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Corridors

Once on the move Psychout zipped off to do his secret mission ‘He’s always up to Shenanigans’ Crueljaw thought as he continued on his way towards the armoury. He needed some explosives for really burying any evidence from the natives and back up disposable weaponry just in case it got interesting thou knowing grey ops he would be putting his own optics out with his plasma sword out of boredom. He looked at Vindicator as he slammed his arm against his side and muttered about knocking it off about the Seeker comments.

If Crueljaw had a conventional mouth he would be smirking from audio receptor to audio receptor wrong thing to say to him. “So you’ve got your ticket to the seeker convention then Vin I know that Darkfire has abstained as she’s busy putting Starscream’s head on a stick, Will you be asking for an audio clip for your audio standby feed”

Crueljaw stepped into the room that was the armoury before he heard Vindicators most likely unpleasant repost to his verbal jibes. A cavernous storage hold filled with every weapon that the troopers would need for any mission Crueljaw only needed a couple of thermal bombs and an acid pellet rifle. He placed the bombs within a couple of compartments the rifle he folded up and placed within his left leg compartment. He emerged from the armoury “Hey Vin don’t get lost in there I saw you eyeing up the null rays” Crueljaw headed further down the corridor to the bounce chamber to wait for vindicator and the others. He remembered he had to set his avatar up as he waited he looked like he was locked up but in actual fact he was in his avatar selection software selecting the appropriate driver and a colonel for the back seat. Externally he chuckled to himself inside he set the finished setting the avatars.

“Now to wait for Psychout and the others” muttered Crueljaw as he checked the sights on his shotgun and recently acquired Acid pellet rifle.

Secured Storage Bay

Shockwave took in Shadowing's analysis and recommendations with the same care and precision with which he took in all such information. He was not typically inclined to alter a course of action once he had decided upon one, but there was always a degree of allowance for alternative insights.

Analyzing...

Analyzing......

Analyzing.........

"Declarative: percentages equivalent. Margin of error +/- 4%. Imperative: identify better alternatives," Shockwave said, speaking aloud. Statistics suggested that security on the ship was not a primary concern for him, particularly with Soundwave on the bridge. Those who had served under the Decepticon strategist for some time tended to be even more paranoid than most within the intelligence and counterintelligence ranks of the Decepticons. He accepted it on their part, but did not follow it himself unless a change in circumstances warranted such an adjustment. It was only logical.

His singular optic then looked up from the fallen form of Haywire and focused once again on Weirdwolf. It was of curious note that Haywire had been attempting to access this storage bay in particular. In Shockwave's mind, there was no room for coincidences. He would have to be treated as a potential subversive.

"Response: satisfactory. Imperative: he will be taken to the brig and incarcerated until suitable allowances can be made to ascertain the appropriate degree of protocol breach."

Shockwave then stepped past Weirdwolf and continued onward. He approached the doors to the storage area where he had initially ordered the Predacons to seal away the Ore-13 as well as the cyberforming technology that he had retrieved from Cybertron. Skullcruncher was present. Shockwave acknowledged him with a passing glance before interfacing directly with the command locks. Shockwave systematically undid them in a matter of a few short microseconds and stepped in to the room itself. The sight before him was a welcome one.

"Imperative: this remaining, limited supply of Ore-13 must be transferred to the lab facility adjoining the medical bay. I must acquire a statistical certainty that the productive effects of the ultra-energon outweigh any counterproductive ones."

Stepping away from the small ore stockpile, Shockwave then approached the initiating module of the cyberforming tech. Increased energon efficiency and output would be useful, but this technology was the critical aspect of Megatron's strategy, and now Shockwave's own. He had laid the foundation for Cybertron to potentially achieve restoration. Even so, there were numerous factors working against him. If Cybertron could not be restored to Shockwave's satisfaction, Sol-3 would be an acceptable alternative.

Armoury

Vindicator looked at Crueljaw as the brisk mechanoid rummaged though the heaps of weaponry, picking and choosing at will, the items to take with him on the arriving mission to earth. Naturally the universal constant was to load up on everything just in case it was needed. Not that it was needed, it was a grey ops mission and being low-key was paramount. Well that was unless you were a certain bunch of upstart, preening seekers. Pah pizza delivery boy's the lot of them! Vindicator came to the conclusion - and like many other con's - seekers were really not all they were cracked up to be. In fact they were cracked up, in the head!

Vindicator made his way past Crueljaw, reaching up to the storage bin above the grumbler's head and pulling down a few drums of cybertonium rounds for his shredder cannons - five for each cannon to be exact, for you could never have too much ammo. And for a siege tactician such as himself, having enough amunition was always key, for there were plenty of doors that needed opening with said key, and once stocked with ammo for the shredder cannons mounted on his arms, the large mechanoid made his way to an area of the armoury that housed plasma shells. Then came the next seeker comment.

Vindicator looked over his shoulder as he picked up one of the plasma mortars and threw it up in the air leasurly with one massive hand before snarling back at Crueljaw.

"Shut your over-ventilated carcass 'Jaws, before I ram this mortar round up your frakkin exaust port and use my hammer to set it off..see how far your grouchy aft will fly!"

Vindicator started to change his shape as he accessed his plasma mortar systems. The large decepticon got larger and wider, bathing the armoury in a sickly green glow as his armour plating shifted and made way for the massive plasma loader and barrell. It made looking at a colossus, more like standing at the toe of a god, as Vindicator's hight and width was effectively enhanced by half. It was then that he started to load in more of the plasma mortars into the auto loader that was mounted on his back, and whilst he was in the midst of doing so, he caught sight of Darkfire in the armoury too as Crueljaw was just heading out.

It wouldn't be long until they were planet side and sorting through the rubble that was the former decepticon base. Vindicator checked his internal computer so that he had the correct co-ordinates for the bounce. He folded down back to his normal size, as his systems vented the excess heat from the transformation process. He streached and crunched as he loosened up his stiff joints after his mode-shift.

