The stark grey walls were a contrast to the brilliant-multicoloured wings of the Seeker battalion as they seated themselves around tables getting ready to fill their datapads with notes regarding the up coming mission. The battle room was diamond shaped, door in the centre back, with the edges coming in toward the middle. Instead of a point it had a flat bottom, where the Imager was installed, and display screens on either side, which were perched on a swivel. To the left and right of the swivel mounted monitors were white boards where tactical drawings could be drawn and displayed.
In front of the monitors the centre desk was raised on a dais with a couple seats for VIP's on either side. The Decepticon Insignia was displayed prominently on the front of the desk; It's edges chipping a little from age and wear from years of use within the room.
The room fell silent as the two Leading Seekers entered the Battle room. Air Commander Nightfall, and the Decepticon Wing Commander Starscream. Nightfall readied himself at the desk and nodded to his second. The red Seeker took out a laser disk and inserted it into the slot getting the information feed ready for the warriors. Starscream activated the Imager as Nightfall started to address the units before him.
“Our mission is to blow out the routes to the Autobots arms manufacturers,” Nightfall declared as he was standing in front of the multicoloured wings. Behind him an image was displayed on the large view screen at the front of the room. Starscream selected the file and then stood off the side scrutinising the image and all its details. “Ideally we are to capture and hold the Munitions plant and turn it to the Decepticon cause. Alternatively we blow it up - but this could put a significant crater into the surface of our world – which we don't really want. Starscream, if you will, please elaborate how we do this.”
Starscream nodded and stepped forward. “We need to cut off the re-enforcements to the Munitions plant, essentially we lay siege to it. However we must keep this siege short as they can continue to manufacture weapons while we are attacking. Their supply of weapons would be greater than ours - that is until they run short of raw materials or energy. We could, in essence keep at it, but the cost in lost life would be great for us.”
Nightfall flicked the screen changing it to a scene of a surface rail. The trains ran along their electric tracks loaded up with shipments of weapons coming out or materials coming in. Some of the trains were clearly passenger types from further afield just passing through the area on their way to Iacon or other great cities. Surface travel became quite precarious in during the war and most commuter travel was moved under the planet's surface for safety sake. However, it was not impossible for people to find themselves in the middle of a fire fight. This was unavoidable and was the hazard of war on a planet where most of the surface was taken up by cities. Nightfall froze the screen and Starscream stepped over to the display. He picked up a dry erase marker and circled a couple spots on the imager. The pen squeaked noisily. Starscream did not care, but a few of the warrior's wings twitched in irritation at the sound.
The marks were finally made in the spots now cleared of the previous trains. “We blow out the fuel routes, this rail line here is one of the primary targets. Not only does fuel come in on these great tankers, but also the supplies of raw materials and foodstuff.” He pointed out the tankers that were parked at the loading docks as well as a rail yard with loaded trains awaiting their connecting engine, just behind the munitions plant “Also this line here is from which all the weapons and supplies are sent to the major Autobot fronts. We wish to weaken their front lines by cutting off their supplies and finally bring our units to bear and wipe them out,” Starscream took another marker and scribbled out the line in three spots. “To do so, this yard, and these locations are the best spots to obliterate. The ground under it is weak and rebuilding the line could take a while.” Starscream rubbed his hands. “Once the plant is removed, we can focus on taking out their stock piles and warehouses.”
Nightfall ran the video again, the motion of the vehicles on roads were highlighted. Mostly civilian traffic as well as some military traffic mixed in. Again the display was frozen and Starscream faced the units once more.
“These routes here and here are primary roads for the transport of freight in and out of the facility. There is also a Pneumatic Tube Transit system that connects directly below the facility, this is not our fight, the grounders are also attempting to disable that to completely cut off the facility and isolate it removing the ability for the workforce and eliminating the chance for supplies to enter or exit this way. However we can blow out any connections near to the facility without really having to get under it.” The warrior units in the room sighed with relief. Very few enjoyed the notion of going underground to fight. Seekers were creatures of the sky and as such did not view underground combat as enjoyable in the least. They were fortunate that the mission's tactician, Starscream, was extremely claustrophobic and would avoid going underground whenever possible.
The screen zoomed in displaying the Munitions Facility. Starscream taped his fingers on his hip and glanced over the image. He nodded once more satisfied at the pause.
“These spots are the primary weapons systems defending the facility, they need to be removed by long range air to surface missiles. Disabling these first is prudent to protecting the attacking wings on their bombing runs.” He cocked his head studying some unfamiliar structures near to the front entrance of the facility. “I suggest blowing these things too. I am not sure what they are exactly...could be fortifications.” Starscream put the marker down and stepped back and sat down in his seat.
