The Energon Pub

Approaching Shockwave’s Tower

Sixshot flew low over Polyhex after he spotted what could only be Omega Supreme. Now the conversations and planning made sense to him. This giant Autobot warrior exuded power by his sheer stature. It would likely take a powerful and coordinated effort to bring him down. It was a challenge he was looking forward to. He could already feel that slightest tinge of excitement at the probability of combat, particularly against a foe that appeared capable of terminating him. This is what he had been built to do and what he lived for.

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Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

Sixshot roared into the hangar bay, rapidly transforming form his starfighter mode into his robot mode and landing on his feet. He spared a brief glance around him. Apparently there was some sort of Seeker reunion going on. He didn’t particularly think much of them. They were limited to merely air combat for the most part and most of the Autobots could not challenge them in the skies. They had likely grown complacent and weak, which is why the Sweeps would soon replace them. Of course, he was superior even to the Sweeps. He did not need a squadron or an army of drones identical to him. He was unique, and his power was unmatched.

The sixchanger strolled through the hangar bay, heading for the doors that led into the rest of the tower.

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

“Look at them Dreadwind. It wasn’t that long ago that Starscream was leading them all on an embarrassing defeat and now they are all kissing his aft like he had just won the war single handedly.”

“I’m sure he’ll lead us on another embarrassing defeat that will get us killed next time.”

Darkwing and Dreadwind stood off in a corner of the hangar, set aside from all of the various seekers. It was a mutual decision, as few seekers liked to be around them and they preferred to be apart from the other more brutish fliers.

“What do you think of all of this talk about these Sweep guys Dread?”

“I think you and I will either be the first ones replaced by them or we will be killed in the crossfire between them and the seekers after Starscream finally loses it and just decides to attack them.”

Darkwing rubbed his chin. “Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking too. Do you really think these Sweeps are as hot as everyone seems to think they are?”

Dreadwind pointed at the newly arrived Sixshot walking through the hangar. “If the rest of them are even half as powerful looking as that one is, then we are slagged.”

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

As Sixshot entered and strode past the assembled Seekers without a word, Dunehopper considered - briefly, only for a moment - opening fire on him. He was bright enough to know that Sixshot was not a Sweep, but also bright enough to realize that if the Constructicons and the rest of the nerds could build hundreds and hundreds of Sweeps...they might be able to build hundreds and hundreds of the big guy that just walked through the Bay.

Of course, the reality was that the Sixchanger was far too complex to replicate in such a fashion, but Dunehopper did not know that. As well, good common sense (what little Dunehopper possessed, anyway) told him that Sixshot was not a foe to take lightly. His size alone was a clue to that: he stood at least two meters taller than the burly Dunehopper and massed perhaps twice as much.

"Yeah, he'd better keep walking..." Dunehopper muttered behind his transparent visor as Sixshot exited the Hangar.


Approaching Shockwave's Tower

In the skies over Polyhex, an enormous ray-gun flew a perfectly calculated course toward the Tower. Every task Shockwave undertook, whether it was to repair a malfunctioning finger joint or devise a stratagem for toppling the last and mightiest of the Guardian robots, was approached with thoroughness and care. Had he been designed to function as a mere doctor or craftsman, Shockwave would have been regarded as a master of his field and renowned for his meticulous, methodical quest for perfection.

But no. Shockwave had been designed to function as a military operations coordinator. Cybertron was all the poorer, or richer, for it, depending on where one sat. Of course, from where Shockwave sat, the only logical conclusion was that Cybertron was a vastly better place for his being created. Any other conclusion would be flawed beyond measure.

Yet something...bothered Shockwave, if such a cold, emotionless being as he were capable of being bothered. Optimus Prime and Fortress Maximus had had too easy of a time defeating him in the battle along the Maximus Line. Granted they were two of the more powerful Autobots in existence, but something about Shockwave's own conduct in the battle seemed, in retrospect, illogical. He recalled a strange sensation he felt as he fought to keep himself online, overriding stasis lock again and again.

Was it what the others called rage? Or perhaps even fear?

Shockwave understood these emotions, as concepts anyway. In his role as military coordinator he had often employed fear as a tool for striking at his enemies, as well as a method for maintaining discipline. Anger was much the same. When angry, Transformers made mistakes. They did not think logically. He knew this fact well enough when he turned his back to Sixshot in the corridors of Kaon. And when a Transformer did not think logically, he became weak, vulnerable.

Hypothetical: as I was during the battle.

He dismissed this hypothesis for now as he neared his Tower. There were more important matters with which to deal than his own reflections about his conduct. But, he would return to this question later. Like any good hypothesis, it begged exploration.

Shockwave’s Tower- Command Center

There was a loud metallic pitter patter as Brawl paced around the control room, he had been doing so for the last six thousand astroseconds. His memory circuits couldn’t remember the last time he was this bored. He briefly considered blasting a hole through the wall with his electron gun, but that probably wouldn’t sit well with Onslaught, not that Brawl cared. However, there was always the chance that such an act could find it’s way to Megatron’s audio sensors and that was something that even Brawl was not willing to chance.

