Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

Beneath Shockwave’s Tower – Thunderwing’s Lab

Blackwind smiled lightly as Thunderwing led them both down a series of adjoining corridors and stairwells. She nodded at his initial comment, but kept her optics ahead of them. When finished speaking she decided to chime in. “I’m sure the visual inspection will suffice for now.” She looked back at him with a sly smirk on her face. “I’m also very sure that there are more interesting aspects within, but as I’ve mentioned before, I can wait.” She turned her attention back to the corridor ahead.

A few more turns and they were finally greeted by a large door. Thunderwing went directly to the security keypad and entered his security code. The door slid open revealing a well equipped, very well used laboratory. She watched as he took a seat at the main computer terminal, once he was in place she moved in to stand behind him. As he spoke of moving his lab and most of his equipment to the tower she placed her hand on his shoulder. Her voice was quiet as she responded to what he has said. “Do yourself a favor and stay put. It may be a trek to get down here, but at least your work is away from a prying eye.”She leaned in close and brought up the data device she showed him earlier. She flashed him a smile and handed it over to him at the same time she told him exactly what it contained. “Before I left Earth I was able to download all of the data within our systems. Everything on it is up to date, including personnel files. You will be able to ‘catch up’ on what has occurred since we left Cybertron, the infiltration process, and so on. There is also updated software that you will also find useful for your research and experiments.”

Beneath Shockwave’s Tower – Thunderwing’s Lab

Thunderwing was a bit surprised at Blackwind's suggestion to keep his lab where it was, but he quickly realized the benefits of keeping it a bit isolated from Shockwave’s tower. He rubbed his chin in thought. “I am fairly self sufficient down here. I can tell Shockwave that some of my work and experiments are too sensitive to be relocated easily, which isn’t a lie necessarily. It will be a bit inconvenient for me, but I’ve become accustomed to that over the years spent here alone.” He smiled at her before she continued.

He carefully took the data device from her hand as she explained what all it contained. He smiled at her again. “I suppose this is your ‘Welcome to the present time of the Decepticons’ gift eh?” He plugged the device into his computer and began the installation process. “I think you Blackwind. This should get me up to speed on the Empire and enhance the abilities of my personal systems.” He was still a bit concerned about possible spy programs, but, as he hoped, the benefits would seem to greatly outweigh those concerns.

The Decepticon sat up straight in his chair as he received the signal from Shockwave. >>”I thank you for the greeting Commander Shockwave. I welcome you back to Cybertron. It had been my intention to meet you upon your landing but I know you are not one to stand on ceremony and went immediately to work. I will meet you in the command center right away.”<<

Thunderwing looked at Blackwind with a serious expression. “Our Commander has summoned me. I should have met with him sooner but I’ve been a bit preoccupied.” He smiled at her. “You are free to stay in my lab if you wish.” He picked up a pad from his desk, entering in a few commands before handing it to her. “Or you can explore the Tower. I uploaded a map of it for your use. I’m sure you’ll want to familiarize yourself with its layout.”

Shockwave’s Tower – Main Lab

Weirdwolf let himself get carried away with the upgrades to the sensors, and rushes to the Main Lab. Walking in half way threw Razorclaw's speech, he lets Razorclaw finish giving orders before he draws attention to himself. Heading to the cart he grabs several sensors. While primitive compared to Weirdwolf's own sensors, they will suffice for the time being.

Turning to Razorclaw Weirdwolf asks "On my trip, who work I with?"

Shockwaves Tower - Main Lab

Oh, wonderful., thought Swindle. I have to babysit Tantrum to stop him using the sensors to throw at passing cyber-moose, while trying not to annoy him so much he renders me down to my component atoms in a fit. Joy.

Swindle sidled over to his new partner, giving him a nod as acklowledgement. He intended to say as little as possible to the Predacon on this mission. And to make as few sudden movements as possible.

Beneath Shockwave’s Tower – Thunderwing’s Lab

Blackwind nodded in understanding when Thunderwing responded to her suggestion of keeping his lab right were it was. Keeping as much of the carapace process away from Shockwave was for the best. At least this one little experiment can be kept away from the Commander by limiting his access to it.

As he took possession of the data device she resisted slightly, but relented with a smile. As he spoke she shrugged slightly and offered him a coy smile. “Let’s just call it a peace offering, a sign of trust.” As he inserted the device Blackwind stood up straight and placed her hand on his shoulder. She cocked her head to one side when he sat up straight in his chair. She looked down at him as he turned to look back at her, his expression serious.

Blackwind snorted slightly and sighed. “Of course he did.” She watched as he took hold of a datapad and handed it to her. She smiled lightly as she gently took it from him. “Thank you for the offer, and I will eventually explore the tower, but I think it’s best if I actually tag along with you.” She shrugged her shoulders as she made her way to the lab’s door and waited for him. “Besides, I have yet to see the Command Center, and I’m sure the Commander will just be all a twitter to see me.” Blackwind flashed him a wicked smirk.

