The Energon Pub

Kolkular - Research Center

A slight frown appeared on Thunderwing's face as the incomming message sizzled up in his communication system. The loud, jarring voice was even more distorted through the channel, intensifying the aggressive egde Motormaster already had in it.

Thunderwing had to admit, Motormaster did have his own uses, but he was out of the question for any activity that required even the least amount of subtlety. Still, giving him something to do - even something he could not carry out efficiently, in any given circumstances - was far more better than allowing him to proceed on his own and let out his 'excess energies' on valuable equipment of even his own comrades. The Decepticons could not afford simply wasting war material in their current position.

Thunderwing's hand lifted from the console he was tapping buttons on and reached for the gate control panels, but he did not finish the motion. Or rather, there was no need to. Before he could input the opening command himself, the massive doors that led to the interior of the research facility gave a depp buzz as they slid open, allowing entry to another mechanoid.

Thunderwing turned to face the approaching, massive form of Scorponok, who had visible signs of irritation on his facial structure. Given the current, tensed situation the Decepticons were in, and considering the nature and inner workings of their faction, it was understandble. The remarks booming from the lumbering mechanoid vocalizer were not senseless either. It could be very well interpreted as Thunderwing trespassing his fields of research. Any mech ranking lower than himself would have already suffered grave consequences for such an act.

Still, Thunderwing responded in a calm manner. Raising his hand before his chest for a slute and bowing, he gave his answer.

"Such intentions are far from me, Mighty Scorponok," He said evenly, then straightened himself to meet the gaze of the giant. "The files I have studied are only the ones that my clearance level allows me to access. And judging only from those files, I have to admit...you have conducted a rather impressive, if somnewhat extreme, project," Thunderwing's voice remained calm, with a slight smirk appearing at the edge of his mouth at the last part of the sentence. Though that smirk was rather a sign of appreciation, instead of belittling interest.

"I took the liberty of attaching a few suggestions for slight modifications and sent Motormaster to acquire...raw material for the implementation of the technology. You may deal with these as you see fit," Thunderwing gestured towards the carrier vehicle and its counterpart, waiting at the entrance of the research center, then stepped away from the console, indicating that he was done.

(ooc: sorry for the delay)

Kolkular - The Cradle
Shockwave hadnt moved an inch or made a sound since Megatron had given him his orders. Silent and motionless he sent pulsewaves to his own subordinates awaiting his call and and returned to his objective analysis.

"The ancient guardian robots possess few physical weaknesses, near inpenetrable armour and extreme levels of firepower. Face to face very few of us are capable of surviving other than those we class as Super Warriors."
>>

"The advantage we do have over Omega Supreme however is two-fold and both must be exploited simultaniously to ensure success.
"His scale will easy enable a cassette-class or similar-sized warrior to get within the range of his defences and assault him from up close with an incendary device or a pulse scrambler redering him immobile. I have a soldier on my team that is perfectly suited and specialises in such a task, however he will require support from Soundwave's subordinates, with your permission. He will be able to sneak within the Autobot defences to isolate, and immobilise, the required target.
>>

"The other advantage at our disposal is the sheer volume of energon required dictates that Omega Supreme needs to spend extended periods of time in his seperate components. To strike when they are seperate and prevent him from re-combining into his robot form would swing the balance towards our agenda. This can be achieved using a modified transformation lock lens."
>>

Shockwave snapped his head towards Soundwave, silent but ever-present at the back of the room. Holding the comunication officers gaze for fraction of a second, daring him to read his thoughts; he addressed the silent blue figure; "Soundwave, you are aquainted with the soldier I refer to, being his previous master? We both know of his capabilites in this field. Psychout's recent stealth enhancements prevent him from being detected by any means other than direct optical-visual contact and he is a nimble and capable warrior given the right 'encouragement'. I require a partner for him who possesses transmission disabling equipment and stealth capacities, but is robust enough for hand to hand combat if required. Who would you select?"

Without waiting for a response, Shockwave turned back to Megatron and addressed his leader again, "Megatron, If required we can order all avialable and functioning soldiers remaining at Polyhex to engage as a diversion, but casualies will be high and the enrgon requirements of such an attack will greatly outstrip any potential gains we could make. This would also make our plan obvious to the Autobots before such time as you can spring your trap, so it will be used onoly as alast resort or after the guardians commncation have been severed.

"Does this strategy meet with your approval? The only other viable solution is the creation of another super-warrior that can match The guardians firepower, but we do not have the time for such an operation currently."

----------------------------------------
Kolkular Shuttle Bay.

