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Decepticon Dropship ST – 4

Cipher felt a shiver run through his entire frame at the thought of one, or all of the Terrorcons turning on them once they finally arrived at their destination. The scientist’s attention was broken from his thoughts of dismemberment by Terrorcon when Mindwipe answered his query concerning Rippersnapper in particular.

Cipher nodded slowly at the hypnotist’s assessment. If need be he would most assuredly run for his life. At the sight of Hun-Grrr Cipher moved to the side along with Mindwipe, grabbed the rest of the supplies and equipment and finally made his way out of the dropship. The synthetic covering seemed to be working the way it should- his sensors indicated a considerable decrease in the radiation absorbed by his own body. A small, awkward smile crossed his visage.

With the considerable radiation that was present on this planet would hinder the entire team’s movement if they decided to fly to their destination. The small smile that had formed on Cipher’s face faded into a deep frown as he took in the scenery before him. Unusual plants filled his view, overhead the strange winged creatures circled; thankfully Cutthroat saw fit to take them out.

“This is going to be a long trek. I had hoped that we would be able to fly to our end point,” he mumbled.

His attention moved from Cutthroat to that of the western perimeter where Sinnertwin who not far from the landing sight. Cipher took in a deep intake and prepared to turn to find Mindwpie when his sensors indicated the presence of another cybertronian in the vicinity. The scientist nearly dropped his burden. Who else could be on this planet? No one told us that there were other sentient life forms here?

After a moment of fear and then quiet contemplation a realization occurred to him. This being, who could be an abandoned Autobot, could be their team’s best chance at finding what they were looking for. Quickly Cipher looked to Hun-Grrr who had just ordered his team to enter the CR chamber in order to have them encase themselves in their own synthetic skins. Cipher trotted back up the ramp to stand in front of the Terrorcon Commander.

“Hun-Grrr! There’s a perimeter breach at Sinnertwin’s location! You need to order your subordinate to stand down! Whoever or whatever he’s come across could benefit our endeavor.”

He paused a moment before he calmed himself and continued to explain his reasoning.

“The radiation surrounding this planet is causing havoc with our compass data. Navigating blindly, or even using the stars, would be impossible. From our location they are not even visible. Not to mention the ion storms and the clouds that are holding the ion charges, and flying will be neigh impossible.”

Cipher brought his right hand to his head rubbing gently and using his left hand to emphasize his explanation, he continued to speak to the Terrorcon.

“This person, at least I’m guessing it’s a person, has obviously been here for some time. If we could convince him to guide us to our destination our travel time could be cut significantly. Besides, we know where we need to go, but we have no clue as to what lies between here and our intended destination.”

A wide smile crossed his lips as he thought of one other aspect the Commander would enjoy hearing.

“And once we’re done with him you can utilize his energon for your own purposes and then feed him to the rest of your team.”

Skies to the South

The call came to Cutthroat from Hun-Grr but it was not answered. The murderous Decepticon's mind was fully focused on slaughter. The birds before him lost any significance beyond they insulting him by still being alive. The powerful winds of the planet quickly carried both the birds and their tormentor further away from the drop ship.

Decepticon Dropship ST-4

Encased in energon radiation resistant synthetic flesh, Hun-Grrr stepped out of the dropship while Blot lumbered his way into the CR chamber. While the Terrorcon commander didn't really care whether his men took the protective casing for themselves or not, it was better to take the precaution when it came to his most loyal subordinate. Quite frankly, the thought of Blot becoming even duller was simply unacceptable.

"I took Rippernapper's olfactory sensors offline." Hun-Grrr smirked at Mindwipe, "In theory. You should be safe."

Having addressed the concerns of the two scientists, Hun-Grrr began gauging the radiation levels he was subjected to. He was satisfied enough with the protection the synthetic flesh offered him. However, the coating had been modeled for his creature mode and thus there were gaps in its protection in his robot form. A quick transformation into his alternate mode proved his initial assumption true. In his creature mode of an Algean two-headed razor beast - the synthetic flesh covered his massive form completely, leaving no gaps, nor allowing any radiation to affect him. And even Hun-Grrr had to admit that the process had left his monstrous creature mode even more imposing than it had been previously.

While Hun-Grrr was still admiring his new fearsome outlook, one of the more science oriented Decepticons they had been sent to protect interrupted him. And the way he was interrupted was brought forth as more of an order than a request. It was a mistake Cipher would not repeat. Both of Hun-Grrr's dragonic heads, each almost size of the smaller Decepticon - lowered themselves to face Cipher optic to optic, their maws dropping synthesized drool. If the scientist wanted to speak to him, he would have to address Hun-Grrr as his superior. The promise of letting him to devour Sinnertwin's found later did not help Cipher's position at all.

"Neverrr again scrrribe." One of Hun-Grrr's heads snarled while the other made a threatening snap of its jaws just inches from Cipher's face. "Neverrr trrry to orrrderrr Hun-Grrr again."

Threatening Cipher in such way didn't really have anything to do with what the scientist had said. The original Terrorcon just enjoyed terrorizing others. Particularly those who were so weak willed that they could be intimidated through such minor provocations. That aside, the scientist had been right. The atmosphere was charged with ions. It was only matter of astroseconds before Cutthroat would learn it the hard way and suffer a system blackout that was going to drop him from the skies. The Semper Tyrannis was also unable to provide them gps data due to the very same reason they could not use stars for navigation. Even Cipher's claim about compass data was something Hun-Grrr was able to verify himself. If Sinnertwin had encountered a sentient lifeform - they were going to exploit it. Anyone who had lived here for a longer period of time had to know how to navigate this area - the very survival of such being depended on that.

