The Intergalactic Highway

Just hope you can come back in one piece,Cheetor thought as he ran, the mist making it a little difficult to see but mostly went on memory alone of where everything was in all the chaos. Aerostriker's plan seemed to be working though, for a bit it seemed the Predacons were confused and deterred from firing still until he heard old grape face giving the order to continue on, making the transmetal feline frown as he didn't know just how far off they were and just hoped Dinobot could make it out alright. They had been blind before and fought off the Predacons hindered without really any sight but he wondered if this could be the same case. For now Cheetor could only hope the raptor would indeed make it out while the rest could retreat.

Though he almost stopped in surprise when hearing his com-link, realizing it was Saber-fang calling him about a report, "We're retreating now Saber, we ran into a little problem with the Preds. Megatron still seems ticked from the last battle so he's out to still terminate us here." He answered as he growled and transformed, glancing back to see Onyx following but could see a pained look in his expression. "And uh...we have an extra coming back with us plus I think Aero just left too, might be back to base before we are." He added as he took flight, his jet boosters kicking in once he reached the end of the mist where it met the forest and quickly began flying over the tree tops.

Below Onyx was holding his side where he had gotten kicked, having had no time to truly answer Umbra about being a prisoner, to which he wasn't. He was one of the Predacons who willingly volunteered to join the Axalon but mostly to see if he'd get the chance to see what Megatron, who's acts he caught wind of back on Cybertron, would be planning and he accomplished that. It was something he didn't want part of now that he'd viewed the tyrant's way and didn't agree with his beliefs. Nor really any of the Predacons there except maybe Steelclaw. Maybe another time he could answer the octopus but likely not for some time to come unless they met once more on the battlefield, which he had no doubt they would eventually. "Beast mode,"He said and transformed when he too reached the edge of the trees, quickly galloping off after the retreating Maximals.

But along the way he came across the young fox femme, Silverstreak, who was taking a moment to catch herself after her disorientation before. "Looks like you need a ride."He said as he stopped beside her, trying to ignore the concern he had when hearing the shots still. "But your..."Silverstreak began but stopped when the black equine shook his head, "Not this band of Predacons, they aren't what I was expecting. I cannot be under a commander who I cannot see as such." Onyx informed her before he lowered down on his front legs, his knees resting on the muddy ground to allow Silverstreak to hop on after a brief hesitation. Standing back up again he looked back once more, still highly disappointed by this but the mech had contemplated changing sides temporarily until they returned to Cybertron and now got that opportunity. Sometimes bots had to make difficult calls and he did.

With a final shake of his head he finally took off after Cheetor, weaving around trees and avoiding any muddy areas as he could.

Ironclaw witnessed the battle unfold in front of him, Inferno's carpet of flame taking centre stage. His moment was now over and the others were not getting involved. The female Predacon he had engaged earlier, who he now knew was called Nemesis, had faded into the rest of the Predacons. The badger assessed tha damage he had already taken. Weapons completely inoperable, several cuts all over his armor including the gash across his chest. And then there was the hole which had penetrated his abdomen and severed some vital components. Silverbolt had just risen into the air, ready to start attacking Nemesis. Ironclaw disdained Silverbolt's notion of Nemesis being female, it made no difference in his eyes.

Ironclaw changed his priority to Wintersong. He looked over to where she was and saw she was assissting Rattrap. He admired her bravery but realized he would probably have to answer to it sooner rather than later. She needed no help form him right now. His gaze went back to Optimus and saw that he had unleashed his autoguns. He bombarded the enemy with the blasts but could scarcely control himself. Ironclaw just watched.

(I knew you would have a problem with my post, I just knew it . I did put 'potentially' because I know you didn't suggest he was going to fall over. I'm not going to get into how often I post with you, definitely not. I might start picking apart people posts, it's what everyone else does.)

OOC: LOL, no worries Blackrose, I'm sure Legs would be touched that he...Takes arach's breath away! "badum dum dish" . Hope I didn't miss anything with the new post, Happy New Year gang.

