The Energon Pub

Deck-9-Corridors

Dessicator took in the collection of mechs. He couldn’t put an actuator on why, but each reminded him of himself in one way or another. Their weaponry was the obvious reason, but there had to be more. A sworn loner, he liked to think he wasn’t one to be swayed by such things as canons, rockets, and flares no matter how big and impressive they were. So what had captured his interest?

”'Dessicator'.. Are you a scientist?" asked Doomshot in reference to the newcomer's name.

“No.” He let the single word hand in space for an astrosecond as had to pause and mull over the question. It was something he never thought of before, though he could understand the confusion. All he had to do was come up with a viable reason for choosing such a name. When he was ready, he answered, “I just like the sound of it. It carries a ring of terror, don’t you think?”

It wasn’t the best of explanations, but it was satisfactory to him.

His curiosity was piqued when he heard the bar mentioned, but his hopes were quickly dashed at hearing others not liking the idea. “If I may, a bar is a great place to relax. You get to see what’s truly in one’s spark when they’re overenergized.”

He didn’t know if his two chits were worth anything, but he didn’t see anything wrong with relaxing with some energon.

"Yes….it's a decision I have made, a long time coming now. You see, I can't remember why I was built or either modified to be this way. I don't know if I was actually a factory reject given a second chance, or if whoever made me only cared about war machines, but whatever the reason, a femcon just seems to fit me better than a mech with a make defect.”

"I wouldn't say it's a defect," said Redwing to Amethyst, "Replacement parts for femcon seekers are pretty rare, since I remember they were a really brief make. I know this because of my old job. It's possible you just have mech parts mixed in from parts replacements over the vorns. That comes as a slight advantage though because mech seeker limbs generally held up better under weighted pressure testing, though the armor is still the same density as the femme variant.”

Redwing started to think about how he was speaking. He had a mind and a will, and yet he spoke of himself and Amethyst like as machines that were almost "disposable" or "used for testing". It started to make Redwing shiver at thinking of how mechanical and systematic he used to think regarding himself and his fellow seekers, which he still finds himself thinking as at times. Having a personality was almost a fairly new concept to a seeker. Especially for Redwing. It used to just be "seekers, shoot to kill" without the social side. Let alone any sort of senses of love. It made Redwing wonder how they were evolving as a faction, or even as a Cybertronian "model" as the seekers.

Then after Redwing mentioned his forgetting to get a weapons check, Amethyst replied in a stressing tone,

“You'd better make sure to check them before the next mission! You never know what could happen.

Redwing was appreciative of Amethyst's expression of worry. He could tell it stemmed from bad experience in times past and recent for her. What she said afterwards confirmed that suspicion.

As for me...well… I forget all the time. That's not the first time I've had extensive repairs, you see. One day, I might not make it back from a mission.”

Redwing's optics widened in worry, and then he took both of her hands in his and said, "No no no! Don't say that..”

“Please….help me remember to check my weapons often. I’ll help you too.”

"Of course, I'll do anything to help you," Said Redwing without hesitation, "In fact, we can get that done in a little while if you want. With both of our heads together we’re bound to remember!” Said Redwing trying to stay on the bright side of things.

Redwing sighed. He couldn't bare the thought of losing the one he loved. Not now, not ever. So at that he switched to the topic of painting to forget about that fear.

“...Hmmm, I haven't put a lot of thought into it before….having a new paint scheme that is. I never saw much of a reason to, as I just wanted to fit in. But you know, I have thought I do look rather boring and dull. A new color scheme now sounds perfect, what with my new identity. I want to stand out! I don't know what color though...something...fitting?”

"Hmm," began Redwing, “I think I have some ideas, but what colors do you prefer? I think the purple suits you, but maybe slightly pinker?"

“So where do you do your paint and detailing anyways?”

"The hangar is the best place since there's equipment for propping up alt modes. So that's where I have the rest of my.. 'Junk', heh.”

Redwing and Amethyst continued down the corridors and chatted more, but all the while Redwing was also thinking about what had happened with those jerks in that room. Amethyst somehow seemed tougher than him. How? Not that Redwing didn’t want Amethyst to be able to stick up for herself. In fact he really really liked that about her. It was just that, while on the outside Redwing seemed like an easy going but yet tough kind of guy, he was really the opposite. And it showed then. It was like a two faced persona, but rather than it being for negative purposes, it was rather to hide his softer side. But was being a softie or one who didn’t take action when threatened someone who was deserving of being a Decepticon? Redwing often wondered why he was rescued from the vacuum of space all that time ago. Was he really worth it?

