The Energon Pub

Near Cluster 1499

Once the others were back inside, Astrotrain reversed down the track he had come and changed direction at a switchback. This is the bad part... Omega Supreme loomed on the horizon in the distance, his enormous bulk silhouetted against the sky as Task Force Team Two moved thousands of meters closer to the Autobot behemoth. Finally. At the end of the switchback, Astrotain took a different track and headed quickly and quietly back toward Cluster 1499.

Following this other path toward the emplacements, he soon found himself descending into the tunnels, the ride for his passengers becoming bumpier and bumpier. Even in the gloom of the tunnels, it was obvious that the mag-lev track here was in much poorer shape than even the damaged sections on the surface. Slowing and then finally coming to a halt, the Triplechanger let out an audible sigh.

"Great. I can't roll any farther on these rails," he explained. "Everyone out! I'm subspacing the cargo and transforming into robot mode. We're only a few thousand meters from the blast doors that lead into 1499."

Polyhex ~ Outer Perimeter

Havok's mood wasn't great to begin with, the arrival of Blitzwing bombarding him with pointless questions didn't help that in any way. Regarding the Triplechanger with a blank stare, Havok took it upon himself to answer for the Corrupticons "Nothing wrong with our communication systems Blitzwing, and nothing much wrong with us at all as you can see. As for the possibility of all 3 of us being 'Offlined', unlikely, so save your concerns for those who need them.."

Havok continued walking purposefully towards Blitzwing, his deep purple optics staring right at him "..As I understand it, there is currently a cease-fire in place, so I see little point in rushing back so we can stand around with nothing to do, unless of course Onslaught has come up with a plan to instigate the Autobots into further hostilities, which I find unlikely" Havok barged past Blitzwing, not waiting for the Triplechanger to reply, heading on into Polyhex itself.

Blitzwing's Team/Killzone ~ Outer Polyhex Perimeter

Primus these mechs were moody or at least Havok was. His Optics flashed with a tinge of anger but he held his cool. Calling back to Havok but not tuning to face him, his eyes still on the other two, he said,

“ Your orders come from above me, and as I take it you seem to be heading back all on your own then? Since of course there is nothing wrong with you.“

Blitzwing smiled still not turning,
“I’ll Radio Onslaught to be sure you three have a warm welcoming. As for the cease-fire it’s not as simple as you think. And since you three failed to check in, you guys missed out on a whole set of missions, by far we are NOT sitting around. But I’m sure the three of you could take on the giant yourselves if the Autobots decide to make a move.”

Blitzwing thought to himself, trying to make Ruination and Rampage just sit around was a joke, of course Onslaught would give everyone something to do, especially since he was known for his superior tactics. And small set backs like these were to be dealt with quickly.

He didn’t radio Onslaught just yet, he waited to give the Corrupticons a chance to say anything else before he did. In that moment of awkward silence he spoke to Ruination and Rampage.
“Boyz if you would while we are making ready to move, take a tally on the casualties. I’ll make a report when I call back.”

Blitzwing knew his two team members were getting edgy and they would not be the ones to bring attension to their positions.

Task Force Team One- Cluster 1499

Skywarp let out a huge sigh. "This is going to be worse than going the other way, at least there was some sort of action and suspense."

He dismounted Astrotrain and turn his lights on so that he could view down the dark tunnel. "Oh well at least it's safer. I guess we'll have to walk then. Come on let's hurry!"

He grabbed Thundercracker and pushed him in front of him in an agressive, yet joking manner.


OOC- Armorwind and I will be gone until August 11th, would someone please take care of our characters while we're gone. just make sure they're not dead...;] thanks!

Task Force Team Two - Cluster 0987

Following his teammates to the entrance of the target Cluster, Dead End disengaged the magnetic locks between his vehicle mode and the load of equipment he had been hauling. He then quickly transformed, more than a little relieved that the hurried pace of their final approach hadn't resulted in the sudden creation of yet another smoldering artillery crater. Property values in this sector of Polyhex were quite badly off as it was--no need to add to the problem. Besides, being blasted into atoms was near the very bottom of his list of preferred means of termination. It would render all his efforts to maintain an unmarred, immaculate exterior all these vorns completely redundant, and that thought was simply too depressing for words.

