The Energon Pub

Kolkular - The Forge

"Woah there Heavy-Set. You try to burn me for the royalty, my constructicon bretheran may not take too kindly to what would happen to me. Anyways, Like Starscream said, I was doin my job; a job I strongly dislike doing because of how stupid and bland it is," replied Long Haul looking right towards Dunehopper.

Ignoring the femme's, Long Haul then looked back at Starscream and spoke, "Tell you the truth; these thing's were too easy and not challenging to build. Most of the work went into cosmetic intead of working on better ombat capability over the *cough* ahem! The older but a classic model of seekers such as your designs. I think it was a waste of my time building these things, were as I could've been out there battlin' and scrappin' those autobot robo-bastards!"

Kolkular - The Forge

The green femme was not in the slightest intimidated by Dunehopper's tantrum, instead, she just grinned widely, enjoying the fact that she managed to infuriate the brute Seeker, proving her to be superior to him. Well, at least, she thought she was.

"So these rustbags are supposed to replace us? Ridiculous," Jadewind then grunted as she shifted her gaze from one Sweep to another, scanning them thoroughly, and spitting some cleaning fluid on the ground, in a not very gentle and femmely manner. "Compared to these creeps, Dunehopper and his rag-tag gang look like royal high officers." She went on in her grumbling.

Nightraven also did a closer examination of the Sweeps, hovering closer to them. They do seem scarier by appearance... The purple-grey Seeker femme mused. Though scarier appeance ment much less to her, as she preferred to remain in the shadows, and hide in silence. Intimidation was not really her specialty.

"Huh? What?" Hellion grumbled as she was finally understanding what was going on. "Replace us?" The tone in which she asked the rhetorical question - that was obviously extremely rare, coming from her - indicated that the whole idea of a new bred of aerial warriors had not met any perspective of reality in her mind, perceiving the whole situation as a joke.

Nightraven turned to Starscream as he finished his characteristic, and as usual, boastful and vehement speech.

"So what do we do now?" She asked, her voice carrying little to none enthusiasm, but rather, a slight streak of worry. Though whether that worry was aimed at herself, the Seekers as a whole or someone in particular, could not be told.

Kolkular - The Forge

Pacified for the moment by Starscream's explanation and the seeming earnestness of Long Haul, Dunehopper crossed his large arms over his chest with a huff. Fine. We don't paste the little green slagger yet. He better be right about these Sweep things being punks, though! If they're better than us...he's the first one I'm grinding into shrapnel! Coming back to reality just in time to catch the tail end of Jadewind's comment, he smiled.

"That's right, me and Dragonfly and the fellas are princes among Decepticons!" Clearly he had omitted the first bit of her statement, whether on purpose or simply out of his usual brute stupidity.

"But, uh, yeah, Starscream. What do we do?"

Kolkular - The Forge

The smile that Starscream directed Long Haul's way as the radically outnumbered materials transport specialist wisely attempted to assuage the agitation of the Seekers around him was far from pleasant. Fortunately for the Constructicon, the malicious cunning of the former Aerospace Commander was in no way focused upon him. In fact, he could almost have felt that he owed him a debt of gratitude: Long Haul had, after all, just handed him a veritable bounty of potential propaganda material to use against the Sweeps and their benefactors in the High Command. Had he not just impugned their qualifications as a viable replacement for the Seekers with his own vocalizer?

"Well said, Long Haul," Starscream murmured, his predatory grin remaining fixed in place. "Perhaps once Megatron and the others finally perceive the depth of their error, they will stop squandering your obvious abilities on such frivolous tasks. Decepticons are meant to be warriors first and foremost, are they not?"

His attention then turned to Jadewind, and her predictably incredulous response to his improvised little speech. "Believe whatever you want, of course. But when you find yourself permanently grounded while some glorified aerial drone is stealing your every opportunity for recognition and advancement, don't say that you weren't warned." Starscream wasn't worried. Jadewind's nature ensured she would argue with practically everything he said, out of some obscure principle she had, if for no truly rational purpose. But the femme was smart enough to recognize a potential threat when it was staring her right in the faceplate.

Hellion's more . . . fundamental difficulty comprehending the situation that Starscream had laid out for his fellow Seekers was even less troubling. Eventually, she would be made to understand, even if it took continuous repetition of the salient points to get the general idea through her thick cranial unit. Until then, he'd trust her squadron mates to drag her along, whether she got it or not.

Dunehopper and, somewhat surprisingly, Nightraven, though, were putty in his hands, already looking to him to provide decisive leadership in this time of crisis. Which was exactly as it should be. "As for what we do now, that is simplicity itself. We consolidate what power and influence we have left. We look for our opening--and when it comes, we strike, fast and hard, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind who the true elite are." Starscream realized this might be a little too abstract for the relatively simplistic intellects of his subordinates to grasp, so he added more concrete, immediate instructions.

"Once I have clearance from the Cradle, we return to Polyhex. That is the frontline, for the moment, and so that is where the Seekers belong. As soon as this farcical ceasefire is ended, we will strike back against the Autobots in Nova Cronum, and all our enemies!"

