The Energon Pub

Forge~Armorers

"Errr... Sir? You're done now, Sir."

Venom awoke to the Mini-constructicon's remark. He looked at his areas of intrest. They glistened with the electicity-absorbing plastic. Getting up, he checked for Comlink activity. He was pleased to discover Macabre never sut his Comlink off, and thus allowed Venom to hear everything that occured. The results were very faint, since Macabre wasn't speaking into the comlink. He couldn't tell exactly what happened, but he could make out the sounds of pain, the sounds of an attack, and the sound of laughter. Of course, this had the potential to be a setback. If Macabre had lost his influence among the Sweeps, he would have to work alone. Venom had to see the results for himself. He transformed and flew off to the Sweep base in Kolkular.

(OOC: Sorry to anybody who was upset by the original post. I just wanted Venom to stay mildly informed as to what was going on around him. I'll PM if I intend to do something like that again)

Kolkular - Secondary Repair Bay

"Well! So much for modern technology in that case." Banzai-Tron wasn't that suprised that Ransack wasn't being tight-vocalisered about the incident in the Sonic Canyons: The Insecticons weren't the kind to view a victory over 'allies' differently from victory over foes. "I guess the Sweeps were those chewed-up cargo-containers that flew into the Hangar bay upstairs, barely able to fly straight. Guess it goes to show, the classics are the best."

"Sorry about the confusion, but I've been a bit out of the loop recently. It certainly sounds like you guys had quite an adventure. I'd like to hear about it sometime, but I'd imagine you're busy, having got back recently and then finding trouble with the new crowd." Banzai-tron tapped the gauge on the recharger station: he only had a klik or 2 before he was fully replenished, and his reason for being here faded away.

En-route to Kokular

The sound of sonic feedback surrounded the form of Bomb-burst as he flew overhead the rough terrain surrounding the massive fortress.

<<This is Bomb-burst Decepticon Predator, Rank 5. Requesting permission to land in Kokular's hangar bay.>>

He kept the situation cold, emotionless, professional. He was here on business, very important business. He had no time for warm greetings or banter between his fellow Decepticons.

He came here for help, for as long as he could remember he was controlled by his insatiable thirst, his hunger. This was his curse, he had never felt complete, nor had he felt satisfaction. But here he would find a way, here he would be fulfilled.

Kolkular - Command Center

Megatron considered the report from Soundwave and the information he was bringing up on his own from the fortress computer. The Constructicons had once more surpassed his expectations. With the Heights secured and pouring energon back into the rest of the Empire, momentum would continue to swing back in favor of the Decepticons. They had to make sure the Heights remained secure, something that the recent transfer of troops from Polyhex should help make sure of.

The information about Polyhex wasn’t entirely surprising. The departure of Shockwave and so many other soldiers was going to result in some instability. Cyclonus would be a capable leader, but there was liable to be some confusion underneath him due to his recent introduction to the ranks. Some monitoring of the lower ranks might prove to be valuable. “Very well. Send Laserbeak and Ravage to monitor the troops in Polyhex.”

He was reviewing other reports when Soundwave mentioned the Insecticons. “So, they finally come out of their hole have they? Very well, I will see what they have to say.” He sent a brief confirmation of his own to the Insecticons.

The Decepticon Supreme commander continued to think as he perused various status reports and communiqués. Even with control of the Heights the situation on Cybertron was precarious. The Earth mission could also take some time before it proved fruitful. Perhaps another planet should be added to the Empire as insurance. At the very least it wasn’t too early to have another world targeted.

“Soundwave, begin a search for another world, preferably devoid of intelligent life, that can be put to good use. If we can harness energy from another world freely with no fear of interference from Autobots or the inhabitants we can bring an end to this war in short order.”

*

Kolkular – Secondary repair bay

Shrapnel scowled at the sudden appearance of Banzai-tron. Him just suddenly popping into the secondary repair bay to recharge while the Insecticons were in there just seemed a bit too convenient for his liking. That combined with the other Decepticon’s mercenary reputation made him suspicious.

