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Base outskirts

Coming back from a successful fuel raid in Alaska, Skywarp flew in low over the trees on a standard approach vector to the Decepticon Headquarters. He was thrilled with how the mission had turned out and with the amount of destruction he was able to inflict on those puny flesh sacks. Unfortunately, he still had some of the organic slime splattered on his wings from when Blitzwing threw that human into Thrust’s engine. I’ll have to get them back for that one, ‘Warp thought to himself just as a communication from Megatron, himself, came over his commlink. Oh, slag it all. Megatron? What’s he doing here?

The question was irrelevant, of course. Megatron was here and he had given them all a direct order to meet in the briefing room. And Skywarp knew all too well that you didn’t keep the supreme leader of the Decepticons waiting. So, instead of entering the base the normal way that would take more time, the teleporter decided on a quicker, flashier entrance. In an instant, the seeker disappeared from the skies above the base.

Briefing Room

Astroseconds later, the F-22 Raptor reappeared inside the briefing room where Thrust and Blitzwing were already waiting. The moment he materialized, Skywarp transformed to robot mode and joined his comrades who were standing nearby. “So, anyone have any idea what’s going on?”

Thrust, who was still standing against the wall with his arms folded was taken by surprise by the sudden emergence of Skwarp.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that," Thrust thought to himself. He took great care not took startled though. As a psychological warfare expert, he knew showing any signs of weakness in this lot with turn to bite him in the afterburners at some point.

Instead Thrust just repsonded calmly to Skywarp:

"We all know we you know. We were summonned by Megatron. Really, what more do we need to know."

Thrust went right back to staring off and leaning against the wall.

Central Chamber
Mixmaster caught the transmission, and even though he was already there on the spot, not more than four meters from the Briefing room, he made sure the others reached the room first. If entered later without being late, and the supreme commander was on his last circuit breaker, he'd likely trash the others, maybe work up some tension if anything bad had happened.

Mixmaster was heavily relieved that he was functioning 100% after his repairs. Lord Megatron might have gone through and taken care of 'unnecessary baggage' in the healing bay. When he began to hear in-talking, Mixmaster made his way to the briefing room himself.

Briefing Room
Slag it. I better not get punished for something the others did, if that's what this is about. His optics trained on his teammates, and tapped his right bicep. "Which of you organic lovers put a slagging paintjob of a human lifeform on my arm plating?"
The 'con sucked air into his reciever, shortwave broadcasting it to the nearby 'cons over transmission, before leaning against the sidewall. Maybe I'll be able to get something accomplished with a leader around here. Mixmaster was still unforgiving of whatever 'con dumped him off of the mountain in joke when he needed a refuel, then put one of those disgusting bio-froms on his arm.

Outside the Decepticon Base

Astrotrain arrived with the other Decepticons from the raid. He was relieved to be back at the base where he could unload the fuel canisters. He never liked transporting anything as volatile as fuel or energon. That was what Octane was for after all. He was there to transport materials or, ideally, troops into battle. Sadly, he couldn't remember the last time he had done that.

The triplechanger was coming in for a landing when he got the message from Megatron. The surprise was almost enough to jolt him off of his approach, but with his cargo well in mind he kept it steady and came in to a safe landing.

The Decepticon quickly transformed, the oil canisters safely held in his arms. He quickly placed them off to the side. He would worry about where to put them later. He wasn't about to leave Megatron waiting over something as trivial as that. He quickly jogged out of the hangar bay.

Megatron arriving here could mean all sorts of things. It might mean they were getting reassigned, or things were going to be escalated on this planet. That would definitely mean some action. On the other hand he could be her to demote them all personally, or for some executions. One thing was for sure, his mere presence was gonna shake things up.

He quickly arrived in the briefing room. He spotted the various seekers and other Decepticons milling about. He'd pretty much had enough of them lately. He quietly took a seat, wondering what Megatron would have in store for them all.

