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Medical Bay

Somehow, the Medical Bay made Ramjet's energon run cold with, as the humans say, a "Bad Vibe".

"You forget, Dead-End, that Starscream would have done exactly the same thing if some other waste-of-spare-parts tried to sweep leadership out from under him," Ramjet stated with a smug look, "Personally, if Screamer gets out of this as leader, I won't be the last one to try to overtake him. And thats a cold hard fact."

Ramjet leaned against a CR Chamber that was closest to him and laughed, "Your insane if you think one of your own will get the title. Well, in Wildrider's case, he is already there!"

Bridge

Scrapper was a little heartened by Soundwaves voice of agreement, but he could tell the communications expert was thinking it but a stopgap measure, a stepping stone to some other status quo. To be honest, part of Scrapper would agree. It was an imperfect and indecisive approach, the kind of political compromise the Autobot Council would have made in the old days. The Decepticons hated compromise, and it rankled with Scrapper too, but in his position he'd been forced to accept that it was sometimes needed.

If the alternative is giving command to Starscream, I think a little compromise might be acceptable.

"I agree that we should keep the other commanders in the dark until the situation has stabilised. We can't say anything of Megatrons dissappearance until we're su-"

Scrapper flinched from the blade thunking into the control panel beside him, a reaction he was ashamed of but which was understandable, given how Motormaster seemed about to snap. Scrapper tensed up as the Stunticon leader ranted, and undermined the entire discussion to this point.

Witless fool...He doesn't understand the situation, so he lashes out in ignorance, breaking things until the situation is simple enough for him. Slaggit, I was afraid of this.

It took effort to let Starscream and Motormaster both talk down to him, to listen to them call him 'just an engineer'. Scrapper might have been a builder but he was also a warrior, and in a physical fight he was certain he could beat Soundwave or Starscream to a pulp, though Motormaster was stronger and much tougher than him. But starting a fight now was pointless, as was trying to argue against Starscreams ambition and Motormasters agression.

"I will voice no objections, Starscream. You will have command."

I hope for all our sakes you prove me wrong, Seeker.

Medical Bay

As some of the Decepticons seemed ready to have a battle over who was going to lead them after the unexpected deactivation of Megatron, Dirge began to come on-line in his CR Chamber.

His CR Chamber happened to be located right behind where Ram Jet was leaning against. It quietly hissed open with a small gust of air escaping. Dirge slowly stepped out. He was unaware of ALL the situation that was occurring, all he could gather was Megatron had been deactivated. So Dirge did what he did best.

Dirge simple leaned up against a wall with his arms folded. He remained silent and decided to watch events unfold before him. He was completely out of touch with current events and not in control of the situation. This made Dirge nervous, he hated not being in control of the actions around him, and his own actions out of his control was even worse. Rather than just inject himself to the situation, he loomed silently in the background.

Repair Bay

"Except he didn't. He's talking it out with the others, not pounding his chest like he always does. He's smart enough to see what needs to be done and to do things right. You however are not. But you're right...he will have usurpers." Dead End begins to stare at Ramjet's head. "You know some ruling classes help deter that problem by making examples of traitors. Sometimes by execution and public displays of the corpse...or at least their heads. Are you volunteering?"

Medical Bay

Ramjet felt a strong motion behind him as Dirge's chamber opened slowly, pushing him forward. Ramjet then watched the creepy Seeker walk into the background and loom there. Averting his gaze from the Seeker, Ramjet looked back to Dead-End, and only him.

"Nah," Ramjet laughed as he began to walk past the dismal 'Con, "I'd much rather have yours hang there!"

Ramjet stopped to slap Dead-End against the back of his head, and continued on and walked to Dirge and said, "Hey, you look a little lost bud, I think you need a run-down of the situation."

Dirge starred optic to optic with Ram Jet for a brief second before responding. He thought about it and any additional information would be welcome:

"Aaafirmatiiive. Frooom what IIII've gatheeered, Megatron is inaaaactive aaaand Starscream iiiiis aaaambitous towards leeeadershiiiip. Am IIIIII correct Raaaam Jet?"

Repair Bay

Dead End did not let out a sound nor did he flinch. The blow was nothing compared to Motormaster's doing. He did however feel where the blow struck for a moment. "Drag Strip, I think I feel that some of my paint got chipped off from Ramjet's strike. Can you give me a visual confirmation?" He asks.

