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Semper Tyrannis - Med Bay

It was like walking out of the frying pan and into the fire. Flatline’s return onboard was greeted by the sight of many wounded Decepticons in need of medical help. He did what he could to direct vehicon and seeker alike to clear him some space as he tried to make his way back into the Med Bay proper. When the doors hissed open for him, he was greeted once more with several Decepticons already inside, namely the horrifying sight of one Hun Grr and- No... Was that-Was that Overlord?! A phase-sixer? Here?! In the medical bay?! Was this a sick joke? No, he wasn’t looking like his usual self. Armor torn, body ripped, and metal charred, Overlord certainly looked like he got put through the ringer. Wonder what could’ve done that...

“Reflector, good to see you again.” Flatline welcomed the surveillance specialist as he stroked further into the room, stepping up to the nearest empty berth. “And Firewire! It’s certainly been awhile.”

“Hey doc,” a seeker called in, “We’ve got one here that’s messed up real bad.”

“Very well, wheel them in.” After a moment, the seeker came carting in a sickening entanglement of parts and kibble. Looks like Jhiaxus’ machine had some lingering results on some of Scorponok’s crew. “By the Guiding Hand, what happened here?”

“Found him in the amphitheater like this.” The seeker responded. “Don’t think he’s managed to revert back.”

Flatline studied the features. A few of the external physiology looked familiar but he couldn't see any sign of the poor mech’s face visible anywhere. The mass of metal shifted about in place, looking like the cybertronian was trying to change form.

“Looks like a T-Cog lock-up. Let’s get’im onto the berth so I can operate.”

Semper Tyrannis – Bridge

"Ninety-five percent complete, my lord. Reflector, prep the Tyrannis' transwarp drive. Any stragglers can direct their shuttles to one of the remaining ships."

”No. I want full evacuation of our assets.” Scorponok interrupted Cyclonus, his visor gleaming ominously in the dimly lit bridge. ”Prepare the transwarp drive but do not engage. I will make an example out of Garrus-9 to the Autobots everywhere. Make sure no loyal Decepticon is left behind, for when I give the order...”

”That moon ceases to be.” He added with grim finality in his voice. His optics focused on Cyclonus as he continued, ”The Technobots, the scientist Brainstorm and Megatron’s little walking reminder Whirl must be among those taken into this ship. But do continue.”

Cyclonus then pulled up a secondary infoholo and added a blip to the star map that Scorponok had generated.

"Jhiaxus did not have time to successfully cover his tracks when he utilized the spacebridge. Unsurprisingly, perhaps....he has returned to LV-117. So...."

Cyclonus words were interrupted by an incoming, command-level transmission. He brought the link onscreen. Scourge sat like a stone statue in his command chair.

"You have news?"

"I do," the Tracker began. "We tracked the Omega Guardian to the system of Sol-3. The system where Megatron took the first fleet. We incapacitated him but.....Autobot interference prevented us from reclaiming the Guardian and Aequitas."

That had been Scorponok’s own guess too. LV-117 was the most likely pit-stop for Jhiaxus as he geared for whatever he was planning for. It had been his latest haunt before his capture and a likely place to have something unfinished left behind the scientist would want to check on before moving forwards. In addition the planet was practically a fortress with its hostile atmosphere and wildlife. A good place to hide.

However LV-117 could wait a little longer.

”Then we know our next target after Jhiaxus.” Scorponok rumbled. Another setback. As if there hadn't been too many. One could hardly blame Scourge though. Sol system had a heavy Autobot presence. And as it was with Megatron, it was also the last known location of Optimus Prime. ”Did you make contact with Megatron?”

Semper Tyrannis--Bridge

”No. I want full evacuation of our assets. Prepare the transwarp drive but do not engage. I will make an example out of Garrus-9 to the Autobots everywhere. Make sure no loyal Decepticon is left behind, for when I give the order...that moon ceases to be.The Technobots, the scientist Brainstorm and Megatron’s little walking reminder Whirl must be among those taken into this ship. But do continue.”

"Understood, my lord," Cyclonus said, nodding obediently at Scorponok's specific commands, returning a partial glance to the console as he listened to Scourge's report. Scorponok's initial response surprised him.

”Then we know our next target after Jhiaxus.”

They did?

Was he referring to Earth? Would the Slagmaker take kindly to more forces being surged into his sector without being summoned? Granted, if they could not make contact one way or the other...

”Did you make contact with Megatron?”

Scorponok's follow-up question got to the core of the matter. They had not been ablt to speak directly with the leader of the Decepticons in some time. Cyclonus could only wonder if the third fleet had found itself in similar straits? Nevertheless, he was as curious as Scorponok to hear Scourge's answer.

>>"We did not, my lord. Once the Guardian had been subdued, it was to be my next order."<<

Semper Tyrannis--Med Bay

When the med bay doors hissed open once more and another Decepticon entered, Reflector sighed. Who now? And with what devastating injuries that he couldn't possibly be expected to-

Flatline?

