The Energon Pub

Hangar Bay

Starscream turned to regard Thundercracker with a critical optic. Although he never really admitted it much, he liked this seeker, and saw him as the standard to which he held all the others. He was a little more quite then the rest, not nearly as arrogant as the others, he was also intelligent, observant and respectful. He also knew how to provide proper advise.

"Excellent suggestion Thundercracker, it is good to know I such reliable warriors under my command." Starscream said with a genuine tone to his voice as he placed a reassuring hand on the other seekers shoulder. \

It had occurred to the Air commander some time ago that the cowardly, and sniveling persona he had crafted to allow others to underestimate him had seemingly backfired. Many expected him to cower from a real fight, or to try and play some underhanded trick to try and undermine Megatron. No, that had all failed. Now it was time for something new, to actually step up and be a leader.

"Yes Blitzwing, we will be flying to this destination. Hence why we are meeting here." He then turned to address the rest of the team. "Since this will be a pre-dominantly underwater mission I want all of you to be armed accordingly. We need torpedoes and under water mines requisitioned from the armoury, projectile weapons that can function effectively under water as well. We will also need armoured seals to cover our exposed areas to prevent the salt water from getting into our internals. We will also need demolition charges we can use to rig the ship for detonation in case we cannot secure it."

he walked to a wall mounted computer terminal and accessed the bases armoury and immediately began requisitioning the desired weapons and equipment. Starscream requested enough torpedoes, mines, and rail weaponry that his team could carry. Once the request had been sent and processed the automated systems in the armour began to work and assemble the desired weapons and equipment into easily transportable weapons packages.

"Skywarp, Blizwing. Head to the armoury and recover the weapons bundles and bring them back here."

CR Chamber

It was such a pleasant dream... Starscream scrubbing the floor of his throne room as Megatron, on his knees of course, groveled before him... and then his comm went off. Ramjet growled his displeasure as Starscream's nasally, whining voice intruded on his repair cycle.

"Stupid slaggin' half-wit, won't even let me relax," the conehead grumbled as he clambered from the CR chamber and headed for the Hangar. At least his brief stay had been enough to repair his gyros - his combat systems were 100%, but he still needed some touch-up paint to repair the cosmetic damage from Megatron's rather brutal chastisement. Oh well, if they didn't like how he looked, they could take it up with ol' Megs.

Hangar Bay

Still feeling particularly surly, Ramjet slipped in the bay just as Screamer was ordering Skywarp and Blitzwing on a fetch and carry. That was sure to go over well...

Hangar Bay

Skywarp swallowed hard when he heard Starscream's voice suddenly come from behind him. The teleporter had not seen the Seeker Commander standing nearby waiting patiently for his team to arrive. Nor did 'Warp realize how his voice tended to carry even at a whisper. Of course, if Screamer had been able to hear his remark regarding Soundwave then surely the Communications Specialist had heard him, as well. "Of course, Starscream. I meant no disrespect," Skywarp replied respectfully in the hopes of avoiding a further berating.

Starscream was displeased that his entire team had not yet arrived, but he proceeded to brief those gathered on the upcoming mission anyway. And it was an important one to be sure. One that involved the procuring of pure energon before the Autobots could retrieve it themselves. It had been many vorns since Skywarp had last tasted real, non-synthetic energon. Just the thought of it made his mouth piece salivate.

Thundercracker then approached the Seeker Commander and suggested that they all prepare themselves for underwater battle. It was an idea that Starscream agreed with almost instantly. Skywarp, along with Blitzwing, then received orders to retrieve the needed weapons bundles from the armory. It was an order that 'Warp intended to follow with haste.

"Yes, Commander Starscream. As you wish," Skywarp responded before approaching the triplechanger a short distance away. "Well, Blitzwing, I suggest we get going. Don't want to keep Screamer waiting." Skywarp knew that walking down to the armory would take too long and Starscream was already annoyed at the rest of the team's tardiness. Therefore, 'Warp placed his hand on Blitzwing's shoulder and smiled. "I hope teleporting doesn't make you queasy." Before the triplechanger could even respond they were both gone in a flash.

Armory

Skywarp reappeared in the armory with Blitzwing by his side. The automated systems had already prepared several weapons packs while a few more were still being readied. "Well, let's get to work, Blitzy. I'll started gathering up these bundles here while you can grab those over there. The rest should be ready shortly. Once we have them all, I'll teleport us back to the hangar."

