The Energon Pub

Medical Bay

Thunderwing could not help but smile behind his synthetic organic carapace. It was so refreshing to see such vim and vigor in those who clearly did not realize their own limitations when compared to his own. It was a valuable quality that if nurtured and groomed properly would make for a most interesting ally.

"A Beast?" Thunderwing stroked his chin absently as he contemplated the self description given to him by Warwolf. It was an interesting category to place oneself into. There was a great deal of depth to identification... even when attempting to link others. "To state oneself as beast means there is nothing more to yourself than what is upon the surface." He stated with a matter of fact tone with a hint of his own refinement.

Carefully he rose from his position and made his way over to Flamewar and Warwolf. "I know a great deal more than you believe I might Warwolf." He towered over the troubled Decepticon. "I know what you fear, the terrors that haunt your waking moments and gnaw at the frayed remains of your sanity." He gave a wry smile before he pivoted towards the medical slab where Sixshot had recently vacated.

"Don't look so surprised," he paused briefly as he traced his finger over a patch of spilled lubricants that had oozed haphazardly out of the wounded six changer. Though that was but the surface. Secretly a small syringe was drawn out from the claw of his synthetic organic finger and began to draw in the fluids. An untainted sample from the source, a constant that could be tested and expanded. Thunderwing quickly spirited the samples into hidden vials for later retrieval. "While rare, your condition is not unheard of."

The Decepticon scientist reached over to the operations table and picked up a small utility data pad that was designed to interface with many of the subsystems of the medical bay, and with the proper codes, the rest of the Thanatos. "No doubt that you are aware that most treatments for this... affliction, are incredibly... painful." He thumbed in a connection code and brought up the internal sensors of the vessel. "And most often unsuccessful."

Data reports soon came back as a response to his queries, telling him that one of the main power conduits in the engineering section had fallen out of alignment. It did not take him long to determine that such a misalignment would affect the bounce systems as well as docking tractors. Thunderwing dimmed the pad and quietly sent a text order to a repair company to address the damaged conduit before the others arrived or needed evacuation.

It was only then that he turned his attention to Flamewar and Warwolf again. "What would you give for reprieve from your nightmare? What would you give to claim mastery over that which has striven to drive you mad?"

Medical Bay

>>”The others feared your ability to kill. I do not fear death. I fear what would happen if you turned on the Decepticons."<< Flamewar answered curtly, >>”Your position isolates you. As does mine. Our usual companion is death. Maybe it's worth something for it to be something...someone else."<<

Sixshot considered Flamewar’s words carefully. She did not fear death? Interesting. If true that was something they both had in common. Of course, the teal and purple phase sixer did not fear death because the vast majority of mechs could not deliver death to him. Being a one-bot army allowed him to survive through insurmountable odds that would kill most others. He highly doubted that was the same reason the femme did not fear the afterspark. Perhaps she was a fool or maybe she was just very brave. Time would tell which was true.

As for Flamewar’s comment regarding isolation, she was right. Sixshot was probably the most isolated Decepticon within the entirety of the Empire. His job did not allow for friendships to form, and his immense power and imposing presence forced his own comrades to shy away from him. Outwardly, he did not care, but deep down there was a hint of loneliness. The STAG did not want to admit that, even to himself, but underneath the tough guy exterior was a mechanoid who wished to be considered more than just a weapon of mass destruction. Having a friendship with someone, anyone, would at least give his life a sense of purpose when he was not in the midst of destroying whole worlds. Possessing almost unlimited power was thrilling, and the sixchanger always relished in the devastation he caused, but it did come with a steep price.

>>“We all have our crosses to bare, Flamewar,”<< Sixshot responded over their private comm line, turning to face her in the process. >>“Isolation is mine and seemingly yours, too. Perhaps it is time for us to have something more. Friendship? It is an alien concept to me, I'm afraid.”<<

>>”Because the freedom he promises comes with strings attached. He wants to rule the Decepticons, Sixshot. And he's going to use you in some way to do help him do it. I don't want to rule. That'll only create more infighting, which we don't need. I want the code to prevent others from abusing you to serve their own needs. And...I want...to be able to trust you. As a friend. So that one day...I won't be afraid to think what might happen if I helped you get the freedom you crave."<<

>>”Why don't you sleep on it? What is this? Your first CR nap in a thousand orns? Best go before I have to carry you there as well,"<<

As Sixshot drew closer to the nearest CR chamber he listened to Flamewar’s reasoning as to why he should trust her over Thunderwing, who had now moved on to Warwolf’s side. The fiery femme’s words made sense to him. However, that did not necessarily mean she possessed no ulterior motive. She was a black operative, after all, and they certainly had their closely guarded secrets. Flamewar may not want to rule the Empire by sitting on the throne, herself, but that did not mean she wouldn't want to try and control things from behind the scenes. Having a phase sixer in one’s compartment makes that much easier. Still, a friend like her would be better than having a master like Starscream. There was clearly much for the sixchanger to think about.

>>”You have given me much to consider, Flamewar, which I shall do as I slumber.”<< Sixshot kept his optics fixated on the femme. >>”And, yes, this is my first CR nap in many orns. It should be a...unique experience.”<<

With those last words uttered over their shared comm link, the STAG turned away from Flamewar and entered the nearest CR chamber, leaning back against the metallic slab situated within. “Be a dear and start my repair cycle please,” Sixshot asked, casting another gaze over at the black operative and motioning towards the control panel. The STAG then off-lined his optics as the chamber's door automatically slid shut.

Medical Bay

Flamewar could practically hear the gears turning in Thunderwing’s head as Warwolf managed some form of response to the warlord’s earlier query. It irritated her. But she remained completely composed and calm. Outwardly at least. She looked away from Sixshot to watch Thunderwing as he spoke. He turned toward the table and ran his digit through some fluids that he leaked from Sixshot. The movement had not been to emphasize his words. It was out of place. She felt something was afoot.

