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Shockwave's Tower - Main Hangar

Deathscreamer entered the main Hangar for the first time,his optics scanning for an officer to go and present himself to.His red painted figure was standing alone in the middle of the main hangar scanning around;He saw some of his comrades leaving for duty and others trying to set up a fight.Heh;How exciting!he said to himself ironically.Finally after some astroseconds of observation,he saw some Cons saluting a towering transformer named Cyclonus,calling him "Air Commander"...

He must be the officer here;Strange - I thought Starscream was in charge of the Seekers...Maybe he overdid himself again and got exiled? Deathscreamer thought,obviously lacking knowledge in the story that was unfolded in the Decepticons leadership hierarchy.No matter why Cyclonus was now the Air commander,Deathscreamer approached him and stood attention saying to his superior;

"Seeker Deathscreamer,sir!Reporting for duty,my liege!"he paused for a while,looking to his superior."Just transfered here in Polyhex, my lord;I trust it's proper to report to you on arrival?"he finished,waiting for Cyclonus's reply.

The Skies of Polyhex ~ Near the Tagan Heights

Thundercracker closely monitered his silent radar. Whenever he was on a patrol mission such as this he always paid close attention, despite the urge to try and have a little fun. The last thing he wanted was for someone to get the drop on him. Being responsible for two wingmen only amplified his anxiety. Knowing that if anything bad, however unlikely, happened would be his fault strengthened his resolve to perform beyond the call of duty. He had to keep his easy-going nature in check. Being able to get along easily with the others was an asset, but it could work against him too. Appearing too easy-going was likely to leave a bad impression on his superiors.

There was no sign of Autobot activity in the Tagan Heights, so Thundercracker opened a comm-link to Cyclonus and made his report.

<<Thundercracker to Cyclonus. We've covered the area from coordinates 231, 546 to 396, 789. All's clear. Now heading on bearing 431.7. Gonna check out the border of Iacon and see if anything's happening.>>

Breaking formation and rolling into the new coordinates, Thundercracker spoke to his wingmen.

"C'mon boys. We're checking out Iacon. Maybe if we're lucky we can scare up some excitement."

Waiting for Turbulence and Firebat to correct course, he opened up the throttle and ascended to 35,000 feet. That height would reduce the effectiveness of their radar, but would give them time to react if they happened upon any foolish Autobot fliers.

"Keep your optics on your radars. If there are any Autobots, we want to get the jump on them."

The Skies of Polyhex ~ Near the Tagan Heights

Turbulence thought of how badly Dune Hopper must be pounding on that sweep in the tournament. Lucky mech... Despite being a seeker, the blue and bronze sword mech preffered fighting on his feet to mid flight dogfights. Taking an aerial alt form was just a nessecity to enter the Decepticon's so long ago. He kept better company in the seeker acadamy then in any other fuctioning cycle. Well, excluding his time with Quantum and this patrol with the reputable Thundercracker. Still he liked the freedom flight gave him and quaking rush of the upper atmosphere.

"Nothing quite like the air up there Thundercracker. Makes all the problems below seem so small and insignificant..."

As Thundercracker set new coordinants, the other blue seeker assumed he agreed. Turbulence corrected his course to match the 35,000 feet climb and switched his radar from passive to active. Now this was the elevation he preferred.

"No worries sir. If any miserable Autobots so much as raises a blip... they'll reap the whirl wind!"

Shockwave's Tower - Briefing Room Three

Ramjet entered not far behind Dune Hopper. Whatever slip in decorum the yellow seeker may have made was visibly distinguishable from the red winged warrior's sure formed salute.

"Sub-Commander." The conehead greeted Rapture curtly. After all it wasn't every cycle one was promoted in the Decepticon empire. So Skywarp thinks I can't make a good impression on the Soundwave constructed seeker...

As Ramjet took his optics off of Rapture and headed for a seat across, yet off center, from the one he presumed was for the sub seeker commander; every movement the very definition of military bearing. Though rough around the edges, Ramjet was not beyond appearing to use proper etiquette.

I can't hold these seats all cycle. Dirge and Thrust better get here soon or there going to make me look bad. Then again, the way the patrols were assigned it's likely we wont be working together. Heh I could use a break from that creepy conehead and blow hard anyhow.

No sooner had Ramjet processed the thought Dirge and Thrust entered the war room finding there seats. The seeker trio awaited word from Rapture.

(OOC: Sorry for the delay, guys. We seem to have lost Darkjet, so I'm going to amend our roster, and get us moving again.)

