Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

Hidden from sight in a stationary orbit on the dark side of the moon remains one of the most powerful warships of the Decepticon Empire. Thanatos, a mighty battlecruiser with a whole class of ships named after her, has served the Empire far longer than humankind has thrived on Earth. Blistering with weapons, powerful enough to burn whole worlds this over 2 miles long behemoth is the crown jewel of the Decepticon sect at work on Earth. Whoever of the many would be leaders of the Decepticons in the Sol system will ultimately emerge as victorious - has to undoubtly wrestle the control of the Thanatos first.

Stationary Orbit - Dark Side of the Moon

A large subspace tear opened from the blackness of the void, revealing the immense Decepticon battlecruiser known as the Thanatos. Once the vessel had completely exited hyperspace, it settled into a stationary orbit on the dark side of the Earth’s singular moon, the rip in subspace remaining open for the forthcoming arrival of the Obliteration behind it. Physically, it had been a long trip, spanning thousands of light years, but the time it had actually taken was rather short in comparison thanks to advanced wormhole technology.

Bridge

Razorclaw peered at the main view screen in front of him as the darkness of the lunar surface filled his forward field of vision. On the other side of this dead rock was the mudball of a world called Earth. It had been a while since he and the Predacons had been here, but it hadn’t been long enough for his liking as this planet was nothing in comparison to what Cybertron used to be. It was a filthy world crawling with disgusting flesh creatures he’d sooner crush underneath his foot then take a first glance at. But, here they were once again and for very different reasons than before. Now, it was to deal with the leadership conundrum and in the process hopefully avoid a full out Decepticon civil war, which would benefit no one but the Autobots, themselves.

“Divebomb, report our status,” Razorclaw’s voice boomed to his pilot and navigator. The aerial Predacon was a loner amongst the team ranks, but he had his usefulness even if he had his moments of failure. Thankfully, that did not happen often enough to become a grave concern to the Predacon Commander.

“Yes, sir,” Divebomb responded as he checked all systems. Several astroseconds later, he turned around in his chair to face Razorclaw. “All systems are operating at optimal standards, commander. However, energon levels are down more than thirty percent, but that’s to be expected after a warp jump of this length. We will need to refuel before making another jump, but we have adequate power to sustain our systems for the time being.”

“Excellent,” Razorclaw replied, interlacing his actuators in front of his faceplate as Divebomb nodded before returning his attention to his console. The Predacon leader then opened a comm line to the Military Operations Commander in order to inform him of their arrival:

>>”Lord Shockwave, this is Razorclaw. We have arrived in the Sol System and assumed a stationary orbit on the far side of Earth’s satellite body. Should I attempt to contact Soundwave, or would you like to do so yourself, sir?”<<

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

While Thunderwing addressed her, Blackwind continued to monitor the various video and audio feeds throughout the Thanatos. There no one screen that caught her interest enough to linger on its image. Understanding how the subordinates felt would be a key element in gaining their trust, and most importantly their support. Blackwind knew that when it came to Decepticons the easiest way to gain an understanding of how they feel was to simply not ask; instead spying on their every move would prove a more informative method.

Blackwind looked up at her guest when he made mention of the communication’s officer. She inclined her head as she relaxed more into her chair. The thought of Soundwave caused Blackwind to let out a sigh.

“Soundwave will be difficult to deal with. He may be cold and calculating, but you are correct in that he will consider himself vulnerable without Megatron, which may be the reason he contacted Shockwave to begin with.”

Blackwind thought a moment before looking back to her terminal. As she typed in the codes to access the feeds from the storage bay she continued her observation of Soundwave.

“If you can convince him that your superior strength and abilities, coupled with your vast intellect, would be enough to, not only, lead the Decepticons, but also provide him with the security to proceed just as he had with Lord Megatron, then perhaps he would consider pledging his allegiance us.”

She cast her gaze on the carapace encased scientist as she spoke. The femme seeker then returned her optics to the screen before her. The scene was an interesting one. Blackwind’s neutral features gave way to a deep frown as she focused in on Shockwave and Weirdwolf. The military strategist’s comment concerning the future without Megatron irked the aerial coordinator. Her grip on the desk increased until it warped under the pressure.

Blackwind eased her grip slightly only when she registered Weirdwolf’s body language. A small smile worked its way to her face as she watched the tracker leave the storage bay. Perhaps getting the tracker to accept Thunderwing as the next Decepticon leader would help solidify their proposal to the ranks. She would have to approach Weirdwolf on her own in the coming future.

Storage Bays

It was apparent that Weirdwolf was not satisfied with Shockwave's responses, for whatever little that mattered to the strategist. Shockwave's massive multiprocessors took a brief moment to calculate the advantages and disadvantages of simply ending the Decepticon's existence here and now, rather than to allow him to potentially become a problem for him in the future. The calculation came back in Weirdwolf's favor on this occasion, and Shockwave allowed his original imperative to stand. Simply eliminating potential political enemies could not be reconciled with his current strategy. There was too much at stake to blindly waste any resource that the Decepticon war machine had available to them.