"Hooligan, go over by SC's CR Chamber...now." Skyjack says.

"Why?" Hooligan says.

"Trust me for once." Skyjack says.

"Tall order but fine." Hooligan says as the duo head over there and take cover.

Medical Bay

Ramjet nodded at the response Dirge made, and began to run the situation in his head before explaining to the rather creepy Seeker, "Our base went up in flames, and Megatron along with it, now Starscream has just made a speech and all of the "Decepticon Highranks" have been called to a meeting to find the new leader. I'm personally expecting Screamer to come out victorious."

He refrained from saying a thing about his attempt to assassinate Starscream, to keep the information from spreading at an uncontrollable rate.

Medical bay

Drag Strip's behavior didn't surprise Astrotrain at all. The yellow racer was obsessed about winning and having being beaten to inch of his life by a relatively unknown Autobrat likely ate away at Drag Strip's ego far more than a beat down delivered by his notorious commanding officer - Motormaster. And while Astotrain was physically imposing enough for the smaller Stunticons to avoid getting in trouble with him, the triplechanger chose not to add any insult to injury. He did not need to be target of their pranks, Ramjet seemed to be doing just fine on labeling himself a target for that particular group of misfits. So without saying a word, Astrotrain slipped away from the Stunticons to check out whether there were any free CR chambers large enough for him. As it seemed that was not the case, he walked over to the only Decepticon in the room that rivaled his own size.

"Ramplate eh? I don't recall serving with you before. There's been only two occasions of reinforcements arriving. Did you come along with Baneblade or Megatron himself?" There wasn't much to do before he got his chance to spend time in the CR chamber so Astrotrain felt like he could as well try to learn something about this new comer to Earth infiltration unit.

Medical Bay

Dirge thought while Ram Jet told his of current events. He thought to himself,

"Meeegatrooon gone? Uuuunthinkable...buuut truuuuue?"

He then look up at Ram Jet, "Diiiid anyoooone seee hiiiis cooorpse? Iiiiif theeeere is nooooo cooorpse thaaaaan there iiiis nooo death..."

Repair Bay

Drag Strip couldn’t help but laugh at Wildrider’s ridiculous display as he attempted to mimic a violent, made up scene between Motormaster and the yellow racer. His flailing arms and crazy facial expressions, accompanied by high pitched sound effects, only served to prove just how crazy the terrorist really was. “You should’ve been a comedian, Wildrider,” Drag replied, waving his hand at his comrade’s silly antics. “Your portrayal of me isn’t even close. Besides, you wouldn’t know the best if it came up and kicked you in your aft section!”

Drag Strip then followed up his comment by playfully kicking Wildrider in his rear. “See what I mean? And if you keep up your crazy stunts, you will be long gone without ever realizing just how great I am. Of course, I’ll still be here, being the best at everything while you’re rusting away in some scrap pile! Haha! And it won’t be hard for Motormaster to replace you, either! After all, there are plenty of crazy ‘Cons around!”

Drag Strip found his exchange with Wildrider to be entertaining and a great way to pass the time without having to think about the dire situation they were all in now since the apparent destruction of Megatron. It also helped Drag to forget about his nightmares regarding the encounter and near death experience at the hands of the Autobot Hex. The yellow mech felt like his old self again, surrounded by his Stunticon brethren, none of whom seemed to understand just how great he was.

Out of all the Stunticons, Wildrider gave Drag Strip the most grief over his self-absorbed views. The terrorist was like a jealous sibling who teased and prodded Drag at every turn, unable to accept just how exceptional his brother was. But, the former racer enjoyed the challenge of trying to top each and every comment Wildrider made. Of course, his reactions only seemed to fuel the terrorist’s desire to continue making fun of him even more, but that was part of the endless fun.

Drag Strip’s attention was then drawn to Dead End, who had asked him about his paint job. The former racer checked the back of the doomsayer’s head where Ramjet had previously hit him. “Oh my, look at that!” Drag exclaimed, trying to keep a straight face plate. “That’s a mighty big scrape! You may want to get that touched up before it starts to rust. If you let it go for too long your whole head will rust right off!”

The yellow mech let out a low chuckle as he knew perfectly well that there was no real damage to Dead End’s paint scheme that he noticed. Drag simply wanted to see the enviable reaction from the always depressed Stunticon.

