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Tenebrous - Command Center

"If Soul Siren's efforts are not successful, I am confidant that Scourge's will be. But if Deadlock wishes to make the attempt... then, by all means."

Turmoil was not exactly jumping with joy as Cyclonus and Scourge barged into the command center. The last encounter between Turmoil and Cyclonus still lingered fresh in the memory of the massive charcoal Decepticon Commander. Not only he had to deal with Deadlock's continuous questioning and complaints but now he had to suffer the company of these two as well? Aloof, insufferable wretches both, the air of superiority surrounding Cyclonus and his favorite henchman was almost thick enough to grasp. Too bad they were almost as good as they thought themselves to be, which made them far too useful to be disposed off. The same could be said of Deadlock.

"That so?" Turmoil snorted out a reply to Cyclonus' statement, "Then why waste time? There are plenty of Autobots down there to interrogate. Easily enough for both Deadlock and Scourge to keep themselves busy for a while."

"What is our next step?"

"Our next step?" Turmoil scoffed in response to the Air Commander's question. So now Cyclonus wanted to cooperate? Truly, the sleek purple Decepticon was difficult one to read. What had changed for him to actually listen to Turmoil now? "You might as well ask that from the High Commander himself. We received a superstring slingshot from Finback two breems ago, announcing the return of Lord Scorponok."

Turmoil turned his gaze from Cyclonus towards a holographic presentation of the Nebulos system on his right and nodded towards a small blinking dot that was moving towards the planet Nebulos from the fringe of the solar system. "The Semper Tyrannis entered the Nebulos system just prior your entrance into the Command Center. The High Commander should be here in-"

Turmoil's sentence was interrupted by a sudden flash of light in the command center, followed by a gradually growing swirling portal appearing across the thin air just in front of a hidden emergency exit door in the far end of the room. It was a wormhole through space and time without no clear ending point in sight - and deep within the swirling vortex the Decepticons could see an approaching dark figure of their commanding officer - Scorponok.

Tenebrous--Command Center

Cyclonus had appreciated Scourge's vote of confidence. Indeed, of the aerial ranks, Cyclonus found him to be far superior to that arrogant wretch that Megatron had culled from the Seeker academy long ago. Even so, there was really no doubt in Cyclonus' mind as to where Scourge's loyalties would lie if circumstances required it. For now they did not, but there was no telling what the future might hold. Rather than say anything further in that regard and provoke additional hostilities, Cyclonus had directed his full attention to Turmoil and his latest observations.

Turmoil's initial feedback regarding the interrogation situation was to Cyclonus' liking. It appeared as if Scourge may well be allowed the chance to exorcise some of his darker demons after all.

He sent a brief nod in Scourge and Deadlock's direction, indicating they were free to do exactly as Turmoil had indicated, Soul Siren could likely utilize the assistance. In truth, Cyclonus was beginning to think Scourge more efficient at getting the answers they wanted from the various Autobot captives than the femme had thus far been able to do. He was keen to allow him the opportunity.

Turmoil's next statement, however, caught the lithe purple warrior off guard. Scorponok...returning? Short of Megatron himself setting foot in these halls, Cyclonus could not have been greeted with better news. Cyclonus' crimson optics turned to take in the arrival of the Semper Tyrannis before the flash and crackling of energy within the room indicated a wholly different arrival. High Commander Scorponok himself. No sooner had the large Decepticon commander fully materialized than Cyclonus had slowly dropped to one knee, a formality he reserved for few.

"Mighty Scorponok, your return bodes well for us all," Cyclonus began, knowing Scorponok well enough to know that his first desire would be a status update regarding the progress that had been made on the blue-green world. "The Nebulans have been subdued and offered no noteworthy resistance. The same can largely be said of the Autobots. While an initial nuisance, their ranks have scattered like sand in water. They, too, are of no consequence. All on Nebulos proceeds as we had planned, save for the arrival of a stray vessel in the planet's atmosphere, carrying what appears to be a sizable Autobot survey team. The ship was promptly destroyed and we are culling our way through its refugees even as we speak."