CR Chamber

Hellion glared in annoyance as Ramjet stomped out of the room, ignoring her. In retrospect, what more could you hope for from someone who was constantly smashing into things? He probably had more than a few circuits permanently fried in that thick cranium of his. She would have to smack him around or something later to make sure she wasn’t ignored again. For now though she had to get to the hangar for whatever mission they were being sent on. As long as it involved shooting, this particular femme would be happy.

Hangar Bay

The seeker arrived in the hangar bay, noticing most of the team had already been assembled. Hopefully she wouldn’t get chewed out too much for showing up a little late.

Hellion walked over to Starscream and offered a half hearted salute. “Commander, Hellion reporting in. I was just in contact with Nightraven and she has been reassigned to another mission and won’t be joining us. I hope that doesn’t interfere with your plans sir.” She smirked at the seeker leader. “I promise to fight twice as hard to make up for it.”

*

Soundwave was almost amused that Skywarp would try and whisper about him in his presence. He heard the seeker’s snide comment and insult as if he had been whispering it to him directly. The comment didn’t come as a particular surprise to him. He had heard and recorded far worse in the past. It would be remembered though, and he would find a way to pay the annoying seeker back.

Hangar bay

Thundercracker was first relieved to see Starscream reacting positively towards his suggestion but that soon turned into a surprise as the seeker commander complimented him. While he had known Starscream technically from the beginning, these moment had always been rare, especially after Starscream had began to rise through the ranks. Encouraged by Starscream's action, Thundercracker decided to share some of his other concerns.

"Sir, perhaps we should commence an orbital bounce some distance away from the target and fly from there? It would save us time and as the Autobots are sure to bounce if they have not already, it will reduce time they have to prepare for us." He said quietly. "And uh... shall we use radio communications as primary means to communicate and light pulses as backup or something else?"
__________________________________________________

Armory

Blitzwing merely shrugged as Skywarp commented about teleporting and before he had time to say anything they had already arrived into the armory. "I am a slagging triplechanger 'Warp. One would think you already recall that my systems recalibrate at least 10 times faster than yours."

With that said and showing no effects of being rattled by the teleportation, Blitzwing set to work, gathering the weapon packs Skywarp had pointed out to him. "There's the last one, now let's get going."

Hangar Bay

Starscream was growing anxious. The irritatingly slow speed at which his team was assembling itself was wasting valuable time,and every moment they wasted meant the Autobots were given that much more time to secure the ship for themselves. He was pacing slowly when Hellion approached him and informed him of her sisters absence. Although this only added to Starscream's frustrations he kept his face expressionless and regarded the Seeker with a cold stare.

"This is unacceptable." He said in a clearly unhappy voice. "Nightraven's presence on this mission was requested by Megatron himself. I would like to know who reassigned her, as I doubt Megatron would undermine a mission of this importance and one he order himself." He crossed his arms over his chest as he turned to face her. "I do hope you can make up for her absence."

Shortly after Thundercracker approached him and made another suggestion on how to prepare for this operation. Starscream was impressed, he had already been thinking of something similar, though he had not considered bouncing in and then flying to try and avoid any Autobot sentries.

"Excellent idea Thundercrakcer, though I had already been considering something similar, though your suggestion of using the bounce is something I had not considered. I believe it would be best if we bounce on to one of the landmasses near the gulf. Perhaps Cuba, or the Yucatan Peninsula and fly low as we approach. I am uncertain if our radio communication will work, as the Autobots may attempt at jamming us, given that they have a number of electronic specialists in their ranks. Our team will be divided up into three separate groups. Me and Soundwave will infiltrate the ship and secure, where we will seize what we can and rig the ship for demolitions. Ramjet, Blitzwing,and Hellion will form are front line as they tend to prefer closer ranged combat. Yourself and Skywarp will be support, using your firepower to assist the other teams as needed, perhaps using Skywarp's teleportation ability to relocate as needed. The member of each group will remain in visual contact with those in their own team in case our long range communications do not function.

