Goldstreak, seeing the situation had quickly resolved itself, came to a halt and waited for Silverquick to catch up to him. They continued down the corridor to the barracks they had apparently been assigned. He quickly realized all this talk about inert isotopes of energon and other possibilities was way over his head.
So he changed the subject. "So the other scientist types indicated that you were a Transmetal yourself. How did it happen to you?"
"About twenty stellar cycles ago," Silverquick began, "I was a team leader on an exploratory mission to a planet we called Seareach, a planet completely covered with water. I got my beast mode there; a fascinating place.
"One day, I was involved in some deep-trench research, when I was attacked by a colossal squid-like creature." Silverquick shuddered at the memory. "I barely escaped with my spark, but I was severely damaged. The squid possessed a natural quantum radiation emission, linked to it's bioluminescent abilities, I think, and it was this radiation that Transmetallized me. Of course, I had no idea what had happened, I was just grateful to have survived.
"None of the others knew what to make of me; it was only upon our recent return to Cybertron that I found out exactly what had become of me. My newfound abilities came in very useful while on Seareach, especially being able to fly for short periods, or the swimming speed my Transmetal form had granted me.
"I'm quite curious about our destination, although I must admit to an unusual trepidation..."
"Goldstreak does not have a story in his history like that. He hopes he will have a chance to do something like that on this test. He has never left this planet let alone this system. He is also curious about our destination, and wonders what was meant by the warning he was given. He also wonders if it is a bad sign that we have not been given a commanding officer and which one of us will lead."
He suddenly realized he may have said far too much, and shut up.
"We shall see," said Silverquick, "and may the hand of Primus be with us."
"Yes, the hand of Primus." Goldstreak looked up and the others had disappeared. He hurried to catch up to them and discovered they had gone through a doorway into what was obviously their barracks.
Velocity's ears perked upon entering the barracks. He wasn't sure he wanted to sleep—he had so much energy! He walked around the room, enjoying the clean and "normal" feel it had. He even went into beast mode to sniff things out, continuing to trot around and gaze at the room as if it was the greatest marvel he'd ever seen. The dog even pranced around a bit, testing out his new metallic legs. It was questionable if anyone could force him to sleep in his state.
Viracide entered the room that Velocity already occupied. "Looks like we're bunk mates, Squirt." Viracide streched and landed on the bottom bunk. "I'm going to get me some shuteye; don't wake me unless it's important." With that, Viracide shut down into sleep.
—MC, LB, LA, BB
The two Predacons left towards Stormclaw's chamber, leaving the other Predacons behind in confusion. Stormclaw's office was as one would expect of him. Simple, but effective. His many merits and decorations he earned during his military career were stalled behind his chair, which was located behind his desk. Shades of red and black dominated the room.
Stormclaw sat down in his chair, and folded his hands together. "Go ahead," he said to Charmacon. "But make it quick. I have a meeting to prepare, my comrade."
Charmacon somewhat uneasily assumed the position. He didn't like it when Stormclaw became familliar. After all, it was he who owned the tiger a favor, not the other way around. The Predacon commander had saved his skin after the Shuttle incident, when he sent Paradox and him on border patrol as a reprimand, instead of prison.
"Yessir" He said. "Firs-s-st of all, I'd like to know why we weren't informed of these vis-s-sitors-s-s. Obvious-s-sly, with my s-s-skill, you could have known I would find them. Is-s-s thi-s-s meeting of s-s-such an importance, you wouldn-t-t tell your s-s-second in command?"
Stormclaw paused before answering. "I hoped that you and Paradox could deal with a surprise. Seemingly, you couldn't. We'll have to work on that. But you are also right, this meeting is important."
"I was-s-s handling the s-s-situation quite well, but the fly blew it!" Charmacon said with an affronted tone in his voice, "if anyone s-s-should be reprimanded, it s-s-should be him, milord! But let us-s-s focus-s-s on the matter at hand: why the s-s-secrecy, and what involvement doe-s-s Laserbeak have?"
"Charmacon... it suffices to know that Laserbeak's presence here warrants the mission enough weight in itself. Make sure you are in time for the briefing tonight, and things will become more clear."
"Yes-s-s, my lord, I unders-s-stand" Charmacon said, "I have no further questions-s-s...."
"Very well," Stormclaw responded, "dismissed."
—DN, MdJ
"Good to see you are all here," Stormclaw began. "First of all, I am pleased to welcome a strong ally in our midst. Alpengeist is part of our group as well now." He pointed to an enormous Predacon across the room. Everyone looked at the newcomer for a moment before Stormclaw proceeded with his speech.
