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Bridge

A moment passed as Wingspan waited for a response from the massive clawed mech, but when none came the data processor simply straightened to his full height and stepped back. There was no reason reassert his query, in time he would get his answer.
And that answer did come in the form of a briefing of the groups’ up and coming raid on the Autobots’ penal colony; Garrus 9.

Both Scorponok and Cyclonus laid out the entire process. With the use of a holographic projector all gathered were able to see just where and what they were intended to be and do. Wingspan instantly perked up when he and Sparkstalker were specifically named and given their own orders.

Simple enough…wait for the attack on the Steelhaven commences and hack into the Autobots’ command network. Their ultimate goal; render the Autobots trapped in the penitentiary helpless. No communications with either the outside world or within the prison itself. Disable the defenses…utterly helpless. Wingspan smiled.

The briefing continued with other key points offered and discussed. The clone studied the holograms carefully committing every detail to his memory. There would be no room for errors, and he would see to it that his part was performed flawlessly.
____

From his position Cipher had an unobstructed view of the detailed holographic images that both Scorponok and Cyclonus had brought up. The scientist was more than willing to commit everything to memory…especially every feature of the prison’s layout.

With his optics glued to the image the scientist removed a data slate from storage and linked the device to the holographic imager. The diagram of the facility that was projected was instantly copied and downloaded to the device’s drive. Cipher then removed its uplink and brought up the image on the screen.

While is optics were glued to the hand held tablet Cipher’s audios were in tune to everything Scorponok and Cyclonus had to say. Most of the infiltration would involve the warriors and soldiers; with that there was really nothing he could offer. Although he more than capable of holding his own in battle, Cipher was a scientist and therefore he would contribute to this campaign in a manner befitting his function…unless instructed otherwise.

“Now, where are you?” Cipher spoke softly while he scanned over the data on the screen. It had to be there, but it wasn’t on the map. Cipher tilted his head slightly as he tapped his chin lightly. “Hiding it won’t help either. Must be…” The scientist thought for a moment as he scanned over every minute detail.

Cipher scrutinized one particular area for more time than any other. It was a fairly large area that, honestly, had no use. His optics brightened with the possibility and he tapped the location lightly with a digit. “Could this be where they’ve hidden you? I suppose we’ll have to see, now, won’t we?” The data and the records on Aequitas should prove to be the perfect tool to take down the Autobots. If only I knew for sure where it was located…

Bridge

Instability of the command structure aboard the Pestilence? The large Insecticon agent of Scorponok's was taken aback by Cyclonus' words. So Bombshell had made his move. Or Kickback. Shrapnel was of course another option but he'd be no more than a puppet of the two more intelligent brethen of his. This wouldn't do - not now. Venom was the only one that could properly coordinate the swarm with such a short notice. And thus, a strategy began to develop within Hardshell's brain module. However, before he could make his move, the notorious butcher in command of the Seacons stepped up to pledge his claim to command the Pestilence. Forcing Hardshell to step up as well.

"With due all respect to Snaptrap Commander Cyclonus", Hardshell began, giving Snaptrap a short bow our of respect, "but this is an internal Insecticon issue. The honor to put my kin in line should be mine. I am certain the Seacons' formidable power would be better used through spearheading our assault into the heart of the Autobot prison through the portal generator. Despite of his shortcomings, Venom's ability to control the Swarm is second to none."

The Insecticon brute raised his right arm to level with his chest and clenched his clawed hand into a fist to give emphasis to his words, "And I have a way to make my lesser kin to obey him through this ordeal."

"The bug speaks sense." Apeface grunted, flexing his neck joints from side to side. "Posting Snaptrap and his men aboard the Pestilence is waste of firepower and skill. According to your strategy, the bugs' and their destroyer's main purpose is drawing the attention of the Autobot defenses before we cripple them from inside. The butcher of bogs belongs to the front line with us. Even the bugs themselves are talented enough to do what is required from them."

"Or what says Hun-Grrr?" Apeface added, turning his gaze towards the infamous leader of the Terrorcons.

"Your suggestion is tactically sound. Snaptrap can hold his own in battle better than the most." Hun-Grrr replied, showing no sign of his usual bestial behavior. While often seen as nothing more than a savage beast with boundless appetite, the hulking Terrorcon was far more intelligent he was usually given credit for. And when the situation demanded it, Hun-Grrr was able to act professionally.

Hardshell couldn't have been more satisfied. While Apeface's words reeked of spite towards the Insecticons, Hardshell had to admit the Horrorcon was right. Not that he was going to tell the primate that. No Decepticon took insults well and Hardshell was no exception. But he wasn't foolish enough to throw his life forfeit through making a move against Apeface either. The Horrorcons deserved their reputation. Truth to be told, they were likely far more worse than the stories gave them credit. After all, most of their victims didn't live to tell the tale. Nonetheless, Hardshell was not going to look gift horse in the mouth. With Apeface and even Hun-Grrr seconding his sentiment, his chances to be selected over Snaptrap were now much higher than before. Still, there was no telling what Cyclonus or Scorponok would decide...

