"More Than Meets The Eye: Part III"

[DarkSpark]

Naitokage wrote: Umbra nearly facepalmed with one of his tentacles as he overheard the conversation. This is Umbra. Lord Megatron, I have acquired the cure for the virus, however there wont be enough to cure you're entire crew. Unless you want to be a pawn in Zodiac's twisted game and lose everything you've strive for, you need Tarantulas alive to produce more of the cure for your men. I'll try to get the cure to you as soon as possible.

Megatron growled in agitation at the thought of letting Tarantulas live, the wretched spider had tried to undermine him more times than he could count, and he had been so certain that he had been battling Cryotek not too long ago. However, Umbra's words combined with the mention of Zodiac and the potential loss of his entire operation was enough motivation for Megatron to regain control of himself, the thought of losing everything, to Zodiac, Primal, or Cryotek was more than he could stand, he refused to let all his hard work be for nothing.

"Make haste Umbra, I can make no promises. Megatron out" Megatron replied, fighting back the urge to shoot at the mocking specter of Cryotek lurking behind Tarantulas even after he'd regained his senses.

"A wise decision Megatron, one you shall not regret" Tarantulas said civilly, even as he inwardly cursed Megatron's name in every language he could think of, promising himself the mad reptile would suffer for all of this someday.


"Spare me the pleasantries and make yourself useful, drag these two fools to the CR Tanks and see what's been taking Waspinator so long to get back online, SOMEONE needs to clean this mess" Megatron ordered, making no apologies for the rampage he'd been on or his near execution of Tarantulas, simply expecting him to get back to work already.

"As you wish, Mighty Megatron" Tarantulas replied with a bow, an act he found more than bitter as he dragged the poisoned Inferno and damaged Terrorsaur to the tanks, dumping them both inside to heal, though doing so rather carelessly considering their injuries.

"Return to your work station arachnid, and hope for your sake the cure shall be completed soon, yyyyeesssss" Megatron insisted, his sanity restored for the moment but still on edge and tense, feeling he could not let his guard down or else the phantoms of deceptions past would return to haunt him again.

Starshadow wrote: Meanwhile, Starshadow's mental torture pushed her into the depths of an endless violent frenzy. Tons of slash marks, bullet holes were made everywhere in the room, several hover boards were heavily damaged. Wounds of self-harming such as bite marks, large gashes made from her claws were seen on her body. Letting one last final scream of pain, she bolted to the vents and made her way to the bridge, bursting out of it and lands on the ground on her feet, "FOR VENGEANCE! FOR HELLFANG!" she roared before firing off electricity bolts in random directions.

"NO REST FOR THE WICKED! RRRRAAAAAA!" Tarantulas screamed in exasperation as he took cover, barely evading bolts of lightning being fired every which way by Starshadow, who had somehow broken out of quarantine.

"Good, someone both real and expendable to punish" Megatron mused as he directed his ire towards the lunatic who'd coming bursting into his command room uninvited and unaware of the mood he was in.

Bolts of lightning bounced about randomly, Starshadow clearly not aiming for anything, her mind even more far gone than his had been moments ago. The tyrant stood his ground, most of her shots missing him completely, and those that did strike him doing little harm, lacking much in the way of force and concentration, no doubt due to Starshadow's current insanity, like the bites of a mosquito against his transmetal hide.

"You should have stayed in your room kitten, I'm not in the mood to play with you, not gently at least" Megatron growled as he raised his tail gun and fired a powerful, concentrated beam of energy at the feline, looking forward to the sight of her insides decorating the deck.

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

(( OOC: una, I'm going to post to give you a little more to work with before you might anticipate more than you should. ))

Good evening.

Over dramatically, Rattrap gave a yelp and almost jumped into Aurora's arms pretending that he hadn't known Umbra was among their group the whole time when one of his tentacles waved at him. "What's so good about it, jellyfish?" he asked him rhetorically. Then he listened to the conversation that began to leave his mouth agape.

Lieutenant Tarantulas, this is Umbra. What's the status of the sick on the darksyde?

"The status of the sick is that our beloved leader is about to murder me for allying with Cryotek, a criminal we left for dead back home to side against him...Perhaps you could be so kind as to speak on behalf and convince our "lord" that his doctor is better kept alive?"

