Decepticon Landing Platform

[Corvid]

     The landing platform was a large, open area of several hangar bays connected to the outside edge of Crescent Fortress, facing away from the crater. Several small towers dotted the flat landscape where incoming supply shipments were received, catalogued meticulously by Decepticon personnel; where ships from the Decepticon fleet would go after assignment to refuel, and receive new orders; where every neutral ship that had business with the Decepticons of the region- and more specifically, their commander: Fauxwing- would leave their transports during negotiations. All around, busy workers kept the platform clear of clutter, always ready to land or launch whatever ship was next in the schedule's order.The landing platform was a large, open area of several hangar bays connected to the outside edge of Crescent Fortress, on the edge facing opposite from the crater. Several small towers dotted the flat landscape, with a single, taller control tower smack dab in the middle of the platform. Chatter filled the comms constantly, organizing the business conducted at this essential part of the base.

This was where incoming supply shipments were received, catalogued meticulously by Decepticon personnel; where ships from the Decepticon fleet would go after completion of assignment to refuel, and receive new orders; where every neutral ship that had business with the Decepticons of the region- and more specifically, their commander: Fauxwing- would arrive before negotiations in their transports, and depart once they were finished. All around, never-idle workers kept the platform clear of clutter, shifts coming and going to keep the site's personnel ever alert, always ready to land or launch whatever ship was next in the schedule's order.

Everything worked smoothly, always. The landing platform was the epitome of efficiency and order.

[Corvid]

Heading the modest line up of Decepticons was Fauxwing, unaffected by the bustle of attending officers around her. This was where the group of transfers- XNA, Nexus, and Gnitav among them- had arrived upon their reassignment, so they'd likely seen this part of the base. Fauxwing still had plenty of time before her appointment here, though XNA and Nexus had a more immediate engagement with a nearby ship. It was all ready and prepped for them. Before they went, however-

"This system is harsh," their commander began to address them, staring up at their awaiting ship. "We may have none of the Autobot troubles of the front lines, but neutral groups- albeit smaller, and less broad in their influence- are ever the more ruthless. Pirates and marauder bands, and the troublesome mercenaries they hire to do their bidding." At this point she turned her gaze slightly downward, checking whether the pair were listening.

"My... predecessor struggled to maintain control," she continued, a hint of distaste for the former commander lilting in the undertone of her voice. "Do you know how I so easily succeeded where he failed?" The question was rhetorical: "Order through deception. The neutrals are too concerned with one another to bother us, and all it took was me sowing the seeds of discord in their midst to turn them against one another. Since my command here, not a single resource given me from high command has been wasted..."

"Until now," the words were insinuated, but never spoken. Her face was cold, emotionless, as the pink eyes of their commander pierced through them, as though to reemphasize the words she'd spoken to them in the war room: "Don't screw up."  She wanted them to feel the weight of responsibility on their shoulders for whatever happened next regarding the attack on Purple Obsidian Outpost.

[vating]

Gnitav stepped off and hefted his Scrapmaker. He was really just ready to shoot anything that wasn't Decepticon. This assignment was gonna suck, of course he got sent out here. He of course listened to Fauxwing, but he didn't seem to really see the problem. What she had described was an attack on this facility, sounds like someone who wants to be stronger had gotten here from his perspective. "Why don't we go ahead and just attack a few gangs, making the point that they do not mess with the Decepticons? What else could this be?"

[aphidly]

Fauxwing had seemed to prove more reliable than he had thought, no extra lives spent trying to control the aggression of the Neutral groups. Perhaps being reassigned here wouldn't be as bad as he thought. Nexus turned his helm towards Gnitav and he chuckled shaking his helm "It wouldnt be that easy, Gnitav. They are pests, you kill some, there will somehow still be more than were originally there. Waste of lives and equipment. Commander Fauxwing is doing a better job than most at controlling the issue. Nothing wasted on low value priorities like the bandits and mercs, focus can be put onto primary objectives and the war itself." the attack on Purple obsidian seemed to prove otherwise, but it could always be an outlier in the data- or something else entirely that would appear to skew the data off course. "Im sure we shouldn't, but might we expect any trouble while at the remnants of the outpost, Commander?"

[Cybiscus]

"I'm gonna have to agree, starting an attack on neutral groups could bring more harm than good. We shouldn't bring attention to ourselves for now. Whoever attacked the outpost, there could be some stragglers left behind to alert their friends," XNA chimes in, flicking a speck of dust from her claw. She was hanging behind from the rest of the group, keeping an eye on everyone's movements. Honestly, the femme would rather complete this mission unscathed. She's aware that even though she's pretty agile, she only has a small laser pistol on her for protection. If there was even one enemy hiding immensely well, it could be a massive risk if anyone on this team were to be wounded. She just wanted to proceed this mission with utmost caution.

[Corvid]

Her eyes narrowed indignantly when Gnitav questioned her. Rather than correct him, however, she allowed Nexus and XNA to do so for her. A subtle smirk threatened to show. They had proven their powers of deductive reasoning to be capable enough. It would seem she'd chosen the right pair for the job. Their shared concern was reasonable enough, and she was obliged to answer them. "Trouble is unlikely. The initial response team is waiting for you on site, so even if there were any stragglers, they would have cleaned them up by now. They're thorough; they leave no stone unturned."

[SystemLink]

A cybertronian jet of any spikes and a large box anchored to the rear of the fuselage flew between the smaller towers. Often times the jet itself dislodged from the large trailer box allowing it to sail through the thin atmosphere of the moon. The flier itself dive bombed straight for the smaller towers before transforming with panels and joints sliding out and into position.

