The Intergalactic Highway

((OOC: Yeah. Sorry about that. XD))

She hoped that rose Optimus' spirits. He was going to need it. She had to admire his optimism and determination to keep going, though. You have to have a character of charmisa and will to be leader and Optimus had it. She could feel it in his presence too. His calm and collected demeanor made him a relaxing fresh air to some other personality quirks the others have. Maybe it was because she was sensitive to such feelings.

The pollen on Wintersong's nose made Whitegrazer chuckle softly as pollen always was hard to get off.

Whitegrazer stood next to Optimus, greeting the others present, noticing there were a few people missing. Hearing Rhinox explaining about Saber-Fang, she hoped that it isn't as bad as they thought it was.

"Maybe we will finally find out what this Sonar has over her."

She looked at the transwarp signature that Rhinox had put in front of them, "Transwarp signature?"

There was that chill again. Something didn't feel right.

__________________________________________________________________________

Blackarchnia was alittle upset that Scorponok's message interrupted what she planned to do but she just smiled and played out a pout, "Aw, can a female come up to man without being suspected of ulterior motive?"

Letting out a sigh, she just shrugged and started walking out, "Oh well. Maybe I will get better action elsewhere. Your loss."

"But I will be back." She chuckled.

Lunatic.

Wintersong walked into the main bridge, glancing around at the others before moving over to make room, ending up near Tigatron and Airazor but remained in beast mode. She wiggled her nose as a bit more pollen remained and tried to get it off though some flew up her nose again and she sneezed for the third time, a bit louder again. "I hope that is the last of the pollen." She mumbled trying to look but only succeed in going cross eyed. She had a love for nature and didn't mind being a contributor to speeding the pollen but sometimes it was a pain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hearing the call Snow Trix remained in the bridge, glancing at Megatron as he arrived, "Seems for once you weren't the first one here Commander." She said a slight edge in her voice. Ever since the purple t-rex had about killed her she felt a little more bitter towards Megatron but doubted she was the only one who disliked their leader. Perhaps though she avoided total punishment since she was actually there early then normal. Or well present for once at all.

Steelclaw came near to the source of the sound he'd heard earlier. He froze in his tracks when he saw Sonar about 20 feet away in a clearing. As Steelclaw put himself closer to the ground, he saw Saber-Fang come into the clearing as well.

He was glad to have stumbled on the meeting. He'd already suspected Sonar's affiliation with Saber-Fang, but this was complete confirmation, and hopefully he'd hear specific details about their connection with each other.

As he listened, something flashed in his HUD saying someone was trying to contact his com-link. He was glad he'd thought to silence the thing. But he'd have to try to figure out who was contacting him soon.

* * *

Cheetor dashed into the bridge in time to notice everyone else had gotten there first. Or basically every one.

"Am I late?" he asked sheepishly. Suddenly, he was forced to jump aside as Dinobot walked in.

"So what's the situation, Big O?" he asked, turning to Ocariner.

Sonar's ears twitched as he sliently heard the Second in command spew some threat along with a command.

Saber was unwilling to call Sonar’s bluff, she couldn’t risk it. She had said what she had come to say, but still planned on coming clean to Optimus.

“Yes.” She said quietly.

“Good,” He said before taking out the serum and injected it into her systems. “I’ll see you in a few weeks then. Oh, and Saber, try not to turn into the creature before hand.”

The way he said it, made it sound like a threat.

With that said he transformed into his beast mode and took to the sky then headed toward the Darksyde. With a defeated sigh Saber transformed back into her beast mode. Now all she needed to do was come clean to Optimus, she just hoped that it would go better then this had.

"All Predacon forces report to the bridge! Megatron demands your presence! Those who don't show up will face severe punishment! Do as he commands!"

The Mantis had just stumbled across a very large chunk of energon. More than enough to sustain a whole fleet of soldiers under his command. This would work perfectly. The message to come back to base was very poorly timed, as he wanted to excavate this before anyone else found it. However, he also didn't want to get on Megatron's bad side already. He would have to risk leaving his stash here.