Psychout was slouched over a comms screen in the medical shuttle that He, Mal Practice and the then unconcious Shockwave used to escape Polyhex and was catching up with an old femcon partner from days gone past;
"I told you, Im a cassette now... head archivist and technician at the Polyhex weapons research labs... well, whats left of them... No, Mal says to blame the aerial support units, they let the Aerailbots defeat them as that idiot Starscream was too busy glory hunting to follow orders but... hold on!" The cassette started as he recieved Shockwave's communcations pulse overriding his attempt to meander the conversation back around to himself again.

"Operative Psychout, possiblility of covert operation high. Await further orders and be prepared to report to the Cradle immediately on my request and standby."

Psychout's mood plummetted. The cradle was the last place he wanted to have to be, he hardly wanted to see Soundwave again, but knew if he was being summoned, they must have use of his specialist talents. He switched off his call and patched through to his partner Mal Practice in the surgical labs where he has been stationed with Scavenger.

"Mal? ... and we're secure. Scockwave just pulsed me, we're about to get our activation codes, what have you got from Scrapper?"
"Attitude mostly, but thats what you have to expect from someone who has just met a genius like me. I recieved the pulse from Shockwave a few moment ago, he wants me to aquire a transformation lock lens for some reason, the bigger the better. Building them can be most inconvenient, I hope they have a few large scale ones here that can be modified..."
"Think were off back to Polyhex?"
"Not if i can help it, we're much better equipped here and there is so much data you need to collect for research, your neural capacitors are going to be so full its going ot leak out your olfactory sensors!"
"Heh, I cant wait to get home again, this place gives me the creeps, and I have people I need to see."

Refinery

"Ah slag, Free-time?! I rather slag some autobots. Oh well can't complain to much. Atleast I'm not doing material transport anymore," grumbled Long Haul as he walked out of the refinery.

Devastron wrote:Kolkular - The Cradle


“Telegraph, I have a mission for you. You are to scout out the Tagan Heights, particularly the southern borders and coast. I want to know the state of their defenses since Cyclonus led his raid on the Autobot strong hold. As always, secrecy is the key. Stay undetected at all costs. The Autobots must not know of our intentions there.”

Telegraph looks up at his leader, "My Lord, what if I was sent under the guise of a diplomatic envoy? The Autobots certainly wouldn't deny my access to all but their most secret operations. We do need time to rebuild do we not?"

Kolkular - Briefing Chamber

Descending into one of the available seats with a great deal of clanking and clattering, Ruckus' vocalizer emitted a low whistle as Roadblock revealed the nature of their upcoming outing. "The Heights, huh? We're finally going for that big brass lug nut. About time for a little decisive action, I say." The Triggercon nodded emphatically, sending flecks of rust and tiny paint chips spilling from the servos in his neck.

"Dunno what kind of shakedown you're going to get on those drones, though. Like Quake said, there ain't likely to be many Autobots left standing in the Heights once we roll in. You think maybe we oughta let 'em have a head start, just to be sporting?"

Kolkular - The Cradle

Soundwave listened carefully to the strategy Shockwave delineated for neutralizing the considerable threat posed to what was left of Polyhex by the Guardian. From a strictly logical standpoint, it had potential--as one might expect of the coolly calculating Military Operations Commander. A covert assault upon the giant Autobot sentinel certainly seemed far more feasible than any sort of frontal attack.

Nevertheless, he rejected the proposal vehemently, a position he signalled silently by folding his arms firmly across his chest cavity. Soundwave was not a mechanoid much given to rank sentimentality; however, his creations stood as the sole, conspicuous exception to his icily self-interested outlook. Few Decepticons ever made much issue of this peculiar soft spot, for the simple reason that the communications officer was notorious for exacting brutal reprisals on any mechanoid who even suggested he might be capable of such weakness. That any would dare take advantage of that fact was frankly unthinkable.

Not that he coddled the diminutive Decepticons--indeed, they had been specifically designed to undertake some of the most dangerous tasks required by Megatron and the rest of the High Command. Espionage and sabotage were the forte of many of them. Attempting to disable a Guardian, though, went far beyond the level of risk Soundwave was willing to countenance. Perhaps if it had not meant pairing one of his cassettes with Psychout, he would have lent the proposition greater weight, but the infiltrator had already proven himself unreliable. Including him in such an operation was more likely to end in a double termination than success. And that was simply unacceptable.

Failure or not, Psychout was still tied to Soundwave in a curious way. He would not allow the errant Cassetticon to be destroyed without a far more compelling reason than Shockwave had offered. The communications officer would sooner see a dozen Decepticon warriors terminated than risk the life of even the least of his creations on such an obviously hopeless assignment.