A femme this seeker appeared to be as she drilled through the air, releasing a package that had a small parachute to slow it descent while she dove fast. A long pole had extended from the tower with a different package which she shifted her wings to fix her fall to zip past this boom arm. The package at the end of it was stolen and the parachuting one entangled itself upon the pole.

The seeker had transformed while reviewing the package, a data pad of recordings. She was pleased and a grin came to her hidden face before she boosts upwards to a tilting trailer that was falling slowly. She reconnected with it while slipping the captured data pad into it's rather spacious trunk space before whizzing off in a specific direction.

The trailer disconnected once more and this time around it's boosters activated close to the ground and it landed with a solid thud. The owner of it looped above it to force a slow down as she transformed. She landed gracefully atop the trailer with optics hidden by a visor, silently scanning the platform she was told to be at. Special cargo was to arrive here and she was to over see it.

Moments passed and a foot started to rasp the trailer she stood high and mighty from, making it open to reveal a plethora of data pads and small packages she snatched up. She was fixing to sort through all of it and ensure her routine had went without a hitch.

[shadowstrike]

In the darkness of space, the arrival of the Eidolon was like an explosion of light in an empty room as it appeared out of nowhere on the edges of the Outpost defence fleet. With the pitch black hull doing little to hide itself after its arrival as the nothingness that surrounded it provided no cover. Although even then it was difficult to see as the burning light of its thrusters illuminated it’s form from behind, rather than the front, leaving the light of the nearest sun, as well as the facilities, own lights to reveal the ship to those standing on the landing pads.

From the distance between them and the ship though even enhanced optics would struggle to pick up details, as the shrouded shape neared closer. The vague outline of its form appearing as two massive wings sleek and powerful resembling deadly blades that cut through the ether just as easily as they would another ship. Whereas between both the centre of the ship stood, lacking the sleek angles and deadly edges replaced by harsh lines of a fortress given the power of flight from twin thrusters that sent the ship forward in a graceful glide that defied the insane speed it travelled at. Which even now cut the distance between it and its objective at a ridiculous pace.

One which had it quickly passing the few ships on the outer ring of the fleet defences, their massive bulk a dramatic contrast from the Eidolon’s more agile frame. Although it looked no less dangerous despite the larger ships that surrounded it, rather where the enormous warships created for direct combat may have been compared to a longsword, the Eidolon was a dagger designed for sudden and swift attacks using a finesse the battlecruisers would have been incapable of. In turn, making it a more than suitable ship for a job which required a more delicate touch.

Such as the task that Fauxwing had hired the ship's owner for, which had resulted in the ship emitting an energy signal that was almost off the charts. An almost bizarre disparity from the usually near-undetectable interceptor’s standard energy levels, which only highlighted the value of the cargo onboard. As well as creating a target that had been more than tempting for a few pirates if the faint plasma-scorches across it’s hull suggested anything. Although it quickly became clear as the ship continued unhindered that the damage done had been largely cosmetic, perhaps an unsurprising fact since there was little doubt from the energy levels within that a critical reaction in the unrestrained expanses of space would be just as dangerous as setting off a nuclear warhead.

A scenario that had likely dissuaded a few potential attackers, in the same way, that the inhabitants of the starfighter had done so for those aware of who could be onboard. For even in this sector of space, far from the conflict on Cybertron the name Shadow-Strike was spoken in fearful whispers and resigned dread. A result of countless dead targets and the corpses of those who wished to doublecross him just as surely as the event that had left the infamous mech with the title of the ‘Shadow of Archon’, which even now centuries later was considered an atrocity for its brutality which had left over four hundred dead in a single night. A feat that would have been intimidating regardless of how it was accomplished but had became only more so because the mech had single-handedly slaughtered each colonist on the ground with such single-minded efficiency his involvement with the now empty colony would have been unknown if not for the barest of footage from a holocam that had been left recording at the time.

Even then however around the airlock, there were obvious signs of attempts to board created by those perhaps unaware of the ship's crew or simply one of the many who did not believe in the rumours that shrouded the assassin. A decision that had surely carried lethal consequences as the interceptor headed towards the Decepticon base, a location even the most foolhardy of pirates or unaffiliated mercenaries would be unwilling to near especially after claiming valuable loot. Such as the cargo which only seemed to emit more and more energy the closer it got to the landing pad.

Even though there was still a visible distance between the ship and its destination, it was ultimately close enough to begin landing procedures as communications were established between the ship and the command centre, specifically the war room as the communication specialist Symphony was left to pick up the signal.

“This is Crescent Fortress, you’ve entered Decepticon occupied space. Please identify yourself.”

“Pilot Auralias of the Eidolon, we are requesting permission to land. Currently carrying shipments requested by Commander Fauxwing to be delivered in person.”  Came the ship's response from a young feminine voice that sounded incongruous alongside the near ancient cybetronian accent she’d picked up at some point.

“Excellent, we’ve been awaiting your arrival for some time now. I assume you have the identification codes we require.”

“We do, sending them now.” She confirmed as the databand on the communication link bloated with the additional data before going silent as the ship awaited their response.

“Identification codes accepted. You may pass, for now, Eidolon. We’re sending you a flight path, any deviations while be met with lethal force.”

“Understood.”