He was deliberately vague about to just which enemies he was referring. Though they might be occasionally lacking in wit, sometimes it was better to allow the drugdes to come to their own conclusions.

Kolkular - Briefing Chamber

The large clumsy form of Quake caught up to Ruckus, holding his plasma cannon in his right hand. "Yeah I was thinking the same thing. We are going to wipe the height's straight off the face of Seibertron. I am picking up a new coolant system, I keep over-heating, I contribute it to a bad intake of energon." Quake said.

"So what do you think about Megatron's new drone army? They look like a bunch of fairy-bots to me. No way they could ever replace our firepower." Quake said as he stepped over to the new coolant system that would in the future prevent over-heating to a degree.

Kolkular - The Cradle

Sixshot returned Shockwave’s gaze without flinching. He was aware that Shockwave’s vast database of information and raw computer power was greater than his, but he was also sure of his superior battle skills and instincts. Cowards never won in battle and so he had no confidence in Shockwave’s presented plan. Megatron’s agreement with him only further proved his point. “I follow Lord Megatron’s wisdom over yours Shockwave.”

-------------------

Megatron frowned slightly at Shockwave’s newest plan. As far as he knew, other than Omega Supreme, there were no other nearby Autobot forces. Prime had ordered the rest of them back to Nova Cronum. It was something that Shockwave had possibly missed during his time in stasis and no one had updated him.

“I suggest you contact Polyhex and see what the current situation is over there before forming any final plans Shockwave. You will need to know the condition of the soldiers there and any other resources they have gathered since you left. Perhaps you can arrive quietly and assess the situation before launching an attack.”

Megatron paused briefly as he received a signal from Starscream. Apparently the seeker was trying to salvage a bit of his dignity after his rather embarrassing display earlier. Good, perhaps he could still have some value to him and if not, he had become quite disposable. >>”Very well Starscream, if you are through pouting you may resume your duties there leading my seekers. Shockwave will be retaking command of there shortly.”<<

“Starscream will be joining you in Polyhex with the seekers. With them and the others you are bringing, you should be able to take down Omega Supreme with acceptable losses.”

He looked over at Telegraph. “Commence the operation immediately. Dismissed.”

The Decepticon Supreme Commander checked his internal chronometer. It was finally time to go and join Prime for ‘negotiations.’ “Come Soundwave, it is time we got and meet Optimus Prime to discuss his terms for peace.” He chuckled as he left the cradle and began making his way to the Fortress’s entrance.

-----------------

Kolkular – Research Center

Scorponok monitored the readings from the first two test subjects as they were placed in the stasis pods. They were not nearly up to the levels of a standard Decepticon warrior and he doubted whether either of them would survive the process. Still, the information gained from their sacrifices would prove valuable in future experiments. There was the slightest twinge of guilt felt deep down in the Decepticon’s spark at sacrificing these two, but it was crushed by the need for the Decepticons to gain an advantage over the Autobots and his sheer ruthlessness.

“Commencing Pretender process on test subjects one and two.” He fully activated the two pods and the process began. A techno-organic substance was introduced into the pod, which began to bond the substance into the systems of the Transformer within. It would create a link between the substance and the subject. Once that was complete it would form the substance into a solid shell around him with built in repair capabilities similar to a CR chamber.

He monitored the results of the process on the two subjects as Roadblock entered the room. As he exchanged crude pleasantries with Motormaster the first test subject perished. His cerebral circuitry had not been strong enough to take the strain. He adjusted the process to compensate for that weakness on the second subject.

He looked over at the Ground Forces commander. “Roadblock, we are testing a new technology that hast the potential to double your personal power and combat prowess. The process will grant you and outer techno-organic shell that will serve as armor and, to a lesser degree, a portable CR chamber. The additional benefit of this shell will be your capacity to control it even when you are not occupying it, allowing you to fight as two separate entities at once. If successful, you will be the first of a new breed of Decepticon super-warriors and allow us to double the power of those soldiers capable to undergo the process.”

He turned back to the console and saw that the other subject had also terminated. His internal structure had collapsed under the pressure of the shell forming around him. Scorponok corrected for this in the third pod, although Roadblock’s resiliency, especially compared to the two empties, would more than likely be enough to survive the process. “As one of the more powerful Decepticons who meets all of the requirements for the process, you are the best candidate to be the first to undergo the process successfully. If you will step into the remaining stasis pod, we will begin.”

------------------------

Kolkular – The Forge

“The frontlines Starscream? More like the new backwater in the war. You will be too busy cleaning up the mess you made of Polyhex to see any action anytime soon.”

A lone Sweep walked over to the gathered Seekers, but it was obvious by his appearance that he was not one of the standard drones. He was a slightly lighter shade of blue and had large and intimidating looking spikes protruding from his shoulders. A smirk was on his face as he walked up to stand right in front of Starscream, looking the Seeker commander right in the optics.

