Two Blind Mice

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Beast Wars and all related belong to Hasbro. The story, its original contents and ideas, and any original characters belong to the author and cannot be used or reprinted without the author's permission. WARNING: this fanfic contains some excessively violent scenes.

Two Blind Mice, pt. 1
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade into the Maximal Command Center. Optimus Primal, Rattrap, and Rhinox are all in robot mode looking over the central hologram of the Magnasword. Optimus Primal shakes his head as he looks over it.

Rhinox: It's confirmed. Sentinel is reporting that Prowl, Ironhide, and Silverbolt possessed the Magnasword after returning to Cybertron.

Optimus Primal: So the computer's already adjusted to the change in history?

Rhinox: It appears that way.

Rattrap (skeptical): So why is the base machine remembering things differently than we do?

Rhinox: Living beings are harder to tamper with than computer memory circuits. We've got a few megacycles to us before this new timeline overrides our own memories.

Optimus Primal: Exactly how long?

Rhinox: Impossible to calculate. We're dealing with multiple time-jumps here, each one of them altering history in some way. There's no way to tell for sure. There's no way to know it hasn't started affecting us already.

Optimus Primal: You're wrong there, Rhinox. We do know we're being affected. And so does Megatron.

Rhinox: Any ideas on what he's up to?

Rattrap: No doubt it screws us over somehow if he gets away with it.

Optimus Primal (considering): Maybe, maybe not. Megatron's change was careful to keep the Magnasword available to the Maximals. He could have just as easily killed Grimlock and the others, and altered history more to suit him.

Rhinox: Too risky. Who knows what would have happened? He may accidentally invalidate all the timelines involving the Predacons.

Optimus Primal: Good point. Rattrap, I want you and Packrat to infiltrate their base, find out what Megatron is up to.

Rattrap: What am I supposed to do, just ask him?

Optimus Primal (sighing): If it works, then try it.

Rhinox: You may want to check Megatron's computer records. If we're lucky, he may have left something there.

Rattrap: And if he didn't? I mean, this is pretty iffy to be risking my furry butt.

Optimus Primal: Maybe so, but right now we don't have much choice. In this case, Knowledge is power, and we're running cold.

Cut to the Predacon Base. Fractyl, in robot mode, is moving down a hallway into his lab. Quietly, Tarantulas, also in robot mode, taps his shoulder using his claw.

Fractyl: I was wondering when you would be poking around.

Tarantulas: I was occupied with other matters, Fractyl. So, why aren't you joining Cicadacon and his fools? After all, you arrived with them.

Fractyl (smirking): Because I don't care for them?

Tarantulas (snapping): Cute, Fractyl. I know you better than that. Why are you serving Megatron so closely? What big secret has he uncovered?

Fractyl: That's your problem isn't it?

Tarantulas: What?

Fractyl: You've always been such a control freak. You just can't stand it that you're out of the loop this time. It's driving you nuts, isn't it?

Tarantulas: We have more pressing matters, Fractyl. You know the data on the discs. You've seen the readouts on the moons. Why are you being so blind to them?

Fractyl: Not blind at all. In fact things are pretty well in hand at the moment. I'm just not convinced that your data is correct.

Tarantulas: How dare you? I'm the only competent one here.

Fractyl: How very happy for you. I guess that's why none of the other Predacons trust you, and have left you out of the loop this time, no? I guess you're just too good for all of us.

Tarantulas: Explain what is going on, or--

Megatron (from Behind): Or you will do what, Tarantulas?

Tarantulas (surprised): Megatron!

We turn quickly around as Tarantulas does to reveal Blackarachnia and Megatron, both in robot mode. Megatron stands with his arms crossed, looking none too pleased. Blackarachnia smiles and steps over to her fellow-spider.

Blackarachnia: Gruesome, you've just been busy with your own schemes. We just didn't want to interrupt you. You really want to know what's going on?

Tarantulas: Stay out of this, witch.

Tarantulas firmly steps over to Megatron, defiantly, and angrily looks up.

Tarantulas (firmly): My computer's data tracks have been altered due to chronological interference. Why is my data becoming corrupted?

Megatron: Ah, that. Then you have discovered a few minor tidbits, haven't you. We're in the middle of a dangerous game, yes. It's a game that could involve our very existence. Fortunately, it's very near to its conclusion.

