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Shockwave’s Tower – Main Lab

As his team began to disperse, Razorclaw caught sight of Weirdwolf making his way over to the cart and picking out some sensor devices. The Predacon Commander let out an audible growl, a clear indication that he was not pleased with the tardy ‘con. Weirdwolf then turned towards him and asked whom he would be working with.

Razorclaw had already created the teams by the time he noticed Weirdwolf in the room and some had already began to leave for their assigned sectors. He could just blast the backwards speaking mech and thus solve the problem right there and then, but that would serve no purpose other than to deplete the already minimal Decepticon ranks here on Cybertron. And they needed all the help they could get in securing their homeworld, even if that help came from tardy mechs such as this. However, at the same time, Razorclaw wasn’t going to let the tardiness go without consequences.

“Well, well, nice to see you grace us with your presence, Weirdwolf,” Razorclaw spoke in a serious tone as he approached the yellow Decepticon. “Since the other two groups have already departed, it looks like you’ll be joining Divebomb and myself on our trip to Sectors 1 and 2. Why don’t you grab the remaining surveillance equipment and place it in that smaller hover cart over there.” The Predacon Commander pointed towards a cart near the main door. “Your job will be to mind and transport the equipment as we make our way out of the tower and begin scouting the area. Think you can handle that?”

If Razorclaw could smile, he would have. Making Weirdwolf do the majority of the heavy lifting and grunt work was one way to ensure that he was not late to an important briefing again or any other meeting for that matter. Plus, it also meant that neither himself nor Divebomb would have to lower themselves to the level of menial labor again. The Predacon Commander than turned to the flying mech, who was standing close by. “Divebomb, when we get outside, I need you to transform to your eagle mode and fly out ahead of us. Scout as much of the area as possible and report back any unusual readings or sightings of anything ‘alive’ out there. I don’t want any surprises. Is that clear?”

Divebomb nodded at his commander. “Crystal, sir.”

“Good.” Razorclaw then turned and made his way towards the doorway. “Let’s get going, you two,” he said to Divebomb and Weirdwolf. “We don’t have any more time to waste.”

Shockwaves Tower - Sector 4 Exit

Swindle didn't miss Tantrum's worrying tone of voice, or the sparks appearing around his horns. Oh no...better find him something to keep him occupied.

Reaching the bottom of the elevator, Swindle trundled over to the long-sealed hangar door, transformed and manipulated the controls. The centuries of grime and neglect meant the door creaked loudly, but it opened with little delay and the way was clear to the wilderness of the Polyhex Ruins.

An empty, a cybermoose, even some scraplets will do. Anything to stop him turning on me! I'd better set up the first sensor quick, and find something.

Shockwave's Tower - The Nerve Center

Shockwave listened to Thunderwing's report intently, simultaneously utilizing the nerve center's sensor arrays to monitor the changes in the electro-magnetic field around the former Lord Protector of Tyrest. There was little doubt that a mechanoid as intelligent as Thunderwing wouldn't try to hide information or attempt to manipulate Shockwave himself. Such was a dangerous path to partake but not unexpected. Still, the little that the monitoring told to Shockwave was not enough to draw conclusions. This was not surprising for Thunderwing was known to be very careful being. At least Shockwave could take some comfort in knowing that despite Thunderwing's minor empathic abilities, he would find Shockwave himself nearly impossible to read as well.

"This has to suffice for a time being. I will however require your full research data for evaluation. This carapace technology has potential to be the decisive factor in gaining an advantage over the Autobots. It is too important for the Empire to be lost into political games." Shockwave spoke out, letting his gaze shift from Thunderwing to Blackwind. "As you should understand as well Blackwind."

"Megatron may currently have a slight edge in the war but our race is still losing it. Forced to abandon Cybertron. Forced to play a galactic game of hide and seek to survive. No new sparks being created in tens of thousands of vorns our numbers are decreasing slowly but surely as the war takes its toll. The need for a decisive victory is greater than ever. Megatron understands this. This is why we are here." He continued with his gaze focused on Thunderwing again.

Summoning a holographic projection of Earth before Thunderwing, Shockwave continued with his briefing. "Before the circumstance that led to my unplanned disappearance, I experimented on infusing energon into this planet's crust. Despite of being unable to monitor and alter the progress of the experiment, it proved to be at least partially successful. The altered energon seed began to spread, creating rich energon veins deep into the planet's crust, below the level the flesh creatures of the planet have had access into so far. Perhaps enough energon to revitalize Cybertron, or to ignite a cyberforming process on the planet itself. Of course pending on the amount of energon the Constructicons will find and the research we are to perform here."

