The Energon Pub

Medical Bay

Blackwind’s smile faded as she watched Shockwave rise from his prone position. Once back on his feet he made his way to the door and in an instant the door slid opened. The seeker femme cocked her head to one side and sighed. Show off, she thought. She really wasn’t too surprised that he cracked the code it was the fact that it was Megatron’s code that disturbed her.

As the one eyed mech departed from the chamber he stalked to a position directly in front of her and spoke. She listened to his monotone drawl with little interest. That is until he mentioned that the Empire could not ‘afford such efficiency.’ She sneered angrily back at him for the threat. As she turned on her heel and began to lead the purple mech back toward the Command Center she muttered something under her breath.

“Perhaps you should program yourself a sense of humor and a personality.”

She traversed the long corridor to the Command Center without speaking another word to Shockwave. His blunt statement left a bad taste in her mouth and she had no desire to address him yet; at least not until her Master ordered her to do so.

Command Center

Once the black and maroon seeker femme made it to the entry of the Command Center she inputted her access code. She spared a glance over her shoulder to make sure Shockwave was still behind her; she then moved passed the opened doors and made her way to the Conference room.

Blackwind’s fingers moved over the control panel. The door to the chamber opened in front of her revealing her Master in the Command chair. She flashed him an alluring smile and moved to one side displaying Shockwave.

“Master, as you requested. Shockwave.”

Interrogation Chamber

Once the crack of the specialized torture device finally stopped silence permeated through the whole interrogation chamber. Moments passed when finally the hiss of Darkride’s personal chamber door slid open displaying the dark purple mechanoid. A sinister grin played across his face as energon dripped from the self inflicted wounds on his back and shoulders. The sadomasochist cocked his head from one side to the other effectively cracking his neck joints. His smile never faltered as he moved through the chamber and placed his well saturated tool back on the shelf where it belonged.

Now that his ‘work’ was done he could finally get down to the real order of business. The smile faded from his face as he moved to a second door within his asylum. He punched in his security code and watched as the door slid open. Before him was the form of a bound human. He struggled helplessly against his restraints yelping all sorts of irrational banter. Darkride scoffed at the pitiful pest. He spoke not a word when he removed the bonds and man handled the miserable meat bag. The interrogator placed the biped carefully on an examination table appropriate to his size. Once there his restraints were reapplied effectively immobilizing him. Darkride moved passed the berth and accessed some of his more ‘delicate’ tools. The dark mech then began his oration in a low, almost guttural, tone. His speech mannerisms were proper and eloquent, almost as though the human was being accosted by Sir Anthony Hopkins himself.

“I do hope you are…comfortable. Unfortunately it will not last for long, but that does not mean you should not pray for it to continue. How very droll of your species.”

He took hold of a rather menacing piece of equipment and studied it in the light.

“I have given you time to rethink your decision of not conveying upon me the requested information. And since you have stood by your choice I am required to attain said information by any means necessary.” He looked longingly back at the human male. “How unfortunate for you.”

Some time later...

Covered in human blood and brain matter, Darkride began cleaning his tools. A quick look at the remains of the human elicited a gratified grin from the interrogator. To his dismay, however, things had to get messy in order to retrieve the requested data; the cranium had to be removed revealing the human’s gray matter; probes were later inserted to connect him with the terminal. It was unfortunate that the specimen did not last nearly as long as he had hoped; the power surge from the probes saw to it that he would never think again.

“Well…I think that went…well enough. I suppose what you gave me will have to do for your facsimile… at least for now.”

Training Room

After dealing with the idiot prankster Skywarp, Divebomb made his way across the room and leaned up against the wall. He didn’t feel much like sparing anymore. He’d gotten enough of a workout with the training drones earlier anyway. Besides, no one wanted to spare with him with the exception of Tantrum, and he only wanted to hit someone. The flying Predacon had no desire to engage one of his loathsome teammates. He’d rather remain bored.

What Divebomb really wanted to do was start building his nest in the crawlspace he had found on the upper level. The only thing keeping him from leaving and doing just that was the fact he was under orders from Megatron to train. If he left it could be seen as insubordination and he would most likely pay a dire penalty. So, Divebomb remained where he stood watching some his comrades spare while others mulled around like he was currently doing.

Divebomb looked towards the far end of the training room. His gaze lifted and he noticed high up near the very top that there was a catwalk-like structure suspended from the ceiling by thick cables. The walkway extended partway across the ceiling and appeared to be for maintenance purposes in order to access certain panels where flying drones would be released. Of course, it was a moot point now since the control console was destroyed and no drones would be coming out anytime soon. However, this catwalk could provide a nice place to build a nest all the while remaining in the training room and thus not disobeying Megatron’s orders.

A smile finally spread across Divebomb’s faceplate as he also realized that there was plenty of scrap metal from which he could construct his nest in the form of damaged drones that lay around the room. Perfect, he thought to himself as he moved away from the wall and began gathering up bits and pieces of metal and drone parts. Once his arms were filled, Divebomb flew up to the catwalk and began laying the scrap metal out at the far end where the ceiling and wall came together. It made for a nice little alcove that was perfect for supporting a nest-like structure. The flying Predacon then made several more trips to the training room floor in order to gather enough material to begin building his nest.

*********

Skywarp frowned at Thundercracker’s statement about being lucky. “Please, it was Divebomb who was lucky,” he began saying in a hushed tone so only his brother could hear him. “I did that metal bird a favor by not sparing with him. He’d only regret it in the end after I humiliated him in front of his teammates.” Skywarp finished his rant, twirling his training staff in his hand. He was still angry at how that flying Predacon had gotten in his face. He was an elite seeker, after all, and not some insignificant Decepticon lackey. ‘Warp was not helpless by any means even if he didn’t always have the smarts to use all the skills he was programmed with.