“I am Macabre, Sweep second in command, and it will be us who will fight on the frontlines and carry the Decepticon banner into Autobot territory while the Seekers are left behind to clean up their own mistakes. The Seekers will be left to the scrapheap of history.” The smirk on his face grew wider, “Not all Sweeps are the mindless drones you take them for Starscream.”

Kolkular - The Forge

Jadewind was about to give some blusterous, aggressive answer to Starscream, to debate on how marvelous the Seekers had truly been under his command, but it seemed the Seeker Commander was ahead of her just by one short step and directed the excess tension her heavily argumentive frustration generated into a different direction.

Without Jadewind noticing it. Her superiority, while not entirely unfounded, proved more to be an aggrandized self-esteem than an absolute fact.

"What in slag do you mean?!" The green Seeker whined in her high-pitched voice. "Are you implying that these pieces of scrap could really pose a threat to us?!" Her voice grew even more as she snapped her finger pointing at the Sweep drones.

Reality suddenly shifted for Jadewind. She felt a strange flow of uncertainity surrounding her, shadows descending with vicious optical sensors looking at her only to consume and irradiate her. The optics belonged to Sweeps.

Her legs shook slightly as she gave thought to the actual possiblitiy of the new bred of aerial warriors slowly replace and disintegrate the Seeker forces, of which she had been a part of for millenia, earning her current rank and position with a lot of effort, argument, teasing and many other ways expectable from an agressively ambitious femme.

Still, the fact that Starscream had some plans already laid out gave her some solid ground - or for Seekers, air might have been more appropriate -, and eased her sudden choking somewhat. For one rare occasion, Jadewind listened to what the others had to say without getting stuck up on every ridiculous detail.

But just to confuse the situation even more, one of the Sweeps arrived suddenly. Bearing arrogant and majestic look, he seemed truly intimidating, and powerful.

Hellion, though still not in full comprehension of the situation, gritted her teeth as she turned to face Macabre. She felt threat radiating from the newcomer as he spoke up.

"Izzat a slagger who thinks he's better'en us?" She hissed, the red fog already descending on her cerebral module and making her fists clench. "How about we trash'em right here and..." She was suddenly stopped and silenced by a hard slap on the shoulder, coming from her sibling, Nightraven.

Looking back, Hellion saw her sister shaking her head, indicating that starting a fight in the Forge might not have been the best of options. The two femme Seekers then looked at Starscream, awaiting his call on the matter.

Kolkular - The Forge

It's another Sweep, but this one talks and he's all...different-y lookin'. Dunehopper sized up Macabre, having to admit that he looked pretty cool with the spikes and all. Still, a Sweep was a Sweep, and once Macabre opened his big vocalizer, Dunehopper's opinion of him fell through the floor. Not cool, not cool to talk that mess about us!

"Woohoo, if it isn't the King of Sweepy-Town!" the burly gold Seeker snarled tauntingly. "Not very smart, coming around to talk trash when you're outnumbered five to one!"

In his own not-very-smart fashion, Dunehopper seemed to have forgotten about the scores of Sweep drones in the Forge. If it's a fight this...McCobb guy wants, it's a fight he's gettin'!

Kolkular - The Research Center

"Scorponok," Roadblock smiled, spitting a gob of burnt transmission fluid onto the floor, "you had me at 'double your personal power.'"

He let out a brutal chuckle as he watched the two test subjects wither and die in the stasis chambers. "Looks like they weren't up to the task, eh? Good thing you called me, then."

Many Transformers would have been at least apprehensive about volunteering for a procedure that had just turned its first two test subjects into piles of scrap. Roadblock, however, was not most Transformers. Fear was a word that applied to other Transformers, not to him. Likewise terror, trepidation, and nervousness. 'Sides...anything that makes me better at slaggin' 'Bots is worth a little pain. Or a lot.

Scorponok's ideas seemed quite bizarre to Roadblock, but that was hardly going to stop the ground forces commander from undergoing the process. Scorp's never been what ya'd call a 'conventional thinker.' Anyone who replaces his Mark I hand actuators with indestructible xenotronium claws ain't quite 'conventional.' 'Course, that's part of why he is where he is. The brass-and-charcoal Decepticon stepped up into the stasis chamber and turned to face Scorponok and the others as the transparasteel door closed him in the pod.

"All right," he said, his faceplate still wearing a vicious smile at the thought of doubling his combat ability. "Hit me."

The Forge

If Long Haul was a fleshling, he would've let out a breath he would've been holding. 'That was a close one', thought Long Haul before he noticed one of the sweep's he helped build walk towards the seekers and spoke.

"Ah I remember this one now, slagging unit, made make two slaggin material trips to make him look extra aggressive", mumbled Long Haul, loud enough ; hopefully for Starscream to hear, crossing his arms over his chest plate.