The image projection Shockwave had created shifted, now focusing on Cybertron and the fortress of Kolkular. Recalling ancient images from Cybertron's past when Megatron had sought to cyberform Cybertron into a warworld. "I have obtained a large ore sample labelled as Ore-13. We will need to refine it, analyze its potency, long and short term effects on Cybertronian physiology as well as it suitability for both revitalization of Cybertron and the alternative option of recreating the cyberforming substructure of Cybertron on Earth. Both options are monumental tasks, especially the first given our lack of logistics to bring the required amounts of energon to Cybertron. Nevertheless, this option has to explored as well as the other - which given the information we have, is the more likely one to succeed."

Shockwave's Tower - The Nerve Center

Thunderwing nodded at Shockwave’s words. “Of course Commander. It has always been my intention to fully share this technology with the rest of the Empire. It has only been a manner of actually making contact with the Empire. With the Decepticons returning to Cybertron the technology can begin to spread.” Every word that he spoke was true, it was just going about all of that would be difficult.

The Decepticon scientist listened quietly as Shockwave explained the current situation. It was interesting to finally hear what the other Decepticon had been planning all of those cycles ago. It was a much more ambitious plan then the one he had set out to complete to allow for the future survival of their race. Perhaps if he had similar resources to what Shockwave had at his disposal he would have come up with something similar. His specialty lied in other areas than the Commander’s though. He likely would have come up with a more sophisticated carapace with whatever additional equipment he might have gotten.

“I will assist you in anyway I can Commander Shockwave. Although it lies outside my realm of specialties I am sure I can be of some help.” He paused for a moment, considering his words before continuing. “I assume that since such delicate and important work has been moved to Cybertron that there is something vital to it here? Some specialized people of equipment or a sample you require from the planet itself? I can’t imagine Megatron authorizing the move of something so vital to a planet that is still unsecured.”

*

Shockwave’s Tower - Sector 4 Exit

Tantrum was ready to tear the doors open himself until Swindle got them to creak open. The Predacon stepped outside, looking at the wreckage of the city around him. With everything already wrecked, it meant no one would care if he did more damage. A large grin spread across the fueler’s face before he transformed into his beast mode.

He looked over at Swindle. “Just point in the direction you need to go to set up that thing. I’ll clear a path.” He let out a snort as another spark flew off of his horns.

Outside Shockwave’s Tower – Sector 1

Having successfully made his way through the maze-like corridors of the tower, Razorclaw finally stepped outside through the exit way to Sector 1. He turned his head and nodded to Divebomb, who was standing beside him. The aerial Predacon immediately transformed to eagle mode and took to the skies over Polyhex to scout ahead like his commander had previously ordered. Finally, Divebomb was away from the others and doing what he loved most. The only thing missing now was an Autobot target below to destroy. Unfortunately, there were no ‘bots in the vicinity, so Divebomb would simply have to make do with soaring overhead and feeling the wind course over his metallic wings.

Divebomb’s enjoyment was suddenly interrupted, however, by a message from Razorclaw: >>You spot anything up there, Divebomb? Is the first designated location clear of infestation? Report!<<

>>Just a moment, Razorclaw. I’m almost there.<< The mechanical eagle responded, a bit annoyed with his leader's impatience. He soon located the spot where the first sensor array would be placed and set his scanners at optimal levels. Divebomb searched for any signs of trouble and quickly found some. A horde of cyber-rats were scurrying about the location below like a swarm of Insecticons. >>We have countless vermin all over the target zone, boss. Should I engage?<<

Razorclaw shook his head at his comrade’s stupid question. >>Of course you are to engage! Clear them out and get back to me once you’re done!<<

>>Acknowledged.<< Divebomb responded as he came around for another pass over the area. The flying Predacon took aim and fired several shots into the pack of cyber-rats below. Many were ripped to shreds in the initial wave of explosions, while others began to flee from the scene. Using his telescopic lenses, Divebomb carefully aimed and started picking the rats off one by one with his lasers. He hit each one he aimed for, missing none in his sights. They weren’t Autobots, of course, but they would have to do for now. Within a few cycles, Divebomb was finished and opened a comm line to Razorclaw. >>Commander, the area is now completely clear of vermin. You may proceed at your leisure, sir.<<

Razorclaw received his soldier’s transmission. >>Good. I’ll be there shortly to install the first sensor array. Keep an optic on things and make sure no more vermin infiltrate the area.<< The Predacon Commander then turned to Weirdwolf and waved to him to get moving. “Let’s go, Weirdwolf! Bring the surveillance equipment and follow me. We haven’t got all cycle!” With that said, Razorclaw transformed to beast mode and leapt out across the inhospitable terrain of Sector 1, heading towards the first designated location.

Shockwave's Tower - The Nerve Center

"I already outlined the mission details Thunderwing. I expected you to listen to me more carefully." Shockwave replied, this time producing an image showing multiple images of their objectives. "Megatron wants to make sure if Cybertron can be salvaged. If that is not possible, he wants to turn Earth into a warworld. Both objectives require Decepticon presence on Cybertron. Unlike the infiltration bunker on Earth, this tower and several other ancient domains of our race contain highly sophisticated equipment required to determine the usability of the ore-13 to power our war machine. Even more importantly, the cyberforming sub-structure exists only here. It cannot be studied elsewhere. Yet."

