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The Brig

Once Thunderwing had left the entourage of ‘Cons and headed for the bridge, Razorclaw continued to follow Dreadwind and Darkwing to the brig where the Vehicons quickly lead Starscream into his cell. The Predacon Commander entered the containment facility behind them and immediately cast his gaze up at the observation deck where Shockwave and two other mechs were positioned, watching the proceedings that were taking place below. Razorclaw gave the Military Operations Commander a nod before turning back to his unit. “Predacons, remain down here. I will be up on the second level speaking with our cycloptic leader.”

With his order given, Razorclaw broke away from the rest of the group and headed for the security doors that would lead him up to the observation platform. Registering his presence, the two doors parted and granted him access to the restricted area. Being that the Predacon Commander was once the captain of the Thanatos, it made sense that the system would still accept his high level clearance. Of course, there had always been the possibility that the one eyed scientist had changed his security level while he was gone, but that was thankfully not the case.

Arriving on the upper deck, Razorclaw moved to stand next to Shockwave, giving both Skullcruncher and Contemptor a curt nod before addressing the purple mech. “Lord Shockwave, my Predacons and I are reporting back from our successful mission,” the lion-former began, reluctantly giving the walking calculator a respectful salute. “My apologies for taking longer than anticipated. Starscream put up quite the fight once he had arrived on board the Ultrax. A battle ensued and the Seeker Commander managed to send the ship into warp that resulted in the Stunticon frigate crashing into one of Earth’s oceans. The jump knocked everyone on board out for a few cycles before our systems rebooted. Afterwards, I fought Starscream one on one and bested him in close quarters combat. His injuries were severe, but he managed to survive. Once communications were restored, I contacted Soundwave and requested permission to return with our prisoner.”

Razorclaw lowered his hand and looked over the railing at the assembled Decepticons below. “As you can see, many of the crashed frigate’s occupants accompanied me back here to proclaim their loyalty to you in person, sir. However, the two seekers, Skywarp and Nightraven, have requested an audience with you, as well, but for different reasons. I believe they would like to beg for Starscream’s life. Heh.” The Predacon Commander then returned his complete attention to Shockwave. “Regardless, the Ultrax is a lost cause, I’m afraid. We were able to repair it to a certain extent but it will never fly again. Only a skeleton crew remains aboard for now and will require transportation here once the salvage aspect is completed.”

The lion-former then cast his gaze down at Starscream, who was requesting that his shackles be taken off now that he was secured within his cell. Razorclaw felt a great sense of delight in seeing the Seeker Commander in such a condition. However, the deceitful flyer still had a part to play if the mission to overthrow Shockwave was to be a success. Still, appearances needed to be maintained in order not to arouse suspicion. “I would advise caution when dealing with Starscream, my lord. Even while confined to a cell, he is still a dangerous mech and cannot be underestimated.”

Razorclaw looked back at Shockwave's purple visage, a singular optic burning brightly in the center. It was a cold, emotionless image if he ever saw one. The Predacon Commander couldn't wait to either be looking at it on the other side of a cell's containment field or seeing it snuffed out entirely. “If there is nothing further, Lord Shockwave, I would like to request some downtime for my Predacons in order to rest and recharge their circuits after the long mission. I, myself, still require a few quick repairs that I never received after my battle with Starscream. Unless, of course, you have a new assignment for us, sir.”
_________

Skywarp was relieved when Nightraven reluctantly agreed to do the majority of the talking once they were in Shockwave’s presence. Asking him to spare Starscream’s spark seemed like a useless plea that one would expect from a coward. Not to mention that the cycloptic mech would simply do whatever he wanted anyway regardless of how much begging he received from the two seekers. Still, the Air Commander’s orders were very clear and the teleporter would obey them no matter what. But that didn’t mean he had to do the actual pleading. Although, Nighty seemed just as worried as the prankster was about screwing things up, which could end with them all being thrown in the brig or worse - deactivated.

“I’m sure you’ll do fine,” Skywarp assured Nightraven in a whispered tone. “Way better than what I would say that’s for sure.” His words trailed off once they had arrived at the brig and the Seeker Commander was lead into a holding cell while Razorclaw made his way up to the observation platform to speak with Shockwave as Skullcruncher and another large mech that ‘Warp didn’t immediately recognize stood nearby. At one point, the Predacon Commander glanced down at the pair of seekers, and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what he was saying. Even the prankster could tell that they were being discussed by the higher ups.

