The Energon Pub

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

Transforming into robot mode as he touched down, Dunehopper was a little disappointed that he wasn't being allowed to antagonize Jadewind further. It was quite true, though; maintaining the delicate balance between productive rivalry and unproductive squabbling was one of the chief duties of whoever was in charge of the Seekers, and Starscream, master manipulator that he was, had always been best at that. That's why he was the boss.

"Skywarp, you old pigeonoid!" Dunehopper smiled as he saw the Seeker who perhaps most closely matched him in mental capacity, if not attitude. He barely recognized Rapture, the other Seeker that had entered, and Nightraid. He knew they were both brains-types, at least. Turning to give Skywarp a friendly swat on the shoulder plate, he chided his brother Seeker a bit.

"Heard you've got an Omega Sentinel problem. Don't worry, the boss and the rest of us'll take down the big, bad Autobot for ya!"

Shockwave's Tower- Hanger Bay

Dragonfly touched down immediately transforming into robot mode like the others. Looks like the welcoming committee’s here to greet us, he thought to himself, making a mental note of the other Seekers who were already gathered. Skywarp, Nightraid, and Rapture, all of which Dragonfly knew to be competent and veteran soldiers, looked like Starscream was really bringing out the big guns for this operation.

He was still intrigued wondering just what it was Starscream was planning, but didn’t want to press his luck by inquiring. After all, it was perfectly obvious that Starscream was a little more than irritated with Dragonfly at the moment. Then again, Dragonfly couldn’t blame him. If someone had approached him out of the blue, trying to extort him in order to advance his own position he probably would want to blast the perpetrator personally. Although there might have been the slightest hint of hesitation, as Dragonfly would admire such an individual, in fact he would probably remind him of himself.

Such thoughts reminded Dragonfly that he had yet to speak with the Seeker Commander about their “negotiations” for his services, but such talk would have to wait for now. It was preferable to conduct such dealings between the two individuals involved, behind closed doors. There were too many egos in the hanger at the moment and things were sure to get unpleasant if Dragonfly began openly discussing extra energon. Besides, as it currently stood, the Seekers morale was hanging on by a thread which could be torn at any moment.

Dragonfly shook the thoughts from his logic sensors and turned his attention back to where he was. He walked over and stood alongside his friend and ex-Intruder colleague, Dunehopper who was currently addressing Skywarp. Like Dunehopper, it had been some time since he had last seen the black and purple Seeker, Dragonfly was glad to see that he was still functioning, although he would never verbally admit it. Dragonfly stood there listening to Skywarp and Dunehopper catching up on old times, continuing to maintain his silence. He was already too busy planning and scheming his next move, he didn’t really have time for such pleasantries at the moment. Of course, if either Skywarp or Dunehopper addressed him, then he might reconsider such foolish displays, but until then he would not utter one word. There were still many ways Dragonfly could spin the situation to his advantage, but such actions would have to be taken with great care. His optics glowed momentarily as he relished the thought of turning a fat profit for himself.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Dirge had removed himself from the command center of Shockwave's Tower after receiving Starscream's orders. Despite the loss of a title of the Air Commandant of Decepticon air forces, Starscream was still superior officer to Onslaught. At least no one had informed Dirge of Onslaught enjoying even temporary priviledges over the seeker commander when it came to leading seeker forces.

Dirge had never liked Starscream. Imagining a laser beam cutting through Screamer's cranium was more than a pleasant thought to the morose seeker. It wasn't like Starscream couldn't have handled a head count otherwise. All this was nothing more than a typical charade by the pompous seeker commander wanting to showcase his power - yet there was little Dirge could do without being labelled a traitor. Which certainly was something he didn't wish to be.

After arriving to the hangar that already had a considerable amount of seekers present, it didn't take long for Dirge to seek out his teammates. A design sported just be a handful of seekers, his squadron of infamous "coneheads" was very easy to spot within the gathering of the Decepticon aerial elite. Joining up with his squadron leader Ramjet and fellow wingman Thrust, Dirge gave the two a slight nod and turned his baleful gaze towards Starscream and waited...

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

All kinds of Seekers had gathered inside the main bay of the cyclopean Decepticon Military Operations Commander's tower. Heavy hitters, tacticians, scouts, stealth fighters, and many more. Starscream really was bringing out all of his followers, and even if it would not turn out to be more than a showcase and display of pomp, it indeed was spectacular.

Three more fliers joined the already large crowd, their forms approaching the hangar, transforming to their mech modes and touching down to take their place.

