The Intergalactic Highway

Onyx frowned slightly when hearing she was having trouble seeing, but it explained a lot of why she seemed to be looking confused and having a hard to moving around like normal. "You are still a ways off Arachnitron but close enough I can see you here from the hanger, but give me a moment I'll help guide you back." He responded to her, before he transformed back to beast form and galloped off towards the widow in the distance which didn't take him but a few minutes which when he was closer he slowed to a slow trot before coming around to join her. Though he didn't know why she would be sheepish in telling him what was wrong since Onyx was one of the handful of Predacons that never minded helping his comrades whenever they may have needed it and well right now she seemed to need a helping hand at the moment. "No need to sound sheepish, a little help once in a while never hurts."He told her kindly.

It may have sounded quite odd for Arachnitron for a Predacon to say that. True, Onyx also had a great bit of pride himself like any other Predacon but he was also one that had morals and held concern for his comrades when many didn't seem to here. The only other he had seen show any such morals was Steelclaw, someone he could see getting along with far more than any others among the Predacon crew that were stranded upon this primitive planet.

=========

Seeing Nemesis penetrating Whitrgrazer's Spark chamber now had the younger femme concerned, such a spot left the white mare vulnerable and Silverstreak's immediate reaction was to raise the Cryo gun with her hand on the trigger to fire but she quickly stopped herself. The avian femme stood there at the ready yet she didn't go through with it, in fact she seemed to lose heart in even trying to kill the vulnerable Whitegrazer when she had the chance. But why? Amazed at this sudden change when Nemesis had seemed so ready to kill without a second thought Silverstreak could only watch their foe finally walking away, seemingly not even looking back or tricking them in some way, if she was that is. But it was better to see her walk away than to watch one of her new teammates go through more pain.

Lowering the gun Silverstreak let out a sigh of relief before she quickly hurried over to Whitegrazer, showing some concern of the wounds she currently had that seemed to have become worse from the little skirmish just a little bit ago. "Whitegrazer are you alright?"She couldn't help asking, knowing very well she must be in a great deal of pain, possibly agonizing pain to be more exact. Though as she was asking this her ears twitched slightly in the direction of the others approaching back to the ship making the young femme turn and watch with relief as Optimus, Wintersong, and Ironclaw were returning with the same fuzor she had seen earlier alongside Rattrap, Cheetor, and Feralnight. Surprisingly it seemed he was on their side now which was great and she managed a faint smile that there was a chance all of them would make it through this after all.

Megatron fell.

On the cliff edge above him, quickly disappearing from view as his fall progressed, he could see the face of his foe along with that of the traitorous hound.

Oh, that dog would pay for his betrayal. Already now the seed of revenge had implemented itself in Megatron's mind, smoldering like a fire about to erupt. And Primal, too, would suffer for taking his victory away from him. They all would!

The tyrant was just about to ignite his thrusters to halt his uncontrolled descend, when he bumped into a sharp edge from the cliff which bent the propellers enough to prevent him from firing them up.

It would appear that there was no end to his misfortune!

And so the Predacon fell.

Nemesis kept walking. She could make out the sounds of other Maximals rushing to Whitegrazer's aid but did not offer them a single glance.

The reasonable approach now would be to expedite her departure in case any of them chose to come after her, but Nemesis merely kept up a casual pace, her mind focused on what had just transpired. She honestly did not know what to make of it, any of it.

Only a few short moments before, everything had been as it should be. The Predacons were winning, the Maximals about to be executed. Primal was dead, she had seen it happen, and yet now she could see him rushing in from above to get to his beloved troops.

Yet as surreal as that all felt, the words from the white mare had affected her more than she would ever admit. Nemesis could not fathom why the Maximal had offered her of all Predacons, asylum. She had not even defended herself from the onslaught, merely put her fate in the hands of an enemy perfectly capable of ending her life. Or at least that's what the avian Predacon had thought up until the moment where she could not bring herself to put the doomed creature out of her misery.

What was wrong with her?!

(( OOC: at Terrosaur. Optimus loves making enemies like him. What a cry baby. Good stuff, Dark Spark.

