The Intergalactic Highway

Dinobot caught Primal just as he was about to exit the bridge.

"And what, exactly, should I be doing inside this ship while the rest of you are away?" Dinobot inquired discontentedly.

He would not normally have jumped at a mission like this- energon mining was tedious- but this time, the threat of Predacon interference was a guarantee. One didn't even need to know Megatron as well as Dinobot did to make that conclusion.

* * *

Once Glowstick opened the front of the Leviathan, Steelclaw walked up the ramp and made his way to the bridge. Once there, he got to the second seat, which seemed to have all the markings of a gunner's chair.

There seemed to be a great many controls arrayed to his side, and while many seemed familiar to him, he had to confess a bit of unfamiliarity with the rest. Shrugging his shoulders and pressing a green button at the end of the right chair-arm, a targeting grid came up on the front screen display of the outside world.

"Hmm..." he remarked to himself, "hello..." Putting his hand around a nearby throttle, he moved it, and the virtual grid moved with him.

Outside the open hangar door, sunlight was just starting to pour in from the east. About a quarter of a mile away, Steelclaw saw a bird alight on the branch of what looked like a maple tree. He casually moved the grid over the base of tree's trunk before firing.

Hardly a moment later, the trunk erupted in a mass of quasar fire, and the tree promptly fell over. The bird, though Steelclaw could not hear it, squawked in fearful surprise and flew off.

"Glowstick- I think the quasar gun works."

((OOC: Sorry, I was typing when Blazemane posted for Dinobot. OP can answer the question before regarding my Orcariner post below.))

starshadow wrote:"Okay...here's my plan. Snowtrix and Frilla will be in Scorponok's team. Glowstick, you, Steelclaw and Tarantulas will do the mining while I wreck their equipment and reduce the amount of energon they've mined." she sat on the transport, waiting for an answer.

Scorponok gritted his teeth, "I shall assign the teams! I am second-in-command!"

As often as many forget, Scorponok did hold the rank of 1st Lieutenant, although more often than not it was by name only. He felt that he had to boast this to everyone who told him what to do or even offered a suggestion. He worked hard to please Megatron and it would severely damage his ego should someone usurp his position in the Predacon hierarchy.

"Steelclaw and I shall perform recon duty while the rest of you workers will mine the energon! The two of us already have more firepower than the rest of the Predacons combined, uh, except for Lord Megatron, of course. Uh, uh, don't give me that look. Do as I command!"

He quickly stormed past the line of Predacons and proceeded towards the Leviathan. Should this mission turn out to be a success, Megatron will finally forget about that lousy Dinobot and Scorponok will be cemented as the true right hand of Megatron.

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Watching the additional three Maximals enter the hanger bay, Orcariner added their names to his briefing and quickly did a tally.

- Cheetor
- Feralnight
- Icebreaker
- Optimus Primal
- Orcariner
- Rattrap
- Wintersong

Having not expected a team of this size, especially with the low initial count, Orcariner cleared his throat as he attempted to draft a new briefing in his processor. Icebreaker's unanswered question was still valid and he tried to answer it with his speech. Now that Primal was present, the large Maximal would have to not only provide a logical mission plan, but also orate it in an impressive manner for the crew's captain.

"Thank you all for coming," he began, feeling a bit generic, "Your cooperation is much appreciated and with a team of this size, I am confident that we will perform with maximum efficiency today. Um, we all are aware of the situation and our objectives so, uh, I will go ahead and skip right ahead to the assignments."

Orcariner noticed that his optics continuously shifted towards Optimus, trying to get a read off his facial expression to see if the killer whale was doing a good enough job with the briefing. It was his first time organizing a team mission so he was understandably nervous. He cleared his throat again and straightened his back.

"Optimus Primal, Rattrap, Wintersong, and I will stay in close proximity with the Nomad. Icebreaker, Optimus, and I will take up mining the energon. Due to the radiation in the field, Icebreaker and I will have to rest in the transport every few cycles so we will be alternating shifts. Rattrap and Wintersong will alternate shifts in which one will be manning the drilling machine while the other will stay in the vehicle's bridge. The bridge worker will be keeping watch over the radar and communications console, as well as control the automated defense turret. Cheetor, and Feralnight will engage in recon duties. Both of you should be able to perform these duties in beast mode, which would also help you stay under the radar should the Predacons arrive. Should we be alerted of a Predacon attack, Optimus Primal will leave to aid the recon team in engaging the enemy. The bridge worker and I will defend the Nomand while the drill worker and Icebreaker will continue to farm up the energon."

Orcariner glanced at each of his teammates once more.

