The Intergalactic Highway

((OOC: Sorry for the wait, I had some family come over for the weekend and I did not have the time to post. Let me know if I have missed anything. I figured this post would begin to show some of his skill as a strategist. Let me know if this seems alright.))

Night Terror was intrigued by Umbra, he seemed like a gentleman. Much like himself. Their kind are rare breed among Predacons. He was somewhat surprised to find out that Umbra was a mercenary. He thought it must be difficult to remain even slightly neutral. Eventually he will have to decide where his loyalty lies.

He listened to Zodiac as gave him a report on the what was going on. He listen too, as Umbra described her combat prowess. He found it remarkable that they had found a bot with telepathic power. And linked with the Maximal leader no less. Night Terror thought of what an asset that must be; to be able to be in constant communication with his troops, even while captured. Then the Night Terror, had a brilliant idea. One that made him stop in his tracks.

"Tell me old friend, we have not alerted Primal to the fact that we are aware of this link have we? If not, then I suggest we use it to our advantage." He said with a devilish grin and glint in his optics.

"I suggest we provide the cretins with some misinformation. We let slip that we have an agent in the Maximals ranks spying for us. It should slow them down, maybe even thin their numbers if we are lucky." He said we with barely concealed excitement. There was nothing the old strategist loved more than devising the his enemy's defeat.

"And while the Maximal fools are busy trying to figure out if it is true or not. We take the opportunity to strike and take out this Whitegrazer. The Maximals are with a doubt, coming up with a plan to rescue their fearless leader. If we time this correctly, we can destroy the Maximals and break Primal's will all with one motion."

Night Terror paused and composed himself. There were times when he formulated his strategies out loud, he would loose himself in the excitement. He folded his hands behind his back and stood with his usual air of aloofness. He turned back to the two bots watching his rant.

"Yes...well do you have any thoughts?

(ooc:

Those of you who often keep the rest of us waiting should understand, so hold your horses.

Well.. okay then. Moving on.)

The pretender's optics settled on Umbra as the mercenary decided to join them outside, his face unreadable even though he felt somewhat annoyed by this unwelcome presence. It was hardly a surprise, however, that Megatron had chosen the cephalopod to keep track of their movements. This creature, Umbra, was a soldier for hire, so his loyalty lay with whoever signed his next pay check. Perhaps if the offer was good enough, his loyalties could be persuaded.. Albeit the timing would have to be just right and this very moment wasn't it.

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 in Terrorsaur's form frowned slightly as the mercenary spoke up, much having preferred the silent version he had encountered earlier. Whitegrazer's fighting prowess was hardly any concern, as he certainly wasn't planning on giving her the chance to prepare for their arrival, much less fight back.

"A shield is only as strong as its weakest component," the pretender muttered, making his intention to go through with this blatantly clear. But it wasn't long before his attention was drawn back to his old comrade, who now had a quite suitable grin on his face.

"Tell old friend, we have not alerted Primal to the fact that we are aware of this link have we? If not, then I suggest we use it to our advantage."

"Of course not," Zodiac said, verifying Night Terror's suspicions, "He remains as clueless about that as he is about Nexus' fate."

There was no point in hiding the Nexus Prime issue given the fact that Umbra had witnessed his discussion with Megatron.

"I suggest we provide the cretins with some misinformation. We let slip that we have an agent in the Maximals ranks spying for us. It should slow them down, maybe even thin their numbers if we are lucky."

Terrorsaur's grim appearance gave way to an emerging smile as the shape-shifter eyed his old friend. He enjoyed watching the excitement on his comrade's face when he discussed possible strategies.

"And while the Maximal fools are busy trying to figure out if it is true or not. We take the opportunity to strike and take out this Whitegrazer. The Maximals are with a doubt, coming up with a plan to rescue their fearless leader. If we time this correctly, we can destroy the Maximals and break Primal's will all with one motion."

"Lest you forget that I served that role during my time among them," Zodiac reminded his companion, not wishing to draw the Maximals' attention to his own deception, "So we would have to be very careful if we go with this approach. However I'm certainly not opposed to a little game of divide and conquer, provided we select a specific target."

It would have to be someone of high enough rank to have access to the information, yet also someone believable.. Like Dinobot, perhaps? The former Predacon could potentially be blamed for much of what had been going on.

"Yes...well do you have any thoughts?

"I propose we make Dinobot look like the guilty party. That should cause a bit of friction. If you so desire, feel free to involve Megatron in this idea of yours. And to back up your claims.. Well.."


Experienced fingers slid over the computer tablet as Zodiac tapped into Sentinel's security system, causing a video feed of Dinobot, Rattrap and a number of other Maximals on the bridge of the Axalon where they were eagerly discussing the whereabouts of the golden disks to play on the screen.

"Both parties involved should find this information rather useful. So if you wish to have a little bit of fun, why not address your concerns regarding the disks being in Maximal possession with our esteemed commander?"

"And we were having such fun with him.'

Optimus had tried to ignore the widow's wink when she stepped out. Somehow, for someone who started off as a Maximal protoform, being a Predacon fit her a little too well. He didn't think they would ever be able to get her back, if she even wanted to. Whatever Tarantulas had done to her, she was falling deeper and deeper into that darkness. And she was falling alone.

"Okay, Optimus," Hang in there, Optimus. Hang in there. Just a little longer... just a little longer

Closing his orange optics momentarily, he longed for Whitegrazer's warm embrace again. The positive reinforcement and nurturing that she was sending him was in fluctuation now. When Optimus could feel it, he reached out for more, almost desperately, but then he'd lose it again. He couldn't concentrate as well as he had been before; he simply lacked the energy.

"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?"

"You must think... me of some sort... of threat, having me... bound like this and... caged," Primal said as he looked at Megatron who was prowling like a hungry carnivore on the sickly, wounded and secluded calf. "These bars between us..." he faintly shook his head in disappointment. "Make it a fair fight... and be rid of these energy bonds." And under his breath but not inaudibly, he softly repeated, "...Coward."

"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" "My word should mean something to you, I'm your only hope."

"No, Megatron... it means nothing," Optimus told him once more as firmly as he could while he sat there with his back against the wall and his legs stretched out in front of him, glaring at the tyrant's smile. "I can't trust you... You would kill me... as soon as I revealed... what you want. ...Assuming I speak... the truth. My Maximals are my hope."

The Maximal Commander watched the Predacon enter and secure the brig but made no motion of moving or attacking him. Studying his face, it almost appeared as though Megatron was searching for the right words, but what he finally said came as no surprise to the TransMetal ape that was literally falling to pieces.

"How much did it hurt being brought to your knees by a winged weasel?"

"That wasn't... a winged weasel," Optimus said bluntly. "And I hope... I can see the day... when... that impostor betrays you. ...As many have. How does it feel... to lose your Predacons who join my ranks?" he casually threw back at the powerful t-rex.

"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.

There were so many things wrong in Megatron's statement that Optimus almost chuckled but he maintained a straight face. Well, as straight as it could be despite his busted lip, the long scratch across his face from Blackarachnia's kick, and his bent teeth courtesy of the dinosaur's earlier punch.

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.

"I highly... doubt that. You fail to understand... If you murder me... my Maximals will know... the moment it happens, and... they will not hesitate... to destroy those precious disks... long before you can... get your hands on them. And you still... get nothing from me because... I will die before I give... you any kind of... advantage over them. My word should... mean something to you. It's not often... that I bluff." This Megatron should know. Unfortunately, as well as Primal knew him, he very likely already had a plan B and plan C, and B was already in full swing. He just had no idea what it could be. As usual. Especially with that fake Aurora around now. His abdomen still ached from that punch.