Kolkular-the research center


Kadoom trudged his way into the research center, or whatever you call a large hunk of robot making his way into a research center where great things could happen, but horrible things also could happen. Kadoom was not quite the scientist that he had seen in others, but it had always fascinated him to a point, course not to the point that he would ever actually care in trying his hand at it. Kadoom was plenty content with letting others handle the numbers while he handled the number of enemies on the battlefield. As he made his way through he found the experiment which was being tested on roadblock , this was the limit of power that Kadoom didn't quite understand. There was always a constant power struggle within the ranks of the decepticons, a devious underhanded game of getting the upperhand, Kadoom was content with not always being in charge, as long as he got his job done the mission would be a success, no matter who's processors had been the one shouting out orders, in the end it only put a bigger target on your chest to be in charge anyways.
Kadoom stood to the side and watched, musing to himself

"For his sake we better hope this works, not sure how esctatic megatron would be about having a broken pile of bolts under his command"

Kolkular- The Forge

Scourge had made his way to the Forge, a single Sweep in tow. That drone had proved inadequate, and required replacement. Truth be told, it had only failed a single diagnostic scan on the third repetition. But that was not good enough for The Chaos Hound, so the drone had to go.

The Sweep Leader arrived just in time to hear Macabre launching into his tirade. Thinking this an excellent way to pass the astroseconds, Scourge had silently fallen in line with his many clones, playing dumb. Hiding quite effectively in plain sight, the stealthy hunter listened to the exchange between his lieutenant and the Seekers with detached bemusement.



Kolkular- Research Center

From his vantage point on the ceiling Mindwipe was the first to notice the entry of Kadoom. The Shrikebat's keen ears caught his spoken thoughts. Another trooper comes to the laboratory, he thought. Following Roadblock, no doubt. Smiling to himself, the Necromancer observed that the others present had not acknowledged the newcomer yet. He doubted the brute had escaped the notice of The Master or Lord Thunderwing, however. Little did.

Deciding to take the measure of this latest observer (and ensure that he stayed out of The Master's way), Mindwipe silently alighted beside Kadoom at the rear of the chamber.

"Welcome," the Hypnotist drawled. Transforming, he raised his dark frame to it's full height, drawing his wings around him. "I am Mindwipe, attache to Lord Scroponok, yes. Might I ask what brings you to the Research Center, warrior?"

"Easy there, Wolfie," chided Interference. "No need to go blowing up the armory because you can't get your overstuffed firearms." Turning to adress a nearby drone, Interference spoke "bring me eight high-explosive and four flashbang charges, and five clips of solid slug ammunition...and make sure their the dumbfire type." He added as the drone shot off to retrieve his request. "See?" he said to Weirdwolf, "That's how you get what you need around here. It's not that hard, is it? Of course, if you didn't demand a type of weapon that is used by you and maybe one other Decepticon on Cybertron, it wouldn't take so long for our mindless friends here to retrieve it." Interference decided it was better for his point if he "forgot" about how most firearms these days were energy-based. "Don't worry, though. If your headed to the Heights, I'll be sure to leave the front door closed, so you'll have something you can blow up. Sound good?"

Kolkular – Research Center

Scorponok had little doubt that Roadblock would want to go through with the experiment. The Ground Forces Commander was well known for his fearlessness and ruthlessness in battle. It came as no surprise that he would jump at the chance to increase his own personal power, even with the potential risks it involved.

Scorponok nodded as the Decepticon entered the chamber and announced his readiness. “Commencing Pretender process in stasis pod 3.” He glanced over at Thunderwing while noting Mindwipe was busy dealing with some random Decepticon that had stumbled into the center. “Thunderwing, if you would assist in monitoring the experiment. I want to make sure every detail of this first successful test is recorded.”

The giant Decepticon turned back to his control panel and started the process. The techno-organic substance was poured into the stasis chamber and slowly began to bond to the Decepticon. His cerebral circuitry was taking the connections very well. As he had suspected, Roadblock’s mind was much stronger than those of the empties used before him. He was capable of withstanding this delicate part of the process. The remote link between Roadblock and the still forming shell was successfully installed.

Now the shell began to form over his body, molding to it. Roadblock would need to fit perfectly inside of it when it was fully formed. The shell fully mapped out his body, recording every bit of it and his internal systems. The information would be used later by the shell to conduct repairs similar to those of a CR chamber. Finally, with the shell completely coating Roadblock, it began to take on an outer appearance. Scorponok had never witnessed this part of the experiment before, no test subject having made it this far. The shell’s appearance should form based in part on the subject’s thoughts as read by the link between them. He assumed Roadblock would come up with something suitably menacing.

The smallest of smiles appeared on Scorponok’s face. All indications were that the test was successful. Now they just needed to see the results. “Pretender process complete.” The stasis pod slid open with a hiss and Scorponok turned to see the fruit of his labor.

----------------

Kolkular - The Forge

Macabre had picked up on the arrival of Scourge, his own advanced sensors picking him out from the other drones with ease. He did not mention his arrival to the seekers though. If Scourge wished to remain anonymous, that was his prerogative. Still, he would not stand by and allow these inferior designs to continue to insult the Sweeps.

