"More Than Meets The Eye: Part III"

Mystrea · Unread post by **Mystrea** » Sat Jan 02, 2016 4:29 pm

Ironclaw stood with his back to Whitegrazer and Optimus when the first person to speak up was actually a small voice. It was not a clever statement, nor was the badger phased by it. He turned to Aurora with a firm stare and said "If I have to". The concept of killing someone or something was just a necessary step that he followed as deemed by the High council. She was young and naive, she did not know the extent of danger that she was in. She may learn.

'I still believe'? Ironclaw grunted at the use of such sentimentality. Decision like this were not left those conflicted by their emotions. Justice wasn't about what felt right or wrong. No wonder the witch was in the situation she was in. She could not be trusted.

Sudden laughter made Ironclaw spin round as he witnessed Optimus truly loosing his mind. The badger waited, not wanting to interrupt Primal as he tried to explain things, which seemed to be more for his benefit than anyone else. At this point his expression had not changed a bit. Once Optimus stopped for a moment Ironclaw retorted. "You were ordered after Megatron because you were closest. I'll be honest not many thought you were up to the task. This problem would have probably fallen into some other hands, like my own. Why do you think you're captain of his little exploration vessel" he lazily gestured towards the Axalon. "You think you are here by choice?" he questioned Optimus rhetorically. Optimus was probably not aware of a lot of this.

The badger sighed before continuing "I don't think anyone knows you're here. I was tracking Zodiac, or Nexus Prime at the time. Why we came out of the worm hole at different times I do not know, I'm no scientist. I'm also not going to indulge your paranoia."

Ironclaw smirked when when Optimus defended his crew, the notion was amusing, the actually thought thats how it was. He would get to that in a second. His smugness was shot away by Optimus then making assumptions about both him and the High council, The Elders! "Their mission is peace at our time(!)" The badger held his scowl and replied with certainty, with emphasis. "My mission is not obsolete, I have been blessed with purpose far greater than yours. How dare you speak of the High council in such a manner! You know not of what you speak. I am not involved this new order for mere coin! I am one of the High council's instruments and I will carry out my mission" The badger began to get a little frustrated, he did not make a single move through, he had complete control of his emotions and would not act on them. After a few seconds he calmed right down. That unwavering stand off between the two, it endured.

The transmetal honey badger had not given Whitegrazer much of his attention until he heard her say "We should all strive to do what is right.' and then use words like 'subdue' and 'pacify'. He took a great disliking to it and showed it. Ironclaw glared right at Whitegrazer with a piercing stare. "You think you could have pacified Dirge? Think that you could appeal to him with reason?!" He approached her almost squeezing Optimus in between them. "He would have killed both Aurora and Landslide if not for me and that is a fact. None of you know him like I did, he was barely sentient. Once he as his orders, he will never stop, I have witnessed it before." The badgers face slowly turned towards Aurora who was trying to hide behind this... empath. You do not understand he thought as he looked at her. His optics snapped back to Whitegrazer. " Tell me Whitegrazer. Did you try to bargain with Zodiac. What did you try to bargain with? No who-" the badger got his words halted by Whitegrazer suddenly started acting strange and talking to herself. More curiously her arm started to glow blue.

Before Optimus could react Ironclaw pushed the smaller bot out of the way and grabbed the upper part of Whitegrazer's the arm which was radiating blue. She was thin and almost felt frail in his large hand. He thought she might have been corrupted by Zodiac, it had happened before. Though she asked where Zodiac was, she may yet be of use. On the other hand she still posed a risk and now it was made worse. The badger turned towards Optimus with even more resolve in his expression.

"You could have stopped this! You have no power over me and you will not stop me from me from bring those to justice. You, who thinks being a Maximal is about what you think is right, be damned the rules. You bring shame to what it is to be a Maximal in this new order!" he words were what he believed and he said them as he pointed right at Optimus, his finer almost touching his face.

DarkSpark · Unread post by **DarkSpark** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 3:52 pm

OOC: Busy holiday weekend, but fun! Here's my post, sorry for the delay.

Phoenix wrote: Meanwhile Nemesis had retreated to the far edge of the room, keeping a little distance between herself and the two raging transmetals. Of course she wasn't so far away that she wouldn't be able to intervene should Megatron give the word to do so, but seeing he had ordered her to not interfere in their battle, she trusted Megatron to ask for assistance should he require it. As such she left them alone, even as Deathroll appeared to be taking the upper hand.

Nemesis did as Megatron had told and stayed out of the fight, which was good since he needed to tame Deathroll and win his respect, fear, on his own. It was not a matter of honor or any other such nonsense Dinobot might spout, it was a matter of driving home to Deathroll that he, Megatron, was the strongest predacon of all and that he owed him his obedience because of that. Granted, Megatron somehow doubted Nemesis would be too broken up over his untimely demise if that came to pass, but he had no intention of dying today no matter the odds, he was Megatron and victory was his only course of action, he had too many ambitions left to fulfill and the predacons would no doubt fall to ruin without his leadership. Deathroll showed promise, but he would not be taking his throne.

Megatron waited until the lumbering drill tank was nearly upon him and quickly transformed into beast mode, the his body's reconfiguration throwing the debris off of him as he bit into Deathroll's drill with his tyrannosaur teeth, sparks and horrible screeching filling the air as spinning metal met bone crushing teeth! Most would have expected Megatron's teeth to shatter in this instance, but they held, a testimony to his strength and construction as the transmetal tyrant swung Deathroll around and to the side, using his jets to give him more power, sending the tank flipping over until Deathroll transformed back into robot mode, wincing from the pain of having several of Megatron's teeth imbedded in his tail.

"Enough of this nonsense, you die now pretender!" Deathroll snarled as he pulled a double barreled blaster from his back and opened fire, Megatron charging onward in beast mode despite the danger, using debris from the ceiling for cover whenever he could to avoid a direct hit, Deathroll's blaster fire proving quite impressive as it blew apart one makeshift shield after another.

"You wish for another wrestling match fleshing? I'm not doing you any favors, there is no room for mercy in war" Deathroll growled as he continued to fire upon the approaching T-Rex, who at that moment transformed back into robot mode, using his tailgun to block Deathroll's shots and cut at him up close with the tip of it before saying "I couldn't have said it better myself, no mercy!" and activated his jets, delivering a jet powered upper cut to the giant gatorpred's lower jaw, finally toppling him onto his back.

When the dazed and beaten Deathroll looked up next, Megatron was pointing not only his tailgun at him, but his own blaster as well!

"Ready to cooperate and listen now, recruit?" Megatron inquired, his face a smug mask of superiority that now finally intimidated the rebellious reptile as he replied "You can extinguish me if you wish, warlord, but I will not betray my own to serve you, even if you are stronger than me."

"Progress, you see me for the superior specimen that I am now, but perhaps a message from home can finally put your mind at ease, yyyyeessss" Megatron said as he kept Deathroll's blaster trained on him while removed the golden disk from his subspace pocket and played it for the gator, the reptile's eyes widening in shock and surprise as the holographic image of his own leader, the original Megatron, appeared before him and began to explain the beginning of a long term plan recorded on the disk, but was cut short by the one claiming to be the new Megatron.

"Yesssss...I thought that would help clear the waters so to speak" Megatron said as the fallen gator rose to his feet, his demeanor and mannerisms quite different now than before, seeming more spellbound and respectful of the predacon leader than before as he said "Please...Lord Megatron...Forgive my ignorance and...Explain what has become of me, and what the great one expects of us both?"

NaitoKage · Unread post by **NaitoKage** » Wed Jan 06, 2016 6:18 pm

(OOC: Umbra has seen alot of craziness in this episode. Between a ghost, vampire, werecat, hallucinations of zombies and his dead master,Psychic judo specialist,and regenerating doppelganger.. Umbra's daily events are as weird as a Metal gear solid game.)

Blackarachnia wrote:"Really? Just to let you know it is usually me who does the tying up."

Landslide blinked watching as Blackarachnia gave him a playful look, reasoning for it going completely over the beetles head. Y-yeah, I'd guess so. he said a bit surprised by her reaction.

The large beetle then got up, going to the hanger. Scooping up Blackarachnia's spider legs, he observed the damage, then started to organize the limbs based on his own knowledge of arthropod anatomy and lable the limbs with a peice of chalk to keep them from being mixed up. He then sat down by Blackarachnia observing her arms Looks like they sheared at the joints, they aren't too different from how my own work.. so not a hard fix, though if they break again might need to make some new joints or run ya through the CR chamber.

He then started to reattach Blackarachnia's Spider legs, welding joints and rewiring servos with the tools available by his work bench. As he worked he spoke up So yer a tech type I'm guessin', since you wanted to do some salvaging. Any fields ya specialize in, or more of n' all around sorta gal like Rhinox?

________________________

Umbra activated his comlink calling Starshadow. Umbra to Starshadow, how's your progress come on clean up? he asked, walking towards the Cart examining it, then looked around noticing she wasn't visible to him. He then made his way towards a console bringing up security footage, noticing Starshadow at the entrance, as well as Megatron battling a Drilltank that soon transformed to a robot,the battle being pacified by a holographic video played by Megatron. Umbra then commented on his radio to Starshadow Huh.. So that's what the noise was.

With work finished in the Predacon base, Tarantulas transformed to his spider mode and started to sneak off to his lair, pondering future revenge on Blackarachnia.

Meanwhile off in the distance, Waspinator continued on his way back to the Predacon base on foot, dragging Quickstrike's unconscious body along by his snake arm.

una · Unread post by **una** » Wed Jan 06, 2016 8:26 pm

((OOC: I will post a response for Zodiac.))

Whitegrazer watched as Aurora sought shelter behind her. She smiled warmly at the young one and tilted her head at understanding her action. This conversation was long overdue based on several actions on Ironclaw's part. Ironclaw seeking pragmatism to the extreme and due to his reveal as soldier under the High Council's reigns, it explained his behavior and many of her questions about him. Though, part of her still wondered what he knew and how much he knew it. She looked down to see Aurora's optics lit up after what she said. Hmmm... What was she thinking about? What was turning inside that smart brain of hers. Whitegrazer held in a chuckle, wanting to ask but her mind turned back over on what she experiencing with Zodiac.

