The Energon Pub

[Hangar Bay]

Wheelie wrote:"It's alright, Wheelie's just not feeling bright. Bright like hope, nope nope nope, but he's trying to cope! How are you, you look blue too. Any idea idea of what to do?"

Skyfall shrugged and sighed. He didn’t know what to do in this case, but it would probably not be a good idea to cause any trouble, especially when they were in the Decepticon ship itself. Skyfall leaned in and whispered to Wheelie, “Just don’t do anything crazy for now. It would probably be for the best if we stayed low.”

Suddenly, a blueish seeker appeared out of nowhere. He was looking at Wheelie and Skyfall as if they had both robbed him of his T-Cog. Hehe. That would be funny. The weapons engineer put up his hands in a semi-fake surrender, “Please, we aren’t going to do anything wrong! Just don’t shoot us.”

Opening a private comm to his small orange friend, he said, >>”Wheelie, once we get to the brig or wherever they’re taking us, stick with me. I’ve got a bit of a plan and I’ll need your help for it.”<<

[Training Room]

Tentakil’s grip tightened around his guns as Seawing fired up the simulation module. This was going to be fun.

Seawing wrote:"Simple objective, be the one to take out the most drones. We will be doing this until we hear from Butcher about the Terrorcons."

As the room changed to liquid and grew dimmer, Tentakil’s optics glowed warmly. He pulled his tentacles around himself to reduce the amount of space he was occupying. He waited there for a little while, almost completely still, not a single inch of him moving.

And then suddenly, he shot himself upward, using his tentacles to latch onto the rocky cliffsides. He lunged at a drone with a spare appendage, grabbed it and slammed it right against the very jagged rocks he was latched onto. Eyeing a second drone nearby, he held one of his rifles out sideways, took his aim, and pulled the trigger. The drone found itself slathered in slimy ooze, slowly sinking downward. To put the drone out of its misery, the demolitionist charged his other rifle with its insulated lightning, and released the trigger to unleash 50 kilovolts of electricity into the drone. A dampened sound reverberated into Tentakil’s audio receptors, putting a smile on his face and causing his optics to gleam against his silhouette.

[Hangar Bay]

Wildfly could hardly contain himself as he saw the Elban moon get shattered to bits. That… prison that they were kept in, finally, no more! Even Scowl was excited, and he was making funny hand signals showing the explosion. “Hey Scowl, no need to mess around with your hands to show us how the blast went, we already saw it in action!” He grinned widely.

Scowl wrote:“I hope everybody remembered to bring their valuables with them, because I don’t think you’ll even be able to get them from the lost property!”

“Slag yeah! I’ve got everything I need!” Wildfly laughed. He started to dance around Scowl because he’s Wildfly and he can do that.

Semper Tyrannis- Hangar Bay

“Just don’t do anything crazy for now. It would probably be for the best if we stayed low.”

Wheelie opened his mouth to reply with a rhyme but low and behold, came a Seeker out of the fold! He found Skyfall and Wheelie to be bold, talking about what must be done and on his curious whim of the matter, he was sold. Wheelie found the ordeal to be frightening, truth be told! He looked up at the blue Decepticon, and his energon ran cold….

"I do not know what either of you is thinking about doing but I am unsure of what to do, which is odd considering..."

Wheelie didn't know what the Decepticon was thinking, but without much hesitation or even blinking, Wheelie copied Skyfall with his hands raised “to the ceiling”. However should the big blue bully pull a lousy trick, Wheelie could cooly be just as slick, with his slingshot stick. Therefore, he kept his wits up to be fast if need be, and to his toy weapon his hand would flick.

The boy stepped back towards his taller friend, knowing in his spark, he, Skyfall would defend. The private comm-link clicked on and the message did send, upon which receiving, Wheelie would comprehend and his own thoughts he would lend,

>>”Wheelie reads you loud and clear, and is ready to help without a trace of fear!!”<< The little orange bot was beginning to feel gung-ho, for soon the seeds of revolution, he would help sow!

Hangar

"I should have taught that Seeker a lesson lesson," Shrapnel said as he, Kickback and Bombshell departed the hangar, directing their diaclone horde to various nooks and crannies of the ship as they did so.

"No. Not here. They don't realize how expendable they are. How little they contribute to the grand Decepticon victory to come. In the end, they will be food for the Swarm, nothing more," Bombshell said.

