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Thanatos – Cargo Hold

At seeing Thunderwing’s bow Blackwind perked up and flashed him a provocative smirk before nodding her approval.

“You’re gracious as well. I hope that’s just for me, I would really hate to become jealous.”

Her smirk widened to a broad smile before she turned and left the cargo hold, the scientist following close behind. As the two Decepticons traveles through the winding corridors of the enormous battle cruiser, Blackwind spoke.

“This…” she raised her hands and gestured all around them. “….this is the Thanatos. Its power rivals that of the Nemesis. However, this battle cruiser is capable of destroying an entire planet. It’s a magnificent achievement.”

The femme held her head even higher just at the thought of the Deceptions’ possessing such an incredible asset. However, as she went on her shoulders seemed to slump slightly.

“This is…was one of Megatron’s greatest achievements.”

Blackwind fell silent for the remainder of their trek.

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Upon arrival at the door to her personal quarters, Blackwind entered her security code and waited as the locking mechanism released and the door slid open. As she entered the darkened space she reached to the right of the door and depressed the button that activated the overhead lights.

Blackwind moved from the doorway and slowly made her way across the room to a small cabinet that was situated behind the desk. Hoping that her guest would not linger in the doorway she proceeded to remove a glass bottle and two glasses. When she turned around she was pleased to see he had indeed entered and the door was now closed and locked behind him.

She gave Thunderwing a welcoming smile as she poured the purple liquid into both glasses. After resealing the bottle Blackwind scooped up the glasses and made her way around the desk. She stopped just in front of the taller mech and handed him one of the glasses.

“Synthetic energon. It’s not as good as the real thing, but it is far superior to what you will be subject to once we arrive on Earth.”

That said Blackwind smiled and took a small sip of the energon. Her optics were fixed on his as she slowly lowered glass from her lips. She lingered there for a moment in silence before she finally moved past Thunderwing and made her way to the small sitting area to the right of her desk. Blackwind took a seat in one of the oversized chairs and gracefully crossed her legs. She eyed the scientist before she smiled and spoke.

“Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss and do.”

Thanatos Repair Bay

Darkwing and Dreadwind entered the room only to cringe a bit when Shockwave pointed at the two repair tables. Neither of them particularly enjoyed being test subjects and lying on repair tables only lent credence to Dreadwind’s earlier fear about being disassembled. Still they silently obeyed and hopped up on the tables.

The two fliers glanced at each other at Shockwave’s question. Darkwing was the first to reply. “Uhhh, no sir, I haven’t encountered any problems since the test concluded. I kind of enjoyed the power high but then the crash at the end wasn’t very pleasant.”

“I’ve suffered from extreme loneliness, crippling depression and general feelings of dread over nearly every action I take,” Dreadwind added. “Nothing out of the ordinary though sir.”

*

Thanatos – Cargo Hold

Thunderwing studied the vessel as they left the cargo bay. He would definitely have to make a full tour of the vessel later. While he wasn’t an engineer or physicist he was sure the technology that went into the design of the vessel would prove fascinating and likely important to future endeavors. The Empire it seemed had come a long way since leaving Cybertron, yet still the war went on. He could only assume the Autobots had comparable technology to keep things at a stalemate.

He glanced over at Blackwind as he heard the sadness creep into her voice. It was obvious that Megatron had meant a lot to her, likely both on a professional and personal level. There were more then a few Decepticons who had idolized the slagmaker, and at one point he could be counted among them. He still respected the leader greatly, but he had come too far to idolize him. Still, it was a good reminder of how other Decepticons would be taking the news.

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Thunderwing stepped into her quarters shortly after she did. He briefly glanced around the room, one that appeared typical for an officer on such a vessel, small but likely more spacious then most of the other rooms on the ship. He turned to her and took the proffered glass gratefully. “I am sure it is better then the meager fuels I have been subsisting on for all of this time. I thank you for it.” He took a sip of it, and while it was not as good as real energon it did have more of a pleasant flavor then what he was used to.

The scientist followed the femme as she moved to a chair. He took up one opposite her and sat down, taking another sip as she spoke to him. He considered it as the fuel went through his systems. “Indeed we do. While I do believe having someone as skilled, powerful and charming as you at my side will help to sway some Decepticons to my side I am uncertain as to how most will feel about me. I have been gone for so long, will any Decepticons even care about what I think or respect my opinions, aside from the raw power I can bring? While I understand we often rule by the strongest I do not wish to simply intimidate others into following me. That just sets one up to be taken out by someone in the future. I would like to convince others to follow me by my other attributes. Do you think any would listen to me when mechs like Shockwave and Starscream are already vying for leadership?”

Repair Bay

Shockwave entered commands in to one of the repair terminals. Electrodes snaked their way out of the tables and connected themselves to various ports on the two Decepticons’ bodies. All of the objective information about their current functioning levels was quickly transferred to a series of screens in front of the Decepticon strategist as he listened to their respective responses.

