Redemption 1

We open with the descs of our intrepid future-Cybertronians:

Rodimus

At first glance, the figure before you hardly seems the likely candidate for the leader of an 8-million-year resistance force. His stature places him little larger than average, despite the bulkier look of his reinforced armor, the once-flashy colors faded and scratched, almost darker-seeming with age. But his face.... Any question as to his standing dies aborning as his optics meet yours for a brief moment of silent acknowledgement. Tired, weary, undescribably old, but at the same time burning with a fierce inner determination and quiet charisma. His face is lined heavily with eight million years of death and betrayal, the once-youthful, cocky defiance in his stance replaced by an unintrusive watchfulness, but you get the distinct feeling that he doesn't need to be loud to make himself heard.

His optics constantly reflect a haunted sense of loss, as though some part of himself had been ripped away, but the remainder had only made itself stronger to compensate. Be you Autobot, Decepticon, or any other myriad allegiance, something about him tugs at your most inner subconscious. This isn't Hot Rod. This isn't Prime.

This is the Chosen One.

Firestar

Standing at 16 and a half feet tall, is a mostly white and crimson female Cybertronian. It takes you a few moments to recognize the paint scheme, but the soft, deep golden optics that shine brightly from her face help you come to the relization that the female is Firestar. A red, combat type helmet rests on her head, framing a white face with piercing golden optics. Her neck is protected by red armor that wraps around her torso and shoulders. The left shoulder bears three long, healed scars, that were never properly treated. Her white arms lead down into crimson gauntlets, and on her shoulders is what appears to be instead of her old backpack, is a pair of tanks for her plasma flamethrower that the barrel hangs down from one hand, while her other arm handles a long electron shockprod, with a razor sharp blade at the end of it. From her pistol belt hangs a well-worn medical scanner as well as a couple of emergency patch packs, mainly adjusted to combat medicine, than search and rescue. Her white legs run into dark crimson boots, a well-worn laser pistol tucked into the left one in a haphazzard manner. She catches your glance and returns a level gaze, her face showing the lines of the near oldest Cybertronian left under Rodimus' command.

Whiz

A slim, emerald green Femme, her shoulders squared against the weight of responsibility, stares icily out from narrowed blue optics. Her dove-grey face is sharply defined by lines of experience, and framed by a crest-topped green helmet. On either side of her head are diamond-shaped silver audio receptors, outfitted with auxiliary antennas for longer-range communication. She carries a large chaingun with the same practiced ease as she wields a laser-scalpel, and her armor has definitely been augmented for greater protection in battle. But the greatest changes from the Whiz of long ago are internal ones, reflected in the way she looks at the world guardedly; the cold, still way she watches the world; and the grim set of a mouth that hasn't smiled in centuries.

Cyclonus You turn to stare at this stranger and are met with the intense, but expressionless, gaze of a Transformer who has lived eight million years too long. You never really thought of Cyclonus as looking 'old' before, but he seems it now. The majestic purple that used to adorn his powerful frame has been replaced by a camouflage pattern of varying degrees of both purple and gray, which covers his extra layer of armor. Aside from the slight armor modification and paint, though, Cyclonus looks essentially the same. He was designed to be a warrior for the future and finally had the times catch up with his technology. He still stands erect and alert, but ever so much more now. His darkened gaze constantly scans his surroundings for signs of the impending attack. His fusion rifle is always cradled in his crossed arms or hanging by his side, seeming a permanent part of his right hand now. He glances back at you again, having completed his sweep of the area and you'll note that your first assessment was somewhat off. While his face is expressionless, his optics burn with an emotion or emotions that are his alone to fathom.

Flamediver

Standing at the height of 18 feet tall in front of you is a Transformer, the likes of that you have never seen before. His frame is mostly a deep, midnight black color. His frame is sleek and contoured, modeled after the Seekers, though still different in design. Small lines on either outsides of his legs indicate compartments on them, holding who knows what in them. His chestplate is solidly built, the cockpit of his jet mode tucked down in the middle of his chest, the cockpit glass a deep red color, glittering almost like a ruby. His wings are the same deep red color, and trail off his back almost like a cape as he walks, smoothly contoured, obviously meant for maneuverable flying.

His face is a study of grim determination, and at the same time, a mix of awe and optimism. His face is smoothly sculptured, all the way from his strong chin to the top of his head. His optics glitter a soft red color instead of glowing, a look of intelligence and hope within them. They sparkle almost brilliantly as you look at him, and you sense he is here for a purpose.

Sundiver

A seven-foot robot with a mainly black color scheme. Apparently based on a Seeker design, this cybertronian has a nosecone on his chest (painted to look like fire) and wings folded up on his back. A heavy pistol is attached to his right hip. His face is mostly black, making it hard to see any details except for the glowing blue optics. The Resistance symbol adorns his right shoulder, and four smaller symbols (Autobot, Decepticon, Vilnacron, and EDC) are aligned in a square on his left.

___________________________________/Outrun\___________________________________

A lithe, wispy minibot, a soft sky-blue shade highlighted with sections of teal and gleaming silver. Her predominant color is mirrored in her bright optics, wide with awareness, wonder, and above all else hope. Very few angles crease her build, smooth joints and gentle arcs suggestive of the traditional 'femme' designs of old, yet her helm is markedly unornate. A teal face turns towards you as she notes your glance and softens into a timid, somewhat self-conscious smile.

Strafe

Before you stands a black and red Cybertronian, approximately 20 ft. tall. Black armor covers his head area, his optics covered by a dark maroon visor, while his red face below shows almost no emotion, good or bad. You get the feeling that he's tired of something.. Anyways, on either black shoulder, a somewhat large, definately powerful cannon is mounted. Black arms extend downwards, with dark red 'tiger-stripes' painted on. The paint is scratched and chipped badly, but if you knew this person, you'd know that he doesn't have the time for it.

A large maroon rifle is held in his hands, which, even though the barrel has been partially sawed off, looks to have been made for a robot bigger than this one. On his black chest lies a strange red symbol, the symbol of the Cybertonians. To the left and slightly above that symbol is an old black Autobot symbol. His waist area and his upper legs are red, while his large lower legs are black, with the same 'tiger-stripes' painted on.

This Cybertronian bares an uncanny resemblence to the old Technobot known as Strafe. Could this relatively quiet and seemingly noble warrior really be the mischievous and troublemaking Packling, come back from the future?

Spoiler A 23' foot Decepticon soldier stands before you, his body is mostly black with dark blue joints and urban camouflage of the same color splashed liberally around. His head is black with a dark blue head piece shaped similar to a Terran mohawk and a light gray face with sinister looking, glowing red optic sensory modules. Large shoulder plates and chest armor make him look stronger than he really is. His wings are mounted behind him and arch upwards with a large dull purple stylized Decepticon symbol placed prominently on each. Nasty looking machine guns are mounted on both his arms. He looks at you with an evil sort of grimace.

'''And now the log itself. Note that for this segment, anything prefaced by Rodimus Prime> is "present day" (recorded by my puppet) while everything else takes place in the future.'''

Rodimus Prime> New Iacon Main Commissary

Rodimus Prime> This massive, domed structure is a huge room, where Autobots can reside in their cubicles and socialize in their off-time. Window ports and a giant skylight create an arena-sized, airy environment. The view of New Iacon, from all directions, is hopeful. There is still much construction going on, but it looks as if it will be completed soon.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift says, "What up, bossman?"

Rodimus Prime> Firestar grins, "Hey Rodimus."

Rodimus Prime> You say, "Hey. Place fall apart while I was gone, I take it?"

Rodimus Prime>

On Rodimus Prime's cubicle, in big, red, sloppy letters, someone has spraypainted the following: STRAfE wuZ HERE. The T looks a little smeared, as if the 'artist' was pushed while painting it...

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime eyes his cubicle with a sigh.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift says, "Looks that way, chief."

Rodimus Prime> Firestar says, "Looks like Techno stuff as usual..."

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime grumbles, "And if it's not Technobots, it's Dinobots."

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift sighs.

Rodimus Prime> Sludge arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift waves. "Yo, Sludge."

Rodimus Prime> Sludge nods to nightshift as he comes lumbering in, looking around, "Ello."

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime surveys the "damage" to his office, wiping a hand disgustedly across the dry paint as you he could wipe it off.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift grabs a chair and sits.

Rodimus Prime> Whisper arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift waves to Whisper.

Rodimus Prime> Sludge walks over to the cubicle, standing next to Rodimus, "Ummmm.. why Strafe do that?"

Rodimus Prime> Firestar grins and starts stalking towards Rodimus...

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime shakes his head, glancing up briefly at Sludge. "Because he could, I guess."

Rodimus Prime> Whisper nods to the others

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift eyes Firestar, confused look on his face.

 Whiz says, "Let's go IC here."

Cybertronian Lab

This is a small lab, cramped with equipment, in the Cybertronians' base on Phoenicia-7. The sounds of a struggle can be heard from the corridor beyond, including occasional shouts and the whine of laser blasts. A huge gunmetal grey machine rests in the corner of the laboratory, hooked up to a large generator and several brightly lit readouts. Other Cybertronians wait here to become a part of one of the greatest last-minute missions of all time...

Rodimus Prime> Firestar suddenly leaps from behind at Rodimus!

Rodimus Prime> Sludge frowns slightly as he looks at the office and the spray paint.

Whiz is running a final check on the time-portal generator, checking its power supply, as screams and explosions begin to come closer in the hallway.

FX is working at the controls of the machine.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift facepalms.

FX says, "It seems to be working over here Whiz."

Sundiver runs in from the hallway. "We're in it deep, here!"

Strafe holds his ancient rifle, pointed at the door.

Whiz reports coldly, "Power output is nominal. Settings appear to be operational."

Flamediver stands by one of the doorways, his laser pistols held in each of his hands as he watches the hallway, grumbling slightly.

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime whuffs and staggers forward, slamming his hands out against the door of his cubicle to brace himself.

Flamediver says, "great.. just what we need. More pressure to get it right.."

Whiz says, "Everyone equipped with a proximity buffer, stand by for energization."

Spoiler stands near the portal looking grim.

FX looks out from the doorway and lets out a sigh, "This must work..."

Sundiver nods.

Firestar makes her way in from the command center, "We're on full auto in Command, Rodimus.. hope to Primus this works."

Pak-Gor walks around, tinkering with parts and making sure everything is in ship shape. "Aww Nutbunnies. Know how hard it is to find a vegomatic nowadays." He grumbles a little and starts fixing up some part.

Strafe nods quietly, watching for intruders.

You say, "Let's just do this right the first time, people. We won't get another chance."

Sundiver winces as another explosion rips through outside.

Outrun shifts a worried glance towards the doorway when she doesn't think anyone's looking.

Rodimus Prime> Whisper says, "what are you doing?"

Rodimus Prime> Sludge watches Firestar and Rodimus curiously for a minute. A slow smile creeps over his face, and he leaps at the both of them, "Sludge know how play this!"

Whiz punches several buttons, not even wincing at a scream from teh corridor.

FX says, ""Listen to that Roddy.. He know What he's talking about... Are we all ready willing and able?"

Whiz says, "Energizing... settings locked in, Cybertron the year 2009."

Strafe nods. "Ready."

Sundiver looks at Rodimus. "Nosecone and Starrunner just bought it up there."

FX says, "Gotta get back in time..."

Firestar checks the charge on her flame thrower and looks at the doors, "Ready here..."

Flamediver mutters a small prayer as he watches the hallway grimly.

Strafe's optics soften for a brief second.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift moves his chair away from the ensuing chaos.

Strafe says, "Nosecone.."

Pak-Gor says, "AlllllRIGHTY then."

As the lights dim slightly, a whine fills the room. A small spot appears in the air, then begins to expand, taking on a silvery sheen.

Rodimus casts a mildly inquiring glance at FX, then just nods quietly. "Ready. Let's go."

Spoiler grins slightly at the noise of the battle in the hall.

FX stands and looks at the portal.

Sundiver looks at the portal. "Primus..."

The spot widens and elongates into a silver portal, taking on a rectangular shape...

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime grunts, "No.. that's okay, Sludge..." shoving himself off the wall and trying to knock Firestar off his back.

Flamediver backs away from the door slowly, towards the portal as he brings both of his pistols up and trains them on the doorway, "I'll take rear guard.. get your afts in through the portal.."

Pak-Gor says, "Tell me Doctor. Where we going this time?"

Strafe shakes off his brother's death. Spoiler says, "This'd better work."

Rodimus Prime> Firestar woofs and gets pushed back with a grin, facing off with Rodimus.

Sundiver says, "If it doesn't, it just means we'll choose how we die."

Strafe says, "I've got the rear, kid."

Pak-Gor flashes a grin long forgotten. "It WILL." It fades. "It's gotta."

Suddenly the door crashes in, and Razorclaw and Rampage leap in, snarling. "Stop there, Cybertrons!"

Spoiler smirks.

Strafe points Flamediver toweards the portal.

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime growls low in his throat and circles Firestar menacingly, hands spread.

Rodimus Prime> Sludge grunts as Firestar and himself gets rolled off, and he stands up, "Why Sludge no allowed play? Too big for you?"

Pak-Gor says, "Awww Fram."

Whiz looks coldly at the portal. "The settings are stable. I recommend haste."

FX looks at Primes, 'Ahh Smeg..."

Firestar turns towards Rampage, snapping off a shot, "Start going!"

Sundiver draws his pistol. "Get going! I'll cover!"

Rodimus snaps his rifle out and starts laying down coverfire. "GO!"

Strafe fires at the Primes.

Sundiver begins firing with well-aimed shots.

The Predacons snarl, transforming into robot modes, and leap into the room.

Flamediver turns his ready pistols at the two Predacons and fires off a hail of shots, "Get in the portal already.."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift cocks a thumb to the Training Room door. "Yo, boss?"

Pak-Gor slams the panel shut. "OK. She's ready to rummmmmblllllllllllle!

FX says, "I'll cover you! Get in!"

Whiz says, "Into the portal. FX, you know what to do."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "Hello."

Rodimus Prime> Whisper looks at the others wondering what they are doing.

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime hmms? "Yeah? ..aah, we're just playing--"

Firestar gets pushed back towards the portal, firing off a few last rounds, "Here goes everything!"

Strafe says, "All of you, git in!"

Flamediver keeps backing towards the portal slowly, glancing at outrun every once in a while.

Firestar steps through the silvery portal, as if stepping through a layer of water.

Strafe snaps off a few shots at the Primes.

Spoiler fires intermentitly while watching the portal.

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime pounces on Firestar with a THUMP. "..right?"

Rodimus Prime> Sludge looks over at Gunrunner, "Ello.."

Rodimus Prime> Firestar starts to move forward and suddenly freezes, optics going dark as she collapses.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner huhs?

Sundiver sighs. "As the humans would have said, 'Geronimo!'" He jumps.

Outrun's optics widen in suprise as she edges towards the portal. With a look of quiet resolve, she murmurs, this /will/ work, and leaps through.

FX pulls out his gun and looks at the former cons, "Go Go Go!"

Sundiver steps through the silvery portal, as if stepping through a layer of water.

Outrun steps through the silvery portal, as if stepping through a layer of water.

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime uhhhs.

Whiz steps through the silvery portal, as if stepping through a layer of water.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift says, "Firestar??"

Rodimus Prime> You say, "Firestar?"

Spoiler steps through the silvery portal, as if stepping through a layer of water.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "What in the?"

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift says, "Yo, homegirl, quit playin'."

Pak-Gor works on the machine and pounds. "Go on through. I'll keep her runnin'!"

Flamediver watches the rest of the crew go, he looks at Strafe and grins slightly, "All or nothing now.. let's go, old man."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner whips out medical tools from internal compartments.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Firestar.

Rodimus backs unwillingly toward the portal, still firing. "You go first! I can't leave you guys!"

Rodimus Prime> Whisper looks down at Firestar, "What happened?"

Rodimus Prime> All across Cybertron, sensors fuzz in static as an enormous energy anomaly is detected at the Liberation Arch.

FX checks the machine and starts to head for the portal. 'Go! I'll follow!"

Pak-Gor quotes, "She kinna take much morea this!"

Flamediver swings and arm around, releasing an arc of laser fire to cover himself as he turns and rushes the portal, "Let's hope this all works! Here I go!!" And leaps into the portal.

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime kneels beside Firestar, concern flashing across his optics.

Flamediver steps through the silvery portal, as if stepping through a layer of water.

Strafe snaps off a few more shots at the Primes and turns to sprint towards the portal.

Strafe steps through the silvery portal, as if stepping through a layer of water.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift says, "Aw, slag, she's really out, boss."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner taps her medscanner. "Great..."

Rodimus bellows, "PAK! FX! Come on!"

FX smaks one of the primes with his sword and grins.

Pak-Gor says, "Carefull F!"

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift says, "W'sup with her?"

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "I don't know -- the scanner died on me."

Pak-Gor runs toward the portal.

Pak-Gor says, "Heeeeereeeee's JHONNY!"

FX is suddenly Over powerd as more enter. "Ahh SMeggin! Goo I'll...AAAgghhhh!!!1"

Pak-Gor says, "FX!"

Rodimus waves Pak-Gor past him. "Go!"

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "Get her to the repair room, then."

Pak-Gor looks back... Then jumps. "NUTBUNIIIIIIIIES"

Pak-Gor steps through the silvery portal, as if stepping through a layer of water.

FX falls to the ground his body explodes as as he is ripped to shreads..!

FX says, "Rodim..us..."

FX says, "Chang..futur...."

Rodimus Prime> Whisper goes to help to carry her.

Rodimus curses and fires off a few more frantic blasts, ducking to try and get to FX through the mess but unable to breach the wall of raging Primitive troops. "FX!"

FX dies and his optics flicker out....he forms a smile on his face... he is at rest.

Rodimus grits his teeth. "I'll fix it. I promise."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner puts away her tools for the moment.

The portal shimmers slightly as it begins to fade, its energy sources nearly exhausted.

Rodimus turns and dives into the wavering portal, just as Sky Lynx's voice rumbles out in the corridor. ..

You step into the portal and immediately feel like you have been immersed in a bath of mercury. The world seems to flatten, then stretch out wide, and you find yourself...

Liberation Arch Contents: Pak-Gor, Strafe, Flamediver, Spoiler, Whiz, Outrun, Sundiver, Firestar Obvious exits:

Fly  leads to Sky above Great Arena.

North  leads to Great Arena.

East  leads to Glass Plains.

West  leads to Road To Mines.

Pak-Gor looks back... "The primmys... They got FX just before I went through...

Strafe looks around slowly.

Sundiver says, "And Junks, Vils, Quints . . ."

Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime's knees buckle under him suddenly and he drops like a stone.

Suddenly, the entire laboratory beyond is engulfed in flames and smoke, and the portal winks out immediately.

Sensors leap to life once again as the energy signature fades, leaving a residual disturbance at the Liberation arch.

Whiz watches the portal as FX leaps over to the portal...

Sundiver looks around, trying to get his bearings. "Is this . . .the Arch?"

Spoiler sasy to Pak, "Casualty of war, pity."

Outrun glances around, then her gaze locks on the arch. She seems almost entranced by the structure.

Rodimus Prime> Whisper says, "What is happening?"

Flamediver drops his pistols into his holsters, and they close as he walks over to Outrun. Crouching down, he helps her up, his face showing some concern, "You okay, outrun?"

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift turns sharply. "Wha.. aw, man, not you too, Prime!"

Firestar says, "Looks that way folks.. keep alive."

Strafe shakes his head. "What now?"

Sundiver winces visibly as the portal blinks. "No way out..."

Rodimus dives through head first, his rifle still out. He slams a fist into the ground, just lying there for several moments.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner heads to the repair bay. "I'll meet you there."

Outrun stands quietly as her brother helps her to her feet. "Look, Flamediver," she murmurs. "The Liberation Arch..."

Whiz winces slightly as the portal disappears, then turns to Rodimus. "I'm glad you made it."

Pak-Gor says, "Is this the '50s or 2009?"

Sundiver sighs. "Well, we're here..."

Flamediver looks over at Rodimus, frowning slightly, "What happened, Rodimus..?"

Pak-Gor says, "FX..."

Rodimus Prime> 

Whiz turns and looks around. "The portal probably caused some disturbances on their sensors. We should expect some company."

Pak-Gor says, "Well he ain't dead yet. Not over till the fat lady alters the space time continuum."

Flamediver's attention is then immediately drawn away from Rodimus as outrun speaks, and he looks over at the Liberation Arch. his jaw dropping slightly as he whispers, "We made it.."

Rodimus pushes himself slowly to his knees, then his feet, shunting his rifle back to storage with an angry sigh. "They got to FX.. I couldn't reach him.."

Firestar keeps her flamethrower at the ready.

HoverRacer enters from the west.

Strafe raises his rifle quickly.

Spoiler eyes the hoverracer.

Whiz says coldly, "FX wasn't outfitted with a proximity buffer. He knew that the generator had to be destroyed."

Firestar says, "Imcoming.. oh Primus.. it can't be."

Omega-Rocket soars down into view from the skies above.

Omega-Rocket roars into the area.

Sundiver watches the hovercar come in. Not an animal...

Pak-Gor turns to Whiz. "Here it comes....."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner checks her scanners, and then scans Firestar and Rodimus.

Sundiver says, "Incoming..."

Rodimus Prime> Whisper says, "what is wrong with them?"

Strafe says, "Omega.."

HoverRacer rockets in at top speed...."You ready Omega!?"

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift says, "Double-Take's tellin' me people in the monitor room're going down too. I'll be right back."

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift heads back into the Waiting Room.

Rodimus says sourly, "That doesn't mean he had to die."

Spoiler looks up, "Apparently we made some noise."

Sundiver grins. "Omega..."

Omega-Rocket circles the area, looking for the source of the anomoly, expecting a Quint attack.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner frowns. "I don't know -- there's no medical cause for this collapse."

Firestar asks, almost in disbelief. "Moonracer???"

The hovercar seems to stand, changing to Moonracer's robot mode.

Omega-Rocket lands and transforms.

Pak-Gor looks different and everyone else probably has their changes too.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner hooks them up to life support modules.

Omega Supreme booms, "Ready."

Rodimus murmurs, "Primus..."

Strafe lowers his rifle slightly.

Flamediver looks around him as he sees the people approach in the distance, still a bit out of it as he watches, "Who are all these people..?"

Moonracer transforms, weapon coming into her hand. "That's my name...don't wear it out."

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr comes in from the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr comes in, carrying Strafe over one shoulder.

Rodimus Prime> FX comes in from the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> FX drops Pak-Gor.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take comes in from the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> FX says, "Oh My Goodness."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take drops Whiz.

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr drops Strafe.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "Dear God..."

