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Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 9:38 pm
by Foximus
Treeline

"Right," came Streetwise's short reply to his commanding officer, his head turned toward where Magnus, Kup, and Onslaught were gathered. He strained his audios to hear what was being discussed and almost blanched in disbelief when he realized what they were saying. The Fallen? As in...the Fallen? Impossible. He couldn't even fathom how many ways this situation could not be possible. The Fallen had been an old tale to scare the protoforms into shape. Something out of legend.

Unconsciously, Streetwise rested his actuators on his photon pistol. It steadied his nerves and gave him some solace in case chaos erupted here. He realized it could be interpreted as a sign of aggression and quickly let his actuators slide off of the gun. The interceptor devoted his unrest to more beneficial pursuits. He studied the other Decepticons gathered around. It served a dual purpose. He maintained a constant vigil of the Decepticons and also allowed him to observe their mannerisms, habits, and finer details of appearance. Things Streetwise would not forget. Any sort of information could prove useful in future pursuits of these Decepticons. Streetwise kept an audio on Magnus's council on the hill, however for new developements.

Bottom of the Yellow Sea - Decepticon Base

Scavenger stood off to the side fidgeting with impatience as he waited for the rest of the Constructicons to be finished with whatever Hook was doing to them all. He just wanted to go back to the Constructicons' usual type of projects - the kind that would let him dig to his spark's content. Not to mention the Autobots scurrying around above sea level, disrupting the relative quiet of the underwater terrain, also managed to interfere with the work the Constructicons wanted to accomplish.

When Long Haul and Bonecrusher returned, Scavenger tuned in his audio receptors to hear the news from above. For someone as simple as Scavenger, all of it was a bit much to take in. The excavator's processor narrowed down the thought process to only caring for how it would effect them and their future projects. Scavenger edged a little closer to Scrapper to ask his question.

"How's this gonna affect us, Scrapper?"

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 6:45 pm
by Smokescreen85
Undersea Base

Long Haul was a bit disappointed when his suggestion to just destroy the Autobots on shore now was dismissed by Scrapper. It was nothing new to the green transporter. His job was to carry stuff from point A to point B, not to think of military strategies and tactics. If he had been an analyst, he wouldn’t have picked a dump truck for an alt mode. However, that feeling of disappointment quickly changed into one of pleasant surprise and overall excitement. With the majority of the Earth bound Decepticons preoccupied with other matters at the moment, it was the perfect time to get as much work done on Devastator as possible.

“I’m next,” Long Haul said, not as a question but as a simple statement that elicited even more joy within his spark chamber. “You got it, boss!” Now, he would finally become more than just a mere transport. He would be one sixth of a whole, an important cog in a much larger mechanism that would spell certain doom for anyone who dared get in the Constructicons’ way. In fact, Long Haul already felt more valuable and the process to modify his body had not even begun yet.

Long Haul wasted no further time and moved over to the berth where Mixmaster had just been operated on. The heavy lifter sat down before eagerly swinging his legs up and onto the slab where he then allowed himself to lay flat. The green transporter couldn’t wait for the alterations to be complete, and he certainly couldn’t wait for the gestalt to finally become a reality for everyone to see and be awestruck by. It would be a momentous day when a Constructicon regime reigned supreme over the Empire. Both Shockwave and Razorclaw would tremble at their superior firepower and brute strength. No one would be able to stop them. No one!

“I’m ready, Hook,” Long Haul stated plainly as he glanced over at the surgical engineer. It then dawned on him that the procedure might not be completely painless. Although, the other Constructicons who had already gone through it seemed to exhibit no outward sign of distress. Of course, that didn’t necessarily mean they weren’t feeling any form of discomfort. It could simply mean that they were all tough enough to handle the change. If they can handle the modifications then so can I, Long Haul thought as he off-lined his optics and waited for the operation to begin.

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 3:10 pm
by Marcus Rush
Treeline

"You are correct to an extent First Aid. His capabilities and experiences are a valuable asset regardless of the circumstances. But even still, there would have been better options beyond Hardhead." He quietly nammed the two or three who combined the qualities that Hardhead offered to any commander or entitity. Magnus shook his head, "regardless of how it stands. Hardhead and the others are classified as POGs. And as such we will do what we can to help them. Unfortunately given the circumstances..." he left the last part unspoken. He refused to consider destroying his comrades as an option, even though he knew it was still a possibility.

Ultra Magnus responded to Kup's complaint with an apologetic smile. He did not mean to infer his friend was as old as Cybertron itself, though the same was decidedly untrue when it came to Vortex's prodding. Still it did bring to light that there was a lot of surface randomness to these possessions. He rubbed his chin in thought as his audio receptors picked up the various unrelated conversations and stored them for later analysis. There were connections, of that he had no doubt. Why these five individuals? Had they been apart of some operation on both sides that left them marked? His processors were in over time desperately trying to find a common ground. Onslaught was correct however, whatever that connection was, it was deeper than any of them truly knew. It meant that both sides would have to admit to operations that neither were ready to. All in order to find a way to stop this crazed lunatic before all were erased from existance.

Again his memory played back the brief glimpse of information from his trusted friend and advisor. A ritual that was stopped. That bit of information would be held deep in the vaults of history, but now they had at least something to investigate. Beyond looking for the connection as to why these five were selected, which would only serve a purpose as to explay why in itself that these events were being moved into place, finding a way to thwart the Fallen and his horde would be the only way to ensure their combined survival.

"Thank you Kup," he finally spoke as something sparked at the back of his mind. "A chaotic element inside a chaotic personality bent to quell a chaotic period. I believe that there is a connection for both sides. Any other time I am sure Perceptor would call this facinating. Unfortunately I don't think this is one of those periods." He stopped briefly as he considered his next avenue of responses and directives.