Command and Control

Soundwave monitored the arrival of Megatron with great interest. He had received no word from Cybertron of their leader’s arrival. Such secrecy meant that whatever the reason for Megatron’s arrival something important was about to happen. As he was about to contact Megatron with a greeting and a request for an audience, a transmission was broadcasted to all the Decpticons.

With a calm haste, Soundwave answered the call immediately. Securing his computer console from unwanted visitors, he placed his monitoring systems to standby. The computer would record all that he wanted and he could review the data files later. Rising from his communications station, he departed for the briefing room.

Along the way he could sense the anxiety and fear of the other Decepticons. Having such feelings was preposterous to him. Soundwave felt relieved that Megatron was here to give them some real leadership. Starscream’s continual bungling was almost as annoying as his constant struggle to amass power. Whatever shortcoming caused Megatron to get involved in this mission was surely attributable to Starscream. As always, Soundwave would distance himself from the blame. After all, it wasn’t his fault what happened after the information he provided to others was used incorrectly. Not all the Decepticons were as skilled at manipulating information as he.

Entering the briefing room, Soundwave took up a position that would put him at Megatron’s disposal should his services be required. Surveying the room, he could see that Thrust, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Blitzwing, Astrotrain, and Mixmaster were already in attendance. He greeted them coldly with a slight nod then diverted his attention to monitoring the arrival of their exalted leader. A strange sense of anticipation flooded the communications officer. Perhaps it was the knowledge that Megatron had the ability to maximize the utility of Soundwave and his Cassetticon’s unique skill set, something that Starscream never seemed to be able to do.

The brilliant tactican known only as Stryfe was in a dormant state inside a CR chamber. He was recovering from wounds recieved on a previous mission. This dormant state was the only time this Decepticon knew peace. It wouldn't last.

The shrill harshness of Megatron's voice came into Stryfe's head.

"Assemble in the briefing room." That was all Stryfe took from the message. It's all he needed to know to be honest. Megatron called, Stryfe knew too answer. He didn't his big, complex brain to figure that one out. He ejected himself from the chamber and checked over himself.

"I'm running at 98% of capacity. It'll have to do...I have other things to do."

Stryfe headed for the briefing room. As he entered it he saw a collection of Decepticons handy. The teleporting Skywarp, the enigmatic Soundwave, boisterous Astro Train, speed freak Thrust, Thundercracker, Mixmaster, and even Blitzwing and his horrid sense of humor; they were all there silently awaiting their leade'rs arrival.

"Good," Stryfe thought to himself, "I didn't miss anything relevant. He headed for a seat making sure not to speak to anyone or even look another Decepticon in the optic. While Stryfe was familiar with them from reading their fiels most were unfamiliar with him! He did not need to incite a battle with these hot heads, especially if Megatron was nearby.

Megatron sounded angry, in-fighting between Decepticons would be counter productive at this point, and something the 'Slag Maker' would not tolerate. Stryfe just went silently and sat. He did, however, tap his fingers on his plasma cannon a few times though. He did not want to cause trouble, but he did want to make sure the others knew he had the means to defend himself if necessary.

Briefing room

Blitzwing watched as each 'con entered the room. each one had their own wants and needs, and acted like they were more important than the others. I can't wait for Megs to show them up. Maybe it'll be screaming, maybe he'll just use the fusion cannon.

One, however, stood out. Stryfe. Who the frag is that guy? He leaned over and whispered to Thrust. "Yeah, who's the guy with the cannon? He looks ready to punch someone."

Thrust, equally interested in who this Stryfe character was, unpropped himself from the wall. He leaned over to Blitzwing and replied.

"I have no idea who that freak is...did you see his face? So incredibly bland. No design to it what so ever. He kind of creeps me out...even more so than that rocket brain Dirge."

Thrust looked over the new mech in the room again and continued with Blitzwing,

"Whoever he is, he is stroking that cannon of his with great interest. I'm sure it's nothing a well armored warrior like yourself would have to fear...nor someone as fast as I. Still...anyone with that type of high-tech, heavy firepower might have high-tech, heavy answers. Question him Blitz...grill him! If he tries anything stupid I'm right behind you..."

