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Ridge Overlooking Polyhex

Howlstrike reached the top of a ridge that overlooked the entirety of Polyhex as well as Shockwave’s tower, which stood tall in the center of the Decepticon city state. It was a great distance away, but its sheer size made it easy to view even from just outside the borders of enemy territory. The purple mech, himself, could briefly be seen disappearing into his impressive spiral of technology and warfare. While the rest of Polyhex remained in ruin, the tower was the one structure that possessed power with lights glittering across its surface.

Staying low, the mechanical timber wolf crouched down behind some debris and then peered over to gaze out across Polyhex. From his vantage point Howlstrike could clearly observe the massive tower without being detected. Down below he noticed a pair of autocannons sweeping the border area out in front but not up. Thankfully, their range seemed to be limited to ground level surveillance and would not be able to pick up Howl’s movements from a top the high ridge. As long as he remained where he was, he would be fine.

Now, it was only a matter of sitting tight and waiting for something to happen. Howlstrike wasn’t exactly sure what Rodimus was expecting him to see, but whatever it was Howl would be sure to alert the other Autobots as soon as he saw it.

The Tower – Never Center

Finally, the moment Razorclaw had been waiting for had arrived as Shockwave entered the Nerve Center and sat upon his throne seemingly oblivious to the other mechs in the room. He was clearly preoccupied with something of great importance that the Predacon Commander assumed was directly linked to the Priority 1 transmission that had been received earlier. The Military Operations Commander alone knew the contents of said message, but would he be willing to share those contents with the rest of the group? Futhermore, would he also be willing to share everything that had transpired in Iacon with the Autobots? Razorclaw and Onslaught knew what had happened thanks in no small part to Divebomb, but the rest of those gathered had no idea of what Shockwave had been up to in enemy territory.

Ignoring the bizarre comments of Weirdwolf, Razorclaw focused more on the arrival of Blackwind who had gone under an impressive transformation since he had last laid optics on her. She was now wearing a carapace not all that dissimilar from Thunderwing’s own enhanced body armor. The Predacon Commander had to admit that it suited her well and augmented her already agile frame. Razorclaw hoped to have Blackwind’s support in dealing with the cycloptic mech should the need arise. He was confident that once she became aware of Shockwave’s dealings with the Autobots she would side with him and Onslaught. With her support would surely come Thunderwing’s as the scientist seemed to be very close with the newly enhanced femme and would likely follow her lead.

However, Razorclaw had to proceed carefully and not let on what he already knew or suspected. Thus he bided his time, allowing others to speak with Shockwave first. Once Blackwind had given the purple ‘Con her own briefing, it was then Onslaught’s turn, focusing mainly on the status of the automated defenses as well as the short and long range sensor grid. After a few more astroseconds had passed, the Predacon Commander decided to make his move and slowly approached the command throne.

“Lord Shockwave, the cyberforming device you entrusted with me and my Predacons is secured aboard the Thanatos in the cargo hold under an encrypted force field,” Razorclaw began, not wanting to jump right in to what he really wanted to say and ask. “In addition, both the Thanatos and the Obliteration have been fully prepped and are ready for departure should the need arise, Commander.” The Predacon leader paused, considering his next words carefully. “I trust your mission to Iacon was…productive and without incident. Did you encounter any opposition from the Autobots, my lord, or were you able to conduct your research unmolested?”

Razorclaw’s line of questioning was short and deliberate. He wanted to see how much information Shockwave was willing to divulge or if he would outright lie about what had transpired in Iacon. The Predacon Commander had a hunch that the cycloptic mech’s response would be in the form of half-truths with no real mention of agreeing to share data with the Autobots. And there was still the Priority 1 transmission to consider, the contents of which could alter everything including their response to Shockwave’s readiness to tell them what they wanted to know. There were many factors to consider and very little time left before a decision would have to be made.

