"First Season Finale: Part II"

[New Moon]

Frilla couldn't help but look at Optimus in disbelief for considering the offer and Starshadow accepting it. Of all Predacons She actually joined them? It was hard to imagine Starshadow being anything of a maximal and for once hated to consider the fact of a new teammate such as the panther. The frilled lizard had spent enough time around the femme to know there just was something off about some decisions or she was just plain insane. For once she actually agreed with the others that this was a bad idea.

"I hope you guys are right about her Optimus, just something isn't right about this."She said shaking her head and looked back after the white tigeress wondering if there was also more to her offer. She thought this because it really didn't seem to make much sense at all and now it would be a waiting game.

However Feralnight wasn't quite sure what to think as she was surprised and curious at the same time. Her curiosity was mainly to the motives of both femmes with wondering why Wintersong herself made the offer and to why Starshadow would take it. Though the reasons might not be known unless either one felt like saying it. Now was just the fact the two wouldn't end up ripping each other apart next.

Having nothing to say in protest or approval the fuzor just watched the others and wondered when they would be heading in or settling the situation. Hopefully it wouldn't have to be another case of stopping another fight.

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

(( OOC: No worries, WorpeX. Thank you for letting us know. Catch up when you can.

By the way, Phoenix, I love what you have going on with Aurora now. Poor thing is getting a little conflicted with herself. I wonder how bad that might get.

Oh! In addition to the others I mentioned previously about OP speaking to privately, that might also include Feralnight and Wintersong, but we'll see where the debriefing goes first. ))

"I...accept your terms.."

Well, she didn't sound very enthusiastic about it. She was aware that she didn't have to join, right? Perhaps she was just as uncertain about this as his Maximals were. Judging by most of their negativity, Primal couldn't blame her for being hesitant or even reluctant. To be honest, she didn't seem any more eccentric to him than Arachnitron was, and they had survived with her and her split personalities around just fine without any mishaps. Yes, Starshadow had just attacked Ironclaw and held a blade to him, but he had stolen her gun which enticed her to chase him down and retrieve it. Hopefully that was a lesson learned.

"Well Star, maybe we can retry that alliance way back when we crashed here, who knows you might not be as bad as you make yourself out to be."

Wintersong could be right about that. Maybe it was always a tough-girl act that Starshadow put on so the other Predacons wouldn't eat her alive. "Hold on, Wintersong," Optimus called to her just as she trotted toward the Axalon's lift. "I'd like you to show Starshadow to her quarters."

"Ironclaw," the gorilla lifted his voice so he could get his attention when the badger had wandered away a little bit, and waved him back over to the group. "I'm sure Starshadow would like her weapon returned to her."

"Welcome to the Maximals, Starshadow."

Rattrap, meanwhile, was flabbergasted watching all of this unfold. What just happened here?! But at least he wasn't alone.

"I'm all for showing mercy and giving second chances but.. I hope you guys know what you're doing here. Not everyone will be as tolerant and inviting as you are."

"I hope you guys are right about her Optimus, just something isn't right about this."

Looking from Frilla to Aurora, their words caused some concern or doubt that crossed Primal's face. Very few approved of his decision, and the majority voted against it. He wasn't certain if this was the right or wrong decision. Only time would tell. He hoped it was the right one, but after losing Icebreaker and listening earlier to Aurora's concern for the truce with the Predacons that he had agreed to, he started to wonder if this war was finally beginning to drive him over the edge and was impairing his judgement. He had a weakness for trusting too much and tolerating what shouldn't be tolerated. As the leader's thoughts wandered slightly, his scarred left hand began to ache a little, causing him to realize he had balled it into a fist. Opening his hand that had never healed properly due to the damage it had received by Nemesis's weapon, he rubbed it gently and massaged it with his other hand before taking a breath and pulling himself back together.

"Everyone, inside," Optimus finally said with a firmer tone. "We have much to discuss." However, he remained where he was at the moment, wondering if he was as crazy as most of their eyes had told him he was, letting everyone else pass and enter before him. If Rhinox, his oldest and wisest friend, or Whitegrazer, someone who seemed to seek the same peace, compassion and love as he did, had anything quick to add, now was the time before they'd jump into the debriefing.

I'll say! Rattrap thought after throwing his front pink paws into the air in disbelief. Passing another glare toward Starshadow, he lowered himself to all-fours and waddled onto the Axalon's lift before her that was waiting to pull any Maximals up.

-----

"He helped save a friend's life," "One of our teammate had a run in with a Pred," "and Icebreaker came in out of the blue to save him. I joined in the fight and helped them fend the guy off. We've stuck together ever since."

Tigatron smiled faintly, but warmly, at the orca's memory. "I do recall that he had a knack for timing," he softly commented, whether or not the larger Maximal was listening. Unfortunately, judging by Orcariner's short and somewhat vague response, he was getting the feeling that he really didn't want to talk anymore. He supposed that since he did seem very occupied building Icebreaker's coffin, that were was no absolute need now to distract him with conversation. Besides, he knew what Orcariner really sought for; an explanation to his closest friend's premature departure. The truth. The one responsible. At least for now he wasn't asking any of those kinds of questions again.

Walking over to Icebreaker's lifeless body, Tigatron took great care with changing some of the bandaging that Whitegrazer had applied earlier that had since absorbed the fluids which had still been leaking a little out of his wounds. Then he carefully polished the penguin's armor and smoothed his ruffled feathers to make him much more presentable for his ceremony. The white tiger's mind wandered from memories of Icebreaker and back and forth with Airazor, hoping she would return to him unharmed from her dangerous mission with Rattrap and Ironclaw.

[NaitoKage]

(Figured I'd mention it since nobody else has yet.. But I'd have to say No to the Icebreaker funeral. That'll just eat more time, and it makes things fair since Glowstick never received a funeral either.*LOL* )

[starshadow]

"I'd like you to show Starshadow to her quarters."

"That won't be necessary. I'm comfortable living in the wilds." Starshadow said.

"Ironclaw, I'm sure Starshadow would like her weapon returned to her."

"If sweetie wants it, he can keep it. I'm not useless without a gun." she put a hand on her hips and looked at Whitegrazer when she spoke up,

"Welcome to the Maximals, Starshadow."

The pantherbot gave a nod and thanked her. It was surprising that she would welcome a loose cannon like her. Starshadow rolled her optics when the rat glared at her and followed everyone into the lift.

+ + + + + +

Cecaelia was crawling around the volcanic areas in her beast mode. Hot and dry with the horrible scent of sulfur, definitely not a pleasant place.