"Ideally we will arrive ahead of the Autobots and secure the ship for ourselves. If that is the case then me and Soundwave will set to work in securing the ship and its cargo for ourselves and then rigging it for demolitions. You and Skywarp will patrol the area, and the others will form a defensive perimeter and set mines. Though I believe it is far more likely we will find the Autobots in control of the ship. If this is the case we will approach under radar and hopefully avoid any sentries they have set to make visual contact. Once we are engaged We will use Blitzwing and his group will punch a hole in their lines to allow me and Soundwave to enter the ship. You and Skywarp will lend your firepower to support this effort.

"Once Skywarp and Blitzwing return I want all of us equipped with rail guns instead of our standard weapon compliment, torpedoes replace missiles and all but me and Soundwave with mines so we can deploy them in the water to disrupt the Autobots as best as possible."

(OOC: With Cryhavok's permission, until he returns, I will be looking after Blitz and 'Cracker as needed.)

Armory

As the automated systems completed their work on the weapons bundles, Skywarp immediately picked up the last of them and approached Blitzwing who already had an armful of packs, himself. “Oh, yes. I keep forgetting you triplechangers are faster than the rest of us. Too bad you can’t teleport,” Warp replied, flaunting his own abilities as his comrade had just done.

Without a free arm to grab ahold of Blitzwing’s shoulder, Skywarp brought his wing in contact with the triplechanger’s back and the two mechs were gone in a flash.

Hangar Bay

Thundercracker nodded as Starscream laid out his plan of attack on the upcoming salvage mission. Upgrading themselves with water resistant weaponry would give them a distinct advantage over the Autobots, assuming the enemy had not thought of the same thing. “It will be done, Commander,” Thundercracker replied as Skywarp and Blitzwing reappeared in the hangar, carrying the ordered weapons bundles.

The teleporter made his way over to where Starscream and his blue friend were standing. “Commander, we have gathered the weapons packs as instructed. With your permission, Blitz and I will begin distributing them to our team.”

Hangar Bay

Starscream nodded at Skywarp.

"Do so immediately then we shall assemble in the bounce bay. Be quick about equipping yourselves, I want this operation to start as soon as possible."

With that Starscream moved towards the weapons packs and began equipping himself.

Hangar Bay

Skywarp bowed his head to Starscream and then carefully placed the bundles he was holding onto the floor. The Seeker Commander immediately began arming himself as 'Warp grabbed a couple of packs and handed one off to his buddy, Thundercracker. "Here ya go, 'Cracker. Good idea, by the way. I would've thought of it myself, but you beat me to it."

"Of course you would have, 'Warp," Thundercracker replied with a snicker, taking the bundle from the teleporter. "Now, don't forget about Soundwave. You wouldn't want to leave him unprepared." The blue seeker grinned at his friend, knowing that this would be an awkward moment for him, especially after the comment Skywarp had made earlier.

Reluctantly, Skywarp turned to look at the communications expert and sighed. "Yes, of course. Thanks so much for reminding me, 'Cracker." The prankster then made his way to where Soundwave stood and handed the weapons pack over to the monotone mech. "No hard feelings, Soundwave? I was just joking around earlier. You know me." Once that unpleasant task was done, 'Warp retrieved the last bundle left on the floor and began arming himself, as well.

Meanwhile, Blitzwing had already handed out weapons packs to both Ramjet and Hellion and was almost finished equipping himself with the water resistant weaponry. As a triplechanger, he tended to move a lot quicker than the others and this time was no different. "Well, I'm all set. Let's go bust some Autobot heads!"

Hangar Bay

Hellion looked at the weapons handed to her and frowned. She was never one to really get into weapons tech that much. She mostly just preferred pointing them and shooting them than to any real in depth thinking about how they worked. This whole situation was bugging her though, and she wasn’t the type to keep quiet.

“I think I’ll pass on the whole new weapons package thing here. I’m not weapons expert, but I’ve fought underwater before. Yeah, the water soaks up some of the range from lasers, but how are projectiles going to be any better. Doesn’t seem like it would be worth switching out at least, and torpedoes are kind of slow. You guys all now that one of us will get chucked into a bunch of stupid mines floating in the water too.” She glanced around at the other gathered Decepticons, save Soundwave and Starscream. “And if it happens to me I’ll kick the sorry aft of whoever dropped that mine from here to Cybertron.”