He turned his scowl on Ransack when the other Insecticon spilled information to the other Decepticon. He turned back to Banzai-Tron. “We are back, back and ready to serve the empire again, again. That is all you need to know, know. And now we got to see Lord Megatron,-tron.” He had received the go ahead from Megatron. He motioned for the other Insecticons to follow him as he left the repair bay.

*

Kolkular – Scorponok’s lab

Scorponok now monitored Bugly’s shell as he put it through a variety of tests. Both Decepticons and shells seemed to be operating optimally. It appeared that the Pretender technology was now fully tested and safe for more widespread use. It was a pity that so few Decepticons were compatible with the process. An entire army of Pretender equipped Decepticons would be a nearly unstoppable force.

“Both of you test out as fully functional. You are both free to go, but keep me updating on anything unusual with your shells. The technology is still new and I must know of any problems immediately to correct them in the future.”

He turned back to his console and checked in on the fortress status reports. “Bugly, you have been reassigned to the Tagan Heights under Roadblock.” He also noticed another Decepticon requesting clearance to land. He recognized the name as another Decepticon who was eligible for the Pretender process.

>>”Bomb-burst, you have clearance to land. Report to my lab as soon as you can.”<<

Kokular- Hangar Bay

Bomb-burst landed in the hangar bay, his energy depleted from his long journey. Even at the urgency of his command he needed to recharge at least partially before he could even make it to the inner workings of the fortress.

He hailed a refueling drone over to him and had himself injected with an energon charge to sustain him for a good few cycles.

<<Thank you Scorponok, I have arrived in Kokular and will be in your lab as soon as my recharging is complete. I hope this new procedure will help me with my...problem.>>

After the refueling was complete, Bomb-burst made his way to Scorponok's lab.

Scorponok's Lab

Bomb-burst entered the room, noticing the new forms of Bugly and Octopunch instantly. They were so...different! He had never seen bots like them and he had not been expecting such grotesque beings to be there.

He was a little jealous.

"You never said anything about this! I'm impressed Scorponok, they're so ugly! It's almost beautiful how horrible they look!"

He looked to Scorponok, if he could express emotions visually his eyes would be that of a mad bot.

"Make mine even uglier!"

Kolkular - the med. Bay

"I see. Very well, then. Enjoy the repairs, I should see Scourge." Discord spoke to Macabre in a somewhat casual tone as the last of the repairs are finished.

By that time, Rage climbs out of the CR Pod and she's met with Discord who speaks with her mostly to get it out of the way.
"Rage, I've been promoted amongst the Sweeps to Sub-Commander." She looked at Rage to see if it sunk in.

Rage looks a bit groggy when addressed by Discord. Her yellow gaze locks on Discord, and she speaks. "Congradu-slagging-lations."
Deep down, Rage knew it was better Discord than her. Though, as much as she hated Torment, she figured he'd be a better candidate than Discord who was arguably the weakest warrior of the Sweeps. But unless a Sweep decides to usurp her, she doesn't have too much to worry over. Rage certainly didn't care about getting the job herself.

Discord chuckles lightly, not gambling on berating Rage on the all too casual reply."Glad you understand. You're with me, I'll need to assemble the remaining Sweeps to inform them of my promotion once they're all finished getting repairs, and after my meeting with Scourge."

Rage stares at Discord blankly a moment. "Yes ma'am." she replies bluntly, then heads off for the simulator, baffled as she'd never been told to train before. Not so much train, as fight. Her mind was still foggy, but she knew why she was put in the CR chamber. She preferred not to think about it for now.

Discord watches Rage leave, then heads off, herself to meet up with Scourge making plans all the while to discuss with him. 2 in general. Once to deal with those Insecticons, and another to deal with those Autobot Twins. The only question is who to go after first?
The Insecticons are here, and Venom already asked for help in the matter, but... infighting is stupid. There were better ways to use precious Decepticon time and resources. It was always optimal to set sights on the demise of an Autobot, or two, isn't it?

Kolkular – The Corridors

The pair of femme Sweeps make their way to the Briefing room in Kolkular. Not a far trip, really.

Kolkular – Scorponok's Lab

"Understood, sir!" Bugly and Octopunch speak in unison in reply to keeping Scorponok updated on their Shells. Each would hope that problems were not going to arise.

