"Aftermath: Part I - New Introductions"

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

(( OOC: I'm going to cover Rhinox for now (mostly to get stuff rolling with him and Whitegrazer getting Optimus back), but my posts for him and Tigatron will be limited, focusing more of my time and attention on Rattrap. If anyone would like to take Tigatron off of my hands, that would be great and it would really help me. I just don't feel like I can play him very well and never know what to do with him. And my lack of attention with him isn't fair to WorpeX (since he's playing Airazor quite better than I am with Stripes).

Also, do we still not have anyone to play Quickstrike? No volunteers? Seems like he would be a fun character to play. ))

"Uh Rattrap I think you should look around,"

"Something like that..,"

"Looks like you guys have new toys to tinker with."

The more voices that broke the silence in the bridge, the more relieved Rattrap was. It seemed everyone had survived the quantum surge, and Wintersong was right; some changes had occured. Looking at her, his optics enlarged, and then he noticed Cheetor and Frilla. What the...? But it hadn't happened to everyone. Why not? In the back of his mind, he still worried for Aurora and Orcariner. All of the recent deaths the whole crew has had to endure were still very fresh and he knew it was taking a toll on those two moreso than the others. He supposed he'd have to keep an eye on the ermine Fuzor and the orca, wherever he got off to so quickly.

"Yes, Vermin," "you should find a mirror--that is, unless you've never dared to use one before..."

"Dat reminds me, Chopper Face, almost forgot ta give dis back to ya," the temporary commander smirked as he opened a drawer by his console and randomly pulled out a little object that resembled something like a female human's pocket mirror that one would carry in her purse; just a prop that didn't actually belong to Dinobot but he used it to go along with his joke. He tossed it at the raptor after he noticed his own new hands, forearms - which were still capable of carrying small explosions and tools - and the rest of his body like his feet, legs, stomach and chest. "Why didn't ya tell me I was gorgeous?!" he dramatically teased Dinobot. Maybe this quantum surge was finally the best thing that the aliens could've done to them! Except for the fact of losing their leader over it... And the Preds probably got a few new bods from it, too.

"Wintersong..." "you might want to look around, too."

"Heh, you, too, Spots," Rattrap pointed out at Cheetor. Not that he had spots anymore... Great. Now Rattrap had to come up with new nicknames for them all over again!

"Even with this upgrade I'm still the short one."

"That ain't so bad, Frills," Rattrap assured her. "It could be worse. Instead of bein' short an' useful, you could be tall and ugly like Dinobutt," he winked playfully.

"The Transwarp wave must have mutated your superstructures." "I wonder what it did to your beast modes?"

"Well one way to find out,beast mode!"

"Gasp!" Rattrap exhaled, realizing what a good observation Airazor had just brought up, and watching Frilla jump on the opportunity. Holy cheddar cheese, the lizard looked killer! Excited to find out what his new alternate mode looked like, he said, "Beast mode!" and his whole body transformed differently than he had remembered in his previous form. Kind of an odd sensation at first but he'd get used to it eventually. Landing on all fours onto the floor, his smile revealed large sharp teeth but still with two front buck-teeth, his eyes were bright, neon green surrounded by a metallice silver, his metal toes and ears the same color, metallic shades of brown, red and silver covered his body, and his tail that was once pink now looked like a long, linked, silver poseable speer with a sharp, shiny red point. But what the heck were the round plates attached to his sides above all of his legs? Two large ones in the back and two smaller ones in the front. A small icon that read "VEHICLE" flashed at the corner of his internal vision and he blinked at it. Vehicle? What de heck is that? he thought. Activating it, the round plates suddenly lowered, automatically picking up his feet off of the floor, and four small exhaust pipes lifted up from his back and angled themselves toward his hindend. Looking back at his feet that were now replaced, Rattrap happily announced, "Heh! I'm a rat with wheels! Cool," he carefully rolled back and forth a little on them, taking one step at a time. They certainly didn't have much traction on the hard, metal floor, but he imagined how useful they would be outside. He couldn't wait to try it out.

"Certainly some nice upgrades," ,"Very nice indeed."

The TransMetal rat smiled at the others watching. He wondered then what Frilla and Cheetor could do with their "vehicle modes." Now they had one more mode to their advantage!

((OOC: I'll get back on track with things in my next post. Lots of things to take care of before the Preds attack!))

-----

"I'm alright, stripes. Thanks."

Nodding with a smile, Tigatron stood up with Airazor and watched quietly as some of the others started to get to know their upgrades. Quite intriguing. But like Rattrap, he pondered why only some of them received them and the rest were still the same, including himself. Not that he was complaining, he certainly preferred his more natural body over these new, metallic forms that seemed to have lost everything organic about them.

