Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

(OOC: Sorry about the length. That's the price you pay when you have so many characters in one location! And splitting posts is just not my thing. Deal wit it!)

Outside the Ultrax

Upon seeing several shot hit the encroaching Warlord brought demented, if not, gleeful smile to the Stunticon terrorist’s face. His happy demeanor was quickly amped up as he let out a baleful giggle. Yes, this mech was gonna be bagged and tagged by him. That’ll show Motormaster who’s the superior one!

The broad toothy smile that was plastered on Wildrider’s face melted into a look of utter shock. His optics brightened in fear as the larger mech shot out straight toward him. And it didn’t look as if he had any intention of stopping.

Before Wildrider could even bring his weapon up to bare Thunderwing sent him off his feet. A small amount of energon began to trail from his bottom lip and mixed with the water surrounding the two mechs. He made ready to scramble away but he was quickly grabbed by the arm dropping his gun and let out a cry of pain as the joint in his arm was wrenched backward effectively tearing wires and rods, severing energon lines and causing the limb to fall to his side.

Wildrider’s mouth dropped open as he sat there staring up at the giant of a mech covered in what he could only describe as a monstrous armor. Hurriedly he gripped his broken arm and pulled it tightly against his side trying to squelch the energon flow and the pain. He was ready to let out another cry when he found himself staring optic to optic with the Warlord.
____

The same battle cry heard by Drag Strip was also heard by Breakdown who shivered slightly at the sheer volume. The scout took a quick glance over at his yellow comrade but just as quickly looked away refocusing instead on the ocean floor.

“Heh. Yeah. I th…think ‘Rider’ll do just a..about anything to get some sort of attention.”

He took a fleeting glance at the former racer and nodded back at his suggestion to get back to work placing the remainder of the sensors around the ship. The white and blue mech took a hold of the last few devices and started off to get them planted. He lifted his head but did not look back when the other Stunticon mentioned wanting to get back inside the ship.

“I can’t agree more, Dr..Drag. I need to get under one of those solvent rinses. But I m…might need more than a week to get this salt and grit out of every crevice.”

After the last of the sensors were placed in position both mechs made their way back to the airlock and to Drag Strip’s disappointment the corpse of Wildrider was nowhere to be found. It certainly was a pity. Drag Strip’s last statement only served to send the racer a shake of Breakdown’s head.

Bridge

He never even heard anything that was said before he was picked up and bodily carried back into the ship where he was taken to the bridge full of Predacons. He let out a pain filled cry as he was dropped to the floor landing on his broken arm. With his one good arm he reached out and turned to lie on his stomach and then tried to pull himself along the floor…his face scraping against it leaving a fine trail of energon.

He watched as Thunderwing made his way to Motormaster’s former office, a small smile growing on his face.

“Heh. I shot me a warlord and got away with it. See boss, I am better than you!”

He lifted his head slightly as he reached out toward the door that had just closed behind the carapace covered mech.

“I’ll get you next time, you’ll see! You just wait and see!”

Wildrider laid his head back down on the floor and let out a crazed laugh.

Motormaster’s Office

At Razorclaw’s mention that he had made the right decision made the red and silver Seeker growl lowly. What other choice was there. Combine forces to take down a much more powerful foe or be resigned to linger knowing that he did nothing to take what was rightfully his. He deserved nothing more than to claim Megatron’s throne…he was…is the Decepticon Lord’s one true heir. I will have what is mine.

“I couldn’t agree with you more, Razorclaw.”

Starscream flashed the temporary Lord that signature smirk. Starscream’s smirk disappeared as he hissed lowly in Motormaster’s direction…he wondered just why the mech had to be present during this meeting.

The Seeker’s attention was drawn to the door as it opened and Thunderwing stepped through the threshold. Starscream offered the scientist nothing more than a deep scowl. His glare nearly penetrating the shell that encased the mech. The Air Commander crossed his arms over his chest and stood back as Thunderwing tried to explain his tardiness. At the same time the Seeker was eyeing every inch of what did not look anything like the scientist he had known on Cybertron.

Enhancement nothing. He’s added to his entire being. I’m sure Shockwave has every intention of utilizing Thunderwing’s technology. Unless we, or I, acquire it first. His musings were cut short when the booming vocalizations of Motormaster bled through the small room. Starscream hissed wondering just why the mech had to be present during this meeting.

Although hearing that the thug had baited his own subordinate did present the Seeker Commander the opportunity to smile, but only in the form of the curled corner of his lips. Amusing.

While Razorclaw proceeded with the reason they had all gathered Starscream moved from his position behind the desk and slowly made his way to Thunderwing being sure to stay out of arms reach…after all he had no clue just what the Warlord was capable of now that he was covered in his new technology.

Starscream circled around Thunderwing taking in every part that was encasing the mech within. While keeping up his slow pace he cut in before Thunderwing could answer any of Razorclaw’s questions.

“I see you’ve done what you set out to do, Thunderwing. This…” he gestured to the shell “…is quite impressive. And as curious as I am about where your loyalties lie I am more interested in whether or not you are willing to share your knowledge in just how to enhance this army.”

He stopped just in front of the mech, still keeping his distance.

“Or have you already provided Shockwave with those means? Thunderwing, what are you willing to do and what are you willing to sacrifice in order to win this war? Everything or nothing at all?”

Corridor

The feel of Skywarp’s hand squeezing tighter around her own cave her pause in her musings to look up and flash him a strained smile. She never held his gaze however as she turned her attention down to the floor ahead. The turn of events was disconcerting. She had always been drawn to Thundercracker but it seemed that the feelings were never mutual. Yet she couldn’t help but feel the slightest bit of hope that he’d finally return her feelings.

“Huh?”

She lifted her head and looked over at the black and purple Seeker holding her hand. She gave him a slight nod as his mention of giving their location and mentioning that the blue Seeker would be joining them in the mess hall.

“That’s fine. I mean we…you haven’t seen him a while, and I know you two are close.”

Mess Hall

She gave him another unsure smile as she noticed they had arrived at their intended location. Letting out a sigh Nightraven came to a stop and waited as the door slid open to reveal a cluttered putrid mess. Used empty glasses littered the few tables along with another pile of glasses, some in pieces, were strewn over the floor.

“Ugh. This is disgusting. How could anyone want to refuel in here?”

The femme released Skywarp’s hand reluctantly and began to make her way through the maze that had used to be some kind of refueling area.

“It’s like a bomb hit!”

She took a quick look over her shoulder and gave Skywarp and glare, but after a brief moment her expression lightened and she let out a low laugh.

“I’ll have to give it to the Stunticons they know how to disturb people even when they're not around.”

She turned her head and took another step only to come into contact with a discarded heavy metal canister. It was too strong to give under her weight causing it to roll under foot in turn Nightraven started to lose her balance.

Outside the Ultrax

Thundercracker smiled to himself at hearing his friend’s voice. Few things could make the light blue seeker feel proud of himself, but his friendship with Skywarp was one of them. For longer than he could remember, the pair had formed the best team within the ranks of the seekers when they were taken as wingmates for Starscream. Pushing the pleasant memories aside, Thundercracker slowed and transformed into his true mode and landed with a thud on the bottom of the trench.

The sound of a weapons fire caught his attention as he was about to open the airlock. While not sure of the culprit, seeing Thunderwing respond in such a manner caused the energon in Thundercracker’s system to flow hotter than normal. Starscream made it sound like Thunderwing was welcome there, if so why did one of the Stunticons open fire? Such a thing didn’t happen when Megatron was functional, was this how the Decepticon cause would be from that moment on? Too many loose ends for him to worry about at the moment. The first order of business was to find Skywarp and learn what had happened while he’d been in Korea. With a shake of his head, Thundercracker stepped into the airlock.

Corridor and Mess Hall

The interior of the Ultrax was what Thundercracker expected from a crashed ship. Debris and other detritus was scattered about the usually clean corridors. It didn’t take him long to reach Deck 4 and locate the pair in the mess hall.

He stood watching Skywarp and Nightraven go about picking up some of the mess and couldn’t help but smile at them. “I leave you two for a few mega-cycles and you tear the place apart.”

Corridors

Dead End wasn't entirely sure what had happened outside. He had kept a low profile, quite intentionally, since hearing that Thunderwing had been on his way here. There were some Decepticons whom it was just better to stay out of their field of vision and do what was asked and Thunderwing was one of them. Dead End was normally functional enough to oblige, unless he was simply in one of his 'not caring about anything at all' kind of moods. But this was not one of those cycles. And when the Warlord had entered the ship, his Stunticon prize in tow, Dead End had simply watched and said not a word.

Had it been Breakdown, maybe even Drag Strip, he might have done something--lifted a hand in the service of chaos to free his partners in crime. And while he could not deny that there was a slight twinge of that same feeling for Wildrider's current predicament, the overwhelming sense that this was the crazy mech's just desserts was simply too powerful. Besides, Thunderwing didn't look like he wanted to tear Wildrider apart. Just teach him a lesson. That was fine by Dead End, even if he wasn't sure whether Wildrider had the capacity to learn from his behaviors.

Who was he to talk? He'd been running with this same pack for how long now?

Dead End shrugged and walked off towards the barracks, taking the exact opposite path that Thunderwing had taken.
___

Bridge

When Thunderwing had made his presence known on the bridge, Rampage had been surprised by what he saw. The modified warlord was carrying a new prize with him, one that he unceremoniously dumped on the floor of the bridge.

