The Energon Pub

Command Center

Prowl worked diligently and had additional help to keep closer eyes on things. Still, he was getting nowhere. But something did grow on him in the back of his mind, the fact that the Deceptiucons were able to bypass a tightly secured area without the alarms going off.

"Would they be so bold as to try it again?" he thought. He needed to backtrack. The way to finding who he eneded to find lay on how the Decepticosn got into that facility. He was almost certain they had to have used a human working at that facility to gain access, either military personel or scientist. That was logically the best way to enter without raising an alarm beforehand. He needed to confirm his suspicions, then if they were true, who was it and what was his job?

But he needed to cover two areas quickly, luckily, Smokescreen was on hand doing his own search. But he had an alternative way of narrowing the search.

"Smokescreen, hack into the centeral database that the local government is using and begin looking for noted scientists working under government contract or employment!" he said. "What they know could aid Megatron and we cannot afford to let them fall into danger. While refineries aren't to be ignored, it's the military and government facilities I'm more concerned about. There's a high probability that the Deceptcons will use a similar method to gain access to their next target. Corss-reference with the location they work at and note it if it's deemed a vital installation by the humans! I need to backtrack and confirm something from the Decepticons last operation, so i'll cover the military end."

Wsting no time, he began hacking into the Central Intelligence Agency's network. If he was going to find anything pertaining to that facility, it would be there. He did consider looking into politicians, but even he knew that politicians come and go and knew little of what Megatron wanted. Still, he knew that ocne he started lsiting, he was going to be going through a lengthly process of elimination. he just hped he could elimanate enough from both lists, in time, to keep an Autobot on each one.

Command Center

"Ah don't worry about it Smokescreen.", Hound said as Smokescreen got to work on his search. "As long as I'm not running into Decepticons, I don't mind the long trips. It lets me see the planet, you know. One of the most beautiful planets I've seen in this long war, almost makes me want to sta-" He was interupted by Prowl, as the business-like commander came over to the desk with new orders.

"What, you think the 'Cons are going to go after important humans directly? Gee, that'd be a low blow on thier part, and it would be tough to stop. Even in this 'U.S.A.', theres a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of people to protect. And what if they wait for thier target to take a holiday? The humans travel all over their planet for recreation, to the most isolated spots. It's a lot easier for a Seeker to snatch someone from a ski resort on a snowy mountain than for most of us to go after them."

Hound tried thinking if he knew any specially important humans that could be targets, but he kept thinking about famous mountain climbers and ancient explorers he'd learnt about whenever he'd taken a short break to do research on the humans. I've really got to broaden my horizons on other parts of human culture...

Command Center

As Smokescreen waited for the results of his two searches, he listened to Hound talk about how beautiful the planet was. Smokey couldn’t deny that Earth was a sight to behold. It was certainly different than most worlds he’d visited. However, to Smokey, Earth still didn’t hold a candle to Cybertron back before the war ravaged the surface. Nothing could beat the image of gleaming towers of metal and glass stretching as far as the optics could see with countless cybernetic life forms scurrying about on its surface and flying around overhead. Smokey missed his home and wished he could see it alive again someday.

Smokescreen’s thoughts, along with Hound’s comments, were then interrupted by Prowl, who asked Smokey to initiate a third search, this one focusing on top human scientists under contract with the United States government. “Sure thing, Prowl,” the diversion expert said as he sat back up in his chair. “I shouldn’t have a problem hacking into their network. I’ll just have to heavily encrypt our coding so that the humans don’t detect my presence. Their primary government network is very secure and protected, but not from our advanced technology.”

Smokescreen took the necessary precautions and then hacked directly into the primary database of the United States government. He then initiated the search, hoping to zero in on the top military and governmental scientists, where they worked and what specifically they were working on. Once the search was begun, Smokey turned back to Prowl. “Okay, the search is commencing. I should have something in a few breems if I’m lucky, but probably not before my first two searches are completed.”

