Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Boreal Forest <North America>.
<S> South leads to Mountain Roads.
<E> East leads to Rocky Mountains <North America>.
<W> West leads to Pacific Ocean <Western Hemisphere>.
<NE> Northeast leads to Base of Mt. St. Hilary.
<SE> Southeast leads to Clifftop.
<SW> Southwest leads to Sherman Dam.

Dr. Archeville:

Starscream arrives from Pacific Ocean <Western Hemisphere>.

Dr. Archeville is standing at the rocky coastline, looking out over the ocean as though expecting something to arrive. As he catches the sound of jet engines, he looks up.

A silver and red F-15 comes rocketing into area heading towards the coast.

Dr. Archeville tugs his white labcoat together at the collar and suppresses a shiver, hesitates a moment as though weighing his options - and then strides boldly forward toward an open space, raising one of his hands, the metal one, to signal to the jet. Yes, he's recognized the colors and noticed the Decepticon symbols on the wings.

It is obvious from the sudden change in trajectory that the Seeker has seen the waving Doctor and zeros in on the location. When he is close enough to the ground the jet changes and lands in the clearing in his robot mode. "Doctor Archeville I presume?" The red and silver seeker says with a sneer on his face and in his vocalizer.

Starscream transforms into his Robot mode.

Dr. Archeville straightens his shoulders. "The one and only, genius of science, at your service. I have an offer that may interest you and your leader."

Starscream crosses his arms and says haughtly, "You presume too much." He seems to think for a moment and says, "But you are lucky that I am willing to take you to my.... leader." He says the last word with no respect at all his vocalizer full of cynicism.

Starscream transmits a message via radio.

Dr. Archeville smirks slightly. "Perhaps it is you who are lucky I wish to share my invention with you - to the benefit of us all. I have been watching your activities on the news, and I recognize potential when I see it."

Dr. Archeville says, "Surely you wish to at least hear out the plan?"

"I will hear your plan soon enough," the Decepticon sub-commander says, "and for your sake I hope it is as good you assume it to be. Lord Megaton wishes to speak with you and I don't have all day to waste spending talking about some mad scientist plans." He holds out his hand and motions for the human to get on it.

Dr. Archeville hesitates once more - then seems to find his courage and steps forward determinedly. This is, after all, the opportunity he's been awaiting his whole life.

Conning Tower

Starscream [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<O> Out leads to Engine Room.
<U> Up leads to Atlantic Ocean <Central>.

Starscream flies into the conning tower and lands on a platform designed for jets to land on. After taxing to a stop he intons, "We have arrived, now get out." He doesn't sound happy at all.

Dr. Archeville clambers out of the cockpit, giving Starscream a bit of a glare. Yeah, he's on alien territory here, but he's confident of himself, and besides, it wouldn't do to show any fear at this point.

Dr. Archeville waits for Starscream to take the lead.

Once the human is out the jet reforms into his robot mode. "Welcome to Decepticon headquarters. Don't get too comfy, I doubt you will be staying long enough to enjoy it." He motions with his hand, "This way, follow me."

Starscream enters Engine Room <<O> Out>.
Starscream has left.

You enter Engine Room.

You enter Training Complex.

You enter Armory.

Dr. Archeville follows along through the cavernous base, having to move fast to keep pace with the much larger jet.

Dr. Archeville says, "If everything works out as it should, I won't have to stay long."

Dr. Archeville says, "You'll be on your way home as victors, and I - I will have the whole planet to myself."

Starscream is barely keeping slow enough for the human to be able to keep up but he knows with his legs the fleshy is going to be breathing heavy. "We shall see, we shall see."

You enter Access Corridor.

Access Corridor

Starscream [Robot]
Slipstream [Robot]
Ruse [Robot]
Tempest [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.

Starscream enters the area followed by an odd looking human, he nods slightly when Slipsteam gives the salute, "Wait here. I will inform the Leader that you are here. Ruse, Tempest, keep an optic on our guest."

Tempest looks at the human with a sneer, taking down one sword from her wing. "What's this now?"

Slipstream whispers to Ruse, "What's the organic doing here?"

Dr. Archeville is hurrying to keep up with Starscream, though he slows noticably as he comes upon a group of Decepticons. Once again he privately questions the wisdom of taking this action, but quickly pushes his doubts aside. Catching his breath after hurrying along with Starscream, he comes to a stop to look up at the imposing Decepticons.

Tempest eyes the doctor coldly, as if trying to decide what way to slice him in two with the long sword she holds, though she is as still as a statue.

Dr. Archeville calculates that it may be best not to explain himself to the common troops, and waits instead to talk to the guy in charge.

Ruse looks at the doctor, "He's here because Megatron allows it, Tempest." She looks over the human, "Hm... an elder."

Tempest growls, "Part of the 'secret plan' no doubt." ... She still sounds sore about that.

Slipstream looks at the human from about eye level, and wonders what Megatron has cooked up this time. Let's see... Wait, I do remember him talking about some kind of large matter Space Bridge...

One of Dr. Archeville's white eyebrows cocks upward a little at the words "secret plan," but he otherwise makes no indication of interest.

Starscream notices the door won't open, with a sneer he bangs on the door and says, "Open this blasted thing! I will not be a kidlet sitter any longer than I have to be." He gives the door a few more kicks and waits for a response.

Tempest eyes Starscream and makes a note about lacking self control... "Kidlet sitter?" she says dryly.

Ruse walks forward towards Archeville, and she looks him over as she walks about the human. Being one of the few Decepticons interested in Earth culture, she asks, "Why are you wearing that?" She motions to the metalic helmet, "Most wear fiber made hats... never have I seen one made of metal."

Reflector arrives from Armory.

Reflector enters, and glares at Slipstream, who is doing his best to look confused and innocent.

Starscream turns his gaze back on Tempest, "I have better things to do with my time then wait on the whims of Megatron. I fetched his precious doctor, he should be here to take him off my hands."

Dr. Archeville gives Ruse a bit of a glare. "I had an ... accident in the laboratory many years ago. It's a replacement for the pieces that were lost. But it's a sacrifice I was willing to make for science."

Tempest nods to Starscream ... her optics narrow ever so slightly at the word "Whim"...

Dr. Archeville curls his metal hand momentarily into a fist, and then relaxes it again.

Ruse blinks, "Your willingness to sacrifice for advancement is admirable but... it's strange you would replace the parts with metal instead of just regrowing and replacing them. Isn't that what living things do, is regrow after being damaged?"

Slipstream sighs. Stasrscream is exactly as he's heard back on Cybertron.

Dr. Archeville's eyes narrow a little. "Not always. When substantial pieces are missing, they have to be replaced with something else. Something stronger, better. Like the disjointed rulership of this world, for instance."

Tempest arches an optic ridge at the doctor. "There's problems with this planet's governing system?"

Slipstream says, "Well, would anything that joined up with the Autobots possibly be not flawed?"

Dr. Archeville says, "Indeed there are. There's no unity, no vision. I intend to change that."

Tempest says, "No unity?"

Dr. Archeville looks at Slipstream. "Ah! Now there you've hit upon an interesting concept. I prefer to join with the winners, not the losers."

Reflector says, "We will win this conflict, and this planet will allow Cybertron to be reborn into a new Golden Age."

Dr. Archeville nods to Tempest. "Each little country and municipality with its own individual, contradictory set of laws and rules. It results in conflict, lack of progress."

Starscream hmmphs and crosses his arms over his chest and leans against a wall to wait. "Earth leaders can't be as bad as some of the leaders I have heard about." His gaze falls on the locked door and he seems to be about to pout but goes on to say, "They can't be as big of wastes of talent and resources as others, that's for sure."

Dr. Archeville says, "Ohhh, you would be surprised."

Tempest processes the doctor's information ... her optics narrow and glow. "Divide ... the better to conquer. Yes, I've seen worlds like that..."

Reflector says, "Well, they aren't as technologically able to be as wasteful."

Ruse hms and nods to the doctor, who's finaly opening up, and frankly she seems to be enjoying his views, "Is there anything you would like while you wait?" oO(A human who actually can see the whole picture and the Autobots for what they are. Maybe there is hope for them.)