"Yes, sir!" Bugly salutes Scorponok, in an all too serious tone and appearance, but inside very pleased to be going to the forefront of the war instead of back to his office to have nothing but time.

Lucky 'con Bugly thought to himself watching the strategist leave. He looks upwards to Scorponok. "Do you have any orders for me, Sir?" He asks in a respectful tone, eager to serve.

Kolkular - the Hangar bay
Meanwhile Bugly quickly finds the hangar bay expediently but professionally, then makes haste for Tagan eager to leave the purgatory of Kolkular. It's a nice place to visit, but he doesn't want to live there when it's so mind fraggigly quiet.

Kolular-corridors

As Venom flew through the corridors, he ooked for sweeps. He finally found Rage and Discord. He decided to keepa low profile as he followed them. Not a bad idea, given that he knew both would probably frag him since there were no witnesses. He follows them, in his small beast mode, all the way to the breifing room. Wonder what's going on... he thought.

Kolkular – The Corridors

Discord and Rage seemed unaware of Venom spying on them as they approached Scourge's room.

However, they were both aware of Venom's presence as they tended to kept their sensors on. Especially Rage who took it upon herself to take the role as Bodyguard for Discord.

Rage sends a communication to Discord, which is fairly encrypted. >>My sensors are picking up a diminutive Decepticon following us.<< she says in a tone that was rapidly growing angrier.

Discord's sensors focus on the spotted tiny Decepticon, and is reminded of Venom's desire to see Scourge. She changes her broadcasting frequency randomly recalling that it was hacked before, and she really valued her privacy. With that, she replies to Rage. >>Don't worry about it until we're attacked, my dear sister. It sounds foolish considering the last time we did that, but this time is different. But keep rotating your broadcast frequencies when ever you detect such a reading, dear sister. One of them can hack our comm. links.<<

>>A spy?<< Rage gnashes her teeth, baring her fangs a moment. Nothing new to her. Looking angry, that is.

>>Yes, but one of potential value to Scourge should he deem it. We cannot crush him yet.<< Discord replies. She doesn't sound pleased to say that. After all, Venom did try to kill her, and she didn't feel the antidote to his poison was an adequate apology. But she's only the XO. It's not her call, and if Scourge finds that she had not reported everything she finds out he may not be pleased. It's not so much that she truly values her position as XO, but her loyalty to the Sweeps is very Fanatical, and her sense of duty is pretty much second to none. But she does enjoy her new position. She certainly hates herself for it, but her ego would chalk the promotion up to being a step closes to 'Empress of Destruction.' Her ego would get in the way more than she wants though. Still,her intelligence and ability to keep a level head would persevere and hopefully allow her enough clarity to not be hampered much by said ego.

Their trip is mostly uneventful. Discord seems to be under heavy contemplation, while Rage made sure no one got in their way vocally, or physically moving people out of the way. More the before mentioned, less of the latter. No one of note was in their way, however.

When they arrive at the door of the Briefing room, Discord gives an acknowledging nod to Turmoil should he still be there, then turns to Rage. "Guard the door." she says bluntly to the crimson femme, but not harshly so, it was more of a request than an order so she wouldn't run the risk of getting a new claw mark paint job.
It wasn't unusual to see Discord managing to get Rage to do as she wanted with almost insane ease, but few have Discord's charisma, diplomacy, and to say the least, way with words, and Rage was lower rank than everyone else in the Sweeps on top of that.

All in all Discord was keeping her cards to her chest and not letting on about her promotion.

Rage simply nodded quietly looking fairly neutral at the moment. She gave a glance to Turmoil with yellowed optics, and that was about it, then leaned against the door jam on the far side of Turmoil, keeping guard as quasi-told by Discord.

Kolkular – The Briefing room

Discord enters the Briefing room, then bows with a hand over her chest towards Scourge showing the utmost in respect. "Commander Scourge, I thoroughly appreciate your confidence in me by promoting me to XO. I shall do all in my power to never betray that confidence." Spoken like a true soldier, she hoped.
She would wait for him to likely maul her, or at least speak angrily to her before she continued. Then again she might be delightfully surprised, and not come out with a lashing, physical, verbal, or mental.
And after business was taken care of here, if she had cemented her role as XO, she would plan to call the Elites in and tell them they have a new XO.. and probably make some charismatic speech about victory, and what not on top of that.