I did see that in your post, New Moon, I just wanted to re-enforce the decision of putting Cheetor in there. ))

"Good to see you back Optimus and welcome to the Maximals Silverbolt,"

Spotting Wintersong and Ironclaw below, Optimus gave a wave to them when he heard the tigress's voice over his comm. link. Despite his minor injuries, he smiled. How could he not? He was alive. By some crazy miracle, he was alive and back with his Maximals. Back with Megatron and his Predacons, too, but that was a minor inconvenience compared to what he felt at this moment. "It's good to see you both as well," he replied. "I'm sending Silverbolt to you as an escort should any lingering Predacons decide to ambush you. But it looks clear from up here. I'll see you back at the base." Other than his new TransMetal appearance, something seemed different about Ironclaw. He knew he had been the one who took down Steelclaw earlier, but was he also responsible for that gun shot he heard with Terrorsaur even though the TransMetal aviator had already been defeated? That was not how he liked his Maximals to function, but before he would jump to any conclusions, he'd wait to ask questions later.

"I will tend to them at once!"

Primal gestured with his hand to Silverbolt to go down and join them while he accelerated faster off toward his broken ship. Whitegrazer was trying to block some of her pain, and he understood why, but it didn't stop him from worrying. He was just glad he still felt her at all because that meant she was still conscious, still alive. Somehow. On his approach, he felt his connection with Whitegrazer grow stronger, and he could see Nemesis walking off in the distance. It was a little tempting to chase her down and confront her but not enough to distract him away from his Maximals whom he had been eager to see and speak to again. Besides, it was best to let her go and not start another fight. Anything he needed to know, he could find out from the others.

Flying up to Whitegrazer, Silverstreak and Dinobot, Optimus transformed into robot mode just before he landed on his feet and saw the condition that the mare was in. For a moment, it pained him to see her that way; it was a wonder she was even standing, but her warm smile seemed to heal everything and he smiled back. Her body looked nonredeemable with all the heavy injuries and damage, and even a glow from her spark that spilled out of a stab wound through her chest was visible. She was going require some extensive repairs. Looking in to her optics, he didn't say a word. What could be said anyway? Intense feelings of relief, joy, and love filled his entire being and he forgot everything else that had happened. Primal walked up to Whitegrazer and carefully wrapped his arms around her, embracing her and holding her close to him for what seemed to be forever as a tear escaped his optic and rolled down his cheek. Reluctant to let go, he bent down for a moment to hook his right arm under her legs behind her knees and gently lifted her off of the ground into his arms close to his chest, his eyes connecting with her's. He refused to let her walk her in her condition, assuming she could. Some fluid was still dribbling down his left arm and right leg from his own wounds, but Optimus didn't seem to notice. It was nothing compared to what his entire crew had been through.

Looking at Silverstreak and Dinobot, he smiled at them, grateful that they never left Whitegrazer's side. Speaking to all of them while Wintersong, Ironclaw and Silverbolt approached, he said, "The Predacons won't be bothering us for a while. I say we head inside for some much needed rest and repairs." Of course, this excluded himself, but the rest of them could definitely use some R&R for doing everything they could to protect their ship and themselves and survive. Primal carried Whitegrazer to the lift which took them both up into the command center where just about everyone else was stationed. He didn't bother bringing up Nemesis at this time, or any of the Predacons. He didn't want to think about them unless his Maximals decided to share what happened because at this point all of his time would be devoted to them, not their's to him.

-----

Under these types of situations when the CR chamber is unable to deal with the damage dealt, normally a blank pod is used. But it would seem those were deployed. Perhaps it is too risky to attempt however.

Meanwhile, inside the Axalon, since Frilla did what she could with Cheetor before placing him in the now vacant CR chamber, Rhinox managed to pull himself up on to his feet as Stag continued, glancing again at his holographic blue print of Aerostriker, and went to aid Rattrap while he thought about what to do with the TransMetal swift. This was the second time he could ever remember Rattrap being in stasis lock. The first was when they had been blinded by the raw energon explosion that Scorponok had set off and Cheetor, Dinobot, Rattrap and him had to make their way back to the base on their own. For someone who complained about dying all the time, he pretty much cheated death in every scenario and never seemed to think twice about it. In fact, Rhinox was the one who always ended up in the CR's.

