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[Semper Tyrannis - Hangar]

Wildfly calmed down a bit and started getting in line with his fellow Monstercons. Slog had decided to bring Umbra along on their team. Well, it didn't worry him, as long as she didn't eat his processors out or something. "Heehee!" He giggled. Nah, she wouldn't. She helped them out, after all.

After some dude said they were getting priority, Wildfly turned to Scowl in excitement. "Ooh! We're getting VIP status aren't we?" The aerial Monstercon hopped up and down because he could hardly contain himself. The two seekers who had told them to go ahead looked unassuming, so little old Wildie decided he was gonna do a stunt again. He started running to give himself some momentum, got faster and faster and eventually - "YEEHAW!!!!!!" - he had cleanly somersaulted over the two seekers the same way he had done to his fellow teammate Scowl. Obviously, this created a bit of a scene, but Wildfly didn't care. He was just excited to be with his friends and get into the fast lane!

Semper Tyrannis - Corridors

After walking in near silence on his way to the bridge, his processor still reflecting on his lost T-Cog, the petite voice of Banzai-Tron’s fellow DDS agents perked up beside him.

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

The black and green Decepticon stared motionlessly at his subordinate, his usual icy demeanor seemed lost as he searched for his words.

“I am... Heading to the bridge.” He finally mustered, answering the latter half of her inquires. “My condition is...” there was another pause as he didn’t know how to process the next part without unveiling any shred of weakness he had spent eons building up. “Survivable, to say the least.” He looked down at his actuators and towards the anatomical kibble that resides along his forearms. He pondered his next words before addressing Firewire once more.

“Come, we mustn’t keep Lord Scorponok waiting any longer. His operation has been held up long enough.”

Hangar Bay/Corridor to the Brig

Snapdragon’s vocalizer emitted a faint growl as he lead the march from the hangar to the brig, their Autobot captives all lined up before him. The transmission that came in from Lord Scorponok gave promise of an assault on Jhiaxus’ compound, a promise that the interceptor was rather eager to jump in on despite his laziness. However LV-117 was not a perfect world and because such they were suppose to don the synthetic skin to protect them from the world.

“A world rich with the most volatile sludge and the thickest muck imaginable...” Snapdragon commented on with his fellow Horrorcon, shoving the train of Autobots along with the butt of his gun absent-mindedly, “And we got to coat ourselves with that sickening fleshy scrap! Grah! I was really looking forward to feeling the oozes flow through my gears again...”

Pyro felt the blunt end of the Horrorcon’s shove and pressed on his march, Brainstorm and Whirl leading just a few meters ahead of him. After seeing Garrus 9’s destruction, there was a bit of relief from the fact that they weren’t put on the firing line, but Garrus 9 was still an Autobot stronghold... and who knows how many innocent lives were still stranded there after the ‘Tyrannis was beginning to leave. He could only hope their deaths was quick and instantaneous at this point.

“Alright, scraplets,” Snapdragon bellowed, grabbing prisoners by the back of the neck or their shoulder joint, “In ya go! One mech to a cell!” His thuggish strength shortly followed his barked orders, and Pyro soon found himself landing faceplate first down into a cell not too far off from where he was originally kept prior to being shifted to work the mines. The energy field quickly flashed into place and Pyro was contained within his new cell. The ranger pounded a clenched fist against the side of his cell.

“Keep them separated, especially anything or anyone that was operated on by Jhiaxus.” Snapdragon ordered. The Horrorcon’s optics shifted to Fortress Maximus who he personally saw to throw into a cell himself. After all, compared to the few sweeps still stationed aboard and your average seeker, Maximus could easily start a riot by overpowering them. Unfortunately for him, the Horrorcons were there to show him his new living quarters. Snapdragon pressed his boot against the back of the former warden and pushed forth a mighty kick, one that tossed the restrained Autobot into his cell. Snapdragon chuckled behind his mouthplate before folding his arms over his chest as he continued to observe the rest of the Autobots fill in their place among the brig. “Better get comfortable, you lot aren’t going anywhere for a long time. Heh.”

((OOC: With Cry’s permission, I’m gonna take Finback as an NPC.))

Bridge

A mechanical wheeze reverberated within the capsule Finback resided in, said capsule being the one thing keeping the salty sailor from succumbing to his rare illness. From within his life support tank, the veteran of the seas examined the various instrumental screens as best he could given the planet’s ion storms affecting their readings.