The teleporter glanced over at Nightraven once again, that worried expression creeping back on to his faceplate. Things were about to get very tense for them at any moment, and it was quite possible that Shockwave could view them as a threat and incarcerate the two Starscream loyalists as a precaution no matter what was said. After all, there were plenty of empty cells left in the brig. “It seems that it’s almost time to make our plea, Nighty,” Skywarp whispered, wanting to take hold of her hand but resisting the urge while amongst so many other Decepticons. “Are you ready?”

The Brig

Nightraven kept her optics on Starscream while the Air Commander was shoved into his cell. The sight was almost too much for the Seeker femme causing her to cross her arms over her abdomen and break off her gaze. Nightraven took to staring at the floor trying to comprehend just how they all got into this mess…how she had gotten into this mess.

The low whispered tone of Skywarp drew her out of her melancholy. She raised her head and cast the black flier a barely noticeable smirk. She then responded to him in the same low whisper as he previously provided.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. And you know, Skywarp, you shouldn't ever cut yourself short. Think about it…if your life depended on it, or if the life of someone you cared about was at stake I’m sure you’d be able to do what needs to be done.”

The smile she had flashed him quickly faded leaving behind a neutral expression. Nightraven slowly lifted her gaze to the observation platform where she too caught the optics of Razorclaw meeting both her's and Skywarp’s lone forms.

She kept her attention on the Predacon Commander but the feel of Skywarp’s gaze had her looking back to the teleporter. The worried expression on his face only helped to work up her resolve. Speaking on behalf of not only Starscream but all of the Seekers was something she had to do…and do right.

“So it seems.”

Nightraven looked back to Skywarp and gave him a nod.

“I’m as ready as anyone could ever be in this kind of situation.”

She looked back up at the observation platform taking in the imposing form of Shockwave and the other mechs that flanked him. Nightraven drew in a deep intake, held it for a moment and stepped forward. As she passed by Skywarp she gently brushed his hand with her own. She would need all the help she could get even if it just was a fleeting touch.

Medical Bay

Inside a lonely, slightly derelict stasis pod on a dark corner of the bay; a vaguely humanoid figure stirred, starting first with small twitches of it's blocky fingers and then with it's "eyes" clicking open; giving the inside of the pod a ghostly red glow.

A handful of seconds later, the pod's hatch cracks open with an ominous hiss, it's occupant, Ramshot soon steps out of the sarcophagus-like device and steps on the floor of the bay with a dull, metallic thunk of his feet. Walking away from the pod and into the center of the room, the recently awakened Decepticon assesses his surroundings; taking note of the medical equipment and several occupied stasis pods, but with his attention particularly focused on a pod whose hatch was left open.

"I wasn't the first it seems."

Bringing up his mechanical hand to his face and watching intently as the appendage's fingers rapidly moved and squirmed for a couple of seconds before firmly clenching his hand, Ramshot heads straight for the door and exits the medical bay; an action that would draw much attention from anyone in close proximity.

Ship corridors outside of the Med Bay

Capsize approached the viewport, finally realizing where he was. As the stars lingered beyond, he was on a ship, similar if not likely larger than his Intruder back on Cybertron. There were still many questions that needed to be asked, such as how he got here from Earth, but those could wait for now.

The Med Bay doors hissed open, and for once Capsize was taken by surprise. His advanced sensors had not detected another Decepticon in the stasis pods, yet there he was, walking through the door with a very large gun. The single light that made for Capsize's optics slid along the visor towards the newcomer, his advanced radar unable to properly detect him. Instead, Capsize emitted a ping, and was relieved he could detect him and the rest of the ship through his sonar.

"Greetings, fellow," Capsize said, "Are you a compliment to this ship's crew? I do not recall boarding this vessel. In any event, I am Capsize, battlefield coordinator, interlink between commander and ground forces, and if need be, long range artillery support. We should report to the bridge, and receive orders. Decepticon warships are similar in design to each other. The bridge should be this way."

The Brig

Weirdwolf's report was satisfactory. Anything less than fully-functional equipment on a vessel of this magnitude that had been under the care of the Predacons for such an extensive period would have been highly unacceptable. With that measure assured, Shockwave waited as the next series of events began to unfold before him.

As Starscream was brought in to the brig, in restraints, and placed within one of the cells, Shockwave's cranial unit moved in sync with the Seeker's movements, watching him from the moment he entered the brig until the moment he was secured behind the walls of his new home.

As Starscream spoke, Shockwave listened silently as he attempted to make his case for lessening one of the security measures that had been employed against him. Another Decepticon would likely have been satisfied with the measures that were in place and would have seen no need for the restraints. For a mechanoid like Shockwave, however, such pleas fell on deaf audio receptors. There was no logical advantage to be gained by accommodating the Seeker Leader's request--thus, it would not be accommodated.