Once again, Shockwave changed the image - this time to indicate several locations around the planet. "Due to the nature of our mission and the uncertainty caused by the lack of control over Cybertron, we cannot stay bound to one place. My tower is only the beginning - the location to study ore-13. We will have to create a sensor network over the planet to be able to monitor its development. Also, all of your records thorough our species' exodus from Cybertron will be completely analyzed to understand Cybertron's healing process."

His lone optic flashing, Shockwave continued. "With these objectives carried out, we will travel to Kolkular to gain access to the cyberforming interface there to see whether it is still usable or do we need to recreate it. From Kaon we will relocate to northern hemisphere, preferrably Iacon - in order to begin excavations to uncover old service access tunnels of the planetary engines within the region. These tunnels will provide us access into Cybertron's core. This will both allow us to find out the approximate level of energon regrowth on Cybertron and allow us to access the plasma energy chamber which is the source of the only known substance with enough power to ignite the cyberforming process."

A recording from Thanatos' sensor sweep shortly after the battlecruiser was cloaked is summoned before Thunderwing. "However, I picked a subspace tear opening not long after we arrived to Cybertron's orbit. The probability of the Autobots following us from Earth to Cybertron is 97%. The likelyhood of them settling in Iacon is equivalently high. This Autobot presence on Cybertron may cause us severe difficulties in obtaining our goals."

Shockwave’s Tower - Sector 4 Exit

Swindle was nothing if not quick on the uptake, and realised what Tantrum was getting at.

"Well, thank you, what a kind offer. The first layer of sensors should be at the halfway mark, so we'd be looking at a point 40 megamiles north-northwest, or thereabouts. We shouldn't have any problems getting there, with a professional like you leading the way."

Professional noise-machine, at least. If there is anything out here worth worrying about, it'll soon know that the Decepticons are back in business.

Shockwave's Tower - The Nerve Center

Thunderwing remained silent as Shockwave chastised him. Aside from having some specific equipment in his lab there had to be another reason why Shockwave was sent personally to Cybertron. He was one of the brightest minds in the Decepticon army but it seemed a bit odd to send him out on what was more like a frontier post now. It could be seen like a banishment of sorts, but at the same time it left him open to plotting on his own. He would have to find out more about his long absence for the ranks.

The Decepticon listened as Shockwave droned on about his plan. Thunderwing listened with a blank look on his face. In his head though he was processing everything he said. The plan was ambitious, possibly too ambitious. They were barely set up here and he was already forming two relocation plans, including one in the heart of what had been Autobot territory. To say he had some misgivings was an understatement, but he kept them quiet, for now. He wanted to merely be the obedient Decepticon, for now.

“If the Autobots are here then we must move quickly. I will return to my lab and begin transeferring the data I have collected on the planet’s recovery to your computers so you may analyze them. They are limited however, to the local area and are primarily concerned with the atmosphere. I’m sure you will still find them useful though. With your permission, I would like to have Blackwind assist me in the transfer of data. I believe we may be able to find some additional sensor beacons to use in your work Commander.”

*

Shockwave’s Tower - Sector 4 Exit

Tantrum snorted at Swindle’s words. He didn’t really care for the little arms dealer, but as long as he pointed him in the right direction to destroy stuff, he was okay with him. The Predacon briefly pawed the ground before charging forward, smashing through debris and walls that lay in his path. He assumed that he was going in the right direction, and if he wasn’t it just meant he would get to smash through more stuff later.

Shockwave's Tower - The Nerve Center

If Thunderwing was expecting Shockwave to start speculating on Megatron's ulterior motives, he would be greatly disappointed. Shockwave understood that Megatron was wary of him and wanted him out of his way while still being able to utilize his considerable intelligence. Still, it had nothing to do with the mission and for Shockwave, the mission came first.

"You may take Blackwind with you if you wish, I have little use for her." Shockwave replied to Thunderwing, continuing, "Megatron did not give us resources to enstablish a permanent base of operations. Very likely we will eventually have to move from this tower, perhaps even to your lab. Yet, this is the most logical location of collecting and analyzing data as long as it is possible. Therefore I will remain here until I have enough data to determine our course of action."

Sector 4 - Near Shockwaves Tower

Swindle calmly follows in Tantrums wake, sensors watching each nook and cranny as he mounts the piles of rubble that mark the Predacons passage. Well, I can't say he's not good at his job, at least.

The munitions expert checks his internal map. >>Just another few megamiles to go, and you can stop, Tantrum. We'll set up the first sensor then head west-northwest about the same distance.<< I hope he doesn't stray too far off-course, Shockwave strikes me as the type to get picky if his sensors are a few microns to the left of where they should be.

