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by **Smokescreen85** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 11:19 am

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Once a unanimous decision had been made to go it alone, Long Haul focused on obeying Scrapper’s orders and knelt down in front of his pile of materials that he had brought with him from the surface. The green transport began to sift through all of the various metals, dividing them up by alloy type and size and setting them in neat piles next to one another.

Of course, it hadn’t just been raw materials in his truck bed. Long Haul also had the construction equipment and tools that would help them fashion these different metals into the basic framework of their future base. These items included laser cutters, soldering torches, assorted nuts and bolts, drills, and even some portable pumps that would drain the water once the dome was in place. He had everything that they needed to get the job done.

Once the more technical stuff was separated from the rawer elements, Long Haul stood up again and was about to radio Scrapper regarding the sorted piles when he noticed that the Constructicon Commander was now talking with Onslaught as Hook listened nearby. The green transport had been so focused on his immediate task that he had not even noticed the initial approach of the Combaticon Commander or known how long the two unit leaders had been speaking. This new turn of events bothered him somewhat as he thought they had decided to go it alone, but now that all looked to be in jeopardy considering how cordial the conversation between Scrapper and Onslaught appeared to be.

At least the Combaticons didn’t outright attack us, Long Haul thought, looking on the bright side of things as he moved away from his neat piles and approached the base site where Bonecrusher was clearing away the last of the rocks and other debris. “Seems we got company, ‘Crusher,” the transporter stated plainly while kicking a few more boulders out of the way. “I hope the boss doesn’t tell Onslaught about Devastator, whether it be now or later. Sharing that kind of info would do us no good. Even if we end up teaming with the Combaticons, the gestalt plans should remain our little secret."

Encrypted Message from Blast-Off

>>”Commander Onslaught, this is Blast-Off. The status here aboard the Obliteration is the same as when you and the others departed, sir. Everything is in order. I did take the opportunity to reformat my alt mode into something native to this planet just in case it would be needed. Please advise as to what my next course of action is, if any.”<<

by **Devastron** » Tue Mar 06, 2012 8:24 pm

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Hook continued to listen in on Scrapper and Onslaught’s conversation as he worked. While he certainly wouldn’t object to allying with Onslaught and his team, the Predacons and Stunticons were another matter entirely. The Predacons were a bit too violent for his liking. Hunting and fighting were basically built into them. Most of them relied on instincts over actual thinking. The Stunticons, of course, were all certifiably insane.

The Constructicon couldn’t help but interject. “I some how doubt Motormaster will be interested in any partnership with the likes of us, unless you just want to elect him the leader now.”

Hook paused to consider the idea of defending the rapidly coming together base. Its main defense was its hidden location. Of course being underwater would hamper everyone’s movement abilities. That should favor the defenders a bit. He turned to Scrapper “We can begin constructing trenches and barricades to form an outer perimeter of defenses. Anything more sophisticated then that would take time, and I imagine we are short on that.”

*

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

Oil Slick watched impassively as Darkride began to manhandle Swindle. It was how the other Decepticon operated and he was accustomed to it. Hopefully it would create quick results, as was often the case. He looked down at the Combaticon. “And do you speak for just yourself Swindle? The two of us allying with you is not a very favorable deal. I assume you have more to offer us then this. Allying with your entire team would perhaps be worth something, if Darkride and I are given certain assurances and information.”

Oil Slick didn’t particularly care who was ‘leading’ as long as his operations continued as they were. He certainly wouldn’t object to an improvement in his status, but he did not feel the need to go to extraordinary lengths to do so. He suspected Darkride felt similarly. Either way neither of them were going to take things with nothing more then a smile and nod from Swindle. Again, the Combaticon had too much of a reputation to trust him so quickly and easily.

The chemist’s thoughts were interrupted by a signal from Tracer. The message did not come as a surprise; he had designed the syk she had taken himself. The timing however was highly inconvenient. He would have to find a way to leave without attracting much attention and hope that things had not completely fallen apart while he was gone.