Beneath Shockwave’s Tower – Thunderwing’s Lab

Thunderwing nodded with a slight smile at her comment. “I’m sure he will be pleased.” He exited the lab with Blackwind and began making the journey back up the tower. “It is unfortunate that the Decepticon’s return to Cybertron has to be undertaken in such a unglamorous and clandestine fashion. I would have hoped for something a bit grander, more formal for such a momentous occasion. At the very least I had hoped to meet the Commander immediately upon his landing. I should have known that he of all beings would be one to care little about pomp and circumstance.”

He let out a quiet sigh. “I suppose a ceremony can wait until Lord Megatron himself arrives. I imagine then we can have some sort of parade with marching and music. It can be the type of ceremony we all expected so long ago when the Decepticons were going to take complete control of Cybertron. Hopefully no one will mind the slight delay.” He chuckled lightly.

Shockwave’s Tower – The Nerve Center

The Decepticons finally arrived at the heart of the Tower. Thunderwing stepped into the room. His fist slammed into his chest as he stood completely straight, offering Shockwave a formal salute. “Thunderwing reporting as ordered Commander. Welcome back to Cybertron.”

*

Shockwaves Tower - Main Lab

Tantrum looked down at Swindle in annoyance. Razorclaw must have been upset at him getting lost in the tower earlier to saddle him with the annoying little runt. Of course, it wasn’t like any of the other Predacons would have been better. Rampage was stupid, Divebomb was a jerk and Headstrong would probably get lost far worse than he did. Maybe it was just inevitable that he would have the weapons peddler as a partner.

Tantrum let out a grunt. “You get to lead the way. I don’t know nothing about this Tower. You can find a door or I’ll just make one.”

Shockwaves Tower - Main Lab

"Er, that won't be nessecary, Tantrum, I know the way. I have a way with maps." Swindle turned to the cartload of sensor equipment and moved their portion of it into his own, smaller cart, before tranforming and hitching it up.

The truth is, I used to have more than one hidey-hole around here, stashed full of choice parts. But then Shockwave built his tower, and even I couldn't get regular access to the area or sneak through his sensor net. Then the war got bad, and soon the Tower was the only place in the city-sector left standing, so there wasn't much temptation to go back. But it means I shouldn't have to worry about getting lost, at least.

"We just have to head to the elevator at the end of the corridor, go to level C, and we can go out through what the map says is a unused Seeker hangar which leads out to Sector 4." Swindle trundled out the door, hoping the Predacon would decide to follow him.

The quicker we get this done, the quicker we can secure this place and the quicker we can think about establishing some other bases, and finally, I might be able to get out from under Shockwaves thumb.

Shockwave’s Tower – The Nerve Center

Taking into accord that he had already given more of a formal greeting through comm-link earlier, Shockwave acted true to his efficient nature as Thunderwing made his way into the nerve center and saluted him. "Thunderwing." A simple nod of approval and spoken out name of the last survivor of an ancient line of aristocrats from city of Valckasta would have to suffice for this occasion. Shockwave understood the propaganda aspect that glory and glamor served but this was hardly a time for parades and speeches. There was much to be done and no real sign of victory in the imminent future.

"You have altered yourself. An armored techno-organic carapace surrounding your true form. Impressive. Hypothesis: You have either perfected my earlier, unfinished research or arrived to same conclusions on your own. Certain... unfortunate events cut me from my research as the data given to you by Blackwind has no doubt revealed." Shockwave addressed the long gone scientist, whose only real outer resemblance to Thunderwing from his memorybanks was his color scheme.

While he was eventually going to bring up the reason Megatron sent him to Cybertron, Shockwave decided to focus on Thunderwing's own research first especially after Blackwind's infuriating attempt of goading Thunderwing to keep his research to himself when logic demanded it to be shared thorough the upper echelon of the Empire. While Shockwave had his secrets, most of his research had been put to use the instant he had perfected them, sometimes earlier due to Megatron's impatience. "Question: How did you overcome the issue of syncronizing your mainframe with the carapace? Before I had to place my research on the subject on hold due to then more important issues - I ran into a problem with the said process. The bonding process... drove my test subjects either insane or comatose."

Beneath Shockwave’s Tower – Thunderwing’s Lab

Blackwind smiled at his comment and then followed the scientist out of his lab and into the corridor. She stayed by his side as they both made their way back up the tower. She sighed slightly and nodded as he spoke of the way the Decepticon’s return to Cybertron should have been celebrated. It would have been grand to have Megatron on planet making one of his glorious speeches, but alas they had to settle for what had already occurred.

