|
Post by Elita-1 on Oct 23, 2023 17:09:47 GMT
Characters Appearing: Elita-1, Open Location (s): Old naval yard, Witwicky outskirts Timeline: November 1 Plot Summary: To give those outside of GHOST's reach a chance to improve themselves, Elita decides to take inspiration from an Earth trend and turns old into new again.
|
|
|
Post by Elita-1 on Oct 23, 2023 17:20:30 GMT
Elita had kept her optic on the place since what happened with Mandroid. It was an old naval yard outside Witwicky, untouched except for the occasional junk left there over the many years. No one really had claimed it. It was left to be used by the public for the longest time as nothing more than a dumping ground, but with that Elita had seen several opportunities. She had even put some things to the test to check its viability, and she felt it was of decent condition.
A little TLC would fix it up in her mind.
So, she had spent quite a few months getting approval and licensing to make the place truly hers. It was a little side project she had undertaken in her spare time, and soon enough she had jumped through the metaphorical hoops to take up ownership and gradually put effort and work into the place. Why one might ask? She had every intention of making it a functional workout and training grounds, a place for even those not associated with GHOST to use. For those like the Terrans or Bumblebee or even the hot headed Hot Rod. It was a place to relax, improve, and not worry about being monitored every day or every time someone wanted to train and exercise, to keep their skills sharp. But, it still had taken time, more so to sneak supplies, gear, and the mechanisms to make the training ground worth its use. She had even taken some inspiration from the mining quarry on the other side of the forest to make a pit of sorts for target practice, wrestling, etc.
It took the second-in-command quite a while, even those times she could have spent with her mate to ensure it was complete. But the day had finally come, the femme finishing the last touches on the control panels before she stepped back brushing off her hands as she did so. Having extended a little past her expected done date, she had passed by word of mouth its tentative open day, inviting anyone who was told to come see if they'd like. Even though she was covered in dust, oil smudges, and a bit scratched up from test runs, the pink femme could care less. She was proud to open something she hope would benefit the future, a safe place for Autobots, Decepticons, neutrals, and humans alike.
Now, she just had to wait, optics brightening as she heard the automated entrance open from the concealment dome.
|
|
|
Post by Hot Rod on Oct 23, 2023 19:39:19 GMT
Hot Rod stepped into the old massive naval shipyard.
He really liked what Elita had done with the place.
"Hey if it isn't lady boss bot." Hot Rod teased. "I haven't seen you since I got back to Pennsylvania."
"So what's the full deal with this place?"
|
|
|
Post by Nicholas Bee on Oct 24, 2023 17:56:06 GMT
Nick had heard a little rumor about Elita’s place.
It was maybe a little nerve-wracking to go there, given he hadn’t fully been introduced to all the Bots yet. But while Nick was also learning self defense from Bumblebee, it couldn’t hurt to come in and learn what he could from other sources too. He wanted to be tough and fierce, just like he perceived his dad to be after all.
Still, as he got to the old naval shipyard, he hoped he had the place right. If not he was getting a lecture and a half and he knew it.
It looked like the right place though, he noted. Though as he stepped inside the place he was immediately greeted by not one, but two Autobots he knew by reputation alone. So this wasn’t a joke? Holy crap! “Well I guess I don’t have to ask if I have the right place,” He politely announced his presence. “Holy crap, you’re the Hot Rod. I’ve watched replays of like… All of your races, dude. You’re a legend!”
Oh uh… Right, that wasn’t why he was here. He could geek out about it later, he told himself. Straightening a bit, he decided to address Elita before she thought she had some random fanboy there. “Oh um, sorry, Elita-1 m’am I swear I’m not here on a fan basis. I just heard you were doing some sort of boot camp… Training thing,” He then managed. “I um… I’m here to learn.”
How did he introduce himself? Honestly, he hadn’t met any of them personally yet. But he knew Bee had told Prime at least. “I’m uh… I’m Nick. Bee’s kid.”
|
|
|
Post by Elita-1 on Nov 1, 2023 3:47:07 GMT
Elita smiled to herself at the first individual to arrive was none other than the hot head himself, Hot Rod. With knowing the young mech, she wasn't exactly surprised to see the young mech arrive, ever eager and full of energy. "Some of us do have other business to attend to Hot Rod." Elita teased in return, "GHOST has kept me plenty busy these days kid, plus some other matters here and there." The second informed him.
But before she could answer Hot Rod, another soon joined them and this time it was a human teenager. Now this was a bit of a surprise to the pink femme who raised a metallic brow at Nick. Seemed word did get around fast. But it didn't take much for the boy to begin fawning over the racer, surprised quickly followed by bemusement. "No need for an explanation kid, it's fine." Elita chuckled softly, giving a side glance towards hot Rod wondering what his own reaction would be. "And a legend huh? Don't go giving him a bigger ego, his head may become too big to continue those races." Elita teased lightly.