Thrust remained silent, seeing if Blitzwing would take the bait. Thrust was just as curious as Blitz, but why throw himself into the frying pan with the new guy? Especially with someone as gutsy as Blitzwing around?
.....................................................................

Stryfe watched with great interest as Thrust and Blitzwing spoke to one another. His audio receptors could not make out what they were saying, how he wish they could. Stryfe knew they would talking about him. He wanted to hear what they had to say. Stryfe thought silently to himself,

"Hmmm...at least my presence here has garneered some interest. These Decepticons may not be as dumb as they look. I'm going to have to just sit here and wait...when they are ready they will engage me."

(OOC: Didn't want to have Thurst question Stryfe. A converstaion between two characetrs controlled by the same person would be boring for all BUT me)

Briefing room
"OK, then, I'll go check." Blitzwing couldn't wait to go see the new guy. He loved new stuff, looking at it, seeing what made it bend and break, what drove it nuts, and just how to to destroy it if he had to.

Blitzwing wandered up to Stryfe, and sat down next to him. "Hey," he said, "Haven't seen your face around here. Where ya from?" A basic friendly introduction. Nothing personal, just a conversation starter.

Breifing Room

Stryfe sneered when Blitzwing walked towards him. He knew the triple changer would attempt to interact with him. While this was not unexpected, Stryfe just didn't particularly like the Triple Changers. He found a air of arrogance in their abilities a bit taxing to put up with. What was so special about having a third transformation? Any 'con could have a procdeure done on their transformation cog to allow this. Still, it wouldn't hurt to know some of the other 'Cons on this dust ball on a more personal level. When Blitzwing asked his innocent questions, Stryfe looked him in the optics and responded. Afterall, Stryfe was at the advantage here. He knew Blitzwing, Blitzwing did NOT know him. YET.

"Yeah...I just got reactivated after a long stay in stasis. Too damned long if you ask me. Name's Stryfe, I kept a low profile back on Cybertron. See, I'm a tactician. More of a plotter than front line combatant, not really a chance to make a name for yourself under those conditions."

Stryfe looked over Blitzwing again. He was larger than Stryfe expected. It would most certainly be a good idea to keep on his good side. His sheer strength would be a problem for Stryfe if this little 'interview' came to fisticuffs. Stryfe did continue on though.

"I'm not quite sure why the signal was sent to reactivate me. Not that I'm not grateful, but it's not just a coincidence with Megatron summoning us all here. Perhaps he has something for me to take a look at on this dustbowl. Am I correct to understand this oceanic planet is infested with bipeds? What are their defense capabilities? Any troubles thus far? Ha, right! Like they'd be able to provide sufficient resistance to a proven warrior like yourself. I'm sure you've crushed plenty of those germs beneath your heal already!"

Stryfe meant the last few lines to stroke Blitzwing's ego. Question him to the capabilities of the indigenous life on the planet, and then reassure Blitzwing they are nothing. It was textbook.

Breifing Room

Thrust, still leaning against the wall with his arms folded, watched intently as Blitzwing and the new comer conversed. As a psychological Warfare specialist Thrust wanted to know as much as he could about the 'Stryfe' character as well. It could be useful information at some point. With a treacherous lot like this, knowledge was power.

As Stryfe kept on talking Thrust took great interest, especially when Stryfe questioned Blitzwing and then stroked his ego.Thrust thought to himself,

"Hmmmmmpppfff...this new mech might not be as dumb as he looks. Certainly a microchip or two in intelligence above the rest of this lot. I'll have to keep an eye on him."

Briefing Room
Mixmaster had nearly went into a short stasis nap again, and quirked a mechanical brow as he listened to Blitzwing, and the stranger. Interrupting conversations, as he often did he reached over and patted the odd 'con on the right shoulder-plating. "Only a battle technician? Still haven't figured out Cyanotitaniloid, or Diromantium substances. I tried mixing Earth grade steel with these tall bio-organics, and someone's trophy. Can't remember whose... Apparently autobot heads really are good for nothing. Don't even make good metal."
His eyes kept on Blitz, secretly trying to see if he could irritate the triple changer enough to test his mettle against Stryfe. Not because he didn't like the 'con. You gotta know what the others can do, or you're all slagged on the battle field.