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... definitive last time... wasn't it?" A small but spiteful smile appeared on his face as he looked up at Megatron, reminding him how he was miraculously brought back to life despite the Predacon's attempt at killing him and all the hurtful things he said that time as well. "Who's to say... that can't happen again?" His smile faded as he told those cold, sinister optics of his, "You would be wise... to heed my words as well... Megatron. My Maximals are prepared... for whatever comes forth. Don't underestimate them... as you have with me." WARNING: Systems now at 30% and declining, Primal's internal computer reminded him. "What is the point... to all of this, Megatron? You're not the only one... out there seeking... intergalactic conquest. Someone more powerful... will stomp on you... And you'll be their pawn. Or terminated. What about... the Vok? I'm merely an... insignificant speed bump on your path of... of delusional ambitions." He couldn't feel the nanobots crawling around on and inside the side of his chest anymore. Had they simply gone off-line; to sleep or hibernate? What about the virus that was still lurking inside of him...?

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

Suddenly, the Maximal's face loosened to a great deal of relief as he closed his eyes again. Despite the circumstances he was under, he looked completely relaxed to Megatron who towered over him. His precious, wonderful, real Aurora did it. He knew she could. It was the best news he felt from Whitegrazer in the past two days. At least now he knew his Maximals really would be alright and ready to fight. Optimus hoped to see all of their faces again and hear their voices. He hoped. If he couldn't, he knew they could still have a fighting chance.

-----

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

Rhinox was almost taken aback by what Nemesis said. To have her co-operation in this matter would be appreciated, even if it was for her own desires and self-satisfaction.

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

Rhinox rolled his red optics at the bat's bad pun. On the bright side, at least he wasn't ripping everything apart and trying to eat them.

"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." "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," "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."

The engineer curiously looked at Sonar strapped to the cot. Was that Saber's dark secret; what had been haunting her all this time? ((OOC: Can't remember if Rhinox knew about it already or not... I'm pretty sure Optimus does... So correct me, N-H, if I'm wrong.)) Had she... Had she helped X? Did this incident happen on the same day? "She's going to need to accept the antidote whether she wants it or not so as not to infect anyone else," he said. "And how are we to know that you hadn't put her up to that devastating day? What if you're the one who brought this beast upon her?" Rhinox's voice grew deeper and a little angrier, seeking answers and explanations from this Predacon flying rodent who was always stalking her. "Always sneaking around and trying to separate her from us for your own experiments or amusement." One of his large green hands grabbed the arm Sonar had bit himself on and started to squeeze the wound to make it uncomfortable. "What has and is happening to her is no laughing matter. Speak, Sonar," the rhinoceros demanded. He became distracted when Aurora finally spoke.

"Guys,"

Rhinox waited with great anticipation. The Fuzor's pause was so long that he opened his mouth to say something that would encourage her to continue just before she did so on her own.

"I think it's working, we're actually killing the virus!"

"That's great, Aurora."

Big Green's face suddenly lit up with hope and optimism. "Well done, Aurora! Truly," he commended her excitedly as he released Sonar's arm in the commotion. "I volunteer myself to try it first." He didn't even hesitate or doubt the young one's abilities. He was ready to finally get rid of this nuisance from his system and see right again without feeling all that vertigo.

"You may be seeing him sooner than we think."

Blinking, Rhinox looked at Whitegrazer because of what she said. "What do you mean?" he asked her.

(( OOC: Not sure what to do with Rattrap right now since no one else has posted in the bridge since my last post. Other than someone telling Rattrap that the cure is made, which in turn will make him reach out to Megatron and start working on the exchange for Optimus and Nexus, there's not much else for him to do. But it has been two and a half hours of writing at this point anyway, so I'll end this post here. ))

((OOC: Rhinox doesn't know, but I'm pretty sure Optimus has an idea of what happened but I think he wants to hear it from the horses mouth.))

"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."

Ah, something good came out of my stupidity after all. Sonar mused.

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

Sonar's optics brightened at the news and felt his spark races with anticipation.

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

The bat snorted. "Good luck with that. If I'm correct, Saber is no doubt running around seeing dead people. And negotiating with Megatron..." He burst out laughing at the idea.

"She's going to need to accept the antidote whether she wants it or not so as not to infect anyone else," "And how are we to know that you hadn't put her up to that devastating day? What if you're the one who brought this beast upon her?"

Sonar stopped laughing and composed himself, thought a giggle managed to escape from him.

"Always sneaking around and trying to separate her from us for your own experiments or amusement." One of his large green hands grabbed the arm Sonar had bit himself on and started to squeeze the wound to make it uncomfortable. "What has and is happening to her is no laughing matter. Speak, Sonar,"

The bat bit back a wince as the large maximal squeezed his wounded arm before finally speaking. "If only I was that brilliant, Maximal. I didn't create the monster that is inside her, it was inside her the entire time. Ask her yourself! Oh wait... she doesn't trust you.... in fact she fears what you'll think of her. This is just too good!" He burst out laughing again, unable to help himself.

OOC: Nice posts OOP, well worth the wait, hope my replies are okay. Oh, and sorry Wintersong, but I decided to have Terry just jump in the CR tank already, want to finish healing him up sooner so when the action happens he'll be ready.

OOP wrote: "You must think... me of some sort... of threat, having me... bound like this and... caged," Primal said as he looked at Megatron who was prowling like a hungry carnivore on the sickly, wounded and secluded calf. "These bars between us..." he faintly shook his head in disappointment. "Make it a fair fight... and be rid of these energy bonds." And under his breath but not inaudibly, he softly repeated, "...Coward."

Megatron rolled his optics at Primal's pitiful attempts to goad him into doing something careless, reminding him "I AM on the other side of the bars Primal, do pay attention and keep track of whats going on around you, unless your optics have begun to go offline as well, hmm?"

Megatron reached down and poked Primal in one of his optics, like a child tapping the tank at an aquarium.

"No, Megatron... it means nothing," Optimus told him once more as firmly as he could while he sat there with his back against the wall and his legs stretched out in front of him, glaring at the tyrant's smile. "I can't trust you... You would kill me... as soon as I revealed... what you want. ...Assuming I speak... the truth. My Maximals are my hope."

The Maximal Commander watched the Predacon enter and secure the brig but made no motion of moving or attacking him. Studying his face, it almost appeared as though Megatron was searching for the right words, but what he finally said came as no surprise to the TransMetal ape that was literally falling to pieces.

"No, they most certainly are not, considering their incompetence is what put you in my clutches in the first place, remember? Though I suppose they COULD be your hope if they were sensible enough to bequeath what I want in your stead, you maximals do seem to favor the lives of others over strategic advantage, even if such inclinations can hurt the group as a whole in the long run, but I wouldn't expect you to understand predacon pragmatism anymore than you would expect me to understand maximal honor, nnnnooo" Megatron went on, again giving Primal's mystery helper a chance to give him what Primal denied him in exchange for his well being, the tyrant wondering if the annoying telepath understood his meaning or was busy too busy simpering in fear for the battered and bloodied ape.

OOP wrote:
"That wasn't... a winged weasel," Optimus said bluntly. "And I hope... I can see the day... when... that impostor betrays you. ...As many have. How does it feel... to lose your Predacons who join my ranks?" he casually threw back at the powerful t-rex.

Megatron smiled broadly at Primal, not at all offended this time but instead amused by the ape's lack of understanding of predacon culture, as he replied "No need to fear for my safety Primal, I have a rather good track record of staying one step ahead of my potential competition, as you should know by this point. Treachery keeps the mind strong Primal, all predacons understand this, what does not kill you makes you stronger. For every would be usurper cast down, the rest of the rank and file learn their place, the loyalists grow more loyal and the dissidents become less inclined to risk their sparks over delusions of grandeur when they can merely fall in line and enjoy their share of the spoils when victory is at last achieved...A victory the irredeemably unfaithful shall ultimately regret not being part of, that is how I feel about the fools who betrayed their own kind to side with their oppressors, Primal. And don't tell me any propaganda tales about how you maximals are the bastions of righteousness and virtue in this cold dark universe, we both know what the majority of your kind are truly like at their core, what you yourself were like once upon a time I wager. I highly doubt you were always an exploration captain, not the way you operate, so eager to do the "right thing," your type are never as virtuous as they present themselves to be...Just like the Council of Elders you serve. The Elders and their pawns have been milking your ancestors victory in the last Great War for ages, the heroes have become the villains and the villains are now the heroes. I do what I must for the sake of my ENTIRE race Primal, not just a handful of expendable or wayward minions."