>>"Transmission acknowledged. I will be en route. Imperative: initiate communications with Soundwave. Provide our status and acquire theirs. I will join your unit on the bridge in 1.864 breems,"<< Shockwave responded to Razorclaw's message as he rose and stepped away from the mechaforming technology and re-engaged the Thanatos' locking mechanisms.

Exiting the storage area, he intended to proceed to the bridge, but he had one detour to make before he did so.
___

Bridge

Rampage shut off the holovid that had been absorbing much of his attention during the trek between Cybertron and the Sol system. They were here now, and things, just like they had on Cybertron prior to their departure, could change quickly. The smell of the hunt, whatever form it may take, was on the tip of the Predacon's sensors now. He knew it wouldn't be long before he was allowed to unleash those more instinctive urges.

"So who do we kill first?" Rampage said, his expression twisted in to a little sneer behind his faceplate.

Bridge

>>”Understood, Lord Shockwave.”<<

Razorclaw shut off his comm link in order to address his pilot once more. “Divebomb, launch a communications satellite so that we can send a clear signal around this dead planetoid. Once that is completed, open a secure channel to Soundwave.”

“Yes, commander,” the aerial Predacon replied without turning around to look at his superior officer. Instead, he remained focused on his console where his actuators danced across the keys and made Razorclaw’s orders a reality. A panel slid open on the hull of the Thanatos, allowing a small satellite to be released into the void. The communications capsule made its way towards the distant horizon of the moon where it then assumed a stationary orbit of its own. Once it was in position and fully activated, Divebomb was able to open a secure channel by bouncing a signal off of the satellite, thus redirecting it towards Earth. The transmission was encrypted so that only Soundwave, himself, would be able to break it. Divebomb then turned to face his commander. “Sir, it is done as ordered.”

Razorclaw nodded as he tapped a few keys on his chair’s control console, giving him access to the signal. The Predacon Commander spoke to the communications specialist clearly and without emotion. “Soundwave, this is Razorclaw. Lord Shockwave has authorized me to make contact with you and to relay our present status. The Thanatos has returned from Cybertron and is currently is a stationary orbit on the dark side of Earth’s moon. The Combaticon warship, the Obliteration, will arrive from hyperspace shortly. Some progress was made during our mission to Cybertron, and we were able to retrieve an important piece of cyberforming equipment that may prove useful in the coming orns. Shockwave, himself, will be able to fill you in on the more intricate details of his scientific analysis once he joins me here on the bridge. Furthermore, I request a status update from your end, as well, and await your reply.”

Razorclaw then switched off his comm link and turned to address Rampage's question whether it had been a rhetorical one or not. "Patience, my overly aggressive underling. First there is the issue of leadership to address. Then, hopefully, we'll get to rip some Autobots to shreds."

Transmission from Space to Shockwave

"Order acknowledged. I will begin moving towards the rendezvous point immediately. Shadowing out."

Bridge

Rampage couldn't help but let out a low, muffled snarl. Not at Razorclaw, but at the circumstances that were currently surrounding them.

"What situation?" Rampage said, not even turning to look at his unit commander. Just staring ahead at nothing in particular. "We lost a warrior. A warrior with the ability to unite unruly warlords under his banner."

Rampage paused for a moment, as if the thoughts were in his mind but he was having difficulty forming them exactly the way he wanted.

"You did the same thing--with us, a long time ago," he added, looking briefly at the other Predacons. "Do it again."
___

Medical Bay

Receiving the satisfactory transmission, Shockwave proceeded to enter the medical bay, returning to the workstation where Dreadwind and Darkwing had been earlier for their condition evaluation. Having found it satisfactory, Shockwave felt confidant in proceeding to the next phase. Unlocking and retrieving the spare few, small cylinders of energon that had thus far been derived from the Ore-13 compound, he placed them in a small storage compartment within his person where they could be directly accessed by his systems if needed.

He would prefer to test the substance on a new subject--other than himself--to examine the results before utilizing individuals within the command hierarchy. But impending circumstances could dictate more extreme measures.

Satisfied for the time being, Shockwave exited the bay and now began heading directly for the bridge of the vessel.

Bridge

As Razorclaw awaited a response from Soundwave, he listened to what Rampage had to say. His outspoken subordinate had a point that he could not easily argue with. It was true that the Predacon Commander had united his team together and formed them into one of the most elite fighting forces the Decepticon Empire had ever seen. The Predacons were well respected and, above all, feared across both factions in this ageless war. That had not happened over a few cycles nor did it happen with a weak leader in control. Razorclaw had been responsible for their current status within the Empire and each Predacon under his command knew it, especially Rampage who liked to spend countless cycles reliving their greatest accomplishments on holovids. Therefore, it made perfect sense that it would be Rampage to not so subtly suggest that his commander also make a bid for leadership of the entirety of the Decepticons.

