Hypothetically Speaking

Shockwave looks over at Jhiaxus and then towards the doors, "Come with me to the meeting room and we can discuss my finds." He unfolds his arms and starts to walk out.

Jhiaxus nods to Shockwave without another look back at the prisoner or the other Decepticons, and moves to follow along.

Shockwave enters the Medical and Science Level.
Shockwave has left.

You enter the Medical and Science Level.

Medical and Science Level

Tall piles of crates, tanks, dented Transformer frames, and other assorted items are haphazardly stacked around you. The clutter has accumulated to such an extent that navigating between the piles has become somewhat difficult. If you are claustrophobic, this is not the place to be.

Around you, peeking through the piles, you'll note an occasional natural rock formation poking through the walls in the room. The deeper you descend into the mountain, the harder the natural formations were to remove and some were merely left as an odd sort of decoration in an otherwise strictly functional design.
Contents:
Shockwave
Trius's Office
Skyflight's Laboratory
Obvious exits:
West leads to Repair Bay.
East leads to Storage Room.
South leads to Research Lab.
North leads to Elevator.

Shockwave enters the Elevator.

You enter the Elevator.

Elevator

You step into the reinforced lift and note immediately the large Decepticon sigil etched into the back wall as a reminder to all of where they are and why they serve the great Empire.

There is a control panel near the door for selection of your desired destination.
Contents:
Shockwave
Obvious exits:
6 leads to Darkmount Launch Platform.
5 leads to Security Level.
4 leads to Medical and Science Level.
3 leads to Barracks.
2 leads to Command Level.
1 leads to Tunnel.

Jhiaxus says, "This is rather an impressive base. You will excuse my taking great interest in the technology, as it is somewhat ahead of what we have available to us at Hellpit."

Shockwave waits in the lift. His optic flashes once and he presses a button marked 2. As the lift desends he calmly intones, "Understood. The guardian's information even if not detailed is important. I have considered if the Autobots know of this report of Optimus Prime's termination. It is unfortunate that we did not have any of our own trail Megatron."

Jhiaxus says, "Lord Shockwave, my Subcommander has arrived in your airspace and would like to assist, if you will give him permission to enter the base."

Jhiaxus transmits 'I am clearing your way into the base with Shockwave now.' to Rook.

Shockwave says, "Permission is granted."

Jhiaxus transmits 'Your entrance is cleared, Rook. Assist Shockwave's warriors with the transport of the slave.' to Rook.

Jhiaxus runs his hand over the elevator access panel, observing the play of the lights.

Cowl arrives from the Medical and Science Level.

Jhiaxus notes the arrival of another warrior at one of the lift's stops, and mutters to Shockwave, "We should continue this discussion more privately."

Shockwave turns and walks out of the lift once it reaches their destined level.

Shockwave enters the Command Level.

Jhiaxus follows along, taking everything in carefully.

Command Level

You step into this hall of heroes and are immediately struck by the quiet solemnness of this place. From the huge Decepticon sigil forged into the floor to the elaborate statues of great Decepticon leaders and warriors, this room demands absolute decorum and quiet introspection from all who pass through it.

As you stride through towards one of the connecting doorways, you can't help but look up at those heroes who have served this great Empire and wonder what their lives must have been like. The statues stand in stoic silence, each commanding in its own way. Silently, these warriors watch your progress as they have for eons and as they will for eons to come. You can almost hear the shout, "LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE!"
Obvious exits:
East leads to Officers' Quarters.
South leads to Command Center.
West leads to Meeting Hall.
North leads to Elevator.

Shockwave heads over towards the room in the west.
Shockwave enters the Meeting Hall.

You enter the Meeting Hall.

Meeting Hall

This huge ebony hall echoes with the import of eons of Empire decision making. The dark walls rise at least 150 feet above you, glimmering in grand fashion as they arch into a V-groove at their pinnacle. Along the walls hang past Decepticon banners, preserved through the generations and kept in this place of honor, near the likeness of the heroes who once supported them.