OOP wrote: "I highly... doubt that. You fail to understand... If you murder me... my Maximals will know... the moment it happens, and... they will not hesitate... to destroy those precious disks... long before you can... get your hands on them. And you still... get nothing from me because... I will die before I give... you any kind of... advantage over them. My word should... mean something to you. It's not often... that I bluff." This Megatron should know. Unfortunately, as well as Primal knew him, he very likely already had a plan B and plan C, and B was already in full swing. He just had no idea what it could be. As usual. Especially with that fake Aurora around now. His abdomen still ached from that punch.

"Yes, one of your many shortcomings, though it does make you more predictable, and confirms several of my own suspicions, yessss" Megatron said with a smug grin, wondering if Primal knew he'd given away the existence of his psychic link, that in his current state he was that careless or was merely stupid enough to think he couldn't turn such an advantage against him now that he knew it existed.

OOP wrote: "It was... definitive last time... wasn't it?" A small but spiteful smile appeared on his face as he looked up at Megatron, reminding him how he was miraculously brought back to life despite the Predacon's attempt at killing him and all the hurtful things he said that time as well. "Who's to say... that can't happen again?" His smile faded as he told those cold, sinister optics of his, "You would be wise... to heed my words as well... Megatron. My Maximals are prepared... for whatever comes forth. Don't underestimate them... as you have with me." WARNING: Systems now at 30% and declining, Primal's internal computer reminded him. "What is the point... to all of this, Megatron? You're not the only one... out there seeking... intergalactic conquest. Someone more powerful... will stomp on you... And you'll be their pawn. Or terminated. What about... the Vok? I'm merely an... insignificant speed bump on your path of... of delusional ambitions." He couldn't feel the nanobots crawling around on and inside the side of his chest anymore. Had they simply gone off-line; to sleep or hibernate? What about the virus that was still lurking inside of him...?

Megatron's smile remained, but his optics now flashed dangerously, this was different from his usual confident grins and mocking smiles, this was a look that hid something dark and monstrous, an emotion known only to the mad and feared by the sane who could not fully comprehend it, something above and beyond simple anger or annoyance, a myriad of thoughts and feelings that when unleashed spelt disaster for those who conjured them up in the minds of those who produced them. Megatron then did something rather uncharacteristic of himself...He set Primal free. He did not let him out of the brig obviously, and Primal was still in no shape to make a break for it or anything of the kind, but he did deactivate the power bonds, placing them away in his subspace pocket before helping Primal to his broken feet, carefully, gingerly...All of this and more should have set off warning signal's in Primal's neural processor.

"You are right Primal! Maybe it could happen again, perhaps you have been blessed by Primus himself to return from the grave over and over again, to test my resolve! Shall we find out?!" Megatron exclaimed excitedly, throwing Primal up into the air and into the brig's ceiling with a sickening thud, delivering one punch after the other to keep Primal airborne whenever he descended.

"I must remember to compliment Miss Arachnia on her work, this brig is surprisingly durable, wouldn't you say?" Megatron laughed, finally letting Primal fall just so he could bash him into the wall again with his tail gun, followed up by a shoulder tackle.

"Oh Primal, why do you make me teach you such harsh lessons when this all could have been resolved so simply?" Megatron sighed as he dragged the damaged maximal by the back of his head...Before slamming his face repeatedly into the bars of the cage, until he heard a satisfying crunch, pulling Primal's face back to admire the sight of a broken optic, shattered by the force of the blows.

"My word, you're not looking so well Optimus, please, be my guest and take a load off" Megatron insisted, letting go of Primal and allowing gravity to do its work as Primal fell flat on his back to the floor.

Megatron then simply stared at Primal, admiring his handiwork, walking around his humiliated foe as though critiquing an art piece at a gallery, adding the finishing touch by placing a clawed foot on one of Primal's hands, and pressing down, hard as he said "If there is anyone listening right now, this might be a good time to reevaluate your leader's stance on not telling me anything, because as in bad shape as he is right now, I can assure you, he can definitely still get worse. Answer quickly now, or I stop playing nice. I am not the spiders, I will not play with him like this forever. Do. Not. Test. Me."

DarkSpark wrote: "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."

"Eight legged freakshow" Terrorsaur spat back, shaking off Spineback at long last and just diving into the CR tank to speed up his repairs, wanting to be one hundred percent sooner rather than later, if only to give Tarantulas a pounding for mocking him.

"Neednosed nitwit" Tarantulas retorted as he went over the data on Starshadow, finding it to be both fascinating yet potentially dangerous to the crew, who he cared little for honestly, as well as himself, who he cared for alot.

Starshadow's biology was certainly not the result of an odd taste in personal upgrades or eccentric design, she was infected with something, something which he did not want to spread around, either amongst the maximals or the predacons, both of whom were a handful to begin with already.

Una wrote: 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?"

"All good things must come to an end" Tarantulas replied before adding "Not long I wager, the ape is stubborn but we've softened him up substantially for Megatron, he'll get what he wants out of Primal soon enough. In the mean time, do your job, last thing we need are anymore surprise guests."

Dirge did as he was commanded, he moved off towards one of the terminals. He moved his hand over the console and left it to hover there for a moment. Then a metallic cable shot out of his wrist and connected with a port on the terminal and he started to access the files on the life forms on this planet. As he scanned through the files at a super speed, he gazed over to his master as he spoken to their fellow comrade and the tentacled one. After a few moments he came across a creature that would be fitting for him. Without warning the cable retracted and his body straightened up as the transformation began. It wasn't like a typical transformation. His limbs started to fold as normal but the hundreds of plates with made up the bulk of his body started to shift and flow over and around his body like silk. It's as if the properties of the cybertronian metal had changed and it moved so purposefully like it was alive. When complete, his body was extremely long and insect like with a large set of jaws fixed to his head. Dirge then crawled/slithered over to his master.

(( OOC: Thanks, DarkSpark. Likewise! Your responses were fantastic. Great posts for admiral and Mystrea as well. I just want to post again for OP before una starts taking every shot with Whitegrazer. ))

"I AM on the other side of the bars Primal, do pay attention and keep track of whats going on around you, unless your optics have begun to go offline as well, hmm?"

Optimus deliberately ignored Megatron, trying to hold on to his bond with Whitegrazer. Why did he have to be so cruel? He flinched away from the Predacon's finger when he tried poking him in the eye, followed by an expression of disgust and bared crooked teeth.

"No, they most certainly are not, considering their incompetence is what put you in my clutches in the first place, remember? Though I suppose they COULD be your hope if they were sensible enough to bequeath what I want in your stead, you maximals do seem to favor the lives of others over strategic advantage, even if such inclinations can hurt the group as a whole in the long run, but I wouldn't expect you to understand predacon pragmatism anymore than you would expect me to understand maximal honor, nnnnooo"

His words were hurtful as they were meant to be, and they angered the TransMetal gorilla. It took a lot for him to remain calm and try to focus on some meditation that Whitegrazer had taught him. Controlling his breathing... somewhat. Emptying his mind... somewhat. It was so difficult. The green meadow... It didn't take much to see that meadow go up in flames, burning and blackened. The inexplicable vision in his mind almost startled him.

"No need to fear for my safety Primal, I have a rather good track record of staying one step ahead of my potential competition, as you should know by this point.

Fear for his safety? He couldn't care less! He just wanted to watch everything fall apart for him, as it usually did. Whoever this mysterious bot was was obviously quite dangerous. For both of them.

Treachery keeps the mind strong Primal, all predacons understand this, what does not kill you makes you stronger. For every would be usurper cast down, the rest of the rank and file learn their place, the loyalists grow more loyal and the dissidents become less inclined to risk their sparks over delusions of grandeur when they can merely fall in line and enjoy their share of the spoils when victory is at last achieved...A victory the irredeemably unfaithful shall ultimately regret not being part of, that is how I feel about the fools who betrayed their own kind to side with their oppressors, Primal.