Whiz folds her arms and regards the newcomers impassively. "I would guess that they are investigating the anomaly."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "I'm not skilled enough to deal with research, sorry."

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift comes in from the Waiting Room.

Sundiver grins. "And Moonie, too . . . Primus, it worked..."

Omega-Rocket looks around, making note of several he does not know.

In a flurry of flying parts, Omega Supreme changes into his mighty Guardian robot form.

Rodimus Prime> Whisper says, "All those too?"

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant comes in from the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "More victims?!?"

Rodimus Prime> Edward Bryant comes in from the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift says, "Yo, DT, anybody else?"

Rodimus Prime> FX chacks the scanners in the medbay, "This is very unusual...."

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr says, "I have a bad feeling about this..."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "Probably."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner rushes around hooking up support systems

Moonracer looks around, frowning.

Outrun hovers somewhat timidly close to Flamediver. "Are those...?" she whispers, looking at Omega and Moonracer with wide optics, the impact of the situation not yet fully realized.

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant stops short, her mouth dropping open as an involuntary gasp escapes her. "What in the name of...." she raises a hand to her mouth and takes a few tentative steps closer into the room.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "I just install built-in weapons... I don't do plagues!"

Firestar lifts up the heavy barrel of her flame thrower, "Call it, Rodimus."

Pak-Gor whips out a strange instrument and takes some readings. "Yup. We made it."

Sundiver reaches back for his pistol.

Rodimus says quietly, "Hold your fire, people." Omega Supreme notes one here who appears to be a seeker, but not one he recognizes.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take starts hooking up systems, "OK, let's get an EPG-8 on some of these people..."

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift says, "I'm gonna go contact Autobot City."

Rodimus Prime> Nightshift heads back into the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> FX walks around and herms..

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "Good, do that."

Whiz returns Moonracer's gaze. "Moonracer."

Spoiler mutters, "I knew it, we never get to take action immeaditly."

Strafe looks down at his rifle. He mutters to himself.

Pak-Gor hmms. "Exact date... Hmmmm...

Rodimus Prime> Edward Bryant looks over at Krystal, and offers her support in any way he can. "Situation report, people?"

Moonracer frowns. "What is going on here?" she looks at Whiz.

Flamediver looks at outrun for a moment, standing protectively near her to intervene between herself and any of the others. He says to her, "I think so.. but I don't know for sure."

Sundiver says, "Nope, never do, Spoiler. For very good reasons..."

Pak-Gor says, "Coolness! I just finished the bridge again!"

Rodimus holds up his empty hands, shifting his optics from Moonracer to Omega and back. "This is going to be a tough one.."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "They're effectively comatose. There doesn't seem to be much I can do... Pak, FX, you're the neurologists?"

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr says, "Are they still alive?"

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr nods.

Omega Supreme levels his blasma blaster at Flamediver, standard procedure for him with one he does not know. Omega does not fire, but only makes one demand.

Omega Supreme booms, "Identify yourself."

Pak-Gor brightens and then sinks back to a sorta gruff mood as he takes readings.

Moonracer nods, keeping her pistol up. "You betcha it is...."

Sundiver loos around, disturbed. He's starting to relax...

Outrun glances across the group at Pak-Gor. "The bridge...?"

Rodimus Prime> FX looks at Krys and Ed, "You think..... We.. should talk to the Cons about this? Maybe they have simular problems?" FX walks around, "But......" FX turns to Double-Take, "Pak is I'm not..."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "Did they all collapse at once?"

Pak-Gor says, "Think we should tell 'em Whiz? They're probably kinda spooked."

Whiz says icily, "Put your weapons away. We're at the Liberation Arch."

You say, "Omega, it's me, Rodimus."

Sundiver says, "That's right. When Omega got dropped onto it . . . I remember hearing about that."

Whiz says, "I chose this location for a reason."

Spoiler folds his arms.

Rodimus mutters to Whiz.

You whisper "Good idea." to Whiz.

Omega Supreme looks at Rodimus.

Rodimus Prime> Whisper says, "Yes I think they did."

Rodimus Prime> FX nods, "They did... Or well.. these three did."

Flamediver hastily takes a few steps back, raising his arms up in surrender, "Whoah whoah whoah..."

Pak-Gor's face softens. "The treaty!"

Sundiver clips his pistol back onto his leg.

Firestar slips the barrel of her plasma launcher into the holster, and mutters calmly, "Firestar."

Strafe looks around, somewhat in awe.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner hrms, attacks in two diffenent locations.

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant looks at FX, then nods shakily. "Th-that's...that's a good idea....I'll go contact someone if I can."

Spoiler seems unhappy with the seeming readiness to divulge there origin.

Moonracer turns her gaze towards Firestar. "What?"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take transmits a message via radio.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "But we weren't affected..."

Flamediver says, "Hold on there, big guy.. I'm not your enemy here."

Sundiver looks up at omega, grinning. "Sundiver! Hey, Omega it's . . . oh, wait. That's right."

Omega Supreme booms, "Rodimus? No. Hot Rod."

Firestar smirks, "That's my name, sister."

Rodimus Prime> Whisper says, "how come only them were affected?"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "I think it could've been a Decepticon weapon."

Omega Supreme gets somewhat confused.

Moonracer says, "She's back at base-" she frowns, starting to reach for her radio. "She-"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "It was probably a test... they oculd've knocked out all of the CoC..."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "Inside Iacon?"

Firestar looks up at Omega, "No, Rodimus."

Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "This..."

Whiz whispers "This will take time."

Rodimus blinks and remarks softly, "Well, there's a name I haven't heard in a long time."

Spoiler says, "Can you believe this? Just Autobots, where's 'cons for crying out loud?""

Omega Supreme keeps his plasma cannon trained on Flamediver, but has forgotten all about him.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take shrugs, "I've never seen ANYTHING like this, it could've been ANYWHERE... I'm thinkin' satalite."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner transmits a message via radio.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take transmits a message via radio.

Sundiver just plain grins. He walks over to Flamediver and Outrun. "Hey, kids. We made it!" He smiles broadly for the first time in ages.

Firestar retracts her shockprod.

Pak-Gor grins himself. "WE DID IT!"

Spoiler says, "Wasn't my faction worth anything? I'm sure they'd've detected the portal."

Strafe says, "Yeah, we made it. /Now/ what do we do?"

Whiz sighs. " Your celebration is premature."

Moonracer says, "Did /what/??"

Sundiver high-fives Pak.

Rodimus chuckles, "Take it easy, Spoiler, I'm sure they're on their way too."

Omega Supreme booms, "Quintesson deception. You are not Rodimus Prime."

Rodimus winces.

Flamediver looks at Sundiver and blinks, "Are you sure..? The big one right there seems to want to take me apart. Who is he..?"

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner receives a radio transmission from Nightshift.

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant transmits a message via radio.

Pak-Gor does Jim Carey thrusts like he hasn't done in a thousand years. "YES! YES! YES! Can ya FEEL IT! YESSS!

Sundiver smriks. "That's right, this was when they till had Quint troubles...."

You say, "No.. I'm not."

Moonracer nods. "Probably the case..."

Whiz looks sympathetically at Rodimus.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take receives a radio transmission from Nightshift.

Rodimus Prime> FX herms, "Double-Take...Watch over them... I am going to address the junkions to see if this happened to any more of them." Rodimus Prime> FX receives a radio transmission from Kaleidoscope.

Outrun smiles quietly at Sundiver, but her optics flash back up rather nervously at the large plasma cannon attached to the equally large Guardian.

Sundiver grins at Flamediver. "Omega Supreme. The Guardian! He's the only reason we survived getting off this planet in the first place!"

Strafe scowls slightly at Pak.

"Quints," Spoiler spits out the word with contempt. Moonracer looks at Sundiver oddly.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take nods.

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr says, "Good idea"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "I'm trying to get a fix on where this thing is from the monitor room... when I do, we're gonna have to find it!"

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner receives a radio transmission.

You say, "It's just Rodimus, Omega, and if you'll run an ID scan I think the specs will match. Well, mostly."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "The plague's also hit Earth!"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take starts administering tests on various people.

Cyclonus has arrived.

Cyclonus slips silently into the area with the intensity of a hunting predator.

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant lets out an quiet growl at her radio.

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr says, "Great galaxies!"

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner transmits a message via radio.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "Alright... do we have anyone who has authority to seal off the base here?"

Firestar looks up at Cyclonus, a grin coming to her lips, "Nice to see ya made it."

Whiz says, "Everyone, I suggest we stop patting ourselves on the back and allow Rodimus to explain."

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr says, "FX....we need to contact Junkion....see if everything's all right down there!"

Pak-Gor says, "These little devices we whipped up work too. It's 2009 and I'm feelin' fine. Other "Us"es probably didn't do so hot.."

Sundiver nods. "Right. Go for it, fearless."

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr says, "It may have been affected too!"

Strafe nods agreeingly with Whiz.

Hoverboard enters from the west.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus Prime> FX receives a radio transmission from Benin-Jeri.

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant grunts. "No word of this having affected any Decepticons..."

Moonracer's frown deepens. "Should call this into Iacon."

Flamediver grins slightly, but still a little hesitantly, "That's right.. it's been so long. And.. I wasn't quite ready to face everything that was happening. Of course I remember now.."

Spoiler mutters to Whiz, "Explain? We're... them where... from are we?... could... jeopardize... mission."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take transmits a message via radio.

Omega Supreme receives a radio transmission.

Hoverboard comes flying in, doing crazy loops and generally being playful.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "Do you think they'd admit to it?"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "YES."

The seams of the hoverboard split and fold inwards until the robot form of Whistler emerges.

Cyclonus stands towards the back of the group, optics narrowed as he scans around, rifle at the ready.

Sundiver pauses. "Iacon? . . . Iacon!"

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus Prime> FX is headed to outside Iacon.

Whistler lands daintily on the ground near the arch.

Whiz mutters to Spoiler, "Our... selves have... collapsed.... have... explain the..."

Strafe has disconnected.

Rodimus affords Sundiver a faint smile and looks up at the towering Guardian again. "We're not here to cause any trouble," he says evenly. "This is going to sound crazy, but.. we're from the future."

Spoiler frowns, "I don't like it."

Rodimus Prime> FX says, "I'll be back.. Watch over them...."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "Right..."

Rodimus Prime> FX heads back into the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant transmits a message via radio.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take groans, "There's nothing I can do."

Rodimus Prime> Edward Bryant says, "Anything, Krys?"

Whiz looks coldly at Spoiler. "Lying could only jeopardize the mission further."

Firestar says, "Better to just be honest."

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant sneers into her comlink. "Fool."

Both of Moonracer's eyeridges go up. "Future...??" she frowns. "Time travel ain't possible."

Pak-Gor says, "Dudes are gonna be jumpy. Remember there's this bot/con war thingy going on."

Spoiler says, "Not the way /I/ see it."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "We'd need a grade-A neurologist to even DIAGNOSE them."

Spoiler folds his arms.

Sundiver looks at Spoiler. "Relax and enjoy while you can, will ya?"

Firestar says, "Not in 2009, Moonracer."

Rodimus smiles wryly. "I think they'd figure out we're not quite the same people eventually, anyway."

Whiz says, "Moonracer, in our time, many things exist that you consider impossible."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "Great -- where do we find one?"

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner receives a radio transmission from Nightshift.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take shakes his head, "Don't know... but they're not in any immediate danger."

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant looks over at Double-Take. "I could pick up nothing in particular, if anything, from them." she answers helplessly.

Spoiler says, "Enjoy what? The begining of the uprising?"

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr says, "Well, Pak-Gor is one..."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "Nightshift's just lost contact with Blaster..."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "Not suprising, they're almost flat in brain-waves."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner receives a radio transmission.

Sundiver looks down at himself. "Speak for yourself, Fearless. They wouldn't even _recognize_ me . . . "

Whistler watchs everyone unobtrusively, looking like he's trying to figure out what everyone's talking about.

Pak-Gor says, "The chance to STOP the uprising."

Outrun simply watches Moonracer intently, like she was something brought to life tfrom a history holo.

Rodimus Prime> Edward Bryant gives Krystal's hand a squeeze, "We'll find out what the deal is, promise."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "Alright..."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner transmits a message via radio.

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant receives a radio transmission.

Moonracer says, "Uprising? Time Travel? You guys are a bunch of jokers..."

Sundiver glares at Spoiler. "No, the time we have before it starts, full-blow."

Pak-Gor says, "And we're all wild."

Whiz looks levelly at Moonracer. "I am no longer capable of joking."

Cyclonus snarls slightly and steps forward.

Firestar steps forward and looks Moonracer dead in the optics, "Do Iook like I am joking?"

You say, "Firestar, stand down."

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant spats into her radio.

Firestar says, "Yes'ir."

Omega Supreme lowers his aim from the seeker, and watches the situation.

You say, "You too, Cyclonus, we're not here to fight."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "What is it, ma'am?"

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner looks at Krystal.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "Gunrunner, get Nightshift to find a fix on where this thing came from..."

Cyclonus is a step behind Firestar. "Do you *think* we would stand together here elsewise?"

Moonracer frowns, looking at both Whiz and Firestar. She hears the name Cyclonus, and looks up, optics widening. "Cyclonus??"

Wyvern soars down into view from the skies above.

Firestar looks behind her shoulder to Cyclonus, ".. there as always..."

Sundiver looks up. "TAKE COVER!"

Cyclonus growls again, casting a glance at Rod, then shakes his head, gripping his rifle tightly as he fairly hovers back.

Wyvern swoops down from the sky above, flapping his wings to hold him in place as soon as he is close enough to hear what's being said.

Omega Supreme booms, "If they wished deception, they would not present an unbelievable story."

Whistler walks up to the group, naive and questioning, "Uh, hi there. Is that you, everyone. You look all different..." Whistler trails off, a bit spooked.

Firestar's optcis snap towards the sound, electroprod leaping to life.

Rodimus looks up and makes a startled grab for his gun, dropping to a defensive crouch in one motion, as though it were a reflex action.

Whiz snaps out, "This is honored ground! Do not attack!"

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant receives a radio transmission from Diktat.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner transmits a message via radio to Nightshift.

Pak-Gor says, "Yeah! Treaty... WOW! WE'RE REALLY HERE!"

Sundiver calmly goes for his pistol, not firing, but aiming carefully at the wyvern.

Wyvern turns his head back and forth, trying to figure out who is telling who not to attack whom.

Cyclonus takes to the air and transforms.

Cyclonus leaps gracefully into the air, pulling in on his limbs until he completes the transformation into his formidable jet.

Firestar says, "Dammit, Sundiver, stop bein so jumpy!"

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner receives a radio transmission from Nightshift.

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant transmits a message via radio.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "Define 'this thing', Double-Take."

Spoiler stands defensively but doesn't make any motion to fire.

Flamediver just looks up and sighs, "We came here to get AWAY from fighting..."

Camoflaged Jet hovers over the group protectively, keeping himself trained on the target.

Whiz seems very on edge around the wyvern.

Sundiver looks at Firestar, ginning at her ready electroprod. "Practice what you preach, 'Star?"

Rodimus mutters something to himself and stows the weapon with a shaky exhalation. "Weapons down, he's not going to attack."

Flamediver moves until he stands protectively in front of Outrun, his body in the way of any that should attack her.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "I can't... whatever it is that knocked them out and..."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "Blew out our sensors at the same time."

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant growls. "Damn Decepticons."

Sundiver says, "How can we tell, Fearless?"

Firestar retracts her electroprod, and looks up at Cyclonus, "It's all right... remeber."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner transmits a message via radio.

Rodimus Prime> FX comes in from the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> Edward Bryant smirks, "Which one do you have, Krys?"

Flamediver watches the Wyvern suspiciously, his optics glittering softly as he watches, his hands twitching slightly.

Outrun scuttles to the ground defensively with the rest, but doesn't draw a weapon. She just keeps looking upwards.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner says, "They claiming credit for this?"

Rodimus Prime> FX herms.. "Anything?" Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr shakes his head.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "Only that they're not in imminent danger."

Spoiler says, "We didn't come here to get away from the fighting, Star. Don't you get it? We're trying to stiffle a rebelion!""

Sundiver lowers his pistol, but still keeping it ready.

Whistler gets a bit irritated as no one seems to be listening to him. He walks up to Whiz and taps her on the shoulder, "uh, excuse me..."

Spoiler says, "You don't do that peacefully."

You say, "There IS no rebellion!"

Camoflaged Jet rumbles, tipping his wings slightly, but maintains his ready post, scanning the horizons.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "And there's nothing I can do for them."

Rodimus Prime> FX looks at Krys, "Anything from the Cons?"

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant hmphs at Edward. "Take a guess."

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant receives a radio transmission.

Spoiler says, "There WILL be, that's why were here, we all know that."

Omega Supreme hears Sundiver's call and instinctively turns to see what the problem is.

Whiz looks down at Whistler, her optics cold. "What?"

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus Prime> Kaleidoscope comes in from the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> Kaleidoscope walks quietly in...

Rodimus Prime> Edward Bryant hmms, "Considering the way you are muttering, I figured that jerk Diktat."

Pak-Gor tries proof and pulls out a gadget. "See this? This is a knarple disruptor. It disrupts knarples! Know what Knarples are? Probably not. They won't be invented for 10,000 years. Now WHY would I build a knarple disruptor if knarples weren't even invented yet>

Sundiver sighs. "Pak?"

Rodimus smiles. "Thanks, Pak."

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant seethes, then brings herself under control. "Yes. However did you guess?"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take transmits a message via radio.

Whistler says, "Is said, you guys look all different and I was kinda wondering why?...and it's ok to smile, Whiz. It's just me."

Omega Supreme receives a radio transmission.

Sundiver walks over to Pak. "I don't think they'll buy that."

Pak-Gor says, "Well it IS..."

Outrun glances curiously twards Pak, hten towards the assembled Autobots to see if his speech had any sort of effect.

Rodimus Prime> Edward Bryant pats Krystal's shoulder, "Because he has the same effect on me?"

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner sighs. "Now what?"

Sundiver nods. "Yeah, but to them? It doesn't matter . . . and when will I learn not to try and explain things to you?"

Whizs expression is unchanged. "We are not the... Autobots... that you know. We have arrived here from the future."

Sundiver chuckles at Whiz. "I was _never_ an Autobot they'd know . . . well, I doubt it . . . "

Camoflaged Jet circles high overhead, passing by the Guardian once before descending again, transforming and landing near Rodimus.

Cyclonus shifts quickly into his towering robot mode, alertly surveying the scene before settling into the best vantage point available to monitor the area.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "I'd say we should prepare to move out."

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr says, "Ready when you are..." Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "If they did it... we're definately gonna have a fight on our hands."

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner nods. "Oh, yes.

Whistler's eyes glow bright! "The future?!? WOW! How come, why...how? When?!!"

Flamediver glanes at Outrun once to make sure she's okay, then walks over to Rodimus and Cyclonus.

Rodimus glances back briefly at Cyclonus, then back to Moonracer and the others. "It's a long story."

Pak-Gor quotes, "It's your kids! Something's gotta be done about your KIDS!"

Sundiver joins Rod and Cyc.

Pak-Gor flashes a familiar grin as old quotes hit him again.

Firestar backs up slightly, keeping herself at the ready as she forms up on the others.

Whiz looks up at the gathering. "We have opened a portal that brought us bck in time eight million years. There is a ccatastrophe on its way to Cybertron, and we are here to prevent it. Otherwise, our race is doomed."

Cyclonus mutters to Rodimus, "None approach..."

Cyclonus whispers "None approach..."

 Blaster's voice crackles over the radios, "Autobots, I am unsure as to that status of the CoC on Cybertron but have heard much of a mysterious illness causing transformers to enter comas, I am hereby ordering those in comas to be placed in containment fields in the nearest Medbay until the cause of this malfunction can be isolated."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take transmits a message via radio to Omega Supreme.

Omega Supreme receives a radio transmission.

Spoiler mutters, "Yeah, they'll believe that."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "You heard the order people, let's move!"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take starts opening up some stasis pods.

Rodimus Prime> Whisper heads back into the Waiting Room.

Omega Supreme transmits a message via radio to Double-Take.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus Prime> Studies of the sensors from the time of the collapses revealed that a large energy anomaly was also detected at the same time, in the vicinity of the Liberation Arch.

Sundiver says, "In a nutshell . . .that's about everything, Whiz. You might want to add in the death and destrucion bit, too."

Flamediver nods to Whiz, looking at the others, saying in a quiet, but strong voice, "All of us. Every last Cybertronian.."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take transmits a message via radio.

Omega Supreme receives a radio transmission.

Omega Supreme booms, "What is the nature of the catastrophe?"

Rodimus Prime> Supe-Arr heads back into the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> Gunrunner heads back into the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take transmits a message via radio to Omega Supreme.

Omega Supreme receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus Prime> FX says, "You two need a ride?"

Rodimus Prime> Edward Bryant looks to Krystal and nods.

Rodimus Prime> FX says, "Cause if yer gunna ride.. ride in Style!"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take places the various 'bots and Junks in stasis pods.

Rodimus Prime> A sign flashes in big yellow letters with a big black box around it saying, 'Censored!' In the background you can hear noises and *bleeped* out words. FX now in his imposing volkswagen form sputtering.

Rodimus glances over at Whiz. "I'm not sure it'd be best to reveal that at this moment--"

Whistler continues to marvel at everyone as it's obvious most of the message went right over his head, "8 million years!?! I'm not even that old! Gosh, what's it like in the future? I bet it's cool with lots of new inventions and places to go. Does it look the same???"

Whiz looks to Rodimus and nods.

Rodimus Prime> Kaleidoscope softly says, "Where are we heading?"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "Liberation Arch."

Rodimus Prime> Krystal Bryant climbs into the volkswagen.

Rodimus Prime> Edward Bryant climbs into the volkswagen.

Cyclonus nods at Rodimus in silent agreement.

Spoiler walks up to Whistler.

Pak-Gor says, "That place is a ZOO."

Sundiver grins at Whistler, then looks back to Rod and Whiz. "Was I that bad when I was made?"

Rodimus Prime> From FX Krystal Bryant says, "Will they be all right?"

Rodimus Prime> From FX Edward Bryant says, "Has he given any information, Krys... yes, I am sure they will be fine."

Spoiler says, "Listen to me, the future is terrible, a desolate war-zone spanning all our worlds."

Sundiver makes sure he's between the group and the Wyvern.

Spoiler says, "Most of your friends are probably dead."

Rodimus Prime> Junky Red Volkswagen says, "I believe so..."

Rodimus Prime> Kaleidoscope nods.

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "They're in no imminent danger... there's nothing I can do."

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take says, "In any event... let's ride."

Flamediver says sadly, "Perhaps all of them."

Whiz says, "Spoiler, that is enough."

Spoiler is about to go on but stops.

Sundiver glares at Spoiler. "Stow it."

