The Energon Pub

Shockwave's Tower- Hangar

Dunehopper’s intrusion surprised her slightly as he attention had not been focused on the other seekers. Her glacier ice optics turned from Nightraid to look at him. He was definitely built for combat, which explained his question. She was not put off by his brutish personality, for she had dealt with worse.

“Yes, with an exception of course…..”
Her expression was bright.
“….I am a precision instrument. I do not have the endurance and strength you are gifted with, but instead speed, agility and skill are my specialties. Striking like lightning I kill quickly.”

It also helped that she was able to move beyond light speed, her silver chassis was not just for looks, but that she kept to herself. Few knew the extent of Thunderwing’s tests performed upon her and although she was at constant odds with him, she knew his secrets were to be kept just that, Secret. Her training was another subject altogether. Anyone with a background in elite hand to hand combat or martial arts training could tell she had been instructed well. And if that other happened to be a master they would see she was holding back, her skills were far above the level she held. She halted her conversation as the only seeker fast enough to catch her returned to the hanger.

Starscream began to speak and then walked away to answer a summons. Leaving the femme Rapture to speak. The shadow of Ghost standing just beside her. Silver listened to the new assignments. Silver was not surprised that her name was left out. Few would attempt to step on her lord’s toes by giving her orders without passing them with him first. But at the moment she was free to do as she pleased, and what she felt was important now was the future of the seekers. She would wait until rapture was finished and then offer her services at least until she was summoned back to Tyrest. Perhaps her speed would prove useful to them in their plans.

But for now they had a few moments to finish their conversation as Rapture held council with the squad leaders. She looked back to Nightraid, he had been put with Quantem’s assignment. Her head turned to Dunehopper, the buff seeker had been put directly under Screamer. She wondered if it was a privilege or a punishment. Personally she would have found it to her liking. Speed was her religion and the pace at which Starscream could move was her cup of tea.


____________________________________________________________

Ghost watched Starscream leave, then turned his focus to Rapture. She gave out the assignments swiftly and without fuss. A smirk played across his visage as the voice commented.

“So you have said once before, Sir.”

This one had such interest in the new second in command. It seemed Ghost would be visited by him for quite a while. Barely noticeable he followed Rapture into the Ready Room. His com open for any instructions Starscream might throw at him while in the conference. Once again he leaned against the wall only the red of his optics giving away his presence. Though he was very sure Rapture knew exactly where he was standing, the other seekers may not have noticed his almost invisible presence. If she needed his assistance he would apply but until then the phantom Decepticon was content to be no more than a shadow on the wall.

Polyhex - Lower Levels

Heap removed himself from his impromptu office-slash-quarters, a bulky datapad clutched in his hand. After taking a short break, he'd spent several breems trying to recollect all the data he could remember about the Guardians from the old days: parts more prone to malfunction than others, firing solutions that maximized flank vulnerability, etc. If the Autobots were going to make a habit out of digging up old war machines, the Decepticons needed to be ready, and no one knew more about old war machines than Heap.

Switching on his comm, he says >

Even as he asked, he knew he'd have to make his way up through the higher levels of the fortress to find the City Commander, and as such directed himself to a nearby lift and began ascending floors.

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

"The guardian aside... this bullshit rookie above us? As well as Thundercracker and Skywarp, despite their shortcomings? Atrocious." Checking a bit around to deem the room empty aside from himself and Ramjet, Thrust continued at a lower tone: "To tell you the truth Ramjet... I'm itching to put a hole on certain two more than our current supposed target."

"I mean, I don't care that much who is in charge, but I definately don't want to see some undeserving newbies acting as the face of the seekers. Nor us below them." Thrust spoke out while sweeping his hand over a few missiles on a rack in front of him.

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

"Eh? Rookie? She has been around for long enough. Not that she's been a follower of Megatron as long as we have." Ramjet replied to Thrust while actually doing what Dirge had asked him not to. After all, big bombs were second only to ramming enemies head on.

"She seems to have a solid head on her shoulders or so they say." Ramjet pointed out amidst continuing to work his way through the list of available ordnance. "Though I have heard my fair share of rumors of her being just a no good powerdigger who rose through ranks by being Gallows' personal concubine in some insigficant guard post who-knows-where. That and the fact that she is as frail as they come."

