NCC Central Command

     Located inside a huge dome, the Command Center is a study in efficiency and dark intent. Cunningly hidden lights illuminate the lower levels and central command deck, while three huge wall-mounted screens cast their flickering glow into the upper gloom, each displaying a different view of the city. The curving interior walls are covered in smooth hexagonal metal plates with a dark purple sheen, their perfection broken only by regularly placed hexagonal basalt columns carved with strange motifs, the last reminder of the ancient city that once stood here. The columns loom over the sophisticated computer terminals that line the room's perimeter and from which every aspect of New Crystal City can be controlled - sensors, weapons, automated systems, communications and countless other functions.

Contents:

Scourge

Extended Radio <NCC>

Decepticon Object <DO>

Obvious exits:

North <N> leads to NCC Medical Ward.

South <S> leads to NCC Spaceport.

East <E> leads to NCC Central Hub.

 

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "By Primus!"

 

<Decepticon> Hook says, "Sir?"

 

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "I just looked at a picture of Ultra Magnus.  He's even more ugly on a photograph then in person!"

 

<Decepticon> Scourge says, "Most definitely."

 

<Decepticon> Hook says, "..."

 

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "There is but one solution."

 

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "We have to steal something from them."

 

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "That is the only way to strike this image from my mind!"

 

<Decepticon> Scourge says, "Agreed! Any ideas on the target?"

 

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "Yes.  Allow me to finish reviewing my records (and

setting up my galvradio playlist)"

 

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "And for the love of all that is unholy.  I want my television back.  But that's another story.  First the energon.  Give me a moment to plan."

 

<Decepticon> Scourge uhhs. "Of course sir."

 

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "Nevermind.  We will prepare shortly."

 

"Mechanical Squid...The Autobots will not expect that. Galvatron sure knows what is effective..." Hook is walking into the New Crystal City's Central Command, datapad to his faceplate. Again. "Let me see...hmmm..." He punches several commands into the datapad. "The aquatic creature called a squid has ten 'arms', which it uses to hunt..." Looking up, Hook sees....Scourge. Wonderful. Hook just /loves/ the MilOps personel. He puts the datapad away and snaps a salute to the Sweep Commander. "Good cycle to you, Commander."

 

Scourge is most definitely not MilOps personnel. In fact hes not even the division liaison. That would be Shockwave. Scourge is the unquestioned lieutenant. Military Operations doesnt have a thing on him. Looking down from one of the viso-screens, to the smaller Construcitcon. With an almost unerring sense. Delivering a slow nod, "Hook." That is all that escapes his lips.

 

"Sir." Hook says sharply, giving a quick nod to boot. oOI hate the millitary, think they're so smart...Oo Hook wanders over to a computer terminal and starts searching the databanks. "Squid...squid...Octopus?" Hook strokes his chin. "Octopi have 8 arms which they use to grasp their food. They have the ability to change the color of their skin to match their surroundings..." He reads. "Interesting..."

 

Scourge blinks several times, turning over to Hook. Who seems to me mumbling about something or another. "Hook. Why are you rambling on about earth creatures?" Says Scourge, curtly, and to the point.

 

"Huh?" Hook says, startled out of him musings. "Sorry, sir. Just doing some prelimerary research for the Mechanical Squid Lord Galvatron requested the MSE group develop for him. Scrapper is currently contriving a design for the prototype. I am looking at aquatic Terran creatures for weapon systems ideas."

 

Scourge gives a confirmational nod. One. You only get one nod. "Very well." With that he goes back to watching over his monitors, occasionally tapping the random data key. Upon the screen are imagery captures of Autobot Headquarters, lying upon Cybertron.

Curious as always, Hook can't help but look at the Commander's monitor. oOAutobot Headquarters on Cybertron? Finally got enough courage to stop messing around on this filthy little mudball of a planet?Oo "...Sir?" Hook asks quietly. "Might I inquire as to what you are thinking, sir?"

 

Scourge turns his neck slightly, with a creek. "Inquire what I'm thinking? Are you insane. No one screws with the mind of Scourge!" Don't forget his mind used to be controlled. Not a pretty thing. In other words no. "No."

 

oOWhat the...major anger management issues...Oo "Sorry sir, I meant no disrespect sir." Hook says quickly, hoping *not* to get a smack to the face. Wonder what he would do if he did get smacked. "Just wondering sir, because you seem so quiet." Hook turns back to his monitor, every now and again stealing covert glances at Scourge's monitor. "The lionfish has poisonous spines all along its back. These spines serve as a defense from predator..." Click click click. "The pufferfish can inflate its body, which is covered in spines, to scare away predators..."

 

Scourge acknowledges Hook's apology with a faint growl. Before returning to his monitor. Then Hook starts talking again. Fine it's a project for Galvatron, of which Scorgue knows about. So he can't complain. "Do you have to repeat every infernal bit of information to yourself, out loud?! Some of us are attempting to get real work done."

 

oOExcuse me...Oo "I am getting 'real work' done, sir. Speaking the information aloud helps me store it in my internal databank sir. It is how I operate." Looking at Scourge for a moment longer, Hook finally turns to his own monitor. "...Jellyfish have no brains?" oONeither do millitary personelOo "How can a multicellular organism function without a centralized nervous system?" oOI should ask Mototmaster about that, he would know, saying he is brainless!Oo Tap tap tap. "Hmm..."

 

Luckily Scourge isn't Soundwave or else he might care. But he doesn't. Because once again he's not Military Ops, and wouldn't care the slightest bit. Instead he gives off another growl, shifting himself over sevearl monitors. To one slightly farther away. To escape the excessive rambling by the vomit green mech.

 

"There are many different species of sharks that dwell in the oceans, the largest being the whale shark, completely harmless to humans. The most feared shark species is the great white shark, which claims over 20 lives a year." Hook snorts in derision. "20 lives a year? Quite harmless, I say." Tap tap tap "The manta ray can reach lengths of over 20 feet from fintip to fintip. It seems to fly through its watery domain, rather than swim."

Scourge gahs! "Forget it. One of us is leaving this room right now. For this infernal racket is beginning to twist my circuits! Or you can shut your vocalizer immeidately and save us both the effort. Is this clear?!" Placing his hands over his audio receptors. Obviously Marine Biology is not his favorite subject.

 

Scourge receives a radio transmission.

 

Transmission from Galvatron: Report to me in Trypticon

 

Scourge looks up immediately. Well this problem is solved. Without hesitation he takes off, towards his Lord's voice.