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((OOC-By admin request, transitioning the Thanatos sequence over here before our arrival on Earth.))

Thanatos--Bridge

It came as no surprise to the Military Operations Commander that Motormaster had been the first to express his dissatisfaction with their current assignment. The Stunticon Commander and his team were typically better suited for the mid-late stages of planetary infiltration and takeover. But there would be aspects of even the early stages of the mission to AC488 that would suitably capitalize upon the Stunticons unique tendencies.

"Imperative: Progress to the later phases will depend largely upon our success and efficiency in executing the earlier ones," Shockwave responded evenly.

For ones such as Motormaster, such patience would be a considerable test--one that Shockwave calculated they may ultimately fail. If that turned out to be true, then they would not be part of the eventual return mission to Cybertron.

Thanatos - Bridge

"Wanton destruction rings any bell to you?" Motormaster smirked at Blitzwing. "I believe I have a reputation not to be subtle. If I wanted to play hide and seek I'd have joined the those slaggin' Insecticons."

The leader of the Stunticons couldn't avoid showing his irritation, however he was smart enough to understand the consequences would he screw up the mission. Shockwave was not going to accept failure, neither would Megatron.

Thanatos--Bridge

Reflector's individual components continued to monitor their respective stations. The central unit, designate--Viewfinder, kept a continual optic on their progress throughout the galaxy while the other two monitored ship diagnostics and operations. All information was continually shared through the unit's unique proximity receptors: being close to the others allowed for near seamless-information sharing between all three component mechs.

"Registering planetary bodies. Target site is also located within the upcoming planetary cluster. Certain planets possess a largely gaseous composition," Reflector reported. "But not all."

Thanatos - Bridge

"Well," Starscream commented from his position beside the cycloptic supercomputer, "this all sounds like an interesting change of pace. I didn't think sneaking was your preferred way of doing things, Mighty Shockwave." To the Seeker's credit, his tone was only very slightly tinged with teasing irony.

His thoughts were already afire with the possibilities this new opportunity presented. A new world. New sources of energy. How long before it became the Decepticons' newest conquest? Oh, yes, this scenario couldn't have been more perfect if he'd plotted it out himself. Without Megatron or one of his strutless yes-mechs constantly looking over his shoulder, there was no limit to what Starscream could accomplish.

Particularly should Shockwave falter under the pressure of his new assignment. Or, perhaps, succumb to temptation...

Thanatos - Bridge

Skyjack looked up from the scanner panel. "Ya know, Motormaster, it's funny you bring up the Insecticons. Their latest expliots have been rather... interesting. That is, if you're interested."

Thanatos bridge

Blitzwing scoffed atMotormaster's comment.

“Awww You're no fun, and you're right. I just couldn't see you running around with those aft backward secret agent wannabes.”

The Triplechanger looked back to his council screens.

“Ok then, Motor I'll make a bet with you. .... I bet I tally kills on more squishes then you do. Maybe I'll even keep one as a pet.”

The voice of Starscream filled the room, and the purple mech ignore the haughty seeker, but turned his head as Skyjack spoke up. Blitz looked once more at Motormaster to see his reaction.

------
Breakdown slumped in his chair quietly, wishing the purple armed glitch Blitzwing would leave Motormaster alone. It would only cause his boss to become more agitated and take it out on the team later.

Thanatos - Bridge

"Who the slag gives a damn about the Insecticons? I haven't seen those minituare slaggers for hundreds of vorns and I can't say I miss them." Motormaster rumbled. "Although wouldn't they have been more suited for this mission than most of us in case they truely have returned?"

"And Blitzwing. You can't hold an energon torch to me." The large Decepticon smirked, glaring at the triplechanger haughtily. Infiltration mission or not... I will find a way to blow some steam.

