Chương 46: LOG-043.

Completely reformatting a Cybertronian's frame was both a fascinating and incredibly complex process. Countless variables needed to be taken into account. Frame type, size, ancestral origin, spark size and power output. Alt modes. Yes, reformatting was a complicated procedure, and I was on a time limit considering the vanguard force (including the Autobots) would be making their way back from Unicron's depths now that the Chaos Bringer had been promptly locked inside a glorified pokeball.

Thankfully, I had a convenient little shortcut when it came to creating or modifying things. Stepping past the medical berth I'd locked Ser-Ket into, I made my way towards the Forge's charging port.

"Commander?" Pausing in the midst of yanking the large tool out from the clamps keeping it in place, I turned my helm and locked gazes with the Arachnicon's purple optics.

"Yes?" The Forge came loose with a distinct clunk of the holding clamps opening up, even as the femme glanced at the relic, then back to me.

"I am going to be changed?" Nodding, I strode over to her, hefting the Forge in my one working servo.

"Yes. A new appearance and identity, in order to avoid conflict with our current allies. Don't feel worried, this will be over shortly. I'll install a few improvements as well, since it shouldn't take too long." I lifted the hammer, potential designs already running through my processor, further supplemented by the Forge's own internal AI attempting to help the process along. Ser-Ket stared at the relic hovering above her, slightly cautious expression slowly calming.

Optics turning to face me once again, she gave me a short nod, a small smile interposing itself over her features.

"Of course, Commander. Please proceed." With no further cause to wait, I tensed, before finally bringing the hammer down. All while carefully formulating a few... contingencies in the back of my processor. I still needed to see if my suspicions about Unicron were correct, after all.

"Sounds like the 'Bots and 'Preds are making their way back up." Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The area around the breach point was slightly more relaxed than usual, at least in Brawl's humble opinion. His current working theory was the distinct lack of Terrorcons attempting to ambush isolated patrol groups, but what did a groundpounder like him know?... Okay he might still be a little sore about his wings. But who wouldn't be, honestly?

"Yeah. Communications are clearing up as well. Might finally be getting off this rock soon." Pushing off from the prefab he'd been leaned up against, the upgraded warrior glanced at the two Vehicon Seekers conversing just beside him, before pausing as he received a comm signal. Judging by the two soldiers next to him also freezing, he wasn't the only one. [PRIORITY COMM SIGNAL: RECIEVED.] [IDENTIFIER: VERIFIED.] [ORIGIN: COMMANDER SHOCKWAVE.] Brawl listened to the tightly encrypted message, as did pretty much every other Con in sight. That wasn't the odd part though. No, what was weird was two messages being sent at once. The first was, obviously, encrypted, but the other one was seemingly being broadcast on open comms, almost as if being layered over the first.

'This is Commander Shockwave to all Decepticon forces, Soundwave has re-established contact with the vanguard force deployed into the breach point. Optimus Prime reports successful neutralisation of Unicron. I repeat, Unicron has been successfully neutralised.' A few cheers rose up at that, some Vehicons clapping each other on their backs, others merely pumping their fists into the air. It wasn't every day that you supposedly assisted in the defeat of an evil God after all, no matter how small your contribution.

Yet the Zakus remained subdued, just as he did. And considering he seemed to be receiving the encrypted message while the Vehicons remained entirely unaware, the warforged presumed that the green mechs were also getting the same 'secret' signal.

'Establishing secondary comm network. Do not react visibly.'...

'Link established. Designating squads. Blue. Green. Black.' Brawl's visor blinked for a moment as the notification reached his processor. He was one of the mechs assigned to squad Black, apparently. A few nearby Zakus glanced at him, giving the mech subtle nods.

'Assigning duties. Hold for confirmation.' Crossing his arms, Brawl did his best to look casual, occasionally letting out an approving rumble to blend in with the mass of cheering warriors.

'Squad Blue: Await exfiltration of vanguard force. Form escorts around the reliquary. If questioned, you may state that you are acting under my direct authority. Do not seek conflict with Autobot or Predacon elements. Merely provide assistance.' Well... that seemed reasonable enough. If Unicron really was trapped inside the thing, Brawl would also want it under heavy guard as well. Anyone would, really.

'Squad Green: Proceed past the breach point. You are being given general command of auxiliary Vehicon forces. Seek out and retrieve disabled Unicron antibodies and rogue Terrorcons for study. If questioned by Decepticon officers, you may state that you are acting under my direct authority. Facilities are being prepared aboard the Nemesis, bring them there.' Grabbing up some test subjects didn't seem all that bad either.

Personally, he'd rather just smash the things, but to be entirely fair, Brawl wasn't a scientist like the Commander was. Nonetheless, he awaited his current orders, the rest of his designated squad slowly abandoning their former posts to take up positions around him. The final message did confuse him a bit, but orders were orders. Especially from Shockwave no less.

'Squad Black: Proceed past the breach point. Coordinates are being sent across this channel, follow them. You are not to be detected by Autobot or Decepticon forces, however if the event does come to pass, your alibi is that you have been assigned to hunt down and destroy potential antibody remnants.' Ok. Still, it'd be a ton of work being sneaky with his new frame...

'Upon entry of Unicron's inner depths, you will move to secure his core. Deny entry to anyone but myself or individuals designated by myself. I will arrive in time, until then, you will remain on guard.'... Lovely. Well there went his scheduled refuel and recharge session. Scrap.