Blackrose wrote: How much of it did she hear? What kind of question was that? She had been standing near enough to him to hear the entire conversation between himself and Blackarachnia. She had heard everything the two of them had said. But should she admit to hearing everything? What if she wasn't supposed to hear any of it? What if that changes how he acts around her? She didn't want anything to change between them. But she knew how costly it could be to keep things from him. He always seemed to know when she was hiding something.

"Something about a fortress...." she mumbled which wasn't completely a lie. She hoped it was enough of the truth to please him, but not enough to make her a liability to continue to have around. She watched him nervously and waited for him to answer.

In other words, she heard the whole thing, Tarantulas thought to himself, angry with himself again for talking to himself aloud under such conditions, relieved it had only been his underling, who's demeanor was like that of a shy child who'd been caught snooping around their parent's belongings. That of course was preferable to what a more conniving predacon would do, or a brainless loyalist like Inferno. However, before he could say anything further...

Una wrote: She rested her back against the entrance, seeing the ceiling of energon above, which she had to admit was quite a sight to behold. Tarantulas and Arachnitron were standing together and she let out a little cough, "What are you planning inside that devious brain of yours, Tarantulas? You are not trying to usurp Megatron, are you?" She let out a short laugh.

By the Pit, that widow would destroy what little sanity he had left.

However, instead of lashing out in anger, Tarantulas took Arachnitron aside and said "Don't confuse my motives with your daydreams Blackarachnia. At any rate, you're right about this place! It would make a perfect new lair...For all of us!"

Surely even the witch would welcome some privacy away from Megatron and all the rest, a fresh start, possibly more than that if they could get others to follow suit. Destabilizing Megatron's operation was his mission, just not in the way she thought. In the end it wouldn't matter, if she came willingly or not, she would help create his new lair.

Wintersong wrote: Spineback in the meantime had gotten somewhat busy in all the chaos; firing off in the directions she saw their enemies and doing what she could to help her new leader. But these Maximals were surprisingly persistent despite most of them retreating. Though she took note as well that one Maximal had shown up, this one having a dinosaur form like her and Megatron, though this brief distraction made her not even look towards the water until the mist came into her general optical sight making her raise her shield to block some debris that came her way, making her growl slightly. Well the Maximal had a neat little trick but it likely wouldn’t stop them from firing upon him and the rest of his comrades. And Megatron seemed insistent on gaining revenge.

‘I wonder if he realizes this is somewhat useless.’ She thought, as she began trying to track the Maximals and following the light of Megatron’s fusion cannon. But the mist was thick and her senses were somewhat thrown off by the sudden mix of scents, making her somewhat unable to use them. “Sir, this might be a lost cause. Majority of the Maximals are retreating or gone, there was one new arrival but they might be going too if he saw his friends leaving. Much as I hate to say this but we may have to wait another time to finish them.” Spineback informed him.

Megatron rose up from the water, contemplating whether to blow the decepticon's brains out for questioning his orders, but instead ordered "If your hunting skills are wanting Spineback, then return to me and prove your medical prowess. Umbra, Caecaelia, Terrorsaur, report! Give me good news."

"Well, I gave Dinobot a run for his credits" Terrorsaur squawked with glee as he landed beside Megs, but added "But lost him in the mists, he could be anywhere now...You alright?"

Without missing a beat, Megatron slapped Terrorsaur across the face with his gun, the flyer moaning in pain as he hit the water with a splash.

"Much better, thank you for asking" Megatron growled, displeased by his condition and how the maximals had likely all escaped with their sparks intact, it was not a good first impression for the new recruit.

Cecaelia was taking her own sweet time to walk towards the group. The battle was over already? This isn't good since Megatron looked displeased.

Umbra, Caecaelia, Terrorsaur, report! Give me good news.

Before Megatron could notice her, she hid behind the bushes.