Thunderwing had offered the briefest of explanations as to why the manhandled Stunticon was now on the bridge them them before he left to join Razorclaw, Starscream and Motormaster. It was enough to make Rampage chuckle. Thunderwing versus Wildrider? He might have paid a few shanix to see that fight, but only if it was leading in to a better one.

Wildrider, for his part, at least kept it entertaining: threatening Thunderwing right up until the door closed in his face was about what Rampage had come to expect from the little Stunticon nutjob. They were all a little glitched, but that one? He was definitely "special".

"Maybe he'll get a rematch when Thunderwing comes back out, eh?" Rampage chuckled.

"Maybe I just stomp him through the floor right now and call it good," Tantrum said. Rampage smirked underneath his faceplate.

"Maybe that, too," he said, hoping the larger Predacon was just venting a little anger and not serious. Given the mechs who were currently in Motormaster's office right now, it was just as likely that they might break in to an all out brawl as it was for the mechs who were currently out here on the bridge.

Bridge - Motormaster’s Office

Thunderwing glanced over at Motormaster as the Stunticon explained his subordinate’s actions. The Stunticon leader disgusted him. He was nothing more then a brute who had obtained his rank and position by sheer brute strength and cruelty. He was the unfortunate type of thug that the Decepticons had to rely on from time to time to do the grunt work and be expended on the front lines. Motormaster and their team were to be used up until the war was over or they were killed in action. Mechs like them simply did have a future in a post-war Cybertron civilization.

Unfortunately for Thunderwing he would require if not the assistance of Motormaster then at the very least his approval to keep him from interfering with his plans. That meant his brutish nature and presence at this meeting would have to be tolerated. Hopefully he would have the sense to stay quiet while the rest of them worked out an arrangement. The fact that the Stunticon leader seemed to be following Razorclaw seemed to indicate that might be possible. “I would expect nothing less from you Motormaster.”

Thunderwing turned his attention to Razorclaw as the Predacon stepped forward and addressed him directly. He shook the other Decepticon’s hand to end the formalities. He then listened carefully as Razorclaw laid out the situation for him. The scientist glanced over at Starscream as he mentioned their battle for leadership. Razorclaw must realize that his grasp on leadership is tenuous to keep Starscream alive. He might have the loyalty of his own team and the Combaticons, according to what Onslaught had said, but that was just two small groups. The seekers were vast in number and so far Starscream had been the only Decepticon able to keep them in line. Keeping the seeker around had its riskst of course, but apparently Razorclaw sought the benefits as having greater weight.

Unfortunately Starscream being alive presented another set of complications for him. Thunderwing doubted that anyone could really win over Starscream’s support, at least not in the long term. His support was likely to last as long as it took for him to find an opening that he could take advantage of, and then you would have a dagger in your back. If he was dead however, the seekers would be in disarray and ripe for new leadership. He suspected that he could have made some headway with them, as at the very least he was a flier as well, unlike the other Decepticons vying for leadership. Failing that Blackwind might have been able to make some progress with them.

The thought of the female seeker gave him pause. She was likely in dire danger onboard the Thanatos. Shockwave was liable to go to extreme lengths to learn the secrets of the polydermal grafting process. There was a chance that he would lose a valuable ally and the technological edge to Shockwave. Thunderwing was not accustomed to losing, especially things so important to him. He would do whatever it took to steer this motley collection of Decepticons in the direction he wanted them to take.

Thunderwing looked Razorclaw in the optics. “My loyalty, as it always has, is to the Decepticon cause. The incident you refer to was done when I possessed limited information. I would assume the default response any soldier would have when his superior is threatened is to come to his defense as I did. Now I have seen the full picture and the situation had radically altered with Megatron’s demise.” The Decepticon shifted his gaze to Starscream “It was always my intention to share my new technology with the Decepticons. Originally I planned to present it to Megatron himself. Now, with him gone, I am left with deciding who should get it. Shockwave seemed the natural candidate, a fellow scientist and high ranking Decepticon.”

Thunderwing looked back at Razorclaw. “Unfortunately I have observed Shockwave a considerable amount and I do not believe he is fit for leadership. While he is quite powerful and capable he is ill suited to command of the faction. I believe we would be treated a little more the numbers that he crunches and calculates. He will never understand a warrior spirit, courage or the sheer desire for victory. I do not wish to become another statistic or number in his equation for victory. I am open to an alliance to overthrow Shockwave. He cannot be allowed to lead the Decepticons.”

Hopefully his speech would win some of them over. His primary target had been Razorclaw, but bringing in Motormaster would be a nice bonus. Thunderwing knew that it was impossible to truly win over Starscream. For now the seeker was liable to bend in whatever direction the winds were blowing. He would do that until he could rebuild his powerbase. Razorclaw was the key to it all.

“My technology remains on board the Thanatos, but it is safely locked down. It would take considerable effort to de-encrypt it, and it is set to destroy itself if tampered with. Unfortunately I believe Shockwave has taken Blackwind captive. As you may know she underwent the process as a protective measure due to damage taken on Cybertron. Shockwave will likely conduct a thorough examination and possible dissection to gain whatever information he can from it. While it won’t be enough to duplicate the process it will close the gap of knowledge between us a good deal. He also continues his work with the new energon additive and has stocked the vessel with numerous loyalists. If we are to make a move against him it needs to be soon.”

*

Corridors

Slipstream gnashed her teeth as she received another signal from Ramjet. He was attempting to flatter her now. It wasn’t a bad tactic, but not very affective against the master of such things. She considered dismissing the message all together, but then she heard the mention of a favor and smiled. Now he was finally talking in a language she understood. She would put him in her debt and under her thumb. Even if he attempted to wriggle free from under it, the femme would make sure he would pay up in some form or another.

>>”A favor? Yes, that could work, but under my conditions. You will owe me a favor in return Ramjet, a rather hefty one I might add. You will have to do something for me in the future, I don’t know what yet, but you will have to do it unquestioningly. If you don’t then there will be …consequences. If you do return the favor then we will be perfectly square and I’ll never ask a thing from you ever again. Now, if you next signal is anything but the word ‘agreed’ then I’ll just go about my own business and forget this whole conversation ever took place. If you agree though, I will whisk you away to your destination.”<<

A devilish smiled formed on her face. A small investment with this fool now could potentially pay big dividends in the future, assuming he didn’t get himself killed. If he did end up dead then all she had lost was time and perhaps a bit of energy, although she had plans to recoup that loss already.

Ramjet's Personal Quarters

Ramjet was enjoying his little "Espionage" on Slipstream. He read -- More like whisked over -- her profile while he awaited her response. He soon heard her response, and it seemed that she had finally seen reason for helping him.

Excellent. Was the only thing that Ramjet could think of at that time.

She was a fiery one, wasn't she? Either way, Ramjet had to respond.

>>Agreed.<< Ramjet replied as he stood up from his shabby couch and pocketed the pad.

He only took a moment before sending her a datapacket with his location. He was then running over what he was going to say to the Constructicons. He needed their expertise if he was ever going to fulfill his plan... He needed their bomb making, and planting, skills the most.

Everything was coming together. Of course it was; he is the rightful leader of the Decepticons, after all.

Bridge - Motormaster’s Office

Razorclaw made no movement as Starscream approached Thunderwing to ask his own questions about whether the scientist was willing to share the carapace technology that now surrounded him. The Warlord wasted no time in addressing the concerns of those present. The Predacon lord listened intently as Thunderwing laid out his answers, the most notable of which was when he revealed that he was, in fact, open to an alliance to overthrow Shockwave. Razorclaw immediately took note that there was no mention of the partnership continuing on after that task had been accomplished. Of course, the same could also be said regarding the Seeker Commander’s participation in all this. The lion-former had to tread very carefully once Shockwave was eliminated from the equation as Starscream would likely try to win Thunderwing to his side in order to reclaim the Decepticon leadership from Razorclaw.

Thunderwing then continued to speak about the status of his technology that still resided on the Thanatos along with the strong possibility that Blackwind had been taken prisoner. That was not surprising as she was always a thorn in Shockwave’s side and thus it was expected that the Military Operations Commander would eventually act against her. It seems that had finally taken place and it gave Razorclaw some extra leverage to help bring the scientist into the fold. Thunderwing’s final update was in regards to the continued experimentation of the new energon ore along with the many loyalists he now had around him, likely from the numerous stasis pods that were stored on board the Predacon warship.

Once the Warlord was done speaking, Razorclaw took a small step forward towards the carapace-laced mech. “I agree, Thunderwing. An offensive move against Shockwave must be made sooner rather than later. It’s only a matter of time before we are discovered here. If we wait much longer to act, it will be us that are on the defensive instead of that walking calculator and his supporters. Fortunately, my Predacons and I are very familiar with the Thanatos both inside and out as she was, and will be again, our vessel. Unfortunately, we have no other ship at our disposal that equals the size and power of the Thanatos. There is the Obliteration that still remains in orbit, but the Combaticon frigate is no match for the might of our stolen vessel. Therefore, a direct outward attack is not in our best interests. We must, instead, find a way inside and spring the assault from within.”