Skywarp shrugged when Thundercracker asked him if he was sure he wanted to spare with him. “Well, I agree it’s probably pointless for the two of us to fight one another. We know each other’s moves too well. It would probably just end in a stalemate.” The teleporter relaxed a bit, still holding his staff. “But then again, what else can we do? Sparing with each other seems to be the only option at the moment. Unless, of course, you have a better idea, 'Cracker.”

Training Room

Needlenose was caught somewhat by surprise by Runamuck's choice of maneuver. Unable to dodge quickly enough out of the way, he instead brought up his arms and braced himself for the impact. "Hit me with all you got!"

Runamuck did indeed hit him full-on, sending them both flying backwards and crashing to the ground in a heap. "Oof!" Needlenose winced and tried to recover enough from the impact to bring his foot up and push with his arms to send the Battlecharger off him and backwards over his head.

Command Center

Megatron silently considered all of the events that had occurred in just this planet’s last rotation. The discovery of Shockwave and the Dinobots, the revelations of Shockwave’s experiments and now the apparent message from Thunderwing, all of it had happened so suddenly. All of these new resources could not go untapped. If they could all be woven together in some greater plan then they could prove to be a fatal blow to the Autobots. He merely needed to see the threads that connected all of these resources so that he could weave that plan.

The Decepticon leader was broken out of his thoughts by the latest bit of snide comments from Starscream. He was beginning to remember why he had put the seeker in charge of this formerly backwater assignment. His constant need to assert himself and draw attention was an annoyance and irritant at best. Perhaps it was time to deal a blow back to the Seeker’s over inflated ego.

“Perhaps you are correct Starscream. Your intellect and skills would add very little to Soundwave’s work. Perhaps you would be better off in the training simulation with your fellow Seekers.” The slightest hint of a smile formed on Megatron’s face as he spoke.

Before the Seeker could reply Megatron’s attention was drawn to the entrance of Shockwave and Blackwind. He turned his command chair to face the cycloptic Decepticon. He now appeared to be whole and fully repaired, a process that had taken a not inconsiderable amount of time. The humans had recklessly torn through him in an effort to understand his inner workings.

“Shockwave, I assume you have gone over all of the information provided to you. Have you drawn any conclusions? Is your plan at all salvageable?”

Training Room

The ferocious warrior known as Razorclaw lunges at Runamuck. Rapidly reacting Runamuck transforms. Razorclaw swings his sonic sword at the Battlechargers head as he changes form. The blade slightly scrapes the wall as it slices into the now trunk section of Runamuck. The blade slices threw the trunk section and cuts a shallow slice into the front of Runamuck's forehead as he peels out. Runamuck bashes into the left leg of Razorclaw as he speeds away. Abruptly spinning around he races back toward Razorclaw, and notices a trail of fresh mech fluid in his path. Speeding back at his Predacon foe, Runamuck laughs in glee at the fun he is having.

Meanwhile...

Runabout slams into Needlenose. As Needlenose throws Runabout off him, Runabout fumbles to grab the jet-fighters arm but fails. Landing on his back and scrambling to his feet Runabout dashes at Needlenose and attempts a shoulder first dive at Needlenose's chest assembly.

"Not a contender for the cruiser-weight championship, Needlenose?" Runabout is sure he picked up some human broadcast signals during his last CR visit.

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

Armory

The Decepticon armory is little more than a glorified supply closet. The prominently golden yellow and black seeker, Blackstar is taking inventory of the missiles and weapons left on hand after the recent battle. He was not pleased at the lack of concern for valuable weaponry. The base had neither the room nor the resources on hand to mass produce the weapons themselves, and this could leave the Decepticons vulnerable. Empty metal boxes full of parts are stacked tall in the back of the room. Blackstar's assigned duty was to do inventory and inspection on all supplies in the armory. While Blackstar's experiences with weapons let him notice if something is wrong, he is no technician. Sternly following orders he finally finishes his task. The meticulous duty of organizing an army's worth of weapons finally complete, he files his report.

>>Commander Starscream my assessment of the inventory is complete. We are going to need more munitions if we intend to fight more than a few battles. I suggest restocking in the near future.<<

Command Center

The smile on her face remained as her Master addressed the larger mech standing just behind her. Once the conversation had begun Blackwind stepped aside and moved to an empty terminal. She had been orders prior to her bringing Shockwave to see the Master and she did not want to agitate him by neglecting her work.

She sat down in the chair and began her search for any and all information on the scientist Thunderwing. It was strange, but she had never heard of him before. None of the older Decepticons in the higher ranks ever spoke about him or his experiments. She shrugged slightly and commenced her search. Her first stop off was the Decepticon’s personnel file. She brought up Thunderwing’s image from the dossier and her interest was piqued. As she stared at the screen the corner of her mouth upturned. She pursed her lips, but she quickly caught herself. Flashing a glance over her shoulder to make sure no one was looking; she then turned back to the screen.

Blackwind then brought up the more interesting aspects of the mech; his experiments. She began combing through everything Thunderwing had done up until the evacuation of Cybertron. This investigation was going to take some time.