Smokescreen then looked to Hound once again and listened as he reacted to Prowl. "Well, it's a very distinct possibility that the 'cons could go directly after important humans, and it might already be happening. So, I'm sure Prowl just wants to cover all the bases," Smokey said to Hound in a friendly but informative tone. "And you're right. It would be very hard to stop them considering the sheer number of people on this planet. But, it doesn't hurt to try, I guess. I'm willing to try anything if it gives us the edge." Smokey smiled at the green mech before turning his attention back to his computer screen to monitor the three searches he currently had running.

Command Center

Prowl turned his attention to Hound after being questioned as ot why he thought so. Smokescreen had follwoed orders and gave his input to the Scout as well.

"Well given our history with the Decepticons, we know "low-blow" moves are something Megatron likes to use, when he can. I believe it's more so they can repeat whatever it was they did at that facility in the desert. But I need to confirm first that it's how they gained access." he replied. As Smokescreen informed him of his progress, Prowl nodded. "Good! Let me know when you have something and then forward it to Optimus! Once we know something, he should know immediately."

He searched the CIA's sensitive military files for the base "Area 1." He came across a file with an encryption and a name "dry lake facility-NV". He made the necessary pecautions so he could not be detected. Clicked it and began looking up the access code. it took him but mere moments to access the sensitive material. Inside he found a great deal of information regarding developmental technolgies, research done on the Dinobots and Shockwave, being described as "extraterrestrial robots", patrols, flight schedules, personel, and security. He needed to look for video surveillence occuring around the timeframe for the attack. The surveillence would have to be linked to the network as a security precaution in cause the base was wiped out.

He accessed the surveillence and typed in the Earth date according to the human's calendar when he attack occured. Numerous screens popped up. This would be a little bit. He just needed to find the excact moment and location that Megatron reared his ugly head.

Ark-22

Seeing that everyone was in position, Ultra Magnus looked over to Springer.

"When you are ready Springer, set course for Cybertron and take us out."

* * *

Wheeljack was seated at the engineering station on the command deck of the Ark-22. He was running scans on figuring out what he would need to ge the repairs of the old Autobot HQ in Iacon up and running again.

Ironhide's quarters

Ironhide got Optimus's message immediately.

>>Ah, no, sir. That's alright. If you don't have the time now, Ill talk to ya later.<<

He hung up and sat down, flipping channels on the Decepticon scanner. Nope. No. No. No stinking Decepticon activity!

"Shoot!" he growled, throwing the remote down. "I'm getting bored!"

He stormed off and looked around the ship. Nothing to do!

>>Actually Optimus, I do need to talk to you. Like, now. I'm on my way.<<

Command Center

Ironhide stomped right up to Optimus, his face clearly showing his anger.

"Optimus, sir? I want to go out on patrol."

No Sigs in RPG forums please - Devastron

Command Center

Smokescreen watched his computer screen carefully as the three searches he had previously initiated continued to run their courses. The first one he conducted on the data that Hound had provided was almost complete. Only a few more astroseconds to go. Hound’s scouting mission had been pretty extensive across the subcontinent and would surely provide an ample amount of information.

Smokescreen straightened up in his chair as the first search finished. He quickly scanned through the data which revealed a list of all the major liquid fuel installations in the United States. Smokey rubbed his chin as he studied the long list of potential targets. As he did so, the second search completed its run soon afterwards, displaying another lengthy list of fuel depots and facilities. This internet search had focused on the rest of the world outside the range Hound had been able to cover.

Smokescreen quickly began compiling the information together into one master database. He then pulled out a data pad and plugged it into his console. As he started the download, the third and final search finished, displaying the results in yet another window on his screen. This was the search Prowl had requested and Smokey quickly began downloading those results to the data pad, as well. He then turned to the military strategist.

