The Energon Pub

Shockwave's Tower--Armory

Razorclaw arrives at the armory and begins examining the assortment of weapons that were available. He had not been specifically ordered here as of yet, but it had not been difficult to overhear rumblings of activity from within the tower itself. Forces were on the move, or would be soon. He had no reason to not be a part of them himself.

"We thought we'd find you here eventually" Divebomb says coolly, standing off to one corner. "You've been difficult to locate."

"About fraggin' time," Headstrong grunts.

Razorclaw glances at each of the other Decepticon warlords, before returning his gaze to the armaments.

"And where are the others?" he asks.

"Rampage is findin' out what's goin' on...'cause I know slagblasted well somethin' is," Headstrong responds. "Tantrum? Yer guess is as good as anyone's."

"Then the answers will find us soon enough."

With that, Razorclaw returns to his casual examination of Shockwave's weapons repository.



Moderator Note: Insidious has been granted the permission to NPC playerless Predacons. - Cryhavok

Shockwave’s Tower – Command Center

Cyclonus smiled slightly at the slight jab delivered by Shockwave against Starscream. It seemed that those outside of the seeker ranks held little respect or patience for the former air commandant. This didn’t mean those same Decepticons were in favor of him taking the position, but they likely preferred him to Starscream. He was sure there were many in the ranks that would prefer to see themselves or others in the spot he now had. Still, it was useful to know that the general sentiment was against Starscream.

After Shockwave gave his orders he saluted him. “As you command Shockwave. The Sweeps will be ready and waiting your command.” Shockwave’s plan, as much of it as he had heard from him at least, seemed sound. Four squadrons of fliers could do a lot of damage to the giant Autobot while moving too fast for him to do much against them. It wouldn’t be enough to take him down, but it would be a start. He motioned for Sixshot to follow him as he left the command center.

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

Sixshot wasn’t particularly thrilled at his assignment. The Sweeps were ok for mindless drones, but the seekers were another matter. They were part of the old breed, the old breed that had failed. He could tell that they were weak just by looking at them. It didn’t help that their leader, Starscream, seemed like a sniveling coward who preferred talking to actually taking action. He was probably the antithesis of himself among the Decepticon ranks. He wasn’t looking forward to having to work with him.

He silently followed Cyclonus out of the Command center.

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

"I'll worry when I have been struck to the ground and staring right up into that Omega Sentinel's cannon barrel!" Ramjet laughed off as Thrust tried to be more serious.

Finishing his loading up weapons by replacing his normal powercells with incendiary round belts, Ramjet turned just in time to see the Predacons appear.

Not paying much attention to the Predacons, he began moving out of the armory. "C'mon Thrust. We are as ready as we can get unlike some of our fellow seekers. Let's get back to hangar."

Armory

Having already been in motion, Heap makes short work of the distance between himself and the Armory. He stops in front of Onslaught and salutes the dedicated Ground Commander crisply, handing him the data in one swift motion, "The information, sir,"

Armory

Bludgeon stood behind Onslaught, his vizored optics gazing at Haul but the Master of Metalikato said nothing. He made not a single movement beyond what was needed.

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

Well you're the one who mentioned fretting... Thrust decided to keep it a thought as it was a moot point to even discuss at this stage. Less so considering how thickheaded he knew Ramjet could be sometimes. Whatever, I won't be the one patching you up anyway.

The fully loaded seeker gave a subtle salute to the higher ranking Razorclaw while following Ramjet out of the storage. Reaching the hallway he felt inclined to yell something along the lines of 'you better not degrade the name of the seekers even an ounce or else' to the new guys and gals through the commlink, but supposed it was not that smart a move either as is. Besides, it was Thrust who might be doomed to follow his usual antics in cases of strong opposition.

He tapped a little generic notification to Dirge, claiming they were ready and waiting to hear from him in the hangars.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Thrall looked at Havok, then Bane. Splitting the team up was not an optimal use of their superior fighting skills. True, of them all, Bane was the only one without any form of firepower. Though he had other qualities that could come handy, if any commanding officers had the brain-power and logic to see it. Or maybe they had other ideas to how to make good use of his old friend. Thrall wouldn't know. He was no cyberchess-player, but an instrument of destruction.