Nightfall would be taking over from here on in. The strategy was laid out and it was Starscream's plan. “We will be attacking the Munitions plant tomorrow just before dawn, while it is still dark. The Stealth Seekers will lead the assault and then neutralise the weapons. Starscream will follow in behind with bombers and escort wings 4, 5 and 7. I will be coming in from the west side, with Bomber and Escort Wings 3, 6 and 9. Grounders are to be attacking below ground with their units,” Nightfall gave out the orders. “Units are dismissed - meet here at 0400 hours and we'll launch our attack.”
Starscream sat quietly looking over the images on his datapad, he frowned as his fingertips ran along some structures. “I am still uneasy about these buildings. They were recent additions to the area and we have no intelligence on whether or not they are going to be a problem to our forces.”
Nightfall shook his head. “You over think things sometimes, Starscream. It is likely a small shanty town of refugees trying to move in closer to a potential employer. If you want to, we could add a detachment to wipe them out but then again, really, is it worth the energy spent to wipe out civilians in this matter?”
“Would it seem bad of me if I said, maybe we should, then?” the young Starscream replied. “I don't trust it.” The Seeker had become sceptical of things as the war went on. He understood far too well that things were not always what the seemed and felt that caution or even a scout to identify it it was a threat or not would be the best course of action, however he was not in command. He was just a flier, one of many.
“You're paranoid, Seeker. Go to the commons and enjoy yourself this evening. The other warriors will be there. Could be our last night alive!” Nightfall smiled brightly.
The young warrior glanced up at the other. It was a grim thought especially when one was full of foreboding. “That is what I am afraid of,” Starscream responded sourly. “Very well, I will indulge in some drink tonight, but not so much it dulls my wits.” Starscream stood up and tucked his datapad away. “I will see you at 0330 hours,” the Seeker exited the room. Nightfall turned to look at the structures the other had pointed out and pondered.
* * *
The commons was not an area that Starscream enjoyed going to often. He, in fact, avoided it.
Yet, he felt that he needed to make an appearance this evening just for moral sake. He disliked the crowding and the behaviour of the other warriors as they drunk themselves into silliness. They then arrived on the battlefield hungover. It rarely did the mission well, particularly the missions that were very early in the day. Had he been able to do it his way, he would have doubled the rations for the night of food and asked the warriors to refrain from indulgence.
Starscream made his way across the room and found himself a spot in a poorly illuminated corner. He wanted to remain alone and did not want others joining him; their jokes, their banter typically made him feel ill at ease.
He was not as social as many of his kind were, he did not find comfort in large groups. He only found comfort in numbers when flying, but that was typically due to the the improved chances of survival in combat. Conversely, he did not enjoy being totally alone. Like his kind, he did occasionally desire company; however, he preferred that company to be quiet. He did enjoy observing his warriors in an environment that they found relaxing and fun. He could learn more about those he oversaw in their relatively unrestricted behaviour.
In exceedingly rare instances he would join in with a card game or two with his wingmates, but Skywarp was already in the middle of a bet, heaps of credits piled around his place. At another table few heavily scarred veterans glanced up to meet the younger warrior's optic and gestured to their empty chair inviting him to indulge. “Care for a game, Silver snake?” the one hissed softly as his partner shuffled the deck.
Starscream frowned and shook his head, “Sorry, there is too much for me to think about – I really should not be here this evening of all evenings.” smiled slightly and tipped his head, “thanks for the offer though,” Inwardly he cringed at the nick name the other used; Silver Snake was a name given to him in his academy days. He preferred not to acknowledge the name, it had been used when he volunteered to fight other warriors in the pit. It was a typical way to settle differences or obtain supplies. He had managed to obtain some level of infamy as a result of his cunning, speed and guile he used. He may not have been the strongest, or heaviest warrior, but he learned fast how to use their strengths against them. Making himself seem much more vulnerable and forcing them to leave open a weak-spot he could attack with incredible speed. Much like a viper or “Silver snake”.
“Your loss,” the card playing warrior replied, and nodded to his partner to deal the deck.
Another aspect of the commons Starscream disliked was the music. It was a loud, heavy beat. Typically industrial instrumental, sometimes harsh vocals, screaming, wailing with nerve-rending screeching. He was unable to comprehend how anyone could function in the environment, let alone drink and call it “peace”. Often the beat of the music caused him to feel intensely aggressive and angry urges deep within, and other times it caused his head to ache incessantly. Usually leaving the commons was enough to remedy his symptoms. But if it was accompanied by rapidly changing light he could find himself feeling sick to his dual tanks.