Shockwave’s Tower – The Nerve Center

Blackwind stepped into the room beside Thunderwing and crossed her arms over her chest as she waited for what the Commander had to say. She offered no salute, instead she only glared at the one eyed mech as he spoke. A wicked smirk crossed her features as Shockwave inquired about the synchronization of the carapace process. She knew from her prior conversation with Thunderwing that he would not give the whole story, and most likely never would. She, on the other hand, would eventually get the scientist to reveal the entire process, but only when she had gained his trust. After Shockwave's question she turned her attention to Thunderwing and waited to hear his response.

Shockwave’s Tower – The Nerve Center

Thunderwing relaxed from his formal salute and posture as Shockwave greeted him in his typical, efficient manner. He walked over to where the other Decepticon stood, nodding at his words.

“I arrived at the conclusion that Cybertron was doomed separately from your own work, but the research you had done helped to confirm mine, at least in my optics. The work on the carapace sprung from my own previous experience along with your research. I did not have the influence or the power to try to influence a move off of Cybertron or a cessation of hostilities. To be honest, I had no real desire to leave our homeworld, so I worked on a way to remaining functioning on it, even with the toxic atmosphere. As you can see, I was successful.”

While Shockwave always maintained that he ran off of pure logic Thunderwing knew better. Shockwave might actually believe that, but there had always been little hints to the contrary. No being could achieve all that he had without some ambition and ego. Stroking that ego of his a bit would likely be a good way to start their association.

“The situation surrounding your absence is of no concern now. You are here now, the first step in the Decepticon reclamation of Cybertron. That work is what is important now, and it is work that I am honored to be a part of.”

Thunderwing paused at the next question. “Due to the lack of test subjects at the end of my experiments I was forced to experiment upon myself. I believe that they may have been the key as I have made augmentations to myself in the past and have become intimately familiar with my own internal workings. That accounts for at least part of my success. The fact that I knew what was occurring to me, could physically and mentally make the connections with the carapace, helped stabilize the connection. I suspect most of the test subjects had neither of those benefits.

*

Shockwaves Tower - Main Lab

Tantrum snorted and followed Swindle. “Good. Razorclaw is already annoyed with me, don’t think he’d appreciate me remodeling the place.” He chuckled to himself. The Predacon grabbed the cart and pulled it behind him. “Hope you know how to set this stuff up. I’m not much for technical stuff, other than refueling . Just tell me where to put it and you can handle the rest.”

As he followed the other Decepticon Tantrum found his mind wandering. “Hope we find a couple of stray Autobots or empties out there. It’s been too long since I’ve had something to smash in. That last fight on that other planet was nothing., didn’t even get my hands dirty.” A stray spark leapt from his horns as the Predacons infamous anger started to build up.

Shockwave’s Tower – Main Lab

As his team began to disperse, Razorclaw caught sight of Weirdwolf making his way over to the cart and picking out some sensor devices. The Predacon Commander let out an audible growl, a clear indication that he was not pleased with the tardy ‘con. Weirdwolf then turned towards him and asked whom he would be working with.

Razorclaw had already created the teams by the time he noticed Weirdwolf in the room and some had already began to leave for their assigned sectors. He could just blast the backwards speaking mech and thus solve the problem right there and then, but that would serve no purpose other than to deplete the already minimal Decepticon ranks here on Cybertron. And they needed all the help they could get in securing their homeworld, even if that help came from tardy mechs such as this. However, at the same time, Razorclaw wasn’t going to let the tardiness go without consequences.

“Well, well, nice to see you grace us with your presence, Weirdwolf,” Razorclaw spoke in a serious tone as he approached the yellow Decepticon. “Since the other two groups have already departed, it looks like you’ll be joining Divebomb and myself on our trip to Sectors 1 and 2. Why don’t you grab the remaining surveillance equipment and place it in that smaller hover cart over there.” The Predacon Commander pointed towards a cart near the main door. “Your job will be to mind and transport the equipment as we make our way out of the tower and begin scouting the area. Think you can handle that?”

If Razorclaw could smile, he would have. Making Weirdwolf do the majority of the heavy lifting and grunt work was one way to ensure that he was not late to an important briefing again or any other meeting for that matter. Plus, it also meant that neither himself nor Divebomb would have to lower themselves to the level of menial labor again. The Predacon Commander than turned to the flying mech, who was standing close by. “Divebomb, when we get outside, I need you to transform to your eagle mode and fly out ahead of us. Scout as much of the area as possible and report back any unusual readings or sightings of anything ‘alive’ out there. I don’t want any surprises. Is that clear?”

Divebomb nodded at his commander. “Crystal, sir.”

“Good.” Razorclaw then turned and made his way towards the doorway. “Let’s get going, you two,” he said to Divebomb and Weirdwolf. “We don’t have any more time to waste.”