"I wonder if she's doing the same with ol' Screamer." He added, grinning wickedly. "Though Screamer certainly loves himself to a point I wonder if even Rapture has any chances using her charms."



Ready Room

Dirge had been the first squadron leader to reach the ready room before Rapture and the odd anomaly for a seeker known as Ghost entered. Ghost indeed was an interesting subject for noticing him was not easy even for someone like Dirge whose idea of observing his surroundings bordered paranoia.

Greeting the arriving duo by slight nod, Dirge remained as silent and gloomy as ever while waiting to hear what Rapture had in mind.

Approaching Shockwave’s Tower

Cyclonus rocketed over Polyhex, heading to the brain of the city-state, Shockwave’s famous tower. Behind him a squadron of Sweeps followed in formation. That was the reason for his late arrival. He suspected that some of the newest Decepticons would improve their chances in fighting the titanic Guardian robot. From what he could see of him flying over the city, it looked like they would need the extra power.

Shockwave's Tower – Hangar

Cyclonus glided into the hangar bay, transforming and coming to a stop in the middle of it. The Sweeps followed suit, transforming and landing behind him. He smiled slightly as he spotted a few seekers still milling about, now staring at him and his soldiers. It was good that they finally get a look at those that would replace them.

He glanced over his shoulders at the Sweeps. “Stay here, await further orders.” He then left the hangar, heading for the command center.

Shockwave’s Tower – Command Center

Cyclonus stepped into the command center and past some warriors he didn’t recognize to stand before Shockwave. “My apologies commander, but I felt it prudent to gather some Sweeps to assist on this mission. They await orders in the hangar bay.” He then moved to the side to stand next to Starscream. His predecessor had probably already circulated the information about the new breed of Decepticons that had been forged. He was going to have to keep a close eye on him. From what he knew of him, he doubted that he would take his replacement lightly.


Shockwave's Tower – Hangar

Darkwing and Dreadwind stayed to themselves as the seekers talked and made declarations. They did listen to the assignments being given but did not hear there names.

“It looks like we were forgotten about, again,” Dreadwind moped.

“You would rather be stuck with a seeker?” Darkwing replied.

“No, but since they didn’t mention us at all the probably have something ‘special’ in mind for us, and you know that ‘special’ usually means suicidal.”

“That’s true, but then any mission with a seeker, especially a mission drawn up by Starscream, is a suicide mission,” Darkwing snickered. Dreadwind could only nod his head in sad agreement.

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

"Sheesh, you know that makes her a rookie in my banks. But yeah, it's true enough. Oiling another's joints can get one so far so quick." Thrust smirked while picking up a few of his regular issue missiles.

"I guess these won't do this time though..." After staring at them for a good while as if longingly, Thrust began to put the guided missiles back in place and joined Ramjet in scrolling through the ordnance list.

"If you're looking for the biggest bomb again just filter it out." He said while landing a comradely bonk on Ramjet's nigh indestructible cone. "We don't have all day."

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

The arrival of the pompous Seeker Commander was a far from welcome addition to the collection of mechanoids presently loitering in the Tower control room, in Onslaught's view. Though his abilities were an asset, such considerations could hardly be divorced from Starscream's scheming, self-serving nature. And he had already proven more than willing to abandon a carefully-crafted battleplan if he believed it suited his interests to do so. But gainsaying Shockwave in his own fortress was fairly far down on the Combaticon's list of urgent priorities.

He was distracted from his irritation by an unexpected transmission from one of the warrior's recently assigned to repair one of the outlying weapons clusters. >>Acknowledged, Heap,>Stand by.<<

Onslaught turned his visored gaze back to the Military Operations Commander. "Shockwave, one of the veterans assigned to Polyhex appears to possess tactical intelligence regarding the Guardians. Shall I order him here for debriefing?"

Shockwave's Tower - Ready Room

A swift kick to the entrance door made it slide open, then the green-gray colored Seeker femme could enter. Her expression formed a contemptuous grimace, her feet clanging tensly against the ground, shoving past the gloomy conehead Dirge and not even trying to notice the ever stealthy Ghost, over to the new Seeker second-in-command, stopping one short step in front of her, boldly staring into her optics.

"So how come you have been promoted to second-in-command so fast, Rapture? You just spend a breem or two with Starscream in the same office and pow, you just hustle yourself into his favor, huh?" Jadewind hissed angrily at Rapture and pointed a finger at her.