-----

Still suck in the repair chamber, Rhinox slept silently until a voice entered his subconscience that triggered a vision.

...Rhinox...,

Optimus, he thought sorrowfully. What had happened? Why was he hearing him? Was it just his imagination? Was Optimus... dead? His mind carried him away, seeing a lost spark drifting in space, or perhaps beyond the Matrix. Primal's silhoutte, blowing in blue and white, emerged from the spark and flew off. Was it possible...? Suddenly, an idea came to the scientific engineer but it was going to take a lot of work, and it was going to risk someone's mind. Just maybe...

Fortunately, his repair cycle was almost complete.

(( OOC: Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! *big hugs all around* ))

[Phoenix]

(ooc: Will try to get in a post tomorrow. Just wanted to get my 2 cents in here about Tigatron possibly getting abducted by aliens with..
NoooOOoooOOOooooooooooooooooo... *gasps for air* ...ooooooooooooo!!!!

Please no Tigerhawk! Most.. overrated.. character.. ever!!! Personally I like Tigatron and I hope he gets to stay in the game. But I can't take over the character due to my schedule being about to change. I just got hired as an RN beginning early next year.


Also.. thumbs up to BRF for actually noticing my post about improving the regular bots!)

[Blackrosefencer]

Ooc: @ Pheonix...I did notice and so did Alak. He seemed okay with the idea but that was the end of the discussion. I kind of expected more discussion for instance what we can and cannot have....guidelines of a sort. No one else seems concerned though.

Also, congratulations on the new job!! Best of luck!

[Phoenix]

"It would seem you are not the only one that was given the pleasure of this.... upgrade, Megatron."

"M-Megatron? You look different too."

Megatron took in his comrades' new forms as well before giving an approving nod at the alterations that had been made. With only a few exceptions, most of the other Predacons had undergone upgrades,a fact that did not bode well for the leaderless Maximals. They had no doubt also been affected by the passing quantum surge yet there was no doubt in Megatron's mind that the Maximals, upgraded or not, would pose little to no threat to his armada.

"Indeed," the tyrant responded, confident the rest of the Maximals would fall this day. It was time to end the game.

Before he got a chance to continue, something sped past him while cackling in Terrorsaur's voice.

"They're not the only ones, Bug Face! RRRRRRAAAAWWWK!"

Of course. It would appear that the quantum surge that hit them did not discriminate between those worthy to be upgraded and those who should just have perished in the lava pit below. The tyrant held back a growl as the red flyer wrecked havoc while exploring his newfound abilities.

Remaining on the platform above most of the others, Megatron eyed them each in turn as he clenched his hand in a fist pump of triumph.

"My fellow Predacons.. The time has come to hone your new abilities in combat. We shall destroy those Maximal weaklings now before they have a chance to regroup after the loss of their precious leader. Prepare to.."

"Hold that thought," Nemesis interrupted from her spot in front of one of the few computer interfaces that still remained functional. She quickly continued as Megatron shifted an irritated gaze her way.

"Numerous stasis pods inbound. If I may suggest we make a slight detour so that we can include some new allies when we make our attack."


A wicked smile crossed her face, outmatched only by that of the leader himself as her tone of voice made her intentions abundantly clear.

"We will turn our triumph into a slaughter."

"3 pods on approach in sector 7. Coordinates forthcoming. 1 other pod entering sector 11," the calm, collected voice of the computer chimed in.

"Yessss," came the response from Megatron. "Divide into teams and proceed to the targets. Quickly, so those Maximal scum don't have a chance to gather reinforcements!"

(ooc: Okay figured I needed an excuse for Megs to hold off on attacking the Maximals for a little while. Also.. Merry Christmas, everyone!!!)

[NaitoKage]

(Merry Christmas!

Also Vena, you wont be allowed to have Phoenix as strong as Tigerhawk. Tigerhawk as a character is more along the likes of Clear Convoy, a Boss character for plot or story only. Having a player character as strong as a battle ship for longer then a one off is unfair to the other players. )

Umbra watched as Cecaelia seemed to still be distracted by her own reflection, much like a parrot. His optic ridge raised, but then shrugged it off, turning his head as he heard other voices in the hall.

"My fellow Predacons.. The time has come to hone your new abilities in combat. We shall destroy those Maximal weaklings now before they have a chance to regroup after the loss of their precious leader. Prepare to.."

