IHQ Training Room

 

     This large, heavily armored chamber lies between the Troop Hall and the Officers Hall. Large double doors lead to either hall, so that the high command might enter at their leisure to watch the training bouts. Two small stairways lead to armored observation areas, one above each of the entryways. A standard training drone waits next to the troop entrance until activated. The walls, while heavily armored and shielded, also contain holo-projectors, weapons mounts, shield generators, and cameras, allowing for any opponent or environment to be simulated, while also allowing those present within the armored observation area to watch and record what goes on beneath them.

 

Contents:

Dirge

Cyclonus

Revenant

Training Drone

Obvious exits:

 South <S> leads to IHQ Troop Hall.

 East <E> leads to IHQ Officers Hall.

 

Dirge's optics narrow slightly at Revenant's statement of 'facts.' He does not say anything however. This is Cyclonus' show. Of course, Revenant has yet to prove any of these 'facts.' In fact, one might say he was avoiding proving anything. He does not look in Cyclonus' eyes, but keeps his wilting gaze firmly fixed upon Revenant. The Seeker does scratch that curious tingle in the back of his mind though. Is that all Cyclonus wished to do? In the days of Megatron it was not like this... </Astrotrain>

 

Revenant nods at Cyclonus' words, "I agree they have proven themselves able to fulfill their roles as Galvatron wishes in fact i even mentioned so to Scrapper but a cycle ago. Now if only they would realise the pointlessness of constantly trying to make themselves appear greater than the creations of Unicron." Revenant does not mention anything about the insulting Galvatron bit and continues on about the rank anfd file Decepticons, "Perhaps you are right it is hard to comprehend their struggle for power after all the Hunt is all that matters not these petty ranks, but then their ways are not the same as as ours, we know what are purpose is."

 

Scrapper strides into the training room, carrying a small floppy disk - which means it can't hold TONS of information. Like personalities and stuff - in his hand. His optics are unusually bright with anticipation, replacing the usual cold emotionless image that Scrapper gives out. Well, that shouldn't be surprising. It isn't usual that he's able to get so much work to do. Usually it's 'build us a fortress, Scrapper. Then go jack off for a few years until we need another one'. Although Scrapper isn't a fighter, he does attribute his recent freedom regarding his choice of projects with the success the Constructicons have had on Earth. Pausing, he spies three of the more disturbing members of the Empire. Creeps boy, emotionless Galvatron fanboy, and a Sweep. Can't tell which one, but they're all pretty much the same anyway. "I'm sending Long Haul on the next supply run..." Scrapper mutters quietly to himself. He-LLO? His name is being mentioned? Shazbot. That can't be good.

 

Cyclonus nods in agreement, "We do know our purpose. But one thing to keep in mind is that while we are far superior, they have the numbers. And while that is but a drop of energon in the larger pool while Galvatron remains, if he were to, by some galactic fluke, leave us, they could most likely take every Unicron Born and tear them limb from limb." He seems to have no problem saying this in front of Dirge, for he knows that the Seeker Commander worships his dual cones. "Then they might find the joy in the hunt that they have only drempt of for so long. And having never tasted it, what's to stop them from just eliminating our kind? What's to stop them from destroying the entire Decepticon race, simply because they didn't have your ability to deal with the thrill of the hunt."

 

Dirge's expression does not change, but internally he agrees with Cyclonus' assessment of a Decepticon's capabilities against a Unicronian. Internally, he wants to shred Revenant into several pieces and give Scrapper a wing to make a surf board out of, but no. Not without permission from the higher ranks. Revenant untouchable unless Scourge, Cyclonus or better yet, Lord Galvatron, give the word. He turns his head, swiveling like R2D2's dome, in Scrapper's direction, holding his gaze upon the Constructicon for 5 seconds, before turning back around to Revenant.

 

Double Shazbot. Cyclonus and Revenant had better not be talking about him. Who's 'they'? The common Decepticon? The Constructicons in particular?! Maybe Revenant meant Scrapper specifically! Maybe the Sweep's going to rip his head off for making all those 'Kill Ollin' suggestions! Scrapper leans against the wall just so in case he faints, he won't fall over. Evidently Scrapper has finally figured out which Sweep we're talking about. "Ok Scrapper. Just go in, do your job, and leave. Then they won't kill you. If they talk to you, see if you can't casually mention how perfect the Unicronian are and how much you thank Primus for their existance every single astroday." ASTRO. Scrapper slowly makes his way over to the main terminal, still holding his floppy. He avoids Dirge's gaze.