Slipstream as he waits, goes back to mopping. Who knows, if he keeps up a steady work pace, Megatron may actually allow him to participate in the mission.

Dr. Archeville folds his arms, the patchwork of the metallic and organic hand against the white lab coat making for, indeed, a slightly Frankensteinish image. "What I would like, is an audience with your leader," he says, turning his gaze to the big blank wall of the door blocking the command center. "Is it customary that he keeps you waiting like this?"

Slipstream shrugs. He's new here, and isn't very aware of Megatron's way of doing things.

Starscream sneers, "Hardly!" He says with a grump in his voice, "It's insulting, is what it is. Well he is not going to get away with it much longer." He rubs his hands together in anticapation and waits for an oportunity to sow the seeds of dissent.

Tempest's optics glow once but she keeps her emotion under control and says nothing.

Dr. Archeville says, "Hmph. After all, I have information that will benefit him - if he wishes to hear it."

Dr. Archeville regards Starscream thoughtfully, taking in the tone of the words and trying to get some idea of the heirarchical dynamics among this group. You never know which allies might be useful to you.

Slipstream is about to ask what could be so important for a human to need an audience with Megatron, but he keeps silent.

Ruse walks back and asumes her position leaning aginst the wall near the door. "It shouldn't be too much longer. He is currently going over scientific plans with Shockwave no doubt, and you of all being a scientist yourself must know how wrapped up one can get in that sort of work."

Reflector goes back to waiting, and having all three of him glare at Slipstream menacingly.

Dr. Archeville regards Ruse thoughtfully. "Yes. Perhaps."

Slipstream sighs, and when no one is looking, gives Reflector a "Slag You" sign.

***** Somewhat earlier, in the Command Center *****

Megatron [Robot]
Tempest [Robot]
Ruse [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<S> South leads to Access Corridor.

Soundwave returns to the Command Center.

Megatron turns to Soundwave. "Connect me with Shockwave, you know what channel..."

Soundwave nods a greeting to the assembled, and heads for his communications station. "Subspace interference from yesterday has cleared, Megatron."

Tempest watches intently, knowing something's going on....

Starscream arrives from Access Corridor.

Megatron nods and takes a seat in front of the computer.

Soundwave's hands flicker across the keyboard, as one of the side-screens flashes to life and an encryption code scrolls across the screen.

Megatron says, "Starscream, Tempest, Ruse, leave the Command Center."

Tempest looks shocked ... but complies.

Tempest enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Tempest has left.

Ruse enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Ruse has left.

Soundwave turns to give Starscream a look that might be unreadable, but still seems to await his following of Megatron's orders.

Starscream looks a little more than shocked. "Leave the command center? But this is my rightful place as a commander of the empire, oh leader." He sneers and keeps leaning against the wall with his arms crossed in contempt.

Megatron turns to Starscream. He says nothing, but his optics clearly say: "Leave!" And you should better not try him.

<Cybertron> Shockwave says, "Decepticons, this is Shockwave. All city commanders should report to Polyhex for an important briefing."

Starscream hmmphs and makes to go, "I was just about to leave anyways." He is trying to make it sound like it was his idea. "I have more important things to do then waste /my/ time here."

Starscream enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Starscream has left.

Soundwave touches a last control and opens the channel.

Soundwave radios Megatron and Shockwave with 'This is Earthbase contacting Cybertron. Private command channel open. Shockwave, please acknowledge.'.

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'This is Megatron speaking.'

Shockwave radios Soundwave and Megatron: 'Hail Megatron. What are your orders?'

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'Shockwave, I have gone through your report about the new spacebridge. I do have a use for it.'

Shockwave radios Megatron and Soundwave: 'I surmised that would be the case Megatron. What is your plan?'

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'In fact, I'm not sattisfied with our actual status: due to the great distance between Cybertron and Earth, the spacebridge needs nearly a third of the energy it can transport for itself. Intolerable. But that is not the only problem... According to my calculations, Cyberton will collide with a blue giant sun in about 1.8 million Earthyears if our homeworld continues its current journey.'

Shockwave radios Soundwave and Megatron: 'I have been aware of the need for a change of direction. You propose to use the larger space bridge to deflect Cybertron from its current trajectory?'

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'My plan is a bit more than just giving Cybertron a new direction. It will be a plan which may be the greatest risk to Cybertron but also its greatest chance: I plan to bring Cybertron to the Sol system.'

Shockwave pauses for a moment, considering. His tone implies that he understands the gravity of the situation, literally. "Creating a rift large enough for the entire planet will consume a great deal of energon. I am not certain we have sufficient stockpiles at present."

A radio transmission is received by Megatron.
Soundwave intercepts a message from Starscream: "I have found the human and am bringing him back to base at your request, oh mighty leader."

Soundwave radios Megatron and Shockwave with 'It would be extremely risky, I concur. And yet - if it should work, the payoff would be well worth the risk.'.

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'I'm aware of that, Shockwave, and we will ship as much energon to Cybertron as possible beforehand. However, there is a difficulty in this plan: We have to built the spacebridge receiver on Earth what will bring Cybertron into a short distance to this planet. We can manage to give it a temporary orbit but it will be unstable. In other words, if we don't counteract, Cybertron will collide with Earth after a few orbits. However, I do have a plan for this as well.'

Shockwave radios Soundwave and Megatron: 'I am not one to question the leader of the Decepticons, particularly not yourself Megatron. But my cautious nature compells me to point out the dangers of this. Earth is expendable, but Cybertron must endure.'

Megatron transmits a message via radio.

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'It will, Shockwave, of course it will! During its orbit around Earth, Cybertron's proximity to it will unleash intense natural forces in the bigger planet which we will use for collecting Energon. Partly it will be shipped to Cybertron for your supply, but the rest...' *he pauses*

Shockwave waits for his leader to continue.

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: *transmits an image of the future situation with Cybertron spinning down to Earth* 'When our homeworld is in this position, we have to create a shockwave of aproximately 1 billion energy units to knock Cybertron into the orbit I have planned for it, an orbit around the sun.'

Soundwave radios Megatron and Shockwave with 'And some of the energon released by the climatic disturbances from this world, is to be reserved for this?'.

Shockwave pauses to consider. "Orbiting a star once more would be a great asset. It is simply the risks of transport that concern me."

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'I know the risk, I know it too well...'

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'But if I don't take it, we will lose our planet in about 1.8 million years for sure. And we will be alive to witness its doom, if we don't run out of energy again before.'

Shockwave radios Soundwave and Megatron: 'And our research does indicate the larger space bridges are more stable and reliable than the smaller ones.'

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'Very well, then operation "Ultimate Doom" is going to take place. May the name help that it will NOT become Cybertron's end.'

Shockwave radios Soundwave and Megatron: 'I shall take all precautions here Megatron. I only hope the Autobots will not prove a hinderance.'

From outside, someone bangs insistently on the locked door to the Command Center.

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'Transmit the latest data from our new bridge on Cybertron so I can start the construction of the receiver here on Earth. And don't worry about the Autobots, I will find a way to keep them from interfering with my plan.'

Megatron ignores the banging at the door.

The loud knocks are followed by a few reverberating kicks.

Megatron radios Soundwave and Shockwave: 'You can contact me anytime, Shockwave. Megatron out.'

Megatron turns off the radio. He looks very thoughtful as he says to Soundwave: "We will fill a Spaceship with enough energon cubes to create the shockwave we need. It will be set to explode at these coordinates." He points at the image on the screen.

Soundwave nods. "The calculations and angle of the resultant shockwave would seem to be accurate. Meanwhile, it seems that Starscream is getting impatient outside."

Megatron doesn't turn his attention from the image. "I will fly the spaceship," he says casually.

Soundwave's head turns fractionally toward Megatron in a small, sudden movement which is the only indicator of his alarm. "Commander...."

Soundwave says, "Perhaps a safer method should be sought."

Megatron says, "I will leave it in time. I haven't planned to cease to exist yet, Soundwave, don't worry. However, if I fail, and Cybertron collides with Earth, there will be nothing to return to anyway..."

