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Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Hearing of Starscream's status put the Combaticon Commander slightly on edge, but it was a necessary risk. Hopefully his recent defeat would keep him out of the political equation for a while. But that could not be relied upon. Onslaught knew it, and he was fairly confidant that Razorclaw knew it as well.

>>"Understood. And affirmative--the Obliteration is still under my direct command. I have avoided having Blast-Off take any overt action with it, in the hopes that it escapes the attention of the Thanatos. Thus far, it's worked. But it's ready to do whatever needs done. I think..."<<

Onslaught paused as a new transmission came in. This one from Thunderwing. The last time they had interacted, Thunderwing had successfully prevented Razorclaw from taking Shockwave in to custody. Now an even greater degree of caution would be necessary. If Thunderwing knew about the location of this unit of Decepticons, so too did Shockwave.

>>"...never mind. Thunderwing's here. Now."<<

Onslaught cut off the transmission and internally acknowledged the one from Thunderwing. Minimal deception had served the Combaticon Commander well up to this point. He saw no immediate need to change that tactic.

>>"Affirmative, Thunderwing. I will defer to Scrapper on the progress of the base. My unit has been assisting with terrain defenses. I have been in contact with Razorclaw. He has subdued Starscream in one-on-one combat and has now claimed the mantle of Decepticon leadership for himself."<<

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Scrapper raised a hand to quiet Hook as Onslaught came up to the dome, to....gloat? There was certainly an edge of pride in the Combaticons voice, which worried the Constructicon more than any threat. He was used to harsh language about loyalty, but he'd also seen the folly of assuming victory too early.

"We have the oppurtunity, theres no doubt about that, Onslaught. But we're far from done, even if Starscream has been disposed off. We still need to stabilise this empire before it fractures, to consolidate and to deal with the nay-sayers, while also defending against any oppurtunistic Autobot attacks. And you don't need to worry about our commitment because we have always been 100% committed to Megatrons vision of the galaxy united under the Decepticons."

He looked back at his team, and could sense the unsettled feeling in their optics and body language. I know this is unpalatable, but I need more time... "We're grateful for what you and Razorclaw have done, Onslaught, and we are dedicated to the cause. But we need just a little more support, in order to create the first base of the new Empire. This mobile base will make us as powerful on this planet as we are in orbit, and definitely secure it for the Special Teams and the Empires future."

Scrapper looks back to Onslaught, to look him in the optics. "Far more than I wish to please myself, or please Razorclaw....I wish to please Megatron. Even if only his memory remains, the Constructicons will build the Empire he wanted."

Scrapper was about to return to his team's problem, like Mixmasters complaints about salinity, when a message arrived from Thunderwing of all people. A voice which have not been heard for thousand of Vorns. Scrapper looked up at Onslaught. "I wasn't expecting visitors like that, but I suppose I should have. We're better off keeping other mechs out of here for at least one planetary revolution, can you keep him out until then, or are we going to have to persuade him?"

Endless complications...Now I know how Megatron must have felt. Its not an easy burden to shoulder.

------------------

Meanwhile, Swindle pushed through the water in jeep mode, rolling past Brawl at work on the trenches and rolling up towards Onslaught at the dome. It looked like he was deep in conversation with the Constructicon Leader, so an in-depth report would probably only be an annoyance to his commander. Instead, he rolled past the pair. "Reporting, sir! It looks like the constructicons have supplies, so I'll get to work on some automated defenses."

Looking at the Constructicons present, Swindle tried to recall what he knew about them. He liked to brag that he never forgot a customer, but in truth, the Constructicons were rarely his customers, since they got so much requisitioned material that they could make almost anything they wanted themselves. Still, Mixmaster stood out as someone Swindle knew better than the aloof Hook.

"Ah, Mixmaster. Its certainly been an interesting cycle, hasn't it? I've been asked to pitch in with the local defenses, and was thinking that in this kind of liquid environment, we'd need specialist weaponry. I'm thinking sonic shell cannons, atom-smasher rifles, or maybe photon beam ports if we're really stuck. Think you can help me put some of your spare parts together into something like that?"

Entering the Yellow Sea

Thunderwing paused as he received signals from both Blackwind and Onslaught. The message from Blackwind was expected, but the one from Onslaught was startling to say the least. It seemed the complicated leadership question had taken another interesting twist. The fact that Onslaught had been so upfront with this information was also interesting. Apparently the Combaticon was still playing a political game, stating the facts while hiding his allegiance. The fact that he had held back this information until directly asked about it though was quite telling.

