The Energon Pub

En Route to Polyhex

Dragonfly chuckled at Starscream’s reply; he had anticipated such words from the Commander of the Seekers. “Oh I’m fully aware of how dire our situation with the Sweeps is, and as for whether or not my services would still be in demand, I think that my war record as well as my achievements, speak for themselves regardless of what model I am,” he confidently replied.

Dragonfly kept his emotions in check; although he was a little irritated that Starscream had the audacity to question his importance to the Decepticons. Still, here Dragonfly was trying to extort his own allies in order to advance his own position, so at the same time he couldn’t blame the other mech for his personal thoughts regarding him. “I suppose you could simply order me to accompany you on this mission, but that doesn’t mean that I would obey such an order,” Dragonfly let out a smug grin, “But since you’ve at least agreed to negotiate with me once we reach Polyhex, I will comply and follow your orders, I am now yours to command, Commander,” Dragonfly finished with perhaps the slightest hint of sarcasm in his voice. He adjusted his speed and fell back in line next to his friend and former Intruder teammate, Dunehopper.

“I trust you’ve been keeping yourself busy old friend,” Dragonfly addressed the other Seeker. From what Dragonfly could tell, Dunehopper seemed to be paying more attention to Hellion at the moment.

En Route to Polyhex

Jadewind's frustration was more tha recognizable, even in her alternate mode. The grey-green tetrajet form, in spite of being sleeker and lighter than that of the heavy Dunehopper's, for instance, was still shaking occasionally and wandering off flight and off formation a few meters.

As Dragonfly blew his way through the squadron of Seekers, Jadewind hissed up and pulled to the left to avoid collision.

"Watch where you fly, slagbrain!" She yelled, her irritating high-pitched voice all to familiar to anyone who had been unfortunate to hear it at least once before. "Just beacuse you got lucky with the disband of your slaggish crew of screwed jerks when you could have been fed to those winged protoform leftovers, doesn't mean you can barge in here and make demands!" She went on, raising her voice even more, but seemingly, Dragonfly cared little about her.

Jadewind's anger wasn't directed to the former Intruder commander anyway. He was just the momentary target to releasing her frustration. She was mad at the Sweeps, and deep in her spark, even to her own inability to deal with the situation quickly and without any particular difficulty. But that last part, she would not admit to herself.

Hellion's thrusters roared, their output fluctuating just as the mood of the berserker Seeker femme. Anger rushed through her in waves, making her frame twitch and shiver.

"Whaddya mean? Those weird lookin' bastards're supposed t'replace us, they said! Like they were tough enough fer that!" She grumbled in response to Dunehopper, oblivious to clear fact that she was receiving attention, that not many femmes of her type used to. "We should've just slagged those slaggin' slaggers!" She burst out once more.

Nightraven followed at the end of the formation, her light frame gliding across the sky at high speeds, but so silently shecould have been barely noticed. She wasn't a top-notch reconnaissance operative by accident. I wonder if he's alright... She thought internally, bringing up the image of a certain mechanoid whom she felt an unrevealed, but existing bond towards.

She would find out sooner or later. Being Seekers, Polyhex was not that far away. Up in the skies, all distances were shortened.

En Route to Polyhex

"Cool," Dunehopper responded to Hellion's remarks, somewhat confused himself. She certainly was not a run-of-the-mill femme, that much was for sure. Considering how much raw anger she seemed to possess, the ex-Intruder wondered for a moment if perhaps he had made a mistake in speaking to her. "Umm, talk to you later," he said, slightly relieved that Dragonfly dropped back in formation near him and spoke.

"Not busy enough, man," he answered the former Intruder leader's question. "All the firepower I've got, I would've expected them to at least put me in charge of an assault squad or something. You need a guy with a lot of missiles and bombs to lead something like that, am I right?" He snorted. "They stuck me on Kaon airspace patrol instead. You know how boring it gets flying patrols over the slaggin' Sonic Canyons? Well, at least there are Autobots to carpet-bomb in Nova Cronum."

He waggled his wings in eager anticipation.

Kolkular - Research Center

"Filthy is fine with me," Roadblock told Motormaster, "as long as it helps me kill more 'Bots. Ya know what I always say. Cheat to win, win to live, live to kill another cycle."

The purple and black creature turned its head to one side and launched a large gobbet of foul-smelling transmission fluid into a corner of the chamber, not far from where Mindwipe and Kadoom stood watching and conversing. At least some things had not changed about the ground forces commander, despite his radically altered appearance.