“Reflector, good to see you again,” the Decepticon medic said, more jovially than Reflector would expect, under the circumstances. Still, he wasn't about to look a gift-medic in the mouth.

"Praise be to Primus! Or Megatron! An actual medic," Reflector sighed in relief. "Our Lord Scorponok's med bay welcomes you wholeheartedly. I hereby turn oversight of this portion of the ship over to you, my good doctor."
___

”I was with Commander Scorponok, freeing Jhiaxus from the Rig when Omega Supreme broke out. Slew plenty of Autobots trying to stop us but none were worthy of the effort. Though I am not one to turn down a feast.”

"Hmm...so you went down in the Rig, eh? I wonder who all the Autobots kept locked down there. I don't suppose I could get a peek. I'm sure his lordness Scorpyclaws is going to do an exhaustive inventory. I wonder whom he'll choose to release."

”Indeed! Such would be a trophy worth of sacrifices. Even patience. Or a body or a two," Hungrr added, bringing Overlord's thoughts back to the marvelous notion of killing the only sentient Omega Guardian. It would be a worthy hunt, no question, but he wasn't sure if it was the true hedonism that he sought right now.

”Doesn’t look like you’re going to be ready to hunt for Jhiaxus though. You plan to go after the Guardian or got even bigger prize in mind?” Hungrr continued, after taking a moment to address someone on his internal comms.

"You don't think so? Hmmmm....you're likely correct. As gifted as this one is proving to be," Overlord said, nodding in Spinister's direction, "I don't think I'll be up to snuff in time. Pity. I'm more than a little curious to see what the vaunted confidant of Nova Prime might choose to throw at your lord commander. I suppose I'll have to satisfy myself with holoreports."

Overlord let out a tired sigh and leaned his head back against the berth.

"But what's next? The Guardian is an option. I do want revenge. Megatron has not called on any Phase Sixers to Phase Six anything in some time. Last I heard was Heretech being dispatched to Lenarq. And that was an age ago. As for bigger prizes? Possibly, but not many fit that description."

Not many that he could speak of openly, at any rate.

Semper Tyrannis – Bridge

>>"We did not, my lord. Once the Guardian had been subdued, it was to be my next order."<<

Scorponok’s visage darkened visibly in disappointment. Arrogant fool. Had Scourge hailed for assistance instead of letting his pride get the better of him, they might have been able to subdue the Guardian. But it was useless to throw insults at the tracker now. What was done was done. And Scourge had likely come to the same conclusion on his own.

”Then waste no more time and report your news to lord Megatron immediately. Perhaps he can salvage the situation before the window closes on us.” Scorponok commanded while reading the instrument report from Scourge’s ship, the Burning Justice. Scourge certainly had not been lying about Autobot interferance, the ship had taken some severe beating.

”Your destroyer is in no condition to join us in our next move. Unless Megatron commands otherwise – you are to return to Nebulos for repairs.”

((OOC-Utilizing some mod discretion to move some pieces ahead, mainly just the transport bits--so that we can make some progress to the final battle of this story during the holiday break.))

Semper Tyrannis--Bridge

”Then waste no more time and report your news to lord Megatron immediately. Perhaps he can salvage the situation before the window closes on us. Your destroyer is in no condition to join us in our next move. Unless Megatron commands otherwise – you are to return to Nebulos for repairs.”

Scourge's posture as it was displayed on the Tyrannis' main viewscreen visibly stiffened. Though he said nothing for the moment, Cyclonus knew that his longtime associate would surely be none too keen on being directed away from their penultimate battle with the traitor, Jhiaxus. But given the condition of his ship, he also knew that it was a wisely strategic move.

>>"It will be done,"<< Scourge said, offering a respectful incline of his head before the screen went blank, now replaced with the flickering stars in the blackness of space.

On Cyclonus' console, several indicators he had been monitoring were now flickering green.

"Planetary resources now accounted for at 100%," he reported to the Second Expansion Fleet Commander. "Transwarp drives ready for activation in one-half breem."

Semper Tyrannis – Med Bay

"Hmm...so you went down in the Rig, eh? I wonder who all the Autobots kept locked down there. I don't suppose I could get a peek. I'm sure his lordness Scorpyclaws is going to do an exhaustive inventory. I wonder whom he'll choose to release."

Hun-Gurrr merely answered to Overlord with a wicked grin of his own before taking another bite of Scattershot’s arm. He certainly had some idea on the prisoners of the Rig. The Terrorcon leader had spent enough time there to read few names before Reflector had lifted the whole Rig on board the Semper Tyrannis. But he certainly wasn’t going to give Overlord any information for free. The phase sixer certainly wouldn’t do the same favor himself either.