Bane's vizir withdrew from his face, revealing a, surprisingly, handsome if not beatiful face. A face with a disturbingly big grin on it. It was like the episode with Shockwave's threat hadn't happened. Thrall was rarely unnerved, but Bane had now and then that effect on him. There was probably noone on this planet who could possibly understand what was going on inside the cranial unit of his. Maybe all this wasn't that accidently...

Bane was still semi-secretly grinning as Onslaught and his two pets passed by and for a brief moment his optics met the Combaticon's, radiating a deep, almost primal hatred entangled with a flash of something far more disturbing.


Shockwave's Tower - Ready Room

Quantum had entered the Ready Room unnoticed by most. He had been assigned two new wingmen by the newly appointed second-in-command of Starscream's - Rapture. He was satisfied with the choices made. Nightraid and Scramble were fine soldiers. They would make a good team and honor the Decepticon Empire in future battles, he was sure of it.

He had seen it coming. Ofcourse they were to attack the sentinel roaming around in the neighborhood. Destroying the giant would not only boost Decepticon morale, but also send the Autobots a warning.

Shockwave's Tower ~ Command Center

As Havok awaited whatever reply Bane would no doubt offer, his attention was grabbed as Onslaught requested he and Thrall join him for the upcoming mission, but interestingly, not Bane. "Understood Onslaught, we shall join you momentarily" Havok replied to the Combaticon Commander, before he strode past the 3 Corrupticons and out of the Command Center, towards the Armory.

As the gathered Decepticons slowly exited the room, Havok didn't move, he just looked at Bane, waiting to see the Black Death's response to both what he had said, and to being overlooked for the mission.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

"What?" Bane looked at Havok like he had no idea what the other one had just said. His green optics was more brighter than ever before.

> Thrall asked his old friend, still staring at the Black Death with a touch of instinctive concern. After all, they had fought together longer than most in this tower had existed.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

Astrotrain entered the Main Hangar Bay, after receiving his mission assignment, upon entering the hangar, he could hear the screeching insanity that was known as Triggerhappy. Astrotrain felt a sizzle of what could be considered humor in his circuits. "What's wrong with you? Hmmm. Your data banks have sustained permanent damage, making you malfunction on a cycle basis." Astrotrain just called him a damaged beyond repair pretty much. "But!" Astrotrain exclaimed. "On the up side, you will drawl all the attetion off us when we engage the Autobots." Astrotrain would form a small grin if he could.

Astrotrain was curious if he was transporting any troops to face the Guardian. The Guardian had extended power, one of the few bots that Astrotrain feared out of respect. "I am just screwing with your circuits Triggerhappy, you seen Starscream around?" Astrotrain asked.

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

Onslaught had nodded briefly in acknowledgement to Havok as he exited the Command Center; he would trust that the Corrupticon would conclude whatever business he had with his fellow quickly so as not to disrupt Shockwave's timetable. He had not been oblivious to the vengeful look Bane had worn as he departed, but considered it a matter of small concern. Despite his irritation with the skull-visored warrior, the Combaticon Commander had very little interest in pursuing personal vendettas. The decision to exclude Bane from his attack team had been a tactical one, as his ranged combat skills were somewhat deficient and thus ill-suited to the role Onslaught's unit would be expected to play. Moreover, his apparent unwillingness to follow orders was likely to make him a liability, a fact that no Decepticon officer worthy of his rank would countenance in such a situation.

In any event, there were now more pressing matters requiring his attention.

"Very good, Heap," Onslaught said as he took the data pad from the aging mech. "This information will no doubt prove useful in the coming operation. You and Bludgeon will be joining my team in attacking the Guardian from the ground. Arm yourself accordingly. Anticipate a dynamic firing line." He turned to the other members of his unit. "That goes for the rest of you, as well."

As the Combaticon moved to replenish his payload of photon warheads, he noted the presence of Razorclaw and two of his Predacons. "I assume your team will be making its own contribution?"

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

When Starscream returned to the hangar, his customary smirk was somewhat more rueful than usual. "Bad news, femmes and gentlemechs. The great walking calculator has only authorized two squadrons to participate in the attack on the Guardian. Naturally, I'll be leading the charge. Dirge, you and Ramjet and Thrust will comprise the rest of the attack wing." Zeroing in on his second, the red and white Seeker sidled up to Rapture, pointedly ignoring the loitering Sweeps.