"Uhhhh...I was running after the maximal bird, then I fell in quicksand and I...sort of lost him.." she radioed him. That was the best lie she could come up with. Hopefully he does not blast her to smithereens when they get back to base.

"Is there something on your mind, Saber-Fang?"

The fur along her shoulders rose, why couldn't she just come out and say it and not be such a coward?! She had been a General for crying out loud, she was afraid of nothing!

Except of what they will think of you when you tell them the truth. A quiet voice told her.

She tightened her grip on the console at that little revelation, she could see that Rhinox was waiting for a response and the longer he waited the more suspicious he would become.

Say something, you idiot! She scolded herself.

She visibly flinched when Cheetor finally replied and she gave an inward sigh of relief.

"We're retreating now, Saber. We ran into a little problem with the Preds. Megatron still seems ticked from the last battle so he's still out to terminate us here."

Saber couldn't help but chuckle. "No surprise there."

"And uh... We have an extra coming back with us...

Saber didn't hear the rest of Cheetor's report, her mind went blank as her spark raced at the thought of the beast rearing its ugly head and mauling the new recurits and everyone on this ship. She was a ticking time bomb and a safety hazard to every one on this ship...

(ooc: Aurora never got a chance to report on what had happened that day she lost the sword. It actually did not even occur to me to do so given how surprised she was to find Optimus alive after she emerged from the CR chamber. I don't even recall her telling Optimus that Nemesis had one of the swords, but let's just pretend she did tell him so the previous post in this episode makes sense.)

Silverbolt wrote:"Attacking the injured and defenseless now? That's low, even for a Predacon. And that is something that I, for one, can simply not abide." [Cue corny, heroic fanfare.]

Nemesis' amusement only grew seeing the flying dog take on a silly heroic stance to defend his wounded comrade. To be fair the avian female had not been shooting at AirRazor, but she wouldn't exactly be saddened if her shot had managed to put the other avian femme out of her misery. The Maximal hawk was a poor excuse for an enemy and hardly posed a threat. If anything she was a mere nuisance, hardly worth the effort of destroying, so why this naive dog-bot was now taking on the role of protector for such a pathetic creature was beyond her.

Then again.. Silverbolt didn't exactly strike her as much of a challenge either. Clearly his bark was louder than his bite, and the brave words did not phase her much. Yet she had to admit that the dog had spunk.

Silverbolt wrote:"I would never strike a female -- even a female Predacon. But for you, foul villain, I believe I can make an exception. So let us test your mettle, Predacon, when you aren't shooting your enemies in the back."

Only barely able to hold back a cringe at the awkwardness displayed by the heroic Maximal, Nemesis decided to toy with him a little before moving in for the kill.

"My apologies," she began, attempting to sound sincere, "I was merely attempting to hit close enough to get you to retreat, not actually hit you."

The almost caring sound of her own voice uttering such nonsense sickened her, but she stayed her course nevertheless and even managed an apologetic expression to back up her words. A few moments of conscientiousness to get the hound to lower his guard would make stabbing him in the back afterwards so much more gratifying. Provided Optimus, who had spent more time with her and thus could see through the guise, could only keep his attention on the others.

She holstered her firearm and took a step closer to Silverbolt, only to stop in her tracks at the sound of cannons charging up and firing. Unprepared and not knowing where the incoming fire was coming from, she swiftly wrapped her wings around herself and glanced around, her optics centering on Primal just as the first couple of shots impacted with the ground right next to her, whirling up a trail of dust as Primal sent the same greeting at her fellow Predacons. Behind Primal, damaged but somehow still functional, she noticed Ironclaw take a supporting role as well.

Well wasn't that just Prime.. as the resurrected Maximal had been known to say. It would seem these Maximals still had some fight in them. And from the looks of it, her own companions did not. One by one they ran off, running scared at the thought of facing the wrong end of Primal's cannons no doubt. In the midst of all the blasts Inferno's call for a retreat was almost drowned.

With a shrug of her shoulders, she cast one last glance at Silverbolt and then in Primal's general direction, before she too turned around to walk away.

