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Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Sun May 15, 2011 7:34 am
by Insidious
Iacon

As the Autobots that had been assigned to accompany him on his expedition made their presence known, an inevitable query was one of the first statements to be exchanged between the representatives of each side. The answer was multifaceted in its complexities. There were several reasons that travel to Iacon would aide in accomplishing the mission objectives set before the cycloptic Decepticon.

“Satisfactory interrogative, Hot Rod,” Shockwave said, now allowing his singular gaze to settle briefly on the apparent commander of this Autobot outpost before turning and beginning to walk in the direction he had indicated previously. From this short distance, it would not take that long to arrive, but Shockwave still had no interest in wasting any more time than was necessary. If he could satisfy the Autobots’ baseline curiosities while making progress towards his own objectives, so much the better.

“Declarative: the answer requested is not a simple one. Cybertron possesses certain regenerative capabilities—this is a largely known and understood fact. I have devoted much effort to understanding those processes and have potentially developed new methods of accelerating them. Ideally, the culmination of these efforts will resort in Cybertron being able to sustain itself and its inhabitants once more. Cybertron will become something worth fighting for again. It is then possible that we may learn from our previous mistakes and avoid repeating the same cycle of planetary deactivation once more.

“I have established sensor networks within various territories around Cybertron. Iacon, however, has remained invisible to me. While these sensors are primarily for our own defense, they have also been modified to monitor the rate of energon regrowth occurring within the substrata. If we can discover such natural deposits within Iacon, your Autobots would be able to take over the process of accelerating the growth and I would be able to monitor its progress, relative to other areas of the planet. If this process is continued across Cybertron, we may be able to avoid the inevitable shutdown that will occur once more when those in both our ranks with more hawkish ideologies once again turn their attention towards our home world.”

Shockwave regarded Grimlock momentarily ignoring his obvious and puerile attempt at provocation, but did not halt his stride.

“Though some are clearly present already, Megatron’s attention, for the time being, is elsewhere. That fact allows for a certain degree of autonomous operation.”

Shockwave paused.

“Secondarily—in exchange for my unmolested return to Polyhex, I will directly assist Wheeljack from my Tower in the analysis of a newly discovered ore that possesses properties that will not only alter the course of the war, but may eventually eliminate the need for it altogether. This war was not originally begun as a conflict over resources, but that is what it has become. In time, perhaps the nature of our fight will change so drastically that it will no longer be necessary. It is unlikely, but it is possible. I can assure you that there are few, if any, others within the Decepticon ranks that are giving such matters the same level of consideration that I am”

Failing that, Shockwave knew that much of his own research on the unstable Ore-13 was thus far incomplete and its efficacy—though profound in some areas, as evidenced by Dreadwing and Darkwind’s efforts—was completely self-destructive in others. If the Autobots, not only the ones here but in general, proved to be blindly obstinate to every move any Decepticon decided to make, even when it served their own best interests, then he would have to take satisfaction in allowing them just enough iron wire so that they could hang themselves.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Sun May 15, 2011 12:09 pm
by Smokescreen85
Approaching Iacon

Divebomb’s back-mounted rocket thrusters allowed him to achieve maximum speed and transverse the distance between Polyhex and Iacon within only a few breems. It was important to arrive in Autobot territory quickly to ensure that nothing had happened to Shockwave, who had surely arrived at his destination by now. But, it was apparent from Razorclaw’s orders that the reason why the Military Operations Commander was in Iacon was of more importance than his safety. This led Divebomb to believe that perhaps his leader’s trust in Shockwave had been shaken in some way. Regardless, there was a mission to complete and the aerial Predacon intended not to fail this time.

Divebomb knew that the only real place he could observe undetected was in the skies high above Iacon. His enhanced optics had picked up the movement of autocannons near the perimeter of the Autobot capital as he approached at a distance. Thus flying in low would be pointless as he would surely come under fire, which would then alert the enemy that he was there. It was also a strong possibility that the Autobots’ overall sensor network was operational, at least in some part, and would quickly detect his low-level or ground level movements. No, the only place Divebomb could watch events unfold undetected was from miles above where the enemy’s sensors could not pick him up, but where his own optical enhancements and audio surveillance equipment would allow him to track everything going on down below.

The aerial Predacon ascended higher until he had achieved a height of over two miles at which point he leveled out and safely crossed the border into Iacon. With the dish receiver mounted underneath him and pointing downward, Divebomb set his unique optics on the look-out for a familiar purple Decepticon. It shouldn’t be too hard to find him. Shockers is pretty hard to miss.

Divebomb’s telescopic lens zoomed in near the Command Complex at the heart of Iacon. It didn’t take long to locate Shockwave and a small team of ‘Bots that had greeted him outside. Amongst the Autobots present, the aerial Predacon could clearly see Hot Rod, Grimlock, Wheeljack and finally the traitor, Howlstrike. Divebomb found it amusing that Howl was sent along to accompany Shockwave. Perhaps it was to confuse and distract the logical Decepticon or even to agitate him, giving the enemy an advantage. Whatever the reason, it took all of Divebomb’s willpower to prevent himself from targeting the turncoat and blasting him into a pile of scrap.

Within astroseconds, the audio device began picking up sound from the ground. Divebomb had arrived right in the middle of Shockwave addressing his Autobot caretakers regarding why he was in Iacon. Perfect, just in time. Hopefully, I haven't missed much, the Predacon flier thought as he adjusted the direction of the dish receiver in an attempt to make the audio clearer so that nothing of importance was missed. Unfortunately, there was still some static interference caused mostly from Cybertron's unstable atmosphere and thus some of the transmission was fragmented.

“....established sensor networks within various territories around Cybertron. While these are primarily for our own defense, they have also been modified to monitor....energon regrowth occurring within the substrata. If we can discover such natural deposits, your Autobots would be able to take over the process of accelerating the growth. If this process is continued....we may be able to avoid the inevitable shutdown....when those in both our ranks with more hawkish ideologies once again turn their attention towards our home world.....Though some are clearly present already, Megatron’s attention....is elsewhere. That fact allows for a certain degree of autonomous operation.”

“Secondarily—in exchange for my unmolested return to Polyhex, I will directly assist Wheeljack....in the analysis of a newly discovered ore that....will not only alter the course of the war, but may eventually eliminate the need for it altogether. This war was not originally begun as a conflict over resources, but that is what it has become. In time, perhaps....our fight will....no longer be necessary. It is unlikely, but it is possible. I can assure you that there are few, if any, others within the Decepticon ranks that are giving such matters the same level of consider....”


Interesting. I'm beginning to see why Razorclaw sent me out here. If he wasn't suspicious of Shockwave's motives before, he sure will be once he hears this, Divebomb thought as he continued monitoring the situation from miles above Iacon.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2011 9:33 am
by AshesOfPain
Iacon

Wheeljack, kept quiet while Rodimus and Grimlock had their words with Shockwave. However, his attention was perked when the cyclopticon mentioned some new ore.