Jadewind hit the hangar floor lightly, and walked up to her position as one of the squadron leaders, next to another femme, Rapture. Giving her a piteous look, she addressed her.

"Did we miss anything while we were away?" She asked, her voice both bored and frustrated about the insecurity she felt. She still couldn't fully think of a way to save the Seekers from descending into oblivion, so she just had to talk - or often taunt - others to keep her mind off the matter.

Hellion arrived making as much noise as possible, with her thrusters roaring up for a last time before transforming, her bulkier robot form crashing down on the floor, her knees bending heavily from the impact, and her feet banging loudly against the metal surface. She had always known how to make herself noticed.

"Ya bet!" She said, almost yelled, to Dunehopper and Skywarp, tossing a few others out of her way to get to them. "We're gonna frag that overgrown slagpile an' tow his head back t'the Autoscum, to let'em see they were wrong t'mess wit'us!" Hellion grumbled confidently to the other two fliers and made a wide, dumb grin. Without her realizing it, it was perhaps one of the longest sentences she had ever said.

Nightraven came in unnoticed and as silently as she used to, touching down without making a sound, and took a position in the back lines. Her bright yellow optics began to wander left and right around the hangar, in hopes of finding someone special she was looking for. Thundercracker...

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Onslaught's optics flickered as Dirge took his leave. It certainly hadn't taken Starscream long to begin making a bother of himself, had it? Still, he wasn't going to argue; he doubted his authority extended to countermanding the leader of the Seekers when directing his own troops. And he wasn't that sorry to see the dour conehead leave, for that matter.

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

It was a dangerously heady sensation, to be surrounded by so many Seekers. With his (marginally) loyal troops gathering around him, Starscream felt himself on the brink of being swept up in the euphoria that only basking in one's own absolute power over others could instill. But, with some effort, he managed to bring that feeling under control with a cold dose of reality: what he was looking at was more or less the total reach of his present authority.

Compared to what he had been, there was no denying he was diminished. He'd be slagged if he was going to let that show, however. Not when his future successes hinged upon the support of this menagerie of thinkers, thugs, and hired assassins.

He returned Nightraid's salute with one of his own and a winning grin, though his expression grew speculative as he received Rapture's short-range communique. It was a bold move. An intriguing move. Still, she was a fairly unknown quantity at the moment, having spent so much time in Gallows' isolated little base in the Sonic Canyons. Perhaps she was simply looking to give her career a bit of a jump start.

That was fine. He liked initiative, so long as it didn't threaten his place at the top of the pecking order.

>>All right, my dear. Once I've seen to matters here, we'll have a nice, quiet chat. I trust you'll make it worth my while?<< Starscream simply couldn't help himself. He was having far too much fun.

He didn't miss the look that passed between the femme and Skywarp, either, his own expression turning sly. "I think I'm beginning to see why you elected to remain in Polyhex instead of returning with me to Kaon, Skywarp. Really, I had no idea you had it--" Ghost's sudden pronouncement from the vicinity of Starscream's left shoulder again caused the Seeker Commander to start.

"Will somebody please put a bell on him or something!" he demanded, more than mildly aggravated. "And where are Quantum and Thundercracker? I can hardly start with two of my top lieutenants missing."

Shockwave's Tower- Hangar

Skywarp nodded at Nightraid as he appeared. Then, almost fell forward as Dunehopper slapped on the back. "Hey! Watch it! I just got my wings detailed," he joked at his buddy Dunehopper.

Suddenly his attention turned to Starscream as he began to speak. "What do you me--" He was also cut off as Ghost's presence became noticed.

The transparent seeker was aware he was causing a slight disturbance, he smiled. A creepy thing coming from him, but it was one of slight humor. He found it delightful, that Starscream was constantly thrown off by his presence. It would keep the Commander’s senses sharp. It would keep the seekers in a better position over all. But the comment about the bell did not make ghost chuckle, his optics narrowed in spite. Skywarp’s sudden cut in his dialect did not help his mood. Taking the opportunity the almost invisible seeker spoke with a little dry humor.

“What ever is the matter Skywarp? You look as if you’ve seen a Ghost?”

The red of his optics intensified, making him look quite ectoplasmic and evil almost like a robot demon. He crossed his arms, his mouth set in a straight line. Starscream was lucky he was on his side. If the voices had said different Ghost surely would not be standing here. But as it was the voices of the dead were compelling and strangely this time many high ranking officers were taking time to visit him. Forcing Ghost to stay at Starscream’s side, no matter how uncomfortable he felt.