New combat abilities.. so most the others had been mutated as well? It seemed none of them were bothered by this development either, perhaps merely Predacon programming overriding caution circuits. It was a typical trait, one which Umbra could understand only in the heat of battle. It doesn't matter.. time to earn my keep. he thought to himself as he walked into the bridge.

"3 pods on approach in sector 7. Coordinates forthcoming. 1 other pod entering sector 11,"

"Yessss""Divide into teams and proceed to the targets. Quickly, so those Maximal scum don't have a chance to gather reinforcements!"

He glanced around the room, noticing the predacons, a good deal of them seemed to be infected, though Onyx and Steelclaw seemed to have managed to avoid it. A pod run already? Just how abundant were these stasis pods? He couldn't remember..

Looking over Megatron, he walked towards him crossing his arms, scanning over the Predacon leader. It'd be a good test to see just how effective his Shadow Mimic system would work on these new mutations. Your vistage is certainly impressive, Lord Megatron. While I realize time is of the essence, might I briefly discuss with you the terms of my contract under your servitude? It shouldn't take long and can be done while we travel if you desire.

[DarkSpark]

OOC: Merry Christmas everyone!

BTW, should I modify my last post after Christmas is over since no one seems to be paying attention to Terrorsaur's demonstration?

[Wintersong]

"They're looking pretty good Whitegrazer, shouldn't be too long before Rhinox is out and maybe this upgrade gave Ironclaw a fighting chance."Wintersong responded as she watched the others, though she was deep down praying that it was true with the badger. For now they could only keep an eye on the two mechs inside the CR chambers and she turned towards the others to watch Frilla and Rattrap transform to show off their beast modes which looked pretty cool too, and had some extra advantages! Stepping forward, her hand coming off Ironclaw's chest, Wintersong too wondered what her beast mode looked like,"Beast mode!"She ordered before giving a low growl as she transformed as well and gave a quick look at her form.

Like before her form was mostly a light gray with a segmented neck and tail, her legs from the knee down were a dark gray with wheels much larger then her paws along the sides of knees and black claws, overlapping plates running from her nose down to the base of her tail, circular black armor on her cheeks, and two long black stripes running down her sides. Another features that struck her were pieces of armor that were dark gray with black lining around it that seemed like they could open which Wintersong gave a try and they popped out slightly at an angle to reveal some boosters inside. "Hey Rattrap seems I'm the cat on wheels."She said with a chuckle as the boosters folded back in her sides and shrugged,"And guess you can tell me and Tigatron apart now."She added. Though the white tigress had to admit she would miss her old furred form but the loss of it didn't mean she still couldn't enjoy a good walk outside in the wilderness now and again.

((Just one question, if the pods are coming down do those who are having characters in this season get to bring them in? I'm just wondering since I was looking to bringing in Terra soon.))

[Alak]

((OOC: I was planning on bringing Buster in around the same time that Silverbolt and Quickstrike show up. That's the part where Megatron begins his grand assault on the Maximal base and the Predacons vastly outnumber the Maximals. Plus, he'd make good cannon fodder during Optimus Primal's return!))


Consciousness returned to the knocked out Orcariner as he found his optics opening. For such a painful experience, his body felt perfectly fine upon waking up. The giant pushed himself back onto his feet and moved his joints to see if anything was damaged. In doing so, he could not help but notice the radical change in his exterior appearance. Gone was the black and white scheme, now replaced with blue and silver. His spark pounded louder within him as the orca began to feel anxious about his new body. His breathing was soon audible as his twisted around to get a better glimpse of the armor.

"What happened to me?"

He remembered the argument in his mind as the wave of light struck him. Did Primus give him a second chance to live? Was this new evolution intended by the mysterious Vok race? Perhaps it was simply an accidental side effect from the explosion that Optimus had created when he detonated the alien weapon.

Optimus!

Orcariner had been so sidetracked by the light show and his newfound transformation that he had temporarily forgotten his leader's demise. The memories of the rest of his friends' deaths returned, but this time the Maximal sentry felt different about them. Regardless of the cause behind it all, Orcariner wanted to keep on going forward. His epiphany regarding his innate desire to survive was followed by an evolution in design that possibly granted him a better chance to live through this war. Orcariner knew he could never let go of these dark burdens, but at least he knew how to carry them now. War comes with casualties, and even if others are bound to join the afterlife in the future, that would never change the fact that the killer whale would continue to fight for his friends' survival.

"Whoa!"