Soundwave suggests, "I am a qualified starship pilot, Commander."

Megatron shakes his head. "No, I have to do it. The Autobots will think I just left my troops behind and fled with the energy, which will fit into their thinking pattern. They must not realise the real intentions or they may interfere."

Soundwave remains silent for a moment, then nods.

Megatron adds, "And, I can take a lot more than you - I'm indestructable!" The "indestructable" sounds like he's a bit kidding to take the tension from the topic. "Now let Starscream in before he demolishes the base completely."

Soundwave looks toward the door. "This human, Megatron, do you really think it can be useful to us?"

Megatron nods. "Yes, the information about him is very intersting..."

Soundwave releases the lock and lets the door slide back.

Slipstream arrives from Access Corridor.

Starscream arrives from Access Corridor.

Tempest arrives from Access Corridor.

Dr. Archeville arrives from Access Corridor.

Slipstream enters, pushing a mop. They decided that he would be the sacrificial lamb. ;)

Chasm arrives from Access Corridor.

Ruse arrives from Access Corridor.

Reflector arrives from Access Corridor.

Tempest's gaze immediately darts around, trying to determine what's been going on in here while she was locked out.

Ruse watches everyone flood in and decides to step in as well despite the fact Megatron might want to speak with the doctor alone.

Chasm settles on his accustomed perch, (i.e. Soundwave's head.)

Dr. Archeville follows Starscream into the room. Taking only a moment to marvel at the vastness of the interior and the high ceiling, his attention immediately fixates on the powerful silver Decepticon who, by his bearing and manner, can only be Megatron. (Plus, Dr. Archeville has paid close attention to the news broadcasts, of course.)

Slipstream continues his mopping, as that was the last thing he was instructed to do. If he's lucky, Megatron will let him join the mission instead of remaining behind.

Soundwave accepts Chasm's presence without so much as a flicker of his optic band.

Tempest takes a seat by the computer...inobtrusively checking to see if anything was left onscreen.

The screen is quite deactivated. Whatever Megatron and Soundwave were discussing in here, has remained between the two of them.

Starscream is one of the first to enter, his dreaded gaze of contempt settles on the few who were foolish enough to enter before him. "Ahh Megatron. How nice of you to allow us back into the command center, my rightful place." He motions with his hand to indicate the odd looking human, "I ran your errand."

Reflector follows the group in, and waits for his leader to give him instructions.

Chasm whispers to Soundwave, "Isn't that ... a human down there?"

Slipstream goes in the periphery, still mopping, and paying a silent attention to what is going on.

Megatron says, "You have done well, Starscream."

Soundwave says, "Affirmative, Chasm. Megatron has his rationale. Watch and learn."

Starscream holds his head up high, "Did you excpect anything less when you asked me to do it?"

Tempest hides her frustration at the blank computer, and is already acting on Soundwave's advice to watch and learn.

Dr. Archeville straightens the collar of his lab coat, and takes a few steps toward the middle of the room. Yes, it's a vulnerable position, with warlike aliens to all sides of him, but in order to earn a major payoff, one sometimes has to take big risks.

Megatron looks at Starscream. "If you do it." He walks over to the strange looking, obviously partly mechanical human being. "Dr. Archeville, I presume."

Dr. Archeville inclines his head. "The one and only. And you are Megatron, the visionary commander of these extraterrestrial visitors to our world. At least - everything I have observed, tells me you're a visionary."

Ruse wanders over to Soundwave and stands beside him to watch this play out.

Slipstream rolls his optics. What a kiss up!

Starscream hmmpsh and mutters, "He won't be for long....."

Dr. Archeville glances over at Starscream. "Your ... second in command? (taking a guess at the rank structure as deduced from his observations) seems to feel that way. And perhaps he's right. Perhaps we can help each other, Megatron, so that neither of us has to be here long."

Megatron says, "You are right, Dr. Archeville, I am Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. Welcome to our base."

Reflector waits patiently for the report...

Megatron says, "Slipstream, would you kindly find a seat for our guest."

Starscream nods and says, "I am the sub-commander of the Decepticons. You should be honored that it was I who came to gather you." He crosses his arms and leans against a wall to hear what is going on and somehow twist it to his advantge.

Dr. Archeville makes a dismissive motion with his metal hand. "Unnecessary. I'm here to achieve great things, not to make myself comfortable."

Tempest is unmoving, a yellow gargoyle watching the procedure and crouching on the chair, only her glowing optics showing that she is alive ... that and the way she holds herself, as if ready to spring any second.

Slipstream goes and pulls out a seat from storage that was made to fit a cassette. It's the closest that they'd have for a human.

Megatron chuckles. "As you wish, my dear doctor." He activates the computer and a large amount of data flickers over the screen - Archeville's file. "Very interesting... you really seem to be an ingenious man. However, the legal authorities just don't seem to agree much with your scientific methods..."

Tempest hisses softly at the word "authorities."

Dr. Archeville says, "Hmph. They lack vision, just like those that side with your enemies."

Slipstream mentally groans. He's always been in trouble with those, usually Decepticon ones, however.

Starscream tries to glance at the file on the screen to see if it contains any information he can use.

Dr. Archeville says, "As I have observed your interactions with the Autobots, I have learned that they have a weakness you can exploit against them. A weakness I can help you with."

Slipstream thinks, well, they have quite a few. Mainly compassion for lower life forms.

Megatron says, "Well, doctor, that's why you're here - I offer you a co-operation with the Decepticons. Now tell me about your idea."

Starscream hmmphs again, "Hardly. What could a human teach us about fighting the Autobots?" He sneers at the human, "We know every weakness they have and I know of countless more on how to use them to our advantge."

Dr. Archeville wastes no time cutting to the chase, and takes out a small, square bit of metal from a slot in his mechanical arm, holding it up so the others can see it as best as possible. "I have devised a process whereby ordinary humans - the expendable ones, the ones that would crawl into your enemies' shadow - can be turned into mindless slaves to do your bidding. And to forestall your enemies' attack."

Reflector looks up, interested. If only there was a way to do that to Transformers...

Megatron looks at this - for him - microscopic small device in Archeville's hand. "What is this? A chip?

Tempest is grateful there's no way to do that to Transformers, though her skin twitches reflexively at the idea. Still, she nods ... she'd never thought of using the humans against the Autobots. Mirroring ... she must not presume the Autobots think as she does...

Megatron says, "Be quiet, Starscream."

Dr. Archeville emphasizes, "A hypno-chip. It overrides the mental impulses of the subject, turning it into an obedient zombie, both in thought and in action. Imagine an army of humans which I can direct at your command. You will be free to take what you wish from this world, and I--" he rubs his metallic and organic hand together briefly in anticipation and perhaps some nervousness - "I ask only one thing in return."

Starscream gives a little pout but says, "As you command Leader. But it won't be my fault when this plan fails along with the rest of your schemes for power." He goes back to watching.

Soundwave gives Starscream an unreadable look, then returns his attention to the white-coated human.

Slipstream continues his mopping, hoping that he won't mess things up this time, if he gets involved.

Megatron looks down at Archeville, slightly grinning. "Of course, my dear doctor, what is your wish? I may grant it to you."

Chasm drops down to Soundwave's shoulder, his tail coiling around for balance. This 'hypno-chip' has so much potential! So many possibilities... He steeples his claws together in thought...

Reflector thinks, going over the possibilities for a way that such a chip would work. It is very feasible, now that he thinks of it...

Tempest observes ... again, things are done differently here ... she would have taken the chip and been done, if she knew how it worked.

Dr. Archeville raises one bushy white eyebrow at the word 'may', but doesn't comment upon it. "This planet's authority and infrastructure is outdated, inefficient. It needs a ruler who can direct the whole world in a direction of efficiency and progress. I ask only ... that the planet Earth be left under my rule after you are done with it."

Skywarp arrives from Access Corridor.

Ruse glances up to Soundwave and whispers so softly there's no doubt only he can hear it... and her tone is somewhat concerned, "Soundwave, you know the most 'bout our laser cores. Our... electrical core signals can't be cut off from the body by some strange device like that chip... right?"

