The Intergalactic Highway

Wintersong patiently waited for Rattrap to consider his options, which wasn't much. As much as she wanted to get in on the action she knew right now it was ultimately up to the rat. Maybe in the past she would have outright ignored the rodent but in a time like this risking Optimis and Nexus wasn't an option, and she had no intentions of making past mistakes yet again. The time to be reckless and the time not to was important, and the feline had learned that the hard way a few times but there had been times it was necessary. Hopefully, they just would have luck on their side in this situation.

Finally though, Rattrap gave the orders of who was to go and who was to stay making the Transmetal white tigress inwardly glad to go along. After the exchanges she was feeling rather angered towards the Predacons and a little ride out might help calm her nerves. "Right behind you Rattrap." She said as she followed onto the lift and transformed to her tiger form, lowering onto her wheels as her boosters opened on the side before they shifted on and she raced after the rat, her gaze focused forward as she mentally prepared herself for the meeting.

And though it might not be likely she also mentally prepared for chances of a fight. Usually their "peaceful" meetings were far from that, and she wasn't going to let the Predacons have the last laugh if a fight ensued.

---------

After a moment of tension and thing seeming to teeter on letting Sonar go free she finally lowered her weapon like the rest. At least Umbra had a point, they could use all the people they could get, even if they weren't trust worthy. But an amused smile came to her face as the bat was shot regardless, though it was a bit of a surprise and a wake up call. Megatron would do what was necessary to set an example and this was usually why Spineback just remained loyal. Results from being treacherous normally just resulted in death, so she was careful where she trekked and how she acted around superiors.

But as the question of who should go she became conflicted of offering to go as medical support aside from firepower or to stay and guard the base. As she contemplated this she looked over as Optimus and Nexus were brought forward, this being the first time she for a glimpse of the Maximal commander. He certainly looked like the fabled Optimus Prime, acted a lot like him too but there was no doubt some differences between ancestor and descendent. Was Primal really trying to fill such big shoes or separate himself from his legendary Prime ancestor? It was intriguing to think of and would be intriguing to see if she ever interacted with the Maximal again. And seeing his condition she wondered if she shouldn't have gone to do some more repairing to aid Blackarachnia before since he hardly seemed to be able to move or walk. Strangely though there was some satisfaction and seeing a Maximal leader in such a helpless position and at Predacon mercy. 'I'm really beginning to like this place more and more.' She thought to herself.

Finally looking back at Megatron se decided it might be best she stayed, "I can stay here at the base if you wish my Lord," Spineback offered as it might be best if they at least had a flier on hand. And they had plenty of bots there who packed quite a bit of firepower already, not counting Megatron himself.

But she wouldn't argue if he decided she should go and waited to see what his final decision was.

((Also to the admins I did post a canon audition a few days ago. Not sure if you guys have seen yet. ))

Sonar flinched as he heard Megatron activate his tail canon, there was no way he'd survive a blast from that weapon. He felt his spark studder at the icy tone in the T-Rex's voice.

"Oh really? And do you have anything to show for your noble efforts, my faithful follower? Do you?"

He cleared his throat before speaking. "No, my lord. But-"

He glanced up at the new guy spoke up for him and he felt himself relax as Megatron powered down his cannon. And he paused in pulling out the the video data pad.

"Logical as always, Umbra."

Sonar believed that Umbra had actually talked Megatron down. What happened next, nearly gave him a spark attack. Megatron had fired on Umbra with his shoulder cannons.

"He gets to live, just not without some scars to remind him of the consequences of his insolence, yesss."

Sonar looked up at Megatron, optics wide with terror. "My lord, wait! I know how you can win- Agh!"

The force of the blast knocked him backwards and onto his back a few yards away. The blast had also caused the video data pad to fly out of his hand on clatter onto the floor, where it activated. The image flickered and was blury for a moment before the video worked properly and showed a massive and powerful looking rusty furred creature roaring at something off screen before attacking and ripping it's target to shreds.

(OOC: Sorry, been swamped with work lately.. feels like I have to repair every electronic in the world while teaching people how to use Windows 8.. which no matter what Microsoft says.. it's crap.

As for Optimus.. he could be carried by Waspinator if you want. Waspinator could carry around Scorponok, and his Tm version is stronger.

As for Landslide carrying Optimus and Nexus.. Eh, why not. Atlas beetles are supposed to be the third of the strongest animals on the planet, lifting 850 times their weight.(Dung beetles and mites have more lifting power) If one of them doesn't fit in the container, just strap em' to the top or carry em' with the legs or horns. Thats what I assumed would happen if Landslide had to bring Orcariner home. Or just pretend Landslide is Astrotrain. )

Megatron wrote:"Logical as always Umbra"

Umbra observed as Sonar was then shot (I'm assuming unless you tried to shoot both, which I was wondering considering you mentioned Umbra and a bat) but the Octopus was seemingly unphased from the sight. The actions were rather predictable, however lenient in punishment.

Megatron wrote:"What? He gets to live, just not without some scars to remind him of the consequences of his insolence, yyyesss"

Megatron wrote:"Starshadow has been determined not to be a biohazard as previously suspected, but I may yet decide to make use of her, put her in power bonds and keep her sedated in the new brig for now, we'll be moving Primal and Nexus shortly. As for the maximals dabbling in nanotechnology, I had suspected something similar from my own observations of Primal during our, heh heh, alone time together, regardless, though this war shall be drawing to a close soon we should not afford the maximals any advantages, so if Nemesis is spotted she is to be taken in, dead or alive, but preferably dead if she's been sharing her secrets with maximals and not us, yyyyessss. As for the new insect you mentioned..."

Terrorsaur wrote:"Rawk! I know the guy, the big lout is armored like a tank but slow as slug, Waspinator and I can fly circles around him, no problem!"

Megatron wrote:"Be that as it may, the arrival of a new maximal flyer is not something to be taken lightly, as you should know by now Terrorsaur, and if he's as well armed as you say he'll likely be in attendance at the exchange site. Good work Umbra, see to any injuries you may have and rearm, you shall be among those accompanying me to the exchange."

Umbra gave a nod As you command my lord.

Umbra lowered one of his tentacles and lifted Starshadow with little effort, making his way towards the brig and entering it, Starshadow's feet seeming to drag on the floor as he walked past Optimus and Nexus, taking some energy bonds from a box, then placed Starshadow in the cell and restrained her body. Umbra's leg compartment opened as he pulled out a energon container, and some other assorted medical parts he'd stolen from the Maximal base last time.

Umbra then opened the energon container, measuring out and pouring some of his poison into the energon in the container, then closed it and attached a hose to it, attaching the other end of the hose to Star's arm and hung the Energon container on the wall, effectively acting like a sort of IV drip.. though tainted it would keep Star unconscious while fueling her enough for internal repairs to patch her up.

Exiting the cell and sealing it, he looked towards Nexus and Optimus giving a polite nod and exited the brig closing the door behind him as he made his way to the armory, picking up two Demo charges from the shelf and putting them away in his leg compartments, he then raised a hand to his chin as he observed the weapons on hand. The battle would likely be close quarters, so rather then bringing a marksmen weapon, something mid to close range might be best suited.