As if aware of his own curiosity, the tactical headset on his temple brought up a blueprint of Orcariner's body on his optic interface. Trying to adjust to his new surprise, the orca skimmed his own schematics and was amazed at how extreme the changes affected him. He had no weapons aside from one sword. Orcariner felt an initial sense of disappointment from this realization.

How am I supposed to be useful in the Beast Wars if I don't even have a gun? Or a second sword in case this one breaks?

Further observation made the Maximal understand that this was what he had actually wanted all along. Orcariner did not want to necessarily kill the Predacon soldiers. His real goal in this war was to protect those he cared about, and that was exactly what his new form allowed him to do.

"This will definitely take some time getting used to. I suppose I should go back to the bridge and see how the others are holding up."

With that being said, he made his way back to the command center. Orcariner was ready to set aside his selfish behavior for now, and start doing what others needed him to do.

[Blazemane]

In the same moment that Dinobot seemingly caught Rattrap's mirror, a pitiful mix of cracking and shattering sounded out from his clawed hand. "Pardon me," Dinobot said with a vicious smile. "My mistake."

Heh, you, too, Spots.

Cheetor looked downwards. "Woh!" What had happened to his hands, his chest, his legs... generally, what happened to him?

The Transwarp wave must have mutated your superstructures. I wonder what it did to your beast modes?

"Beast Mode!" Cheetor freaked out.

Suddenly he was on heavy, durable, teal-hued paws, and his automated systems announced his transformation with a snarl. And then, just like the first day they had landed, he found himself next to a reflective door. The same teal on his paws colored his nose, his jaw the lower part of his torso, the fore half of his hind legs and the whole length of his tail. It even went over his eyes in a band and covered the outside of his ears, which--and he wouldn't admit it to anyone--reminded him of a human show brought back from Earth at the end of the Great War about some kinda' warrior turtles.

His back and chest were colored with some kind of gold, and the rest of his frame was comparable to finely-polished stainless steel.

"Now, that's gorgeous!"

Heh! I'm a rat with wheels! Cool.

Dinobot walked up to the carefully rolling Rattrap, put a foot on his snout and shoved to make him roll backwards. "Ooh, hoo, hoo. A definite improvement! Though in your case, it's not dificult..."

Hey Rattrap seems I'm the cat on wheels.

Cheetor turned to see the tigress in her alternate mode, and in addition to thinking that the color scheme was ultra gear, he noticed her boosters just as she shifted them back into the panels along her side. So... if RT had wheels and Winter had wheels, did that mean he'd...

And then a set of thrusters (part "steel" and part teal) unfolded from his middle. He looked to either side of himself in suprise.

"Hey, I wonder what these gizmos are for," he thought out loud. He didn't quite understand how--having never had rockets before, using them was kinda like learning to walk--but some tacit command from his processor activated the thrusters. As soon as he started sliding forward, he tried to stop himself by putting his paws against the ground, and when that wasn't going to work, he re-angled himself. But that just made it worse.

"Woooh!"

Off the ground, he tried to angle himself towards some open space, and the nearest one was the hall. He just hoped Frilla would duck... "Woh, woh,wooh,wooh..."

"Woo, hoo, hoo!" He couldn't help but grin, even while he was trying not to panic. He had never... actually, himself... flown before, and it was crazy awesome. But he also felt hopelessly out of control.

"Hey!" he asked for help, his voice echoing down the halls before he came to a corner, scraped a wall, kicked off with his paws, scraped, kicked, and finally (miraculously) turned and started heading back for the bridge, "...eh, uh... how do you work these things?!"

"Woooooooooooh, ho, ho ho!" Dinobot sidestepped neatly out of the way while Cheetor came cruising back in (to the flier's disappointment--he was hoping Dinobot might help him stop). Now he was headed straight for Silverstreak, shouting with more glee than his warning was meant to entail. "Look out!"

((OOC: Well... is there anyone who does want their new character to show up this episode?))

[una]

"They're looking pretty good Whitegrazer, shouldn't be too long before Rhinox is out and maybe this upgrade gave Ironclaw a fighting chance."

Whitegrazer smiled, "I'm glad."

She looked at Aurora, still smiling. She knew the little one was very worried about Ironclaw as she was as well. It was then she remembered something: she had to talk to Ironclaw about what he saw between Steelclaw and her. Despite Optimus knowing what happened, he didn't. She trusted Optimus with this knowledge. Only thing Ironclaw needed to know is that she was not a traitor and to not speak Steelclaw's name for protection. Especially with the knowledge that it was Steelclaw who delievered the final blow to Icebreaker. If those who knew, they might take advantage or cause more grief. It saddened her that she would think such thoughts of her friends, but the only one she trusted with such was Optimus. Only Optimus. And she had no time for petty vengeance or aggression from any one. Maximal or Predacon.

