hello ma baby hello ma honey hello ma ragtime gal

[cyclogical]

Who: Shockwave & whoever else is on the Deceptiship
Where: Megatron's (formerly) flying bachelor pad
When: May 20th
What: every Decepticon's favorite evil scientist pays a visit
Warnings: Don't think so!

Option A

The sun was just barely bouncing light into the sky when the familiar green-white of a space bridge portal breaks the air of Megatron's command deck. The portal illuminates the nearby area as it pulses and circulates for a good five to ten minutes before the silhouetted shape of Shockwave breaks through and enters the deck itself, bridge control remote in hand.

When he answered Megatron's summons for reinforcements, he was expecting a ship bustling with a little more activity than virtually none at all. As the bridge portal closed behind him, he quickly came to realize he was standing on the remains of only a partially functional ship. One that didn't have enough juice to call back a return portal. Ah.

That would have been nice to include in the report before he arrived. He would have brought his favorite predacon bone to keep him company.

Option B

Past introductions, it didn't take long for Shockwave to find a room and a terminal to attach himself to. This one just happened to be in the medbay (thanks Knockout.). For the time being, anyway.

He was going to run diagnostics on the different areas of the ship to properly acclimate himself and see what data has been collected in his absence. On the ship, on their recent activities, and on the planet he now found himself on. One he'd have to reluctantly call home until he could call for another Bridge back to Cybertron.

Comments

B

[nitrodamus]

He came in there expecting Knock Out, but then there was this motherfucker. Sollux squints at this new robot from across the room, hovering in the doorway in a purple aura of psionic energy. He's not sure what the protocol is here, but...

"...Whoa, who the hell are you?" he blurts out, tiny in comparison to the Cybertronian building scale. "Probably new. You're new, right?"

Something about this robot's head upsets Sollux's sensibilities in a way he only subconsciously understands.

[cyclogical]

Under normal circumstances, Shockwave wouldn't bother too much with whatever alien pet his shipmates decide to keep stashed away as long as it didn't interfere with his own experiments.

But most alien pets don't magically float into a room of their own volition. So consider his attention grabbed, Sollux. That red eye is pinned on you.

"Indeed," but enough about him,"You have an intriguing source of mobility."

[nitrodamus]

The look Sollux gives him is...suspicious. Such immediate interest in his psionics makes him uncomfortable these days. What's it to you?

"Yeah, I'm psionic," he says in Alternian. "It's a thing trolls can do."

[cyclogical]

"Naturally. It is one of the more interesting and unique aspects of your species."

Shockwave doesn't attempt to close in on him in any way, as he doesn't assume Megatron is oblivious enough to keep someone like this around without considering his uses for the ship.

That doesn't mean he has to be any less creepy, of course.

[nitrodamus]

Sollux is frowning now. This bot is just creepy vibes from top to bottom. He doesn't even have a face like the other ones do - just that one weird eye. It seems out of place.

"What are you doing here?" Sollux asks, the friendliness gone from his tone.

[cyclogical]

On one hand, this Alternian psionic is comfortable enough to walk around and demand questions of him (as well as be aware that he recently arrived).

On the other, Shockwave doesn't like disclosing information unless it's with Megatron. Good habit to keep.

He'll go with the frustratingly vague answer:

"I was summoned by Megatron."

[nitrodamus]

He tilts his head a little, his ears shifting forward.

"From Cybertron?"

[cyclogical]

"The remains of Cybertron," as far as anyone needed to know, it was still a desolate husk.

B

[buffthis]

Knock Out's just returning to the medibay with a fresh stock of energon cubes and half a mind to spend an afternoon with the rotary buffer when he stops dead at the doorway. He knows there's someone in the medibay before he even sets foot inside, and it's not Breakdown -- he's just seen him elsewhere on the ship. He stares at the other bot in the room, optics quickly narrowing to slits. Whoever they are, they must be some kind of new arrival, and they've already put themselves on Knock Out's bad side. He doesn't like strangers rifling around in his space.

When he steps into the room, his voice is haughty and cold, slick as ice. "You've got about thirty seconds to identify yourself and tell me what the hell you think you're doing in my medibay."

Re: B

[cyclogical]

The intruder probably should have frozen up at being caught. Shockwave, however, has something more important to do aside from answering Knockout's demand. That thing being uncovering a bit more medical data onto the screen that he felt like looking at.