"'Sides, it's still bad ol' me on the inside," he drawled. "Let's give this a try..."

The techno-organic monstrosity clenched its jaw and eyes with effort, and with a sickening, wet sound, the forward half of its limbs split open and folded back, revealing the more familiar form of Roadblock within the Pretender shell. The brass-and-charcoal robot stepped out of the synthoplasmic shell, a nasty smirk on his faceplate. With another sickeningly alien noise the Pretender shell closed once more.

Kolkular - Approaching the Armory

Quake headed to the armory while speaking to Ruckus. In his left hand he was holding his huge plasma cannon that had been charged and prepared for battle. "Nothing's a threat to us." Quake's robotic face lifted a moment as if he was grinning.

"Hey we should hurry up. I think they are getting ready to deploy. I wouldn't want to miss the start of all the fireworks." Quake exclaimed to Ruckus as they entered the armory.

En Route to Polyhex


"Yes, yes, I will assist him. You need not worry my brothers."

Ghost's body structure still showed the tell tale side effects of the experiment his frame had became much lighter than before. As a result, he was transparent, hard to recognize by visual means to the average optics, and virtually undetectable by radar since there is almost nothing left in his body to reflect radar waves. But his voice carried easily as he attempted to soothe the "ghosts" of the fallen seekers he believed flew at his side. Many times he had attempted to explain to the others that the so-called failed experiments were still here but trapped in a transdimentional state and that he could still hear their voices. But he had stopped explaining his apparent madness to the others. Let them believe what they wished, because it was he who heard their whispered deceit in the darkness for their optics could never find him. The voices now urged him to accompany Starscream, although he was aware of the shame that had been thrust upon the seeker leader, Ghost did not feel it mattered. The general population of the Decepticon army considered him “possessed” because he could speak with the dead. But Starscream’s ambitions always had a way of looking past that in order to obtain his personal goals, and Ghost was willing to once again assist the red seeker.
His sensors locked onto Starscream as he moved ahead of a worthy group of seekers. Thankfully because of his lighter structure Ghost was gifted with great speeds, he moved into position to intercept his leader. Coming up just behind him the transparent mech made his presence known by opening his comm link. Sadly he doubted with out this initial contact he would go unnoticed, as is what usually happened due to his altered state Especially when flying.

>

Ghost did not mention that he received that bit of information from his contacts in the beyond. He figured it would be better that way, but if Starscream asked he would oblige with the truth.

Kolkular-Research facility


Kadoom stood contemplating the research going on, what if he himself did the procedure? He certainly had the endurance, the will, everything necessary for more power to be bestowed upon him. So why not? Because he didn't need it, that was why. Kadoom had realized long ago that more power doesn't always mean more good things happening to you. Very often power could turn those who relied on teammates, into self obsessed ineffective warriors. He had seen it happen to many of his trainees when he had been a general, and he was conscious not to let it happen to him. He would fight with what he had, at least for now.

Kadoom turned as Mindwipe began some nonsense about the compassion and care he showed for Roadblock. To tell the truth Kadoom didn't much think that roadblock had anything but false pride. Of course that would never intercede with his loyalty, Kadoom fought hard and strong for his companions, whether they deserved his respect or not. He slightly straightened up to slide Mindwipe's arm slightly off his shoulders, sure he was offering a favor but Kadoom couldn't help but feel that all the words coming out of Mindwipe's mouth were coated with slime and deceit.

No reason however to seem disrespectful though, it was merely Kadoom's responsibility to handle his own affairs.
"Not to seem unappreciative, but if you don’t mind I think If I dont 'put in the good word' and take care of my own actions then eventually I’ll get eaten up and chewed out."


Kadoom patted mindwipe on the back, making his way towards Roadblock, barely missing the large glob of whatever came his way. He made his way until he was standing near Roadblock
"General, it's an honor to finally meet you. Names Kadoom, former officer in the Decepticon army. I think it would be in your battalion’s best interest to add me to your roster. I'm big, dangerous, and can hold my own out on the battlefield. Perfect for crushing the enemies in our palm. And as a military figure myself I can tell you that wrath of my level is a godsend to a general such as yourself."

Kadoom wasn't interested in being sneaky and weaseling his way into a position on the battlefield, he made his case and made it well. And who was he fooling anyways? He knew that if Roadblock wouldn't lead him into battle then Kadoom would be a one man wrecking crew on his own.

