The Energon Pub

Hang Bay

The dark grin that had been spread across Starscream's face had only faded slightly when he first saw Ramjet move towards him. The Air Commander had clearly miscalculated the other Seekers stamina, he had hoped the exertion from the battle before hand had reduced that somewhat to make his shots make a bigger impact. However, the suddenly burst of speed and strike to the face clearly proved that wasn't the case and Starscream's teeth clenched and his vision blurred for a moment when the blow. Ramjet was also stronger then Starscream had first thought.

The Air Commander was barely able to regain himself when a second blow struck him in the midsection, buckling armour and even cracking it in some places. Clearly Ramjet wasn't the brute he often appeared to be as that strike was well aimed and executed given then weak spot he had hit to cause such an effect. However, it was at this point the energon gushing from Ramjet's wounds began to take their toll, far later then Starscream had hoped. The next blow was sluggish and slow, easily avoided, as was the next, it was clear Ramjet could no longer function due to fuel loss. Starscream that landed a well placed kick to the other Seekers chest, knocking Ramjet off of his feet and on his back. He struggled hard to rise back onto his feet, but it was clear he couldn't and eventually he slipped into stasis lock.

For a moment Starscream stood over Ramjet, his optics locked onto his motionless form and his glowered down at him. For a few moments he concrned firing another round through Conehead, this time into his cranial cavity and blowing out what little based for a brain in Ramjets head, but a sudden execution would be difficult to justify. Krunix moved past the Air Commander and checked on the fallen Seekers systems, he muttered something that in his rage Starscream did not register. The sudden urge to slam his fist into the other Decepticons face plate boiled up, but Starscream fought it down, Krunix had done nothing to earn being knock senseless and it would not work well for Starscream to lash out at a subordinate who had done nothing out of turn.

Starscream squared his shoulders and straightened up, ignoring the pain from where Ramjet had struck him. He locked around the room, the same glower he had give to Ramjet cast at the others as he locked onto each of their optics.

"I'm sure all of you are expecting me to launch into some tirade like some energon spoiled protoform about how you all failed me, costing us the energon and making me look bad. That isn't going to happen. We can no longer afford such petty outbursts that will only undermine the authority of Decepticons like myself who are in positions of authority. By our very own nature we Decepticons believe that only the strong are worthy to lead, and we all believe we are the strongest. That attitude is no longer acceptable, and it is costing us this war. If we were not so petty and focused on furthering our own positions and enhance our own power the Autobots will have been vanquished eons ago and this galaxy would be ours to rule.

"I am certain many of you are already thinking that this is just one of my many attempts to enhance my own station so I can usurp Megatron and take command for myself by convincing you all we must work for the greater glory of the Decepticon cause. If I was saying this a millennia ago, you would be right, but no more. But no, we have to stop being so self centered if we Decepticons are going to rule, so I will no longer tolerate such machinations ot unfold under my command. From now on we work as a unit, fight as a team. I am capable of tolerating failure if your all was given and the odds were just insurmountable, I will no longer order a Decepticon to die needlessly just because we desire to brutal in our command. However, the one thing I will no longer accept at all is insubordination!"

Starscream bellowed the last few words as he thrust a finger down at the fallen Ramjet.

"Offer me suggestions, speak your mind before an operation to try and contribute towards it in a manner that can lead us to victory and I will consider the options and decide if they are worth the risk. Speak to me as a soldier about how a battle was fought and lost and how you think we can adapt our tactics and strategies so we can win the next. But never, NEVER, openly defy my orders in the field, or speak out against me in front of others and my wrath will be swift and terrible. Take Ramjet here as an example, I am allowing him to live so he and the rest of you can learn from his mistakes, but if any of you repeat it this will be merciful compared to the horrors I will bring down upon you."

He cast his gaze towards Krunix.

"You can scrape that wreck off the floor and drag him to a CR chamber before he bleeds out. The rest of you repair your damage, restore your equipment, and begin training in squad and unit tactics. I do not want a repeat of today and the next time we hit the Autobots I want them to face the true might of the Decepticon army and to fear just how much of a well honed, and sharped weapon we can be. Now I must report to Megatron."

Starscream turned sharply and marched out of the hangar bay. He was sure that most were rolling their optics at what he just said and figured it was just one more of his petty schemes. Maybe it was and Starscream was fooling himself, but this war had changed him. He used to merely desire the power that came with seizing control of the Decepticons and using them to conquer the galaxy, the Autobots merely an obstacle in his way. But now he saw the bigger picture of what the Decepticons could be, how they can forge the galaxy it the greatest empire that had ever existed, there was so much raw potential that had to be refined. Starscream was set to do that, but in order to accomplish that goal the fundamental undertones of what the Decepticons were had to change, they could no longer be the army of thugs, they had to become true warriors to bring this galaxy to heal and shape it into what it can become.

However, for now such grander things had to wait. The war with the Autobots had to be won before that grand future could come to pass, and before that Starscream had to report to Megatron on his previous mission. Normally after such a debacle the Air Commander would be concerned about what the Decepticon commander would do to him. He no longer cared. If Megatron killed him, so be it.

He walked into the commander center and walked to the foot of Megatron's thrown. He looked up at the silver armoured tyrant and met his optics.

"We were unable to secure the energon stores. The Autobots had arrived ahead of us and were firmly entrenched, I organized a diversionary attack lead by Krunix so me and Soundwave could enter the ship. However, the Autobots had already begun extracting the energon when we arrived. I am uncertain of how much they retrieved but my estimates suggest it was less then fifty percent. We were unable to over come the Autobot resistance and rather leave the energon to them Soundwave and I planted explosives. After extracting with the rest of my team we destroyed the energon reserves."