"Now I'm hungry," Kickback said.

"Hmm...I could eat," Bombshell agreed.

The Semper Tyrannis--Bridge

>>”Forgive my delay. As you have already stated, LV-117 is an unforgiving system unless we are properly protected against the planet’s elements. Those who have ventured there to acquire information have stated it is best to seek cover immediately and try to avoid high ground. With the inclement weather changing on a whim, anything that can be done to avoid dealing directly with it will better our advance.”<<

"The elements will certainly work against us, particularly in light of the fact that Jhiaxus is likely to have manipulated them further...made the planet more hostile than it was to begin with. All of you are to study those DSS reports prior to our landing."

With that addressed, Cyclonus turned to the next order of business.

"Bludgeon, you will assemble and lead our vanguard infiltration team. Get as deep into the laboratory site as you can and comm back with what you find. Hungrr and Snaptrap will have battalions ready for deployment once that intel returns to us."

The Semper Tyrannis--Hangar

“Did you see that? Did you see that? It’s gone! Boom! I hope everybody remembered to bring their valuables with them.” Scowl laughed. “Because I don’t think you’ll even be able to get them from the lost property!” Scowl said, before he and Wildfly effectively burst into a celebratory dance over the penultimate demise of their longtime prison home.

One could certainly not accuse Scorponok of being anything less than thorough. Icepick, for his part, felt a small wave of relief wash over him. Regardless of how this war went and who ultimately one, Garrus-9 would never be his home again. And he was not in the least bit sad about that, so when his fellow Monstercons began to celebrate, he couldn't help but clap along himself.

Freedom. It did taste sweet. And this victory made it a little more easy to push the monster lurking in the back of his mind a little further away. Hopefully it was doing the same for Slog and the others.

Semper Tyrannis – Medical Bay

”Judgement Overlord?” Hun-Gurrr smirked and turned to leave, his attention now clearly elsewhere. He did stop by the door way though in order to offer the phase sixer one final quip accompanied by a broad, toothy grin. ”I’d say a feast. With Jhiaxus as the main course.”


Semper Tyrannis – Bridge

Scorponok listened to his second in command and Banzai-Tron lay out their plans and share all the reports they had in their possession between the group of Decepticons Scorponok had called together. For now he had nothing to add. These Decepticons knew their craft. Micromanaging them wouldn’t be effective. However while he waited for the so far silent members of their tactical meeting to voice their opinions and concerns there was couple of other things to take care of.

”Reflector, start preparing the CR chambers across the fleet for crafting synthetic flesh coatings for our soldiers.” Scorponok spoke out, still staring thoughtfully at Banzai-Tron’s data spread projected before him in a form of a hologram. ”And begin going through our renewed ranks. There was no time to make proper list of freed Decepticon prisoners during the assault. No one without official prior standing in my army are to be allowed out of the hangar before being processed. Pick whoever you need to assist you in this operation. I won’t have an unnoticed Autobot terrorist slipping through because we left our guard down.”

Semper Tyrannis- Hangar Bay

Ion Storm looked over at how Skyfall and Wheelie reacted to him and what he said. He slightly developed a sly look on his face. "Oh really? You really think I was going to arrest you? By looking at your response and in particular, your body language...I would think that is what both of you were thinking. If I was going to really get after both of you, I would have zapped you where you are currently standing."

While he was waiting for a response out of either Skyfall or Wheelie, he heard what Shrapnel said to his fellow Insecticon buddies, he immediately opened a comm link to Shrapnel.

<<I would love to see you try to teach me a lesson, Insecticon.>>

Semper Tyannis - Hangar Bay

Sinnertwin watched the planet that was formerly an Autobot prison crack and splinter before finally gloriously exploding. It was a masterpiece of destruction if the Terrorcon had ever seen one.

Still...Sinnertwin felt hollow. He should have been down there, tearing the prison apart piece by piece. A bomb was so...so lazy. Why have the Terrorcons if they couldn't tear up stuff?

Even so, a victory was a victory. Especially that one. Sinmertwin through his fist in the air and cheered enthusiasm. "To the Pit with Garrus-9!"

He settled down and turned to his teammates. "So, what should we do now?"