Unfortunately, Razorclaw had one glaring failure during his long tenure with his Predacons and that failure was Howlstrike. The traitor was the single mech that Razorclaw had been unable to control and assimilate into his unit completely. It was this turncoat that gave the Predacon Commander pause when considering whether or not to make a play for Megatron’s former role. It was a massive responsibility to undertake that required a warrior with the ability to unite all Decepticons together and not just the majority. If there was even a small amount of dissension within the ranks then the entire Empire could fall into civil war and ultimately collapse. No, Razorclaw had to be patient before making any bold moves. Otherwise, there could be other mechs that eventually turn on him the way Howlstrike had done.

“Perhaps I will, Rampage,” Razorclaw finally replied to his underling while also addressing the whole of his squad. “However, the Empire is a much different not to mention larger animal than just the five of us. There are politics at play here with many other high-level ‘Cons involved than just myself. One wrong move could throw all Decepticons into turmoil, and I will not allow that to happen. Trust in me as you have always done. I will ensure that the right leader is selected, whether that be myself or another mech of my choosing.”

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Thunderwing slowly nodded at Blackwind’s words. “Perhaps, but it may take some time for him to be convinced that I am the one with the strength and intelligence to lead the Decepticons. He has cast his lot with Shockwave for now, but you maybe be right in that was a move more against Starscream then in favor of Shockwave. At the very least his distaste for the seeker could be used to our advantage. Any Decepticons with at least one clear intention we can decipher is a boon to us.”

The scientist looked at the viewscreen as Blackwind finally paused it on a scene between Weirdwolf and Shockwave. He did notice that the commander’s words had an effect on her as her hand clenched hard enough to warp the table. It was quite obvious where her allegiances lay now, not that they were in question before, but now he had quite plain evidence of her passion on the matter. It was a benefit to know where your allies stood along with your potential enemies.

He turned his attention back to the viewscreen as Weirdwolf left the room, clearly unsatisfied. “Perhaps a potential recruit? While his greater importance in the Decepticon order is not great one has to start somewhere. He is an excellent warrior and would be an asset to have securely with us early on. Of course, who knows how events will unfold once we have met up with Starscream’s group.”

*

Incoming transmission to Razorclaw from Soundwave

>>”Current status is nominal. Multiple teams are deployed to the Earth’s surface in a variety of missions. Starscream has just bounced down to help reinforce one of the teams in battle with the Autobots. A second team led by Motormaster should also be involved in battle shortly. The third team is a construction team designing and building a new base to be used on the surface. A skeleton crew remains on the Ultrax for now.”<<

Bridge

With the resources of the formidable Thanatos as well as the Obliteration at their disposable, to say nothing of the Ultrax, Shockwave had calculated that an orbital engagement with the Autobots would be decidedly in their favor if it should occur. Ideally, such an occurence would not take place any time soon.

The arrangement he had made with a certain select group of Autobots back on Cybertron was still a significant factor in his processors; however, he could not rely on the details of that arrangement having been communicated to any of the Autobot operatives present on this world. The war might well have to continue just as it had for countless millenia before until similar discussions took place--if such an opportunity were to even present itself. Nevertheless, unmitigated aggression was not the primary algorithm that Shockwave was currently processing at this point in time.

With the doors to the Thanatos' bridge area sliding out of Shockwave's path, the cycloptic mech proceeded to step on to the bridge, approaching Razorclaw.

"Interrogative: was the transmission from Soundwave received? What is the current operational status of Decepticon forces in this sector?"

Bridge

Razorclaw sent a quick acknowledgement signal back to Soundwave as he knew the communications expert did not require a verbal reply since no question had been posed to the Predacon Commander. The most intriguing part of Soundwave’s message was Starscream’s involvement in one of the battles taking place planet bound and thus the Seeker Commander would likely not be on board the Ultrax when Shockwave made his move to take control. However, while that would make things easier for the cycloptic mech in the short run, it was certain to still pose a long term problem once the various forces that were currently deployed finally returned from their missions. Their reactions, as well as Starscream’s, would be most interesting indeed.

Razorclaw turned his head at the sound of the bridge doors sliding open, revealing the large purple form of Shockwave. The logic-driven mech wasted no time with pleasantries and immediately demanded an operational status update of all Decepticon forces in the immediate sector. Likewise, the Predacon Commander wasted no time in giving his reply.

“Yes, Lord Shockwave, my transmission was received and Soundwave has already sent a response just moments ago,” Razorclaw said as he stood from the captain's chair and gave his superior a solid, if not reluctant, salute. “In summary, there are currently three teams deployed to the surface. Two are engaged in battles with the Autobots while the third is constructing a new planet bound headquarters. For the time being the Stunticon frigate, the Ultrax, is serving as a temporary base in orbit around Earth where only a skeleton crew is present. Most interesting is the fact that Starscream, himself, is not on board but is instead reinforcing one of the battalions on the surface. No further details were provided, my lord.”

