The Energon Pub

Tagan Heights- The Longshot

"I got a question!" Triggerhappy shouted, having completely forgotten his 'injury'.

Triggerhappy turned to face Shrike and unfortunately began talking.

"You're that mech Hook was treating when him and I had our little um... 'encounter'. Right?" He asked.

Deceptibase Tau - Power Generators

"Sweeps sounds good to me." Hook replied to Scrapper, not being particularly keen on the idea of being used as a platform.

After saying that, Hook got up and headed off. Before turning around and facing Scrapper, looking as embarrased as a robot could.

"One last question, where's the targeting computer located?" He asked, shuffling awkwardly as he did so.

Deceptibase Tau - Power Generators

Scrapper indicated a nearby stairway to Hook. "Up 2 floor, down corridor C, turn right at 'Ultra Magnus's' Office. You'll recognize it from the way it's been blown apart from the inside. The Autobots might not know how to build a fortress in the first place, but they seem to have figured out how to stop one from being useful.
"Good luck, and stay in touch."
Scrapper motioned to Mixmaster, who followed him humming a song about Ionic Compounds. Once outside, Scrapper again fed orders into his comms equipment, and 3 sweep drones swept out of the sky and hoveredin front of the them. the 2 constructicons opened panels and began to work, seemingly oblivious to the various worries and dramas that other mechs in the vicinity were feeling.

Warehouse District A6

"...And how he wailed!! Leaking like a protoform, over one silly crystal hut! Haha!! Agh, I miss Load Hauler..."
Bonecrusher reached for another pile of ingots, only to find nothing. The Warehouse had been practically emptied, even down to the bog-standard copper, into Long Haul's dumpbox.
"Huh, guess we're done here. SCAVENGER, WE'RE LEAVIN', GET YOUR AFT IN GEAR!!!"
"Ok, ok, no need to shout..."
Boncrusher transformed and, with a little manuvering, managed to pick up one final pile of ingots on his dozer blade, spilling only half of them.
"After you Haul."

Warehouse District A6

"Grumble, Grumble" mumbled Long Haul taking off from the warehouse, pointly ignoring 'Crusher's stupidity.

Tagan Heights- The Longshot

Her emerald optics glance to Triggerhappy. "Yes, I am. My designation is Shrike."
She could have easily made a scene, but her attempts to maintain a disciplined, and professional reputation, and personality would have been flushed if she maliciously attempted to sow problems for Triggerhappy by blurting out details of the incident.

Still, she could only wonder as towards the motive of this question. It was odd to her. She half expected the 'con to say something irritating in reply to her reply, but there was always hope that she underestimates his competence. She hated underestimating people, so she has an idea, always, that people are capable of greater things.

Decepticon Outpost - The Longshot

Clench's seat whirled around, allowing the old pit fighter to face both Shrike and Triggerhappy. While there was no emotion visible on his masked face, his burning emerald optics did little to hide his displeasure towards these reinforcements Thunderwing had given to him.

"Mindwipe, silence that fool before I will do it." Clench snarled while glaring at Triggerhappy.

"And for both of you..." Clench began, "This operation allows no mistakes. There won't be second chances with Grimlock's group. Access your short time memory blocks if you need to listen to my briefing again."

"Still, let me clarify this so even you two numbskulls get it. You are a distraction to draw attention of the Autobots. Neither of you two have the firepower to down a military grade Autobot gunship." The intimidating commando explained calmly, yet keeping a threatening edge to his tone. "Of course, you are welcome to try. The more serious you seem to be about your attack, the better."

[OOC: Longshot and its crew will be moving over to Uraya from here.]

Deceptibase Tau: the yard

Bonecrusher and Scavenger rolled into the yard once more, with Long Haul right behind them. They set down their loads and transformed, as Scrapper and Mixmaster finished with the Sweeps.

"Good, you're all here", Scrapper noted as he surveyed his reassembled team. "Excellent work all. Now, Mixmaster, start mixing, both teams need their materials processed. Long Haul, you help me with the laser defenses, I'll show you how to 'fly' this sweep to keep our supply of parts coming. 'Crusher, Scavenger, the walls. Ferrocrete, with pattern 3 heat-sinks and titanium reinforcement. Hook will be inside fixing the electronics. Once the base is intact again, we'll break for recharging, and then see about making it better."
"Any questions?"