He glanced over at Long Haul. “A superior soldier requires additional material to build Constructicon. Now be quiet and cease your whining.”

He then turned his gaze to Dunehopper. While this seeker seemed to be outfitted with additional guns, his attitude seemed all too common to the rest of the seekers. He was stupid and arrogant. “You may want to do your math again seeker, it is you who are surrounded.” He waved his arms at the scores of Sweep drones standing around them. “Not that I need any of them to deal with the likes of you, should you feel like challenging me. You see, there is more to me than meets the eye.” Macabre smirked and held his hands out in front of him and proceeded to send a charge of lightning like electricity between them. It was a simple display of his power, but he assumed it would be an effective one.

Kolkular - Research Center

Thunderwing remained silent while the previously acquired test subjects Motormaster had brought in fell victims to the experiments conducted in the lab.

Though, unlike the frightening ground forces commander, Roadblock, he did not relish their deaths, nor felt any satisfaction to it. They could have lived much more meaningful lives, as part of the glorious Decepticon Empire. But they were weak to do so. He thought to himself.

The essence of the Decepticons, as a faction, was strength and the will to fight, and defeat all obstacles, overcome all circumstances. The weak were unable to accomplish anything like that. Imperfection, faliure and the need to improve, Thunderwing learned to accept, but weakness, he detested and despised.

There was no place for the weak in an empire with the destiny to expand and conquer entire galaxies.

Then, the experiment proceeded to its next phase. Another test subject, who could not be called weak in any terms, stepped up to be next. It might have been strange to many that there was no hesitation in him after seeing the first results of the process.

But Thunderwing was not surprised at all. As Roadblock made his way into the stasis pod, the Valckastan nodded slightly towards him, as a gesture of respect and acknowledgement.

"As you wish," Thunderwing then replied to Scorponok and turned towards his own terminal. His fingers began to race on the keyboard, tapping button after button, to keep solid track of what happened in the pod.

"Cerebral pattern: stable," He began reading the values on the display screen, to save Scorponok the trouble of having to monitor all of them by himself. "Techno-organic matter injection: 32% complete."

Thunderwing was curious as to what Roadblock was going through. It was certainly not an everyday experience. What effect would it have on the Trasnformer psyche and physical structure? And most importantly... how much power would such a procedure breed?

"Internal fluid pressure: rising. Cerebral pattern: slightly distorted, but still stable," He continued as the experiment progressed. The inflowing data indicated that the new system put pressure even on someone as powerful as Roadblock. But he was holding himself together relatively easily, especially compared to the previous "fallouts".

"Techno-organic matter injection: 100%. Psychic link: estabilished," Thunderwing then said, and as the process finished, he also turned towards the stasis pod and with a slight grin on his facial structure, awaited Roadblock to step out and present another new breed of Decepticon warriors.

This moment will be historical. The grin on Thunderwing's face began to spread.

Kolkular - The Cradle

Though he gave little outward impression of it, Soundwave was secretly pleased that Shockwave's initial strategy had been overruled by Megatron. He knew as well as any mechanoid still functioning that much had to be risked, given the stakes for which the Decepticons were fighting--the future of Cybertron and the universe at large were at stake, after all. But that in no way altered the fact that some chances simply were not worth taking, particularly when the probability of success was so abysmally low.

And as much faith as the communications officer placed in the abilities of his creations, there was little doubting the outcome of pitting a pair of Cassetticons against a Guardian.

Fortunately, that matter seemed to have resolved itself in a satisfactory manner. He generally didn't care to defy a superior such as Shockwave openly, but then again it was rarely necessary for him to do so. Perhaps the Military Operations Commander's tactical subroutines had been slightly scrambled during his brawl with Fortress Maximus. But there was little time to ponder such matters, given that Megatron was prepared to leave for his appointment with Optimus Prime.

"As you command, Megatron," Soundwave intoned obediently, immediately falling into step just behind his Supreme Commander. That he would be the one selected to accompany the Decepticon leader on so critical a mission was just another tacit indication of the special niche he occupied within the hierarchy.

As the pair exited the Cradle, Soundwave sent an encrypted message to the leader of the Sweeps. >>Alert: Scourge. Megatron makes ready to depart for Moon Alpha. Take your squadron and proceed to the appended coordinates. Initiate operation only when you receive the pre-designated signal.>By your leave, Mighty Megatron. And do enjoy your little tête-à-tête with Prime. I've no doubt it will be a lively discussion.<< It was too much to hope that the oaf would actually manage to finish off the Autobot leader with whatever hamhanded chicanery he had in store. If past experience had taught Starscream anything, it was that Megatron had a way of letting ultimate victory slip through his fingers every time it came within his grasp.

So much the better, as far as he was concerned. At least this time he wouldn't be able to blame Starscream for his own ineptitude.

