"More Than Meets The Eye: Part III"

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Phoenix
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Unread post by Phoenix »

"That's enough Deathroll, I believe he's thoroughly beaten, wouldn't you agree Commander? Yyyyeessss"
Nemesis eyed the mangled, barely recognizable form of Terrorsaur as he lay whimpering on the ground, having been shot out of the sky mere moments before. This result had not come as a surprise to her but still she was a little disappointed that Terrorsaur, self-proclaimed lord of the sky, had not been able to withstand the attacks for. Then again he did not have the advantage that she did, the nanomachines that enabled her to take a grueling amount of punishment and still come back for more. Still she was disappointed. Terrorsaur was cocky as few and certainly enjoyed hearing his own voice a little too often, but his behavior was predictable enough that they could see any treachery miles away. He was also part of the aerial strike force, like she was.

Deathroll stood there, waiting for Megatron's order to finish the job. She had no doubt that he would not hesitate to give the killing blow and judging by the look of satisfaction on Megatron's face, the new sub-commander was not alone in thinking that way. So it had fallen upon her to give Terrorsaur another chance at life. Just.. great.

"I would have to concur," she responded, something of a playful smile on her face. This despite the fact she felt torn about Terrorsaur, caught between a desire to see him live to fight another day and the obligation to give Megatron the entertainment he so desired. "I believe the new sub-commander has made a lasting impression on the insubordinate loudmouth."

As she spoke, she took a few steps closer to Terrorsaur and Deathroll, wanting to survey the damage more closely. There was something alluring about carnage, about seeing someone clinging to life, a lingering part of her core programming as a Decepticon she supposed. She knelt down next to Terrorsaur, grabbing his damaged face almost painfully in her hand to lift it up a bit so that she could look into his optics. Gone was the pride and relentless attitude, now replaced with pain and desperation.

The avian transmetal sighed inwardly as she dropped Terrorsaur's face and stepped back.
"Tell me...Commander, Subcommander...What do you think should be the fate of the brave and loyal Terrorsaur?"
And there it was.. Megatron's words tempting her, testing her, weighing her blood thirst and need for companionship against each other. It would have been simpler if he had merely given the order himself.

"Loyal.." She contemplated the word for a moment, knowing full well that Terrorsaur had proven himself as anything but loyal to Megatron on a number of occasions. Still he had never been disloyal to the Predacon cause, only to its commanding officer. If she had always obeyed her own, she would still be a weapon for them.. Much like Zodiac had remained for years. Everyone's loyalty had a breaking point, unless they were too stupid to realize it.

However Megatron had proven himself again and again. His intellect and skills in combat, ruthlessness and scheming worthy of even the original Megatron himself. And he planned to reclaim the power of the Decepticons and their loyal Predacon descendants, a realization that had immediately drawn Nemesis to him.

After considering her choices for a moment longer, she responded.

"As impressive as seeing Terrorsaur's head decorating your quarters, my lord, I believe you should show him mercy this one time."


She paused for the briefest of moments.

"BlackArachnia has still not returned, Starshadow is not exactly the most reliable.. pet, Zodiac and his goons turned out to be traitors. Even with the addition of our powerful new sub-commander, we could still use Terrorsaur."

The mischievous grin reappeared as she looked from Deathroll to Megatron and then to the fallen heap that was barely recognizable as the transmetal pterodactyl.

"There are ways to assure his loyalty."

(ooc: Sorry guys, falling asleep at the keyboard here.. )
DarkSpark
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Unread post by DarkSpark »

Phoenix wrote: "I would have to concur," she responded, something of a playful smile on her face. This despite the fact she felt torn about Terrorsaur, caught between a desire to see him live to fight another day and the obligation to give Megatron the entertainment he so desired. "I believe the new sub-commander has made a lasting impression on the insubordinate loudmouth."

As she spoke, she took a few steps closer to Terrorsaur and Deathroll, wanting to survey the damage more closely. There was something alluring about carnage, about seeing someone clinging to life, a lingering part of her core programming as a Decepticon she supposed. She knelt down next to Terrorsaur, grabbing his damaged face almost painfully in her hand to lift it up a bit so that she could look into his optics. Gone was the pride and relentless attitude, now replaced with pain and desperation.

The avian transmetal sighed inwardly as she dropped Terrorsaur's face and stepped back.

"Yyyyeesssss, I do believe Deathroll shall serve me well" Megatron said as he admired the living wreck that was Terrorsaur, the pain and fear etched into his face as his spark lay in the balance...Priceless, it was an image he would cherish for the rest of his life, long after the pterodactyl's life had ended.

"Very well indeed" Megatron added as he watched Nemesis step in to examine Terrorsaur more closely, taking his chin in her hand no less, pleased to see she relished the beauty found in devastation and ruin as well as he himself did, especially when it had befallen someone who so richly deserved such brutal treatment.

He had to stop himself from laughing when she dropped Terrorsaur's face like a rock to return to his side, that simply had to have hurt, or so he hoped.

Phoenix wrote: And there it was.. Megatron's words tempting her, testing her, weighing her blood thirst and need for companionship against each other. It would have been simpler if he had merely given the order himself.

"Loyal.." She contemplated the word for a moment, knowing full well that Terrorsaur had proven himself as anything but loyal to Megatron on a number of occasions. Still he had never been disloyal to the Predacon cause, only to its commanding officer. If she had always obeyed her own, she would still be a weapon for them.. Much like Zodiac had remained for years. Everyone's loyalty had a breaking point, unless they were too stupid to realize it.

However Megatron had proven himself again and again. His intellect and skills in combat, ruthlessness and scheming worthy of even the original Megatron himself. And he planned to reclaim the power of the Decepticons and their loyal Predacon descendants, a realization that had immediately drawn Nemesis to him.

After considering her choices for a moment longer, she responded.

"As impressive as seeing Terrorsaur's head decorating your quarters, my lord, I believe you should show him mercy this one time."

It was then that Megatron's happy face turned to one of contempt and confusion as he inquired "And why pray tell should I do that? His performance record speaks for itself."

Megatron was willing to hear Nemesis out, but still, the temptation to just snuff out Terrorsaur's treacherous spark once and for all was more than all consuming, especially after all the drama he'd went through with traitors in the ranks as of late, checking off one backstabber from his long list of would be usurpers would be quite satisfying to him.

Deathroll was also confused by the Commander's advice, as Terrorsaur, though he barely knew him, had shown himself to be a disrespectful and insubordinate lout, and he had beaten him outright...What value could someone such as him possibly have to offer? On the Nemesis such ingrates never lasted long, they either died by an officer's hand or one of the many loyal crewman manning the great warship and sworn to Megatron...Unless their name was Starscream of course, but he was so far up the chain of command no one but Lord Megatron himself could really punish him...Huh, there's a thought, did the great one finally get around to destroying that disloyal seeker?

Phoenix wrote: She paused for the briefest of moments.

"BlackArachnia has still not returned, Starshadow is not exactly the most reliable.. pet, Zodiac and his goons turned out to be traitors. Even with the addition of our powerful new sub-commander, we could still use Terrorsaur."

The mischievous grin reappeared as she looked from Deathroll to Megatron and then to the fallen heap that was barely recognizable as the transmetal pterodactyl.

"There are ways to assure his loyalty."

Megatron rolled his optics and sighed in a mix of disappointment and frustration as Nemesis listed all the reasons why it would be more prudent to keep Terrorsaur amongst the land of the functional, and while the tyrant's bloodlust and tendency for vengeance was great, he was also a logical ruler and could not deny, like it or not, there were yet excuses to tolerate Terrorsaur's existence for a little while longer...Just a little while longer....

"My Lord?" Deathroll inquired, curious as to what his leader would decide even as he applied a little more pressure to Terrorsaur's damaged head in anticipation of the order to kill.

"It is with a heavy spark that I, regretfully, choose to spare Terrorsaur's life...For now" Megatron grumbled irritably, almost like someone who'd finished watching the conclusion to their favorite holovision program only to find the series' finale somewhat lacking.

"As you command, my lord" Deathroll replied, sounding disappointed as well as he removed his foot from Terrorsaur's head, the transmetal flyer looking relieved already to have that weight LITERALLY lifted off his head...Until Megatron himself snatched him up from the ground and stared into his eyes with a cold and unforgiving look that made the flyer's spark skip a beat.

"Last chance Terrorsaur, your very. Last. Chance...Try to surprise me this time and don't let it pass you by" Megatron said as he then dropped the flyer to the ground once more in a heap, snapped his fingers, and said "Waspinator, carry your flight partner to the CR Tank, and as for the rest of you, hope you enjoyed the show, back to your stations! We're back on the clock."