The Predacon lord cast a knowing glance over at Starscream before returning his optics to Thunderwing. “I am very pleased that you are open to an alliance with us. I also understand your reasons for interfering before and I hold no grudge against you. You did what you felt was right and necessary at the time. I would expect no less from you now. However, if you pledge your full support to us, and more specifically to me, than I promise to assist you in any way that I can in saving Blackwind from Shockwave’s grasp. I can only imagine the prodding that she is being subjected to right now. Together we will win her back, retrieve your technology and bring Shockwave to his knees.”

Razorclaw raised his clutched fist into the air as a sign of strength and determination. He then lowered it again and kept his optics fixated on the Warlord’s enlarged form. “If you are in agreement, Thunderwing, then we can begin our plans to retake the Thanatos as well as the whole of the Decepticon Empire.”

Mess Hall

Skywarp felt relieved when Nightraven said it was okay that Thundercracker joined them in the mess hall for drinks. She seemed to understand the need to see an old friend again even if the encounter between the three of them would be a bit on the awkward side. Still, it would be nice to finally catch up with the blue seeker as the two long time comrades had been separated for many cycles now. Thankfully, the teleporter’s time had been well spent in the presence of Nightraven. It would be interesting to gauge Thundercracker’s reaction to the femme becoming so close to the prankster.

Entering the mess hall was like entering a battlefield after the battle had already taken place. Skywarp peered around the littered room and quickly realized that the Stunticons, useful as they may be, were complete and utter slobs. He couldn’t fault Nighty for finding their surroundings so disgusting as ‘Warp began to regret bringing her down here in the first place. He had worked so hard to impress Nighty only to nauseate her in such a waste-filled environment.

Skywarp watched as she released his hand and made her way through the filth and garbage at her feet. Her seemingly angry glare back at him made the teleporter cringe slightly for a moment before her gaze finally softened. Her mild chuckle and comment that followed showed that she was not angry with him, just amazed at how the Stunticons were able to disturb others without even being around. “Yeah, you’re certainly right about that, Nighty,” the prankster admitted. “I’m almost sorry I brought you down here. If you want to go we can...”

Skywarp’s words trailed off when he noticed Nightraven step onto a discarded metal container that was laying on the floor, causing her to lose her balance. Fearing that she would fall backwards and also realizing that he was too far across the room to run to her in time, ‘Warp instantly teleported to Nighty’s side, catching the femme before she hit the ground. “Gotcha!” Skywarp exclaimed as he held Nightraven in his arms and cast a gaze down into her glowing optics. “Almost fell there, but no worries, not with me around anyway. Heh.”

The prankster’s attention was only drawn away from Nightraven's visage when he heard the familiar voice of Thundercracker coming from behind them. Skywarp glanced over his shoulder to see his good friend standing over by the doorway smiling at them. “Oh hey, ‘Cracker!” The teleporter called back as he helped Nighty reclaim a firm stance on the floor beneath her. Once she was steady on her feet again, ‘Warp released his hold on her and turned to face the blue seeker. “It’s good to see you again, old buddy! It’s been awhile.” Skywarp approached his friend and gave Thundercracker a hard pat on the shoulder plate. “And this mess is not ours, by the way. You can thank the Stunticons for this disaster. Nighty and I are just trying to find our way to the energon dispensers and hope to Primus the sludge within isn’t as disgusting as all this slag. Ha ha! Come on and join us. We got a lot of catching up to do!”

Airlock / Corridor

With all of the sensors successfully placed around the crashed Stunticon frigate, Drag Strip entered the airlock and waited as patiently as he could for Breakdown to follow. “Come on, Breaks! I ain’t got all cycle here!” Once they were both inside, the outer door slid shut and the acidic salt water slowly drained out of the tight compartment. “Finally! My servos feel better already. Not by much, but a little at least. I tell you, any more time out there and I thought I was going to fall a part into a pile of worthless junk. And, you know, I’m never worthless. But, we should’ve been given some kind of protective coating. Now, we have to waste time washing this crap out of our joints and numerous other crevices. Sigh. Although, at least Wildrider got his just desserts. That’s one good thing we can both take away from all this, right?”

Drag Strip patted the scout on the back as the last drop of ocean water seeped into the floor grates. The inner hatch then opened to reveal the corridor beyond, and the former racer wasted no time stepping inside and stretching his legs and arms as H20 continued to drip from every part of his metal frame. “Yuck! This is almost as bad as Cosmic Rust. I think one of those solvent showers you suggested before is exactly what the medic ordered for us, Breaky. Let’s head on down to the barracks and soak ourselves before ol’ Motormaster contacts us to do something else that will eat away at our hides.”

The former racer then headed off down the corridor and towards the main barracks where the Stunticons resided in their downtime. Hopefully, once Drag Strip got there he would find the showers fully functioning and not in need of any repairs since the crash had occurred. Otherwise, Drag’s already foul mood would get even worse as he was likely the only one that was willing or even capable of fixing any potential problems. The yellow mech was the best at everything, after all.

Mess Hall

She could hear Skywarp from somewhere behind her that the other Seeker was in agreement with her assessment of the condition of the mess hall. In fact the placed looked like what the humans called a pig sty. Coming here might have been a bad idea but there was no reason not to, at the very least, enjoy Skywarp’s company.

Nightraven had taken one more step not thinking to look to the floor to avoid anything that might wind up under foot and she paid the price. The canister rolled out from under her foot giving her enough momentum to begin her decent backwards. The only thing that crossed her mind was how embarrassing it will be when she finally landed.

The inevitable landing never materialized as she soon realized Skywarp had teleported from across the room to catch her before she hit bottom…literally. She could feel his hands take hold of her preventing her to make it all the way down and onto the debris covered floor. She didn’t know which would have been worse…falling on her aft, or falling on her aft and landing in something foul.

The Seeker femme had her optics focused on the floor but once she knew she was safe she turned her optics up to see Skywarp gazing down at her. She met his gaze with one of her own, and for a moment she had forgotten they were even in the mess hall.

The expression of surprise and uncertainty was plastered all over her face, and as she realized just how he’d read her she flashed him an awkward smile. Maybe this doesn’t have to end.

“I...um. Thank you.”

Her words came out in almost a whisper, but she quickly recovered when she heard the voice from the one mech she had hoped wouldn’t actually show up. She had no vantage point to see the new arrival thanks to Skywarp’s wings in her line of sight, but there was absolutely no doubt that Thundercracker had indeed shown up.

Nightraven nearly stiffened completely as the teleporter helped her back up and onto her feet. And as soon as the black and purple Seeker turned around Nightraven caught a glimpse of the blue Seeker standing just in the door way. To her relief she was able to come to her senses long enough to flash him a forced smile and a slight nod…at the same time she brought her hand to rest on her opposite upper arm. I cannot do this. I thought I could, but there is no way I can handle this.

At Skywarp’s invitation to his friend Nightraven removed her hand from her arm and held it up in order to draw what little attention should desired.

“Uh…I’ll go find the energon dispenser. Why don’t you two…” She looked around the room that was covered in filth and destroyed…everything. “…you two can try to find a table and a couple of chairs.”

With that the turned around and let out a vented sigh. Drawing in some stale air she looked down to the floor and again tried to maneuver her way through the maze that the Stunticons had so lovingly fashioned. Two cubes. You serve them then you make your way out. Come on Nighty, you can do that.

Airlock / Corridor

After he and Drag Strip had completed their task the two Stunticons trudged their way to the airlock Motormaster had been waiting for them. To Breakdown’s relief their sweet commander was nowhere in sight, as was true for the terrorist. After what seemed like forever, Breakdown actually cracked a pleased smile. Finally, no one to play with my head and no one to beat the slag out of me.

“I’m comin’ Drag!”

The scout forged through the briny drink as fast as he could manage and came to stand by his teammate. At the former racer’s declaration that Wildrider had gotten what was coming to him Breakdown nodded enthusiastically. When he felt the other mech’s hand pat his back the paranoid scout stiffened but the sound of the hatch opening gave him enough cause to actually relax.

He took a brief look over at Drag Strip but only long enough to catch the other’s expression. There was no way he wanted his optics to linger. The longer he looked the better the opportunity Drag Strip would have to stare back. That single thought sent an almost violent shiver down his back strut.

“Ye…yeah. Th…that solvent shower sounds real good.”

He had barely gotten his agreement out when he saw yellow feet pushing down the corridor. Breakdown’s head snapped up only to catch the fleeting image of Drag Strip nearly rounding the far corner. Not wanting to be left behind for Motormaster, or worse, Wildrider to catch him, Breakdown broke off into a sprint in order to close the distance between the two of them.

“Wa…Drag WAIT!”

Mess Hall

Thundercracker’s smile broadened as he stepped forward. After sidestepping a pile of crates that were left where they fell, he reached out and clapped Skywarp on the shoulder. “That’s right, blame it on the Stunticons. You know this was Motormaster.” For the first time in longer than he could remember, Thundercracker genuinely laughed. As he turned to greet Nightraven, she turned and moved away from them.

“Uh… I’ll go find the energon dispenser. Why Don’t you two…” She looked around the room that was covered in filth and destroyed… everything. “…you two can try to find a table and a couple of chairs.”

Thundercracker paused for a moment, there was something different about her. When his optics shifted back to Skywarp he noticed the black and purple mech seemed… uncomfortable. Shaking his head, he motioned to a table for them to turn right side up. If he didn’t know better, Thundercracker would swear it had to do with him. Whatever it was, they didn’t have time for emotional distress.

“I heard about Shockwave proclaiming his leadership. How’d Starscream take it?”

