Iacon

[Blackjack]

She does not reply and Blackjack wonders if his last words were misleading. Arcee was a friend, a good friend, from the days before the war, but he had not meant anything more by it. She was a skilled marksman and decent at covert operations. While he had enjoyed his excursion into Kaon with Rattrap, he much preferred to work with someone he was a little more familiar with, and of course he preferred to work alone.

Realizing he was maybe worrying a little too much about this, he turned to leave. It was one thing to promise to get her out of the cage and another to actually talk to Cambreaker about it....Cambreaker!

Blackjack was surprised to see that his friend and commander had been standing there in the entry to the cellblock and he was unsure of how long he'd been there or how much he'd heard. The familiar stern gaze was set upon the two of them and now he knew that his own loyalty may be questioned.

Cammy, good. I was just goin' to see ya. I got a lot to report. But maybe you overheard most of it. How long ya been there anyway?

[Sideways]

Sideways nods and examines himself. Inside his mind, his internal computer runs a series of diagnostics and warnings pop up on his HUD.

My internal computer's freaking out. It's looking for systems that do not exist anymore.

[Arcee]

Arcee stumbled a bit at the sight of Cambreaker standing in the doorway—she’d been too caught up in Blackjack’s words to notice him, and she wondered how long he’d been observing the two. It dawned on her that the things Blackjack was saying—his caress against her cheek—might be misconstrued by Cam, but then, she wasn’t entirely sure how to take things herself. While she was beginning to remember the strength of their friendship, Arcee was still somewhat startled by Blackjack’s actions, platonic though they were.

She shook her head. Now was not the time to analyze her feelings. With Cambreaker in the room, she had to do something that would move events forward.

I’m sure he’s been there long enough to eliminate any need to repeat ourselves, she interjected.
She turned to Cambreaker. I want out of here, Cam. He looked at her with an eyebrow raised, taken aback by her tone. Arcee stood firm. If you truly believe me to be a traitor to the Autobot cause, then do something about it. Execute me.
Blackjack looked at her with a scornful expression, but she cut him off before he could object.
…Or else, give me the chance to prove I’m not who you think I am. Either way, I'm not going to sit here and be gawked at, like a toy for everyone's amusement... she paused ...and judgment.

[Time Traveller]

Cambreaker's eyebrow goes back down, and he adjusts the visor of his helm with a thumb and forefinger. He steps forward to the cell, and Blackjack instinctively steps out of the way. Opening the door, he steps into the cell, drawing his axe as he does. Arcee stands tall and indignant as he swings the axe down... and flips around the blade around just in time to tap her on the shoulder with the haft.

You've proved that to me once already. Do you think you can complete the task twice?

The look still in Arcee's eyes answers this one for him.

What do you two co-conspirators have in mind? Unfortunately, I wasn't here long enough to hear what you're up to.

He glances over his shoulder to Blackjack, who's come up on Cambreaker's flank to take part in the conversation.

I'll trust you have the good taste not to tell Kup about this until we have the result. I know he was a little more personally attached to Arcee than I.

He looks back to Arcee, slowly lifting the axe and reholstering it.

Execution is for Decepticons. Let me hear your plan for how to help close their datafile forever.

[Sideways]

Sideways gets up off of the table and moves for the computer console. He accesses his main database and pulls up a couple of files. Blueprints for a couple of new alternate modes are displayed in midair. Sideways turns and walks back, taking his place where he was.


Displayed to the left is an alternate mode consisting of a 1985 Pontiac Trans-Am. Next to that one is a configuration using a Dodge Viper SRT10. Next to that one is his previous form, a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Next to that is one for a Chevy Cobalt SS coupe.

[/i]

[Minerva]

Minerva takes a step back from the operating table and watches as Sideways pulls up the datafiles for the schematics he'd been talking about.

She studies them for a moment and then turns to Sideways, who has returned to the operating table.

Interesting. There should be enough spare parts and equipment around here to complete any of those alternate modes. What exactly did you have in mind? ...and don't worry about your internal computer. What you're experiencing is normal, albeit unpleasant, considering what you've been through.

[Blackjack]

When she had begun to speak, Blackjack noticed her tone was harsh. He hadn't expected things between her and Cambreaker to have softened at all, but it still surprised him to hear her speaking such after her conversation with him. He was about to object to her comment about execution when she silenced him with a statement that rung of true Autobot spirit, something he seldom believed in. Her will and determination gave strength to every word.

