The Intergalactic Highway

Frilla jumped a bit, not expecting Icebreaker but she didn't get time to speak much. "Right." She said and glanced at Aurora,"Maybe we can go exploring the area nearby after this is taken care of Aurora." She offered with a smile before she hurried off towards Optimus' office but when she approached she heard him talking already and hated to interrupt. Sighing she knocked loud enough to be heard,"Pardon me Optimus I don't mean to intrude but we have a Predacon right outside the base." She said so he could hear though wondered who the other could be.

Just outside Feralnight was surprised how quick the others were to engage Onyx. They had gotten early warning so she was assuming they had prepared quickly. Flapping her wings she dove down closer in scanner range and made a wide arc to scan the area for other Predacons, but she had not found any the whole time she had tailed the horse.

Visia wrote: "Doing the way humans do to store serpents?"

Glowstick shrugged smugly Those people also happened to store snakes in with liquor and let them ferment.. For now, the insulating properties of that bottle will keep you from getting into that body even if you manage to escape. Your.. nature and current predicament are rather interesting to say the least. I wish to hire your services and skills to act as this ships main AI, covering navigation, defenses and other activities.

Glowstick's tentacle then extended tapping a few buttons as two diagram images appeared on the screen, displayed to Visia. One was displayed as the "Kraken" Unit, Cecaelia's old ship heavily modified and rebuilt. The plans seemed to show the Leviathan and Kraken combining into one larger vessel capable of transwarp travel with a fairly sizable crew and capability.

The Kraken is still under construction.. but when it's complete, we'll have a means of leaving this planet.. as a sort of trump card incase things don't go as planned.. When that time comes, I'll take you, Starshadow, and Cecaelia back to your people and just wander off into space..Maybe spend my days as a cargo hauler or pirate. That will be your reward, but that wont matter at the moment. The main reason I need your skills..is far more risky.

The image of the Behemoth unit then came up. It was revealed to be a rather massive robot, though some of it's critical components didn't seem to operate to full capacity.
As I'm sure you've seen.. the Maximals have some rather sizable beasts under their command. I originally built this device in an attempt to even the odds, though extortion and diplomacy worked out rather effectively any time I would of needed it.. The problem is, the device was so complicated, it needs two Predacons to operate it, and even then that posed some risks to the mental health of the pilots not to mention the performance of the machine. In your case, your already used to crawling around every nook and cranny of people's minds and bodies.. So any side effects are unlikely to effect you, just whoever pilots with you..

Glowstick then leaned floating up right with his tentacles moving from behind his head The choice is yours, If you don't want to, then I'll just leave you in the twin drive to sleep, play video games, and watch the activities around the ship until the day I release you. He closed the images out, then tapped another button as the exterior cameras kicked in, displaying a 360 view of outside the ship to Visia.

Hiring Visia was so unecessary..Besides that, why would she help those predacons in their little war? It was their problem not hers. He was lucky that Cecaelia's ship wasn't the original ship from their planet. Those flying techno-organic aircrafts could bite and spit slime.

Since she can't get her own body even she escaped, there was only one bot who would help her if it was her desperate time, Starshadow. All she have to do is wait until the time comes.

Come to think of it, the oversized Maximal, Orcariner. Can't these Predacons THINK of a strategy to bring him down and not relying too much on machines and ships? But sharing the methods on how her people and Hell-Fang eliminate their enemies is as good as betraying her own kind, breaking her first most important rule. But what would the outcome be? She was accused of murder and by her own sister,Averna, the new leader of her people, resulting exile. She can never go back unless Averna dies or she proved herself to be innocent. No, it is still not a good idea to share the tentacle fiend her technology and battle strategies.

Back to what Glowstick offered, "I would have to say no. I'm no predacon tool for war. I'm curious Glowstick. Why do you bother wasting your time in this war? You could actually use the ship to get out of the planet and enjoy freedom."

Onyx looked as the lift came down now with one the larger Maximals, this one seeming to be a bird of some kind yet he was on his guard. Though as Onyx transformed without bothering with the activation code he noticed Orcanier coming out and the same tigeress from before leaping down without waiting for the lift. These Maximals seemed fairly armed indeed, and what's more it seemed a odd animal of two beast forms had tailed him,"I'm guessing recent events have caused you all to become quite more alert. But I give you my word as warrior I came alone, though whether Megatron knows I'm gone or not is still unknown to me." He said raising his hands to show he was not armed at the moment.

