The Energon Pub

As the Seacons moved forth per his orders Scorponok kept staring at the visual of the enormous chaosteros on the viewscreen, waiting for Reflector to finish his calculations. As expected, Cyclonus was eager to challenge himself in a battle against Jhiaxus’ monster. But such action would endanger countless Decepticon lives with little logic behind the action. Lives of his soldiers mattered to Scorponok more than to some other Decepticon commanders and he was not ready to throw their lives away when they had other options. Options such as the firepower of the fleet at their disposal.

"I would take great pleasure in eradicating that abomination, my lord," Cyclonus remarked.

”I do not doubt it.” Scorponok spoke up, ”But let us explore our options first.”

Reflector brough up the schematics of the quadraplasma cannons they typically utilized when conducting and orbital strike. He quickly ran through several scenarios.

"It would seem, my lord, that even at the weapon's lowest setting, our strike capabilities would not only eliminate the creature, but also the mountain and, likely, whatever lay within."

The reply was not what Scorponok wanted to hear and he did not hide his displeasure in his reply, ”I would not have thought of you capable of such incompetence Reflector. We have at least dozen different weapons at our disposal, check your calculations and find a suitable payload to use.”
Before Scorponok heard back from likely rather shaken Reflector, a communication popped up from a small mercenary vessel that had been following them for quite some time now – because he had allowed it.

>>The Death’s Head to the Semper Tyrannis. May I be of service to you, Lord Scorponok?<<

>>”That depends whether or not you can utilize your ship against a chaosteros size of an Omega Sentinel Lockdown.”<< Scorponok replied back to Lockdown. He was not thrilled of the idea of dealing with bounty hunters in general but Scorponok had to admit that Lockdown had his uses.

Hardshell had been listening to Bomb-Burst’s reports silently. He didn’t need the vampire’s optics to see the gigantic creature Jhiaxus had unleashed on the Autobots. His own diaclone troopers were providing the same visual data from somewhat further away from the beast. But even the ferocious Insecticon had to admit that the size of the creature did leave him in awe as well. And worried. Their Autobot bait might come to a quicker end than they had hoped for and killing a creature of this size was going to take considerable amount of firepower. Perhaps so much that they would deplete their energon reserves before the chaosteros would fall, leaving them vulnerable against whatever else Jhiaxus had in store for them.

>>”I wonder Bombshell… could your cerebro shells take control of that thing?”<< Hardshell transmitted to his fellow Insecticon across the channel they shared with Bludgeon and his assassins, >>”After all, underneath those cybernetics it is a mere animal. And you have never had any trouble with simple minded things.”<<

However, Hardshell did not stop his quest of finding a way to deal with the monster with the first idea that had occurred to him. >”Bomb-Burst, can you pinpoint its weak spots for us? If we can find an easy way to pierce its skin… it will become food for the Swarm.”<

>>"Roger that. Good luck, 'Bots,"<< Maximus commed back before addressing the remainder of the Autobots. >>"They're giving us a distraction. Let's use it!"<<

Skyhammer could hear what Fortress Maximus was saying but his mind could not fathom a way to deal with this creature. To him their continued survival meant running away. And quickly. Not because he was afraid for his life but because he did not want to see anymore death of his fellow Autobots.

>>”Use it how Commander?!”<< He transmitted to the mighty Autobot he still felt he had betrayed by failing to send an intergalactic warning message before Scorponok’s forces invaded Nebulos.

LV117: Mountainside

Ticking off the Autobots on a mental checklist as he counted them, Bomb Burst swept low to the mountain, carefully avoiding fire from the embedded emplacements.
1...2...3....
*Part of the mountain explodes from the Chaosteros' weapon..

"Damn... " He muttered as none seemed to perish in the blast.
4... 5..6..
How many of these fragging Autobots were there? Whatever...

>>"All the Autobots happen to be functional."<< He sent back to the others before spotting something else...

"What's this?" He asked himself as he dipped down to get a closer look. Insecticons... Ransack had shown up.

>>"And Ransack has joined the fray with the Autobots."<< He said casually.

He knew the Insecticons would be difficult to keep with the group so it came as no surprise there was a wanderer. This was no problem. Maybe it will help the Bots live a nanosecond longer...

Cryhavok wrote: >”Bomb-Burst, can you pinpoint its weak spots for us? If we can find an easy way to pierce its skin… it will become food for the Swarm.”<

Intriguing idea. And quite possibly the best chance the Autobots had at the moment.

>>Yes."<< He responded to Hardshell in agreement. >>"As long as I can keep clear of the Autobots' little slingshots."<<

He would have to get close, no more buffer between him and Skyfall and Wheelie. This weather was far too severe to use any long range scanning. So he began a gentle climb in altitude... Running scans over the creature. >>"It looks like a few places have not been converted to metal yet."<< He reported back sending a few pictures with those spots highlighted on it.

He was still circling the beast, wanting as much detail as possible.. yet still having to mind the Autobots and their fire.

Near the back of the creature's neck appeared to be a soft spot. Still fleshy... And extremely vulnerable... Just not that easy to get to. He sent an image back. >>"That seems to be the weakest spot."<< He sent back some more images with highlighted areas. >>"The armor appears to be not as thick or fully formed in these areas."<<

The Death’s Head

Scorponok wrote:>>”That depends whether or not you can utilize your ship against a chaosteros size of an Omega Sentinel Lockdown.”<<Scorponok replied back to Lockdown.