Bridge

Divebomb had watched as Thunderwing dropped off a gift towards them. The con was a fool to have challenge Thunderwing given to how his technology has evolved so to speak. He went over to Wildrider and flipped him on his back to see his conditions. It appears that Thunderwing made quick work of him and made tons of damages, but not fatal. Why he had to drop him into the bridge, no one was going to help anyway. Divebomb went back to Razorclaw's chair as he sat on it thinking on what to do. With Rampage in charge, he might as well make the order.

"So, whose gonna take him to the repair bay? I know i'm not going help him."

Divebomb turned his head as he looked at the screens to keep an eye out for the seekers. He looks at one seeing skyward and nightraven having to reach Thundercracker. Aw...the seeker brothers are reunited again, how lovely. If only they didn't need the seekers, Divebomb would surely be glad to take care of one of them.

Mess Hall

Thrust had followed up after Nightraven and Skywarp after he climbed down the corridor. Where were they going? He didn't have a clue seeing as the love seekers were slightly annoyed that he was following them. They were going to have to deal with it until Starscream will give them orders. The group stopped as Thrust wondered on what happened, where he saw Skywarp and Nightraven meeting Thundercracker. Well, it looks like Thundercracker has joined the party. That good, the more seekers the better for Starscream when he launches a counterattack on the preds one day. Thrust went up towards the group as he asked how Starscream took the news on Shockwave taking leadership.

"The usual, want to overrule his leadership and have supreme command over the decepticons. However, Razorclaw beat him in leadership on this ship, so his plans gotten delayed as of right now."

Bridge - Motormaster’s Office

Thunderwing listened as Razorclaw accepted him into the little group, at least conditionally. The Predacon leader phrased some things in just such a way to make sure he remained at the top of the group. It wasn’t surprising as he now had seemingly total command over an impressive number of Decepticons. He wanted to keep a firm grip on that bit of power and Thunderwing could not fault him for it.

Unfortunately for the Predacon commander he had no intention of swearing any sort of loyalty to him. While he bore no ill will towards him, Thunderwing was not going to serve under his command. While Razorclaw was a highly skilled warrior and effective leader he was not superior to him. The strongest had always ruled the Decepticons, and eventually that would fall to him, ideally with a minimal loss of Decepticon life. Wasting themselves in battle against each other only handed victory to the Autobots. Right now however, the more pressing goal was to remove Shockwave from his position, as he was an enemy to all of them.

The warlord also noticed Razorclaw’s appeals about Blackwind. As they had feared the only newly born relationship between the two of them was being used as leverage against him. While he did want her freed, unharmed and intact he still found it a bit insulting that Razorclaw went down that route. He was not soft, allowing his emotions to rule over him like some pitiful Autobot. Thunderwing would have been in favor of Shockwave’s removal in any case. He would have to steel himself more to avoid Blackwind being used against him in the future. It was unfortunate, but necessary. Their relationship would have to remain more secretive until he was fully in place at the top of the Decepticon hierarchy.

Thunderwing nodded his head at Razorclaw. “I agree, we have an alliance. Now as a first step towards a plan against Shockwave we need to analyze our resources against his. My last contact with Blackwind indicated that he had at least ten Decepticons loyal to him functioning on boar the Thanatos, excluding Soundwave’s numerous minions, but he was continuing to bring more online so that number is likely a low estimate. We should be prepared to face possibly twice that number, if not more.”

The Decepticon glanced from Razorclaw, to Motormaster to Starscream. “I believe I am accurate when I say we have the Predacons, Stunticons and Seekers at our disposal. From what Onslaught said to me I believe the Combaticons are with us too. The Constructicons will likely be busy finishing the new base. This leaves us with various other Decepticons I saw at the construction site. Is their loyalty certain or is it sill in question? Finding out in the middle of a battle could have dire consequences.”

*

Ramjet's Personal Quarters

In a bright flash of light Slipstream appeared standing next to Ramjet. It wasn’t too hard to trace his signal back to his quarters and pick an empty spot next to him to appear in. A smirk on her face she grabbed a hold of the other seeker’s arm and pulled him up from his seat. “Alright big boy, off we go.” In another bright flash of light the two Decepticons disappeared, bound for the construction site on the surface.

Bridge - Motormaster’s Office

Razorclaw was pleased when Thunderwing agreed to an alliance, but he also took note that the carapace-ladened scientist reframed from swearing absolute loyalty to him. This was a telling sign that once Shockwave was dealt with, the Warlord could possibly become a problem for the Predacon Commander in addition to Starscream's obvious intention to try and reclaim the leadership he had recently lost. However, the lion-former would deal with those potential challenges at a later date. For now, they were united against a common foe, and for once it wasn’t the Autobots.

The Predacon lord then listened as Thunderwing disclosed an approximate number of supporters that Shockwave had on board the Thanatos, along with however many were still sleeping inside the numerous stasis chambers the warship housed. Razorclaw then considered the Warlord’s query regarding where the loyalties of those not part of a specialty unit ultimately fell. It was an uncertainty that had been troubling the lion-former for quite some time now.

“You are accurate in that we have the support of those teams you mentioned along with the Seekers,” Razorclaw replied to Thunderwing as he rounded the desk and took a seat behind it once more. “As for the remainder of the ‘Cons at the construction site, there is still some doubt about who they will side with. I did send out a frequency wide communication earlier to all those at the site, declaring my ascension to leadership and demanding their loyalty. I would suspect that those who did not wish to support me would have left the surface and joined Shockwave’s forces in orbit. However, it is still possible that some have yet to make up their processors or are simply going along with whomever is in charge. Either way, they will fall in line with us or suffer the consequences along with Shockwave and his followers.”

Razorclaw leaned forward in Motormaster’s chair and placed both clawed hands on the desktop, allowing them to dig in to the surface slightly. “As for how we are going to retake the Thanatos and ultimately get rid of that one-optic calculator, I have a plan. It’s one that would directly involve Starscream’s participation.” The Predacon lord glanced over at the Seeker Commander before returning his attention to Thunderwing. “You see, Shockwave sent my Predacons and I to the Ultrax in order to subdue Starscream and possibly even disable the frigate if need be. Of course, both of those things did, in fact, happen but for very different reasons. Now, as far as I know, the Military Operations Commander still thinks I’m following his orders. If that is the case, then we can use his ignorance against him.”

The Predacon lord then pushed himself up from the desk, remaining behind it while keeping his optics locked on the carapace-covered mech standing at the center of the room. “However, I must first know if that still holds true. Thunderwing, what can you tell me about Shockwave’s knowledge of my activities since my departure from the Thanatos? Does he still think I’m loyal to him, or does he suspect that I have abandoned him?”

Mess Hall

Skywarp nodded to Nightraven as she went to find the energon dispenser after suggesting for the two seeker brothers to find a couple of chairs and a table amongst the clutter. The teleporter’s attention was then drawn back to Thundercracker who seemed to find the assertion that the Stunticons were to blame for the mess amusing. “Yeah, Motormaster probably used this place to punish his Stunticons for something he felt they did wrong. You know what a dictator his is. Sure glad Starscream’s not like that. If that was the case, I’d have to reconsider being a seeker.”

The prankster then walked towards the center of the room, kicking debris out of his way as he went. He approached an overturned table and quickly set it upright. Skywarp then grabbed three chairs that were piled together nearby and set them around the table before sitting down and motioning for Thundercracker to do the same. “Have a seat, buddy. Our drinks should be up shortly.” The teleporter was about to ask his blue friend what he’d been up to for the past several cycles when ‘Cracker beat him to the punch with his own question regarding Starscream’s reaction to Shockwave’s proclamation of leadership. “Well, he wasn’t...”

Skywarp’s words were cut off by Thrust, who had recently entered the mess hall and decided to answer for him. The prankster sneered at the crimson seeker for his insolence, but remained calm and focused on Thundercracker. Of course, Thrust didn’t go into any real details, leaving much for the blue mech to wonder about. “Well, ‘Cracker, as I was about to say before the interruption, Screamer wasn’t too happy about Shockwave. However, that turned out to be the least of his concerns as Razorclaw challenged him to a fight for control down here and ended up winning. Of course, it really wasn’t a fair battle as the limited space favored the Predacon. Starscream then spent several cycles in a CR chamber before exiting and heading back to the bridge under Predacon escort. He’s been there meeting with ‘Claw ever since. Not sure what they’re talking about. I just hope Screamer’s not kissing that lion-former’s aft plate. Stupid animal.”

Corridors / Barracks

Drag Strip had slowed down to allow Breakdown to catch up with him in the corridor. He didn’t say anything to the scout and simply kept on walking. The yellow Stunticon couldn’t wait to get himself washed off of all this crud that had built up in his servos and various other crevices across his frame. Every time he took a step, Drag could hear a low crunching sound as the salt moved between his joints, making him feel very stiff and corroded.

“I feel like a rusty oil can,” Drag Strip commented aloud without looking over at the blue and white mech walking quickly beside him. Soon the former racer rounded a corner and reached the doorway to the barracks. Once inside, he noticed Dead End loitering about and gave his comrade a curt wave before heading towards the back of the room where the showers were located. “Hey, Dead! You take a solvent shower yet? You might want to before you disintegrate into nothing but a pile of dust. You know, with your luck, that would almost certainly happen. Heh.”