Once he completes his short task, he turns around to address the upset medic, a perfect image of creepily calm purple cyclops.

"It is my understanding that you would have been informed of my arrival."

Does he really have to introduce himself? Nah. He'll just go back to looking at the much more interesting monitors.

"I am reviewing your databanks for relevant medical data regarding synthetic energon."

[buffthis]

Oh, this is rich. This is perfect. Knock Out's lip curls in disgust and if anything, the air of haughtiness around him only intensifies.

"Well, I must have missed the memo then, because no one told me anything!" He really doesn't like the look of that one unblinking eye. You don't meet bots without real faces every day, and honestly, it's kind of creeping him out. But that's totally overridden by the sheer indignance at having his medibay intruded upon by a total stranger. "So maybe you'll do me the courtesy of giving me your name. And speaking of courtesy, it's generally considered bad manners to fire up the CMO's terminal without his permission!"

[cyclogical]

"This supersedes your authority," he remarks calmly, continuing to pick at the console and not bothering to turn around to meet him this time around. Really, as the CMO he should have kept himself updated to the goings on around the ship.

As it were, he currently had a much more interesting set of records to devote his actual attention to. But Knockout will get an answer to get him to go away.

"My designation is Shockwave. I was summoned by Megatron to lead research on synthetic energon."

[buffthis]

Knock Out's on the verge of another haughty snapback when Shockwave introduces himself and he goes still where he is, optics going just slightly wide. Shockwave? The legendary Decepticon scientist who'd stayed behind on Cybertron all those years, working on Primus even knows what? Shockwave the science officer, who almost certainly outranks Knock Out several times over? That Shockwave?

This has just not been his week.

"Shockwave?" he splutters, incredulous. "But -- but I heard you were on Cybertron!"

[cyclogical]

He was expecting you to be able to recognize him, Knockout. How many purple, one-eyed Decepticon officers do you have walking around on this ship?

"Megatron summoned me to assist him. So I answered his call via Space bridge."

Naturally, he had to answer.

[buffthis]

Knock Out doesn't know how to respond to that -- may he should have checked his memos lately but somehow he doubts Megatron did bother to let him know they'd have the esteemed Shockwave on board. Megatron hasn't exactly felt very favorably about Knock Out since his arrival on Earth, and the subsequent discovery that Knock Out done absolutely fuck all in the intervening five years.

"I see," Knock Out says finally, clearly disgruntled. He peers at Shockwave warily, trying not to make a face, but let's be real, he is totally making a face. "And you're...setting up shop in my medibay."

[cyclogical]

"With limited resources, it is logical to use any unoccupied work spaces available," he drones back, his single hand pressing one last command on the console before facing the indignant medic.

The monitor behind clears up as his activities vanish, ready to be used if necessary.

"I will contact you if you or your medibay is needed again."

[buffthis]

"There's an entire slagging ship at your disposal!" Knock Out bursts out in exasperation, gesticulating wildly. "I don't know if you'd noticed, but we're not exactly running with a full crew here. You could have chosen literally any other space -- "

And then, amidst his stubborn protesting, Shockwave looks like he's getting ready to leave. Well, about time. Knock Out huffs, clearly ruffled, and gives Shockwave a rather uncharitable look.

"Well next time you feel the need to usurp my medibay, I'd appreciate a little advance notice!"

[cyclogical]

Shit Knockout does he really have to explain why he visited the Medibay and not Empty Broom Closet #43589046C.

"The medibay has specific tools that may be necessary for my research. Taking inventory of our materials is best for most efficiently utilizing them."

He keeps his cool despite Knockout being clearly upset.

"I will notify you if I intend prolonged use of these tools," largely because Shockwave isn't against sparing one or two messages in advance so Knockout can calm his robotitties. Doesn't mean he'll listen to anything the medic actually orders. But hey. He'll give proper notice.

[buffthis]

"I'd appreciate it if you did," Knock Out sniffs, sounding like the dictionary definition of haughty. Seriously, Miriam-Webster, hire this guy as your poster child. "Now, if you've no other business in here, Shockwave..."

He makes an agitated, sweeping gesture of his arm toward the door. There you go, pal.

A

[bigfuckinggun]

Megatron is waiting when Shockwave steps out of the space bridge, hands clasped behind his back and Starscream at his shoulder.