His attention then returned to the scene unfolding within the Forge, and the arrogant Sweep's distinctly unsubtle demonstration of his electrical powers. Really, the Seeker Commander felt that he should be thanking the recycled drone for his lack of anything even remotely resembling tact or cunning. Not only had he focused the ire of Dunehopper and the others in a way that Starscream would never have been able to equal through words alone, but he'd also just willingly given up the only ace he had up his sleeve. Granted, it was a formidable ace, but knowing the capabilities of one's enemies was the first major step toward securing victory over them.

The expression on Starscream's faceplate was pointedly unimpressed. He traded an oily smirk with the other Seekers, as much to allay their mounting aggression toward Macabre as to express his disdain for the fool. "What a pretty lightshow," he noted sardonically. "Are you available for outdoor parties? I'm sure the protoforms would be tickled by your flair for the theatrical." Quite deliberately presenting his back to the Sweep, he waved a hand dismissively through the air.

"Dunehopper, Jadewind, Hellion, Nightraven, we're leaving. The quality of this neighborhood has gone completely to slag, and I find myself in need of some fresh air." Starscream lifted off easily, gaining some altitude before transforming into his faster alternate mode. "Intelligent Sweeps? Ha! I haven't seen any signs of intelligence from them yet!"

Kolkular- The Forge


That was all the reply Soundwave recieved from Scourge. He walked out of the rows of identical drones, sending a chilling smile to the Seekers still on the ground. Silently relaying his commands to the drones he had chosen to accompany him, he took off, transforming.

As the Sweepcraft rose, he slowed a moment as he passed Starscream and his Seekers. "Haven't you, Starscream?" He resumed his robot form, smirking at the Seeker Commander. "Perhaps if you had payed more attention to your surroundings you would have. I enjoyed your little speech."

With that, he assumed his alt mode. The Master of the Sweeps sped towards space, his squadron of drones falling into perfect formation behind him. In moments they were out of sight.

Less than a breem later the Hunter and his hounds were in position; silent, cold and waiting.

Kolkular - The Forge

"All right, time for some action!" Dunehopper rubbed his large, burly hands together as Starscream announced their departure. Rising into the air in robot mode, he threw a mocking salute to Macabre. "Have fun being second-in-command of a heap of corpses, McCobb!" Weird name. Doesn't even sound like a real word! He prolly just made it up...

As Scourge made his presence known, Dunehopper reflexively loaded his multi-missile launchers with an audible click. "Who the?" He started to unload some more disrespect toward Scourge, nearly as reflexively since he was obviously a Sweep, but held his vocalizer as he noticed the rather high rank level on Scourge's Decepticon comm signature. Lucky, you're real lucky you've got that high rank to hide behind, big boy!

Dunehopper transformed into his heavy yet sleek alternate mode and made ready to follow Starscream.

Kolkular - The Armory

"Heights Tagan?" Weirdwolf's optics narrowed and glowed a ferocious red. "On is the attack? Superb!"

The large Decepticon shoved an armorer drone onto its back as he strode up to Interference. Judging from the Decepticon's comments, he was probably some sort of behind-the-lines operative. "Saboteur, you are? Tracker, I am! Are similar, our skills, no?"

An idea came to Weirdwolf. He had been stuck in the fortress for far too long, supposedly on some sort of 'medical leave' assigned by Hook after his last inspection. Constructicon conniving! Pronounce me 'for duty unfit,' will you? Grrr...

"Friend, say...perhaps stealth specialist another required is? Better are two heads than one."

Kolkular - Research Center

As the stasis pod's doors slid open, a pervasive, acrid stench filled the Research Center: something between burnt plastic and smoldering liquid fuel, with just a hint of fouled transmission fluid. A low, nasty bit of laughter could be heard as the smoke cleared. In that respect at least Roadblock was unchanged.

Nothing else about him looked the same as it had before, however. In the place of the already formidable brass-and-charcoal, spike-shouldered frame of Roadblock stood a figure nearly two meters taller clad in purple and black armor - a fitting choice, those being the Decepticon colors. It likely reflected Roadblock's unremitting, unyielding devotion to the Cause. The armor was not like standard Transformer armor, however. It was more curved, more...organic. Its texture was somewhat rough, unlike the smooth metallic finish of most Transformer skin.

As the smoke cleared further, it became clear that not all of the figure was covered in armor. Its upper arms were exposed, revealing enormous bundles of what an organic creature would recognize as muscle underneath ebon skin. A visor of opaque transparasteel covered its face, but as the visor slowly rose upward onto the armored helmet, the figure's visage was revealed. A twisted, hideous mien, with a mouthful of gleaming silver fangs and red eyes, was perhaps best left hidden behind the visor. The lurid chuckling coming from the figure's maw made its appearance all the more disturbing.

"I think it worked, Scorponok."

Kolkular - research facility

Kadoom turned his head to face mindwipe who had found his way next to him. Listening to the inquisitors voice, he smirked turning back to watch the experiment in motion.

"you might ask, infact you already have, so apparently you solved your own riddle."

He knew it was rude to disregard Mindwipe's inquiries, but the process Roadblock was undergoing was merely incredible, not that he agreed necessarily with the motives behind the procedure but in a way, who wouldn't want to be a better warrior, it was the way you used your power that made you worthy of it. If Kadoom received such power, he would further the cause of his fellow warriors and not as much for personal satisfaction.