Interrogation Chamber

The Decepticon interrogator finished cleaning his tools and placed them carefully on their appropriate shelves. Darkride then moved to the remains of the human on the berth. He removed the restraints and picked up the corpse by one of its legs. He slid the body off the table and held it up to examine it once more. Darkride tilted his head in curiosity as the corpse drained the remaining quarts of blood onto the floor. The interrogator shook his head and turned to a small opening in the wall. He tossed the corpse into it where it would be added to the other piles of bodies and scrap.

Darkride stretched unnecessarily and began to hum an inane tune. Some would believe him to be absolutely mad, and he certainly would not refute it.

He made his way from his beloved chamber and out into the corridor. He then advanced to the lift where he inputted his desired destination.

Outside the Command Center

Darkride stopped his humming as he approached the command center. Punching in his access code the door slid open revealing the fore chamber to the command center. There was no one present in this section of the room, but he could hear Megatron’s voice coming from the conference room at the back of the chamber. He couldn’t quite hear what was being said; therefore he moved closer to the door. There he stood silently listening to what was happening in the room before him.

Command Center

"I have processed the information you have provided." Shockwave replied to Megatron's question. "However I lack the required information to draw a clear conclusion. I need an access to all databases involving the available resources of the Empire. I also require all available data involving Cybertron's current status to be able to analyze whether or not it is within the Empire's capacity to activate Cybertron's cyberforming interface within a reasonable timetable."

The former military operations commander moved away from the conference chamber's entrance, deeper into the chamber and pointed his gun arm towards an empty wall Megatron was facing and projected an holographic display of the results of his studies involving the data Starscream had provided him earlier. "However, I was able to study the deep level geological scans and energy examinations made by your soldiers with the addition of the studies of the carbon creatures inhabiting this planet to confirm that the energon findings within the planet's crust are the result of my original experiments."

"This planet is rich with energon. However, the prolonged unsupervised development of the energon I seeded this planet with has provided surprising results." Shockwave continued and projected a graph visualizing the core differences between the basic energon variant common on Cybertron when he disappeared and the energon found on Earth. "The energon here has evolved. Far beyond the known potential of basic Cybertronian energon patches I began my experiments with. I am projecting 304,57 percent rise in the power scale offered by this energon variant in comparison to the artificial energon variants you are currently using in an obvious absence of pure Cybertronian energon. However there appears to be other changes as well that have had an effect on the stability of the energon."

The ancient Transformed turned his lone glowing optic towards Megatron. "To confirm this estimation I need a sample of the energon found on this planet to study."
_______________________________________________________

Training Room

"Unfortunately..." Thundercracker began and then quickly bonked Skywarp to noggin' again with his combat staff, flashing a mischievous grin while jumping backwards away from his brother. "No."

No doubt this would start a series of exchanges that would give neither seeker an edge over the other but Megatron had called for training and Thundercracker didn't have the guts not to comply with the orders, no matter how he disliked confined training exercises.

"Where are the coneheads anyway? Haven't seen any of them ever since that powerplant raid of yours?"

Command Center

Megatron listened as Shockwave explained his analysis of the information they had provided him. While he wasn’t as educated in scientific and technical matters as Shockwave was he was no fool in those matters either. He did not rise to lead the Decepticons by relying completely on the knowledge of others. That would have likely lead to his quick fall by sabotage or assassination. He knew more than most would give him credit for, and he knew enough to understand and confirm what Shockwave was saying.

What Shockwave was describing had the potential of changing the war, the potential he had been looking for once all of these pieces fell in his lap. Now he had all of those pieces in front of him and a plan was beginning to come together. He could see the ultimate result and now it was just a simple matter of putting everything and everyone in the correct places.

“Energon can easily be collected from this world with its abundant energy sources. It will simply be a matter of processing it into a form we can use.” Megatron punched a few controls on his command chair. “We have a supply of a crude hydrocarbon fossil fuel the humans use to fuel their vehicles from a recent raid.” He brought a report on the raid and the fuel retrieved from it on the main monitor. “It should be enough to form some energon from once it is processed. If there is any raw energon on this planet I have no reports on it. This will have to suffice for now.”

“As for Cybertron, we recently received an interesting report from Thunderwing there. Soundwave?”

The communications officer stood up from his console. “Thunderwing’s report: analyzed. No evidence of forgery or fakery.” He turned back to his console and worked the controls, generating a map of Cybertron and a graph showing the atmospheric conditions on it. “Cyberton atmosphere upon mass evacuation: highly ionized, toxic to all life without significant shielding. Naturally occurring energon deposits: exhausted. Thunderwing’s report indicates gradual de-ionizing of atmosphere. Cybertron surface: now survivable without shielding. Scans for energon: inconclusive. Atmospheric ionization still at adequate levels to limit scanning equipment radius and effectiveness. Full verification of atmospheric and surface conditions can only be made by direct scans.”

“So, Cybertron is healing itself after all this time. Not quite enough to be reclaimed as the Decepticon capital, but perhaps enough to be of some use to us.” The Decepticon leader stroked his chin for a moment before turning back to Shockwave. “You will take the sample of energon back to Cybertron. Your lab should be relatively intact, assuming there haven’t been any additional disasters there. I assume you would rather work there with all of your personal equipment. Blackwind will accompany you and act as your liaison with me while Razorclaw and his team will act as your defense force.”

“Thunderwing has apparently found some way to survive on the planet even before its recent healing. He has apparently gone back to his old experiments and altered himself considerably. He may be of some assistance to you and you to him. I want to know how he has altered himself, but that is secondary to your primary mission. If we can use this world to restore Cybertron or even to forge this world into our new capital then we will have and edge over the Autobots that they cannot hope to counter.”

