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Bridge

Rampage absorbed as much of the information and its possible effects as his processors could handle. While reasonably intelligent, the Predacons had recently taken to dealing with matters that were definitely a step above his normal energon grade. Even having been a warlord back on Cybertron himself, matters within his territory had never become this complicated. Resolutions were usually swift and brutal. There were far more machinations in place now, thus Rampage's increased reliance on Razorclaw's vision and strategy.

He had not disappointed. The recent defeat of Starscream had not only gained him the mantle of leadership, in Rampage's view, but had also effectively acquired them another vessel.

"So that gives us two of the three capital ships in this sector. And the one we don't have....is ours. We know it inside and out," Rampage said, indicating the other Predacons that were on the bridge, minus Divebomb. "I'd say the tide has turned. This'd be about the time when Megatron brought the mace down back in the arena."

And if Megatron deigned to use his mace at all back in those gladiator fights--it was over. From the ones that Rampage could personally remember witnessing, anyway.

Tantrum's optics flared as Razorclaw acknowledged but ultimately dismissed his concerns. He was giving the Seeker too much credit, but Tantrum wouldn't say anything more about it. Razorclaw seemed to know what he was doing. Let him deal with the Seeker then.

"Divebomb's waitin' for him, huh? Maybe I'll offer a little assistance," Tantrum said, turning to exit the bridge.

"Don't mess this up," Rampage said as the larger Predacon brushed past him.

"Didn't pull your string, did I?" Tantrum snorted as he left the bridge altogether.

Hanger Bay

The berating curse boomed out from Motormaster’s vocalizer made Wildrider flinch back in trepidation. The Stunticon Commander knew exactly what it would take in order to push his team in the right direction, and with Wildrider he had to be just as deranged, or more so, than the terrorist. And when it came to Motormaster, the hulking mech didn’t even have to try that hard.

Wildrider had little time to react when the back of his superior’s hand hit him sending him flying right over the cart he had been pulling along behind him. To the terrorist’s horrified surprise Motormaster was already standing beside him, his cart toppled over and the energon cubes scattered all over the floor.

Wildrider was just about to attempt an explanation when he was cut off by the Commander’s massive hand taking hold of his much smaller and delicate neck. As he was lifted up off the floor, feet dangling free, Wildrider tried in vain to remove Motormaster’s vice like grip. The lack of air caused his internal cooling fans to kick in. He grimaced while the ends of his digits tried to work under his commander’s tight grip.

His attempt to free himself ended when he was brought down to stare directly into the black and silver mech’s own blazing optics. The digging of his actuator brought out a silent cry. This was truly excruciating and terrifying. Wildrider tried desperately to shake his head when Motormaster accused him of sabotaging the work he and his brothers were given.

The deep baritone of the commander’s caused Wildrider to offline his optics and try and turn his face away from his furious leader. When he felt himself airborne once more, Wildrider quickly onlined his optics only to be met with the side of the over turned cart. The terrorist let out a low groan before he brought his hand to the dented metal that surrounded his throat. When he heard Motormaster below out the answer to his own question, Wildrider cowered in fear shuffling back as far from the irate officer as he could manage.

The mech’s last few words rang loud in the Stunticon’s audios. He and his brother would never be free from this brutal tyrant, and there was absolutely nothing they could do to change that fact. As Dead End would say, “Face it. We’re all doomed”.

Wildrider watched his superior’s optics and then noticed the nod toward the spilled cubes causing him to quickly scramble to his feet and return the hover cart to its upright position. Once that was done the terrorist quickly began to stack the cubes neatly on the cart’s surface. He worked as quickly as possible so as not to catch his commander’s ire again. Truth be told he wasn’t sure the delicate neck plating could take another attack as before. He knew if he screwed up again he’d be laying on the floor in a pool of his own energon with his decapitated head adorning the end of Motormaster’s sword. That thought cause him to swallow hard.

Repair Bay

“Thundercracker and I have been with him since the beginning,” Skywarp replied to Nightraven as her right hand laid on the side of his chest plating. “I couldn’t even imagine not having Starscream guiding us seekers forward, whether it be under his own regime or someone else’s.” The teleporter then listened as the femme thanked him for being there for her through these difficult times. ‘Warp let a slight smile escape from his mouth piece as her words entered his audio receptors. He couldn’t remember the last time someone other than her had thanked him for anything. It was almost unheard of in the Decepticon ranks, even amongst friends. I don’t even think 'Cracker has ever said thank you to me before, the prankster thought as he glanced over at the object of his affection. “You’re welcome, Nighty.”

Skywarp held on to Nightraven a bit tighter as his glare fell on Starscream’s CR chamber again. Trying not to linger any longer on what had happened to his fallen Air Commander, ‘Warp allowed his thoughts to drift elsewhere as he remembered the mission he had led, some would say successfully while others like Hellion would beg to differ. Hellion! I’d almost forgotten about her!

The teleporter had only seen the berserker femme once since returning from the Iranian Desert and that was in the corridor just outside the bridge. Of course, his attention had mainly been on the fight within between Starscream and Razorclaw and thus he had paid little to no attention to Nighty’s crazy sister. Likewise, Helly had said nothing to him, either, which now seemed strange as one would think the violent sibling would have, at the very least, given ‘Warp a nasty glare or a hard bump, considering she had picked a fight with him down on the surface.

She was probably focused more on the fight like I was, Skywarp considered, realizing that Hellion may still harbor some ill will towards him over their little disagreement. Nightraven had assured him before that her sister would be fine and that he had nothing to worry about. Of course, that assurance was made when Helly was still in stasis. Now, she was repaired and awake, fully capable of taking out her animosity on him in a very unpleasant manner.

“Um, Nighty, can I ask you something?” Skywarp said nervously, not taking his optics off of Starscream’s chamber. “I know you said before that your sister would not come after me, but now that she’s awake, has Hellion mentioned our little confrontation that we had down on the surface? Is she still mad about all that? She didn’t seem to even notice me when we were standing outside the bridge. So, I was just wondering.”

Skywarp wasn’t really afraid of Hellion as he felt that he could hold his own in a fight if need be. The prankster was more afraid of Nightraven’s reaction if her sister and him ever came to blows. He didn’t want to hurt Helly for fear of angering Nighty and driving her away from him. It had taken so much time for her to finally see a different side to ‘Warp that he didn’t want to lose all of what had been gained. Of course, the teleporter was still a warrior and would defend himself if he was forced to. Hopefully, things had calmed down with the berserker and violence would not erupt between the two, now or ever.