"Wintersong, if Rhinox and Ironclaw come out of the CR chamber, would you let me know?"

Then thoughts came about the Predacons, Blackarachnia and Arachnitron. But it has been while since then. They could have exited the Axalon. Well, not if the wave got them just like it did them.

She was looking at the consoles, noticing something in the grid. Like... wait a minute... were those stasis pods? Then Cheetor was flying around like a madcat, flying inside the hallway then at Silverstreak. Uh oh! Whitegrazer went in between Silverstreak ready to catch or stop Cheetor's little flight. Since she is a big girl, hopefully, her body could stop him. Hopefully anyway.
____________________________________________________________________________________

((OOC: Okay, OOP, here he is. Well, actually, he is searching him. ))

"Come on, where are you?"

Swirls of different colors zoomed past him, talking inaudibly as he was going too fast to care. Some screamed at him. It irritated him.

"No! I'm not talking to you! Where am I going? None of your business! Go back to your tea party with the misses!"

Oh, please! Would people stop talking to him! Can't they see he was searching for someone? He had his reasons for searching, but like everything he had done in life, he kept his state of affairs to himself. Dead know knowledge, but don't know everything.

"I'm looking for a bot named Optimus."

They all shouted at once. But like always, no help at all.

"NOOOOOOOO! Optimus Primal! Not Prime. Get your names right!"

He shouted, "PRIMAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Some tried to hush him, waving him to be quiet. Bah! So many sparks to go through. It was giving his own soul an ache.

"What? What about my student? ...What about her voice? Oh! That would work!"

Okay, okay, he had mimicked her voice for hilarty and distractions. Despite the fact that it was close, because of his deep voice, it sounded weird.
Who cares? It was close.

"Primal!"

Oh boy, he had to laugh. If he thought it was her...and found out it was just some gu-oh crap, hope he didn't try to kill him. His buddies always told this during the Great War: never tick off Optimus. But this wasn't Prime so maybe he isn't that brutish.

People behind him were snickering. Hey! They were laughing at him!

"I hear you guys. Go slag yourselves!"
_________________________________________________________

"Heheheheh, you're with me Witch, and I'm hhhheerrree! Inside your pretty little head, controlling your pretty little thoughts"

She continued to struggle with her restaints, but it was futile.

Defiant, she sneered, "Don't count on it! No one controls me!"

His voice was so close yet she couldn't see him. It was still pitch black in... whereever she was.

This couldn't be real. This couldn't be! No one was going to control her. No one! She wiggled her pinchers and feet. A cloud of darkness seemed to cover over her. Always like someone was trying to block out her own state of being, taking away her individuality. The thought of Arachnitron came into her mind. So was this how she felt with her different personalities? Or maybe they weren't personalities. Maybe they were individuals crowding her mind. Those that shouldn't be here. Could it be that she might soon lose herself? Slag that! She will die before that happened to her!

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

"Ooh, hoo, hoo. A definite improvement! Though in your case, it's not dificult..."

"'Ey!" Rattrap objected to Dinobot's dirty foot on his snout and pushing him backwards. Stopping himself from rolling any further, the shiny rat whipped his long, flexable tail over himself and at the raptor's leg to smack it. "Ugh, gross, Liver Lips. What 'id you step in? Yer own dino doo-doo?" he over-dramatically joked.

"Woh!" "Beast Mode!" "Now, that's gorgeous!"

Watching Cheetor, Rattrap had to admit to himself that the kid looked pretty super bad now. However, was it just going to be like a little kid getting a brand new toy that was way out of his league?

"Hey, I wonder what these gizmos are for,"

Yep. Realizing what the TM cheetah's vehicle mode was... well, this was going to be a loooong day for Rattrap.

"They're looking pretty good Whitegrazer, shouldn't be too long before Rhinox is out and maybe this upgrade gave Ironclaw a fighting chance."

Taking a moment to focus on 'Grazer's and 'Song's conversation, the rat was glad to hear that. Was Ironclaw really in that bad of shape? Deep down he hoped the badger would pull through all right. And he got a nice upgrade, too, eh? How come Rhinox didn't?

"Beast mode!" "Hey Rattrap seems I'm the cat on wheels."

"Nice, Winter," Rattrap smiled toothfully at her. So a cat with wheels and a cat with wings, so to speak. What was Frilla's vehicle mode?

"And guess you can tell me and Tigatron apart now."

"Finally! 'Cause unless either of you spoke, I never knew which was which," he teased Wintersong.

