Once one of the most important areas of the ship, the engine room now serves only to house most of the control systems, the conning tower to the surface, and the central computer. A large console provides access to the main computer and detailed information about its operational status. The main engines still remain in place, but most of the peripheral machinery and materials were removed once it was determined the ship would never fly again. Consequently, most of the adjacent rooms are empty, awaiting future expansion.
Obvious exits:
<D> Down leads to Brig.
<N> North leads to Training Complex.
<T> Tower leads to Conning Tower.
Soundwave is working methodically at one of the open panels in the engine room, checking out the damage.
Ruse wanders in silently... and rests against a wall concealed in the shadows. She silently sulks a bit with narrowed eyes. o O(Well I got out the other day with a little help from arrogant Starscream, but still this is dull and there nothing to do now.) She glances here and there, watching Soundwave work also but that doesn't entertain for long. o O(Wish I knew something about construction, and not just trickery.)
Soundwave looks up from his work and regards the open panel, which at this moment looks like a wound blasted in the side of the engine housing. Even the interior parts are blackened with soot. He shakes his head a little fatalistically as he looks over the scene before him.
Ruse speaks up, "This ship isn't ever going to fly again, is it Soundwave?"
Buzzsaw comes sailing in from somewhere, carrying something for Soundwave no doubt as he pulls up, nodding to Ruse.
Soundwave looks over toward Ruse, unsurprised that she and Buzzsaw are there, though he made no initial note of their presence when they came in. "These engines will no longer function," he confirms to Ruse's question, holding out an arm for Buzzsaw to land.
Ruse hmmms, "Hey Buzzsaw..." She nods to Soundwave, "Well, if they won’t run, is there anything else we could use the parts for? No point in letting them sit there and rust when we need more material to help with repairing the majorly damaged areas."
Soundwave gives the ruined engine section a last, nearly accusatory look, and replies, "That will be up to Megatron. To what purpose will we utilize this ship, or take advantage of our current element of surprise? He has yet to share that information with me."
Buzzsaw lands gently on the arm, folding his wings neatly as he awaits orders.
Soundwave reaches up and rubs Buzzsaw's wing, then concludes, "I will report my findings to Megatron."
Ruse glances around, "Speaking of which, where is Megatron anyway? Do either of you know?"
You say, "I am assuming he is performing an inspection of his own. Ruse, Buzzsaw, attempt to find him. I will be on the bridge to run a final diagnostic."
Buzzsaw accepts the caress silently, then nods. He gently takes off and circles the room, pausing over Ruse expectantly for a moment.
Soundwave crouches down to put the armored panel back in place over the ruined engine, and then heads out, his footfalls sounding with metallic clangs against the floor.
You enter Training Complex.
Training Complex
A very large section comprised of several areas where the Decepticons gather for training exercises. The firing range allows users to practice their ranged weapon skills against holographic targets. The arena has five separate dueling areas to allow Decepticons to test one another in combat. Although normally used strictly for practice and sparring, the arena can be used for actual duels to settle a dispute. There is a separate area for engaging computer-controlled opponents in hand-to-hand combat.
Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Armory.
<W> West leads to Science Section.
<D> Down leads to Living Quarters.
<S> South leads to Engine Room.
You enter Armory.
Armory
A vast collection of securely stored munitions and ordinance fills this room. All manner of the weaponry of the Empire can be found here on display in various cases and cabinets. The room is a little more than 90 feet tall, making it more than twice the height of the average Decepticon. A catwalk runs along the wall midway up, while the very tallest items occupy the center of the room and stretch almost to the ceiling. Although the items are on display, there are still a good deal of security measures in place to prevent unauthorized access.
Obvious exits:
<E> East leads to Energon Storage.
<N> North leads to Access Corridor.
<W> West leads to Equipment Storage.
<S> South leads to Training Complex.
You enter Access Corridor.
Access Corridor
A long narrow hallway with four doors leading to different parts of the base. Each door has a security panel beside it to monitor access in and out of the base locations. The lighting here is muted and the room has no other features, giving it a sparse utilitarian feel.
Megatron [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Command Center.
<E> East leads to Energon Storage.
<W> West leads to Repair Bay.
<S> South leads to Armory.
Soundwave is heading toward the bridge, or what used to be the bridge when this structure was still a flying vessel, and notices the individual he's looking for up ahead.
Ruse arrives from Repair Bay.
Buzzsaw arrives from Repair Bay.
Soundwave seems to have found Megatron on his own. He increases his pace a little to catch up with the Decepticon leader.
Megatron looks thoughtfully at their new "home". Soundwave's arrival drags him back to reality. "Soundwave?"
Buzzsaw flutters in from the repair bay, noting the presence of the others immediately.
Soundwave stops before Megatron, his expression calm and almost unreadable as always, as he announces his findings. "I have examined the engines and their support systems, Commander. In their current state, it would be easier to build a new vessel than to replace the damaged components. This ship will not fly again."
Clank clank clank clank! The footfalls of metal striking metal as a mecha runs are clearly heard, as Ruse whips around a corner and slows her running to a brisk walk to catch up with the airborne and larger mechas.
Megatron nods. "I supposed so..." He doesn't show if he's worried about the fact or not.
You say, "All indicators suggest the Autobots think we have been destroyed. How shall we take advantage of this opportunity?"