>>"Sinnerrrtwin! Brrring the thing to base camp! Alive!" <<

Decepticon Dropship ST–4

"In theory" they should be safe. In theory were the words that Hungrr had chosen. Those words had caused the Decepticon hypnotist to cringe just a little more, internally, as he walked over to the chamber that the large Terrorcon had exited and proceeded to upload the data on the form that he had chosen. There were some impressive chiropterans inhabiting this world. It had made for a fairly easy decision. Even his alt-mode was roughly based on such creatures. He had been inspired by their design ever since he had seen images of them.

"Join you soon," Mindwipe said as he brought his optics offline and the chamber doors closed around him.
___

Western Perimeter

"What is a Decepticon? Wheelie also doesn't want to be fed upon!" the creature had spoken.

"It speaks in riddles and in rhyme, little knowing it has no time," Sinnertwin chided, much as he had with Mindwipe earlier, mimicking his prey's vocal style and relishing the scent of fresh metallic compounds. How sweet they would taste. How easily this one would come apart.

"We are Decepticons. You are not. That is all that..."

One of Sinnertwin's heads lifted in to the air again, sniffing, as a communique from their leader came in. This time it was to him directly. To disobey such a direct command would be to invite oblivion.

Just as quickly as Sinnertwin had pounced on top of the smaller mech, he transformed back in to his bot mode and hauled the little proto to his feet.

"It will come with me," Sinnertwin said, pushing Wheelie forward. "Run...and I make no promises that it will see the hungry one in one piece."

Decepticon Dropship ST – 4

Cipher physically relaxed at the mention of Rippersnapper’s olfactory sensors being taken off line. It was a relief to know that not only he, but Mindwipe, would be spared the terrorist’s unyielding ire for organic scents. A forced smile grew on the scientist’s face as he hoisted the container holding some of his equipment and made to advance forward when was suddenly stopped. Hun-Grrr lowered both of his alt mode’s heads only coming optic to optic with Cipher. Promptly the smaller Decepticon dropped the container and backed off several steps for fear of being devoured by the Terrorcon Commander.

His body began to shake almost uncontrollably as both heads spoke in unison. Cipher’s optics grew wide with dread at the sound coming from both mouths – which were lined with razor sharp teeth and dripping with a synthesized droool. The shiver that ran down Cipher’s spinal structure caused him to only respond with a high pitched squeak followed by a vigorous nod.

After his command, Hun-Grrr emphasized his words with a hideous snap of his jaws directly in the scientist’s face. The action had Cipher hurriedly jump back; losing his balance he fell backwards landing on his back, prostrate nearly underneath the lumbering giant. As quickly as could he scrambled to back to his feet and swiftly moved even further away from the menacing beast.

As if on cue Rippersnapper came out of the tree lined perimeter rubbing firmly at the back of his head. The pain from Hun-Grrr’s blow was still causing a slight ringing in his audial receptors. He cast his commander a heated glare before he even realized that he was covered in a disgusting organic shell. A sneer grew on the terrorist’s face as he raised his nose into the air and took a deep sniff. Nothing.

Rippersnapper let out a defeated sigh as he looked from the Terrorcon Commander to Cipher, who was cowering behind the hypnotist. He approached both Decepticons with purpose until he was directly in front of Mindwipe. The white and blue ‘Con then lowered his head down toward Mindwipe’s shoulder and took in a sniff at Cipher. Nothing, still. How degrading. Hun-Grrr had taken his olfactory sensors offline…again.

The ‘Con let out a dejected sigh as he made his way back to his commander.

“I suppose I’ll have to encase myself in that…that…vile coat. Humph. I was never even going to get a say, was I.”

It wasn’t a question, just a sad attempt at making him feel better. Turning on his heel, Rippersnapper made his way to the computer terminal in order to choose the shroud he would be covering his pristine Cybertronian body in. How humiliating.

Western Perimeter

Wheelie's mind spun, what in the name of Primus was a "Decepticon"? Why was this mech so blasted mean? Wheelie figured it was some sort of thing to say to reference an older Transformer, which Wheelie was not. Wheelie was suddenly pulled to his feet and pushed along like a prisoner in a story he read in one of the Holo Books.

"Wheelie understands fully," Wheelie said with a stark frown after stumbling a bit to regain his balance, "But Wheelie doesn't like this bully!"

He walked forward, taking the occasional look back at Sinnertwin to see if the two headed Transformer was still drooling and dreaming about something grizzly. Wheelie kept his slingshot hidden, Fire Stone still inside if he was threatened further.

"Wheelie doesn't want to be a feeder, Wheelie ask to take him to your leader!" Wheelie said as he walked at a steady pace.

Western Perimeter--Approaching Dropship

This one would be turn asunder so easily. If they were allowed to do it, so much the better. But Sinnertwin would also be content to watch Hungrr do the same thing.

"That...is precisely where it is going," Sinnertwin said, prodding the younger Cybertronian along further.

Through bramble and brush, the Terrorcon and his captive eventually made it through to the clearing where the ship had been landed.