Command Center

Shockwave listened attentively as Megatron and Soundwave shared their information regarding Cybertron's state and Thunderwing. It saddened him to hear that his predictions had indeed come true after Cybertron had run dry of energon, not that he let it show. It was also a relief to hear that his theory about Cybertron's regenerative capabilities had been a correct one. Nevertheless, despite of the improvements Cybertron had gone through, the planet was still weak, fragile. It was not ready for its children to flock back to its embrace. Not after all the abuse. However, there were issues that needed to be taken care of before Megatron's command could be carried out.

"The hydrocarbon fossil fuel used by these humans, as you called them, does not hold a trace of the energon I seeded this world with. It can be refined to be used as an artificial energon variant that has roughly half the energy potential of pure cybertronian energon. To study it further would be waste of resources. However, it is usable as a suitable fuel for Cybertronians in lack of pure energon."

"I need a sample of the raw energon this planet obviously possesses to fulfill your orders." Shockwave continued and projected a holographic image of Earth before Megatron. "The geological scan performed by your soldiers and human studies suggest potential raw energon reserves of global scale. I buried the seeds deep to ensure that my experiment would remain hidden, undetected by surface scans. Considering these weak readings your scans have detected, the amount of raw energon deep within this planet has grown beyond my initial plans. It is the only explanation how energon traces have been found so close to surface."

Pointing his gun arm towards the southern polar region of the planetary image, Shockwave continued. "The most logical place to acquire the energon sample I require is the southern polar region of this planet. Due to the lack of surveillance there and our ability to hide from the primitive satellites of the flesh creatures, we can drill deep enough to reach the raw energon reserves under the ice layers of the southern continent. While the natural resources of this world can and should be harnessed to produce energon, our best chance of shifting the balance of power quickly in our favor is to tap into the raw energon reserves of this planet before the Autobots do so. I must have this sample to determine the next plausible action."

"Unless..." He began and turned his emotionless gaze towards Starscream, his lone optic flashing prominently. While the following question was an assumption, Shockwave felt that with all of the scientific background and cunning Starscream had, there was a good chance Starscream had found the energon and had tried to conceal information from Megatron. "Unless Starscream already has one."

Training Room

“Ow! Would you stop that, ‘Cracker!” Skywarp exclaimed in response to his friend bonking him on the head again. ‘Warp took a friendly jab at Thundercracker with his training staff only to miss as the blue seeker jumped backwards. It looked as if sparring with his long time buddy was the only option, and Skywarp was ready for a little action even if it all ended in a virtual tie.

“I don’t know what happened to them,” Skywarp responded to Thundercracker’s inquiry as to where the coneheads were. “And I don’t care to know, especially Thrust, who managed to spray me with organic matter when one of those disgusting flesh creatures was thrown into his engine. I’ll never get the smell off me no matter how many energon baths I take.”

Skywarp then lunged at Thundercracker ready to strike at him with his combat staff. Instead, however, ‘Warp quickly vanished and reappeared behind his friend. A swift bonk to the back of 'Cracker's head was followed up with laughter from Skywarp. “So, how’s it feel, buddy? Your head hurting now, as well? Ha ha!” Smiling, the teleporter then leapt backwards and readied himself in anticipation of Thundercracker spinning around with a counterattack.

Training Room

Swindle watched relieved as Divebomb turned on the Seekers, then headed off to the far end of the room to play with some scrap. Looking around, trying to look as unobtrusive as possible, he began to shimmy out of view of Tantrum, the only remaining person still looking for an opponent.

Maybe I should make like I'm trying to fix the control console. Heck I might even be able to do it, I've sold the odd battle-drone controller processor in my time. But with Razorclaw, Needlenose and the Battlechargers going at it, I'm not sure its safe to cross the room...

Command Center

Starscream had remained silent as he listened to the exchange between Shockwave and Megatron, absorbing all of what was being said. It was most intriguing, especially the proposal made by Megatron to reestablish a Deceticon presence on Cybertron. A deep seed feeling of nostalgia for his home world twisted in Starscream's spark as he briefly reflected upon memories of flying through the clear skies of Cybertron in the days before the war. But the Seeker Commander quickly banished such thoughts of his care free youth and returned his focus to the present when the one eye freak pointed his gun arm at him and asked/accused Starscream of concealing a sample of this "evolved" energon.

The Seeker crossed his arms and scowled at Shockwave. As much as he would like to challenge the other Decepticon to a challenge over his disdainful accusation he knew now was not the time for such prideful actions and it was best to go along with what was happening, and wait for a much better opportunity to rid himself of this annoying scientist in the future.

"Of course I had a sample recovered. Several actually." He said with his crimson red optics locked onto the single eye of Shockwave. "Once I had uncovered the information and indication of some naturally occurring power source of course I sought out a sample, it was only... logical." He said with a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I wanted to see if I had uncovered something of use for the greater good of the Decepticon cause. However, I have been unable to conduct any extensive tests on this ore once we had obtained a sample." He turned back to Megatron to address the Decepticon leader, keeping his tone professional, though he was certain the large, silver mech would unlikely believe his sincerity. "I never meant anything deceitful by not revealing this ores presence to you, Megatron. I have not yet conducted a thorough examination and prepare a report for you before you arrived here. Considering all that has transpired since you have arrived on this planet the examination of this ore has fallen to a lower priority. However, I shall retrieve our largest sample for Shockwave."

Starscream then turned on his heal and exited the command center, quickly heading for the science lab deep in the bases interior. He retrieved a large, sealed container from a store room that contained specimens for future study, then sealed the room, coding in the lock to his voice and personal authorization code. He was returning to the command center when he received the transmission from Blackstar.