Moving his hulking claw to his chest, he went to responded. In the process of moving the claw however, he accidentally extended it up too far which discharged one of his circular blades from underneath. In a streak of bad luck, the missile flew off towards the energon and slammed into it. "Blast these infernal claws!" He screamed, and flew off back to the base. Behind him a giant explosion went off, destroying the energon.

Frilla came in after the others and transformed, finding a spot where she could and ended up on Whitegrazer's other side listening carefully, "A transwarp signature? Doesn't that mean a ship or device of some sort might be near?" She asked. Or could the aliens have something to do with it again. She still wondering if this was the case since so far nothing new was coming from her data from the turrets from long before nor in the data she had collected. Perhaps this signature might provide another answer to this puzzle.

Clearing his throat, Orcariner found himself inhaling first before saying anything. The briefing details were so extraordinary that he even doubted the readings himself. Choosing not to fall into that rut, the giant instead proceeded to walk towards the center of the bridge, carefully weaving through the crowd. Pressing a button to activate the holographic map, he commanded the computer.

"Computer, visualize overhead view of Sector M18."

A map of their continent came into view and the camera quickly slid towards the location of the anomaly. The bluish-green ripple was still there and had not ceased its emission. Orcariner thought it was strange for the signal to be so strong. A transwarp portal normally opened long enough to allow safe passage of the ship or crew to bypass. Once it had closed, the emission data would digress over time or simply fade away depending on the size of the object passing through. Perhaps it was a land portal that had not been shut. Either that, or whatever engine that was projecting this portal must have been large enough to leave such a potent residue. Orcariner had no recollection of military cruisers being transwarrp-capable, but then again it had been about a year since he had even stepped foot on Cybertron; even longer since he updated his databanks.

"For those of you who don't know what this is," he finally spoke, "It's a transwarp portal signature."

Orcariner let the word "transwarp" sink in. Everyone knew the word since it had been complained about the most since they had crash landed on this planet.

"It's been active since early morning before I called for this meeting, and as you can see the detection is still strong indicating how recent the opening is. I don't know what activated it, but I do know that it's here. I know it's our ticket home."

He let that last part sink into the crew, as well.

"Sector M18 isn't very far so external transportation is not necessary. The environment is flat so we should have no problems with mobility. However, despite being an exploration vessel, the Axalon's radar technology isn't that much more advanced than the Darksyde's. With a reading this close to both bases, I have no doubt that the Predacons will pick it up. For all we know, they already have."

Formulating a quick plan in mind, Orcariner attempted to layout the details for the rest of the crew.

"Considering the significance of this finding and what it means for our futures," he continued, looking straight at Optimus, "I give my full recommendation to send all available personnel to the site. The Axalon is able to defend itself well with the Sentinel program and all guns have been repaired and reloaded, both indoors and out. We can send out our crew immediately and have the fastest person arrive first to secure the perimeter. It would be wise to stay in squads but we have no idea what our time table is. As of now, I personally think it's best for us to just make a break for it and prepare for the return trip after everyone rendezvous at Sector M18.

As for the transwarp device, we're too assume that it is fairly large. The best case scenario would be for whoever owns it to voluntarily help us bring it towards the base. Worst case scenario is that they're dead and we have to bring it back ourselves. I have spare gravity lift pads that I can stick onto the machine, and I'll tow it back home myself if necessary. Now, despite its size, this thing is still fragile. Transwarp technology is no joke, and the slightest damage can ruin the machine. Even if it'll work, there's no guarantee that it'll take us where and when we want it to. Like I said before, the Predacons will be able to pick up its signature so expect company. When the fight breaks out, and it will, by all means necessary do not let any damage fall to the machine!"

Orcariner supposed it was easy for him to say. Someone like him could simply use his body as a shield and walk away with all systems functional. Still, this was a device that could grant them freedom. He turned to Optimus and spoke to him directly.

"Sir, I don't know if you have a plan in mind for this, but we need to leave now."

Saberfang made one of her infamous runs again, this time I caught it on video after doing some personal modifications for monitoring unusual entrances on the ship.

Primal grew extremely angry. Saber-Fang knew well enough not to leave the base without informing someone as was ordered by Optimus, and now she snuck out again to see Sonar. "It'll be her last," he said coldly in a deep voice. He had had enough.