Shockwave's Tower- Hangar

As Ghost approached he spoke to Skywarp with dry humor. Skywarp, in return, also responded with a humor of his own.

"Ha ha, I get it. Because your name is Ghost and you just asked me if I've seen one, real funny. But it's not a ghost I see, more like an ugly, red-eyed seeker that is too ugly and ashamed to make himself visible among us, seeing that you can't look as sleek as myself, Rapture, or Starscream..."

He cracked a challenging smile at Ghost before turning to look at the femme standing next to him, and quickly, he ignored Ghost and went all business again. He looked around to see who was missing...Thundercracker. Immediately he sent a com'link to his absent friend.

>>

Shockwave's Tower ~ Command Center

Onslaught's words and tone hinted at the fact that Bane had most likely been as vague as ever with his answers to the Combaticon Commander's questions, and now Havok and Thrall were in line to offer their version of events.

"It is unfortunate that you seem to think we deliberately ignored orders Onslaught, but I can assure you that is not the case.." Havok began, stepping forward slowly "..The Corrupticons were in the process of carrying out previous orders to recover and recycle the bodies of fallen Decepticons, this combined with the fact that at the end of the battle, Bane, Thrall and myself happened to be deep into the Killzone.." This of course was a lie, as Havok had spent no part of the battle in the Killzone, but Onslaught was unlikely to know that "..Led to us taking longer than most to return to Polyhex and contact the Command Center here, in fact, we were unaware that is was you who had been placed in Command of Polyhex until we were met by Blitzwing and his team.."

Coming to a stop, just to the side of Bane, Havok paused in his reply to Onslaught long enough to allow a brief smile to curl up the side of his mouth "..Had we known that it was you who was conducting the rebuilding of Polyhex, we wouldn't have hesitated to report in as soon as possible Onslaught Sir"

Shockwave's Tower:

Nightraid glanced at the sudden arrival of the female Seekers. If his intellect was on top of things the one that spoke so 'rashly' was Helion, the others were... Jadewind and... Nightraven judging by the appearance.
He had seen most Seekers in the room at one time or another but he had worked indepth with lesser Seekers, usually the squadron put under him or Seeker grunts in general he reorganized so the ace Seekers like Skywarp and co could go into battle with an efficient strikeforce.
When it came to dogfights many of Starscream's top dogs would outgun him. Nightraid was after all polyvalent and not hyperspecialized. He supervized, reorganized, analysed and assistance where a flaw or problem arose. It meant he never got the glory mighty warriors like Thundercracker, Rapture or Starscream got in battle but that was how it had to be. Ironically he was actually a skilled swordfighter which was a bit paradoxal. They all had their duties and it was an honor to serve as a Tactician for the greater glory of the Mighty Decepticon Empire. The Elitary officer stood near Skywarp and Rapture and thus could adress Helion, however he spoke softly as not to cause too much ruckuss and avoid an explosion of bickering and idle banter. "Milady" he said looking at Helion, his faceplate moving a bit as he spoke "You make it sound easy. I do hope that was just peptalk as the enemy is not to be taken for fools or weaklings" he said "To take on a worthy foe preparation and a degree of caution is needed" he said calmly without ressentment and with an observing tone. The femme was strangely 'hyper' and seemed to talk with a certain... 'energy'.

Command Center:

Bludgeon was finally allowed into the Command Center for his report by a duo of Guards. But upon arrival, it seemed he had been let in far too early. Onslaught was speaking firmly with Bane and Thrall.
Wisely he remained silent and didn't intrude. It was clear he was there though and off course he did not attempt to hide his presence. Stoic as ever, the old Master of Metalikato, seemingly a bit short compared to many bulky Decepticons and thus seemingly 'feeble' remained in a respectful stance. Attached to his back was his sword though he also was armed with an energyweapon which he rarely used.
His yellow vizor glowing ever so lightly.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

"If you will have me excused" Quantum stepped back and turned around, heading towards the destination ordered by Starscream.

"Enough of this" Bane said, his voice being as emotionally dispatched as always "You have any assignments for us or just want to waste our time with petty questions?" the ex-gladiator stared at Onslaught, his dreadful skeletal vizir hiding any impressions he may have, except the sickly greenish glow radiating from the optics.

"Aye, got sumfin' interestin' for us, kiddo?" Thrall's loud voice could be heard by even those farthest away in the Command Center.