No, Redwing remembered in the bar when he confronted Offroad. He knew how to confront others. Why didn't he confront his old roommates? Was he afraid of getting into trouble? Whatever the case, Redwing knew he could be strong. He had to be to protect Amethyst in times of danger.

“Amethyst,” started Redwing, “How did you do that back there? Did you just make it up as you went, or did you preplan it? I wanted to do that to them long ago, but you just.. did it. How? I mean.. it was really awesome,” Redwing laughed.

Beta Hanger

"The refueling bar does sound like a decent idea, Astrotrain. I also wonder about our fellow triple changer, Blitzwing. Maybe we should send a message to him to meet us at the refueling bar if he isn't already there by chance."

>>Oh B-Wing, A-Train and I are back from our little delivery run. We were thinking of making a pit stop at the refueling bar. Where are you at?<<


Corridor 9

Battletrap listened to the debate about changing locations. Most agreed they needed to move but to where. The bar idea was out but maybe the training room could work. He looked around at the group and realized he knew little of what most of these Cons could do. Some were heavily armed so he knew they could flatten a Bot quickly. Others he wasn't so sure about.

"Training room good idea. We learn what we each can do. We have to be careful not hit each other. Training can be fun and relax for some."

Shockwave's Laboratory

The Stunticons had begun arriving in short order. Satisfied, Shockwave sent a Priorty-1 summons to both Scrapper and Hook.

For as long as the concept of functional gestlat technology had been an initiative within the Decepticon ranks--and it had for some time--it had been the Constructicons who finally broke through the obstacles that had plagued earlier efforts. Some in the Decepticon ranks suspected Shockwave of operating out of pride every bit as much as he did out of logic. Such thinking was fallacious, in the strategist's estimation, but even if it did have a glint of truth Shockwave was not so prideful as to exclude the two Constructicons most directly responsible for the existence of Devastator simply because he had not had a direct hand in its creation. Thus, collaboration would pave their way forward. It was only logical.

"Imperative: proceed to those auxilliary berths and lie down," Shockwave said to the Stunticons as he approached a wall panel and prepared a larger one for Motormaster.

Shockwave’s Laboratory

Megatron wrote:“See it done.”

Megatron’s order was short and to the point. “As you command, my lord,” Razorclaw replied with a bow before returning his attention to Shockwave. The military operations commander assured the lion-former that all of the data he had procured from Starscream’s previous forays would be sent directly to him. “Good. I will be down in the Cartography Room. You may send the information there so that I may analyze it.”

Wasting no further time, Razorclaw turned on his heel and headed for the exit. As he entered the corridor beyond, he passed by several of the Stunticons that had been called by Motormaster. The Predacon Commander paid them no mind and instead opened up a comm link over the Predacons’ private frequency as he continued onwards down the corridor:

>>”Headstrong, Tantrum, Divebomb, Rampage, meet me in the Cartography Room at once. We have a new mission by order of Lord Megatron, himself. I will meet you all there shortly.”<<
_______________

Megatron wrote:"That you are.”

Megatron responded as he turned to face Sixshot. Before he could say any more, Flamewar interjected her own assessment on how best to utilize the sixchanger’s abilities. “Reign me in? You jest, my dear. I am at my best when I’m destroying everything, especially Autobots. Heh.”

Megatron wrote:"To that end, it's time to push this strategy into Phase Three. With the facsimiles in place, Razorclaw hunting the ore and Shockwave preparing to cyberform the remains of this world, there's no reason for us to confine ourselves to this ship when this world is so ripe for exploitation."

"This area of the humans world is rife with conflict and ripe with opportunity. The perfect location from which to stoke the flames of this already war-torn civilization. We will continue our work here. Flamewar, ready an extended infiltration unit. We head for the hangar.”

Sixshot walked over to the terminal where Megatron had brought up a holographic globe that highlighted the nation-state called Syria. “Seems like a delightful place,” the STAG said in a sarcastic tone. “Can’t wait to get started!”