Any hope that remained in Pointblank withered and died with the planetoid as it cracked, fissured and exploded. His despair was mirrored by his Commander's as Fortress Maximus was led out of sight, presumably to a prompt execution.

And we're next.

The Decepticons had no need for prisoners, especially those of lower ranks who could provide no valuable intel. Death wasn't a question, it was a certainty. Still, Pointblank took some comfort in knowing what was to come.

He saw Wheelie get almost trampled by Skyfall. Then the two started trading words with a blue Seeker. Pointblank maneuvered himself closer to the group.

Corridors: Semper Tyrannus

Bludgeon's expression didn't change at Cyclonus’ order. Infiltration was what his team was meticulously created; and ready at a moment's notice; for.

The only issue was who to take and who to leave behind.

Bomb Burst and Nightbird were a given to go. Snarler and Skullgrin, that was whole other matter. Snarler's tracking skills were legendary, but they weren't being sent in specifically to find Jhiaxus. Skullgrin's demolitions abilities were very useful when things went wrong, but also not what they were being sent to do. And both were noisy mechs.

Stealth was the objective. Most certainly. Snarler and Skullgrin would stay behind.

He looked back at his team. Snarler sniffing… Bomb Burst and Skullgrin glaring at each other and Nightbird already gone.

---

Bomb Burst's attention went to Bludgeon when he looked at the two of them. A revelation… Bludgeon was in comms with someone. And likely high command as they were heading for the bridge. That's why Bludgeon hadn't expected them to be on a long trip. The Metallikato Master already knew they weren't.

Skullgrin started to say something but was met with a swift dagger hilt to the faceplate courtesy of Bomb Burst to shush him. “Not now, goat head” He muttered.

Skullgrin looked to the same direction as Bomb Burst, at Bludgeon, realizing that something was going on.

---

>>”So to my understanding…”<< Bludgeon began as they arrived at a lift to go to the bridge to those assembled in the comms, mainly Cyclonus and Scorponok . He continued as the doors slid closed. >>”We can't penetrate visuals/radar to the surface through the electrical storms? And pardon my lack of knowledge, but since I was in prison I wasn't privy to the earlier operation on the planet, but we do have geo-coordinates of the building? I will need any intell we have on the surface sent to me, it may not be necessary, but all possibilities will need to be at the ready just in case.”<<

The lift doors slid open and Bludgeon's attention went to Skullgrin and Snarler. “Go.” He ordered. “Keep a low profile, don't attract attention.” He turned optics to the Vampire. “Is Nightbird ready to handle infiltration?” He asked after Snarler and Skullgrin disappeared. He never needed to ask if the Vampire was ready, he always was.

--

“She was built for it.” Bomb Burst assured Bludgeon.

---

Bludgeon only nodded, and it was a slight nod at that, before setting into motion to the bridge. He stepped onto the Semper Tyrannus’ bridge, Bomb Burst a half step behind. He looked at the massive warlord but said nothing, waiting for Scorponok to give him permission to speak.

Semper Tyrannis – Hangar Bay

Wildfly joined Scowl in the celebrations. The saboteur had plenty to celebrate, freedom being the chief reason, and while he had a few moments to spare – Scorponok wanted them for something, far as he still knew – Scowl decided to bask in them, to submit completely to his glee.

What the Pit. Dance like Wildfly. Act like a lunatic because a miracle had arrived and had brought freedom with it.

“Yeah!” he shouted, enhancing his voice with his chest-mounted speakers, probably too loudly, though definitely too loudly.

He cavorted after Wildfly and tried to leap over him as the avian Monstercon had done to Scowl when they had boarded the shuttle as they’d left Garrus-9. Prancing and spinning along, he got close enough, raised his arms – ready to slap them down firmly on Wildfly’s shoulders so he could boost himself up for the jump was the plan – and stumbled. He scrambled to remain upright, limbs flailing, but his descent was inevitable – and in motion. His feet becoming tangled, Scowl crashed to the floor.

The impact traded a hefty amount of his excitement for a heftier amount of sense. The realisation of how fragging stupid he must’ve looked stung more than the fall, and Scowl had produced a drop worthy of an award. Mental note: don’t dance when ridiculously ecstatic.

I will never do that again, he thought.

He would never do that again.

Scowl glanced at Icepick. “Don’t say anything. I know – I’m an idiot.” He picked himself up, rubbed his elbow joints, and shook his head. “So, uh, anyway, what’s next for us?”

