The Energon Pub

Deceptibase Tau

"Surely we don't want waste perfectly good metal like that, for sure, most certainly." Mixmaster moaned as Scavenger set up the last scrapmetal target on the wall and climbed back down.
"Unfortunately, Mixmaster, this isn't a simple matter of allocation of materials." Mores the pity. Scrapper turned and saluted as Thunderwing, Roadblock, and Bugly emerged, as did his team. The sight of the second example of this new 'Pretender' technology was slightly disconcerting to the engineer, as it was even less recognisable as cybertronian than Roadblock's two shells. He really couldn't fathom this new technology, and that worried him. What if we all have to get one at some stage, and I can't figure them out?
>>OK Hook, target the 3 targets we've placed on the western wall, making sure the firepath behind them is clear. Then await the firing signal.<<
Scrapper made one last visual check of the yard and the turrets, noting that Bonecrusher seemed to have sneaked off while he'd been preoccupied, and turned back to Thunderwing, trying not to let his annoyance show.
"We await only your command, Lord Thunderwing."

Tagan Heights- Deceptibase Tau

The skies of Tagan would see more arrivals in Discord and Macabre if he did indeed keep up with her.

Discord would radio in to the communications area. >>This is Sweep XO Discord with Macabre seeking permission to land.<< She uses his real designation instead of the nickname mostly because they might not recognize him as Scraplet, and blast him.
She would see the assorted drones on the ground and in the sky. Only a few squadrons to work with, but it would do. Besides, she has the joys of being on the front lines, and furthering the Sweep's cause. Meet new Decepticons, and trash some Autobots.
And most importantly show that in a command position, she can shine.

Despite her immense desire to please Scourge, she would also seek to help Macabre earn his name back, and maybe even his spot as XO. Still, she has the selfish notion of hanging onto her recent promotion no matter how she got it.
That would be her current inner struggle. A desire for power that keeps alive in her personality, and her immense loyalty, and desire to see her fellow Sweeps happy, and sacrificing for that. Even if it meant losing her position of power.

Deceptibase Tau

The trip from Kaon had been leisurely and quiet. It was just what Macabre had hoped for. It gave him time to figure out a course of action. Of course he would follow Discord's orders, but he wanted to show that he was proactive as well. It took him by surprise when he heard his XO refer to him by his true name rather than Scraplet. Perhaps, he thought, she still has some respect for me. It was an encouraging thought which showed there be a silver lining to his situation after all.

Discord was an excelent flier, as all the Sweeps were, and Macabre managed to stay on her left flank the whole way. She wasn't flying evasively, so it was a simple matter of keeping his velocity in check. Upon receiving clearance to land at Deceptibase Tau, Macabre followed Discord in. He transformed just before touching the ground and landed delicately for such a piece of machinery. Turning to Discord, he smiled and spoke in his former measured tone.

"Well that was a... pleasant flight. Perhaps, if you don't have any immediate orders, I will inspect the drones. I'll make sure they're... up to muster."

Tagan Heights- Deceptibase Tau

Discord followed Macabre in transforming, then landing.

She turns to Macabre as he speaks. "We will report to Thunderwing before we inspect the drones." Her tone is pure business, keeping her emotions in check. "I'm sure he'll wish to know the faces of those who are under his command, and will give the order for us to come to him soon." And she could see if Thunderwing was the noble 'con she had heard he is.
Being around a refined 'con would be a refreshing change of pace. True enough, Macabre tried, but his heritage is as short as hers, and she knows it's hard to emulate nobility from her experience, and personality alone doesn't make one noble. Thunderwing had time to cultivate his nobility over the ages, and she hopes to learn more of it, and see if her diplomatic talents, and charisma would work on him, though she has no intention of pushing her luck in seeking to manipulate him heavily.

With that she would give the higher ups time to give the order to report to them.
This isn't done simply for the sake of chain of command, but for Macabre who likely had things on his mind, and maybe things to speak of.
She decides to break the ice. "Tell me, what is it you seek for yourself with your time in Tagan Heights? And you have permission to speak freely to answer that question."

Decepticon Outpost Tau

"Your enthusiasm is noted Bugly," Thunderwing responded as they reached the site Scrapper had selected for the weapons demonstration. "I will see that you are brought up to speed after Scrapper shows us his newest instruments of destruction."

The Valckastan Warlord nodded to the Constructicon foremech. "You may fire at will, Scrapper. Let us see what this defense grid is capable of."