And then there were the flimsy looking females. Some were Decepticon but most were slaves. Captured females of the Autobot faction or even Neutrals. They typically had many tasks while working under their Decepticon masters. Serving beverages, snacks, waxing surfaces or catering to the needs or whims of the warriors. Many had spent time in the dark labs of Shockwave, suffering his attentions and experiments. Some continued on their path to slavery by having their minds jumbled by Bombshell, an Insecticon. They rarely encountered the mind bending efforts of Soundwave unless they were to walk amongst the highest ranking Decepticons. He had to ensure the safety of Megatron and typically re-wrote their memories - wiping their histories clean and making them safe, perfect and obedient slaves. When their usefulness abated, they would be discharged, dumped into the pits, or their parts recycled for the next batch of slaves.
Starscream watched as the females walked between the warriors, handing out energon beverages, shaking their fingers to the advances of the inebriated males or smiling flirtatiously. He wondered if they actually enjoyed their work - some seemed to be genuinely pleased with themselves and the attentions they did receive.
Starscream leaned back into the shadows as one of the females came over. “Energon for you handsome?” she asked. The female was not tremendously tall – she barely reached the top of his chest. She was fairly sleek and her build indicated that she was a two wheeler. Her blue optics and accent indicated she was at some point an Autobot. Indeed, he could see the brand had been burned off her surface. A slave with some liberties, but not enough to free her. Starscream took the cube from her and she tilted her head and pursed her lips somewhat. “Care for anything else big boy?” she asked in a suggestive tone.
“No, just my privacy would be lovely.” Starscream responded with a hiss. He only hoped she did not just hit on him. He closed his optics briefly and exhaled slowly. There it was, a memory of a fembot from his past – a bright lively Autobot medic who treated Decepticon POW's. This female treated him frequently when he was captured. Taking care of injuries both sustained from work, but more often from the mistreatment of his handlers. Part of him could identify the plight of a slave, but the memory served to firm his resolve against her attentions. Starscream signed a gesture of dismissal with his hand sharply. He had no need for her. It was Enslave or be enslaved – he understood the concept of being on both sides.
She sighed softly then turned and walked away. She knew there were others who were thirsty or hungry and she handed out drinks to other warriors. He watched as one of the card players he had spoken to before took her into his arms. They locked lips and started to kiss. Starscream glanced away with a sickened “ick” sound and his tanks started to churn. He considered the mixing of Decepticon Seekers and Autobot grounders offensive. To see such a public display ultimately disgusted him. Grimacing at his thoughts, Starscream took his cube and moved to a location nearer to the bar and out of sight of the disgusting couple.
He sat quietly and sipped at his beverage slowly, lost in his thoughts until he found he was unable to hear them. As the evening wore on the music became heavier, faster and more lively. Some of the warriors attempted to dance, something Starscream thought was laughable. The chatter amongst the warriors became louder as the music increased until they were virtually shouting at one another. Starscream watched as Seekers gathered around a billiard table watching a pair of particularly skilled warriors play pool. The Seeker reckoned that they were probably scientists or at least fluent with the laws of physics.
Other Decepticons continued with their poker games. As a- new breed of slave was being born this evening, Starscream noted, a few warriors had bet themselves into destitution and all they had left was their services. One very pale Seeker, cream coloured body, pure white wings with blue wing stripes was bullied into submission, handed the tray of empty energon cubes from one of the Autobot Slave females and ordered to fetch more. Starscream might have considered briefly to set the situation right, no slave female was superior to any Seeker regardless of the situation, however, it was noted that the warrior in question was a chronic gambler and this was his way. Providing Whitespark, and his sniper, Windraker, could function 100% during battle in the morning, he did not care.
The energon cube in his hand was almost finished, just a few more sips were left when a brawl broke out. Four tables away. The two warriors hell bent on exposing the other as a cheater threw each other across the room, crashing into tables, people grabbing their food and beverages as they dogged the snarling pair. Energon cubes fell to the ground with small explosions. Glasses fell and shattered, oil spilled leaving slippery slicks on the floor. The pair slid across the room until a third mech, angry for having his energon explode in his face, stood up and winding his right arm back and punched the accuser clean across room. The trajectory of the flying seeker slammed him directly into Starscream's table causing the young fighter to leap from his seat, protecting the remainder of the energon he had been drinking. It was none other than Skywarp.