Shockwaves Tower - Sector 4 Exit

Swindle didn't miss Tantrum's worrying tone of voice, or the sparks appearing around his horns. Oh no...better find him something to keep him occupied.

Reaching the bottom of the elevator, Swindle trundled over to the long-sealed hangar door, transformed and manipulated the controls. The centuries of grime and neglect meant the door creaked loudly, but it opened with little delay and the way was clear to the wilderness of the Polyhex Ruins.

An empty, a cybermoose, even some scraplets will do. Anything to stop him turning on me! I'd better set up the first sensor quick, and find something.

Shockwave's Tower - The Nerve Center

Shockwave listened to Thunderwing's report intently, simultaneously utilizing the nerve center's sensor arrays to monitor the changes in the electro-magnetic field around the former Lord Protector of Tyrest. There was little doubt that a mechanoid as intelligent as Thunderwing wouldn't try to hide information or attempt to manipulate Shockwave himself. Such was a dangerous path to partake but not unexpected. Still, the little that the monitoring told to Shockwave was not enough to draw conclusions. This was not surprising for Thunderwing was known to be very careful being. At least Shockwave could take some comfort in knowing that despite Thunderwing's minor empathic abilities, he would find Shockwave himself nearly impossible to read as well.

"This has to suffice for a time being. I will however require your full research data for evaluation. This carapace technology has potential to be the decisive factor in gaining an advantage over the Autobots. It is too important for the Empire to be lost into political games." Shockwave spoke out, letting his gaze shift from Thunderwing to Blackwind. "As you should understand as well Blackwind."

"Megatron may currently have a slight edge in the war but our race is still losing it. Forced to abandon Cybertron. Forced to play a galactic game of hide and seek to survive. No new sparks being created in tens of thousands of vorns our numbers are decreasing slowly but surely as the war takes its toll. The need for a decisive victory is greater than ever. Megatron understands this. This is why we are here." He continued with his gaze focused on Thunderwing again.

Summoning a holographic projection of Earth before Thunderwing, Shockwave continued with his briefing. "Before the circumstance that led to my unplanned disappearance, I experimented on infusing energon into this planet's crust. Despite of being unable to monitor and alter the progress of the experiment, it proved to be at least partially successful. The altered energon seed began to spread, creating rich energon veins deep into the planet's crust, below the level the flesh creatures of the planet have had access into so far. Perhaps enough energon to revitalize Cybertron, or to ignite a cyberforming process on the planet itself. Of course pending on the amount of energon the Constructicons will find and the research we are to perform here."

The image projection Shockwave had created shifted, now focusing on Cybertron and the fortress of Kolkular. Recalling ancient images from Cybertron's past when Megatron had sought to cyberform Cybertron into a warworld. "I have obtained a large ore sample labelled as Ore-13. We will need to refine it, analyze its potency, long and short term effects on Cybertronian physiology as well as it suitability for both revitalization of Cybertron and the alternative option of recreating the cyberforming substructure of Cybertron on Earth. Both options are monumental tasks, especially the first given our lack of logistics to bring the required amounts of energon to Cybertron. Nevertheless, this option has to explored as well as the other - which given the information we have, is the more likely one to succeed."

Shockwave's Tower - The Nerve Center

Thunderwing nodded at Shockwave’s words. “Of course Commander. It has always been my intention to fully share this technology with the rest of the Empire. It has only been a manner of actually making contact with the Empire. With the Decepticons returning to Cybertron the technology can begin to spread.” Every word that he spoke was true, it was just going about all of that would be difficult.

The Decepticon scientist listened quietly as Shockwave explained the current situation. It was interesting to finally hear what the other Decepticon had been planning all of those cycles ago. It was a much more ambitious plan then the one he had set out to complete to allow for the future survival of their race. Perhaps if he had similar resources to what Shockwave had at his disposal he would have come up with something similar. His specialty lied in other areas than the Commander’s though. He likely would have come up with a more sophisticated carapace with whatever additional equipment he might have gotten.

“I will assist you in anyway I can Commander Shockwave. Although it lies outside my realm of specialties I am sure I can be of some help.” He paused for a moment, considering his words before continuing. “I assume that since such delicate and important work has been moved to Cybertron that there is something vital to it here? Some specialized people of equipment or a sample you require from the planet itself? I can’t imagine Megatron authorizing the move of something so vital to a planet that is still unsecured.”

*

Shockwave’s Tower - Sector 4 Exit

Tantrum was ready to tear the doors open himself until Swindle got them to creak open. The Predacon stepped outside, looking at the wreckage of the city around him. With everything already wrecked, it meant no one would care if he did more damage. A large grin spread across the fueler’s face before he transformed into his beast mode.