Starscream kept his optics locked to Megatron's, expecting him to go into a rage and probably beat the Air Commander to with in an inch of his life.

Hangar Bay

Krunix hefted Ramjet with considerable ease. Surprisingly, the Land-Based 'Con agreed with a lot of what the Air Commander had said. The fact that he had nearly executed a subordinate for the crime of being simple minded, however, meant it all had to be taken with a pico of sodium.

Krunix turned to the rest of the Decepticons still in the Hangar Bay, forcing himself to sound much less resigned than he had before, "You have your orders, Decepticons. Tactics training, and I will need full combat debriefings from all of you. Again, this means you too, Hellion" After seeing the femme in battle, Krunix could understand why Hellion had been given a wide berth. Still, he hadn't been scathing or critical in his remark towards her; procedure simply had to be observed, "I will compile a full tactical report for Command from your reports, so try to be as thorough as possible."

With that, Krunix began the long walk to Medbay, Ramjet in tow.

Hangar Bay

Skywarp flew into the hangar bay with the rest of his Decepticon comrades and transformed to robot mode while still in mid air. He landed with precision on the ground next to the other seekers as Soundwave and Krunix brought up the rear. The teleporter examined his damaged wing which had held out during the flight back to base. It was nothing major, just a few holes from the Autobot flier's scatter blaster. However, the wing was still in need of repair beyond what his internal systems could accomplish on their own.

Skywarp's inspection was then interrupted when Starscream fired at Ramjet, who had berated the Seeker Commander earlier over the open comm line. Everyone had heard the conehead's snide remarks regarding the overall battle plan and how it had failed to procure the energon and win the fight. Clearly, Ramjet was unhappy with how things turned out and had no qualms about placing the blame directly on Starscream's shoulders.

Of course, the Seeker Commander did not take those comments lightly and had decided to teach Ramjet a lesson. The conehead made a valiant, but ultimately foolish attempt to fight back and was quickly overcome by the severe loss of fluids gushing from his open wounds. Skywarp then listened as Starscream addressed all of them. His speech was long winded, a stern warning that insubordination would not be tolerated in any fashion. It was intermingled with the need for them all to work together as a unit and to not be so self-centered in their actions.

Once he was done, Screamer ordered them all to get the needed repairs and then begin tactics and unit training. Great, more training exercises. How exciting, 'Warp thought to himself, keeping quiet so as to not suffer the same fate as Ramjet. Once the Seeker Commander had left, Krunix demanded combat debriefings from everyone before he left the hangar, as well, carrying the stasis-locked conehead with him down to the repair bay.

Skywarp shook his head before turning to look at Thundercracker. "Never a dull moment around here, huh?" The teleporter said as he began shedding the rail guns and torpedoes they had all used on the underwater mission. It felt good to finally go back to having his regular arm-mounted lasers and heat-seeking missiles. "There, now that I feel like a real seeker again, I'm going to head down to the repair bay for a recharge and to get this wing patched up. You coming, 'Cracker?" Skywarp asked as he headed for the door.

Hangar Bay

Thundercracker watched stoically as Starscream clashed with Ramjet. It had not been surprising at all that Ramjet's remarks had led into a confrontation with the seeker commander. Yet, there was something different here. No, it was not the way Starscream had attacked Ramjet instead of dropping him instantly with his null rays. Neither it was Ramjet's defiance. The conehead was as tough as their came. And while it certainly differed from his usual tirades - it was not Starscream's speech either. It was the Air Commander's body language. There were subtle changes he had been able to notice only because he had known Starscream for so long. Screamer was serious, far more so than usually. Perhaps he had finally come to his senses, that was left to be seen.

"Yeah. Sure." He replied to Skywarp as he followed his friend towards the repair bay. "You know. I think the difference is the Autobots here. These are first class 'bots of something. Remember our last infiltration mission? To AEZ-4? We slaughtered the original 'bot team there. Hadn't Fortress Maximus' Autobot unit arrived just in time, we would have been celebrated instead of being sent on this mud ball after being unable to overcome a team led by one of the most legendary Autobots out there. If Megatron pulls the Terrorcons or the Horrorcons here because of all this, we better request a transfer quick, that's all I'm saying."

Hangar Bay

Hellion did her best to watch the scuffle unfolding in the room. She was always one to cheer on a good brawl or feud between a couple of Decepticons. It wasn’t as good as getting into a row herself, or even watching a battle between some Cons and Bots, but she would take what she could get. Unfortunately her damaged optics weren’t giving her the best view of the battle. She was able to get the gist of it though, Starscream blowing holes in Ramjet, Ramjet fighting back before dropping into stasis lock.

The seeker was a bit impressed with the battle and the speech, but maybe not how Starscream had intended. It was interesting to see him dealing with the mockery that sometimes went on behind his back. She was going to have to watch herself a bit more around him. The femme would have been more impressed though if he had done it with his bare hands and not guns. Frankly the fact that Ramjet had kept coming even after being shot up was pretty impressive too. He was still dumb as a rock, but he was tough.

The femme was ready to stagger off to get her repairs when Starscream and then Krunix remarked on training and debriefings. Hellion grunted in response. Few Cons liked to train with her as she had a tendency to get carried away with them. She hated giving debriefings, filing reports or even reading reports. They were all boring nuisances. She wasn’t built for paperwork; she was built for slagging bots. Anything that didn’t help that was a waste of time in her optics.

