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Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Thunderwing watched as Blackwind spoke, studying both her words and her motions as she answered his queries. She communicated with both words and body language. It was fascinating to watch, more so because of his isolation perhaps. It was refreshing to be around someone quite so expressive. It also helped add emphasis to her what she was saying.

When she was done the Decepticon sat back and mulled it all over. She had presented a intriguing angle for him to exploit. While he had already considered the outsider angle for himself, someone who might have new views and ideas compared to that of Starscream and Shockwave, the loyalty to Cybertron was a new one. It was one that would likely appeal to a certain type of Decepticon, the true believers in the empire.

Unfortunately he was uncertain as to how many of those would be left at this point. The Decepticon cause had likely evolved and changed a considerable amount since leaving Cybertron. Even back then there had been more then a few Decepticons in it only interested in the more thuggish and criminal aspects of the movement. Of course, those tended to be the less intellectual members of the group, easily swayed by feats of strength or acts of violence.

Finally he nodded at her after listening to her and considering it all. He took another sip from his glass before placing it down on a nearby table. “You do present an interesting case. The outsider angle is one I had considered and will help sway those already dissatisfied with the way things are. You raise a very interesting point presenting me as a sort of believer or protector of Cybertron. That may well appeal to another segment of Decepticons.”

Thunderwing stood up and began walking around the room, briefly examining the various surroundings. “The more brutal and thuggish elements of the Decepticons will be satisfied by my combat prowess. I will have to assume the Autobots will provide me and opportunity to display those talents. Leading some sort of mission would be ideal and place the focus on me.” He looked back over at Blackwind. “While this may appear to be a risk, I can assure that I will not fail in such a situation.”

“The more technical minded can be easily swayed. I still consider myself very much a part of that group. I would hope that once they see how far I have come, and the potential I have to share that technology, they will embrace me.” He stopped once he stood directly behind her. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders. “Of course all of this will be dependent on you my dear. You will be my optics and audio receptors among the ranks, particularly the seekers. While I am sure many are as dissatisfied with Starscream as you are I imagine there is some deep rooted loyalty among the fliers. You can tell me how well I sway them one way or the other.” He leaned down, placing his head next to hers. “I can count on you, can’t I?” he said to her softly.

*

Repair Bay

Darkwing eagerly nodded in reply to Shockwave and hopped down from the table. He quickly grabbed a hold of a surprised Dreadwind and dragged him out the door. Before leaving Dreadwind could be heard to mutter, “He probably wants to see how long it takes for the stuff to deactivate us permanently…” before the doors slid shut.

The Thanatos—Bridge

This trek between Earth and Cybertron was rarely the most interesting voyage. Not that Rampage had taken it all that often, but as his mind already tended to wander when it wasn’t presented with the rush of battle, the Predacon had pulled up a gladiator vid on one of the small screens at his console, uploading it from an infodisc that he had brought along with him.

Rampage figured that since Razorclaw was off tending to command level stuff, he wouldn’t mind his team engaging in a little mental distraction, particularly since they weren’t exactly being bombarded by Autobot cruisers or anything like that.

“Gah…that had to hurt…”

___

The Thanatos—Corridors

Satisfied with the results he had seen from Dreadwind and Darkwing, Shockwave had left the ship’s repair bay and was now en route to the mechaforming device that had been locked away in one of the ship’s storage areas. Razorclaw had wisely provided the Military Operations Commander with the means of accessing the device before they had left the tower in Polyhex. The cycloptic Decepticon had no interest in engaging in a detour.

Megatron undoubtedly had grand intentions for sending Shockwave back to Cybertron to retrieve that particular technology from the heart of Kolkular. With Megatron—at least temporarily—no longer around to direct its use, that responsibility would logically fall to Shockwave. He intended to see to it that it was used effectively.

“Imperative—accompany me,” Shockwave said as he passed by Weirdwolf in one of the vessel’s corridors.

___

Transmission from Onslaught

>>“I know little of Thunderwing himself, save for the storied history of Valckasta. Even then, the warlord’s forebears were not exactly generous with what information they chose to reveal. What I have seen leads to me to think that he would be as viable a successor as any of the others, save Starscream. I will be amazed if the Seeker rat has had no part to play in all of this.