Bridge

Sparkstalker smiled as the operation was laid out, if only because his part of it was appropriate for his skills. Far too often he had been put out on the front lines by some idiot who saw his scary-looking alternate mode first without bothering to check just how much more useful he would be behind the lines at a computer console or communications terminal. Of course he wouldn't be working alone, Wingspan was assigned to this task as well, but the cryptologist didn't see the data processor as a potential burden or liability. He looked over to the Decepticon clone and gave a nod.

The firecon scanned over every micrometer of data that was displayed before him, though given his assignment it was likely he would have further access to that information when needed. He had to admit that it was a brilliant plan, one that he begrudgingly had to admit he couldn't improve upon himself. Of course, he should have already expected that coming from a military genius like Scorponok. Still, there were a number of questions that formed in the criminal's main processors over the reason for the operation.

Out of hundreds of Decepticons incarcerated at Garrus-9, including some of the Decepticon's greatest killers, why these six? Nothing about any of them seems particularly special, yet Scorponok is going to great lengths to retreive them. What hidden weapon from the golden age could they possibly have access to?

The cryptologist then watched with some amusement as the issue of commanding the Pestilence was brought up. Of course Cyclonus wanted a mechanoid he could trust at the helm, and of course the Insecticons would insist on one of their own in charge, but even with the support of some of the other warriors the cryptologist saw little chance of any bug being placed in charge of their ship.

Foolish Insecticons,, he thought as he shook his head smirking, Some of you may be quite brilliant and cunning, but you just don't know when to turn it off. No one will trust any of you with anything, you're just as bad as Starscream.

Once that issue had been addressed, Cyclonus seemed ready to move on with the operation. However, there was one factor in the whole operation that had not yet been addressed which Sparkstalker wished to bring up.

"Lord Scorponok,", Sparkstalker took a step forward and made a respectful bow to the massive warlord, then turned and gave a respectful nod to Cyclonus, hoping that both would actually notice him, "Sir, what of the other inmates within the penitentiary? When we hack into their security systems we could release them to create further chaos for the Autobots. Or we could also keep those specific security systems online to prevent any unexpected surprises. Which would you have us do?"

Brig: Infirmary - Laboratory

Scattershot drove the heel of his foot assembly straight into the throat of one of the vehicons attempting to restrain him to the examination table. His faceplate contorted in satisfaction as even with his under energized condition that the fools would send some vehicon with below average armor or strength to try and subdue him. The sickening crack of armor plate echoed above his own struggles as two more jumped onto his free leg and forced with all their might the restraint down upon his lower leg joint.

The damaged vehicon fell down across the monitoring alcove before being trampled by another set fighting Scattershot as the Technobot commander used his determination and reserved strength to pull his arm free. More than once he used his power to throw off his captors, sending them into a pile and more than once they swarmed again to restrain him.

It was not until the mindless sweeps stomped into the chambers and used their vastly improved stature and strengths, at least when compared to the vehicon canon fodder, to force his arms back into their restraints.

Even when the restraints were secured Scattershot still pulled at them with a fanatical furver. His audio receptors barely heard Scourge as he addressed the present Rad, and his own Technobot party. He was to furious with the situation he was currently in to even care as to what was being exchanged. It wasn't as though he expected the Decepticons to honor agreed to treaties with regards to the treatment of prisoners, but at least give him a fair fight before they began their barbaric whatever it was they were planning...

... and that was when he heard the conversation switch to the cortical patch. "Oh goody," he spat back to the Decepticon tracker with defiance. "Guess not only do I get to smash that silly looking metal thing off your face in real time, I get to bring you to tears in the mental world too." He temporarily stopped his struggles. Scattershot was well aware of the rumored effects of this forbidden technology.

"Remember ole Spurge, damage goes both ways... regardless of what you've heard. If I end up droolin', I'll ensure you end up worse." And that he swore would be no idle threat.

Bridge

Having left the Pestilence issue for Cyclonus to deal with, Scorponok let his most loyal lieutenant to do as he saw fit. Snaptrap and his Seacons would be valuable asset no matter where they were deployed. And for appearances sake, it made sense to give the Autobots the idea of the Decepticons going for full frontal assault through deploying an elite squad like the Seacons amongst the Insecticons and the Vehicons.

It was the question presented by Sparkstalker that caught the High Commander's attention. He had not ignored this detail. Witholding certain details during the initial briefing, gave Scorponok a tool to evaluate his own men. The fact that Sparkstalker had not ignored this particular detail reinforced the warlord's opinion on the cryptologist's usefulness. While many Decepticons would rather just charge into the fray and leave details to others, Scorponok realized their value. Careful planning won battles - and Scorponok intended to win this war.

"Your priority objective is to release all the prisoners you can Sparkstalker."