Semper Tyrannis – Training Room

Overbite stood in the training room as he felt the water begin to raise up. He hid a grin. He moved the easiest here in water. This would almost be too easy.

Seawing wrote:"Simple objective, be the one to take out the most drones. We will be doing this until we hear from Butcher about the Terrorcons."

Well, not the most complex hunt, but it would do nicely. He kept himself above the surface as the water rose. He looked at his comrades. He knew better than to make the first move.

He saw his moment when Tentakil leapt out of the water toward a drone. Let the hunt begin. Quickly, he shifted to shark mode. He knew he didn't stand a chance on the rock constructs. His fellow Seacons were much faster and maneuverable on land than he was.

Overbite dived. He wanted to build up some momentum before striking. The hunter swam around the training floor for a moment before shooting upwards at a drone. With jaws open, the training bot was scooped into his mouth when Overbite grabbed it. He chomped hard, feeling the satisfying shatter in his mouth. He drug the drone down to the floor, thrashing his head back and forth. The drone broke apart, pieces starting to float to the top.

Overbite transformed to bot mode and looked at the big bits. Let's make this interesting... He pulled his freeze beam blaster out and blasted a couple of the pieces, letting the water become colder and the ice to float to the top...

------>

Semper Tyrannis – Brig

Strafe laid on the brig floor, optics shut. He couldn't do anything. He was trying not to panic. He knew it wouldn't help his case. The Seekers hadn't been as nice as Tentakil and didnt prop him up against the wall. He tried to move, and to his surprise, he had a little movement in his arms. This comforting him some, at least he wasn't paralyzed.

A red flag went up as he heard the cell open. He tried sitting up, something that failed miserably. His head sunk to the floor as he weakly cried out, "Who is that...?"

The Semper Tyrannis--Bridge

”Reflector, start preparing the CR chambers across the fleet for crafting synthetic flesh coatings for our soldiers. And begin going through our renewed ranks. There was no time to make proper list of freed Decepticon prisoners during the assault. No one without official prior standing in my army are to be allowed out of the hangar before being processed. Pick whoever you need to assist you in this operation. I won’t have an unnoticed Autobot terrorist slipping through because we left our guard down.”

"As you command," Reflector said, before turning from the senior officers and returning to his console whereby he could carry out Scorponok's commands.

He pulled up a roster of subordinates and began highlighting certain names, forwarding them a recording of Scorponok's orders and leaving them to process the unofficial ranks. It was fortunately just the right amount of responsibility that could be given to your typical Seeker before their brain module overloaded with a characteristically excessive sense of self-importance, so he made sure that a couple of them were included in his list.
___

Hangar

“Don’t say anything. I know – I’m an idiot. So, uh, anyway, what’s next for us?” Scowl said. Icepick held his hands up innocently.

"I wouldn't dream of it, friend. I think we're all feeling that way, to one degree or another. As to what's next, I suppose much of that will be up to Slog, but I'd wager it has something to do with visiting some sort of revenge upon the one who brought Monstructor into being."
___

Brig

"Who is that...?" Strafe said, weakly looking up.

"Relax. Just us," Lightspeed said. "Well, Nosecone, Afterburner and myself. Scatters....I think I saw him in the hands of the Butcher last. I hope that's not some sort of ill omen."

Semper Tyrannis--Hangar

Now that he had been "liberated" and all that, Goldrush decided that it was as good a time as any to become more familiar with his surroundings. He would probably be serving aboard this vessel for a good while, so it would be good to learn the ins and outs of his new clientele.

Before he could exit the hangar with some others, a pair of Seekers moved to intercept him.

"Stop right there."

"Why? I'm a Decepticon, just like you fine gentlemechs," Goldrush protested.

"You didn't come with us. You were picked up from the prison, right?"

"Erm, well, yes, that's technically true, but-"

"Then you go in that line," the gray-and-orange Seeker said.

Lines. Lurvely.

Semper Tyrannis--Med Bay

”Judgement Overlord? I’d say a feast. With Jhiaxus as the main course.”

Overlord smirked.

"Bon Appétit," he said quietly before stretching out his arms and examining his scarred digits. Internally, his systems were registering renewed efficiency connections thanks to Spinister's targeted efforts. There were small pieces in place that would have taken the cryonic regeneration chamber forever to get to if he had remained in there indefinitely. Good. Good good. This would suffice.