"It should make its peace with Primus. It will meet him soon. So soon."
___

Decepticon Dropship ST–4

As the chamber opened and Mindwipe's core systems and optics came back online, he couldn't help but feel different. Revoltingly so.

Climbing out of the chamber, everything even felt different. There was a small, soft, fleshy barrier between the purity of his sensors and everything else. He looked at Cipher as he once again gathered the equipment that the other mech had asked for help carrying earlier and walked toward the shuttle's bay doors.

"Ugh....I just want to peel this stuff off and risk the radiation poisoning," he moaned, looking out in to the surrounding wilderness. As he did, he could clearly hear a rustling in the nearby brush. The cause of the disturbance soon revealed itself. It was Sinnertwin. Sinnertwin and....?

"What in Cybertron?" Mindwipe said, his optics zooming in further before looking back at Cipher and Hungrr. "We found a native? A refugee?"

How long had he been reformatting in that chamber?

Decepticon Dropship ST – 4

His optics remained focused solely on the Terrorcon Commander, but when Rippersnapper finally emerged from the tree lined perimeter, Cipher physically stiffened. What if Hun-Grrr hadn’t shut off the terrorist’s olfactory receptors completely? What then? His intakes hitched when he noticed Rippersnapper slowly making his way over. The white and blue ‘Con lowered his head until he was staring optic to optic with the smaller mech. Cipher turned away from the Terrorcon’s face, offlined his optics, and waited for the inevitable.

He was surprised; however, when all Rippersnapper did was take in a sniff. At the sound of his sigh, Cipher cautiously onlined his optics and turned his head to see the ‘Con had retreated to one of the computer terminals in order to find a proper coating.

His entire frame was a quivering mess as he carefully back stepped toward the CR chamber. It was then that Mindwipe finally emerged. Cipher quickly made his way to stand behind the larger mech, his head close to the hypnotist’s shoulder where he whispered into his audio receptor.

“They’re going to eat me once this mission is over, I just know it. But before that happens, kill me. I don’t think I could take it if I had to feel myself sliding down their throats.”

Rippersnapper let loose an audible grunt once he had found an almost acceptable covering. He moved toward the CR chamber and programmed it to format the synthetic coating, and stepped inside.

Cipher relaxed, but only slightly. As the newly synthetic lined Mindwipe picked up the equipment and made his way out of the ship the scientist followed. He watched as the skin covered shrike bat took in his new outer layer. Cipher had to admit, the whole ordeal was devastatingly humiliating.

Cipher’s attention was caught when he heard the confused vocals of his fellow comrade. Sinnertwin had arrived with the mysterious Cybertronian in tow. But it was a small one. Nothing more than a protoform…not even a youngling.

“Refugee, maybe, but definitely no native. It looks as though he’s been here for quite some time.”

The scientist tentatively approached Hun-Grrr.

“Commander, permission to speak with the...the captive?”

Skies to the South

There was not time for Cutthroat to even register what was happening before his body was showered with Ions. His screech of pain was purely instinctual as he lost his hold on the current that carried him and plummeted to the earth. He struck the ground hard and was still. Most Transformers would figure to have become deactivated by the combination of the charge and the fall however Cutthroat possessed great endurance and his systems refused to fully shut down.

After a moment Cutthroat struggled to his feet and shook his head. He stumbled deeper into the rocky wilderness in a daze. There was no conscious reason for this just an instinctual determination to not stay down.

Decepticon Dropship ST-4

Despite the short lived fun Hun-Grrr had had by scaring the lubricant out of Cipher, he was starting to get annoyed with the constant griping by both the scientist and particularly Mindwipe. While the two scientists weren't exactly directing their chatter for the large Terrorcon to hear, his sensitive audio receptors kept him updated on their latest concerns nevertheless. Their only redemption in Hun-Grrr's eyes was the genuine fear both Decepticons felt in the presence of the Terrorcons. The deep satisfaction from their fear did their part in the feeble attempt of filling the endless void that was the primal hunger for power and dominance in Hun-Grrr's spark.

"And you call yourrrself a Decepticon warrrrrriorrr Mindwipe?" Hun-Grrr finally voiced his dissatisfaction in a form of an angry growl. A civilian forced to pick a side in a war like Cipher - he could understand falling for this kind of behavior. But Mindwipe was a seasoned veteran. His odd affection on all kinds of pseudo-mythical nonsense did not remove the fact that Mindwipe had taken part of more battles than he cared to count for. "Stop whining like a scrrraplet infected prrrotoforrrm and live up to yourrr rrreputation."

His attention shifted from Cipher and Mindwipe to approaching Sinnertwin as his proximity sensors alert him of the sentry's return long before a visual contact could be made. To be able to catch the first glimpse of Sinnertwin's price, the massive beast rose to stand on its hind legs - reaching both of its heads high into air. And thus, Hun-Grrr was the first of the Decepticons gathered near the dropship to see what exactly Sinnertwin was about to introduce to them.

It was no native. A Cybertronian - not a slighest doubt about it. But how long it had been here? A lost refugee? A relic from time before the Great War? Or perhaps someone with a connection to whoever had built the facility they were searching for. It appeared Hun-Grrr had not been alone with these thoughts as Cipher decided to share his thoughts with the rest of them. At least this time, the scribe actually respected rank and asked for Hun-Grrr's permission.