"What sort of assistance are you offering Shockwave? Is this a similar type of assistance that once existed between our factions so many vorn ago? Or are we actually going to try to bring about a peaceable end to this now overly pointless war?" He inquired when the con had finished prattling about his plans.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Sun May 22, 2011 1:42 pm
by Smokescreen85
Iacon – Outside

Howlstrike listened as Shockwave laid out his reason for being in Iacon. It seemed plausible enough. The cycloptic mech’s ideologies did not always fall in line with Megatron’s or many of the others within the Decepticon ranks. Furthermore, he did seem genuinely concerned with the restoration of Cybertron, regardless of whose toes he stepped on along the way. Of course, that didn’t mean he could be fully trusted as it was a certainty to the Autobot hunter that Shockwave was hiding something. Speaking in half-truths was not the same thing as being honest.

What surprised the former Predacon the most was Shockwave’s willingness to share information with the Autobots, specifically Wheeljack. Something was amiss here. “So, you’re willing to share vital intel about this new ore you have discovered in exchange for safe passage back to your tower?” Howlstrike spoke up in his low, gruff voice. “That’s quite the offer, Shockwave. Either you’re really worried about your safety amongst us, which I doubt, or the information you intend to share will be false.“

Having once been a Decepticon, Howlstrike knew how they thought and operated. Although, the overly logical Shockwave had always been a bit of a conundrum, he was still a ‘Con through and through and would ultimately do what benefited him the most. In this case, being so far away from Megatron’s watchful optics had given him a “certain degree of autonomous operation” as the purple mech had so clearly stated. But did this independent thinking also extend to the other ‘Cons present on Cybertron or did they know what Shockwave was up to here in Iacon?

“And if you are willing to provide us with real information, I then have to wonder if you have shared your plans with anyone else in Polyhex. For instance, does Razorclaw know what you’re doing here? Knowing him like I once did, I can’t imagine he’d be very happy with the idea of you sharing anything with us, especially something as important as a potential new energy source. Aren’t you at least concerned about Razorclaw’s reaction to all this or do you simply not care what he thinks?”

Howlstrike’s line of questioning was a valid one. But more so it served to plant a seed of apprehension into the logical mind of Shockwave regarding those under him. Specifically, Razorclaw was a powerful warrior and a real threat to the one-eyed mech’s authority on Cybertron. It was very possible that Shockwave’s actions here, if discovered, would lead to an internal struggle for power in Polyhex. That could only be beneficial to the Autobots. After all, a house divided against itself is a house that cannot stand….or win.

Command Center - Inside

Bluestreak was happy that Springer shared his distrust of Shockwave and his real motives for being here in Iacon. “It’ll be interesting all right,” the Autobot gunner replied as he took a seat at the security station next to the green triplechanger. “I’m willing to bet ol’ one-eye gives us false info. I can’t see him giving us anything useful regardless of how small or insignificant the data may be. Like you said, Wheeljack should be able to figure out what’s true and what’s not. At least, I hope so.”

Bluestreak then accessed the newly restored artillery network that connected together all of the autocannons that surrounded the perimeter of the capital. For the most part, the weapons were online and functioning properly. One or two showed a few glitches, so Blue immediately ran a diagnostic to fix any issues no matter how minor. “It looks like the autocannons are operational. Just a few software kinks that I’m currently ironing out remotely. Nothing to worry about. We did a good job out there, Springer. We should be protected from any surprises that might come our way. At the very least, Shockwave won’t be getting any back-up from the other ‘Cons on planet, not without us knowing about it ahead of time, anyway.”

Training Facility

Snarl stomped into the room as the other Dinobots followed behind him. It was dark and cold in the large empty chamber, which had not seen use in many vorns. In fact, the Desert Warrior was unsure if the training systems were still functional or if they were even connected to the main power grid currently in use within the command complex.

Snarl would soon find out, though, as he approached the control console against a nearby wall. The Dinobot brought the terminal online and quickly gained access to a variety of training programs still stored within the memory banks. “Good,” the Desert Warrior muttered to himself as he chose an appropriate simulation to keep himself and the other Dinobots occupied until Grimlock required their assistance. Of course, Snarl would much rather be out there fighting Shockwave as the thought of wasting time in here training made his circuits sizzle. However, it was better than just wandering around the complex in a foul mood. At least this way he’d be able to pretend he was in a real fight.

Snarl quickly activated the selected sparring program. The lights came on overhead as several drones emerged from the wall at the far end of the chamber. They were all armed with a variety of weapons that would prove somewhat challenging to the foursome. The Desert Warrior then turned to his comrades. “The big one on right side is mine.” With that clearly stated, Snarl drew out his energo sword and charged forward across the room, his battle cry echoing throughout the chamber as he drew closer and closer to his robotic opponent.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Tue May 24, 2011 7:40 am
by Insidious
Iacon

As the group continued their trek, Shockwave did not physically pause to acknowledge the Predacon traitor’s questions, but every word that was spoken was heard. Fitting responses were calculated in short order.

“Declarative: the value of the information is relative. You will not receive anything that will compromise current Decepticon operations. What will be offered is assistance in retrieving, refining and accelerating any energy deposits currently located within the sub-layers of Iacon, while I monitor said regrowth. Information and assistance that I calculate will satisfy even the mighty Megatron, when he understands the collective benefit to the planet. My continued optimum functioning will be critical to the eventual restoration of Cybertron. Those with the intelligence to do so will recognize that fact.

“As for my subordinates, they are as aware of Megatron’s reasons for sending us here as the situation dictates. Logic dictates that the work on-world proceeds on a need to know basis in order to minimize potential jeopardizing of Cybertron’s restoration by either Autobots or Decepticons. I calculate a significant risk of direct or indirect interference on their part equally as much as I have calculated the risk of your seeing the opportunity to take me prisoner as being more valuable than any assistance I might render towards making this planet livable once more. If either scenario occurs despite my efforts, we will simply revert to our original, conflicted state sooner than the planet’s revitalization will allow.”

The Predacon traitor intrigued him. He had expected the former Decepticon to maintain as low a profile as possible. It was clear that his tactics suggested other motives, but Shockwave saw no reason to deny him at this stage. The questions that had been presented to the Decepticon commander thus far had been logical, if not necessary. Shockwave indulged them only because they could continue to make progress towards his objective while doing so.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Tue May 24, 2011 7:04 pm
by Ember
Iacon

Rodimus relented in keeping the rest of the Autobots idle as Shockwave began to move toward the chasm he had mentioned earlier. The entire group followed the cycloptic mech each, in turn, asking their own questions. While Shockwave answered each query Rodimus remained silent and simply took in everything the Decepticon was saying.

The trek to the chasm had not taken as long as expected; probably due to all the discussions taking place, Rodimus thought. The Autobot made his way to walk side by side with the Military Operations Commander. There was something he didn’t quite understand.