*

Soundwave stared silently as Skywarp came over and offered him a weak apology. The Decepticon simply looked at him, his face, as always, expressionless. Internally he was slightly amused, but he knew the Seeker would not get off that easily. He would have some sort of revenge upon him, whether it be through blackmail, humiliation or something a bit more straight forward, only time would tell.

The communication’s expert did glance down at the weapons brought over to him. He studied them fore a moment before looking up and finally speaking. “Additional weaponry: unnecessary. Current weaponry: superior.” He wasn’t about to go into battle with some guns that a couple of annoying seekers had scooped up for him. He felt much more comfortable with his standard weaponry, which was far more unique then the more interchangeable guns of the Seekers.

Hangar Bay

"Your attitude about weapon experience, Hellion, is exactly what the Autobots are counting on. They've been fighting us since before this mudball had a moon. They know we are at our most comfortable with the weapons that are built into us or are specific to our favored task or style."

Krunix walked into the Hangar Bay already outfitted from the Armory, offering the assembled fliers little more than an acknowledgement of their existence. He'd never been happy with the Decepticon obsession with Air Superiority, and had never made a secret of it, for reasons that should now be obvious. Then again, 'obvious logic' and 'Decepticon Air Warrior' rarely passed one another in the hallways. He continued to address Hellion as he prepped his aquatic weaponry, already procured from the armory.

"If we adapt our weapons tactics, we've not only given ourselves the edge tactically, but we've also already scored a victory: every Autobot in the galaxy likes to think every Decepticon nothing more than a Servo-Drone with guns. Show them a little cleverness as they go right back to being little more than a rabble."

Krunix sighed, knowing he may as well be throwing his words into the Void, and turned to offer a dry and simple salute to Starscream, "Reporting as ordered, sir."

Hangar Bay

Starscream was turning to address Hellion on her insubordination when the new arrival Krunix entered the bay and essentially spoke what the Air Commander was thinking. The new arrival was gruff and blunt, and Starscream was impressed.

"That is exactly what I am trying to accomplish here. You will equip yourself with this environment appropriate equipment and arms, and you will use them. Your insubordination is not appreciated here Hellion, and I will let you off this time but ever question my orders again and I will make you pray for Megatron's style of discipline."

Starscream turned his gaze on the new comer.

"Krunix is it?" He regarded him with a stern look. "I was not aware you were assigned to this mission, but I am not going to turn away another warrior. You will co-ordinate with the two teams and ensure they are utilized effectively. I am not sure how communication will function in this operation so you may have to improvise."

He looked around, seeing that his team was ready he nodded in satisfaction.

"We have waited long enough, it is time for us to move out. We will proceed to the bounce pad, and bounce to the Yucatan Peninsula and approach the crash site from the south. Those of us with jet modes will remain in them, Soundwave will travel with me and we will make a direct move towards the ship. Krunix you will try and remain obscured with the rest of the formation as we apporach to try and blend in as best as possible. Now lets move out!"

Strascream left the the hangar bay, his team in toe, and he lead them into the bounce pad. He bunched in the coordinates and stepped onto the pad.

(OOC: I am going to post Starscream arriving in the combat thread. So the rest of the team can post their arrival in there.)

Hangar Bay

Hellion glared at the new arrival. She assumed that Krunix was being sent to fill Nightraven’s spot in the group. He certainly wasn’t making a good impression on the femme. Without her sister around to keep her rage somewhat in check it was all too possible that some Decepticon would find themselves on the wrong end of one of her weapons, or her fists.

She sneered at Krunix. “So you think going to battle in a foreign environment with weapons we are unfamiliar with, weapons that I’m certainly not convinced are going to do any better underwater then our standard ones, is some sort of brilliant strategy, then you go ahead and use them.”

Hellion clenched her fists as Starscream reprimanded her. She could already tell that there was going to be some sort of friendly fire problems in this mission when she flew into her full on berserker mode. She scooped up the weapons and equipment given to her. Some of the gear might come in handy, but she would dump the weapons first chance she got. She wasn’t going into an underwater battle with additional weight, especially when she preferred to fight up close and personal anyway. The seeker followed Starscream to the bounce pad, teleporting away with him.

*

Soundwave continued to watch events unfold before him with the various bickering Decepticons. He didn’t relish the idea of going into battle alongside these warriors under the leadership of Starscream. The seekers were hard enough to tolerate when under Megatron’s command, let alone under the preening and rebellious Starscream. The communications expert would be surprised if this mission went at all well. He would complete his part of it to the best of his capabilities, as he always did. Any failures would fall on the shoulders of the other Decepticons.