Hangar Bay

Motormaster. A name spoken with hatred. A name feared. And yet, even respected. Most of all, it was a name no Cybertronian who had ever faced its bearer forgot. Violence, both mental and physical - came naturally to this monster. Even before the war this remorseless, sadistic thug had cut his way through Cybertron's criminal underworld to become one of the most sought after enforcers when the criminal overlords wanted someone gone or terrorized to submission. Being highly mobile and very good at his chosen profession, Cybertronian police forces had had difficult time to even accuse him and his gang of hooligans, let alone track or catch them. And those few times they actually had been apprehended - they had quickly walked away through lack of evidence. Or rather due to their patrons bribing the right people. Being supported by very wealthy individuals was truly a perk to be had in a corrupt society.

His seemingly never ending thirst for violence eventually had led Motormaster to the gladiator arenas where he had met an upcoming gladiator by the name Megatron. After getting the worst beat down of his life from the would be Decepticon leader, Motormaster had quickly become an avid follower of the Slag-Maker. The brutality Megatron had shown in the arenas was naturally something that had drawn Motormaster to the silver gladiator but the doctrine Megatron later began to spread had hit its mark with Motormaster. The strong should rule.

Needless to say, Motormaster had brought his gang of thugs into the ranks of Decepticons from the very beginning. It was a gang he was still in charge of. Or at least, what was left of the original gang of hoodlums. And these four - Motormaster knew better than they knew themselves. Take Wildrider for example. Wild, unpredictable, destructive and thoroughly insane. He would never learn from his mistakes, not for very long at least. His psychosis and short attention span made that impossible. But that was exactly what Motormaster enjoyed about this particular whack job. He didn't have to come up with reasons to hurt him. No, Wildrider gave his sadistic leader plenty of reasons to do it. And when it came to sowing fear and inflicting pain, Motormaster would never get tired of it.

It took Wildrider and the rest of Motormaster's gang a while to move the rest of the energon from the hangar to the storage room. All the while being verbally abused by their commander for various reasons. But it was finally done. The Stunticons however, had not earned a break. Once all the energon had been taken out of the hangar and the hover carts had been returned where they were stored, Motormaster had gathered the group back to the hangar.

"Listen up you turboworm droppings! Razorclaw wants and sensor network being deployed around the Ultrax. And guess who is going to do it?" Motormaster's hollow, doom-laden voice boomed thorough the hangar.

"Yeah, I figured you would." The Stunticon leader chuckled in response to their silent submittal. "I wager you glitches better start running for if I don't see you four at the airlock in half a breem with all the equipment needed..."

Hangar Bay

Once all of the energon cubes had finally been successfully transported and secured in the storage room, Drag Strip once again found himself standing before Motormaster within the hangar. Having done most of the work, himself, the former racer was a bit tired but he didn’t let it show, especially not in front of his brutish commanding officer. The Stunticon leader would pounce on him in an astrosecond if he saw any signs of weakness. No, Drag simply remained silent as new orders were administered to him and his comrades along with the usual insults.

With the final threat of violence eluded to if they didn’t get moving immediately, Drag Strip quietly nodded that he fully understood the orders and quickly rushed out of the hangar, heading back down to the storage room for the equipment that was needed. The yellow mech didn’t waste time with idle chit chat as he wanted to avoid being the last one to arrive at the air lock. Whoever ultimately brought up the rear, and he really hoped it was Wildrider, Drag intended to be the one looking on as Motormaster dished out more punishment on that particular individual instead of himself.

Air Lock

Drag Strip had spent little time in the storage room as he quickly gathered up the necessary tools and sensor relays that would be needed to effectively surround the Ultrax in a web of security that would alert them of anyone who attempted to approach the downed frigate. Drag understood the importance of what Razorclaw had ordered them to do, knowing full well that Shockwave and his supporters were still up in orbit somewhere probably searching for them at that very moment. The other Stunticons likely didn’t understand or even care, but they would if the cycloptic Decepticon’s minions suddenly knocked on the outer hatch and burst in, guns blazing.

They won’t listened to me, anyway. So I’m just going to do what I’m told and let the others lag behind and suffer Motormaster’s wrath, Drag Strip thought to himself with a smirk and he carried an armful of equipment down to the air lock where he then patiently waited for the rest of his teammates to arrive. As usual he was the first one there, doing what he did best, which was everything, of course.

Repair Bay

The black and purple Seeker femme had become content with the position she had taken next to Skywarp. It was always reassuring to have someone tell you things were going to be alright. That the coming future would bode well for their kind. She had to admit he did make things sound as though they would be trouble free from here on out. But she knew better. Times were changing.

Nightraven let out a quiet sigh as she settled in just a little closer to the teleporter. When Skywarp finally did speak it was in reference to Thundercracker and him knowing Starscream far longer than any of the other Seekers under him command…save Blackwind.

At Skywarp’s mention of not having Starscream guiding all of the Seekers forward sent a shiver down her spinal structure. Once her processor cleared of the possible future, Nightraven sent a sincere thanks to the Seeker. She had to admit, even with everything that had occurred thus far, Skywarp had managed to keep himself together and thankfully he had kept his temper in check. Whether it was because she was present did not matter.

Skywarp seemed grateful for the heartfelt thanks he received and his gratitude did not go unnoticed as Nightraven turned her head slightly to look up at him from his shoulder. And once her optics met his she gave him a warm inviting smile.

Both grew quiet as they turned their attention back to their Air Commander still suspended in the nanite rich concoction that made up the CR chamber. And then out of nowhere a quiet question from the mech caused her to perk up. It was unexpected and she was slightly taken off guard by it, but she was by no means offended or cross. Instead she simply lifted her head from Skywarp’s shoulder and looked over at him.

She watched him carefully only seeing the side of his face as he kept his optics glued to Starscream. It took a few moments but Nightraven finally answered his nervous question.

“I really don’t think you need to worry about Helly. She got back to our quarters and seemed more concerned about kicking up her feet and chewing on one of her foul cygars. And when she did finally talk to me she never even mentioned the mission or the battle. Instead she decided to tease me about…”

She caught herself before she was able to reveal just what Helly had been saying. The last thing she needed was to let Skywarp know that Hellion was well aware of just how the teleporter felt about her and vice versa.

“Uh, never mind. Anyway, don’t worry about her. I usually don’t.”
____

Hanger Bay

Under the steely watchful eyes of the Stunticon Commander, Wildrider was sure to get his aft in gear and did exactly what he had been told to do…right after his slight beating. Yes, slight beating. He certainly had been through worse, as had his brothers, but this punishment was only slightly inconvenient. Once things finally settled down Wildrider would right be back doing what he did best…tormenting everyone that crossed his path. The thought brought a grin to the demented mech’s face.

