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Insecticon Shuttle - En Route to BW778

Chop Shop snickered again at the thought of his former commander. Not long ago he had been worried but now, things were different. The situation had changed.

"I'd give my collection away sooner than I'd serve that traitor again. If he finds us, I say HE should get dereconstructed. Only without the reconstruction part."

The Ark – Bridge

Ultra Magnus had been keeping himself busy, everyone on board had been, at least in one way or another. It helped to keep his mind occupied on the long journey, travelling the length and breadth of this new ship that was undergoing its maiden voyage into space. It was a fine ship, and he had a fine crew under his command, he could not ask for more from either of them. The only doubts he had for this mission were within himself.

A luxury he could not allow himself too indulge in.

Certainly not a luxury he was about to let anyone see as he returned to the Ark’s bridge, his tall stature the very image of confidence. The men under his command entrusted their lives too his judgement, he would never willingly give them reason to doubt it. That wouldn’t be good for morale.

More importantly, they deserved nothing but the best from the commander they followed into battle. That is what they would get. Ultra Magnus would die before offering less.

Coming to a stop before the view screen that circled almost half the Bridge, he stood with hands behind his back, staring off into the void. Somewhere out there was their destination, a world its inhabitants called Earth, a world that had fallen beneath the unforgiving eye of the Decepticons. The tyrannical enemies of the Autobots had destroyed one world in their endless quest for power…they would not destroy another.

“Nothing like endless space to pass the time”.

The Commander commented dryly, a small hint of a smile forming on his face. The journey was a long one, they would all feel better once they made planet fall. They would all feel better once they could start making a real difference.

The Ark - Bridge

"Indoubitably, Ultra Magnus Sir." Perceptor looked up from the engineering console, which was now festooned in datapads, printouts, and various unidentifable gadgets. "I must admit the peace gained from removing ourselves form the ofttimes cacphonous surrounding in Iacon have been most conducive to scientific thought. I have certainly done more work on chemistry is the past few cycles than I have in the last vorn. I beleive I have attained a foundational understanding of the chemical mechanics involved in the carbon-based life. Of course, these hypotheses will have to be tested once we get there..."
Perceptor stood up straight, realising this kind of informality probably wasn't strictly regulation. "Er, in addition, I report all systems are functioning optimally. Transwarp power is stable and we are progressing at ten thousand times the fundamental photonic velocity limit. The Ark-19 is meeting all it's design parameters more than adequately."
"With that settled, Ultra Magnus sir, I shall double-check the medical facilities and parts supplies in preperation for the trans-scanning procedures."


OOC: Just giving a rundown of the characters present on the Ark for the new Ultra Magnus:
The Aerialbots: J is playing Skydive (the smart one), Silverbolt is being played by sumowrestler who is thus the defacto player of the other 3 until someone else comes along for them.
Broadside: Seems to have been dropped.
Landfill: Seems to have been dropped.
Perceptor: Played by me, obviously enough.
Swerve: Played by sumowrestler.
Sureshot: Being NPCed by Silverblade.
Bumblebee: Played by Ember.
Searchlight: Played by VkmSpouge
Windcharger: Played by ~Windcharger~
And Ultra Magnus himself.

The Ark ~ Bridge

Windcharger kept one eye on his monitor at all times, but he couldn't help but notice Ultra Magnus pacing about the bridge. The auto-pilot was taking care of things right now so he went over to where Ultra Magnus was standing.

"I could tell from a megamile away that you're worried about something. If it's about the importance of this mission, you know we're all behind you. You don't have to worry about us. We'll keep a low profile so none of the inhabitants even know we're there. And, if any Decepticons show up, we'll trash 'em and put them on a one-way trip back to Cybertron."

