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Koraja - Near the Capital Dome

[A pile of rocks and sticks!!! And nothing worth killing!! This is a JOKE!!! I WILL NOT STAND FOR IT!! GRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH]

"...Hmmph. The Autobots are being their usual cowardly selves. Or maybe they just smelt you coming, Horri-Bull." Skullgrin smirks to himself, and looks about the city, looking distinctly unimpressed. The more rational part of his mind was pleased that the assault was going so well, and began trying to second-guess what the next stage should be. The hidden speck of madness just raged.

Flipping on his communicator, Skullgrin made a quick message to Scorponok. >>Commander, Siege Warrior Skullgrin and Ground Trooper Horri-Bull arrived in central western district. Awaiting your command.<<

[CRUUUUSSSSHHHH!!! BUUUURRRNN!!!]

Oh, will you shut up.

Autobot Command Bunker—The Folassian Forest

"Sp..Spartan?" Highbrow looked up at him with a look of betrayal. "You...you're the one who...made me a liar? You...hurt them when I swore their...salvation?" He then took Roadbuster's hand and slowly righted himself. "I need...to be repaired at...earliest convenience. I...need to...rectify this...travesty." Highbrow forces himself to stand, ignoring the pain. "I...can't rest until that is done."

Koraja - Near the Capital Dome

"Oh it's not a total loss. You'd be surprised how funny it is to watch organics in my presence. Not for the squeamish I assure you but boy am I effective." Horri-Bull laughs as he pats Skullgrin on the back. "Waitasec...is that...look over at the dome. Boss man bagged a trophy." Horri-Bull says as he notices Skyhammer. "HAH!!! Maybe we should as to interrogate him? Find out where the bots are and then hunt them down?"

Koraja - Near the Capital Dome

Snaptrap was pleased when he saw the building finally collapse from his constant bombardment, forcing Roadbuster from his hiding place. The Seacon leader kept firing even as a cloud of dust filled the air, obscuring his view of the fleeing Autobot. "Coward," Snaptrap muttered as he remained in his shell-armored beast mode in order to protect himself from any flying debris as well as Roadbuster's return cover fire. Once the dust had settled, he returned to robot mode and looked down the street, catching sight of the Ground Assault Commander's vehicle mode in full retreat.

"Disappointing," Snaptrap said plainly, clearly disgusted with the way the battle had ended before it had even really begun. The Seacon Commander expected a full on fight with Roadbuster, who was one of the few Autobots that could prove to be a worthy adversary for him. Instead, the former Wrecker fled with the rest of his cowardly troop. It was no matter, though. There was still plenty of work to be done. The Autobots would meet their end soon enough.

Snaptrap turned his attention to the skies and witnessed the release of the Swarm. The small metal insects spread out across the capital, targeting every Nebulan within reach. The Seacon leader knew that the Swarm's purpose was to inject the green-skinned fleshlings with neurotoxins that would paralyze them and make it easier for the other Decepticons to round them up. Of course, Snaptrap needed no such aid as he was fully capable of collecting the tiny fleshbags just as they were. However, he also understood that not all within the Decepticon army had his advanced skill and ability and thus would require the Swarm's assistance.

The Seacon Commander then opened a comm line to Scorponok: >>"High Commander, I have routed the Autobot called Roadbuster from his hiding place. He has fled with the other cowards. I will be at your location shortly."<< With the communique sent, Snaptrap gave one more glance to the Swarm-filled skies before walking back towards the Capital Dome.

Skies of Koraja

Scorponok had just been about to activate the pulse disruptor in the spear he had thrown towards Artemis' direction as the Autobots bounced away. With no reason to waste energon on jamming effort, Scorponok sent out new command protocols into the spear, changing it to act as a homing beacon for incoming Decepticon forces given the how the area it currently rested was clear enough for landing numerous spaceships if needed.

>>"Rendezvous with Snaptrap. You will serve under his command."<< Scorponok replied back to Skullgrin. He had no desire to personally oversee every Decepticon on the planet, particularly grunts like Horri-Bull. Skullgrin however had easily the potential to become an officer were the siege warrior able to overcome his self image issues.

Having dealt with Skullgrin's transmission, Scorponok moved on to deal with more pressing matter with his lieutenants.

>>"Cyclonus, Snaptrap. Take over this city and establish a defensive perimeter with a diameter of 500 miles, you have all the troops of the Semper Tyrannis, the destroyer Rancor and frigate Darksyde at your disposal. Black Shadow and Venom, you will coordinate together the capture and subjugation of the Nebulans. Remember that securing the enemy capital is merely the beginning. Avoid unnecessary destruction of vital infrastructure. And do make sure that Bombshell digs the details of the Autobot force on this planet from Skyhammer's cranium. Black Shadow's initial report on them did not include Spartan and his men. Such oversights are unacceptable. I don't want more surprises."<<

With his orders given, Scorponok signaled for recall orbital bounce to his flagship and disappeared in a brilliant flash of light.

Bridge of the Semper Tyrannis

An ion particle charge preceded Scorponok's re-appearance into the bridge of Semper Tyrannis. Shrugging off the discomfort from the bounce like he hadn't even taken one, the High Commander of the Secondary Expansion Fleet headed over to his command throne and sat down. "Reflector, status report."