Omega Supreme booms, "What is the nature of this disaster? A Quintesson attack?"

Rodimus Prime> Junky Red Volkswagen says, "To the Golden Arch!"

Rodimus Prime> Double-Take heads back into the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> Junky Red Volkswagen heads back into the Waiting Room.

Rodimus Prime> Kaleidoscope heads back into the Waiting Room.

Moonracer frowns still.

Flamediver's face is set in determination as he looks at the unfamiliar faces before him.

Spoiler says, "We're telling them everything else, why not?"

Spoiler stands as if trying to make some sort of point.

Whistler stops at that last bit. "What...um...about me? Am...I alive?"

Whiz says, "Revealing too much about the future has its own consequences."

Whistler looks really really concerned.

Pak-Gor says, "Yeah. Like in Back to the Future."

You say, "I think we'd best wait for a forum. No sense repeating ourselves over and over."

Whiz says, "They may be overconfident, believeing they know how they are to die. Or they may hold hostility between comrades. We will only change the future, revealing details is of no consequence."

Outrun looks around, a background presence. Observing.

Spoiler glares, "I still don't think telling them was a good idea. The less they know the better."

Omega Supreme booms, "Agreed."

Omega Supreme booms, "We require organization."

Flamediver looks over at Whistler and places a hand on his shoulder, "Do not concern yourself about it.. if we can do what we came to do, everything will be set right."

Rodimus nods to Whiz and addresses the rest of the group, "Just because we're here doesn't mean we have free rein. Anything we reveal may change the path of time in ways we didn't intend."

Firestar reminds quiet, standing next to Cyclonus.

Spoiler mutters, "Like it could get any worse."

Omega Supreme booms, "I will escort a small group of you to Iacon. You may meet with Rodimus Prime."

Supe-Arr enters from the east.

Hoverbike enters from the east.

Hoverbike glides in on her hoverjets.

Cyberplane enters from the east.

Black Ferrari enters from the east.

Whiz says, "More company."

Cyberpterodon enters from the east.

Supe-Arr soars into the area, and hovers, glancing at the massive crowd...

Double-Take flips down from the air, and, with a shifting sound, becomes a robot.

Sundiver watches the newcomers, relaxing slightly as he sees them.

Moonracer nods. "Best idea."

Cyberpterodon swoops in.

Pak-Gor says, "Yeah. We got a mission. Stick to it and avoid serious paradoxes."

Junky Red Volkswagen enters from the west.

Double-Take lands hard, gun in hand.

Black Ferrari screeches to a halt and TFs.

The volkswagen sputters and backfires encasing the area in a thick black smoke.

The black Ferrari shifts and rotates until the Autobot warrior Nightshift stands in its place.

Supe-Arr says, "Pak?!"

Junky Red Volkswagen says, "We're here.."

Sundiver sees the dino and tenses, pistol ready.

Spoiler says, "Looks like we're the latest new atraction here on Cyber."

Hoverbike stops suddenly, nearly crashing. "WHAT?!?"

Cyberpterodon perches himself on the arch, looking downward at the scene.

Double-Take says, "Pak? Rod?"

Gunrunner receives a radio transmission from DepthCharge.

Rodimus sighs heavily.

Whiz jumps slightly as the Pteranodon swoops too colsely.

The hoverbike unfolds, becoming Gunrunner once more.

Cyberpterodon says, "Whoa! Party at arch!"

FX quotes, "GREAT GooGLAieMOOGalIE!"

Supe-Arr descends, landing near Pak...

From FX Krystal Bryant blinks. "What in the...?"

Moonracer puts her weapon away, but clearly within reach.

Sundiver says, "FX!""

Flamediver takes a few steps back, his laser pistols coming into his hands as he sees Swoop come in. He takes a defensive, crouched position, "Back off... Now!" aiming at Swoop deliberately.

Gunrunner transmits a message via radio.

Whiz looks at FX, something like emotion passing over her face.

Junky Red Volkswagen says, "What in PRIMUS's Holy SMOKESTACKS!"

From FX Edward Bryant nods gratefully and opens the door, "Thanks, FX." He looks out the window.. "My sentiments exactly..."

Cyclonus snarls again and raises his rifle a bit, controlling himself this time.

Edward Bryant climbs out of the volkswagen.

Krystal Bryant climbs out of the volkswagen.

Nightshift looks at the newcomers. "What in the slag..?"

Cyberpterodon looks at Rodimus, then at Whiz. "Wait sec... did me Swoop just hear you two sick?"

Sundiver says, "Flamediver, ease off. HE won't try anything here..."

Spoiler looks at the humans.

Outrun watches the Autobot contingent approach, the dinobot more closely than others.

Supe-Arr says, "By the great Worm Spirit, whose bristles strike the hammerblows of Justice...you're okay!!"

Rodimus puts out a hand in Flamediver's direction. "He's friendly," he cautions, but his optics still reflect an uneasy wariness.

Krystal Bryant grips the cowl of her cloak over her head, staring confused upon the scene.

Pak-Gor's eye brightens up and a huge grin spreads across his face. "FX! It's YOU! OLD you! And Supe-Arr! And Doubs! And scarecrow! I miss you most of all!"

Whiz looks at Krystal and her face darkens considerably with anger.

Gunrunner says, "Rodimus? You're supposed to be in Iacon?!?"

Flamediver looks over at Rodimus uncertainly, "Can you be sure..?"

Spoiler just stares at the humans.

Double-Take puts his gun in his holster, but the safety is still off.

The volkswagen shakes and a puff of smoke fills the area.

You hear, "I am the terror that flaps in the night! I am the gum on the bottom of yer shoe....I am FFFFFXXXXXX!"

The smoke clears and FX stands there looking around.

Supe-Arr says, "Huh? Pak, are you all right?"

Blue Su-35 enters from the east.

Moonracer receives a radio transmission.

Omega Supreme booms, "If you wish, I will escort three of your number to Iacon."

FX says, "P.. Pak.. Ro..od?"

Double-Take says, "Rod?!? Pak-Gor?!? Whiz?!? You're all at base!"

Cyberpterodon cocks his head aside and looks at Flamediver. "Who he? And why he want shoot me?"

Edward Bryant stays next to Krystal, an arm coming around her for support as he steps forward, "Everyone, just calm down!"

Double-Take says, "Unconscious!"

FX ouuyys.

Whistler runs up to FX, pointing at the group, "FX FX FX! They're from the future like 8 bazillion years and we're all dead but not now but we're gonna be only they won't tell me and I don't know what's going on but they're so confusing!!!"

Moonracer frowns, watching the others.

Gunrunner says, "The future? Riight..."

Blue Su-35 flies above, very surprised to see the others

Pak-Gor says, "Yeah. Guess the coma theory was right on. Good thing we whipped up those thingys."

Blue Helicopter soars down into view from the skies above.

Cyclonus mutters to Rodimus, "... is unsafe..... a... them in."

Cyclonus whispers "Rodimus.. This is unsafe.. We must regroup and chose a place of our own to meet them in."

Supe-Arr says, "Somethin' ain't right here..."

FX says, "I'm Dead?"

Sundiver sighs as chaos begins to reign. He walks over to Flamediver and Outrun. "Stay calm, kids. This is gonna turn out fine..."

Spoiler's optics fill with a certain amount disrespect.

Blue Helicopter flitters downward from the sky, towards the gathering...

Krystal Bryant grips Edward's arm in sheer shock, staring blankly at the assembled cons and bots before her.

Flamediver's guns remained poised at Swoop, though he controls himself from shooting anything, trying to steady himself, his face full of apprehension.

Rodimus mutters to Cyclonus, "... a better... the..."

You whisper "You have a better forum than the Liberation Arch?" to Cyclonus.

Double-Take says, "I don't look dead to me..."

FX shakes his head, "Ok... Um... like.."

Outrun hears the differebt-toned voice, and follows it to stare wonderingly at the two humans.

Blue Helicopter flitters down near FX, and transforms...

The blue helicopter shifts and folds up quietly into the lithe form of Kaleidoscope.

Onslaught soars down into view from the skies above.

Cyberpterodon waves a wing at Flamediver.

Nightshift says, "Yo, yo, could somebody clue me in as t'what the slaggin' shock's goin' down here?"

Omega Supreme booms, "Does that meet with your satisfaction......Rodimus?"

FX looks at everyone, "You look like.. HELL..all of you."

Spoiler looks up at Onsluaght, his attention drawn from the humans.

Cyclonus frowns. "We will be forced to explain ourselves over and again...

Moonracer looks calmly for a moment, then blinks at a radio Transmission. "Cripes."

Sundiver puts a hand on Flamediver's leg. "Ease down, boy. He won't try anything with all the support we've got here..."

Pak-Gor looks at FX. "We been through it. We look worse."

Flamediver tighens considerably as his hands grip his guns more firmly, "Just back off.. I won't let you hurt any of them!"

Onslaught silently descends into view...

Krystal Bryant swallows and looks across at Rodimus? Whiz?...Whiz...her jaw drops slightly and she grimaces. "What..?" she whispers, shaking her head. "What is going on?!"

Cyberpterodon says, "Why me Swoop want hurt anybody?"

Cyclonus raises his glance finally to Onslaught, optics flickering briefly.

Supe-Arr says, "You are entering a dimension without sight or sound...."

Spoiler puts his fists on his hips, "'Bout time the 'cons got here."

Edward Bryant draws up full authority, "We are getting NOWHERE like this. Everyone calm it down, right now, please!"

FX says, "You heard dah Man. Shush!"

Spoiler mutters, "It's no wonder the Autobots had control of Cybertron back th-er-now."

Flamediver looks over at Sundiver concernedly, finally lowering his guns, though watching Swoop carefully, putting them back in their specialized holsters.

Pak-Gor remembers and tries something, "Yo! Head Junk has spoken dude!

Whiz pulls her cold gaze from Krystal, shifting it to Edward Bryant.

Rodimus murmurs, "Cybertronians, put away your weapons and stand down. We're in no danger at the moment."

FX says, "Head Junk?"

Supe-Arr quiets up at Pak's statement, and listens.

Onslaught intones broadly as he surveys the hodge-podge group, "Enlighten me...."

FX rubs his head? "Where's Wreck-Gar?"

Cyberpterodon flaps down to join the other Bots and Junks.

Nightshift says, "Slag, Whiz, you've looked better, homegirl."

The pterodon flips upwards and transforms into the Dinobot Swoop.

Outrun peeks gently around Flamediver, seeming... entranced, possibly, at the sight of the humans, in a manner both like an unlike her reaction to the Arch.

Flamediver's head shifts away from Swoop as he takes in the two humans. His jaw drops again slightly for about the third time today as he turns to Sundiver, "Is that..?"

FX looks under his arm... then under his legs?

Pak-Gor says, "Uhh Wreck-Gar?? Nevermind. Never said nothing."

Edward Bryant looks towards the Cybertronians, "Obviously, some explanations are in order here, but like they said, if tehy are going to have to repeat themselves over and over, we are not going to get anywhere."

Sundiver sighs. "Yep, sure is . . . which reminds me, you two okay for a second?"

Krystal Bryant stares silently from beneath her hood, her eyes dark from its shadow and her confused thoughts.

Whiz glances unconcernedly at Nightshift.

Omega Supreme booms, "Agreed, Secretary General. I recommend we move to Iacon."

Whistler looks at Pak-Gor, "What about Wreck-Gar?!? What happened to him?!? Is hs alive???"

FX says, "Am I on Candid Cammera? Ok.. Ok.. This is all Funny and stuff.. Who's playing with the Holos?!"

Gunrunner sits down suddenly.

Double-Take says, "Wrecks?"

Cyclonus crosses his arms, returning his dark scan towards everyone, cradling his rifle in his arms.

Flamediver nods to Sundiver, "Yes.. we should be fine. It's just a little.. overwhelming, you could say."

Nightshift smiles and shrugs at Whiz.

Moonracer shakes her head. "You want we should move this party back to Iacon, or do we just sit here yacking our cores out?"

Pak-Gor says, "Yeah.. There's not a whole lot left."

Spoiler smacks FX lightly, "Holos? I don't think so."

Sundiver walks slowly over to Edward. Grinning, heholds out his arms and shouts, "Ed!" He quickly embraces the SecGen.

FX says, "Ouch."

Rodimus winces. "Sundiver..."

Edward Bryant blinks as he is hugged, "What the?!"

Whiz says, "Don't crush the humans, Sundiver."

Sundiver looks over. "Krystal!" He repeats.

FX says, "I.. guess not.."

Spoiler growls quietly, "Why not?"

Outrun's optics widen slightly as Sundriver goes to hug the humans.

Edward Bryant lets out a sharp gasp of air, trying to draw back in a shaky breath.

Whiz mutters darly under her breath, "Except maybe that one..."

Moonracer frowns. "Hey! Careful!"

FX walks over to Pak-Gor.

Rodimus gives Whiz a puzzled look.

Whistler follows FX.

Krystal Bryant's hand flashes quickly to her photon bow, as Sundiver advances on Edward. "Step back." she growls as it ignites and she grasps hold of her husband's arm protectively.

Flamediver watches warily, and also curiously as Sundiver goes over, "This is like a dream come true.."

Sundiver pauses in mid-step. "Whoa...never been on the recieving end of that before..."

Double-Take falls on his butt, trying to take it all in, "Future?! But time travel... I mean..."

Whiz says, "Sundiver, inform them as to your designation. They don't recognize you."

Pak-Gor looks to FX and knows the question he still wants the answer to. "Reply hazy. Ask again later."

FX looks at ROdimus then at Whiz, "Whiz... is this one of your inventions gone wrong?" FX laughs a little...

Edward Bryant looks around, "I agree. Iacon it is..." He gets pulled back a bit as Krystal comes to the ready.

Krystal Bryant says, "I can sort nothing out in this confusion right now, my head is buzzing on overload." she growls. "I want an explanation, and I want it yesterday!""

Cyclonus focuses on the Dinobot almost singularly.

Rodimus moves to the front of the group. "Krystal--" he breaks off momentarily, then recovers his voice, "we mean no harm."

FX says, "What is going on here?"

Sundiver remembers. "Right, thanks Whiz." He turns back to Kyrstal and Ed...and salutes. "Photon-Sundiver-Sharp, reporting, sirs!"

Gunrunner says, "Good question."

Whiz swivels her gaze to FX. "This is no joke."

Swoop notices the uneasy stares and looks a bit nervous. "Something wrong? Me Swoop use wrong deoderant?"

Pak-Gor says, "Ever see that episode of X-Men?"

Nightshift says, "What I'd like t'know, FX. Y'all ain't our homeboys, that's for slaggin' sure."

Sundiver breaks out grinning.

Edward Bryant's eyes go wide as he looks at Photon, "Photon.. but, how?"

Blaster enters from the east.

Moonracer grumbles under her breath.

Blaster pounds in.

Onslaught lands on the ground with ease, and strides toward the group, "This is bad comedy, Prime...come, Cyclonus...let us make our way back to Darkmount..."

Double-Take says, "But... time travel is... impossible! The last time it was tried it... I mean, the..."

Sundiver shrugs. "I finally got shot down and burned..."

Pak-Gor says, "This ain't your father's oldsmobile."

Supe-Arr says, "TIMEtravel?"

Blaster surveys the room.

Swoop looks at DT. "Timetravel!?"

Nightshift nods to Blaster.

Rodimus grits his teeth over the repetition of that accursed name and turns back to mutter something up to Cyclonus.

Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "... am... as... whether... up.... seems expedient."

Whiz whispers "I am unsure as to whether we should split up. It seems expedient."

Double-Take says, "They say they came from the future!..."

Edward Bryant barks out again, "At ease! People!"

FX says, "Why.. don't we all.. go and.. head to Iacon.. Autobots and Junkions?"

Pak-Gor says, "TIMTEAVEL?"

Rodimus mutters to Cyclonus, "If... up..... Decepticon side?"

You whisper "If we split up.. can you handle the Decepticon side?" to Cyclonus.

Spoiler looks at FX and says, "We're from the future FX, a future where you become and evil tyrant and destroy half the galaxy," his voice dropping with sarcasm.

Double-Take says, "And time has not been kind to them..."

FX says, "Oh.. Cool!"

Firestar shifts a bit restlessly, staying near Cyclonus.

Cyclonus nods at Rodimus, then looks to Firestar.

Double-Take looks at the scratched-up forms of the various figures.

Swoop looks over at them, then back at DT. "Me Swoop think future not very good place."

Moonracer frowns. "FX wouldn't do that...would he?"

Whistler says, "Great Scott!"

Omega Supreme notes the situation deteriorating beyond anyone's control.

Double-Take shakes his head, "Uh-uh... but timetravel..."

Cyclonus mutters to Firestar, "... must..."

Supe-Arr says, "Not FX! he's on the side of the light!"

Blaster looks at Rodimus, "I just left you in a containment field..

Cyclonus raises his voice. "Flamediver, Spoiler.. With me."

FX says, "What the.."

Onslaught folds his arms across his chestplate, "confering with Autobots, Cyclonus? And to think you lead us to believe you honorable...what madness is this?"

Pak-Gor says, "Nooooo. That didn't happen. But you been through a lot."

Double-Take says, "Last time the supertrinostream backflushed! The neutrion field caused the entire chamber to... VAPORIZE!"

Nightshift shakes his head at Rodimus. "Homes, that AIN'T Rodimus... the one we know leastways."

Firestar sighs, and looks up at Cyclonus. She mutters to Cyclonus, "... know..... my..."

FX says, "Future... What happens in this Future?"

Spoiler says, "On your heels commander."

Cyclonus turns towards Onslaught, his optics alive with fire. "Enough," he hisses.

Double-Take finally managed to get it out apparently.

Krystal Bryant reaches up to pull back her hood, her face paling considerably as she pauses to study Rodimus...and the announced Photon. She swallows as her mind confirms their undoubtable, though different, identities. She shakes her head, her eyes falling on Rodimus with a sudden apologetic tremor as she harnesses her weapon.

Rodimus shakes his head and agrees quietly, "No, not the one you know."

Flamediver glances uncertainly at outrun, and he says to Cyclonus, "What about Outrun..?"

Omega Supreme booms, "SILENCE!"

Firestar says, "Outrun is closest to an Autobot..."

Swoop cringes. "Me Swoop shush."

Pak-Gor says, "WHOA! Listen to big man. Let's let ol' hickory speak!"

Nightshift wheels around to Omega. "Aw'ight, aw'ight, big man.

FX turns and looks at Omega, "Yipes.!"

Omega Supreme looks to Rodimus.

Supe-Arr quiets up.

Edward Bryant winces a bit and looks to Krystal for confirmation. "Are they...?"

Omega Supreme booms, "You lead this group from the future?"

Double-Take shuts up.

Outrun glances from Firestar to Flamediver and back. "But..." she begins before Omega drowns out the rest.

Rodimus tilts his head back to look up at the Guardian. "I do."

Cyclonus motions Flamediver, Onslaught and Spoiler to the air.

Firestar says, "I'll take care of her, Flamediver.. promise."

Omega Supreme booms, "Very well. Explain your situation."

Krystal Bryant's brow furrows as she stares at Rodimus. She reaches up to rub her temple. "I--I think so...I don't know how...why...or..."

Supe-Arr mutters to FX, "... be... very... though..."

Spoiler seems relieved to leave the crowd.

Cyclonus soars upward to the Sky above Great Arena.

Spoiler soars upward to the Sky above Great Arena.

FX rubs his chin.

Onslaught brandishes his sonic stun rifle, eyeing Cyclonus warily, "I'll ask this one last time....WHAT IS GOING ON?"

Flamediver nods somberly to Firestar, "I know you will.. good luck. " He looks at Outrun and grins slightly, "Enjoy yourself." and takes off.

Flamediver soars upward to the Sky above Great Arena.

Moonracer's weapon slips out of subspace quietly, eyeing Onslaught.

Edward Bryant turns to the Autobots and Junkions, "ALL of you, calm down until they can explain!"

Pak-Gor says, "OK Rod. Whatever we're gonna say to these people, this is as close to a captive audience as we're gonna get. Better say it now."

Moonracer says, "I'll put mine away when you do..."

FX says, "Ok.. one at a time.."

Blaster nods, "go ahead Hot Rod."

Onslaught watches Cyclonus and the others take off without response, but fails to follow...

Omega Supreme tries to keep some order to that Rodimus may explain.

Whiz winces visibly.

Onslaught receives a radio transmission from Cyclonus.

Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "Might want to explain... first."

Whiz whispers "Might want to explain who you are, first."

Gunrunner listens.

Double-Take sits flabberghasted on the ground.

Outrun lifts a small hand to the departing Flamediver, then somewhat forlornly pads over beside Firestar, glancing at the present-time Autobots and Junkions quietly.

Onslaught grumbles to himself, then takes off

Onslaught soars upward to the Sky above Great Arena.

FX looks at them slowly and then stands still his eyes locking on Pak as he remembers his fight he had with him before he just passed out and he looks at the ground.

Firestar smiles a bit, watching Cyclonus depart.

Sundiver walks over to Outrun. "Relax, kid. It'll be fine..."

Moonracer slips her weapon away again.

Whiz transmits a message via radio.

Whiz receives a radio transmission.

Blaster looks at Whiz, his eyes stunned...

Whiz feels Krystal's gaze and looks back down at her coldly.

Edward Bryant reaches up and takes Krystal's hand, offering support while waiting for an explanation.

Swoop is looking quite warm, happy, and utterly confused.

Moonracer just sits there looking rather confused, and stunned, but as usual, listening and watching carefully.

Rodimus draws a short breath and tries to explain, his voice almost unnaturally level. "We came from your future. In our time, 8 million years from your present, Cybertron has been.. taken over.." he slides an uneasy look at Swoop and Legend, "by a group of renegade Transformers bent on taking over the galaxy. We've come back in time, to this present, to stop the revolution from occurring."

Whiz looks up at all of the people staring at her. "Is there a problem?"

Gunrunner waves Swoop over to her.

Supe-Arr scratches his head.

Sundiver stands by Outrun, looking at Ed and Krys.

Firestar transmits a message via radio.

Krystal Bryant sucks in a quiet gasp of unexplained shock, the chill of Whiz's gaze sweeping icily through her as her body shudders involuntarily in response.

Swoop gives Rod a curious look as he joins Gunrunner.

Omega Supreme nods, waiting for Rodimus to continue.

Outrun murmurs with a soft sigh, "I know, Sundiver. It's just...we really /don't/ get along back in this time. I hadn't really thought..."

Blaster transmits a message via radio to Whiz.

Whiz receives a radio transmission from Blaster.

FX looks on at Rodimus and gets a shiver up and down his spineorwhatever.

Double-Take just sort of stares at them, his gaze quickly changing, as he goes over the math and science for timetravel and come to the conclusion that it just doesn't add up...

Whiz transmits a message via radio.