En Route to Polyhex

Only a few megacylces ago, Starscream might have taken exception to Dragonfly's arrogance. He might even have blasted the former leader of the Intruders out of the sky for his presumption, and to remind him just who called the shots among the Seekers. But time had a way of reshuffling a mech's priorities. For now, it was far more expedient to play Dragonfly's game, rather than engage in a battle of wills that could only be a distraction from larger and far more important issues at hand. Gentle persuasion would go much farther than brute intimidation in securing the loyalty and, more importantly, the obedience of his subordinates. Unlike Megatron, Starscream prided himself on his ability to modify the persona he projected in order to maximize his effectiveness.

And anyway, if Dragonfly became exceptionally unbearable, he'd have Dunehopper and Hellion rearrange his chassis a little. He doubted either of the brutish Decepticons would object to having a target on which to vent, even if it was one of their own. Starscream would call that "Plan B" for the present.

The conniving Seeker Commander was so preoccupied with his plotting that he completely failed to notice Ghost sliding up alongside him. Not that he was likely to have noticed even if he had been paying attention--not without reason was the eerie Decepticon was considered one of the finest stealth warriors in the entire Empire. He was damned creepy, too--if Starscream hadn't been in tetrajet mode when the other had spoken, he would have jumped right out of his exterior armor plating in surprise.

>>Erm, good,>Happy to have you aboard. I'm sure your talents will prove invaluable in the coming orns.<<

((OOC: I think the next Seeker in the group to post can go ahead and move us to the Polyhex thread.))

Kolkular – Main Gate

Megatron exited his fortress and walked to his waiting personal shuttle. While he and Soundwave could probably fly on their own power to the moon, it would take time and an excess of their personal energy. He wanted the two of them to be at maximum power for the meeting, particularly since neither of them would be overtly armed. He had agreed to bring no weapons to this meeting and while he was going to betray Prime he still needed to lure him in.

Megatron walked into the shuttle and took the pilot seat with Soundwave as his copilot. He did not need to issue any orders to the communications officer as they both brought the shuttle’s systems online. They were about to take the first step in toppling the Autobot’s supremacy on Cybertron. A smile crossed Megatron’s face as the shuttle lifted up into the air, bound for Cybertron’s moon Alpha.

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

Kolkular – Research Center

Scorponok was too busy running a series of scans and reviewing the successful test to respond immediately to Roadblock’s comments. The newly christened Pretender did assist his scans, if unwittingly, by removing himself from his shell. His scans indicated that the shell should be fully capable of independent movement without the Transformer inhabiting it, and the fact that it sealed after Roadblock left it showed that he had some control over it. Still, he wanted more tests before he called it a full success. He had given Roadblock the ‘deluxe package’ of Pretender shell abilities. He wanted to try out the maximum level of the technology to see if it would work, but it would likely not be applied on a widespread basis.

The giant Decepticon was about to instruct Roadblock to do more with his shell so he could run further tests when Kadoom stepped into the room and pled his case to Roadblock about joining their mission. Scorponok’s optics flashed with annoyance and the much lower ranking warrior’s presence. “Warrior Kadoom, you do not have the proper rank, position or authorization to enter this research center. If you wish to be a part of our mission you will arm yourself in the armory and be ready to join us at a moments notice. You will leave immediately and you will not mention anything you have seen here to anyone, understood?”

Scorponok turned back to his console and made sure that when the door sealed behind the warrior it was locked down with his high level of authorization. Only Shockwave and Megatron himself could override it. There would be no further interruptions. He also opened a small hangar door on the other side of the center, revealing a formidable looking ground vehicle.

“Now Roadblock, I want you to attempt to control your shell while you are outside it. Try to make it move, walk around, mimic combat maneuvers and try to get it to transform. If you can do that, then I want you to try and command this vehicle to roll out of its hangar.” He pointed a claw at the recently unveiled vehicle.

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

Kolkular – The Forge

Macabre smirked at the retreating forms of the seekers. It was a view he was sure the Autobots had seen many times in the past. He hoped they enjoyed seeing it, as it would soon be replaced by the sight of charging Sweeps. He silently left the room, as there were other matters and warriors that needed his attention.

Kolkular- Research Center

Mindwipe was momentarily shocked by Kadoom's brash actions. He had been trying to do the warrior a favor. He had almost had Kadoom out the door when the warrior had decided to take matters into his own hands. It was not wise to disturb The Master in his own laboratory. It was equally unwise to address Roadblock at all, if it could be avoided. The Ground Forces Commander not known to be a forgiving mechanoid. Nor was The Master, for that matter. Still, there was no reason his original plan could not still be employed. If The Master was agreeable to it. The hypnotist turned to address his superiors.

