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Briefing room

Thundercracker grimaced when Megatron sent Blitzwing flying across the room. He had seen it coming from megamile away but he was baffled how the others forgot so easily. Megatron had always been harsh, from the day one. And it had only got worse through the thousands of vorns of struggle against the Autobot resistance.

Nevertheless, he wasn't able to relax before Megatron had turned his attention away. Luckily it was old friend Skywarp that managed to reel him away from his thoughts about the past.

"Heh, I sure don't know if you'll ever learn." Thundercracker replied grinning. "Besides, I bet you didn't even notice my absence from your little raid, being all hyped up for a chance to let out some steam. Not that I believe for a single astrosecond that you guys didn't see Sunstreaker dropping me from the sky earlier."

Briefing room

Blitzwing picked himself up, Megatron's harsh words still ringing in his mind. He ignored Skywarp. Thrust, on the other hand, was a bit of an annoyance. His sympathy is wasted on me. He turned to the conehead. "Didn't you listen? He was right. We've all grown weak from this planet. We've started fighting like the creatures we should be slaughtering. Besides, I've been due for some training anyway."

He turned to Soundwave. "Get me when you need me. I'll be fixing the damage this place has done." He left the room without another word.

Corridors

Blitzwing began silently thinking on Megatron's words. I've ben fighting sneakily and underhandedly. I'm more focused on style than results. Well, no more. This 'con is gonna go back. I'll train 24/7, or what ever this stupid place's timeframe is. The autobots will fear me when I'm done. He smiled. Oh, yeah, this is gonna get fun. Real fun.

Briefing Room

“As you command, Megatron.”

The harmonics of Soundwave’s voice shifted subtly reflecting the pride with which he spoke these familiar words. As always, Soundwave would follow Megatron’s directives with the precision that set him apart from the other Decepticons. It was not a sense of loyalty to Megatron that he performed so. It was his need to be near the top of the Decepticon hierarchy. Even if Starscream managed to pull off his coup and replace Megatron as leader, Soundwave would do his best to be there performing the same role as always. However, as was necessary in his position in the hierarchy, Soundwave would do all within his power to protect Megatron. Above all, the stability of the Decepticon Empire was the most important thing, and truthfully Soundwave doubted that Starscream would ever rise any higher than Seeker Commander. Megatron was ruthlessly intelligent and charismatic. It would take a dramatic turn of events to depose Megatron. By Soundwave’s analysis, the likelihood of such an occurrence was essentially nil.

At the moment it was time for Soundwave to get to work. As he moved toward the door to commence his task, he was interrupted by the upstart Stryfe’s offer of help in his task. The thought of him needing anyone else’s help was laughable, if Soundwave ever laughed. A Decepticon with Soundwave’s computational capacity didn’t need help. If anything, having help would retard his progress. Aside from Reflector there were few Decepticons he could rely on. However, Soundwave saw the opportunity to see what Stryfe was capable of. By assessing all the Decepticon’s capabilities, Soundwave was better able to manipulate them to serve his ends. Perhaps Stryfe would make a decent covert operative for him. What he needed now was a task that would put Stryfe to the test without significantly affecting Soundwave’s progress, a task that would prove the tactician’s capacity to think beyond simple needs. Soundwave needed to know if there was any substance behind the bravado. At the same time, the task had to be such that Soundwave’s influence was not seen or could be masked should anything go awry. As it so happened, Soundwave had just such a task in mind for Stryfe.

“Come with me,” he said to Stryfe. Soundwave seldom wasted time using superfluous words. He spoke short and direct, concise if you asked him. It was a part of his deportment he calculatingly used to maximum effect, allowing him to be precise and ambiguous at the same time making it difficult to determine his motives or personal opinions. Essentially, it kept the other Decepticons guessing.

