Moderators: Nurann, Starath, Sinead, Optimal Optimus Primal, Razor One
If Sonar was startled by the new commers sudden approach he did not show it. However, he growled at Starshadow in annoyance at her representation of him.Perhaps you two are in the mood for talking then... Because I believe you two have alot to answer for.
starshadow wrote:"Umbra..not surprising to see you here. Did Megatron sent you for a bounty hunting trip? Hmmm...oh, and this is Sonar. The Predacon's most useless flying bag of fur and happiness who let himself disappear for months. Tsk tsk tsk...such...disappointment...that I almost cried.." "I don't have to answer for anything. Blame Megatron for being such a paranoid leader, not me for being...me. But if you really want information, what can you offer me?"
Sonar wrote:"I don't who you are, stranger, but I will answer to Megatron. Not his latest punching bag, I'm on my way there now."
Oh I just realized it actually hasn't been three days yet. Oops, sorry if I posted a few hours earlier. 
My Thanksgiving doesn't start until evening really, so I decided to post because I thought I wouldn't have the time. ))Whitegrazer just shook her head at Ironclaw's attitude. She understood his anger towards her, but she felt it was disrespectful towards their comrades, towards Optimus, to say such things. Did Ironclaw really think that, because of her relationship with Optimus, her opinion held higher than him or anyone else? Despite how intimate Optimus and her were, they knew their relationship and feelings shouldn't affect their duty. They both understood that greatly.You still don't know what happened. And what I did had nothing to do with their capture, Dinobot didn't have the bearings to get the job done" Ironclaw took a few paces towards the old fool. "I was trying to pursue the Predacon that put you on your ass or have you already forgotten that. The real reason that Aurora is in this state is sat right there!" "Don't worry I will speak with him. However I don't think he will listen since you're pretty much in bed with each other. This is the second time, isn't it Whitegrazer? Playing all nice with the Preds'. And now two more have just slipped away. You don't get it, do you. The less of them there are, the less likely this will happen.
Martyr? Is that what he believed she was doing there? She wanted to help Nemesis. As well as met this shapeshifter. She smiled sadly, "You have made some good points, Landslide. It is the talk I'm having with myself. " She looked at the riot shield that Landslide had handed to her. It is true. She had been thinking about how this war was changing so fast. They all have to up their game as it seems the Predacons were now. To avoid more situations like Cheetor and Banshee's capture, Optimus' torture, and Aurora being shot. She took responsibility for that. All of it. She needed time. She needed time to meditate and to contemplate the situation. The entire picture of what was happening. The greater good... She knew she frustrated her comrades sometimes for her beliefs. As Landslide seemed to say it, they didn't much about what she could do. Misinformation could lead to misunderstanding, "But I'm different than you."NaitoKage wrote:Landslide looked towards Whitegrazer I don't know much about you and yer hippy arts an' powers, but what I saw out there wasn't the thinking of a soldier.. or even someone with common sense. It was someone playin' the martyr. You didn't think fer a moment that Aurora or Cheetor would go after you after you made yourself a target? You knew the enemy was comin' and even if you were the one shot, did you not think that wouldn't destroy Optimus when he came home?! Did you think the Predacons would just stop fer you?!
No, they wont. You need to start thinkin' about survival and using better tactics lass.. If not fer you, then do it fer those that care about you.
She was so much in thought that she didn't notice Banshee entering the hangar. She was glad to see that she was all right. She looked at Ironclaw. Despite everything, she wanted to help him understand. She held no malice towards him. She just wanted him to talk to her. If he had boiled such intense emotions towards her, because of what he saw, she needed to help him. But she can't help him if he didn't talk."That's true. Ironclaw, if you keep this immature attitude up, I will make sure I'll throw you in the brig myself and you can't protest because you lost the right to. It's basic military protocols," her yellow optics narrowed , her expression turning grim like a war veteran, "we're in the middle of a war soldier. Your petty complaints and unecessary tantrums won't get us anywhere or Optimus back. If you want to help, Sit down, be silent and calm yourself!"