Blaster receives a radio transmission.

Pak-Gor quotes, "We come from a time down under."

Blaster knows it's possible and has seen it before, "Okay Rod, go on."

Supe-Arr says, "Marty! you've got to come back with me! Back to the FUTURE!"

Blaster transmits a message via radio.

Whiz receives a radio transmission from Blaster.

Gunrunner mutters to Swoop, "... worry,..."

You say, "My name is Rodimus. I'm in command of what's left of the Cybertronians..." he trails off momentarily before regaining his composure, optics sliding over the pitifully few numbers of his people. "I.. was... the same Rodimus you all knew... a long time ago. If you want to scan me, your technicians can confirm that. There've been some modifications but I'm the same person."

By flipping his head backwards, Whistler reveals a jet propulsion unit. After bending and twisting his arms and legs, Whistler completes his transformation into a jet-powered hoverboard.

Pak-Gor flashes another familiar grin at the sound of the old Junk banter.

Edward Bryant feels Krystal's tremble and frowns in worry, looking up at Whiz.

Brawl enters from the west.

Double-Take murmur-quotes, "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore... Mathnet just jumped ship admiral, ready the yardarm..."

Brawl walks in, with a different color to his optics, and paint all over his face...

Pak-Gor adjust his eye patch.

The seams of the hoverboard split and fold inwards until the robot form of Whistler emerges.

Firestar receives a radio transmission.

Moonracer tilts her head, watching.

Firestar grins involuntarily, tapping her radio.

Brawl sees all of the Autobots and whips out his pistol...

Firestar transmits a message via radio to Cyclonus.

Supe-Arr tosses a frown at Brawl.

You say, "We mean no harm. We're here to help -- to save the lives of thousands of.. my friends, our fellow Cybertronians -- before they can be lost to the Uprising."

FX shakes his head as he is taking in all this information, "This... is.. alot to take in...." FX rubs his head and looks at the people around him.

Pak-Gor smiles big as it hits him again. "They're all still alive..."

Brawl looks around uncertainly...

Krystal Bryant swallows and supresses another shiver as she watches Rodimus intently, her eyes wavering between him and...well, Whiz...isn't it?

Double-Take just sort of keeps on staring, faster and faster... his brain is likely to overload at any second. He murmurs, "Abort Retry Fail, divide error... no duh..."

Sundiver looks at Brawl. "Brawler! Main man with the big gun!"

Moonracer watches Firestar and Whiz carefully.

You say, "Our alternate selves -- the ones from this time -- have been knocked unconscious," he glances back at Whiz briefly for confirmation, "by our proximity to them in time. We ourselves are protected from the flux by field dampeners, but I assure you," he mutters to himself *I hope*, "that they're not in any danger."

Brawl blinks. "Yeah, dat's me. Uh... what's goin' on?"

FX looks at Sundiver, 'Who might you be?"

Swoop listens intently as Gunrunner pats his hand, still utterly confused.

Whiz nods to confirm what he said. "They have been rendered unconscious by the stress within the space-time continuum.

Nightshift keeps a watchful eye on Brawl.

Sundiver grins, and tells Outrun, "And _he_ is the only reason we survived Ganar Four..."

Double-Take says, "Th-th-they all flatlined, brainwave-wise about 45 minutes ago..."

Whiz says, "They will revive as soon as we are removed from this time and space."

Pak-Gor says, "They're in perfect hibernation."

Brawl scratches his head.

Edward Bryant takes in Rodimus words, looking over at the group, "So, exactly what is your mission, who is this enemy?"

Gunrunner nods quietly.

Sundiver grins at FX. "The answer is, The Guy who borrowed your shuttle a few times."

Supe-Arr turns to Brawl, and shushes him, "SHHHHHH! We're trying to listen to Roddy!"

Double-Take squeeks that out, still trying to do massive quantities of math in his head.

Outrun follows Sundiver's gesture to look curiously at Brawl. "Really?"

=
=================== In Your Area ===========================

Swoop [A]               Blaster [A]              Brawl [D]

Firestar [A]            Whiz [A]                 Krystal Bryant [T]

Pak-Gor [J]             FX [J]                   Double-Take [A]

Moonracer [A]           Edward Bryant [T]        Whistler [A]

Nightshift [A]          Supe-Arr [J]             Sundiver [C]

Kaleidoscope [J]        Outrun [C]               Legend [A]

Omega Supreme [A]       Gunrunner [A]

FX says, "Photon?"

Omega Supreme booms, "Continue, Rodimus."

Brawl says, "I didn't save you guys..."

Brawl blinks.

Sundiver nods. "Yeah. Of course, he doesn't know that _now_ but . . . " HE turns to FX. "B I N G and O, FX."

Sundiver says, "Different name, tho."

Blaster looks around, "Perhaps this conversation should be continued elsewhere..perhaps at Iacon so that the technicians can begin to confirm their stories.."

Supe-Arr says, "B I N G O F X?"

Nightshift says to Brawl, "'Cordin' t'these guys, you will... sometime in the next 8 million years."

Rodimus looks at Edward, glancing back uneasily at Swoop and Legend, then replies quietly, "I'd rather discuss the details of that in a private forum for the time being, so as not to accidentally instigate the same revolt we're trying to stop."

FX says, "New.. game fun for girls and boys."

Pak-Gor lets it loose. "I am the bing of X. Resistance is futile.

Edward Bryant holds up a hand, "Guys... for now, keep it quiet. Omega, keep these guys in line please." He looks back up at Rodimus and nods, "Then shall we move this conversation to Iacon?"

Swoop looks at Legend himself, then at Rod. "Me Swoop want know why new guy want shoot me and you give me Swoop and Legend wierd looks. Me dead or something?"

Brawl shakes his head in confusion.

Double-Take says, "We will be... assimilat-milate-milate *thinks for a moment, pausing something* ted?"

Sundiver sighs. "Iacon would be nice . . . I've love to see it again."

Omega Supreme booms, "Understood, Rodimus. We could regroup at Iacon."

You say, "A lot of people are dead in our time, Swoop..."

FX says, "Am I dead?"

Pak-Gor grins. "Can we bring some of you guys back for our history report?

Edward Bryant says it again, "Everyone, QUIET!"

Whiz's face flickers briefly with sadness.

FX eeps.

Moonracer shrugs. "Apparently. They sure seemed surprised to see you..." she trails off.

Sundiver sighs.

Pak-Gor mutters to FX, "Not..."

Supe-Arr says, "Ooh, take me!"

Rodimus swallows hard and doesn't respond vocally to FX, merely offering a haunted look in return.

Edward Bryant says, "Questions can wait until we have this explained. Get back to Iacon, now."

Whiz says, "Theis morbid fasination with who is dead serves no purpose."

Strafe grumbles softly, staring at the rifle he holds in his hand.

Pak-Gor grins reassuringly and hides a frown then goes back to looking tough.

Blaster nods, "Autobots, Move out."

Moonracer frowns, looking at Whiz, then turns. "Let's roll guys."

Moonracer gracefully sinks down, transforming into her hovercar mode.

FX looks at the ground and grows very quiet.

Nightshift says, "Homegirl's right, y'all. We better get back t' the crib an' figure this out."

Gunrunner folds up, transforming into a hovercycle.

Blaster transmits a message via radio to Moonracer.

Moonracer receives a radio transmission.

Supe-Arr says, "Hmm....wonder if I'm dead? Nahh, i'd probably just be brought back to life again in some grand issue..."

Sundiver looks to Rod. "We going, Fearless?"

Swoop shrugs and transforms.

Moonracer transmits a message via radio.

Blaster receives a radio transmission.

Double-Take mashes whatever equation he's workiing on to the background in his twisted little mind, showing a bit of discomfort as he does so. "Well it's nice to know if we're moribund..."

Swoop bends down and transforms into a fearsome Cyberpterodon.

Double-Take flips up and with a shifting sound, becomes an imposing warplane.

Rodimus nods. "Back to... Iacon."

FX says, "Need a Ride again Ed And Krys?"

FX pulls out a glowing yellow lasso and begins to twirl the lasso around him while he spins around. That followed up with a bright flash and the sounds of thunder booming thru the air. FX is transformed into his more than meets the eye imposing red volkswagen form, that sits infront of you now ready for some action!

Sundiver grins. "Iacon it is, then!"

Sundiver begins to fall foreward, arms and legs merging back into his hull. The wings on his back fold down to be level, and the nose-cone chest flips up over his head. Hovering in the robot's place is now an aerospace fighter.

Nightshift transforms into his vehicle mode, a 2002 black Ferrari.

Strafe says, "Iacon.. Primus."

Outrun transforms into hovercraft mode.

HoverRacer revs a bit. "Race you!"

Strafe folds down into a black attack platform.

Rodimus transforms into what can only be called a high-tech, flaming... car.

HoverRacer heads back.

Edward Bryant lets out a sigh, taking command. He starts to say yes, then looks over at Rodimus. "Perhaps we need to talk on the way?"

Teal Hovercraft bobs fairly close beside Rodimus.

HoverRacer leaves to the east.

Sundiver says, "Follow me, Outrun! I'll stay low and slow for ya..."

Hoverbike leaves to the east.

Firestar shifts downwards to become a crimson and white Hovertruck.

Whiz's body buckles as she folds down into an aerodynamic airskimmer.

Black Ferrari screeches his tires and heads towards Iacon.

Pak-Gor leaps into the air, and shifts and molds his body into his hoverbike mode. He lands with a clank and with a roar and a poof of smoke, starts hovering in the air.

You say, "If you want."

Cyberplane shakily gets off the ground and hovers.

By flipping his head backwards, Whistler reveals a jet propulsion unit. After bending and twisting his arms and legs, Whistler completes his transformation into a jet-powered hoverboard.

Black Ferrari leaves to the Road To Mines to the west.

Cyberpterodon leaves to the east.

Hoverboard leaves to the Road To Mines to the west.

Junky Red Volkswagen herms.. and heads away slowly..

Omega Supreme transforms into a massive rocket.

Black Attack Platform sets up to take the rear.

Brawl shrugs and decides he should leave, too.

Omega-Rocket soars upward to the Sky above Great Arena.

 Blaster says, "All troops to stand-by status....it appears that we have some unexpected visitors.."

Edward Bryant steps towards the Flaming Car, a look of concern crossing his face, "Coming, Krystal?"

Crimson HoverTruck revs up, forming up the front line.

Hoverbike's engine whooooowwwwwwoooooooooeooooooohs... Pakky grumbles. "Awww frag. Replaced that thing just last week. That was one of the last chevy engines in exist-Oh yeah.. Neat..."

Brawl takes just one moment to give Ed an evil look...

Green Airskimmer races her air jets for a moment, staying close to her fellow Cybertronians.

Flaming Car waits patiently.

Sundiver hovers close to the airskimmer. "Ready for a blast, Outrun?"

A strange arm comes out of the Hoverbike's side and bangs on it repeatedly.

Junky Red Volkswagen heads out slowly, 'Junkions, To Iacon.." FX says quietly.

Cyberplane follows FX.

Krystal Bryant blinks, shaking her head quickly as she snaps back. "Uh..yes. Of course." she whispers shakily.

The lithe form of Kaleidoscope shifts and folds, down into the form of a blue helicopter.

Junky Red Volkswagen leaves to the Road To Mines to the west.

Cyberplane leaves to the Road To Mines to the west.

Edward Bryant HAS ENTERED YOU!

Brawl leaps up into the sky...

Brawl soars upward to the Sky above Great Arena.

Krystal Bryant steps over to Rodimus tentatively.

Krystal Bryant HAS ENTERED YOU!

Sundiver stays with Outrun and Rodimus.

Hoverbike sputters and then sits firmly on the ground. "You dudes go on ahead. I'll catch up. Gotta do some work on the frabulator.."

Black Attack Platform circles around, a bit impatiently.

Blue Helicopter flitters westward...

Pak-Gor lets out a pop that could be gunfire, and shifts and molds into his robot mode.

Edward Bryant looks around, "Perhaps you should start from the beginning,and how you eneded up like this..."

Flaming Car pulls out after the caravan.

Pak-Gor pops himself open and starts grumbling while he fixes stuff.

Blue Helicopter soars upward to the Sky above Great Arena.

You move west to the Road To Mines...

Road To Mines

Sundiver enters from the Liberation Arch to the east.

Green Airskimmer enters from the Liberation Arch to the east.

Teal Hovercraft enters from the Liberation Arch to the east.

Crimson HoverTruck enters from the Liberation Arch to the east.

Sundiver follows Rodimus closely.

Rodimus broadcasts internally, "It's a long story, Edward..."

Krystal Bryant almost breaks as she finds herself inside, the old, comfortable familiarity there, but masked with a hollow and dark sense of sadness. Her trust returns to her instantaniously, but not without a great sense of turmoil.

Black Attack Platform enters from the Liberation Arch to the east.

Edward Bryant says, "I have plenty of time."

Krystal Bryant reaches out to place her hand on the dashboard, biting her lip slightly as she gazes quietly at its readings.

Green Airskimmer follow at Rodimus' side, seething about something. (as usual)

Rodimus winces inwardly. "I promise, I'll tell you the whole story once things settle down."

Edward Bryant reaches over and places a hand on Krystal's back.

Black Attack Platform takes up the rear.

[I don't know what you can sense anymore, and can't...I want to understand, Rodimus...Rodimus. I *am* here.]

Teal Hovercraft skims through the air, taking in the scenery almost breathlessly. Her course veers side to side [mailto:slightly.@pemit slightly.]

[mailto:slightly.@pemit @pemit] *krys=\[*some sense of the warm, familiar presence returns* I'm still here, Krystal.]

Flaming Car chuckles softly. "Watch where you're driving, Outrun."

Sundiver glides over to shadow the hovercraft. "Enjoying the view?" It chuckles.

Green Airskimmer says, "Yes, just because this is the past doesn't make it safe."

You say, "That's not quite what I meant, Whiz..."

Green Airskimmer says darkly, "Regardless, it is important to remember."

Black Attack Platform sighs to itself.

Teal Hovercraft hmms? and ohs softly, her path levelling out.

Flaming Car sighs. "Yes, Whiz, of course."

You move west...

New Cybertron Highway - Far East



Black Attack Platform enters from the east.

Aerospace Fighter follows closely.

Krystal Bryant looks back tearily at Edward, nodding in appreciation.

Edward Bryant frowns, squezing Krystal shoulder as he tries to keep the confusion from swirling across his face, offering his handkerchief.

Aerospace Fighter whees and does barrel rolls in the air. "Cybertronian skies, free and clear . . . Primus, I'm going to enjoy this!"

You move west to the Koriolis Desert...

You move west to the Vestral Overpass...

You move west to the New Cybertron Highway - East...

New Cybertron Highway 

Black Attack Platform slows down. "Getting closer..."

Crimson HoverTruck says, "Little bit of a tingling."

Teal Hovercraft quivers faintly.

Green Airskimmer reports impassively, [mailto:"The tingling may grow uncomfortable once in the base."@pemit "The tingling may grow uncomfortable once in the base."]

[mailto:"The tingling may grow uncomfortable once in the base."@pemit @pemit] *krys=\[*a certain awe at the whole thing... the planet itself, the people, a sense of mixed anticipation and dread regarding Iacon, and perhaps more importantly, the people within.*]

Black Attack Platform takes up a position closer to the ground, wavering in its course slightly.

Crimson HoverTruck responds quietly, "Understood, Whiz."

You say, "Hang in there, people. It's not going to be fun but we've taken worse."

Green Airskimmer says, "I don't advise being in the same room with your past self. The pain could grow debilitating."

Aerospace Fighter says, "Huh? Why? I mean, I'm not the brains here . . ."

Krystal Bryant blinks once, turning her head again momentarily to the dashboard, a faint look of wistful understanding trying to flicker across her face.

Green Airskimmer says, "The proximity buffers can only protect you from some of the effects of proximity to your past self. Discomfort will still occur with extreme proximity."

You move west...

Outside Memorial Spaceport

Edward Bryant looks over at Krystal, thenm back forward again, "You all right, Krys...?"

Black Attack Platform says, "Primus.."

Aerospace Fighter flies down low, skimmingthe ground, kicking up debris. "Yee-HAW!"

Crimson HoverTruck says, "Memorial..."

Green Airskimmer says, "By the.. flame..."

Krystal Bryant nods slowly. "Yes, Edward."

Flaming Car mutters, "Primus, it's been a lifetime."

Teal Hovercraft breathes, "Wow."

Aerospace Fighter says, "Memorial, Headquarters . . . how long has it been again? 8 mil?"

You move west to the New Cybertron Highway...

New Cybertron Highway 

Aerospace Fighter cheers as the tunnel begins to come into view.

Green Airskimmer says, "Nearly seven million years, Sundiver."

Transmission from Whiz: Your city. Are you going to be all right?

Whiz transmits a message via radio.

Flaming Car picks up the pace a bit as his tires hit painfully familiar ground.

Aerospace Fighter says, "It's like the place hasn't even changed . . . come to think of it, that's why I left it for a while..."

Edward Bryant doesn't look to convienced, but accepts the response, "I must admit I have my own questions, but I want to know what is going on before I start asking away..."

You transmit a message to Whiz: Our city. And I'll manage.

Whiz receives a radio transmission.

Krystal Bryant looks over at Edward, her face drawn in turmoil.

Edward Bryant listens to the radio, "Are you sure that's Whiz...?"

Krystal Bryant says, "Rodimus..." she breathes quietly. "What's happened to her?""

Edward Bryant grips Krystal's hand in support.

You say, "Yeah," his voice sounds more weary than anything else he's said tonight, "That's her."

You move toward the tunnel to the west ...

Tunnel of Retoris

Edward Bryant frowns to himself. "Damn.. what happened to her..."

The black attack platform forms into the Cybertonian warrior Strafe.

Shifting upwards quickly, Firestar transforms into her robot mode.

You say, "We never really found that one out, to be honest, Edward..."

Strafe shakes his head. "This is amazing."

Krystal Bryant looks out the window, shaking her head as she tries to figure, easily remembering the hostile glances, the pain, the hatred.

Edward Bryant draws in a breath, watching the situation unfold. "Time for us to get out, I suppose."

Strafe stares at the tunnel walls, in shock.

Aerospace Fighter flies low in the tunnel, realizing he's gonna haveto change or _really_ watch his flying.

The aerospace fighter's cockpit flips foreward, the wings back. Arms and legs form from the hull. Before you stands the heroic veteran warrior Sundiver.

Flaming Car slows, watching Strafe curiously. "Something wrong?"

Sundiver runs to keep up with the others.

Strafe says, "No. Just.. thinking."

The green airskimmer unfolds into the femme Cybertronian Whiz.

Edward Bryant has arrived.

Krystal Bryant pauses a moment, then slides out.

Krystal Bryant has arrived.

Rodimus shifts to robot mode.

Sundiver grins. "This is _just_ how I remember it..."

Rodimus shifts upward quietly, scanning the area.

Strafe says, "That's really it, ain't it?"

Firestar folds her arms over her chest, silent.

Double-Take comes in from the Iacon Plain to the north.

Whiz says, "This is really it."

Double-Take wanders out, holding his head.

Sundiver nods. "Iacon, sweet Iacon..."

Whiz steers a staring Outrun in the right direction.

Edward Bryant looks up at Whiz, as if trying to understand, a veteran gaze falling into his eyes.

Rodimus stands stock still for several moments, pain mirrored clearly on his face as he looks northward.

Double-Take ughs, taking a seat in the tunnel.

Sundiver grins up at Rodimus. "You okay, Fearless?"

Whiz looks sharply at Edward, then walks up behind Rodimus to put a gentle hand on his arm.

Rodimus says quietly, "I'm okay."

Strafe shuts his optics off for a few seconds, then restarts them.

Strafe looks at the old black Autobot symbol on his chest, with a touch or sorrow.

Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "... need help... or..."

Whiz whispers "I'm here if you need help... to explain... or..."

Double-Take says, "St-Strafe? that you?... Something wrong with your optics?..."

Edward Bryant shakes his head a bit, and places a hand on Krystal's arm. "We'll get this sorted out."

Sundiver claps either hand on Ed and Krystal's. "Primus, it's _good_ to be among people I remember..."

Whiz shrugs painfully and looks back down at the ground, recomposing herself.

Rodimus mutters to Whiz, "... manage. It's... I didn't... would... me... much.... familiar..."

You whisper "I'll manage. It's just.. I didn't think it would affect me this much. It's so familiar but so far away.." to Whiz.

Strafe looks slowly at Double-Take.

Transmission from Cyclonus: Status, Rodimus?

Double-Take wanders over, glad to have something to think about other than temporal physics and how he probably died. He runs a scanner over Strafe.

Strafe nods. "Yeah. It's me."

Double-Take pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Strafe.

You transmit a message to Cyclonus: We're just outside Iacon now. No problems so far.

Firestar's optics light up as the radio static sounds familiar, "Cyclonus...?"

Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "Other time,..."

Whiz whispers "Other time, other Cybertronians."

Rodimus murmurs quietly in agreement with Whiz, "You could say that."

You say, "Just checking in."

Whiz nods slightly to Firestar.

Double-Take scans, "Have you had this problem with your eyes for long?"

Firestar nods slightly, and looks north.

Strafe brushes Double-Take off. "Later."

Junky Red Volkswagen comes in from the Iacon Plain to the north.

WW I Tank comes in from the Iacon Plain to the north.

Double-Take shrugs.

WW I Tank says, "Rollin rollin rollin ... keep them doggies rollin!"

Whiz says, "We will have to enter. Sometime."

Transmission from Cyclonus: Few Decepticons on duty... our timing is... I believe after the ambush on earth.

Junky Red Volkswagen runs off something wrong...

Double-Take says, "The rest of you?... something you'd like patched up?"

Firestar says, "Take the first step..."

WW I Tank follows FX.

Junky Red Volkswagen leaves to the west.

WW I Tank leaves to the west.

Firestar starts forward, passing by the sensors and troops calmly.

You transmit a message to Cyclonus: The wha--? Oh.. *his voice turns slightly sheepish* That.

Whiz stares at Double-Take. "Our Sci-Med division has not been lax when it comes to maintenance."

Firestar heads north toward the Iacon Plain.

You say, "Never, Whiz."

Sundiver follows Firestar.

Sundiver heads north toward the Iacon Plain.

You say, "Shall we go in?"

Double-Take shrugs, "Fine."

Whiz squares her shoulders. "Yes."

Strafe stares northward briefly, before heading that way.

Whiz heads north toward the Iacon Plain.

You head north toward the Iacon Plain.

You move north to the Gates of Iacon...

Gates of New Iacon

Sidearm emerges from the massive gates.

Sundiver looks around as he enters. "Primus . . . "

Scattershot has arrived.

Scattershot walks in noisily.

Whiz is unable to keep her steps from getting quicker.

Scattershot walks in from the north to find a crowd.