Icebreaker is currently tailing her, it's a dangerous mission but I feel he's up to it. Hopefully all our suspicions are wrong, but I have a feeling that isn't the case.

Was Rhinox sure that was such a good idea? Icebreaker still seemed "distracted" from the stunt he pulled with Nightmist's spark. He wasn't sure what was going on with the penguin, but he didn't seem to be quite himself. That, and who knew what kind of stunts he'd pull while tracking Saber and finding out what she's been up to. But since he was already gone, Optimus could only hope nothing would go wrong and that Icebreaker could show a little more self control and a little less reckless endangerment.

Saber may be involved with the Predacons, or rather Sonar specifically.. that's be the suspicion anyway.

"I know she's involved with Sonar!" the leader bursted out angrily. His voice came out louder than he had intended but his tolerance for Saber-Fang's actions was down to zero. He gave her enough warnings and was far too lenient on her punishments. "There's a history between those two that Saber-Fang denies completely and refuses to come forward about anything, let alone their little reunions. I wouldn't be surprised if I got more cooperation and more answers confronting Sonar about it instead!" Shaking his head, Primal took a silent, deep breath. With Icebreaker after her, Optimus didn't need to worry about the former general for now; there was nothing else he could do.

"Maybe we will finally find out what this Sonar has over her."

"We will," Optimus emphasized, glancing at Whitegrazer beside him. This was Saber's last straw.

Since Orcariner found it first, I guess we'll let the explanation to you this time.

"Transwarp signature?"

"Am I late?" "So what's the situation, Big O?"

"A transwarp signature? Doesn't that mean a ship or device of some sort might be near?"

The gorilla's brown eyes darted to everyone who spoke. Moving on to the more pressing matter helped him calm down a little and focus. Then, watching the hologram map, he studied it thoughtfully while several scenarios and options jumped about in his mind.

"Computer, visualize overhead view of Sector M18." "For those of you who don't know what this is," he finally spoke, "It's a transwarp portal signature."

Narrowing his eyes, Primal felt something was off about this.

"It's been active since early morning before I called for this meeting, and as you can see the detection is still strong indicating how recent the opening is. I don't know what activated it, but I do know that it's here. I know it's our ticket home."

How can that be? Why would the signature still be active?

"Sector M18 isn't very far so external transportation is not necessary. The environment is flat so we should have no problems with mobility. However, despite being an exploration vessel, the Axalon's radar technology isn't that much more advanced than the Darksyde's. With a reading this close to both bases, I have no doubt that the Predacons will pick it up. For all we know, they already have."

The Maximal leader certainly agreed with Orcariner on that.

"Considering the significance of this finding and what it means for our futures," "I give my full recommendation to send all available personnel to the site. The Axalon is able to defend itself well with the Sentinel program and all guns have been repaired and reloaded, both indoors and out. We can send out our crew immediately and have the fastest person arrive first to secure the perimeter. It would be wise to stay in squads but we have no idea what our time table is. As of now, I personally think it's best for us to just make a break for it and prepare for the return trip after everyone rendezvous at Sector M18.

Optimus held the eye contact with Orcariner and nodded. He was pleased with the orca's assessment; he was doing much better now and didn't seem to be as nervous as he was when he had debriefed Primal for the first time a few weeks ago. He was glad to see that progress with him.

As for the transwarp device, we're too assume that it is fairly large. The best case scenario would be for whoever owns it to voluntarily help us bring it towards the base. Worst case scenario is that they're dead and we have to bring it back ourselves. I have spare gravity lift pads that I can stick onto the machine, and I'll tow it back home myself if necessary. Now, despite its size, this thing is still fragile. Transwarp technology is no joke, and the slightest damage can ruin the machine. Even if it'll work, there's no guarantee that it'll take us where and when we want it to. Like I said before, the Predacons will be able to pick up its signature so expect company. When the fight breaks out, and it will, by all means necessary do not let any damage fall to the machine!" "Sir, I don't know if you have a plan in mind for this, but we need to leave now."