"I know you're disappointed not to be taking part in the festivities directly, sister," he said. "And I trust you'll extend my apologies to the others. But orders are orders, as the aphorism goes. I want you to take charge of the remaining squadrons and be ready to reinforce us at a moment's notice. If things go awry out there, I'd like to be sure that my back up won't be milling around in the hangar bay gossipping."

Shockwave's Tower ~ Command Center

"Just waiting for you to come with us when we go meet Onslaught.." Havok replied, pulling back slightly as he looked at the visor-less face of Bane, the strange intensity of the Black Death's optics more than concerning "..After all, you are our leader, not him" The dark grey Corrupticon continued, glancing to Thrall as he replied on the secure link.

>>He ain't right, whether he's gone mad or something else has frazzled inside him, I don't know. All I do know is that we can't leave him on his own, shouldn't take much convincing to get him to come along with us, I mean there's the promise of a fight, and a direct disobeyment of orders, 2 of Bane's favorite past times<<

Shockwave's Tower--Armory

Razorclaw had nodded calmly in response to the seeker Thrust's brief salute. The growing tensions within the Decepticon aerial ranks were palpable, but it was understandable. The Seekers, who had for time immemorial served as the backbone of the air force, were now faced with the possibility of becoming obsolete in the face of the newly designed Scourge and his Sweeps under the command of Cyclonus. Razorclaw held no particular love loss for Starscream and his particular brand of self-absorbed machinations, but there were a number of others within the Seeker ranks who were useful and valiant warriors. To see them self-destruct would be unfortunate.

These were the sort of matters that occupied much of Razorclaw's thinking when there was no direct need for combat. Now, however, as the atmosphere was about to change, so too would his line of thinking.

"If you so order," Razorclaw says, nodding respectfully in Onslaught's direction. Razorclaw had, for a long time, held a great deal of respect for the Combaticon Commander. His strategies had frequently kept the Decepticons from wasting valuable resources and mechpower. He never second-guessed entering in to a combat scenario alongside him. "I had been waiting for Rampage to arrive and debrief me on what was afoot. From what little I have overheard from your conversation with Heap, that will no longer be necessary."

Razorclaw brandishes his sword, examining its edges to ensure that it was at peak readiness for use.

"The opportunity to remove this formidable Omega Sentinel which has been so distressing to our forces of late is not one that I would willfully pass up."

Shockwave's Tower--Armory

Rampage hadn't payed much attention to the corrupticons as he had left; after all they were of no concern of his. He also wasn't surprised to find Razorclaw in the armoury, in his view it was something to be expected; still he inclined his head in acknowledgement of his superior. Though anxious to get out he kept himself calm (enough) and the only sign of his agitation at standing around doing nothing was the slight twitching of his fingers.

He causually notes the presence of two other predacons and he glances briefly at them acknowleging their presence also; he doesn't speak because Rampage doesn't feel the need to; it's not a neccessity he'll speak when spoken to but that's all he'll do. For now though he just stands there wishing he was already in battle rather than listening to people talk of things that in the end of the day he'll probably wind up ignoring anyhow.

Shockwave's Tower--Armory

"As you wish..." came Bludgeon's grim reply to Onslaught's instructions.
Slowly he turned and than walked to take some armaments. He'd take some explosives, that was for sure. And a heavier firearm with additional powercells. He was a melee specialist but this conflict would require some substantial firepower. And the Master of Metalikato accepted this. War demanded versatility.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

"We're leading the attack?" Dunehopper's red optics widened with delight behind his transparent visor. "Slaggin' awesome!"

The four cylindrical multi-missile launchers on his forearms rotated their barrels as if in reflection of the burly golden Seeker's excitement. He looked to Silverstrike, and his enthusiasm actually subsided for a moment.

"Sorry you're not going on this one." He seemed genuinely sorry that she would not be participating in the attack. I mean, how often do you, like, get to tackle an Omega Sentinel? "I'm sure you'll get in on the next one, though!"

Giving her an affectionate swat on the shoulder plate that might've been interpreted as a full-out blow by a lesser mechanoid, Dunehopper turned and joined Dragonfly near Starscream, eager as ever for battle. As he did so, he noticed Triggerhappy languishing in one corner of the Bay. The gunner was one of the few non-Seeker fliers that Dunehopper cared to acknowledge, since Triggerhappy's own enthusiasm for shooting and blowing up things quite possibly matched Dunehopper's own.

