The Energon Pub

Brawl had followed Onslaught and Viper into the med bay still somewhat perplexed about the whole Shockwave business and the fact that no one had actually answered his question. Then again, he was bored and all for throwing Starscream and his seekers buddies out of the Obliteration.

It was a shame though. To be perfectly honest, Brawl actually felt tiny bit of remorse over having to disturb the repair cycles of other Decepticons. No matter who these runts were, they were still Decepticons too. And as far as Brawl was concerned, they deserved their rest cycle. He hated when it was done to him. That hardly meant he had any qualms about hurting other Decepticons though. He loved to fight and was hardly named the way he had been for his peaceful demeanor. And particularly he actually wanted to get his hands on the mouthy one that had had the bearings to talk back to him earlier.

Oh well. Brawl thought, shrugging his shoulders as he walked over to still seemingly unconscious Feedback’s CR chamber and unceremoniously scooped the smaller con under his arm before moving over to Lock-On’s chamber and started to shake it roughly with this free hand.

”Rise and shine!” He bellowed, ”You and your boss got a date with Megatron! And you don’t want to be late!”

After Redwing's avatar made it around the crashed and smoking vehicle, he then jumped behind a barrier. Skywarp was having the time of his life TRYING to look like an avatar.

“Die human scum! DIE!!”

>>"Skywarp, shh! We act as humans, not our real forms!"<<

Redwing rolled his optics, and then pulled out his scoped AR. He looked over the barrier through the sight to spot for more enemies. He then shot a few bullets at what he thought might've been humans.

>>"Feint, over here! I need closer eyes on a possible sniper post."<<

Syria-Streets of Aleppo

With the word from Megatron to go out and search around the vicinity with the Phase Sixer along for the endeavor, Ravage exited the vehicle. A large black leopard was his avatar's appearance, which was "purrfect" for him. In this form, he was basically just a smaller, flesh and fur version of his metal self. He also had to keep in mind Megatron's earlier words. There was nothing to learn here. No, not really. However, the fleshlings who took out their head vehicle in the convoy could still be located and dealt with.

That in mind, the feline padded the sand silently and sniffed the air and the ground. His keen sense of smell gave away the locations of five humans. He turned his head towards Sixshot then and told him, "Two are behind the big dune ahead of us, one is atop the building to our right, and the rest are in the building with the open door to the far left. They're watching us. They think they have us cornered.", he growled.

Amethyst meanwhile, had exited the vehicle the Seekers had been in, and she backed up Redwing as he had requested. She was scared, but she was also itching to barbecue some fleshling hide with the flamethrower she was equipped with. While the boys started firing at who knows what, Amethyst noticed a twinkle above a building and instantly knowing what it was, she yelled, "Hit the deck!", as she jumped on Redwing's back to knock him down and also herself. A spray of machine gun ammo had barely missed them.

"Whoa, that was close!", the purple Seeker told the larger mostly red one. "Aim for the top of that building to the right! I'm going in! Fire at him and keep him down! "She said, and ran for the entrance to that building and into it. The breaking of dishes and other items could soon be heard from inside. A large dog had attacked her, pinning her to the ground, but she forced it off, smacked it in the head with the butt of her rifle, and as it fell away wimpering, she set it ablaze! Only...the dog wasn't dead yet. He ran around on fire and began catching the building on fire with it. Amethyst decided it was best to bail and ran back outside. Now the man would likely be trapped on the roof. She patted off some fire singing her clothing, and grinned at Redwing with embarrassment.

"Heehee. Woops!"

Obliteration: Over Syria


Vertigo came around as Viper pulled him from the CR chamber. It took him a moment to process what was going on. Thankfully, he had only been lightly damaged and was about 95% repaired by the CR chamber when he was rudely interrupted.

AFTRHR wrote:Viper pulled the Seeker towards himself, bringing him inches from his face. “Ain’t lookin’ so pretty with your fancy Seeker wings now, are ya?”, he hissed in his trademark style of speech, followed by a low chuckle.

He hated to admit... But he spent a moment staring confused at Viper's words. Normally he was quick on a quip, but...

"That made absolutely no sense whatsoever." He finally said to Viper. "I know I shouldn't expect much of such an inferior creature, but when trying to insult me, please make sure that it is at least an insulting insult and not... That."

---

Feedback, hardly in the shape to be removed from the CR chamber, was jolted awake by Brawl's heavy handed extraction methods just in time to hear Vertigo lob an insult at Viper. He had no idea what prompted the Seeker to do so, but it was so hilariously funny to him he started laughing uncontrollably.

Then he realized where he was.

Tiny (in his mind).

Fragging.

Spaceship.

"Fragfragfrag!!!!!!!" He yelled and started to try to wiggle his way free of Brawl. "I need off this ship. Now. I need off now. We need to go. Please let me go."