Megatron wrote:"If your hunting skills are wanting Spineback, then return to me and prove your medical prowess. Umbra, Caecaelia, Terrorsaur, report! Give me good news."

Umbra rolled his optics, moving through the water as the mist started to clear, as he moved he noticed something shine under the water's surface. Sending one of his tentacles out under the water, he scooped up a shiney gold object, soon realized to be Aerostriker's right arm. Got something I guess.. he muttered to himself sheathing his swords, then walked towards Megatron as he noticed Terrorsaur being backhanded.

Megatron wrote:"Much better, thank you for asking"

Walking towards Megatron, but keeping enough distance to be out of direct smacking range, or atleast enough distance to react and throw the tyrant if he attempts anything. He held the arm up, he then spoke up It appears my lord, you have acquired a trophy. Tracking is a skill of the ninja,if you'd permit I have no qualm with finding the body, dead or alive.. Preferably dead of course.

((OOC: That little detail slipped my mind. Yikes. Of course, I could see Whitegrazer forgetting that little detail, trying to spare Aurora's feelings because of that incident between Nemesis and her. When I see Whitegrazer trying to get the sword back from Nemesis, I saw that as her way of getting Nemesis's attention. Though, I think she is a bit miffed at herself for not getting it back.

Anyway, I'm still unsure with how to proceed with a post for Whitegrazer. It's because I don't want them to interrupt the spiders as well as skip over the part where Blackarachnia gains back control of her own mind from Tarantulas. My last posts have been leading up to it. I just didn't want the Maximals to get too early there.

Nevermind, I will do a quick post for her. ))

"Seems to be a few of them judging by the tracks."

Whitegrazer nodded at Aurora and turned her attention so she was facing the young ermine and the big whale, "I guess we just follow the trail they left for us. Hopefully, we can find out what that signal came from." More and more she began to think they were being strung along. But if that was true, why turn the signal off? Why did it go off and how? Did someone turn it off or did it lose power? Or what if someone was in trouble and the Predacons they were following found them and... Nope. No. Can't dwell on that. Can't let her mind dwell on such theories with no evidence of anything. After all, if there was a Maximal on trouble, it would have been known by now, especially a missing comrade or another pod. All that relied on the Axalon and she she knew Rhinox nor anyone else would miss such. Which lead to what she was thinking before, they were being led here.

She couched down at the tracks and placed her hands over it. A flash of heavy equipment being wheeled forward. She maneuvered her hand forward to sense the presence of depravity, shadows, and perversion, "Tarantulas." It was said without hesitation and she looked to see the other track prints. Usually, if Tarantulas was there, Blackarachnia wasn't too far behind. The other two... there was another familar presence. Arachnitron.

"Oh! It's so obvious!" TyCross' ghost form was couched down next to her, "They are building something."

"That is obvious, TyCross," she smiled at TyCross' old "I-Know-All" tone, which she knew he did all the time. It was just fun to point out when he should know that they figured it out too. ((OOC: Orcariner and Aurora heard that. ))

TyCross darkened his stare, "Don't get smart with me, horsey. You don't know what or why. But I do! Because it is obvious to me!"

"A fortress, maybe? They could build anything, TyCross.

Maybe?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Don't confuse my motives with your daydreams Blackarachnia. At any rate, you're right about this place! It would make a perfect new lair...For all of us!"

She was amused at Tarantulas' reaction. Though, she didn't like it how subdued it was. She was hoping for a lash out in anger. But she will settle for this. She could tell he was burning inside, "Look, I know you are still upset about your old lair being destroyed by the big burn." She looked back towards where Quickstrike was still unloading alone when she heard Tarantulas' last words, which made her pause.

"What do you mean all of us?"

She narrowed her optics at him, wondering what that spider was planning.