Briefing Room

Blitzwing Jumped at Mixmaster's comment. "Where'd you get that head?" He had a small severed head collection going, as did others, and if he lost one, he would beat the slag out of the constructor. Well, at least when Megatron's not looking.

If there was 'con that Blitzwing feared, it was Megatron. Megatron was the strongest, meanest gladiator, and soon became the strongest, meanest, soldier. Blitzwing held him in a position of fear and respect.

Stryfe was immediately annoyed at Mixmaster's comment. 'only a battle tactician?' How dare he? Styrfe had planned countless successful campaigns. He was a general of the first order! This disguisting, annoying constructor takes a poke at him? This would not do at all. As soon as Blitzwing jumped on him, Stryfe did too.

He started off in a forceful tone, "ONLY a battle technician? Funny you should use the qualifier ONLY. Yes, Mixmaster, I am ONLY a battle technician. Something I take great pride in! Something you should understand is of great importance in this multiverse. We are the ones who make the battle decisions, are you so sure you should want to anger me such? Afterall, I decide who goes into what battles, and what the odds are against them! I'll be sure to remember your little comment next time Megatron needs a suicide mission performed!"

Stryfe though about drawing his weapon on the COnstructor. Faced with Stryfe and Blitzwing in his face plate, he might leak fluid on the floor. This would surely amuse Blitzwing and countless others, but STryfe did not want to risk angering Megatron if he were to walk in right now. Instead Stryfe made one more snide remark.

"Lousy chemist...can't even figure out a few simple formulas in a new environment..."

On the other side of the room, Thrust just kept watching. He decided to add in to a little bit of side chat as well. He unfolded his arms and walked over to Skywarp. He began to question his seeker comrade.

"Hey 'Warp, what you think about everything going on here? Care to place an energon wager on who fires the first shot or throws the first punch?"

Thrust's conversation starter was not meant as a taunt for once. He was juts attempting to lighten the mood a little before Megatron arrived. Every single Decepticon looked like they were going to drop a tight bolt on the floor. As they should too. Megatron could probably waste them all and leave a smoldering wreck out of the group.

Repair Bay

Megatron had taken the few moments that the Decepticons would need to assemble in the briefing room to reformat his alternate mode into something more suitable for the mission he had planned. It would also give the Decepticons time to ponder why he had appeared on this distant outpost. It would be good for them. His arrival was not something to be taken lightly. He was not pleased at having to take a personal hand on this planet, but the information he had received necessitated his intervention. If it had been the fault of the Decepticons stationed here he would make a swift example of them. Incompetence on this level was something that could not be tolerated.

The Decepticon Supreme commander stepped out of the chamber as it hissed open. He gave a cursory examination of his new form. It was sleeker, less bulky. It made sense considering the mass shifting involved with his new transformation. He did not like the idea of shrinking down to such a small size but it was ideal for infiltration. Who would suspect the most powerful Decepticon was now a human sized sidearm?

Briefing Room

Megatron swiftly walked through the base, making his way to the briefing room. He entered without preamble or announcement. He took a spot at the front of the room where he could look into the optics of each of the Decepticons present. He gazed at each of them, his expression neutral. After looking each of them in the optics he finally spoke.

“Sensor readings and spy reports from this planet have picked up an unidentified energy signal.” He tapped a nearby control and a large hologram of the planet sprung into being next to him. It quickly zoomed in to the United States and, specifically, to southern Nevada. “The reading is coming from here, an Earthling military base. While the energy source is unidentified it does bear a distinct energy signature, a Cybertronian energy signature.”

The Decepticon paused for a moment before continuing. “This is a clear violation of the Tyrest Accord, whether through purposeful sale or exchange of technology with these creatures or through incompetent security measures. Either way it will not be tolerated. I have no desire for these creatures to have access to our technology. We will infiltrate this base, find the source and scope of the violation and then destroy all trace of it and our presence there.”