"No I suppose it hasn't," "Just doing what I could Rhinox, and thanks to help from Stag as well. The blue prints he gave me helped to speed up the process but it's nothing close to being top notch yet. And well a lot of what I did I pulled from my brief skills I learned from Glowstick, a lot of which came from helping to build the Levianthan."

"Stag seems to have a lot of... helpful diagnostics and schematics," he complimented the Target Master. "It's good to know what... Glowstick taught you, Frilla, is more than enough to help us here. It's a shame... what happened to him." He paused before adding, "Megatron doesn't value any life but his own."

"Wonder if all winged dogs are crazy to just take off. Er, not that's a bad thing."

"Watch it scales,"

"Sheesh, wonder what's got your feathers all ruffled."

Rhinox watched their exchange as she assisted him with Rattrap after he grabbed some tools and began working on his arm, certain that it wasn't Frilla's intention to offend Feralnight. "Everyone is exhausted," he said calmly. "But this is hardly the time... to bicker among ourselves. Optimus will be here shortly... no doubt with more injured. And it would seem that Nemesis... has finally left." He glanced at the lift when he heard it activate and watched their leader appear with Whitegrazer in his arms. He stopped his work on the rat, only for a moment, to make eye contact with his old friend, happy and relieved to see him return to them. It was a miracle. After giving him a small smile, he went back to helping Frilla with Rattrap's injuries, imagining the moment when Aurora will see him alive and well. He wished she was with them now so she could also apply her medical skills to helping their wounded.

(( OOC: Not sure what to do with Whitegrazer at the moment now. I want to put her down somewhere but maybe in the infirmary where there are more supplies, and Optimus and Rhinox could work on her together as they talk about bringing him back to life and blah, blah, blah, but maybe a CR will open soon for her to use instead and then Optimus could spend time with the rest of them. I don't know. una, you can have her leave his arms if you'd rather her being standing on her own so anyone else who wants to can hug their leader. Even Dinobot. Sorry, can't stop laughing at that vision. ))

Standing there in front of everyone, Optimus watched his Maximals. Sure, the base was a disaster and it would take a long to fix the consoles and walls, and nothing appeared to be working right, but his crew were still helping one another. Airazor was already busy making repairs to the ship, trying to get computers and systems running again, which was quite remarkable seeing how little she knew about them. She was making a tremendous effort. Frilla and Rhinox were busy attending the injured. It was troubling to see all of them so damaged, both physically and emotionally, but now things were going to turn around, and they would realize that this wasn't the end after all. This was a new beginning. But some Maximals were missing; Aurora, Cheetor and Orcariner. He knew Aurora was still under repairs in the CR, so he assumed the other two were occupying the other chambers. And where was Saber-Fang? He did not know about the new addition ((Aerostriker)) and his Target Master, although he saw him there near Rhinox, projecting someone's stasis in one of the CR's. "Words can not express how glad I am to see all of you again and to be here by your sides," he finally said softly, his orange optics sweeping across all of those present. It was quite an emotional time for him but he fought back more tears and tried to stand there composed as a commanding officer should.

One of the undamaged computers aboard the Axalon began beep. The screen showed the overview of part of the Maximal terrtory.

One the bottom right hand side of the screen there was a red blip. It wasn't far from the Axalon's current location and it wouldn't take long to find the owner of said blip.

((OOC: Have fun finding Saber-Fang. Lol.))

Optimus Primal wrote:"I'm sending Silverbolt to you as an escort should any lingering Predacons decide to ambush you. But it looks clear from up here. I'll see you back at the base."
Primal gestured with his hand to Silverbolt to go down and join them while he accelerated faster off toward his broken ship.

Silverbolt circled down and landed amongst the group.

Wintersong wrote: "Good to see you back Optimus and welcome to the Maximals Silverbolt,"

"Thank you. It feels... right," he replied to Wintersong's welcome. And indeed, Silverbolt has felt greatly relieved ever since joining the Maximals but a short while ago. He feels that all is back in order in the world, and come what may he will be ready for it. He was also glad to see that Wintersong had managed to safely rejoin her comrades. But he had no time to exchange pleasantries -- he was tasked with the important duty of getting everyone safely back to the base. And to that he would devote his whole attention.