He looked over at Swindle. “Just point in the direction you need to go to set up that thing. I’ll clear a path.” He let out a snort as another spark flew off of his horns.

Outside Shockwave’s Tower – Sector 1

Having successfully made his way through the maze-like corridors of the tower, Razorclaw finally stepped outside through the exit way to Sector 1. He turned his head and nodded to Divebomb, who was standing beside him. The aerial Predacon immediately transformed to eagle mode and took to the skies over Polyhex to scout ahead like his commander had previously ordered. Finally, Divebomb was away from the others and doing what he loved most. The only thing missing now was an Autobot target below to destroy. Unfortunately, there were no ‘bots in the vicinity, so Divebomb would simply have to make do with soaring overhead and feeling the wind course over his metallic wings.

Divebomb’s enjoyment was suddenly interrupted, however, by a message from Razorclaw: >>You spot anything up there, Divebomb? Is the first designated location clear of infestation? Report!<<

>>Just a moment, Razorclaw. I’m almost there.<< The mechanical eagle responded, a bit annoyed with his leader's impatience. He soon located the spot where the first sensor array would be placed and set his scanners at optimal levels. Divebomb searched for any signs of trouble and quickly found some. A horde of cyber-rats were scurrying about the location below like a swarm of Insecticons. >>We have countless vermin all over the target zone, boss. Should I engage?<<

Razorclaw shook his head at his comrade’s stupid question. >>Of course you are to engage! Clear them out and get back to me once you’re done!<<

>>Acknowledged.<< Divebomb responded as he came around for another pass over the area. The flying Predacon took aim and fired several shots into the pack of cyber-rats below. Many were ripped to shreds in the initial wave of explosions, while others began to flee from the scene. Using his telescopic lenses, Divebomb carefully aimed and started picking the rats off one by one with his lasers. He hit each one he aimed for, missing none in his sights. They weren’t Autobots, of course, but they would have to do for now. Within a few cycles, Divebomb was finished and opened a comm line to Razorclaw. >>Commander, the area is now completely clear of vermin. You may proceed at your leisure, sir.<<

Razorclaw received his soldier’s transmission. >>Good. I’ll be there shortly to install the first sensor array. Keep an optic on things and make sure no more vermin infiltrate the area.<< The Predacon Commander then turned to Weirdwolf and waved to him to get moving. “Let’s go, Weirdwolf! Bring the surveillance equipment and follow me. We haven’t got all cycle!” With that said, Razorclaw transformed to beast mode and leapt out across the inhospitable terrain of Sector 1, heading towards the first designated location.

Shockwave's Tower - The Nerve Center

"I already outlined the mission details Thunderwing. I expected you to listen to me more carefully." Shockwave replied, this time producing an image showing multiple images of their objectives. "Megatron wants to make sure if Cybertron can be salvaged. If that is not possible, he wants to turn Earth into a warworld. Both objectives require Decepticon presence on Cybertron. Unlike the infiltration bunker on Earth, this tower and several other ancient domains of our race contain highly sophisticated equipment required to determine the usability of the ore-13 to power our war machine. Even more importantly, the cyberforming sub-structure exists only here. It cannot be studied elsewhere. Yet."

Once again, Shockwave changed the image - this time to indicate several locations around the planet. "Due to the nature of our mission and the uncertainty caused by the lack of control over Cybertron, we cannot stay bound to one place. My tower is only the beginning - the location to study ore-13. We will have to create a sensor network over the planet to be able to monitor its development. Also, all of your records thorough our species' exodus from Cybertron will be completely analyzed to understand Cybertron's healing process."

His lone optic flashing, Shockwave continued. "With these objectives carried out, we will travel to Kolkular to gain access to the cyberforming interface there to see whether it is still usable or do we need to recreate it. From Kaon we will relocate to northern hemisphere, preferrably Iacon - in order to begin excavations to uncover old service access tunnels of the planetary engines within the region. These tunnels will provide us access into Cybertron's core. This will both allow us to find out the approximate level of energon regrowth on Cybertron and allow us to access the plasma energy chamber which is the source of the only known substance with enough power to ignite the cyberforming process."

A recording from Thanatos' sensor sweep shortly after the battlecruiser was cloaked is summoned before Thunderwing. "However, I picked a subspace tear opening not long after we arrived to Cybertron's orbit. The probability of the Autobots following us from Earth to Cybertron is 97%. The likelyhood of them settling in Iacon is equivalently high. This Autobot presence on Cybertron may cause us severe difficulties in obtaining our goals."

Shockwave’s Tower - Sector 4 Exit

Swindle was nothing if not quick on the uptake, and realised what Tantrum was getting at.

"Well, thank you, what a kind offer. The first layer of sensors should be at the halfway mark, so we'd be looking at a point 40 megamiles north-northwest, or thereabouts. We shouldn't have any problems getting there, with a professional like you leading the way."