"Darkfire, we'll just be next door in the bounce chamber. I'll have to program the computer for the exact bounce location so we don't have to trek a fair distance...urgh..." The big mechanoid sighed outwardly "...I should be flattered that you chose 13 ways to cause some serious harm to me..." he flashed the femme a smile and a wink before walking past her towards the doors of the armoury. He muttered aloud about going back to earth "..I hate that planet!"

Bounce Chamber

Vindicator stomped into the bounce chamber, his mood darkening by the minute at the thought of going back down onto the surface of Sol-3, a place he would rather be burning and liberating of its resources than plodding around in the background! He was a fortifier as well as a destroyer, not a diode-glitching repair man! Well granted that it was an over-egotistical, and power hungry, pizza delivery boy that went and almost borked everything up for every con in the sol system. Seekers...not worth the bloody time or effort!

Vindicator made his way over to the bounce chamber computer and began to input the co-ordinates for the bounce to earth, so that they would land in the correct area, and not have to plod over a varying distance to get to where they needed to be! His large fingers danced over the keyes and symbls effortlessly as he pinpointed the location of the ruined base, but his face went from sullen to sour instantly as his amber optics darkened in disgust at what he saw!

"Oh for the.. FREAKING UNBELIEVABLE!!" The large mechanoid roared as he thumped the console. "..The place is CRAWLING with those fleshbag parasites...this makes things more difficult if those blasted meat-sacks are wandering around our former base of operations!"

Vindicator continued to leave a string of curses and profanity as he programmed the computer to bounce them outside of the human's perimiter, away from visual range. The base of the mountain road would be the best option, as it was a secluded highway that led off to the dirt road that took any traveller up to the mountain. Their best bet not to get spotted either!

Vindicator entered the final co-ordinates before checking the targeting system on his shredder cannons, and making sure that everything else was in working order. He walked past Crueljaw, and in a strange act of comradeship - one that he hadn't shared with any other con other than Contemptor, he playfully kicked Crueljaw in the aft plate, held up the bottle of triple distilled, and grinned.

"One for the road? A bit of Kaon Courage?"

Bounce Chamber

"Don't mind if I do Vin..." Psychout flew around the corner and intercepted the bottle. It would appear he timed his arrival perfectly, as always. He took a healthy swig and handed it on to Crueljaw.

"...What in the pit are you carrying 'Jaws? We're on a Grey-Op not a Dinobot hunt! Your need to overcompensate never ceases to amaze me." He allowed time for Darkfire to enter the room, closed the chamber door and began the briefing.

He called up a screen showing the landscape containing the factions former base and the military complex surrounding it. Using his laser scalpel as a pointer he highlighted the local features. There was a fuel refinery in the area and a small settlement, quite densely populated, no doubt doing a brisk trade with the military encampment that had recently sprung up. He indicated a runway that was a possibly a bit short for an F-22 to land, but he figured Darkfire would be more than capable of handling it, the radar arrays and limited firepower the encampment possessed.
His pointer rested on a building on the edge of the civilian settlement, it has an array of power cables and lines crossing over its location and its energy signature made it apparent that it was likely to be some kind of communications hub. It had a picture of a coffee cup on the roof, and was, in actuality, an internet-coffee shop, but Psychout had no idea what one of those was yet.

"Our first stop will be here. Vindicators Avatar will enter and hook me up to an accessible computer network where I will pull up the details of the command structure of the encampment, gain us some clearance codes and allow you to fine-tune Crueljaws avatar's appearance to match the sectors CO. Crueljaw, you will scout the region for any military vehicles outside of the compunnd and and mimic their insignias and registration markings whilst Darkfire recons the wider area to ensure that there is no other Cybertronian activity."

He moved his pointer and zoomed the map closer onto the compund.
"Vindicator, Crueljaw and myself will approach at the main access point to the South East, whilst Darkfire watches us from above radar range, monitors any radio signals and ensures that we are not being watched, interfering only if we are fired upon. Crueljaw's avatar will impersonate the CO's entourage and, using the clearance code I will implant in the Military base's network, get us inside the compound. He will hand me over as an authorised extrenal-drive with classified orders on and will order their communications officer to hook me up directly to their network. From there I will upgrade the roster to allow Darkfire to land immediately, and begin preparations for the second team to land in the base. We send the avatars into the collapsed mountain during daylight as a routine inspection, and work out how to get in, then wait until dark and head into what is left of Megatron's former base on Sol-3 ourselves."

He zoomed in on the map to just the destroyed former base itself. "Once inside the camp we have three objectives. Remove all traceable Cybertronian tech. Establish contact with any Facsimiles in the sector. Ensure that infiltration protocols are adhered to all all times. Once we have done these we are to rendezvous with command at the new base currently under construction. Shadowing is our contact here on Thanatos, although official reports go through Soundwave."

"We will have approximately 2 Sol-3 cycles to complete our initial sweep of the ruins before any Facsimiles can arrive to take over command of the base, so we will be spending a fair amount of time in our disguises before they arrive, be sure you are comfortable and have the correct insignia for your avatar and altmodes. Oh, and whatever you do... mind your head." He chucked at Vindicator.

"Any questions?" he left the smallest fraction of a second pass "Too late."
"Internal comms chatter should be fine as there is no way those flesh...things can map our frequencies so keep in contact as much as possible. Now, I've already talked for far too long, lets go and see what this mudball actually looks like..."

Psychout dismissed the map screen, flew over and landed on a bounce-pad next to his team mates and activated the switch that would take him, Darkfire, Vindicator and Crueljaw down to Earth.

Well, that's the plan anyway...


((OOC: Sid, all yours buddy))

Armory

Darkfire watched Vindicator and Crueljaw suit up for battle. They were impressive with the amount of sheer firepower that they carried, but the assassin knew that a well placed knife could be just as effective as any amount of firepower. She watched them impassively, watching Crueljaw as he exited. Darkfire turned her attention to the weapons in the Armory.