Corridors

Skywarp stalked the corridors of the ship with an unbridled rage streaming through his circuits. Darkride was the mech his anger was directed towards and when he found him the diminutive torturer would regret the day he ever violated the black and purple seeker. It was clearly meant as a way for Darkride to exact his revenge for the prank ‘Warp had played on him previously. However, dumping bright paint on a mech was one thing, but to tap into someone’s mind and use their own personal thoughts against them was going far beyond the realm of acceptable retaliation. It was something the teleporter could not let stand. He would make the interrogator pay dearly, one way or another.

Skywarp then rounded a corner and came face plate to face plate with Darkride. The slimly little mech approached him in a nonchalant and seemingly friendly manner, saying something about how all seekers sounded alike, except for the femmes, of course.

”They certainly are a distinctive breed. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Darkride’s words echoed within Skywarp’s audio receptors. They were all he actually remembered hearing the interrogator say as it was a direct jab at him and what had just transpired with Nightraven. The torturer knew what he had done and had no fear in letting the seeker know it.

As Skywarp came within reach, he grabbed a hold of Darkride with both hands and lifted him up off the floor, slamming his back into a nearby wall. Locking optics with his prey, ‘Warp sneered at him. “I know what you did, Darkride, you filthy little slagger! You invaded my mind somehow, didn’t you? How else would you have known about my feelings for Nightraven?! I swear to Primus I’ll make your life from here on out a living hell! You think the prank I played on you before was bad? You haven’t seen anything yet, my little sick friend! I’ll find something that actually hurts you. Everyone has a weak spot and you’re no different!”

Skywarp’s rage subsided slightly at the sound of other ‘Cons talking in an adjacent corridor. He glanced down the hallway to ensure that they were still alone before returning his icy glare back at Darkride. “Now, you listen to me as I’m only going to say this once. I want whatever you downloaded from my head. All copies you may have made. Everything! Do you understand me, you perverted little slagger?” The teleporter increased the strength of his grip on Darkride, digging his actuators into the interrogator’s arms as he continued pressing him against the wall. “DO YOU?!?”

Repair Bay

Ramplate watched the other 'cons talk amongst themselves quietly, smiling a bit under his helm as he watched Wildrider and Drag-Strip joke and tell stories. The Stunticons had a bad rep, but they seemed to be okay as far as the tank-former was concerned. Reminded him of better times... Still as the actuator in his knee twinged again, he thought about bugging one of the Constructicons to get it looked at, as joints were a lot harder to treat in CR tanks than by hand, but he was interrupted by Astrotrain.

"Hmm? Nah, I wasn't that lucky. I got shipped in with Baneblade I think. Was working with a crew out near Serratis before on patrols. Pretty dull out there, so I was lucky to get a transfer," he said to the larger mech. "Only been a week ago since I got my alt-form changed. Still getting used to it as opposed to my normal alt. Wish I'd had better timing..."

Medical Bay

"So he picked a fight with us and made light of the team then right?" Dead End asks the others, itching for a yes from both Wildrider and Drag Strip.

Corridors

Darkride let out a deep guttural chuckle at the Seeker’s primal response to his previous action. It was just as he suspected, Skywarp was taken by the femme, which would work to the interrogator’s advantage. At that moment Darkride’s back slammed hard into the wall eliciting a low groan. The interrogator opened his optics and looked directly into Skywarp’s. At the Seeker’s first query Darkride simply smiled and chuckled.

With every attempt to frighten him, Darkride simply laughed. The entire show was simply too sorry not to. Finally, Skywarp demanded for the information that the purple mech had extracted. How unfortunate.

“Skywarp, your cranial unit possesses very little useful information for me, and for you it seems. It made no sense to download, or even make copies, for that matter, of all the smut contained in your mind. Although some of the memories you had of the kills you made were quite…mmm, intriguing.”

Darkride’s smile faded, his optics began to glow a deep crimson as he grew serious.

“Now I have a demand for you, Seeker. You will back off. Stay as far away from me and my lair and in return I won’t hurt you.”

His smile returned, but with complete malic. The interrogator’s tongue slowly slid out from between his lips as he glared directly into the Seeker’s. With purpose Darkride licked his lips and let out a low hiss when Skywarp dug his fingers into his arms.