Darkwing’s response garnered a simple nod. Dreadwind’s, conversely, earned the Decepticon a few moments of silent, visual appraisal before Shockwave returned his attention to the screens in front of him. The power down after the initial infusion of the experimental energy was an outcome that he had predicted at the onset. Finding a way to refine the ore so that its decrease in benefits would be more gradual was the next step in the process. That process would take considerable time and effort, neither of which Shockwave had in abundance at the present time. It was fortunate, however, that neither had reported any significant side effects to the infusion. The opened the doors for the energy to receive more widespread application.

Had there been complications, Shockwave's examination would have been more invasive, by necessity. As matters currently stood, it was not a necessity.

“Declarative: your functioning status is satisfactory. You are dismissed.”

Shockwave disengaged the electrodes and continued to examine the data regarding Ore-13 and the two Decepticons’ internal workings. The information he had collected thus far was considerably valuable. The next logical step would be to see what effect it had on his own systems.

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Blackwind regarded Thunderwing as he took a seat directly across from her. Her optics were fixed on him while he spoke, he was truly concerned at how the troops would see him when he became leader. She thought for a moment and took another sip of her drink. Carefully she placed the glass on a side table; she then rested her elbows on the arm rests and entwined her fingers and replied to his queries.

“I understand your concern, and in fact I find it quite admirable, but the troops within this faction are easily swayed.”

Blackwind leaned forward slightly and gave him an enticing smile as she went on.

“Convincing them that you are the only worthy candidate to lead will require a show of your brute strength and your tactical aptitude. Both, I am certain, you possess in spades.”

The femme leaned back in her chair and laid her hands in her lap. She studied the scientist for some time before she addressed him again, this time she wanted to ease his concerns regarding the likes of Shockwave and Starscream.

“Oh mon amour, I don’t think you have anything to worry about in regards to either of them. Both Shockwave and Starscream have not changed in their visions of how the empire should be led.”

She emphasized her words with elegant movements of her hands.

“As you know our dear Military Operations Commander is aloof and disconnected from the warriors and logically impaired. He will have to work hard to gain the backing of any swaying officers. Starscream…”

Her face contorted in to a hateful scowl when she spoke the Seeker Commander’s name. What she wouldn’t give to have him offlined. Blackwind finally composed herself as she went on.

“Starscream is still a vain degenerate. He still vies to be the heir to Megatron’s throne. However, followers will be few to come by, unless he’s been able to convince those that his intentions are nothing but pure and for the good of the empire. Those soldiers who possess, let us say, lower functioning processors will not be able to see past his façade.”

Blackwind took hold of her glass and brought it to her lips. Slowly she sipped the liquid and let it run down her throat. The femme pulled the glass from her lips and lowered it to rest in her hands just above her lap.

“That brings us to you, my dear Thunderwing. Not only do you possess considerable power, but you also can give the troops something else to grasp. When the war raged and eventually razed our home you refused to just abandon it. You remained and worked to better yourself through the very science that was rejected and designated disgraceful, and now you have the ability to enhance the army in order to win this war. I have no doubt that you are intellectually capable of leading this army, I also believe with me by your side you will rival Megatron himself.”

Blackwind flashed the scientist a satisfied smile.

Bridge

As Razorclaw patiently waited for Divebomb to finish the necessary scans of the designated route back to Earth, he received a message from the Obliteration, informing him that a secured communication from Onslaught was forthcoming. The Predacon Commander was not surprised that his Combaticon counterpart wanted to speak to him in private. There was much to discuss considering the state of affairs. Leadership of the Decepticons would be the likely topic and it was one that the two unit leaders needed to sort out before they threw their support behind any mech. Neither Starscream nor Shockwave were suitable choices in Razorclaw's mind and he was sure Onslaught felt the same way.

The Predacon leader sent a response back to the Obliteration before standing from the captain's chair and looking towards his pilot. "Divebomb, finish your scans as soon as possible and then take us to warp. I'll be in my quarters if anyone should need me." The obedient flier nodded as Razorclaw moved across the bridge and entered the adjacent room, the door closing shut and locking behind him.

Razorclaw’s Personal Quarters

The Predacon Commander walked across the room and took a seat behind his desk, quickly activating his private, secured computer terminal. Once the encryption codes were entered, it was safe to commence his conversation with Onslaught, who had undoubtedly found his own private area in which to speak freely. Within astroseconds a stable connection was made and the Combaticon leader’s voice came across loud and clear over the comm line. Razorclaw listened intently, knowing full well that a reassessment of their situation was warranted, especially after things hadn’t gone exactly according to plan back in the Nerve Center. They had to be better prepared in the future for any eventuality before throwing their support behind any mech for leadership of the Decepticon Empire.