"Though taking my precaution seemed justified right now, there is no need for heavy artillery." Onyx said calmly, watching these four Maximals quite closely.

==============

As Megatron awaited the report from Steelclaw the Predacon leader noticed one of the more loner types, Snow Trix, arrive. But he too took notice if the rancid smell and turned his head slightly as more of the Predacons were arriving and one of them being the source of the smell.

Not bothering to hide the disgust from the smell Megatron looked at Sonar,"Of course Sonar what is it?" He asked with distaste, ignoring the complaints from his underlings knowing they would have to deal with it.

((OOC: Oh. I was thinking that Megatron would be told by the Darksyde's system about the alien anomaly (as in "Before the Storm"). Steelclaw really won't have a lot to report to Megatron since he didn't get to see anything.

Of course, Megatron could be notified later. Or not at all. It is, naturally, your choice. But I figure the Predacon should chase down the alien signal at some point, so someone's gonna have to know about it...)

"No, sir, I haven't," Steelclaw answered his commander. "Or at least, not really. Just before you came here, I was under the impression that this computer," he said, pointing to the proper monitor, which was now merely showing a large yellow Predacon insignia suspended in a blue grid, "was trying to show something, but whatever it was, it cut out immediately. Aside from that, I saw Onyx leave the base- whatever that might mean to you."

Predacons left the base and came back to it without direct orders daily. Onyx's departure was not out of the ordinary.

Though... upon considering the "coming back to base" part of that process, Steelclaw remembered something he had been wondering about the past few days. Where was Nemesis? He would have sought Megatron's opinion on her extended absence then and there since it was in his processor while he was actually next to his leader, talking to him. But he realized the matter could wait once Sonar requested Megatron's attention.

* * *

Cheetor had been thinking about it for a while.

He'd run through whatever arguments he could of that went against himself, because it just wasn't normal to for him to disagree with Big 'Bot. And... well, maybe it wasn't Optimus' idea, and he'd just gone with it. Or maybe Optimus was never even told about it.

But then, everybody else who had anything to do with controlling the situation also agreed to it. Major red flag. Cheetor had to be wrong somehow. But he didn't know how. And as long as he didn't know how he was wrong, he had to try to put his opinion into action...

Cheetor walked up to the doors to Optimus' quarters just as Frilla was doing the same thing. She knocked first.

Frilla wrote:Pardon me Optimus I don't mean to intrude but we have a Predacon right outside the base.

A Pred? Cheetor's first instinct was to drop what he was thinking about and let Optimus deal with the Predacon, but then he decided- if and only if there was time for him to bring it up before Optimus headed out, because he didn't want to get in the way- he would still try to ask his question.

Onyx wrote:"I'm guessing recent events have caused you all to become quite more alert. But I give you my word as warrior I came alone, though whether Megatron knows I'm gone or not is still unknown to me."

Orcariner checked his scanners. There was only one Predacon blip within the 1 kilometer radius of his advanced scanners.

"He's telling the truth," he announced so that Icebreaker could hear.

Onyx wrote:"Though taking my precaution seemed justified right now, there is no need for heavy artillery."

Despite seeing the transformer reveal that he had no drawn weapons, Orcariner still held his carbine at a combat-ready position. He also had a wireless link to the Sentinel system. If this unknown Predacon made any aggressive moves, the orca would have the Axalon light him up with battery fire. Reminding himself that he had never encountered this particular Predacon before, Orcariner proceeded to register his identity into his memory. He did not have a name at this time, but the image will do enough to remind him in the future. Tempted to demand the horse's name and purpose, the Maximal titan refrained from doing so. Icebreaker was the first to confront him. With everyone around being of equal rank, Orcariner decided to concede the lead role to his friend instead. It would be a nice change to just stand back and shoot when ordered.

((OOC: Man, you guys post too fast. haha. Three pages in 2 days! Or perhaps, I just post too slow. ))



The Mantis had been up to his old tricks again. Scheming for his pending victory against the Maximals and Predicons! He figured that his quest for global domination would have to be put on hold until they were dealt with. The Maximal's had too much of a liking for "Democracy" and the Predicons for "Dictatorship". None of them seemed to appreciate "Tyranny". Oh well. Once they were all dead, their would be no one to object!