Auralias confirmed before silencing the comms just as they passed the last battlecruiser and began entering the inner defences of the fleet, which left it quickly surrounded by Corvettes and Scout ships. Their smaller forms more capable of intercepting and assaulting the few lighter crafts which could slip by the outer ring. Though even they would likely have difficulty chasing the Eidolon’s sleek form at its current trajectory, which would have left it little more than a blur to human eyes but was still a solid form to the optics that viewed it as it began its descent. With the thrusters slowly producing less thrust until they stopped entirely, leaving the grip of the bases gravity to reach out and begin dragging the ship towards the moon and by extent the landing pad.

Even without the thrusters however it soon became clear the ship needed to slow down or risk the danger of a devastating crash, which was prevented by the sudden activation of miniature thrusters on its front as well as the bottom of the hull which turned the hurtling form into a graceful stop that left it hovering only a few dozen feet above the landing pad. Leaving the Eidolon’s form to be easily viewed in all its glory. As although dwarfed by the warships capable of holding hundreds, the Eidolon was not a small ship by any regards. At 600 meters long and 530 meters wide the ship was capable of holding a number of utilities that other ships of its type considered unnecessary including a larger communications room and a stealth generator, as well as the more general necessities such as shield generator and the hyperdrive that most long-distance ships required. To those nearby, though it was not only the length and width of the ship that would have been impressive but also it’s height at 199 meters long it overshadowed all those around it. With its form creating a shadow that covered much of landing crew around it.

In a manoeuvre that defied its size, the ship began to twist with hidden thrusters on the inside of its left wing and the exterior of the right causing it to spin and forcing the cockpit to look out across the moon's surface. Only moments before the landing gear deployed as the Eidolon landed with a gentle caress that left the airlock at the back of the ship facing the group outside.

A second later the landing ramp began to retract, deploying near silently as the sturdy sheet of metal slipped through the tiniest of gaps beneath the air-lock before touching down softly against the landing pad with the barest whisper of sound. Then just as quickly the airlock began to open interrupting the near silence with a dreadful hissing as the gases within where released creating a blurry haze that covered the ramp.

It was in this miasma that Shadow-Strike appeared. His steps carrying him gracefully across the ramp with a confidence that no neutral should have possessed on Decepticon territory, as he neared closer to Fauxwing and her entourage. The sleek shape of his form honed like a weapon for warfare gave his measured pace a dangerous edge, like a bullet gliding towards its target or a blade searching for the gaps in an enemies armour. Although even those descriptions fell short of describing the assassin shrouded in armour as dark as night that did little to obscure the luminous Energon which speckled his frame.

A deliberate message to Fauxwing that had been kept, despite how he would have had the time to clean his armour, these were the marks that he had fought and killed for his cargo. More than once if the stains around his gauntlets spoke true. With a flick of his wrist and a beam of blue light that came from his ship, however, the marks disappeared leaving quickly wherever the beam connected. Eventually leaving only the mech himself in pristine condition as he stared at Fauxwing. His blood red optics a sinister mark against the darkness of his frame. Which even now neared closer in perfect silence despite the metal surface beneath him. Like a wraith he continued, incapable of leaving a mark upon this world except for the bodies of his victims.

Then just as silently as he’d paced forward, he stopped falling into a regal bow that was just slightly more than a nod. An acknowledgement of Fauxwing’s power and yet a reminder she'd been the one to hire him. A standard greeting usually tolerated due to the need for mechs such as himself and the efficiency such tasks were completed with as well as probably some respect between the two, as he rose back up to his full height of 24ft to begin speaking unhindered, his voice sinfully smooth emitting from a frame made for dragging others to the caress of death.

“I have delivered what you desired, Fauxwing. As is the tradition of our transactions, I wish to see your end of the bargain before I release these into your care. In this occasion, I fear there can be no leniency on the conditions of our deal. I hope you understand my reasoning...”

With a glance from cautious optics, the mercenary swiftly scanned over the rest of the landing pads inhabitants including the Decepticons around Fauxwing just as much as the numerous bay crews that were working to prepare for new arrivals and departures. Each one a threat that could hear more than they were allowed and would have to be dealt with in such a scenario if either party misspoke.

“...After all, it would be unadvised to discuss the details of such important manners in an insecure location.” He said, his optics returning to meet Fauxwing’s in the process as his gaze tried to embed the severity of his words into his contractor's processor through will alone. The single desire not to speak of the exact details of their contract unspoken but blatantly clear.

Until a few moments later when the gaze broke and Shadow-Strike’s optics began roaming again to stop on more than a few mechs and femmes known for their loose lips or fondness for eavesdropping, an action which would have surely been repeated if they returned to the war room. An unlikely scenario to begin with but one that was even more doubtful to occur, as the Eidolon’s landing ramp remained lowered, with the air-lock left enticingly open. Both as an area to hold business between the assassin and commander as well as a test of loyalty for those among Fauxwing’s crew due to the promise of power that laid within. Just as much as it remained a reminder that any attempts to double-cross the mech could result in an explosion that would wipe this base from existence.

[vating]

Gnitav looked at these smaller people talking to him, criticizing him, buuuuut was he listening? Sorta? The only things he really got out of the group berating his logic was "You don't get to shoot people." He simply stared past them, almost looking like he was intentionally doing it to piss them off. Internally, he was simply thinking about the wonders of what he may get to shoot in the near, now looking rather distant, future. When Fauxwing confirmed his beliefs, he simply sighed, "Weaponry will not be stowed. Hostiles are always near, they will attack when you wait to let them." He hefted his Scrapmaker and stood ready. Some other people came in and he raised his Scrapmaker for but a moment, before lowering it and going back to his stationary stance of being ready to shoot literally anything should he need to, or just get in a really bad mood.