He could only hope that Scorponok's own mission had been equally fruitful.
___

Tenebrous--Holding Cells

"Inadvisable," the disemboadied voice of Reflector came through the Technobot's cell as the various Seekers standing nearby had all raised their weapons and pointed them directly at the Technobot commander at the first sign of defiance. "This will proceed much more smoothly if you cooperate."

Two more of the Seekers stepped further in to the cell, their weapons humming with energy as Lightspeed was dragged the rest of the way out of the cell by the others.

"Take that one to Soul Siren. No word yet on what we do with the rest of these glitches," one of the Seekers said. The Seekers did as they were told, and just as soon as they had arrived, they had now absconded with the Technobot. It wasn't long after that before Lightspeed found himself thrown before Soul Siren herself, chair and all.

"Comfy?" one of the Seekers taunted.

Tenebrous – Command Center

Why was it so easy? Perhaps it was because no one ever sees him coming. Hardshell had taken control of the Autobot transport rather easily. In fact it was not even a challenge for the Insecticon. A shame too, he had been so looking forward to some kind of resistance…again, the Autobots were just not expecting to be attacked.

His travels after were entirely uneventful and thus he rendezvoused with the Semper Tyrannis with time to spare. Upon meeting with his master, Hardshell relinquished any and all information that he and his tiny drone had acquired from Aileron and the other operatives stationed on Garrus 9.

Now the High Commander and his legion had finally arrived above the new Decepticon acquisition…Nebulos.

Hardshell was inclined to accompany his master to the surface and thus took up a position behind Scorponok. As the High Commander stepped through the wormhole, the towering Insecticon followed. As both mechs stepped foot out of the vortex and into the Command Center Hardshell spotted Turmoil and Cyclonus…not far were Scourge and Deadlock. A low hiss escaped the creature’s vocalizer while he gazed through his visor at the assembled Decepticons.

The arrival of Scorponok and his entourage held the assemblage’s attention and thus those present failed to take note of the arrival of both Black Shadow and Blue Bacchus…the former taking the time to clean portions of his armor still stained from the energon so graciously donated by the now barely functional Spartan.

“I told you I’d make him scream. You see, Blue, you fail to realize that my tenacious methods have always been quite…oh, how shall I put it…effective.”

Black Shadow finished wiping the stains from his hands with the rag he had brought with him and tossed the useless cloth into the corner where a drone would retrieve it later. Satisfied that he gotten his point across to his partner, Shadow finally took note of those present within the Command Center.

Black Shadow stopped and looked from Hardshell and then to Scorponok an almost shocked expression on his face. While he stood there gaping at the High Commander Blue worked his way to his partner’s side and leaned in to whisper into his audio.

“I believe this is the part where we greet the Commander. So, why don’t you close your mouth and say 'Hi'.”

A deep growl formed in the Infiltration Unit Commander’s throat as he clenched his jaw shut and cast a heated glare in Blue’s direction.

“Keep that up, dear friend of mine, and I’ll be sure you and Spartan share matching wounds.”

Blue simply shook his head and followed Black Shadow’s lead as he made his way toward the imposing Decepticon.

“Lord Scorponok…” Black Shadow offered a deep bow at the waist before straightening back to his full height. “…your arrival has been greatly anticipated.”

He waited patiently while Cyclonus broke down what had transpired since Scorponok’s absence. It was a precise account and noting needed to be amended. Now they needn't do more than await the High Commander’s orders.

Tenebrous - Command Center

"Attention Decepticons! Your leader returns!" Turmoil proclaimed and performed a crisp military salute as High Commander Scorponok stepped through the spacebridge portal into the Command Center of Fortress Tenebrous with Hardshell and far smaller Cipher in tow. While majority of the Decepticons present followed Turmoil's example, some took exception to this. Cyclonus in fact had knelt before the mighty Decepticon warlord while Black Shadow had seen fit to bow instead as the two high ranking lieutenants greeted their superior.