“For Primus sake!” Starscream shouted as he darted out of the way. He could feel his patience uncoiling and his nerves started to become unglued. “Have you all gone mad?” he looked at the gathering crowed of warriors, who left their cards, halted their pool game, left their beverages or their slaves. The cluster of warriors and the bristling pair were more than enough to trigger his claustrophobia. While the brawlers ignored, Starscream the Seeker realised he had to get out. He tipped back the remainder of his energon and pushed through the crowd. He could not help but notice other warriors starting to place bets on the outcome of the brawl, deciding who would win, and what other collateral damage would occur. With that in mind he ensured he would not be part of the mess and neatly escaped, barely noticed. his way back to the door, dodging the less than sober movements of his compatriots. Disgusted in the whole evening, Starscream left the commons and returned to his semi-private quarters.
Starscream keyed his door keypass and entered. The room was small, set up with bunks along the wall, each with foot locker. Above each platform was a weapons rack and a lamp. To the left of each platform was a table and writing tools. Across the room was a larger table and chairs, an energon dispensary as well as a sofa and an imager.
The Seeker proceeded across the room to his platform and disengaged his rifles and sidearm to hang on the rack. His side arm he placed in the drawer of the table next to his platform. He sat down with a cleaning cloth and some gentle cleanser and started to wipe his body down. He was not alone. Thundercracker was across the room, on the sofa reading a datapad in the dim light. The blue Seeker glanced up and sniffed the air, “you've been drinking, Starscream?” he asked. It was unusual for Starscream to do this – particularly before a mission.
“I was trying to have a peaceful energon, nothing more.” Starscream replied soaking the cloth with the cleaning oil. “and just one energon – I have a mission tomorrow.” He wiped his face and neck.
“The commons is the wrong place for peace, Starscream, you know that. Did you happen to see Skywarp?” the other asked setting his datapad down then fished through a box next to him.
Starscream tipped his head thoughtfully and realised that perhaps he should have remained back at his quarters for that quiet companionship he had desired rather than hanging out in the unruly heart of Darkmount. “Yes, I couldn't miss him; Actually he could not miss me. He was sent flying into me after starting a brawl over cheating at a card game,” he replied. “I hope he is not hung over tomorrow or I will hang him by his thrusters over the battlements of Darkmount as an example of what over indulgence does to people,” Starscream exhaled sharply then smiled. “ At least of the three of us, you had the smarts to stay home. I sure as the pit wished I did.”
Thundercracker chuckled softly and tossed Starscream an energy bar. “Eat this, its better than what is at the commons anyway. Also don't tell Skywarp. That walking tank will find my stash and eat my supply.”
Starscream nodded and peeled back the protective outer layer and slowly ate the energy bar. He chewed carefully while his mind played back the images in the briefing. Those structures still rankled him.
“Something is bothering you, Starscream?” Thundercracker asked, having noted his wingmate's intensely quiet mood.
“Unfortunately, yes...I have one of those feelings that something very bad will happen during the mission tomorrow and I'm told to ignore it.” he rubbed his face as if to wipe the thoughts away.
The blue Seeker frowned and placed his book down and sat up. “Gut feelings, I get those enough. Sometimes they mean something while other times they are just thoughts turning into manifestations of symptoms felt by the nervous system.”
He brightened an optic. “I don't usually get these feelings and I'm very much disliking it.” Starscream sighed heavily, “Oh I suppose he's right, I ought to just ignore it and mark it down as paranoia.” He tossed the cloth and the cleaner into the drawer beside his side-arm and shrugged his shoulders. He picked up his datapad and started to plug in his log and some of his rampant thoughts.
“What do you think is gonna happen?” Thundercracker asked trying to see if there is some way to comfort his ill at ease wingmate.
“A trap. That's all I can feel from this mission. Some sort of trap and that we're all gonna die.” Starscream put his datapad down and laid on his platform looking up at the ceiling. “I'm not ready to die...well, I am sure none of us are, but I am the only one who feels this dis-ease to fear the possibility of a battle end tomorrow...You know, I'm going try to get some sleep. If Skywarp returns, then keep him away from me. I'm not in the mood for his games, pranks or humour and most assuredly his stench.”
Thundercracker looked at the other with some concern. He never knew Starscream to have these apprehensions before missions. Usually his trinemate relished battle, not feared them. “good night, Starscream,” he said huskily before picking up his datapad to finish his entry.
Starscream's mind wandered for a bit until it settled down due to the calming proximity of his quiet companion.
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