"Next, what I am about to tell you is classified. I presume all of you have agreed to this mission, or, more likely, have your orders to be part of it."
He looked across the group, then continued.
"Simply put, we shall be following a Maximal exploration vessel. Unnoticed of course. This means," he stressed, eyeing Paradox, "that extreme caution is necessary. You shall not mention our mission to anyone. Our journey itself shall be all but untracible."
Stormclaw walked a few paces, then pressed a number of buttons on a console. Immediately, a holographic projection of a stellar system came up, rotating slowly.
"The exact coordinates of the Maximals' destination, and hence ours, are not available at this time. Suffice is to say that our vectors shall be Kappa 72 mark 8 by Omega 13 mark 2."
The Transmetal commander started walking in a circle around his men slowly, studying each of them in great detail.
"The Maximals shall leave Cybertron in three days. And so shall we. That means we have three days to optimize our behaviour as a team. To accomplish highest efficiency, we shall now each discuss our prime abilities..."
Stopping by the robot with chameleon features, Stormclaw said, "... starting with you, Charmacon..."
"Yes-s-s, my lord," Charmacon, replied, "allow me to introduce my-s-s-self to those who don't know me. I am Charmacon, s-s-second in command during this-s-s mis-s-s-sion. I will als-s-so be this-s-s voyages-s-s engineer and s-s-scienti-s-s-st."
Nightfall's optics narrowed at the last part, but she kept silent for now.
"I'm Alpengeist," rumbled the massive Predacon, cyber-muscles rippling underneath shockingly white fur. "I'm here to kill things, or blow things up." A scowl crossed his face. "No jokes about my beastmode!" Alpengeist punctuated his last statement by hefting his enormous battleaxe menacingly.
A fiery blaze lighted up Stormclaw's eyes when Alpengeist introduced himself. Clearly, the Predacon Commander could appreciate the giant's strength and spirit.
As Nightfall's turn came, she smiled. "My name is Nightfall. Well, I know a bit of everything, I suppose. I specialize in computers; I can hack into just about anything, and defend systems too. I'm good with security systems too. I can pilot spacecraft, though I'm sure not the best here. I can work with machines, keep things running good and such."
"Your broad inventory of skills shall prove very useful to our mission, Nightfall," Stormclaw spoke, looking the female Predacon straight in the eyes. "I am pleased to have you aboard."
Paradox knew his time had come. "I'm the best best best, pilot that is. I'm Paradox, also..." Then he thought about Charmacon's statement about him being second in command, "Charmacon, second in command?" Paradox said in quite an upset voice, then he continued, "...congratulations!" Paradox sat back down, knowing his turn was over.
Stormclaw walked to where Paradox was seated. "You shall serve as our first pilot on this journey. Your aptitude with spacecrafts makes you the logical choice for the position. And Paradox," the Commander added, "know that rewards are given to those who execute their tasks commendably."
Aspis shrugged, apparently the last one to go. "I'm Aspis, a scientist as well. I don't really know why I'm here, except I can assume they needed someone with a few extra... talents. I'm a second Generation Transmetal, so I can pretty much throw people's minds way off track if we get in a bind. Um. Yeah, that's all." He smiled winningly.
"Excellent... Aspis..." the Transmetal Predacon smiled, as if tasting the name of his new team member.
"So," rumbled Alpengeist," when do we start killing?"
"Our mission, as I already stated, is one of stealth. It is likely, however, that a confrontation between the Maximals and ourselves will take place." Stormclaw looked at Alpengeist when he said this. He then walked back to the front of the room, and stood next to the still rotating holographic projection.
Charmacon looked a little uneasy. If this was supposed to be a mission of subterfuge, why did they need all these scientists? He felt a bit embarrased about his earlier claim. If they didn't need him for his specialties, why did they agree to let him come along? Cannon fodder? "Lord S-s-stormclaw," he said, "What kind of mis-s-sion are we about to embark upon, and where will it lead us-s-s?"
"I have seen some of you wonder why so many scientifically trained Predacons are on our team. The reason for this is that we know little about our destination. The planet the Maximals are ordered to investigate shall present an enigma in itself. We need your combined knowledge and insight to help understand our environment when we arrive on the surface." Their Commander now eyed the others individually, to make sure his words reached them all. Finally, he walked over to Paradox again, and halted.