It was an interesting perspective. Optimus was well aware that Megatron was no fool, and always scheming. Always. He supposed it depended mostly on what individuals wanted for themselves in life. Not every Predacon was looking for guts and glory, and not every Maximal was looking for a happy ending. What faction you belonged to didn't really matter. However, the way Megatron dictated his crew was what was unacceptable. Inferno and Scorponok were likely the only ones to really admire Megatron's leadership and harsh punishments because they were simple-minded and forever sought for the approval from such a superior being. It was Megatron's methods that were unethical and merciless just to keep his troops in line. And those who left his crew should have every right to do so and not have to watch over their shoulders for the rest of their lives.

And don't tell me any propaganda tales about how you maximals are the bastions of righteousness and virtue in this cold dark universe, we both know what the majority of your kind are truly like at their core, what you yourself were like once upon a time I wager. I highly doubt you were always an exploration captain, not the way you operate, so eager to do the "right thing," your type are never as virtuous as they present themselves to be...Just like the Council of Elders you serve. The Elders and their pawns have been milking your ancestors victory in the last Great War for ages, the heroes have become the villains and the villains are now the heroes. I do what I must for the sake of my ENTIRE race Primal, not just a handful of expendable or wayward minions."

"For once... I can agree with you, Megatron. ...Just not with... your methods." Primal said to his nemesis. They were on the same page just in slightly differently written books. He leaned his head back again to rest while Megatron rambled on; the effort for him to speak growing weary. Yes, there were skeletons in his closet, secrets he withheld even from his oldest and dearest friend, Rhinox. Yes, he had done wrong in the past. But now he was trying to do right, to the best of his ability, and what was fair to both Maximal and Predacon. Giving others second chances. Sacrificing his time and efforts. Sparing lives. He was not a bad Maximal, he simply made bad decisions in the past. But now he was learning from his mistakes, and he would stand up to the Elders if he could. He would dig up and expose the corruption in their politics and unethical sciences even if it meant tarnishing his own reputation and sending himself to jail.

"Yes, one of your many shortcomings, though it does make you more predictable, and confirms several of my own suspicions, yessss"

Coughing lightly, the Maximal leader lied in a quite convincing tone, "It's simple... It's a beacon... monitoring my status. It can't be... detected by your scanners... but it lets... them know when my spark expires. ...Nothing elaborate..." He had a feeling it didn't matter if Megatron bought it or not, he was already leaning toward to the invisible link. Watching him closely now, there was an ominous and reckless danger in the Predacon's optics. Suddenly everything about his somewhat "casual" demeanor darkened greatly just when he thought nothing could be darker than a black hole. It was as if Megatron was Death itself. A cold chill crawled down Primal's back, but for all he knew it could have been a draft from air that was seeping into the cracks of his broken armor.

Then the t-rex deactivated the bonds, stowing them away while he still towered over the unarmed Maximal. He was slightly taken aback by this but behind those carnivorous optics, there was something more brewing inside. Finally, Optimus could stretch his arms and rub his hands together, despite how painful it was to move them after their torturous confinement for such a long duration. More pieces of his armor and paint on his arms fell to the floor when the bonds were removed, dinging lightly on the metal as they bounced. Wanting to sit there a while longer and relax, Megatron obviously wanted none of that. The monstrous Predacon actually leaned over and carefully grabbed the ape, gently lifting him to his feet. He never thought he was capable of such an act that didn't involve bellowing, pain or verbal abuse. ...And that was what worried Primal. Something terrible was about to happen... Something of great anguish and torment... He tried to pull away from Megatron but his grip tightened like it was a natural reflex similar to cats.

"You are right Primal! Maybe it could happen again, perhaps you have been blessed by Primus himself to return from the grave over and over again, to test my resolve! Shall we find out?!"

That wasn't exactly what he had in mind, but at least it would keep him distracted and entertained while his Maximals got themselves organized. Unfortunately, it was going to cost the Maximal dearly. Optimus felt his feet lift from the floor with the rest of his mangled body from a powerful throw by his foe, his back slamming into the ceiling. He tried activating his thrusts in his feet despite him knowing how Tarantulas rendered them useless earlier but they merely puffed a couple flashes with some smoke in their wake. All he could do was plummet straight back down to Megatron who was eagerly waiting with a punch. His fist drove into his stomach, causing Primal to groan loudly in pain, and at the same time it launched him back into the air. Again he fell into Megatron's fist, tossed back into the air, and again.

"I must remember to compliment Miss Arachnia on her work, this brig is surprisingly durable, wouldn't you say?"

The Maximal Commander was completely incoherent of his words, gasping for air after the punches that left dents and scrapes in his abdomen and side. He didn't even touch ground before he felt Megatron's tail gun slam into his chest, throwing him against the wall. And quickly followed by that, a second after he opened his orange optics, the tyrant was charging into him with one of his shoulders, squishing him between his brutal force and the wall behind him. A gasp of pain escaped his mouth while his entire body felt numb, pressed up against the dead end. Dead end.

"Oh Primal, why do you make me teach you such harsh lessons when this all could have been resolved so simply?"

"There is no lesson... to be learned! Why couldn't you... be nicer and... just say please?" His voice was deep, hoarse and broken. When he felt his merciless hand grab the back of his head and start dragging him, Optimus severed his emotional bond with Whitegrazer. She could still feel his life force from his spark as it raced but could no longer feel or know the pain he was enduring. As much as it had helped to share it, and her peaceful and warm nurturing relieved so much of it for him, he needed her to stay focused with the others. Either he was going to die or he was going to cling to life. Whichever his body could handle now. All he could see next were his cell's bars in front of his face that made a swift impact again and again and again with the help of Megatron's relentlessness. Primal could feel the fracturing beginning in his left optic with hit after hit until it finally shattered and he lost his vision with it. The agony caused him to squint as the once orange-illuminated optic sensor flickered and dimmed to darkness. He also acquired a splitting headache as his face pounded, beat up and scratched, nearly unrecognizable. His split lip was oozing more fluid now, swollen and worse than it was earlier.

"My word, you're not looking so well Optimus, please, be my guest and take a load off"

Going limp, the Maximal finally fell to the floor, landing on his back with a loud clang. He coughed, sniffled, and trembled a little from the agony, slowly rolling his head back and forth in a daze.

"If there is anyone listening right now, this might be a good time to reevaluate your leader's stance on not telling me anything, because as in bad shape as he is right now, I can assure you, he can definitely still get worse. Answer quickly now, or I stop playing nice. I am not the spiders, I will not play with him like this forever. Do. Not. Test. Me."

Optimus growled out sharply when Megatron's foot clamped his hand to the hard, cold, metal floor, his clawed toes digging in, quickly bringing him back to reality. He reached over with his other hand and grabbed the opposing leader's ankle, trying to slide his foot off of it. "You... You're wasting your time. Only I... Only I hear you. There is no one else..." he emphasized. There was a fire building up inside of the Maximal, like a volcano on the verge of erupting. The calm before the storm. Something that felt... uncontrollable and foreign to him.

((OOC: I am loving this exchange between Megatron and Optimus. I hate that Night Terror has to interrupt it.))

Night Terror just smiled as Zodiac contributed to the idea. From what he read on the situation, the Predacon aristocrat agreed. Dinobot seemed like the logical choice. A former Predacon, he would naturally seem suspicious to the Maximals. However Night Terror was concern that Dinobot had been with them too long.

"Dinobot. A good choice. Although he may have won the Maximal's respect and loyalty since both faction originally crashed landed here. Unless the Locals have a better choice?" he said glancing towards Umbra then back to the Darksyde.

As he went over the idea in his processor, he witnessed a large insect slither towards him. It took Night Terror a moment to realize that it was Dirge. He viewed the new form and nodded approvingly. No doubt still as lethal. Good. As the enforcer was crawling towards them, Night Terror decided he should contact Megatron before someone bungled the plan before it could even be enacted. He tapped his comm unit and open a channel to Megatron.

"Lord Megatron, this is Lord Night Terror. I apologize that I must interrupt your conversation with your prisoner, but I must speak to you immediately. It is a matter of grave importance."