The phase sixer then followed Megatron towards the door of the lab where the slagmaker stopped for a moment to address Motormaster’s concerns. Sixshot took the opportunity to speak with Flamewar some more. “So, my dear, things are about to get interesting, don’t you think? Hopefully, I’ll be able to add some destruction to this region, but by the looks of what I just saw, this Syria place is already pretty messed up. Still, I’m sure I can find a way to make it even worse.”

Once Megatron was done speaking to Motormaster, the slagmaker headed out of the lab. “Time to go,” Sixshot said as he exited the room, falling in step behind Megatron.
_______________

Drag Strip and the other Stunticons didn’t have to wait too long before the door to Shockwave’s lab finally opened. First, Razorclaw exited without so much as a ‘hello’. Then, Megatron, himself, appeared and told Breakdown, “Welcome to the future,” before continuing onward down the corridor. Finally, Sixshot emerged from the lab and briefly glared down at the four Stunticons, knocking Drag Strip out of the way as he passed by.

“It’s nice to be so loved,” Drag Strip commented as Breakdown wanted to know what exactly Megatron meant by his words. “I don’t know, Breakdown, but I think we’re about to find out.” The yellow Stunticon then cautiously entered Shockwave’s laboratory as the others filed in behind him. Motormaster was there, of course, looking as ominous as ever, and across the room was ol’ one-eyed.

Shockwave wrote:"Imperative: proceed to those auxiliary berths and lie down.”

Drag Strip looked back at his fellow Stunticons for a brief astrosecond before returning his attention to what lay ahead. “Whatever you say, Shockers,” the former race champion said as he approached one of the berths and hopped up onto it. Drag felt like he was about to become a guinea cyber-pig for some kind of experiment.

Well, at least it can’t be worse then the torture Motormaster had previously put me through, Drag Strip thought to himself as he laid his head back onto the berth. Can it?

Bridge

>>”Headstrong, Tantrum, Divebomb, Rampage, meet me in the Cartography Room at once. We have a new mission by order of Lord Megatron, himself. I will meet you all there shortly.”<<

The Predacons on the bridge exchanged curious looks with one another as the transmission from their chief warlord came through.

"Whaddya s'pose that's about?" Rampage said, rising from his station.

"Who cares? It gets us off the ship and it's from Megatron. That's enough for me. Move yer aft," Tantrum grunted.

"Don't get so pushy, horns," Rampage said, snarling in Tantrum's face before stalking off the bridge, the fueler not far behind.

Crew Quarters

The brief walk had done Thundercracker good. Not as much as his time in the training room, but definitely a close second. There were times he believed he thought too much. He knew others thought that same, some, like Skywarp, even told him so.

It was a funny thing that so many in the Decepticon ranks treated self reflection and learning as something to be avoided. Thinking was something he’d learned early on from watching Megatron. Sure, the slag maker was one of the most powerful warriors in the universe, but he had an intellect few knew or understood. He could analyze situations and mechs and come up with options that gave them the best chance for victory.

Then there were his moments of uncontrollable rage that had resulted in their losing as much as anything else. How many times had he blamed Starscream (Not that he didn’t deserve a bulk of the blame through his arrogance, he thought) or himself for being outmaneuvered?

By all rights, the war should have been over millennia ago. We are the warriors, not the Autobots. So, what’s the reason? Megatron? Prime? Us?

Thundercracker’s processor whirled with various thoughts and possible reasons and outcomes, but none were more than theories. He doubted if even Soundwave or Shockwave could work out the variables. Sometimes, it just relies on one’s spark.

He paused by his cabin door and triggered the sensor. The door slid open revealing a sparse cabin with a small display off to one side displaying the awards he’d been given by Megatron.

He smiled, scoffing at seeing them. His pride in them was as tarnished as his current outlook. Not that he’d allow the others to know that. He had no expectations of his position being assured in the Decepticon ranks. If he stepped too close to the invisible line Megatron had drawn long ago signifying the loyalty he expected he’d be removed and another would take his place. And he had less faith in them doing what they could to protect their fellow Decepticons.

With that thought fresh in his processor, he sat on the edge of his recharging birth and accessed the data padd he kept for his research. Once the crew manifest came up, he entered Redwing’s name.

Time to learn more about you, Red.

Alpha Hangar

Megatron strode through the doors of the Thanatos that lead into its primary hangar bay. As he stepped inside he was greeted by what looked to be the remains of a battle. There were a few Vehicons here and there cleaning, but there was still heavy damage that had been sustained, scorch marks from weapons fire in nearly every direction and the telltale vestiges of what was typically left over when Decepticons tested one another for their place in the hierarchy. He couldn't help but give a brief smile of satisfaction.