(OOC: gonna speed things a little up and let Quantum appear in the Hangar Bay immediately)


Shockwave's Tower ~ Hangar Bay

"Excuse my late arrival, sir" Quantum apologized as he entered the Hangar Bay. Around him was countless seekers. Many of them he knew from previous encounters and military operations in the past. Traditional seekers, fem seekers, coneheads. They had many designs over the vorns and the gathering felt a bit nostalgic. Quantum was of the oldest design, the same as Skywarp, Thundercracker and Starscream.

As it was custom, he, as one of Starscreams lietenants, placed himself next to the insidious red seeker.

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

"Awww, have a spark, Skywarp!" joined in Dunehopper in the fun. "If you were made out of recycled glass like Ghost, you'd have a fragile ego, too!" He laughed wildly, astounded at his own wit.

As the Seekers waited for Starscream's big address, Dunehopper looked around at the assemblage of various types of Seekers. Everyone from coneheads to femmes to cool guys like me showed up at this party. Man, with so many of us...how come we're snatchin' crumbs while the Sweeps who haven't even done anything yet are sittin' at Megatron's table?

Dunehopper did not claim to understand Decepticon politics, but it seemed to him, if nothing else, the sheer numbers of the Seekers should get them some privileges. Hopefully Starscream was going to do something about that soon.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

"Cause it is easy, Nightraid," Hellion snapped at the tactician Seeker addressing her, booming loudly into his face and pressing her finger against his chest. "Sure easier than t'smooth talkin' ya usually do. If ya hammer'em enough, they'll eventually fall."

Words such as caution, planning and preparation did not make their way into Hellion's mind, and practically made no sense to her. As far as her perception went, brute force was a pretty much adequate way of communicating, in any given circumstances.

"Ya just lay low an' do yer cautious stuff like ya used to, we'll do the hammerin'," Hellion grinned at Nightraid confidently, while pointing her thumb on herself, to emphasise that confidence. Her red optics flickered with a wild battle lust. She already seemed ready for a fight, not really caring who the opponent might turn out to be.

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

"Right here, of course," Thundercracker said as he landed right by Skywarp, pushing the other seeker over a bit. As he flew in, he let out a sonic boom just to let everyone know he was there. Thundercracker smiled. "Sometimes I just have to have a big entrance, you know?"

He looked around the room. Seeing all the seekers in the room made him swell with some pride. He caught a look from Nightraven, nodding to acknowledge her.

"Not too shabby, Starscream," he said as he turned to his commander.

((I am aware of Scramblebot’s MIA I will put Blitz on a semi hold for now. I am also watching Rampage at the moment))


Repairbay

Blitzwing heard the call from Starscream as he sat in the repair bay. That meant the femme medic would be answering his hail and not coming to the medical area. He looked over at the RC Chambers. Well while he waited he could rest and recharge. Painfully he hooked up and relaxed, if another medic happened to show up he would talk to him or her but for now he would wait.


Command Center area

Rampage also heard the obnoxious seeker’s call but ignored it, for it had nothing to do with him. He could feel the tension building and was very sure an assignment was heading his way. So he waited patiently.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Ghost Smirked, he could not conform to a solid body it was impossible and his curse but Warp need not know that, his voice carried an erie gloom as he spoke.

“Very funny Skywarp, a little lacking in taste don’t you think.”

Ghost stopped, cocking his head to a voice no one else could hear he turned his gaze to answer the unseen.

“…. I certainly hope not, I do out rank him.”

He stopped as Dunehopper chimed in on the insults.

“Now… that, my dear, Dunehopper, was well thought out, who writes your material?”

He decided to let it go, as Tundercracker entered. The blue seeker would occupy the obnoxious Skywarp. And as for Dunehopper, Ghost would not have expected any less from an underling of Dragonfly. Ghost himself may give other transformers a scare or make them feel insecure but he was still a Decepticon, still one of them.

Instead he focused his attensions on the femme seekers, they seemed to be in their own little conversation.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

Rapture had been about to respond to Jadewind's question, but the clamor surrounding the appearance of Ghost had cut her off. As soon as that subsided, another batch of bickering and bravado had taken it's place. The midnight femme had started to comment on the lack of discipline when Thundercracker's arrival had split the air. That was the last last bolt in the assembly, as the saying goes. In an icy, authoritative tone the Squadron Leader's voice cut through the chaos.

"All of you! That's enough!" she paused an astrosecond for effect before launching into her tirade. "You want to know why the Sweeps are on the rise? You wonder why voices across the planet whisper that they are our replacements? Why we count our losses and recycle our dead while they enjoy the best the capitol has to offer?" Her simmering gaze passed over every Seeker present.

