The Intergalactic Highway

Night Terror was still reading the files. He poured through each one. Each one gave him more information on how both the Maximals and the Predacons operated on this planet. Each one gave him a better strategy. Smiling to himself, he began to look what information he had on the enemy base, when he was interrupted by his changeling comrade.

Phoenix wrote: "Enjoying your newfound freedom? Well. Time to head out. We have a prior engagement to attend to, so if you could gather our oversized friend and meet me outside the base.."

"Very good. By the sound of your voice, I take it we have had our first impediment to the plan. Excellent, then this is where the fun begins. I will meet you there." The old strategist turned away monitors and began to make his way to the exit.

Making his way through the base, he glanced back at his bodyguard. Night Terror nearly stopped in his tracks when he realized that Dirge had not chosen an alternate form. With all that had happen since he made planetfall Night Terror had not even noticed. The Predacon aristocrat just sighed and shook his head. Dirge always was a bit slow, but he made up for that in sheer firepower. And loyalty of course. A small mind is filled with faith.

Night Terror allowed himself a small chuckle then stopped and turned to Dirge.

"Dirge, my old comrade. You're going to need to pick an alternate form for this planet. Be quick about it, and once you are done meet me outside. We have work to do." he said turning back to the exit, with a devilish grin.

((OOC: Sorry for the wait, busy couple of days.))

"So you've been partying with the Maximals all this time?"

Sonar gave a dry chuckle. "Yes, and as you can see we're having a swell time. Care to join me? The service here is amazing."

"Just stay clear of this puddle. Sonar bit himself."

Sonar gave a wry smile. "Not my finest moment of the day."

OOC: Post added, hope this checks out with everyone. Naito, I can pick someone else to accompany Zodiac's team if you'd rather Umbra stay at the base, would have picked Inferno but figured that wouldn't be doable until Blackrose returns.

Naitokage wrote:
Umbra loaded Waspinator's parts and Quickstrke into the CR tanks as he observed Terrorsaur and Spineback arguing. He looked up tilting his head slightly Perhaps it's just my programming.. but.. should you two be bickering at a time like this? While we have the Maximal commander as our prisoner.. but we have lost allies reducing our combat strength considerably. As it stands, you and Inferno are our only active fliers left Terrorsaur. We may have gained some new troops from your prisoners, but that doesn't necessarily mean we understand their full potential strengths either..

"I don't need you to remind me of the situation Umbra, we're always up to our optics in slag around here, its just that today the universe decided to REALLY screw us over. But don't doubt for a second that I won't be ready to bust heads and terrorize the skies again once the Doc here is done tinkering with my equip...Hey, watch what you're touching!" Terrorsaur said, trying not to squirm as Spineback repaired him, deciding he DEFINITELY preferred the hands off method the CR Tanks provided...Years of being a gangster and a member of Megatron's crew had taught Terrorsaur to avoid showing his back to anyone, pred or maxi, whenever possible.

Naitokage wrote: Umbra then walked over to Terrorsaur and Spineback. Unfortunately we don't have enough CR tanks for repairing more crew members.. this may be something to rectify in the future.. but for now just bear with it... Umbra then sat down on a box, in the light his wounded side could be easily seen showing some of his internal workings, though Umbra wasn't bothered even from running 3 missions in a day. He was used to it. He rubbed his chin as started to think about the vampire. Though.. it is interesting that she is a vampire.. She can't be a "dedicated" vampire as we'd of had more reports of her consuming mech fluid often..As well as how inefficient that would be.. specially with how much energy Starshadow can throw around. In the past.. I have taken on some with similar draining capabilities.. however they didn't have such unusual mandibles. Normally a method like that would be used to compensate for high energy expenditure.. For instance like a flier using external fuel tanks to increase their flight range. The Spiders took some samples of her,so I suppose we'll have to wait and see from those tests but..

Umbra's leg compartment opened as he pulled out a small computer device, typing into it he then held up the screen showing a security image of Starshadow in the hallway with her mandibles exposed in a ghastly manner. Have you seen anything like this in your years Doctor?

"So now you're a vampire expert eh? You hunt werewolves and zombies too?" Terrorsaur inquired, half skeptical and half unsurprised that a shady merc like Umbra would have encountered freaks like that in his travels.

Terrorsaur didn't need Umbra to explain the perks of external fuel tanks for flight, but with a sigh decided to entertain this bizarre situation more seriously, adding "Okay, so if she's not a "dedicated" vampire because otherwise she would have bled us all dry by now or been caught trying, AND because she burns up too much energy in a fight to be dependent on parasitism for survival, then what the Pit is her deal? Its not like her beast mode is a vampire bat or a leech or something, and I don't think Megatron would want her taken down so badly if she was just a weirdo with a odd taste in personal upgrades...Unless she tried to bite him, heh heh. As for what the spiders might have to say...Eh, I wouldn't put too much faith in them if I were you. Are they smart? Yes. Can you trust them not to keep delicate intel to themselves? Not so much"

Terrorsaur had his fair share of bad experiences with the spiders, especially Blackarachnia, who'd pulled a gun on him once during a mission and another time tricked him into being a decoy for a flying mountain's main weapon. They were pretty much his chief competition for overthrowing Megatron and taking power, so naturally it would not surprise him if they kept valuable information like whatever the slag Starshadow was to themselves if they thought they could use it to further their own agenda.

Terrorsaur then peered down at the image of Starshadow flashing her mandibles and made a disgusted look, "Ugh, glad I never got serious with her, freak show."

Una wrote:
So this really wasn't a Maximal after all? Who was it then? All she knew none of the Predacons were shapeshifters. Only weird thing she saw was Starshadow. She still shivered at the sight. Then the new person most be a new recruit, but when did he come in here? And that still didn't explained how Optimus knew that was Aurora unless... Oh the Pit do tell her. Did no one actually check to see if Optimus wasn't bugged or anything.

"Are you sure you didn't miss something when you bought him and his old companion here?" She asked towards Megatron and Tarantulas.

It had to be that. Anything else was nonsense or delusions.

