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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.