Ruse catches up and asks, overhearing Soundwave's question, "Can we ambush Prime or Jazz since we would have no better chance at a sneak attack than now?"
Soundwave's optics brighten a little in a smile at Ruse's enthusiasm, but he remains silent and awaits Megatron's ruling on that.
Buzzsaw floats down towards Ruse and lands beside her on the ground.
Megatron smirks slightly. "By gathering energy and raw materials secretly. This great water is the best place to hide our activities."
Megatron looks at Ruse with a amused smile. "Ruse, you have to learn a lot about strategy."
Soundwave tilts his head a bit in inquiry. "You intend for us to settle here for the near future, then?"
Megatron says, "We have much more important things to worry about than private vendettas, young lady.""
Megatron nods to Soundwave.
Megatron says, "We found the source of energy we were looking for in this planet."
Ruse shrugs a bit and smiles, "Well, one can wish can't they?" She then blinks, "We are going to be living, here?" o O(I can hear Starscream complaining already.)
Soundwave looks around at the surrounding walls. "In that case ... I recommend we reinforce the exterior structure of this vessel. It will not withstand the pressures of the ocean depths indefinitely in this state."
As though to underscore Soundwave's words, a faint groaning sound creaks through the ship's structure as it settles a little more firmly on the sea floor.
Buzzsaw looks down apprehensively at the floor. Then he takes off, hovering in midair.
Megatron says, "We will create a complete undersea base as our headquarters for future operations. The raw material we need, we'll take from this world."
Megatron says, "But - again - I want the thing done secretly."
Soundwave recalls something Ruse said not long ago, and says, "It is possible to remove the damaged engine components and use them as structural material."
Megatron looks around, listening to the sound of the strained structure. "Do what is necessary."
Another groan through the structure of the ship, this time accompanied by a faint shudder.
Megatron adds: "And do it fast."
Soundwave nods. "And, Commander - there may be energy resources nearby that we can draw upon without calling attention to ourselves."
Megatron says, "That would be exactly what we need. Send your cassettes to investigate. They are small enough not to be detected easily."
Megatron is not just worrying about the Autobots.
Buzzsaw continues to hover, looking around, with large, apprehensive optics.
Soundwave's tape compartment opens, ejecting a red cassette that unfolds into a bird identical in every way to Buzzsaw, except for the color. "Buzzsaw, Laserbeak," Soundwave orders, "exit through the lower airlock and circle the area below sea level. These ground tremors are coming from nearby. Find their source."
You say, "Ruse, accompany me. We will tear out the engines."
Megatron says, "These nasty creatures who allied with our enemies... humans. They might be weak and easy to destroy, but they are many, too many..."
Megatron says, "Nasty as ant-droids and retro rats..."
You say, "I do not believe they will be a threat to us, Commander. However, once the base is structurally secure, we may wish to investigate what resources they are sharing with our enemies."
Ruse glances towards the nearest wall at the sound of the creak, and then to Soundwave, "...I don't think we should worry too much about energy right now, or the humans. No amount of energon will do us any good if this base caves in or worry over injury. Let me go with Rumble or someone for materials first, Megatron, since the engines might not be enough. Preferably Ravage..."
Buzzsaw nods and turns in midair to head towards the airlock.
Megatron smirks. "They ARE primitive puny creatures, Soundwave. It is the number of them that keeps me from underestimating the threat they might mean in our current state."
Soundwave ejects an additional tape, this time a blue one. "Rumble, eject - accompany Buzzsaw and Laserbeak. Megatron, if you so order I will take Ruse and seek materials on the surface. I will insure that we do not reveal our presence."
Rumble has arrived.
Rumble nods. "You got it, Soundwave." He looks at his siblings. "Where we going?"
Megatron turns to Ruse, thinking for a while, then nods. "Yes, Ruse shall go with the others, Soundwave." Bows down to the small femme. "But be more careful this time, young lady."
A stronger shudder runs through the vessel this time ... some geologic activity on the sea floor near by, apparently.
Rumble staggers a little. "Whoa, what's shakin?"
Megatron says, "Find the source of these shockwaves."
Buzzsaw peers down at Rumble and rustles his wings, then turns to lead the way to the door.
Megatron says, "Either it is a threat to us or a possible source of energy."
Ruse sighs in mock irritation, "Mega-" She stumbles just slightly, and blinks, "Well let’s go, Soundwave. The sooner the better."
Rumble prepares to follow Buzzsaw. "What's our mission?"
Soundwave transforms into his Tape Recorder mode.
Soundwave transforms and shrinks down into his small tape player mode. He emits, "You will transport me, Ruse, as we are less visible this way."
Ruse watches Soundwave transform and picks him up with a smirk, "No kidding." Before heading out. She’s being just a tad smart as Soundwave states the obvious.
Ruse:
Gloss Black and shimmering gold greet your optics as you gaze at this rather small Cybertronian. Ruse stands about the same height as Rumble or Frenzy, a mere seven foot tall. Yet despite the lack of size or strength her demeanor is of confidence about herself and the skills she possesses.
