Thank you, una. We'll see if I can get it done in time. Kind of wigging out right now about it.
))Primal continued on his way to the command center after Orcariner's acknowledgement. He wondered how well the orca was holding up but he supposed he'd find out soon enough. He had to have been devastated, and just as furious if not moreso than Optimus was several moments ago."Optimus," "we're on our way now."
"Yeah," Rattrap said somewhat thoughtfully. Of course, the only one he could think of right then who was a current Predacon was Onyx. Maybe SnowTrix, too, but he hadn't interacted with her enough to pursuade himself otherwise. He glanced at Feralnight for second, thinking he had heard her mutter something under her breath, but his attention was quickly diverted to Starshadow's observation."Least not all Predacons are like that Rattrap, a few of them have had some restraint from taking a life."
"so where's Icebird-in-a-tuxedo? I didn't see him around."
The rodent simply passed a small glare at the Predacon renegade or whatever she called herself. What did she care about Icebreaker?"He's no longer with us Star, he was...terminated during the attack on the Axalon."
Approaching the bridge with Orcariner's thudding footsteps in tow, Tigatron immediately spotted Airazor and a blanket of concern rolled over his face. Judging by her posture, facial expression, and the mood set by everyone else that was wafting in the air, something tragic had happened. Also, what was that unfamiliar scent...? Starshadow? Well, this was an unexpected surprise. What was she doing there? But his priority was his aerial guardian, so ignoring everything else, he promptly made his way to be by her side. "Airazor? What has happened?" he asked her softly, gently taking one of her hands.
It was then when the Maximal Commander returned to the bridge with Rhinox, quickly counting the faces, and also measuring Orcariner's appearance. Cheetor and Dinobot were on their way, but two others were missing; Aurora and Whitegrazer. I thought I told everyone else to remain here, he thought more bitterly than he had intended to. "Where are Whitegrazer and Aurora?" asked Primal in a tone that suggested he wasn't in the mood for more disobedience.
"Uh, Aurora got upset 'bout something, so she took off," the Maximal Spy answered. "'Grazer went after her, probably ta calm her down and coach her ta back," Rattrap suggested, hoping his answer would calm the leader.
Something about Whitegrazer's spark told Optimus that the rat's assumption was not far off and perhaps they needed some time. So he decided to move on. He needed to know what Ironclaw had found. Instinct was telling him that they were on the brink of losing this war. But to whom or when was unclear. "After tonight's events, the brig's security admittance can only be approved by myself and Rhinox," Primal announced to the entire group. Looking at the rat, he demanded, "Rattrap, report."
"Oh, uh, well, Valkyrie definitely went in on her own," Rattrap began to explain. "Can't tell why, although she hesitated enterin' the brig as if she couldn't make up her mind, but she definitely wanted ta talk to Nemesis. Things were calm at first, you know, just chattin', and then they began ta escalate. I don't know why or anythin' dat was said, but Nemesis snapped, and... well... you know. But then she was trapped with no way out, so dis was weird. She took Val's blade and sliced her own wrist on purpose. Looked pretty damaging. And then she held her wound up to the door which seemed ta be able to eat through it and unlock it. Now, I'm wonderin' how she was able to do that when her nanites were supposed to be too slow to operate that fast. You know?"
With a nod, Optimus added, "The temperature had been increased. That's the only way. But Valkyrie wasn't the one who did it. Rattrap, look through the ship's logs and see if you can find out when the temperature was tampered with." That would give him a better idea as to who was in the base at the time who might have been at the controls.
Nodding, he turned around and began digging through the Axalon's data that day, scrolling through all of the recordings, commands and changes. Rattrap was relieved that Optimus seemed to have pulled himself together even if he appeared to be a bit stern right now, but he had no doubt it was the help of wisdom and guidance that Rhinox must have provided him. Thank Primus for that!
"I'd also like to point out, for those who don't already know, Starshadow has decided to join us, and I hope everyone will give her the same chance you gave a few others who have also previously joined our team and have certainly proven themselves more than once." The commanding officer stood there for a silent moment, gathering his thoughts before he moved on. "Today has been a long and very tragic day. We've lost two extraordinary Maximals, and I offer my deepest condolences to those who were closest to them." Pausing, Optimus glanced up at Orcariner, just for a second, before returning his gaze to the entire group. "While I do believe Icebreaker's death was not intentional, I will review further evidence in hopes to find a clearer conclusion. As for Valkyrie's death, I can only blame myself for holding someone as dange-... unpredictable as Nemesis in our brig. However, she did disobey direct orders, and... unfortunately... this was the consequence of her actions. Everyone needs to understand that I don't just give orders for something to do or to be challenged, I have reasons behind each one, and they're for your protection as well as your safety. Once you veer away from them...," he shook his head lightly and a gentle sadness washed over his face, "...anything can happen. We can grieve for our friends, but we must also continue to wage this war in their honor. Which leads me now to Ironclaw. While Aurora and I met with Megatron to confront him about Glowstick's attack on our base earlier with the Leviathan and several other Predacons, he assured us that he was unaware of the act taking place and that our cease-fire still stands. I hate to say it, but I believe he was telling the truth. After all, it would seem Glowstick paid the ultimate price for taking matters into his own hands. So, with the help of Airazor and Rattrap, Ironclaw successfully infiltrated the Darksyde and has acquired some valuable information." At least he hoped it was valuable. Growing quiet, Primal looked to Ironclaw, offering him his chance to tell everyone what he discovered with the alien artifact that Inferno had uncovered much, much earlier that day. Or the day before by now.