>>”An interesting turn of events, Onslaught. I take it to mean that Razorclaw claims leadership of all Decepticons? I would hope he realizes the magnitude of such a claim as it is one not taken lightly, even if earned in battle. I am making my way towards you now so that we may converse directly on this. I will wait until I have more information before informing Shockwave. Please have Scrapper join us for this meeting.”<<

He would allow Onslaught to ponder that for now. Passing that information on to Shockwave now would do them no good and likely result in some sort of swift, violent action to put an end to Razorclaw’s claim. He wanted to learn more about it, where the other Decepticons stood and how he could use this situation to his advantage. Ideally he could persuade some of the special team commanders to his side, but with Razorclaw claiming leadership of his own it would be difficult to sway him.

As Thunderwing plunged into the depths of the sea he opened a channel with Blackwind. >>”Understood Blackwind, remain on standby. The situation on the surface is far more complicated then I had anticipated. I do not wish to share more over communication frequencies, but know that I am attempting to gather more information.”<<

Korean Peninsula

One couldn’t help but appreciate the systematic approach Soundwave took to everything. When his idea came to him, Thundercracker thought it’d make things easier for him but now that he had the communications expert on the comm he fought the urge to walk away.

I’m not designed for this. Shaking his head, Thundercracker was about to respond when Razorclaw’s message came over the encrypted frequency. I haven’t been cup out of the loop yet. Things had just changed faster than he’d been prepared for. He found himself standing in the threshold between both parties with only both directions open to him. Which one to take? His path was so much clearer a few minutes before and now?

While Thundercracker was certain Soundwave would detect the transmission before long if he hadn’t already, it was something he could use to his advantage. While not a fan of Razorclaw, the Predacon resembled Megatron closer than Starscream or anyone else, for that matter. With his decision made, Thundercracker closed the channel and leapt into the air, transformed and headed back to the Yellow Sea. While he wouldn’t fire on a fellow Decepticon in battle, he had no qualms about energon letting in a contest of honor. While returning to his assigned location he changed course and began a spiraling sweep of the skies. If asked what he’d been doing he’d have a reasonable excuse. He doubted anyone else thought about security at a time like this.

Entering the Yellow Sea

Astrotrain was hardly thrilled with the idea of stepping down and immersing himself in this salt-ridden quagmire, but their alternatives were few and far between. Besides, there were Constructicons down there somewhere. If anyone could get him back in perfectly working order when this was all said and done, it would be them.

"So whose odds do you like, Blitz?" Astrotrain asked as they proceeded to submerge themselves in the waters of the Yellow Sea and continued downwards.

It wasn't often that a Decepticon found themselves spoiled for choice in terms of who to follow. It had been Megatron for so long now that the issue was something that a field Decepticon like Astrotrain never had to pay much attention to. Sure, there were the occasional rumblings about some other high commander doing some plotting of their own, but little had ever come of it. Certainly nothing lasting.

Maybe now would be different.
___

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Swindle was arguably more efficient here in recent orns than Onslaught could recall in recent memory. With performance such as he had, he was more inclined to allow the arms dealer to indulge his less-than-honorable tendencies. Onslaught had nodded at the Combaticon set off to work.

Scrapper seemed to take his time in considering Onslaught's words, but at least they had been considered. That was all that really mattered. When the Constructicon Commander at last spoke, it was with the same level of thoughtfulness that Onslaught had come to appreciate from his compatriot.

"Time is a luxury we no longer have, my friend. There's nothing I can do to stall him, short of engaging in battle, which I think is a step we are both reluctant to take at this stage. Persuasion is our most effective weapon right now. And you wield it better than I."

Onslaught turned away from Scrapper, allowing the Constructicon to focus on the more important matters that were facing him. Even as he looked away, a follow-up response from Thunderwing came through.

>>"That is the meaning that I take from it. I have not known Razorclaw to ever take action without considering the full ramifications,"<< Onslaught said, still sticking with direct, truthful statements for the time being. It was becoming ever more difficult to do. Deception was likely to become necessary eventually. The Combaticon simply hoped to stall it for as long as possible.

He then looked back to Scrapper.

"Thunderwing wants to meet with us. During our last encounter, he aided Shockwave. I have no reason to assume he is not still doing so."

Korean Peninsula - Storage Cave

Long Haul trudged ashore and made his way across the sandy beach until he found himself on more solid terrain. Moving past Bonecrusher to take the lead, the green transport shrugged his shoulders at his comrade’s comment. “Well, ‘Crusher, I suppose Razorclaw is better than ‘Screamer. I mean, at least ‘Claw is, or was, a unit commander. He’ll likely show us some favoritism since we’re part of another specialty team. Still, I’d prefer we kept Devastator to ourselves, you know.”

Returning his gaze ahead, Long Haul approached the storage cave and quickly entered through the opening they had previously helped to dig out. It seemed like it was only a few cycles ago when they had last been here, and so much had changed in such a short time span. Right now, it didn’t really matter as there was work to be done and the Constructicon transport was not one to keep the boss-con waiting.

Transforming into his Caterpillar 775G Off-highway dump truck mode, Long Haul rolled backwards towards the pile of equipment that was against the side wall of the cavern. “Okay, ‘Crusher, load me up. I should have plenty of room to fit everything left here inside my truck bed. Then we can head back down into the murky depths.”