Even so, ultimately the decision was not his. Soundwave turned his enigmatic gaze to Megatron expectantly. If the Supreme Commander authorized this mission, then he would comply without hesitation. But not an astrosecond before.

Kolkular- Research Center

At the sound of his master's voice Mindwipe shaken himself free of his trance. Checking his chronometer he saw several astrocycles had passed. His recorders were full of new messages from the Pit to decipher. But that would have to wait. Lord Scorponok had returned, and from his tone of voice he was none too happy. The eerie Decepticon mystic smiled. He had become acquainted with the Master's ire during his long service, and equally well versed in avoid it himself. But it was always such a pleasure to see it turn upon another. The Shrikebat made his ways out of his own lab, silently gliding toward the Master's.

As he flew he listened with enjoyment to Thunderwing's overly polite remarks. That is, until he heard of Motormaster's presence. And even worse- the oaf had been given his duties! No, no! This will not do at all, the hypnotist thought. That psychotic will not know how to choose the best subjects. And he shall most certainly damage them, yes! I must intervene.

Transforming, Mindwipe landed before the two Warlords. He awaited a moment to present himself. It did not do to interrupt a Decepticon Warlord, much less two. When the Master acknowledged his presence he bowed low, one chiropteran wing pulled in front of him like a cloak.

"My lords. If I may suggest, perhaps I should...accompany Motormaster on his errand. I shall ensure that he finds his time here in the Research center most...agreeable."

Kolkular- Research Center

There weren't many mechanoids Motormaster respected or at least avoided getting in trouble with. Megatron was one and Scorponok certainly was in the same league. Despite all of his impressive strength and endurance, Motormaster knew he was no match for the gargantuan Decepticon warlord and for what it was worth he could respect that. At least he was able to enjoy the sensation of seeing Breakdown on the verge of nervous breakdown due to the presence of the mighty Decepticon warlord.

Having no intention to interfere with the change of words between Thunderwing and Scorponok, Motormaster quickly made Breakdown to unload his cargo. When Mindwipe decided to nosey into his business, Breakdown had already gathered a group of energy chained captives out of Motormaster's carge compartment, allowing the large Stunticon to transform.

"There's no errand to accompany Mindwipe." Motormaster bellowed, his optics flaring up eeriely. Even when it wasn't particularly wise due to the presence of Scorponok and Thunderwing, Motormaster couldn't resist baiting Mindwipe for a chance of getting to smash the bat's face in.

"These were the strongest pieces of scrap we came across." Motormaster continued, grinning cruelly. "Or at least they could stand up against me for an astrosecond or two."

Kolukar- Research Center

Mindwipe's incandescent optics met Motormaster's evenly. He drew himself up to his full height, nearly as tall as the Stunticon himself. Although his face showed no disrespect, it showed no fear as well. You are brave indeed to look me in the eye, Stunticon, he thought. Brave and foolish. You cannot bully me, no! I have been intimidated by professionals! The mystic looked over the captives. They were not in the best condition, as the Oaf had pridefully all but taken credit for. But overall he could not fault their quality. "Ah. Yes," his deep, accented voice said quietly. "These will do nicely, I think."

Turning to face the Master Mindwipe cocked his head to the side, a subtle expression on his faceplate. He knew that would be enough for his clever Lord to see his concerns. Mindwipe was in charge of keeping the Master's laboratories in order. The brutal Stunticon was clearly a threat to that. he chose his words most carefully when he spoke, sure that Lord Scorponok would easily understand the true meaning of his oldest servant's question. "My Lord, it appears this task is...well in hand, yes. Is their any other way I may serve you?"

Kolukar - Research Centre

Moving from the Surgical labs to the crowded core research centre, Mal Practice stood back for a second to allow Mindwipe to finish chewing out Motormaster before saluting the commanding presence of both Scorponok and Thunderwing.

"My Lords, I am technical specialist Mal Practice reporting here under orders from Military Commander Shockwave. With your permission, I require use of a research terminal and the clearance to appraise the operational levels of the standing forces within this region. Do I have your permission to proceed?"

Kolkular - The Cradle

Sixshot had silently listened as the other higher ranking Decepticons discussed plans and strategy. He didn’t know anything about this Omega Supreme and no one had deigned to give him any info on him, so he remained silent. From what he heard this Autobot was a massive one whose size likely matched his fighting prowess. He would be a challenging foe to fight and best.

The sixchanger would have frowned if he had the mouth do it with over Shockwave’s plan. He wanted to send in some puny little Decepticon to sabotage the warrior somehow. What was the challenge in that? While he had nothing against using some underhanded tactics, you still had to fight your opponent; you had to put your life on the line.