A thick pause of silence drifted over the smoldering battlefield as a ray of sunlight speared the broken remains of Tonton, the jungle combat specialist that had been torn to shreds by a smaller and decidedly more heavily overpowered Herald. The scene wanted to make Magnus expell empty platitudes of revenge or how their deaths would be in vain. But to die at the hands of a possessed mechanism, he could offer no words of comfort for his comrades or even his enemies. It was a reminder of the awesome power they were about to stare down.

"Agreed," he finally responded to Onslaught. He was still unsure as to which avenue to travel. This was Optimus's work. He and he alone would be able to make the right choice without hesitation. "The revival of the exiled one trumps our divisions of political ideologies. For now I recommend a complete withdrawl of our combat forces. Secondly we begin a colaborative review of our operational logs in pertaining to the five individuals in question. Each connection traced and logged for combined review. We find that proverbial micro fusor in a stack of hyperspanners, we may be able to locate the binding theme." He stopped briefly again as he allowed his optics to sweep across the gathered. "I have a feeling that when we locate that connection, we will locate the thread to The Fallen's ritual site."

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 7:08 am
by Drop Bear
(OOC: Oh, man. I'm so, so sorry for taking forever to post. And I hope you can forgive this shoddy post. I just needed to write something for Blitz, before 2013 got here...)

Shoreline

“Weren't we ever.”

Blitzwing shook his cranial unit. How could he forget the events that occurred at Tyger Pax? Simply, he couldn't. What began as a strong campaign, promising much success as it unfolded, inexplicitly deteriorated in rapid fashion, almost turning into something bordering on catastrophic.

Rather hard to forget about, that one. Particularly when Blitzwing and Astrotrain avoided certain death by the barest of margins. And considering that they were among the very few Decepticons to survive the disaster. All six of them in the end.

No, not an easy one to forget.

'Train, what the Pit's going on over there?” Blitzwing pointed to the assortment of Autobots and Decepticons not too far from his position. “Why is Onslaught talking with the 'Bots? What the Pit did I miss?” Another shake of the cranial unit. “Slag. I go off-line for a couple of breems and I miss something. Typical”

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 8:22 am
by USDA Prime
Treeline

"Good luck.", Groove wished First Aid, waving as the medic was bounced back to the Guardian with the wounded.

The Protectobot scout turned back to the remainder of their team still there- Streetwise and Hot Spot. Having been occupied with rescuing Ricochet, the Protectobot commander was just as in the dark about the entire situation as they were, so it was ordered that they would stay calm and follow Magnus' orders, but to be ready should the ceasefire suddenly fall apart.

"Understood.", he simply nodded to Hot Spot, gently placing his hand on the photon pistol holstered on his side.

Once that was said, Groove did as Streetwise did and focused his audio sensors toward the gathering of Autobots and Decepticons currently in discussions. Under normal circumstances such a gathering would have brought great joy to the pacifist's spark, but given the circumstances there was little to be joyful about. And even less once Groove heard what they had to say.

"The Fallen!?!", he exclaimed to the other Protectobots, unable to control his disbelief or dread, "Dear Primus no!"

Groove remembered the sinister feeling he got when he had spoke to Rodimus, how difficult it felt to look him into his optics, like they were trying to pierce right into his spark. It made the possessed cavalier's claims of "ending the war" all the more haunting, as Groove finally understood what he was really saying.

"Hot Rod is still here'..... Now I understand what he really meant.....", Groove spoke just loud enough for Hot Spot and Streetwise to hear him, "And he was telling the truth when he said he wanted to end the war.... Because there would be no war if he wiped out the Cybertronian race....."

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 3:07 pm
by Cryhavok
Treeline

Brawl, now in robot form - was visibly fidgety over the current situation, clutching his electron gun and eyeing Ultra Magnus and the other Autobots suspiciously. He had no idea what was going on other than for the fact that Onslaught had ordered a cease fire. And when Onslaught gave an order, Brawl obeyed it. Still, it felt unnatural. To stand there next to their sworn enemies instead putting a well aimed laser blast between the optics of every Autobot present - it was wrong on far more levels than Brawl could bother to count for.

And then there was the fact that due to the distance between the Combaticon bruiser and the Autobots alongside the creaking and rattling of his constantly moving frame made it impossible for Brawl to actually hear what Onslaught was discussing with the massive blue and red Autobot Commander. Which pretty much left only one question to be answered in Brawl's opinion at least.

>>"For frag's sake boss, can I open fire already? Standing this close to Autobots without trying to slag them... it is just wrong. Fragging wrong."<<

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:55 am
by Insidious
((OOC--Don't sweat it, Blades. :D ))

Shoreline

Astrotrain couldn't help but chuckle a little at the shared memory. One of many that existed between the two mechs since the earliest days of the war. It was good knowing that there were at least a few other Decepticons who understood the depth of commitment that Astrotrain had given to the war effort. And he them.

Astrotrain looked over at the grouping of Autobots and Decepticons with some hesitation. It brought him out of a little blissful nostalgia and back in to a reality that he wasn't sure he wanted to face.

"I don't know," Astrotrain began, trying to shrug off his apprehension as he and the other triple-changer approached the group. "I heard some comm chatter earlier. They said....eh, they said something about the Fallen being back. Being here. I'd think somebody glitched their core if it weren't for the fact that we all stopped firing at each other. Has to be something big, right?"