[Corvid]

"Don't worry, Gnitav. Your time will come," she reassured. Then, Fauxwing's attention began to splinter away from the apparently concluded conversation between her three officers, and toward two focal points of interest; the aerial display from Fauxwing's officer, Airburst, and the expected arrival of her mercenary, Shadow-Strike. The arrival leading to a meeting she'd expected to conduct after she'd dismissed her officers. Surely, her mercenary would attend to landing procedures, communicate with his crew, or tend to some other mundane task to occupy his time while she finished instructing her officers. She would simply dismiss her officers now, and-

The unthinkable happened. Her mercenary came out of his ship, and approached Fauxwing. Her eyes were now locked, gaze centered solely on Shadow-Strike's form with the harshest of scrutiny. All conversations around her faded into the background, the seeker deaf to everything around her but the slow, mind numbing fall of every foot step from the mech; she couldn't hear them, but she could feel them, each like a throbbing pound to her head as he approached. This is fine, she pointlessly reasoned with herself. He'll stand by while I finish...

Except he didn't.

Unbeknownst to Shadow-Strike, he had misspoken the moment he opened whatever mouth might be hiding behind that mask of his. In that moment, Fauxwing very much wished she could tear the mask and his mouth off, both. For all she cared, Gnitav could have opened fire then and there. She would have allowed it. Perhaps even found some satisfaction in it. This was out of order. And for a second of rare showing for the Decepticon commander, she dropped the veil that was her calm disposition to reveal but a glimpse of the ruthlessness she was capable of demonstrating.

"Leave now," she hissed at XNA and Nexus, the unwitting victims of Shadow-Strike's thoughtlessness. The pilot of their craft could be seen waving at them to join him across the hanger, outside on the landing platform. If Airburst joined her commander, she'd find herself hard pressed to interrupt Fauxwing with what came next.


"This lack of discretion" she began, "is intolerable."  Her voice was slow, measured, and controlled, as could be expected from the order-obsessed femme- but unexpectedly, laced with malcontent. Her's' sounds dragged out to practically hiss at the mercenary. "And your foolishness will cost you. You would do well to remember where you are, and with whom you are speaking."

She took this moment to make pause and denote the meaning behind her words, approaching the much shorter mech without reservation. He wouldn't do anything, if he expected to live; he was a mercenary- an independent entity with only a single ship- surrounded by the lurking forces of an entire faction's power, all at her disposal to use as seen fit. From behind, her pair of wings, until now absent, emerged. They burst violently from her and settled into place. They were large, and impressive, powerful looking wings that- like the rest of her- maintained the sleek appearance of a seeker's frame, but with a certain robust quality that suggested them to be all the more strong. Small dribbles of lavender and mauve holographics began to drip from them her in her ire, pooling for a moment before they created coherent images: ornate designs of two great Decepticon insignia, brightly emblazoned on each wing, matching the base and all its marked equipment around her. Then, her face too was enveloped by holograms: four pairs of large, curling horns were conjured; two on either side of her head. Her eyes remained trained on the mech, the bright pink optics dripping with every ounce of malice she kept restrained. The next she spoke, her voice was quiet, and airy; menacing in its hushed threat to send the person before her, this harbinger of death for many, to the very place he had condemned so many to. All the while Fauxwing held the ultimate form of order within herself. Self control.

Our dealings with one another may be no secret, but I decide how and to whom I reveal them- and he's denied me of that. It was the one prevailing thought that drove her to this turning point. He had denied her her precious order, and it was inexcusable.

"The task you requested as payment was completed upon word of your impending arrival. However, you will make no demands of me here. Here, I am Fauxwing, Commander of the Crescent Fortress... and you are here because I permit it. However, I have not failed to give consideration to your reputation. So, you may present the items I sent you to retrieve, as a show of good faith, and not only will I bestow upon you your half of our agreement, but... I may even allow you to leave alive." She could do it any number of ways: a costly assault here, on the landing platform, would ultimately end in Shadow-Strike's death. He might be able to take a few with him that way, though. Or, she could be sly: have her fleet engage with his small fighter on its way out of orbit, and catch him unawares. A nimble craft like that could hold its own for a while, but its end was just as inevitable there as it was here. The truth of the matter was that Fauxwing held Shadow-Strike's life in his hands. A single word, and he'd have to fight an entire faction's collective strength in their home territory. "But please, deny me. I welcome the chance to-" she rolled her neck, cracking it loudly as armor plating all over her body rattled- "exercise use of my abundant resources."

[aphidly]

Nexus nodded as his commander addressed his question only moments before turning his attention to the large mech. His refusal to disarm himself seemed to amuse Nexus "Gnitav, I like you. I look forward to working with you in battle." though his head moved towards the sound of approaching footsteps that soon stopped. The way this stranger spoke seemed to make Nexus uneasy, his hand moved to his side where a blade sat in its scabbard. A faint glow of yellow and an even fainter glow of red illuminated beneath the matte black, before fading away.



The silence that fell was thick enough for Nexus to feel on his armor. It was only moments before Fauxwing's voice broke it. "Yes, Commander." Nexus seemed to barely relax as he turned to the sound of the pilot signaling them over. His arm reached out and touched XNA's shoulder- just making sure she was there as he began moving.