Ruse's build is sleek, streamlined for the most part like a creature of stealth and darkness. At the same time though she tends to stand out, with blazing emerald optics that flicker mischievously and a small smirk gracing her slender golden face. Surrounding her face is a black square armored helmet like casing, that flows down and stops just short of her neck and thickens as it goes downward much like Megatron's. A blue collarlike ring surrounds her neck and connects onto a black chestplate with the standard Decepticon emblem in the middle. Each of her shoulders is capped with a black shoulderpad, from which thin lithe arms extend down to her black hands. Her abdomen like most of her save the armored parts is golden with an odd blue panel in the middle of it. A black waist flows down to a set of thin but no less powerful legs of a sprinter or jumper. Attached to them are a set of black kneecaps with blue squares along the edges. Finally last but not least are her feet which more closely resemble smooth triangles.
Ruse carries little in the way of visible weaponry. Most often seen being carried by her is a single blue cylindrical plasma rifle with a scope attachment added onto it. This weapon is more then likely seen attached to a slot in her back when not in use, to recharge. Also now and then a couple of frisbee-shaped explosives adorn her hips as she slinks about. Each of these seem to be hand-made with a number pad on the side along with a single sensor and LCD display in the middle of them. It’s a wonder how they stay attached, most likely a weak magnetic field is used to keep them in place.
All in all a very deceptive Decepticon at first glance who clashes at every visible point from colors to weapons. Just what is her function, isn't even easy to judge. Perhaps sniper or demolitions? Maybe something different altogether...
Contents:
Ruse's Tent
Ol' Blue <Modified Plasma Rifle>
Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
<S> South leads to Antarctic Circle.
<E> East leads to Atlantic Ocean <Eastern Hemisphere>.
<W> West leads to Atlantic Ocean <Western Hemisphere>.
<D> Down leads to Conning Tower.
Rumble looks around the ocean floor. Seaweed strands wave in the currents; silver fish dart in and out of the holes in the rocks. Barnacles encrust the rocks on the ocean floor around the STAR DRIVE. To Rumble's optics it all looks very alien. He shivers a little, remembering just how far he is from home.
Soundwave directs Ruse, "Remain close to the water surface. We will seek another continent, to minimize our chance of encountering Autobots."
Buzzsaw swim-flies through the water, at first very awkwardly as the bird is unaccustomed to the water's thickness and flowing nature.
Soundwave transmits the coordinates of the oil rig which the Decepticons helped themselves to not long ago - toward the north....
Rumble looks up at Buzzsaw. "Strange, ain't it? But the one thing I do understand is tremors. What say we find the source of those disturbances?"
Ruse flies out of the tower after it rises up and then down low commenting, "Alright... let’s go then. Though, isn't that where we raided not long ago?"
Buzzsaw rights himself and nods /Yes./ He looks around again, an internal map showing where, generally the tremors had been largest in the ship.
Rumble studies his own internal map and pinpoints the location of the tremors. He beckons to Buzzsaw to follow.
You say, "Affirmative. We will not strike in the same place, but nearby. It is far enough from the Autobot base, but we know there are resources in the area."
Ruse enters Atlantic Ocean <Central> <<N> North>.
Ruse has left.
You enter Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
Ruse flies north then, without another word.
You enter Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
You enter Atlantic Ocean <Eastern Hemisphere>.
Ruse arrives from Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
You enter Cool-Temperate Zone <Europe>.
Cool-Temperate Zone <Europe>
Humans have been settled in this part of the world since before recorded history, and their presence has left obvious scars on the land. The endless depths of deciduous forest that once covered most of the region has been long-since cleared to make room for vast stretches of agriculture and an interconnected series of cities and highways.
Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to North Sea.
<E> East leads to Boreal Forest <Asia>.
<S> South leads to Desert/Grassland <Africa>.
<SE> Southeast leads to Desert <Middle East>.
<W> West leads to Atlantic Ocean <Eastern Hemisphere>.
Ruse arrives from Atlantic Ocean <Eastern Hemisphere>.
Soundwave transmits coordinates to Ruse as they fly in along the northern edge of the continent.
Ruse flies in low, hopefully below any radar the fleshcreatures may have set up... and follows the coordinates. She asks, "What target have you in mind, Soundwave?"
You say, "During our mission to obtain fuel from the drilling platform, I noticed a building on the mainland." He sends another burst of coordinates to direct Ruse's attention toward a large structure near the shore. "Possibly a refinery. But you notice, additional sections are under construction. Fly in carefully and land near that pile of steel beams."
Ruse grrs, but does as told... using her holographic skill to make Soundwave and her fade to a soft grey the same color as the beams. She whispers, "What now, oh master of stealth?"
Soundwave remains within Ruse's grasp as they land, and he listens intently to the surroundings. What activity there is, seems to be mostly indoors, and no one's around with the construction materials.
Soundwave emits softly, "I detect little activity nearby. Leave me here and scout the area to insure we can make off with these metal beams unseen."
Ruse calmly places Soundwave on the middle of the stack of beams, to the side out of general sight though, of course. She then slips forward, stealthily using her ability to change colors to blend in easily while making sure each footfall produces hardly if any sound as she slinks. o O(Let’s see... let’s scout the building area first.)
Soundwave remains where he is, the tape reels inside him circling quietly as he keeps his sensors on full awareness.
Ruse after making sure the humans are all busy inside and no one is outside, sends a short radio transmission to Soundwave, >All clear... they are running some machinery inside and shouldn't hear you if you transform. As long as you don't stomp around too much.<
Soundwave continues scanning the area carefully to corroborate Ruse's investigation, then transforms. "We will have to fly off quickly," he notes, gathering an armful of steel beams.