The floor here too is laid with a crimson material save for the sigil shaded purple walkway down the center which leads to the Decepticon leader's executive chair. Stretching along each side of the long room are Titanium tables and sturdy chairs, enough to seat fifty Decepticons if ever needed. Towards the far end of the room, adjacent to the Command chair are ten slightly smaller executive chairs for the officers.
Contents:
Shockwave
Obvious exits:
East leads to Command Level.

Jhiaxus nods to himself in approval. "Impressive."

Shockwave walks over towards the head of the table and sits down. His hand runs across the controls sealing the blast doors shut. His optic flashes as he intones, "Proceed with what you wanted to discuss Commander."

Jhiaxus seats himself in one of the chairs and begins, "You spoke of your prisoner having information about the fate of the Autobot leader, but none of Megatron's."

Shockwave says, "Their fate is the same unfortunately..."

Jhiaxus's optics narrow skeptically. "And you believe this Autobot? They are known to be full of lies and deceit."

Rook transmits: '*voice sounding VERY strained* I am having /difficulties/ with Deadeye. Sorry for the delay, Commander.'.

Jhiaxus tilts his head as he receives a radio message, a brief flicker of his optics betraying the barest trace of irritation.

Shockwave crosses his arms against his chest as his optic flashes, "He could be speaking half- truths, but his memory core was most likely upgraded into our medical terminal. His words cannot be proven true, and there is most likely a chance that he did speak nothing but mistruths."

Jhiaxus says, "I regret to stray off topic, Lord Shockwave, but my subcommander seems to be having difficulties in gaining the cooperation of some of your troops."

Jhiaxus transmits 'In what manner, Rook? Are they refusing to transport the prisoner?' to Rook.

Rook transmits: 'He has been transported. Just arrived. *still sounded strained*'.

Jhiaxus transmits 'And Shockwave's troops? Have they withdrawn?' to Rook.

Rook transmits: 'As we speak.'.

Shockwave says, "Explain, this problem of the lack of cooperation from my forces..."

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Decepticons, you are to cooperate with Rook. Failure to do so will result in me dealing with all of you."

Jhiaxus transmits 'Excellent. I trust that you can handle the situation from here. If there has been any intentional negligence or lack of cooperation, inform me of the details and I will see that they do not occur again. It is, after all, not beneficial to diplomatic relations.' to Rook.

Rook transmits: 'I shall do so, once Shockwave has gone.'.

<Decepticon> Trius says, "Acknowledged commander."

Jhiaxus returns his attention to his immediate surroundings. "I believe the problem has been dealt with. Now then...."

Jhiaxus says, "I would not trust the word of an Autobot, tormented or otherwise, as anything resembling the truth. Is it not possible--" Jhiaxus pauses and studies Shockwave very carefully, weighing his words, "Is it not possible that Megatron may have intentionally set out into space with no plans to return?"

Shockwave says, "There is that possiblity, that he did leave with no intentions of returning to Cybertron. Yes the Autobot's words should not be believed, it would be illogical to believe such non-sense." He leans back in the huge obisidan colored chair his optic flashes once."

Jhiaxus leans forward, continuing to watch Shockwave intently. "Consider, then -- hypothetically speaking -- if Megatron saw opportunities elsewhere. Perhaps nothing left on Cybertron to fight for. Might it not be prudent ... for us to consider the same option?"

Shockwave looks at Jhiaxus' deep green optics. His lone golden optic piercing through Jhiaxus' imposing gaze, "That option cannot be considered, until the Autobots have been destroyed."

Jhiaxus continues slowly, "I speak hypothetically, of course. But consider -- how much longer will the Hellpit mines produce? How much is left to be utilized, on this sucked-dry world? If we were to leave the Autobots to the ruins of Cybertron, to let them fall upon each other and cannibalize the remaining scraps -- would that not be a suitable fate?"

Jhiaxus says, "While we ... were to follow Megatron's example and seek richer sources?"

Shockwave unfolds his arms and places them on the table infront of him. He leans foward and keeps his gaze focused on Jhiaxus', "The Autobots will most likely follow us if we leave Cybertron. To stop them now on what of Cybertron, will be the most reasonable salution."

Jhiaxus says, "Do the Autobots have such resources? Supposing ... that we did have the means. Supposing there were a way. And supposing your troops were in favor. What reason would we have, to cling to this shattered husk of a world?"