Tarantulas: What game, Megatron?

Megatron: The future, Tarantulas. Or shall I say, our past?

Tarantulas: The Maximal escape pod? You're tampering with our past?

Fractyl: Not quite, not intentionally.

Megatron: A miscalculation, I assure you. When Fractyl first discovered that escape pod, I naturally set out to make the sparks within into Predacons. Of course, when I checked the ship's data-tracks, I discovered the truth of what he found, and intended to set things right.

Fractyl: Unfortunately, we erred. The Magnasword was thrown into pieces and went to the wrong protoforms. That's the error that the timelines are attempting to correct.

Tarantulas (considering): That fits with what records were in error.

Megatron: So, you see, we cannot afford to make any more mistakes, no. We will play out the rest from what we know of our history.

We look at Tarantulas a moment as Megatron continues speaking, then cut to a lone cave, where Shadow Panther, robot mode, sits listening. Around him is salvaged equipment, including a monitoring screen which Megatron's visage currently dominates.

Megatron (on screen): We can't afford to have anyone, or anything, disrupt the timelines further.

Shadow Panther: Oh that would be tragic.

Tarantulas (off camera): It's still a risk, Megatron. Eventually we won't even know that the timelines did change. We'll not know what mistakes were made.

Megatron (on screen): That's been handled, Tarantulas, yes.

Shadow Panther: Has it now? The chance to change things and you would throw it away?

Shadow Panther stands and turns off the screen, smiling.

Shadow Panther: I expected more, somehow, Megatron. Tarantulas told me you were a schemer, and a planner. So what are your plans now, I wonder? You can't just want to set things the way they were. I wonder...

Shadow Panther turns to head off. We dissolve to the plains. Rattrap and Packrat, both in beast mode, are riding atop Optimus Primal's shoulders. Optimus Primal is in robot mode, his jets kicked in.

Rattrap (nervous): Oh man, you know that Megatron is just there waiting for us.

Optimus Primal: The thought had occurred to me.

Rattrap: And you're sending us in anyway? Thank you very much, fearless leader.

Packrat: Doesn't look like we have much choice, though, does it?

Optimus Primal: Unfortunately, no. Something about those whole mess stinks.

Rattrap: That's Megatron for you.

Computer: Warning, Predacon fliers detected.

Packrat: Oh, great.

Look forward into the distance where two blips are shown. We zoom in and see Waspinator and Terrorsaur, both in beast mode, rushing forward.

Terrorsaur: Lookie there, Optimus Primal himself, and he's got luggage.

Waspinator (depressed): Waspinator no want to fight Maximals. Not same without Buzz Saw.

Terrorsaur: Snap out of it, bug-brain. Optimus is trapped, let's nail him.

Waspinator (depressed): Waspinator not interested.

Terrorsaur (goading): I'll let you claim the kill.

Waspinator: Dactyl-bot would do that?

Terrorsaur: Sure, we're partners now!

Waspinator: Waspinator and dactyl-bot partners?

Terrorsaur: That's what I said. Now let's get Optimus.

Waspinator: Waspinator not let partner down.

Waspinator and Terrorsaur rushes forward quickly and open fire. Optimus Primal moves aside and raises his fist-cannons to fire back.

Optimus Primal: I can't fight like this.

Rattrap: What? I've seen you take out these two losers before.

Optimus Primal: Yes, but I didn't have the two of you on my back that time.

Packrat: Just use your main guns.

Optimus Primal: You mean the ones on my shoulder, where you happen to be sitting?

Packrat: Okay, you've got a point.

Waspinator: Waspinator finish ape-bot, make Buzz Saw proud of Waspinator.

Waspinator nimbly dodges aside as Optimus fires his only available weapon. Terrorsaur slips underneath, however.

Terrorsaur: Terrosaur, terrorize!

Waspinator: Waspinator, terrorize!

Waspinator and Terrorsaur both fire into Optimus Primal, who is slowed too much by his two passengers. Optimus Primal gets hits on his chest once by Waspinator. Another shot from Terrorsaur lands on his back, very near to Rattrap and Packrat.

Packrat (grumbling): You didn't say anything about the turbulence on this flight.

Optimus Primal: We've got to work our way down.

Rattrap: Another few seconds and that won't be a problem.