“Mmm, careful Seeker, I could get to like that. But demands before pleasure. You will back off or I will kindly extend an invitation to my interrogation chamber to the object of your affection.”

He flashed Skywarp an evil smirk before he continued.

“I wonder, Skywarp, just how loud can she scream. I’m willing to find out, are you?”

Bridge

Soundwave wasn’t shocked by the reactions from Starscream and Motormaster, but he was disappointed. Motormaster understood that he was unfit to command, but was still misguided in thinking Starscream was appropriate. The seeker might be capable of leading the Decepticons here on Earth, but not the entire Empire. He might be confident in his power and abilities but he knew that several other Decepticons wouldn’t share those opinions. Starscream’s leadership would almost immediately lead to a splintering of the Decepticons, if not outright civil war.

The seeker had forced his hand with his arrogant and short sighted actions. Now he was going to have to make a more blatant move to assure everything didn’t fall apart and he ended up deactivated.

Soundwave stared at Starscream. “Challenges to your claim of leadership from Decepticons across the empire: numerous. Ability for you to overcome them all, even with current support,” he briefly glanced at Motormaster, “miniscule. To maintain leadership, my assistance will be required. No reports or acknowledgements from Megatron will lead to investigation of Earth by other Decepticons. Challengers for leadership will arrive swifly. To assure your position time will be required. Reports can be sent using authorization codes Megatron used that I know.”

The Decepticon paused, allowing that information to sink into the thick craniums of the various Decepticons around him. “You will be given time to strengthen you power base before fending off challengers. In return, my position, rank and status among the Decepticons: maintained.” It was another ploy, partially to buy time and partially to guarantee his survival in the meantime.

As he waited for their response he tapped into the vessel’s communication grid. He sent out a signal, highly encrypted, towards Cybertron.

*

Corridors

Hellion leaned against the wall, a nasty scowl on her face. She didn’t like getting brushed off like that, let alone by Nightraven. She was already upset that she had to be dragged to wherever they were in stasis lock, but then add to that the fact that her sister was acting weird and she was also confused and frustrated. It was a bad combination.

The femme looked up as Skywarp darted out of the medical bay and past her. She had no idea where he was going and she didn’t particularly care. All she knew now was that her sister was free to talk to her. She stalked into the room and grabbed her by the arm and dragged her out into the corridors.

She continued to pull her along as she headed through the corridors, not really sure where she was going. “What the slag is going on here? Where the slag are we? What in the pit were you doing talking to Skywarp?” Frustration and confusion were bubbling up inside of her.

*

Medical Bay

Apparently all of the Decepticons seemed happy enough to just jump in CR chambers for now. If anyone wanted Hook’s expertise in repairing them they would have to ask him. He wasn’t going to waste anymore time asking for those who were injured to come to him. He always had better things to do.

Hook walked over to a computer terminal and tapped in some commands and his authorization code. A smile passed over his face as he found all of the work and research he had been doing had been saved on computer station deep in the Empire. He may have lost some materials, but he could easily rebuild as long as the research was there.

The surgical engineer turned to look at Mixmaster. While this Constructicon was not his first choice to share his project with he wasn’t the last. He at the very least had the intellect to understand some of what he was doing, if not all of it. He tapped the screen showing the research. He spoke in a quiet tone so as not to be overheard. “This is our future Mixmaster. This is how we make sure the Constructicons remain the most important team among the Decepticons even with Megatron gone.”

At the top of the research the title PROJECT: DEVASTATOR glowed in red lettering.

Medical Bay

"Not as the 'Decepticon Leadership' says," Ramjet looked at Dirge with utmost urgency, "We need a replacement, now. I think Shockwave'll take leadership personally."

Ramjet leaned against a table, resting his legs, "Anything else you'd like to know?"

Bridge

A gleeful, victorious grin rose to what was left of Motormaster's face after the reactions of the other three Decepticons to his actions began to unfold. Contrary to the popular belief, Motormaster was more intelligent than many seemed to want to believe. The key to understanding how his mind worked was to accept that the Motormaster was a Decepticon that really was as deranged, vile and sadistic as he acted. If he ever acted in a way that could be considered soft or uncharacteristic for him, it was only because he had a hidden agenda he had deemed even more rewarding for himself. And now, he had successfully baited Scrapper and Soundwave to succumb into his own playing field through their own insecurities. Neither could be trusted but for Motormaster, that was issue of no consequence.