And, unfortunately, the only way to get some answers as to what that something was would be to join the group and find out exactly what it was they had all seen. And, if they were right, just what in the fiery slag they hoped to do about it.
___

Undersea Outpost

Scrapper was pleased to see that Long Haul took to his next task with the same degree of enthusiasm with which they had originated this project in the first place. He had expected some degree of reticence in allowing their physical forms to be manipulated in the way they were, but he hadn't been sure where it was going to come from. Scavenger was always a solid guess, but even he had shown no reluctance to put himself under the knife. Once Long Haul was complete, Bonecrusher, Hook and he himself would remain, and such reluctance was unlikely to originate from any of them. Clearly they all understood the magnitude of what they were undertaking here. Even so, they had not even reached the halfway point of this process and there was much that could--and likely would--interrupt their labors.

Onslaught's words regarding cooperation and supporting Razorclaw were all well and good, but the fact remained that Megatron was gone. The Decepticons would need an unstoppable force with which to rally behind. Razorclaw or any number of others might be able to fill that role for a time, but it was Devastator would could do so permanently. Scrapper would prefer that Devastator have been an engine of destruction that Megatron could have personally led in to the battlefield. But as that option had been ripped from his grasp, Scrapper had been forced to consider other alternatives, just as they all had.

As he set to work opening up Long Haul's internal mechanisms, Scavenger's question brought another reality to light. One that arguably overshadowed even the work they were doing to bring their gestalt to life.

"It's far too early to tell," Scrapper said, having allowed several moments to pass between Scavenger's initial question and his own response. "I'm still struggling to wrap my mind around it, honestly. It doesn't mean good things for any of us. I know that much. The best we can do is to focus on the work we were sent down here to do. Devastator will be what ensures our position in the Decepticon ranks and, perhaps, our survival."

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:44 am
by Drop Bear
Shoreline

Had Blitzwing possessed optic ridges, he would have immediately raised both at Astrotrain for mentioning the Fallen. Then he would have scrunched his features into something resembling scepticism. Then he would have had a good laugh. And then he would have slapped Astrotrain on the back, acknowledging his joke to be a decent one.

But the Triple Changer's tone contained nothing in the way of a jest. If anything, it was interwoven with a gravity all too genuine to ignore, for Blitzwing knew his comrade better than most.

Blitzwing looked at Astrotrain for a moment before speaking. “The Fallen, eh? Big, strong fella who could frag us all up even if he were deaf, blind and missing an arm and a leg?”

A rhetorical question. Everyone knew who the Fallen was.

“Well, paint my insignia red and call me an Autobot. If that's true, then we're in deep slag.” Blitzwing grinned. “But hey, we gotta prove it first, right? Might as well hear what they all have to say.”

With that, he followed Astrotrain, and the two Triple Changers approached the assortment of Transformers engaged in discussion. Whatever was happening, Blitzwing wanted to know what was going on. He needed answers. Because if the Fallen truly was here, then...

Well, it'd be nice to be in the know before he was obliterated.

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 2:46 pm
by Insidious
Treeline

Onslaught's initial response to Brawl did not come in the form of words. Rather a simple hand gesture that anyone on the team would recognize as an order to stay their weapons.

The weight of the reality that was staring back at the Combaticon Commander was a powerful one. Magnus' most recent words reverberated in his mind. The Fallen's presence overshadowed their every action from this point forward. Every action they took would have to be taken with the knowledge that they could be moving that much closer to their collective extinction.

Onslaught intended to do his part to move them further away from that possibility, even if it was only one little step at a time.

"Agreed," he said simply, looking to the other Decepticons that had joined them on the ground. Onslaught's weapon transformed and retreated back in to his arm chambers. "Decepticons--withdraw."

Sparing a glance in both Ultra Magnus and Kup's direction, Onslaught turned and began walking off specifically toward his unit. The other Decepticons could follow suit and debrief from there as needed.

"Loathe though I am to admit it, the Autobots are no longer the primary threat we face," Onslaught said, responding to Brawl's outburst specifically and out in the open. Though others had not expressed their sparklust so vociferously as the Combaticon warrior had, it was still likely a concern that many of them shared. "Shockwave was more correct than he had the ability to know, back on Cybertron. If we don't succumb to a lack of energon, we will surely succumb to the Fallen's presence if we allow ourselves to become distracted by secondary matters."

Onslaught paused, before looking over at Swindle. His idea regarding regaining direct access to their ship and their fellow Combaticon, Blast-Off, had merit but was ill-timed. Now, while the timing was not ideal, regaining access to those resources had become a necessity rather than a luxury.

"Your plan from before--to regain the Obliteration. Do it. Coordinate with Blast-Off as needed. Utilize Vortex and Brawl to acquire the necessary munitions. We will need it sooner than I had anticipated."

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:40 pm
by Foximus
Transmission to Kup

>>"Kup, it's Blaster. What's the situation down there? We just got a rush of injured Autobots. Do you need reinforcements?"<<

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:17 am
by Devastron
Treeline

Ironhide almost laughed at Onslaught’s reply to his remark about lunatic Decepticons. It took a decent amount of control to keep from retorting back at the Combaticon leader. Stockpiling a bunch of lunatics and crazies was just one of the many reasons the Cons would never win this war, especially know without their great leader to keep all of those knees bent. He doubted whether there were any other Cons around who could keep them all in line. They’d probably end up wiping each other out in some big civil war or something.

The red Autobot listened as the conversation between Bot and Con continued, a bit more polite now. It was all interesting stuff but Ironhide had always made a habit of letting others deal with the bigger ideas and strategy. He was always better at seeing the here and now instead of the big picture. That’s why he would always be mixing it up with the grunts rather then sitting back at base directing things. That suited him just fine.

Ironhide turned and walked back towards the various other gathered Autobots. He caught sight of First Aid evacuating with the wounded and nodded. With the battle apparently over wounded took first priority. With them dealt with it was time to make sure everyone else was ok. From what he could hear from the various Protectobots that wasn’t looking too good. News of the Fallen was already spreading and he could tell morale was taking a nosedive with it.