What..? Aurora managed to bring out enough strength to turn her head towards the badger, her optics flickering on for a moment. His words made no sense to her, she had every reason to place her faith in Optimus.. and at least most of the rest of them too. No, she didn't always agree with their leader's selfless acts of self-sacrifice, since they went against her own desire to preserve his life. Without Optimus to lead them, even under Rattrap's watchful eye, the Maximals tended to crumble. And more importantly she cared deeplyabout the big ape."I'm sorry Aurora but I think your faith in Optimus is misplaced."
"As far as I'm concerned, we're in this mess because you failed to obey Dinobot's orders that caused Cheetor and Banshee's capture. And now you've failed to protect Aurora and offer any assistance to the Maximals facing the Predacons outside. If she should lose her faith in anyone, it should be with you. You're walking on thin ice, Ironclaw," Rhinox warned him in his deep voice. "I don't need your aggression in here while I'm trying to concentrate on Aurora's injury. Report to Rattrap in the command center,"
"Ironclaw, I believe if you wish to discuss Optimus' leadership choices, you should talk to him when he returns and has fully recovered. Not when he is fighting for his life in enemy hands."
Oh how badly she wanted to speak up, to tell them to stop arguing about this. There was so much anger present, a layer of rage so thick it bordered on hatred, which certainly wouldn't help them move past this point and learn to work together.. But she was too weak, barely even able to stay awake to register what the others were saying. And then Ironclaw left, retreating to wherever it was he went when he needed to be alone."I was trying to pursue the Predacon that put you on your ass or have you already forgotten that. The real reason that Aurora is in this state is sat right there!"
Wait.. Don't go like this, not in anger.."She may not have faith in me, but.... This is what happens when you have faith in Optimus Pimal"
She shook her head very briefly, whispering a faint "No..""Can you feel that?"
Zodiac grinned inwardly as Megatron's response came through. Indeed, he was nowhere near done with his performance, even though he knew Megatron might not be as approving of his final act. That was still a little ways off though, so for the time being he intended to give the tyrant exactly what he asked for."All is forgiven, I eagerly await your next performance, yyyyesssssss"
Primal wasn't sure that he did anymore after everything they had put him through. Why should he care? They sure didn't. She didn't. However, it would go against everything he was if he could fool himself for thinking he didn't. Why have pity on her? It was a mess she got herself into. It was her problem, not his. Of course, whoever it was that had some kind of physical or mental control over her also reflected on him since they could make her harm him against her will. So neither of them wanted any part of it."Why do you care?"
"It do... It doesn't have... to be... that way," the Commander said softly without looking at her, just letting her know that she had a choice. "It shouldn't... be that way...""I rather be dead."
Rattrap let out a huge sigh of relief. Still, there was something he knew that had to be done; confronting those who were involved with the situation and find out what exactly happened. He was angry and annoyed that no one was heeding his leadership. Maybe he wasn't the greatest choice to be put in charge, he'd rather Rhinox do it any time, but as it turned out, Big Green was too busy and he was left to be the next in line. However, this didn't give anyone the excuse or reason to ignore him or disobey him, so while he waited for Megatron to call back he programmed it to alert him and activate his comm. link before he stood up, glanced at Nemesis's signal on another monitor, and hurried out of the command center. Having seen most of the Maximal signatures that had returned from outside congregating in the hanger, that was exactly where he headed."Rattrap, I just wanted to let you know that Aurora is stable and Rhinox is working on her now. She will be fine."
Rhinox had merely glanced at Whitegrazer's answer expecting an elaboration. He didn't know of this "nanogel" that Aurora had created or any of its side effects, if it had any."The Nanogel,"
"Alright," he said, hoping it wasn't something they would have to deal with a later time."I had no choice. I had to use it in order to stabilize her enough to get her here."
Rhinox said nothing. He felt that if he tried putting some sense into Ironclaw's head that he might explode and literally throw his head against the wall in order to accomplish it. Sonar wasn't really much of a threat, especially since he hadn't harmed Rhinox too badly in order to escape and that he had been cured of the virus, so chasing him down would have been a waste of time and resources that Rattrap was soon going to need."You still don't know what happened. And what I did had nothing to do with their capture, Dinobot didn't have the bearings to get the job done" "I was trying to pursue the Predacon that put you on your ass or have you already forgotten that. The real reason that Aurora is in this state is sat right there!"