But soon, Thunderwing continued addressing her former pupil. His next gesture was to pick up a datapad and scroll through it. This one had a point as well as a functional use. It reminded Flamewar that she ought to check in with things on the surface. Sixshot had been tended to and there was still a battle to fight on the surface. Or possibly not.

And finally, without further preamble, Thunderwing got to the point. He asked what Warwolf would give to be rid of his inner demon. Flamewar turned her attention back to Sixshot as his replies to her began to filter through. There was no need to observe Thunderwing any longer for the moment and no need to give Warwolf any kind of look. He was loyal and a valued mech. He didn’t have a tendency to let her down.

>>”You have given me much to consider, Flamewar, which I shall do as I slumber."<< Sixshot kept his optics fixated on the femme. >>”And, yes, this is my first CR nap in many orns. It should be a...unique experience."<<

>>”Undoubtedly,”<< Flamewar replied. She walked over to the CR chamber as he requested that she initiate the cycle. She looked into his optics until the automatic door slid shut and began typing in the start-up procedures. A thought occurred to her, and she began to initiate a secondary protocol. A tamper protocol. Should the pod be accessed from the outside in whatever way, the occupant would be notified as well as anyone programmed into it. Namely, herself.

A useful feature, seeing as she trusted no power hungry opportunist Decepticon not to fiddle with a vulnerable phase sixer. Flamewar turned back and moved toward the entrance to the section of the medical bay that Thunderwing and Warwolf resided. She opened up a comm link to Soundwave.

>>”Soundwave, this is Flamewar. I need an update on the progress of the battle.”<<

Medical Bay

Flamewar did not have too long to wait before a reply came from Soundwave. What he said set her at immense ease.

>>"Situation: Resolved. All are aboard Astrotrain and returning to the ship now."<< He replied through the private comm in his usual monotone before pausing and opening his own inquiry into the conversation >>"What is the status of our... 'Enforcement'?"<<

Flamewar allowed herself a quick smile of relief. The Fallen had been defeated. The Decepticons were on their way back on…Wait a moment. Flamewar frowned. Why Astrotrain? What was wrong with the bounce systems? The black operative moved over to one of the ship’s access terminals in the medical bay and accessed it. She inquired about the status of the bounce chamber and saw that it had very limited functionality. Had the Fallen damaged it too during his attack? But then, they would not have been able to bounce down. Sabotage?

Flamewar glanced over to Thunderwing. He certainly had the technical prowess to do it. The thing he lacked was motive. Unless…by delaying those aboard Astrotrain, he bought time for some kind of advantage. Time to recruit them and Sixshot alone? And that sample of Sixshot’s fluids that he had surreptitiously collected had not gone unnoticed by Flamewar. She didn’t like it. Not one bit.

>>”Recuperating in a CR chamber,”<< Flamewar replied, >>”Protected from those who would seek to meddle.”<< There was a pause before she continued. >>”We should speak when you return. Where would you like to meet?”<<

Medical Bay – Maximum Security Wing

“Hahaha! Yeah, I get the idea! Right up his aft section. Heh. You should’ve done that anyway just for kicks."

Nightraven smiled slightly but let it fall. She quickly looked away a slightly uncertain on just how to take Skywarp’s jovial exuberance. But it seemed as though ‘Warp realized he’d over done it and quickly changed the subject matter.

“Um, anyway,"

The femme turned her optics back toward the purple and black air warrior as he cleared his throat and attempted to answer her question about the two Heralds now in their possession.

“Well, I’m sure a bunch of tests will be run on them to make sure they’re back to normal."

That’s probably exactly what will happen. Of course if anything abnormal is discovered then both ‘Cons would be subjected to every kind of probing and exams known to Cybertronians. Of course the interrogator would no doubt welcome the pain that would come with the processes. The thought of the psychopath actually finding pleasure in such acts made her shiver.

“If they’re fine I guess they’re be released. Darkride will go back to being a sadistic torturer and general pain in my aft while Drag, well,"

Nightraven nodded gently and wrapped her arms around her waist. After a moment she turned slightly and eyed both sedated mechs. “Yeah.” She whispered.

“Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to be him for all of the high grade energon in the universe. I mean, Motormaster is going to beat the living slag out of him for sure. And only then will the real pain start. Ol' Motorhead isn't known for being kind or understanding."

Although it didn’t seem like it, Nighty actually heard every word ‘Warp had said, she just hadn’t responded vocally.

“It should make for a good show though. Heh”

She took a small step forward and narrowed her optics. Such odd choices.

“Skywarp? Why do you think they were chosen?” She looked over her shoulder. “If there was something ‘special’ about them why would they be released so easily by whatever it is that’s got its hold on them?” Nightraven looked back at Darkride and Drag Strip. “And if they turn out to be fine now who’s to say they won’t turn on us down the road?”

Medical Bay

Warwolf's optics stared deep into Thunderwing's Crimson stare as the scientist rambled on knowing his burden. To the interrogator, it sounded like the same kind of preaches many other mechs have tried to make in the paste, only his tone boasted a slightly more sinister tone, one nearly dripping with hidden confidence. The lupine-former shifted his gaze only for a moment towards his former mentor, only to meet optics before she turned to answer her comm device. She didn't seem worried about the offer, maybe she knew more than Thunderwing was letting on. Either that, or she was just rolling her optics at the usual persuasions that Warwolf was presented with before.

"Sounds... Tempting..." Warwolf responded in a mildly interested tone. As luxurious as the offer sounded, something in the back of his processor was telling him there was surely more to this than what the scientist was letting on. What was he after, what was there to gain in all this talk of liberation? Was it so he could control Warwolf? To use him like his obedient little puppet or something? Perhaps after losing the fight for the throne many looked at him like he wouldn't be able to lead astroants to a picnic and this was all a ploy to reestablish some sort of following towards him... Better yet, maybe he was willing to just help a fellow Decepticon out with all the gratitude he could pull from the bottom of his spark. Either way, this offer was far too good to be true, let alone be given away for free.