Encrypted Priorty-1 Transmission from Razorclaw:

>>”Understood, Commander Onslaught. Thunderwing presents a glitch in our plans but not one that can’t be overcome one way or another. Speak with him and determine where his loyalties lie. His support may still be with Shockwave or Thunderwing may have aspirations of his own. Either way, we will need to sway him to our side and make him see that the specialty teams are the future of the Decepticon Empire. If he is willing, I would like to speak with him in person. Be careful. As you know, Thunderwing’s power is great but still largely untested, especially in an underwater environment. Regardless, avoid a direct confrontation unless there is no other alternative. Provide me with an update once your meeting with him has concluded.”<<

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Mixmaster had decided it was wise to not bother Scrapper any further for the time being. It wasn't really necessary anyway. The drainage process was well underway and would be completed soon and it was only too clear that there were other matters on the horizon that would require his full attention.

Even so, Swindle's approach took the Constructicon Chemical Engineer a little by surprise. He was still a little skittish about the Combaticons being here at all and wasn't entirely sure what that meant. But no one had started firing at anyone else yet, so he supposed that was a positive.

"Very very very interesting, heheheh. Not sure how everything's going to go."

At least until Devastator comes. Then I'll be sure, he thought.

"Very specialized, yes. This environment will corrode our equipment quickly unless we take the proper precautions," Mixmaster said. "Long Haul has the spare parts. He's the boss of them, really. Once I can get inside the dry dome, I'll begin to process coatings that can be applied to anything you put together, yeah yeah?"

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Whatever Onslaught and Scrapper were talking about began to get distorted by cacophony of clanking, grinding and generally discord noises and no other than the Combaticons' resident weapon of mass destruction began approaching the two unit commanders. It was remarkable really - even under these conditions, Brawl was able to generate enough noise to not only make himself heard but also impossible to not take notice of.

"Onslaught! I have done what I can with this shoddy sea dirt! Better pray we do not need to actually use those damned trenches!" Brawl boomed and joined the company of Scrapper and Onslaught whether they liked or not. "Sow enough proximity sonic detonators with friend/foe recognation protocols there to cripple an Omega Sentinel though!"

"Gonna get some good bangs if some sodding Autoscrap or meatbag submarine wanders too close, eh?!" The loud Decepticon continued, patting Onslaught's shoulder roughly.

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Vortex tucked the hyper spanner underneath one of his arms as he crossed through the protective barriers that separated the underground shelter from the rest of the salt loaded froth that dominated much of the surface. It had been his second time down within the confines of this base, the first time was to acquire the necessary materials to establish a protective screen against local air traffic, sensor jammers, radar shadows and even a couple of smaller anti air craft quads located around the cliff face. His assignment had been to establish a defensible position, and so far he had done what he could to meet that rather mundane challenge.

For now however, he was in need of a quick recharge. Not necessarily low but serving under Onslaught's command for so long had given him reason to always be ready for rapid deployment. The interrogator tossed his confiscated spanner onto an unpacked crate before he discarded the rather clumsily packed construction sash he had been provided. He made a mental note to bring its limitations to the Constructicon Commanders, in a most memorable capacity.

Vortex's comm. systems had picked up the various reports from Blast-off in orbit as well as the spread communique from Thunderwing. Altihex Casinos it most decidedly wasn't, the rocks were still roughly edged along the surface of the passage leading towards the operational hub of the base. Still Vortex was confident that such minor details did not impair the overall efficiency of the structure. He would make due for the time being.

Slowly he approached a small conclave of gathered Cybertronians, prominent among them Onslaught. Not wanting to take center stage to be brought up to speed, Vortex decided to take a place near a stack of crates and listen in. Visible yet unseen, basic techniques of any good interrogator.

Storage Cave

Bonecrusher spun his shoulder joints. It was good to get out of the water. He felt some sand grind in his joints, he would have to wash himself off later. Or the repair drones in a CR Chamber might do the trick...

Bonecrusher tromped into the cave where Long Haul was waiting on him. Bonecrusher grabbed two arm-fulls of supplies and set them inside his comrade's truck bed. He knelt back down to pick up more and placed them inside the dump truck as well.

He repeated this until all of the supplies were inside of Long Haul's truck bed.

"I just hope no one turns this whole slaggin' thing into another civil war!" Bonecrusher's harsh voice said, he was by no means smart, but he wasn't blind.

War among the empire would cause it to self destruct, making the Autobots win the war.

"Lets go head back to the dark depths of joint damage." Bonecrusher made his loathe clear in his voice as he trudged his way through the deepening water, Long Haul hopefully following behind him.