"Nope, no questions, no no, bring on the materials, the supplies."
"No worries sir, as long as my shovel gets a rest."
"Heat sinks? Wadda we need to go ta that effort for?"

Decepticon Outpost Tau - Command Center

As he neared the Command Center, Roadblock opened his outer shell and his 'true self' emerged from within the black and purple humanoid. With a mental command, he dispatched the Pretender shell to go and refuel while he dealt with his newly appointed commander. The brass-and-charcoal Decepticon strode into the Command Center, a datapad in his hand.

"Here's the list ya wanted," he told Thunderwing before letting fly with a gob of waste fluid that landed noisily in one corner of the large monitor-strewn room. "I picked Rampage, Bludgeon, an' the Combaticons ta provide some front-line muscle, Bugly ta help wit' the plannin' an' admin. Oughta be enough ta hold this place down fer the time bein'."

He knew full well that should the requests be approved, Polyhex's viability to resist any sort of serious Autobot incursion would be dramatically reduced. The ground forces commander could care less, though. Polyhex is ol' news, nothin' but a hole in the ground with a fancy tower in the middle. Tagan Heights is gonna be the new laser core o' the Empire, slaggit. At least it was if Roadblock had anything to say about it.

"Once it gits yer approval, I'll send it ta Kolkular. Any luck, an' we get reinforced in a big way."

Decepticon Outpost Tau - Command Center

Thunderwing was sitting in the uncomfortable, poorly-constructed command throne (if it could even be called that), as he attempted to review the data left for him by Silverstrike. While he was pleased at the initiative his daughter had shown in providing this report, he found himself distracted by the ludicrous arrangement of the pit-spawned seat. It is amazing that the Autobots have persevered in this war... he thought with no small amount of irritation. ...When they cannot even build a proper chair!

When Roadblock entered, the Valckastan happily rose to greet the General. Noting with some disappointment that the Pretender's fascinating shell was not present, the City Commander made every attempt to keep the encounter brief. Quickly reviewing the qualifications of everyone on the list, the Warlord found it more than adequate. Onslaught in particular would be a welcome addition. The cultured and intelligent Combaticon would provide him with someone on his own level to rely upon...and perhaps even an ally, if Roadblock should decide to pursue his ambitions.

One name on the list, however, concerned him more than all the others put together. Swindle was a notorious opportunist, and though he had somehow avoided court martial, it was suspected the munitions expert was a thief and a profiteer as well. Thunderwing frowned at the thought of such a criminal and degenerate element taking root in HIS city. Still, it was on Onslaught's shoulders to keep his team in line, was it not? And if certain matters concerning an erstwhile subordinate were overlooked, then the Combaticon Leader would be indebted to him.

There was a way to turn anything to one's advantage, if one merely looked for it.

Adding his seal to the document, he handed the datapad back to the Ground Forces Commander. "Everything appears to be in good order, General. See to it."

OOC: Again, I'm not trying to force peoples actions or put words in their mouth, but it's been the better part of a week and this thread needs a bump. I'd ask those with characters present to be patient and work with what they have, as fresh blood will be coming soon. On that note, apply for the Constructicons and the soon-to-arrive Combaticons, they'll bulk out this thread nicely.

Deceptibase Tau: The Yard

"That's a pattern 1 heatsink 'Crusher!", Scavenger wailed. "That's not what we were ordered..."
"SHADDAP!! It'll do fine!" Bonecrusher pushed the assembly of copper and heat-gel down into the liquid ferrocrete of the almost-finished curtain wall. "'Sides, it's a lot quicker ta make, so we'll be done here in a few breems. Then we just gotta fix the 'lectricity room up, and we get our break."
"...ok, but if Scrapper figures it out, this wasn't my idea..."

Scrapper looked along the fortess wall at the array of plasma cannons he and Long Haul had assembled. Each one was the pinnacle of Decepticon engineering, able to put out 4 terrathules of ionised energon every astrosecond. Far superior to the array of lasers and missile batteries the base had previously been using, this system had all the versatility of those myriad system with less than half the needed turrets. The modified defense grid could easily run at full capacity even with the patched-together power grid they were using.
There was only one thing left to do. Test it.
>>Hook, how is that computer coming along? Our new defense system is ready to be integrated, once we're sure it's operational we're pretty much done.<<

Mixmaster happily hummed away, mixing ferrocrete and a concoction of actinides he'd gathered from traces in the unprocessed metals he'd been mixing.