"Thank you for the offer, Thunderwing," The lupine-former stated in a tone that tried to sound humble, "I just- I need to think things over for a bit." Warwolf swung his legs over the edge of the medical slab before hopping down upon the floor. He grabbed a spare data pad from the berth-side table and tucked it under his non-skeletal arm as he made his exit from the medical bay. "Need me, I'll be in the mess hall." He stated without looking back into the room."

"He does realize that he still needs the rest of his arm, right?" Knock-Out asked out loud to no one in particular after he watched the interrogator make his leave. A small spurt of energon flew up onto his faceplate and returned his attention to his patient at hand, the nearly faceless seeker, Vertigo. "Whoops! That sure could've been messy."

The Crimson and gold medical officer reached for his nearby laser scalpel before returning to the extraneous repairs on the injured seeker's processor. The tool made quick work of carving away at the distorted metal surrounding the entry wounds those shotgun shells made. Knock-Out's pointed fingertips made for excellent little tweezers as he carefully reached into the shattered metal and pulled out the slivers of Decepticon buckshot.

*pheeewwwwwww* Knock-Out whistled as he continued to remove traces of the shell from Vertigo's head. "Your friend sure got lucky with that shot," He commented while examining the wound, "Any deeper and he would have really damaged what little of a brain module you seekers have." The medic then stuck his index actuator into one of the wider bores fixated on Vertigo's head and tapped the metal of his brain casing. "Yes, any further and he would have breached the blast shield here. Heh heh." He tapped against the metal once more with his pointed actuator and awaited for the seeker to squirm in his restraints. It was a rather sick hobby of his to do, but as the senators used to say, "When in Kaon...".

Removing his hand from the interior of Vertigo's head, Knock-Out turned his attention to his fibered washrag before picking it up off his worktable and cleaning up the fluids that accumulated on his hands during the operation.

"So if my reputation is well known to you two, then you'll already know that I do perform miracles in vanity as well as medical. Are we looking to make any modifications before I close those holes up?"

Medical Bay

"Any deeper and he would have really damaged what little of a brain module you seekers have."
Grumbling and growling as Knock Out insulted his kind, Vertigo opened his mouth to lob an insult right back at 'the doctor' but was deftly cut off by Lock On.

"You know the rules, no insulting medical professionals." Lock On warned. "Especially when they have their actuators that close to your central processor." He looked to Knock Out from the corner of his eye, feeling the doctor was not paying any attention to him, he leaned closer to the other side of Vertigo's head. "We'll get him later..." He whispered.

More grumbling came from Vertigo as he took to spark Lock On's reminder. "Uh!" He let out as Knock Out tapped the casing around his brain, jerking and squirming a bit as it presented the oddest sensations (and was a might bit too creepy). "Just get this over with!" He protested.

"So if my reputation is well known to you two, then you'll already know that I do perform miracles in vanity as well as medical. Are we looking to make any modifications before I close those holes up?"

"Can you give him a personality transplant?" Lock On quipt. "He didn't come with one."

"Can you weld Lock On's mouth shut?" Vertigo grumbled.

"He actually likes me..." Lock On said softly to Knock Out. "He just hasn't got a personality."

"I am absolutely the picture of perfection, Doctor...aesthetically speaking as well." Vertigo pretended not to hear his friend's remark. "I doubt you could improve upon me."

"Insulting medical professionals..." Lock On warned.

Vertigo waved a hand a bit absently, and jerked from residual reflex from Knock Out's 'brain tapping'. "Just return me to a presentable state, visually, and get Reaper fixed. We have to be presentable when Starscream.... and the rest of the Decepticons arrive."

A mischievous look crossed Lock On's faceplate. "What evil thing can you do to him?" He asked softly.

Astrotrain--en route to the Thanatos

Having broken free of the Terran gravitational pull and entering the blissful freedom of space, the Decepticon triple changer felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He supposed in a lot of ways that was true, even if he was chock full of egomaniacal pseudo-warlords who might blow him up from the inside out at any moment.

Eh, all part of being a Decepticon.

Except for the fact that he was carrying around a little human pet that he had picked up planetside. It was still alive at least, thanks the Cybertronian's advanced life support systems, but the behavior was still very un-Decepticonlike. The longer it went on, the deeper hole he knew he was digging for himself.

Ugh...

The shuttle switched thruster energy levels, output and intensity and zeroed in on the location of the Decepticon battecruiser.

>>Astrotrain calling the Thanatos. Anyone functional on the bridge? You better be. We're closing in. Prepare to be boarded and don't shoot. I'm transmitting clearance authorizations now."<<

Given that all the real warriors had gone down to fight the Fallen, there was no telling who might be at the helm of their warship. Astrotrain didn't really care. He just wanted this circus out of his cargo hold.

Astrotrain: En Route To The Thanatos (In Feedback Unconscious Mind)

Feedback didn't like being unconscious, at all, really, he really hated it. It was a much too limiting state of consciousness. Although it did mean that Crueljaw wasn't pounding on his head anymore, which he would be very (briefly) thankful for when he woke up.

He did notice the sensation that things were moving, oddly moving, not in a fluid motion of walking, running, flight, or driving, but of the slightly choppy, things shifting from one position to the other, underneath him sort of way. And he was pretty sure what ever it was he was on was transforming, though briefly he imagined, in his mostly unconscious, surreal, dream like state, he was transforming.

He moaned uncomfortably at all this shifting around, and the coming and going of sounds, all muffled and incomprehensible. Was it shouting or cheering?

Oh scrap....
Crueljaw's voice overpowered the rest and caused Feedback to tense up. At this point, just the thought of the grumpy, excessively violent, body guard made him twitchy and tense.

Astrotrain: En Route To The Thanatos (Outside Feedback's Unconscious Mind)

Feedback currently was just dangling from Crueljaw, something like a crazy, exploded, seeker shaped backpack. He had managed to get just a little bit stuck to the surly bodyguard when Crueljaw transformed into his robot mode with the electronic warfare specialist still in his cargo bed. However, when he woke up, would be very happy that he wasn't aware of his current role as an accessory or of his very cramped surroundings.