With that out of the way, Night Terror closed the channel and took the data-slate. He then downloaded the image of Whitegrazer before using his holographic display in his left optic. He emitted a revolving image of the the bot out of his left optic, adding the notes and capabilities that Umbra provided. He then addressed his soldier.

"This is your target. Whitgrazer. We shall be attacking the Maximal base soon. Our main objective will be to eliminate her. Be ready to move out shortly after I speak with Megatron leader."

(

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:(( OOC: Not sure what to do with Rattrap right now since no one else has posted in the bridge since my last post. Other than someone telling Rattrap that the cure is made, which in turn will make him reach out to Megatron and start working on the exchange for Optimus and Nexus, there's not much else for him to do. But it has been two and a half hours of writing at this point anyway, so I'll end this post here. ))

Ah, yeah. I wasn't really sure how to respond to Rattrap in the situation.. so I guess we're stuck until the good news is announced there. )

Zodiac wrote:"A shield is only as strong as its weakest component,"

Night Terror wrote:"Tell me old friend, we have not alerted Primal to the fact that we are aware of this link have we? If not, then I suggest we use it to our advantage.""I suggest we provide the cretins with some misinformation. We let slip that we have an agent in the Maximals ranks spying for us. It should slow them down, maybe even thin their numbers if we are lucky."

Zodiac wrote:"Lest you forget that I served that role during my time among them," "So we would have to be very careful if we go with this approach. However I'm certainly not opposed to a little game of divide and conquer, provided we select a specific target."

Night Terror wrote:"And while the Maximal fools are busy trying to figure out if it is true or not. We take the opportunity to strike and take out this Whitegrazer. The Maximals are with a doubt, coming up with a plan to rescue their fearless leader. If we time this correctly, we can destroy the Maximals and break Primal's will all with one motion."

"Yes...well do you have any thoughts?

Zodiac wrote:"I propose we make Dinobot look like the guilty party. That should cause a bit of friction. If you so desire, feel free to involve Megatron in this idea of yours. And to back up your claims.. Well.."

Zodiac wrote:"Both parties involved should find this information rather useful. So if you wish to have a little bit of fun, why not address your concerns regarding the disks being in Maximal possession with our esteemed commander?"

Night Terror wrote: "Dinobot. A good choice. Although he may have won the Maximal's respect and loyalty since both faction originally crashed landed here. Unless the Locals have a better choice?"

Umbra observed as the two spoke, before finally speaking up himself I have no major problems with the proposed plan.. However considering you discovered this link.. I am more then convinced that they know about your ruse as Aurora or else we wouldn't be going there to take down Miss Whitegrazer. Or at the least, Whitegrazer knows. As for Dinobot as a scapegoat.. I doubt the majority of the Maximals would distrust him, his code of honor is unbreaking and he is a model soldier.Alternatively.. the Maximals did just get a new Predacon join them willingly.. Xychona or Banshee she called herself. She was traded to them for Optimus and "Nexus", but considering she's fresh and new.. she seems like a more suitable candidate to be mistrusted.

Umbra then glanced towards Dirge observing the arthropod, who appeared to be covered in hooks on the end of his tail with spike like projections from his armored exoskeleton, his head holding two large mandibles, but not oversized allowing them to act like metal shears or bolt cutters.. efficient for opening cybertronian armor or amputating limbs.

OOC:

You know, when it times out like that you can hit back and it should still be there. Also a good idea to copy before you post just in case. )

I think it may have been had I not made the mistake of trying to log back in first.....when that didn't work I tried to go back and then I think I was too many pages forward. It was gone.

I usually write it in wordpad or something and just copy and paste so that I don't lose it, but I didn't do it that way last night since it wasn't supposed to be a long post. In the end, it was better that I didn't post....I found some stuff I missed the first time....

Anyway, in the interest of time, I'm not responding to everything. She's off in her own world keeping quiet, but musing about events. I'm just responding to important stuff....and more recent stuff....

And I realize I have yet to post for Dinobot, but I really do need to read through the posts first.....it'll be up asap.

BIC:

Arachnitron noticed Blackarachnia's jabs at her character as the three spiders watched the scene hungrily awaiting Aurora's fate in the hands of the mighty Megatron.

"Oh, I'm glad to see you have hardened yourself to an old comrade's pain. I thought he was softening you up a bit there."

Arachnitron sent her a scowl in response, but didn't respond since Tarantulas came up behind her and patted her on the back approvingly.

"That a girl"

Shivers ran down her spine at his touch. She was glad to have pleased him with her comment.

She was lost in thought when things changed dramatically. Optimus, who had been quaking in fear for his young comrade, suddenly was no longer concerned about her safety. He muttered a name almost accusingly. Megatron responded with a snarl.

"What exactly did you spiders do to him? He's delusional, more so than usual! How am I to extract any reliable intel from him when he's spouting nonsense such as this?!"

Tarantulas, as Megatron hoped he would to make the act appear more genuine, became indignant and retorted "I did nothing you yourself didn't authorize Megatron, its not my fault the mammal couldn't take it!"

"Yessss, I'm sure you did nothing I would not have approved of" Megatron replied coldly, glaring back at the spider, who wisely took a few steps back as the transmetal tyrant stared him down.

But, Aurora spoke up and admitted to being an imposter! Arachnitron was stunned to silence. She wasn't sure if she was more stunned that the “prisoner” wasn't really Aurora or stunned that she was so disappointed that it wasn't really Aurora. She had really hoped that the little furball would get her comeuppance right there in front of her. She had been so willing to discredit Arachnitron's feelings and opinions solely based upon her allegiance to the Predacons. Aurora seemed to believe that she were better than Arachnitron...that Maximals were better than Predacons. She had minimized Arachnitron's pain and suffering and put her own above it believing that her pain had been worse. She couldn't fathom why Arachnitron would act the way she had when she had been in pain too, but hadn't done or even contemplated doing the things Arachnitron had done. Perhaps she had known pain, Arachnitron decided.....but what she hadn't known was fear. She wanted Aurora to feel everything she had ever felt in her life....not just pain, not just the abject terror, but the humiliation of being treated like an animal, of being beaten to a pulp. She was glad Optimus had been able to experience that torment. She wanted Aurora to feel it too.

With those thoughts she suddenly realized...maybe Blackarachnia was right. Maybe she had been growing soft. It had been so long since she had been 100% Predacon. Even now, she wasn't 100% Predacon...yet she felt such extreme hatred for Aurora and some of the other Maximals that she wondered if the inhibitor chip might be pushing the Maximal traits away......

Megatron turned his attention to the spiders again.

"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."

Tarantulas couldn't hide his disappointment. It was written all over his face...he even had the gall to question Megatron, but, in the end, he was forced to comply. She could sense his unease as he was forced to give up the control to the power bonds that he had designed with Arachnitron's assistance.

Reluctantly, he led the other spiders back to the bridge to be greeted by Terrorsaur.

"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.

Arachnitron grinned at Tarantulas' remark and followed him to the science station where he began looking up the scans of Starshadow's mech fluid sample.

"Now show me Starshadow's data, I can at least learn her secrets while Megatron is busy entertaining his guest."

Arachnitron leaned in closer and whispered back. “You won't find the data on the console,” she told him with a mischievous gleam in her optics. She looked over her shoulder to be sure no one was listening in as she pulled out the storage device she had been hiding in her wrist compartment. “The scans on Megatron's computers are of MY mech fluid,” she explained. “THIS....” she continued plugging in the device to view the results on the monitor. “....is the actual scan. Only you and I have seen this. See the anomalies here,” she pointed to the screen. “There is nothing useful on Megatron's computers about this....condition. But perhaps you have seen this or something like it before. There isn't much else to see besides the anomalies, however, the sample was NOT glowing like her mech fluid was earlier. Perhaps we need a glowing sample for a more thorough study....”

As Tarantulas studied the mech fluid scan results, Blackarachnia made a comment which he replied to almost absent mindedly.

"All good things must come to an end" Tarantulas replied before adding "Not long I wager, the ape is stubborn but we've softened him up substantially for Megatron, he'll get what he wants out of Primal soon enough. In the mean time, do your job, last thing we need are anymore surprise guests."