“A cowardly plan.”

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

Megatron turned his gaze to Sixshot briefly at his comment. The sixchanger was very close to overstepping his bounds. He would let it slide for now, due in part to his considerable skill and power and due to the fact that Megatron didn’t particularly like the plan either.

“We do not have the time for you to invent and create the devices you have described in a small enough form to be placed on Omega Supreme without him noticing, Shockwave. I meet with Prime shortly and this plan, along with the assault on the Tagan Heights, must go off swiftly and nearly simultaneously. You will have to make due with the resources at hand, which are more considerable than you seem to think.”

Megatron stood up from his throne and stepped down to the level of the other Decepticons. “You will have Sixshot at your disposal, along with a squadron of Sweeps, whatever soldiers remain active in Polyhex and Cyclonus can accompany you as well if you feel it necessary.” He looked Shockwave right in his lone optic. “You are my second in command and chief strategist. You will come up with a way to take this Autobot down and secure Polyhex for the Decepticons once more."

The Decepticon supreme commander spoke partially to inspire Shockwave, but also to reinforce the importance he placed on this mission. He would not allow Polyhex to fall into Autobot hands. Shockwave would succeed or else there would be consequences.

Kolkular-The Cradle

Interference stepped quickly in to the cradle. Seeing that Megatron was standing, he decided it prudent to kneel, getting on the Lord's bad side was not a smart thing to do, and Interference couldn't afford to risk offending any of the higher-ups.
"You summoned me, Lord Megatron"?

Kolkular - The Cradle

Megatron turned his gaze over to Telegraph as Interference entered the room. “If we had more time then we might be able to use your plan Telegraph, but time is the one thing we are lacking. By the time you were inside their base we would be launching our attack and you would quickly fine yourself a prisoner and that would be a monumental waste of your talents. No, you will proceed with the initial plan and spy on their border defenses. For a deeper infiltration mission we have Interference.”

Megatron turned to face the Decepticon in question. “Interference, I want you to infiltrate the defenses in the Tagan Heights and cripple as many of them as you can. Cripple whatever communication and scanning devices you can find in the city-state. The more confusion you can sow the more damage our forces can do when we launch our attack, but I want you to be subtle about it at first, let them think things are breaking down.”

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

Kolkular - Research Center

Scorponok’s expression did not change but he did step fully into the research center, allowing Motormaster to roll in with his cargo if he wished. The other Decepticon was a skilled and cunning politician and was thus very careful with his words and expressions. He was a testament to the legacy of Valckastan rulers. Scorponok’s angry impulse against the other Decepticon quickly faded, although he would have to keep a closer optic on him in the future. “Very well Thunderwing, you may observe and assist me in this first test of the Pretender technology.”

The giant Decepticon walked over to one of the control panels in the room. A cable snaked out from his arm and connected with the computer, allowing him to manipulate it despite the indelicate nature of his claws. A panel on one of the walls slid open at his command, revealing three modified stasis pods.

He turned to look over at Mindwipe and Motormaster. He had overheard their exchange and Motormaster’s usual attempts to bait the other Decepticon into a confrontation. He was pleased to see his sometime assistant not rise to the bait. He had no particular desire to break up a fight between the two of them, a fight that would likely be very one-sided. “Motormaster, Mindwipe, load the two healthiest and strongest of the test subjects into the stasis pods.”

Scorponok had real little hope that either of those test subjects would survive, but the resultant data from their deaths would likely lead to further refinement and improvement of the process. Still, he wanted to have on successful test that he could monitor in the upcoming battle.

>>”Roadblock, report to the Research Center. I believe I have a way to further boost your prowess for the upcoming assault.”<<

Kolkular- Research Center

"Yes, My Lord, at once," the shrikebat lilted.
Relishing the chance to take part in the Master's new design, Mindwipe observed the subjects with his feral senses for a moment. Sniffing the air, he cocked his chiropteran head towards the two strongest 'volunteers'. "Motormaster", he drawled. "I believe these two will suit best. Shall we?"

With that he transformed, gracefully lifting on of the subject as if it were a minibot. He placed his charge into the waiting chamber, and transformed back to his preferred form. He swept into the air, coming to rest hanging from the ceiling.

This was his favorite spot for observing the Master's experiments. It was out of the way, and afforded quite a view of the entire lab. Mindwipe sat back to enjoy the show.

Kolkular - The Cradle

Shockwave's voice was cold and direct as he answered Sixshots taunt, not looking away from Megatron as he spoke...
"The requirement of bravery is for those who do not have the capacity to calculate what lies ahead and so stumble blindly to their destruction." He turned his head to face the multi changer and appraised its stature. "Can you compute your path, Sixshot?"