"If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Should the Predacons attack, we will be kicking it into high gear. It's a field of energon out there and our transport can only hold up to 3 tons of energon. There will be quite a bit left over, but 3 tons is more than enough to keep us going for a very long time. I'm all for sharing and caring, but coexistence with the Predacons won't happen as long as the Beast Wars continue. Whatever energon that isn't mined will have to be destroyed."

Glowstick turned his head as he heard the fire from the Leviathan's main guns, he then heard Steelclaw on the radio, leaving his microphone on. I see. Good to know. as Scorponok spoke up it was also broadcasted so Steelclaw could hear. He then turned his radio off with a slight sigh. Okay then.. Well star, don't take it too badly.. Though your plan had merit, I'd say it's main flaws are you don't know your own strengths nor the strengths of the people you assigned. His plan.. well, lets just say I'm really hoping that energy shielding holds out on the Leviathan..

He then floated into the air heading inside of the Leviathan, floating past Scorponok and up the stairway to the second level. He then floated into the bridge, softly landing in the pilot seat. He flipped a row of switches as the rest of the bridge started to light up and a large monitor slid down with an outside few of the ship while the holographic display enclosed around the control part of the bridge. Outside of the Leviathan, purple light was seen glowing along edges of the ship as it silently started to float a few inches from the ground.

Glowstick looked over a few different control readouts displaying fuel, temperature, power output to the engines and buoyancy systems. Everything is looking all Green status wise.. No sign of Tarantulus so I guess we'll have to go without him, but I think we might try to radio Sonar again.

____________________

Icebreaker smirked hearing about the energon being destroyed Sounds like we're going to have a heck of a bang then. he then walked towards the Nomad to step inside.

Wintersong blinked looking over as the three arrived then again turned her attention to Ocarnier as he started the briefing, nodding when she heard what her job was.The only thing concerning her was that they could do this without risking being blown to bits, whether it be by Predacon weapons or the energon being hit by a stray shot. Looking at the craft she hoped it would last against enemy fire if it ended up being a large number too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I like Starshadow's idea any day." Snow Trix said but knew it was not likely going to happen, which was a pity. And it seemed Scorponok didn't take kindly to the idea nor a few others so she merely shrugged and boarded the Levianthan without another word.

As Saber entered the Control Room she heard Optimus talking about an energon mining job. She wasn't very interested in that, right now she just wanting to take a nap. Rolling her shoulders she headed for her quarters hoping that she wouldn't stopped by any of the Maximals.

* * *

Sonar tossed a vile in the trash before going into his beast form and heading for the Darkside.

What could Megatron possibly want with me? He wondered as the Darksyde came into view several minutes later.

"My apologies for being late." He said to the PRedicons were getting ready for the mission.

"I shall assign the teams! I am second-in-command!"

Starshadow chuckled and shook her head. "This is why I love angry and annoyed boys.." she licked her fangs.

"Steelclaw and I shall perform recon duty while the rest of you workers will mine the energon! The two of us already have more firepower than the rest of the Predacons combined, uh, except for Lord Megatron, of course. Uh, uh, don't give me that look. Do as I command!"

Rest of you workers....WORKERS?! Pfffftt!! That sounds a little too...ugh..never mind. But it's true..in a way. she thought as she unsheathed her claws.

Okay then.. Well star, don't take it too badly.. Though your plan had merit, I'd say it's main flaws are you don't know your own strengths nor the strengths of the people you assigned. His plan.. well, lets just say I'm really hoping that energy shielding holds out on the Leviathan..

It was the second-in-command's plan afterall, of course everyone has to obey.

"My apologies for being late."

"Sonar honey~ You're tagging along..?" Starshadow asked as her ears went back.

(( OOC: Thank you, Blazemane. ))

"And what, exactly, should I be doing inside this ship while the rest of you are away?"

Optimus stopped in his tracks right when Dinobot appeared but motioned Feral and Rattrap to keep going. "The Predacons might split up into two teams and attack the base while we're gone, just like they've done so in the past. I need you here, Dinobot." Out of the corner of his optic, he noticed Saber-Fang try to sneak by. As much as he wanted to pry, he let her go without saying a word, saving it as something to deal with later. Right now they needed to get moving. As he turned away from the the raptor and began walking away, he added without looking back, "Our defenses always need upgrading," ending the conversation. He knew sticking Dinobot at the base wasn't the ideal function for the warrior, but where they were going was no place for someone to lose their footing and start firing. Not that Dinobot was careless or had a trigger finger, but sometimes he had a short fuse, especially if Megatron was around. In any case, Optimus was sure they had more than enough to help with this mission. The Nomad might even be a little crowded with as many of those who were going. If any Predacons wanted to attack the Axalon, he knew it would be in good hands with both Rhinox and Dinobot.