This time, the Mantis had been just outside of radar range of the Maximal base. Close enough to set-up his new trap outside the base without having them fire upon him. Next to him was a pile of cut-down trees, lots of long blades of grass and a big rock. Having buzz-saw's for hands sure came in very handy when trying to cut wood and he had gotten very good at carving out masterpieces. Within just a few hours he had decent sized trebuchet built and ready to fire! It wasn't until it was completed that he suddenly realized that a giant rock wasn't really going to do much to damage the maximal base. hmm.. He would have to think of something else to throw at it... perhaps he could use a giant ball of energon... or better yet, a cybertonian!

((OOC: Ran out of time to post with Airazor, I'll do it later. Or tomorrow. Some time within the future.))

Venatrix was by herself just outside the Darkside, doing battle with an opponent that she had her computer create for training purposes.
To those that where watching her, it would seem she was fighting an invisible enemy.
It was one of those things she did when there where no sparring partners around who could match her skills, or even surpass them.
Those that did where busy with other stuff, away for whatever reason, or being uninterested like Megatron.
Observing those that she'd consider better then herself in her last mission was exhilarating.
Megatron was brutally strong, and equally cunning.
Optimus Primal was heroic, honorable, and just as strong and intelligent as Megatron.
And there was Dinobot....

There where others on both sides of the conflict that caught her interest.
One being Nemesis. She should one day have to force her into a match.
The Maximals Saber and Whitegrazer caught her attention as well.

She was fighting Megatron now.
She moved around lightning fast, knowing that if Megatron caught on to her seemingly random movement, the fight would be over.
Her CPU was working overtime to generate the most realistic avatar of Megatron as it could, with all the information she had on him.
And her program was usually dead-on as she hardly ever won from her mind's versions of Dinobot, Optimus Primal, and Megatron.

If someone with Megatron's build and intelligence would fight her close quarters, the best way, she knew, was to stand his ground, and turn around his axes when she attacks him from different angles.
And so did she created the program to do just that.
She needed to stay close to him, and keep pressing the attack, while dodging his brutally strong arms and legs when he counters, er it would be over.
Her swords twirled even faster the she moved.
It was almost like a dance, if somebody was watching her.

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

Valkyrie, who had serious problems with her programming.
It was like the Maximal scientists on Cybertron warned her and Optimus about before they left the planet on the Axalon.
The specially designed protoform that was build only to hold her spark, might be losing integrity if it is being overused.
The Black-outs have increased dramatically if she was to active.
So she advised Optimus Primal, to only send her out when there was absolutely no other choice.

Rhinox had been scanning her body more times then even she could remember, and helped her to see if there was anything that could be done about the black-outs.
Even if it just to decrease them a slight bit.
But no such luck yet.
She had to rely on the Axalon's computer database, and processing speeds, to do most of the calculating for her.
If she did it herself, she knew she could speed things up drastically, but that would also increase the black-outs, and she might lose the work her systems where working on.
The thing she believed was even worst, was that her condition prevented her to be of much help to the team.
She was just a waste of precious energon right now.

Valkyrie opened a private com-channel to Optimus Primal.
The most logical step would be stasis, but Optimus refused her 3 times already.
Maybe if she could show him the simple and indisputable facts, she thought there was a slight chance he could reconsider.
She had to try.
"Optimus Primal. This is Valkyrie again. I have gather all the facts that would show you that it would be in the best interests of all the Maximals that i would be placed into stasis untill a selution is found for my situation."
She transfered the files over the com-channel to her commander.
"I'm simply useless the way i am right now."

She knew Optimus Primal knew how she felt at the moment, but she never said it out loud.

"Ugh! Did someone expelled gas(aka fart) or bathed him or her self with energon waste? I'll be happy to give that bot a bath!"

Sonar narrowed his optics at Starshadow's comment, he hadn't had time to bathe while working on his project and there was no way he'd allow Starshadow to bathe him again.

Do I really smell that bad? Oh well. He thought with a shrug.

"Of course Sonar what is it?"

"I have been working on some thing that could be beneficial to the Predacon cause and it will give the Maximals some thing to think about, the next time we see them." Sonar commented calmly. "And with your permission, I would be more then happy to give you a demonstration of my project. Out side the base, for safety reasons, of course."