She turned from the hangar bay and carefully began making her way towards the repair bay. She could see well enough not to run into anything, she just had to hope she was heading down the right hallways though.

*

Soundwave watched the scene unfolding in front of him impassively. It was a bit interesting and Starscream’s speech seemed to be a break from his previous actions. It remained to be seen if those words would be backed with actual actions or not. He would have to observe the seeker more closely in the future to find out. He silently followed after him as he headed to the command center to give his report to Megatron.

Command Center

Megatron looked down at Starscream as he gave his report, Soundwave standing next to and behind the seeker. The mission had not gone as well as he had hoped, but it wasn’t a surprise. The Autobots had gotten a quicker start likely due to the communication abilities of Blaster. Still, it was a bit of a disappointment.

The fact that Soundwave had remained silent told him that Starscream wasn’t hiding anything. It seemed that perhaps Starscream had matured a bit, finally, after so long. Perhaps there would be no more powerplays and attempts to usurp his command. Of course, the seeker was quite an accomplished liar and actor at this point. This could quite likely be a bit of obfuscation to hid his real agenda. Either way it was a refreshing change from his usual routine.

He leaned forward in his throne, looking Starscream in the optics as he spoke. “The Autobots gaining that energon will provide them an edge in any future battles on this world. I want you and your subordinates to understand that fact quite clearly. They will have to fight harder and more efficiently in the future. I expect little less then perfection from them in future battles.”

The Decepticon leader sat back in his throne. “See to repairing your damage and recharging for now. You will be summoned when I have further need of you.”

Corridors

Skywarp listened as Thundercracker mused about the quality of the Autobot forces here on this slime ball of a planet. While 'Warp wasn't willing to give the enemy as much credit as his blue friend did, he would concede that they were better than the average 'bot team. "I suppose they're pretty formidable. They're at least better than the first squad we took out on AEZ-4, but no where near as good as Maximus' unit. Those were some tough mechs." The teleporter than scoffed at the thought of the Terrorcons or Horrorcons being brought in. "Frag, I hope not! We don't need the likes of those guys. We're fully capable of beating the Autobots ourselves. Elite seekers are far superior than a bunch of mechanical monsters."

Medical Bay

Skywarp entered the room and found an automated repair table at the far side. His wounds did not require a stay in a CR chamber as his wing just needed a minor patch job. Once 'Warp had laid his body down onto the medical berth, he connected himself into a recharging port while the mechanized appendages came to life and quickly went to work on his damaged wing.

Hangar Bay

Shadowblade had sat in the corner, sitting on some crates as he worked on calibrating his holographic scope to his sniper rifle. Then from the corner of his optics he observe as Starscream laid down the law with Ramjet.

Before his transfer from Cybertron Starscream reputation preceded him. But still he seem different...not quite what he expected from the stories he heard among the ranks. But in the end does not give two-micron energon chips about the stories.

Ramjet is carted off as he leaks energon all over the floor. Shadowblade works on cleaning the components to his particle sniper rifle. He works the bolt action and does a function check. Then compresses the weapon and store it in his internal compartment.

He transforms into a Kawasaki ninja, and darts off into the base. The Air Commander had order for some training. Then train he shall.

Weapons Range

The drones dart about in at different ranges as they attempt to find Shadowblade. Some fire off simulated rounds as they believe they located him. The winds in the high altitude of Saint Helens whisper among the rock outcrops.

He identifies the five training drones. He prioritizes his targets, makes adjustments to his scope to account for air density, elevation, wind speed, distance, and the rotation of the Earth. The long shots from 12 miles out can be risky. But this is the primary programming for Shadowblade; this is what he was assembled for.

The sniper rifle is stabilized with the bipod; he presses the butt stock into his shoulder, his optics look through the scope. His finger lightly rests on the trigger. He finally sees his chance lightly pulls the trigger, the drone head burst into shrapnel. He works the bolt action and slides a new particle round.

He focuses on the next target, counts two him self. "Three, two, one, fire, fire, fire." The weapon recoils reassuringly he watches as another drone collapses into a scrape pile.

He continues till all targets are down, and checks his results. He notes that it took 12 seconds to take down five targets. "Not good enough." He says to himself. "Precision and speed, precision and speed." mutters quietly as he orders another series of drones to occupy the range once more. Then Shadowblade continues on his training.

Hanger Bay

The mission was not a difficult one, but the company left a lot to be desired. Nightraven had dealt with many annoying mechs, but none were as bothersome as her current passenger. The Seeker femme came in low towards Mt. Saint Helens as she lowered her landing gear. She made sure to radio ahead to Megatron himself letting the Decepticon Lord know that she had returned with some information.

Once inside the base proper she slowly came to a halt and opened her cockpit letting her passenger get out before she transformed back to her robot form.

“I’m glad that’s over with.”

She looked over at Ratbat and let out a sigh.

“Come on. We better get to the Command Center so we can give Megatron our findings.”

Interrogation Chamber

Darkride had spent a good portion of the morning in his personal quarters relieving some stress when he finally emerged. The deranged mech made his way over to his computer terminal leaving a well-defined trail of Energon as he went. He took a seat and let out a slight moan of pain as he leaned back; a wide grim crossing his face as he did so.

