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On Shore

Ricochet grumbled angrily under his breath as his shots just missed their intended target. I was unlike him to miss anything or anyone, but considering that their cover had already been blown by the insane Hex and his big mouth, it was not surprising that the interrogator had managed to elude the incoming plasma darts. No matter. I’ll get you on the next attempt, ‘Con, the marksman assured himself as he readied his rifle again and took careful aim at Darkride. Unfortunately, the young Autobot saw fit to do something entirely crazy, but well within character, and run out towards the sadistic torturer, blocking the gunner’s line of sight in the process.

“You fraggin’ idiot! Get the slag outta the way!” Ricochet shouted from his perch atop the sand dune, but naturally Hex either didn’t hear him or was just ignoring him. It was probably the latter. For a brief moment, the marksman considered taking another shot at Darkride anyway, Hex be damned. However, he knew that would not go over well with Rodimus and would likely lead to some kind of punishment. Thus, the black and gold mech simply watched the ensuing confrontation and waited for Darkride to make short work of Hex. Then once the crazy ‘Bot was out of the picture, the marksman could take his next shot.

That did not happen, however, as Rodimus quickly entered the fray and dragged the interrogator kicking and screaming into a nearby clump of trees. What the frag? Ricochet thought as a look of shock became etched across his otherwise angry faceplate. Something’s not right here. Why not just kill Darkride where he was? Is Rodimus trying to take him prisoner? This doesn’t make any sense at all. His patience growing very thin, the black and gold marksman jumped down from the dune and approached the thicket where Rodimus and his captive had vanished into. The interrogator’s shrieks of pain filled the air, digging into the gunner’s audio receptors like daggers.

“What the frag is going on in there?! Rodimus!! What are you doing to him? Just kill the little slagger and be done with it already! We don’t have time for this!” Ricochet shouted as he then glared back at Hex, the young Autobot displaying a decidedly wicked smirk on his visage. “And what the hell are you smiling at, shorty? You think this is all funny? I came down here to kill ‘Cons, not watch Hot Rodimus play with them like his own personal toys! If he really wants to be the new Prime, I suggest he gets his aft out here and starts acting like a real leader!”

Bringing his plasma dart rifle to bare, Ricochet returned his attention to the wooded area in front of him and waited for the flame-covered mech and whatever was left of his Decepticon captive to emerge from seclusion. The gunner didn't understand what exactly had just transpired here, and thus he wasn't going to take any chances, keeping his weapon up and ready just in case he needed to use it for any reason.
_________

Hardhead paused his assault as first Hex moved onto the beach to attack Darkride followed closely by Rodimus, who swiftly took hold of the interrogator and dragged him helplessly into the thicket. A smile creased his lips as the green herald opened fire at Oil Slick with his shatterblasters once again, hoping to keep the Decepticon chemist pinned down while his master went to work on bringing his new brother into the fold. Darkride’s screams were like music to the war veteran’s audio receptors, but not as much as the tirade coming from a clearly perplexed Ricochet, demanding to know what was going on.

It seems, Master, that our resident marksman is a bit perturbed at your strange behavior with the torturer. I’m sure that the others are feeling a similar way but have yet to express their concerns openly. Should Hex and I drop the charade and deal with these Autobots now before we move into the sea to acquire our final brother? I so want to see the looks on their faceplates when they come to realize they’ve been duped. Ha ha ha!

A broad grin spread across Hardhead’s visage as he continued his barrage on the dome-headed Decepticon. Hopefully, the stubborn war veteran would soon be granted permission to turn his weapons against the Autobots, themselves, allowing him to finally cease pretending to care about his former comrades in arms. Then Hardhead and his brothers could bathe in the energon shed that would follow, cleansing them all of the filthy residue of their former Cybertronian existences once and for all!