”Agreed, Commander Onslaught," Razorclaw responded as he leaned forward in his chair. "Reassessment is necessary in order to determine the best course of action once we arrive back on Earth. I also agree with your position that the scientists will likely support one another. However, I feel that Lord Thunderwing’s motives for preventing us from taking Shockwave into custody came more from the feeling of being left out of the loop by us and not that he necessarily supports the Military Operations Commander. His actions seemed to have come from a more personal level then from scientific loyalty. This is not to say he won’t ultimately back Shockwave when the time comes, but it is something to consider as we move forward."

Razorclaw shifted slightly in his seat before continuing. "Furthermore, remember that Blackwind has become Thunderwing’s closest confidant since their first meeting, and her dislike for Shockwave could have a great influence on the carapace-enhanced scientist. Blackwind is one factor to bare in mind here as she has no love for either Shockwave or Starscream, her loyalties having always been with Megatron and his vision for the Empire. Now that the slagmaker is gone, she will have to do what we must do and decide to whom her loyalty will now rest with. If we can win her support, then Lord Thunderwing will likely follow."

The Predacon leader's thoughts then focused on the commanders of both the Stunticons and the Constructicons, two teams that could play a pivotal role in the cycles ahead. "As for Motormaster and Scrapper, I agree that they will likely not blindly do whatever Starscream wants, at least not indefinitely. If we can convince them to join with us, we'll then have the combined might of four elite Decepticon units. Add to that the enhanced power of both Thunderwing and Blackwind, and we'll be in an excellent position to help dictate who the next leader of the Decepticons will be.”

Razorclaw’s Personal Quarters

Razorclaw listened as his Combaticon counterpart spoke of the possibility that Thunderwing could make a bid for leadership, himself, and not simply back another. That and the idea of Blackwind blindly following him as she did with Megatron was something the Predacon Commander had not considered. It made sense given the situation. However, it would take more than a fancy carapace to sway most Decepticons, especially given the scientist’s long absence and voluntary isolation on Cybertron.

“If Lord Thunderwing decides to seek leadership of the Decepticons with Blackwind’s backing, then that places us in a precarious position. Do we back him, as well, or do we oppose? Both of them have untold and untested power now due to the carapace process they have undergone, but we do not yet know their limitations. They are very strong and imposing, no doubt, but if all four squads were united together then even Thunderwing and Blackwind would likely have to concede to our will. His long absence does not help his position as many will feel that he'll do what is best for himself and not the rest of the Empire.”

Razorclaw allowed the remainder of what Onslaught had to say sink in to his core processor. The Empire falling into chaos was a distinct possibility given all the factors involved. Ego was not what the Decepticons needed right now. They needed a strong, capable warrior with the intelligence and ability to keep the Empire from falling apart at the seams and the willpower to see the war through to its ultimate conclusion - the defeat of the Autobots. Of course, who best fit that description was another matter entirely. Should it be someone else of their backing or should one of the unit leaders step up and take charge? Both were viable options, but Razorclaw had something a bit different in mind.

“It is more than reasonable to ask that question, Commander Onslaught. Elite tactical units such as yours and mine have been responsible for many of the great strides the Empire has made over the countless vorns this war has raged. If is weren’t for our squads and other groups like us, the Decepticons would’ve lost to the Autobots long ago, even with Megatron still functioning. Now, more than ever, it is important for the specialty units to remain in the forefront to determine who will lead us all into the future. As you said, our support will be necessary for any mech to assume leadership. Therefore, we are the ones that hold the real power from here on out no matter who is on the throne. If we choose the right candidate to take control then perhaps it will be our influence that shapes the Empire even more so than the new leader, himself. In a way, the throne could be ours without any one of us having to actually sit on it. That may be a better solution than trying to decide which unit commander should ascend above the rest.”

The idea of a puppet leader was not a new concept to Razorclaw, but it was a potentially viable one given the current state of things. One ‘Con to serve as a figurehead while the real decision making happened behind the scenes by those best suited for the task. Of course, that would require all four commanders - Motormaster, Scrapper, Onslaught and Razorclaw, himself, to be in agreement. That could be difficult to achieve given that each team leader would likely want what was best for their own group. Hopefully, they would be able to find common ground in order to do what was best for the overall Empire.

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Thunderwing watched as Blackwind spoke, studying both her words and her motions as she answered his queries. She communicated with both words and body language. It was fascinating to watch, more so because of his isolation perhaps. It was refreshing to be around someone quite so expressive. It also helped add emphasis to her what she was saying.

When she was done the Decepticon sat back and mulled it all over. She had presented a intriguing angle for him to exploit. While he had already considered the outsider angle for himself, someone who might have new views and ideas compared to that of Starscream and Shockwave, the loyalty to Cybertron was a new one. It was one that would likely appeal to a certain type of Decepticon, the true believers in the empire.