Storage Cave

Long Haul felt the weight of the supplies increase as Bonecrusher placed them into his truck bed one armful at a time. It was nothing the green transporter couldn’t handle even in his less advanced Earthen alt mode, which had more than enough room to accommodate all of the equipment that needed to be carried down to the sea floor. It was the same task Long Haul had performed on countless occasions on countless worlds, including Cybertron, itself. It was his job to move materials, weapons, tools and whatever else was required from point A to point B. It wasn’t a glamorous job, but it was a necessary one and the Constructicon transport understood its importance.

“Unfortunately, I don’t see either side backing down, ’Crusher,” Long Haul responded to his comrade’s fears of an all-out Decepticon civil war. “Neither Shockwave nor Razorclaw will give up their claim to the throne, and I’m sure Starscream will still be a factor in some way. He may be down right now, but knowing him he’s definitely not out. All we can do is hope that Devastator can be finished quickly in order to put an end to the infighting before it’s too late. Then we can assume control of the Empire and rule it, ourselves.”

Long Haul made sure that his comment regarding the gestalt had been spoken in a whispered tone so that only Bonecrusher could hear him. The last thing they needed was for someone within audio range eavesdropping on their private conversation. Initiating a water-tight force shield over the stored equipment, the green Caterpillar 775G dump truck rolled out of the now empty cave and followed his complaining comrade back onto the beach before entering the Yellow Sea once more. “I hear ya, ‘Crusher! I can’t wait to finally get a nice oil bath and clean out my servos of this corrosive sludge.”

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Onslaught had left Scrapper to his thoughts. The Constructicon Commander likely required a few moments to think while the political winds blew at practically gale force around them.

>>"I am en route now. Wherever his loyalties lie, history suggests that a warlord of Valckasta will not be swayed easily. Nevertheless, I will see where his head his."<<

Brawl's arrival was a welcome one, as was his report. A quick survey of the terrain showed that, indeed, they were going to be hard-pressed to do anything of consequence with this kind of terrain. Even so, design possibilities and possible weapons stations were already beginning to filter in to the Combaticon Commander's mind, given the Constructicons' preliminary design.

"Well done. Let's hope that Autobots are indeed their first intended targets," Onslaught said, opening up a channel to the other Combaticons. In the current climate, it was far too likely that these weapons would first be used against their own Decepticon brethren--in service to someone else's political aspirations. >>"Team--on me. Warlord Thunderwing has requested a meeting, and I have no desire to keep him waiting."<<

Granted, Thunderwing had only requested a meeting with he and Scrapper, and ordinarily Onslaught would have complied with the request without thinking twice. But these were uncertain times, and this meeting could simply be an opportunity for Shockwave to eliminate two rivals. Or it could be Thunderwing's opportunity to do the very same. After all, if the situation were reversed, Onslaught might have taken the very same step. Either way, he couldn't take that chance.

(OOC: Sorry for the wait.)

Entering the Yellow Sea

“Good question.”

As Blitzwing continued to trail behind Astrotrain, while also gradually being swallowed by the sea, he pondered on the candidates vying for leadership. Which was hard to do with all this water ceaselessly exploring his joints and various crevices in his armour plating like determined treasure hunters seeking valuables located within the shallow areas of his structure. But he still managed to whip up a response, despite his dislike for his new aquatic environment.

He shrugged, unable to decide whose chances were the greatest. “I don't know. But I don't think Shockwave will get far.” The mere mention of his creator's name made him shake his head. “The fraggin' bore. Who would want to follow him? Really, who?”

Blitzwing and Shockwave were as similar as electrons and positrons. Where Blitzwing would immediately jump into battle, keen for a good scrap, Shockwave preferred to observe and analyse it from a stoic perspective, thus composing the most appropriate strategy to oppose and defeat the enemy. Where Blitzwing would rely on his old faithfuls—fists, blaster and scimitar—to get him out of a predicament, Shockwave would depend on cool logic and rationality to break down a problem and devise the most efficient solution.

Thinking. Analysing. Neither were particularly useful to the Triple Changer when engaged in combat. Taking action was what had rewarded him with victory after victory, not waffling on about complex tactics for groons on end.

Drifting away from the potentially awkward topic of Shockwave, Blitzwing asked, “Who do you think looks the goods to take the position?”

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Thunderwing’s feet touched the bottom of the sea, sinking into the muck before finally settling, a cloud of dirt erupting around him from his impact. The Decepticon took a step forward, testing the surface beneath him. The ground would hold him without any substantial hindering of movement it seemed. The water itself slowed him a bit, as it would any being not adapted to maneuvering in it, but it presented no great difficulty. Vision would naturally be somewhat limited by the dark and dirt, but sensors could help compensate for that.

It didn’t take long until the sounds of construction and movement came to his audio receptors. The Constructicons were obviously hard at work, as was to be expected. A cursory examination of the area also revealed some rudimentary defenses had been set up, likely somewhat hastily, another interesting bit of information. Obviously others had been developing their own schemes as he did likewise. Now he would just need to figure out how to work these plans into his own.