Windcharger smiled to reinforce the message he was trying to send. The way he saw it there was no way this mission could fail. Autobots fought for freedom and the greater good. Good guys always win in the end, because they can see hope where others see hoplessness. Windcharger come through enough unpleasant experiences in the past because of his quick, sometimes rash, decisions to believe in this maxim. He was always optimistic because no matter how bad he botched something it always worked out for him. It was simply a matter of going with the flow.

"For what it's worth, I hope that helped."

Eyeing his monitor once again, he looked to Ultra Magnus.

"Well, I'd better get back to my station."

Heading back to the helm, he sat sat down with a sigh. Glad I don't have to command. Such a heavy burden. But then again, I'm not a big strong warrior like Ultra Magnus. He's more than capable.

(OOC: Sorry all, I didn't realized this moved on me.)

Silverbolt looked up from where he was at. He was lost in thought as well with the long voyage. It is true that the Ark could fly faster than any single Transformer but even on these long voyages it gets old. One thing about the Aerialbots, except for him, they all enjoyed the opportunity to stretch their wings. Being couped up in this ship isn't going to do well with his troops and he knows they will want to go for a flight once they land. It may be a good idea especially for scouting but first thing they will need to do is to find a good base and then figure out how to be modified so they can fit in better. A thought then crossed his mind as he turned to Perceptor.

"Perceptor, do we have any idea of where we are going to land and set up base? Is the map good enough to have a suitable site figured out by the time we get there? It would be wise for us to figure that out so we won't draw as much attention to ourselves when we do make it."

The Ark - Bridge

Perceptor stopped at Silverbolt's question. "Er...well...that's a good point Silverbolt. The Infiltration Counter-Protocols do suggest a surrepticious landing in a isolated location. I shall locate such a site, post haste."
Sitting back down, Perceptor chose one of the many datapads at his station and plugged it in. On the main screen, a map of AC488 flashed up, coloring in as Perceptor fed data in.
"Whatever location we choose for our landing, we must balance isolation with the likelihood that the Decepticons will perform operations in that area." Several insets flashed up, showing population density and economic development statistics for individual continents. "Response time will be crucial if they make open manuvers, and locating their base will become easier. Thankfully, the native life of the planet seem to prefer integrated, high-density communities rather than planet-wide development, so even in the areas highest in population and resources, there are isolated regions within reasonable distance." A few more keytaps, and a dozen points were highlighted on the main map. "These are the statistically optimal points for landing, based on isolation, resource access and the transport links of the natives. Assuming the Dynobots information is accurate, of course..."
Perceptor turned once again to Ultra Magnus. "Of course, the final decision rests with you, Ultra Magnus Sir."

Thanatos, Bridge

Skyjack's latest scan swowed disturbing results. "Bad news sir," He reported to Shockwave." Remember that autobot vessel from earlier? It just came up again. Do you think it might be following us, sir?"

Ark: Bridge

“…Assuming the Dynobots information is accurate, of course..."

“It’ll be accurate”

Ultra Magnus stated without an ounce of uncertainty as he joined Perceptor and Silverbolt at the console, the much taller Bot looking down over the Scientists shoulder. Grimlock was many things, most of his defining traits making him an incredibly difficult General to work with, even under the best of times, but despite his overly aggressive nature, he was a professional. The Commander of the Dynobots understood almost more than anybody the importance of good Intelligence. More importantly, he understood how crippling bad Intelligence would invariably be too a mission.

The information was accurate, Grimlock wouldn’t have excepted anything less.

“We’ll bring ourselves down here”.

After a great deal of considered thought, the large mech pointed to what he believed to be a prime location. It would provide shelter, easy access to multiple potential crisis points and even presented a few opportunities for Perceptor to pursue his own, scientific interests.

“It’ll do for our initial drop zone…”

Ultra Magnus confirmed his decision both mentally and physically as he returned to his full height, arms folded across his broad chest. He doubted anything about this mission would be as easy as it looked on a monitor or simulation, but they had to start somewhere, and that was as good a place as any.

“…besides, we have a Galaxy worthy Vessel…we can always move”.

