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Post by Shadow on Feb 2, 2013 23:35:20 GMT -5
(OOC: Not sure if it's ok for normal members to start threads or not. *Some places are picky on that.*)
IC: The Nocturne's systems showed the faintest sign's of activity. The energon reserves nearly depleted, as the life support systems keeping the crew functioning but in stasis started to shut down. The gritty grime and lack of maintenance showed the vessel to be old, worn and likely forgotten. However even on such an outdated Decepticon vessel, there was still signs of life as the ship was pulled into Earth's atmosphere. The life support failing, one spark after another going offline, the ships crew that had been being kept online due ship's systems were now dwindling as the ship fell in a fiery blaze in the sky.
The last of the crew being an exception, the captain and leader of the now deactivated detachment, onlined her optic weakly from lack of energon. She was little better than her unit was before going into stasis. It didn't take long for Shadow to realize that she was plummeting. Her processors scrambled to what had happened, then it all raced back to her in an instant. Her unit had been sent off Cybertron with some top-secret cargo to keep it out of enemy hands, and it wasn't until their skirmish with Autobots that the problems began. First with guidance system and communications then the fast depleting fuel. Which explained their current predicament, the ship must have completely ran out and shut down near something with a strong gravitational pull.
First in foremost came her mission, She used what little lighting her crimson optics would provide to haste-fully make her way to the ships cargo hold and locate the cargo. A medium sized metal crate of sorts which she lifted and secured in her grasp. She then made a loud yell into the halls of the ship in the off chance any of her men had survived. "Hark! Men! The Nocturne is lost! Abandon Ship!" The dragonformer roared as loud as she could muster in her weakened state. There was no time for anything further and she was duty sworn to guard the cargo.
Shadow slammed the manual airlock button, forcing the ship's doors to open with a slow grinding creek of the neglected joints and metal. The unexpected sight of blue skies and white fluffy clouds greeted the femme, but their was no time to ponder this as she transformer, the crate in her talons, and took to the alien skies. None too soon too, as another twenty minutes and she'd have crashed messily into the green foresty ground with the ship.
That too was another thing... green and odd looking was the surface of this world. Likely organic, but Shadow wasn't very well studied in organics having spent most of her time of Cybertron and having few interaction with such lifeforms. More importantly she needed to find energon and a place to hide the cargo. The guardian held no delusions of finding fellow Decepticons, even if it was more likely then she though...
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Post by Pearl Forrester on Feb 3, 2013 11:03:29 GMT -5
(OOC It's perfectly fine for members to start their own posts. I'm far too lazy to start every post on the board myself.  Puppeting Soundwave and whomever else you'd like to see!) Few ships entering Earth's orbit escaped the detection of Soundwave. Particularly ones that carried a Decepticon IDF signature. The communications array in front of him lit up; his long, thin fingers flashed across touch-sensitive keys glimmering with neocybex glyphs. Images of orbital maps and incoming ships reflected in the silent, pristine black of his visor. A tightbeamed message was passed to Megatron as he turned to glance over his shoulders at the Decepticon commander, requesting orders and indicating the condition, age and identification of the incoming ship. |
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Post by Shadow on Feb 3, 2013 23:04:53 GMT -5
(Join in with whoever you like, doesn't matter to me. *not picky at all*)
The six winged dragon, hovered over head a moment as her optics scanned the area for a suitable area to land. Staying there would just make her a large target if the natives decided to attack, or worse, Autobots. True, finding Autobots on an organic world like this was also unlikely, but she was a warrior, a Knight and Guardian and as such she was not one to lower her guard. After a bit of searching she spotted a a more comforting color, gray. It was a road way, by the looks of it, and likely made of primitive materials. After a moments thought the femme chose to land there.
There was no traffic on this particular road, so Shadow landed and transformed with ease, placing the crate down on the road way. She exhaled heat from her vents as her system reminded her how low her energon levels were. She recalled some project or another about seeding energon on other worlds, she could only hope that this was one such world and that she would find some first. For the moment she retreated into the woods with the crate, the strange landscape should give her some cover encase of an attack and she would require it to defend her charge.