"You don't think so? Hmmmm....you're likely correct. As gifted as this one is proving to be," Overlord said, nodding in Spinister's direction, "I don't think I'll be up to snuff in time. Pity. I'm more than a little curious to see what the vaunted confidant of Nova Prime might choose to throw at your lord commander. I suppose I'll have to satisfy myself with holoreports."

”Such a shame it is but we all have to face the realities sometimes,” Hun-Grrr spoke out, his optics focusing on Spinister for a change. ”He is however… oddly efficient.”

"But what's next? The Guardian is an option. I do want revenge. Megatron has not called on any Phase Sixers to Phase Six anything in some time. Last I heard was Heretech being dispatched to Lenarq. And that was an age ago. As for bigger prizes? Possibly, but not many fit that description."

”I heard Sixshot was called to Sol system. And that’s supposed to be the last confirmed position of both Megatron and Optimus Prime as well.” Hun-Garr stated, gauging Overlord’s reaction to his words. ”No idea of Heretech though. It is as if he has disappeared altogether.”

Semper Tyrannis – Bridge

"Planetary resources now accounted for at 100%," he reported to the Second Expansion Fleet Commander. "Transwarp drives ready for activation in one-half breem."

”So it appears.” Scorponok stated calmly. He had been following the evacuation reports from all across the fleet himself, so it came as no surprise. And while they moved on with their own mission, hopefully Scourge would rectify his failure as well.

Turning his gaze over to Cyclonus, Scorponok addressed his lieutenant again, ”Arrange first row seats for Fortress Maximus and that group of Autobots escapists the Horrorcons and Insecticons captured from the mines. Let them witness the fate of their base of operations with their own optics rather than through some holoscreen. Alert our idle troops as well for a little spectacle for the glory of the Decepticon Empire.”

Semper Tyrannis – Med Bay

He felt it. Optics on him. Giving him odd looks. Lifting his optics from his work, Spinister looked to Overlord. Who was staring at him. But there was someone else here too. Someone new. His head slowly twitched around to catch sight of Hun-Grr. The original Terrorcon. Staring at him. Hm. His first impulse was to dart away and point his blasters at Hun-Grr. Mostly because Hun-Grr tended to eat mechs.

Spinister didn’t do that. He would if Hun-Grr moved toward him in any capacity. But not yet. Wait. They were talking about him. And…Overlord had asked him a question earlier. His optics darted back to Overlord. The question had registered somewhere in his head.

“You’re…too good at it…?” Spinister managed after a bit of hard thought, “Killing…that is…”

It was as he pulled himself out of his work that he began to process all that was said. He tilted his head to the side and put an energon covered hand to his chin just standing in silence for a bit.

"Our Lord Scorponok's med bay welcomes you wholeheartedly. I hereby turn oversight of this portion of the ship over to you, my good doctor."

At this, Firewire turned and grabbed Reflector’s shoulder with as much force as her small frame possessed. Ordinarily, that would not have been much. But for someone of similar stature, it would do.

“You’re not leaving me here alone,” she stated flatly, before giving Flatline a smile and wave. She turned back to Reflector with pleading optics. “Pleeeeeease,” she murmured in a low whisper. If Overlord weren’t enough, Hun-Grr had shown up as well. Spare her spark. She didn’t want to be alone in this. And she surely would be. What kind of company was Spinister? None. He was creepy!

Not only that! But Overlord and Hun-Grr were tossing compliments his way like energo-goodies. What even was this?! Firewire wasn’t jealous. Pah! Jealous? Please. Of that weirdo? Primus…why did Lord Scorponok leave her to this miserable fate…? Flatline took a beeline to help someone else. Maybe she could excuse herself too? Ugh…but Lord Scorponok would want her here, right?

>>Snaptrap, I have delivered the Technobot Nosecone to the medical bay. He is relatively unharmed with a little paint scratches and very minor cuts to his armor. I can't say the same for the Technobot commander Scattershot. It seems Hun-Gurr got a bit hungry on the way to the medical bay. I think the Autobot still functions but you know how the Terrorcons get especially their leader.<<

A firm hand clapped Seawing on the shoulder.

“I can see that for myself,” came Snaptrap’s familiar cold tone from behind him. His gaze was fixed on where Overlord lay on the berth. Hun-Grr stood nearby. Interesting. He released Seawing’s shoulder and gestured to the door. “Why don’t you rally the others and prepare. We’ll be redeployed soon,” he said in a way that implied that it was an order more than a suggestion, and moved past him toward the berth where Overlord lay.

Snaptrap managed to catch the last few tidbits. Interesting. The Sol System? The frontline. The topic of the other Phase Sixers as well. Hm. “Nor have I,” he said as he stopped beside the berth. “But, if it is desertion, there is only one fate that awaits Heretech.” Snaptrap paused. “For that matter, it has been some time since we’ve heard from the First Fleet.”