He left the briefing room quickly and headed for the communications center, assuming that Stryfe would be in tow. For the sake of efficiency, Soundwave dispatched Laserbeak as he walked the corridors. Springing from his chest compartment Laserbeak transformed and flew in a circle giving a loud squawk. Alighting upon Soundwave’s shoulder, the metallic bird-like mechanoid eagerly awaited instructions. “Laserbeak depart immediately for the location known as Area 51. Mission: covert observation," Soundwave ordered his loyal cassetticon. With that Laserbeak swiftly flew down the corridor and was out of sight in mere nanoseconds. At his top speed it would take Laserbeak roughly two and a half earth hours to achieve his target. Soundwave would have plenty of time to set Stryfe to his task then get situated at his computer console to collate the data Megatron requested.

Command Center
Mixmaster stared as the seeker was hurled against the wall by their great leader. The constructor heard his question clarified, as he was not fit for commands on a battlefield, and needed to know his orders. He knew everything had an outcome, but thinking of the outcomes always gave him a memory lapse.
Mixmaster knew that if he was sent to attack on the base with the intention of keeping anyone alive, he'd blow their cover before the seekers. It wasn't every day humans used Constructors on their facilities. Sounded like they'd be getting there via Astrotrain, or at least, he would have to, until he remembered about the 'bouncer'.
"Megatron was right. Guess I've gone a bit lazy. All I've been doing is pouring steel girders for the base. Been ages since I cracked an autobot's cranial biplate. If anyone needs me, I'll be in the training room, until it's time for the mission to start." He gave his allies a brief, haphazard mock salute, and moved toward the door.
Main Hall
I feel like a bucket of rust. Can't believe how long I had to spend healing. I wonder what happened to the others. I thought a few more of us had come here to Earth.
Training Center
Mixmaster grinned as he looked about the familiar training center. There were all manner of things around. Holo-targets, mini drones, simulation weaponry, a weightset based on equipment the Cybertronian Military had used. Mix usually had one of the worst aims, or at least compared to the seekers. He didn't know about Soundwave. He never left the intel room except for meetings, as far as he was concerned. Mix couldn't remember the last time he saw Soundwave brawl. The 'con grudgingly picked up the training pistol. All the weapons were toned down so the cons didn't blast a hole through the base, and set up the holo target, taking potshots.

Briefing Room

“Sorry I wasn’t able to help you, Thundercracker”, Skywarp replied to his friend’s comment about Sunstreaker shooting him out of the sky earlier. “I had to pick up a disgusting human and drop him off at base. Then it was off to Falin. I figured you weren’t hurt too bad and was going to catch up to us. No hard feelings I hope.” Skywarp smiled hoping the blue seeker wasn’t mad at him. They were long time friends and had been through a lot of battles together. It would be a shame for something like this to put a strain on their relationship.

‘Warp then heard Mixmaster talk about going down to the training room for a bit of target practice. “That’s not a bad idea. I could use a little practice against something other than a bunch of pathetic flesh sacks,” Skywarp said, heading for the door. He then stopped and looked back at Thundercracker. “You coming, ol’ buddy? We can take our frustrations out on those stupid training drones. Whaddaya say?”

Briefing room

"It was just a scratch." Thundercracker told Skywarp and gave his friend a pat to show he had not taken any offense.

"A scratch that took out my other horizontal stabilizer." He added with a grin. "Could have propably still outmaneuvered an Aerialbot. Too bad Sunstreaker and Sideswipe a more of a challenge."

With the aspect of practicing brought up Thundercracker hesitated. "Are you sure we will have time for it?"

"Megatron is not exactly known for his patience..." He added quietly.

Briefing Room

"Glad to hear it was only a scratch," Skywarp responded to Thundercracker as he moved back towards his blue companion. He was relieved that his friend was not angry with him. It would take more than something like this to put a wedge in their friendship. "Yeah, those Autobot twins can put up quite a fight. We're still better, though."

The blue seeker then asked asked if they would have time to train. "You have a point 'Cracker," Skywarp agreed. "We wouldn't want to get stuck in the training room when Megatron called on us. Although, I could always just teleport us both outta there real quick. That's always an option." The black and purple seeker paused a moment before continuing, "Unless, of course, you've got something else in mind we could do while we wait. If so, then I'm all audio receptors, Thundercracker."