(( OOC: There were a couple times I wanted to address Airazor's condition, WorpeX, but I'd get sidetracked and forget to say something. I say it's up to you what you want to do. She's your character. I can't remember what you posted when she went down; I think you said she had fallen into stasis lock, but since she IS in beast mode, I think she'd be able to wake up from repairs by now. If not, then someone is going to have to carry her back to the base. Your choice.

Calm down, Mystrea. The way you wrote it suggested otherwise, especially with "could scarcely control himself", which is inaccurate, and I suppose I took some offense to it.

Also, at Buster! He maketh me lol. ))

BIC:

"BY UNICRON'S GOATEE, WE'RE DOOMED!!!" "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!"

Optimus could barely make out what the llama hollered in what seemed to be sheer terror over his firing. No matter, as long as he was fleeing with his friends, it relieved the leader.

"What.....what HAVE YOU DONE?!!!!"

Watching Inferno actually frightened Rattrap for a moment. Only a moment. Imagining a melee fight with him would probably be psychotic. He kind of feared him more without weapons than with them. But since it was rare that Rattrap was ever weaponless, he could comfort himself in knowing that he wouldn't have to resort to hand-to-hand combat with the crazy ant.

"Inferno to all Predacons in the area. We must retreat and return to the colony immediately! Do you read? RETREAT!"

"Music to my audio receptors," the Spy said to Wintersong with a light smile. "Hey, you should probably see if yer boyfriend is okay," he added, not in a mocking tone despite how angry he was at the honey badger, but that Ironclaw probably could use a female's healing touch at this point, both physically and emotionally. He then made his way back to Silverbolt and Airazor, groaning a little in pain with every leg movement as he put his gun away, muttering under his breath about his hatred of flying and Predacons.

Primal disengaged his weapons as the Predacons began to flee, some quicker than others. He held a neutral gaze with Nemesis before she turned and walked away. Perhaps there could have been a more peaceful ending to this day, but judging how poorly things went down and the collapse of the chain of command in this team, he wasn't in the mood to let it to continue. As the ends of his maces cooled, he retracted them over his head and on to his back. Turning around, he saw Ironclaw still managing to stand on his two feet. "Are you all right?" Optimus genuinely asked him with some concern. The badger was certainly tougher than he appeared but he also looked like he was in bad shape.

Witnessing the exchange of stares between Silverbolt and Nemesis, not to mention 'Bolt's death wish wanting to battle the former 'Con mano-a-mano, Rattrap said while walking up to him beside their downed falcon friend, "I suppose you still wanna go after them." Like that'll ever happen.

-----

The engineer gave Saber-Fang his undivided attention but she seemed hesitant. Perhaps he wasn't the one she really wanted to talk to, and that was okay. Without saying anything else, he turned his attention to the cheetah's voice over the communication console, relieved to hear him checking in.

"We're retreating now Saber, we ran into a little problem with the Preds. Megatron still seems ticked from the last battle so he's out to still terminate us here." "And uh...we have an extra coming back with us plus I think Aero just left too, might be back to base before we are."

An extra? Rhinox raised a golden brow at Cheetor's report. As curious as he was, he opted not to interject and distract him even further from their retreat. They would find out soon enough.

"No surprise there."

His red optics gazed over the former General again, studying her somewhat blank or distracted expression. "Saber-Fang?" asked Rhinox, just to get her attention and make sure she was all right. Sonar was still locked up and surprisingly quiet, but he still avoided bringing him up and that they were holding him prisoner.

As the two Maximals and now traitor Predacon quickly left behind the tropical jungle that had once seemed so peaceful but could have likely been their death beds, the three were really silent the whole way. And Cheetor was a little concerned when Saber-fang didn't answer him the second time, making him wonder if everything was alright or she understood this was likely not the time to be chatting. The Predacons had been in far better condition then the three currently were which meant they could easily catch up and try to once again dispose of them. It was something the transmetal cheetah didn't want to happen so the three took turns checking back the whole way to the Axalon until they deemed it was truly safe.