"Hey Trig!" he shouted across the Bay to the gunner. "Why you freakin' out, man? They letting you come on this one?"


Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

If Shockwave had been capable of sighing, he likely would have done so at the Corrupticons' behavior. The continued to dally in the Command Center, making seditious comments and acting as if they were beyond the chain of command that governed the Decepticon Empire. Their obstinate behavior was rapidly rendering them useless. They simply were not worth the amount of trouble they caused. Onslaught had been comparatively patient with them, and though patience was without question one of the cyclopean Decepticon's greatest virtues and a trait he possessed in great quantity, he had had enough of the Corrupticons.

His left hand closed around Havok's throat as he stepped into the midst of the Corrupticons, lifting the Decepticon off the floor with ease. He then hurled Havok into his comrade Thrall with force more than sufficient to knock the larger Decepticon to the floor. Moving with a calculated efficiency that brought even more menace to his seemingly emotionless actions, Shockwave leveled his right hand's weapon at Bane and severed the Corrupticon leader's right arm from his shoulder with a fine beam of MASER energy. As the stump smoldered, Shockwave spoke.

"Fact: insubordinate and seditious talk is not permitted in the Decepticon Empire. Analysis: clearly, you forgot that I was still here. In my Command Center, in my Tower," he began in his unerring, level tone. "To answer your query, Bane is unfit for active duty. His right arm has been rendered non-functional due to his and your illogical actions. He will report immediately to the Medical Bay for repairs. You," he looked at Havok in Thrall in turn with his glowing optic, "will report immediately to Onslaught. Consider yourselves fortunate."

The military operations coordinator turned to leave the Command Center.

"You will not be warned again."

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar Bay

While Dirge's thoughts were running rampart on how bad the situation was and how many different ways he could face his end in the battlefield against the guardian, his stature or behavior never betrayed how nervous he was. The ages old act of being a cold professinal came automatically to him. The realization of his act being the source of his reputation didn't make him feel any better right now.

Oh joy. Of course it has to be my squadron. Typical rotten luck of mine. One day this reputation of ours will be end of us. And by the Abyss only Ramjet is actually crazy enough to live up by our damned reputation... at least Thrust's is propably feeling as screwed as I am. Dirge thought as Starscream paraded into the hangar and decided to enlighten the seekers within on whom would take part of the suicide mission against the omega sentinel.

Dunehopper's enthualism didn't make the morose seeker feel any better. He is as mad as Ramjet. Great. Just great. What I wouldn't give for Starscream choosing Skywarp or Thundercracker over him right now.

Dirge's self pity took a small pause as Thrust's notification reached his receiver. >>Right. We have been selected to fly with Starscream, Dunehopper and Dragonfly into the maw of the beast. So eh, better make your way to the hangar before our great leader gets antsy."<<

Shockwave's Tower ~ Command Center

A low grumbling sound could be heard as Havok struggled to get back to his feet, fighting to un-entangle himself from Thrall. Once again, his loyalty to Bane and his concern for his long time comrade, had put him in the line of fire, this time Shockwave being the unhappy superior, and this time it was a more physical show of displeasure. It was times like this that made Havok see why the Black Death didn't feel it necessary to recipricate the loyalty shown to him, it would have bene a hell of a lot easier if he had just ignored Bane and followed Onslaught out of the Command Center.

Back on his feet, this time the dark grey Corrupticon didn't think twice, he didn't even acknowledge the threat of Shockwave, he didn't look to see what damage had been done to Bane, he just grabbed a hold of Thrall's arm and yanked him back to his feet, his purple optics darkening with every passing moment as his mood worsened "Let's go" He growled, before marching off and out of the Command Center, towards the armory, he hoped that the 'Bots put up some kind of fight, he needed something to work out his frustration on.

----------------------------------
Shockwave's Tower ~ Armory

As he entered the room, Havok payed no attention to who was there, other than locating Onslaught. Grabbing several compatible clips for his Railgun as he walked, the dark grey Corrupticon slipped them one by one into subspace, before checking out his right shoulder, the one that had taken the brunt of the impact from Shockwave's display of aggression, and sure enough there was a sizable dent and part of the plating was missing.