The jet-former was in the middle of analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of two types of throwing knife that the armory had in stock when Vindicator took her by surprise - a rare occurrence in any case. She crushed any of that surprise from her face, however. She did not exactly know what to make of the smile and wink since just a few moments ago, her attempt at social interaction had failed miserably. Perhaps not as miserably as she thought?

The assassin watched Vindicator go. In another life, she would have known what to think of this. Darkfire shook her cranium and chose some spare throwing knives and some other ammunition for her Null Ray. She exited the Armory and headed off to the Bounce Chamber to be briefed for their mission.

Corridors

Knockout flashed his comrade a wry smirk as Clutch made his way slowly past the mechanic. Quietly Knockout whispered in the assistant’s direction.

“I never said you were old. I said I was better looking.”

With a low chuckle the crimson and gold mech stepped out of the Med Bay and in to the corridor followed closely by Blackwind.

Both mechs would help in her new assignment given to her by Shockwave. Gather a potential team to reinforce Thunderwing and his own team on Earth. The thought of being trapped on board the Thanatos while the scientist and his team were secluded on the giant mud-ball nearly caused her to clutch at her chest over her spark chamber.

Once outside Knockout turned to face the carapace clad femme and crossed his arms over his chestplate. There was obviously some kind of ulterior motive to being removed from the med bay in order to have a private conversation.

“Alright mein lieber. What is this all about?”

Blackwind had moved past both mechs and stopped just ahead of them. At Knockout’s query, however, she looked over her shoulder, an alluring smile stretched on her face.

“This is about my following through with Shockwave’s orders. I am to assemble a team to accompany me to the surface of the planet when we are called to reinforce Thunderwing. But…”

The femme turned around fully to face the mechanic and his assistant.

“I’d also like to discuss the future of the Decepticon Empire. You’re insight would be…most welcome. And perhaps after that we can speak about your involvement within the new Decepticon dynasty.”

That said, Blackwind turned back around and began to make her way down the corridor and on toward the mess hall. Some energon would surly loosen these two up enough to convince them that Thunderwing is the only option to lead the Empire.

“Come. Let’s convene in the mess hall. I could certainly use some energon.”

From his peripheral vision Knockout could see Clutch but the mechanic gave no indication that he was actually watching his comrade for any tell-tale signs or adverse reactions to what this femme was saying. To him it didn’t matter who was leading the Empire as long as he was able to keep himself in a polished, pristine condition.

At the mention of moving on to the mess hall, Knockout perked up, and unfolded his arms from across his chest. He turned his head to look at Clutch a broad smile spread over his face.

“This is a femme who knows what a mech likes. Come on, Clutch. We might as well fuel up since we’re unsure as to when we’ll be leaving for that blue-green orb below us.”

He stepped in close to his large friend and whispered to him.

“And it wouldn’t hurt to hear her out while were there.”

Corridors

Clutch simply grunted in response to Knockout’s comment. He wasn’t going to get in an argument over who was prettier, especially when he didn’t give the slightest slag about it. He was used to his partner’s concern about his appearance and it usually was best to just let it go. The warrior had seen Knockout throw violent tantrums over insults to his looks and he didn’t feel like starting one now.

The bulky Decepticon listened as Blackwind talked to him. Despite her mentioning his previous stint under her command that had turned into a bit of a debacle he held nothing against her. Clutch didn’t deny what he had done; it had practically become his trademark. He was one of the best at destroying things, but sometime there was some collateral damage. It was because of that that he now usually fought solo, or, at the most, with Knockout. His partner had learned to dodge most of the results of his attacks, although when he did get caught up in them he gave Clutch an audio receptor full later.

Clutch was listening to what Blackwind was saying to them but he was puzzled by most of it. He didn’t know who Thunderwing was and he didn’t really have many thoughts on the future of the empire. As long as the future involved fighting, preferably Autobots, he was ok with it. Still, she was the ranking officer so he simply nodded at her. When Knockout commented to him he simply shrugged his massive shoulders. “Alright, I could go for some fuel anyway. The charge you get from being in stasis never lasts that long anyways.” He stepped into the mess hall as the doors slid open.

*

Laserbeak flew up and down the corridors, briefly following anyone who came walking down them. He followed various Decepticons long enough to see their final destination before breaking off to look for more to follow. Soundwave had tasked him with observing movement throughout the ship and this was one of the more effective methods he could come up with. He wasn’t willing to follow anyone into another room though. He wasn’t that interested in what they were up to nor was he brave enough to risk getting caught outright spying on other Decepticons.

*

After a final check of his lab equipment and a moment of thought on his next steps Thunderwing left the cargo bay and headed for the bounce chamber. He observed Laserbeak flying around the corridors, a constant physical reminder that they were under observation by Soundwave at any given time. It was an unsubtle reminder and likely designed to be so. His more stealthy agents were probably working on more important projects.

Bounce Chamber

Thunderwing entered the room shortly after Psychout and his team had departed. He had taken some time earlier to locate the coordinates Onslaught had used to bounce down to where Starscream had begun work on some sort of earthbound base. He would start organizing the forces on the planet there, hopefully beyond the reach of Shockwave and Soundwave. He only wished that Blackwind could join him. This would be an ideal task for her and he would greatly appreciate her input. The fact that it would also put her out of Shockwave’s reach was and added benefit. There was no helping it now. They would just have to use this opportunity to their advantage as best they could.

The scientist punched the coordinates into the chamber’s control console and stepped on to the pad. He hadn’t had much experience in being ‘bounced.’ He was curious to see what the effects would be. Shortly Thunderwing disappeared in a beam of light.

Secured Storage Bay

Shadowing nods to Psychout as he hands him the datapad.

"Good hunting." He says as the Decepticon leaves. He nods to Wierdwolf and continues on following Shockwave. As he does so he crafts a series of options for his commander and sends them to him via their private line. He does this no so much for secrecy but so that he may consider each possibility on his own time.

Option 1: I calculate that the largest single threat you face at this moment, Commander, is the unknown. Starscream has made his aspirations clear and so has Thunderwing, although not as loudly. However we do not know if any other Decepticons will try to fill the vacuum left by Megatron. Of them all, the single most concerning is Scorponok. His current activities and intentions should be identified as soon as possible.