"Woooh!" "Woh, woh,wooh,wooh..."

All of Cheetor's commotion finally stole back Rattrap's attention and he watched the younger cat quickly losing control of his new thrusters.

"Woo, hoo, hoo!" "Hey!" "...eh, uh... how do you work these things?!"

"Turn 'em off!" Rattrap hollered at him as the out-of-control kitty flew around the corridor and headed back into the bridge, not that he really knew what it was like to have his own flying propulsion like that. His advice was pretty useless for Cheetor.

"Woooooooooooh, ho, ho ho!" "Look out!"

"Incoming!" the TransMetal rodent shrieked. Losing himself in the moment, his exhaust pipes suddenly spat out flames and his rear wheels peeled-out on the metal floor while he desperately tried getting out of Cheetor's way. Unable to control the sudden acceleration, Rattrap fish-tailed on the metal flooring, narrowly missing Cheetor, as well as Aurora and Whitegrazer, and crashed into a wall, landing upside down as his vehicle mode automatically reverted back to his beast mode. His tail then fell down dangling and smacked him in his face. "...Ow..." he groaned, laying there for a moment with a headache and a sore nose. This was going to take some getting used to.

Upside down, Rattrap noticed Orcariner appear at one of the bridge's entrances. "Big O...? Is that you?" It seemed their largest ally also got the make-over. And if it was even possible than before, now he really looked like someone you didn't want to pick a fight with. Slowly turning himself over on to his feet, Rattrap maximized back to his robot mode and looked at everyone, realizing that they didn't have time right now to play around, so he suddenly took on a serious presence. Blackarachnia was gone, possibly off to break the other spiders out of their brig if she hadn't succeeded already, and there had been stasis pods that fell all over the world no thanks to that slagging alien weapon. Not to mention an attack from the Preds was imminent.

"Feralnight, get the security cameras up for the brig," Rattrap ordered her as he stood up and rubbed his head a little. "De power-outage might've given dose spiders an escape. And find out where Blackarachnia ran off to."

"Airazor, what's de status on the pods? Any of 'em fall nearby?" he asked her. She was quick earlier with the ship's system diagnostics, so hopefully she'd be able to get this info for him as well.

-----

"PRIMAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Was someone calling him? It was far in the distance in the vastness that was... Wait... Where was he? Dead, yes, but... There was no feeling, just weightlessness. He had no body. Was this what it was like as a spark aimlessly floating through space? Through the Matrix? He didn't understand. How was he even thinking? How did he have a consciousness? Maybe that's all he was now; just his conscious with his spark, alone, lost in this abyss of nothingness. Loneliness swallowed Optimus. He missed his Maximals dearly. How could he still see their faces? He still held on to his memories? This wasn't how he imagined death or joining the Matrix at all. ...Not that he ever dwelled on what it might be like. He never expected to die so soon. He never expected everything he had gone through ever since they tailed the Darksyde to Earth. But what was done was done. He lost everything and nothing. Everything because he died, and nothing because he was able to save the others' lives. They had to be alive because he didn't see any of them here, wherever here was. Was he caught somewhere in between? Where were Icebreaker, Valkyrie and Nightmist?

"Primal!"

There it was again. Primal wasn't going crazy after all. Or was he? Can sparks go insane? It sounded like a different voice, though, like a very poor impersonation of Whitegrazer. In fact, it was so poor that it nearly scared him away in the opposite direction it was coming from. However, Optimus channeled his frustration and determination, and somehow he suddenly jumped himself right to the voice that had been calling his name. How? He didn't know how, it just happened. He was always a quick learner, though. Who was it? No idea. Why was he calling him? Not a clue. He heard some laughing coming from somewhere or some sparks but ignored it. He was still trying to get used to this... this... way of death.

"Well, you got my attention," Primal confronted this "spiritual being" if one could call him that. But something seemed vaguely familiar about him... He couldn't recall ever meeting him before. "Although I'll admit, I almost ran the other way," he laughed. ...He could laugh like this? Wasn't he supposed to be angry and sad and depressed? But he wasn't. Instead, he was calm and at peace, because this was the way it had to be and Optimus accepted that. In fact, he felt he deserved what Megatron did because of his involvement with Protoform X back on Cybertron and all that transpired afterward when he had escaped. So many lives taken... Much of it was his fault.

[starshadow]

((I was thinking...