Ark-13 - Bridge

As Ultra Magnus and Perceptor discussed where they might land the Ark-13 and establish a base, Skydive worked at the navigator's station. There was little to do at this moment, since the transwarp course had already been laid out and the capital ship was largely handling itself as it cut through time-space. As such, Skydive decided to peruse the data collected by Grimlock's previous mission to AC488. Fascinating, was the word that most sprung to the Aerialbot's logic processor.

He watched video footage that had been recorded by the scout satellites and sensors of the Dynobot shuttle, and marveled as he watched winged, carbon-based lifeforms execute brilliant feats of flight. He watched the sentient carbon-based lifeforms that seemed to dominate the planet employ vehicles to take to the skies. I wonder if perhaps they have developed sentient processor technology that makes these vehicles operate, or if they are simply drones? He suspected the latter, but the former was an intriguing possibility. Other sentient mechanical lifeforms...

Thanatos - Bridge

Returning Shockwave's monoptical stare with a characteristically confident smirk, Starscream's processors were afire with the possibilities before him. Direct military intervention was out of the question; with the flow of energon on Cybertron reduced again to a virtual trickle, this was a mission to acquire resources, not one of conquest. Fighting the flesh-creatures openly would be an unnecessary waste of those commodities they would be attempting to stockpile. This operation would require a gentler touch, a subtler mindset. Fortunately, subtlety was not a virtue that was entirely lost upon the often-brash Seeker Commander.

He took in the ruddy little dirt ball that was AC-489 as it appeared on the command monitor, expression relaxing into one of neutral indifference. "Unassuming little speck, isn't it?" he inquired rhetorically. When Skyjack made his report to Military Operations Commander, Starscream sat forward in his seat expectantly, optics flashing.

"The plot thickens," the former Aerospace Commandant commented wryly. This was an interesting and not necessarily disruptive developement--at least, it wasn't disruptive in terms of Starscream's own agenda. In fact, a little added chaos could be of immense benefit to him.

For the moment, he withheld any tactical recommendations. Shockwave was, essentially, the most sophisticated combat computer in all of Cybertronian history; it was unlikely he would be receptive--or appreciative--of any suggestions from him. And for now it behooved Starscream to remain on his best behavior.

"That looks like a good spot for a base. The only thing that would be of any troubles is the sensoring equipment that these organic creatures may have come up with. The other concern I have is should we pick alternative modes now or wait until we land? I am willing to take the Aerialbots out for a scouting mission once we get reconfigured. I know my troops like to fly whenever possible and being in this space craft will get to them soon enough. As big as this ship is, they will feel cramped."

Swerve couldn't help but overhear the conversation of landing spot. His console wasn't too far from Perceptor's.

"Will this area have several metallic mineral deposits that I can investigate? I still want to try to find a good substitute for some of the minerals we use on Cybertron in case we run out or need a quick fix here on this planet. It will also be nice to experiment to see if we could come up with a stronger alloy." Swerve chimed in.

Thanatos--Bridge

After having received a confirmation order from Shockwave following Skyjack's scan of Ac489, Reflector had brought the ship in closer, taking to follow a trajectory that would keep them out of the range of the terrestrials of AC488 and their little space toys.

"Initiating landing sequences now, commander," Reflector reported, the voices of the trinity of mechanoids offering the same statement while each was occupied with a different task.
___

Shockwave took in the various incoming reports and processed them according to his own internalized set of directives. The presence of the Autobot vessel that had been detected was statistically the most relevant. But even that would not deter them from their primary objective. Direct engagment would be avoided until the complications that would inevitably arise from said engagement had become irrelevant.

The Military Operations Commander steadied his position within the command chair slightly as the Thanatos came in for its landing on the reddish planet that was adjacent to their target.

"All Decepticons are to prepare to engage orbital bounce technology that will complete the transportational process and engage phase one."