He then turned to Nemesis and Deathroll and said "Pragmatism wins the day, but I do intend to run a tighter ship from now on, and traitorous behavior can only be overlooked for so long before justice must be served to maintain order, yyyyyeeeessss. Next time, I shall not be so benevolent, nnnnnoooooo."

"Nor should you be my liege, one chance is more than enough for the likes of that" Deathroll agreed, kicking Terrorsaur one more time for good measure before Waspinator came to carry him away.
Phoenix
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Unread post by Phoenix »

"Zodiac has found some kind of device. I believe it is of an alien origin."
Aurora stopped in her tracks as she heard Whitegrazer's warning. Seriously? Personally she had not had the displeasure of encountering the aliens, other than the planet buster off course. And even that she was only familiar with through the horror when Optimus sacrificed himself to save them all from the terrible contraption. And of course the mysterious shockwave that occurred after the fact, the same one that had changed Rattrap and many of the others to new, stronger transmetal forms. Oddly many of them were spared, herself included, and she sometimes wondered why it seemed to discriminate between them. Just one of those questions she'd never get answered, she supposed. But honestly she was happy with the alternative form she had selected for herself, having been the only one who'd gotten to choose one for herself due to the strange circumstances that brought her online in the first place.

"Well.. that can't be good," the little fuzor muttered under her breath, already having seen how devious the shapeshifter was capable of being.
"Genius, Aurora. It shouldn't be enough to kill him just immobilize him and minimize him as a threat. I think it could work,"
Aurora could not help but smile, if even a little, as Rhinox praised her efforts. More often than not she felt that her attempts to help out by creating things ended up being more of a nuisance than anything, so it felt good to be told otherwise.
Of course Whitegrazer's surprises did not stop there, as the next thing she said caused Aurora's mouth to drop open.
"If you need some more of his nanomachines to help you create this virus, I would probably be a perfect candidate for that."
What was she talking about..?
"Zodiac tried to absorb me by using his nanomachines. Rhinox interrupted the process, but many of his nanomachines still are inside of me. And that's not all. Because of what Zodiac tried to do, accidentally, a connection has been formed between us. That's why I know what Zodiac is doing now."
And at that moment Aurora truly wished she still had no clue about any of this. So Zodiac and Whitegrazer now had a link much like the one Whitegrazer shared with Optimus? That could be problematic.. And the fact Whitegrazer had been contaminated by the nanomachines further complicated things as well. At least the technology she had implemented into the nanogel was relatively harmless. But who knew if these machines that now resided within Whitegrazer would still heed their master's order.

"You're.. yourself, right?," the fuzor asked the other female cautiously, not quite sure how to take this new development. But the other female looked anything other than herself. Her eyes flashed white and she seemed to disappear into a trance of sorts. Whatever was going on, it couldn't be of Whitegrazer's own free will. Were the nanomachines that the white mare had just admitted to being exposed to involved somehow? The thought was rather frightening indeed. Was Zodiac about to take over Whitegrazer? Was this even her or yet another of his disguises?

No.. It had to be her. She could feel the white mare's aura radiating from the female, even though she seemed trapped in a trance.
"Aurora, how long will it take you to develop that vile with the nanobots?"
"Shouldn't take too long. I can possibly use Whitegrazer's contribution as well. Alas her nanomachines are the same as the ones in Zodiac, so I would have to alter them a little bit to produce the same effect as the machines from the nanogel.. But I could potentially make them a catalyst, of sorts, causing them to speed up the process."


She glanced back over at Whitegrazer, who still seemed to be lost in another world. Now the fuzor was getting a little worried.

"The problem is that someone will have to get close enough to Zodiac to inject him with this. To make it potent enough to be effective, I'll need to use what's left of the nanogel as well as whatever I can get from Whitegrazer. So there will only be enough for one concentrated dose. So I don't recommend firing it from a distance since there's a high likelihood the shot will miss."


It was awfully distracting for Zodiac to try to pay attention to the task at hand when his mind kept erupting with one distant memory after another. Sometimes they would be his own memories, other times those of the white female Maximal empath. Either way it was getting tiresome now.

He was no longer trying to fight the connection, having realized that doing so only made the headaches worse. Oddly that seemed to calm them a bit, reducing them to background whispers rather than loud roars in his mind.
"Do you wish to read your own charges or should we?"
"I know what I have done. I-
What was that? Remnants of a guilty conscience? Zodiac smiled briefly to himself, as he was starting to realize Whitegrazer's history was far more violent than she appeared to be today.

"Trying to make up for crimes of the past?," he questioned the female through their link, "Why even bother? Nothing you do will ever change the past. That blood on your hands will stay with you forever."

His smile widened a bit as another piece of the machinery powered up, resulting in a more powerful quake at the Axalon. A pity these alien machines were so complex, so large that they required such a long time to fully power on. But when they finally did, the results would be wonderful to behold. The Axalon and all its Maximals would melt from below by the immense power drawn from the Earth itself. It wasn't as swift of a solution as his initial plan, but it would be satisfying nevertheless.
una
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Unread post by una »

((OOC: Sorry for taking so long to post. I hope everything is all right with it. ))
Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"Wait. So now you got two guys talkin' inside yer head?"
Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"Is that all you took away from their explanations?" Rhinox said, shaking his head at his smaller friend. He assumed it could be dangerous for Whitegrazer to have a connection with Zodiac, reading each others' thoughts and seeing things Zodiac didn't want to share. Did she share it with Optimus as well? Was she even communicating with him anymore or was she blocking him to protect him from Zodiac?


"Zodiac and I are in communication, but after I realized what happened, I immediately blocked my connection with Optimus." Whitegrazer looked at the CR Chamber. She hoped he was doing okay, but something deep down in her soul made her realize he was still fighting. Some part of her felt guilty for not being there for him now, but she tried to stop herself from feeling such things. If she didn't block her connection, the idea of Zodiac using her as a conduit to get to Optimus' soul and torment him when his words have already had back at the brig made her sick to her stomach. She walked over to the CR Chamber, placing her hand on the door, "He has enough to deal with without me adding more to it."

Whitegrazer just hoped Optimus didn't think she was abandoning him.
"Aurora, how long will it take you to develop that vile with the nanobots?"
Phoenix wrote:"Shouldn't take too long. I can possibly use Whitegrazer's contribution as well. Alas her nanomachines are the same as the ones in Zodiac, so I would have to alter them a little bit to produce the same effect as the machines from the nanogel.. But I could potentially make them a catalyst, of sorts, causing them to speed up the process."
Phoenix wrote:"The problem is that someone will have to get close enough to Zodiac to inject him with this. To make it potent enough to be effective, I'll need to use what's left of the nanogel as well as whatever I can get from Whitegrazer. So there will only be enough for one concentrated dose. So I don't recommend firing it from a distance since there's a high likelihood the shot will miss."
If they could hit Zodiac with this weapon precisely, it would... Whitegrazer was just as impressed as Rhinox was of what Aurora was planning to create.
Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"It must be of Vok technology whatever he has found. We can't possibly know what it or he is capable of with it in his hands,"
"Blackarachnia is about to embark with Landslide to do some much-needed scavenging," he answered the equine's question.
"We need her. She might be able to lead a team through that area. Of course, if she is familiar with that area and the alien site." If Blackarachnia wasn't, then it would be difficult, but it wouldn't be impossible either.
"Is there anything more specific you can tell us about the device, Whitegrazer? Is it a weapon? A ship? Or just another trap?"
She heard what Rhinox was saying to her, but Zodiac threw her attention.
Phoenix wrote:"Trying to make up for crimes of the past?," he questioned the female through their link, "Why even bother? Nothing you do will ever change the past. That blood on your hands will stay with you forever."
You know nothing of my past, Zodiac, Whitegrazer said simply. I never erased my past, but I'm not going to allow the past to chain me down nor would my past be used by someone like you to justify your own actions towards me or my comrades.

Then she smiled, You are right on one thing. No one can change the past, but we can have hope for the future as well as people, even yourself.
"Whitegrazer...?"
Phoenix wrote:"You're.. yourself, right?,"
Whitegrazer held her head for a moment. It wasn't as painful as it had been. Maybe she was just getting used to it?

"I am myself," she smiled down at the little one. "I'm fine. I can handle Zodiac."

She looked at Rhinox, "To answer your questions, yes, it is a weapon. I don't understand why the aliens have it there just for anyone to find, but it is a complex device. That's why Zodiac's plan is taking awhile, but Zodiac seems familiar with it. Which is odd." She saw something in her mind explode again. A Planet Buster like before. "Zodiac... was aware of this alien device. I don't know why. It would seem likely that Zodiac knows of the aliens' existence or has dealt with them before. Maybe more of the latter, it seems."