The argumentive femme had always been acting like this. Questioning superiors, flouting authority were like an everyorn habit to her. Still, there was an edge in her voice that indicated jealousy, for the position she obviously held herself more fitting than the one who had just received it.

Shockwave's Tower - Ready Room

Rapture simply arched a brow as Jadewind made her melodramatic entrance. setting down a datapad, the midnight femme spoke in an emotionless, even tone.

"In answer to your question, I received the promotion because I asked for it. It was the price for my support." Keeping her optics on Jadewind's, the femme prototype stood, looking down at her shorter counterpart.

"Let me make the situation clear, little sister. I have been serving the Empire since before you had wings. I am well aware of your excellent record, as well as your history of insubordination. Frankly, both contributed to my decision to keep you in command of your squadron. I recognize the usefulness of original thinking. In private, I expect to hear from you on all strategic matters, particularly when you disagree with me. I acknowledge your expertise in such matters, and intend to ensure that it is fully utilized."

"However, I mean to put an end to the image of our phenotpye as bickering glory hounds out only for themselves. Speak to me, or any superior officer, like that in front of the rank-and-file, and I shall shoot you down like a scavenger." Even when filled with threats, Rapture's voice remain neutral and free of malice.

"That being said, I would like you to have a seat, Battle Coordinator. I want to hear your thoughts on the disposition of our forces for the coming attack." She sat down once more, motioning for Jadewind to take a seat at her side.

"Dirge, when the Battle Coordinator has finished, I would like you to outline what you feel to be the most effective ordinance for use against the Omega Sentinel." Steepling her fingers, the Subcommander continued, addressing both subordinates.

"After that, I want to hear from both of you regarding our options. I want as many ideas as possible on the table, so that we can adapt easily to whatever stratagem City Commander Shockwave decides to pursue."

Shockwave's Tower - Ready Room

Little sister?! You dare call me little sister?!? Jadewind gritted her teeth as she quickly became the subject of a rebuke from her newly appointed superior. But eventually, she managed to keep herself from unleashing the heaviest retort she could think up.

It was true, the general perception on Seekers was not so shiny as many of them would have liked it to be. They often came off as a bickering, irregular bunch instead of an elite aerial military unit, even Jadewind had to admit that. And she, too, understood that that was an image in need of a serious change. And bearing pride in being a Seeker, Jadewind found that image far more important than proving her superiority over higher officers. The acceptance of her skills and abilities by this new superior also did help to bury her argumentive impulses under her professional battle coordinator self. At least, temporarily.

Alright, Rapture. I'll play your game for now, but look down on me like that again, and I'll have Hellion grind you into scrap, Jadewind thought as she made her faceplate lose the tense grimace and take up the expression of a cooled expert.

Walking up to the display console in the room, Jadewind tapped a few buttons. A hatch slid open, and a small projector became visible, hummed to life and as the green femme input more commands, lit up and drew a three-dimensional holographic display in the center of the room, showing the Guardian positioned in Polyhex and its surroundings.

"Considering the current condition of the Seeker Fleet, we do not possess enough fire or mechpower to deactivate, let alone destroy, this massive adversary," Jadewind began her analysis, surprisingly calmly. "The roles our forces could most efficiently fill during such a battle are distraction, diversion and hit-and-run."

Walking up to the holo-display, Jadewind began to pull streaks with her fingers around the Guardian, which the projector marked as blue and red lines.

"Separate squadrons of fast-flier and heavy-hitter units should perform distractions and attacks in waves, following these patterns, " She explained. "The thick lines show the flight patterns of the assault squads, the thin ones show that of the light squads. The blue lines indicate safe routes, outside the Guardian's range and field of fire, the red lines are the opposite, inside the danger and fire zone."

At first, more simple minded constructs would have found the proposal of tactics difficult to comprehend, but by the time Jadewind finished, the holo-image was clear and could be easily followed and understood.

"With the correct timing of movement and attack waves, I believe this tactic could easily be adapted to any ground or air based operation Commander Shockwave might devise."

With that, Jadewind took the seat offered to her, folding her arms on her chest and crossing her legs, and awaited responses. She spared a few brief glances to Rapture and Dirge.

If nothing else, she showed that she didn't wear the title of battle coordinator for nothing.