>>”Finback. An aquatic task force is being assembled. Will you be monitoring the situation or entering the fray.”<<

The comm from the current Seacon commander sent a tidal wave of nostalgia through the aged circuits of Finback. Were it not for his current condition, the salty sailor would’ve turned the helm completely over to Reflector in order to partake in the assault. Unfortunately leaving his capsule would cut his remaining years down to mere minutes. How he longed for the days of his youth when he could’ve fought beside the likes of Snaptrap and Submaruder again, terrorizing Autobots from sea to shore.

>>”Appreciate the sentiment, lad.”<< Finback commed back, a violent cough following shortly after, >>”But I’ll be of no use to you down there with this sickness that plagues me. If I were in better shape, ye’know I’d be right there with a Harpoon in hand ready to help. But I’ll let you barnacle scrapers handle this one and keep an eye over you from the crows nest. Aha hacaaak *Cough* *Cough*. Give’em hell for me Snaptrap!”<<

CR Chamber Rows

Octopunch’s clawed feet lurched into the chamber room, the salvager’s tentacles hanging loosely over his shoulder armor. The protective visor and faceplate of his pressurized helmet retracted revealing the multicolored Decepticon’s sinister tentacle-covered visage.

“Got yer message.” Octopunch said, responding to the butcher’s initial call to arms, “It’ll be like old times, ey Snappy? Heheh.” The aquatic Decepticon approached the CR Chamber and glanced over to see Blot struggling to open his. Octopunch chuckled a bit to himself before he immersed himself completely into the chamber and sealed it shut behind him. The pod immediately filled with the familiar, albeit long sought after liquids the salvager has missed while he had been imprisoned on that rocky desert of planet, Garrus 9. His circuits and pistons practically cooed at the rejuvenating juices beginning fill around him. Soon the machine began to whir as the organic coating process began to take effect. In a moments time, Octopunch would be ready to embark on Snaptrap’s aquatic assault.

The Semper Tyrannis--Bridge

The flagship of the 2nd Expansion Fleet was the first to come out of transwarp. Cyclonus' optics followed the readings on the console as it indicated each successive ship that did the same.

Immediately, the Vice Commander initiated a scan of the planet's surface. The information that started to come back was...unexpected.

"My lord, I'm detecting strange readings from the surface. It seems..."

Before Cyclonus could continue any further, the ship's primary communications linkup chirped. Reflector examined his own command console before turning to face his superior officer.

"Lord Scorponok, we're receiving an incoming transmission. From the surface."

It was him.

Who else could it be?

Reflector proceeded to bring the communique up on screen. Filling the screen was the semi-recognizeable form of Jhiaxus, ensconced within a throne of metal, cables and wires that appeared be stretching out from him into a myriad of other consoles.

>>"Ah, gladiator, you've arrived with all the haste I could have hoped for. I have no doubt that thoughts of vengeance cloud your mind, even as we speak. I would ask that you put that aside. You saw the work I completed with Monstructor and Logicor. It was but a taste....a fleeting taste....of the future that I will bring to our race. All are one. Embrace your destiny. End this pitiful charade."<<

The Brig

“A world rich with the most volatile sludge and the thickest muck imaginable...” Snapdragon commented on with his fellow Horrorcon, shoving the train of Autobots along with the butt of his gun absent-mindedly, “And we got to coat ourselves with that sickening fleshy scrap! Grah! I was really looking forward to feeling the oozes flow through my gears again...”

Apeface rolled his optics behind his optical visor. Really. That was Snapdragon’s problem with their new target? Though he wasn’t surprised on the reptilian Horrorcon’s comment regarding the synthetic flesh coating they had been ordered to acquire. Many Cybertronians found organics disgusting. It was a classic case of xenophobia. And Snapdragon had made it perfectly clear countless times that he couldn’t care less about organics. Apeface himself was one of those cons who felt pretty indifferent over the matter. That didn’t mean he would throw caution to the wind when dealing with other lifeforms though.

”Again? I don’t recall visiting our target mudball before. And tar holes don’t quite feel like proper grease baths.” Apeface chuckled in response while escorting the imprisoned Autobots towards their cells. Better this way. They had killed enough of their own kind over millions of years. It had never been their goal. Probably not the goal of the Autobots either. But both sides of the war taken part in actions that could only be described as ethnic cleansing. Scorponok was clearly putting effort into this one to avoid yet another. Not that Apeface would restrain himself if the Autobots gave him a reason to kill.

“Alright, scraplets,” Snapdragon bellowed, grabbing prisoners by the back of the neck or their shoulder joint, “In ya go! One mech to a cell! Keep them separated, especially anything or anyone that was operated on by Jhiaxus.”

”You heard him! Move!” Apeface seconded Snapdragon’s command and pushed yet another Autobot into a cell block. Each prisoner had enough room to lie down or stand. However they preferred. Most could even converse with each other due to the open, close proximty nature of their cells but none of them could be in physical contact with each other. They had been too lenient with their prisoners from Nebulos last time. It had proven to be a mistake which likely had originated the rebellion in Garrus-9’s mines.