Decepticon Outpost Tau - Command Center

"With pleasure," Roadblock said as Thunderwing added his seal and gave the approval to request reinforcements. Moving to a communications console, the ground forces commander opened an encrypted channel to Kolkular and began transmitting the notifications and information.

Once I've got some firepower here, I kin git ta doin' what I do best, he smiled grimly to himself. Scappin' Autobots an' takin' territory. Iacon's just a spit from the Heights, an' I don't care what any intel geek says 'bout it...they ain't got the lugnuts or the resources ta hold 'gainst a real Decepticon invasion.

Roadblock's fingers danced over the console with malicious energy as his logic processor seethed with the possibilities.

Deceptibase Tau: The Yard

Because of the order's from Scrapper, Long Haul was slightly pleased that he wouldn't have do much more transporting, though now it'll all be building projects. Finishing the last turrent; Long Haul noticed that his team leader stopp for an astro-second; 'Must be contacting someone, probably Hook about testing this cannons,' thought Long Haul as he too stood up and crossed his arms waiting for Scrapper to finish.

"Once these turrents are up and running so they could slag the 'goodies'; when will you teach me how to fly some of those sweep drones so they can do the haulin'?" question Long Haul, looking at the constructicon team leader.

Highly encrypted Message from Megatron to Roadblock

>>"Personnel transfer approved. Coordinate with Cyclonus in Polyhex as Shockwave has been transferred to another assignment."<<

Tagan Heights - Targeting Computer

Hook was sitting under a monitor as Scrapper's message came in, making him jump slightly and almost connect a wrong wire to the wrong conduit.

"Frag that was close" Hook mumbled to himself.

>>Just about there<< Hook replied to Scrapper, connecting the wire to the correct conduit this time, with a slight crackling noise following. >>Scratch that. I'm done. Ready for testing when you are<<

Deceptibase Tau - The Yard

Scrapper looked across at Long Haul as he made his request. "I could give you the command codes to order the Sweeps around..." he said as he dismounted from Sweep 153, which had been his platform for the repairs. "But the Sweeps are combat units, not cargo drones. The amount of modification needed to make them even marginally as effective as a dedicated cargo drone is just....it wouldn't make sense. If we need dedicated cargo haulage for future projects here, we'll prioritise repairing drone manufacturing facilities and get a small fleet together. I was hoping to update the old HopperHaul design anyway..."
Hooks message averted Scrapper from spending the next breem designing automated hovertransports in his head. >>Excellent. Compile the data for the new weapons into the system while I get firing permission.<<
Scrapper keyed back into the command frequency. >>Scrapper to Lord Sco...Lord Thunderwing. I am pleased to report that we once again have a functioning defense grid, and the fortifications are almost fully repaired. Requesting permission to test-fire the bases new weapons. And accepting any new orders, of course.<<

Decepticon Outpost Tau - Command Center

Receiving confirmation from Kolkular did not surprise Roadblock in the least. Any mech with half a logic center could figger that Polyhex is practically gone an' dead. Ain't enough there ta warrant a garrison. Matter o' pride, I suppose, that we don't abandon the ol' hellhole...I kin understand that. Still, can't stand on pride fer ever. He began making another transmission, this one to Polyhex and its new commander, Cyclonus. As he did, he notified Thunderwing of Megatron's approval.

"We're set," he told the Valckastan. "Full roster approved."

He transmitted to Polyhex, attaching the approval codes from Megatron's original message if Cyclonus needed verification.

Tagan Heights-Skies of Deceptibase Tau

Bugly enters the airspace of Tagan Heights under his own flight module, and sends a transmission to the recently captured base while looking at the geographical layout, taking them into memory, even though odds are there'll be maps and what not inside the base.
>>This is Bugly, requesting permission to land.<< A simple enough statement cloaking his anticipation for the battles and tactics ahead, tohugh the fact he travelled fairly quickly to his new post might make him appear very eager to be in the front lines. He is not the Mech. in charge, but he'll be in a role almost as good if he's placed in charge of the strategies of the coming battle. mmm. Control. he thought to himself content in his role.