He turned back to megatron and continued.
"As you request Megatron; a revised strategy. Divide and Conquer; standing an 86.94% probability of victory at a projected 25.83% potential losses."

"Initating 2 faces of attack, Our remaining forces within Polyhex itself will begin an insurgence to attract the surrounding Autobot forces from the occupied territories of the region and draw them into a single battle ground that can be closed, trapping them in.
"Before Omega Supreme has been summoned towards the city, Aerial Commander Cyclonus and his strike force will support Sixshot in a direct assault on the Guardian ensuring he remains seperated from the Autobot ranks. Cyclonus will use his forces to ensure the Autobots cannot return to the Sentinels position and when required will support the S.T.A.G. unit in the destruction of the Guardian and securing that region of Polyhex."

He paused for a second to allow all present to consider his proposal.

"Victory is reliant on the forces assaulting the Sentinel to remain undetected until battle is initiated and to be able to attack at great speed from many directions at once."

"I will be returning to Polyhex itself before the battle as a distraction and will command the forces within the city itself to ensure that it is secured efficiently and with minimal damage."

The single eye giving away no emotion, Shockwave awaited Megatron's appraisal of this alternative. This was but one of millions of strategies he was able to calculate in an instant, but this was the best suited to the resources Megatron recommnended and had the highest chance of success.

Kolkular-The Cradle
"I shall depart as soon as possible, Lord Megatron." Interference stated in a voice that gave no insight to his thoughts. Standing up, Interference turned and stepped out of the Cradle, haeding for the armory.
So, I'll be part of the Tagan Heights mission, he thought it had better go better than I had originally hoped, for my own sake.

Kolkular - Briefing Chamber

"Give 'em a head start if ya'll want," Roadblock told Quake and Ruckus, "but they're just drones, even if they are big, bad, huntin', killin' drones. They prolly don't give two microcraps about whether or not they get a piece of the action, so feel free to stomp an' kill to yer spark's content once we're in."

Scorponok's message interrupted the ground forces commander's chain of thought, but it was hardly an unwelcome interruption. A boost? Roadblock was never one to turn away an upgrade or a way to become even more fearsome a foe to the Autobots.

>>"On my way, Lord Scorponok."<<

Standing up, Roadblock headed for the door. "You boys'll pardon me, I'm sure. Scorponok has a little surprise for me before we head out to Tagan."

Kolkular - The Armory

The normally orderly Armory of Kolkular had been reduced to a scene of chaos as a particularly unusual Decepticon attempted to locate ammunition for his weapons. Armorer drones scurried about, in dire fear of the tracker that was rifling through crates and ammo racks with total abandon. Already one of their number had strayed too close to the Decepticon hunter, and lay in a pile of broken metal and spilled fluids. As such, the others seemed content to flit about in abject panic.

"My triple-stage missile launchers, reloads of rounds piercing-armor I require!" Weirdwolf roared, overturning a crate and spilling cannon rounds everywhere. "I have not found them, seek and seek yet I do!"

With a growl of maniacal frustration, Weirdwolf crushed another crate. "The incorrect method of opening crates, perhaps I have employed!" He drew his thermal sword from subspace with a snarl. "The right tool for the job, my blazing blade is!"

The armorer drones' panic was suddenly galvanized into concerted action as Weirdwolf brandished his thermal sword. Heat and munitions did not mix well. The drones scurried with newfound purpose until, just before Weirdwolf brought his sword down on a large crate of high-explosive cluster bombs, one of the drones dashed forward with a smaller crate containing triple-stage missile reloads.

"Excellent, ahhh!" Weirdwolf said, snatching up the crate and resheathing his thermal sword. "Is all, required proper motivation you did!"

Though his actions had suggested a complete lack of intelligence or regard for his own well-being, Weirdwolf was in fact quite calculating in his way. He had required ammunition, and could not find it on his own in the vast Armory. The drones seemed unable or perhaps unwilling to work quickly to find it for him, and so he motivated them. An elegant solution to a difficult problem.

At least in Weirdwolf's twisted, twisted mind.

The yellow, silver, and aquamarine Decepticon began reloading his shoulder-mounted missile launchers as he noticed another Decepticon approaching the Armory.

"You?" he bellowed at Interference. "Who are."

Kolkular - Research Center

Striding into the Research Center, Roadblock saw quite an assemblage of powerful Decepticons. Thunderwing...Motormaster...Mindwipe...can't say as I care much for the last one, but the first two are solid warriors. Even if Thunderwing's got his olfactory sensor up in the air half the time. Saluting Thunderwing as well as Scorponok, he stood at attention, eager to hear what the Tyrian warlord had in mind for boosting his fighting prowess.