A bigger earthquake shook the Axalon. Enough that she grabbed Aurora to make sure the little one didn't fall or was thrown.

"We are running out of time. Whatever we plan on doing, we must do it and quickly." Then an idea popped into her head. "I will try my best to... distract Zodiac. If I can."

She closed her optics, thinking about what she must do. She wasn't going to be doing any thing violating. She was going to do what she always did: talk to Zodiac. Zodiac, that device you are using... is alien technology. The aliens aren't going to like the fact that you are using this device for your own ends. They might- no, they will retaliate, and they will go after you.

NaitoKage wrote:Thats.. um.. good?
Blackarachnia gave Landslide a mischievous grin. The giant Maximal's reaction to some of their conversation was humorous. But her mischievous grin dropped when she felt the quake underneath her feet.
NaitoKage wrote:What the slag is going on now? Landslide then said, activating his comlink Landslide to Rhinox, what was that shaking just now? Are we under attack again?
Blackarachnia matched the same sentiment as Landslide. That was two tremors she felt so far. The other one was tiny and she ignored it, but a big one after that though? Her instincts told her something was wrong and she was in danger. She learned to trust those instincts.

"Well, come on, " She motioned Landslide to follow her, "Let's go see what going on."
Optimal Optimus Primal
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Unread post by Optimal Optimus Primal »

"We need her. She might be able to lead a team through that area. Of course, if she is familiar with that area and the alien site."
Rhinox doubted that anyone was familiar with or aware of that specific region of Vok activity. However, Blackarachnia did hold valuable information that may or may not help with this particular situation.
Landslide to Rhinox, what was that shaking just now? Are we under attack again?
"No, but we might be soon," the rhinoceros admitted to Landslide. "It would seem Zodiac has found a weapon of Vok origin located in some rough terrain in the mountains. Optimus will be in the CR for a little while, so seeing as we're short on fliers and need to get there as quickly as possible to stop him, you'll have to abandon your scavenger hunt and carry a few Maximals to the location. Blackarachnia as well since she might be able to offer some knowledge and assistance with any Vok encryption."

"Or use it against us," Rattrap muttered.
"You're.. yourself, right?,"
"I am myself," "I'm fine. I can handle Zodiac."
Not even Rhinox was convinced of that. Zodiac was dangerous no matter where he manifested. He really hoped Whitegrazer would be careful. She could be playing with fire.
"Zodiac and I are in communication, but after I realized what happened, I immediately blocked my connection with Optimus." "He has enough to deal with without me adding more to it."
"He'll manage," Rhinox tried assuring Whitegrazer. "I believe you did the right thing and in the best interest of Optimus. He'll understand." Then he paused for a moment in thought...
"To answer your questions, yes, it is a weapon. I don't understand why the aliens have it there just for anyone to find, but it is a complex device. That's why Zodiac's plan is taking awhile, but Zodiac seems familiar with it. Which is odd."
The engineer was relieved that she had heard him after her little daze, but he was not thrilled about what she had to say. On the other hand, at least it wasn't a ship, so hopefully it wasn't mobile. But if not, why have such a large weapon located somewhere so remote? What could it do so far away from everything else? How powerful could it be? "It doesn't appear to me that it was left there for 'just anyone to find'," Rhinox disagreed with Whitegrazer. "We never know it even existed, nor did Megatron."
"Zodiac... was aware of this alien device. I don't know why. It would seem likely that Zodiac knows of the aliens' existence or has dealt with them before. Maybe more of the latter, it seems."
"This may be getting bigger than any of us could have imagined..." Rhinox mused along with the mare's thoughts. How would Zodiac know the Vok? How would anyone besides those who were present and had been on this planet since they had crashed there? And he wondered what Optimus's reaction would have been to this revelation. Likely not a pleasant one.

Then, there was an even bigger tremor than the previous one, and it shook the entire base almost violently. Not ready for it, Rattrap lost his balance and fell backwards into Rhinox who had reached out and managed to catch his smaller friend under his arms. When the shaking stopped, he helped him straighten up on his feet. "Thanks, Big Green," the rodent said, standing up and finding a place near a console to keep himself from falling again. Rhinox nodded and looked to Whitegrazer again.
"We are running out of time. Whatever we plan on doing, we must do it and quickly." "I will try my best to... distract Zodiac. If I can."
Recalling his previous thought about her connection with Zodiac, Rhinox finally suggested, "Perhaps a greater distraction would be to allow both Optimus and Zodiac to interact through your bond. But only if you think it wouldn't be too dangerous, and only if you're able to handle it." After all, the chief medical officer was not an expert in the field of Empath bonds and how the mental or spark connections worked. She knew better than he and what could be managed or should be allowed. It was a thought if she needed a greater distraction to buy them more time. They had nothing else.

In any case, now that they had established a plan, it was time to get organized.
"Shouldn't take too long. I can possibly use Whitegrazer's contribution as well. Alas her nanomachines are the same as the ones in Zodiac, so I would have to alter them a little bit to produce the same effect as the machines from the nanogel.. But I could potentially make them a catalyst, of sorts, causing them to speed up the process." "The problem is that someone will have to get close enough to Zodiac to inject him with this. To make it potent enough to be effective, I'll need to use what's left of the nanogel as well as whatever I can get from Whitegrazer. So there will only be enough for one concentrated dose. So I don't recommend firing it from a distance since there's a high likelihood the shot will miss."
"Good, Aurora. You and Whitegrazer get started and work quickly. There's no time to waste," Big Green encouraged them. "As for the injection... We'll figure that out as we near our encounter." He wasn't quite sure how to accomplish that part but surely an idea would arise. It would be a very dangerous and risky maneuver... Were any of them even qualified? Someone would be putting their life on the line to get that close to the shape shifter. As acting commander, Rhinox was prepared for the task, but shouldn't he remain at the base? Or should Rattrap? He couldn't make a decision at the moment.

"Rattrap and Landslide, gather every electrical tool and weapon we can use to electrocute Zodiac since that seems to have the greatest effect on subduing him," Rhinox told the rat in person and the beetle through his comm. link.

"On it," Rattrap obeyed and hurried off to start collecting.

(( OOC: No time to write for Optimus, so I'll include him in my next post. Need more time to think. ))
"Well, that's just prime!"
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NaitoKage
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Unread post by NaitoKage »

Blackarachnia wrote:"Well, come on, " "Let's go see what going on."

Rhinox wrote:"No, but we might be soon," "It would seem Zodiac has found a weapon of Vok origin located in some rough terrain in the mountains. Optimus will be in the CR for a little while, so seeing as we're short on fliers and need to get there as quickly as possible to stop him, you'll have to abandon your scavenger hunt and carry a few Maximals to the location. Blackarachnia as well since she might be able to offer some knowledge and assistance with any Vok encryption."


Landslide simply blinked at the response from Rhinox. He wasn't even sure how things could progress so quickly. Landslide then looked towards Blackarachnia Go on ahead, I need ta get somethin'.. Landslide then started pulling out some tools and walked towards his Stasis pod leaned up against the wall, lifting it up and setting it down on the floor he started removing some panels off it, exposing one of the smaller rocket engines, then started work on removing it from the stasis pod, though his methods were far from standard, breaking mounts and cutting any components he didn't need from it.
Rhinox wrote:"Rattrap and Landslide, gather every electrical tool and weapon we can use to electrocute Zodiac since that seems to have the greatest effect on subduing him,"


Pulling the engine out, Landslide pulled out his calipers getting the dimensions on the engine's size, cooling lines, and fuel lines. On it, workin' on something though since we'll need the extra speed. or stability.. he thought to himself, then walked over to his work bench, the sound of grinding metal and sparking electricity heard echoing down the hall as he worked. His wings were still broken and he was down an engine. Even if it was a smaller engine, it'd make vtol flying a little more stable, though he'd have to get used to the throttle difference on the fly. Carrying most the others in the back wouldn't be a problem, but due to Whitegrazer's size.. he'd probably have to have her ride on his shield and have it attached to his horns like he did with Zodiac.

_________________________________
Megatron wrote:"It is with a heavy spark that I, regretfully, choose to spare Terrorsaur's life...For now"


Waspinator gave a internal sigh of relief.
Megatron wrote:"Last chance Terrorsaur, your very. Last. Chance...Try to surprise me this time and don't let it pass you by" "Waspinator, carry your flight partner to the CR Tank, and as for the rest of you, hope you enjoyed the show, back to your stations! We're back on the clock."


Waspinator nodded Yezz Lord Megatron. he then walked over to the lump of twisted metal that was Terrorsaur and lifted him up, walking back to the CR tanks, he then rolled Terrorsaur into the tank and had it start up. Walking over to one of the other CR tanks Waspinator climbed in, sinking into the fluid to have his own repairs worked on as well. A flyer without his wings was useless after all.
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Unread post by Mystrea »

Ironclaw was used to these long period operations and those with extensions. Time was no opponent to the badger, he would achieve his objective no matter how long it took or what he had to do.