Optimus spins to recover as Waspinator and Terrorsaur arc back around for another pass. As Optimus maneuvers, however, his engines sputter. Optimus gets a grave expression on his face.

Optimus Primal: We're in trouble.

Packrat: Optimus?

Optimus Primal: Flight systems damaged, I can't stay up.

Optimus tries to fire his engines again, but they merely sputter and fail completely. The trio begins to fall. We look down, and see the ground rush up at us.

Rattrap (screaming): We're going to die!

Two Blind Mice, pt. 2
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade in, Optimus Primal, in robot mode, is falling through the sky. Rattrap and Packrat, but in their beast modes, are clutching on his back. Terrorsaur and Waspinator, both in robot mode, are moving around behind, circling for the kill.

Waspinator: Monkey-bot fall down, make big boom.

Optimus Primal hits the ground, hard. Rattrap and Packrat are both thrown screaming to the side. Optimus Primal bounces hard once, then struggles to stand. He cannot, however, and collapses, groaning in pain. Terrorsaur, however, sees his opportunity and lands, drawing his hand-weapon.

Terrorsaur: Well, well. It looks like I get the prize after all. Say 'bye-bye', Optimus.

Rattrap (from behind): Bye-Bye, Terrorsaur.

We turn around and see Rattrap and Packrat, already in robot mode, level their guns and fire. Terrorsaur is hit hard, and spins into a fall. Waspinator, from above, rushes down.

Waspinator: Waspinator not lose new partner. Waspinator take partner-bot to CR chamber.

Waspinator dives in and grabs the stunned Terrorsaur. Rattrap and Packrat fire on him, but don't manage another shot off. As Waspinator retreats to the distance, they eventually give up their attacks and turn their attention to Optimus.

Rattrap (concerned): Boss-monkey? Oh man, you can't leave me alone like this.

Packrat (quietly): Is he?

Rattrap (quietly): I can't tell.

Optimus Primal (weakly): I'll be all right, Rattrap. You're not rid of me this easily.

Packrat: Thank the matrix.

Rattrap: That's good, you didn't think I was going to put up with this crew alone, did you? You better transform back to beast mode and get some repairs done.

Optimus Primal: I'm trying. I think I have it.

Optimus Primal transforms, a bit more painfully than usually, and reverts to his beast mode. Rattrap and Packrat both let out relieved looks.

Packrat: Waspinator is probably back to base by now. Megatron knows we're coming.

Rattrap: And it's a sure bet he'll be waiting for us.

Optimus Primal: I know, Rattrap.

Packrat: You want us to keep going.

Optimus Primal: I'm sorry, but I don't see a choice. While we're in the dark about Megatron's plans, we're vulnerable.

Rattrap (sighing): I'm not getting paid enough for this.

Cut to Predacon Headquarters, Megatron, robot mode, sits in his command center. We see the computer screen with three Maximal symbols and one Predacon symbol. Two of the Maximals, and the Predacon, are heading to the base. Scorponok, robot mode, looks on.

Scorponok: The Maximals are still coming. Should I get out there and blast them?

Megatron: An interesting question, Scorponok. Not yet, no. The rodents have caused me quite a bit of trouble over the past few months. Wait until they are in the web before we devour them.

Scorponok (confused): You want them here?

Megatron: Well they're not to have run of the ship. But it's time that the Maximals were more formally included on this game. Computer, create file. Codename: Protoform Project. Place full security lock.

Cut outside to the surface of the Predacon Base. We focus in on an observer camera, which swivels, then stops suddenly, whining in protest. The camera lets out a few sparks, then seemingly falls limp. A second later, Shadow Panther, robot mode, shimmers into view from invisibility.

Shadow Panther: Simple enough. Disturbing, even my skills should be tested more.

Shadow Panther steps over to an access panel and opens it, then slides inside. He lands onto a hallway, as we hear the voices of Blackarachnia and Tarantulas ahead. We see them come around a corner, which causes Shadow Panther to duck aside out of view.

Tarantulas: It's madness. Megatron's is attempting to do more that just ensure history. He's already made a critical error. Who knows what will happen now?

Blackarachnia (curiously): Critical error? What error?

Tarantulas: His alteration to the time line. The wrong Maximal getting the Magnasword? Remember?