Eventually though the three arrived to the ship, Cheetor coming to land and meeting the two land moving transformers as his jets kicked off soon as he landed. Luckily he was getting better with the landings and his flying, though it might still be a little while before anyone could consider Cheetor anything close to a flying ace or even being half the flyer as Airazor. "Well least we made it back in one piece." He said as the two nodded, both transforming to robot mode after Silverstreak jumped off Onyx's back and joined the transmetal cheetah as he transformed as well. Onyx though seemed nervous as they came to the lift that came down when it detected them and all three stepped onto it before it took them up into the ship. Onyx hadn't actually been inside but he recalled the battle of when he had been striking the ship, which with all the blasting and explosions the moving ship had burst into flames because of the properties regarding his Friction Rifle. But now it seemed almost brand new. "Hey Rhinox, Saber-fang."Silverstreak greeted as they stepped off the lift and both actually taking a seat, looking a little tired. But Onyx remained across from the Maximals, not sure what they'd do with seeing him there.

The black stallion knew for a fact the two Maximals across from the lift were stronger than him and likely could easily tear him apart, Rhinox especially so he was quite wary of them for the time being. "So...I hope you Maximals don't mind a new teammate for a while."Onyx said with a weak smile, briefly shutting down as he decided to change his access code then and there before coming back online, blinking his optics a few times as he stepped aside from the lift just in case others showed up.

((Not sure if anyone got Aerostriker, so kinda put that in just in case. If I'm wrong let me know guys and I'll edit the post.))

Relaxing slightly when seeing Rattrap was okay the female Maximal lowered her rifle slightly, but only just. She wasn't about to let herself be caught off guard and she was still very much in better shape then some of the others. Her optics though briefly went to Ironclaw, seeing he had briefly looked her way but was glad he looked towards Optimus as there was some disappointment still in her optics, wondering why he had to blow off what Rattrap had ordered and this could have all been avoided and Optimus wouldn't have had to come give them aid. Glancing back then when Rattrap spoke up she chuckled softly and nodded, "Music to everyone's audios I'd say."She said to the rat, now holstering her gun once more before she really considered even talking to Ironclaw at this point but guessed she should.

Still the transmetal tigress glanced back towards their retreating foes, waiting a little bit to be sure they were gone far enough before she finally moved towards the honey badger and frowned at seeing his condition. "That was really stupid and reckless of you Ironclaw, you know that?"She immediately said when she came close to the mech, expressing some anger at first since most of the team there was in pain and one in stasis lock but she sighed as she examined his injuries a bit, and if her ears still could would have gone back. "I don't know what your trying to prove 'Claw, but getting yourself nearly turned to scrap is not going to do you any good. It'll get you killed...trust me, I know."Wintersong said but murmured her last words, which likely could be heard by Optimus nearby as she rested a hand gently on the badger's chest and looked him in the optics. "But I'm glad your at least functional." This time there was affection and concern in her voice, despite all the other emotions that popped up before that.

Yes, she was angry and disappointed with the mech she had grown so fond of but at the same time she was relieved he was alive and concerned he may yet again fall into that same long coma-like stasis he was in before. On could say it was really a flurry of several emotions and was hard to express all of them at once.

----------------------------

Spineback had to hold herself back from not wanting to make a counter towards Megatron, knowing it had not entirely been her fault with the mist reeking havoc upon her senses, making it difficult to distinguish much from the many scents the swampy land itself already held and the fact was she still needed to get use to her new form and how it worked. She didn't exactly want to face being executed for back talking her new commander just when she had awakened from that stasis pod some hours before. Luckily with the mist clearing she could see her comrades much more easily and could see Megatron had quite a few minor scratches but she immediately took note of his optic that was damaged, likely causing him blindness for the moment. "Well I'm no miracle worker but these wounds will take little effort to repair, just a little time. Your optic though, that's more of a concern right off the battle." She said as she came near the commander, watching Terrorsaur get smacked aside but ignored the flier as she actually stopped.

