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Conference Room

Megatron noticed the slight hesitation in Shockwave’s reply. It was all he needed to hear to know that he wasn’t telling the entire truth. Saving Cybertron was too sentimental of a goal for him. Whatever energon he gained from this experiment would likely have been used for his own purposes, likely to sway the die of the war not in the Decepticon’s favor, but in his own favor. With a supply of fresh energon at his disposal and a dead or dying Cybertron he would be a very powerful individual. That energon combined with his own considerable personal power and intelligence would put him in a position to claim some sort of leadership of the Decepticons, or another faction of his own making. The fact that he had kept it such a secret only lent more credence to this theory.

The Decepticon leader had to keep a smirk off of his face. How ironic and embarrassing it must have been for Shockwave’s delicately laid plans to be disrupted by the likes of Grimlock and his dimwitted followers. His overconfidence and arrogance had cost him the supreme victory Megatron knew he sought, but it wasn’t likely to be a mistake he would repeat. Yes, Shockwave would have to be watched very carefully.

Megatron’s optics flashed briefly at Shockwave’s last comment. “Your calculations were correct Shockwave and Cybertron did suffer an environmental collapse. Now, as I did back then when you brought your findings to me, I have no time for doomsayers who bring me nothing to work with. The war was not going to end simply because you wished it or because Cybertron would die if it didn’t stop. Cybertron would have been an ideal capital for a Decepticon Empire, but it was just one world among countless in the universe. We were never meant to remain confined to that one world, but to spread out and conquer.”

“Perhaps we can still salvage something from your work. We have detected anomalous reading on this world, possibly some side effect from your experiments. Starscream can provide you with the data and you can examine it while your repairs are completed. I think you would want to try and recover something from that failure to show you are still dedicated to our cause. Blackwind can guide you back to the repair bay.”

Conference Room

Starscream had listened in silence as Shockwave briefed Megatron on his whereabouts before he vanished so long ago. The seeker commander was convinced that the scientist was keeping something secret from everyone in the room, it only made sense. He was sure that Shockwave with all of his intelligence had come to the conclusion that his survival was dependent on giving Megatron the information he wanted, of course the scientist was likely only giving up as much information as his logic deemed necessary. To spill it all meant he no long had an ace up his sleeve, and Starscream was also sure that Shockwave was speaking in half truths and doing his best to convince Megatron he had nothing else hidden from him. Of course Megatron wasn't such a fool, and the Seeker knew that his commander likely held the same suspicions. However, this turn of events likely favoured Starscream. With Shockwave's return and his mysterious plans meant that Megatron would be focused on someone else for once, and would take some pressure off of Starscream. It would be nice to be able to operate with a little less scrutiny thrown upon him, meaning the Seeker Commander could go about preparing for his future plans. Of course he still had to be careful, Megatron wasn't going to ignore him after all, just not look into his affairs as much. Things were still going to be complicated.

He turned back to the computer he had been working on and began to download all the data he had gathered on this planet about these readings. This included reports he and members of his team had compiled on these readings, granted they were not likely to be of much use to Shockwave, but the readings themselves and the more complete data gathered by the humans might be. As much as he disliked the idea of handing it over he had no choice, to rebel right now would be pointless. As much as he hated Shockwave, Starscream had to go along with Megatron's desires. He compiled everything he had on those anomalous readings and downloaded them all onto a single data pad and then turned back to the other Decepticons.

"This is everything we have gathered on these readings, Shockwave." He said handing the pad to the one eyed, faceless Decepticon. "This includes deep level geological scans, energy examinations, reports submitted by myself and a few others I had assigned to study these readings when we had the time. There are also some human reports we have managed to steel. They are vague for the most part, though they might provide a good foil for our collected information, but their science is primitive and I do doubt their use."

He personally didn't care what Shockwave found, he secretly hoped he would fail. Starscream had always viewed Shockwave as a threat to his plans. He never liked how cold he was, he wasn't' a true Decepticon in the seekers optics. He lacked any real passion outside of his scientific studies and if he had his way would turn the Decepticons into a mockery of what they are and could be. This meant he had to be dealt with, and unlike Megatron, Starscream had no problem disposing of this rival in a more discreet and less grandiose manner then he planned to do to Megatron.

Training Room

Thundercracker hadn't been terribly interested in taking part of the training routines in the first place. With Skywarp doing well against the simulator and apparently enjoying it as well, the blue seeker didn't feel too enthualistic about joining his brother's battle against the simulated Aerialbots. He found it more amusing to watch Skywarp blowing up some steam in the simulated environment. Until it came to an abrupt end.

Unlike the Predacons, Thundercracker was relieved when the Battlechargers brought end to the simulated training session.

"Yeah well, not yet at least." He replied to Skywarp's comment and sighed. He didn't appreciate Razorclaw's orders to find a partner and start sparring. But he would not question the Predacon commander and merely resigned himself to the situation.

"Sparring in a confined place with in melee might be enjoyable for the Predacons but I have to say that I'd rather have sparring dogfight in the skies." Thundercracker whispered to Skywarp. "Being stuck inside this mountain is miserable."
___________________________________________

Conference Room

For Shockwave it was very fortunate that Megatron's paranoia kept him from realizing the truth about the faceless Decepticon. Had Megatron realized Shockwave's true goals, it would have been far easier for the Decepticon leader to manipulate and control him. Shockwave had truely sought to save Cybertron singlemindedly. Cybertron had always been more important than Megatron or even Optimus Prime realized. It had been imperative to keep the planet from falling apart even if the advance of the Cybertronians as species had to be halted temporarily. Of course, because Megatron and the rest of the high command had dismissed Shockwave's calculations in the past, his logic center had come to a conclusion that in addition of saving Cybertron - he would need to take the leadership of the Decepticons from Megatron who had become too irrational to lead the Cybertronians to their destiny amongst the stars.