Sector 1 - East of Shockwave's Tower

Razorclaw bounded across the destroyed landscape in his beast mode, heading for the location where the first surveillance equipment would be set up. He could see Divebomb circling overhead as he got closer to the coordinates. Astroseconds later, the Predacon Commander finally reached his destination and transformed back to robot mode as Divebomb did the same and landed next to him. “What happened to Weirdwolf?” The flying Pred asked, looking around for the yellow wolf bot.

“He couldn’t keep up, so I left him behind. We don't have forever and a cycle,” Razorclaw responded as he turned to the hover cart that he had been pulling behind himself. He reached in and grabbed a few portable cameras before handing them off to Divebomb. “Take these and firmly attach each to the tops of the surrounding structures. We need optics in the sky as well as on the ground. Meanwhile, I’ll get to work down here.”

“You got it,” Divebomb responded, taking the devices from his leader. Lifting off, the flying Predacon did what he was told and secured the cameras to the tops of the designated buildings. On the ground, Razorclaw set up the necessary sensors and other surveillance equipment, hiding each with the help of small holo-projectors that would make the devices virtually invisible to enemy sensors.

“We’re done here,” Razorclaw spoke, standing and looking to the sky at Divebomb. “Fly ahead to the next locations and ensure they are clear of vermin. We’ll repeat the process we just did and then move on to Sector 2. Understood?” The flying Pred looked down and nodded. He then returned to eagle mode and flew off towards the next set of coordinates.

Transforming to beast mode, Razorclaw hooked himself back up to the hover cart full of surveillance equipment and then leapt forward in the direction of the next location.

Sector 4

Tantrum skidded to a stop roughly the distance Swindle had requested. He snorted and pawed the ground, shaking his head to flick off a few loose bits of debris hanging off of his horns. He had enjoyed smashing through some stuff. It had helped relieve some of the frustration he was feeling. Unfortunately he was likely to get frustrated again real soon. Other than fuel he wasn’t real good at handling anything delicate. He was built to smash and slam through things. Scientific instrumentation wasn’t anything he was good at handling.

The Predacon transformed to his robot mode and sighed. He did his best to bottle up his frustration and anger before turning back to Swindle who had been trailing after him. “What do we do now? I’ll lift the heavy stuff, and you can push all of the buttons and stuff. Just tell me what to lift and where to put it.”

*

Outskirts of Polyhex

The commandeered vehicle pulled to a stop just outside the Polyhex border. Grimlock popped the hatched and stepped outside, looking around. Polyhex had seen a lot more action than Iacon had, as was evident by the wrecked state of the city. Not many buildings were left standing at all and the roads made the wrecked ones they had just driven over look like newly paved superhighways. Even with all of that, you could still see Shockwave’s personal tower standing high above the wreckage.

Mechs who said Shockwave was all logic had obviously never seen his tower. It took quite an ego to erect a building like that in the middle of a warzone, not to mention the power it would take to keep it shielded from the worst of the bombardments and battles Polyhex had seen.

Swoop landed on top of the vehicle, perched on the edge in his pterodactyl mode. “The outskirts look pretty deserted boss, but I didn’t check much further than that. If the Cons are here they must be working on getting sensors online. I didn’t want to give away our position to them by flying around the city.” He jumped down and transformed to his robot mode. “The roads get even worse further in. Looks like we are gonna have to go in on foot.”

Grimlock grunted. “That fine with me. Me tired of being freight haul driver anyway.” He gestured for the other Dinobots to exit the vehicle. “We going in on foot and staying together. If lucky we find some Cons to crush, make us and Magnus happy. If we unlucky we find nothing but vermin and pile back in vehicle for long trip. Me tired of driving and itching for fight and me guessing the rest of you feel the same. Keep fingers crossed.” With that the Dinobot leader produced his rifle and began leading his team into Polyhex.

Outskirts of Polyhex

Sludge stood near Grimlock as the Dinobot Commander brought the vehicle to a stop near the border to Polyhex. His leader wasted no time in exiting the vehicle and surveying the area. The Jungle Warrior stood at the doorway and listened as Swoop flew down from above and gave their leader his report. Once Grimlock motioned for the rest of the Dinobots to exit the cramped transport, Sludge eagerly stepped out and finally stretched his legs. He peered around at the heavily damaged ruins of Polyhex, which were in far worse shape than Iacon. It was nice to see that the Decepticon city was more of a crumbling wreck than the former Autobot metropolis.

Serves them right, Sludge thought with a grin as Grimlock then began to speak. The Jungle Warrior listened intently, nodding when his commander suggested that they were all itching for a fight. Sludge hoped they would find a real foe to do battle with instead of just more cyber-rats. Those little critters moved around too fast and were hard to catch, especially for a big, slow-going mech like Sludge. "Me with you, boss bot," Sludge said, walking besides Grimlock as the Dinobots were lead deep into enemy territory. The Jungle Warrior drew out his sword in one hand and his laser pistol in the other. “Me ready for anything.”