"Fear not, my friends. I am here to safeguard your passage home. Let us make way and I shall provide you with cover from above," Silverbolt informed his fellow Maximals. While he believed the danger has largely passed, he would remain ever vigilant for his comrades' sake. Silverbolt took off again and circled at low altitude above the group -- high enough to have a survey of the surroundings, yet close enough to be immediately available should any Predacons unexpectedly surprise the group on the way.

Rhinox wrote:"Stag seems to have a lot of... helpful diagnostics and schematics,"

Stag glanced towards Frilla, then looked back towards Rhinox This unit is only providing information downloaded from the Axalon from the privileges you provided earlier. Besides tactical support in combat, this unit can also provide computational support to a degree to the user, depending on the user. But this unit has not been installed with a repair application at this time, beyond allocating information that is currently present, this is the extent for medical support. Due to damage to the bridge, feel free to use this unit as a spare terminal to assist in operations at present.

His holographic display then changed bringing up Whitegrazer's schematics, as he only has access to the non-transmetals information at the moment, bellow the display a holographic keyboard then emitted into the air for use. A second display then popped up facing Optimus Primal, showing the map and signal detection of Saber-fang Maximal distress signal detected, unit Saberfang.

Stag then glanced towards Optimus Primal, raising one of his tiny wheels to salute Strategic Tactical Artificial-intelligent Gun, Acronym "Stag" Reporting Commander.

______________________

As Umbra moved, he stopped as he noticed Silverbolt passing overhead. Staying still and blending in with the ground, he remained more or less "invisible" to Silverbolt,until he was out of Silverbolt's line of sight. He then slithered up towards Inferno, transforming to robot mode. Two of his tentacles were seen coiled around carrying Manterror, while another seemed to carry a rather confused Quickstrike, with Starshadow seeming coiled and hanging from one of his shoulders, two of his tentacles pressed on the ground to support the extra weight as he walked, he grabbed onto Inferno dragging him as he then walked back towards Cecaelia. Quickstrike spoke up Wha.. where am I?

Umbra tilted his head slightly Maximal territory still, We're heading back to the Predacon base to get you four repaired.

Quickstrike then looked around Did.. did we win?

Umbra shaked his head No, it would seem luck came to their side, for now.

Quickstrike then gave a swear in disappointment Dangnabbit!

Unfortunately, Wintersong had not seen Ironclaw move closer to make his move with having already started to return to the base knowing the others were surely doing the same since in the distance she could see Optimus arriving to see Whitegrazer, Silverstreak, and Dinobot all who were also injured. Luckily though they were heading into the base for likely some much needed repairs, though she smiled when hearing Optimus respond. But even with likely having little distance to cross back the Axalon Wintersong could still feel her left leg bothering her and she paused only for a moment, "Beast mode."She commanded before growling as she shifted back to her transmetal tiger form and began walking again, this time feeling a little less weight on her back leg and relying more on her other three good ones to help. "There, maybe some internal repairs will help."

Since she hadn't been in beast mode for long inside the white tigress was aware her internal repairs hadn't had much time to repair much of her back leg, well at least not enough that it bothered her but she was handling it fine for now. All the walking though caused it to throb however, so thee other good legs was better than having to use one good leg and half limping with the rest. "Just be careful this time Silverbolt, don't need you crashing again."She called up to him, nodding in response that he was there to watch over them but it wasn't long before they arrived back and one of the lifts came down to allow them inside. "Well gentlemen, up we go."She said with a slight smile before she stepped on and waited as the lift returned them into the main bridge.

She wiped some energon from her mouth and stared one last time at Nemesis who was now farther away still walking in a heavy pace. A heavy pace of contemplation. Optimus seemed to notice her as well, but he continued towards her. She was glad then made little reminder for her to speak to Optimus about what occurred here between Nemesis and herself.