Unfortunately he was uncertain as to how many of those would be left at this point. The Decepticon cause had likely evolved and changed a considerable amount since leaving Cybertron. Even back then there had been more then a few Decepticons in it only interested in the more thuggish and criminal aspects of the movement. Of course, those tended to be the less intellectual members of the group, easily swayed by feats of strength or acts of violence.

Finally he nodded at her after listening to her and considering it all. He took another sip from his glass before placing it down on a nearby table. “You do present an interesting case. The outsider angle is one I had considered and will help sway those already dissatisfied with the way things are. You raise a very interesting point presenting me as a sort of believer or protector of Cybertron. That may well appeal to another segment of Decepticons.”

Thunderwing stood up and began walking around the room, briefly examining the various surroundings. “The more brutal and thuggish elements of the Decepticons will be satisfied by my combat prowess. I will have to assume the Autobots will provide me and opportunity to display those talents. Leading some sort of mission would be ideal and place the focus on me.” He looked back over at Blackwind. “While this may appear to be a risk, I can assure that I will not fail in such a situation.”

“The more technical minded can be easily swayed. I still consider myself very much a part of that group. I would hope that once they see how far I have come, and the potential I have to share that technology, they will embrace me.” He stopped once he stood directly behind her. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders. “Of course all of this will be dependent on you my dear. You will be my optics and audio receptors among the ranks, particularly the seekers. While I am sure many are as dissatisfied with Starscream as you are I imagine there is some deep rooted loyalty among the fliers. You can tell me how well I sway them one way or the other.” He leaned down, placing his head next to hers. “I can count on you, can’t I?” he said to her softly.

*

Repair Bay

Darkwing eagerly nodded in reply to Shockwave and hopped down from the table. He quickly grabbed a hold of a surprised Dreadwind and dragged him out the door. Before leaving Dreadwind could be heard to mutter, “He probably wants to see how long it takes for the stuff to deactivate us permanently…” before the doors slid shut.

The Thanatos—Bridge

This trek between Earth and Cybertron was rarely the most interesting voyage. Not that Rampage had taken it all that often, but as his mind already tended to wander when it wasn’t presented with the rush of battle, the Predacon had pulled up a gladiator vid on one of the small screens at his console, uploading it from an infodisc that he had brought along with him.

Rampage figured that since Razorclaw was off tending to command level stuff, he wouldn’t mind his team engaging in a little mental distraction, particularly since they weren’t exactly being bombarded by Autobot cruisers or anything like that.

“Gah…that had to hurt…”

___

The Thanatos—Corridors

Satisfied with the results he had seen from Dreadwind and Darkwing, Shockwave had left the ship’s repair bay and was now en route to the mechaforming device that had been locked away in one of the ship’s storage areas. Razorclaw had wisely provided the Military Operations Commander with the means of accessing the device before they had left the tower in Polyhex. The cycloptic Decepticon had no interest in engaging in a detour.

Megatron undoubtedly had grand intentions for sending Shockwave back to Cybertron to retrieve that particular technology from the heart of Kolkular. With Megatron—at least temporarily—no longer around to direct its use, that responsibility would logically fall to Shockwave. He intended to see to it that it was used effectively.

“Imperative—accompany me,” Shockwave said as he passed by Weirdwolf in one of the vessel’s corridors.

___

Transmission from Onslaught

>>“I know little of Thunderwing himself, save for the storied history of Valckasta. Even then, the warlord’s forebears were not exactly generous with what information they chose to reveal. What I have seen leads to me to think that he would be as viable a successor as any of the others, save Starscream. I will be amazed if the Seeker rat has had no part to play in all of this.

“In truth, Razorclaw, the valor and competence you displayed in Shockwave’s tower has earned my loyalty. I would support your vision for leading the Decepticons, if you chose to seek it. The downside, naturally, is that whoever takes Megatron’s throne next will become an immediate target for assassination…so…your alternative is not without merit. If we proceed down that path, we should council with Scrapper and Motormaster immediately upon our arrival to the Sol system and see if any agreement can be reached on which Decepticon should receive the considerable advantage that our support would grant.”<<

The Thanatos — Corridors

Ever since Weirdwolf had returned and informed Skullcruncher of the briefing Shockwave had held about change of plans following Megatron's presumed death, neither of the two warriors had had much to say. Disbelief and refusal to accept the facts they had access to had been the predominant subjects of the whatever discussion the duo had managed to go through while they had moved Shockwave's experiments and equipment into the massive battlecruiser. Skullcruncher in particular had began to show signs of anger and frustration, which had began to manifest as his unnerving habit of grinding his teeth together. Which was something that had eventually forced Weirdwolf to leave the Dinobot sized brute to guard the entrance of the cargo hold where Shockwave's valuables were stashed alone.

And that was when the tracker almost run into Shockwave.

