Ghost Squadron
Anticipation..
Thrust and Ramjet darted towards the training fields in excited anticipation; their thrusters clacking the ground in an almost – military – cadence. Swindle had informed them that he had overheard Raptor discussing the creation of a squadron for her to lead, and the two Seekers were hopeful they'd be the lucky ones!
There was already a crowd of Decepticons on the field, discussing the rumors. They watched Raptor dart and dive, as she practiced her combat skills against unseen foes. She was so impressive! Every square inch of her gray/green fuselage made for killing! Her speed and maneuverability were unmatched by any of the male Seekers – and her stealth capabilities were already becoming the stuff of legends.
She had quickly become one of Galvatron's favorites; for not only had she accomplished every mission he'd sent her on – it was also common knowledge that the two liked to beat each other up as they overloaded. The Seeker didn't even try to hide the damage to her fuselage as she walked from his quarters.
Her only drawback was she was known to prefer solo missions. Indeed, Galvatron had made much use of this inclination, as he had periodically commanded her to take a break from training the troops – and do 'personal' missions against the Autobots for him. She was self-proclaimed to be at her happiest – when she was locked in combat against the hated foe. As a Bounty Hunter, this had been a most suitable trait – but now as one of the official Decepticon Commanders – she had to deal with attacking as a unit.
The roar of super sonic afterburners filled the thin atmosphere, as she banked tightly around the base and flew in low. Her course aimed straight towards one of the tall, rusted spires at the edge of the training grounds. The Mechs watched with interest as she sped towards it, murmurs of the impending crash spread through the ranks.
As she reached the spire, she slammed on her rear stabilizers, causing her nose to go straight up. She hung there for an agonizing moment – in a full mid-air stall – the Mechs all mesmerized by her actions. In a blink of an eye she transformed, Star Saber suddenly in her grasp, the Saber bit deeply into the Spire's thick metal side. Sparks flew, as she let gravity pull her to the bottom of its lofty height, the Star Saber opening it up like a can opener as she fell.
Having worked off her frustrations, Raptor walked calmly towards the gathered Decepticons. The Star Saber still held lightly in her grasp. Her regal, powerful carriage causing emotions of pride to wash through the gathered Mechs – for she was now one of their assault Commanders! She smiled as she noticed a few of the Mechs stepping back
slightly. She had wanted this reaction, wanted them to know that she was every bit as powerful as Galvatron. Yet, through the months they'd spent under her guidance as their Training Officer, a deep respect for her had grown within them. No, they don't totally FEAR me, as they do Galvatron; instead they completely respect me for my power. The smug sense of satisfaction rolled over her body. And it's this that makes me even more powerful a force than Galvatron realizes!
New Assignments..
The troops quickly snapped into proper military formation for her review; every warrior hoping desperately that she'd call his name for assignment into her squadron.
"Ramjet, Thrust, Rumble and Frenzy! Fall in behind me!" the two Seekers and the two small infiltration specialists gleefully fell in behind her. The rest of the ranks jealously glaring at them.She turned to the ranks with a warm smile on her visage. "These four will make up the 'Ghost Squadron'. One of our primary functions will be as part of the air support for the powerful ground and air assault forces that are the strength of the Decepticon army! Secondary functions will involve espionage and sabotage operations."
Her last sentence was lost in the roar of cheering for her compliment to them as the Decepticon army; now, even those who had not been chosen felt that they were part of this Hunter's great squadron.
They scattered from the training grounds, for she had given them a day off; a rare day to relax, to enjoy.
The four whom she had chosen, followed her across the sky in celebration. Rumble riding in Ramjet, Frenzy in Thrust, and the three little minicons in Raptor.
Loyalties..
"Raptor has developed quite a strong following amongst the ranks." Cyclonus observed, giving Scourge a knowing glance.
"Yes, I'd never thought I'd ever say this – but truthfully – the ranks would willingly die for her." Scourge nodded.
"And not out of fear.." his big comrade noted.
The hulking Sweep studied his visage. "No, why they are loyal to her – is completely different from that of Galvatron."
"Yes, Galvatron..hmm.. Do you think he's noticed?" Cyclonus mused.
The Sweep laughed. "No, now that she's taught him her special type of 'Domination' – he believes she is totally his."
"Yes, the femme is wise in her choices for partners." the imposing purple
warrior noted – enjoying fully that he and his Sweep lover – were occasionally chosen by her. When she wanted a change from Galvatron's attentions. Cyclonus was very pleased with this female hunter, though he'd never admit to Scourge – he'd developed a deep respect for her since she had strategically taken Galvatron's interests away from him. He felt, that the femme actually preferred his own touch – but was playing with Galvatron to spare Cyclonus the pain of their leader's sadism. "Raptor's the first Combat leader we've had, who seems to respect each one of us." he murmured.
Scourge's gaze told him how much that meant to the ranks. "I just hope Galvatron doesn't screw up the arrangements with her. I don't think the ranks would accept the loss of her leadership."
"No, they probably wouldn't take it well." Cyclonus agreed.
Scourge looked at him slyly, "Now, I don't want to appear to be disloyal to Galvatron or anything."
Cyclonus nodded his head in understanding. "We are his elite guard, his most loyal.."
"But he did demand for HER to join us.." Scourge mumbled.
"Yes, it WAS his idea.." Cyclonus agreed, fondly remembering his trip to earth to negotiate with her to join the Decepticon forces.
"I would not willingly place myself in between those two, if that should ever happen." humped shoulders shrugged.
"No, that would not be a wise move.." Cyclonus said, understanding that the Sweep spoke for the majority of the troops. Raptor's command style was so different, so much more effective, than the Decepticons were accustomed to – that the mere taste of it, and the victories she was having on the battle field – were causing a serious lust for
political change to quietly course through the ranks.
Yet, the femme did not seem interested in usurping Galvatron. So different from others in the past who had stood at the demented Leader's side; she seemed so wrapped up in her own hatred for the Autobots, that her loyalty to the Decepticon cause was part of her very being. But unlike Galvatron, her rage was controlled by a logical, tactical mind – guaranteeing death to any Autobot who stood against her.
Yes, the two were a perfect match. With Raptor taking Galvatron's orders, and creating a logical way of making them come to pass. As Charr's forces gained strength, Cyclonus knew that none would stand in their path of conquest for long.
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