It did not surprise Shockwave that Megatron more or less turned the blame on him. It had happened before and it would happen again. The former gladiator had never been one to take a blame for being shortsighted or being wrong at something. Granted, Shockwave had not been able to present an alternative to ending the war when he had shown the evidence of Cybertron's decline to Megatron for the first time. However, Megatron had not given in to his pleads of letting him to study the subject more to find an alternative. Which, of course had been an equation he had finally been able to solve. But far too late for the rift which had been opened between the two Decepticons to close. At least the Decepticon leader was ready to trust him enough to present him the information regarding the energy readings the Decepticons had uncovered during their stay on this planet.

For now, it was enough for Shockwave. He felt no need to argue with Megatron, it would be pointless. While his original plans had been terminated, researching the results of his experiments would at least give him some vital information and time for modifying his plans. "Very well. I will do as you command lord Megatron."

After Megatron finished, Shockwave waited patiently for Starscream to secure him whatever data they had collected - while analyzing the newfound situation he had found himself in and his discussion with Megatron. Soundwave had stayed true to his nature, listening silently and recording everything for later evaluation. Starscream's docile behavior however had awakened Shockwave's curiosity. Had Megatron finally tamed the seeker or was Starscream busy planning for a way how to take advantage of the current situation. The latter was the more logical choice. Shockwave's return would command Megatron's attention, thus leaving the seeker more room to work towards his own goals. Once again he would have to get into this game of cat and mouse with Megatron and Starscream. It was inefficient way to operate, yet there was no other way.

When Starscream finally brought him the datapad, Shockwave took it and inserted it into a reader in his chest. "I will be the judge of the usefulness of this data Starscream."

Saluting Megatron briefly, Shockwave turned towards Blackwind. "Take me back to the medical bay."

Conference Room

Blackwind listed intently to the conversation taking place. She took notice of all of Shockwave’s mannerisms, of which there were few. As well she noticed all of Megatron’s. She could tell her Master was none too happy with what the Cycloptic mech had to say. He was holding back, and she could tell. She made it her business to know just about anyone her Master told her to study, and Shockwave was her target now.

She turned in her chair to focus on Starscream once he began to speak. Blackwind took in everything the Seeker Commander had to say. From the sound of it the humans did not have a grasp on their own planet’s capabilities. Something they would soon regret if the Decepticons had their way.

Blackwind stood from her chair when Shockwave did. She nodded as he requested to be taken back to the medical bay. As she moved past Starscream she looked back at the Commander and flashed him a devious smile. Blackwind moved past Shockwave and out into the Command Center.

“This way.”

She remained silent until they made it out to the corridor. She slowed her advance and began to address the former military commander.

“You know, Shockwave, You are a very lucky mech. I’m surprised our Master didn’t kill you there and then.”

She glanced over her shoulder as she moved further toward the Medical Bay. Blackwind had a knack for finding the worst in people; it was probably the reason Megatron trusted her so well.

“You should have told him what he wanted to know. Now….you’re life for the foreseeable future …”As she walked on a devilish grin crept onto her face. “…will be a living hell.”

Conference Room

Starscream scowled as he listened to Shockwave and then watched him depart with Blackwind. He rubbed his chin as he contemplated the conversation that had gone on here, he was sure Shockwave was plotting something. Of course that seemed rather obvious given the vague way he addressed Megatron, giving carefully crafted answers that would ensure the Decepticon leader wouldn't tear his living spark out and crush it before his mono-eye. It had been a little amusing to observe Shockwave try to explain his way out of the situation, of course he had maintained his normal cool, and comprised demeanor and never showed even a hint of concern. It was probably the closest the scientist ever got to panic.

"Well that was certainly... informative." Starscream said as he stood up from his seat and crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the console. "I must admit, I am somewhat surprised you didn't even dent his armour slightly considering he just admitted to openly violated your wishes, Megatron." The Seeker Commander smirked as he tilted his head in the direction of Megatron. "I am certain you noticed how he was doing his best to give out as little information as possible, feeding you the answers he knew would be just enough to keep him alive."

Starscream pushed off from the console and started to pace a little. He knew very well Megatron was likely to attempt to remodel his face plate for speaking as he was, but at the same time it was always a little entertaining to know he could still irritate the Decepticon leader to such levels.

"Of course I assume you are only letting him further his agenda, live out his usefulness and then show him the price of violating your wishes?"

Training Room

Needlenose was still glaring at Runamuck when he was pushed aside by Razorclaw. He staggered a bit in surprise, then righted himself after a moment and turned back forward. He began to dust off his shoved shoulder dismissively, but paused with widened optics as he saw that Razorclaw looked as if he was going to offline the hapless Battlecharger.

When the Predacon ended up "merely" threatening Runamuck instead and issuing orders, Needlenose went back to dusting his shoulder and now glaring at Razorclaw instead. Great, another Decepticon who thought they could just order everyone in the place around. Plus Needlenose wasn't particularly keen on the idea of sparring at that moment.