Once the entire group had finished with their assignment Wildrider let out a long sigh hoping that they would finally get a bit of down time in order to refuel…what Motormaster didn’t know about skimming off the top of their bounty wouldn’t hurt him, and most of all it wouldn’t hurt them.

Wildrider listened intently to whatever their commander had to say, rubbing his hands together in anticipation and with a wide deranged smile plastered on his visage. His expectations were shattered when the hulking brute ordered the lot of them to set up a network around the Ultrax.

The terrorist tilted his head up and let his shoulders slump low at his sides. He mumbled under his breath as he finally trudged toward the door.

“I can’t believe this slag. Razorclaw has cronies, why can’t they get this fragged up job?”

Hangar Bay

Dead End hadn't witnessed a more beautiful thing that the gleaming pile of energon that was now stacked neatly in the hangar in a long, long time. Wildrider must have had to spend a good deal of his limited concentration on that. Motormaster was good in motivating them that way. In the end, he was just glad that he had gotten a taste of it. He had some dents and scrapes to go along with it, but it was worth it.

Motormaster's next set of orders didn't exactly fill him with a lot of confidence--though not much did. The idea of going out in to the elements of this planet was hardly one that Dead End was looking forward to.

But, again, better than a beating.

Having stopped off in the storage room, Dead End gathered up some of the remaining sensor equipment and connective tech that would be needed and headed off to the airlock.

"I wonder if anyone saw us," Dead End said quietly as he stepped in to the airlock chamber. He then quickly realized he shouldn't have said anything like that out loud, especially if Breakdown was around, but now that the initial rush of energy was gone, the thought had crept in to his head, even if he wasn't the overly paranoid type.

"We'll get a rigging if big M ever finds out."

Priority-1 Transmission from Onslaught to Razorclaw

>>"I am en route now. Wherever his loyalties lie, history suggests that a warlord of Valckasta will not be swayed easily. Nevertheless, I will see where his head his."<<

Hanger Bay

While Wildrider pouted about all the work they all had to do now…which was obviously all his fault in the first place…Breakdown quickly made his leave as close to and just to the right of Dead End. All the blue and white scout wanted right then was to be as far from Motormaster as possible. And of course Wildrider as well. Although the terrorist was still an integral part of the Stunticons, breakdown had decided long ago that the crazed mech was only there to torment him in ways Motormaster hadn’t come up with yet. And it was working.

On their way out of the hanger bay Breakdown took a discreet back to be sure no one with any kind of malicious intent was following too close behind. When he was satisfied that the coast was clear Breakdown began to turn his head toward Dead End. He suddenly stopped, however, when his morose friend wondered aloud as to whether anyone had seen them or not. This musing brought a revelation to the mind of the paranoid Stunticon. What if someone did see them? What if they were watching them right now?

“Dd..do you thi…think anyone saw us? I…if they did, do you think they’d do something to us?”

Now practically walking on top of Dead End, Breakdown moved in step with his compatriot in order to get to their intended location. As with the maroon sports car, the blue and white Lamborghini had no intention of angering their already irate commander.

“Yeah. Yeah, let’s get this job over with.”
____

Still moping along to the corridor, Wildrider cast one last look back into the Hager Bay where Mototrmaster was still observing. Their leader just loved to instill what he thought was fear in to all of them, but what he was truly doings was sowing the seeds of hate. If they could actually all get along and work as a team they’d be a force to be reckoned with…not even Motormaster could take them down. If only.

Wildrider turned his gaze from the black and grey behemoth to the path he was on. The terrorist let out a low chuckle while a sneaky sneer creased is lips. The thought of how satisfying it would be to tear into the Decepticon monstrosity was almost too good to keep quiet about. Shaking his head Wildrider let out a howl of giddy laughter. Maybe someday. Just not today.

Repair Bay

How long? How long was this waiting going to last? That is the question going through Divebomb mind right now. He had been waiting here for what seems to be a good cycle. Not only was waiting here a drag, but it seems that watching the love scene between two cons only made it worse. Skywarp and Nightraven, at least take it to the back or something. Watching them was either more annoying and it feels like torture. How long will the CR chamber take for Starscream to be back online. There is no mistaken that Razorclaw put tremendous damage, but for the love of cybertronian god almighty the wait is a killer. Divebomb didn't know what was worse, waiting for the seeker commander to be online or watching this touching scene. As a matter of fact, it was the latter that is the worse and he had to stop it.

"Skywarp, since you are close with the starscream. Would you like to check on how much time will it take for the seeker commander to be operational?"

Thrust continued to lean against the wall as Divebomb gave Skywarp a request. He too wanted to know if the seeker commander was to be fully repaired. However, it was in his place to wait rather than complaining. Skywarp didn't seem to know the meaning of patience as of right now. The waiting has finally caught onto him and he's getting aggravated. To make matters worse, was the love scene between Skywarp and Nightraven. At first he didn't mind, but watching them cuddle up sicken him. They were decepticon warriors that was made to rule other planets and emotions would get in the way. At least that's what it should be, but that is not the case now. Right now, he'll deal with it as watching Divebomb getting sick and tired of waiting is more amusing. Once Starscream is repaired, the seekers will plan their first move hopefully.

Hangar

Wildrider's little chuckle as he left to do his bidding did not sit well with Motormaster. Actually, it had annoyed the Stunticon commander enough to draw out his atom-smasher rifle and turn on the cyclonic setting. Turning the power level of the rifle into low setting that would deliver enough punch to send Wildrider flying without hurting the little psychopath too much, Motormaster aimed the rifle towards the terrorist's back.

"Wildrider." Motormaster called and waited just long enough for Wildrider to turn and look at him and witnessing the malicious grin on his face before pulling the trigger. Before the terrorist could react he was sent flying across the corridor by a powerful wind funnel, accompanied by a sadistic laugh of the Stunticon commander echoing in the empty hangar.



Airlock

Precisely half a breem later...

"Who would have thought. You slaggers actually made it in time." Motormaster chuckled as he arrived to the airlock entrance carrying an energon cube, witnessing the presence of Breakdown, Dead End, Drag Strip and Wildrider. The familiar evil smile that foretold only trouble for his underlings crept on his face as he continued, "That's almost commendable."

"Too bad you felt like confiscating some of our loot for your private use." The Stunticon commander added and punched in a command to the airlock control panel that closed the door between him and the rest of the Stunticons.

As the door between the water masses of the Kurile Trench and the hull of the Ultrax, the four Stunticons could still hear Motormaster's mocking voice through their audio receptors. "I reckon we are pretty deep boys. You'd better act fast with the sensors or the water pressure may end up reforming you into... well, who am I to say but I do imagine it will be messy."

To add insult to the injury, the four smaller Stunticons could witness Motormaster drinking from the energon cube while they were pulled into the dark depths of the ocean.