Noticing a box of Cecaelia's explosive throwing daggers laying around, he smirked picking up the box and started loading them away into compartments in his arms and legs. You'd of made a fine Ninja if we had the time,Lady Cecaelia.. he said to himself, then rejoined the others.

_________________________________________

Ironclaw wrote:"I don't know what it is"

Landslide gave a nod Alright, I won't bother you about it then lad. perhaps it had been a result of a glitch of some sort, as the transmetal wave that hit everyone was a type of mutation.. it wouldn't seem odd that there could be defects from the mutation.. not that Landslide would mention a word of this thought.

Dinobot wrote:“Indeed I do,”

Landslide observed Dinobot, glancing over the disks cover, then looked towards Dinobot seeming to stare at the disk intently. The old beetle held his hand out towards Dinobot May I see that lad? he got a bad feeling as he watched Dinobot, but assumed Dinobot would co-operate as he was a fairly decent for a predacon.

OOC: I'll be announcing who'll be coming along in its entirety on my next post if I get to it before Wednesday, but getting a few details out of the way first (was originally gonna be a bit longer but remembered Primal was in the room...Can't have him overhearing Meg's battle plans obviously lol). Sorry for not replying to each of Rattrap's last remarks OOP, but I at least acknowledged that Megs & Terry know of them, I can alter my post to include more replies if you rather. I got back from a Christmas party with my siblings & cousins & we're trimming our tree tonight (last minute I know, but we've been busy as heck lately & we gotta get it done tonight or never XD). Oh, & obviously I won't be roleplaying on Christmas Eve & Day, but that goes without saying lol

Una wrote: With the control in her hand, she motioned for Optimus to take the lead while she pulled out her weapon just in case. She keep an optic out as they made their way to the bridge. As they reached the bridge, she made sure Megatron had his attention towards them, "We are all set here."

She really wanted to be one of those who would accompany Megatron to neutral territory, "Should I be one of those who accompanies you, Lord Megatron?"

If Megatron said no, she would come away. She will find a way. This transaction couldn't happen. She WILL make sure of it.

"Negative, Miss Arachnia, I shall require your presence here to defend the base and watch Starshadow in the brig" Megatron replied, having no intention of letting the widow anywhere near his golden disks, given what he suspected had really transpired the night Dinobot stole the disks.

Megatron took in the sight of Primal's damaged form, alongside his "mentor," and grinned, saying "Something tells me Primal and Nexus will be in no shape for a hike, nnnnooo. Quickstrike, Arachnitron, fetch us two hover platforms, these two shall require a lift, yessss."

Not even the rat's parting barbs or his fooling around with his precious disks was enough to soul his good mood, everything was going according to his wishes, and the one consistent thorn in his side was in no shape to save his maximals this time, no, not at all!

Wintersong wrote:
But as the question of who should go she became conflicted of offering to go as medical support aside from firepower or to stay and guard the base. As she contemplated this she looked over as Optimus and Nexus were brought forward, this being the first time she for a glimpse of the Maximal commander. He certainly looked like the fabled Optimus Prime, acted a lot like him too but there was no doubt some differences between ancestor and descendent. Was Primal really trying to fill such big shoes or separate himself from his legendary Prime ancestor? It was intriguing to think of and would be intriguing to see if she ever interacted with the Maximal again. And seeing his condition she wondered if she shouldn't have gone to do some more repairing to aid Blackarachnia before since he hardly seemed to be able to move or walk. Strangely though there was some satisfaction and seeing a Maximal leader in such a helpless position and at Predacon mercy. 'I'm really beginning to like this place more and more.' She thought to herself.

Finally looking back at Megatron se decided it might be best she stayed, "I can stay here at the base if you wish my Lord," Spineback offered as it might be best if they at least had a flier on hand. And they had plenty of bots there who packed quite a bit of firepower already, not counting Megatron himself.

But she wouldn't argue if he decided she should go and waited to see what his final decision was.

Megatron rubbed his chin in thought at the Spinosaur's offer, her firepower could be helpful, but she also needed someone competent and trustworthy to stay and watch the base, and while he had not known her for long, her history as a decepticon war veteran certainly earned her some brownie points and a benefit of the doubt he rarely afforded others...Plus, after the Starscream incident he had studied and memorized the backgrounds of every notable decepticon traitor from the Great Wars, no decepticon matching her description had found them-self on his predecessor's blacklist.

"I think that maybe best doctor, yessss, you may command in my absence. I do not believe the maximals will strike here given the situation but best not be caught off guard, nnnooo. Keep the base on high alert until my return, Night Terror, Sonar, and the rest shall man the monitors at all times and keep you regularly posted, or else, while Tarantulas and Blackarachnia shall assist you in guarding and studying the prisoner, I suspect your combined scientific and medical expertise shall wield favorable results to compliment Tarantulas' earlier findings" Megatron ordered, Tarantulas silently fuming at being left out, and the newcomer being put in charge...Clearly the transmetal tyrant wanted him and Blackarachnia away from the exchange, considering them both a risk to the disks, the cold war between him and the spiders coming to the forefront on this occasion.

Tarantulas could try to slip away and take part without Megatron's permission, take the disks for himself, but doing so would likely warrant worse consequences than usual, he would have to be very careful, and prepared to drop off the grid altogether with his prizes to avoid Megatron's wrath. The tyrant would tear the planet apart to recover those disks, and crush any who got in his way.

Night-Hunter wrote: Sonar looked up at Megatron, optics wide with terror. "My lord, wait! I know how you can win- Agh!"

The force of the blast knocked him backwards and onto his back a few yards away. The blast had also caused the video data pad to fly out of his hand on clatter onto the floor, where it activated. The image flickered and was blury for a moment before the video worked properly and showed a massive and powerful looking rusty furred creature roaring at something off screen before attacking and ripping it's target to shreds.

Megatron raised an optic at the images playing out on the data pad, motioning at Terrorsaur to pick it up for him, who did so with a grumble, annoyed by the memory of Rattrap's insult and Megatron's usual heavy handed leadership. Megatron took the pad and continued to watch the footage, then pointed at Quickstrike and Arachnitron, motioning at them to take Primal and Nexus out of earshot so they couldn't listen in on the rest of the proceedings, waited for them to do so, and then seized Sonar by the throat with his tailgun's pincer, lifting him clear off the floor as he demanded "And what is this pray tell? And how can it guarantee me my victory?"

He tightened his grip to hurry the bat's answer, in no mood for further unwanted variables throwing themselves into his plans at the last klik.

Sonar lay dazed on the floor with his left shoulder smoking and oozing mech fluid, he could vaguely hear the audio on the data pad. He felt the ground beneath him tremble and earth quake came to mind, his optics widened in fear and gave an frightened squeak as Megatron picked him up with the pinchers of his rail/tail gun and lifted him off the ground. He could almost see his own horrified face in those merciless purple optics.

"And what is this pray tell?"

Sonar saw that Megatron had the data pad in his hands and he actually felt hope grip his spark. If he chose his words carefully and dangled what the tyrant wanted, he could make it through this without a scratch.