Near Sector 2 – Southeast of Shockwave’s Tower

Razorclaw and Divebomb had finished setting up surveillance equipment at three additional locations in Sector 1, repeating what they had done at the first set of coordinates. The Predacon Commander took care of ground based sensors while his airborne subordinate handled the setting up of cameras and detection devices high above Cybertron’s surface. They had worked well together and created a tight grid that covered all of Sector 1. Razorclaw basically told Divebomb what to do and the flying Predacon obeyed. The mechanical bird had no choice if he wanted to continue functioning.

Now it was time to move on to Sector 2 which was only a few kliks away from their current position. Razorclaw stopped, returning to robot mode, and opened a comm line to Divebomb who was circling overhead. >>Divebomb, fly ahead into Sector 2 and scout the designated areas for the remaining surveillance equipment to be installed. I’ll meet you at the closest set of coordinates in one breem. Understood?<<

>>Roger that, commander. I’m on my way.<<

Divebomb took off into the distance as Razorclaw then opened a secure channel to the rest of the Predacons along with Swindle, who were busy setting up surveillance in the neighboring sectors:

>>This is Razorclaw. Sector 1 is done and ready to go online. Divebomb and I are now moving on to Sector 2 to begin further installation of the surveillance grid. I want an immediate status report on each team’s progress thus far. How much longer until your assigned sectors are completed?<<

Shockwave’s Tower – The Nerve Center

Blackwind’s attention turned from Thunderwing to Shockwave as the one eyed mech mentioned his lack of use for her. Her glare bore into him as her face twisted into a scowl. The nerve of him to say she was of no use to him; in fact she was very useful to him, and the Empire, but he seemed too narrow minded to realize that. Blackwind turned on her heal and made her way out of the Command Center after Thunderwing. Once the doors slid shut she stopped, her hands balled tightly into fists.

“That obsequious lout! How dare he say I am of no use to him! I am a cornerstone within this Empire!”

She grew silent; her hands tightly clenched that she nearly drew energon. The Commander needed to be taken down a notch, but she had no way of doing that, not without him finding out or her being reprimanded by her Master. She would just have to perform her duty as Megatron requested….find out everything there was to know about his past, experiments and what his future goals are.

Blackwind finally took in a few deep breathes and unclenched her hands. Her head tilted back so that she looked directly at the ceiling. After a moment she lowered her head and then looked up at Thunderwing. She offered the scientist a forced smile as she spoke, this time in a more calm tone.

“My apologies. I shouldn’t have made such an specticle of myself. I hope you’ll be able to forgive me.”

Shockwave’s Tower – Leaving The Nerve Center

Thunderwing silently walked out of the Nerve Center after being dismissed by Shockwave. It hadn’t exactly been the ideal meeting with Shockwave he might have been hoping for, but despite the frustrations he still felt he had learned a great deal, both from what was said and left unsaid. The plans of both Megatron and Shockwave were very ambitious, something he should have expected from the arrival of such a high ranking Decepticon to take personal charge of the mission.

The problem was that this plan was likely to be too ambitious. It sounded like a mission necessitating a full research and science team along with a fairly heavy combat unit and ample fuel to keep all of those involved and their equipment running at peak efficiency. What they had wasn’t even close to that. While the Predacons were certainly a crack unit, he wasn’t entirely convinced they had the patience to play a more defensive role in protecting the rest of them while they conducted research. As for those doing the research, from what he had seen so far only Shockwave and himself were truly qualified for it. Blackwind, while intelligent, didn’t have the specialized scientific or technical expertise that he or the commander had. Even with all of that the lack of fuel was liable to be the most difficult hindrance.

All in all it was enough to make him wonder whether they had been set up to fail in this task. The sudden mysterious reappearance of Shockwave certainly raised some questions, along with Blackwind sent to keep an eye on him. Perhaps the entire situation had been constructed so Shockwave would fail miserably so he could be removed, or perhaps was there something much larger going on, a secret plan by Megatron, Shockwave or even both of them. He would have to tread carefully in any case.

His attention was drawn away from his thoughts as Blackwind vented over her treatment by Shockwave. The Decepticon waited until she had calmed down to reply. “No need to apologize. Shockwave tends to have that effect on others.” He smiled. “Just maintain that cool façade in front of him and you should be alright. Anyone who thinks he is truly without emotion is a fool. He loves to rub in his superior position and intellect when he can. I’m sure he was quite intent on needling you with his comments.”

Thunderwing came to a stop as he spotted two Decepticons he didn’t recognize approaching them.

*

Shockwave’s Tower - Corridors

Darkwing and Dreadwind made their way from the hangar to the command center.