"Paradox, you especially will be pleased to examine our vessel. She is a Wraith class stealth ship with the name Whisper. We are to familiarize ourselves with her tomorrow. Nightfall, I suggest you take a look at engineering during our visit."
Stormclaw walked to the center of the room slowly. He turned around and addressed his men one last time.
"Comrades, in three days we shall depart from our beloved Cybertron, in persuit of the Maximal spacecraft. I must stress again, our mission is to follow it, as well as return home with intelligence on the planet's characteristics. We shall not exgage the Maximals unless the situation leaves us no choice. Also, none of you is allowed to speak of this mission to anyone else. No exceptions. Now, fellow Predacons, am I understood?"
Nightfall nodded. "Of course, Stormclaw. Though I'm sure Charmacon is better at engineering than I. As far as that and piloting go, I'm a good backup for either of them, or an assistant, but I'd trust their skills more if it came down to it... I AM interested in looking over our computer system. I'd like to check over what we'll have access to if we're cut off for extended periods... I'll check over our security too, if you have no objections."
"Naturally. Permission granted. However, I'll be needing Charmacon on the bridge most of the time. That is why I am relying on you as our engineer. I doubt the Whisper will require any maintenance on this journey, but still I want us to be prepared."
"Well, I can certainly monitor things, and if there's a computer station down there I'll be estatic. But if it comes down to geniune damage and repairs, I'll defer to his judgement. You said we'd see the ship tomorrow. Is there anything else planned for today?"
"No. We shall rise early tomorrow morning to inspect the ship. After that, we will make sure everyone is in optimum physical condition in the training hall. Alpengeist, I look forward to see a display of your abilities in particular. We'll see how well you fare against two of our battle droids."
Charmacon silently heard the other Predacons talking about him. He didn't just enjoy Stormclaw giving him the cushion job and the importance; he savored it.
"Lord S-s-stormclaw," Charmacon finally said, "What kind of environmental circums-s-stances-s-s can we expect, and what kind of equipment shall Í be needing?"
"We must be prepared for the worst. High energon levels are a likelihood. Also, there is a chance we will run into local denizens of the world we are searching for. You are all expected to equip yourselves with weapons most suited to your style. Also, the Whisper will hold a handful of extra matter and environment scanners. Any other requirements can be issued after our visit to the ship tomorrow."
Paradox lightened up, "That's what I'd been waiting for, this ship better not not not be some clunker. But I doubt it is, Predacons know how to make one pit of a ship." Paradox walked over to Charmacron, not really expecting a response from Stormclaw. He leaned over to Charmacron to speak, "So so so, who did you have to kill to become second in command?"
"Stormclaw," said Alpengeist, "I'd like some time in the holo-simulators. If I can work out, my sleep cycle is better." He stretched, unconsciously flexing his arms a bit. "Too much talking tonight." He paused for a moment, then said, "My payment is guaranteed, right?"
The Predacon Commander nodded lightly. "The holo-chambers are situated in the House of the Rising Moon. I'll have one of the servants escort you there. And do not worry, Alpengeist. Your efforts on this mission shall be well rewarded."
"Thanks," he growled. "See you tomorrow, boss."
"That will be all then. Dismissed."
Nightfall nodded, rising to leave, letting one of the servants lead her to her quarters. This might prove to be a very interesting situation...
—DN, MdJ, CB, LB, KH
The Maximals were woken bright and early by the unannounced opening of their common room door. Scanner, flanked by his pair of agents, entered the room, and took a brief look around. Nothing destroyed yet. He nodded at the agents, and they came to each individual room, waking the Maximals one by one.
Assessing them now in a lineup, Scanner squinted momentarily. "This morning you'll all be heading for organized training session. I'm putting you in the hands of one of our soldiers, so this will probably be the last time I see you. For today—"
He turned as he was interrupted by another presence at the door. Though Scanner hadn't dealt with the feline before, he knew she was one of the researchers from the Transmetallization lab. A little taken aback that she'd made it down so far, he attempted to shoo her. "Ma'am: you aren't authorized for entry here."
"I beg to differ," Persia stated. "I have my seven-hundred with Viracide, and as far as I know the new orders don’t change my job requirements."
Scanner turns to one of the other agents. "See that her job requirements are changed." Then, to Persia: "Make it quick."
"Of course." Persia led Viracide back into his quarters, and shut the door.
Scanner paused a moment, then walked to stand before Silverquick and Snarler. "Gentlemen. I've overheard that the two of you play chess. Would either of you be interested in challenging me?"