Soundwave replies in the same low tone to Ruse, though Chasm being right there on his shoulder can surely hear him as well, "There are a great many possibilities for such things, Ruse."

Megatron is very amused by this small human, demanding something, Megatron could just take from him. However, the Decepticon leader is in a good mood. "Well, it shall be as you wish. You shall have Earth... after we are done with it."

Chasm's optics dim slightly in anger. "Anything is possible..."

Skywarp wanders in from the access corridor, looking as dour and dark-mooded as always. He takes up position beside Starscream and whispers to him, "What's with the flesh creature?"

Slipstream goes back to mopping, and hopes that he won't be involved in this mission. Too much is at stake for him to go along, with what's happening in his head.

Dr. Archeville says, "Excellent, excellent. I knew we could help each other. Now then - what I will need, is a test subject, a guinea pig, to try out the hypnochip for the first time. Those authorities whom you mentioned, tend to take a dim view of human experimentation. Fools! But here I have the opportunity to bring my work to life."

Starscream looks to Skywarp and whispers back, "That's some foolish Earth creature Megatron thinks can help us against the Autobots." He sneers and says, "In exchange for some microchip thing we could easily take and duplicate, our wise leader is giving him the Earth." He say the rest with contempt.

Skywarp widens his optics. "You think he can really assist us? He's just a flesh creature. Hmph. Can't even transform, let alone fly."

Ruse shudders slightly, the thought of being controled sickening to her. oO(Bad enough it wasn't that long ago an Autobot telepath went romping through our minds.) She crosses her arms and leans back keeping a closer eye on Archeville now.

Dr. Archeville hasn't heard Starscream's whisper, but his ever-active mind is trying to stay one step ahead of the possibilities, and so he says, "I should add, lest any of your more unruly troops get any ideas - only I know the secrets of the hypnochip process. You will not find the key elements recorded anywhere other than within my own memory."

Soundwave looks to Starscream and remarks casually, "Do we have any further use for this world after we have what we want?"

Slipstream is mopping, fascinated in spite of himself.

Ruse chuckles strangely, commenting, "Just the same."

Starscream shakes his head, "We wouldn't need the help of a human if I had been in charge." He turns his gaze to the human and realizes he forgot to whisper, "Surely once the Autobots are gone we could use this planet for something besides giving it to some human."

Megatron rubs his chin. "A guinea pig you need..." He start to grin widely. That could mean killing two bots with one blast... "I think I know the perfect candidate for this... role."

Chasm flicks his tail back and forth. Actually, he quite likes this world. At least they have capitalism, for a start, just like on the old days on Cybertron. Anyone can make a profit, if they can play the game right. To see the universe white-washed with the Decepticons' militaristic culture, well... He shakes his head.

Tempest murmurs to Soundwave and Ruse, "Perhaps it's the principle of the thing. To be the taker rather than having to compromise. To have the power and the freedom to fit the world to bow to your will."

Slipstream focuses his attention on mopping once again. If he works steadily for the next couple of weeks, he might actually finish. Ah, wait... He needs to get to work cleaning the barnacles off the hull. So make that the next few months until he's mission capable again. Oh, well. He could really use the chance to start retraining himself.

Reflector listens by the human. He has courage, for very few would make such a demand from the Decepticon leader, and fewer still could get away with it. This human is very special indeed...

Megatron changes the scene on the monitor, an oriental palace appears surrounded by solar collectors. "I think this is the perfect object to get the Autobots to leave their headquarters."

Tempest grins. "A diversion," she says, guessing.

Megatron says, "Far enough away to give us the possibility to strike. Starscream, take a few Decepticons and run an assault on the palace."

Megatron says, "Pretend to attack it because of the energy."

Starscream perks up and says, "Of course Megatron. Leave the mission in my more then capable hands. I will draw the Autobots right to me and destroy them." He glances about the room to see who is there to take on the mission with him.

Ravage arrives from Access Corridor.
Ravage stalks into the area.

Ruse hms and murmers to Tempest, "This should prove 'fun'."

Slipstream looks to Megatron for a temporary excusal from his washing duties to join in the raid.

Megatron says, "Meanwhile, Soundwave and the rest of our troops will attack Autobot headquartes and bring us one of the humans the Autobots call their friend: Sparkplug."

Slipstream thinks that that one sounds more promising, since he has managed to get out of the Ark in one piece.

Soundwave says, "I can direct the infiltration by the cassettes, they can most easily get in."

Chasm gives Soundwave a startled look, "This won't involve me, will it?"

Soundwave gives Slipstream a dubious look. Didn't he just get captured by the 'Bots?

Megatron says, "Excellent. I and our new... friend, will stay here."

Soundwave says, "You are a cassette, last I observed, Chasm. And, I think you require some additional practice."

Chasm scowls slightly, twitching his tail reluctantly.

Ruse looks up to Chasm, "Come now, it's not THAT bad Chasm. We could be hauling energon instead."

Slipstream can't read Soundwave's expression. He owes the Bots some payback. And it couldn't hurt him to get some more experience at infiltrating Autobot HQ. Never know when he might need to do it again...

Reflector will go with Starscream, if necessary. He rather hopes that Soundwave will not take Slipstream. What wrong could he do on a mission of such importance...

Dr. Archeville moves out of the way and closer to a wall, lest one of these behemoths step on him while moving about.

Chasm sighs and nods grimly, "You're right, Ruse. Hopefully this will pass without altercations..." He stares at his claw. "I had a bad chip, you know, last time I was forced under dire pressure to shift cubes when Autobots were firing at me without quarter."

Slipstream is always willing to act the decoy.

Soundwave opens his tape compartment. "Chasm, Ravage, Ruse, enter."

Chasm sighs and transforms.

Chasm brings his wings forward and crunches down into his cassette form.

Ravage leaps into the air with a mechanical feline rumble and starts to spin. His legs fold in and his body turns as it Transforms to a Midnight black Metallic tape.

Chasm has left.

Ravage has left.

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 that is left of Ruse is a small cassette.

Ruse leaps up and transforms sliding into the tape compartment.

Soundwave moves toward the door.

Starscream hmms and scans the room, "Well my fellow Decepticons. Skywarp, Tempest and Reflector follow me!" He makes to leave and glances over his shoulder, "I suppose you can tag along but just this once Slipstream."

Skywarp turns and follows Starscream out.

Rumble has arrived.

Soundwave opens his tape compartment to admit Rumble, who's arriving a little later than the others, but still in time to go on the mission.

Starscream enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Starscream has left.

Skywarp enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Skywarp has left.

Tempest enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Tempest has left.

Reflector enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Reflector has left.

Slipstream enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Slipstream has left.

Soundwave enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Soundwave has left.

Dr. Archeville is with great interest looking over the advanced computer equipment in this room, as everyone clears out.

Megatron watches Archeville, still being amused by the Doctor's arrogant behaviour.

Dr. Archeville says, "Most fascinating equipment that you have here, Megatron. Surely such technology could be put to good use in ruling this world."

Dr. Archeville peers at Megatron hopefully. "Surely you don't intend to take all of it back home with you? All that trouble to transport?"

Megatron chuckles. "A part of it will remain here, indeed. Maybe you should get familiar with it right now?" Sure, the real important things the doctor is not to learn.

Dr. Archeville nods eagerly. "It would be beneficial to us both if I were familiar with the use of your equipment. I have armies of slaves to control for you, after all. Speaking of which - I thought you promised me a guinea pig?"

Megatron says, "Be patient, we will soon get you a perfect... victim."

Base of Mt. St. Hilary

Obvious exits:
<SW> Southwest leads to Pacific Northwest <North America>.
<U> Up leads to Peak of Mt. St. Hilary.
<U2> Up2 leads to Clifftop.
<I> In leads to Entrance Bay.

Soundwave flies in low over the treetops and lands a short distance from the Autobot base, just outside the range of the alarm sensors.

Soundwave opens his tape compartment. "Ravage, Rumble, Chasm, Ruse - eject. Operation retrieval."