Walking straight past the Predacons, Heap and Bludgeon, Havok moved straight towards Onslaught as the Combaticon Commander re-armed himself from a cache of photon missiles "Onslaught Sir.." Havok began, his voice slightly off, another unexpected consequence from his lesson in authority "..I'm ready to go, Thrall won't be long. The Corrupticons are at you command, do with us what you see fit"

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

Astrotrain heard the current roster that was going to be used to launch an attack on Omega Supreme. Astrotrain let out a hollow laugh for the moment. They left out one of the most rounded Decepticons around, himself. Megatron was not present so Astrotrain wasn't cocerned with the current company. Only a couple of robots in cycle that he cocerned himself with and Megatron was one of them, glancing around the room for the moment, Astrotrain scowled. Starscream just said he was sorry? Astrotrain was about to experince a malfunction at the total stupidity he just witnessed, but on the other side it produced a sensation in his circuits that could equal laughter that the supposed Seeker leader was so weak in the determination department. "I'll have the energion balloons ready, so that when Omega Supreme slags you, I can celebrate." Astrotrain openly expressed at Starscream after he had listed the attack roster. Astrotrain turned to leave the main hangar bay.

Leaving the main hangar bay, Astrotrain had received no instructions only voiced his discontent, making his way towards the armory to collect equipment for his rifle should by chance he need to defend this tower. Not likely he imagined.

Shockwave's Tower Armory

Astrotrain enetered the Armory and layed his rifle on the table and began powering his before viewing its power read out.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

Rapture's reply to Silverstrike was cut off by Starscream's return.

"Acknowledged, Sir," the midnight femme responded to her superior. "In that case, I shall organize the remaining Seekers for a Combat Air Patrol. It needs to be done anyway, and if I bring everyone, it will keep them out of trouble." A smirk curled her mouth. "To say nothing of the increase in patrol efficiency such a large contingent will provide." Her wry expression was at odds with the perfunctory manner with which she delivered this statement.

The femme turned to Silverstrike, addressing the duellist with a subdued friendliness. "You may accompany my Squadron on the CAP, sister. Follow me." Saluting her commander, Rapture turned towards her fellow Seekers. She addressed them in in a measured, confident tone.

"You heard the Commander, Brothers and Sisters. Those of us not involved in the main attack are going to rebuild a proper air perimeter of Polyhex. It's not glamorous work, but it needs to be done. If the main assault force needs backup, we're it. And we don't want them to be blindsided if the Autobots send troops to support the Guardian. We'll divide the airspace into thirds, each Squadron taking one in a rotating pattern."

"Jadewind, I'd like you to plot our flight plan, and coordinate our movements."

"Ghost, I want you at high altitude, feeding telemetry to Jadewind. The more data she has, the better she can guide us."

The Subcommander hoped that the difficult Battle Coordinator would take the peace offering as it was meant. She had not exaggerated when she had threatened Jadewind before, but Rapture was not in the market for any new enemies. Her new position was precarious enough already.

"I'd like to be airborne in nine Breems. Let's get to it, Seekers. "

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

Silverstrike nodded quietly, a slight smile shadowed her darker silver lips. After receiving her answer Silver set her comlink open to receive any messages or transaction she may need to hear. Then silently she walked to the lip of the hanger and stepped into nothingness. Instantly she transformed into her sleek almost Jetfire looking Reconnaissance Fighter alt mode. All she lacked to make her alt mode perfect was the high powered weaponry that went with such a design. Her silver frame soared effortlessly, a taste of her highly specialized talents, to the very apex of Shockwave’s tower. From here she could see everything. Turning back into her robot mode she perched atop a sharp outcropping. Her optics scanned the world below, pausing to rest in the direction of the rust sea and Tyrest. She balanced in a kneeling position looking remissnent of a silver stone angel carved atop an ancient citadel. A strong wind buffeted her as she gathered her thoughts and threatened to take her wings.

Her mind wandered to Mindwipe, she wondered where he was now and what he and his brothers were doing…. Probably something enjoyable knowing them. She suddenly missed the company of the hypnotist, his ever present yes, and mysterious mannerisms. Her optics followed an unknown flier as it circled the tower, one of Cyclonus’s drones most likely. She wondered idly how much of the information gathered from Thunderwing's work on her had been used in the building of Megatrons new weapons. Though she knew that question would never be answered. Most of the Decepticons involved in her debut had forgotten she even existed. But then again being shot by Megatron was not something she wanted other Mechs to remember. She smirked and shifted her angle for a better view of where the autobot awaited their attack. As she did a flood of images hit her causing her to loose balance, she caught herself and hung from the ledge. Her face distorted in torment as the images that she should only see when offline haunted her now while awake. Shakily she climbed back onto the outcropping. She could not meditate now, for there was no time. Instead she did what Mindwipe had told her not to do, she placed her anger on Thunderwing. She still believed it was his fault she was so screwed up. All the things he did to her the things he put her through. She could feel it coming. Eventually the silver Angel would snap.