"Speak if you must Scrrribe." Hun-Grrr growled, one of his heads turning to look at Mindwipe. "And you. You prrreparrre to make some use of yourrr hypnotism as the Scrrribe will no doubt fail his attempt of questioning ourrr guest."

Decepticon Dropship ST – 4

Cipher’s interest in the small cybertronian grew tenfold when he considered the mech just might know how to get to the very site they needed to find. Carefully the scientist moved up to Wheelie and regarded him with a slight nod. With a false smile plastered on his face Cipher addressed the little bot.

“You have clearly been on this planet for quite some time. My comrades and I need to get to sector SW – 64110. Do you know a clear path? Preferably one that would bypasses the native creatures.”

Cipher grew silent as he began to wait for the little bot to answer at the same time the CR chamber hissed open and Rippersnapper stepped out. The synthetic skinned Terrorcon quickly moved down the shuttle’s ramp and made his way to stand behind the scientist. Why were they still here? Why hadn't Hun-Grrr ordered them to begin their trek?

Letting out a low growl the terrorist placed a hand on Cipher’s shoulder and tossed the smaller mech off to the side. Obviously the scribe had been attempting to get information from the little bot which meant they would have to wait even longer before they could move out. Not something Rippersnapper was willing to do.

With a grunt Cipher landed against the dropship with a hollow thud. A deep frown grew on his face at the white and blue mech’s sudden action. However, he did not want to get on the terrorist's bad side. Instead of complaining about his treatment, Cipher raised his hand and rubbed it over a small dent from where he impacted the dropship.

“We have no time for this slag! You…” Rippersnapper pointed a clawed digit at Mindwipe “…get the information we need from this…creature so that we may finally be on our way!”

Decepticon Dropship ST-4

Wheelie shot Sinnertwin a dirty look when he spoke of how Wheelie will die soon. Wheelie kept his slingshot close, as he did not like where this was going.

It was then when Cipher walked out of the Dropship and to Wheelie with a comforting smile coming across like a snarl. Cipher began to ask where sector somethingorother was. Where in the name of Primus was sector somethingorother?? This made little to no sense to Wheelie and his mind spun around some more. What were these Decepticons? Why are they all so mean? Why did they want to reach some random place on LV-117? Were they really here to rescue Wheelie? All of these questions spun in his mind in an instant, but there was one thing more important on his mind...

"On this planet, Wheelie knows every peak," Wheelie said, "But he doesn't know this technical speak!"

"As dark comes near, would he be more clear?" Wheelie asked.

Suddenly, Rippersnapper came in from nowhere and attacked Cipher. The Terrorcon jabbed his finger at another one of these "Decepticons" and told him to get information from Wheelie. Wheelie didn't care. All he could focus on was that stench! Whatever these odd Transformers had coated themselves in was really raunchy.

"Decpeticons are a dysfunctional group, and everyone smells just like poop!" Wheelie said with a laugh, as this was rather humorous to him on how dysfunctional they were, not to mention the smell.

Decepticon Dropship ST-4

Mindwipe had let out the scarcest utterance of a chuckle at Cipher's earlier suggestion that he should kill the other Decepticon if the time came that they were to be made a meal. Interestingly, Mindwipe had been contemplating making the same request of Cipher, if they came to a point where they were left with no other options.

Mindwipe could handle death. His studies in to the occult had assured him fairly well that this terrestrial plane was not all that awaited them. Whether it be convergence with the Allspark or some other eternal destiny, Mindwipe was confidant that the essence of his spark would continue on in some fashion once he came to the end of his functional existence on this plane. But he was also in no rush to test that assumption.

Hungrr's chastisement had stirred up a modicum of his old warrior's instinct, but not enough. It had been long since he had felt the inspiration of Megatron's leadership in battle. Leadership that had inspired him to wipe out many more Autobots than he would have originally thought himself capable of. As commanders went, Scorponok was tolerable, but he was no Megatron. And Hungrr? Well, let's just say it's exceedingly difficult to conjure up courage when your field commander or any one of his subordinates might suddenly decide to end your existence.

Of course, he wasn't going to argue with the Terrorcon commander, either.

"I will do as you command, in all things, commander Hungrr," Mindwipe said, again setting down the equipment from earlier an approaching the protoformic Cybertronian with increased curiosity. He seized the smaller mech by his shoulder joints, needle-like appendages jutting from the palms of his hands as he locked optics with this "Wheelie". The technology MIndwipe was outfitted with and had become synonymous with his name could work from a distance, but it was much more potent when direct contact was possible.

"You have survived on this planet for a long time. You know 'every peak'. We seek the quickest route to any Cybertronian structure. You must know this. Guide us, and no harm will come to you."

OoC: Sorry for the wait. Pokemon Tournaments that take twenty-four hours is a real drain.

Decepticon Dropship ST-4

Wheelie looked over to Mindwipe when he was ordered out of the shadows and forward to interrogate Wheelie. Oh how he disliked this whole thing. Wheelie began to doubt that they were here at all for survivors. Mindwipe placed his hands on Wheelie's shoulders, and Wheelie shuddered with a small prick of pain when the probes were activated.

"Wheelie will show you the way," Wheelie said, in agreement to the suddenly echoing voice of Mindwipe, "Wheelie would have done it anyway!"