Professional noise-machine, at least. If there is anything out here worth worrying about, it'll soon know that the Decepticons are back in business.

Shockwave's Tower - The Nerve Center

Thunderwing remained silent as Shockwave chastised him. Aside from having some specific equipment in his lab there had to be another reason why Shockwave was sent personally to Cybertron. He was one of the brightest minds in the Decepticon army but it seemed a bit odd to send him out on what was more like a frontier post now. It could be seen like a banishment of sorts, but at the same time it left him open to plotting on his own. He would have to find out more about his long absence for the ranks.

The Decepticon listened as Shockwave droned on about his plan. Thunderwing listened with a blank look on his face. In his head though he was processing everything he said. The plan was ambitious, possibly too ambitious. They were barely set up here and he was already forming two relocation plans, including one in the heart of what had been Autobot territory. To say he had some misgivings was an understatement, but he kept them quiet, for now. He wanted to merely be the obedient Decepticon, for now.

“If the Autobots are here then we must move quickly. I will return to my lab and begin transeferring the data I have collected on the planet’s recovery to your computers so you may analyze them. They are limited however, to the local area and are primarily concerned with the atmosphere. I’m sure you will still find them useful though. With your permission, I would like to have Blackwind assist me in the transfer of data. I believe we may be able to find some additional sensor beacons to use in your work Commander.”

*

Shockwave’s Tower - Sector 4 Exit

Tantrum snorted at Swindle’s words. He didn’t really care for the little arms dealer, but as long as he pointed him in the right direction to destroy stuff, he was okay with him. The Predacon briefly pawed the ground before charging forward, smashing through debris and walls that lay in his path. He assumed that he was going in the right direction, and if he wasn’t it just meant he would get to smash through more stuff later.

Shockwave's Tower - The Nerve Center

If Thunderwing was expecting Shockwave to start speculating on Megatron's ulterior motives, he would be greatly disappointed. Shockwave understood that Megatron was wary of him and wanted him out of his way while still being able to utilize his considerable intelligence. Still, it had nothing to do with the mission and for Shockwave, the mission came first.

"You may take Blackwind with you if you wish, I have little use for her." Shockwave replied to Thunderwing, continuing, "Megatron did not give us resources to enstablish a permanent base of operations. Very likely we will eventually have to move from this tower, perhaps even to your lab. Yet, this is the most logical location of collecting and analyzing data as long as it is possible. Therefore I will remain here until I have enough data to determine our course of action."

Sector 4 - Near Shockwaves Tower

Swindle calmly follows in Tantrums wake, sensors watching each nook and cranny as he mounts the piles of rubble that mark the Predacons passage. Well, I can't say he's not good at his job, at least.

The munitions expert checks his internal map. >>Just another few megamiles to go, and you can stop, Tantrum. We'll set up the first sensor then head west-northwest about the same distance.<< I hope he doesn't stray too far off-course, Shockwave strikes me as the type to get picky if his sensors are a few microns to the left of where they should be.

Sector 1 - East of Shockwave's Tower

Razorclaw bounded across the destroyed landscape in his beast mode, heading for the location where the first surveillance equipment would be set up. He could see Divebomb circling overhead as he got closer to the coordinates. Astroseconds later, the Predacon Commander finally reached his destination and transformed back to robot mode as Divebomb did the same and landed next to him. “What happened to Weirdwolf?” The flying Pred asked, looking around for the yellow wolf bot.

“He couldn’t keep up, so I left him behind. We don't have forever and a cycle,” Razorclaw responded as he turned to the hover cart that he had been pulling behind himself. He reached in and grabbed a few portable cameras before handing them off to Divebomb. “Take these and firmly attach each to the tops of the surrounding structures. We need optics in the sky as well as on the ground. Meanwhile, I’ll get to work down here.”

“You got it,” Divebomb responded, taking the devices from his leader. Lifting off, the flying Predacon did what he was told and secured the cameras to the tops of the designated buildings. On the ground, Razorclaw set up the necessary sensors and other surveillance equipment, hiding each with the help of small holo-projectors that would make the devices virtually invisible to enemy sensors.

“We’re done here,” Razorclaw spoke, standing and looking to the sky at Divebomb. “Fly ahead to the next locations and ensure they are clear of vermin. We’ll repeat the process we just did and then move on to Sector 2. Understood?” The flying Pred looked down and nodded. He then returned to eagle mode and flew off towards the next set of coordinates.

Transforming to beast mode, Razorclaw hooked himself back up to the hover cart full of surveillance equipment and then leapt forward in the direction of the next location.