"Speak whoever you are, I have traitors to execute"

This is Umbra. Lord Megatron, I have acquired the cure for the virus, however there wont be enough to cure you're entire crew. Unless you want to be a pawn in Zodiac's twisted game and lose everything you've strive for, you need Tarantulas alive to produce more of the cure for your men. I'll try to get the cure to you as soon as possible.

As you've heard.. the situation there is rather grim. I'd hate to ask but do you..

There's a Cyber bee around.. I can probably get it working and have it carry the cure to the Predacon base..

That should work fine, thank you Sir.. Landslide I believe it was?

"Uh, did I miss somethin' 'ere? We're gonna hand over the antidote just like that? What's in it fer us?! And did Optimus approve this? 'Cause I doubt it. Dis is our only chance ta take Megatron down and get the disks back!" Rattrap disputed with Whitegrazer, Landslide and Umbra. "Why on Earth should we help them out when all dey wanna do is kill us! No way. I say, let the virus consume them and be their ruin."

No kiddin' lad. Not to mention the scans may not be accurate anyway, least from we've heard from Whitegrazer's new buddy here..

"What're ya talkin' about? I reviewed the results myself. Nexus was clear, dat's why he gets ta be up in the window box with Optimus while the rest of us are standin' down here like street lamp posts."

"Paranoia doesn't really suit you,"

Rhinox took her comment as a compliment. The fact Nemesis was learning a little more about their personalities while seeking refuge with them made her much more like them - Cybertronians, not particularly Maximals - and much less of a monster that many of them perceived her to be.

"Ask yourself why I would put myself through such discomfort and embarrassment if I had the ability to become anyone. I would have nothing to gain by choosing the form of the likeliest of suspects." "Check your security cameras if you don't believe me. I'm sure at least one of them must have picked up my little squabbles in the hallway."

A very light smile tugged at the engineer's mouth while Nemesis defended herself against his accusations. He was certain it was her. Just as she had been learning about them, some of them, like Rhinox, had been learning about her. And quite frankly, as odd as it seemed despite their different pasts and personalities, they pretty much got along with one another. Well, at least they tolerated each other. "Seeing as we don't have time for that at the moment, we'll just have to take your word for it," he teased lightheartedly and with great subtly given the current situation. It disappeared when his optics shifted to Ironclaw, uncertain if it was really him or the shape shifter as the badger stood outside of the group like an outcast. But he supposed they were about to find out.

Listening to Rattrap and the others, Big Green jumped in and said bluntly, "You know what Optimus would do, Rattrap. He would send them the cure."

"Yeah, I know he would. But he shouldn't make it so easy. We could end the Beast Wars right now and not lose anymore friends. Megatron's never gonna return the favor. He's gonna take advantage of it and just continue ta try an' slaughter us and take over the universe. Where's de logic in this?"

"It's what we do. It's what separates us from rogues like Megatron. All life is precious to us no matter who it is and what they've done. They can be punished, yes, but to murder them like they've murdered others is simply stooping down to their level where you'll never be able to recover and forgive yourself. To give the Predacons the antidote and save them shows how merciful we are and how every life is worth saving. Megatron will always know who saved his life; us, and he'll carry that with him for the rest of his pulsating spark's lifespan. That should be enough satisfaction even for you, Rattrap. Now, instead of using a cyberbee, I feel as though Nemesis should be the one to deliver the antidote for the hallucinogen. If she is to ever regain trust and loyalty with Megatron again and slip back into his ranks, then this could be her greatest offer." Rhinox looked down at her and she appeared to be almost repaired at this point, expecting her to hop off of the hovering stretcher at any moment. Then, from his subspace, he pulled out the flask of the cure that he had hidden from Blackarachnia and held it in his large hand.

The Spy didn't know what else he could add or object to. His greatest fear was helping the Predacons only to have him and his Maximal friends die at their hands. He seriously doubted that helping them with the cure would make them think otherwise of them and stop their attacks, brutality and battles. Megatron was too gung-ho and power hungry to let something like this slow him down. The t-rex would continue to slaughter anyone who gets in his way. He made that clear a few times now and he wasn't going to change.

"As for what you said about the scans earlier, Landslide, would you care to elaborate?" Rhinox asked him while also including Umbra in the discussion.

Meanwhile, up in the observatory...

"They will understand soon enough," "You are only doing what you have to in order to keep them all safe."