“Better get comfortable, you lot aren’t going anywhere for a long time. Heh.”

Apeface wasn’t as certain. Perhaps they would have use for the Autobots, fodder to be thrown against Jhiaxus. Or maybe they would be prime targets for indoctrination experiments the DSS had been running. Being locked into a brig was highly inefficient after all. Even suspended animation would be more energy efficient.

”Come Snapdragon,” he said, putting his hand on his friend’s shoulder, ”The grunts can deal with the rest. We need to get ready.”

The Semper Tyrannis - Bridge

"Preparing the fleet to come out of transwarp."

Soon. So very soon. Sweet. Languorous revenge. He would make Jhiaxus suffer. No one crossed Scorponok and got away with it. No one.

"My lord, I'm detecting strange readings from the surface. It seems..."

Cyclonus began but was cut short by Reflector.

"Lord Scorponok, we're receiving an incoming transmission. From the surface."

No. No. No! That brief stay on board of Semper Tyrannis had been enough for Jhiaxus to study their ghost shields. The element of surprise was gone. Jhiaxus knew they were here.

>>"Ah, gladiator, you've arrived with all the haste I could have hoped for. I have no doubt that thoughts of vengeance cloud your mind, even as we speak. I would ask that you put that aside. You saw the work I completed with Monstructor and Logicor. It was but a taste....a fleeting taste....of the future that I will bring to our race. All are one. Embrace your destiny. End this pitiful charade."<<

>>”Never. You will die today.”<< Scorponok, full of self-righteous fury - replied back to Jhiaxus’ transmission before turning to Finback, his chosen captain for his mighty flagship, ”Ready the fleet for whatever defenses Jhiaxus has prepared!”

Waiting for no answer from Finback, Scorponok’s attention turned to one of the Reflector components sitting by an instrument panel, ”Reflector! Scan the planet for changes! Something has changed, I can see it even from here.”

”Cyclonus.” Scorponok, having calmed down some - addressed his most capable lieutenant, ”We need to adjust our strategy. Recommendations?”

The Semper Tyrannis--Bridge

Jhiaxus had his answer almost as quickly as he had asked. Cyclonus had expected no different. A part of him had hoped that Jhiaxus would have been able to find a new purpose in this new age, but it was clear that he was too far gone. They would have to put him out of his misery and salvage what they could.

>>"All are one, all are one, all are one..."<< Jhiaxus whispered softly through the commlink.

Once Scorponok had barked his answer, Cyclonus motioned for Reflector to cut the link between the ship and the surface.

”Reflector! Scan the planet for changes! Something has changed, I can see it even from here,” Scorponok continued.

"Scanning as we speak, my lord," Reflector began. "It appears as-"

"As I was saying when we came out of transwarp," Cyclonus interjected, having noted that Reflector--surely inadvertently--had cut him off from his earlier report to Lord Scorponok. It would not happen a second time. "Jhiaxus appears to have activated some form of mechaforming technology. He's in the process of cyberforming the planet. It's radiating outward from where we discovered his original base of operations."

”Cyclonus. We need to adjust our strategy. Recommendations?”

"Agreed," Cyclonus nodded, thinking about his dealings with Jhiaxus in the past. Though his experience was a tool, it was not a foolproof one. After all, this was not the same mech who had once been so subservient to Nova Prime. His time in isolation had clearly stripped rationality from his thought processes. There was only so much strategy that could be involved when dealing with the unpredictable.

"He knows we're coming. In order to not jeopardize our vanguard, I believe we should deploy the captives. Give them the hope of freedom in exchange for their serving as fodder to trigger anything Jhiaxus has lying in wait for us. Then we strike in full."

Semper Tyrannis – Hanger

"Alright, go. Just go. Next!"

“Thank you,” Slog said, nodding, and motioning for the others to follow. He was pleased the Seekers had seen things his way, though he didn’t know what he would’ve done had they refused.

Go through proper channels?

It’d take too long, and besides, he didn’t like the idea of leaving Umbra with another group. As much as she’d proven herself to him, he knew how the rank and file Decepticons would react. They’d test her, push her into a confrontation she may not be able to win. And where would that leave him and his Monstercons?

The thought was enough to cause his energon flow to slow, causing his servos to lock and slip for an astrosecond. It wasn’t anything serious, and he hid it from those around him well, or so he thought.

Until that moment, he hadn’t truly thought of the possibility of he and his team joining into Monstructor again. It’d been a passing thought, an excuse to… to what? Avoid combat until their processors had fully integrated their experience? An excuse to avoid any scenario that involved becoming that… thing again?