The engineer was surprised that Optimus had let Ironclaw's insubordinate behavior and poor attitude go on for long as it had now. Maybe his old friend was being too nice or too optimistic, or had just been too occupied with balancing everything else on his shoulders. Whatever the case, when he would come back, things were going to need to change. His old friend may not be the same after his ordeal with the Predacons and that may either help or make the tension worse between them. By now, the badger's insults and disobedience had long since gotten under Rhinox's paint and it took a lot of for him to hold back on disciplining Ironclaw himself."Ironclaw, I believe if you wish to discuss Optimus' leadership choices, you should talk to him when he returns and has fully recovered. Not when he is fighting for his life in enemy hands."
Landslide hadn't even been with them for very long and even he was already fed up with certain attitudes. Rhinox didn't think it was the beetle's place to try and gain control over the matter but right now both superior officers, himself and Rattrap, were too busy to do deal with it. He hoped it would calm some of the tension and not make matters worse but he doubted that Ironclaw would listen. For a while now Rhinox had noticed something rather negative developing between the badger and the mare. He didn't know why but it was something different than from the way Ironclaw treated the others. He was always very short with her and skeptical or suspicious. In any case, maybe Landslide would be able to get to the bottom of it.Alright.. I'm done with yer squabble.. Both of you out an' follow me to the bridge.. This gets settled now. Cheetor, assist Rhinox.
It was clear that Ironclaw had no idea what it meant to be a leader in a war like this against such a powerful and power-hungry Predacon rogue. He had not been with them since the beginning and didn't appreciate anything Optimus had done and sacrificed for them so far. For someone who was only a scientist with very little military experience and a Captain of his own ship for the first time, Optimus had come a very long way in this war. Rhinox had watched his friend grow from a young, inexperienced leader to a wiser, selfless and scarred Commander. Maybe that meant nothing to Ironclaw and his stubbornness and tunnel vision, but it made the rhinoceros proud of Optimus and confident in their ability to overthrow Megatron. Everyone there had every right and proof to put their faith into Optimus Primal, but none of them would have any for Ironclaw, who didn't even try to get along with anyone unless it was a femme he fell for which often distracted him more than Optimus and Whitegrazer ever allowed their relationship to do on duty, and never obeyed orders and was unreliable. Who would everyone trust their lives with; Optimus or Ironclaw? History has shown them that Primal would die for them without hesitation."She may not have faith in me, but.... This is what happens when you have faith in Optimus Primal"
Big Green didn't bother looking at Cheetor as he approached or the others that exited the medical bay. He kept his focus on Aurora as he tried suppressing his anger and irritation with Ironclaw. Noticing her arm moving somewhat toward Ironclaw's direction in her weakened state, Rhinox gently put his hand on her forearm and helped lower it back to the table to remind her to lay still. He was uncertain of how much she was registering in her condition but it appeared that she was comprehending enough to understand the tension in the room as her optics lingered at the doorway in the badger's wake. It was better for Ironclaw to have left.Wow, that Nanogel is really something.
"Good," he smiled briefly at the Fuzor. "I'm going to have to extract the bullet, alright? So lay still and just relax. Cheetor is here and he'll hold your hand in comfort," Rhinox explained before he glanced at the TransMetal cheetah to enforce the action that he just mentioned. Having a friend nearby and holding their hand in a tough situation was a great way to keep the patient calm and let them know that someone was right there with them in physical contact. Reaching next to him on a mobile table, he grabbed a helmet and placed it on his head. The helmet had special goggles with several magnification settings as well as a small visor that gave him a magnified digital view with wireless tools that connected to its software that he could use with his hands. The tools were narrow and fragile, their working ends delicate and very small. Looming over Aurora's body, he carefully placed his hands above her wound and then extended the tools downward toward her exposed spark. The tools' cameras allowed him to see inside her injury with a high magnification that fed to the visor so he could see exactly what he was doing and guide his steady hands which was far more reliable than his own optics' magnifying abilities especially if he were to be suddenly interrupted by something or someone. Spying the bullet with her spark illuminating it with every pulse making it glisten, Rhinox cautiously and very carefully moved the tools toward it, one of which had tiny claws to grab tiny objects along with its microscopic camera."No.."