Brawl felt like his spark was going to breach his laser core and explode. What was Megatron waiting for? Why delay the order to attack? Sometimes Brawl didn’t understand Megatron or his motivations, then again he wasn’t meant to, that was why Megatron was Supreme Commander and Brawl was nothing more than a foot soldier. Not that he minded, Brawl took pride in what he did, tearing out circuits and turning other mechs into slag was fulfilling work.

He turned his thoughts back to Megatron, Brawl respected the Decepticon leader, despite the fact that his plans often backfired and he had trouble keeping that idiot Starscream in check at times. He was a fighter, just like Brawl. After all, Megatron had begun his career on Cybertron as a gladiator for Tarn, he was a living embodiment of a warrior’s spirit.

Brawl’s thoughts were interrupted as he turned his attention back to where he was, it looked like things were beginning to heat up between Onslaught and Bane.

Finally… Something to do. Brawl walked towards the two would-be contenders. It was obvious that Onslaught was losing his patience with the Corrupticon. “Just say the word Onslaught, I’ll tear off his cranial chamber!!!” Brawl’s orange visor glowed as he leaned over, staring directly into the large Corrupticon’s own optics.


Shockwave’s Tower- Hanger Bay

Dragonfly wasn’t impressed with Starscream’s little pep talk, the other Seekers seemed to eat it up though as the hanger filled with cheers and battle cries. Still, he was looking forward to putting those junkyard Sweeps in their place. The ex-Intruder stepped out from the large crowd of Seekers that had gathered and approached the ex-Air Commander. So far all that had transpired were taunts, confident boasts that the enemy would be destroyed, and Starscream’s little melodrama; nothing as to why they were in Polyhex or just what Starscream’s big plan was.

Dragonfly couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer and decided it was time to hear everything straight from the mech’s vocalizer. “So…Commander Starscream, just what is it that we are here to do?” Dragonfly was careful about his tone and how he addressed Starscream, he wanted to be as respectful as he could, considering that it was he who was going to pay the yellow-green Seeker, and it would be wise to stay on his good side. Hopefully by now, he had forgotten about Dragonfly’s earlier insubordination; it was unlikely, but still one had to hope.

Dragonfly knew that on the flight over from the Forge, there had been hushed rumors among the Seekers that they were going to Polyhex in order to launch a major offensive against the Autobots and possibly even battle that overgrown pile of slag, guardian. Starscream of course, had neither confirmed nor denied such rumors at the time.

Dragonfly eagerly awaited the crimson Seeker’s reply.

Shockwave’s Tower- Command Center

Rampage watched Brawl wander around but really he couldn't care less; what happened here didn't really have much to do with him. Unless of course it turned into an all out brawl in that case he might just join in for the sake of it.

Otherwise he stayed still as usual; truly, unless it was a fight he rarely cared.

Repair bay

Even though Blitzwing was not feeling the greatest he was still a good soldier. As he stared across the room he realized that Ruination had left the pile of insignia in the repair bay. Pushing himself off of the table he had been sitting on he walked over to the gruesome collection. As he looked them over for the second time he remembered that Onslaught has asked him to log his findings into the computer system. Placing each one under the scanner he logged their finding in and then added the numbers found by Rampage and himself. As he pushed the keys he wondered if Astrotrain had returned yet and a slight curiosity nagged at him as to what Starscream was up to. But he was not about to leave Repair bay until somebody stopped his headache. He would have liked to return to the command center to get first crack at the action. But he had slipped up and Onslaught saw he was sick. He glanced in the direction of the RC area. That would be next.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Well, all things considered, that had gone about as well as Starscream could have possibly hoped. Centuries of scheming and treachery and scrambling for power and respect could hardly be erased with a few uplifting words, could they? Still, there had been some favorable reactions. Dunehopper was as enthusiastic as ever. As had been the latecomer, Silverstrike--now there was a mechanoid he'd not seen in an age. He wondered idly if she still woke up screaming during her offline maintenance cycles.

Starscream smiled at the silvery femme appreciatively. Unbalanced or not, he needed her and her special qualifications as much as he needed any of the others. And so her expression of support was something of a relief, insofar as he was willing to take for granted it was genuine.

Thundercracker's spontaneous effort at oratory had been surprising. He was generally a great deal more reserved at these sorts of gatherings--not that the Seeker Commander had ever pressed his former wingmate too closely as to why. For all his overbearing ego, Starscream was not completely lacking in respect for his fellows, and Thundercracker was most definitely not a Decepticon he wanted to back into a corner. Besides, he was far more malleable with his doubts and insecurities intact. Why press him into resolving them, particularly when the resolution might not work in Starscream's favor?

Jadewind and Dragonfly, predictably enough, were more reserved in their accolades--and both had been annoyingly vocal in asking for specifics. These were sad times indeed when a mind of his caliber was obliged to pander to such myopic concerns. But he supposed there was no alternative but to attempt to appease them. With any luck, it might help bring a few of the holdouts over to his way of seeing things, as well.

"Fortunately for us, there's a very conspicuous target parked on our very doorstep," Starscream said with a sly grin. "We're going to take out that Guardian." Not all on their own, of course, but there was no reason to emphasize their need of ground support on such a mission just now. Let it come organically. "That should establish beyond all doubt that the Seekers haven't lost a step. But first, we've got some reorganizing to do." He looked at the motley group of Decepticon flyers critically for a moment, then flew over to access corridor which led to hangar control.

