Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

In ruined, war-wracked Polyhex, Shockwave holds the line against the Autobots of Nova Cronum, but as time goes on and the city-state becomes less and less functional, the cost of occupying and defending it grows higher, continuing the occupation seems more and more...inefficient.

Starscream plots his return to prominence, but even as he does, his second-in-command Rapture schemes her own rise to power, and the towering Cyclonus appears invincible as he reigns as the new Air Commandant. The Seekers, Sweeps, and other Decepticon rank-and-file troops find themselves without Autobots to battle and so have begun staging their own combat in the Main Hangar, while the Decepticons' fearsome new Sixchanger Sixshot has ventured out to the Maximus Line on combat patrol.

Only time will tell if Polyhex will stand, fall, or simply be abandoned to the ravages of war...

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hanger

Cyclonus quickly took in the scene that greeted him as he arrived in the hangar bay. It appeared that in their boredom several of the Decepticons present had decided to start some sort of tournament or semi-organized fight. It didn’t come as any great surprise to him. Warriors left to their own devices for so long would likely seek combat wherever they could. It would also help release some pent up frustrations and establish a proper pecking order among them. Still, he wouldn’t allow it to get out of control, nor would he let it interfere with other duties.

As he spoke, the air commandant made sure to broadcast the signal to those seekers not present in the hangar. “Seekers, Commander Shockwave has ordered there to be a constant combat air patrol over Polyhex to help compensate for the city-state’s current weakened condition. We will use this opportunity to test the teamwork and flexibility among our fliers. You will be teamed in squads with new wingmen and squad leaders. This will show us your leadership skills for those leading the squads and increase familiarity with seekers you are not typically paired with. If we are to win this war we must fight smoothly as one coordinated unit.”

“The first patrol will be led by Thundercracker with Turbulence and Firebat as his wingmen. Skywarp will lead the second patrol with Skyshroud and Nightraid. The first patrol launches immediately.”

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

Dunehopper turned as Cyclonus entered the Main Hangar, casting his long shadow and seeming to command attention before he even spoke. Still, impressive-looking as the towering purple Decepticon was, Dunehopper wasn't that impressed. Cyclonus was not a Seeker and, even worse, taken the important post of Air Commandant from someone who was a Seeker. As Cyclonus spoke, Dunehopper was somewhat surprised.

Figured the big petrorabbit-head would shut down our little scrap, he smiled behind his visor. But he didn't call my name. That means I'm free to scuffle! He glanced over at Nightraid.

"Later, fancy lad. Call me if you and the rookie run into any big, bad Autobots."

His optics settled back on Blackguard, then moved to Swindle. "What's the holdup, Swindle? I'm ready to hand this guy his tailplate."

Shockwave's Tower - main hangar


Skywarp lifted his glass and chugged down the contents. Just as he was about to say something smart to Thundercracker, Cyclonus’s voice came across broadcast. Listening Warp slumped in his chair and eyed Thundercracker.

“It’s not like I don’t wanna go. I mean slag I get to be Patrol leader but…”

The black and purple seeker gazed down the hall.

“It’s not the same taking orders from rabbitears. I mean come on, he’s split us up and put us with… well at least the two you got aren’t rookies or prim and proper.”

Warp looked around,

“Where the Pit is Screamer? ……………. Ahhh, Come on Cracker lets go.”

Skywarp got up and walked back into the hanger. His optics settling on Turbulence, Firebat, Skyshroud and Nightraid.

“Thundercracker, I’ll be a few breems behind you. I guess we might as well keep a secured channel open. Rap will have to catch up with us when we get back.”

He gave Thundercracker a hearty pat on the back.

“Have fun Ace.”

Turning back to the crowd where his new wingmen stood, Warp cracked his knuckles and called them.

“Skyshrowd, Nightraid, come on we’re on deck. Make sure you’re fully loaded and ready to go We’re leaving right after first Patrol.”

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

"Aye Sir," Rapture replied to Shockwave with a sharp salute, largely ignoring his rebuke. She had only answered his question and she regretted nothing. Besides, even if she had, apologies were wasted on Shockwave. With another salute, and a respectful nod, towards Onslaught, she turned on her heel, and exited the command center briskly.

As the doors slid shut behind her, the midnight femme was already transforming. Taking to wing, the Seeker Subcommander made her way to the main hangar as quickly and efficiently as possible. She was eager to begin preparations for the air strike.