The Decepticon approached the form he recognized as belonging to Onslaught. He was easy to pick out among the various Constructicons and Combaticons, his twin guns on his back allowing him to tower over the others. He was approaching him, Brawl at his side. Thunderwing was a bit annoyed at the absence of Scrapper, but assumed that the Constructicon was busy directing his team in their work.

Thunderwing offered a brief nod to the two Combaticons. “Onslaught, Brawl. It seems the Constructicons have accomplished much here already, a testament to their well earned reputation. I will save questions about this project for Scrapper once he is available.” As he spoke he continued to examine the construction site, intrigued by the dome like structure that was up so far. The Constructicons had something very ambitious in mind.

He turned to look at Onslaught directly. “Onslaught, I require a full report on Decepticon dealings on Earth, particularly the events after Megatron’s demise and whatever current activities Starscream’s former faction have gotten up to and what Razorclaw is having them do now.” Thunderwing would allow the question of loyalties continue to slide for now. He wanted to see how much he could learn before being forced to commit or forcing Onslaught to commit. He suspected the Combaticon was with Razorclaw as he had kept too much a secret not to be. Still he respected the Combaticon commander and wanted to hear him tell him in his own words.

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Trudging his way toward the bottom of one of this weird planet's bodies of water was unpleasant enough. Having to consider which path in front of them was the most likely to keep them alive and functional? It was exponentially more so.

These were not games for the likes of Astrotrain. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he would not argue that he had fantasized on occasion about leading the Decepticon army across the threshold of victory, destroying the Autobots and ruling the universe. What kind of Decepticon would he be if he didn't have that kind of thought at least once? But he was also smart enough to put it in the back of his mind and leave it in the realm of fantasy where it belonged. History was littered with Decepticons who had attempted to turn such fantasies in to realities and became scrapyard fodder in the process.

Not Astrotrain.

"I heard Ramjet tried to take out Starscream some time back. Heh. He'd be interesting. I bet he'll do something stupid and get himself stasis-ed. Or worse.

"I guess I'm betting on Starscream. Everyone knows he wants it. Megatron was the only thing in his way before, right?"

Storage Cave

He had left some breems before and yet he failed to make contact. The chemist, although dependable to the cause, was certainly not worth his word. At that thought Darkride let out a quiet snort. Since Oil Slick’s departure for parts unknown Darkride had taken refuge within the storage cave. The interrogator stuck to the shadows of the rear of the cave easily blending in without much effort.

The Decepticon had taken up a position so as not to draw any unwanted attention, especially since he was shirking his duties. Leaning against the rocky wall with one ankle crossed over the other and his arms loosely displayed in front of his chest, He listened to the emptiness that filled the make shift storage area.

Darkride had just gotten comfortable when the sound of two of the six Constructicons entering the cave drew his attention. Pushing off the back wall slowly Darkride crept silently to a new locale in order to get a better vantage point. Both mechs, Bonecrusher and Long Haul he thought they were, seemed to be drawing out additional supplies. But their work was not what concerned him it was the conversation that caught the interrogator’s undivided attention.

It never failed to amaze him that he seemed to be in the right place at the right times during these encounters. The amount of intel he had gathered over the vorns would have choked a titanium moosebot to death. A smile grew on his face as he watched and listened with bated breath for something, anything that he could file away.

Several breems passed before he finally heard a name that was unfamiliar to him. Darkride cocked his head slightly as he took in the remainder of their conversation. But nothing was more intriguing than the hushed name.

Darkride stepped back against the wall when Long Haul and his brutish compatriot made to leave the cave to head back into the murky depths of the water. Taking careful measures to not draw attention to himself, the dark violet mech made his way out of the cavern and cast his gaze on the retreating ‘Cons. Another smiled pulled at the corner of his lip curling it to reveal a set of two sharpened canines.

The interrogator traveled with great care to make it back to his previous work space and took up his assignment once again. At the same time he opened up a heavily encrypted channel with the Constructicon transport.

>>”Felicitations, my underappreciated compatriot. There is a matter of great concern with which I urgently require to converse. there is someone on his way. I believe you know him? He has not yet announced his intentions and not many know of him, but I discern that Devastator will be well on his way in the coming future.”<<

The line went quite for a moment before Darkride spoke up once more.

>>”I suggest you and I meet, above water, to confer on this most…delicate matter. Oh, and Long Haul, you do realize that if you mention any of this to your brethren you will be marked as a traitor and shunned. You may even be thrown to me for good measure. That said I propose you complete your current assignment, conveniently excuse yourself and join me here on shore. Savvy?”<<

Korean Shoreline

Bonecrusher began to trudge along the mud and gunk along the shoreline. It was uncomfortable for sure; his joints already had sand being packed into them. Bonecrusher grumbled as he began to wade his way into the water until he was chest-deep.