"If you seek the answer, look no further than yourself. We did this. The Sweeps did not take our place, we gave it to them." From the regretful look on her face, it was obvious that her contempt and regret was not reserved for her fellows. It included herself as well.

"To our fellow Decepticons we have become a joke. 'The Feuding Seekers.' Worse still, these days they deride us to our faces. Mere astrocycles ago they would have feared to say such things within earshot of a single Seeker. But that day is done." She shook her head, seemingly bewildered by what she saw.

"Where are the Air Warriors of old? Where are the soldiers that forged the Empire? I will tell you. Those that still function stand in this very room." The alluring femme's wistful tone turned bitter.

"They, WE are right here. And we shout. We bicker. We argue amongst themselves before the younger members of our phenotype, who will be the last generation of Seekers if the Sweeps have their way!" Her optics passed over the youngest Seekers, the rank and file of the Squadrons.

"The Sweeps did not take our place. We gave it to them."

Returning her focus to the group of veterans and officers surrounding Starscream, she brought her point home.

"It's time to take it back. We can start by showing the young ones how warriors act."

Her outburst finished, Rapture turned seamlessly to her fellow femme, Jadewind. A wry smile crossed her face as she spoke. "To answer your question, sister; I believe you are up to speed."

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Onslaught relaxed back into the command throne, seemingly placated for the moment by Havok's attempt to justify the Corrupticons' deplorable lack of regard for the chain of command. He was prepared to accept the warrior's explanation and dispatch the trio to repair and refuel in preparation for the attack upon the Guardian which would be taking place in the foreseeable future. But then Bane powered up his vocalizer yet again, and it took every nanojoule of restraint that the Combaticon could muster to keep his fury in check. He did not even notice whatever rambling chatter Thrall had uttered in the interim.

Fingers creaking ominously upon the armrests of the throne, Onslaught leaned forward to stare down at the mechanoid who had so sorely tried his patience. Bane was precisely one foolish comment away from having his combat status downgraded from Team Leader to Ammunition. "You are beginning to annoy me, Corrupticon," he grated. "This is your first time serving under my command, so I will make this as plain as possible. Do. Not. Test. Me. I have scant interest in your opinions regarding the questions I choose to ask, and no patience whatsoever for insubordination. Understood?"

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Starscream had sent Quantum a reassuring grin to set the soldier boy's processors at ease, and was about to comment on Thundercracker's grandiose entrance--possibly move to bring things under control, as they seemed to be slipping increasingly off into the usual unruly banter that prevailed at large gatherings of Seekers--when the femme, Rapture, piped up. And launched into the sort of exhortative diatribe that he had been getting around to delivering.

Once she had concluded, the Seeker Commander stared at her for a few moments, stunned. Though he was less moved by her words than astounded by her brazen temerity. She had stolen his thunder!

If his eternally scheming mind had not already conceived a dozen or more different possible uses for such a promising combination of charisma and daring, he would have shot her then and there. Just on principle. Instead, Starscream laughed.

"My fellow Decepticons! Our outspoken sister here is absolutely right." He stepped forward to pat Rapture approvingly on the side of the arm before turning to address the others. "We are facing an internal crisis the like of which has never confronted us before. Dissatisfied with their own inability to bring this war to a swift, decisive resolution, the High Command has apparently decided that we are the cause. That we are obsolete. That we can be replaced."

Starscream pressed his palm to his chestplate in a show of contrition. "I will admit, their judgment may not be completely irrational. We, the Seekers, are the most perfect embodiment of the Decepticon ideal ever produced. And what Decepticon worthy of the name turns a blind optic to an opportunity for his own advancement? I freely acknowledge my own preoccupation with personal power and prestige--hardly a startling revelation, I'm sure, since I know you've all probably noticed by this point." Chuckling with just a hint of self-deprecation, he rose into the air to make himself more visible to his troops.

"My error--our error--was in allowing this passion for supremacy to compromise the highly coordinated and supremely motivated fighting force that we once were. This oversight opened the door to the Sweeps--and make no mistake, they mean to supplant our rightful place as the Decepticon elite. Our future and that of all Seekers hangs in the balance!"