Once settled he began to work the keyboard carefully working through the security software to get to the file he was searching for. His digits danced over the keys as he worked through the documents contained within the file. A devilish grin formed as he finally came across the daily roster lists. It took only a few moments to change the duty list so that Skywarp would be assigned to his level. The interrogator also made sure to include a stop in the chamber. Once the deed was complete Darkride made sure that he covered his tracks by leaving false entries and leads. It would work for a while, but Soundwave would eventually catch on and track the hacking back to him. It didn’t matter to Darkride, however, by then he would have done what he needed to do.

Darkride let out a satisfied sigh and finally stood from his chair. He then made his way back into his personal quarters to get the self- inflicted wounds on his back sealed. After all, it wouldn’t be long before his new prey was standing at his chamber door.

Repair Bay

Hellion finally arrived at the repair bay without too much difficulty. She stumbled over to one of the automated repair stations. A simple CR chamber wasn’t going to be enough to fix her optics. She sighed as she brought her face right up next to the control console so that she could see it more clearly. She carefully punched in some commands before sitting down in front of the device.

As the machinery whirred to life Hellion deactivated her damaged optics and let out another sigh. This was liable to be an uncomfortable procedure. Once it was over with and a quick stop in a CR chamber to fix some of the minor injuries she was going to track down Nightraven. She usually counted on her to help her out and watch her back in battles, but she had been pulled from the mission at the last minute. She wanted to hear what was so important that would pull her away like that.

*

Hangar Bay

Ratbat darted out of the cockpit, growing to his larger, more standard size. It was still a rather diminutive one that all of Soundwave’s cassettes possessed, but it was better then the human scaled form he had been maintaining. He circled around the room once before returning to Nightraven, hovering in front of her at optic level.

“You are relieved its over? How do you think I feel? Reduced to a mere passenger inside of a seeker. Its humiliating and far beneath one such as myself. Only the fact that you are capable of faster speeds and longer trips without refueling, along with your stealth abilities, made you worthy of this mission. It was I who had to suffer in your cockpit and then do the actual work of scanning the planet surface.”

The Cassetticon circled behind her and perched on her right shoulder, folding up his wings at his sides. “Now finish up your job as transport and take me to Megatron so I can report my findings before I am forced back into that bore Soundwave.”

Corridors

The black Seeker femme shook her head as the insufferable Cassetticon began to ramble on about his personal tragedies. Nightraven cared little for anything Ratbat might have been put through in the past, personally she believed he deserved a much worse fate, but Megatron saw some usefulness in him, so she would just have to cope.

She let out a heavy sigh when the little troll took up a perch on her shoulder. Once Ratbat referred to her as ‘transport’ she stopped in her tracks. She turned her head to glare daggers at him before she addressed him.

“Listen, you despicable little rust spot! I am a Seeker, the elite of the Decepticon soldiers; I am no more a ‘transport’ than you are a Senator anymore. Now stifle it, or you’ll wind up a smear on the bottom of my foot!”

That said she stalked off towards the Command Center.

Corridors

Ratbat’s small face twisted into a sneer as Nightraven replied to him. “Elite? Really? Is that what you seekers think you are? Elite cannon fodder is more like it.” He flapped his wings in annoyance before settling back down. “Really, what kind of elite force can you be when there are so slagging many of you? It’s like Megatron has you all stamped out at some giant factory somewhere.”

The cassetticon leaned in towards her audio receptor and spoke quietly. “Do you ever wonder why there are so many seekers, all of you with such similar designs. Well let you in on the secret little femme.” A smirk formed on his face as he then whispered to her, “its because you are cheap. All of those similar designs means your parts are interchangeable. Aside from some cosmetic differences you are the same as every other seeker. That means when one of you gets slagged your scraps can still be put to good use.”

He straightened up on her shoulder, shuffling around to get more comfortable. “Even I have to admit that was a good idea on Megatron’s part. I’ve crunched the numbers myself and it is a very efficient use of resources, considering the state of the war and all. I would have done something similar if I were in charge, although I probably would have done something about the annoying personalities so many of you seekers seem to possess.”

Command Center

Starscream was actually surprised at Megatron's response, he did not so much as even raise his voice in frustration. However, he knew Megatron to be calculating and it was possible he had already concluded this was to be the out come. Regardless Starscream was relieved that another confrontation between himself and the Decepticon leader had not come out of his report.

"Very well Megatron. I have already asserted with the troops my own concerns over their performances in battle. I have already ordered them to under go training and practice to hone their personal skills as well as their tactical and squad level work. Once my damage is repaired I intend to over see this training personally."

With that Starscream turned and left the commander center and made his way towards the repair bay. His damage was not that great to require a stay in a CR chamber and rather he found an empty repair station and settled himself in. He shut off his optics and let his mind drift a little as he allowed the repairs to his body to commence.

Repair Bay

Skywarp's optics flickered on at the beeping sound coming from the automated repair table, which indicated that his wing was now fixed. His energon levels were also at full capacity. Unfortunately, it was the crap energon and not the good stuff that the Autobots had managed to get away with, at least in part. The 'cons got none of it, of course, which irritated 'Warp beyond what he could articulate into words. Next time things will end differently, the teleporter thought as he disconnected himself and got up off the table.

Skywarp silently walked across the room and began interfacing with one of the computer terminals. I guess I should check the duty roster and see what kind of training Starscream has set up for me. 'Warp scanned through the appropriate logs until he came across his name. It had recently been updated, but his assignment was not what he had expected to see. What's this? I'm assigned to the lower levels for some routine maintenance work? What happened to the training Screamer wanted us all to do? Skywarp thought for a moment and then began smiling. Perhaps he sees that I wasn't the problem on the last mission and therefore I don't need training. Good to know someone sees things my way. Although, my talents would be better served doing something more useful than just mere maintenance. I'm a seeker for slag's sake!