"All Predacons report to the main bridge immediately,"

"It's about time...Cecaelia, terrorize!" transforming to her robot mode, she headed back to the Darksyde.

[Wintersong]

Wintersong paused as Optimus called to her, making the white tigress look back over her shoulder with a nod as she turned slightly to face her normally arch enemy. "What's the matter Starshadow? Afraid the Axalon will bite or give you fleas?" She asked jokingly, somewhat taunting the panther. The tigress may have made an odd offer and been nice about it but she didn't entirely trust the panther still, especially with the fact she actually took up the offer which Wintersong thought she would have refused but she wasn't about to show a real friendship unless Starshadow really did prove to be different among them, or at least not stab them in the back. "But really Star surely you would want a room if your ever inside, even someone like you would probably miss a room."

Turning away Wintersong didn't bother to wait for the supposedly ex-predacon, not about to waste her time on a stubborn bot like Starshadow and just came to the lift and stepped on beside Rattrap, flicking her tail.

------------------

However unlike the other Predacons Snow Trix decided to not rejoin her 'teammates' since she had lost any real luck they would win this war or even make much progress. Instead she continuing on her own path,the com-link from Megatron having been ignored by the fox and Snow Trix deciding to work on her own path, which for now she was only seeking out a place to rest to think of what she would do next. Being a loner she had often done this back on Cybertron and a new world might offer more chances to do something but it was normally something she did right on the spot.

After some time of wandering around the arctic fox came to a stop, sitting behind a boulder to rest and gazed around the desolent area for a moment and sniffing the air, a faint scent of vegetation catching her attention. It would be a good place for a start, first in hiding then going from there which at this point Snow Trix was wondering of just toying with the two teams. Sure it would get her killed but she wasn't afraid to face some danger along the way so with a slight shrug the fox stood, stretching her body before beginning to scurry to where she had smelled the vegetation on the wind.

Now was just matter of time and planning, and a decent amount of good luck.

[Phoenix]

(ooc warning: Looong post coming up. A few months ago the player of Valkyrie asked for my help in setting things up for her current character's departure and laying the ground work for the introduction of her new character in S3. We tried writing this post as an email project but its progression has been a very slow project. Now that it's mostly done I decided to post it now before the Maximals get back inside the base since most are outside right now. )


Valkyrie wandered almost aimlessly through the corridors of the Axalon. There were still some damages present after the recent Predacon attack, yet the female Maximal barely took notice of it. Instead her mind was focused on her own troubles involving recurring episodes of debilitating headaches and dizziness. Was this a result of a malfunction in her genetically modified spark? The possibility had dawned on the Maximal sub-commander quite a while ago, but she had chosen to ignore it. She had never been one to complain and seek attention, even when she needed it, always believing she would be able to handle the situation on her own.

Yet recently her ailment had gotten worse and more frequent. Rhinox was going to run a diagnostic on her to see if he could figure out what was wrong, but with the attack and other Maximals getting seriously injured or worse as well as the base requiring immediate repairs, the rhino had enough on his plate right now. For that reason Valkyrie had not waited around for him to return to his lab and had retreated to her room for a little while until the solitude had started to get on her nerves.

For reasons she herself did not entirely comprehend, she soon found herself standing in front of the massive doors to the brig again, like she had been earlier when the other Maximals had escorted her out. Yet now she found herself once again drawn here by an intense desire for answers she somehow felt that one of the occupants of the brig might be able to give her.

With a sigh she placed her hand on the door and pushed it open before moving to the cell she knew the former Decepticon was contained in. Her security clearance would grant her access easily, yet she found herself hesitating in front of the door.

Unaware of the extent of the commotion that had recently taken place at the Maximal base, Nemesis had settled back in the corner of the cell while waiting for something to occur. After the initial Predacon strike, the situation appeared to have calmed considerably, and she had not heard the faint rumbling in the walls from the attacking ship for a while. Exactly how long it had been was impossible to tell, since the long period of being incarcerated in a dim cell with no view of the outside and the chilling temperatures there had left her a bit diminished at best.

Over the course of the last few hours, perhaps starting even before what she assumed had been a failed attempt at an attack on the base, she had noticed a very gradual increase in the temperature of the cell. Unbeknownst to her, it had been a localized increase due to a botanical experiment, so subtle that most remaining inhabitants of the Maximal base may not even have noticed. Certain parts of the base had been affected more than others, the brig itself included, so the temperatures had risen to nearly comfortable levels. The Predacon did not know what had happened, nor if it would even make a difference since she was still locked up with no apparent escape, but it felt a bit more soothing to know that her nanotechnology was capable of running at their normal levels at least.

It was then she suddenly became aware that the massive door keeping her locked in here was getting unlocked. Perhaps Optimus Primal had decided to pay her another visit, although the prospect of that seemed almost unlikely after what had taken place during their last conversation. Regardless, Nemesis pulled herself to her feet so she could greet the Maximal commander as he entered.
Yet to her surprise the Maximal that entered was not Primal, but rather a female of similar build as herself. In fact she too appeared to be of an avian nature, not unlike Nemesis’ own alternative mode.

Watching the other female enter, Nemesis fought hard with her inner demons not to make another futile attempt at the door before it closed. Her last attempt with Primal had proved such a move would be futile, and the Predacon did not wish to make a fool of herself again in front of this Maximal. Yet the presence of this other female offered a new possibility of escape, so she remained calm.. for now. At the very least she could hear her out before making her escape.
Crossing her arms and tilting her head as she sized up the other female, trying to determine what weapons she might have brought with her and what her intentions might be, Nemesis decided to break the silence.

“Why have you come, Maximal?”


Valkyrie remained silent by the door for a few moments, merely staring at the other female with such intensity the Decepticon-turned-Predacon felt as if she was being analyzed. Indeed, Valkyrie did take those brief seconds to examine the other female, never being one to merely walk into an unknown situation without having the knowledge needed to succeed. She was aware of Optimus Primal’s former visit to see the prisoner, yet the Maximal commander had not entered the information from the encounter into the computer logs so it appeared to have been more of a personal visit if anything. For that reason the Maximal computer still knew very little of the Predacon who had been given, or taken, the name of the flagship of the original Megatron’s fleet.
The Predacon was smaller than the name would imply, roughly the same height and build as Valkyrie herself. Yet the Maximal kept her guard up, being well aware that looks may be deceiving. Not detecting any immediate threat she stepped a little closer and began addressing the other female.

