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Observation Deck


Carnivac felt that look from Bludgeon. He shrunk a bit as he turned to face Bludgeon to confirm that he was being glared at. "I think Vampy is awake."

--

>>"Did you switch Bomb Burst's fuel with Energex?"<< Bludgeon's voice came sternly over the Mayhem Attack Squad's comms.

---

>>"Didn't want to leave Mr Moody 'Con out of the fun we'd been planning."<< Carnivac confessed. >>"I figured it wouldn't hurt if I gave him a bit of Energex just to lighten his mood."<<

--

Bugly smirked, facing away from Bludgeon, the commander wouldn't see it. And knowing Carnivac, he would take the blame solely on himself this. It was the wolf-former's nature to keep his comrades out of trouble, at least when it was his own plan, Carnivac would gladly throw any of them under the proverbial bus if they had hatched the plan.

--

Iguanus laughed, however. "Good one, Carn." He said.

---

Bludgeon shook his head slightly. >>"Bring Bomb Burst to the observation deck."<< He commanded to the technician.

--

Med Bay

>>"What?How!?!"<< the technician's response came. >>"He keeps trying to bite us when we get close! And his 'Bot is dead and he's looking for more...."<<

--

Observation Deck

>>"Figure it out."<< Bludgeon replied.

--

Nightbird wanted very much to slap everyone upside the head. >>"Crow..."<< She said to Crowbar over the assassin team comms. >>"The Commander needs a persuaded out of the med bay to the observation deck. You are on your way to the observation deck, yes?"<<

--

>>"I am practically there."<< Crowbar responded. >>"But I can easily reroute to the med bay. What kind of mood is the Commander in... I am assuming he just woke up."<<

---

>>"Drunk."<< Nightbird grumbled. >>"So he won't be hard to lead out."<<

--

>>"Right, okay."<< Crowbar closed the comm and headed for the med bay.

Observation Deck

Venom allowed himself to enjoy the momentary exhilaration of surprising his… friends. Such appearances would no doubt lead to them being more observant, but it would also force them into mistakes. Having them on the defensive and on edge only helped his cause. If they shook themselves apart from glitching, so much the better.

There was one that didn’t appear surprised, and that was worrisome. Venom tilted his head as he studied Ransack’s response. Not what it should have ben. How did he know? Did he see me? He’d have to keep a better optic on Ransack

Ransack wrote:”Yeah. Humpf, victory.”

Venom narrowed his optics at the mech, then turned to study the reactions of the others. How long before they stopped fearing him? If they turned on him as one…

He pushed the thought aside as Bombshell said,

Bombshell wrote: "And such spoils. A rare sight," Bombshell said, cocking his head curiously to one side and then back again as he evaluated Venom's sudden presence. "You missed an even better one on the planet's surface. Jhiaxus' monster was...delectable. Once the work was done."

Venom snickered as he shook his head. “Who says I wasn’t there, ensuring your mishaps were kept to a minimum? Impressive work, my brothers, but I prefer… to be more selective. One can never be too careful when it’s so easy to add toxins to organic flesh. Perhaps one that increases the need to ingest energon to the point of operational shutdown…”

He let his voice trail off as Ransack motioned across the room at the developing confrontation.

Ransack wrote: “You see that?” He lifted a digit, pointing towards the scene. “Get some nightmare fuel.”

“Such proves my point. Heightening our aggression toward one another is a perfect way to gain the upper hand, but don’t take my word for it,” he said, turning his gaze to the chaos Cutthroat was causing.

The fools. Who starts a fight in front of witnesses? “They are as foolish as they are ugly. I’m sure our overlord will be gentle this time.” Turning back to his fellow Insecticons, he motioned for them to continue. “Don’t let me stop you from indulging. Drink up. It’s not like any of us would add something to a comrade’s drink to control them, is it?”

As the roars of victory died down, Scorponok walked over to one of the larger observation windows, grabbing a hold of an energon container size of an average Cybertronian on his way to his destination. The vastness of the universe always did put things into perspective. Even a mechanoid size of an apartment complex felt insignificant standing next to something so enormous that even Cybertronian science could not properly map it out.