Option 2: Of all the candidates for leadership only two have openly declared their intentions to claim it which, of course, are Starscream and yourself. The continued existence of one of your claims dilutes the others. You each look weaker for allowing the other to continue functional. Still, open warfare will only cause harm to the Decepticon army. Starscream must be removed as a competitor but I recommend it be done quietly.

Option 3: The current state of the Decepticons does not eliminate the Autobots as a threat. They must be going through uncertainties of their own which make them vulnerable. An analysis of what they are currently undertaking might reveal an opening for opportunity.

As he entered the storage room with Shockwave he looked over the datapad he had been given. He made no comment on its contents for the time being. One thing at a time.

"What type of security would you like around this material Commander?"

He wondered just how much he would trust the other Decepticons in this ship with this.

Secured Storage Bay

Weirdwolf had been quick to take his leave after Shockwave had been satisfied with the answer the tracker had given to the Military Operations Commander question. Skullcruncher however saw no imminent release from obeying Shockwave's commands in the horizon. Not that he saw much choice around anyhow. It had been Megatron himself who had deployed him alongside Darkwing and Dreadwind to boost Shockwave's forces on Cybertron. He would have much preferred staying with his long time superior Scorponok but when Megatron told you to go, you went. No questions asked. And now Megatron was gone and chaos had ensued with some of the bigger egos within Decepticon ranks claiming to be the Slag-Maker's successor - Shockwave and Starscream being the most loud ones.

Skullcruncher's thoughts were interrupted by Shockwave's more or less direct order of moving what was left of the Ore-13 to the lab facility adjoining the medical bay. At the very least Shockwave was efficient. Skullcruncher could respect that. He was pretty straightforward con himself. And well, right now even carrying Shockwave's luggage felt more interesting than standing here guarding the entrance of the storage bay. Still, as he entered the storage bay himself - he couldn't but wonder if Shockwave or Starscream for the matter had allowed the word of Megatron's passing leave this system. Probably not with Soundwave present. Otherwise Megatron's Fleet Admirals Deathsaurus, Scorponok and Skyquake would already be in this system - each of them demanding the mantle of Supreme Leader of the Decepticons. And between them there'd be enough capital ships to reduce the whole solar system to space dust dozen times over. So, yeah... asking for a transfer back to Scorponok's forces was probably out of question for now.

Shaking his head, the hulking cannibal walked over to the crate where several dozen tons worth of Ore-13 was stored and lifted it as if the crate was empty. Now holding the large crate casually against his shoulder, Skullcruncher turned towards the two smaller Decepticons present in the storage bay. Shockwave seemed to be staring intently at some device Skullcruncher had seen the Predacons transporting to Thanatos from Shockwave's tower.

"That too?"

Mess Hall

The remainder of the trio’s trek was relatively quiet. Clutch seemed confused and Knockout, well he just seemed uninterested. Figures. Both of these two could be considered good candidates for convincing, but working with them was going to be a trial on Blackwind’s patience.

The femme moved beyond the doors and took a seat at one of the far tables. The room seemed to be empty, save for a few stragglers scattered about the room. She had hoped the entire room would be available to them, but it didn’t matter. With a quick intimidating glance around the room the last of the ‘Cons made their way out of the room leaving Clutch, Knockout and herself to discuss things in peace.

“Was that “the look” because if it was you have to teach it to me.”

Knockout flashed the femme a dashing smile as he too took one of the seats at the table. Optics glued on Blackwind, the mechanic absently waved to Clutch in a dismissive manner.

“Clutch, why don’t you make yourself useful and get us some energon.”

The smile that made its way to Blackwind’s face mirrored Knockout’s. The Aerial Coordinator sat back and relaxed as she watched both mechs intently.

“Now, mein lieber, just what is it you want to discuss?”

The smile on her face grew wider as she turned slightly in her chair to cross her legs.

“Right to the point. Very well. I have been tasked with gathering a team to send to Earth. We will be waiting for a signal from Commander Thunderwing who is now planet side overseeing the construction of our new base. You two, along with a few others will be accompanying me when the time comes.”

It was Knockout’s turn to lean back and eye the femme.

“Yes, you’ve mentioned all of this before. But what I want to know is the future of the Decepticon dynasty. Megatron is gone, Shockwave is…well, who knows what the giant Cyclops is up to, and then there’s Starscream…”

Knockout leaned forward and tilted his head slightly to the right.

“Starscream is still alive, am I correct?”

“Yes, he is…unfortunately. However, Shockwave and Starscream are not necessarily our only options. There are others available and capable of leading. The word has not yet spread to the other Commanders traversing the vast universe. But that does not mean someone here couldn’t take over Megatron’s mantle.”

The mere mention of the former Lord of the Decepticon Empire caused the femme to release a heavy sigh. Blackwind had been a close confidant to Megatron. She was fiercely loyal and followed his every order down to the letter; never faltering in any of her missions. If Soundwave was the eyes and ears of Megatron, than she was his hands. Burrowing deep within the ranks Blackwind saw to it that every soldier followed through with every single order.

“The loss of our Lord has been…difficult to cope with, but the time for mourning must end and Megatron’s empire must be continued.”

A slight nod in Blackwind’s direction from Knockout signaled that he understood what she had said.

“These certainly are trying times. And to tell you the truth I’ve never really enjoyed being under the thumb of someone who can’t even crack a smile. Now that doesn’t mean I’ll outright follow you and whomever you’re endorsing, but you have caught my interest. I’d like to get my feelers out there to be sure there are no other options.”

Blackwind offered him a nod and looked to Clutch.

“And what about you, Clutch?”

“Oh don’t worry about him. As long as you can provide a steady supply of Autobots to mangle he’ll certainly bring up your rear. And speaking of rear…”

The smile on Blackwind’s face melted into a serious expression while Knockout’s grew twice as wide.