“Prowl, the search you wanted is finished. I’m transmitting the data to your computer terminal now.” Smokey’s fingers glided across his keyboard and the transfer was swiftly done. “It has the names of all the top scientists currently under contract for the U.S. Government, where they work and what they’re working on. It even includes top secret projects. And as you wanted, I’m providing Prime with a copy along with my other search results.”

When the downloading was completed, Smokescreen removed the data pad from his console. He then stood and walked over to Optimus Prime. Standing at attention, the diversion expert addressed his commander.

“I have completed the searches you had requested, Optimus. The results are here on this data pad,” Smokey spoke in a confident tone as he handed Prime the data pad. “Thanks to the information Hound provided me, I was able to conduct the searches more quickly and effectively. As you can see there are oil and fuel installations all over the surrounding subcontinent. The highest concentration of fuel depots and facilities are in the state of Texas located in the southern sector of the United States. There are also offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Those platforms are numerous and very isolated in the middle of a large body of water. They would make easy targets for the Decepticons to attack.”

Smokescreen then paused and took a deep breath before continuing. “My search also revealed that an area called the ‘Middle East’ is a major source of oil and fuel for the entire planet. There are numerous oil refineries in remote desert locations that would make perfect targets for the ‘cons. I’ve also determined that any disruption of oil flow from the Middle East would result in serious damage to an already fragile world economic structure. Something the ‘cons would love to accomplish, I’m sure.”

Smokescreen continued, “The database I've compiled gives a list of all the major liquid fuel installations, both names and locations. Unfortunately, the list is somewhat long, but it’s the best I could do thus far. In addition, I also conducted another search at Prowl’s request. I provided those results for you to examine, as well.”

Smokescreen remained at attention as he kept his optics focused on Optimus Prime, waiting for any kind of response. The diversion expert barely noticed when Ironhide entered the command center. Smokey was too concerned with the job he had done and whether it was good enough considering the important nature of the task. Any advantage over the Decepticons at this point could only benefit the Autobots not to mention help protect the people of this small planet. There was no room for error.

Corridors

Sunstreaker looked over at Sideswipe with a frown on his face. “It takes more than some senile old timer wildly shooting off his gun to get me to flinch.” His brother was already talking about something else so he let it go. His twin was about the only being around that he would do that for. Of course, Sideswipe would probably never figure that out. The way he just rambled on sometimes from topic to topic, he probably never realized that with anyone else he would have just walked away. He felt obligated to at least pretend to listen to Sideswipe since he at least granted him the same courtesy at times.

This time though his brother quickly grew quiet. While Sunstreaker was relieved it also had the effect of sending them both plunging back into boredom. They were now essentially back where they had been before the big mission to the human airbase. He let out a quiet sigh. Some day he was going to convince command not to send him on these slagging infiltration missions. Let the annoying little Bots like Bumblebee and Hound handle this work while he handled the actual fighting.

The warrior stopped in his tracks as his brother threw up his arm to stop him. He glared over at him. He’d let the little punch on the shoulder go but he had better not scuffed up his paint job. Before he could say anything Sideswipe started going on about some sort of racing strip the humans used. His glared changed into a thoughtful look as he considered the idea. Racing wasn’t as good as fighting, nothing was, but it was fairly close, especially when you raced with the wild abandon he did. “Alright, I’m in, but we need to actually get out to this road and race. I wouldn’t mind getting some other Autobots involved too, maybe putting some energon down on who wins. Racing is always better when there are stakes involved.”

*

Ark-22

Springer turned back around in his chair to face the helm again as Ultra Magnus began issuing orders. “Yes sir! Breaking orbit now.” He watched the various systems and scanner readouts through his optics as he manipulated the controls, steering the Autobot vessel away from the blue and green marble it had been circling. It was a pretty planet he had to admit, but he was definitely excited to be heading back to Cybertron. Sure it was a war torn, polluted wreck but it was still home.