Soundwave transforms into his Robot mode.
Soundwave takes the risk and activates his flight engines, keeping low to the ground and heading for the ocean. "Come, Ruse."
Ruse shakes her head, "Soundwav-" She sighs frustratedly and grabs two beams, one under each arm and flies off after him quickly.
You enter North Sea.
North Sea
This dark, rough sea foams against the northern European coastline, the cold waters filling the air with the scent of salt. The sandy beaches are lined with small colorful shells and clear jellyfish washed up on shore.
Oil Rig
Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Arctic Circle.
<S> South leads to Cool-Temperate Zone <Europe>.
Ruse arrives from Cool-Temperate Zone <Europe>.
It's possible to still see the mangled remains of the oil rig in the distance, which the Decepticons attacked not long ago. Soundwave ignores it, though, and plunges down into the icy water.
Ruse watches Soundwave plunge and stops, radioing, >Just what are you doing?<
Soundwave radios Ruse, "If we are seen, we will destroy the advantage we have."
Soundwave radios Ruse, "There is too much native activity in this region. I detect the signatures of aircraft and ocean vehicles in the vicinity. We will remain under the waves until we are clear of them."
Ruse shakes her head... and reluctantly dives down under the water and follows. She radios, >Alright, but what if humans have craft that can move under the water as well as over it?<
Soundwave pauses in the dark, cold water and waits for Ruse to catch up. "Visibility in this medium is far more limited," he explains. We will more easily avoid such craft. Once we are away from the coast, we will fly back to base."
Ruse doesn't bother to radio back and just flies through the water with her jets rather then bother with futile swimming attempts. She catches up quickly and carries on, with her small load.
You paged Megatron with '(radio message) Commander, Ruse and I are returning with some raw materials. We have not been spotted, but such missions are dangerous and I do not recommend many of them.'
Soundwave also uses his flight engines to maneuver underwater as far out from shore as he thinks is safe. Doing another check for radio frequencies in the area, he triangulates the nearest ocean-going vessels, determines them to be far enough away to be out of visual range, and heads upward again toward the ocean surface.
Megatron pages: (radio message) Excellent work, Soundwave. I'm awaiting you at our "base". I think I found a source of energy usable for our purposes.
You say, "I have informed Megatron that we are returning with some construction materials. I do not recommend this sort of mission on a repeated basis if we wish to remain hidden. Also-" he stops to listen to an incoming signal, "Megatron speaks of an energy source."
Ruse follows, barely spotting Soundwave flying toward the surface but fortunately doesn't lose sight of him in the dark water.
Ruse says, "Where at?"
Soundwave emerges from the ocean amidst a shower of icy saltwater, noting the endless distances of this strange dark liquid. Water exists on Cybertron, but never so much of it in one place.
You say, "Unknown. I am attempting to learn more."
You enter Arctic Circle.
Ruse arrives from North Sea.
You enter Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
Ruse arrives from Arctic Circle.
You paged Megatron with '(radio) A source of energy near our ... landing site?'.
Ruse flies along, having no trouble with the load she judged to carry. o O(I might have been able to grab a stack if given a moment to get some chain. Blast it all I hate being a 'tag along'.)
Megatron pages: (is examining the volcanic activities on the seafloor)(radio, sounding slightly strange from the water) "Very close, Soundwave. As if it was made only for us."
Soundwave continues on his way ... if he catches some hint of Ruse's thoughts from her expression, he gives no indication of it. Instead he says, "A source of power very close to our ... landing site, Megatron tells me."
Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
<S> South leads to Antarctic Circle.
<E> East leads to Atlantic Ocean <Eastern Hemisphere>.
<W> West leads to Atlantic Ocean <Western Hemisphere>.
<D> Down leads to Conning Tower.
Ruse arrives from Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
Soundwave comes flying in low over the water, carrying an armload of steel beams, his photographic memory guiding him unerringly in the direction of the crashed spacecraft below the waves.
Laserbeak keeps directly behind Rumble and Buzzsaw as he seems to be picking up strange waves on his sensors.
Rumble thinks, /you know, that guy REALLY does not look too healthy...? He pauses as the pulse washes over him. "Uh oh. I think he scanned us..."
Megatron is very pleased with the readings of the instruments.
Buzzsaw blinks as his communicator tingles from the radar pulse and he immediately cuts speed, slowly to almost half a wingspan from the water.
Soundwave picks up a familiar energy signature off in the distance too. That's odd - his creations weren't supposed to be up here on the surface...
Ruse follows Soundwave, carrying twin steel beams under her arms.
Soundwave continues on toward base, but sends out a telepathic scan to see what his wayward tapes may be up to.
You paged Rumble, Buzzsaw, and Laserbeak with 'You sense the unobtrusive but distinct touch of Soundwave's mind, the equivalent of checking through your optics to see where you are and what you're doing....'.
Rumble blinks. "Busted."
Rumble admits, "Might as well face the music..." /Soundwave, we've found something on the surface./
Megatron murmurs something to himself, then starts to measure the area.
Ruse quickly jets forward, spotting the specks of the tape group up ahead, "Just what fun have they gotten into without me!?"