"Of course not, they were both stripped of weapons and anything else on them when they were brought in, and they cannot communicate with their allies inside this base" Tarantulas exclaimed, insulted the witless widow would even ask, especially knowing what he could do to her...Though he did admit to himself, it bothered him that Primal had been able to pick up on the surprise newcomer's true identity so quickly when none of them could.

"Yessss, so it would seem" Megatron mumbled to himself, staring at Primal long and hard, as if he could pierce his mind this way and learn his secret.

OOP wrote:
"I thought... you... were running this... show, Megatron," Primal mentioned seeing as though this "Aurora" was taking matters into "her" own hands right now, much like Tarantulas was about to do earlier. And, of course, Megatron opposed anyone who threatened to step on his toes and over power him. "It's no secret... how... disorganized your crew... is," the Maximal Commander started to taunt the t-rex between breaths and through his bent teeth. "I'd be more... than happy... to... give you some... helpful advice... on successful management... and teamwork." The ape's words may or may not a hit a nerve with his long-time nemesis; he hoped they would. After all, it was no secret how well his Maximals worked together and stopped Megatron every single time. Meanwhile, Optimus felt Whitegrazer's distractions but it didn't matter right now since his new Predacon "friends" were merely conversing with him. It wouldn't last long but it was a nice break from the torturous energy bonds, kicks and punches.

"And I am Primal, hence why you're in the prison cell, battered and broken, and I'm out here, in control and near victory" Megatron replied, repressing his rage and agitation by fighting back with verbal barbs of his own.

"Hhhhmmm, lets see, management advice from someone I've killed once already and who now barely clings to life by a thread and is completely at my mercy. No thank you, I think I've managed to work wonders with what I've got, unlike you, who stands to lose everything if you fail to swallow that silly maximal pride of yours and tell me what I wish to know. Do so, and I'll leave your maximals here in peace to the ravages of time as me and my own take our rightful place amongst the stars, and Cybertron. I'll even put poor old Nexus in the CR Tanks for repairs right now if you simply admit defeat like a mech already, he's seen better days, but if we act quickly he'll live...Probably won't be the same ever again, but he was honestly too old to be playing soldier for much longer anyway" Megatron said smoothly and coldly, his words cutting like daggers, hellbent on ripping what few delusions of hope Optimus had managed to muster up to ribbons before they took root.

Besides, mocking Primal always made Megatron feel better, it was good for the spark.

Phoenix wrote: That last one almost caused the fuzor to bust out laughing. It was true that he hadn't had much time available to study the movements of the remaining Maximals on their own cameras, but the little he had seen had hardly impressed him.

"Oh ever the blind one," the pretender said with a light chuckle as he took a step closer still, "Allow me to give you some advice on knowing your place."

He then suddenly brought a powerful fist straight into the wounded Maximal's abdomen, making it obvious that he possessed a great deal more strength than the real Aurora did. He would have aimed higher, but the midsection was as high as he could reach in this form. With a smugness visible on his face that was unheard of in the original fuzor, he took a step back and watched the Maximal stumble.

Without taking his optics off Primal, he then addressed Megatron.

"There is some urgent business I need to tend to. A full report will be available on your private console. I trust you will keep our guest entertained in the meanwhile? " The fuzor finally turned towards the tyrant, smiling a bit as he gave a quick, courteous nod. "Have fun."

Megatron observed as Zodiac remained in Aurora's form & even used her voice as she continued to converse with Primal, more surprisingly, saw him punch Primal in the gut hard enough to make him stumble! A sight which provoked laughter from the transmetal tyrant, seeing his hated enemy injured by such a small and feeble looking creature, though also went to show that Zodiac was dangerous in any form.

Megatron frowned inwardly however as Zodiac saw himself out, feigning courtesy and loyalty but Megatron did not buy his sincerity for an instant, but donned a mask of smiles as he replied "That I shall, happy hunting."

Once the shapeshifter had left the room, Megatron opened up a private channel and whispered "Megatron to Umbra, our new recruits are going out to run an errand, do accompany them and keep me informed would you?"

With that being done, Megatron turned his attention back to Primal and the spiders and said "Leave us, go make yourselves useful and man the bridge, I want to be informed of any new developments. For now...I wish to be alone with my guest."

Reluctant to leave just as things were getting interesting, Tarantulas said "But Megatron, we can assist..."

"Did I stutter? Nnnnoooo" Megatron growled, eyes fixed on Tarantulas like laser scopes.

"As you command, Megtron" Tarantulas replied, bowing in submission to avoid a beating as he and his fellow spiders moved to evacuate the room.

"Ahem, forgetting something?" Megatron inquired, not even turning to look back at them as he reached out an open hand in expectation of the remote that controlled the power bonds.

"My mistake" Tarantulas grumbled as he turned over the device to Megatron and then stormed out with the other spiders, leaving the leaders of both predacon and maximal factions alone together in the new brig.

"Alone at last, Yyyyyyyessssssssss" Megatron sighed with evil pleasure, his eyes glowing demonically as he advanced towards Primal's cell ominously, like something out of a nightmare, the brig's bars not unlike the cage a fleshling diver might use to separate themselves from a man-eating shark, as he added "Care to rethink my offer?"

(It's not a problem. Though I suppose it will add to Inferno acting like a jealous wife. *LOL* )

Terrorsaur wrote:"So now you're a vampire expert eh? You hunt werewolves and zombies too?"

Umbra shrugged I'm not sure I'd call myself an expert.. as for werewolves and zombies.. I'm still not convinced Junkions aren't the undead..

Terrorsaur wrote:Okay, so if she's not a "dedicated" vampire because otherwise she would have bled us all dry by now or been caught trying, AND because she burns up too much energy in a fight to be dependent on parasitism for survival, then what the Pit is her deal? Its not like her beast mode is a vampire bat or a leech or something, and I don't think Megatron would want her taken down so badly if she was just a weirdo with a odd taste in personal upgrades...Unless she tried to bite him, heh heh. As for what the spiders might have to say...Eh, I wouldn't put too much faith in them if I were you. Are they smart? Yes. Can you trust them not to keep delicate intel to themselves? Not so much"

Terrorsaur wrote: "Ugh, glad I never got serious with her, freak show."