Wheelie pulled away and began to run up to a tree, where he lunged at a vine.

But this vine was no vine. It was part of a larger living thing, in fact, the tree itself was no tree. It was a living creature that feeds off small game in the jungle. Wheelie knew this and began to ride the sticky tongue of the creature up to one of it's mouths at the end of one of it's branches. Wheelie pulled his slingshot and fired a stone at the mouth, which closed immediately.

Wheelie climbed off the sticky tongue and onto a sturdy branch where he looked around for landmarks. Wheelie remembered on his journeys there, that it was located under two mountains and that it was near a crashed freighter...

Suddenly, he looked about Northwest of the location and he saw a Comm Spire, standard of the Freighters of that era, Wheelie knew this was the one he sought because of the two mountains surrounding the freighter.

Wheelie leaped from the tree and somersaulted to the ground where he ran back to the Terrorcons and Mindwipe with a smile.

"Decepticons need to come this way, if we are ever going to arrive today!" Wheelie said as he began to march in the direction of the Facility he had found earlier.

Decepticon Dropship ST-4

As Mindwipe had looked down in to the optics of the young Cybertronian protoform that was now under his thrall, he felt something odd. Pity? Remorse? This thing was clearly not a creature of the war. He had obviously been abandoned here and left to survive on his own. Impressive indeed that he was still alive.

Mindwipe stood back and watched with the others as Wheelie seemed to instinctually integrate himself with this living world around them, finding the best path to that which they had come here for in the first place. The protoform's mind was different than many that Mindwipe had encountered. He wasn't sure if it was the mech himself, or the effect that this planet would have on any among their kind who found themselves marooned here for any significant length of time. Whatever the cause, Mindwipe could feel his psychological grip slipping already. Another curiosity to add to the many that already existed about this world.

"He would have done it anyway," Mindwipe said, shrugging slightly as followed after Wheelie. How very interesting. Perhaps they had unwittingly stumbled upon a new ally.
___

As soon as he was able, Sinnertwin quickly transformed back in to his cerberic alt-mode.

"It would have done it anyway," the dual-headed Decepticon growled in a low tone, its optics flashing as he leapt off in pursuit of the Cybertronian protoform. It was the northwest that would reveal their path. North, south, east, west....Sinnertwin cared not. Hungrr's satisfaction was what mattered. If he found satisfaction, they would all reap the reward.

Moving through the Forest

Rippersnapper remained silent as the group of Terrorcons and the two hangers-on began their trek in to the wood heading, according to the miniscule mech northwest. The terrorist was still wound up pretty tight from his abuse brought down upon him by Hun-Grrr. Declaring his anger to his commander would only bring about a beating that not even Motormaster was capable of.

Cipher had taken up a stake within the center of the group, not only to keep safe from anything that just might be out there, but to also keep in optic contact with his bodyguards. This planet was teeming with an assortment of flora that seemed just as terrifying as the unseen fauna.

The scientists’ optics shot from one tree to another, at least he hoped they were trees, from what he witnessed when Wheelie climbed that…thing…well, now he just wasn’t sure anymore. Directly to his left Cipher heard a slight rustling just beyond the treeline. It didn’t sound as though it was made by something too large. The scribe slowed his advance letting Rippersnapper stride by him followed by Hun-Grrr.

Optics narrowed in to mere slits, Cipher veered off to where he heard that light rustling. He didn’t move far from the others, but he still wound up falling slightly behind them. When his inspection was finished, and his curiosity satisfied, he backed away from the treeline. Unfortunately, he failed to notice the thick vine that had been behind him. With his optics still focused on the bush beneath the trees, Cipher tripped over the obstruction.

"Slag. Where did that come from?"

Before the scientist knew what was happening that same tendril lifted from its grounded location and wrapped around the mech’s ankle. Unsure of just what was happening or what to do, Cipher turned over on to his stomach and tried to crawl out of the things grasp, but when he finally realized that all of his struggling was useless, he panicked.

“Ugh! Get this thing off me!”

Moving through the Forest

Transition from base of operations to the target destination had always been Hun-Grrr's least favorite part of any mission he took part in. To make it worse, they were forced to travel on feet. It was slow and inefficient way to move. And for someone who wanted everything to be done without delay and with minimal waste of his own energy, the situation was hardly ideal. Had it not meant losing even more time and their overall energon, the slothful Terrorcon commander would probably have made Blot drag him to their destination on a sled instead walking on his own. Speaking of Blot, Cipher did seem to trust his chosen bodyguard given the scribe suddenly stopped and let both Hun-Grrr and Rippersnapper walk by him.

Ignoring Cipher, Hun-Grrr's thoughts flowed towards the protoform Sinnertwin had found. The being had managed to ignore the biggest and baddest monster of the group. His presence not getting the attention the former pitfighter was used to, ate up Hun-Grrr's ego even if he would never admit it. Even more infuriating was the fact that right now - there was nothing he could do about it. Wheelie was under hypnosis and if he were to hurt the little slagger now, it would only slow them down even more. And thus, Hun-Grrr tried to turn his attention to something else while the group of Decepticons continued onwards on their dreadful journey. Namely his attention turned towards Rippersnapper who had been silent for abnormal lenght of time.