Repair Bay

Skywarp’s nerve receptors calmed as Nightraven indicated that Hellion had either forgotten about the confrontation with the teleporter or just didn’t care anymore. Either way was good news for ‘Warp as there was already enough infighting when it came to Starscream and Razorclaw, not to mention the tension that was developing between the rest of the Seekers and Predacons. The prankster really didn’t want to become embroiled in any more bickering amongst the ranks.

What Nightraven said next regarding being teased by her sister perked his interest enough to draw his optics away from Strarscream’s CR chamber and glance over at the seeker femme. “She’s teasing you? About what, Nighty? Come on, you can tell me.” Skywarp’s tone was playful in nature and not meant to be overly intrusive or mean spirited. If she didn’t want to answer him then he would not push it any further. But his curiosity had made it so he couldn’t resist asking her at least once.

Skywarp’s nerve receptors flared up again at the sound of Divebomb’s voice coming from across the room. The aerial Predacon was demanding to know how much longer it would be until Starscream’s session in the CR chamber was finished. Annoyed, ‘Warp shot a cold stare at the eagle-former. “He’ll be done soon enough, Divebomb. Your ‘lord’ did a real number on him. It takes time to heal from those kind of wounds. Just be patient.”

The teleporter then immediately returned his attention to Nightraven, a sight that was a much more welcome one than that of a filthy Predacon.

Air Lock

Actually, I made it here ahead of time, Drag Strip thought as Motormaster gave them all what amounted to a compliment. Of course, the Stunticon Commander’s voice was filled with sarcasm and mockery while he spoke, having no intention of actually giving any of them an ounce of real credit for doing at least one thing right. The belligerent leader then made mention of the fact that he knew they had dipped into their stockpile of energon cubes, an incident that the yellow mech had not taken part in. Perhaps he should have in retrospect as Motormaster then activated the air lock controls, causing the door between him and his subordinates to slide shut.

Holding an energon cube of his own, Motormaster taunted his team with the possibility of being mangled to death by the water pressure outside if they didn’t complete their job in haste. The outer hatch then opened, sucking Drag Strip and his comrades out into the ocean depths as his leader drank from the cube he was holding. Yes, Drag should have taken his own fill like the others. At least it would have made this punishment worth it.

Outside the Ultrax

Drag Strip tumbled end over end until he finally came to rest a few yards from the Stunticon frigate. The former racer picked himself up and immediately noticed the heaviness that he felt as he tried to move around. Motormaster had certainly been right about the intensity of the water pressure at this depth. There was no time to waste if they wanted to prevent themselves from being crushed like tin foil.

Picking up what sensors he had dropped, Drag Strip made his way a little further out from the vessel before opening his comm line to the other Stunticons. >>”Hey guys, I’ll start placing sensors here on the port side and then work my way around towards the front. The rest of you can start wherever you feel like.”<<

With that said, the yellow mech began laying sensors in an even pattern along a nearby coral ridge. Between the salt water, which was already working its way into his joints, and the pressure, it would take a little more time than Drag Strip wanted in order to get the job done. Hopefully, the others would quickly follow his lead and not goof off like before. Wildrider was of special concern as he would likely do whatever he could to harass them while they tried to work. It was his function, after all. The water pressure should slow the terrorist down some and allow them all to get this mundane task done sooner rather than later. Primus willing.

Repair Bay

The lowering of his shoulders and much more even expression told Nightraven that Skywarp had accepted her reassurance that Hellion would have no ill will toward him. The Seeker was relieved and now relaxed. Nightraven couldn’t help but smile lightly. The fear her sister instilled in others was, at times, taxing even to her.

That delicate smile which had lifted her spirits quickly melted into a feeling of melancholy. Nightraven let out a soft sigh as her optics moved from the form of the black Seeker to the CR chamber where Starscream was housed. He still looked broken, but it wasn’t his physical damage that worried her.

Nightraven nearly stepped back when Skywarp brought up her mention of Hellion teasing her. But when she initially mentioned it she failed to elaborate on just what her annoying sister was teasing her about. The revelation had to be important if it drew his attention from Starscream toward her. The Seeker femme’s mouth opened slightly but she quickly shut it. The last thing she wanted was to give him the sense that something bad had gone on between her and Hellion.

After just a moment she averted her optics down to the floor just in front of her pedes. She fidgeted a bit by intertwining her servos until she finally found the courage to speak. And as she looked back up she stepped in even closer to him. After all there was no need for anyone else in the room to overhear what she had to tell him.

“Um…well, she was teasing me about…well, about you. More specifically, you and me.”

She was slightly embarrassed and slowly turned her gaze back down to the section of floor she had previously been focused on. The thought of him becoming worried that something was wrong caused her to snap her head back up so she could meet his optics with her own.

“But I didn’t deny it. I couldn’t.”

Nightraven was suddenly cut off by the belligerent interruption from Divebomb. As with Skywarp, Nightraven too sent the Predacon a steely glare. The gall of the flier to even assume that the Aerial Commander was up to full functionality was absurd. Nightraven was prepared to admonish the mech when Skywarp had spoken up. Once his biting response was given Skywarp pulled his attention from Divebomb and refocused it on her.

“He’s acting unusual, especially for Divebomb. A little less than jovial. Or am I just crazy?”

Air Lock

Wildrider was still rubbing his chestplate when the group finally made it to the air lock. The terrorist turned around when he heard that oh so familiar deep timbre that was only associated with the group’s commanding officer. The deranged mech took a tentative step back, deeper into the air lock after witnessing Motormaster’s legendary smirk. How is it he could hold so much over them? There are four of us…well, can’t count Dead End, that mech’s about as useful as scraplet excrement. Then there there’s Drag Strip…good ‘ol Draggy is worth his weight in, well, being worthless. And last there’s Breakdown. The mech just might be more deranged than me, which can only mean he’d tear himself apart before he even got going. Guess we’re all stuck. Scrap.

His musings where cut suddenly when he heard the door to the air lock opening and, at the same time, the door separating them from Motormaster closing. Wildrider, feeling confident that his superior wouldn’t chance entering the lock, trudged to the door and flashed Motormaster a heated glare.

“You fraggin’ sludge eater!”

It was all he could get out before he and the others were swiftly sucked out into their murky new environment.

Outside the Ultrax

“Lotta good your cursing did, Wildrider! Now he’ll just beat the slag out of us...AGAIN!”

The incredulous look on Wildrider’s face was shaken off even faster than it had appeared. Staring directly into Breakdown’s optics, Wildrider crossed his arms over his dented chest plate and simply stared. The intentional act of mental torture resulted in the inevitable. Breakdown’s body began to shake while he quickly broke off the optics contact. The scout then took off after Drag Strip in order to find relief from the terrorist and to get the work done as quickly as possible.