"It's your golden goose. Your trump card for defeating Primal and his followers and even win you the Beast Wars in one single swoop."

"And how can it guarantee me my victory?"

When Megatron tightened his grip on his neck, Sonar grabbed the two pinchers and tried to pry them off with no success.

"You saw the video, my lord. That creature shows no mercy, no restraint. Eviscerates anything that gets in it's way. Imagine the devastation you could wreak with that creature at your finger tips."

((OOC: I post for Blackarachnia for now. Whitegrazer's post.... I really need to think carefully about. ))

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote: "Have you seen... my legs?" he bluntly pointed out. "I can't... stand... let alone walk." And she thought she was frustrated.

Blackarachnia let out an exasperated sigh towards the Maximal leader, "Well, I really can't carry you. Unless you want to be dragged." She gave the same death glare as before as she motioned for Inferno to help her. She took one side of the Maximal leader to help him in his way towards the bridge.

DarkSpark wrote:"Negative, Miss Arachnia, I shall require your presence here to defend the base and watch Starshadow in the brig" Megatron replied, having no intention of letting the widow anywhere near his golden disks, given what he suspected had really transpired the night Dinobot stole the disks.

She growled inwardly. But what should she had expected? Megatron to be all happy and let her go along? Grrrrrrr but Megatron should know better than to think she would obey his orders, "As you wish." Also, to defend the base? The Maximals weren't like that. They were, but not them. The Maximals were too busy fighting to get their leader back even if it meant giving Megatron back what he stole in the first place. They rather have their leader back than to keep two valuable disks that could end this war with a snap of a finger.

Megatron took in the sight of Primal's damaged form, alongside his "mentor," and grinned, saying "Something tells me Primal and Nexus will be in no shape for a hike, nnnnooo. Quickstrike, Arachnitron, fetch us two hover platforms, these two shall require a lift, yessss."

Whatever she planned on doing, she better think quickly about and do it before those gullible Maximals destroyed any sort of leverage she had here. Survive. She must survive. It is the only thing she's got now.

"Night Terror, place the bonds back on Nexus. I will do the same for Optimus,"

Nexus Prime lifted his head ever so slightly as he heard the widow's words, a gleam of hope crossing his features. Indeed he played the part perfectly, not intending to give away his true motives just yet. When Primal knew, it would be far more difficult to get him to cooperate, so it was beneficial to keep the truth hidden.

"Don't worry, we're gettin' you guys out,"

Ever predictable. Maximals had a faulty code built in, each and every one of them. If the rodent had any sense he would have spent the time evacuating rather than working so hard to get their team members back. Zodiac honestly disliked the rodent and silently vowed to make him one of his first victims when the time came. But for the time being he didn't respond, instead his cracked optic scanned the others present in the room.

The Maximal leader was in bad shape, to the point where he looked about to pass out. Nexus offered a nod and a cracked smile in recognition of the fact they were about to leave this place.. Both of them.. Still alive. Hopefully Primal had enough strength to endure the trip. Primal giving himself, both of them in fact, up to the Predacons had not been part of his initial plan, but being the opportunist that he was he had not let this little unforeseen adventure get in the way. If anything his comrades landing on the planet had proven more problematic since some of the Maximals had been less than forthcoming about him approaching them. Oh well, none of that would matter in just a little while..

"Gladly madame. Well, it would seem that you shall be leaving our humble home. I do so hope you gentlemen enjoyed you stay.I do know that our accomedations are some times considered ...uncomfortable for the more delicate bots."

Always the gentleman.. There were times Zodiac wondered how Night Terror managed to do his job effectively given his tendency to go by honor. It was one thing they didn't exactly agree upon, not that Zodiac would ever let Night Terror's limitations stop him.

The aging admiral flinched ever so slightly, noticeable only to those watching him closely, as the bonds tightened around him. Testing his limbs afterwards, finding that the bonds left them effectively useless again, he let out a sigh. Then he noticed the hover platforms being brought closer. Well.. at least he wouldn't have to walk for the duration, letting him conserve his energy for later.

"I'd like to... to give all of you... the same hospitality... that you've shown us... and see if you'd still... be singing the same tune,

Optimus' defiance brought on a slight chuckle from the admiral, one that ended with a pained huff. Well.. It would appear his concerns were exaggerated. He'd still be able to get information out of the sappy Maximal commander before twisting the knife.

Aurora let Cheetor bring her to the nearest CR chamber, stumbling a bit as she stepped inside the chamber. She turned to look out at Cheetor, a hint of terror present on her face as the chamber closed. She had still not forgotten what had happened to Icebreaker and that empty gaze that had greeted her when she went to get him out of the chamber, leaving her more than a little worried every time someone went inside one of those things. Even so she had faith that her comrades would keep her safe and that what happened to the penguin had been a single incident and not something she'd have to worry about.

And then an urge to sleep overwhelmed her, the soothing relaxants embedded in the chamber walls calming her down. Within moments she was at rest, not even noticing as the multiple mechanical arms started working on her.

Nemesis stood silently and watched as Rhinox reported off to Rattrap, halfway expecting the rodent to address her next. But he didn't, in fact he barely even offered her a passing glance. Instead he started setting his team together, limiting it to a mere 6. Megatron would surely not honor that agreement, she thought, knowing full well how deceitful the Predacon commander was.

And then..

"Nemesis, you can either go back to the Preds and risk certain death, or hang out here an' make yourself useful."

She shifted uncomfortably, memories of Megatron's beating still prominent in her mind. Sure, she could heal physical wounds easily enough, but it still hurt to have them inflicted upon her. Not to mention the fact that Zodiac had obviously teamed up with Megatron and the shapeshifter was all too keenly aware of how her.. their.. nanotechnology functioned. Her captors had used terrible tactics to test the nature of her healing abilities, including inflicting so much damage she was near death and allowing her to heal herself, only to do it again. Zodiac would be aware of these techniques, for he had undergone them as well.

She didn't respond, merely staying where she was as the Maximals prepared to leave. There would be more opportune times to warn them about Zodiac, surely.

(ooc: Happy holidays, all!!! May Santa keep the coal to a minimum!)

((OOC: Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope the next few days everyone will be safe and have fun! ))

Optimus jumped into the ravine of fire when her back was turned to her horror. No! She felt guilty. Careless. She felt weak at the knees, but her optics narrowed in determination and certain fierceness made her knees bend forward.

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"Cheetor is helping Aurora to the CR. She'll be fine but she needs some time in there," Big Green explained. "What's the situation, Rattrap?"

Whitegrazer was glad to hear the operation was a success. Her smile was wide and happy. Aurora deserved the rest. She created a cure, and despite the terrible situation, she was strong. Aurora was going to be a great warrior as the days pass. Whitegrazer knew it as probably everyone else. And she was sure that Aurora's spirit will rise even more when Optimus returned to the Axalon.

Whitegrazer extended a smile of gratitude towards Rhinox and Cheetor. Optimus' old and friend and a young bot, who was ever growing, that Optimus viewed like a son. She was the only one who was feeling what Optimus was going through. There was a fear inside. What she felt, what she experienced from Optimus. He wouldn't be the same. She wondered if they knew despite how they didn't know the details.