The ground was muddy, gooey and all around disgusting, but the Knight would not complain. She was doing this for the cause, for honor and pride! It was something to be proud of... Scrap, who was she kidding! This was a horrible mud-ball of a world and wished she was back on Cybertron. Of course Shadow would never say as much, and she was pleased to be bringing honor to the Decepticon cause, but why did it have to be on such a disgusting place?
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Post by swindle on Feb 4, 2013 13:27:40 GMT -5
A conspicuous tan and black Humvee rolled up the roll, slowing down in the middle of the blacktop and coming to a stop.
"Hmmm. Soundwave said there was a crash around here... possibly survivors," the Humvee said outloud - probably loud enough that Shadow could hear.
"Ancient ship too. Probably LOADED with all sorts of artifacts I could offload on Quintessa. Great people those, Quintessons. I could go for one of their dark matter engex mixers right about now, it would take the edge off."
He rolled forward a few more inches. "Search for survivors or loot a ship...."
".... The ship, of course. It's a no processor decision!"
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Post by Shadow on Feb 4, 2013 20:13:58 GMT -5
It was fortunate that Shadow choose to back track to The Nocturne. The ship had a few armaments inside, many of with didn't require energon. They would no doubt increase her survivability on this foreign world. As she saw The Nocturne within range, the dragonformer could see the full extent of the damage and age of it. "I had not guessed that I had remained in stasis for so long... Faithful Nocturne, you held out longer than I would have suspected." The femme mused in respect to the ship that had served her, but her thought processors were interrupted by a voice. "Search for survivors or loot a ship...."".... The ship, of course. It's a no processor decision!" Was what the guardian heard. The voice appeared to be cybertronian, but looting a ship was hardly what seemed like the acts of an Autobot which lead her to believe she was dealing with ether neutrals or comrades.
The dragon drew her sword and placed the crate beside her. "Hark! Who doth go there?! Thou art approaching Decepticon property, Knave! State thy Designation and Allegiance!" Shadow called out boldly as she approached the ship and the source of the voice. She was in no condition to fight, but pride would not simply let a Decepticon vessel fall into just anyone's hands.
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Post by swindle on Feb 4, 2013 21:07:51 GMT -5
The Humvee immediately transformed into a square-headed tan, violet and black mech who spun on his pedes towards the sound of the voice. "--Well well well! What have we here?" He grinned widely, presenting a charming, oily smile and extended a servo towards the Predacon. "The name's Swindle, ma'am, and there's no need to worry! We're on the same side." He gestured towards the purple insignia emblazoned on his chest.
"That's an interesting accent you have... I haven't heard old Cybertronian in quite some time," Swindle noted, raising his hand to tap his chin. He turned on his recorder, preparing to send any further communication directly back to Soundwave and Megatron.
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Post by Shadow on Feb 4, 2013 21:55:38 GMT -5
The predacon dimmed her optics at first, regarding the friendly look of the mech before her with suspicion at first. Her optics 'eying' the servo extended to her. It wasn't until the Mech, Swindle, gestured to the Decepticon symbol that the serious and rather unfriendly frown on her faceplate turned to a smile. Primus was smiling on her this day! Shadow sheathed her sword into a slot behind her head. "How fortunate I am! Merry meet, My Decepticon brother!" She stated enthusiastically taking the tan and black mech's servo in both of her talon-like ones and giving them a strong shake. "That's an interesting accent you have... I haven't heard old Cybertronian in quite some time," Swindle had commented as Shadow released his servo. "Mine preferences are for the old ways, Sir Swindle." She replied simply.
"I hath much to ask thee, but It shall have to wait. Other more important matters are a foot. I am charged with keeping Shockwave's cargo out of Autobot servos, mayhap you know the nearest Decepticon outpost, that I may deliver it there and refuel?" The dragon stated even as swindle seemed to be contacting someone. To be honest she no longer cared it the Arms in the ship were looted by the Humvee so long as her cargo made it safely into the hands of their leader.