Kolkular - Briefing Chamber

Ruckus grinned as Roadblock more or less gave them carte blanche to run roughshod over whatever pathetic resistance the Autobots managed to muster in the Heights. All for the good, really, since the Triggercon was usually far too enthusiastic in his rampages to give much consideration to sharing his victims with his fellows. He clapped his hands together in undisguised glee, optics glittering with a barely-contained eagerness to get himself into the thick of the fight. Never mind that the fight had not technically started just yet . . .

Combative exuberance was replaced with bemusement as the Ground Forces Commander suddenly excused himself. Probably some kind of command thing he had to take care of before they set out to give the 'Bots a good bashing. Whatever it was, Ruckus hoped it wouldn't take long. He was all fired up and ready to roll.

Even so, they obviously weren't going anywhere until Roadblock was good and ready. So, shrugging in Quake's general direction, he rose to his feet and clattered out of the briefing chamber. He could find something to keep him occupied until the call to move out came down.

Kolkular - The Forge

After his humiliating ejection from the Cradle, Starscream had wandered the halls of the Decepticon fortress with no particular destination in mind. He was far too preoccupied with indignation at his shabby treatment at the hands of Megatron and his pathetic coterie of yes-mechs, outrage at the obvious scapegoating that had led to his demotion, and the beginnings of variously elaborate and vindictive plots to restore his former position and prestige. When the Seeker Commander began paying attention to his surroundings once again, he noted with mild surprise that he had somehow managed to wander all the way out into the Forge, where the new cannon fodder were standing about in neat little rows, drones lining up for the smelter.

A bitter smile twisted Starscream's mouth as he walked among the ranks of Sweeps. He supposed that their unique appearance had been carefully contrived to make them seem like more fearsome opponents, but in his optics they were merely graceless and ugly. Pausing before a random individual, Stascream rapped his knuckles impudently against the Sweep's chest plate.

"Do they really think I'll be cowed by the likes of you, you ambulatory trash compactor?" he asked rhetorically. The drone regarded him with baleful optics, but made no reply. "I may have endured a minor setback today, but small matter. I thrive on adversity. You'll see."

Suddenly disgusted with the very sight of Kolkular, Kaon, and the hideous winged contraptions in front of him, Starscream opened a communications channel directly to Megatron. Diminished he might be, but he was not about to start sending his messages through that monotone aft-polisher Soundwave like some junior cadet.

>>Since you don't seem to have any further need of my strategic insight, Megatron, I'll be repairing to Polyhex to resume command of the Seekers there. Unless you think that my loitering about the halls of Kolkular is a more productive use of my time.<<

Telegraph bows his head, "As your excellence commands, I will commence the scouting mission immediately. By your leave, my lord."

Kolkular - The Forge

"Look at 'em, Starscream! Ugly, ugly as Pit! Bet they're stupid as slag, too. I hate 'em already."

The large gold and white form of Dunehopper could be seen milling around in the Forge, surveying the legion of the so-called Sweeps. That ain't no way to dominate the skies, slaggit.

"Bet the beard kills aerodynamics. Bet they can't fly half as low as me, or half as fast as you."

He waved his arm-mounted multiple-missile launcher at the Sweeps, tempted just to cut loose and level as many as he could before his ammo ran out. Dimwitted as he was, he still knew better. Megatron would turn him into atoms quicker than he could say 'OHMYPRIMUSITBURNS!'

"Did you hear, Starscream? They disbanded the Intruders. Said they didn't need us since they're activating the Sweeps and the Wreckers haven't been spotted in action in a while. Makes my fuel processor turn..."

Kolkar - The Forge

'Slaggin forgot my wrench,' thought Long Haul walking into the forge and spotted the Air Commander and another con who he couldn't recognize.

"Oh How have you been Air Commander Starscream? I trust you've been well," asked Long Haul ignoring the comments by the other con; walking towards the seeker. Long Haul then said under his breath, "Probably slagged some autobots while in battle; lucky you."

Kolkular - Briefing Chamber

Quake wanted to terminate Autobots now, clutching his massive plasma cannon. "In the name of Sibertron! How long do I have to wait before we can start, turning Autobot's into burned out toaster ovens." Quake kicked a container across the briefing room as it skittered across the floor. Quake went to follow Ruckus out of the briefing room. "Hold up Ruckus, I'll tag along." Quake was pretty bored at the moment.