Both of those, and more, but he was slowly accepting the fact they may have to merge and become one again. To lose himself, his individuality and spark, for eternity in such a monstrosity was unthinkable.

He pushed the thought aside. It hadn’t come to that, and now it was time to prepare themselves to confront their tormentor. And disassemble him as slowly and painfully as Primus allowed before his spark faded and died.

His new desire to avenge him and his comrades on that mech was swelling, growing with each step he took toward the front of the line. Somehow, he knew the others were behind him. He may not be the leader most within the Decepticon ranks expected or accepted, but if they were to seek out Jhaixus, he saw few more capable of completing the mission than his group.

As he reached the front and waited as the two Seekers explained to the mech how he and the Monstercons had been expedited, he found himself looking forward to stepping on the field of battle for the first time in eons. It was also the first time he’d physically taken the lead for his team.

He’d always believed that a leader’s place was among his warriors to show comradery, only to take the front when leading his troops into battle. Now, he was beginning to understand that every day was a battle until they made peace with what they were and had become.

There comes a time when every piece of art must see the light of day if it is to flourish and be appreciated.

Semper Tyrannis – Corridors to Med Bay/CR Chamber Rows

Cutthroat stalks though the Semper Tyrannis’ corridors, glaring at any Decepticon that is slow to get out of his way. Most just move, their optics either locked on his still unclosed wounds or on their work.

He knows the reputation of the Terrorcons, and he relishes the fear on their faceplates. It’s the lone sense of satisfaction he’s gotten since the battle on Garrus-9. Since then, he’d faced setback after setback. Three of them, to be exact, and the thought of losing three meals fueled his desire to complete his repairs in the CR chamber as fast as possible. Then, if Hun-Grrr had no further plans for them, he would return to the hanger and find that little orange ‘Bot.

The sheer pleasure of ripping him a part, of his energon and oil splashing onto his face as fuel lines ruptured caused him to smile.

He didn’t notice or care that a service mech tripped over his tools at seeing the smile and thinking it was directed at it. No, Cutthroat’s attention was to what would happen post repairs.

Hun-Grrr wants us repaired, so a mission must be soon. I will dip my beak in…

His thoughts trailed off as he rounded the corner and entered the med bay.

The crash and roar came from the CR rows in the next chamber. The medics looked toward the entranceway to the CR chamber with their optics wide, causing Cutthroat to chuckle. Only then did one of them notice him, but he ignored the medic and crossed the room and entered the CR chamber.

He wasn’t surprised to see Blot of all mechs standing nearby, glaring at the offending CR chamber. Or what was left of it. “Still having trouble, Blot? How have you survived this long not knowing the basic controls—“ Cutthroat paused when the CR chamber he selected didn’t open.

Growling to himself, he pressed the series of controls, and that time it opened. He glared at the controls, then his hand and its damaged fingers. At least it’s not incompetence. He paused, contemplating whether it would be wise to leave Blot where he was after insulting him.

He deserves to suffer for what he did.

Cutthroat glanced at one of his damaged sections where his fellow Terrorcons had attacked him for not obeying Hun-Grrr’s orders. While the idea of leaving Hun-Grrr’s bootlicker here to wallow in his own misery, the idea of what his fellow Terrorcon would do while Cutthroat was in a chamber didn’t sit well with him.

Stepping aside, he motioned to the open chamber. “Here, before you bring Hun-Grrr’s wrath down on all of us.”

Without looking back, he walked to another chamber, and entered the codes, this time with his non-damaged hand and stepped into it once it opened. His smile widened as the chamber sealed and started filling. Soon he would be repaired and recharged. Then another hunt would begin.

The Semper Tyrannis--Bridge

”That much is for granted,” Scorponok spoke out in response to Cyclonus’ statement regarding the cyberforming of LV-117 while staring intently at the ever sharpening details of the planet’s holographic projection. ”The sheer scope of what he has done with as little time he had is astonishing.”

"He knows we're coming. In order to not jeopardize our vanguard, I believe we should deploy the captives. Give them the hope of freedom in exchange for their serving as fodder to trigger anything Jhiaxus has lying in wait for us. Then we strike in full."

”And what stops the Autobots from trying to cut a deal with Jhiaxus and cooperating with him against us?” Scorponok challenged Cyclonus in order to clarify the plan his lieutenant had in mind, ”Can we count on Jhiaxus being spiteful enough to want revenge on the Autobots for his imprisonment instead of using them to strengthen his current position against us?”

Semper Tyrannus: Corridors

Bludgeon, still patched in to the bridge through comms, stopped at the suggestion of using captives to spring traps.