The former Cassetticon arrived just as Cyclonus was finishing his announcement. He was reassigning Thundercracker and Skywarp? Despite certain inconsequential feelings of disappointment that she would be separated from her old friends, the prototype femme admitted that it was a sound decision. And it was high time that Cracker and Warp took the lead. Certain changes would need to be made to her mission roster, but that was nothing that she had not prepared for. One did not win a war by being unprepared to improvise.

She surveyed the scene. What exactly is going on here? Are they planning a fight? And Swindle is here. Wonderful. She decided that now was not the time to intervene in such things. Surely if Commandant Cyclonus had wished such raucous activities discontinued, they would have been.

"Air Commandant," Rapture said to Cyclonus, saluting. "City Commander Shockwave has approved the strike on the Tygus Span," she continued, all business. "I need to finalize the mission roster, and transmit it to The City Commander."

"To that end, with your permission, I would like to take Ghost, Dirge, Ramjet, Thrust, and Dunehopper."

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

As Cyclonus came in, Swindle began to worry, but the new Air Commander didn't seem too concerned about the soldiers activities. He did call away some of his audience, but there still should be enough to get a good crowd.

"There's no holdup, Dunehopper. Blackguard seems to have gone ahead, You, Bane, Bludgeon, Battletrap and whoever else wants to take part in the tournament can collect in the middle of the Arena. I'll go get some seats for those who want to watch."

Then Rapture came in, and starting naming a lot of names. Ah nuts. There goes this plan.

Shockwave's Tower ~ Main Hangar

Thundercracker tossed down the remnants of his energon beverage, and followed Skywarp to the main hangar.

"Geez! There's never enough time to catch up in this war. Ok, I'll keep that secure line open, then we'll know what's going on. It'll be tougher to keep you out of trouble from a distance though."

Thundercracker snickered as he gave his friend a little shove as they entered the main hangar. He approached Cyclonus and gave him a salute.

"Thundercracker ready for duty, sir!"

Turning to see the cadre of Decepticons he had just left, he scanned for the seekers assigned to him as his wingmen.

"Firebat, Turbulence fall in! Let's get moving. The skies are ours."

Thundercracker waited a moment for the two seekers to get organized then moved to hangar exit. He was actually fairly excited. He liked having wingmen to look after, and share his experience with. Too bad he had to go without Skywarpagain.

I guess I'll have to wait to see Rapture again too. Sigh... A soldiers work is never done.

With surprising grace, Thundercracker broke into a jog and jumped into the air to transform. Engaging his afterburners, he shouted to his wingmen, "Try to keep up!"

<<Warp ol' buddy, look after yourself.>>

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

As Skywarp approached him, Nightraid nodded. Saluting his superior officer he followed "As you wish sir. I am ready to leave at your leisure" the tactician said. He had already rearmed and powered up again. He followed him, glancing back the faceplated Seeker saw Bludgeon move calmly into the center of the room. The old Master sat down there, legs crossed and blade in his lap.
He'd spar with the Master of Metalikato at another time, duty came first!

Shockwave's Tower ~ Main Hangar

Battletrap was dissapointed that Cyclonus had called away some of the crowd and some of the combatants, he had been looking forward to kicking some pig-iron.
"Slag," he cursed out loud, "well we can't let this stop us. Anyone still up for this? I'm still in Swindle, worst comes to worst I'll beat you down to the deck," he chuckled.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hanger

Battletraps comment broke Swindle out of his gloom. "Uh....What? Hey, I'm not actually a participant, I'm just lending my...organisational skills to this whole celebration. I'm no frontline warrior, I'm a munitions expert, a support bot."
"Besides, we still have Bludgeon, and that Sweep, and, erm....Warthog! Didn't you say you wanted in on this as well?"

Arena

Blackguard waited in the arena next to Bludgeon, waiting for the others to arrive. His sensors, tuned as they were to fulfill the Sweeps function as hunters, could tell that there was an issue: Most of the Seekers, including the loudmouthed Dunehopper, were being called away. It looks like it will be a simple workout after all, no grandiose meeting of rivals. Ah well, I wasn't really looking for a grand tournament anyway.
Blackguard looked at the Master of Metallikato, who seemed to be in some form of contemplation. "It would appear, Bludgeon, that we are to receive the grand tournament we were promised. Swindle has come up short, I'm afraid. Will you be satisfied with one mere hunter such as I?"