Jhiaxus says, "I merely bring up possibilities, you understand."

Shockwave thinks on this. The aspect does interest him, however something else keeps him from agreeing with Jhiaxus as he intones, "Jhiaxus, there will be a few that will be interested in such an ubsurb idea. We do not have the resources to construct a shuttle the size of the Conquest. Many of my troops would desire to remain on Cybertron."

Jhiaxus's gaze darkens as he keeps his thoughts to himself most carefully. "You believe so, do you?" He pauses a moment, and then rises. "I thank you for your time, Lord Shockwave - for the invitation, for the useful mine worker. We will, surely, speak again in the future."

Shockwave nods as his optic flashes. He stands from his seat as he intones, "Indeed, we shall be speaking again in the future Commander Jhiaxus." Crossing his arms against his chest his optic flashes, "There are many who still desire to remain here. I do not have the energon or materials to support our departure. Do not be so sure that the Autobots would not attempt to follow you where you go. These ideas while interesting are unacceptable. Now report back to the Hellpits and continue with your efforts there."

Jhiaxus says, "Acknowledged. If our species is to have a future, there are ... certain preparations to be made."

Jhiaxus nods to Shockwave respectfully, and turns to go.

Shockwave returns the nod as he goes to escort Jhiaxus out of the meeting room.

You enter the Command Level.

Shockwave arrives from the Meeting Hall.

You enter the Elevator.

Shockwave arrives from the Command Level.

Shockwave enters the Darkmount Launch Platform.

You enter the Darkmount Launch Platform.

Darkmount Launch Platform

Forcibly hewn out of the side of a raised mountain, this sturdily constructed platform is large enough to accommodate several ships and still allow enough room for the arriving and departing patrols of Decepticon seekers. Crafted of solidly forged chunks a Durillium, this platform has been made to withstand the tests of time and battles.

Around the edges of the platform are various anti-aircraft batteries and entrenched watch posts for defense drones should anyone ever be foolish enough to attempt an attack from the air, or intrepid enough to risk approaching the Decepticon stronghold from the nearly impossible climb below.
Contents:
Shockwave
Decepticon Scoutship <Warlord>
Plasma Cannon
Obvious exits:
Up leads to Sky Above Wastelands.
Down leads to Elevator.

Shockwave follows Jhiaxus from out of the lift. He walks over towards the turret and crosses his arms, "I shall hope this new worker will help increase production levels in the mines."

Scoutship:

The shuttle is huge and it seems to be constructed for planetary exploration. There are a few turrents for self defense, but other than that this purple ship is slow and can make for an easy target.

Jhiaxus indicates the Scoutship with an inclination of his head. "This vessel caught my attention on the way in. Might it not be just the sort of thing that might seek out new limits to our empire's borders? Ah, but again I speak hypothetically, and I take up your valuable time."

Jhiaxus says, "You will have no complaints about production levels, I assure you."

Jhiaxus hovers upward above the platform slowly, and with a last look around, transforms in the sky just above Darkmount.

Jhiaxus transforms into Stratobomber.

Stratobomber:

This airship is shaped vaguely like a giant predatory fish, dorsoventrally flattened with serrated wings out to both sides, dark metal above and chrome below. A gold-rimmed cockpit takes up part of the upper surface, decorated with a small Decepticon symbol, below which are two angled sensors that appear very much like eyes. Rising from the back of the craft is a scarlet cannon, a bit reminiscent of a dorsal fin. Additional, powerful cannons are affixed to the underside of the craft, which can spew death in multiple forms.

Shockwave looks at the scoutship and responds, "We have been scouting the boreders in the area of our systems. A few planets have been located and are going to be mined. Also, with locating Pompeii leaving Cybertron is no longer needed."

Stratobomber transforms back to robot mode and hovers downward again, his attention caught now and his luminous gaze intense and locked onto Shockwave.

Stratobomber transforms into Jhiaxus.

Jhiaxus says, "What is this Pompeii you speak of? Are you saying you do have an influx of resources?"

Shockwave turns around not awaiting a response and heads down the lift. He looks back up at the huge stratabomber as he disappears down into the belly of Darkmount.

Shockwave enters the Elevator.
Shockwave has left.

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