Phoenix wrote:"Fate is a cruel mistress indeed..," he said, the headache still pounding within, "Leave me be, Maximal, for you will not see me again."

What? Whitegrazer still gripped her forehead, which was pounding still. What do you mean by that, Zodiac? Zodiac? It was then that it occurred to her what was happening. Why Zodiac heard her and why she heard his response. And she didn't like or enjoyed it. This type of connection had happened before in her lifetime. Zodiac's attempt to devour her and the exchange of certain memories must have create a connection she or Zodiac didn't realize until now.

Images came into her mind. Her-No, his hand tracing alien symbols that lit up like flames were behind them. Where was he? What was he doing? Because of the symbols she saw, it was some place of an alien origin. Could it be another site? Her optics widened. Those symbols etched into her mind.

You know. You remember. You saw... Back on Outpost 62, the damage... How much more?

My failing. She said sadly.

Zodiac, stop. Stop what you are doing. Whitegrazer tried to talk to Zodiac. She needed to know where he was. She must, so they could find him. Find him before he found... it.

starshadow · Unread post by **starshadow** » Thu Jan 07, 2016 4:51 am

((OOC: Well NK, technically all he needs right now is an eye patch and a huge box.

))

Starshadow made it outside! Alas the smell of burning and sulfur which is...no less different to what it smelled like in the Darksyde. But today was not the day to taste five minutes of freedom for Umbra the cat whisperer radioed to her.

Umbra to Starshadow, how's your progress come on clean up?

"Definitely not completely dust free since Megatron and the new guy decided to make a mess of things," she replied, pouting as flew to the direction of the near by jungle.

Huh.. So that's what the noise was.

"Yeah...You tell them to clean up their mess and make their own sandwiches because I'm done with my chores. I'm taking a cat nap in my quarters. Starshadow out," she turned off her radio and knows well that eight legged freak would not buy her lie, but at least it should buy her some time to find a new cave to call home without anybody knowing about it. Maybe somewhere in the mountains where it is difficult to access by foot.

Unread post by **Phoenix** » Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:10 pm

(ooc: Since we are still waiting for OOP and Mystrea's post, I'm just responding with the non-involved characters for now..)

Nemesis crossed her arms, watching in silence as the two mechs upheld their displays of raw power. Not that it wasn't an impressive battle to watch, for that it was, but she did not feel the same apparently irresistible need to prove her might in battle as the two males did. When it came to brute strength and firepower, either of the two combatants had an advantage over her. Her strength was hidden within, a force well capable in assuring her survival and even able to take someone's life should the need arise. Victory through the ability to endure life threatening injuries, that was her secret weapon. And Zodiac's. Granted his powers were refined a bit more, allowing him the full range of benefits the nanomachines granted.

The perfect soldier. That's what the scientists had been working towards. Honestly she thought they were insane to think their plans would work. She wondered to what extent Zodiac remained loyal to their creators.

The battle had changed and now Megatron had the upper hand. A trace of a smile briefly appeared on the female's face, happy to see someone else taking the brunt of Megatron's rage this time. It wasn't that she'd ever feared for her life when Megatron had turned on her, the nanomachines had been more than able to reverse any damage inflicted upon her, but the event had still caused her pain.

Now, watching Deathroll brought to his knees by someone significantly smaller, and forced to submit by the same message left behind by the original Megatron that his descendant (at least by name) had showed her earlier, she couldn't help but find the situation a bit amusing.

"Please...Lord Megatron...Forgive my ignorance and...Explain what has become of me, and what the great one expects of us both?"

"Groveling rather becomes you, Deathroll," Nemesis finally said as she approached the two former combatants, "You might want to listen to this one," she then said, gesturing towards Megatron, "For he holds the key to your future as well as our kind's."

What do you mean by that, Zodiac? Zodiac?

Grasping his head with both hands, each of her words ringing in his mind and seemingly getting louder by the nanoclick, Zodiac's headache lingered still. It was likely due to his own mind trying to force her thoughts out, but he did not have the experience with this to make any change whatsoever. Pushing himself back against the console, the shapeshifter slowly shook his head in denial.

Optimus actually welcomed this .. connection? Whereas the Maximal commander found comfort in it, the shapeshifter viewed it as a threat.. an unwanted interruption that he seemed incapable of ignoring.

He growled as he forced himself back to his feet, attempting to clear his mind to rid himself of the unwelcome intruder.

Zodiac, stop. Stop what you are doing.
"I said leave me alone!," he hollered, his voice echoing against the walls. His frustration increasing, he again attempted to block her from his mind. Of course he had no training in doing it, so his attempts were less than successful. But for a moment the voice seemed to disappear.

I must hurry, the shapeshifter thought to himself as he looked around for instructions on how to operate the machine. On a nearby wall he located a map, showing the continent they were on with a number of tunnels marked across it. Each tunnel linked back to the cave he was in. Zodiac was already aware that the tunnels functioned as directions for where the firepower of the weapon would be concentrated. He had no intention of destroying the entire planet, so he wanted to focus the machine's power on one area in particular.. The one hosting the Axalon. With the Maximals gone, he'd not only rid himself of Optimus but also the pesky white female who was now invading his mind.

DarkSpark · Unread post by **DarkSpark** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 2:34 pm

Phoenix wrote:
"Groveling rather becomes you, Deathroll," Nemesis finally said as she approached the two former combatants, "You might want to listen to this one," she then said, gesturing towards Megatron, "For he holds the key to your future as well as our kind's."

Deathroll clenched his fists and flicked his tail dismissively, slamming it into the ground hard enough to make it shake, replying "I knew not what, who, I was facing, everything about this situation is madness to me...DO NOT MOCK ME, little sister."

Deathroll's tone was that of strained patience, he wanted to simply crush the arrogant little bird and be done with it, but if these bizarre creatures really were some strange new form of decepticon, he may very well need them, and thus didn't want to burn any bridges with his new comrades just yet...Plus, her words worried him despite the perceived mockery behind them.

"Now now you two, we all got off on the wrong foot, but that's all behind us, I want my new Commander and Subcommander to get along with one another, you'll be working together closely, yyyyesssss" Megatron said, Deathroll's optics widening in surprise at the mention of such high ranks being attributed to him, bringing another smile to Megatron's face as he continued "But yes, he should heed my words, and he is, so all should be well, you may rise, Subcommander Deathroll."

Deathroll did as he was bidden by his new leader, confusion wracking his mind as it became overloaded with questions mixed with pride over a rank he never thought he'd be granted for at least a century, as he asked "Thank you Lord Megatron, but please..."

"Explain the proverbial mess you now find yourself situated in? No worries Subcommander, allow me to elaborate, and please, no questions until afterward or this will take forever" Megatron began, adding "We are Predacons, the descendants of our honored ancestors, the Decepticons. The Great War between autobots and decepticons is long over...And tragically, our side lost, the autobot's greedy progeny, the maximals, now rule Cybertron and treat our kind as second class citizens, spotting equality for all when in reality they hoard all the real power for themselves and demonize our kind and our ancestors to make themselves look better. Worst still, our alleged leaders, the Tripredacus Council, speak of some grand future plan in the works to seize back power, but in reality are either perfectly content with the power they enjoy as the Maximal Elder's sycophants, or are so afraid to make a move that by the time they finally do decide to strike any opportunity for revolution will have long passed, for our enemies tighten their stranglehold over Cybertron every chance they get. The situation is dire, but there is hope, in the form of the Golden Disk, left behind for us by the my very namesake himself, which provides an accurate depiction of the future, or rather the past in our case...Fear not, I'm getting to that. The disk was being held by the maximals for centuries, hidden away from its rightful owners, but I led my own forces to victory in recovery of my ancestor's heirloom, and traveled to this world, the very same world where the decepticons and autobots would wage the most pivotal moments of the Great War, in an experimental transwarp ship..."

"Impossible! Transwarp technology was only a hypothesis last I heard..." Deathroll interjected, unable to contain himself any longer, surmising where this conversation was heading and not liking the sound of it one bit if transwarp technology was involved, though not nearly as much as he hated the idea of his homeworld being conquered by autobot spawn and the first Megatron's reign being brought to a tragic end after he had ruled over their world expertly for countless millennia despite Optimus Prime's futile efforts to unseat him.

"Much has changed since your time Deathroll, but what matters now is that we are now in a position to rewrite history in OUR favor, both decepticon and predacon alike, a planning spanning across space and time, devised by Megatron the First, and put into motion by me, Megatron the Second" Megatron said, more amused by Deathroll's interruption than upset by it despite his earlier warning, Deathroll was not questioning his vision like the other pawns on his chessboard, no, he was enraptured by it and wanted to understand and help however he could...Oh yes, Megatron was going to like this newcomer, such a rare and welcome change from the usual lowlives he was forced to slum with for the betterment of predacon kind.

"And the plan milord, what might it be?" Deathroll inquired, scarcely believing he was right smack in the middle of a secret power play involving not one, but TWO Megatrons, his original leader and his apparent descendant, who more and more was beginning to feel like he was one and the same with his predecessor on so many levels to Deathroll.

Megatron smiled again even more evilly than before, a smile that would have made any maximal who beheld it feel a cold shiver travel through their very spark, as he said "We are in the ancient past of this planet upon which the Great War took a turn for the worst for Megatron's forces, putting us in the ideal position to ALTER the events of the war by removing certain advantages enjoyed by Optimus Prime's forces from play before he even had a chance to utilize them, as well as implement advantages left behind for our sake by the first Megatron to better our odds of accomplishing that task. You Deathroll, and other such long lost warriors who were forgotten by history, hidden away here by the elements and misfortune, can now return to the battlefield thanks to my efforts and those of Commander Nemesis. Essentially, we will ensure that the RIGHT side comes out on top this time around, even before the decepticons and autobots awaken to begin the final battle for the fate of Cybertron and the universe at large. Its ALL here, on my ancestor's heirloom, it led us to you, and it will lead us to victory and beyond. I do regret having to dispose of your original form, but believe me Subcommander, it would have been ill-equipped to deal with the harsh conditions of this primitive world or contend with the more advanced weaponry of our maximal foes, in time you will master the new form I have given you, and if all goes according to plan, you may even return to your original form someday, assuming you don't learn to prefer this one instead, of course. Now then...Can I count on you, Subcommander Deathroll?"