“Don’t worry. I have just come to talk.” She paused for a brief moment, watching for any movement she might have to counteract. There were none. “Nemesis, I presume? I am Valkyrie. “ Her voice remained calm, soothing in a sense, and she attempted to carry herself with some confidence since being perceived as a weak target could lead the other female to attempt an attack.

Nemesis smiled ever-so-slightly at her. It was a peculiar smile, neither happy nor forced.

Valkyrie stared at the Predacon, trying to figure out what strengths and weaknesses this female's body held.
But more importantly, she needed to figure out what it was to have driven her this far to ignore a direct order from Optimus and see this Predacon with her own eyes.

Then a logical thought floated to the active part of her mind.
She didn't know much about the Predacons, accept for what she had been told by the Maximals who were actively involved with her transfer into the Maximal society.
It was crucial for her development as a Maximal with her abilities to see what others didn't want her to see.
She never knew the reasons why the Predacons hated the Maximals.
She never knew the stories behind these reasons from the Predacon side
This was one of the very few opportunities she had, and ever will have to gather such knowledge.

Nemesis was in her own right, a very cunning Predacon, she knew. So to leave herself open, wouldn't be very smart.
But showing a visible guard, would be interpreted as a form of fear. This could also set in motion a chain of subtle prods at each others defenses, till the Predacon female find a weakness she could exploit.
Valkyrie was more then intelligent enough to counter such prods with prods of her own at her mental defenses.
The first prod will be coming from her side however, to show the Predacon that she isn't one who couldn't handle herself at most levels.

Mental warfare was her domain.
Not even Optimus Primal or Rhinox could best her at the mental games they sometimes play to train for situations they'll be needing the strong minds they have.

Optimus Primal always had been warning her that there are a few within the Predacon ranks whose intelligence would possibly outmatch their own.
Megatron, leader of the Predacons, was one of them.

"Your capture, however unfortunate for you, gave me an opportunity to gather some much needed information about the Predacon society.
The reason behind your hatred towards us Maximals, and the reason for your splinter-group to use a transwarp able ship and go to this sector.
This isn't a simple quest for more energon, as some of you seem to believe. I think its something much larger.
I would like to know what.
And though you probably wont know the whole story, and wont know the answers to to all my questions, i would like to hear the answers you do know."

The Maximal female nodded at Nemesis to start.

Nemesis merely stared at the newcomer for a long, intense moment. From the moment the other female had opened the door, she had envisioned different scenarios in her mind about her reasons for coming there, yet a history lesson had not been one of them.

Albeit the other female appeared quite articulate in her own ways, it would appear that she had not found much information on Nemesis’ origin. A fact which suggested Optimus Primal had either not had the opportunity to put a detailed report on her into the Maximal database, or perhaps the Maximal commander actually intended to keep his word. As a Predacon, and before that a Decepticon, honesty was a concept Nemesis had little experience with. Sure enough her team did not always deceive, but a majority of them usually had a hidden agenda which frequently got in the way of honesty.

Nemesis had never been a Maximal protoform reprogrammed to function as a Predacon, nor had she come here to this planet as part of Megatron’s crew. She had merely sought the Predacons out after the unfortunate accident which had changed her form from that of a powerful Decepticon to a much smaller Predacon. Although certain of the Predacons had proven to be rather timid and even good-natured, a select few were indeed every bit as manipulative and deceitful as the Decepticons she once roamed with had been. Megatron himself was one of these respectable few.

Tilting her head as she wrapped her feathered wings around herself like a cape, the intense expression on Nemesis’ face lit up a bit. In fact for a brief moment one could almost make out a slight smile.

“My dear Maximal,” Nemesis said in as soft a voice as she could while moving in a bit closer, “As members of opposing sides our hatred for one another has been passed down for generations, from the time of our ancient ancestors. It’s funded in a mutual belief that the philosophies of one side takes precedence over the other. Yet this belief has kept the feud going between the two factions for what can be perceived as an eternity, there is no reason that individuals in either faction cannot share similar values and views.”

She paused for a moment, watching the other female for a reaction.

“You’re absolutely right that it was never about the energon. We both know this planet has an excessive amount of the stuff, albeit unstable in its current state..”

She moved in very close, finishing off the sentence with a mere whisper.

“Yet not much effort has been made to stabilize it on either side, now has it? The technology to do so is within both of our grasps, yet we’re at a standstill in its development. Almost makes one wonder if there’s something the Predacon and Maximal councils alike did not share with us.”

The avian Predacon’s smile seemed to widen ever so slightly and her tone remained quite friendly. Or at the very least certainly not threatening.

“Of course they’re not about to share this information with the underdogs,” she continued, “We’re nothing but expendable pawns to them. How much faith would you be willing to place in our socalled leaders in this regard? Would you truly trust Megatron and Optimus Primal to have our best interest at heart, or is there a possibility that they might be acting on the orders of their respective councils?”

Nemesis placed her hand on the other female’s shoulder, giving it a light, reassuring squeeze. The Predacon was unarmed, so an attempt at brute force without knowing what weapons the other female carried would be foolish. So for the time being she attempted a more subtle approach, seeing if a seed of doubt could be implanted in the other female.
“Now you tell me.. why are you really here?”

Valkyrie held back a faint frown as she listened to the Predacon speak. The other female was being coy with her, albeit she had not exactly expected a Predacon to give her a straight answer. Another Maximal may have given in to Nemesis’ attempt to place doubts in their heads, but Valkyrie was not one of them.

Realizing it was only a matter of time before the other Maximals discovered her agenda and they would be coming to investigate, Valkyrie decided to cut the small talk for a more speedy approach. “Listen,” she started, her voice taking on a much more serious tone now, “I don’t have much time before the others realize where I am, so I must be brief.”
Nemesis folded her arms across her chest, leaning up against a wall as she listened to the Maximal’s words. It had become quite apparent that this was not merely a social visit.

“I know Optimus spent some time with you here in this very place, yet your file has been classified. Aside from a few aspects of your reported actions, very little information about you has been made available. It’s evident you are not what you appear to be. As I find myself in similar circumstances, I felt that perhaps there’s a way we could help each other.”

Similar circumstances…


Nemesis considered the other female’s words carefully. Although she maintained a rather good poker face as she spoke, the former Decepticon was not oblivious to the pain behind the voice. Perhaps this Valkyrie suspected some things from Nemesis’ past, perhaps this Maximal had undergone something like it as well.

Unaware of the fact she was even doing it, Nemesis covered her wrist. She doubted there was anything this Maximal could do for her, even if they possibly did share similar experiences. Yet a sense of doubt had started lingering a bit, perhaps even a tiny amount of hope. Could she be talking about releasing her for some cooperation?