Certainly being able to mock fight in the air with the Seekers was generally entertaining, but that was obviously impossible indoors. And none of the Decepticons present struck Needlenose as being appropriately classy hand-to-hand fighters. Swindle was the one Needlenose thought had the most style, but it was generally a bit more verbal style than physical.

On top of that, despite his gripe earlier, Needlenose wasn't really that keen on seeing the Battlecharger get trashed by one of the Predacons. A proper fight had to be much more evenly matched to be worth watching, after all, otherwise it was just uncool. On the other hand, he wasn't particularly keen on getting pounded on himself by ticking off the Predacon leader even more, either. Still, maybe he could say something...

"If we're gonna do this whole sparring gig, then we should for sure be throwing down with someone who'll make it worth our whiles. And like, not to diss our 'Charger dude, but, y'know Razorclaw, I think Divebomb or one a' yer own squad would totally give you a more happenin' game."

Training Room

“You hear that freak? You’re all mine.”

Runamuck has caught the bad end of Razorclaw's temper. Not that there was a good end. Quickly transforming into his armored vehicle mode, Runamuck plows threw the legs of the Predacon in front of him.

"Hehe.. I thought cats landed on their feet.. " Runamuck jests at the fallen Razorclaw, while spinning around. Before 'Muck can finish the 360 degree rotation, a sudden weight lands on top of him. 16 sharp claws rake Runamuck's topside, leavings gashes and lacerations in their wake. Speeding about the room, swerving side to side, Runamuck can't seem to shake the massive lion. Reving his gears to to high speed 'Muck reasons a solid impact on the far wall should do the trick. Reaching over 100 miles per hour Runamuck prepares himself to transform and slam Razorclaw into the wall.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Runabout was not happy about the current situation. Runabout 's attempts to make the Battlecharger name taken seriously was always overshadowed by Runamuck's stupidity. Looking around the room, Runabout must pick an opponent carefully, and one that won't make him look like a fool. Looking for a more or less equal opponent who could put on a good show, Runabout makes his choice.

"Hey Needlenose, how good are you at wrestling?"

{{OOC, as much fun as it would be to mess with a mod's character without permission, we discussed the battle, and i indeed had permission. besides I'm not THAT stupid }}

Training Room

Oooohh dear...

Swindle attempted to watch dispassionately from the door as the situation turned from a simple accident into the beginnings of a typical tough-bot brawl, the kind Swindle had seen (and felt) many times before. The Decepticon ranks were filled with ex-gladiators and violent sociopaths who considered massive bursts of physical violence the best way to blow off coolant, and in a conflict locked down by the Tyrest Accords, the Decepticon Ranks were where Swindle was stuck.

But the situation didn't seem too bad. With Divebomb gone, the numbers are odd, leaving me as the odd man out. Of course, that assumed The Seekers either stayed out of Razorclaws mandated brawl, or chose each other as opponents. There was always the chance one would pick him as their punching bag and the other would watch and laugh: That was a common happening when the Seekers were involved, in any activity.

If only Razorclaw hadn't made that stupid order, we could have just watched him and Runamuck beat each others chassis in, and maybe made some bets.

Corridors near Training Room

Divebomb hadn’t wandered too far from the training room after storming out. He was just down the corridor, deciding what to do next. He considered going back up to build his metal nest, but ultimately decided against it once he overheard Razorclaw’s command coming out of the training room to pair up and spare. The Predacon Commander’s voice was loud and obnoxious to be sure as it boomed down the hallway to Divebomb’s audio receptors. Thanks to Swindle standing in the entranceway, the doors were wide open and it was all the more easy to hear what Razorclaw was saying.

What's the point in sparing? Has Razorclaw lost his mind? Divebomb thought with a sigh as he turned around and headed back down the corridor. He knew that if he didn’t go back, he’d get in trouble with both Razorclaw and possibly Megatron, as well. It was best not to chance it.

Training Room

Divebomb quickly arrived at the training facility entrance and stood next to Swindle. The flying Predacon looked around and saw that some had already paired off, while others were still mulling around. The seekers were standing nearby and would probably pair off with one another. Divebomb still didn’t feel he needed to train, let alone spare with someone. He had just gotten done fighting with some drones, after all, and didn’t feel like over exerting himself when it wasn’t necessary. But, orders were orders whether he liked them or not.

Divebomb turned his head to the side and looked down at Swindle. The Decepticon weapons dealer was smaller and probably not a great melee fighter, but he was as good a partner as any. It was either him or one of the other Predacons, and Divebomb didn’t particularly want to get that close to one of his teammates right now if he could avoid it.

“Hey there, Swindle,” Divebomb said with a grin. “Wanna spare? I promise to go easy on you.”

*********

“I hear ya, buddy. I’d rather be outside, too,” Skywarp replied to Thundercracker’s comment. “There’s room up there, but not enough for a proper dogfight. We need to be outdoors, but Megatron would never allow it. Too much of a chance that those pesky flesh sacks would detect us.”

Skywarp sighed as he watched Razorclaw and Runamuck spare, the battle charger having surprisingly good luck with the Predacon leader. “Hmmm, Razorclaw must be a bit rusty. Either that or he’s just toying with him. Heh heh.” The teleporter was getting bored fast. With the training simulation down, there weren’t many options available. “Well, I guess we should just pair up, ‘Cracker. Although, I’d rather we worked together as a team and not against one another. It would feel weird fighting you, buddy.”