Koraja - The Capital Dome

Snapdragon was lazily lying on what was left of council's seat rows, juggling a model of the planet Nebulos he had tore off some of the statues adorning the Capital Dome when Apeface reappeared.

"Oh hai Apey, I think I broke him." Snapdragon greeted his fellow Horrorcon, giving a slight nod towards the motionless form of impaled Skyhammer while smiling devilishly under his faceplate. "I thought this one was supposed to be a challenge given how much Roadblock yammers about him. Did you get the others?"
_______________________________________

Autobot Command Bunker — The Folassian Forest

Comcast was as shocked as Highbrow and many others. Spartan had ordered an attack that had resulted in deaths of dozens of civilians they had vowed to protect, yet he was not able to muster the courage to confront the stoic tactician over his actions. Good thing that Roadbuster lacked such inhibitions.

"I'll just save whatever data I need and corrupt the databanks. I just need a moment." He said and ran back to his station, immediately setting off to do what he had promised while a number of other Autobots began packing up what supplied and equipment there was left to be moved into the secondary base. As Comcast was about to start corrupting the databases, the proximity sensors they still had on the orbit went on high alert level again.

"Roadbuster! Spartan! Proximity sensors went haywire again!" The shocked communications specialist yelled. "Seven new transwarp rifts openings! Identifying... A Thanatos class battle cruiser, another Revenant class destroyer, 2 Negator class frigates and 3 cybertronian standard cargo haulers!"

Ironside, one of the larger Autobots hauling the supplies to the robotic trucks stopped and turned to look at higher ranking Autobots. "They brought a command post setup kit. I have seen one being deployed before. Nifty stuff, they are going to save a lot of time setting up a surface operations center without having to land any of their warships."

Orbit--Bridge of the Semper Tyrannis

When Scorponok boarded the bridge of the Semper Tyrannis, all three composite units of Reflector turned briefly to salute their commanding officer before returning their attention to their respective consoles and formulating the response to their commander’s query.

”There is only one distinctive Autobot energy signature remaining within the boundaries of the Nebulan capital. The others have….bounced,” Reflector said at last, knowing that the Autobots' ability to do so was, in part, a reflection of his failure to fully incapacitate the Nebulan orbital technology that the Autobots had co-opted for their own personal use at this point in time. He knew that he would have to save some face quickly.

“The ships of the Second Expansion Fleet have destroyed nearly seventy percent of existing Nebulan orbital technology. Remaining satellites and other relays are being isolated and destroyed as we speak. Scourge continues his search for the Autobot vessel that has, thus far, managed to avoid our gaze.”

Koraja - Near the Capital Dome

[Interrogate? AUTOBOTS KNOW NOTHING!!! TORMENT THE FOOL!! FLAY HIS PLATING OFF!! FEED HIM HIS OWN COMPONENTS!!! SMASH HIS CHASSIS AND MELT THE REMAINSSSSSSS!!!]

Quiet. Externally, Skullgrin just raises an optic-brow at Horri-Bull. "Are you so naive, Horri-Bull, to think you're the only one who wants to have fun with the captive? Beleive me, theres already a crowd of psychos just like you crowding around it like hungry Insecticons. Its pointless to even try. Lets just go meet Snaptrap as ordered." With this, Skullgrin transforms and drives off towards the dome, to meet the Butcher of the Bogs. He admired Snaptrap as a warrior, but as a leader, he disliked the mech. Snaptrap was too unprofessional, too primal, too...too...

[Too much like me...]

I hate to admit it, but you might be right for once.

Koraja - Near the Capital Dome

Horri-Bull lets out a disgusting snort, noxious vapors and some unknown sludge come out of his olfactory sensors. "We're teamed with the seafood platter? Dang it, that's not going to be any fun." He says as he kicks a nearby wall. "Slag it and I didn't get to have any fun with the fleshies yet." He smiles, taking joy that he broke something. "Well maybe we'll get out shot with Snaptrap. Let's go Skully."

Koraja

Black Shadow watched patiently as Scorponok attempted to take care of the Autobot pest, Artemis, who had turned tail to rejoin her miserable comrades. With their vision obscured by dust cloud, Scorponok turned his attention back to Black Shadow. The Unit Commander gave the larger Decepticon his undivided attention as he was finally addressed.

Black Shadow nodded in the affirmative to his new orders.

“I was sure to have an adequate amount of control collars constructed. I assure you that the remaining organics will be at your disposal as soon as possible.”

That said Black Shadow brought his fist to his chest and nodded. He swiftly took his leave out of the city. He transformed and began to make his way back to the base he had established with his men. He then opened a link with his second back at the base.

>>”Blue Bacchus. Things have been stepped up. Gather the men and begin preparations for the establishment of the concentration camps. I will arrive shortly.”<<

He received a quick response and then closed his link. He received a quick response and then closed the link with his second. He then opened another link, this time with Venom.