Soundwave comes to a stop above the waves, hovering in place, not yet calling up the tower. He looks off into the distance silently, though there's nothing within visual range.
Laserbeak *Sqawks*
Buzzsaw pages: You catch view of a yellow and blue seeker jet, with a worn, painted con symbol on each wing...it has two engines though, one of them damaged visibly. It’s heading towards land.
You say, "It seems your contemporaries have gone farther than expected, Ruse."
Megatron enters Conning Tower <<D> Down>.
Megatron has left.
Rumble adds quickly, /We didn't mean to, but--Soundwave, it's a Seeker jet! But we don't know if it's one of ours./
Soundwave listens to the information being sent to him, and repeats for Ruse's benefit, "Interesting. They have come upon what seems to be a seeker jet."
Soundwave radios Rumble, "Are you certain it is a Cybertronian life signature?"
Ruse blinks looking to Soundwave, "Another seeker?" She looks forward, scanning for said object.
Buzzsaw keeps following slowly.
Laserbeak looks around and starts to follow Buzzsaw.
Soundwave radios Rumble, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw, "You are approaching land where you may be spotted. Obtain visual recordings of this being, and return to base."
Rumble holds up his arms. "Wait a minute....I don't want it to see us..." He nods to Laserbeak. "If his logos were as fakey-looking as you say, I don't know if I trust the guy."
Ruse asks Soundwave, "... has anyone radioed Megatron about this? I think he definitely should be informed."
Rumble radios Soundwave, "Oh yeah, it's Cybertronian ... it looks like Starscream usedta, only with stubby wings and twin tails ... one of the 2B models. Weird insignia, though. Decepticon, but very badly painted."
Rumble looks at Buzzsaw and Laserbeak. "You guys are faster than me ... figure you can catch up to it and get some visuals?"
Buzzsaw stops then, in view of land by his far-seeing optics as he keeps watch as the jet disappears. He goes to maximum zoom...
You say, "I have instructed my creations to record their findings, which we will present to him."
Laserbeak suddenly turns around and takes some distance after he hears Soundwave's message. /I don't like it it feels bad./
You paged Megatron with '(radio) We are just outside the base, Megatron. I await the return of my creations, then we will report to you. Something of interest has come up.'.
The jet makes landfall, putting down its gear just before it slams into the beach. Sand sprays everywhere from the force of the impact. The rudders on its fins swing wildly as it tries to keep going straight rather than into the water or into the side of the cliff that rises behind the beach.
Rumble yells at Laserbeak, "You big chicken!" He turns to Buzzsaw. "You got it on tape?"
Long distance to Rumble, Buzzsaw, and Laserbeak: Soundwave telepathically "looks in" again through your optics, noting their proximity to the shoreline, and sends a silent mental command for them to return at once.
The jet lies there, not transforming, not moving, as if gasping for breath.
Laserbeak breaks off in a rush and flies up. / Buzzsaw Rumble, Shall we go?/ it almost sounds like a relief from him.
Ruse nods to Soundwave, and once the gap between Soundwave and the tapes along with her closes, she comes to a hover over near where the tower rises. She looks towards Rumble if he’s in earshot she comments, "Hey, you’re a fine one to be calling him a chicken... I don't see you over there with 'em either!"
Buzzsaw hesitates, then gets one last picture as close as he dares before turning back reluctantly. He soars back with the pictures and information.
Rumble nods, stopping his own tape. He hopes Buzzsaw's tape is better. /Okay./ He flies back in time to hear Ruse's comment and give her a rude gesture. "I'm not as fast as the birds. Sue me."
Megatron pages: (radio) I'm awaiting your report.
Soundwave regards his creations expressionlessly as they return. "Into the base," he says inflectionlessly as he calls up the tower.
Rumble tries to judge whether Soundwave is mad or not. Hopefully the tape of the Seeker will make up for disobeying orders...
You enter Conning Tower.
Conning Tower
The main exit from the base, the conning tower extends upward past the surface of ocean. After dropping off or picking up passengers, it then retracts again and opens inside the base. The interior of the tower is large enough to accommodate all but the very largest Transformers or cargo. A control panel and viewing screen are to the right of the door on the inside.
Obvious exits:
<O> Out leads to Engine Room.
<U> Up leads to Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
Rumble arrives from Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
Ruse arrives from Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
Buzzsaw arrives from Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
You enter Engine Room.
Ruse arrives from Conning Tower.
Rumble arrives from Conning Tower.
Rumble pokes Ruse. "We found a Seeker--a yellow Seeker."
Buzzsaw arrives from Conning Tower.
Soundwave places the dripping armload of steel beams on the floor beside the destroyed engine pods, and then looks to Rumble. "You will inform Megatron of such. It was my understanding that you were scouting the sea floor." There's no obvious anger in Soundwave's tone, it just sounds like a statement - with perhaps a hint of curiosity.
Soundwave leads the way toward the Command Center.
Ruse touches down and sets the steel beams she carries in the pile with Soundwave’s. She quickly turns and tries to poke Rumble back with a grin before following Soundwave, "Don't you mean it found you?" ;)
Buzzsaw follows in behind, shedding the last of the water.
Laserbeak arrives from Conning Tower.
Laserbeak flies in as he screeks, passing Rumble very closely. / Don't ever call me chicken /
Rumble makes a rude gesture at Laserbeak too.