"Stop yourrr sulking Rrripperrrsnapperrr. Therrre was no otherrr way. You know this." Hun-Grrr growled as his left head turned to look at the terrorist. It was the truth. Rippersnapper would have never let him done that voluntarely. In fact, Hun-Grrr had been rather gentle with his minion in comparison to beatings he had given to the white and blue Decepticon in the past, and for the same reason even.

Meanwhile, behind Hun-Grrr and Rippersnapper - Blot had stopped his advance as Cipher did so before him. For what it was worth, Blot took his orders seriously and followed them to the letter. At least when the orders were simple enough for the simpleminded Terrorcon to understand. Hun-Grrr's latest set of orders certainly had been so.

As Cipher managed to trip himself on a vine, Blot snorted small flames out of his nostrils in amusement. The amusement was quickly replaced by worry as the vine began dragging Cipher upwards towards the canopy of the tree-thing. Blot was not really worried over Cipher's well being but he was worried in being unable to fill the duty given to him by Hun-Grrr. Charging forth at the tree-thing, Blot collided with Cipher's tormentor violently, shaking the large tree-being like it had been rammed by raging Chaosteros.

But Blot was hardly finished. The massive clawed arms of his alt. mode sunk through the tree-creature's bark and took a firm grip of it. Next few seconds saw Blot putting his incredible strength to work as the Terrorcon began lift the tree from the ground, exposing its roots. With the tree creaking of the forces it was subjected to and some of its roots being snapped in two, Blot began shaking the tree-creature violently in hopes of making it drop Cipher back to the ground before Hun-Grrr would get mad at him.

Forest

Wheelie slashed at the brush with his triple-bladed knife, the underbrush cracked and swayed under the knife. Wheelie leaped over some logs with a childish chuckle as if this dangerous jungle was his gymnasium.

In essence, it was a "Jungle" Gym to Wheelie, and Wheelie has enjoyed some of the times here, but he still wanted to go home more than anything. Hearing a scream for help behind him, Wheelie looked back to see Cipher being pulled up into the Tree by it's vines. He leaped forward and threw his Knife like a throwing star at the vine, which cut directly into the tongue, causing it to stop it's assent. A low pitch almost whale sound emitted from the tree when Blot decided it was a good idea to attack the near impregnable surface of the Tree.

Wheelie strode over and gasped at Blot ripping the creature from the ground and pulverizing it at the same time. Wheelie ran over to Cipher and pulled him from the limp tongue of the creature. It was dead, and Wheelie hated that. Sure, the creatuer caused him some trouble, but what it was doing was instinct, not by any means it was evil. Wheelie somberly pat the Tree on it's side and yanked his knife from the sticky tongue of the creature. The green and vibrant leaves turned blue with the copper-filled blood rushing to them, Wheelie looked away from the helpless creature and to Blot.

"No need to be crude, all it wanted was food!" Wheelie said to Blot, who was still attacking the bark of the Tree.

He looked to Cipher, "Why does the one painted blue hang out with this crew?"

Wheelie shook his head and made his way to the front of the group and continued leading them through the Forest, disappointed with the actions of Blot, until he stopped at a bridge he made, dangling dangerously over a ravine.

"Two cliffs this bridge was made between," Wheelie looked behind him at the group, much too heavy for a makeshift bridge, "Go one at a time to not fall into the ravine!"

Ravine

Mindwipe cautiously made his way to the edge of the ravine. The trenches outlying this particular edge of the forest cascaded deep below them. He wasn't sure if a fall from this height had the potential to be fatal for any of their kind, but Mindwipe was of no mind to risk it.

At this point, he was just satisfied that he had been left alone by the marauding flora. And Hungrr's size and intimidation factor seemed to be keeping the appetites of his murderous crew at bay. Going back was hardly an option for the hypnotist. His survival lay in whatever was ahead of them.

"An unnecessary risk, in my case. I will see the rest of you on the other side," Mindwipe said, before leaping in to the air and transforming. Flapping his new fleshy wings fiercely, Mindwipe arced down partway through the ravine before angling back up again towards the other end of the bridge.
___

Sinnertwin, eager to see what the rest of this planet offered, quickly set foot on the bridge itself. His currently low center of gravity provided additional stability as he quickly began the process of crossing, his pace quickening in to an almost-run as he began to catch new scents that awaited on the other side.

Moving through the Forest

A desperate screech escaped the scientist’s vocalizer as Blot uprooted the tree-creature and began to shake it vigorously. The living tree only seemed to tighten its grip around Cipher’s leg, but as soon as all of its roots were severed the vine finally slackened and then opened up completely. Cipher grew silent as he looked up at where the tree finally released his leg. He let out a quick yelp before he fell to the ground in an unceremonious heap.

Slowly, and carefully Cipher lifted himself up off the ground and shrugged Wheelie’s helping hands off.

“Back off, protoform! I don’t need any help! And that thing was a menace; it deserved what Blot dealt it!”

The scribe looked over his shoulder at the lumbering form on Blot and offered the Terrorcon a grateful nod. If it weren’t for the assigned bodyguard he would have wound up being swallowed whole by that unholy organic creature. The thought sent a deep shiver running down his spinal structure.

Once he regained his composure he fell back in line with the others. Soon the group had finally arrived at the bridge Wheelie had mentioned. The makeshift catwalk was a debacle just waiting to happen. Cipher let out a heavy sigh as he stared out over the expanse. Luckily for him his alt mode was one that was capable of flight.