Thanatos--Bridge

Shockwave's optic settled on Starscream momentarily, evaluating the accuracy of his response. In actuality, the phased infiltration system had worked so consistently over the vorns that few could argue with its effectiveness. Given the primitive nature of the world they were about to engage, the probability that it would become any less effective was statistically insignificant. Still, regardless of the natives' level of advancement, they could not simply proceed with a full scale landing. Like the infiltration process itself, they would have progress gradually.

"Ship's sensors detecting multiple crude satellites and other debris in the orbit of planet AC488," Reflector reported.

That information only served to reinforce the strategy that Shockwave was employing at this juncture. Already connected to the hardlines of the ship's operating systems, the Military Operations Commander brings up a view of the planets in this particular solar system. Of the ones in the immediate vicinity to AC488 were a highly-pressurized, heavily gaseous planet and one composed of more traditional terra firma with less stratospheric chaos. Both were inhospitable in their current forms to the natives of AC488, but that actuality meant nothing to the Decepticons.

"Imperative: set course for this location," Shockwave commanded, bringing up an image of the rust-colored planet on the primary viewscreen. Its atmosphere would prove more conducive to their work while also allowing them to effectively avoid detection. "Planet designate: AC489. After landing, we will initiate the first infiltration protocol."

Thanatos, Bridge
At that moment, Skyjack realized that this wasn't going to be the most social crowd. "Well, Motormaster, then you'll be ahppy to hear that they were caught attacking the new Sweeps. Doubt we'll be hearing from them again. In resonse to Shockwave's commands, he performed a quick scan on AC89. "Nothing alive there, sir. Completly uninhabited," He reported to the Military Coordinator.

Insecticon Shuttle - En Route to BW778

Ransack listed carefully to Shrapnel's words. As he took in what the Insecticon leader was saying, a sinister glow emanated from his red optics.

"That doesn't sound too bad, actually," he nodded vigorously. "'Insectopia.' Or 'Insectitron.' Hrmm. That has a nice, classic ring to it."

He looked around the shuttle at his fellow Insecticons. "I've only got one question. What are we going to do about Venom? I bet the conniving little slagger'll find out where we're going one way or another, and follow us." The warrior looked directly at Shrapnel.

"And he'll probably want his job back."

Insecticon Shuttle - En Route to BW778

Chop Shop snickered again at the thought of his former commander. Not long ago he had been worried but now, things were different. The situation had changed.

"I'd give my collection away sooner than I'd serve that traitor again. If he finds us, I say HE should get dereconstructed. Only without the reconstruction part."

The Ark – Bridge

Ultra Magnus had been keeping himself busy, everyone on board had been, at least in one way or another. It helped to keep his mind occupied on the long journey, travelling the length and breadth of this new ship that was undergoing its maiden voyage into space. It was a fine ship, and he had a fine crew under his command, he could not ask for more from either of them. The only doubts he had for this mission were within himself.

A luxury he could not allow himself too indulge in.

Certainly not a luxury he was about to let anyone see as he returned to the Ark’s bridge, his tall stature the very image of confidence. The men under his command entrusted their lives too his judgement, he would never willingly give them reason to doubt it. That wouldn’t be good for morale.

More importantly, they deserved nothing but the best from the commander they followed into battle. That is what they would get. Ultra Magnus would die before offering less.

Coming to a stop before the view screen that circled almost half the Bridge, he stood with hands behind his back, staring off into the void. Somewhere out there was their destination, a world its inhabitants called Earth, a world that had fallen beneath the unforgiving eye of the Decepticons. The tyrannical enemies of the Autobots had destroyed one world in their endless quest for power…they would not destroy another.

“Nothing like endless space to pass the time”.

The Commander commented dryly, a small hint of a smile forming on his face. The journey was a long one, they would all feel better once they made planet fall. They would all feel better once they could start making a real difference.