No.. A Maximal wouldn’t do that. Even if the female in front of her was for some reason different than others, Nemesis did not believe she would betray their trust like this. Or perhaps she felt as if she was the one who was being betrayed..

“I’m listening,” Nemesis responded, moments before her optics flashed red and she took a few, short paces closer to Valkyrie. “But if you try to doublecross me,” she warned, her tone changing to a much more sinister one as she swiftly brought her arm up to grab the Maximal by the throat, “..I will destroy you..” Her grip tightened as she squeezed harder, making sure she got her point across.

Valkyrie would normally have been expecting such a move, but as Nemesis made her approach, her debilitating migraine decided to do the same. An overwhelming sensation of pain, fear, panic, and loss of control washed over her, blocking out the logical thoughts that usually occupied her mind. As the other female grabbed her throat in a threatening manner, the Maximal nearly passed out from the pain. Her condition was rapidly deteriorating and she was running out of time and options in more ways than one.

“Not now..,” she mumbled incoherently, unable to maintain her focus on the other female. She felt as if her mutant spark was killing her body, destroying her from the inside out.. It all had to stop! Summoning what strength she had, Valkyrie brought both arms up to force Nemesis to release her grip on her throat. She then pushed her away as hard as she could, desperate to put a little distance between the two of them. Her headache was making it impossible to concentrate.. to even think straight. In an attempt to persuade Nemesis to keep her distance, the Maximal sub-commander raised her arms to aim her wrist-mounted vulcan cannons at the other female. She did not wish to use them, but would if she had to since these glitches of hers had become unbearable.

For a brief moment it seemed to have worked. Nemesis held her distance, allowing Valkyrie to draw a sigh of relief. Unfortunately the moment was short-lived, as the Predacon’s face soon lit up in an almost playful grin. “So you want to play rough, hmm?”
With those words the avian Predacon lunged herself at the winged Maximal, slamming herself into the other female with enough force send them both crashing into the wall behind her. This time Nemesis was a tad faster, bringing her elbow up against the Maximal’s throat to keep her steady against the wall while she used her free arm to try to restrain the other females’. “Now how about opening that door and we can both forget this encounter ever happened..”

But despite the sudden outburst before Valkyrie had a chance to clear her head, the Maximal sub-commander stood firm. Her training prevented her from accepting such a proposal, even if it might have seemed like the logical thing to do at the time. With some effort she managed to free one of her arms long enough to aim her wrist cannon straight at Nemesis’ midsection.

“I don’t think so!,” the Maximal exclaimed as she fired off a shot at so close range nobody would be able to outmaneuver it. In that instant their optics met; a noble Maximal officer and a Predacon convict, fighting for two opposing sides in a war neither one of them had been given a choice in entering. Valkyrie gasped and moved her hand up to her throat as Nemesis’ optics flickered while taking a few shaky steps back. The Maximal warrior watched as the unarmed foe she had just shot at close range dropped to one knee, part of her almost feeling bad for the actions brought about by the other female’s unprovoked attack. It was quite evident by the look on the Predacon’s face that she was experiencing a great deal of pain right now.

What to do now?

Valkyrie was at a loss of an answer. This situation was quickly escalating out of control and none of the answers she could come up with seemed reasonable enough to solve it.

Something had compelled her to come here. What was it? What good could possibly come out of this?

The questions throbbed in her head as the scenario repeated itself in her mind, while her analytical mind searched for alternate solutions that might have lead to a different outcome. Within moments one question stood out.

Why would this unarmed, seemingly intelligent, Predacon have attacked her? Surely she would have realized..

Her answer came when she looked down at the other female, now sitting crouched down on the floor with her hands covering the large, open wound in her abdomen. The wound was oozing a viscous substance, unlike any normal mech fluid the Maximal had seen. A shimmering glow appeared around the edges of the injury, growing in intensity the deeper into the opening she focused. As Valkyrie turned her attention to the other female’s face, she could almost detect a faint smile. It seemed to widen a bit as the other female forced herself to her feet, removing her hands to expose the full extent of the damage done to her.
“You should have just released us both,” Nemesis declared angrily as her optics flashed brightly.

Valkyrie did not have much time to react before Nemesis then threw herself over her, and her fighting ability was even further delayed by the returning headache. To her horror the wounded female latched onto her and as she did, the Maximal felt a tingling then painful sensation spreading throughout her body. Within moments her optics started flickering but not before she had caught a glimpse of the shimmering material spreading from the other female to herself and that she now, as well, was missing several pieces of armor. Valkyrie wanted to scream out in terror, but the only sound that left her lips was a muffled whimper.

What seemed like an eternity but could not have been more than a few moments later, it was over. The cell seemed almost eerily silent until..

“I’m sorry, Nemesis.”

The familiar voice seemingly echoed through the confined space, repeating its message over and over to the now single occupant kneeling on the floor next to the mangled remnants of the demised female. For several seconds the survivor did not budge, merely sitting there staring blankly in front of her without focusing on anything in particular as the voice chimed in again.

“The only thing you have to fear in this cell is yourself.”

Yourself..

The words seemed so genuine, yet almost ironically true. And the voice behind the words held such a concern it was almost touching. Almost.

Casting a glance at the lifeless shape in front of her, Nemesis then pushed herself up to a standing position. As she did, she angrily pounded her fist against the nearest wall.

“Get out of my head, Optimus!”

As the voice started to fade, the female Predacon whirled on the remnants of Valkyrie once more, watching her with a certain discontent as she lay there at her feet. Valkyrie.. Once one of the highest ranking Maximals now reduced to a barely recognizable hulk on the floor, twisted into a strange combination of peace and torment. Such a waste.. Her tarnished remains a reminder of how it’s possible to be one’s own worst enemy.

Nemesis certainly was not proud of what she’d done and would have preferred another, simpler, outcome. The female was well aware of the fact that the Maximals would be hunting her like an animal now that she had taken another of their comrades from them, even if she did not have complete control over either outcome. She had been branded a monster a very long time ago and perhaps that was indeed a fitting description of what she had become. Much of her lifetime had been spent in captivity by those wanting to harvest her potential, or running from the ones intent to extract vengeance. But doing so had been much easier when she was not trapped in a single location.

Yet she could not change the past so dwelling on the outcome would not do her any good. Surely the Maximals would be on their way soon.. she was not about to waste any more time here waiting for them to arrive.