Skywarp quickly skimmed through the mundane duties listed until his optics caught sight of something very interesting. One of the entries had him making a stop by the interrogation chamber. Oh, really? So, that scum bucket Darkride needs some maintenance work done, huh? I bet he does. Probably needs someone to clean up the neon-colored mess from my earlier prank. Skywarp's frown slowly turned into a smile. While he wasn't particularly excited about paying a visit to the interrogator, whom he loathed more than any other 'con at the base, 'Warp was intrigued by the notion of finally seeing the aftermath of his handy work up close. It should be a very amusing sight to say the least.

Skywarp chuckled as he stepped away from the computer terminal and turned to address Thundercracker. "Looks like I've been reassigned to the lower levels, 'Cracker, just in case you're wondering where I disappeared to. I'll see you for training later on." The teleporter gave his blue friend a wave and then headed out the door.

Lower Levels

The black and purple prankster exited a turbo lift and quickly made his way to a storage room where he obtained the needed materials for the forthcoming maintenance work that was required of him. He did so with a grumble as 'Warp knew that his abilities warranted something more substantial than such menial tasks. At least he'd get a good laugh when he saw Darkride's neon-colored condition. "Maybe I'll stop by his chamber first. The duty log didn't specify what order I did my work in, after all. At least I'll be in a good mood afterward while I complete the remainder of my tasks," Skywarp muttered aloud to himself as he placed the remaining equipment into a hover cart. "Yes, that's exactly what I'll do."

Skywarp exited the storage room, pulling the hover cart behind him with one arm. He walked swiftly down the corridor until he reached the interrogation chamber. Things appeared to be quite normal looking on the outside, but it was inside 'Warp was most interested in seeing. Since he didn't have the appropriate access codes to enter, the interrogator himself would have to let 'Warp inside.

Letting go of the cart, Skywarp approached the chamber doors and began banging loudly on them with his fist. The seeker waited for a few kliks before banging again. Once more there was no immediate response. He must be in his private chambers or he's just ignoring me to sizzle my circuits. Stupid fragger. 'Warp thought as he considered teleporting inside, but then thought better of it. He didn't know what kind of strange things Darkride may have situated around the chamber. 'Warp could very well end up teleporting into one of the interrogator's torture devices or end up standing in the gory remains of a slaughtered victim. Instead, Skywarp decided to just play it safe and opened a comm line to the resident torturer:

>>"Hey, Darkride! Open up you filthy slagger! I'm here to do some maintenance work! I don't have all cycle!"<<

Training facility

>>End of training simulation.
>>Decepticon victory achieved.
>>Primary and secondary objectives reached.
>>Zero casualities.
>>4 wounded.
>>Autobots have retreated.
>>5 Autobot deactivations.
>>Report forwarded to Krunix and Starscream.

Thundercracker disconnected himself from the training simulator and gave a quick look around the room where many other Decepticons were doing the same. Blitzwing stormed out in his usual manner, probably irritated for being forced to take part of a group training simulation. Thundercracker couldn't blame the triplechanger. These training simulations never did too much good in his mind. There just was no replacing real Autobots with simulated ones. Especially Autobots this good. Ironhide and Hardhead had been there. Hound. Blaster and his minions. And he had no idea how many 'bots had been inside the ship. Considering all the 'bots he had seen, Thundercracker wouldn't have been too surprised if Optimus Prime himself was present on this planet. If Megatron was interested enough to investigate this world personally, why not the Autobot leader as well?

Walking out of the training facility, Thundercracker decided to go to take a look on Skywarp. Maintenance he had said? There was something fishy with that. Probably a trap set by Darkride. Like anyone sane would assign Skywarp to any maintenance task. Still, it did serve a purpose for Skywarp sometimes being in the receiving end of pranks and not even Darkride would dare to do anything he couldn't get away with. Still, if he didn't watch out for 'Warp, who else would?

Command Center

Soundwave exited the room, Ratbat safely residing in his chest cavity once more. The small Decepticon had not been particularly happy about that, but had decided not to complain since he had just been let loose for the first time in what felt like ages. He felt it would be wiser to avoid making a commotion of it now, particularly in the presence of Megatron. It was a rare bit of diplomacy on his part, but when his own hide was on the line he could become a bit diplomatic.

*

Having listened to the report Soundwave was now free to move about the base. While he had not suffered any terrible injuries in the battle it would be good to at least recharge. He also wanted to check on Frenzy and Rumble. Ravage would also need some repairs. Megatron did not seem to need his immediate assistance or advice. The Decepticon leader seemed to be in a contemplative mood. It was unsurprising given recent events. What had been an insignificant backwater in the war was not a point on which the entire war could balance on.

*

Megatron sat in his throne bent over, his shin resting on his right fist, the arm propped up by the arm of the throne. His optics were locked on to the map of the Earth displayed on the main viewer, the results of Ratbat’s findings still on it. What the cassetticon had found was important, but what was even more important was how to use that information. The Decepticon leader had no particular desire to escalate the infiltration process greatly, not if that could be avoided. Escalation at this point and in this area would likely draw too much attention from the Autobots. Something more subtle was called for here.

He punched in a few commands on his throne, bringing up all of the data they had on a particular area of Earth that Ratbat’s readings had indicated as rich in the ore they sought. It seemed that this area had seen a considerable share of conflict in the not so distance past of this world. Even now tensions were high between the various nations in that area. It seemed that the appropriate spark would set off the entire area and possibly spread much further. The ensuing chaos would reduce the planet’s population and give an opportunity for the Decepticons to move freely in that area. The question was what would be the perfect spark to set things in motion.