"This procedure", Kadoom said , slightly turning his head once again towards Mindwipe without actually looking at him and maintaining a sight on the emerging roadblock.
"is it dangerous?"

Kolkular- Research Center

The Hypnotist smiled at Kadoom's comments. This one has a mind as well as a backbone, he thought. Good.

"Dangerous?" His quiet, deep voice came. "It is very dangerous, yes. You have just witnessed the first successful test."

Mindwipe considered for a moment. He was not accustomed to having so many mechs in the laboratory at once. It felt crowded to him. Soon, he came upon a plan to clear the area a bit.

"Well, my friend." He extended a companionable arm around the smaller Decepticon's shoulder. "Since you have shown such concern for your commander, I feel certain that he will welcome another warrior in the coming attack. I could...speak to him for you, if you like? Yes." The former priest's strange accent oozed charm as he finished. "Put in...a good word for you."

Kolkular - The Forge

Although she was held back by her sister and squadron leader, from unleashing her anger on the Sweep second in command, Hellion was still full of strain and tension, hissing at the warrior in front of her, who put up a small display of his own extra-ordinary powers. Not that Hellion cared about it if he really was as tough as he claimed. Everything would clear up in a straight brawl.

As Starscream spoke up again, the orange-grey femme Seeker was about to dash forward and throw her fists at Macabre, obviously not understanding what the Seeker Commander had said. She didn't care anyway. Any spoken line equalled "hit'em hard" in Hellion's current state of mind.

But before she could do so, Nightraven and Jadewind folded their arms around hers, into a restraining hold and dragged her back to the minimal sense she had.

"Wha'?! Hey! Lemme go, I wanna slag that bastard!" Hellion exclaimed as she realized what was happening. The red fog lifted from her vision and cerebral module somewhat, but hardly enough to call it safe.

"Shut the slaggin' vocalizer and get your aft. movin'!" Came the high-pitched retort from Jadewind, her voice carrying irritation, disappointment and contempt. Deep down, she also wanted the Sweeps to disappear in an instant, but she also understood that it was not the right time for that. Jadewind was aggressive and argumentive, but she wasn't stupid.

Nightraven remained silent, as she usually had done, and pulled her brash and loud sister back and backwards. She used to do that while the berserker Seeker had still been conscious enough to not attack her own teammates.

"Come on, just one punch! Lessee if he's really that tough!" Hellion quarrelled, ridding herself as much frustration as she could and tried to free herself from the grasp of the other two, but they grabbed her in time to hold her down tightly enough. And they had no intentions of letting her go.

The arrival of Scourge himself was barely noticed in the midst of the bluster.

"Megatron won't take lightly to damaging the main factories of Kaon." Nightraven finally said silently, but loud enough for Hellion to hear. Megatron was one of the few names that made even her to get herself together.

Loosening her strained frame, Hellion released the clench in her fists and forced herself to stay put. As she did so, her teammates slowly, cautiosly let up their grip around her arms.

"Arright, arright!" Hellion gritted her teeth as the other two finally let her go. "It ain't over yet, winged creep!" She turned back and grimacing angrily, pointed her finger at Macabre.

She stood there like that for an astrosecond or two, then along with the other two femmes, transformed into her tetrajet alternate mode and followed after Starscream.

Interference spent a few astroseconds trying to discern just what in Primus' name Weirdwolf had just said. He finally realized that this berserker wanted to accompany him on his infiltration! On the one hand, this guy was a complete circuit-case, with no disregard for personnal safety, and probably not alot of regard for stealth either. On the other hand, this guy was a complete circuit-case, with no disregard for personnal safety, and could make a lovely distraction if he was let loose on the opposite side of the Heights. Of course, he'd have to get clearence for the second bot, and Interference colcluded that there were four likely outcomes. If Weirdwolf was claerd and actually did what he said he could, he'd make a useful backup. If Weirdwolf was cleared, but failed to remain covert, at least he would cause a huge distraction and possibly take out a couple of Autobots, making his job easier. If Wolf didn't get clearence, it won't matter either way. The last, and most unappealing, outcome being Weirdwolf blows the whole mission and they both get slagged. So, he had two positive, one neutral, and one negative to vouching for this guy. Those odds were in favor of taking a shot at it.
>>Lord Megatron, this is Interference. I bumped in to this guy, "Weirdwolf", and he wants to tag along. Request permission to form a strike team consisting of the two of us<<

The Open Sky- Between the Forge and Polyhex

Dragonfly had been watching the little showdown between the Seekers and the Sweeps with amusement. He had managed to keep his presence hidden the whole time with little effort as most of the gazes and attention had been directed at the main event. Dragonfly would have preferred it if both parties had wiped each other out, then he would have been able to help himself to all of the energon in the area, and use the situation to advance his own position. But alas, just as things appeared to get good Starscream and the other Seekers had pulled out.