It was hard to hide her feelings of joy as Optimus landed in front of her. She didn't need to anyway. Never wanted to. Her spark glowed brighter in a light of warmth and seas of love bouncing off it. His optics looked down on her injuries: the scratches littering the right side of her face from her encounter with Umbra, Megatron's laser burning a hole through her abdomen with the shield's shrapnel still cutting inside her, and Nemesis ripping apart her chest area. They pained him. She saw his injuries and was glad to see his won't as bad as hers. It was then she noticed that he was taller than her now. Not by much as she still came to his face. He wrapped his arms around her in a comforting, gentle embrace. She accepted the hug, enjoying the own warmth he was giving her as she always gave to him. Feeling the connection they shared growing tremendously because of their proximity towards each other was so powerful that it nearly made her want to faint... except she was too dignified and strong for that. Even though, the faint might be because of her heavy loss of energon.

When Optimus lifted her off her feet, she was for a second about to say he didn't need to, but a big part of her just told her to be silent and just enjoyed this for as long as it lasts. As she looked upon his face, she saw that tear stain as clear as day. She placed her hand on his cheek, her thumb lightly grazing it before she plant a lingering kiss right on his lips. Letting go with a smile, placing her forehead on his just like she had done before he entered that pod, she closed her optics to enjoy the little carry on to the lift. Thanking Primus that the battle today was done and that her comrades could celebrate their return of their leader and enjoy some R&R. They all needed it.

She allowed the others to have their chance with Optimus when they entered the Axalon. She, carefully, planted her feet on the ground and used the middle command center to keep her standing after she gave Optimus alittle smile, thanking him. For alot of things. It was then she got a look at the others' injuries. But it was okay. They were all here now. Except for a few. Saber-Fang wasn't here nor was... Aurora. Taking her time, she went towards a CR chamber to see Aurora through the glass. She looked exhausted, but Whitegrazer had no fear that Aurora would awaken soon. She was proud of the little one for what she had done today. She was brave and strong, and no doubt would be so happy to see Optimus was alive.

I'm very proud of your bravery here today, Aurora. You did good. I hope you awaken soon so you could see the big surprise awaiting you as you wake up.

Silverbolt had her gratitude as well for helping her. Placing her hand on the CR chamber, she watched the others' reactions with a grin.


((OOC: Well, finally, here it is, OOP! Took a bit since I just couldn't stop squeeing! I just love these little moments! Eeeeeee!!! ))

Wha.. where am I?

Maximal territory still, We're heading back to the Predacon base to get you four repaired.

Did.. did we win?

No, it would seem luck came to their side, for now.

Dangnabbit!

"If the load's too heavy for you...I may help you lighten it.." Cecaelia said while using the boulder to support herself while standing up. She could carry Quickstrike and Inferno in her bike mode but the problem was that she does not know how long she could last during the long trip back to the Darksyde.

Starshadow's body was sore and weak from all the fighting. All she wants was some beauty sleep in the CR tank, "don't bother...just get us out...of this place quickly...someday, I'm gonna sleep like the dead.." and with that, she slipped into stasis lock.

Ironclaw followed behind Wintersong and noticed Optimus went down by another female. He took a better look and realised who it was, Whitegrazer.... He didn't trust her but wasn't exactly sure why. The badger kept his distance and didn't say anything, it was a dire situation so he just bided his time. He got onto the lift with Wintersong and eventually got onto the bridge. Everyone was around and all having moment over the injuries they had suffered. Ironclaw didn't want to stay any longer. He also knew that his damage was not as severe as the others, his chances of getting into a CR chamber were slim. As he made his way of the bridge he kept his damaged arm close to his chest and ran the fingers of his other hand down the back of Wintersong's tiger form. He reached the corridor without speaking to anyone and then went into beast mode, internal repairs could now go to work.

(Not really surprised that you'd say that NK)

(I'm not saying that as a problem, just that Ironclaw does have a more complicated love life compared to some of the others.)

Cecaelia wrote:"If the load's too heavy for you...I may help you lighten it.."

starshadow wrote:"don't bother...just get us out...of this place quickly...someday, I'm gonna sleep like the dead.."

Quickstrike spoke up suddenly Hey.. could ja put me down feller?

Umbra shrugged, then uncoiled his tentacle, setting Quickstrike onto his feet. The Fuzor transformed to his beast mode, then was suddenly startled by the sound of his internal computer starting repairs What is that?!

