(( OOC: I have warm fingers and a warm house again! So it's time to get back in the groove. Too bad there aren't as many players present right now to see their characters' leader off. Wish they'd be able to come back soon.
Great posts, guys! I love the tangled web being woven with Tarantulas, Arachnitron and Blackarachnia.
))
"Aye. He does fall into the special needs category."
Optimus gave a light chuckle at Aurora's comment, also glancing at Rattrap.
Rattrap gave both of them a suspicious look, squinting an optic.
Are they talkin' 'bout me? he pondered.
I bet they are. Always makin' fun of me behind my back, he added in paranoia. Not that he really minded it. It wasn't like Optimus ever spoke of anyone badly behind their backs. And Aurora? Well, she was just a tease. She was like a little niece to him so her playfulness was innocent, as well as comforting. Too bad ol' Chopperface didn't have the same attitude. Typical ex-Pred personality, right? Stuck up and angry all the time, kind of like an old man.
Heh heh, he snickered to himself.
"It's not as though you all were using that empty pod. So I don't see where there was any harm in trying to run off with it. I can think of far more heinous acts that could have been committed here."
A deep growl began growing in the gorilla's throat as he thought about the Maximals, the friends he had already lost. Recent wounds didn't need to be torn open again, especially by Arachnitron's words, so Primal attempted to turn his anger down a notch and take a silent, deep breath. Whitegrazer's and Aurora's presence helped him keep himself in check. He had to set a better example despite the pain and the circumstances. After all, he may very well be meeting his own fate soon, and he didn't want his temper to be the last thing remembered by his crew. If Arachnitron really thought termination was the only way for her salvation, she didn't need a stasis pod and a moon-sized alien weapon to accomplish that; there are other ways. Cowardly ways, some would call it. He hoped she was stronger than that. But now that Tarantulas tampered with her, who knows what could happen or if she really meant all the things she had said so far. He tried taking it with a grain of salt but it was difficult with her spiteful and snide remarks. At any rate, he was glad Aurora wasn't lashing out anymore. She didn't need to let Arachnitron know that her comments were getting to her.
Don't give her the satisfaction, he thought.
Just ignore her and be true to yourself and your compassion. That's what matters.
"Don't be insane,"
"Oh. Good one," Rattrap sarcastically told Arachnitron with a roll of his optics. Can they get this over with yet?
"Indeed, so can I," "Would you like me to start off by listing the harm inflicted on our crew members in your mission to reach this pod, or should I instead turn to your willingness to leave all on this planet--Maximal and Predacon alike--to die at the hands of the aliens while you hoped to escape with Tarantulas? And while we are speaking of justification, I should point out that it is one strategy to place all of the moral weight for one's actions upon their perceptions of the actions of others; it is quite another strategy to invoke the still-fresh weight of a tragedy simply so that you can attempt to make your misdeeds seem comparatively lighter. But since you have chosen to bring it up--did you happen to know that Maximal who died in his attempt to protect you? When you learned of his fate, did his sacrifice mean anything to you, or did you simply decide that he wasn't a person worthy of your concern? Or was that assessment simply made right here and now while you searched for rhetorical defense? And finally, if you intend to offend the sensibilities of Cybertronians who are stellar-cylcles your younger, at least be certain that they are not on your side in the first place, and after that information has been ascertained, be certain that it is indeed you who are right and not they."
Rattrap found his mouth hanging open at Dinobot's sudden argument and defense against Arachnitron's offensiveness, using his hand to lift his chin to close it. That was rather... unexpecting of the raptor. The rodent was impressed but he dared not admit it.
Optimus had also been taken aback by Dinobot. Not just because of what he said, but that he had finally decided to say anything at all. And when he did, it was impressive, and he brought up good points that hopefully would leave Arachnitron speechless and in thought because he was beginning to grow tired of this neverending debate. He didn't want things to get out of hand, or emotions to run as high as they did only a day or so ago. Primal was running on fatigue, exhaustion, and had pushed aside as much as he could to mourn for lost friends later, trying to be strong for his crew, especially for Aurora and Cheetor, the youngest ones, and Orcariner. There was no time to go through it again right now. He needed to stay focused. He needed strength from his crew. He
didn't need Arachnitron trying to tear it apart or tug at anyone's nerves. He was very close to telling Feralnight to take her to the brig which would end this discussion and the squabbling. However, going back to Dinobot's words, Optimus was proud of him and comforted by his honor, respect and dignity.