Shockwave's Tower - Ready Room

Ghost watched with interest as the two femmes seemed to come head top head, but the cool leadership skills of Rapture quickly put Ghosts interest to rest. He remained where he was unobtrusive listening to Jadewind give her directives. His optics wandering to Dirge once or twice top see if the conehead was interested in what she had to say.

Suddenly he turned his head with a jerk, his eyes flashed red. If the others hadn’t seen him earlier they definitely saw the gleam of his optics now. A voice unheard by the others had just informed him of something unsettling, they would have to organize now and be ready at a moments notice. Ghost stepped away from the wall and directly approached Rapture, he spoke loudly so all in the room could hear him. Even though his body was faint and the others could see right through him, he did his best to appear solid.

“Mam, there is a fleet of sweeps outside the tower. It appears Cyclonus is here as well.”

Ghost did his best to ignore the other voices that argued unheard, one voice silenced them with a single word, its owner once again coming to stand beside Ghost. Its optics resting on the Midnight femme. This one’s presence was powerful, it overshadowed Ghost at times. Making him feel a cold sensation.

Shockwave's Tower - Ready Room

Arrogance seems to belong to the package that comes with a promotion. Dirge thought after getting his first impression of Rapture's leadership. The femme was walking dangerously close to the edge considering the fact that she didn't enjoy the respect of the majority of the seeker force yet. She might have the support of Skywarp and Thundercracker but considering how Jadewind had reacted and Dirge's own feelings, Rapture had a lot to do in order to strengthen her position. One thing was for sure, there was no doubt in Dirge's mind that Starscream was the last mechanoid Rapture should trust to survive.

Focusing his mind away from the politics, Dirge turned his attention to Jadewind's analysis. He waited patiently until the battle coordinator was finished before activating his own vocalizer.

"A small historical fact. Not that it matters much." Dirge began, "Our adversary is Omega Supreme, the most powerful Sentinel they ever patched together back in before the war. And unfortunately unlike basic models, this one can think. But I suppose you knew it."

"Nevertheless most of our offensive special powers are not useful against the subject." The morose seeker added, gritting his teeth. My power of fear included...

Forcing the uncomfortable feeling of fear off his thoughts for now, Dirge continued. "I assume Shockwave's plan is going to revolve around draining the subject's energy levels down, forcing it to retreat. Then again who knows what kind of new weapon he has in store."

"Speculation aside, I'll go by what sounds most logical approach to me." Yeah right, second most logical. I'd rather leave the guardian alone.

"If we had some big warheads in storage I assume the high command would have already utilized them. So I go by more ordinary ordnance available. Plasma bombs. Incendiary rounds. Pretty much anything with the core word heat printed on it. Enough heat will force the subject burn energy reserves faster to avoid overheating." Dirge explained. "I have nothing more to add."



Shockwave's Tower - Armory

While Ramjet registered Thrust's punch, he felt no pain. Of all the seekers Ramjet could take the most punishment without apparent damage. Yet, he was not as invulnerable as he seemed to think himself, mostly due to his faulty pain receptors. The times of Ramjet's armour being reduced to a swiss cheese were numerous.

Considering for a moment to hit his wingmate back, Ramjet let the feeling go, he was way too enthualistic on getting back to battlefield, no matter the adversary was the most powerful Sentinel ever created.

"There was a filter? Like I'd remember. You're welcome to activate it ye slaggin' geek."

Shockwave's Tower - Ready Room

Rapture listened intently as the squadron leaders spoke on their respective areas of expertise. She took note of Ghost's statement as well. Strange as it seemed, it was highly likely the translucent Seeker was correct. He had a uncanny knack for knowing things he had no explainable reason to know.

Overall, she was pleased with the results of this meeting. She now knew more of the tactical situation before them, and more importantly, she had taken the measure of her fellow Squadron Leaders. She had a long way to go before her new authority was secure. Still, half the trick of maintaining power was knowing when to exercise it, and when not to.

"Thank you, Jadewind, Dirge. I need to take a few breems to commit your data to memory. However, there is one final tactical detail I feel bears mention. Given his recent history, we have to assume that there is a high probability that Starscream will fail us."

"Should such an event occur, I will need both of you. It will be on us to keep the squadrons from devolving to complete chaos. I have faith in your capacity to do just that. You both know the mechs under your respective commands better than anyone, and you know how to do your jobs. So if the slag hits the intakes, do what you have to do to win, and to bring your squadrons home afterwards. If Command has a problem with that, they can take it up with me."