Lockdown smiled at the sound of Scorponok’s voice. He had wondered about how the mech was dealing with things, and he had to admit being in business with a frustrated Scorponok wasn’t good for business, but the challenge did appeal to him.

Activating a few controls to extend his ship’s scanners, it took only astroseconds to locate the chaosteros. It wasn’t as hard as he expected.

Still, he remained motionless for a brief moment as he studied the creature… or whatever it had become. He had little doubt a simple bombardment would kill it, but would that be both satisfactory and profitable?

An interesting dilemma. He contemplated his options for a few more kliks before deciding. Besides, if this doesn’t work out, the Autobots may prove more advantageous.

He knew it was wise to tread carefully, as dealing with any Decepticon was far more treacherous than the prey he was paid to find. Still, he knew the options he’d be offered and he accepted those as part of his job, which was why it was always smart to have other avenues to explore if needed.

Reaching out with his hook-hand, he caressed the chaosteros on his scanner’s screen as he replied, >>Lord Scorponok, I’m happy to be of service, assuming we can reach a suitable agreement. << He didn’t add the thought, “before you’re ‘forces’ are lost.” He wasn’t suicidal, just sociopathic. There was a difference.

LV-117--Cyberformed Mountains

The Insecticons, by and large, had stayed out of the developing fray. Let the Autobots serve as the bait they were destined to be. Bombshell certainly had no desire to share their fate.

>>”I wonder Bombshell… could your cerebro shells take control of that thing?”<< Hardshell transmitted, as Bombshell, Kickback and Shrapnel watched the conflict between the Autobots and the massive, malformed creature escalated. >>”After all, underneath those cybernetics it is a mere animal. And you have never had any trouble with simple minded things.”<<

>>"That is true,"<< Bombshell said, thinking out loud as much as giving a response as he watched the melee. >>"I think it might. Insecticons, coverage!"<<

Bombshell took to the air from the cyberformed mountainside and a small cloud of diaclones began to follow him.

"Could be tasty tasty," Shrapnel said as Hardshell forwarded the imagery that Bomb-Burst had been transmitted regarding weak spots.

As Kickback and Shrapnel took to the air as well, the cloud of diaclones grew steadily thicker. Like a hivemind, they altered their course and began to descend on the creature.
___

>>”Use it how Commander?!”<< Skyhammer commed. It actually got a small chuckle from the Autobot General.

>>"Well, we don't have a giant monster trying to blast us off the mountain. At least for the moment. So let's see if we can all make it to that cave Wheelie found and breach this...whatever it is."<<

The Semper Tyrannis – Hangar

It was a beautiful spectacle to witness. Sinnertwin’s optics were firmly attached to the viewscreen, greedily absorbing the unfolding conflict between the ‘Bots, the ‘Cons and the chaosteros.

It was a frustrating spectacle to witness. Sinnertwin’s optics were firmly attached to the viewscreen, greedily absorbing the unfolding conflict between the ‘Bots, the ‘Cons and the chaosteros. Dear Primus, how he wished he was there, among them, sinking his razor-sharp fangs into Jhiaxus’s monstrosity, and sizzling what exposed flesh the nightmare creature still had to thin black flakes.

It was a privilege to see this. Sinnertwin’s optics were firmly attached to the viewscreen, greedily absorbing the unfolding conflict between the ‘Bots, the ‘Cons and the chaosteros. Dear Primus, how he wished he was there, among them, sinking his razor-sharp fangs into Jhiaxus’s monstrosity, and sizzling what exposed flesh the nightmare creature still had to thin black flakes. The confrontation on display was exquisite: survive to kill, kill to survive—or die horribly.

It was torture to see this. Sinnertwin’s optics were firmly attached to the viewscreen, greedily absorbing the unfolding conflict between the ‘Bots, the ‘Cons and the chaosteros. Dear Primus, how he wished he was there, among them, sinking his razor-sharp fangs into Jhiaxus’s monstrosity, and sizzling what exposed flesh the nightmare creature still had to thin black flakes. The confrontation on display was exquisite: survive to kill, kill to survive—or die horribly. And all he could do was watch it on a screen.

Seriously. What the frag.

Sinnertwin growled, and a couple of Seekers unwisely standing too close to him wisely stood back, quick, fumbling steps sending them away from the Terrorcon. Irritated as he was, Sinnertwin was better off managing his temper on his own. Should he snap at Hun-Grrr—had done that, and it hadn’t turned out too well—for this idleness he hated, he’d probably find himself clipped round the audio receptor and told to behave. Though the Terrorcon version was more like a face-plate shattering backhand followed by a death threat.

“You look hungry as well, leader. Perhaps, I am not the only one wishing to be on the hunt.”

The sentry chuckled. “Will you shut up already, Cutthroat? I don’t know what’s worse: the oil dripping from your mouth or the verbal waste gushing from it.”

Nothing spiteful resided in his remark. He liked Cutthroat enough (when he wasn’t being an A-grade afthole), and could appreciate the avian Terrorcon’s enthusiasm for the hunt. He wanted to go hunting, too. Badly. But he knew being patient would prevail over throwing a tantrum, and that the order would come for them to join the hunt soon. It was simply a matter of waiting.

He watched Cutthroat carefully, amusement slowly replacing his irritation, curious to get a reaction from him. He thought he would, and he primed himself for a fight, should Cutthroat be...silly enough to respond to Sinnertwin with violence. Just in case.