There was so much wrong with all that was going on and she never bothered to hide her opinions. She may not behave like a seeker but she was very aware of how they were perceived by the other cons. It was a wonderful thing that Rapture was trying to control this image. Perhaps after she had finished here Silver would return to Tyrest. For now she awaited Rapture’s signal, she poised ready to descend into her squadron.


_________________________________________________________

Ghost’s optics flashed at the mention of his name. Now … this would be interesting. Giving the headstrong green femme information would prove entertaining in the least. The job in itself was not difficult. It would be almost impossible for anyone to detect him up there. The challenge was working together as a unit. The rivalry was not lost top the transparent spy. Fine he would play surveillance camera while Jadewind played the traffic cop.
“Yes Rapture, I’m on it.”
He turned to Jadewind.
“I look forward to working with you.”
A creepy smile crossed his face as an unheard voice whispered something he would not repeat. With that he turned and walked away to make ready for a long hover.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

All Jadewind could do was frown at the announcement Starscream had just made. That's why she disliked working under the ill-famous Seeker Commander. Always big and loud on the talk and promises side, but the action, deed and fulfillment side was...lacking. And dropping responsibility for failure on someone else was a habit not helping that.

Crossing her arms on her chest, Jadewind did nothing, except have a cold snarl creep across her face. She would have so much liked to walk over to Starscream and slap him in the face, if for nothing else, to carve scars into his ego, however little ones. But in the end, she did not.

Perhaps unaware that she was very much like Starscream, Jadewind, in that moment, considered and was sure that it would not be so bad if he was replaced by someone more competent.

Her gaze slowly slid from the Seeker Commander to his newly appointed second, Rapture. She wondered if the calm, even attitude of this suddenly promoted officer really did cover the skills and aims of a professional, who wanted to reform the Seekers.

She was about to start gathering small bits for the answer to her wondering. Rapture had a new assignment for her.

"On it," She said silently, in acknowledgment of the lightly delivered order. If anyone in the hangar was paying enough attention to notice, this was the first time ever Jadewind had accepted a directive so easily.

Unfolding her arms, she took a step, only to be momentarily halted by Ghost's remark, which could be found even kind, in the stealth warrior's own wierd ways.

But this time, Jadewind was not frightened, nor freaked out by the barely visible Seeker.

"Unfortunately, the feeling isn't mutual, you loveliest king of creeps," the green femme formulated her answer as her face picked up the expression of pity. "But we are going to show that Seekers can operate just as perfectly as the automated systems of this tower, right?"

As she finished the sentence, Jadewind's facial expression changed to cold and merciless, her optics flashed. After giving Ghost a thorough look, she proceeded to maker he way to the tower's communication center.

What's wrong with you? Hmmm. Your data banks have sustained permanent damage, making you malfunction on a cycle basis" Astrotrain said to Triggerhappy, but he didn't respond, he didn't even hear him, he couldn't register anything, it was almost like he was off line.
"But!" Astrotrain exclaimed. "On the up side, you will drawl all the attetion off us when we engage the Autobots."
Still nothing. Triggerhappy heard none of it
"I am just screwing with your circuits Triggerhappy, you seen Starscream around?" Astrotrain asked.
But still nothing, Triggerhappy could have had his leg torn off and he wouldn't have noticed.
Eventually Astrotrain left the hangar, paying no further attention to Triggerhappy.
It was then that he finally looked up "Yeah, I've seen Starscream, he's just over... what the? Hey Astrotrain where'd you go!"
Triggerhappy looked around the hangar for Astrtrain, he wasn't there. But he was here just a moment ago, he was talking to me. Wasn't he? He couldn't just have dissapeared. Could he? What if it is the Autobots? They must have a teleporter or something! They must have kidnapped him and noone else noticed him dissapear! thought Triggerhappy, he looked around the hangar and saw Ghost Triggerhappy walked over to Ghost.
"Ghost! Have you seen Astrotrain? I think he's been taken by the Autobots or something, some sort of teleporter! He was here one second then he just dissapeared!" cried Triggerhappy frantically.