To make a play to raise Starscream into the position of leadership within the Decepticons stationed on Earth had been a simple one to make. It was not that Motormaster did not have any respect for Scrapper and Soundwave. Both were capable enough warriors and had unique abilities important for the cause. But neither had the ball bearings to do what had to be done. Starscream on the other hand was nearly fearless, if anyone thought otherwise - it was because Starscream had for a reason or another wanted others to believe otherwise. Motormaster had worked with Starscream before and one could say the two had a mutual understanding. For a mechanoid who reveled in pain and suffering of others, Starscream was an ideal choice to keep the leader of the Stunticons entertained for the foreseeable future. If the situation later demanded a change, he would adapt like he had always done.

The menace in Starscream's voice when he addressed Motormaster was an act to convince Scrapper and Soundwave, it was hardly something Motormaster took as a threat. Still, he let his grin to die out to give Starscream more credibility in the eyes of the others.

A minor show of agression and violence had spooked Scrapper to side with Starscream. Being left alone, Soundwave was quick to follow offering his services to the seeker commander. The communications specialist probably had a back up plan to fall on but right now the situation looked favorable for Motormaster. He let Starscream speak down on him without lashing out in anger. He even let Soundwave to take his little jab at him without showing no reaction towards it. All that mattered was that he had won. Whatever the others thought was irrelevant.

Moving over to Scrapper and the panel he had thrown his sword into, Motormaster pulled the sword out of the panel while flashing the Constructicon commander a sinister smile. It was likely that Starscream would quickly begin to utilize Soundwave and Scrapper as some sort of an advisers. And granted, both Soundwave and Scrapper likely knew better what to do next than Motormaster himself. Being an enforcer to make sure that these two knew their place was enough for the hulking Stunticons. Better to leave thinking to those better suited for it.

"So, commander Starscream. Now that this charade is over. What next?"
___________________________________________________

Medical Bay

"Yeah. A slagging shame." Astrotrain sighed. Giving a friendly pat on Ramplate's shoulder the triplechanger continued. "At least you got better a deal than I did when being reformatted for duty on this rock. Got chained with a transport job with my both modes. Again."

Taking a glance at the repair tables, it seemed that Hook had finished the emergency repairs both Blitzwing and Thrust had needed and was not busy attending anyone else. "Hook seems free now. You might want to show you knee to him. I'll take the opportunity to drag Blitzwing and Thrust into CR chambers."

That being said, Astrotrain moved over to the repair table Blitzwing's motionless body was lying on and carried his friend into a free CR chamber, activating it. Having done that, he repeated the same with Thrust even though he was not exactly looking for that particular braggart to wake up. Even after having had a hole blasted through him, Thrust would probably still try to make himself the hero of the battle of Mt. Saint Helens.

Corridors

Of course, Darkride’s reaction to Skywarp’s threats was to simply laugh at him. The demented ‘Con didn’t even bother to try and hide it. The teleporter expected such a response from him. Like most of the others, Darkride didn’t take ‘Warp seriously, either. On top of that, the interrogator enjoyed pain and even the mere threat of pain. It would take much more than idle intimidation to get to him.

Skywarp’s optics narrowed as Darkride denied having downloaded or saved anything from his cranial unit. The prankster ignored the minor jab at his intelligence as ‘Warp was more interested in gauging the smaller mech’s words and outward appearance. Skywarp wasn’t sure whether or not to believe the sick torturer as he could very easily be lying to him. Although, considering the destruction of their Earth base, even if there had been data downloaded from his mind, it was most likely destroyed along with everything else down there.

“You better not be lying to me, Darkride, or else...” Skywarp’s words trailed off as the interrogator’s devilish smile disappeared and he demanded that the seeker stay away from him and his new lair. Normally, that would not be a problem, but in the current situation ‘Warp planned on visiting Darkride as often as possible in order to irritate and torment him over and over again. The pranks he had planned would rival anything he’d done before. Just the thought of it made ‘Warp smile.

That smile quickly faded into a deep scowl when Darkride made the threat against Nightraven, the interrogator’s own grin returning. Skywarp’s optics widened as fear spread throughout his body before a furious rage took over. “If you hurt her, I swear to Primus you’ll wish you were never created!” The teleporter warned as he released Darkride from his grip, allowing the interrogator to slide down the wall. ‘Warp’s frame shook with a combination of panic and fury as he glared back at his nemesis. Then a thought occurred to him, one that would both protect Nightraven and allow vengeance to be his all at the same time.