Well said, Dinobot, he commended him in silence. If there were two things he did right in this entire war, it was allowing Dinobot and Frilla into his ranks; both of which had proven themselves time and time again despite the obstacles they've had to endure because of their past relationships with their former teammates. Not wanting to remain in the conversation any longer since he had bigger things to worry about, and since Dinobot seemd to have a greater grasp on it, the Maximal leader turned his attention to Blacharachnia.
"Why, thank you."
Rattrap gave Blackarachnia's sarcasm a shudder and briefly thought about plucking each of her eight legs out of her and squashing her like the poisonous spider she was with no where to go.
Ugh. Predacons.
"Well... in you go."
Stepping closer to the pod, watching its door lift open, Optimus said calmly,
"Maximize," and transformed to his robot mode. It would be somewhat of a tight squeeze so he'd have to adjust some of his armor and feet. No big deal. After a quick inspection, secretly wondering if the black widow had done any tampering to the controls after all the betrayal lately, he turned back around to face his crew. This wouldn't be the last time he'd see them, he was certain. Although incredibly dangerous, the mission was also very simple. What could go wrong? He would succeed, whether or not it meant taking his life. Hopefully not, of course. After having been through so much, he hated to leave his crew now... his family. He looked at each of them with their eyes on him until Whitegrazer stepped forward.
Studying her face as she approached, as if tracing every feature, every detail to remember on his trip, Primal smiled back at Whitegrazer and welcomed her embrace, wrapping his arms around her. Everything seemed to fall into place, as if the Maximals had been meant to follow Megatron here, crash on this planet, grow, learn, explore, and defend each other from harm and destruction. Survive and endure together. From a simple, inexperienced exploration Captain to a war Commander. How did this all happen? How did Optimus end up so lucky to have this incredible crew and to find this love? And was he about to throw it all away? It didn't matter as long as this planet was saved and his Maximals were safe.
"With our connection, I will be with you. You won't be alone."
His forehead against hers, Primal's smile brightened staring deeply into Whitegrazer's optics, absorbing her positive energy like a sponge. He could feel his spark pulse insync with hers, their connection stronger than ever now. Was it because something was about to happen? Or simply because the circumstances had brought them this much closer to one another? Optimus didn't know and he tried not taking it for granted. She knew something her visions told her but she refrained herself from telling him everything. That was okay, though, because he still had secrets of his own that he was unwilling to reveal just yet. He still had so many questions to ask her, to know her better, but all of that will have to wait now.
"And I will be with you, Whitegrazer," he confidently whispered back to her. He wasn't exactly sure
how he would be able to do that since she had a much better handle on energy, connections, and bonds, but he would try nonetheless. After all, what else would he have to think about during his flight before the time would come to abandon the pod? Lifting his head up, he kissed her forehead, lingering for a moment, before reluctantly releasing their embrace. As much as he'd love to be in her arms a while longer, or forever, there was still the matter of blowing up that Vok weapon, and time was running short.
Glancing at Blackarachnia taking notice of their embrace but looking away from them, Optimus said to her,
"Thanks for your help." Even if the widow never intended on providing assistance for them and truly only wanted to save herself from this planet's destruction by stealing their stasis pod, it didn't stop the Maxmal leader from showing her his gratitude toward making the pod functional and finishing the job. Little did he know about Tarantulas's involvement, but it was too late for that anyway.
Tigatron smiled as he watched Optimus and Whitegrazer. He understood what they felt for each other because he had the same relationship with Airazor. He wanted to walk up to their commanding officer and shake his hand, let him know his appreciation for all that he had done for him and the others would never be overlooked or forgotten, but the white tiger thought it best to keep his grip on Blackarachnia's shoulders as he stood behind her after she was done working on the pod. For her to try and escape now would be foolish on her part, but also too much of a distraction that none of them could afford right now. Starshadow had been surprisingly quiet most of the time. Maybe she was debating with her own reflection and how she so effortlessly and carelessly betrayed the Maximals just for a stasis pod.
"Safe journey, Optimus," was all Tigatron could muster up with a peaceful smile. Anything more might seal his fate if you were the superstitious type.
Primal smiled back at Tigatron and nodded, appreciating his kindness and positive thoughts. Yes, it would be a safe journey. ...It might be a one-way ticket. Perhaps the safety of the journey wasn't for him but for them. His priority was for his Maximals, the planet and even the Predacons. After those would be concern for himself.
"Rattrap, you're in charge until I return," he worded carefully and commandingly as if what he was about to do was another routine reconnaissance mission. Just like he said to Aurora earlier, "until I return." He wanted to make sure they still had a positive outlook on this. He wanted them to keep hope that he would be back for them because he said so.