Shockwave's Tower - Briefing Room Three

Rapture was done waiting. If Skyshroud could not be relied upon to report to a simple briefing, he would not be flying with the meticulous femme. It was that simple.

Accessing the tower's computer network, she queried the system on available mechs. There were few enough to chose from as it was, even without Skyshroud's insubordination. She quickly chose a replacement for the errant Seeker.

The midnight femme transmitted a revised roster to Cyclonus, Starscream, and Shockwave. Almost as an afterthought, she sent a formal reprimand report for Skyshroud to Starscream, on the grounds of Dereliction of Duty. Soundwave's daughter was simply not the forgiving type.

With the formalities attended to, the former cassetticon opened a private channel to her substitute. >>Attention, Deathscreamer. This is Seeker Subcommander Rapture. Report to Squadron briefing room three immediately. Rapture out.<<

She hoped this rookie would show better performance that the last one. If not, then I may request a transfer to the academy, she thought ruefully. What ARE they teaching them these days?!

Shockwave Tower - Main Hangar

Deathscreamer was standing on his own in the main hangar for a little while,killing his astroseconds by observing the movements of his fellow decepticons.The most interesting part of his observation was the ongoing "battle" in the tower's arena where 4 decepticons were laying off some frustration by single combat; Amusing Deathscreamer thought.

Suddenly the comm link was on and the first orders of the day were delivered.Deathscreamer had to report to briefing room three;Smells like a mission; Deathscreamer thought astroseconds before opening the comm link to response to his superior officer:

>>Roger that,Sub-Commander;I am on my way right now!Deathscreamer out.<<
he said on the comm link and rushed to get to the briefing room;

Shockwave Tower - Briefing Room 3

Some time later,Deathscreamer had finally reached Briefing Room Three;

"Sub-commander"he said to Rapture with respect and cautiousness before taking his seat,eager to hear what they were to briefed about.What can all this be about?I hope that we will see some action though,I would love to work out the frustration on an Autobot scum!Deathscreamer thought,maintaining the morose look about him.

Shockwave Tower - Briefing Room 3

Ghost took a seat and watched the others silently. His red optics glowing softly, barely noticeable. His unseen comrade had also grown quiet, as they awaited Rapture’s orders. A smirk crossed his face as the other seekers entered the room. This would be interesting, the two teams would need to ensure their success.


Main hanger


Blitzwing jerked when Havok spoke from behind him. The purple triplechanger had not expected the Corrupticon to be there. Still Blitz was not about to bet on this fight, but it did not stop him from watching. The commando crossed his arms as he watched. Bane had made a move and the outcome would be destructive at the least.


halls of the tower

Breakdown hurried after Motormaster he was not in the mood to be beaten again. Things were not looking bright, and they could only get worse. The Stunticon eyed the surrounding area for Dead end, he hoped the depressed excuse for a con would get his chass over to the team like yesterday.


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((OOC: Because the Character Skyshroud is missing and he was originally flying in my wing I am NPC Jadewind to fill the empty spot until we land. Please assume she had been flying with them from the beginning of the patrol thanks.))

Polyhex southernteer

Skywarp laughed at Thundercracker’s transmission.

<<Are you kidding me? We just left the hanger. I’m taking my wing south, and so far I don’t see anything interesting.>>

Warp dove lower coming close to various landmarks that spotted the terrain. The land disappeared beneath him as his scanners checked for disruptions.

“Nightraid, Jadewind, are you two picking up anything? I’m not getting any readings worth investigating. Lets take a run southeast and see what we get.”

Shockwave Tower - Briefing Room 3

"Hhhhgn" Deathscreamer murmured in discontent showing more morose and in bad mood than before.I sure hope this isn't a waste of my time...,he thought,disillusioned by the prolonged silence on the briefing room. Why am I here anyway?I just transfered here!Surely they would pick a more battle hardened Decepticon for any mission,he continued.

He then looked around him,observing his comrades;He suddenly saw a red glitch present in the room,flashing in and out;Am I seeing things? Deathscreamer questioned his own optics in disbelief. It may be a malfunction...Yes,it must be a malfunction! he reassured himself after a while,failing to spot the origin of the lights.

"Pardon me commander,but why are we summoned here?"he finally said to Rapture with no intention to provoke his senior officer after a while of intense silence in the briefing room.

Shockwave Tower - Briefing Room 3

Rapture was well pleased when Deathscreamer arrived with haste. However, the impatience he displayed as she reviewed her notes a final time was less pleasing by far. But he was young, and such things were to be expected. After all, Decepticons lived for battle, and many here in Polyhex had become listless since the Omega Sentinel had been driven off.