The Ark - Bridge

"Indoubitably, Ultra Magnus Sir." Perceptor looked up from the engineering console, which was now festooned in datapads, printouts, and various unidentifable gadgets. "I must admit the peace gained from removing ourselves form the ofttimes cacphonous surrounding in Iacon have been most conducive to scientific thought. I have certainly done more work on chemistry is the past few cycles than I have in the last vorn. I beleive I have attained a foundational understanding of the chemical mechanics involved in the carbon-based life. Of course, these hypotheses will have to be tested once we get there..."
Perceptor stood up straight, realising this kind of informality probably wasn't strictly regulation. "Er, in addition, I report all systems are functioning optimally. Transwarp power is stable and we are progressing at ten thousand times the fundamental photonic velocity limit. The Ark-19 is meeting all it's design parameters more than adequately."
"With that settled, Ultra Magnus sir, I shall double-check the medical facilities and parts supplies in preperation for the trans-scanning procedures."


OOC: Just giving a rundown of the characters present on the Ark for the new Ultra Magnus:
The Aerialbots: J is playing Skydive (the smart one), Silverbolt is being played by sumowrestler who is thus the defacto player of the other 3 until someone else comes along for them.
Broadside: Seems to have been dropped.
Landfill: Seems to have been dropped.
Perceptor: Played by me, obviously enough.
Swerve: Played by sumowrestler.
Sureshot: Being NPCed by Silverblade.
Bumblebee: Played by Ember.
Searchlight: Played by VkmSpouge
Windcharger: Played by ~Windcharger~
And Ultra Magnus himself.

The Ark ~ Bridge

Windcharger kept one eye on his monitor at all times, but he couldn't help but notice Ultra Magnus pacing about the bridge. The auto-pilot was taking care of things right now so he went over to where Ultra Magnus was standing.

"I could tell from a megamile away that you're worried about something. If it's about the importance of this mission, you know we're all behind you. You don't have to worry about us. We'll keep a low profile so none of the inhabitants even know we're there. And, if any Decepticons show up, we'll trash 'em and put them on a one-way trip back to Cybertron."

Windcharger smiled to reinforce the message he was trying to send. The way he saw it there was no way this mission could fail. Autobots fought for freedom and the greater good. Good guys always win in the end, because they can see hope where others see hoplessness. Windcharger come through enough unpleasant experiences in the past because of his quick, sometimes rash, decisions to believe in this maxim. He was always optimistic because no matter how bad he botched something it always worked out for him. It was simply a matter of going with the flow.

"For what it's worth, I hope that helped."

Eyeing his monitor once again, he looked to Ultra Magnus.

"Well, I'd better get back to my station."

Heading back to the helm, he sat sat down with a sigh. Glad I don't have to command. Such a heavy burden. But then again, I'm not a big strong warrior like Ultra Magnus. He's more than capable.

(OOC: Sorry all, I didn't realized this moved on me.)

Silverbolt looked up from where he was at. He was lost in thought as well with the long voyage. It is true that the Ark could fly faster than any single Transformer but even on these long voyages it gets old. One thing about the Aerialbots, except for him, they all enjoyed the opportunity to stretch their wings. Being couped up in this ship isn't going to do well with his troops and he knows they will want to go for a flight once they land. It may be a good idea especially for scouting but first thing they will need to do is to find a good base and then figure out how to be modified so they can fit in better. A thought then crossed his mind as he turned to Perceptor.

"Perceptor, do we have any idea of where we are going to land and set up base? Is the map good enough to have a suitable site figured out by the time we get there? It would be wise for us to figure that out so we won't draw as much attention to ourselves when we do make it."

The Ark - Bridge

Perceptor stopped at Silverbolt's question. "Er...well...that's a good point Silverbolt. The Infiltration Counter-Protocols do suggest a surrepticious landing in a isolated location. I shall locate such a site, post haste."
Sitting back down, Perceptor chose one of the many datapads at his station and plugged it in. On the main screen, a map of AC488 flashed up, coloring in as Perceptor fed data in.
"Whatever location we choose for our landing, we must balance isolation with the likelihood that the Decepticons will perform operations in that area." Several insets flashed up, showing population density and economic development statistics for individual continents. "Response time will be crucial if they make open manuvers, and locating their base will become easier. Thankfully, the native life of the planet seem to prefer integrated, high-density communities rather than planet-wide development, so even in the areas highest in population and resources, there are isolated regions within reasonable distance." A few more keytaps, and a dozen points were highlighted on the main map. "These are the statistically optimal points for landing, based on isolation, resource access and the transport links of the natives. Assuming the Dynobots information is accurate, of course..."
Perceptor turned once again to Ultra Magnus. "Of course, the final decision rests with you, Ultra Magnus Sir."