“This ‘newly discovered ore’ you spoke of…if its properties can alter the course of the war then why is it the Decepticons haven’t utilized it yet? I’m also curious to know why this new ore is not, currently, being used to accelerate the regrowth of the energy deposits, or are you already using it to do so?”

Rodimus took a hold of Shockwave’s forearm and stopped his advance. He eyed the Decepticon suspiciously, optics narrowed to mere slits.

“What is the origin of this ore anyway? Was it the reason you and the Dinobots were discovered on Earth encased in the remains of a volcano?”

The flame emblazoned Bot lowered his vocalizer so that only Shockwave could hear. “I want Cybertron to become what it once was before this accursed war began. I remember what it was like even before Optimus Prime came into being, and I’ll be damned if I let the Cons see to the regrowth only to renew their attempts at conquering it.”

Driven more by the possession than by what was left of Hot Rod he hadn’t realized he had slipped up by almost giving away just who it really was trying to lead these Autobots. Ever since he had inhabited this body he was finding it harder to keep a low profile; after all he was a Prime long before the war even began.

Rodimus released Shockwave’s arm and turned his attention back to the chasm just ahead of them.

“Take the lead, Shockwave.”

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Wed May 25, 2011 9:16 pm
by Smokescreen85
High Above Iacon

Divebomb continued circling miles overhead, observing and listening to everything that was happening and being said on the ground far below. The recording device was still picking up what it could, although some distortion was present as the acidic nature of the lower atmosphere kept the signal from being perfectly clear. However, it was clear enough as the Predacon flier could hear the conversations between Shockwave and the other Autobots present, including the traitor and the one called Hot Rod.

It was amusing to hear Howlstrike mention Razorclaw and ask whether or not the Predacon leader knew of Shockwave’s intention to share information on Ore-13. You think you know Razorclaw still, traitor? You know nothing of the sort! Divebomb thought angrily. While he didn’t necessary like his teammates, finding them too brutish and thug-like for his tastes, it was still a far cry from betraying his own kind the way Howlstrike had done. That would never happen as the Decepticon ideals were still very much in line with Divebomb’s own.

Then came Shockwave’s response to the traitor and Divebomb adjusted the audio receiver to ensure the clearest signal. The Predacon flier took in everything the Military Operations Commander said. As usual, the purple mech was direct, logical and, above all, cold when speaking. It was all very interesting to hear. According to Shockwave he had no intention of sharing anything vital to the Decepticon cause, which seemed to contradict what he said previously regarding the shared analysis of the Ore-13 with Wheeljack. Up until now the Autobots didn’t even know of the ore’s existence. That had all changed as the Autobots would surely want to know everything they can about this new potential energy source. Hot Rod was already asking questions in that regard. So, in Divebomb’s mind, the cycloptic mech had already shared something vital to the enemy. Of course, it would be up to Razorclaw to determine if Shockwave had gone over the line or was simply acting in the best interests of Cybertron.

Another curious point to note was Shockwave’s admission that he had considered the possible risk of interference from Razorclaw or any of the other Decepticons once they learned of his actions. In typical fashion, the purple mech didn’t seem overly concerned about this possible turn of events as he conceded that they would all simply return to fighting one another as they had always done.

Divebomb wasn’t sure what to make of it all. Shockwave seemed to want to save Cybertron so badly that he was willing to work with the enemy in order to do so. Perhaps it was a necessary evil that needed to be done, but at what cost to the empire? Only time would tell.

Iacon – On the Ground

Howlstrike listened as Shockwave responded to his series of questions. The former Predacon was a bit surprised that the cycloptic mech didn’t simply ignore his presence all together, seeing him as nothing more than a traitor that should be outright destroyed instead of indulging him in conversation. Or perhaps the one-eyed ‘Con was trying to make Howl feel at ease so he would let his guard down, allowing for the opportunity to eliminate the traitor at a moment’s notice. It would not work, of course, as the Autobot hunter remained ever vigilant, expecting the unexpected from an already strange situation.

Howlstrike remained silent as Rodimus asked a series of follow-up questions regarding the new ore. The tracker simply fell in line behind the two rival mechs as Shockwave continued to lead everyone towards the chasm. Hopefully, the purple ‘Con wouldn’t just turn on them all, blast them and then dump their deactivated husks into the bowels of Cybertron. It was certainly a disturbing thought that had crossed the ex-Predacon’s untrusting mind.

Howlstrike then glanced over in Grimlock’s direction. The Dinobot Commander was quiet, but that didn’t mean he believed or accepted what ol’ one eye was saying. “So, what are you thinking, Grimlock?” Howl asked in a hushed tone as he moved closer to his fellow beast former. “Seems Shockwave’s acting alone here. If he ends up burning too many bridges with his own ‘Cons as a result, that might be something we can exploit.”

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Mon May 30, 2011 1:03 am
by Devastron
Iacon

Grimlock wasn’t surprised that Shockwave ignored his comments. He was notoriously hard to perturb, especially for a Decepticon. That didn’t mean he would give up though, he just had to find the right tactic to get to him.

For now though the Dinobot was willing to listen as the Decepticon seemingly poured out his guts to the Autobots. He had to admit to being surprised by how much Shockwave was telling them. While he had certainly shown in the past that he was willing to bend the rules or go beyond orders to try to save Cybertron this seemed like a whole new level. He seemed confident that Megatron would not dispose of him, but Grimlock wasn’t so sure. He did mention that Megatron’s attention was a bit divided at the moment. Maybe he was just sneaking around behind his back? That might present some interesting opportunities.

The Dinobot leader nodded at Howlstrike’s comment. “Sound like he gambling on finding something big here,” he quietly replied. “Either he get info so big Megatron forgive him for sharing or he find nothing and not tell anyone about this whole thing. Either way might be something we can use.” The former Predacon rather impressed him with his thinking. He might be able to count on his support in the future.

Grimlock shifted his voice back to a normal tone, now addressing Shockwave. “Sound like important work. Surprised you came alone, might want other Decepticons helping you for this.” It wasn’t too hard to see what he was trying to do. Shockwave might have come alone just out of pure confidence in his power and abilities, but he might have gone solo simply to keep his presence here secret from the other Cons. If that was the case then they could just take him out and dump his body down beneath the surface and be rid of him forever. Even if Shockwave realized what he was probing for however he answered would be interesting and possibly informative.

*

Command Center

“Well I figure Jack has got to be smart enough to figure out just about anything Shockwave tries to hide from us. He probably wasn’t counting on us having someone of his caliber here on Cybertron. Score one for us.” Springer flashed a smile at Bluestreak.

The triple-changer listened as Blue took a look at the base defenses. He thought about his words for a moment before speaking. “Yeah, I suppose some sort of two pronged assault is possible, Shockwave attacking from inside and the rest of the Cons attacking from the outside. Doesn’t seem practical though. Shockwave himself is pretty powerful, but he would get overwhelmed by the team escorting him around. The other Cons could do some damage but thanks to out fine work the defenses are back online, not to mention we still have some heavy hitters stationed here.”