“Alright Autobots, keep it together fer Cybertron’s sakes. Just cause someone comes out claimin’ to be the boogeyman doesn’t mean we are all doomed. If you believe all of those fairy tales then you know the Fallen’s been beaten and banished or imprisoned or somethin’ before. That means it can be done again and we’ll be the ones doing it, so don’t be getting your wires all twisted up about it. And as fer knowing Hot Rod was taken over by the Fallen, well until a few minutes ago I didn’t even think he was real, so don’t go beaten yerself up about it.”

Hot Spot nodded in agreement with Ironhide. Internally he was still blaming himself for how out of control the whole situation had gotten. His desire to try and keep it quiet and settle it himself had lead to all of this. “He’s right Protectobots, lets keep it together and not blame ourselves or each other for this.

*

Kup remained quiet as Magnus and Onslaught quickly sorted out a mutual withdrawal. He waited for Onslaught and his group to being pulling back before speaking up to Ultra Magnus. “Well, that didn’t go too bad. Two fatalities but the rest have been evacuated back to the ship. Ratchet should have them patched up in no time. We did manage to rescue the Bots who’d already been roughed up and we have some idea of current Decepticon whereabouts, even if we do have a ceasefire at the moment.”

Kup paused for a moment for continuing. “This probably doesn’t need to be said, but I’d be careful how much information you send ‘em.” He gestured at the retreating forms of the Decepticons. “Even letting them know where Hot Rod and the others have been over the past few days or whatever could give them some vital intel. I somehow doubt that they will be totally open with us anyway, despite what Onslaught said.”

The old timer looked back at the other Autobots where Ironhide and Hot Spot were already trying to rally them. He looked back at Ultra Magnus and spoke quietly to him. “You need to get on top of all of this. This news of the Fallen, coming so soon after losing Prime, well it ain’t gonna do anything good for morale, I can tell you that. I wouldn’t even think of keepin’ this quiet either, get back to the ship and lay it out for everyone and get them working and planning on it. Make everyone feel like we are ahead of the curve on this one and not completely blindsided like we are. Keep them busy and focused and they will feel confident that we can whip this thing.”

Kup received the signal from Blaster and sent back a brief reply.

*

Oil Slick remained silent as Onslaught arranged the mutual ceasefire and withdrawal of both sides’ forces. He trusted the Combaticon commander and his reputation for sound strategy on these points. Right now he was more concerned with his personal well being.

Physically he would need some repairs but he hadn’t suffered significant injuries. Of greater concern was his standing in the Decepticon ranks. With the apparent defection? Brainwashing? Mental control? Whatever it was that had happened to Darkride meant he had lost the only ally he trusted at all among the Decepticon ranks. Along with that any investigation into Darkride’s movements of late would get a little too close to his own rather illicit activities. He had no desire to be in the spotlight, but it seemed it would thrust upon him whether he wanted it or not. He would just have to figure out a way to work around his absence if possible in any explanations to the other Decepticons.

*

Swindle was disappointed to see the Autobots reclaiming their fallen soldiers. That’s what made this business so hard sometimes; Autobots always came back for their dead. While Decepticons shared most of the same parts, there were a few things you could only get from an Autobot. Certainly any intact memory files would be worth something, along with any entertainment vids they might have that the Cons didn’t. Of more value though were things like insignias, some Cons were just crazy about collecting those, probably for bragging rights. Swindle was happy to sell them and then keeping his mouth shut when those same Cons bragged about taking them off fallen enemies.

The arms dealer was a bit concerned to hear about The Fallen being involved in all of this. He’d always been the more practical sort, not really getting into all of those superstitions and legends, but he had heard of the Fallen. In fact he was pretty sure he’d sold a scimitar wielded by the Fallen, or, at least that’s what he’d told the dope who’d bought it off of him, made a nice little profit on that one. He’d rigged it up to light on fire and everything. Still, if the Fallen was truly involved and if he was anything like what everyone said he was, then they were going to need some heavy firepower. Maybe it was time to enact his little failsafe, whether Onslaught agreed to it or not. He knew that he would feel safer surrounded by his vast array of weapons and equipment.

The Combaticon looked up at Onslaught as the commander addressed him. A wide smile spread over his face as his purple optics lit up. “That’s music to my audio receptors Onslaught! I’ve just been waiting to hear those words! We’ll get old Blast Off down here along with oodles of guns, explosives and other goodies. This Fallen guy will wish he’d never crawled out of whatever he was in!”

Swindle produced a small beacon. “I know you’ll like this Onslaught, you always like to be prepared and I’ve taken that to heart. I rigged up one of the escape pods on the Obliteration for just such an occasion. Lets just say I’ve got it decked out as a little ‘care package’ in case we needed it and couldn’t contact the ship directly or get back to it.” ‘Or in case you guys kicked me off the team for good,’ he added silently to himself.

Anyway, I activate this and the escape pod launches. I installed a full cloaking unit on this baby, so once it detaches it disappears. Only old Blast Off will notice and I’ve got a pre-programmed message to let him in on it all. The invisi-pod will then lock on to my location and land nearby, instant portable armory! Ya gotta love technology!”

*

Undersea Base

Hook overheard some talk about the Fallen, but he dismissed it considering it came from Long Haul. You couldn’t trust all the rubbish a glorified transport was bound to spout off about. Scrapper could waste time considering the fool’s words while he kept hard at work. Worrying about superstitions wasn’t going to get Devastator completed any sooner.

The surgical engineer sneered at Mixmaster. “I would have to say that your usage of the word ‘genius’ denigrates all true geniuses out there, like myself. Now get out of the way while I continue to create the greatest feat of engineering Cybertronian technology has ever seen!”