"Declarative--request denied," Shockwave began, choosing to address the Seeker rather than the drone. "However, we will speak further, Starscream. You and your unit may proceed with the requested downtime, Razorclaw. You are allotted .75 orns."

The Predacon Commander's counsel was not lost on him. One such as Starscream could never be underestimated. Contemptor's response seemed--erratic. At best. It was atypical from his standard functioning dossier. He had been one of the subjects exposed to the new energon derivative. Shockwave could not help but wonder if he was witnessing the beginnings of the first potentially deleterious effects of the ultra-energon. If so, Contemptor would have to be monitored more closely. In the meantime, Shockwave almost hoped that Starscream would try something illogical. For one, it would give him a suitable opportunity to test not only his own consumption of the energon derivative, but to see the effects upon the others as well. For two, it would preclude the Seeker's need for a disciplinary hearing and they could move directly in to the punishment phase.

"Procedure, Contemptor," Shockwave said, finally addressing the Decepticon's desires to simply execute all of the seeming opposition to the strategist's leadership. "We ignore it at our collective peril."

To that end, when Razorclaw had informed him that two of the Seeker's squadron associates were requesting an audience, the Decepticon imperator quickly made the calculation to grant it.

"Imperative: approach and speak," Shockwave said, his singular optic moving from Starscream's position to that of Skywarp and Nightraven. "I currently see little value in allowing well-known and close associates of Starscream to walk free without suitable assurances."

Ramshot turned his head to face the other Decepticon, who was most likely the one that got out of that other stasis pod. Just as Ramshot was about to head to the bridge to get updated on the current events of the war, the Decepticon greeted him; out of courtesy, the sniper turned to face his cyclopean brother in arms and listened to his statement intently.

Capsize? Never heard of you. You seem competent enough judging from your position though.

Ramshot silently nodded in compliance to Capsize's first question, for he had been stationed in Thanatos for the past couple of stellar cycles; though with being put into stasis taken into account, he was probably in the ship for a far longer time.

When Capsize mentioned the way to the bridge, Ramshot already began to follow the path; And as was about to pass the cyclopean Decepticon, the sniper spoke.

"Name's Ramshot."

Laboratory

Deathdancer let out a little squeak when Contemptor patted her right on top of her little head. She fell still and watched as he made his somewhat dramatic exit. Curious, she scampered over to the remains of the decimated drone and poked at it. Unremarkable as it had been in life. Now in death, it was fascinating. She never got tired of seeing the dead and dying. It struck her that she should say a few words.

"Gears to gears and rust to rust, we all gotta do what we must!" Deathdancer chirped happily in a sing-song voice.

The psychopath merrily scooped up the drone's remains and skipped over to Mal Practice. She proffered up the remains of the drone like some sort of sacrificial lamb, her optics glowing bright with subdued childlike excitement.

"Present! For you! If you want it!"

The demented tactician held it out to Mal, its fuel dripping down her arms and onto the floor. She noted a speck of dust on it and wiped it off, incidentally smearing the fuel on the spot as well. Her smile brightened as she proffered the drone again.

"There, perfect!"

The Brig

It was expected that his requested would be denied, but it never did hurt to ask. However, Starscream still needed to play his part and that meant doing what he was good at…irritating those around him. Only this time he would need to keep things subtle.

“Of course it would be denied.”

Starscream let out a grated sigh as the Vehicon behind him shoved across the upper back making him stumble slightly into the cell that he would call home until the Cyclops decided to finally pay him his exalted visit.

With a pained hiss the Air Commander stopped his advance and turned on his heal. He let out a deep growl before he started in toward the drone that promptly raised his weapon. The Seeker quickly halted where he stood and simply stared until the Vehicon retreated out the door and ignited the brightly illuminated energon bars.

With nothing left for the Seeker Commander to do Starscream found a place against the back wall. He let out a defeated sigh before lowering himself to the floor. Waiting was not his forte, but if the plan was to work he had to play his part flawlessly…easy enough.
____

The beckoning from the bulky purple mech nearly made the smaller femme flinch in apprehension. It seemed as though the fate of not only Starscream himself, but the fate of the Seekers rested on her already overburdened shoulders.

Nightraven took another look to Skywarp before she ascended up to the observation platform. It was faster to make the trip using her heel thrusters and seconds later she had touched down lightly before Shockwave.

Upon landing the black femme was sure to show the Commander the proper respect by offering him a salute. She then lowered her hand back to her side and lowered her gaze to the floor between them. Nightraven then lifted her head back up and met the large mech’s one optic with both of her own.

