[RL--GIANT ROBOT DEATH...something]

[death_chopper]

Blackout had chosen to set down in a confusion of rock, a red-and-gold mess of spires and ridges and furrows in the ground, somewhere in the deserts of the continent the humans designated North America. Another mech might have appreciated the sere, spartan aesthetic of the place; he only appreciated its location. There was a human roadway some miles distant--close enough to be in range of optics and long-distance audio, but far enough that he could be sure they wouldn't notice the helicopter parked among the rocks. Close enough to monitor, distant enough to ignore.

He relaxed, as much as he could. Lord Megatron would be calling on him soon enough, he knew, and he would be ready when he did, but for now he was willing to sit in the sun and soak up free heat.