His pace was steady, dragging his recent kill through the dense jungle. His large feet were leaving deep impressions in the soft ground but were then smeared away by the trail. The trail of the big, hulking brute which he had brought down single handedly. Saving those so-called Maximals from certain deactivation. Ironclaw came to a sudden halt, he looked behind and tugged on Dirge's leg a few times. His prize had become stuck. Out of pure frustration the Council's agent pulled and yanked on the limb desperately trying to free it. He pulled harder and harder until the tree broke at its trunk and the corpse came flying past. Strength was not something the badger was in short supply of. In a moment of rage he surveyed his surroundings to calm himself. In this place, he was probably the most powerful being. But it mattered not. He had purpose to complete. Dirge had traveled quite far into the distance and scared the wild life around his landing.

Ironclaw approached his kill with intent spread across his face. He gripped Dirge's head with both hands and ripped it clean off the shoulders. This will do nicely. His eyes glanced over the decapitated head when the ground suddenly shook. The badger stabilised himself and put his attention back to cause. Zodiac... The hunt continues. He briefly calculated where the most likely place the scum would have gone and started to make his way towards it.
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Unread post by DarkSpark »

NaitoKage wrote: Waspinator nodded Yezz Lord Megatron. he then walked over to the lump of twisted metal that was Terrorsaur and lifted him up, walking back to the CR tanks, he then rolled Terrorsaur into the tank and had it start up. Walking over to one of the other CR tanks Waspinator climbed in, sinking into the fluid to have his own repairs worked on as well. A flyer without his wings was useless after all.

Megatron barely paid any attention as Waspinator carried Terrorsaur off to be recovered, privately musing over how a welcome surprise it would be if Terrorsaur actually LEARNED his lesson this time and no longer questioned his decisions or plotted against him, or better yet, if Waspinator would suffer one of his famous accidents and they'd both fall into the lava pits and spare him their combined idiocy once and for all.

Turning to Deathroll, Megatron said "You could use a quick dip in the CR Tanks yourself, Subcommander, more so from your battle with me than your light exercise with Terrorsaur, ahaha!"

"Indeed milord, but I can assure you, my damage is minimal, I can return to my duties instead if you have further need of me" Deathroll insisted, not wishing to show weakness before his leader as willingly as the rest of his comrades unfortunately did.

"Admirable sentiment Deathroll, but for what I have planned for you I shall require you to be in peak fighting condition, not everyone on this planet is as feeble and easily beaten as Terrorsaur, noooo. You will face a real challenge soon enough, and I wish you to be ready for it, yyyyesss. Inferno, show Deathroll the way and how the tanks work, I shall follow shortly" Megatron said, wishing all his troops were as willing to endure minor dents and leaks for his sake as Deathroll was, alas, it was better to have one quality soldier than none at all.

"As you command royalty! Come dr...Subcommander, I shall so you the way!" Inferno said, still adjusting to no longer being Megatron's righthand mech as he led his replacement to the CR Tanks.

"Hmph, so I gather" Deathroll said, finding Inferno's behavior more than unusual despite approving of the ant's obvious loyalty to their leader, but still curious regarding how these "CR Tanks" functioned and if they could compete with the Decepticon medical officers of the Nemesis.

Megatron then turned to Nemesis and said "So far so good it would seem Commander. Again, well done acquiring our new recruit, I think he shall serve our cause well, and I hope you two shall make a good team in the campaigns to come."

Megatron was pleased with how Deathroll had turned out so far, and was already planning another decepticon hunt, but was also curious about what the maximals, or even that rogue Nexus had been up to in the meantime. However, these were things he'd have to worry about later, as he himself could use a little tuneup in his own personal CR Tank back in his quarters, but thankfully he now had a second in command he could trust to run things while he was resting and not burn the entire ship down, or be so weak willed a rebellion started up while he was away etc.

"Nemesis, I require a little R&R of my own alas, it shouldn't take long. You are in command in the meantime, obviously. Keep this lot in line and keep an optic out for enemy activity, I would like to think Nexus and the maximals are too busy slaughtering each other or licking their wounds from our last raid to pay us a visit, but one learns to expect the unexpected in this conflict. Keep up the good work, Commander Nemesis, I trust this will be the first of a long string of successes for us both in the cycles to come, yyyyyeeeessss" Megatron said as he then departed for his own chambers to heal and rest up for what was to come next.
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Unread post by Phoenix »

(ooc: Ugh.. So sorry for the long delay.. :( I feel like I'm losing myself trying to juggle family with work and school.. )
"And why pray tell should I do that? His performance record speaks for itself."
Although it was true that Terrorsaur had caused some friction with his antics in the past, Nemesis held her ground about why it would be beneficial to keep the flyer alive. Even though she could see the fire in Megatron's optics when she argued that Terrorsaur should be allowed to live, she didn't budge on the matter. Despite the fact that she had certainly not forgotten the beating she had received that fateful day when her little secret had become known to Megatron and that she still recalled that incident with dread, she was well aware that Megatron did not need another boot kisser. Inferno already fulfilled that role quite well.

And without her interference, Terrorsaur would surely die tonight. Since she still believed the other flyer could be helpful to her, and he certainly owed her for saving his life, all that remained was to assure that Terrorsaur's petty fantasies of taking over the Predacons wouldn't cloud his judgement yet again and result in his premature death. She was certain Megatron would not grant him or any of them another chance.

"Granted, Terrorsaur's track record is.. less than ideal, but I'm certain he can be enticed to comply." Her optics flashed briefly as she spoke those last words, already having an idea on whom she would approach to achieve such a thing. Umbra. He seemed to be doing a fairly good job with keeping the crazed feline in line, so she saw no reason why Terrorsaur would be any different. Perhaps even Tarantulas could lend a claw, but personally she didn't trust the transmetal spider further than she could throw him. Brilliant as the crazed scientist was, he was still just that.. a scientist. Like the ones that had kept her strapped down to tables, cut her open, and implemented the new technology within her. A technology she had no doubt Tarantulas would love to see for himself.
"Pragmatism wins the day, but I do intend to run a tighter ship from now on, and traitorous behavior can only be overlooked for so long before justice must be served to maintain order, yyyyyeeeessss. Next time, I shall not be so benevolent, nnnnnoooooo."
Nemesis glanced over at Waspinator who was gathering up his wounded friend before her red optics settled on Megatron again. "As is your right as our leader, Lord Megatron," she responded then quickly added, "After we collect a few more of Deathroll's companions, perhaps we will no longer require services from the likes of Terrorsaur. But until such a time, keeping him relatively functional is a strategic advantage."

Megatron and Deathroll proceeded to discuss making a trip to the CR tanks, leaving Nemesis feeling fortunate she did not require the aid of such devices for repairs. She was fairly certain having to endure such an experience would most certainly make her claustrophobia kick in. She shrugged the thought away when Megatron addressed her again.
"So far so good it would seem Commander. Again, well done acquiring our new recruit, I think he shall serve our cause well, and I hope you two shall make a good team in the campaigns to come."
"Indeed," she responded, pondering how such a collaboration would work out. Nemesis and Deathroll were opposites in most ways. She was designed for flight, speed, and swift recoveries whereas he was bulkier with thick armor and heavier artillery. Perhaps they could even out each other's strengths and vulnerabilities. "It will be most interesting to see the shift in the battlefield when we go up against the Maximals again."
"Nemesis, I require a little R&R of my own alas, it shouldn't take long. You are in command in the meantime, obviously. Keep this lot in line and keep an optic out for enemy activity, I would like to think Nexus and the maximals are too busy slaughtering each other or licking their wounds from our last raid to pay us a visit, but one learns to expect the unexpected in this conflict. Keep up the good work, Commander Nemesis, I trust this will be the first of a long string of successes for us both in the cycles to come, yyyyyeeeessss"
Nemesis merely nodded politely as Megatron withdrew to his private quarters. She then turned her attention to the other, non-injured Predacons. "Umbra, can I see you for a moment? I have a task for you," she messaged the assassin next. "And Inferno, we need you to monitor the premises. Lord Megatron is not to be disturbed during his rest. Tarantulas, I trust you are capable of finding a way to tap into the Axalon's systems so we can monitor what's going on over there. As for the rest of you; work on improving our defenses. We don't need any unwanted visitors."
"Zodiac and I are in communication, but after I realized what happened, I immediately blocked my connection with Optimus."
Aurora looked a little confused for a moment, but she tried her best to beat the uncertainty that was rising within her down. "If you can simply block your connection to Optimus, can't you do the same with Zodiac?," she pondered before realizing that she had uttered the words.
"We need her. She might be able to lead a team through that area. Of course, if she is familiar with that area and the alien site."
The fuzor had started gathering supplies for her experimental virus, but Whitegrazer's suggestion made her stop in her tracks. Wait.. They were not only letting the female spider join them, so to speak, but even lead a team?? That sounded awfully dangerous, even if she did believe BlackArachnia was not here with dishonest intentions. She was about to protest but realized the white mare wouldn't listen to such warnings. For that her spark was simply too pure, always willing to see good in those around her. Even those who did not deserve it.