A devious thought then entered Skywarp’s cranial unit. A cunning smile spread across his faceplate as ‘Warp leaned over to Thundercracker and whispered, “Or perhaps it’s time for another prank from yours truly!”

Training Room

Ah Nuts...

"Divebomb! Thought you were headed somewhere else, you looked like you had somewhere more important to be." Swindle tried to put on an amiable face (but not a friendly one, those didn't work on Decepticons). "Well, I would of course like to spar with someone, but, well, a fine warrior of your standing...would I be a fair match? I don't think so. It'd be a waste of both our times, I'm afraid."

Swindle then turned to look at the two Seekers whispering in the corner. "I think you'd be far better off with another aerial Decepticon...like Thundercracker over there."

Training Room

Needlenose winced a bit as Runamuck decided to take Razorclaw up on his offer after all, charging into a full-on melee. Welp, if the Battlecharger really wanted to get turned into scrap, who was Needlenose to argue? But before he could find some spot out of the way to watch the carnage, the proposition from the other Battlecharger caught his attention.

Runabout wrote:"Hey Needlenose, how good are you at wrestling?"

Oops. The downside, of course, was that now he didn't have any good way to try and sneak out of the training room without needing to spar with anyone. Oh well, he supposed it might be good for a cycle or so of entertainment, though he would have rather been able to try some of the human computer games he'd found lately instead.

"Good enough to look better than you while doin' it," Needlenose joked in response, as he moved closer to Runabout and took up a ready stance. "Bring it!"

Corridors leading to Med Bay

Shockwave followed Blackwind through the corridors of the Decepticon mountain bunker towards the med bay silently. The meeting with Megatron had gone moderately. He had not been able to convince the Decepticon leader fully when it came to his motives. Then again, Megatron had not shot him either. However, it did annoy Shockwave greatly that the general mistrust between Decepticons made them obsessed about finding secondary meanings and half truths in everything. Obsessed enough not to see clearly the enormous potential his report still yielded.

When Blackwind slowed her speed and advanced once again with her futile attempts of cracking Shockwave's cool - the ancient Decepticon did not slow his own pace, ignoring Blackwind once again. He knew where he was headed for, an escort was a mere formality. The femme could either keep his pace or fall behind, he did not care.

Yes, he had not told everything. He had not lied to the Decepticon leader but to tell Megatron that he was unfit to lead the Decepticons would have been a swift way to end his own existence. Nor it made little sense to reveal the most potential ace in his sleeve. The existence of other seeded planets. Indeed, the emphasis was in potential. He had no way of knowing had any of the other seeding attempts succeeded. After evaluating the data from this world he could calculate estimations at best. But there was a very prominent random element. Did those worlds still exist? Or perhaps sentient life had developed on them like on this world? Not to forget the worst possible scenario of those worlds being colonized by other spacefaring civilizations. He would find it out eventually but it was all due to its proper time.

No matter, he would process the data he had been given, compare it to his original calculations and then present the results to Megatron. There were little room for other options right now. While Megatron appeared to vulnerable on this planet, Shockwave lacked the knowledge of the current state of the Decepticon movement and cybertronians in general. He needed more raw data for drawing conclusions but if something, Shockwave was patient. Reaching the med bay, Shockwave entered the automated repair bay and laid down on the table he had awakened from several breems earlier. As the repair unit activated, Shockwave set his considerable processor capacity to work on the data Starscream had given and let the repair unit perform its duties.

Training Room

"He is probably just toying with him." Thundercracker replied somewhat absently to Skywarp's comment regarding the confrontation between Razorclaw and Runamuck. He had set his gaze upon titanium training staffs on the wall near him. Perhaps they could perform some melee training. While neither Thundercracker or Skywarp were slouches in melee combat, they were far from the Predacons in it. Even many Autobots were too equal to them to 'Cracker's liking.

While Skywarp was still busy with observing what the others were doing, Thundercracker had reached out and equipped himself with one of the combat staffs. As the black and purple seeker leaned over to him and suggested either pairing up on some poor spark or alternatively a prank, Thundercracker playfully bonked Skywarp in the head with his staff. "So, what you got in that devious mind of yours 'Warp?"

Training Room

Razorclaw saw what the battlecharger was doing, speeding towards the wall. He had gotten in some hits while perched on top of him but he wasn’t about to absorb the impact of slamming into a wall. The predacon leader leapt off of Runamuck, landing on the ground in a roll and transforming back to his robot mode on one knee, sword clutched in his right hand.

“You will need more than your usual tactics of ramming things to win this fight Runamuck. I am not you usual foolish Autobot foe.”

*

After wandering around the base for what seemed like an eternity Tantrum at last found the training room. The fact that he had gotten lost inside the Decepticon base only added further fuel to his eternal rage. It was a very good thing that he was finally in some place where he could destroy something.

The Predacon glanced around and saw the controls to the room were smashed. Another rush of anger filled his body, anger borne from frustration. If he didn’t get to hit something or someone soon he was liable to simply boil away the fuel he kept in his extra containers. Then he saw that the Decepticons were partnering up and sparring with each other. That brought a small smile to his face. Fighting an actual other being would be better than fighting any sort of drone.

Tantrum let out a snort looking at the Decepticons not already locked in combat. “Any of you weaklings willing to get your afts kicked by me?”

*

Conference Room

Once Shockwave had left Megatron rose to his feet. He still needed repairs from his battle with Prime. Normally he would have had them done immediately but his personal curiosity at why Shockwave was on this planet had overridden that need. Now with his curiosity mostly satisfied for now it was time to attend to his physical well being.