>>”Venom, this is Unit Commander Black Shadow. I have ordered Blue Bacchus to begin the construction of the camps. I am in-route to the base now. Meet me there so that we may coordinate our efforts in the capture of the flesh creatures.”<<

Koraja--Capital Dome

Apeface was more than passingly intrigued by the broken body of Skyhammer that hung, perhaps critically, impaled for all to witness. It was a shame that the Autobots had run away. The Horrorcon would’ve liked for them to have seen this. Maybe he’d send them a holograph.

“Wha? Nah, they scattered like little protos,” Apeface grunted as he moved closer to Skyhammer, poking him a couple times with one pronounced digit. “After goin’ and blastin’ the natives, they better run. Heh heh. Little greenskins’ll probably be huntin’ them down just as much as they will us fer messin’ up their pretty little capital.”

Apeface could only wonder what the ones that had managed to escape were up to now. Even as the Insecticons swarmed over Koraja, there was still the rest of the planet to consider. Fortunately, the ones with more command responsibility were the ones who had to worry about those kinds of things. Mechs like him and Snapdragon got the advantage of being able to just revel in the destruction. That suited him just fine.
___

Koraja--Near the Capital Dome

Cyclonus transformed in mid-air and touched down seamlessly on the steel and stone thoroughfare that lead directly to the capital building. The sight now before him was now much different than what had been there several breems before: Decepticon aerial forces had converged on the capital, Insecticons had descended upon the fleeing populace, members of their faction now walked openly on the streets while there was now hardly a Nebulan in sight—one that had not been imprisoned and suitably fitted with Decepticon collar technology, at least. It had all the appearances of a world that, for lack of a better term, had been “sixed”.

Cyclonus didn’t really care about the livelihood of these beings any more so than any other native species he had encountered. He did not go out of his way to destroy them, as some did, but he felt no pity for their kind when they fell victim to collateral damage, either. Especially when some of it had been caused by the very beings who supposedly sought to defend them. Cyclonus found no small amount of satisfaction in that.

“They were fools to resist,” Cyclonus said quietly as he looked out over the vast expanse of the Nebulan capital and the lush country beyond, teeming with freshly-infused Decepticon influence.

Koraja – First Repository of Wisdom

Securing the communications hub had required but a minor expenditure of energy on Wingspan’s part. The facility had been mostly deserted when he had arrived, thanks to the chaos that had broken out at the Capital Dome and in the streets of the Nebulan capital. Those technicians and data archivists that had remained fled immediately at the sight of the Decepticon clone. A few—the ones that didn’t move quickly enough—had been simply trodden under.

Still, he wasn’t there to torment the indigenous life-forms; that was a hobby better left to the less penetrating intellects among the ranks. Once Wingspan located the primary operations and control area, he knelt down before the nearest of the alien consoles and immediately began to acquaint himself with its function. The interface was simple enough to grasp, but the underlying technology required far more effort on his part: it required nearly a quarter of a breem for him to attain sufficient understanding to begin bypassing the Nebulans’ electronic security measures.

Very impressive, for organics.

Soon enough, however, Wingspan was busily scouring the planetary info-net for whatever data the creatures had deemed consequential enough to be kept hidden. A world’s secrets were always worth knowing, in his experience. The more accessible and mundane information could wait. A hundred oval-shaped monitors flickered around him in a luminous display of scrolling green script.

“Pretty,” remarked a voice from somewhere just over his right shoulder. “But is it useful?”

Wingspan glanced over his shoulder briefly before resuming his task. “I’ll let you know, Banzai-tron. Nebulan coding, like their language, is elegantly simple, yet layered. Are they still fighting outside?”

“If they were, I probably wouldn’t be here,” replied the master of Crystalocution with a shrug. “The Autobots have all turned tailpipe and fled, and there’s nothing in any report I’ve seen that indicates the natives possess any particularly effective weaponry.”

“So far, what I’m seeing here confirms those reports. But there’s always room for a surprise or two. I prefer not to make such potentially dangerous assumptions without possessing all the facts.”

Banzai-tron’s vocalizer emitted an indelicate snort. “Spoken like a good spy. While you’re inside the system, I want you to look for any indications of Autobot tampering. If they’ve tapped into the native info-net at any point in the past, I want to know about it. Trace their incursions back to the source if you can; set up a monitoring program to alert us to their attempts to gain access if you can’t. I doubt they’ll be sitting in their base long after all the bouncing they did getting to and from this slag-pile, and we’ll need every lead possible to locate whatever new hole they bolt down into.”

“As you wish,” Wingspan replied, his optics still fixed on the dizzying data-streams before him. “And if I do find something?”

“Forward it to me. Depending on how informative it is, I’ll decide whether or not we pass it on to Scorponok.”

The Pestilence - Bridge

>>”Venom, this is Unit Commander Black Shadow. I have ordered Blue Bacchus to begin the construction of the camps. I am in-route to the base now. Meet me there so that we may coordinate our efforts in the capture of the flesh creatures.”<<

If the mere disturbing thought of getting away from the comfort and safety of his destroyer wasn't enough, the fact that he needed to stay there to direct the swarm was all the reason he needed to decline Black Shadow's request.