Deceptibase Tau

Scrapper nodded to Thunderwing. >>Fire at will Hook<<

Deceptibase Tau

Macabre nodded in agreement to Discord's, suggestion that they report to Scorponok before inpecting the drones.

"Of course, Discord, you are correct. Please forgive this Scraplet's... hastiness. I only meant to serve... more efficiently."

He fell in behind his XO as she moved to find Scorponok, and was surprised when she asked her next question. Candid conversation wasn't what he expected right now. Perhaps she was dealing with her new promotion better than he expected. Anyhow, it was a welcome relief to drop his Scraplet persona for a little while.

"What I seek for myself?"

He dropped his customary calcualted tone and spoke openly. Discord would have no trouble knowing the truth of his words.

"In a way I seek what all Sweeps want. Victory. We are the warriors of the future that will carry the standard of the Decepticons at war's end. I simply seek to be a part of that. It doesn't matter what my rank is among us. What truly matters is that we all contribute out unique talents to a consolidate victory. My arrogance has brought me shame. A hard lesson to learn, no doubt, but necessary nonetheless. Now that we are stationed here, away from distractions and prying eyes, we can distinguish ourselves by our service to God-Emperor Megatron. This is an opportunity to prove the effectiveness of the Sweeps in any situation. Strong as we are in the Hunt, we need to be as strong as individuals. I will work towards this goal. I will be one the greatest Decepticon warriors. I will seek to eliminate my own weaknesses, yet still be flexible to adapt to all situations. This is what makes the ideal warrior, not just pure strength."

Macabre stopped abruptly, realizing he was starting to ramble on. The last thing he wanted was for Discord to think he was some craven who couldn't stop his vocal synthesizer out of fear, but she did say he could be candid. It felt good to be able to unload a bit on someone willing to listen. Normally he sat alone with his thoughts, which didn't help him come to any conclusions about whatever he was thinking about. Saying out loud made it feel real.

Now quietly, almost emabarassed, Macabre looked to the femme in a different light.

"Thanks for listening to this Scraplet, sister."

Tagan Heights - Targeting Computer

>>Will do<< said Hook replying to Scrapper as he activated the weapons system. >>Weapons systems are online Scrapper, how's it looking down there?<<

Deceptibase Tau - Battlements

Inside the former Autobot headquarters, the newly reconstructed power generators hummed to full capacity. The menacing turrets on the still-blackened battlements jumped, then tracked around to their firing positions. 3 of them glowed pink from energon flow as they homed in on their designated targets.
3 torrents of orange plasma poured out of the guns, flew across the yard, and obliterated the scrapmetal targets. The beams continued unhindered over the rooftops of Tagan for nearly 2 kilometres before dissipating.
Rather than be impressed at his new weapons, Scrapper was tempted to sigh, as he saw that one of the beams had remelted the top meter of the newly repaired wall. It could have been a targetting error, but it just as easily be due to insufficient beam confinement, or simply the beam surging with excess energy. Still, the overall result had been within spec.
>>Fine, Hook, just fine, but run a diagnostic on cannon 5B<<
"Are you satisfied, Lord Thunderwing? If so, the Constructicons can begin their next task, as you see fit."

Rec Room

Bonecrusher greedily gulped down energon from the portable recharger that had been set up in the common area. Many decepticons liked to drink high-grade energon in order to overenergise, but Bonecrusher was rarely patient enough to sit around with all that static in his processor. He usually settled for the regular stuff in large, quick doses that would make a normal transformer nauseous.

Tagan Heights- Deceptibase Tau

"You goals are worthwhile, though I had expected you to have the desire to at least regain your name in the eyes of Scourge, even if you lack the desire to regain your position as XO or vice versa. Personal ambition is not unwelcome here, as long as you don't let it rule you or it becomes a threat to the empire. Further, I am pleased you feel you are learning your lesson in terms of arrogance. If you let it blind you, then you'll never see the threats coming."

During her search for the Commanders, namely Thunderwing, she saw the turrets open fire in the distance and decided to head there. It was almost guaranteed someone was there, or they'd be noticed.

Discord would approach the trio of Roadblock, Bugly, and Thunderwing as she finishes speaking, promptly saluting them when she gets within proper range. "I am Discord, Sub-Commander of the Sweeps reporting to Tagan Heights as commanded by Lord Scourge to serve the empire." Her tone is blunt, and no frills. She's quite serious in tone, obviously looking to make a good first impression.