"Rapture, Ghost, I want you two with me in the control room for a short, private discussion. The rest of you . . . refuel, rearm, mill about--whatever suits you, for the moment. I'll be back to assign the new squadrons shortly."

Shockwave's Tower

"Great..." muttered Nightraid "I just spent ages reorganizing the common Seekers and now that organization will probably be turned upside down" the tactician stated.
He looked around, taking in general reactions. With Starscream gone, some slightly more 'truthful' reactions might arise.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

His smile reminded Silverstrike of when he was much more than he was at the moment. It was that charm that won Starscream many political battles. And though he may have been a selfish and self-serving jerk, she still felt a seeker’s loyalty towards him. She had nothing to hide, as she looked back into his pewter hued face, she was not sneaky as some of her brethren were. Besides he knew of her past, and the great manipulator would weasel his way into anyone’s weakness, so it was her best interest to keep no secrets to begin with. She would aide him out of respect for what they held in common, and she was sure he knew she was forever and always just outside the seeker inner circle. Tainted by the touch of Thunderwing, her skills and powers all bestowed by him kept her apart. But the warlord was unable to change her spark. Her honor ran pure like a stream of untouched energon and deeper than the rust sea. Her ice blue optics blazed for a moment in response. She smiled back. Then he gave them leave while he went to hold council with Ghost and Rapture. She turned away from him looking to Nightraid. The silver femme approached the other seeker bowing her head in greeting.

“It pleases me to see a fellow seeker cherishes the blade.”


___________________________________


Ghost gave a curt nod. As he started after his commander his transparent form stopped dead in his tracks. A look of surprise spread across his face, and he appeared to be listening intently. His head bowed slightly as if in agreement to something then regaining his composure he continued after Starscream. Looking neither left nor right keeping his optics focused upon the red seeker’s back. ~ This will be quite interesting ~ he thought to himself. He had never believed he would be visited by such a presence, but apparently there was a personal interest, ah well Ghost could handle it. He had before and he would again. As they moved he wondered what stealth type mission awaited him.

Shockwave's Tower

"Indeed. It is an elegant and precize weapon. And... a symbol of certain virtues and ideals" Nightraid said as he looked at her. "Lady Silverstrike if i'm correct?" he said to be certain in his assumption that she was indeed Silverstrike. The black and red Seeker had turned to face her. Nightraid clearly used an energysaber as only a cilindrical hilt was attached to his side, an activation button activating the weapon.

(ooc: I'll be fairly inactive the next week or two, with maybe a post or two in that time, if possible)

Shockwave’s Tower- Command Center


"Pff" " Bane responded, shrugging, not particularly impressed by the Combaticon's display of authority. The infamous gladiators, and especially Bane, were well-known for their lack of respect towards those who tried to control them. Bane smiled behind his vizir, amused by the situation. If Onslaught kept on with this, he could very well end with his head rolling on the floor.


Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Quantum had been surprisingly quiet during the entire meeting. Not that he spoke that much, but he usually had a thing or two to add. Starscream was not entirely wrong. They had indeed given the Sweeps their spot in the sun. But the Sweeps was also build to replace the seekers and they had given them a grand opportunity to do so.

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

Gravitating naturally toward his ex-commander Dragonfly, Dunehopper nonchalantly checked the ammo levels on his arm-mounted multi-missile launchers and firestorm bomb launchers. The homing multi-missiles were a tough find in some Decepticon armories, but Dunehopper would never go back to the old standard arm-mounted laser rifles that most Seekers carried. Ol' Dragonfly gets credit for that! It was his idea to give all the Intruders the multi-missile launchers, and man, I don't know how I lived without 'em!

"So whaddya think, Dragon?"

It was an open-ended question. Dunehopper was a mechanoid who knew his limitations, and he knew for one thing that he was not that intelligent compared to many of the other Seekers. As such, he valued the opinion of his former squadron leader, even though he knew Dragonfly probably didn't care much whether Dunehopper lived or rusted, all things considered.


Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

"Continue your insubordination and you will be terminated."

The cold, level voice of the Decepticon for whom the Tower was named filled the room. A hidden door, concealed as just another wall in the Command Center, had slid open to reveal the towering form of Shockwave. He stepped out out of the passage into the middle of the Command Center, then turned his single optic to Bane and the other Corrupticons. He had not heard all of the conversation between them and Onslaught, but he had heard enough.

As well, he knew that Starscream and the Seekers were loitering in the Hangar Bay. Shockwave had built this Tower himself and continually upgraded and modified it throughout the millennia, and when within commlink range he could access all its myriad security and surveillance systems. He had watched Starscream's speech and those of his comrades. Doubtless Starscream was now up to his usual plotting and scheming in the control room of the Hangar Bay, but that did not trouble Shockwave, not yet anyway. Endless skullduggery was a fact of Starscream's existence. Channeling the Seeker's energy to more productive ends than his own self-aggrandizement was a difficult task, but occasionally worthwhile. The red Seeker had his uses.