Fortunately, the battle within this structure had not outrightly destroyed all of its contents. Though some bore some signs of damage, there were a few shuttles what would be perfectly serviceable for what Megatron had in mind.

"That one will suit our needs," Megatron said, indicating one of the undamaged shuttles and heading in that direction.

Barracks - Level 5 - Corridors

Redwing wrote:"I wouldn't say it's a defect," said Redwing to Amethyst, "Replacement parts for femcon seekers are pretty rare, since I remember they were a really brief make. I know this because of my old job. It's possible you just have mech parts mixed in from parts replacements over the vorns. That comes as a slight advantage though because mech seeker limbs generally held up better under weighted pressure testing, though the armor is still the same density as the femme variant.”

"Huh?", Amethyst said. She pondered what he had said. It was yet another idea he had proposed to her that she had never thought of before. "So, you're saying I could have been made a femcon all along? I mean....maybe. Who knows, I don't remember that far back. Maybe it's been so long I stopped caring and just wanted to be like the other guys. But that's different now. I don't want to be like everyone else. Though Redwing....how do you know all these things? Are you a mechanic or something?"

Redwing wrote:"No no no! Don't say that..”

What? It was true. Amethyst was liable to blow up permanently one of these days because of her forgetfulness about her maintenance. It was something she'd learned to accept long ago, due to having so many close encounters with the afterlife. It was also due to this that she was able to endure pains that would normally make any other mech cringe, including holding back expressing pain during extensive repairs.

Redwing wrote:"Of course, I'll do anything to help you," Said Redwing without hesitation, "In fact, we can get that done in a little while if you want. With both of our heads together we’re bound to remember!” Said Redwing trying to stay on the bright side of things.

Redwing was such a caring mech. He certainly was quite unique in that sense. Amethyst had never met such a nice, caring individual before. She felt the urge to hug him again, and so she did, hugging him very close to her, and placing his hands around her waist, and hers around his. His words were quite reassuring, and made her feel nice. This sure was the nicest cycle in her otherwise boring and pitiful existence.

"Sure!", was all she had to say in reply, but she said it in a cheerful tone.

Redwing wrote:"Hmm," began Redwing, “I think I have some ideas, but what colors do you prefer? I think the purple suits you, but maybe slightly pinker?"

"Colors I dunno, but something bright and shiny. I'll let you have creative liberty. I'm trusting you.", Amethyst said in reply to his questions. It made sense, considering for so long, she had never considered a new paint scheme. She had no clue where to start, other than something different than what it was now, but something comfortable as well. "Orange though..that's out of the question!", she added. That color was definitely not a color she enjoyed, especially not after dealing with that orange goon just now. The color orange just reminded her of more bright and explosive accidents...and that wasn't a very nice thing to think about.

Redwing wrote:"The hangar is the best place since there's equipment for propping up alt modes. So that's where I have the rest of my.. 'Junk', heh.”

"Hmmm. Interesting!",Amethyst exclaimed. She was so ready and excited to see what little workspace he had there. In fact, she was surprised she had never noticed it before. Then that sparked another little question, which was, "Which hangar though? We have several in this ship." All in all, her excitement was livid.

After embracing, the two continued down the halls towards the hangar in which Redwing had his painting stuff. She was in a mental state of bliss. Her life was changing right now, and it was all started by a little get together between cons at the bar. Who would have thunk it? Now she was Conjunx Endura to Redwing, and it seemed perfect. He was smart and outgoing, and he seemed really intuitive. What were Amethysts positive traits? Pondering about that, she guessed she was strong willed and had some pretty good endurance. Was she nice? Well, she guessed she was pleasant where it needed to be. No reason not to be pleasant now, for example!

Redwing wrote:“Amethyst,” started Redwing, “How did you do that back there? Did you just make it up as you went, or did you preplan it? I wanted to do that to them long ago, but you just.. did it. How? I mean.. it was really awesome,” Redwing laughed.