Bugly turned his gaze from the lovely display of turret fire to the Sweeps before him as Discord got his attention. He would wonder if the other would introduce himself? Every facet of his pretender shell's eyes seemed to focus on the pair, though in truth some were still watching the turret fire. He remains silent not looking to overstep his bounds in allowing Thunderwing to speak first. Despite his silence, his mind is at work keeping note of the turret fire for strategic reference, sizing up the pair of Sweeps, and pulling their files which he memorized during his stay in Kaon.

He looked over the files on the Sweeps in earnest, with each giving an estimation of abilities on varying scales of 1-10, their technical schematics, and their personality profiles, though the latter are scarce as the Sweeps still had that new car smell about them. Still, they would be useful, if he could command them. They could help micromanage, and carry out his orders when he is not there.

Deceptibase Tau - Targeting Computer

>>Excellent<< Said Hook replying to Scrapper's confirmation that the weapons worked, all that is except for... >>5b? I'll take a look right now<< Hook said as he did so, calling up various diagnostics on the large computer in front of him for cannon 5b.

"Hm... doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it..." Hook said as he looked at the various screens of information in front of him, taking in every single piece of it as he did so. Eventually, he came across what he needed. "Ah... this should be interesting." He said to himself once more.

>>Scrapper, I've found the problem. There's a tiny 'block' about half way down the barrel of the turret. Could be a piece of scrap from the capture of this place, but that's unlikely as chances are it would have been destroyed when we fired the weapon. So, that means chances are we've got a loose panel in there. Easy enough to fix. Of course though, it means we need to get something down the barrel to sort it out...<<

Decepticon Outpost Tau - Battlements

"Subcommander," Thunderwing answered the perfunctory Sweep femme. Her tone was respectful, if somewhat laconic. he responded in kind. "I would like you to take control of the Sweep Drones here in Tagan. There is a high likelihood that we may come under attack by the Lightning Strike Coalition. Possibly very soon indeed. I want those Drones refueled and back on the ready line in four breems. Dismissed."

The Valckastan then turned his attention to Scrapper. "I am quite satisfied with the efforts of your unit, Scrapper. However, according to my observations, you and your fellow Constructicons have been online and hard at work since long before my arrival. While your diligence is commendable, it will not do to have the core unit of my infrastructure falling over from fuel depletion. I want you and your team to refuel, and take at least three mega-cycles of system hiatus."

Finally, the warlord focused on Roadblock. "I shall be in the command center. Contact me immediately once your vehicle shell has detected Grimlock's shuttle."

Lord Thunderwing transformed, and flew off towards the command center.

Tagan Heights- Deceptibase Tau

Discord salutes Thunderwing respectfully as she receives her orders. They were as expected, and that doesn't bother her one bit. She is a bit disappointed that she wasn't able to see more of Thunderwing's mannerisms, however, but she's sure that in time she will be able to enjoy his refined company.

With those orders, she turns to 'Scraplet'. "Come, we shall inspect the drones and prepare them for all out combat. Let us show no mercy to the Autobots who'd foolishly smash themselves against our ranks!" She says this in a motivational drill sergeant-ish tone before transforming and heading to the refueling station.

She sends a broadcast to all of the Sweeps in Tagan heights. >>Attention all Sweeps, this is XO Discord. All ground based Sweeps are to top off at the refueling station, then combine into squadrons before deploying to replace Sweeps currently on patrol. All Sweeps currently on Patrol, you will report to the refueling station once a squadron arrives to replace yours. All Sweeps are to keep their sensor arrays on. We are expecting Autobot visitors, and I will personally smelt any Sweep patrol that lets them by undetected!<< Her tone is, again, motivational, and slightly harsh.
>> All drones will follow the orders of the Sweep under the designation of Scraplet. Any disrespect will be enforced by Scraplet, or myself.<<

The brief flight to the refueling station is completed, and she transforms as she lands to look over the Sweep drones who are in the process of refueling, and coordinating themselves into squadrons.
Discord sends a personal transmission to Macabre. >>Pick out a few Squadrons you like. You'll be in charge of roughly half the Drones in Tagan when the battle starts if you feel up to it.<<

Deceptibase Tau - The Yard

"Thank you, Lord Thunderwing. The rest period is most appreciated. We will be on the comms, if anything is required." Scrapper saluted, and then turned on his heel to face his remaining Constructicons. "Fall out, mechs!"

"Breaktime, time for a break, yes, rest, relaxation..."

"I can smell the energon from here..."