With the disbandment of the Intruders, Dragonfly had found himself working solo as a mercenary, witch wasn’t all that different from the position he had as leader of the Intruders, only then he had a squadron to rent out and help him complete his assignments. Dragonfly shook the thoughts from his neural processor; it was time for him to make his presence known, and more importantly his reason for being there altogether. He quickly transformed into jet mode and accelerated full throttle to catch up to his fellow Seekers. Dragonfly caught up to them almost instantly, blowing by the minor ranking officers, until finally he formed alongside the Seeker Commander’s wing.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the Mighty Starscream… Too bad about Polyhex, eh?” Dragonfly laughed mockingly, his laughter seemed to carry through the air. “A little birdie told me that you plan to restore the Seekers to their proper glory, and I’m here to help, for a price of course,” his tone changed to a more serious matter, as his greedy nature came to the forefront.

Even though he was a Seeker like his peers, and despised the Sweeps as much as any of them, Dragonfly wanted to get all that he could out of this little predicament. After all, first rule for any Decepticon was looking after one’s own aft.

“So…. Commander Starscream, what say you?” Dragonfly waited eagerly for the other Seekers response.

Kolkular - Research Center

"What the slag that's supposed to be?" Motormaster bellowed as Roadblock stepped out of the statis pod.

"Ye got the look of those filthy carbon based flesh creatures we flattened when raiding that intergalactic trading hub of Cygnus II couple of vorns ago." The massive Stunticon added with sinister grin crossing his cruel visage. "To look like that it better pack some punch."

En Route to Polyhex

As Dragonfly streaked past him, Dunehopper became momentarily excited. "Hey, Dragonfly!" he greeted him, expecting him to stop, but slightly dismayed as the green ex-Intruder shot right past him without a word. "Well, uh...woohoo! Intruders rule!"

Settling back into formation, he roared up next to Hellion. The sturdily-built femme looked like the sort of femme Dunehopper could actually get to know, unlike all the others who tended to run off in fear or didn't really think massive displays of firepower were cool. But this one seems like maybe she'd understand a complex mechanoid like me!

"Hey there, Hellion. So...uh...what's up, man?"

En Route to Polyhex

Starscream was feeling quite pleased with himself as he led his group of Seekers from the open-air construction yards of the Forge. Barely having to exert himself at all, he had successfully increased his control over several prominent representatives of the troops that Megatron had deigned to leave under his command. How fitting that this new army of Sweeps, whose rise had first signalled his fall from grace, would be the very means by which he secured his return to power. There was a lovely sort of symmetry to it all.

The appearance of Scourge from among the ranks of identical aerial drones had been startling, of course, but once Starscream had recovered from his initial suprise he could find little reason for complaint. True, it was an underhanded tactic worthy of the Seeker Commander himself to initiate such a ruse; nevertheless, it also ensured that his counterpart among the Sweeps would have firsthand knowledge of Starscream's campaign against the newly-created Decepticon hunter-trackers. And he had not intended for his actions to be at all subtle--half the point was that it be obvious.

As Scourge and his lackeys peeled off, heading for the upper atmosphere of Cybertron and beyond, Starscream indulged a low chuckle. "Perhaps you aren't as totally mindless as I first thought," he mused, "but you're still way out of your league." A pity, too. If the Sweeps' ultimate undoing was not a lynch-pin of his larger plan, he was quite certain he could have found a use for their particular talents.

The Seekers had not gone far when their ranks were swelled once more by the addition of Dragonfly--clearly as interested in turning what appeared to be a losing situation to whatever advantage he could. And although the derisive laughter of the former leader of the Intruders grated on Starscream's nerves tremendously, he kept his annoyance in check. He would need allies of all kinds if he were to be successful in reclaiming his former authority. Besides, Dragonfly was as suceptible to manipulation as any of the others he'd gathered to his side so far. One simply had to know which buttons to push.

Starscream laughed as the other flyer laid out his proposal. "Really, Dragonfly," he began, seemingly unperturbed. "I'm not sure you truly grasp the reality of our situation. With the activation of Megatron's new toys, the Seekers are falling out of fashion. Do you suppose you'll be able to command the same kind of remuneration for your services as you once did with those brutes clogging up the skyways? I'm afraid it's now a buyer's market, my friend."

In a moment, his tone took on a semblance of gravity. "I'm not the only mech who stands to lose from this latest power-shift. You're certainly bright enough to see that. You want to prove you're still among the best warriors operating on Cybertron, able to command whatever price you wish? That road leads through the Sweeps."

Starscream paused, then, "That being said, I am still your superior, and I could simply order you to go along with me. But I think we're both smart enough to realize that orders stand a much better chance of being executed properly when there's suitable motivation behind them. And I could hardly expect a Decepticon of your abilities to serve without compensation of some kind. We can negotiate specifics once we reach Polyhex."

The Seeker then accelerated to supersonic speeds, eliminating the possibility of further verbal conversation. He had a feeling that the others were as anxious to reach their destination as he was.