Kolkular - Outside the Briefing room

Turmoil followed Discord into the briefing room, not knowing that he was actually following his XO. He had let Macabre go in alone because he knew that Scourge would want to see Macabre alone. But he was going to wait for his fellows to return from CR before facing Scourge himself. Alas, only Discord and Rage had returned and only Discord had entered the briefing chamber. At least he would not have to go in alone, yet one comrade was scarcely more than none.

The Briefing Room

Turmoil stood at Discord's side once again, and once again he kept his distance out of consideration for Discord's desire to not be cooked. As usual he saluted Scourge upon entering.

He kept a close watch on Scourge's face, reading for any signs that he might attack Discord. He wasn't sure why. He knew there would be nothing he could do and that he would likely escape any punishment himself if he behaved.

Turmoil was surprised to hear of his sister's promotion and took a step back out of respect for her higher status. Suddenly he felt better about the odds that Scourge might attack, since he had already gone out of his way to reward Discord.

Kolkular - Outside the Briefing room

Venom decided to move closer to Turmoil. Sure the heat was a pain, but he figured that the energy should help cover him for a bit. He follows him into the breifing room.

Carnage arrived rather uncerimoniously, wakling past Rage and into the breifing room.

The Briefing Room

Carnage and Venom both looked at Scourge. It was obvious that he wasn't happy. Venom considered leaving thie brifing room, but decided it may be worth it to stick around. Carnage adressed her master. "Is there someone you need killed?" she asked.

Kolkular - Scourges Ready Room
Scourge watched as his Hunt entered the room. The unpredictable Rage stayed outside, likely not caring much for what was to occur inside. Turmoil entered, wishing not to be overlooked any longer after his period of isolation. Carnage bustled it, eager for battle and death, as ever. Instruments showed Torment and the former Macabre in the medbay.
And Discord. Some might call her the softer side of the Sweeps, but really it was simply that she was more balanced, more thoughtful, than the others. With her, he could expect a measured approach to command, not the blind zeal which had been the downfall of the Scraplet. Still, there was ambition in her eyes, pride in the way she bowed. Could it be a problem? Not if Scourge had anything to say about it.
"Indeed, Discord, I have placed a lot of confidence in you, and you shall have to work hard to maintain that confidence, especially in light of what happened earlier. Perhaps as the first act of confidence, you could tell me..." Scourge bent down and pointed at a a shape hiding behind Turmoil's leg "...what is that? Is it a weapon? A Drone? A bomb? I must say I'm confused by it's configuration, but it smells an awful lot like an Insecticon..."

Kolkular - Secondary Repair Bay

Banzai-Tron took Shrapnels scowl rather well, seeing as he was half-expecting a few thousand volts to the face. He merely nodded, and watched as the Insecticons began to leave.
"Well, thanks for letting me know what I need to know, I guess. I hope to see you guys around. Maybe we'll have a mission together, something daring where we kill some Wreckers or somesuch. See you!"

Banzai-Tron then disconnected from the recharger and left by the other door. He opened a channel to Venom.
>>Shrapnel is meeting with Megatron now, no signs he intends to do anything to you. I'll keep my eyes out.<<
In reality, Banzai-Tron had little to no reason to be risking the ire of the Insecticons. He'd gotten Venom's money and had no indication that more would come. But right now, with the Sweeps being tight-lipped about the Sonic Canyons incident, and troops like Octopunch nowhere to be seen, baiting dangerous assassins was pretty much the only fun to be had around here.
Maybe I'll go to command, after an appropriate delay, and see if Soundwave has any new targets for me. Or a new agent that needs a handler. I've been talking up the spy game, I should probably get back into it.

Kolkular - Command Center

"Acknowledged," came Soundwave's terse-as-usual reply to Megatron's order to seek out potential worlds for exploitation.

