Data CenterIs must have been a joke. There was just no other explanation for what Nightraven had just heard. The Fallen.
The Fallen? It was impossible. The Prime lost to his very Dynasty had returned and had decided to make his presence known on Earth. And at the site of the Decepticons’ new HQ location of all places. This was either very bad or very…no, this was very bad.
“I…I. You heard right, but I don’t believe it.” Nightraven stared back at
Skywarp her mouth slightly agape as she tried to comprehend just what implications this unforeseen arrival would present. Nightraven nodded in agreement to keep the news about The Fallen from Shockwave. She then glanced back at the terminal Skywarp was working at. She was ready to try and work out just what to tell Shockwave when Soundwave’s message came over the comm. lines.
For a moment Nightraven watched as Skywarp stood and headed for the door. The femme shook her head slightly and let out a low sigh before she set off after him. She had sidled up and slipped through the doors just he passed into the corridor.
Corridors near the BarracksNightraven had worked her way beside Skywarp but remained silent as they wound their way through the corridors on their way to the hanger. The sudden bellow of the teleporter’s name had her stopping in her tracks, but when Razorclaw stepped into their path Nightraven took a slight step back and behind the black and purple Seeker.
The femme remained quiet while the Predacon Commander laid out his plan to use Skywarp’s special ability of teleportation in order to gain access to the locked down laboratories. Her attention switched from the lion-former back to Skywarp when the latter tried to remind the former that they were expected in the hanger to witness Starscream’s trial…performed by none other than the DJD themselves. This revelation seemed to surprise Razorclaw and prompted him to attempt to get the both of them to do his bidding. Nightraven, however, remained close to
Skywarp as the interim Seeker Commander decided to stand up to the much more powerful Predacon. Probably not the best idea he’s had, but still brave.
His attempt at intimidation only caused Razowclaw to pause in his advance and turn back around to stalk back to Skywarp. The action made Nightraven flinch and almost instinctively reach out to rest the tips of her fingers lightly on the Seeker’s elbow. She lowered her hand when Skywarp kept at the other mech…making an admirable if not stupid stand against the vicious and patient killer.
She sent Razorclaw a confused look when the surrounding Predacons began to close in on both Seekers. Nightraven swept her optics in all directions as they were now surrounded but her attention was drawn back to Razorclaw when his threat was finally made clear. The femme caught
Razorclaw’s glance before he returned his focus solely on Skywarp whose bravado had now quickly faded. Nightraven reached out once more and brushed her hand over his elbow before pulling back.
Outside the Science LabsNightraven moved along with Razorclaw and his pack to their intended destination but the group stopped before proceeding down the remainder of the corridor. She kept close to the teleporter if for no other reason than to be out of the Predacons’ reach. Razorclaw’s mention of his three subordinates had Nightraven taking a cursory glance around at
Divebomb,
Headstrong and
Rampage.
Her optics met with Skywarp’s as both
Razorclaw and
Tantrum took hold of his arms and the three vanished from sight. She kept her attention on the location the three had just vanished from for a moment before she turned back around to face the three remaining Predacons.
Inside the Science LabsLeft to his own devices and whims Knockout was bound to keep himself busy and very happy. While alone the mechanic was able to do what he wanted and how he wanted. After Shockwave and his entourage had vacated the premises the red and gold mech had done a bit of digging…literally. The prone but restrained form of Blackwind had been subject to several more attempts of cutting and none too tender slicing until he finally was able to remove another sizable chunk of the femme’s carapace. Unfortunately he was no more closer to discovering just how the process worked than he was before…but getting to this point had been rather fun.
All had been quiet; the only sound that permeated the space came only from Knockout’s own upbeat humming so when the sound of his name finally penetrated his audios the vain ‘Con let out a surprised yelp. He spun around…his energon prod in hand ready to defend himself from whoever this interloper might be.
Knockout relaxed but only marginally when he saw who had just arrived. He offered Razorclaw a slight nod while resting the end of his energon prod on the floor beside him. With a cocky smile Knockout gestured to both
Tantrum and
Skywarp who were positioned near the door. “Boys.”
“Well, well, well.
Razorclaw. Long time no hear from…not that I cared to hear from you anyway.” Knockout let out a low chuckle before hefting his weapon, twirling it in one hand and stowing it away. While the lion-former spoke he circled round the mech putting some distance between he and the dangerous ‘Con. “No access codes…I can see why you’d assume that ‘ol one-eye didn’t trust you. Then again I can’t see why anyone would trust you.”
The mechanic stopped his circling and slipped back to the slab his patient was still strapped too. There was no reason why he couldn’t continue his work so long as they didn’t interfere, that is. “So, you’re interested in Shocky’s little stash of home brewed “
Nightmare Fuel”, eh?” He was preparing to perform another invading incision when he was stopped by Razorclaw’s inquiry concerning Blackwind’s identity.
“Yes, this is our resident Aerial Coordinator. Or for as long as she remains online…” Knockout let out a chuckle but grew silent when the name of the Valkasta Warlord was spoken. He had a feeling the mech was onboard and assumed that with his ongoing work Shockwave would have kept him and his work guarded. But seeing as that Razorclaw and his cronies were able to gain entry into the labs only proved that is would be far easier for Thunderwing to gain entry as well. And if he were to see just what he’d been up to…ugh. Knockout ran his hand lightly over his neck…the Warlord would be sure to make his death an agonizing one. “Well, I don’t see why we would need to mention anything to Thunderwing. After all his little precious is still very functional and will remain that way. Sooo…”
The mechanic flashed the trio a dashing smile as he clapped his hands together. “…what say we have a little drink, no?” That said Knockout placed his hand on Razorclaw’s shoulder and guided him toward the energon stores where the Ultra Energon was kept.
Communique from Clutch >>”Knockout, looks like we are having some guests. The DJD is coming to say hi to Starscream. I hope you’re all polished up and smiles for this. I know you’ve heard the same stories about them I have.”<<
>>"
Now is not a very good time, Clutch. I'm in the middle of...some well, some important experimentation. As for the DJD, I have most certainly heard of what they're capable of. Keep your nose clean and do plenty of Megatron worshiping and Tarn may leave you alone. Keep me informed on how the trial is going."<<