Shockwave's Tower - Arena

Bane walked back and forth like a hungry predator waiting to attack its prey. Even his sickly burning dark-green optics reflected this primal need of oilshed as he moved his focus from Bludgeon to Blackguard to the other potential victims in the arena. But behind this primal instinct hid a calculating tactical mastermind that had elevated the Corrupticons from mere former gladiators to a highly effective killing machine on the battlefield. Noone who had any clue of who they were facing would dare or be stupid enough to think Bane was a simple thug with an unusual appetite for violence.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

Quantum saw both his wingmen being called away for assignments. He wondered why not the whole squadron was being ordered for briefing, but thought that his superiors probably had a logical reason for it. He probably was needed elsewhere soon.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hanger

"Fight with all your skill. And learn. That is all that is needed" came Bludgeon's response, he was still seated. There didn't seem the slightest hint of nervousness about him. "Every fight teaches something, improves something... as long as one avoids complacency. But i am sure... you will do fine Blackguard" he added. Blackguard must be at least respected to a degree to receive such a lengthy 'monologue' followed by a hint of praise. No further words came from Bludgeon though as he sat there, legs crossed.

Shockwave's Tower - Main Hanger

Turbulence considered teaching Reforge a lesson about Seeker elites, but before he could Thundercraker had called him to duty. "Probably for the best, I doubt the drones could fix him and I might need repairs again. Let Dune Hopper prove us superior to the Sweeps."

Looking back at Quantum he smirked "If they can get Skywarp to lead half as well as you, they may have plans to park your frame in the recruit training camps..."

Turbulence knew his true squadron leader preferred front line work to proto-monitoring the aerial fleet prospects, possibly more so than himself. This did get the blue and bronze seeker thinking, "With Quantum's obvious talents, and processor to use them, what mission could they be holding him in reserver for?"

Heeding his mission call, there wasn't time to focus on either teleporting seeker. Falling in with the more recognizable blue seeker, Turbulence was ready for duty, "It will be an honor to fly with you Thundercracker."
__________

Shockwave's Tower - Arena

"Warthog, Dune hopper, Blugeon, Balckguard, Battletrap, and..."

Ramjet continued to number those who seemed interested in fighting, concluding with a throw back of the gladiator days. "Are my optics missing drivers or is that a Corrupticon joining in? I still remember the oil spray from one of there fights. Swindle must have went all out looking for Bane. So does that make six?"

The red winged warrior was now looking forward to this tournament. "Show them what there made of Dunehopper!"

Shockwave's Tower - Arena

Battletrap was slightly worried. He had been counting on the participation of much less-skilled mechs than himself, as he lacked the necessary programming to be a truly efficent combatant in this sort of fight.

Got to keep up appearances, he thought, his circuits racing as he began to divert power around his body in preperation for combat. Can't let them think that I'm trembling like a petrorabbit

With that, he assumed a very rough unarmed stance, feet spaced apart and hands units up in a guard position.

"Who's first?"

Shockwave's Tower - Arena

Blackguard smiled at the Duocon's enthusiasm. "I was under the impression we were all first, Battletrap, this is supposed to be a grand tournament, is it not? Last Mech Standing, I beleive is the term. We have 4 participants, which is about the right number to make things interesting. We should be pretty much ready."

"Wait an astro, fellas, Warthog is supposed to be joining us.", Swindle called from down the hall.

"Well, he has a very short space of time in which to join us, then. You should better appreciate the eagerness of the true Decepticon to battle, Swindle." Blackguard turned to the rest of the group.

"I beleive, and Bane can corroborate, that the traditional makeup of such a bout is that anything besides ranged weapons goes, and that participants are out when they surrender or are disabled. Are all here happy with those rules or do they wish to alter things in any way?"

Swindle watched as his original plan seemed to be torn to shreds. There's more participants than audience members, I'll never get a proper betting pool going like this! Augh, I should have just tried selling those novelty lugnuts I found.

Shockwave's Tower - Arena

"Petrorabbit waste."

Dunehopper gave Ramjet a cocky grin from behind his visor. "Petrorabbit waste. That's what they're made of, man."

As Blackguard outlined some rules for the combat, Dunehopper chuckled. "What's the matter? Afraid I'd just incinerate all of you with a couple incendiary bombs, or throw so many armor-piercing rockets your way that the medics would be putting you back together with a pair of microtweezers?"

The Seeker cracked his knuckles and dropped into a fighting stance of his own. By Seeker standards, he was a veritable melee master. That, perhaps, wasn't saying much, but even by the standards of everyone else, his strength, durability, and skill made him a tough customer in a punch-up.

"Nah, it's fine. It'll be more fun to get hands-on with you empties."

He waited to see if Warthog would appear before the start of the bout. Man...I can't wait! That Sweep is as good as spare parts!