Deathroll was silent throughout all of this, his spark a maelstrom of emotion, pride and loss, hope and despair all mixed into one, he was but one of many lowly soldiers who had dreamt of achieving greatness in the name of Megatron, and now he would do so, just not in the manner he expected, nor for the same Megatron.

"Yes...Yes you can. I Am honored to be a part of this, your grand design, Lord Megatron. And thank you Commander Nemesis, for recovering and bringing me back into the fold" Deathroll said to both his superiors, his initial hostility towards them fading despite his uncertainty, but hope filling his spark at the prospect of being part of something so much bigger than himself, AND getting to be a key player in the master plan rather than just another cog in the wheel as he had been before his rebirth.

"Excellent! Welcome Deathroll, to the Predacons!" Megatron proclaimed proudly, shaking the larger reptile's hand, pleased that he had gained a new follower, one who actually respected his greatness and would follow his orders rather than question or plot against him...And now, he waited for the reaction from Nemesis, over her promotion to Commander, second only to him, the newly renamed "Lord" Megatron...Oh, such a lovely ring his new title had, yyyyyeesssss.

Optimal Optimus Primal · Sun Jan 10, 2016 8:20 pm

(( OOC: Joint post between Mystrea and me. It begins with Optimus. I've only made separations between our characters' posts so there's hopefully less to no confusion here. ))

"Nemesis and Zodiac are both survivors of horrific experiments they didn't wish nor asked to partake in. I have no doubt of that. Yes, they are dangerous, but they both are hurt. And Nemesis has shown mercy in certain cases. Zodiac may be a bit difficult, but I do believe there is hope for them." "I still believe."

At least Whitegrazer could relate to Optimus defending Nemesis. He was, however, hesitant to agree with her on Zodiac. Yes, what was done to the shapeshifter was immoral and against his will, and just recently remembering that Primal had been a part of this atrocity was devastating to him since he was against this abuse now. But that didn't give him the excuse or reasoning to go out and murder everyone as he pleased, whether it was for vengeance, justice or spite. He wasn't so sure anything about Zodiac could be redeemable, if there was anything to redeem since the creation of his spark.

"You were ordered after Megatron because you were closest. I'll be honest not many thought you were up to the task. This problem would have probably fallen into some other hands, like my own. Why do you think you're captain of his little exploration vessel"

"This was my very first ship and my very first crew. I was inexperienced. And I continued to blindly please the High Council, putting all of us in harm's way in order to stop Megatron. I thought I was doing the right thing and I was following orders, just like you, despite going against my better judgement. But who better to seal their fate and forget about them, being rid of more than one problem?" Optimus asked Ironclaw rhetorically, glaring up at him.

"You think you are here by choice?"

"Not by my choice, no," he threw in to make that clear despite the badger not seeking an actual answer for it.

"I don't think anyone knows you're here. I was tracking Zodiac, or Nexus Prime at the time. Why we came out of the worm hole at different times I do not know, I'm no scientist. I'm also not going to indulge your paranoia."

Sure because why question any other possibilities? We can all just simply trust the Council's intentions behind their commands because they've never done wrong before and they know what's best, Primal thought bitterly. Never mind their experiments of Zodiac, Nemesis, Dirge, Protoform X, and who knows how many others that have long since been classified and "lost". And I'm the fool.

"Their mission is peace at our time(!)"

Not from what I've observed... he thought. Optimus had spent a lot of his career behind those closed doors, and in front of the Council. Where had Ironclaw been spending his time in that duration to witness the unethical and failed experiments that were meant to be their new line of defense to uphold peace against those who protested Maximals and were subjected to oppression for so many years? The badger didn't question anything about the Elders and their ill intentions? Really?

"My mission is not obsolete, I have been blessed with purpose far greater than yours. How dare you speak of the High council in such a manner! You know not of what you speak. I am not involved this new order for mere coin!

"Far greater than mine? Perhaps in the beginning, before we traveled back in time. But, Ironclaw, it's you who isn't seeing the bigger picture here. Do you not understand just how desperate things are going to get? It's not a competition. Our very existence could be at stake."

I am one of the High council's instruments...

"Exactly, an instrument. You're simply expendable to them whether you fail or succeed, just as how you perceive me and my mission." Actually, for a moment, Optimus realized how similar their missions were. Ironclaw was hired to delete two of the Council's "mistakes", and Primal's first objective was to be rid of another one of their failed experiments on a desolate planet. The only difference was that he couldn't kill his science project because his spark had been deemed invincible, unable to be exterminated. Allegedly.

...and I will carry out my mission"

"Then you will carry it out without the use of my crew and my ship, per the orders of your blessed mission that didn't require them," Primal made clear. Ironclaw certainly had no right or authority to take advantage of his comrades who were under his command, if that was his intention.

"You think you could have pacified Dirge? Think that you could appeal to him with reason?!"

Optimus stood his ground between Whitegrazer and Ironclaw as the badger got closer, nearly sandwiching the damaged gorilla in the middle. He growled lightly, a warning that came to him naturally given his beat mode, but he refused to make physical contact with him.

"He would have killed both Aurora and Landslide if not for me and that is a fact. None of you know him like I did, he was barely sentient. Once he as his orders, he will never stop, I have witnessed it before."

"Then I think we can agree that you didn't kill Dirge to save Aurora and Landslide, you did it because it was your 'job', essentially taking advantage of their dire situation. So don't expect a parade on your behalf because my Maximals and I don't operate that way; we don't need to murder someone as a solution. We're improvisational and opportunistic. We've gotten this far without your interference, so I think we're worthy of a little credibility and recognition considering what we have been up against."

"Tell me Whitegrazer. Did you try to bargain with Zodiac. What did you try to bargain with? No who-"

Optimus looked at Ironclaw, puzzled as he had cut himself off and was clearly looking past him to see the mare behind him. There was a split second of piercing, stinging pain that came from Whitegrazer just before she blocked it from him. It caused him to immediately turn his head over his shoulder to look at her.

"Zodiac, where are you? What are you doing?"

Then he heard Whitegrazer speaking to... Zodiac? almost thinking that the shapeshifter had returned, angry for his fallen minion. Since that wasn't the case, he noticed the blue illumination on her arm and immediately recognized it. How did she-?! Had Zodiac touched her and spread his nanobots on to her? What was more, was she... was she communicating with him? As she did with Optimus...? For some reason, he felt violated about that even though she was the one who probably felt more so. To think that she could be sharing her mind with his and his with her's? Would that interfere with his bond to her? ...They could, however, use that to their advantage... So many questions but no time to ask. He frowned while watching her hold her head, appearing to be in pain. How he wished this day would end... That all of this would end. While the Commander looked at Whitegrazer with bewilderment, he was suddenly struck by the badger's cold and accusing words.

"You could have stopped this!

"How?! I'm just an insignificant Maximal destined to amount to nothing but a speck of dust in Cybertron's history, according to you and the Council!" he returned, growing angry with the TransMetal honey badger.

You have no power over me and you will not stop me from me from bring those to justice.

"It's not justice it's murder! It's just a job description to you! It's a cover-up to end the High Council's rogue experiments that got away from them!" He licked the scar across his lips. "Ironclaw, I see you no different than Dirge! You claim that if he was ordered to kill, then he would carry out that command. You've been ordered by the Council to kill him, Zodiac, and Nemesis, and you've already succeeded with one execution. So how does your mission make it right to take lives? Because the Council said so, using you as their 'instrument', their 'bounty hunter'? You're more blind than I am. Now, back off," he warned him, growing uncomfortable with him standing so close to him, Whitegrazer and Aurora.

You, who thinks being a Maximal is about what you think is right, be damned the rules. You bring shame to what it is to be a Maximal in this new order!"

Ha ha ha ha! Yes! He gets it! Isn't that what I've been telling you, Optimus? You are a disgrace! a whisper told him. You've done nothing for these Maximals or Cybertron! You've shamed your namesake!

Primal's breathing increased, at first with embarrassment - with all eyes on the both of them - and decreased self-esteem thanks to Ironclaw's condescending words as well one of those returning voices in his troubled mind. Then he started to fill with rage, and he clenched his sharp teeth, staring at the badger rudely pointing his finger directly in front of his face, invading his space. "I said, back off!" With a growl, he lifted his right arm and swung it upward at Ironclaw's forearm to swat the hand with the extended index finger away from his face. At the same time, Optimus used the palm of his left hand to propel it into Ironclaw's upper stomach in order to push him backwards and put more space between them.

-----

Ironclaw grunted and took a step back, his back foot placed firmly in the ground. He didn't expect Optimus to do that. Though he saw mixed emotions on the gorilla's face. Maybe he had finally succumbed to the madness that befalls normal bots when they have undergone terrible torture. He gave up trying to reason with this mad bot. The High council was a great power in the galaxy and they would see fit that peace is brought to it. Idealist like Optimus and his crew would have to get out out of the way or be silenced.

Ironclaw never got a parade or appreciation for what he did, that was not why he did what he did. Optimus and probably still could not see that it was the only way. He pretends to know what Dirge would have done, apple his own morals to him, stupidity. Optimus continued to make idiotic comments, trying to compare Dirge and himself and yet again he called him a bounty hunter! Implying that the badger was here just because he was paid to do so. The audacity!

Ironclaw regained his composure and stood up straight, he was a professional after all. his graduation from the academy and success through the trials proved it so. He had been through for more scrutiny than poor Optimus Primal. He wasn't up to the task. Plus he didn't want to fight Optimus but he would defend himself."I am not here because I have been ordered to kill anyone, those are your words. Those who have committed crimes against the High council and their new order will face justice. They will be given a choice, if they refuse to face judgement then I will end them and the pain they have caused. Your incompetent leader will step aside, captain" He said as his optics had locked with he transmetal gorilla's.