Squeezing the container just enough to pop it open, Scorponok proceeded to pour some of its contents down his throat while ignoring the ruckus Cutthroat and the Monstercons were causing. Cutthroat had it coming. He was fine with letting the Monstercons blow out some steam by ganging up on the Terrorcon who had clearly instigated the whole scene as usual. Though he was going to stop it if it got out of hand. If it wasn’t for the fact that Cutthroat had been deemed to be a crucial part of the new Terrorcon combiner – Scorponok wouldn't have thought twice about mangling the troublesome Decepticon into premature deactivation. Cutthroat’s kind simply had no room existing in the brave new future envisioned by Megatron. No, a psychopathic sadist like Cutthroat was nothing but means to an end to Scorponok.

But today was not about Cutthroat. Or about the Monstercons. This was about finally delivering a significant enough blow to the balance of power between the Autobots and the Decepticons to bring change to the status quo. This was about celebrating the proverbial winds of change. How long ago it had been they had had a similar chance to put an end to this endless conflict? Thousands of vorns? Tens of thousands? Even that didn’t really matter. They had a chance now. A chance they couldn’t squander.

”Cyclonus my friend,” Scorponok spoke out, still gazing at the stars, ”Tell me, what would be your next step?”

Observation Deck

As Scorponok made his way further into the observation deck, Cyclonus followed, not particularly out of any sense of obligation at this point. They had been allotted a brief respite, but even so, the Lord Commander seemed as if something yet weighed upon his mind. Likely many things did. Such was the burden of command. For his part, Cyclonus at always felt one of his strengths was both in being able to offer silence when it was needed and counsel when it was requested. He would see if this was one of those times.

Approaching the oversized viewing area that offered the Decepticons aboard a direct opportunity to gaze into the infinity of space, Cyclonus did just that while taking another small drink from his container. When not engaged in battle, he had to admit that this was one of his favorite pastimes. Others had chided him for it here and there over the vorns, mechs like Starscream and even Megatron--mechs who were more action-oriented. Mechs who craved it. Cyclonus was perfectly comfortable on the battlefield, but this was what he craved. This was what he fought for. Being able to stare into infinity and simply be.

He could only wonder what Lord Scorponok thought when he stared into that same, starry expanse.

For a while, both mechs simply stared in silence, keeping their thoughts to themselves for the moment as the various Decepticons took their various opportunities to release steam. Cyclonus would not break then silence. It was too rare in their line of work. Scorponok likely had precious few opportunities to savor moments like this. It would not be his Vice Commander who interrupted it.

When Scorponok finally decided to break the silence, Cyclonus's attention shifted to that of his commander, though his optics kept their focus on the stars beyond.

”Cyclonus my friend. Tell me, what would be your next step?”

Cyclonus let the question linger for a few moments while he gave the query some legitimate thought. A question of that profundity could not be met with an answer given in haste.

"The fronts of this Great War have been divided into four for a great many vorns now. For just as long, we have been trading minor defeats and minor victories with Fortress Maximus, either of our forces able to strike the defining blow. Until now."

Cyclonus let out a small sigh.

"Though we have energon to spare today, our overall supply dwindles. As Shockwave said, we are facing a countdown to extinction if we cannot revitalize the universe's natural energon stores. Much of our hope for the future hinges on the new energy source that Megatron's forces uncovered on that inhabited planet they're in the process of infiltrating. With Maximus defeated, if they've made any progress at all on the other major fronts of the war, it would seem to me that we will be given no better opportunity to win this war. Surely Megatron has a strategy in place to execute once yourself, Lord Deszaras and Lord Gigatron bring news of victory."

Scorponok did appreciate Cyclonus’ decision to remain silent until the Decepticon Leader himself addressed his Vice Commander. Moments like these were few and far between. And weren’t moments like these what they were fighting for? Chance for peaceful introspection instead of being forced to remain alert your every waking astrosecond. Life of a Decepticon was life of constant struggle but that was not the reason the Decepticons had come to be. The Decepticons existed to bring change. And too often, change could only be brought through force.

"The fronts of this Great War have been divided into four for a great many vorns now. For just as long, we have been trading minor defeats and minor victories with Fortress Maximus, either of our forces able to strike the defining blow. Until now."