“Commander. We greatly appreciate your agreement to an audience.”

She held his gaze for a moment; at least she hoped it was a gaze she could never really know.

“I say ‘we’ because this concerns not only the Air Commander, but the entirety of the Seeker Corps.”

Several astroseconds of silence passed giving Nightraven time to collect her thoughts. This was harder than she had anticipated.

“The future of the empire, Lord Megatron’s empire is what we all believe in. You know as well as anyone that in order to bring about the end to this war that you must utilize all available resources. We are your finest resources.”

The Femme Seeker cast a long gaze over her shoulder…first to Skywarp and then to Starscream who was quietly waiting for his audience in his bare cell.

“But in order to employ these resources you first must have a way of controlling them. Our Air Commander, Starscream, is the only one capable of providing you with the means to do just that. Starscream can and will ensure you the air support you will no doubt need.”

Nightraven looked back to Shockwave and held that lone optic’s gaze for what she felt was an eternity before she finally broke her silence.

“Spare Starscream. Spare him and with him we will win this war. With him we will create the empire Lord Megatron had so long fought to create.”

The Brig

Razorclaw nodded as Shockwave granted his unit permission for some well deserved downtime. This opportunity away from the cycloptic mech would allow the Predacon Commander the time required to ascertain the situation as it currently stood on board the Thanatos and thus make an eventual decision on the best course of action to take at just the right moment. Until he had all of the facts at his disposal, the lion-former would make no rash or premature moves that would lose him all that he had gained in recent cycles with the defeat of Starscream. Now was the time for patience even if the rest of his supporters did not fully comprehend his intentions.

“Thank you, my lord,” Razorclaw responded plainly to Shockwave. “My team and I will report back to you in .75 orns as instructed. Until then we will take our leave.” The Predacon lord reluctantly bowed his head to the Military Operations Commander in order to maintain the charade. The lion-former then turned on his heel and descended the stairs to the lower level of the brig where he rejoined his squad. “Predacons, downtime has been granted. Be sure to get recharged and rearmed. With Starscream on board, we must still remain vigilant and ready for anything at a moment’s notice. Understood?”

Razorclaw’s words were meant to mask the real reason that he wanted his squad at the ready, and he was sure that his men understood that reason. Starscream wasn’t the primary concern, it was Shockwave and his supporters. The moment to strike had not yet come, but it would soon enough and the Predacons needed to be prepared. In the meantime, the lion-former had work to do apart from his team. “If there is nothing further, then you are dismissed.”

Turning away from his unit, Razorclaw gave Motormaster and the others a curt nod before exiting the brig and heading down the corridor. His destination was the nearest data center where he would access the ship’s log in order to be brought up to speed on everything that had transpired on board while he and the Predacons were away. At the same time, he needed to be mindful not to arouse too much suspicion as Soundwave was always watching and listening from his communications perch up on the bridge.
_________

Skywarp watched with baited breath as Nightraven used her heel thrusters to ascend to the observation desk and stand before Shockwave in order to make her plea. By then, Razorclaw had already left the cycloptic mech’s side and returned to his unit on the lower level of the brig. The teleporter barely paid any mind to the lion-former’s orders or the departure of the Predacons. ‘Warp simply remained focused on the seeker femme and her words to the Military Operations Commander.

She made a good case to spare Starscream’s life, proving that she was indeed the best mech to do most of the talking. Skywarp would have certainly screwed it up or said something that would likely have been perceived as being disrespectful. Nighty’s mini speech rang true to the prankster and made a lot of strategic sense. The Seeker Corps was a great asset to the Empire, if not the greatest asset. However, would Shockwave agree with that assessment or would he scoff at the notion that without the Seekers, the war against the Autobots could not be won? Only time would tell now.

Vanishing from the lower level, the teleporter reappeared on the observation platform directly next to Nightraven. She had seemed very nervous during her plea to Shockwave and it just didn’t feel right for Skywarp to remain so far away while she risked her own safety being so close to the one eyed scientist. The prankster looked to the seeker femme briefly before turning his attention to the purple mech and giving an unenthusiastic salute. Once that difficult task was over and done with, the teleporter decided to add something to Nighty’s already perfect appeal.

“Commander Shockwave,” Skywarp began, pausing for a moment to choose his words carefully. ”I would just like to add that we are no threat to you. We just want Starscream’s life to be spared. Neither myself nor Nightraven will cause any trouble for you while on board. I promise.”