>>"Understood Blackstar. Prepare a report for me on suggestions for restocking our munition stores."<<

He then entered the command center once more, the containment container in his hands and approached the waiting Megatron and Shockwave and presented it to them.

"This is our largest, and purest sample that we had recovered. I certainly hope it is satisfactory."

Command Center

Megatron watched the exchange between Shockwave and Starscream in silence. It was interesting to see the almost instant animosity between the two Decepticons. It made sense that the two would oppose each other. Their personalities could not be more different. Starscream was ruled by his passions and desire for command. He led others with a mixture of charisma and conniving. Shockwave was ruled by logic and led others through calculation and rational thought. While those differences led them to clash with each other it was their similarities that made things more personal between them. Both of them had enormous pride and believed themselves more suited to command. It was this that led Starscream to so quickly defend not having revealed the sample earlier.

The Decepticon leader briefly studied the sample Starscream had produced. “I believe this sample should prove sufficient for your tests Shockwave. Should more be required it will be provided to you. Razorclaw’s vessel, the Thanatos, is in stealth orbit above this world now. Gather whatever initial equipment and energon you require and depart to Cybertron with your assigned team. I await the findings of your experiments.”

Training Facility

Razorclaw pulled his sword out of Runamuck’s trunk section with minimal effort, but just as he does so the battlecharger speeds off hitting the Predacon commander in the left leg. Razorclaw placed his clawed hand over his shin and growled. The battle is was becoming a nuisance and it had to end now.
The Predacon turned on his heal and faced the on coming Runamuck. Razorclaw crouched down and jumped just in time to land on the battlecharger’s roof. With a raised fist, Razorclaw thrust his hand down into the engine compartment and pulled off the hood revealing the mech’s inner workings.

“You’ve run your course. It’s time to cease your engine.”

In one swift move Razorclaw pulled off the top portion of the engine forcing Runamuck to come to a halt.

“You’re not going anywhere anymore.”

Forced to transform back to his robot mode, Runamuck lunged for Razorclaw. The Predacon caught Runamuck in mid stride by the neck and stopped his advance. Razorclaw then plowed Runamuck into the nearest wall leaving a sizable dent. The impact knocked the Battlecharger out for the count. Razorclaw released Runamuck and watched as his inert form fell unceremoniously to the floor. With his work now done he left the training facility.

Command Center

As she read through the known experiments of Thunderwing, Blackwind listened intently at the goings on between her Master and Shockwave. She decided to download the entire dossier to a datapad so she could better study it and at the same time keep an optic on the two other occupants in the room, namely Starscream and Shockwave.

She took the now fully loaded datapad and made her way to the chair next to her Master. She sat down and watched the exchanges take place. She wasn’t surprised that Shockwave needed some sort of proof that his efforts had been fruitful. Blackwind straightened in her chair as Megatron announced that she would be the liaison between the military strategist and her Master. She would not fail him. She smiled wickedly in Shockwave’s direction and relaxed.

Blackwind turned her attention to the Aerospace Commander as he announced that he had the requested raw energon on hand. She cocked her head to one side as she found the lack of disclosure on Starscream’s part interesting. Starscream then left the room only to return a few moments later with a container that held the requested sample of energon.

As Megatron spoke once again Blackwind stared at Shockwave’s emotionless visage. Once Her Master finally commanded that Shockwave leave and go to Cybertron, Blackwind rose from her seat and moved next to the cycloptic mech’s side.

*********

Darkride stood directly behind the larger form of Shockwave, but once he moved Darkride silently slipped into the shadows. He listened with great interest to what was being said about Thunderwing and his experiments; he paid particular attention to the process the scientist mentioned that kept him from becoming overwhelmed by the unstable atmosphere. With his head tilted to one side the interrogator began to process the possibilities that he could accomplish.

He would have to perform some tests, but he believed the process could be duplicated here on this dirt ball of a planet. However, he did not possess the exact process or Thunderwing’s files, but he did recall that it required the use of live subjects. This piqued his interest greatly, but to use his fellow Decepticons would be out of the question, but the humans, that was another story.

A devilish grin worked onto Darkride’s visage as he thought of the possibilities and as the conversation turned to the subject of raw energon.

Training Room

Better prepared this time to anticipate Runabout charging at him, Needlenose brings his legs up then swings them down again, using the momentum and a push of his arms to spring himself up and forward into an attempt at a dive roll away from the Battlecharger.

"'Course not, I'm in more hardcore divisions than that!" he boasts as he goes for the dodge.

Command Center

Shockwave's calculated gamble had worked to his favor. Starscream had revealed his ace card and handed Shockwave the sample he needed while making Megatron more suspicious of the seeker commander. Of course it was far away from making Megatron less suspicious of Shockwave himself, perhaps he had even agitated the Decepticon leader's paranoia. Still, Starscream's revelation effectively had reminded Megatron that the seeker could not ever be trusted when left to his own devices.

As the seeker commander left to gather the sample, Shockwave focused again on the projection of Earth and the most likely raw energon deposits. "I'd suggest that you lead full scale investigation of these sectors my lord. My hypothesis based on the data we have now is the following: Cybertron, while recovered is still too depleted of energon to go through the cyberforming process. Feeding outworld energon to Cybertron would require more resources we have in our disposal. This will need to be confirmed first."

Focusing his intense gaze from the projection to Megatron, he continued. "However, I believe the cyberforming process can be carried out here. Two conditions must be reached. My research on Cybertron being successful is one. You finding enough raw energon on this planet being the other."