In his red, visor-like optics, the slightest glimmer of fascination might have been perceived by an especially observant Transformer. It was a momentous enough occasion that the Infiltration Protocol was being initiated on AC488; that a second world might soon be opened to Decepticon Infiltration was equally unprecedented, and even more exciting. It was a good mega-cycle for the Cause. And what was good for the Cause, was good for Soundwave. As he considered the possibilities for his own role in these events to come, he noticed the approach of the Insecticons and opened one of the Command Center's doors to admit them.

"Designations: Shrapnel; Chop Shop; Ransack; Barrage; Bombshell. Enter and report. Priority: explanation of conduct in the Sonic Canyons."

The Decepticon officer was curious, in his way, to know what the Insecticons had to say about their skirmish with the Sweeps in the Sonic Canyons. It had been an audacious if not terribly prudent way to announce their return to the Decepticon Empire. He waited to see what they had to say for themselves.

Kolkular - Briefing room

Upon hearing the word Insecticon, Turmoil instinctively(after seeing what the insecticons had done to his comrades in the canyons) pulled out a heat lazer and pointed it at the spot where Scourge pointed.

He also let out a few jolts, but that's nothing unusual.

"I see it master, shall I fry it?"

Turmoil, being paranoid and jumpy and perhaps a little less than sane, was expecting an insecticon ambush at any moment.

Kolkular - Scourge's Ready Room

Venom relaxed mildly when he heard Banzai-Tron's report. <<OK, Great. could you tail him? I'd like to know what the meeting is about. Don't worry, I'll pay overtime.>> In reality, Venom had no idea how he would pay his spy, but it appeared that he had bigger problems. Scourge had noticed him, and he didn't look happy. Turmoil pointing a gun at him didn't help. Thinking quickly, he transformed, thus making himself not as helpless. He started to introduce himself "Hello everyone, I'm sure you know-" Before he could finish, he found an energo-cutlass at his throat.

Carnage smiled as she pressed her blade up towards Venom's neck. She had missed the fight in the Sonic canyons, but this would do just as good. "Can I kill him master?" She asked Scourge. "I can do it elsewhere if you don't want a huge mess." Venom groaned. Tough crowd.

Kolkular - Briefing room

Turmoil quickly responded to Carnage's suggestion.

"Yeah yeah, can we? The insect is trying to spy on the affairs of a commander. I'd call that insubordinaton if not treason."

Turmoil didn't actually care what he was calling it as long as it got him the chance to fry an insecticon. He hadn't reached the battlefield in time to help his comrades so he ws excited about this opportunity.

******

Kolkular - command center

Chop Shop looked at his fellows and back at Soundwave. He was nervous, as always. He never liked being so close to any commander, much less one as highly ranked as Soundwave. After all, he's stolen from all of them. And he knows it would be he end of him if they knew just how much he had taken. And anytime he visits command he gets that feeling that they are on to him.

But the insecticons called the meeting, so what did he have to fear?

But he still could not put his mind at ease.

He kept quiet. He was good with words. Especially when it came to alibis. But he would let his new leader speak. It would take a calmer mind to talk them out of this.

Kolkular – The Briefing room

(OOC: I'm not sure what happened to my previous post. No private messages, nothing lettng me know what's up.)

Discord gnashed her teeth a moment. "I deeply apologize Lord Scourge." Her free hand hovers near her heat laser as her glance goes towards Venom a moment. "That, my lord, is Venom. An Insecticon recently ousted from his troupe, and former leader." She kept her tone steady, however it was clear she was so very far from amused by Venom's boldness. It seemed every time she saw Venom, he does something to further enhance her desire to turn him into an spittoon for Roadblock. Beneath her calm exterior she's seething, and ardently wants to teach that Insecticon some respect, however, Discord would not undermine Scourge letting him give the order to kill, or spare the Insecticon.

She continues with her even tone, speaking calmly to Scourge. "He has asked for an audience with you, however I had not given him any permission to be here, nor has Maca-.. Scraplet, as far as I know." She was not used to Macabre's new name, and caught herself before she defied orders. Frankly, she felt like she should respect her fellow Sweeps, but Scourge's word is law.