Razorclaw remained standing at attention as he awaited Shockwave’s reaction to the news that was just delivered to him. It was always very hard to read the purple mech’s external expressions considering he only had a singular optic and no other facial features that could elude to what he was either thinking or feeling. Of course, with Shockwave being devoid of any kind of emotions to speak of, having a faceplate was not really a necessity for him as there were no feelings within the logical Decepticon to outwardly evoke. Still, Razorclaw suspected that somewhere deep down the Military Operations Commander was more than just a little bit happy to know that he would have virtually no resistance in assuming Megatron’s former role. At least for now, anyway.

Bridge

"You lead, I follow, alpha predator," Rampage said, returning his attention to the screen in front of him.

There was no doubt in the Predacon's mind that Razorclaw was the most natural fit to continue Megatron's vision. They had fought in the pits together. They had commanded armies, just as all the Predacon warlords had at one time or another in Cybertron's extensive and storied history. When one apex predator fell, the next simply took his place. That was the way of things.

He wasn't sure, but Razorclaw seemed to see it that way too, though he was proceeding more cautiously than Rampage cared for.

That is why he leads. Not me, Rampage thought to himself, a small smirk forming underneath his faceplate.
___

Transmission from Onslaught to Razorclaw

>>"We've isolated the energy signature of Motormaster and his team. No such luck with Scrapper or his unit. Unless the Thanatos can find them, I'd suggest we at least make contact with Motormaster ASAP. He's the more unpredictable of the two anyway. If we can shore up his support for our vision, I believe Scrapper will be more than willing to see the potential."<<

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

As Blackwind watched her view screen she eased back into her chair. Her posture reflected her more relaxed demeanor. With almost a careless regard she sent a command to the cameras to focus solely on Shockwave's unique energy signature. The monitor switched views to the medical bay. Blackwind slowly sat back up and leaned in so that she could keep her focus on the giant Cyclops. With practiced ease her delicate digits danced over the keyboard as she entered commands to the equipment she had hidden within the facility.

Shockwave never spoke, but then again why would he; he was alone, to speak would be illogical. She let out a low chuckle as she watched the Military Operations Commander unlock a workstation and remove a few small cylinders of, what she could only assume to be the Ore-13 compound he specifically brought along when they first were sent to Cybertron. Just what are you up to dear Shockwave?

Her optics narrowed to into thin slits as she watched him insert the cylinders into his person. Blackwind let out a low growl before she rose from her chair and turned to face Thunderwing.

“It would seem that our ‘commander’ has just upped the ante in the running.”

As Blackwind’s optics met the scientist’s her frown immediately began to melt into a soft smile while her entire demeanor softened. She hadn’t strayed far from him when she left her chair making it to him in only a few steps. Her smile broadened as she stopped directly in front of him, her hands placed gently on his chest.

She waited a moment before she moved in even closer; with her head tilted slightly her lips hovered just over his as she whispered to him.

“I suggest we make our appearance on the bridge. We wouldn’t want anyone to begin to talk. Besides, I’d like to know what Shockwave is up to and how the Predacons and other crew members perceive him.”

Her lips lightly ghosted over his before she pulled away and moved past him to the door.

Sealed off storage chamber

Weirdwolf was far from happy as he walked towards his original destination. The insulting and potentially fatal action Shockwave had forced him to perform was haunting the tracker's thoughts. He did not fear death. It was hardly a concern to him. Like many born warriors that had survived the dangers of gladiator arenas, Weirdwolf knew that every warrior would eventually face their death. But unlike Megatron or Scorponok for that matter, Shockwave did either did not understand the warrior caste or chose to ignore them altogether. A veteran of thousands of battles was ready to die on a battlefield for the ideals he fought for. However, for a warrior to be used as worthless fodder for a job a drone could perform - Weirdwolf was seething. Had he been like some of his brethen, he would have made the attempt of plunging his sword through Shockwave's cranium. But he was no fool. Shockwave's vast intellect was valuable for the cause and unquestionably the ancient Decepticon commanded power only few could match. That very fact made Weirdwolf feel even more miserable.

Several astroseconds later, the mostly yellow Decepticon arrived to his destination where he was greeted by a simple nod from the hulking Skullcruncher standing in front of the door he had been commanded to guard. While the task was Skullcruncher's, Weirdwolf spent most of his time with the larger Decepticon whom he had befriended back in their days as gladiators. Given both warriors had habits and quirks that did not fit well with the majority of Cybertronian populace back in the day - the duo had quickly found common ground. Not the least because both had developed fearsome reputation in the arenas but only a fringe following due to their personalities.

"Well?" Skullcruncher grunted after greeting his friend. It was clear to the large Decepticon that his friend was not feeling his usual cheerful self.

"Shockave." Weirdwolf snarled, his visor burning brightly in anger. "A drone's job he made me do. No respect for our kind he has."