Scrapper walked after them, radioing to Hook. >>We'll overlook that tiny glitch for now, we've been given 3 megacycles to recharge. We can look in on it in our own time. Follow Bonecrusher's signal, he's likely found the best R&R spot already.<< It's only a minor cannon misalignment, it won't affect the functioning of the cannon that greatly. Beside, with Clench's gang and the Sweeps, we won't need the cannons anyway.

Scrapper pulled out a datapad. With the work done securing the Hieghts, it was time to figure out what to do with all those resources...

Deceptibase Tau - Targeting Computer

>>Three megacycles? Of rest?<< Hook replied to Scrapper, somewhat surprised, yet pleased at this development. >>Excellent. That will suit me perfectly. As for Bonecrusher, it would seem he's developed precognitive abilities as he's already at the Rec Room, and has apparently been there for quite some time as well... I'll rendevous with yourself and the others there.<<

And with that, Hook turned and left the room, heading towards Bonecrusher and the Rec Room.

'Lets just hope the big lout hasn't consumed everything already...' He thought.

Radio Transmission to Deceptibase Tau

This is Bomb-burst. Decepticon Predator. Rank 5. I will be arriving in Tau shortly. I would like to inform you that I am equipped with a new Pretender shell. I also would like to note that I have certain energy deficiency issues. This may lead to certain regrettable...incidents. If it pleaes you I will accept being under surveillance for the remainder of my stay.

Deceptibase Tau

"As you command Discord, this Scraplet will obey."

Macabre transformed and followed his XO to the refuelling station in order to inspect the drones. He was well suited to the task since he spent much of his free time with the drones anyway. Silently following Dicord, he listened attentively to her general broadcast to the Sweeps.

My, she certainly has a way with words. It's certainly different to take orders from one so eloquent. Almost makes Scourge look simple in comparison.

His thoughts were interrupted by Discord's message to him.

>>Of course, Discord. This Scraplet would be happy to command a few squadrons. Splitting the control of the drones is a wise decision.<<

Tagan Heights- Deceptibase Tau

She crosses her arms lightly, watching the drones file in, and file out a moment before she looks to Scraplet once more. "Do you feel that you have anything you want, or need to do before the battle arrives? It will likely be an intense battle."

A great deal weighs upon her mind, and deep thought is written upon her face.
The fact that the Autobots aren't going to send grunts means she's in for a far larger fight. The reports of all clear now and then from patrols. Battle strategies. How long she can maintain being XO. It just wouldn't stop. But it's not beyond her ability to handle. Even with so much on her mind, she maintains an awareness of what's going on around her. After all, what sort of diplomat would she be if she ever ignored the people around her?

Deceptibase Tau - Rec Room

Scrapper sat down at the table, pulling out various datapads, while Mixmaster and Scavenger sat down at the rechargers. The Constructicon leader needed a recharge just as much as his subordinates, but he could wait. He wanted to sit down and have a look over his various plans first. There were a multitude of them, half-formed ideas that he'd noted down in the hopes of some day, having the resources to make them reality. Some of them were simple engineering projects, or even more artistic projects designed to test his civil engineering skills. Others were simple weapons, drone tanks and mech-operated artillery. But there were others, grander ideas, things that lesser mechs would call mad folly, but Scrapper knew he would have to build one cycle, just to see if they were possible. This mobile fortress....I can't get the idea out of my mind. But would even the Tagan Hieghts provide the needed resources?

Bonecrusher toyed with a wrecked terminal at the side of the room, ripping off the keys one at a time. He considered seeing if he could flick them into Mixmaster's drum; They were likely to end up there anyway: All this wrecked autobot equipment would have to be replaced, the temporary equipment the Decepticons had brought with them simply wouldn't do for that long. Bonecrusher hoped others would be given this task: Building things was bad enough, putting together fiddly little pieces of prefabricated standard equipment was the demolition expert's idea of the Pit.

"Hey Hook!" Bonecrusher shouted at the precision engineer as he entered the room. "I hope yer gonna get the gizmos in this dump up and runnin' soon, cos I sure am sick'o all this junk stinkin' up the place."
"If the mess offends you so, Bonecrusher, my brute of a friend, our demolition expert, why don't you get rid of it? Grab a broom, get a suction unit, find a refuse..."
"Shaddap Mixer, I'm on a break! Although with the facilities like this, it ain't easy to relax."
"I'm sure you'll find a way, some method, a niche..."
"Yeah yeah..." Bonecrusher began to snap half-melted circuit boards into fragments. The pile of debris on the ground around him was becomeing quite noticable.