Cambreaker's response was also not as he'd expected and he found himself standing aside as Cambreaker entered the cell, had a quick exchange, and then motioned him back into the conversation. He wondered what Cambreaker suspecting of him, given his previous personal mission, but he put it aside. The axe unnerved him, but fortunately Cambreaker soon put it away and issued the following question, one to which Blackjack had a fitting answer.

Execution is for Decepticons. Let me hear your plan for how to help close their datafile forever.

Well as I've said Cammy, he started, taking the same light tone her preferred when describing any mission, the 'cons are too preoccupied with tearin' each otha apart right now to pay much attention to us. So I think we should be spendin' more time tryin' to root out their bases all ova Cybatron. Kaon is destroyed, so where will they go next? If we can find and destroy all of the 'con bases, then they'll have nowhere left to go and we'll have em right where we want em, game ova.

He paused a moment and took a breath, glancing at Arcee. He hadn't even had time to really explain his idea to her, so he hoped she was following. After all she would be a key part of it.

For right now I was thinkin' a small team of us could do some recon, scoutin' out 'con bases around the planet and doin' what we can to em. Wheneva they get done fightin' and decide to settle down somewhere we can find em and deal with it then. Of course I'd ask for Arcee to go with me, and anyone else you think is necessary.

This said, he leaned against the side of the cell. The cold, iron bars reminded him of unpleasant days and he hoped for a moment that this new course of action wouldn't lead him down those roads again. Being in Darkshock's cell had been enough. That one loose end still bothered him, he seemed to be the one 'con competent enough to pose a threat. It would require subtle planning to win this game and he couldn't afford to lose.

[Sideways]

There is another I failed to mention to you, Minerva. RAI, open configuration M3.

The holo-images of the alternate modes disappear, and a lone file appears on the screen. Displayed is schematics for a BMW M3 GTR.

BMW M3 GTR Rear View

BMW M3 GTR Front view

This is one of my pet projects and I figured now's the time to utilize this baby.

[Time Traveller]

Cambreaker stares blankly for a moment, the myriad of possible outcomes rocketing through his head. He's still not sure what Blackjack has been up to on his last mission, but the need for intel supersedes his remaining feelings of skepticism for his old friend's motives in helping the (former?) renegade.

In fact, I like your idea. Keep your sensors open, though, and don't rule out former hidey-holes like Darkmount. They've been foolish enough to try to rebuild flattened bases like that one before. I'll want regular reports, just set a tightbeam to transmit through the 'Spite, you should be able to bounce one back no matter where you are on the planet. I'll try and keep in step with your actions, so we can provide some heavier support if you find a cluster of them you can't handle.

Follow me, first, though.

Cambreaker steps back out of the cell and into the broad hallway, where he transforms. Blackjack and Arcee follow suit. He drives through the halls and then streets of Iacon to the old armory. Much to his surprise, the Decepticons had left the stores unmolested. He transformed and pried the doors open with his bare hands. Inside are the weapons and munitions he'd been stockpiling from Tagon.

'Jack, I think you may need some ordnance. Load up.

Arcee.
He turns to her and opens one of the doors to his leg storage compartments from the truck bed.

You'll need some armament, I imagine.

He produces from the compartment and hands her her signature energon bow, and her pair of standard blasters. One still has backblast residue from firing directly against a surface.

[Sideways]

I've shown you all the alternate configuration files I have created, now it's time to decide. Which one do you think would be most functional?

Since we are supposed to be "Robots In Disguise" Something exotic or out of the ordinary wouldn't be ideal. I was thinking the Trans-AM would be the most "normal" car that you might possibly see roaming the streets. It's not often you see a Dodge Viper or Corvette running on the street, no less a race car like the BMW M3 GTR.

Sideways pulls the datapad from his pocket and presses a series of buttons. The hologram projector removes all the displays except for the Trans-AM.

There are facilities available that will be able to assist you.

[Minerva]

Minerva examines the Trans-AM holograms, which Sideways has selected. She is surprised by the amount of research he seems to have put into choosing and preparing the schematics.