Training Center

Blitzwing entered, the center, looking for a test for him. He soon found the perfect one. Great. Not too tough, not too weak. I could take it on, and have a decent chance. He approached his training method of choice.

Before starting, Blitzwing set all his weapons to stun. He didn't want anyone to get hurt, after all. Then I'd REALLY be dead... Unless it was Starscream. Megs wouldn't mind too much. He prepared to "boot up" his target.

"Hey Mixmaster, You feel like sparrin'?"

Command Center

It had not taken Megatron long to locate an appropriate human facsimile for their plan. A high ranking Air Force General had recently been replaced by one of their creations. It was unfortunate that they were forced to expend such a valuable resource at this stage of the infiltration but the situation left little choice. As he understood the military organization of this Earth nation, this human was the only one they controlled with the authority and influence to gain entrance to the military base they were after without considerable notice and additional authority.

This human would be able to carry both himself and Soundwave inside in their smaller, relatively innocuous alternate modes. He wanted to see with his own optics what the source of these energy emissions was. Soundwave’s sensors would be able to lead them right to it and also help evaluate the situation. Once he knew what he was dealing with he would move himself to deal with the problem. The other Decepticons would wait nearby to be called in to clean up the situation, wiping out the rest of the base to make sure no trace of their presence was left there.

Of course, full secrecy would only be assured if the human spy satellites were disabled, a task he had assigned to Soundwave. He had no great desire to wipe out all of the spy satellites in orbit, as it would be a time and energy consuming process. He trusted his loyal officer to identify those particular satellites that would be in position to observe them as their attack began. The operation needed to be swift and secretive. He could only hope that these Decepticons would be capable of pulling it off.

The Autobots were the one wildcard. While they would move to deal with the situation as well they were likely to take a gentler approach, assuming it wasn’t one of their own number behind it to begin with. He would have to make sure to leave a rearguard to watch for their approach. He would not allow himself to be trapped and unprepared when and if they arrived.

The Decepticon supreme commander opened a communication frequency to Soundwave. >>”Soundwave, mission status report? Have you identified the satellites that need to be eliminated?”<<

Briefing Room

"Hah. Teleport us out with our systems full of energon and ammunition? Considering your average training routines... You must have become a magician." Thundercracker joked, flashing a wide grin.

"I am afraid I cannot offer you anything more interesting though." The blue seeker said empathically. "This place hasn't exactly given us much to do other than watching those fraggin' monitors orn after orn. If it keeps going on with this pace I'll have learned more about these fleshlings because of sheer boredom than I have ever learned about the Autobots."

"And it isn't like our little conflict hasn't lasted for few thousands of vorns so far." He smirked.

Command and Control Center

Soundwave settled in at his computer console enjoying the quiet comfort of his usual post. Here he could escape the incessant prattle of the other Decepticons and get some real work done. This particular console had bet customized for him with the help of Reflector. It was the perfect tool for him to accomplish the task that Megatron had appointed him. Tracing which satellites were used by this human military outpost would be a simple enough though laborious task. He had at least an hour until Laserbeak reached his target, plenty of time to get the info he needed to pass on to Astrotrain.

The tips of Soundwave’s fingers opened to reveal the wiring that allowed him to interface with virtually any computer in existence. Snaking across the computer keypad, the wires made their way to the familiar ports that linked Soundwave’s consciousness directly to the operating system of his own design. This software was created to take advantage of Soundwave’s unique intelligence. Most Transformers would be driven insane simply by the pure volume of information processed in mere nano-kliks. Soundwave merely needed to direct his thoughts methodically to acquire the information he needed at any given time.

He began to focus on locating the signals of any objects currently in orbit around the earth. From there he would be able to monitor the type of information being sent. Surely the satellites he was looking for would be heavily encrypted making them easier to distinguish from any run of the mill telecommunications satellites. Soundwave was surprised as his cursory evaluation of objects orbiting earth revealed a number of satellites that was excessive by Cybertronian standards. Apparently, the concept of multi-functional units was beyond the scope of human capabilities. This fact only increased the disdain Soundwave already had for the earth creatures.

