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Post by Sable Conolly on Jun 7, 2009 20:32:58 GMT -5
The problem with building a base atop a poorly mapped warren of mining tunnels atop mining tunnels atop karst topography is that monitoring each and every tunnel is impossible.
It is also a blessing.
Shockwave laboratory doesn't have a shady back door where non-descript trucks can pull up, but there is a tunnel that runs beneath it. A black tanker truck with a most curious load bungee-corded to his trailer pulls up underneath the laboratory.
The cab transforms, and Scourge stands, slightly hunched. He knocks on the tunnel ceiling. Oh hello up there. Special delivery.
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Post by Victoria Raines on Jun 7, 2009 22:43:30 GMT -5
Shockwave has been waiting for that knock. Truth be told, he has been waiting for that knock since even before he had a lab floor for Scourge to knock upon.
He only wishes this was a more amiable version of his Ultra Magnus. It would make things so much easier.
In short order, Shockwave is walking up to Scourge from the far end of the tunnel- seemingly from the very rock itself. There was no sound of a door sliding, no hiss and pop of interlocks. It is a very well built rabbit hole, and until now, only Hook (and Spinister, though Shockwave does not know that) knows that the shaft to this tunnel was created, and no one but Shockwave knows the tricks to the various mechanisms through which one must pass to gain entry to lab or tunnel.
Those are all of Shockwave's own make, and so thorough is he that he has shielded it even from his trusted lapdog, from his pet worm. And knowing that Scourge would be returning with his bounty soon, Shockwave had sent Hellbender off with some others to forage for more fuel sources. No worry that the tell-tale rumble of an engine might be picked out from amongst the other machinery noises.
In short, aside from Shockwave and Scourge, Magnus's presence here is, for now, a complete secret.
Shockwave stops in front of Scourge. "You have done very, very well, Scourge. I am quite pleased. Name a reward, and if it is within my power, you shall have it." One headfin tilts back. "Do not," he warns, "ask for the shark's life. We can ill afford a loss at the moment." The words and tone indicate that Scourge could have been having a sushi dinner if he so wished, otherwise. "But if you want, say, Dead End or Wildrider to yourself for awhile...."
Big black trucks like sexy sports cars, right? To mangle or to dally with, it makes no difference, to Shockwave.
He reaches out to try and lightly grasp Scourge on the shoulder, and if successful, will deliberately let his fingertips slide along that black metal before he drops his hand, moving around to stand in front of Ultra Magnus's bound form.
Shockwave reaches up to tilt Magnus's head up, examines the injuries there, as well as the others Scourge inflicted upon that once pristine white armour. From subspace, he pulls his needles, and then, with ease and familiarity, opens a panel in the other's chest. A touch here, a tweak there, and Shockwave forces the former Security Commander's body back online- before it was ready, most likely. Online, but not functional: he deliberately cut power to all self-repair systems, as well as Magnus's limbs.
The first words Magnus will hear as his audials come online, even before his optics begin to glow, will be, "So this is what deja vu feels like. How fascinating."
OOC: Unless Scourge contradicts, I'm assuming it took at least a day for him to get back to base, which buts this thread on Day 10, maybe day 11. It is also, very much a private thread, and this is sooooooper seeeeeekrit, in case one can not tell from my post.
Also, being creepy with Magnus done with player permission.
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Ultra Magnus
Major
Disappointing Fellow Autobots Since the Age of Internment
Posts: 565
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Post by Ultra Magnus on Jun 8, 2009 13:07:41 GMT -5
Pain. Again. For the second time in a row, Ultra Magnus wakes to pain; it's what he gets for being decked by a Motormaster lookalike with strength like Grimlock's. But his systems abruptly force-start, sending more jolts across his tactile nets, and he stifles a groan, then tries to sit up. He can't even lift his head. He can't move at all and there's a voice. Someone speaking; they might be nearby, but the sound is garbled with his audio processors still coming back up to speed. The modulation levels out in time for Magnus to hear one word in a voice that stokes so much rage in him so suddenly that it's like being punched by Scourge all over again.
Fascinating.