>>"Impossible Unit Commander Black Shadow. I cannot meet you in person. The Swarm requires my presence on board the Pestilence. I suggest we continue on the current path of action. My Insecticons will provide you paralyzed meatbags and you deal with their re-education with your men. I will also provide you interrogation specialists. Do you find this acceptable?"<<

Orbit - Bridge of the Perdition

Spear pointed by a charcoal black Thanatos class battle cruiser, the Perdition - the newly arrived Decepticon reinforcements settled on the orbit of Nebulos. It had been a painstaking process to get this many ships relocated on a single solar system that was not under Decepticon control and this was as many as they could get without revealing the cover efforts they had went through to keep the Autobots busy elsewhere in the galaxy. Freighters were hardly an issue but both factions were extremely vigilant when it came to tracking warship movements.

A large black Decepticon, adorned with lines of cyan lights and face covered by both a visor and a faceplate stood in front of the Perdition's command throne. Before him a holoprojection of the High Commander Scorponok had just finished giving him a rundown of what had already taken place on Nebulons and more importantly what was to come.

>>"Of course High Commander. I will have the freighters use your spear as the landing beacon and begin the construction of a surface command stronghold. With the amount of Decepticon drones we have at our disposal I estimate that we have operational command post ready in less than 2 cycles and a complete military grade stronghold functioning in half a mega-cycle."<< Turmoil replied back to the leader of the Second Expansion Fleet - a fleet he had served in himself from the very beginning of Megatron's grand expansion.

>>"See that you do Turmoil. Pulling this many warship away from frontlines leaves much to rest solely on Third Expansion Fleet and High Commander Deszaras' cunning. We most move swiftly. This is a critical operation for the empire. We are running dangerously thin on supplies on every battle front and unless lord Megatron has found something groundbreaking on Sol-3, we are looking at the end of our conquest epoch for foreseeable future if we do not succeed here."<< With that said, Scorponok's hologram disappeared, leaving Turmoil to bark orders to his men.
_______________________________________________

Orbit - Bridge of the Semper Tyrannis

Scorponok watched for a moment as the three freighters Turmoil had brought with him broke of the formation, escorted by two frigates and began preparation for landing. However, he had no time for simply to observe, there was much to do.

"Reflector. Demand status report from Wingspan, the infonet of First Repository of Wisdom should be mine to browse already. If these organics have anything useful to exploit I will have it."

Koraja - The Capital Dome

Snaptrap received Scorponok's transmission as he approached the Capital Dome. The Seacon leader sent a brief acknowledgment to the High Commander before locating the rest of his squad loitering around the half destroyed dome. With the Swarm now dispatched to take care of the natives, there were few Nebulans left on the streets to torment, and so the Seacons awaited their next assignment.

"Seacons, assemble at once!" Snaptrap ordered and watched as his team lined up in front of him without delay. They all knew better than to keep him waiting long as Snaptrap's patience was about as short as the green-skinned fleshlings that inhabited this world. "I have been instructed by our High Commander to help form a defensive perimeter around the capital. The eastern side of this city is bordered by a large body of water called the Syndorian Ocean. This is where you five come into play. You are to first secure the Korajan Bay and ensure that no ships get in or out. This does not mean that you have to sink every vessel that you encounter. Simply disabling them will suffice as their contents may be useful to our overall efforts here. Once that is done, spread out and patrol the coastline within 250 miles in each direction of the city. Report back to me in regular intervals as to your current status or if you find anything unusual."

Snaptrap then turned to his reconnaissance specialist. "Seawing, I'm leaving you in charge as I will not be coming with you on this particular assignment. Instead, I will be assisting Cyclonus in securing other areas of the capital. While you are out on patrol, survey and gather whatever intelligence you can on the surrounding aquatic and coastal regions. The more we know about this world and its ecosystems the better prepared we will be as the invasion expands planet wide. Also, you shouldn't have to worry about the Autobots getting in your way as they have all tucked tail and fled back to their base. However, if you do run into any of them or anything else that requires back-up, contact me at once. Understood?"

"Yes, commander, I understand. Although, I'm sure there's nothing we'll encounter that we can't handle, sir," Seawing replied, confidently.

"Excellent. That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Now, are there any questions?" The Seacon leader looked up and down the line at the rest of his team as they stood silently at attention. "Good, then move out at once! Time is of the essence!" Snaptrap ordered as each member of his squad saluted him before Seawing then led the five mechs towards the bay area.

Once the Seacons were gone from sight, Snaptrap turned and made his way to where Cyclonus stood on the thoroughfare overlooking the vastness of the capital city. "Yes, Aerospace Commander, they were fools to resist us," the Seacon Commander stated plainly as he stopped and stood beside the purple flier, crossing his arms over his chest plate. "Even with the Autobots defending them, they were no match for the might of the Decepticon army."

Snaptrap regarded the sight of the invaded city for a brief moment before turning to address Cyclonus once again. "Sir, I have dispatched the Seacons to secure the bay area and to patrol the coastline. That should take care of the eastern side of the capital. All that is left is to secure the perimeter on the remaining landlocked sides of the city. Where do you suggest we begin, sir?"