His rambling was halted when Brawl spoke to Lock On.

---

Cryhavok wrote:”Rise and shine!” He bellowed, ”You and your boss got a date with Megatron! And you don’t want to be late!”

Lock On groggily came around. At least he had been the least injured, though the CR chamber had secured the patch job Vertigo had done on him, as well as the bullet damaged armor, he would still need the fuel line replaced as soon as possible. It was fine for now.

He sort of stared through the chamber door at Brawl. the frag you doing? he mouthed to Brawl, not quite having brought his vocalizer online, since he couldn't really be heard with the CR chamber door shut anyway.

He pushed the internal release, allowing him to exit.

Convoy

Finally Fient spotted what was attacking them, just as Megatron had let loose a display of power to the attacking entities. Humans. Cool.

SillyMcGilly wrote:>>"Feint, over here! I need closer eyes on a possible sniper post."<<

Feint's avatar lowered it's weapon (him) with a slightly perplexed look on it's face.

He reminded himself that most were not used to working with a sniper. This was not a stealth team and they would not react as a stealth team would to situations.

But nothing short of being shot at himself would make him leave his position.

>>"I am not leaving the Humvee."<< He finally replied to Redwing with a hint of distraction on his voice as he dug through his ammo bag for the titanium cased cobalt bullets. He was not going to waste acid tips on squishy humans. >>"The humans don't know I am in here, but they know you are there. They'll shoot at me, and I will have to act human. Give coordinates, I can see everything you can see from here."<<

He stopped pulling out bullets and switched gears in thought processes. Dropping the cobalt bullets in his chest pocket, he grabbed a few incendiary bullets. If it was a sniper position as Redwing suspected, lighting them up, literally, would be most effective... And fun to boot!

Brawl let out a vexed sigh. He had one seeker squirming and screaming in vain under his steely grip and another making faces or screaming at him through the CR chamber’s polymer glass. And apparently without his vocalizer online.

As the door began to open, Brawl reached in and grabbed hold of Lock-On’s forearm with enough force that the seeker had no hope of escaping the stronger Decepticon.

”I said! You have a date with Megatron!” Brawl roared, pulling Lock-On out of the CR chamber, ”Sheesh!” He groaned loudly as he began dragging the seeker towards an exit hatch with Feedback still firmly held under his arm, ”What about that you don’t understand?!”

Skies over Syria--The Obliteration--Bridge

Vortex had taken Swindle's proferred container of energon and downed it with abandon. Random bursts of energy were getting further and further apart these orns and Vortex was mot much for savoring anyway, unless it was the subject of an interrogation.

"Good stuff," he said to the others. "Earning your kudos back with the boss, I see. Heh."
___

Aleppo

Megatron's avatar fired again. This time a red mist followed the shot and its eventual impact.

"Ready for departure," Megatron ordered the facsimile "driver". Flamewar turned from her own window vantage point and gave the Decepticon leader a mildly quizzical look.

"Leaving before the enemy is crushed? That is not your...usual...style, my lord."

Megatron's avatar smirked.

"Are we under siege by Optimus Prime? Is this the great battle of Iacon that I have somehow missed? No. It's fleshling garbage. A momentary distraction. I've brought no one on this operation who is incapable of adapting in the field."

Megatron then opened a comm to Ravage.

>>"Bring me one of the insurgents. Alive. We'll meet at these coordinates after you and the others have dispatched this incursion,"<< Megatron said, transmitting a set of coordinates that led to a bunker structure deeper within the city itself where more of the Syrian government held ground against the uprising. He then turned to the facsimile.

"Go!" the avatar barked, just as the facsimile slammed on the accelerator and rammed its way through the burning SUV in front of them.

((OOC: I have permission from Cmdr Trailblazer and Quill5506 to nudge along their characters for the time being until they’re active again.))

[Streets of Aleppo]

Dreadnaut’s facsimile continued driving his humvee, gun in one hand and steering wheel in the other. Human lives were being laid to waste by the others, he wished not to take part in that. A waste of ammunition, energy and lives. He turned to find Hazard’s facsimile in a similar position in the backseat. A young human male with tanned skin, curly black hair, guns out, and a no-nonsense attitude on his face. Brakeneck’s facsimile was riding shotgun… with an assault rifle. Would’ve been more fitting to have an actual shotgun. His facsimile was a burlier man, with a thick black mustache underlining his nose. All three facsimiles were patterned after various middle-eastern men, all sporting similar clothes to that of the forces in the local civil war.

With a quick dial, Dreadnaut, back at the warehouse, found himself searching through human databases of the region. It seemed that there was a shortcut to the coordinates that Megatron had transmitted, much more low profile than the regular route. With a quick tug of the steering wheel, the humvee started tumbling down a barren street, demolished buildings to either side.

Hazard, visibly confused inquired, “Hey, where are we going? The others went that way!”