Quite a dire situation with great signifance; he was well aware. "We've had no other activity from this occurrance? No communication?" the cautious commander asked. "Do we even know if there was a ship that came through? How was it activated? I don't understand why the only disturbance from this area," he said, pointing at the signal on the map, "is the transwarp portal signature. Can we detect any life signs?" It seemed not.

"Sounds kinda fishy," Rattrap said, agreeing with Optimus's suspicions. "No offense, Orcariner. Heh. Uh, but the boss monkey's gotta point. This looks like a trap, like somethin' wants all of us ta gather there. Something like, oh I don't know, the aliens would set up?"

Time was against them, though, and the Predacons were getting the same information and probably preparing at the same time they were. "Trap or not, we have to get there before the Predacons do and secure it," Primal said. "We'll have to risk it because if this is the real thing and we can retrieve it in one piece, this will get us back to Cybertron."

"Ya had to say the 'C' word, didn't ya?" the rat sighed, knowing no one in their right mind would pass this up in order to go home. And certainly never give the Predacons the upper hand. But he was right. This was their chance to leave this Primus forsaken planet. He just hoped no one was going to lose their life over it.

"Airazor and Feralnight, you're with me in the air. We'll reach the area the quickest and secure a perimeter," he said, looking at the two aerial females. ((OOC: That would include Valkyrie as well if Ven joins in on this episode soon.)) "The rest of you will follow us on the ground. Split up into two groups. The fastest runners should be right behind us; that's you Whitegrazer, Cheetor and Dinobot. Rhinox, Orcariner, Wintersong and Tigatron will bring up the rear. Frilla and Rattrap, you two might want to hitch a ride with someone," he recommended. "Rhinox, if you can get a hold of Icebreaker, have him and Saber-Fang meet us there at the site. Without them, we'll be outnumbered," said Optimus while he looked at him. Then, addressing everyone as a group again, he added, "Be on alert, Maximals. Watch for anything out of the ordinary and be mindful of your surroundings and the Predacons making an appearance. Questions?"

"Uh, yeah," Rattrap spoke up again, raising his paw. "We're all gonna die, aren't we?"

Looking over his shoulder at the rat, Primal bluntly said, "Shut up, Rattrap."

Tigatron wasn't exactly sure what all of this meant except that this device they seeked was something to repair the ship in hopes to return to Cybertron. He wasn't entirely comfortable running into such an unknown obstacle with their enemy on the other side, but he had no choice but to help his fellow comrades and do the best he could in order to put an end to this whole war on this innocent world.

((OOC: Saber-Fang, you are in some deep trouble. XDD Serenity now! Serenity now! XDD))

Easy easy.

Whitegrazer mentally told herself towards Optimus but she could understand his anger at Saber's secrets and running off especially to meet a Predacon. If only she would have told the truth, she wouldn't be in a bigger hole with Optimus and the others than she was. Listening to Orcariner's detailed explanation, she couldn't help but feel that all of this was too good to be and had to agree on what Rattrap said. It was all too clean; A transwarp signature in the perfect place for both sides to track it and find it. Too simple.

"Hey Frilla and Rattrap, you guys can hitch a ride on me. I can hold you two." Whitegrazer offered, "If you want to."

The two femmes listened to the report but Frilla was a bit surprised how angry Optimus could get though could see why. She remembered Sonar often going off a lot back when she was a Predacon but then again some of the Predacons did. But none the less the transwarp signature was something to worry about. When Orcanier was done with explaining where and what was going on with the signal Frilla looked to Optimus with a nod.

"Sure Whitegrazer. Though hopefully Rattrap doesn't mind of course." She said glancing at the rat knowing he wouldn't like the idea. But the mission was more importan then their bickering.

Feralnight didn't like the sound of this signature and the fact it was still open. It just seemed way too easy and Optimus had a right to be suspicious. Looking to the gorilla she nodded hoping they could get to the location before the Predacons. "This still seems like a bad idea." She muttered heading to the lift.

Orcariner nodded in response to Optimus' command and quickly left the bridge for the hanger. It was a slower way of exiting the base, but it was also the only way for him to leave. Times like these reminded him of the short comings of his size, but now was poor moment to contemplate on something so trivial. Engaging the wall switch, the bay loudly groaned as the heavy ramp lowered. Orcariner walked around the Nomad to his work station where he stored his spare lifts. He wondered whether they should bring the transport as a safe armored transport.

