple servicemech like me doesn't get his say when a mighty Autobot, a brilliant Autobot, has his own ideas." Tankor probably shouldn't do this, but he's winning and he can't help but rub it in. He taps his chest and reveals the Decepticon symbol behind its panel. "Well, this Decepticon has another way, and it involves you melting to slag." He sprays even more flames, this time more in a straight line to where Blurr stands at the moment. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 11:09PM CST >- Blurr smirks when Tankor finally reveals the intel that he'd been hoping to coax out of him. He'd been suspicious, but now it was clear. The speedster may be impulsive, but he sure isn't stupid. He'd have to get pretty slagging lucky to win in a fight against a bruiser like Tankor alone. But he's satisfied, now that he has what he came for.

Still...he certainly has an arrogant streak, and he can't resist giving the triplechanger one last run for his money. So, instead of trying to dodge the flamethrower coming right at him, he only jumps back several paces, then transforms and accelerates as fast as he can -straight into it-, causing the energon that now covers his body in several places to ignite. And he doesn't stop there, either, instead continuing through it in an attempt ram right into Tankor to send both of them sailing off of the roof and into the neighboring tower. It'll hurt, sure. And it'll probably knock him senseless before it knocks the Decepticon senseless, but he's banking on the idea that the triplechager will probably at -least- be smart enough to take off while he can, before reinforcements arrive. < Tankor Posed on Dec 20 11:20PM CST > Well, that was unexpected. Tankor does nothing to dodge the incoming Blurr since it's inconceivable that the Autobot would do anything but run. Blurr's momentum not only carries Tankor with him into the air, but his outer shell on fire scorches Tankor's own armor, fireproofed as it might be. Instinctively, Tankor pushes off from Blurr and converts to his aerial form once again. Thankfully, his engines work just well enough for him to avoid the tower behind them, only clipping it with a wingtip, which may be enough to topple it anyway. Clearly Blurr is insane, and also burning up, so there is little reason to stick around; Tankor swoops up high and tries to figure out how he can possibly sneak back to the drop-off point now. At least his primary cargo is intact. < Blurr Posed on Dec 20 11:27PM CST >- Tankor's push sends Blurr careening into the building. He smashes through a window and is obscured from view. The clip knocks a balcony out of place, but doesn't send the entire structure crashing down.