“So back on Cybertron. I have to say the place hasn’t improved at all in our absence.”

“It’s a dead world, a perfect place for us to end our existence,” Dreadwind replied.

“Just as long as we can take some Autobots down with us. That’s really all I ask for,” Darkwing added. “I assume that’s why Shockwave called us in. We are everyone’s favorite expendable soldiers. Expendable soldiers with a brain at least, compared to those seekers.”

“The most important part of all of that is the expendable part. This planet is already like a tomb marker for our race. Now its time for a last few of us to die pointlessly on it.”

Darkwing said nothing in reply, seeing more than a little truth in Dreadwind’s words. He didn’t speak again until he spotted the two Decepticons walking towards them.

“Greetings Thunderwing! And you must be Blackwind. Commander Shockwave summoned us and asked us to report to you. It seems that we are to be your aerial contingent. I am Darkwing and my jovial friend here is Dreadwind.” Dreadwind shot an annoyed glance at Darkwing before simply nodding. “What are your orders?”

*

Outskirts of Polyhex – Moving Towards Shockwave’s Tower

It was slow going for the Dinobots. They were all pretty used to walking and smashing their way through tough terrain, but none of them were exactly fast on their feet. Grimlock briefly considered splitting them all up to cover more ground quickly, but dismissed it. Ideally they would be able to pick off the Decepticons one or two at a time while they were out patrolling and before they could inform anyone else about their presence. It wasn’t quite the major, stand up type of battle he preferred, but not knowing the numbers they were up against he didn’t want to commit too much more than that. Anyway, as long as it ended with some dead Cons, he would be happy.

Sector 4

"Ok...One set here..." Swindle double-checks his coordinates, trying to compensate for all the dislodge rock and rubble lying around. "And one over by that...oh, there's a skyscraper fallen on top of it. Wonderful." Swindle waits for Tantrum to give him the equipment, and starts work on assembling the second sensor. "You don't mind shifting that building to one side, do you, Tantrum? Or at breaking it into managable chunks? It'll means we're out of here a lot faster." And maybe you can finally stop sparking like a busted hyper-transistor after you blow off some steam.

Swindle peeped into the hoverkart. Three more after this...at this rate, we'll have flattened the ruins and Shockwave can see everything just by looking out his window.

Shockwave’s Tower – The Nerve Center

With Thunderwing and Megatron's favorite spybot taking their leave, Shockwave could turn his full attention back to analyzing the data provided him by the tower's records. It didn't take long for the combination of his own massive processing ability enchanted by the supercomputers of the tower to start cracking results. How and why Cybertron had deteriorated into its current state, the effects of its regenesis so far and the following hypothesis regarding time frame it planet would require to heal were much clearer to him now. The planet would heal itself eventually if left in peace, that was certain. However it was not an option for it would take too long to be strategically viable option. However, just as he had predicted earlier the process could be significantly sped up through feeding the planet with energon. Unfortunately even this option was not feasible considering the current level of resources Megatron could provide.

Swallowing his disappointment, Shockwave set the idea of reviving Cybertron aside for now - a better time for it would present itself eventually. For now, it was better the focus on options that would provide more immediate results. And this was where the ore-13 sample came took the priority in Shockwave's mind. Directing the automations in the main lab to remove smaller samples out of the larger sample provided him by Starscream, Shockwave started a series of different tests to understand the abilities of the ore he had in his disposal. Starting from raw material analysis he quickly formed several patterns of refining the ore into usable energon and set the lab drones to build different types of equipment required for the refining process.

Being forced to wait until the drones were ready with their construction task, Shockwave began analyzing the data he had about Thunderwing's synthesized shell research. There was no doubt of Thunderwing's brilliance when it came to scientific thinking. Of course it could not compare to that of hiw own but nevertheless Shockwave could give credit to where it was due. They had to start experimenting with this technology with haste but for that, test subjects would need to be acquired. There were too few Decepticons left to risk the empire's operative capacity through experimenting on their own soldiers. No, they needed Autobots and someone would need to provide them to him and Thunderwing.

>>"Shockwave to Thunderwing. I have analyzed your research further and feel confident that we should start testing with living subjects as soon as possible. Our resources do not allow room for failures in case of using Decepticons as test subjects. Because of this we need to acquire Autobots or other sentient Cybertronians to serve this function. I trust this task to you. You have Blackwind, Darkwing and Dreadwind in your disposal to help you with this task. Victory to the Decepticons."<<

Shockwave’s Tower – Corridors

Blackwind smiled slightly at Thunderwing’s comment. He was probably right. Shockwave was a mech that had emotion; even if he hid it remnants appear at times. She moved along the corridors beside the towering scientist until she noticed two Decepticons coming towards them from the opposite direction. Blackwind knew that there were no other mechs in the tower; the ones that arrived with her on the ship were all out performing tasks Shockwave had ordered. She waited until they both arrived and stood in front of them both.