Though a good way to get rid of dead weight; he never cared for dragging around captives; he was wary of untrained and excitable Autobots getting in his way.

>>"If you release the captives as cannon fodder..."<< Bludgeon interjected, >>"May I caution sending in the captives too close to the coordinates of our arrival point? Using them as a distraction from us seems the most logical."<< He paused a moment.

>>"If you must send in a distraction, I would recommend use of the Insecticon clones, at least they could be controlled."<< He added. >>"However, that would simply be my personal preference. As long as whatever you send stays out of my way, I will not question."<<

--

Nightbird tracked down Snarler and dropped off the bullets for him before making her way towards the space bridge. However, she ended up rendezvousing with Bludgeon and Bomb Burst in the corridors. Bludgeon standing stark still but saying nothing.

She looked to Bomb Burst, but he simply shrugged.

--
>>"I assume comms with the bridge..."<< Bomb Burst sent to Nightbird privately so not to disturb Bludgeon. He was not in the command comms, and as Bludgeon hadn't made him privy as well, he assumed the need to know did not include him, leaving him to focus on the plan of attack.


---

Nightbird nodded.

"I am ready to go... We are just waiting on Skullgrin." She said softly.

The Semper Tyrannis--Bridge

”And what stops the Autobots from trying to cut a deal with Jhiaxus and cooperating with him against us? Can we count on Jhiaxus being spiteful enough to want revenge on the Autobots for his imprisonment instead of using them to strengthen his current position against us?”

Cyclonus had been thinking through this strategy. He had not simply tossed it out on a whim. He had been preparing moves and countermoves since he first got his mobility back. The Autobots were a resource now. He intended to make use of them.

"The Jhiaxus of old? Of him, I would say his dissatisfaction with his imprisonment would have been more than sufficient. In his current mental state? We cannot rely on what he might or might not do. It's anyone's guess."

Cyclonus paused.

"However...I intend to give them very little time to come to any arrangement. Once they've sprung whatever traps he has in store, even if they did manage to ally together...their forces are decimated. They stand no chance of repelling our offensive units. Fortress Maximus would be choosing to make his last stand on LV-117. He's broken, but not that far gone. I suspect he will latch onto whatever glimmer of hope you offer him in the hopes that he can salvage the lives of those that remain."

Semper Tyrannis – CR Chamber Rows

Having already stopped by the armory to re-equip his weapons, Rippersnapper checked the ship’s sensors to find the location of the rest of the Terrorcons, especially Hun-Grrr. Once he had done that, it didn’t take Ripper long to reach his master amongst the CR chamber rows. When he arrived, the terrorist spotted both Blot and Cutthroat entering a pair of chambers while their master was already within another. The shark beast peered inside and saw that they were not just receiving repairs but getting coated with organic material, as well!

“Uh, disgusting!” Rippersnapper exclaimed as he backed away from the Terrorcon Commander’s unit. The former actor hated organics more than anything. The mere smell of them, whether it be sentient creatures or plant life, made him go into an uncontrolled frenzy. Now, he and his comrades were going to be covered in it just like the last time they had visited this filthy little planet. Gross!

>>”Commander Hun-Grrr, this is Rippersnapper. I don’t know if your can hear me in there, but how in the Pit am I supposed to cover myself in that sludge? You know what happens when I get just a whiff of organics and now I have to coat my frame in it...again?! You're going to have to deactivate my olfactory sensors if you want me to go along on this mission, boss.”<<

The Semper Tyrannis - Bridge

"The Jhiaxus of old? Of him, I would say his dissatisfaction with his imprisonment would have been more than sufficient. In his current mental state? We cannot rely on what he might or might not do. It's anyone's guess." Cyclonus paused. "However...I intend to give them very little time to come to any arrangement. Once they've sprung whatever traps he has in store, even if they did manage to ally together...their forces are decimated. They stand no chance of repelling our offensive units. Fortress Maximus would be choosing to make his last stand on LV-117. He's broken, but not that far gone. I suspect he will latch onto whatever glimmer of hope you offer him in the hopes that he can salvage the lives of those that remain."

”He will.” Scorponok stated out with absolute certainty in his voice. A hint of a smug grin curved on his lips. Cyclonus was right. He couldn’t trust all of the captured Autobots to do as they wanted but Fortress Maximus would sacrifice even his life if it meant saving the lives of the others from Decepticon cruelty the Autobot leader likely envisioned for their future. And given how much respect the heroes likes of Ultra Magnus, Thunderclash and Fortress Maximus held within the Autobot ranks, it was likely most Autobots would follow his lead. It might not matter much in the grand scheme of things but given how Jhiaxus already knew they were here – it was worth the shot to try something unconventional.