No time, he thought, We gotta leave now.

Grabbing his equipment, the Maximal giant ran out of the base, remotely shutting the door behind him.

"Beast mode!"

The familiar hums sounded off as the gravity lifts prevented his falling transforming body from hitting the earth. Charging forward, Orcariner made haste towards their destination.

As Sonar left, Icebreaker shaked his head quietly, then got up Icebreaker, Maximize! he then transformed to his robot mode, tossing his camouflaged cloak to the side as he walked towards Saber, his optics narrowed under his visor You have ALOT of explaining to do..I just heard nearly every word of your conversation and watched you take another injection, Rhinox has you on video sneaking out through the Roof hatch of all things.. Saberfang, what the SLAG is going on with you? You lie to your friends and start taking drugs from that Monster? he then said, his tone was far from his typical friendly manner. Or are you going to just lie to us still? Because if that's the case.. I'm sure your winged buddy there will talk when I'm done with him..

Icebreaker tilted his head looking towards Sonar in the sky, even though he was in the air, Icebreaker still could get a target lock from the range with his Iceblast or missiles. As he moved his head, a sudden flash came on the side of his visor displaying a Predacon insignia. His visor then shifted to Thermal as he looked towards Steelclaw, seeing a heat source in a bear like shape in the distance.

Icebreaker shaked his head Well.. looks like we aren't alone. Look Claw, I've got enough to deal with between the messes your new buddy Nemesis has given me and now Fangs here.. I'm not looking for a fight, so.. move it.

________________

Rhinox turned in his seat Alright, I'll contact them right now. (But give Steelclaw a chance to reply to Icebreaker..)

_________________
Megatron looked down towards Snowtrix, it seems she was a bit more straightened out compared to her old nature. Ah if only a good smack would take care of the issues with the rest of the crew he thought to himself, he then responded Why no.. I wasn't. I believe this has all caught us off guard.. Yess.. He then glanced towards the computer display, pondering. He knew the Maximals would attempt to be there as fast as possible. He'd probably have to send the Fliers ahead to deal with Primal's Vanguard of fliers.

He tapped a few buttons on his chair as the map displaced, looking over the terrain while thinking how to set up his pawns on the chessboard of the battlefield.

As he strategized, Glowstick floated into the bridge.

Megatron turned looking towards Glowstick Ah.. Excellent. Glowstick, I want you to lead the front with Sonar,Manterror, Inferno,Waspinator, and Terrorsaur. (And Nemesis if.. she wants to. Sunny seemed rather disinterested in this episode from the near daily protests I got, so if she doesn't want to, I'm not forcing it. Plus she's probably busy with Alex.)

Glowstick blinked pointing to himself with one of his limbs Lead the front.. Sir,what is going on?

Megatron then spoke up A transwarp signature has been detected, appears to be still active.. I thought it would of been a ship but that is rather.. strange. In anycase, we can not allow the Maximals to get their hands on that technology. As Primal will likely be sending his fliers as his fastest means to go, we shall do the same.

Glowstick raised an optic ridge looking at the screen Another ship.. what is this planet, a magnet for debris? Alright, I'll make sure those little girls get their wings clipped. He gave a dark snicker as he floated up into the air making a loop, then floating out towards the hanger activating his comlink Waspinator, Terrorsaur, Sonar, Inferno, Manterror, I just got our group's orders. Transmitting coordinates for rendezvous, we'll be acting as first strike on the Maximals, if you guys have any plans on the way, I'd like to hear them. I'll fill you guys in on the rest of the parameters of the mission while we're in the air.

Megatron watched as Glowstick left, giving a slight snear as he heard the squid. One of these days, I really should teach that medic how to.. properly lead. Though admittedly he does get better results than certain others.. he said to himself, the idea of listening to the plans of any of those halfwits got on his nerves, they were simply fodder to follow orders and die on his whim, and if they didn't like it, he'd just bring their end sooner.

_______________________

Tarantulus watched as Blackarachnia left, he rolled his optic band Such a terrible loss indeed.. he snickered.
Witch.