As for his choosing to use one of his personal entrances rather than the Hangar Bay to enter the Tower, Shockwave simply wanted to make sure everyone was on their toes. Fact: rank-and-file Decepticons function less efficiently when their commanders are out of sight. Maintaining the illusion of constant surveillance or, better yet, conducting true constant surveillance (as was Shockwave's habit), was the only way to ensure that the mechamice did not play while the Predacon was away. Clearly, the mechamice that called themselves the Corrupticons believed they were exempt from the chain of command.

"Forget your place in the Decepticon hierarchy again and I will have you painted red and used as bait to lure Omega Supreme into an ambush," Shockwave explained, his tone level as ever.

He did not bother asking if the Corrupticons understood. If they did not, they would cease to function. That was a simple fact.

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

"Why that cowardly weasel... he is oughta get it one day. Mark my words brothers." Ramjet spat out as Starscream finally dismissed them. "No one can run a show like that forever. Not even that thrice cursed turborat."

While he made excellent work hiding his amusement and still appearing as morose as ever, Dirge had hard time not to chuckle. Ramjet hated Screamer's guts about as much as he hated the Autobots if not more. Only the air commander's rank kept him safe from the fearsome air warrior. Dirge doubted that even Starscream despite all of his bravado would volunteer to test his chances in the skies against as reckless opponent as Ramjet was. He knew he certainly wanted to stay in good graces of his so called brother.

"We will all get our share eventually." Dirge murmured.

"Well, I am oughta make sure I will see his downfall before I kick the bucket." Ramjet smirked and grabbed both Thrust and Dirge by shoulders. "I believe we given a permission to prepare for a battle boys! A full load of EMP bombs and plasma warheads sounds rather good to me or what do ye think? As much it pains me to admit it I don't think ramming or conventional weaponry does us much good during the following breems!"

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

Thrust didn't share as much hatred towards Starscream as Ramjet. He didn't need to. He knew he was better than him. He knew he was better than the whole lot of them. And he definately knew that he was better than some stuttering block of a mountain carrying the name of Omega Supreme.

"Easy now Ramjet. Let's not get to scraping my paint job just yet." He said while brushing off the fellow seeker's hand from his shoulder. "I want the bogus guardian to wish he was on our side when he sees *me*."

Thrust nudged his chin up and threw on a confident smile. "Let me assure you. He'd get away with a whole lot; Including his core intact if he sported our colors instead." Being subtle about it wasn't part of Thrust's gameplan... That is, if the word even existed in his vocabulary- In the one he made others aware of anyway.

"There's no way that slowpoke can sustain our combined attack, wouldn't you say?" Thrust continued, gazing at Ramjet and Dirge from the corner of his optic.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Sixshot walked into the command center behind Shockwave. He had gotten there prior to the Decepticon commander’s arrival but had decided to wait for him before entering the heart of the Tower. He wanted to observe this one, see how he worked and acted. Shockwave had stated that he could defeat him due to intimate knowledge of his design and abilities. He wanted to gain a similar sense of his weaknesses. He did not like someone holding an upper hand on him that he could not counter or match.

The sixchanger brushed past the Corrupticons to stand next to Shockwave. He gave the three member subgroup a brief glance and quickly dismissed them. They were little more that grunts, good only at fighting and dying on the front lines, glorified cannon fodder. He could easily come up with numerous ways to defeat them just from his cursory examination. Of course, he would not attack fellow Decepticons, unless Shockwave wished to follow through with his threat on their insubordination. Otherwise he stood silently, waiting for orders.

(ooc: This will probably be my last rp post until I get settled into my new house and get internet access. Not sure how long that will be, could be a week or two, or possibly even a full month at the most. Until I return I have given control of my characters to J Writer and Gatkowski. See you all when I get back.)


Shockwave’s Tower- Command Center

Brawl was eagerly anticipating tearing out Bane’s central processor, when Shockwave appeared and told the two mechs to stand down. He never really cared much for the Decepticon tactician, it was always numbers and data with him; he never had the backbone infrastructure to step foot on the frontlines with the rest of the Decepticon warriors. In a lot of ways he reminded Brawl of his fellow Combaticon, Onslaught, but he at least would enter the fray when circumstances called for it. Shockwave preferred to stay and hide within his fortress, surveying the battles from afar.

Still, orders were orders and Brawl knew better than to argue with Shockwave’s direct orders. “You’re lucky he stopped me, Corrupticon!” Brawl addressed Bane, as he backed off as ordered. In the back of his mind Brawl hoped that Shockwave would get to execute his threat against Bane and melt the Corrupticon down to slag; Brawl would take pleasure in seeing that. Maybe then, Shockwave would regain some of Brawl’s respect, but he doubted that.

Brawl went back to pacing around the control room as he had been before this all started.


Shockwave’s Tower- Command Center

> Dragonfly sent to Starscream over a private channel. The green-yellow Seeker watched as Starscream, Ghost, and Rapture walked out of the hanger. Dragonfly knew that the Seeker Commander had bigger issues to worry about at the moment, but things would have to be squared away before the battle began, Dragonfly would definitely see to that. But that would have to wait for now, as he appeared to have business with Ghost and Rapture first.