“Shortcut,” was the single word response that came out of his human avatar’s mouth.

“Well chief, whatever you say, just don’t get us into trouble with his majesty,” Brakeneck said, with a snarky voice.

The tall driver knew what he was doing. He pressed the acceleration pedal harder, causing the jeep to roll down faster. They’d be there in no time with this route.

[Syrian Airspace - Decepticon Frigate Obliteration]

Vertigo wrote:"That made absolutely no sense whatsoever." He finally said to Viper. "I know I shouldn't expect much of such an inferior creature, but when trying to insult me, please make sure that it is at least an insulting insult and not... That."

Tch. He’s got his pompous face stuck right up his aft. Viper raised his arm, reaching back for his machine gun, and promptly swung it around into a solid military grip. “Listen pal, no need to get yer skidplates in a twist. If I were ya, I’d get those weak-aft legs up’n’goin’ outta here. Wouldn’t wanna keep the big boss waitin’ too long.”

He looked over to Brawl, who seemed to be taking care of his two seekers, much to Viper’s amusement. What a guy.

Skies over Syria--The Obliteration—Bridge

Vortex wrote: "Good stuff."

Swindle smiled, enjoying the praise. “Nothing but the best.”

Vortex wrote: "Earning your kudos back with the boss, I see. Heh."

Well, that didn’t take long. Why does everyone always assume I’m working an angle? It never hurts to build some credit. he thought, but pushed them aside. No need to ruin the current mood by pointing out something so obvious. Besides, they’d miss the point.

“Is there ever a reason to not be in his graces? I much prefer to have his hands around a mech like Starscream’s throat than mine. Even the best designs have limits on their structural integrity.”

As he spoke, Swindle’s free hand went to his neck and absently rubbed one of the many impressions left there when he’d found himself on the wrong side of Onslaught’s, or Megatron’s, mood glitches. Are they really glitches if it’s their basic setting? The thought had merit, but Swindle pushed that aside as well. There were more important things to be concerned about, like what Shockwave had planned for them.

What seemed to be in his favor was the whole group of them had been summoned, not just him. Still, if there was a way for him to avoid any… complications, he’d find it.

He glanced out the viewer and felt a familiar itch begin to grow. “Is there any chance we can postpone our, uh, meeting with Shockwave? I wouldn’t mind having a peek at what this backwater planet has to offer in our down time.”

It was more rhetorical than not, as he doubted any deviation from Shockwave’s schedule would be permitted. It never hurt a mech to try.



Aleppo

This isn’t how a battle’s supposed to go! Thrust thought as he watched Amethyst head toward the building where it looked like the incoming fire was coming from. He would’ve tried to stop her, but a bullet striking the roof of the Humvee he stood next to changed his processor. He’d been in hundreds, no, thousands of battles, had taken fire and damage, and had dished out more than his fair share. But this, this was something he wasn’t prepared for. He felt… different without his true form. Sure, this one was nothing but a hologram, why couldn’t they still fly? He hated when the rules changed so drastically. He didn’t want a challenge, he wanted the thrill of going into combat like he’d always done.

I can’t think like this. Megatron and the others need me on this mission.

Feeling a little better about himself, he hoisted his rifle and fire a handful of shots. That brought back all of his previous concerns. “What kind of weapons are these? I want my lasers and wings.”

“Fragging fleshbags! It’s because of them we’re like this!” Growling, he continued firing until the weapon clicked and he had no choice but to duck behind cover. He needed more of whatever this… thing took for ammunition.

“This is no way for warriors to fight. We’re not Autobots.”

Near him, Thundercracker shook his head as he turned his focus to the rooftops where the shots were coming from.

He hated to admit it, but he agreed with Thrust: this was no way for Seekers to fight.

Well, he reminded himself, most Seekers.

No sooner had the thought crossed his processor, he saw Amethyst enter the building, only to come out shortly afterwards and on fire.

“This is why we need to train for ground combat more,” he said to no one in particular.

At least, it appeared she and Redwing were operating together. Better to have a trusted mech watch your back than not.

Smirking at the thought, Thundercracker fired a few shots of his own toward the burning building’s roof, then sent a quick message to Skywarp, >>Not bad. Looks like they may not need babysitters, after all.<<

He would’ve added more, but the crash as Megatron’s vehicle knocked the damaged one aside echoed through the alley. The others started following after a brief hesitation.

Scrap! “Time to get rolling,” he said, the wanted to smack himself as he motioned for the others to get back in the vehicles. Primus, now I’m sounding like Prime.

“About time. This endeavor is testing my patience,” Thrust said, pushing past Thundercracker and reclaiming his spot in the Humvee.

Thundercracker chose to ignore him as he waited for the younger ‘Cons to get in.