Optimus glanced at Nexus Prime's back side as the Admiral stood at the window and watched the others below. The damaged gorilla nodded without comment and looked down at the controls. When the indicator lit up letting him know that the machine was operable and ready to go, he pressed the command switch without any hesitation which activated the scan. A wide beam of translucent green began extending across the entire room from the center of it in order to touch every corner, shadow, object and living being that was present. From there, it gradually crept outward, extending its path toward both sides of the large room. It was a little slow in motion considering all of the data it was gathering and registering, all of it processing at once to give Optimus immediate results on the large monitor. It scanned over Banshee, Cheetor, Rhinox, Nemesis, Rattrap and progressively moved on to Landslide and Umbra. So far, there were no signs of the shape shifter, although Nemesis' readings were somewhat inconsistent and very much unlike the others' so far. Primal could only assume that it was because of her nanobot technology, but at least he had an idea on what to look for following her example. He had to be there, though. The scan moved on to Whitegrazer and Ironclaw...

[una]

((OOC: Don't worry, OOP. I asked Phoenix before I did anything. Though, because of your post, I guess some of my questions have been answered. I should have a post this evening or night. Lots of stuff I want Whitegrazer to reply to!

Edit: Here it is! Hopefully, no jumping ahead. ))

"Thanks..," she said, if a bit hesitantly, "But I'm still not sure his intention was to kill me.. He could easily have shot me again if that was the case."

"I was just an easy way to get to you."

"So I have to disagree. The shape shifter got exactly what he wanted."

There was a lingering feeling that she wasn't fully vindicated of what happened out there, but she was happy, smiling when Aurora placed a hand on her shoulder, to hear those words from young ermine. Her smiled turned into a frown, though. When Aurora said that the shapeshifter got exactly what he wanted, something inside her, something about that statement, shook her to her core. She disagreed about the fact Aurora didn't beat him. She did, but there was a part that agreed. Again, she felt like she was missing one crucial detail. A final puzzle piece to slip into her processor. But it was out of her reach.

She shook her head and smiled once more at Aurora, a gracious and warm one.

"Zodiac happened," Rhinox answered the mare. "Assuming this isn't him right here,"

"Check your security cameras if you don't believe me. I'm sure at least one of them must have picked up my little squabbles in the hallway."

Nemesis really looked uncomfortable. Though the female may not enjoy or take insult upon her concern for the Decepticon-turned-Predacon, she couldn't help it. She felt responsible for her. She was responsible for her. She seemed to be one of the few Maximals who didn't want to kill or throw her out to those who wanted her energon fluid. Also, she knew Nemesis played a hand with helping the Predacons, but maybe she should have helped her, avoiding all the chaos inside the base and pain by helping Nemesis give the cure to the Predacons and gain her a way back to the PRedacons if that was what she wished. She could have persuaded and reasoned a more gentle path towards Nemesis rather than waiting to see what would occurred. Now, she would have to face judgement from the Maximals. But she will speak in Nemesis' defense even if her comrades would despise it. Nemesis was opportunistic and she had made no qualms about returning back to the Predacons after her business here was done.

Whitegrazer still hoped she could persuade her to stay here, but she couldn't focus on this now. She will focus on it later when time comes. She was just happy that Nemesis was still here, "I know you might find my words fruitless, but nevertheless, I'm glad to see that you are all right."

She looked at Rhinox and nodded, "Zodiac... that's what Umbra said the shapeshifter called himself. "

"Uh, did I miss somethin' 'ere? We're gonna hand over the antidote just like that? What's in it fer us?! And did Optimus approve this? 'Cause I doubt it. Dis is our only chance ta take Megatron down and get the disks back!" Rattrap disputed with Whitegrazer, Landslide and Umbra. "Why on Earth should we help them out when all dey wanna do is kill us! No way. I say, let the virus consume them and be their ruin."

"You know what Optimus would do, Rattrap. He would send them the cure."

"It's what we do. It's what separates us from rogues like Megatron. All life is precious to us no matter who it is and what they've done. They can be punished, yes, but to murder them like they've murdered others is simply stooping down to their level where you'll never be able to recover and forgive yourself. To give the Predacons the antidote and save them shows how merciful we are and how every life is worth saving. Megatron will always know who saved his life; us, and he'll carry that with him for the rest of his pulsating spark's lifespan. That should be enough satisfaction even for you, Rattrap. Now, instead of using a cyberbee, I feel as though Nemesis should be the one to deliver the antidote for the hallucinogen. If she is to ever regain trust and loyalty with Megatron again and slip back into his ranks, then this could be her greatest offer."