There was nothing more to be said. Megatron would understand, Shockwave was sure of it. There were still a number of issues that had to be solved for the proposed plan to work but Shockwave was fairly certain that he would find the answer in time.

The ensued silence did not last for long as Starscream returned with the energon sample. While Megatron gave out his orders, Shockwave extended his right hand to take the container from Starscream and addressed both Starscream and Megatron after the Decepticon leader finished. "This will be enough to begin my experiments. I suggest that you ready another shipment of this energon to be sent to Cybertron as fast as possible. I will need more."

With all said and done, Shockwave lifted his hand to salute Megatron, turned and marched out of the command center. >>"Razorclaw, this is Shockwave. Gather your men and prepare them for a new mission. We are leaving for Cybertron. Gather all the supplies required for a prolonged stay and contact me when you are ready."<<

Command Center

Blackwind listened to what the large purple mech had to say to her Master. She remained silent as he gave Megatron some information on the planet’s raw energon deposits. She did catch the mention of cyberforming this little back water planet, which brought a smile to her face.

As Shockwave turned to leave Blackwind stayed close behind falling in step with the larger mech. She would need to remember to look into the process to the cyberforming process. She would also have to keep a very close optic on Shockwave himself; not to mention the scientist, Thunderwing. Blackwind had her job cut out for her. She was used to watching her comrades from afar and without direct orders, now her Master wanted her to watch these two Decepticons, what fun she would have shadowing them.

She smiled wickedly as she and Shockwave moved down the corridor.

Corridors

Razorclaw stalked down the corridor in the direction of the living quarters when he received a comm. from Shockwave. Razowclaw let loose a low growl as he listened to his new orders. He opened up a link to the military operations mech and responded.

>>”As you command.”<<

The Predacon Commander opened a link to his team and barked out orders.

>>”Alright Predacons, we’re being called back to Cybertron. I want all of you to gather any necessary supplies for an extended stay and meet me at the orbital bounce pad.”<<

Command Center

Darkride watched as Shockwave and Blackwind left the Command Center. The interrogator made sure they were out of site before revealing himself from the shadows. Still covered in blood and brain matter Darkride moved forward into the light. He focused his gaze onto Megatron; a devilish grin on his face. Darkride cleared his throat in order to bring the Decepticon leader’s attention to him.

Placing a hand in front of his torso and one to the side, Darkride bowed extravagantly. He was one for making an impression.

“Felicitations my Liege. I have news on the facsimile. It will be ready on time, however, the extraction process made it impossible to receive all the necessary data. Unfortunately…the human expired.”

Moving slightly closer to Megatron, Darkride smiled an evil smile and continued.

“But there is no need to worry, all of the data necessary for placing the facsimile was acquired.”

The interrogator placed both hands behind his back and began to pace back and forth as he spoke.

“It will be necessary to retrieve three more top ranking humans for facsimile placement.” He stopped his pacing and looked back at Megatron another broad smile on his face. “In fact a steady flow would be most desirable. I would also like to utilize one of your seekers for the sole purpose of acquiring said subjects.”

Darkride stood silent with the same deranged smile on his face as before. The pacing he had done left a streaky bloody mess along the floor, and as he stood still the bits of brain material began to slide from his frame. He surely did like to make an impression.

Training Room

Runabout's dive over-shoots the nimble Needlenose. Landing and sliding across the floor he lands near Swindle. Noticing Runamuck living up to his name, before being promptly dispatched by Razorclaw. Quickly picking himself up Runabout slaps Swindle on the shoulder.

"Tagging in my new tag-team partner!" Runabout shouts as he gives Swindle a little shove toward the action.


-Great, someones gonna have to go pick up Runamuck, and I know who's gonna end up doin it.- Runabout thinks to himself.

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

Armory

Starscream wrote:>>"Understood Blackstar. Prepare a report for me on suggestions for restocking our munition stores."<<

>>Understood. I will send over a report momentarily.<< He replies back.

This planets materials were sub-par by Cybertronian standards. The energy required to produce the required munitions would be substantial. The report should also include some back-up supplies, just to keep the reserves topped off. After some quick changes, Blackstar sends over the munitions order.

Command Center

As Shockwave and Blackwind made their way out of the room Megatron shifted his gaze to Darkride. The other Decepticon had been attempting to hide from him. His efforts had been for little other than Megatron’s amusement. He did not care if he overheard what was spoken, there was little he could do about it one way or the other. It was best to allow mechs such as Darkride with their own schemes and plans, to underestimate him. It would make them relax and become sloppier in the future, allowing him to see more of their true intentions. Not that he was terribly concerned with the intentions of this particular Decepticon. He had neither the power nor the ambition to lead. His overzealousness when it came to certain things was troubling however. He would not allow them to interfere with his greater goals.

Megatron listened silently as Darkride gave his report, giving no reaction or indication of what he felt about the other Decepticon’s appearance or attitude. He knew that Darkride was trying to provoke a response from him and he had little interest in feeding the desires of the deviant. Megatron was, in fact, disgusted by his appearance and annoyed by his faux sophisticated tone. He was the type of Decepticon that Megatron loathed, the type he was forced to use by need and circumstance. Once the new order was fully established, the war won and the Autobots eliminated Darkride and the deviants like him would find they had no place in the empire. They would be disposed of like the garbage they were. For now though he would tolerate him, but only just.

“I will not have our position given away by your need for humans to toy with Darkride. Even they are smart enough to notice massive disappearances and abductions of their own kind. You will be provided with humans to construct facsimiles of but no more than what is required.”