Starscream spread his arms, mouth quirking into a wry smile. "But we aren't ready to fade into obscurity just yet, are we? Not when it was we Seekers who launched the opening salvos of this war, who spearheaded every major Decepticon offensive, who practically handed Megatron the Empire that now spans half of Cybertron. I see before me mechanoids of diverse abilities, every one a skilled warrior whom I would choose over a hundred Sweeps! We are Seekers! We do not despair! We do not succumb to petty internal rivalries! Instead, we will use our common will to survive and to succeed to rise to new heights of glory! When we stand united, there is no opposition we cannot overcome."

There. That was as good a way to open the floor as any. Now, to see how his little address was received. Really, despite all the conniving and manipulation--or perhaps because of it--Starscream was truly enjoying himself. It really was a lot like the good old days.

Which reminded him . . .

The leader of the Seekers sent a glance in Rapture's direction, transmitting sweetly, >>Thank you for the introduction, sister dear. But try to keep in mind that if you ever pull a stunt like that again without my express permission, I'll be wearing your internal mechanisms on a chain around my neck.>I'm so looking forward to our little chat.<<

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Thundercracker stood silently and listened. Normally his mind would wonder some, asking ongoing questions about loyalty, cause, and purpose. Normally he would doubt, or at least think about, every word any of his fellow Decepticons said, even the words ofRapture and Starscream. Normally, he would question everything. This time, things weren't normal. The confidence and passion the two spoke with lit something up in him. He released any and all doubts as the confidence from his peers, from his commander himself.

"Fellow seekers!" Thundercracker called out. His speech faltered a minute as he almost mentioned Rapture's name. But he knew the second he mentioned her, the seeker commander would reprimand her. And he didn't want to risk that. Doubt re-entered his cerebral circuits as his voice lost some passion. "Starscream is right. We rule the skies but terrify land-dwellers. Every Autobot fears us and none can withstand our might. Even our fellow Decepticons know the threat we pose. United, we are the elite squadron. "

He would have stopped before he even started. But Starscream was the superior. He had the numbers and command. He had the upper hand.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

She had been on her way back to Cybertron Re-entering the atmosphere over Ployhex when her com link picked up a command coming from Shockwave’s Tower. Apparently Starscream was gathering the seekers, her initial plan had been to head to Kaon and visit the laboratories. But the seeker Commander’s orders took priority over her own interests.

With sickening ease she flipped in mid-air changing course heading for the tower a mere flaunt of her agility. Activating her warp speed thrusters to half power she was there in mere moments. Transforming while above the tower her long-range optics focused on the hanger bay. She could see the gathering of various seekers, some she knew some she did not. In the midst stood Starscream his confident posture spoke volumes to her about what she had possibly missed (not much). At one time she had thought he was an astounding leader but recent times and especially with this last mistake had dulled her feelings toward him.

With a sigh she made her approach. Landing on the fringe of the crowd. Her lithe silver frame catching the lights of the hanger making her shine as if made of the very stars in the sky. She approached the commander at a slow walk making sure to note who was in attendance for this special gathering. She stepped into his visual range. Her brilliant blue optics flashed as they paused for a brief moment on Skywarp, but she hadn’t time to speak to either when the femme she knew as Rapture reprimanded the bickering seekers. That is when the silver femme realized Ghost was also there, standing closer to Starscream. The commander proceeded to go into a motivational speech, which was answered by Thundercracker. Silverstrike watched the expressions of the others standing close by, Quantem, Nightraid,Jadewind, Hellion, NightRaven, Dragonfly and Dunehopper all seemed to be listening. She also noted the coneheads were there too. Pushing her distractions aside she gave her full attention to Starscream. As the opportunity presented itself since he was finished speaking and she knew he would want a show of her respect she spoke to him her voice sweet yet strong.

“Commander Starscream, sir, Silverstrike reporting back from space patrol. And if I may say, beautiful speech sir.”

The Silver samurai stood at attention, her shining chassis unique among the many hued seekers. She smiled she had to agree with Thundercracker, they did rule the skies and to threaten the seekers was a big misstep to whoever decided to take it.

Shockwave's Tower:

"Yes. Thank you for valuying me so highly" Nightraid said dryly and blatantly insulted that she basically insinuated cowardice in him. At the last battle it was 'he' who had gathered the Seeker remnant and turned gave Starscream back some troops to work with for the rest of that disastrous conflict. He had fought alonside them and taken just as much risks. He was more laid back, a bit less bold but he could not afford to be. He needed to keep an eye on as much as possible.
However he would not begin some squabble over a differing opinion on tactics and kept up his calm tone "Indeed all falls if enough pressure is kept up. But it would be a shame if a brave soldier like yourself would die when there was no need to." he said with genuine concern. When the battle could have been won with less conflicts just because we all went all out... trying to proof ourselves in the name of our own egoes and honor... forgetting that duty comes first in a true military organization" he said. "Do you understand milady?" he said to Helion.