Exceedingly more delicately than most mechanoids would experience, Overlord pushed Spinister back and sat up in the berth.

"You've done exceedingly better work than I would have originally given you credit for. I think we can allow Decepticon technology to handle the rest. For your efforts, you may have this imaginary 'get out of death free' card. Should we ever cross paths in less than ideal circumstances--circumstances where I might feel your death to be either a necessity or a temporary amusement, let's say--you may redeem it. Enjoy."

With some effort, Overlord proceeded to disconnect the equipment and stalked back towards the chamber. After it hissed open, the Warrior Elite limped inside and lay back against the interior. As the chamber slowly began to close, he winked in Firewire and Reflector's direction before offlining his optics.

Semper Tyrannis – Med Bay

Snaptrap had been silently absorbing the exchange between Overlord and Hun-Grr, falling back into old habits. Some of it was interesting. Other parts not so much. So he kept one audio tuned in while also listening in on the chatter on the comms. When Hun-Grr took his leave, so did Snaptrap, falling into step beside the Terrorcon. After enough time of listening in, he managed to formulate his thoughts on the matter.

>>“I suggest my team attempt to breach the base via the underground lake we discovered on our last excursion. I would also like to request command of all aquatically capable forces,”<< Snaptrap replied to Scorponok and the rest of command. He switched his focus to Seawing who had contacted him about training with the Terrorcons.

>>”No, we’ll be deploying soon and I require all of your limbs be intact. Report to the medical bay for organic coating.”<< Snaptrap commed all of the Seacons before pausing and looking to Hun-Grr.

“Once Jhiaxus meets his end, perhaps it would be beneficial to have a training session between our teams,” he mentioned. Turning, he headed off toward a CR chamber, punching in the commands for an organic shell and stepping inside.

Semper Tyrannis – Hangar Bay

No sooner had Rippersnapper left the hangar to head to the ship’s armory, than the sound of Lord Scorponok echoed out into the corridor. Stopping in his tracks, the terrorist turned back and re-entered the hangar bay to watch as the Elba moon was destroyed in a fiery display of Decepticon might. Garrus-9 was gone forever. Good riddance.

Afterwards, many Deceptions were still milling about while others moved on to other areas of the ship. The other Terrorcons, except for Blot, had not yet reacted to the orders Rippersnapper had previous relayed to them from their master, Hun-Grrr.

“So, what should we do now?”

Rippersnapper looked at Sinnertwin with bewilderment in his optics. “We do what I just told you all that Hun-Grrr ordered us to do. We are to prepare ourselves to go after Jhiaxus. Re-equip ourselves in the armory, recharge if necessary and get any repairs needed in the med bay. I couldn’t have been more clear. Now, let’s move unless you want the master to eat us for being too slow!”

With the orders having been relayed for the second time, the shark monster stalked off out of the hangar again, heading towards the armory.

Semper Tyrannis – Hangar

“Excuse me, miss?” came a voice from behind Airachnid. Synapse trotted over to her, pressing a light hand on her shoulder. “You were freed from the prison, correct? They’ll need you in that line over there.” Synapse gestured helpfully. “They’re identifying our own. I’m afraid I can’t allow you to just go on out. You understand.”

A mech of slim frame, Synapse could possibly be described as rather frail looking for once of their race. He frowned as he got a bit of a better look at her, trying to place her. She was familiar. Mm, perhaps his recent head injury had knocked something out of place. He was usually quite good with faces.

“Wait…you’re…ah, it’s on the tip of my vocalizer…”

It hit him. He smiled and pointed at her. “You’re Airachnid, aren’t you? Do you remember me? Synapse, the kooky psychotherapist, or so I’m told, haha.”

Semper Tyrannis – Med Bay

Blot snuck away from the rest of the Terrorcons to make his way to the medical bay. He was going to try to get the CR chamber thing to work again. He remember that they put on some organic gunk last time by going into them, so he was gonna get a headstart fiddling with the controls. Then, they couldn’t make fun of him while he did it. He could do it. He could!

Rounding the corner to go into the medical bay, Blot spotted his master. His optics lit up as he scurried over happily. “Master! You need anything? I am here to obey!” he said faithfully, an obedient dog. He’d received the orders that Hun-Grr had sent the rest of the team, but if his master needed anything, he’d drop whatever he was doing.