"Follow I will commander. But the reasons behind it I crave." The tracker replied to the larger purple Decepticon as he turned on his heels and set after Shockwave.

Razorclaw’s Personal Quarters

Razorclaw leaned back in his chair as he listened to Onslaught speak through the secured comm line. Like the Combaticon Commander, ‘Claw knew little regarding Thunderwing with a few notable exceptions that now lie buried within the historical data tracks, many of which may not tell the whole story of who the scientist really is. That coupled with his extended absence only served to make him a greater mystery to most Decepticons and Autobots alike. Still, Thunderwing was only one of many potential candidates, but he was not one that could easily be controlled by others behind the scenes. No, another choice would have to be decided upon if the elite teams had any hope of influencing the future of the Empire.

The Predacon Commander smiled underneath his faceplate when Onslaught stated that he would support and give his loyalty to Razorclaw if the mechanical lion sought the throne for himself. ‘Claw had to admit that the thought of taking Megatron’s place had indeed crossed his processor, but like his counterpart then stated, whomever took the leadership position would almost immediately be targeted for assassination by those who did not agree with the choice. For that reason alone, it would be imperative for that individual to have all the right support if they were to survive for more than a deca-cycle. It also made the puppet alternative much more appealing. After all, if their chosen successor was terminated then the team commanders would simply pick another and still remain in a position of considerable influence without putting their own sparks at risk. It was an unorthodox idea, but a valid one to contemplate.

”Starscream most certainly has a part to play in all this, Commander Onslaught. That you can be certain of. I am also honored that you think so highly of my abilities that you would place your trust with me if I were to seek the throne, myself. However, I have never been one that found politics appealing as I would much rather be on the battlefield with my Predacons than directing the action from afar while stuck in a war room. Of course, we have also never been faced with the loss of Megatron before and thus all options should be considered.”

Razorclaw leaned forward in his chair once again and folded his arms on the desk in front of him, letting out a quiet sigh. The Predacon leader had to concede the idea of seeking the throne if it became absolutely necessary to ensure the survival of the Empire. Civil war could not be allowed to break out, no matter the cost or change to his own position within the political infrastructure. If he must suffer through politics in order to save Megatron’s vision then so be it. Hopefully, it would not come down to that.

“If we are unable to find a suitable successor that we could have a substantial influence over, then perhaps I will have no choice but to step up and assume control to ensure that the specialty units had the majority voice in the Empire. I’d rather not have to take such a drastic step, but I will if I must. Of course, for that to happen I would also need the full support of Motormaster and Scrapper, otherwise Decepticons such as Starscream, Thunderwing and Shockwave would never accept my ascension and my reign would likely end before it even began. However, regardless of who ultimately assumes the throne, I agree that we must first seek council with the other commanders in order to see where they stand. Are they more agreeable to a puppet leader that we completely control ourselves, or would they rather have a unit commander such as myself being in charge?”

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

It was a moment before Thunderwing finally nodded. Blackwind smiled briefly before the scientist responded audibly to what she had conveyed. As he spoke, Blackwind placed her glass down on the side table and sensuously crossed her right leg over her left, her optics fixed on him the entire time he addressed her.

Blackwind nodded while he voiced his thoughts out loud. The femme Seeker casually laid her left arm on the side of the chair while her right hand draped over her knee. She was pleased that he was in agreement with her assessments. He also seemed to be quite eager to take advantage of the opportunity present. With her help the throne of the Decepticon Empire would prove to be procurable, and if they happen to be faced with opposition…well, then, it would most assuredly be eliminated.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Thunderwing stood from his chair and began to wander around, idly exploring her meager wares and other contents. She gazed over his form a moment before her attention was drawn back to their discussion.

At the mention of his possibly leading a mission at some point to bolster his position amongst the ranks, Blackwind opened her mouth to protest, but Thunderwing quickly reassured her that he would never fail in such an act. She relaxed visibly as he continued to speak, her optics following his every movement that is until he moved out of her view.

While he stood behind her chair he placed his hands on her shoulders eliciting a delicate smile and a content sigh. With her optics focused on the empty chair in front of her she took in everything he was saying. Understanding the feelings and conceptions of the masses would be essential in Thunderwing’s bid, and since she is already established amongst them, it would be her responsibility.

Another smile creased her lips when he leaned down to her level and spoke to her softly. She gave her response just as softly as he had asked.

“You can always count on me, mon amour. All you need is ask.”

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Thunderwing smiled before softly replying, “Good.” He stood back up to his full height and walked back around to stand in front of Blackwind. He stood silently for a moment, considering the situation and what moves to make before he sat down. “As I see it the key to gaining the support of the Decepticon masses will be securing the support of the various officers, the team leaders in particular. Unfortunately with Starscream in command of the seekers we lose some support there. I do believe, however, that your presence will more then make up for that.” He offered her a smile. “I am sure you can influence the fliers to some extent and at the very least find out there thoughts on the topic of leadership.”