Data Center

Razorclaw entered the facility where a variety of computer systems and other components were housed on board the Thanatos. It was the perfect place for the Predacon lord to gather his thoughts and also find the particulars that he required to help him make the most informed decision on how best to overthrow Shockwave and when exactly to make that move. The lion-former already knew that the cycloptic mech had been hard at work on refining the Ore-13, but he did not yet know how far those experiments had gotten or if anyone had utilized the new energon beyond the testing phase.

Taking seat at the nearest terminal, Razorclaw entered his security clearance codes and quickly accessed the warship’s primary log where the answers would be found. Scanning through the data that scrolled down the view screen in front of him, the lion-former discovered the identifies of all those who had been awakened from stasis during his mission to the Ultrax. Shockwave had built up quite the army of supporters for himself, but how many of them were really on his side or were simply following the only option they had available to them? Perhaps some of these new ‘Cons could be reasoned with and convinced that the Predacon lord was a better option. It was something to at least consider in the cycles to come.

Razorclaw then moved on to more interesting things like a mission down to the old Decepticon Earth base within the volcano Mount St. Helens where human facsimiles were once again being utilized. It was intriguing in respect that some of Shockwave’s supporters were no longer on the Thanatos and therefore were not a concern at the present time. If they could be kept on the surface somehow until the lion-former made his move and took control then all the better. They could be dealt with accordingly after the fact.

Finally, the Predacon lord found what he was really looking for. The update on the processing of the Ore-13, or Ultra Energon as it was now being called. Based on the vast amount of data available, Razorclaw was able to summarize that the new ore had, in fact, been stabilized and successfully tested on both Darkwing and Dreadwind. As a result, several additional Decepticons on board had been exposed to the ultra energon, including Shockwave, himself.

This was a stunning turn of events that changed the game plan considerably. Even with the option of awakening an army of Vehicons, Razorclaw now knew that he and his men could not simply attack the cycloptic lord without first powering up with this new energon, as well. Otherwise, the end result would be less than successful to say the very least. Unfortunately, the science lab were the ultra energon was being administered seemed to be locked down and under constant surveillance. Not to mention, Shockwave would not be willing to trust Razorclaw or his team with this new found power source so soon after almost being arrested by them back on Cybertron.

It was a dilemma to be sure but not an insurmountable one. Razorclaw just had to be very patient and wait for the right moment. It was clear that Soundwave would have to be dealt with in some capacity, whether that be by simple distraction or by brute force. Either way, it would take perfect timing, and a lot of luck, for everything to work out in the Predacon lord’s favor.

Brig

Motormaster had followed Razorclaw and his party to the brig with high expectations. Being able to see Starscream being humiliated was one thing but the promise of action to come was what really kept the notorious leader of the Stunticons going. The set up itself seemed perfect for an old fashioned brawl. Thanatos' brig was not too large. Between Motormaster's own team, the Predacons and Shockwave's goons - there really wasn't much room to maneuver. Were the situation to escalate here, the environment would fit Motormaster's style of fighting perfectly.

In close quarters like this, Darkwing and Dreadwind would fall in matter of astroseconds. Weirdwolf would prove to be a challenge. The tracker was a skilled close-range fighter with as much speed as the fastest of the Predacons if not more. Still, Motormaster had no doubt he and the Predacons could quickly overwhelm the odd warrior due to his close proximity. Now, Contemptor and Skullcruncher were a bigger threat. The two big Decepticons guarding Shockwave had the advantage of upper ground. Their position would make it easy for the two pin everyone down on the lower level of the brig with their firepower. Even worse, Shockwave himself had the very same advantage. And the ol' one eye had the firepower to cut pretty much anyone down with just one carefully aimed blast. Yeah, perhaps the hostile takeover had to be postponed. But despite the odds, Motormaster still felt he was ready to take his chances just to get a chance to punch someone's face in.

As expected, Razorclaw proceeded to disappoint Motormaster. Nothing surprising there - the Predacon commander was known for his excessive patience. For that ridiculous perfectionism he sought before choosing to act. And even the Stunticon had to admit that this situation was far from ideal. That being said, patience really wasn't one of Motormaster's strong points. Fortunately enough for Razorclaw, he still did have enough common sense not to blow of Razorclaw's plan because of it. The question was though - how long it would take before the Stunticon brute would run out of what little patience he had? Razorclaw had better remember how volatile some of his allies were if he wanted to succeed. If the Predacon would not come up with something to do for the likes of Motormaster soon enough - there was no guarantee he'd still have their support later on.

As Razorclaw took his leave, Motormaster proceeded to shake his head in disdain. The Predacon was just going to leave them here? Fragging great. Knowing Shockwave, the abyss would freeze over before the cyclops would even take notice of the Stunticons. At least, that was pretty much how Motormaster felt about waiting...