Arachnitron didn't necessarily agree. While Optimus was weakened by their attacks on him, she knew the ape would continue to defy Megatron. She knew he wouldn't give in to his demands. He would die before he gave up the codes to Sentinel. Arachnitron was often surprised by the stubborn nature of the supposedly peace-loving Maximals. These bots who were supposedly “better” than Predacons....and “different” than Predacons....yet, they seemed to possess some of the same defiant qualities. How could they be so different yet so similar at the same time?

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

Try as she might, Nemesis couldn't help cast a teasing glance at her fellow Predacon. She didn't know much about the bat scientist's history with the former general, other than the little tidbits of information he was offering as they were all waiting for.. something.. Results from the tests perhaps? Nemesis highly doubted that the furball, barely more than a child by transformer standards, had the capabilities needed to accomplish such a feat. The Maximals were fools to blindly trust her when they should instead be preparing an assault like she had suggested earlier. Surely their hesitation was going to cost them dearly.

"I volunteer Sonar for the task. He's had past dealings with the crazed feline and I'm sure he'd love a chance to settle the score."

Her grin grew a little wider as she imagined that scenario play out. Undoubtedly the former general would put up a fight, and quite frankly Nemesis couldn't care less who'd win their little dispute. Sonar was and had always been a wild card, someone with his own agenda that she wouldn't trust for even a moment. In fact she felt the same way about a majority of the Predacons, but fortunately she possessed enough self-constraint to keep such thoughts to herself.

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

"That's great, Aurora."

The avian female immediately turned to face the smaller of the two Maximal females, unable to hide the expression of surprise. Aurora, however, was not looking back at them, instead her optics were fixed on the solution in front of her. Could this really be the cure to this virus that had been plaguing them? The fuzor stared at the now seemingly harmless container on the table, as if afraid to divert her eyes in case something was going to change without her noticing. She looked for close to a minute without seeing anything that would indicate she'd been wrong.

She was so focused on the task at hand that she barely even noticed her team mates' praise. It wasn't until Rhinox spoke up, offering himself in the name of science, that she snapped back to reality.

"Well done, Aurora! Truly," he commended her excitedly as he released Sonar's arm in the commotion. "I volunteer myself to try it first."

Nemesis tilted her head while crossing her arms, still not nearly as convinced that this would work. "Better you than me," she muttered under her breath, barely loud enough for Rhinox to hear her.

Aurora blinked, locking her green eyes with the larger male's. Recent memories of the unexpected effects her nanogel had on Optimus emerging from her subconsciousness, causing her to hesitate before responding.

"Are.. you sure? It seems to kill the virus but we don't know how it will affect your systems.. "


Granted the cure, providing she was right about this, did not contain any of Nemesis' nanotech. She'd made sure of that, not wanting to repeat what she had put Optimus through. Poor Optimus.. as if he didn't have enough to worry about, even with Whitegrazer doing her best to keep his spirits up. The thought of him being at the Predacons' mercy made her angry, but more so really scared. She'd.. they had already lost him once. Having to go through it again was more than they could handle, she was sure of it.

"Oh for pity sake..," came Nemesis' reaction as she shook her head, again wondering how Maximals ever got anything accomplished. Aurora chose to ignore it, instead focusing on keeping her hands from trembling as she drew up a small portion of the antidote and prepared to inject Rhinox with it. The sooner they got on their way to Optimus, the better.

"You may be seeing him sooner than we think."

Attempting to feign disinterest, Nemesis didn't move from her spot when Whitegrazer spoke up. Even so she was listening, part of her very much so curious by what the white mare was sensing now.

"What do you mean?"

Really? Had the oversized rhino not been paying attention to their conversation earlier?

"She's talking about Darkwind being on his way here," Nemesis stated matter-of-factly just as Aurora finally brought up the courage to inject the substance, this socalled cure, into Rhinox' arm.

((OOC: Nooooooooooooooooooooooo, Optimus, why? She wants to share in your pain. But I looking at those last lines. Are we going to see Primal... take Megatron's face? LOL I'm never going to drop that. Darkspark, great with Megatron! My goodness gracious! LOL ))

Phoenix wrote:"I volunteer Sonar for the task. He's had past dealings with the crazed feline and I'm sure he'd love a chance to settle the score."

Night-Hunter wrote: "Good luck with that. If I'm correct, Saber is no doubt running around seeing dead people. And negotiating with Megatron..."

Night-Hunter wrote:"If only I was that brilliant, Maximal. I didn't create the monster that is inside her, it was inside her the entire time. Ask her yourself! Oh wait... she doesn't trust you.... in fact she fears what you'll think of her. This is just too good!

Whitegrazer knew Saber-Fang distrust towards her own comrades. Distrust that was because of fear. Fear of their reactions towards her past. A past that from Sonar's words was horrible. But she could relate. She had her dark past. A dark past laced in a war. A war that should have ended all this, but it didn't. And that... was her failing.

"It doesn't matter, Sonar," she stared at the Predacon bat. "Despite her distrust, as her comrades, her friends, we will help her no matter what."

She felt the connection between Optimus and her growing weaker. No, she won't let her connection between them falter. She won't allow him to be alone there with that Predacon leader. I won't let our connection fall, Optimus. I won't let you go. Her stomach felt like it had skipped into the air. She felt like she was flying, feeling horrible punches like a piston falling to the floor with tremendous force.

Phoenix wrote:"Are.. you sure? It seems to kill the virus but we don't know how it will affect your systems.. "

Despite what was going on inside her, she realized what Rhinox volunteered to do. If she had been infected with the same virus, she would have gladly gave herself over to test the cure before anyone else. Rhinox wanted to do it. She could see Rhinox's totally faith in the young ermine. The same faith she had with her as well.

She gave Aurora that warm smile, telling her own emotions throughout the situation. She could sense Aurora's worries... her hesitation. So much was riding on this and she was one of the few here who could create such a miracle. But they believed in her. Rhinox and herself. Optimus. Everyone. "Aurora, it will work, and whatever it happens, I know you will be able to conquer it."

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"What do you mean?"

Phoenix wrote:"She's talking about Darkwind being on his way here,"

Something like a whip strung her side. Her entire body pushed against the wall with the blunt force she expected from a tackling rhinocerous or Tantrum, taking the wind from her entire form. She looked at Rhinox for a moment there was concern and... guilt. Rhinox... he knew Optimus longer than anyone here. He did have the right to know what was going within her since it dealt with Optimus too. She just wasn't sure if what she was feeling was paranoia or maybe stress from everything she was feeling from Optimus. Could be both and she wasn't one to deny or agree without facts or some sort of feeling of what was right. And Nemesis, she knew Nemesis might enjoy such information. If what she was thinking of was true, she might try and get out there to meet this shapeshifter face to face. Was that wise? If Nemesis went, she had to go. She had to protect Nemesis, but also, she needed to protect Optimus. Any harm to her would be harm to him and he couldn't handle such right now. Nor would she excuse such actions.

As those thoughts surfaced, as if Optimus knew, her bond with Optimus was severed. Her hands caught the floor before her knees touched, shaking. Why? She wanted to experience his pain, everything that was going on there. She wanted to be with him in this fight. Though, she couldn't feel his pain anymore. A sliver of a thread, the tug of a spark showed her that there was a feeling he was alive. He was alive. She knew it. Felt it. A spark. Twinkle of a star in the middle of the black sky.

Focus on the others...

Yes, it was the right thing to do... She... if in that situation, she would do the same. But... she wanted to be there. Part of her ached for his presence. She wanted to consciously hold him, wanting to take away the pain he was feeling. To erase all those punches, kicks. To heal those wounds, the squeezing with her warm embrace and touch, whispering gentle words of love and comfort. Oh, her spark did ache! Painfully. She wanted to rush out of here, race to the Darksyde, and grab him out of them, no matter how much pain or injury she sustained. She just wanted him back here.