Shockwave's Tower - Armory

"Understood, Razorclaw," Onslaught replied with curt nod. The Predacon Commander was not only a formidable warrior, but also a highly competent field officer and military planner. In some ways, he even outshone Onslaught himself, though the Combaticon would have been extremely reluctant to acknowledge as much in explicit terms. As such, it would have been tactically unsound to leave him and his unit behind on guard duty with such a vitally important combat operation at hand.

"Consider the order given. My team will be focused primarily upon long-ranged bombardment of the target; I recommend that the Predacons concentrate on making attacks of opportunity while working to keep the Guardian distracted and off-balance. However, I will leave the particular tactics to your own discretion."

Havok's timely arrival satisfied the punctilious Decepticon Commander, though his oddly submissive manner came as something of a surprise. Nevertheless, Onslaught was not about to waste time questioning the Corrupticon's new outlook. "Very good. As you have had extensive experience working together, you and Thrall will comprise a semi-autonomous firing unit within the larger team. Attempt to coordinate your fire with him to the best of your ability. Bludgeon and Heap, you will do the same. After the initial mass barrage, each sub-unit will immediately proceed to a new position to press the attack independently. Mobility and coordination with your partners shall be our keys to victory. Are there any questions?"

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

Optics flashing briefly in irritation, Starscream glowered at Astrotrain as the other Decepticon stomped out of the hangar. "Don't start making arrangements for my memorial just yet, you glorified freighter," he muttered sourly. Still, he supposed he'd probably be awfully bitter, too, if his principle value lay in shuttling more capable soldiers to and from the battlefield. But sulking was always so unbecoming in a slag-brained grunt.

Dunehopper, of course, had the right attitude. This was one of the reasons that the Seeker Commander liked to keep the belligerent ground attack specialist close at hand. He was virtually putty in Starscream's hands, a quality he valued most in a subordinate.

The general air of dissatisfaction in the hangar was not completely lost on Starscream, either. There was simply no pleasing some mechanoids. Oh, well. He would make it up to them later.

It was such a precarious position, balancing his efforts to return to the good graces of his superiors with keeping his disgruntled Seekers happy. For the most part, though, Starscream enjoyed every astrosecond of it. Adversity brought out the best in any Decepticon deserving of his sigil.

His attention quickly returned to Rapture. "Well done, sister. One would almost think that you had been manufactured to command. You're a credit to your designer." Starscream favored the femme with a brief smirk before moving on to address his new wingmates and Dirge. "I assume you're all ready to move out? We'll launch as soon as the new Aerospace Commander gives the word. Which should be shortly after he decides to grace us with his presence, I imagine."

Shockwave's Tower--Armory

Razorclaw nods his understanding of the order given and the subsequent strategy. A cursory glance towards the other Predacons appears to indicate that they understood as well, though there would always be certain variables that could not always be fully contained. Rampage and Headstrong were accurate examples, but Razorclaw had every confidence that they would come together when the time called for it. For the Predacons, there were few missions more ideal than when their prey was specific...

...and large. Razorclaw understood the pack mentality of his fellow warlords fairly well. A target such as this would cater to all of their natural combat techniques. Even so, this was not some fleeing, injured mechanoid. This Omega Sentinel--any Omega Sentinel--could destroy them all if they were not careful. But carelessness was not ever something that had been encouraged amongst the Predacons. Adn with Onslaught's meticulous strategy, such lack of precision would be even less likely to occur.

"Predacons, disperse. Reconvene at my command," Razorclaw orders, before walking out of the armory. If Onslaught wished for the behemoth to be distracted, that was precisely what Razorclaw would set in to motion.
___

Shockwave's Tower--Command Center

The incidents between the Corrupticons and the Decepticon Military Operations Commander had not gone unnoticed. Reflector had sat silently, watching the multitude of viewscreens contained within Shockwave's primary control station. One of the mechanoid's had turned its head to observe the interaction while the others remained focused on their work. It had been something to record for posterity, if nothing else.

Unbidden, Reflector returned to his work, once again devoting his full attention to monitoring the Cybertronian expanse. Progress was being made. For the Decepticons. For Cybertron. Reflector intended to see it all firsthand.