Engineering. (AKA: The lab facility adjoining the medical bay) OOC: as discussed with 'Sid

Mal Practice had to elbow Contemptor out of the way as he hunched over the plasma converter. "Give me some room! Do you want these guns to work or explode in your face? How am I supposed to work if you are blocking out all the... Ah. Ready? and..."

With the flick of a switch, a plate dropped on the converter array and the lab was instantly filled with an intense blue and silver flash that had an almost... solid property to it. It tingled on his metallic skin and even for an expert who knew what to expect its suddenness left spots behind Mal's optics.

He blinked away the after affects of the coil conversion and, using a pair of forceps, he opened the converter and with the greatest of care extracted a pair of small weapon clips. He admired them for a second as if it they were a newborn protoform, and held them up to Contemptors eyes, still glowing with a faint silvery-blue aura as they cooled down.

"There. Using a standard high performance energy clip, I have inserted and calibrated a hand-built custom plasma coil onto the energy filaments which superheats the discharge, hypercharging the molecular structure of the energy excretion giving it a viscous density which raises its impact velocity and, therefore, contact temperature by an factor of roughly 6^10+13 microfusion increments, give or take a few million. You now the proud owner of a half-sized clip that does increased damage, however I would expect it to have lost a large portion of its range and should you come across a temperature-resistant opponent, I would suggest you run."

He then took Contemptors own shotguns, his pride and joy, off him and threw them onto the workbench. "Now, to alter these so those new plasma clips of yours actually fit!" he said, and started up the angle-grinder...

Engineering

Contemptor could have kicked Mal Practice in the aft plate for his rudimentary bitterness, and his damned inflamatory remarks. the big mech couldn't help the fact he was taller than most mechanoids so getting in the way was something he couldn't help get in the way. Ok so what, well....just...well it was one of those things that needed addressed and if it was to be addressed by force, then force it will be. But not right now, because he was with a new friend working on newer weaponry so that he could fight better.

He did take a step back however as Mal started digging around inside the plasma contuctor in the cannon. So whilst the sour-faced mechanoid was working on the coolant conductors, Contemptor had disconnected the plasma regulator from his back and set it down onto the other end of the work bench ready to be basterdised for the parts required for these new modifications to Contemptors arsenal.

"You know Mal...you really are one pissy mechanoid.." The truck-former growled as he leaned over the other side of the work-table "...what made you such a foul-tempered, short fused, malfuctioning amplitude?" The truck-former caught the glare in Mal Practice's optics, and knew not to press the issue any further. He did however, watch the master surgeon work his magic on the oversized plasma cannon, shrinking the fuel cell and extracting it from the massive chamber of its former host, ready to place it in its new bodies.

"You know you should just have asked for the damned guns Mal...isntead of being a crabbit-arsed..." He stopped again as he was given another glare.

"ok...I get it..." Contemptor backed down and watched the master work

Secured Storage Bay

Shockwave's analytical processors took in each of Shadowing's transmitted options and processed them against actions that he had already taken or intended to take in the near future. Of them all, it was the Scorponok factor that Shockwave had devoted the least amount of attention to. Given the most recent high command report regarding the 2nd Expansion Fleet's activities, their directives--namely that of expansion--relied heavily upon their independent judgement and lack of correspondence with Megatron. Shockwave saw no reason for that to change, and he would see to it that it remained so. With Soundwave as an ally, the odds of successfully maintaining that barrier stood at approximately 97.8%.

As Shadowing had indicated however, the greatest threat to the empire at large right now, as well as Shockwave's command, was the unknown. It was the primary reason that he was taking the steps that he was. Setting a clear path forward would be the only way to bring the stragglers in peacefully. The remaining alternatives would involve force, and likely a significant waste of resources. The Decepticon Imperator, as Shockwave now thought of himself since Starscream's retreat, would not take that step until he had exhausted the previous one.

"Understood," Shockwave said, acknowledging Shadowing's initial report. "Physical security level required: priority-1. No one comes in to contact with the mineral composite without my direct authorization."

Satisfied that his command left no room for confusion, the cycloptic Decepticon returned his attention to the cyberforming technology. He was not especially inclined to move it again, given its complex and delicate nature, but there was little he could do from a storage bay. The laboratory aboard this vessel would provide him the resources necessary examine both the new technology was well as the Ore-13 more thoroughly.

"That too?" came Skullcruncher's query, breaking the fleeting moments of silence that had filled the room while Shockwave's processors were operating at maximum output.

"Affirmative," Shockwave said, retrieving two additional vials of the ultra energon that had been derived from the ore. He handed one to both Skullcruncher and Shadowing. Both operatives had maintained a statistical probability of continued loyalty to his vision for the empire. More importantly however, they were new internal systems with which to observe the effects of the compound. Only one vial remained, until he was able to refine more.

"Imperative: integrate this compound in to your systems. Log any adverse affects and submit the reports directly to me."

Saying nothing more, Shockwave turned to exit the storage bay. His new destination--the lab facility, where his real work could commence in earnest.

Secured Storage Bay

"Right." Was all that Skullcruncher had to say in response to Shockwave's statement.

Before getting to work, Skullcruncher took the vial that Shockwave had offered with his free hand and poured it down his throat. The stuff looked like energon and tasted like high-grade energon too. The fact that drinking the Ore-13 derivate had been rather pleasant experience so far - did not make the liquid any less suspicious though. Particularly as the one eyed freak didn't even try to conceal the fact that both Shadowing and Skullcruncher were to be his newest test subjects in Shockwave's quest of solving the riddle that was Ore-13. Still, what other choice any of them had other than revolting against Shockwave? And that wasn't exactly all that great idea if Shockwave had some of the liquid in his own systems. Given how powerful the liquid had made Darkwing and Dreadwind earlier, it was pretty clear to Skullcruncher that Ore-13 would lift Shockwave's power even beyond that of Megatron's.