He brought his hands together in front of him, interlacing the fingers as he continued. “That leaves us with the other sub groups. We have Razorclaw and his Predacons and Onslaught and his Combaticons with us now. My actions on the bridge may have damaged those relations a bit, but not irreparably. Razorclaw, as I recall, has always been a warrior, a hunter, a predator. He will appreciate a keen mind and fighting prowess. He will not settle for a simply thug or blowhard as a leader. I believe if I lead a victory in battle displaying both intellect and skill it will help to sway him. Onslaught on the other hand has always fancied himself a strategist first above all else. Consulting him and working with him, giving him recognition he likely so rarely receives will help bring him to my side.”

Thunderwing sat back in his seat. “Of course this is an oversimplification. Both will require varying amounts of convincing but these steps will be a strong start.” He smiled at her again. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind, I would like to pick you cerebral circuits a bit, as someone else who has a keen intellect and a knowledge of politics, among many other skills. What other groups are located on Earth, and what would be good ways to sway them? I can’t imagine what changes there might have been in my absence concerning Decepticon attitudes and beliefs. I will need you to help educate me.”

Bridge

Once his communication with Onslaught had ended, Razorclaw quickly returned to the bridge and assumed his position in the captain’s chair. There were many questions weighing heavily on his processor, questions that his Combaticon equal shared, as well. One thing the Predacon leader still had in his possession were the recordings of Shockwave’s dealings with the Autobots in Iacon. Those would be useful in helping to sway certain Decepticons away from Shockwave’s assertion to leadership, but these sound bytes did not provide much aid when it came to Thunderwing and his possible bid for the throne. Other methods would be required if the carapace ladened scientist gained any kind of support within the ‘Con ranks.

Of course, their was also Starscream to contend with and his band of elite seekers that would likely side with him. He would surely not give up his command position willingly, especially considering his scheming nature and well known lust for power. All of these factors had to be considered and handled appropriately as the choices in the coming orns would not be easy to make for any of them. One wrong decision could spell civil war and possibly lead to the collapse of the Empire, itself. This was something that could not be allowed to happen.

Setting his multitude of concerns aside for the time being, Razorclaw switched his immediate attention over to the aerial Predacon in the pilot’s seat. “Divebomb, what’s your status? Are your scans completed yet?”

Divebomb turned around in his chair to face his commander. “Yes, sir. I just finished, in fact. I had to make a few minor course corrections to avoid some obstacles. As a result, our trip may take a little longer than usual. However, everything else checks out and we are ready to engage the transwarp drive on your order.”

“The order is given,” Razorclaw replied stoically as he sat back in the captain’s chair. “Be sure to transmit our course to the Obliteration so that they can follow us to our destination safely.”

“It will be done, Commander,” Divebomb responded before he swung back around to face the pilot’s terminal once again. After the push of a few buttons, a signal was sent to the Combaticon vessel. The aerial Predacon then initiated the transwarp drive and the Thanatos disappeared into hyperspace, leaving Cybertron far behind.

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Blackwind kept her optics glued to Thunderwing form as he stepped out from behind her chair to stand in front of her. She tilted her head to one side as gazed up at him; he was quiet for a moment before he finally sat back down across from her. Blackwind listened closely to everything the scientist had to say. Razorclaw was not as complicated as he might think. The Predacon commander was patient to no end; he would wait until the perfect candidate was found, this would make convincing him that Thunderwing was the best successor.

Onslaught, on the other hand, only wished to be able to put his superior intellect to good use. Giving the Combaticon commander every opportunity to do so would ensure his support. Blackwind thought a moment before her attention was brought back to the aristocrat sitting across from her. She nodded at his statement and carefully readjusted her position so that she could cross her legs in the opposite direction.

After Thunderwing asked his questions and stated his concerns, Blackwind picked up her glass and slowly stood. She made her way to her desk where she poured herself another glass full of synthetic energon. She took a sip and casually took a seat in her desk chair.

“I understand your concern. I will certainly do everything in my power to ensure you ascend the throne of the Decepticon Empire. As with the group that are currently on Earth…”

She turned to her computer terminal and typed in a few commands. She looked back to her guest and smiled.

“There are quite a few. A majority of the Seekers are there; obviously our dear Aerospace Commander is present. I feel the remainder of his trine will remain loyal to him, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be convinced to abnegate and support you. The Constructicons want nothing more than to be given their own space in order to conduct their own experiments. Providing them with adequate territory and a plethora of assignments to keep them satisfied and I’m sure they will give you their support.”

She typed in a few more commands on her terminal and smiled when the screen converted to a live video feed of the bridge and the lab.