"Perhaps we can play chess later today," said Silverquick. "As far as equipment, I'll need a hypramagnetic flux capacitor, a bioneuronic transtator, several isoboritic chillers, and at least one class-7 liquid-electric shell generator. Oh, and a diburnium tuning fork; my ultrasonics need remodulation."
Scanner coughed. "In that case, it seems you'll have to forgo any games or free training today in favor of filling out requisitions." He pointed to the computer terminal on the wall. "You'll find the forms in the Maximal Council database. If you get them done right away, we'll try to have them processed before your takeoff time."
Snarler, after much struggling, had managed to force himself awake. He looked at Silverquick who appeared to be wide awake, thanks in part to his dolphin brain. "I have got to get me one of those brains," he said.
"I'll give it a go later," Snarler said in response to Scanner. "I must warn you though; I have played some of the toughest Predacons out there. You see, I found out several years ago that it was a nice calm way to channel the Predacons' competitive nature, and have been playing it since," said Snarler. "Although...it will have to wait till later, 'cause my brain is allergic to mornings and doesn't work properly." He smiled to show that he was just kidding on the last part.
"All right. I have other business to attend to today as well, so we'll set a date for this evening. For now, you can work with the others. Follow me."
Scanner turned to leave, with the team behind him, though he left one of his agents behind to handle Viracide, the group’s straggler. The Maximals moved down two corridors and through a twisted tunnel, and emerged in what looked a combination of an oversized gym and a high-tech arcade. Bright fluorescents lit a complex obstacle course, and some dim rooms behind contained the hookups for virtual reality demonstrations. Standing in gruff silence next to a climbing tower was one of the largest Maximals the group had ever seen: a dinosaur decked in harsh angles and camouflage colors.
"Though we don't anticipate you will have to do any head-on fighting, we want you to realize that this is a dangerous trip," Scanner said. "In order to prepare you for any combat you MIGHT encounter, we've appointed a seasoned veteran to run you through some preliminary training." Scanner stepped aside. "Krunch, they're all yours," he said flatly.
—AF, LB, DT
Persia took a look at the minimonitor on the front of her scanner. "All your readings look normal. They probably will find some way of not letting me down here for any more checkups on you. If there's anything you need from the labs, speak up..."
Viracide was glad he was doing normally, at least for a Transmetal II. He thought about the question for a while. Then he had the perfect need, "Well, we may be facing combat, how about a conventional weapon, or something? Also my spark is at normal level. It's may be a little low for me right now, could you upgrade it or something? I don't know, just do what you can..."
Persia shook her head. "As you've been told: the matter of advancement of your spark and powers is entirely up to you. You need to keep practicing with your abilities, but I'm sure the military will give you a chance." She paused. "As far as I'm concerned, blades are blades. If you're looking for something in the gun department, I'll see if we have anything in storage. Or if you're looking for anything in the gossip department...?"
Viracide thought for another second "Well, I already have a laser beam and dual swords... I'll see what I can do with those. But gossip? Do you have anything that could be of use to me?"
"Darling, I thought you'd never ask," the cat purred. Conspiratorially, she leaned in, and added, "Keep a close eye on the gryphon. I KNOW the little labrat that keeps track of him, and she's BOUND to have tampered with his programming. He's part of Kitfox's project, so if The Fox comes by again, DO let me know." She picked at one of her claws, then pointed to a small camera installed near the ceiling. "And never do or say anything you don't want on the evening news: that's my advice for a Transmetal II in a military complex." She grabbed her bag, and headed for the door. As she opened it, she nearly rammed into the Maximal Agent that stood waiting on the other side. "Oh, PARDON me." She gave Viracide a wave. "I'll be checking up on you again!"
Viracide stood up and began to think.
The gryphon? Kitfox? Oh great, my first responsibility. Goldstreak, wasn't he supposed to be my partner? There's something going on here...
Viracide sited the Agent and approached, "So let's get going; I need some action."
—AF, BB
Aspis waited for Stormclaw in the hallway. "All right, I've just got to know one thing. Do you know ANYTHING about this planet, anything at all? Even if it is just 'this planet is important'". He said this with a pompous inflection. "I need to know SOMETHING."
"I have to ask for your patience for now, Apsis," the other responded. "Be confident that I shall share any intelligence I have on this mission with my crew."
Stormclaw anticipated the snake would comply, and already started walking away again. Suddenly, he halted.
"Aspis... I was also informed that 'perversions' against Cybertron and the Decepticons were committed on this planet. Any evidence hereof will be disposed of immediately upon our sighting."
—KH, DN