"Heave ho, heave ho," the Stunticon said dully, pushing his burden of armor-busting warheads and miscellaneous spare parts across the last few, debris-strewn feet into the interior of the Cluster. "My talents are being sorely underutilized on this assignment. But I suppose there's nothing new about that. The glamorous life of a Decepticon warrior, and all that, hm?"

As he passed Rapture, Dead End commented, "I may only be a humble drudge, Madame Seeker, but I don't think that will do us much good. The point defense systems have as much chance of impeding a Guardian as a gentle rain would of slowing down Snaptrap." Of course, since these were quite likely to be their last functional cycles, anyway, he supposed the femme should be at liberty to spend them in whatever manner she found most fitting.

Task Force Team Two- Cluster 0987

The mission commander sighed as she looked over the remains of the point defense systems. "I'm afraid you're right again, Dead End." a wry note crept into her voice as she continued. "With such unerring accuracy it's little surprise you've such a negative outlook." The femme quickly joined her male troops in unloading the supplies.

The Guardian Robot on the horizon had paused for a few astroseconds. She judged him to be facing towards Cluster 1499, and Team One. setting down her latest burden, the midnight Seeker watched the distant figure with nervous attention. Soon he began to move ponderously towards them again. I can only hope that means Team One avoided detection, she mused. Time to see to our own tails.

She hefted another load of munitions and moved it into the emplacement as quickly as safety allowed.

"Scramble- Give me a Sit Rep."

Cluster 0987

Heap transforms quickly and gets to work unloading the haul Dead End was pulling. Managing to grab a majority of the gear under both arms, Heap trods towards Rapture and the entrance, "Point defense will give the Guardian multiple attack points to vector and track and destroy. The big lugs aren't that smart, and the few seconds he'll spend blast them are a few more seconds we didn't have before. Let's get to work,"

((OOC: Everyone please remember to use the new Absence reporting thread in the Reg & Questions Forum if you are going to be away for a while. When you do, please specify who you want to npc your chars for you. Thanks!))

IC

Cluster 0987

Rapture considered Heap's words.

"There's not much to work with, Heap". She shook her head grimly. "The small arms were much worse off than I had originally thought." Her lips pursed as her clever mind worked quickly. "Scramble's the real expert, but I can't spare her from the main job. However..."

The mission commander turned to look the older Decepticon in the optics, a slight smile on her mouth. "You said you remember the installation of this battery. You might have more luck than I did. If you think you can salvage the point defense you have my permission."

"I'll assist Scramble. Dead End, you're on watch. Keep your heads down, everyone."

Back at Shockwave's Tower

There was a loud metallic clang as Brawl's mechanical knuckles made contact with one of the corridor walls, leaving the large imprint of his fist behind. Amongst his peers it was well known that Brawl was always angry, this time however, he was even angrier than usual, even for his own standards.

"Retreat, retreat, we always retreat," he bellowed. Brawl had always despised the thought of having to turn tail and run, and lately that's all the Decepticons seemed to be doing. He thought to himself that it must've been the new Decepticon motto. Some of the other Decepticons watched as Brawl stomped through the halls, they did not dare say anything to him for fear of having a limb torn off by the large Combaticon.

Brawl had been fighting on the frontlines with the rest of his Decepticon brethren when they had received word to fall back to the tower and regroup. His logic circuits pulsed as he thought of the many brave mechanoids that fell in battle. He shook the thoughts from his memory module, as he continued his quickened pace through the long hallway.

Finally a few astro-seconds later Brawl had reached his destination. As he entered the control room his optics spotted the familiar figure of his commander and fellow Combaticon, Onslaught. Brawl walked up alongside the other mech and waited for him to turn and face him.