“In truth, Razorclaw, the valor and competence you displayed in Shockwave’s tower has earned my loyalty. I would support your vision for leading the Decepticons, if you chose to seek it. The downside, naturally, is that whoever takes Megatron’s throne next will become an immediate target for assassination…so…your alternative is not without merit. If we proceed down that path, we should council with Scrapper and Motormaster immediately upon our arrival to the Sol system and see if any agreement can be reached on which Decepticon should receive the considerable advantage that our support would grant.”<<

The Thanatos — Corridors

Ever since Weirdwolf had returned and informed Skullcruncher of the briefing Shockwave had held about change of plans following Megatron's presumed death, neither of the two warriors had had much to say. Disbelief and refusal to accept the facts they had access to had been the predominant subjects of the whatever discussion the duo had managed to go through while they had moved Shockwave's experiments and equipment into the massive battlecruiser. Skullcruncher in particular had began to show signs of anger and frustration, which had began to manifest as his unnerving habit of grinding his teeth together. Which was something that had eventually forced Weirdwolf to leave the Dinobot sized brute to guard the entrance of the cargo hold where Shockwave's valuables were stashed alone.

And that was when the tracker almost run into Shockwave.

"Follow I will commander. But the reasons behind it I crave." The tracker replied to the larger purple Decepticon as he turned on his heels and set after Shockwave.

Razorclaw’s Personal Quarters

Razorclaw leaned back in his chair as he listened to Onslaught speak through the secured comm line. Like the Combaticon Commander, ‘Claw knew little regarding Thunderwing with a few notable exceptions that now lie buried within the historical data tracks, many of which may not tell the whole story of who the scientist really is. That coupled with his extended absence only served to make him a greater mystery to most Decepticons and Autobots alike. Still, Thunderwing was only one of many potential candidates, but he was not one that could easily be controlled by others behind the scenes. No, another choice would have to be decided upon if the elite teams had any hope of influencing the future of the Empire.

The Predacon Commander smiled underneath his faceplate when Onslaught stated that he would support and give his loyalty to Razorclaw if the mechanical lion sought the throne for himself. ‘Claw had to admit that the thought of taking Megatron’s place had indeed crossed his processor, but like his counterpart then stated, whomever took the leadership position would almost immediately be targeted for assassination by those who did not agree with the choice. For that reason alone, it would be imperative for that individual to have all the right support if they were to survive for more than a deca-cycle. It also made the puppet alternative much more appealing. After all, if their chosen successor was terminated then the team commanders would simply pick another and still remain in a position of considerable influence without putting their own sparks at risk. It was an unorthodox idea, but a valid one to contemplate.

”Starscream most certainly has a part to play in all this, Commander Onslaught. That you can be certain of. I am also honored that you think so highly of my abilities that you would place your trust with me if I were to seek the throne, myself. However, I have never been one that found politics appealing as I would much rather be on the battlefield with my Predacons than directing the action from afar while stuck in a war room. Of course, we have also never been faced with the loss of Megatron before and thus all options should be considered.”

Razorclaw leaned forward in his chair once again and folded his arms on the desk in front of him, letting out a quiet sigh. The Predacon leader had to concede the idea of seeking the throne if it became absolutely necessary to ensure the survival of the Empire. Civil war could not be allowed to break out, no matter the cost or change to his own position within the political infrastructure. If he must suffer through politics in order to save Megatron’s vision then so be it. Hopefully, it would not come down to that.

“If we are unable to find a suitable successor that we could have a substantial influence over, then perhaps I will have no choice but to step up and assume control to ensure that the specialty units had the majority voice in the Empire. I’d rather not have to take such a drastic step, but I will if I must. Of course, for that to happen I would also need the full support of Motormaster and Scrapper, otherwise Decepticons such as Starscream, Thunderwing and Shockwave would never accept my ascension and my reign would likely end before it even began. However, regardless of who ultimately assumes the throne, I agree that we must first seek council with the other commanders in order to see where they stand. Are they more agreeable to a puppet leader that we completely control ourselves, or would they rather have a unit commander such as myself being in charge?”