As they approached the ship, now out of the way of Fauxwing, Nexus turned his head towards XNA "That was," he paused for a moment, "intense." They neared the pilot and Nexus politely greeted him, following XNA on board. 

[Cybiscus]

The giant's response gained him a raised brow from XNA, one of the corners of her derma taut. Well, the good news at least, is that Gnitav would undoubtedly be of use whenever she was around him. Hopefully, he wasn't trigger happy enough to mistake his comrades as enemies. Mistakes while having fun can certainly make consequences for later.

XNA exhales softly through her vents, her expression lightening up somewhat as her gaze darts to the now occupied platforms. Splendid, more folks to take a gander. They were quite a loud bunch- creating a rather dramatic entry for themselves. The seeker- they had a glow to them, and not just their armor, though it does appear to be in good condition. However, XNA wasn't able to capture the details from them, not from this distance, unfortunately. She makes a note to get a better look when the opportunity comes up. From what she gathers now, the seeker had confidence. And speaking of confidence...

The mech, striding up towards Fauxwing, definitely an interesting fellow. Her optics lit up as she takes in some more information. Indeed, there was a rather ominous vibe radiating from this...individual. His stance, his demeanor, it all screamed out his dangerous status. XNA couldn't help but scan over the sleekness of his armor, and the brilliant lights of his frame. The dents and cracks in his armor only build more to the effect of the vibe. Truly an interesting mech. One that should have optics on at all times.

With the combination of Fauxwing's demand and Nexus' touch, zaps XNA out of her trance. She turns her helm to look at Nexus- making a slight jolt from how zoomed in her vision was. She quickly remedies her sight by adjusting the settings on her visor, turning her frame to follow the mech to their awaiting pilot. A chill ran down her back from the booming voice of Fauxing, her spark skipping a beat. Despite her calm appearance, she could feel that 'fight or flight' feeling kicking in. What a trip.

XNA then nods in agreement to Nexus' comment, many emotions running through her helm- her face might be able to display that, even with her seemingly blank look. "Yes...intense." It was all she could muster out. As they enter the ship, the femme slowly raises a servo towards her chin, parting her derma just a tad for her dental to bite on her index claw, concealing an out of place snicker.

[SystemLink]

Lifting her optics from her pod of gathered intel, she turned to gaze upon the ship that made such an entrance. That will not bode well with the commander. She prepared herself mentally for what may come. As named individuals would have some sort of entrance. If it was good or bad was to be determined.

The ramp and blue light followed with a bow suggested that he was well mannered and wanted to be cleaned up before actually speaking. She knew right away he was going to be eccentric and his speech began... Yup. Shortly after she gathered a log for signatures and ordered a waiting trolley team to receive the designated package. A brisk walk towards the grou- and her walk slowed down when wings birthed a new sort of violence.

She kept her opinions quiet but knew a situation was there. To diffuse such a moment she gulped in as much air as she possibly could before stepping forward. Her voice raised a pitch higher than normal, "If I may intrude?" She stepped closer to her commander and Shadow-Strike. Two vastly stronger entities, "The situation right now was caused by a lack of communication. A failure on our part to communicate that said items were a more discrete nature. We will do better in the future to ensure said items of worth like these will be handled with further care." She looked to Fauxwing while admiring those wings. Her own skirt shifted a bit due to her wings folding up to act as such. Then her attention turned to Shadow Strike and which she stumbled a moment with hidden eyes widening in her visor, "A-and such eccentreties are not common amongst our forces sir Shadow-Strike. A rather impressive set. Still, you need to be attentive as to who you work with here."

A look between the two and a gentle bow of the helm was given before she stepped backwards to give them their space. She could feel her core feeling like a block of ice.

[shadowstrike]

Surrounded by Decepticons, with the commander of their forces appearing visibly angered at his arrival, it wouldn't be incorrect to say Shadow-Strike had miscalculated. He wouldn't even deny the accusation, after all the evidence was right in front of him, completely undeniable as Fauxwing stood ahead of him. The rage she felt practically flowing through her frame in the way her holograms burned brightly with their demonic appearance. A perhaps unconscious decision to mirror his own energon-stained entrance or simply a form she considered most intimidating to cowl those who had displeased her. The lethal threats that accompanied it where only further proof that he'd made a potentially grievous error from the very moment he'd decided to make this a public event.

A decision that had been planned for rather than created through impatience, a trait that had been largely stamped out by the assassin if only to increase his chances of survival in a world where misjudged haste could be deadly. Although he would not deny it hadn't had some influence in his actions, the importance of his request was one that could not be delayed and even if Fauxwing's claims where true he already intended to check the mining site he'd requested purged for proof. Trust was not something he sacrificed often and as the commander had demonstrated their relationship was a feeble thing. One that may have even already shattered not only due to his own misdeeds but potentially Fauxwing's if she'd been tempted by the potential power he'd desired destroyed. A scenario he might have considered unlikely before he was sent for his recent acquisition but one that could be worryingly true, with rumours from spacers in the Haegan Belt system reporting disruptions and visible clouds of smoke from one of the asteroids. A completely unrelated report that he would have glossed over if he wasn't aware of Decepticon resource gathering operations in the belt, after all the setbacks in one operation could always be the tipping point that made more dangerous resources appear viable.

From the rather large gathering that had been there as he arrived and was sent away rather than allowed to interact with him, Shadow-Strike had an assumption that setback was a little more drastic than the rumours suggested. So the forces that had been mobilized where probably there to examine the damage at the outpost. Either that or there was another operation Fauxwing had planned, a definite possibility but one he considered unlikely at the moment. He’d already suspected on his way down why the group had been assembled and the usual discretion of him and the commander’s meetings had suggested interaction with them would not be intentional.