"Thank you for your time. Meeting adjourned."

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

"Like I'm your personal loadout droid." Thrust frowned at Ramjet. "Handle the search of your own niche by yourself... Besides, look-" The red seeker covered his own optics with his hand in an overdramatic fashion while using the other to tap the touch sensitive screen once.

"Oh yeah that was so hard! Frikkin' geek my ass." He chuckled while walking away to load his personal munition selection. "I would suggest that you go with the plasmas you so kindly suggested earlier though. At least take something before looking for more so that we're ready right off the bait and not after we haul your cone from under a mother lode of bombs."

Maybe, just maybe, it was about time to take things in a more professional manner again. No matter how lightly he would have wanted to take it, Thrust knew the next gig would probably take a bit more than any of the seekers might be willing to give. Looking at his blurry reflection on the surface of the bomb's outer shell, he pressed his teeth together and focused his optics, making them narrow.

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar Bay

"Lightning? I'm more like...thunder!" Dunehopper laughed amiably as he attempted to make some sort of positive impression on the lithe femme he was speaking with. As Rapture read off the new squadron rosters, his attention turned to her for a moment. Hearing his name called, he promptly pumped his fist in the air and cheered a wordless, loud cheer.

"Yes! Flyin' wing for the big mech himself! And I get to work with Dragonfly again!" Dunehopper was pleased as punch. "Just let one of those punk Sweeps try and start something with Starscream while I'm around! I'll cram my missile launcher so far up his aft he'll be puking armor-piercing warheads for a decacyle!"

The golden Seeker beamed from audio sensor to audio sensor. Turning back to Silverstrike, he had noticed that her name had not been called.

"Man, I hope you're not, like, in trouble or something." He tried to look conciliatory, though it was difficult given how excited he was about his own assignment.


Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Regarding Starscream with a skeptical optic - if a being with no facial features besides said single optic were capable of registering any emotion - Shockwave wasted no time in issuing his orders. Conjecture: Starscream is, as always, not to be trusted. Shockwave corrected himself. Amendment: previous statement is not conjecture. It is fact. Regardless, there was work to be done, and Starscream would perform his role or be terminated. Shockwave could not deny the Seeker's efficacy, when properly motivated.

"Starscream, choose two squadrons of your Seekers to accompany you into battle. Air Commander Cyclonus," he emphasized deliberately the title, "will take two squadrons of Sweeps. Sixshot, you will join the aerial assault as well during the outset of the battle."

The towering Decepticon military coordinator looked to Onslaught. "I leave the establishing of the ground forces roster to you. Leave sufficient forces here to cover our rear echelon as necessary. I am assigning the Horrorcons to protect the Tower itself should the Autobots attempt to infiltrate Polyhex."

He paused before speaking once more, as if to let his flurry of commands sink in for the benefit of those in the room with inferior processing power which, compared to Shockwave, comprised everyone else. In reality, he was calculating additional variables and narrowing down options and possibilities to create the most streamlined battle plan he could. Eliminating a few more uncertainties, he continued.

"I will coordinate the fire of Clusters 1499 and 0987 from my position in the field. No one is to deviate from my commands once we are engaged with the Omega Sentinel." His single optic swept the room, from Starscream to Sixshot.

"We depart in ten breems."

Shockwave's Tower - Ready Room

After Rapture finished, Dirge glared at the strategist silently for a moment as if trying to decide something. Finally he nodded slightly and began moving out of the Ready Room. It is only matter of time before Starscream learns of how his new second in command really thinks of him. That will not be pretty. That 'con can be crueler than Megatron himself.

"You are playing with fire, be careful not get burned." Was all that Dirge said before he disappeared through the doorway. It was not meant to be a threat, rather a warning. How Rapture would interpret it, mattered little to the dismal seeker.



Shockwave's Tower - Armory

"You aren't? Hah, you sure look the same." Ramjet threw back at Thrust and moved over the storage unit for the plasma torpedos and started loading.

Even as ignorant Ramjet sometimes was, he did notice the sudden change in Thrust's stance. He starting to get it. Good. "Don't fret it Thrust, we'll get that slaggin' Guardian running. We are too good to die just yet."