-----

"I am not here because I have been ordered to kill anyone, those are your words. Those who have committed crimes against the High council and their new order will face justice.

"Fine, 'neutralize'," Optimus corrected himself recalling Ironclaw's actual words, satisfied that the badger had stepped back. "So you didn't have to murder Dirge you just did so because it was easier. But it was not the only way to stop him whether you've 'tangled' with him and his kind before or not. If your orders were to 'neutralize' them, in the vaguest sense, and if you were supposed to return them to face justice for their crimes that were indirectly caused by the Council in the first place since they made them who they are, then just where were you going to keep them under your arrest and how were you planning on bringing them back to Cybertron for their trials?" None of it was making sense to Primal. He felt like they were simply dancing around what was pretty obvious. Whether Ironclaw was ordered to kill them or not, he was obviously going to do whatever it took to stop them, which meant taking their lives. That was not Maximal conduct, at least not the kind that Optimus allowed under his command. The High Council no doubt would approve of Ironclaw's actions. So how did that make them right? Mind-boggling. Murdering them would also not bring peace that Ironclaw claimed the Council was so interested in upholding. Killing Dirge might have made things even worse between the Maximals and Zodiac, if that was possible. Peace? No. There was never going to peace. The Predacons, such as Megatron and Cryotek, had been oppressed for too long now. War was inevitable because the Council failed to seek balance and compromise between the factions. All they wanted to maintain was the control they had. ...Or was Optimus already going crazy? Did the others agree with the badger? Did they understand something he wasn't? He didn't bother looking around at their faces to find out, his focus remained on the bigger bot standing before him.

Primal understood what he was doing, he was well aware. The things he has said about the Elders and the accusations of conspiracies was borderline treason. He could easily be court-marshaled for saying such atrocities, and encouraging the behavior within his ranks to be more thoughtful of goings on behind closed doors and considering other possibilities. He would accept his punishment given having his own trial, whether it be imprisonment or even if meant having a hit-man silencing him. He would fight for what he thought was morally and ethically right.

They will be given a choice, if they refuse to face judgement then I will end them and the pain they have caused.

"So if they refuse to face judgement, then you make the judgement for them...?" Primal thoughtfully spoke out loud. What gave Ironclaw that right? Authority from the Council to 'neutralize' them? What? What was happening here? Could Ironclaw hear himself?

Your incompetent leader will step aside, captain"

Incompetent?! Step aside from what...?

Step aside, Optimus! Ha ha ha ha! You incompetent fool! Ironclaw's problem is now your problem.

My, my. What ever will you do, Primal? Megatron's voice taunted him. Your burdens and prerogatives continue to stack up high on your shoulders. There is no relief for you. No peace. We Predacons will rise up and destroy everything you Maximals have fought so hard to create! And it's so simple. The ultimate uprising is at my finger tips!

Step aside!

Optimus tried to find his and Whitegrazer's green meadow to subdue the whispers... I've done good, too. I've made sacrifices... he tried convincing the whispers, or himself. Some of his thoughts wandered to Zodiac back on Cybertron with Nexus, and X, and what he had been involved with back then. It was appalling and left a stain on his professional record.

Step aside!

His mind panicked. He had no communication or guidance from the Empath while she blocked her anguish from him... The voices continued to mock him, push him, tease him, belittle him...

STEP ASIDE, Captain of an insignificant exploration crew! Ha ha ha! Your mission was meaningless! Ironclaw's takes precedence over yours, making him superior, never mind what's probably at stake here on Earth as you said. Ha ha ha! This gives Megatron a huge advantage. What has he been doing lately anyway? Hm? You haven't seen him ever since he beat the slag out of you, tortured you, made you almost unrecognizable.

All that pain he had endured in his torn legs, his hands shredded and ripped apart, Tarantulas more than ecstatic to poke around in his processor. Tossed, bitten, thrown, stomped on. The laughter at his expense and degrading, hurtful words. The Vok and their moon-disguised weapon meant to disintegrate the entire planet. His own death and the pain that put Whitegrazer through. The losses of Nightmist, Valkyrie, and Icebreaker under his leadership. Aurora being shot and almost dying. Whitegrazer being nearly fatally injured by Nemesis and Zodiac. They had all been through so much heartache and trauma together, and Optimus was not about to give that up or surrender. Not after everything.

Fighting everything in his head and now Ironclaw before him, Optimus seemed to do the unthinkable and pulled his gun from his hip, aiming it up at the badger's chest. With his index finger resting on the trigger, his hand very slightly trembled in anger and under pressure of the situation. "Step aside? This is my crew and my vessel, Ironclaw! You do what you claim you have to do, but you do it on your own. Do you understand me? I will not allow you to subject my Maximals to such callous nonsense! They are not part of your mission, they part of mine. So you will leave now or I will be forced to take action."

----

The badgers face almost went into shock when he saw Optimus draw his fire arm and point it at his chest. He would go as far as shooting me?It was not like Optimus at all to point a weapon at any Maximal. These were trying times for the compromised leader, looked like he had finally cracked. Ironclaw's keen optics noticed the slight tremble in Primal's hand. He wouldn't fire. His optics narrowed and he swiped his arm up against the gorilla's hand, knocking the gun out of his grasp. Ironclaw clenched his fists ready for a follow up. He'd lost given up on talk.

----

For a moment, Primal's gaze focused past the end of his gun's barrel and observed the look on Ironclaw's face. Why was he so surprised? Optimus wasn't quite aware as to how he was portraying himself at that moment.

FIRE! DO IT! DO IT, YOU COWARD!

Coward! Ha ha ha ha ha! Megatron laughed.

Pull the trigger, you incompetent leader!

And yet he fought the voices. For all the times Ironclaw disobeyed him, back-talked him, secluded and isolated himself, Primal still didn't have the strength to fire at another Maximal. But he was so very close. All he had to do was the pull the trigger. Just to defend his crew and chase Ironclaw away.

Suddenly, the badger's hand swung out and connected with the leader's, knocking his weapon right out of his hand. He watched it fly through the air and land a good distance away from them, rolling across the ground until it came to a stop. Outraged as he was by the action, it was probably for the better. Optimus huffed and licked the scar across his mouth, glaring at Ironclaw. Then he threw a punch to the side of his abdomen, placing a lot of power and speed behind his fist. He wasn't intimidated by Ironclaw's size and thick armor, which may have been a miscalculation since the gorilla was already damaged from battle, but there just seemed to be a lot of aggression and tension that Primal needed to release. It was as though Ironclaw was his punching bag, throwing right hook after left hook at his stomach.

Yes! Keep going! Hit him! Hit him! the whispers chanted.

Primal forgot about the meadow. He forgot about Whitegrazer and Aurora behind him. He simply let loose his frustration and mental anguish on Ironclaw.

-----

Another sucker punch. Ironclaw grunted inwardly this time and instead of taking another step back he took a step forward. The badger pushed away Primal's incoming fist then lunged his own straight at his head. The time for talk was over.

-----

Optimus barely had enough time to drop his head away from Ironclaw's incoming fist, dodging it. With years of battle, and sparring with Whitegrazer, the leader instinctively coiled his arms against his chest to protect it, pulling his head down behind his fists until he went for an upper cut with his right hand toward the badger's jaw once Ironclaw's swing had cleared him. However, since Optimus was a little shorter, he had to reach up higher to actually make a connection, putting one of his feet on its "toes" and also leaving his right side to his chest and abdomen wide open in the middle of his upward lunge.

-----

Ironclaw's fist barely missed Primal's head as he went for the punch. His weight went slightly forward leaving him vulnerable, this allowed the gorilla's uppercut to connect with his jaw. That was the Optimus he knew existed, he was fast and strong. The badger recovered from the attack quite quickly and followed it up with a quick to his opponents chest.

-----

Ironclaw's maneuver to Primal's chest packed a punch and stung his burnt armor, causing him to stumble back a couple steps while his center of balance was already skewed and hold an arm over the throbbing.

Hit him! Attack! Stop being such a coward and a pathetic excuse for a Maximal! a whisper hissed.

He thinks you're scum! Insignificant scum!

You're dragging your knuckles again, Primal! Ha ha ha ha ha! Megatron mocked.

Optimus huffed and came quickly at Ironclaw despite his faint limp, lifting his right leg and swinging his wide foot at the badger's left knee to stomp on it.

-----

Ironclaw lowered his leg after his successful on Optimus' chest, here is where he will show his true advantage. The badger did not want to fight the gorilla but he would defend himself. Optimus seemed truly at wits end, as he had already suspected. Enough pondering! Optimus went for a kick to the knee, it landed, causing Ironclaw to almost lower to a knelt position. He followed up reaching out and grabbing Optimus' arm before he could land another punch and placed his other hand on his chest. In a quick motion he lifted him off his feet only to come crashing down on to the ground a second later.

-----

There was a weightlessness and vulnerability that Optimus felt as he was lifted into the air by the badger and thrown back down on to the ground on his back. He landed with an, "Oof," uplifting dirt and dust, and exhaled a light cough. It reminded him how he had never physically fought with Ironclaw before and how strong he was to lift him so effortlessly. Perhaps he had underestimated him. Of course, right now there wasn't much thinking on Primal's end, mostly blind aggression. The badger remained calm while the leader was growing angrier, feeling as though he needed to put this so-called Maximal in his place and make sure he wasn't going to do anything to Whitegrazer if he actually saw her as a threat for "fraternizing with the enemy".

Get up, you sad Maximal. Get up.

You're losing this battle, just as it was predicted before it even began. Ha ha ha ha

Optimus slowly rolled on his side, pretending to take his time as if he was in more pain than he really was. Well, he was really more out-winded than anything besides some throbbing through his back. Sitting up on his knees, he swiftly reached back over his shoulder and grabbed one of his clubs detaching it. Then he swung the club low to the ground toward the outside of Ironclaw's ankle, placing the nubs of the ball behind his foot and then abruptly yanking it toward himself in an attempt to pull the larger bot off of his feet.