You enter Training Complex.
Rumble arrives from Engine Room.
Laserbeak arrives from Engine Room.
Ruse arrives from Engine Room.
Buzzsaw arrives from Engine Room.
You enter Armory.
You enter Access Corridor.
You enter Command Center.
Command Center
This circular room was formerly the bridge when the base was a viable spaceship. Now used as the Command Center, it is dominated by the large central viewing screen. The screen is linked to the main computer system, and can display anything from energon production reports to tactical updates to topside weather information. The various other bridge control stations have been converted to monitor and control the various mechanisms and activities of the base. They curve around the room from the door to the central viewscreen.
Megatron [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<S> South leads to Access Corridor.
Laserbeak arrives from Access Corridor.
Ruse arrives from Access Corridor.
Rumble arrives from Access Corridor.
Rumble edges towards Megatron. "Um, Megatron, we found ... ah ... something interesting..."
Soundwave leads the troop of tapes onto the bridge, and gives Megatron a rare formal salute of a closed fist against his chest, setting a good example for the kids.
Rumble blinks and quickly follows suit, coming to attention and saluting like Soundwave did.
Buzzsaw arrives from Access Corridor.
You say, "Commander, Ruse and I have secured a small supply of raw materials. However it seems Rumble and his siblings have discovered something more unusual."
Soundwave nods to Rumble as though saying, "*You* make this report."
Laserbeak:
A small cassette showing as it has a black stripe with golden lines as his biggest part is red with two chrome lines on his back as otherside is black and dark and has a small thin chrome line.
Megatron turns to his arriving warriors. The graphic on the computer screen behind him shows some maps for a new base.
Megatron says, "I hear, Rumble. What happened?"
Ruse wanders in, still a tad wet. She notices the salute but doesn't do it right now since the others are busy talking. She instead listens, waiting for Rumble to speak up.
Rumble clears his throat.
Rumble says, "We, ah ... well we were on the surface but..." He keeps going quickly, hoping to gloss over the "bad" and get to the "good." "We saw this strange jet, looked like a Seeker. It didn't see us, don't worry ... and Buzzsaw and Laserbeak got a look at its insignia. They said it was Decepticon, but badly painted ... we couldn't tell if it was friendly or not and didn't want to risk it."
Megatron says, "Another Decepticon?"
Rumble clarifies, "It was a Cybertronian Seeker, yellow and blue, with only one working engine. He looked like crap, all dinged up and stuff. Buzzsaw has tape of it."
Soundwave opens his tape compartment and says, "Buzzsaw, Laserbeak, enter."
Rumble says, "We didn't try to contact him, because we didn't know what to make of those weird insignias. I mean, even Autobots aren't stupid enough to try to pass such sloppy paint jobs off as real Decepticon logos."
Megatron says, "If it was detected, it could ruin our plans! IF it was a Decepticon..."
Rumble mutters to Laserbeak and Buzzsaw, "Uhoh ... hope we're not grounded ... bye guys."
Buzzsaw nods and transforms to enter Soundwave, glancing at Rumble a moment as if to say 'You and your bright ideas'
Buzzsaw transforms into his Gold Cassette mode.
Buzzsaw has left.
Rumble shrugs. "It ain't one of ours. I've never seen the guy before. He's passed out on the beach if you wanna go beat him up for it..."
Laserbeak flies up towards Soundwave and transforms as he enters Soundwave. /Next time keep me out of your things /
Laserbeak transforms into his Red Cassette mode.
Laserbeak has left.
Soundwave's tape door closes behind the two birds and goes opaque to reveal a crude picture surface. He says, "Buzzsaw, playback visual."
Ruse watches the three and honestly feels sorry for them, o O(They are probably so busted.) She watches the tapedoor though to find out what happened.
Buzzsaw plays back the image. As Rumble said, it's a Cybertronian seeker jet. Most of the time it's in silhouette, but there's the occasional flash of brilliant yellow and bright blue. It looks like Starscream used to look, a triangular wedge, but with stubby wings and two tail fins on top. It has twin engines, one of which is dead and trails smoke, the other of which cuts in and out erratically. It wobbles in the sky, displaying bad dents in its wings and on its body. Its good engine cuts out, and it noses down, diving for land, gliding...
Megatron says, "We have to find it! I don't want this operation being ruined by some renegade or what ever this seeker is."
Soundwave seems to take everything with his usual composure. One simply cannot tell if he's angry with his creations or not, which leaves them to wonder.
...and as the tapes said, there are Decepticon logos barely visible on the wings ... even from a distance, the crude outline is noticeably vaguer than that of a true Decepticon.
Rumble concludes, "The last I saw, it was passed out on the beach, just lyin' there in jet mode, not moving. It looked like slag. Odds are it's still there."
Soundwave notes in response to the visual images, "It is unlikely, Commander, that the Autobots would mistake this badly-damaged individual as a member of our forces. Do we wish to risk our own cover to search it out, currently?"
Megatron slowly calms down.
Rumble muses, "It wouldn't be that much work to go out and haul it back here. We don't want no humans findin' it and askin' questions."
Soundwave's tone holds just a hint of reproach. "You have gotten quite close enough to being spotted today, Rumble."
Megatron says, "True, Soundwave, true... Is there any possibility that the seeker detected you?"