On Shore

Oil Slick was mildly annoyed at Darkride’s response. It wasn’t too surprising really, but the other Decepticon underestimated the amount of damage his acids could do to him. His unusual mixture of pain seeking and vanity would likely make an encounter with his chemicals awkward at best, if not disfiguring for him. Still, it would quiet and calm down the interrogator, hopefully, and he could likely get some useful data for it. He waited patiently as Darkride chose the area he could damage him on.

The chemist’s head snapped to the side as he heard a shout coming from the nearby woods. Darkride had no sooner finished his warning then Warpath burst out from cover and opened fire on them. He moved his arms to take aim at the Autobot when Darkride shoved him, throwing him off balance so he could perform some evasive maneuver of his own. Oil Slick was unable to return fire, but by being pushed back the head shot form Hardhead flew past him. The leg shot did graze him however and he let out a hiss in pain.

The Decepticon dropped to the ground to present a much smaller target. A quick scan showed multiple Autobots firing on them, more then they could hope to combat successfully. He turned to yell at Darkride only to see him engaged in an exchange of words with an Autobot, before another one simply grabbed him and dragged him away. This odd behavior and the shrieks from Darkride would have to wait for later analysis as now it was all about survival for the chemist.

The Autobot who had fired at him had used solid projectiles. That was fortunate as he could possibly defend against those. Aiming one of his arms in the air he shot out a burst of acidic compounds between him and the Autobots, creating a temporary cloud of the substance between them. As solid projectiles passed through it the acids would begin to eat through them. He knew it wouldn’t be enough to destroy them completely, but it should weaken them a bit and perhaps even prematurely detonate any explosive rounds.

This was only a temporary solution though. His current position was highly unsound. The lone Decepticon was outnumbered, out ranged and in danger of being surrounded. The only logical course of action was to withdrawal. Transforming to his alternate mode he fired up his engine, creating a loud roar and kicking up sand and debris before he rushed off toward the sea. At the same time he sent out a signal to all Decepticons in the area.

>>”Decepticons, we are under Autobot attack! Repeat, we are under Autobot attack! Approximately six Autobots are on the surface near the construction sight.”<<

On Shore

“Decepticons have always been so headstrong. It is what makes you all such easy prey.”

The smirk that was plastered on the Autobot’s face silenced Darkride the moment he caught a glimpse of it from over his shoulder. It was something he had never seen on any of them before. A shriek escaped Darkride’s vocalizer as Rodimus turned the trapped ‘Con around so he was facing him. Instinct kicked in and the interrogator wrenched his arm free and lashed out with his sharp digits. The tips of which caught the outer layer of paint that adorned Rodimus’ chestplate.

The Autobot was bound to falter and he could make his escape. But that hope was dashed when he was tossed to the ground landing hard on his back. Darkride lifted his up slightly as he tried to check for damage. His exploration was halted when Rodimus straddled his lower body and placed his hand over the mech’s slender throat.

“I know you’re enjoying this. This is what you live on…pain…your own, others, it make no difference.”

Darkride bucked several times trying to knock the larger mech off but he failed miserably. He stopped his struggling and glared up at Rodimus.

“You do not know me! So do not pretend that you do! You and your Autobot brothers can rot in the Pit!”

That smile. It was there again, and something told the interrogator that it wasn’t a happy smile. Cruelty. Determination. The Pit itself was part of this mech and Darkride wanted nothing to do with him.

His optics widened as he felt the Autobot’s free hand press lightly onto his chest…above his spark. So this was how it was to end. Trapped beneath a hulking ‘Bot who was ready to tear his spark out from his chest. It could have been worse. He could be sniveling and begging for his life.

His thoughts were shaken as the pressure on his chest increased but only slightly. This was it. But then it stopped. It stopped and he heard a voice. It did not belong to the mech perched atop him. This voice was so much…clearer. It was true. The voice was low…a whisper in his audio.

"Wha...what are you?"

“I am your Master. You belong to me as we all belong to Him.”