As Skullcruncher shook his head, clearly sharing the tracker's dissatisfaction - Weirdwolf was about to continue when new questions rose in his mind. Shockwave most certainly possessed the scanning equipment of doing what he had made Weirdwolf to do. The sparkless scientist had had no need for a drone or Weirdwolf himself. Then why had he put Weirdwolf through the task?

"A game he plays but his own are his rules." He finally added with clear frustration present in his voice. "A real need for me he could not have had."

"Hnn. He is different from every bot I have ever met." Skullcruncher grunted in response, slightly grinding his razor sharp teeth together. "Old."

Weirdwolf nodded in response before voicing more of his own thoughts. "He old may be. But his age nothing reveals. The Autobot Kup must as old be, yet hardly emotionless he be. Remember when..."

Bridge

As Razorclaw continued to stand at attention, the remainder of his specialty unit filling various posts on the bridge, Shockwave stepped past the Predacon commander and slowly but purposefully sat in the command chair. Several diodes snaked their way out of the purple Decepticon's body as he began to directly interface with the Thanatos, a ship that he himself had designed for Megatron and the Decepticon empire long ago. A ship that was to be the first of many before other circumstances served to postpone those plans.

Like many sidetracked plans, they could once again be put on course if the Decepticon Empire was allowed to take its next, logical steps. Up to this point, it seemed like their side might manage to avoid descending in to chaos and civil war. The strategist was not confidant that would last, however. Not just yet, anyway.

As soon as the interface was complete, Shockwave's internal processors began receiving reports from the ship's various operational systems as if they were his own. The coming and goings of its occupants were known to him, even though such knowledge was irrelevant at present. Even so, he processed Razorclaw's status update simultaneously. Such functions were what the Military Operations Commander had been designed to perform. It was what made Shockwave--Shockwave.

"Satisfactory status report," Shockwave began in his typically, nigh-emotionless fashion. "Declarative: the Seeker's strategy is as unfortunate as it is unsurprising. His first pure taste of Decepticon leadership, and he spends it dividing our forces in to engagements that could render our operations here useless. I calculate his strategy to be one of proving that he is the logical successor to Megatron--nothing more. A significant waste of our dwindling capital."

Of the divided forces, the one that was currently engaged in the construction of a new base of operations was the priority to Shockwave. With their current circumstances being what they were, they needed to be investing as much as possible in resources that would ensure their survival and prevent extinction. Not find themselves continually engaged in insignificant skirmishes. Directly accessing the Thanatos' onboard communications, Shockwave prepared a transmission for Starscream.

>>"Starscream--this is Military Operations Commander Shockwave. You are to provide immediate tactical information regarding the nature of your engagement and your assessment of the odds of success versus failure. Additional resources will be allotted or withdrawn based upon the results of your report."<<

Bridge

Razorclaw watched as Shockwave moved by him and sat in the command chair he had just occupied moments before. It took all of the Predacon Commander’s willpower to prevent himself from tearing the purple mech’s one-eyed cranial unit right off his torso, but that would serve no purpose other than to make the now displaced leader feel better. The Thanatos may have been designed by Shockwave many vorns ago, but Razorclaw was its captain and always would be regardless of the cycloptic Decepticon’s assertion to overall command of the Empire.

As Shockwave commented on the ineptitude of Starscream’s actions, Razorclaw’s attention was drawn to a private transmission over his secured comm line from Onslaught, informing him of the Combaticon Commander’s intent to make contact with Motormaster first. Apparently, locating Scrapper was proving to be a bit more daunting than expected so approaching the Stunticon leader seemed to be the more viable path to take at present. Unfortunately, with Shockwave’s presence on the bridge, it would be difficult for Razorclaw or his Predacons to make any move without raising suspicion. Still, ‘Claw needed to reply to his equal’s communique to inform him of his current situation.

As he stepped back away from the command chair, Razorclaw opened a small panel on his forearm, exposing a simple keypad on which he began to type a written message back to the Combaticon leader:

>>Unable to speak freely at this time, Commander Onslaught. Initiating contact with Motormaster is acceptable while I attempt to find a way to locate Scrapper and his men. I will communicate with you when it is safe to do so.<<

Once the encryption was complete, the message was sent and Razorclaw moved back in closer to the command chair where Shockwave was attempting to contact Starscream on the planet’s surface. While he understood the purple mech’s position that the Seeker Commander was wasting resources in what appeared to be insignificant skirmishes, the Predacon leader also recognized that these small battles might serve the purpose of both acquiring more fuel and to possibly distract the Autobots from the construction of a new Decepticon base. It was a simple strategy, but a useful one at times.

Of course, Razorclaw was not attempting to think of excuses for Starscream as the power-hungry seeker was no more fit to lead the Decepticons than Shockwave was. Still, perhaps Starscream’s eventual report would be the first step in finding Scrapper as surely the logic-driven Decepticon would want to focus his attention on building a new headquarters first and foremost. As a result of this assessment, Razorclaw decided to be patient and hope the information he wanted would soon present itself. If not, then the Predacon leader would need to take more aggressive action in order to get what he needed.