The Ark-22 glided away from the Earth, quick passing by the moon and leaving both behind. “We are in clear space, powering up the transwarp drive and laying in a course for Cybertron.” As his fingers tapped in the course for the Transformer homeworld he watched the readouts from the transwarp drive displayed on his optics. “Transwarp drive reads ready and functional. Femmes and gentlebots, we are off to Cybertron!” With a flash of light the Ark-22 disappeared into the depths of space, bound for Cybertron.

Command Center

Prowl continued his search of the Area 51 scurity recordings. There was nothing yet to notice, but he still had a hunch. It was then that something caught his optic. He selected the recording and played back to where a ranking Miltiary official, meeting with a guard over something. They seemed to be arguing.

He quickly got a profile image of the ranking officer. Using it as reference he did a search through the military files: Orodway, a general.

He turned his attention back to the recording and that was when he saw it. Orodway and a guard pulled guns on each other, only Orodway was not the typical solid round. He had personally seen this blast type before. Then he recalled Soundwave carrying a similar gun as he escaped the very facility.

"That's how they got it in!" he muttered. That proved his hunch. But how they got the human to cooperate was another piece that needed answering. He continued following more feeds until Ordodway eached the chamber containing the then disabled Shockwave and Dinobots. It was then that both Megatron and Soundwave reared their ugly heads. Only after Soundwave transformed that the Decepticons's foot had landed on the general.

Typical Decepticon behavior, not something he smiled upon. But as Soundwave walked away, he examined the remains closer, zooming in and enhancing. It was then that he noticed something. There was no internal organic material left aside te skin. No blood, as the humans called it. It was a machine, a replica. With this, it didn't take much for Prowl to deduce what happened to the real Orodway.

"Prime, I'm sequencing security feed. There's something about the human in the sequence you need to see." he said as he cropped and edited together the sequence in a form that would allow Optimus to view it quickly. When done, he forwarded it, and Orodway's profile, to Prime.

Quickly, he began searching for military personel that would be potential targets for the Decepticons. He wasted no time elimanating any lower-ranking personel from his search, as they would not have top clearance the Decepticons would desire. It was Colonels, Lieutenant Generals, and even Generals they would want, which would narrow down his search to possibly a few dozen.

He received Smokescreen's listings. While helpful, he secretly noted that his comrade had failed to narrow his search. This was not necessarily a big deal since he could do it himself, but it would take up a little more time. At best, it saved him a few more minutes.

Command Center

Prime looked to Smokescreen when he addressed the Autobot leader. He took a hold of the datapad the diversion expert held out and nodded. “Thank you, Smokescreen.” Prime then listened carefully to what he had to say about the data that was researched. It appeared, to Optimus that the Decepticons were relying solely on the use of liquid fossil fuels due in part that the refining of other resources took too long. The research on the planet’s liquid fuel sources would help narrow down the potential areas that the Decepticons would raid.

Now that the research was compiled into a list Prime could concentrate on the most vulnerable locations. Prime’s interest was piqued when Smokescreen mentioned the other research he conducted under Prowl’s orders. Again the Autobot leader nodded.

Prime turned and examined the data on the liquid fuel resources and took note that only two locations were the most likely of targets; the oil rigs located in the Gulf of Mexico, and the oil reserves in the Middle East. Prime thought for a moment and then heard Prowl call for him. Optimus then accessed the nearest terminal to him and watched the video feed that Prowl had found. Prime’s optics narrowed when he noticed what Prowl had found. “Megatron.”

Prime looked back to Prowl before he spoke. “Good work, Prowl. Unfortunately I believe we have a more Immediate matter to deal with. I’ll need to speak with you now.”

Prime left the command center and entered one of the two briefing rooms off the main room and waited for his second to join him.

Command Center

As Prime requested a private one on one with him, Prowl stood up but letting his search continue.

"Yes Prime!" he said. "Right away!"

He turned to Smokescreen. He was going to have to dump a little more work on him.

"Smokescreen, I need you to keep my work going until otherwise." he said. "Narrow the search down to a dozen potential ranking facility commanders and high ranking officials! Then send it to Optimus!"