Around that time, his fellow Ex-Intruder, Dunehopper appeared before Dragonfly. Much like Starscream everyone knew that Dragonfly only cared about himself and his own position, the rest of the Decepticons could cease to exist for all he cared. But if there ever were a group that Dragonfly ever cared about, even a little bit, it was his fellow Intruders. Of course he would never willingly admit such things, after all true Decepticons were merciless and showed no weakness, much like Megatron himself. Dragonfly hated to see the Intruders reduced to what they were now, barely hanging on, scratching for an existence.

Those slaggin’ Sweeps had ruined everything, and Dragonfly intended to see them cast down and stripped of all their power as the Seekers had been in due time. “I think that things are about to become very interesting,” Dragonfly answered Dunehopper’s question with a sly smile, his optics glowed red.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Before Onslaught could even begin to properly vent the anger that Bane appeared to be smelter-bent on provoking within him, the long absent master of Polyhex made his sudden return. Hardly wishing to lose his composure in front of a mech like Shockwave, the Combaticon forced down his considerable aggravation with some effort, rising as he did so to offer the Military Operations Commander a stiff salute. Without needing to be ordered to do so, he stepped down from the command throne, noting with just a touch of vindictive satisfaction that the Corrupticons had quite unequivocally been put in their place.

He would have still preferred to see the lot of them melted down into something useful--like some shelving units or perhaps a set of hubcaps, perhaps--but a dressing-down would do. If there were one advantage to his having to step down from command of Polyhex, then it was that Bane and the rest were now some other Decepticon's problem.

"Shockwave," Onslaught said briskly, after shooting Brawl a long-suffering look. Honestly, how difficult was it just to remain silent for five breems at a stretch? "I have collated the combat logs from the recent battle in the Tower's archive. Those, as well as a list of our functional personnel, await your perusal, along with reports concerning those operations undertaken during your absence."

There was only a touch of smugness in the Combaticon's voice as he added, "I believe you will find things in somewhat better order than you left them." Not quite so tidy as he might have liked, but there were limits even to what his strategic genius could accomplish in such a limited span of time.

((ooc: This is a Joint Post between myself and Longshot.))

Shockwave's Tower- Hangar Control Center

Rapture followed Starscream into the Hangar Control Center, coming to stand at ease by the main console. "What may I do for you, Sir?"

Clearly satisfied with himself, the Seeker Commander settled into a seat at one of the duty stations. Leaning back, he crossed his feet in front of him on top of the console display, grinning broadly. "Very rousing show out there, don't you think? You couldn't have done better if I'd programmed you myself." He waved a hand in an airy gesture. "And you tell me. You did say you wanted a private interview?" Mostly private, anyway. Ghost hardly counted.

The midnight femme arched a brow at her superior's smug manner. Ghost's presence she mostly ignored. "It was a good beginning, Sir." She took a seat opposite Starscream, steepling her fingers. "But nothing more than a start. It will take something more substantial to win over the less pliable Seekers." The coldness in her voice would have made her creator proud.

Starscream waved that away. "How perceptive of you. Was there something I didn't already know that you wanted to tell me?"

The former Cassetticon smiled wanly at that. "Perhaps. I'm afraid I'm not privy to your thoughts, Sir." Her expression cooled once more. "I am more concerned with what I may offer you, and what you may offer me."

Folding his hands behind his cranial unit, Starscream leaned back farther. But despite his easy posture, his impudent grin had grown more thoughtful, and he gave the femme a speculative look. "What I can offer you is obvious. But what do you have that could possibly interest me, other than a lovely ornament with which to distract the others?"

Starscream's innuendo did not even register on the femme's stoic face. "That is simple, Sir. I can offer you the thing you need most in order to regain what you have lost- A known quantity. Someone you can rely upon." Suddenly, her even voice became frosty, her eyes flashing. "Notice how I did not use the word trust. Absolute trust is a myth. Even if it were not, you would not find it in me. You have my obedience, because you are my leader. You once had my respect. That has diminished of late."

Rapture's expression became inscrutable once more. "Nevertheless, you are our leader still. And I wish above all things for the Empire to win this war. When we do, I want the Seekers to be where they belong- at the top. I do not trust Cyclonus and these other new warriors. These Sweeps." The mention of Cyclonus momentarily highlighted the femme prototype's own similarity to the new Air Commander's design. "Therefore, I have determined that you are the more suitable candidate for my support."

"I'm flattered," he returned dryly. Starscream fell into a reflective silence as he considered Rapture's words. She was correct in her appraisal of his present needs; friendship was superfluous, loyalty was a luxury, but reliability, that was everything. But still. "Your credentials speak for themselves, of course." He was at least passingly acquainted with the records of most of the more prominent Seekers, Rapture included. Such service did not come without price. "What will it cost me?"

Predatory was the only word that described Rapture's smile. "That, Commander, is quite simple. I want the power to ensure that my hopes for our phenotype become true. I want to be made Second in Command of the Seekers." Allowing Starscream no respite to process her statement, the canny femme continued. "I honestly have no personal interest in the High Command. I prefer more of a..." teeth were now visible in her feral grin. "Managerial capacity, if you will. I like to keep things orderly in the ranks. Simply put, Sir- I don't want your job. But I want to be close enough to ensure that you do not falter as you have in the past. I remember what you were like in the old days. I wish to see that Starscream lead us to glory once more. Victory is all that matters." Her smile softened, lessening a bit as well.