>>”Tracer, I will meet with you in 2.25 cycles. I will provide the coordinates for the meeting location in 2 cycles in another transmission.”<<

Hopefully that would give him adequate time to arrange for his brief absence.

by **FuzzymusPrime** » Fri Mar 09, 2012 7:46 pm

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Scrapper frowned behind his faceplate at the mention of Motormaster, and when Hook interjected into the conversation, he could not help but nod in agreement with his second. "Motormaster is the main reason Starscream assumed command in the first place, he all but threatened a civil war in his eagerness to put a warrior in command. Likely because he thought he could influence Starscream, or assume command of his ship if need be. I don't think he would go back on that now to join any equal alliances, and even if he did, I wouldn't trust him."

He turned to the Constructicons, admiring their swift work. The dome seemed to be near completion. "This base isn't mobile...yet. Once we've drained this initial volume, the true base can be built in better conditions. That base will be able to escape to the depths of this ocean of corrosive gunk if need be. But we'll need time to complete it. We have supplies, and expertise, time is pretty much all we need for now."

He turned back to Onslaught. "Can you give us that time?"

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

Swindle kept his face blank as Darkrides grip tightened. Not an easy trick, but one didn't live as a decepticon without being used to intimidation. This was getting a little worrying, though...

"I'm afraid I don't understand the question. I already said, the Constructicons are here looking to get mechs together, to help sort out this issue with the new bosses. We came looking for Constructicons, but hey, we're not picky! We're all Decepticons here, and you don't get to be a Decepticon without having something to give the cause!"

Swindle was tempted to try another winning smile, but he sensed that the interrogator might not...be receptive to that. So he just stayed calm, trying not have his fingers twitch too much. A million cycles of deals gone bad, wars survived, and fortunes won and lost. He could handle this. And he had backup this time and everything.

"I understand if you're hesitant, but we're not committing to anything yet. Its just to show the big bots that they can't just ignore the little mechs. We'll soon have 3 special teams at least, and probably those mechs with Astrotrain too. We're going to get the leader we deserve, whoever that turns out to be."

by **Ember** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 11:30 am

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

Keeping his arm tightly wrapped around the back of Swindle’s neck, Darkride cast Oil Slick a wide grin as the munitions expert began to squirm slightly due to his physical contact. The chemist’s sudden distraction did not go unnoticed by the interrogator, but he did not want to address it at this time, after all he was having too much fun with the Combaticon.

“Oh come now, Swindle. You’re certainly not a stupid mech. You know that I can simply beat it out of you, and your little teammates won’t have enough time to even interfere.”

His low husky voice was directed directly into the tan jeep’s audial. The grin that had just spread across Darkride’s face quickly disappeared as he moved his arm from the back of Swindle’s neck only to replace it with his hand. He squeezed slightly with his vice like grip to emphasize his threat.

“Now, tell me why you and your repulsive teammates are here, and do not leave anything out, or I will not make it worth your while. Understood?”

His low voice was now dripping with incredulous venom that only his guests were ever privy to. But right now, Darkride did not want to be toyed with, not by this sneaky little cretin.

While he waited for Swindle’s ultimate response, the interrogator opened up a private channel to Oil Slick.

>>”Something on your processor, Oil Slick? Remember, I can always torture the answer out of you if I think you’re not being completely truthful.”<<

He paused a moment as he recalled the conversation he had with the chemist not long before.

>>”Might this have something to do with what we were discussing earlier? Something about wanting to tell me something.”<<

by **Insidious** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 6:25 am

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Scrapper, it seemed, possessed some of the most useful intelligence and insight about current operations on the planet, and within this sector in general, that Onslaught had been able to acquire up to this point. He was proving exactly why he would be such a valuable ally to their efforts. Onslaught fully intended to return the gesture. This was how the Decepticon Empire needed to move forward.

The information regarding Motormaster was, perhaps, the most critical of all right now. It sounded like he would be firmly behind the Seeker, and that would certainly have to be accounted for. Cracks in their strategy were already beginning to manifest themselves, but Onslaught was determined to try and hold it together. Their alternative would be to accept the dominion of any number of successors who paled in comparison to he whom they were trying to succeed.

"Understood. We'll do what we can, then, with or without Motormaster's support. Trust has little value in these times. I want to see actions back up words, just as I'm sure you do."

Onslaught was definitely intrigued by what he was hearing of Scrapper's plans regarding the base. It would be something when it was complete. How could he expect any less of the original designers of Crystal City, as well as numerous other valuable Cybertronian edifices?