She stood up, watching as Aurora injected the cure. No one deserved to be in such agony and those who participated in such were either too scared or sadistic. She took a breath. That part was so overwhelming, but her other side won out in the end. It always won out. The side that told her that she must listen to what her own words. She must remain focus. Must remain collected, controlled as she always and will continue to be. She knew what she had to do.

"He's coming for me. They will come here." She closed her optics, "If I stay, they will attack the base. They will disrupt everything that we hoped to achieve here. Optimus has severed the link, but I know he is alive. He knows of the cure, so he will not allow Megatron to succeed. And I can't not allow them to destroy one ounce of our achievements here." She opened her optics and stared at Nemesis, "I don't ask you to fight with me, Nemesis. But if you wish to see the man who has wronged you, following me may be the best option. Though, it would be dangerous. Risky. I don't know who he will have with him. But no matter the outcome, we will gain the advantage of seeing him and how he operates."

That's true. If she faced him, fought him, she might gain more knowledge of this shapeshifter. No matter how little it was, it was still better than nothing. And what choice did she have? Did anyone else have better options? IF they did, they should speak their peace now. She was ready to go.

She hit her comlink, "Rattrap, Aurora has something. It just might be the cure. Rhinox has volunteer to try it out, but it looks very promising. They will keep you posted." She paused a bit, wondering how Rattrap might respond to her actions, "Rattrap, we might be having trouble here soon. I believe that the shapeshifter and some others... they are after me. It might be wise if I redirect them away from the base to avoid them from distracting us or worse, destroy what we hoped to achieve. "

OOC: Here we go! My next post in record time XD, oh, and I pretty much retconned my previous Big T post to coincide with Blackrose's, since she's handed him the data now, just makes things easier.

OOP wrote:
"For once... I can agree with you, Megatron. ...Just not with... your methods." Primal said to his nemesis. They were on the same page just in slightly differently written books. He leaned his head back again to rest while Megatron rambled on; the effort for him to speak growing weary. Yes, there were skeletons in his closet, secrets he withheld even from his oldest and dearest friend, Rhinox. Yes, he had done wrong in the past. But now he was trying to do right, to the best of his ability, and what was fair to both Maximal and Predacon. Giving others second chances. Sacrificing his time and efforts. Sparing lives. He was not a bad Maximal, he simply made bad decisions in the past. But now he was learning from his mistakes, and he would stand up to the Elders if he could. He would dig up and expose the corruption in their politics and unethical sciences even if it meant tarnishing his own reputation and sending himself to jail.

"Maximal honesty, how quaint, I had begun to wonder what it sounded like, such a rare treat" Megatron replied, partially to twist the knife in Primal's spark a little deeper and partially out of genuine delight that they were finally getting somewhere, the stubborn fool finally confessing to the sins of his faction's command structure, the pretense of being galactic bastions of truth, justice, and the Cybertronian way finally being cast aside for the farce it truly was, an illusion conjured by maximal despots looking to use the predacons as the scapegoats for everything wrong in the universe.

"My methods get results Primal, which is all that matters in the end, yyyessss" Megatron hissed softly, enjoying his alone time with Primal more than even he had expected to do so...Say what you will about the misguided ape, at least he made for intelligent conversation, something that was tragically hard to come by on this planet populated by maximal fools and mediocre minions who barely grasped the full extent and majesty of his vision for the future.

OOP wrote:
Coughing lightly, the Maximal leader lied in a quite convincing tone, "It's simple... It's a beacon... monitoring my status. It can't be... detected by your scanners... but it lets... them know when my spark expires. ...Nothing elaborate..." He had a feeling it didn't matter if Megatron bought it or not, he was already leaning toward to the invisible link. Watching him closely now, there was an ominous and reckless danger in the Predacon's optics. Suddenly everything about his somewhat "casual" demeanor darkened greatly just when he thought nothing could be darker than a black hole. It was as if Megatron was Death itself. A cold chill crawled down Primal's back, but for all he knew it could have been a draft from air that was seeping into the cracks of his broken armor.

Megatron shook his head in bemusement at Primal as he replied "An undetectable combination beacon/spark monitor? Really Primal? I realize we've all had to make due with substandard equipment since arriving on this primitive planet, and we've all managed to work technological miracles, but really, THAT is pushing it, especially if you expect me to believe your maximals whipped such a useful device up just in time for our little "sleepover." Good effort though, I might have believed it if you hadn't oversold it. Maximals are terrible liars, its your Elder's fault really, they fill your heads with so many unobtainable notions of being the undisputed, self-proclaimed "guardians of the universe" that many of you blindly try to live up to that false image and thus never acquire any real talent for deception, a skill essential to survival. I can always tell when you're lying Primal, you're better at it than most of your kind I confess, I wager you must have been quite good at it once upon a time, but you've fallen out of practice, and I see, hear, and FEEL your desperation, in your voice, optics, and even your very spark. You can hide nothing from me Primal, you every word, thought, feeling, and action have been my spies. All of them."

OOP wrote: "There is no lesson... to be learned! Why couldn't you... be nicer and... just say please?" His voice was deep, hoarse and broken. When he felt his merciless hand grab the back of his head and start dragging him, Optimus severed his emotional bond with Whitegrazer. She could still feel his life force from his spark as it raced but could no longer feel or know the pain he was enduring. As much as it had helped to share it, and her peaceful and warm nurturing relieved so much of it for him, he needed her to stay focused with the others. Either he was going to die or he was going to cling to life. Whichever his body could handle now. All he could see next were his cell's bars in front of his face that made a swift impact again and again and again with the help of Megatron's relentlessness. Primal could feel the fracturing beginning in his left optic with hit after hit until it finally shattered and he lost his vision with it. The agony caused him to squint as the once orange-illuminated optic sensor flickered and dimmed to darkness. He also acquired a splitting headache as his face pounded, beat up and scratched, nearly unrecognizable. His split lip was oozing more fluid now, swollen and worse than it was earlier.

"There are always new lessons to be learned Primal, some are merely too slow to learn them before its too late, not unlike yourself I'm afraid" Megatron retorted coldly and calmly, like he hadn't been beating Primal to a greasy, mangled pulp this whole time, treating his brutal acts of violence as casually as one might take out the trash or sweep the floors, just a task to be done, nothing more, nothing less.

He ignored the suggestion of the use of "P word," a ludicrous idea at this point, and laughable as the "H word" he hated so much, the one the traitor Dinobot never shut up about.

OOP wrote:
Optimus growled out sharply when Megatron's foot clamped his hand to the hard, cold, metal floor, his clawed toes digging in, quickly bringing him back to reality. He reached over with his other hand and grabbed the opposing leader's ankle, trying to slide his foot off of it. "You... You're wasting your time. Only I... Only I hear you. There is no one else..." he emphasized. There was a fire building up inside of the Maximal, like a volcano on the verge of erupting. The calm before the storm. Something that felt... uncontrollable and foreign to him.

"Oh, call me stubborn, but somehow I sincerely doubt that" Megatron said as he kicked Primal's free hand away as he pitifully tried to remove the tyrant foot from his trapped hand, which he now brought down HARD, crushing the trapped hand underfoot, breaking every digit in his fingers and then activating his heel wheels to grind the remains of the ruined hand into bits.

"If your guardian angel cannot hear me, perhaps they felt that" Megatron added before killing Primal in the face for good measure before stepping back to admire his handiwork, like a master painter drinking in the sight of a nearly complete masterpiece.

Admiralgrim wrote:
"Lord Megatron, this is Lord Night Terror. I apologize that I must interrupt your conversation with your prisoner, but I must speak to you immediately. It is a matter of grave importance."

Megatron growled in annoyance, answering his comm but not taking his eyes off the bleeding, twisted wreck that was Optimus Primal, saying "Lord, did you call yourself? Presumptuous considering you are new around here, PRIVATE. Speak quickly, I am in the middle of something important myself, and I do detest unnecessary interruptions, so this had better be worth my time, for your sake."