He paused on his way to the door to give Starscream time to finish his rant. It was a predictable bit of posturing from the seeker. He would never pass up an opportunity to point out any flaws or weaknesses he perceived in his supreme commander. It was amusing to see how excited he got at thinking he had an opportunity to needle him.

Once he was finished Megatron looked down at him. “You of all beings should know that as long as someone provides some use that out balances the problems they may cause I keep them around. However, once that line is crossed there is no going back and they are dealt with, harshly, swiftly and permanently. I think you should hope he can come up with some way to salvage his plan and get some use out of this lackluster infiltration you were leading here.”

Megatron glanced up at Soundwave. “Resume decoding Shockwave’s files and monitoring communications. I’ll be interested to see how the humans will report our battle at the Air Base.”

He looked back at Starscream. “I will be in a CR Chamber receiving repairs. You are in command.” With the orders given Megatron left the room and the command center altogether. He arrived shortly at the CR Chamber Blackwind had prepared for him. He activated the chamber and entered it, the hatch sealing shut behind him. The cycle soon started and the Decepticon leader patiently waited while it repaired him.

Training Room

As he finished speaking, Skywarp felt something bonk him on top of his head. He turned to see his friend, Thundercracker, standing there armed with a training staff. “Oh, so you want to play, huh?” Warp said with a smile as he retrieved a staff of his own. “I guess we can spare a bit while I throw some ideas by you.”

Skywarp took up position in front of Thundercracker. “I was thinking of teleporting around the room and maybe dropping some drone debris on the others from high up. Maybe the battle chargers would be good targets since they’re not too bright,” Skywarp suggested quietly so no one else could hear. He then clashed his staff with Thundercracker’s before continuing. “Although, I could also use this staff and literally poke some fun at the others. Heh heh! I’d teleport out before they even knew what jabbed them. But who could be my first unwitting victim?”

Skywarp glanced around and noticed Swindle and Divebomb standing near the doorway. Perhaps he could have some fun with them. He’d have to be careful, though. While pranking Swindle would be harmless fun, messing with a Predacon could get him scrapped. However, if he did it in such a way as to lay the blame on the arms dealer, then he’d basically be pranking two for the price of one. “I’ve got it! Don’t move ‘Cracker. I’ll be back in less then an astrosecond!”

Skywarp then vanished and immediately appeared in front of Swindle and behind Divebomb. ‘Warp glanced back at Swindle and winked at him before giving a quick jab to the flying Predacon’s back plate. ‘Warp then teleported again, returning to where Thundercracker was standing. “This should be interesting,” Skywarp said to his friend as he watched the action between Swindle and Divebomb unfold.

*********

Divebomb listened to Swindle’s lame excuse for not wanting to spare with him. Of course the arms dealer wasn’t a match for him. Only another Predacon could offer Divebomb a real challenge, but he was hoping to avoid sparing with one of his teammates if he could. He considered Thundercracker as a suitable replacement, but it appeared as though the seekers had already paired up.

Just then, Tantrum wandered into the room and issued a challenge to everyone. Divebomb sighed. “Very well, Swindle,” he remarked as he began walking over to Tantrum. Just then Divebomb felt something strike his back. He quickly twirled around to see Swindle still standing by the door. “I thought you didn’t want to spare,” he said a bit perplexed. “Or were you just toying with me to gain an advantage? Perhaps you’re more of a challenge than I initially thought.” Divebomb now stood in front of Swindle, glaring down at him. However, what the flying Predacon didn’t realize was that he had just been pranked by Skywarp.

Training Room

"You see, Divebomb?" Swindle said as Tantrum walked in. "Everything works out. Now I'll just wait here for someone else more my-"

Swindle was caught up short as Skywarp teleported in and jabbed Divebomb before teleporting away again. He looked back to see Divebomb looming over him.

"Ah come on, Divebomb, do you really think I'm dumb enough to try and take you from behind? It was Skywarp, he did it!"

I'd never just punch someone in the back, he thought. That'd be crazy! I'd shoot them in the back.

Training Room

Runamuck's suspension bounces his car shell upward as Razorclaw leaps off. Speeding at a wall with little time to spare, Runamuck locks up his wheels and spins 180 degrees while transforming. Slamming back first into the wall with a loud *thud*, he braces himself against the wall. Quickly taking aim at the kneeling Razorclaw, Runamuck fires at the Predacon with his friction rifle.

"I tawt I saw a puddy cat...Hehe." Runamuck has been intercepting one too many background signals while in the CR chamber lately...

Needlenose wrote:"Good enough to look better than you while doin' it," Needlenose joked in response, as he moved closer to Runabout and took up a ready stance. "Bring it!"

That was all Runabout needed to hear. Speeding at Needlenose in car mode Runabout springs into the air and transforms, attempting a flying frog splash. Runabout was apparently using the wrestling techniques that are shown on human television signals he picked up. The aireal maeuvers help compensate for a lack of overwhelming strength.

"Here comes RBT with the flying car bomb!" He boasts back at Needlenose.

Training Room

Divebomb listened as Swindle explained that it was Skywarp who had just attacked him and not the arms dealer. It did make sense. Swindle wasn’t stupid nor was he holding a weapon. It didn’t feel to Divebomb like he had been punched but more like having been stuck with a sharp object. The Predacon glanced over to where Skywarp stood next to his seeker brother. Both were holding training staffs, but they didn’t appear to be sparing all that much. In fact, ‘Warp was paying more attention to him and Swindle then to Thundercracker.