Wildrider watched while Breakdown pulled up stakes and headed for the hills. A demented grin grew over his visage before he lowered his hands. From the pile of available sensors, Wildrider grabbed an arm full and looked back in Breakdown’s direction.

“Thought so, ya aft lickin’ reject.”

Cackling manically, Wildrider turned around with his burden cradled in his arms only to come face to face with Dead End.

"What're you lookin' at, ya grease smeared lugnut?!"

With his last insult thrown the terrorist pushed past the morose warrior and went to work.

Air Lock

Dead End had consciously decided not to feed Breakdown's paranoia any more than he already had by inadvertently asking about whether or not they had been seen. He tormented himself enough without any of the rest of them adding to it.

Though the same could be said of him, too.

Dead End had just stared at Motormaster after they had all arrived within the airlock and had been subsequently locked inside. Behind his optics, there was a slightly murderous intent at the brutish Stunticon Commander taunted them, but he would never act on it. Could never. Such was their lot in this world.
___

Outside the Ultrax

And now here they were. Out in the elements themselves. Disgusting elements at that. He could already feel the salt in his gears. And there would be rust.

Oh would there ever be rust.

He was sure it would consume him before their time on this planet was all said and done.

It wasn't long before Wildrider was up to the same slag that looked like it had got him on the bad side of one of Motormaster's more violent tantrums. Breakdown, unsurprisingly, was his first target.

"You, pit stain. You seem to love the attention," Dead End grumbled back before looking over at Breakdown and grabbing some of the sensor equipment so that he wouldn't fall too far behind.

"We might not be able to take out Motormaster...but we could give that walking misfire a reality check."

Outside the Ultrax

Even while submerged in the depths of this planet’s vial oceans, the sound of Wildrider’s inane cackling could still be heard. The maroon and grey mech had stalked off after his confrontation with Dead End, still fueled by his previous encounter with Motormaster when his mood simply morphed from murderous intent to something more mirthful.

As soon as he went to work the deranged Stunticon began humming to himself throwing in a loud bellows of laughter every few moments. There was no rhyme or reason; it was simply the work of a deluded processor.

The project he and the rest of his team, minus one large hulking brute, was not something that required too much thinking, which was just perfect for the likes of Wildrider, so therefore would not take very long to complete. The terrorist let out a satisfied sigh that his work there was finally completed; he opened up a comm link with Motormaster who was obviously still inside the ship guzzling down his twelfth energon cube. Gluttonous lunatic.

>>”Oh glorious commander? I’m done with my part of this job, now let me the slag back in.”<<
____

Breakdown had taken so quickly he forgot to grab his share of the sensors, but he certainly was not going back to get them. Wildrider still might be there, or someone else, or an Autobot, or even some kind of heinous creature will millions of eyes…all of them focused on him. Breakdown forced down a glob of energon that had worked its way up and into his throat.

He could see Drag Strip already hard at work and right away felt only a tiny bit remorseful for not coming with his own arm load of sensors. He moved in close to the pile his yellow comrade had and began to help with their placement. The way he saw it, if he wasn’t going to head back to the air lock to retrieve his own burden then he might as well help the others out. Besides he really needed to get back inside.

Repair Bay

How long had been out? He remembered what happened, but not the aftermath. Although he knew someone had been holding him upright keeping, at the very least, his dignity intact. It had obvious to him that it had been one of his own. Had he been fully online he would have smirked. There were some that still believed. Believed in him and his intentions. Although, perhaps not his true intentions.

The read out that appeared on his HUD was quite encouraging. His systems were nearly up to full functionality; however they would still need some time before they were at their peak. Not a complete inconvenience but slightly bothersome. His weapons systems seemed to be off line. This didn’t surprise him in least. Once encased in a CR chamber the device automatically shuts off the bots defensive systems…it’s a security measure ensuring that the wounded, when brought back online, will not damage the device by way of panicking and unintentionally firing or discharging anything lethal.

Another scan supplied him with the information he needed concerning the hole that had been left behind by Razorclaw’s sword. To his relief the nanite rich fluid had already repaired the direst of internal injuries leaving only minor repairs and the remnants of the hole still visible on his armor.

All of this was excellent news, but he kept his optics powered down for now. No need to rush himself. After all, he still had to prepare for what lie ahead.

From the outside of the CR chamber a low beep could be heard by those who were nearest to the apparatus. And while the beeping continued the chamber began its power down cycle. Soon, Starscream would be free of its confines and ready to make a personal appearance. He only hoped that this one would turn out in his favor. Time will tell. Time. Will. Tell.

Outside the Ultrax

As Drag Strip worked on laying down more sensors around the coral reef that was not far from the Ultrax, he could hear the insane cackling of Wildrider even through the ocean depths. He wanted to tell the terrorist to shut the frag up, but that would only serve to instigate the crazy Stunticon even further and draw him away from the task at hand. This was not to say Drag had any qualms about putting Wildrider in his place if the situation deemed it necessary, but as long as the grey lunatic was doing his part of the job the former racer would simply ignore his ravings for the time being.

Once he was out of sensors, Drag Strip turned and moved back towards the pile he had brought out with him. What he found was not just sensors lying on the seabed, but Breakdown helping out in his usual nervous manner. “Hey, Breaks, I didn’t expect to find you over here. What happened to your own pile of sensors?” The anxiety-filled scout didn’t respond right away, forcing Drag to draw his own conclusions. “Oh, you afraid to go back there and get yours because of Wildrider, huh? Didn’t I tell you before that you got to learn to stand up for yourself and not be afraid all the time? You let that slagger see your fear and he’ll take advantage of it every time. He’ll just continue to torment you if you don’t put a stop to it.”

Drag Strip shook his cranium before reaching down and picking up another load of sensors. He then looked back to Breakdown once more. “All right, let’s get the rest of these placed. Then we can go back together and start working on your sensor pile. Sound like a plan, Breaks?”

Repair Bay

Skywarp listened to Nightraven as she finally admitted to him that Hellion’s teasing had been in regards to the teleporter, himself. Or, more specifically, about the the relationship the two of them now had, such as it were. Even ‘Warp had to admit that him and Nighty were an unusual pairing as she had always been deeply attracted to Thundercracker in the past, showing little to no interest in the prankster or his immature exploits. The fact that she had given him a chance to prove himself still seemed very surreal like a dream he would eventually wake up from. I hope not.