******

Blast-Off was a bit taken aback when Onslaught felt it was necessary to remind the Combaticons that they were to follow his orders to the letter no matter what. Answers would come later. What answers? the space warrior thought, knowing for sure that there was something else going on here that he and his comrades were unaware of. He was pretty certain that Shockwave had something to do with it. Otherwise, it was all still a mystery to him.

However, Blast-Off had a feeling that things were about to be revealed as the Military Operations Commander arrived in the Nerve Center from wherever he had been. The purple ‘Con ignored everyone as he moved to his massive throne in the center of the room. Afterwards, one by one, some of the others approached him with their assorted briefings, including a newly improved Blackwind followed by Onslaught. But, things got a bit more intriguing when Razorclaw approached and mentioned something about a mission to Iacon. If that’s where Shockwave had just come from, could it also be the reason why the two unit commanders have been acting a bit strange lately? Did they think the cycloptic mech was doing something he shouldn’t have been doing or that they wouldn’t approve of?

Blast-Off stood at the ready just in case things got heated. Regardless of what was going on, he was still a Combaticon and he was loyal to Onslaught. If his commander gave him an order, he would follow it without hesitation even if it went against Shockwave, himself.

Priority One Encoded Message to Shockwave from Soundwave

>>”All efforts on my part to avoid a civil war and assist in transition of power to you will be made. Starscream currently enjoys the full support of Motormaster, with him likely forcing his team into the same position. Scrapper is decidedly against his rule in general and likely his fellow Constructicons follow his lead. I believe it safe to assume that he enjoys the support of at least Thundercracker and Skywarp as they have both been placed in leadership positions on new missions. Ramjet has already attempted an assassination only to fail miserably. He will likely be looking for revenge on Starscream at the very least. The rest of the seekers remain an unknown factor, possessing a wide range of personality types. The triplechangers may be won over if shown favor, perhaps feeling some concern about being demoted in prestige with a seeker now taking command. Some other more recently arrived Decepticon are also unknowns. Starscream does remain unproven as leader so far. A failure on his part now or a major success on your part would likely sway some more neutral or undecided Decepticons in your favor.”<<

The Tower--Nerve Center

Various status reports began to come in, both from the tower itself, as well as his various Decepticon officers. Shockwave gazed down at Weirdwolf for a contemplative moment before returning his attention to other things. He wanted certain answers, but Shockwave calculated no benefit in explaining himself.

"Declarative: Skullcruncher is satisfactory," Shockwave said as his attention was then immediately drawn to Blackwind. She was one of Megatron's handpicked tools. A tool with no hand to wield it now. Shockwave wondered if her potential would begin to expand now that she would have the opportunity to have her own thoughts and her own agenda. Or, like a mechanoid starved of energon, would Megatron's death render her useless as well? He would watch and see, once she and the others eventually learned of what all had transpired.

In the meantime, he would be curious to learn all he could about the process that Thunderwing had clearly taken to another level. The Valckastan Warlord, unlike Blackwind and certain others within the Decepticon ranks, had never shown blind obedience to anyone. He had a vision, but also an impressive array of research skill to complement it. It was Cybertronians like him, the Constructicons and others who saw the advantage of advancement over combat that could take this war to a place where they could end it. It was apparent that such individuals existed within the Autobot ranks as well. Yet in the hands of Starscream and his ego, or a significant number of Megatron's other lieutenants, Shockwave was certain the war would continue indefinitely, until extinction finally caught up with them.

"Declarative: I will require all research in to this process. Its ultimate results, similar to what has been accomplished with Dreadwind and Darkwing, will take time to observe thus ensuring certain side effects of these experimental processes has not occurred."

The primarily military officers then approached and delivered their briefings. Razorclaw, Onslaught and their various subordinates were warriors. They enforced the Decepticon agenda and determined the best means of accomplishing it. In Shockwave's long history of observing both commanders in action, he had seen little indication that Decepticons such as themselves sought ultimate command. For them, and many others, the task ahead would be to show them that Megatron's strategy had an endgame. That was why Shockwave himself had found it logical and had followed the gladiator for so long. Peace through tyranny. Shockwave knew that there were those within the Decepticon ranks who sought only the latter and gave no thought to the former. Their influence would have to be marginalized if Cybertron was to repopulate one day. There was a natural order to society and the universe. It had simply taken far longer to achieve it than Shockwave had originally calculated.