"Shockwave." He looks something approximating pleased for once, although not without reservations. "Your swift response is appreciated. As you can see, our operation here is in need of... an extra hand or two."

[starscheme]

Starscream, unsurprisingly, looks the opposite of pleased, glowering in such a way that almost borders on disgust, arms crossed loosely across his chest. He at least has the grace to not look directly at Shockwave while he pulls such an expression.

"Hilarious, considering he only has one hand to begin with..." half mutters to himself, bitterly. Just when things were finally looking up again, Megatron has to go and invite Shockwave of all people. Is there a bigger killjoy anywhere in the entire known universe? He's pretty sure there isn't.

[cyclogical]

Shockwave would acknowledge Starscream's existence and all, but Megatron just addressed him. So he's just going to make eye contact with the Decepticon warlord and conveniently ignore that twitchy, gray Cybertronian shaped thing in his periphery.

"A problem I will begin to address, my liege, after acquiring more detailed data of the damage to your ship," beginning there would be the most logical choice, after all. There can't be much conquering done with their butts parked in a desert somewhere.

[bigfuckinggun]

Yeah, nobody here is going to react to what you just said, Starscream. Get used 2 it. Megatron all but ignores him, instead simply nodding to Shockwave and replying, "Your diligence is commendable. However, if a wrecked battleship were all I needed taken care of, I would not have called you away from your work. No, a more... unique issue requires your attention.

"We have recently come into possession of what is supposedly a working formula for synthetic energon. However, while the incomplete formula was liberated from the Autobots, it was organic scientists native to this planet who filled in the gaps, and as I gather their only test subject has been some kind of organic-mechanical hybrid... An expert eye is required to examine the completed formula and to begin its synthesis."

[starscheme]

For once, Starscream is perfectly content to be ignored, at least until Megatron brings up the synth-en. Then he's pretty much obligated to chime in.

"Liberated thanks to my efforts," he says puffing up slightly. "I'm sure most of the work is done for you already, as it is."

[cyclogical]

Shockwave is more impressed with the Earth scientists that managed looked to at the Synthetic energon formula without their heads exploding. Moreover, they actually managed to complete it? He may just call up these organics and give them some pats on the head.

"With the formula completed, it should take little time to adjust and begin producing it it for our own use."

Just point him to a terminal and some facilities and he'll get started. (Just make sure Starscream isn't invited.).

[bigfuckinggun]

"Mm," says Megatron, turning a brief, unimpressed eye on Starscream; and then, "Excellent – our facilities here may not be ideal, but I trust you will make the best of them." He gestures to the empty command deck's main exit, and adds, "Starscream will show you to your work station."

[starscheme]

"I will?" Starscream says blankly before catching Megatron's eye. "I mean-- certainly, Lord Megatron..." He turns to Shockwave, frowning. "Right this way," he rumbles, sounding extremely put upon. "I believe there is a room in a secluded part of the ship with a console that would be perfect."

[cyclogical]

Shockwave looks from Starscream back to Megatron, a hand thoughtfully at his optic.

"You mentioned this planet's natives had equipment capable of completing the formula. How well equipped are our forces should the need to.. procure it become necessary?"

Because getting out of the ship means getting a new alt mode. And really, going out and doing menial missions is Starscream's job.

[bigfuckinggun]

Megatron grimaces a little. "This world's dominant species is more powerful and resourceful than they would seem at first glance, and our forces are... limited. Besides the three of us there are only two other Decepticons currently on this planet, and I have no immediate plans to expand our presence. However... should it become necessary to seize equipment from the humans, I believe we have the means." He's thinking of Sollux, first and foremost, but he is quite sure that with a little research he can uncover other ways to get at Baelheit should the need arise.

[starscheme]

Apparently Starscream doesn't consider such work menial at all, because he eagerly steps up to the plate. "Knock Out and I have been active on this planet the longest. After much careful study, we both have a rather intimate knowledge of the way these creatures' society works. I'm quite certain we could rise to the challenge, as soon as Megatron give the word." And again, he looks insufferably smug about that fact.

[cyclogical]

"I will inform you if this becomes necessary to manufacture synthetic energon, my liege " his gaze then wanders to Starscream after the jet makes his offer.

"I may indulge you on examining that information once my assessment is complete." He expects a neat powerpoint presentation about your numerous years on Earth after you show him his facilities.