Thanatos, Bridge

Skyjack's latest scan swowed disturbing results. "Bad news sir," He reported to Shockwave." Remember that autobot vessel from earlier? It just came up again. Do you think it might be following us, sir?"

Ark: Bridge

“…Assuming the Dynobots information is accurate, of course..."

“It’ll be accurate”

Ultra Magnus stated without an ounce of uncertainty as he joined Perceptor and Silverbolt at the console, the much taller Bot looking down over the Scientists shoulder. Grimlock was many things, most of his defining traits making him an incredibly difficult General to work with, even under the best of times, but despite his overly aggressive nature, he was a professional. The Commander of the Dynobots understood almost more than anybody the importance of good Intelligence. More importantly, he understood how crippling bad Intelligence would invariably be too a mission.

The information was accurate, Grimlock wouldn’t have excepted anything less.

“We’ll bring ourselves down here”.

After a great deal of considered thought, the large mech pointed to what he believed to be a prime location. It would provide shelter, easy access to multiple potential crisis points and even presented a few opportunities for Perceptor to pursue his own, scientific interests.

“It’ll do for our initial drop zone…”

Ultra Magnus confirmed his decision both mentally and physically as he returned to his full height, arms folded across his broad chest. He doubted anything about this mission would be as easy as it looked on a monitor or simulation, but they had to start somewhere, and that was as good a place as any.

“…besides, we have a Galaxy worthy Vessel…we can always move”.

Ark-13 - Bridge

As Ultra Magnus and Perceptor discussed where they might land the Ark-13 and establish a base, Skydive worked at the navigator's station. There was little to do at this moment, since the transwarp course had already been laid out and the capital ship was largely handling itself as it cut through time-space. As such, Skydive decided to peruse the data collected by Grimlock's previous mission to AC488. Fascinating, was the word that most sprung to the Aerialbot's logic processor.

He watched video footage that had been recorded by the scout satellites and sensors of the Dynobot shuttle, and marveled as he watched winged, carbon-based lifeforms execute brilliant feats of flight. He watched the sentient carbon-based lifeforms that seemed to dominate the planet employ vehicles to take to the skies. I wonder if perhaps they have developed sentient processor technology that makes these vehicles operate, or if they are simply drones? He suspected the latter, but the former was an intriguing possibility. Other sentient mechanical lifeforms...

Thanatos - Bridge

Returning Shockwave's monoptical stare with a characteristically confident smirk, Starscream's processors were afire with the possibilities before him. Direct military intervention was out of the question; with the flow of energon on Cybertron reduced again to a virtual trickle, this was a mission to acquire resources, not one of conquest. Fighting the flesh-creatures openly would be an unnecessary waste of those commodities they would be attempting to stockpile. This operation would require a gentler touch, a subtler mindset. Fortunately, subtlety was not a virtue that was entirely lost upon the often-brash Seeker Commander.

He took in the ruddy little dirt ball that was AC-489 as it appeared on the command monitor, expression relaxing into one of neutral indifference. "Unassuming little speck, isn't it?" he inquired rhetorically. When Skyjack made his report to Military Operations Commander, Starscream sat forward in his seat expectantly, optics flashing.

"The plot thickens," the former Aerospace Commandant commented wryly. This was an interesting and not necessarily disruptive developement--at least, it wasn't disruptive in terms of Starscream's own agenda. In fact, a little added chaos could be of immense benefit to him.