Blackwind listened to Darkwing’s introduction and nodded at the two of them. She let out a heavy sigh when he finished speaking. Obviously Shockwave had called them in for reinforcements, but also to keep her preoccupied so that she could not perform her own duties. They were part of the air corps so it fell to her to brief them and give them their orders.

Blackwind looked up at Thunderwing as she spoke to the scientist.

“My apologies once again. It would seem that the Commander has dropped these two on me without word. I will meet you back in your lab once I’ve briefed and given them their orders.”

She looked back at Darkwing and Dreadwind, a stoic look on her face. She waved them on as she moved past them and began to make her way to her office.

“This way gentlemen. We’ll talk in my office.”

Shockwave’s Tower – Corridors

Thunderwing stiffened a bit as he received the message from Shockwave. He had not expected a reply so quickly. Apparently the commander was a bit more efficient than he had suspected. He would have to modify his own plans accordingly.

>>”As you command Shockwave. It may take time to acquire a test subject however, due to the lack of life on planet and the unknown situation with the Autobots on planet. This time will not go to waste however, as I will use it to gather materials and data to replicate the process on another being.”<<

He glanced back at Blackwind and the two newcomers. “That is quite alright. I have business to attend to in my laboratory. It seems the Commander is escalating our timeline. I may require the assistance of you and your two charges very soon.” He nodded to the three Decepticons and left for his lab.

*

Darkwing and Dreadwind followed after Blackwind as she walked to her office. Darkwing was the first to speak up. “So I assume the atmosphere on planet has become less toxic then? Instead of immediate stasis lock we can look forward to gradually being poisoned and corroded until we shut down?”

Dreadwind then spoke up as well. “I knew I felt something as we entered the atmosphere! You dismissed it, but I knew I felt some extra burning and a jolt of electricity. I knew those rumors about Cybertron were recovering were false. They wouldn’t send us on a mission to this planet unless they intended it to be our last.”

Darkwing rolled his optics. “Please don’t scare away our new commanding officer yet Dreadwind. I’m sure you’ll be able to do that later. For now I’d like to try and make a decent first impression. Sure, this is probably another pointless suicide mission, but I think we can at least try to avoid having our superior hate us right off the bat.”

Shockwave’s Tower – The Nerve Center

Sometime after receiving Thunderwing's reply:

"Do you understand your mission?" Shockwave demanded to know from a large, dark green and pink Decepticon before him whose most unique feature in robot mode was peculiar wedge shaped teeth, clearly capable of biting through anything the Decepticon could stuff into his mouth.

"Take a hoverboard, enter the underground service tunnels and secure an unblocked route into the plasma energy chamber. Remove obstacles by hand. Or by jaws in my case." The Decepticon grinned at his own joke before continuing. "No explosives that could alert any of seismic sensors of the Autobots. Secure a sample from the chamber and return with it so you can determine if it can be used to to build something big for Megatron." Skullcruncher repeated the mission parameters given him by Shockwave only moments earlier. "Sounds pretty clear to me and thanks to Soundwave I have couple of nasty surprises if I run into Autobots down there."

"Do not use them unless the situation warrants it. We do not have energon waste. You were called to Cybertron with Darkwing and Dreadwind because you are less dependant on energon than most of us and due to your skills able to venture to Cybertron's core without a whole squad and survive hostile contact with the cyberbeasts of the depths that still may live." Shockwave explained, his single optic and monotone voice showing as little emotion as always.

"Of course commander Shockwave. Victory to Decepticons!" Skullcruncher bellowed, hitting his chest with his fist with a loud clang and then turning on his heels and marching out of the nerve center.

After Skullcruncher's departure it became apparent that the drones in the main lab would make Shockwave wait for the equipment he had ordered for sometime. This forced the ancient Decepticon to turn his attention elsewhere. Namely to the Predacons whom he had sent out to reinforce the badly damaged sensor network of Polyhex. Surely they had to be nearly finished with their task. Yet, for some reason none of the sensor beacons had been activated so far.

Opening a heavily decrypted communications channel to the Predacon commander Razorclaw, Shockwave demanded for a report. >>"Shockwave to Razorclaw. Report your progress."<<

Sector 2 – Southeast of Shockwave’s Tower

Razorclaw made his way into Sector 2 as he received a status report from Headstrong and Rampage. Their mission was coming along well with Sector 5 completed and online and Sector 6 already begun. The Predacon Commander now only awaited word from the team of Swindle and Tantrum. It was odd that they had not checked in yet. Razorclaw didn’t expect much from Swindle. The Decepticon arms dealer was hardly worthy of a Predacon’s attention. But Tantrum knew better than to ignore an order from his commanding officer.