The way the various Decepticons paid their respect to him did not seem to invoke more than a curt nod in response from mighty Scorponok. The Decepticons had done as expected and honored the presence of a high ranking general by saluting him. This was not the time to dwell on mere formalities. Not when the Decepticon Empire was quite frankly in the brink of a major victory. What they had unearthed from Nebulos would have major repercussions thorough the tactical hotspots of the galaxy and the sooner Scorponok would have the access to his grand price, the better.

"Rise Cyclonus." Scorponok stated as he walked by the purple Decepticon and headed towards the information nexus before him. While Cyclonus had provided him a rough summary of the situation on Nebulos, Scorponok still wanted the details. Particularly after hearing of the Autobot survey team that had been shot down during his absence. Knowledge of the Autobots already having sent troops to see why one of their outposts had gone silent was alarming. It would be only matter of time before the disappearance of the survey team was going to make Fortress Maximus investigate the situation of Nebulos personally.

Truth to be told, this development had not been unexpected. Fortress Maximus and his Autobots were not fools. The fact that they still were a thorn in his side was all the proof the giant Decepticon warlord needed of that subject. The confirmation of Farstar and its demise however made it even more important that he would act swiftly and decisively.

"I have unearthed a weapon not seen since the days of Nova Prime." Scorponok finally broke his silence to reveal his plans. "An amalgamation of multiple Cybertronians into a one enormously powerful entity. And the Autobots are sitting on this weapon, ignorant of its existence."

Turning to face his lieutenants, Scorponok continued, "We uncovered an ancient Cybertronian laboratory on LV-117. And within it enough survived video logs to find out that Jhiaxus, Nova Prime's chief theoretical strategist experimented on six individuals to create a single being - far superior to the sum of its parts. My agents have already confirmed the continued functionality of these six. They are known as Birdbrain, Bristleback, Icepick, Scowl, Slog and Wildfly. This knowledge does not come without a price though. For these six and possibly even Jhiaxus himself are held in Garrus-9, the Autobot penal colony in Elba system."

"However before you come to any conclusions, I think it is best you witness the potential of this technology yourself." The enormous Decepticon spoke and gave a nod towards Cipher's position. "Cipher, present the feedback you uncovered."

Fortress Tenebrous – Infirmary

The buzz from the barely functional CR chamber sounded but hardly penetrated to whole of the infirmary…not one of the drones manning the medical facility paid the chamber any mind. Several minutes passed before the door actually slid open…it paused part way…an audible grinding of gears wafted throughout before it finally jerked the rest of the way.

Brainstorm let out a low groan as he slowly raised a hand to his head. Systems began to reboot while his sensors finally came online one by one. Audios registered that his location was somewhere that housed plenty of equipment…just what kind would have to wait until his optics cycled up. He didn’t have to wait long and once he was able to see Brainstorm took in the immediate area surrounding the CR chamber.

“Infirmary? But…”

His musings were quickly silenced when he noticed the Seeker that appeared from somewhere in the room. The smile on the flier’s face sent a chill through the engineer that had obviously been noticed.

“Have pleasant dreams did you?”

Brainstorm quickly looked away from the ‘Con but kept silent. There was no reason to speak to anyone at this point. The Seeker’s smile faded as he reached out and grabbed the engineer by the arm. He quickly, and roughly, jerked him out of the chamber and brought him in close.

“Don’t you worry, slagger, those interrogators’ll have you singing in no time. Come on!”

Fortress Tenebrous – Holding Cell

Afterburner had taken his time gently tapping and knocking on the walls of the cell and once he had exhausted that approach he got down on his hands and knees and groped at any noticeable gaps and seems…nothing.