"Time I can give you. Perhaps assistance as well," Onslaught said, opening a channel to the other Combaticons on the surface, speaking aloud so that Scrapper and his unit could hear as well. >>"Location shift. We're going to be focusing our terrain defense work down here. Same drill as on Polyhex. Coordinate with and defer to the Constructicons on all matters of engineering. Onslaught out."<<

Though that transmission addressed the objectives of the Combaticons that were currently up on the surface, there was still one key resource that Onslaught had been saving. He, however, was much further up--safeguarding a resource that the Combaticon Commander was none too keen to lose, be it to Shockwave, Starscream or anyone else.

>>"I read you. Situation update is as follows: contact with Constructicons made. Scrapper seems agreeable to working with us. We'll be assisting with the development of a base of operations in this region. That will occupy the bulk of our efforts for the time being. Your presence up there with the Obliteration is the security we need until we have defenses fully set up down here. I can't risk you doing anything that will draw Shockwave's attention. Not with the Thanatos under his command. I feel better with you up there. The others will as well, whether they realize it or not. What's going on with the orbital side of things? Is your position secure?"<<

It was strange to be referring to other Decepticons in that manner: knowing full well that someone under his command could be killed not by an Autobot, but by someone wearing their same sigil. Granted, there was always some degree of that within the Decepticon ranks--depending on who crossed whom. With Megatron gone, however, that risk was multiplied significantly. Thus were the times they were living in.

And all the more reason that Onslaught was working to build something better.

by **Smokescreen85** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 1:16 pm

Encrypted Transmission from Blast-Off

>>”Understood, Commander Onslaught. I will remain stationed here in orbit until instructed otherwise. I must inform you that a short time ago I detected a transwarp signature materialize near the Ultrax. Moments later, the Stunticon frigate disappeared into the rift and vanished from all outward sensors. There’s no sign of it, and I have not made further attempts to locate it for fear of drawing Shockwave’s attention. Otherwise, everything is secure here, sir. I can see the Thanatos on the main view screen. It has not changed positions since you departed. Interestingly enough, no one from there has attempted to contact me as yet and there has been no outward aggression towards our vessel. If I do receive a message from Shockwave, what should my response be?<<

by **Devastron** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 9:06 pm

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

Oil Slick was tiring of both the games Darkride and Swindle were playing. He was a much of few words under most circumstances. Unfortunately now he was feeling the pressure of time constraints. He had no desire to waste further time then necessary with this conversation.

“Swindle, you and your team must have a leader in mind, or a leadership structure. So far instead of convincing Darkride or myself to side with you, you have only aggravated him. I suggest you tell us what leader you and your team have in mind. There are only so many options, Starscream being one. I assume your visit here involves at least one other. Share this information and you will perhaps curb Darkride’s agitation.

The Decepticon found himself mildly annoyed at Darkride’s signal. For one it showed that the other Decepticon could read him better then he desired. Additionally he did not take well to threats, even hollow ones.

>>”Attempts to torture me by you would prove useless and unentertaining for yourself, as you well know. It seems that I will be required to step away for a brief time shortly concerning certain business I was going to discuss with you. With the Combaticons around I do not want to discuss it openly. I would like to know what the situation we are now in is exactly before leaving though.”<<

*

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Hook listened in to the rest of the conversation but found himself unsatisfied. Onslaught was one of the more intelligent soldiers in the ranks, but he was still a soldier. He wasn’t sure for how long the interests of the Constructicons and Combaticons would continue to coincide. All the better to get Devastator finished as soon as possible. The surgical engineer turned back to his work, double checking everything to the nearest micron before they began the next phase of construction.

by **Ember** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:10 am

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

The devious smirk plastered on the interrogator’s face faded, but only slightly, as Oil Slick chimed in. With the chemist’s backing, Darkride set the munitions expert’s neck free from his tight grip and backed away, but only marginally, he still remained in Swindle’s personal space, which he already knew the Combaticon did not like.

“You have aggravated me, my dear Swindle, but I am willing to overlook that, just this once. I know, as well as Oil Slick, that you and your little play pals have arrived here to sway our consideration in someone’s favor, and yet you have failed to provide us with just who that might be. So please, get to the point.”