(ooc: heh.. holy cow.. I thought I just posted. It would seem people were very eager to see the new episode starting, and I'm glad so many have gotten involved in the plot! Lots going on in this one too. And poor Optimus/Whitegrazer are getting their intimate moment interrupted! I'm going to start referring to Icebreaker as 'Anti-Cupid' from now on.

@Ven; You know.. Nem and Ven never really got to meet in person. Could make an interesting pairing, I suppose. )

When Icebreaker joined them on his way out, Aurora greeted him with a friendly smile like she did everyone on the team. But her smile quickly faded when she saw the serious look on the penguin's face. The usually cheerful bird seemed rather upset about something, an observation that became quite evident as he began barking out orders.

Icebreaker wrote:Frilla, have the bases defenses on standby and report to Optimus. Aurora, do a sensor sweep. Whenever there is one Predacon, there is bound to be others in the shadows.

With a rather puzzled expression, the small fuzor responded, "Yes sir..", turned around and headed back to the computer monitor. A few key pushes later she had the Axalon sensors performing a long range sweep to try to detect any other Predacons in the vicinity. Upon not finding any other signals, she promptly got up and followed Icebreaker's path to the outside.

There she found the penguin confronting the black horse, along with Feralnight circling above, Wintersong ready to pounce near the platform, and the silent giant orca hovering nearby as well.

Such a friendly welcoming committee..


Granted the Maximals had bad experiences with unwelcome visitors in the past, but greeting every potential new ally like this was bound to alienate some of them. Aurora had studied the personnel files of a number of her comrades and she knew that Dinobot and Frilla both used to be Predacons who had swapped sides, so she wanted to keep an open mind in case Onyx had similar plans.

Onyx wrote:"I'm guessing recent events have caused you all to become quite more alert. But I give you my word as warrior I came alone, though whether Megatron knows I'm gone or not is still unknown to me. Though taking my precaution seemed justified right now, there is no need for heavy artillery." "

"Guys," she pointed out quietly to the Maximals close enough to hear her, "He came alone and appears to be unarmed, and he did not attempt to sneak up on us either.. I don't think he's here to attack us."

If he was, it was either a very smart or very foolish strategy. Aurora was undecided as to which was the case as of yet.

The large form of Orcariner also chimed in, stating Onyx appeared to be telling the truth.

Aurora, although keeping herself in the background out of harm's way, offered Onyx a warm smile as well, wanting to extend a friendly greeting among all this hostility.

(Anti-cupid? Yeah, that might fit. )

Icebreaker didn't turn his gaze as he heard the others, looking towards Onyx he spoke up Sorry, but it's been more of a high alert situation lately.. Alright, what do you wish to discuss? We'll hear you out. he responded. He knew he couldn't trust Onyx, but Icebreaker was still a Maximal. He had to give peaceful resolutions a chance, or at least try to.. Even if a single Predacon was all it took to harm so many.


_________________________________________

starshadow wrote:"I would have to say no. I'm no predacon tool for war. I'm curious Glowstick. Why do you bother wasting your time in this war? You could actually use the ship to get out of the planet and enjoy freedom."

Glowstick shaked his head Freedom is a relative thing.. On Cybertron, the Maximals rule over us, applying restrictions. The false peace they created is garbage, and it's spread like that over the universe. Here.. there is no Maximal reach, their forces are strong but not dominating. As strange as it may be, I found a purpose on this battlefield, something I didn't have before..

In anycase.. I'll respect your answer. You wont have to worry too much in that cage of yours.. if something unfortunate happens to me, you'll be released from your holding. But if you manage to get your old body again and try to take over the crew, I'm certain they wont be as merciful as I was.

Glowstick then picked up the bottle with the snake inside, putting it away in his back compartment. As for your body, I'll take it out of that bottle and make sure it stays functional, after I'm done building a means of holding it. I assume that shouldn't be too hard with all the stasis pod parts I have laying around..

Glowstick then floated towards the console typing into it with a few of his tentacles. Visia suddenly noticed a cursor and menu appear with options to videogames, music, and movies. It was like operating a computer with just a mouse however. the Leviathan computer then chimed up Turret chamber seal confirmed!

Glowstick waved towards Visia on the screen, then floated away. Now having the parasitic creature, he had a sample to study and figure out the mutation process that afflicted Starshadow and Cecaelia, and perhaps make some defenses against such things if more like Visia were wandering around..