Umbra smirked That's the fun of the mystery now isn't it? Though Megatron wasn't too happy she intervened with the capture of miss Banshee and Cheetor.. the two nearly killed each other.

Megatron wrote: "Megatron to Umbra, our new recruits are going out to run an errand, do accompany them and keep me informed would you?"

Umbra put away the small computer and activated his comlink Understood.

He then looked towards Terrorsaur and Spineback Well I got work to do, I'll report if I find out anything about miss Starshadow. he then stood up and walked away towards the exit.

As he moved, he soon came upon Night Terror and Dirge. From a simple glance, the Ninja could tell Dirge was made to cause heavy damage, while Night Terror seemed less focused on speed and more on stealth and agility. The sword at his side being like a saber or rapier, something usually held as a weapon of a gentlemen, but very effective in the right hands by piercing or moving around the gaps in armor to strike weak points.

Silently walking up towards the two,then he spoke up I suppose we should aquatint ourselves, I've been requested by Lord Megatron to accompany your group. My name is Umbra, I'm under contract with our liege.

((OOC: Guys, I'm gonna be quite slow and might procastinate (a little?) in the RP since my final school project and life has been a huge beyotch to me so yeah..))

"The disks are all we got right now. Besides all of us surrendering, it's the only thing valuable ta Megadump, an' we'll be lucky if he actually accepts a trade with them fer Optimus. I mean, we all know how badly he wants ta kill the monkey. ...Again. So we gotta use 'em before it's too late. We can always try gettin' dem back later, but if we lose Optimus this time, we won't be gettin' him back. We're not gonna use the virus at all if Aurora can't figure out a cure for it. Cure first, infect Preds later. You figure out a way ta get inside Megatron's mind, let us know. But you haven't been dealin' with him an' his thugs fer as long as we have, so you might wanna take a back seat and start studyin'. We're gonna need everybody on your toes and ready ta go."

Banshee sighed and nodded in agreement. Since Rattrap is taking charge of the Maximals in Optimus' absensce, she had to have some confidence and faith in him. Since she knows the brief idea of the rescue plan, she made her way to the armory and opened one of her stashes, a set of throwing knives and a spare gun. After she re-armed herself, she made her way to the bridge again and tapped in to the computers, skimming through the available information of the enemies she would face in the future, "Hmm...Inferno..flamethrower user...Terrorsaur and Waspinator...partners in combat and the main fliers...Tarantulas...Blackarachnia...Arachnitron..."

(ooc: Sorry for the delay.. Much like Rose, I also have an insane work schedule this week. And it's my work weekend again so.. yay?)

"Maybe you will be able to confront this bot soon and get the answers you seek. Whatever they may be."

Nemesis paused as she thought about the comment for a moment. It wasn't exactly a quest for answers that fueled her as much as it was a desire for revenge. Yes, part of her was a little curious, but satisfying that crave for answers wasn't nearly as important as making sure this shape-shifting bastard wouldn't be able to harm her again. No.. Even if it was the last thing she ever did, she was going to twist the knife in his spark. And this time she wouldn't hesitate to do it either.

"Yes, and as you can see we're having a swell time. Care to join me? The service here is amazing."

A quick glance at the bat's physical condition made it painfully obvious that he was far from serious. He looked different than she remembered, more vulnerable and restrained in a way, and he had a fairly sizable open gash in his armor that appeared to have been bleeding profusely. "Indeed. Looks like you might need a vacation soon though."

"Just stay clear of this puddle here,"

Aurora stopped immediately, having almost stepped in the puddle on the floor without really noticing it before Rhinox pointed it out. A not insignificant pool of mech fluid had spilled on the ground. The fuzor cast a concerned glance at Rhinox.

"Sonar bit himself. It could be contagious."

Phew..

"Eww. Was it really necessary to leave your body fluids everywhere?," she asked a bit teasingly.

Sonar gave a wry smile. "Not my finest moment of the day."

No kidding..

Well. Rhinox did raise a valid point, however if his mech fluid was indeed infected then this puddle on the floor could function as a test subject for the cure before injecting it into a live subject. Ever the opportunist, Aurora made the necessary precautions before scooping up some of the blood and pouring it into a small basin.

"Nemesis and I will offer any assistance any way we can," she looked at Nemesis, "Won't we?"

Nemesis shot her a warning glare, certainly not in the mood for small-talking with goody-two-shoe Maximals. "Certainly," she responded rather icily, "I can mop up the remaining spill with your mane."

Phoenix wrote:Nemesis shot her a warning glare, certainly not in the mood for small-talking with goody-two-shoe Maximals. "Certainly," she responded rather icily, "I can mop up the remaining spill with your mane."

"If it makes you feel better, but I think you would have more luck with my tail," she smiled, glancing at her long tail. Aurora had took a sample of the fluid before she had disposed of what she could clean up. She joined Aurora and helped in cleaning up the blood. Carefully and taking her time so she won't get anyone or herself infected. They really needed to get this cure created. She looked back at Nemesis as she was cleaning up, "Only assistance with the cure if it is needed or asked. " She wanted to be clear that she wasn't trying to get Nemesis do what she was doing. Nemesis wouldn't and probably be insulted if she did insinuate. "It is your choice though, Nemesis. You helped us out a lot already and I thank you for it. Hopefully, we have everything we need." She smiled at everyone else in the room. Nemesis didn't want to be here, she got that--though, she did come. Maybe out of curiosity? Even so, she wanted her hands on Darkwind and that frustration was growing more and more. They just needed alittle more time.

She disposed of some more blood gently into basin, remembering Nemesis's face with what she said eariler about Nemesis' finding her answers. "Once we get the cure made and Optimus and Nexus back, you will be able to finally meet this Darkwind face to face. I promise you."

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"Whitegrazer," Rhinox began with worry. "How is Optimus?"

"He's..." she was trying to choose her words carefully, especially in front of Aurora. Not that she was going to sugarcoat the situation, but she didn't want Aurora or Rhinox to be in even more pressure than they already were. They needed the cure quickly, but rushing it in an emotional fever would cause mistakes. "He's hanging in there. He has won some victories," she smiled but then she felt like she had been punched in the gut. Her face looked like it was holding air before she released it. Her legs were trying to give out on her, but she remained standing, placing a hand over abdomen region. She was just glad that she finished cleaning up the blood before this happened. She put pressure over her abdomen, sending Optimus back waves of comfort and love to erase those negative feelings.