-----

Ironclaw glanced down at the struggling gorilla, he had no intention of causing anymore damage while he was down. He watched him as he tried to regain his breath and turned himself over. The badger's optics didn't leave him despite his advantage and he saw him reach for his club. Quickly stepping out of the way he avoided the club and then reached down plucked it from Primal's grasp. After looking at the weapon for a moment he pointed it down at Optimus. "I feel sorry for you Primal, your moral compass has led to this. " He finished by throwing the club away and he began to leave.

-----

Primal growled, furious when Ironclaw took his club and tossed it away. He had another one attached to his back but he didn't bother grabbing it.

"I feel sorry for you Primal, your moral compass has led to this."

"MY moral compass?!" he responded as he got to his feet, clearly offended and ignoring his own less-than-honorable conduct recently. "You're the one who took someone else's life!" Now that he was watching Ironclaw walk away, the action he wanted him to take in the first place, he was insulted and determined to take a stand.

He turned his back to you, defying you again, Primal! Stop him!

How dare he! Stop him!

You don't deserve this kind of behavior, Optimus! Show him who's in control. Or are you a pathetic, insignificant, poor excuse of a Maximal leader?

Optimus licked the scar across his lips again and picked up his gun. Then he converted to his vehicle mode and blasted off toward the larger bot. He flipped the bottom of his hover board upward so that it faced the badger with the intent of slamming it against his back to knock him down forward.

-----

As he walked away there was the sound of some sort of propulsion, he was about to turn around but it was too late and he got forced to the ground. His claw dug into the ground and braced his fall. He had just about had enough of this. Ironclaw stoop up and faced Optimus Primal, ready to fight.

"You may think me a monster, I have no illusions about it but I do what must be done. For a better world." The badger expressed what he believed and then readied himself for combat.

-----

Optimus hovered there in the air as Ironclaw was knocked over. Waiting for him to get back up, he reverted back to his robot mode and landed on ground with his feet and a thud. He grabbed his other club and held it tightly in his hand.

Yes! Ha ha ha ha ha!

Well done, Primal. Now finish him!

Keep attacking! Why waste your opportunity kick him while he's down by letting him back up? I thought you were an opportunist!

Optimus snarled inwardly at the voices, essentially telling them to back off and he had it handled.

"You may think me a monster, I have no illusions about it but I do what must be done. For a better world."

"What's going to eventually happen here is bigger than both of us, Ironclaw. Hunt Zodiac but stay out of my way and let me concentrate on Megatron!" Lifting his club, he spun around and used his momentum and speed swinging his weapon toward the badger's side with as much force as he could.

-----

That almost sounded reasonable to the badger but it was far too late for that. When he saw Optimus raise his weapon, he ducked down slightly and brought his hands together, clasping them tightly. As Optimus approached he swung back slightly. When he got close enough, the badger swung both arms up. With great force his linked fists impacted Optimus' jaw and sent him off his feet. The club only just being interrupted before it hit him. Ironclaw had just about lost his temper with Optimus. With a grim expression he walked over to Optimus as if he was building up to something. When Ironclaw got a bit closer is arm raised and he pointed at Optimus as he was on the ground.

"We could end this. We could save everyone" before continuing he stopped pointing but moved closer and stared down at Optimus. "They have to answer for their crimes. And they keep coming back don't you see?!? Every time you negotiate, you try to understand. But not today. No! Today I honoured the victims first! His, Megatron's, the Predacon's. All those who have died because OF YOUR MERCY!" Ironclaw got angry as he ended bur realised that he didn't just mean the bot before him.

-----

There was a sudden amount of pressure against Primal's chin. He saw the incoming fists but didn't have the time to react. With a deep, ape-like yelp, he flew into the air, rolling backwards a few times and landed on the ground again on his back. He laid there motionless and quiet.

After a few minutes, the leader slowly stirred as his systems rebooted and the pain in his jaw made him shudder. His entire face ached with a deep throbbing. His vision was blurry and he felt lightheaded. When the concussion-like symptoms gradually faded, he started to hear Ironclaw's voice.

"We could end this. We could save everyone"

I've already done that, Optimus thought dismissively while he took his time sitting up.

"They have to answer for their crimes. And they keep coming back don't you see?!? Every time you negotiate, you try to understand. But not today. No! Today I honoured the victims first! His, Megatron's, the Predacon's. All those who have died because OF YOUR MERCY!"

Primal's mouth opened to object to the things the badger said first, but it was his last statement that he shouted that made him hold his tongue. Was he right...? He had lost lives and friends under his command when he could never even the odds because he refused to kill any Predacons, whether they were responsible for their deaths or not. Optimus glanced up at Ironclaw before he lowered his head seemingly in shame. Gingerly rubbing his jaw with one of his hands, he stood up and walked over with his light limp to pick up both of his clubs where they were laying. Then he stood there thoughtfully with his left side facing Ironclaw, his body still burnt and beaten up from Inferno and Terrorsaur's attacks, his head sore from the badger. He glanced at Whitegrazer and Aurora before looking away from all of them as he admitted, "I was never meant for any of this. I'm just a Captain of an exploration crew. I don't have the qualifications or the knowledge to defeat these Predacons. I clearly don't have what it takes to win this war." He stood there quietly, rummaging through his thoughts and sudden lack of confidence. He didn't hear the whispers... for now. Maybe Ironclaw's double-fisted uppercut rattled his circuits enough to have shorted them out.

-----

Ironclaw stood by as his defeated opponent recovered. He watched him get up and collect his clubs, his demeanor had completely changed. He really was defeated. The badger believed what had was necessary and stood firm with his decisions. But it was time to make it formal.

"You know what the book says Optimus. I'm relieving you of command." Ironclaw proclaimed as he moved towards the Axalon. "I will assume command, effective immediately"

-----

"You know what the book says Optimus. I'm relieving you of command." "I will assume command, effective immediately"

"That's improper protocol, Ironclaw," Optimus told him as he lifted his head and stared at the badger's back as he walked toward the Axalon. "I will step down," it was hard for him to swallow those words but he was obviously emotionally and mentally compromised and he would not argue that point, "but this is my crew and the chain of command falls to my second-in-command, who is Rhinox. Besides, I said my crew is not at your disposal for your mission. They will have no part in it." He gently placed his clubs back onto his aching back side where Terrorsaur had shot him earlier and glanced at Whitegrazer and Aurora once more with great uncertainty and desperation in his orange optics; desperate for help to overcome his mental and emotional anguish and torture.

Whitegrazer... I need your help... I need to be healed, he pleaded to her whether she was still blocking him or not.

This change in command was obviously going to effect his Maximals, no matter who was going to take the lead. It could be devastating... and now was not the time to deplete their hopes and confidence within the ranks, especially with Zodiac on the loose again. It was as though the Predacons were still better off since their commander was still in charge and doing what he does best; scheming. Where has he been lately? It concerned Primal. But he knew, first and foremost, that he needed to find his way back to who he was so he could continue to command his Maximals to the best of his ability. He had deviated so far off of his reputation and personality that he was truly feeling lost now and he admitted that he needed help to find his way back on to the path where he had began. He just couldn't do it alone.

una · Unread post by **una** » Sun Jan 10, 2016 11:25 pm

((OOC: That was an awesome joint post, OOP and Mystrea! I loved it! I feel so bad for Optimus and what he has been through, and the fight between Ironclaw and Optimus wasn't what I expected yet I did.

I will try my best to have a post for Whitegrazer and Blackarachnia shortly. ))

Mystrea · Unread post by **Mystrea** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 6:13 am

"You dare lecture me about protocol? Whether you like it or not, even out here you're all still members of the Maximal military and you will follow that protocol. Not your own" Ironclaw corrected Optimus according to the policies and that had been set for them all to follow.

The badger stopped heading towards the Axalon and went right back to Primal. "You're in no position to make calls like that. I'll tell you how it's going to go. I'm going to take command of this crew and they will do as I say and whom ever is second in command will be up to me. You can accept this or go to the brig, that's your choice." The badger stood quite closely to Optimus' side and said it to him quite quietly. Ironclaw had no intent of bein messed around. Things would change here and now. He was a by the book type. He followed the rules to the letter and never deviated. He'd gone through that book far more times than Primal ever had.

With that, he decided to stay behind and wait for everyone to go back inside.

(I know me and OOP just that joint post but I couldn't let those last words go

)

una · Unread post by **una** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 6:20 pm

Phoenix wrote:"I said leave me alone!,"

You...Whitegrazer understood Zodiac's reaction to her speaking inside his own soul. Like some other voice. A conscience. Instead, she wasn't his conscience. She was a sentient being talking to another sentinet being without awareness of the connection they had... until now. She despised such a thing. It felt like a violation towards Zodiac and as well as herself. She had something like this during the war many times. Some were.... disturbing. Disgusting. Forced upon her. She hated them. That hate coursed through her connections. As for Zodiac... she disliked it. Zodiac made the move, and yet, he wasn't aware like some of the others. The images and flashbacks of bots, both Maximal and Predacon, sneering and mocking her, trying to use her like some plaything. Though, it was ancient history, and those bots... She got her justice. Zodiac's case was complicated, and she knew the cost of going deeper inside someone's own soul. You found out about the connections I create, if I so choose, but not all connections are by choice. Such as the one you and I have been given.

The blue glow raced to her own chest, growing. Remindng her of moments before where Zodiac held her by the throat and she watched and felt as the nanobots were liquidifying her chest plate and throat. That pain... returned and lingered. Your attempt to devour me sparked the flow of memories we each saw of each other, which made a connection. A connection formed by certain ties. And I do believe you are well aware of what I'm talking about.

Ironclaw's grip on her upper arm was noticed, but yet, she remained frozen. Though, she did flinch and felt insulted by Ironclaw's words towards her. And by touching her, it made a part of her boil at such... disregard. She had been touched several times today. If she was like Nemesis, like her past self, she would have rip them apart. She would make them get down on the ground and plead forgiveness or acceptance.