Semper Tyrannis – Med Bay

Seawing felt the hand on his shoulder and heard the very familiar voice of the Butcher. He understood what his squad commander wanted done as he watched him walk over to where Overlord and Hun-grr was at. One thing Seawing knew is Snaptrap was one of the few who could stand up against the Terrorcon commander in power and easily in strategy. Unlike the Terrorcons, the Seacons rarely let their beast forms take over. This is what will always set the two groups apart.

"Yes, Commander Snaptrap, preparations will be done at once. The hunt will continue and the prey will be caught for the glory of the Decepticon Empire and Lord Scorponok."

Seawing looked around to see where Nosecone was taken to but didn't see him. It mattered little to him as long as the Technobot served his purpose in the future. Once he was done looking, he walked out of the med bay and into the corridors.

Corridors

>>Nautilator, Overbite, Skalor, and Tentakil, Commander Snaptrap has ordered to prepare for our next hunt. Meet me in the training room. If you need to reequip or for unknown reasons make it fast. Lord Scorponok won't let our prey get too far ahead.<<

The Semper Tyrannis--Hangar

The currently unassigned third component of Reflector had suddenly found himself directed toward the hangar--where the resources and personnel from the prison complex below were being transported with all due haste.

Now, it seemed, Scorponok had something in particular for the Autobot members of their captive ranks to witness firsthand. Having examined the necessary registries, Reflector approached one of the shuttles. Behind him, a small cohort of Seekers were guiding along an oversized berth carrying the beaten form of the Autobots Regional Commander and General, Fortress Maximus.

"Put him over there. Lord Scorponok wants him and the others to have a clear view," Reflector said as he waited for the shuttle's bay doors to open and its occupants to spill out.

Semper Tyrannis - Hangar

Well, here they are again, back aboard the very prison-ship they had arrived on. The only difference is that they managed to lose the Technobots and replace them with a few others who were in the Garrus facility back below.

“Deja Vu.” Brainstorm muttered to himself as the boarding ramp extendeded out into the hangar. Snapdragon walked over and grabbed the mechanical engineer by the back of the collar and hoisted him up before he shoved him along.

“Get a move on, Autobots!” The Horrorcon barked exiting the shuttle, “Lord Scorponok is not one to keep waiting around.”

Having been tossed somewhat ahead, Brainstorm lead the train of prisoners through the hangar of Scorponok’s mighty warship. He watched as Decepticons everywhere poured back into the vessel and disappeared further into the interior of the ship.

“Fear not, my comrades,” Pyro began, once more trying to invoke his idol in an effort to boost his teammates morale, “They can lock us up, and they can break our chassis, but they cannot break our resolve! ...Or spirit! maybe it was spirit...”

“Save the Primeisms, wannabe,” Whirl chided as he limped into line, “Great words aren’t going to stop the bullets when they put us on the firing line.”

“So this is it then?” Asked Brainstorm as they were being lead towards the main hangar doors, “They’re going to off us and toss our bodies out as they flee the planet?”

“Wouldn’t surprise me, it sounds pretty on course for something Starscream would do. I always figured big and clawful himself would’ve added a more ‘personal touch’ to his evil shenanigans. Maybe losing to that fossil he resurrected has made him sloppy.” Whirl turned his head towards Roadbuster, his old acquaintance and fellow former wrecker. “Never thought we’d be going out like this, eh? Despite all the slag-storms we’ve flew headfirst into and monstrosities we’ve faced, never pictured a bullet to the back of the head would’ve been how we go. Heh, if Impactor could see us now...”

At the back of the line, Deadlock listened in to what the Autobots were believing to be their last moments. He did not know what Scorponok had in store for them himself, but the it was anyone’s guess as to what he really had in mind at this point in the siege. The blue one though... he mentioned a Impactor... The name sounded familiar, whether it was one of infamy or not, Deadlock couldn’t recall at the moment. All he knew at the moment was that the name came up earlier, somewhere else mayhaps...

The Semper Tyrannis--Med Bay

Hungrr's response to his initial question was to grin knowingly. Such cheek. Oh well, he could do more prodding later.

”Such a shame it is but we all have to face the realities sometimes. He is however… oddly efficient.”

"Isn't he?" Overlord said with a smirk. "On another day, in another place, I would have incinerated a mech like him without giving it a second thought. His work here....well...I have to say it's actually giving me a moment's pause to consider whether my murderous tendencies are perhaps a tad too wanton. How many other useful mechanoids like my little friend Spinister here have I unknowingly slaughtered? I shudder to guess."

”I heard Sixshot was called to Sol system. And that’s supposed to be the last confirmed position of both Megatron and Optimus Prime as well. No idea of Heretech though. It is as if he has disappeared altogether.”

Hungrr may have been willing to hold back on the contents of the Rig, but he dispensed that little nugget quite freely.

"Sixshot went to Sol? Megatron just started Phase One there last I'd heard. Why in Primus' name would he call Six so soon? Curiouser and curiouser."