"And what, exactly, should I be doing inside this ship while the rest of you are away?"

Walking past the monkey and the dinosaur, Rattrap leaned over to Feralnight and said, "Maybe he should read a book." He grinned at his own joke until something crossed his mind. "On second thought, Chopper Face can take my place on this mission." Orcariner and his big mouth, he thought.

"Thank you all for coming," "Your cooperation is much appreciated and with a team of this size, I am confident that we will perform with maximum efficiency today. Um, we all are aware of the situation and our objectives so, uh, I will go ahead and skip right ahead to the assignments."

Primal showed up right after Feralnight and Rattrap and stood beside them, examining the Nomad with his optic sensors, impressed with what they had made out of what little they had to spare. His gaze settled upon Orcariner when he started to speak. He gave a light smile and a nod when the whale paused, offering him encouragement and confidence.

"Optimus Primal, Rattrap, Wintersong, and I will stay in close proximity with the Nomad. Icebreaker, Optimus, and I will take up mining the energon. Should we be alerted of a Predacon attack, Optimus Primal will leave to aid the recon team in engaging the enemy.

The Maximal leader nodded in agreement.

Rattrap and Wintersong will alternate shifts in which one will be manning the drilling machine while the other will stay in the vehicle's bridge.

"Hookin' up with the tigress, eh?" the rodent said to no one in particular. He looked in Wintersong's direction for a moment. "Oughtta be fun."

"If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

"I gotta question," Rattrap spoke up, waving his arm in the air. "Yeah, uh, do we get a complimentary meal on this ride, er what?" he joked.

I'm all for sharing and caring, but coexistence with the Predacons won't happen as long as the Beast Wars continue. Whatever energon that isn't mined will have to be destroyed."

Sounds like we're going to have a heck of a bang then.

"All right! Now you're talkin' my language." The demolition expert deviously rubbed his hands together, imagining setting his demolition charges around the area and blowing it to pieces. And that included blowing the Predacons to pieces as well. "Hah!" he smirked out loud.

"All right, everyone, let's move out," Optimus ordered as he walked on up to the Nomad. "Nice job, Orcariner," he reinforced him. Rattrap followed on in after Icebreaker.

-----

Upon reaching his destination, Tigatron stopped and looked on in wonder at ground zero. There were blue crystals everywhere, large and small, shimmering in the sunlight. So this was raw energon. It was remarkable those meteors hadn't ignited any of it when they uncovered the large energy source. But it wasn't only meteors that had fallen. They were accompanied by another in disguise. There was no evidence of it now, and Tigatron was unaware that he was not alone.

He didn't know if he could reach the Maximals as far away as he was, and surrounded by so much energon interference, but the white tiger attempted to communicate with them anyway, on a secure transmission. "Tigatron to Base. Do you read me, fellow Maximals?"

"Hookin' up with the tigress, eh?" the rodent said to no one in particular. He looked in Wintersong's direction for a moment. "Oughtta be fun."

Wintersong turned her gaze from the Nomad and to Rattrap, eyes narrowing at his words before she followed onto the craft. "Working with a garbage eater, every cat's dream." She said rolling her eyes just behind him, not really caring if he made a remark in reply. She just wanted to get to the energon deposit and prevent the Predacons from winning this war. As they came within the tigeress took a quick look around, "This is pretty impressive." She commented surprised it was even likely this thing had been made considering the so few supplies they likely had.

"Sonar honey~ You're tagging along..?"

Sonar looked at her but didn't say anything to her, he knew that he replied she would try to irritate him. Instead he turned his attention to Glowstick and Steelclaw.

"So, were are we going?"

The sooner we finish this waste of my time mission the better. Though running into the Maximals should be interesting. He thought with a small smile.

Feralnight glanced back at Dinobot curiously before hearing Rattrap's joke, but she decided to humor him and laughed a bit but really didn't see as that funny. Shrugging slightly she followed out to the hanger and listened to Ocarnier as he started the briefing and nodded at what she was being assigned to. "An aerial view and ground view could give us some advantage." She said under her breathe mainly to herself before boarding the shift, glancing over as Wintersong made a remark back to Rattrap. A cat and a rat working didn't seem satisfactory o them but she shrugged and went to looking around at the Nomad.

Orcariner smiled at his leader's feedback. He was the last to enter the bay of the Nomad and the team took note of a ladder that led to the second floor.