Megatron turned in his chair to look at the seeker commander. “Starscream, assign one of your men to Darkride for the purpose of acquiring additional facsimile subjects, someone capable of accomplishing it without drawing undue attention to themselves.” He then turned back to Darkride. “You will clean up the mess you have created in my command center and throughout my base. Your work stays in your lab Darkride. If you fail to remember that in the future I will have you thrown in stasis until I find some use for you. Understood?”

Training Room

Failing to find a sparring partner Tantrum abandoned the training room, but not before putting several sizeable dents in the walls with his fists and head. Ever since that battle with the Autobots had ended the whole mission had proved to be a bore for the Predacon, and few things made him angrier than getting bored. He could already feel the sparks leaping off of his horns from his frustration.

He stopped in his tracks when he got the message from Razorclaw, a small smile forming on his face. It sounded like they were finally leaving this dirtball. Anywhere was bound to be better than here. As part of the elite Predacon unit they were always thrust into the thick of things. He could only hope this would be the case again. He set off in a jog for the fuel storage room. Tantrum knew his job would be to have all of his fuel tanks fully loaded if they were going to go on an extended mission.

Training Room

Skywarp jumped back as Thundercracker spun around and lashed out at him with his training staff. ‘Warp swatted it away with his own staff and positioned himself in a defensive standing. “Let’s see what’cha got, ‘Cracker!” Warp said with a grin as the blue seeker lunged at him. Their combat staffs clashed together in a series of blows. Skywarp backed away towards the center of the room as Thundercracker continued his advancement, thrusting his staff high and then low. ‘Warp successfully blocked each attempt and then sent a quick jab into ‘Cracker’s midsection, causing the blue mech to finally stop. “What’s a matter, ‘Cracker? Did that hurt?”

“Hardly, ‘Warp,” Thundercracker responded with a smile. “More like a tickle. Surely you can do better than that.”

His friend’s words stung a bit. “Really? I was just holding back so not to hurt you. But if you want better…” Skywarp suddenly lunged at the blue seeker and committed a series of thrusts and strikes with his combat staff. Thundercracker blocked each one, but now he was the one backing away as Skywarp forced him towards the outer wall. Realizing what his buddy was doing, ‘Cracker dodged to his right and swung his staff at Skywarp’s side. The teleporter twisted his body around as the staff barely missed him, but lost his balance in the process. ‘Warp fell to the ground, still gripping his own staff in his right hand.

Standing over the fallen seeker, Thundercracker looked down at his friend and smiled. “I see you haven’t learned anything new, huh?” The blue mech pointed the end of his staff directly at ‘Warp’s chest plate. “Do you yield?”

Skywarp looked up at Thundercracker and couldn’t help but laugh. “So, you think I haven’t learned anything new?” A smile crept across ‘Warp’s faceplate. “Think again, ol’ buddy!” The teleporter then vanished and instantly reappeared behind Thundercracker. ‘Warp then kicked his friend in the back, sending the blue seeker face first to the training room floor. He quickly turned over only to be met with Skywarp’s staff pointed directly at him. “And, by the way, I do not yield. But you may want to, ‘Cracker.”

Thundercracker’s scowl quickly turned into a smile. “Good one, ‘Warp. But still not good enough!” ‘Cracker swung his left leg out, striking Skywarp in his metallic shins. The teleporter stumbled backwards and fell against the outer wall of the training facility, which allowed Thundercracker time to regain his footing. “I can do this for cycles on end. How ‘bout you, ‘Warp?”

Pushing himself away from the wall, Skywarp stood at the ready. “Sure thing, ‘Cracker. I’m just getting warmed up.” The two seekers then lunged at one another again as the sparring between old friends continued.

*********

High above in the rafters of the training room, Divebomb was putting the finishing touches on his metal nest of spare drone parts when Razorclaw’s message came in over his comm link. It was lousy timing as always. It seemed that luck was not on the flying Predacon’s side as once again his nest building was interrupted by new orders.

However, the thought of returning to Cybertron did peak Divebomb’s curiosity. The last time he had heard, their homeworld was toxic and uninhabitable. Perhaps something had changed now that required their attention. Although, he couldn’t imagine what that could be. Probably just another false sensor reading from an orbiting probe or something. A waste of our time and abilities, Divebomb thought as he flew down to the floor below. Transforming to robot mode, he landed with ease and swiftly exited the room.

Corridors

Divebomb open a comm link to Razorclaw: >>This is Divebomb. I’m heading to the Armory to grab whatever extra ammo I can find. I’ll then see you at the orbital bounce pad shortly thereafter.<< The flying Predacon then made his way to the Armory, hoping that the base was well stocked with what his team would require.

(OOC: Cryhavok asked me to write up a sparring session between our characters.)

Hangar Bay - Orbital bounce pad

Shockwave had gathered what little equipment a meager infiltration base could offer. It wasn't much, mostly data storage devices he had downloaded all the usable accessible information the base databanks had to offer and a selection of specialty equipment that he had determined to be useful for their mission. Nevertheless, there weren't anything of value available in the base aside from raw materials and soldiers, both something he had not gained a permission to access.

The one eyed Decepticon turned to look at the orbital bounce pad that had already been prepared to beam him and the Decepticons assigned to him into the Decepticon battlecruiser Thanatos in the orbit of Earth. The battlecruiser no doubt would have more equipment available to him than this surveillance base. Even more so, his lab - if still left untouched would include all the research equipment he needed. And what came to raw materials, Cybertron would have all he needed. Only having enough energon for a prolonged stay on Cybertron considering a very high chance of Autobot interference he predicted would be an issue that worried him. The data he had analyzed from the base computers indicated that the Empire did not have an abundance of energy to spare. Megatron would need to keep his men busy on this world if he wished to turn the tide of the war.