Rage had entered the room with her heated talons bared and activated. "Insecticon, you will not make a fool of me! I was tasked to guard the door, and you seek to have me fail in that?!" her eyes started glowing red. She's almighty angry at Venom, and she stands between Venom and any escape through the door he had snuck through. "Give the order Scourge, and I will turn this infernal Insecticon into metal shavings!" She snarls violently, staring at Venom.

Despite her diminutive rank, she's as dutiful as a Sweep can be as far as it comes to her own initiative. Besides, she didn't want to be pounded on by Scourge. The Insecticons cost her enough pain as it is!

OOC: Raven, as far as I can see your last post was on th 22nd, and I responded to it. Can't speak for others.

Kolkular - Scourges Ready Room

"Hah! Now you all leap on him, like ravenous mecha-raptors! Now that I point him out!" Scourges voice was just a little louder than it should have been. "The finest hunters in the Decepticon Armada, the most advanced sensors that Decepticon science can build, and I have to point him out!" Scourge scowled at the collected Sweeps, like a teacher lecturing protoforms. "If he had been a microfusion bomb we could all be dead by now. I want you all to realise that." Then he turned back to Venom.
Kneeling down to look Venom in the eyes, a thick sarcasm came into the Sweep Commander's voice. "I suppose I should be honoured that the former Insecticon commander has come seeking an audience with me. But I must admit you're going about it rather oddly. Skulking around in the shadows, talking with my Sweeps behind my back. Whatever happened to the common courtesy of knocking on doors? Or a short radio message? Why exactly did you feel the need to appear as much like an assassin as possible?" The sarcasm was quickly giving way to anger. Scourge had left out of the loop, and he wanted to know why.

Kolkular – The Briefing room

(OOC: I could have sworn I posted Rage catching Venom just as he had entered on Turmoil's leg using the advanced sensors before Scourge had to point Venom out, but instead i had to pretty much repost it on the 26th. Ah well. Nothing to be done about it now.)

Discord simply burned with the desire to kill Venom. He won't let the need for vengeance pass, will he? He continues to act like a spoiled brat, and refuses to show any respect! He eagerly seeks to destroy any dignity, and honor that I have ever held!
Scourge's ire has been raised, and certainly she'll pay for Venom's actions, and so shall Venom in turn.
How dare Venom do this to us? What reason could he have to disrespect us so thoroughly? I will not be humiliated like this! Venom WILL PAY!!! But I must be careful about it.. As easy as it is to simply shoot the wretch where he stands, there's too many reasons not to at the moment. she scowls angrily after Scourge passes her, then turns to watch Venom, and Scourge interact.

She looked rather calm as her gaze rests on the pair, though she can't help but stare daggers of pure hate at Venom. "Yes, ex-leader of the Insecticons, why have you not simply sent a transmission to Scourge instead of rudely sneaking in at the least? You obviously have the talent to hack our communications as you did just that in the past. If I did not know better I'd say you are looking to tarnish the reputations of the Sweeps by making us look like fools. Why do you insist upon looking like an assassin in sneaking in here? Why have you not shown the patience in allowing me, or anyone to inform Scourge of your desire for an audience? I am eager to hear your motives for your insane amount of insolence." Her tone is colder than the depths of space.
To pit with diplomacy, she refused to be walked upon like a doormat by anyone! Nobody treated her this way!! NOBODY!!

She continues, taking a quiet, respectful tone as her gaze softens and goes to Scourge. "Venom disrespects us all with his actions, Mighty Scourge. He has hacked into our communications in the past, had no respect in the way he virtually demanded we take him to you, and now doesn't even wait for me, or anyone to relay his desire for audience rather he barges in like some impatient fool?" That stupid 'con! I was just about to relay the request. Her oil boils. "And lets us not forget it was he who refused to control his unit when they assaulted the Sweeps during the exercise." Of course she would bring this up. Venom has done next to nil to make up for his brash nature, and she would not let him act like that for long if she has anything to say about it.
"I am in awe of your ability to be so calm in light of all this, mighty Scourge. If he were not a Decepticon, or I had such freedom, I would not hesitate to have slaughter him for his actions towards us. He treats us as if we were nothing! It was infuriating when he treated your hounds and I in such a manner, but now he angers you personally? That is unforgivable!" her voice tried hard to stay calm, but Venom had walked all over the Sweeps one too many times, and even went as far as to anger her commander personally, something she cannot tolerate.
There has to be a way to make him pay!! There must!!