Bridge

Shockwave was not entirely convinced of the truth behind Starscream's reasoning behind his present strategy. If he and his subordinates somehow had managed to acquire some useful amount of resources then the Military Operations Commander would be forced to reassess his previous conclusion regarding the Seeker's methods.

>>"Satisfactory. Declarative: with this new influx of Cybertronian resources and the crippled status of the forces within the Sol system due to Megatron's......absence, it is critical that we resolve the issue of Decepticon leadership and move forward. Imperative: deviate from your present course and proceed to the Thanatos. The resources present on this vessel are far superior to that of the Ultrax."<<

Upping the encryption level of his communications security, Shockwave prepared a new transmission. He was completely confidant that its recipient would add whatever additional security measures he deemed necessary.

>>"Regardless of what the Seeker decides, with the arrival of the Thanatos, your continued optimum functioning would be best achieved at my side aboard this vessel."<<

Blackwind’s Private Quarters

Thunderwing returned his gaze to the monitor as Blackwind continued to monitor Shockwave’s movements around the vessel. He observed in interest along with her Shockwave’s machinations. He was intrigued to see him stow away the cylinders inside of himself. Apparently whatever tests he had run had proven successful enough that he wanted the results with him personally. The fact that he had just stowed them and not used them personally seemed to indicate some work was still needed, but the potential those cylinders contained was too high to leave lying around even locked away. Now he was even more intrigued by what the commander had been up to.

The Decepticon’s attention was drawn back to Blackwind as she growled and spoke in a angry tone over Shockwave’s latest actions. Truly she had a strong dislike for him. He again saw the wisdom Megatron had in sending her on this mission. She would do whatever it took to make sure Shockwave was still operating on the level, leaving nothing unturned. Her loyalty to Megatron though would keep her from fabricating false evidence against Shockwave. She would dare not lie to him. Such loyalty was so rare in the Decepticons, at least from what he could remember. He was honored to even think that she possessed any amount of that same loyalty to him.

“Indeed. Shockwave must have gained something of high value from his tests. Stowing them away inside of himself keeps them safe but puts himself at great risk. But it is only logical to keep something of great value close to one’s self, as I have done.” He let the comment linger for a second to allow her to ponder whether he meant the carapace or her. “In any case it is a pity he did so as now it will be nearly impossible to get a sample of whatever he has concocted for my own studies. Perhaps events here on Earth will change that.”

The scientist was pleased to see her demeanor soften as she walked over to him. He was only slightly startled when she place her hands on his chest, and he smiled back at her as she whispered to him, her lips almost brushing across his before she got up to leave. He stood up and followed her. Truly she was unlike any femme he had met during his time with the Decepticons. He watched as she strode towards the door, her already impressive frame now further enhanced by the carapace she wore. She was intelligent, cunning, agile, nothing less then a work of art. Truly she would make a perfect partner if he was able to take control of the Decepticons.

Priority-2 Transmission from Soundwave to Shockwave

>>"Understood. Ship transfer: in progress."<<

Bridge

Shockwave silently acknowledged the transmissions from both Starscream and Soundwave. Once Soundwave was securely at his side, the strategic value of the Ultrax was going to diminish significantly. Starscream and majority of those who would support his vision of how the empire should proceed from this point would likely be aboard that vessel very soon. To say nothing that the Seeker Leader surely had some culpability in what ultimately happened to Megatron, even if the exact facts behind that scenario had not been presented to the strategist yet. It would be exceedingly easy to take the superior resources of the Thanatos and simply eliminate the treacherous Seeker permanently.

It took a few moments, but Shockwave ultimately decided that the consequences of that course of action ran too far counter to his own stated and intended objectives. If Decepticon resources had to be sacrificed for the greater good, it had to a process that was undertaken with much more precision than simply obliterating a capital ship and all the mechanoids that were currently serving aboard it. The real question was--how much would circumstances have to change for the Decepticon strategist to have come to a different conclusion?

Shockwave relied on the fact that he would know when the time came that he was presented with such a significant variable shift.

"Imperative--Soundwave will assume the Thanatos' secondary operations console upon arrival. I will address the entirety of the Decepticon forces stationed in this area at that time. Razorclaw, ready your unit for departure at my command."

Starscream was trying to lure Shockwave away from his current power base just as Shockwave had been attempting to do with him. It would take far more than that to raise anything akin to an emotional response from one such as Shockwave. But it was also clear that Shockwave was going to have to employ different tactics the remove the Seeker from the leadership equation. He might ultimately have to do it by hand, but there was another, less-direct tactic that could be employed in the interim.

Bridge

Once she had gained the scientist’s unbridled attention and he had fallen in step with beside her, Blackwind made her way to the bridge where she knew Shockwave had been headed. The thought of the logic driven drone leading the Decepticon Empire left a foul taste in her mouth. Had she known it would work she would have seduced him to a point of total relaxation and then eliminate him. But that plan of action was lost on the Commander. Blackwind growled deep in her throat.