She wasn't like that, but yet, that didn't mean those feelings didn't arose deep inside her soul. She controlled them... No, she put them to better use.

Seeing through Zodiac's optics, she knew... she knew what he was searching for. Zodiac, are you sure you would be able to control it? Many have tried to harness such power and it destroyed them. Why are you confident you can control it?

The argument between Optimus and Ironclaw was turning into something she didn't expect. She agreed with Optimus. She stood by Optimus' statements towards Ironclaw. But her soul skipped a beat when he pushed Ironclaw. Optimus was irritated. On his straw while Ironclaw just kept goading him. It might not have been Ironclaw's intent, but things were heating up. She hoped. She almost made a step to put herself in between Ironclaw and Optimus before there was any harm. But there was a great pain in her chest for a moment. That kept her still when Optimus raised his weapon and Ironclaw attacked.

"Stop! Stop fighting." Whitegrazer asked them.

But they didn't seem to hear her. She kept Aurora with her. Not wanting the little one to be harmed if things continued the way they were or got worse.

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"I feel sorry for you Primal, your moral compass has led to this. "

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"You may think me a monster, I have no illusions about it but I do what must be done. For a better world."

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"What's going to eventually happen here is bigger than both of us, Ironclaw. Hunt Zodiac but stay out of my way and let me concentrate on Megatron!"

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"We could end this. We could save everyone" before continuing he stopped pointing but moved closer and stared down at Optimus. "They have to answer for their crimes. And they keep coming back don't you see?!? Every time you negotiate, you try to understand. But not today. No! Today I honoured the victims first! His, Megatron's, the Predacon's. All those who have died because OF YOUR MERCY!"

Whitegrazer's fist clenched. Her lips pressed together. Almost a growl like before when she dealt with the pain Zodiac left her. The nanomachines fixing her injuries. Her spark clenched and ached and burned. What was the nanomachines doing near her spark?

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote: "I was never meant for any of this. I'm just a Captain of an exploration crew. I don't have the qualifications or the knowledge to defeat these Predacons. I clearly don't have what it takes to win this war."

Her features did soften when Optimus looked at her and Aurora. She stared at his optics. Her hand reached out towards him. "Optimus..." Whitegrazer walked towards him. "You are right. You didn't have the qualifications to begin with, but that's not your failing. The High Council, if they knew, should have had their own operatives to handle this, not an exploration crew. It was not your fault, but you have learned, Optimus. Learned so much since the Beast Wars started. In my opinion, no matter the circumstances, you did what you thought was right. As you always do. "

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"You know what the book says Optimus. I'm relieving you of command."

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"That's improper protocol, Ironclaw," Optimus told him as he lifted his head and stared at the badger's back as he walked toward the Axalon. "I will step down," it was hard for him to swallow those words but he was obviously emotionally and mentally compromised and he would not argue that point, "but this is my crew and the chain of command falls to my second-in-command, who is Rhinox. Besides, I said my crew is not at your disposal for your mission. They will have no part in it."

Whitegrazer listened to what he said. It was something she had been meaning to talk to Optimus about, but things just kept hitting them. She should have forgotten about them, and made her suggestion known. At least, Optimus wouldn't have had to go through... this. "It was my fault, Optimus. I shouldn't have let you go into battle. We... I guess we all just wanted our leader back. " She smiled warmly at Optimus, "And you are. You just need time to recover from what has happened. I will do my very best to help you heal. But I know it won't just be me. Your crew, your friends, your family will help you. Let us help you as you have helped us many times."

She could read it in his optics. Though, because of her connection with Zodiac, she didn't wish to unblock her connection until it was safe to do so. Optimus didn't need more on his mind. The only thing he should be focused on was his recovery.

"You will be okay, Optimus. Believe in yourself as we believe in you."

As she believed in him.

"You dare lecture me about protocol? Whether you like it or not, even out here you're all still members of the Maximal military and you will follow that protocol. Not your own" Ironclaw corrected Optimus according to the policies and that had been set for them all to follow.

The badger stopped heading towards the Axalon and went right back to Primal. "You're in no position to make calls like that. I'll tell you how it's going to go. I'm going to take command of this crew and they will do as I say and whom ever is second in command will be up to me. You can accept this or go to the brig, that's your choice."

Whitegrazer kept herself in between Optimus and Ironclaw. Whitegrazer stared at Ironclaw. Her face calm and serene yet her voice firm towards Ironclaw. " He would not be going to the brig." She couldn't believe Ironclaw even threatened that on Optimus. Also, she disagreed with Ironclaw's attempt at trying to take command. "We will discuss this matter with the rest of the crew, but I believe we should listen to Optimus. Keep the command structure that is familiar to everyone. "

Whitegrazer looked at Aurora, wondering what she thought.

"We need to find a way to deal with Zodiac together. And we must do it quickly." Whitegrazer then added. "We need to talk to Blackarachnia also." She would also tell about what happened between Zodiac and her and how she got those nanomachines.

Unread post by **Phoenix** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 11:15 pm

You found out about the connections I create, if I so choose, but not all connections are by choice. Such as the one you and I have been given.

Zodiac's lips curled partway into a twisted smile, the irony of his predicament not lost on him. Given wasn't exactly the word he would have used to describe such an unwanted, involuntary action that had been forced upon him. But it was becoming apparent to him that the more he fought the connection, the more he attempted to force her out, the worse his headache was getting. So for the time being he tried to remain calm.

"You do realize I will gladly kill you to get you out of my head," he responded out loud, still not sure how this connection thing worked.

Your attempt to devour me sparked the flow of memories we each saw of each other, which made a connection. A connection formed by certain ties. And I do believe you are well aware of what I'm talking about.

He shook his head slowly as he returned his gaze to the map showing the tunnel system he was at the center of. "Am I?," he retorted back to her as he made a few calculations. "What if I tell you I don't have the vaguest idea what you are talking about? Now end this foolishness. Disable the connection."

The shapeshifter was far too proud to plead with her, instead his request had come across as more of a demand. He was relieved that he was alone, as anyone witnessing him talking to himself like this would surely think he had lost his mind. In a way he supposed he had.. To her. And that was the most infuriating part about all of this.

And yet the range of the female's abilities were about to become much clearer to him. Zodiac had made his way back to the console and placed his hand on it, his hand again glowing blue as he traced his fingers across the surface. It was as if his nanomachines were drawn to the alien technology, perhaps recognizing it in their own sense. Although Zodiac himself was very much so Cybertronian in nature, the technology used to create the nanomachines was of alien origin.

Zodiac, are you sure you would be able to control it? Many have tried to harness such power and it destroyed them. Why are you confident you can control it?

The movement of his hand stopped in an instant. Harness such power..? What was she talking about? Was she referring to her most unwanted gift to him, or did she somehow know what he was about to unleash upon the Maximals..? Thus far he had assumed that the female's powers were limited to communicating telepathically, but was she able to read minds as well? The latter idea made him cringe a little.

He did not respond to her inquiry, not wanting to provide any additional information. Instead he started the lengthy process of activating the alien machines.

Aurora had narrowed her green optics at the much taller Ironclaw as the former engineer, now turned out to be an agent of the Maximal Elder Council themselves, approached Whitegrazer and even grabbed her arm.. Which was glowing that by now all too familiar shade of blue! The fuzor's optics darted over to Whitegrazer in shock and confusion, for a split second wondering if the older female was actually the shapeshifter in disguise. But it couldn't be.. She wasn't getting that vibe from her at all. Instead Whitegrazer's presence seemed to have the same soothing effect it always did.

Unfortunately it was too late for even Whitegrazer's calming powers to interrupt the inevitable showdown between Optimus and Ironclaw. But to Aurora's surprise, it was Optimus that attacked first even though Ironclaw had done everything in his power to bring him to that point. Aurora gasped as the two started brawling, even threatening to shoot each other.

"What are you doing?!," she demanded, but her voice was easily drowned in the sounds of their quarrel. Whitegrazer, too, tried to reason with them to no avail. Still the fuzor was grateful for her presence and protection.

Optimus was not doing well in the battle, the tremendous stress and wounds he had inflicted upon him having taken their toll. It didn't take long for Ironclaw to get the upper hand and declare himself the victor. But what was about to be revealed would prove to be even more surprising.

"I was never meant for any of this. I'm just a Captain of an exploration crew. I don't have the qualifications or the knowledge to defeat these Predacons. I clearly don't have what it takes to win this war."

"You know what the book says Optimus. I'm relieving you of command." "I will assume command, effective immediately"

"That's improper protocol, Ironclaw. I will step down, but this is my crew and the chain of command falls to my second-in-command, who is Rhinox. Besides, I said my crew is not at your disposal for your mission. They will have no part in it."

What?!

Aurora's ears flattened against her head in uncertainty, her mouth dropping open for the same reason. Did Optimus just..?

"Wait..," the fuzor finally uttered when she finally managed to clear her mind enough say something, "This is mutiny, Ironclaw! You can't do this! Optimus may not be himself but he's still our leader!" She was afraid her protests would fall upon deaf ears, however.

"You dare lecture me about protocol? Whether you like it or not, even out here you're all still members of the Maximal military and you will follow that protocol. Not your own" "You're in no position to make calls like that. I'll tell you how it's going to go. I'm going to take command of this crew and they will do as I say and whom ever is second in command will be up to me. You can accept this or go to the brig, that's your choice."

Aurora couldn't believe what she was hearing. Unlike the others, she had never seen Cybertron in person. She only knew of it, and the Elders, by what the other Maximals had told her and what she had found out during her own studies. The only life she had ever known of was on this planet, so the thought of a military band of elders regulating all the rules was foreign to her.

"You've lost your mind!," she shouted after Ironclaw as he proceeded towards the Axalon. "We are Maximals. We don't settle disputes by battling out our differences. That is the Predacon way, not ours!"

"I knew not what, who, I was facing, everything about this situation is madness to me...DO NOT MOCK ME, little sister."