Still, the frontliner smiled, "You're more than welcome here Nick. As I was fixing to answer Hot Rod, the naval yard has been a little pet project of mine, a training grounds outside more formal places." She finally answered both, gesturing to the training areas scattered about the naval yard. "I offer a place for exercise, training, learning, whatever you may need to improve, a place for any and every body. A place outside certain...reaches."
|
|
|
Post by Hot Rod on Nov 1, 2023 3:54:11 GMT
Hot Rod was happy to see Elita again. He was also happy to see him get some much-needed praise from that kid.
"Well. Always a pleasure to meet a fan." he bragged.
But he was a little taken aback when he mentioned he was Bee's kid.
Hot Rod wasn't sure he'd get used to this "Humans adapted into Cybertronian culture" thing but he did his best to be cool. Didn't wanna be a jerk.
But Elita finally answered his question.
"Sweet!" said Hot Rod. It was about time to get some exercise. After his date last night it was good to get some me time.
"So where do we start?" Hot Rod asked excited.
|
|
|
Post by Nicholas Bee on Nov 1, 2023 8:09:06 GMT
A bigger ego? From what Nick knew of Hot Rod he doubted that.
With a grin he decided to add with a bit of a cheekiness that: “My friend Scott is going to be so jealous I met you. His dream is pretty much to race you,” He explained honestly. “He does the circuits but he’s sort of new and on the DL. His dad doesn’t like him racing I think.”
Whoa, actual Autobot training grounds? Nick went wide-eyed. Almost feeling like he didn’t deserve to be here. But still feeling a rush of excitement.
But he also recognized that he did represent Bumblebee by being here. Which meant that he had to act a little more serious and a little less… Goofy? Fanboying could come later. “Well, I’m really excited to get started. My dad has been teaching me the basics. But ever since Soundwave took me hostage…” He paused for a moment. “I mean I just don’t want to grow up being a damsel in distress or some shit. I wanna make him proud.”
He clapped his hands together and rubbed them with another grin. “So I’m with the big guy, where do we start?”
|
|
|
Post by Elita-1 on Nov 7, 2023 2:54:51 GMT
Elita shook her head as she briefly let the two have their exchange regarding racing, holding no interest in the activity herself per se. Instead, the second-in-command moved to one of the wash stations to wash away some of the grime from her hands, arms, and face, just taking in the chatter between the two younger individuals.
Though their attention quickly returned to the training grounds, chuckling softly at their eagerness as she dried off her hands and face. Where to begin...that was a good question. She had given the naval yard a number of upgrades and settings, ones that could change based on the needs of whoever was using it or multiple users. "Well..." The pink femme pondered for a moment, looking over the two as she considered their options. Hot Rod she was certain could handle a number of the challenges she put forth, having seen the young mech in combat and other situations, but Nick she had never met before. She didn't know what Bumblebee had taught him or what he had already learned at this point, even before meeting the scout.
But their conversation might be a good idea...
"Well, since you two like racing so much, how about something easy and a little race in its own?" Elita suggested after thinking for a few minutes, moving towards a control panel and pressing a few buttons. A seemingly flat oval of land resembling a running track soon began to shift and change, altering to appear more like a course straight out of Ninja Warrior or similar obstacle-based marathons. Part of the course was sized for Cybertronians and the other taking humans into account, being much smaller in scale for their earthling allies. "Just to see what you two got." Elita said with a wide grin, a challenging gleam in her optics.
|
|
|
Post by Hot Rod on Nov 12, 2023 17:30:34 GMT
Hot beamed as he looked at the small obstacle course track.
"AWESOME!!!" he shouted.
He got in position at the starting line.
When it was time to go Hot Rod began to duck and dodge his way down the course.
He had to laugh. This was easy! No problem for a pro racer like him.
As he finished he gave a little punch on the ground.
"Hoo Ha! That was a great way to get the blood flowing."
"You got anything more challenging though?"
|
|
|
Post by Nicholas Bee on Nov 19, 2023 7:57:18 GMT
Nick cracked his neck.
He hadn’t always been a physical kid. But he had liked the odd run now and then, often enjoying taking them in the morning. That said, the obstacle course absolutely intimidated him a little. Unlike Hot Rod, he didn’t have major confidence - never really had,
Still he took a deep breath, and prepared himself.
His run of it was definitely not as graceful as Hot Rod’s. He tripped over more than a couple of obstacles. And for obvious reasons the giant robot was definitely faster than him. But every time Nick stumbled, or even fell, the teen showed just how stubborn he was by getting his butt back up.
When he’d finally reached the end of the course. He took a moment to catch his breath, rubbing his hands together. “Ok let’s run that again. I swear I can do better than that,” He finally announced when he caught his breath again. “I’m just warming up…”
|
|
|
Post by Elita-1 on Nov 27, 2023 18:16:27 GMT
Though Elita still had the challenging look in her optics, she was likewise observing how the two faired on the courses respectively.
The skills between the two were quite clear. Hot Rod's skill in racing and combat did him well on the basic course, flying through it like it was nothing. She expected nothing less from the cocky racer, even if his inflated ego did come out for it. Nick was another story. It seemed the kid did decently enough, but there was definitely room for improvement in handling the more basic course. They were both young though, so there was always room for improvement for both.