Chasm has arrived.

The jade-green cassette sudden unfolds itself and expands into the small form of a hovering dragon-like figure.

Ruse has arrived.

With the sound of metal shifting the black and gold datacartridge folds out into Ruse, her weapons appering from subspace.

Chasm hovers over Soundwave's head.

Ravage has arrived.

The black tape flips up into the air and spins as legs, paws, a head and body form out of it. With a rumble Ravage lands on all fours in perfect grace. Claws digging into the ground on impact.

Chasm flicks a glance at Soundwave, "What's the word?"

Ruse lands and grins drawing her rifle... her armor shimmering as she sifts to camo colors. She looks up to Chasm, "Fetch or face Megatron's fusion cannon?"

Soundwave transforms and shrinks into his much smaller tape recorder mode. He emits, "Chasm, you can transport me. We are to retrieve one of the humans that inhabit this base. I will be with you in case those Autobots who were left behind, cause you problems."

Ravage vanishes off into the darkness.

Chasm sighs, "Well, let it not be said that I'm not a professional." He swoops down and picks up Soundwave in his hind claws and then starts to soar into the base, his holographic cloaking shield rippling over his form and also encompassing Soundwave.

Chasm glides ahead into the dark.

Chasm enters Entrance Bay <<I> In>.
Chasm has left.

You enter Entrance Bay.

Entrance Bay

Chasm [Dragon]
Obvious exits:
<NW> Northwest leads to Ratchet's Surgery.
<NE> Northeast leads to Wheeljack's Laboratory.
<W> West leads to Residential Quarters.
<D> Down leads to Brig.
<O> Out leads to Base of Mt. St. Hilary.

Ruse arrives from Base of Mt. St. Hilary.

Ravage arrives from Base of Mt. St. Hilary.
Ravage stalks into the area.

Chasm carefully glides in, his colour pattern matching with the reddish-metal walls of the access corridors. "Do you know exactly whereabouts we'll find the organic?" he asks quietly.

<Earth> Megatron says, "CatsCradle, Divefire, follow Soundwave to Autobot headquarters. Take care that no unpleasant surprise endangers the operation."

The base seems mostly deserted, most of the heavy-hitters having gone off on another mission. Some activity seems to be coming from Wheeljack's lab.

Chasm picks up on this and starts to glide silently towards Wheeljack's lab.

Soundwave's tape reels move almost silently. "Take us into the laboratory. I detect motion there."

Chasm enters Wheeljack's Laboratory <<NE> Northeast>.
Chasm has left.

You enter Wheeljack's Laboratory.

Wheeljack's Laboratory

Chasm [Dragon]
Obvious exits:
<SW> Southwest leads to Entrance Bay.

Ruse arrives from Entrance Bay.

Ruse quietly makes her way behind Chasm/Soundwave... keeping watch behind them to make sure while sneaking they aren't snuck up on.

Chasm grips the side of the base wall like a chameleon, still carefully cradling Soundwave's miniscule form in the crook of his left hind claw.

Ratchet has made use of some of Wheeljack's equipment and is welding something. Ironhide is hanging around nearby, and the two humans Spike and Sparkplug are there next to Ratchet. Spike watches while Sparkplug occasionally assists.

<Earth> Divefire says, "Alright, I'll presume we're on mop up duty then."

Soundwave says quietly, "Rumble, eject for the purpose of distraction."

Rumble has arrived.

Rumble turns his arms into piledrivers and begins a low-intensity earthquake. "Let's shake these Autobots up!"

Chasm asks Soundwave over the link, <You will grab the human designated as 'Sparkplug' when the confusion starts?>

Ruse waits, kneeling down to keep on balance as Rumble begins to rattle the Autobots composure litteraly.

The inhabitants of the lab simultanously look up, startled, as the disturbance starts, and immediately notice Rumble in the corner. "Why you little Decepti-punk!" Ironhide drawls, drawing his weapon.

Rumble glances upwards, continuing his distraction as long as he can...

Soundwave conveys telepathically to Chasm: 'You will release me and take hold of one of the humans as soon as the two Autobots are distracted.'

Chasm conveys telepathically to Soundwave: 'Very well.'

Soundwave conveys telepathically to Chasm: 'I will cover the withdrawal if need be.'

Chasm crouches in position, waiting for Wheeljack to move so he has a clear position to begin his swoop.

Ironhide levels his gun, preparing to fire off a blast at Rumble.

Rumble yipes and ducks out of the way!

Rumble returns his arms to normal, and gets his laser ready ... but he can't shoot with a big Autobot hot on his heels!

Ruse raises her rifle suddenly and darts out the other way, "Hey over here!" She fires, aiming for Ironhide's armjoint with a plasmabeam!

Rumble takes advantage of the distraction posed by Ruse and fires!

Chasm suddenly drops Soundwave, trusting in the other's anti-grav capabilities. Cutting in from above, he ducks down and swoops up Sparkplug in his hind claws. With his jets roaring in overdrive, he glides upwards and out of the base, ignoring Sparkplug's vehement curses and Spike's wailing calls of 'Dad! Dad! They took Dad!"

Ironhide fires off a blast, but is sufficiently surprised by the attack from another angle that he misses his target. Spinning toward the new attacker, he fires another shot, while Ratchet brings out a laser-welder and fires a beam of heat toward Ruse. Neither of them notice the other occupants in the room.

Rumble curses as he misses Ironhide!

Chasm transmits a message via radio.
Chasm transmits to Soundwave: "Target acquired. Will retreat from base."

Chasm barrels out of Wheeljack's laboratory, heading for outside.

Chasm enters Entrance Bay <<SW> Southwest>.
Chasm has left.

Ruse shunts her rifle, ducking down to avoid the laserbolt, "Come on Rumble!" She summons a discbomb from subspace and arms it before tossing it towards the Autobots and running for the exit, hoping it keeps them busy!

Ruse enters Entrance Bay <<SW> Southwest>.
Ruse has left.

Soundwave transforms and draws his plasma gun in one simultaneous motion, laying down a hail of cover fire as they others head out first.

Rumble enters Entrance Bay <<SW> Southwest>.
Rumble has left.

You enter Entrance Bay.

You enter Base of Mt. St. Hilary.

Ruse runs out of the lab and out of the base as quick as she can... glancing behind her to make sure Rumble made it safely.

Chasm flaps up, the wiggling human still struggling in his hind claws.

Soundwave comes flying out of the base low to the ground, with the whole remaining population of the base now on alert and a rain of laser bolts converging after him.

Rumble puffs, running. "I never wanna do that again!"

Soundwave opens his tape compartment in flight. "Rumble, Ruse, enter! Chasm, return the human to Earthbase."

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Soundwave to Megatron: test subject aquired. We are returning to base."

Rumble has left.

"You put me down, you flying freak!" Sparkplug bellows. Chasm flips over in a barrel roll and then glides out level again. Sparkplug coughs everywhere...

Chasm grins, "Returning to base, Soundwave. Boy, I expect double pay for this risk."

Chasm enters Pacific Northwest <North America> <<SW> Southwest>.
Chasm has left.

<Earth> Megatron says, "That means the Autobots have been successfully diverted."

<Earth> Megatron says, "Decepticons, operation guinea pig completed. Return to base!"

Malabar Coast

Palace
Obvious exits:
<S> South leads to Indian Ocean.
<N> North leads to Indian Subcontinent.

Up ahead, the minarets of the Maharaja's palace gleam in the sun.

Tempest transforms into her CF-18 Hornet Jet mode.

Starscream transforms into his Red-and-Silver F-15 mode.

Skywarp transforms into his Black F-15 mode.

Tempest pulls level with Starscream and asks, "So what's the battle plan?"

Slipstream holds back from Starscream, as he isn't as fast as the jets.

Starscream hmmms as if thinking, "When we are in sight of the palace, transform and attack!" He is speaking loud enough for the others to hear, "I want us to be in the Maharaja's palace when the bots arrive to give us a tactical advantge."

Tempest says, "We're a diversion ... so we just cause as much chaos as possible?"