Frustrated at not getting anywhere fast the gunner pushed himself back up to his feet and let out a deep growl. His attention was soon drawn toward Scattershot and Lightspeed. He took a glance over his shoulder at his two teammates when he overheard them speaking about Scorponok…or at least that’s who he thought he heard mentioned.

Afterburner stepped slowly toward both mechs but stopped when their interrogator singled out Lightspeed. The gunner grit his teeth and balled his hands into tight fists. Scattershot’s attempt to stop and persuade the Seekers to take him instead went completely unheeded and was backed just as fast by the disembodied voice of the Reflector trio.

The remaining team watched as Lightspeed was swiftly dragged off and dumped before Soul Siren. Afterburner finally snapped out of his anger drenched stupor and stalked up to Scattershot.

“That’s it?! You offer yourself in his place? Did you honestly believe they’d even consider taking you over him?!”

Afterburner set his jaw and paused letting the silence between he and his Commander stew just a little. Finally he threw his hands up in the air and let out an enraged cry. Trapped with no way out and now they were going to be taken one by one…and worst of all…their fearless leader was doing nothing to stop it.
____

He made no sounds save for the high pitched screeching that was being produced by the dragging of Brainstorm’s legs. He had tried to get his feet under him but since it was taking so long for his pistons and struts to recalibrate his “escort” decided to drag him along instead of wait.

Finally the Seeker stopped in front of one of the cells. He noticed Pyro and Pointblank but no one else, at least not in this cell. The bars were lowered and Brainstorm was hefted up high enough so that the ‘Con could look directly into the Autobot’s eyes…a sinister grin spread over his face.

“Now you play nice with your friends.”

With a hearty chuckle and a snort Brainstorm was tossed in. He landed hard on his shoulder and with a grunt attempted to lift himself up onto his elbow…he failed miserably. The battered mech turned onto his back and offlined his optics. He ran a diagnostic on his systems and waited for the results to pour in. In the meantime he decided it wouldn’t hurt to find out just how what was happening.

“So which one of you went and screwed up?”

Fortress Tenebrous – Command Center

Cipher had only been able to decode a portion of the damaged datapad…although it contained little as far as information that would be of use to Scorponok, the device held a plethora of data for the scientist to rummage through.

He had just started on the second section of the information when he was summoned by the High Commander. Without hesitation Cipher left his lab and joined Scorponok on the bridge where a wormhole was opened directly to Fortress Tenebrous’ Command Center.

Along with the High Commander himself Hardshell was also present. The scientist took his place behind the two larger mechs keeping silent so as not to disrupt anything that was relayed between the Commander and the inhabitants of the fortress.

Cipher listened well to what had transpired while he and the others were off exploring LV-117. It seemed that the Decepticons stationed on this planet had made commendable progress…something that did not go unnoticed by the High Commander.

The scientist’s pondering was interrupted by the sound of the hulking Decepticon offer’s voice. Cipher quickly stepped out from behind Hardshell and stopped in front of Scorponok. He offered a submissive bow before he moved to the closest terminals.

Actuators quickly flew over the keys before stopping. From an access point located on the back of his left hand a data spike emerged which Cipher immediately thrust into an input jack. He had uploaded the contents of the security footage directly to his neocortex for further examination and deciphering.

With the link established the main viewing screen flashed briefly before the first set of images appeared and Cipher began the playback.

“There are several significant images of, not only the Monstructor Six, but of Jhiaxus himself. However, this is the defining glimpse of the six in their combined form…”

The images on the screen switched from the nonessential material to that of the towering form of Monstructor engaged in a devastating battle. Cipher immediately froze the image and with a wicked smirk glanced back at the High Commander.

His slight dramatic pause was halted when Cipher looked back to the large view screen and the show proceeded.

"Jhiaxus' experiment performed...admirably."

The visual feed advance with scenes of Monstructor taking on its combined form in reaction to the attack by the two Omegas...one of them easily recognizable. The assault was fierce...Monstructor took the battle directly to Omega Supreme...fierce blows were exchanged until one well placed blast forced the combined monstrosity to disengage.