"Not bad you two, good effort on both parts." Elita pressed a button, clearing their previous times before she pressed a button to alter the Cybertronian sized course, causing it to become more elaborate and have more visible threats than a mere course. But for the safety of their human friend, a force field wall rose up since she decided to keep the regular course for Nick to practice. "Go for it Nick, take as many tries as you need. There's no shame in working your way slowly until your comfortable with the current challenge." The second-in-command encouraged with a smile before she turned her attention to Hot Rod. "As for you big shot, we're going more of a challenge."
This time, Elita move over towards the starting line herself. "You're skilled Hot Rod, I'll give you that. But can you handle an Elite Guard basic course?" Elita challenged with a wide grin.
|
|
|
Post by Hot Rod on Nov 27, 2023 19:47:39 GMT
Hot Rod smirked.
"Elite guard basic course?" he laughed.
"Look Lita I survived Kup's training at boot camp." he bragged "I survived going up against Deathsaurus himself! I handle way more than this!"
He meant it too. He charged up his engine and raced into the new course Elita had churned up.
Hot Rod was doing well at first. Doing his thing. Ducking and dodging. A transformation here and there. Big boost there.
But then he got shot in the face by a stray laser.
Hot Rod was sent flying head over heels until he crashed into some crates.
He groaned and started picking himself up.
"Of course..." Hot Rod muttered "The encounter with Deathsaurus involved me needing to be stitched back together..."
|
|
|
Post by Nicholas Bee on Dec 3, 2023 2:01:12 GMT
Nick gave a small smile in Elita’s direction.
Honestly, he was beating himself up the tiniest bit about it, but he didn’t show it. He just kept reminding himself that the guy he was up against had been training since well before he was alive. Taking a deep breath, he gave a slight bow. “Thank you, m’am, I’ll keep trying.”
He’d been warming up for a moment when he saw… And heard Hot Rod’s crash.
The teen cringed slightly, knowing full well that the Elite Guard course had to be hard as hell… Just given how much he’d read up on the Elite Guard. And… Wait. “Wait, you ran into Deathsaurus? Like the Emperor of Destruction!?” Nick shouted back. “Dude you’re lucky you’re still standing. The size on that guy enough should have killed you.”
Taking another deep breath, he took off down the course. Still not as graceful as he could have been. But he did show one tactical thing… He used that big brain of his to memorize some of the incoming obstacles. He didn’t miss all of them, but despite having to take it slower managed to dodge and vault over a couple of them.
“Gotta keep moving,” He was still on his second run-around as he muttered that. Leaping over one obstacle. “You can do this…”
|
|
|
Post by Elita-1 on Jan 2, 2024 17:54:54 GMT
"Kup's training was brutal, but there are always different obstacles to overcome Hot Rod." Elita tried to warn him, not wanting the racer to bite off more than he could chew. She fully believed in his abilities, even was sure he could handle his own with training from both Kup and her sparkmate. But, she likewise wished he would learn some form of caution when met with a new challenge.
Once again, his ego seemed to get in the way.
Like Hot Rod, Elita sprinted from the starting line. Though not nearly as fast as the young mech, Elita was still quite agile and her reflexes quickly kicked in, ducking, dodging, shooting a turret here and there, transforming back and forth to utilize all her skills from over the years. Although she could admit she had a slight advantage, having done the course numerous times in her function, having it nearly memorized since the first time she had began her training. Not that she finished the course unscathed, still feeling the string of a stray shot or being bumped into a nearby wall.
But, she had faired better than Hot Rod it seems, having been deeply focused on her own run that she had failed to notice the racer taken out by the course. "And this is why I keep telling you not to overestimate your abilities Hot Rod." The pink femme sighed, jogging over to the crates and offering a hand to the red and yellow mech, giving him a boost to get back on his feet. "You're skilled, no one denies that, but use that noggin of yours once in a while and you might actually give Ironhide a run for his shanix." Elita told him, partially teasing and partially trying to teach him a lesson. If he would just think once in a while...
For now she left it at that, looking back to the young human to see how he was doing, smiling a bit to see Nick was doing a bit better. Slower perhaps, but sometimes that was necessary to build up to a good pace and work on one's skills. "Looking good Nick, every warrior and every athlete has to start somewhere." She called to him.
|
|
|
Post by Hot Rod on Jan 11, 2024 2:33:08 GMT
Hot Rod took Elita's hand and rubbed his head with his other arm.
"Hey! I use my noggin!" he insisted "I just prefer pragmatism over thinking things through."
As he got back into position he heard Nick mention Deathsaurus. "Yeah. It was a big deal. I survived using my mad skills." Hot Rod said unable to resist the chance to brag a bit.
He didn't mention he only survived because he got lucky but he wasn't gonna admit that.
Once he was back at the starting line, Hot Rod sprinted down the course again, it seemed he'd taken the lessons from his prior run to heart because he did much better this time.
This time Hot Rod barely managed to reach the finish line. Capping off his run with a backflip.
"Aw yeah! Who's the best racer in the Autobots!? It's me!"
|
|