Corridors

Bombshell traversed the coridors with sirens blaring throughout the ship. There was war to be had, however Bombshell had his own war, this one, with the mind of an Autobot. Jsut the possibilites of what he could make this Autobot do after he was done tickled his circuits. He ntoiced his long-time comrade, Kickback following behind him, certian Venom had the mind to send someone to monitor him.

"Walk with me Kickback. We'll have plenty to discuss on the surface, time is short!" Bombshell asked Kickback,glancing behind at his coramde, expecitng him to pick up the pace as Bombshell reached the Bounce pad.

The coordinates had been set already. He jsut hoped none of the other Decepticons had done anythin foolish, such as gotten careless and terminated the subject before he could gather his intel. Part of him also wished Shrapnel were with them as well, so they could fully discuss "certain matters." However, there was possibly some task ont he ship that required thier comrade's expertiese. That, or Venom was simply keeping one of them away, out of mistrust.

Within moments, the pad activated, sending Bombshell down to his destination.

Koraja

Bombshell materialised and found himself in the city. Now, he needed to find this Autobot quickly.

Orbit--Bridge of the Semper Tyrannis

The Semper Tyrannis unleashed another barrage of fire from its forward offensive array, igniting the latest Nebulan satellite to cross the warship’s path. Bit by bit, they were whittling away the Autobots’ ability to hide from them as effectively as they had been able to accomplish thus far. Reflector had to admit, it was an effective initially strategy. They simply did not possess the resources to maintain it in its current form. They would have to modify. And with any modification came the opportunity for others to exploit the change. Reflector was an observer, as so many within the Decepticon ranks often referred to him in a derogatory manner. But he would be watching.

“Yes, Commander,” Reflector stated dutifully, after Scorponok had issued his latest orders. The Spectro unit brought up a tactical display of all the Decepticon units currently serving on Nebulos and isolated Wingspan’s unique signature.

>>”Wingspan, High Commander Scorponok requests a status update—specifically, any progress you have made to securing the Nebulan infonet. Advise accordingly.”<<
___

Koraja

Snaptrap did not make his sudden presence known as boisterously as other Decepticons, especially competent and powerful ones such as he, were often wont to do. He was a vicious and capable warrior, a credit to the Decepticon cause. But he did not go to great lengths to ensure that everyone recognized it. Cyclonus appreciated that.

“A mere pittance of an Autobot garrison,” Cyclonus said quietly, his focus remaining for the moment on the vast expanse of Nebulan terrain stretching out before them as far as the optic could scan. “A research team, perhaps. Whatever their purpose here, the Autobots clearly never would have expected this world to draw our attention. In truth, neither would I.”

Cyclonus had gone for a reasonable amount of time since his last battle engagement. The fight in Koraja had satisfied those more combative urges that festered within even the most steely of Decepticons. He wasn’t feeling unsatisfied. He couldn’t identify what it was exactly. Anxiety perhaps? Perhaps. He wanted to dig in to these Nebulans most precious planetary resources and see what exactly this lush world had stored away that could be used for future Decepticon conquests. The Autobots were simply a nuisance that would prolong their stay here. He had every intention of dealing with them as quickly as possible. High Commander Scorponok undoubtedly shared similar sentiments. As Snaptrap had given Cyclonus a rundown of what his unit had accomplished thus far, Cyclonus nodded.

“Bring your team in, commander. I want your unit close at hand,” Cyclonus said, looking towards Snaptrap now before turning to walk leisurely back towards the innermost sections of Koraja. “After what we’ve seen here, the Autobots would be fools to try and retake the capital. The ones I saw were brazen, admittedly, but not foolish. Your team will inevitably be the tip of any spear that is thrust in to their operations here, once we’ve determined their location. Until then, you and the other Seacons must remain fully charged, ready for dispatch at a moment’s notice. But I will not have your significant talents wasted on mere patrols. We’ve earned better, my fellow Decepticon. We have others in our service more suited for such menial tasks.”

One of the Sweeps flying overhead transformed and approached Cyclonus and Snaptrap. He saluted the both of them.

"Cyclonus. One of the Autobots was captured. He's at the Nebulans' capital. You....you should see him."

The stoic, purple Decepticon was given pause for a moment. So...not all of them had escaped? How interesting. He did indeed want to see this Autobot, and speak with him if such were still possible, before the others had their way with him.

"We may find where they've run to sooner than I expected," Cyclonus said, satisfied, as he followed the Sweep towards the Capital Dome of Koraja.

Koraja – First Repository of Wisdom

As the communication from orbit came in, Wingspan tilted his head slightly to one side in an absentminded show of attentiveness. Despite his preoccupation with his work, the clone’s response to Reflector was both quick and concise.

”>>Semper Tyrannis, be advised that acquisition of the Nebulan info-net is ongoing; estimated time to total assimilation: point-four cycles. However, you may inform the High Commander that ninety-eight percent of the planet’s secured files and networks are now in our possession. I am transmitting this data to the flagship’s computer core now. Security level: rank six and above.”<<

With Scorponok appeased for the moment—hopefully—Wingspan returned the bulk of his focus to finalizing Decepticon control over the native communications and information grid. Still, it was almost eerie, the way the Tyrannis had made contact just as he and Banzai-tron had been speaking of the High Commander. But he had always been very well informed, for a military officer. If any Decepticon could give the Intelligence Service a run for its energon chits, then it was Scorponok.