Amethyst turned her head towards him with a questioning face expressive of some concern. "Hmm?" She hadn't thought of it before to ask him why he had put up with those bullies for however long he had, but him not being able to? Phhhshawww. Amethyst said,"I did what comes natural. Some jerks want to act tough, you gotta act tougher. Show them you're the real deal, your war face, ya know? We can't go around with our tail fins between our legs. They bark, you bite. If Megatron and the other higher ups have taught me anything, it's being as strong as you can be. It's the only way to survive." Amethyst said. How had he managed to get this far if he was scared of jerks like those guys back there? Was it his "alter ego", the "Joe Cool" that got him through? Amethyst needed to try and help Redwing gain more confidence in himself. She knew he had it in him somewhere. "If you can be cool around cons like Offroad, you can deal with others just as good. You're a smart mech, Redwing.

Shockwave's Laboratory

"Imperative: proceed to those auxilliary berths and lie down," Shockwave said to the Stunticons as he approached a wall panel and prepared a larger one for Motormaster.

”Just shut up and do as he says,” Motormaster rumbled over the comments of his squad and moved over to the berth Shockwave was preparing for him.

He did not trust Shockwave. It had even been an orn since he had joined Razorclaw’s rebellion against Shockwave and overthrown the cyclops. Whether it was due to logic or vindictiveness Shockwave now had a perfect opportunity to have his revenge. A fail safe of some kind or a kill-switch. Wouldn’t be the first time for the archaid scientist to perform such an operation on someone tied helpless to one of his operating tables.

Without saying a word the leader of the Stunticons sat down on the berth and lied down. This was no time to throw threats at Shockwave. It would only make his own position worse. But Motormaster was no one’s test subject. If this operation backfired... If Shockwave messed with his head somehow... He was going to find a way to have payback.

And payback was a bitch.

Barracks

>>”Headstrong, Tantrum, Divebomb, Rampage, meet me in the Cartography Room at once. We have a new mission by order of Lord Megatron, himself. I will meet you all there shortly.”<<

The message from Razorclaw didn’t go unnoticed by any Predacon and that included Headstrong who true to his name had decided not to follow Tantrum to the bridge. Instead he had sat down and had began to maintain his gun, spooking away any poor souls that had had the idea of entering the barracks while he occupied it with annoyed grunts and openly hostile glare. It was pretty easy even given most Decepticons gave Predacons a wide berth. With their reputation as Megatron’s most feared Tactical Assault Unit it was no surprise. All five of them were formidable warriors on their own but as a unit they were nigh unstoppable. And most Decepticons knew all too well that if you messed with one Predacon, you messed with all of them.

Although still feeling like he shouldn’t respond to the message at all, it had piqued his interest. New mission from Megatron himself? That had to be better than this. Really. Most of things would. Oh screw it. Who was he kidding? Standing up from his bench, Headstrong stalked away towards the Cartography Room.

Cartography Room

Divebomb had been calmly idling when the call from Razorclaw came in. Cartography room? Megatron? That sounded worthwhile.

It was only a short jaunt before the Predacon Aerial Assault Specialist arrived at the designated area, though he could hear the voices of one or two of the others in the corridors behind him.

Stepping in to the darkened map room, Divebomb stepped to one side so as to not block entry for the others. His optics calmly found Razorclaw's.

"I'm grateful to see that in Megatron's illustrious return, he has not forgotten us. You are owed a good deal of credit for that. You made sure our unit did not get swallowed up by the struggle for power."

Crew Quarters
Thundercracker finished reading Redwing’s available profile. It didn’t include any of the finer points, just that he performed well in simulations and on the battlefield, always willing to follow order, and so on.

A perfect Decepticon.

Yet he had that one moment of clarity by stepping between Offroad and Thrust. The act surprised him more than not, given Thrust’s personality. There were times he wondered how the mech had any friends, but then he'd remember Ramjet and Dirge's personalities and it was obvious. It made sense, he thought, thinking of Skywarp and Starscream. that they’d band together just as we did. He sat back as a smile played across his faceplate. I wonder if Dirge and Ramjet expect Thrust to get them killed like we do Screamer?

He paused thinking about their missing compatriot, and how much trouble Starscream was causing. Not that he didn’t respect him. In fact, he was one of the few Decepticons Thundercracker admired for his skills and intelligence. Not that he’d admit that to anyone. It’d get back to Screamer and his processor would swell even more. If that was possible.

Thinking of the bond they all shared, his attention reverted back to Redwing and what he’d said earlier. Calling into question the process of Decepticons weeding out the weak through confrontation wasn’t a reputation one wanted to have attached to them, but it could be played off while being on a command vessel with loyal Decepticons around. If one was careful.