Sector 4

Tantrum skidded to a stop roughly the distance Swindle had requested. He snorted and pawed the ground, shaking his head to flick off a few loose bits of debris hanging off of his horns. He had enjoyed smashing through some stuff. It had helped relieve some of the frustration he was feeling. Unfortunately he was likely to get frustrated again real soon. Other than fuel he wasn’t real good at handling anything delicate. He was built to smash and slam through things. Scientific instrumentation wasn’t anything he was good at handling.

The Predacon transformed to his robot mode and sighed. He did his best to bottle up his frustration and anger before turning back to Swindle who had been trailing after him. “What do we do now? I’ll lift the heavy stuff, and you can push all of the buttons and stuff. Just tell me what to lift and where to put it.”

*

Outskirts of Polyhex

The commandeered vehicle pulled to a stop just outside the Polyhex border. Grimlock popped the hatched and stepped outside, looking around. Polyhex had seen a lot more action than Iacon had, as was evident by the wrecked state of the city. Not many buildings were left standing at all and the roads made the wrecked ones they had just driven over look like newly paved superhighways. Even with all of that, you could still see Shockwave’s personal tower standing high above the wreckage.

Mechs who said Shockwave was all logic had obviously never seen his tower. It took quite an ego to erect a building like that in the middle of a warzone, not to mention the power it would take to keep it shielded from the worst of the bombardments and battles Polyhex had seen.

Swoop landed on top of the vehicle, perched on the edge in his pterodactyl mode. “The outskirts look pretty deserted boss, but I didn’t check much further than that. If the Cons are here they must be working on getting sensors online. I didn’t want to give away our position to them by flying around the city.” He jumped down and transformed to his robot mode. “The roads get even worse further in. Looks like we are gonna have to go in on foot.”

Grimlock grunted. “That fine with me. Me tired of being freight haul driver anyway.” He gestured for the other Dinobots to exit the vehicle. “We going in on foot and staying together. If lucky we find some Cons to crush, make us and Magnus happy. If we unlucky we find nothing but vermin and pile back in vehicle for long trip. Me tired of driving and itching for fight and me guessing the rest of you feel the same. Keep fingers crossed.” With that the Dinobot leader produced his rifle and began leading his team into Polyhex.

Outskirts of Polyhex

Sludge stood near Grimlock as the Dinobot Commander brought the vehicle to a stop near the border to Polyhex. His leader wasted no time in exiting the vehicle and surveying the area. The Jungle Warrior stood at the doorway and listened as Swoop flew down from above and gave their leader his report. Once Grimlock motioned for the rest of the Dinobots to exit the cramped transport, Sludge eagerly stepped out and finally stretched his legs. He peered around at the heavily damaged ruins of Polyhex, which were in far worse shape than Iacon. It was nice to see that the Decepticon city was more of a crumbling wreck than the former Autobot metropolis.

Serves them right, Sludge thought with a grin as Grimlock then began to speak. The Jungle Warrior listened intently, nodding when his commander suggested that they were all itching for a fight. Sludge hoped they would find a real foe to do battle with instead of just more cyber-rats. Those little critters moved around too fast and were hard to catch, especially for a big, slow-going mech like Sludge. "Me with you, boss bot," Sludge said, walking besides Grimlock as the Dinobots were lead deep into enemy territory. The Jungle Warrior drew out his sword in one hand and his laser pistol in the other. “Me ready for anything.”

Near Sector 2 – Southeast of Shockwave’s Tower

Razorclaw and Divebomb had finished setting up surveillance equipment at three additional locations in Sector 1, repeating what they had done at the first set of coordinates. The Predacon Commander took care of ground based sensors while his airborne subordinate handled the setting up of cameras and detection devices high above Cybertron’s surface. They had worked well together and created a tight grid that covered all of Sector 1. Razorclaw basically told Divebomb what to do and the flying Predacon obeyed. The mechanical bird had no choice if he wanted to continue functioning.

Now it was time to move on to Sector 2 which was only a few kliks away from their current position. Razorclaw stopped, returning to robot mode, and opened a comm line to Divebomb who was circling overhead. >>Divebomb, fly ahead into Sector 2 and scout the designated areas for the remaining surveillance equipment to be installed. I’ll meet you at the closest set of coordinates in one breem. Understood?<<

>>Roger that, commander. I’m on my way.<<

Divebomb took off into the distance as Razorclaw then opened a secure channel to the rest of the Predacons along with Swindle, who were busy setting up surveillance in the neighboring sectors:

>>This is Razorclaw. Sector 1 is done and ready to go online. Divebomb and I are now moving on to Sector 2 to begin further installation of the surveillance grid. I want an immediate status report on each team’s progress thus far. How much longer until your assigned sectors are completed?<<

Shockwave’s Tower – The Nerve Center

Blackwind’s attention turned from Thunderwing to Shockwave as the one eyed mech mentioned his lack of use for her. Her glare bore into him as her face twisted into a scowl. The nerve of him to say she was of no use to him; in fact she was very useful to him, and the Empire, but he seemed too narrow minded to realize that. Blackwind turned on her heal and made her way out of the Command Center after Thunderwing. Once the doors slid shut she stopped, her hands balled tightly into fists.