But it was also combination of things. Also, Whitegrazer decided to meditate for reasons... *whistles* But yeah, she takes full responsibility for everything. I will post her explanation soon. Actually, it would be more of an apology I think. Right now, I will post for Blackarachnia. ))"Doesn't it, though?"Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"It do... It doesn't have... to be... that way," the Commander said softly without looking at her, just letting her know that she had a choice. "It shouldn't... be that way..."
DarkSpark wrote:"Blackarachnia, I trust your patient is doing well?"
Blackarachnia glanced at the Maximal leader then towards the medkit. She did it once more before she sighed and scavenged up an energon tube which she attached to Optimus' arm, "Enough energon to make sure you don't die on me." She realized how her sentence sounded and gave the Maximal a glare, "Don't take that that the wrong way, Maximal.""Energon... I need... I need energon,"
Phoenix wrote: Zodiac grinned inwardly as Megatron's response came through. Indeed, he was nowhere near done with his performance, even though he knew Megatron might not be as approving of his final act. That was still a little ways off though, so for the time being he intended to give the tyrant exactly what he asked for.
"It will be my pleasure, my Lord Megatron. I do, however, wish to inquire about Primal's behavior a short while ago. Did you notice any sudden change, an outburst perhaps?"
Indeed. Had such a change occurred, it would serve as proof that his suspicions were correct. That Whitegrazer was capable of transmitting such thoughts and emotions to the captive Optimus.
Phoenix wrote: Up ahead the the Darksyde came into view, Zodiac's speeds being unmatched. He angled himself, slowing his speed considerably, while retracting part of his large, dragon like wings in the process so that he could fit through the opening. On his way inside, he almost knocked over some of Megatron's lackeys, but he paid them no heed. He had more important things to tend to at the moment. With a roar, the chrome black and silver dragon came to an abrupt halt, his talons leaving scratch marks on the floor as he slowed to a stop.
The dragon began changing his shape as he walked but waited until he had gotten into a secluded hallway before he completely took on the desired form. It took mere seconds before Nexus' form emerged, detailed down to the wounds he had received earlier. Then he opened a channel to Megatron.
"I believe my presence was requested."
Una wrote: Blackarachnia glanced at the Maximal leader then towards the medkit. She did it once more before she sighed and scavenged up an energon tube which she attached to Optimus' arm, "Enough energon to make sure you don't die on me." She realized how her sentence sounded and gave the Maximal a glare, "Don't take that that the wrong way, Maximal."
She hit her comlink and responded to Megatron, "With a little energon, he would be stable enough."
It pained her that she had to do this. But she had to keep her act up. She had to do what she had to to keep herself alive.
Whitegrazer wrote:"You have made some good points, Landslide. It is the talk I'm having with myself. ""But I'm different than you."
Landslide simply shook his head. He couldn't see how sitting on her duff waiting to be shot would help anyone. Aye.. I'd say we are different..Whitegrazer wrote: "I wasn't trying to be a martyr. I was there to help someone who asked for it. I would not insult everything my comrades stood for just for a one single act of revenge to satisfy my own guilt. Nor would I want my comrades to use my own death to spill more fluid on the ground. I take responsibility for what happened to Aurora. I made a mistake, misjudged the enemy. I made a choice. If my choice leads to harm of one, I will give myself up to whatever punishment my team decides to fit the severity of the crime. For I'm truly sorry for the pain she is going through. "
Whitegrazer wrote:"Ironclaw, I know you disagree with me and Optimus, but I know you want him back here out of Predacons' hands. All I ask is for you put aside your feelings towards me. We can't get anything done if we fight each other. If you don't wish to do it for my sake or his, do it for Aurora's, Wintersong's, and our other comrades." She closed her optics and took a breath, "After all this is over with, after Optimus is back, I promise I will explain everything to you. "
Ironclaw wrote:"You've been here five microns Landslide. And you are no solider nor leader"
Ironclaw wrote: "This isn't about what we want Nobody wants to be here! Nobody wants this war! I -"
Banshee wrote: "That's true. Ironclaw, if you keep this immature attitude up, I will make sure I'll throw you in the brig myself and you can't protest because you lost the right to. It's basic military protocols," "we're in the middle of a war soldier. Your petty complaints and unnecessary tantrums won't get us anywhere or Optimus back. If you want to help, Sit down, be silent and calm yourself!"