The Decepticon hid his annoyance at Starscream’s doubts over their communication abilities. Even if Blaster was present, the Autobots possessed no one with skill in communications that could match him. At best they could only hope to delay him before he cut through any interference they offered him.

Wordlessly, Soundwave followed the other Decepticons to the orbital bounce pad and teleported away with them.

Hangar Bay


"That you are unfamiliar with the equipment sounds like a personal prob-" Krunix sighed and stopped talking as Hellion entered the bounce pad. In truth, the femme had probably been paying just as much attention here as she would thousands of miles away.

Krunix saluted Soundwave as he passed by, while Krunix took the time to attach all the aquatic equipment and check its readiness. When his equipment went green across the board, Krunix entered the bounce pad as was gone.

Hangar Bay

As Skywarp finished arming himself with the new weaponry that he and Blitzwing had retrieved from the armory, the teleporter noticed the arrival of Krunix, a flightless mech who seemed to take issue with Hellion's reluctance at using the upgrades. 'Warp was unfamiliar with Krunix, having never served with him before, but if the land warrior knew what was good for him he'd stay on Hellion's good side and not tempt her berserker rage any further. Starscream's reprimand didn't help matters, either, as it looked like Hellion was about to already lose control.

I'd better keep out of her way on this mission, Skywarp thought, as he finished replacing his arm lasers with rail guns and his missiles with torpedoes. 'Warp looked over at Thundercracker who had just finished upgrading himself, as well. "Ready, 'Cracker?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," the blue seeker responded. The two friends, along with Blitzwing, made their way to the bounce pad and were then quickly gone from sight.

Hangar Bay

With a snarl of annoyance, Ramjet quickly and haphazardly slapped on the attachments for the new weapon pods. He was fairly certain that Hellion had been right - the new weapons wouldn't be much of an asset in the new environment, and he had a nagging certainty that the Unicron-spawned things may just fail disastrously. Still, he wasn't quite ready to pick yet another fight over it, and everyone else seemed happy with the decision, so... whatever. Once he cycled through a firing sequence to make sure the new systems would fire despite his rush in installing them, Ramjet followed the others onto the bounce platform and initiated transit.

Medbay

The CR Chamber hissed open and Slipstream carefully stepped out. Her considerable time in the chamber had done wonders for her, repairing some minor damage she had taken over her travels and given her a full maintenance check. She felt and looked like she had just been assembled, fully energized and ready to go.

The seeker glanced around the room, not too surprised to find it empty. It had looked like a big group of Decepticons was heading out on some sort of mission when she had gone into the chamber. Apparently she had finished her cycle before they had returned. Decepticon missions with that many warriors rarely came back without some sort of wounded.

Having the room to herself for the moment Slipstream began stretching. Some of her joints were liable to be a little too tight after that bit of maintenance, and she doubted that she would be bored for long. Between her connections and unique skills she often found herself in high demand.

As if summoned by her very thoughts Slipstream received a summons from Megatron himself. The Decepticon leader must have been monitoring her time in the CR Chamber. She wasn’t sure whether to be flattered or concerned. Such scrutiny from High Command either meant very good things or very bad things. Seeing as how she hadn’t done anything recently to upset command, had in fact given them the possibility of acquiring a good amount of real energon, she decided to take it as a good thing. She sent a confirmation back to the Decepticon leader and strode confidently out of the medbay, making her way towards the command center.

*

Command Center

Megatron looked down from his throne like command chair as Slipstream entered the room. The seeker promptly saluted the Decepticon leader. “You summoned me Lord Megatron?”

Megatron eyed the seeker. It was fortunate that she had arrived when she had. Her abilities would be of use to him and would save a considerably greater amount of energy.. Whether he could trust her with the mission was another story. She was known a bit to be rather cavalier and mercenary like when it came to her more personal relationships, but she had remained loyal to the Decepticon cause. She was not a zealot by any means, but she could be counted on as far as he knew. Still, the less she knew about the exact mission the better.