OOC: I DEEPLY apologize for not replying sooner. Apparently the forum is being a pain again and i didn't get a notification

IC:

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Nightraid nodded as Silverstrike spoke"The pleasure would be all mine milady" the noble tactician said to Silverstrike. "It will regretfully have to wait until the current situation is dealt with" he said. A duelist among Seekers was rare, so he looked forward to it. Especially since the femme seemed to have some eloquence and understanding of etiquette. Being a warrior didn't mean one had to become some sort of barbarian. Many could learn something from her behaviour.

Dunehopper popped up but as he wished to reprimand the brute for his foolishness, the lady spoke up and took a step back, deciding it wasn't really worth his trouble. Though he would not forget the brute's actions.

Than the new instructions came...
Squadron Five? Hmm interesting.
The red and black tactician, crossed his arms.
Things really were going bad for the Empire... and that was most unsettling. All squadrons would now perform average. Their level upped by the veterans... but none would be able to perform exceptionally... not by classic standards.
It raised some tactical problems but he understood why Rapture and Starscream had made this call.
Still he felt insulted that he had basically got a demotion. In practice the Decepticon Empire still valued treachery and brute strength over intellect. A flaw that lay at the basis of so many defeats. But a true soldier followed orders and thus as always he would bow down to the will of his superiors. Order and hierarchy were vital to avoid chaos and infighting.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Only offering a minute, insolent smile in response to Shockwave's pointed jibe, Starscream otherwise gave very little indication of being at all fazed by the city commander's obvious derision. His composure was hardly about to be rattled by that giant purple adding machine and his delusions of primacy. He was still probably just grumpy about having been so decisively beaten by Fortress Maximus, anyway. Let him nurse his wounded ego in whatever manner seemed most expedient.

Logic. Hah! Starscream didn't buy that monotone "efficiency" routine for an astrosecond. Shockwave was still a Decepticon. He had to have a little pride, somewhere. It was just a question of digging deep enough.

As the Military Operations Commander's faceless gaze fell upon him, the Seeker offered a salute that was only mildly ironic. "Of course, mighty Shockwave. Your orders will be followed to the letter." So long as it suited him, anyway. Starscream had no intention of throwing his life away in the service of this giant purple monument to mediocrity. Better a functional coward than a dead hero. "I'll await the Air Commander's pleasure in the hangar."

Onslaught's salute was a great deal more genuine. "My unit will be ready to move out at your command, Shockwave," he said briskly, turning on his heel to begin making his own preparations. "Brawl, Rampage, you're with me." The Combaticon paused for a moment, his optics turning toward the Corrupticons. Though he still had his misgivings where this trio of former Gladiators were concerned, they did meet the operational requirements of his present mission profile.

Two of them did, at any rate.

"Thrall and Havok, I believe I may be able to find some use for you, as well." Bane's lack of heavy firepower made him unsuitable to the task before them. Which was a serendipitous sort of happenstance, since Onslaught didn't think he'd be able to endure him for more than another breem or two without recourse to some rather heavyhanded discipline. He waved a hand, beckoning the two warriors to join him as he followed Starscream out of the control room.

As he walked, the Combaticon Commander sent a signal to two other Decepticons who might prove serviceable in his current enterprise. >>Heap, Bludgeon, this is Onslaught. Meet me in the armory. Your services are required.<<

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay


The silver femme was pleased Nightraid had accepted her request. She would make it worth his while. “Not at all Nightraid, I appreciate our current situation. This is war and such things take priority of course.” Perhaps she would test the new blade Thunderwing had given her.

Dunehopper’s reply caused a smirk to cross her lips. She could see how he was trying to be cute, and for Dunehopper well ….. it was, considering his personality. She was about to say more to them when Rapture’s assignments caused Dunehopper to celebrate. One brow cocked in interest at his unexpected show of enthusiasm. Hie behavior answered her unspoken question and it was a positive thing to see screamer had at least one open supporter. Dunehopper tried to appear serious through his obvious pleasure as he inquired to her absence from the roster. ?was she in trouble?

“I’m Pleased to see you are happy with your assignment, Dunehopper.”

Though she had felt Nightraid had been a little let down, he hid it well. She watched Rapture and the others disappear for their meeting.

“I doubt I am in trouble, if I was I would not be here in this hanger.”