“I fear, however, that Soundwave will be the most difficult to persuade. He was a devout follower of Lord Megatron, as was I, but he and I do not see eye to eye. I suggest we supply him with evidence that the other candidates do not have the interest of the Empire at heart. And to that end I believe if we just watch long enough we’ll no doubt come across something that Shockwave is keeping from even Soundwave.”

Blackwind motioned to her terminal. She flashed Thunderwing a smile before she brought up the audio from the lab.

The Thanatos--Corridors

"Follow I will commander. But the reasons behind it I crave," Weirdwolf had said. Shockwave did not take the opportunity to provide his Decepticon subordinate with an immediate response. Instead, they continued on in silence for the time being.

Arriving at last in front of the storage facility where the mechaforming technology had been kept, Shockwave handed the datapad that Razorclaw had provided to him over to Weirdwolf. He then cast a brief, appraising glance at the locked doors and then took a couple of measured steps backward.

"Imperative: enter the security codes exactly as they appear."

In spite of everything that had happened within the past few orns, or perhaps directly because of it, Shockwave's trust of those around him had dropped to barely functional levels. Moreover, the fact remained that he was still aboard the Predacons' personal vessel.

Such paranoia was typically the domain of the Seeker and his entourage, but with Megatron's status questionable at best, it would do them all well to exercise an additional measure of caution. If, for example, this storage area were rigged to assassinate the first individual who attempted to access its contents, better it be Weirdwolf than Shockwave.

"Proceed."

The Thanatos — Corridors

Weirdwolf's optics flickered as Shockwave handed him the datapad and took few steps back. Could the walking computer given form of a Decepticon commander have been any less obvious. Rather than attempting to secure Weirdwolf's support in an already volatile situation, Shockwave seemed to be paranoid enough of every Decepticon on board the battlecruiser to endanger their lives rather than his own. Which was not really a problem to Weirdwolf. However, he did not like his intelligence being undermined in such manner. Shockwave could have selected one of the less than bright characters that formed the bulk of the Decepticon war machine. Instead, he had chosen him for a duty fit to a drone? Obviously his services were not appreciated by the cyclops despite the crucial role he and Skullcruncher had had in securing the samples Shockwave had been searching for from the depths of Cybertron. If anything, Shockwave's chosen action made the deadly tracker even more convinced than before that if Megatron was truly gone, the only real option for a new leader of the Decepticons was someone with a vision and a warrior's spark. Unfortunately for Weirdwolf, his crossed-wires made his feelings known, that was of course - if Shockwave was able to understand the tracker's supposedly inner monologue.

"Paranoia as the calculator's guide, for a fool the old one takes him... Brilliance of this one gone unappreciated!" Weirdwolf muttered as his digits danced on the touchpad, while his complex sensory systems scanned and analyzed the door before him subconsciously.

His transcendental sixth sense hinting him of no imminent danger in typing in the command code in order to open the door, Weirdwolf did so and once again, he managed to succeed in thinking aloud. "Death and devastation this door will bring not. Seeds of mistrust and hatred it plants. This one misses a true leader, a burning spark and battlefield littered with smoking husks of its enemies!"

"The door opened has commander, needed for something else am I?"

The Thanatos--Storage

Shockwave accepted the datapad. Seeing that no harm had come to his Decepticon subordinate, the Military Operations Commander proceeded to walk in to the storage area itself. His sole optic quickly found the mechaforming technology that they had acquired in Kaon.

"Satisfactory," Shockwave said simply, acknowledging that having to deal with a suddenly incapacitated Decepticon warrior would have been considerably inconvenient, but not as much as if it had been he himself.

As Weirdwolf continued to speak, Shockwave analyzed his words even as he continued entering the command protocols necessary to access the mechaforming technology. Though his words were twisted, Shockwave was actually somewhat taken off guard by the depth of what the other Decepticon was saying. It had been a statistical improbability that such a conversation would ever occur between the two, so much so that Shockwave had not even entertained it as a possibility. Kneeling in front of the tech, Shockwave turned his sole optic on Weirdwolf for the moment.

"Guide? Negative. Tool? Affirmative. Declarative: Megatron's absence will be felt by all, until such time as the means to find and restore him are discovered. Interrogative: which Decepticon do you feel best suited to lead the way forward? Given your stated prerequisites, I can calculate with 87.98974% probability that you believe it is not the one before you now. I am curious as to whom you will follow."

The Thanatos - Storage

Weirdwolf froze as he heard Shockwave's words. There were few beings that made the tracker nervous and one was facing him right now. It was not fear, not yet at least. Caution? Definitely. Excluding those few whose powers rivaled the ancient scientist, only a fool would openly challenge someone as powerful as Shockwave. A hunter like Weirdwolf knew that everyone had a weakness. Given chance to prepare, he was pretty certain he could best even Shockwave. However, what he faced now was hardly an ideal situation for him to test his skills. Not that he even really wanted to do so. Shockwave was a scientific and military genius, one that the Decepticons as a whole could not afford to lose if they wanted to end this war. No matter, a weakness of his own had betrayed Weirdwolf. A weakness he knew that existed. A weakness he could not control.