Cyclonus let out a small sigh.

"Though we have energon to spare today, our overall supply dwindles. As Shockwave said, we are facing a countdown to extinction if we cannot revitalize the universe's natural energon stores. Much of our hope for the future hinges on the new energy source that Megatron's forces uncovered on that inhabited planet they're in the process of infiltrating. With Maximus defeated, if they've made any progress at all on the other major fronts of the war, it would seem to me that we will be given no better opportunity to win this war. Surely Megatron has a strategy in place to execute once yourself, Lord Deszaras and Lord Gigatron bring news of victory."

As Cyclonus finished speaking his mind, Scorponok remained silent a little longer, his gaze never leaving the vast cosmos before him. There were truth to Cyclonus’ words. If perhaps little too much pessimism at least when it came to their energon situation. Having defeated Fortress Maximus and secured a garden world like Nebulos under the Decepticon banner had revitalized their energon production. Of course it would take some time before the output of energon reached desired level but the potential was there nonetheless. As for the rest, Cyclonus had nothing to say Scorponok had not considered himself. Nonetheless, he appreciated the opinion of his most trusted advisor.

”Megatron always thinks several steps ahead.” Scorponok finally spoke up, ”Otherwise he would have never kept his position as our Supreme Leader.”

Taking another sip from the energon container he was holding in his claw, Scorponok paused again for a while, letting his gaze fall upon the two planets orbiting the Lenocinium Velnero star within the circumstellar habitable zone for organic life in this particular solar system. The planets simply known to Cybertronians as LV-117 and LV-118. Two planets known to their science for hundreds of thousands of vorns. Two planets that shared a violent past with each other. A past that was destined to bring forth their mutual destruction through a collision path long before the star they orbited would swallow them in its death throes. Was that their destiny as well? No. He had defeated Fortress Maximus. He had corrected the course. A brand new future awaited.

”We will take the word of our triumph to Megatron. We have given him the means and now it is our turn to put our trust in his hands. For his is the right to steer us forth in our path towards a final victory.” The massive warlord finally spoke out. Without Megatron the Decepticon cause would not exist, yet Scorponok could not avoid the seeds of doubt gnawing away at the darkest recesses of his mind. It had taken so long. Was Megatron really the one to bring this to an end? Perhaps… No. He needed to have faith in Megatron’s vision. He could not let his own ego endanger everything. And yet, was it not him who had broken the Autobots’ back?

Scorponok shook his head at his own treacherous thoughts and addressed Cyclonus again, his gaze never wandering away from the observation window, ”It has been quite some time since the Conclave last gathered. I am curious to hear what Deszaras has to report. He has been uncharacteristically silent of late while Gigatron has kept his reports coming as meticulously as ever.”

Brig

”Autobots came to be out of hope for a better world. We’ll make due. Somehow. I know we will," Skyhammer said in response to Lightspeed's earlier encouragement. He simply nodded an acknowledgement. It was hard to look for the silver lining in any aspect of their current situation, but it had to be done. The alternative was an abyss of self-defeat.

A short time later, a new Autobot was unceremoniously dumped into their cell. But not just any Autobot. Their commander!

Lightspeed had never been more excited to see him than right now. He certainly looked like he'd been through the wringer, though.

“Hey. I could use a hand right about now,” he said with a smirk on his face that belied his beaten up condition.

Nosecone, unsurprisingly, seemed to pay little attention to Scattershot's condition; instead, launching right into what he had been working on regarding their gestalt mode. Typical Nosecone. He couldn't really be faulted. It was how he worked.

"Primus on a pole, you look like you went one-on-one with Hungrr," Lightspeed chuckled as he pushed himself off the floor and went over to assist his commander.

"While you digest everything Nosecone has in mind, we'll see if there's anything critical we can patch up with our limited means here."

Observation Deck

Bludgeon's gaze went back to the room. He said nothing for a moment. "I want extra energon for Bomb Burst... Above his ration." He finally broke the silence.

--

Nightbird seemed confused for a brief moment. "We asked once if they could increase his ration. The answer was no."

--

"I don't want his ration increased." Bludgeon responded. "I want a few extra bottles... From here, we've been 'treated' to the best energon, I am going to need to have him refueled above and beyond the usual when he is sober, I need him on quality energon."