>>"If you release the captives as cannon fodder..."<< Bludgeon interjected, >>"May I caution sending in the captives too close to the coordinates of our arrival point? Using them as a distraction from us seems the most logical."<< He paused a moment. >>"If you must send in a distraction, I would recommend use of the Insecticon clones, at least they could be controlled."<< He added. >>"However, that would simply be my personal preference. As long as whatever you send stays out of my way, I will not question."<<

”We will drop them on his front door. You will observe from a distance.” Scorponok spoke out in response to Bludgeon, ”Jhiaxus knows of the Insecticons. He is more likely to expect them than the Autobots coming for him. Which might give us an upper hand against the unknown we face for he has us at disadvantage.”

Scorponok leaned his chin against the backside of his right claw. ”Yes. We will use the Autobots.”

”Arrange it Cyclonus.”

ctrlFrequency wrote:Semper Tyrannus: near the bar

As he and Nova Storm neared the bar, Acid Storm noted they encountered less and less mechs And upon entering the bar they found it very quiet.

He didn't figure that would last long, but at least the two would be able to find a comfortable spot. He walked to the bar to order some energon.

"Maybe we should call up Stormy to help liven this place up a bit." He said to Nova with a soft chuckle.

Semper Tyrannus: near the bar

Nova looked over at Acid when he made the comment about calling Stormy to help liven up this place a bit. "I can only try to get a hold of him." He activated his comm to reach Stormy. <"Stormy, come in, it is Nova.">

Semper Tyrannis – CR Chamber Rows

>>”Commander Hun-Grrr, this is Rippersnapper. I don’t know if your can hear me in there, but how in the Pit am I supposed to cover myself in that sludge? You know what happens when I get just a whiff of organics and now I have to coat my frame in it...again?! You're going to have to deactivate my olfactory sensors if you want me to go along on this mission, boss.”<<

From within the CR chamber Hun-Grrr’s cold, silvery optics flashed to life as Rippersnapper contacted him against his better judgement. Even in the chamber, half covered in synthesized flesh, the Terrorcon loomed over his follower – staring holes through the terrorist’s cranium. A scowl appeared on his harsh features, revealing sharp fangs uncommon for most Cybertronians in their true form.

The stare told Rippersnapper everything. Find a way. Find a way or suffer my wrath. There were no words. Only the silent threat of unrestrained torment Hun-Gar would unleash upon Rippersnapper were he to fail him - lingered in the silence.

Hun-Gurr’s optics offlined as the beast allowed the process to proceed. He had given his warning to one of his own. Would Rippersnapper heed to it? That remained to be seen.

Semper Tyrannis – CR Chamber Rows

Rippersnapper took a hard gulp when he saw the intense glare of his master bore holes into him as though drills were actually being applied. Hun-Grrr’s scowl said all the shark beast needed to hear without a single word being spoken. The former actor remembered the last time the Terrorcon Commander had been forced to flip the killswitch to Ripper’s olfactory sensors. The violence and pain that had been inflicted upon the land shark was something he would rather not endure a second time. Instead, he would have to do the deed himself this time.

“Fine,” Rippersnapper mumbled under his breath once Hun-Grrr had off-lined his optics. The shark monster then transformed back into his robot mode and quickly found a quiet place off in a nearby corner of the room. Once there, Ripper reached behind his cranium and used one of his taloned digits to unscrew a small panel on the back of his head. After the panel was removed, the former actor reached back again and carefully flipped the killswitch inside of his cranial unit to the offline position. Immediately, Rippersnapper noticed his sense of smell disappear. Letting out a low growl of displeasure, the terrorist replaced the small panel and screwed it firmly into place again.

“There, I hope the master is happy,” Rippersnapper grumbled once more as he moved over to an empty CR chamber and entered the appropriate commands into the console. The door slide open with a hiss and the former actor reluctantly stepped inside. Not only was his olfactory sensors now offline but he would soon be covered from head to toe with disgusting organic sludge. How doubly humiliating. With not another astrosecond wasted, Ripper allowed the CR chamber door to close and the degrading process to begin.

CR Chamber Rows

Another pod hissed as the fluids had finished draining within. The door began to open and Octopunch’s clawed actuators wrapped around its edge. The salvager pulled himself up and emerged from his pod. Now coated in the protective flesh, Octopunch flexed his motor systems to get a feel for this new coating. Crude, albeit effective. While others seemed displeased with the process, the multicolored Decepticon was finding himself enjoying the slimy texture of this external skin. Smooth...