Whitegrazer smiled brightly at Rhinox's reply towards Rattrap's disagreement over helping the Predacons. "He is right, Rattrap. I know there are people who view mercy as a weakness, but I believe mercy is a strength. We Maximals take great pride to being the better bots, compassionate and merciful, but... it is easy to be a saint where there is no conflict just as it is so easy to play judge, jury, and executioner in the middle of a war, especially since we are far from any courts or trials. Showing compassion and forgiveness isn't absolving their actions. They will have to face the consequences of what they sowed. Just as we do. But by showing mercy... proves we can move forward, away from the past."

Rhinox's statement about having Nemesis be the one to drop off the cure was a good idea, "That is true." She looked at Nemesis, "If you deliver the cure directly, you would be their savior and indebted to you. Which I believe, if I remember some Predacon ideologies, may be swallowed better than us... just giving it to them. They will not like that one bit, would they?" She turned her attention to Umbra. Umbra was the exception, but maybe the others won't be as grateful. But there was one problem, "Nemesis still needs time to heal. We don't know what prolonged exposure of the virus does. They might not have much time, but even if Nemesis goes, she would be at great risk."

She waited to hear what Nemesis had to say about this when she sensed Optimus' presence and turned around to see that despite the fact some of his injuries were healed, he still looked in bad shape. Broken. Battered. In more ways than one. Which she felt overwhelming be the truth as the wall between Optimus and her came crashing down, and all the emotions she felt from Optimus was like a flood. It must have been the faces of everyone around here that made he lose control. Despite what she felt from him, she reached out towards him through the link. She wanted to help him heal from such powerful feelings. She imagined herself swimming through it all, calling out to him. Optimus, let me help you. I can help you.

"Optimus, what's wrong?"

"I'm... alright,"

"No." Anger filtered back into Primal's mind. He had to stay focused. This was too important. He blocked Whitegrazer again after temporarily losing his control over their bond. "I'm putting an end to this."

The flood of emotions ceased, but she wished Optimus didn't block her. Part of her wanted to bang on the block and take it off, trying to get Optimus to let her in. It wasn't anger or impatience, but concern and may be fear... Something was really bothering her. Something just felt... wrong. But she couldn't do that to Optimus, though. Despite how much it pained her, she respected his wishes to keep her out. It was a golden unspoken rule she made for herself long ago. Their connection was intimate, and she wasn't going to take advantage of such intimacy because of anything. Especially towards Optimus, especially after what he been through. If she did that, she would be no different than those who had hurt him. She will let it go, knowing that Optimus would lift the block when he was ready. And she will wait patiently as always.

"Everyone is accounted for," he concluded, glancing at Ironclaw and Umbra with a neutral expression. "Rattrap," he called for the rodent's attention and with his hand, motioned him to shut the door. The shorter Maximal did so and joined the group, standing next to Aurora and giving her a momentarily reassuring smile. "Everyone is getting scanned the same way Nexus did earlier. No exceptions. We're going to find this shape shifter once and for all,"

"Now I kinda miss his speeches,"

No kiddin' lad. Not to mention the scans may not be accurate anyway, least from we've heard from Whitegrazer's new buddy here..

"What're ya talkin' about? I reviewed the results myself. Nexus was clear, dat's why he gets ta be up in the window box with Optimus while the rest of us are standin' down here like street lamp posts."

"Neither do I...But I'm sure things will get better either way,"

She watched as Optimus with Nexus trailing beside him went up the observatory deck, "I pray so, Banshee. I pray so." She looked at Ironclaw. He seemed a bit uneasy in her opinion. Hopefully, the scanning would go well and prove he wasn't the shapeshifter as she knew. Despite people's reassurances about what was happening, she felt something in the air, especially Nexus being around Optimus. She glanced up at the deck then at everyone and around the room.