As he got up and followed Optimus Prime into the briefing room. He already had an idea as to what was about to go down. He stood before his leader, fully attentive.

"I'm all receptors Prime." he said, waiting for Optimus to speak.

Command Center

Smokescreen nodded and returned to his station as Prime began to study his findings. It wasn't long before Prowl also alerted Optimus to something he had just discovered in his own searches and was then quickly summoned into a private meeting with the Aubobot Commander. However, before going into the briefing room, Prowl instructed Smokey to continue his work for him.

"Sure thing, Prowl. I'll get right on it!" Smokescreen replied with a smile, happy to be of assistance. He switched over to the military strategist's station where he continued to narrow down Prowl's search of high ranking officials and commanders that would be potential targets of the Decepticons. It wasn't easy as there were so many officers to search through in the human network, but Prowl seemed to be focusing mainly on generals, lieutenants and colonels, so Smokey did the same. It didn't take long before a list of twelve names appeared on the screen along with other pertinent data relating to each human. Their rank, serial number, work location, personal address, photos, and level of clearance were all included in the results.

Once that search was finished, Smokescreen took the initiative to narrow his own search of top scientists down to a more manageable list of potential targets. He focused on those who were working on top secret projects for the military which the humans considered to be the most important. As Smokey compiled his list, he noted that many of these humans were working on advanced weapons programs while others worked on new energy and fuel technologies. And while no where near as advanced as Cybertronian tech, some of what the humans were working on impressed Smokescreen a bit. This species had great potential if given the chance. But that chance would never come to fruitation if the Decepticons succeeded in destroying this blue world.

A list of ten top scientists soon appeared with all relevant data and project information for each. Smokescreen studied this list along with the first one of tweleve military personnel. Everything seems to be in order, Smokey thought to himself, wanting to make sure nothing was overlooked. Once he was satisfied with the final results, the diversion expert compiled the data together into one comprehensive file. And, as Prowl had instructed, Smokey then transmitted the results directly to Optimus Prime, who would undoubtedly want to see the findings as soon as possible.

"Terrific," he mutttered. "Just my luck."

He sat down. After a few minutes of silence, he turned to Smokescreen.

"Hey, Smokey," he said. "How do I get so lucky? How am I ever gonna get action?"



No Sigs in RPG forums - Devastron

Command Deck

Once Smokescreen had sent the search results to Optimus Prime, he got up and returned to his own station and began running a few standard system diagnostics to make sure the security protocols were still operating at optimal levels. He also continued to monitor the human internet for any news reports from around the planet that may indicate any kind of Decepticon activity. It would surely be covert in nature and the 'cons were known to cover their tracks well enough so that the humans wouldn't be aware of it. However, Smokescreen had been on enough infiltration missions in the past to recognize the tell-tale signs of the enemy's presence.

It was then that Ironhide spoke to him, wanting to know if he would ever see some action. Smokescreen turned to the old, red mech. "I'm sure we'll all be seeing some action soon enough, Ironhide," Smokey replied with a friendly smile. "The 'cons are up to something. I'm sure that's what Optimus and Prowl are talking about right now in the briefing room. It's just a matter of time."

Smokescreen then turned his attention back to his computer screen and watched for any signs of potential Decepticon intrusions.

Command Deck

Hound was unsure if we was really meant to still be here. He was just a scout after all, and he preferred being out in the field to being stuck inside the Ark. But everyone seemed so excited about the data he'd gathered, he figured he should probably stick around, in case he was asked any questions, or was sent to find more data.

It certainly seemed that things were getting complex around here. Optimus, Prowl, Smokescreen and Ironhide were all getting agitated, and it seemed that the Decepticons were about to strike. Hound could certainly appreciate Ironhide's twitchiness, even if he himself would rather be somewhere else, scouting more of the planet. Perhaps he should be sent ahead to check some of these target sites...But with Optimus already in the planning room, it seemed unlikely he'd be getting a simple scan-and-go mission.