You say, "However-" he looks to Megatron, "Ruse may be able to approach in a stealthed manner to investigate."
Rumble shakes his head. "No way! We were low to the waves, hidden in the radar snow near the surface, and besides, that thing was paying too much attention to simply staying in the sky."
Megatron says, "The Autobots are think we are dead. This seeker, who ever he is, can't tell them anything."
Ruse looks to Megatron then to Soundwave asking, "From the visual data, can you get any sort of possible ID on who it was, Soundwave, from the computer files? Is this just an unknown wearing our symbol, or part of our ranks back on Cybertron come to earth somehow?"
Soundwave replies, "Visuals do not match any known records. We are somewhat limited here in our ability to do a full database search."
Ruse hmms, then looks to Megatron and what’s for him to decide what they shall do. Wait or go investigate.
You say, "Commander, I can take my tapes to the site of this unknown individual's crash, and can insure their caution, if you so order."
Megatron says, "We have to risk it. If he detected the cassettes our advantage would be lost. We have to find him!"
Rumble says, "I can lead you right to him. He's passed out ... he can't have gone far."
Megatron nods to Rumble. "If it is necessary, we have to destroy the jet."
Soundwave opens his tape compartment one more time and motions to Ruse. "Enter, Ruse. Rumble, lead the way."
Ruse frowns slightly, but quickly pushes that thought from her mind and looks to Soundwave and transforms... entering.
With the sound of metal shifting Ruse shifts, folding in on herself as plates along her arms and back extend to some extent while she shrinks. The transformation takes only a few seconds and afterwards all this is left of Ruse is a small cassette.
Megatron glances at the graphic on the screen than heads for the exit.
Rumble walks to the doorway, feeling strange about leading Megatron, but a little proud too.
[Travel Time]
Rumble leads Megatron and Soundwave forward, over the ocean, staying low all the time so as to stay hidden in the ground clutter just in case the jet is still active and has its radar going.
As the three robots approach the beach, a long deep gash in the sand becomes visible, as if a heavy triangular object hit the beach. But there is no aircraft here. There's simply the mark of the impact, a few scrapes of yellow paint on the rocks, and one thing more...
Megatron follows Rumble. He's silent, a dark shadow lying over his features.
Rumble gulps. "But ... but it was here a few minutes ago!" He turns to Soundwave as if his creator could fix the apparent anomaly. "He looked like crap! There's no way he could fly again, I mean, he was a walking junkpile!" He looks back at the crash site, but sure enough, no jet.
Megatron lands on the beach.
Rumble lands beside Megatron and notices the strange object that lies there in the yellow Seeker's stead.
Megatron walks over to the rocks where the traces of yellow paint can be seen.
Soundwave comes down on the beach, his weight sinking into the sand near the traces of the mysterious missing jet. He regards the markings, the paint.
It's a vehicle ... an Earth vehicle ... turned upside down, its glass broken, its side kicked in. The bottom of the car is gouged open. There are a few drops of oil and coolant on the sand.
Soundwave points to the damaged vehicle, stating the obvious, "Our mystery jet has apparently found a source of fuel with which to keep going."
Rumble shakes his head slowly. "I gotta admit it, the guy's a lot tougher than I gave him credit for."
Soundwave notes to Rumble, "Perhaps you underestimated your quarry's determination."
Megatron points at the paint. "Take some samples of it. I want to know if it is really part of a Decepticon organism."
Soundwave's estimation is bang on ... the car's fuel tank has been torn out. A few feet away, Rumble sees the tank crushed like an empty soda can.
Rumble nods and carefully scrapes some of the paint off the rock ... he also looks around for shards of metal, knocked off the jet in the crash.
Megatron says, "We will also take this scrap metal with us, as raw material."
Megatron gestures at the remains of the car.
Soundwave nods, and steps forward to secure the destroyed vehicle.
Rumble carefully stores the samples and then moves to help Soundwave out. "What's left of it anyway." He grimaces. "This car looks about as bad as the jet did."
Megatron says, "But obviously the jet isn’t as badly damaged."
Rumble shakes his head. "He's still going, anyway."
Soundwave says, "If the Autobots find him, in the condition that you describe..." Soundwave leaves the thought unfinished, perhaps not wanting to imagine it.
Megatron walks around, looking for traces of the missing jet.
You say, "Assuming he is indeed one of us."
Rumble muses, "I dunno if he's one of us or not. What was with those weird markings?"
Soundwave looks up toward the empty sky. "I suspect we will find out, Rumble."
Ruse is, 'watching' from inside Soundwave. She notes the crash signs and such while mentally shaking her head since she can't in this mode... then speaks up if she can to the outside, "Perhaps an older creation? Weren't there several styles of Decepticon markings in the past?"
You say, "There was minor variation. But these markings did not match any known historical images."
Rumble adds, "It was like some Autobot tried to draw our symbol or somethin' ... but no spy would expect us to take such crude logos seriously."
Rumble continues, "And besides, we were nappy-nap for four million freakin' years ... if anything, that'd be a newer model ... though how it got here I dunno." He looks at Soundwave. "Maybe you should ask Cybertron."
Megatron glares into the distance. "I want this jet!" He clenches his fist.
You say, "I will contact Shockwave and cross-reference our images with his records."