Darkride’s last words were spoken with a hint of distain and full of venom directly into the Combaticon’s audial sensor.

At Oil Slick’s response to his comm. message, the interrogator took a quick glance in his comrade’s direction a disturbingly pleasant smile plastered on his face. Of course the chemist knew him all too well. Torturing him would just leave the sadomasochist somewhat disappointed.

>>”Come now Oil Slick, you should know me by now I would never strap you down on my table, unless there was a good reason, and as of now I haven’t seen any present itself.”<<

Darkride grew silent over their link, but only long enough to let what Oil Slick said sink in. So, he has a rendezvous in another location. Curiouser and curiouser.

>>”If you’d rather provide me with the information over a much more heavily encrypted channel, I certainly would not be offended. Besides, the transmission can be sent once you are on your way to your little rendezvous. I must say, you have me quite intrigued as to just what you’re up to.”<<

by **Insidious** » Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:29 am

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

Mixmaster chuckled to himself. He hadn't bothered to pay any attention to what Onslaught or any of the other Combaticons were here for, but he could guess. He might have been a little glitched in the circuits when it came to social interactions, but stupid he was not.

Various Decepticons would make and break their little alliances, probably a dozen times between now and when they thought they finally had the Decepticon empire under their heel like Megatron always had. It would be a rude awakening when they learned that Devastator would be the only one capable ruling the Decepticons with the same indomitable will that Megatron had possessed.

Mixmaster was plenty happy to be doing his part to bring the rest of the 'Cons around to that realization.

by **Cravex** » Wed Mar 14, 2012 1:40 pm

Off the western shore of the Korean Peninsula

Waiting for Baneblade’s response, Thundercracker thought about his decision. Legally, Starscream was their leader, but was that in the best interest of the Decepticons? Until he could prove himself in the eyes of the others he wouldn't be able to hold onto the crown he so coveted. The seekers would follow Starscream, that much Thundercracker felt was a certainty but how many would be slain in the inevitable fight?

Too much had happened much too fast for his liking. He needed time to think and further evaluate what to do. He was risking insubordination by leaving but what choice was there? With minimal effort Thundercracker leapt into the air, transformed, and rocketed away from Korea and the building energon keg. He needed to figure out a way to stop this… but how?

by **Marcus Rush** » Wed Mar 14, 2012 1:51 pm

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

Vortex tightened the last bolt on the false cover that had been hammered out to resemble a boulder that matched the region. He placed it carefully over the destabilizer generator to hide it from potential air strikes or prying organics. He flipped the clamp to secure the cover and finally dusted his hands off as he stood erect to stretch his stressed joints.

He spun the hyper wrench in his left hand and slid it into a hidden clip on his hip. The interrogator wasn't exactly the engineer of the Combaticons, at least not the construction engineer of the team. But he was more than technically savvy enough to get the job done. Vortex had already established the perimeter on the shore covering the access path towards the under water base with these sorts of destablizing field generators, all designed to distort and literally disorient unregistered electronics that approached.

As he stretched he finally heard the tell tale transformation and muting of engines in the distance. The three signals he had been tracking finally went down to the surface. The Interrogator did not give them much attention initially. If they were hostile, he doubted they would have wasted the time to allow him to complete what he was doing. It would have been more strategically sound to take him out at range and destroy the grid before it came online.

Finally he turned to take notice of Blitzwing, Astrotrain and Ramplate. "From one front to another, that appears to be the story of our function Astrotrain." He chuckled in a muted sadistic tone, knowing Brawl and Swindle were close enough should assistance be required. "Perhaps we are here to clean up messes left by previous administrations. Or perhaps we are here for the grand tour. Got any recommendations on any good sights worth seeing in this dump?"

News Credits: 62 · by **#Sideways#** » Fri Mar 16, 2012 10:30 am

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Bonecrusher grabbed a large tree, waterlogged and easy to squish, and rested it over his shoulder. He looked at the pile of rubble he had on the ground in front of a cliff side. Bonecrusher grunted and tossed the tree at another spot, as the other pile was much too high. A cloud of silt and soil clouded the area as if an explosion had occurred there. You would have seen Bonecrusher smile if it weren't for his face-mask.

He turned to Long Haul when his name was spoken.

