Salvation: Part II

[BlackBeltGamer98]

Zepar nods in agreement and understanding.

[Chromeharpoon]

“Yeah, I’ll just shut up now,” Sprocket decides, the lights on his face fizzling out as the scientist decides to keep quiet.

[BlackBeltGamer98]

Zepar turns to Shockwave, “Who should be the one to make the dive into the prisoner’s mind?” He asked everyone in the room.

[Chromeharpoon]

“despite my familiarity with the Patch, I must exclude myself to monitor the interrogation and ensure the safety of both participants,” Shockwave says. "I would suggest that SideStep undertake the role of interrogator, given his commitment to uncovering our traitor’s identity and motives, and his prior use of the machine to question former infiltration specialist Lurch.

“Though I would never presume to place my own recommendations above the authority of a ship’s captain,” he adds, looking at Shatterpoint. The co-captain looked ahead, deep in thought.

“I’ll go ahead and excuse myself now,” Sprocket says. “My doctorate’s for rooting through old tech, not the subconscious.”

“No, thank you,” Grommet pointedly refuses, waving his hands. “I prefer to operate in more tangible environments.”

[BlackBeltGamer98]

Zepar growled and looked around, “If nobody else is going to volunteer, I’ll do it.” He said.

[ValkyriePrimal]

@Chromeharpoon

These, Starchaser could find in limited supply, scattered around the hangar.

Starchaser did her best to drag out everything she could find. Some of the I-beams were as big as her. For those she needed to use the strength of her beast mode to move them.

Once everything was in a large unorganized heap, she looked up at the war giant and smiled.
“Alright. You can use this stuff to make something! Doesn’t that sound fun?”

“I was not made to create. Only to destroy.”
Fortress replied simply.

“Well yeah, I know that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try.”
She said encouragingly.

Fortress thought for a moment, and then walked towards the pile. Without saying anything he sat down and started picking through the pile. He would pick up a piece and look it over, then put it back down. Then pick up another item and repeat. Once he had examined everything he started picking up parts and messing with them. Bending I-beams with minimal effort, setting them down and fixing scrap to it. At first his actions didn’t seem to have any rhyme or reason, but Starchaser was just happy that he was trying.

@Chromeharpoon

“Zepar had the same idea,” he says, “and SideStep’s been tracking Switchblade and Bludgeon’s spy for weeks now. This is the break they’ve been looking for- the one we’ve all been seeking.”

“Certainly. If we can crack this assassin’s mind then finding the spy should be most simple.”

[meepinater]

@Chromeharpoon

Topside transforms and follows the four.

@Chromeharpoon

“despite my familiarity with the Patch, I must exclude myself to monitor the interrogation and ensure the safety of both participants,” Shockwave says. "I would suggest that SideStep undertake the role of interrogator, given his commitment to uncovering our traitor’s identity and motives, and his prior use of the machine to question former infiltration specialist Lurch.

SideStep nodded in agreement. “Yeah, what One-eye said.”
The three Splitter brothers shook their heads. “I think we’re good. Someone needs to be ready in case something happens outside.”

[Chromeharpoon]

@BlackBeltGamer98

Zepar growled and looked around, “If nobody else is going to volunteer, I’ll do it.” He said.

Sprocket and Grommet recoil.

“I keep forgetting the kid’s part terrorcon,” Sprocket whispers.

@ValkyriePrimal

Certainly. If we can crack this assassin’s mind then finding the spy should be most simple.”

@meepinater

SideStep nodded in agreement. “Yeah, what One-eye said.”

“If you’re feeling up to it,” Shatterpoint says, turning to SideStep.

@meepinater

The three Splitter brothers shook their heads. “I think we’re good. Someone needs to be ready in case something happens outside

Topside arrives after the Splitter brothers, transforming to robot mode and walking up beside them.

“So, what’s the play?” the captain asks.

---

@ValkyriePrimal

Fortress thought for a moment, and then walked towards the pile. Without saying anything he sat down and started picking through the pile. He would pick up a piece and look it over, then put it back down. Then pick up another item and repeat. Once he had examined everything he started picking up parts and messing with them. Bending I-beams with minimal effort, setting them down and fixing scrap to it. At first his actions didn’t seem to have any rhyme or reason, but Starchaser was just happy that he was trying.

“Lemme guess… modern art?”

Thrift seemed to have snuck up behind Starchaser as she watched Fortress work. He was suddenly beside her, his cherry-red armor dull and blemished with dirt and scratches, as always.