Shockwave's Tower - main hangar

Cyclonus returned Rapture’s salute. If anything the female seeker was highly cognizant of the chain of command and the respect it demanded. That seemed to be rare in the Decepticon ranks, but that was to be expected to a certain extent. An army built on the concept of survival of the fittest would naturally breed contempt for anyone perceived as being less powerful, something that could even occur with superior officers.

He listened as the femme reported the approval of her mission to Shockwave and listed off the seekers she wished to take along on the mission. None of them were in the current patrols he had arranged. It might become problematic if there was a lack of seekers for the next patrols, but the original idea had been to give them something to do. Attacking Autobots would prove to be a more useful expenditure of time and energon than simple patrolling.

“Permission granted Rapture. I look forward to reading your report on the success of your mission and the performance of your team.” Cyclonus added the last bit on purpose. He needed to know more about the seekers, especially how the preformed outside of their usual squads. They were going to have to get used to working with others like the Sweeps. Perhaps easing them into working with each other more would help that transition. Still, it was a pity it would break up the organized fight forming. Even he had been interested in seeing the results of it.

The Skies Above Polyhex

Thundercracker scanned about as he reached a cruising altitude of 15 000 ft and throttled back so his wingmen Turbulence and Firebatcould catch up. He would have like to fly higher, but it was harder to scan the ground from much higher than this. The idea of an Autobot slipping past him was enough to calm his excitment of flying high. He decided to head toward the Tagan Heights first to make sure the Autobots weren't going to strike back. Then, he'd take them for a look at Iacon's border just for kicks. If there was time, he'd circle back toward Nova Cronum in case back-up was needed. Staying away from Kaon was high in his books. He didn't really want to run into any Sweeps.

What he knew of the Sweeps made him a little uneasy. They were ruthless killing machines. But more than that, they seemed to have an arrogance about them. Thundercracker got to where he is through tens of thousands vorns service to the Decepticon cause. It's taken hard work and dedication, and these newcomers expect to be given the accolades the Seekers have earned over thousands of successful missions.

"Over my rusting chassis!"

Whoops! Did I say that out loud? Maybe no one heard it.

"Ok, patrol team 1. Change heading. Bearing 237.7. Let's see what's happening over in the Heights."

He dipped his wing and turned to bring the three of them to their new heading.

Well, never thought I'd be the veteran leading the two rookies. I hardly even know these two. Though, from what I hear Firebat might have some screws loose. I wonder about Turbulence though.

"Hey Turbulence how long you been with the Decepticons?"

Shockwave's Tower - Arena

Rampage wasn't in the combat but he decided to see how it would play out anyhow. That and he could always go for a hunt later. He just wasn't quite battle-crazed enough to go up against the likes of Bludgeon and Bane. Sure sometimes he'd just jump in for it, but he'd been told time and time again to be patient; that and he really didn't want to get sent to the medbay because he was being too rash. Still he was hoping that cocky young seeker Dunehopper would get his due; he wasn't adverse to giving it himself he just knew he might get too carried away.

Rampage was well aware of his faults, he just chose to ignore them for the majority of his time. Still the prospect of watching and learning was too good to pass up.

Shockwave's Tower - Arena

Blackguard looked around the room, at the bloodthirsty Bane, the exuberant Battletrap, the calm Bludgeon, and the cocky Intruder Dunehopper. In each of their optics he could see the eagerness to do battle, to crush their opponents, and to stand tallest of all on the bodies of the fallen. He smiled.

"Then we begin, in 10 astroseconds. 9." His left wing slid off his back and around his arm, forming a spiked tower shield. "8." His Energon blade leapt from his scabbard to his hand. "7."

Slag, was the only thought Swindle could form from this.
"6."
Slag!
"5."
Slaaaaag!!!!

Shockwave's Tower - main hangar

"Aye Sir," Rapture responded to Cyclonus. "I will not let you down, Commandant." With a final salute, the few turned towards the hard deck. The fight was about to begin, she realized. With mere astroseconds before the melee began, she opened a channel, piping the transmission through the hangar's PA system as well.

<<Attention. Would the following mechs please report to briefing room three immediately. Ghost, Dirge, Ramjet, Thrust, and Dunehopper. That this all.>>

Soundwave's daughter walked into the aforementioned briefing room. She approached the podium, pulling out her datapad. Downloading the mission data into the room's terminals, she transmitted to the finalized roster to Shockwave.

Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, the midnight femme reviewed the events of the mega-cycle. She had made an error with Shockwave, but nothing that could not be overcome, in time. More importantly, she had made excellent progress towards establishing a rapport with Cyclonus. Her assessment of the new Air Commandant had been spot on. Here was a mech that understood how to win a war. Someone who appreciated professionalism, not infighting and payolla. Now, all she had to do was come home victorious.