"Yeah. I can't wait to kick some Autobot aft." Bonecrusher said as he smashed two rocks together. They weren't in the way or anything, he just did that for fun.

by **FuzzymusPrime** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 8:21 am

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Scrapper nodded as Onslaught went to contact his team, then turned to his own team. "It seems we have allies who share our concerns about the Decepticon leadership. They'll be providing us with security and some technical assistance, so we can get the Submersible Base up and running as soon as possible." He didn't mention what would occur right after that, it went without saying that the Devestator project was the true goal here. "Try to be cordial, or at least don't start a fight with any of them, they're here to help."

Scrapper flipped up a sensor panel and looked at the results. "We've got a perimeter of sensor baffles now, so we can retrieve our remaining equipment from safety. Long Haul, Bonecrusher, if you two are feeling chatty I suggest you two do it. The rest of us will begin draining the dome. Scavenger, keep your sensor out for any leaks or microfractures."

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

The fact that Darkride had switched to threats was actually something of a comfort to Swindle. Threats were something he was very used to in his work. Threats he could handle. He maintained his calm exterior, and straightened up slightly despite Darkrides weighing down on him.

"Darkride, Oil Slick you're overthinking this. We're not here with an agenda, we're here with a mission. Onslaught doesn't like Shockwave or Starscream as potential replacement for Megatron, so we're working on ways to alter this leadership struggle in ways we want. We're not working for either side yet because theres no point. Either one of the sides has to change to better suit the actual Decepticons, or a third option has to emerge. We're going to make sure one of those two things happens."

Other mechs would be furiosly trying to check where their weapons were. Swindle didn't need to, he knew where they were and how to get him in an instant if things turned ugly. Weapons were just about the only things he truly trusted, and even then, only weapons he'd examined and refitted himself.

"I'm not saying you have to do or say anything, I'm only offering the fast lane into this, lets call it an Interest Group. We're going to have most of the Decepticons in this system with us before you know it, so skilled mechs like yourselves deserve to know that, just like you had to listen to Starscreams glory-laden claptrap or Soundwaves self-interested logic. Theres nothing more complicated than that, thats the whole story."

Then, with a look of total innocence, Swindle looked at his wrist communicator. "Oh, it seems the Constructicons have agreed to work with us. I'd better go, unless you'd like to accompany me and talk with Onslaught and Scrapper about it." He stood there patiently, waiting for the interrogator to let him go, or to force him to release himself, either way.

by **Insidious** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 10:35 am

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

The information coming in from Blast-Off was positive, overall. Certainly nothing that indicated that he would need to alter his strategy yet. His last question, however, was a tricky one.

>>"If it's any sort of reasonable command, do what he says. Just having you and the ship up there and being compliant will probably offer him all the security he needs. Shockwave's not likely to think anything is amiss unless we give him reason to. I'll get you down here as soon as I can. Onslaught out."<<

With Scrapper satisfied with his reasoning for being here, and even cautiously supportive, Onslaught was not the type to just stand around and let his subordinates do all the work. He would do his part to assist in expediting this process as much as possible. The sooner they had a workable base of operations, the better off they all would be.

Speaking of his subordinates, however, he had not yet seen any of them respond directly to his previous transmission.

>>"Double time. Move,"<< Onslaught quickly shot out to the remainder of the Combaticons on the surface.
___

Mixmaster chuckled a little and transformed. Several hoses emerged and attached themselves to the dome exterior. He then drove off towards one of the graduated paths that would lead to the surface so that he could engage the drainage process.

The Cybertronian mixer roared up through the water and on to the shore of the peninsula. Locking the hoses in to the surface, he proceeded to detach them and transform back in to his bot mode. The hoses themselves then began to transform in to a larger hose.

Kneeling down, Mixmaster activated his part of the drainage process, and water began to gush out of the now sizable hose.

by **USDA Prime** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 7:59 pm

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Scavenger believed- he wanted to believe Bonecrusher's reply, that there was no way their boss would agree to work with any other group, let alone the Combaticons. Obviously the two least intelligent Constructicons were dead wrong.

NO NO NO!!!! We all agreed to do it alone, TOGETHER! We're doing this for Devastator, all the power we'll have to lead the empite! This isn't what we agreed to!

