Two naked fighters moved around the makeshift arena, sizing each other up, and trying to intimidate their opponent with makeshift bladed weapons. The fighters were both men, strong and in their prime, the howls of the watching crowd was filled not just with excitement at the pending carnage but with lust and envy over the handsome specimens.

Suspended above the arena, in cages, were the prizes the victor would win. Naked women, who were the most attractive around, despite the dirt and grime streaks on their bodies.

Each fighter received urgings and encouragement from the crowd, urging them to make the first move and score a victory. Bets were placed, not using money, but in the form of food, slaves or services.

Even in this hell of subjugated, fallen society, some men had power over others, even if some obtained that power by selling their own children.

The first fighter lunged, and drew blood from his opponent, who howled with rage. A modern observer would wonder if the two barbarians fighting even remembered what language was.

They exchanged blows again. This time there was a victor as one of the fighters lay sprawled on the ground, blood oozing from his wounds.

The looser was dragged off to a hospital tent, where he would receive treatment. If he lived, he could fight again. Many among the adoring crowds found the presence of scars to be even more attractive.

The winner presented himself to the crowd, his arms held high as he walked around the perimeter of the arena, greeted by the howls of his supporters, and the groans of those who had placed bets on his opponent.

"CHOOSE," a booming voice said.

The fighter turned and looked up at the two women being offered to him, and the crowd again started shouting encouragement for him to choose the woman they preferred.

He pointed, and the woman's cage was lowered. If she said anything in protest, it was drowned out by the roar of the crowd.

Straxus slammed down his pick-ax and stood. While he enjoyed the combat, he found the post match mating rituals of organics disgustingly poor entertainment, but the masses seemed to enjoy them.

"How quickly society falls to ruin, eh, Lord Straxus?"

"Indeed, Colossus. Let the workers enjoy the rest of the show, then get them back to work. I want my new fortress completed as quickly as possible."

"You got it. Better to expend the organics than to waste energon building it ourselves. We will need to send out more scavenging parties for raw materials."

"Of course, but send someone along with them for the heavy lifting. We cannot build the fortress with small scrap."

"When it gets too big, they will notice, don't you think?"

"That rabble of Decepticon wannabes that have been running about, or the paltry squad of Autobots chasing after their own heals trying to track them down?"

"Both?"

"By the time they discover us, we will be more than prepared for them. This time, my plans will not fail."