"My Lords," he said to Scorponok, Thunderwing and Roadblock. "I apologize for this...interruption."

As the necromancer spoke, he also opened an encrypted private channel, addressing his Master silently.

A sinister gleam found its way into the shrikebat's optics.

Kaon-Armory
Recieving no reply, Interference decided to make the decision himself. He figured Weirdwolf would most likely be more of a help than a hinderence, and so turned to the other 'cron.
"All right, you're with me, Wolfie. But I have two questions to ask you first. One, how much do you weigh, aproximately? Two, do you come with a muzzle?"

((oops sorry I gotcarried away, Tasbirk has messaged me we are all set))


Kolkular – The Forge

Discord landed with the grace of a dancer, she had just missed Scourge’s departure, but the friction between the sweeps and the seekers was not lost to her. She entered the Forge, Macabre had just entered moments before and she hoped to catch up to him. As she rounded the corner she caught him in her visuals. She approached him with a confident yet seductive step, stopping inches from her superior.

“I need something to do, so do you have an assignment for me Macabre?”

Her optics glowed giving off a soft light, smiling with a quirk to the side of her mouth. She took a step back. Her usual assignments involved seducing her target and then extracting information from them before ripping out their spark. Discord was the temptress of the Decepticons. The pale lights of the Forge washed over her supple blue and gold frame glinting here and there as she moved. She looked at him again her voice soft.

“You know I’m always up for a challenge. Perhaps I can accompany you here in the Forge?”

She did not find him displeasing as some others did, she liked his cold personality and hardened charms. It made him more fun to play with.

_________________________________________________________


en-route with Scourge

Torment arrived just as Scourge and the drones took to the sky. Thankfully for his speed he was able to catch up to the squadron. He opened a hail to his leader.

>

Torment fell into formation with the others he was a mech of few words and hard cut actions. He was one of Scourge’s best “hounds” and he knew this. Perhaps there was something of interest in wait for him.

(OOC: Please remember location tags on all posts everyone. Also, *Silverblade, I believe Scourge's group has moved to the moon thread.)

Kolkular – The Forge

Discord arrived just before Macabre left the Forge. He paused and turned to face her. She was one of the more unique Sweeps, a femme. There had been only a handful of femmes to come out of the Sweep project so far. Her function was less combat oriented then the majority of the Sweeps. This did not make him think less of her, just differently.

“I don’t have any specific missions for you right now Discord. Commander Scourge might have something when he returns though. For now I am just watching over the drones.” He waved his arm out at the silent drone Sweeps.

Kolkular - Corridors

With Megatron's departure for Cybertron's moon, Shockwave saw no reason to dawdle in the Cradle any longer. He moved into the maze-like corridors of the fortress, gesturing for Sixshot to accompany him. As they walked, the military coordinator shared some choice words with the Sixchanger.

"Already I have detected discontent and potential intransigence in your speech, Sixshot," Shockwave began, walking slightly ahead of the Sixchanger. He did not turn his head to speak over his shoulder. Rather, he merely spoke, with his back somewhat to Sixshot. This was a calculated move, as were all moves undertaken by the military coordinator.

The subject views himself as the ultimate war machine and believes there are none capable of besting him in single combat or otherwise. Conclusion: highly incorrect. Giving his back to a self-proclaimed ultimate warrior like Sixshot was not unlike spitting in his faceplate, all things considered. Shockwave knew this. Though utterly, carefully unemotional himself, he understood how to manipulate the emotions of others. Playing on another's fears, pride, or hopes was simply another tool in the vast toolkit for universal domination that was Shockwave's primary processor.

"I will be perfectly clear, Sixshot. I will tolerate no insubordination, regardless of how formidable a warrior you believe yourself to be. Know well that I had a hand in your creation, and know well that it would be a simple matter for me to utilize any of a number of contingency plans I have created should I need to personally deactivate a Sixchanging opponent," Shockwave explained. There was no bluster or rage in his frigid, even voice. He was merely stating facts. Facts did not have an emotional component. They simply were, until such time as they were replaced with newer, more correct facts. Fact: Sixshot exists as a powerful new Decepticon warrior. Fact: should he prove a liability in any way, he will be deactivated.