For the moment, he withheld any tactical recommendations. Shockwave was, essentially, the most sophisticated combat computer in all of Cybertronian history; it was unlikely he would be receptive--or appreciative--of any suggestions from him. And for now it behooved Starscream to remain on his best behavior.

"That looks like a good spot for a base. The only thing that would be of any troubles is the sensoring equipment that these organic creatures may have come up with. The other concern I have is should we pick alternative modes now or wait until we land? I am willing to take the Aerialbots out for a scouting mission once we get reconfigured. I know my troops like to fly whenever possible and being in this space craft will get to them soon enough. As big as this ship is, they will feel cramped."

Swerve couldn't help but overhear the conversation of landing spot. His console wasn't too far from Perceptor's.

"Will this area have several metallic mineral deposits that I can investigate? I still want to try to find a good substitute for some of the minerals we use on Cybertron in case we run out or need a quick fix here on this planet. It will also be nice to experiment to see if we could come up with a stronger alloy." Swerve chimed in.

Thanatos--Bridge

After having received a confirmation order from Shockwave following Skyjack's scan of Ac489, Reflector had brought the ship in closer, taking to follow a trajectory that would keep them out of the range of the terrestrials of AC488 and their little space toys.

"Initiating landing sequences now, commander," Reflector reported, the voices of the trinity of mechanoids offering the same statement while each was occupied with a different task.
___

Shockwave took in the various incoming reports and processed them according to his own internalized set of directives. The presence of the Autobot vessel that had been detected was statistically the most relevant. But even that would not deter them from their primary objective. Direct engagment would be avoided until the complications that would inevitably arise from said engagement had become irrelevant.

The Military Operations Commander steadied his position within the command chair slightly as the Thanatos came in for its landing on the reddish planet that was adjacent to their target.

"All Decepticons are to prepare to engage orbital bounce technology that will complete the transportational process and engage phase one."

Shockwave then brought numerous maps of AC488 that had been acquired by the Insecticons' previous presence on the planet. His sole optic was now scanning the various land masses for an area that would be suitable as their primary base of operations on this world. Given its primitive nature, that would prove to be a task in an of itself.

Ark-13 – Bridge

Bumblebee listed and watched the hustle and bustle on the bridge, but the miniscule mech never waivered from his station. He was on tactical, but there really wasn’t anything going on for him to monitor. He did make use of the information that Grimlock had attained from AC488.

He focused mainly on the carbon-based life forms that seemed to inhabit the entire planet, except, of course, the large piece of land on the lower portion of the planet. These creatures fascinated him.

Perhaps Ultra Magnus will let me gather more information on them once we finally arrive.

“Umm, excuse me, Ultra Magnus, could I possibly talk to you?”

Better ask now, otherwise I'll never get the chance to do it.

Ark: Bridge

"Umm, excuse me, Ultra Magnus , could I possibly talk to you?"

Hearing Bumblebee call for his attention the large Autobot decided to leave Swerves own inquiry in the much more capable hands of Perceptor. Science was not one of his strong points, and a good Commander knew when to deligate tasks to those under his command when they understood the matter much more than himself. Leaving the final details of their initial landing zone in their hands, Ultra Magnus crossed the bridge and over to Tactical.

Bumblebee was a fine Autobot, one who often performed above and beyond what his manufacture specs suggested possible. The Minibot had caught the attention of Optimus Prime first, the young, enthusiastic Minibot quickly earning the Matrix Bearers respect. It hadn't taken long for Ultra Magnus too understand why.

"I have a few moments Bumblebee, what can I help you with?"

Bridge, Ark 13

Searchlight found space a truly interesting place to be. Each little point of light had something about it that made it unique. One little point of light would be the system of AC488. According to readings the planet was 70% water, a rare liquid on Cybertron. The planet also teemed with organic life. Biological processes mimicked the processes of Transformer bodies quite well with individual cell groups filling in for nanites and organs for components. Of course the whole reproduction of biological life was quite disgusting, shooting DNA at each other, it made Searchlight shudder.