Taking a quick glance at Blackwind who never seemed to wander too far away from him, Shockwave considered for a moment about the possibility of cracking her cranium open to rewrite her programming in order to create a double agent but quickly decided against it. No doubt any tampering with insides of Blackwind's cranium would be noticed unless she was already seriously wounded. It didn't help that Megatron had assigned some of his most loyal soldiers to travel to Cybertron with the former military operations commander. An opportunity would present itself sooner or later, Shockwave was patient.

Command Center

Darkride lowered his head and averted his optics from Megatron’s. He flashed a devious smile as he look to the soiled floor. He always felt the need to make his presence a spectacle and leaving a trail of human blood and brain matter got him the response he craved.

He knew the humans were smarter than they seemed to be, but he needed them to conduct his experiment. If he could some how establish the same results that Thunderwing has with the polydermal process than perhaps he could gain the recognition he required.

Darkride’s head rose and his optics locked onto Megtron’s as he prepared to acknowledge the Supreme Leader.

“I understand my Lord.”

He turned on his heal and made for the exit. Once back in his sanctum he could clean himself off and acquired some cleaning materials to finish the job in the Command Center.

It only took him a few breems to return to the Command Center. He then put himself in the prone position where he was most comfortable; on hands and knees.

Hanger bay – Orbital Bounce Pad

Blackwind stayed as close to Shockwave as she dared to get. Her assignment was clear, watch the Military Operations Commander and report back to her Master with updates. Along with Shockwave, Blackwind had to also watch Thunderwing. It seemed her days were going to be quite busy. She smiled slightly as she looked over the data on her pad.

She stopped next to Shockwave at the orbital bounce pad. She could feel his icy stare on her making her feel prone and uncomfortable. She furrowed her brow as she looked back into his lone amber optic; her curiosity turning to annoyance.

“Whatever is running through your maniacal processor you can forget it. Focus your attention on your Master’s bidding and nothing more.”

Blackwind turned her attention to her datapad, but the overwhelming feeling that she would need to be on guard.

Command Center

Starscream nodded to Megatron. As loath as he was to just obey the Decepticon leaders orders with out much resistance, or even a snide remark, he knew he still had to play it safe. In this case it was best to just do what was needed, it was a simple enough order, one that would ultimately serve Starscream's ends as well as Megatrons, as well as furthering the Decepticon cause as a whole. He quickly considered all of the Seekers currently on Earth, most were not suitable to the task. Skywarp was to mischievous and could blow his cover simple trying to capture humans in a manner that entertained him. Although likely a suitable partner for Darkride over all, not best for the mission at hand. Likewise Thundercracker was to squeamish about handling humans, he would probably only do his mission half heartedly given that he was often apprehensive about taking any harmful action against a native population. Needlenose, despite his annoying tendency to get quickly entrenched in a planets popular culture would be to easily distracted. Starscream himself didn't want to get his hands dirty.

Of course this left Blackstar. That Seeker was a real soldier, good at following orders, would follow them to the letter and the best of his ability. He would never question the tasks give to him, he would never interpret his orders in any sort of creative manner, he would just do his job as best he can. He was perfect.

>>"Blackstar, this is Starscream. I have a task for you that Megatron himself wishes you to complete."<< The Seeker Commander grinned, he was sure one such as Blackstar was now paying close attention. >>"Darkride, requires subjects for facsimile creations. You are to locate and capture a small number of suitable human subjects and to so with the utmost stealth, DO NOT let your mission be discovered by any humans, operate in complete secrecy at all times. When you have obtained a number of suitable subjects return them to base and deliver them to Darkride. Are your orders understood?"<<

Training Room

Swindle had almost made it to the door when Runabout went careening past him, forcing the arms dealer to hop backwards out of the way. Swindle looked around, trying to figure out if the fight was heading his way and where if anywhere was safe, when he felt a hand on his shoulder, and then a sharp shove, sending him into the middle of the room.

"AAH! Slag you, Runabout! You can't just toss 'Cons about for giggles!" Swindle rolled up from where he'd fallen and pointed his gyro-gun at the Battlecharger, hoping the neuro-distruptive waves would put the smug jokester on his aft. He'd quite forgotten about Needlenose and the others in his pique of annoyance.

Armory

Starscream wrote:>>"Blackstar, this is Starscream. I have a task for you that Megatron himself wishes you to complete.Darkride, requires subjects for facsimile creations. You are to locate and capture a small number of suitable human subjects and to so with the utmost stealth, DO NOT let your mission be discovered by any humans, operate in complete secrecy at all times. When you have obtained a number of suitable subjects return them to base and deliver them to Darkride. Are your orders understood?"<<

>>Sir, yes sir!<< Blackstar eagerly replied to Starscream.

Blackstar knows why he was chosen, unlike the other Seekers he would follow orders without doubt, hesitation, or careless flaunting. Missions are not jokes to be taken lightly, they are the key to military victory or defeat.

As Blackstar exits the armory, Divebomb enters. The two Decepticons almost collide. Stopping and exchanging a quick glare, Blackstar slips past the Predacon. There is no time for useless squabbling.

Hurriedly walking down the corridor to the CR chamber to top off his energy tanks, Blackstar begins a search on the potential subjects. This is a stealth mission, and he must handle the situation with utmost care. Any mistake on this mission could tarnish his record, and that was not an option. He was determined to be the example of a perfect soldier.