She grabbed some of her tools that lay scattered across the bridge and pretty much everywhere Aurora went within the base. She wasn't exactly a neat-freak and she did a lot of her experimental work on the go. Now she just needed to grab a sample from Whitegrazer and collect whatever remained of the nanogel, which really wasn't much. But hopefully it would still work well since she planned to concentrate the formula. She was just passing Whitegrazer again when..
"To answer your questions, yes, it is a weapon. I don't understand why the aliens have it there just for anyone to find, but it is a complex device. That's why Zodiac's plan is taking awhile, but Zodiac seems familiar with it. Which is odd." She saw something in her mind explode again. A Planet Buster like before. "Zodiac... was aware of this alien device. I don't know why. It would seem likely that Zodiac knows of the aliens' existence or has dealt with them before. Maybe more of the latter, it seems."
"This may be getting bigger than any of us could have imagined..."
Now that sounded rather frightening.. Aurora could not help remembering the dread she felt when Optimus had gone up against the planet buster, another weapon made by these aliens. And now Zodiac had access to another one? Would they ever catch a break?

Another, stronger, earthquake suddenly shook the base, causing Aurora to almost fall had Whitegrazer not been so quick to catch her. Aurora stood up again, if a bit shakily, her tools now spread across the floor yet again. "Thanks," she told Whitegrazer with a subtle smile as the other female let go of her, "But I think we need to hurry this along.. The earthquakes are getting stronger. If they truly are caused by the weapon powering up, we can't have too much time."

Whitegrazer seemed to agree, even offering to distract Zodiac to buy them a bit more time. Of course Rhinox had another, also valid idea. One that sounded even more frightening. But Aurora would take anything right now.
"Perhaps a greater distraction would be to allow both Optimus and Zodiac to interact through your bond. But only if you think it wouldn't be too dangerous, and only if you're able to handle it."
The fuzor stopped in her tracks, staring from one of them to the other. "You.. can do that?" It sounded scary but also intriguing enough that it might actually work. That is, of course, if Whitegrazer was willing and able to do it. And if Optimus was strong enough to defend himself against the onslaught.
"Good, Aurora. You and Whitegrazer get started and work quickly. There's no time to waste," Big Green encouraged them. "As for the injection... We'll figure that out as we near our encounter."
"You got it," Aurora responded, her arms again full of equipment to bring down to the lab.
You know nothing of my past, Zodiac, I never erased my past, but I'm not going to allow the past to chain me down nor would my past be used by someone like you to justify your own actions towards me or my comrades.
Zodiac chuckled darkly to himself as the female was quick to defend herself. Her reaction amused him, especially since he was learning more about her past with every memory of hers that crossed this newly formed link between the two. Granted the link worked both ways so the female would surely pick up on some of his memories as well. Oh well, within a short time that would no longer be a concern.
You are right on one thing. No one can change the past, but we can have hope for the future as well as people, even yourself.
"Finally something we can agree on," Zodiac responded, although his hopes for the future no doubt differed quite a bit from hers. In the end only one of them could be allowed to achieve the future they desired, and he certainly wouldn't allow it to be her.

As he spoke, his nanomachines flocked into the alien machine, infiltrating the deepest layers of their system to activate the final pieces of the machinery. The largest of the machines in the room started coming to life, causing another even more severe shockwave to travel through the ground from the very mantel of the Earth until it hit the Axalon and causing it to shake violently for a few nanoclicks. As it did, the very ground the Axalon rested upon started separating ever so slightly. It wouldn't be long now before the very planet the Maximals were fighting to protect would devour them.
Zodiac, that device you are using... is alien technology. The aliens aren't going to like the fact that you are using this device for your own ends. They might- no, they will retaliate, and they will go after you.
Again Whitegrazer's warning was met with a taunting laugh. From her warning it had become clear that she was able to deduce what he was up to, but he was still not overly concerned. It was not the first time he'd encountered the alien technology. In fact he'd seen their handiwork up close twice before. One of those times was responsible for him getting his transmetal form, long before the inhabitants of Earth even had a clue of the aliens' existence. This was not the only planet the aliens had visited, not the only place they had left their mark.. their calling card if you will. It was true that their power was admirable, even a bit frightening in a sense. But Zodiac was still not overly concerned. By the time the aliens, provided they were even still active, were aware of him using their machines to further his own goals, he would already have accomplished what he set out to do and would be long gone.

"You would lecture me about things you have barely even scratched the surface of?," he replied, his voice dripping with contempt, yet he selected his words carefully as not to confirm anything in the likely event they were simply guessing, "I told you before to leave me be. I will not say it again."

Meanwhile Aurora had made it to the lab where she promptly started setting up the equipment she would need. She poured the remaining nanogel into a single dish and then started the procedure with purifying the sample. While doing that, she also prepared to extract a sample from Whitegrazer to use it to further concentrate the remaining nanogel. It was at that time the third, most powerful quake thus far, hit and nearly knocked her concoction on the floor. The walls of the ship creaked with the strain as the tremors threatened to bring the Axalon to a collapse, Aurora having little choice but to cling to the bowl and try to keep it steady while the ground shook underneath her feet.
Last edited by Phoenix on Mon Feb 22, 2016 11:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
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NaitoKage
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Unread post by NaitoKage »

Nemesis wrote: "Umbra, can I see you for a moment? I have a task for you," she messaged the assassin next. "And Inferno, we need you to monitor the premises. Lord Megatron is not to be disturbed during his rest. Tarantulas, I trust you are capable of finding a way to tap into the Axalon's systems so we can monitor what's going on over there. As for the rest of you; work on improving our defenses. We don't need any unwanted visitors."


Umbra raises an optic ridge, Tarantulas finishing up on installing the parts. Tarantulas grumbles hearing Nemesis, but doesn't respond on his comlink. Tap into the axalon's systems? Slagging bird must think it's easy.. Umbra looks at Tarantulas sitting up Well, what do you need to do it?

Tarantulas pulls out a small drone. I'll need to get this inside of the ship without being detected..

Umbra takes the drone My specialty. I'll get it as close to a hole in the ship I can, from there you can get it inside and hack right?
Tarantulas nods I suppose that would work.. Alright, Just don't break it fish.

Umbra gives a nod, then walks out of the medical bay, moments later walking over to Nemesis, then gave a polite bow. You called, my lady?
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Unread post by DarkSpark »

OOC: Inferno is actually still in need of repairs from the last mission he was on, sorry Phoenix. It kinda got swept away during the introduction of Deathroll & his battle with Terrorsaur, but he was actually in worse shape than Terry after their attack on the Axalon.
Phoenix wrote: Nemesis merely nodded politely as Megatron withdrew to his private quarters. She then turned her attention to the other, non-injured Predacons. "Umbra, can I see you for a moment? I have a task for you," she messaged the assassin next. "And Inferno, we need you to monitor the premises. Lord Megatron is not to be disturbed during his rest. Tarantulas, I trust you are capable of finding a way to tap into the Axalon's systems so we can monitor what's going on over there. As for the rest of you; work on improving our defenses. We don't need any unwanted visitors."

Inferno could not answer for he too was undergoing repairs from the damages he had sustained from his last mission, same as the far more critically damaged Terrorsaur and the relatively unscathed Deathroll, who naturally was the first to emerge from the tanks, the minor damage he had sustained from his duel with Megatron and his altercation with Terrorsaur did not take long to repair.

Deathroll emerged from the CR Tank looking brand new, as if fresh off the assembly line. It was incredible! Oh sure, he had been reluctant to submerge himself into the silvery liquid of the tanks at first, skeptical of this modern predacon technology that seemed so strange and alien to him, but he could not argue with the results. Damage that normally would have taken a decepticon medical officer to repair had been healed in no time flat and without so much as a dent or blemish to show for it. If only such technology had been available to the decepticons in their war with the autobots, perhaps the great Megatron's forces could have turned the tide of battle against the autobots sooner.

Deathroll heard the avian who had named herself after the decepticon flagship chime in over the intercom and used his own communicator to answer her rather than risk fiddling with the controls to the ship he had yet to familiarize himself with, but would have to do so soon enough.