Rage's eye twitched, and looked like a ravenous animal. She does everything she can to not claw Venom into bits, and crush his skull in the palm of her hand. Her talons flexed, and tensed creating the sounds of armor crackling, and shifting. She looked much like a creature about to pounce, the last threads of control strained to near breaking. "You exhausthole Insecticon! You tempt your fate! Pray Scourge is more amused with speaking to you than the notion of seeing you in the medical bay, or worse! It's taking every last bit of self control I have to not destroy you where you stand!!" her double voice is venomous enough to make the Insecticon jealous.

Kolkular – The Briefing room

Venom seemed to have the worst luck. Everytime he tried somthing, it always ended up with everyone pointing guns at him! Well there was nothing he could do about it, short of worming his way out. "Well," he replied, trying to ignore Discord and Rage. "I wanted to talk to you one-on-one, after your soldiers left, but that's out of the question now, eh?" He was trying not to freak out. he hadn't been looking at an angry crowd this big since... when heoverthrew him. "To be honest, your soldiers scare the pit out of me." Carnage's ego grew a bit bigger with this remark. Venom kept going. "THey would taer me into peices without hesitation, so I was advoiding them not you. I would have loved to talk to you, but your subordinates don't seem to want that to happen." He moved his head towards Discord. "Oh, and It's not insubordination if I outrank you. Also, I only entered Scraplet's Comlink by switching over to his frequncy. Last time I checked, that wasn't hacking."

(OOC: I could have sworn I read that too Rebel Raven. I don't know what's up with this site but it's been happening to me too lately.)

Kolkular – The Briefing room

Turmoil was slightly embarassed by Scourge's remark about sensors. Due do his condition his sensors barey worked. Even now he could not detect Venom save for with his own optics. It wasn't something he was proud of and didn't like even the most indirect mention of it, whether it was actually targeted at him or not.

"It's obvious that he is an assassin. Why do you think he wanted to see you alone? Surely he had nothing to fear if his meeting was planned and approved."

He turned his gaze back to Venom.

"I don't trust him. But it is your will, not mine master, which will be done."

"Insubordination?" Discord raises a brow at Venom. "I said nothing of the sort." She replied matter of factly. "I merely stated that you have shown considerable disrespect towards the Sweeps including Lord Scourge himself. There's simply no excuse for it." She states bluntly.
"You may out rank me, but I am XO of the Sweeps at present, and it is my job to look out for their best interests and protect them, especially Lord Scourge even though he's as capable as a Decepticon could hope to be. Further you do not outrank Lord Scourge." Or out power him for that matter. She pauses a moment, then adds "Sir." as her diplomacy programming kicks in.

Her storm of anger seems to have abated, though, despite all appearances, Venom's attempt at ego stroking had no affect on her, and it was more likely that her having vented was the reason her tone is more civil now. In truth she didn't care if she scared anyone, so long as she could do her job. A leader would be so lucky to have a fanatical underling such as herself.

"And your assessment of my desire to let you speak to Lord Scourge is incorrect, Venom. I was about to relay your wishing to speak with my Commander before you entered the room with undue impatience, and very undue stealth. I'm sure once I had done so, this meeting would have happened on far better terms. However, you are correct in that I do not wish you to be alone with him as the Insecticons tend to be trained assassins, and I am unwilling to risk any danger to my Lord." Her tone is blunt, and to the point.

Her gaze goes to Scourge.. "With your permission, I would like to stay in the capacity of your advisor during the talks, should they happen." Her tone is soft, and analytical. In truth she wanted to be there to prevent Venom from manipulating Scourge. She trusts Scourge utterly, but she does not trust the Insecticon as far as she could throw him.

Rage snarls violently. Rank meant diddly to her if the holder wasn't a Sweep or Megatron. If she gets the go ahead, Venom is nothing but a test for her claws. She bides her time by the door, and waits for Scourge's or Discord's order. She had tuned Venom out even before he started speaking. It didn't matter what he says, if he makes a wrong move, he's scrap!