Magnus's visual cluster snaps online and he's greeted by the face he only ever wants to see again from behind gun sights. He manages to keep silent – perhaps only by the grace of Primus – but anger makes his optics over-bright as he fixes a determinedly murderous look on Shockwave.
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Post by Sable Conolly on Jun 8, 2009 22:13:07 GMT -5
Scourge looks annoyed and snaps, "For a while? What good are they to me, for a while? It would be tricky to plan out any engagement wherein they would only be of short term use." Combat engagement. Scourge is not considering any innuendo. He tosses his head about like a dark stallion, and he demands instead, "Anything?"
There is much he could demand, and Scourge wants to very much. A thousands things demand his attention.
Yet, he falls silent, contemplative.
Scourge is... in no way content. However, he isn't dying, and the things he really wants - his commandos, his Megatron - Shockwave cannot deliver them to Scourge. He hunches his shoulders and rumbles, "I'll call you on that later, Commander."
When it is least convenient, really.
He looks over at Ultra Magnus and says mildly, "You should look happier to see your old friend, Uncle. After I went to such lengths to arrange this reunion."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Jun 8, 2009 22:42:39 GMT -5
Shockwave gives a quiet hum of satisfaction when those crimson optics flicker online. Oh, the hatred and anger is quite clear, familiar as Shockwave is with his old ally/enemy's expressions. Much as the hatred puzzles, it also comforts, for here finally is something truly belonging to Shockwave, from his time, something of his.
His, whether Ultra Magnus sees that or not.
Shockwave carefully shuts the access in Magnus's chest. He reaches up and slowly draws the point of his needle down one white antenna, digging in deep. "How very nice to see your spirit is strong as ever, Ultra Magnus. You never disappoint."
Shockwave turns away then, back to the tanker. He can not help a glance between them again. So close, the similarities- and the differences- are striking. Oh, what Shockwave could do, if he commanded both their loyalties.
"If it is within my power, and not contradictory to my own well-being," he clarifies. Unlike him, that earlier slip. "And you may hold your choice till your leisure, but be aware that your deciding the time is right to request, does not mean I will drop all to give."
He studies Scourge a few moments more. "I forget that you are so innocent on some levels. I meant no offense by my suggested reward. My apologies."
Back to his captive now, and Shockwave taps the needle point just under one optic, "Now, Magnus, we have been through this before. Do you really want history to repeat itself?"
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Ultra Magnus
Major
Disappointing Fellow Autobots Since the Age of Internment
Posts: 565
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Post by Ultra Magnus on Jun 9, 2009 20:20:47 GMT -5
"We. Aren't. Friends," Ultra Magnus growls, answering Scourge but glaring squarely at Shockwave and ignoring the needle pricking that narrow strip of grey plate just below his optic. The thin gouge in his antenna stings faintly and just reminds him how much he loathes the monster staring at him. If he could move, he'd kill Shockwave right here, right now, or die trying. The Autobots here would lose nothing either way.
What has Ultra Magnus gotten into this time?
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Post by Sable Conolly on Jun 9, 2009 21:06:04 GMT -5
So, Scourge can ask for something that is good for Shockwave but that Shockwave does not want? That's an interesting loophole. Scourge has no idea how he could use it, though.
Still, someday, someday, Scourge will be in a fix. It's in his nature. And he'll be able to lean on Shockwave then. He won't rely on it. He'll pretend the offer doesn't exist, in fact. However, if he ever needs it sorely, it'll be there in his toolbox.
As Shockwave pokes at Scourge's cross-dimensional relative, Scourge notes idly, "I'd like the bungee cords back intact, if at all possible. I swear, I bungee more weird stuff to my trailer here..."
Not friends. And yet Shockwave is so delighted to see Ultra Magnus. They have a history together. That could repeat itself. Hnn. Curious.
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Post by Victoria Raines on Jun 9, 2009 22:18:30 GMT -5
Shockwave slowly taps the needle's point on Magnus's face, head tilting the side as he meets that baleful stare. "No, not friends. Never friends. Allies and enemies, two parts serving a plan, but never friends," he muses quietly, though not so quietly that Scourge would not be able to hear.