“That obsequious lout! How dare he say I am of no use to him! I am a cornerstone within this Empire!”

She grew silent; her hands tightly clenched that she nearly drew energon. The Commander needed to be taken down a notch, but she had no way of doing that, not without him finding out or her being reprimanded by her Master. She would just have to perform her duty as Megatron requested….find out everything there was to know about his past, experiments and what his future goals are.

Blackwind finally took in a few deep breathes and unclenched her hands. Her head tilted back so that she looked directly at the ceiling. After a moment she lowered her head and then looked up at Thunderwing. She offered the scientist a forced smile as she spoke, this time in a more calm tone.

“My apologies. I shouldn’t have made such an specticle of myself. I hope you’ll be able to forgive me.”

Shockwave’s Tower – Leaving The Nerve Center

Thunderwing silently walked out of the Nerve Center after being dismissed by Shockwave. It hadn’t exactly been the ideal meeting with Shockwave he might have been hoping for, but despite the frustrations he still felt he had learned a great deal, both from what was said and left unsaid. The plans of both Megatron and Shockwave were very ambitious, something he should have expected from the arrival of such a high ranking Decepticon to take personal charge of the mission.

The problem was that this plan was likely to be too ambitious. It sounded like a mission necessitating a full research and science team along with a fairly heavy combat unit and ample fuel to keep all of those involved and their equipment running at peak efficiency. What they had wasn’t even close to that. While the Predacons were certainly a crack unit, he wasn’t entirely convinced they had the patience to play a more defensive role in protecting the rest of them while they conducted research. As for those doing the research, from what he had seen so far only Shockwave and himself were truly qualified for it. Blackwind, while intelligent, didn’t have the specialized scientific or technical expertise that he or the commander had. Even with all of that the lack of fuel was liable to be the most difficult hindrance.

All in all it was enough to make him wonder whether they had been set up to fail in this task. The sudden mysterious reappearance of Shockwave certainly raised some questions, along with Blackwind sent to keep an eye on him. Perhaps the entire situation had been constructed so Shockwave would fail miserably so he could be removed, or perhaps was there something much larger going on, a secret plan by Megatron, Shockwave or even both of them. He would have to tread carefully in any case.

His attention was drawn away from his thoughts as Blackwind vented over her treatment by Shockwave. The Decepticon waited until she had calmed down to reply. “No need to apologize. Shockwave tends to have that effect on others.” He smiled. “Just maintain that cool façade in front of him and you should be alright. Anyone who thinks he is truly without emotion is a fool. He loves to rub in his superior position and intellect when he can. I’m sure he was quite intent on needling you with his comments.”

Thunderwing came to a stop as he spotted two Decepticons he didn’t recognize approaching them.

*

Shockwave’s Tower - Corridors

Darkwing and Dreadwind made their way from the hangar to the command center.

“So back on Cybertron. I have to say the place hasn’t improved at all in our absence.”

“It’s a dead world, a perfect place for us to end our existence,” Dreadwind replied.

“Just as long as we can take some Autobots down with us. That’s really all I ask for,” Darkwing added. “I assume that’s why Shockwave called us in. We are everyone’s favorite expendable soldiers. Expendable soldiers with a brain at least, compared to those seekers.”

“The most important part of all of that is the expendable part. This planet is already like a tomb marker for our race. Now its time for a last few of us to die pointlessly on it.”

Darkwing said nothing in reply, seeing more than a little truth in Dreadwind’s words. He didn’t speak again until he spotted the two Decepticons walking towards them.

“Greetings Thunderwing! And you must be Blackwind. Commander Shockwave summoned us and asked us to report to you. It seems that we are to be your aerial contingent. I am Darkwing and my jovial friend here is Dreadwind.” Dreadwind shot an annoyed glance at Darkwing before simply nodding. “What are your orders?”

*

Outskirts of Polyhex – Moving Towards Shockwave’s Tower

It was slow going for the Dinobots. They were all pretty used to walking and smashing their way through tough terrain, but none of them were exactly fast on their feet. Grimlock briefly considered splitting them all up to cover more ground quickly, but dismissed it. Ideally they would be able to pick off the Decepticons one or two at a time while they were out patrolling and before they could inform anyone else about their presence. It wasn’t quite the major, stand up type of battle he preferred, but not knowing the numbers they were up against he didn’t want to commit too much more than that. Anyway, as long as it ended with some dead Cons, he would be happy.