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Post by swindle on Feb 5, 2013 9:09:53 GMT -5
Swindle noted the amount of strength in that handshake along with the armoring, metal composition and design of the Predacon's hand. Strength. Rare materials. Unusually fine seams. There was a craftsmanship in this Cybertronian that he had not seen in ages -- Golden age, perhaps? Maybe earlier. He'd seen his share of Primian relics to recognize a similar design.
This, of course, meant that the unusual creature in front of him was probably worth twice her weight in platinum.
He made a note to remember to salvage her if she were ever scrapped.
"That's a fine, firm handshake you have there! They say you can really tell a lot about a person just from a handshake," Swindle cheerfully greeted. "Nothing wrong with the old ways. Old is valuable." He lowered his servos as she released him from the handshake.
"Shockwave's cargo..." Swindle tapped his chin, seeming thoughtful. "You know, Shockwave isn't here on this planet, per-se, he's back on Cybertron keeping an optic on things there, but we have a running space bridge so if you need to deliver it to him personally, it's a can-do situation! As for the outpost, well...."
Swindle turned and gestured to the enormous Cybetronian fortress looming over the horizon. "We've upgraded our stay to four-star accommodations, complete with room service. Earth's just opened up on the real estate market and Megatron has decided to buy! Of course the property has about seven billion pets from the previous owner but it's in good condition and the galactic slave market would be happy to have an exotic species to buy!" He clasped his hands together. "Oh! I'm so excited I could just leak! But you said you needed to refuel, right? Well, you can follow me or you can take a ride, I am both comfortable and fuel efficient."
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Post by Shadow on Feb 5, 2013 20:42:12 GMT -5
"Indeed, and it is good to see thyne hath a healthy respect for the old ways." The dragon replied as she left the humvee to go retrieve the crate. "Shockwave's cargo..." The mech repeated, to which the Predacon replied with a simple "Aye." As if answering a question or confirming he had heard correctly. "You know, Shockwave isn't here on this planet, per-se, he's back on Cybertron keeping an optic on things there, but we have a running space bridge so if you need to deliver it to him personally, it's a can-do situation! As for the outpost, well...." to this Shadow gave a chuckle and a smirk. "You misunderstand me, Sir Swindle. Shockwave sent me from Cybertron quite a time ago to keep this cargo from from our Autobot enemies. I doth not think he wants it returned to him, however he may wish it to be kept in a stronghold or ideally in the care of Grand Thane Megatronus." The black femme clarified for the arms merchant.
The guardian followed Swindles gaze to the ominous towering spire that loomed with a certain comfort in this mud-ridden organic world. "As grand and glorious as our home... It seems Primus truly does favor me this orbital cycle." The dragon femme stated before listening to Swindle's unusual explanation. "Pets? I... er, I see. I suppose they could be made useful for the cause in some manner or another." The Dragon stated unsurely, as she wasn't entirely sure whether or not these 'pets' where the small creatures in the woods or the more sentient creatures. In ether case it mattered not to her so long as they were useful to the Decepticon cause. "Oh! I'm so excited I could just leak! But you said you needed to refuel, right? Well, you can follow me or you can take a ride, I am both comfortable and fuel efficient." The black and tan 'con stated to which the knight nodded. "I can still fly, lead the way." The black dragonformer insisted pridefully, unwilling to show weakness despite her low energon levels. She transformed into her six winged dragon mode and took to the sky with the crate. "Thou may call me, Shadow, Sir Swindle. Shall we depart?" She asked after an introduction.
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Post by swindle on Feb 5, 2013 21:39:01 GMT -5
"I'd say ladies first, but as you have so recently pointed out, it's better if I lead off this time. I'll be delighted to be your guide," Swindle added, transforming back into a Humvee, engine starting up, as he made a Y-turn and started to head down the road in the opposite direction.
"If it's not a trade secret... what's in the box?" he asked.