"Heck of a place for a base. Space'd be better in my opinion. Nothing out there to get in yer-" Bonecrusher readjusted his shoulder, causing sand to crack and fall out, "-Joints."

Bonecrusher felt the water crash above his head as he trudged his way back into the seaweed infested water.

"Not sure if Shockwave 'r Razorclaw'll want to recruit us first. Here's a bet for ya, an Energon Cube says Razorclaw'll send a guy over here to recruit us first!" Bonecrusher stuck out his hand to Long Haul.

He retracted it and placed it behind his head making it look as if he was scratching the back of his head when he remembered that Long Haul was in vehicle form.

Korean Shoreline

Thanks to the salt water that was slowly corroding his servos, Scavenger finally caught up with Bonecrusher and Long Haul just as they were heading back into the water.

"Aw, please tell me that's everything we need.", the excavator whined, "It'll take me a vorn to make it to the storage cave."

Scavenger continued to walk further onto shore toward the transport and the demolitionist, each step stiff and requiring extra effort.

"I guess you were right, Bonecrusher. Transforming down there wasn't a good idea."

Entering the Yellow Sea

Being that he was in dump truck mode, Long Haul became completely submerged underwater while Bonecrusher was still only waste deep in robot form. Still, he heard his brutish companion’s wager and decided to accept. “I’ll take that bet, ‘Crusher! Razorclaw’s gonna want to get the specialty teams on his side so I’m sure we’re already on his radar. What role we’ll play under his regime is uncertain. Although, I’m sure we’ll likely still be playing the role of builders just like before. Unless, of course, you know what gets done first! Heh!”

It was then that Scavenger finally caught up to them, hoping that all of the equipment was secured within Long Haul’s truck bed. The green transport chuckled before responding. “Yeah, this is all of it, Scavers. No need to go back to the cave. It’s empty now anyway.”

Long Haul’s conversation with his teammates was quickly cut short when he received a communication from Darkride. A shiver went through the green dump truck’s frame at the sound of the interrogator’s voice. The heavy loader had always done his best to remain as far away from Darkride as he could. The torturer gave him the creeps, plain and simple, and he really wanted nothing to do with him.

Unfortunately, it would be near impossible to avoid contact now as Darkride made mention of Devastator in his transmission. How the slag does he know about the gestalt?! I never said anything to him! Wait...he must have overheard me back up on the beach talking to Bonecrusher. Fraggit! That cretan must have audio receptors like a cyber-hawk. I’m going to have to do damage control here if we are going to keep Devastator a secret.

Long Haul sent a non-verbal acknowledgement back to Darkride, indicating that he would meet with the interrogator once his current task was done. In the meantime, the green transport had to deliver the rest of the materials down to the seabed and then casually excuse himself. It would be a delicate matter, but it was something he had to take care of before things got too far out of control.

Base Site - Bottom of the Yellow Sea

It took a while but Long Haul finally made it back to the construction site where he stopped near the erected dome. He carefully raised his truck bed up and let the equipment slide out and onto the sea floor. The surrounding water allowed for a more gentle evacuation of his cargo then if the transport had just dumped the stuff out on dry ground. He then returned to robot mode and began sifting through the supplies, pretending like he was looking for something specific.

“Ah, scrap!” Long Haul exclaimed. His reaction was disingenuous, of course, but that was the point. He needed a reason to immediately return to the beach. Thankfully, he had already come up with one. “Sorry, guys, you’ll have to finish up here while I head back up to the surface,” the transporter said to Bonecrusher and Scavenger. “I’m an idiot and apparently dropped one of the tools back up on the beach. I thought I heard something fall, but didn’t think anything of it until now. Don’t worry, though, I’ll go get it. I think I know right where it landed. You guys can just start organizing the rest of this stuff, and I’ll be back shortly.”

Without waiting for a response from his teammates, Long Haul turned around and trudged back through the murky depths of the Yellow Sea on another return trip to the Korean Peninsula.

Korean Shoreline

It had been roughly two breems or more since Darkride’s communique with Long Haul. The Constructicon heavy lifter was more than a bit nervous meeting with such a violent and sadistic mech. The interrogator wasn’t stupid and wouldn’t fall for the normal excuses that another ‘Con would. Therefore, while Long Haul knew that he couldn’t reveal the truth about Devastator, he also couldn’t just feed Darkride a bunch of bullslag. The cycle-former’s message seemed to indicate that he thought Devastator was a separate mech who was currently on his way. That was definitely something Long Haul could use to steer the interrogator away from the actuality of the situation. However, he would also have to be very careful here to both ensure the integrity of the gestalt project and to ensure his continued functioning under his own power.

Emerging from the water, Long Haul caught sight of Darkride waiting for him on a remote part of the beach. The transporter slowly made his way towards the despised torturer, a blank expression etched on his faceplate. Once he was about five feet from the interrogator, Long Haul stopped and took a deep breath. “Hello, Darkride. So, you want to talk with me about Devastator, huh? Well, here I am. Let’s talk.”