There was guilt.

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"Okay. Winter and 'Grazer, you come with me,""'Grazer, rendezvous with Landslide as soon as we get dere. You're gonna have ta try and keep 'em stable on their transport back ta base and make sure Optimus gets de cure." "Nemesis, you can either go back to the Preds and risk certain death, or hang out here an' make yourself useful."

"I won't let you down, Rattrap," she promised him. She didn't want to fail this time. Especially what was on the line...

"I wish to come along as well, we got to get them back."

Whitegrazer was glad to see Wintersong taken along with them. Since Ironclaw was with Dinobot and Landslide, she knew that Wintersong may be the only one who could help in ensuring Ironclaw stayed in line. Also, the Maximal female was formidable opponent and she trusted her with her life.

She turned her attention towards Nemesis. She was worried about her. Using the nanogel on Aurora, she had no doubt the Predacons who had been outside had noticed and relied such information to Megatron. They knew that the Maximals couldn't have had gotten those nanos from everyone else but Nemesis. Now, it would be more difficult for the Decepticon turned Predacon female to go back to the ranks without something that showed she was still on their side. The golden disks, both alien and Earth origin, would have been a great boost in her return if she so chose to. Which Whitegrazer knew Nemesis must have had that on her mind. She had seen it in Nemesis' optics. Some part of her was glad to get rid of the disks, knowing that it may have Nemesis stay with them, but she didn't enjoy the feeling. Nemesis should stay if she desired to. Not out of coercion or force, hoping they took that tracking bug off her. If there was a way, if they could secure both prisoners and yet, still had a held on the disks. Sounded sneaky, but to see the Predacons misuse such power. It concerned her greatly, but it would also be something for Nemesis to have. An out if she... wanted to go back.

Despite what has happened, Nemesis, no matter what you chose, I only wish that we are better towards you.

Her head turned, walking to the lift, "Rattrap, Optimus doesn't know who will be there as of it, but it is a guaranteed that Megatron would bring Inferno with him."

Optimus! She jumped inside the ravine as she called his name. She stared down at the curtain of flames. The flames that were the combination of what Optimus was enduring and the emotional turmoil that he was suffering now. Her body cringed, her knees coming up to her chin as her body attempted to absorb the flames. It hurt. It burned her with a scolding hot mess of what many would described the Pit felt. Of course, she never believed in such a place like that. Only the Matrix existed. Her entire body, her entire soul fell to deepest depths of the bond that tied to them. As she followed the others, she fell and reached out towards Optimus. They will be coming closer towards each other and no doubt, the bond would strengthen. She wanted to hold him... she wanted to catch him. She wanted the flames to eat at her metal if it meant protecting Optimus and the others. Let her body be consumed with the burning fury if it helped to quenish the thirst of anger's desire for energon.

(( OOC:

Sorry for not replying to each of Rattrap's last remarks OOP, but I at least acknowledged that Megs & Terry know of them, I can alter my post to include more replies if you rather.

That's fine, DarkSpark. I didn't expect you to respond to it since Megs had already hung up, but I thought it fair for Rattrap to have been able to say something in there. ))

Optimus!

Primal had already pulled himself out of the "meadow" before Whitegrazer had thrown herself after him over the ravine, leaving her to let the flames and then the dark depths of the trench to consume her. His consciousness wavered in the brig which caused his connection with the mare to flutter more. He was too tired to keep hanging on to the thread of hope that looked bleaker and bleaker to him. So very tired. When was the last time he slept or even just sat down to breathe? He couldn't remember, not that he tried very hard to so. Sure it came with the job but even commanding officers weren't invincible to fatigue and extreme pain.

Upon hearing his teacher's light chuckle, Optimus stammered in a quieter voice now, "I... I'm sorry... Nexus... I'm sorry." To think this could be the end of such a legendary figure that so many Maximals like himself looked up to, it just didn't seem right. Nexus deserved better. It should have just been Optimus there suffering; this was his war with Megatron, his mission to stop him and recover the golden disk that he had stolen.

"Negative, Miss Arachnia, I shall require your presence here to defend the base and watch Starshadow in the brig"

"As you wish."

Starshadow? Primal watched Umbra enter the brig with her in tow as her feet gave off a scraping sound while being dragged, wondering what had happened to her. Despite his bad mood toward the Predacons, he couldn't help but feel some pity for her, especially when Umbra applied the bonds on her. His one functioning optic glared at the squid when he noticed him in possession of the Axalon's medical equipment. Thief. Optimus didn't bother returning his nod before he left, but by then his expression had already mellowed back to an exhausted one, not caring about the stolen items. Obviously Umbra needed them more than the Maximals did. He supposed.

"Well, I really can't carry you. Unless you want to be dragged."

Sighing, the Maximal leader's thoughts drifted to those hovering pads that the Preds used all the time in their ship because of the lava pits. Instead, he was lifted to his feet with Blackarachnia on one side and Inferno on the other, both of them grasping his arms uncomfortably with the energy bonds wrapped around them and forcing them to his already crimped and damaged sides. Primal couldn't help but groan in agony as they moved him, his legs and feet dangling, and glops of coagulated energon falling off of his back that had been soaked laying in the pool of fluid. More pieces of his loose and crumpled armor fell off as well in the movement. But despite the anguish and torture, he made no motions of trying to escape. All he could see was darkness as he tried coping with each step they took carrying him. They weren't exactly gentle and probably couldn't care less how every tiny movement pierced him and stabbed him as they were followed by Night Terror with Nexus to the Darksyde's command center.

"Something tells me Primal and Nexus will be in no shape for a hike, nnnnooo. Quickstrike, Arachnitron, fetch us two hover platforms, these two shall require a lift, yessss."

Thank Primus. Hopefully the hover pads wouldn't be nearly as tormenting as these two were. Judging by his snide and spiteful grin, Megatron was surely relishing in all of this and admiring his handy work, and he no doubt had a plan to eliminate him and Nexus while getting his precious golden disks back at the same time. A simple blast from Megatron's tail weapon would blow a hole through his chest and immediately force him into stasis lock... or certain death. Primal would have wanted Rattrap to keep the disks and their information to tip the odds in their favor instead of the Predacons' and forget about himself but he couldn't condemn Nexus to the same fate. Managing to lift his head, the Maximal Commander peered around the bridge and looked at Spineback. He hadn't met her before when they lost her protoform to the Predacons but she appeared intelligent and perhaps loyal and interested in Megatron's insane ambitions.

"I can stay here at the base if you wish my Lord,"

It was sickening to hear that so often in this place, the worshiping and graveling toward this tyrant as if he were a god. He was no god. He was a criminal and a murderer. Why didn't any of these Predacons have the sense to stand up to him and knock his ego down a few notches? Did they actually like the way he ruled over them with an iron fist? Were they too afraid to stand up for themselves?