---

Another flash of confusion went through her optics before she realized..

Oh. He wanted her to swipe some extra energon. He wanted her in thief mode.

"Ahh, I see. I will arrange it." She said softly.

-----

Med Bay

Crowbar quickly arrived at the med bay to see Bomb Burst laying on the floor laughing. Something had stuck the Vampire as funny. Crow figured the only being in the universe to find whatever it was as funny was probably Bomb Burst. "Commander." He said loudly, above the laughter.
--

"No Crow."
--

"Birdie wants you to come to the observation deck." Crow continued.

--

"No Crow." Bomb Burst said and suddenly sat up.
--

Crow sighed and looked down at the Autobot. It was dead. Something that Bomb Burst didn't do was kill his 'toys' as getting them wasn't easy... And Decepticons were off limits. Crow surmised Bomb Burst was not full if he had, in the haze of drunkenness and low fuel loss of control, killed the 'Bot. "Birdie has more fuel for you, Commander, so lets...." He pointed to the doors. "Go...?"


Bomb Burst had flopped back to laying on the floor, laughing.


"Primus." Crow muttered. "Command-" he was interrupted by laughing. "Commander."

--

"There was an Autobot in here..." Bomb Burst remarked, not really appearing to pay attention to what Crowbar wanted him to do. "He called me buckethead... It was amazin-umm..."the Vampire paused a moment trying to make sure his words were correct. "Amazingly funny. Buckethead. Buckethead. I don't have a bucket!"

--

Crowbar figured it was time to step up measures. "You're stubborn when sober. Worse when drunk." He muttered and grabbed the line of the fuel pump, letting some energon drip on to his wrist. He then shoved his arm in Bomb Burst's face.

The Vampire would give chase if he detected a wounded or leaking bot. And being drunk and the room being well lit, Bomb Burst would never notice that Crow was neither, he would just notice the energon.

But Bomb Burst wasn't reacting. "Commander..." Crowbar said softly before pulling a spear off his back and smacking the Vampire in the head with it.

--

That got Bomb Burst's attention, and as Crow had figured, his instincts kicked in and he started for Crow's arm.

Fortunately, inebriation made reflexes slower, so Crow was able to get out of the way and jog to the med bay doors. Bomb Burst chased. The med bay tech were relieved.

---

>>"Nightbird, we're going to be making an entrance, only way I could get him moving was to chase me."<< Crow reported.

Observation Deck

Nightbird nodded at Crowbar's message, sending a silent affirmative to the hacker, passing on the information to Bludgeon without a word.

--

"So..." Carnivac suddenly said to the Decepticons around them. His optics looking over towards Apeface and Snapdragon as well as the smattering of 'Cons that had gathered nearby when the Monstercons and Cutthroat had started their deadly scuffle. "Who wants to place bets. I've got odds on old Cutthroat coming out on top despite it all."

Observation Deck

”Megatron always thinks several steps ahead. Otherwise he would have never kept his position as our Supreme Leader.”

At those words, Cyclonus merely nodded. It was obvious enough. It was not his skill in the gladiatorial arena that had initially earned Cyclonus' loyalty. It had been his writings. He had read "Towards Peace" and other manifestos not long after they had begun to originally circulate in the Cybertronian underground. To see him in battle, well, that only convinced Cyclonus further that Megatron was a mechanoid with the physical capability of bringing his vision into reality. No other mechanoid in the Decepticon ranks had that combination of being able to paint a future worth fighting for and be able to lead that very fight.

”We will take the word of our triumph to Megatron. We have given him the means and now it is our turn to put our trust in his hands. For his is the right to steer us forth in our path towards a final victory,” Scorponok continued.

Again, a statement that required no spoken agreement from the Vice Commander. It was implied.

”It has been quite some time since the Conclave last gathered. I am curious to hear what Deszaras has to report. He has been uncharacteristically silent of late while Gigatron has kept his reports coming as meticulously as ever.”

At Scorponok's mention of the Conclave, Megatron's shadowy cabal of councillors, Cyclonus turned slightly in Scorponok's direction. He had heard tell of the group before, but only sparingly. Scorponok had spoken little about them during their time in service together and the purple warrior certainly had not inquired on his own.