Skywarp backed away as if he was going to leave, but then swiftly brought up one of his arm-mounted lasers and pointed it directly at Darkride’s cranial unit. “Or I could do something much more satisfying. With Megatron being gone there’s really nothing preventing me from simply ending your disgusting existence forever, is there? No one on this ship will care if I send you to the scrapheap. I mean it’s not like the empire doesn’t have more interrogators in its ranks, so I doubt you’d be missed. I might even get rewarded for my efforts.” The teleporter began to smile again as his weapon powered up. “So, Darkride, any last words before I blow your fraggin’ head off?”

Repair Bay

Once he had dropped off the trio of fliers near a few CR chambers, Long Haul had simply loitered around the repair facility with nothing constructive to do with his time. Instead, he just watched as others came and went, including Skywarp who slammed his fist into a chamber before storming out of the room. These CR units must be faulty or something, the green transport thought, a bit puzzled by the reactions of some of his comrades. First Drag Strip freaks out and now ‘Warp. The Stunticons really need to maintain their equipment properly.

Long Haul then noticed that Hook and Mixmaster were discussing something in private near a display terminal. Having no other matters to attend to, at least nothing important, Long Haul strolled across the room towards his two teammates. He stood behind them, peering over their shoulders at what was occupying their attention on the screen. “Hey, guys! How’s it going? What’cha looking at there?”

******

Drag Strip couldn’t help but laugh at Dead End’s response. He had clearly taken the bait and believed that there was actual damage to the back of his cranial unit, even though there wasn’t. The only thing that would make this situation even better was if the doomsayer actually picked a fight with the conehead over this. It was very tempting to agitate the situation further. “I don’t know, Dead End,” the yellow racer replied, trying to hold back more laughter. “It’s hard to tell with Ramjet. Why don’t you go ask him to be sure?”

Drag Strip then gave Wildrider a knowing glance before returning his focus on his depressed comrade to see how things played out.

Bridge

To hear both Scrapper and Soundwave consent to his declaration of leadership didn't fill Starscream with the satisfaction he had hoped it would, rather he could feel the uneasiness that doubt brought with it tugging at the edges of his spark. He knew that the other two officers truly did not support him as leader, they only consented simply because they really had no other options, and Starscream knew they never would have willingly agreed to accepting his leadership without being bullied. It was not a great start to his ascent to leadership, but at the very least an acceptable one. However, he was still challenged with the his reputation, the one that said he had short sighted delusions of domination of the galaxy at the head of the Decepticon Empire but no real solid plans beyond taking power. Centuries of learning first hand from Megatron himself had taught Starscream that simply having power was not enough, you needed to wield it as both a tool, weapon and scalpel, to lead your followers with confidence and strength and to make them understand that loyalty yielded great rewards, but treason could lead to a fate so far more terrible then death that it was nearly impossible to fathom. These were lessons Starscream had taken to heart, and he fully intended to exercise them as he ascended in power. The other side of the chip was that he also legitimately gave a frag about the Empire, and he believed in what the Decepticons stood for, and he saw the current situation as being the greatest threat the Empire faced beyond the war itself, and he was going to see that it did not crumble as the result of short sighted fools who craved more for elevating their own station rather then the well being of the Empire itself.

However, by the very fact that Starscream was Starscream he faced many challenges on that alone. He had to correct that and to do so he had to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he could lead the Decepticons like no other, and to do that he needed a victory to build upon.

"What's next? Simple, we prove to the Autobots that we Decepticons are made of sterner stuff then they. They likely suspect we are reeling from the disastrous end to the battle at our former base, and that we are bickering over which of us will lead, we will show them that we are not such a weak foe as that. We are going to proceed with the operation that was underway when the battle broke out initially as soon as we are capable."

He turned to face the other three, his face neutral as his mind processed orders.