"Yeah, don't worry Ironhide. We'll be shipping out in no time. And once we do, promise you'll watch my back if I watch yours?"

Command Center – Briefing Room

Prime had entered the briefing room before Prowl. The Autobot Commander’s focus was directed at the console before him as the strategist entered and addressed him. Prime’s fingers danced over the keypad and quickly brought up a holo image of the Gulf of Mexico. He turned to face Prowl and spoke.

“I believe the Deceptiocns’ next likely target will be located here in the Gulf of Mexico.” He pointed to an area on the image and it zoomed in to show an oil rig. “This oil platform is located in a remote location in the body of water. It is the most logical location for the Decepticons to strike.”

He removed the image form the projection and placed his hands on the table.

“Prowl, I want you to lead a team to that oil platform and stop them before they can raid its fuel reserves. Take as many troops as you need and keep me informed on your progress. Understood?”

Breifing Room

Prowl examined the oil platform and it's locaiton in the Gulf of Mexico. Given the circumstances it was ideal for the Decepticons to strike. once he received Primes orders he saluted.

"Affirmative Prime." he said. I'll assemble a team immediately. Once he finished saluting he turned to proceeded into the command Center. He looked around and already saw his first selections.

"Ironhide take care of what business you need with Prime and report to briefing room 2! Smokescreen, Skids, finish whatever you're doing or find a stopping point, I need you in the briefing room 2 as well!"

He briefly glanced at Blaster half-considering bringing him along, but given the remoteness of the location and the given cicumstances of their secrecy, it was better he remain for now.

He went over to a terminal and hit a switch. "Attention all Autobots on base, the following are ordered to briefing room 2: "Bumblebee, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, Aftershot, Howlstrike, Brawn." It did not necessarily help him that several of the Autobots had left planet, but it couldn't be helped given the circumstances. Prowl had to make due with what he had until more Autobots could make their way to Earth. Of course, he needed the med bay readied in advance. "Ratchet, have the medbay readied should we receive injuries! All remaining pesonel are to carry on wiht their current assignments or downtime."

He picked a sizable team. While Bumblebee was not necessarily the most ideal for one on one with Decepticon warriors, he had a feeling the little guy would come in handy as he always had a knack for doing so. So it wouldn't hurt bring him along. Still, he knew a few Autobots that would be lookig for some payback from before. This would be their chance.

He walked to the doorway leading to...

Briefing Room 2

Prowl walked in and stood before the empty chairs which would soon be filled with the Autobots he selected.

Command Center

Smokescreen turned at the sound of Prowl’s voice and nodded at his second-in-command. “No problem. I’ll be right there.” The diversion expert then returned his attention to his computer screen where he noticed that the system diagnostic had already completed. All security protocols were functioning properly. Good. One less thing to worry about, Smokey thought as his fingers quickly danced across the keyboard, terminating the connection to the human internet. It was no longer necessary to monitor for Decepticon activity. Smokey had a strong feeling that Prime had already found something in the search results he had provided that indicated a probable enemy attack was imminent. Not to mention Prowl was now assembling a large team which could only mean that their mission would most likely bring them in direct contact with the enemy.

Smokescreen stood from his chair and looked over to Ironhide. “Well, it looks like you’re about to get your wish for some action, Ironhide.” The diversionary tactician then walked across the command deck and entered briefing room 2. “Reporting as ordered, sir,” Smokey said, saluting Prowl. The red and blue mech then took a seat and waited for the meeting to begin.

Briefing Room 2

After hearing Prowl's call Bumblebee quickly made his way to Briefing Room 2, and was surprised to see Aftershot to arrive soon after him. The Autobot flier had not been seen since the last battle with the Decepticons after he was shot down after a swift, but brutal fight with Thundercracker and Skywarp.

The two Autobots took a seat at the table and waited.

Breifing Room 2

"So, Bumblebee," Ironhide began, "What d' you think we're doin' here?"