Umbra shaked his head You must of sustained alot of damage and have alot to learn sir.. but don't worry, as long as you're alive, you can-

Quickstrike then interrupted him Yeah whatever! Lets just git going! the snake scorpion then walked on ahead.

Umbra shrugged his shoulders, then looked towards Cecaelia Don't worry about me. I didn't take nearly as much damage, and fairly strong from this beast mode.Sir Manterror and Lady Starshadow are also fairly light.If Lord Megatron doesn't show up in awhile, I'll probably have to go back for him..

Umbra shifted Starshadow's position onto his back to balance out the load, lifting his other limbs up from the ground he then started walking towards the Predacon base, pulling out the small computer he got from the medical bay, he then started going through it. Med scanner.. this might be useful to someone. he muttered to himself.

Both femmes backed off, knowing how much Rhinox was right and right now exhaustion might very make some of them a little cranky. "My apologies, guess I'm just letting my tiredness get the best of me." Feralnight apologized, and calming down now. Perhaps a nap would help later on, seemed just about everyone was tired, sore, and just happy to be alive at all and this wasn't exactly the best time to be letting her emotions get the better of her yet again, it had already happened earlier doing so again might cause them to get a little suspicious or worried. So for the time being the raven/wolf fuzor went quiet once more.

"Don't worry about it Feral, it could happen to anyone."Frilla assured her, focusing on the repairs she was doing and was glad to see the large mech was moving around again, even if it was just a little bit. Certainly though it was quite surprising to see the usually annoying rat in stasis lock, hardly ever seeing him down and so damaged if ever but hopefully he would be back online soon and Tigatron as well. Though with the cybervenom from the spiders who knew how long it would be before that was completely out of their systems. However, the frilled lizard's thoughts were broken when she heard the sound of the lifts and was relieved to see not only Optimus but Whitegrazer as well, having been concerned about the white mare though still was with seeing those injuries which no doubt were from Nemesis. No sooner had they followed though it seemed the others had arrived and even the new comer Silverbolt. A great relief it was to see everyone there.

Though her and Feralnight looked over when seeing Stag point out that the bleep on the screen was Saber-Fang, who they had not seen for some time. Looking among the others Feralnight decided to step up for this one, carefully spreading her wings and finding them much more functional and not as in much pain but still sore, "Optimus,I can go look for Saber-fang if you will allow me to, it doesn't look like it's far."She offered as she stood, glancing towards the now transmetal gorilla.

(ooc: 24 days and counting for Blazemane.)

Aurora stirred. The repairs on her small frame had reached completion, causing the CR chamber to prompt a notification to let anyone present know.

A familiar voice caught her attention, soft and caring in nature, yet she was not fully awake just yet and thus could not make out what was being said.

As she started waking inside the chamber, fairly roomy as it was for someone her size, her mind was still a bit of a blur.

What was she doing in here..?

She remembered bits and pieces of the altercation that had resulted in her injuries, shot by their own base's weapon systems, causing her to look around to see if Silverbolt was still present.

But she was alone in the sizable chamber.

The ermine fuzor took a moment to try to relax, her limbs feeling stiff and a bit achy, but everything appeared to be functioning. Beginning to feel that she'd been cooped up long enough, she reached out her hand to tap the release button so that the doors could open.

(( OOC: Don't everyone post at once. ))

Whitegrazer's kiss resonated on Primal's lips, a sort of phantom feeling that left him smiling lightly at her after she pulled away. He felt whole again, not just because he was alive but because he was with her by her side once more. How was he ever so fortunate? All the years he had spent as a scientist and secluded in secrecy, he had never felt this way before. Then again, everything felt different now. He wasn't sure if it was because of having been through death, or this new body, or a mix of reasons. Optimus carefully helped lowering her feet to the floor when she suggested with movement to climb out of his arms. His hand held her's for a moment, squeezing it gently, before reluctantly releasing her and watching her closely in case her injuries would defeat her balance and strength. To his surprise, she was handling it well and managed to make her way over to the two CR chambers. Her entire body looked like carnage but he couldn't assume that Nemesis was entirely responsible for the extensive damage. He didn't know how long his Maximals had been battling the Predacons on their own, and who fought who. They would debrief him all in due time. For now, he just wanted all of them to rest. The Predacons wouldn't be attacking them again any time soon, so the rest of this day and night and perhaps a little longer was theirs to replenish their energy and weapons. Primal still wasn't sure how he came back, although he was certain Rhinox and Whitegrazer were involved. And he still couldn't remember much from his visit in the beyond.