"Alright, Onslaught I'm here, what's the big idea pulling us out of a perfectly good fight," Brawl hissed? Brawl never was one for formalities or saluting and being a good officer. He existed only for one purpose and one purpose alone, to destroy anything and everything in his path. He left the formalities to many of the suckups that scratched for a foothold amongsts the Decepticon's ranks.

Task Force Two Cluster 0987

Scramble had snagged only one crate off with her as she made her way to the shattered defensive placements. Settling her crate down she squatted taking time to examine the outside of the placement before working her way around to get a more indepth look within them. "Automated functions seem suprisingly intact. No Power Though..." The seekers upper body disappearing as he bent forward one could literally see her throwing bits of decimated cannery, and circuitry over her shoulder as she was quickly removing what couldn't be fixed from it.

"We should be able to get it working again, with any luck. Raising up turning her head towards her comrades a small smirk on her face. "Shouldn't be too hard, as long as we got the right parts for it...someones gonna need to shore up the outer structure some while I work with the more delicate parts. It wouldn't do much good to get it working without any kind of useable armor to defend it no?"

Moving over to the crate she had hauled herself, she opened it removing a few small circuits boards and what looked to be a power cord. "I'll get started if you have nothing else for me.." She said turning as she made her way to the entrance.

---
Blitzwings Group.

Ruinations ruby optics narrowed at Havoks disregard. A rumble working its way from his chest, as he gripped the handle of his energon warhammer tightly. Turning as the Corrupticon strided past them, likely about to give chase and cause some manner of ill ending brawl. The only thing that stopped him was Blitzwings new orders to him. "Garbage.." He rumbled turning to go to his assigned task.

Blitzwings Group.

((Stormshadow is away for A bit, I will be playing Rampage for now))

Rampage growled in disgust. Looking for dead transformers was an insult. His tail lashed as his optics flashed with mild hate towards the Corrupticons. Havok passed out of reach and Rampage cast an understanding look at Ruination as the tank con said “Garbage”.

The Predacon turned away mentally scanning body parts for the Decepticon insignia and then approaching them to find out who they belonged to. Most seemed to be rookie foot soldiers. It figured, damn rookies. They always seem to die first. Even though Rampage was at work he kept an aud focused on Blitzwing, just incase he was needed.

Near Polyhex - Confronted by Blitzy's Group

Bane gracefully strode past Blitzwing and his group with his mantle silently moving in synchronization with each of his steps. He turned his head slightly when he was closest to them. Through the hood his eerie voice cut through the darkness with a false kindness;

"Sure we can. That, and much more as you can see" Bane was refering to the countless dead transformers that Thrall and he had taken out. The way their foes had been slaughtered told anyone who looked carefully, who had slain who. Thrall's style was powerful hits, Bane's was sadistic brutality.

"They died a glorious death, they did" Thrall nodded, more to himself than anyone else. He and Bane continued past Blitzwing and his little friends, heading towards Polyhex and whatever Onslaught had on his mind.

Polyhex Underground - Cluster 1499

Transforming into robot mode, ionic displacer rifle at the ready, Astrotrain peered into the darkness ahead.

"Head modules up, fellas," he said quietly. "Might be empties and scavengers down here, and if there are, I bet they're mighty hungry."

He began down the tunnel, stepping over rubble and collapsed chunks of mag-lev rail and piping.

(OOC - Okay, Task Force Team Two is on pause until a majority of ya'll come back.)

Blitzwing's Group

"Beautiful Bane, Then I know who to call for back up when I'm getting my Triplechangeing chassis kicked."

The purple mech turned to watch them stride away. The sound of machine parts crunched under Blitzwing’s feet. Had he known an obscene gesture at the moment he would have flipped them off but the nagg of responsibility held him back, he was so much more at ease as a commando not a CO. He absolutely hated behaving himself. So instead he radioed Onslaught in order to get this joke of an assignment over with.

>

His aggravation now starting to show Blitzwing transformed with his signature blinding speed into his tank mode. His cannon swiveling a few 360’s before he began to roll forward.