The Tyrest Accord was a treaty that had worked mostly to the benefit of the Decepticons. While it prevented them from sharing technology with potential alien allies it prevented the Autobots from doing the same. The fact that Megatron would eventually betray and conquer any allies meant that they would have few allies anyway. On the other hand the Autobots would likely run around arming every planet in preparation for a Decepticon attack on it. He wasn’t going to tolerate a violation that could quickly lead them all down a slippery slope.

“This isn’t some simple mission. I have no intention for the natives to know of our presence. Subtlety will be required. Mistakes will not be tolerated. Understand that.” He glanced once more at the various Decepticons. “Comments?”

(OOC: Please don't forget location tags with every post)

Breifing Room

Thurst was aghast at the news of the violation of the Tyrest Accord. It was inconceivable to him that the flesh creatures could get their grimy little hands on Cybertronian technology. He just stood there, still leaning down near Skywarp. The first to speak though came across the room, from the new comer.

Stryfe immediately ended his little tryst with Mixmaster, but not before flashing him a look of 'this isn't over.' Though he did not verbally say it, it was clear on his face. Stryfe thought hard before responding to Megatron.

"Indeed this is disturbing news. The inhabitants of this world are not ready for such technology. They would surely destory themselves with it. While I am not opposed to THAT, I am opposed to the destruction of the resources here that could be plundered."

Already formulating a very raw plan in his mind, Stryfe decided to place his butt on the line and ask Megatron a few questions,

"Are we sure the leak of tech came from our own camp? What about the Autobots? I would not put it past them to offer such technology if they thought the inhabitants of this world were threatened. Their soft spot for 'sentient' beings has been noted many times in the past. While I do agree we will need to infiltrate this base, it may indeed be necessary to infiltrate the AUtobot camp as well. We should see what is going there as well. More of a cover all possible scenarios, lest we get bitten on our back sides by an unknown alliance that may alreayd be in place."

Stryfe was clearly nervous asking Megatron questions, it has not gone well for others in the past. It was not his intent to insult the Supreme Commander, he just wanted to make sure everything was on the table and thoroughly examined before making any decisions. As a strategist, he couldn't help it. It was in his nature.

Briefing Room
Time: just before Megatron's entrance
Mixmaster perked up from his slight slouch when he realized Blitz had accused him of stealing a trophy from someone who could likely decimate him in the right circumstances.

"Where'd the head... come from?" He did remember, maybe getting it from someone with many of them, but his memory circuits weren't always working in proper order. It might have been Skywarpbut at the same time, it might have been Skywarp's training equipment, not a trophy of his... Very perplexing. "No clue. Probably from whoever painted a human organic on my arm plating when I was in stasis..."

He trailed off when he noticed the tactician losing his cool for a moment by increasing his volume level. Mix wondered to himself if this is a new tactic. When missions became mentioned though, the 'con had started to laugh a bit. "Mission? Heh. I can't get anything worse than what I got now." A constructor like him wasn't prime material for stealth missions. He wasn't a seeker. His main task since first bouncing to the planet was 'the janitor'. Otherwise, he did not seem completely phased. He was not the best fighter, but he had a hard head. Instead of worrying about what the cannon do, he was more concerned on how to take it apart and to see what he could make out of it.

Even the comment on his ability as a chemist seemed to go straight past him. He seemed to be spacing out.

Briefing room
time: At Megatron's arrival
When the doors began to open, he stood at attention as the supreme commander walked into the room, keeping his gaze to him, trained as he listened for commands, and did no falter when looked upon. Mix did wonder what Megatron had meant. They hadn't been on the planet so long the Autobots had already started supplying the fleshlings with weapons, had they? Mix really needed to finish calibrating his chronological sensors.

When asked for comments, the constructor couldn't think of a thing at all to say at first. The only thing he might be good for, could be melting walls. He was a chemist, not a stealth specialist. He wodnered what any of them could do without alerting the entire planet of their presence. If anything bad happened in a military sector, wouldn't a large section of the planet know? Though he did remember that one time they had an alien visit on Cybertron, and were asked to keep it secret. Maybe the military here would be the same way, trying to cover something up to keep panic from breaking out.