"This is Deathroll, Commander, Inferno is still recuperating along with Terrorsaur in the tanks...Such impressive toys these predacons have at their disposal...But I digress, I can man his post until he awakes, I'll need to learn how this ship of the future works sooner or later anyway" he said, already studying the control panel for any sort of tutorial he could find, last thing he needed was to accidentally press the self-destruct button on his first day as subcommander.

Meanwhile, back in Megatron's private room, he too was taking a soak in the CR Tank, relaxing as his injuries were healed, going over his namesake's list of MIA decepticons. Now granted, he knew finding these sleeping titans would be a scrapshoot, he had no way of knowing who was in what pod, but by familiarizing himself with their military data files it would make winning them over easier and give him a heads up regarding how best to make use of them, as well as who would be more or less likely to obey him. Deathroll seemed to have been won over, but he had STILL had to fight and beat him first before he had been willing to listen, and thus there was always the chance other decepticons he recruited would present similar obstacles to overcome.

"Hhhhmmm...A scientist would be nice, someone for me to turn to besides those forever unreliable spiders" Megatron growled, annoyed by how so many of his troops seemed to fall under the category of "the smarter they are, the more traitorous they are"...It was a curse he looked forward to breaking.

In the back of his mind he also wondered about Primal and his lot, what could they be up to now? Were they still busy licking their wounds and repairing their ship or were they already planning a counterattack against him? Or perhaps pursuing the renegade shapeshifter? These were questions without immediate answers, so he tried to just relax and focus on his decepticon studies in the mean time.

With the door to his room locked and confidant no one was watching, Megatron withdrew one of his favorite guilty pleasures from out of subspace.

"Ah, the one officer in my army I can always trust to have my best interests at spark, yesssss" Megatron said to his rubber duck bath toy, laughing at his own joke as he squeezed it twice before dropping it into the tank with him and returned to his data files, the duck floating faithfully beside the most evil predacon on the planet
una
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Unread post by una »

((OOC: I will post for Blackarachnia later tonight or tomorrow, but for now, here is Whitegrazer's response.)

Edit: I added Blackarachnia's portion to the end of this post.)
Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"He'll manage," Rhinox tried assuring Whitegrazer. "I believe you did the right thing and in the best interest of Optimus. He'll understand."
Whitegrazer didn't know. She was glad to see that Rhinox understood, and hopefully, when Optimus has recovered, he would believe the same thing.
Phoenix wrote:"If you can simply block your connection to Optimus, can't you do the same with Zodiac?,"
"My connection with Zodiac is different than the connection I have with Optimus. Optimus' was formed gradually while Zodiac's was formed through physical and emotional distress because of him trying to devour me by use of his own nanomachines."

Whitegrazer wondered how to explain it clearly, "Think of the connection as a doorway to another person's spark. Their emotions. Their memories, even. How they perceive. Optimus and I have a door where either of us could shut for privacy or if one wished, terminate the connection by turning the door into a wall. Now, the connection that I have with Zodiac, the door that should be there has been ripped off it's hinges. Gone because of the force and intensity of emotions that created it, which keeps Zodiac as well as I from blocking the other person out. I could build a door metaphorically, but it would take a deep meditation session that would put me under for at least a couple of solar cycles."
Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"It doesn't appear to me that it was left there for 'just anyone to find'," Rhinox disagreed with Whitegrazer. "We never know it even existed, nor did Megatron."
Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"This may be getting bigger than any of us could have imagined..."
"What I mean is.... it shouldn't have been there in the first place." Whitegrazer shook her head, explaining what she learned through Zodiac's connection and how he seemed to be aware of what he was doing with the alien device. "Zodiac knew of the aliens' existence before he came here, which would explain why he knew of this weapon and it's location. He found the information somewhere else the aliens had been to. This mustn't have been the first time they did this on a planet. "

Whitegrazer couldn't believe how careless the Vok were. The fact that Zodiac was able to gain such knowledge showed that they weren't paying attention to their own experiments. Or they simply forgot. Which was hardly likely. The Vok don't forgot and certainly, they don't forgive. She closed her optics for a moment. This was their fault. Their own carelessness was putting people she loved in jeopardy.

Yet, now, Zodiac, a Cybertronian, was playing with their toy. They were silent.
Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"Perhaps a greater distraction would be to allow both Optimus and Zodiac to interact through your bond. But only if you think it wouldn't be too dangerous, and only if you're able to handle it."
Phoenix wrote:"You.. can do that?"
She looked at the little one with a smile, "Yes, I can. Though, finding something that could distract him from his mission would be... hard, but not impossible. Just need to find something that could peak his interest."

Whitegrazer realized that this might be able to distract Zodiac long enough, but... to give Zodiac access to her connection with Optimus? It would be chaotic. It could drive Optimus mad with the idea of Zodiac toying or worse... digging deeper inside Optimus' spark to play with his emotions or memories. Twist them. No. She couldn't do that.

"I would be able to handle it, but Optimus? No, Rhinox, I can't do that to him." Whitegrazer stared at Optimus' CR chamber once more. "If under normal circumstances, maybe, but after what Optimus has been through for the past few solar cycles, I can't. It would be too traumatic for him. "
Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"Good, Aurora. You and Whitegrazer get started and work quickly. There's no time to waste," Big Green encouraged them. "As for the injection... We'll figure that out as we near our encounter."
Whitegrazer nodded and followed Aurora's lead to the lab.

"Do you need me to help with some of that equipment, Aurora?" She asked the young Maximal ermine. She knew Aurora was more of an expert in this stuff than she was, but she could help on some basic stuff so Aurora didn't have to worry about that.
Phoenix wrote:"Finally something we can agree on,"
There is no hope in destruction, Zodiac. Only death. No future can come up from the ashes if everyone is dead. And just because you think destroy us would give you great satisfaction, it would only be your undoing, but I warned you earlier of this. She remembered what she said to Zodiac after, if she remembered correctly, Optimus went to help the others in battle.

Whitegrazer continued her discussion as she followed Aurora to the lab, rubbing her left arm. It felt itchy, but it must be the nanomachines. They are certainly odd little things. They seemed so lost with Zodiac's orders. And they weren't going to listen to her, but they couldn't against their programming either. They pained her, and yet, they healed her. Such a familiar juxtaposition.
Phoenix wrote:"You would lecture me about things you have barely even scratched the surface of?," he replied, his voice dripping with contempt, yet he selected his words carefully as not to confirm anything in the likely event they were simply guessing, "I told you before to leave me be. I will not say it again."
Whitegrazer remained silent as she entered the lab. She sat down. Images flooded her mind. She was in a room with four steel walls. Dark. The only light in the room was the restaints on her body. Hands and feet chained. Mouth and vocal processors locked up. Ah. She remembered this memory. She had been captured because of a brilliant trap set by an intelligent Predacon war general, who wished to gather information about something he deemed worthy of. He knocked on her head It would be easy if you just surrendered the information. She shook her head. Warned him that it wasn;t wise. If she was like she was now, she might have pleaded him to don't try, but her past self let him do it. If he was stupid enough to think he was worthy, let him try and die. After all, he deserved it. He had his interrogater going through her systems. Brutes threatened and pulled her limbs apart. They all did. But she knew she couldn't react. They mustn't know. So when the Predacon general tried to do a processor-to-processor transfer. Everything went to the pit. Heads explode. Literally.

"I know more than you think, Zodiac." Her voice distorted a bit. Eyes flashed white again.

Whitegrazer covered her mouth. Part of her chastised herself for doing this. She was playing a dangerous game, but if it was Zodiac and no one else, she may have no choice but to play it.

Clearing her throat, she looked at Aurora, "My vocal processor was damaged a bit, I think, from Zodiac's attack. Sorry about that. I hope I didn't frighten you."

Then another quake hit. Whitegrazer almost slipped off, but she caught herself, grabbing Aurora as the little one held on to some equipment before they fell.


NaitoKage wrote:Go on ahead, I need ta get somethin'..
Blackarachnia shrugged and made her way to the bridge. There was another quake, stronger than the last two, which made her fall flat on her skidplate. She let out a small shout of surprise and then hit the floor of the Axalon with a punch, taking out the sudden attack on the Axalon herself. Standing up slowly, hoping that there were no more surprising earthquakes until she got to the bridge. She saw the little ermine and the white mare heading in the lab, wondering what they were doing before she continued her way to the bridge.

When she finally came upon the bridge, she put her pinchers to her hips, staring at Rhinox and Rattrap, "All right, spill. what the slag is going on here? I heard of earthquakes before, but something tells me this isn't natural, is it?"
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Unread post by Optimal Optimus Primal »

Weak... A joke... Unworthy... That's what they think of you.

Who? asked Primal.

