[ti]Ep 2.5[/ti]Water Damage [Open]

[Zercon]

"The mines are pretty well outfitted, or... at least the big ones from what I hear. The more fuel that can be found, the more resources are pumped into them. You may be able to help though."

John didn't really know the full range of Sparkplug's knowledge and skills. For all he knew she was barking up the wrong tree, or maybe she really would have some innovative new ideas that would twist around how some things are done planet side! It was so hard to say and so past his metaphorical pay grade. All he ever had to do was help unload the Energon, and transport it to its eventual goals. This conversation however was cast aside then as two Eradicons appeared, and he was left to clutch onto a tree and watch from a distance.

The second Eradicon to land was the first one to notice Sparkplug, his frame twisting about as she emerged from the foliage in order to properly square off in case it was a potential threat. While he did not raise his forearm and transition it into a gun, the on edge approach was apparent, keeping alert on their surroundings. The moment the trooper made relative 'eye contact' however, his helm seemed to crook back a bit as if surprised or startled at seeing her, before he seemed to relax. Gradually, with a calm gait, the soldier started to walk towards her to close the distance.

The words that soon followed were a bit jaded and hollow, perhaps a bit shell-shocked from the day's events, but despite this the voice could almost be described as familiar.

"Blackridge Hold is being utilized as a base of operations. Many have relocated there already."

While the Eradicon informed Sparkplug of the other base and current rough plans, the second solider finished typing things into the arm mounted data pad, before he closed the hatch down flush with his limb and turned to walk towards the two.

"Pod's location marked."

The Eradicon shared this, receiving a nod in affirmative before he continued past the two in order to find John. John meanwhile continued to grab onto one of the tree's base, trying to keep an eye out to see which Eradicon it happened to be. As the soldier approached him, the two began talking to one another, the words a bit muddled, though it was apparent it was about injuries, as the Vehicon gestured down to his leg a bit dramatically.

"The able bodied and mechanically inclined however are working on salvaging the pods, trying to remove evidence to lessen the risk of discovery from human and Autobot alike."

Speaking still in a borderline monotone voice, the soldier continued, the single visor staring down at the femme intently.

"I suspect you will be tasked to report to Blackridge right away, so they know you still function."

[Sparkplug]

Mining for Energon was one of those areas where both sides had put a lot of devoted research to work; almost as much as into killing each other, in fact, and for broadly similar reasons. Whatever the initial conceptual spur for the war had once been, now it was all about resources and territory. That wasn't to say that if one side or the other triumphed, the outcome wouldn't be drastically different – especially for all the non-Cybertronian sentients around – but in terms of executing the war, they were hard to tell apart at times.

Could Sparkplug actually just saunter into a mining complex and whip up something on the spot to improve their efficiency? Almost certainly not. Better minds than hers had tackled the problem long ago. Still, though in theory every mine would be immaculately equipped, maybe she could help with fixing and upgrading older machinery.

Anyway. None of that was relevant right at that moment; something to keep for future consideration instead.

Standing in the impact scar of the pod, she nodded along to the eradicon's words, keeping one eye on his companion as the other flyer headed off into the trees in search of John. He was an odd vehicon, that one, but then, almost all of the vehicons she'd talked with had been a bit peculiar in one way or another, and he'd had a very bad day. Hopefully he'd be evacuated on medical grounds, now.

"Mechanically inclined, huh? Well, I've sure got you covered there. I'm not a heavy loader – only have to look at me to tell that – but I'm a walking toolbox, and if it comes to carving up sheet metal, you won't find much better than my primary weapon outside a proper ore foundry. Don't get me wrong; if they say 'hop your skinny aft over to – what was it? – to Blackridge right now,' I'll do it. But if not, I'd be happy to stick around and help out. You want to call that in for a decision, or shall I? Who'd I be signalling, anyway?"

Having recovered a bit from the rough and tumble of their active escape, her field had brightened up a bit, and she certainly seemed more than willing to get her hands dirty. A task involving lots of teamwork and mechanical ability for the good of the Decepticons? Why, she'd be downright ashamed to walk off and leave them to do it by themselves.

[Zercon]

"Yes, I remember your work on the laser, and heard of the abundance of metals purged from your station."

A flat statement.

While the Eradicon had been there to watch Sparkplug for a brief moment tinkering on the cannon under Soundwave's gaze, the latter was something that flicked about through word of mouth and idle chatter. If there was one thing the troopers could do well, it was transferring information around like wildfire, embers of stories catching on and spreading from one to the other. This ran to a point many who partook in the gossip wheel had a strong approximation of most things around the ship. The accuracy of the information was always a bit lacking... or over embellished to make a better tale... but the gist could be accepted with some confidence.

"I got you..."

Lifting up a sharp talon, the Eradicon placed it on the side of his helm, activating the long range communication relay to try to make connection with the encrypted frequency associated with Blackridge. While he did this, he spoke aloud so that Sparkplug could hear what was being said while he also pitched her the key so she would be included in the reply so she wasn’t completely left in the dark as an odd man out.

::Field Scouting Team to Blackridge. Located an injured Vehicon JNN-702 being prepared for transport to Medical Bay and Research Officer Sparkplug who is unharmed. Requesting directive::

While speaking, the Eradicon glanced over to look past the femme to take note on what his partner and John were doing. The other flyer by this point was kneeling down to apply some basic mesh patches with an adhesive. These makeshift first aid patches were nothing particularly permanent, but they were plenty sticky enough that it would hold the metallic fibers in place. Ideally it would stop some of the larger leaks from seeping further so that John could be set aside and more dire cases could get attention first at the base.