Ironclaw wrote:"Try it".
Landslide held his arm out infront of Banshee Easy there.. Save that for the Preds.Ironclaw wrote:"Don't lecture me... Doctor"
Before you said "get ready for combat" to all of us, Banshee and I headed out to do that until you popped out with new orders unless my audios are goin'. To be honest, I don't exactly know what "get ready for combat" means.. As fer Rhinox.. I didn't even know he was even with Sonar since I was told earlier to avoid being around the infected so I stayed outside the Medical bay. If you wanted me to guard im' then you should of told me that earlier.Rattrap wrote:. "What de heck happened out there?" "Nobody was supposed ta be outside except Nemesis, 'Grazer, Ironclaw and Cheetor. And you were supposed to be on alert! Don't you think I know anythin' about traps and snipers? I need all de manpower I can get when we finally go get Optimus back. And just because he ain't here ta boss everybody around doesn't mean dat this is a free-fer-all and nobody has ta listen ta me. You follow my orders!" "What was Aurora doin' out there? And you, Landslide? And you, Banshee? Nobody thought ta stick around with Rhinox when he was left alone with Sonar? You all ran off outside to look for Predacons who weren't even in range yet, but that don't mean any weapons can't reach you! There's a shapeshifter out there who could be anybody if he can be Nexus Prime, Optimus and Aurora, and nobody's takin' it seriously! How're we supposed ta rescue Optimus with all the other Preds around if half of you get yerselves injured or killed?"
Rhinox wrote: "I'm going to have to extract the bullet, alright? So lay still and just relax. Cheetor is here and he'll hold your hand in comfort,""Cheetor, keep an eye on her vitals,"
Rhinox wrote:"That was the easy part,""There are fragments scattered inside, dangerously close to your spark, Aurora. I'll have to retrieve those as well so hang in there with me."
Megatron's words lingered in Zodiac's mind as he proceeded down the hallway in Nexus' form. Fortunately this area of the base was as good as abandoned, its occupants busy with one task or another, giving him ample opportunity to satisfy his curiosity."You may ask Blackarachnia once you return, she's been licking his wounds for him"
The shapeshifter's optics widened in surprise and glee as he watched Primal's bursting out his deepest fears, his innermost secret out on display for that short moment. So he was right! Up until now everything that lead him to believe Whitegrazer had such an ability had been circumstancial at best. He'd acted on a hunch and little more, and now he had proof! Zodiac's excitement soared as he watched the short sequence of events play out."Aurora!"
Such anguish.. It truly was a sight to behold, one that brought a genuine smile to the pretender's face. Much could be said about Megatron's methods, but they shared a similar taste in causing suffering to their foes."RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!"
The Predacon leader's voice appeared in his audioreceptor once again. Such impeccable timing.."Indeed it was, the vermin requested live audio so for now that is what we shall give him, we'll only resort to live feed if the situation demands it. Have your team escort you to the brig, no doubt Primal will be delighted to see his old friend again, I'm sure I don't need to tell you to remain in character, we shall be contacting the maximals again soon and all must go well if I am to recover what is rightfully mine" Megatron explained, before having a thought and adding "Delay that order a moment...I don't suppose your little jaunt into maximal territory succeeded in severing Primal's link with Whitegrazer now did it? If so I could have you play the roles of both Primal and Nexus to make things go even smoother for us, otherwise I suspect the psychic would see through such deception almost immediately and the disks would be at even greater risk. Well, Zodiac?"