Sidearm says, "There they are. So you, you, you, and you are all from the future?"

Strafe stops walking as he spots an extremely familiar face.

Firestar's optics go wide, "By the flame... how long has it been?"

Sidearm says, "By what flame?"

Scattershot absolutely fails to recognise most of the crowd.

Scattershot says, "An' who da sprock're these guys?"

Double-Take tries to scan several of them from afar, and isn't doing a very good job of it.

Strafe speaks slowly, "Scattershot.. Chief."

Whiz is recognizable, but different.

Firestar dittos Whiz.

Sundiver walks up to a computer terminal. "Computer? Recognize Sundive, voice-programming." The computer just beeps. "Doesn't remember me . . . all the proof _I_ need . . . "

Scattershot frowns as he hears Strafe's voice. "What da shick you let 'em do to ya? Hope it didn't screw up the merge systems..."

Sidearm says, "Sundiver?"

Sidearm looks Firestar over. "Scattershot, they *claim* to be from the future."

Sundiver looks at Sidearm. "Yay-o?"

Strafe looks at the ground. "We have some catching up to do, Scattershot."

Rodimus says quietly, "We *are* from the future."

Double-Take continues trying to scan them, afraid to ask them if they want any fixing done and taking it into his own hands...

Firestar says, "No claiming to it."

Car Carrier emerges from the massive gates.

Scattershot says, "Ya know I don't tink I ever heard you dis quiet. You okay?"

From NightThunder Swoop says, "You go. Me Swoop stay here."

From NightThunder Swoop jumps out the back of the trailer.

Swoop has arrived. Scattershot seems to have taken "from the future" and filed it in the big blue bin with the three revolving arrows on the front

Whiz says, "You are welcome to scan us. We have been upgraded, but are the same..."

Car Carrier rumbles by. "We have a big problem and it's name is Menasor."

Firestar places a hand on Strafe's shoulder. "It'll be all right."

Sidearm looks at Swoop. "They won't attack you again, I hope."

Strafe nods slowly. "Yeah.. Just great to see you again."

Sundiver supresses an instinct to grab his gun.

Car Carrier leaves to the south.

Whiz barely keeps her hands down.

Strafe glances over his shoulder and nods at Firestar.

Scattershot says, "Looks like everyone's gone stickin' stuff on 'em."

Scattershot says, "Cept you . Someone cut yer legs off at th' knee?"

Swoop looks around, frowning. "OK. Me Swoop no dummy. Something not right..."

Sidearm frowns slightly.

Strafe smiles slightly at Scattershot.

Whiz glares coldly at Scattershot.

Scattershot says, "No shicking kidding somethin' ain't right."

Sidearm studies Rodimus. "What do you want here?"

Sundiver walks up to Ed and. . . just stands there.

Rodimus scowls slightly at Scattershot. "No, I'm perfectly normal.. and we don't want anything, except to help."

Edward Bryant watches quietly, "Maybe we should take a few of us into the briefing room?"

Double-Take jumps around, trying to scan the various transformers without a snide remark once again.

Sidearm says, "No offense but so far your help as resulted in knocking out our leader and several of my friends."

Strafe glances at Rodimus before turning back to Scattershot. He speaks a bit quickly, "We were right."

Double-Take says, "Good point... they're effectively brain-dead."

Rodimus passes a hand over his forehead. "Believe me, I'm.. quite aware of that, Sidearm."

Sundiver pauses. "That reminds me, I wonder how _I_'m faring...."

Scattershot instinctively knows what Strafe means, and nods. He *almost* smiles.

Whiz looks at Sidearm. "He is your leader. Being your friend, however, is not assured."

Krystal Bryant blinks surprisedly at Whiz.

Sidearm looks at Sundiver. "Who are you? You said Sundriver or something, right?"

You say, "Whiz, there's no need to be so hostile."

Swoop says, "We friends! Me Swoop friend!"

Sundiver nods to Sidearm. "Sundiver, but close enough."

Scattershot notices Strafe's rifle, and *knows* something.

Whiz shrugs her shoulders without concern.

Sidearm says, "Sundiver, sorry."

Sundiver just stnads near Ed and Krystal, not doing much but looking around and grinning.

Sidearm says, "At least you know me. The humans are right, lets take this to the briefing room."

Edward Bryant stays next to Krystal, trying to sort this out still.

Nightshift emerges from the massive gates.

Double-Take continues running around trying to put together various scans and such. However, he obviously isn't doing a very good job...

Sundiver bends down close to Ed. "Um, sir? How are you?"

Nightshift says, "Yo, everybody listen up, Caern's on 'is way here from Earth."

Edward Bryant says, "In all honesty, confused, frankly."

Sundiver groans. "Caern . . . perfect. Never got over that incident...."

Rodimus mutters to Whiz, "Couldn't... can... at..."

You whisper "Couldn't you put better blockers in these field generators? I can FEEL it, Whiz; it's right inside and it's yelling at me." to Whiz.

Sidearm looks at Nightshift. "Great, ask him to drag Magnus here too. We could use some straitening out."

Scattershot matter-of-factly says, "They're tellin' da truth."

Nightshift nods to Sidearm and heads back inside.

Nightshift proceeds into the Iacon base.

Sundiver returns to Ed. "Hey, you should see it from my end. It's just as bad trying to convince you people..."

Krystal Bryant swallows, a small look of "uh-oh" crossing her face at the mention of anal-retentive security guru Caern. Should make things interesting.

Whiz looks at Rodimus in surprise. She mutters to Rodimus, "... it?... uncomfortable..."

You sense Whiz looks at Rodimus in surprise. "Can feel it? I merely feel an uncomfortable tingle."

Edward Bryant says, "Oh great, Caern?? We have about 8 hours before it goes to Hell then."

Rodimus mutters to Whiz.

You whisper "Not the body." to Whiz.

Sidearm receives a radio transmission.

Sidearm says, "If he's so bad, why would anyone put him in charge?"

Swoop says, "Seem like Caern not popular guy."

Sundiver nods. "He'll probably try to revoke my security clearance again..."

Sidearm says, "Noted, Swoop."

Whiz suddenly comprehends, and her face flickers with sympathy. She mutters to Rodimus, "... sorry.... Rodimus."

You sense Whiz suddenly comprehends, and her face flickers with sympathy. "I'm sorry. Nothing could block that, Rodimus."

Rodimus covers a momentary look of strangled desperation with an almost perfect mask and even manages a wry smile. "Caern's here?"

Rodimus nods to Whiz. "I had a feeling."

Edward Bryant says, "Not yet. He is on his way up. I would like to have this able to be explained before he gets here."

Sidearm frowns deeply. "He's coming by shuttle from what I heard." She glances at the gates. "Please, come with me. We'll head to the briefing room. I'm sure everyone knows where that is."

Swoop nods to Sidearm.

Rodimus dims his optics briefly and appears to run some kind of internal diagnostic. "I'll be all right."

Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "Your... able to use... while..."

Whiz whispers "Your former self is not able to use it while unconscious."

Sundiver pauses. "Briefing room . . . right."

Whiz looks speculatively at Rodimus.

Double-Take says, "Uhhh, could you guys... stand still for a second?"

Scattershot looks Strafe dead in the eye, and says quietly (especially for him). "So...do I make him pay in the end?"

Sundiver gestures towards the tunnel. "There, right?"

Edward Bryant looks around, "Perhaps we can keep this to command level only?"

Sidearm nods to Sundiver. "Around."

Rodimus jumps and shoots Whiz a startled look mixed with wild anticipation, suddenly shot down by anguish. "I can't. It's not mine."

Strafe thinks about the question. "Yeah. You do."

Edward Bryant says, "At least until it is straightened out."

Swoop sighs and grumbles. "So much for me Swoop getting answers..."

Scattershot actually smiles a real, honest smile. "Brutal."

Sundiver eeps. "Right, that's where they moved it by the time I got back . . . " He points to the briefing room. "Right?"

Sidearm frowns at Rodimus, piecing together an idea of what that means.

Whiz puts her hand on Rodimus' gently. "I'm sorry."

Scattershot looks like he's out of practice at this.

Sundiver nods at Ed. "We can try...but some of our command level isn't here..."

Double-Take sighs, and shakes his head. He sticks his medcorder in his holster and saunters elsewhere.

Double-Take leaves to the south.

Sidearm turns slowly, heading towards the north. "Lets get to the briefing room before a few million years go by."

Sidearm proceeds into the Iacon base.

Strafe quietly watches the ground, glancing up at Scattershot frequently.

Edward Bryant proceeds into the Iacon base.

Rodimus mutters, "A few MORE."

Iacon

Central Hallway - New Iacon Base

Contents: Edward Bryant, Sidearm, Kaleidoscope, Brontosaurus, Swoop, Whiz, Sundiver, Krystal Bryant, Scattershot, Strafe

Edward Bryant makes his way into the briefing room.

Kaleidoscope looks up, quietly...

Sidearm enters the Briefing Room.

Whiz gasps quietly, feeling a wave of prickling pass over her metal skin.

Sundiver enters the Briefing Room.

Strafe takes up position alongside Scattershot.

Scattershot glances toward Whiz as she gasps, but says nothing.

Swoop hmms. "Command staff me Swoop's tailpipe..."

Rodimus walks in slowly, staring around the room as though he couldn't take in enough in a lifetime.

Strafe slows to a stop.

Swoop follows Sidearm into the briefing room.

Swoop enters the Briefing Room.

Krystal Bryant cringes, swallowing the suddenly painful sensation from Whiz. "Whiz?"

Scattershot seems to be keeping a close eye on everyone.

Whiz straightens, then glares at Krystal. "It is none of your concern."

Strafe rubs the side of his head.

Scattershot says, [mailto:"You all right, Strafe?"@pemit "You all right, Strafe?"]

[mailto:"You all right, Strafe?"@pemit @pemit] *krys=\[Anguish. Pure, unadulterated. I've been without the Matrix for almost 8 million years and its in the next room and I know that it's still not mine to take.]

Kaleidoscope looks to the newcomers and bows politely.

Krystal Bryant shrinks back from the sting of Whiz's voice, her eyes widening in anguish at Whiz's spite.

Strafe slowly answers, "Yeah.. little confused."

Kaleidoscope softly says, "Greetings."

Scattershot nods grimly.

Whiz rubs her arms absently.

Strafe looks up to see Kaleidoscope and smiles softly.

Nightshift arrives from the Monitor Room.

Nightshift walks in.

Swoop arrives from the Briefing Room.

Swoop stomps out of the briefing room, not looking too happy.

Nightshift says, "Yo, Swoop, w'sup with you, man?"

Swoop says, "Swoop not 'command staff'. Swoop no get answer to questions."

Rodimus finally manages to drag himself into the briefing room. "Don't worry, we'll all have answers all too soon..."

The metal doors swish open, and allow you to pass.

Briefing Room

Contents: Sundiver, Sidearm, Edward Bryant Obvious exits:

Up &lt;U&gt; leads to Observation Tower - New Iacon.

Southeast  leads to Central Hallway - New Iacon Base.

Edward Bryant scowls, "Under the alliance treaty, you do. Now. Get. Out.

Rodimus blinks. "Some problem?"

Sidearm says, "He's trying to kick me out. Let me look for that alliance treaty."

Edward Bryant looks calmly at Sidearm, "No, she was just leaving, weren't you?"

Sundiver sighs. "I can quote it verbaitim if you want..."

Krystal Bryant arrives from the Central Hallway.

Edward Bryant gets short, "Sidearm, I say again, this is a command staff meeting, unit I recieve word that you are on command staff, leave."

Whiz arrives from the Central Hallway.

Sidearm rummages through files. "Well, lets see... Hmm, here it is. Alright fine."

Sidearm turns and walks out.

Strafe arrives from the Central Hallway.

Whiz takes a seat, careful to remain at a distance from the humans.

Sidearm leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

Scattershot arrives from the Central Hallway.

Edward Bryant lets out a rumble of pent up anger.

Scattershot takes his usual spot against the briefing room wall, and shows a remarkable lack of intensity.

Sundiver realizes he can't see well form a seat, and hops up on the table, sitting there.

Edward Bryant sighs, "Are there no Autobot Command Staff about, Scattershot?"

Scattershot says, "I got no idea where Magnus is at."

Strafe stands beside Scattershot, laying 'his' rifle against the wall.

Scattershot says, "I can put in a call..."

Scattershot says, "He might be on Earth though."

Edward Bryant says, "And Caern is on his way.. Chromia?"

Rodimus walks around the room, trailing his hand along the table and pausing at his old chair, just a bit too big for his current frame. He looks up blankly across the room at the door. "Grimlock came through there," he murmurs, looking down again at the table, his hands working in a motion as though to overturn it, then shakes himself forcibly out of the memory.

Scattershot says, "Who knows what she's up to? Don' much care either."

Strafe smiles slightly.

Scattershot says, "Grimlock's in here pretty often, bein' as he's a squad leader what gets briefed on things an' that's what dis room's for."

Strafe mutters to himself, "Chromia.. 'slaggin'..."

Caern arrives from the Central Hallway.

Strafe chuckles softly.

Whiz observs, "Our last guest has arrived."

Caern hurries into the room, "Alright. What in the name of Primus is going on?"

Sundiver tries to avoid looking at Caern.

Edward Bryant says, "Be seated, Caern.. this is gonna be a long night.. Rodimus, if you will please?"

Rodimus allows himself a warm smile for once, "Caern.. it's been a while."

Rodimus shakes his head and nods to Edward. "Of course."

Caern seems to be slightly taken aback, "Neddron's Belt. What happened to you?"

Whiz says, "That is what we are all here to discuss."

Scattershot says, "He shrank."

You say, "Too much. I'll try to explain."

Caern motions sharply at Scattershot before glancing at Rodimus and taking his seat.

You say, "What's the exact date, by the way? This is 2009, correct?"

Strafe frowns.

Edward Bryant says, "February 15.. the ambush occured yesterday."

Edward Bryant says, "But yes, it is 2009."

Rodimus makes a mental note. "All right."

Whiz reports, "Then we have achieved the selected time coordinate."

Sundiver nods. "The ambush . . . right! That was back when I needed a fighter . . . Scourge scragged me but good..." He chuckles.

Rodimus smiles wryly, "Yes, Whiz, I knew I could count on you."

Caern turns to glance at Sundiver for a moment and then back at Rodimus and Whiz, "Count on her for what Prime?"

Whiz says, "The machine was Pak-Gor's. I merely oversaw construction."

Rodimus dims his optics in quiet pain and he requests softly, "Please don't call me that. My name is Rodimus. No more, no less."

Scattershot says, "Yeah, whatever. So get to da point on why you come back here an' all."

Sundiver chuckles.

Edward Bryant says softly, "Always called you that anyway, Rodimus..."

Strafe glances up at Scattershot.

Sundiver looks over. "Safe to still call you 'Fearless', Fearless?"

You say, "We came back to prevent a revolution that in our time destroyed nearly all of Cybertron and its inhabitants. And yes, Sundiver, since I'll never break you from that habit anyway."

Sundiver grins. "As Ed would hav...would say, 'Damn Skippy'."

Rodimus chuckles.

Caern shifts slightly and glances at the others, "Cybertron destroyed?"

Strafe nods slowly.

Edward Bryant looks over at Sundiver, "It's eight million years supposedly, I doubt severely I would still be alive."

Whiz says, "Cybertron is... occupied. By hostile forces."

Sundiver nods sullenly. "Well...yeah."

Strafe's optics flash. "Come out and say it. Tell them about the Primes."

Edward Bryant says, "Occupied.. by whom?"

You say, "Overrun. Sky Lynx.." he looks over uncertainly at Whiz, then decides that if names are going to be dropped, it might as well be now, "Sky Lynx amassed an army of "primitive" Transformers -- Cybertronians with animal alt modes. Their combined force was enough to drive the rest of us off the planet and across the galaxy."

Whiz says, "Calling them the Primes is a perversion."

Rodimus grits his teeth. "Sky Lynx's name for them."

Edward Bryant nods a bit, "That is why you were silent around Swoop..."

Strafe says, "Yeah, well.."

Strafe shrugs.

Sundiver nods.

Strafe says, "Same thing. They're all scrap."

Strafe says, "Primes and Primitives."

You say, "We're not sure exactly what caused the revolt, but we think it may have been a Quintesson plot gone awry. We came back to stop it from ever happening."

Whiz says flatly, "We are all that is left of Cybertron."

Sundiver nods sullenly. "The others all died in the fighting."

Strafe glances at Scattershot, shifting his weight.

Whiz receives a radio transmission from Pak-Gor.

Caern glances around, "Of Cybertron you mean? What of Earth and Junkion?"

Whiz transmits a message via radio.

Sundiver winces at the mention of Earth.

You say, "We had a base on Junk for a while, until the Primitives overran it. Earth is..." he looks uncomfortably at Edward, "barren."

Caern says, "The humans? Dead?"

Sundiver nods. "Um...yeah, what he said."

Whiz says, "Sundiver, you were the last to explore its surface."

Sundiver nods. "Somewhere along the lines . . . the humans died out, yes."

Edward Bryant remains quiet, his brow furrowing, "Humanity is extinct, then?"

Caern shakes his head slowly, "This is a little difficult to believe. Surely Metroplex would have been able to defeat any force Sky Lynx was able to muster. We have a large garrison on Earth."

Strafe listens quietly, clenching his fists occaisionally.

You say, "As far as we can tell. We lost contact several million years ago."

Sundiver sighs. "I . . . don't want to screw thing sup, so I'll leave out how, but leave it at when I was there about . . . what was it, 5 or 6 million years ago, the most intelligent life was the dolphins. Or, what they had evolved in to... No humans, anywhere."

Whiz says, "Eight million years is a lengthy span for any organic species. Most of them adapt or die within three million. It was to be expected."

Sundiver sighs and rests his head on his palms.

Caern looks sharply at Whiz.

Rodimus sighs, "Whiz, a little less analysis, please..?

Strafe says, "No sense in hiding the facts, Rodimus."

Strafe says, "They deserve to know."

Edward Bryant nods. "You are right Whiz..." He leans back, feeling the cold sharpness, "Even the dinosaurs went extinct eventually, though I am interested in how it occured."

You say, "Well, we don't have to be brutal about it."

Whiz says, "I would prefer that they did not believe that we had abandoned them."

Whiz says, "We can fight Primitives, but not nature."

Edward Bryant blinks a bit, "Abandoned? How.. why? We just forged a treaty..."

Caern begins to look very grim, "What happened on Earth? Metroplex....Ultra Magnus?"

Whiz says, "We defended you with our lives. Until you no longer needed us."

Whiz's voice catches slightly, and she is still.

Rodimus says forcefully, "We defended Earth with everything we had." His tone turns sad, "It wasn't enough.."

Edward Bryant's eyes widen a bit, "No longer needed..."

Sundiver sighs. "Can we Change The FRAGGIN SUBJECT ALREADY?!?!??!?!?!?!?"

Rodimus says as gently as he can, "A lot of people died, Caern."

Sundiver pounds a fist on the table beside him.

Edward Bryant says, "I agree.." He looks up at Rodimus, "Perhaps you could get together with Krystal and me later for a better explanation though?"

Whiz says, "Sundiver, if you cannot control your emotions, you are welcome to leave this briefing."

Rodimus says as neutrally as he can manage, "Of course, Edward."

Sundiver stares over at Whiz. "Just _once_ since Junkion I'd like to see you _show_ some emotion..."

Scattershot hasn't reacted to any of this.

Whiz narrows her eyes at Sundiver. "My emotions have no bearing here."

Strafe frowns as his comrades' actions.

Sundiver groans and throws up his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. I'll shut down my circuts and becomes a Machine. Whatever you think is best..." He trails off.

Caern slams his hands on to the desk, "By Primus, I want facts and I want them NOW!"

Strafe says, "You want facts? You're all going to be dead, how's that for a fact?"

Strafe slams his fist into the wall disgustedly.

Scattershot says, "Just so long as it's worth it."

Rodimus interjects quietly but in a tone that defies disregard, "Everyone. Calm down. Now."

Whiz tolds her hands. "Caern. The Cybertronians fulfilled their trust to the humans. We defended them while they developed a protective forcefield to shield them from the Primitives. Then we left, and they lost touch with us. Those are the facts."

Sundiver sighs, running his hands over his face. "Okay . . . okay, sorry."

Scattershot adds, almost inaudibly, "...an' it will be...."

Sundiver shoots Whiz a look.

Edward Bryant says in disbelief. ".. a forcefield? What type of nut would seperate the Earth like that...?"

Whiz says, "When the forcefield failed, we returned, but the humans were no longer on Earth."

Caern shakes his head violently, "I wouldn't have left Earth unprotected. Neither would Magnus."

Whiz says, "Earth was protected. It was removed from the war. Believe me, they were fortunate."

Sundiver groans. "Thanks, Whiz. The one thing I _didn't_ want to do here was give them that idea . . . "

Scattershot opens his mouth to say something, but then realizes that at this stage it's probably preaching to the choir and doesn't say anything.

You say, "We can't go into a lot of detail here for fear of inadvertantly changing something we don't want to. Someone making a misjudgement in the future because they think they're assured to die some OTHER time. Bad feelings between friends because of future -- and hopefully never realized, now that we're here -- actions."

Arcee arrives from the Central Hallway.

Caern glances up and nods as Arcee enters.

Sundiver looks up. "Arcee!"

Rodimus freezes.

Whiz looks up and stiffens, immediately glancing to Rodimus.

Caterwaul arrives from the Central Hallway.

Arcee pushes open the doors and walks in, expecting to see someone she doesn't know, but that's only Sundiver.

Edward Bryant looks up, "Hello, Arcee. Take a seat."

Springer arrives from the Central Hallway.

Caern turns at the sudden movement, "Rodimus? Whats wrong?"

Strafe looks at Arcee until Caterwaul walks in.

Arcee nods, "I thought there was more than one?" She seems vaguely amused.

Strafe grabs a hold of his rifle uneasily.

Springer looks around. "Reminds me of a costume party."

Scattershot watches Strafe and follows suit.

Sundiver looks down at Cater and slowly reaches for his pistol.

Strafe says, "Rodimus, primitive."

Arcee chuckles softly as SPringer comes up behind her, then glances at Strafe, "Uhm, Strafe, Scattershot?"

Caern wrenches his optics from Rod, "Springer. No comments."

Caterwaul looks about curiously..keeping someone between him and the techno bots

Rodimus works his mouth a few times, unable to choke out any words, his hands tightening over the edge of the table until his knuckles grind.

Strafe motions towards Caterwaul with his rifle.

Caterwaul blinks?

Scattershot says, "Yeah?"

Sundiver glances to Strafe, nodding slightly, then goes back to looking at Cater.

Krystal passes out.

Caterwaul hops into Arcee's lap

Edward Bryant blinks as Krystal passes out, "Krystal?!"