Slipstream says, "Do you want damage to the solar panels, or leave them active?"

Reflector rolls his eyes. If they damage the solar panels, then how can they get the energon?

"Of course not. We are to apper as if this is a normal raid." The red and silver F-15 says, "Who knows, we might even be able to get some energy. Leave them active, who knows what we can use to our advantge."

Tempest says, "We should trash everything..." She bites off as Starscream speaks. "Or not," she mutters.

The Maharaja's palace is almost below them.

Tempest begins to dive downward, though she waits for Starscream to lead them in.

Slipstream thinks about what Bots they should expect to show up... And how to best counteract them.

Slipstream follows, his sensors on maximum for potential obstacles.

Reflector follows the group, straining his antigravs to keep up.

Starscream calls out when he makes out the palace, "Decepticons, attack!" And with that he flies down towards the ground looking for any signs of resistance.

The handful of human guards scatter as the jets and other Decepticons arrive.

Slipstream opens fire with his laser cannon set to minimal power levels, so as to not damage anything that could help them later, and intending more to scatter than to injure.

Tempest raises her lasers and blasts a hole in the wall of the Maharaja's control room, laughing as debris flies!

Reflector transforms into his Camera mode.

Skywarp spins in the air, his form spinning and transforming back into his robotic mode. "I hear the Maharajah is holdin' an open house!"

Skywarp transforms into his Robot mode.!

Reflector warns his fellow Decepticos and fires a bright pulse to stun any humans!

Reflector transforms into his Robot mode.

The startled Maharaja looks up as his wall disintigrates! "Decepticons!" he cries, opening a channel to the Ark.

Parts shift, and the jets become the legs, while the arms pop out of the sides, and the cockpit folds down to become the torso, and Slipstream's head pops out.

Tempest transforms into her Robot mode.

Starscream transforms into his Robot mode.

Tempest unhooks her longblades, looking around for a potential target ... and sends a blue sword lancing into the nearest computer console.

Slipstream lets the human get off a message, and quickly moves to secure the facilities necessary for energon production...

The somewhat stunned Maharaja opens a call to Autobot headquarters, sending out the SOS....

Tempest's main concern is destruction ... she begins picking off targets around the room with her lasers - as best she can. Her shooting aim is horrible, but as she practices, there is some improvement ... and of course, mass chaos both from the shots that hit and those that don't.

Starscream looks about the area and says, "This is almost too easy. Reflector keep your optics open for signs of the Autobots." And once he is sure the message has gotten out, he reaches out to grab the guy with the odd hat.

Reflector says, "Affirmative, Starscream."

Reflector transforms into his Camera mode.

Reflector puts himself up on a panel where he can keep an optic peeled for approaching Autobots.

Starscream never gets his chance ... a force field plucks the Maharaja away, straight into the hands of ... Optimus Prime.

Sunstreaker and Wheeljack are right behind Prime.

Sunstreaker wastes no time in opening fire on the Decepticons, with Wheeljack right behind him. Prime lets the Maharaja go outside safely , and then returns to fight. "Give it up, Decepticons!"

Reflector radios his fellow Decepticons, and then flashes the Autobots with a bright pulse to blind them.

Skywarp scowls at Sunstreaker. "Oh look, it's goldenrod come to save the day. I think maybe we should chip his paint!"

Starscream curses, "We're not here to frolic! Get rid of them." He points at the Autobots, leading his troops into battle.

Tempest is already trying to do just that, lancing out at Sunstreaker with her blades. "Hey!" the Autobot protests. "You'll scratch the finish!"

Skywarp raises his right arm and takes aim at Mr. Vanity.

Slipstream decides that he'd better get moving. He hurls a flash grenade at the Autobots, calculating how to prevent it from harming his comrades.

Reflector transforms into his Robot mode.

All three Reflectors leap on Wheeljack, intending to prevent him from aiding his comrades.

Optimus Prime levels his black cannon at Starscream and Skywarp!

Wheeljack manages to throw off Reflector, but he is too busy scrambling around to aid his comrades.

Trailbreaker tries to tackle Tempest from behind. The yellow Seeker hears his approach and elbows him in the gut, then brings her swords around...

Tempest cuts a deep gash in Trailbreaker's armour!

Starscream sees the cannon pointed at him and tries to find some cover, "You fools! Hold them back!" He fires off some shots towards the bot leader, hoping for the glory of his death.

Slipstream decides that sometimes, the best action is the unexpected one, and he covers his leader by hurling a combo of flash and explosive grenades at Prime!

Prime notices the grenade-happy Decepticon throwing explosives at him, and calmly blows them out of the air. But for a few precious seconds his attention is diverted away from Starscream...

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Soundwave to Megatron: test subject aquired. We are returning to base."

<Earth> Megatron says, "That means the Autobots have been successfully diverted."

Prime turns his attention to the small Decepticon who escaped his forces just a short time ago, and opens fire with his laser rifle.

Skywarp takes a few steps forward, raising his weapon again, this time towards the Autobot leader. "Let's take 'im down!"

<Earth> Megatron says, "Decepticons, operation guinea pig completed. Return to base!"

Tempest lashes out at Trailbreaker, ready to go in for the killing blow, but Sunstreaker blasts her in the ribs and she goes flying....

Skywarp shoots off a volley of laser fire, hitting Optimus Prime in the side "That's it, Starscream ... let's get outta here!"

Slipstream is nailed by Prime's blast, his armor smoking. He falls to the ground, the damage compounded by what he received yesterday that wasn't repaired. He shrugs it off and opens fire at Prime with his ion blaster.

Prime winces where Skywarp's blast hits, but fires back anyway at Slipstream, and then the other Cons.

Tempest glares at Slipstream. "RETREAT!" she says, crawling onto her hands and knees.

Tempest transforms into her CF-18 Hornet Jet mode.

Starscream fires more shots towards the bots, trying to hold them back and do as much damage to them as he can. He hears the signal and says, "Follow me!" He leaps to the sky and transforms and flies away.

Slipstream nods, and throws a flash grenade at the Autobots to cover the withdrawal.

Tempest waits to make sure Slips is gone before leaving herself.

A bright flash fills the area, covering the Decepticons as they escape.

The head folds down, while the torso comes out to form the body of the spy plane, and the wings fold out, and his legs fold together to become the engine.

Skywarp jumps to the air, his wings spinning as he folds into his jet form. "Have a nice day, Optimus!"

Slipstream rockets out of the area, having learned his lesson from his last time.

Skywarp transforms into his Black F-15 mode.

Reflector adds his flash pulse to Slipstream's grenade, and the area is copmletely covered in a bright glow. The Autobots are too busy shiedling their optics to fire at the retreating Cons.

Engine Room

Tempest [Robot]
Skywarp [Robot]
Chasm [Dragon]
Dr. Archeville
Megatron [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<D> Down leads to Brig.
<N> North leads to Training Complex.
<T> Tower leads to Conning Tower.

Slipstream arrives from Conning Tower.

Reflector arrives from Training Complex.

Chasm drops Sparkplug on the ground. The human sprawls there, clutching at his shoulders. "What is this, a freaking parade? Listen, whatever you're up to, Prime will stop it!"

Soundwave steps out of the lift too, everyone having converged at about the same time, and opens his tape compartment for the others to leave.

Ruse has arrived.

Megatron chuckles. "Chasm, were are your manners. Our guest needs a seat!" Kicks a strange kind of seat in Sparkplug's direction, urges him to sit.

With the sound of metal shifting the black and gold datacartridge folds out into Ruse, her weapons appearing from subspace.

Chasm drops to the ground behind Sparkplug and pokes the human into the seat.

Slipstream's chest looks like he took a hit from something, but it's relatively minor (after he spent a few minutes quickly welding a new armor plate into place, the internals will have to wait until later).

Ruse lands in front of Soundwave and moves to the side so the others can eject and land if need be.

Starscream arrives from Conning Tower.

Dr. Archeville lunges forward and snatches hold of Sparkplug's shoulders. "Don't go away! I have something that will interest you!" A steel band slides around Sparkplug, locking him firmly into the seat.