He begins compiling a list of what he'll want once he lands. A simple roster list, and a map of the area. With that he'll get to do what he does best. Plan for the coming battle, and smash his enemies.
It's nice to be out on the field again.

Encrypted Message from Cyclonus to Roadblock

>>"Transfer request received. Requested forces will be en route within five breems."<<

Decepticon Outpost Tau- Command Center

"Excellent," Thunderwing replied as Roadblockinformed him of the good news. "When Onslaught arrives, send him to the command center at once. I wish to speak with him."

The move to Tagan had required the Valckastan to leave behind much of his most trusted subordinates. He couldn't simply abandon his ancestral home, after all. Nonetheless, this needed to be remedied, and soon. Mindwipe was plotting something, and the warlord had no doubt Roadblock was merely biding his time. Winning over the Combaticon Officer would be an excellent beginning for his new inner circle.

His musings were interrupted by Bugly's request for landing clearance. Hmm. Bugly would be another welcome addition to my own supporters. If he can be convinced.

>>"This is Lord Thunderwing,"<< he responded to Bugly. >>"Permission granted. Report to the Command Center once you have arrived. Thunderwing out."<<

Turning back to Roadblock, the Warlord addressed the Groundpounder once more. "Any news from your vehicle shell? Has it reached the strike team?"

Deceptibase Tau - The Yard

"Come on, ya said we'd have a break now that we're finished Scrapper!" Bonecrusher shouted across at his team leader, in a fashion that would have him put in the brig or punitively damaged among other Decepticons. Scrapper just sighed.

"I just want to get these guns tested, Bonecrusher, you can go without energon for another breem. Once I know the base is secure, then our job is done."

Scrapper rechecked the channels to see if Lord Thunderwing had acknowledged his message, but it seemed the Valckastan noble was in conversation with someone else. Don't like to do it, but I'll have to bypass the base commander. I hope this doesn't come back to ram me in the aft...

>>Commander Roadblock, I'd like to report that the base defenses have been completed, and I'm awaiting permission to test-fire our new toys. Would you care to have a look at the fireworks??<<

Tagan Heights- Deceptibase Tau

>>Affirmative, Lord Thunderwing.<< Bugly replies to the noble then lands promptly. Once he has landed, he immediately moves for the command center like a fly to honey. And oh yes, the time spent in action on the front lines -will- be so sweet.

Like a snow plow pushing aside fresh powder, his intense stares cleared away the grunts, and the drones. More than few are frightened, revolted, and scared of the new and improved strategist as he walks with purpose to the command center.

Nothing stops the master of Circuit-su, no one gets in the consummate controller's way, just the way he likes it, and he arrives at the Command center in due haste.
"Bugly reporting for duty, Lord Thunderwing." Bugly salutes with the massive gruesome organic blade by reflex, and the voice from the shell is higher now, and spoken through a pair of sizable fangs. Large unblinking compound eyes seem to take in everything, yet their focus is squarely on Thunderwing.

Even though he respects the command structure, he simply despised the fact that he had to answer to so many people under Thunderwing. Oh he hates red tape. It always ran the risk of ensnaring his plans like they were flies in a web of bureaucracy, ego, and sometimes sheer stupidity. Oh, how he wants to answer to less and less people. But to do that, he must do his job, and get promoted.. baaahahahahahaha.. Really, it's all a matter of being in the right place at the right time, and maneuvering. Working hard only does so much, granted it's enjoyable to perform his role.

Decepticon Outpost Tau - Command Center

"Should be there shortly," Roadblock answered 'Lord' Thunderwing. "Clench took his crew out a good ways. Smart of him. If things git outta pocket there, we've got a nice cushion between us an' them. Plenty o' time ta git reinforcements out there if we have to."

As Bugly entered the Command Center, Roadblock spat a gob of fluid to the floor and examined the strategist with an appreciative optic. Ugly as Pit. Musta gone through the process, too. Scorponok ain't wastin' an astrosecond, is he? While Roadblock was in one way pleased to see the Empire gain more powerful warriors, in another way he was somewhat disappointed that his Pretender status was no longer a unique thing. No doubt it would remain rare, but the technology was now in use by other Decepticons, making it somewhat less of an advantage that Roadblock could hold over them. Don't matter, though. Ain't but a handful of 'Cons could handle me before, an' ain't but a fistful can handle me now.