Darkride’s struggling had long since ended as his attention was solely focused on the mesmerizing timbre that was now flowing into his audios. With some effort he nodded ever so slightly in understanding.

“Now, my Herald, with Decepticons things must be handled…differently.”

The pressure that was centered on his chest increased dramatically as Rodimus forced the tips of his fingers into the seam of his chest that encased the mech’s spark chamber. With a grunt and a slight whimper from Darkride the plate parted and Rodimus plunged a hand in.

“Shhhh. This is exactly what you wanted. Unfortunately, it will all be over quickly.”
____

“I’m smiling at you.”

Hex stepped in closer to Ricochet who was standing near the edge of the wood, a look of anger and confusion etched on that face. How nice it would be to remove that face. And once his Master gave him the order this mech would be nothing more than a smear on the underside of his boot. How fitting.

“I’m sure our illustrious leader is taking care of that degenerate. Although I wish I had more time with him. Slagger tried off-lining me.”

He was unwilling to have this Autobot abomination disrupt his Master’s work on his brother; Hex took hold of his crossbow and pointed it in Ricochet’s direction. He quickly flashed the gunner a knowing smirk when another unbridled pained laced scream filled the air followed closely behind by utter silence.

“I think he’s done. Wanna go see what’s left?”
____

Darkride had come back on-line only a few minutes after Rodimus had finished with him. The Prime dismounted the mech’s lower body and stood keeping a close watch over his newest addition. The groan that escaped the interrogator’s mouth was a pleasant sound as the screams only drew too much attention.

Rodimus extended a hand to the smaller mech and hoisted him up. Darkride stood before his new Master and offered to him a hellish smile.

His Herald bowed slightly when his hand moved to rest on the lithe mech’s shoulder. He kept his optics on Darkride even as he heard his warrior’s query. Rodimus stood quiet for a moment before responding.

I am aware of our unfortunate little nuisance. Fortunately the child has been keeping Ricochet at bay and if need be he will terminate him on my order.

With his hand still perched on the Decepticon’s shoulder Rodimus turned his attention to the tree line keeping he and his Herald hidden from prying eyes.

Darkride shall be joining you. Upon his appearance you will cut all Cybertroninas down. I shall advance to the Decepticons’ submerged vessel and claim my last addition. I want to return to a slaughter. Make me proud Hardhead and watch your brothers.

“Come. We have much to do. And first on our list is to introduce you to the Autobots and your former comrades.”

On Shore

A lot had happened by the time Saferoute made it to her position in the rear. Several attacks from the others had missed, then Hex had gone right for Darkride, only to have Rodimus come in and take the interogator by force into some cover, with both Hex and Ricochet coming following him. It all just confused Saferoute to no end.

>>Hardhead, Warpath, what's going on? Are we taking prisoners now? Does that mean we're taking this other 'con prisoner too?<<

*

"BAM, slaggin 'con and his flips.", Warpath cursed as he watched Darkride manage to avoid his shot, reloading his chamber with a sonic charge, "Let's see how you like one of my BA- what the?"

Warpath held his fire as Hex jumped right into his target.

"Why you little, WHAM what are you doing?", the tank bot hollered.

To Warpath's surprise Rodimus intervened by grabbing and taking Darkride elsewhere. It was all so strange, their leader hadn't mentioned anything about this in his earlier instructions. He then received the message from Saferoute about this turn of events.

>>I don't BLAM know what Rodimus and the others are doing, but there must be a good reason. Anyhow now's not the time to WHAM think too hard. We still got one 'con we gotta BANG take down before he warns the rest of them, right Hardhead buddy?<<

Warpath stopped in his treads as he watched Oil Slick shoot out a cloud of acid, obscuring Warpath's view of the chemist.

"Lousy slaggin' Decepti-goon! Stop hidin' and BLAM get what's good for ya!", Warpath hollered as he tried to lock onto his target.

After several astroseconds of frustration he finally heard a revving engine and wheels digging into the dirt.