After a few minutes Soundwave had isolated all military satellites that were still functioning at full capacity. By analyzing the data he found it was encoded using an archaic 128 bit encryption. Able to encrypt data himself to levels far superior to these earth codes, Soundwave had no trouble veiling his presence. Though it was unlikely the humans would ever detect his signal he had no doubt that his encryption would never be broken by any means the earthlings had available. Satisfied that his veil protocols were secure, Soundwave set about interpreting the data he was receiving. It turned out that the satellites predominantly originated from Russia and the United States. Focusing on the American satellites he found a remarkable amount of data sharing between them, but four of them seemed to act as central relays. It was by monitoring the messages of these four satellites that Soundwave was able to isolate the two that serviced their designated target: Area 51.

Satisfied with his results, Soundwave prepared a data pad for Astrotrain outlining the two satellites orbital trajectories and all relevant data pertaining to the pair so Astrotrain would be sufficiently briefed for his portion of the mission. It was as he prepared this information he received a transmission from Megatron.

<<Affirmative Megatron. Data pad prepared for Astrotrain. Laserbeak ETA one half cycle to target.>>

Soundwave said no more. He knew if Megatron had further instructions he needn’t ask for them. Instead, he dispatched Ravage to have him deliver the data pad to Astrotrain. Soundwave didn’t trust using a drone to carry such vital information. He didn’t want the information to fall into the wrong hands, and Ravage he could trust to get it there. It was simply a matter of control. If Soundwave couldn’t control the flow of information, his power among the Decepticon ranks would decrease significantly. Ravage took off with the data pad while Soundwave diverted his attention back to his computer to see what other information he could find about this Area 51 that might prove useful.

CR Chamber

Runamuck exit's the CR chamber, that he has grown so accustomed to. He knows he takes a toll on his body, and wouldn't have it any other way. "Mwahhoowee," he shouts, "lock up your fem-bots, and lock your doors, Runamuck is back in business!"

"Looks kinda dead around here," he thinks to himself. As he exits the chamber he gives a yell into the hallway "Where y'all at? We playin hide-n-seek, or somethin? Come out, come out where ever you are!" He walks down the hall to the training center.

Training Center

"Hey Blitzwing you lookin for a tussle, or just standin around?" Runamuck turns down his friction rifle, not out of concern for others, but he's been warned before about destroying the base.

Briefing Room

Skywarp laughed, "I wish I were a magician." He then patted his blue friend on the shoulder. "Once again you're right, 'Cracker. Teleporting with all that energon and ammo would end badly. Heh." Thundercracker always knew how to make Skywarp smile and remind him that he couldn't do everything. While the idea of teleporting out of a training simulation sounded like a good idea in principle, it certainly wasn't a safe idea, which was not something 'Warp had considered.

"Yeah, I've already learned far more about these flesh creatures then I ever wanted to know," Skywarp responded to Thundercracker's next comment. "I mean I first had to transport one to Soundwave and suffer through the little flesh sack crawling around inside my cockpit. Then Blitzwing was kind enough the throw one into Thrust's engines and I got splattered with disgusting organic matter! It tell ya, if I never see another human again it'll be too soon."

Just then, Skywarp heard the sound of someone shouting somewhere out in the corridors. For a brief astrosecond, he saw an all white form pass by the doorway and then disappear from sight. "Huh? Was that Runamuck?" 'Warp asked Thundercracker, amazed. "About time he got out of that CR chamber. You think we should go fill him in on everything or should we just let him find out that Megatron's here for himself?"

Briefing Room

After catching a glimpse of Runamuck as well, Thundercracker turned to face Skywarp again. "Are you sure you want to fill him in? Wouldn't that be time well wasted?"