Shockwave then brought numerous maps of AC488 that had been acquired by the Insecticons' previous presence on the planet. His sole optic was now scanning the various land masses for an area that would be suitable as their primary base of operations on this world. Given its primitive nature, that would prove to be a task in an of itself.

Ark-13 – Bridge

Bumblebee listed and watched the hustle and bustle on the bridge, but the miniscule mech never waivered from his station. He was on tactical, but there really wasn’t anything going on for him to monitor. He did make use of the information that Grimlock had attained from AC488.

He focused mainly on the carbon-based life forms that seemed to inhabit the entire planet, except, of course, the large piece of land on the lower portion of the planet. These creatures fascinated him.

Perhaps Ultra Magnus will let me gather more information on them once we finally arrive.

“Umm, excuse me, Ultra Magnus, could I possibly talk to you?”

Better ask now, otherwise I'll never get the chance to do it.

Ark: Bridge

"Umm, excuse me, Ultra Magnus , could I possibly talk to you?"

Hearing Bumblebee call for his attention the large Autobot decided to leave Swerves own inquiry in the much more capable hands of Perceptor. Science was not one of his strong points, and a good Commander knew when to deligate tasks to those under his command when they understood the matter much more than himself. Leaving the final details of their initial landing zone in their hands, Ultra Magnus crossed the bridge and over to Tactical.

Bumblebee was a fine Autobot, one who often performed above and beyond what his manufacture specs suggested possible. The Minibot had caught the attention of Optimus Prime first, the young, enthusiastic Minibot quickly earning the Matrix Bearers respect. It hadn't taken long for Ultra Magnus too understand why.

"I have a few moments Bumblebee, what can I help you with?"

Bridge, Ark 13

Searchlight found space a truly interesting place to be. Each little point of light had something about it that made it unique. One little point of light would be the system of AC488. According to readings the planet was 70% water, a rare liquid on Cybertron. The planet also teemed with organic life. Biological processes mimicked the processes of Transformer bodies quite well with individual cell groups filling in for nanites and organs for components. Of course the whole reproduction of biological life was quite disgusting, shooting DNA at each other, it made Searchlight shudder.

Ark 13 – Bridge

Bumblebee smiled broadly at Ultra Magnus as the huge Commander made his way over to the tactical station. Turning in his seat, the yellow mech looked up to the blue warrior. Bumblebee respected everything Ultra Magnus stood for. Freedom was an issue the miniscule mech took very seriously. It was something he and Optimus Prime had in common.

A sense of reverence came over the minibot as he prepared to make his point.

“Well, sir, I was just thinking, what do you intend to do with the carbon-based life forms on AC488? What I mean is, should an opportunity come along where someone is needed to gather intelligence on the sentient life on the planet, I gladly volunteer to be the one to gather said information.”

With a nod and a smile, Bumblebee gave the Commander a genuine salute to seal the deal.

“In fact sir, I believe that it would be in our best interest to keep a close optic on them to make sure we aren’t discovered.”

With his peace stated, Bumblebee eagerly waited for Ultra Magnus’s response.

Ark 13 ~ Bridge

Carbon-based life forms? That sounds gross.

With all the talk about the inhabitants of AC488 going about, Windcharger was getting distracted form his task at the helm. He had never seen carbon-based life before so he was having a bit of trouble imagining what it would be like, though he had heard that they would be smaller. In a way it made the AC488lings sound like bugs, which would probably be how the Decepticons would perceive them.

"Hey Perceptor. What do we know about the life forms on AC488? Will they be anything like us, but smaller? It'd be strange if they didn't have any arms or legs, ot if they couldn't communicate."

Windcharger laughed at himself. Perceptor would probably think he was just being wierd, but these were the kinds of fanciful thoughts that often ran through his mind. If he wasn't actively participating in an activity he would come up with many 'what if's', much to the annoyance of whoever happened to be around. If he was a bit smarter he could make a good scientist because of his curiosity about the world around him, but as it was he'd rather just have Perceptor explain it to him. He always seemed to have all the answers.