Exiting the Leviathan he floated into the halls, stopping as he noticed the gathering of Predacons in the distance. He floated towards the group, raising an optic ridge as he glanced at Sonar, wondering how exactly a Cybertronian grows facial accessories, or if it was simply slag stuck to his face from welding something. He didn't notice much of the smell however, as his sense of smell only really worked in water.

(( OOC: I have returned! Wow, I have a lot to catch up on. Sorry for the slight delay!

Thanks, una! Highlighting the dialogue does help a lot. XD

No worries then, Blackrosefencer. If I can't handle him anymore, I know who I can turn to.

Thanks, Phoenix! It was a great trip. Short but very fun. As for the frequent flier points, I never signed up for them. Guess I should have, but I didn't think I'd be flying around this much. D'oh!

Not a problem at all, NK! I thank you so much for covering Megs when you could.

Venatrix, have we discussed what's happening with Valkyrie before? I'm sorry that I can't remember; I don't know what's going on with her. I'll try to play along in this post, but if you could be so kind as to clarify this with me either here or PM, it would help me out a lot. Unless this is a secret turn of events for Val. It's been so long since you posted last that this post of yours now seems to random to me. No to offend you in any way. I just feel confused or lost right now. ))

IC:

"I know if Megatron and others find out, they will love to use this against us. The risks are great. It's not like we aren't targets already, though. It will just be another reason to add to their list."

Optimus nodded with a light smile, fully agreeing with Whitegrazer. He waited patiently for her to go on.

"But you are right. I have been feeling the same way about you that you feel towards me for awhile now and I'm willing to pursue despite the dangers." "Even though we are in the mist of a war, that we never saw coming or wanted, we should enjoy the wonders of life. Everyone has the right to. We should be able to live life to fullest. After all, we only have one life to live."

And a huge weight was lifted from the leader's shoulders. He smiled warmly up at her, into her optics. Whitegrazer's thoughts and beliefs were so similar to his that he had a really good feeling about this development between them. Even if she had declined his approach on the matter, Optimus would have still maintained a strong friendship and bond with her.

"I'm willing."

Primal's expression brightened as he studied her face, forgetting everything else - including the planet, the war, the Predacons, the Vok - for that moment in time that they were sharing. He felt the equine's spark's energy wrap around his own and a sudden sense of peace, trust, warmth and tranquility filled his entire being. He still wasn't sure how Whitegrazer did that so effectively, but then again she seemed to be on a higher plane of existance than the rest when it came to spirituality and knowing her own spark better than anyone else could at the end of their lifetime. Optimus didn't move for any phsyical contact, like Whitegrazer, he simply soaked up every second they had together in silence, feeding off of each other's energy and allowing their unspoken connection to grow.

"That was one of the things I came here to speak to you about and I'm glad we did."

The Maximal leader chuckled lightly at the fact that that had been on both their minds at the same time that morning. Purely coincedence? Or was it meant to be? Curious now, though, what was the topic she wished to discuss? "I'm glad we did as well. I thought I might go insane if I hadn't had the opportunity to say anything to you about it soon," he smiled warmly. "What else was on your-" Optimus suddenly broke off in his question when a private message from Valkyrie rolled through.

"Optimus Primal. This is Valkyrie again. I have gather all the facts that would show you that it would be in the best interests of all the Maximals that i would be placed into stasis untill a selution is found for my situation." "I'm simply useless the way i am right now."

A file of data poured into his processor through her transmission and he gave a light frown, as well as a soft sigh. "We'll discuss this soon, Valkyrie," Optimus offered to her in a concerned but caring tone. The amount of research and facts that she gathered on her personal situation was impressive, but he didn't want to get into it right now. Just a few more minutes he wanted to have alone with the white mare so she could say what she wanted to say. It might have been important.

"I'm sorry, Whitegrazer. You were saying?"

"Pardon me Optimus I don't mean to intrude but we have a Predacon right outside the base."

Upon hearing Frilla's knock, Primal sighed and looked at Whitegrazer, "I'm sorry. Just a moment." Stepping around her, he went to his door and opened it remaining just inside, finding both Frilla and Cheetor standing there in the corridor just outside of his quarters.