Skywarp smiles to Starscream as they enter the room. "I think Megatron's plan was brilliant!"

Divefire arrives from Conning Tower.

CatsCradle arrives from Conning Tower.

Starscream scoffs, "It was a complete waste of energon."

Tempest shoots Starscream a dirty look but keeps quiet.

Skywarp scowls suddenly, and quips back ... yup, that one liner that we love so much, "You waste more energy with your mouth!"

Tempest can't help laughing!

Dr. Archeville extracts another one of those square little chips from the metal portion of his forearm, and holds it up admiringly for a moment.

Starscream scowls at Skywarp and can't think of anyhing to say so he reaches out and tries to jostle him around for some reason.

Soundwave has seen these events between Starscream and Skywarp so many times that he barely seems to take note of it.

Megatron says, "Silence! Control yourselves!"

Divefire walks in a few moments after every one else, with Cats by his side, he does a quick head count and notes with some interest that a human is present.

Skywarp jostles Starscream back, until Megatron tells him not too, and then he just gives the air commander one of those looks that says "Go ahead ... do it. I'll tell dad!"

Tempest sidesteps the two quarelling flyers and takes a seat. There's a scorch mark across what would be the ribs of a human, but the damage is purely cosmetic.

Dr. Archeville places the hynochip behind Sparkplug's right ear, and grins. "Now for the test." Bringing out a small handheld computer unit from one of his lab coat pockets, he flips a switch. A high-pitched humming sound is heard for a moment, and Sparkplug struggles briefly against his restraint - then goes instantly calm.

Ruse smirks somewhat. She has a seat on one of the coolent pipes leading about the engines and watches.

Starscream glares at having been told to control himself and gives Skywarp a look of controled rage.

CatsCradle glances at Divefire with a do-you-know-whats'-going-on expression.

Megatron warns the doctor, "It had better function, or you will cease to function."

Divefire glances back to Cats and simply shrugs, he hasn't a clue since no one's informed him of anything.

Dr. Archeville looks at Megatron. "I have worked too diligently to fail now, Megatron. Watch!" He touches a control on the chair and the metal band slides away, though Sparkplug makes no attempt to escape. He's just sitting there with a blank look on his face.

Tempest winces ... the look in her optics saying that she'd rather not be watching this ... the stiffness of her form saying that she refuses to ask to leave or admit her discomfort.

Dr. Archeville says, "My hypno-chip has the power to override the will of the individual. I and I alone control the actions of my slaves."

Megatron says, "The first of a new breed. A breed of slaves!"

CatsCradle nods slightly to Divefire , with an oh-well expression and settles back to watch.

Divefire folds his arms across his chest, watching this test with a somewhat morbid curiosity. "Mind control?" he questions under his breath.

Tempest looks up at Divefire as if grateful for the distraction and nods. "He can control the humans -- break their will and make them slaves."

Dr. Archeville seems pleased, although there hasn't been a conclusive test of just how well Sparkplug is under control yet.

Slipstream isn't very comfortable with that idea, given the number of times that something quite similiar to that has happened to him.

Sparkplug continues to just sit there, no longer protesting.

Reflector doesn't quite like it either, but he will go along with Megatron. If there was a way to extend it to Transformers, and the Autobots could be controlled...

Divefire frowns back to Tempest, though it's not directed at her. "Oh." he states simply, although he doesn't look too pleased.

Starscream hmms and just watches, silent and not commenting.

Tempest seems somewhat uneasy herself ... and then forces herself to look at Sparkplug, wiping all emotion off her face.

Skywarp too watches, customarily quiet. Everyone once and again he shoots Starscream an "I told you so, putz" look.

Ruse says, "Are we sure the Autobots won't attack this human just because we control it? After all, they claim lots of high morals but often break them when it's convenient."

Megatron adresses Archeville, "Now, give me a Demonstration!"

Dr. Archeville says, "Present me with an object for him to attack, and he shall do so, Megatron."

Slipstream is VERY uncomfortable with this kind of thing. He's had enough people tinkering around in his head, and enough problems from said tinkering, to not want anything to do with it. But, Megatron is his leader, and he will follow his leader's wishes.

Starscream perks up and watches the proceedings. "Hmmmmm," is all he says, trying to judge the potential.

Megatron opens a the door of a small chamber. Something that looks much like Optimus Prime appears behind it. "We shall test your theory, doctor. Sparkplug, say hello to your friend."

Dr. Archeville grins. "Sparkplug - deal with him."

Starscream gasps when he sees the other, "Uhhhh Prime," he whispers to the others "Prepare to attack."

Megatron laughs at Starscream. "Relax, you panic monger! This is merely a model of our enemy!"

Sparkplug without hesitation leaps up out of the chair, launching himself at the big model robot - which apparently is made of some very light substance, since it falls right over.

Divefire backsteps to lean against a convenient wall, looking to Cats to see what she's thinking of all of this.

Slipstream doesn't budge an inch. From somewhere, he's pulled out a mop, and goes to clean up the remains of the faux Autobot leader.

Skywarp smirks. "Starscream you moron, how do you think Optimus would have gotten in here?"

Starscream frowns, "With the incompetance around here I wouldn't be surprised."

Sparkplug stops dead-still as soon as the Prime-model has been sent sprawling.

Tempest watches Starscream and Skywarp and mutters to Ruse, "Yep, just like home..."

Skywarp says, "You shouldn't talk about yourself that way, Starscream. There's already plenty of us around who can do that for you."

CatsCradle glances at Divefire and shrugs.

Soundwave simply listens calmly, not at all bothered by the sniping. He does find it rather interesting, the way the human can be directed toward a useful task.

Megatron says, "Excellent, Doctor, your hypno chip will provide me with the means to conquer Earth and the Autobots once and for all."

Dr. Archeville says, "As I promised, Megatron."

Starscream resists the urge to get in a shoving match with Skywarp again. He instead pretends not to have heard the other seeker's comment.

Ruse snickers softly and mutters to Tempest, "You know sometimes I wonder if Rumble is at least a little more mature than them?"

Tempest says to Ruse, "Foolishness ... if they're going to fight, they should fight to kill ... perhaps, since Megatron would not allow that, they compensate this way?"

Slipstream plans to go do a few quick repairs as soon as his cleanup shift is over. He has enough spare parts to do the job. That's the last time that he tries to tangle with Prime to cover anyone.

Soundwave muses almost to himself, "An army of these creatures, all under control - that might well be a useful deterrent to the Autobots."

Slipstream really doesn't like this idea.

Tempest nods. "An adversary the Autobots cannot fight back against."

Ruse reminds Tempest, "Not all fights are to the death, some are to train, improve yourself and the other... mentally and physically."

Divefire looks to Soundwave with an almost disbelieving look. "You're going to enslave a population of 6 billion?"

Soundwave seems to have no qualms about the notion at all. These humans have made their choice and picked their side in the conflict, now they reap the results.

Soundwave says, "I doubt that will be necessary, Divefire. Merely enough to serve our purpose."

Tempest laughs a little coldly. "We can kill the rest...?"

Divefire looks to Tempest and states simply. "No."

Dr. Archeville gives Tempest an indignant look. "I do intend to have subjects left to rule!"

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Shockwave to Megatron. Come in Megatron."

Soundwave listens intently. "I am detecting long-range communication attempts from Cybertron, Megatron. Shockwave is trying to get through on the subspace channel."

Megatron looks down at Sparkplug. He IS very content with having especially THIS human under their control.

Tempest scowls at Divefire, and the Doctor ... and nods, seeming a little disgruntled. "Feh. A planet of slavery. No substitute for purging fire..."

Slipstream doesn't really care about what happens to the humans, it's just that the idea of messing with someone's mind on that large a scale makes him feel rather uncomfortable.

Megatron says, "Open the channel, Soundwave."

Starscream makes a note to keep an eye on Tempest. He leans agaist a wall and listens in on the communications.

Tempest looks at the Doctor. "Still, it's not my planet ... it can be your problem."

Ruse says, "Why waste the fuel anyway Tempest in mindless slaughter?"