Ark – Bridge

“You’ll get your chance Bumblebee”.

Ultra Magnus allowed himself a small smile as he spoke too the much smaller Autobot. If the Minibot was lacking in anything, enthusiasm wasn’t it. He did raise a valid point however. While the initial primary objective of this mission was infiltration, the more they knew about the carbon life forms they wanted to protect the better. The trick would be finding a balance of gathering intelligence and staying out of sight.

Considering the isolationist nature of this world, its inhabitants only just barely beginning to explore their own solar system, it was unlikely they had yet encountered alien life. Given the overall size of even the smallest Cybertronian, not to mention his own likely intimidating stature compared to their own, it was possible the dominant species of the Planet would be as initially fearful of the Autobots as they were of the Decepticons. Infiltration was their first step on an alien world for a reason.

Ultra Magnus momentarily rubbed his chin in thought.

“There is a population centre close to our landing site, once we have acquired appropriate alternate forms a recognisance mission would be prudent”.

Insecticon Shuttle - En Route to BW778

"Agreed," Ransack nodded vigorously at Chop Shop's suggestion. "The gaskets on that guy, saying that we should be dereconstructed. I really didn't have a problem with him being leader until then. Call me touchy, or overly sensitive," he drawled sarcastically, "but I don't like it when people suggest that I be tortured!"

A chime emanated from one of the consoles in the shuttle. Ransack looked to the console's monitor, and then to Shrapnel.

"Boss, we're about one-point-five cycles distant from BW778 at current transwarp speed," he reported. "We're almost there!"

Almost to our new home...our new kingdom!

The Ark - Bridge

"Indeed, Ultra Magnus Sir. I will designate that as our drop point Alpha, and collate all the data on it." It seemed isolated, but it was centrally placed between several population centres and resource deposits. Grimlock's data was comprehensive on the planet as a whole, but it wasn't incredibly detailed on a local level, and wasn't sorted particularly well. So Perceptor set to work isolating the relevant information.

Silverbolt and Swerve both began asking questions, which Perceptor began tracking down answers to. "Well, in terms of metallurgy, the are is about average in mineral content, but the main issues would be extraction. The crust of the planet is dominated by oxides of all different kinds, which will be much more difficult to remove metals from than the alloy-ores of Cybertron. It would be an interesting exercise, I would very much like to assist you in this, Swerve..."
"Er, as to the potentially more relevant point of avoiding detection...It seems the native lifeforms primarily use Radar for detection, but their detection network is much more encompassing in side their atmosphere than outside. They have some optical sensors as well, but they are not optimised for perimeter security maintenance. If I can possibly remodulate our shields to refract radio-spectrum radiation, we should be able to slip through their sensors and land undetected. However, that would be a risky manuver in a military situation, as it would leave us vunerable to weaponry not based on radio-spectrum radiation. So, er, I'd need permission."

Windchargers question immediately cheered Perceptor up. "Ah, intruiging and multilayered question there, Windcharger. The native life of AC488 comes in an abundance unheard of on Cybertron. Even the most cursory list of species groups boggles the processor, let alone individual variations. But the primary lifeform is similar in bodily structure to a cybertronian in Robot mode, but substantially smaller, comparable to a micromaster. They are constructed of carbon-based materials, mainly naturally occuring polymer chains, thus affording them orders of magnitude less resistance to weaponry than a cybertronian lifeform of their size. Conversely, the reduced weight and transmaterial pliability of their construction makes them superlatively more fuel-efficent than us, and they can survive on the most impure organic energy sources. There is little wonder why they number in the billions, even sharing their planet with so many lesser species."
"As for communication, I'm currently running what language data we have through the computer core. It's inconsistent and fragmented, but I hope to have something workable to incorporate into the upcoming trans-scanning procedures. Hmm...that's something else I should be doing..."