Semper Tyrannis – Hanger

Sinnertwin wrote:“Will you shut up already, Cutthroat? I don’t know what’s worse: the oil dripping from your mouth or the verbal waste gushing from it.”

Of all the Terrorcons that could have responded, Sinnertwin wasn’t who Cutthroat expected. Not before the sycophantic Blot.

It didn’t matter, not to him. One was as good as another, though the chances of them ganging up on him again was high, and the reason he leapt back from Hun-Grrr in the first place.

Chuckling, Cutthroat shook his head, sending streams of oil flying toward Sinnertwin and the others. “Perhaps if I were smaller, say like the little bite I found earlier, you would watch your vocalizer, Sinnertwin. Are you sure you’re capable of venturing onto an organic world?”

As he finished speaking, he snapped his beak and flexed his wings, displaying his willingness for a confrontation as he partially crouched. “Another hunt awaits, but I am far from sated…” He let the implication hang in the air as part of his processor urged patience. He would miss out on the mission and all those tasty Autobots if he had to return to the CR chamber this soon, and while he didn’t want that, the prospect of feasting on one that had attacked him under Hun-Grrr’s orders was appealing.

The Semper Tyrannis – Hangar

At the sight of Cutthroat and the challenge he was issuing, the lazy grin Sinnertwin wore gathered energy and tightened, strengthening into a genuine one. The flexing of his team-mate’s wings, the snapping of his beak—this was the reaction the Terrorcon was hoping to extract. A prelude to the showdown between them.

Sinnertwin’s appetite for the hunt matched Cutthroat’s. He felt famished by it. Every astrosecond that passed proved harmful to his weakening resolve to wait, and with Cutthroat ready to tangle—the irresistible urge had swiftly cooed him—he’d resorted to baiting the shock trooper. It didn’t take much.

A poke here.

“You should’ve eaten him when you had the chance, little brother,” he said, locking his optics onto Cutthroat’s, accepting his challenge. “But maybe, the little bite was too big for you.”

A poke there.

“The organic world.” Sinnertwin laughed. “Doesn’t bother me. I’m good to go, if you know what I mean.”

And it would be on.

LV117: Mountainside

Bomb Burst veered away from the chaosteros as the Insecticons approached, they didn't need him caught up in the middle of all this... He'd likely get chewed up by the bugs along with the creature.


Cyberformed Forest

Bludgeon couldn't argue a bit with Hardshell's plans. Both were solid solutions.

However, he was receiving messages that Bomb Burst's warning sensors were throwing urgent messages that the assassin's armor was critically close to being damaged. Of course Bomb Burst was ignoring it, as always. However, he needed back under cover.

>>"The swarm can handle the Chaosteros."<< He finally said out loud. >>"Even if they can not, we have no back up for them. We will continue to our primary objective, Bombshell, Shrapnel, and Kickback can easily catch up to us. We will not be moving fast enough to outrun the Autobots or the swarm."<<

--

Nightbird wasn't so confident they would be slower than the Autobots. She had pulled out her sniper rifle and was watching through the scope at the mountainside the 'Bots were on. They were digging in, it seemed. Visibility was still bad even with the scope but that was what it looked like.

She fully understood Bludgeon's (and Bomb Burst's) desire to move. Inaction was the bane of their kind. But the Autobots were sent down to spring the traps.. if they weren't able to move, neither was the Vanguard.

>>"Bomb Burst... What are the Autobots doing?"<< She suddenly asked.

---

>>"They appear to be entrenching for the fight.<< Bomb Burst responded. >>"I think. And trying to fight the Chaosteros."<<

---

>>"Bomb Burst, return."<< Bludgeon ordered, unwilling to risk an asset to preventable damage this soon in the mission.

--

There wouldn't have been argument from Bomb Burst, even if conditions were less harsh, but the Vampire was more than happy to get out of the acid rain. The Insecticons most assuredly didn't need him now. They had their intell, now he would simply in their way. Though he did set course to fly by the mountainside one last time.

--

Semper Tyrannus: Hanger

Bugly ended up in the front of the group as they entered the hanger. He stopped just inside, staring at the impressively big veiwscreen Scorponok had set up. He chuckled as he caught sight of Bomb Burst on the screen, flying around a giant creature that seemed to be an abomination of flesh and metal.

He cringed at the sight.

"Scorponok doesn't know what small means, does he?" He asked amused (and rhetorically).

---

"Nope." Carnivac agreed as he looked around at the crowded hanger.

The Seacons were deploying, Bludgeon and the Insecticons were already there, and the hanger was full 'Cons ready and itching for a fight. All the aggression.. this would be... Interesting.

Semper Tyrannis – Hanger

Cutthroat knew when he was being goaded, but it wasn’t in him to back down. Especially after having been thwarted so far in his endeavors. If nothing else, this would be the perfect chance to loosen their servos before the real hunt begins.

Sinnertwin wrote:“You should’ve eaten him when you had the chance, little brother,

A low, hissing growl escaped from Cutthroat.

“But maybe, the little bite was too big for you.”

“Not quite, though he will be a tasty treat to chase down your oily circuits.”

“The organic world.” Sinnertwin laughed. “Doesn’t bother me. I’m good to go, if you know what I mean.”

"Yes, yes I do, brother” Cutthroat’s optics surged bright as he readied himself. His flamethrower burned hot in his throat, begging to be used. Under normal circumstances he wouldn’t hesitate, but he honestly wished no ill will toward his fellow Terrorcon. Well, that wasn’t entirely true.