He then transformed to his spider mode, crawling away into a tunnel and heading towards the Darksyde.

((OOC: Whoa, I knew Optimus would be pissed, but I had no idea he would be that pissed. Lol.))

You have ALOT of explaining to do..I just heard nearly every word of your conversation and watched you take another injection, Rhinox has you on video sneaking out through the Roof hatch of all things...

Saber quickly turned at the sound of Icebreakers voice, she was to stunned to reply, her green eyes wide with shock.

Saberfang, what the SLAG is going on with you? You lie to your friends and start taking drugs from that Monster?

"I hated lying to you guys, but what choice did I have? You wouldn't understand." She said, her ears going back.

Or are you going to just lie to us still? Because if that's the case.. I'm sure your winged buddy there will talk when I'm done with him..

"I was going to tell Optimus every thing, I just came here to tell Sonar that I was finished working with him. Do what you want with Sonar, I don't care. But I doubt he'll tell you anything."

Well.. looks like we aren't alone. Look Claw, I've got enough to deal with between the messes your new buddy Nemesis has given me and now Fangs here.. I'm not looking for a fight, so.. move it.

UGH! Who else is here?! She thought clearly irritated.

* * *

Sonar smirked as he heard every thing that the grounded bird had said.

Oh this couldn't be more perfect. But it seems that Saber isn't worthy of the cure, no matter, I will enjoy watching her suffer. He thought with a smirk.

Sonar, I just got our group's orders. Transmitting coordinates for rendezvous, we'll be acting as first strike on the Maximals, if you guys have any plans on the way, I'd like to hear them. I'll fill you guys in on the rest of the parameters of the mission while we're in the air.

Sonar's smile deepend.

I stand corrected.

He then activated his COM link. "I'll meet you there, Glowstick. I was out hunting. Sonar, out."

* * *

Waspinator, Terrorsaur, Sonar, Inferno, Manterror, I just got our group's orders. Transmitting coordinates for rendezvous, we'll be acting as first strike on the Maximals, if you guys have any plans on the way, I'd like to hear them. I'll fill you guys in on the rest of the parameters of the mission while we're in the air.

Waspinator transformed into his beast mode and giggled with glee, another chance to take care of the Maximals.

"The Maximals will buuurrrnn in the fires of Inferno. For the glory of the Royalty!!" Inferno shouted, readying his flame thrower.

Terrorsaur followed the squid out of the hanger and listened as he gave orders. The mission had a bright outlook already, seeing how Megatron was not going to be in his particular group. The sound of first strike also rang bells of joy in his ears.

"Beast mode!"

The pterodactyl let loose a screech as his powerful wings pushed him off the ground.

Steelclaw stared balefully at Icebreaker as he contemplated whether it was more important to disable the two Maximals, or to make sure Sonar was unaware he had been spying on him. He wasn't sure how good the bat's hearing was, but there was no doubt he'd hear gunshots.

Unlike the time he could have taken Dinobot and Tigatron, his two possible targets were now fully aware of his presence. It was that strategic disadvantage which finally tipped his decision towards standing down.

"But this was just getting good," Steelclaw answered. "It's not every day you get to watch an impulsive survivalist berate an irresponsible general for making deals with a sadistic scientist, and be right to do so.

"But, no, I'll leave. Just be sure to work on that whole goodness and serenity image you Maximals are supposed to show, will you?"

Turning around, Steelclaw began trotting off towards the Darksyde. Once he at least thought he was out ear shot of the Maximals, he got on his com-link.

"Hey, Scorponok, you were trying to talk to me. What's going down?"

* * *

Neither Cheetor nor Dinobot had any questions, so they both headed for the lift, getting on with Feralnight.

"Watch the skies," Dinobot warned the fuzor as the platform began descending. "Megatron's fliers outnumber our own, and they will try to overwhelm you. If you do not think you can achieve victory, then make sure you stay online. Cheetor, Whitegrazer and I shall reinforce you quickly."

Once the elevator stopped, Dinobot jumped off and began running off towards the site of the transwarp signal.

Cheetor looked at Feralnight for a second and then shrugged in his beast mode. "What he said." The next moment, he was off the platform and following after the velociraptor.