"If anything is grounds for such a meeting, it would be a victory of this magnitude. The time to finish this war has come. Surely they will see it, as we have. As for Deszaras, I'm as surprised by his silence as you are. I remember him being more...vocal...in his senate days. But that was indeed a long time ago."

((OOC_-Going to nudge MSB's characters forward a notch while he's crunched for time.))

Observation Deck

”Let it pour Snaps. And don’t you slagging waste all of that on the tiny terror!”

"Wouldn't dream of it, heh heh," Snapdragon chuckled as he pulled the container away from Reflector's face and let the little spymaster drop to the ground like a box of energon cubes.

"Enjoy boys," Carnivac had said as he snatched away Snarler's container of energon. Snapdragon caught it reflexively and took a whiff. Nightmare Fuel.

"Ahhhhh, now this is the good stuff," he said, taking a swig. "Here ya go, Apes."

Brig

"Aww, isn't this perfect? Teammates helping each other. Skyhammer and and Skyfall being all optimistic," Whirl said, his optic flickering just before his head jerked suddenly in Pyro's direction.

"You! Say something Optimus-y!"

The Terrorcon Den

In a far off corner of the notorious den of the Terrorcons was a large, soothing oil pool. All of the Terrorcons had bathed in the pool from time to time, but only one practically lived in it - Rippersnapper. The shark-beast was the only member of the monstrous group that was amphibious in nature and while Ripper was fully able to function on dry land, the water or other liquid environment was where he felt most at home. In many ways, one would think he would be better suited to be one of the Seacons. However, Rippersnapper knew as well as anyone that his real place was with the Terrorcons. He was far too terrifying and ferocious to be on any other team.

A dorsal fin slowly emerged from the oil, slicing through it from one end of the pool to the other. As it reached the edge, the shark monster lifted his head out of the oil and watched as the service drones presented Hun-Grrr with energon. As the Terrorcon Commander, it was Hun-Grrr’s right to feed first. No one would dare get in the way of their leader. Those past members of the team who did were now no longer Terrorcons....or still functioning.

As Rippersnapper waited for his turn, he peered around the den to see Sinnertwin and Blot salivating for their own share of energon. Cutthroat was the exception, of course. He was missing, having likely gone to the celebration alone and probably getting himself into trouble no doubt.

“I see Cutthroat is not here,” the shark-beast growled as he pulled himself out of the oil pool and stepped onto the cold floor, his tail trailing behind him. “Leave it to him to go off on his own without the rest of us.” Rippersnapper fell silent for a moment as the scent of the energon reached his olfactory sensors, which he had switched back on once they had returned to the Semper Tyrannis. There were no organics on board that would cause him a problem.

“How is the energon, Master Hun-Grrr. Does it taste as good as it smells?” Like the others, the shark monster began to salivate.

For a passing moment one of Hun-Gurrr’s heads stopped feeding and tilted itself towards Rippersnapper to listen to what the amphibious Terrorcon had to say. For a passing moment. Hun-Grrr wasn’t interested at all about Cutthroat’s whereabouts. In fact, right now – he couldn’t care less. He had plentiful amount enough of energon to feed upon. Why in the name of Primus he would spare a passing moment towards Cutthroat of all possible Cybertronians? Nor he felt any need of answering Rippersnapper’s second question.

And hence, instead of replying to Rippersnapper through words, Hun-Garr merely snarled at the other Terrorcon before indulging himself again with his favorite past time – excessive feeding. It took barely a klik for the ravenous monster to finish the offering brought before him. Leaving the scraps for the other Terrorcons, the two-headed razor beast stepped on the plate and began his journey towards the Observation Deck in search of more energon to consume.

Apeface grabbed the drink hurled at him by Snapdragon and took a long swig of the Nightmare Fuel, letting it pour down his throat. As the strong drink took effect on him, the Horrorcon couldn’t avoid an involuntary shudder before regaining his faculties enough to speak.

”The drink worth of a Horrorcon! Haha!” The simian thug bellowed, pounding his chest with his free hand.