Almost immediately after Skullcruncher's fuel system had began to feed the suspicious energon into his power distributors the massive Decepticon warrior began feeling enpowered beyond his normal peak levels. Considering how powerful he was even in normal conditions, such an addition made his potential with ultra energon staggering. Quite frankly, he was feeling almost invicible now. Too bad there was nothing he could right now to test it as carrying Shockwave's precious cargo was hardly a challenge to him even without the power boost he had recieved.

Grabbing hold of the cyberforming interface device Skullcruncher gave Shadowing a gesture in hopes of Shockwave's operative lending him a hand. Not because he could not have lifted it alone. But because he wasn't exactly interested in carrying too much cargo at once only to trip over to something he did not see and end up smashing Shockwave's precious device to pieces.

Mess Hall

Knockout looked up at the femme standing above him but kept his mouth shut. His little comment did not seem to go over very well with Blackwind as she shot up and out of her chair and proceeded to punch him not once but twice. The mechanic rubbed at his chin carefully and with his free hand rubbed his lower abdomen thankfully the paint hadn't been scratched or chipped. The smudges and scuffs could easily be buffed out, which he was planning to do anyway. The femme was fairly powerful however he was sure she had only used half her strength during his beat down.

The crimson and gold mech made a mental note not to get on this ‘Cons bad side ever again. He took another fleeting glance up at Blackwind and waited. It wouldn’t pay to offer any kind of snide remark. No, he’d learned his lesson…as did his beautiful paint job and perfect face.

“I hope I made myself clear.”

With another gentle rub to his dented chin he responded in a hushed tone.

“Crystal, Ma’am.”

Blackwind gave an approving nod before she extended her hand. Knockout took hold and the femme helped him rise back to his feet. She turned from him and returned to her seat. Knockout decided it’d be wise to do the same and settled back down.

“As vulgar as the statement was I must admit I am slightly flattered.”

A wide grin made its way to Knockout’s face as he seemed to relax once more.

“You are, eh?”

The stern look plastered on Blackwind’s face caused the mechanic to cringe back down.

“I said “slightly”.”

“Uh, right. Sorry.”

Blackwind leaned further back into her chair, her arms crossed over her chestplate and her legs crossed. These misfits were not her only candidates to include on the team she would be leading to the surface. She still had one more mech in mind.

While Knockout continued to nurse his wounds, and his pride the encased Seeker sent a message to Weirdwolf. The tracker was powerful and intelligent, although many saw him as otherwise. Blackwind, however had the opportunity to work with him on Cybertron and he proved himself time and again. He would be a welcome addition to her team.

>>”Weirdwolf. This is Blackwind. I have been tasked with putting a team together and head down to the Planet’s surface when Commander Thunderwing so orders. I have chosen you to accompany myself and two others. Wrap up whatever you are currently working on and join the rest of us in the mess hall.”<<

With her message sent Blackwind decided now was as good a time as any to send Thunderwing an update on her progress. The femme stood from her chair and nodded to both Knockout and Clutch.

“I have some business to attend to, but I will return shortly.”

Blackwind made her way out of the mess hall and located a terminal where she was able to work. The non-verbal message was heavily encrypted, but she also kept it basic enough to be overlooked as just another Decepticon to Decepticon communique.

>>”Commander Thunderwing. I have assessed the current crew of the battle ship and I have come to the conclusion that they have been or are currently being swayed to favor our Military Operations Commander. This is a tragic turn of events. I suggest our attempts be stayed until such a time when we both can address the masses.”

“In accordance to Shockwave’s orders I have assembled a team and we await your orders to join you. I am looking forward to being in your presence once more, Commander.”<<

Blackwind let a small smile creep onto her face as she sent the message along.

Mess Hall

Clutch grumbled as Knockout treated him as little more then a servant. That attitude was getting real old real quick. Maybe the next fight they were in he’d let his ‘partner’ take a few more hits then usual. He’d get the picture real quick if his precious finish got messed up pretty good.

The warrior walked back to the table with drinks as he heard his name mentioned, oblivious to the tense situation between the other two Cons. “I ain’t much for politics. I always figured the strongest and smartest guy led. That used to be Megatron, but I guess he’s gone. Now the next strongest and smartest should take over. I figured that will just work itself out with the usual fighting and scheming.”

He stopped talking when Blackwind punched Knockout in the face, twice. Normally he’d defend him, but he wasn’t going to do that against an officer. He looked back and forth from Blackwind and Knockout as they continued to chat, somewhat friendly. He had obviously missed some important bits. He took a seat just as Blackwind made to leave. He watched the femme go before turning back to Knockout.

“So what the slag did you say to her to get that treatment? I hope you haven’t completely screwed us on this ship already.”

Secured Storage Bay

Shadowing took the vial and looked at it for a moment as he considered Skullcruncher's request. He had no issues with helping out as he might as well do something while he personally saw to the security of these parts but the experimental nature was threat he could not ignore. He turned to Skullcruncher and nodded indicating he would help but first he had to make a point. He turned back to Shockwave.

"Commander, if you believe there might be adverse effects to this substance then taking it now would threaten this important equipment if those effects would make me drop something and have it break. Requesting permission to complete the movement of these items first and then take the substance."

Someone as physically strong as Skullcruncher could have a temporary moment of weakness and still not drop something. He had no such advantages however.

Message from Thunderwing to Blackwind

>>”Understood Blackwind, remain on standby. The situation on the surface is far more complicated then I had anticipated. I do not wish to share more over communication frequencies, but know that I am attempting to gather more information.”<<

Corridors

Shockwave had seen enough preliminary results that he was ready to take a new step and prepare the subsequent observation logs regarding the efficacy of the new ultra energon.

Inside the bulky physique of the Decepticon strategist, a complex process was underway. Locking mechanisms seized on to the last vial of the Ore-13 derivative energon and transferred it down in to a lower compartment within the Decepticon's chest cavity, closer to the nuclear reactor that kept the purple mech fueled and energized. Two hoses attached themselves to either side of the vial before another command process proceeded to empty its contents and begin infusing them in to Shockwave's core systems.