“Slipstream, you are to pick up an ore sample and a report from Scrapper. You will take this sample to Cybertron where Shockwave has reactivated his former base of operations and lab facilities. Deliver the report and ore sample in person to Shockwave. You will remain on Cybertron then as part of his forces until I find another mission for you elsewhere.”

Slipstream carefully hid a look of interest from appearing on her face. Shockwave was back, and on Cybertron no less. Apparently the planet was habitable again. He the Decepticon scientist been hidden away all of this time trying to resurrect their homeworld? And what did this ore have to do with any of it?

Instead of asking any of these questions she instead bowed her head. “As you command Lord Megatron. Traveling from Cybertron from this world will take most of my energy though my lord.”

Megatron nodded. If some additional fuel helped guarantee her loyalty and mission success then so be it. “You may fill a reserve fuel tank and take it with you to make sure you complete your task.”

Slipstream stiffened and saluted sharply. “Thank you Lord Megatron. The mission will be completed with utmost haste.”

Megatron nodded. “Dismissed.”

Slipstream turned and left the room, still pondering what the motives were behind this mission. She would have to be careful though as it had all of the indications of something a bit above her security level.

The femme opened a line to Scrapper as she made her way to the Constructicon Lab. >>”Scrapper, this is Slipstream. I have been ordered by Megatron to acquire both a report and ore sample from you for transport to Cybertron. I assume you have both prepared with your usual efficiency?”<< She knew the Constructicons were a proud bunch, particularly when it came to their work. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to cozy up to them a bit. They could certainly be a valuable resource in the future.

Decepticon HQ - Lab Facilities

Scrapper looks up from the 5-stage refiner that lies half-melted before him, and adjusts his comm unit to reply to the Seeker. >>I see. There are a few samples set aside, of the various stages of extraction. We can spare some, so long as you are careful with them. And my report is almost complete. It will be done by the time you arrive, Ms Slipstream<<. The feminine descriptor wasn't nessecary, but Scrapper couldn't help but be polite, particular when given a compliment like that. The Constructicon leader then began compiling his many notes into a coherent report, working quickly as he dared without leaving any pertinent detail out. With as unpredictable a substance as Ultra Energon, one could never know too much.

Corridors

Slipstream smiled as she received the reply from Scrapper. Some Decepticons were easier to play up then others. The fact that the Constructicons were all fairly honest, hard working laborers meant it was all too easy to make them happy by complimenting their work. That was perfectly fine with her. Other Decepticons required far more elaborate acts to get in their good graces. It was refreshing to find one of the few honest and trusting Decepticons around.

She walked down the corridors of the base, taking her time. She wanted to make sure that Scrapper was truly done with all of his work before she arrived. That way she could look and act suitably impressed. It had been a long time since she had been in one of these bases anyway. It felt good, almost like returning home. Perhaps at some point it would be good to stay in one place for awhile. It would allow her to cultivate some longer term connections, and keep her aft out of the line of fire a bit more.

Of course she was going back to Cybertron shortly. That certainly had some interesting possibilities. Perhaps one of her little hideaways was still intact on the planet. She hadn’t managed to quite clear them all out as the evacuation went on. They didn’t exactly have anything real valuable in them, just some energon, ammunition and spare parts. She found them useful after she had ‘burned’ one of her contacts. They were convenient to lie low in until everything had blown over. Depending on who else was on Cybertron she just might need to use one.

The seeker finally arrived at the Constructicon lab. The femme entered the lab with a smile on her face. She glanced around the room at the various Constructicons. “I’m Slipstream, I’m hear to pick up the ore sample for Shockwave on Cybertron? Is Scrapper around somewhere?”

Lab Facilities

"Ah, Ms Slipstream." Scrapper steps forward to greet the Seeker, handing her two datapads with bulky protective casings. "This is my full report on the Ultra Energon, the extraction processes and the possibilities for harvesting the supply on this planet. And this is the report on individual samples, with detailed analysis on the three I'm giving you." He turns to Scavenger, who is currently using his shovel sensor to sniff a minor sample with a bit too much zeal. "Scavenger, give the lady samples X-3a, D-3 and I-34c."

The Salvage specialist puts his distraction aside and picks up the three samples, already prepared, and carries them to the Seeker, while Scrapper continues his narration. "The first is one of the pure samples, fully processed. The second is a variant, with 85% of the energy efficiency, but is a lot easier to refine. The third is an intermediate refinement step, from which the first two formulae, or standard Energon, should be obtainable. The details are in the datapads."