She felt another presence through Optimus. It was full of boding and mockery. A pounding force.

Megatron.

She closed her optics then reopened them, "Rattrap and the others are almost ready. The only thing we need now is the cure. And I know I speak for myself and Optimus, when I say, I believe in you. All of you. We can do this." She looked at Aurora, Rhinox, Sonar, and Nemesis.

((OOC: Who doesn't like good words of encouragement? ))

Umbra wrote: I suppose we should aquatint ourselves, I've been requested by Lord Megatron to accompany your group. My name is Umbra, I'm under contract with our liege.

Night Terror turned to the bot walking towards them. He was surprised by the the polite attitude this Predacon presented himself with. Well finally another bot with a sense of formality.

"A pleasure. I am Lord Night Terror, and this is my compatriot, Dirge. he said with a slight bow and a gesture towards his heavily armed comrade.

He started walking back to the exit. He observed Umbra as they made their way out of the base. This bot was clearly an assassin or saboteur. Given what Night Terror believed their mission was, he believed Umbra's skills may prove useful. Still, he did not enjoy being spied on by Megatron. And that is exactly what this was.

"While I appreciate the help Umbra, I think we can handle it ourselves. You need not concern yourself." He knew that the his protest would be meaningless, but he wanted to judge Umbra's response.

"My companions and I have been fighting along side one another, as a single squad, for a long time. Having someone just tag along, might cause a bit of friction. Just a word of warning." he said to Umbra with a smirk.

Walking out of the Darksyde, Night Terror noticed the familiar shape of Terrorsaur. His demeanor was different though. Night Terror just shook his head with a small laugh and walked towards Zodiac.

"Of all the bots you could have chosen, you choose the one that shot down my ship and I was forced to surrender to. Bad form old friend. So give me and update on the situation, if you please."

"Well, well, well, you are not so tough after all, are you Optimus? I can't wait to see the Maximals' faces when we pay them a visit."

Optimus merely glanced at Blackarachnia, not particularly phased by her spiteful words.

"Are you sure you didn't miss something when you bought him and his old companion here?"

"Of course not, they were both stripped of weapons and anything else on them when they were brought in, and they cannot communicate with their allies inside this base"

"Yessss, so it would seem"

He wanted to cast a snark smile at them but he was drowsy and didn't bother putting in the effort.

"Your aging companion, you mean? Oh you'd be proud of the sentimental fool. Even near death he refuses to give up on your kind. Oh well, his loss I suppose."

The Maximal glared at "Aurora's" devilish smile. You know exactly... who I mean. It wasn't really an answer, though. And to hear such cruelty and ruthlessness from "her" in her sweet voice bothered Optimus more than the impressive physical appearance that this impostor was capable of. Who was this guy?

"And I am Primal, hence why you're in the prison cell, battered and broken, and I'm out here, in control and near victory"

"Out there... like a coward," Optimus corrected Megatron.

"Hhhhmmm, lets see, management advice from someone I've killed once already and who now barely clings to life by a thread and is completely at my mercy. No thank you, I think I've managed to work wonders with what I've got, unlike you, who stands to lose everything if you fail to swallow that silly maximal pride of yours and tell me what I wish to know. Do so, and I'll leave your maximals here in peace to the ravages of time as me and my own take our rightful place amongst the stars, and Cybertron. I'll even put poor old Nexus in the CR Tanks for repairs right now if you simply admit defeat like a mech already, he's seen better days, but if we act quickly he'll live...Probably won't be the same ever again, but he was honestly too old to be playing soldier for much longer anyway"

A slow and light chuckle came out of the Maximal Commander at his enemy's words. "We... We must be doing... pretty well... because we're... still here. We're... still in your way." Primal's smile faded and he bowed his head for a moment while he tried to continue gathering strength and catching his breath. Lifting his head once more, his face was hard and his voice was as firm as he could muster it. "Your word... means nothing to me."

"Oh ever the blind one," "Allow me to give you some advice on knowing your place."

"I wasn't... speaking to you..." Primal growled and tried taking another step back when this fraud moved even closer but found himself in a corner. My place... is with... my Maximals! "Her" green optics were probing and prying. It was then when he felt the intense pressure of "Aurora's" punch against his already squeezed abdomen that was barely keeping his spark chamber from cracking, causing him to double over and fall to the floor with a cough. Somehow that impersonator was packing a lot more strength and power behind "her" small and frail-like physique then "she" had led him to believe. As he laid there, he gasped a little in the agony and felt Whitegrazer reaching out to help ease the pain, but fatigue and exhaustion were pulling on him even more and his connection with her was fading in and out. It wasn't that he was willing or wanted to give up but his body could only handle so much at this point.

WARNING: Systems functioning at 35% and depleting, his internal computer told him. Optimus noted it and ignored it. There was nothing he could do to prevent anymore injuries, so stasis lock was looking more and more imminent for him.

"There is some urgent business I need to tend to. A full report will be available on your private console. I trust you will keep our guest entertained in the meanwhile?" "Have fun."

"That I shall, happy hunting." "Megatron to Umbra, our new recruits are going out to run an errand, do accompany them and keep me informed would you?"

They're leaving... This fake Aurora... Some... I don't... I don't know where... Optimus tried warning Whitegrazer.

"Leave us, go make yourselves useful and man the bridge, I want to be informed of any new developments. For now...I wish to be alone with my guest."

"But Megatron, we can assist..."

"Did I stutter? Nnnnoooo"

"As you command, Megtron"

"Ahem, forgetting something?"

"My mistake"

Primal wasn't sure if he should have felt relieved at that point now that the spiders had finally vacated the room and he was left with Megatron who now held the remote to his energy bonds in his hands; essentially his life. Tarantulas was obviously reluctant to leave, probably because he was dying to get inside his head, but he still coward to Megatron's dictatorship and had no choice in the matter. To live in fear like that every day... Optimus just didn't understand it.