A quick survey of the floor revealed a blade Valkyrie must have brought with her. Nemesis quickly snatched it up and examined it, determining it was still sharp enough to be useful. She held it up to her wrist, the one with the slave brand permanently imprinted into her armor, and turned away from the body behind her. Upon doing so she placed herself in clear view of the cell’s camera, still taping and transmitting the images of the scene that was unfolding to the other Maximals. Nemesis paid it no heed. She was as of yet unaware of the fact that most of the Maximals had gathered outside and as such nobody had been watching the monitors for a little while.

Hesitating for a couple of seconds, Nemesis looked down at the blade against her wrist. Her voice was much calmer as she spoke, even if nobody was there to hear her the sound of her voice bouncing off the walls held a certain comfort. “I told you, Optimus.. We can’t fight our nature. We are what we are.”

With those words, she started cutting into her wrist. The pain was unbearable, causing Nemesis to grimace and writhe in agony, but she still cut deeper, forcing the blade through the armor. Just short of separating the hand from the wrist she stopped, eyeing the damage for a brief moment as the intense glow got brighter.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Maximals,” the avian Predacon groaned in pain as she turned around to face the still locked door. “But I fear I’ve outstayed my welcome..”

Her shimmering, severely damaged arm hit the door with as much force as Nemesis could muster. The glow immediately spread to the affected part of the door, eating away at its surface and then the locking mechanism inside. Meanwhile Nemesis pressed herself up against the door for support, the look of pain still evident on her face for a few more seconds until the repairs started setting in at a rapid pace. Within moments she started regaining some functionality in her hand, then some more, whereas the once solid door degraded under the force.

Nemesis took a shaky step back, rubbing her newly reattached hand while the minor repairs continued. She then kicked the door forcefully, first once then a second time, before it flew open on the third attempt. Knowing the Maximals would surely arrive soon, she quickly converted to beast form and took flight since her avian mode was both faster and less likely to cause the Sentinel defense system to attack. She swiftly left the brig, trying to avoid any Maximals along the way to freedom.

[Blackrosefencer]

OOC: Ooooo! Nemesis is back!

Incidentally, Megatron does intend to find out about the missing transwarp cell, right? I mean without that discovery, he would never have altered it and if he wouldn't have altered it, Optimus wouldn't have blown up in the transwarp explosion. Right???

BIC:

Arachnitron watched unfazed as the Predacon in front of her snapped the collar around his neck. She frowned. Her mind was still clouded, though some memories were gradually returning.

"Should I have let him do that?" she wondered silently to herself.

Suddenly, a gruff voice answered her from the throes of her unbalanced mind. "Of course not, you twit! Do as I say now! Raise your weapon and demand he surrender immediately!! Do it NOW!" It was the Predacon and she sounded angry.

But the Hybrid looked over at the taller bot who spoke to her gently. Her hand was still within one of his pincers as he helped steady her. His voice was soothing as he talked to her.

Very well my dear, though my previous offer of assistance with your condition still stands. My diagnostic skills are top notch, if there's anything wrong with your programming, I can find and repair it. Ease the burden on your troubled neuroprocessor so to speak, good as new. We are after all partners, we need to both be at our best if we are to escape this planet before its destruction, which IS coming soon I fear"

The offer was tempting, but the Predacon was still within her mind spouting out orders. She needed to know if there were some sort of cure, but as more and more memories came rushing back to her, her expression began to lose its childlike innocence and her fear of scientists began to return. Her expression became grim and serious and she took a few hesitant steps away from Tarantulas frightened of the idea of entering into another experiment she could not get out of.

"Good. Now draw your pistol."

They Hybrid did as she was told. She drew her pistol, but she didn't point it at the other spider or even put her finger near the trigger. She merely drew it and made it visible. She hoped her message would be clear.

"Let us get one thing straight," she stated sternly repeating the words the Predacon recited to her in her mind attempting to imitate their cold, threatening tone. "If you try anything, I will shoot. If I have to shoot you, I will tie you up again. Do we have an understanding?"

She waited for him to process what she said before speaking again. "Now," she continued calmly. "I believe it's my turn to ask the questions." She folded her arms over her chestplate. With the Predacon programming no longer in control, Arachnitron the obnoxious, offensive, ego-maniacal delinquent was gone. The Hybrid's mind, on the other hand, was clear and free of anger and hatred. Her voice was calm, but she was distant and her now-somber expression revealed the pain the memories caused her.

Inside her mind, the Predacon programming was reeling in anger. She was desperate to stop the Hybrid from asking what she knew she would ask, but the Hybrid ignored her. "What exactly are you capable of doing to fix my programming defect?" she questioned. "More importantly, what exactly are you capable of doing to repair my slaggin' ship?" Her tone suggested her doubt that Tarantulas was able to do either.

[Mystrea]

Ironclaw heard Optimus suggest that he give Starshadow her weapon back. He turned his head slightly and grunted. He had no intention of giving her weapon back.

He then heard Starshadow's comment on the issue. She had been making comments like that about for him a while. He didn't understand what it meant, was she flirting with him? He had come into contact with many fembots now, he would have to adjust.

Ironclaw transformed into beast mode and went over to the lift. He parked himself next to Wintersong and waited.

[una]

((OOC: Would this be considered a paragon or renegrade interrupt? Ah! Who cares ))

"Wait a minute," She was beside Optimus but walked forward a couple of steps towards the group on the lift, "Are you guys serious?"

The tone in her voice matched the face that she gave them. It was the shock at such disobedience and mistrust at their commander's decision and towards Starshadow combined by the sheer fact of the hypocriticsy from the two former Predacons who were once in the same position just like Starshadow.

With a much stern tone, she looked at all the Maximals like a mother disciplining children, "Your leader has just given his decision and it's final. You disagree with it? Fine, but I will not tolerate such disrespect towards the chain of command. You will show respect towards your superior officer."

Looking at Frilla and Dinobot, she shook her head, "You two should know better. You were in the same exact position as she was. I thought you guys will empathize with her"

Pacing side to side, she continued her little talk, "We have a dark cloud hanging over us and we have lost some good Maximals already and..." There was some sorrow in her eyes, "we may lose more. We need to have each other's back even at the darkest of time, especially when our leader has to make the hard choices because in this war with powerful aliens trying to kill us and some purple tyrant, the only thing we have is each other. If we don't have that, we have already lost. "

"Also, anyone who disrespects Starshadow, you will answer to me."