"Furthermore, I want Cyclonus out of the way. I'm sure that's not a problem for you, Commander. And do not think reliability is the only bargaining chip I have on the table. You know who created me. He is a powerful patron, and one that could be a powerful ally for you. I could help to make such things happen. And I can offer you an insight into the lower echelons of the Empire that few Seekers can rival. After all, I was not created a Seeker. I have spent long vorns among the Decepticon rank-and-file, and I am well respected by many of them. In that light, my support adds to your credibility. Finally, I believe in a unified front. I will never question your orders in front of subordinates. However, behind closed doors is another matter. That is another chip, if you will. By having an attaché that is willing and able to dissect your plans, but not interested in taking your place, you will see the pitfalls of your strategies beforehand." She finally paused, searching Starscream's expression carefully from behind her own neutral facade.

His smirk had taken on far subtler connotations as he listened attentively to Rapture's sales pitch. How had such a resourceful Decepticon languished for so long at some backwater post in the Sonic Canyons? Starscream made a note to himself to explore that particular question when he had leisure to do so. He wasn't certain just how much sway she held with Soundwave, but even the slim chance of getting one of his major detractors on his side made it worth taking a chance on her. The rest was largely a pleasant bonus. And a little restructuring of the Seeker hierarchy would seem only natural, given the outcome of recent events. "I believe we may be able to come to some mutually-beneficial arrangement--on a probationary basis, naturally. A command decision of that kind will have to be approved by the new Aerospace Commander." Irritating as that was.

Rapture nodded. "Of course. I'm sure that we can find a way to convince Cyclonus that...oh say, I were capable of 'making you more tractable'. 'Keeping you in line.' The more of his attention is focused on me, the more he underestimates you...the easier it will be for our shiny new Commander to have a little accident." The hangman's smile returned as she finished.

Starscream's answering grin was vicious. "Good thinking. I like a degree of creativity in a lieutenant. Very well, Rapture, I believe we have an understanding." The Seeker Commander rose, motioning for the femme to precede him back into the hangar. "Shall I make the announcement official?"

"Of course, Sir. Feel free." In an even, pleasant tone, she finished "I look forward to serving under you, Sir." The double meaning of her words was not lost on her. But then, that was just another of her weapons in their battle of wits.

Shockwave's Tower- Hangar Control Center

Ghost was well aware the Seeker commander was merely using him as a witness, a mere notoriety to this conversation. But that was not what caused him to remain silent. Another witness to this drama shadowed its presence over Ghost. The near invisible seeker merely there to observe, as a true spy should, only … he listened to three voices. His red optics dull barely noticeable, as his frame leaned against the far wall. Rapture was quite a strategist. Surprisingly this did not shock Ghost, for he nodded in agreement to an unheard voice. One that sounded quite pleased with her Gambit, and even more so when Starscream agreed.

Ghost’s attention moved briefly to the door, making sure no one was stupid enough to interrupt. And if they so did he would reprimand them. Disappointingly no one made such a bold show of ignorance. As Ghost remained quietly observing. Starscream and Rapture made ready to return to the gathering in the Hanger. Ghost pushed himself from the wall and followed falling in step slightly behind his commander. It almost seemed they had forgotten he was there….
And that was how he liked it. He turned his head slightly to the right and answered an unspoken question in a barely audible voice.

“You have my word.”
_________________________________________________________

Repair bay

Blitzwing completed the downloading of the casualty toll and turned to make his way to the CR chambers. Still no medic had shown but he could wait. The CR would take a while. Relief flooded over him as he hooked himself up and relaxed his body. He knew he would not be 100% better but ablest the fatigue would go away.

___________________________________________________


Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Silverstrike was mildly pleased he knew her name and she found it intriguing in the way he addressed her.

“Yes you speak True. I am Silverstrike”

As the reflective femme stood before Nightraid the other seekers milled about, some of them, their feelings toward Starscream obvious others were quiet. Their reactions were not lost upon the silver flier, but at the moment their issues did not hold priority and were logged for later.

“Perhaps when there is a moment of Leisure you would be interested in a friendly spar? It would be an honor, Nightraid.”

It had been quite some time since she had trained with Thunderwing or Mindwipe, her skills were always sharp but a new adversary was always welcome. Her optics wandered for a brief moment to where Starscream Ghost and Rapture had gone. She was sure when they returned orders would be given and her offer to Nightraid would be put on hold.

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

"Well, lugnuts," Dunehopper scratched his cranial unit at Dragonfly's cryptic answer. "As long as by 'interesting' you mean 'blow stuff up,' I'm happy!"

Waiting for Starscream and the others to return from their closed-door meeting about whatever it was the boss Seekers had closed-door meetings about, Dunehopper could not help but notice one of the femmes out of the corner of his optic. That's a lot of chrome! He watched as Silverstrike conversed with Nightraid. Why's she hangin' around that geek? Dunehopper did not know Nightraid well, but had always considered the red and black strategist one of those who was better at planning fights than actually fighting them. Punk.