Either way, it’d left Shadow-Strike with an opportunity that was rarely expressed for him, arriving at a moment when Fauxwing was surrounded by subordinates and recovering from the potential setbacks of one of her operations in the sector. A clear contrast from the usually prepared femme who would hold negotiations in private. So it was only natural rather than prolong his docking sequence when the crew within where more than capable of handling the task, instead Shadow-Strike had pounced on the opening to examine his contractor when the cards were not entirely in her favour. An opportunity that was rare enough he’d intentionally pushed her, curious of what he could learn of her reactions and how he could use them in later meetings.

It was here that Shadow-Strike realised he’d miscalculated, the previous expectations of a simple chiding to regain control before further punishment in a more private setting had instead been replaced by a screaming banshee with her anger on full display. The command to dismiss her staff providing only the barest sign of sanity before she’d stepped closer, neared the one she wished to threaten. Either completely forgetting or uncaring of the exact nature of the cargo he’d delivered, with the potential for failsafes that would leave any attempts of her betraying him turning her package and the Eidolon into a explosive that could wipe this moon from existence.

Nevermind claiming her own life, so close to the potential blast radius as well as those of the Decepticon’s she’d sent away. Who all seemed to be watching their commanders actions with various responses of their own, although none of them seemed disapproving, perhaps because they were unaware of the danger they were in or because of their affiliation with there leader.
In contrast, Shadow-Strike could only find disappointment in the once respectable contractor.

Before responding however, another Decepticon arrived, the seeker who’d flown above in anticipation of his arrival. The sound of their thrusters providing a warning, even as it gave some assurance they didn’t intend to pre-emptively carry out the threats levelled against him. In fact, it would appear they intended to deescalate the situation, as they quickly upon landing attempted to explain the current face off as a perfectly reasonable miscommunication. An action that was perhaps misguided with his commander’s need to vent her anger but a favourable one that gave Shadow-Strike the instant to consider his next steps.

Current situation: Contractor angered by departure from the traditional structure of meetings, current reaction suggests external factors leading to an amplified reaction. However, lack of similar deviations on agents behalf could mean such reaction is standard, catalogue for later analysis.

Identify potential threats: Contractor has suggested the punishment of lethal force. Highlighted their position, rather than own martial prowess. All forces in the base must be considered potentially hostile, Contractor does not intend to duel and shall use the resources available to her. Consider ships above, danger when on ground minimal but provide a significant threat to the Eidolon.

Methods to deal with the current situation: Negotiate with the contractor, Eliminate threats, Escape or Death.

Death problematic, the current situation does not allow for outright removal of agent and would lead to notable delays. Sacrifice to be considered last resort.

Elimination of threats unlikely, frame not designed for a prolonged fight which would be required to secure base from counterattack. Movement from current position required to avoid automated defences, which would continue to hinder chances of survival. Deactivation of power core necessity to remove defences. Enemy forces overwhelming in current numbers, use explosives to cull mass with use of chokepoints and escape routes to avoid sustained fights and reduce the enemies opportunity to flank. Avoid one way corridors and rooms, defensive properties outweighed by enemies sheer resources.

Top priority swift elimination of chain of command to reduce response forces efficiency. Second priority download base schematics for unhindered traversal and avoidance of dead-ends, tertiary priority hijack security cameras to help organise confrontations with defenders. Elimination of base forces unlikely to occur in time to fortify defences from fleet reinforcements, if successful however use bases armory to prepare traps reducing threats that need dealt with personally. Conclusion, capture of base and elimination of all threats possible but highly unlikely. Most likely scenario is battle of attrition occurs, agents survival at that point is unfeasible. Consider escape and negotiation first.

Negotiations still viable, the contractor has demanded to see cargo. Condition can be accomplished easily, may recover current scenario. On the other hand, Contractors current actions suggest they have forgotten the possibility of failsafes. Some of the failsafes are easily seen and may anger contractor, with current attitude an unexpected reaction could result in agents death. However the reverse may occur, the threat of failsafes may encourage the contractor to descelate and allow for a safe retreat from negotiation. Prepare for the breakdown of negotiations but consider most practical reaction at the current examination.

To prepare recovery of negotiations initiate with a deferential bow, contractors anger presumably caused by failure to fall under their sense of control, to counteract respond with traditional Kaonian bow providing familiarity and comfort. Begin the movement by placing left servo behind the back, with arm bent at the elbow. Follow this step by placing right servo against waist with arm similarly bent at the elbow. Then tilt body forward to reveal neck in a sign of deference, acceptance of the danger of the contractors threat should reduce tension. After three seconds however quickly revert to standard posture in a single fluid movement. Inquire whether contractor desires to come onboard or if they’d like cargo transferred before proceeding with either action. Further steps unpredictable until further information is gathered.

Now considering escape as last scenario. Distance to personal ship, twenty meters. Current location behind agent. Direct escape requires turning away from enemy, current tension increases reaction speeds so predict enemy fire and counteract with erratic movements. Fauxwing and unnamed Decepticon seeker near proximity too close for dodging without visual assessment. Only option is their neutralization, use seekers distraction when speaking to Fauxwing to apply explosive charge on back then kick forward into enemy commander. Collision should provide temporary distraction, then detonate charge when out of range using necessary movements to reach ship.