"Systems analysis confirms your reports, Onslaught," Shockwave stated, before turning his singular optic to Razorclaw.

"I have neutralized the threat of Autobot action against our efforts on Cybertron. Whether it will remain so will be dependant upon several factors that I am presently unable to calculate to my satisfaction. Megatron's reasons for sending me here have been partially accomplished; however, the progress that I can continue to make from this location is limited."

Even as he spoke, Shockwave registered and factored in the latest Priority 1 transmission from Soundwave. He transmitted a brief, nonverbal code that would confirm to the Communications Officer that the message had been received. There was much to take in, and Shockwave's considerable laser core was performing vast calculations and permutations thereof. He knew that he would have to assess the situation directly in order to take the most logical action.

"To that end," Shockwave continued, "prepare for imminent departure from Cybertron and a return to the Sol system."

The Tower – Nerve Center

Razorclaw waited patiently as Shockwave addressed the others who had approached him first, starting with Weirdwolf before moving on to Blackwind and finally Onslaught. The cycloptic mech then set his singular sight on the Predacon Commander and in his vague answer gave Razorclaw what he expected to hear, but not what he wanted. That was soon followed up with the announcement that they would be leaving for Earth immediately. The reason for said departure was either a half-truth or an outright lie, but not necessarily because of what had gone on in Iacon. Rather, it was likely due to whatever the contents of the Priority 1 transmission were. Either way, the Predacon leader wanted more definitive answers and decided to press the purple ‘Con a bit further.

“My lord,” Razorclaw began to respond as he took a single step closer to the command throne, making sure to remain respectful in his stance. “You say the Autobot threat has been neutralized, but how exactly? Were you able to strike at them with some sort of surprise attack or sabotage? Or was there some other way you dealt with the enemy, Commander?”

Razorclaw briefly glanced over at Onslaught before returning his gaze back to Shockwave. “Commander Onslaught and I were also hoping that you could shed some light on the Priority 1 message that you received? I understand that what you are able to achieve here is limited, but the timing of the transmission and of our hasty departure from Cybertron is still somewhat curious. Is everything okay, my lord, or is there some sort of problem back on Earth that needs to be addressed?”

Ridge Overlooking Polyhex

Howlstrike had settled in nicely behind the debris that littered the top of the ridge he was positioned on. He had a nice view of Shockwave’s tower off in the distance. Now, all he needed was for something to happen, something to make the trip into enemy territory worth his while. Howl didn’t mind traveling all the way out there as he very much enjoyed utilizing some of his tracking abilities and the time alone on top of the ridge would allow him to meditate, a technique that helped to control the anger within.

Unfortunately, his meditation was broken by the sound of Hot Rod’s voice over his comm line. It was a secured communication so as not to draw the attention of the Decepticons. According to the self-proclaimed new Prime, there had been a change of plans and the Autobot hunter was to return to base immediately in preparation for their subsequent return to Earth.

Howlstrike lifted his wolf head up in utter shock. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. How could they leave Cybertron when the ‘Cons were still present? It was unlikely this order came from Hot Rod, himself, especially considering that not long ago he wanted to take the fight directly to the enemy in Polyhex. This would be a complete about face as far as that idea was concerned. No, the decision had to originate from Kup, which meant that something had happened back on Earth to warrant the Autobots going back there so abruptly. Otherwise, the old timer wouldn’t even consider the notion of leaving their homeworld to the ‘Cons.

>>”Understood, Hot Rod. I’m on my way.”<< With the secured message sent, Howlstrike backed away from the debris pile he had been hiding behind and then turned to head back down the ridge. Once he was at the bottom, the mechanical timber wolf raced across the uneven ground as fast as his four legs could carry him, double-timing it back to Autobot territory.