"Looks like ya got fitted fer yer shell," he greeted Bugly. "Lucky mech."

Out of the corner of one optic, the purple-and-black Pretender watched for Thunderwing's reaction to the arrival of the second Pretender. As he did, Scrapper's report came through. He replied quickly.

>>"Outstandin', Scrapper. Wait one. I'm gonna see if the city commander an' his new tactician want a look-see as well. Stand by."<<

Deceptibase Tau

Bludgeon arrived by a transportshuttle, descending the rampart of the transport, the infamous swordmaster looked around.
His golden vizor took in his surroundings.
Now just to localize Roadblock and report to him. He was curious why he was being transferred. He doubted it was without reason. Perhaps there was a lack of experienced warriors present? Or an important military operation was being planned? The Master of Metalikato did not know but he was pretty sure he'd find out soon enough.

Decepticon Outpost Tau - Command Center

Thunderwing nodded at Roadblock's report. He was anxious to see the Lightning Strike Coalition dealt with. He harbored no illusions this minor operation would put an end to the feared Autobot unit. Nonetheless, he wanted them out of his backyard. At least until he had time to prepare a more suitable response, that is.

Bugly had arrived quite promptly. That was something the Valckastan could appreciate. He could appreciate the strategist's new Pretender upgrade even more. So. Scorponok has perfected his process, and begun further conversions, the Warlord mused. I shall have to speak to him soon. This is not an opportunity I intend to miss.

However, before he could respond to the new arrival's greeting, Roadblock showed his own approval of Bugly's new shell in his uniquely boorish manner. He also had the audacity to answer Scrapper in his stead. Still, the grunt -did- at least have enough respect for the chain of command to inquire as to whether he would like to be included.

"Yes, I would like see our batteries for myself. Bugly, accompany me." It was not a request. Lord Thunderwing was not accustomed to asking for anything. His subordinates obeyed, his peers requested and his Emperor demanded. That was as far as it went. Nevertheless, the command was voiced in a cool, friendly tone. After all, Bugly represented not only a potential supporter, but also a stepping stone towards acquiring one of those fascinating shells himself. It would not do to start off on the wrong foot.

Despite these, and many other concerns currently swimming through his processors, the defense of Tagan was paramount. "Let us be on our way, then," he told his fellows. Heading for the door, the City Commander exited the room.

Tagan Heights- Deceptibase Tau

"Yes, sir." Bugly replied to Roadblock as a subordinate as the oil spitting pretender outranked him. "It is truly a honor to be granted more power to destroy the Autobots with." Bugly replies darkly. "And to follow in your footsteps." he adds somewhat casually to get on his good side a bit, maybe. He didn't have access to all the data of Roadblock's shell to know it was more advanced, but it was obvious Roadblock got his shell before Bugly had.

Bugly smiled at the words of Thunderwing though his shell were incapable of such a gleeful facial expression. "A pleasure, Lord Thunderwing. I eagerly wish to see the defenses of this base, and ply my strategies towards the defense and growth of your Deceptibase." The base defenses are critical information to his plans, and that goes without saying. He knows they know he wants the information, and he knows they know what he would use the information for, right?

Bugly could only wonder what opportunities awaited him here in Tagan. Combat, assuredly. Promotions, maybe? With any luck a look of fear on the faces of the Autobots as he slices them into iddy biddy bits, and send their sparks to the allspark which in turn gives him more power to draw upon. Drawing on that power would take it away from others, and weaken them. Eventually he may well be the strongest transformer, and that would leave him to control all the rest. Thoughts like those are his best kept secret. At least the last part.

He follows them with a casual stride, but does what he must to keep with them, slightly behind Thunderwing, and to his left. A somewhat subordinate, and protective position.

Tagan Heights - Targeting Computer

"Aaaaand done." Hook said to himself as he entered the last piece of data for the new weapons into the system. "No, wait a..."
Hook checked over the data, and upon realising he'd left a piece out, swore loudly and then corrected his error.
"There. Now I'm done."

>>Scrapper, the data's all entered. When's the test happening?<<