John hissed slightly at this, some muttered complaints while it sounded like the Eradicon was telling him to 'suck it up' and 'be happy the leg is still there' with some classically poor bedside manors.

-----------

No sooner had the Eradicon's final words settled onto the relay than there was a soft click, and an answering reply.

"Understood and acknowledged. Give me one moment to discuss how best to coordinate this pickup."

The answering mech's voice drifted dryly through the open link. The speaker had a very distinct accent, as carefully precise and upperclass as any Towerling; it smoothed just so across every single word.

His tone sounded slightly distant though; as if he was methodically dealing with multiple issues at the moment. A short pause, and then he spoke again.

"A bridge will be opening shortly to the base. Debriefing will be taken care of once they arrive."

-----------

Punctual as ever, a Space Bridge tore into formation a short distance away.

((Fel Cameo!))

[Sparkplug]

"Ohh, it's you! The one who came out with the wire for me! Sorry that I didn't recognise you; it's been a bit of an exciting solar cycle," Sparkplug apologised. She cocked her helm as the eradicon signalled Blackridge, nodding appreciatively as he shared the signal with her in appreciation of the gesture. The response was fast and efficient; clearly some elements of their command and organisational structure had come back together with commendable speed.

With a touch of mild disappointment - cutting the pod up for parts might have been fun! - Sparkplug nodded her understanding of the signal. Pausing at the eradicon's side, she said mildly, "What's your designation, before we go? I want to recognise you next time. Shame I can't stick around and help out, but I'm sure you'll do a good job here."

Casting an optic over the mangled landscape, Sparkplug found herself wondering just how many times this sequence of events had played out already that day. There were a good number of escape pods missing from the Nemesis, and each of them would have had the same gauntlet of excess water pressure and drag to fight through; depending how lucky their occupants were, there were probably radial scars over every nearby landmass. Lots of work to clean up, and they'd have to be pretty thorough about it. Last thing they needed now, in their suddenly and violently reduced circumstances, was the attention of those hostile natives.

What kind of fortifications might there be at this Blackridge, she wondered? Not enough to shelter the whole Decepticon forces on the planet, that was for sure. The truce was a double-edged sword, there; it kept the Autobots off them, but it also prevented them from urgently and drastically entrenching themselves with new heavy weapons and concentric defences before they were found. Once the enemy knew exactly where they were, the Autobots could break the truce at any time of their choosing. It was a decisive advantage, and a real problem.

Oh, well. She wasn't a military strategist; doubtless the leadership would do what was best.

Turning to the side, Sparkplug looked over at John and the eradicon tending to him. Mesh patches were a fine thing, and with a little luck, he could get his crushed lower limb fixed rather than replaced whole; medical facilities, spares and manufacturing capabilities were yet more casualties of the Nemesis's crash. Raising her voice, she called across the brand-new clearing, "Hey, John! Spacebridge is for both of us. We'll get you properly seen to at the other end, alright? I'll give you an arm through the portal."

Waiting for the other eradicon to help John over to the swirling gateway, Sparkplug nodded at the one beside her in a companionable, decidedly non-military way, and remarked, "See you at the other end. Take care of yourself, now."

Sliding under John's arm, she straightened her back to help lift him, and set off at a steady pace into the swirling tunnel of light.

[Zercon]

It was not unusual for an individual to not recognize a trooper, they tended to blend together well unless they had a garish disfigurement of some sort, though... those seldom lasted. Large injuries, big scars or stripped paint, anything that was truly unique normally was repaired relatively quickly under Knock Out's rule as Chief Medical Officer. It was only the small things that would set them apart. A tiny scrap, a bit of chipped paint... perhaps the quirk was more stance and overall posture and their voice, than any visual cues alone.

For this Eradicon, there wasn't really much to set him apart from his peer. The leading edge of his wings had the topcoat dulled from flying through airborne sands and dust on this world, while peds had some chips that flecked into the metal. Neither were particularly notable, though if Sparkplug were particularly observant, she may notice a warp to the panel on the left side of his chest, where the sleek purple and black topcoat distorted slightly under an underlying injury that had long since been repaired. It was subtle, but it was there, almost a badge to wear as a wordless nametag.

"No need to apologize."

Flat words, still shaken by the day's events, moving on autopilot.

"Designation HLD-392. We have a fair number functional and already working, we hope to get things cleaned up swiftly."

Turning his helm, the Eradicon peered through the forest again, trying to mentally count how many escape pods had been found, and compare them to what he thought was on the Nemesis. A fair few were still missing, and he and his partner would probably need to take to the skies again once the other two were delivered to point. Beyond them, the Vehicon chirped out a joking reply to Sparkplug.

"I don't need an arm! I need a leg!"

It seemed John was returning to a more joking self, whether it was simply who he was, or if he was responding out of stress was in the air and uncertain. Whatever the case he was more confident given Sparkplug seemed to care about him, not feeling like he was garbage simply toted around for future value and work labor. Because of this, he sounded a bit upbeat, until the Eradicon helping him let out an annoyed sigh and tugged the Vehicon forward towards the bridge until Sparkplug came to help.

HLD-392 then spoke once again as they moved into the gateway.

"Watch yourself."