"Admirably... not perfectly."

Tenebrous--Command Center

Cyclonus had done as bidden and steadily rose to his feet once more and waited to hear what Scorponok had to say. Initially, he had concerns about the High Commander's absence. There was always a slim possibility that his departure could have gained them no fruitful results. As Scorponok began to lay out what he had accomplished during his absence, those concerns were quickly wiped away.

Cyclonus was, admittedly, surprised by what he was hearing. Names that had scarcely been spoken in eons. Cyclonus remembered them. Remembered them well, in fact. But it still remained that they had long ago faded in to seeming irrelevancy, as least as far as the modern war effort.

Shadows of the past fold their icy grip on the present.....

When Scorponok then deferred the continuing tale of his progress to another, Cyclonus' attention shifted just as smoothly, now watching the significantly smaller scientist as he went about his work. Cyclonus watched as this weapon engaged not one but two Omega Sentinels. One of them being the most notable figure among their ranks.

This.....this was surely the reason behind so many of Jhiaxus' secretive meetings with the Prime, Cyclonus thought as he continued to watch the ancient images of great carnage play out in front of his optics. It wasn't until one final, thunderous impact from the formidable Omega Supreme's weapon that the awesome weapon came asunder in the same manner that it had come together previously.

"This entity resides within an Autobot prison?" Cyclonus asked, very much rhetorically, as he considered the ramifications. "The Elba system would not be an unreasonable distance from our current location. It remains within the boundaries of the 2nd Fleet's jurisdiction. I am still at something of a loss for words, High Commander. A weapon of this magnitude laying dormant for so long? I trust we are to reclaim it."

The possibility of Jhiaxus remaining behind the penitentiary's walls were not lost on Cyclonus but, for the time being, he was more interested in the creation and not the creator. Scattered images flickered in his mind like a fading optic lens, many lacking any form of cohesion. He could not immediately identify why that would be.

Strange.....

Tenebrous--Holding Cell

Soul Siren quietly continued to prepare herself for the interrogation. She could hear Scattershot's words and she allowed herself a smile as the front of her face was out of sight of the prisoners. By the time the Seekers had brought over Lightspeed and were placing him on the seat. She knew it would be a painful experience so she allowed that initial sensation to fully be felt before starting to speak.

"Now then, Lightspeed is it. From what I have read in your file you are quiet intelligent so I hope that we can resolve this in a professional manner."

She said in a cool, controlled voice but loud enough for all in the room to hear.

"My name is Soul Siren and I am a Decepticon interrogator. It is my task to obtain information that my superior officers require. I will utilize pain and I assure you that I am quite learned in how to inflict it. As you can probably tell by now."

As she spoke he passed her hands over her tools and lifts a micro saw to Lightspeed's face and turned it on for a moment to accent her point. She slowed put the device back down, her gaze never leaving Lightspeed's.

"The discomfort you are currently feeling is for your benefit, a warning as to what might happen if you do anything... foolish. Cooperate and what you are currently feeling will be it. You will be removed from the seat and what minimal damage has been done will be repaired. Refuse to answer or give false information and I will be forced to apply my trade."

She remained silent for a moment to give Lightspeed a moment to think about it.

"Now then, I move to my first question. Who ordered you to come to this planet?"

Tenebrous – Command Center

While the images of the battle between several Omegas and monstrous being flashed over the main view screen Black Shadow could not help but stand in awe. What he was baring witness was truly incredible. To think this weapon was available to them all this time and not one of the superior officers had been privy to it…he thought perhaps not even the conclave was aware of its existence. Oh they were probably familiar with the six as individuals, but as a whole…never.

“This. Is. Remarkable.”

For the entire showing Black Shadow’s optics remained transfixed on the viewer. Not even his partner stood a chance of taking his optics off of the playback.