“You’re…too good at it…? Killing…that is…” Spinister said, suddenly interjecting himself back into their conversation. Overlord had to think for a moment to deduce the meaning of Spinister's chosen words, before realizing it had to be in response to his earlier lamentations.

"Is that why, you think? You might well be correct. You're quite an insightful little cuss, aren't you?" Overlord said, before looking over at Hungrr, who seemed to be gnawing contentedly on his arm. "I think Scorponok has overlooked himself a real gem with this one. Much more going on in there than meets the eye. And just who, exactly, are you munching on?"
___

“You’re not leaving me here alone. Pleeeeeease,” Firewire protested. Reflector gave the situation a moment's thought before relenting.

"Oh, alright. You're fortunate I can be in three places at once. Between Scorponok being back on the bridge and the ships returning to the hangar, it's getting a little hectic," he said, before noticing Overlord and Hungrr chatting like they were old war buddies.

Were they?

"Hmm...the fact that those two appear to be friendly with one another should come as a surprise to noone at all."
___

Bridge

”Arrange first row seats for Fortress Maximus and that group of Autobots escapists the Horrorcons and Insecticons captured from the mines. Let them witness the fate of their base of operations with their own optics rather than through some holoscreen. Alert our idle troops as well for a little spectacle for the glory of the Decepticon Empire.”

Cyclonus had nodded passed along the directives to do exactly that. Though he did not fully understand the need to pause their pursuit of Jhiaxus, he did not question it either. Their results on this prison world had been too mixed for him to do anything other than dutifully obey, as was his wont in most circumstances anyway.

Reflector wasted little time. From the monitors in the hangar, Cyclonus watched as the diminutive Surveillance Specialist went about giving the Autobots their front row seat, as it were, to whatever Scorponok had in mind. Once they were all in position, Cyclonus spoke once more.

"The troops have been informed and the Autobots have an unobstructed view of the Elban moon, as ordered my lord."

Semper Tyrannis - Hanger

Pyro was beginning to get on Pointblank's nerves. Death was just around the corner and nothing the Optimus worshipper said would change that. Fortunately, Whirl was there to shut Pyro up.

Looking at the faceplates of his fellow soldiers, Pointblank online he had to say something. Certainly not Pyro-esque, that'd just set up false hope. But something.

"You've all done well. It's been an honor."

Pointblank kept an optic on the black armored bot that followed them. He assumed that one would probably be the one that pulled the trigger. His attention quickly turned to the window they were all escorted to.

"What's going on?"



Sinnertwin was getting bored. For the Terrorcon, bored wasn't something anyone would want to be around. He wanted to mangle something. Perhaps Hun-grr had had something for them to do. Sinnertwin decided to ask Rippersnapper whom had been in contact with their leader. It'd make him look good and show that he had initiative!

"Rippersnapper, did Hun-grr have any orders for us? Anyone he needs torn apart? I think that'd cheer Blot up."

Tentakil wrote:"Strafe, would you like to rest somewhere more comfortably? I can... arrange something for you, if you wish."

Strafe went through his systems. Yep, this was NOT a comfortable position. He struggled, trying to move himself. Primus knew what this 'Con wanted and where he'd be actually taken.

After a minute of embarrassing himself, he gave up with a sigh. May as well let the 'Con do what he wants. There's no way he himself could do anything.

"I... guess so."

[Shuttle]

Strafe wrote:"I... guess so."

"Wonderful."

Tentakil loosened up the Technobot's restraints, trying to make sure that he was out of everyone's optics. Once the restraints were open, he looked around, trying to find a chair which could allow for the prisoner to be more comfortable in. Finding one at the back, the Seacon used his large, massive tentacles to pick up the poor, broken Autobot. Plopping him down in the chair, he attached a smaller, less painful set of restraints onto his wrists and his ankles. He wouldn't be able to move much, but he'll be comfortable at the very least.

"If anyone asks, don't say who it was. Cause no trouble, and I'll make sure you get out of here alive," Tentakil smiled. Though his face was completely sincere, his inner thoughts were far more hideous. He was just preparing this Autobot to be ripped apart later on. But it didn't ever hurt to make "friends" with one of them either.

Seawing wrote:>>"Nautilator, Overbite, Skalor, and Tentakil, Commander Snaptrap has ordered to prepare for our next hunt. Meet me in the training room. If you need to reequip or for unknown reasons make it fast. Lord Scorponok won't let our prey get too far ahead."<<

>>"Seawing, I'll be there in just a moment. I need to just take care of this one little thing..."<<

Tentakil closed his comm-link. Turning to look back at the Technobot, he whispered very lightly to him, "Remember, cause no trouble. Neither of us wants to die, correct?"

The Seacon left and made his way to the location Seawing provided.

((OOC: Strafe is probably on his own now))

(OOC: Foximus gave me permission to help her bridge her two posts with Snaptrap between the brig and the medbay since Overbite has been with him anyways.)