“Uncanny, don’t you think?” he asked in a conversational, if distracted, tone. “One might almost think they were listening in on us. Yet I suppose it’s nothing that can’t be attributed to the notorious impatience of our glorious leaders, hm?”

Silence was the only response.

“Banzai-tron … ?” When Wingspan turned to investigate, he found that he was once again alone. Shrugging, he returned to his task. It wasn’t as though he had taken on his particular function in order to socialize, after all. In that sense, his low-key, behind-the-scenes role suited him perfectly.

Koraja - Near the Capital Dome

Snaptrap listened as he walked alongside Cyclonus, approaching the center of the capital city. The Aerospace Commander wanted him to bring in his Seacons in order to keep them close just in case they would be needed. However, that would not be possible for the time being as their mission was too important for the ongoing invasion.

"I understand your position, Aerospace Commander," Snaptrap replied to Cyclonus with the utmost respect in his voice. "Your points are understandable, and normally I would agree with you. However, their deployment has already been approved by High Commander Scorponok, himself. In addition to securing the bay area, the Seacons are also conducting recon along the coastline that borders the eastern side of the city. The information that can be gained could provide us with the upper hand should anyone try and attack us from the ocean. Therefore, I unfortunately won't be able to bring my team back in. At least, not for the time being."

Snaptrap knew that Cyclonus wouldn't be happy to hear that they would be without the Seacons once they discovered the Autobots location. However, with their leadership skills and abilities in the field of battle, the two of them should have no trouble leading a Decepticon force to rout the enemy from their base of operations. The sheer amount of troops at their disposal would be more than enough to get the job done.

A sweep then landed in front of them and spoke of a captured Autobot nearby. Snaptrap was as pleased to hear this bit of information as Cyclonus appeared to be. Without delay, the Seacon leader followed the purple flier towards the capital dome, eager to help forcefully pull whatever information out of the Autobot that they could.

((OOC-Just npc'ing, at Cry's request, until the character finds a regular home.))

Koraja--Capital Dome

The stag beetle form of Shrapnel climbed over pile of rubble and other debris, paying no attention to several Nebulan casualties that had resulted from the battle in Koraja not long before.

"They are not a suitable source of energy energy," he announced, as he approached the other Decepticons in the area. He would let them infer on their own how exactly he had come to that conclusion.

As he scanned outward, it was so refreshing to see their swarm spread out across a planet like this. So few commanders within the Decepticon ranks would allow them to release their full potential like this. They would truly have the opportunity to savor this world.

Speaking of "savoring", there was one Autobot who had not managed to escape with his friends.

How delicious...
___

Near Koraja

"Welcome to my home, most revered Peer," the Nebulan surgeon said as Soriza and those who had gathered with her entered in to the spacious, underground residence located well outside the Korajan city boundaries.

"You are a valued supporter, Theris, your home has been valuable in the past. How could I not return now, in Nebulos' time of great need?" Soriza said, half-smiling before indicating that the others could begin setting up their temporary work shelter here. Her aides and other government staff quickly set to work while the other Peers moved closer to her.

"Ah...w-will you be staying long?" the surgeon asked, looking around, obviously somewhat confused as the Nebulans began setting up various pieces of equipment. She turned around to face him, her steely eyes meeting his. He had no idea what her real intentions were for coming here. And that was just as well. He did not need to. The greater good of Nebulos was all that mattered now.

"I suspect not," she said evenly, before waving over a couple of her aides. "Take our friend Theris upstairs. Let us make the reality of our presence here as unnoticeable as possible, hm?"

She turned again as the aides began to, almost forcibly, guide the surgeon upstairs. She let out a quick, bemused huff. No....no they would not need to be here very long at all.

Near Koraja

With so many refugees fleeing Koraja in the aftermath of Scorponok’s appearance at the Capital Dome, Kickback had felt spoiled for choice. Such a variety of panicked little morsels, scattering this way and that, it was just so hard to pick. All the same, it would have been a stretch to suggest that he’d selected the group he had completely at random. He was, after all, an extremely clever Decepticon, and had enough experience with organics to recognize the trappings of power when he saw them. The Nebulan female, adorned in fine fabrics and precious metals and accompanied by a sizable retinue of obvious menials, might as well have been wearing a neon sign proclaiming her vaunted station amongst her peers.

Of course, that just made her the most influential microbe on the slide, but it was a place to start.

Kickback had followed the group of Nebulans beyond the outskirts of the capital city and into the surrounding countryside, maintaining a surreptitious distance in his locust mode. Crawling along the ground wasn’t exactly the most dignified or impressive way to travel, but it was a great deal less likely to draw attention than flying. Or jumping, for that matter.

Once the natives reached their apparent destination—a large, if mostly subterranean estate some distance from Koraja—Kickback decided that the time for cautious observation had past. With his forelimbs, he began digging into the ground, quickly disappearing from sight as he tunneled his way beneath the manicured lawns. After several moments, he reached a solid obstruction that could only have been one of the mansion’s below-ground walls. Without hesitation, he brought his powerful mouthparts to bear and simply ate his way inside.