 

Revenant continues to ignore Dirge entirely and doesn't bother to see who else has joined them, for now his world is Cyclonus. Continuing in his dead monotone, "I find that hard to believe Cyclonus but if it should come to pass i am sure you and Scourge would be able to handle matters until Galvatron returned." He pauses momentarily as he considers the eventuality further, "Still all things considered it would be a most interesting Hunt for the pack. Perhaps they deserve our pity for the things they shall never truely understand."

 

Cyclonus shakes his head, "As unpleasant as the thought may be, it is still something to be considered." He looks to Dirge, this time his gaze lingers for a few moments. As he turns back to Revenant his optics glint as if reflecting sunlight. "I'm sure Lieutenant Dirge here would be most happy to prove that fact to you with his Seekers. Though I'm not sure that I would be ... ... happy with the two of you fighting it out in a real situation." He pauses again, "But perhaps one day some type of training session can be arranged. For as remote and unlikely as the loss of Galvatron is, it is somethng that we must all be prepared for. Something that must be planned for. If for no other reason than we all know that the Emperor is willing to lay down his existance for the Empire. As I know I am ready to do, and as I know the Sweeps are ready to do."

 

Scrapper nods enthusiastically. Yes! Pity! Pity will do just fine. Scrapper will take pity over Sweep-beatings any day. Ahhh, bless being a cowardly fool. The Constructicon finally reaches the terminal and inserts his floppy disk. Tapping a few keys on the board, a holo-grid away from the others activates up. It's a 3D image of Scrapper's model. "Computer." he says quietly so he doesn't disturb the high flying Decepticons. "Activate test program Scrapper Alpha One." The image shimmers and becomes solid again. It's like watching television! If anyone else is even paying attention. Suddenly, little mini Aerialbots fly in and begin bombing the city. A support tower crashes and falls from the bombardment. Other Autobot flyers, including Cosmos, Powerglide, Jetfire and Sky Lynx join the fray. They look so cute and cuddly at this size. No mini-Decepticons seem to be present. After about thirty seconds of this attack, Scrapper calmly announces, "Activate simulation's battle mode." Nothing happens. Looking up at the huge computer display, readings begin to pour out. Anyone with any technical knowledge will know that the holo-city's transformation hydraulics have been shot. Scrapper frowns and looks back at the city, tapping a few more keys. "End simulation. Begin Scrapper Alpha Two." Scrapper eyes rolls his optics at the 'Emperor would lay down his existance for the Empire' part. Yeah. Right. He averts his gaze to avoid anyone seeing, though.

 

Dirge's optics narrow as he listens to Cyclonus and looks at him as he turns his gaze towards him, unflinching. But inside he is a bit nervous. The Seeker turns his gaze back to Revenant and allows the smallest curve a smile to come up as he finally utters to Cyclonus, "...Why wait?" The voice emanantes a disturbing tone, despite the lack of power from his fear engines. "...We are in a training room after all... if Revenant is so... disbelieving... he should not walk around with a misinformed opinion..."

 

Revenant nods at Cyclonus his face remaining in it's blank emotionless state, "Indeed they still have their uses in Galvatron's plans, which is why i would not rise to Dirge's insistance on us fighting. I told him it would do better to prove himself on Autobot chassis." A look of disbelief flickers momentarily across his features and then fades from view, "As for that ever coming to pass the Sweeps are ready, the Hunt shall continue, although the prey might alter.... Is that all Cyclonus?"

 

Scrapper scowls at the other three Decepticons. They better not mess up his simulations! If they do then Scrapper'll call down the thunder and... well I dunno, smile meekly and agree to whatever they want. Meanwhile, the simulated Autobots are back assaulting the simulated city, bombing it to high heck. Scrapper wears such a glare that he's clearly not enjoying this part of his testing. After another thirty seconds of attack, Scrapper says once again, "Computer, activate simulation's battle mode." Again, nothing. Scrapper growls and kicks the terminal violently. Nothing is damaged.