Once Long Haul was on the table Hook quickly went to work. With each surgery he performed he became more adept. Unfortunately there was a limit to what experience could do to help him. Each Constructicon had a unique build, along with a unique function in the Devastator whole. This made each surgery different from the last. The Constructicon relished the challenge though as he quickly began make the adjustments to Long Haul’s internal structure to allow for the additional transformation and the flow of power and information across his circuits and into the connection points with the other Constructicons. After that bit of engineering came the more challenging work of adjusting cerebral circuitry, opening him to the merged mind that would be Devastator. Truly, if they weren’t at war he would write an entire journal on this process and likely win every award the science and technology academies on Cybertron had to offer.

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Tue Jan 08, 2013 2:23 am
by Marcus Rush
Treeline

As Onslaught and the remaining Combaticons began a rather staggered withdrawl, with Vortex remaining to cover the rear perhaps to intercept some vital tidbit of inteligence before he too was forced from earshot, Magnus carefully and methodically began pegging out how further develop this into a mutually beneficial foundation of cooperation. Perhaps fate had given the Cybertronians a chance, albeit slim, to begin building political bridges that could lead to an end of this ever long period of conflict. His optics returned to their full width as he completed a scan of the battlefield. Bits of burnt timber, detonated boulders and charred rubble were strewn across an area no bigger than a half terran kilometer squared, but it was still large enough to rise concerns from the locals.

"Agreed. Any information I intend to send them will only pretain to the five members in question, and heavily redacted to where they had been in mutual contact and to general location. Details of operations will be withheld... and I expect that Onslaught would do the same." The first brick of the foundation of a bridge of cooperation, and it was already weakened by the necessities of their on going conflict.

His voice trailed off as he pivoted to gaze down the shakened Autobot cadre that remained. Kup was correct, much to his dismay. These horror stories would spread and shake even the staunchest Autobot's nerve programming... that was if bravery was not set in motion to counter such fears. One of the rare times he wished the likes of Fortress Maximus or even Scattershot and his merry band of misfits were here and now. Still it was a task he had been agreed to take up and inwardly he reminded himself to have Prowl scrub the exhaust manifolds of the Guardian for even talking him into it.

Ultra Magnus's optics locked with each of the Autobots present, to his amazement Slingshot the typically most vocal had been the most silent. A confident and reassuring smile melded to his faceplate as his weapon locked into a hidden subspace holster. "You are correct Kup," he stepped back to the Protectobots, Ironhide and Slingshot. "You are all familiar with the stories of the Fallen. You are all familiar with the legends that we have all been told when were nothing more than protoforms in the well. The Fallen, a great power who could challenged the order of Primus himself. The tales tell of the stories of how he rose and then fell from power."

Magnus's voice paused briefly as he considered where to go, he inspired by action and rarely by word. To be on a battlefield, to storm the enemy lines, to never surrender. That was how he had earned a reputation... at least a reputation others believed he deserved. "They are story files meant to frighten the masses into submission. But those stories of fear always end the same way. They end with the bright hope that even such terrors can be beaten, they can be felled by the greatest weapon in anyone's arsenal. We Autobots, we have that weapon in spades, a design that allowed our foremodels not to descend into the insanity and chaos that The Fallen promised."

Ultra Magnus moved to rest a reassuring hand on the shoulder unit of Groove. "We possess hope. We possess the legecy of justice and we possess what is right. We are the legecy of our foremodels, they too fought a brother as we ourselves fight siblings of our own. There is no difference. We have beaten Megatron and his legions time and again, the Fallen will be no different." He gave a subtle squeeze to the Protectobot scout and waved off a protest from Slingshot. He did not need the power diferencial reminder nor did he require the utter unpredictability of the Chaotic entity. And he certainly did not want the reminder that his own brother was now lost to them, the last of the Primes.

"What we must do now is gather our strength and secure our foundations. We must work together to bring about a united front against chaos. When we work together, when we act as one and with justice on our side my friends, we can defeat even the most daunting enemy." He released his grip on Groove's shoulder and looked over to Ironhide and Kup. "In the meantime we too will withdrawl. Return to the Ark 22 to begin devising our counter strategies."

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Tue Jan 08, 2013 9:27 am
by Insidious
Shoreline

"Let's hope it doesn't go that far," Astrotrain said with a smirk, referencing his fellow triple-changer's joke regarding having an Autobot insignia sludged on him.

Astrotrain listened in as Onslaught spoke primarily to his Combaticons. He didn't really seem all that interested with him or anyone else who wasn't specifically part of his unit. That suited Astrotrain just fine. It hadn't been all that long ago that he and Blitzwing were blasting their way out of this little encampment. Truth be told, he still wasn't all that averse to the idea of quietly slipping away. But where then? That was the question. Until he had an answer, he wouldn't push it.

"Well, there's our proof," Astrotrain said as he looked over at Blitzwing. "I mean, he's not standing in front of us or anything, but if a guy like Onslaught's gonna change his whole strategy based on something, then I'm gonna take it as true.

"If it ain't the Fallen, it's probably something else that's just as bad."

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 3:27 am
by Cryhavok
Treeline

Were Brawl a human, his whole head would have turned red of rage by now. Not even Onslaught's command take authorized Swindle to call an escape pod stashed full of weapons did little to change the baseline situation that was utterly alien to the heavily armed engine of destruction.

"Withdraw?! What the slag you are yammering about boss?!" Brawl fumed, his left hand clenched into fist that he was now shaking before his commanding officer. The fact was that the raging Combaticon was barely being able to contain his growing need of unleashing violence against, well - anyone. And now Onslaught, one of the few commanding officers he actually respected - was calling it quits because of some tall tale character?