Decepticon Outpost Tau - Battlements

The little pyrotechnics display Scrapper and his Constructicons had put together was quite satisfactory, quite satisfactory indeed. Other than tearing his foes apart with his own hands, there wasn't much that held much entertainment value for Roadblock, but big weaponry was one thing that did. Not bad. I'da preferred ta see 'em let loose on some Autobot scum, but that'll do, that'll do. His attention was suddenly broken as he received data from his vehicle shell in Uraya. Finally! 'Bout slaggin' time.

"Bugly, yer second-in-command til I git back," he growled at the smaller Pretender. "Take charge an' deal with Bomb-Burst while yer at it. I'm headin' ta Uraya forthwith."

Pausing only to spit a stream of fouled, brackish transmission fluid onto the ground, Roadblock's inner robot emerged from his monstrous purple Pretender shell. The shell transformed into cruiser mode and Roadblock bounded into its cockpit. In no time at all, he was rocketing toward the horizon, and toward Uraya. As he did so, he opened a tight-beam channel to Thunderwing.

>>"Lord Thunderwing," he reported. "En route ta Uraya. Clench's detail's engaged the LSC. I'll update once there's somethin' ta update ya on. Roadblock out."<<

Tagan Heights- Deceptibase Tau

Bugly salutes Roadblock. "Understood. Enjoy your visit to Uraya." He chuckles lightly. "I'm sure those Slagging Autobots will turn around and flee or be crushed."

Seeing Roadblock leave, he follows Thunderwing to the command center. No use in standing outside like a dolt, he figures.
He sends a message to Bomb-Burst >>This is Bugly, acting second in command of Tagan Heights. I've been assigned to orientate you. Report to me at the command center, and be ready to report the details of your "Energy Deficiency Issues" so we can avoid those regrettable incidents you've mentioned, and a regrettable smelting that might result from those incidents.<< Bugly's tone is flat and leaves no room for arguments.

Normally Bugly is on top of every Decepticon in the empire in terms of information, and to tell the truth, he does know about Bomb-Burst, but he wants to be sure Thunderwing knows about it as well.

He arrives at the command center soon where he salutes Thunderwing. "Lord Thunderwing, Roadblock has placed me in the second in command position as he's going to Uraya. We have a new arrival in Bomb-Burst who is reporting here as he has some mechanical problems of some sort we should know of."

Deceptibase Tau

Bludgeon who had arrived a while ago transformed from Tank into robotmode. A sword attached to his hip, he walked past some Sentrydroids after sending his ID signal into the computer, he was scanned and allowed entry.
He was curious what duties he would have to perform here.

En-route to Deceptibase Tau

<<Affirmative. Entering hangar now.>>

Bomb-burst landed on the cold hard metal floor of the Hangar, his energy reserves not as depleted as they once were. He must've gained an extra fuel tank from the transformation.

He released his robotic body from his synthetic pretender shell, leaving it in rest mode. He didn't want his hunger to get the best of him.

He made his way to the command center and acknowledge Bugly with a salute.

"I am here as you commanded second-in-command officer Bugly! We must talk."

Tagan Heights- Deceptibase Tau's Command center

"Yes, we must, Bomb-Burst." Bugly hisses out angrily. "Were you not ordered to report to me your special condition upon arrival? And while you are here, you can tell Thunderwing as well as he needs to know more than I do." He's evidently annoyed at the lack of protocol. Especially that demand made that they needed to talk.

His insect like antennae flexed, and crackled with arcs of energy idly.

The thousands of facets of his compound eyes focus on Bomb-burst unflinchingly. As ugly as he is, he's a subordinate. A subordinate is meant to be controlled!

Deceptibase Tau

Macabre looked questioningly at Discord. He wondered if her question was truly for his benefit. The weight of her duties was clearly having an effect on her, but he was certain she would endure no matter how intense the battle became. She is a Sweep, after all. In their relatively short lifetime, she had proven herself a dangerous combatant.

"This Scraplet is ready for combat. With your permission, I simply desire some time alone with my troops."

He meant no offense by the request, but his habit of spending time with the non-sentient Sweeps had given him the desire to form a bond with those he was to command. Perhaps an absurd notion to most, he hoped that Discord understood why he felt it necessary to do this. There was little difference between himself and the non-sentients and sometimes he found it necessary to reinforce that he was in fact special. All the sentient Sweeps are special. The drones remind him of the gift he was given and his effectiveness in combat would be enhanced with this knowledge.