A sly grin appeared on the face of the blue seeker. While usually rather a peacemaker between other Decepticons than someone to arouse trouble, Thundercracker wasn't exactly fond of the two selftitled battlechargers. "It is just matter of time that lunatic gets himself back into the CR chamber like his buddy Runabout. Could as well have some fun on his expense."

"Or what do you think? Haven't seen too many pranks from you lately." Thundercracker added with a mischevous gleam in his optics.

Briefing Room

Skywarp’s optics widened and a smile spread across his faceplate at Thundercracker’s suggestion. “A prank? What an excellent idea. I haven’t done one in a while. Although with Megatron here, I’d have to be careful not to do something too bad that would tick him off. The joke could end up on me.”

‘Warp thought about it for a moment. It had been countless cycles since he had last played a prank on someone and even longer since he had last pulled a really good one. And there was Megatron to consider. Starscream never really cared if Skywarp pulled a prank here and there just as long as he didn’t cause any major damage to the base or to a comrade. But now with Megatron here, the black and purple seeker may not be able to get away with as much without ending up the victim of the Decepticon leader’s fusion cannon.

“Mmmmm, I could go up to Runamuck and pretend to have a bad case of cosmic rust. Can you imagine his reaction to me saying that? It would be priceless.” Skywarp couldn’t help but laugh at the thought. “Or I could gather up some spare parts and teleport overhead and then dump them on him.” Skywarp quickly dismissed that idea. “On second thought, we probably can’t afford to waste the parts. Not to mention it would be too noisy and might attract Megatron’s attention. But what else could I do?”

Then an idea came to him. “I’ve got it!” Skywarp exclaimed as he reached into subspace storage and pulled out a can of lubricant. “Let’s see if Runamuck can walk on grease! Ha! Come on, Thundercracker! You won’t want to miss this!” Without wasting another astrosecond, Skywarp exited the briefing room and headed in the direction Runamuck had just gone.

Corridors - Outside the Training Room

Skywarp caught a glimpse of Runamuck entering the training facility. Once the doors had slid shut, the prankster hurried down the corridor and began smearing lubricant all over the floor in front of the doorway. After he was finished 'Warp hurried back down the hallway and hid just around the corner where he waited for Runamuck to exit and fall flat on his aft section. Hee hee! This'll be good!

Area 51

Laserbeak cautiously approached the Groom Lake military outpost. He took a moment to get a look at the base from the hills outside the perimeter fence. From this vantage point he could see a group of humans with a variety of surveillance equipment, obviously trying to get their own view of the activity on the base. Caution would be required to keep from being detected by them. Laserbeak decided it would be most prudent to approach from the opposite side, thus avoiding any repercussions from Megatron which he wanted to avoid at all cost.

Circumnavigating Groom Lake, Laserbeak could see what seemed to be a nondescript military installation. If he didn’t know better, he’d have thought he was in the wrong place. His initial surveillance revealed a cluster of plain buildings among a series of runways, one of which was unusually long. There were very few signs of activity on the ground, but surely anything important would be in a heavy bunker deep underground to avoid detection. It was necessary to get much closer if he was going to uncover the location of the missing Cybertronian technology.

Keeping close to the ground, Laserbeak moved in avoiding the men armed with M-16’s driving Jeep Cherokees. Luckily for him, Laserbeak could see that the men were moving on an intercept course with the group of humans with the surveillance gear. That would make Laserbeak’s task even easier with the security forces preoccupied with those foolish humans. His sensitive audio receptors were trained on finding any activity on base. Spotting a few large transport aircraft parked next to a large building, Laserbeak swooped into the shadow of the nearest to remain hidden as he focused his search.

From his hiding spot, Laserbeak was able to pick up numerous conversations but he couldn’t pick out the details of what was being said. He flew up to a window in the building next to him to get a better look. From here he could see row upon row of humans sitting at long tables stuffing organic matter into their mouths as they conversed lively. Laserbeak processed the numerous conversations trying to pick out key words that might lead him to the Cybertronian technology. Fortunately for Laserbeak, these humans obviously were unconcerned about the security of their conversations as it didn’t take long to realize that many of them were abuzz about this wondrous new discovery of theirs.