With his warning delivered to the doom-sayer, Drag Strip hurried into the shower room and made his way underneath one of the dispenser heads. Immediately, the yellow Stunticon reached in front of himself and turned the knob all the way around, initiating a steady stream of solvent that quickly covered his entire body. The liquid chemical felt good as it began to eat away at the salt and grime Drag had picked up while outside the Ultrax doing Motormaster’s biding. The former racer leaned forward and placed both hands onto the wall in front of him, allowing the solvent to steam down his aching back. Soon his joints and servos would be free of the foreign muck that had invaded them. Too bad he wouldn’t be free of Motormaster’s tyranny, as well.

Barracks

The arrival of more Stunticons was not an overly positive or negative experience for Dead End. There could certainly be worse individuals aboard this vessel who might have happened to wander down this way. Were there any better ones?

Hmm...not really. That speaks well of my current state, Dead End grumbled internally.

He sighed at the yellow Stunticon's admonition. Was there a point, really? If the corrosive crap on this planet didn't waste them away, it would be one of Wildrider's roadside bomb's or one of Motormaster's final tantrums or Grimlock's sword or...

"Oh, alright," Dead End mumbled, following after Drag Strip and Breakdown. "You two seem none the worse for wear. Where's...'you know'? Our friendly neighborhood nutjob."

Dead End reached up and activated his own nozzle, the solvents spraying down on him and washing away or neutralizing that cursed, corrosive saline.

Bridge – Motormaster’s Office

The time Razorclaw took to address Thunderwing, Starscream saw fit to internalize exactly what he had heard. To the Air Commander it seemed that the logic ridden calculator had sent the encased Warlord down to the surface in order to check up on the planet-side Decepticons…namely him and Razorclaw.

This tidbit was something he simply could not dismiss. Was Thunderwing playing with them? Has this new development concerning the femme been fabricated, or was it true and the ploy being used to manipulate the Warlord into doing Shockwave’s bidding. He was surprised that Razorclaw would take the mech at his word.

Starscream stepped forward and eyed the new arrival suspiciously.

“I’m wondering Thunderwing…how do we know for certain that this is not a ploy concocted by you and Shockwave in order to catch us off guard? It seems convenient that that deceitful glitch, Blackwind, has gotten herself taken prisoner on board the very ship Shockwave has been using as his own personal base of operations.”

With one hand behind his back and the other gently rubbing his chin, Starscream began to pace before the other mechs occupying the room.

“Of course if you are being truthful with us than the capture of…Blackwind…would be a devastating factor. But I’m still skeptical. I, for one, require more proof of your loyalty.”

Mess Hall

With both Thundercracker and Skywarp getting caught up on what each of them had missed while not in the others’ company, Nightraven was taking her time in trying to find the energon dispenser that was probably not even functional.

The femme finally made her way through the random garbage scattered over the floor to a far counter that lined the entire length of the wall. Centered on its surface was gargantuan device that looked older than that Autobot relic Kup.

She took a good look at the device and was relieved to find that it was indeed a dispenser and that it was still functional. Nightraven let out a sigh of relief before finding two fairly clean glasses. The sludge that came out, however, did not look fit enough to even feed a dying empty. With a disgusted sneer plastered on her face she carefully took the glasses over to the table both Seekers had turned upright. Nightraven forced a small smile as she placed a glass in front of each mech and took the third seat.

“Sorry. It’s all they’ve got.”

She took a quick glance in Thundercracker’s direction before turning her attention to her hands which she had folded on the tabletop. At each passing moment Nightraven grew more and more uncomfortable. Should I just leave? But if I do would Skywarp be angry? And what about Thundercracker? What would he think? Oh Primus this so hard.

After her moment of quiet contemplation Nightraven lifted her head and cast Skywarp a worried gaze. She wanted to leave, yet she also wanted to stay. With her optics locked on the teleporter’s Nightraven shook her head gently.

“I can’t do this.”

As soon as the words left her vocalizer Nightraven was on her feet and carefully making her way through the refuse toward the door.

Barracks

Breakdown had followed as quickly as possible behind Drag Strip as the former racer made his way quickly through the corridors and on to the barracks. He had to admit that he certainly came up with a great idea in heading directly to the solvent showers instead of heading directly to Motormaster for a debriefing. Yeah, this was gonna be so much better.

Drag Strip arrived first, as was expected, followed closely by the scout. Without hesitation Breakdown took up residence at the farthest shower from the others and activated the solvent flow. The first trickle sent a tremor through his frame as that trickle turned into a steady flow. The white and blue mech let out a satisfied sigh as he off-lined his optics and just basked in the feeling of grit and brine washing out of every joint.

Ramjet's Living Area - Crew's Quarters

Ramjet didn't have to wait long before Slipstream teleported in. He had already concealed his datapad before she had entered. Being called "Big Boy" wasn't something that he enjoyed being called. "Lord" or "Master" fitted him better. But then again, being called something like that by Slipstream...? That was something that he could be called all day if she said it.

He felt the warmth of her touch on his arm -- it was a figurative warmth, obviously -- and he couldn't help but to feel a smile creeping across his faceplate. Catching himself, he quickly put on a mask of grim acknowledgment.

And, in a flash of light, they were gone. And now Ramjet can work his stuff...

*****

Waspinator's Area - Crew's Quarters

Waspinator repeatedly knocked his head against a wall out of frustration and misery. Things had not been going well. When he entered his area, he found that it had been ransacked during the crash and objects that were supposed to be bolted down lay scattered around the room in disarray. It wasn't anyone else's area, just his.

He stared blankly at the overturned couch along with dozens of magazines and films ripped and fractured during the crash.

"Why Univerzze hate Wazzpinator? Wazzpinator doezz nothing wrong! Wazzpinator juzzt doezz what Wazzpinator believezz to be right!" Wazpinator fell on his knees and pleaded to someone or something unknown even to him.

He let out several exasperated sobs and unholstered his weapon. He looked at it with fire in his eyes as he, again, tossed it at the wall as if it were the cause of his frustration. He walked to the couch and flipped it over with his enormous strength, then flopped down upon the couch where he began to think about what he had ever done wrong to deserve this treatment from the universe.

Barracks

Drag Strip glanced over as Dead End took to one of the other shower heads, asking where the resident terrorist was. The former racer chuckled through the streams of solvent as it cascaded down his faceplate. “You mean, good ol’ Wildrider? Ha! He got the slag beat out of him by Thunderwing. The nutjob thought it would be a good idea to fire on the Warlord and, well, the obvious happened afterwards.”

The yellow Stunticon turned around so that his back faced the chemical spray, allowing the solvent to begin to dissolve the salt and grime that had caked within the crevices of his spinal plating. Drag Strip let out a sigh of relief, having not felt this good in quite some time. “After that, Thunderaft drug ‘Rider into the ship and took him Primus knows where. Maybe he’s in the repair bay if the Warlord was in a forgiving mood. Regardless, the scientist looks very different from the last time I saw him. He’s upgraded himself somehow. Not sure what he’s done, though, and I frankly don’t care. I never liked the seeker wannabe to begin with.”

The former racer that was good at everything then glanced around to see Breakdown basking in his own solvent wash, his optics off-lined. Drag Strip cracked a slight smile as he considered saying something to instigate the paranoia within his comrade. Of course, that would make him not much better than Wildrider, but the difference was Drag used some degree of tact when deciding how best to tease the blue and white scout, while the terrorist was just trying to intimidate him and the other Stunticons through fear and outright aggression.

“You know, Breakdown,” Drag Strip called out to his overly anxious companion, a smirk forming on his faceplate. “You may not want to shower with your optics off-lined. You never know when Wildrider will get here and sneak up behind you. You don’t want him stabbing you in the back now do you?”

Mess Hall

Before Thundercracker had a chance to respond to what Skywarp had just told him, Nightraven approached and set some drinks down on the table in front of them before taking a seat, herself. Peering down at the gross mixture that was supposed to be an energon substitute, the teleporter couldn't help but wonder how the Stunticons survived for so long while ingesting this crap. 'Warp then looked over at the femme and smiled. “It’s okay, Nighty. I’m sure it’s...” the prankster paused for a brief moment as he took another quick glance down at the hideous concoction before returning his optics to Nightraven. “...fine. It’s the best we’re going to get around here anyway so don’t worry about it. Besides, if those crazy Stunticons can drink it so can we!”

Skywarp then picked his glass up in both hands and took a hesitant sip of the beverage. He held the liquid in his mouth for an astrosecond as a look of revulsion formed across his faceplate. Not wanting to hurt Nightraven’s feelings, he tried to force a smile through his disgusted visage. The resulting expression was comical at best. “I’ve...tasted worse,” the teleporter said as he somehow forced the energon sludge down his throat, letting a low groan escape his vocalizer as the tainted fuel entered his tanks.

It was then that Skywarp noticed Nightraven’s worried appearance. At first he thought it was in regards to his clear dislike of the drinks she had just served, but it quickly dawned on him that there was something more that was bothering her, and it likely had to do with a certain blue seeker. Her whispered statement only served to confirm his suspicions as she got up and headed for the door. ‘Warp glanced over to Thundercracker with a nervous look of his own. “Ah, wait here an astrosec, ‘Cracker. I’ll be right back.”