Blackarachnia: You've got some circuits glitched, Tarantulas. Everything checks out with the history that I remember. We haven't changed anything.

Tarantulas: Don't you see? It's starting already. You've already succumbed to the new time-line.

Blackarachnia (sighing): Whatever.

Tarantulas: We can't proceed. We have to leave this rock, and let things take their own course.

Blackarachnia: And how do you plan to do that? Walk?

Both spiders now move out of earshot as Shadow Panther steps back into the hallway, raising his rifle. He shakes his head.

Shadow Panther: Too soon. If the lady has already forgotten the changes, how long do I have?

Cut to surface hull of the Predacon ship. Rattrap and Packrat stand both in beast mode, looking over it.

Rattrap shakes his head as he sees the hole already available.

Packrat (surprised): They left the door open?

Rattrap: Oh this is pleasant. Something else is going on in there.

Packrat: You wouldn't want to go first, would you?

Rattrap: Oh no, after you, I insist.

Packrat: Now, you're the older one. Age before beauty.

Rattrap: Get in there before I feed you to Dinobot.

Packrat (resigned): Okay, okay.

Packrat sighs and moves into the open access panel. Rattrap looks around and follows. We cut to Fractyl in his laboratory. He is alone, apparently, and in robot mode. The main computer is active, spilling out very large and complicated equations.

Fractyl: Computer, show me estimates of possible time-line damage.

Computer: Working. Damage to timeline integrity minimal. Timeline correction is currently commencing.

Fractyl: Can you detect the changes?

Computer: Negative. Details of chronatic changes lost with timeline correction. Unable to determine differences in time-line history.

Fractyl (whispering): Damn.

Shadow Panther (invisible): You've forgotten, haven't you?

Fractyl (startled): Shadow Panther!

Shadow Panther turns visible just inside the door, and seals it. Fractyl draws his weapon, but Shadow Panther has the drop on him, and shoots it out of his hand.

Fractyl: What do you want?

Shadow Panther: Your data-tracks.

Fractyl: You can't have them.

Shadow Panther: I'm not asking permission. Either you tell me, or I'll eliminate you, and download what I need from your remains.

Fractyl: You don't know what you're tampering with. Things have to go with what we know. Why risk anything more?

Fractyl edges over to the computer as Shadow Panther watches him.

Fractyl: What are you planning?

Shadow Panther: Your little change in history means that somehow, someone gets back to Cybertron. I want to know how, and I'm going to go with.

Fractyl (shocked): You'll risk us all for that?

Shadow Panther: We're dead already, or haven't you noticed. The only ones coming after us get doomed as well. Worse, this whole planet is a big Energon bomb just waiting to go off. Ask me again if I would risk it? Damn right I would.

Fractyl leaps for the computer in one desperate move, but Shadow Panther fires. We cut to Rattrap and Packrat moving through the hall very carefully.

Rattrap: I know it's here someplace.

Packrat: Maybe Megatron had some time to redecorate since we were last in here?

Rattrap: New curtains, a couple of throw pillows, some laser-guided security missiles. Nothing like that at all. This is too easy.

Packrat: You don't suppose we should count our blessings?

Rattrap: Just keep an eye out for an open terminal. This mission is spooking me out.

Cut to Predacon command center. Megatron and Scorponok, both in robot mode, have been waiting. The screen shows the presence of the two Maximals within the base.

Scorponok: Megatron, they're inside, nearing Fractyl's lab. Should I reactivate the defenses?

Megatron: Yes, mustn't disappoint our guests. Fractyl, Maximals headed your way, do not engage them, but feel free to sound the alarm when they arrive.

There is no reply.

Megatron: Fractyl? Computer, location of Fractyl.

Computer: Predacon Fractyl has been terminated.

We focus in on Megatron, who's optics are now ablaze. Scorponok turns with a stunned look.

Megatron (whispering): Terminated. Not the Maximals, it wouldn't be like them, no. Another player in the game.

Scorponok: What do we do, Megatron?

Megatron (growling): Someone else has infiltrated the ship. Find them and terminate them.

Scorponok (worried): This changes everything. What about the Maximals?

Megatron (firmly): Terminate them. Go to red alert. Destroy anything that does not belong on this ship.