There was one man of particular interest to Laserbeak who wore a gold oak leaf on his uniform where the others wore chevrons. Accompanied by two others, they sat apart from the main group and spoke in hushed tones. They spoke of a project called ‘Skyfall’ and referred to an object that gave off a radiation of an unknown wavelength that appeared to have no effect on organic life forms. It was clear from the speed of their conversation that there was excitement for the coming tests on the object. There was no indication, however, of where the object was located. Laserbeak would have to wait and see if one of these humans would unwittingly lead him to the location of project Skyfall. If not he would have to isolate one of these humans and interrogate it, a prospect that he was hopeful for. It would afford him the opportunity of fulfilling his primary role which he seemed to have less and less time for lately. For the time being, Laserbeak would communicate his findings to Soundwave to receive orders for his next course of action. He flew back into the shadow of the aircraft to transmit the recording of the conversation he had eavesdropped on and awaited further instructions.


Command and Control

Soundwave received the transmission from Laserbeak and was somewhat disappointed that his minion was unable to determine the location of the Cybertronian technology. It was of little consequence, it just meant that Soundwave had bit more work to do than he had anticipated. Turning back to his computer console, Soundwave began working his way through the data of the military computers in Area 51 looking for information on project Skyfall. The details were few and far between. The level of security the humans placed on this project was far beyond any of the other data in their systems. Soundwave was able to locate the project location after a few minutes of searching. It seemed that project Skyfall was housed in a bunker located three miles beneath the surface, designated Foxtrot Tango 9. This bunker could only be accessed through a network of corridors and heavy lifts. According to the schematic even the tallest of Decepticons would have little trouble negotiating the way.

Pleased with his results Soundwave responded to Laserbeak. <<Stand by for further instructions.>> He then opened a private encrypted comm-link to Megatron. <<Hail Megatron. Laserbeak has uncovered detail on the Cybertronian technology. The data has been processed and technology located. What are your orders?>>

"Blitzwing must be runnin' self diagnostics or somethin'," Runamuck says to himself as he exits the room. a loud slam as he lands tailpipe first on the ground. "Slag-nation! Primus scorned, Unicron spawned, transistor tearin' son of a drone!" Runamuck shouts as he bursts into a slew of curse words and insults. "Why does this stuff always happen to me," mumbling to himself as he tries to pick himself up only to fall again. "Some days it doesn't pay to get out of stasis."

Corridors - Outside the Training Room

Thundercracker hadn't been able to get a single word in after Skywarp got his creativity flowing. With little choice on the matter, Thundercracker set off after his mischevous friend as the purple and black seeker hurried towards the training room.

Arriving just in time to join Skywarp around the corner and to see his friend's most recent prank come into fruitation, Thundercracker had difficult time avoiding bursting into laugher after seeing Runamuck's airborne stunt and the following cursing. Snickering, Thundercracker withdrew behind Skywarp, letting his comrade in arms to get the first laugh.

Corridors – Outside the Training Room

Skywarp watched from around the corner with utter glee as Runamuck slipped on the lubricant and fell right on his aft. “Ha! Ha! Did you see that, Thundercracker? I love it when a prank comes together so perfectly. Just like the good ol’ days, huh?” Skywarp loved to have fun at another’s expense, especially someone like Runamuck, whose curse-filled response made it all the more enjoyable. "I had forgotten what a foul mouth he has."

Skywarp continued to watch as the battle charger attempted to stand up only to fall once more with a loud thud. The teleporter couldn't hold back any longer and immediately burst into laughter that echoed throughout the corridors.

Picking himself up to the echoing sound of laughter, Runamuck knew what had happened. "Games huh? I got a game. Lets play TAG! I'm it!" Runamuck quickly transforms, and tires screech as he tears threw the hallway toward the infuriating sound of his mockers.