"I know most will be suspect of my taking command, even if they were expecting it, as I'm sure some of you before me are, but I intend to prove I am worthy of this station in the manner that befits a Decepticon. Scrapper, I want you to prepare y our team, have them see it all necessary and critical maintenance and repairs this ship and our warriors require. Soundwave I want you to begin accessing any and all communication and information database, human, Autobot or otherwise, I want our intelligence network back up to one hundred percent efficiency as soon as possible. I also consent to your course of action regarding keeping the others apprised of our situation, do your best to ensure all information being sent out regarding Megatron is as authentic as possible. Motormaster, see to your own injuries and once you and the others are fully repaired rally them in the main hall, they will need to be made aware of my taking leadership and of my immediate course of action."

Starscream stood in front of the main viewing window of the bridge.

"They will want to know that I have taken command, and that I intend to lead them to the very vest of my abilities. And they will also need to know that they will not call me lord," he turned to face out the window and look down upon the planet that she ship was orbiting. "they will call me Commander."

Repair Bay

Mixmaster focused in more closely on the flashing words on the screen. Devastator. The research that had obviously gone in to this project such far was clearly fascinating. Mixmaster could already imagine the hydraulics and fuel lines that would be involved in order to maintain any kind of fluidity of movement. It would be an engineering marvel, if they could pull it off. Mixmaster’s thoughts weren’t focused so much on “if” though. He had never been one of the group’s naysayers or doubters when it came to their bigger projects. In his experience, it was usually just a matter of how and when.

“This, heheheh, this could end the war. And and and, like you said, ensure that the Constructicons are first among Decepticon units.”

Mixmaster’s index digit manipulated some of the initial design schemes on the screen and began taking in the textual theory that had been compiled thus far.

“We’re all gonna hafta subject ourselves to some pretty intense probing," he said, noticing as the designs had now caught Long Haul's attention as well. He chuckled. "The future looks bright, huh?"

Bridge

Scrapper tries not to react as Motormaster retrieves his sword, and listens to Soundwave and Starscream. The communications specialist would keep the rest of the Empire at bay, Motormaster would whip the rest of the Decepticons here into shape, and Scrapper and the Constructicons would keep everything from falling apart. It was pretty much what Scrapper had expected from the start. And as much as it rankled, argument would have them nothing. For now, this was the only path.

"By your leave then, Commander, I will get to work. I'll ensure we have a fighting force ready as soon as possible, and resume preperations for the original plan." With a nod, he heads out of the bridge to find his team.

Repair Bay

Scrapper finds his team where he expects them, in the Repair Bay, but oddly they aren't helping the other Decepticons, but rather in a side room. "Whats going on here? I realise being nice and caring to some of these thugs is distasteful, but..."

Scrapper trails off as he sees whats being displayed on the screen. It takes him a few moments to try to grasp what it is he's seeing, before turning to his second in command. "Hook, what is that?"

Am I seeing things, or...Or could we have something to turn this nightmare around?

Corridors

After Skywarp had left the repair bay Nightraven was left wondering what had prompted him to abruptly leave and concede without an explanation. She mused for a moment before she caught sight of Thundercracker leaning wearily against a far wall. The Nightraven began to make her way over to the blue Seeker, a slight smile on her face, when she suddenly felt her arm being pulled and she was forcefully dragged from the room and into the corridor. The entire time she tugged and resisted.

“Slaggit, Helly! I was just going to talk to Thundercracker!”

Nightraven finally freed her arm from her sister’s vice like grip and stopped in her tracks. Looking to the orange Seeker, Nightraven began to rub her now sore appendage.

“We’re on board the Ultrax and we’re in orbit above Earth.”

The black Seeker let out a heavy sigh as she took a few steps to stand in front of her sister. Nightraven shook her head and began to answer her second query.

“The base was destroyed when the self-destruct protocols were initiated and the volcano erupted. We had to evacuate, but Megatron stayed behind to finish off Prime. Once the volcano erupted and the base detonated everyone was bounce on board the Stunticons’ ship; everyone but Megatron. He perished.”

At Hellion’s final question Nightraven crossed her arms over her chest and raised an optic brow.

“And if you must know why I was talking to Skywarp; I was thanking him for saving your life. If it wasn’t for him you’d be a molten scrapheap.”

She was lying; of course, under no circumstances did she want Hellion to know about Skywarp and what was confessed to her. Nightraven lowered her arms back down to her sides and flashed her sister a sweet smile.

“Come on, Helly. Let’s find a room for ourselves before they’re all taken.”