Use of thrusters and other evasive maneuvers to reach ship should provide crew time to prepare for emergency take off. Enemy fleet ahead, can be temporarily counteracted with proximity to base and potential for collateral damage preventing Decepticon ships firing while close to Crescent Fortress. May allow time for stealth systems to activate and slip through blockade. Conclusion, true threat not from enemy fleet, instead Crescent Fortresses AA-guns. Ion cannons of notable danger due to potential range and area of effect could negate cloaking systems and allow for ships to relocate for suitable attack angles.

Direct route of escape, impractical. Escape still viable option.

Identified problems; Fauxwing and Airburst too close for retreat without their intervention. Anti-Air guns capable of neutralising the Eidolon and the fleet is still a threat especially if failures with the stealth systems occur.

Solutions: Elimination of Fauxwing and Airburst. Disable Anti-Air defences by interfering with base power core and neutralise fleets ability to respond to the Eidolon’s escape.

Resulting problems: Enemy communications result in increased resistance. Lack of their commander means forces are unaware of danger of cargo, destruction of the Eidolon and the following chain reaction destroys moon.

Solutions: Eliminate chain of command, Fauxwing’s elimination already planned but furthers ideal. Size of current operations implies need for communications, Symphony presumably at centre of activity, elimination of her shall further destructure chain of command and reduce enemies ability to communicate.

Problem, Symphony aware of cargo, her survival could ensure ship is not attacked. Decision… elimination still required. Instead with her removal hijack base tanoy system, use announcements and enemy communications to broadcast original negotiation with Fauxwing to reveal danger.

Solutions require further assessment. Inadequate preparation leads to mistakes, clear plan required. Initiating prediction scenario.

Assessing nearby hostiles. Closest enemy, Airburst within melee range, engagement maneuvers could close the gap for melee with Fauxwing. Highest priority threat nearby operational ship, hasty elimination with explosives to prevent inclusion in fight. Afterwards elimination of enemies in proximity necessary. Once proximity is determined relatively safe then neutralize Gnativ before proceeding through base.

Warning, ranged fight possesses multiple threats that dramatically increase likelihood of mission failure. Suggestion is simple, cripple targeting systems and line of sight.

Compiling information.

Accessing preliminary suggestions.

Detailed simulation ready to process.

Initiating.

Proceed with a deferential bow, contractors anger presumably caused by failure to fall under their sense of control, to counteract respond with traditional Kaonian bow providing familiarity and comfort. Begin the movement by placing left servo behind the back, with arm bent at the elbow. Follow this step by placing right servo against waist with arm similarly bent at the elbow. Then tilt body forward to reveal neck in a sign of deference, acceptance of the danger of the contractors threat should reduce tension. Capitalize on position to trigger synchronised assault, flashbang located in right shoulder used alongside the Eidolon’s personal EMP generator.

Diagnosis, nearby enemies blinded temporarily, EMP hits all systems in the area deactivating targeting systems and neutralising Fauxwing’s holograms for a moment. Advantage is only a stop-gap further steps to required to prevent ranged fire. Activate smoke dispensers in pede’s to flood the landing bay within seconds. In the meanwhile use the flashbang to dispose of Airburst. Close proximity to the flashbang results in neural damage, instinctive reaction to cover optics. Before they can overcome natural instincts embed thermo-energon blade through chin, medical scanner provides information this is the cleanest way to their processor.

The destruction of the processor is instantaneously lethal, corpse is still largely intact however turn it to provide a temporary shield before smoke discourages firearms. Dispose of shield soon after and turn towards Fauxwing, use combat thrusters to launch forward. As a consequence the sound highlights position, use stealth thrusters to adjust trajectory accordingly to land behind and to the side of the commander. Upon landing proceed with downwards slash using right blade. Fauxwing is not to be underestimated, prepare for strike to be blocked. Instinctive reaction is to proceed with blade through sparkchamber. Instead pivot to avoid retaliation strike while keeping blade-lock, fire cable-corp from left gauntlet into femme’s leg rather than respond with blade. The sudden impact in the smoke should destabilize enemy, retract cable to further loss of balance. Use right blade and continued weapon-lock to guide their frame into follow up strike with left, bisect at waist tilting according to slice through energon tank.

Evaluation. Loss of legs results in dramatic change of balance, mobility would only be possible due to wings. The destruction of the energon-tank results in sudden and ultimately fatal energon loss. Previous tests confirmed frame can survive temporarily without energon, possibility of Fauxwing releasing permission for bombardment unacceptable. Sheathe left blade in enemy frame through exposed wound, ensuring to pierce through the spark chamber in the process. Trigger blade for thermo-overload.

Estimated time of interaction, twenty seconds.

Proceed with threat eradication, next target, departing ship. Model known to possess relatively efficient armour for a patrol craft, grenades inefficient without direct hit. The exact location of weakpoints difficult to assess with movement of battle, the arising smoke cloud and possibility of modifications. Instead target nearby fuel tank. Switch left servo to pathblaster, fire single shot at tanks safety mechanisms. Increase the reactive heat of next condensed magma-shot. Then proceed with follow up shot at fuel tanks primary chamber. Resulting explosion calculated to be deadly at close range. The additional shrapnel of the chamber is close enough to pierce ship. Positive assumptions, size of fragments and the shockwave result in chain reaction detonating the vessel, no survivors. Moderate assumption, damage grounds ship for the foreseeable future.

Use momentum of enemy losses to eliminate shell-shocked defenders, prioritise speed over intimidation value. Sudden losses should equate for the moral suffering of more violent deaths.