[NaitoKage]

"Uh, did I miss somethin' 'ere? We're gonna hand over the antidote just like that? What's in it fer us?! And did Optimus approve this? 'Cause I doubt it. Dis is our only chance ta take Megatron down and get the disks back!" "Why on Earth should we help them out when all dey wanna do is kill us! No way. I say, let the virus consume them and be their ruin.""What're ya talkin' about? I reviewed the results myself. Nexus was clear, dat's why he gets ta be up in the window box with Optimus while the rest of us are standin' down here like street lamp posts."

"You know what Optimus would do, Rattrap. He would send them the cure."

"Yeah, I know he would. But he shouldn't make it so easy. We could end the Beast Wars right now and not lose anymore friends. Megatron's never gonna return the favor. He's gonna take advantage of it and just continue ta try an' slaughter us and take over the universe. Where's de logic in this?"

"It's what we do. It's what separates us from rogues like Megatron. All life is precious to us no matter who it is and what they've done. They can be punished, yes, but to murder them like they've murdered others is simply stooping down to their level where you'll never be able to recover and forgive yourself. To give the Predacons the antidote and save them shows how merciful we are and how every life is worth saving. Megatron will always know who saved his life; us, and he'll carry that with him for the rest of his pulsating spark's lifespan. That should be enough satisfaction even for you, Rattrap. Now, instead of using a cyberbee, I feel as though Nemesis should be the one to deliver the antidote for the hallucinogen. If she is to ever regain trust and loyalty with Megatron again and slip back into his ranks, then this could be her greatest offer."

"That is true." She looked at Nemesis, "If you deliver the cure directly, you would be their savior and indebted to you. Which I believe, if I remember some Predacon ideologies, may be swallowed better than us... just giving it to them. They will not like that one bit, would they?"

"As for what you said about the scans earlier, Landslide, would you care to elaborate?"

Landslide looked towards Umbra and pointed his thumb towards him I'll let him answer.

Umbra sits up as he explains Well, for one yes.. The Predacons would be grateful to Nemesis, and it's a better idea to use her to deliver the cure to the Predacons as her speed is unrivaled. As for the cure.. Everything has a price Rattrap, so here's part of my payment. Currently, our enemy Zodiac has control of the Axalon's computer systems. That means he has control of your scanner and can make the results look like anything he wants, further more he has control of your defense systems.

Landslide then walked over to Nemesis handing her another syringe of the cure. You'll probably need an extra one..

[Phoenix]

Nexus watched the crowd below with a peeked interest as the machine powered on and started scanning them one by one. The progress was a little slower than what he would have liked, the machine gathering a rather extensive amount of data from each individual after all. And the beam didn't move on to the next section before everyone in each area had been thoroughly scanned. Not that it mattered much as soon enough the beam would swipe over the rigged pod in the corner.. at which point all the Maximals would be nothing more than a sore memory.

Among the crowd he did catch a glimpse of a face that did not belong there, namely Umbra, who did not look too damaged despite the recent attempt on his life. Oh well. If the soldier for hire was stupid enough to ally himself with the Maximals, he was going to meet his demise with them as well. With the flick of a switch near the window, Nexus assured that the large doors leading into the hangar were properly locked. Couldn't very well have anyone escaping, now could he? And just in case Umbra was revealing his secrets, the shapeshifter decided to throw the Maximals a curveball to keep them distracted.

He sent Sentinel a signal on their private channel, letting the computer system know to proceed with his earlier plans to frame Ironclaw. Now whenever the beam hit the loudmouth transmetal badger, it would immediately tag him as being the perpetrator. Hopefully that would be enough to keep the Maximals at bay until the scan had completed and the bomb had been activated.

The admiral briefly glanced back at Optimus, watching for his reaction when the machine identified one of his own troops as the cause of all this trouble.

Aurora kept herself at a safe distance from the captured Predacons that were also among them, not trusting either of them to behave in even a remotely civilized manner. What Umbra had told them was still repeating itself in her mind but she didn't know if she could believe it.. or perhaps she simply didn't want to believe it. Umbra was rather untrustworthy, after all, and perhaps this was all part of an elaborate scheme to divide the Maximals and thus try to force them to give up the cure. In the window above she could see Nexus looming over them, his posture as stoic as ever and his face completely unreadable.. even with that peculiar smile that almost bordered on a grin.

Her distraction was quickly broken when Rattrap came near them and pretended as if he was about to jump into her arms. Good thing he did not since despite Rattrap's smaller stature for a Maximal, he was still bigger than she was. He also made her feel safer and between him and Whitegrazer she knew no harm would come to her.. presumably..