"If you do not mind Lord Megatron, I can examine that optic and at least get it functional again. Being a combat medic is what I was mostly trained to be for such a situation. Though I do have to ask besides these small scratches is there any other major damage you have taken?"Spineback inquired, not wanting to step too close if he was already in a bad mood from this partial loss against the Maximals and at first she couldn't see anything major wrong.

((Didn't think I'd have enough time for Spineback's reply but luckily I did so both are now up. ))

I can't let history repeat itself. Sooner or later, its going to happen again. Maybe-maybe I should go to Whitegrazer, maybe she could help me.

Saber knew that it would only prolong the inevitable, she was going to lose control and she was going to kill. Going to Whitegrazer for help was a long shot but what choice did she have?

Saber-Fang?

She jumped a little at the sound of her name before looking at Rhinox.

"I'm sorry, Rhinox. Did you say something?"

((Haha, yeah. I think Orcareiner might have Airazor beat in time spent in the CR Chamber, but it's a close one for sure!))



Airazor's optics flashed back to life as she began to regain consciousness. "ughhh..." She groaned in an attempt to get herself back onto her talons. "I feel like I just flew into the middle of a firework display..." Her tone was raspy and she spoke slowly. Eventually, she managed to right herself and gaze upon her comrades around her. Many of them looked to be just as beat up as she was. Ironclaw especially seemed to be needing a CR Chamber visit.

One thing did seem a little out of place, however. Optimus was not part of their group as far as she remembered. When did he show up? She thought to ask, but decided she wasn't really interested in hearing a long story. All she really wanted now was a hot oil bath and a drink.

---

"Inferno to all Predacons in the area. We must retreat and return to the colony immediately! Do you read? RETREAT!"

"BY UNICRON'S GOATEE, WE'RE DOOMED!!!" he screamed, "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!"

Manterror had been ready to leave a long time ago and was quite glad to hear the retreat orders. He had more important things to do then get blown up! Turning away from the battle, he sped off into the opposite direction - dodging any stray gunfire towards him in the process. While in flight, he deactivated the buzzsaw's in his claws. They retracted from their aggressive position and left just the smooth claw behind.

"Quit your yapping you furry cow!" He yelled towards the new predicon and made a dive towards him. In one quick scoop, he grabbed him with both hands and lifted him into the skies. Deciding to toy with the newcomer a little bit, he took him as high up as he could go and purposely agitated his movements in order to shake Buster up a little bit. "I can't carry you all the way so I hope you're a good swimmer!!! BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!" He lied to his comrade. In actuality, he was having no problems with the flight and would easily make it back to the predicon base.

((Note: Manterror's strength is 9. He's got this.))

(You took offence to that? Really? Ever thought it was just Ironclaw's perception OOP? Whatever)

The Predacons were beginning to retreat. which did not please him necessarily but he knew they would fight another day.Their retreat was probably due to Primal's arrival, this didn't help his mood at all and their great leader was heading towards him. He had finished firing his weapons and had caught Ironclaw's attention. His facial expression was not welcoming as Optimus asked him how he was. The badger had no intention of answering his question because he didn't trust him or worship him like others did. While he knew the Maximals had certain expectations for each and every member of the team, his mind was set on a different way of handling this whole problem. Different from Optimus Primal. However he was not even given a chance to answer when Wintersong came over to him and it was actually she who he would have to answer to. At first he did feel a a bit ashamed and his gaze did briefly go to the floor. The damaged soldier listened to her words and was unable to do anything until she laid her hand upon his chest. This was the last straw, he found it hard to find his resolve. He could see that her hand was delicately placed on the scar that went across his chest. She was disappointed with him, even angry with him but he wasn't that deterred. She had strong ties with Optimus from what he could tell. His response would not convey his defiance but reassurance. He looked into her optics.

"I'm not going anywhere"

OOC: I'm posting for Megatron while I wait for Blackrose so the spiders can get moving again. Sorry for the wait my fellow preds

starshadow wrote:
Before Megatron could notice her, she hid behind the bushes.