"I don't care if some slagger fell on his face gazillion vorns ago and had some fancy pencil-neck write up a far fetched story to cover his clumsiness!" The increasingly irritated warrior continued his raging, now pointing his fore-finger at the large Autobot commander standing several hundred feet away from his position. "That's Ultra slaggin' Magnus! One of our biggest enemies!"

Brawl's body language was getting increasingly indicative of a sudden burst of action. "And his ugly mug is in need of reformat through an explosive shell!"

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 10:41 am
by Insidious
Shoreline

Onslaught took in Swindle's latest information dump with no small degree of satisfaction. Again he had affirmed exactly why Onslaught kept him in the unit, despite some of his questionable actions in the past. He did typically manage to redeem himself.

"Impressive," Onslaught admitted, not reticent at all to compliment his subordinates when they went above and beyond the call of duty. "Make contact with Blast-Off and get a sit-rep and proceed as planned. Let's have access to that pod ASAP."

Onslaught continued on, prepared to return to their undersea construct and inform Scrapper and his team of what they had learned up here.

"Vortex, I want full activity logs of everything that our missing brothers were up to in the cycles leading up to today and their sudden departure. We'll see how useful that information might be in predicting exactly what step the Fallen is going to take next. Then..."

Before Onslaught could say anything further, Brawl's interjection managed to get the Combaticon Commander's full attention. Moreover, his posture suggested that he was on the edge of doing something that could well see this beach awash in weapons fire all over again.

Taking large strides, Onslaught put himself directly in Brawl's path, shielding the Autobots who would have surely been the recipient of the Combaticon tank's next barrage.

"NO!" Onslaught shouted, before quickly calming and closing the distance between himself and his soldier. "No. This battle is over. Ultra Magnus and his kin will get theirs when the time is right. Our focus is up there. On the Thanatos, with Razorclaw working to ensure our new positions of power. And.....the Fallen. Loathe though I am to give such seeming nonsense any actual attention, it appears to be true. Given that, we have to prioritize. Once Shockwave is dealt with and Razorclaw is in power, we can ensure that the Fallen does not exterminate us. After that, we resume exterminating Autobots. Fair?"

Onslaught was not normally even one to ask, but he had utilized the bruiser's skills so haphazardly in combat recently, he knew he had to offer the belligerent tank some insight in to why he was doing what he was doing, otherwise he might well go off and either ruin Onslaught's strategy or just go off on his own entirely, just like those triple-changers had attempted to do.

Speaking of which....

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 2:26 am
by Rex Prime
Air Raid, was like a bystander during all these events, standing in his place, attempting to understand what's going on, and watching, unsure of what is really happening, coming late didn't do any good.

The Aerialbot watched as the Autobots and the Decepticons made a "truce", against the fallen, unsure of what he heard it seems like Hot Rod is the fallen, and has gathered some minions. That was a complete shock for Air Raid, that he, at the beginning assumed that there was an error with his systems, but no, it wasn't much before he was aware that he was hearing stuff. It's real.

Ultra Magnus soon ordered the withdrawl of the Autobot's forces, the Aerialbot is still trying to not believe what he heard, he should ask Slingshot later, he seen it all, he couldn't just lie on him. But now his duty is to return to the Ark, Air Raid prepared himself before using an Orbital Bounce from the Earth to the Ark, The Aerialbot left the scene

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 6:49 am
by Drop Bear
Tree Line

He plucked one from this joint. He plucked one from that crevice. He plucked one from that joint. He plucked one from this crevice. Here, there and everywhere were chunks and slender pieces of wood jutting out of Blitzwing's armour-plating as though he were striving to pass himself off as a new species of cyber-hedgehog.

Curse that forest and its trees.

He had Slingshot to thank for his ridiculous makeover, and he intended to show his appreciation in true Blitzwing fashion: by introducing his fists and scimitar to the Aerialbot. They were raring—oh so enthusiastic to meet Slingshot—and after they'd finished their greetings, neither the cunning of Swindle nor the proficiency of Gutcruncher would be capable of salvaging any spare parts, even remotely decent, to sell. Such was the atrocity Blitzwing had planned for the tin foil plane.

But it would have to wait. Slingshot appeared to be on his best behaviour, and that most likely owed to the ceasefire in place. That ceasefire, of course, conjured up and solidified with commands from Onslaught and Ultra Magnus, the highest-ranking Transfomers present, their respective superiors. Blitzwing couldn't exactly tell either of those two to “take a hike, loser”, or “you're not the boss of me so shut your oral cavity”, or “go frag yourself”, as much as he would have enjoyed saying those things to Magnus, particularly that last one.

Onslaught might have a meltdown due to the lack of proper protocol that he was such a stickler for.

So with a lot of reluctance and a lot more effort, he cast Slingshot from his mind, tried to be good, and listened to the ensuing discussion between Onslaught and Magnus. When it came to an end he was rather pleased, because all this talk of The Fallen had made Blitzwing somewhat anxious, had almost prompted him to disrupt their conversation and throw his own thoughts into it. Only by exercising a considerable amount of self-restraint had he not added his viewpoint.

Kill or be killed. That's all there is to it.

Blitzwing believed that to be an adequate reason to have included himself in their discussion. Hunt or be hunted. Strike or be struck. The practical part of him demanded something be done before it was too late.

Then again, it would be kind of difficult attacking a foe who could travel from one side of the solar system to the other in the blink of an optic. That foe being a demi-god. And kind of difficult as in incredibly difficult, if not impossible.

Hmm. Quite the prickly situation. Though, in Blitzwing's opinion, action still needed to be taken.