Umbra then proceeded to report back to the Darksyde at which point Aurora feigned disinterest but her ears perking up revealed how she truly felt about it.

"Uh, did I miss somethin' 'ere? We're gonna hand over the antidote just like that? What's in it fer us?! And did Optimus approve this? 'Cause I doubt it. Dis is our only chance ta take Megatron down and get the disks back!" Rattrap disputed with Whitegrazer, Landslide and Umbra. "Why on Earth should we help them out when all dey wanna do is kill us! No way. I say, let the virus consume them and be their ruin."

Aurora didn't say anything, but she did nod in agreement to Rattrap's statement. If the Predacons fell to the virus, that would be of huge benefit to the Maximals. Why should they give up the only real advantage they had over the Predacons who had cost them so much?

"Seeing as we don't have time for that at the moment, we'll just have to take your word for it,"

Nemesis sent the Maximal a grimace at that remark, but she did pick up on the jovial nature of his statement so she decided not to pursue it further. Besides judging by the machine starting up above them, its parts starting to move in an almost menacing fashion, she figured such a trivial thing didn't matter right now. Even though she was in a large room surrounded by all the Maximals, the machines moving overhead did make her feel a little.. trapped. And the faint click of the large doors locking certainly did not help that sensation any. She didn't especially like the idea of getting scanned, of having her insides pried upon by someone with no knowledge of the technology within her, or of the possibility of her getting accused of being the shape shifter simply because she was different. The others simply kept on talking while the beam fired up, sweeping over her and a few others within moments of starting up. It wasn't uncomfortable by any means. In fact she couldn't even feel it even if she could see the faint hue of the beam as it moved in a circular motion spreading outwards in the room.

Once the beam had passed over her, she used the opportunity to slide off the stretcher and straighten herself out now that the repairs were done. It was then she noticed what the topic of choice among the nearby group of Maximals was all about.

"You know what Optimus would do, Rattrap. He would send them the cure."

"Yeah, I know he would. But he shouldn't make it so easy. We could end the Beast Wars right now and not lose anymore friends. Megatron's never gonna return the favor. He's gonna take advantage of it and just continue ta try an' slaughter us and take over the universe. Where's de logic in this?"

She crossed her arms, a bit surprised to hear that some of the Maximals actually entertained the idea of helping her Predacon brethren. Of course the rodent wasn't as willing to budge, too stuck in his narrow-minded opinions and belief system. Albeit if the roles had been reversed, Nemesis had to admit that she probably wouldn't have been wanting to give the cure to the Maximals without making sure they were getting their just dues for it. Nothing in this world was free, nothing..

"It's what we do. It's what separates us from rogues like Megatron. All life is precious to us no matter who it is and what they've done. They can be punished, yes, but to murder them like they've murdered others is simply stooping down to their level where you'll never be able to recover and forgive yourself. To give the Predacons the antidote and save them shows how merciful we are and how every life is worth saving. Megatron will always know who saved his life; us, and he'll carry that with him for the rest of his pulsating spark's lifespan. That should be enough satisfaction even for you, Rattrap. Now, instead of using a cyberbee, I feel as though Nemesis should be the one to deliver the antidote for the hallucinogen. If she is to ever regain trust and loyalty with Megatron again and slip back into his ranks, then this could be her greatest offer."

Her optics widened and mouth dropped slightly open when she heard Rhinox' argument, her mind taking a moment to fully process what he was suggesting. Confused, she looked between the Maximals present, then briefly over at Umbra. Her fellow Predacon was still damaged, probably too much so to make the trip back to Darksyde at present time. Then it dawned on her that Rhinox was essentially giving her a way back in with Megatron, no questions asked, no demands.. The avian female didn't respond, however, and quickly regained her composure.

"If you deliver the cure directly, you would be their savior and indebted to you. Which I believe, if I remember some Predacon ideologies, may be swallowed better than us... just giving it to them. They will not like that one bit, would they?"

Letting the words linger in the air for a few moments, Nemesis then slowly nodded in approval. "They are both right," she said in a surprisingly quiet voice, "And if I may add.. Wouldn't it be going against that Maximal code of honor to simply let the Predacons die when you have the chance to save them?"