Kolkular - Research Center

"My honor, Lord Scorponok," Thunderwing saluted towards the towering Decepticon as he made his way to the control panel and attaching some wires to it, brought forth the stasis pods.

Thunderwing felt excitement that had not been coursing through him for a while, though he showed no outward sign of it. It was the feeling one dwelled in when gaining more power. The Decepticons were about to grow stronger directly in front of his deeply glowing, dark green optics. Even if it was not himself, as a respected and estabilished commander in the Decepticon ranks, Thunderwing would still benefit from the process. Sooner or later, he would gain from this new power.

Or gain it for himself.

Of course, the nature of the matter was very delicate. As the Decepticons were standing on shaking ground, they could not allow themselves to be torn apart by internal power struggles over new technologies. That, Thunderwing understood well.

As he examined each of his thoughts, regarding possible actions and consequences, Thunderwing walked up in front of the stasis pods, from where he could see what would happen in the test sequence, and where he was in reach of the control consoles positioned next to the pods, to assist Scorponok, if needed.

As he did so, another mechanoid made his entry to the laboratory. One whose stature and impression was impossible to be mistaken for another, one whose reputation and capabilities were very well acknowledged.

Returning the salute to Roadblock, Thunderwing's expression changed, though barely notably. Another slight smirk appeared at the edge of his mouth. Oh, him? Interesting.

Thunderwing had always regarded Roadblock as a frighteningly effective, but drastically blunt tool of destruction, his bluntness only exceeded by the likes of Motormaster. Nevertheless, he did not miss his ability and skill as a commander and warrior.

The introduction of the so-called Pretender Technology was slowly beginning to surpass Thunderwing's initial expectations.



Kolkular - The Forge

"There he is," The silent, even voice came from one of the three slimmer mechanoids as they made their way across Kolkular, in search of a certain someone, who had just been removed from the central command center of the immense Decepticon fortress.

"Yo, Screamer!" Another of the three shouted as they approached the Seeker Commander, one with the bulkiest frame and grey-orange colors. "So what's the chase? Are we finally sent to scrap that hulkin' piece o' slag lollin' about Polyhex?"

"Unlikely, dimwit," Came the retort from the third mech, in a creaking voice that would have hurt audio modules if screamed at a higher pitch. "Megatron just threw him out, why would he send him on any important operations, especially against the Guardian?"

The orange mech, bearing the name Hellion paused for an astrosecond to register the not too difficult question. To her, even not too difficult questions were difficult.

"Slaggin' dunno, Jade," She finally said, visibly still not in understanding of the issue. "I just wanna headbutt something that's harder than my cranial forehead protector," She added, pointing at her forehead and making a dumb grin. Jadewind grunted and shook her head.

Nightraven chose to remain silent and hover behind the others. She preferred to hover. It made her feel at ease and light, so she could move and reach anywhere quickly. And she had no interest in participating in a meaningless quarrel that her sister Hellion and their squadron leader Jadewind ignited all the time.

As if that wasn't enough, another loud voice, coming from the all too familiar Dunehopper added another, not exactly fond tone to the whole bluster.

"Intruders? My exhaust port!" Jadewind taunted Dunehopper directly in the optics, pointing her finger at him. "I don't see why pathetic, useless squadrons made up of idiots with broken processors shouldn't be disbanded," She said, adding a triumphant, derogatory smile.

Kolkular - Research Center

So the mindfreak has some spine. Motormaster thought, still glaring at Mindwipe with a wicked grin on his sinister visage. He was more than ready to test his willpower against Mindwipe's hypnotic stare but the presence of Scorponok did force even Motormaster to think before acting. After all, trashing the Research Center was hardly something the Decepticon commanding officers would tolerate.

Snarling annoyedly due to being made to do such a menial job, Motormaster grudlingly grabbed the mechanoid pinpointed by Scorponok's lapdog and tossed it over his shoulder. Barely resisting the primal urge to just throw the mechanoid into the statis pod - an action that would likely have shattered the pod - the large Stunticon lifted the would be test subject into the pod, hence propably saving his own aft.

Just as he was closing the pod, he caught Roadblock entering the Research Center from the corner of his optic.

"Oi! Ye old piece of slagmetal, what made you crawl out from wherever hole yer been hiding in." Motormaster thundered, this time with far less aggression in his voice. Someone might even descriped his tone jovial.

Kolkular - Research Center

A slight smile showed itself on Roadblock's faceplate as Motormaster greeted him. The brutal Stunticon was one Decepticon the ground forces commander definitely respected. Though he was not quite so fond of the Stunticon's propensity for beating obedience into his underlings - fear was usually a much more effective motivational tool - there was no denying that Motormaster was a master of disaster. Might try to get him reassigned to me after Tagan. Could use a bruiser like that around...