"WHAM, trying to make a getaway, huh? Well BOOM not while Warpath is on your aft!", the crimson warrior yelled as he aimed at the sound and fired his sonic charge.

*

As Saferoute stood in the open she watched things progress. Though she still wanted an explanation on the plan, she had to agree with Warpath; there was another Decepticon right in front of her, and right now he was her main concern.

She grumbled as Oil Slick surrounding himself with the cloud of acid; she was already the worst shot on the team, and this wasn't helping at all. She fired several shots from her laser rifle into the cloud, but they were all futile.

"Slaggit, stop hiding!"

Soon her audio sensors picked up the sounds of a motorcycle; maybe he was looking to make an escape. Sure enough she saw the dirt kicking through the acid cloud, heading toward the nearby sea.

"You're not getting away that easy!"

Unable to run nearly fast enough, Saferoute transformed into her bus mode. Slowly, but surely she sped up, going in a straight line toward Oil Slick, firing her duel lasers at him.

Approaching Shore

Despite the pain, Astrotrain had actually listened to the majority of Swindle's transmission. He wasn't usually as triggerhappy as Blitzwing nor as single-minded as Octane, wherever the slag he was right now, so he didn't tend to shoot first and ask questions later or have his mind on getting more fuel when someone was speaking.

Swindle made some valid points, but he could just as easily be trying to grease their skids so that he could take the credit for bringing them in after their little flirtation with insubordination.

That was the trouble with being a Decepticon--the need to remember that few, if any, were really looking out for your best interests and not their own. Ever.

"I don't know, Blitz. It's your call. I'm following your lead, for the...gah...time being," Astrotrain said, checking the ammunition levels in his weapon as another transmission blared through.

>>”Decepticons, we are under Autobot attack! Repeat, we are under Autobot attack! Approximately six Autobots are on the surface near the construction sight.”<<

What in the Pit? Who was that, anyway? Astrotrain looked around. He could still hear weapons firing. In the heat of battle, he hadn't noticed anything else that might have been going on around him. Swindle's attempt at negotiation had opened up a moment of realization for the triple-changer, if nothing else.

"Wait...Autobots? Here?"

On Shore

Ricochet initially ignored Hex as the crazy mech stepped in closer to him. The young Autobot’s explanation as to what Rodimus was doing in the confines of the thicket with the sicko known as Darkride offered little to ease the marksman’s anger and built up aggression. “Rodimus could’ve taken care of him out here and in a much quicker fashion. He’s wasting time playing with that ‘Con!” The black and gold gunner then cast a glance towards Hex at the mention of the interrogator wanting to off-line him. “Yeah, I’ll bet. Him and most others, including my...”

The marksman’s words were cut short as he noticed Hex’s crossbow pointed in his direction. Ricochet immediately reacted to the potential threat and spun around to face the insane Autobot youth, quickly raising his weapon up and aiming it directly at his own comrade who appeared to not know which side he was really on. “What the slag do you think you’re doing, Hex, pointing that bow at me?! I suggest you lower it now before I blow your fraggin’ head off!!”

The gunner’s words fell on deaf audios as the screams finally died down and Hex suggested that he go take a look. Ricochet glared back at the young mech through the sights of his dart rifle, not wanting to let his guard down in the presence of a clearly deranged individual that claimed to be a fellow Autobot. “Perhaps I will, and I’ll be sure to let Rodimus know that you’re shrike-bat slag crazy while I’m at it! Now, don’t move an actuator or you’ll be dead before you hit the ground!”

Backing away from Hex, Ricochet carefully stepped into the wooded area that was now behind him until he came to a small clearing. The marksman then turned around to address the flame-covered Autobot only to see him standing with Darkride, the interrogator seemingly no worse for wear. “Rodimus, Hex has.....” The gunner’s words once again trailed off as he noticed that the former cavalier’s hand was resting on the torturer’s shoulder as though he was a fellow comrade in arms. “...wait, what the frag are you doing!? I thought you were killing him and here you are welcoming the little slagger with open arms! Are you serious?!!”