Well. For this group, at least, that boredom was at an end.

"Decepticons," the midnight femme announced evenly, beginning the briefing at last. "Our objective is as follows." A holographic display popped up in the front of the room.

"The Tygus Span. The bridge connecting the highway systems for the Orbital Tarus States of Iacon and Nova Cronum. The keystone of the Autobot supply line. Even damaging the Span will seriously impede the 'Bot war machine."

The canny femme struck a few keys on the command console, and the display shifted. Target areas and attack vectors were highlighted on the three-dimensional map. "This is the target zone," the Seeker Subcommander continued. "The Nova terminus of the bridge. It's considerably farther away from the city proper than its Iacon counterpart, which will hinder the enemy's response time."

"The target itself is these four support columns. Without them, the Span collapses." Again her agile digits manipulated the computer. This time, a simulated attack tun played out as she spoke.

"Our force will consist of two wings of three. Wing One will comprise of Dirge, Ramjet, and Thrust. Wing Two is myself, Dunehopper, Ghost, and Deathscreamer."

"In the first phase of the attack, we will all focus our fire on a single support, specifically the northwest beam. We will destroy it before the enemy can respond. From there, things will get more complicated."

"We will be deep in Autobot territory. Combat is an inevitability in this mission, gentlemechs. Nevertheless, once the northwest beam falls, the clock is running. It's only matter of time until the 'Bots mobilize sufficient force to overrun us. And so the key word here is speed, Seekers. And speed is what we do best."

"After the first beam falls, we will come around again and hit the southwest support. Once the enemy is sighted, Wing Two will break off and engage them while Wing One continues the strafing runs. We will provide the cover they need so they can to get it done."

"Our goal is to destroy two out of four supports. This will heavily damage the Span, and cause serious trouble for Autobot convoys. After the second pass, our chances of success drastically decrease. So we do this in two runs. If the situation looks tenable, I'll call for a third run. If not, we bug out."

"Some of you may wonder how bombing a bridge is going to help us win the war. So let me make this plain. We do this, and the 'Bots and supplies that would have been used to attack the Tagan Heights have to be sent here to clean up the mess we make."

Folding her arms behind her, Rapture looked the task force over as she concluded the briefing.

"We launch in three breems. Any questions?"

Shockwave Tower - Briefing Room 3

Deathscreamer eagerly heard out the whole plan unfolding in front of him and his comrades. A bold plan;I wonder if it is one that will play out though.Surely it's well-conceived but will it work under the firepower of an outnumbering autobot force,trying to shoot us down from the skies?I sure hope speed can win us the day because I don't know what else will!,he thought troubled.

"None,Sub-Commander!" he answered formally to Rapture,preparing for the mission to come.

Shockwave’s Tower – Main Hangar Bay

Sixshot roared into the hangar bay and Transformed into his robot mode. He had suffered some damage in the battle, but nothing terribly severe. He had left more out of concern with the number of Autobots coming down on him. Even he had limits, especially when his mission had essentially been to patrol. He could not face the entire Autobot army, even if he would have savored the opportunity.

He walked through the hangar, ignoring any Decepticons that might still be loitering there. The Sixchanger did contact Shockwave, if grudgingly. >>”Commander Shockwave, I have returned. I detected a ship crashing just inside Autobot territory and investigated. I engaged numerous Autobots, inflicting greater damage than I received. I withdrew upon the arrival of numerous reinforcements. I will now seek out repairs.”<<

*

Shockwave’s Tower –‘Arena’

Cyclonus had followed several of the other Decepticons to the makeshift arena to observe the combat. He was interested in seeing how some of these Decepticons would fight, particularly against a Sweep. The tension with the newest Decepticons was quite apparent and this fight would help measure it and see where it would go from here. He was also ready to prevent any such combat from going too far. There would be no deathmatchs between fellow Decepticons. The Empire didn’t need them slaughtering each other just to relieve tension and boredom.

*

Shockwave’s Tower – Secondary Hangar Bay

Megatron had considered lingering in the city-state a bit longer but he didn’t particularly want to provoke Shockwave any further. He would do better to plot and plan on his own. Let him formulate whatever plans he wanted. If they were turned against Megatron, then Shockwave would be dealt with. Until then he would expect him to do his job as efficiently as ever. Still, he would be ready.

The Decepticon supreme commander boarded his personal shuttle and left Polyhex, bound once more for the heart of his empire.