New characters who are going to be in the next episode:
Quickstrike, Silverbolt, Buster, Trantrum, Scaleblade(possibly), Terra(if Winter plans to)

The location for Quickstrike's and Silverbolt's pod is at probably a wasteland or something so I'm not sure which continent they would be in. Trantrum's beast mode can be found in Russia I think. Scaleblade's in Africa since she's a black necked spitting(I've checked with her) which means she's near the maxie's base. Terra's in Asia I think.

So I'm guessing that the factions would have to split into 3 to 4 teams each (that's a lot).. hdjkasgfeajkshda!!!! I'm assuming there would be a joint OC episode?))

[NaitoKage]

( Eh, I believe that is being done in this episode Starshadow. as for Tantrum, he can kinda show up anywhere since that specific breed of cow didn't exist until humans breeded it. Kinda like if someone uses a specific pet dog or cat speices. Terra is a Singing dog of New Guinie,off the coast of Australia..so Cecaelia should feel at home as that is where Blue ringed Octopus are.. as for Buster, technically he should pop up in South America.. but we don't really have to be accurate for any of this stuff.)

A moment after Optimus had arrived to the mysterious stranger, a familiar voice was heard behind him Geez.. it really IS you. I know we were good buddies and all Optimus, but you didn't have to follow after me so soon. was heard in a jovial tone by the Penguin robot.

(Forgot my hex code for Icebreaker it's been so long. *LOL*)

[DarkSpark]

OOC: I'm in the process of making my post now, just bare with me a bit lol

Phoenix wrote: Of course. It would appear that the quantum surge that hit them did not discriminate between those worthy to be upgraded and those who should just have perished in the lava pit below. The tyrant held back a growl as the red flyer wrecked havoc while exploring his newfound abilities.

Remaining on the platform above most of the others, Megatron eyed them each in turn as he clenched his hand in a fist pump of triumph.

"My fellow Predacons.. The time has come to hone your new abilities in combat. We shall destroy those Maximal weaklings now before they have a chance to regroup after the loss of their precious leader. Prepare to.."

"Hold that thought," Nemesis interrupted from her spot in front of one of the few computer interfaces that still remained functional. She quickly continued as Megatron shifted an irritated gaze her way.

"Numerous stasis pods inbound. If I may suggest we make a slight detour so that we can include some new allies when we make our attack."


A wicked smile crossed her face, outmatched only by that of the leader himself as her tone of voice made her intentions abundantly clear.

"We will turn our triumph into a slaughter."

"3 pods on approach in sector 7. Coordinates forthcoming. 1 other pod entering sector 11," the calm, collected voice of the computer chimed in.

"Yessss," came the response from Megatron. "Divide into teams and proceed to the targets. Quickly, so those Maximal scum don't have a chance to gather reinforcements!"

"Rawk! New face, same old saurian" Terrorsaur mused as he listened in on what his self-important leader was babbling about, normally he wouldn't have time for his boring old rants but the promise of stasis pods carrying new recruits, recruits who'd know nothing of his past failures, whom could be molded to serve him, and only him, was too good to pass up!

With a speed and grace he hadn't felt since the power surge he'd experienced from the Alien Mountain so painfully long ago, Terrorsaur cruised in for a perfect landing, his gold clawed feet digging into the bridge with ease, the green flames issuing from his new jet pack extinguishing as he folded his white and red winged arms across his pteranodon head chestplate, flashing the smuggest smile he'd ever made to his fellow predacons, fangs bared and yellow eyes glowing with anticipation. All these new features combined with his crimson face and ebony helmet made him look like a demon spawned straight from the Pit itself. His form had changed considerably, shiny and armored, sleeker yet more powerfully built than before, his hands armed with three blood red talons, his wing tips blade like, and strange, fan like structures on his shoulders whose purpose he was not yet sure of.

"I'll lead the air team, Megatron, if what my on-board computer's telling me is correct, I'm now the fastest flyer this planet has ever seen! I can easily reach any one of those pods long before any ground party could, with Waspinator and the other flyers accompanying me of course" Terrorsaur said, volunteering his services with a strange confidence and little lip, going so far as to suggest he be accompanied by others to alleviate the old tyrant's paranoia.