"I think that maybe best doctor, yessss, ... command in my absence. ...not believe the maximals will strike here given the situation ... caught off guard, nnnooo. Keep the base on high alert ... Night Terror, Sonar, and the rest shall man the monitors at all ... while Tarantulas and Blackarachnia shall assist you in ... I suspect your combined scientific and medical ... favorable results to compliment Tarantulas' earlier findings"

Primal's attention span weaved in and out of Megatron's orders to his troops, his head hanging a bit with exhaustion and pain, struggling to stay awake and alert. So, Spineback was a doctor, but she also looked like someone one wouldn't want to bump into alone in a dark alley. Sonar had escaped the Axalon and foolishly came crawling back to Megatron. He couldn't imagine why especially seeing his very fresh wound that someone, likely Megatron, inflicted on him. What did that mean for Saber-Fang, and was she still roaming around with the virus? Tarantulas and Terrorsaur were also present and Optimus was surprised that Megatron hadn't allowed Terrorsaur to put his hands on him. The TransMetal 'dactyl had a long-time grudge despising the Maximal leader and his skills in the skies that always seemed to out-maneuver him. And, of course, Quickstrike and Arachnitron who he had not seen much of for a long while but were now fetching transportation for him and Nexus Prime.

You won't make it, "Unicron's" voice told Optimus, and his optic widened for a moment as he lifted his head and looked around for the one speaking to him. It's hopeless. Do yourself a favor, you're too weak. Blinking, he started to panic when he couldn't find anyone who matched the voice. ...Until he recalled where he had heard it before. A disguise the Vok had used. It was the virus creeping up on him again, but instead of visual hallucinations, now it was audio and mental. Your Maximals are doomed. This war was over before it began. Megatron always had the upper hand. "Shut up... You're wrong..." he said softly out loud with a low growl as he fidgeted a little in his bonds. You're not strong enough. You don't have the skills or the power. You can't save them, and you can't stop Megatron. He's smarter than you, always two steps ahead. Your Maximals are lost. Your cause is lost. There is no hope for you. You're finished! "No... You're wrong! You're wrong!" he said more loudly that time. I'M RIGHT! FOOL! You will lose your entire crew, including your dearest Whitegrazer, and their blood will be on your hands before Megatron finishes you last. He will take everything and all of this will have been for naught! There's no sense holding on, so give it up. You can't win, you're just a captain of a mediocre exploration crew. Pathetic! You've sacrificed everything for nothing! "No! Lies!" Primal shouted, groaning as he wiggled a little in his restraints. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! the voice laughed, mocking him.

-----

"Right behind you Rattrap."

"I won't let you down, Rattrap,"

"You can let me down," Rattrap told Whitegrazer bluntly, and then added, "But don't you dare let Optimus down. His and Nexus' lives are dependin' on us."

"Rattrap, Optimus doesn't know who will be there as of it, but it is a guaranteed that Megatron would bring Inferno with him."

"Great. Two of my favorite imbeciles," he said to her over the sound of his exhaust pipes and wheels, as well as Wintersong's, and Whitegrazer's galloping hooves ((once she transforms and follows Rattrap, haha)) tearing across the ground as the three of them made their way over the terrain toward Dinobot's location with the others. He was definitely nervous. Nervous to see what conditions the two Maximals would be in, nervous about who Megatron was going to show up with, and nervous about how the whole thing was going to go down. He didn't have much of a plan.

-----

Following Banshee's example, Rhinox took over the console that Rattrap was manning and eventually looked to Nemesis again who seemed unusually quiet at a time like this. "If you have anything else to share with us, Nemesis, now would be the time," he suggested with a stern tone in his voice.

Megatron wrote:"Something tells me Primal and Nexus will be in no shape for a hike, nnnnooo. Quickstrike, Arachnitron, fetch us two hover platforms, these two shall require a lift, yessss."

Quickstrike nodded and headed over towards the lifts, hopping onto one he then flew it into the brig.

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"Shut up... You're wrong..."

Quickstrike came to a stop and watched Optimus for a moment raising an optic ridge, he then looked towards Nexus's cell, then looked back towards Optimus as he was speaking.

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"No... You're wrong! You're wrong!"

Quickstrike raised his snake head scratching his head with it's fang with a puzzled expression Uh...

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote: "No! Lies!"

Quickstrike shook his head I.. think he's losin' it. Quickstrike said to himself, then opened Optimus's cell. Grabbing onto Primal he started to drag him out of the cell onto the platform Fer a feller that eats bananas, you sure are ...heavy! he said as he finished dragging Optimus onto the lift, he wiped his brow with his snake arm, then looked towards Arachnitron I'll help ya with that one little lady. he then said in his unusual attempt at charm.


Rejoining the others, Umbra took a glance at the screen Megatron was holding.. showing a video of the beast, he then looked towards Terrorsaur You were saying something about Werewolves..

"I... I'm sorry... Nexus... I'm sorry."

The look on Nexus' face as he once again turned his focus to the other Maximal revealed no anger or resentment towards the younger leader, only an unbreakable spirit that Nexus Prime was so well known for. He'd never been one to surrender no matter what obstacle he faced, a fact his pretender knew all too well and played with perfect precision. Sure, physically Nexus Prime looked to be a mess, perhaps not quite to the extent that Optimus was, but he still certainly had the scars to show for his ordeal. Still he refused to let himself be broken, using what little energy he had left to maneuver himself onto the flying platform with Night Terror's assistance. Hopefully Optimus would draw from his old teacher's relentless strength, if anything because the pretender wanted him to stay awake. It was, after all, impossible to completely shatter his hopes and spirits if he went into stasis lock or died prior to this goal being achieved. Oh no, the pretender had other plans in mind. Before putting Primal down, he wanted to make sure the Maximal leader stayed alive long enough to witness the fall of his beloved Maximals. Now that would be the ultimate revenge, the only way the shapeshifter could be satisfied. So in the meanwhile he would keep up the pretense and keep his true nature hidden.

So it was without judgement that he responded to Primal's apology, the only edge of bitterness present in his voice was directed towards their Predacon captors.

"Always.. taking.. the blame.. for.."

He paused for a moment, as if catching his breath, moving himself into a side laying position on the platform.

"..The.. misdeeds.. of others."


Yes, he realized Primal was apologizing for bringing him into this, but from the time he had spent with the real Nexus Prime the shape shifter was well aware of the admiral's reluctance to hold a grudge against those he cared for. Those who crossed him, however, were a different story altogether. For such a renowned, well-respected leader figure, the changeling had been caught off guard by how much cruelty the real Nexus had been capable of in the name of justice.

Maximal justice.

They were all hypocrites. Claiming to be bound by a code of honor, and still their actions proved otherwise. At least the Predacons and Decepticons before them had made no quarrels about their intent when they had him strapped down to a table, their instruments cutting into him. He had attempted to hold back the screams of pain, knowing full well it was his own decisions that lead him there. With them it had been different, his screams met with silence as they worked on him. It was for the greater good, they said. Whose greater good, he wondered. They were trying to destroy who he was and put something else in its place, to wipe him out and make him compliant with their rules. Never questioning their orders, instead making him a mere machine fighting for their cause. His memories and personality gone.