[WorpeX]

Airazor looked back and forth at Optimus and Starshadow in disbelief. What this really happening? Starshadow was going to join their crew? She could hardly believe what she was hearing. It was not that she didn't think the other predicon deserved a chance at a peaceful life, it was just that Airazor didn't believe she was capable of living one. Not to mention that Optimus was being far too quick to trust this turncoat. If it was that easy to join the Maximals, whats to say that they couldn't get a spy into their ranks and then leave immediately once they got what they needed? To her, this situation seemed fishy and she didn't like it one bit. She hoped her instincts were wrong, but for now, she was going to watch this traitor very closely.

Despite her concerns, Airazor stayed quiet. She wasn't much for talking in the first place and getting into an argument was even worse. She'd much rather keep her thoughts to herself and handle it alone. If need be, she could discuss her concerns with Tigatron, he would understand.

"Everyone, inside, We have much to discuss."

Following their commanders lead, Airazor transformed into her robot mode quietly and walked onto the lift. She ascended into the Axalon with the rest of her crew and found an open seat at a computer. It had been a long day and it felt good to relax a little. Hopefully this discussion would be short so that she could get some much needed rest and reflect on the days events.

[DarkSpark]

Blackrosefencer wrote: The offer was tempting, but the Predacon was still within her mind spouting out orders. She needed to know if there were some sort of cure, but as more and more memories came rushing back to her, her expression began to lose its childlike innocence and her fear of scientists began to return. Her expression became grim and serious and she took a few hesitant steps away from Tarantulas frightened of the idea of entering into another experiment she could not get out of.

"Good. Now draw your pistol."

They Hybrid did as she was told. She drew her pistol, but she didn't point it at the other spider or even put her finger near the trigger. She merely drew it and made it visible. She hoped her message would be clear.

"Let us get one thing straight," she stated sternly repeating the words the Predacon recited to her in her mind attempting to imitate their cold, threatening tone. "If you try anything, I will shoot. If I have to shoot you, I will tie you up again. Do we have an understanding?"

Tarantulas watched as the naive bot's expression changed in the blink of an eye and she suddenly had her gun out and was making demands of him like she had earlier...But he could tell it was still the new persona in control, she lacked the mocking tone of her earlier self. She was trying to act the part of the Predacon to keep some semblance of control, an act, nothing more, nothing less. She was SCARED. However, scared bots could be just as dangerous as brave ones, so he'd still have to be careful to avoid spooking her enough to do something stupid, and harmful, to his person.

He was glad to have his spider leg turrets outstretched and ready to fire if her trigger finger became too twitchy, but for now he merely stared back at her, looking as non-threatening as possible, and awaited what she had to say next. He almost swore he was talking to a Maximal trying to "play pred," or else something just as timid as a Maximal. So many secrets, so little time to unravel them all.

Blackrosefencer wrote: She waited for him to process what she said before speaking again. "Now," she continued calmly. "I believe it's my turn to ask the questions." She folded her arms over her chestplate. With the Predacon programming no longer in control, Arachnitron the obnoxious, offensive, ego-maniacal delinquent was gone. The Hybrid's mind, on the other hand, was clear and free of anger and hatred. Her voice was calm, but she was distant and her now-somber expression revealed the pain the memories caused her.

Inside her mind, the Predacon programming was reeling in anger. She was desperate to stop the Hybrid from asking what she knew she would ask, but the Hybrid ignored her. "What exactly are you capable of doing to fix my programming defect?" she questioned. "More importantly, what exactly are you capable of doing to repair my slaggin' ship?" Her tone suggested her doubt that Tarantulas was able to do either.

Tarantulas chuckled softly as he took in what she said, pleased to know he's hypothesis concerning her condition was proving true, and that he now had something to use as leverage against this now much more agreeable version of Arachnitron.

"Well my dear, I would have to run a diagnostic to be certain, but given my experience in reprogramming other Cybertronians, it should be simple for me to ascertain what's gone wrong with your own programming and fix it. For example, I could design a new operating system that would enable you to balance out the conflicting emotions of the multiple personalities you appear to be exhibiting, assuming of course my theory concerning your defect is indeed correct, yes? If so, then upon completion you'd be your own individual at long last, as opposed to many in one. As for the ship, if you can even call it that, I can repair it, but I'll need equipment that cannot be found here at the base. Long ago our "brilliant leader" Megatron allowed the Maximals to ransack the DarkSyde for the parts they needed to make their own ship fly again, short-lived though it was, and thus the parts I would need to get your own ship airborne again can only be found at their base. A difficult mission to be sure, but not impossible if undertaken by two like minded spiders with a common purpose in mind. I heal you, you aid me, not Blackarachnia" Tarantulas explained, still using his best bedside manner, confident he had just the right bait to fully ensnare her in his web of deception.

OOC: Una, BA has escaped Big T's lair right? So should the arachnoids give up their pursuit?

[Blazemane]

((OOC: I don't know how much of the post was Phoenix and how much was Venatrix, but well done, the two of you. And Nemesis' actions after killing Valkyrie- remembering Optimus' words, finally deciding to attack her own wrist and repeating what she'd told Optimus earlier- set up a really interesting, powerful atmosphere for the depiction of her escape.

Poor Valkyrie...))

* * *

Wait a minute. Are you guys serious? Your leader has just given his decision and it's final. You disagree with it? Fine, but I will not tolerate such disrespect towards the chain of command. You will show respect towards your superior officer.

Was she being serious, Dinobot wondered. The Maximals had been voicing their opinions on matters affecting the team since the first day he'd been there with them, and everything he'd heard after Optimus' declaration had thus far been incredibly respectful.

You two should know better. You were in the same exact position as she was. I thought you guys will empathize with her.

Now she had definitively rubbed him the wrong way.

We have a dark cloud hanging over us and we have lost some good Maximals already and... we may lose more. We need to have each other's back even at the darkest of time, especially when our leader has to make the hard choices because in this war with powerful aliens trying to kill us and some purple tyrant, the only thing we have is each other. If we don't have that, we have already lost.

Also, anyone who disrespects Starshadow, you will answer to me.

Dinobot took a step closer to Whitegrazer and looked straight at her.

"First of all," he said, emphatically raising a claw on one of his short limbs, "Any and all particularly strong opinions on the matter of the acceptance of Starshadow into our group were voiced before Optimus made his final decision, and could not have, therefore, been an attack on him.

"Secondly, while I am no expert on non-confrontational diplomacy, even I know that the moment we can not be open with each other is the moment we cease to be a team.

"Thirdly, I am well aware of my own history, mare. And I can assure you, I was not in exactly the same position as Starshadow."