Ricochet swung his rifle around and pointed it directly at both Rodimus and Darkride. “You’re no Prime, Hot Rod, not now, not ever!! You’re nothing more than a filthy traitor, and there’s only one way to deal with your kind!!!” Not waiting for an explanation, the enraged marksman opened fire, hoping to end the faux Prime’s reign before it had even begun.
_________

I understand, Master. It will be done!

Hardhead’s smile had widened as much as possible for a robotic lifeform. He was but mere astroseconds away from unleashing the Pit on these unsuspecting Cybertronians, both Autobot and Decepticon. They were a cancer that had spread across the galaxy and would even threaten the universe as a whole it they were not stamped out and obliterated once and for all.

The war veteran was pleased that one of his shards had at the very least grazed Oil Slick on the leg, but it had not been enough to bring down the chemical expert. This ‘Con was a slippery one to be sure as he expelled an acidic cloud to hide behind like the coward he and his kind really were. Transforming into motorcycle mode, the chemist made an attempt to escape into the sea, radioing his comrades as he went. Hardhead remained where he was and did nothing to stop the fleeing Decepticon as both Warpath and Saferoute were already on the attack.

>>”No, Saferoute, we are NOT taking prisoners! Destroy that ‘Con! Do not let him escape! Warpath, he may have already warned the rest of his brethren! Be prepared for more enemy troops coming from the sea!”<<

Once the comm line with the two Autobots had been severed, Hardhead let out a low chuckle. His intent was to keep their attentions on the waterline and not on himself or his brothers. The green herald had no intention of giving further aid to any Cybertronian regardless of the badge that they displayed oh so proudly. In fact, Hardhead could not wait to erase his own red symbol from his chestplate, forever severing the ties to his former existence.

Soon.

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Long Haul had been left alone once the triplechangers had abandoned him. Thankfully, there were more than enough worker drones to continue the digging and loading of material into his truck bed. Yet again, the green transport lugged more dirt and debris away from the water-tight dome with the intention of dumping the load in the same spot he had deposited everything else thus far. He paid little attention to the Combaticons as they tried to stop the fleeing Astrotrain and Blitzwing. It was a small skirmish that mattered little to the heavy lifter. He had a menial job to do and he wasn’t going to let a few misbehaving mechs get in his way.

Then, the transmission from Oil Slick came down from above. Apparently, the creepy chemist was under Autobot attack up on the beach. How the slag did they find us?! Even Soundwave with all of his communications skills hasn’t yet located our new base and those idiots were able to? Long Haul stopped in his watery tracks and quickly unloaded his burden onto the seabed before transforming back into robot mode. He glanced upwards towards the surface while at the same time opening a comm line to Scrapper:

>>”Hey, Boss! Did you get that transmission from Oil Slick? We got Autobots up there. Should I stop what I’m doing and go help or just let the Combaticons handle things?<<“

On Shore

Hex’s smile broadened when Ricochet finally looked over in his direction and caught sight of the young herald holding his crossbow on him. The look on the gunner’s face was simply priceless. Hex wondered what it would look like once his head was removed from his body. Or even better, why not produce a head on a spike. Yes. Now that would be enticing.

“Oh come on, Ric, you honestly think I’ll fire on you? Please. We’re on the same side, remember?”

The smile on his face morphed into something entirely sinister. He wanted energon spilled and it was the gunner’s that he would get.

“Hang on I’m comin’ with! I wanna see just what Roddy did to that freak!”

Slowly Hex lowered his weapon and started after Ricochet. Oh what a surprise he would be graced with. And so there stood his Master with the newest addition to their fold. It was rather touching to those who were privy.

Upon the intrusion of their makeshift sanctuary both Rodimus and Darkride looked in the gunner’s direction. The Prime expressionless while Darkride wore a mask of desperation. He wanted to make his first kill…he needed to feel the life giving energon flow through his actuators.