He took a seat in the breifing room and looked around as he waited for Prowl's entry. Prowl had really done a good job with the decoration in here. A big console, an Autobot symbol, and more things hung on the walls. As the other Autobots walked in, he thought about what they'd be doing.

"Brawn, you got any idea? Anyone?"

Corridors

The twins’ plotting was drawn to a sudden end as they received the message from Prowl. Sunstreaker snickered. “This better be something good. Knowing Prowl it could be anything, maybe a lecture on more efficient base cleaning routines.” The Autobot warrior wasn’t a huge fan of Prowl’s overly officious ways. He tolerated him as long as he sent him out into battles and kept out of his way. Of course, that’s generally how he tolerated anyone.

Sideswipe smiled back at him. “Come on bro, I’m sure even the walking calculate wouldn’t waste a couple of hardcore warriors like us on something boring like that. How about I race you to the briefing room? I still feel the need for speed after our idea there. On foot only though, not alternate modes, sound good to…. Hey wait! I didn’t say start yet!” He chased after the rapidly running form of Sunstreaker as he made his way down the hallways.

Briefing Room 2

Sunstreaker walked into the room, a smug smirk plastered on his face. He looked around at the other gathered Autobots and grunted before taking a seat. It wasn’t exactly the worst group he’d seen, it was actually fairly tolerable as long as Ironhide did activate his vocalizer too much. Of course Prowl was there and he was more than capable of bringing down any group or mission.

Sideswipe walked in shortly behind his brother, a scowl on his face. He glared at Sunstreaker before sitting next to him at the table. “Cheater,” he muttered under his breath. “Sore loser,” Sunstreaker muttered back.

(OOC: I'll get the ball rolling so too much time doesn't pass. I'll assume everyone called has shown)

Briefing Room 2

Prowl watched as the various Autobots, he summoned, entered the room. Once they were seated he spoke up.

"Okay Autobots settle down! We're short on time so I'll get right to it." he said. There was no time for formalities and he was certain a few Autobots would assume this was another one of his proceedure classes, which was not the case.

He dimmed the lights via remote signals from him to the automatted system. He brought up a holographic console and pressed on of the buttons.

"We just recieved intel that the Decepticons are currently, or about to engage in an operation in the Gulf of Mexico. Most likely their objective is to collect energy." A live-feed holographic image of Earth appeared. he typed in the coordinates Optimus Prime had specified. The image then zoomed on on a multi-dimensional image of the oil drilling platform.

"This is their intended target. An oil drilling platrom. Oil, as we know, is a highly valued, yet environmentally hazzardous natural resource to the humans since their methods of replicating it artificially are nowhere near the level of ours. We also know it is a vital ingredient for creating fuel. We're going to go down to that platform and drive them out, while saving as many human lives as we can."

Of course he would not forget those images he saw, but he would bring that up after he went over his plan.

"Now driving them out won't be so easy though. Given the nature of the battlesite, I'm authorizing 'on-site acquisition' should you need to improvise when engaging the Decepticons. Assuming that the Decepticons have caused considerbale damage to the platform, we will have to let the platform go. The plan is to drive some of the Decepticons towards this section." As he spoke a part of the platform, a fuel tank, bleeps in yellow. "Here, a fuel tank is located for any craft that needs fueling. Ideally, I'd like to get several Decepticons near it, but before that I have another surprise for them. Bumblebee, that is where you come in. I want you to find an oil line the humans would use for filling those barrels. Find the end and then let me know, you're going to be dousing some of them with oil. Once that is done and we've driven some of them close enough, we'll hit the fuel tank and set it off. Hopefully, the resulting explosion and can take out a few Decepticons and force the rest to retreat."

Then came the final part of his briefing.

"Finally, there is one very serious matter that needs to be brought up. We've discovered evidence that the Decepticons have been abducting humans and turning them into slaves. This was how Megatron and Soundwave accessed that research facility to acquire Shockwave." he said, preparing for the grim part. "After an extensive search of the security feed, we found something very disturbing about the method being used."