Outside Astrotrain - En Route to the Thanatos

Starscream was quiet as he flew on the right flank of Astrotrain.

"Escort." he thought to himself. "Please. More like a proto-sitter."

He couldn't help thinking of how things have changed. He used to be Megatron's 2nd in command, always fending off moves for the position from both Shockwave and Soundwave. Now? Nothing but a common lackey for blowhards like Razorclaw. But not for much longer. Starscream had done a lot of things in his life that brought him not only power, but also some painful lessons. The best lesson he learned was to be patient. Bide his time. And that's what he was doing now. And there was also Sixshot's codes. Yes. The future looked a bit brighter. Then, an idea suddenly flashed in his mind. He slowly let off on his afterburners, and slowly and inconspicuously drifted to Astrotrain's rear.

"What would happen?" He dared to imagine. "What would happen if I just unloaded right now, with everything I had, on Astrotrain's thrusters?"

He smiled to himself, as he was actually considering disabling Astrotrain's main thrusters with some missiles and null ray shots, with all the Decepticons inside.

Astrotrain

Thrust, his hands on his hips, waited for Mal to reply. But, before Mal could, Crueljaw cut in between them.

"I think you have more immediate concerns than getting fixed at this point in time Conedome"

"Like actually staying in one piece"

Thrust grabbed Crueljaw and was about to throw him, until...

"ENOUGH!!!" called the Predacon Commander, his voice killing off and silencing out the erupting chaos.

Thrust let go of Crueljaw and instead whispered threateningly at him.

"I will break you."

Astrotrain

From his viewport, Onslaught could see Decepticons like Starscream, Octane and a few others maintaining their positions as shuttle escorts as they returned to the primary battlecruiser in this star system. The Combaticon Commander could not help but be amused: oh how it must gall the Seeker Leader to be reduced to such a position. He was not inside calling the shots like Onslaught knew he so desperately wanted. Starscream's ambitions were no secret. But Onslaught also knew that they would have to be twice as cautious in dealing with him now. With Megatron out of the picture, Starscream's thirst for power had likely become unquenchable. And that would pose a dire threat to all of them.

Still, all was relatively peaceful aboard the overcrowded shuttle. The majority of the Decepticons aboard were likely too wiped to recommence their typical squabbling. But amongst the din of chatter, something caught Onslaught's auditory sensors.

"I will break you."

The voice was familiar. Onslaught turned to see and, yes...of course...another Seeker chafing against his new place in the Decepticon food chain.

"You will break nothing, Seeker. You and your vainglorious Air Commander are no longer amongst the ranks of Megatron's pet flyers," Onslaught interrupted, his tone low but commanding. "I suggest you back away and heed Lord Razorclaw's words, lest you find yourself broken."

Astrotrain

Crueljaw was awaiting Thrust's reply when the seeker decided to lay hands on the bodyguard in a poor attempt to throw him. Though the sound of the king Predacon's voice echoing around demanding the squabbling to cease forced Thrust to release him. Not that Crueljaw hadn't already worked out how he was going to counter the throw.

The clearly delusional Thrust then proceeded to threaten him, him Crueljaw, oh the joy that flooded his system's made him pretty much giddy with excitement.

"You want to go Conehead, fine I'll add you a flake for that cone"

But unfortunately before he could throw a punch or anything else Onslaught ended it as quickly as it started. Crueljaw turned his head to Onslaught and in a rare sign of contrition he backed away and stood beside Mal Practice.

"Understood sir, was just reinforcing that Medical attention is given freely and doesn't sit well when you threaten the medic"

Crueljaw looked back at thrust a glint in his optic

"You say you'll break me, we'll test that theory in another place at another time pumpkin"

Thanatos: Medical Bay

Thunderwing gave a simple yet curt nod. To expect his charity to be offered accepted without question was to be expect a reclassification as a fool. This the scientist knew full well. For his reputation was as cemented as his position and his genius. Still such was the constant in this miserable existence in this war torn galaxy. He knew well that such tormented sparks had become wary of assistance offered, and he could not fault them for their initial hesitation. Bide one's time and all things are possible.

"Of course Warwolf, do take your time. Such a decision must not be taken without due consideration." Thunderwing lifted his right hand and motioned his acceptance at the interrogator's temporary departure with a brief and polite sweep towards the entrance to the care facility. As the door closed behind him Thunderwing allowed his arm to fall to his side as his expression remained almost compassionate. But behind the facade of his external carapace's expression, Thunderwing smirked confidently.

Without preamble the scientist chose that moment to leave the Medical Ward, offering only a slight glance over his shoulder towards the Megatron Loyalist. It was only enough to garner her attention before he allowed the large doors to close behind him. Bait two, hook a third. Thunderwing knew of the still shifting political mechanization that was coming to define the actions on board the battleship. Razorclaw had yet to firmly cement his claim to power, and in fact had severely weakened it by allowing the Autobots to share the same arena of combat with more worthy Decepticons. The very concept that it was necessary turned his energon pump.

As Thunderwing made his way down the corridor towards the turbo lift, deliberately taking a slower pace than normal, his interior scanners completed their initial scans of the fluids leaked by the wounded phase sixer, Sixshot. While he could not do a proper analysis without the materials in his laboratory, it was enough to concoct a similar looking substance that would fool most any outside of Shockwave or himself. Not the same chemical or biological compounds, but close enough.

Thunderwing pressed the summons to the lift and allowed the doors to slide quietly open. Pausing yet again for the shadow finally catch up, he stepped inside the waiting car. As the shadow entered into the turbo lift car the Pretender pressed the terminal again to close the door. The car began to descend towards the lower level of the ship, the landing bay and engineering deck. "You seem bothered by something Flamewar."

Astrotrain – Cargo hold

“Whoa, whoa. I didn't ask for a full recap of the battle,” Skullcruncher groaned, leaning against Astrotrain's hull after having listened to Weirdwolf's sing-song explanation of what had taken place in Australia sometime earlier. “I am not an amnesiac. Well. I mean, I remember most of it anyway.”