He had little doubt as to how this would play out if there was room to maneuver, but there were too many mechs crowded in the hanger for his liking. Besides, what fun was there in playing fair?

With a flick of his head, as though he meant to send more oil toward Sinnertwin, he spit a quick burst of flame at the sentry’s nearest head, then leapt forward, striking out with his wings.

The Semper Tyrannis – Hangar

Yes, yes, yes. Sinnertwin stalked forward, like a predator proceeding to catch his cornered prey. The only way out was through him, and the idea of Cutthroat trying that delighted him so much, his dual heads emitted pleasurable sighs that sounded like high-pitched whining. He wanted this.

It wasn’t animosity that drove him to this fight. Cutthroat was fine—well, sometimes—but the lust for destruction roiling inside of Sinnertwin, like a violent storm, needed release, and dear Cutthroat needed to be reminded of his place.

“Not quite, though he will be a tasty treat to chase down your oily circuits.”

Sinnertwin’s feet stepped in a small patch of oil Cutthroat had shook from his beak earlier. There were splotches scattered across the floor, the majority of them in the Terrorcon’s direction. He brought his foot to his serrated jaws, a pink glossa shooting out, and licked the oil from his claws.

He grinned, by way of a response.

“Yes, yes I do, brother.”

“Me, too! I’m so glad we’re on the same page.”

Sinnertwin’s second head had been silent up until this point. It’d been watching Cutthroat, clearly interested—with a smirk that was set on its features, as if to be almost permanent given its consistency—but it hadn’t said anything. It did that, often staying quiet, happy to observe. It was a tactic Sinnertwin liked to employ on his victims to unnerve and soften them up before moving in for the kill.

It had no effect on Cutthroat, but that was to be expected. His little brother didn’t scare easily.

“Death now? Death, yeah? We bringing the death?” asked the second head.

The first’s smirk was identical to the second’s. “Maybe. Hun-Grrr might not let us, but accidents do happen...”

“Accidental death, but really-on-purpose death. Hit a bit too hard, hit a bit too many times. And death.”

“Yes, something like that.”

“Or! Knock ‘em over, step on head, step on neck—step on fragging everything—and dead.”

The first head laughed, though his gaze was fixed on Cutthroat. “That can work brilliantly.”

“You remember when we slaughtered those ‘Bots on Pantravix?”

“Could never forget,” the first head said.

“I know! Me either. I think we—”

It was very excited, the second, and couldn’t stop talking.

“No, no. Actually, we should bite his wings off. Yeah, no more wings means no more flapping, and that means he can’t fly around like a tinfoil turkey. Then with him grounded and floundering, we—”

The second head did not get to finish what it was saying because Cutthroat, spitting a burst of flame at Sinnertwin as a distraction, then leapt at him, and smashed the second head aside with his wings. The blow knocked Sinnertwin off balance, but using it as momentum, he spun around ungainly, extending one of his back legs to kick Cutthroat.

Considering Sinnertwin was kicking blindly, off balance, and as woefully as a brand new student practising Crystalocution, it was unlikely it’d connect but, damn it, did he hope it did.

Semper Tyrannis – Hanger

This is fun. This is pure. This is life. The phrases played through Cutthroat’s processor as his surprise attack worked. Nothing was a pure and untarnished as a quick strike and going in for the kill.

Though, as he’d forgotten momentarily, Sinnertwin wasn’t just another mech to be swatted aside. He was a Terrorcon, but more importantly, he was a creature that loved to fight and kill just like himself.

He was reminded of that when a pair of attacks that would’ve floored or rendered most of those in attendance had only stunned the sentry, and he still managed to lash out with a kick.

“I expected better of you, brother,” Cutthroat hissed. It wasn’t unexpected as most reacted in such a manner. It was a basic survival strategy to force one’s opponent to stay back. But the kick was off balance and awkward — two things that invited an attack, especially for one specializing in such attacks.

Leaping into the air to avoid the kick, Cutthroat aimed himself so he could land on Sinnertwin’s back. With his claws extended, he pulled his wings back, readying them to strike out once more.

Despite having the upper hand, Cutthroat was under no delusions. He knew how dangerous Sinnertwin was and this was far from over unless he got lucky. This was why he tolerated the others as much as he didn. Any other mech would’ve tried to run or call for help, but not a Terrorcon. No, they were special. They were Terrorcons. They would stand and fight until they no longer functioned, especially against each other.

This is life! The thought once again raced through Cutthroat’s processor. He knew he’d face Hun-Grrr’s wrath (yet again) if he severely injured a fellow Terrorcon without orders, but showing leniency meant showing weakness, and weakness was not tolerated by the strong. Besides, there was a lesson to be learned here, Cutthroat just didn’t have a clue what it was.

The Semper Tyrannis – Hangar

No cries of pain to announce the kick had landed, causing agony. No feel of armour-plating buckling, succumbing to the strike. No nothing. As predicted.

“We missed,” said the second head, still somewhat disorientated from the surprise attack.

“Duh, you dumbaft,” the first head replied.

Of course he missed. It was too much to ask for, performing a ridiculous kick only Transformers like Jazz or Bludgeon could pull off, with their immense skill and flexibility enabling them to do so. Not Sinnertwin, though. He was too clumsy for that.