"It's all right, Frilla," he said lightly, looking down at her. "Just one? Who is it?" Optimus asked. Knowing which Predacon could give him a better idea as to what he or she might be there for, if it required him to move now and quickly, or let him take his time and wrap up things with Whitegrazer. After glancing at Cheetor, he wondered if it was necessary for it to take two Maximals to tell him this information. On the other hand, the cheetah might have had something else to tell him, or he just happened to be passing by. In any case, Primal wouldn't leave Whitegrazer hanging either and would make sure she would be able tell him what she needed to say. And he would get to Valkyrie as well since her situation was just as important. Primus, when things happened, they were always one right after another.

-----

"Hey sleepy head and at this moment just one Predacon, same one we encountered a few days ago too Rattrap. Seems Whitegrazer's counter part has something on his mind, he's heading right for our base alone."

Sleepy head? Why I oughtta...! he smirked to himself. "Oh, you mean, 'Grazer's evil twin Onyx? Great. Does he wanna join us for a spot of tea?" Rattrap sarcastically asked adding an English accent.

"Could be that actually, though I highly doubt he knows much about Nemesis if at all. Maybe some ink to the optics will help if he tries anything, worked last time."

"Hah!" the rodent laughed. "Yeah, that was a good shot. Wait. Do you mean me or him?" Rattrap teased since she had spit more than once at him as well.

"Perhaps.. But it's far more likely he's coming over to recover their garbage bin that you've been using as a bed,"

Rattrap gave an overly dramatic and loud gasp at Aurora's joke. "I'll have you know dat I made that garbage bin outta the spare parts I've collected of Waspinator. I can make one for you, too, if you'd like a new pot for all yer little green plant friends," he grinned. The rodent kind of liked having a smart-mouthed female onboard now. She certainly didn't hold anything back with her remarks, but he always knew she was joking. He'd just try to play along and get back at her once in a while. Her comebacks weren't too different from Dinobot's actually. Were they in cohorts?! Noooooo!

"Just about to take a step outside, actually. You're both free to join me if you like?"

Frilla, have the bases defenses on standby and report to Optimus. Aurora, do a sensor sweep. Whenever there is one Predacon, there is bound to be others in the shadows.

"Right."

"Yes sir.."

The rat was just about to answer Aurora when Icebreaker showed up and started dishing out orders.

I'll talk to him, Rattrap you can back me up if things get rough out there.

"Uh, yeah. Okay," he easily agreed. Drawing his weapon, he shrugged at Aurora and Frilla before he hurried off and followed the big penguin down the lift and outside toward Onyx to intercept him.

You know,If your selling girl scout cookies.. I only like the chocolate mints ones.

"Yeah, but I like the peanut butter ones," Rattrap threw in with a fake pout before a small smirk. Glancing upward to the sky, he noticed Feralnight soaring around. He was still very curious about what she had said a few days ago. Being part of a gang or something? And sure enough, after some snooping around in the Axalon's files, there really wasn't much to her record. Surprisingly, he hadn't brought this up to Optimus yet but that was because he had been preoccupied with so much lately. Besides, he knew what the monkey would say; he'd just dismiss it because he trusted her. He trusted everyone. He had to be careful with that, for crying out loud. Either that or he'd approach Feralnight and defeat her with one of his speeches. He moved his gaze back down to Onyx when he began to speak, holding his weapon at his side since the black horse appeared to be unarmed.

"I'm guessing recent events have caused you all to become quite more alert. But I give you my word as warrior I came alone, though whether Megatron knows I'm gone or not is still unknown to me." "Though taking my precaution seemed justified right now, there is no need for heavy artillery."

Recent events caused us to be like this? thought Rattrap. No, we've been like this ever since we started firing at each other in space before we crashed 'ere, no thanks to your smelly comrades. And then everythin' else afterwards.

"Guys," "He came alone and appears to be unarmed, and he did not attempt to sneak up on us either.. I don't think he's here to attack us."

"Doesn't hurt to take precautions, Aurora. You never wanna be unprepared or caught off guard 'cause some of these Preds just wanna kill us or use us," Rattrap told her quietly, glancing at her before returning his attention to Onyx.

Sorry, but it's been more of a high alert situation lately.. Alright, what do you wish to discuss? We'll hear you out.

"Ain't this the chimp's job? Where he is, anyway?" Rattrap asked no one in particular, whichever Maximal could hear him as he spoke softly so Onyx would have a hard time comprehending.

(( OOC: Gee whiz. I think I covered everything. ))

"I'm glad we did as well. I thought I might go insane if I hadn't had the opportunity to say anything to you about it soon," he smiled warmly. "What else was on your-" Optimus suddenly broke off in his question when a private message from Valkyrie rolled through.