A smile grew on his visage as he watched Mindwipe transform and fly off toward the opposite cliff side.

“I suppose I will see you all on the other side.”

Cipher stepped to the edge of the cliff beside the bridge and leapt off. One flip in midair and the scientist’s body twisted as he took on his alternate mode. The synthetic covering filling in every gap revealing nothing but the scale covered creature he had chosen for protection.

The wings that adorned his back flapped slowly as he started to gain altitude. He then followed after Mindwipe and on to other cliff that lie across the ravine.

Moving through the Forest

Blot did not understand why the small orange bot was mad at him. He had behaved well for a Terrorcon so far. He had even saved one of the bots Hun-Grrr had told him to protect from a strange and clearly hostile creature. And he had even shown a great deal of initiative doing so to the best of his abilities. Being mentally plodding, Blot's solutions to various problems tended to be simple and brutal but it did not change the fact that he tried his best. Thus, Wheelie's reaction towards him brought up mostly negative thoughts in Blot's cerebral core. Yet, he did understand enough of their current situation to not just attack the small bot - Hun-Grrr would not appreciate it.

At least Cipher seemed to be grateful enough which lifted Blot's spirits somewhat. Any kind of praise did marvels for any being with as low self-esteem as Blot had. Cipher's appreciation of Blot's earlier deed also made the brutish Terrorcon ask the scientist a question after he had jumped over the ravine with the help of the anti-gravity boosters in his feet.

"Why *snort* small orange bot mean *snort* to Blot? Blot did good.*snort*"



Hun-Grrr had stopped to watch why Cipher had began to scream like a terrified protoform. Fortunately for the scribe, Blot had acted quickly and decisively - once again proving his loyalty to the Terrorcon leader. As it became clear that Blot was in need of assistance, Hun-Grrr began lumbering forwards again while keeping his sensors at higher state of alert in case Cipher's screams had caught attention of native predators.

Any hope Hun-Grrr had had towards getting a chance to slaughter a local lifeform died out pretty soon though. It wasn't like they were alone in the jungle. On the contrary - the jungle was full of life. Nothing so far had been bold enough to give even consider attacking any of the Terrorcons after confirming what kind of creatures had caused the noise somewhat earlier. To be fair, Hun-Grrr was not surprised. He was a huge creature even in the terms of this planet. Any kind of challenge required a meeting with an apex predator. Anything less were not worthy of his attention.

As Hun-Grrr reached the ravine and the shoddy looking bridge Wheelie had built, he couldn't avoid rolling his optics before the sight. The fact that the protoform thought his bridge could survive Hun-Grrr's bulk was ridiculous. To prove his point, the large Terrorcon placed his front left foot on the bridge and laid some of his weight on it. The bridge creaked and bent under the strain before snapping in two and falling down into the ravine.

Flashing an amused grin at Wheelie, Hun-Grrr's right head suddenly lashed at the small Cybertronian and closed its jaws around the small bot. Having secured their guide - whom Hun-Grrr doubted could fly - the Terrorcons leader activate his own anti-gravity repulsors and flew over the ravine, being careful not to gain too much altitude given how quickly the amount of ionization increased the higher in the air he went. Flying as low as he did was hardly a problem though and not much later, the large Terrorcon landed on the other side of the ravine and dropped Wheelie before him rather reluctantly. The urge to tear the small rhyming bot to metal shreds was a considerable one but the guide had hardly outlived its usefulness yet.

"Rrrhyming bot lead the way again." Hun-Grrr snarled, trying to turn his attention away from the thought of devouring Wheelie. "NOW."

Forest Trail

Sinnertwin was keeping well apace of the other Decepticons and their newfound guide. Sinnertwin did not know this planet, nor the route to whatever structure had caught the attention of the mighty Scorponok, but he did understand scents. Scents and trails. His olfactory sensors were some of the best and had aided him in surviving a culling of the Terrorcon unit on more than one occasion. They had not been of any special use on this planet yet, but the cerberic Decepticon was eager to change that.

Letting out a growl, black fumes churned out through the Terrorcon's nostrils as his systems consumed another portion of fuel.

Each of his heads scanned in different directions before he turned and headed back to meet up with the others in their unit. It would be unwise to stray too far from Hungrr.

What the Terrorcon did not realize just then was that he, too, was being watched. Though from a considerable distance.

For now.
___

Mindwipe had made it to the other side of ravine and transformed with little fanfare. Part of him had almost been expecting something to swoop out of the air and try to consume him, just as that ravenous plant had tried with Cipher. He almost laughed at the thought. They might look delectable on the outside. But internally? Well, he could hardly imagine a more indigestible life-form than those that were native to Cybertron.

In short order, Hungrr landed with their guide in tow. Mindwipe looked up to find Cipher, the only mechanoid in the entire 2nd Expansion Fleet who could appreciate what he and Scorponok had discovered on this planet as much--and arguably more--than they did themselves.

"I wonder how sentient the plants are, or if that attempt to consume you was simply an instinctual reaction to a biological trigger mechanism. Surely the latter."

Surely, came the silent, reassuring afterthought.

Mindwipe then looked around, attempting to open his mind and spark to whatever energies might be functioning on this planet. He wasn't feeling any kind of special lead, which meant the guide, Wheelie, was still the most valuable resource they had acquired on this planet for the time being. Hungrr, unsurprisingly, was quick to prod the smaller Cybertronian forward.