Fortunately Megatron had the foresight to see such an opportunity coming beforehand and had called in the appropriate specialist. >>”Baneblade, report to the command center immediately.”<< As he waited for the Decepticon’s arrival he received a signal from Slipstream, reporting the she had returned with information from Shockwave. He would conduct her debriefing once he was done with Baneblade.

Base Archives

Baneblade had spent much of his time in his new posting brushing up on the history of Earth and of its various civilizations. It was a fascinating world with a cultural and historical background that was more complex and diverse then most, in a way the academic in Baneblade felt a little regretful of the fate that would befall this world as a result of the demands of the war, and if given the opportunity he would love to do an in depth study of this planet, its past and its people. Perhaps a rare sentiment for a Decepticon, but a Decepticon he was and if the cause demanded this world die then it died.

Baneblade was roused from his thoughts when he received an order from Megatron to report to him.

>>"At once Lord Megatron." <<

The analyst stood up from where he sat and made his way towards the command center. It took him sometime longer then a regular Decepticon to reach the command center, but once he did the massive mech lumbered into the base command center.

"You summoned me Lord Megatron? How can I be of service?"

Command Center

Megatron waited patiently for Baneblade to arrive. He continued to study the reading Ratbat had delivered as they were reflected on the map along with information on this particular area. It seemed ripe for further infiltration missions, but what that mission would exactly be was still undecided. He wanted something immediate so they could move in more directly to seize the Ore 13 deposits. It meant skipping the replacement of key individuals with facsimiles and taking a slightly more direct hand in events.

That was why he had summoned Baneblade. He had been tasked on previous worlds with finding weaknesses in that planet’s society and cultures, weaknesses that would then be exploited by their infiltration techniques. He assumed that the Decepticon had busied himself with studying this world since his arrival upon it.

The Decepticon leader looked down from his throne as Baneblade arrived. He gestured towards the main viewscreen. “There are mineral deposits in the northern half of this peninsula that I require. We will need to keep the humans occupied while we seize these deposits. From what I have gathered the area has experience considerable military and political turmoil in the not to distant past. I trust you are more knowledgeable in that area and can construct a suitable plan that will give us a free hand in the area.”

Interrogation Chamber

For once there were no screams of pain, no cries of mercy; instead there was nothing but silence. Along with the unusual serenity the chamber was also cloaked in sheer darkness. The lone occupant sat silently just inside his personal quarters facing the door to the interrogation chamber proper. He set the gears in motion and now he simply needed to wait for his prey. It was inevitable, really, like a moth to a flame Skywarp would come when his most hated rival beckoned. In the all-consuming blackness the interrogator’s lips twisted into an evil grin.

After his acid bath to remove the offending neon paint, Darkride took painstaking time to reapply his original paint job and properly seal it. Although he rarely exhibited it, the interrogator was truly vain. He detested being covered in anything but the remnants of those he’d dispatched, and if that state was unattainable then he preferred to present himself as pristine as possible.

Finally the deafening silence was interrupted by the resonant pounding on his chamber door. From the inky blackness within the living quarters two glowing crimson optics appeared. Darkride never even bothered to respond by opening the door, instead he simply waiting for the Seeker to contact him and demand he be let in. The resident psychopath did not have to wait long before he was being accosted via comm link. Darkride took his time to answer, but when he did he was sure to keep civil.

>>”Ah, Skywarp I wasn’t expecting anyone. By all means…”<<

Darkride ran his fingers over a nearby keypad thereby opening the chamber door.

“….come in.”

Interrogation Chamber

Finally, after what seemed like vorns, the chamber doors in front of Skywarp slid open, revealing the darkened room beyond. >>"Well, it's about fraggin' time, Darkride. I was just about to move on and do something more constructive with my time. I have other tasks than just yours to complete, you know."<<

Skywarp shut off him comm link and entered the interrogation chamber towing the hover cart behind him. He looked down and saw the bright neon-colored stain adorning the floor. It appeared that his prank had gone off according to plan. "Heh, what have you been up to in here, Darkride? You finally decided to decorate this gloomy place with some brighter colors?" The teleporter teased the unseen interrogator, whom he couldn't wait to get a look at and see just how much of this neon paint had actually gotten on him.

Skywarp moved away from the hover cart and began looking around the chamber filled with torture devices of all kinds. He wondered which ones Darkride had used on the Autobot Bumblebee while the minibot had been a prisoner here. It could have been any of them or even all of them. 'Warp tried not to think too much about it. Even though he hated the Autobots and could care less if any of them lived or died, he didn't much like the idea of prolonged torture. Just blast them to bits and be done with it already.

"So, where are you at, Darkride?" Skywarp shouted as he scanned the dark room for any signs of his prank victim. "You're not hiding from me for some reason, are you? Come out come out wherever you are!"

Command Center

Baneblade was smiling beneath the expressionless visor and faceplate he always wore. He had wondered if Megatron was going to give him a challenge like trying to find a way to undermine and eventually destroy the very secure NATO alliance that had members of some of the most powerful countries on this planet. But no, his master had laid out before him a task that one of his former undergraduate students could accomplish while still half powered down. Not that he enjoyed easy challenges, but still they were always good to help further the cause, and raise Baneblade's own esteem with the High Command.