Overbite watched his leader dump Lightspeed into a cell. Honestly, the Seacon thought it may be prudent to see if the Technobot needed medical attention. Dead prey wasn't very useful after all. However, he figured that Snaptrap was wise enough to already know this and must have his reasons for dropping him off here.

After watching Snaptrap make sure the prisoner was secure, Overbite followed him out into the corridor. Silently, the two Seacons walked through the halls. While they walked, Overbite pondered again on the thought of merging with his brethren. The Seacon preferred being and worked better alone. He wasn't sure if he wanted to have the others in his head, nor did he care for the thought of being forced into theirs. He would follow orders, of course. The thought, though, of not being his own was... disconcerting.

Medical Bay
The two walked into the medbay, Overbite trailing his commander. The Seacon looked around. His optics froze on the figure on the table. Overlord. One of Megatron's most feared warriors. Overbite knew it was wise to not cross this bot, even with his own power, he didn't dare stand a chance against Sixer Phaser.

His mind relaxed a little when he saw the state Overlord was in. He briefly recalled that the Decepticon had an encounter with a Guardian, Omega Supreme. Overbite thought it would be wise, still, to keep his distance from Overlord.

Next he noted Seawing to be there with them. Out of his colleagues, Overbite had the most respect for him. Both were skilled at their craft and worked best alone.

Seawing wrote:"It seems Hun-Gurr got a bit hungry on the way to the medical bay. I think the Autobot still functions but you know how the Terrorcons get especially their leader."

And thus, what separates the animal from the hunter.

Overbite chuckled a little at this thought, then shelved it to hear their commander's orders.

Snaptrap wrote:“Why don’t you rally the others and prepare. We’ll be redeployed soon.”

Overbite nodded and turned to leave with Seawing. Quietly, he followed his colleague down the corridors.

Seawing wrote:"Nautilator, Overbite, Skalor, and Tentakil, Commander Snaptrap has ordered to prepare for our next hunt. Meet me in the training room. If you need to reequip or for unknown reasons make it fast. Lord Scorponok won't let our prey get too far ahead."

Overbite had to chuckle again. Maybe being the hunter in the shadows made one a tad blind. Makes sense why he doesn't lights too much. Quietly, the Seacon walked up behind Seawing and gently tapped him on the shoulder.

------>

Shuttle bay, Aboard a Shuttle

To be honest to himself, Strafe was beginning to like this Seacon. There were awful people on his side of the war, no doubt. Why couldn't be decent ones on the other side?

He had to admit, too, that this was more comfortable than laying on the ground. He still felt weak and was still a prisoner, though. Maybe help would be on the way soon? He hoped so.

Tentakil wrote:"Remember, cause no trouble. Neither of us wants to die, correct?"

Strafe had no hurries to meet his Maker, no. He figured it would be a small act of gratitude to Tentakil to comply with his wish. Strafe nodded weakly with a small smile. "G-got it."

He watched as the Seacon walked away. Strafe checked his systems again. Holy scrap, he was low on energy. Panic began to build up again. They had to fill him up again, right? Right?! Y-yeah, they had to. He was their prisoner after all. What good would he be if- Wait, he was a prisoner!

The reality of the situation began to set in and his panic raised more. He was stuck on an enemy craft, separated from his unit with no clear hope of rescue. Strafe closed his optics, desperately trying to stay calm. The Seacon had a point... If he wanted to stay alive... He needed to stay calm...

The Semper Tyrannis--Hangar

As more shuttles continued to land and others began to move to their permanent docking positions, the bay began to steadily increase its percentage of Insecticons. The vast majority of them were carrying some piece of equipment or another from the Garrus-9 Penitentiary within their metallic mandibles.

It was all rather horrifying, in Goldrush's estimation. As he walked onward, he noticed certain mechanoids being gathered at a particular point--a place that offered an unobstructed, spatial view of the decimated prison below. No thank you. The sooner he was behind the familiar confines of a bar countertop, the better. Did Decepticon warships have such luxuries? It'd been so long since he'd been on one, he couldn't recall. If-

-And then he bumped straight into one of the mandibled munchers.

"Oof-oh, pardon," Goldrush said, out of habit as much as anything. Did these things even recognize niceties? But the Insecticon turned to look at him, small volts of electricity crisscrossing its oversized antennae. And when it looked at him, Goldrush could tell there was real sentience. This wasn't one of the diaclones.

"Careful careful. I've devoured mechs for less for less," Shrapnel said, his tone pleasant--juxtaposing oddly with the obvious threat.

"O-Of, course. My mistake," Goldrush said, holding up his hands non-threateningly as he backed away. Shrapnel made no moves to hinder his retreat, simply standing there with a curious glint in his optics as he watched the golden mech.

Barracks, mess hall, bar, anywhere's better than this....