It was through his own experience he’d learned that. He’d seen too many taken into custody by the DJD for feeling secure in their standing and going a step further with those desires. Any talk about changing the Decepticon way was the quickest, and most painful, way to join the Allspark. Only Primus knew how Starscream continued to function.

Standing, he turned to leave his quarters. It was past time he introduced himself to the younger Seekers. As the door slid open and he stepped out into the corridor once more, he opened a private communication to Redwing, but kept it as official sounding as possible. He’d served with Soundwave too long not to take precautions.

>>Thundercracker to Redwing. What’s your location?<<

Refueling bar-->corridors

Nacelle continued to listen to his fellow seekers talk and celebrate while drinking their high-grade Energon. No one really paid much attention to him but if they did, he just didn't hear them. When things quieted down, he simply got up and left the refueling bar and headed into the corridors. There was no telling what would happen or who he would bump into while he walked through the corridors.

"Though Redwing....how do you know all these things? Are you a mechanic or something?"

Redwing scratched the back of his neck as he responded to Amethyst, "Well.. not exactly. I did have a brief time when I helped with such things a bit due to short staffing, but wasn't officially trained. I used to be quite the learner of trades, haha. Nowadays though I can barely retain my main hobby with the war and all this progressing as it is. A shame really. Though it is fun blowing stuff to slag from the sky, haha."

Later on, Amethyst's words made Redwing begin thinking. Weakness wasn't celebrated among Decepticons, that's for sure. He needed to get his grip. He had sort of counter balanced his fears with training and practicing his reactions. Not that the fears were gone, but showing them was something that got seekers in the spare parts storage.

"Yeh, you're right, Amethyst," said Redwing, "Just know that you did inspire me by what you did to those glitches, heh. Oh, and yeah, orange is.. ew, no it wouldn't suite you. I say some white and fuschia additions to your already light purple parts would suite you well. You like how that sounds?"

As Redwing was getting a bit flirty, a comm from Thundercracker startled Redwing a bit.

>>Thundercracker to Redwing. What’s your location?<<

>>"Oh, 'sup 'Crackers. Amethyst and I are heading to my paint workstation in Hangar 13. Currently on Level 5 in the Barracks in route to the elevators. Wanna join us?"<<

"No plan of action is to be made over a cup of enjex. Your poor mental state will lead to poor decisions."

Doomshot slowly smirked in a sinister expression as his optics squinted in their bright green hue. Dreadnaught may have been the big brute of the bunch, but he had some good intelligence behind him. But Doomshot's agreeing to the idea of going to the bar wasn't for simple pleasure. It was an easy trick to learn all he wanted to know about mechs and femmes alike. However, Dreadnaught's reply told Doomshot everything he needed to know about him.

"It has its benefits," said Doomshot in an expressionless and deep tone while stiffening his visage once again.

At that, Doomshot simply motioned with his hand to Hazard for him to follow him, and then he walked a little further into the corridors with Hazard in tow.

"So brother," Doomshot began, "I have been contemplating an.. idea of sorts."

Doomshot looked back towards the group gathered, and then back to Hazard before continuing quietly,

"Do you remember that name you and I used to call ourselves? The.. 'Eradicons'. What if we broadened our group a little? Think of it. A mob of fierce warriors for Megatron himself to send on the most impossible of missions. Nigh unstoppable."

Rampage entered the cartography room along with Tantrum, and let out a snarly growl.

"Grr, maps, this better be REAL good," said Rampage in a highly annoyed tone. He hadn't broken something in too long. He needed an outlet. Not some planning lecture.

"I'm grateful to see that in Megatron's illustrious return, he has not forgotten us. You are owed a good deal of credit for that. You made sure our unit did not get swallowed up by the struggle for power."

"Speak for yourself, bird," said Rampage, "MMmmmmmhh I was THIS CLOSE to going to the bar just to have an excuse to bash stuff. Too bad Starscream ran away. He would've been fun to slag around with."

Rampage jittered waiting for action before asking in an almost pitiful tone, "So what does the big boss want, 'Razors? I sure hope it involves violence. Lots and lots of it. Please let it be violence."