The heavily built Decepticon's optics scanned the cargo hold before he spoke again, “Just nothing since I apparently went primal.”

A somewhat worried look rose on his face, revealing some of his sharp teeth, “Just tell me I didn't do something I am going to regret later.”

Astrotrain's Cargo Hold - En Route to the Thanatos

Razorclaw listened to Scrapper’s weakened words. They were brief but to the point. The Constructicons fought for the insignia. That was where their loyalties currently lay. As the new Supreme Commander, the Predacon lord was a representation of said symbol, but that didn’t necessarily mean Scrapper and his men were automatically loyal to the lion-former. It only meant they were loyal to the Decepticon ideals that had brought them all together in the first place. It was now up to Razorclaw to convince Scrapper that he was the embodiment of those ideals, that it was in the Constructicon leader’s and his team’s best interests to support the new Predacon regime.

Scrapper’s follow-up words were low but also direct. He was willing to chat with Razorclaw but that discussion would be brief if another scratch was inflicted on any of his Constructicons. The Predacon lord nodded in response. “Agreed. Your men will not be harmed and that includes Hook.” Razorclaw then stood to his full height, keeping his optics focused on Scrapper. “We will talk soon, my friend. Until then, rest up and heal. You and your squad have been through a lot and your technological achievement and service for the Empire is greatly appreciated and will not go unnoticed.”

With a final respectful nod, Razorclaw turned away from the Constructicon Commander and gazed around the cargo hold of Astrotrain. Everyone had finally calmed down. There would be no further in-fighting from this point further. The Predacon Commander would make sure of it. Enough time had previously been wasted battling each other before the prolonged engagement with the Fallen. It was now time to heal and regroup. Their efforts needed to refocus back on the real enemy - the Autobots. There was still a war to win and the lion-former intended on doing so by keeping the Decepticons united.

That, of course, meant shoring up old alliances as well as forming new ones. Starscream and his seekers would be one of the biggest obstacles as would Thunderwing. Those were mechs that needed to be watched closely as they would likely not be swayed to the Predacon regime so easily. Onslaught understood this, as well, making sure that the seeker Thrust behaved himself and did not try and start a new fight. Razorclaw looked to his loyal comrade and gave the Combaticon Commander a nod of approval.

Shockwave was another story. He may ultimately fall in line with Razorclaw as logic would dictate that more in-fighting would serve no productive purpose. Perhaps the lion-former could allow the cycloptic mech to continue his cyber-forming research unhindered and promise to provide him with whatever resources he needed in return for his support. If Razorclaw didn’t interfere with Shockwave’s projects then perhaps the purple ‘con would go along with his regime even if it was only reluctantly. After all, Shockwave may be the key to help unlock the secret of the gestalt. If Devastator was to be controlled and more combiners ultimately created, the Predacon lord would likely need the one-eyed scientiest's help in those endeavors. Energon for thought and worth exploring.

Of course, then there was Sixshot, another powerful but uncertain variable in all this. Where did his loyalties lie and who currently had control of him? Was it Starscream? If that was the case then that needed to be rectified as soon as possible. The Seeker Commander could not remain in control of a Phase Sixer. The STAG was too powerful a weapon for such a cowardly and disloyal 'con to wield. And if no one controlled Sixshot then he needed to be put back on his leash again. Once more, Shockwave would be the key here. But, would the purple scientist go along with giving control of Sixshot to the Predacon lord or would he want that control for himself? That was a big question that needed to be answered.

It was a lot for Razorclaw to think about and do in order to solidify his hold on the throne. It would not be easy. Politics never were. However, the Predacon lord was a seasoned battlefield commander and strategist. He was not some mere beast as many believed. His intelligence was far greater than he was sometimes given credit for. Those who underestimated him and his abilities would eventually realize their mistake, but it may be too late for those individuals by then.

>>”Astrotrain, this is Lord Razorclaw. What’s our ETA to the Thanatos? It’s getting stuffy back here and we have mechs in need of repairs.”<<

Astrotrain – Cargo Hold

“Whoa, whoa. I didn't ask for a full recap of the battle," Skullcruncher groaned, leaning against Astrotrain's hull after having listened to Weirdwolf's sing-song explanation of what had taken place in Australia sometime earlier. “I am not an amnesiac. Well. I mean, I remember most of it anyway."

“Oh. Apologies, Cruncher of Skulls. Carried away I did get,” Weirdwolf said, leaning against Astrotrain’s hull beside his friend. A concerned expression worked its way onto Weirdwolf’s faceplate. “Alright you are now?”

As a worried look of Skullcruncher’s own appeared on his countenance, Weirdwolf waved his concerns away. “Worry not. Kept you from rash action did I. Though superiors concerned were quite so…” Weirdwolf smirked up at his larger friend. “Proclaimed did they that I would pay a price great if feast on brethren you did.”

The thespian glanced over to Razorclaw curiously. “No more infighting said the King of Beasts,” he said, nodding his head in their new leader’s direction.

>>”Though begin to miss I do the order of the Arachnid Lord’s regime. Scorponok…Wonder I do what he and the second fleet do on the other end of the galaxy,”<< Weirdwolf transmitted non-verbally.


Thanatos – Medical Bay

Flamewar listened to Warwolf and Thunderwing speak while awaiting a response from Soundwave. He was likely occupied with something more pressing. She had no doubts that he would respond to her query when he was able. The interest in Warwolf’s tone…it told her that her former pupil was still hopeful. Rightfully skeptical, or he wouldn’t deserve to be called her student. Former or otherwise. Perhaps she should find him in the mess hall after her business was concluded.

Also picking up on Knock-Out’s conversation with the two Seekers, Flamewar watched Thunderwing out of the corner of her optic. His antics were so painfully transparent to her. He was practically oozing arrogance. Almost as soon as Warwolf left, the Warlord moved to make his exit, glancing over to her. Not exactly subtle. Flamewar ignored him, keeping her gaze locked forward until he exited the medical bay.