Cut to Packrat and Rattrap, both in beast mode, looking through a corridor. Suddenly, alarms sound, and
the lights change to red. Packrat and Rattrap nervously look to one-another.

Packrat: I didn't do anything.

Rattrap (worried): Let's just get this mission done and get out of here.

Inferno (from behind): The royalty commands your destruction. Now you will burn!

Rattrap and Packrat leaps aside to reveal Inferno, robot mode, firing his flame-thrower at them. Rattrap and Packrat are now in opposite corridors, ducking.

Packrat: I can't get to you, Rattrap.

Rattrap: Get lost, blue-mouse. Get the job done and we'll meet outside.

Packrat (growling): Rattrap, I can't leave you.

Rattrap (snapping): That's an order.

Packrat swallows hard and nods, converting to his robot mode, and heading down the corridor he had entered. Rattrap transforms as well, taking out his machine-gun as Inferno closes in.

Rattrap: 'Go infiltrate the Predacon base', he says. At least monkey-boy got shot first.

Inferno: Come out, enemy. I will make your termination painless.

Rattrap takes in a deep breath and rolls into the hall, blasting away at Inferno. Inferno takes the hits on his chest, and seems to shake a bit from the force, but his armor is too thick. Rattrap's weapons aren't doing a whole lot.

Inferno: Die, invader.

We cut to Fractyl's lab. Megatron, in robot mode, steps in carefully. He immediately sees the remains of Fractyl, lying strewn across the lab. The main computer screen is still active, displaying data.

Megatron (grimly): Poor Fractyl, never to realize the fruit of our plan.

Megatron almost affectionately looks to the smashed skull of Fractyl, but then quickly turns his attention to the main Computer display.

Megatron: Computer, has the Protoform Project been accessed?

Computer: One access completed.

Megatron: Who committed the access?

Computer: Profile matches the rogue unit known as Shadow Panther.

Megatron: Computer, raise energy shield. Nothing leaves, no.

Computer: Shields raised.

Megatron (musing): So Tarantulas's little experiment has returned from the dead.

Megatron looks again to Fractyl, and scowls.

Megatron (darkly): I'll be sure to return him there.

Cut to Packrat scurrying in the base. Finally he finds into a laboratory room, and steps in. He looks around through the shelves and equipment, and works his way to the computer console. We recognize the lab as Tarantulas's shipboard laboratory set up. Packrat sees the dartboard with Megatron's picture, and smiles.

Rattrap: I'll have to add this to my collection. Now, where is that terminal?

Packrat steps over to the main desk, and flips a switch. A terminal opens up for him. Packrat smiles and uses a connection to link in. The screen changes and reveals some Predacon writing. From Packrat's expression, however, it seems that he found what he needed. Sadly, we see Tarantulas entering the room, quietly, cannon raised as we fade to black.

Two Blind Mice, pt. 3
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade in to the Predacon base. Rattrap, beast mode, is running haphazardly through the halls, with Inferno, robot mode, chasing after him and cackling endlessly. Every second or so, Inferno launches another shot. Rattrap finally finds another place to duck, and leaps aside into a vent.

Rattrap: This is not good. When does the Calvary come, anyway?

Inferno: Burn, rodent!

Inferno fires into the vent, but Rattrap escapes and pulls away. Inferno growls but is helpless to pursue at the moment. Rattrap breathes a sigh of relief and starts to move through the vents.

Cut to outside. Prowl, Ironhide, and Silverbolt are being lead by Rhinox, Dinobot and Grimlock, all in beast mode, to the Predacon base.

Rhinox (concerned): Rattrap is way late on responding.

Prowl: We're almost there, Rhinox. We'll get them out.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, looking forward to fight.

Silverbolt: Predacon base in range. Silverbolt, maximize.

Silverbolt converts from his eagle form to his robot mode. Prowl and the others to likewise just as the Predacon Base comes into view. Sentry auto-cannons arm and start firing at the Maximal force, scattering them.

Ironhide: Looks like they were expecting us. Let's not disappoint them.

Ironhide and Prowl begin firing, followed by all the others. Rattrap's calvary has arrived. Inside the base, however, Rattrap kicks open a grating and leaps out of it into Tarantulas's lab. He converts to his robot mode, and gasps as he sees Packrat, lying smoldering and bleeding in one corner, covered in a web.