All of them. Everyone, the whisper answered.

I don't care what they think. I've come this far, I think I know what I'm doing.

And yet you sit here talking to yourself like a bot with a few loose screws and disconnected wires.

You're just a voice. You're no one. I don't know how you came to be but I'm going to get rid of you sooner or later, Optimus proclaimed.

No, you can't get rid of me or any of us. You can suppress us but we'll always be here. We are you. We're the truth. Not even your precious Whitegrazer can erase us. A distant chuckle wafted in the background mockingly.

You're nothing! And don't you dare speak about Whitegrazer or any of my Maximals! Do you hear me?! You're nothing!

We're everything, Optimus. We've always been here and always will be. You need us.

Yes, I need you... I need you to leave! he roared inside his mind.

A violent shaking stirred Primal. Awake? Was he asleep and just dreaming? The line between reality and fiction was fuzzy for him. Nevertheless, he instinctively grabbed the arms of the chair he was sitting on inside of the CR and held on tight. Were they under attack? It felt like the entire vessel was going to effortlessly vibrate apart. When it finally passed, Optimus jumped to his feet. Most of his repairs were complete, so he intended to find out what exactly was going on, because whatever it was, it was huge. Any more of these quakes, and they'd find their base of operations at the bottom of the waterfall!

Rhinox stumbled backwards during the biggest tremor yet, and his back fell into a console, one of his hands grabbing hold and keeping from falling.

Rattrap fell forward in the corridor dropping the weapons he had collected, his chin hitting the hard, metal floor with a clang and a grumbling, "Ow..." His entire small body shook on the floor as he crawled across it and got to a wall to prop himself against. "I'm pretty sure dese gettin' worse means we're runnin' outta time!" he hollered so others would hear his complaining, getting up on his knees as his voice echoed through the hall way.
On it, workin' on something though since we'll need the extra speed.
"As quickly as you can," the engineer encouraged the beetle before turning to the mare who finally commented on his earlier suggestion about keeping Zodiac distracted by allowing them to interact through her bond.
"What I mean is.... it shouldn't have been there in the first place." "Zodiac knew of the aliens' existence before he came here, which would explain why he knew of this weapon and it's location. He found the information somewhere else the aliens had been to. This mustn't have been the first time they did this on a planet. I would be able to handle it, but Optimus? No, Rhinox, I can't do that to him." "If under normal circumstances, maybe, but after what Optimus has been through for the past few solar cycles, I can't. It would be too traumatic for him."
Rhinox nodded with understanding. She was right, she would know better than any of them. They couldn't risk it, so they would have to come up with something else.
"If you can simply block your connection to Optimus, can't you do the same with Zodiac?,"
"My connection with Zodiac is different than the connection I have with Optimus. Optimus' was formed gradually while Zodiac's was formed through physical and emotional distress because of him trying to devour me by use of his own nanomachines." "Think of the connection as a doorway to another person's spark. Their emotions. Their memories, even. How they perceive. Optimus and I have a door where either of us could shut for privacy or if one wished, terminate the connection by turning the door into a wall. Now, the connection that I have with Zodiac, the door that should be there has been ripped off it's hinges. Gone because of the force and intensity of emotions that created it, which keeps Zodiac as well as I from blocking the other person out. I could build a door metaphorically, but it would take a deep meditation session that would put me under for at least a couple of solar cycles."
Now the rhinoceros understood her situation a lot better. Unfortunately, they didn't have the time available for Whitegrazer to meditate and build such a block in order to ignore Zodiac, but perhaps that was better so she could constantly keep an eye on him and keep them informed. He just hoped it wouldn't exhaust her and distract her too much at any tasks that she would need to focus on. He had a feeling that Zodiac was a kind of bot that had never invaded her mind before. Watching her and Aurora leave the bridge, Blackarachnia soon arrived as requested. Really? She hadn't bothered to side step taking advantage of the situation and steal something or even do a little sabotage? There may be hope for her yet.
"All right, spill. what the slag is going on here? I heard of earthquakes before, but something tells me this isn't natural, is it?"
The engineer's mouth opened to answer her but he hesitated when he saw Optimus show up behind her, repaired and standing tall, although his orange optics suggested a different attitude; more lost and annoyed than confident and reliable. Since the black widow had already asked for the information that Primal sought, he didn't bother repeating her question and simply waited for the explanation from his friend.

"...No," Rhinox began slowly and figured there was no way to put it delicately. "No, it's not natural. According to Whitegrazer, Zodiac has found a weapon that the Vok left behind and he's trying to activate it." His red optics shifted from Blackarachnia to Optimus.

The TransMetal gorilla remained quiet and stared at Rhinox who recognized the sinking feeling of hopelessness and devastation behind his calmness. The mentally compromised leader's shoulders lowered a little along with his eye contact. He secretly fought the mocking voices inside of him and the memories of his last encounter with the aliens. Looking to his left, he saw the holographic three-dimensional map on the center console that was still rotating. But now it also displayed the magnitude of the earthquakes. Politely stepping past the female Predacon, Optimus walked over to the spinning mountain range and studied it. "It's located here?"

"Yes. Optimus, Aurora and Whitegrazer are working on a virus to transmit to Zodiac that should take him down. It was Aurora's brilliant idea, essentially using nanomachines against nanomachines."

A very small of smile of gratitude and pride swept across Primal's scarred mouth as he leaned on the console with both hands and listened to his friend. Aurora was impeccably resourceful like that, always beating the odds and thinking outside of the box. But he was confused about the mare being of assistance in the matter instead of their chief medical officer and science engineer. "How can Whitegrazer help?"

"Well, she's... Her body is infested with Zodiac's nanotech from their confrontation earlier."

And your world continues to crumble. Ha ha ha ha ha!

Optimus licked the scar across his lips and balled his fists in hatred and anger toward Zodiac and the Vok as Rhinox continued.

"So she hopes to extract them in order to use them in Aurora's concoction to develop as much of the virus as needed. Meanwhile, Rattrap and Landslide are gathering weapons and tools that have the most effect on the shape shifter by electrocution. Blackarachnia here may be able to help us with any alien encryption that we might run into, or with any other valuable information. After all, if Zodiac gets control of this weapon, we're all in trouble. He won't discriminate between the factions, he'll take us down as well as Megatron."

"Is it mobile?"

"Whitegrazer believes it's stationary but she doesn't know how powerful it is or what exactly its abilities are."

"If it can cause this much reverberation by just attempting to turn it on or power it up, then I think it's safe to assume that it's extremely powerful and we need to get there as soon as possible." Optimus finally pulled his optics away from the map to look at Rhinox and repeat, "As soon as possible."

"We could send a small team there now. It would certainly keep Zodiac distracted while the rest of us catch up."

"How long will it take for Aurora to make that virus?"

"Not long."

After a moment of thought, Optimus slammed a fist on the console. "How did he know it was there?! Is he involved with the Vok, too?!" he hollered in frustration and anger. "And I don't understand how Whitegrazer knows so much about this and what he's doing!"

"A bond was established between them, Optimus. Involuntarily. That's why she has kept you at a distance lately."

"Must he interfere with everything?!" Primal was beginning to feel overwhelmed. "If-if-if he's messing around with that weapon, will the Vok be notified? Because, honestly, Rhinox, I don't think I can face them again. Not now. Time and time again they target me..."

"Just calm down, Optimus. We can only take this one step at a time. I don't know. The weapon might be too old and outdated to send any kind of communication to the aliens if it's even meant to. Right now we need to focus on stopping Zodiac. We have a good start. We can all do this together."

In the meantime, Rattrap gathered the items he had dropped and got up when the shaking stopped. He hurried along to catch up with Landslide. "Hey, 'Slider. What you got so far? Need any help? Hey, where's dat lightning gun? Think that'd be a good idea to use near a mountain and start some avalanches?" the Spy smirked as he laid his selection down on the table.
"Well, that's just prime!"
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NaitoKage
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Unread post by NaitoKage »

Rhinox wrote:"As quickly as you can,"


Landslide continued his work, clamping some lines in, splicing wires together, then bolted the engine down and started to test the servo movements, then turned on the engine, paying attention to it's output. Ah good enough! he said to himself turning the engine off. He then felt the ship shake again, but unlike the others wasn't as easy to knock over with his stocky build and large feet.

Picking up a portable welder, he walked out and soon met up with Rattrap in the hall.
Rattrap wrote:"Hey, 'Slider. What you got so far? Need any help? Hey, where's dat lightning gun? Think that'd be a good idea to use near a mountain and start some avalanches?"