Without further delay, the teleporter quickly stood up and trudged his way across the littered room until he had caught up to Nightraven by the door. “Nighty, wait!” Skywarp said as he gently took hold of her left arm in order to stop her advance. He then maneuvered himself around to stand in front of her. “What’s wrong? What can’t you do?” The prankster asked as he stared into her worried optics. He then leaned in closer and spoke softly to her so that only she could hear him. “It’s Thundercracker, isn’t it? It hard for you just being here with him around? -Sigh- I’m sorry I invited him to join us. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Skywarp leaned back, standing up straight once more and still looking Nightraven in the optics. “It’s okay if you want to leave. I understand. Once I’m done here, I’ll just come find you. Sound good?”

Bridge - Motormaster’s Office

Thunderwing listened quietly as Razorclaw laid the situation to him. It appeared that he did have numerous Decepticons under his command, although with the numbers Shockwave had under his command still vague it was uncertain who had numerical superiority. The unknown allegiance of a few of the random Decepticons around was troubling. There was a chance they could be informing Shockwave of what was going on or simply waiting for an opportune moment to make a betrayal. It would be best to limit their involvement in any of the more important plans.

Before the Decepticon could answer Razorclaw’s question Starscream inserted himself into the conversation. A sneer crossed his face as the seeker dared to question his loyalty. While he had no intention of following Razorclaw as supreme leader of the Decepticons he was not planning to betray them all to Shockwave. Once they cycloptic commander was dealt with, then he would move on to dealing with Predacon and seeker leaders respectively. Starscream would likely have to be put down as he would never be able to trust him. Ideally Blackwind would be there to assume control of the seekers in his absence. Razorclaw, he hoped, could be reasoned with. He had to see that his vision and raw power were simply too limited to lead all of the Decepticons. He was an excellent hunter, a skilled warrior and a superb unit leader but he should not aspire for more then that. If the Predacon disagreed then he would be put in his place, forcibly if necessary.

“You of all beings question my loyalty, my sincerity Starscream? It is not enough that I come here peacefully, alone, with weapons holstered? It is not enough that I allow myself to be attacked by a Stunticon, allowing the transgression to pass with only minimal retaliation? Now I must have my loyalty questioned by you, you of all beings in this universe.” The Decepticon raised his right arm, pointing a finger at the seeker. At the same time the rifle mounted to his shoulder snapped down, pointing directly at Starscream. “I should reduce you to ashes for such an insult, and believe me Starscream, I am more then capable of doing it. Question my integrity and honor again and you will witness and feel my new power first hand. I would trade a hundred of you for just one Decepticon as loyal, cunning and dependable as Blackwind.”

Thunderwing lowered his arm, the gun reverting back to its standard position and not aimed at the seeker. He turned back to Razorclaw. “As far as I know your loyalty to Shockwave remains unquestioned, although I have been out of contact with him for sometime. I would say that he may suspect me to a certain extent between my absence and delays in delivering him the secrets of my carapace technology. Of your specific actions he knows nothing but I am sure he believes you have overpowered Starscream and seized control of this vessel by now.”

“I believe we can still use your supposed loyalty to Shockwave to our advantage, particularly if you bring him a prize.” A smile crossed Thunderwing’s face. “I suggest you return to the Thanatos with a handpicked team. You will bring Starscream to him as your prisoner to help assure him of your loyalty, and to distract him.” He shifted to look over at the seeker in question. “It will be a ruse of course, but will require a certain amount of…trust from Starscream. In any case this should put you all back on the vessel and in position to do whatever damage you wish to it.”

His gaze shifted back to Razorclaw. “If my loyalties still remain in question then I shall remain here. Should your mission fail for some reason you can instruct your Predacons or whomever you leave behind to dispose or use me as a hostage as you see fit for my betrayal. I will remain here, peacefully, prepared to make the next move upon your mission’s success.”

Barracks

Dead End's vocalizer hung open in abject surprise for a few astroseconds as Drag Strip gave him an answer to his question. When he did finally speak, that same level of surprise carried over in to his tone of voice.

"He fired on Thunderwing? That's cra--," the Stunticon started, before catching himself. He then shrugged. "That's Wildrider for you."

But that wasn't really true. Wildrider was known for his erratic behavior, unquestionably. But, as a general rule, he tended to do it with those whom he thought he had more power than. Your typical bullycon. No shortage of those in the ranks. Going after someone as obviously overpowered as the Warlord from Valckasta? What in Primus' name had possessed him to do that? Dead End was curious.

Not so curious as to cut short his solvent shower or anything. But curious nonetheless.

"Too funny," Dead End said, his voice as dry as the Rust Sea.
___

Bridge

Rampage considered Divebomb's question for a moment before shrugging.

"Eh. If Motormaster wants him functional, he'll take him with him when he leaves. He's not our problem."

"Unless he wants to make it our problem," Tantrum added, Headstrong standing silently just behind him. Rampage could tell from the looks on their faces that they were just hoping the little glitch would try something crazy now with all of the Predacons here on the bridge effectively surrounding him from one position or another, even if they were going about their own business. Truth be told, Rampage wouldn't have minded if his circuits glitched a little and he tried something, either. Thunderwing had surely taken care of that for the time being though.

Rampage looked over at the doors leading to Motormaster's office. There were a lot of powerful mechs in that room. He wondered how well they were all navigating each other's egos.

Motormaster’s Office - Bridge

Razorclaw remained still, watching carefully as Starscream approached the Warlord and once again questioned where his loyalties truly resided. The Seeker Commander clearly did not trust Thunderwing and likely never would. Although, the red and silver flier had a good point. It all could just be a cleverly laid trap ultimately designed by Shockwave, or it could be a way for Thunderwing to eliminate all of his enemies at once and thus assume control of the Empire, himself. Either way, Razorclaw needed to remain cautious during these difficult times of transition.

A smile formed underneath the Predacon lord’s face shield as Thunderwing pointed his shoulder-mounted rifle directly at Starscream while admonishing him for daring to question his sincerity. The Warlord reasoned that he came here in peace and could have done far more damage to the Stunticon that had fired on him, but he did not. His final threat against the Seeker Commander made Razorclaw almost giddy with anticipation. Perhaps he wouldn’t have to worry about Starscream's own loyalties and ambitions for leadership, after all. Unfortunately, with him gone, the rest of the seekers would likely rebel, complicating things even further.

Thankfully, Thunderwing decided against terminating Starscream, lowering his weapon and turning his attention back to the Predacon lord in order to answer his previous inquiry. It seemed that Shockwave was none the wiser of Razorclaw’s defection and subsequent claim to the throne. This was good news as it would allow the Predacons to return to the Thanatos unchallenged. The Warlord’s follow-up suggestion on how to best proceed reflected the lion-former’s own plan almost perfectly. Bringing Shockwave a beaten and shackled Starscream would certainly allow for that level of trust with the cycloptic mech to continue, for a short time at least. Thunderwing also offered to remain behind on the Ultrax if his loyalty was still in doubt, a recommendation that the Predacon lord would take into careful consideration.

“Thunderwing, you read my processor,” Razorclaw responded once the carapace-enhanced scientist had finished speaking. “Although, I fear that Shockwave may have some doubts regarding my own disappearance for so long. I should have contacted him by now. However, it is easily explained away. I will simply tell him that the ship crashed in my attempt to subdue Starscream and his seekers, which should justify the delay sufficiently. The fact that we did do battle should help legitimize our cover story. Bringing Starscream to Shockwave as a faux prisoner, while risky, is still necessary to help solidify my unwavering loyalty to the cycloptic mech even further. Then, when the moment is perfect, we will strike and take back what rightfully belongs to us!”

Razorclaw cast his gaze over to Starscream. He could already tell that the Air Commander did not like where all this was heading, but then again the red and silver mech was no longer in charge and was still in the midst of healing. Therefore, he really had no alternative but to go along with the plan. “Starscream, you must realize that this is the only way Shockwave will allow us to bounce back on board the Thanatos with minimal suspicions. He expects me to have taken you prisoner or he will require proof of your termination. The team that I assemble will consist of my Predacons along with some of your own seekers. The Combaticons will be called in, as well, while the Stunticons remain here to guard the Ultrax and continue whatever additional repairs are needed. Once we are secure on board the Thanatos we will make our move, taking out Shockwave and subduing his supporters before they even know what’s happening.”

Razorclaw paused for a moment as he looked around the room at the high-ranking Decepticons assembled before turning his attention back to the Warlord. “Thunderwing, your offer to remain behind has been noted but is not necessary. I feel that we will need your carapace-enhanced strength and abilities up there, especially if those under Shockwave’s command have already powered up with the new ultra energon that he has been working on. It’s the one wild card to consider that could jeopardize this entire operation. What I don’t want to happen is to make it all the way up there only to be overrun by a bunch of super-charged science experiments.”

Motormaster’s Office – Bridge

After his initial line of questioning Starscream crossed his arms over his puffed chest and cast a smug expression in the carapace-laden Warlord’s direction. He’d like to see Thunderwing get out of this one. The mech may be encased in a near impenetrable shell but he could never hide his true intentions behind it…at least not to the Seeker Commander.

That smug expression and that trademark cocky smirk quickly vanished when Thunderwing had raised his arm and pointed an accusing finger at the red and silver Seeker. Starscream, the pride of the Cybertronian War Academy, was being accused of his lack of loyalty. That was pure and utter slag. He had done nothing but advance the Decepticon cause. And to claim that he was anything but loyal was absurd.