"So..." Carnivac suddenly said to the Decepticons around them. His optics looking over towards Apeface and Snapdragon as well as the smattering of 'Cons that had gathered nearby when the Monstercons and Cutthroat had started their deadly scuffle. "Who wants to place bets. I've got odds on old Cutthroat coming out on top despite it all."

Carnivac’s little gamble roused Apeface’s attention. He was certainly drunk enough to take part of such thing. ”Hah! As tough as that slagger is he’s outnumbered one to six! Hundred shanix to Monstercons!”

"If anything is grounds for such a meeting, it would be a victory of this magnitude. The time to finish this war has come. Surely they will see it, as we have. As for Deszaras, I'm as surprised by his silence as you are. I remember him being more...vocal...in his senate days. But that was indeed a long time ago."

It was a curious detail that Cyclonus had just given attention at. One that Scorponok had not expected. Nevertheless it was no less true nor any less intriguing.

”I do not know whether Megatron saw it differently but his declaration of support to Decepticon cause surprised me.” Scorponok admitted to Cyclonus, ”Not many senators saw our cause just. Or even as something that could truly threaten their complacent, entitled life built on the suffering of lower classes.”

”Nevertheless, Deszaras joined us,” the monstrous Decepticon general continued, ”And for the most part, his service record has been exemplary. Few others can boast same accolades.”

Observation Deck

The Nightmare Fuel had an almost instant effect. Snapdragon felt like he could clock Overlord in the face and not think twice about it.

He needed another swig.

”The drink worth of a Horrorcon! Haha!”

"Like no other!" Snapdragon chortled.

”Hah! As tough as that slagger is he’s outnumbered one to six! Hundred shanix to Monstercons!”

Ahhh...now this. This felt like a little slice of the gladiator pits. Back when Cybertron was livable.

"Cutthroat's feisty. I think he can take 'em, heh heh. Hundred shanix says so. And gimme," the Horrorcon said, reaching for the Nightmare Fuel container.

Observation Deck

A sly smile slipped across Carnivac's faceplate when the Horrorcons decided to partake in the wagering, this was about to get... profitable.

Before he could go any further, the mech that he knew wouldn't be able to resist joining in, if only for the attention, joined. Iguanus.

---

"I'm with Apeface." Iguanus quipped. "The Monstercons will back up their teammates. 100 Shanix on the Monstercons."

---

Carnivac's optics went to Bugly and Skullgrin. "You boys in?"

--

Skullgrin only sipped at his Nightmare Fuel rather than answer Carnivac. However Bugly was more receptive. "I'm in... 100 on the Monstercons."

[Brig]

Nosecone didn’t spend long getting right to the chase with what he had found out. Ah, typical Nosecone. He made Scattershot smile. And Lightspeed too was there by his side. Good to know that the squad was still here, even if everyone looked tired as scrap.

Lightspeed wrote:"Primus on a pole, you look like you went one-on-one with Hungrr."

”Yeah, and it cost me an arm to go through it,” he chuckled. He turned his attention to Nosecone, who seemed to be getting things out of his system. Nosecone truly was a gift to the Autobots.

The Technobot commander listened closely to what he had to say. He nodded along as he heard, and… did he say that they found Jhiaxus’s base? Spawn of a glitch. He really did miss everything. And gestalts? Plural? “What kind of slagtastic gestalt did that fragger come up with this time?” Scattershot asked, the smile disappearing from his face. Oh how he wanted to crush that mad scientist’s skull.

Lightspeed wrote:"While you digest everything Nosecone has in mind, we'll see if there's anything critical we can patch up with our limited means here."

”I’m fine,” he responded to Lightspeed, “Save anything you get for yourselves. All of you look terrible.”

Skyfall nodded. He was really messed up after that flight, the bombardment on the Chaosteros and the acid rain. Still, it was quite an adventure. He wondered what it was like for the gestalts. For some reason, he wanted to be a part of one. Maybe he’d be a limb, but who knew. It seemed like an adventure. He hoped it was. But probably not the best thing to ask the Technobots right now. This wasn’t his line of work and probably would never be.

Whirl wrote:"Aww, isn't this perfect? Teammates helping each other. Skyhammer and Skyfall being all optimistic."