"My Lord Megatron I have been studying this worlds history and political structure since I arrived here." He began in his deep, menacing voice. "And this particular location is perhaps one of the easiest locations for our efforts to bear significant fruit. The past century of this world has been riddled with major conflicts by the various powerful countries that dominant their civilization, and this location is a by product of the last major global war. This peninsula was once a single political entity that was conquered and enslaved by the major military power of the region, however when that power was defeated by its enemies this region was divided along political ideological lines." Sensing that his ramblings were probably already starting to bore his commander Baneblade cut the chase. "The important is that these region is not split into two distinct countries with common history and language, but each one supports a different political system that contradicts the other, violently and was indeed an example of a major ideological split that held this world on the brink of utter ruination not to long ago. These region has seen a major conflict that although open hostilities have ended the state of war has actually not yet been resolved and remains one of the most heavily fortified regions on this planet."

The massive Decepticon analyst stepped forward and pointed to the northern country.

"This nation is under despotic rule by an isolationist regime that heavily controls its population, who are underfed and live in what these humans would consider squalor. by contrast their southern cousins live in prosperity, are open trading partners with other powerful nations around the world, and have a great amount of freedoms. Recently there has been a number of military flare ups, nothing to significant, patrols exchanging fire, though on one account a naval vessel from the south was sunk by the north. This region will be easy to plunge into a major conflict that could possibly destabilize the region."

Baneblade began to think for a moment on how to follow up his little lesson.

"There has been some serious contention over the north securing the capabilities to produce minor nuclear weapons... minor by our standards anyway. I believe we can capitalize on this by having a team of our warriors disguised as civilian vehicles infiltrate the south and plant a device of nuclear origin in one of their cities... in fact I believe the souths capital is located close to the boarder with the north and indeed is likely the best target for such an operation. To proceed with this plan I would also recommend a forward operations base be constructed to cut down on travel time for out soldiers. The team carrying our the infiltration mission can be based there and use it as a staging ground, a support team of Seekers can also be stationed there to provide air support and conduct secondary missions that can further our goals. I would also think the Constructicons can be based there as they expertise will be needed to construct the base, and also to extract the deposits which you seek. Additionally any military conflicts that arise amongst the locals can be kept out of control by other teams acting to expand the focus of the war to encompass other countries in the region, and thus taking the focus off the areas we wish to exploit. Oh I am sure the Autobots will also try to counter act our plans, but they will be hard pressed to do so given that the area will be hopefully engulfed in suitable chaos to make their operations difficult to conduct."

Baneblade stepped back from the monitor and bowed slightly to Megatron.

"I hope, My Lord, that my analysis and operational suggestions are suitable for your needs."

Corridor outside the Command Center

The young black femme remained silent as she escorted the diminutive Ratbat to the Command Center. She would let the disgraced former Senator provide the information they had gathered; besides she was sure if she had to face Megatron and she gave less than a precise report, she’d be blasted and then thrown in a scrap heap. No, let the more experienced handle the reports to the Decepticon Lord, it was much safer.

Once Ratbat vacated his perch on her shoulder and flew into the Command Center, Nightraven waited until the doors closed before she turned her back to them and leaned against them. She let out a heavy sigh as she tilted her head up and closed her optics. She lingered for a moment before she pushed off the doors and made her way down the corridors once more.

She had made her way through the winding course and wound up just around the corner from the Med Bay. She stuck close to the wall as she rounded the corner and walked directly into Hellion. Not being as sturdy as her orange sister, Nightraven fell backwards onto the floor. She shook her head to clear her vision and looked up at the mech who she had run into. A broad smile grew on her face when she realized it was Hellion.

“Helly! I thought I ran into Blitzwing, or someone equally as dangerous.”

Interrogation Chamber

The deep amethyst color of his paint helped to conceal the interrogator in the blacked out chamber. Darkride watched as Skywarp began to search for his host. His deep crimson optics focusing on the Seeker’s form as the corners of his mouth curled into a cruel grin. He slowly licked his lips as Skywarp drew nearer to the entrance of his private quarters.

Finally, Darkride took hold of a bottle on the floor next to him and rose from the chair. Silently he made his way into the chamber proper and maneuvered himself so he was standing behind the Seeker. The grin that was etched on his visage had faded; instead a deep frown appeared and he slowly tilted his head to the right. He thought of just decapitating the offending cretin, but he had plans for this one.

Darkride quietly stepped to a nearby console and, in turn, activated the lights in the chamber. Before Skywarp could react to the sudden illumination, Darkride addressed his new guest; his voice calm, soft almost sultry.

“I apologize for the delay of your admittance, but I was busy searching for this.” Darkride held up a glass bottle encrusted with intricate metal scroll work and valuable stones. Through the glass the bright pink color of energon could be seen.

“A rarity in these trying times. Pure energon is something I’d spend an eternity to search for; thankfully I don’t have to.” His neutral expression gave way to a wide grin as he eyed the Seeker for a reaction.

Corridor Outside the Med Bay

Hellion got up from the repair station rubbing her newly installed optics. She hated getting them replaced. New ones always took a while before they felt just right. Probably her systems adjusting to the better input they were getting or something. For now though everything seemed just a bit brighter and sharper. It was more annoying then anything else.

She still had her hands messing with her optics when she stepped out of the med bay and ran into some other Decepticon. She felt the lighter form strike her and bounce off, her own sturdier frame not being that affected. The femme dropped her hands to her sides and looked down at the other Decepticon, ready to tell him off for stupidly walking into her. Her mood lightened a bit and her scowl softened as she saw it was her sister.