Semper Tyrannis – Med Bay

More Seacons. Hun-Gurrr didn’t mind some of them. Their leader Snaptrap even had his respect but some of them like Seawing were way above their heads when it came to their place in the world. An elite unit they considered themselves. Specialist. Funny that given not all of the Seacons had been amphibious from the beginning. Most of them had been reformatted for the purpose. It was easily most apparent in Nautilator who had not adapted to his new element to this day. Neither were they all created with beast modes despite all of them having claimed such forms for themselves a reason or another. And not all them seemed to be happy with their current modes. Beastformers had been persecuted under the functionalist ideas of Nova Prime and even to this day despite of Megatron claiming everyone equal, old ways stuck deep. Not everyone had let go of their old bias. The butcher though, he was different. He just didn’t care.

“Nor have I,” he said as he stopped beside the berth. “But, if it is desertion, there is only one fate that awaits Heretech.” Snaptrap paused. “For that matter, it has been some time since we’ve heard from the First Fleet.”

”No idea of Heretech but Megatron split his fleet across a number of combat theaters last I heard,” Hun-Garr growled, while still chewing on Scattershot’s arm, ”Tough job to stay updated on them without DDS resources.”

Hun-Gurr’s attention turned from Snaptrap back to Overlord as the super warrior mused out his query.

"Isn't he?" Overlord said with a smirk. "On another day, in another place, I would have incinerated a mech like him without giving it a second thought. His work here....well...I have to say it's actually giving me a moment's pause to consider whether my murderous tendencies are perhaps a tad too wanton. How many other useful mechanoids like my little friend Spinister here have I unknowingly slaughtered? I shudder to guess."

The savage cannibal let out a rumbling deep laughter in response to Overlord’s pondering. ”Hundreds? Thousands? Matters little now does it? I for one haven’t stopped to ask anyone – Autobot or Decepticon, who has made the mistake of getting in my way in the wrong moment what their occupation and skills are.”

"Sixshot went to Sol? Megatron just started Phase One there last I'd heard. Why in Primus' name would he call Six so soon? Curiouser and curiouser."

”I have wondered the same,” the Terrorcon leader admitted, while giving Reflector a dirty look as a sign that he had overheard the talk between him and Firewire, ”Then again was Nebulos much different when Scorponok decided to take it over?”

"I think Scorponok has overlooked himself a real gem with this one. Much more going on in there than meets the eye. And just who, exactly, are you munching on?"

Overlord’s statement turned Hun-Grrr’s gaze back towards Spinister. ”I don’t think so.”

”Scorponok has a keen optic for hidden skills. Why do you think he has employed her otherwise?” Hun-Garr spoke out, pointing a taloned digit at Firewire before turning back towards Spinister.

”Last I saw this guy. He was much different. Normal. Must have gotten his wires crossed during the assault.”

”And shouldn’t it be obvious?” The ravenous Terrorcon asked with unhidden joy visible in his optics as he took another bite of the arm in his possession. ”Scattershot. The brave leader of the Technobots, who else?”

The Semper Tyrannis--Hangar-->Corridors

Just as Ion Storm began to proceed to leave out of the ship's hanger, he heard what Shrapnel was saying to Goldrush. He did not care what he was saying except when he saw small volts of electricity crisscrossing the Insecticon's antennae. The two of them had similar abilities but slightly different. After watching the display, he rolled his optics.

"Wonderful display of electricity, Shrapnel..."

and gave the hand sign for whatever to Shrapnel while a bolt came out of each of his pointer fingers.

"...but, whatever..."

He walked out of the hanger and headed into the corridors.

The Semper Tyrannis--Hangar

Nova Storm watched how Ion Storm was behaving. He face-palmed and shook his head. After a bit, he looked over at Acid Storm.

"Remind me again on why we were teamed up with him?"

Brig

Once Lightspeed had been dumped off in his cell, reasonably unscathed, he simply pushed himself up against the back wall and tucked his knee joints close to his chest. He must have given Snaptrap the answers that he'd been wanting for the time being, otherwise his condition would have been a lot worse.

Some of them were definitely going to be in for a rude awakening once they underwent the process. Especially if they conjured up another nightmare like Monstructor. Forming Logicor had been no treat, but it was nothing like the reports Lightspeed had read of the Monstructor Six during their time in captivity, though some of them were notoriously tight-lipped about the whole thing.

He supposed he could only hope the other Technobots were being treated as well--a highly relative well--as he was.

Semper Tyrannis – Hangar Bay

Hun-Grrr wrote:>>”Prepare. If I know Scorponok at all, we are going after Jhiaxus. And you want to be ready for that.”<<

Once he had received Hun-Grrr’s transmission, Rippersnapper sent a non-verbal acknowledgment back to his master that he understood and would comply. At the very least there wouldn’t be that much downtime or boredom to be had now that their mission at Garrus-9 was coming to an end. As much as he liked to relax, the former actor liked to eat and destroy even more and the chance to do both in the near future made the shark beast salivate in anticipation.