Firewire was all too annoyed with how this Overlord thing played out. Spinister got all the credit! Well, at least Hun-Grr had acknowledged her. That was something, right? Something to be said for one of the arguably scariest normal members of the second fleet to approve of her? Right? She grimaced, watching Overlord go when he winked at her and Reflector.

An intense shiver of fear went down her spine. She looked at Reflector. “Did you feel the shadow of death pass over you or was that just me?” she muttered lowly just in case Overlord could still hear them. Shaking her head, she perked up a little when she saw Banzai-Tron marching out of the medical bay. “Oh! Banzai-Tron! I should probably catch up with him!” And get the frag away from Overlord. Maybe hide in Lord Scorponok’s shadow for a few vorns.

Scooping up her equipment, Firewire trotted after him at her top speed, which because of her little legs made catching up a horrendously slow affair, but she called out after him.

“Banzai-Tron! Sir! Wait up!” she huffed, “How are you doing? Are you okay? Where are you headed?”

Semper Tyrannis – Hangar

Airachnid wanted to smile, to strut out of the hanger bay as the victorious mech she was, but she knew better. This was only the beginning, and if she let her guard down now she’d never make off this ship before…

Foximus wrote: “Excuse me, miss?” came a voice from behind Airachnid. Synapse trotted over to her, pressing a light hand on her shoulder. “You were freed from the prison, correct? They’ll need you in that line over there.” Synapse gestured helpfully. “They’re identifying our own. I’m afraid I can’t allow you to just go on out. You understand.”

That voice! She squeezed her optics closed for an astrosecond as a hand touched her shoulder. The urge to flee exploded in her with the power of a super nova, but it was matched by one of the few things she allowed herself to feel: comradeship.

Out of all the Decepticons that could’ve crossed her path, it had to be the one she respected. Not outwardly, of course. Such information could prove dangerous in the hands of anyone. But the respect she felt for him was far above all others.

Opening her optics, she focused on Synapse’s faceplate and grimaced inwardly. Sometimes, she hated remembering others voices so well. He looked the same as she remembered, but there was something different about him, wasn’t there? He looked… uncertain?

Foximus wrote: “Wait…you’re…ah, it’s on the tip of my vocalizer…”

Hope swelled in her as he struggled to remember her name. He’s playing dumb! The thought brought hope, but her suspicious nature took hold. But why would he…

Foximus wrote:It hit him. He smiled and pointed at her. “You’re Airachnid, aren’t you? Do you remember me? Synapse, the kooky psychotherapist, or so I’m told, haha.”

Scrap! So much for that theory…

She couldn’t help but smile at him. Though it was more of a smirk, it held a warmth few ever saw. “Yes, I do remember you, Synapse. It’s been too long. Perhaps, you wouldn’t mind continuing this over a glass of energon? Surely, your precious time isn’t needed for such mundane tasks such as this,” she waved her arm toward the prisoners being escorted to the proper line, “instead of stimulating your intellect with a worthy conversation. I’m sure your word would be enough to complete any process they require at a later time.”

As she spoke, her certainty at escaping had all but evaporated. She had two choices if Synapse didn’t report her: kill him and run, or turn herself in. Neither was appealing after spending so much time imprisoned.

Semper Tyrannis – Hangar

Umbra felt like she was going to purge. Her twisted feelings roiled about in her fuel pump uncomfortably. The destruction of Garrus 9, the victory speech…Something about them made her feel…something. To be sure, she wasn’t exactly sad to see Garrus 9 go. But it was supposed to have been her punishment for everything she’d done. What was she supposed to do now? She glanced in the general direction of the Autobots being led away.

Go with them? Probably be executed with them too. Still, if she turned her back on them, she could already hear the words fly from their vocalizers. Traitor. Murderer. Kill her. Umbra winced a little and looked to the Monstercons around her. They were so happy. She smiled when Scowl crashed to the floor in a heap.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad? If she just…joined the Decepticons? Surely, she could be a little useful. Umbra sighed a little and shook her head. She just had to go with her gut.

"I wouldn't dream of it, friend. I think we're all feeling that way, to one degree or another. As to what's next, I suppose much of that will be up to Slog, but I'd wager it has something to do with visiting some sort of revenge upon the one who brought Monstructor into being."