”Do we have much of a choice though?” Skyfall asked, “That’s the best we can do for now until some other opportunity opens up.”

[Observation Deck]

Cutthroat wrote:“So, you wish to die as well. I’ll enjoy devouring your spark.”

”Pfeh. All bark and no bite, hehe,” Wildfly chuckled. It wasn’t long until Cutthroat decided he was going to start playing dirtier, and some poor Vehicon got flung in his direction. Wildfly reached out and caught the hapless soldier, recoiling a bit from the impact and lightly tossing him down to the side. This left him open for a moment, as Cutthroat moved in to spear with his beak.

“Frag off!”

Taking a jab to the midsection, Wildfly put his hands around Cutthroat’s oily beak, trying his best to hold it shut. As he did so, he transformed back into his alternate mode, making sure that his talons were holding Cutthroat’s beak like his hands were holding previously. Letting out a predatory cry, Wildfly swung his beak to peck down hard on the Terrorcon’s skull.

[Observation Deck]

Kickback wrote:"You sound like one not satisfied by the impressive feast we were given."

”Ate it. Liked it. Liked it again. Moved onto the next stop,” Ransack said. He was probably drunk out of his mind right now, but oh well.

Venom wrote:“Such proves my point. Heightening our aggression toward one another is a perfect way to gain the upper hand, but don’t take my word for it.”

Venom’s usual slag wasn’t going to make much sense to Ransack. Not like he wanted to have any sense made of it, because it was probably just some high-end slag as Venom always made. The commando took another sip, sighed, and then chugged the rest of the engex down.

Observation Deck

The activities on the Observation Deck began to fall in to the expected routine, Decepticons fighting, lots of drinking, and the party had truly begun.

Watching Scorponok slide off and speak to Cyclonus, and giving them a few moments to talk first, Bludgeon then motioned to Nightbird to follow and then headed for the two. Stopping a respectable distance from them; far enough to not overhear their conversation; he waited patiently for their leader to be available. He would not rush the two, nor did he want to make them feel like he was intruding.

--

Nightbird followed... Though she'd much rather be doing something else. She was ready to take a rest, maybe meditate, stay out sight of others... But... No rest for the wicked. Bludgeon obviously had something he wanted to accomplish, she figured part of that was just being seen by the Decepticon army. He seemed to want the rest to know he had returned and was still as quick and sharp as always.

But what he was up to by approaching Scorponok and Cyclonus, she couldn't glean from his posture. He simply stood waiting; the ever present calm demeanor intact.

Brig

"Yes, the Cons now have two gestalts of their own not counting us. I heard while we were in the mountain looking for the scientist's base, the Monstercons formed their giant while the Terrorcons formed a new one. We, your fellow Technobots, felt the desire to change while tunneling but it stopped. I do not know how this all happen but the report was that the Cons had full control of the gestalts instead of Jhilaxus. Considering how intelligent Scorponok is, it is totally possible he was working on the gestalt idea before breaking the Monstercons out but was missing a few crucial steps or parts. The worst part is now he has a much better understanding of the process from a personal level as well as the knowledge of Jhilaxus. Sadly we didn't have time to destroy the information I have shared with you. The best we can do is free ourselves and improve the design on ourselves. Logicor is such a horrible name."

Nosecone smiled at the last comment he made. The team really did need to come up with a new name once they got freed.

"As silly of the idea of a new name sounds, maybe just maybe, that is how we break free. It be interesting to see if we can create a new personality with our gestalt."

Observation Deck

”I do not know whether Megatron saw it differently but his declaration of support to Decepticon cause surprised me. Not many senators saw our cause just. Or even as something that could truly threaten their complacent, entitled life built on the suffering of lower classes. Nevertheless, Deszaras joined us, and for the most part, his service record has been exemplary. Few others can boast same accolades.”

Cyclonus nodded. It did not surprise him that there were few senators that would support such a movement, particularly then. As Scorponok said, they were complacent. More importantly, they were comfortable. It takes great motivation indeed to give up a life of ease and comfort for the unknown. In that respect, at least, mechs like Deszaras and Shockwave deserved perhaps more credit for recognizing Megatron's potential so early on. Cyclonus had not been swayed quite so quickly. But having been in the service of ones like Nova Prime and Galvatron made for large footprints to be filled.