“Robots in disguise”? She ponders his words for a klik and then replies;
You do have a point, even if there are no current plans of going back to earth. If you feel like this would be your most preferred alternate mode, then let’s get to work.
She pauses for a moment before continuing;
Perhaps you could show me these facilities? You seem to be more familiar with what's available around here than I am, and I'm sure they will prove to be useful.

Minerva watches Sideways as she waits for his reply. He did seem to have recovered slightly from his injuries, which she found very much a relief. His prognosis was good and with the right tools and equipment he'd be back to normal in no time.

[Sideways]

I know this place, it's my home. I'll show you the way.

Sideways gets up off the table and makes for the exit, leading Minerva to a room with what appears to be a CR chamber connected to a computer. Sideways walks over to the computer and turns it on.

This machine will take care of formatting me to my new alternate mode. However, I cannot do this alone and I need someone to use the controls. They are fairly easy to use.

Sideways brings up a program and loads the schematics. The computer analyzes it, and the doors to the chamber slide open. On the screen, a green button blinks, signaling it is ready to preform the task.


When I step into the machine, you'll need to press the flashing green button to initiate the sequence. It could take some time to complete. I will require time in a CR chamber to adapt to the new form and regain my strength.

[Arcee]

Arcee received her energon bow, feeling a sense of duty she had not felt for some time. She realized that Cambreaker was not obligated to return it to her—she’d lost her right to it when she engaged in battle against her friends, but she accepted it as a token of Cam’s hopefulness in her. It had certainly surprised her when he’d left the cell door open and transformed, instructing her to follow. As determined as she was in showing the others that she was, in fact, the friend they had always known, she didn’t think the others would be so easily convinced. Either her words to Cam had really had an effect, or this was just another form of test. Draping her bow across her back, Arcee’s circuits buzzed at the sight of Cambreaker revealing her old blasters.

Ah, my girls … I’ve missed you, she said, taking hold of them and bringing one up to her lips to give it a kiss. Pristine and white, just as she remembered. They felt so good in her hands again. As much as she loved the feel and grace and artfulness of her bow, her blasters were something else entirely. They had seen her through many a tough spot. They were reliable. Accurate. Trustworthy. They’d saved her skin more than she probably cared to acknowledge.

Then she noticed the other one was not so pristine as the first, a dark residue staining the barrel. Arcee’s face dropped slightly as she remembered how this blemish was acquired. Her expression did not go unnoticed by Cam.
She paused for a moment and just stared at the weapon, unsure if she should offer an apology to her friend or not. It hurt her to think of what she had done to him, but Arcee felt a resolve now. A strength. The actions she had committed previously … that was not her. She feared that, by apologizing for those actions, she would be acknowledging that she’d done them of her own will, and that simply could not be.

Arcee wiped the black smudge off of her gun, revealing a cleanliness underneath. She symbolically held it up for Cambreaker to see.
Just as I thought it would be.

[Minerva]

Minerva follows Sideways into the room. She looks around and notices both familiar and unfamiliar equipment and devices. They walk up to something which at first glance could be a CR chamber, and Sideways explains the use of it before preparing it for its task.
Minerva finds the machine fascinating. It could be of great help in her line of work and she makes a mental note of asking Sideways about it later. This machine could obviously do this job much faster than any medic ever could, which would be fantastic, but she can’t help but feel slightly superfluous in its presence…

As Sideways finishes the preparations, Minerva looks up from the computer she's been inspecting.
Okay, sounds simple enough. I’ll transport you to a CR chamber after the process is complete. Perhaps I can get some help from Rev if necessary. Is there anything else I should know beforehand?

[Sideways]

No, Just hit the green button and let the machine do it's work. It will take several cycles to complete. Take this and keep it safe, I don't want this to be reformatted.


Sideways produces a black touchscreen device from a storage compartment and hands it to Minerva.

Don't play with that, it's linked to several things in this fortress and the results could be really bad.

Sideways steps inside the machine and turns around, waiting for the doors to close in front of him. Minerva presses the green button on the monitor and the doors close, hissing as they seal themselves.

[Minerva]

Minerva watches as the machine initiates its first sequence and starts the process of giving Sideways his new alternate mode. She was sure that Sideways knew what he was talking about, but she hoped that it would work out as he had planned, too.