Caern comes to his feet, "This situation is rapidly getting out of hand."

Whiz looks at Rodimus in concern, her cold mask falling away.

Arcee sits down at the table, in the nearest open seat.

Caterwaul links curiously...and looks about?

Springer nods to Caern, shrugging cluelessly.

Caern says, "Secretary General. Is your wife injured?"

Scattershot rubs his chin.

Caterwaul notes he's not to welcome or something...and cringes against Arcee...

Strafe watches Caterwaul, showing no emotion, keeping his rifle trained on Caterwaul.

Edward Bryant is up in a flash, picking up Krystal, "I.. don't know.. I think I will take her to the Iacon office and let her relax... and myself also, the shuttle ride tired me out."

Sundiver tenses as Cater cringes against Arcee.

Caterwaul just looked at you.

Caern glances back, "Strafe. Holster that weapon immediately!"

Arcee erks and looks down at Caterwaul.

Rodimus grates hoarsely, "I think it would be best... for his own safety.. if Caterwaul left the room."

Strafe ignores Caern.

Sundiver nods. "Mildly put..."

Caern glances at Scattershot, "Scattershot control your troops."

Pak-Gor arrives from the Central Hallway.

Caterwaul looks around. "Ums...maybe your rights...

Scattershot says, "He ain't doin' anything wrong."

Strafe growls softly.

Dee-Plane arrives from the Central Hallway.

Caterwaul vacates the premises...quickly...

Arcee hmms, petting Caterwaul and looking around, her optics flickering as she begins to notice a few... differenences, which she is TOO polite to point out at the moment.

Knightmare arrives from the Central Hallway.

Caterwaul aint taking any chances...

Pak-Gor says, "Ahh,. The others."

Caterwaul leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

Whiz says, "This is a restricted briefing for command personnel."

Edward Bryant picks up Krystal and carries her out.

Knightmare says, "Sorry. I found these guys on the Cybertron Highwya."

Strafe watches Caterwaul leave, still keeping a tight grip on his rifle.

Sundiver grins. "Knightmare!" He smiles. "Primus, I'm enjoying seeing all these faces..."

Edward Bryant leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

Knightmare looks at Sundiver. "huh?"

Arcee urms, "Uhm, am I missing something.... "Her gaze falls fully upon Rodimus.

Pak-Gor says, "Yeah. Good to be back."

Pak-Gor smirks. "Lady, you got no CLUE what yer missin'.

Sundiver grins at Knightmare. "Trust me, if you don't know, wait for us to get it figured out first . . . Seargant."

Arcee raises an optic at the odd junkion.

Rodimus swallows hard, forcing as level a tone as he can manage, although he's obviously struggling. "Hello, Arcee."

Caern comes to his feet, "I'd better check on Mrs. Bryant. I'll be back."

Edward Bryant arrives from the Central Hallway.

Sundiver notes how long it took Rod to respond.

Scattershot says, "Looks like SOMEONE's processors're fryin'."

Knightmare looks at Sundiver like someone's gone insane and then figures it out. "Ah. Timeline stuff."

Dee-Plane glances over to Pak-Gor...

Caern walks past Ed on the way out.

Rodimus tightens his jaw over anything else he was going to say, not trusting himself.

Caern leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

Sundiver nods.

Whiz grates, "If we could have some control, please."

Arcee notices the lack of anyone SAYING anything and asks a bit louder, "WIll someone explain?"

Pak-Gor says, "Dunno. Depends on what I can explain. Whiz? Can I tell 'em everything?"

Springer says, "Might help."

Dee-Plane quotes to Pak. "We have ways of making you talk..."

Whiz says, "We already held a briefing, Pak-Gor. It appears that we must now hold a second.""

Rodimus sits down shakily, his hands still in a death-grip over the edge of the table. "Yes, please, control, Whiz..."

Transmission from Firestar: Heads up. Primmie Grimlock and Legend incoming.

Pak-Gor smirks. "He's a little flustered cause he ain't seen ya in 8 million years. You wanna talk sore eyes...

You transmit a message to Firestar: They're not Primitives YET.

Arcee frowns slightly, lost at the moment to what exactly IS going on, "What's with the new paintjobs.... and ...." She stands up and glares at Rodimus now, her suspicions extremely heightened.

Transmission from Firestar: Yet being the operative word. Understood, sir.

Firestar arrives from the Central Hallway.

Firestar flips back her flamethrower and grumbles. "Sorry, Rodimus.. one of the Primmies spooked me and snapped off a shot."

Pak-Gor grins. "You pondering what I'm pondering Pink?"

Arcee glances at Pak, who she doesn't even think is Pak, "Yea," She grumbles, "Something is going on that I have a feeling I may not like."

Springer says, "Primmies? Sounds like a rock band."

Sundiver nods to FS. "I knew it...happening already."

Rodimus tears his optics away from Arcee to look at Firestar in concern. "Remember, we're in the past.. they're not Primitives yet."

Scattershot says, "Y'know, if you'd let us waste 'em when dey go down there'd be a lot less around when it all happened."

Firestar says, "I know, sir. Still getting used to that."

Pak-Gor chuckles. "What happens ain't exactly enjoyable. But after what we been through, I wouldn't mind it.

Rodimus stares at Scattershot blankly. "Huh?"

Pak-Gor says, "Earth calling Rod. It was 8 million years ago."

You say, "Oh... Primus, that was a lifetime ago Scattershot.."

Arcee shifts her gaze to Firestar, absolutely LOST at the moment, "... Firestar??

Scattershot says, "I *said* that if we'd been takin' Cons outta action, then when all dis happens there wouldn't be as much an army to take over."

Sundiver says, "Yesterday now, Fearless."

Rodimus sighs sadly. "Telling me this now won't help anything."

Firestar looks through Arcee, a quietness falling her for a moment then nods, "Yes, I am Firestar."

Scattershot says, "I know. Figured everyone else outta hear it tho'."

Pak-Gor smirks. "Kay. I'll spell it out. We're from the future. You're dead. We been to hell n' back. Well we just got back. Now we're gonna try to keep from goin' there.

Springer grins at Pak-Gor. "Right, so what's REALLY going on?"

Dee-Plane gives Pak-Gor a bizarre look...

You say, "Thank you for that poignant summary, Pak."

Dee-Plane shakes Pak-Gor. "And the whales??"

Sundiver says, "Couldn't have put it better myself, Pak-Man."

Scattershot says, "He's tellin' the truth."

Arcee decides to just ignore the look with a sigh as she sits back down, looking for someone who IS completely 'normal.'

Sundiver walks over to Arcee (on the table) and sits in front of her. "You _are_ a sight for sore optics."

Arcee mutters to herself, "... Rodimus,... this... cannot... Rodimus..."

Pak-Gor smirks. "Sorry. Gotta admit it's a trip being here with all these unsuspecting friends."

Edward Bryant throws up his hands. "This is entirelly too much to digest for now, folks. Look, when you are ready to explain this civilily, give me a holler, I'll be staying in the EDC office."

Knightmare almost regretably butts ins. "It think you'll need to see this, Arcee. I don't quite believe all of this either, but take a look at this first."

Rodimus catches his name and give Arcee another tortured look.

Pak-Gor says, "Sure it can. Rent Back to the Future."

Arcee's optics flicker at Sundiver, as she doesn't recognize him, trying to go through her memory files so as not to say something.... wrong.

Dee-Plane says, "Is there a problem with the Earth's gravitational pull in the future, Pak?"

Pak-Gor grins. "This is heavy."

Whiz slaps her hand on the table palm-down. "This is not a briefing. This is chaos!"

Sundiver grins. "Relax, you wouldn't know me in this chassis. Just take my word for it, okay?"

Arcee jumps and looks at Whiz,her optics open wide, "Sheesh."

Springer says, "Yeah, I noticed. How about we all quiet down and figure out what's up?"

Pak-Gor says, "Well duh. Who didn't see this coming?"

Edward Bryant says, "I agree, Whiz."

Whiz says, "I understand your excitement, but we are accomplishing nothing."

Whiz says, "Sit down and be silent. We will explain what we can."

Knightmare stands up. "OK! I know this isn't my place, but you need to see this!"

Sundiver grins at Whiz. "Yeah, but we can _afford_ a little chaos right now..."

Rodimus stares at the tabletop and draws several deep breaths.

Sundiver turns to Knightmare.

Pak-Gor smirks. "Lady in pink walks in of COURSE Big Rod's gonna freak."

Leaving out the door, Edward Bryant adds, "Just let me know when you are ready."

Knightmare says, "Please?"

Whiz swivels to regard Knightmare. "What is it?"

Edward Bryant leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

Sundiver nods to Knightmare. "Go ahead."

Rodimus Prime has arrived.

Knightmare points to the obvious holograph and back to Rodimus.

Sundiver looks up at the holo, then back to Knightmare.

Whiz growls, "Turn that thing off."

Scattershot says, "Yeah? He shrank. So?"

Arcee receives a radio transmission.

Pak-Gor mutters to Arcee, "... you better..."

Rodimus forces an even tone, "What's your question, Knightmare?"

Arcee's optics widen even more, and she gets up, "This is going to have to wait..."

Sundiver says, "Your point, Sergeant?"

Arcee transmits a message via radio.

Whiz snaps out, "Arcee."

Whiz says, "We will explain the situation Sidearm is talking about."

Arcee frowns at Whiz and then gives Rodimus a LONG look, "Listen, all I know, is that she just radioed me that Rodimus is in the repair bay, unconscious and I want to know WHY." She criticizes Rodimus with a look, still completely LOST.

Arcee receives a radio transmission.

Knightmare says, "I just check through tactical. The two schematics check. This is Rodimus Prime . .minus or plus some wear and tear."

Arcee transmits a message via radio.

Pak-Gor looks Arcee straight in the optic, his patch staring at the other. "Listen. We are from the FUUUUTURE."

Sundiver winces. "Drop the 'Prime', willya?"

Whiz grates, "Stop tormenting him with the holograms and the Prime."

Scattershot says, "So maybe th' other one shut down cuz you can't be in two places at once?"

Springer says, "Slow down, we can't go running around everywhere. Next thing you know, everyone's leaping off bridges."

Knightmare shuts off his holographics.

Dee-Plane glances to Rodimus, then to Pak, then to Rodimus, then to Pak...he begins to scan Pak...

Rodimus Prime has left.

Rodimus grasps Scattershot's suggestion like a lifeline. "Yes," he confirms, eager to change the subject. "Our alternate selves have been stasis-locked due to our proximity. They're in no danger."

Arcee receives a radio transmission.

Arcee transmits a message via radio.

Sundiver says, "Which reminds me, you guys are in _lot_ closer proximity than I am. Any idea what's going with _my_ body?"

Pak-Gor says, "Prime went into a nice sleep when Future Rod got here. So did Whiz, me and all the other time travelers. Rod'll be find when we're gone and hopefully you will too."

Arcee folds her arms, "Ok, explain." She looks pointedly at Whiz.

You say, "Time-stream proximity, Sundiver, not physical. I think."

Rodimus glances at Whiz for confirmation.

Whiz's gaze rises to Arcee's meeting it with a cold and steady stare.

Sundiver pauses. "Oh, okay. That . . . kinda makes sense." He shrugs. "I never was a technical type."

Whiz says, "It's paradox."

Arcee sees hardly anything in Whiz, to identify as Whiz anymore, "Who /are/ you anyway?""

Dee-Plane gives Pak-Gor a bizarre look. "OK, so you're not the you I knew you before from? Or are you?"

Arcee receives a radio transmission.

Pak-Gor grins. "I'm the 9 million year forcast of the Pak you knew.

Whiz says, "If we were to cause damage to our other bodies, we would destroy ourselves. Thus, when the two selves are too close in the time stream, they both shut down to avoid paradox and self-destruction."

Arcee transmits a message via radio.

Pak-Gor says, "'Cept we don't cause we were repaired."

Whiz says, "We are protected from those effects by the proximity-buffers that Pak-Gor has developed. The other bodies are going to be fully functional as soon as we are gone from this time frame."

Dee-Plane ooohs. "Can you turn to liquid metal? And what about Dr. Who? Did the daleks ever get him?"

Arcee receives a radio transmission.

Whiz says, "As Sidearm reported, the other bodies are in a stasis lock. There is nothing to fear from us."

Springer crosses his arms and leans back against a wall, listening.

Arcee moves over near Springer, since he's about the only one she KNOWS isn't giving her some freak looks.

Scattershot is staring at his former sidekick, who's gone into downcycle against a wall

Whiz narrows her optics slightly. "And there is no need for curses. We are not the Cybertronians you know... but we are still allies."

Arcee looks at Whiz, wondering HOW she heard what she was radioing.

Pak-Gor says, "Everyone here is very freaked cause you were.... A memorable causalty. Sorta the straw that broke the camel's back. It's like seeing a ghost.""

Springer looks at Arcee. "Ever feel like you're in a twilight zone episode?"

Whiz is [mailto:creepy.@pemit creepy.]

[mailto:creepy.@pemit @pemit] *krys=\[Desperation. So long, so many countless centuries alone, locked in my own bitter memories, I just want to hold her and never let go but I can't...]

Arcee nods to Springer and murmers.

Arcee mutters to Springer, "... creepy."

Sundiver sighs. "Look, this is not gonna get better unless we give it some time. On that note, where do we keep the hangar these days? I need a restcycle. Haven't had a good restcycle for five million years...."

Whiz turns to Pak-Gor. "Those details are unnecessary."

Knightmare stands up. "I'll escort you, if no one objects."

Dee-Plane pouts. "I feel so out of place."

Scattershot draws his sword and immediately buries it in the ground to get attention.

Springer nods. "And some." He glances at the others. "So if you all are from the future, why are you here?"

Firestar remains against the wall. Armms crossed.

Pak-Gor smirks. "Sorry. If I reveal too much I might alter the future?

Sundiver winces at the sword, and quickly hops off the table. "Lead on, Sargeant."

Whiz mutters to Pak-Gor, "... have... we reveal. They could... comrades... overconfidence -... they... they... die."

Arcee looks at Scattershot but says nothing.

Whiz mutters to Pak-Gor, "... is... reason... died."

Knightmare nods dispationatly to the door. "Follow me."

Sundiver follows.

[A strong wave of emotional turmoil touches you for a moment before a supportive one sweeps in to desperately try and comfort.]

Knightmare leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

Sundiver leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

Scattershot says, "Look. You probly think somethin's wrong wit' my head for believin' someone like dis, but dey're tellin' the truth."

Scattershot says, "Listen to 'em, dat's all I gotta say."

Scattershot looks like he's never been more certain of anything.

Arcee nods to Scattershot, knowign him well enough to believe him of this one.

Springer says, "I am, even if this sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie."

You say, "Thank you, Scattershot."

Sundiver arrives from the Central Hallway.

Pak-Gor mutters to Whiz, "... is... We... death... by the time... If all... according... plan.... Primmys,... got... death... know about."

Sundiver leaps back in. "Yipes!"

Whiz says, "If we wished to deceive you, we would have advanced a more plausible story."

Sundiver says, "I'll just, uh, restcycle by Stafe . . ."

Rodimus chuckles dryly.

Dee-Plane grins. "Nah...this isn't so unbelievable...remember when Man-E-Faces from He-Man was really evil when he first showed up? Now THAT was unbelievable. I've got that episode archived back at my lair."

You say, "What's wrong, Sundiver?"

Whiz mutters to Pak-Gor, "But... harbor... against... it,... not... it. End..."

Scattershot says, "What can I say? I know my own soldier when I see 'im."

Arcee smirks and dryly remarks, "Truth is stranger than fiction....."

Whiz looks at Pak-Gor severely.

Sundiver sits down by Strafe. "Um...outside? Grimlock, Legend, Caterwaul, And a Turbo-wolf . . . I'd prefer to stay in here, thank you very much."

Scattershot withdraws his sword and returns it to its usual sheath.

Pak-Gor mutters to Whiz, "... gonna give the..."

Springer mutters to Arcee, "Don't... from... We just... them... the... just... to know... They're... selling girl scout cookies... all."

Sundiver re-checks the charge on his pistol before shutting down, leaving only his alarm systems active.

Rodimus says with an effort, "They're not against us, Sundiver. They're still on our side."

Whiz observes, "Long habit is difficult to break."

Arcee mutters to Springer.

Rodimus doesn't take his optics off Arcee, a haunted look on his face. "I'll agree to that one."

Arcee turns toward the more than familiar voice, absolutely having no real idea as to what to do.

Dee-Plane turns to Pak-Gor. "Even if you're from the future, yer still Colonel Hogan ta me, sir." He salutes.

Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "And... wish I... no... was..."

Whiz whispers "And those we have lost are difficult to see. I wish I could have prepared you somehow. I has no idea she was on the way."

Springer says, "So, talk. What are you guys doing here? This isn't exactly a hot vacation spot."

Scattershot withdraws his rifle from its usual place and turns it over in his hands, an almost sentimental look on his face.

Rodimus mutters to Whiz, "... I... I..."

You whisper "No, I knew. Somewhere.. I knew. It's not your fault." to Whiz.

Pak-Gor grins. "Just don't freak. We're here to fix everything. We came in. We do our thing. You do yours. We go. You got your old Rod back. And Rod will have an OOOOOOOLD Arcee back."

Rodimus smiles gamely.

Whiz sneers, "Nice and cozy."

Firestar smirks. "And we don't get to fight the Primmies."

Scattershot looks up.

Dee-Plane looks over to Firestar. "The who??"

Rodimus shoots a startled look at Whiz. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

The door seems to open slightly, as though someone is pushing against it.

Springer says, "Some rock band or something."

Scattershot says, "Unless, o'course, everything happens anyway."

Dee-Plane turns to Springer. "Umm...what I said...The Who." He grins innocently.

Dee-Plane pretends to smash an air guitar.

Scattershot says, "I seen a show when I was laid up on Earth back a while...everything just fell into place."

Whiz allows Rodimus' question to roll off of her back.

Firestar swings around, alert to the movement, plasma flamethrower coming to life with a dull thruming noise.

Scattershot is less sure of himself than he's trying to sound.

Springer transmits a message via radio.

Kup arrives from the Central Hallway.

Arcee sighs at Scattershot, "Shows are plotted, this is REAL life, not a script."

Whiz growls, "If this were a script, we would only have had to explain this once."

Kup walks in with a slight nod to the summoning Springer.

Dee-Plane says, "Hungry for Life, Thirsty for Answers."

Springer says, "Odds are you got a third time. Hey, Kup, you wouldn't believe what's going on."

Arcee stands beside Springer, at the edge of the room regarding everyone else in the room with looks of deep suspicion.

Pak-Gor smirks. "Lemme explain it like this.

Rodimus's face breaks into an open grin on seeing Kup. "Damn, I never thought I'd see you again, old-timer."

Scattershot turns back to his "sleeping" brother and puts a hand on his shoulder.

Firestar taps her radio worriedly. She mutters to herself, "... careful... Cyc..."

Pak-Gor draws the famous forking line on the chalkboard from Back to the future 2 on some conveniant drawing surface.

Arcee's gaze narrows, "If that is all... I am going to check on Rodd--e-mus." She starts to say her usual name for him, then turns to the door, catching herself.

Kup's face shows a clear fog at Rodimus, then he notices that something is not quite right, "What in the tarnation is that supposed to mean??"

Firestar looks back at Kup, looking well older than him.

Pak-Gor smirks and draws a circle on where the line forks off and lables it YOU ARE HERE.

Springer nods to Arcee.

Rodimus's smile fades at both Arcee's and Kup's comments.

Scattershot appears to be missing the end of his left little finger.

Springer mutters to Arcee.

You say, "Sorry. It's... been a long time."

Pak-Gor smirks. "This line is the chronostream. Just bear with me. I'm not that good an artist.

Dee-Plane looks at the drawing, then to Pak. "Where's the fire exit?"

Arcee mutters to Springer, "... I will..."

Arcee mutters to Springer, "... not..."

Springer mutters to Arcee, "... should..."

Whiz sits down and looks at Pak-Gor. "Ensure that you do not say too much."

Arcee walks on out the door, glancing at the picture and picking up the general idea, that and from what has already been said.

Pak-Gor says, "No talking! And spit out that gum. Did you bring enough for everyone?"

Arcee mutters to Springer, "Keep..."

Kup get's even more puzzled as he notices Rod's smaller frame, "Hot Rod? Firestar? Whiz? What the hell happened to you."

Dee-Plane shakes his head nervously. "No, teach. Just enough for my bedpost."

Springer nods. "later."

Arcee turns toward Kup, "I'll let you figure it out, it's too... creepy."

Whiz says, "This is getting us nowhere."

Pak-Gor smirks. "We're from up here." He points to the end of the line forking up. "This is our future. We didn't like it much. In fact, we didn't like it SO much, that we developed a machine to take us HERE. *Points to the circle." This is our past and your present.

Springer says, "So why are you guys here?"

Arcee leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

Rodimus looks after Arcee with words obviously stuck in his throat, but afraid to let them out.

Scattershot seems almost placid as he goes into the third (fourth?) time thru the story

Pak-Gor says, "We're here to do something that's gonna change THIS future *Draws a sad face at the end of his present. To THIS future. *Draws a happy face at the end of the other line."

Dee-Plane folds his arms. "So the 1985 you know has been replaced with an ALTERNATE 1985, in which Biff is rich, and we're just sort of...here?"

Pak-Gor smirks. "Then we're egonna go to THIS future, and enjoy late retirement.

Pak-Gor says, "We hope."

Rodimus stands up and moves around the table, letting Pak do the explaining this time as he walks over to Kup.

Springer says, "So what are you gonna change?"

Pak-Gor says, "I could tell you, but then I'd hafta disrupt the space-time continuum. Let's just say things are gonna get a little crazier in the next couple days and we're here to provide some forsight."

Kup watches Rodimus come closer and makes further notations on his appearance and sttitude

Whiz nods approvingly at Pak-Gor.

Springer says, "I really feel a whole lot better now."

Scattershot sighs

Rodimus mutters to Kup, "I never... chance to... Maybe this doesn't... sense... of these days,... now... being there.... for..."

You whisper "I never had a chance to say thank you. For everything. Maybe this doesn't make sense now, but it will. One of these days, I promise. For now... just.. thanks. For being there. I wouldn't be where I am now if it hadn't been for you." to Kup.

Pak-Gor says, "However I CAN say that not many of us make it to our future. Hence the sad face. So if we tend to look dazed, you read it someplace we got cause to be."

Kup nods, still puzzled, but starting to understand at least part of the reason why Rod seems different, He mutters to Rodimus, "... wouldn'ta done..."

You sense Kup nods, still puzzled, but starting to understand at least part of the reason why you seem different, "Nothing any other Autobot wouldn'ta done lad."

Whiz looks up impassively. "What is it that we can do to gain your confidence, Springer?"

Dee-Plane glances to Pak again, pointing to himself. "So I'm...toast?"