Rumble thinks, "You don't think it's an Autobot in Con colors, do ya? I mean, it makes no sense, but neither does anything else right now."
Megatron says, "Do that, Soundwave, and analyze the paint. We're returning to our base now."
You say, "It would be must unusual, Rumble."
Rumble shakes his head. "This planet is one thing after the next."
Megatron says, "If he detected Rumble, we possibly are running out of precious time. Time we need to get back into battle condition."
Rumble mutters, "Oh goody, more work" but he willingly turns to go with Megatron.
You say, "You mentioned something about a fuel source near the base, Commander?"
Megatron says, "Yes. I'll tell you after we are back."
Ruse has fallen silent, and is busy accessing Soundwave's knowledge on Decepticon marking variations for future reference. However she keeps one optic open so to speak on what’s going on...
Megatron takes off, heading for the base.
Rumble follows
Soundwave takes to the air with the others.
[Travel Time]
Command Center
This circular room was formerly the bridge when the base was a viable spaceship. Now used as the Command Center, it is dominated by the large central viewing screen. The screen is linked to the main computer system, and can display anything from energon production reports to tactical updates to topside weather information. The various other bridge control stations have been converted to monitor and control the various mechanisms and activities of the base. They curve around the room from the door to the central viewscreen.
Rumble [Robot]
Megatron [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<S> South leads to Access Corridor.
Soundwave opens his tape compartment as he returns to the Command Center.
Ruse has arrived.
Megatron looks at the transforming Ruse with a thoughtful face.
Ruse is ejected, but Soundwave kinda fails to give warning and she quickly startledly transforms, "Hey... I was busy reading!", her tone is joking though and really doesn't mind of course.
With the sound of metal shifting the black and gold datacartridge folds out into Ruse, her weapons appearing from subspace.
Soundwave's optic band glints imperceptibly brighter in a moment of amusement. "My apologies."
Rumble snickers at Ruse.
Megatron smirks.
Ruse smiles and looks around, "Well, some samples to run and some parts to weld... time to get to work eh?"
Soundwave nods to Ruse. "And an energy source to harvest, as well as a mystery to pursue."
A map of the seafloor around the ship appears. A section close by is marked in red: an active undersea volcano.
Megatron looks at the screen. "This planet seems to be so cold outside, but inside of it there is a fire burning..."
Rumble thinks a moment. "There's a lot of energy in it. Those earthquakes, well, I wish *I* could rumble like that."
Soundwave regards the screen, and guesses, "The source of the tremors in this region?"
Megatron says, "We will use its geothermal power to supply our base with the necessary energy."
Rumble reports, "By the way...we're near a fault line, but we're not on it. That means we're gonna be getting some shaking from time to time, but it's not going to dump the STAR DRIVE down a canyon or bury us in lava or something."
Megatron says, "No, we are out of risk."
Ruse glances to the map, "A core of fire? It’s a wonder indeed ... that this sea isn't boiling." She glances to Rumble and chuckles, "Maybe if you ask nice Soundwave might upgrade your piledrivers or something."
You say, "Or so we would hope, Rumble. Perhaps there is a way to tap this energy source in such a way as to draw its power into useful service, and diffuse any remaining danger."
Soundwave glances at Ruse and Rumble. "Rumble's pile drivers are quite functional as they are."
Rumble looks kind of disappointed and scuffs at something that isn't there.
The graphic on the screen changes. The plan of a geothermal powerstation appears.
Rumble whistles. "I like it!" Then he frowns. "Looks like it's gonna be a lot of work though..." He looks around as if hoping to find someone ELSE to do that work for him.
Ruse hms and idly looks at her arms. o O(Shame I can't do that... be an interesting way to take someone off guard.) She returns her attention back on subject though, "Hm, and parts. Each raid means more chances of being discovered."
Soundwave laughs softly. "I am certain you are up to the task, Rumble. You would not want Skywarp and Thundercracker to think otherwise?"
Megatron says, "With this we will change the fiery power of this world into usable energy."
Rumble scowls. "Of course I'm up to it!" He sighs and says to Ruse, "So much for my little pirate radio project. The humans actually have some half decent music..."
Megatron glares at Rumble. "Enough of that! We have some work to do!"
Rumble draws himself up to attention. "Yes sir!"
Soundwave grows serious again as he regards the plans on the screen. "We can prioritize the use of the resources we currently have, toward the harvesting of this nearby energy source. Then we will have power to draw upon for the next phase."
Megatron says, "Soundwave, all plans for the new base I want are in the computer - including the needed materials."
Megatron says, "The first project will be the power station."
Megatron says, "And I want us to start now!"
Soundwave takes his place at what used to be a navigation station. His fingers fly over the controls, calling up the details of Megatron's plans.
Soundwave confirms, "We have enough materials at our disposal to complete the task. Barely, but it will suffice."
Ruse looks to Rumble and whispers, "You will have to let me listen to some, sometime in the future." She then looks back to the two commands and crosses her arms, waiting for Soundwave to look over the plans and give instructions. o O(I don't know how but I have been assigned to the tape troop by default, soooo.)
Megatron says, "Excellent."
Soundwave comes up with a division of labor that assigns each Decepticon the role they'd be most helpful with, in the building of the geothermal station, and brings the list up on the screen for Megatron's approval.
Megatron browses through the list, then nods in agreement.