Skywarp smiled and looked over to her. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by Hellion’s reaction to....well us. She’s just a little shocked by it, I'm sure. I mean, you always had a thing for my buddy, Thundercracker, so she probably just assumed you’d be more affectionate with him, you know?” The teleporter paused for a moment to consider his next statement, looking away for a moment before locking optics with Nighty again. “I am grateful for the chance you’ve given me. Thank you.”

Nightraven then made mention of how Divebomb’s demeanor had changed somewhat in the past few breems. Skywarp spared a passing glance in the Predacon flier’s direction before returning his attention to where it belonged. “You’re not crazy, Nighty. He’s just being impatient, that’s all. I’m sure he just can’t wait to get Screamer alone with Razorclaw so he can....”

Skywarp’s words trailed off suddenly as a low, continuous beeping sound could be heard coming from the Seeker Commander’s CR chamber. The prankster broke away from Nightraven and approached the controls, looking down at the readouts. A smile spread across his faceplate as he then turned back around to the seeker femme. “Good news! His power down cycle has finally begun! Starscream will be fully awake soon!” The teleporter then cast a stern glare directly over at Divebomb, a scowl replacing his previous smile. “You hear that, Divebomb? Screamer’s cycle is almost complete! I hope you and your ‘lord’ are ready?”

Repair Bay

"He done simmerin' in his juices yet?" Tantrum grunted as he stepped through the doors in to the repair bay and found Divebomb standing nearby. Over on the other side of the room there were Seekers present, but that was no surprise. It was Starscream in there after all. There were bound to be some wandering around here and there. They didn't get in his way, everything'd be fine. Skywarp looked like he actually wanted to talk to them. Divebomb anyway. That was just fine by him. Tantrum was never real chatty.

'Claw's gonna have more use for 'im than just sittin' in here all cycle. Seekers better contribute somethin', or we'll toss 'em out with...with...," Tantrum struggled for a moment to finish the thought, not entirely sure which batch of Decepticon trash needed to be thrown out first with Razorclaw calling the shots. "...like them battle chargers or whatever they call themselves. Coupla glitches those two are."

Tantrum looked from Starscream's chamber to Divebomb himself.

"You hearin' anythin' interestin' so far? Other than what this flyboy has to say?" he said, paying no real attention to Skywarp or the others for the time being.
___

Outside the Ultrax

There, Dead End sighed to himself, getting the last of his batch of sensors put in to place. He took a moment to look around at his surroundings. Murky, dark, wet, salty and teeming with Primus only knew what.

But...

....they could do worse.

He wasn't exactly sure how, but he was moderately confidant that there were Decepticons out there on the battlefront that were in more dire straits than he. Even if only by a little bit.

Dead End turned and casually started walking back toward the ship. The sooner he was out of this watery much the better.

Divebomb looked at Skywarp with a confused look before giving out a long sigh. It was only a question that had to be addressed. Not only was it taking long as to him, it was making them lose time on the true objective. However, it doesn't matter as it was a matter of time before he got out of the CR chamber fully repaired. In fact, he couldn't have hoped sooner as Skywarp indicated that the seeker commander is almost repaired. Divebomb looked at Skywarp with a stare as he smirked in front of him.

"Yes, I'm ready as well as our Lord. After this is done, I'm sure the seekers would have nothing to worry about."

Divebomb looked away from him as he continues the wait for the seeker commander. The seekers were getting more hostile by the minute as Starscream recovery draws near. If only another predacon was here, his mood would be a little bit better. His wish about another predacon coming is granted as Tantrum comes to check on the progress on Starscream. Divebomb looked over to him to reply to his question.

"Yes, Starscream repairs are almost done. He'll be up and running in a few bream."

Thrust looked over to Tantrum with disgust, great another predacon come to poke fun out of our seeker commander or us seekers. This was just getting better and better, maybe he was sent by Razorclaw to make sure us Seekers don't interfere. In fact, that's probably the reason, but asking the predacon on what he's doing here is better.

"What brings you here? Under orders from the new 'Lord'?"

Near the Airlock

>>"Let you in? No. I don't think so."<< Motormaster replied back to Wildrider's transmission and took another swig from the energon cube he was holding - loudly enough for Wildrider to hear what he was doing through the comm-link. >>"'cuz there's this tiny detail your deranged little mind seems to forget time after time. Your work is not done until your brothers have finished theirs. "<<

The thuggish leader of the Stunticons let his words to sink into Wildrider's thick head for a moment before continuing, >>"Now, I suggest you grab that pile of uninstalled sensors still out there..."<<

>>"And finish the slaggin' job before I lose my patience!"<<

Having roared the last part of his message into the comm-link loud enough for Wildrider's audio receptors to start ringing, Motormaster cut the link off and let a rather self-satisfied smirk appear on his visage. The Stunticons would be busy a while longer which meant there was still time for him to relax for soon enough things were about to get more interesting. Razorclaw couldn't just wait for the eternity for Shockwave to make his move, the Predacon had better to start planning a move his own if he wasn't already. If the Decepticons were not going to get their own house in order soon, the Autobots would just waltz over the spread out Decepticon cells one by one.

Outside the Ultrax

The Stunticon terrorist was sure Motormaster wouldn’t give him access to the ship that when his request was actually address Wildrider simply shrugged and began to walk off. It was worth a shot. Truth be told he’d much rather be out within the depths of the ocean than inside keeping the commander company…which would probably causing his more pain than it was worth.

>>”Heh. Of course oh great and glorious master. It’s obvious those losers need my help. Good call. I’m surprised though; good ideas don’t usually come easy for you do they? HAHAHAHA!”<<

I'm so gonna get fragged for that. But if he winds up off lining me at least I'd finally be free.

His berating complete Wildrider stalked off toward the dwindling pile of sensors. He scooped up an armful and moved in the direction that Breakdown should have gone.
____

Breakdown had been keeping an optic out for anything, or anyone, that might sneak up on him as he made his way over to Drag Strip’s location. His head was turned so he could see over his shoulder when he suddenly heard his teammate call out to him. The sudden vocalizations caused the scout to tremble nearly uncontrollably. Why did everyone have to sneak up behind him? Here he was watching his back and someone made their way up in front of him! I can never be one step ahead of them. They’ll always have more eyes than me!

The white and blue Stunticon swung his head around and stared at Drag Strip with wide frightened optics.

“Um, yeah, my sensors…I uh…left ‘em…”

He shot his yellow comrade a dangerous glare as Drag Strip mentioned the obvious. Slag! Can’t he just let it go? I can handle Wildrider in my own way…maybe. Oh frag, who am I kidding, the nut scares the scrap out of me. Those eyes of his…Breakdown shook visibly at the thought of the terrorist staring at him.

“I’m not afraid! It’s just…just he’s crazy. You know? Who knows what that slaager’d be willing to do just for a laugh. No, if I got the opportunity to avoid him, I’m takin’ it!”