****

That look. Oh how he simply loved that look. And it seemed that Skywarp wore it very well. Darkride’s lips curled into a cruel smile when he focused in on the fear in the Seeker’s optics. The interrogator let out a low chuckle as Skywarp spat out his warning.

Darkride leaned against the wall he slid down and crossed his ankles. The situation he had put the Seeker in was becoming more entertaining than he had originally expected. Perhaps he should take things further. He was shaken from his thoughts when Skywarp stepped back. For a moment Darkride assumed the teleporter was going to take his leave, but to his astonishment Skywarp had only taken a few steps, turned and raised his weapon; aiming it at the interrogator’s head.

At Skywarp’s statement, and his question, Darkride simply shook his head and smiled. The hum of the laser cannon did not faze him, as he simply stepped forward until the barrel was pressed firmly against his forehead.

“Do it, Seeker, if you must, but ask yourself this: ‘Why would I reveal myself to be the one who so egregiously violated you and not have a way to protect myself from retaliation?’ The answer is, I do.”

Again, the corners of Darkride’s mouth curled into a arrogant smirk, this time revealing a set of sharpened dental plates.

“There is a chance that I have taken a precaution which involves your little femme. Kill me and she dies as well.”

The smirk on his face faded quickly as his demeanor darkened.

“You were unconscious in my chamber for some time, Skywarp. Who is to say I didn’t take some time away from you and pay Nightraven a little visit during a recharge cycle.”

The interrogator pressed his forehead even harder against the Seeker’s weapon as he continued on.

“My point is, Skywarp, are you willing to take the chance at killing me and hope to Primus that you haven’t killed her as well?”

Med Bay

Dirge's head was full of whirling thoughts. Being trapped in a CR chamber, one never really knows what they will wake up to. But this? This utter chaos. Megatron dead? It seemed highly unlikely but no one corrected Ram Jet when he told Dirge this. Perhaps it was true. Dirge didn't like the sound of this, if their leader has truely fallen then it would mean a civil war. That is something the Decepticon cause could not withstand right now. To many factions vying for power...and the more important question: Which one to serve?

Dirge finally did ask Ram Jet another question to help clear things up,
"Haaas annnyone claaaimed leadership yeeet? Aaaare we looooking aaat muuultiples vying for the maaaantle of leadership? IIIIf so, whooooo would you follow?"

Dirge sat back now, he'd let Ram Jet do the majority of the talking now. Dirge always thought when it came to speaking, he could say a lot by saying very little. He would let the others fill in the blanks now, and if just a little lucky his conversation would bring in others, he would be interested to here what Astrotrain, and Scrapper and his little green men thought.

Repair Bay

“Yeah, Draggy's right, Dead.” Wildrider wrapped his arm around the maroon Stunticon, ecstatic at the prospect of a scuffle between him and the Conehead Seeker. “Ramjet isn't the sharpest blade in the armoury, you know—so I really think you should ask him about it. I mean, as Draggy said, we need to be sure.”

Not that Wildrider needed a reason to create havoc; he already did that on a daily basis whether he was aware of it or not.

He returned Drag Strip's glance with his own, a grin established on his face-plate. Frag, yes! It was going to be on. And Wildrider was going to be the first one to jump in and begin mixing it up with that idiotic Conehead Seeker. He hoped his fists wouldn't sustain too much trauma from duking it out with Ramjet. He didn't have any reasonable excuses at his disposal, should Motormaster comment on them.

Drag Strip, without question, would also participate in the scuffle. Let him. Ramjet boasted exceptional durability; his armour-plating did not exhibit damage easily. The additional strength—and ferocious determination to claim victory at all costs—would be of great benefit to them. Besides, Wildrider wasn't certain if Dead End would even lift a digit once the fight had commenced.

Medical Bay

Ramjet nodded to Dirge as he asked about who was taking leadership, and to whom he may follow. Only one word came into his mind, Starscream. But Ramjet didn't think that Screamer deserved leadership.

"I'm at odds with myself, Dirge, but it'd either be Shockwave or Starscream." Ramjet said and just now beginning to take notice to the situation brewing in the back with the Stunticons.

"Be right back, Dirge." Ramjet swiftly walked over to Wildrider, Dead-End, and Dragstrip.

"Now what is goin' on here now? Did 'Stripper get a wedgie?" Ramjet joked hoarsely, he was simply joking of course, but he had a thought that the Stunticons would take it personally.