His smile faded as he looked at the security monitors. “Unless Shockwave knows something we don’t. I still don’t think he would do all of this without some sort of fallback plan to escape. Maybe he has some reinforcements we don’t know about.” He thought for a moment. “Still, I would do the same thing the old timer is doing,” he gestured at where Kup was sitting, listening in on the feed from Rodimus. “And between him and me we have been through some of the craziest and tightest spots this war has to offer. I doubt anything Shockwave could do would match half of the stories Kup can tell you.”

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 9:05 am
by Insidious
Iacon

The answer he had given seemed to satisfy the Predacon traitor on some level, as he did not press the Military Operations Commander any further. Their discussion had prompted a response, but it had come from an unlikely source.

Shockwave’s sole optic turned downward for a moment as Hot Rod physically halted his progress. The gesture was non-aggressive in nature, warranting no adjustment to his current course of action. It had clearly been meant to gain the Decepticon’s direct attention. In that regard it was successful. Even so, Shockwave calculated no benefit in being as entirely forthcoming as the Autobot clearly wanted him to be.

Hot Rod’s line of questioning was curious. It suggested a level of intellectual curiosity and capability that seemed to conflict with current operational files that Decepticon intelligence possessed in regards to the young Autobot. That knowledge was valuable in its own right. The key to Shockwave's response was in determining what the Autobots should know now, and what they would be allowed to know later if this effort continued.

“Declarative—we are," Shockwave began, allowing the answer to Hot Rod's initial question to settle for a moment before continuing. To what extent they had made progress in their research of Ore-13 and its uses was not something that Shockave felt compelled to reveal. "In respect to your secondary query, it is not a difficult deduction to make. The third planet of the Sol system was a critical aspect of my research in to ending Cybertron's inactive cycle. Its usefulness in the future remains uncertain--for now."

As Hot Rod adjusted his vocalization levels, Shockwave—in turn—directed a greater amount of his internal processing power to analyzing the words that were spoken. The words seemed to fly in direct opposition to everything that Shockwave knew of Hot Rod. In the time before the Great War had begun, Hot Rod would have been classified as little more than a rebellious protoform. How well could he possibly understand how great Cybertron had once been, in contrast to the glorified piles of scrap that they were being forced to fight over now? Shockwave was intrigued by his level of insight and desire, to say the least. Provided it was genuine.

“You speak…uncharacteristically,” Shockwave began, before pausing to calculate a further response. “If that is your goal, then the work that can be accomplished under the terms of this temporary alliance represents your best opportunity to achieve it. Considerable caution will have to be exercised at every step, as it is a well-known fact that there are those on both sides who are content to fight over what has effectively become nothing more than symbolism, and will sabotage any attempt to create something greater. The current state of the war is....illogical.”

Shockwave looked towards Wheeljack then back to Hot Rod, having indirectly answered the Autobot scientist's earlier line of questioning.

“Current Decepticon intelligence indicates that you are a junior officer in the Autobot command structure. Establishing lasting peace is outside the realm of our respective jurisdictions; however, we do possess the opportunity to rebuild something that is actually worth controlling. Your concerns about our motives are noted. I have engaged in this endeavor with the understanding that you would no sooner relinquish control of this world to the Decepticons than I would to the Autobots. That reality will keep the very nature of the work we are doing on precarious ground. However--if your stated intentions are genuine, then you must recognize the remote opportunity that exists here to forge something new rather than being relegated to continually retreading the same conflict for the same reason.”

Shockwave paused again, now processing Grimlock's latest statements.

"Declarative--Decepticon assistance is illogical, so long as the standard Autobot engagement protocols are in place," Shockwave said as they approached the chasm. As they did, he activated a chamber on his right arm. Several small, spider-like devices emerged and began to skitter down the Commander's torso to the ground. Shockwave collected one before it could leave his arm, handing it to Wheeljack for further examination.

"Remote-controlled sensory devices. They function based on a subroutine I created within my tower in Polyhex. They will collect and transmit energy data from within Iacon that would be otherwise inaccessible. Given the strength of their signal output, it was obvious that they would have been tracked and destroyed upon entering Iacon, had we not reached our earlier agreement. I will be able to route their signals so that you receive the same information that I do. Their, and our, continued progress from this point is up to you."

Shockwave looked from Wheeljack, to Hot Rod, to the other Autobots present. With the young Autobot commander surely weighing the benefits and consequences of Shockwave's earlier response, they had now reached the real moment of truth and determine whether or not this temporary alliance had the potential to gather any real traction or whether they were all--out of some degree of necessity in this war--operating from a position of mutual and continual deception.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 10:06 am
by AshesOfPain
Iacon, near a chasm
The purple mech had just passed a small mini-mech to the scientist. Indeed it did have a powerful radio frequency. His interest was piqued, however he had to be leery of the possibility of digital viral sub-routines. His knowledge of the Con's Cybertron garrison commander was that clear as to expect some fashion of subterfuge.

"Ok Shockwave, I'm willing to give you the benefit of mutually inclusive research. Clearly I can't do much about those you've sent on their mission, but might I be able to retain this one, for my own research? I would like to see if this little critter has other possible applications aside from crawling about the inner workings of our damaged world."

I may be able to alter it into a repair drone that can tolerate the forces of projectile launch... He mused.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:22 pm
by Ember
Iacon

The group had come to a stop some yards from the chasm when Shockwave had decided to indulge Rodimus with the answers to his questions. Unfortunately, the red flamed ‘Bot was not completely convinced that the Military Operations Commander was not being absolutely truthful with his responses. Once Wheeljack had taken a look at the sensory device Rodimus moved in.

The bright blue optics of the Autobot became mere slits as Rodimus glared at the cycloptic Con. His only wish was to get everything he had asked answered fully; instead he received anything but. Again, the possessed Autobot moved in close to Shockwave, and again he addressed the Decepticon in a hushed tone.

“You’ve always been a cautious mech; driven solely by logic and Megatron’s ideals. Yet you’ve never managed to make that one logical move that would put you in the position you desire most. You’re just as devious as Megatron ever was, and now you want us to believe that you have our kind’s best interest in mind by reviving our home.”

Rodimus paused for a moment mulling around everything that has transpired thus far before he decided to go just a little further. Rodimus took in a deep intake of air.

“Let’s just get something straight, Shockwave, I don’t trust you, not now and certainly not before your time with the Decepticons. But I want the chance to see my Cybertron again. So, if I intend to get my wish I’m going to have to agree to this temporary alliance.”

The Autobot’s next statement was laced with total malice.

“But, if you, for any reason, logical or otherwise, decide to abrogate on this alliance I’ll be forced to dispatch you with extreme prejudice. I hope you understand that.”

Rodimus straightened back up and nodded to the other gathered Autobots, a reassuring smirk plastered on his faceplate.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 6:28 pm
by Insidious
Shockwave's singular optic examined the device that he had given Wheeljack before gazing upon the Autobot scientist directly. His request was not ideal, but Shockwave had already brought along a sufficient number to acquire the information he--and they--would need if he was to accomplish his admittedly long-term goal at some point. He had brought several in order to account for loss through potential attrition, both natural and otherwise. This would simply be the first casualty.