The Tower--Nerve Center

Onslaught could feel his circuits tensing. Razorclaw was pushing further for the answers that both of them wanted. The fact of the matter now was that the Combaticon Commander was growing increasingly less patient with the obstinate cyclops. He appreciated strategy as much as any Decepticon in their ranks and he also appreciated the necessity of some information being restricted but there were too many questions now and not enough answers.

Shockwave's singular optic was locked directly on Razorclaw. Onslaught's had shifted to make sure that his Combaticons were all in workable positions.

"Declarative--present information levels are satisfactory. You will know more when the need arises. We proceed."

Onslaught's circuits fired. No. No they slag well were not satisfactory.

He watched as Shockwave detached himself from his throne and began to walk towards the exit. With one simple, non-verbal command, Onslaught motioned for the Combaticons to block Shockwave's path to the doors. He then looked to Razorclaw to make the next move.

Polyhex Tower - Nerve Center

For a moment Vortex was lost in his own imagination. The various politics of comings and goings within the Decepticon ranks really didn't interest him much. Regardless of who ranked what, he would always have a job that filled his basest of desired programmings. In other words, everyone required information, and not everyone was patient enough to sweat it out of the enemy.

However even for his satisfaction for his role within the army, Vortex knew well enough where his present loyalties stood.

With a simple nod from Onslaught, a nod that snapped him back to the reality of the situation, Vortex stepped into the path of the more powerful Shockwave. His optical visor bore deep into the expressionless face of the Decepticon Commander. Oh sure, he could easily take down the Interrogator, but could Shockwave really justify taking down one so damn talented? Of course there was also the matter of the other Combaticons being more than willing to avenge his termination... for more sport than actual personal loyalties.

Polyhex Tower - Nerve Center

Ever since the Combaticons had been authorized to booster Shockwave's operation on Cybertron by Megatron, Brawl had been gloating on the thought of a possible chance of testing their mettle against the infamous former military operations commander. And now, the chance to do so seemed higher than ever before. Despite his eagerness for battling Shockwave, Brawl was also painfully aware that the Decepticon in front of them could perhaps pass for a phase-sixer on power scale. If it came to it, they could bring Shockwave down only through teamwork.

Nevertheless, Brawl was not a mechanoid known for giving anything too much of a thought and thus as Onslaught gave his mark, the brutish Combaticon moved to block the door with his teammates, taking the point as usual, ready to prove his toughness to the others even if it meant that he were the one to take the brunt of the beating that might ensue.

The Tower--Nerve Center

Swindle kept monitoring things from his station, seeing that Shockwave was working on encrypted communications but not even daring to try to find out what was in them or where they were going (at least not while Shockwave was in the room, and certainly not for free. And even then, hacking was only something he did occassionally, so there was no guarantee he'd even get anywhere.). The growing tension in the room was palpable, something was wrong with all this...

Swindle then found himself....distracted, by the femme Blackwind and her new carapace. Thats...uh, an impressive upgrade miss. Thunderwings got a damned good process going on there. I wonder if he'd let me be the salesman for mechs wanting one...

The entertaining new sight is only temporary: No-one trained by Onslaught would miss one of his commands, even if they'd been off the team for a few vorns. So Swindle was already getting off his seat before the impact of what he was being ordered to do sank in.

The boss is turning on Shockwave! Oh slag, he really is! Whats going on here? Is Onslaught going rogue...No, its impossible, he'd never do something like that, so he must think that Shockwave is turning traitor.

The Munitions Specialist stays behind Shockwave, to flank him with Vortex and Brawl blocking him, and pulls out his Gyro gun. His scatter blaster probably didn't have the firepower to damage Shockwave, and in any case taking down Shockwave non-violently would be the ideal outcome. Assuming his circuits aren't shielded from such attacks...They probably are, but maybe with all his logic circuit he couldn't protect them all.

He spares a glance over at Onslaught. I hope I know what you're doing, Commander. I don't want to be a traitor to the Decepticon cause....Not for free, at least.