The Nebulans, understandably, were quite nonplussed by the unexpected appearance of a giant metal arthropod in their midst. Kickback, however, was quick to offer the usual host of reassuring platitudes.

“Greetings, indigenous organisms,” he said, tone saccharine sweet. “Please, do not be alarmed. I would have approached more openly, but I was concerned that recent events would lead you to a premature judgment of my intentions. Please be assured that I mean none of you any harm, nor do I harbor ill-will toward you or your people. I only wish to open a dialogue, and perhaps assist you in devising a means of making this period of transition somewhat less … uncomfortable.”

Organic creatures were always quick to look to their own, personal comfort, Kickback had observed. Most would prefer to see their whole world set ablaze than risk pain or privation to themselves in its defense. Enlightened self-interest was a beautiful thing, and it was the bait with which he would ensnare these Nebulan germs.

Decepticon Surface Headquarters near Koraja

Escorted by two heavily armed Negator-class frigates, the three Decepticon freighters landed on the open fields near the capital city of Nebulos. Almost as soon as they had landed, the frigates began to drop Decepticon soldiers around the area. As soon as the freighters had been surrounded and the soldiers had dug themselves into positions, the three freighters began a transformation of massive scale. The hulls of the three ships opened, extended and in less than a breem, where there had been three freighter, there now stood a completely functional and well defended core for larger Decepticon fortress that would be constructed around it. With the base of operations set up, the two frigates moved back to the orbit through self generated transwarp gateways.

The next phase of the operation began as several dozen orbital bounces flashed through the Nebulan evening sky, bringing supplies and construction teams from the warships on the orbit into the new surface headquarters. Among the last bounces to take place was the one bringing Scorponok's second in command, Turmoil to the planetside.

Towering before the other Decepticons within the newly set up Decepticon headquarters, the enormous Decepticon commander moved directly to the command center and established communications link to the Semper Tyrannis. >>"High Commander. The initial module of the surface Headquarters has been set up. We will proceed to the next phase of the construction."<<

>>"Excellent. We are up to the speed with the operation so far. Once I get the information from Wingspan I have been waiting for I will leave the system to make several appearances around Decepticon controlled space. I cannot stay here for too long without Fortress Maximus getting too suspicious. I have no doubt in the ability of you and Cyclonus to conquer this world in the name of Decepticons. Scorponok out."<< Came the response from the High Commander of the Second Expansion fleet before the comm-link was cut off by Scorponok.

Turmoil quickly set up another communications link. >>"Air Commandant Cyclonus, this is Commander Turmoil of the Perdition. We have set up the initial surface command module and will proceed with building additional structures and fortifications. Do you have it? The location of the Autobase?"<<

The Folassian Forest—Autobot Command Bunker

Rad had heard the sounds of raised Autobot voices even as he’d left the bounce chamber to carry out their current plans. Having been effectively robbed of their command figure, Rad had no doubt that others would begin jockeying for position. Spartan clearly felt as if he had the best handle on the current situation, but after what had happened in Koraja, was that really the case. There were clearly others who didn’t think so. At the end of the orn, they had all risked themselves to try and get him, Highbrow and Skyhammer out there unharmed after they’d got themselves in to that Decepticon mess. That was the main reason Rad had not interjected himself into the subsequent argument.

Standing in one of the primary observation decks, Rad ejected a series of storage discs and inserted them in to the main drives. His actuators ran steadily across the command console, accessing the research files that had been gathered on the planet thus far—organic species, inorganic minerals, planetary composition. The vast majority of the work they had done up to this point had been conducted simply from a data-collection standpoint. There would have come a time, eventually, when they would have made their presence known and discovered how effectively Cybertronians could coexist with what appeared to be a completely peaceful native species. That in itself had been such a rare and valuable discovery, given how much of the universe was consumed by one war or another.

And now it had come here as well.

If Rad did nothing else, his own personal primary objective was to give this planet its peace again. That was the absolute least he could do. Unfortunately, the question of whether Nebulans and Cybertronians could coexist had already been answered for him. It was not the answer he’d wanted.

He watched, impatiently tapping his foot against the metallic floor, as the various download statuses crept towards 100%.
___

Koraja--Capital Dome

The sudden transmission by Turmoil had taken Cyclonus momentarily by surprise. He had not expected Scorponok to call in one of the more blunt instruments at his disposal. His presence here, and the nature of his transmission, indicated that the Deceptions were indeed intent on establishing a solid fortification on this planet. When he found himself with some otherwise unoccupied span of time, Cyclonus intended to pull up a sector map of this region of the galaxy. The planet was likely rich in natural resources and all outward indications suggested that it was almost completely incapable of defending itself from their efforts, but there had to be some larger, more strategically significant reason that this world had been selected. He intended to come to his own conclusions as to why that might be.