With the cargo given to the femme, Scrapper does a formal salute. "If there are no more questions, madam, we wish you all the best on your return to the homeworld. Good luck."

Lab Facilities

The seeker looked over the various objects Scrapper handed over to her. She was curious to learn more about this ore and what exactly made it so special, but she didn’t want to be discovered delving too deep into something that was obviously somewhat secretive. She carefully took the samples and reports and stowed them away in the cockpit of her alternate mode.

Slipstream smiled back at Scrapper and saluted him in return. “Your reputation is well earned Commander Scrapper. I only wish all other Decepticon units were as efficient as yours was.” She bowed her head at the Constructicon leader before making her exit of the lab.

The femme quickly made her way through the corridors of the base, picking up a spare external fuel container from the storage room. She quickly carried it to the med bay where she had it filled and then attached to her back. It was going to be awkward and look ridiculous, but it would allow her to go from Earth to Cybertron without being completely drained of energy. She would simply have to make sure to jettison it before she landed on Cybertron.

Hangar Bay

The Decepticon made her way towards the hangar bay, sending a brief message to Megatron informing him of her imminent departure at the same time. She received a simple acknowledgement, which while disappointing was not unexpected. Slipstream entered the hangar bay and transformed. Her sleek cybertronian fighter mode was marred only by the ungainly fuel tank slung underneath it. With a burst from her engines she shot out of the Decepticon base, making sure to follow standard infiltration stealth protocols to avoid detection by the natives.

Slipstream rocketed up and away from the green and blue marble that was the Earth. She was slowed slightly by the extra fuel tank, but still easily achieved escape velocity. She turned away from the planet, heading for open space. The transwarp drive was a precise instrument, especially at these distances, and if she could limit the interference from a nearby planet then she would. As the Earth shrank behind her she activated the drive. It quickly hummed to life as she entered the coordinates into it. Seconds later there was a burst of light and the Decepticon was gone.

Hangar Bay

Starscream descended and fell into an approach vector as he lead his team back from their mission. Aligning himself for a landing run he carefully guided himself towards the opened doors of the Decepticon hangar bay and cut his speed as he neared, passing through the open doors he transformed, landing with a heavy thud, and grinding his feet against the metal floor. Once he recovered himself he stood up and turned to watch the rest of his team make their own landings. But he wasn't truly watching to see if they all executed precise landings, no, he was looking for someone else.

One he say the simpleton cone head Ramjet and straighten up his optics narrowed as he approached. The Air Commander never really liked anyone questioning him, though he could be tolerant if they were merely trying to improve the odds of success for a mission, insubordination however was one thing he would never accept lightly. He look on Starscream's face was grim, barely contained anger lay just beneath the surface as he stalked towards the white and gray seeker, already the thoughts of what he was going to do to Ramjet were flying through his processor. His plan was simple, smash the loud mouth with his bare hands and use him as an example to the rest. Then it occurred to Starscream that his intended target was not so easily subdued in a hand to hand fight.

No, going to blows with Ramjet would not work well in Starscream's favor.

He stopped, quickly running through alternate ideas in his head as he watched Ramjet turn to face him, a mocking grin on his face. No doubt the moron had some clever quip on the edge of his tongue he would try and use to irritate Starscream further. He would not get that chance. It was then that Starscream saw the damaged armour plating on various spots on Ramjet's torso, obviously from the battle. A few of the weakened areas were over some vulnerable sections that Starscream was aware of on the Seeker body design, one such being the main fuel lines that ensured the Seekers arms and legs got the power and fuel needed to remain operating. A well placed shot could cut those lines and essentially render the target unable to stand or move his limbs. Starscream also noted that he still had a few rounds left of the armour piercing ammunition left in his rail guns. A sinister grin flashed across the Air Commanders face.

He snapped up his right arm, quickly steadied his aim, the world seem to move in slow motion, he wasn't paying attention to what the others around him were doing, just focused on Ramjet. He saw the sudden wave of confusion slowly wash over his targets face, then the realization occurred to him. It didn't matter. There was a loud crack as Starscream squeezed off a carefully aimed shot. He didn't wait to see if he hit home, he adjusted his aim and fired a second shot. The hypersonic rounds whizzed through the air in less then a second, each one ripping into a damaged area of Ramjet's torso, and punching through the armour. It took nearly a second for fuel to start gushing through the wounds, indicating that Starscream had hit what he was aiming for.