The Axalon was going to need a lot of work, this he noticed immediately. The center console was obliterated, and most of the other consoles were heavily damaged as well. Rhinox's shell casings were littered every where. Most of Sentinel's guns had been ripped from the ceiling and torn down. Many of the walls and chairs were charred by fire. It was a complete and udder mess. But thank Primus his Maximals were all right, even with a couple new additions and those in stasis lock but they were getting help so he was confident that they would have full recoveries.

"Words can not express how glad I am to see all of you again and to be here by your sides,"

Rhinox only smiled at Optimus for a moment, acknowledging his friend's gratitude, before returning his attention to Rattrap's repairs with Frilla. He kept silent as he allowed their rightful leader to reprise his commanding role. Still, it was eerily quiet without the rat's mouth shooting off every two seconds. He kind of missed the little guy's sarcasm and humor at this point.

Ironclaw still seemed to be the quiet and secluded type as both Optimus and Rhinox watched him arrive with his wounds and then simply revert to beast mode and leave the bridge without saying a word to anyone. He better shape up, thought the rhinoceros, and then he recalled what Whitegrazer had mentioned feeling about him earlier when he was still in the CR. Perhaps something should be said about that to Optimus. Primal wanted to stop Ironclaw and tell him to come back and join them, but it felt as though the TransMetal badger was still holding a grudge against him and wanted nothing to do with socializing at the time being. Well, it didn't matter. Everyone had their injuries, so he was going to dismiss them soon anyway. He doubted that Ironclaw was even aware of what transpired with the alien weapon and the planet almost being blown to space dust if he had been out that entire time. With Ironclaw, Wintersong also joined them in the bridge ((and Silverstreak and Dinobot and Silverbolt, if their owners care to post any time soon. )).

"My apologies, guess I'm just letting my tiredness get the best of me."

"Don't worry about it Feral, it could happen to anyone."

"We're all exhausted," Rhinox admitted to both of them. They weren't alone and they should know that that was okay. "Why don't you tend to Tigatron and I'll finish up with Rattrap?" he suggested lightheartedly to Frilla.

This unit is only providing information downloaded from the Axalon from the privileges you provided earlier. Besides tactical support in combat, this unit can also provide computational support to a degree to the user, depending on the user. But this unit has not been installed with a repair application at this time, beyond allocating information that is currently present, this is the extent for medical support. Due to damage to the bridge, feel free to use this unit as a spare terminal to assist in operations at present.

Rhinox made a soft chuckle at Stag's response. He could be a long-winded fellow sometimes, but still resourceful.

Maximal distress signal detected, unit Saberfang.

Optimus watched Stag's holographic displays whirl around, having studied Whitegrazer's schematics for a moment before Saber-Fang's distress signal came through and the Target Master showing her location. Saber-Fang, he thought at the same time Stag said her name. What was she doing out there? Why had she been alone?

Strategic Tactical Artificial-intelligent Gun, Acronym "Stag" Reporting Commander.

"Thank you, Stag," Primal quickly saluted back. "At ease." A Target Master. That was interesting. "I'm assuming you belong to the bot in the other CR that were you displaying a few moments ago."

"Yes," Rhinox spoke up. "That's Aerostriker. He has been... critically injured. The repair chamber is having... a difficult time sustaining his spark... and repairing its chamber that was... damaged by Nemesis. We may need to take some... drastic measures to save him."

Primal frowned at the news of their newest member and looked back at Stag for a moment as if to expect him to explain a miracle they could pull off. Rhinox was probably out of miracles at the moment considering what he did to get him back, whatever it was. Since he knew the engineer was already trying to think of a way to help Aerostriker, Optimus focused on the former General.

"Optimus,I can go look for Saber-fang if you will allow me to, it doesn't look like it's far."