"Imperative--proceed."

It was unsurprising to Shockwave that he and the impetuous young Autobot had differing opinions about what constituted the Military Operations Commander's next logical move. When it came to matters of logic in general, Shockwave suspected that they would have divergent opinions more often than not. It was only when it came to the subject of restoring Cybertron that their respective ideals intersected. To what degree was still an unknown quantity, but the progress that had been made up to this point was satisfactory.

"Declarative--your concerns are logical. It is the nature of this arrangement that your side must offer more trust than mine. If the arrangement progresses, that will likely change with time. Make no mistake, I believe the Decepticon philosophy of governance remains superior to that of the Autobots. For the time being, however, that reality is irrelevant. There is little here to govern. If you trust nothing else, I would recommend each of you trust in the fact that I stand as one of the few among the Decepticons that have both the capability and the desire to make Cybertron habitable once again. In time, it would be wise..."

Shockwave stopped. A Priority 1 message was coming in. Shockwave regitered the signal clearly, as it had been routed through his Tower, which was--to some extent--simply a grand extension of himself. Or he of it. Countless vorns had begun to blur those lines to some extent. Shockwave entered his personal command codes and waited for the message to proceed. Given the high encryption levels and priority of the message, it was likely to be from Megatron himself. That alone could change the nature of the orns to come.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2011 11:42 pm
by AshesOfPain
Iacon

Wheeljack, grinned, not that his face guard would show it. and proceeded to flip the little critter around in his hand, and found the access panel to it's internal circuitry, and disabled the primary power source. As he did this, with one optic kept on that which was going on around him. By the luck of Primus he didn't accidentally detach a digit, or disable any of the servos in his own hand, but there is always a risk that it could happen.

Even though Shockwave had a minorly distracted, the blue-and white scientist still had to ask, "Just what is the Decepticon policy for governance? I didn't think there was a standard, just what happened to please Megatron that particular moment."

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:10 pm
by Devastron
Iacon

Grimlock had his gun trained on the small drones Shockwave dispatched the moment he let them loose. Only the fact that no one else seemed terribly alarmed by them prevented him from opening fire. The small devices seemed like the perfect way to analyze their base defenses or simply act as mobile spy cameras deep in Autobot territory. They probably would be easy to detect as Shockwave himself said. If he could release them undetected he would have done that rather then right in front of their faces. Still, the Dinobot leader found it unnerving.

He briefly considered Shockwave’s answer to his question. He had basically shrugged it off, as he thought he would. If he was conducting this little truce ‘off the books’ like he suspected then he wasn’t going to give any hints to it. The Dinobot definitely had his suspicions about Shockwave, but he wasn’t quite sure how to prove them, yet.

*

Message to Shockwave, Priority 1

Decrypted

From: Soundwave, Communications Specialist.

Situation on Earth Garrison: Dire

Massive Autobot assault on infiltration base. Base destroyed during battle, inflicting heavy loss of resources and multiple wounded.

Megatron was caught in the blast and is currently MIA and presumed terminated.

Infiltration team: relocated to Ultrax in orbit around Earth.

Leadership of Decepticons: in question.

Starscream has proclaimed himself leader with support from Motormaster. Starscream’s position: tenuous. Leadership ability: inadequate. Logical successor to Megatron: yourself.

Current Decepticons who know of Megatron’s status: None outside of Earth garrison. If such knowledge would spread: Decepticon civil war. Starscream is not capable of preventing or winning such a war. A stronger leader is needed. For now, false information is being spread to the empire to prevent chaos and fracturing of the empire. Façade cannot be maintained indefinitely.

Request you return to Earth as soon as possible to stake rightful claim to leadership. Suggest keeping situation secret until your leadership is secured.

My support: yours.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 12:02 pm
by Smokescreen85
Miles Above Iacon

Divebomb continued monitoring and recording all activity regarding Shockwave and the small team of ‘Bots that had accompanied him to the chasm. From his vantage point high above the ruins of the Autobot capital, the flying Predacon could see everything that was going on down below, including when the cycloptic mech released the tiny sensor probes into the subterranean levels of Cybertron, itself, before then giving one to Wheeljack for analysis. It was an unwise move in Divebomb’s mind to give Decepticon technology to the enemy, even something so small and seemingly insignificant. It could give the Autobots an advantage by allowing them to counter such probes in the future. Perhaps Shockwave had other devices at his disposal and thus he was not concerned with sharing these particular ones. Regardless, the aerial combatant didn’t like what he was seeing.

The audio recorder that Divebomb carried, while not as perfect as his eyesight, did the job well enough that Razorclaw would likely be satisfied with the results. Furthermore, it yielded some very interesting conversations between Shockwave and his Autobot chaperones, conversations that would surely pique the interest of the Predacon Commander and likewise Onslaught.

Divebomb’s internal systems then alerted him of his current fuel levels, which were down to 30%. The additional weight of the recording device coupled with the length of time he had remained airborne had drained his power cells more than anticipated. As it were, he had just enough energon to return to base without having to land and walk the remainder of the way. If he was forced to go on foot, even for part of the journey, the likelihood of Shockwave arriving back at the tower before him was high, and it was imperative that the Predacon flyer returned first and deliver the information he had gathered to his superiors.

Making one final circle high over Iacon, Divebomb switched off the recorder and glided back across the border of the Autobot capital. Once he was safely out of enemy territory, he ignited his rocket thrusters and sped back towards Polyhex.

Iacon – Near the Chasm

Howlstrike stood by as Shockwave released the tiny, spider-like probes that quickly scurried underground. The former Predacon couldn’t help but notice how unnerved Grimlock was by this as the Dinobot Commander already had his weapon drawn on the little metal critters. Howl couldn’t blame him for that reaction as it was a concern the Autobot tracker shared, as well. He just saw no need to point a gun at them when the devices appeared to be of no imminent threat and firing on them would likely only agitate their purple 'guest' further. Of course, there were different kinds of threats, some of which became known immediately while others took some time before they struck.

Howlstrike leaned closer to Grimlock once more to share his concerns, keeping his voice at a whisper. “I don’t like the looks of those things. Sure they give off a strong signal now, but what happens when they stop transmitting? I doubt they’ll be as easy to detect once they’ve gone silent. They could do a lot of physical damage before we’re able to stop them.”

Command Center

Bluestreak nodded at the various comments Springer made without immediately responding. Once the triplechanger was finished, however, Blue decided to let loose his vocal processor. “That’s very true. Wheeljack is more than smart enough to figure out if Shockwave was hiding anything. Of course, ol’ one-eye’s a tough mech to read, so ‘Jack will need to be on his A game if he wants to figure out the Decepticon’s true motives. I’m sure he will be, though. ‘Jack doesn't do things half-afted."