"The bridge and turret are located above. Due to my size, I am unable to go up there, but the rest of you should be fine. Who wants to pilot?"

Glowstick looked towards Sonar through the holographic display Well nice to see you came,We almost left without you. If Star gets on your nervs you can lock yourself in the quarters, it's the room behind this one in the hall with all the beds and guns..There's also a bucket in the corner of this and that room if you need to.. you know.

As for our destination.. The meteor storm of last night uncovered a deposit of energon. We're expecting company from the Maximals on this one as it happens to be right between the Maximal and our base.. Scorponok's plan appears to have the majority of us here, while Steelclaw and himself simply shoot at them. Maybe I can persuade him into taking a more tactical approach..

Glowstick then pushes a button on the console with one of his tentacles, the cargobay door sliding down, then pulling back locking in place once again. He then placed one of his limbs on the throttle control as the craft floated forward outside of the Darksyde, then pulled back on the stick while pushing forward on the throttle control more. The Leviathan floated skyward gaining altitude surprisingly quickly, then started to level off flying towards it's destination.

________________________________

Icebreaker looked towards the ladder. Then moved towards it, his flippers bending at the end as he climbed up the ladder, seeming to hop with his stubby legs while grabbing a new rung at each jump interchanging his flippers as he moved. At the top he stopped, then jumped backwards from the hatch landing on the floor, then looked around the room which appeared to provide rather ample seating. He waddled towards one of the seats hopping onto it, then continued to look over the area. He'd been there before helping Rhinox with constructing it, but it seemed he managed the finishing touches while Icebreaker was out on patrol last night.

____________________

Rhinox glanced as Saber sneaked away, but then became distracted by the computer. A horribly staticy gurgled noise came as a radio signal with clipping of Tigatron's voice. Rhinox pressed the button to the radio and attempted to respond This is Rhinox, is that you Tigatron?! I can barely make you out.

Rhinox assumed the issue was Energon interference, as usual on this blasted planet. He then activated his com link Rhinox to Optimus. I think Tigatron is trying to radio us, but I can't make it out. There's too much energon interference, can you monitor the radios while you're out? You might get the signal better on the Nomad.

Well nice to see you came,We almost left without you. If Star gets on your nervs you can lock yourself in the quarters, it's the room behind this one in the hall with all the beds and guns..There's also a bucket in the corner of this and that room if you need to.. you know.

Sonar ignored the urge to growl but his ears went slightly back at the mention of his sea sickeness.

"Thank you, but I doubt either of those will be much of a problem for me." Sonar said with a slight nod.

As for our destination.. The meteor storm of last night uncovered a deposit of energon. We're expecting company from the Maximals on this one as it happens to be right between the Maximal and our base.. Scorponok's plan appears to have the majority of us here, while Steelclaw and himself simply shoot at them. Maybe I can persuade him into taking a more tactical approach..

"That would be wise, I have a feeling that most of the energon there could be unstable and simply shooting at the Maximals could prove hazardous for us should our weapons miss our targets." Sonar replied.

Frilla came up to the control room of the Levianthan, still surprised by the modifications made and which had seemed in a short amount of time. "Glowstick, are we sure the defense systems will last long?" She asked knowing it was only basic stuff and might need a new program to be a bit stronger. besides the basic stuff she doubted the defense systems would handle heavy firing, last some that would be constant and heir best bet would have been for the Maixmals to not risk too much fire power wen they got to the deposit.

"That would be wise, I have a feeling that most of the energon there could be unstable and simply shooting at the Maximals could prove hazardous for us should our weapons miss our targets." Sonar replied.

"Silence!" screamed Scorponok, jumping around the corner at Sonar and Glowstick, "I will make the plans! I am in second-in-command!"

It just dawned to him that he stated that seconds ago. Nevertheless, he liked hearing it.

Scorponok continued, "Those who worry about missing are the ones who miss! That's why you're shoveling the energon with the rest of them. Do as I command!"

With that, he quickly stormed off to the bridge of the Leviathan. The lieutenant already missed Megatron's presence. Somehow, the Predacon leader was able to maintain compliance and obedience during missions. No one ever questioned him directly to his face. On the other hand, every time Scorponok was working with his own team, no one seemed to take him seriously. He was second-in-command! He had missiles... a drone bee... a venomous tail... and more missiles! This will be the time that everyone will obey Scorponok. Should someone step out of line, he will immediately write them up in his debriefing report. Then, Megatron will deal with the scumbags. Of course, no one will be stepping out of line since they will do as he commands! He was Scorponok: second-in-command!