"You are dismissed, Sixshot." Just like that, Shockwave finished dressing down the newly-activated super-warrior. Most Decepticon reprimands came with a beating, or at least a great deal of shouting, but Shockwave knew such antics were illogical at best, and dangerous at worst. "Proceed to my Tower in Polyhex with all due speed. I shall be there shortly."

As he continued down the corridor, he noticed Weirdwolf and Interference in the entrance of Kolkular's cavernous Armory.

"Tracker Weirdwolf and infiltrator Interference. Status report."

The towering purple Decepticon waited for an answer, but was not left waiting long as Weirdwolf began his typical spiel.

"Shockwave Commander!" he began. "Your permission I request to Tagan Heights accompany Interference for mission infliltration and destruction!" The tracker snapped to attention and saluted crisply as could be...with the incorrect hand.

"Negative," Shockwave answered him. Analysis: Weirdwolf has demonstrated an inability to move silently through enemy territory on numerous occasions. Conclusion: He is an illogically, poorly conceived Decepticon whose designer should be held accountable for his myriad flaws. "Report to your creator Scorponok for further orders, should he find you fit for duty. Proceed with your mission, Interference."

Shockwave then continued to Koklular's Landing Spire in order to exit the massive fortress and return to his own more modest yet more useful edifice in Polyhex.

Kolkular - Research Center

Looking toward his new Pretender shell, Roadblock concentrated for a moment. The shell sprang to life as if animated by some unseen deity, taking a few steps forward before launching into a simple hand-to-hand combat routine. It punched and kicked across the floor, and then, as Roadblock focused once more, it transformed into a sleek, deadly aircraft that hovered a few meters above the floor. Roadblock directed it upward and around the high ceiling a few times before having it land once more and transform back into robot mode, if the synthoplasmic Pretender shell's gruesome appearance could be called that.

The ground forces commander then turned to the vehicle that Scorponok had indicated. An enormous six-wheeled tank with spike-studded tires and a huge dozer blade/battering ram, the vehicle looked just like Roadblock's sort of conveyance. With a glance from Roadblock, the vehicle's monstrous engine roared to life and an uncomfortable heat began to fill the Research Center. The air around the vehicle shimmered.

"Thermal force field? Nice touch," Roadblock grinned. A twin-gun turret rose up from the vehicle's backside and rotated around the room with a menacing whine from its directional motors. "Twin shatter cannons. I think I'm gonna like bein' a Pretender, Scorponok."

Kolkular - Armory

Quake's enthusiasm for violence was refreshing, and it would have been hard for Ruckus not to find himself infected by it, had he not already been predisposed to prefer the most direct, physical approach to interpersonal conflict resolution. As it was, the battered Triggercon laughed as he followed the other Decepticon into the armory, and patted him roughly but reassuringly on his broad, armored back. "I wouldn't worry about getting left behind, big guy," he said. "They wouldn't start the party without us. Besides, if we were running behind, Roadblock would already be on the comm rupturin' our audio modules with a reprimand."

Chuckling to himself, Ruckus waved away the drones that attempted to assist him and went straight for the usual, high-explosive shells he preferred for his twin launchers. He always made a point of knowing where the best toys were kept, the better to get him back out into the field with a minimum of fuss. Besides, it wasn't that long ago that he hadn't been much larger or much more important than one of those faceless, interchangeable armorer drones.

Little courtesy never hurt anybody, and a mech never could tell when today's insignificant functionary might become tomorrow's commanding officer.

Kolkular – The Forge


Her smile was sweet as her optics hesitated on his shoulder spikes. Her gaze was drawn to follow his hand as he motioned to the drones. Smoothly she moved past Macabre to get a closer look at the silent squadron. Stopping before one of the drones looking it over with a scrutinizing eye. She spoke her visuals still locked upon the drone.

“Mind if I play Guardian with you? These boyz don’t seem to talk much.”

As she said this, her finger caressed the chin of her chosen drone and she turned to face Macabre again. She had been bored, she had thought of finding out where Cyclonus was but decided Macabre was far more interesting. She loved to be intellectual and he seemed to indulge her with what she desired. The other femme sweeps had become a little too grungy for her tastes as of late. Especially since she presented herself in a more high-class, almost in the manor of an officer. Scourge always seemed so busy she was lucky to get two words in with him. She sighed as her mind wandered, she hated having nothing to do. Her optics searched Macabre’s face for expression, he appeared proud and strong, good enough for now. She thought to herself, perhaps later she would witness a little action and cunning in those features. She stepped beside him awaiting his reply.