"Your secondary objective is to keep the control of their security systems or disable them completely. This is something we cannot count for. The enemy simply cannot be underestimated." Scorponok replied to Sparkstalker's query. Clearly, the most dangerous prisoners couldn't be freed by just opening the doors - the ones having their sparks extracted. And not even the Autobots would be foolish enough to leave their prisoners armed and fully energized. What mattered were the numbers. Even if the released prisoners weren't fully powered, they'd outnumbered their captors and were likely to riot if given a chance.

"While the Autobots likely have some of their own locked away within Garrus-9, the majority of the prisoners are captured Decepticons. Thus, releasing the prisoners will create another battle front for the Autobots having to spread their forces to - weakening their defenses considerably. And once we make contact with our own, they will either submit to my command or invoke my wrath upon them."

"Is this all? If there's no more questions, you are dismissed." Scorponok spoke out and turned his attention towards Cyclonus. "Have the remaining preparations done and provide Finback the fleet rendezvous coordinates. We will move out as soon as the Pestilence is ready and the Semper Tyrannis has finished being stocked with troops and supplies."

Bridge

Snaptrap was not surprised that the insecticons insisted on settling their internal affairs on their own. He had expected some form of protest or another from them. The Seacon commander was mildly surprised at the other warriors' interjections in support. Nevertheless, Cyclonus rejected these objections. The orders were upheld. As Cyclonus sent him a curt nod to confirm this, Snaptrap nodded in acknowledgement and turned on his heel headed for the Pestilence. He needed to establish stability as soon as possible.

Snaptrap listened to the questions that soon followed that order of business, but they pertained to the internal assault, so the Seacon commander did not delay and exited the Bridge as Scorponok dismissed them all, heading to the bounce chamber to jump over to the other ship. He opened up a communique with the rest of his team.

>>"Seacons, report to Semper Tyrannis's bounce chamber immediately. You will be briefed on our assignment when you arrive."<<

Snaptrap continued through the long dark corridors, planning and preparing to take both the Pestilence and Garrus-9 with the same cold efficiency that he ran all of his operations with.

-----

Corridors

"What do you think the big meeting is about?" Nautilator asked tentatively, looking around at the rest of the Seacons as he treated the rust that had started to form on him during their most recent expedition into the water.

"Shut your trap, Nautilator. For the umpteenth time, I don't know," replied Seawing irately.

"We will know when Snaptrap lets us know, Nautilator," Tentakil added diplomatically.

"But-"

Nautilator stopped speaking when Snaptrap's transmission reached the assembled Seacons. Tentakil gestured with a slight flourish in the general direction of the bounce chamber.

"Let us depart."

---------

Bounce Chamber

Snaptrap arrived at the bounce chamber in short order and moved over to the control panel to set coordinates for the Pestilence. It wasn't long before he heard his team approaching. He glanced up as all five of them filed into the bounce chamber before looking back down to finish setting the coordinates.

"We will be spearheading the assault on Garrus-9 Penitentiary. We take command of the Pestilence, seizing the bridge first. Then, we will search the ship and locate Venom as well as the other sentient insecticons of standing, namely, Kickback, Shrapnel, and Bombshell.”

“It is likely that we will be met with sort form of resistance. Be wary of Bombshell and his cerebro-shells. Liabilities will not be tolerated,” Snaptrap let the full implications of that statement settle in for a moment, directing a baleful gaze at his troops before continuing, “After subjugating those three and Venom, the stability of the Pestilence should be ensured, and we may finally depart Nebulos.”

“This will be done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Nothing can impede the assault on Garrus-9.”

Snaptrap activated the console for the jump. The bright beam of light filled the chamber and consumed the party of Seacons, fading slowly leaving nothing behind but the empty bounce chamber.

(OOC: All Seacons will be moved to the Pestilence.)

Corridors

This was the reaction Iguanus had been chasing. And true to form, Sinnertwin gave it to him with barely a hint of resistance. A typically feral response from a typically feral Decepticon. He smiled.

And continued to smile even when Sinnertwin's sickle-sharp claws whipped out, embedding themselves into Iguanus's left shoulder, creating multiple gashes in his armour-plating. Vital fluids slithered from his wounds and travelled down his arm before falling from the tips of his digits in erratic fashion. The fluids gathered before his pedes, forming a small pool.

For a Terrorcon, Sinnertwin moved well. Who knew brutes could stir with that much agility? Iguanus certainly did not expect that. Surprise, surprise.

“Not too shabby, Terrorcon.” Iguanus touched his wounds, probed their depths. “That was a decent strike. Your speed deserves to be commended.”

Sinnertwin scored a hit, Iguanus had to grant him that one. Though, to be fair, laxity played a critical role in his movement—or rather lack of. Iguanus, however, realised his mistake of underestimating the Terrorcon. He would not make it again.

“One shot.” Iguanus looked up and stared at his opponent. “That's all you get, so I hope you enjoyed your freebie.”

He stepped forward, withdrawing his blade from a sub-space compartment. Smirking, he beckoned Sinnertwin to come at him.