Multiple growls slipped though both of his mouths as his heads darted in every direction looking for Cutthroat. That pile of greasy spare parts couldn’t have gotten far. He was surprised his team-mate hadn’t continued pummelling him, even when Sinnertwin had lashed out trying to kick him. Little brother was going soft. Now where did he—

—and there he was.

Like some grotesque cyber-flea seeking a host, Cutthroat had come crashing down onto his back. Sinnertwin groaned as his team-mate’s weight gave him a momentary shock, but he stood strong, limbs firmly planted on the floor, bearing Cutthroat’s respectable mass. He wouldn’t have the upper actuator sitting on his back, would Cutthroat. Being the stronger of the two, Sinnertwin would show him why.

Sinnertwin shook wildly from side to side. He jumped up and down, jerking his limbs and heads this way and that way. Smiling, the Terrorcon maintained his chaotic dance—a shake here, a jump there—idly wondering if Cutthroat was enjoying the ride. The operator sure as the Pit was.

“Hold on, little brother! I wouldn’t want to trample you if you fell off!”

Would, truthfully, and couldn’t wait to when Cutthroat was on the ground.

Semper Tyrannis – Hanger

Cutthroat’s claws dug into Sinnertwin’s back, securing his hold so he could attack the larger mech’s processer and transfer stems leading to and out of both heads. It would leave Sinnertwin immobile until someone dragged him to the nearest CR chamber. Maybe, if Cutthroat felt the tiniest bit merciful.

The fact his teammate didn’t go down under the force of his landing and weight was a surprise. He was sure the shock of his sudden attack should’ve worked, but then he chastised himself. They were Terrorcons, the strongest and most feared in the ranks of Decepticons, and that knowledge only enhanced his thirst for the battle. Nothing was purer than two mechs meeting face to face in combat. Never mind that saying of the best mech winning, it was the mech willing to do what it took to win that walked away, and they had both proven time and again.

“Time for games is over, brother,” Cutthroat hissed, laughing, as he pulled his head back and thrust his beak forward.

Sinnertwin’s first shake caused his strike to miss, but barely. After that, it became a challenge for Cutthroat to remain on the larger mech.

Sinnertwin wrote: “Hold on, little brother! I wouldn’t want to trample you if you fell off!”

Up and down, to and fro he was tossed. He spread his wings out to the sides to help steady himself, but it didn’t work. He could feel his claws tearing through his teammate’s armor, loosening his hold.

“You’re all spark, brother. I’m sure yours will be especially soothing when I rip it out of your chassis.”

As soon as he finished, his claws tore free of Sinnertwin’s armor and he felt himself airborne, but not like he preferred.

He pulled his wings in to keep from being pinned down if Sinnertwin got to him too quickly to move, and landed on his back on the hanger’s deck hard, leaving an indent around him. His optics filled with static from the sudden shock to his system, but it lasted less than a astrosecond and he braced for the trampling his teammate had promised by powering up his flamethrower.

LV-117--Mountainside

As the Insecticon diaclones began to steadily swarm the massive creature, Bombshell was skittering along the underbelly, inbetween a horde of of nearly-impossible-to-distinguish masses.

Finding just the right spot, he loaded a cerebro shell and launched it. It secured a place on the chaosteros' new metallic hide and began to burrow inside.

Yes, this would be-

>>"ALL ARE ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!"<< a fearsome cry screamed in Bombshell's mind, breaking his concentration and causing him to to lose his grip on the creature.

No, it couldn't be.

The chaosteros' chest region began to hum and vibrate. In the next instant, a pulsewave rippled across the length of its body, sending the swarming diaclones crashing to the ground in varying fits of anguish. Even Bombshell hadn't been completely immune from the defensive maneuver, as he felt himself being thrust into the ground.

He had to get word out.

>>"Jhiaxus.....he's not inside the fortress....he's.....inside....."<<
___

The Semper Tyrannis--Hangar

”I would not have thought of you capable of such incompetence Reflector. We have at least dozen different weapons at our disposal, check your calculations and find a suitable payload to use.”

"Of course, Lord Scorponok," Reflector said, keeping his focus on the screens in front of him and adjusting some of the variables he had entered.

[LV-117 Skies]

The Chaosteros unleashed a giant wave of destruction. Skyfall plunged downward as hard as he could. He couldn’t die here. This wasn’t a place to go. Especially not after the risk he’d taken. Hoping that Wheelie was holding on tight, he dived straight downward, at maximum throttle. Between dodging the immense firepower, keeping Wheelie safe and trying not to stall, there was a lot on Skyfall’s mind. The ground was approaching fast, perhaps faster than he would have liked. A stray beam grazed Skyfall’s rear fin, which was just enough in that moment to send him spiralling towards the ground. “Hold on tight!”

THUD

“Agh… frag… help…”

It was a rough landing. He’d taken the brunt of the impact, but Wheelie was most likely hurt too. He tried his best to get up quickly and protect his friend. The monster was still raging about, but the duo had landed at a safe distance in the mountains. “Are you alright, Wheelie?” He assured himself that they would be fine. It looked like the Decepticons were helping fight as well. Skyfall didn’t know how well he could fly at that point. He would try, but taking the short route would be suicidal. He sat down on the mountain rocks for a second to catch some rest.

Although, it was a bit lonely at this point.


[LV-117 Mountainside]

Ransack flew out with the rest of his fellow insecticons. Amongst the swarm that was now starting to cover the large beast, he fired at all of the exposed sections. “Hmph,” was all that escaped his vocaliser. His optics were dead focused on the gargantuan.