“You are wrong, Ricochet. I am indeed a Prime. And I am the one who will free you.”

Darkride let out a disturbing cackle as he and Hex watched their Master press forward…the plasma darts simply bouncing off the flame embossed chestplate. It was a power he had been holding back…and yet there were so many others that would come into play.

Rodimus stopped once in front of the black and gold mech and took hold of his weapon’s barrel. With little effort he gently pulled the rifle from Ricochet’s hands and placed it on his shoulder. He stared down into the shorter mech’s optics for a moment before he spoke.

“I am sorry, Ricochet. But the cleansing must commence. Hex…Darkride…kill him and dispose of the body.”

The Prime flashed the gunner a grievous expression as he placed a hand on his shoulder. With a slight nod Hex and Darkride began their advance while their Master took several steps backward.

“Do not worry. The child and my interrogator will take very good care of you. In fact Darkride will be sure to make your death quite painful. Now, I must bid you farewell.”

With those final words the mech who identified himself as Rodimus Prime vanished in a cloud of smoke. Teleportation...such a useful power. His final herald awaited and the Ultrax was his destination.

“I’ve been waiting for this. I told you I wanted to play. Do you still wanna play with me, Ricochet?”

Darkride let out a malicious laugh at Hex’s taunt before he and his brother descended on the unlucky Autobot.

Approaching Shore

“My call, huh?” Blitzwing looked at Astrotrain. “Really?”

Truth be told, that was all he could manage. He didn't expect Astrotrain to simply relinquish his vote on the current situation and rely on Blitzwing to make the decision, essentially casting his vote for him. But that appeared to be the case.

For a moment, he wondered if Astrotrain was having him on, was getting back at the Triple Changer for all the jokes he had forced upon his comrade to listen to in the last vorn or so. There certainly were more than a few. And as good-natured as they were—and as his intentions were—perhaps Blitzwing had crossed the line in his quest to prove that he was the funniest fellow to ever serve the Decepticon empire.

Maybe Astrotrain, dominated by frustration and bordering on breaking point, had resolved to play a joke on him?

What now?

What on Cybertron was he thinking about? His friend, fed up, planning to exact a little revenge on him? Please. Save the paranoia for those who truly warranted it.

“Well,” Blitzwing said. “I think we—”

A combination of beeps and flashes emitted from his comm-link, followed by a voice. Urgency could be detected in the dispatcher's tone. Gunfire could be heard haunting the background of the transmission.

>>”Decepticons, we are under Autobot attack! Repeat, we are under Autobot attack! Approximately six Autobots are on the surface near the construction sight.”<<

A new development. How interesting. How very interesting.

He grinned. “I say we go kick the slag out of some Autobozos. What say you?”

OOC: Uhh, Dev, it is called a construction site, not a construction sight.

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Ramjet had felt a strike of frustration when Blitzwing, one of his closest friends, ignored him. What was wrong? Blitzwing had punched him, but never ignored him before.

"Was it something I said?" Ramjet asked his friend, half joking.

He then heard cannon fire, then the familiar whirl of artillery whizzing by one’s head. The moronic Combaticon, Brawl had just fired a few Stun Grenades toward them. Ramjet acted fast and leaped out of the way with a jolt of his Rocket-Boots, narrowly avoiding the blast radius of the Stun Grenades.

“Fraggit, Brawl, watch your fire!” Ramjet bellowed, swimming over the irate tank-former and landing on a tall rock formation.

It was then when the transmission came. The voice was a new one to Ramjet, and that was saying something. He had had a fight with just about everyone at least once in his life, and he was not one to forget his victories. But this signal was a warning; Autobots were attacking the construction site!

Ramjet looked about him and saw that he and the Triple-Changers were the only fliers that were at the construction site. Seeing that he was the only “Elite” Seeker there, it was only natural that he would take command of the sky. But the Autobots would surely be in the water sooner or later, and that would mean that Ramjet would lose his advantage. He had to act now.