"Once we bring the peace that Megatron has written about and orchestrated for so long, I think we will eliminate the last of the doubters and holdouts, be they senator or peacekeeper or freedom fighter. Then....we restructure our civilization. So much to plan for."

Cyclonus stared out into the void of space for a few moments before catching himself.

"Forgive me, my lord. My thoughts turn too far to the future when there are still foes to be defeated."

There was no change in Scorponok’s posture or demeanor as he listened to Cyclonus give a voice to his own thoughts. Cyclonus was right. There was much to do before they’d reach their goal. But even that goal – Pax Cybertronia, was nothing but a waypoint in a much longer journey than most seemed to realize. Peace on Cybertron was merely the first step on their road to become a Galactic Empire powerful enough to enforce peace at a scale most mortals could not begin to apprehend. And it wouldn’t end there. No. What was one galaxy in the vast ocean that was the universe?

”And yet, if you do not plan for the future – what will you do when it arrives?” The warlord quickly responded to his lieutenant’s quite unnecessary apologies. ”We are set for a quest that only a race of nearly immortal beings such as us can hope to pursuit. The time when Megatron lies down his weapon as the sign of peace lies in a distant future.”

Scorponok’s head slowly turned just enough for him to get a glance of Bludgeon from the corner of his optic. He needed not his optics to be aware of the exact positioning of everyone within the Observation Deck, Bludgeon and Nightbird moving closer to his position had not gone unnoticed. ”And what of you Bludgeon? If you wish to have a word with us, there’s no better opportunity ahead in a quite while.”

Observation Deck

The attention of the intimidating commander of the 2nd Fleet drew to Bludgeon, and while Nightbird's optic flickered for a moment; spies don't like attention; Bludgeon stood stoically. He was never one to be uneasy.

Cryhavok wrote:”And what of you Bludgeon? If you wish to have a word with us, there’s no better opportunity ahead in a quite while.”

Bludgeon couldn't agree more with Skorponok's statement. In war, there was never much time, and he got the feeling that maybe events were on the horizon in addition to the usual.

"Lord Skorponok, Commander Cyclonus..." With a respectful salute and now due reverence given to both, he wasted no time getting to his point. "My apologies, Lord Skorponok, for my faux pas on the planet's surface regarding Banzai-tron." He began. "In my distrust for him, I stepped out of line. Much has changed since I was last in the Decepticon ranks, as you said. Though I recognize and respect your authority, I must remember to extend that to those you have entrusted as advisors and commanders.

"For the present, I will have Bomb Burst take lead over me, at least when it comes to dealing with the interworkings of command."

There was a snort from behind him, from Nightbird. He frowned and looked sidelong. "Or possibly Nightbird as she seems a little more capable in diplomacy." He added much to Nightbird's horror.

--

"Bomb Burst has actually gotten a bit better at navigating command etiquette." Nightbird said softly. "At least he doesn't threaten his superiors anymore. But he's still not perfect."

Scorponok was mildly amused by Nightbird’s reaction to Bludgeon’s little quip towards her. It was a clear sign of the dynamics between these two. Bludgeon had a stranglehold of fear and respect on Nightbird. Same went likely for most Decepticons the mystic warrior was involved with. To make most out of Bludgeon’s talents he needed a superior Bludgeon would respect at least as an equal and Bomb-Burst was not the one. In fact, that list was quite short, leaving Scorponok very few candidates to reign over Bludgeon effectively.

”Bomb-Burst is a weapon of terror. An effective assassin. A predator with few peers. But his effectiviness as a leader is not on par of his other abilities,” the gargantuan warlord spoke up, ”You will take orders directly from Cyclonus until Scourge rendezvous with us and takes command of my assassins and hunters again.”

That being said, the was a certain detail regarding Bludgeon that Scorponok was interested in. He had heard the rumors but the Decepticons had very few facts about how the Autobots had managed to overwhelm Bludgeon and take him under arrest.

”I am curious though. There’s a veil I’d have you to lift. The exact events leading to the loss of the Empyrion and your capture by the Autobots. One could say that from our perspective you just disappeared.”