Starshadow rolled her optics at that, "hmm...good to know.." she replied sarcastically.Ah no, I didn't get orders for a hit on you yet..If I did, well.. you know. As for paranoid.. Honestly I think the crew is more paranoid then Lord Megatron.. after all, you did make a meal out of two of the arthropods.
She simply just smiled at him. There was no way she would tell anyone her motives and missions. The secrets she kept are far too valuable. If Umbra manages to capture her, she would be dead in seconds without any of her ex-comrades killing her. Starshadow ran into the forest as fast as she could. "Internal systems, encrypt every data in my datatrax. Language set, Netherzari. Please hurry up..."When I first came upon your group, I happened to read through the crew and enemy data recorded by your former colleague.. Though your profile had certain things that didn't add up.. So, rather then ask what you are miss Starshadow, I want to know what your objective is because everyone has a motive. As for the reward.. prolonging your life and a canteen of energon seems like a fair bargain.. Don't you agree? I'm not sure how long a vampire can live on this stuff, but the average cybertronian being frugal could last 3 weeks..Probably enough time to make a headstone for Lady Cecaelia. Alternatively, if you don't wish to speak.. then I'll just haul you in. Those are your options.
As Banshee lost a little control of her anger, Landslide stopped her."Try it. Don't lecture me... Doctor"
Banshee looked up at Landslide and smiled. Thankfully he was there to remind her that fighting right now won't get the team anywhere and there were more important things to do than bickering. She put a hand on his arm and spoke, "thank you, Landslide.Easy there.. Save that for the Preds.
starshadow wrote:"hmm...good to know.."
starshadow wrote: "Internal systems, encrypt every data in my datatrax. Language set, Netherzari. Please hurry up..."
"If I may, my lord?" Night Terror said looking up from his position.Zodiac said: "I'll be requiring an escort to the brig. Grab one of the regular crew to go with you."
Phoenix wrote: The Predacon leader's voice appeared in his audioreceptor once again. Such impeccable timing..
"Although I have no doubt that I'd be able to impersonate both simultaneously, it is a little difficult to predict psychic links. My little trip out there was able to prove such a link existed, but from what I've seen during my time with those cretins this Whitegrazer shares a unique bond with Primal. He is more likely to block the bond than she is, since he will want to protect her from the pains he feels. Also in case the Maximals are to request a video feed to go along with the audio, I would obviously only be able to maintain the shape of one of them at the time."
And finally.. Granting Optimus this final opportunity to say his farewells could very well be the catalyst they were looking for.
Tarantulas chuckled as he watched Night Terror grovel, wondering what the newcomer was really all about, he seemed quite cultured in his mannerisms, implying there could be more to him than merely being a new stooge for Megatron.AdmiralGrim wrote:
Zodiac moved faster than he could and was already walking out of the control Room when Night Terror entered. He looked around the room. They seemed to be waiting for the Maximal's response. He sighed as walked he walked over towards the command chair were Megatron sat. Night Terror had to admit, he did seem like a commander that demanded respect. He had all the appearance of a good Predacon general. Now he had to do something he absolutely despised, but got use to doing while working for Tripredacus Council. Groveling.
"My Lord Megatron." he said as he knelt before the tyrant.
"I am Night Terror. I would like to ask for your forgiveness. I am still only a recent recruit to your cohort and on my first mission, I nearly bungled your negotiations. I apologize." He said keeping his head bowed. For once he actually meant it. Night Terror did feel like he failed his mission. He did not like it. Even if it was a mission for a rouge Predacon whom he did not truly serve.
"I pledge my service as strategic officer and adviser to you, my lord. I hope I can make up for my recent failure." he said. He remained knelt. He knew bot like Megatron. He was a bot like Megatron. Bots like them like to see others kneel before them.
With a wave of his hand and not so much as a parting glance, Megatron said "Off with you then, and do not forget our discussion. No. More. Failure. Clear? Good" before he motioned at Tarantulas to reestablish communications with the maximals again, trusting that Zodiac was with Primal by now and in character.AdmiralGrim wrote:
"If I may, my lord?" Night Terror said looking up from his position.