Brawl's outburst brought the Triple Changer back to reality, yanking him from his pondering state. He grinned at Brawl's reaction, predictable as it was—but also highly amusing. He had to. Among the Decepticons to have been selected for the Earth campaign, Blitzwing regarded Brawl as one of his genuine friends.

As tough as the most durable alloys, more brutal than the fiercest plasma storm, and perpetually keen to slaughter Autobots, what wasn't to like? And who better to fight alongside with in battle?

Blitzwing laughed. “That a lad, Brawl! Now tell everyone how you really feel!”

His laughter halted when he noticed Onslaught's gaze targeting him. No, not just him. Astrotrain, too. The Combaticon commander's posture suggested dissatisfaction or a condition similar to it. Joy.

Blitzwing looked at Astrotrain. “Am I paranoid or are we in deep slag?”

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 7:52 pm
by Devastron
Treeline

Kup wasn’t much for flowery speeches; he was always more of a practical Bot. Still, he understood the importance of rallying the troops, especially now that morale had taken a pretty heavy blow. Magnus seemed up to the task for now, although they would need some action to back up those words. The Autobots were taking far too many losses to just patch over with some words. Hopefully everyone would be able to keep it together long enough for them to deliver some sort of victory.

“Alright, you heard him, we’re heading back to the Ark-22. If any of you still need repairs, get them. The rest of you can return to whatever duties you were performing. I’d suggest getting refueled as we are going to have to be prepared for the Fallen and the Decepticons’ next moves, whatever they are.”

Kup sent a standard retrieval signal to the Ark-22 and in short order all of the Autobots present were bounced back to the vessel.

(OOC: All Autobots in this thread are now moved to the Ark-22 and can begin posting there.)

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:14 am
by Cryhavok
Treeline

"After that, we resume exterminating Autobots. Fair?"


Deep down, Brawl had known that Onslaught wouldn't let him continue on his chosen course. Still, his rage just did not let him be okay with it without at least blowing some steam off through screaming and shouting. To be frank, had Onslaught not thrown himself on his line of fire, he'd have tried to shoot Ultra Magnus - not just make noise.

"Fine!" Brawl finally managed to grunt. Onslaught's reasoning didn't really find their target in the Combaticon warrior. The Fallen didn't sound any less of a myth. And if he was such a threat, why they couldn't just order an orbital strike from the Thanatos instead of waiting for Razorclaw to make his move against Shockwave? It wasn't like the uprising couldn't wait for little longer. But such lingering thoughts didn't make Brawl any less of a soldier. He was still able to follow orders. Even if he tried to bend them as much as he could depending on who was giving the commands.

The following Autobot mass exodus through orbital bounces robbed him of the chance to actually kill them anyways. For now.

However, it did not remove his lust for causing mayhem.

"We still gonna play hide and seek with the fleshbags?" Brawl asked, and continued before Onslaught had a chance to respond, "If so... get everyone off this fraggin' beach 'cuz I am going to clean the damn traces we left by blowing it all up!"

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 11:32 am
by Smokescreen85
Encrypted Transmission to Onslaught from Blast-Off:

>>”Commander Onslaught, this is Blast-Off reporting. I have received a message from Razorclaw who is currently aboard the Thanatos. The message was sent via a light beacon directed at our sensor array. Rather low tech but still very effective. Seems that big things are about to go down over on the Predacon vessel. I’m relaying to you the translated communique now. I await your response.”<<


Decoded Message from Razorclaw's Beacon - Relayed by Blast-Off:

{Razorclaw to Onslaught. Need immediate assistance on Thanatos. Battle against Shockwave to begin soon in hangar. Powered up on ultra energon. Use caution. Out.}

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 11:46 pm
by Devastron
Shoreline

Swindle gave Onslaught a broad smirk. He knew that when his commander gave praise he truly meant it. While he wasn’t the type to go sniffing for simple praise, he was more then welcome to hearing it. Maybe he would work that into some future sales pitches. ‘From Swindle, the Decepticon called by Combaticon Commander Onslaught as ‘impressive.’ Yeah, that probably needed some work, but it was a start.

“You won’t regret this boss, this is gonna be great!” The arms dealer flipped open a panel on the beacon and hit the activation button. The device lit up as it beamed a signal up to the Obliteration. Now they just needed to wait, preferably peacefully, of course with Brawl and Autobots nearby that just wasn’t going to happen.

Swindle backed off as Brawl threw a fit and Onslaught raced to stop him from doing something monumentally stupid. He was tempted to throw in a comment or two, especially since Brawl had been yelling at him not too long ago. He held his tongue this time though as it looked like he would be needing Brawl’s assistance in the near future. It was best to keep him as calm as was possible for the goon. The Combaticon would have to make sure to give him a simple assignment though, probably smashing or blowing something up.

The arms dealer’s optics followed Onslaught’s as he looked over at the two triple changers loitering nearby. Swindle came up next to his commander and whispered to him. “Boss, you want me to bring the triples back into the fold here? Do a little bit of negotiating on your behalf? I’m sure I can get them back in line, there probably shell-shocked after all that’s happened. I’m sure if we can avoid punishment this time they’ll be begging to get back in on our side.” Of course Swindle would have to work his own angle as well and score some sort of profit out of it. Of course Onslaught should expect that, but he’d still get the job done for his commander. He was still loyal, in his own way.

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 12:24 pm
by Insidious
Shoreline

Like he usually did, at least when Onslaught forced him to, Brawl managed to pull through his own excessive degree of violence and vitriol and see reason. It wasn't ideal, but Onslaught would take it. The alternative would send the next few orns up in flames--quite literally.