Holding a hand to her audio as if trying to listen to a communication, Flamewar glared over to Knock-Out and his patients, her accusing gaze scolding them for the noise. Without further delay, she moved out of the medical bay, the doors hissing closed behind her. Lowering her hand from her head, she rolled her shoulders and followed Thunderwing at a distance. Headed for the turbo lift. Mm.

Flamewar caught up to him swiftly, staying directly behind him without making a sound. As he entered the turbo lift, she slipped in behind him, folding her arms over her chest and staring at him with a scowl etched on her faceplate. The turbo lift was destined for the lower levels. Precisely where she wished to go.

"You seem bothered by something Flamewar."

“You collected Sixshot’s internal fluids,” she stated plainly, “What do you hope to accomplish with them, Thunderwing?”

Astrotrain--En Route to the Thanatos

>>"Astrotrain, this is Lord Razorclaw. What’s our ETA to the Thanatos? It’s getting stuffy back here and we have mechs in need of repairs."<<

>>"Within the breem, Lord Razorclaw. I look forward to the victory you will lead us to achieve,"<< Astrotrain transmitted back, having his first real opportunity to separate himself from the various threats to his leadership that Razorclaw was surely already calculating now that he had an astrosecond to himself.

Starscream seemed to be keeping himself within an awfully close range. The triple-changer didn't feel especially comfortable with the Seeker Leader being that close to him. He had never really felt like he was in the crosshairs of the Seeker before. Never had any real reason to be. But he also knew that he was carrying more than a few mechs who probably were. The sooner he got to the Thanatos, the better.

C'mon. Just a little bit further.

On schedule, the battlecruiser's hangar bay doors began to slide open and the Decepticon shuttle was allowed entry unmolested. Phew. Thank Primus Misfire hadn't been at the helm. As the shuttle rolled to a lumbering halt within the much larger warship's hangar bay, thrusters fading, Astrotrain's rear and side entrances slid open allowing the Decepticons inside to make their exit.

Medical Bay - Maximum Security Wing

Skywarp’s gaze towards the two former heralds was quickly drawn away by the sound of Nightraven’s query. The teleporter looked back at the seeker femme and considered her questions regarding why Dragstrip and Darkride had been chosen. ‘Warp rubbed his chin guard as he thought about it for a moment. In all actuality the prankster really didn’t care why. All he knew was they had somehow been turned against the rest of the Decepticons and caused a lot of damage in the process. They had not seemed themselves on the battlefield, but at the same time portions of their distinctive personalities were still present. Nighty’s questions were very relevant and as far as the teleporter was concerned they were both still a very real threat regardless if the Fallen had now been defeated.

“I don’t know, Nighty,” Skywarp replied, shaking his cranium as he removed his actuators from his chin guard. “Only the Fallen, himself, knows why he picked them. Maybe their personalities had something to do with it. Who knows. There was something he saw in them I guess. But I doubt it was anything special. Maybe that fiery fragger just saw two mechs that were easy to control, you know? He just used them to try and get what he wanted.”

Skywarp glanced back towards Dragstrip and Darkride as the auto-guns mounted in the ceiling continued to monitor the threat level, keeping their barrels poised on both targets. “Still, I fear you might be right about them turning on us at some point. I really didn’t see much of Drag while I was down there. Only overheard some stuff from others when I went to retrieve his body. But Darkride didn’t seem that much different than he normally is - a sick and twisted little aft-hole - only way more powerful than before. I don’t know,” the prankster paused for a brief moment as he turned to look at Nightraven once again. “Even if they’re both given the all clear I’d still keep my distance for a while. You never know what might happen with them.”

Astrotrain - Inside Thanatos Hangar Bay

Razorclaw was pleased with Astrotrain’s response over his comm line. The triplechanger had proven himself a worthy soldier in the battle against the Fallen. Now he had also proven himself once again as a worthy transport, having gotten the Decepticons within his cargo hold to safety. It had been a very tough task for the shuttle-former especially considering the heavy load, but Astrotrain had been up to the challenge and then some. If only all of the Decepticons were as trustworthy as the space-faring triplechanger.

>>”Understood, Astrotrain. Good work. I know getting us here has not been easy, but consider it a job well done. Your great contributions will not be forgotten.”<<

The lion-former cut his comm line and secured his footing as Astrotrain entered the main hangar bay of the Thanatos and rolled to a lumbering stop in the center of the large chamber. Only a few cycles ago this had been the site of an intense battle between Razorclaw's various supporters and those who had backed either Shockwave or Thunderwing. Now, they were once again back here, but for an entirely different reason. There would be no more fighting here. It was merely a pit stop for the Decepticons within Astrotrain to disembark and make their way into the bowels of the warship.

Once both the rear and side hatches of the shuttle-former had opened, light flooded into Astrotrain’s cargo hold. It was amazing just how many mechs had managed to squeeze into the triplechanger’s shuttle mode. Thankfully, Astrotrain had the ability to mass shift, but even that was limited to a certain degree. Regardless, they were all safely back on board the Thanatos and once everyone received the necessary repairs the next step in their war against the Autobots would begin.

“DECEPTICONS, disembark! Those of you who need repairs head for the med bay. The rest of you get recharged. Enjoy the R & R while you can. It won’t last long.”

Razorclaw’s orders were clear as he made his way through the crowd and headed down Astrotrain’s rear exit ramp. The lion-former stumbled slightly as he reached the bottom, but he quickly caught himself and shrugged it off. The Predacon lord’s own injuries would need to be addressed sooner rather than later. His internal systems had taken a bad hit from the Fallen’s dark energies, but thankfully his now destroyed sword had absorbed the brunt of it. Then, of course, there was the rest of the damage he had sustained throughout the conflict. He needed to be 100% again and soon as there were still many within the ‘Con ranks that would love to take advantage of an opportunity like this and steal the throne for themselves. That could not be allowed to happen, and it wouldn’t be allowed.