Kolkular – The Briefing room

Venom sighed. the reputation for being an assassin would haunt him to his grave, which, if he didn't speak up, he would arrive at sooner than planned. "I apoligize for the breakdown in communications, my lady," he said to Discord, "as for your suspiscions, Turmoil, how could I assassinate Scourge with out a weapon to do so?" He had left his axe at the forge, and had never swapped out his ammo for a more lethal round. He removed his gun and tossed it to the Sweep commander. "there is nothing lethal in this firearm, I can assure you." he said. He was being as diplomatic as possible.

OOC: Apologies if I'm not keeping pace with the conversation, but work's been tough this past while and I can't make daily posts like I used to. I will try my best.

Kolkular - Scourge's Ready Room

Scourge side-stepped the thrown gun, much less interested in its contents than in what it's owner was thinking, bringing non-lethal ammunition into his den and then throwing even that away. The temptation to watch his Sweeps tear the interloper apart in front of him was awfully tempting, but Scourge paused on that thought. The fact remained that Venom was gotten past his own security, and all of the Sweeps bar him, which meant either his prized bloodhounds were all useless in their predefined function, or that Venom was very good at infiltration. He preferred the latter interpretation: The implication that his troops were weak or imcompetent implied he was as well.

"You have every reason to be wary of my Sweeps, Venom, but you have even more reason to fear me!" Scourge grabbed the aerial on Venom's head and lifted him a micron off the floor by it. "By rights you should be scrap, Insecticon, but you've impressed me by your sheer audacity." Scourge released him. "You will get your audience, when I decree it, and if you try anything like this again you will discover that I do not need bodyguards." Scourge glared at Turmoil with this last statement.

With a oversized glob of contempt, Scourge kicked the dartgun back to it's owner. "Rage, Carnage, show him out. Make sure he still has mobility and vocalisation when I am ready to speak with him. Beyond that, I don't much care."

Scourge turned his back to the Insecticon, considering the matter closed for now. He looked at Discord, with a sideways glance at Turmoil.
"There are more important matters to discuss. Us."

Kolkular – The Briefing room

(OOC: It's all right, Fuzzy. The post was probably gone before you took the mantle of Scourge.)

Discord Simply nodded to Venom, still relatively untrusting of him, but willing to be more civil in his presence now. With the simple fact that Venom joined the assault rather than tried to stop it, her trust is far lower than it would be with Decepticons who had never wronged her, which is most of the empire, and she intends to keep it that way. Further he thought the Sweeps were stupid. Assassins don't always need a weapon, and even if they do need one, they tend to always have a spare.

Rage grins, and approaches Venom, not bothering to power down her claws. One look into her eyes tells the story of her thoughts. What's the extent that I can harm him to allow him to retain mobility and speech? It's revenge time insect! As stated before rank meant nothing, and Rage is not near as forgiving as the other Sweeps. Grudges are a part of her life. Everything that could make her mad stays near and dear to her spark. She uses it as her weapon at times to activate her berserk system when pressed, which is somewhat rare. "Lets go Insecticon. You should feel lucky to be escorted out by two femmes." She gives a cold chuckle.
Of course, provided the femmes are on the same page, those femmes are going to hurt Venom.

Discord bows to Scourge with her arm across her chest. "Your wish is my command, Lord Scourge."
His plots tended to not be transparent enough that she knew what he was thinking before he spoke his mind. Or maybe she was too cautious and simply thought that. Still, her job was difficult in some facets due to things like that. With that in mind, she would listen as if Scourge's word were gospel.

Kolkular - the Briefing Room

Turmoil calmed down seeing the intruder being escorted away. His energy began venting less violently again and his mind cleared.

He bowed before Scourge in much the same manner as Discord.

"Forgive me master, of my inability to detect the intruder, and of my nigh-suggesting that you might need bodyguards. I will take great care in the future not to make myself a fool again."

Turmoil knew he could not blame himself for his faulty sensors and for his less than clear mind. But his mind was clear enough to know that Scourge did not appreciate excuses.