Breakdown flashed a worried look in Drag Strip’s direction. The scout looked simply pitiful.

“Hey Drag? You mind if I…”

He took a quick look around in all directions before he cast his gaze back on his teammate.

“…hang by you? Just for a bit. I…I don’t think I could stand wanderin’ around to look for Dead.”

Repair Bay

Nightraven had turned her attention back to the nutrient rich CR chamber and grew silent. Maybe she said too much. Maybe she’d said something that would throw the black Seeker into some kind of panic attack. No. He wouldn’t lose it over something Helly said. That’s my job. That last thought brought a small smile to her face.

With her focus solely on Starscream’s suspended form, Nightraven never caught Skywarp’s smile. She did however look over at him when he responded to her mention of what Helly had been saying. His observation was quite true, at least where it concerned Hellion. But she was caught off guard when he mentioned her attraction to Thundercraker. She couldn’t deny that she still felt something for the blue Seeker, but after so long is seemed that he didn’t feel the same way about her.

She let out a low sigh and lowered her gaze to the floor between the both of them.

“I suppose. Although she’s never been one to make those kinds of connections. In fact Thundercracker’s name never came up. She was completely focused on us. Which was…more welcome than a conversation about Thundercraker.”

Her head lifted slightly so she could meet him face to face, her optics focused on his. She was quite surprised that he thanked her for giving him a chance to prove himself. The surprise faded from her features as her lips curled up and formed a sweet smile.

“Everyone deserves a chance. That includes you, Skywarp.”

That delicate smile faltered as she looked over her shoulder and above both their wingtips to catch a glance at Divebomb.

“I’d still rather he not be here. Starscream deserves to…”

The gentle beeping caught Nightraven’s attention as it did Skywarp’s. As the teleporter moved away from her, the femme Seeker made her way to the opposite side of the chamber. She looked through the glass at the Commander hoping that he’d online his optics. She looked over to Skywarp when he announced that the chamber was cycling down and that Starscream would be awake in no time. Nightraver gave a the black Seeker a satisfied smile before she turned her attention back to the Seeker behind the glass.

Repair Bay

He still kept his optics off-line even as the gentle beeping that signaled the power down cycle of the CR Chamber had ceased. The occupant would not be set free until the nanite and nutrient rich fluid was drained from the chamber. For those who had been waiting…their watch was finally over.

There was an audible hiss as the Seeker Commander’s regenerative chamber opened slowly…a thick plume of mist mixed with condensation escaped before the right foot of Starscream appeared through the grey cloud. His left foot soon followed until eventually the piercing glow of ruby red optics broke through the all-consuming mist.

Starscream had not been in the chamber long enough to repair all of his wounds, but it was enough for him to walk and speak. Unfortunately he was in no condition to battle Razorclaw again. He could, however, always fight in another capacity.

Sweeping his gaze around the area the Seeker Commander took note of the four mechs and one femme that were currently occupying the repair bay. Ignoring the two Predacons for now, Starscream very slowly moved toward Skywarp, who was the Seeker that had stepped up and removed him from the danger that filled the bridge. He would be indebted to his brother.

The clearly still ailing elite Seeker stopped in front of the black and purple winged mech and placed a hand on his shoulder. His expression remained neutral as his optics met Skywarp’s. He held the gaze with his subordinate for a brief moment before he cast a look at Nightraven offering the femme a reassuring nod; he did the same for Thrust. He needed to reassure his Seekers that he would remain in control.

He gently removed his hand from Skywarp’s shoulder and turned fully to face the two Predacons. Walking the short distance to Divebomb and Tantrum he stopped and folded his arms loosely over his chest.

“I suppose Razorclaw has requested an audience and sent you to escort me back to the bridge. If this is the case then let us not keep your Commander waiting.”

Starscream flashed both mechs his trademark smirk before moving past them and out into the corridor; his gait not as steady as it usually was.

“Well? What are you waiting for?!”

The wait was finally over, Starscream has been repaired well almost. His condition shows that he won't do battle against Razorclaw which is good, but there is no doubt the seeker commander had other tricks up his sleeve. Him going off to his seekers to show that he's all right is touchy. That's good, now the tension between the seekers and predacons would be at a halt for now. Time to bring him to Razorclaw so that they can discuss on a more pressing matter which is to overthrow Shockwave.

“Well? What are you waiting for?!” Said Starscream as he gave them his casual smirk showing that he still has the situation under control. Divebomb couldn't wait for that smirk to come off his metallic plate. Divebomb went in front of him as Divebomb turned to face Starscream.

"Make sure your seekers don't follow. Razorclaw orders."

With that said, Divebomb walked slowly back to the bridge so he can keep an eye on Starscream as he's following him.

Thrust was happy to see his seeker commander alive and well, but now the concern is what would Razorclaw do with him and rest of the seekers. As Starscream showed that he had everything under control with the way he bossed the predacons like that as if he was the leader. That's starscream for you, never bowing to no one. As Divebomb told Starscream not to let his seekers follow, Thrust comes in to ask him a question.

"Starscream, what shall we do until you return?"

Outside the Ultrax

As Drag Strip continued to lay down more sensors, he had no choice but to listen to Breakdown’s cowardly whining about Wildrider. His claims that he wasn't afraid were obviously false, of course, but the former racer could at least understand why his comrade wanted to avoid the terrorist whenever possible. 'Rider was hardly the type of mech that anyone in their right processor wanted to be near if they didn't have to. Unfortunately, serving on the same specialty team made that close to impossible and thus each of them had to find their own way of dealing with the insufferable bully.

When the blue and white scout asked Drag Strip if he could hang with him instead of looking around for Dead End, it only solidified in the yellow mech’s processor just how scared Breakdown was of not just Wildrider, but of just about everything else around him. “Sure, why not?” Drag replied as he placed the last of his sensors further away from the Ultrax. “But don’t think I’m going to protect you from Wildrider or any of the other annoying creatures that lurk in these waters for that matter. You’ve got to learn to do that yourself, Breakdown. I’m not your bodyguard, after all.” The part about what lay in wait in the depths that surrounded the Stunticon vessel was meant to spark more fear in the scout. At least it might bring a little bit of badly needed comic relief in an otherwise dull task for the former racer. “Now, let’s head back to your original sensor pile. I assume you left it close to the ship, yes?”

Drag Strip turned and began to trudge back towards the Ultrax, the water and muck underneath his feet impeding his progress as he went. As he drew closer to the crashed ship, the yellow Stunticon noticed Wildrider scooping up some of Breakdown’s sensors before he began to walk in their general direction. Drag stopped and looked back at Breakdown. “Seems your favorite mech is helping out with your pile, Breaks. Would you like me to go grab a bunch for you or would you rather suck it up and do it yourself?”