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Onslaught nodded at Thunderwing's assessment of the progress that the Constructicons had made. It was impressive indeed. Even so, they would likely need to pick up the pace even more. These were demanding times, and much would be demanded of them all. This base was coming along, but it would hardly survive any kind of focused attack in its present state.

"Agreed. I think we could begin occupying and fortifying the central dome soon, but--like you--I'm relying much on Scrapper's direction in that regard."

Thunderwing did not allow the topic to remain on construction for long. Quickly, and expectedly, the subject turned to activities here on this planet. In some respects, Onslaught himself was still catching up with everything that was occurring on this world, but he suspected he knew enough to satisfy the warlord's initial curiosity.

"I am told that Starscream's initial focus in the aftermath were energy raids. My team and I assisted in the late stages of one that was taking place in the central region of North America. I believe the other was successful as well, though I've not heard any specifics.

"As for Starscream himself, I cannot say, but I find it unlikely that Razorclaw would waste a resource like him unless he was given no other choice. No further orders have come yet, though he does wish to address you directly."

Onslaught paused. Thunderwing had done some prying, as was his wont as a command figure. Now it was time for Onslaught to do some of his own, and see if his candidness would be rewarded.

"And what of you?" Onslaught began. "When last we parted, you prevented Razorclaw and I from taking Shockwave in to custody. The leadership issue of our faction is one that has obviously not yet been resolved fully. We both realize that, I'm sure. Do you come here on his behalf?"

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Ramjet tried to take out Starscream?

“You've got to be slagging me.”

Ramjet actually tried to take out Starscream?

Silence followed Blitzwing's remark, save for the ponderous rumbling of his footfalls striking the Yellow Sea's floor. Then he burst out laughing. And good.

“What a fraggin' idiot!” He's strong and tough, I'll give him that, but Screamer's too smart to be beaten by someone like him.” Blitzwing chuckled to himself. “Maybe the next time Ramjet needs repairs, someone'll give him a working processor because his is clearly fragged up.”

Blitzwing didn't hate the mech or harbour any real dislike towards him, as much as it appeared. Indeed the two Decepticons got along rather well, often trading old war stories when not bound to duty, but Ramjet had brought this one on himself. The moment he caught up with the Conehead again, Blitzwing would give him much grief for his act of stupidity.

When one sifted through his offensive conduct for long enough, it was found that that was his way of being chummy with those he considered to be his friends. Or so he assured them after the insult by adding a grating cackle and a rough slap on the back.

“Yeah, Megatron sure was an obstacle for Screamer,” he said to Astrotrain.

Not including another equally competent barrier that had also blocked the Seeker's path to leadership many times over. One that possibly rivalled Megatron himself: his very own fusion cannon. But Blitzwing supposed they were one and the same, really.

“Strange as it sounds, I wouldn't be surprised if Screamer was the leader now. But I don't know if I'd follow him... I don't wanna miss out on any action—no, no, no.” He turned to face Astrotrain. “Would you be happy if he led us?”

Korean Shoreline

Hearing his name gave the interrogator cause to turn around, slowly, to face his visitor. Darkride spotted Long Haul, who appeared to be uncomfortable just by his presence. Exactly the way it should be. Darkride’s optics; they were so deep, so deep in fact that they seemed to lack their normal illumination. The interrogator’s dead eyes, met the visor of the Constructicon, and at the very same time he smiled. Even that gesture hid a certain amount of malice.

Darkride knew, just by closely watching the transport that he wanted nothing to do with him. This brought about that oh so familiar need that the purple ‘Con missed so very much. The same kind of need that crept over him every time he decided to take things into his own hands. Unfortunately he was unable to take Long Haul to his chamber and work with him on one of his notorious sessions. Pity.

Taking the initiative, the purple mech made his way to stand directly in front of the Constructicon. With another toothy grin Darkride stepped right into the personal space that the green mech was occupying.

“So glad you were able to join me, Long Haul. And yes, I would greatly appreciate a discussion concerning that matter.”

Darkride stayed his position, nearly chestplate to chestplate, but that disturbing smile melted into something much more frightening. And those dead eyes absorbed everything in the immediate area, Long Haul included.

“Devastator. I think it would be in your best interest if you provided me with as much information on this matter. I can already see just how disagreeable you find me, and if I am able to discern this just by observation alone then you must realize that I can, and will, determine whether you are feeding me half-truths.”

Darkride let that statement hang in the air for almost half a breem and yet he still did not move away.

“Mind your deceitful tactics. I do not wish to tear you apart, truly I do not.”

The last line spoken brought a return of that all too familiar deranged toothy grin.

“Okey dokey then. Now, begin. Oh, and hand gestures would be most helpful.”