After seeing so many of his fellow Decepticons attacking the shooter’s nest, Dessicator hadn’t bothered to attack, though he had wanted to test his new toy. He assumed, judging by its size and rounds, that it fired a powerful explosive ordinance. By human standards, anyway.

Still, he was tempted to lob a couple of rounds into the building. Maybe even those on both sides of it. Of course, that meant the convoy could be buried under tons of… whatever the buildings were made of.

Not the best way to impress Megatron or Flamewar.

“This is why I prefer to work alone,” he grumbled as he surveyed the other buildings, hoping for some reason to try out his toy. When nothing happened except for a fire he assumed one of the others started, he grunted and climbed back into the Humvee.

They’ll be plenty of chances later on, he told himself as he settled back. A few seconds later, the others climbed back in and their vehicle started moving again. Only then did the thought of his lack of action might mean.

What if Megatron or Flamewar noticed? What would he do then?

Groaning, he thought, I should’ve stayed at the hangers.

The Obliteration--Bridge

“Is there ever a reason to not be in his graces? I much prefer to have his hands around a mech like Starscream’s throat than mine. Even the best designs have limits on their structural integrity.”

"True enough," Vortex agreed, acknowledging Swindle's point. It was something he had become accustomed to over the vorns. He had a knack for making even the irrational sound like it made some sense. But even he could trip over his own ambitions.

Case in point:

“Is there any chance we can postpone our, uh, meeting with Shockwave? I wouldn’t mind having a peek at what this backwater planet has to offer in our down time.”

"Ignore a direct order from Megatron? Yeah right!" Vortex guffawed. "I can list...right now...ten reasons why that idea would go down in flames. I bet I could do it in under ten astroseconds, too."

Syrian Airspace - Decepticon Frigate Obliteration - Med Bay

Onslaught stood like an unmoving statue as Starscream rose up to his feet, groaning and droning about his apparent “rudeness” for prematurely finishing their recharge cycle. In any other circumstance, maybe he would’ve had a point. However, Megatron was one to not keep waiting when he requested one’s presence brought to him. He would allow such vanity to keep him waiting. Then there was that bit about “compassion for a fellow Decepticon”. If only he had a mirror to sit in front of the Seeker commander right now because his words fell on deaf audio receptors. If he were so compassionate for his fellow ‘Con, the snake wouldn’t have abandoned everyone when things weren’t playing out in their favor.

“And you act like I care.” Onslaught stated coldly, his arms still folded over his chest plate. “Bounce Chamber’s waiting, and Megatron too. You best start walking.” Onslaught then reached out and grabbed ahold of one of Starscream’s wings, his grip tightening around the edge of one of the airfoils. “Otherwise we can carry you down in bits and pieces.” His vice-like grip tightened more, metal creaking and denting. If he tried to flee now, his flying was going to be handicapped for sure. Megatron wanted him alive and whole so he knew what he was doing wouldn’t hurt his standing with Megatron’s orders, but hopefully the weasel could take a hint that there wasn’t much he could do at the moment.

“Let’s go.” The Combaticon commander ordered letting go of his wing and moving his hand behind the back of Starscream’s neck, forcing him out of the med bay.

The Obliteration - Bridge

Vortex wrote:"Ignore a direct order from Megatron? Yeah right!" Vortex guffawed. "I can list...right now...ten reasons why that idea would go down in flames. I bet I could do it in under ten astroseconds, too."

A sudden throbbing in Swindle’s logic circuits caused him to question some of his lifecycle choices. Why do I continuously surround myself with imagineless mechs?

As much as he hated to admit it, he knew the reason. Often times, especially within the Decepticon ranks, brawn outweighed thought. It was a disturbing trend, but one he had to admit allowed him to function with few, if any, peers.

“I’m not saying ignore his orders. Even I’m not as stupid as Starscream. Crazy, I’ll give you, but stupid/ Nah, I like my function,” he said, smiling at Vortex. “It’s just bad timing on my part, I guess. So much to do, so many to take advantage of. Just think of the resources and technology waiting down there for us to take with little more than a deft play on words or an empty promise. Oh, the possibilities…”

Swindle was practically drooling over the thousands of options running through his processor as he picked up one of the energon drinks and slowly sipped it. “You, my friend, love the thrill of the fight. I love the thrill of the hunt, the chase.”

“To missed or delayed opportunities,” he said, lifting his packet before downing the rest.

I wonder how they’re set for technology? He slowly smiled as he turned back to the viewer to watch the planet Earth. I could probably get them to sign over their governments for a chunk of Cybertronian steel. All I need is a partner to take the blame if things go wrong.

His smile widened as he thought of the perfect mech. “Guess you’re right,” he said, turning back to Vortex as if waking from a daydream. “Better to find out what our glorious leader has in store for us. Hopefully, Shockwave won’t replace our personalities with copies of his.” He shuddered involuntarily as his energon flow spiked suddenly.