Onslaught normally would have been relieved to get the status update from Blast-Off. Primarily, it confirmed that he hadn't done anything to get the Obliteration shot out of the sky by the Predacons' more powerful vessel, ominously under the command of Shockwave and Soundwave--neither of whom would likely hesitate to do just that if they thought their power base was being subverted. His Combaticon subordinate sounded no worse for wear, but the situation had indeed changed. Drastically.

It had, at least, pulled his attention away from the insubordinate triple-changers.

>>"Understood Blast-Off. Good work. Coordinate with Swindle. We're about to make our move. If you can get word to him in the same secure fashion, do it."<<

"Use haste, Swindle. It seems we may well be in battle as soon as I have access to that pod of yours. Maybe sooner. As for the triple-changers," Onslaught began. He didn't want to waste their talents, but there was also to be some degree of punishment that would be expected by everyone for the actions they had taken. Onslaught was not one to ignore it. "Proceed. They're yours to command for the time being. Have them do what you need them to do in order to get done what needs doing. Brawl will enforce your commands if needed."

This was it. All of his team had critical tasks to undertake, either to assist Razorclaw--and thus, themselves--or prevent their extinction at the hands of a Cybertronian legend. Neither were situations that Onslaught would have suspected he would oversee in any fashion not even one full vorn before, and yet here he was.

"Clear out so Brawl can do his work. And make sure you're loaded up. We won't be down here much longer."

Onslaught's gaze turned from the triple-changers as he crossed the water's edge and began trekking back down in to the depths where the Constructicons were likely still hard at work on what might well be their only refuge if things went badly.
___

"Deep slag," Astrotrain agreed, quietly hoping that Onslaught and Brawl would suddenly start pummeling each other right in front of them. That would've been a good show.

But it seemed to be all for not, as the Combaticon Commander's attention looked like it was being pulled in some other direction. Something was going on and Astrotrain had no idea what. He didn't like that. But Onslaught's attention didn't look like it was on them anymore, either. That works.

"Or...maybe not."

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:09 am
by Drop Bear
Shoreline

Blitzwing grunted. “Who would've thought, eh?”

Interesting. Instead of Onslaught screaming at the Triple Changers for their act of insubordination, probably sabotaging a detail here and there in some strategy he had in place, the Combaticon commander simply strode past the pair without a sound, and vanished into the sea. Blitzwing was happy about that.

But he wasn't particularly happy about the instructions Onslaught had left Swindle to carry out. If he'd heard correctly, then—somehow, incredibly, inexplicitly, unbelievably, impossibly—that little cyber-weasel, Swindle, was on the verge of assuming command over the Triple Changers. Like telling them what to do right now.

What? Why? How? How?

Blitzwing sighed, a raucous noise that could have done with some toning down, if not only for the deliberate exaggeration that coated it. He would refuse to take orders from that pipsqueak.

“What the Pit, 'Train?” The look on Blitzwing's face-plate was anything but content. “Was Onslaught serious? Was he really? Do we seriously have to obey that oil stain?”

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 9:29 am
by #Sideways#
Treeline

It was a while until Ramjet showed back up on the beach. He had been planning and waiting until the time was right to make his presence known, and he had a perfect opportunity on his hands. It seemed that nearly everyone on the Ultrax went out for battle, somewhere. This left the derelict ship behind.

>>Waspinator? Do you read?<< Ramjet sent a signal to possibly someone who was on the Ultrax at the time.

He heard static. There was a chance that he was still there, but Ramjet wasn't sure if he was, anymore.

>>Wazzpinator readzz Ram-Bot loud and clear.<< Ramjet smiled.

Ramjet then quietly told him his plan, and how useful Waspinator would be in it, at least, for the time being. After his briefing, there was more static. Had the Insecticon hung up on him?

>>Ram-Bot... Need... Wazzpinator...?<< There was a sob over the static, it seemed that Waspinator was rather emotionally compromised at the moment. >>Wazzpinator aczzept. Wazzpinator get to work right away!<<

Suddenly, Ramjet heard some shouting. It was that of Blitzwing. It seemed he was not content with Swindle being their CO. Needless to say, Ramjet agreed. Strolling forward out of the woods, he made directly for the Triplechangers, just in time to hear the commando's question. Putting his hands over both of their shoulders, Ramjet prepared a smile for them, making it as genuine as possible.

"Of course not. Why take orders from him, when you can come with me?" Ramjet said, smooth and calm.

Striding up to Swindle, he glared at the black market dealer.

"I'll deal with this. You don't need to do anything with them. You have more pressing matters to attend to, obviously. Just tell the boss that you left them in good hands and that you are better suited by his side, or something." And with that, he left Swindle and went back to the Triplechangers.

Leaning in close to where only the two Triples could hear him, he said rather quickly, "If you wish to hear what I have to say, turn off your GPS beacons now. I already have. The Bounce will not pick me up."

Re: Sea of Change

PostPosted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 9:39 am
by #Sideways#
Undersea Base

To say Bonecrusher was angry would be an understatement. He hated, and I mean hated to be left out on a chance to beat some faces in. He heard some murmurings of the Fallen, but he didn't care. Not. One. Bit. He wanted to blow something up...

But there would be a time for that.

Now is probably the only time that there could be a base built, not to mention an opportunity to build Devastator... Bonecrusher couldn't help himself from grinning a bit under his facemask. That was a name of power. Something that people would respect. No more were they just some construction guys, they were the Constructicons!

Needless to say, it made Bonecrusher a bit excited. Using his massive strength and the almost low-gravity of the sea, Bonecrusher leaped from his position on the front lines all the way to the base in a matter of instants. There was a cloud of silt that arose from his landing, but that mattered nothing to him. He was going to get this upgrade. Now.

"Hook! I'm up next!" Bonecrusher didn't care who is in front of him, or behind him in line, he was going to have that next spot and pretty much nothing was going to stop him.