Not on purpose, anyway, Bluestreak thought, knowing that many of Wheeljack's inventions tended to blow up in his face plate on the first try. However, that didn't mean the inventor was unintelligent. It just meant that he sometimes overlooked flaws when rushing to get things done, which was something he could not do in a situation like this.

“As for a possible escape plan, I’m sure Shockwave has one. It wouldn’t be logical for him not to just in case," Bluestreak continued. "Whether that includes help from the outside is another story. So far I haven’t detected any movement beyond the stray cyber-critter, but that doesn’t mean Shockers can’t send a quick distress signal back to Polyhex if he feels threatened. It wouldn’t take too long for the rest of the ‘Cons to get here. The only other thing I could think of is a possible underground assault. There are miles of tunnels and sewers underneath Iacon. Many are impassable, but some might allow a small rescue team through. But even if that was the case, they would have to emerge at some point above ground and then the autocannons would blast them, alerting us of their presence. I’ll continue to keep a close optic on the security feeds, of course.”

When Springer mentioned Kup's war stories Bluestreak looked over at the old timer, who was still sitting in the command chair, monitoring everything that was going on outside. “Yeah, he’s got some really great stories to tell, no doubt about that. I’ve always enjoyed listening to them, especially the ones where he goes into detail about the ‘Cons he's blasted into scrap. You know, when he really gets into it, Kup can sometimes talk for as long as I can. Ha ha!” The Autobot gunner chuckled, meaning no disrespect as he held the aging mech in the highest regard.

Training Facility

Snarl stood amongst the wreckage of several training drones, holding his oil drenched energo sword in one hand and his smoking laser gun in the other. While he needed no real training, as he was already an accomplished fighter, the exercise had been good for him and had kept his cerebral processor occupied while waiting for Grimlock to return from his ‘Con-sitting mission. In many ways it had been a good thing for the Desert Warrior to stay behind as it would have been near impossible for him to just stand there and watch Shockwave conduct whatever experiments he wanted without attacking him. Boredom was worst than anything in Snarl’s mind as he was only truly happy when he was eviscerating a Decepticon.

“Me think we’re done here now,” Snarl said to the other Dinobots who had gotten a good workout, as well. “Let’s get recharged and head back up to command center. See if Grimlock has returned yet.” The Desert Warrior then put away his weapons and walked through the debris of the combat drones, kicking chunks of metal out of his way as he went, before exiting the training room.

On his way through the corridors, Snarl made a quick stop by the repair bay where he hooked himself into to a recharge station to top off his fuel cells with some fresh energon. It wouldn't take long and then he and the other Dinobots could rejoin the rest of the Autobots in the command center.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 7:34 am
by Insidious
Iacon

“Declarative—the current, driving philosophy is ‘peace through tyranny’, a belief that several of you have likely heard Megatron express. Both sides desire eventual peace. We differ on how best to achieve it. As you might expect, the governance policies are subject to change, depending on who holds the seniormost positions within our ranks,” Shockwave answered Wheeljack’s query, even as his powerful logic circuits were at work on another important issue.

Shockwave had clearly received the highly-encrypted message and was now in the process of analyzing considerable amount of information that Soundwave had seen fit to send him. Naturally, Shockwave would eventually want as much hard data about everything that had occurred in the Sol system so that he could form his own conclusions. Until such time as that information became available to him, he would need to accept Soundwave’s reports at face value and determine strategies based upon that alone.

The Military Operations Commander and the Communications Specialist had come to a gradual and acceptable understanding of how the other tended to operate over the long vorns that they had each served in this war under Megatron’s command. Given the nature of how the Decepticons functioned, Shockwave had expected that Megatron would fall prey to assassination from within his own ranks well before he met his apparent end as the result of some collateral damage. During the Golden Age, given the nature of how the fledgling Decepticon movement functioned, Shockwave had originally calculated that any individual laying claim to Decepticon leadership would only ever hold such a title for a short time before his eventual successor dethroned them. That Megatron had lasted as long as he had was one of the cycloptic mech’s few miscalculations. The almost emotionless mech had to admit, however briefly, that even he was given pause by the contents of that transmission. The loss of Megatron registered as a loss, though for Shockwave it was more akin to losing access to a critical resource than how he expected many of the other Decepticons would take the information. Still, Megatron had survived worse than anything that had been described in that trnasmission on numerous occasions. Shockwave would proceed with the assumption that he had survived this, too, and it would simply be a matter of maintaining stability until such time as his body was recovered and revived.

Even so--if any conceivable situation warranted an override of the strategist's current agenda—this would be it.

However, he had no desire to undo the progress that had been built here. The current state of the war was untenable. Cybertron needed to thrive again. The question that Shockwave had to factor now was how many of the other Cybertronians, Autobots and Decepticons alike, realized that fact, and how many of them were content to continue blindly down their current path. A path that Shockwave expected would eventually lead to their mutual extinction.

“Declarative—the strategic situation has changed. It is necessary that I return to Polyhex.”

Shockwave momentarily peered down the edges of the chasm. The drones had vanished from view. It would be some time yet before they were deep enough in Cybertron’s substrata to begin transmitting any useful data for this region, but it—like his arrangement with the Autobots—was a beginning. Though he had specific endgoals in mind for each scenario, there was much progress that would have to be made in the interim. He turned to leave, but before taking to the air, another logical algorithm registered in his mind: given the nature of what he had just said, they were likely to expect that the “strategic situation” he had mentioned somehow involved the endangerment of their fellow Autobots. For now, that was not the case.

“Our agreement stands. However, I calculate a significant risk that it may change quickly in the coming orns. I will exercise what control I can to see that it is something that can be built upon, rather than torn down.”

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 11:45 am
by #1 Signal Lancer fan
Repair Bay
Swoop followed Snarl into the repair bay, following Snarl's lead. Once all the other Dinobots were hooked up to the recharge stations, distracted by Energon being returned to their bodies, Swopp hurried out of the room and down the hall. He had to know what was happening with Shockwave. He transformed and manuevered his way down the narrow hallways.

He arrived to where the other Autobots and Shockwave were, and slipped and optic probe around the corner. He could see That Shockwave was about to leave, and Wheeljack was disecting a small spider-like drone, while many others creeped their way down the chasm. Swoop didn't like that. He stored a mental file in his mind to investigate further. For now, he needed to return to the other Dinobots before the noticed he was gone. He transformed and returned the way he had come...

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:48 pm
by Ember
Iacon

Rodimus had kept his optics glued on the drones as they scampered down the chasm and vanished from sight. The team Commander had quickly looked back up to the Military Operations Commander, his optics narrowed as he noticed the Decepticon seemed preoccupied with something internal…perhaps a communiqué, Rodimus assumed.

His assumption was affirmed when Shockwave suddenly announced that the current situation had changed and he was returning to Polyhex. It didn’t surprise the new mech, but before Shockwave even took to the air he turned and addressed the small group again. His statement almost caused a shiver to run down the Cavalier’s spinal structure. It seemed cryptic in nature and it would have to be addressed as soon as possible.