"And fourthly, if Starshadow does indeed seek to be a part of our team, then you should indeed be more surprised if I do not show her disrespect. Just ask the vermin how I relate to my comrades. Of course, if by disrespect, you instead meant to say distrust, then unfortunately, our new recruit shall have to earn my lack of it. As for answering to you, I can not fathom what precisely it is that you mean by such a challenge, but know that it is not you who I follow; I answer to the Maximal who leads us both, as I shall do presently."

Exhaling heavily, Dinobot turned to Optimus and walked up to the lift, not quite stepping onto it. "Since it is indeed in this crew's benefit for its members to reply to their leader with respect... I will say that I am certain you know my opinion on Starshadow's allegiance, Optimus Primal. You have my compliance with your decision, but there isn't one aspect of this situation that has my faith."

With that, he stepped onto the lift with the others.

Cheetor said nothing the whole time. He didn't trust Starshadow either- she'd totally just been attacking Ironclaw, like Dinobot had pointed out when he'd first gotten out of the base. But it was much easier for Cheetor to see the potential good in her than it seemed to be for Dinobot. So he didn't really have anything to add to the conversation.

And then when things got tense with Whitegrazer lecturing and Dinobot giving his rather angry (and maybe a little too wordy) answer, Cheetor could only watch on in horrified fascination. Now he was even a little scared to say anything.

He decided to hang back for the time being. The lift was getting full.

[Phoenix]

(ooc: Yay 4 recognition! )

IC:

"Your leader has just given his decision and it's final. You disagree with it? Fine, but I will not tolerate such disrespect towards the chain of command. You will show respect towards your superior officer."
"Also, anyone who disrespects Starshadow, you will answer to me."

Aurora listened to Whitegrazer lecture the other Maximals on their disobedience but took a firm, deliberate step away from the white mare as she did. The little fuzor didn't think anyone was disrespecting Primal by voicing their concerns on a matter that could very well affect the safety of the entire group. And it certainly felt a bit more reassuring when Dinobot was the first to speak up against what Whitegrazer had said.

"Nobody was disrespecting Optimus or anyone," Aurora then chimed in. "I thought we were a team, a family, and families look out for each other's well being. If someone has concerns with a decision being made on all of our behalves, I certainly think they should be allowed to voice their opinions on the matter without being brushed off. I'm sure all the Maximals will fall in line to these orders even if some may have concerns about it."

Her green eyes fell upon the white mare, trying to show her that she meant no harm and that this was nothing personal. In normal circumstances she had nothing but respect for both Optimus and Whitegrazer alike, but it had been difficult to overlook the flighty gazes the two sent each other and how their overall behavior tended to change ever so slightly when around each other. Aurora was young but even she had been picking up on the vibes between the two. It wasn't that she minded, but she just questioned how neutral Whitegrazer's opinions were right now in regards to the commander.

Halfway expecting a verbal retaliation, Aurora halted by the lift that was now filling up, awaiting her turn next to Cheetor.

Inside the Axalon the surveillance camera was still transmitting the video of the now open cell with the deceased avian Maximal in a heap on the floor. The other occupant had approached the lift but decided to take another path out after hearing the voices of all the Maximals gathering outside. Her choice fell upon the much more secluded roof hatch (the same one the spiders would enter through at a later time), which turned out to be a bit awkward for her bird form to get to with all the narrow passages but it was not impossible. At the very least the ventilation shafts leading up to the hatch offered a safe haven where she wasn't likely to be seen. Once safely out of sight and within reach of the hatch, she transformed back to robot mode so that she could open it. Below she heard more Maximals enter while she, as quietly as she could, opened the hatch. The fresh breeze in her face, ruffling her feathered wings, was sweeter than she'd ever felt. It was still night time, but she thought she could see the dawn off in the distance. In the cell she had not had any signs of night and day, no chance to really stretch her wings much less feel the cool wind. For the time being her nightmare was over.

Nemesis slipped out of the hatch, gently lowering it to leave everything the way she found it. With any luck she'd be long gone before the Maximals realized what had happened.

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

(( OOC: Thank you, NK, for your input. I agree with you. We'll skip Icebreaker's funeral. After all, I didn't think Phoenix would be posting Nemesis' escape right now, which may have just changed everything I had been working on in my head. D'oh! Gotta make more time for this now. I'm sure Phoenix was dying to get Nemesis out, though.

Oh, una, Optimus has been in beast mode ever since he left the Darksyde with the Maximals. That's why I keep referring him right now as the gorilla. ))

"That won't be necessary. I'm comfortable living in the wilds."

"What's the matter Starshadow? Afraid the Axalon will bite or give you fleas?" "But really Star surely you would want a room if your ever inside, even someone like you would probably miss a room."

"It is necessary, Starshadow," Optimus protested, but also relieved to see that Wintersong agreed. "While I understand you might be more comfortable roaming the wildnerness like a few other Maximals here, you won't always be out there on your own. You will also be required to check in on a frequent basis, like everyone else who chooses to wander away from the base on extended leave of absenses. If something happens here, like bad weather or a Predacon or alien attack, then I need you here. Not out there."

"If sweetie wants it, he can keep it. I'm not useless without a gun."

"Ironclaw doesn't need your weapon. He has plenty of his own ammunition. I want it returned to you," the Maximal Commander said firmly, looking at Starshadow and Ironclaw. He wasn't trying to insult or doubt the female panther's abilities with or without a weapon; there was simply no reason for the badger to be holding on to it. That stolen gun was the whole reason why Starshadow was there in the first place. The panther's objections were already beginning to rub the ape's fur the wrong way, but perhaps she was just testing his authority. He hoped she wouldn't be this inco-operative all the time. Still, Primal tried to keep his composure and stand his ground at the same time.

Rattrap glanced up at Wintersong when she joined him on the lift before he turned his head to watch Optimus debate Starshadow. At least the whim chimp wasn't being a push-over. Come on, chums, I need my beauty sleep, the rodent thought. It must have been very late. ...Or very early by now. And he was tired. Wasn't anybody else tired? They still needed to get through the debriefing.

"Wait a minute," "Are you guys serious?" "Your leader has just given his decision and it's final. You disagree with it? Fine, but I will not tolerate such disrespect towards the chain of command. You will show respect towards your superior officer." "You two should know better. You were in the same exact position as she was. I thought you guys will empathize with her" "We have a dark cloud hanging over us and we have lost some good Maximals already and..." "we may lose more. We need to have each other's back even at the darkest of time, especially when our leader has to make the hard choices because in this war with powerful aliens trying to kill us and some purple tyrant, the only thing we have is each other. If we don't have that, we have already lost." "Also, anyone who disrespects Starshadow, you will answer to me."