She was about to ready to explain when he seemed to be interrupted. Probably someone calling through the comm. She waited patiently.

"We'll discuss this soon, Valkyrie,"

Valkyrie? Whitegrazer had sensed the change in the Maximal and hoped it was good news, not bad. She wished she could help her fellow comrade and friend but she wasn't a scientist. Whitegrazer had faith in the combined efforts of Rhinox and Valkyrie, herself, that they could prevent this change, hoping that Valkryie will not be harmed or anyone else.

"I'm sorry, Whitegrazer. You were saying?"

She smiled and opened her mouth...

"I'm sorry. Just a moment."

The knock forced her to close it and watched as Optimus opened the door to Frilla and she noticed Cheetor heading this way too.

Are you deliberately trying to keep me from telling him? She inwardly asked, Should he at least be warned to prepare himself? Is that so wrong? It seems someone really doesn't want her to say anything.

Cheetor looked like he really needed to speak with Optimus and if a Predacon was outside, Optimus would need his full attention on that. Again, she waited patiently, those were problems that needed to be address. She could wait.

She waved at Frilla with a smile to greet her with and towards Cheetor as well.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Blackarachnia was walking down the Predacon hallways. She was tempted to go and spy on Tarantulas but she decided to leave him be...for the time being. A least until he made the first move.

She leaned against the hall's walls, keeping herself hiding from the others as she watched to see if Megatron had anything juicy or was as boring as ever. Glad that she couldn't smell the stinkiness coming from Sonar that irritated Starshadow and Cece. She had to laugh at that and hoped mayeb one day Starshadow or that rogue Maximal Saber elimnated Sonar in the future. That bat was too crazy for her. She already had enough crazy from Tarantulas.

Onyx heard a few confirm his proof of coming alone but they were still heavily armed and ready, three of them he could tell were have hitters, one he had seen in the battle a few days ago shortly after running into them which also seemed to be two now as Rattrap joined them. These guys really did mean business but the black stallion knew he'd have to keep his cool and not tread on the wrong feet, it was the last thing he needed. "Very well, I came here to talk on peaceful terms which a few days ago didn't go as expected." He said thinking back to the battle which he remembered had been quite a surprising one and the fact he had not expected the ink in the optics before. It had taken forever to get out after since it blended in with his armor,"Obviously you Maximals seem more understanding then those on Cybertron and you must understand some only act out in force since they don't have a choice. I thought perhaps some of us might have the same thoughts on those situations." He explained.

Though something else occurred to the horse as he looked towards the rat, recalling seeing Starshadow once or twice in the last couple days,"By the way, Rattrap was it? Starshadow is alive and well, you seemed bothered by it so I assumed you might like to know." He added thoughtfully.

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Megatron for a little bit listened to Steelclaw and remembered earlier that morning he had seen something of the same thing earlier that morning, it had seemed something of an anomly from these aliens but to what it was he wasn't completely sure himself. They would have to investigate this indeed, "Hm...yes it was quite strange indeed, and as for Onyx leaving I did see this." He said thinking a moment, but he decided they would have to look at this matter very soon before the aliens decided to strike once more or this gave away something they might be planning. Finally turning his attention back to Sonar he listened to the bat with some interest,"If it was worth you being locked away in that lab of your's Sonar and obviously smelling like something has died then very well, let's see what this project of your's can do." He said standing though he was still keeping in mind of the alien detection from before, wondering if the Maximals had even picked it up.

((I'm sorry Blazemane I didn't even think about that but I hope this improvision will help. Besides that I am not sure how else he could have been informed.))

Wintersong listened and was surprised there were no others following or tailing Onyx but of course some seemed good at going under Megatron's nose. But she still was on her guard, finding it hard to trust any Predacon after all that had happened. But wha caught the tigeress by surprise was hearing Starshadow was alive, even after an explosion like that. Wintersong didn't know if she was really thrilled at the idea of the panther being alive at all but she would never say it out loud. She had had come to have a great dislike for Starshadow since just before she had been attacked the same day they arrived. But it did leave her to wonder if things could have been different then.

Shaking her head Wintersong focused again on what was happening now. But she rolled her eyes when listening to Onyx speak, very few Predacons seemed to act out peacefully.