“Tried my hand at sculpture once,” he says. “Well, selling sculpture, I mean. Couldn’t pick up the art myself, but I helped a few would-be Michelangelo’s get their work on the market whilst making a little profit myself… until somebody made a fuss about ‘embezzlement’ or some scrap- I mean come on, a man’s gotta eat, y’know! Well, I guess I don’t have to, but it’s the principle that’s the thing…”

[meepinater]

@Chromeharpoon

“If you’re feeling up to it,” S hatterpoint says, turning to SideStep.

“Of course I’m feeling up to it!” SideStep replied enthusiastically. “I wouldn’t miss out on an interrogation for anything.”

@Chromeharpoon

Topside arrives after the Splitter brothers, transforming to robot mode and walking up beside them.

“So, what’s the play?” the captain asks.

“SideStep is gonna go into the assassin’s mind and try to get all the information out of him that he can. The three of us are gonna stay out here and see if we can help in case something comes up.” Thrust said to Topside.

[Chromeharpoon]

@meepinater

Of course I’m feeling up to it!” SideStep replied enthusiastically. “I wouldn’t miss out on an interrogation for anything.”

“Good,” Shatterpoint says. “Shockwave, prepare the Patch.”

“At once, captain,” obliges the cyclops, marching to his lab.

@meepinater

SideStep is gonna go into the assassin’s mind and try to get all the information out of him that he can. The three of us are gonna stay out here and see if we can help in case something comes up.” Thrust said to Topside.

“Well, if there’s anybody I’d trust playing bodyguard, it’s you three and that big-aft shotgun your gestalt form carries,” Topside says approvingly.

[ValkyriePrimal]

@Chromeharpoon

“If you’re feeling up to it,” S hatterpoint says, turning to SideStep.

“I’m no expert on this psychic tech to be honest, but if you need someone to advise this little operations I’d be happy to.”

@Chromeharpoon

“Tried my hand at sculpture once,” he says. “Well, selling sculpture, I mean. Couldn’t pick up the art myself, but I helped a few would-be Michelangelo’s get their work on the market whilst making a little profit myself… until somebody made a fuss about ‘embezzlement’ or some scrap- I mean come on , a man’s gotta eat, y’know! Well, I guess I don’t have to, but it’s the principle that’s the thing…”

“Huh… Right.”
Starchaser said awkwardly. This guy seemed nuts, and she wasn’t exactly sure how to approach his wild stories.
“I’m not much into it myself, but the big guy seems to be enjoying it. And that’s what matters.”

Fortress stood up and held aloft his creation. It was a tree. Four large beams were twisted together to make a trunk, while smaller ones spread out and formed branches. Scrap metal hung from them, and formed a heavy canopy. It was a little messy, but it looked nice. He firmly thrusted it down, driving the base of the trunk into the floor. He took a step back and admired what he made. He didn’t say anything, but he looked proud.

[Chromeharpoon]

@ValkyriePrimal

“I’m no expert on this psychic tech to be honest, but if you need someone to advise this little operations I’d be happy to.”

“You’re welcome to watch,” Topside says from the doorway. “I’m sure Shockwave won’t mind spectators to bear witness to another one of his groundbreaking scientific achievements.”

“So long as you refrain from distracting me with pointless chatter,” Shockwave calls from within his lab.

---

@ValkyriePrimal

“Huh… Right.”
Starchaser said awkwardly. This guy seemed nuts, and she wasn’t exactly sure how to approach his wild stories.
“I’m not much into it myself, but the big guy seems to be enjoying it. And that’s what matters.”

Fortress stood up and held aloft his creation. It was a tree. Four large beams were twisted together to make a trunk, while smaller ones spread out and formed branches. Scrap metal hung from them, and formed a heavy canopy. It was a little messy, but it looked nice. He firmly thrusted it down, driving the base of the trunk into the floor. He took a step back and admired what he made. He didn’t say anything, but he looked proud.

Thrift jumps back as Fortress drives the sculpture into the floor of the hangar. He squints and looks up the trunk, studying the craftsmanship.

“Brilliant!” he decides, clapping his hands together. "Simply brillaint!

“The, ah, main structure represents our species’ collective ambition, yes? The desire to reach new heights burning in our sparks. And the offshoots symbolize individual pursuits, the - from that original drive stems the motivation for all other endeavors. Very poetic; yes, I believe this is gonna speak to a lot of people, my friend.”

[ValkyriePrimal]

@Chromeharpoon

“So long as you refrain from distracting me with pointless chatter,” Shockwave calls from within his lab.