He noticed that she carried an energy sword of some kind on her hip, spending perhaps more time than was necessary to note this detail looking at her hip. Seekers that excelled in melee combat were very rare, and Dunehopper was one of them. He considered himself especially tough, since he was equally capable of brute, in-your-face brawling and long-distance missile and bomb delivery. Still, if there were other Seekers with close combat abilities, Dunehopper was interested in knowing who they were. Walking up to Silverstrike, he interposed himself slightly between her and Nightraid. For Dunehopper it was a subtle move, since in most circumstances he would just shouldered the tactician to the floor.

"Hey there," he smiled at Silverstrike. "You're a melee fighter, too?"


Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Perusing the reports and logs with breathtaking processor speed, Shockwave absorbed all the data that Onslaught had collected and cross-referenced it with information about Polyhex that he had already possessed. Patterns began to form and possibilities emerged. The Combaticon had done well in his stint as leader of the Decepticon forces in Polyhex, and his good work would not go unnoticed.

"The revival of the defense batteries in Clusters 1499 and 0987 was a logical step toward solidifying our perimeter and establishing an effective counter-offensive," he lauded Onslaught in his peculiar way. "Your compilation of the battle ROMs was efficient."

The Decepticon military coordinator took his seat at the head of the Command Center. Monitors flickered to life as he issued mechano-mental commands to his Tower's computer systems. On the monitors, footage of Omega Supreme's appearance in the earlier battle played while maps of Polyhex and Nova Cronum illustrated the route the Sentinel had thus far taken in his slow journey up and down the border.

"Fact: the Omega Sentinel's presence negates any possibility of a successful counter-attack against Nova Cronum. Fact: extreme levels of fuel consumption and clumsiness of movement are the Sentinel's only known weaknesses." He paused, as if to let this sink in to the Decepticons listening in the Command Center.

"Analysis: the sheer levels of firepower and mechpower necessary to destroy the Sentinel are not justified by the benefits of its deactivation. Conclusion: we will force the Sentinel to retreat into Nova Cronum proper by taxing its energon supplies. Destruction is not necessary at this juncture. Addendum: if possible, however, highly desirable."

The monitors changed now, showing a blasted, rubble-strewn section of Polyhex near the border. Numerous tall buildings still stood, but were pitted and holed from bombardment and street fighting.

"Sector 905. To the northeast, Cluster 1499. To the southwest, Cluster 0987," Shockwave named the defensive batteries, which were then illuminated on a map on one of the monitors. "This will be the area in which we battle the Omega Sentinel."

Shockwave's right hand operated the controls set into the arm of his command throne, opening a comm channel. >>"Starscream, report immediately to the Command Center."<<

He did not wait for a reply. If the Seeker did not wish to be prompt in this existence, Shockwave would make sure that Starscream was on time for his own post-deactivation smelting.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

Although he could have sworn he'd heard Ghost mumbling something to himself, Starscream didn't concern himself overmuch with what it might have been. In his experience, all Seekers were creatures of extremes--himself included--and if the stealth operatives particular area of interest was pure, glitched-out, 404 error, blue-screen-of-death-conjuring craziness, more power to him. As long as it didn't interfere with the way he did his job, Starscream was prepared to overlook a bit of eccentricity.

As the Seeker Commander re-entered the hangar to make his grand announcement, he noted with mild surprise and pleasure that his troops hadn't reduced the whole place to ruins without him around to chaperone them. That was a promising sign. Perhaps it meant they were taking the threat posed by the upstart Sweeps seriously. Or maybe they were just low on fuel.

"Listen up, you rowdy scrap metal!" he called boisterously with a grin to regain their attention. "I've just made an important administrative decision of which I'd like to appraise you. Rapture here is now--" Starscream stopped suddenly, his head tilting to one side as he received Shockwave's message. Damned oversized calculator had the worst timing of any Decepticon ever to come off the assembly line.

"What? Now?" he returned out loud, his previous good humor now giving way to irritation. "Pfah. Fine." Starscream glanced to his freshly-minted second and said, "I've been summoned. You can tell the yourself rapture. I'll be back as soon as I'm finished with Shockwave." The last was spoken as the Seeker Commander was halfway out the door. Much as he hated kowtowing to the one-eyed wreck, he'd done quite enough damage to his reputation with the High Command already.

Salvaging one's credibility was such hard work.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Onslaught was gratified by Shockwave's expression of approval, faint though it may have been. It was always reassuring to know that one's efforts, however circumscribed by time and lack of mechpower they may have been, were appreciated by one's superiors. And the ammendments made to his original plan by the Military Operations Commander were as logical and efficient as he would have expected. He quite approved.

Even if it did mean venturing onto the front lines himself to add his considerable firepower to their efforts against the Guardian.

"Sector 905 is an ideal location for the commencement of this operation. Our ground forces will be able to make ample use of the available cover, which should help to minimize our casualties in the inevitable counter-barrage." Not that he believe the Guardian could be pushed out of Polyhex without losses, but such things were an accepted fact of any military venture. "I would suggest we attempt to keep our firing line mobile, the better to disorient the behemoth and reduce the efficiency of his response."

The Combaticon was cut off quite suddenly by Starscream's arrival. The red and white Seeker swaggered into the command center, his ego quite plainly recovered from the humiliation he had suffered at Megatron's hands at Kolkular. He took note of the other assembled mechs, and quickly dismissed them all as scarcely worth acknowledging. Only Shockwave warranted his attention.