Convoy

Blackout was thinking that it was time they started moving. With Megatron's departure, there was no need to waste ammo on these puny human vermin. However, before he could say something, Thrust was getting back into the Humvee.

"We should have just ran through the explosion." He mused before opening his comms. >>"Let's go, no point in wasting resources on humans."<<


(Edited because frag... I can not spell)

The Obliteration--Bridge

“I’m not saying ignore his orders. Even I’m not as stupid as Starscream. Crazy, I’ll give you, but stupid/ Nah, I like my function. It’s just bad timing on my part, I guess. So much to do, so many to take advantage of. Just think of the resources and technology waiting down there for us to take with little more than a deft play on words or an empty promise. Oh, the possibilities…”

"Oh I have. The natives on this planet are little greedsacks," Vortex chuckled. "I've got an ever-growing list of things I can dangle in front of them to get what we want. Have you seen the entertainment they watch? They'd worship us like gods, if they knew we existed. Megatron knows this. Why dya think he went down there first thing after gettin' brought back from the...wherever he was? We're gonna plunder this planet stupid and then watch the Autobots scramble over the scraps heheheh."

“Guess you’re right. Better to find out what our glorious leader has in store for us. Hopefully, Shockwave won’t replace our personalities with copies of his.”

"You haven't sussed it out? Look at what the greenies did. Betcha they think they can duplicate the process...with us."

The Obliteration - Bridge

Vortex wrote:"Oh I have. The natives on this planet are little greedsacks," Vortex chuckled. "I've got an ever-growing list of things I can dangle in front of them to get what we want. Have you seen the entertainment they watch? They'd worship us like gods, if they knew we existed. Megatron knows this. Why dya think he went down there first thing after gettin' brought back from the...wherever he was? We're gonna plunder this planet stupid and then watch the Autobots scramble over the scraps heheheh."

Swindle’s optics widened as they flashed bright at hearing Vortex’s thoughts. Any other time, a thought about his comrades lacking imagination would’ve streaked through his processor. But not now. Definitely, not now.

“Greedsacks you say?” He had seen some of what they called entertainment, but he’d been more focused on their love of technology and how to turn that to his advantage.

Given how they loved both, especially the ones with laser swords and guns, he was sure there was a way to scratch his ever-growing itch. He just had to figure out a way around that pesky Tyrest Accord.

Wonder if Ultra Magnus is still enforcing that? His energon has to boil knowing I got off, Swindle thought with a chuckle, the said, “I’m not surprised. Megatron is usually ahead of everyone (Except me) on these things. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if we tried our hand at a couple ventures. Nothing large or crossing his, of course. I’m sure we can find something to help our cause.” And keep me out of prison, ideally.

“I’d hate to see all of the glory go to Starscream or another lacking imagination when we could do it better, probably.”

He shrugged, looking every bit as disappointed as possible. “Guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

Vortex wrote:"You haven't sussed it out? Look at what the greenies did. Betcha they think they can duplicate the process...with us."

Speaking of lacking imagination, he thought, unsure if he meant that toward Vortex for not getting the joke or toward Shockwave’s constant lack of anything non-logical. To top it off, an icy twinge worked its way up Swindle’s back at the thought of being a part of any experiment like those.

“I was hoping it was something… pleasant.” He’d already decided this was one endeavor he would be happy to not be a part of.

Convoy

Battletrap was in the last vehicle of the convoy with a few other random Cons. The sudden stop thanks to an ambush startled him from his thoughts and slight amusement of his hologram. Thankfully his vehicle had been in only scratched with flying debris. He thought about getting out and joining the fight. He looked through the windows and watched his fellow warriors react as expected. Before he could, he noticed the front of the convoy start moving. It seemed Megatron was in a hurry or thought this was a waste of time. This ground vehicle called a Humvee was to Battletrap's liking. Maybe he could inquire of his lower form having an alt change to it. This always causes a slight issue since he was a Duocon and only his legs would get the change. If he could find an updated helicopter form, maybe he can get both alt modes updated but this would take two CR pods at once unless he used the same one twice. It might be a question to ask Shockwave next time he sees the commander.

Warehouse

Back in the warehouse which served for the temporary base for the Cons, Octane continued to walk around the perimeter checking for anything useful. On one such search, he found a crate of explosives which somehow survived their earlier hunting of humans. Another search found a cache of tiny human weapons which looked like rifles. He wasn't sure what good they would do unless the Cons used them in their holograms. After a cycle or two, Octane was satisfied he scavenged any and all remote useful items and brought it all in. He dropped all the inferior human weapons in one pile and all of the fuel over into a corner. After he was done, he walked over to where some of the Vehicons were finishing up with the equipment they brought down. Most of it was the basic stuff including a scanner.