Command Center

Megatron had just finished contacting the facsimile when Soundwave informed him of Laserbeak’s success. All of the pieces were now in place. Now he just had to set things in motion.

>>”Well done Soundwave. Report to the hangar and prepare for orbital bounce.”<<

The Decepticon leader switched frequencies on his internal communicator. When he spoke it was broadcast to every Decepticon in the base.

>>”Decepticons, it is time to make our move against the pathetic inhabitants of this world and remove whatever of our technology has fallen into their hands. No trace of our presence must be left, not witnesses left alive. There should be nothing left of the human base but rubble. It will stand as a lesson to them about experimenting with technology far beyond them.

Skywarp, Thundercracker, Blitzwing, Mixmaster and Runamuck, you will head to the coordinates I am sending you now. You will remain hidden in this ‘Grand Canyon’ and avoid any and all contact with the humans. Once Soundwave and I have determined the extent of the technology the humans have acquired I will summon you to decimate the base.

Astrotrain, you will launch into orbit and use the data Soundwave collected to locate the spy satellites orbiting overhead that could potentially discover our attack. On my signal you will destroy them.

The Autobots are likely aware of the situation as well, due to their spies. They are probably formulating their own plans to deal with the situation. Those plans mean nothing to us. We will destroy this pathetic human base. Should the Autobots get in our way they will suffer our wrath as well. By protecting the humans they only show how weak they are, how unworthy they are to rule. We will show them how a superior race deals with fleshling rabble.

This mission is of the utmost importance. You have already been reminded of your recent failures. You will not fail this time. There is no other option.”<<

Megatron stood up and left the command center. He was done making speeches and giving orders. His troops would either obey and succeed or perish. There would be others to take their place.

Hangar

Astrotrain jogged into the hangar, datapad in hand. He had mixed feelings about his little part of the mission. It would definitely be nice to get out of the base again, even travel into space. It wasn’t something he often got to do on this stage of infiltration, especially not having to haul any other Decepticons up there with him. The mission was pretty easy too, always a plus when the big leader personally had his optics looking at you. On the other hand he was going to miss out on the main bit of action. He could only hope that the Autobots would show up and he would get called in to tip the odds in the Cons favor.

The triplechanger shifted to his space shuttle mode. With a blast from his powerful engines he rocketed out of the hangar and up into the sky, heading for orbit.

Megatron walked in as Astrotrain left. Soundwave was already there waiting for him. With a quick nod at his most trusted lieutenant Megatron contacted the cloaked Decepticon ship in orbit. The teleportation system came online and the two Decepticons vanished from the room.

OOC: I'm taking some liberties here with Soundwave to move the story along. Once you have left the base move to the new thread I will create in the New Battlefield forum.

Corridors - Outside Training Room

Skywarp’s laughter subsided when he realized that Runamuck had heard him. “Uh oh. Looks like he’s on to us,” the teleporter said to Thundercracker, as the battle charger raced down the corridor at the two seekers. “I guess I should try reasoning with him.”

Skywarp then stepped out to meet the white car. “Hey, Runamuck, ol’ pal. You don’t think we had anything to do with your little misfortune do you?” There was no answer as Runamuck continued directly at the purple and black seeker. “I guess you do,” Skywarp responded to his own inquiry and then quickly leapt up and over the battle charger, avoiding a collision. ‘Warp then landed swiftly behind Runamuck. “Ha! You missed!”

Just then, Megatron’s broadcast came in over Skywarp’s comm. He listened intently as his leader spoke. He then received the coordinates of a location that he and the others were supposed to meet at. Once Megatron had finished speaking, ‘Warp turned to Thundercracker and Runamuck. “I guess we’ll have to finish our fun later. Can’t keep the big guy waiting. Let’s go!”

Skywarp then took off down the hallways towards the main hangar.

Hangar

Skywarp had entered the hangar just in time to see Megatron and Soundwave disappear from sight. He reviewed the coordinates that the Decepticon leader had just sent him. Hmm, this 'Grand Canyon' is not too far from here. I should have no trouble arriving there with plenty of time to spare.