Though, if some were kept alive... it would be the easiest way to cover it up if that was right. The 'con was no genius, but it was worth a mention. "Maybe if their government has our technology... and not every human knows, they are trying to cover us up. If no survivors are left, then many will be left wondering what happened, and then they will have to have answers. But if you leave some, they tell the ones keeping us a secret, and maybe they will cover it up." He nodded twice, then cocked his head to the side as he tried to figure out what he just said. He suddenly had himself a few stressed servos.

Briefing Room

Blitzwing was only mildly surprised by Megatron's news. The idea of another species armed was nothing new, after all, he served with Swindle. His hopes lifted at the idea of raiding a base. About time. Can't wait to get goin' on the genocide.

However, these hopes were dashed with the announcement that called for subtlety. So another idea came to mind. "Why act so soon? Let's bide our time. Let the 'bots act first. Then we observe and react appropriately." Of course, by " react appropriately", I mean we take this up to a phase 5.

Briefing Room

Skywarp watched with amusement as Stryfe berated Mixmaster. This is better than one of those fleshling TV shows, the seeker thought to himself as Thrust began speaking to him. Warp half listened to his seeker comrade, keeping most of his attention on the squabble across the room, hoping the new guy would knock the Constructicon right on his aft. Skywarp had nothing against Mixmaster. He just wanted a good laugh at another’s expense.

“A wager?” Warp responded to Thrust’s inquiry. “Nah. I’m just enjoying the show.” And the show was about to get better as Megatron swiftly entered the briefing room, taking a position at the very front. Skywarp felt his leader’s gaze fall onto him before passing to the others. It was a stern, emotionless look that gave Skywarp the chills. Megatron was clearly here on serious business, not pleasure.

Skywarp listened intently as the Decepticon Leader spoke. The flesh bags have Cybertronian technology? How is that possible? Warp never thought much of these human germs that covered this wretched planet, so it was a great surprise to him that they had managed such a feat.

After Megatron was done talking, ‘Warp listened to some of the others as they made suggestions. Stryfe commented that the Autobots could’ve leaked the technology to the humans. Skywarp highly doubted this. “I don’t think the Autobots gave the humans anything,” Warp said aloud in Stryfe's general direction. “They may care for these tiny creatures, but I doubt they would break the Accord. At least, not intentionally.”

The black and purple seeker then paused a moment before turning towards Megatron. “My lord, assuming the leak did not come from the Autobots or from us, is it possible the humans gained our tech some other way? Perhaps Cybertronians visited this world in the distant past and left something behind that the fleshlings have now found. Do we know of any prior visits to this planet before any of us got here?”

Thrust was paying attention to his fellow flier, Skywarp when he spoke. His arguement that other visits to this world could be possible had merit to it. Thurst decided to speak on this,

"Sjywarp brings up a valid point. The peace lovers probably wouldn't risk a full scale gloabl war with us by breaking the accord. I'm also quite certain the leak did not come form our camp. Is it possible others have visited this planet before? Would we even have such information in the archives? Cybertron was thoroughly trashed when we picked up and left. The only way to be certain might be an actual visit to our homeworld which I think we can all agree would be downright IMPOSSIBLE."

Briefing Room


Soundwave was more than a little amused at the antics of the newcomer Stryfe, though he gave no outwards signs. He had to admit the tactician had some gumption, but like most of the other Decepticons lacked the sense to keep quiet. Soundwave would certainly keep an optic on this one; his skills may be useful to him in the future. In the meantime, Soundwave would have Laserbeak compile a dossier on Stryfe. To properly use him as a tool he would need to know how to best motivate him. Already he could see that Stryfe’s arrogance could be put to more useful pursuits, but that would have to wait as Megatron had just arrived in the briefing room.