<LongRange> Soundwave says, "Earthbase to Cybertron - Shockwave, can you repeat?"

CatsCradle's expression remains mild, but she gives Divefire another glance and there is a momentary flicker of concern in her optics.

Dr. Archeville regards the motionless Sparkplug with a sense of triumph.

Divefire looks back to Soundwave as if to reply to him, but noting he's busy he turns back to regard the ever freindly Tempest. "Especaily when a work force of loyal Decepticon citizens would be of far greater value."

Tempest glances back at Ruse. "Survivors have a nasty habit of seeking revenge ... there's no enemy worse than a survivor ... than the one that gets away."

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Greetings Soundwave. I have the report for Megatron he asked me to make."

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Report Shockwave."

Soundwave steps over toward a distant corner of the room so his side of the radio conversation won't be easily overheard.

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Everything is in readiness Megatron."

Tempest glances at Divefire. "In my opinion slavery is ... messy ... and you always have to watch your back, just in case one has a little more fire than you think...."

Skywarp hmmmms. "I like it. Get them to do the work for us. Just think of how much fun we can have while they're doing the dirty work."

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Are you sure the new spacebridge will be large enough to transport its special cargo?"

Divefire glances a look to Cats as he converses with Tempest. "I'm not talking about slavery. I've noticed a lot of humans have a similar atitude to the Empire."

Dr. Archeville seems to still be gloating over his success, but he is listening to the conversations going on, in particular to what's being said on this side of things in the conversation with Cybertron. He has no idea what the topic is, of course, but his active mind is absorbing everything.

Starscream hmmmms and is trying to listen in on two conversations at the same time.

Slipstream thinks, so he did guess right!

Ruse pokes at Tempest, "Hey, I am a survivor..."

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Affirmative. But, delivering the cargo will use up all our remaining energon cubes."

Tempest grins coldly back at Ruse. "As am I. And don't you think we're rather unpleasant for enemies to face? And would you like to face in battle, another one such as yourself?"

Ruse hmms, taken back as that thought didn't cross her mind until now and she murmers honestly in respect, "Good point... but you forget these humans will be under the doctor's control. There will be no problems."

Dr. Archeville nods to Ruse. "I can assure you, they will be fully under my control."

<LongRange> Megatron says, "We will worry about that later."

Divefire mutters. "Wonderful."

Tempest takes out one of her blades, twirls it. "Someone else said that once ... and was dead wrong ... and was also dead, shortly after." She flicks at one of the spires on her helmet.

Slipstream goes back and slowly starts dragging the Prime unit out to the recycling bin where it can be reprocessed into something useful.

Dr. Archeville finally can't contain his curiousity anymore and turns to Megatron. "What's all this about a special cargo?" he asks.

<Cybertron> Shockwave says, "Decepticons, report status."

<Cybertron> Thunderwing says, "Valckasta is as secure as it will be, given what lies ahead."

<Cybertron> Diktat says, "In The Grinder, supervising preparation for the jump. All drills have been run. As secure as it's possible to be."

Starscream is about to ask something but suddenly stops when his question comes from the human.

Megatron turns to the Doctor. "That's not your affair. It shall be yours when we are through with it. That's all you have to know now."

Dr. Archeville regards the still-motionless Sparkplug. "I will need more subjects if you want an army of slaves, Megatron."

Skywarp says, "You think you can find the little fleshy with the wheels? He's reeaaallly annoying."

Starscream hmms and says, "I am sure that when we next raid for energy we can take a few humans along with the energon cubes."

Megatron says, "You will get your raw material, be patient."

Divefire mutters audibly, "Kidnaping? That's something I never thought we'd do..."

Tempest glances at Divefire. "A messy business ... but occasionally profitable."

Soundwave observes, "We also have some building to do. It seems our troops will be busy in the next days."

Slipstream has some building to do of his own.

Starscream nods in agreement with Tempest, "Taking a few worthless humans can't be considerd kidnapping. They are almost beneath our notice."

Skywarp says, "Lesser beings, that doesn't count."

Dr. Archeville grumbles, "Well. Some are lesser than others, of course."

Dr. Archeville says, "If you have laboratory facilities in which I can work, I will put this slave in safe storage and make others for you."

Slipstream says, "Sir, I need to get back to my cleaning duties if I'm going to keep on schedule."

Megatron says, "Of course we have. You can use our science section."

Dr. Archeville nods. "I'm sure I'll find it." (The opportunity to poke through the base, perhaps?) He commands Sparkplug, "Follow me, slave."

Starscream sneers and says, "I think he is talking to the human Slipstream. You don't have to follow him."

Megatron says, "Reflector will be glad to accompany you, doctor."

Dr. Archeville looks for a moment almost annoyed, but realizes he's here at the good graces of the Decepticons and is really in no position to argue. After all, he's got a chance to do his work now, at long last.

Reflector nods to the Doctor, and prepares to escort him to the Science labs.

Dr. Archeville waits to follow along with Reflector.

Reflector enters Training Complex <<N> North>.
Reflector has left.

Dr. Archeville enters Training Complex <<N> North>.
Dr. Archeville has left.

Ruse has been silent all this time... thinking.

Slipstream moves to go start recleaning the base again.

Slipstream enters Training Complex <<N> North>.
Slipstream has left.

CatsCradle watches the humans and Reflector leave . She has kept her comments to herself this whole time, concentrating on the different coversations going by. She gives Divefire another glance and shrugs.

Ruse says, "Do we have any energon currently in storage at the desert base?"

Soundwave watches their guest leave, looking thoughtful for a moment, then his attention is drawn back to Ruse. "Affirmative, Ruse. Our new team-mates have been guarding it. They can perhaps be of assistance in building the pylons."

Divefire looks to Cats and shrugs again, looking slightly bewilderd by everything that's going on.

Ruse nods, "Megatron said something about it taking all the energon they had on Cybertron to send whatever it is over. Might I suggest we send all the energon we can spare there so our comrades won't starve for fuel after the shipment?"

Starscream looks at Soundwave and asks, "You are suggesting we try to trust those bozos, do you? Think of the havoc that would cause. The mayhem!" He shakes his head and says, "Using those fools to build is illogical."

Soundwave says calmly, "Under proper supervison, of course. If we do not give them a slowly increasing amount of responsibility, we will never know to what extent we can rely upon them."

Ruse says, "Soundwave? How about it... I could, and it would free our freinds from guard duty so we can all work on the project."

Soundwave's optic band brightens a little in a smile. "You are determined to find an excuse to visit Cybertron again soon, Ruse."

Megatron had withdrawn from the main group to work on the computer terminal. He is busily working on an organisation plan for the building of the pylons.

An image of the three pylons is visible on the screen.

Ruse would be blushing if she was human, as it is her optics brighten a bit, "Yes, I have a project there I want to check on, and also want to know more about that creation factory guard that wanderd into the city."

Starscream stops paying attention and decides to go check on something.

Soundwave says, "The decision is Megatron's, though I am sure Cybertron would appreciate the added energon as they prepare for the transport."

Science Section

Reflector [Robot]

Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Equipment Storage.
<E> East leads to Training Complex.

Reflector says, "This is the science section of our base. It should contain everything that you need to create the Hypno Chip, and all of the equipment necessary for your experiments."

Dr. Archeville directs Sparkplug, "Here, sit in the corner, slave, and don't get in my way." He then looks around with great interest. "Fascinating. Most fascinating. And you-" he peers at Reflector with undisguised curiousity, noting how the three bodies always speak in synchrony. "Do you have a name?"

Reflector says, "I am Reflector. I am one mind contained within three bodies."

Dr. Archeville says, "Interesting. I knew it, I knew your species held great potential."

Reflector says, "Yes. Is there anything else that you require, Doctor?"

Dr. Archeville almost reluctantly turns his attention away and starts looking around for equipment he can recognize and use. He smiles as he starts deducing the functions of some of the tools available here. "Not at the moment, Reflector, but I will summon you if I should require assistance."

Reflector says, "Very well, Doctor. Success!"

Reflector enters Training Complex <<E> East>.

Reflector has left.