"Alone at last, Yyyyyyyessssssssss"

The gash in his lip still seeped fluid from it as it continued to trickle down his cheek and drip onto the floor, his optics following Megatron's movement as he stepped closer to his cell. He was like a dark, ominous cloud of menacing energy. Something made out of a horror flick. A lot of the burgundy and orange paint on Primal's chest and stomach was cracked and peeling, flaking off, a long with the shiny blue paint on his back. Pieces of armor and bolts that had been bent under the pressure and stress of the bonds laid scattered about the floor, as well as small droplets and puddles of his fluids. His feet were chewed up from bullets. To say Optimus Primal was a complete mess and physically strained to the breaking point was an understatement. Yet, he continued to fight as coherently as he could and remain optimistic. But it was taking a toll. He embraced Whitegrazer's warmth and hope as well as he could, missing her voice, her touch, and her smile, but he was progressively slipping away from her.

"Care to rethink my offer?"

"No," said Optimus defiantly. "You... You need me. Without me... you'll never get... the disks back. Kill me... and they'll be... des... destroyed," he concluded as he used the wall once more to help him sit up. He was finally alone in his cell, relieved, and he laid his aching head back against the wall behind him to rest it.

-----

Ofcourse you were kidding. I may look a bit intimidating, but I'd rather not be loppin' preds apart if I can avoid it.

"Eh. Just wanted ta make sure you weren't some kinda homicidal maniac," Rattrap shrugged at the beetle.

Sure thing!

The rat was a little taken aback by Cheetor's enthusiasm for such a meek request but he didn't complain or comment sarcastically about it.

I hope that cure is made soon.. your room is a wreck more so then unusual and Big O is sleeping in the middle of it.

"Thanks," he said as he took the hubcap from Cheetor and attached it to the back of his shoulder. "Great," he replied sarcastically about Orcariner and the mess he made. "It's always gotta be my stuff, don't it?" he asked rhetorically. But at least Big O was somewhat safe and wasn't causing any trouble for anyone else. He glanced at Ironclaw who was quietly loitering and a Banshee who exited the bridge and soon returned, he assumed with the addition of some weapons.

"Hmm...Inferno..flamethrower user...Terrorsaur and Waspinator...partners in combat and the main fliers...Tarantulas...Blackarachnia...Arachnitron..."

"It ain't gonna be an easy fight," Rattrap admitted. "We gotta try an' keep it brief." Dinobot, Whitegrazer, Cheetor, Landslide, Aurora, Rhinox, Ironclaw, Wintersong, Nemesis and himself. Not very many of them. Should they keep someone back at the base just in case? No, Sentinel should be fine. Unless things went terribly wrong with the exchange, or the Predacons split up, the battle should be able to remain in the neutral territory.

-----

"Indeed. Looks like you might need a vacation soon though."

"Eww. Was it really necessary to leave your body fluids everywhere?,"

"Nemesis and I will offer any assistance any way we can," "Won't we?"

"Certainly," "I can mop up the remaining spill with your mane."

"If it makes you feel better, but I think you would have more luck with my tail,"

It hardly seemed like the time to be joking around when so much was at stake but Rhinox hesitated on making any arguments about it. It kept Aurora occupied and in higher spirits.

"He's..."

Big Green's red optics lingered on Whitegrazer's, waiting for her answer. She was giving it too much thought which meant she was choosing her words carefully. Probably not the best of signs.

"He's hanging in there. He has won some victories,"

And lost others, Rhinox added to himself. He could see it in her eyes and her movements that showed signs of pain and discomfort. She could feel what Optimus was going through, which was probably both a curse and a gift, but hopefully she was also able to offer some relief for him. At least he was still alive.

"Rattrap and the others are almost ready. The only thing we need now is the cure. And I know I speak for myself and Optimus, when I say, I believe in you. All of you. We can do this."

The engineer nodded in agreement with the mare and glanced at the others. It was good to know that Rattrap had been making progress with the others for a plan to rescue their leader and his old friend. Taking a look at Sonar's self-inflicted wound that he had bandaged, he took off the used one that was soaked, tossing it in a nearby waste disposal, and took more time applying a new one along with a better repair job to keep it secured and prevent any more loss of energon and mech fluid. He went slowly while he constantly fought with his impaired vision and balance.

OOP wrote: "Out there... like a coward," Optimus corrected Megatron.

"Oh Primal, have you fallen so far you stoop to such childish insults? You better than anyone should know cowardice has never been a fault of mine, that's more an issue for that vermin of yours, what's his favorite battle cry? "We're all gonna die?" Megatron replied, remembering all the battles he had led against the maximals, all the one on one duels with Primal...He had NEVER backed down from such challenges, Megatron may prefer to destroy his enemies through cunning whenever possible, but if practical methods failed he was always more than willing to resort to brute force to crush his adversaries underfoot.

OOP wrote:
A slow and light chuckle came out of the Maximal Commander at his enemy's words. "We... We must be doing... pretty well... because we're... still here. We're... still in your way." Primal's smile faded and he bowed his head for a moment while he tried to continue gathering strength and catching his breath. Lifting his head once more, his face was hard and his voice was as firm as he could muster it. "Your word... means nothing to me."

"You are certainly persistent, I will grant you that, yessss...But persistence can only carry you so far, and I fear you've finally reached the end of your proverbial rope, whether you care to admit it or not" Megatron growled softly, adding "My word should mean something to you, I'm your only hope."

Megatron smiled then, letting that thought sink into Primal, knowing it would sting for the ape to face the idea that his greatest enemy was the only hope for survival he and his maximals had...He was at HIS mercy, they were all at HIS mercy...He could not afford to laugh off or belittle the word of Megatron so easily with everything that was at stake for him and his own.

OOP wrote: The gash in his lip still seeped fluid from it as it continued to trickle down his cheek and drip onto the floor, his optics following Megatron's movement as he stepped closer to his cell. He was like a dark, ominous cloud of menacing energy. Something made out of a horror flick. A lot of the burgundy and orange paint on Primal's chest and stomach was cracked and peeling, flaking off, a long with the shiny blue paint on his back. Pieces of armor and bolts that had been bent under the pressure and stress of the bonds laid scattered about the floor, as well as small droplets and puddles of his fluids. His feet were chewed up from bullets. To say Optimus Primal was a complete mess and physically strained to the breaking point was an understatement. Yet, he continued to fight as coherently as he could and remain optimistic. But it was taking a toll. He embraced Whitegrazer's warmth and hope as well as he could, missing her voice, her touch, and her smile, but he was progressively slipping away from her.