Shockwave's Tower - Briefing Room 3

Heh, little guy is eager enough, Dunehopper smirked behind his visor as Deathscreamer responded to Rapture's query. He had a question of his own, and, as was usually the case with Dunehopper, it was an inappropriate and crass one.

"Yeah, I got a question, Sub-Commander," he said. "Who's buyin' in the Commissary when we get back from blowing the Span?"

The ground assault specialist had liked what he had heard about the mission. It was just the sort of mission he had been designed for, and he had no doubt his rocket launchers and incendiary bombs would be put to great use on the Tygus Span's supports.



Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Megatron's departure had not come a moment too soon, so far as Shockwave was concerned. Infinitely patient as the military coordinator was, he had no desire to cast his single optic upon Megatron any longer than he was required to do so. He had more pressing matters at hand, now that he had received his new assignment. Though he found Megatron's choice of leader for the mission to AC488 highly illogical - there was a war to be won on Cybertron - he would hardly approach his new mission with anything less than total attention and diligence. To do otherwise would be contrary to his nature. His cranial unit rotated as he focused his single optic on the Decepticon that had quietly but superbly kept Polyhex's data systems running smoothly for many, many mega-cycles.

"Reflector," he said. "Prepare for reassignment and departure. Assignment: communications and surveillance officer. Posting: Planet AC488. Mission: infiltration."

Shockwave then opened several secure comm channels to various other Decepticons. Megatron had given him leave to select a suitable team, and it did not take the military coordinator long to decide on a mission roster.

>>"Starscream, Dreadwind, Darkwing, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Octane, Stunticons, report to Drydock Omega immediately. Transmitting security codes."<<

The security codes were necessary, as Drydock Omega was accessible only via a secure maglev rail that ran from the Tower into the Drydock region of Polyhex. It had been a long time since Drydock Omega had been used, but, meticulous and prepared as was his innate programming, Shockwave had hardly neglected upkeep of the almost priceless facility and the equally priceless ship berthed there.

Orders issued, Shockwave moved to the primary terminal in the Command Center. Extending a slender data probe from his left arm, Shockwave connected directly to the Tower's massive main computer. INITIATE SECURITY PROTOCOL ZETA. Data streams within the mainframe were redirected, restricted, modified, and in some cases concealed completely. In just a few klicks, the process was complete. The Tower's computers would be functional enough to whomever would occupy it after the military coordinator's departure, but his labyrinthine library of sensitive data was cordoned off behind wall after wall of encryption, and then concealed so carefully as to appear that it was not even there in the memory banks. A duplicate of all the data was downloaded directly into Shockwave's own immense internal storage.

Looking around the Command Center with a slow, slight rotation of his cranial unit, Shockwave disconnected from the main terminal and strode toward the exit.

I shall return.

Shockwave Tower - Briefing Room 3

Dirge calmly listened to the midnight blue pheno type seeker. Her plan was demandingly bold, yet cunningly calculated. So my team is the firepower, and her team is...

"The last thing those autobolts will see are the scattered gravel from the Span's support beams and the after burners of the aerial elite!"

Thrust stood to his feet and proclaimed the Decepticon's eminent victory; However, Dirge wasn't so easily convinced. While the northwest beam would be protoform's play it was the southwest beam that concerned this gentlemech. Then there was matter of

The Intruder's squad member Dunehopper struck him as a more reliable Ramjet, if not as durable. What little he knew of Ghost led Dirge to see him as an elusive target; well suited for distraction if not engagement. While he found amusement in the new seekers name, he was still an unknown variable, and thus a liability.

How long does Rapture think to stall the Autobots with an unseasoned seeker and a perpetually dissipating veteran at her wing? hmph.. Well I guess it would take four ragtag seekers to match our squad's effectiveness.

"I have one query Sub-commander. Should wing two's defenses be breached before the southwest beam falls what is wing one to do? I could amplify my engines unique roar, but it could be a liability to those who haven't... experienced it." Dirge asked with the smallest trace of doubt in the eager new recruit as he gave Deathscreamer a once over. This plan seemed just beyond the assembled teams reach but the consumit professional was not about to say it.

She may not be Starscream but orders were orders. Still there is more than one way to control a situation.

Shockwave's Tower - 'Arena'

As Reforge watched the competing mechs, he noticed particularly Blugeon's flurry of strikes, "Seems the metalikato mech knows more than a little basic construction. Battletrap maybe a uniquely designed duocon but there is a reason Shockwave moved on to design triple changers."