Immediately, Shockwave's singular optic began to glow more brightly; but that was simply one of a myriad of effects that Shockwave's advanced internal network was monitoring and adjusting to. Shadowing's request warranted only the briefest of pauses from these calculations.

"Acknowledged. Declarative: your extension is granted. Duration: 1.3 breems."

With his orders given and understood, Shockwave began to walk away, en route to his next destination.

Corridors

Shadowing nodded. "As you wish sir. Before you go..."

He took a datapad and handed it to Shockwave.

"Psychout gave this to me. I thought you would like to study it."

He turned back to Skullcruncher.

"Alright then. Lets get to work." He went and picked up the piece of equipment on the other side of Skullcruncher. "Ah the life of a Decepticon Warrior." He said with a good-natured chuckle.

As he lifted the piece of equipment and moved with Skullcruncher he used his scanners to discreetly look over his fellow Decepticon's systems using his experience to not make it obvious. He was curious to see just what that substance was doing to his systems before taking it himself.

Corridor near mesh hall

After taking Highwire into the stasis storage chamber, Weirdwolf had began wandering towards the mesh hall when Blackwind's communications reached him.

>>”Weirdwolf. This is Blackwind. I have been tasked with putting a team together and head down to the Planet’s surface when Commander Thunderwing so orders. I have chosen you to accompany myself and two others. Wrap up whatever you are currently working on and join the rest of us in the mess hall.”<<

>>"Resist me can you not. Be it so."<< Was the tracker's quick response back to the femme seeker.

Given how close he was to the mess hall already, it took him only few moments to reach his destination. However, having put no effort in hurrying into the mess hall caused the yellow and silver Decepticon arrive into the hall after Blackwind herself had already left it.

"Oh, the vain one and personal enforcer of his." Weirdwolf thought as he arrived to the scene, not noticing that once again, he was actually speaking to himself instead of just thinking. "Past the thick one two pounces would take... the red one fall would with one piercing strike under chin... How sweet it would be to sharpen this one's claws on vain one's armor... bored of all the waiting this one is. Since the demons nothing has he fought. Kill! Kill! Rip apart titanium skin! Tear open fuel lines! Decorated in the brilliant glow of the nectar of life! Art immortal would this one create!"



Corridors

Despite of his fearsome reputation - Skullcruncher could actually be rather good company if anyone had guts to befriend him. Of course, being a mech of few words and generally a slow, ponderous thinker in addition to his even more irritating habits, did not help at all in him gaining popularity. His often tediously slow way of communicating made him appear dim to other - that was not the case however, Skullcruncher was actually deceptively intelligent like his friend Weirdwolf. Unlike his friend though, Skullcruncher hated having to think too much and too fast. Which was exactly where most mechs went wrong when trying communicating with him. If one did not give Skullcruncher a chance to answer on his own time - one took the risk of annoying the hulking warrior with additional questions and making him prone to lash out in anger to make the target of his annoyance shut up.

Skullcruncher did not say anything following Shadowing's good-natured quip but he did flash a toothy grin in response to the espionage specialist. Of course in Skullcruncher's case a toothy grin revealed a set of razor sharp shark-like teeth that even most Decepticons found unsettling - particularly as they were well aware of the hulking warrior's grisly habits. For now, both Shadowing and Shockwave were safe from the cannibalistic Decepticon though. Skullcruncher merely put most the weight of the cyberforming interface on his own arms and began following Shockwave out of the storage bay.

Mess Hall

The crimson and gold mech made his way back into his chair after the femme offered a hand and pulled him back up to a standing position. She was strong, he had to give her that, and he was sure that if given the opportunity she would have torn a hole right through him without batting an optic. The mere thought of what would happen to his finish after that kind of assault sent a heavy shiver up his spine.

And then just as quickly as the three of them entered, Blackwind excused herself and left the mess hall. Knockout stared in her direction until she was finally out of sight and turned to look at Clutch who had only recently returned with their drinks.

“Oh, stop being so melodramatic. The only thing I said was…you know what, never mind. It’s not important right now anyway. What is important is that we’re getting a rare opportunity to prove just how important to the cause we are.”

The Decepticon mechanic flashed his assistant a dashing smile while going through the motions of polishing his servo tips on his exterior finish.

“And we’ll also have the chance to finally get off this floating, confining garbage scow. I swear Clutch, I must be half Seeker. Sitting idle on this thing is causing me so much stress it’s giving me rust rash! I mean that figuratively of course.”

Knockout calmed down and leaned back gently in his seat. He shut off his optics as he placed his hands behind his head.

“You know, I say half Seeker because I’m just as claustrophobic but twice as pretty.”
____

It had taken less than a breem to make contact with Thunderwing and relay the message she had for him. Unfortunately, there had been little to tell and since she was still trapped on a ship with that all knowing all seeing Soundwave, movement was severely hindered. Not to mention the presence of the walking cycloptic calculator.

Blackwind let out a sigh and gently shook her head. What had the faction been reduced to? She wished for nothing more than to have Megatron back in his rightful place…true Lord of the Decepticons. That singular thought bright a diminutive smile to her face. It quickly faded, however, as the terminal she was in front of registered an incoming message from Thunderwing.

The response was what she had expected in that it was simplistic but informative. She felt no need to respond in kind and instead closed the link and returned the terminal to its prior working conditions. Satisfied that her task was handled easily, Blackwind made her way back toward the mess hall where she left the first two misfits to wait. She let out a low groan at the thought of even being in the same location with them, but she was told to gather a team, and no one ever mentioned who should be on it.

She hadn’t gotten very far when she finally received a response from Weirdwolf. A delicate smile grew on her visage as she recalled hearing something similar not long ago. Blackwind shook her head gently and proceeded on toward her intended destination.
____

The position Knockout had taken up was still in play when Weirdwolf entered the mess hall. The wolf-former was a silent stalker, and a very good one at that…but he had this annoying habit of revealing just where he was. Not so good for such an accomplished tracker.

There was no sound when Weirdwolf made his entrance, but once he began that inane mumbling everyone in the room knew he had arrived.