Rodimus quickly turned to Wheeljack once Shockwave had finally departed.

“Jack, I want you to link that probe of yours with the others in that chasm. I’m in no mood to wait to hear from Shockwave on what his little pets have found.“

That said Rodimus turned his attention to Howlstrike.

Howlstrike, I want you to follow Shockwave. Do not engage him; just follow him to the outskirts of Polyhex. Find a secure location and monitor the tower. If you see anything, and I mean anything, I want to hear from you.”

After he gave out his orders he looked to the other mechs present.

"Grimlock, stay here with Wheeljack. The rest of you; let's get back to base. We're going to have to get in contact with the 'Bots on Earth. I have a feeling something is happening there."

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:05 pm
by AshesOfPain
Iacon

Wheeljack wasn't exactly think of hacking the gizmo's radio. But that will be easier done when he got it back to his lab. So for now he just interrupted it's primary power circuit.

"Hot Rod, I'll be able to do that and more once I get back to base. For now I can just track he buggers, but just barley. They're headed into the deep core, possibly deeper than that time Prime went down to Primus."

While he was talking, he started walking back towards the base. Tinkering on the widget that Shockwave had given him. I might be able to do what Roddy whats, as well as what I want to do with this little gizmo. However in his distracted state he walked smack into the unmovable mass that is a wall -- head first. The impact momentarily impaired his gyro-stabilizer, and he fell flat on his aft.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:34 pm
by Insidious
Iacon Skies--Border Territory

Shockwave's logic calculations had been successful, and the Autobots had decided not to take the opportunity that Shockwave had recognized was available to them from the onset of his arrival: the opportunity to overtake and capture a Decepticon High Commander. It validated Shockwave's calculations of there being a sufficient number of Cybertronians, on both sides of this war, who recognized that the extinction of their race was steadily becoming a very real possibility. But he also knew that their limited trust hinged entirely on his commitment and his ability to restore Cybertron.

Arriving on this planet once again, the restoration was a goal that he knew Megatron shared, even if the former gladiator was more focused on his expansionist agenda. Controlling Cybertron was about exactly that for the Decepticon Leader--control. Power. Peace--through tyranny. Shockwave had understood that logic, but for the strategist it was becoming less about power and more about survival; however, Shockwave knew that there were others within the Decepticon ranks who would be focused on expansion and conquest exclusively--giving no thought to the restoration and preservation of their home world. Shockwave found such thinking to be highly illogical. What peace would they enjoy if there was no energy to sustain them?

Now, with Soundwave's transmission, a new opportunity had presented itself. An opportunity to solidify all the work he had done with his seeding of worlds for many vorns and make Cybertron the natural centerpiece of the universe that it should logically be. It would be an opportunity to exercise more control of the empire's resources and, if necessary, the empire itself. Shockwave would have to explore the situation fully. To do otherwise would go against his core programming.

He sent the first of a series of transmissions to his tower in Polyhex, preparing the structure for his arrival. Contacting Soundwave would be his first order of business.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 12:26 pm
by Smokescreen85
Command Center

The following message appears on the command console in front of Kup:

”Incoming Priority 1 Transmission for Kup from Autobot Garrison on Earth (Encrypted) – Authorization codes required.”


-- Message Decrypted --

From: Prowl – Military Strategist and Commander of Earth Infiltration Team

Kup, the situation here has taken a tragic turn. I am sorry to report that during a recent assault on the Decepticon Earth Base, Optimus Prime was lost in a massive explosion and volcanic eruption that leveled the facility and left the entire area an utter wasteland. Fortunately, all other Autobots are accounted for, suffering a variety of injuries, but none life threatening. Recently, a small team was dispatched to conduct a search for Prime and to investigate strange energy readings that were emanating from the blast site. New readings were obtained successfully, but Optimus was nowhere to be found and is presumed dead. Unfortunately, the region is now too unstable to conduct another more thorough search.

It is also presumed that Megatron is lost, as well, since he and Prime were fighting one another deep within the Decepticon Base at the time of the explosion. Current status of enemy forces is unknown, but it is highly probable that Starscream will take command. Their current location is also unknown but are likely residing in the Ultrax somewhere in Earth’s orbit. Hot Spot has been tasked with locating their ship with the intention of attacking it if the opportunity presents itself.

The Ark-19 has also suffered severe damage in a Decepticon air strike which has flooded a substantial portion of the ship. The vessel is salvageable and Ironhide is currently forming a team to initiate repairs. Until then the Guardian is serving as our new base of operations in Earth’s orbit.

It has become necessary to recall you and your team to Earth in order to reinforce our position here and to also sort out who will lead the Autobots as a whole. Share this information with whom you must. Other Autobot commanders across the galaxy will be notified of the situation shortly.

Good luck, Kup. I hope to see you here as soon as possible.

- End message -

Iacon

Howlstrike nodded when Rodimus gave him the order to follow Shockwave back to his tower. "Understood. I will alert you the moment I see anything." Giving a departing nod to Grimlock and Wheeljack, the Autobot tracker then transformed into his timber wolf mode and headed off in the direction the cycloptic mech had flown.

Howlstrike kept a reasonably safe distance while darting in and out of the various ruined structures as he monitored the purple mech's movements overheard. This was exactly the type of mission he excelled in, one where his tracking capabilities could come in handy. Unfortunately, his heightened sense of smell was mostly useless as the powerful Decepticon was airborne and left no trace of his travels on the ground. Still, there was the faint stench of Shockwave’s exhaust fumes hanging precariously in the air that allowed Howl to keep tabs on him.

Howlstrike stopped for a moment as he approached the Iacon border region. Keeping within the shadows of a half destroyed building, the former Predacon watched as the cyclopic mech flew out of Autobot territory, heading directly towards Polyhex. Howl took a deep breath, knowing that it was quite possible that he might spot Razorclaw and the other Preds while keeping watch on the tower. It would take all of his willpower not to engage his ex-teammates. While his lust for vengeance still lingered deep within his circuitry, it would be unwise to give in to his desires under these circumstances. He would be greatly outnumbered and outmatched, which would only result in his capture or termination. No, revenge would have to wait for another time.

Once Shockwave had gone ahead, the mechanical wolf emerged from the shadows and crossed the Iacon border, heading straight for enemy territory.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:26 pm
by Devastron
Command Center

Kup had been monitoring the goings on between Shockwave and the Autobot team over the open radio frequency. He didn’t agree with everything Hot Rod was saying. Frankly the Autobot was overstepping his bounds big time. He wasn’t sure if they would be able to fulfill all of the promises he was making, but at the very least he was keeping Shockwave talking.

The old warrior did have ponder Shockwave’s sudden and abrupt withdraw from Iacon. Grimlock was liable to throw a fit about that. There was a lot of history there, history that had remained buried on Earth until they got dug up. To everyone else that vendetta was long in the past and barely remembered, but for the Dinobot leader it probably felt like it just happened yesterday. He had to have been itching for a rematch with Shockwave and now he was gone.