Through the twists and turns of the corridors she and her companion had finally arrived at the bridge. The carapace encased femme glanced over at Thunderwing and flashed him an endearing smile before entering her access code.

“A cunning approach to anything Shockwave addresses is our wisest course of action. Observe, collect, plan and then strike.”

That said Blackwind opened the door, letting it split down the middle and part before her. She stood in the doorway for a moment and took in the presence of the Predacons who were mulling about. From the occupied forms of Razorclaw and his crew Blackwind cast her gaze on the tall purple figure of Shockwave. The femme’s optics narrowed into tight amethyst slits before she stepped onto the bridge.

“Has there been any word from the planet’s surface? I would hope our beloved Air Commander had enough foresight to inform us of the situation taking place.”

The enthralling femme slowly strutted to the command chair where she stopped. She regarded Shockwave with a slight nod before turning her attention to the activities going on.

Bridge

Razorclaw glared down at the Military Operations Commander who was now completely hooked in to the Thanatos through the command chair. Once again, the Predacon leader remained outwardly calm while his internal processor ran through all of the scenarios where the cycloptic mech ended up as a smoldering heap on the floor with a victorious Razorclaw standing over him. It was a bold vision, but one that would not be happening at this point in time. It was too soon and there was still much to be done.

“As you wish, my lord,” Razorclaw responded to Shockwave once the order to ready the Predacons was given. In all actuality, the animalistic unit was always prepared for battle, ready to move out at a moments notice. Still, Razorclaw felt no need to remain on the bridge and watch the purple Decepticon and his monotone minion, Soundwave, take control of the Thanatos from him. Instead, he turned his attention to the members of his squad and addressed them accordingly. “Predacons, it seems our presence on the bridge is no longer required. Let’s take our leave. We will charge up and rearm ourselves ASAP.”

Razorclaw motioned for his men to join him as he turned towards the doorway. At that very moment, the seemingly inseparable duo of Thunderwing and Blackwind entered the room. It came as no surprise that the femme was still by the Decepticon scientist’s side. She was clearly loyal to him and would likely only support the carapace-laced mech as the next supreme leader of the Empire. He certainly had the power, but if Razorclaw and Onslaught could unite the speciality squads together then that power would matter little against their greater numbers.

The Predacon Commander gave both Thunderwing and Blackwind a courteous nod before moving past them and into the hallway beyond, his Predacons close behind. Once the doors to the bridge were closed, Razorclaw turned to address his unit once more, speaking in a whispered tone. “Listen to me, all of you. Be ready for any eventuality. Understood? This is our ship, and it will be again. I promise you.”

Razorclaw dare cent say more as Shockwave’s sole optic and audio receptors were likely tuned in to every part of the ship. The Predacon leader had little options at the current time. He couldn’t leave without being detected and raising suspicions. It was also too risky to send a communique to Onslaught as the purple mech would easily break any decryption that was used, especially once Soundwave had arrived on board. They needed to find Scrapper and his team, but that was impossible with Shockwave embedded in the ship's systems as any attempt to use the mainframe or any other detection equipment would be immediately known to the Military Operations Commander.

For now, the only thing Razorclaw could do is play along with the cycloptic Decepticon’s wishes, all the while biding his time and waiting for just the right opportunity to present itself. Hopefully, such a chance would soon arise once Shockwave dispatched them from the Thanatos. After all, once Razorclaw and the Predacons were off the ship, they could go wherever they wanted with the appropriate precautions taken.

Bridge

Rampage's optics cautiously flitted from Razorclaw to the other Decepticons on the bridge. It might have been construed as hesitation, but the Predacon was really just taking a moment to assess their situation. Deciding that there was really no other viable course of action right now, Rampage got up from his station and followed Razorclaw and the others off the bridge.

As he and the others were admonished to be ready for anything, Rampage nodded. He most definitely was. The Decepticon Empire hadn't been faced with anything like this since the very formative days of the movement itself.

Charging up normally sounded like a good idea, especially in the recent orns. Currently, though, Rampage was pretty much full. He supposed it wouldn't be a bad idea to top off, though.

"It's been too long since I've been able to rip through an organic hide. Wonder if they still give like they used ta'."
___

Shockwave's cranial unit moved slightly to the left after Blackwind had arrived and posed her query. It was as much of a physical acknowledgement as he typically ever provided, when he provided one at all.

"Affirmative. The Seeker appears to be actively attempting to secure his position of leadership over the remaining Decepticons in this sector."

Shockwave paused, his optic flickering briefly.

"Declarative: his strategy only lends further credence to likelihood that he had some part in Megatron's defeat. He risks much in dividing our forces when consolidation would have been the more logical course; however, if his gambit is successful, I calculate a significant probability that he will retain the momentum of leadership that he has already stolen. That in itself would prove to be a dangerous proposition for those of us that have been consistently loyal to Megatron, given the Seeker's history."