Rattrap: Packrat, oh, Primus, what did he do to you?

Packrat (weakly): Rattrap? You're here? I can't see you.

Rattrap: Come on, blue-boy, we've got to get out of here, and I mean now.

Packrat (weakly): No time... Tarantulas knows you're here, he's out looking for you. You have to go.

Rattrap: Come on, let me get you out of these webs.

Rattrap pulls aside the webs, and takes a step back, stunned. Packrat has already been partially devoured, the beast mode has been torn into, showing a mixture of metal and fluids. Rattrap shakes his head.

Rattrap (whispering): Oh, Primus.

Packrat (weakly): I got what we needed, Rattrap. My last theft... it's in the data-tracks. Tarnatulas didn't both to destroy them.

Rattrap: I'm not leaving you, kid.

Packrat (weakly): Yes you are. I'm dying already, Rattrap. Just get back to base. Optimus Primal must know... has to know. Promise me.

Rattrap (sadly): Yeah, kid. I'll get it back to him.

As Rattrap kneels, the base begins to rock. An explosion from outside shakes the lab, and Rattrap looks down again, showing a moment of hope.

Rattrap: The gang's here, blue-boy. I just have to get you out and you'll be okay. Come on.

Rattrap starts again to free his comrade, but it's too late. Packrat's eyes close for the last time, and he falls limp. Rattrap looks down and shakes his head. We dissolve to show Megatron stepping into the engine room, tensing his pincer claw.

Tarantulas (radio): This is Tarantulas, one Maximal destroyed. I'm sure the other rat in here somewhere.

Inferno (radio): The colony is under attack. Spiders get to the guns immediately. Defend the colony.

Megatron: Computer, radio off.

Megatron steps carefully through the darkness, and steps into the Transwarp chamber. A dark shape is digging into a container. Megatron steps in fully, and stands ready. Shadow Panther, robot mode, takes out a Transwarp cell and smiles, but catches Megatron's reflection in it. He turns, surprised.

Megatron: If it isn't another loyal Predacon.

Shadow Panther: Megatron.

Megatron: Shadow Panther... at last we two meet. A pity for you that this will be our last encounter.

Shadow Panther: There's a Maximal offensive outside, and you're wasting your time with me?

Megatron: Oh I assure you, this time is not wasted, no. Tell me, Shadow Panther, how many Predacons have you sent to their deaths? Fractyl was a loyal and dependable Predacon, yet you destroyed him. Just like you destroyed others. Perhaps it's the Maximal still in you.

Shadow Panther: I'm no Maximal.

Megatron: Perhaps not. But you are an enemy, yes.

Shadow Panther: Well, enjoy chasing after me. I won't be caught.

Shadow Panther turns invisible again, but Megatron merely smiles and raises his dino-cannon.

Megatron: A nice trick, but futile. I won't waste time with you. Computer, set main weapon to maximum firepower, wide area.

Megatron's dino-cannon begins to trail energy as Megatron steps forward. Shadow Panther still remains hidden, but Megatron seems absolutely uncaring about that.

Megatron: You have nowhere to run, Shadow Panther. For Fractyl, for myself, and the Predacons, you die.

Megatron fires, sending a torrent of energy into the area. Shadow Panther's form becomes visible in the barrage, caught to the side. Megatron refocuses his cannon, and captures Shadow Panther into the heart of it. Shadow Panther screams out his last, and disintegrates from the shot just as Scorponok arrives.

Megatron: Status report?

Scorponok: The Maximal firepower is substantial. I'm not sure the shields can hold out.

Megatron: Their new additions to their ranks are more powerful than I had suspected. Very well, we know what they're after. It's time to end this hand, now that most forms of interference has been removed.

Outside, Prowl and Ironhide keep their position as Rhinox and Dinobot move closer to the shield. Above, Silverbolt makes a few diving passes with his missiles, smashing into the shield. The Predacon defense systems seem to be straining under the attack, but are holding.

Rhinox: This will take all day.

Dinobot: What other options do we have? We fight on.

Prowl: Agreed, Megatron's defenses are operating well below what I expected. It's like he's not interested in fighting us.

Rhinox (quietly): He may not be.

Silverbolt: Someone's coming out.