And then came Bombshell’s message.

>>”Got it.”<< He commed back.

This time, Ransack didn’t pause to shoot. The trigger was held down. It wouldn’t come back up just yet.


[LV-117 Waters]

Tentakil had the advantage of the ocean, holding himself underneath the water and firing at the Chaosteros from range. Perhaps not the most efficient method, but certainly the most strategic one. Shooting bolt after bolt, he received a line-wide comm from Bombshell.

Bombshell wrote:>>"Jhiaxus.....he's not inside the fortress....he's.....inside....."<<

The demolitionist’s optics froze for a second. “Inside?” he said out loud. That made it even better then. He held his rifles together and aimed high at the beast. “Brothers! Leave no mercy for the monster, for he is the madmech’s vessel!”

As he pulled the trigger, several volts of electricity made their way out from the waters towards the colossus.

LV117: Mountain

Bomb Burst paused briefly at Bombshell's message.

Inside? Jhiaxus... Was in the Chaosteros?



Bludgeon's simple, calm, but commanding words broke through Bomb Burst's mental pausing.

He sighed.

>>"Yes Master Bludgeon."<<

There would be no infiltration now. He was, admittedly, crestfallen over this. The thrill of quietly entering Jhiaxus' fortress and rooting out his whereabouts... His security.. was now off the table.

But... At least he was found quickly. Less time in this terrible weather. Definite plus.

>>"Head back to Master Bludgeon's position, Birdie."<< He said, figuring getting everyone back together would be best. The Insecticons were in a better position to report what was happening with the Chaosteros/Jhiaxus than she was, so no sense being split up. He quickly set course for their original position.


---

Cyberformed Forest

It would be remiss to say that Bludgeon didn't also share in Bomb Burst's disappointment. Having been locked up for so long, the Metallikato Master was eager to fight. Eager to test his skills and work out the rust. However he spent no time dwelling on it, he could not feel overly disappointed as they did not fail in their mission, instead Jhiaxus came to them.

He did open a line to the Semper Tyrannus. >>"Lord Scorponok, are there any additional orders for us?"<< He asked.

His inclination was to remain there in case needed, however Bomb Burst would be of no use and Nightbird and himself would be of limited use without organic coverings, though he did possess the firepower to help deal with the Chaosteros if it were needed.

LV117: Cyberformed Forest

Nightbird was listening in as Bludgeon requested further instruction.

She didn't really like to get herself too involved with High Command, but a thought dashed into her mind.

Yes, they couldn't help much against the Chaosteros, and yes Jhiaxus had come to them... But...

>>>"My deepest apologies if I am out of turn, but maybe we should continue to Jhiaxus' fortress."<<<< She wasn't in the command comms, but was now close enough to hear Bludgeon. She slipped into view of the Commander and bowed slightly in respect. >>>"We may not need to find him, but his laboratory may hold some valuables worth investigating. Be they information or... Otherwise."<<<<

She may not admit to the others, but deep within that dark flicker of a spark of hers, she was a thief first and foremost. Jhiaxus had spent countless years here, who knew what he may have hidden.. or found in the planet itself. She wanted to know.

---

Bludgeon's amber optics drifted to the small spy as she entered the area. Knowing all comms were monitored, he didn't relay the message to Scorponok, figuring if he wished to consider it, he didn't need to hear it from Bludgeon a second time.

LV117- Sky & A Mountain

The massive destructive beam's bright light was enough to blind small Wheelie. However, being the survivalist he was, he held onto Skyfall for dear life, clutching the jetformer's chassis more tightly when he couldn't see. Then, the next thing that happened in a split second was Skyfall dove. "AHHHHHHH!!", the young mech yelled. His fuel pump was doing weird loops he'd never felt before, and he felt really sick. However, just before they would hit the ground at high speed, Wheelie could see again...just in time to crash!

The impact dislodged Wheelie despite the grip he'd had on his larger friend, and he was flung forward through the air a distance and slammed into a large boulder. Since he had been holding tightly onto Skfall when he'd been suddenly thrown, the arm that had been previously scratched b Cutthroat back on the Decepticon ship was now dangling from it's socket. Wires sparked and fluids dripped from disconnected limb, and Wheelie cringed and whined, falling backwards and hitting the ground with a small thud. He grasped his nearly completely severed arm and.....yanked it painfully and suddenly the rest of the way out. There was no use in just letting it dangle there. He held his arm inside his free hand and sat up, shaking.

"Owwww....Let's just say Wheelie's been better, but at least he's not gone forever. How are you Skyfall? Are you hurt at all?", the small orange minibot asked, as he sat there. Not quite ready to stand back up yet. How bad off was Skyfall? Did he have any broken parts too? Maybe Skyfall could fix his arm? If not...well Wheelie could use it like a club or something until he could get it re-attached.

LV-117 Waters

Having been dispatched to the surface along with the others, Overbite was finally in his element.

Literally.

He swam around in his alternate mode as if it was his first time being deployed into a liquid environment. Even so, he couldn't allow himself to be too caught up. The Butcher would never tolerate it. Besides, they had a target, and it was unlike anything Overbite had ever witnessed.

“Inside? Brothers! Leave no mercy for the monster, for he is the madmech’s vessel!” Tentakil cried.