>>”Excellent, Commander. Your oversight and defensive capabilities should prove invaluable,”<< Cyclonus transmitted as he stepped in to the ruined halls of the Capital Dome. The injured Autobot, Skyhammer, hung, impaled on an outcropping of Nebulan architecture. It was such a fitting image. Depending on how the next few breems played out, Cyclonus would see to it that the Autobot was displayed in precisely this manner, directly in the center of the main thoroughfare leading in to Koraja, as a warning to others. Whether he was alive or not was of little concern to the Air Commandant. But, for the moment, there were more pressing matters. >>”I believe I will have that information very soon.”<<

“Step away, Apeface,” Cyclonus said as he now approached the Autobot, waving the Horrorcon off. No need for him to sustain further injury simply to amuse them. Cyclonus looked up, his sunburst optics meeting Skyhammer’s own. There was life there, if only a little. Enough to serve his purposes. “You have my apologies, Autobot. I had hoped to engage with you in a somewhat more functional state.”

Cyclonus paused for a moment before continuing, opening a brief connection with a Decepticon who might prove to be of particular usefulness in this instance. >>”Bombshell—report to my position immediately.”<< Cyclonus then turned his attention squarely on Skyhammer once more.

“I have my suspicions about how this conversation will proceed, so allow me to lay out the scenario. It is apparent that your Autobot brethren have established some form of operational structure on this planet. I will demand that you reveal its location, you will offer some form of stubborn rebuttal, citing endless Autobot protocols about duty, honor and any number of other ideals. Impasse reached. So, acknowledging that, is there any arrangement we might come to whereby I can get the information I need from you willingly before I employ more…invasive…procedures?”

The Folassian Forest—Autobot Command Bunker

Highbrow had managed to perform enough self maintenance to assist with the evacuation. It was crude field dressing but due to the situation he couldn't bother their medic with such things. His body still ached but he could allow himself time to rest. He didn't have the right as far as he was concerned.

"Are you in need of assistance Rad?" He says, sounding remarkably humble. No sign of his normal aloof attitude. It was more than his guilt that was getting to him. Ever since he learned Spartan was the one that launched the attack he made efforts to avoid him. It was clear Highbrow was as mad at him as he was at himself. Perhaps even more.

Autobot Command Bunker—The Folassian Forest

Spartan matched Roadbuster glare for glare as the old warrior ranted about how Spartan’s actions had been inexcusable – the usual tripe from someone who had no idea of their mandate. Spartan was, overall, pretty emotionless, but having this old fool stand in front of him and dress him down like a raw recruit was enough to crack even his reserve.

As Roadbuster turned his back and stepped away, Spartan stepped forward, his fists clenched. He opened his mouth to speak, to let Roadbuster know in no uncertain terms how wrong he was about the complexion of the war, and how many of the Wrecker’s flash victories were only possible because of the nasty stuff that went on in the background that hardly anyone knew about and no one talked about, but he was brought up short by Athena’s hand on his arm.

“Spartan no,” she said soothingly. “I know what you’re thinking, it’ll only make things worse.” She looked him in the eyes and added in a whisper audible only to him, “It bothers me as much as it does you, but they don’t know and they can’t.”

Spartan clenched his jaw and nodded. He took a moment to get his temper under control, and soon, outwardly at least, he was his usual calm and imperturbable self. He looked over, caught Vulcan’s eye, and gestured him towards the obviously wounded Highbrow, and had turned back to Rad and the others when Comcast made his announcement that more ships had just arrived in system.

“There’s nothing we can do about that until we’re clear of here,” Spartan replied levelly. “ We’ll do nothing if the Decepticons catch us here and bombard us from orbit. Comcast, finish your sweep of the databanks. Everyone else pitch in and finish loading the trucks. I expect to be clear of here in three breems.”

Vulcan hadn’t waited as Spartan addressed the others, he rose from the bounce controls and quickly made his way to Highbrow. The other Autobot had, however shakily, regained his feet, but Vulcan could tell he was in bad shape even without his diagnostic equipment. His sensors only confirmed that Highbrow needed to be in the infirmary, not on his feet, but there was little time for that now.

“Okay Highbrow, there’s not much I can do except a quick battlefield style patch job here. We’ll do more once we’re at the fallback position.” A slide panel opened on the medic’s leg, and he pulled forth a can of expanding foam. He sprayed the contents liberally into Highbrow’s wounds to stop any energon leaks and to seal his chest cavity. It was ugly, but it would keep him from leaking out. He then activated his plasma torch and snipped two connections at the base of Highbrow’s neck.

“I just deactivated your pain sensors. It’s not something I’d normally do, you’re hurt and you should know about it, but we don’t have the luxury of you being too hurt to get out of here right now. You should be able to transform, but if you can’t you can catch a ride on one of the transport trucks. Whatever you do, don’t push it, you’re pretty messed up. You aren’t feeling it now, but it doesn’t mean you aren’t still hurt.”

Autobot Command Bunker—The Folassian Forest

Highbrow resigned himself to Vulcan's care, though part of him wished he have been left to suffer. "Vulcan...do you...do you condone what Spartan did in order to rescue us? Did the end truly justify the means?" His fists clench. "Do I deserve to live at such a price?"

He was young and a newer recruit than most, having seen his share of horrors committed on Cybertron even before wearing a badge, but it did not help him accept this. This was a burden too much to bear, at last that's how it felt. "How could an Autobot willingly...it's sheer madness." He could even bring himself to say it. The concept caused his oil to churn in his fuel pumps.