“I’d imagine so. And I’ll help you all however I can,” Umbra chimed in, smiling a little before pointing to the line of prison mechs. “But I suppose for now, we ought to get in line?”

“Yes, I do remember you, Synapse. It’s been too long. Perhaps, you wouldn’t mind continuing this over a glass of energon? Surely, your precious time isn’t needed for such mundane tasks such as this.”

“Nonsense, nonsense, my dear,” Synapse said with a dismissive wave and a smile, “I have plenty of time for an old friend. Come, come, we can talk in the line. Catch up and what have you. I’m so sorry that I didn’t immediately recognize you. It has been some time, and I’ve suffered many a near decapitation in the intervening time. I do hope you can forgive me.”

Synapse gestured her to follow him as he lead the way to the line for those who had arrived from the prison. One of the Decepticons approached him and told him that he didn’t have to, but he merely waved them off. They gave him a shrug and went back to wrangling others. “Now, Airachnid, tell me, how did you end up in an Autobot prison? Have you been well? They didn’t mistreat you, did they?”

Semper Tyrannis – Med Bay

Spinister was still wrists deep in Overlord’s internals when he felt himself being pushed away. He looked at Overlord more than a little perplexed. He wasn’t fixed yet. Still, he listened when Overlord started talking after initially struggling a little. He had a…card. That was imaginary. After watching Overlord saunter over to a CR chamber, he grabbed one of the pieces of scrap metal.

Carving into a rectangle, Spinister scribbled down the words that Overlord had used. Get out of death free. There. Nodding to himself, he tucked it away somewhere he wouldn’t lose it before walking over to Reflector and Firewire. The latter scurried away quickly as something else caught her attention. Spinister jerked around to see if there were anything hostile, but he didn’t see anything immediate. Maybe it was squirrels.

Turning to Reflector, he tapped the smaller mech on the shoulder and held out his hands. “What…should I do?”

Semper Tyrannis – Hangar

Foximus wrote:“Nonsense, nonsense, my dear,” Synapse said with a dismissive wave and a smile, “I have plenty of time for an old friend. Come, come, we can talk in the line. Catch up and what have you. I’m so sorry that I didn’t immediately recognize you. It has been some time, and I’ve suffered many a near decapitation in the intervening time. I do hope you can forgive me.”

Airachnid opened her mouth to say something, then thinking better of it, closed it. What could she say? She tried the subtle approach, but Synapse wasn’t taking the bait. He was too scraping… nice!

That alone was enough reason for her to kill him. Slowly. Painfully. Preferably by decapitation, since he apparently had a history with that. She didn’t doubt she could finish what another mech had begun. She could…

What could she do? Despite every inch of her programming screaming for her to take his head, there were far too many witnesses around, not to mention the ship’s own contingent of Decepticons. All armed, all extremely dangerous. Then she spotted who she assumed were the horrorcons. The mere thought of them catching her sent a cold shiver of energon through her system.

No, she was trapped between certain death and going through another processing. At least this time, she wouldn’t be a prisoner per se. Just a prisoner to whatever laughable mech is commanding this vessel. Taking orders from someone who used a crude device like a bomb to…

She shook her head and looked back toward the door she’d been heading for initially. It was just meters away, a couple of casual strides at most and she’d be through the doors and Synapse and the rest wouldn’t have any idea she’d been there.

Until he reports my presence. And he’d do it, too. All in the name of helping me. Such kindness is disgusting.

Yet, she found herself turning to follow him just the same.

Her energon pump quickened when another Decepticon came up and tried to usher Synapse away, citing a reason similar to the one she’d given him. Just like her argument, the mech’s was brushed away.

She glared at the back of Synapse’s cranium unit, imagining one of her legs driving through it and shattering his processor. She forced herself to relax and see this through. She had little choice in the matter. Still, despite all of her frustration and anger at being cornered once again, she couldn’t find it in her spark to lash out at the mech she considered a friend.

Maybe another time.

Foximus wrote:“Now, Airachnid, tell me, how did you end up in an Autobot prison? Have you been well? They didn’t mistreat you, did they?”