Had she truly been in trouble her lord would have summoned her immediately. So she felt confident that she had done no wrong. Her optics looked past Dunehopper to rest on Darkwing and Dreadwind, she also noted the Coneheads had moved, and where the femme seekers were. Her masters had taught her well as it was the way of her training to take in all surroundings and situations no matter how trivial. Her optics paused a moment on Cyclonus as he landed at the entrance, she noted his confident walk. He seemed pleased about something. Though it did not shock her as she had seen him before, she continued speaking.

“…My skills are best utilized under a commander’s direct orders. Which is why I shall speak with Rapture when she returns. No need to worry as they say, save the best for last.”

After a short time Rapture appeared with the squadron leaders. Silver took this opportunity to excuse herself from Dunehopper and Nightraid.

“If you’ll excuse me Gentilemechs, I must speak with our new second.”

The reflective seeker approached rapture at a brisk yet surprisingly light pace to ensure she caught the midnight seeker before she began another errand.

“Rapture, I would like to offer my assistance to the seekers. As my abilities can be valuable and for the time being I do not have any outstanding orders from Tyrest.”

Silver did not have any issues with Rapture’s promotion. The silver femme was a very observant and learned Transformer. She was aware of the other’s accomplishments. To add to this Silverstrike did not think like the average seeker. Her time spent with other sub groups of Decepticons had lent her to take a different view of life. This made her unpredictable and somewhat harder to manipulate as far as seekers go. Which could be to the Rapture’s advantage.
She was also aware of how some of the other seekers would feel exactly the opposite of herself towards Rapture. It wouldn’t hurt for The Midnight seeker to have at least one supporter. With that last thought her ice hued optics rested on Dirge and Jadewind. Ghost was barely visible in the doorway.



___________________________________________________________

Ghost leaned in the doorframe taking everything in, Dirge’s comment made him grinn. He had been there and knew both sides of the story. Oh how he loved being the only survivor of that wicked experiment. It opened the door to so many things … ha ha. If only those slagging spirits would hold their tongues once in a bream.

Now the Lithe little femme. Would Rapture take this little quicksilver’s offer? His red optics looked to Rapture, watching her facial expressions. In a faint gesture he held up a hand to forestall the voices of the dead who pushed to give their opinions.

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

Since Bludgeon had not stood far away but had not interfered in the bickering, he merely fell in line as soon as the communication reached him. He didn't speak, there was no need to as he followed Onslaught. At last he would have something to do, hopefully something that would challenge his finely honed skills. The last battle had been a training exercise to him... or an easy slaughter.

Shockwave's Tower

Nightraid gave a polite nod at Silverstrike "Off course. Until we meet again milady" he said.
His yellow eyes came to lie on Dunehopper, his reactions were... unusual. He acted somewhat... naively. His excitement undeniable. Though he could appreciate his eagerness to serve. His behaviour was still most improper and he could use a good doze of selfdiscipline. From all he had seen, heard and read on Dunehopper, he was undeniably powerful in combat though. He seemed quite pleased with serving Starscream, which meant that the Decepticon either didn't realize the Sky Commanders true nature out of naive idealism, didn't care out of pragmatism or was to dumb to know it. He would reserve his final judgement on Dunehopper until later though, giving him the benefit of the doubt for now. He was still irritated by his previous actions though but as always he pushed those sentiments asside. There were more pressing matters and infighting over trivialities was not productive nor honorable.

His gaze went to Rapture. The tactician was curious what the Strategist had planned for the long-term. And he wondered what would be the effect if Starscream was replaced by the female Strategist. She did seem more competent AND to possess a moral backbone. She was undoubtably ambitious but he nor most officers and mechs of any intelligence were without it. Self-improvement in life was vital. He was quite aware that like all of them, she was a Decepticon... not some pathetic Autobot pacifist. But she also had the higher ideals and visions needed for leadership. And she seemed to have a certain respect for her soldiers. Grunts fought and died for the Decepticon Empire... it was their duty but that didn't mean they'd have to be sacrificed needlessly on the alter of ones personal petty ambitions. That is something he saw happen with Starscream in command, not Rapture who would restrain her personal desires and ambitions for the greater... good, the Empire!