“Come on boyz lets go find us a scavenger. I’ve had me enough of this ninny slagg.”
_______________________________________________________________

Rampage grunted with mirth at the way Bane strode past Blitzwing. The Predacon shrugged. Had he been with his fellow predacons he would have acted the same way, well in not so many words of course.

With a dark hint of glee he watched Blitzwing transform into a tank. And the triplechanger’s next words made him quicken his step bounding in front of his team leader. Now this was more like it.

Task Force Team Two- Cluster 0987

"go right ahead, Scramble," the blue femme replied. "I'll take care of the structural damage while you work on the finer repairs." She picked up a patching kit, floating up towards one of the more serious spots. Rapture began to spray the polyceramic foam into the cracks. As it expanded to fill them she used the kit's trowel to smooth the patch out. That done, she sprayed the fixative on. Within a breem the patching solution would harden to acceptable levels. She checked her work one last time, and moved to the next in a long list of fractures and breaches.

Task Force Team Two - Cluster 0987

"Hn," Dead End grunted. "Yes, the big ones do often seem to be deficient of intellect, don't they?" he added mildly, his visor flashing dully with mild amusement as he regarded the large Decepticon, Heap. The Stunticon remained convinced that bothering about the point defense grid at all would be a waste of time. What was to stop the Guardian from ignoring such minor pinpricks entirely and vaporizing the whole weapons cluster--and them with it? They should have been concentrating on outfitting the surviving weapons systems with the high-yield artillery rounds they had dragged in all the way from Shockwave's Tower. One good shot at the behemoth was probably all they were going to get, anyway, before he levelled the place.

Not that anyone was ever all that interested in what he had to say. Dead End supposed that it was the prerogative of command to do things backwards.

"You want me to keep watch?" he echoed Rapture, just a touch sardonically. "Do you think we might somehow miss the approach of that walking munitions factory when it starts levelling buildings on its way over to kill us? Of course, if it opts to shoot us instead of stomp us, I might have a few seconds to offer some kind of warning. Just enough time for you to make your peace with Primus, maybe." Dead End shrugged indifferently, holding his Compressor-air Gun at the ready as he moved back to the entranceway to keep an optic trained on the Guardian.

Never before had his weapon struck him as quite so ludicrously inadequate.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Onslaught had spent the bulk of his time processing post-combat battlefield data and tracking the progress of the two repair teams as best he could. The citywide surveillance network nearest the border with Nova Cronum was hardly operating at peak efficiency, but he was able to gather enough intelligence to formulate a fair idea of their progress. It appeared they had reached the weapons clusters he had designated, and it stood to reason that they would begin repair operations forthwith. And the Guardian appeared to remain oblivious to their presence. That was most expedient.

Once the clusters were retrofitted with the augmented payloads Onslaught had directed the drones to prepare earlier, phase one of his plan to remove the Autobot relic from Polyhex--and, indeed, from the surface of Cybertron entirely--would be complete. There was, in his considered opinion, no problem that could not be solved with the swift, precise application of overwhelming firepower.

That thought might have almost been enough to bring a smile to his face, had he been designed with the necessary features. As it was, his visor glowed dully with reserved satisfaction.

It was an all too brief moment of pleasure. The predictably noisy arrival of his subordinate Brawl came very close to distracting him entirely from the more urgent business at hand. Fortunately, Onslaught was well-practiced in the business of controlling the bellicose Decepticon. "The 'big idea' was Megatron's, Brawl. If you find your orders so disagreeable, then I suggest you take the matter up with him. Or, better yet, use this downtime to refuel and rearm so that you will be prepared when hostilities resume."

The Combaticon Commander then acknowledged the latest incoming transmission from the field. It appeared that the team he had dispatched to locate the wayward Corrupticons had been successful. Although it still didn't sound as though the glorified thugs were in any particular hurry to return to headquarters. How bothersmome.