Landslide raised his right arm, the electro laser sliding out Got it right ere' Lad. Grenade launcher would do a better job at causing avalanches.. but that's toast at the moment. I was a might busy puttin' this in, but I got a spare welder on hand an' replaced the fuses in my on board one. Landslide pointed to the Nacelle he juryrigged a small engine from the Stasis pod to. So now he had four rocket motors again, covering some of his redundancies. I'll admit I'm startin' to wish I was a wee bit bigger fer holdin' that much cargo.. maybe something I'll look into later.. Anyway, we should meet up with Rhinox n' the others. Landslide waved Rattrap on, and headed towards the bridge.

As they walked, Landslide overheard the conversation in the hall between Optimus and Rhinox (To save Rhinox having to repeat everything since Landslide doesn't know the plan yet.)

Landslide walked up behind Optimus and Blackarachnia,then looked towards Optimus Lad.. you've had more then enough fighting.. Listen.. I dunno what is gonna happen to this ship, it might be best if ya take Cheetor n' fly somewhere and hide out fer now..
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Unread post by Phoenix »

You called, my lady?
Nemesis turned to face Umbra as he made his presence known. Albeit she had initially been a bit suspicious of the cephalopod, his talents and loyalty to the Predacons had proved his value. For a mercenary for hire, he more than made up for several of the less skilled Predacons on the team.

"Umbra.. My apologies for sending you out on a mission so soon after your return from the Axalon, but your talents are required. I understand that you've been been keeping Starshadow in line. Can a similar technology be used to make sure Terrorsaur behaves himself? Perhaps in the form of an undetectable implant capable of injecting him with a neurotoxin should he require it? Nothing lethal, merely something to put him to sleep when needed."

She could have asked Tarantulas, of course, but didn't trust the spider not to take advantage. She believed Terrorsaur could be useful, but alas Megatron would surely kill him the next time he went against his leader's wishes. So it would be beneficial to have some means of controlling Terrorsaur. Of course there was a sense of self-preservation involved as well, given how she had been the one to convince Megatron to spare Terrorsaur's life. Any treachery on Terrorsaur's part would surely result in Megatron turning his rage upon her as well.
"This is Deathroll, Commander, Inferno is still recuperating along with Terrorsaur in the tanks...Such impressive toys these predacons have at their disposal...But I digress, I can man his post until he awakes, I'll need to learn how this ship of the future works sooner or later anyway"
The voice of their newest recruit chimed in just then, responding for Inferno. Nemesis listened to his brief report, hesitating for the briefest of time before granting Deathroll's request to take Inferno's place. Granted the former Decepticon had proven himself worthy thus far, but he was still very new to their base and knew little of the technology of today. Still.. there was no time like the present for him to get acquainted to it, she supposed. And perhaps Tarantulas could make himself useful while Umbra took care of business with the Maximals. "Very well, Deathroll," she responded via comlink, "You seem like a quick study so feel free to learn more about our base and computer systems. Perhaps Tarantulas will be kind enough to offer some guidance if you should require it. "
"My connection with Zodiac is different than the connection I have with Optimus. Optimus' was formed gradually while Zodiac's was formed through physical and emotional distress because of him trying to devour me by use of his own nanomachines."

Aurora kept working as she listened to the white mare's explanation. It was a little difficult to wrap her mind around Whitegrazer's abilities and her connections to those around her, as Aurora couldn't even imagine what such an intimate relationship with another individual could possibly be like. Intimate in the sense that one couldn't even be certain that one's thoughts were private, nor feelings or desires. It seemed truly frightening to have another individual in one's mind like that. Zodiac more so than anyone.. Well, Megatron probably wouldn't be very fun either. But even with Megatron's hatred for the Maximals, the shapeshifter had taken it to a whole new level. His stunt with the bomb proved the extreme lengths he would go to just to see his enemy suffer before ending it all. Even Megatron had not gone to such extremes.

"That all sounds so strange..," she finally admitted, "Are you sure you're okay? I mean.. you've got a maniac in your head!" The little fuzor's voice was hesitant, unable to hold back the fact that she still felt betrayed by Zodiac's actions.. Mostly because he had lead them all to believe he truly was Nexus Prime, a respected leader figure and Optimus' dear friend and mentor. His betrayal had obviously caused some changes in their leader.

She turned to Whitegrazer, gesturing for her to rest her arm on the table. The earthquake had settled down for now, but there was no telling when they'd be hit with another one. Or worse. Aurora was just hoping they could be ready by then.
Briefly wondering how Optimus was doing now, Aurora wasted no time as she used a large bore needle to extract a sample of the nanomachines from Whitegrazer after numbing the area first, of course. She didn't speak much as she worked, instead her head was filled with everything she had to factor in to make this work. As soon as she had the sample, she placed it in a separate tube before adding some chemicals. Then she turned her attention to the other batch again.
"Think of the connection as a doorway to another person's spark. Their emotions. Their memories, even. How they perceive. Optimus and I have a door where either of us could shut for privacy or if one wished, terminate the connection by turning the door into a wall. Now, the connection that I have with Zodiac, the door that should be there has been ripped off it's hinges. Gone because of the force and intensity of emotions that created it, which keeps Zodiac as well as I from blocking the other person out. I could build a door metaphorically, but it would take a deep meditation session that would put me under for at least a couple of solar cycles."
Yeah.. they didn't have a couple of solar cycles right now. Judging by how much more intense the quakes were getting, Aurora was certain their very home would be ripped apart long before then. With any luck the virus would work and Zodiac would no longer be a threat by that time.
"Perhaps a greater distraction would be to allow both Optimus and Zodiac to interact through your bond. But only if you think it wouldn't be too dangerous, and only if you're able to handle it."
"You.. can do that?"
"Yes, I can. Though, finding something that could distract him from his mission would be... hard, but not impossible. Just need to find something that could peak his interest."
Like our deaths..., Aurora thought to herself grimly. Or mind games?
"I would be able to handle it, but Optimus? No, Rhinox, I can't do that to him." Whitegrazer stared at Optimus' CR chamber once more. "If under normal circumstances, maybe, but after what Optimus has been through for the past few solar cycles, I can't. It would be too traumatic for him. "
"What do homocidal maniacs like to talk about?," she then uttered, mostly to herself but still loud enough for anyone nearby to hear.
"I know more than you think, Zodiac."
Aurora cast a concerned glance at Whitegrazer for a nanoclick before returning her gaze to the concoction she was creating.
"My vocal processor was damaged a bit, I think, from Zodiac's attack. Sorry about that. I hope I didn't frighten you."
Yeah right.. The fuzor did not buy that excuse one bit. But she had no time to worry about it right now. Hopefully Whitegrazer was strong enough to withstand Zodiac's influence.. and the shapeshifter not familiar enough with their connection to be able to tell what they were trying to do here.

Just then she noticed the nanomachine-concoction was starting to change color. Aurora's face changed as well, showing hope for the first time in a while. "I think it's ready!"

She opened a channel to the other Maximals in the bridge, as of yet unaware that Optimus was awake and with them.

"The virus is ready! Have you decided on who gets to deliver it?," she asked of nobody in particular.

Meanwhile Zodiac merely smiled to himself as he watched the screens light up with data from the earthquake at the site of his target. Unfortunately he didn't have visuals on his target but if he could figure out how to tap into the satellites the aliens surely left behind, he'd be able to see the Axalon get vaporized. In the meanwhile he had to settle for the data about the magnitude of the earthquake and the humming as more of the machines came to life.

He could still hear Whitegrazer in his head, well.. bits and pieces anyway. She seemed blurry again, faded as if whispering at a great distance, so whatever she was doing she didn't feel like sharing. Then he saw a few flashes of her, he was certain it was her this time, seemingly being tortured by a Predacon. Oh what a glorious site it looked like to him, but of course he realized she'd gotten away from there in one piece. Such a pity. The flashes were brief and didn't reveal much information before they faded away, but Zodiac didn't mind. He was preoccupied with setting up the final stages so the Vok machines could destroy his enemies once and for all.. Afterwards perhaps he would turn the machine's wrath on the Predacons, given how annoyed he felt by how the Predacons had come for him.. And more so that they surely had killed Night Terror by now.
"I know more than you think, Zodiac."
He shook his head slowly at that.

And still you know nothing at all..


Well.. It hardly mattered. Whitegrazer was about to die alongside her precious Maximals. And with her this cursed mental link would be gone as well. He could but hope that her death would be painful, very much so, even though part of him wondered if such pain would travel through their connection. Even if it did, he was accustomed to pain. He'd be able to tolerate it.

Just then an alert within the cave notified him that someone was approaching his location. The signature was Cybertronian in nature, yet.. different from the Maximals. Zodiac's nanomachines immediately withdrew back into him as his hands curled into fists, a sneer appearing on his face.
Last edited by Phoenix on Fri Feb 26, 2016 10:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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