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

"I'm sure it was rich. I would've loved to've seen it," Astrotrain chuckled in regards to Ramjet's supposed assault on Starscream. The coneheaded Seeker might have been known for his stubbornness but even Astrotrain was surprised to hear that he had attempted a stunt like that. Starscream usually did a pretty good job about keeping his boys in line so that he could focus on bigger fish.

"I've seen you hang out with him before. I want the whole story next time you guys are swapping memory tracks, heh," Astrotrain added before nodding in agreement at Blitzwing's next comment. Megatron was an obstacle like no other. That's why it was best not to even see him as one. For Starscream, he was an obstacle. For a mech like Astrotrain, Megatron was a battering ram--plowing through the obstacles that the universe had put in the triple-changer's path to gaining more power and influence. Not enough to run things. Just enough to be comfortable and not have to go groveling around Octane for barely even a quarter-fuel up. It was embarrassing. And he would get there, even if the current circumstances made it a little harder to see how.

"I wouldn't be surprised either. I'm sure we'll know for sure when he is, there's bound to be some kind of coronation," Astrotrain said, smirking. "Happy? With Starscream? I guess so. I don't know how much better or worse he is than any of the others in Megatron's little circle. They all have their issues. I mean look at--"

Astrotrain stopped in his tracks. Ahead he could see what appeared to be a little conclave of some kind. Warlord Thunderwing of Valckasta. Onslaught. And not far from them, Scrapper.

"--whoa. Don't need to get mixed up in that. Let's head for the dome and see if there's anywhere to kick back for a breem or two."

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Brawl was not happy to see Thunderwing. The long lost warlord was the sole reason Razorclaw and Onslaught had not already deposed Shockwave from the power. It had also cost them the control of one of the most powerful warships any Decepticon could hope to have an access to. And now it had apparently compromised the location of this new base Constructicons were building. Though Brawl had to admit he wasn't too sure of that. Had Shockwave already known of this location? Brawl did not know. He left thinking to others, he was the blunt instrument used to remove obstacles in the way of the Combaticons. He had no interest in becoming more involved in tactics beyond the level of Onslaught giving him orders to carry out - the more gruesome fashion, the better.

In the wake of the excessive amount of pent up anger and frustration, it was not too surprising that Brawl contacted Onslaught through short range private com-link. >>"Boss! Thunderwing's a lackey of Shockwave's! He cost us the Thanatos! Let me put that ornamental pretty mech hide of his in a test! Namely... I want to blow a fraggin' big hole straight through him!"<<

Korean Shoreline

Long Haul maintained his stance as the insufferable Darkride stepped into his personal space and remained there in an intimidating fashion. Oh, how the green transport wished that Devastator was already a reality. The intrusive interrogator would be literally squashed underneath the gestalt’s massive foot. As it were, that was not yet possible, but soon it would be and everyone within the Empire would then know the true face of raw power.

Listening the what Darkride had to say, including his malevolent threats, made Long Haul consider his response carefully. He did not need to be torn apart as it would put a serious kink in the gestalt design to lose one member of the unit. This was not to mention that the heavy lifter would also lose his own spark, which was not a fun prospect at all. Yes, Long Haul was bigger and stronger, but he was not smarter or more agile than the interrogator. Size and strength could only get one so far as intelligence, dexterity and melee skills had the potential to overcome such obstacles.

Still, Long Haul knew that half-truths were all that he could give. As far as Darkride knew, Devastator was a separate being and the transporter would try and capitalize on that as best he could. “Tearing me apart would not be in your best interests, Darkride,” Long Haul began, trying to keep a confident demeanor as he spoke. “My teammates would not take kindly to losing me nor would Devastator. I may be, as you said, under appreciated, but that does not mean my loss would not be avenged. Of course, you don’t want that no more than I want to be ripped to pieces by your torture devices, so I will be as forthcoming as I can be.”

Long Haul paused for a moment to let what he had just said sink in. Most did not know that the heavy loader was actually quite courageous even though his menial job as a simple transporter would seem to suggest the opposite. Naturally, the gestalt project had given him somewhat of a boost to his courage, even while standing in front of the vile interrogator, who seemed afraid of no one. Still, the combiner tech had not yet been applied to any of the Constructicons. And even if it had, Long Haul was alone without the rest of his comrades and therefore it would do him no good without the other components. However, the transport was hoping that the mere threat of Devastator’s coming would ward off any attack on him by the Decepticon torturer.

“As for what I know about Devastator, I can’t say it’s very much, I’m afraid. I’m a mere laborer and not privy to all of the details. I just do as I'm told. Now, I’ve never met the mech, myself, but I do know that he is very powerful and will be arriving here in the near future. How and when that will happen I do not know exactly. What I do know is that when Devastator does make his presence known, all will tremble before him...” Long Haul leaned slightly towards Darkride with a glint in his optics before adding, “Even you.”