“That I’m sure I can do.”
Brieg said.

@Chromeharpoon

“The, ah, main structure represents our species’ collective ambition, yes? The desire to reach new heights burning in our sparks. And the offshoots symbolize individual pursuits, the - from that original drive stems the motivation for all other endeavors. Very poetic; yes, I believe this is gonna speak to a lot of people, my friend.”

“It is a tree.”
Fortress stated flatly.
“I think it looks nice.”

Starchaser looked up at the huge sculpture. It was almost as tall as her giant friend.
“I think it looks great buddy.”
She said with a smile.

She then turned to Thrift, with an idea in her head.
“Hey, do you think you could do me a favor? I want you to grab something for me.”

[Chromeharpoon]

@ValkyriePrimal

“That I’m sure I can do.”
Brieg said.

“Doubtful,” Shockwave retorts, “however, I will return the gratitude this crew has shown me since my arrival and allow you an opportunity to demonstrate growth of character.”

---

@ValkyriePrimal

She then turned to Thrift, with an idea in her head.
“Hey, do you think you could do me a favor? I want you to grab something for me.”

“Grabbing things is what I do best!” Thrift promises.

“And cards. Cheating at cards, I mean. Also running from people trying to lynch you for cheating them at cards. And personal finances accrued by… well, you get the idea.”

[ValkyriePrimal]

@Chromeharpoon

“Doubtful,” Shockwave retorts, “however, I will return the gratitude this crew has shown me since my arrival and allow you an opportunity to demonstrate growth of character.”

“I… Thank you.”
He said awkwardly. Not sure to take it as a compliment or an insult. But he would take it in stride none the less.

@Chromeharpoon

“And cards. Cheating at cards, I mean. Also running from people trying to lynch you for cheating them at cards. And personal finances accrued by… well, you get the idea.”

“Look, I need you to get paint. Lots of it. Lots of colors. Using scrap metal is a great start, but there’s only so much to go around.”
She asked kindly.

[Chromeharpoon]

@ValkyriePrimal

“I… Thank you.”
He said awkwardly. Not sure to take it as a compliment or an insult. But he would take it in stride none the less.

Shockwave works in silence to set up the new Patch. Two recharging slabs rise from the floor in front of the machine, while a spread of holo-screens materialize in front Shockwave.

“Bring the captive over,” he says.

---

@ValkyriePrimal

“Look, I need you to get paint. Lots of it. Lots of colors. Using scrap metal is a great start, but there’s only so much to go around.”
She asked kindly.

“Sure thing!” Thrift says, giving Starchaser a thumbs-up. “With all the storage space on this boat, there’s gotta be some paint somewhere, right?”

The junkion transforms into his VTOL mode and flies out of the hangar, merging into one of the transit tunnels outside. He didn’t have any paint in his own inventory, but there had to be someone who had a bucket or two in theirs…

[meepinater]

@Chromeharpoon

“Good,” S hatterpoint says. “Shockwave, prepare the Patch.”

“At once, captain,” obliges the cyclops, marching to his lab.

SideStep cracked his knuckles, unable to stop from smiling eagerly.

@Chromeharpoon

“Well, if there’s anybody I’d trust playing bodyguard, it’s you three and that big-aft shotgun your gestalt form carries,” Topside says approvingly.

“Don’t forget the Devastator.” Vigor grinned deviously.

[Chromeharpoon]

@meepinater

SideStep cracked his knuckles, unable to stop from smiling eagerly.

“SideStep,” Shockwave says, “Approach the apparatus.”

@meepinater

“Don’t forget the Devastator.” Vigor grinned deviously.

“The what?” Topside asks.

[meepinater]

@Chromeharpoon

“The what?” Topside asks.

“It’s uh” Vigor rubbed his chin. “It’s basically a big gun with guns strapped onto it with duct tape.”

@Chromeharpoon

“SideStep,” Shockwave says, “Approach the apparatus.”

SideStep did as Shockwave instructed.

[Chromeharpoon]

@meepinater

“It’s uh” Vigor rubbed his chin. “It’s basically a big gun with guns strapped onto it with duct tape.”

Topside pictures the gun in his head, imagining a frightening amalgam of munitions held together by tape and a prayer.

“Primus,” he swears. “Yeah, I guess there’s that, too.”

@meepinater

SideStep did as Shockwave instructed.

Shockwave motions to the two tables near the Patch.

“The new machine functions almost identically to the old,” he says. “We will need to remove Switchblade from his stasis pod to connect him to it, however.”