His gaze than came to rest for a moment on Jadewind... than Ghost.
The first was acting as expected. Nightraid knew his Cybertronian History... and his Seeker profiles. The woman lacked selfdiscipline... an aspect he disliked about her. However he could admire her eagerness, boldness as a leader and nack for getting things done. In character as ever... she seemed to be angry at Rapture. He assumed it was about the promotion she had made... or at least that it was one of the reasons. He didn't really hear the words.
Ghost was in a way more... intriguing. Not just for her personality but her powers. She was hard to detect... to say the least. Unlike so many, she seemed laid back, knew where she stood and was observing things as attentively as he... without stepping out of line. Her current attention seemed to lie with Silverstrike. The fair silver femme obviously had gone to offer her services, he was curious what squadron would get her... if any.

Shockwave's Tower - Ready Room

Jadewind stood up from her seat at Rapture's closing words. She did it slowly, in the exact opposite manner she had entered the ready room earlier. But her glance, the deep flicker in her optics did not lose the new second-in-command's form even for an astrosecond.

The green femme managed to catch Dirge's words as she was about to head out. Not every bit of vocal he had pronounced, but what they meant, was crystal clear. Jadewind came to conclude the conehead was right, to a degree, at least. Rapture was walking on shaky ground. And while the term "ground" was already an uncomfortable medium to Seekers, who felt more like at home in the air, having it shaking beneath one's footing was outright threatening.

But still, Rapture seemed determined. Jadewind wondered if she really had as much as she stated. If she did, there might be some talks between them after the mission of removing Omega Supreme from Polyhex was done with. Heading out the door, she opened a commlink channel to her squadron.

>> Hellion, Nightraven, arm and prepare yourselves. We're going Guardian hunting. << Before she could receive Hellion's overly enthusiastic, loud scream of acknowledgement, she cut the channel.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Rampage had been quite litterally dying of bordom while the other mechs had talked and seemingly debated tactics. None of which he really cared for anyhow. Still he was a little thankful when he was spared futher torment by being subjected to Shockwave's logic. Which in his opinion was painful.

Still he almost grinned as Onslaught ordered him out; hoping that perhaps this time he might get to do more than sit around and get bored. The predacon followed transforming into his bipedal mode as he did so. After all he might need his hands.

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

"Yeah well. We are, but with all the slagheap rookies buzzing around, from top to bottom mixed in with the screaming lead star of the show..." Thrust paused for a while as he loaded the last of the plasma torpedos.

"That's the only thing. Definitely the thing *you* should be worried about." The seeker smirked again while pointing at Ramjet for a moment.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

The automation system on the sliding doors opened and the figure of Astrotrain came into view. Purple and grey colors made up his armored core with a pair of wings that sported the decepticon symbol on each of them. Astrotrain had been busy refueling for the mission that was about to take place. He suspected that he would be needed to transport troops the battlefield location. Astrotain started to make his way towards Shockwave to receive his orders.

Shockwave's Tower - Hangar

Triggerhappy sat in the hangar bay, staring at his photon machine gun, wishing that he had something to do, anything, he could barely remember the last time he'd taken down an Autobot, it was like he'd been assigned to sit around in the hangar, just sit there and stare. He went through his memory banks and searched for the file of his last mission, to try and see why he had been ignored ever since.
The place was in between Polyhex and Nova Cronum, a place known as the killzone, during the siege, he was zooming around in his jet mode, firing round after round of photon pulses into the air, laughing hysterically as his weapon tore up the ground around the Autobots, but never hitting a single one. He remembered the fall back to Polyhex. He was on the ground now, he'd used up the ammo from his photon pulse guns, so was now filling the air with photons from his photon machine guns, spraying ammunition everywhere, but hitting more Decepticons than Autobots.
Doesn't matter He'd thought at the time. The fools shouldn't have got in the way of my weapon hahaha!Was that what he should have thought? Should he have kept his weapon under better control? Why did he laugh at the death of his fellow Decepticons? Autobots, fair enough, pathetic fools, but not Decepticons. The way he had acted on the battlefield and the way he still acted, were not how Decepticons should act. Decepticons should keep their head on the battlefield, not waste round after round of precious ammunition, tearing up the ground, laughing uncontrollably. He was not acting like a Decepticon, he had been (and still was) acting like a madbot. He needed help and he knew it, but who would help him? Nobody talked to him, talk to him, and you were likely to get shot.
"What is wrong with me!" He screamed. Catching the attention of various Decepticons around the hangar, most of which looked away almost straight away, but a few whose gaze lingered longer, and one, who couldn't stop looking.