Briefing the Odd Couple

[Victoria Raines]

This thread takes place after all CtF threads are finished.


It is not bordom that prompts Shockwave to drum his fingertips on the table; he is deep in thought, staring at his datapad. Every current member of their force had been catalouged, strengths and weakness (where apparent) noted. The capture the flag games had been quite telling, quite telling indeed.

Shockwave pulls up what data he possess on Cannonball and Wreckage. Both of them were given orders to report to Shockwave's lab immediately. They should be here soon. Really, he would prefer it if there were at least one other to send on this exploration and salvage mission, someone with some skill as a medic, just in case. But there is no one to spare at the moment; at least, no one who would not be a liability at any rate.

He looks up as the proximity sensors flash, letting him know that someone was approaching the door to his lab. The motion sensors are also online, so the door should open for whomever it may be, once they are close enough.

[Wreckage]

The doors open as Wreckage trips the motion sensors and he pauses for a moment out of respect before entering. Orders to report mean he need not worry about asking permission; admittance is already tacitly approved. He makes his way to the table where Shockwave is seated, stride even and unhurried, and draws himself up to attention. He is faintly unsurprised his roommate has not yet arrived. Prompt compliance with orders seems not to be a trait inherent of the bothersome little pirate.

"Reporting as ordered, sir," the warrior intones without looking directly at his superior.

[Cannonball]

Within a few minutes, the motion sensors are tripped again, and Cannonball enters. Of course he's not good with prompt order compliance. Used to giving them, and all, not so much receiving them. From the general consensus he'd gathered, this Not-Shockblast guy was not one to be kept waiting -too- long. Once inside, Cannonball stands beside Wreckage, reporting with his usual tone and accenting. "'Ere I am. Wot'chee need, sah?"

[Victoria Raines]

Shockwave looks up as Wreckage enters, a brief nod his only greeting. Shockwave has no intention of explaining his summons until both parties are present, but both he and Wreckage are spared an overlong wait as Cannonball enters soon after. A wise move on the pirates part, as what he has heard is most certainly true- Shockwave does not like to be kept waiting.

Shockwave leans back a bit in his chair, looking up at the pair. He says, "We have completed the majority of the necessary base construction, and can now turn some attention toward exploring the area, marking resources, mapping terrain, etcetera. I have been given leave to send the two of you to do so. This device," here Shockwave taps a small unit on the table, "will allow you to convert the energy found at the local way stations into energon, so you need not worry about sub-optimal fuel. You will be expected to check in regularly, of course. I regret that we do not have a medic available to accompany you. So do try to avoid possible fatal damages."

He pauses here, awaiting reactions and questions. The two will not be allowed to refuse of course. Shockwave has deliberately left out a good chunk of the details; the questions and individual asks can be just as telling as their answers.

[Wreckage]

Wreckage flicks the briefest of glances toward Cannonball upon the pirate's arrival, a split-second aversion of his gaze and little more. Shockwave, having called them here, garners the warrior's attention. And yes, curiosity as well. Why call on them in particular? They have gotten on as well as they might, considering the circumstances; there has been relatively little interaction between them thus far, which doubtlessly contributed to the lack of friction.

As Shockwave gives them an explanation – what little of it there is – Wreckage listens and commits the guidelines to memory. He finds the overall lack of specificity faintly troublesome. These are vague parameters for which neither of them is specialised as far as he knows.

"Sir," he murmurs, "particular regions we should check?" Or are they to simply wander aimlessly? "Mission duration? How reliable is the converter?" His gaze settles on it for but a moment, then he looks once more to Shockwave. Another peculiar thought has occurred to him. "And should we encounter newcomers… what are the rules of engagement?" He feels it is already clear what should be done with Autobots, new or old. Unless, for some inscrutable reason, prisoners should be taken instead; he finds that option unlikely with only himself and Cannonball deployed. One, perhaps, two at most can be taken. Any more would be a needless burden and of better use as spare parts, if anything. New Decepticons… there, he wants a little more clarification.

[Cannonball]

Cannonball just kinda looks at Shockwave for a bit.

"On one hand, I share similar concerns tae Wreckage 'ere. 'Owever, I do be curious - Why us? Wouldn't it make a bit more sense tae send folks wit' flyin' altmodes?" He strokes his chin a bit in pondersome thinking. "I do be appreciatin' th' chance tae explore, just curious as tae the reasons. And the stuff Wreckage asked aboot."