"Uhhhh...I was running after the maximal bird, then I fell in quicksand and I...sort of lost him.." she radioed him. That was the best lie she could come up with. Hopefully he does not blast her to smithereens when they get back to base.

"Useless cephalopod" Megatron growled, firing his shoulder guns into the bushes to teach the cowardly octopus a lesson for trying to hide her failures from him, having learned from using them on Silverbolt that the guns could be used to deliver a painful lesson to uncooperative troops without killing them.

Naitokage wrote: Walking towards Megatron, but keeping enough distance to be out of direct smacking range, or atleast enough distance to react and throw the tyrant if he attempts anything. He held the arm up, he then spoke up It appears my lord, you have acquired a trophy. Tracking is a skill of the ninja,if you'd permit I have no qualm with finding the body, dead or alive.. Preferably dead of course.

Megatron permitted himself a grin at the sight of Aerostriker's severed arm, approaching Umbra to take it from his grasp, admiring it in the sun like it were a valuable gem rather than a dismembered limb, the pain in his eye subsiding somewhat from the pleasure he felt at the maximal's suffering, or possible demise.

"Excellent, sometimes it truly is the little things in life that make it all worthwhile. Very well Umbra, show me your metal & bring to me the maximal bird...Preferably dead, as you say. Yesss."

Wintersong wrote: Spineback had to hold herself back from not wanting to make a counter towards Megatron, knowing it had not entirely been her fault with the mist reeking havoc upon her senses, making it difficult to distinguish much from the many scents the swampy land itself already held and the fact was she still needed to get use to her new form and how it worked. She didn't exactly want to face being executed for back talking her new commander just when she had awakened from that stasis pod some hours before. Luckily with the mist clearing she could see her comrades much more easily and could see Megatron had quite a few minor scratches but she immediately took note of his optic that was damaged, likely causing him blindness for the moment. "Well I'm no miracle worker but these wounds will take little effort to repair, just a little time. Your optic though, that's more of a concern right off the battle." She said as she came near the commander, watching Terrorsaur get smacked aside but ignored the flier as she actually stopped.

"If you do not mind Lord Megatron, I can examine that optic and at least get it functional again. Being a combat medic is what I was mostly trained to be for such a situation. Though I do have to ask besides these small scratches is there any other major damage you have taken?"Spineback inquired, not wanting to step too close if he was already in a bad mood from this partial loss against the Maximals and at first she couldn't see anything major wrong.

((Didn't think I'd have enough time for Spineback's reply but luckily I did so both are now up. ))

Megatron snorted in annoyance, unsure if his missing optic or the escaping maximals bothered him more, but replied "Check my jet engines as well, the maximal bird was taking potshots at them & I'd rather fly back to base than on foot. Do what you can Doctor, our base's CR tanks will finish whatever you cannot. Impress me."

If the medic's skills proved worthy, the spinosaur may yet prove herself worth all this trouble after all.

"Ugh...You're welcome, Megatron" Terrorsaur groaned as he rose out of the water, rubbing his aching jaw from the backhand he'd received from his hated leader, once again entertaining all the ways he'd love to slag him.

"Ah, still with us Terrorsaur? Good, take to the sky & keep watch in case Primal sent his maximals help that for once didn't arrive in the nick of time to save their miserable hides" Megatron replied as he allowed Spineback to go to work.

"It would be my pleasure" Megatron spat sarcastically, adding a little bow for good measure before he begrudgingly returned to beast mode & took to the skies, only too happy to put distance between him and the cranky tyrant.

"Megatron to Inferno, give me good news Subcommander, I'm sorely in the mood for it" Megatron spoke into his comlink, silently vowing to beat the insect into the ground if he failed to recover the stasis pod, he was in need of more troops with the equine switching sides.

"Oh, there shall be a bonus in it for you if you find the equine traitor as well Umbra, as an added incentive" Megatron added, thinking of how much time it would save him having to change all his codes & what not when he returned to base if the traitor was killed before he could share what few predacon secrets he know with the enemy.