Thanatos - Bridge

An orbital bouncer, a machine used to teleport transformers from orbital ships to the planet below or to other non moving targets not protected against it within limited range. Motormaster had gone through few bounces, none of them all too pleasant. The bounce usually meant a drop of few centimeters to several meters and disorienting feeling for a moment. It wasn't something that could be used to send soldiers directly into combat zone but sending an infiltration unit to this blue planet seen in the horizon was another thing.

"So what do we disguise ourself into? Don't we need to go through modifications so we can blend in before the bounce?"

It was perhaps a stupid question and Shockwave likely just assumed everyone onboard knew what they were doing but Motormaster knew his men. Without proper instruction, trouble would ensue. And truth to be told, Shockwave or Starscream were far better choices than him to tell the unit what kind of alternative modes they should get for this mission.

Thanatos - Bridge

"That," Skyjack said to Motormaster, "is a very ggod question. I think there's a CR chamber involved, right Shockwave?"

Thanatos--Bridge

Shockwave brought up a display on the primary viewscreen. Various images of what the Insecticons had observed on AC488 were cycled for all the Decepticons to see.

"Delarative: You will find alternode mode possibilities stored within the datafile I dispatched to each of your personal registries. Some may prove effective; however, the information acquired by the Insecticons was not exhaustive. In order to assure complete accuracy throughout the infiltration process, it is recommended that you not select your alternate mode until we have made direct contact with our surroundings. From the information I have seen, the utilitarian modes of transportation employed by the natives can vary significantly from region to region. This will be ours," Shockwave said, indicating the display in front of them.

The viewscreen narrowed in on a largely deserted region of the world. The natives referred to it as the United States--more specfically, the Mojave desert. They would establish a base of operations there and branch out as the mission dictated. Shockwave at last rose from his seated position, several wires and other cables retracting back in to the gerth of his bulky, purple design. It was time for them to reestablish contact with the planet and initiate the infiltration process in earnest.

"Imperative: prepare to employ orbital bounce technology and proceed to planet designate AC488."

Thanatos – Bridge

A mission that had initially looked like it was some sort of lifetime sentence to some primitive world where they would die was looking all the more imminently suicidal. Darkwing and Dreadwind.

Darkwing was disturbed at the thought of taking on the primitive form of a human aircraft and then sharing the skies with them. These disgusting little bags of bone, flesh and fluid couldn’t even fly without the aid of separate machinery. They probably careened their aircraft through the skies, smashing into each other and the ground constantly. With their vast population and apparently rapid breeding processes they could probably get away with that as a species, but he wasn’t going to take any chances. If any of those things got close to him he was blowing it out of the skies.

Dreadwind was more horrified at the idea of an orbital bounce. It was a technology that had been used infrequently during the war. When your entire planet was a warzone it wasn’t wise to use the inexact teleporting system. Now they were going to use it to teleport down on to the watery mudball covered with psychopathic flesh creatures. If that weren’t enough to guarantee death, there were also the stories of people never completing the bounce. Their molecules ended up scattered between the point of teleportation and the target area. It was in his personal list of the worst ways to die. Maybe he should just go into stasis before they bounced, that way he at least wouldn’t feel himself being pulled into his base components and scattered through space.

Ark-13 - Bridge

Poring over the data that Grimlock's mission had gathered, Skydive was, predictably, quite interested in the various flying technologies that the denizens of AC488 possessed. As a natural flyer, it was most likely that whatever alternate mode he would take in his reformat would be some sort of aircraft. By sheer necessity, it would probably be a military aircraft. There appeared to be few non-military aircraft whose designs could accommodate the sort of maneuvers in which Skydive regularly engaged. As he looked through the designs, a chime from a nearby console drew him from his research.

"We are two-point-three breems from termination of transwarp journey," the Aerialbot stated from his post at the navigator's station. "Our emergence point is approximately three breems from high orbit of AC488."

He waited to see what the mission commander would order the crew to do next.