The leader's optics gave a quick analysis of the female Fuzor's condition, and despite her wounds he nodded. "Agreed. Take Stag with you. Normally, where ever Saber-Fang is alone, Sonar is not far away. Watch your backs, and call for back-up if you need it," he emphasized.

"As for everyone else, you are dismissed. Take this time to rest and heal. Retire to your quarters if you'd like, or stay and keep me company. Debriefing will begin in four hours if we have everyone present by then," Optimus told his crew. ((Since no one probably wants to go through the debriefing, but if so, this topic will be left open for a little while after we start the next episode because I intend on letting a few days pass between this one and the next to save the trouble of all the repairs and what not.))

"Rhinox, everyone else is accounted for?" he inquired.

"Yes. Orcariner, Aerostriker, Cheetor and Aurora are all occupying CR's at the moment. Except for Saber-Fang, everyone is here and getting repairs," he answered him.

Good, thought Primal but only nodded to Rhinox since he was unwilling to continue interrupting him during his work. Optimus was prepared to start with the ship's hull breaches but first he wanted to check on their youngest crew members. Walking over to the twin CR chambers, he peeked into Cheetor's and watched him for a moment, thinking about everything the cheetah had been through and almost losing him more times than he'd like to count, including this one more recently. At least he was in peace now and hopefully a heavy slumber. He was beaten up pretty badly. Optimus couldn't wait to hear his voice again. Stepping away from that chamber, he moved over to the one Whitegrazer was watching and stood next to her, wrapping his arm around her lower back and looking into the window to see Aurora inside. He almost lost her, too. What would he do if he ever did? He didn't know, but now was not the time think about that. Now was the time to celebrate lives that were spared another chance, and fortunately, Aurora was on the mend. She looked extraordinarily better than she did when he found her with Silverbolt in the corridor.

"How is she?" Primal asked the white mare softly beside him, referring to Aurora's vital signs and progress. But it was then when they saw her awaken, and an overwhelming feeling of relief and joy came over him again. The result of it instinctively pulled Whitegrazer closer to his side with his hand around her waist gently pressing on her. He lowered his arm away from her when the door opened and took a step back to give the ermine Fuzor some space.

"Aurora," Optimus greeted her with a smile. Granted, he looked a bit different but it was his voice. Of course, this may have been a shock to her, so he waited for her reaction before making any sudden movements to hug her. It was difficult to hold back, though, he had to admit to himself. This poor soul before him who had been let down time and time again in this horrific war that she had been forced into to endure every day. When he left to face the alien weapon with nothing but a stasis pod rigged with a bomb, he had told her that he would come back from his mission... but he didn't. It wasn't his fault but there was no point in naming blame and pointing fingers. He was there now, somehow, standing before her; this young and opportunistic female who was like a daughter to him.

(I assume people are probably just busy. I'll post to get the ball rolling for Feralnight and Saberfang though.)

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"Thank you, Stag," "At ease." "I'm assuming you belong to the bot in the other CR that were you displaying a few moments ago."

Rhinox wrote:"Yes,""That's Aerostriker. He has been... critically injured. The repair chamber is having... a difficult time sustaining his spark... and repairing its chamber that was... damaged by Nemesis. We may need to take some... drastic measures to save him."

Optimal Optimus Primal wrote:"Agreed. Take Stag with you. Normally, where ever Saber-Fang is alone, Sonar is not far away. Watch your backs, and call for back-up if you need it,"

Stag observed as Optimus and Rhinox spoke, then after receiving commands, turned off his holographic display and gave a salute with his wheel giving a slight hollow clang from the side of his head.

Stag looked up towards the ceiling as he spoke up Sentinel, Flight hatch open. Stag's back wings opened as small jets of flame sprayed out from his back and tail end as he flew up into the air, it was far from the fast flight that Aerostriker could perform, infact slower then any of the other fliers. As he came out of the Axalon, he landed ontop of the ship, near the frost pistol he had dropped before, then using his manipulator cable lifted it up and stored it inside his back for possible use. Even though he was a computer, the idea of being unarmed just didn't seem logical to him in this environment.

Spreading his wings and firing up his rockets, he took off into the sky, flying towards Saberfang's direction, at a speed that Feralnight could easily catch up and surpass.