[Victoria Raines]

If Shockwave were perhaps one of those more interested in Earth culture, he might say that sending Wreckage and Cannonball on an extended jaunt makes good TV, comedy gold, they will sweep the ratings. Or if he were a more personable mech, he might try to flatter then by explaining exactly how the two of them were best suited. Instead, Shockwave opts for honesty.

"I am sending the pair of you because neither of you have skills useful to the remaining base construction. And if I recall correctly, Cannonball, you can fly."

Shockwave holds out a datapad toward Wreckage. Why toward Wreckage? Because Wreckage asked the right questions, instead of questioning Shockwave's decisons. Provided Wreckage takes it, Shockwave continues "The answers to most of your questions are there. Also, the orbital maps so kindly provided by Skyfire, as well as radar maps from Dead End, information regarding the converter's operation- if it is damaged, you will have to make do with dirty charges. And I will be most displeased. As for duration, I will let you know when I wish you to return."

"You will take note that certain areas are marked as places of interest, and that areas in the swamplands, plains, and desert have been marked as mandatory. I have sensors arrays placed at those locations to monitor arrivals. Check on the arrays, but do not do more than that, unless you are confronted by the Autobots at said locations. In that case, remove the arrays, and bring them back to base with you. Under no circumstances are they to fall into enemy hands. I would prefer not to have that work wasted, so do be careful with them."

Shockwave leans back in his chair. "Keep in radio contact. If you discover a new arrival, contact me at <insert frequency>. Be on the look out for possible power sources, also," Shockwave waves his hand, "for anything that looks out of place. That drone Fleetwind encountered was not native to this planet. Capture one, without it self-destructing, and I will be most pleased with you both."

Looking from one to the other, Shockwave asks, "Any other questions?"

[Wreckage]

Wreckage does, in fact, take the datapad; it was offered to him, after all. As Shockwave continues outlining their mission, Wreckage listens intently while skimming the contents of the device, committing those, too, to memory before he passes off the datapad to Cannonball. He is assuming Cannonball has somewhere to store the device and will have somewhere to safely store the fuel converter as well, because he does not and while he has operated with substandard fuel in the past and can do so again if he must, he would like to avoid that outcome as long as possible.

So. Exploration, data collection, and… possibly chaperone duty. With no definite deadline and a very wide zone of operations, uncertain chances of combat. This sounds different and dull at the same time.

"Acknowledged, sir," Wreckage intones nevertheless. His questions have been answered. The rest is simply to be done.

[Cannonball]

Cannonball can't help a smirk at Shockwave's reason for their choice. Insulting? Maybe, but he'd most defnitely prefer to go out exploring than be stuck building a base. If he stayed, that'd mean having to be around hook, so going off with Tall, Pointy, and Brooding is a good deal more pleasing.

Cannonball takes the datapad, flicking over the data and storing it away in a subspace pocket. He also notes Shockwave's frequency and stores it, reaching forward to take the convertor, stowing it with the datapad. "I s'pose tha's all" he answers to the question regarding more questions, then turns to Wreckage. "Shall we be off then, lad?"

[Victoria Raines]

A subtle shift of Shockwave's weight in the chair is the only indication of his irritation. Cannonball oversteps his bounds. That is the problem with placing a privateer on par with a rank and file solider. No discipline.

He leans forward, crossing his arms on the table. His next words are very clearly directed toward Wreckage, "This is to be considered a military operation, not a treasure hunt. I expect clear and concise reports, with a minimum of embellishment. Wreckage, you as the ranking military presence will be held accountable for ensuring that, and that the specific objectives outlined are achieved." He settles back again, "You may both top off your fuel reserves before leaving."

"Dismissed."

[Wreckage]

Pointedly ignoring Cannonball for the moment, Wreckage's only negative reaction – if it can be called such – to being charged with control of the mission is a pause and a quick blink, and the hesitation swiftly passes. Far be it from him to argue with orders; if Shockwave wants this peculiar mission kept orderly and to some standard of military protocol, Wreckage can but comply. Balking would do him no good.

"Understood," he rumbles, punctuating with another nod to the second in command before taking his dismissal, shifting his weight and turning. He spares a brief, expectant glance at Cannonball on his way out the door. First, to top off his tank as allowed, then to depart.

---

OOC: Out.

[Cannonball]

Cannonball has discipline! It's just of a different variety than Shockwave is accustomed to. The information that this is to be military, not treasure-hunting is disappointing, but Cannonball makes no auditory protests. He returns Wreckage's glance with one of irritation. He doesn't need to be prodded into following. Turning, he gives Shockwave a wave of his hand and a half-hearted "Aye-aye", going with Wreckage to the fueling areas.
----------
Out.