Knockout quickly onlined his optics and moved to the edge of his chair. He thought that other ‘Con had said something about him, but he wasn’t entirely sure. Knockout slapped Clutch on the chestplate with the back of hand in order to get the larger mech’s attention.

“Did he just say something about impaling me? Doesn’t he know doing that would mar these delicate features?”

The mechanic’s optics narrowed into tight slits as he watched Weirdwolf’s every move.

“Clutch, I believe it’s clobbering time.”

She had missed the spoken musings of Weirdwolf, but based on knowledge of the tracker’s quirks Backwind could presume he inadvertently said something that caused her two other team members to go on the offensive.

Blackwind rolled her optics and heaved a heavy sigh. This mission was already getting tiresome, and they hadn’t even been deployed yet!

“You two, stand down! Get your afts back in those seats and keep them glued there. You get up even once and I’ll tear you both new waste receptacles.”

The threat did not fall on deaf audios. Knockout slid further back in his chair and gave Clutch a smug smirk.

“She’s spunky. Spunky can be fun, unless she follows through with that threat. That's when spunky turns to stark raving mad.”

“Weirdwolf. As I mentioned in my communique I am in need of several mechs to accompany me to the planet’s surface. We will be there to reinforce Thunderwing, but only if the need arises. For now we will remain here until we are summoned.”

Blackwind gestured to one of the remaining two chairs at the table both Knockout and Clutch currently were occupying.

“Please, join us.”

Laboratory

The lab facilities on this ship had not maintained the same pristine conditioning as they once held when Shockwave had originally designed this ship for the benefit of Megatron's war machine. It was fortunate, however, that the ship had been entrusted to the Predacons rather than one of Megatron's other, more volatile units. Had a ship of this importance been entrusted to the oversight of the Stunticons or Terrorcons, Shockwave expected that there would be little he could salvage.

En route here, Shockwave had examined the information that had been routed to him via his subordinates. The information inside was variant from Shockwave's original calculations, given what had taken place aboard the Thanatos back on Cybertron, but it was not wholly unexpected that anyone within the Decepticon High Command ranks would see Megatron's absence as an opportunity. Starscream would remain the primary target until another Decepticon's actions warranted a shift.

That did not mean, however, that certain contingencies could not be enacted. With Blackwind still aboard the ship as Shockwave had commanded, the cycloptic strategist was now presented with a scenario whereby he could extrapolate a significant amount of data regarding an emerging, if unproven, technology as well as eliminate a key supporter of a potential rival. Previously, his calculations had left him uncertain of the full value of taking that step. Now that uncertainty had been significantly reduced.

"Imperative--place the device in bay three. I will begin the interface process," Shockwave said to the Decepticons that were following behind him, moving to one of the consoles within the laboratory and initiating a direct connection.

>>"All Decepticon personnel not presently assigned to one of the present, critical imperatives are to report to the laboratory of the Thanatos immediately,"<< Shockwave transmitted over the ship's systems.

Mess Hall

Clutch snickered at Knockout as he sat down across from him. “I think you get plenty of opportunities to get knocked on your aft so I wouldn’t call that rare.” He chugged down the contents of his glass as he listened to what his partner had to say. The larger Decepticon ignored most of Knockout’s whining and complaining. Over the course of their partnership he’d developed a mental filter of sorts that basically blocked out most of his chatter. If he hadn’t he would have gone crazy a long time ago.

“Getting off the ship would be good, especially if there are some Bots down there who need slagging.” He grabbed another glass since Blackwind apparently wouldn’t be drinking with them, and began guzzling it down when the signal from Shockwave came through. He slowly put the glass back down on the table. “Well it sounds like something’s up. Hopefully you didn’t stir something up against us there and this is about some big mission or battle or something.” Clutch stood up and began making his way to the door.

Mess Hall

With a humph Knockout crossed his arms over his pristine chestplate and leaned back in his chair. His partner certainly had a way of grating on his nerves.

“Hey, took me by surprise. How was I supposed to know she didn’t take compliments kindly.”

Knockout uncrossed his arms and placed them behind his head, at the same time he lifted his legs and slammed them down on the table top, crossing them gently at the ankles. The quick, sudden and hard maneuver caused the last of the drinks sitting on the table to topple over spilling their contents over the smooth metal surface. With a satisfied smile plastered on his delicate, scuffed, face Knockout let out a low chuckle.

“So sorry, Clutch. I thought you were finished with those.”

The crimson and gold ‘Con shut off his optics, pulled his left hand from behind his head and flicked his wrist in the direction of the dispensers.

“You can always run and get yourself some more. And while you’re at it you can grab a few more for the rest of us, mein freund.”

Knockout quickly onlined his optics and watched while Blackwiind spoke to Weirdwolf about just why she had called him. It looked as though the track would be joining the rest of them down to the planet once the time was right. Oh, just perfect. That crazed lug nut will be a complete blast down planet style.

Blackwind was just about to pull her chair out when the message from Shockwave came through on the ship wide communications systems. The Seeker let out a low growl as she placed the chair back in its place and looked over the members of her gathered team. Before she could give any orders Clutch had started to make his way out of the Mess Hall.
She let out a sigh before motioning for the other two mechs to follow along to Shockwave’s laboratory.

“Let’s get this over with.”

With a shrug Knockout glanced to Weirdwolf, stood up and let the room.

Laboratory

Surprisingly the advancement through the corridors and to the lift hadn’t taken nearly as long as Blackwind had anticipated. And through another bought of twists and turns she had finally arrived at the small group’s intended destination.

From behind the taller encased femme, Knockout watched the door slide open allowing them admittance into the unusually large room. While sweeping his optics over the space the mechanic took note of anything that could be used as some sort of torture mechanism. One could never be too careful when it came to Shockwave. The mech was capable of just about anything.

Blackwind strode into the room just as confidently as she would in the presence of Lord Megatron himself. The seeker stopped across from Shockwave and crossed her arms over her chest; optics boring into his one.