The Tower – Nerve Center

The tension in the room had been steadily growing ever since Shockwave had arrived and took a seat in his command throne. It was subtle at first but quickly became very obvious within a single breem. The limited amount of discussion and the questions asked clearly showed that there was something much more going on here than a simple debriefing by the various commanders and mechs present. It all came to a sudden head when the purple ‘Con refused to elaborate further until he felt that sharing more information was in everyone’s best interests.

Or his own interests, Blast-Off thought as he noticed the annoyed look on Onslaught’s face plate at not getting the answers that he and Razorclaw had wanted. The Combaticon Commander then motioned towards his unit and the space warrior responded as his comrades did and moved in to block Shockwave’s path to the doors. Blast-Off’s loyalty was clear and decisively with Onslaught and the other Combaticons, regardless of Shockwave’s rank over all of them. Something had changed and not for the better considering what was now happening. If the cycloptic mech had done something wrong, he would be brought to justice even if it took the entirety of both the Combaticons and the Predacons to do so.

Blast-Off drew out his ionic blaster and pointed it at Shockwave. Alone it would do little damage to the much larger Decepticon, but together with the others present it might just help in subduing ol’ one eye long enough to get him to the brig of either the Obliteration or the Thanatos. It didn’t really matter which one at this point. Now, all that was needed was for Razorclaw and the Predacons to make their move, which would likely happen at any astrosecond.

******

The time had come to act in a way that was necessary but not what Razorclaw had wanted or hoped for. What he and Onslaught wanted was for Shockwave to be open with them and admit to making a deal with the Autobots, even if it was only a tenuous one at best. He wanted to hear the purple mech’s reasoning behind his actions even if the logistics of which would be hard to comprehend for a non-scientist type. Shockwave obviously saw a benefit to working with the enemy, but at what cost? Surely, Megatron would not approve of such an action even if it meant the possible restoration of Cybertron, itself. And even then a full renovation of the entire planet was still many years away at best if at all. At least an explanation would have been something, but what they got, instead, was the typical need-to-know basis type of response from a commander who clearly had something more to hide.

It was inevitable now as Onslaught motioned for his Combaticons to block Shockwave’s hasty departure from the Nerve Center. Wasting little time, Razorclaw turned to his animalistic unit and addressed them in a composed and unyielding manner. “Predacons, move in to surround Shockwave immediately. Do not hesitate or question my orders. Just do as you are told.”

Divebomb nodded and moved in behind Shockwave, drawing out his particle-beam rifle and sword. Headstrong and Tantrum followed suit, taking up rear and flanking positions. As the Combaticons blocked the Military Operations Commander’s forward and side motions, the Predacons would prevent the large purple ‘Con from reversing course in an attempt to escape custody. Once the two elite squads were in position around Shockwave, Razorclaw drew out his sonic sword and calmly walked towards the cycloptic mech.

“I’m sorry, Shockwave, but you left us with no choice,” the Predacon Commander said plainly as he passed between Tantrum and Blast-Off before moving around and standing directly in front of the one-eyed Decepticon. Razorclaw then locked optics with Shockwave, glaring at him with a cold, expressionless face plate. “We know of your dealings with the Autobots and what you promised them for unmolested access to Iacon to do your research. You offered to share vital intel with them, including data on Ore-13, a mineral the enemy did not even know existed until you mentioned it to them.” Razorclaw remained fixated on his former commanding officer as he continued to lay out the facts for all who were present to hear. “Then you tried to hide these facts from us along with the contents of the Priority 1 message you received. I have to wonder, if you are so willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals, where does it all stop? What else are you willing to sacrifice in the name of science...or your own agenda?”

Razorclaw took a single step back and raised his sword up, pointing it directly at the purple mech’s lone optical sensor. “Shockwave, I am relieving you of your command and placing you under arrest for conspiracy and possible treasonous acts against the Decepticon Empire. You will be returned to Earth to face Megatron’s judgment. Do you yield or will you force us to take drastic action against you?”