The seeker snickered at Nightraven’s comments as she grabbed her hand and helped her back to her feet. “Blitzwing isn’t that dangerous, despite what he would tell you even after that last mission.” She frowned as she thought about that mission and how poorly it had gone for her personally. “Where have you been anyway? I thought you were going on the mission with us but then I hear you got pulled for something else at the last minute.”

Corridor

Hooligan was not a well liked Decepticon. He was a prankster of the highest order, he had no limits and no one was safe. One had to wonder if it was bravery or stupidity that fueled him to even pull one over on Megatron. However the Cyberjet had his usefulness for he often turned his inclinations upon his foes and the humans with brutal effectiveness. However he was currently service a punishment for an offence against Starscream involving an effeminate paint job while he slept.

"Not my fault he can't take a slagging joke." He muttered to himself as he wandered the halls of the lower corridors. "Aerospace Commander Glitchscream needs to get a life, I mean seriously how can he not be surprised that I got him? Guy like him should be on the watch for laced energon. It's one of my trademarks after...huh?" Hooligan looks forward to see his rival Skywarp enter the Interrogation Chambers. "What in the name of Darkmount is that Sky Jockey doing in Darkride's turf?" He then brought his hand up to his chin in thought. "Maybe he's pulling one over on the sadist? Naw, he'd teleport to not be seen." Hooligan then chuckled. "Oh he just got suckered I'll bet. Darkride's taking him for a ride. Too bad I can't peek inside and see for myself what he's gonna get. Haven't found a way to crack those doors yet." He hangs his head. "Figures that I can't even take part in the fun others are having. Slagging stupid punishment patrol..." With that Hooligan keeps walking along. "Wonder if I'll run into Thundercracker? They're usually welded together at the hip." He mused as he turned the corner and headed for the next sector he had to patrol.

Starscream's Personal Quarters

It had been several breems since Starscream's repair cycle had finished. Since then the Seeker commander had been in his quarters, deep in thought and going over various reports, mostly day to day status reports of base operations, and after action reports from the last mission, none of which contained any new information. What Starscream was thinking about was the future, a matter that had been on his mind a great deal of late. He was simply tired of the drudgery that the war had fallen into, he felt it was time to deliver a fatal blow to the Autobots and bring this war to an end for the Decepticons once and for all. How many times had the Decepticons triumphed on one world only to be defeated else where? It seemed that the whole of the remainder of the Cybertronian race was doomed to continue to spiral into oblivion, their hands clasped firmly around the throats of the opposing members of their own race. More importantly Starscream was wondering just what role he could play in changing this dim future. The honest answer he wouldn't share with anyone else was that he didn't know. For all of his boasting after he had put down Ramjet he wasn't sure how to refine the Decepticon army back into the finely honed blade from the dull, blunt instrument it had become.

He looked up and saw a new report scroll across the monitor in front of him. The Stunticons were on planet and already causing trouble, Starscream was certain their actions would draw Autobot attention, a team would be assembled, sent out and a battle would ensue. Pointless. The result would be the Stunticons and their opponents being bloodied, one group retreating, the other claiming victory before they did the same and both would limp away for repairs. It was a scene that had been repeated countless times over the past several eons since the war moved into space. Although the Stunticons were a pack of thugs, barely worthy of being called Decepticons warriors, they were more suited to being cannon fodder in Starscream's mind, but now more then ever did the Decepticons need soldiers capable of fighting. To that end the Seeker Commander would like to follow up this attack on the Stunticons by leading a full squadron of Seekers to their aid, pin the Autobots down under heavy air attack and allow the Stunticons to out flank, overwhelm and slaughter their enemies. Granted such a move would likely blow the Decepticons cover, but Starscream had long ago grown tired of these foolish infiltration protocols, but was shackled to them as long as Megatron desired to use them.

The Seeker would prefer more overt action, like Scorponok was pursuing on the world of Nebulos, rather then wasting time following through on a full infiltration mission the other Decepticon officer had simply taken his army and hit the world with his full might. As much as Starscream desired a return to the days of open warfare that had brought such devastation to Cybertron he knew it was not likely to happen. All he could do was try to improve on what he had to work with, and for the moment it was whipping the current group of misfits back into shape and once more allow them to become proper warriors in the Decepticon army.

To that end it was time that Starscream rejoined the other ranking officers in the commander center. Although he was certain Megatron neither missed or wanted his company, he still felt he should be at the current heart of activity for Decepticon efforts on this world. He got up and walked out into the corridor.

Command Center

Starscream stalked through the halls of the base, grim faced and focused in his own mind, passing the Seeker sisters Hellion and Nightraven. He barely gave them an acknowledging glance as she walked past them and made his way to the command center. The doors to the hub of activity for the base slid open and the Seeker Commander saw the massive Baneblade finishing up some report to Megatron. The large analyst only came to worlds where complex geo-political situations existed that proved difficult for the Decepticons to cope with, Earth was one such world since it was one of the few that had a government that unified the entire planet and had hundreds of small governments, all acting for their own benefit. Regardless Starscream felt his armour crawl at the sight of him, Baneblade was not a pleasant Decepticon, not because he enjoyed pealing off other Cybertronians armour and wearing it like skin or something morbid like that, rather it was his attitude, he was so casual about evaluating the life of others. Although many Decepticosn were like that, mostly about Autobots, Baneblade's attitude towards the worth of Decepticon life was a rare one and he would often recommend entire teams of soldiers be through into suicide missions just to secure a strategic point.

Listening to the conversation at hand Starscream remained silent, hands clasped behind his back as his optics looked over the information currently on display.