And with that, Skywarp transformed to F-22 Raptor mode and launched himself out of the base and into the sky.

Corridors - Outside Training Room

The speed of Runamuck's transformation never ceased to amaze Thundercracker, if the battlechargers were good for something this was it. Still, avoiding being hit by the crazed speedster didn't require much of an effort from the blue seeker.

"Looks like you managed to piss off the poor bugger 'Warp." Thundercracker smirked as he landed next to Skywarp. "Not that- slag..."

Megatron's transmission managed to take Thundercracker by surprise. While he had been expecting it, the gravely threat against any failures in Megatron's tone shook his composure.

"This isn't good." He muttered, shaking his head, only to notice that Skywarp was already on his way towards the hangar. "Slaggit... 'Muck, you and Mix better take a bounce to be there in time." He sighed and bolted after Skywarp. "'Warp! Wait for me!"

Runamuck transforms and receives the message from Megatron. "This'll take care of our cabin fever," Runamuck jokes to himself, as he transforms again and starts to head toward the coordinates. He thinks over Thundercrackers words "you better take a bounce to be there in time." Runamuck absolutely hates the orbital jump, the orbital bounce, and orbit in general, but orders are orders, and time is of the essence. "Why don't we ever drive anywhere? Take the scenic route...? His joke failing to amuse him. But the thought, the thought of having anything to do, burned a desire into him, transforming yet again "Lets get this over with.." He sends his signal to be transported. Moments later Runamuck is gone in a laser-beam shrouded blaze of glory.

Command Center

Starscream sighed as he sat at the main command console of the Decepticon base. Normally Soundwave was manning this post, but for whatever reason Megatron had ordered the Seeker commander to remain behind from the battle, to act as a sort of command and control for the rest of the Decepticon forces, and to prepare CR chambers in case they were needed. The Seeker had his chin resting in the palm of his left hand as the index finger on his right hand tapped the console as he monitored the course of the battle. As had been expected the Autobots had made a move to recover the Cybertronian tech from the human installation, of course they had appeared in force as a battle unit, rather unsubtle for the Autobots, but it had the expected result.

What really surprised Starscream was the discovering of not only Shockwave, but the Dinobots being kept there and experimented on by the humans. It was amusing, if not disgusting. The idea of a greasy little meat bag like a human touching and experimenting on a Cybertronian, regardless of alligence, made Starscream wanted to eject the contents of his fuel tank. However, that is where Megatron and his arrogance clouded intelligence had lead to a completely incompetent move! Instead of moving to secure the Dinobots with the Predacons, thus removing a significant threat from the battlefield he had deployed his so called elite warriors to battle the Autobots. It was pathetic really. Anyway clear thinking commander could see the danger of those monsters coming back on line, and now most of them were or in the process of becoming active.

"Well this should get interesting." Starscream said to himself with an amused smile. "If Megatron wasn't so narrow minded and focused on defeating Optimus Prime he could see that his force is in danger of being overwhelmed."

Watching the data coming in from the battle the Autobots seemed to be carrying out a well executed strategy. A single Autobot flier had managed to not only keep Skywarp AND Thundercracker occupied, but he had assisted in putting Astrotrain in stasis lock. Pathetic. If Megatron had not been so foolish as to order his best aerial warrior to remain behind that Autobot would of been put down long ago. Instead the Decepticons were not without their much needed air support. Things on the ground could be worse though. With the arrival of the Predacons the Autobots now had to deal with those skilled and dangerous warriors. Already Sunstreaker had to deal with Rampage and Swindle, and Pipes had Divebomb to contend with. Though Razorclaw and GRimlock were locked in battle like Megatron and Prime.

"Oh well, I guess Megatron's incompetence is going to set us back again." Starscream muttered as he rose to his feet and turned to leave the command center. "I might as well get the CR chambers ready, by the looks of things they are going to be badly needed."

And with that Starscream departed to prepare for the return of his fellow Decepticons.