>>Acknowledged, Blitzwing. Finish your tally as expeditiously as possible and return to the Tower. And remember not to draw any unneccessary attention to yourselves. We're supposed to be giving the impression of a ghost state.<<

Near Polyhex

> Thrall said to his old war-comrade through a private channel >

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Quantum had just finished a system-check. Despite the tough encounter with the Autobot fliers, he was in a brilliant shape. He didn't have to, but he prefered being 100% ready on any Autobot retaliation, and the cease fire was a good opportunity to make sure he was.

"Commander Onslaught" Qauntum saluted.

---Task Force Two Cluster 0987---

Scramble continued to work quickly. A diagnostic program running as she checked to make sure what software was there was still intact. A grin coming onto her face as she said.

"Good news. The Automated programming is still online. Thats what would have taken us the most time. I am going to reprogram it last though."

The Seeker-Medic worked as fast as she could, replacing panelling and internal componets as quickly and accurately as she could. Now and then the gun placements would whirl and rotate slightly in a test, before the seeker hurried back tot he crate she was getting tools from and made her way back in.

-----

Blitzwings Group PolyHex Ruins

Ruination had taken to completeing his task in very unique way. Upon finishing his own tally of the fallen decepticons in his area he returned to Blitzwing apprently carrying an armload of scrap?

"Here, I have five tens of these." Leaning forward slightly he showed Blitzwing what he had. In his arms were no less than fifty DEcepticon insignas. Each one had a different type of armor and coloration it was painted on. Grusome some would say, but an effective way of knowing he hadn't counted the same fallen warrior twice.

Shockwave’s Tower- Command Center

Before Brawl could respond to Onslaught’s comments, Quantum interrupted the two Combaticons in order to give his report. If looks could kill, Brawl would’ve vaporized the Decepticon seeker in his tracks. How dare he, interrupt me!! Who does he think he is?

Brawl was seething; for a brief moment he thought that he might blow out his power circuits.

“Well, the next offensive better be soon! I’ve got unfinished business with those Autobot weaklings,” Brawl boasted finally breaking his silence since Quantum had walked up. “I’ll be in the armory refueling and rearming,” Brawl gave Quantum a quick glare, before heading off.

Task Force Team Two- Cluster 0987

The femme Seeker's tone was commanding and icy as she turned to address the depressed Stunticon. "Dead End." Her voice carried no threat. Threat implied that there was an (albeit unpleasant) alternative to obedience. "I want you to monitor the Guardian's position and trajectory with your radar. If it alters course towards us we will cease repairs and hide inside the emplacement. Now that I've patched up the shielding it will hide us from his sensors."

Rapture turned upon hearing Scramble's report. She smiled at the medic. "That's good news, Scramble." Her voice was still authoritative, but had lost it's earlier edge. "But remember, do not power up the generator. The Commander was clear on that. He seemed sure that Omega would detect it."

The midnight Seeker floated down to the floor. "The hull's patched. The ceramic filler will be finished hardening in about five hundred astroseconds. I'll see if Heap had any luck with the small arms."

Heading outside she addressed the old veteran. "Heap. Have you had any luck?"

Blitzwings Group PolyHex Ruins

Blitzwing stopped, "Ghost state huh... I can be quiet while killing." he mumbled to himself. Why did it seem like Onslaught had read his mind? His attention snapped to the approach of Ruination, The big guy had a load of "Treasures" to show him.

Blitz grudgingly transformed back into robot form to look over the gruesome collection the tank con had gathered.

"Ruination you truly are a unique thinker."

Blitz said as he beheld what Ruination had presented to him. What a way to count fallen soldiers. The triplechanger glanced at the parts, foot soldiers, a few seekers, a guardian or two, Drones, a couple communicators, no one he knew personally. No names. His red optics looked up at Ruination.

“You recognize any of them?”

He spared a glance at Rampage who seemed to be counting on his own away from their exchange of words, but Blitz knew the predacon was listening.

“I’ve had enough of this, how about you two? Lets get back before we miss anything worth while. I don’t want to be left out if Megs sends any new orders.”