Divebomb looked back to Swindle. “Indeed. Seems I’ve been duped.” The flying Pred then turned and walked towards the seekers. Coming within inches of Skywarp’s faceplate, Divebomb sneered at him. “So, Swindle tells me it was you who jabbed me in the back before teleporting away. Is this true, seeker?”

Skywarp appeared to be at a loss for words. “Why…I…no! Of course not! Swindle’s just pulling your leg. I’ve been over here sparing with Thundercracker the whole time.” Skywarp replied with a guilty grin, which was something Divebomb picked up on almost immediately.

“It wasn’t you, huh?” the flying Predacon questioned, not believing the purple and black seeker for an astrosecond. “Well, I felt a jab in my back and you’re the only one with a long stick and the ability to teleport over and back without me seeing. Perhaps you’d prefer to spare with me instead of your seeker brethren here?”

“No, Thundercracker will do just fine, thanks,” Skywarp replied, a bit annoyed. Some ‘cons just can’t take a joke and have to get all riled up.

“Really? That’s a shame. Well then, in the future, don’t jab someone and then run away if you don’t want to fight them!” Divebomb warned before shoving Skywarp back. The flying Pred then turned and walked away from the two seekers.

An angry scowl appeared on Skywarp’s face. “Fraggin’ Predacon,” he whispered so only Thundercracker could hear him. “He needs to get a sense of humor. It’s not like I damaged him or anything.” The teleporter then turned to face his friend. “So, you want to spare for real now, buddy? I need to blow off some steam.”

Corridors leading to Med Bay

Blackwind’s face contorted slightly when Shockwave ignored her prodding once more. She sighed when he walked right on by her into the Medical Bay. Her shoulders slumped slightly as she followed the taller Decepticon to the back of the medical Bay. Her optics never left his form as he entered the automated repair bay and lay down. As the mechanics of the room begin its repair cycle Blackwind watched Shockwave intently. He was an enigma wrapped in a dark shroud deceit. She would crack his shell some how, but it would take some time.

The astute seeker femme smiled slightly as she deliberately advanced to the control panel to the automated repair bay. Her fingers glided over the keypad as she entered the lockdown security code, thereby impounding Shockwave within the confines of the bay. He would be released on his own recognizance when her Master commanded it.

Her attention was broken from Shockwave to that of Megatron. She watched him move to his personal CR chamber and enter. The cycle began once the door hissed closed. Taking one last glance back at the cycloptic mech , Blackwind migrated to the side of her Master’s enclosure. She took it upon herself to mind the chamber in order to ensure Magatron’s repairs were timely and uninterrupted.

Training Room

While still on one knee, Razorclaw gripped his sword tighter. He saw Runamuck pull his ever over used friction rifle and fired it. Luckily for the Predacon Commander his reflexes rivaled that of the best gladiators of old. Razorclaw jumped from his kneeling position up into the air and toward Runamuck. As he came closer to the battlecharger he brought his sword down at his opponent’s head hoping to cut his cranial unit in half.

Interrogation Chamber

Deep within the bowels of the Decepticon headquarters lays the dreaded interrogation chambers. There are three of them. At the current time none have been in operation, however under the door of the last chamber a light could be seen escaping. Footfalls could be heard from the corridor just outside.
As he worked his way around his home away from home, Darkride, pulled and stored his tools of the trade. The whip is stored on the wall; the thumb screw goes on that table. Most of the horrific devices used in Darkride’s chamber were all personally designed and created by the interrogator himself. He paid meticulous attention to his “guest’s” agenda; whether it be a quick questioning or a prolonged torture, he was ready for anything.

“Yes, yes, that will do quite nicely.”

The black mech finished placing another device in its designated spot and took a seat facing the spiked berth in front of him. He licked his lips as he shut down his optics. His thoughts began to wander to those of the screams of his victims. Darkride licked his lips and smiled broadly. He finds absolute ecstasy in listening to the agonizing howls of his tortured guests, but it has been quite some time since he last interrogated a Decepticon enemy. He’d have to find something to do, and luckily for him, he knew exactly what that would be. Taking a cat o nine tails from the shelf nearby Darkride retired to the small room he used as his personal quarters in the rear of the interrogation chamber. Once the door hissed shut the sound of laughter and agonizing screams could be hard from the small room.

Training Room

Thundercracker got a bad feeling from the start when Skywarp announced his plan. Unless the teleporter was planning to mess with the fights that had already began, it left only Divebomb, Tantrum and Swindle as targets. Which was a problem. Predacons weren't mechs to be messed with and Swindle was just too smart and crafty not get back at 'Warp some heinous way. Skywarp probably did not recognize the danger in his eagerness but before Thundercracker had a chance to stop his brother, he was already gone.

Slaggit... This can't be good. The blue seeker cursed in his mind, facepalming with his free hand when he saw Skywarp's target. As Skywarp returned, Thundercracker tried to at least help his brother to mask his intentions by taking few swings at Skywarp with his staff. The black and purple seeker however seemed to be far more interested in what would happen between Swindle and Divebomb. Which resolved very soon with Divebomb first facing Swindle and then quickly turning his attention to Skywarp.

With the berating of Skywarp by Divebomb that followed finished, Skywarp turned his frustrations on Thundercracker, asking him to spar with him.