"Misspoke I did again, did I not?" The tracker sighed. Whatever the reason was, at times, Weirdwolf just could not avoid talking to himself. Sometimes it made him to give up his position during a hunt. Sometimes it led him into awkward situations like this.

"The Gladiator replaced cannot be commander." Weirdwolf stated calmly. For whatever it was worth, he was not going to show any weakness in front of the purple cyclops. He was not going to reveal anything more than answers to the questions presented to him. Nor he felt any shame in sharing his opinion on who the Decepticon Empire should follow from now on. "Valued you are commander. But also forgotten. Considered you dead they have. Only a small glimpse of the Gladiator's grand scheme have you seen. The leadership of this cell no peer of mighty Scorponok or master Deathsaurus makes you."

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Thunderwing nodded as he took in Blackwind’s analysis. “The Constructicons will indeed likely want to receive the credit and attention they feel they are due by being the architects of so much of what the Decepticons have done. I suspect they would likely side with Shockwave over Starscream as he will at least appreciate them on a technical level. I would guess that Starscream will likely build support by appealing to some baser elements that would not particularly interest Scrapper and his group, for the most part at least. The trick will indeed be to appreciate them and give them assignments to keep them happy and busy. On top of that I can likely add some charm that Shockwave could not supply.” He offered the seeker a small smile.

He sat back, his hands folded together as he considered Soundwave. “Soundwave will be difficult to deal with. He is in a precarious situation, which he must realize. I do recall his staunch loyalty to Megatron, from even before the war started I’ve heard. More then a few Decepticons likely have a score to settle with him through whatever shady dealings he has been free to do under the protection of Megatron. Of course, he is quite powerful in his own right, which makes him an attractive ally to have.”

Thunderwing paused to think for a bit. “I would doubt he would side with Starscream, at least not fully. The seeker’s ambitions against Megatron would likely preclude them from every really trusting each other. On the other hand he may not necessarily run to Shockwave. If I recall, Shockwave had developed a method of blocking his telepathy, planting a seed of mistrust from the start. However this doesn’t give me any particular opening with him. The best strategy may be to simply isolate him from any side for now.”

He looked up at Blackwind. “I will trust you to assist with the seekers. I recall their numbers being seemingly legion, to the point where one wonders if even Starscream himself knows them all.” He chuckled lightly before continuing. “With the Aerospace commander busy vying for full leadership, however, I think that would give you a chance to increase your personal influence on his soldiers. While I don’t expect the likes of Thundercracker or Skywarp to turn on him, I would guess that having served so long with Starscream will have rubbed some of the other seekers the wrong way, and perhaps make them willing to seek out some form of change in leadership.”

He nodded at the view of the bridge and lab on the monitor. “Well done in bugging the ship. I would ask you how you did it but I assume you prefer to keep some secrets.” He offered her another smile. “I would also advise you not to use such devices often, but I suspect we may not be located on this vessel too much longer once we return to Earth. We might as well exploit this advantage while we can.”

The Thanatos--Storage

Shockwave considered Weirdwolf's words, a reality that was unique in itself, even as he prodded and examined the mechaforming technology, ensuring that the exterior was free of flaws or possible contaminants before he delved in to the inner workings.

"Declarative: those who forget my capabilities will do so at their own peril. My history and experience speak for themselves. Now and for the foreseeable future. The Expansion Fleet Commanders have been relegated to irrelevance by their current assignments. I see no pressing reason for that to change."

Shockwave rose to his feet.

"However, there is one component of truth in your words. Megatron will not be replaced. Where we go from here will be different, by necessity."

Approaching an access panel, Shockwave used a Decepticon command code available to all of his rank and station and prepared a subspace transmission with the Thanatos' communications systems that would go out to another of his agents. This would have been significantly easier were Soundwave present and at his disposal, but the Military Operations Commander made due. It had been many vorns since Shockwave had any direct contact with this individual, but his services would be just as valuable within the Sol system as they were in his current field of operations, wherever that currently was. The magnitude of the current change in Decepticon leadership would necessitate change at all levels of the current strategy. It would also necessitate the reassignment of certain field agents who were too valuable to remain in their current posts.

>>"Decepticon Shadowing--imperative--upon receipt of this message, you are to proceed to the provided universal coordinates. You will rendezvous with forces in the First Fleet. You will provide debriefing of your recent activities, whereupon new orders will be given. This transmission supercedes any and all others that you are currently operating under. Shockwave out."<<

Stepping away from the access panel, Shockwave returned to the mechaforming technology.

"Imperative: proceed with your departure, Weirdwolf."