Than Rapture spoke of and he grew silent, she didn't stand far from him after all seeing how he stood near Skywarp. The femme had charisma and insight. A rational mind. And seeing her recent words against the old Master Bludgeon, he was starting to seriously respect her. He had yet to see her tactical assessements or her combat skills but he her reputation was impressive from what he heard. The fact Bludgeon had even gone along as far as he had with her, said much.

Than as he had expected Starscream spoke up. A true demagogue and politician before a military man... he turned the advantage back to his side. And did so brilliantly. In essence he made a point like Rapture however... he more and more doubted the words of the Sky Commander. And believed the reputation. It changed little in practice. He was dutybound to obey him as he was outranked and Starscream represented a part of the Decepticon higher hierarchy... but he didn't like it. Nor the 'look' he gave Rapture. Which said alot.

The Red and black Seeker's than listened to the respected Thundercracker... a competent veteran like Skywarp. Nightraid easily perceived the tone and... hesitation and put two and two together. Oh how terrible it was that good soldiers and officers were tied down by the threat of backstabbing and placating superiors just to survive or remain in power.

Attached to his side was a a cilindrical object... his energysword. The arriving Seeker... yet another femme with a smooth silver design and a distinct oriental feel was identified as Silverstrike. He gave her a light nod.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Silverstrike’s optics rested on the Red and Black seeker called Nightraid. Her vision halted for a moment upon the deactivated energy sword, swiftly her gaze moved once again to his face. Her memory circuits working trying to remember something about him …….. ah yes he was the seeker who could handle a blade most impressively or so her lord had told her, he was also the one who spent much time with Master Bludgeon. A transformer Silver tried to avoid due to her embarrassment of the stalemate of her Metalikato training. She wondered if Nightraid was here was the master also in the vicinity? Perhaps when there was more time she would find time to speak to him, or maybe even train with him. It would be far more interesting to spar a fellow seeker than to play with laser drones as she had been doing. Turning her sleek femme form ever so slightly she nodded back to him, yet keeping her attention on Starscream.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

"Die? I ain't gonna die, Nightraid," Hellion said to the Seeker tactician, loosing track of what he was talking about halfway in the conversation, and pressed her finger against his chest once again. Her red optics flashed deeply into the level-headed officers' as she spoke with a content, but frightening grin on her face.

"When the dust settles, I'm always the last mech standin'" She said, her voice like corrosive shower of acid, sending shivers down on the spine. "An' that's all I need...a squad of enemies to crash into, feel that impact, feel that I'm burnin', and emerge as the last mech standin'. No tactic, no plannin', no duty, no nothin' can compare to that, ya got that?"

Hellion's optics were glowing in deep red, making her look like an explosive device triggered and ready to explode on the slightest pressure applied. But surprisingly, she displayed unusual self-control and as Starscream began his speech, she just lowered her hand, turned away from Nightraid and listened.

"Tsk," Jadewind frowned as Rapture and Starscream did their own performances, and this time, she kept herself from retorting out loud and in public. Whatever they were wrong or right about, they were making sense. If the Seekers wanted to remain as a significant factor in the Decepticon force, or in the frontlines, they had to show they were the best.

Just end the playtime and get slaggin' those creeps. Jadewind thought to herself as she listened. Starscream sure did a good job of rallying and firing up the Seekers, but did not mention one concrete measure they should take.

The battle coordinator surfacing in her - a post she did not earn by accident - Jadewind stepped forward, turning halfway between Starscream and Thundercracker.

"Very well said, mates," She told both of them, slightly bowing her head. "My squadron and I will be the first to volunteer to take exact measures to overcoming this...opposition we face." Jadewind shifted her gaze fully to Starscream. "What should be our first step?"

The question bore more weight than it would seem a first, especially if someone knew Jadewind. There was eagerness and an edge of impatience in her voice, but also, the inquiry was a cautious way of testing the determination of the speaker. It was time to hear the exact moves the would make.

Not being able to present such, Jadewind had no intentions to entrust her career on the current Seeker Commander. And flouting authority and getting away with it was her specialty.

Nightraven cared little for the whole commotion ever since the moment her optics picked up the blue form entering the hangar. Following him with her glance, she could feel the fluids inside her body structure flow at a faster rate. And her central fuel pump make a strong thomp as that particular mech - Thundercracker - offered her a curt look and a nod.