>

On their slow walk back Blitzwing decided to make small talk out of boredom.

“Hey, Ruination, You got any opinions on being led by a femme?”

Blitz was thinking about the other two teams that had been sent out. He wondered if Astrotrain would have anything interesting to “Share” when he got back.

Near Polyhex

Havok heard Blitzwing's reply to his comments, and it was probably for the best that Bane answered before he could "Yeah, search and rescue missions are a Corrupticon speciality" He thought to himself, hoping that Onslaught may have something a bit more fitting in mind for the Corrupticons for when they returned.

Ignoring the comment made by Ruination, Havok continued his march towards Polyhex, hearing Bane and Thrall not far behind him. The anger still within him from the lack of battle and the ignominy of surrendering to the Autobots, was slowly dissipating as Thrall contacted him over a secure line, broaching the subject of their somewhat wayward teammate.

>>Yes, he does seem to have.... changed, since before I was injured. How long has he been like this?<<

Near Polyhex

>>"Sometime after we last saw you, me thinks">"Maybe the virus is responsible, whatja think?"<< Havok was probably better suited for such thoughts. The other Corrupticon was the second most knowledgeable on the matter, after Bane.

For some reason Thrall had a feeling Bane was staring at them, like if he somehow knew they were talking about him. Maybe it was just his mind playing games on him.


Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Quantum ignored Brawl. The hotheaded combaticon was not the only one who disliked seekers and the black and white seeker didn't blame him for thinking that. Quantum was not blind. He knew that many of his brothers and sisters were highly ambitious and deceitful, and it had hurt their reputation beyond repair... or so it seemed. It was up to him and a few others to try change that view of them, even if it would take eons.

He patiently awaited Onslaught's response.

Cluster 0987


Heap turned to Rapture, the laser grid for one of the point defense turrets hanging from his hand, "Not bad; for crap, they're not that bad off, ma'am. It's not the scale of the firepower we're going for with these things; it's giving the Guardian more things to fire on. Also, if I slave the targeting computer for the whole system together, it'll focus eight shots in the same place, we might just be enough to scratch that thing's paint job,"

Replacing the grid and reattaching the lens and barrel on the small laser cannon, Heap attaches a cord from the back of the turret into his wrist, feeding a small amount of energon from his own system into the gun mount. The gun hums to life and begins scanning over a small arc for potential targets, nodding slightly, Heap pulls the cable from his wrist and the gun powers down again, "All the guns for the Point Defense are operational, but I can't tie them into the same energy grid as the cluster; it'd overload the blasted thing,"

Cluster 0987

"Whatever you say," Dead End said compliantly, cringing slightly at the hard edge in Rapture's voice. He was still half-expecting to be kicked into a wall or hammered to the ground, or at the very least cuffed across the cranial unit, truth be known. Motormaster's none-too-gentle command style tended to leave a strong impression, even when the glorified thug was several city-states away. He'd probably only stay there just long enough for Dead End to get used to the absence of the threat of imminent violence, so they could start the familiar routine fresh.

The forlorn Stunticon slumped against one wall, posture listless and defeated, although he was in fact paying very close attention to the movements of the Guardian. Just because his existence was an cavalcade of misery descending into horror didn't mean he was in any great rush to give it up through something as idiotic as inattention.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

>>Very good, Blitzwing,>Well done, as expected. Hopefully, I will have an assignment more worthy of your talents in the near future.<< As he cut the comm, the Combaticon noted Quantum's entry into the control room, and Brawl's predictably pugnacious reaction to that fact. Honestly, there were moments when Onslaught was sorely tempted to kennel the rowdy footsoldier between battles in order to more easily keep his violent impulses in check.

"Take your time, Brawl," he replied dryly. "Rest assured, I won't let them initiate combat operations without you." If for no other reason than that he would never hear the end of it, otherwise.

"Quantum," he went on, inclining his head toward the Seeker and belatedly returning his salute. "Status update?"