Next target of interest is Gnativ, previous reports highlight lack of mental stability. Preliminary examination supports this decision. The possibility of enemy using area of effect weaponry despite potential ally casualties is too high. Could be used to agents advantage though, deploy vocal decoy near reasonable cluster of Decepticon troops, ensure it is not placed near self however to avoid backlash. Use smoke and the resulting chaos to approach, then place breaching charge on backplate. Retreat before detonation, the breach is ultimately lacking in explosive power using thermal-energy to melt through layers of reinforced armour but the resulting sound and light could be used to trace the attack if tactical exclusion is not made quickly.

Further time spent on hostiles on the landing pad is inefficient. Fauxwing’s lack of response to communications already resulting in a change of command. Instead proceed into the base, blast doors are an obvious entrance but even a breaching charge would take time that the agent doesn’t possess. Ulterior entrance required. Ceiling could be used if an appropriate section of the hull was chosen.

To move onto the ceiling use thrusters on stealth setting, decreased power and resulting movement is counteracted by the lowered sound. Rather than allowing self to land however it is necessary to keep thrusters activated with measured thrust to provide hover, avoiding movement sensors while using blindspot in cameras to proceed onwards. Continued use of the thrusters negates the usefulness of cloak.

By now enemy communications are returning to sustainable levels. Allowed to progress their response while eventually counteract own actions. Only reasonable option is elimination of communication staff. Previous visits to facility identify the war room, on the edge of the base.

Once above the war room, activate shoulder mounted grenade launcher. Then deactivate thrusters to slip over the edge, fire piercing round to break through reinforced glass then follow up with cluster grenade. Standard procedure after breach of glass is to activate blast doors. The resulting action seals victims with cluster grenades just moments before detonation, the casualties are numerous, an EMP grenade within the mix only ensures the communication blackout.

Returning to primary objective the blackout in the war room allows for quicker movement, activate breaching charge above the nearest corridor to the core room. The core room itself is too heavily reinforced to breach with infantry explosives. From there clear the area before finding the control terminal, with access to the facilities infrastructure upload negotiation footage with Fauxwing exposing danger of cargo and reducing risk of the Eidolon’s survival. Then overload core directing all power to the Ion cannon and other AA-guns, before leaving the power room with a virus to delay enemy response and provide automatic access to doors.

Further travel can then be made indoors dispatching any patrols, the agent comes across.

Last destination within the base is the defence controls, expect heavy resistance allowing for the use of all arnaments. Once area is secure target Decepticon fleet with all weapons before returning to the Eidolon. Using the resulting assault on the crippled fleet to depart in the process.

Estimated operation time, twenty minutes with possibility of extended deployment time.

Final conclusion, agents frame suffers secondary damage but operational to the end of mission. Decepticon base’s powercore overloads and standard schematics of similar facilities suggest the explosion is critical and eradicates all life on the moon. In a similar state the Decepticon fleet is crippled, minor ships are outright destroyed and major vessels receive debilitating wounds among those that survive.

Multiple consequences are predictable as a result of actions. With the removal of their primary forces and main command base, Decepticon forces in the sector are hindered significantly. Chances of survival without assistance from primary faction are minor and only further decrease when organisations in the sector realise the group is without support. On the other hand main faction support while require an experience commander and supplementary forces to restablish control, increasing Decepticon presence overall after a period of weakness.

Retaliation from Decepticon forces is assured regardless of how the primary faction treats this sectors remnants. Most obvious reaction is Decepticon hit-squads and a bounty ensuring participation of notable mercenaries. Failure to claim the contract results in continued escalation, to counteract initiate sabotage operations in contested sectors to force the enemy to focus on other objectives.

Eventually, however, the agent will slip and death is inevitable, in addition, the need to avoid hunters while directly interfere with the primary directive.

The path is clear.

Proceed.

With only a blink to reveal the distraction of his thoughts, Shadow-Strike listened to Airburst trail off as she finished speaking to them both. Now allowing Shadow-Strike as he took a single step forward to proceed.

Beginning the movement by placing his left servo behind his back, with the arm bent at the elbow. Following it shortly by placing his right servo against his waist with the arm similarly bent at the elbow. Before tilting his body forward to reveal his neck to Fauxwing in a sign of deference, an acceptance of the danger her threat could bring as well as her position.

Soon after though he stood again, straightening in a fluid manoeuver that was perfectly performed.

“I apologize for my mistake, you are correct, of course. For the sake of clarity however I must inquire where you would like me to display the items of interest. To avoid any further misunderstandings, I think it important to vocalise how you would like to proceed… understanding that as is standard for our more volatile transactions there is a deadman switch attached to my spark set to cause a chain reaction faster than either of us can move.”

[Corvid]

After Airburst had finished, Fauxwing shot her a look that said "you shouldn't have." "We will not accept responsibility for Shadow-Strike's mistake," she adamantly shut down the logistics officer's well intended interruption. When Shadow-Strike said as much, she nodded satisfactorily. "See? At least he's not entirely incompetent." Albeit a bit harsh, it at least seemed like the seeker had been softened by the more metered reply. The situation had been defused, for the time being. The holo displays around Fauxwing trickled off, leaving now-blank wings to fold back neatly behind her frame.

"Yes yes, here is fine," she said impatiently with a dismissive wave, his reply having not entirely staved off the dissatisfaction caused by his gaffe. "Just show me the merchandise. Assuming you were actually able to procure it."