"You really will have to tell me what was happening when you were displaced, dear Magnus. I do not believe your glance has ever held quite this level of hate before."
Shockwave starts to unstrap Ultra Magnus from the trailer, taking as much care with Scourge's cords as he is able. Taking care with Ultra Magnus, as well, though Shockwave doubts the Wrecker Commander appreciates the effort. Once Magnus is free, Shockwave slings the semi over his shoulder with practiced ease and turns back to Scourge.
"I trust you understand that this is not a subject for public discussion? Your... discretion is one of those things which make you most valued. As for this," he waves his hand, indicating the tunnel itself, "You were never here."
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Ultra Magnus
Major
Disappointing Fellow Autobots Since the Age of Internment
Posts: 565
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Post by Ultra Magnus on Jun 11, 2009 11:29:38 GMT -5
As sickening as it is to have Shockwave leering at him like this – and he can tell when the cyclops is leering – Ultra Magnus is even more nauseated by the way Shockwave handles him. He keeps trying to reactivate his motor relays so he can do something other than be slung around like a sack of hammers; they don't respond.
"I don't have to tell you anything," he growls. He isn't under any compulsion to Shockwave, not even of rank. Magnus goes silent then and looks around as best he can. Nondescript rock tunnel. Other than knowing he's underground, that doesn't tell him anything he can understand right now. Shockwave is… bargaining with Scourge? Pandering to him? He's offering Scourge a reward for bringing in Ultra Magnus, who's supposed to be Shockwave's little secret. This worries Magnus beneath the anger he feels at being treated like a prize. He can't be so valuable to Shockwave; he was expendable enough to throw aside when he started asking questions.
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Post by Sable Conolly on Jun 12, 2009 10:11:38 GMT -5
Scourge shrugs. "Not friends? As you will, Shockwave." In retrospect, Scourge doubts that Shockwave is capable of friendship.
He takes back his bungee cords and puts them away. He'll likely need them again soon enough.
In retrospect, Scourge realises something else. Taking an open-ended favour from Shockwave is worse than no favour at all. Any time he asks something of Shockwave in passing, Hey, Shockwave, could you please pass the energon? Shockwave could interpret that as the favour, paid in fill. Now Scourge is going to have to go out of his way not to ask anything of Shockwave.
Damnation.
He assures, "Of course. I was never here, and you're just talking with a... ghost, sir." A pale, washed-out, tired, old ghost. One of Scourge's optics winks out, and he turns crisply to leave. Perhaps Ultra Magnus will wish he was a ghost, when Shockwave is done with him.
OOC: Out of thread unless stopped.
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Post by Victoria Raines on Jun 12, 2009 23:18:12 GMT -5
Scourge needn't worry. This matter is delicate and important enough that Shockwave will not give the tanker any reason to call foul and perhaps whisper rumors in the dark. Besides, he respects Scourge and has no reason yet to play him false.
Though this does not mean Shockwave wishes the surly black tanker to be privy to all his secrets. He waits for Scourge to exit, waits even awhile longer yet before heading back toward that far wall, that seeming dead end. Then he walks right through it.
A pause at another, more traditional door and he continues into a small antechamber located off the tunnel. It's here he will keep Ultra Magnus for the time being- at least until it becomes inconvenient to do so.
In short order Ultra Magnus is secured on one wall, a few feet off the ground, arms and legs spread-eagled- stretched, but not over stretched. The restraints could hold the strongest here; Shockwave does not fear Magnus freeing himself even if the Autobot somehow regained his motor functions. Shockwave also checks Ultra Magnus's chronometer readings. This is... worrisome.
Through all the manhandling, Magnus's optics still glare virulent hate. But Magnus had finally addressed Shockwave, back in the tunnel. This was pleasing. It meant Shockwave was getting to the former security commander.
Shockwave sits upon a stool a short distance from his captive, one ankle propped on one knee, fingers idly tapping the end of one of those ever-present needles on his thigh.
"You were pulled mere hours after myself. What," he asks, tone crisp, commanding, "Happened. I will not ask again."