Syrian Airspace- Decepticon Frigate Obliteration- Corridors

“Tchhh. Grrrrr.”, Starscream grumbled through gritted teeth as the Combaticon Leader forced the Air Commander forward. His body still ached, not having recovered enough from the damage he'd sustained on Mars. He had thought to himself just previously that at least his flight capabilities had been restored, but now the afthat went and dented one of his wings, which would make flight very difficult for him.

“I hate you. But I'm sure the feeling is mutual, am I right?”, Starscream spat angrily as he continued forward. Not really much choice in that matter. Except, Starscream checked his weapon systems. He was relatively low on energon, but not cripplingly so. He thought of a plan as he and his Seekers were led from the Medbay towards the bounce chambers, and the Air Commander then said to Onslaught, “You know that this is highly demeaning. But let me not be a broken record!”, he said, elbowing Onslaught in the diaphragm with all the strength he could muster, followed up with an uppercut to the other mech's chin from behind and managed to wrench himself from the other's grip on his neck, turned, and blasted him with his null ray before bolting for the bounce chambers on his own, while screeching, “I don't NEED a chaperone!!” He was running as quickly as his feet could take him. He'd flee here and find Megatron's location himself. He would spin a wild but believable tale for the Decepticon Emperor and get his place back in the hierarchy of the Commanding Officers, without the further disrespect of feeling like a prisoner to these imbecilic brutes. His men were safe here following the orders of the Combaticons for now. After all, they were just following what their Commander had commanded. Starscream on the other hand, knew he'd be all to blame for everything. So...he couldn't allow his reputation to be tarnished any farther.

Downtown Aleppo

The further the convoy got into the city proper, the more traffic they encountered. At the same time, entire blocks looked as if they had been bombed into near eradication. For Megatron, it was considerably reminiscent of the early days of the war on Cybertron. With only cosmetic changes, this could very well have been Polyhex or Kaon or Vos, with the natives still struggling to make sense of what was going on around them as war raged.

Yes, this would be more than ideal.

"We are approaching the government bunker structure that the facsimiles acquired from the Syrian leader's representatives," Flamewar reported as the humvee turned and began to descend into a concrete substructure that was guarded on the outside by tanks and numerous soldiers. The building above, like so much of the rest of the city, looked as if it had been firebombed.

Megatron's avatar made no outward acknowledgement of Flamewar's report. He simply looked down at a device and pulled up the inventory of what they were intending to supply to this human. The governments of this world tried so hard to control who could be deemed a "nuclear power".

How easy it would be to pry that control out of their little fleshling hands.

Syria – Streets of Aleppo

Megatron wrote:"Do it. Our contacts had hoped for a demonstration. I'm pleased to see the natives did not disappoint me.”

“As you command, my lord,” Sixshot replied to Megatron through his holomatter avatar before stepping out of the humvee once Ravage had exited the vehicle. The STAG remained close behind the cassetticon as the black leopard stalked forward. The phase sixer kept his AK-47 rifle at the ready in case anyone had the guts to directly attack them.

Ravage wrote:"Two are behind the big dune ahead of us, one is atop the building to our right, and the rest are in the building with the open door to the far left. They're watching us. They think they have us cornered."

Ravage’s words made Sixshot’s fake human visage smirk. “They thought wrong,” the sixchanger said with a wide grin. “You take care of the ones behind the dune. I’ve got the rest.”

With those words spoken, Sixshot quickly ran left while pointing his primitive weapon up towards the top of the building on the right. He fired a spray of bullets, striking the insurgent on the roof as the STAG dove into the open doorway of the adjacent structure. He then got to his feet and peered across the room where four more insurgents had spun around and began firing at him. Their bullets simply passed through his holomatter avatar as the phase sixer raised his weapon and unloaded a hail of gunfire at the four men, cutting them all down in a wave of blood and carnage.

When all was said and done, Sixshot’s avatar stood in the center of the room and admired his handiwork. “This weapon may be primitive but it does get the job done when it comes to these overly soft fleshlings,” the sixchanger commented to himself before opening a comm line to his feline companion:

>>”Ravage, building and adjacent roof cleared. How you doing on your end, little kitty?”<<

Streets of Aleppo – Convoy

Redwing wrote:>>"Skywarp, shh! We act as humans, not our real forms!"<<

“I know what I’m doing, Redwing!” Skywarp’s avatar shouted back as he kept firing at any flesh sack that moved in his visual field. These insurgents were a vicious bunch of humans. They almost made the teleporter think of some of his own Decepticon comrades and their ability to be just as savage if not more so. If only some of these meatsacks had been born on Cybertron. They would’ve made good Decepticons.

Skywarp then noticed that one of the buildings had caught fire. Had he somehow done that? No, apparently it was Amethyst that had managed to set the place on fire and himself, as well. Thankfully, he had put himself out rather quickly.