They failed.

A noise from Primal caught his attention, causing Nexus to lift his head ever so slightly so that he could look over at his once-pupil.

"Shut up... You're wrong..."

The voice sounded so weak, so soft that Nexus had a hard time hearing what the Maximal commander was saying. Fortunately the curiosity didn't have to linger long before Primal spoke up again, his voice louder this time.

"No... You're wrong! You're wrong!"

How.. interesting.

Although he appeared concerned on the outside to see his fellow Maximal in such dire distress, on the inside he was all grins. Thus far Optimus had managed to fight his infection relatively well, surprisingly so in fact, but from the looks of it he was just about to lose control. Just when he was starting to believe he'd have to improvise on his initial plan.

"No! Lies!"

"He needs.. medical attention,"

Nexus gasped, as if the act of speaking was causing him pain, making sure that the eyes of the Predacons present were focused on Optimus before he turned his own gaze to Night Terror. With a swift and very slight nod to the scientist of his group, he shifted his position as much as his restraints would allow and opened his hand a bit so that Night Terror would be able to grab the small vial from him. An insurance policy, so to speak, should the operation not go the way they planned. He was confident Night Terror would recognize the vial and would know to release the virus among the Predacons should the situation require it.

Nemesis looked almost a little lost as the Maximals continued to clear out. They all had their orders, yet she was left without any. Not that she would have obeyed had any of them tried to tell her what to do. She was, after all, a Predacon.

But since they had decided to use the golden disks to bargain for Optimus and Nexus' lives, that had essentially left her with very few options left. There was no doubt that Megatron would make her suffer should she dare show her face back there now, especially after Darkw.. Zodiac had seen her here, fighting alongside the Maximals. Of course she had only attacked him, out of her own personal vendetta and not for any desire to protect the Maximals, but how to convince Megatron of that? And then there was the matter of Primal having gained access to nanotechnology, as revealed by his strangely glowing chest which promptly healed him. The avian female still didn't know how, exactly, but she'd definitely have to make sure the Maximals weren't able to reproduce any more of it.. whatever it was.. Or Megatron would surely blame her for that as well. That fuzor had mysteriously healed some too, although she hadn't actually witnessed it so she couldn't be sure if they had implemented the same technology in her.

She noticed Whitegrazer staring at her with those all-knowing piercing optics. The equine female had abilities to read her, to see through her solid exterior and into her chaotic interior. It bothered the avian female more than she'd care to admit, as a Predacon and first and foremost as someone who never put themselves on display. She had no need to indulge their curiosity like she had done for the scientists, if unwillingly. Nemesis turned away to avoid the other female's stare, yet she still felt her gaze upon her.

Finally the other femme left, leaving Nemesis almost by her lonesome self. Well, aside from the rhinoceros . He didn't bother her too much, honestly, he never had. He lacked the rodent's attitude and the equine's ability to read her, making him less of a threat. Not that she feared the rodent, but rather that she'd be unable to hold back her rage with the way he kept tormenting her. She was walking a thin line with the Maximals already, somehow she didn't think that slaughtering one of them would ease their impression of her any.

"If you have anything else to share with us, Nemesis, now would be the time,"

Rhinox' voice demanded her attention once again and her initial response came in the form of an annoyed huff.

Then she thought about his words for a moment, about the shapeshifter she now knew to be Zodiac, someone she shared a history with and who now posed the biggest of threats to her. If that threat could be eliminated, she would stand a much greater chance to rejoin her Predacon brethren. It was the reason she had come here to the Axalon in the first place after all.

"I just hope you're ready for what you're up against," she finally responded, settling her red optics on the Maximal, "And that you're prepared to do what needs to be done."

She took a step towards him, dangling her arms non-threateningly at her sides.

"There is more to the story than you know, a lot more. And to be blunt with you, there's much of it I prefer to keep to myself. However take a moment to consider what I'm about to tell you."

She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts, wading through the memories.

"Did you ever question how he has such intricate knowledge of you Maximals as a group? So again I ask you.. Are you ready to deal with someone that knows how you operate, are you prepared.."


Her optics grew a little brighter, her head cocked to the side.

"..to deal with one of your own?"

OOC: Sorry Night-Hunter, I have no idea who the creature in the video is supposed to be so you're gonna have to remind me or spell it out for Megatron in your next post.

Sorry if I'm posting too soon. And congrats OOP, Terry & Primal get to spend quality time together

Night-Hunter wrote:
Sonar saw that Megatron had the data pad in his hands and he actually felt hope grip his spark. If he chose his words carefully and dangled what the tyrant wanted, he could make it through this without a scratch.

"It's your golden goose. Your trump card for defeating Primal and his followers and even win you the Beast Wars in one single swoop."

Megatron growled in irritation and tightened his grip, saying "Spare me the metaphors and spit it out already! How does THIS bring me victory?!"

Night-Hunter wrote:
When Megatron tightened his grip on his neck, Sonar grabbed the two pinchers and tried to pry them off with no success.

"You saw the video, my lord. That creature shows no mercy, no restraint. Eviscerates anything that gets in it's way. Imagine the devastation you could wreak with that creature at your finger tips."

Megatron rolled his optics at Sonar and punched him in the gut, repeating "Who is the creature? How is it helpful? WHY SHOULD I CARE?!"

Megatron did not recognize the savage in the video and failed to see how a wild, untamed brute would benefit him in this delicate situation, with the golden disks as good as his and his greatest enemy near death. Why should he bother recruiting an unknown variable when everything else was already going his way? Sonar was just wasting his time and making up nonsense to win back Megatron's favor when the smart thing to have done would have been to shut up, do as he was told, and kept his head down until he did something right, or Megatron finally let go of the grudge...Something he was unlikely to do at this point.

Una wrote: She growled inwardly. But what should she had expected? Megatron to be all happy and let her go along? Grrrrrrr but Megatron should know better than to think she would obey his orders, "As you wish." Also, to defend the base? The Maximals weren't like that. They were, but not them. The Maximals were too busy fighting to get their leader back even if it meant giving Megatron back what he stole in the first place. They rather have their leader back than to keep two valuable disks that could end this war with a snap of a finger.

"I can sense your intent widow, I'd advise you to behave yourself, cooler heads than yours will deal with this situation, one way or the other" Tarantulas warned Blackarachnia telepathically, feeding her an image of herself sitting in a corner with a dunce hat on, even as he himself pondered a way around this situation.

If things continued as they were, Tarantulas would have to hope for either an opportunity to slip away or that Megatron would choose Arachnitron for the mission, someone he could trust to carry out his will.