 

Cyclonus ignores Dirge's request for an immediate training duel. He nods to Revenant, "That is all. But I would like for you and Scourge to contact me with a good time for that training battle. I think it would be very educational. In the mean time, carry on." He takes a step back to show that he is done.

 

Scrapper folds his arms and grits his metallic teeth, "Computer, activate simulation Scrapper Alpha Three!" Again, the mini-Autobots start pounding the city. Finally after the thirty seconds Scrapper says tensely, "Computer, activate simulation's Battle Mode!" ... ... nothing ... ... Scrapper shakes his head in frustration. "Pause!" Scrapper marches over to the simulation and points at a tower that Jetfire has just nuked, "Computer, restore that tower!" he points to a bunker, "And that relay station!" Both are remade, good as new. "Resume." NOW the city begins to undergo a strange transformation. It all seems pretty rough at this point, as if the final transformation sequence hasn't been decided yet. A few pitiful guns shoot back at the Autobots now that the city is half-transformed. Still, it's been too badly damaged to finish. Scrapper sighs and points. "Add a destructo beam right here! A big one! Class X!" A huge cannon appears on one of the towers. Slingshot shatters from one hit. Jetfire explodes from the second. Scrapper laughs. "Mwahahaha! Take that, Autobots! Ruin my city, will you?!" Scrapper grins and strides back to the terminal and jots down 'Add Destructo Beam'.

 

Dirge steps aside to let Cyclonus past him. He lingers a moment and gives Revenant another piercing gaze, before switching and moving up behind Scrapper ever so quietly. He waits a moment before uttering, "Scrapper. When are you do back on Cybertron?"

 

Revenant inclines his head slightly, "As you wish Cyclonus i shall inform Scourge as soon as possible." Turning slightly slower than usual he moves off towards the door knowing that in the fullness of time those that interfere will get exactly what they fear the most. He pauses momentarily and fiddles with his harness controls and then exits with the usual grace and surety that all Sweeps carry.

 

Scrapper evidently doesn't hear Dirge as he looks back and stares at the still running simulation. He laughs as Sky Lynx gets shot with the destructo beam and plunges down to the Earth. Within a few more seconds all of the attackers are dead. A shame class X destructo beams don't exist. Ah well, it's a fantasy. Suddenly Scrapper blinks and jolts. "Huh? Wha? Dirge?!" Scrapper twitches and clutches his chest for a moment. "Geez, don't sneak up on me like that! Ahem... Earth? Oh, within ten astrocycles. The supplies for the city should be ready then." He flashes a smile to Dirge, but it fades as he realizes Dirge just ain't a great guy to chat with. "Plenty of metal on Cybertron to transport." Just that pesky spacebridge energy cost. Still, whenever there's a trip, might as well send all the supplies you can.

 

Revenant moves east to the IHQ Officers Hall.

Revenant has left.

 

Dirge nods. "I have to check on the Seeker battalions on patrol..." He does not elaborate, though its obvious he's somewhat upset with his troops allowing a human to get by security. The evidence is that his mood is even darker and more grim than usual. "...Inform me when you are to make the space bridge transfer. If I have not already left with Cyclonus, I will join you." His optics flash ominously as he stares at the Constructicon.

Cyclonus makes for the door as he calls over his shoulder to Dirge, "Radio me if you are leaving without me, Lieutenant."

 

Scrapper nods slowly. Goody. A trip with Dirge. As if the transport wasn't gut-renching enough already. If Scrapper was more of a scientist, he'd consider fiddling around with the spacebridge to make it less freaky. He sighs. Now Cyclonus wants to come as well. Well, that's wonderful. If Scrapper wasn't so anxious to get back to the construction on Earth he'd make up some lame excuse and stick around here for another few astrodays. Astro. "Yeah... no problem, Dirge. Sounds like a plan."

 

Dirge nods to Cyclonus, acknowledging his orders. Then he turns and stares at Scrapper, as if contemplating the Constructicon's true feelings, and then nods once more. He turns on his heel and begins to head for the door.

 

Contemplating Scrapper's true feelings? This better not show up in Dirge's 'Dear Diary' tonight along with pictures of hearts and flowers. He sighs and continues his simulations until it's time to go home.