Kup’s thoughts were interrupted by the urgent message from Earth. He routed the signal through his command chair and read it on his private viewscreen. He clenched his jaw as he read the devastating news. It was about the worst news he could have gotten, but he wasn’t going to let it show. You let depression or fear show around the younger ones and it would spread like wildfire. This wasn’t exactly the first Prime he had outlived either, so he had been there before. This was going to be a lot worse though, as no Prime had been as important or beloved as this one.

The Autobot stood up and sent a signal to Hot Rod. >>”Hot Rod, get your team back here ASAP. We are locking up the base and heading back to Earth immediately. Have Grimlock meet me in the conference room while you organize everyone else in getting the ship prepped for take off.”<< Kup looked over at Springer. “Come with me lad, we have something to discuss.” With the orders given he marched out of the room.

*

Springer smiled back at Bluestreak. “I’m not sure if anyone can talk as long as you can Blue, although Kup can certainly lose a lot of time in one of his stories.” Springer was rather enjoying himself at this point. While he wouldn’t mind being on the front lines somewhere he wasn’t going to object to some quiet time in base. You so rarely got those opportunities in the war, especially for mechs like him. You had to enjoy every slow moment you got, since you never knew when you would get another.

The triplechanger’s optics lit up when the priority message came through the communication’s console. He couldn’t read it of course but that kind of priority was definitely a red flag. He passed it on to Kup and waited for his response. When he got it he knew that this particular slow moment was now over. He followed the other Autobot off of the command center.

*

Iacon

Events moved very fast all of a sudden. Shockwave abruptly left before he could find his opportunity to take him out. Then Rodimus was giving him orders to stay behind with Wheeljack while he did something technical. He hadn’t really been paying much attention, focused as he was on Shockwave’s withdrawal.

The Dinobot produced his sword, using it to point at Rodimus. “You let one of most powerful Decepticons around fly around Autobot base, drop probes, then leave without shot fired. After that, you think you can order me around? Me thinking you got bigger body, maybe stronger, maybe tougher, but brains not improve. If anything you get dumber. Thought you understood war, but you even dumber then Optimus.”

Grimlock stalked right up to Rodimus, his visor glowing a bright red as he looked him in the optics. “Me only going to say this once. You never order me around again, not for real or show. Me not interested in watching Wheeljack do experiments. Need to be busy planning how to take down Decepticons, including the one who just flew out of her without a scratch!” The last part was yelled into the other Autobots face. Grimlock brought his empty left hand up and gave Rodimus a hard shove as he stalked back to the base on his own.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 7:58 am
by Smokescreen85
Command Center

Snarl led the Dinobots back into the command center, having just come from the med bay where he had received a quick recharge. The Desert Warrior was just in time to overhear Kup sending a message to Hot Rod about packing everything up and going back to Earth. The old timer then ordered Springer to follow him and both mechs quickly disappeared from sight. Snarl knew that something was going on and he feared the worst as he approached the only other ‘Bot left in the room. “Bluestreak, what’s going on? What we miss?” The Dinobot demanded from the Autobot gunner.

Bluestreak turned around in his chair and regarded Snarl with a smile. “Oh, hey there, big guy. Well, Springer and I were discussing whether Shockwave should be trusted or not and whether he had an escape plan and what his true intentions here were. Of course, I don’t think we should trust any ‘Con, but that’s just me. Then the topic came up about how Kup can be a bit of a chatter box like myself when he gets to telling his old war stories, but we were interrupted when we suddenly received a Priority 1 transmission. Now it seems we’re leaving for Earth as a result. Personally, I think there’s something else going on as Kup is having a private meeting with....”

“Shut up!” Snarl bellowed at the gunner, agitation creeping into his prehistoric circuits. “Me didn’t ask you for every last boring detail. Me heard what Kup just said. Me just want to know about Grimlock. Is he okay and what of Shockwave?”

“Oh, well Grimlock and the others are fine and are returning to the base as we speak. As for Shockwave, I think he’s gone back to Polyhex now after conducting whatever research he was here for. He abruptly left not long before we received the transmission from Earth. Maybe there’s some connection. I’m sure we’ll find out more soon. Although, I have to say that I don’t like the idea of leaving Cybertron with the ‘Cons still on planet. It’s basically giving them an open invitation to just take over. Unless, of course, they’re leaving too, which I guess is possible considering we don't really know what’s happening back on....”

The Desert Warrior growled under his breath as he raised up one hand to signal Bluestreak to stop talking. “That’s enough. Me don’t need to hear anymore.” Snarl then moved away from the silver and black mech in order to stave off having to listen to any more of his endless babbling. Instead, Snarl positioned himself across the room with the rest of the Dinobots as they waited for Grimlock and the others to return.

"Well, that was just rude," Bluestreak muttered quietly to himself. He then turned back around to face the console in front of him where he closely monitored the progress of the Autobot team as they headed back to base. It was then he noticed that one signal in particular was no longer present amongst the returning group. "Hey, wait an astrosec. Where the frag is Howlstrike?"

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 7:24 pm
by Ember
Iacon

Rodimus watched almost impassively as Shockwave vanished from sight and Howlstrike followed suit. He shook his head gently before he turned around only to be confronted an irate Grimlock. The Dinobot was upset about the Decepticon getting away and the fact that he had been ordered back to base. Grimlock then quickly closed the distance between them and glared directly into Rodimus’ optics. The young mech did not back down from the former gladiator and once he was finished with his tantrum, Rodimus simply took the hard shove in stride and watched Grimlock stalk back to base.

The self- proclaimed Autobot leader turned back to look over the landscape beyond Iacon and let out a low growl. These creatures are unpredictable. I will need some time amongst a larger group, but… It was then that he received the communique from Kup. The corners of his mouth curled upward into a smirk only to fade again before he turned back to the others.

“All right every one. I’ve just received a message from Kup. We need to head back base; it appears that we’re going to be leaving and heading back to Earth. Let’s get going.”

He motioned toward the base while he opened a link with Grimlock.

>>”Grimlock. Kup wants you to meet him in the conference room when you get back to base.”<<

After sending the message he quickly opened up a link with Howlstrike.

>>”Howlstrike, it’s Rodimus. Change of plans; head back to base. We’re heading back to Earth.”<<

Upon completion of his comms, Rodimus began to make his way back to base.

Re: Iacon - Autobot Command Complex: HQ Facility

PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:19 pm
by #1 Signal Lancer fan
Swoop got back to the Repair bay just a little too late, and the other Dinobots had already gone. Hopefully non of them had noticed his absence!

He began a base-wide scan, and shortly, three small dots popped up, representing Snarl, Slag, and Sludge.

Swoop ran down the hallways to the Command Center, where the other Dinobots were located. He peered around the corner to find them standing against the wall. He slowly inched his way into the room and next to the other Dinobots...