Kolkular - Research Center

Every single move and detail of the ongoing experiment was recorded and archived for future improvement. All the available scanning equipment was set to monitor the conducted test of the lates Decepticon weapon development. Thunderwing had no intentions of letting these glorious and exciting moments sink into the cesspool and oblivion of history.

Fascinating. Simply fascinating. The thought crossed Thunderwing's cerebral unit, though it was only a dim reflection of the excitement he felt deep in his spark. He kept full control over that excitement though, showing no outward sign of what was transpiring inside him, only another one of the characteristic, barely notable smirks crept on his face, and even that only for an astrosecond.

The Valckastan knew very well that to the full success of the newly developed Pretender technology, actual battle deployment was the possible breaking point. Seeing the imressive display of defensive and offensive capabilities that such an enhancement gave its owner, Thunderwing had little doubts to its potential, but his self-discipline would not allow him to claim victory before the battle had been fought.

Roadblock seemed to enjoy the new abilities the shell provided him with. Thunderwing had to admit that so would he. Crossing such a...'Pretender' shell with a number of Valckastan technological innovations surely would produce interesting results. But...all in due time.

For now, Thunderwing took up another aspect of his personality, one much closer to a military scientist than to a field commander. He observed, studied, and recorded data, to be analyzed and expanded later.


Kolkular - Landing Spire

A lone machanoid figure was leaning against the wall of the enormous landing grounds of Kolkular, that simply beared the name Spire. It's docking bays and personnel were always on full alert and capacity, scheduling arrivals and departures, loading and unloading cargo, transfering war material, resources and mechpower to all reaches of the Decepticon Empire, like a cog without which the war machine would not be able to function. Indeed, like a cog connecting important moving parts of the same structure.

But for now, all that haste had died down. At the verge of exhaustion and before the gate of negotiations, or perhaps even surrender, all came to an almost complete stop, as if the cog had been rusted, its motion more and more difficult.

The mehcanoid silently witnessing the degression would surely have spat mouth cleaning fluid on the metal floor, if it weren't for his faceplate. His black white and purple frame took an easened pose, his legs crossed and his arms folded over his chest.

It's been some time since he had been told by his superior - or boss, as he preferred to call him - to wait for his return here. The strategic discussions in Kolkular's command center, the Cradle sure consumed numerous breems to reach a final conclusion.

Where in slag did Snapz dissapear to? Apeface asked himself in thought. His friend most probably went to use the spare time for an oil bath that he used to like so much. And from which he was so difficult to drag out of. The lazy bum. Apeface snickered.

Noticing rhythmic clangs growing stronger, coming from a personnel access corridor, the mech in wait turned his cranial unit in that direction. His gaze met a similar figure, one of dark purple color, tall frame, with only one sole optic and a hand ending in a gunbarrel.

Apeface liked his boss. Many in the Decepticon ranks thought of Apeface as a simple animal, one without even minimal control over his instincts, violent outbursts, loud voice and harsh attitude. But they failed to notice that under the wild, untamed surface that Apeface had chosen to create for himself, lay the cold blooded calculating professional, who was very much capable of using not only his brawns, but also his cerebrals. It was in that regard that Apeface looked up to Shockwave. Not only was the cyclopean Transformer physically strong, but also precise, level-headed and cruelly calculating. No living being that he came in contact with meant anything more to him that few bits in an equation.

Apeface smirked under his faceplate, and straightened himself up for a salute as Shockwave passed by him.

>> Hey Snapz, get off your aft, wherever you are. The boss is back. << He transmitted a curt message to Snapdragon. It was enough. He would get the idea. Supposedly.

"Where are we headed now, Commander?" Apeface then asked Shockwave. It didn't take scientifically advanced processors to figure the most possible answer out, but he just wanted to make sure.

Kolkular - Research Center

>>”Negative Mindwipe, I believe my words should be enough to assure his silence on the matter. If they are not, then I want to know about it.”<<

Scorponok watched and recorded as Roadblock put his Pretender shell through various tests. The shell responded accordingly, doing flips, throwing punches and even transforming. He could only detect the slightest delay between the command being given and being carried out, and that was only because he was using his own specialized equipment to monitor him. In actual combat, no one would be able to perceive the delay.