Starscream lowered his arms and made to step forward when he noticed the rifle mounted on the Warlord’s shoulder snapped down into place. The Seeker Commander’s optics widened in surprise as he stopped hi advance and took several step backwards. In defense Starscream turned slightly to the left placing his forearm over his chest. A grimace formed on his face as he looked from the primed weapon to the face of his would be attacker.

“Now…let’s not get trigger happy. I only wished to voice what the rest of us had already been thinking. They were legitimate concerns, after all.”

The red and silver Seeker relaxed when the rifle was snapped back into its position and out of the Starscream’s direction. Once he knew he was out of harm’s way Starscream relaxed his stance and moved back into a position to the others, leaving enough space between him and Thunderwing of course.

He remained silent for the duration of Thunderwing’s plan but flashed his distaste by glaring at the Warlord in abject horror. The nerve of him boarding this ship and suggesting using him, Starscream, as bait in order to gain access to the Thanatos. And now Razorclaw was agreeing with him! This was lunacy.

“You both must be out of your processors if you have any inkling that I will agree to this utter…utter absurdity!”

The Seeker was ready for one of his infamous tirades when Razorclaw decided to put in his two cents. Starscream’s deep intakes began to slow to a steadier pace as he actually listened to the Predacon’s reasoning. His optics narrowed as he looked first from Thunderwing and then to Razorclaw. It was a solid plan, even he had to admit, but the Seeker was still suspicious.

“And who is to say you both won’t renege on our initial agreements? I don’t trust either of you as you most assuredly don’t trust me. How do I know you won’t dump me off and leave me in the hands of Shockwave while you and that displaced logic center cut your own deal? Remember, it’s my life we’re playing with here…I want to be ensured that I get out of this with all of my pieces still attached to my body.”

He waited a moment before he placed his left hand on his hip and gestured to both mechs before he went on.

“And what of my Seekers? I want your word they will not be used as cannon fodder just to fulfill your plans.”

Mess Hall

Nightraven was making a slow go of staggering through the trash laden room in order to get out and into the corridor when she heard one of the chairs move out and a series of footsteps begin their trek toward her location. Oh Primus please don’t let it be Thundercracker.

She could hear her intakes increase as the footsteps grew closer and closer. Unsure of what to do, she picked the first action that came to mind…increase her speed in order to get away as quickly as possible. The femme had just made it to the door when she heard Skywarp call out to her. She relaxed a bit but never turned around to look at him.

It was only when the teleporter took hold of her left arm that she took a glancing peek in his direction. She pulled away gently and tried to continue on but Skywarp had already maneuvered himself so that he was between her and the exit. Nightraven didn’t look up at him when he asked her the most obvious question. How could she be in the same room with the blue Seeker and not feel as though he never even sees her?

Without even looking up at the black and purple Seeker, Nightraven offered an explanation in a barely audible whisper.

“He’s your best friend. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to see him. And don't worry, it’s not your fault, it’s mine.”

Unwilling to stay any longer Nightraven pulled her arm from Skywarp’s grip, moved past him but stopped just before passing through the threshold.

“Goodbye, Skywarp. I…I’ll be around.”

Without another word she slipped past the doors and into the corridor.

Motormaster’s Office - Bridge

The Seeker Commander’s reaction to the plan Razorclaw and Thunderwing had in mind was to be expected. Of course, Starscream didn’t like the idea of being taken back to Shockwave as a “prisoner”, hoping that he wouldn’t be betrayed in the process. Truth be told, it would be one way of getting rid of the silver and red flier, but then they would lose the support of the Seekers. Without them and their added firepower, dethroning the Military Operations Commander would likely not go off as planned.

Razorclaw cast an unapologetic glare over at the Seeker leader, letting out a low chuckle. “I understand your concerns, Starscream, but your rationale is flawed. If I wanted to betray you and give you over to Shockwave for real, I would’ve just killed you during our battle here on the bridge and then delivered your corpse to him after the fact. I had the authority to extinguish your spark if it was necessary. Shockwave would’ve liked you brought back alive, but dead would’ve been just as good.”

The Predacon lord then glanced over at Thunderwing before returning his attention to a worried Starscream. “I think I can safely speak for both the Warlord and myself when I say that you can be assured that you will make it out of this intact." Although, just because you'll be in one piece doesn't necessarily mean you'll be functioning, Razorclaw thought before continuing. "As for your Seekers, they will not be mere cannon fodder any more than my own Predacons or the other specialty unit members. Of course, I cannot guarantee everyone’s continued existence as there are always losses in war. However, I can guarantee that your Seekers will not be thrown to the slaughter. Their air superiority is too important in the ongoing fight against the Autobots.”

Mess Hall

Skywarp listened as Nightraven quietly explained to him that he had every right to see his old friend, blaming herself and not the teleporter for wanting to leave so abruptly. The seeker femme then pulled out of his grip and offered a goodbye, saying that she’d be around. The prankster turned and watched as she quickly exited the mess hall and entered the corridor. For a moment, ‘Warp considered following after her, but he then decided against such a course of action. What good would it do? The black and purple flier could tell that she was uncomfortable being around both of them in the same room. Not to mention, Skywarp had already told her that he understood if she wanted to go. Still, he wasn’t happy with how they were leaving things as he sort of felt like he was choosing his friend over her. Hopefully, she would not hold it against him or begin to rethink their tenuous relationship now that Thundercracker was on board. After all, the blue seeker would likely be around for a while.

“Okay, Nighty, I understand,” Skywarp responded as he neared the doorway so that she could hear him in the corridor. “If you change your mind, you’re more than welcome to come back and join us. Otherwise, I’ll find you later.” The teleporter cast her a sympathetic smile before turning around and making his way back through the clutter of debris that littered the mess hall. Kicking a discarded container aside, ‘Warp sat down at the table across from Thundercracker and regarded his friend with a shrug.

“She had, um, something to take care of,” a disappointed Skywarp explained as he peered down at the sludge in his glass that the Stunticons called energon derivative. “That time of the cycle or something. I dunno.” The prankster took another sip of the extremely low grade substitute before turning his head and spitting it out onto the floor. “Wow, this stuff tastes like shrike bat droppings. Yuck!” Placing his still mostly filled glass back down onto the tabletop, ‘Warp looked across at his friend and smiled. “So, ‘Cracker, what have you been up to these past several cycles? See any action down there on that mudball or were you bored out of your processor keeping an optic on those Constructicons?”

Motormaster’s Office – Bridge

This had to be a conspiracy. Why wouldn’t it be? They wanted to use him as bait for that one-eyed freak. Starscream flashed a disapproving scowl at both Razorclaw and Thunderwing…and of course his anger wouldn’t be complete without including the silent Stunticon Commander off in the corner.

“Of course you understand. Why wouldn’t you? You’re not the one being served up to Shockwave on a silver platter.”

Starscream crossed him arms over his chest and let out a deep growl.

“I think not, Predacon. Your advantage in such close quarters aided you in your victory. With the proper room to maneuver it would be you becoming one with the Pit.”

The Seeker Commander lowered his arms and waved all three mechs off with a wave of his hand. With the same movement the red and silver winged mech slipped past Thunderwing and Razorclaw to stand at the bank of windows behind the desk. Starscream grew silent for a moment placing his left elbow in the palm of his right servo. The corner of his mouth scooped upward as he gently rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“The plan is sound, however, there is one contingency.”

The Seeker watched a small fish swim past the window quickly…turning this way and that, but it’s erratic patterns were cut short when a much larger fish swooped in a devoured the creature whole. Such perfect irony. With a snort Starscream looked over his shoulder and narrowed his optics.

“How do you know I will not be blasted to oblivion on sight? Shockwave knows what kind of threat I pose…what’s to stop him from eliminating his, as he knows it, one and only opposition?”

Starscream turned fully to face all three mechs.

“I’m willing to include my Seekers in this plan as I know they will be needed in the future…but if my life becomes endangered I will not hesitate to take my fliers with me…”

The Seeker stepped slowly to stand in front of the Predacon and Warlord before he completed his statement.

“…even to the Pit.”

Starscream flashed both mechs a dark sinister smile. He was willing to destroy his own in order to assure that he would survive this plan...and to be included indefinitely in the future.

Crew Quarters - Hellion and Nightraven

Before the door slid closed behind her Nightraven had looked over her shoulder at Skywarp and gave him a small smile. It wasn’t his fault, it was her. She watched for a moment as the door closed. The femme let out a heavy sigh before turning her attention ahead of her and gradually making her way to the room she and her sister were currently sharing.

Her travels took her past a few storage lockers and what passed for the medical bay before she came to a stop at the door to her quarters. Without looking Nightraven input the security code she and Hellion had agreed upon and entered.

The black and purple Seeker spotted her sister seated right where she left her.
Nightraven sighed as she traversed the length of the room and flopped down in the chair facing Hellion. She caught the optics of the orange femme and gently shook her head.

“Thundercraker came back. Skywarp called him and asked him to join us in the Mess Hall.”

Nightraven stared directly into her berserker sister’s optics and sighed. She knew Hellion wouldn’t be sympathetic, then again she wasn’t looking for sympathy, she was more interested in venting and her sister was the only one she felt comfortable with to do it.

“I couldn’t stay there. But I don’t think it was because of Thundercraker.”

She lowered her gaze to her hands which she was now fidgeting with. Her actuators twirled around one another while she restlessly shifted in her chair.

“I think it has something to do with keeping my distance from him and getting closer to Skywarp.”