The sweep surgent didn't see the need to monitor the progress of his warrior counter part. Blackguard's performance would be best assessed from the repair of Bane's core frame... or his own.

"Swindle, 5 credits says the duocon is the first to fall."

Shockwave Tower - Briefing Room 3

Deathscreamer was testing his gear and weapons while the other Decepticons asked their questions to the Sub-Commander.While he didn't want to intervene further,he felt the need to when he heard Dirge's question,a question that made clear that Dirge was unsure of his abilities in combat due to lack of experience.


"I am sure we can handle the Autobots by ourselves somehow,Dirge;" he said to the battle hardened Con warrior,while holding his energized sword which emitted an intense dark purple gleam."But of course,if need be use your gadgets;I'd love to see the Autobots paralyzed with fear!".He then putted the weapon back into its resting place,his left wing.

Tower--Command Center

"We obey," the three components of the Reflector unit respond in unison to Shockwave command. The mechanoids rise from their given posts and follow the Military Operations Commander as he leaves the command center of his tower.

Reflector knew that this was the opportunity he had been looking for. The experimental Decepticon had been waiting for the chance to put his true surveillance skills to the test. He had not been privy to the information regarding AC488 that had been contained within the file that Soundwave had transmitted, but it was just as well. Such information may have clouded his perspective, and in his line of functioning, that was simply not acceptable.

Now it was time to gain an entirely new perspective, and any world that the Decepticon leader himself thought to be worthy of such an expedition as this could not help but pique Reflector's curiosity as well.

Shockwave's Tower - 'Arena'

Swindle wasn't missing anything that was going on around him, particularly not the fight, it was just that he had to balance with with talking to Onslaught. >>Not that there's anything wrong with heading out again, Boss. I'm good to go,<< He said as he gave the thumbs up to Reforge that he was taking the bet, >>it'd be the others I'd be worried about. I haven't seen Brawl in ages and you'd expect a big noisy thing like what's going on here to attract him.<<
Swindle saluted to Cyclonus as the Air Commander came in. >> As for Vortex and Blastoff, they're missing too but that's hardly a surprise. But I expect you sent Blastoff on recon and Vortex to handle a prisoner and they're just taking their time, right?<<

Shockwave's Tower - Briefing Room 3

"That would be me, Dunehopper," Rapture said wryly. "Just be sure you earn your drinks out there." Though a staunch supporter of Starscream, she anticipated very little trouble from the Intruder. He was a solid grunt, and he'd do his duty. The same went for Thrust.

Dirge, on the other hand, is going to be a problem, the midnight femme thought as the gloomy blue seeker spoke up. This is the second time he has skirted the edge of insubordination. In the Decepticon hierarchy, insubordination and mutinous power games often went hand in hand.

Nevertheless, Rapture was not looking to make any new enemies. Best to let it go this time. The war effort comes before politics.

As to the matter of his fear-inducing systems, She was not in favor of the idea. Even Dirge himself admitted they were a potential hazard to their own forces. And more importantly (to Rapture, at least) they introduced an unknown quantity to the scenario if employed. And such uncontrollable factors were to be avoided, as far as the former Cassetticon was concerned. She preferred it when things ran by the numbers.

Deathscreamer's interjection, while a bit jejune, was hopefully correct. The four members of wing one should be able to hold their own for some time. Particularly if Ghost could keep the enemy from getting a fix on him.

"My projections indicate an 76.4% probability that Wing two will be able keep the Bots off your wing on the second pass," she said to Dirge. "In the event that they are not, you are, unless ordered otherwise, to complete your current attack pattern, then break and engage, weapons free. Your fear generators will be utilized as a last resort. At my discretion. You said it yourself; they could be a danger to our own forces. That's a chance we don't want to take unless we must." No doubt this decision would not be pleasing to the red conehead. But his discontent was simply something she would have to weather for the duration.

And then, there was Ghost. She thought back on the translucent spy's earlier claim. And the femme wondered...if it was true, just how many of her secrets was he privy to? Whatever the case, she would be keeping the stealth specialist close. She had a feeling that letting him out of earshot too long was a dangerous proposition.

"Any further questions?" she asked. When none were forthcoming, she announced "Briefing adjourned. Two and a half breems and counting, Decepticons. I want everyone armed, fueled, defragmented, and on the ready line in two."

"Dismissed."