Corridors- En Route to Elevator

"Well.. not exactly. I did have a brief time when I helped with such things a bit due to short staffing, but wasn't officially trained. I used to be quite the learner of trades, haha. Nowadays though I can barely retain my main hobby with the war and all this progressing as it is. A shame really. Though it is fun blowing stuff to slag from the sky, haha."

"Yah.....explosions!", Amethyst giggled to the end of what Redwing had to say. She liked explosions too, as long as they weren't her blowing up. Letting out a sigh, she then added, "So, maybe you're older than I am. That's kind of a strange trade to have in the pre-war, you being a Seeker too and all, but who am I to judge? I don't remember the pre-war. All I remember IS war. Everything else is so fleeting. Does anything before the war even matter, Redwing?", Amethyst asked.

"Yeh, you're right, Amethyst," said Redwing, "Just know that you did inspire me by what you did to those glitches, heh. Oh, and yeah, orange is.. ew, no it wouldn't suite you. I say some white and fuschia additions to your already light purple parts would suite you well. You like how that sounds?"

The currently generic Seeker clone was happy that she could give some inspiration to Redwing. It wasn't becoming of a Decepticon to be weak in the eyes of others. Redwing was just as capable as any other to hold his ground, even more so than Amethyst, or at least one would think. Amethyst had stood up for Redwing because she loved him, and she didn't want him to be treated any lesser than those other Seekers. He was better than them. There was many a violent squabble that broke out amongst the Decepticon ranks, for the nature of their warrior personas and the clashing of their egos and such. It wasn't the first time Amethyst had seen a fight. Heck...a fight happened nearly every Earth cycle on this ship in one part or another. A Decepticon just needed to know how to handle things like that when they occurred.

As for Redwing's thoughts on a color-scheme for Amethyst, she pondered it and imagined what she would look like with those colors in both her robot mode and her jet mode. It made her smile happily. She liked it a lot! And so the boyish femme replied, "I like that a lot! It's not too much or too little a difference, by what it sounds. Just enough to help me look a bit different than I am now. I mean...who wants to be just known as the skinny Seeker who blows themself up every now and then?"

Amethyst had no clue that Redwing was communicating via comm-link to Thundercracker. She was just continuing to travel towards the elevators that lead away from this level of the ship. She wondered what Redwing's paint workshop looked like. New paint...the thought excited her so much. She couldn't stop smiling at the thought of it. Besides, she really needed it. Right now her hull was just a patchy looking mess.

Cartography Room

Rampage entered the room with his usual gusto. Divebomb had wisely chosen his place away from the door. He could simply observe both Razorclaw and the others as they arrived without drawing an excess of attention to himself from his quiet corner.

"Speak for yourself, bird. MMmmmmmhh I was THIS CLOSE to going to the bar just to have an excuse to bash stuff. Too bad Starscream ran away. He would've been fun to slag around with."

"Yes, you must have had it so hard up there on the bridge. Such slave labor. I was speaking of us all, kitty," Divebomb harrumphed. "Did someone forget to change your litter box?"
___

Shockwave's Labotatory

When the doors to the lab next opened, two green Constructicons entered. They each quickly surveyed the room before approaching Shockwave.

"Declarative: as you can see, we are building upon your success with Devastator."

Scrapper spared a brief glance in Motormaster's direction before looking to Hook. He supposed he shouldn't have expected anything different. Once any of the high commanders had seen Devastator, they would want the process replicated.

"So I see," Scrapper said. And you wish for us...?"

"--to assist in that endeavor," Shockwave said. "Imperative: you will take these preliminary designs and integrate them with what you have learned during your own modification processes. All of the necessary subjects are here. Proceed to the command consoles and begin."

Shockwave would supervise the process, but ultimately it was the cyberfoming of Sol-3 that Megatron had redirected his attention toward. That would require the bulk of his efforts.

Accessing the cyberforming technology that had been recovered from Cybertron, Shockwave also began accessing and forwarding Starscream's files regarding the discovery of the ore-13 and forwarded them to Razorclaw. As he did, he opened up a comm.

>>"Shockwave to Razorclaw--you should be receiving the files now. You'll notice that the regions Starscream marked as having the highest ore-13 retrieval success also showed unnaturally high volcanic activity in the region nearby. Our work in recovering the ore should begin there."<<

"Yes, you must have had it so hard up there on the bridge. Such slave labor. I was speaking of us all, kitty. Did someone forget to change your litter box?"