Firestar pushes herself off of the wall and goes over to Rodimus, muttering quietly for a moment. She mutters to Rodimus, "... And... briefing... beyond me..... to..." She smiles faintly, "See if I can contact him?"

You sense Firestar pushes herself off of the wall and goes over to Rodimus, muttering quietly for a moment. "Sir, Cyclonus hasn't reported in in a while. And thie breifing is way beyond me.. Permission to..." She smiles faintly, "See if I can contact him?"

Rodimus nods quietly to Firestar.

Springer says, "Why can't you guys be straight with your plans, for starters?"

Blue tape arrives from the Central Hallway.

Blue tape clatters to the floor...

Whiz says, "The future is full of pain, for al of you, unless we change it. We want to keep that pain from touching you without cause."

Rodimus smiles wryly. He mutters to Kup, "... about... there,... think... a few..."

Kup senses "Rodimus smiles wryly. "Careful about your nicknames there, old-timer, I think I may have a few years on you now.""

Scattershot says, "Life without pain ain't real life."

Firestar nods and straightens up, saluting, "If I get a hold of Cyclonus, I will let you know.." She stops, and reconsiders what she said, "Have to remeber what year this is..."

Kup stifles a mild chuckle, "From the sounds of things, yes you do."

Springer says, "So basically you guys screwed up the first time and want a do-over?"

Whiz says, "If you died in the future, we don't want you to believe that you are safe until you reach that circumstance. Nor do we want you to hold unnecessary hostility toward those who may have turned upon you in the future, without our interference.""

Pak-Gor says, "Yo! Wasn't our fault."

Scattershot suddenly goes rigid and stern again, looking like he's perfectly willing to stare down whatever he has to.

Pak-Gor quotes, "I've seen STUFF that'll turn you WHITE."

Dee-Plane looks at himself, then up to Pak-Gor. "I *AM* white."

Kup decides to interrupt, "So what exactly do you want us to do then?"

Springer says, "I'm happy green."

Scattershot looks like he probably heard something he shouldn't've.

Whiz says, "If we succeed, nobody will be hurt."

Firestar makes her way out.

Firestar leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

You say, "We just want your help. We need to keep this thing from happening but even we're not sure exactly how it started. We just know the consequences if it DOES happen all over again."

Springer says, "Okay, fine, look at it from our side. You're here, you say you're from the future, and you want to do something but you can't tell us. Don't expect everyone to jump up and down to willingly let you. People are gonna be suspicious."

Pak-Gor says, "This ain't just a "Do-over" This is the only way we got of preventing a future that ain't worth looking forward to. Things happen that'll catch everyone SO off guard you ain't gonna know what to do."

Whiz reports coldly, "All we know is that we have to find Sky Lynx."

Kup says, "What does Lynxy have to do with this?"

Dee-Plane says, "Nothing catches me off guard...cept that annoying Emergency Broadcast System test thing...I *HATE* that."

Whiz says, "He initiates the rebellion of the animal-formed Cybertronians that eventually decimates our race."

You say, "I understand that, Springer, which is why we'll do whatever we have to in order to work together on this."

Whiz looks challengingly at Springer. "Are those details sufficient?"

Kup takes a double take as he begins to ponder what a rebellion of that magnitude could do.

Springer says, "Yeah, also hard to swallow. Heck, I can't even put it in my mouth. Mr. Ego? I knew the guy had plans but this is a little out there."

Rodimus reads Kup's expression carefully. "Whatever you're imagining," he says levelly, "Double it."

Whiz says, "We do not believe that it is entirely his fautl."

Scattershot says, "So what specifically's gotta be done t'stop this?"

You say, "That's part of our mission; to find out WHAT happened."

Kup nods to Springer, "VERY out there... heck, I was surprised when he challenegd Optimus after his revival."

Whiz says, "Our Quintesson allies believe that they may have had a hand in it, but their access to their records was restricted. We must find Sky Lynx and determine what has made him rebel."

Springer says, "Missed out on the Optimus clone thing. Lucky me. Woah, time out. Quintesson allies?"

Scattershot keeps his thoughts on Optimus to himself.

Whiz says, "The rebellion spread to the Sharkticons. They were forced to seek our protection."

Rodimus says gravely, "The Sharkticons turned on them.

Dee-Plane blink-blinks at the words Quintesson and allies in the same sentence...he quickly turns to give Whiz a look of total disbelief.

Springer would laugh if this was different circumstances.

Pak-Gor smirks. "Tuna Helpers helped us make a great meal.

Scattershot, without a word, goes over to the grav-lift and up to the tower, his footfalls heavy on the ground.

Scattershot gets on the Grav-Lift, and disappears upwards into the Observation Tower.

Dee-Plane shakes his head. "Looks like you guys aren't gonna have an easy time of this. There could be Big Trouble in Little China..."

Springer says, "To be honest, I haven't seen Sky for months."

You say, "In any case. Certiorarius thought the whole thing may have been a Quintesson plot gone awry, but we need to confirm that, THEN figure out how to stop it."

Pak-Gor says, "So when we FIND Big Bird, what's the plan. He gonne be- you know- when we find him?"

Rodimus looks uncertain. "We'll have to hope not, Pak."

Dee-Plane turns to look at Pak-Gor again.

Whiz says, "My theory is that analysis of his neural net will offer a clue as to the nature of his dysfunction."

Kup says, "Springer's right, Lynxy's been stayin to himself ever since he got back into his own body."

Springer says, "So what, he just needs a check up and then you guys are out of here?"

Pak-Gor grins. "Then maybe we can work out a vaccine and prevent stuff.

Pak-Gor hrmms.

Pak-Gor says, "In that case it's time for plan Q. Improvise."

Whiz says, "I doubt it will be that easy, but that is the plan."

Scattershot returns from the tower and walks out without a word. Scattershot leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

Springer says, "You won't hurt him?"

Kup says, "If we can find him, how do propose convincing him to get a check up? Tell him that we think that the Quints screwed with him and that he is going to lead the animal-based Cybertronian's on a blood-bathed rebellion?"

Rodimus grates, "Certainly not," running over some painful memory internally by the look on his face.

Pak-Gor says, "And should we keep some distance between and the insane?"

You say, "But they're not insane. That's the frightening part."

Springer says, "Dunno, Kup. That might GIVE him ideas if any of this junk is true."

Pak-Gor says, "Meantime, you all might wanna control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."

Scattershot arrives from the Central Hallway.

Whiz says, "We must ensure that he does not suspect that we wish to harm him. If it were practical, I might be tempted. However, any overt action against him may only shift his focus in an unknown direction,and we woudl be unable to stop him. We must stop him, even if it means capturing him physically."

Whiz's voice flattens. "I don't care what it takes."

Kup says, "Yeah, who knows. These guys being hear might just plant the seed in him that activates whatever the Quints put in hiim"

Dee-Plane notes Pak-Gor, and waves. "Goodbye from the Price Is Right!"

Springer says, "Hang on, he hasn't exactly DONE anything wrong yet."

You say, "Whiz, he used to be my friend. I don't think that's fair."

Pak-Gor says, "Well let's not get paranoid."

Kup says, "Well, frankly, we do care what it takes. No matter what he's done in your time, right now he is still an Autobot."

Rodimus's face twists suddenly and he falls silent again.

Whiz shakes her head. "I am here to prevent the Uprising. That is the most direct way to do so. We capture him and neutralize the threat."

Scattershot looks like he's not sure whether to care or not.

Springer says, "Yeah, I'm sure having you guys in the funky designs won't freak people out."

Whiz says, "I do not suggest murder."

Scattershot turns back toward Strafe, who's of course still on downcycle, and just shakes his head.

Springer glances at Kup. "What do you think?"

Whiz looks back at Kup, her optics cold.

Scattershot slumps over next to his comrade, apparently planning on downtiming himself.

Scattershot has not been paying attention to what's been said in a while.

Kup glances around the room quickly, focusing in on Whiz, "I thik they're legit... this may not be our Rodimus, but one thing that will never change about him is looking out for anyway to save lives that he can find. We will cooperate, but the tests on Sky Lynx are to be closely monitored.

Rodimus nods. "As I should expect."

Springer says, "Well, shouldn't be too hard to find a giant dinobird."

Pak-Gor grins. "Got a point there."

Whiz adds, "A giant bird with space flight capabilities."

Dee-Plane says, "Not hard to find...maybe hard to catch."

Pak-Gor says, "But if the whole thing's started, it might snowball and already be too late to be too easy."

You say, "All the more reason to get started as soon as possible."

Springer grins at Whiz. "If he's gonna start this rebellion or whatever, like you guys say. Odds are he's not doing it light-years away."

Kup nods to Rodimus, "Right."

Arcee arrives from the Central Hallway.

Whiz says, "I have ceased to underestimate Sky Lynx."

Arcee returns and walks back over to the wall, her expression rather... fixed.

Tyrannosaurus arrives from the Central Hallway.

Tyrannosaurus says, "Boo."

Springer grins. "Hey, Grim."

Scattershot rubs his hands over his face a couple more times and scowls.

Whiz stiffens defensively.

Rodimus twitches for his gun and restrains the reflexive action sharply.

Arcee chuckles at Grimlock, "We already knowyou were coming."

Kup smiles uneasily as Grimlock enters.

Scattershot is sitting against a wall. "'eya, big guy."

Pak-Gor says, "But what do we do if we see Pinky here in the same room with you-know-who. Do we assume infection, try to stop her, or sell tickets and decide not to interfere with the space-time continuum?"

Kup mutters to Rodimus, "easy... on..."

Kup whispers "easy son, he's still on our side."

Rodimus mutters to Kup, "I know.... habits die..."

You whisper "I know. Old habits die hard." to Kup.

Springer says, "Pinky?"

Double-Take arrives from the Central Hallway.

Arcee mmmms?

Whiz says sharply, "Pak."

Double-Take receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus says gravely, eyeing Arcee, "Pak-Gor, I came back to stop this. I have no intention of.. selling tickets."

Double-Take enters quietly

Pak-Gor says, "I just wanna prevent stuff. But I wanna know what I should prevent."

Arcee takes the pinky to refer to her but is lost at the OTHER bit.

Whiz says, "Prevent it all. But try not to hurt anyone in the process."

Arcee receives a radio transmission from Sidearm.

Pak-Gor says, "Got it."

Kup mutters to Rodimus, "I... can tell... happened..."

Kup whispers "I don't suppose you can tell me.. you know.... what.. happened..."

Arcee transmits a message via radio to Sidearm.

Scattershot finally indicates that he's been listening. "I'll take dat to mean "Try not to hurt any Autobots inna process."

Rodimus mutters to Kup, "I... any... was one... the.. first casualties.. of the..."

You whisper "I can't drop any names. Arcee was one of the.. first casualties.. of the Uprising." to Kup.

Kup nods reverently, He mutters to Rodimus, "... understand... it..."

You sense Kup nods reverently, "I understand... jsut hopin' I made it few million years."

Whiz moves closer to Rodimus to report something. She mutters to Rodimus, "They... ask... our... to... technology..."

You sense Whiz moves closer to Rodimus to report something. "They are about to ask for the technology of our proximity buffers. We cannot permit them to gain access to our technology in this time frame."

Pak-Gor says, "Don't really wanna hurt the primmys either. They're not bad. Just drawn that way. As for the cons... Well I don't wanna hurt them either."

Tyrannosaurus looks around and hmphs.

Arcee peers at Whiz.

Rodimus nods to Whiz, "Agreed."

Arcee transmits a message via radio to Sidearm.

Scattershot says, "Any Terror I spot's shickin' dead. Nothing changes."

Whiz looks at Arcee and touches the silver diamond of her audio receptor, then nods slightly.

Rodimus smiles slightly. He mutters to Kup, "... than you should..."

Kup senses "Rodimus smiles slightly. "Longer than you should have.""

Pak-Gor smirks. "Fine, but you didn't do it cause of anything WE said wink wink nudge nudge.

Kup grins widely at Scattershot, "Look's like you can't go wrong there lad"

Scattershot says, "Nothing changes."

Arcee receives a radio transmission.

Arcee looks at Whiz suspiciously, then at Rodimus, "Would you mind... if I had a personal 'talk' I have a lot of questions."

Rodimus ulps.

Whiz's gaze immediately slides to Rodimus in concern.

Kup chuckles at Rodimus, He mutters to Rodimus, "That... million... not... positive of..."

You sense Kup chuckles at Rodimus, "That point passed a few million ago, so that's not too positive of a comment."

You say, "Uhm... yeah, sure.."

Springer mutters to Arcee.

Pak-Gor says, "Well we apparantly can't answer those, but that's OK cause you're not listening. This explanatory meeting's been way helpful. We can change the cronostream but we can't say anything about it but we can still try to explain ourselves."

You say, "Only what we have to, Pak."

Arcee mutters to Springer, "... LYNX??"

Pak-Gor says, "Yeah yeah. I watched Back to the Future. I just don't see how ANY added changes to our timestream's gonna be anything but improvement."

Arcee looks extremely shocked at what she was just told.

Double-Take listens silently.

Dee-Plane pats Pak-Gor on the back. "Explain what ya have to, when ya have to. Do what ya have to, when ya have to. It'll work out, and if it doesn't...just remember they never made a Back To The Future 4." He winks.

Pak-Gor says, "So. Operation follow that bird's in action."

Springer mutters to Arcee, "... goes bad... see... they... this is... stop it.... I... would probably wait... nothing... They're either... or... Thing... look... see... lot..."

Arcee mutters to Springer.

Blue tape hecks with it..

The Blue and gold cassete unfolds into the form of the robotic lynx Caterwaul

Tyrannosaurus eavesdrops shamelessly.

Whiz steeples her hands and continues to observe Rodimus, then sees Caterwaul unfolding.

Caterwaul sits just inside the door

Arcee motions to Rodimus and for the door.

Rodimus tries very hard to ignore the large dinosaur in the middle of the room.

Kup says, "Right, Springer, I need you to find out his last reported location...." trails off seeing Springer whispering to Arcee.

Whiz demands, "How long has that been there?"

Double-Take sits next to the cat near the door.

Springer huhs? He looks over at Kup. "You want me to find Mr. Ego?"

Rodimus mutters to Whiz, "... easy,... against us."

You whisper "Go easy, they're not against us." to Whiz.

Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "It... report... have... how... this..."

Whiz whispers "It could report back to Sky Lynx. We have no idea how far this has progressed."

Rodimus slides out carefully around Grimlock. "Just don't go overboard, Whiz."

Tyrannosaurus growls briefly.

Double-Take rubs Caterwaul's tummy.

Caterwaul closes his eyes half way, and starts purring

Arcee leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.

Kup says, "No, just his last reported location."

Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "If... escapes... much more..."

Whiz whispers "If Sky Lynx escapes because of this, our mission will be much more difficult."

Rodimus clenches his fists, priming the laser banks in his arms, but keeping them at his sides with an effort.

Tyrannosaurus says, "Heheh."

Pak-Gor says, "Whoa whoa whoa! Before we give him the idea to start jurrassic porking down on us, maybe we should check to see if he's a good witch or a bad witch."

Kup says, "Cool it Grimlock..."

Knightmare arrives from the Central Hallway.

You say, "Okay, Whiz, okay..."

Whiz slowly relaxes.

Pak-Gor smirks. "We gotta remember thet the primmys aren't all primmys yet. But keep your guard.

The metal doors swish open, and allow you to pass.

Central Hallway - New Iacon Base

Contents: Arcee, Black and Gold Turbo-Wolf, Legend

Black and Gold Turbo-Wolf lifts her head and wags her tail.

Arcee is on her way to the comissary, pausing at the tube.

Rodimus walks out nervously, fists tight at his sides, the laser banks on his arms primed and ready to fire but holding himself back with some kind of superhuman(?) restraint.

Legend sighs and leans up against the wall, being emotionally exhausted by this.

Arcee sighs, noting Rodimus' position and walks on, "Don't shoot anyone...."

Rodimus says quietly, "I'm not about to."

Legend nods to Rodimus. "Sir."

Arcee is whisked away north on a people-mover into the Main Commissary.

Legend ohs, shutting up quickly. Just realizing who it is.

Rodimus nods with remarkable restraint, keeping his tone unintrusive. "Legend."

Rebound erms, "Hot Rod?"

Rodimus pulls a short breath and starts after Arcee. "Not for a long time, Rebound.."

Rebound looks confused at that.

You are whisked away on a large people-mover, through a tube, into the Main Commissary.

New Iacon Main Commissary

Arcee walks directly toward Elita's room, since she doesn't feel right about going to your office, or her own.

Transmission from Cyclonus: Rodimus... the infection is already on Cybertron...

Rodimus follows, a rather puzzled look on his face.

You transmit a message to Cyclonus: Who?

Arcee has left.

Rodimus pauses abruptly.

Transmission from Cyclonus: *grating with hatred* Razorclaw... I believe his team is also infected. It is only safe to assume that.

You transmit a message to Cyclonus: Understood. Relay to Whiz; she'll want to know.

Elita's Sanctuary

This small room serves to be the sanctuary of peace for Elita-One. The decor is spartan, a recharging bed, a small table and chairs with some datapads about it. The only notable item is a glowing crystal ring, suspended by a thread on the wall.

Contents: Arcee

The room seems remarkably clean, despite its lack of use in the last year.

Rodimus glances around the empty room a bit puzzledly. "Why here..?"

Arcee smiles softly, although a bit tense, "I come here to think...."

Rodimus nods stiffly, working his hands as though to bleed off pent-up energy, his whole stance radiating his unease.

Arcee motions to a chair, "Please... sit down."

Rodimus looks between the chair and you and back several times, then finally sits down haltingly.

Arcee takes her own seat, in her usual calm manner, although her optics reflect that she has a LOT of questions.

Rodimus sits as though poised on a pincushion.

Arcee looks directly at you, as though searching your optics, "Relax... what do you think I'm going to do... I'm a bit unsure of what's going on myself." She tries to speak soothingly, "I know what I've been told, but I want to know...."

You say, "I'm not afraid of what you might do. I'm afraid of myself.. but what do you want to know? Anything."

Arcee speaks in a hushed tone, almost a whisper, "What... happened to you?"

Arcee says, "The Matrix?"

Rodimus's face twists in sudden wrenching agony. "It was.. taken from me."

Arcee looks at you sympathetically.

Rodimus says in a shuddering voice, far from characteristic, "It took eight of them to hold me down... I tore myself apart struggling but it didn't do any good.. and Sky Lynx-- ripped it out---"

Arcee's optics widen a moment, "... Sky Lynx.... but why Sky Lynx....." She sighs softly toward you, definitely touched at the moment and in a different mood from earlier.

Rodimus struggles to regain control of the all-too-vivid memories scorched on his neural net. "We think the Quintessons were involved.. they manipulated him into thinking he had to take over, he and his army of primitives.."

Arcee nods, recalling everything the Quints have already done to Sky Lynx, "I see.... but the others, they have choices and I know many would never turn on their allies... like Caterwaul and Steeljaw."

Arcee says, "Or Swoop."

Rodimus says grimly, "Tell that to Blaster."

Arcee looks slightly surprised and taken aback, "You mean...?"

You say, "They turned on him."

Arcee nods slowly, "The Decepticons? Did it affect them also?"

Rodimus nods. "Soundwave never got over the tapes leaving... the Predacons took out half the ranks, and Trypticon--"

Rodimus shudders.

Arcee says, "... Trypticon was....."

Arcee nods, catching the implication.

You say, "He destroyed Vilnacron, most of Iacon and killed Galvatron."

Arcee winces, "Say no more, Rodimus.... it sounds bad enough, but now, why are you here, to stop them...? "

You say, "If you had the chance to save eight million years worth of dead friends, wouldn't you take it?"

Arcee nods, "I would.... but, can you truly change anything?"

Rodimus says firmly, "We have to."

Rodimus draws some measure of confidence from that statement.

Arcee nods, "Then I will assist you in any way possible.

You say, "If we can stop it at the root, the whole thing need never happen.."

Arcee says, "The root, being... Sky Lynx?"

Rodimus nods. "Or rather, the Quintesson meddling that did that to him.

Arcee frowns, "D*MN Quintesson's, why can't they mind their own business and stay on their planet."

Rodimus says ruefully, "Because the Sharkticons rebelled.." before remembering what time frame you're referring to.

Arcee' s optics flicker, "That.. is a scary thought."

Rodimus looks down at his hands. "It's scarier to live it."

Arcee nods to you, "I imagine so...." She draws a deep breath, and ventures another question that has been edging on her mind since she has now accepted that you are telling the truth.

Arcee rests her arms on the table before her, leaning forward slightly, "Rodimus ... " Her voice lowers and almost seems to tremble, "What happened... what happened that you seem to treat me as a ghost, someone you haven't seen in... millenia..."

Transmission from Cyclonus: Razorclaw escaped to Earth. Predaking is there now.

Rodimus looks up helplessly, trying to meet your optics, his gaze haunted, empty. "I..I haven't."

Arcee nods slowly, "I won't ask... about what happened, or when, but ... is it far in the future?"

Rodimus whispers, "Within the month."

Arcee frowns at the thought, "It's.. going to happen that soon.. why didn't you choose an earlier time to return and warn us?"

You say, "The technology was far from perfect. It's amazing we got this close, really.." he chokes on the explanation. "I came.. I came back to save you, whatever else happens, Arcee I can't let you die--"

Rodimus coughs as he chokes himself up and falls silent of his own accord.

Arcee nods slowly, "Did you come back, just to save me?" Her voice is edged with something somewhat guarded.

Arcee is TRYING to remain calm, but the urge to comfort you is extremely strong, afterall, you are Rodimus, yet.. not .. HER Rodimus, which stops her.

Rodimus shakes his head. "To save everyone." He looks up helplessly, unable to keep up the facade of careful control. "But you were the first... and I never got over that."

Arcee nods, "The first, what a way to go." She tries to smile, but the thoughts are obviously beginning to get to her, "... Perhaps, I should stay away from all the primative alt forms."

Arcee says, "Especially Sky Lynx..."

Rodimus nods glumly. "If it kills me, Arcee, I swear I won't let it happen.." his optics search yours desperately for some inkling of support. "I can't tell you how much.. how much I lost that day..."

Transmission from Whiz: Razorclaw has escaped the Decepticons. He has retreated to Earth and is calling for Autobots to aid him with a virus of some kind. I suggest you monitor the channels if possible.

Arcee gets to her feet, and walks over to you, bending down before you to take your hand, the only gesture she really feels comfortable with, " ... I can tell."

Rodimus grits his teeth and looks away, afraid for his own self-control.

Rodimus says hoarsely, "I know I told you... I would always love you.. I KNOW I did." He stares hard at the far wall, his frame shaking, "Eight million years, and I never got over it."

Arcee smiles a bit more, "This has to succede, we must stop it as soon as possible...." She pauses, listening, "You told me, .. so many times." She speaks softly, "And I believed it every time.