Seeing Snaptrap and the rest of the aqua-squad assembling and receiving their biological protection, Octopunch sloshed a few steps out of the way to allow others access to the berth he had just occupied.

“Ready when you are, Snaptrap. Heh.”

-

Snapdragon strolled into room or rows shortly after his stop at the brig. Apeface as usual had given a hard time about his habits and fondness for grease baths. While he was right about it being no contest, LV-117 was more likely to have natural tar and sludge pools given its extremely rapid environmental changes. Garrus 9 did not supply anything decent for mule him over short of using spilt energon as a means of satisfying his habit. The Horrorcon was longingly for something volatile and sludge-like to grease his joints again.

The reptilian Horrorcon approached the nearest empty berth, not paying any mind to the other mechs who were gathering for their turn to receive the protective coating themselves. At least he didn’t need to bark any sort of reminder to them, the Decepticons present seemed to know what they were doing here. Stepping into the pod, Snapdragon closed the pod and booted up the process. He offlined his optics but kept his communication line on internally so that he could still listen in and report on Lord Scorponok’s battle plans. The tank began to fill with the specialized fluids and the process soon began.

Bridge

Finback keyed in several commands on his monitor as Scorponok had ordered to ready the defenses. The sailor of old only coughed in response as he began to redirect some of the power from the engines into the shields and onboard weapon systems. He kept the engines warm and was ready to reroute power again should the Tyrannis need to make any sudden evasive maneuvers. As long as they weren’t diving straight into those ion storms below, there wasn’t anything Jhiaxus could throw at him that he wouldn’t be ready for.

“Grah! The’sound of that loon’s voice drives nails straight into the audio receptors.” Finback commented shortly after Reflector managed to silent the comms. “Standin’ by for any surprises from the surface, Lord Scorponok.”

The Semper Tyrannis--Bridge

Cyclonus nodded in acknowledgement of Scorponok's orders, in light of the commander's acceptance of his stratagem. There was only one Autobot he needed to talk to.
___

Brig

Having been unceremoniously shoved to the floor, the imposing Autobot General could have resisted and held his ground like a statue, forcing the Horrorcon to the ground instead from the recoil of momentum. But he didn't. Rather, he allowed the Decepticon his nominal victory. What did such theatrics matter now? Maximus' attention was focused on how he could keep his remaining Autobots alive and functional for one more orn. And then one more after that.

On the wall across from Maximus' cell, a panel slid away and several sub-panels transformed into a viewscreen. When it had activated fully, it was the face of Cyclonus on the other end.

"Fortress Maximus...I would have a word," the lithe, purple Decepticon said. Maximus barely lifted his head. The fact that it had been Cyclonus had been one of the only reasons he did so. Of the many Decepticons he had encountered, Cyclonus had been one of the few he had secretly hoped could be convinced to switch sides. He had done terrible things, yes, but there was a code of honor there that many other Decepticons lacked. It was unfortunate that it was so misguided. Nevertheless, if this Decepticon wanted to have "a word", Maximus would at least hear him out.

"To what end?" the Autobot replied, exhaustion evident in his voice. Not physical exhaustion. Emotional.

"To....perhaps...the survival of your remaining forces," Cyclonus said evenly.

Maximus lifted his head a little higher, now looking directly at the Decepticon on the screen. Soundwave was not on board, was he? Misplaced honor code or not, there were only a select handful of subjects Cyclonus could have wanted to discuss that would have garnered any more of Maximus' attention. He had just so happened to select the preeminent one.

"I'm listening."

[CR Chamber Area]

While it was unfortunate that the training simulation was over so soon, it was nevertheless going to be replaced with a more exciting event - a hunt. That too, for the crazed madmech. "Heh." Tentakil smiled. This was going to be fun.

He made his way over to a CR Chamber to get himself loaded up with the organic flesh coating. While other mechs despised organics, the undersea demolitionist had no qualms or prejudices against the carbon based lifeforms. Tentakil wasn't the most acquainted with computers and such, so it took him a second to understand what he was looking at, but once he found the correct settings, he moved himself right in front of the pod, tapping the buttons on the console with one of his large tentacles. Stepping inside, he felt the familiar ambience of the CR Chamber once again, and promptly offlined his optics to allow the process to begin.

...

...

Pshhhh

The pod's door opened with a hiss. Tentakil stepped outside, newly dressed in organics, looking to see that others nearby were also doing the same. He found a fellow 'con to his side, Octopunch. "Hehe, how're you doing, Octopunch?"

Semper Tyrannis- Brig

At the end of the line of prisoners was Wheelie. He hated being captive and hated these stinking cons shoving his fellow Autobots around, but there wasn't much he could do about it. He was just a minibot amongst many larger mechs who could stomp him like an insect. However, he had to remind himself that all his life had pretty much been a challenge and this was no different besides the circumstances.