Sinnertwin wrote:"Rippersnapper, did Hun-grr have any orders for us? Anyone he needs torn apart? I think that'd cheer Blot up.”

“Yes, in fact, he did,” Rippersnapper replied to Sinnertwin, looking over at his yellow comrade. “The master has instructed us to prepare to go after Jhiaxus. Lord Scorponok will likely give the order soon and Hun-Grrr wants us all to be ready. I suggest we start in the Armory to re-equip on weapons and ammo. If anyone needs to recharge, do that, as well. If you require repairs then head to the med bay and get tended to. You’re no good to anyone if you can’t fight. Now, let’s move.”

Without further delay, the land shark plodded off down the nearest corridor leading away from the hangar as he headed towards the ship’s vast Armory.

Semper Tyrannis – Hangar Bay

Blot perked up if only a little at Rippersnapper’s claim of orders from the master. Prepare. Prepare for the hunt. Even after all of the excitement of getting kicked through a wall in Garrus-9, Blot felt relatively nonplussed. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to grab a snack and rearm. And the master had ordered it so. As Rippersnapper marched out of audio shot, Blot looked to Sinnertwin.

“H-Help me with…the CR…thing…” Blot mumbled, before trudging off in the direction of the medical bay. He didn’t need help. Not really. You just hit the buttons until…something worked. Right? Yeah. Buttons.

"What's going on?"

“Maybe they’re lining us up for our execution,” Roadbuster commented dourly, “Whatever it is, it ain’t good, Pointblank.” Still, he wasn’t expecting to be escorted to the window. It certainly wasn’t for the view. Before them was what was left of Garrus-9 after the siege. Didn’t look pretty. Honestly, it was a hot, broken wreck. Still, Autobot High Command would probably try to salvage it. Resources limited as they were. Not that they would be around for that. Or much longer. Roadbuster glanced toward their guards. Yeah, didn’t look good.

“Never thought we’d be going out like this, eh? Despite all the slag-storms we’ve flew headfirst into and monstrosities we’ve faced, never pictured a bullet to the back of the head would’ve been how we go. Heh, if Impactor could see us now...”

“Yeah…It’s been a good run. Only wish they’d get it over with already. Only wish I’d gotten to put a round between one more con’s optics. Or into them if they’re Shockwave.”


As their shuttle arrived back on the flagship, Synapse felt the cloud of misfortunate and death hovering over him dissipate if only slightly. He had been feeling a little faint. He had certainly been glad to see Deadlock when the lad had turned back up, but he did wonder where he had gone. Something he had set by the wayside while they all packed into a shuttle with insecticons because of course there were insecticons. Everywhere. Terrible gossips.

As they piled out into the hangar bay, Synapse noticed an odd congregation of both Autobot prisoners and Decepticons. “Is there something going on?” he asked aloud before turning to Deadlock. “And Deadlock, you know you did worry me. I’m glad to see you’re well, however.”


Slog listened to his teammates’ commentary on the Insecticons. Icepick’s insight was a little surprising, which made Slog think about the nature of the war as it was. They were out of the prison, yes, but were more than likely going to be deployed to the frontlines. Slog supposed the most he could do was make each Autobot’s death somewhat meaningful, but…

“War makes monsters of us all,” he commented finally with a sigh. “Every Decepticon is nothing but a monster to the Autobots and much the same for us. I wonder if some of the Autobots’ own ranks regard each other with the sort of disgust and disdain we do, however. Perhaps the Wreckers.”

Beside Icepick, Umbra held her hands in lap, keeping her optics trained on the floor. Monsters. She smiled a bit wryly. As monstrous as Mandate had seemed to her, she was probably the worst monster of them all here. What was she even doing? Primus. As their shuttle docked, Umbra cautiously spilled out with the rest of the Monstercons, trying to act natural and lay low. She didn’t want to attract any undue attention. Fortunately, there was a crowd to hide in.

[Semper Tyrannis]

Wildfly shifted himself to beside Slog, who seemed to be going on about war and how it turns people into monsters. He wasn't much one to think of these kinds of things, but he did understand a little bit of it. "Everyone has a monster inside. But not all of them show."

The aerial Monstercon sat down, one hand under his chin, waiting for this slagshow to be over. He looked straight up, seeing Autobots being filed and lined up against the window. What would they have in plan now?

"I want to just..." Wildfly paused. He chuckled, but it wasn't a happy chuckle, more of a grim one. "I want to just stop for a moment."

Semper Tyrannis--Hangar

At this point, Fortress Maximus could scarcely hazard a guess as to what he and the other Autobot prisoners were being gathered for within the Decepticon battlecruiser's oversized hangar. One more humiliation, one more chance for Scorponok to rub the salt of his victory into their collective wounds. Or, perhaps, their penultimate execution and chance to join the Allspark.

Having been assembled with the others, Maximus simply stood stoically....silently...waiting for whatever was to come.

Forgive me, Optimus.....Autobots.....I tried....