Still, it would need to be tested in actual combat. There were too many variables in combat for any sort of test to duplicate. In addition to that, Scorponok was eager to use the raw power advantage the shell would provide in combat, along with the psychological impact it would have on the Autobots. Roadblock had always been a fearsome warrior, but now his power had been doubled, perhaps even tripled. What kind of carnage would he reap on the Autobots now, and what kind of reaction would the Autobots have to him? They were questions he was looking forward to finding the answers to.

“Roadblock, begin moving our troops to Tyrest for the attack on the Tagan Heights. Motormaster can assist you. We will launch an amphibious attack on the Autobots, with the Sweeps providing air cover. There should be adequate vessels in the city state to carry the force across the Rust Sea to our target. With any luck the Sweeps will be able to blind the Autobot defenses in an initial strike to make things easier. I expect you will give your shells a full work out in this battle.” Scorponok allowed a slight smile to cross his face before turning to face Thunderwing.

“Thunderwing, I assume you will want to prepare Tyrest for our arrival there. If you wish you can also join in the assault.”

Kolkular - Landing Spire

"Polyhex."

The one-word answer to Apeface carried more meaning than simply a location on Cybertron's surface. Though the massive battle along the Maximus Line was only a few cycles concluded at this point, the clash would no doubt live in infamy in Decepticon historical records for many vorns. It certainly would in Shockwave's mind. It was along the Maximus Line that the Autobot for whom the bunker ring was named had managed to drive Shockwave into stasis lock.

Analysis: all other conditions being equal, Fortress Maximus possesses a combat efficiency rating of 8432.4 and a 34.732221% chance of success against me in single combat. Hypothesis: my performance in battle as well as my strategies were somehow flawed by illogical reasoning. Or. Lack of reason altogether. The thought disturbed Shcokwave greatly. Conclusion: unlikely. But not impossible. He continued speaking to Apeface as he pondered all this.

"Summon Snapdragon. We leave immediately." Leaping into the air, Shockwave transformed into his enormous ray gun mode, hovering a few meters above the floor.

"We have an Omega Sentinel to deactivate."

With that, the military coordinator rocketed upward into Cybertron's eternally starry sky. As he did so, he contacted another Decepticon, one every bit as powerful as Apeface and Snapdragon but of a newer breed.

>>"Air Commander Cyclonus, proceed to Polyhex.">"Quake, Ruckus, Kadoom, Motormaster, an' Sweep Squadrons Alpha through Gamma, report to Gate Sigma. We're leavin' for Tyrest immediately. Git yer gear an' haul tailplate or git left."<<

Rumbling into Kolkular's massively armored Gate Sigma, he waited for the others to arrive at the fortress' exit so they could make haste for Tyrest, and then the Tagan Heights.

Kolkular - Research Center

"It shall be done," Thunderwing replied to Scorponok, raising his closed fist in front of his chest as a more traditional way of saluting a superior. Usually, when Thunderwing did this, it was a gesture of appreciation towards the one receiving it. And it was rare for anyone to see him perform it.

In Thunderwing's mind, the opportunity for Tyrest to serve as the vanguard of the upcoming Decepticon assault, even though it was perhaps the only logical choice, was perceived as a form of honor.

As for joining the assault himself, the offer was very tempting. It had been quite some time since the Valckastan Warlord stepped up to lead his troops personally. During the past few vorns, the main purpose his talents served was coordination, strategy and logistics. Battlefield performance was common to most Decepticons, but lead and organize, only a few could adequately. Still, he would decide later, after seeing how much direct attention would Tyrest need.

Quickly tapping a few buttons on the console to store and classify the recorded experiment data, Thunderwing made sure it would be available whenever they neeeded it. As the computer finished the process, it gave a recognizable hum. As Thunderwing pressed the last button, the keyboard panel folded up, and making some slight, hissing noises, it slid back into the wall, below the display screen to which it was attached.

Saying nothing, Thunderwing turned away from the laboratory equipment and made his way to exit the research center.


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Kolkular - Landing Spire

Arriving to the enormous landing bays and spaceport of Kaon, Thunderwing caught a glimpse of the Decepticon Military Operations Commander himself, as he transformed and shot off towards the skies above Cybertron.

Watching the giant ray gun pull a trail of light and leave the port, Thunderwing felt satisfaction. Even one thin line separating them from defeat, the Decepticons were still moving forward, excaping the grasp of their foes, to find a way to counterattack.

As it should be. The Decepticon Empire cannot fall.