"You know... you're one lucky scraplet 'Warp." Replied to his brother. "Had that been Tantrum or Rampage or even Headstrong... I am not sure if I'd talking to you right now, heh."

Taking a defensive stance with the battle staff equipped in case Skywarp would lunge at him Thundercracker had to present one more question. "You sure? I don't think we'll get much out of fighting each other. Unless you have learned something new?"

Command Center

Soundwave was not in a particularly good mood, not that anyone could tell. His face remained ever expressionless and his body language neutral. It was a very rare thing for the Decepticon to show any emotion. He had carefully cultivated his image as the cold and calculating right hand mechanoid of Megatron. He would not let that image be broken by any amount of annoyance he might feel.

Shockwave’s arrival on the scene was what was irritating him. Few in the Decepticon ranks could even profess to have the intelligence and technical acuity that Soundwave possessed, but Shockwave was one of them. It wasn’t the fact that he was smarter than him though, it was the lengths the other Decepticon had taken to foil him. He had developed a device to block his telepathy and encoded his personal files with an impressive bit of encryption. While Soundwave had little doubt that given enough time he would find ways around both of these obstacles the fact that it was taking so much time and effort was frustrating.

The communications specialist was working on decrypting more of Shockwave’s files when the signal came in. He had been monitoring communications while performing his other duties but turned his full attention to the new signal. It was being filtered down through various substations and outposts to reach their base on Earth. It was also being sent with an older encryption code, one that had not been used by the Decepticons in quite some time. He briefly viewed the contents of the message which only further raised his curiosity. This would require Megatron’s presence. He quickly contacted the Decepticon leader.

*

Medical Bay

Megatron’s CR Chamber slid open with a hiss and a cloud of mist. The Decepticon leader stepped out of it fully repaired. Before he could do anything else he received the signal from Soundwave. A frown formed on his face and he quickly left the room, heading for the command center, sparing only a quick glance at Shockwave and Blackwind.

Command Center

Soundwave stood up from his console as Megatron entered the room. “Signal origin point confirmed as Cybertron. Identity of sender unconfirmed.”

Megatron sat down in the command chair. “Where was Thunderwing last reported as being at?”

Soundwave had expected this question from his commander and had already pulled up the relevant data. “Thunderwing last confirmed on Cybertron prior to planetary evacuation. He was not among confirmed evacuees and was listed as MIA.”

Megatron paused in thought. It could conceivably be Thunderwing, either having left Cybertron on his own or having hidden on the planet with some sort of special shielding. There was also the chance that it could simply be a ruse or a trap set by the Autobots. It was quite possible they had figured out that the Decepticon was missing from their ranks and conjure up some mysterious signal from him. That didn’t explain how the signal was coming from Cybertron though. Surely the Autobots would know he would be suspicious of any signal coming from their dead homeworld. It was possible that it was simply a poorly conceived trap, but he doubted that Prime would expend so much effort and resources on a trap that was so transparent.

“Patch the signal into the main viewscreen Soundwave. I want to talk with ‘Thunderwing’ myself.”

The Communications officer nodded and turned and tapped a few of the controls on his console. The main viewscreen came to life and after a few seconds of static settled on the image of Thunderwing’s face.

>>”Lord Megatron, it is an honor to speak to you at last. I am relieved that my efforts to reach you have finally succeeded.”<<

The image on the screen only vaguely resembled the Thunderwing that Megatron had known. This being was much larger and bulkier then the Decepticon scientist had been. The odds of it being some sort of Autobot ruse went down even further now. He assumed that they would have visual data on Thunderwing. At the very least Megatron was now interested in hearing what this mechanoid had to say.

“Thunderwing, you’ve changed since last I saw you.”

Thunderwing smiled. >>“Yes Lord Megatron, a necessary step to make survival on Cybertron possible. Over time I have perfected the carapace technology on myself. It is technology I intend to share with you and the rest of my Decepticon brethren.”<<

Megatron was mildly interested. He, or course, knew of Thunderwing’s earlier experiments that had earned him the ire of the Cybertronian Science Council. He also knew that Thunderwing had been enhancing himself ever since then. It appeared that those experiments had continued unabated. The technology could prove useful to the Decepticon cause, but it wasn’t enough for Megatron. “This doesn’t explain your absence from our ranks for so long and why you have decided to contact me now.”

Thunderwing’s smile slipped a bit, but only for a split second. He had hoped that the offer of new technology would soothe some of the anger at his disappearance. Perhaps it had, but not to the extent had had been hoping for. It had been too long since he had spoke to Megatron. He had forgotten his blunt manner. He would have to drop some of the niceties and get directly to the point.

>>”Of course my lord. I was perfecting the carapace technology, the end result of which you see now, when the evacuation order was given. The project was at too delicate a stage to stop. If the carapace is improperly aligned with the host’s mind it can lead to insanity, or worse. The experiment was a success and I was able to survive on Cybertron’s surface without additional shielding. Unfortunately by that time the planet had been abandoned. The poor condition of the atmosphere prevented any signals from leaving the planet. I was stranded here.”<<

Megatron remained stone faced as Thunderwing explained himself. What he said was plausible, but he wasn’t going to just take his word for it. He had not remained in command of the Decepticons for so long by taking others at their word. He wanted hard evidence. “I am to take it your situation has now changed?”

>>”Yes Lord Megatron, Cybertron is healing itself. The atmosphere has now cleared enough for me to get this signal out to you. I also believe that it has healed to the point where other Transformers can survive on the surface without additional protection. I am sending you the data I’ve collected now.”<<

Soundwave’s visor flashed as the data scrolled across his personal monitor. “Data received.”