"You called, my illustrious monocular overlord?"

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

Rapture raised a brow at Starscream sudden departure, and more importantly the reason for it. So. The master of the house has returned. Excellent. She turned her gaze to the Seekers before her, addressing them in a clear, confident tone.

"As the Commander was saying, My name is Rapture. I am the new Second in Command of the Seekers. When Starscream is not present, overall command devolves to me." The charismatic femme paused a moment to allow her brethren to process her words.

"After much deliberation, the commander and I have finished the new squadron rosters. There are going to be less Squadrons than before, and the aces are going to be evenly spread between them. I know that some of you vets are not pleased with the idea of breaking in new wingmen, but recent events have left us with little choice. The ratio of Drones to Veterans hasn't been this bad since the first days of the war. We need experienced, capable fighters in EVERY squadron."

"That being said, the lead Triads are as follows, Squadron Leaders first, then wingmen. After the announcement, I want to see the Leaders in the Ready Room."

"Squadron One: Starscream, Dragonfly, Dunehopper.
Squadron Two: Myself, Skywarp, Thundercracker.
Squadron Three: Dirge, Thrust, Ramjet.
Squadron Four: Jadewind, Nightraven, Hellion.
Squadron Five: Quantum, Nightraid, Scramble."

"Veterans, if I didn't call your name, see me after I speak with the Squadron COs."

Rapture walked towards the Ready Room, beckoning for the Squadron Leaders to follow.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Rampage had been hoping for a brawl in the command centre so was a little irritated when Shockwave made his appearance but even he wasn't so far gone as to push an issue like that. So he just sat on the floor and watched the procceedings hoping that by some lucky chance he would get sent into the fray again. Otherwise he was getting bored and a bored Rampage was never a good thing.

Though with Starscream showing up...that might all change very quickly. The psycopathic predacon watched wondering just what might happen this time; because with the head flyboy, there was never a dull moment.

Shockwave's Tower ~ Command Center

Havok was getting tired of listening to Bane's constant attempts to antagonise various superior officers. He'd already put himself inbetween Onslaught and his 'Leader' once, he wasn't sure if he could successfully do it a second time. However, Shockwave's return to his tower was something of a blessing in disguise, as he immediately calmed the situation with his mere presence, Onslaught unlikely to act out his frustrations on Bane in the presence of Military Operations Commander.

It seemed that most of those present were looking down on the Corrupticons as little more than insignificant trouble makers, thinking they were more important than they actually were, and that didn't sit well with Havok, he hadn't come back from the brink to be looked down on by those who were no better than him, especially someone has dense as Brawl. As the Combaticon addressed Bane, spelling out his intentions clearly, Havok looked over to him, making sure Shockwave was in conversation with Onslaught, before returning his threat in kind. "I think you'll find, Combaticon, that whatever luck that may be present lies entirely with you. In future, I would advise you keep your vocalizer quiet, lest it be your downfall"

Grabbing a hold of Bane by the shoulder, Havok yanked him backwards towards Thrall, away from all those who may be targets of the Black Death's attitude "Before you decide to test Shockwave's patience, I suggest you don't..." The dark grey Corrupticon began, looking directly into the visir of his 'Leader' "...There is a time and place to question those above us, and this is neither. Let Onslaught believe that he and his laughable excuse for a team are in someway superior to us, let them underestimate us, all the better for us when we out-perform them on the field of battle as we always do..."

Havok stopped speaking as he glanced at Sixshot briefly as the Sixchanger walked past, before looking back to Bane and finishing off what he wanted to say "..And if you keep pushing the buttons of those above us, you won't have to worry about Shockwave carrying out his threats, I'll deal with you myself"

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

"Cut that off ye slaggin' show off." Ramjet smirked at Thrust as the trio entered the armory. He knew Thrust well enough to know the ol' braggart was as nervous as a mech could get by the aspect of having to face an enemy as powerful as a guardian.

"You don't need to convince us of your supremacy over some ancient guardian the Autobots dug up from the scrapyard. Just send it back there." The hardheaded seeker added, flashing a wicked grin and bursting into to goodhearted laughter.

"We are far more likely to end up as smelt down carcasses in the battlefield if we go against a guardian taking the issue so lightly." Normally rather silent Dirge stated gloomily at his wingmen while reloading his bomb rack. Effectively breaking down the spirits of others with his seriousness.

"I am not ready to meet my end today. If we are sent against the guardian as I fear, this mission will not be a joke. I expect you two to follow orders to the letter at least today." He added with a sour tone in his voice just before Rapture's message hit through their comm-links, silencing Ramjet if not Thrust for a moment.

"Absolutely brilliant." Dirge muttered annoyedly, finishing up reloading his guns. "It seems I must depart for a briefing. Our new second in command has decreed so."

"Try not to waste too much time searching for the biggest bomb around. You usually do." Dirge added as he left the armory and headed towards the Ready Room.

Shockwave's Tower- Hangar

As the squadrons were being assigned, Skywarp heard his name along with Thundercracker's and Rapture's. He gave a subtle smile at Rapture and he turned towards the door and headed for his quarters.