Standing at attention, Soundwave gave their leader a slight nod. Megatron started immediately briefing them on the reason for his arrival. More than a little surprised at the news of the presence of Cybertronian technology on earth, his logic circuits worked to explain how he could have missed something so significant. It didn’t take long to figure that Starscream must have kept this from him somehow. Perhaps, while occupied coordinating the Combat Air Patrol, Starscream had monitored the energy signals and informed Megatron. That fool was likely trying to curry favor with Megatron once again in a vainglorious attempt to amass power among the Decepticons. Such as the case may be, Soundwave would do whatever he could to diffuse the situation.

With Megatron planning a covert operation to recover the Cybertronian technology, there was little doubt that Soundwave would have a significant role to play. To his annoyance, the other Decepticons were busying themselves bombarding Megatron with irrelevant questions. What did it matter at this point how the humans got control of the technology? Soundwaves logic dictated recovering the technology first, then launching a full investigation into how it could have fallen into human hands. If a Decepticon was responsible, Soundwave had no doubts that he would find out and surely all the Decepticons knew this too.

With little taste for listening to silly questions, Soundwave was anxious to begin his work compiling the data they would need for this mission. He listened for a moment more as Megatron gave his reply to these questions then stepped forward and spoke in his cold monotone voice.

“Megatron. Permission to begin data collation? Mission: Infiltration.”

Briefing Room

To say Thundercracker was shocked about the way the odd looking Decepticon whom had been tugged into a CR chamber for pretty much the whole time the Decepticon Infiltration unit led by Starscream had been deployed on this planet - began bombarding Megatron with questions. And after Stryfe had opened his vocalizer, pretty much everyone else in the room decided to share their opinions, including his oldest friend, Skywarp.

Struggling to resist the urge to hide his face behind his hands in embarrassement, Thundercracker kept his stance attentive and focused his gaze on Megatron. Only chosen few could speak to the mighty Decepticon leader without being given a permission to do so first. And despite the fact that Megatron had asked for comments, some of his fellow Decepticons just didn't seem to know their place. This just could not end up well.

Briefing Room

Megatron stood silently as the various Decepticons began speaking. It was obvious to him that it had been too long since they had been part of the formal Decepticon hierarchy. Megatron typically didn’t ask for comments, he only did it now to stress the importance of this mission. He wanted them to understand just how important this was, and just how much failure would cost them. Instead they took it as an opportunity to suggest their own plans and to question his. He would have to reintroduce them to how the Decepticons functioned.

“It does not matter how these pitiful creatures got out technology, what matters is that they have it. The very fact that they acquired it on a planet we were infiltrating shows a serious breach in security. It happened on your watch and it is your failure, whether it was caused by a leak from this base or not. Consider this mission a way to redeem yourselves. Success is your only option.”

The Decepticon commander focused his gaze on Stryfe. “I have no interest in the ideas of a Decepticon who has been hiding in a CR chamber his entire time on this planet. If the Autobots become involved, and they likely will due to the nonexistent security in this base, then they will be dealt with. If any of you are too cowardly to fight the Autobots then inform me immediately so your components can be recycled into something more valuable.”

He turned to Mixmaster. “No humans will be left alive. Let them wonder and ask questions. Their uncertainty and confusion will only play into our plans to destabilize them. We can later nudge their confusion in a direction more suitable to our needs.”

Megatron turned to Blitzwing and his eyes flashed a bright red. “Observe and wait?” he whispered. In a flash the Decepticon leader seized the triplechanger by the throat and lifted him into the air. A snarl covered the commander’s face. “Observe and wait! That is all you have done on this planet! You watched as the humans gained out technology! You watched as an Autobot operative escaped with information on the humans and our technology! What would you have us wait for now Blitzwing! Should we wait until the humans master our technology?! Should we wait for them to openly ally with the Autobots?! Should we wait for a joint human-Autobot strike force to assault our base?!” With a roar he flung Blitzwing into a wall hard enough to leave a dent in it but not to seriously damage him.