Megatron opened the door to the brig, closing it behind them, still looming over Primal like a god of death here to claim his spark, a mocking sad smile upon his face, as if almost pitying the once proud maximal's condition, or perhaps in some small way regretting that their seemingly eternal rival was moments away from coming to a dark, brutal, albeit anti-climatic end. When it almost looked as though he was about to say something somewhat respectful, something that indicated he felt some degree of remorse for his cruel actions, the transmetal tyrant merely said "How much did it hurt being brought to your knees by a winged weasel?"

OOP wrote:
"No," said Optimus defiantly. "You... You need me. Without me... you'll never get... the disks back. Kill me... and they'll be... des... destroyed," he concluded as he used the wall once more to help him sit up. He was finally alone in his cell, relieved, and he laid his aching head back against the wall behind him to rest it.

Shaking his head in mock pity, Megatron again looked down on Primal with the same sad smile, and said "Optimus, poor sweet deluded Optimus...You LITERALLY have your back up against the wall. You're falling apart at the seams, and you cannot guide your maximals from here. You need me more than I need you. Bargaining with me can spare the lives of your crew, and possibly your own, reject my kind offer, and I shall simply take the disks back from the cold, dead digits of your friends and loved ones personally. The last time you left your maximals leaderless I nearly crushed them underfoot, WOULD have crushed them. They were distraught, directionless, beaten, I dare say FINISHED without you. Do you honestly believe enough time has passed that the outcome would not turn out the same if you were more definitively taken out of the picture? Take my words seriously Primal and consider your options more carefully, quit now and spare yourself the grief of knowing you sentenced your own forces to death by my hands before yourself...Or perhaps, if you are too stubborn to listen to reason, I should go over your head and deal with whoever's been giving you such informative insight concerning my new personnel? Yessss? Or Nnnooo?"

It was here that Megatron's expression grew colder, more inquisitive, staring down at Primal like he was some exotic but unpleasant lab specimen, as though he could peer through Primal's optics and spy on whoever was back at the maximal base giving him all the answers.

NaitoKage wrote: Umbra shrugged I'm not sure I'd call myself an expert.. as for werewolves and zombies.. I'm still not convinced Junkions aren't the undead..

"HAH! Good one, those rust buckets always gave me bad vibes too" Terrorsaur laughed, enjoying a good laugh at the expense of the walking junk-piles who'd helped the autobots during Great War II.

NaitoKage wrote: Umbra smirked That's the fun of the mystery now isn't it? Though Megatron wasn't too happy she intervened with the capture of miss Banshee and Cheetor.. the two nearly killed each other.

"Now THAT I would have liked to have seen" Terrorsaur cackled, amused by the chaos that had broken out while he had been away, and glad to know he hadn't been the only one who's day had been soured by Starshadow.

Naitokage wrote: Umbra put away the small computer and activated his comlink Understood.

He then looked towards Terrorsaur and Spineback Well I got work to do, I'll report if I find out anything about miss Starshadow. he then stood up and walked away towards the exit.

"Give her one good for me!" Terrorsaur called after Umbra, annoyed that he wasn't going along to bust some maximal heads as well.

"Are you done yet? I'm missing all the fun!" Terrorsaur complained to Spineback, the female saurian having been oddly quiet since she'd started tinkering with his tech, supposedly repairing him but he was beginning to have his doubts and wanted to just jump into the CR Tanks like Waspinator and Quickstrike had done already.

Just then however, the spiders entered the bridge, all three of them together no less! Terrorsaur honestly wondered why the spiders seemed to flock together at times despite their tendencies for self interest and the not so great social skills their beast modes were known for...Bunch of creeps and weirdos is what they were, even if the females were a bit easy on the optics.

"What's up Legs? Did Megatron take away your toys?" Terrorsaur jeered at Tarantulas, knowing the spider's love for torture.

"Indeed. What happened to you? Fall out of the sky? Again?" Tarantulas retorted, ignoring the transmetal pterodactyl as he glared after him, held back by the doctor working on his repairs.

The spider manned the science station, appearing to be doing what Megatron had told him to do, but whispering to Arachnitron "Now show me Starshadow's data, I can at least learn her secrets while Megatron is busy entertaining his guest."

"Indeed. Looks like you might need a vacation soon enough."

Sonar gave the freak of nature a dry humorless chuckle. He spoke up when he heard someone say something about cleaning up his mess.

"I'd love to help clean up, but as you can see, I'm kind of tied up at the moment."

He turned his attention to Rhinox as he tended to his wound and felt like stiring the pot.

"When a cure is made, do you really think Saber-Fang will want the cure? I'm postive that, like myself she has been experiencing her worst nightmare and has no doubt been reliving the day she helpped slaughter millions of innocence." He looked up at the ceiling for a moment before continuing as though no one was listening. "One can only wonder how she can live with that much blood on her hands, knowing she helpped destroy colony Omicron."

"Very good. By the sound of your voice, I take it we have had our first impediment to the plan. Excellent, then this is where the fun begins. I will meet you there."

Zodiac smiled ever so slightly at the hint of excitement in his ever so stoic friend's voice, as he kept up the appearance of being Terrorsaur as he passed through the base. He didn't respond to his friend's comment, not yet, as he was still working out a plan to counter the Maximals' evident communication with Primal. Every so often he would glance over his shoulder to check if whoever the unfortunate sap Megatron would surely assign to him and his team was anywhere in sight, but for the duration of his stroll he got to be blissfully alone. The only time he had to reroute was when he heard what sounded like Terrorsaur and Umbra discussing the recent defection of Starshadow.