Standing triumphantly before Ramjet, Starscream flashed a sinister grin as he waited for the fuel flow to his targets limbs to stop and for him to fall. Then, then Starscream would make Ramjet regret ever having the thought of mocking him in front of his troops ever again.

(OOC: posted with permission from Aetrius)

Hangar Bay

Hellion flew alongside the other Decepticons as they approached their base. She flew into the hangar bay and transformed. She skidded and stumbled a bit as she landed, her optics still damaged from the battle. Fortunately she managed to avoid slamming into anyone or anything. Still, the fact that she had to worry about doing something like that only angered her further. The femme clenched her fists and began marching towards the door. She wasn’t exactly in a mood for a debriefing or anything, at least not until after she got her optics repaired.

The seeker stopped in her tracks when the sound of gun fire echoed throughout the hangar. She turned to look at the source of the noise. Her optics were still a bit fuzzy, having been seared and cracked by the molten lead fired directly at them, but she thought she saw Starscream shooting up Ramjet. Either she had missed something along the way or Starscream had finally come completely unhinged. Either way she wasn’t leaving until she saw how this little battle ended.

*

Soundwave entered the hangar bay behind all of the seekers, his flight speed being lower then the dedicated air warriors. He sent Rumble off to the medical bay, carrying Frenzy with assistance from Ravage. All three of them would need some minor repairs. He would see to them personally after he had reported in to Megatron.

He turned to inform Starscream of their duty to check in when the Air Commander opened fire on one of his subordinates. Soundwave was unsurprised to see it was Ramjet. The seeker had been pushing his limits even before the battle. His various comments on how the battle progressed had caught Soundwave’s attention. Retribution from Starscream was inevitable. He would wait and see its outcome, and enjoy the sight of the foolish seeker getting some punishment, even if he would rather see Starscream on the receiving end of such treatment.

Hangar Bay

Ramjet was expecting one of Starscream’s patented tirades about how his plan had been brilliant, but they had failed him. He expected the usual tripe expounding on Screamer’s superiority and their shortcomings, and Ramjet had already decided that it was time for a change. As soon as Starscream opened his mouth Ramjet intended to close it for him. It was time for someone smarter, stronger, simply better to run the show – someone like Ramjet.

Ramjet was ready. His fists were clenched. His jaw was set. Then, Starscream shot him. It was the one thing he would have never expected. Whiny, puling little Screamer actually fragging shot him! And to add insult to injury, or in this case the other way around, the damn shots actually penetrated. Ramjet had been wounded in the fight with the Autobots, and Starscream had taken advantage of the compromised armor to send an AP round ricocheting around in his innards.

“You slagging spawn of a glitch!” Ramjet bellowed, launching himself at the seeker commander and slamming his fist into Starscream’s face even as half his internal status sensors went red. Starscream was staggered, obviously expecting his single burst to take Ramjet down, but the conehead wasn’t quite done yet. He drove another powerful blow into Starscream’s midsection sending a spider-web of cracks across his cockpit armor.

“I’m sending you to the scrap-heap Screamer,” he growled, throwing a haymaker at Starscream’s head - a long, slow, haymaker. Ramjet was slowing visibly as liquid energon poured from his internal systems in a virtual flood. Starscream ducked under the sluggish punch, and the even more pathetically ponderous one that followed. Then he lashed out with his foot, catching Ramjet in the chest and sending him sprawling to the ground.

Ramjet struggled, attempting to rise as system after system shut down from lack of fuel. He glared hatred at Starscream even as the crimson light of his optics flickered and died, and he slumped, inert, into a heap on the ground.

Hangar Bay

Krunix, trailing behind the rest of the group, came in as Ramjet flickered into stasis. He wanted to shout at Starscream, to remind him their were channels and procedures to dealing with insubordination. To explain to the Air Commander, in detail, that this behavior was exactly why their mission had been a near total wash.

Instead, he sighed, and moved up to Starscream and knelt next the the fallen Conehead, doing a quick check of Ramjet's auxillary systems, "Do you want me to take him to Medical, sir?" Krunix said, his voice tired and several lightyears away.