Razorclaw was about to open a direct channel to Swindle and Tantrum when he received a secured communiqué from Shockwave. The Predacon Leader opened an equally encrypted channel back to the cycloptic mech:

>>Commander Shockwave – this is Razorclaw. I am happy to report that the surveillance grid in Sector 1 is completed and will be online shortly. Divebomb and I have already moved on to Sector 2 and have begun laying out more sensors. We should be finished within two cycles if not sooner. The other two teams have reported satisfactory progress in their territories. The beacons in Sector 5 should be online now, and the rest will soon follow. I will report back to you when all is done. Razorclaw out.<<

The Predacon Commander had not been entirely honest with Shockwave, having not yet heard from Swindle and Tantrum like he had just indicated. He did not want the purple mech thinking him ill equipped to handle this mission or to be in control of his own team. The entire surveillance grid would be up and running in a few cycles even if Razorclaw had to do it all himself.

Before continuing onward, Razorclaw slid open a panel in his forearm, revealing a remote control pad. He pushed a small button near his wrist socket which sent out an encoded signal that activated the sensor grid spread throughout Sector 1. Shockwave should detect the activation in his tower’s Nerve Center momentarily.

Then with a look of impatience on his faceplate, Razorclaw opened another secured channel, this time to his wayward team in Sectors 3 and 4:

>>Swindle! Tantrum! I want a status report from you two without delay!<<

Shockwave’s Tower – Blackwind’s Office

As the trio of Decpticons made their way through the corridors of the tower, Blackwind tuned out Darkwing’s and Dreadwind’s inane dribble. Once they had arrived at their destination Blackwind entered the security code and then strode into the room. She made her way to the desk at the far end of the office and took a seat. She set right to work at her terminal looking up the two contingent warriors’ personnel files.

The Aerospace Coordinator sat in silence for some time before she finally spoke up. She leaned back in her chair and intertwined her fingers in front of her. When she did speak it was in a low, stern tone.

“You two are known among your peers as ‘Doom and Gloom’ and I see you live up to those nicknames.” She waited a moment before continuing. “Your outlook on this war is morose and final; however, this has made you formidable warriors.”

She leaned forward and took hold of an available datapad from the desk. After inputting some information she looked back up at Darkwing and Dreadwind.

“I need to know where you were last stationed and what your assignments were, and please leave out how useless the mission was.”

Shockwave’s Tower – Blackwind’s Office

Darkwing was mildly annoyed at being ignored by their new commanding officer, but he tried not to let it show. Dreadwind on the other hand was pretty used to be ignored. It was actually better than the treatment he often got of being insulted or ridiculed. At least being ignored meant you didn’t get any negative attention and were less likely to get sent out on some suicidal mission. Of course, he also knew it wouldn’t last.

The two fliers sat down at Blackwind’s desk and waited as she reviewed some documents. Darkwing began to fidget a bit as Dreadwind sighed and slumped in his chair. He knew that she was practically deciding their fate before their optics. He always hated how the military worked like that, putting your life in the hands of someone who likely didn’t care one way or the other about you. In most cases it seemed it was someone who had it in for you anyway, at least that’s how he saw it.

Finally she spoke up. Darkwing frowned at the mention of their supposed ‘nicknames’ while Dreadwind merely sighed. “Well if those are supposed to be our nicknames I would like it known that I am Doom and he is Gloom then.” Dreadwind shook his head in annoyance as Blackwind went on.

Darkwing was the one to answer her question. “We were part of the infiltration mission on Nebulos.” Dreadwind piped up, “The mission was going well, slowly building up, no major skirmishes with Autobots. I should have known we were going to get reassigned to a mission on a poisoned world.

Edge of Sector 3

Swindle gingerly puts down the sensor node he'd been handling and opens up his wrist-comm. "Reporting, Commander Razorclaw. We're finished with Sector 4, working on 3. We'd be going faster, but the terrains rough, a lot of buildings where they shouldn't be.

Swindle winces as he hears a loud crunching noise nearby. "Er, commander, does Shockwave care much about the condition of the city sectors? Because I'm not sure there'll be much left of sectors 3 and 4 once Tantrum is done with them..."

Shockwave’s Tower – Blackwind’s Office

Blackwind glared back at Darkwing as he responded to her mention of the duo’s nicknames. Her stare was cold and she was unimpressed with his retort. She was silent for a few moments before she looked back to the datapad in her hand. Once Darkwing offered her the information on where they were located before they were so rudely uprooted by Shoackwave, she imputed the information for her records.

After she was done with that part of her interview she gently placed the datapad down on the desk and leaned back in the chair. She took in both of them as she rested her elbows on the arms of the chair and steepled her fingers in front of herself. Blackwind remained silent for what seemed like an eternity, until finally, she addressed her charges.

“Your assignment, for now, will be to patrol the sectors the Predacons are currently working in. You will report any unusual activity to Razorclaw. I suggest you head out now.”

Blackwind stood up from her chair and waited for Darkwing and Dreadwind to do the same and leave.