Nemesis stood her ground, even as Deathroll caused a small earthquake. She understood how confusing the situation was for the new recruit, as it had not been that long since she had been downgraded in size to this Predacon form. It had taken her months to even start to accept her loss. And the shock must be even greater for someone like Deathroll, given the fact the original Megatron had perished a long time before Nemesis had even been assembled.

"Then do not tempt me to do so," she quipped back, but she quickly followed up with a smile. "Yes, I realize this is a shock to you. But surely it's better than the alternative," she said, referring to the unfavorable situation she had found Deathroll in to begin with. Truth be told he would likely have remained in the swamp for all eternity, had Megatron not ordered her to bring him back.

"Now now you two, we all got off on the wrong foot, but that's all behind us, I want my new Commander and Subcommander to get along with one another, you'll be working together closely, yyyyesssss"

Her red optics wandered over to Megatron, his words taking a moment to sink in. She had not been expecting him to say that, and for the next few nanoclicks she waited for him to reveal that it had been a joke of sort. But the reveal didn't come.

You Deathroll, and other such long lost warriors who were forgotten by history, hidden away here by the elements and misfortune, can now return to the battlefield thanks to my efforts and those of Commander Nemesis.

The words sounded just as surreal the second time, but Nemesis tried not to let her confusion show too much. It wasn't that she desired a high rank, but when offered one she certainly wasn't going to turn it down.

"Excellent! Welcome Deathroll, to the Predacons!"

The newly appointed commander nodded respectfully to both Deathroll and their newly renamed lord Megatron. Of course she could only imagine how the now demoted fire ant and the other Predacons would take this bit of news.

NaitoKage · Unread post by **NaitoKage** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 11:45 pm

( This must be the week of wall long posts. Welp, time to add more. )

Umbra observed as Starshadow made her escape into the air, heading above the jungle using the scanners on the Darksyde. He simply shook his head "No matter where you run, there's no escape.." he said to himself, then activated the signal to the collar, giving Star an intense surge of pain. After activating the collar he rushed out of the Darksyde, running rather swiftly in the direction Starshadow was heading.

Starshadow screamed in pain and fell from the sky as Umbra once again used her collar of pain to cripple her, landing hard on the branches which broke her fall...kinda. She had to get some distance away from him and the dense jungle has the perfect advantage to it. She stood up using the tree as a support and made her way deeper inside on foot.

Umbra watched Star fall into the jungle, calculating the crash location in his head, he came to the edge of the jungle hopping up and grabbing some of the tree branches with his tentacles, then started to swing and jump through the trees making his way towards the location.His body camo activating giving a pattern of bark and leaves in splotches. While the dense vegetation would give her cover, Star was hardly that stealthy with a snow white body and scent of Ozone.The Octopus's own skills as a ninja would make tracking her easier then the typical predacon.

Starshadow was not walking any faster due to the collar of pain. She had to hide somewhere he'll never be able to track. Limping towards the open, she found a huge waterfall. Her optics zoomed in a scanned the environment around her. The catbot was in luck! She discovered a hidden cave behind the waterfall. Sincd her foot prints and scent would make it easier for Umbra to follow her, she jumped in to the cold waters and flew behind the waterfall and inside the dark cave. Better to get lost in the darkness than being captured again.

Umbra made it to the crash point, observing the broken branches he crawled down to the ground observing the point of impact, broken blades of grass and footprints on the ground of Starshadow's typical highheel like feet. One of his tentacles came down near one of the footprints as the chemical receptors on it took in the scent and flavor, his eyes observing the gait pattern of her walk. she was staggered, possibly injured or an effect of the collar.. Either way, she'd be slowed down and on foot. Umbra continued to follow the path, coming to a stop at the water, he looked around at the waterfall "Hrm..." His visor then slid down as he activated his sonar visor, sending out some loud high pitched pings as he looked around the environment, noticing some details coming through from the waterfall, but so far no visual confirmation.

With no visual confirmation after a bit, Umbra sighed shaking his head. "Well, so much for her.." he said out loud, then activated the collar's self destruct signal. He couldn't allow her to leave alive after all. A second later, Star's collar started to beep loudly as a countdown.

Starshadow was already in too much pain to carry on walking. The crash from earlier didn't help either. Her loud groan from her agony echoed around her. The sound of the beeping annoyed her. Umbra activated the self destruct system of her collar. Her only chance is if she could cause a shortcircuit like she did before with the other tools that bounded her. Starshadow released a high voltage of electricity, directing it to the collar.

The surge of electricity had no effect on the collar, as it was grounded to her body. The loud discharge of electricity caused Umbra to turn his head, he deactivated the self destruct and busted into the waterfall. "That's not going to work.. " He said with his visor sliding up. " Give it up already, your just making it harder on yourself. Even without that collar.. you wont survive out here.. Going on your own will just be a slow death sentence.. "

"Better than you torturing me to have me be at your beck and call..." Starshadow activated her arm blade and swings it infront of him.
Umbra hopped back from her swing, shaking his head as he observed her movements. "If you want to be dead so bad, that's fine by me." Umbra's back then started to emit a smokescreen enveloping him and starting to fill the cavern.

Starshadow backed herself against the cavern walls, electric arcs danced around her body. She doesn't know what he is up to but it cannot be good either way.
"If you want it to end peacefully, remove the bomb.."

"You could of gained that chance, but you keep pushing it. You don't seem to understand the situation. The only reason you're alive is because troops are required in this war." His voice echoed from one direction of the cave." If you wont fight for the Predacons, you'll be enemy to both sides and fall to either's hands.. if you don't starve to death or break down from a lack of maintenance." Then moved to another.

Starshadow growled at that. He was right. Death would approach her sooner or later. She slowly made her way to the entrance, standing in the middle of it. One last chance to get her freedom. "Alright..you win.." she lied.

"You expect me to believe your spark is broken that easily?!" Umbra bursted out of the darkness of the smoke with his jumpjet, his tentacles coiled around his left arm as a gigantic arm and fist, uppercutting Star through the opening and waterfall out towards the open water. It was clear the octopus was getting mad, something he rarely ever showed.

Starshadow emerged from the water. The blues from her body turned red. Her voice quickly transitioned into the evil female ex decepticon's.
"No," she replied, licking the wound on her lower lip with a twisted smile, "mad already, sweetie?"

Umbra's tentacles uncoiled from his arm as he leaped from the edge of the waterfall's entrance, then his tentacles flattened and expanded out as he glided to the shore, observing Star. "You again? I thought something was strange the last time you turned Red.. What are you?" he said.
Starshadow smirked. He noticed between the young one and her. How perceptive of him...
"I told you I was the entity of chaos. Now...is that any way to treat a lady?" she rubbed her jaws from the punch he gave her.

Umbra raised an optic ridge looking at her, rather puzzled. "There is only one entity of chaos.. You are not Unicron."

Starshadow simply smiled at him. At this rate, she won't get anywhere. Might as well make the first move, "Come here and swim with me~"

Umbra's optics narrowed "You must take me for a fool. Your Galvaconductor is more effective in water, while on land or in the air has less range and precision from the air's resistance." he then stated, to him every battle was a learning opportunity.. to tear apart his enemies weaknesses, learn new skills to enhance his own. "Honestly.. it's a rather strange weapon for a land mammal to equip.."

"So now what? I wouldn't mind if you carry me back to base like a princess. Otherwise I'm not moving," she smiled again. Teasing mechs is such fun to her. Other than that, the painful surge her body is feeling is getting on her nerves.

"Maybe when you wash up shore.." Umbra increased the pain the collar started to exhibit, grinning slightly as the surge of pain would likely cause her to drown in the water.

To which, the catbot reluctantly followed his demand, swimming out of the pool as the surge gets stronger and stood up, draping her arms over his shoulders, "let's go..."

Umbra shook his head, the collar's pain suddenly stopped as Star felt a blade in her back, the surge of poison putting her offline. "What a pain.." Umbra muttered to himself, then walked back to the Predacon base carrying her over his shoulder.

Walking back into the Predacon base, Umbra walked into the hanger, his tentacles picking up a rather large chain normally used for holding down cargo, a thickness of which seemed to be almost as thick as his own fists. He picked up some links for it, then walked away dragging the heavy chain through the ship as he made his way to Starshadow's room, tying her up with the chain and locking the chain together, then set her down on her bed, which seemed to buckle under the weight from the chain. He couldn't put faith in Tarantulas's powerbonds or force fields again, such technology was simply over complicated garbage. But the cargo chains would probably hold better, they were too thick to melt through and couldn't be short circuited. After which, Umbra pulled out two exploding daggers, placing them inside the emitters for Star's electro blades, if she activated them it would interfere or cause them to explode.

With Star now secure, Umbra left her room closing the door and made his way towards his own room. It had been a long day, and he would need some rest while going over all the strange events that had happened. This planet seemed to be at the center of a universe of madness..It made the ninja almost long for the earlier days, when not having to deal with children's fairy tales of monsters..

DarkSpark · Unread post by **DarkSpark** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 3:00 pm

OOC: DAMN...Did everyone just decide to post all at once?! So many walls of text...

Phoenix wrote: Her red optics wandered over to Megatron, his words taking a moment to sink in. She had not been expecting him to say that, and for the next few nanoclicks she waited for him to reveal that it had been a joke of sort. But the reveal didn't come.

The words sounded just as surreal the second time, but Nemesis tried not to let her confusion show too much. It wasn't that she desired a high rank, but when offered one she certainly wasn't going to turn it down.