OOP wrote: You won't make it, "Unicron's" voice told Optimus, and his optic widened for a moment as he lifted his head and looked around for the one speaking to him. It's hopeless. Do yourself a favor, you're too weak. Blinking, he started to panic when he couldn't find anyone who matched the voice. ...Until he recalled where he had heard it before. A disguise the Vok had used. It was the virus creeping up on him again, but instead of visual hallucinations, now it was audio and mental. Your Maximals are doomed. This war was over before it began. Megatron always had the upper hand. "Shut up... You're wrong..." he said softly out loud with a low growl as he fidgeted a little in his bonds. You're not strong enough. You don't have the skills or the power. You can't save them, and you can't stop Megatron. He's smarter than you, always two steps ahead. Your Maximals are lost. Your cause is lost. There is no hope for you. You're finished! "No... You're wrong! You're wrong!" he said more loudly that time. I'M RIGHT! FOOL! You will lose your entire crew, including your dearest Whitegrazer, and their blood will be on your hands before Megatron finishes you last. He will take everything and all of this will have been for naught! There's no sense holding on, so give it up. You can't win, you're just a captain of a mediocre exploration crew. Pathetic! You've sacrificed everything for nothing! "No! Lies!" Primal shouted, groaning as he wiggled a little in his restraints. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! the voice laughed, mocking him.

"Heheheheheheh, what the hell did you put him through? And why wasn't I part of it?" Terrorsaur laughed as Primal, battered and broken, lost his mind and through a fit as the others we carrying them away on the platforms.

Naitokage wrote:
Quickstrike shook his head I.. think he's losin' it. Quickstrike said to himself, then opened Optimus's cell. Grabbing onto Primal he started to drag him out of the cell onto the platform Fer a feller that eats bananas, you sure are ...heavy! he said as he finished dragging Optimus onto the lift, he wiped his brow with his snake arm, then looked towards Arachnitron I'll help ya with that one little lady. he then said in his unusual attempt at charm.


Rejoining the others, Umbra took a glance at the screen Megatron was holding.. showing a video of the beast, he then looked towards Terrorsaur You were saying something about Werewolves..

Terrorsaur shrugged and replied to Umbra "Speak of the Smelter and he will appear I guess."

Megatron finally lost his patience and roared "Would someone just shut him up and get him out of here already!"

Terrorsaur's eyes darkened as a sick grin appeared on his face as he replied "With pleasure..." as he jumped over to Primal and proceeded to beat the mad ape brutally!

He punched him once, twice, three times in the face! Then followed up by kneeing him in the gut and elbowing him on head, forcing Primal to the floor as he looked down on him evilly like a crooked jail guard, rubbing his hands together as he said "I've waited a LONG time for this monkey, heh heh heh, try not to die on me too quickly..."

"Don't get carried away Terrorsaur, I still have need of him" Megatron warned, torn between his love for Primal's suffering and his pragmatism as a leader.

"Understood Megatron..." Terrorsaur replied, picking Primal up and putting him on the hover platform, while whispering in his ear as he carried him away to the outside "...But that doesn't mean we can't still have fun before then, heheheheheh!"

The predacon dragged his three clawed fingers over Primal's hide in the meantime, looking for shallow wounds to dip into to increase the maximal leader's suffering without going too far, relishing every moment of his vulnerability and helplessness.

Sonar's eyed widened as the grip on his throat tightened, he could feel Megatron's seething rage pouring off him as the seconds ticked by. Perhaps using metaphores on someone as single minded as Megatron wasn't a bright idea.

"It's... It's the Gen- gak!"

Megatron's fist slamming into his gut nearly caused him to empty the contents in his stomach.

"Who is the creature? How is helpful? WHY SHOULD I CARE?!"

Ok, Sonar thought with ringing ears. No more beating around the bush.

Sonar swallowed as best his could before looking at the video, just in time to see the creature stumbled and he smiled.

"Watch the video, my lord."

As the video went on the beast; blood dripping from it's snarling jaws, stumbled and gave a pain filled groan before it started shrinking in its own skin, becoming smaller and weaker until an exhausted Sabertooth tiger stood where the creature had been.

"M-Maximize." The Maximal commanded.

Sonar's eyes twinkled as an equally exhausted Saber-Fang morphed into her robot form. The Maximal swayed a little before leaning against a tree and that was when the footage cut out.

"That, my lord. Is the key to your victory, the former Maximal General Saber-Fang. Born with a mutation that allows her to become an unstoppable force of nature that slaughters anything that crosses her path."

Whitegrazer had transformed and galloped to follow Rattrap and Wintersong, watching for Ironclaw, Dinobot and Landslide as they became farther and farther away from the Axalon. She was galloping as if someone's life was at stake. And she couldn't be further from the truth. Despite the last few hours of chaos and pain, she was more focused now than ever. No margin for error. They needed to make sure Optimus and Nexus came back with them. Though they were giving away the disks for their safety, she believed they were doing the right thing.

There was something else.

The connection between Optimus and her... It was growing. And growing. It made her happy to see it strengthen, but that happiness soon turned to a consuming sorrow as her spark was rapidly beating against her chest once more. She heard a deep voice. She didn't recognize it but by how Optimus was reacting to it, he did know. His spark sent pulses of emotions. Panic. Fear. Denial. Her own spark seemed to join in it. Sending her thoughts that only fear could be stewed upon her. What if Optimus and Nexus won't come back to them? what if the Predacons were lying? Of course, they lie! Would always lie! They probably will attack them and take the disks and the prisoners back while they left with sorrow and disappointment. She wanted to cry like she cried when Aurora was shot. How could they let it go so far?

In an act of defiance, she was disgusted with herself. She stomped her hooves and let out a resonating sound in her soul. No! NO! She won't cave to such feelings, such fear. And she couldn't let Optimus either. His emotions were so overpowering, but she sent out her own waves of emotions towards Optimus to combat it. Calm. Hope. Reassurance that everything will be okay. Optimus, whatever you are feeling, whatever voice is beckoning upon you thoughts of evil intent and malice, you mustn't listen! Listen to my voice. My voice only! A voice of a friend, a voice of someone who has fight alongside you in situations that could leave us both to our deaths, a voice of someone who loves you too deeply to let you go like this. We are near. Can't you feel me? Our connection... it is growing stronger once more.

As they were growing closer, she felt the claws once more of someone digging into her insides. It was so uncomfortable. Disgusting. Why so cruel? Who was doing this? Why? Didn't they already do enough? How much pain do they have to inflict upon Optimus until they were satisfy.

Optimus, when we come, I promise... I will never let them lay one more inch of pain upon you. I will make sure of that. With all my spark...

*****************

DarkSpark wrote:I can sense your intent widow, I'd advise you to behave yourself, cooler heads than yours will deal with this situation, one way or the other"

Blackarachnia growled. Be silent, Tarantulas. You may be a voice in my head, but I will do what I want. I warn you to stay away. Then she smirked. Her optics brightened with a sudden rush of excitement and thrill. An idea had popped in her head. Tarantulas, maybe you should let me go. After all, the only reason why Megatron hasn't done anything to you or the little widow is because of me. If something were to happen to me, I wonder... How long Megatron would keep you around or your assistant? Maybe I should talk to Arachnitron. I'm sure she will understand. Because she loves you so much.

She chuckled to herself. Tarantulas was a fool. As someone as cunning and gruesome as he, he should no better than let Megatron grab those disks. Didn't anyone see? Was everyone here a moron? While they were too dumb analyzing starshadow, Megatron was getting something that could threaten their survival? Well, she only cared about her own. But still! How could Predacons be so dense? And they complained about the Maximals being dense.