Blinking her optics, she let out what was as close to a sigh that a mech could do. “Well, suffice it to say that the Autobots considered me a threat. Apparently, enjoying oneself through sporting activities drew their ire. I, of course, defended myself when they opened fire. The rest is…” She paused for dramatic effect, seemingly looking for the correct word. “History. Though, I would say being locked in a cage with the only entertainment that which I could create was not desirable. I hope to find those responsible and help them see the errors of their ways.”

Despite her carefully worded explanation, she silently cursed herself when she finished. No mech, either Decepticon or Autobot, had ever been as adept at disarming her as Synapse. It was something she hoped to put an end to before they both regretted it. Still, one rarely gained information without trading some, so if her plight helped open his memory circuits to her, then all may not be lost.

“You mentioned nearly being decapitated. I assume one of our illustrious leaders are responsible. Such as the one responsible for Garrus-9’s destruction, perhaps? You’d think there would be someone with…” She stopped herself from saying imagination, choosing instead to say, “More taste.”

(OOC: Did a quick edit on the ending to include an encounter with a player character)
Semper Tyrannis – Hanger

Cutthroat watched as his fellow Terrorcons left the hanger, then turned his attention back to his humiliation. Sure, he’d been out of line in not following Hun-Grrr’s orders, but what gave him the right to determine when Cutthroat could rend and eat? Just because he was their master?

Despite knowing the answer, or maybe because of it, Cutthroat quickly turned his attention back to the Autobots, particularly the one he’d attempted to devour before Hun-Grr stopped him. Since the master was away, who would stop him from playing?

He let out a low growl/groan at seeing her with the Horrorcons. As much as he hated to be thwarted twice, he felt a small glimmer of respect for her. Like any prey, she chose to hide among those capable of protecting her.

For the time being.

He may have been too low powered and crafty to attack them, but she would cross his path again. He’d see to it.

Turning away from her, he glanced back to the entrance where his should be heading for CR unit to ready himself per his orders. It was what he was expected to do after being taught his “lesson”, but the thought of leaving so many weak, helpless, and juicy Autobots begging to be eviscerated and devoured was tempting.

Oh, so tempting.

Oh, how he could taste their oil and energon. Nothing on board the Semper Tyrannis would be as rewarding or fun for him, but this wasn’t the time. Groaning once more while promising himself that next time nothing would stop him from feasting, he chose to obey Hun-Grrr’s orders.

As he neared the entrance, he spotted a yellow and red Autobot that was smaller than most standing at the edge of the group. Cuttroat’s optics locked on the tiny mech for an instant.

Maybe I shall have my treat after all.

As he approached, the tiny bot’s focus was toward where the penitentiary had been a few moments before. It didn’t see him as he drew closer and reached out.

Just a little thing, but he was sure it would be a tasty treat.

He was so close to grabbing the mech that he could almost feel its metallic skin ready to crumple under his grasp…

“Shouldn’t you be with the rest of the Terrorcons—“

Cutthroat turned and glared at a random Seeker that had dared to interrupt him. Cutthroat’s optics burned a bright red, causing the Seeker to take a step backwards.

“Uh… sir…” The Seeker’s vocalize lost its authority from an astrosecond before and it continued to back away.

Glancing back, Cutthroat clenched his fist at seeing the tiny bot had disappeared. Without a word, he turned and headed back toward the entrance. He was disappointed the Seeker made sure to keep a safe distance between them.

Another meal for another time. Thank you for your lessen again, Master.

A few steps further, a quick, shifting movement caught his attention. Expecting it to be the same bot, Cutthroat turned his gaze toward it. No, it wasn't yellow, but orange (Wheelie). The size was close enough that he didn't think the mech would be missed. None of the Autobots would after a time.

Seeing a chance to reclaim some of his lost dignity, not to mention casting off Hun-Grrr's control over him if only for a short time.

His predator eyes took in the tiny orange bot... and those around him.

Three to me. Not bad odds.

Cutthroat had taken prey from worse positions. But his energon levels hadn't been as low as they currently were. Still, what little energon he got from the bot wouldn't make his efforts worth it, but it would restore his pride.

While he'd been contemplating how to do this, he starting walking toward the small group of three bots. The two larger ones could pose a problem, but when had that ever bothered a Terrocon before? Especially when one felt the need to recover what had been taken by his master.

"Come, little bite. No one to hurt you here," he muttered, opening and closing his mouth as though already tasting the bot's tender internal circuits as he reached out for Wheelie.