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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."