Rampage's optics burned with rage at what Divebomb said. Rampage was pissed before, but now he was furious.

"I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD IN A GARBAGE DISPOSAL, YOU CLAWLESS VULTURE!"

Rampage grabbed a nearby data tablet and crushed it in his hand before throwing it towards Divebomb's direction.

"Just be glad RAZORCLAW is the leader of this pack and not ME, you bloated ostrich!"

Rampage grabbed his own cranium and growled loudly trying to calm himself.

Crew Quarters

Redwing wrote:>>"Oh, 'sup 'Crackers. Amethyst and I are heading to my paint workstation in Hangar 13. Currently on Level 5 in the Barracks in route to the elevators. Wanna join us?"<<

Crackers? Thundercracker paused as he debated how to handle someone acting so… familiar. It wasn’t like he wasn’t used to it, but most Seekers treated him and the others with a little more reverence.

I can’t believe I just thought that. Shaking his head, he fought the urge to rub his optics like he’d seen humans do. He had no idea what purpose it held, but he thought he could understand the urge. Then something Redwing said registered with him: Us? Who’s us?

He doubted Redwing would be with another that was dangerous to share his thoughts with, but he was young. Fearing he may have to do more than protect Redwing from himself, he sent back,

>>Uh, sure. I’ll join you shortly.<< He kept the comm. open as he left his quarters and headed toward the elevators. He had a feeling this was going to be one of those experiences a mech thought happened to another.

That training hologram must’ve hit my cranium unit harder than I thought if I’m doing this. As the elevator doors opened, he found himself wishing things could return to how they used to be, when he didn’t think so much. Dirge and the others’ sanity will outlast mine at this rate.

Flash Freeze was wandering around the corridors of the ship, looking for someone, anyone in command. He wanted permission to go to the earth continent "Antartica".

Nicorange wrote:Flash Freeze was wandering around the corridors of the ship, looking for someone, anyone in command. He wanted permission to go to the earth continent "Antartica".

Thanatos - Random Corridor
Being alone in the darkened corridors of the yet-somehow-quite-lively-otherwise Thanatos is an experience which can slowly become a tax on the mental systems of any Cybertronian, especially if one spend too much time time away from the light. Decepticon ships have, after all, a tendency toward the poorly lit, intimidating or a certain industrial brutality. Not the kind of environment one would find 'homely'. Something, or rather someone has been walking behind Flash Freeze for some time now. Is it following him or simply going where he was going?

Clank. Clank. The sound of footstep on the metal floor. Clank. Clank.

On the wall, Flash Freeze can see the moving shadow. Similar, almost identical in body shape, safe for the wings and a pointed head. The shape of a cone-headed seeker, walking behind him in utterly silence safe the sound of footstep. The moment Flash Freeze ever so slightly stop or turn around or does anything at all, Dirge finally speak up with an utterly monotone voice: "You are looking for something, are you not? The ship's bowels are hardly a place for one to wander off, wandering, purposeless. Lost. Abandonned?"

((OOC-Fill in coverage))

Alpha Hangar

“So, my dear, things are about to get interesting, don’t you think? Hopefully, I’ll be able to add some destruction to this region, but by the looks of what I just saw, this Syria place is already pretty messed up. Still, I’m sure I can find a way to make it even worse.”

"Interesting is one word I would use," Flamewar said with a smirk as she and the Phase Sixer followed after Megatron. "We've been treading water too long, fighting amongst ourselves. We didn't destroy each other, but we've made no progress either. At least now this world is back on course to get what it deserves and feed the war machine."

As they entered the hangar, Flamewar had finished the new directives she had prepared based on Lord Megatron's orders, collected the names she felt would best be able to execute the operation as Megatron intended and then dispatched the comm.

>>"If you are receiving this, you are to proceed to the alpha hangar immediately. We depart in two breems. All hail Megatron."<<

She was more than ready to depart already. This was a mission that would capitalize on her unique talents. She was more than keen to utilize them once more to bring glory to the Decepticon Empire.

Corridors

"Uh....Uh...H-h-h-hello......Dirge" Flash Freeze was shaking. The stature of the conehead intimidated him. "I-i-i-m just.... looking for someone...Heh heh." Flash Freeze was scared. did he mess up? Will Dirge talk scrap about him to the higher ranking seekers? He could only guess. "What a-are you doing here?"