"I heard there was gonna be a kill-fest out in Tagan, so I decided to crawl on out!" he answered Motormaster's question. "And Lord Scorponok tells me he's got some new toys for me to test out on the 'Bots."

He awaited whatever his superiors had in store for him.

Kolkular - The Forge

"Pathetic! Useless!" Dunehopper was furious. The heavily-built Seeker stuck his faceplate right up near Jadewind's as he threw his fit. "The Intruders killed more people than scraplets, kremzeek, and the metallo-pox combined! You're just mad that you weren't put in charge and Dragonfly was, little miss 'battle coordinator!'"

Man, this sucks! thought Dunehopper in his typical simply way. While he was mad enough that Jadewind was making fun of the Intruders, she at least was a Seeker - even if she is a skinny, nasty-lookin', skanky one. The horde of Sweeps standing before the group of Seekers was the real enemy, and one of the Decepticons responsible for creating them was standing near the Seekers. Very near. Dangerously near.

"And you!" Dunehopper whirled on Long Haul. "What's your slaggin' malfunction, man? Why'd you and the rest of the Constructicons build all these ugly slaggers to try and replace us Seekers? HUH?" He was now right up in Long Haul's face, gesticulating wildly and waving his multiple-missile launcher around.

"What's your freakin' problem, man?"

Kolkular - Briefing Chamber

Ruckus slowed a bit as he heard Quake call out to him and rush to catch up. While his boisterously belligerent attitude and near-constant state of disrepair was usually off-putting to his fellow Decepticons, the Triggercon was far from unsociable by nature. He just didn't usually have time for casual interaction--at least, not when there were battles to be fought. And ever since the Great Shutdown had come to an end, it seemed like there was always a battle to be fought somewhere.

Just the way Ruckus liked it.

"Get a move on, you plodding heap," he said amiably. "I was just heading on down to the armory to pick out a few specialty items for the attack on the Heights. You can never be too well-armed, am I right?"

Kolkular - The Forge

It seemed word had travelled fast, if even the slow-witted Dunehopper had heard about the activation of Megatron's newest pet project. He watched the manic ground-assault specialist's tirade against the thus-far unresponsive Sweeps with an expression midway between thoughtful and amused. Truly, High Command was not wasting any time if they had already disbanded the Intruders, one of the Decepticons' most successful special operations teams. But their excess of expediency would play right into his hands.

The arrival of Jadewind and her pair of harridans quickly removed the smirk that was beginning to form on the Seeker Commander's faceplate. Still, despite the femme's blustering derision, Starscream was confident that she was as uncertain of her future as Dunehopper. Why else would the three of them have come scampering out of the fortress to find him like little lost protoforms?

Still, despite their anxieties, Starscream was pleased to see that their aggressive, highly competitive instincts seemed to have remained undiluted. Those qualites were what had made the Seekers the elite of all Decepticon forces, and they would be needed now more than ever to keep that position from coming into question. And, by extension, force Megatron to realize that Starscream could not be so easily dismissed.

"Easy, Dunehopper," the prime Seeker said soothingly, laying a restraining hand on the side of the other mech's arm. "Long Haul was only following his orders. Isn't that right, Long Haul?" Starscream spared the Constructicon a brief glance and a broad, charismatic smile before dismissing him from his mind and returning to the impromptu gathering of Decepticon flyers.

"Your anger is best reserved for these," he gestured contemptuously to the lines of stationary Sweeps, "things. The High Command believes that they are the future. That they can replace us. It's already started. Megatron just promoted one of his precious prototypes to the position of Aerospace Commander--my position! And now they've disbanded the Intruders. How long can it be before all Seekers are shuffled off to rear-echelon posts to rust in ruin, dreaming of past glories while the rest of the war passes us by?"

Starscream looked into the optics of each of his subordinates in turn. Dunehopper and Hellion, he knew, could manipulated by appealing to their simpleminded love of violence. Jadewind, by appealing to her desire for advancement. He had no idea what could possibly motivate the silent, secretive Nightraven, but, frankly, as long as she was willing to play along he didn't much care.

"But our usefulness hasn't come to an end just yet. Nor will our greatness be relegated solely to historical holo-vids. We have stood at the forefront of every decisive battle--of every Decepticon victory--since this war began! We built the Decepticon Empire! And we will lead the charge that extinguishes the last trace of Autobot resistance from Cybertron--once we have proven that these ungainly upstarts aren't worthy to follow in our contrails, much less supplant us."