Scavenger began kicking the ground, dirt clouding up the area until the excavator couldn't be seen for a few seconds. Once his tantrum was over, Scavenger came back to his senses and realized what he always knew; Scrapper was the boss, and in the end Scavenger's opinion didn't matter. He would just have to do his job the best he could, and try not to give the Constructicon leader a reason to throw him off the team.

"Yes, Scrapper.", Scavenger said in a defeated manner, his head hanging low.

Hearing his orders, Scavenger transformed once again into his Excavator mode. It was the fifth or sixth time he had transformed underwater, and once again his inner mechanisms took in some of the salty liquids as they shifted. It was now that Scavenger started to feel a little off from his careless transformations in the corrosive environment. His movements felt just a little slower- not enough to be noticable to those around him, especially in their underwater environment. But enough that Scavenger noticed.

Huh? That's weird. Ah it's probably nothing, I'll have it checked when we're done.

by **Devastron** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 10:01 pm

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

Oil Slick looked at Swindle as he attempted again to explain things. The situation was becoming clearer now. The Combaticons were attempting to straddle the line for the moment, possibly even finding a third option that found acceptable. It was a risky position, possibly alienating both Shockwave and Starscream, unless they were able to build a strong enough powerbase that neither of them would outright cross them. At the very least the process would have to be observed. While he personally had no great desire to dictate the terms of leadership this position would certainly guarantee the degree of autonomy he required.

The chemist nodded at Swindle. “Very well, I think we would both be open to other possibilities. I have not committed to one side or the other, simply following Starscream as he is the highest ranking Decepticon here. Shockwave’s arrival and the possibilities you offer are something to be considered. Allow Darkride and myself to consult in private. I imagine we will be open to more of your ideas in the near future.”

As he spoke he sent a signal to Darkride. >>”We should let the Combaticon go, for now. I believe we have gotten all we can from him at the moment. The situation merits further observation, but I do have a rendezvous to attend. Come with me away from intruding audio receptors and I will explain more.”<<

*

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Hook sniffed a bit at Scrapper’s orders. He still wasn’t entirely comfortable allying with the Combaticons so quickly, but it did seem the best option available to them at the moment. Hopefully they were simply being played so someone else could seize the base they were constructing. The surgical engineer began draining the dome as he offered a comment to Scrapper. “Just don’t let that clumsy oaf Brawl near anything. He makes Bonecrusher look like a meticulous technician by comparison.”

by **Insidious** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:23 am

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

"Good sights?" Astrotrain asked, incredulously, almost chuckling at the question. He looked around for a second. "Isn't anything good about this mud trap. Except I hear the native fuels are to die for."

Astrotrain paused.

"Though I guess that's why we're here. Because some of us surely will."

Astrotrain looked back over at Vortex. The Combaticons had obviously not been around when Megatron was running the show. Astrotrain didn't really know or care why. The war was a big one. There were Decepticons all over. But Shockwave had come back, and now they were here, too.

Suspicious.

"So, I'm guessing you guys are the cyclops' new foot soldiers, eh? Come to enforce the new law in town?" Astrotrain asked, before turning to look at Blitzwing. "I don't think our 'maker' is going to find it as easy to assume control as he thinks. But maybe I'm wrong."

Maybe.

But probably not.

by **Ember** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 3:30 pm

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

Upon Oil Slick’s run down of his thoughts concerning Swindle and his teammates’ appearance, Darkride took a few steps away from the munitions mech, providing him with his own personal space once more. The interrogator had also removed his arm from Swindle’s shoulder and moved to stand next to Oil Slick. The chemist was right in that the presence of the Combaticons was to recruit the masses toward one candidate, which one that happened to be had yet to be discovered.

Darkride’s blood red optics caught the munitions expert’s own amethyst ones; flashing Swindle a nefarious smirk he moved in step with his comrade. He received Oil Slick’s signal and had to agree that they had gotten everything Swindle was willing to reveal. That meant they simply had to wait to see just what the Combaticons were up to. Patience was something Darkride was familiar with, and if need be he would wait. After all, was this entire war nothing more than a waiting game anyway?

The interrogator’s interest was piqued once again when Oil Slick mentioned that he had a still waiting rendezvous with some yet to be named mech. He wanted more than ever now to be briefed on just what the chemist was up to made Darkride salivate. Information was what he lived for – that and to cause pain not only to himself, but to his guests.