Thunderwing tossed himself up in the air, activating his anti-gravity systems, and floating high above the floor, he transformed into his gunship mode. Although not as sleek and streamlined as the Seekers, or the new breed of warriors, the Sweeps, his speed capabilities were not much behind theirs. Tyrest would be like one step away.

Igniting his thrusters and setting them at full speed, Thunderwing shot off, flying through the gigantic hangar doors, towards his destination.

Kolkular - Research Center

Somewhat crestfallen from Shockwave's denial of his request to accompany Interference to the Tagan Heights, Weirdwolf did as he was told and stalked his way to the Research Center. Entering, he noticed Mindwipe speaking to another Decepticon he did not recognize, while Scorponok dealt with Thunderwing. As the Valckastan left, Weirdwolf approached Mindwipe. Mindwipe, along with Skullcruncher, was Weirdwolf's usual teammate in the service of Lord Scorponok.

"Mindwipe!" he snarled cheerfully, but not so loud as to draw undue attention to himself (for once). "Goes how? Shockwave Commander my request denied go to Heights Tagan, here am I so. Orders have we from Scorponok Lord?"

Kolkular- Research Center



With that simple reply, Mindwipe transformed, flying through the immense lab towards his station. He looked over the datafeeds from the maintenance drones, checking up on the status of the myriad sections of the lab. The hypnotist was pleased to see that apart from the incident with that errant warrior, everything was in order. He prided himself on keeping The Master's house tidy.

The Shrikebat raised his head as Weirdwolf addressed him. the former priest was glad to see his friend. The two were considered odd by most, and often avoided accordingly. But for some reason the pair had always understood one another.

"No, we have not, my friend. For now...I must ready the equipment The Master shall need to monitor the field test of his new creation. You may help if you wish. Yes." Seeing his comrade's reaction, the necromancer rolled his optics. "I know. It is dull work, Yes? Personally I would prefer...if we were, say...stalking our prey through the wastes. But the task shall be completed swifter by two than one. And I have a feeling that very soon our...activities shall become more...visceral. Yes." A wicked grin crossed his feral countenance as he drawled the last sylable.

Kolkular - Armory

Quake heard the message come in over the communication system. "Hahahahahah!" Quake uttered in absolute bliss. "You hear that Ruckus? Time to smash some Autobots into scrap metal." Quake exclaimed as he fully charged his plasma cannon. Quake got a running start towards the Armory exit, transforming once he got out of the Armory into his massive tank mode. The huge tank could be heard, pounding the tunnel until he pulled inbetween Roadblock and came to a stop.

Gate Sigma

The massive tank came to a stop behind Roadblock and the massive gun lifted upwards to adjust it's targetting. "Time to make some noise!" Quake exclaimed as he idling his engine. Quake sounded his a horn a couple of times. "Come on dammit! I am in a hurry!" Quake exclaimed waiting for the others to arrive to blast Autobots straight into hell.

Kolkular - The Forge

"Oh This just gets better and better," Sarcastically said Long Haul when the seductress, Concord entered and went to Macabre.

"So What is this, The Rust and The Oilless?!"

Kokular - Landing Spire

Cyclonus raised his arm in order to return the communiqué from Shockwave.

“Affirmative. I am on my way now.”

With that the Air Commandant transformed in to his Cybertronian air ship mode and took off toward Polyhex. Perhaps when he arrived he could quickly stop by the landing bay and confirm that Starscream is not up to anything questionable. Yes, that is what he’ll do.

Kolkular - Gate Sigma

Motormaster wasted little time following Roadblock. While it did mildly annoy him to miss a chance find out whether or not he could actually get an enpowerement of his own through same means Roadblock did - Motormaster did consider himself technically invulnerable anyhow. The thought of more power just was too enthralling to shrug off. Oh well, I'll see how all new and upgraded Roadblock will do in a real situation. That should clear some slag up.

Being close second to arrive to the Gate Sigma after Roadblock himself, Motormaster got a chance to witness the arrival of rest of the Decepticons summoned by the ground forces commander.

"These slaggin' lugnuts and couple of new high-tech drone toys of Megatron is all ye got?" Motormaster bellowed to Roadblock as he saw Ruckus and Quake.

"The top dogs sure got high hopes for either that new shell of yours or the damned drones!" The massive Stunticon boomed with a sinister smile forming on his face. "Ruckus is getting scrapped after the first shrapnel hits him and Quake is oughta shoot himself somehow. Not that I wouldn't enjoy the sight! At least ye got King of Roads to cover yer slaggin' back. "