He brought up the very security feed of Soundwave's foot crushing the human. "Watch!" he said as Soundwave's foot moved away "Freeze, magnify and enhance!" he gave the computer orders. It did so on the human remains, revealing a more detailed image of the remains.

"That human they used was terminated well before they entered the facility. All that was left was the extertior coverings and a non-organic interior. Needless to say, we should expect the decepticons to be collecting further specimens. I will not accept this happening at the oil platform! If you see Decepticons abducting humans, make it your priority to free those humans!" he said with a determination. He secretly wanted to find the Decepticon doing this to those humans and put an end to their brutality. This was not the human's war but Megatron was doing a pretty good job trying to make it their war.

He had a good idea that the governments of the world already knew of their existence but it was time to show them that they're not all bad, like the Decepticons, by saving lives.

With that, the lights brightened and the images faded. Prowl stood before the Autobots, hoping that last part got them motivated to defeatin the Decepticons.

"That conclused the briefing. Report to the Orbital Bounce platform immediately! Dismissed!"

Breifing Room 2

As soon as Prowl finished, Ironhide was on his feet. Finally, some action! He raced into the hall before everyone else, eager to fight.

"Later, Prime," he called as he passed the leader. "I'm gonna fight!"

Orbital Bounce room

Ironhide primed his rifle and stood at the ready. He knew that the other Autobots would be hot on his heels. Finally, it was time to fight.

Briefing Room #2

Smokescreen sat quietly as he listened to everything Prowl had to say. The data Smokey had collected on the oil platforms had apparently been very useful which made the diversion expert happy. Perhaps they would be able to save the oil rig and the humans on it before the Decepticons were able to grab a foothold. He could only hope that would be the case. If not, Smokey would do whatever he could to preserve innocent human life.

The second part of Prowl’s briefing was very disturbing to say the least. Smokescreen couldn’t believe that the Decepticons were using humans in such a way in order to infiltrate further than ever before. It was a sickening and brutal practice that needed to be stopped not just for humanity’s sake, but for the sake of the Autobot war effort. If the ‘cons continued to gain that kind of access to the governments around the planet, then the Autobots would be at a great disadvantage, if they weren’t already. Who knows how long the ‘cons have been doing this to the humans. It could already be too late to stop.

Once Prowl’s orders were given, Smokescreen stood from his seat and quickly made his way out of the briefing room and to the orbital bounce pad where he waited for the others to arrive.

Briefing Room 2

Sunstreaker was happy to see that the meeting was going to be about an actual mission, a mission where they were actually going to do some fighting. His interest in the meeting quickly plummeted though as Prowl began to move into the minutiae of the mission. Some day he would learn that none of his fancy and overly complicated plans ever actually worked once they were out in the field. Also, it would be a cold day in the pit before he stuck his aft on the line to save a bunch of humans. He would fight the way he always did and he would do better than any of the other losers on this mission. Some day command would learn to just let him do his thing and skip all of these formalities.

Sideswipe listened to the meeting with a little more interest than his brother. He was happy to be sent on a mission. Prowl’s plan seemed sensible enough, if a bit tricky to pull off. He’d rather just have a straight up fight than all of this but if things were looking bad torching a few Cons would be a good idea. The thing with the humans was kind of odd, but he wouldn’t put anything past the Decepticons. This type of thing sounded right up their alley. He’d try to protect them if he could but he wasn’t going to risk any Autobot lives to do it.

Once the meeting was done the two Autobots stood up. They exchanged a look as Ironhide raced out of the room like a mech possessed. They then jogged off to the bounce platform. “Bet you a liter of fuel I get more hits than you do,” Sideswipe said to his brother.

“Pfh, I bet you two liters that I double up however many hits you get.”

Sideswipe smirked. “I’ll hold you to that bro!”