Overbite had just finished a circular dive and now breached the surface of the water. In the distance, the colossal creature was warring with a whole host of Cybertronians. Overbite was glad to add his firepower to the others, and several missiles launched themselves from the Seacon's back and snaked their way through the stormy skies towards their intended target.

Unbeknownst to the Seacons, a monstrous, metallic fin breached the surface of the stormy waters a few kilometers away from their current position.

((OOC: Nudging Snaptrap along for Fox per her permission.))

LV-117 - Surface

The claws were off. But... how? Brainstorm was thinking of ways to disable them to better their chances out here and yet the Cons deactivated them before he could. What was their reason? It didn’t matter, at least they were free now. Well, as free as being isolated on a foreign world and thrown against a crazed scientist and his machinations could be. And speaking of machinations...

“Nice of them to finally start helping against snaggletooth there!” Whirl called out. Brainstorm ran over towards the former Wrecker and transformed quickly into his jet mode. Oh how good it felt to be able to shift again. Wish the opportunity had been under better circumstances.

“Hop on, let’s get up to that cave!” The engineer yelled out while hovering in place. Whirl felt the offer was a bit degrading, but having lost an arm he knew he was in no condition to try and force himself to transform and fly himself up. He let out a cybertronain equivalent slot a sigh and hopped aboard Brainstorm’s chassis. Wasting no time, Brainstorm boosted his engines and flew the cyclops up to the rest of the autobots.

Waters

Oh how great it felt to be in the elements again, Octopunch thought. Having been a prisoner in G9 had made the scavenger grow weary of the feel of liquid slosh around his chassis. With the synthetic skin now attached, the sensation of water splashing against his form was practically a gift from Primus himself.

“Gyah! Since when have we ever showed mercy for a stinkin’ land-dweller?!” Octopunch roared in response to Tentakil, his harpoon gun firing electro-static laced bolts towards the vicious carnosaur.

Snaptrap stood behind his formation of assembled Seacons, his alt mode able to weather both land and sea with ease. The twin cannons on his back fired at a steady pace, each shot booming towards the creature like a mallet to a drum. Their dual assault with the insecticons seemed to be being the trick. That was until the Seacon Commander noticed something in the corner of his turtle-mode’s optics. Overbite and Skalor stood before him, so this approaching fin he could see cutting through the water was not one his own.

“Eyes up Seacons! We are not alone in these waters!” Snaptrap roared with authority, turning his guns towards the oncoming beast. Another trap set by Jhiaxus, maybe? Or was this just a part of the local fauna. Regardless, something that big and moving that fast towards his team could spell trouble either way.

Semper Tyrannis - Hangar

Scorponok’s current endeavors against Jhiaxus had put Banzai-Tron’s plans to speak with him on hold, each Decepticon under his command having been instructed to make their way towards the hangar. Banzai-Tron stood behind the likes of the terrorcons and did what he could to oversee the operation unfolding below on the surface the best he could from his position.

”How long are they gonna take?” Counterpunch had groaned within receptor range of the Crystalocution master.

“Patience,” Banzai-tron commented back, his optics not leaving the scene unfolding on the planetside. “We are all a part of Scorponok’s plan. Let the disposables soften up and spring the traps so that we may sweep in like a storm to finish them off.”

Banzai-Tron paused as his amber-optics shifted towards Counterpunch sharply. “Have you received any specialized orders from Lord Scorponok on top of this assault? I might have use for you particular set of skills if he has not already given you any.”

The head of the DSS’ inquiry was cut off as a small squabble between a couple of Hun-Grr’s Terrorcons broke out. This was sure to go over well with Scorponok, not even a cycle into the grand assault and already there was infighting amongst the ranks. Hopefully HunGrrrrr can get his men back in order before the Fleet Commander takes notice.

[Semper Tyrannis - Hangar]

Banzaitron wrote:"Patience. We are all a part of Scorponok’s plan. Let the disposables soften up and spring the traps so that we may sweep in like a storm to finish them off."

“Tch. Understood.” The brawler-disguised-spy tilted his head towards the head of the DSS. Banzaitron had asked him whether or not he had received any special orders. “No, sir. I was just waiting ‘round here. What’ve you got in mind?” He made sure to keep his guard up. Surely, Banzaitron would be one of the most alert mechs to his position. He couldn’t let anything slip up at this point. Should the DSS find out, his head would be sliced clean off.

Two of the terrorcon flunkies were duking it out in the middle of the hangar. Counterpunch muttered a vulgarity under his breath about these mindless animals, wasting time, patience and energy. He moved to the side with Banzaitron to further continue the conversation.

ctrlFrequency wrote:Entering the bar

"In this case, yes he is the chief, Snarler!" Iguanus certainly sounded exasperated and was now remembering how much he disliked others. He finally took note of the Rainmakers as well. "We'd all... Including you two..." He motioned to the seekers... "Better make for the hangar, they haven't left yet."

--

Acid Storm had watched the exchange between the recent arrivals, and with reluctant resignation, nodded. Iguanus was right and knowing that Con, he would rather them out to the higher-ups if they didn't go to the hangar. "You do have a point, Iguanus." He finally spoke as he looked to Nova Storm. "We should go play in the acid rain."

Bar

Nova heard what Acid Storm said to him. He just glared at him because he was getting tired that his trine leader stayed in the shadows rather than allow them to do what they do best. Before he could fully respond to him, he saw the newcomers and listen in on their conversation. Once they left him and Acid, he heard what Acid said to him.