He was directed to an open cell and picked up by his collar and thrown into it by a brutish guard. Wheelie smacked into the wall and fell. It hurt a bit. He got up slowly, rubbing an elbow and then straightening out a servo in his leg.

'Here we are again, locked up in a pen.', the orange youth thought to himself. He went and sat on the bench, and noticed something creepy in the corner nearest he was seated and he let out a cry"AHHHH!!!", it was a grey corpse of another mech...mutilated and basically skeletal. Now he was stuck here....his energon pump was on overdrive for a bit. He was trying to calm himself though. It was a corpse after all. It couldn't hurt him....could it?

Semper Tyrannis--Corridors

"Hey! HEY! Goldie! Stop!" a voice called out as Goldrush walked the expansive corridor network of this Decepticon battleship after having been successfully "processed". Goldrush turned to see a black-and-tan Seeker chasing after him.

Once the Seeker had caught up to his position, Goldrush found himself summarily shoved against the nearby wall and handed a datapad.

"Ya deaf? Geez," the Seeker huffed.

"N-No? Sorry. Was just in my own head a little. Haven't been on a proper warship in a good long time. Takes some getting used to, you know?"

"Yeah, well, don't get comfy. We got new orders for you, from the Vice Commander."

Satisfied that he had done his part, the Seeker turned and walked away, leaving the businessmech staring confusedly at the datapad.

"What's this? I'm not a combat mech!" Goldrush called out after the Seeker.

"'Course ya'are. Yer a Decepticon. Don't be late. Hah hah hah. All hail Megatron!" the Seeker called out as he rounded a corner and disappeared from sight.

"Insanity," Goldrush muttered, nervously pacing off in the other direction.

Brig

Nosecone watched as his fellow Autobots were escorted past his cell and into their own cells. Many of them he knew with one standing out notably by sheer size, Fortress Maximus. The well known general and former warden of Garrus-9 had looked a lot better. One Autobot Nosecone had hoped to see was Scattershot but still no sign of their group commander. As much of a pain in the chassis he can be, he was still a Technobot and probably one of the better commanders he had served under in many years.

"Hey Lightspeed, Strafe, and Afterburner, have any of you seen our illustrious leader Scattershot? I didn't see him in the parade of prisoners who just went by. Thankfully I did see Fortress Maximus and several other of our friends including some of our former cell mates in this exact brig. I guess they wised up and kept us apart."



Medbay-CR Chamber area

The CR chamber with Seawing opened up to reveal him to be covered in organic goo once again. He stepped out wondering how long it will be before he can get this stuff off of himself. He looked around and saw Octopunch and Tentakill out of their chambers but no sign of Snaptrap. It probably took a little longer for his coating due to his much larger size than the rest of the Seacons. Seawing then walked over to Octopunch.

"So Octopunch, by the looks of your organic goo, I'm betting you are joining us in our aquatic adventure. Will you be operating independent or did Snaptrap pull a few wires and get you to rejoin us for this mission?"

Semper Tyrannis – Hangar
Looking around at the remaining mechs in the hanger, Airachnid suppressed a groan, knowing any chance she had to escape from the ship was nearly completely gone. There was still the possibility she could break away from the good doctor, or eliminate him if he got in the way as he’d already done, but she pushed those thoughts aside. Synapse may be an aloof fool at times, but he was the lone Decepticon that had ever shown her any kindness. The rest either wanted to kill her or send her where she’d be killed. How she had survived this long since breaking ranks with them was beyond her.

And yet, here I am again. Back in the web of mindless, bludgeoning brutality that only serves their personal goals.

She had to smile at that as she easily fit into that category.

Except I have creativity and panache when it comes to dealing death.

A perfect example was how Synapse had almost lost his head. Had he not told her his story, she would’ve assumed it was through some mindless act of their Decepticon brethren. The fact she would’ve been correct wouldn’t have surprised her. The fact it hadn’t been through an attack only helped to prove her point.

Still, she appreciated hearing Synapse trust her enough to share such a story. She had no doubt he had an ulterior motive — he played with mech’s processors as a specialty, after all. As a mental assassin herself, deviousness came with the territory, though he hadn’t shown that part of him to her. Yet.

As a Seeker ran a scanner over her, she crossed her arms to keep from knock it out of the mech’s hands. With her patience nearly at an end, she said, “Is this really necessary? If I was a threat, I would’ve displayed that by now.”

Any soft spot in her spark towards Synapse didn’t extend to the others, and she leveled her iciest glare at the Seekers. “Take me to your leader, boys.” Time to implement her backup plan.