Terrorsaur stopped ever so briefly so he could listen in on them, safely hidden out of sight of course. Zodiac was a firm believer in the advancement of their kind, so when someone with unique traits and abilities showed up he could not help being a little curious. There had been more than a few attempts at making beneficial alterations to their race, but most had proven to be failures.. useless. Starshadow's energy vampire traits were among the more interesting ones, if a little crude at times. However that could simply be Starshadow's methods and not related to the technology within her at all. Of course her abilities paled in comparison to his own, but they were interesting non-the-less.

Tiring of their conversation and not wanting to spend too much time getting out of the base, the fake Terrorsaur then proceeded to the exit. He had barely gotten outside before his comrade caught up with him, immediately recognizing him even in this form.

"Of all the bots you could have chosen, you choose the one that shot down my ship and I was forced to surrender to. Bad form old friend. So give me and update on the situation, if you please."

His smile crept a little wider as he listened to his friend's protests. He had chosen wisely indeed.

"I'm sure you'll survive having to look at this form for a little while. And you are correct, my astute friend, we did encounter a somewhat unexpected snag in our plans.. But one that could easily enough be taken care of."

Pulling out a tablet he had conveniently picked up on his way outside, he tapped the screen and an image of Whitegrazer appeared.

"Our target is this female. She has strong bonds with our old friend Primal and quite possibly possesses telepathic abilities."

Further accessing Sentinel's databanks, some video footage of Whitegrazer in sparring or fighting situations showed up. "Whitegrazer appears to be skilled in close range combat but prefers not to use deadly force. I trust you will use this weakness against her, hmm? If unable to capture, lethal force is authorized. Her mental link with Optimus is preventing us from breaking his will."

He paused for a brief moment, glancing from the Darksyde and off into the distance in the direction of the Axalon. "I'll come with you this time."

"If it makes you feel better, but I think you would have more luck with my tail,"

But that would be less fun..

Nemesis almost blurted her thoughts out as a response, but managed to refrain from doing so at the last possible moment. The positive spirit that was emanating from the white mare was quite annoying. It seemed like absolutely nothing could bring down her mood, which wasn't exactly helping Nemesis' annoyance for being in this situation in the first place. The two Maximal females then proceeded to clean up the mess Sonar had left behind, causing Nemesis to roll her optics at what she considered further delay.

"Only assistance with the cure if it is needed or asked. " "It is your choice though, Nemesis. You helped us out a lot already and I thank you for it. Hopefully, we have everything we need."

Her choice.. Interesting choice of words. The avian female looked down at the device firmly attached to her ankle. She didn't exactly feel like a guest among these Maximals, but somehow they had let her keep her weapons. A foolish mistake on their end, probably, or perhaps a show of faith? A little of both?

"I'll help you where I can to bring this bastard down," she admitted grudgingly, "But I'm not one of you so don't expect me to act like it."

Most Maximals were driven by emotion, mainly to each other. They genuinely cared about each other's well-being, to the point where the loss of one of their team members threatened to rip apart that balance that was holding them all together. It was disgusting, confusing, and yet deep down perhaps even a little alluring. It was unlike anything Nemesis had ever experienced before, and a part of her almost longed for that type of.. belonging.

"He's hanging in there. He has won some victories,"

Aurora looked over from he spot by the table, where she had already isolated some cells within Nemesis mech fluid that she believed might be involved in this immunity the Predacon claimed to have. She took a drop of the mech fluid and added it to the container of Sonar's infected fluid from the spill. The fuzor got the feeling that the white mare wasn't being entirely honest with them, but she was too preoccupied to really consider it right now. Optimus was alive and that's all that really mattered.

"Rattrap and the others are almost ready. The only thing we need now is the cure. And I know I speak for myself and Optimus, when I say, I believe in you. All of you. We can do this."

It took every ounce of self-restraint that Nemesis possessed not to punch the other female to stop her nonsensical drivel, instead sending her a warning glare.

"When a cure is made, do you really think Saber-Fang will want the cure? I'm postive that, like myself she has been experiencing her worst nightmare and has no doubt been reliving the day she helpped slaughter millions of innocence." He looked up at the ceiling for a moment before continuing as though no one was listening. "One can only wonder how she can live with that much blood on her hands, knowing she helpped destroy colony Omicron."

"Like we are giving anyone an option in the matter," Nemesis retorted, "Although the infection has conveniently kept the good general off our backs so it might not be worth our energy to track her down."

Aurora ignored the Predacons' bickering, her attention solely focused on the specimen in front of her. Something was happening to the infected sample, the droplet multiplying and swept through the liquid like a wildfire. Curious, Aurora increased the magnification.

"Guys," she told them after a long pause, "I think it's working, we're actually killing the virus!"

Night Terror wrote:"A pleasure. I am Lord Night Terror, and this is my compatriot, Dirge.

Umbra gave a nod towards the two.

Night Terror wrote:"While I appreciate the help Umbra, I think we can handle it ourselves. You need not concern yourself."

Night Terror wrote:"My companions and I have been fighting along side one another, as a single squad, for a long time. Having someone just tag along, might cause a bit of friction. Just a word of warning."

Umbra raised an optic ridge and simply responded Caution has been noted,however I've already been paid for the job. Sorry

Night Terror wrote:"Of all the bots you could have chosen, you choose the one that shot down my ship and I was forced to surrender to. Bad form old friend. So give me and update on the situation, if you please."

Umbra glanced towards the now copy of Terrorsaur. It made Umbra wonder if Zodiac could copy an enemy's weapon systems as well, something the Ninja also couldn't do. Though this seemed unlikely.

Zodiac wrote:"I'm sure you'll survive having to look at this form for a little while. And you are correct, my astute friend, we did encounter a somewhat unexpected snag in our plans.. But one that could easily enough be taken care of."

Umbra observed as Night terror and Zodiac interacted, taking down Zodiac's movements carefully. While they may be aligned, he had no reason to trust any of them, just the same as the predacons under Megatron's command, however he'd been able to observe Megatron's troops long enough to get an idea more or less on who is more likely to double cross in a situation compared to others..

Zodiac wrote:"Our target is this female. She has strong bonds with our old friend Primal and quite possibly possesses telepathic abilities."