(occ: sorry for the delay. Lots of collegues with the flu atm, so I've been working my butt off the last few days... too exhausted for anything else than working, eating and sleep

Oh and Bane has not yet drawn his swords )

Shockwave's Tower - 'Arena'


The Sweep was now trying to thrust him like if he was some rookie in hand-to-hand combat. Bane had a puzzled look for a slight astrosecond before reacting to Blackguard's attack. His move was easily avoidable, at least if you had the amount of combat experience that Bane possessed. Somehow the Corrupticon sadist had a feeling the Sweep was merely testing him... if not, he sure had him fooled. With a swift move, he spinned his slender body 360 degree around, avoiding the blade just by mere centimers and tried to hit Blackguard with his relative pointy elbow, while drawing one of his swords with the other hand from the lower back.

"'bout fragin' time!" Thrall complained to Havok, like if it was his fault Bane was playing with his opponent again.

Shockwave's tower - 'Arena'

While getting as powerful a warrior as Bane to take an offensive posture wasn't exactly something one could call a victory, Blackguard was in some ways glad of it. He was a defensive warrior by nature, and being forced to take the initiative had been worrying to him. Now that he had something to react to, he was on more stable ground, even if the risk was much higher.

The spikes on Blackguard's forearm met the spike on Bane's elbow, and with a spark they scraped past each other. Moving with the push, Blackguard took a step back, then pushed forward and up with his spiked shield, hoping to pin Bane's arm as it drew his blade. Blackguards sword followed behind the sword, aiming for the gladiator's midsection.

Shockwave's tower - 'Arena'

Rampage was still watching the comat with rampt fascination; after all his own mind was delighting in the combat; even if he had deliberately not taken part. Rampage had no regrets about it but he did indeed enjoy the show he was receiving and felt that it more than made up for not being able to fight. Despite his phsicopathic mind he did have some sense of self preservation.

Still he did notice when Cyclonus walked in blinking a few times Rampage managed a rather half hearted salute before returning to watch the battle. The only reason he did so was because he had no desire to risk the sub-commander's wrath and not get to finish watching the fight. Had it been otherwise he might have just ignored him; but Rampage wasn't exactly all that stupid. He just tended to prefer the simpler things.

Shockwave's Tower - Briefing Room 3

Deathscreamer saluted Rapture one last time,his salutation all formal,with an evident dose of respect for the power and status of the Sub-Commander.

He knew that respect of protocol and etiquette when confronted with higher-ranking Decepticons was essential to keep him safe from their power struggles at least while he wasn't yet ready to profit from their schemes - he knew that any mistake could lead him to the scrap pit.Decepticons were relentless and ambitious mechanisms and signs of insubordination,even in the form of lacking respect or flatteries towards any superior Decepticon,could cause doubt and cautiousness,resentment or hatred even - many wouldn't hesitate an astrosecond to strike the first blow against another Decepticon,if they felt he could harass their own designs and that was not a welcomed thought for Deathscreamer.He ought to avoid mistakes in his demeanor when in the presence of his superiors.

Being a Decepticon is to be ruthless with friends and foes alike,he thought justifying the ways of his kind.After all it was their programming,their purpose and the reason for their existence in the universe.He then stopped at an Energon station to refuel and check one last time his weaponry,considering what Rapture had said in Briefing Room Three just one breem ago.

Strange,he thought.I get the feeling that this mission is much more that just a quick hit and run tactics;Why did Rapture chose such a bold plan?Can she have power schemes of her own?,Deathscreamer wondered.While he didn't mind going on any mission,no matter the danger or success rate,he did mind being but a mere pawn of a bitter power struggle between Decepticon Officers and the whole mission was of that kind by Deathscreamer's optics;A way for an ambitious commander to prove that she was the best choice for the Seekers leader - better than Starscream.

Well,only the actions of the Sub-commander can verify this suspect;I should better keep an eye on her from now on - Who knows which Decepticon will be on top when this power struggle is over;One thing is for sure,I wouldn't want Starscream as my enemy...,Deathscreamer thought,giving credit to the ways of the most treacherous Decepticon in the entire Cybertronian history.

>>REFUEL COMPLETE<<

The indication on Refuel station disrupted Deathscreamer's flow of thoughts; "Ah,finally!" he sighed with boredom,standing up and running some tests on his laser cannons making sure that they will function properly. "I have a bridge to demolish;Don't let me down now!" he said while waiting for the test report.After a few astroseconds,the test results proved positive and at 100% efficiency.Finally,he checked his energized sword one last time,swinging it around and pretending that he is giving the final blow on an Autobot foe;Maybe this mission will provide me with a chance to use my sword against the Autobots,he thought while putting the weapon back in his left wing plate.He then set out to reach the appointed mission gather point.