Forest Trail

Cipher had followed behind Mindwipe while the hypnotist flew his way across the ravine and to the opposite cliff side. Moments later he was greeted by the foul stench that could only belong to Blot. He tried desperately to ignore the smell of the unhygienic ‘Con as he did his best to answer Blot’s question concerning Wheelie’s prior actions.

“It would seem, Blot, that the small mech felt it unnecessary for you to uproot that, carnivorous plant. I on the other hand am extremely grateful for your intervening. Therefore, my reaction need be the only one that should concern you.”

Hoping that his explanation would satisfy his Terrorcon bodyguard, Cipher made his way to Mindwipe where he transformed and landed behind the hypnotist. The scientist then turned to look back to the other cliff side where Hun-Grrr was making ready to cross the nearly dilapidated bridge.

“How the slag is he going to…oh, never mind.”

From the looks of things the Terrorcon commander was not taking any chances on the defunct bridge instead he saw fit to destroy it and take flight. Along with their miniscule guide.

Cipher’s head whipped around at Mindwipe’s vocalized musings concerning the sentience of the plant life.

“Personally, I don’t care if it’s either.” He took a quick look at their surroundings and noticed the entire pathway was littered with trees. “I think we should burn our way through this patch.”

As the group grew nearer to their destination that was the handmade bridge, Rippersnapper’s attention was caught by Hun-Grrr’s growling speech. The Terrorcon commander was correct in that there had been no other way to get Rippersnapper to cooperate, but that still didn’t mean he couldn’t be angry at it. Granted, this experience happened to be one of the more pleasant ones he had endured.

The terrorist responded with a low grunt before refocusing on their current task. He had to admit, not being able to smell the rancid offending odor of the organics that roamed this planet, or the synthetic skin that covered his comrades, was somewhat calming.

Upon their arrival at their destination Rippersnapper flashed a condescending grin to their guide. How could any of them make it across that…whatever the little mech wanted to call it? He watched with glee as Hun-Grrr placed one of his front feet on the bridge and added some weight. A low chuckle escaped his vocalizer as the makeshift pathway crumbled and fell down in to the ravine below.

“It’s times like these that make me glad to be a Decepticon.”

Once his commander became air born Rippersnapper followed suit and landed beside the large two headed beast once on the opposite cliff side. The white and blue mech sneered at Wheelie as Hun-Grrr dropped him to the ground and ordered him to continue to lead them to their intended destination.

OoC: Sorry about the wait! Lawn work is tedious and tiring!

Moving through the forest

Wheelie watched as these "Decepticons" took flight around him. Wheelie didn't like it. He had seen creatures snatched out of the sky by the most mundane of creatures.

"Unwise for you to fly, creatures snatch things out of the-" Wheelie was suddenly jerked upwards from the jaws of Hun-Grr, "Skyyyyyyyyyyy!!!"

Wheelie looked below them and into the foggy ravine. Arachnosaur breeding grounds. All of it.

Making their way across the ravine was quick, but uneasy for Wheelie. A memory in his mind was playing over and over again on this very bridge. One of the survivors of his crash was a minibot flier, a daring one at that. He flew over the ravine and a long, red tongue shot like a bullet across the ravine and snatched him out of the sky. Wheelie hated that memory. He wished he could forget, but some things show warnings. This is one of those times you would actually listen to his gut.

Feeling the ground ever so lovingly whack into him once the Terrorcon Commander dropped him was a great relief.

Wheelie scowled as he was pushed along by the Terrorcon. He didn't like being shoved around as much as the next mech, but he didn't like the attitude these mechs were showing to him and everything around them.

Even Blot thought what he did to that tree was right!

"Other ways to save than killing, Wheelie will show you if you are willing." Wheelie said to Blot as he began to slash and slice the plants in front of the group with his Triple Bladed knife like a machete.

The surroundings were an almost green blur when they began to reach into the more colorful and beautiful surroundings. Where once it was green, it was now spattered with reds and yellows, even purples like fireworks in the night sky. It would be beautiful if it were not for its resident killer: A chameleon-like creature, but bipedal and about the size of an Arachnosaur. It's tell was a red stripe on it's stomach that didn't change with it's surroundings, therefore it sticks to the red areas.

"In the red creatures hide, stick close and follow your guide!" Wheelie said as he began to creep along the moss and clover-covered ground.

Traveling Northwest

Mindwipe continued to progress forward, considering Cipher's statements. He supposed, when it came down to it, he did not much care either. This harsh world with its rigid planes and vectors, it would someday give way to something far better. Something beyond what the optic could scan. There was a part of him, a deep part of him, that hoped this structure they found might offer some further insight in to that great mystery of their origins. If nothing else, it would provide more insight in to their history as a species. Someone, sometime, had to have made the conscious decision to come here and build a structure of this nature. Native, it most certainly was not.

"Some cleansing fire would probably benefit us all. What say you, mighty Hungrr? Has Sinnertwin gone too far astray?"

Turning back to the young Cybertronian protoform, Mindwipe adjusted his pace to keep up with the smaller mech.

"I am exceedingly curious...how has one such as you survived on this planet? We were, honestly, expecting to encounter no sentient life remaining on this world. My level of surprise is considerable."