Zodiac wrote: "Whitegrazer appears to be skilled in close range combat but prefers not to use deadly force. I trust you will use this weakness against her, hmm? If unable to capture, lethal force is authorized. Her mental link with Optimus is preventing us from breaking his will."

Umbra raised an optic ridge noticing the video records on the tablet even including a shot of him fighting Whitegrazer in the bridge. Miss Whitegrazer hm? Well.. that shall be interesting.. She specializes in Diffusion.. it's a fighting style that focuses on empty handed counter techniques using the enemy's own center of gravity against them with a system of joint locks and throws, the users are typically non aggressive or pacifists by nature.. She tends to exude a unusual presence.. but I assumed that was charisma, not psychic powers.. In anycase, she seems to be well liked and coveted by the Maximals..She'll be shielded by others.

Zodiac wrote: "I'll come with you this time."

Coming with them? Seemed it'd be a good opportunity to see how well Zodiac did in combat as well.. at the least he could record the data for his own. Umbra then transformed to his mimic octopus beast mode, his internal repairs starting as he took on a flatfish shape, then jetted along the surface of the ground following the group.

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:They're leaving... This fake Aurora... Some... I don't... I don't know where...

"Okay, Optimus," she was relieved that the Predacons and shapeshifter's plan didn't work as well as they hoped. But despite her relief, they both have to remain vigilant. Their next move would be to try and find out how Optimus knew that. If she was one of them, that would be the next step she would take. Though, they weren't trying to actually search Optimus. They couldn't have known about their connection, could they?

She felt exhausted. Tired. Like she could collapse at any moment. Her computer was running diagnostics of the sudden loss of energy when all her systems were actually normal. The computer couldn't detect anything wrong with her physically. That's because everything she felt was emotional and spiritual. While it was Optimus who really needed medical attention. Badly.

Hang in there, Optimus. Hang in there.

She kept sending positive emotions towards him. Just a little longer... just a little longer She placed her hand over her spark, doing the same movements she did when Optimus was being beaten.

Phoenix wrote:"I'll help you where I can to bring this bastard down," she admitted grudgingly, "But I'm not one of you so don't expect me to act like it."

Whitegrazer nodded in acknowledgement. She actually did want Nemesis to be one of them. Actually, she already saw her as one of them. No, not Maximal. Nemesis could be still be Decepticon or Predacon. What she has been taught, who she is, and the society she has known for a long time were part of who she was as well as her past. Whitegrazer didn't believe in the whole "convert or die" like some Predacons did or worse what Maximals have done with the whole "convert or be ostracized". Of course, there were those in between. Nothing was ever black or white. Whatever identity Nemesis wished to be, she had that right. Disagreements in ideologies didn't have to be meant with scorn, punches and/or gunfire. Nemesis had the right to embrace her heritage just like they had that right to embrace theirs. The only thing was that both sides should learn to understand each other. To have a mutual respect. It would be difficult. There was hurt... anger. But with some time, it could happen. The only thing standing in the way was them and her. Both would have to take the step. She didn't believe Nemesis held any loyalty towards Megatron. Just like the others, some were only following him out of the self-benefit or some actually did believe in what they thought Megatron was fighting for: liberation of their race. Loyalty to the cause, not the person. Though, she didn't believe Megatron was loyal to that either.

Maybe, just maybe, one day... they would see that it was not her and comrades that were the enemy. She wasn't going to give up.

Phoenix wrote:"Like we are giving anyone an option in the matter," Nemesis retorted, "Although the infection has conveniently kept the good general off our backs so it might not be worth our energy to track her down."

"If we can get this cure, we should send someone to get Saber-Fang right away while we negotiate for Optimus and Nexus' release."

Based on what she was hearing from Sonar, who could tell what the Maximal sabertooth was going through. She hoped wherever she was, she was safe. To have one of their own alone...lost, it was horrible. They needed to get her back here. Especially when the cure was created.

Phoenix wrote:"Guys," she told them after a long pause, "I think it's working, we're actually killing the virus!"

Whitegrazer couldn't help but smile wide, "That's great, Aurora." She knew Aurora could do it. Did this mean that they finally have it? They had the cure? That meant... they were ready. They were ready to get their people back.

Optimus, Aurora has the cure. This will be all over soon.

Finally, they could bring Optimus home. Though the connection brought her great relief, feeling and sharing through Optimus's emotions and pain, it would bring her greater joy for him to be back at the Axalon. Away from the Darksyde and those Predacons, who malicious beatened him up, taunted and humiliated him like he was nothing. She wanted him back here... with his friends, people who loved him. With healing hands, they maybe able to erase those wounds. Emotionally, she knew that it would take more time, but time could and would heal all wounds. Optimus had the support of everyone on the Axalon. She wanted him back here. That's all she wanted. All they ever wanted.

She closed her optics. Lavender optics stared back at her like the pair of optics were seeing through her soul. She opened her optics in surprise and shock. Those optics. She knew who they belonged to. That presence still pounded into her spark like a hammar, feelings of someone gripping her spark like a plaything. A certain thought came to her mind. But she didn't understand. They couldn't have known. She took deep breaths. She couldn't let this throw her. She needed to think, contemplate. She needed to be prepared. For anything.

The next words that came out of her mouth, staring at Nemesis, she wasn't even sure why she said it, "You may be seeing him sooner than we think."

Leave us, go make yourselves useful and man the bridge, I want to be informed of any new developments. For now...I wish to be alone with my guest."

Blackarachnia had to smirk, watching as the shapeshifter still in that puny form punched the annoying ape. She watched as the shapeshifter left, wondering with her own scientific curiosity about how he was about to do that when Megatron announced that he wanted them to leave, "And we were having such fun with him.' She winked at Optimus and left right behind Arachnitron and Tarantulas.

She looked at the other spiders, "Anyone would a place a bet on how long he lasts?"

Well, that fun was over. And she wasn't actually going to wait and see what Megatron does. Optimus was now Megatron's plaything now, so why should she even bother or care?

Tarantulas and Arachntron seemed to interested in what was going on with Starshadow. Of course, they were trying to keep her out of the loop. How cute. They really thought she wanted to know. After seeing Starshadow's mouth split apart like that, she was just going to let it all go. The less she knew the better.