“Are you okay, boss?” It was Tantrum, having pushed his way through the other ‘Cons in order to reach the lion-former. The Predacon fueler had noticed the stumble and wanted to offer his help. Tantrum may be a hot head and not as smart as some of the others, but he still understood that his leader was injured and thus vulnerable to those who wanted to be Supreme Commander.

Razorclaw turned to regard his subordinate with a stern gaze. “I am fine, Tantrum. Have you ever known me to be in need of assistance even when injured? Or at least while I am still functioning?”

“Of course not, my lord,” the bull-former responded, bowing his head. “I just thought...”

“I know what you thought, but it is unnecessary,” Razorclaw responded before Tantrum could finish his sentence. “However, since you are here you will remain at my side for now.”

Razorclaw then opened a comm line to the rest of the Predacons on their private frequency:

>>”Predacons, you are with me. We head to the med bay where I must seek medical attention for my injuries. Keep an optic on Starscream and for any signs of Thunderwing. They may try and take advantage of my condition now that we are back on board.”<<

With his message sent to his unit, Razorclaw opened another comm line to the Combaticon leader:

>>”Commander Onslaught, see that your team provides whatever assistance to Scrapper and his men that they require. Ensure that Hook remains in protective custody and isolated from the rest of the Constructicons. It is very important that tact is used here as they are not our enemies. Diplomacy will be utilized with Scrapper first and if that ultimately fails, well, then a more forceful approach will be needed. Razorclaw out.”<<

As the rest of his team joined him, the Predacon lord made his way slowly across the hangar bay towards the exit that would lead into the corridors of the vast Decepticon warship, his ultimate destination being the medical bay.

Astrotrain

Psychout began to prepare his team to disembark as Astrotrain landed. Darkfire's repairs were well underway, but there was nothing critical that couldn't wait and the always-cheerful seeker had most of her faculties back, even if he hadn't yet restored her weapons or full mobility.

"There ya go. You're pretty much back to your normal happy self 'Fire, when we rendezvous in Shockwaves lab I can complete your repairs then. I've got another job for you for now though, assuming you are interested..?"

He allowed the question to remain rhetorical if required, no sense barking orders post-battle and everyone needed some brief downtime, even the serious types. Unfortunately, he didn't get a break though, he had other 'peacetime' responsibilities; Shockwave may well be back online, but his decision to feign unconsciousness meant the Commander had other matters to attend to, leaving the cassette in his stead and charged with ensuring the protocols were still intact - who knows what attention a battle like that could bring.

"Crueljaw, please bring Feedback and escort Landgrab, Mal and Shockwave to the Commanders private lab, rearm and then you can relax as necessary. You did good down there, more than earned your energon on that job. We've just got to get the commander safe and then we can all clock off for a while. If Battletrap is paying attention then he can follow, but outside of the team the lab remains sealed on Shockwaves orders."

He paused to watch Razorclaw exit the shuttleformer and gave their current leader a few seconds with his own team before returning to business, and messaged the deception leader.

>>>Lord Razorclaw, Commander Shockwave is being returned to his lab along with my team for the final repairs with his personal physician. Request permission to speak directly with you regarding the Infiltration Protocols when you become available? Sol-3 comms have become quite efficient in the last decade and reports of that battle won't stay quiet down there for long, expeditious action may be required, sir.<<<
He paused for a second, noticing the limp, but aware that weakness was not something a leader would wish to show so he switched to a more secure channel.
>>Oh, and if you wish sir, I can have Mal attend to any injuries that require more, uh, discretion than the open medlab?<<<

The business out of the way, he signalled Cloudbreaker and Darkfire to follow Crueljaw and Landgrab in their own time, and began to move with the team across the Thanatos, and towards the recesses of Shockwaves domain.

Thanatos – Hangar

“Our infighting serves only the Autobots.” Skullcruncher grumbled and pulled himself up as he felt Astrotrain landing into the Thanatos' hangar. “I have no interest in lingering here any longer. And no doubt Astrotrain would prefer us getting clear of him as fast as possible anyhow. I know that's what I'd want were I in his position.”

"DECEPTICONS, disembark! Those of you who need repairs head for the med bay. The rest of you get recharged. Enjoy the R & R while you can. It won’t last long."

Taking the cue from the lethal Decepticon general who had won their leadership in battle against the other competitors for Megatron's throne, Skullcruncher dropped out of Astrotrain from the opposite side to the Predacons. There was little sense to try pushing through the same hatch door and the weaker Decepticons were giving the large brute a wide berth. And those who didn't realize to do so were pushed aside effortlessly.

>>”Though begin to miss I do the order of the Arachnid Lord’s regime. Scorponok…Wonder I do what he and the second fleet do on the other end of the galaxy,"<<

>>”Whatever he is up to, can't be good for the Autobots. That much I know. It wasn't like we were privy to his plans prior we were called to serve elsewhere. We are no Horrorcons after all. That being said. He'd march into this mess and seize command if he knew. I know no one stronger than Scorponok. He'd tear any of these imposters apart.”<< Skullcruncher replied back to Weirdwolf as he headed for the lounge, “I could use some time in a CR chamber but I'll live. Right now I just want more energon.”

Thanatos--Hangar

Rampage was glad to once again be back within the halls of their personal vessel and--as far as this sector went--the most powerful one also. And above all that, it would serve as the new Decepticon flagship in Rampage's mind, now that Razorclaw had taken the throne. The Predacons would solidify their power base and soon enough there would be nothing any of Megatron's other warlords could do to stop them. Megatron, for all his power and charisma, had been one mech. The cadre of lieutenants he kept around him were mostly a bunch of self-serving gearheads. Razorclaw, however, would have a full team of nearly-as-capable and trustworthy warlords surrounding him and supporting his every move. Megatron had never enjoyed any such luxury. Yes, this would be a new age. Rampage was eager to take his rightful place in it.

Rampage chuckled a little to himself as he overheard Tantrum's offer of assistance, mostly because he was surprised that Tantrum would even offer and secondly because he should have known how Razorclaw would respond. But Ranpage also knew his team well enough to not give Tantrum even good-natured ribbing. He would take his correction and move on.