It had been a long time since Terrorsaur had pulled a fast one on Megatron, and while a handful of his past attempts had been truly glorious, each "Age of Terrorsaur" had ultimately been short lived, and over time he'd been overshadowed by the spiders and their numerous treacheries while he tried to lay low, Glowstick's death being proof enough that if pushed too far even Megatron's desire to maintain a numerical advantage against the Maximals wouldn't stop him from executing an unfaithful underling who'd crossed the line. Long story short, while Terrorsaur was far from a picture perfect minion like Inferno or the late Scorponok, he hadn't done anything recently to arise Megatron's suspicions, and given the severity of the situation, his lack of genuinely loyal troops to work with, and the obvious validity of Terrorsaur's words regarding his upgraded flight speed, Megs had little choice but to trust him on this one...Whether Terrorsaur choose to live up to that trust or not was something Megatron would simply have to gamble on and live with the consequences.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again, its good to be a predacon" Terrorsaur thought inwardly while he awaited Megatron's answer, quietly perusing whatever data he could dig up on his new form's weaponry, hoping his firepower was as impressive as his new physique.

Una wrote: She continued to struggle with her restaints, but it was futile.

Defiant, she sneered, "Don't count on it! No one controls me!"

His voice was so close yet she couldn't see him. It was still pitch black in... whereever she was.

This couldn't be real. This couldn't be! No one was going to control her. No one! She wiggled her pinchers and feet. A cloud of darkness seemed to cover over her. Always like someone was trying to block out her own state of being, taking away her individuality. The thought of Arachnitron came into her mind. So was this how she felt with her different personalities? Or maybe they weren't personalities. Maybe they were individuals crowding her mind. Those that shouldn't be here. Could it be that she might soon lose herself? Slag that! She will die before that happened to her!

"Hehehehe, you always were amusing. Unhappily, we have no more time to play!" Tarantulas menaced, emerging from the shadows of the void his web was suspended in at long last, revealing a monstrous, titan sized version of himself in beast mode! His imagination and psychic link with Blackarachnia enabling him to truly be the stuff of nightmares!

Tarantulas' multitude of poison green eyes glittered in the dark as he crawled closer and closer, looming over Blackarachnia as though she were merely a fly ready to be crushed underfoot, or eaten alive. His fangs dripped with venom, carelessly allowing it to ooze over his prey's helpless form as he moved in for the kill, closer and closer, the sound of his maniacal laughter filling the air like thunder as he prepared to strike like lightning and put out Blackarachnia's lights for good!

"I've long suspected you looked good enough to eat my dear, now we'll find out together!" Tarantulas cackled as his fangs passed over her face, past her chest, & finally resided over her midsection before sinking in...

[Phoenix]

(ooc: So.. If Starscream is the only one who is supposed to have an immortal spark, I'm a little confused by all these dead warriors conversing in space. How long would it take before a spark is extinguished? )

Aurora watched as the others appeared to have forgotten all about their recent losses while they eagerly explored their new bodies and abilities. She attempted to smile at their amused remarks and their rather clumsy attempts at mastering the changes made to them but it wasn't until she witnessed Rattrap flip onto his back with his wheels spinning in the air that her smile became genuine. The once-rodent looked so silly like that, almost like a toy from a child's collection of wind-up toys, which at least temporarily mended her broken heart.

They seemed so excited, all of them, yet the condition had not affected everyone. Dinobot, Whitegrazer, and the two fuzors remained the same. She briefly wondered how the killer whale had managed through all of this.

The answer came mere moments later as heavy footsteps made their way closer, soon revealing the large form of Orcariner who, sure enough, also had changed. Aurora gave him a smile and an approving nod, before briefly looking over herself.

Fragile butterfly wings shimmered in the blinking light, white patches of soft fur still covered her arms and legs, and her long ermine tail with the black tip still draped around her shoulders. She had not changed one bit. The little fuzor was not entirely sure if she welcomed the fact she had stayed the same, or if she felt robbed for missing the transformation that could have benefited her. Perhaps then her rampant emotions would have changed as well so she no longer had to feel like a black hole had devoured her very soul..

Aurora sighed.

About to step off the bridge so she could check on the status of the occupants of the CR chambers, Aurora's foot bumped into the two swords she had dropped earlier. She immediately stopped, finding herself staring intently at the two sharp objects on the ground, before bending down to scoop them back up into her arms. They were too large for her to use the way they were intended. It most certainly wouldn't be a graceful sight if she tried to wield the dual weapons. However.. They remained the last physical part of Optimus and she had promised to take good care of them until the leader returned. The latter may no longer be a possibility, but Aurora intended to stay true to her word regardless.

She holstered the weapons as best she could and looked around, only to notice that the slippery she-spider had made her escape and was currently nowhere to be found. Deciding BlackArachnia had either already escaped their base or rerouted through the brig to free her friends, Aurora decided to scout ahead so she could report back to the others once she found something. Wanting to stay low to the ground, she changed to her beast mode and proceeded towards the brig, moving as quickly and silently as her paws allowed.

(ooc: Will post for Preds later!)