>>Blitzwing and Astrotrain! We need to stop the Autobots from getting to the construction site! Take it to ‘em in the sky!<< Ramjet barked through the open comm.

And, with that, Ramjet leaped from his perch and swam until he breached the surface. He then Transformed and blasted upwards, leaving a bowl of displaced water behind. He checked his altimeter and decided that he was high enough, so he pitched downwards and saw the Autobots laying waste to the lingering Decepticons on the beach. Most notably was Darkride, who was (A little disturbingly) being dragged into the tree-line. It was then when he heard the gut-wrenching scream from the woods. Even the birds flew out of their trees at the sound. Ramjet felt a chill down his spine. It wouldn’t surprise Ramjet if the red mech actually killed Darkride.

Not that he cared anything about the creepy mech, but he did care about the apparent hardcore Autobots.

>>Autobots sighted; sending coordinates. Erm, I think that they might have killed Darkride.<< Ramjet said through the link with the Decepticons.

*****

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

Bonecrusher felt the weight of the adhesive that the now nervous Mixmaster was spraying. The demolitions expert then walked to the structure and placed the panel on the skeleton of a dome. Then, after the adhesive had dried, Bonecrusher picked up the next one and began to carry it back to the chemist.

“Yeah, I think so! Looks like… A Conehead!” Bonecrusher growled.

Then the signal came from Oil Slick, another chemist. Bonecrusher recognized his voice because he had heard Oil Slick and Darkride speaking earlier. It was incredible, really; Autobots had found them! Bonecrusher slammed the panel into the dirt and pulled out his mortar launchers.

“Where are they!? I’ll rip their arms off!” Bonecrusher snarled openly.

Bottom of the Yellow Sea

One ready, five more to go - Scrapper thought as he disconnected some the various monitoring and programming equipment he had connected to Scavenger. Hook had followed his designs to perfection and had even managed to increase the efficiency of some of Scavenger's new sub-systems from Scrapper's original calculations. Not by much but Scrapper counted it as a small victory for the Empire nevertheless. Working side by side with professionals like Hook allowed Scrapper to reach heights he could never have reached on his own. And while Scrapper was not going to voice it, the same went for Hook himself. The master surgeon simply lacked Scrapper's engineering ingenuity. But those hands of Hook's... Scrapper was ready to bet even the legendary Autobot CMO Ratchet couldn't hold a candle to his fellow Constructicon.

>>”Decepticons, we are under Autobot attack! Repeat, we are under Autobot attack! Approximately six Autobots are on the surface near the construction sight.”<<

Just as Scrapper was preparing his equipment for the final touches with Scavenger's faux-maintenance operation, the transmission from Oil Slick came through. It truly seemed that the universe had again thrown a wrench to his plans. How in the name of Primus he was going to be able to finish Devastator with all these blasted interruptions?

>>”Hey, Boss! Did you get that transmission from Oil Slick? We got Autobots up there. Should I stop what I’m doing and go help or just let the Combaticons handle things?”<<

At least second transmission had come from one of his own, Scrapper thought as he prepared a reply for Long Haul in his mind. Neither he or Hook could engage the Autobots without endangering Scavenger's life and the Devastator project. And truth to be told, he'd rather keep Mixmaster working with his mixtures rather than sending the chemist to battle either. Same could not be said for Long Haul and Bonecrusher. They were both strong and tough, and had mindsets far better suited for combat than the rest of the Constructicons. He'd not hesitate to send them to bolster the ranks of their defences but he wanted to hear Onslaught's analysis of the situation first. The Combaticon strategist was simply far superior to him in situations like this and Scrapper had no reason to step on Onslaught's toes so to speak.

>>"We will wait for further instructions from Onslaught. However, we cannot ignore the possibility of having to engage the enemy. All Constructicons prepare for combat."<<