Megatron's disarming smile hid the mirth he felt over Nemesis' shock and confusion over her new promotion, but she did actually deserve her new rank and status, she had gone from one of the least reliable members of his crew to the most capable and trusted, and it had been far too long since his command structure had possessed a second in command who was actually up to the task. Dinobot was his original righthand mech but had lost faith in his wisdom far too quickly and had forced him to adopt desperate measures, and at this point, the traitor was BEYOND any hope for redemption in his eyes, such a waste of skill. Scorponok had been a hasty replacement for Dinobot, chosen not for his brains or skills but because at the time he had been the most legitimately loyal out of his original crew of cutthroats, and honestly, loyalty had really been the ONLY thing he was good for, even Waspinator had been more capable than him. And then of course there was Inferno, his ever faithful drone, strong and devoted, a true patriot through and through...But that very same zealotry and lack of imagination had proven time and again that he was honestly better suited in the role of taking orders rather than giving them, the ant commanded little respect from the others despite his strength, especially after the arrival of the transmetals. Megatron might have been hesitant to give away the ant's position to Deathroll and promote Nemesis over them both if the ant thought and felt more like most predacons did, but his faulty logic circuits caused him to think more like an ant, and ants didn't care about their position in the colony so long as they continued to serve the "royalty," so Megatron was convinced Inferno would remain faithful to him despite the change in command, and if not, well, Megatron's tolerance for insubordination had dwindled greatly since the beginning of the war, treachery would not be tolerated. As for Umbra, the cephalopod was certainly capable and dependable, but was still a mercenary when all was said and done, he fought for profit not for the cause or his Lord, despite him being the first to call him by that title, Megatron could not entrust such a position to him, though there would always be a place for him within the hierarchy so long as he remembered which side was paying for his services.

Megatron had high hopes for Deathroll, and was already confident after their battle that he would make an even better Subcommander than Inferno, and if things didn't work out with Nemesis for whatever reason, he could always promote Deathroll again. But for now, Megatron was pleased with his new top officers and believed the three of them would be able to whip the chaotic ranks of the Darksyde into shape at long last, and better yet, win the Beast Wars!

Phoenix wrote:
The newly appointed commander nodded respectfully to both Deathroll and their newly renamed lord Megatron. Of course she could only imagine how the now demoted fire ant and the other Predacons would take this bit of news.

Megatron nodded back as well, pleased with how events were proceeding, as he went on to say "Well, now that he have that all settled, I suspect I had better warn Umbra and the others that the base is not in fact under attack after all the racket we made. Megatron to Umbra, never mind the commotion from earlier, simply welcoming a new recruit to the fold, but I'll have to ask you to send Starshadow down here later to do a little cleanup duty in the lab, yyyeessss. In the mean time, have everyone report to the command center, I have introductions to make and important news to announce. There are to be some changes around here, yyyyessss. Megatron out."

Megatron then turned to his new Commander and Subcommander and said "Well, shall we be going then?"

"As you command, Lord Megatron, I look forward to meeting the rest of my new faction" Deathroll said, his curiosity over his new surroundings and what manner of creatures his new comrades might be allowing him to better cope with the shock of all the changes that had been forced upon him, that and his new sacred mission and rank amongst the troops.

"Yyyyessss, no doubt you are, but be careful Subcommander, not all of my followers are as devoted to the cause as you, I, or the Commander here, Nnnnnoooo...See if you can spot them all for yourself once we get there, think of it as a first test of your ability to carry out my will, yyyyeeessss" Megatron said as the three of them began their trek back to Megatron's throne room, Deathroll and Nemesis taking spots on either side of their newly appointed Lord.

"I shall my liege, I welcome the challenge" Deathroll said, resisting the urge to ask why his new lord dragged out the words "no" and "yes" and risking a glance at Nemesis to see if she could clue him in on the state of the troops, not that infighting was anything new to him, decepticons competed amongst themselves for rank and status all the time, but nearly all feared and respected the will of Megatron, and those who did not usually did not live for long, or were treated with disdain for their ungrateful treatment of their lord, and yes, there had been many ill-fated fools who tried to steal Megatron's greatness for himself....Surely things couldn't be as bad here amongst the very descendants of his mighty race, could they?

Meanwhile, approaching the predacon base were the "returning heroes" of their latest offensive against the maximals, consisting of Terrorsaur, Inferno, Waspinator, and Quickstrike.

"You tell Megatron what went down, it was YOUR command bug breath, and you lead us right smack into the middle of a big, steaming pile of slagging DEFEAT, and if you don't I WILL!" Terrorsaur scowled at the heavily damaged insect that had been in charge during their failure of a mission.

"You will mind your tongue drone lest I burn it from your throat!" Inferno shouted back, gnashing his teeth and pointing his flamethrower straight at the treacherous pterodactyl, in his current state the ant was in NO mood for his defiant ways and sharp tongue, it was usually HE who had to point out to him that returning home to the colony with little to show for their efforts was ill-advised, the Royalty demanded and DESERVED results, not that Terrorsaur cared, he merely wished to cover his own skid-plate!

Little did any of them know, within the shadowy halls of the Darksyde, things were about to change for all of them, for better or for worse depended on your point of view.

Optimal Optimus Primal · Tue Jan 12, 2016 8:55 pm

(( OOC: Great posts, everyone! ))

"You dare lecture me about protocol? Whether you like it or not, even out here you're all still members of the Maximal military and you will follow that protocol. Not your own"

"Technically, we're just an exploration crew forced to survive in a war," Optimus pointed out. "Most of us don't even have the training or skills to defend ourselves in this situation; we've had to learn, adapt, and teach each other. Though there are a select few who do have some military background, there are only certain protocols that we're required to follow, not all of them," he corrected Ironclaw. "What you're doing is a breach. And as I said, your assignment is entirely separate from ours. You have no authority or right to take command. You have no experience to lead that I'm aware of, and certainly no experience with my crew."

"You're in no position to make calls like that. I'll tell you how it's going to go. I'm going to take command of this crew and they will do as I say and whom ever is second in command will be up to me. You can accept this or go to the brig, that's your choice."

Primal some how managed to keep himself composed as Ironclaw came back to his side and practically whispered into his audio receptors. He almost sounded like one of the voices that had been plaguing his mind lately with his deteriorating words meant to break him down and make his confidence cower; the confidence that he had spent so many years in this war to develop and strengthen given his inexperience in the beginning. Was this really happening? Please tell me this is just a nightmare..., he wished. He would be incredibly surprised if his Maximals would actually allow this. Or would they cause an uprising, a mutiny to Ironclaw's inappropriate and inconceivable desire to lead a team he has hardly cared about or made any attempt in cooperating with? "It troubles me greatly that you only want to use and control my crew for your own ambitions... Very similar to how Megatron reigns over his Predacons," he told the badger while his jaw and back still ached.

"Optimus..."

He looked to Whitegrazer as she approached him, her soft voice bringing peace to his tortured mind every so slightly. He hesitated at first but finally took her reached-out hand in to his and very gently pulled her toward him in her steps, lightly pushing back on her hand when he wanted her to stop with a decent gap of space between them.

"You are right. You didn't have the qualifications to begin with, but that's not your failing. The High Council, if they knew, should have had their own operatives to handle this, not an exploration crew. It was not your fault, but you have learned, Optimus. Learned so much since the Beast Wars started. In my opinion, no matter the circumstances, you did what you thought was right. As you always do."

A very small smile crept onto his face, acknowledging her kind words. The Empath had always been so supportive and encouraging, as most of his Maximals had, but he was damaged, and words alone would not be able to repair him. He couldn't be the leader they needed right now, but they still needed the guidance and strength to carry on. Unfortunately, he sincerely thought they were not going to get that from Ironclaw and this was only going to hurt them more, and possibly cost lives. Optimus slowly lifted the palm of his hand to the side of her Whitegrazer's and gently placed it there if only for a moment; a sort of physical comfort. He couldn't feel her through their connection, though, she was still blocking him. Why? What was wrong? He recalled that familiar bluish glow of nanotech on her that she likely acquired from Zodiac. What had he done to her? His smile quickly turned around to a faint frown.

"It was my fault, Optimus. I shouldn't have let you go into battle. We... I guess we all just wanted our leader back. " "And you are. You just need time to recover from what has happened. I will do my very best to help you heal. But I know it won't just be me. Your crew, your friends, your family will help you. Let us help you as you have helped us many times."

He nodded, accepting her offer. "Thank you," he said softly and quietly, studying her optics. There was pain in her that she couldn't quite hide but he didn't know what it was from. Pain and a distant distraction. Whatever it was, she clearly didn't want to make it apparent in front of Ironclaw. Fine by him.

"You will be okay, Optimus. Believe in yourself as we believe in you."

He broke their eye contact and lowered his head, taking his hand away from her face. Despite what she said, he still felt alone and trapped. He was finding it difficult to cope with all of it right now and to understand why they believed in him. Had he really been doing the right things? Making the right decisions? Making the right sacrifices?

"He would not be going to the brig."

Now it was Whitegrazer who stood between Primal and Ironclaw, just like the ape had done so earlier to defend the mare. He lifted his head, trying to remain strong.

"We will discuss this matter with the rest of the crew, but I believe we should listen to Optimus. Keep the command structure that is familiar to everyone."

It only made sense. As far he knew, none of them would trust Ironclaw because of his poor history with just about all of them and everyone knew next to nothing about him. And he didn't have their respect. To lead is to be responsible for all of the lives beneath your command and to value them and fight for them no matter the cost. A leader was to be selfless and as unbiased as possible. It was a tremendous responsibility, especially in their situation.

"We need to find a way to deal with Zodiac together. And we must do it quickly." "We need to talk to Blackarachnia also."

Optimus remained silent, waiting to see what Ironclaw would say. Was he going to consider anything she said, or just rule with an iron fist?

"Wait..," "This is mutiny, Ironclaw! You can't do this! Optimus may not be himself but he's still our leader!"

Sweet, innocent Aurora. Her coming to Primal's defense made him smile a tiny bit again, tugging on the scar across his mouth. He fought back a heartfelt tear that developed because of these two wonderful Maximals standing by his side despite the brawl they just witnessed and how troubled Optimus obviously was. He must have done something right after all. Now the vote was two against one, but he had a feeling their opinions would mean nothing to Ironclaw who seemed so black and white and unwilling to compromise to make sure he got things his way. If everyone ruled against his dictatorship, then what was he going to do?

You've lost your mind!," "We are Maximals. We don't settle disputes by battling out our differences. That is the Predacon way, not ours!"

Optimus looked at Ironclaw, saying, "She has a point. Both of them have valid points." And he waited to see how the badger would handle them.

The Intergalactic Highway

"More Than Meets The Eye: Part III"

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