"It's gonna be my day;I can feel it!" Deathscreamer said aloud on purpose,walking slowly and full of confidence.

Shockwave's Tower - Corridor

Having grown bored with simply observing his fellow Decepticons--and particularly the antics of his Seekers, through the impersonal eye of the Tower's many surveillance systems, Starscream had left the Hanger Control Room. He was making his way in what was perhaps an exaggeratedly desultory fashion to the makeshift arena that had been set up to entertain the cannon fodder during their downtime. Nothing like watching a few battle-crazed wrecks hammer the transmission fluid out of each other for a few breems to pass the time. It was a nostalgic exercise. Reminded him of the good old days.

Which hadn't, as he recalled, really been all that good, but at least there had been plenty of action. This perpetual, grinding stalemate threatened to cause his cerebro-circuitry to short out at times from the sheer tedium of it all.

He hadn't gone particularly far when he received new orders from Megatron's glorified calculator. To say that he was intrigued would have been a profound understatement; if they were being dispatched to the Drydock, then it could only mean they were about to make use of one of those neglected battlecruisers that had been lying in mothballs since the Great Shutdown. Surely this was no mere planetary jaunt, if the proverbial big guns were being pulled out of semi-retirement.

>>Be with you in a klick, Shockwave,<< the Seeker Commander returned easily. >>I do hope we're going someplace interesting.<<

It wasn't generally the cyclops' style to be so dramatic about things; the fact that he'd omitted any real details was in itself rather telling. Starscream would have to start making arrangements. Contrary to popular opinion, he did take some of his duties as an officer seriously. Sometimes.

>>Rapture, my dear, it sounds like I may need you to mind the store for a bit. Feeling up to the challenge?<< The question was more or less rhetorical. There was little doubt in Starscream's primary processor that the ambitious femme would leap at the chance to run the show without having to run every little thing past him first. It was a little more slack than he had intended to give her, and potentially more than a little dangerous to him, personally. But part of being a great leader was a willingness to take risks, from time to time.

Outside Command Center

Dead End pulled up to his fellow Stunticons just as Shockwave's transmission came through. Wasn't that just typical? A mech could go whole cycles without ever so much as being noticed by his supposed superiors, then everything happened all at once in a rush. It was a wonder his cranial unit didn't explode as a direct result of these irregular flurries of activity.

Transforming, the dour warrior offered Motormaster a halfhearted salute. "Dead End, reporting as ordered," he offered. Back into the fold again. He hadn't exactly enjoyed his respite in Polyhex, since there'd always been the looming certainty that, sooner or later, he'd be dragged back into this group of lunatics and thugs. But he did, oddly enough, take some grim satisfaction in the fact that, once again, his pessimistic predictions had been validated.

"Guess we have our marching orders," he observed dully. "Are we being exiled, or something?" With Starscream having been included in their group, it was definitely a possibility.

Arena

Onslaught strode into the training facility, his optics immediately picking out the smaller form of his subordinate amongst the crowd of Decepticons. He'd received the little charlatan's transmission more or less as he'd entered, but decided to forego a return signal in favor of marching up behind the other Combaticon and planting himself firmly just behind his left shoulder.

"I'm glad to hear it, Swindle" he said dryly. "But we haven't received any new order just yet. Your time is still your own. I am only here to make certain you stay out of trouble." And didn't do anything to sabotage the Combaticons' elevation to the ranks of the Decepticons' gestalt forces.

Shockwave's Tower - Command Center

Motormaster had received Shockwave's orders and the security codes loud and clear. Still, rather than starting to navigate towards the drydock Omega by himself, he had chosen to wait for Shockwave to leave the command center and show the way. Instead he got Dead End. Late Dead End. Just as Motormaster was about to start berating the sour Decepticon warrior, the doors of the command center flew open allowing the military operations commander to march out only moments later with Reflector trio on his tail. Deciding against wasting more time considering the circumstances, Motormaster set off after Shockwave but not without giving Dead End a venomous glare.

Forgetting about the constant source of annoyance his team was for a moment, Motormaster focused his attention to the task ahead. Considering how efficient Shockwave tended to be, Motormaster had no doubt that the Stunticons were going to reach their destination faster following the archaid mechanoid. While the Stunticon commander had been stationed to Polyhex before, those times had not been numerous, nor he had never been a welcomed guest to major construction areas. Nevertheless it did not mean he had not heard of drydock Omega before. This oughta be interesting. There's only few reasons for us to go to the second largest drydock of the empire and with the ol' one eye no less.