Repair Bay

Ignoring Divebomb’s response, Skywarp returned his gaze to Starscream’s CR chamber as the repair cycle continued to power down. Soon, the Seeker Commander would be awake and with them once more. The teleporter’s attention was only drawn away from his true leader when he heard the bay doors slide open. The prankster turned around to see the form of Tantrum stepping across the threshold before turning to the eagle-former and making his own inquiries regarding Screamer's progress.

“Oh, great. Another fraggin’ Pred. How many does it take to escort Starscream back to Razorclaw?” Skywarp wondered as he slowly moved away from the CR chamber and returned to Nightraven’s side. Even Thrust questioned why Tantrum’s presence was now needed. The teleporter smiled as he thought of a reason. “Maybe they’re just plain scared of what Screamer will do once he’s fully awake. I would be, too, if I were them.”

Moments later, the wait was over as the inevitable finally happened. Starscream’s CR chamber door opened with the usual hiss, allowing the thick vapors from within to escape into the surrounding area of the repair bay. The Seeker Commander’s right foot was the first to appear from the haze followed closely by the left before his glowing red optics penetrated the thick fog like a warning beacon that signaled the return of the true Decepticon leader. Unfortunately, when his full body had emerged it was quite apparent that Starscream was still wounded, if not to a much lesser degree than before. He was able to walk and talk, but not fight, not yet.

Once the Seeker Commander had surveyed his surroundings, he approached Skywarp and placed his hand on the prankster’s shoulder. Starscream said nothing as he looked from one seeker to the other, giving them a reassuring nod. The teleporter allowed a smile to creep onto his faceplate as a sense of hope returned to him for the first time in many cycles. “It’s good to have you back, sir,” Skywarp said quietly as Starscream removed his hand from the prankster’s shoulder and turned towards the two Predacons that had been impatiently waiting nearby for his revival. Screamer wasted no time in addressing Razorclaw’s lackeys, showing confidence in the wake of everything that had happened to him.

Skywarp’s faceplate turned back into a scowl yet again when he overheard Divebomb say that the seekers had to remain behind and not follow Starscream to the meeting. While it was expected, it still made the black and purple flier’s circuits sizzle with rage. “Stupid Preds. I’d like to see them keep me away,” the teleporter said quietly as he turned to face Nightraven and Thrust. “I’m familiar with almost every part of this ship now. I can pop in and out of any room I like and there’s nothing they can do to stop me.”

Repair Bay

Tantrum's responses were minimal. Divebomb had received the faintest hint of a nod. Thrust's reply was a derisive snort. He heard the rust-colored one liked to try and intimidate other Decepticons, but if he was going to try that slag with him, he was putting his hand in the wrong turbofox den.

When Starscream did finally awaken, even Tantrum visibly stiffened his stance just a little. He trusted that mech a lot less than he could throw him and he wouldn't put anything past him or one of his flyboy lackeys, even if he did just have his aft handed to him by Razorclaw.

As Starscream had indicated his willingness to go along peacefully, Tantrum's circuits misfired just a little. He was hoping that he might resist, or that one of the other Seekers might try and get all overprotective. Either would have allowed him to vent some frustration.

"Just move, hopalong," Tantrum grunted, following after Divebomb and the Seeker leader as they made their way back to the bridge.
___

Bridge

"Looks like 'Prince Charming' is awake and on his way," Rampage said, smirking underneath his faceplate as he divided his attention between watching one of the ship's internal monitors and a marathon of "The Ultimate Fighter" on one of the human channels that he had been able to pick up.
___

Outside the Ultrax

Dead End flicked the activation switch on the latest sensor that he had installed and looked around. He had wandered off perhaps a little too far, but he figured it was for the better as it would give the ship a slightly larger sensory range. He double-checked the device to ensure that it was sending and receiving with the other sensors that had been set up and then slowly began to walk away.

>>"There. Done,"<< Dead End transmitted to whoever was listening, he didn't really care who. He started walking back towards the ship. Surely the others were done by now too.

Corridors

Slipstream sighed as she got the signal back from Ramjet. Whatever usefulness this alliance might have wasn’t worth being his personal mode of transportation. She wondered what sort of advantage she ever thought the alliance would have. Whatever it was it wasn’t worth this annoyance.

>>”Ramjet, I’m not your personal chauffer, teleporting you around wherever you command. If that’s what you want from me consider this alliance at an end. Don’t bother me again.”<<

Slipstream definitely had to find a way out of here. She was stuck in a ship of madmechs and idiots at the bottom of a vast body of water. It was time to do what this seeker always did best, and that was looking out for herself. If she could obtain a small stockpile of energon or other fuel she could venture warping out of the ship and to the surface. From there it shouldn’t be too hard to get some more fuel and make for deep space and somewhere with fewer morons and lunatics. The toughest part was that first step, which was going to take some planning….

Quarters

Ramjet read with loathe, but read anyway. It was on Slipstream, and he was moderately enjoying himself. Minus the reading, but at least he was learning what made her tick.

Most of what he read was what he had already heard from rumors, but he noticed that her arrogance was off the charts. She probably thought him a naive thug who hasn't the brain to use.

"I'll show her the power of a 'Thug'. Heh." Ramjet said aloud with a smirk.

He took a moment before speaking.

>>No. No I don't need a chauffeur or a transport, I need you. I need the one Transformer I can trust. I need the skillful, young and tactful Slipstream that trumps oh-so-many of the brightest Decepticons. No, I do not need a chauffeur, I need my Air Commander. But, I also need a one-time favor. I need you to do this for me, just this once. I won't ask you to do it for me again after this, it is just a one-time ordeal, I assure you.<< Ramjet said with a soothing, flirty voice in the communique with Slipstream.

Hopefully, she would reconsider her brash statement.

*****

Ten Forward

"Zzinging in zze rain...!" Waspinator sung with a hideous replication of the Earthen Song, "Singing in the Rain".

He was happy that someone took notice of his depressed and almost suicidal state and lifted him up! He was finally noticed...

"Juzzt zzingin' in zze rain...!"

He waltzed, a very scarce sight to see with Waspinator, his way to the bridge, but suddenly got formal when he was within earshot of the Bridge.

Waspinator walked in and did a quick, awkward salute to Razorclaw.

"Invizziplane-bot tell Wazzpinator Cat-Bot need reliable flierzz over Zzeekerzz, Invizziplane tell Wazzpinator zzat you need unit and zzat he wantzz Wazzpinator, zzo Wazzpinator anzzwerzz call of duty!" Waspinator explained with his hands in a formal position behind his back.