>>”Yes, of course. Your rendezvous. I am interested to know just who you will be meeting with. Perhaps you could use some back-up?”<<

If only. If only

by **Cryhavok** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 11:12 am

Western shore of the Korean Peninsula

While Astrotrain's way of communicating with Vortex was not producing results as fast as Blitzwing wanted to, the hair-trigger temper of the belligerent triplechanger flared up again. "Perhaps this? Perhaps that?! We are asking the questions now!"

Being kept back only by Astrotrain's arm that was extended in front of him to avoid unnecessary violence which seemed to be Blitzwing's answer to everything - the triplechanger commando was content to just yell at the Combaticon interrogator for now. "You'd better come out clean before I introduce you to all the sights this mud ball has to offer!"

by **Devastron** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:15 pm

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

Oil Slick trudged silently away from Swindle and the other Decepticons. He wanted to finish their conversation far from prying audio receptors and off of communication frequencies that could be tapped into. While the information would not necessarily be damaging to himself it would spoil his potential to exploit it to its fullest extent and for his full benefit.

Once he felt they were an adequate distance away he turned to face Darkride. “The rendezvous is with an Autobot acquaintance of mine who wishes to purchases some of my more specialized goods. The Autobot in question appears to be addicted to them, hence the desperate move of dealing with a Decepticon. The requested payment this time is information, which has the potential of being quite powerful in our hands at this delicate juncture in the leadership structure.”

“You will need to stay here and monitor the shifting political landscape to assure that our positions are not torn out from under us. In return I will let you in on the information gained from my dealings. Together we should be able to use that as a bargaining chip to assure favorable position with whichever leader we choose or whichever leader finally puts a tight grip on leadership. Backup shouldn’t be necessary anyway as the Autobot has much to lose by discussing these dealing with her compatriots.”

Oil Slick gazed dispassionately at Darkride. He was taking a gamble telling him this much, but it was a calculated risk, and at this point he needed a partner. They were in similar situations and knew each other well enough that it all made some sense. The chance of betrayal was always there, but he believe the benefits of cooperating with him outweighed any benefits betraying him would have.

by **Ember** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:53 pm

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

To the interrogator’s chagrin Oil Slick had left the situation concerning the Combaticons for another time. He had to admit, dealing with Swindle was actually quite stimulating. He had been without his devices and chamber for far too long. If psychological torture was what he had to resort to then so be it. But now his old acquaintance had something more intriguing to discuss.

With a devious smile etched on his face Darkride slowly slid his arm from around Swindle’s neck and shoulder and pulled away.

“You’re in luck, Combaticon. Perhaps we’ll be able to continue this conversation once our new base of operations is complete.”

Darkride then came face to face with the munitions expert; the once devilish smile now radiated with a deep malice.

“I am extending you an open invitation to my chamber. I hope to see you there.”

With a pat to his shoulder Darkride left Swindle alone to trail behind Oil Slick. The opportunity to be let in on whatever the chemist had pending was simply too tempting to pass up. At last both mechs were at a considerable distance away from the prying optics and audios of the other Decepticons present when Oil Slick stopped his advance and turned to face the interrogator.

Darkride crossed his arms over his chest as he took in everything the chemist had to say. He had to admit, the ‘Con had one enormous set of ball bearings to be meeting with an Autobot. Not to mention he was still dealing in illegal narcotics. The seriousness of the situation was extreme; however Oil Slick had always known that Darkride ran on extremes.

“I must agree that any information your client provides will certainly put us in a favorable position. How could I possibly pass up such a delightful opportunity. However, I must caution you. There can be no guarantee that she has not confided in someone else. Femmes are devious creatures, as most mechs can attest to.”

He lowered his arms back to his sides as he moved in closer to the dome-headed ‘Con. If this endeavor was going to be worth his inclusion then he needed assurance that what she provided would be well worth his time and effort.

