Temporary Decepticon base

Ever the masters of stealth and subtlety, the Decepticons created a temporary Decepticon base in the desert mountains nearby Autobot Headquarters that they shaped like a giant Decepticon insignia. The main entrance consists of a tunnel which is cleverly hidden behind a number of large stones, although the base is just as accessible—if not better—through an opening in the middle of the main depression on the stylized insignia's "face". Despite being a temporary base, it comes fully equipped with computers and monitoring systems that allow the Decepticons to watch events in the outside world, as well as energy cages.

"This new base is only temporary, but it will do nicely for the game I intend to play with those accursed Autobots."

- Megatron

The Transformers cartoon
The Decepticons used the base during their theft of the experimental, human-made ninja robot Nightbird. Once Nightbird had been secured, Soundwave and Bombshell were ordered to upgrade her systems and program her to respond to orders. As soon as Nightbird was up and running, Starscream made a scathing remark for which the ninja robot punched him. Megatron ordered the two apart and sent Nightbird to Autobot Headquarters to steal the World Energy Chip.

Nightbird's progress was closely monitored from the temporary mountain base. Her handiwork received a lot of compliments, much to Starscream's displeasure. When Megatron went a step further and suggested he'd give Nightbird Starscream's job, Starscream attacked him. Starscream was subdued by the other Decepticons and placed in one of the energy cages. Moments after, the Decepticons noticed that Nightbird was failing against the Autobots' greater numbers and became trapped in an electro mesh prison. Megatron ordered his troops to move out and join the battle.

Since no one had bothered to turn off the monitor before leaving, Starscream could follow the battle's progress. Upon noticing that Nightbird and the other Decepticons were winning, Starscream decided to escape and put an end to his rival's career. After launching a projectile against the off-button of his cage, he flew off, leaving the base deserted. It is unknown if the Decepticons ever used the mountain base again or even returned to it, though it is known that very shortly after the Nightbird debacle, the Decepticons were already utilizing another temporary base.