Shockwave's Tower ~ 'Arena'

It seemed he wasn't the only one drawn by the atmosphere of an old fashioned arena encounter. With Cyclonus and Onslaught arriving in quick succession, Havok almost missed Blitzwing's apparent unease at his own arrival, it seemed perhaps that their previous encounter at the end of the Polyhex battle had left an impression on the triplechanger. Largely ignoring the arrival of the Decepticon Air Commander, Havok didn't miss Swindle not taking him up on his second wager, though as he watched Bane going head to head with Blackguard, the Corrupticon couldn't help but feel that barring some miracle, his bet was as good as won, and so not getting a taker on the second bet was inconsequential.

As Thrall voiced his displeasure at Bane's tactics, to both the Black Death himself and Havok, the dark grey Corrupticon looked to his longtime comrade before replying "I never understand why after all these Orns, you still shout at him when he toys with his opponents.." Havok half joked, referring to the countless times they had been in the very same position before "..Besides, I've got credits riding on this, I don't exactly want to see him change a winning formula. Patience old friend, one of the few things that you don't possess in your vast arsenal"

Shockwave's Tower - 'Arena'

Darkwing and Dreadwind had followed the others to the ‘arena’ mostly so they would at least see whatever stray shot or thrown weapon would strike and kill them. It was certainly known to happen from time to time during these pit fights. They at least wanted to see the deadly object that would inevitably end up hurtling towards them.

They were standing quietly in a corner when the message from Shockwave came in. The two partners looked at each other in shock. There were some obvious implications about these orders, implications about leaving the planet. While both of them were fairly sure Cybertron was due to self destruct soon, at least they would be dying on their homeworld. Going out into space added a whole new realm of possible ways to be killed. There were even rumors of robotic cannibals out there somewhere.

They weren’t cowards though, not really at least. They wouldn’t shirk their duties out of fear, but they did not relish them. Death was always a certainty for the both of them, it was just a matter of when and how. At the very least they didn’t want it to be at the hands of an angry Shockwave, so the two of them quickly walked off for the drydock.

*

Cyclonus was becoming markedly disinterested in the arena fight. He had been interested in seeing how some of the other Decepticons fought, but what he got was little more than a game. Bane played around with his opponent, something that might draw the applause of a crowd but would likely end up getting him killed in a real fight. If many Decepticons fought like this then it was no wonder Lord Megatron had needed new warriors. The air commandant folded his arms over his chest and continued to observe the battle, but with rapidly shrinking patience.

Shockwave's tower - halls

Breakdown followed Motormaster coming to a hault behind the imposing mech just as Dead End arrived. There wasn't even a chance to greet the sour stunticon when the doors opened and their boss started forward again. Without a word Breakdown followed. Slightly envious of Dead End's “vacation.” but at the same time grateful of being spared the torturous paranoia of knowing how many surveillance systems Shockwave had in place. To further add to his unease Breakdown suddenly realized exactly where the team was headed.
“Oh No.”
He mumbled quiet enough so that Motormaster would not hear him.

Main Hanger

Blitzwing was cheering along with the others when a transmission cut him short. The cyclops himself was requesting the purple mech's presence, and to the dry dock? Blitz paused while he downloaded the security codes the master of the tower had sent to him. This was something big, shockwave did not just passout codes like energon candies. The triplechanger mulled over the roster that had also been transmitted..... ~Interesting choice of a team, the leader of the seekers and no mob to follow him? Not to mention the stunticons were not the most pleasurable to work with, nor were the emo views of the two dark jets. None the less one did not disobey Shockwave.

“Rampage I just received an order, I'll see ya around buddy.....”

He paused as an after thought....

“ Havok, Thrall, I hope you guys don't end up carrying him out of this.”

Blitz grinned and nodded to Bane, then made his way through the crowd and down the corridor just behind Darkwing and Dreadwind.

Briefing room

Ghost silently sulked, he was still angry at the femme for accusing him of spying on her. He had better things to do with his time then to watch a casseticon. Nor did the voices of the dead help his mood any.

“Come On.”
He said to his unseen advisor, as he stood up and made his way to be refueled.

“Fine stay and watch her if you like, I'm sure you'll find me when your ready.”

Ghost could have cared less if the spirit wanted to stay with Rapture at least now he would have some peace and quiet before they went out into the fray again. He cast a dirty look at the coneheads as he passed them, his mood was just going down hill and the feelings he got from them made it all the worse.