No, Shockwave will not ask. He will rip the information, along with whatever else he cares to, from Magnus's memory circuits.
OOC: manhandling and posing of Ultra Magnus with player permission.
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Ultra Magnus
Major
Disappointing Fellow Autobots Since the Age of Internment
Posts: 565
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Post by Ultra Magnus on Jun 14, 2009 20:54:48 GMT -5
Give Ultra Magnus time enough to think and he'll find some way to escape. He has to; there are no other options. Shockwave isn't giving him any.
Shockwave isn't playing at his usual run-around, either. It's puzzling; he's much too involved in this. He seems to be genuinely perturbed about Magnus's current disposition and it isn't like him. Not like him at all. It makes guessing his plans harder. For all Magnus can tell, Shockwave is as likely to just keep talking as he's likely to simply crack open the ex-security commander's core and raid his memory banks. The latter is something Magnus can't afford. So it's grudgingly that he answers, each syllable making it crystal clear that he isn't responding because the Decepticon commands it.
"You shot me."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Jun 14, 2009 22:00:02 GMT -5
Shockwave's needle pauses mid-tap at that declaration, and his optic narrows to a pinpoint. He does not like what news that declaration might herald.
"Illogical. You have ever been the useful one, have always done as required. Difficult, recalcitrant at times, but always, you have seen that my way is best for our people. Such an action would only be resorted to if your loyalty was no longer unquestioned. If you questioned me, disrupted my plans."
He stands then, suddenly restless. What could have happened in such a short time to undo vorns of conditioning and training? Not that the gunformer had not prepared for Magnus's eventual removal, of course. Still, it rankles, that he could not hold his security commander through this final test.
Shockwave crosses over to Ultra Magnus, presses the point of that needle under his chin and forces his head back. "Elucidate. What occurred after I ordered you after the renegades?"
"Was what we forged for our planet and people worth so little that you could not resist the pull of your brother's shadow, once it fell upon you?"
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Ultra Magnus
Major
Disappointing Fellow Autobots Since the Age of Internment
Posts: 565
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Post by Ultra Magnus on Jun 16, 2009 12:32:44 GMT -5
Ultra Magnus tilts his head – it seems to be the only thing he can move – and shoves his chin down again. The point of that needle gouges a deep cut across the plating, but it's far better than pushing the thing into his processors. And all so he can keep looking at Shockwave eye to eye, anger tainted with a deep sense of betrayal.
"You," Magnus spits, jaw clenched, "don't get to talk about him. Not today." His optics narrow. Shockwave broke the truce first, betrayed the tenuous trust of the security commander and thought it could just be swept aside. Magnus should have known better; the peace blinded him. He let it blind him. Idiot. "Not after you broke your word."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Jun 16, 2009 14:55:44 GMT -5
"Oh, Magnus, it is quite refreshing to know that whatever else has changed you have not," Shockwave murmurs as he runs his finger slowly down that deep gouge in Ultra Magnus's plating. "Always so righteous, everything black and white- I dare say you are more angry at this alleged promise-breaking than at my future-self's shooting of you."
"Now, I believe you owe me a more thorough explanation. You know I prefer never to be forsworn if I can help it, and so your accusation makes me curious, which I am sure was your intention."
Shockwave's hand shifts to tighten around Ultra Magnus's throat, and the gunformer presses close to hiss into his prisoner's audial.
"I have patience aplenty, as you well know, but in this I find my patience growing thin. Do you want me to torture and torment you until I have my answers? By your own attitude and words I have nothing to lose by doing so, except what I have already lost. I could have ordered Scourge to kill you, or given you to Starscream to play with, but I did not. So much I risk, and this is how you repay me?"
His grip on Ultra Magnus's neck relaxes, the needle slipping back into subspace- and a laser scalpel slipping out. Shockwave does not thumb it on yet, merely laying the tip lightly upon Magnus's chest.
"But you are beyond caring what happens to you, are you not, my dear Security Commander? And for what? Tell me, Ultra Magnus, what I am to do to turn you so fully from my path?"
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