“Tell me Oils Slick, just what is the nature of the information this femme will be providing us?”

by **Insidious** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:26 pm

Western shore of the Korean Peninsula

Blitzwing's level of agitation seemed to be increasing with each breem that passed. But who was going to rein him in, really? Astrotrain might be able to expend enough effort to keep his triple-changing friend in check for a while, but it wasn't going to last. Not with no clear command structure in place. Even when there had been, Blitzwing was prone to go off every so often. Astrotrain usually laughed, since he was rarely on the receiving end.

"Easy, Blitz. Easy. We're dealin' with an interrogator here. He's looking for information just like we are. Besides, the Combaticons are our kinda guys. The Constructicons. Slag, even the Predacons. The Seekers. They all have their uses. Not like those Stunticon lunatics, or wherever the slag the Terrorcons have wound up. Nothing like running the risk of being eaten by a teammate, eh?"

Astrotrain had begun rambling idly, his own processors still attempting to make sense of what was going on. So far, he hadn't seen or heard anything that would put him too on edge.

"Didn't our Earth crew just get done with a major energy run? Where's the spoils? Where's Octane? I'm hungry."

by **Devastron** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 11:19 pm

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

Oil Slick nodded at Darkride. “There is a certain amount of calculated risk that she hasn’t alerted any other Autobots to our dealings. At this time it is a risk we must take. One of us being absent may not be noticed, but both of us gone may raise some alarm. She only knows of me so sending you alone would do no good. It must be me and I must go alone.”

“This will be advantageous to both of us however. This way we gain the benefit of whatever information she has gathered and we can still keep an optic on what is going on here. The specific information I asked her for were the rosters of Autobots current stationed on or around this planet and an idea of the Autobot leadership structure here. Simple information for her to obtain but exceedingly valuable for us.”

Oil Slick paused for a moment before continuing. “This should be a resource that will continue to provide for us. She is obviously addicted to the chemicals I provide her with and she will not be able to obtain them easily else where. My latest creations should only intensify that addiction, and as she grows more desperate so will the payments I require for it grow in value and importance.” A smile almost crept onto his face as he spoke the last part, but quickly faded away.

“Unfortunately with things they are the way now I will have to make the rendezvous with in driving distance. A subtle orbital bounce is out of the question. Another calculated risk, but one worth attempting.” He looked down at Darkride. “I will need you to cover my absence, if it is noticed at all. It is also in both of our interests for you to keep informed on the leadership situations with the Decepticons. Eventually we will have to choose a side and it needs to be the winning one that will provide us with what we uniquely require. Is this acceptable to you?”

by **Ember** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:00 pm

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

The explanation he had received on just what this client would be providing to the chemist as payment gave Darkride a jolt of excitement. Having that kind of information at their disposal would certainly give them an edge in the inevitable Decepticon leadership war. Another smile creased his lips as he placed his hands behind his back.

The interrogator took in everything Oil Slick had said and let it swirl around his processor for some time before he finally settled on a response. What the chemist had going would be very profitable to both of them.

Darkride settled in to a moving circular pattern around Oil Slick as he finally gave his answer.

“This. This is most acceptable.”

The dark purple mech stopped his movement when he was in front of Oil Slick and offered him one of the most nefarious smiles that had ever crossed his visage.

“You will have nothing to fear. If anyone begins to pry in to your whereabouts I will be able to handle them.”

Darkride then took a few steps forward and looked up at his partner.

“Keep this femme under your vise. Give her just enough rope to hang herself, but be sure to also keep us well stocked with useful information. And most of all don’t kill her until she’s run her course. I’d like remain in the good graces of whoever takes command for as long as possible.”

The interrogator shot a thumb over his shoulder and jerked his head to the side.

“Leave now and no one will know you’re gone for a few breems.”

by **Insidious** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 4:33 pm

Western Shore of the Korean Peninsula

With the native H2O steadily gushing out of the transformable hose structure that Mixmaster had set up, the Constructicon began to trudge back down in to the glitching liquid. He was hardly enthusiastic about these continued trips in and out of this stuff. It was a chemical, just like anything else in his view. It just so happened that life on this planet happened to depend upon it. The salinity levels, though, were just ridiculous. And the natives seemed to find such enjoyment in sprinkling more of that corrosive and repulsive little compound on their food. He could only imagine what their insides looked like after years of attempting to digest that slag. Disgusting.

Following the hose gradually downward, Mixmaster began the process of installing braces every dozen meters or so to ensure that it stayed in place.