As Razorclaw acknowledged his command and he and the other Predacons took their leave of the bridge, Shockwave registered an incoming signal via the Thanatos. It was a ship. Non-Cybertronian. Inconsequential. Shockwave was not even going to bother with investigating why such an inferior vessel would even think to venture so close to a Decepticon warship. One blast from the Thanatos' forward array would remove the anomalous event and allow Shockwave to return to the matters at hand.

It was only when the ship seemed to jettison an even smaller craft that Shockwave halted in his action. The signal coming through was clear now. Shadowing had rendezvoused with the Thanatos, as had been ordered previously. Satisfactory. The Military Operations Commander cleared a security path aboard the vessel for the Decepticon agent and then returned his attention to the bridge viewscreen, the Ultrax hovering in a large portion thereof.

Bridge

Thunderwing listened quietly as Shockwave replied to Blackwind and even offered his analysis of Starscream’s latest doings. He was impressed at this new tact he was taking against the seeker. Starscream taking part in Megatron’s death made sense with the history there and would help satisfy some of those likely doubters that the slagmaker could have been defeated as he had been. Only a traitor could have brought about his downfall in such a way, or that is what Shockwave would have them believe. It was A clever tactic and one that he would have to remember.

Of course it was one that could be turned on Shockwave perhaps. While Megatron had been fighting bravely he had been sent away to Cybertron, perhaps because Megatron wanted him as far from him as possible. Or perhaps Shockwave wanted to be as far from him as possible for his own plans. It was the type of game of accusations that could go on endlessly, although the one against Starscream was the simplest and most straightforward. He suspected that many other Decepticons would agree.

“The Seeker knew he was in a bad position at the start with not dying at his hand, not directly at least. He hopes to satisfy his group of Decepticons with quick victories. It may work with some, assuming they are victories, but it would likely be among those Decepticons who would follow him irregardless, for the most part.”

*

After having retrieved his two cassette minions that had gone along to Cybertron with Shockwave, Soundwave made his way to the bridge. His arrival from the Ultrax had likely gone unnoticed and, at this point, was irrelevant. While there was a certain amount of risk to abandoning the ship as he had done, he felt the trade off was well worth it. While he did not trust Shockwave, he had more faith in him then Starscream. Shockwave had a logic he could at least respect, and greater raw power then the seeker. Perhaps if Starscream had treated him with more respect, making him his second over the violent thug that was Motormaster, it would have been a tougher decision. The result, however, would have been the same. Starscream and the Decepticons he surrounded himself with were simply too foolish and unstable to trust.

Soundwave stepped on to the bridge, taking a brief moment to analyze his surroundings. The Predacons were not present, which suited him fine. While more rational then the Stunticons they were somewhat territorial and possessed a violent streak. He would rather face them once he was will ingrained in the crew and the ship. He briefly studied Thunderwing and what he assumed to be Blackwind. Apparently Thunderwing was capable of replicating his upgrades to some extent on other Decepticons. Such an ability would make him a powerful figure in this new Decepticon era.

The Decepticon stepped in front of the command chair where Shockwave sat. “Soundwave: reporting.” He knew of the other Decepticon’s appreciation for efficiency and expediency, so he did not feel the need to say anything else. Instead he moved to the secondary operations console and began his work, adjusting communication frequencies and scanners to match his work on the Ultrax. He resumed monitoring all three teams on the surface, which he suspected Shockwave would have some interest in.

Bridge

Shockwave sat stoically, allowing Thunderwing's words to process. Shockwave's next move was calculated, as were the next several after that--each one depending on various caculations of probability based on not only the Seeker leader's history but those who were traditionally loyal to him. Those that had the capacity to think for themselves? His response would be tailored to theirs.

"Declarative: I share your assessment. Therefore, it is time for an alternative to be presented."

If Megatron were faced with this situation, Shockwave expected that he would have simply bounced over to the Ultrax and confronted Starscream directly for the title of leadership. With Megatron, that was enough. Megatron's lieutenants, himself among them, would be risking considerably more if they were to challenge one another so openly. It may have been what tradition dictated, but Shockwave was not bound by tradition. He was bound by logic. And Shockwave's logic processors told him that open, extended civil war at this juncture would be disastrous.

With Soundwave's arrival, Shockwave knew that he could proceed with the next step, as the Communications Officer was as proficient with a transmission as any that the cycloptic mech had ever met.

"Imperative: establish broadwave Decepticon transmission signal. Ensure all forces in this sector receive it. Encryption--minimal, non-priority."

The last part of Shockwave's command might have been seen by some as unorthodox, but given what Shockwave had already accomplished on Cybertron it would not be. Though he was not going to contact the Autobots directly at this stage, if one of their communication engineeers happened to stumble upon the transmission, he was not going to make it exceedingly difficult to decrypt it. They would benefit from hearing what needed to be said as much as his Decepticon subordinates.

>>"Dreadwind, Darkwing--imperative, report to the bridge immediately."<<