 Wreck-Gar hasta go. night!

Arcee doesn't know whether to withdraw or continue holding your hand, with your actions, but figures moving might be far worse.

Arcee receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus sighs heavily.

Transmission from Whiz: Sky Lynx is in the main corridor. Grimlock, Rebound, and Caterwaul are in the immediate area.

Transmission from Whiz: This could be a serious situation. Please advise.

Arcee transmits a message via radio.

Arcee receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus stands up suddenly and pulls away, turning his back. "I don't have any right to do this to you.."

You transmit a message to Whiz: What's his.. status?

Arcee transmits a message via radio to Springer.

Transmission from Whiz: Unknown.

Arcee receives a radio transmission.

Arcee transmits a message via radio to Springer.

Transmission from Pak-Gor: Yo. Get out of your little seance. We got a situation out here. Big Bird's in the vacinity of several will-be primmys. Things're gonna get ugly SOON.

You transmit a message to Pak-Gor: I know...

Arcee says, "Something wrong?"

Rodimus looks back at you, "I have to go. Sky Lynx is here."

Transmission from Pak-Gor: Yeah thanks. Preciate it.

Arcee sighs softly standing up, "I know."

Arcee receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus's hands twitch in some impulse to move, which he sharply cuts off, and heads for the door before his self-control wears any thinner.

New Iacon Main Commissary

You step on the people-mover, and head south through the tube into the Base.

Central Hallway - New Iacon Base Contents: Knightmare, Pak-Gor, Whiz, Tyrannosaurus, Sky Lynx, Caterwaul, Sidearm, Rebound, Legend

Arcee arrives on the people-mover from the Main Commissary.

Sky Lynx draws back looking WHiz over and then Pak-Gor, he smirks slightly and laughs, "Oh I see, some sort of a game? Trying to play a trick on me are you? IS it my birthday perhaps?"

Arcee follows Rodimus in.

Rebound is whisked away north on a people-mover into the Main Commissary.

Whiz is being eyeballed by Sky Lynx and looking rather leery about it.

Tyrannosaurus hehs. "That's right...just wait till you get your present."

Pak-Gor says, "Ah yeah. My rep proceeds me. Someone who useta be serious wanna try?"

Sidearm says, "Come to the medbay if you wish to see their unconscious forms."

Tyrannosaurus starts circling slowly around the hallway, keeping his optics on Sky Lynx.

Knightmare looks up, his arms still crossed. "No games."

Whiz says, "Sky Lynx, I am incapable of joking. I lost tht ability a long time ago. You must cooperate with me."

Rodimus remains in the back of the room, obviously unsettled but not sure what to do about it.

Sky Lynx turns his head in Rodimus' direction and gapes slightly, "What in the name of Optimus Prime are you chaps trying to do?

Whiz is making a stiff fist to keep her hands from trembling.

Legend just shakes his head, waiting for someone to make heads or tails of this whole thing.

Sidearm leans against a wall. "I don't know anymore. Everything is crazy."

Caterwaul says, "Beleives it or nots Sky Lynx..but they're tellings the truth..or believes they are anyways."

Whiz is too focused on Sky Lynx to notice anyone else arriving or saying much.

Legend sighs, carrying more than a hit of depression in it. "Maybe I picked the wrong day to check it. I supposed I could have stayed out of Iacon for a few more cycles."

Tyrannosaurus keeps circling around the hallway, now slightly behind Sky Lynd. "That right...we just trying to help."

Rodimus says quietly, "Hello, Sky Lynx."

Pak-Gor says, "We're from the future. Why's that so funky to everyone. I know if _I_ saw every one of my friends that mysteriously collapsed walking around 8 million years older elsewhere, I'D be open to ideas."

Caterwaul says, "I wouldnts say the same for Grimlocks over there..."

Whiz grates through a clenched jaw, "Could someone send Syke a message to explain why she cannot speak to Razorclaw..."

Knightmare calls up. "If you will just humor us, er, them, and try this out, you can judge for yourself if this is valid or not."

Sidearm frowns at Pak-Gor. "Or bothered by them. I have good friends out cold because of your strange expeditions."

Legend waves Grimlock over to him.

Pak-Gor says, "Granted. But they're FINE. Promise. They're in perfect hibernation."

Pak-Gor says, "They'll wake up when we're done doing what a man's gotta do."

Knightmare says, "It's not like you can't handle us if something went wrong, right?"

Rodimus says dryly, "I could hardly wish my past self any ill-will."

Whiz touches a hand to her audio receptor. "Galvatron is landing in Africa."

Sidearm says, "Only if you were really who you say you are."

Rodimus frowns. "Galvatron? What for?"

Sky Lynx says, "No, this is ridiculous and I do not wish to hear the reasoning for this less than acceptable joke. I have endured far to much recently to be the butt of someone else's joke. My sense of humor has long since evaportated in recent times and quite frankly I have more important things to focus my attention on that your ridiculous pranks." He looks at Rodimus, "And it seems that some would go to all extents to make their friends look like complete asses for the sole purpose of getting a small chuckle. I would have expected more from you Rodimus. You no better than the rest of them!"

Whiz reports, "He is in pursuit of Razorclaw. Cyclonus accompanies him."

Pak-Gor says, "I may be a couple million years older but this is the same Pak that took the human plunge with you. Remember? Disneyland?"

Legend comments, "Destorying your past self would be destroying yourself. If they truely believe it, we should have nothing to fear... "

Caterwaul blinks at SkyLynx. "Rest of them?"

Pak-Gor receives a radio transmission.

Rodimus spreads his hands. "Sky Lynx, look in the med bay yourself. Rodimus..Prime's," he stumbles over the name, "body is in there."

Pak-Gor transmits a message via radio.

Legend frowns.

 Whiz says, "This is Cybertron. Broadcasting to Syke and Autobot City."

Pak-Gor receives a radio transmission.

Knightmare says, "Guys, you might be pushing this a bit much. Just let Sky Lynx see for himself."

 Whiz says, "Razorclaw is operating independently of the Decepticons. He is not to be trusted... the other Decepticons are landing in African in pursuit of the rogue Predacon.  Do not engage."

Rodimus nods. "Back off him, guys. I trust him."

Pak-Gor says, "Yup. That's me. I've been through 8 million years of icky not niceness and I'm not gonna take it anymore. I'm here to make a difference. Trust me. My younger self'll thank me. He won't hafta become THIS."

Legend says, "I think it'd be best if you were not to push this too much."

Rodimus eyes Sky Lynx hard, trying to fight back the pain and betrayal and focus on the friend he used to have.

Sidearm leans against the wall, looking saddened at all of this.

Pak-Gor transmits a message via radio.

Legend steps away from the wall and over to Knightmare.

Knightmare looks over to Legend and nods.

Legend mutters to Knightmare, "Why... they... pestering... What did... to..."

Sky Lynx says, "Yes the REST of them, like the Technobots and their ridiculous accusations and anti-animal Transformer attitudes. I have been proved my self time and time again to not be associated with those cruel Barbarians known as the horde and yet after two years of complete devotion and loyalty they still accuse me of being a freak! And you know what the largest farce is, they have been with us for 2 years, I have been fighting this war for 4 million and everyone sides with the damned Technobots, the barbaric, misguided Technobots! I had it with all this anti-primitive sentiment. What? we don't have feelings?"

Rodimus shifts a nervous look at Whiz.

Whiz takes a step back.

Transmission from Whiz: We have reason to fear.

Whiz transmits a message via radio to Rodimus.

Legend winces a bit at ever exclaimation Sky Lynx makes, not wanting to hear them.

Pak-Gor says, "Houston... We have a problem."

Sidearm says, "I was never really that fond of Scattershot, Sky Lynx."

Pak-Gor receives a radio transmission.

Pak-Gor says, "The eagle has landed."

<Autobot> Whiz says, "Syke, do not engage. Repeat, remain within Autobot City. Raise the defenses if you must."

Legend mutters to Knightmare, "... I'll admit I've... him for a short time,... tame.... you'll accept the human phrase.... known him... rather..."

Caterwaul ehs. The technos have always been jerks

Knightmare looks up at Sky Lynx. "If someone claims that, not everyone does. I, for one, don't. You've proven to be a rational thinking in the past, so why not now?"

Pak-Gor transmits a message via radio.

Legend doesn't comment on the second part of Knightmare's statement.

Legend nods, "If what I'm told is true, the accusations are proposterous. I've never known Sky Lynx to be anything by a kind and valorus Cybertronain."

Caterwaul has disconnected.

Whiz says icily, "Sky Lynx, this is not a trick. The Technobots are irrelevant. You are our concern. If you trust us - if we have ever been friends to you - cooperate with us now. It could save hundreds of lives."

Sky Lynx says, "and you decide to play some ridiculous joke on me to "cheer me up" well it's not working this time. Try taking who I am into considerations sometime, I'm not just some hateful war machne, there's more to me than tooth and claw. Stop with all these pretenses and trying to cheer me up or read me like a book. I'm not yours to be psycho-analyzed, but I have given my all for 4 million and I could even get the respect of a few friends ... all I get are cruel jokes and name calling and no respect whatsoever, and quite frankly I don't need it."

Legend grumbles to Knightmare.

Rodimus says quietly, "C'mon, Sky. What about all the good times we had together? I thought we were friends. You know I never thought poorly of you."

Legend mutters to Knightmare, "... loud in... wish..."

Knightmare nods with Legend.

Sidearm says, "I doubt Sky Lynx would be Lt. Commander if he was not respected."

Dee-Plane arrives from the Briefing Room.

Rodimus swallows hard, fighting down the pain evident in his face.

Dee-Plane stands tall in the doorway, an imaginary cape and an air of heroism pervade his expression. "I'm here to be a deus-ex-machine plot device...to answer all your questions, and solve all your problems!" He looks around, hmms, then throws his imaginary cape down on the ground, and stomps on it. "Bad cape! Bad!"

<Future-TF> Whiz <IC> Whiz broadcasts, "Sky Lynx already appears to be descending into his paranoia. Unobtrusive scans are not able to pick up any anomalous readings.  We will need to scan him with our equipment if we are to make any progress.  Grimlock, Caterwaul, and Rebound have been exposed to him for a long period of time, so exercise caution. Whiz out."

Sidearm tilts her head at Dee-Plane. "That was interesting."

Sidearm looks up at Sky Lynx.

Legend implores, "Please, could we stop this for a moment. Continual arguing will get us all nowhere and we all need time to think... And the noise is making my audio-receptors ring.

Sky Lynx eyes Rodimus angrily, "You .. you who I have placed every bit of love and affection and effort to get the rest of these autobots to respect you, you who I spent such a long time trying to get you to reclaim the matrix when that clone was walking around with it, YOU WHO SPAT IN MY FACE WHEN I TOLD YOU HOW MUCH YOU MEANT TO US! HOW MUCH YOU MENT TO ME! What the hell good times are you talking about?"

Dee-Plane grins innocently at Sidearm.

Rodimus blinks. "Spat in your face?"

Legend mutters to Knightmare, "... that'd..."

Tyrannosaurus shrugs. "Sounds like the same Sky Lynx to me."

Knightmare looks to Legend and nods.

Dee-Plane winces at SL's words. "Woah...bad vibes a'happenin'"

Whiz shudders, as if reliving a particularly painful memory.

Sky Lynx says, "You did nothing and waved me off like the others, the one who believes in you most, well maybe it's time to start believing in something else."

Knightmare says, "Guys, this is getting out of control. Let's sleep on this. Good night."

Knightmare starts walking out of Iacon.

Legend scowls in the direction of the arugment, and steps out after Knightmare.

Knightmare leaves Iacon, via the main gates.

Legend leaves Iacon, via the main gates.

Sky Lynx turns abruptly and starts for the door, "Yes ... maybe it is time to find something else to believe in ...

Rodimus shakes his head, "Sky Lynx, I don't understand, I never did that to you, at least not intentionally. We've.. we've always been friends. Remember Hyperion? It's a lot longer ago for me than you, but..."

Whiz says in an almost dead voice, "Sky Lynx, don't turn your back on us. Don't betray our friendship."

Sky Lynx says, "I have much to contemplate, we will discuss this when you are in a less jovial mood."

Sky Lynx leaves Iacon, via the main gates.

Dee-Plane just sort of stands there. He raises a finger, and opens his mouth, but nothing comes out, as SL leaves before he can say anything. He glances to his side, and lets the hand swing limp at his side.

Whiz lowers her head. "Now do you believe us?"

Rodimus releases a long, juddering sigh and sags back against the wall, doubling over with the back of one hand pressed to his chest as though in pain.

Tyrannosaurus says, "So...time for plan B?"

Tyrannosaurus smacks a tiny fist into his palm.

Sidearm frowns. "Believe what? I barely know what's going on."

Whiz says achingly, "Sky Lynx is about to betray us all."

Dee-Plane glances around with frantic concern, at Rodimus, then everyone else. "Woah, woah, hold up...I had no problem with believing......"

Whiz says, "He is about to gather an army of the animal-mode Cybertronians and destroy us all. And it is already too late to stop his own corruption."

Dee-Plane says, "However...I also have an aching desire to live, too."

Dee-Plane glances to Whiz. "Is it?"

Sidearm says, "So you just stand there and give up already? How....quaint."

Whiz looks up. "We did not come this far to give up. If we cannot stop his corruption, we will have to stop it from spreading."

Dee-Plane stands tall, and delivers a quoted, altered speech. "Remember, ask not what Sky Lynx can do to you, ask what YOU can do for Sky Lynx."

Whiz suddenly withdraws a large chaingun. "One way or the other."

Sidearm looks off. "You are not Whiz. If this is so important, why aren't you running out there now and attempting to stop Sky Lynx? You let him walk out."

Dee-Plane walks up to Grimlock, and leans casually up against him. "Y'know, I have no problem with logical solutions, but when it comes down to it..." He grins, and smacks his fist into his palm. "Plan B works for me, too."

Whiz replies icily, "I could not have stopped him. He is already convinced that he is correct."

Rodimus straightens slowly, regaining his composure as the memory passes. "We saw that just now."

Whiz says, "And, to be entirely honest, I am terrified of being alone with him. After what I have seen him do."

Sidearm says, "So instead he's running out now to do who knows what. How logical."

Rodimus looks sharply at Whiz and grimaces miserably.

Dee-Plane thinks. "It's a toughie...we trap him, and affirm his feelings...we talk to him, and he won't listen..."

Whiz acknowledges the glance and nods to Dee-Plane.

Whiz says, "If we attack, we lose him forever, and possibly the element of surprise as well. We could touch off the rebellion we seek to avoid.""

Dee-Plane says, "Can we knock him out somehow, and examine him? I mean, something we're sure will take him down, and keep him there? You've got all that techie stuff..."

Sidearm shrugs. "Better stop him now and fix whatever is wrong with him rather than letting him loose in his unstable condition."

Dee-Plane folds his arms. "We need a subtle approach...but how do you get subtle with a giant dinobird?" He begins to pace.

Rodimus nods. "Agreed. Capture him if at all possible. I don't want... this Sky Lynx.. dead."

Dee-Plane says, "I agree..."

Dee-Plane thinks for a moment.

Whiz says, "If he were dead, the threat could come from an unexpected direction. We could fail our mission. Bettter the devil we know, to quote the humans."

Dee-Plane says, "I have a possible sub-idea for that notion"

Dee-Plane says, "What if we were able to get a non-Autobot to capture him? He can't hate the Autobots for doing it to him if they don't actually do so."

Whiz says, "Cyclonus is on Earth with Galvatron, pursuing Galvatron."

Dee-Plane grins. "I know the perfect way to knock him out...I've got some old 'Manimal' tapes archived...that'll do the trick! No, wait! How about 'Automan'? Or maybe 'Supertrain'??" He begins to gain an evil twinge to his grin.

Sidearm looks at Dee-plane oddly.

Tyrannosaurus says, "Hey Whiz, you sure this thing only work on guys who change into animals?"

Tyrannosaurus pokes Dee-Plane lightly with his hand.

Whiz nods. "Something about the programming necessary to support the animal alternate-form. There is something in the instincts... we never determined the root."

Whiz says, "But it never affected anyone else."

Dee-Plane glances to Whiz for a moment...

Sidearm says, "Perhaps you should have someone explain everything over a terminal."

Whiz raises her glance to meet Sidearm's. "Over a terminal?"

Sidearm says, "Why not? Why should this be such a big secret?"

Whiz sighs. "Our aim wwas to contain the knowledge to avoid affecting the future. That has been proven impractical."

Whiz says, "However, there are details which should remain unknown. If the future changes, there is little need for you to know the extent of its horror.""

Dee-Plane says, "Yeah, we'll experience it for ourselves in time."

Sidearm says, "Contain it? How can you change time by not changing what happens? By not saying anything, you have everything continue on its course."

Whiz says, "No. If we succeed, you will be spared."

Dee-Plane says, "Woohoo! We'll be spared."

Whiz says, "We have already altered the future just by warning you that danger is coming. But whether the horror is averted depends on our actions in the days to come."

Sidearm says, "If they succeed. It seems to me they merely succeeded in agitating Sky Lynx."

Dee-Plane says, "I dunno...in a couple million years, I wouldn't mind coming back and saying Hi to everyone who didn't make it."

Whiz says, "Sky Lynx is already agitated. However, you are now aware. You will use caution, and that is then useful."

Tyrannosaurus says, "Well maybe you have a better idea."

Whiz looks with some concern at Grimlock.

Sidearm says, "How can anyone come up with a better idea?"

Sidearm says, "There's little information to access."

Dee-Plane says, "Yeah, but we've got some major points down..."

Sidearm says, "Why after all these years have you been unable to repair Sky Lynx's odd behavior?"

Whiz says, "We were unsure of its cause and were unable to get to him to analyze it."

Sidearm says, "But surely whatever influenced him influenced those animals around him."

Whiz says, "I would share information if it were available to me. All I can tell you is how you died, which is information of no use."

Whiz says, "That is true. Which is why we must find him and determing the cause of his malfunction."

Sidearm says, "I assumed I either died or left, since obviously I'm not here with you."

Dee-Plane says, "Well, I must've died...ewww, gross."

Whiz looks piercingly at Sidearm. "You cannot bully me into revealing that which I do not know."

Dee-Plane folds his arms, and quotes, "Homey don't play that."

Sidearm looks surprised. "I'm not asking you anything other than how to help Sky Lynx."

Whiz says, "The cause is unknown. And that is what we are here to determine. I can do no more to satisfy your curiosity."

Whiz says, "Once we have scanned Sky Lynx, we will have a better determination of how to help him. And, in turn, how to help those who may join him."

Sidearm says, "Then why didn't you bother asking to scan him earlier?"

Whiz says, "I asked him three times, and I used whatever unitrusive methods were available to me."

Whiz says, "Unfortunately, they returned no anomalous results. I will have to immobilize him."

Sidearm says, "That would be difficult."

Whiz nods. "Which is why I depended on his cooperation."

Whiz says, "Unfortunately, he was reluctant to offer it."

Whiz looks emotionlessly at the gates.

Dee-Plane nods.

Sidearm says, "Which backfired it seems. Strange how quickly he assumed it was a birthday party gag or whatever."

Whiz says, "His dysfunction appears to manifest itself in paranoia. He imagines that we are mocking him."

Dee-Plane sighs. "How do you counter paranoia?"

Whiz says, "That I do not know. I have suffered from it too long to know the cure."

Sidearm says, "I don't think it helped that you look so differently. Paranoia can be countered with agreeing with the one paranoid or cold logic from what I have heard."

Whiz says, "I cannot change my appearance. I have grown into it over millenia."

Dee-Plane nods. "So we agree with his opinion, and offer to work on his terms to rebuild friendships..."

Sidearm says, "Maybe, if he starts accusing us of bad things. Agreeing with him may be odd."

Whiz says, "Perhaps if he were approached by someone who is not so close to him."

Dee-Plane hmms...

Sidearm says, "Perhaps, that is unknown to me."

Sidearm says, "I would think an animal altmode sort to be the most willing for him to trust but obviously animals being near him is a bad idea from what you are saying."

Whiz says, "They could be corrupted by proximity."

Whiz looks again at Grimlock, unsure.

Tyrannosaurus shrugs. "I'll do it. We never did get along."

Dee-Plane gets a very odd idea. "Can anyone be disguised as an animal? It worked for Lon Chaney"

Sidearm shrugs. "Perhaps, my holo technology can make me look like I have an animal mode but such things would easily be discovered since most animal forms have heightened senses."

Whiz nods, her icy exterior weakening slightly and revealing fatigue.

Whiz says, "I have not had a rest cycle.. or a full compliment of energon... in a long time. I think I must rest before I attempt to devise any more strategies."

Sidearm glances at Whiz. "You could always stay in your 'old' quarters if you wish to rest and recover."

Dee-Plane nods..."Can a body be built to transfer temporarily a bot's personality into? A body without a Primitive's chip-set?"

Whiz looks oddly at Sidearm, then says thoughtfully, "My old quarters."

Sidearm says, "I've been there. Very messy."

Dee-Plane looks over the turn of the conversation, and quietly bows out.

Sidearm looks at Dee-Plane. "It's been done in the past."

Dee-Plane glances over to Sidearm, and nods.

Whiz says, "This journey has been wearying, and there were many... losses... to bring us here. I must rest."

Dee-Plane snaps his fingers. "It's a thought."

Sidearm says, "At least structural changes, not a complete down load of one's mind. Well, Wraith had his entire neuronet held in Scourge's grip once."

Whiz looks again at Sidearm, then sweeps her eyes across the rest of the room. "It was a... it was good. To see you again."

Whiz turns and proceeds down the corridor to the commissary.

Sidearm looks surprised. "Really? How strange, I always thought we would be at each other's throats eventually."

Dee-Plane nods, then turns to smile at Whiz. "We'll be around." He grins.

Dee-Plane looks back to Sidearm. "So you're saying build a body, or convert one's body?"

Whiz is whisked away north on a people-mover into the Main Commissary.

Sidearm smiles a bit, then glances at Dee-Plane. "It takes a very long time to redesign a body, however."

Dee-Plane says, "That is, when it succeeded?"

Dee-Plane nods.

Sidearm says, "Transferrng a mind is serious work and out of my league."

Dee-Plane says, "Still, something like that might be the best way to gain Sky Lynx's trust, and convince him...especially if this is out of his own control."

Sidearm says, "I think it's strange. No animal form really has a true difference than non-animal forms. They're either animals that turn into objects or animals that turn into robots. I never experienced animals that turned into animals or robots that turned into robots. There's a common basis in at least one mode. Robot or vehicle. The other being animal is just...odd. I wonder...."

Sidearm shakes her head thoughtfully. "Maybe it is nothing..." she mutters, walking off in deep thought.

Sidearm heads southeast, into the Repair Bay.