The machine produces a steady hum, which is accompanied by the flashing of the computer screen as the information changes during the different stages of the sequence.
Minerva looks at the touchscreen device in her hand and she’s reminded of Sideways’ words:
“Don’t play with that…”
She sighs and shakes her head, slightly offended by the comment, before tucking it away in her own storage compartment to keep it safe until she could give it back to Sideways.

She glances at the machine once more, noting that it appears to be running just fine, and then opens a comm. link to Cambreaker and proceeds to update him on the current situation.

[Time Traveller]

Cambreaker looks ambivalently at the gun, and flexes his shoulders to stretch the spot on his mid back, subconsciously. Hoping his decisions thus far have been correct, he brushes off the eerie sentiment that has fallen over him.

Mhmm.....
Well, you best get going, the Decepticons won't likely wait around forever. Their infrastructure is weakest now, and their energon supplies will be strained if they're still trying to find a new base, and especially if they're foolish enough to rebuild an old one.

As he sends them off, he gets a comm from Minerva.

[Minerva]

Minerva explains to Cambreaker what has happened and as he replies, she notices the tone of surprise in his voice.

"Unicron? I'll have to debrief him myself, but I suppose I have to wait til he's done recovering. How long did he estimate?"

"Several cycles, he said. He also said that he'd need time to recover in a CR chamber after the formatting, so I'm afraid that it might take a while before you can debrief him".

"As long as he's no longer under Unicron's influence, i suppose it can wait. Besides, there's not much I can do if he is. What are you doing in the meanwhile? I'd like to meet with you..."

"I don't think there's much anyone of us can do right now but wait." She pauses realizes that when Sideways was talking about being possessed, he must have meant by Unicron. " ...and as for Unicron", she continues, "Sideways didn't mention anything about him, so lets hope you're right."
She makes a mental note about asking Cambreaker more about this later.
"We can meet now if you can, I'm not doing anything at the moment. I can arrange so that I'm notified when Sideways' formatting is finished, since that's probably when he might need some assistance again."

"if he's using a CR to fix up, can't Rev transfer him?"

"Good idea. Rev is not here at the moment, but I'll notify him. I'm sure he can take care of the transfer. If not, or if anything should happen, I'll instruct him to contact me."

"okay. want to meet me in the commanders chambers?"

"Sounds good. I'll be there shortly."
Minerva opens a comm. to Rev and informs him of the situation.
With Rev on his way back, Minerva exits and heads for the commanders chambers. She realizes that she's still carrying Sideways' touchscreen device, and considers to hand it over to Rev, but decides to hang on to it for now. After all, Sideways had asked her to look after it.

[Sideways]

The machine stops and the doors hiss, sliding open. Inside, Sideways's body has been completed and Sideways steps out, adjusting to his new weight and mass. He looks around for Minerva, then moves to turn off the machine as Rev walks in the door. Rev explains the situation to Sideways and the duo head out of the room and Sideways makes for the CR chamber for some rest.

[Blackjack]

He is surprised that Cambreaker so readily accepts Arcee as a member of the team and that he so readily accepts the idea. Trust is a commodity the Autobots have been lacking in lately and he is glad to see some of it restored. He takes note of the instruction to set up a tight beam with the 'Spite. But he is surprised when Cambreaker mentions they have somewhere else to go.

He transforms and follows to the armory where he is instructed to "load up some ordinance." He shrugs and looks around for a few odds and ends that might come in handy, mostly explosives. As far as firepower, he knows that his rifle is all he will really need. He considers for a moment asking for the Royal Flush, but then thinks about the necessity for stealth. In the end, Blackjack decides to just keep the tank nearby in case any other sticky situations pop up. He'd love to wipe the smirk off Darkshock's face should they encounter one another again.

Cambreaker tells him it's time to head out and he salutes momentarily, more as a joke then to really show his respect. Then he walks out of the armory as Cambreaker departs to other business. It must be tough worrying about the well-being of all the Autobots, he thinks. Now, where to begin.

I have no good ideas about where to start this little hunt, Arcee, he says as they walk out of the armory, but we can just pick a direction an go I think. The 'cons have had plenty of time to make themselves at home here, so I'm thinkin' they've probably got bases all ova the place.

He transforms to his Esprit mode and waits a moment for Arcee before taking off for parts unknown.