Finally, when the images froze Black Shadow tore his gaze away and settled on the High Commander…a broad smile plastered on his visage.

“I’ve but one question, my Lord...”

He took a quick look back at the terminal where the diminutive scientist was poised and then back over to Scorponok…his smile ever broader.

“…when do we depart for the Elba system?”

Holding Cells

Scattershot's fists balled as he prepared to charge the first pair of Seekers who dared to raise their rifles to him. It was obvious they had little knowledge of who they were dealing with. He'd smash them into fragments by himself, he had made a name and a living going against unequal and insane odds against him and his team. But what stayed his hand was the condition of his teammates. He noticed that two of the escorts had pivoted their weapons onto Afterburner and Strafe respectively.

While both were capable of the similar feets as himself, at present they were in limited capacity to capitalize on opportunities. Furthermore, with so many compromises to their armor and defenses. Scattershot did not want to dwell on the possible outcomes. He needed more information as to what was going on, and getting his team killed just to get it was not very high on his list as possible outcomes.

Instead he seethed as the seekers finished rounding up the data collector and escorting him out of the cell. As the constrictive electronic forcefield snapped across the entrance of the cell, the Technobot Commander shot his insubordinate gunner a disquieting look. It normally would have been enough to silence the mech in an instant, but Scattershot wanted to do so much more than just quiet the smaller Technobot. "Look, in your present condition Afterburner, do you honestly think you would survive a firefight with a half dozen escorts before an entire division flooded these blocks? Right now Lightspeed is going to have to endure what he can so we can get some information of our own. We need to know what they are looking for."

He relaxed his posture as he kept his glare back on the interrogator and her sadistic seeker minions. "I take it you failed in your attempt to locate a method of communicating with the other cells. As I expected. I didn't expect this Deceptiscrap commander to overlook something as insignificant as a form of communication. Go back with Nosecone and Strafe. Compare whatever notes you three managed to find. Perhaps during your investigation you managed to stumble upon something more significant that we may be able to exploit. Weakness in the stone or mortar. Perhaps a rusted plate that we can use to short out that forcefield. I am sure you three will be able to happen upon a nice strategy for us to employ when the time comes."

OPs

"Lord Scorponok." Deadlock saluted with respect to the fleet commander. His optics narrowed briefly as he returned his attention to Turmoil. "By your leave Commander, I would like to bring Cyclonus and Scourge along for this more... interactive form of interrogation."

"Scattershot nor his harder cracked Autobots will last more than a few Astro Seconds under our more colorful questions." He motioned to the two commanders with a nod of his head before pivoting fully towards the Nebulon Force Commander. He waited for a nano second, not really for permission but an understanding that what he was going to do would be done because it must. Besides he had Megatron's blessings to indulge himself in the removal of the aristrocrates that had so long held he and those like him down in the gutters.

Finally he turned towards the main lift and disappeared into the main halls of the fortress. His mind going over the swiftest method of removing information from the notoriously stubborn Autobot, thus rendering he and his survivors worthless and ripe for the scrapheap.

OOC: Again, apologies -- I've been sick with a nasty sinus/flu bug for the past week and am just now getting caught back up with things.

Tenebrous -- Command Center

As Cyclonus has done, Scourge himself also knelt down at the appearance of Scorponok. One of such standing within Megatron's ranks deserved respect, after all... and aside from Cyclonus, there were few that Scourge would willingly give that respect. He actually waited until after Cyclonus had been bid to rise before Scourge rose as well, remaining silent.

His expression, once Cipher showed them the broadcast, was one of intrigue. "How... interesting," he finally notes. "How do the Autobots not know who they're holding? You would think that they would be more knowledgeable about those under their watchful optics." His arms cross, a taloned hand reaching up idly to stroke his beard and chin. "Or are they? Might it not also be possible that the Autobots may be aware of who they hold within the Elba system, and using it as lure to draw us in and away from Nebulos?"