Blackrose wrote:
Arachnitron leaned in closer and whispered back. “You won't find the data on the console,” she told him with a mischievous gleam in her optics. She looked over her shoulder to be sure no one was listening in as she pulled out the storage device she had been hiding in her wrist compartment. “The scans on Megatron's computers are of MY mech fluid,” she explained. “THIS....” she continued plugging in the device to view the results on the monitor. “....is the actual scan. Only you and I have seen this. See the anomalies here,” she pointed to the screen. “There is nothing useful on Megatron's computers about this....condition. But perhaps you have seen this or something like it before. There isn't much else to see besides the anomalies, however, the sample was NOT glowing like her mech fluid was earlier. Perhaps we need a glowing sample for a more thorough study....”

As Tarantulas studied the mech fluid scan results, Blackarachnia made a comment which he replied to almost absent mindedly.

Tarantulas' optic gleamed as he went over the data on the computer, data which proved definitely that Starshadow was not merely an eccentric with morbid tastes in bodily upgrades, but in reality a genuine freak of nature, her mech fluid infected with something that could be passed on to others. Now he needed to ascertain whether he could turn the anomaly that was Starshadow to his advantage or whether he should do everything in his power to destroy her before she spread whatever ailed her to the rest of their ranks.

"You have outdone yourself my dear, this will do quite nicely, we can worry about acquiring fresh samples later, for now I want to study what we have and from there I shall decide whether Starshadow and her "condition" is of use to us or something to be purged before she becomes an impediment to our plans. Keep watch and make sure no comes near this station while I work, no need for anyone else to know about this until I decide what to do about our vampiric friend, nnnnnooo" Tarantulas whispered back to his faithful minion, mimicking Megatron's tendency to drag out his nos and yeses.

Meanwhile, in the CR Tanks, Terrorsaur regenerated, dreaming sweet dreams of wearing a golden crown and sitting atop a throne made from Megatron's & Primal's remains while maximal slave femmes fanned and fed him and his predacons subjects cheered "All Hail Terrorsaur!"

"Dinobot. A good choice. Although he may have won the Maximal's respect and loyalty since both faction originally crashed landed here. Unless the Locals have a better choice?"

The fake Terrorsaur's gaze followed his comrade's to the would-be-assassin-for-hire. Albeit he couldn't quite put his finger on it, there was something about this mercenary, this Umbra, that bothered him. Not that he trusted anyone fully, Zodiac held some reservations even towards his longtime friends, but this cephalopod bothered him a bit more than most. Perhaps it was the politeness, or the odd code of honor to his contract? Zodiac was an opportunist, more than willing to turn on someone should it benefit him and his cause. True loyalty was a bit of a foreign concept to someone as unique as him, after all he considered himself above everyone else.

I have no major problems with the proposed plan.. However considering you discovered this link.. I am more then convinced that they know about your ruse as Aurora or else we wouldn't be going there to take down Miss Whitegrazer. Or at the least, Whitegrazer knows. As for Dinobot as a scapegoat.. I doubt the majority of the Maximals would distrust him, his code of honor is unbreaking and he is a model soldier.Alternatively.. the Maximals did just get a new Predacon join them willingly.. Xychona or Banshee she called herself. She was traded to them for Optimus and "Nexus", but considering she's fresh and new.. she seems like a more suitable candidate to be mistrusted.

Terrorsaur snorted at that.

"My motives are none of your business, cephalopod. And I fear you fail to grasp the point of targeting Dinobot. Indeed he has been with the Maximals for a while, a fact that has given him access to a lot more information than that new female. If we plant the seed of doubt about where Dinobot's true loyalty lie, it would cause a tidal wave of distrust among the Maximals. As opposed to the mere ripple that would spread if we make it seem like this Banshee is the culprit. "


Besides.. Banshee had not even been there long enough to explain certain events that he himself had caused.

The shape-shifter gave Night Terror a nod, knowing his comrade would understand. Meanwhile he took note of the giant worm like creature that slithered closer to them. So this had been Dirge's choice for an alternative mode? Seemed fitting somehow.

"Proceed with your idea and then meet up with me at the Axalon. I'm going to set the stage, if you will, in the meanwhile," Zodiac finished, before adding a very sinister grin as if to make his point clear. And with those words he took off, letting his assumed identity's tranformation process take place as he took off into the sky. Given that this form was designed for speed, one of the few traits in the real Terrorsaur he actually respected, it didn't take very long before the familiar shape of the Axalon resting on top of the cliff next to the waterfall came into view. Not wanting to alert them to his presence just yet, Zodiac made his descent and began the process of changing his form to that of Darkwind before even hitting the ground.

The ermine fuzor had finished injecting the cure, or at least what she presumed to be one, into Rhinox's arm when Whitegrazer's soft and caring voice caught her attention. And as much as the little fuzor doubted her abilities, the white mare's words warmed her spark and brought a bright smile onto her face.

"Aurora, it will work, and whatever it happens, I know you will be able to conquer it."

Whitegrazer truly believed in her.. And surely Rhinox did too or he wouldn't have let her inject him like that. Perhaps it was Whitegrazer's peculiar but oh so assuring ability to transfer thoughts and emotions onto others, but for the first time in a long time Aurora felt.. hopeful. Like they actually stood a chance to survive this and get Optimus back.

Oh Optimus.. We're coming for you..


Aurora made a mental promise, even if Optimus wasn't there to hear it. But she was sure Whitegrazer was letting him know.

The sudden pained look on the white mare's face caught her attention, the bright smile fading even faster than it had appeared.

"Is everything ok..?"


A split second later, Whitegrazer went crashing into the wall, causing Aurora to anxiously leap to her feet. Her face looked genuinely scared as she looked from Rhinox to Whitegrazer, her every instinct telling her to rush to the other female's side but still.. something prevented her from doing so. The scenario only took a few moments, but it was more than enough for her to feel her spark pound heavily in her chest. Had something just happened to Optimus..? She felt her lip quiver as she tugged on it a bit with her teeth, a slight wince escaping her as Whitegrazer fell to the floor.

The noise was enough to draw Nemesis' attention also, but unlike Aurora she remained perfectly calm as she witnessed the scene unfold. This mental link of the white female seemed rather.. unpleasant. It was certainly an unique ability but at this very moment the avian female was glad her own ability was of a more physical nature. She stood there, merely watching, as the other female eventually struggled back to her feet and addressed them.

"He's coming for me. They will come here." She closed her optics, "If I stay, they will attack the base. They will disrupt everything that we hoped to achieve here. Optimus has severed the link, but I know he is alive. He knows of the cure, so he will not allow Megatron to succeed. And I can't not allow them to destroy one ounce of our achievements here."

Aurora's optics landed on the small vial containing the few doses of the antidote they had available to them at this very moment, deciding she would have to keep it safe by any means necessary. Again her thoughts drifted to Optimus, to the pain he had to be going through, and for that brief instant it was as if she could feel the pain upon herself. How could the Predacons do this to him, how could they be so evil and put him through such torment that he felt he had to separate himself from those closet to him..? A genuine sense of urgency began to spread within he before Whitegrazer had even finished her sentence. They had to hurry..

"I don't ask you to fight with me, Nemesis. But if you wish to see the man who has wronged you, following me may be the best option. Though, it would be dangerous. Risky. I don't know who he will have with him. But no matter the outcome, we will gain the advantage of seeing him and how he operates."

The winged female smiled in anticipation, only raising an optic ridge as the Maximal started talking about following her. Who did she think she was dealing with here?

"I follow nobody," Nemesis retorted, a slight irritation present in her voice, "This is my fight and neither you nor anyone will keep me from finishing it."

She then turned and stomped out of the room, heading towards the entrance.

Finally a chance for a rematch.. And this time she was prepared.

Since silence had pretty much fallen, Ironclaw straightened up from his perched position. He looked around the room at the many faces on the bridge, despaired and in need of direction. The badger shook his head then turned to leave. As he made his way down the hall way he heard a thud like noise coming from the lab. It put him on alert as he diligently navigated the ship. When Ironclaw arrived at the lab entrance he saw Nemesis by her self, unattended. She was smaller than him and he practically blocked her path. He stood there for a moment, staring at her. He mostly concerned for Aurora, however he could not let this Predacon run free around the Axalon, in spite of recent of events.