“You all forget what it means to be Decepticons. You have grown lazy and stupid on this world.” He glanced over at Thrust and Skywarp, “Some of you even think you are historians now.” He turned back to face them all. “You are Decepticon warriors! You are the superior race on this planet, in this galaxy, in this universe! You do not let organic beings use your technology! You do not let the Autobots stand in your way! You have forgotten what it means to be a Decepticon, I will remind you on this mission or you will die in it.”

Finally Megatron addressed Soundwave. He was the one Decepticon present who he would listen to seriously at this point. Soundwave was one of his longest serving soldiers, a lieutenant he valued highly. He had been smart enough to remain silent except requesting permission to being the operation. As the one Decepticon present who he could truly trust, Megatron would rely on him heavily in this mission. “Soundwave, dispatch Laserbeak to the human base. Mission: Covert observation. I want you to then locate the key human communication and spy satellites connected to that base. Once you have identified them pass on their coordinates to Astrotrain.”

He glanced over at the other triplechanger. “Astrotrain, upon my signal you will destroy all of these satellites in short order.”

The Decepticon leader addressed all of them now. “Soundwave and I will personally infiltrate this human base using one of the facsimiles you have cultivated on this world. Our alternate modes will allow us to penetrate deep into the facility. Once I have personally assessed the situation and possible Autobot involvement I will signal Astrotrain to being the blackout of the area. Once that is complete I will signal the rest of you to lay waste to the entire base. There will be no survivors and no witnesses. Be prepared to fight the Autobots who will inevitably become involved. Dismissed!” With that Megatron stalked out of the room. He needed to select and appropriate human facsimile for the mission and wait until Soundwave and his minions were ready.

Thrust had scowl on his face, evident of the berating he recieved at the hands of his leader. Though compared to others he did not get it too bad. In a way, he thought he desrved it. Perhaps it had been too long since the Decepticons had a REAL commander. His first action as he got up was to walk over to Blitzwing and check on him.

"You alright big guy? That could have been anyone of us Megatron made an example of. Don't feel bad, no one will think any less of you. Not a single one of us could have stopped Megatron. I doubt any all of us combined could..."

On the other side of the room Stryfe sat silently at the verbal abuse he took at Megatron's words. He was in stasis, what else could he have done? The chambers do not allow a warrior to be released until they had healed significantly, and Stryfe had recieved substantial wounds on his last assignment. The arrogance in him wanted to lash out, use logic to convice his commander that they havenot fully assessed the situation. Going blindly into the base without a well-thought strategy and knowing all the correct intel could lead to unforeseen problems later.

Stryfe though was smart enough to keep his trap shut. Instead he walked over Soundwave before he left the room. He addressed the communications commander.

"If I can do anything at all to assist you in this mission please make a note of it. Megatron is right, I have been out of action for to long. If I am to redeem myself in the eyes of my commander I am going to have work extra hard. Your non-duplicitous nature leads me to conclude you are the only to NOT take advantage of this...Let me know..." With that Stryfe stared into SOundwave's visor, letting him know he was serious.

Briefing Room

Skywarp tried his best not to laugh when Megatron threw Blitzwing across the room. It had been the triplechanger who had tossed the meat sack into Thrust’s engines back in Falin, spraying organic slime all over Warp’s exterior. The teleporter had wanted to pay him back, personally, but this would do just as well. Serves you right, Blitz.

Skywarp’s smile faded quickly, however, when Megatron’s intense gaze fell on him once again. His leader was not interested in what may have happened in the past or how the technology had ended up in human hands. He was only interested in getting the tech back before the fleshlings learned too much or something worse happened. Skywarp decided it was better just to remain silent from now on and leave the thinking to those better suited then himself.

Once Megatron had left the briefing room, the black and purple seeker let out a sigh of relief. Then, moving across the room, ‘Warp approached his good friend, Thundercracker, who had been the smart one and said nothing during the entire meeting. “Hey, ‘Cracker. Guess I should really learn to keep my fraggin’ trap shut, huh? For an astrosecond I thought I’d end up like poor Blitzwing over there,” Skywarp chuckled. “So, how you been, buddy? We missed you out there on the fuel raid.”