"Maybe we should but shouldn't we wait for Stormy and you know what I mean."

----------
As Ion Storm approached where his trinemates wanting to meet with him, he heard his nickname mentioned. As he approached them, he spoke.

"Uh...what did I miss? And why do you need me?"

Semper Tyrannis – Hanger

Slog had begun to shift from one foot to the other, ever so slightly.

The scene unfolding below made him feel apprehension and exhilaration. He needed to be planetside with his Monstercons. It was their place to be facing Jhiaxus’ latest creation. They more than any other Deception or Autobot understood what the chaosteros had felt and was feeling.

The fear. The humiliation, The solitude.

All were feelings that continued coursing through Soth’s processor as he watched the reformed creature battle against the Autobots and Insecticons.

His fists clenched at the thought of possibly having the righteousness of their kill taken from them by any others here. None of them could understand what it meant to kill—

His attention was pulled away from the viewscreen and his thoughts as a scuffle broke out a short distance away. From what he could see, it looked like the Terrocons were fighting amongst themselves again.

Pitiful excuses for Cybertronians. The thought was more brutal and unforgiving than he was accustomed to having, and that worried him. He was allowing his own quest for justice to cloud his judgment. Again.

It almost seemed like it was more in his nature now. Was it because of our combining or in spite of it?

He shook off the thought. There would be time enough to deal with philosophy when this was over and they could relax.

Hearing a few gasps pulled him from his thoughts and his optics widened at seeing the chaosteros send out a pulse wave and clear off several of the clones attached to its body. Though those caught in the balst were mostly clones, their reaction gave him a moment’s concern, which quickly turned to white hot rage as he thought about opening a communication to Scorponok and demanding his team be sent down. This was their fight, no one else’s despite Jhiaxus’ crimes against the Decepticons.

He stared at their fleet commander for a few astroseconds before he forced himself to calm down and focus on what was happening. As much as he understood Scorponok’s methodology, that didn’t mean he had to like it. But he would follow orders.

Without a second thought, he opened a channel to his team. >>Does anyone recognize that? Is it an EMP blast or something else?”<<

~~~

As he waited to hear back from Scorponok, Lockdown kept his optics on the viewscreen to study the creature’s movements and possible tactics. As much as many would disagree, he’d learned that all creatures, big or small, cybernetic or organic, had tactics they followed when fighting. While they ranged from desperate to refined, any of them could prove disastrous to those unwilling to take a moment and think things through.

Such was one of the reasons he was still functioning and not floating through space as a burned out hunk of steel, or, worse yet, on display like one of his many trophies. Despite what he told those he dispatched, there really was no honor on being on another’s wall. It only served to intimidate any that came aboard [i]The Death’s Head to discuss terms. Besides, they also helped remind him of what he’d accomplished and how close he’d come to failing miserably.

A smiled played across his faceplate as his thoughts seemed to match the struggle going on with the chaosteros. Organics can surprise you at times if you’re not carefull.

As soon as the words left his vocalizer, he saw the creature sort of stand higher and shake, then let loose an attack he definitely hadn’t expected, so he thought it safe to say the Autobots hadn’t. His optics glowed and his smile widened. He’d been wondering who had begun cyberforming the planet. Where they the reason the Decepticon were here? It had to be. It wasn’t an Autobot stronghold otherwise the Autobots wouldn’t be attacking.

Whatever the reason was for Scorponok to be here, it wasn’t his concern. What was his concern was the sizable force and the trouble it would have entailed to enlist the Autobots for a single planet. That alone told him of the worth of their target, and he thought it prudent to rethink his previous conversation. The fact he doubted the Autobots made up the bulk of his forces meant he wanted to save as many of his own as possible. An endearing and admirable quality in a commander, but a poor discipline when talking business.

So, you do have more to tell me, don’t you? So much more at stake than it appears, he thought, eyeing the large Decepticon spaceship orbiting the planet.

As he watched, he found himself growing more interested in the possible spoils of this mountain fortress than some credits he would receive as underpayment. I wonder… is this creature the final defense mechanism or is there more waiting on the other side? He had no reservations of there being some kind of failsafe within the mountain, but if anyone was capable of penetrating the defenses and finding what the Decepticons were truly after, he was the mech.

The idea had some merit, but it wasn’t his style. He wasn’t a sneak thief and preferred to be more hands on than not.

Sitting back in his seat, he reached out and reopened the communication channel. >>Lord Scorponok, Given the state of your initial deployment team, I have decided it would be in both of our interests if I accepted your offer. To a degree. Since your ‘forces’ are dealing with the chaosteros, I shall apprehend who or what it is protecting and who you are looking for. That is what I do best, don’t you agree? And only for the fair price of ten thousand credits and refueling my ship afterwards. Otherwise, I am more than happy to wait this out. There are plenty of marks with a bounty on their heads.<<

He muted the channel on his end and powered up his ship’s weapons and shields, then the engines. If he was going to do this, he’d need to be prepared. And if Scorponok decided their deal wasn’t enough to his satisfaction, he didn’t want to be vaporized without a fight.

Bar

Cascadia wrote:
"Maybe we should but shouldn't we wait for Stormy and you know what I mean?

Acid Storm nodded but before he could answer Ion Storm entered the bar.

Cascadia wrote:
"Uh...what did I miss? And why do you need me?"

"Not much, Stormy." Acid said. "But we are all called to the hangar to go down to the planet."