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

It was a moment before Thunderwing finally nodded. Blackwind smiled briefly before the scientist responded audibly to what she had conveyed. As he spoke, Blackwind placed her glass down on the side table and sensuously crossed her right leg over her left, her optics fixed on him the entire time he addressed her.

Blackwind nodded while he voiced his thoughts out loud. The femme Seeker casually laid her left arm on the side of the chair while her right hand draped over her knee. She was pleased that he was in agreement with her assessments. He also seemed to be quite eager to take advantage of the opportunity present. With her help the throne of the Decepticon Empire would prove to be procurable, and if they happen to be faced with opposition…well, then, it would most assuredly be eliminated.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Thunderwing stood from his chair and began to wander around, idly exploring her meager wares and other contents. She gazed over his form a moment before her attention was drawn back to their discussion.

At the mention of his possibly leading a mission at some point to bolster his position amongst the ranks, Blackwind opened her mouth to protest, but Thunderwing quickly reassured her that he would never fail in such an act. She relaxed visibly as he continued to speak, her optics following his every movement that is until he moved out of her view.

While he stood behind her chair he placed his hands on her shoulders eliciting a delicate smile and a content sigh. With her optics focused on the empty chair in front of her she took in everything he was saying. Understanding the feelings and conceptions of the masses would be essential in Thunderwing’s bid, and since she is already established amongst them, it would be her responsibility.

Another smile creased her lips when he leaned down to her level and spoke to her softly. She gave her response just as softly as he had asked.

“You can always count on me, mon amour. All you need is ask.”

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Thunderwing smiled before softly replying, “Good.” He stood back up to his full height and walked back around to stand in front of Blackwind. He stood silently for a moment, considering the situation and what moves to make before he sat down. “As I see it the key to gaining the support of the Decepticon masses will be securing the support of the various officers, the team leaders in particular. Unfortunately with Starscream in command of the seekers we lose some support there. I do believe, however, that your presence will more then make up for that.” He offered her a smile. “I am sure you can influence the fliers to some extent and at the very least find out there thoughts on the topic of leadership.”

He brought his hands together in front of him, interlacing the fingers as he continued. “That leaves us with the other sub groups. We have Razorclaw and his Predacons and Onslaught and his Combaticons with us now. My actions on the bridge may have damaged those relations a bit, but not irreparably. Razorclaw, as I recall, has always been a warrior, a hunter, a predator. He will appreciate a keen mind and fighting prowess. He will not settle for a simply thug or blowhard as a leader. I believe if I lead a victory in battle displaying both intellect and skill it will help to sway him. Onslaught on the other hand has always fancied himself a strategist first above all else. Consulting him and working with him, giving him recognition he likely so rarely receives will help bring him to my side.”

Thunderwing sat back in his seat. “Of course this is an oversimplification. Both will require varying amounts of convincing but these steps will be a strong start.” He smiled at her again. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind, I would like to pick you cerebral circuits a bit, as someone else who has a keen intellect and a knowledge of politics, among many other skills. What other groups are located on Earth, and what would be good ways to sway them? I can’t imagine what changes there might have been in my absence concerning Decepticon attitudes and beliefs. I will need you to help educate me.”

Transmission from Onslaught

>>“Heavy questions. I’m as eager to get answers as you are. I suppose there’s little else worth discussing until we actually arrive and learn more. Until then, commander."<<

Bridge

Once his communication with Onslaught had ended, Razorclaw quickly returned to the bridge and assumed his position in the captain’s chair. There were many questions weighing heavily on his processor, questions that his Combaticon equal shared, as well. One thing the Predacon leader still had in his possession were the recordings of Shockwave’s dealings with the Autobots in Iacon. Those would be useful in helping to sway certain Decepticons away from Shockwave’s assertion to leadership, but these sound bytes did not provide much aid when it came to Thunderwing and his possible bid for the throne. Other methods would be required if the carapace ladened scientist gained any kind of support within the ‘Con ranks.

Of course, their was also Starscream to contend with and his band of elite seekers that would likely side with him. He would surely not give up his command position willingly, especially considering his scheming nature and well known lust for power. All of these factors had to be considered and handled appropriately as the choices in the coming orns would not be easy to make for any of them. One wrong decision could spell civil war and possibly lead to the collapse of the Empire, itself. This was something that could not be allowed to happen.