Sighing in protest about that order, Rattrap knew it was the chain of command since Rhinox was in the CR chamber, and that he was capable of leadership, but no one could hold this group together like Optimus. He hated the job, especially now with everything that was going on. Since the last time he lead the Maximals, which only turned out okay because they got Optimus back from his abduction, there was so much more responsibility now. ...And the high probability of
not getting him back this time. It was no secret that this was very likely Earth now. It had been Earth the entire time. What else did that entail? Did the monkey realize how much weight he just dropped on his narrow little shoulders? How were they supposed to defeat Megatron without him? How were they supposed to get home? Nodding with reluctance at Primal, accepting the order since he had no choice, he tried to make light of the situation by asking,
"Uh... Since yer puttin' me in charge, and just in case you don't come back... Can I have your quarters?" He always had the best room. Doesn't it come with the title? Rattrap could do so much more with it than Optimus did.
Chuckling, Optimus answered,
"No, Rattrap. Just worry about putting those four in the brig and deciding their fates later when this is all over," pointing to Starshadow, Arachnitron, Inferno and Tarantulas.
"I would suggest hanging on to Blackarachnia just in case."
Rattrap nodded softly and rolled his shoulders back a little as if trying to make himself appear larger. He wasn't very good with good-byes. He just stood there hoping like crazy that Optimus wouldn't leave them there with Megatron and his goonies. It was difficult for him to say what he really wanted to say in front of others; to tell Optimus how much he proved him wrong since the beginning and how sorry he was that he doubted his leadership and didn't trust him as much as he should have in most of his decisions. To tell him how much their leader's confidence has grown in himself and how much more selfless he was than the rat. It took Primal a lot of courage and bravery to step up and lead this diverse crew into a war like this when he was never trained or prepared for something of this magnitude. It took even more to face Megatron and these Vok aliens without fear the way Optimus did every time. If he ever was scared, he never showed it. Rattrap could never be a leader like him. He would try because the ape was putting all his faith and confidence in him to do it and succeed, but he had his doubts. So much to tell him and this might the only time to do so, but he chickened out. Besides, he'd be back. He ain't gonna die up there. He's invincible. Surely Blackarachnia wouldn't have done anything to help Megatron if she was already planning on betraying him. Why give him an edge on the war when the good-guy leader has done nothing to her? Rattrap's fingers were secretly crossed for his return.
You betta come back, Fearless Leader.
"Whatever happens," Optimus picked up where he left off,
"I want everyone to know what an honor and a privilege it has been serving with you." His red optics settled momentarily on each Maximal while he spoke, surveying them around the room.
"I came into this situation... this war as a completely different bot, and each and every one of you have made me who I am today; better than I was before. I can't possibly tell you how much all of you mean to me, and how much your support and friendships have made me stronger and fight harder. I can only hope I have made a fraction of the same positive influence on you as you have on me." Pausing, he smiled as he took in their faces and personalities, unbeknownst to him what all of their thoughts were. He just felt like he needed to speak from his spark and tell them what they needed to hear while he still had the chance.
"I have no idea how I ended up with such an extraordinary crew who have all come from different origins and different pasts. The best," he enforced. He saw them far more than himself. He couldn't have gotten this far without them. Whatever forces brought sparks like these together has a much higher purpose for the greater outcome than any of them could possibly imagine. Primal was certain there was a reason for it all and where they were at this particular time in their lives, but there was no definite answer so all he could do was make sure they would continue on and work together. Whatever happened to him did not matter. If he were to die, he hoped they would take advantage of his sacrifice and stop Megatron once and for all.
(( OOC: I've been writing and editing this for a few hours now so I'm going to stop here and let peeps catch up and add anything else they might want to with their characters before OP hops in the pod and takes off. I hope this wasn't too much all at once.
I don't know why they kept Blackarachnia with them at the command center in the show while OP flew up to the weapon, so I was just trying to make something plausible out of that.
The other Preds should be thrown in the Axalon's brig, but don't worry, guys, because after the transwarp explosion, Blackarachnia will be forced to grab Tarantulas's TM body out of his cell while the Axalon's systems are disrupted, so she'd also be able to break the others out. Except for Inferno because he's such a brown-noser, but then he gets out anyway.
))
Also, Darkspark, sorry for not answering your PM. But since you have already post, I will tweak my work in progress post (have lots to input XD) to fit that in. 
I forgot to say this but Blazemane, I love how you capture Dinobot's brutally honest nature. Always loved that about the character and you do it well.
after 
. Everyone will be sad now and...even more when...he blows up. 
Although I bet your hands have gone a bit beyond being 'warmed up' after typing up all that. )