Nightraven shrugged slightly as she looked up at her sister.

“I know Thundercracker has no interest…but keeping my distance and working to get closer to Skywarp is just so hard when they’re such good friends. Helly, what do you think I should do?”

Captain's cabin

Motormaster had been listening to the three other Decepticons present in his makeshift office silently for a while now. He didn't care about politics or seeking for a higher ranking position. Cracking open Thunderwing's carapace to see how the scientist writhed in pain was far more enticing thought than discussing about loyalties. Particularly between high ranking members of a faction where positions in high command where earned through one's ability to seize the moment. Thus, Motormaster was happy to let the others iron the details. However after the promising but eventually disappointing alteration between Thunderwing and Starscream, the situation was growing more an more likely to actually prevent him doing what he wanted to do. And that certainly was something that wouldn't do. Not at all.

"And which part of this grand plan of yours provides me and my boys an opportunity to wrangle?" The large Decepticon boomed with look of utter contempt visible on his face.

Perhaps leaving the Stunticons to guard and repair the Ultrax was a tactically sound decision. The black and grey Stunticon leader however cared little for such. Motormaster hated inactivity. His sadistic impulses were hardly soothed through maintenance work which was all too apparent if one bothered to take even a short look at the Stunticon frigate. Motormaster wanted to get his hands dirty. He wanted to smash his fists against smooth steel skin and feel it buckle and tear under his onslaught. No. He didn't just want it. He needed it. Inflicting pain and suffering on others both directed and fed the all consuming anger burning down his spark.

And quite frankly, Motormaster didn't care whether his targets were Autobots or his fellow Decepticons.

"If there's an assault to be done. I want in."

Motormaster’s Office – Bridge

Thunderwing watched with hidden amusement as Starscream pointed out the faults he had in the plan. He wasn’t surprised at the Seeker’s reaction; his penchant for self preservation was near legendary. His point was a reasonable one, even if his tone and manner of expressing it belied a bit of cowardice on his part. His threat to bring down the rest of the seekers with him was disappointing however. It was a stark remind of what Starscream really was, a power hungry coward, willing to use his team’s lives as a bargaining tool. The Seeker commander would have to be watched carefully.

“I believe your life will be spared by Shockwave, at least for awhile. His primary concern is and always will be information. Terminating you on sight might give him some personal satisfaction, but as we all know he has always claimed to be driven by pure logic. I imagine that would dictate that he ring all of the usefulness he can out of you before disposing of you. That means some sort of interrogation to learn what plans you had set in motion on this planet.”

He gave Starscream a disgusted look. “While I am sure your troops appreciate your willingness to take them to the pit with you I believe we can do something else to help assure your safety. I believe it would be fair for you to pick whatever two seekers accompany us up to the Thanatos. That way you can bring your two most loyal troops, or most powerful or, if you prefer, two most expendable. I believe the choice should be yours.”

The Decepticon looked aver at Motormaster in annoyance. He had hoped the overgrown goon would just keep his mouth shut and do as he was told. They didn’t need him, let alone his team of lunatics, messing up this delicate mission. “Who do you propose to watch over your vessel then Motormaster? Should we pull the Combaticons here and leave the base under construction virtually unguarded? Would you feel comfortable with Seekers watching over it? We are already gambling that Shockwave won’t be too suspicious of us. If we go up there with the Predacons, myself, a couple of seekers and you and your entire team Shockwave would have to be a fool not to be suspicious, and he is far from a fool.”

*

Crew Quarters - Hellion and Nightraven

Hellion nearly rolled her optics as Nightraven started in with her ‘boy problems.’ Her sister likely had no one else to turn to if she was coming to her with this nonsense. Still, she did her best to behave, listening to at least bits of what she was saying. Something about Thundercracker and Skywarp, that was all she really needed to here. Nighty was caught between them or something and didn’t know what to do. This stuff wasn’t her specialty by any means, and really there was only one solution that came to mind.

The berserker leaned back in her chair, tilting it back until it rested against the wall at an angle. She grabbed a bit of scrap off of the table and began tossing it up and down. She’d been sitting still for way too long. What the femme really needed was a good fight, but any sort of activity would be good now. The throwing at least kept her a bit calm and allowed her to think a little. Her thoughts weren’t exactly deep or profound, but this was as good as it got for her.

“The way I see it is you need to figure out which one of them you like the least. Once you’ve got that figured you out then you shoot that one in the head and dispose of the body. Then you don’t have to choose anymore and you don’t have to worry about their friendship getting in the way. Heck, if you want I’ll do it for ya, I’m bored as slag in here anyway.”

Captain's cabin

Thunderwing certainly had nerve for a slagger who'd been hiding on a dead world for the last few hundred vorns. At least if the way he chose to address Motormaster was to be taken as evidence. Not too many Decepticons had the guts to speak to the volatile leader of the Stunticons in a manner that questioned his intelligence. Not that it wasn't justified action, Motormaster himself just liked to think he was smarter than he really was.

"It is all a slagging gamble! That's what it is!" Motormaster growled, rising to his full height. "Ultrax is a wreck and my team is not gonna make it fly again! As far as I am concerned it can rot here until the Constructicons can do something about it! Frag! It is not like its current position is known to Shockwave anyhow while the site of the new base is obviously compromised given both you and the Combaticons have already found it!"

The scowl on Motormaster's face deepened as he leaned in towards Thunderwing. "I ain't Shockwave but how the slag would the Stunticons returning with victorious Predacons to join the one-eyed freak's forces seem illogical?! That's baseline Decepticon behavior! Follow the strongest!"

OOC: Heh, felt like doing another MM post before Razorclaw or Starscream butts in.

Motormaster’s Office - Bridge

Razorclaw was suddenly reminded as to why he hated politics. The bickering, the complaining, everyone looking out for themselves and not the whole of the Empire. It was something Megatron had fought against when he rose up against the corrupt Cybertronian government of so long ago. The Decepticons were never about politics really. They were run by one mech and one mech alone - Megatron. Unfortunately, the slagmaker was no longer with them, whether dead, alive or somewhere in between. As a result, the Decepticons here in the Sol System were scrambling for power and on the brink of an all out civil war if things weren’t settled quickly. Of course, it was very hard to settle anything when one side couldn’t even agree on a plan to subjugate the opposition.

“All right, ENOUGH!!” Razorclaw bellowed as he slammed his clawed fist down on Motormaster’s desk, tired of the arguing that was going on around him. “This is not a committee where everyone gets to lead! Last time I checked I was in charge down here and therefore I will make the final decision on who goes and who stays. Is that clearly understood?!” The Predacon lord was through getting everyone’s opinion. If someone wanted to challenge him for control, then so be it. Starscream was not a concern as he was still not at a hundred percent. Motormaster, on the other hand, would prove a worthy foe, but he had already deferred leadership to the strongest mech, showing no desire to lead, himself. Thunderwing, however, was another story. The Warlord was fully capable of dethroning Razorclaw if he chose to. A fight with him would likely prove deadly even for the powerful lion-former. Hopefully, the carapace-laced mech would see that it was better to follow the Predacon Commander than to oppose him, at least until Shockwave had been dealt with.

“Starscream,” Razorclaw continued, turning his attention to the Seeker Commander. “The plan is decided and you are the bait. Accept it. Thunderwing is correct in that Shockwave will not destroy you outright. Interrogation will be his first priority. Our attack will commence before anything happens to you and the Thanatos will once again be under our control. As for your seekers, bring any two or three that you like if it makes you feel better. I don’t care which ones.”

The Predacon lord then turned his attention to the Stunticon Commander. “Motormaster, I appreciate your desire for battle and energon-shed. If you are willing to abandon the Ultrax then so be it. Your point that this is all a gamble is well taken and your reasoning for the Stunticons returning with us is also sound. However, I still wish to leave a skeleton crew behind just in case things go wrong up on the Thanatos and we need to return here or any reason. Therefore, chose two of your team to join us. The rest will stay behind with the remaining seekers and crew until they are called upon.”

Razorclaw then regarded everyone in the room with a stern glare spread across his visage. “As for the Combaticons, I will contact Onslaught shortly and inform him of our plan. His team will remain at the Yellow Sea construction site in order to protect it. If need be, they will also serve as back-up for our forces. Their vessel, the Obliteration, is still in orbit and could prove useful depending on how the situation up there plays out. Between myself and my Predacons, Motormaster and two of his squad along with Starscream, three of his Seekers and Thunderwing, will be have thirteen initial members of our strike force. Once we are back on board the Thanatos we will determine how many supporters Shockwave has and decide whether to call upon the rest of the seekers and Stunticons for aid.”

The lion-former then cast his gaze directly at the carapace-laced Warlord. “Thunderwing, the last time I checked the logs of the Thanatos, the stasis chamber also contained a vast number of Vehicons who are simple-minded and easily programmed to be loyal only to us. Is that still the case? If so, we can raid the chamber and awaken as many as we will need. If not, we will have to rely on those left behind down here to serve as reinforcements. Either way, once all is ready, we will make our move and retake the warship from Shockwave and his supporters before they even realize what has happened.”

Finally, the Predacon lord fell silent and glanced around the room again, allowing his words to sink in to everyone present. “That is the plan we will go with. If any of you have any objections or feel that you are better suited to lead than I am, step forward now so that we may waste even more time fighting while Shockwave continues to solidify his own plans against us.”