Primal was taken aback by Whitegrazer's sudden defense. He stood there quietly, letting her speak her thoughts and say what she felt had to be said. Judging by her movements while she spoke, it almost seemed as though her beast mode might have been getting the best of her. While he had strong feelings for her and felt a connection, there would be times that he would have to set them aside and express a little discipline. This would be one of those times. At any rate, Optimus hadn't felt disrespected by everyone voicing their opinions on the matter of Starshadow joining them. He always welcomed their input. However, he did feel that he had been lacking a lot of support and understanding toward the situation from his crew. But perhaps that was a good thing. Because Optimus trusted too much, it would show Starshadow that she would be watched very, very carefully at all times inside and outside the base by the others until she proves her worth and, more importantly, proves that she can be trusted.

"First of all," "Any and all particularly strong opinions on the matter of the acceptance of Starshadow into our group were voiced before Optimus made his final decision, and could not have, therefore, been an attack on him.

"Secondly, while I am no expert on non-confrontational diplomacy, even I know that the moment we can not be open with each other is the moment we cease to be a team.

"Thirdly, I am well aware of my own history, mare. And I can assure you, I was not in exactly the same position as Starshadow."

"And fourthly, if Starshadow does indeed seek to be a part of our team, then you should indeed be more surprised if I do not show her disrespect. Just ask the vermin how I relate to my comrades. Of course, if by disrespect, you instead meant to say distrust, then unfortunately, our new recruit shall have to earn my lack of it. As for answering to you, I can not fathom what precisely it is that you mean by such a challenge, but know that it is not you who I follow; I answer to the Maximal who leads us both, as I shall do presently."

"Since it is indeed in this crew's benefit for its members to reply to their leader with respect... I will say that I am certain you know my opinion on Starshadow's allegiance, Optimus Primal. You have my compliance with your decision, but there isn't one aspect of this situation that has my faith."

Listening to Dinobot, Rattrap nodded at Whitegrazer when the raptor mentioned the rat and how he related to his comrades in his own way, jokingly adding a thumb's down with one of his little pink paws while he continued waiting on the lift.

Optimus, giving Dinobot his undivided attention, gave the warrior a nod as a gesture of understanding what he had just explained. And had explained quite well.

"Nobody was disrespecting Optimus or anyone," "I thought we were a team, a family, and families look out for each other's well being. If someone has concerns with a decision being made on all of our behalves, I certainly think they should be allowed to voice their opinions on the matter without being brushed off. I'm sure all the Maximals will fall in line to these orders even if some may have concerns about it."

"Look," Rattrap jumped in before he yawned, standing up on his hind legs to allow more room on the lift. "If she doesn't live up ta our standards and show potential, then we kick 'er out. Right? I think she knows where everybody stands. She's gotta lot ta prove. Heck, we let old Chopper Face join and he wanted ta fight our fearless leader to the death for leadership, so why's everyone in a tissy? I think we've had worse circumstances than dis." Really, he just wanted to lay down and snooze by this point. He'd say anthing just to get this over with.

Looking over to Aurora as she spoke, and then to Rattrap, Primal addressed to the entire group, "I have considered everyone's concerns that have been expressed, which are very much appreciated, and your opinions have been duely noted." Looking directly at the panther, he said, "Starshadow, I hope you won't disappointment me and my decision of giving you this opportunity. I'm sure you understand how difficult it is for us to accept someone into our ranks and our base of operations who has been under Megatron's command since the beginning of this war. I have seen potential and curiosity in you, and so I hope you will meet or exceed my expectations of you." Shifting his gaze to Whitegrazer, Optimus said, "While I'm grateful for your support and passion on this matter, Whitegrazer, I do feel that you may have overstepped your boundaries this time, accusing everyone of being disrespectful toward me, but I'll speak to you more about that later. Normally, the only one who shows consistancy in that affair is Rattrap." He managed a small smile at the rodent before moving on and addressing the whole group outside. "Now then, if we're done discussing this matter for the time being, let's go inside and cover the rest of what has transpired today. If anyone wishes to discuss this any further, then let's do so after the briefing." Airazor and Cheetor had been awfully quiet during the whole event, and he was curious to know what had been going through their heads as well. With that, he gestured with his hands for everyone to go up in the ship and gather in the command center. ((OOC: Hint, hint, guys, get in there so we can move on with this finale. ))

It was at that moment when Sentinel sounded the alarm and red lights began flashing throughout the Axalon's interior. "WARNING: Intruder alert! Enemy energy signature detected within the vacinity." With Nemesis' escape from her cell, which was under greater precautions and higher security than Sonar's for good reason, came the announcement of a prisoner escape. But how? Was it Nemesis or Sonar? And where were they now inside the base?

(( OOC: I'll leave that open for anyone who wishes to react, but don't have your characters immediately run off after Nemesis. After all, as soon as Optimus is notified, he'll have orders to dish out because this will be a delicate situation and he'll only want experienced bots handling it. Someone should check the security cameras for the brig and find out Nemesis's location, etc. ))

[starshadow]

"What's the matter Starshadow? Afraid the Axalon will bite or give you fleas? But really Star surely you would want a room if your ever inside, even someone like you would probably miss a room."

Starshadow chuckled at that, "If there were fleas, Wintersong. That proves you didn't shower for a month."

"It is necessary, Starshadow, while I understand you might be more comfortable roaming the wildnerness like a few other Maximals here, you won't always be out there on your own. You will also be required to check in on a frequent basis, like everyone else who chooses to wander away from the base on extended leave of absenses. If something happens here, like bad weather or a Predacon or alien attack, then I need you here. Not out there."

"Ever heard of a-", she growled and shook her head, "ugh...nevermind.."

"Ironclaw doesn't need your weapon. He has plenty of his own ammunition. I want it returned to you,"

"It's not like he's going to shoot himself or anyone with it. He can take it as a token of apology.." she then sighed and transformed into her beast mode, "Ahh much better.."

Listening to what Rattrap and Optimus had to say, she narrowed her eyes with ears going back.

"Starshadow, I hope you won't disappointment me and my decision of giving you this opportunity. I'm sure you understand how difficult it is for us to accept someone into our ranks and our base of operations who has been under Megatron's command since the beginning of this war. I have seen potential and curiosity in you, and so I hope you will meet or exceed my expectations of you."

Don't put your expectations too high, you might get more disappointments. she thought. Her thoughts were pushed to the back of her mind when the alarm sounded, "oh? is it the giant songbird or the annoying flying rat?"