In the following astroseconds, Nightraven did not notice anything that happened. Not the speeches, not the mechanoids around her. What she saw before herself, was the one she cared about the most, nothing else.

But then, as he spoke up, everything changed suddenly. Nightraven felt frightened at Thundercracker's words. There was no glimpse of hesitation, or uncertainity that he had usually shown when it came to the Decepticon cause. One of the main reasons Nightraven sought his attention.

Because deep in spark, he was not a maniac serial killer, nor a brutal henchmech. He was a simple, normal mechanoid deserving to be special for someone.

But that vision seemed so far away in that moment.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Dirge's optics were burning brightly out of loathing he felt towards Starscream as the seeker leader spoke. Propaganda, an attempt to turn the catastrophe Starscream himself brewed up to newfound kinspirit between the seekers to prove themselves better than the Sweeps that were out there threatening the tradiotional position of the seekers within the ranks of the Decepticons. The gloomy seeker had to admit Starscream had his way with words and bravado. He could sense the majority of seekers already taking the bait that was carefully thrown at them.

Glancing at his teammates he could see Thrust whispering something at Ramjet whose optics immediately lit up, a wicked grin forming on his face. They had likely taken the bait as well. At least the fact that he knew neither had much respect towards Starscream calmed him down. Both Ramjet and Thrust where definately worried about the Sweeps and he could relate to that.

Just as he was starting to turn his gaze back towards Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker and the femme Rapture who for some reason annoyed him as well - Dirge noticed Ramjet's face going as grim as his own. No. The change of words between Thrust and Ramjet had not been about silent acceptance of Starscream's speech. Thrust had just tried to get Ramjet fired up, playing on Ramjet's hate towards Starscream. Normally Dirge would have approved this but this was not the time or place to stand up against Starscream. But now everything in Ramjet's stance was telling about him preparing to verbally attack Screamer.

His own visage growing even more grim, Dirge placed his hand on Ramjet's shoulder and shook his head. No words escaped Dirge's vocalprocessor but he knew Ramjet would understand his intentions. Not now. There will be a better time and place for you to vent up.

Shockwave's Tower:

Nightraid glanced at Hellion for a moment.
The female was... unusual. She seemed a tidbit insane even. Courageous but a bit insane. That she didn't value planning or caution was one thing. Good soldiers didn't always have to do that. Far from, focussed warriors made excellent grumps and fine combat champions. But the fact she disregarded 'duty' didn't sit well with him. Someone like that... could he trust someone like that to even cover his back during combat? It was most disturbing to him but he remained stoic as ever and bar a look at the feisty female, he did nothing more. He met gazes with Silverstrike a moment but looked away. It was irritating that so many intriguing seekers were united now. He barely had the time to analyse them. He knew the silver femme was of a more controlled and civil kind by reputation. Ironically she came across as the opposite as Hellion. Perhaps he could draft her into his squadron. Than again it was quite likely he'd loose his own due to recent losses and be transferred to joing another. Or... be forced to fully focus on tactics and supervizion. His attention returned to the main developments. The silent mental powerstruggles between the most famous Seekers in the room were a more pressing matter.

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

"Wooooo! We rule the skies!"

Dunehopper pumped his fists in the air as he cheered at the sentiments being expressed by his brother and sister Seekers. Being the mechanoid that he was, he did not make much of an attempt to analyze Starscream's speech, or the statements of Rapture, Jadewind, and Thundercracker. He simply enjoyed the show and all the cool things that were said about Seekers.

He wondered, though, what squadron he would be in and who would be his immediate superior. Part of him still felt some degree of loyalty to Dragonfly, the former Intruder commander. But he couldn't help but feel that sometimes Dragonfly didn't really care that much about the Seekers under his command. Dragonfly's constant ranting about money and getting paid somehow didn't sit right with Dunehopper. After all, Dunehopper would do his job for free. It was just that much fun.

He wondered as well who Starscream would have in his own squadron. Thundercracker and Skywarp had been his wingmates for as long as anyone could remember, but times were changing. Maybe the veteran elites would need to be moved around to help the newer or weaker Seekers in the ranks.

If he were a little brighter and more reflective, Dunehopper might have even thought that he would make a fine sergeant-at-arms sort of mech for the Seekers. With his constant cheer and brute talent for violence, he was just the thing to make sure everyone complied with the orders and whims of Starscream. But whatever position in the ranks Dunehopper received, he would be happy so long as he was blasting someone or something.