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Post by Shadow on Feb 5, 2013 21:58:09 GMT -5
The dragon's wings carried her swiftly behind the humvee as she flew low, but not so low as to get caught in the trees. "My charge of the cargo was not discribed to me, only that it be kept safe and out of Autobot servos." The Knight answered loyally, showing she was not the type to question orders... at least not typically. "Although I hath heard rumor of it having to do with Lord Shockwave's Triplechanger research, but I cannot be certain." Shadow stated as continued after Swindle. "Thou mentioned this planet had... "Pets"? what manner of creature inhabit this filthy place, Sir Swindle?" Shadow asked after a moment, curiosity peeked a bit.
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Post by swindle on Feb 6, 2013 9:16:14 GMT -5
"They're called humans. They're about the size of a Mini-Con, but made of carbon and water. Kind of soft and squishy, but they can speak and reason enough to make good workers," Swindle explained. "Planet's just full of them. They have some crude technology, nothing on par with what we're used to dealing with." He picked up some speed, moving out of the way of the woods and into a desert wasteland, with the fortress of New Kaon looming larger and larger on the horizon. "Still, they have a certain flare for their vehicles -- I rather enjoy the form I'm in now, and Knock Out is practically obsessed with some of their racing vehicles."
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Post by Shadow on Feb 6, 2013 19:54:54 GMT -5
Shadow listened intently to Swindles explanation of the creatures of this world. "I see then they should serve the cause well enough." The black dragon stated as if she had been judging their worth. And in a way she was, but any real decision could only be made by Megatron. She did not dwell on this for long before they cleared the forest and entered the wasteland were New Kaon loomed dramatically. If she ignored the surrounding area, she might almost feel at home, just looking at the structure. "Still, they have a certain flare for their vehicles -- I rather enjoy the form I'm in now, and Knock Out is practically obsessed with some of their racing vehicles." Swindle mentioned. "I see, and I take it many of our breathern are here as well? I do hath to admit, thine altmode is somehow... stylish." The femme stated searching for the correct word.
It was obvious that using such terms were rather awkward for her and that she likely wasn't one that focused on appearance. Shadow was more of a duty and purpose driven femme and her time working under Shockwave before her departure only made such things more awkward, but their was at least a hint of effort at such social situations.
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Post by swindle on Feb 7, 2013 9:46:52 GMT -5
"We'll make proper introductions when you arrive," Swindle replied to Shadow, keeping up a steady speed, turning a side view mirror to keep tabs on Shadow in case she should lag behind - or try anything funny. They were Decepticons after all. Backstabbing was par for the course during any given military campaign.
"We have... enough, here," is all Swindle had to say concerning their numbers. It was probably a less than reassuring answer, but he was taking the usual precautions, particularly because any words spoken could be monitored, not just by Soundwave who was no doubt listening in, but by potential spies that he might not be seeing.
If Swindle was put off by Shadow's lack of social graces, he wasn't showing it. It would be more likely to say that he was more than making up for it with the salesman's charm he was oozing out of every seam.
"Oh, by the way, just a small bit of fine print I forgot to mention ... you're not bothered by bugs, are you?
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Post by Shadow on Feb 7, 2013 18:18:01 GMT -5
If was concerned in any manner by the lack information, it wasn't noticeable. The Dragon seemed content to wait and get debriefed within New Kaon. It was also fortunate for Swindle that Shadow was so honor bound, backstabbing was the furthest from her processor. That wasn't to say she wasn't above using others to further her goals and career, she simply found that offlined allies hurt the cause more than aided it.
The travel was fairly quite other than their idle chatter and as they came upon the tower's entrance, the black femme heard Swindle ask, "Oh, by the way, just a small bit of fine print I forgot to mention ... you're not bothered by bugs, are you?" To which the femme arched an optic ridge. "Of course not. Lord Shockwave often kept may a Insecticon around. They are a fine addition to the Decepticon cause, and many are quite smart. Why would their be an issue?" The Dragonformer inquired as they entered, apparently having adopted Shockwaves view of the Insecticons as well. Though the femme did at one time view them as a adorable pet, she now saw them more as a valuable ally.
(OOC: Continue with this thread or should we create a new one?)
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Puppeting Soundwave and whomever else you'd like to see!)