We pan over to an access hatch, and see Rattrap, moving out slowly, and looking behind him. A nearby cannon turns and readies to fire, but Rhinox sees it first and smashes it out with his chain gun. Rattrap rushes over, transforming to beast mode as he does.

Rhinox: Where's Packrat?

Rattrap (grimly): He isn't coming, Rhinox. Can we just go home?

Rhinox nods, and motions for the others to pull out. Rattrap lingers a minute more, looking at the Predacon ship.

Rattrap (whispering): So long, blue-boy. Looks like you were a good Maximal after all.

We cut away as Rattrap retreats with the others. Inside the base, Megatron returns to the command center, where Tarantulas and Blackarachnia waits. Scorponok, robot mode, comes in behind him.

Blackarachnia: The Maximals are retreating.

Tarantulas: But the rat managed to escape.

Megatron: As I expected, no matter. The information that he took was merely what I wanted the Maximals to have. Despite a few setbacks, it appears things are going according to plan.

Tarantulas: Does it?

Megatron: This hand has been played, and it's time to raise the stakes. The Maximals aren't our opponents in this game, Tarantulas, they are the cards. The end game is at hand, my dear Predacons. And I do not intend to lose, no.

Cut to Maximal Headquarters. Optimus Primal, robot mode, steps out of the CR chamber, as Rhinox, Prowl, and Rattrap, all in robot mode, look on. Rattrap's expression remains somber, and distant.

Optimus Primal: Rattrap?

Rhinox: Packrat was terminated inside the Predacon base, Optimus.

Optimus Primal (softly): I'm sorry.

Rattrap: He got nailed by Tarantulas. I couldn't save him.

Optimus Primal: I'm sure you did what you could.

Rattrap (snapping): I got my pink-butt handed to me. I couldn't watch him. I didn't even finish the mission.

Prowl: Easy, Rattrap. What happened with the mission?

Rattrap: Packrat tapped into the spiders' computer and got what we wanted. It's right here.

Rattrap hands Optimus Primal a data-track and starts to head off. Optimus Primal looks it over, and then back at Rattrap.

Rattrap: He accomplished the mission. He did his job, right?

Optimus Primal (calmly): Yes he did, Rattrap. You going to be okay?

Rattrap: Yeah, I will. I just hope whatever we got was worth it.

Optimus Primal looks at the data-track for a long moment, and sighs.

Optimus Primal: We'll find out soon enough.

Optimus Primal steps over to the central console, and places the data-track into the computer. The holo-emitter comes to life, and displays a tactical graphic of the Magnasword. After a moment, the hologram changes displays to a more historical file.

Prowl: What are we seeing.

Optimus Primal: Your future, and our past.

Sentinel: In the year 2025, the Autobots Grimlock and Perceptor departed Cybertron to search for a cure to the Binary plague. Perceptor was destroyed on this mission. Grimlock returned to Cybertron three years later as a transformed being.

The hologram changes to show Grimlock as a Maximal beast warrior, along side Prowl, Silverbolt, and Ironhide. Prowl steps forward as a look of obvious concern washes over Optimus Primal's face.

Sentinel: While their memory banks were damaged, these 'Maximals' brought with the both a powerful new weapon, and a new technology that not only cured the binary plague, but had brought a new step in Transformer evolution. The Protoform Project was eventually adapted to all Cybertronians and humans who were suffering from the Binary Curse, creating the first Maximals, and the new Predacons.

Optimus Primal: Our origins, so Megatron does know.

Sentinel: Advanced security addendum. It has been revealed that this new science was brought about through a temporal paradox. Future Maximals and Predacons were encountered by Grimlock. This is the source of the Protoform Technology. Technical data on the stasis pods and starship seized by Grimlock follows.

The hologram changes views to a starship. Cybertronian writing covers the sizes, showing details of various parts of the craft.

Rattrap: What did that just say?

Prowl: A time loop. If we don't get to Cybertron somehow, in that ship, none of this can ever happen. And that Binary Curse will wipe out Cybertron, and Earth, three hundred years before we were created.

Rattrap: And who's to say that we haven't screwed up somehow already.

Optimus Primal: Sentinel, has there been any changes in the timeline?

Sentinel: Temporal energy surges have been detected. Unable to determine the amount of changes.

Optimus Primal: That's just, Prime.

We look over the room once more, then focus on the hologram in the center, and fade to black.

The End