“Very well Thunderwing. We will analyze your data and contact you once I have orders for you.”

>>“Of course Lord Megatron. As you command.”<<

The viewscreen blinked off as the connection was broken. “Soundwave, begin analysis of the data. I want to know what it says and whether it is authentic. Starscream can assist you.”

Megatron then sent out a signal to Blackwind. >>”Blackwind, begin research on Decepticon Thunderwing. He has just resurfaced on Cybertron. Have Shockwave report to the command center once his repairs are complete.”<<

Medical Bay

She had been standing guard over her Master’s CR chamber. She wasn’t surprised when it finally slid open with a hiss and revealed Megatron. A smile made its way to her face, but then quickly faded as she noticed a frown form on his face. Her Master spared her a passing glance leaving her to nod in response.

Once Megatron had left Blackwind made her way back to Shockwave’s automated repair chamber. She watched as the chamber performed the necessary repairs on the cycloptic mech. She wondered just what he was keeping from the master; was it something to do with his experiments on seeding this planet, or was it the fact that he was trying to do what Starscream has always been trying to do; overthrow the Master.

She placed her slender hand against the glass door on the chamber as she took in Shockwave’s form. Her optics dimmed as she made a mental note to examine his experiments on a closer level. Just then she received a message from her master on her internal comm.. Blackwind opened a link to Megatron and sent her response.

>>”As you command, Master.”<<

She moved to the control console and patched into the room’s comm. system.

>>“Once your repairs are complete we are to return to the command center.”<< She flashed a sinister smile as she finished. >>“And don’t make me come in there after you.”<<

Commander Center

Starscream frowned at Megatron's command and the Seeker Commander crossed his arms over his chest. He was actually very intrigued by the sudden reappearance of the long lost Thunderwing, and was even more interested in the contents of the data files he had sent. It appeared that these events could lead to much larger changes in the war, perhaps even break the stalemate that had paralyzed the war effort for so long. However, the idea of having to work with Soundwave did not appeal to him though. He despised the emotionless bore almost as much as he did Megatron due to his sycophantic loyalty to the Decepticon leader.

"Surely Megatron the skills of Soundwave are sufficient enough to complete this task with out my valued aid." He said with more then a little hint of his sarcasm. He actually wanted to delve right into the data, but he never passed up a chance to get under Megatron's armour. "Or do you perhaps doubt his capability to carry out your command effectivly and feel the need to have another there to ensure it is done to your satisfaction?"

Of course Starscream would never pass up the chance to get a shot in on one of Megatron's supporters as well. Regardless of his comments though the Seeker Commander moved over to a computer station to begin observing and pouring over the data sent by Thunderwing.

Medical Bay

It took surprisingly long for the automated repair bay to deal with the damage the humans had caused him when they had tried to research him. Unless, the process had been purposefully slowed down by Megatron or one of his lackeys to allow the Decepticon leader recover to full operational status so that Shockwave could not take the advantage of his weakened state. When his sensors detected Megatron leaving the medical bay while his own repairs where still under work, this hypothesis was strengthened. Shockwave could relate to such a decision. He would have done the same, it was only logical.

While always attentive of his surroundings - something that had proved invaluable to achieve such a high age, dwelling on something he could not do anything about wasn't part of his nature. Instead, the time spend within the automated repair chamber was used effectively on analyzing the data provided to him by Starscream and comparing it to his own calculations. It was clear that Starscream had been holding information from Megatron. There was no doubt that a mind as brilliant as Starscream's would not have noticed the out of scale potential of the energon spread across the planet. No, the air commandant had clearly been planning to use this ultra energon to his own advantage. No doubt Megatron had showed up in a critical moment and spoiled the seeker's plans.

Still, it mattered little what Starscream had sought to do with the energon. What puzzled Shockwave the most that how the energon on this world had evolved to be this potent. Was it natural to energon or result of an unknown factor tied to this planet? Or had his experiments on increasing the regeneration rate of energon with the cost of its stability caused such a phenomenon. After all, he had sought to find a quick way to get enough energon to save Cybertron - the extreme potency of the energon was a side-effect, likely because he had not been able to harvest the energon as originally scheduled. More research was required to answer his questions but the reality was that this world was rich with highly potent energon that could easily shift the balance of power to the favor of the Decepticons if utilized right.

Somewhat before his repairs were finished, Blackwind informed him of Megatron's newest orders, once again trying to play her mind games with him. Perhaps the femme was to be reminded of how utterly irrelevant she was to him. With the repair bay finally finishing his repairs, Shockwave rose up and moved to the door of closed unit he was confined into. He wasn't even slightly surprised to find that the repair bay had been sealed through a security lockdown command. Scanning the lock device and effortlessly cracking the code, Shockwave sent a radio signal to the command panel, ending the lockdown and resulting in the repair bay door to open as if nothing out of ordinary had taken place.

Staring down at the smaller Decepticon who was waiting for him in the chamber where the automated repair bays and CR chambers were located, Shockwave addressed Blackwind with his characteristic monotone. His words included a warning, the only warning he had decided to give to the femme against her most bothersome behavior. She could either take the warning or suffer the consequences eventually. "These games are waste of time. The Empire cannot afford such inefficiency. Now, act as commanded by your master and perform your irrelevant task of escorting me back into the command center."