Thundercracker wrote:>>Not bad. Looks like they may not need babysitters, after all.<<

>>”I was never going to babysit them anyway, ’Cracker.”<< Skywarp commed his long time friend as he continued to fire, now at the roof of the burning building. He hit several insurgents perched up there and then watched as they fell over the edge and plummeted to the ground below, catching fire as they went. >>”Now, that’s a real sight! Hahahah!!”<<

Thundercracker wrote:“Time to get rolling,”

Skywarp glanced back at Thundercracker and saw that not only was Megatron’s humvee on the move again but his blue friend was motioning for him and the others to get back into their designated vehicle.

“Okay, everyone, time to get going! Lord Megatron’s on the move!” Skywarp shouted to anyone who could hear him before his avatar rushed back towards the seekers’ humvee and got inside. Thrust was already there in the same seat he had been sitting in before. “That was more exciting than I had expected,” the prankster said to the crimson conehead. “Not like being in my normal metal body and blowing up bigger slag, but at least we got to kill some fleshies. Heh.”

Syria – Streets of Aleppo

Skywarp wrote:>>”I was never going to babysit them anyway, ’Cracker.”<<

Thundercracker could only smile and shake his head as their forces climbed back into their transports. Some things never change, he thought, studying the area around them for any attacker they may have missed.

He saw some movement and raised his rifle, taking a few shots. The bullets struck the building, sending up plumes of dirt and debris, but he couldn’t tell if he hit his target or not. Of course, Skywarp didn’t have the same problem as he dropped his without hardly any effort.

Skywarp wrote:>>”Now, that’s a real sight! Hahahah!!”<<

Thundercacker opened a channel to his friend, and laughing, said, >>Show off.<<

He didn’t mention how far behind their kill competition he was. He was sure ‘Warp would remind him of that before too long.

Once the last of the mechs were back in the vehicle, Thundercracker stepped in and took his seat next to Skywarp. “Not a bad start to our mission. At least, we know these weapons work,” he said, studying his rifle. “Even if it’s barely above rocks and sticks these flashbags probably used.”

When Skywarp turned his attention to Thrust, Thundercracker sat back and thought about what they could encounter further along. He was grateful, judging how some had been hit and the weapons didn’t destabilize their holographic avatars, that the theory of losing this form having an effect on their true selves was nothing more than a theory. Now that we wouldn’t have to worry so much about the others, he could do what he did best. It’d been a long time since he’d been able to do that without much concern.



Thrust watched the others as they entered the Humvee, smiling and nodding at each one. When Skywarp addressed him, his smile matched that of the purple Seeker.

Skywarp wrote:“That was more exciting than I had expected,” the prankster said to the crimson conehead. “Not like being in my normal metal body and blowing up bigger slag, but at least we got to kill some fleshies. Heh.”

“It is, indeed, warrior. This world is weak and ready for us to seize in the name of Megatron. I do miss my ability to fly, though. How do these creatures not end their cycles after spending their existence as dirtpounders? They’re almost as pathetic as the Autobots,” he said, enjoying the chance to share his insights with a fellow Seeker of renown such as himself.

His processor whirled and glitched slightly as he thought over the possibilities this world had to offer. The glory and spoils alone would make them all legendary. And all without the Autobots knowledge.

His smile widened on his faceplate at the thought. Turning his attention back to Skywarp, he said, “Imagine the glory this world will bring us. I dare the Autobots to try and stop us.”

Streets of Aleppo

Redwing grumbled at the lack of cooperation from Feint. He didn't have much time to think about that though, as Amethyst threw herself on him, slamming his holomatter form into the sand. She barked orders at him, telling him to shoot at the man on top of the building she pointed at, and then she quickly got up and ran into the building after stating she was going in to get him. He got up, sighing.

'Well, this is the battlefield after all. I can't just expect others to fight while I cower. Amethyst...I gotta show her I care!’, Redwing thought. He could see the fleshbag on top of the building. So who cares if he was on the ground. Yah, it sucked….but...he could still pump em’ fulla lead! Thus, he aimed his semi-automatic rifle at the man on the roof and let'r rip! What he didn't expect though, was for the building to be set on fire. The woman came running from the blaze, her clothing on fire. Redwing rushed for her out of concern, but she'd managed to put herself out.

“Heehee.”, Redwing said, sheepishly, scratching his noggin. He smiled down at the shorter, female holoform and told her, as he embraced her for a second, “I should have known better than to worry. You probably have tons of experience dealing with catching yourself on fire.”

“Well...duh. Probably too much experience for my own good.”, Amethyst replied, looking up at her beloved's holoform.

Just then, the human had commited suicide. Both mechs looked at the pittiful broken human. Redwing frowned, and began to pull Amethyst with him as he noticed the convoy was starting to move again. Skywarp yelled at them to hurry and get in. The two rookie Seekers got in and slammed the door shut.