The mega-cycle was not over yet.

Shockwave's Tower - Hanger


Blitzwing leaned against the wall content to watch. His interest perked slightly as most of the seekers left to do patrols and Rapture handed out another assignment.

“Good It’ll be less crowded in here now.”

The purple triplechanger spoke to no one in particular though he was still standing closest to Rampage. If he had to bet, he would put his chips on Bludgeon. The mech was a legendary master after all.

________________________________________________________

Ghost’s optics narrowed at Rapture, as he started forward. He was still perturbed at her reaction to him earlier. He was also still angry with the spirit that was beside him.

“You coming?”

He spoke to his unseen partner. As he made his way into the briefing room.

__________________________________________________________

Skywarp looked over at Skyshroud and Nightraid.

“Ok our turn.”

The purple and black seeker had been excited about getting a chance to get out of the tower. He watched Thundercracker and his wing take off only a breem ago. The wisecracking seeker transformed taking to the air confident his wingmen would follow. Once out of the hanger he climbed to what he felt was a good height before he set a course to follow the Polyhex border. He was well aware of what the damage was in the area where they had forced the gigantic Autobot sentinel to evacuate. He lead his wingmen in the opposite direction. Hopefully this assignment would not turn out to be boring.

Shockwave's Tower - Hanger

Bludgeon remained motionless. He stood in seemingly an offensive stance, hand on his blade's grip. But the vizored Master of Metalikato moved not. But it looked like he could explode into action at any time. He was taking in his foes. His forte was finding flaws in an enemies armor, defenses and style. Though he had already observed them, he still waited. He was curious wether or not they would dissapoint him... or live up to his mild expectations. His true adversary would be Bane and he looked forward to face his unbridled rage. The warrior's approach and methods were in many ways opposite to his. Not that he would discard his foes overall. Each was a threat... and had much potential to develop. He liked that in a Decepticon. Potential. But he liked to see it developped even more... . He prepared... his moves would be swift and precize but first... he'd let his foes take the first move. Their first move would be most educative... .

The Sky

Nightraid followed Skywarp's lead. Skyshroud was nearby. The red and black seeker was taking in the situation and remained quiet, not wishing to disturb his superior needlessly. Discipline, formation and attentiveness were important. Though patrolduty had never challenged his tactical insights. He knew it's necessity and had partaken in the activity frequently.

The Skies Above Polyhex

Turbulence had no trouble matching maneuvers with Thundercracker as the newly formed squad climbed to 15,000 ft. The wind wasn't particularly strong this cycle and the seeker preferred to fight his way through the skies. As they turned course toward Tagan Heights, the seeker swordmech thought of his foolish confrontation with Omega Supreme. Quantum did instruct him not to dwell on it but his confidence was shakened.

Returning to the seen... If the Autobots send troops through as well, should we engage? With there growing numbers there available ranks could overtake us! Turbulence thought to himself.

I suppose we could get reinforcement from the sweeps though. this is when he heard Thundercracker's out burst.

Startled, Turbulence shook off the though of sweep aided relief. Gathering his resolve he had no idea Thundercraker's timely statement wasn't directed toward him. He then went on to answer his squadron leader's question.

"I've been with the Decepticons for over 500 vorns; about half the time since the great shut down ended. I've only functioned since that time, the end of the great shut down. I was a ground empty then, before a surgical seeker saw some worth in me."

My brother wasn't as fortunate, but he was weak..

"He rebuilt me after his designs, had me enter the proving grounds and I've been soaring as a seeker ever since. It's not every mech that can say they knew there maker Sir."

He followed Thundercracker's course and wondered about this Firebat. His profile was readily available to seekers of similar station, but the rumors were enough for Turbulence to keep his peace. He'ld rather learn more of the war that predated his creation anyway.

Better to be weak in frame than weak in spark.

"So Thundercracker, were you there for Megatron's dismantling of Sentinel Prime?"

Not skilled in the social realm, Turbulence bluntly asked what many would have carefully worked up to.

Just how did Megatron do it...

Shockwave's Tower - Hanger

Rampage stood next to Blitzwing watching the events unfold; unfortunately for most people he was not a betting mech. It was something the predator simply couldn't understand so he didn't do it allowing for others to do so.

Hearing Rapture hand out assignments Rampage was glad he was no seeker and that he only answered to Razorclaw; after all things were confusing enough as they were.

"Indeed" he replied to Blitzwing "Though I'm sure certain others don't share your relief" it was simple blunt statement. Rampage wasn't a mech of many words feeling no need to speak things that were already known.