Setting his multitude of concerns aside for the time being, Razorclaw switched his immediate attention over to the aerial Predacon in the pilot’s seat. “Divebomb, what’s your status? Are your scans completed yet?”

Divebomb turned around in his chair to face his commander. “Yes, sir. I just finished, in fact. I had to make a few minor course corrections to avoid some obstacles. As a result, our trip may take a little longer than usual. However, everything else checks out and we are ready to engage the transwarp drive on your order.”

“The order is given,” Razorclaw replied stoically as he sat back in the captain’s chair. “Be sure to transmit our course to the Obliteration so that they can follow us to our destination safely.”

“It will be done, Commander,” Divebomb responded before he swung back around to face the pilot’s terminal once again. After the push of a few buttons, a signal was sent to the Combaticon vessel. The aerial Predacon then initiated the transwarp drive and the Thanatos disappeared into hyperspace, leaving Cybertron far behind.

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Blackwind kept her optics glued to Thunderwing form as he stepped out from behind her chair to stand in front of her. She tilted her head to one side as gazed up at him; he was quiet for a moment before he finally sat back down across from her. Blackwind listened closely to everything the scientist had to say. Razorclaw was not as complicated as he might think. The Predacon commander was patient to no end; he would wait until the perfect candidate was found, this would make convincing him that Thunderwing was the best successor.

Onslaught, on the other hand, only wished to be able to put his superior intellect to good use. Giving the Combaticon commander every opportunity to do so would ensure his support. Blackwind thought a moment before her attention was brought back to the aristocrat sitting across from her. She nodded at his statement and carefully readjusted her position so that she could cross her legs in the opposite direction.

After Thunderwing asked his questions and stated his concerns, Blackwind picked up her glass and slowly stood. She made her way to her desk where she poured herself another glass full of synthetic energon. She took a sip and casually took a seat in her desk chair.

“I understand your concern. I will certainly do everything in my power to ensure you ascend the throne of the Decepticon Empire. As with the group that are currently on Earth…”

She turned to her computer terminal and typed in a few commands. She looked back to her guest and smiled.

“There are quite a few. A majority of the Seekers are there; obviously our dear Aerospace Commander is present. I feel the remainder of his trine will remain loyal to him, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be convinced to abnegate and support you. The Constructicons want nothing more than to be given their own space in order to conduct their own experiments. Providing them with adequate territory and a plethora of assignments to keep them satisfied and I’m sure they will give you their support.”

She typed in a few more commands on her terminal and smiled when the screen converted to a live video feed of the bridge and the lab.

“I fear, however, that Soundwave will be the most difficult to persuade. He was a devout follower of Lord Megatron, as was I, but he and I do not see eye to eye. I suggest we supply him with evidence that the other candidates do not have the interest of the Empire at heart. And to that end I believe if we just watch long enough we’ll no doubt come across something that Shockwave is keeping from even Soundwave.”

Blackwind motioned to her terminal. She flashed Thunderwing a smile before she brought up the audio from the lab.

The Thanatos--Corridors

"Follow I will commander. But the reasons behind it I crave," Weirdwolf had said. Shockwave did not take the opportunity to provide his Decepticon subordinate with an immediate response. Instead, they continued on in silence for the time being.

Arriving at last in front of the storage facility where the mechaforming technology had been kept, Shockwave handed the datapad that Razorclaw had provided to him over to Weirdwolf. He then cast a brief, appraising glance at the locked doors and then took a couple of measured steps backward.

"Imperative: enter the security codes exactly as they appear."

In spite of everything that had happened within the past few orns, or perhaps directly because of it, Shockwave's trust of those around him had dropped to barely functional levels. Moreover, the fact remained that he was still aboard the Predacons' personal vessel.

Such paranoia was typically the domain of the Seeker and his entourage, but with Megatron's status questionable at best, it would do them all well to exercise an additional measure of caution. If, for example, this storage area were rigged to assassinate the first individual who attempted to access its contents, better it be Weirdwolf than Shockwave.

"Proceed."