>>"Predacons, you are with me. We head to the med bay where I must seek medical attention for my injuries. Keep an optic on Starscream and for any signs of Thunderwing. They may try and take advantage of my condition now that we are back on board."<<

"Yeah, let's see one of 'em try something, heh," Rampage said, grinning underneath his faceplate. The best thing was--one of them might.
___

With the shuttle having come to a halt, and Psychout's orders given, Landgrab was more than ready to remove himself from within the cramped confines of Astrotrain. Not that the triple-changer wasn't perfectly good transportation--he was. It was just...just...maybe a tad bit claustrophobic in there.

As Landgrab started to move, he noticed that Shockwave did also, an act that brought him to an immediate halt. He watched as the cycloptic strategist silently rose to his feet and then exited the shuttle without saying a word to anyone else.

"He scares me," Landgrab said softly to himself, looking from Shockwave to Razorclaw to Motormaster. Lots of scary Decepticons. Yeah. Getting to the med bay like Lord Razorclaw had offered was a good idea.
___

>>”Commander Onslaught, see that your team provides whatever assistance to Scrapper and his men that they require. Ensure that Hook remains in protective custody and isolated from the rest of the Constructicons. It is very important that tact is used here as they are not our enemies. Diplomacy will be utilized with Scrapper first and if that ultimately fails, well, then a more forceful approach will be needed. Razorclaw out."<<

Onslaught nodded his understanding to the new Decepticon Supreme Commander. His tactics aboard Astrotrain had perhaps been more heavy-handed than the circumstances warranted, but it was difficult to override countless vorns of decisive action. Diplomacy was not Onslaught's strong suit, particularly within their own ranks: there was a pecking order. Those above commanded, those below obeyed. It was that simple. Still, he knew that this situation would require more finesse until Scrapper's goals were more securely aligned with their own.

Since Scrapper and his team would inevitably be heading for the main med bay, it would be necessary to keep Hook away from that area for the time being. Making individual optical contact with each of the members of his team in a silent gesture telling them to be ready for anything and to ensure that their "captive" for lack of a better term, remained comfortably secure, Onslaught turned his attention to the Constructicon Leader.

"Whatever assistance I or my team can provide, you need only let me know."

Astrotrain

Trapped in the back of the packing crate they had returned to the Thanatos in, Divebomb twitched uncomfortably. Watching. Always watching. Despite its dirt and prehistoric level of technology, the open skies on earth was the most serene place he had seen since the crystalline spires of Kalihex itself, all those many vorns ago, and had he not been in a position of power here under his lords mighty leadership he would have torn the ship apart to get back to those skies, but his duty to his Alpha mattered more, and Cybertron was gone. A tinge of anger curled his lip as he remembered those great skies, but soon it was gone. This was their ship, and he could soar through it's hangers whenever he wished, and he itched to feel the air rush through his wings again.

>>"Predacons, you are with me... <<

For now, that was all he needed to hear, he had to get out of this box immediately. Urgently, the hawkformer, back in his bi-pedal robot form, leapt from Astrotrain's claustrophobic hold and onto the far larger open shuttle bay. He momentarily spread his robotic arms, picturing again as he soared through the clean terran air, eagerly searching for prey to hunt, remembering the feeling once more... and then stood to attention by Razorclaw and Rampage, ready to move to medbay. He himself was uninjured, but the Lord had given his command and it was his duty as a Predacon, masters of the Decepticons, to set the example.
To watch.

"As you command, Alpha Predator."

Always watching.



Astrotrain

The pain of his great loss slowly ebbing away, Swindle had sat back as the kerfuffle between Brawl and the Constructicons was both initiated and quelled by Razorclaw in a matter of seconds. His was not to fight, his was to ensure his team had the tools to fight with, and he chided himself that he had sold his last mag-lock not more than a few breems ago, but then he remembered the price he got for it and felt a lot less guilty.

"Brawl, buddy..." he nudged the giant tank who currently towered in his usual menacing-without-trying way over his green Constructicon ward and muttered quietly "...you don't think that Onslaught'll try and make us Combaticons do the same as that Devastator thing do you?"

He lowered his voice further, not wanting his unit commander to overhear.

"...only, I've may have overcharged him for his missiles one or two hundred times, and he'd kill me if he found out..."

Astrotrain

Battletrap had kept his optics on Shockwave for the whole trip. The mess with the Constructicons did little to distract him. Whatever the Constructicons gained with their new form, he knew Shockwave could duplicate and improve. When Astrotrain landed back on the Thanatos and open his bay doors, Battletrap noticed Razorclaw and his troops go out as well as the orders the Predacon lord barked about repairs and energy. He then heard what Psychout was saying about taking Shockwave back to his personal lab.

"Commander Shockwave to his lab? Yes I will protect. He need rest, recover time. Shockwave will tell what to do when well."


Elsewhere on Astrotrain Octane couldn't but laugh at all of the wasted energy the Cons were using to claim the prize which the Constructicons had made. It made sense to him that Razorclaw would want Devestator for himself. The biggest thing Octane was concerned about is the position of the Triple Changers within the new hierarchy their new Supreme Commander is going to set up. It seems that he is at least pleased with Astrotrain. It still irritated Octane that he was left out of the major portion of the fight and only major contribution was topping off his buddy Astrotrain. He heard the order to disembark but didn't want to fool with trying to shove his way through his buddy. This trip had to do some damage to his structure since it was obvious he was way over loaded on the way up.

>>Well buddy, looks like you made a good impression with our new Supreme Commander. I hope he will remember what little I did for you and the rest of us by topping off your tanks but doubt it. There are times I wonder if us fuelers get neglected until they come crawling on their hands and knees for a drop of energy when they are on fumes. Since you are now buds with Razorclaw, do remember to put in a good word for all of us Triple Changers. By the way, did you leave the pest on its home planet or did it catch a ride with us up here? If that contaminant is on this ship, it won't last long.<<