“Ok, we're ready!”, Amethyst said. She smelled of...burnt material. Not that that was really something new. Redwing guessed he'd just have to get used to that. Hopefully he'd be able to do what he promised, by saving her from endangering her life. However, if she kept rushing into things the way she showed she does, that may prove difficult without endangering himself. He'd have to stop being a coward.

I'm a daredevil flier, right? I should be able to protect her.’, Redwing thought to himself. However...looking around himself at the others, he also had to remember his place in the world. The rest of these guys...Thundercracker, Thrust, Skywarp...they all were focused on the mission. He had to be too.

>>”Redwing.”<<

>>”Huh...Amethyst?”<<, Redwing looked across the seating compartment at her, brought out of his state of thought.

>>”I'm okay. I can tell you're worried. Just...let's focus on the mission. Lord Megatron knows what's best for us. He chose us to be here. Let's do our best!”<< She smiled at him endearingly.

Redwing nodded.



>>"Bring me one of the insurgents. Alive. We'll meet at these coordinates after you and the others have dispatched this incursion,"<<

Ravage got the message and the coordinates. With an eager growl, the panther replied to his Lord, 'Yes Lord Megatron. It shall be done.’

Sixshot seemed to be adapting quite well to the fleshling disguise, getting the hang of how their inferior weaponry worked. It was good though it seemed, at dispatching what it was made for, as the sixchanger made quick work of his quarry.

Ravage, on the other hand, had his own directive to accomplish. He could smell the man on the other side of the dune. Disgusting, and emanating of fear and indecision. Ravage could care less for this man's disposition though. He was prey. The large black cat rushed up the side of the dune, and sensed the man's movement. He dodged the bullets that sprayed his way and lunged at the man, biting powerfully onto his arm that supported the gun. With a swat at the rifle, he easily dislodged it completely from the fleshling's grip and it fell away into the sand.

The man then drew a knife and tried to stab at Ravage, but he batted the knife away too and slashed the man's hand, nearly severing it from his arm.

“STAND DOWN OR I'LL KILL YOU!!”, Ravage demanded.

The man screamed and fell down, not believing what he'd heard. A talking animal?! He must be dehydrated. He was surely hallucinating. However...he was unarmed and facing certain death if he didn't comply, so he spoke back,

“Yes...Alright.” He felt absolutely mad.

Ravage made a fearsome victory roar and reached for the man, smacking him in the back of the head to knock him out, but not with enough force to kill him. Then the cat began to drag his prey along, as he bound easily across the barren terrain.

>>”Ravage, building and adjacent roof cleared. How you doing on your end, little kitty?”<<

That was a message from Sixshot. His work was also done here. Things were moving along well for the mission. Thus, the cat replied,

>>”Got a nice hunk of meat here, if you like desert rats. Come friend, follow me. We regroup with Lord Megatron now.”<<

Convoy:

With the rest getting back into the Humvee, Feint put away his bullets and settled back into the seat as the Seekers loaded up into the vehicle, everyone preparing to move out.

AFTRHR wrote: “Listen pal, no need to get yer skidplates in a twist. If I were ya, I’d get those weak-aft legs up’n’goin’ outta here. Wouldn’t wanna keep the big boss waitin’ too long."

Vertigo just sighed. Now for the violence and threats.

"I am more than happy to leave this ship full of brutes." Vertigo replied. "Trust me... More than happy. All I ask is that you allow me to take some supplies so I can repair my surveillance drone."

--

Cryhavok wrote:”I said! You have a date with Megatron!” Brawl roared, pulling Lock-On out of the CR chamber, ”Sheesh!” He groaned loudly as he began dragging the seeker towards an exit hatch with Feedback still firmly held under his arm, ”What about that you don’t understand?!”

"Heeyyy..." Lock On muttered as Brawl roughly removed him from the cr chamber. "I'm just trying to come back online here..."

---

Feedback just kept squirming, having long since abandoned listening to what anyone was saying.

Downtown Aleppo

The humvee that Brakeneck, Dreadnaut and Hazard were in followed the rest of the convoy, entering deeper into the bunker-like building that had been firebombed countless times. Brakeneck turned to the man in the driver’s seat - Dreadnaut’s facsimile - and gave him a smirk from behind his facsimile’s sunglasses. “Ain’t this one helluva trip? Seems pretty darn sweet if you ask me.”

[Decepticon Frigate Obliteration - Medbay]

Vertigo wrote:"I am more than happy to leave this ship full of brutes. Trust me... More than happy. All I ask is that you allow me to take some supplies so I can repair my surveillance drone."

Viper primed his gun. “Supplies isn’t my job. Swindle’s prolly got some stuff in the back, but that’s on the way out. Now move.” The blue bomber nudged the seeker with the gunbarrel, out towards the bounce chamber.