(( OOC: FYI, since the virus is no longer dormant in OP, he should nearing the contagious stage. ))

"Always.. taking.. the blame.. for.." "..The.. misdeeds.. of others."

Maybe Nexus was right. Maybe it was time Optimus stopped apologizing for a lot of things. But perhaps he did it out of guilt for the things he had done in his past, seeking redemption for his own mistakes and faults. Protoform X hadn't been the only experiment that Primal was involved with back on Cybertron when he was younger and naive.

I.. think he's losin' it. Fer a feller that eats bananas, you sure are ...heavy!

"Heheheheheheh, what the hell did you put him through? And why wasn't I part of it?"

The infected ape didn't quite hear Quickstrike and Terrorsaur as "Unicron's" hurtful and negative words flooded his mind. He fought to understand Whitegrazer as well.

Optimus, whatever you are feeling, whatever voice is beckoning upon you thoughts of evil intent and malice, you mustn't listen!

You will listen to ME! She floods your emotions with false hope. She builds you up just to let you fall.

Listen to my voice. My voice only! A voice of a friend, a voice of someone who has fight alongside you in situations that could leave us both to our deaths, a voice of someone who loves you too deeply to let you go like this.

A voice of lies and deceit! What does she know of war and love? You are both fools, blinded by this fatal bond!

Primal's mind felt like drowning. He was losing his sense of reality. The virus's voice was louder and more demanding than Whitegrazer's. Every time he tried to latch on to her and the powerful waves of calmness and reassurance, "Unicron" pulled him back. His breathing increased, expanding his crushed chest, and his body temperature rose. He felt and looked feverish.

We are near. Can't you feel me? Our connection... it is growing stronger once more.

Your connection will fail. She and your precious Maximals are no where near you now. You are alone. You did this to yourself. This is your demise, your fate, Optimus Primal. You will not succeed!

The Maximal Commander struggled to speak and reach past the virus, but he fell back and coughed in his bonds that constricted him enough to keep him under control.

"Would someone just shut him up and get him out of here already!"

Megatron's deep, booming voice snapped Optimus back to his surroundings, just in time for Terrorsaur to take advantage of the situation.

"With pleasure..."

Seeing Terrorsaur approach him quickly, instinctively Primal wanted to lift his arms to defend himself but he couldn't move them because of his restraints. He had no choice but to take each blow. Terrorsaur began with his face, the first punch hitting his mouth and causing his gashed lip to start bleeding again and knocking out some of his sharp teeth that had already been bent from Megatron's earlier abuse. Another hit hammered his nose and the third cracked his only functioning optic even more leaving his vision blurry. Then the Predacon's knee crashed into his gut, leaving Optimus coughing and wheezing before his elbow came down and struck him in the head, knocking him right off of the platform as his mangled body hit the floor. He saw blackness and red, his consciousness and rage lingering by a thread. Primal's only relief was not hearing that voice right now.

"I've waited a LONG time for this monkey, heh heh heh, try not to die on me too quickly..."

The leader's only response was some light coughs as he laid there helpless, his legs and hands - what was left of them - useless, the fire in his stomach growing.

"Don't get carried away Terrorsaur, I still have need of him"

"Understood Megatron..." "...But that doesn't mean we can't still have fun before then, heheheheheh!"

Painfully lifted back on to the hovering platform by Terrorsaur, he sneered at his whisper and chuckle. What goes around comes around. An eye for an eye. Optimus had lost track of Nexus and tried looking for him as he laid there while Terrorsaur pushed him out of the bridge but his eye sight was too blurry to point him out. Then the Predacon continued to torment him his fingers probing and stabbing his open wounds that were unprotected by his pieces of armor that had long since fallen off. He writhed and cringed on the platform, as little as he could with the bonds controlling him. And he groaned through his severely damaged mouth in the torture and agony of every touch.

"Your pathetic," he finally told Terrorsaur. "To have me... shackled and kick... me while... I'm down. This was... the only way... you'd ever lay... your hands on me.. With my surrender. Pathetic," he emphasized with a spat at the Predacon through his lisp and torn lip. His head pounded and his abdomen ached. Maybe if he could get Terrorsaur to kill him, then his Maximals could still keep one disk and trade the other for Nexus instead of losing both. The pain and suffering he had somehow been enduring was too much now. He felt like letting go. His Maximals would understand, wouldn't they? Would Whitegrazer? Although, he really would like to get the opportunity to beat the living slag out Terrorsaur and put him in his place. If only he had the strength right now to act as aggressively as he had when Scorponok's cyber bee was attached to him. He had been practically unstoppable. Now, he was a wreck and too weak to keep fighting on.

Optimus, when we come, I promise... I will never let them lay one more inch of pain upon you. I will make sure of that. With all my spark...

They aren't coming! No one is coming for you! "Unicron's" voice returned when Whitegrazer tried reaching for Optimus again.

No, Primal sent coldly and firmly to Whitegrazer, finally pushing aside the virus's words and grabbing a hold of the mare's shoulder tightly with a hand he was able to recreate in his mind. I will make sure of it, he corrected her, his commanding voice full with the intent to do serious harm or even kill, his head slightly lowered and his orange optics peering at her with fury and hatred.

-----

Driving across the terrain with the other two females beside him, the three of them came upon Dinobot, Landslide and Ironclaw, and everything looked calm. Rattrap slid to a stop and maximized to his robot mode. "What's the sitch? Dey ain't here yet?" he asked them as his optics surveyed the area. No Preds were detected yet. "Sure are takin' their merry old time," the rat muttered, glancing at Whitegrazer to see if she had anything to offer for the Predacons' delay. Although he was nervous, he was also anxious to get this over with and have their leader and Nexus back where they belonged. Slag Optimus for doing this... though, it had been worth it to get Cheetor and Banshee. However, Rattrap might think otherwise once he sees what conditions they're in.

-----

"I just hope you're ready for what you're up against," "And that you're prepared to do what needs to be done."

Rhinox gave Nemesis a quizzical look, seeming to be not threatened by her approaching him since her own posture appeared to be calm but serious. So, she did know more about Zodiac. But what? Was she saying that this was going to be even more challenging than they had previously presumed?

"There is more to the story than you know, a lot more. And to be blunt with you, there's much of it I prefer to keep to myself. However take a moment to consider what I'm about to tell you."

The normally gentle rhinoceros started to grow impatient with her. Just tell me already, he thought as his red optics studied her.

"Did you ever question how he has such intricate knowledge of you Maximals as a group? So again I ask you.. Are you ready to deal with someone that knows how you operate, are you prepared.." "..to deal with one of your own?"

"What?" the engineer asked softly with some surprise. Then he added thoughtfully, "You're saying this shape shifter is a Maximal?" It made sense considering how much he knew about all of them, and that any information anyone might have found about Zodiac was classified, but... why? "How do you know this?" He demanded for more answers. For all Rhinox knew, Nemesis could be lying and trying to tip the odds in her favor for her own agenda. "Tell me what you know about him, Nemesis," he said firmly. The more they knew, the better they could prepare.