Aurora's gaze dropped to the floor as she heard those words and she muttered a quiet "A life is a life.." She was so conflicted about this, honestly. The Predacons had taken so much and threatened to take much more, but Rhinox, Whitegrazer and even Nemesis did raise a valid point.

And it seemed more of the Maximals were getting convinced as Landslide walked closer and held out his hand to the avian female.

You'll probably need an extra one..

She looked at the cure in the Maximal's hand for but a moment before she picked it up rather delicately with her hand, closing her fingers securely around it. Her lips drew up in a slight smile and for the first time in a while she felt like she had hope.

But such as tends to be the case, that hope threatened to shatter rather quickly when Rattrap and Umbra continued talking.

"What're ya talkin' about? I reviewed the results myself. Nexus was clear, dat's why he gets ta be up in the window box with Optimus while the rest of us are standin' down here like street lamp posts."

Well, for one yes.. The Predacons would be grateful to Nemesis, and it's a better idea to use her to deliver the cure to the Predacons as her speed is unrivaled. As for the cure.. Everything has a price Rattrap, so here's part of my payment. Currently, our enemy Zodiac has control of the Axalon's computer systems. That means he has control of your scanner and can make the results look like anything he wants, further more he has control of your defense systems.

Zodiac.. had control over the computer system.. ? But that meant he could override any orders given to Sentinel and use the Axalon itself against them all. All of a sudden the ongoing scan seemed a lot more threatening.. a lot more dangerous.. knowing how Zodiac operated. The avian female turned to Whitegrazer.

"Stop the scan, something isn't.."

At that precise moment the beams hit the lumbering warrior standing not too far from them, the transmetal badger known as Ironclaw, causing an alert to immediately generate on the console being operated by Optimus.

[Mystrea]

Ironclaw continued to stand within the crowd like an outsider. He was confident though, knowing the truth was the most important thing and he would see this through. The badger looked up at the scanning device as it started its process. It was a strange device that made various noises and projected a light in and area around it to cover the entire room. It was working slower than he anticipated so he glanced over at both Umbra and Nemesis. He still despised them being here, however having them scanned couldn't hurt. It would help weed out the shapeshifter if he was one of them. IF he was. Ironclaw was still firmly set that it was Nexus who was the pretender, despite the scanner saying otherwise.

The scanner eventually lowered to the base of the room and continued scanning. The soldier had not been listen conversation much but his ears heard something he couldn't possibly ignore.

"Uh, did I miss somethin' 'ere? We're gonna hand over the antidote just like that? What's in it fer us?! And did Optimus approve this? 'Cause I doubt it. Dis is our only chance ta take Megatron down and get the disks back!"

"Why on Earth should we help them out when all dey wanna do is kill us! No way. I say, let the virus consume them and be their ruin."

"You know what Optimus would do, Rattrap. He would send them the cure."

"Yeah, I know he would. But he shouldn't make it so easy. We could end the Beast Wars right now and not lose anymore friends. Megatron's never gonna return the favor. He's gonna take advantage of it and just continue ta try an' slaughter us and take over the universe. Where's de logic in this?"

"It's what we do. It's what separates us from rogues like Megatron. All life is precious to us no matter who it is and what they've done. They can be punished, yes, but to murder them like they've murdered others is simply stooping down to their level where you'll never be able to recover and forgive yourself. To give the Predacons the antidote and save them shows how merciful we are and how every life is worth saving. Megatron will always know who saved his life; us, and he'll carry that with him for the rest of his pulsating spark's lifespan. That should be enough satisfaction even for you, Rattrap. Now, instead of using a cyberbee, I feel as though Nemesis should be the one to deliver the antidote for the hallucinogen. If she is to ever regain trust and loyalty with Megatron again and slip back into his ranks, then this could be her greatest offer."

"He is right, Rattrap. I know there are people who view mercy as a weakness, but I believe mercy is a strength. We Maximals take great pride to being the better bots, compassionate and merciful, but... it is easy to be a saint where there is no conflict just as it is so easy to play judge, jury, and executioner in the middle of a war, especially since we are far from any courts or trials. Showing compassion and forgiveness isn't absolving their actions. They will have to face the consequences of what they sowed. Just as we do. But by showing mercy... proves we can move forward, away from the past."
"And if I may add.. Wouldn't it be going against that Maximal code of honor to simply let the Predacons die when you have the chance to save them?"

At this point Ironclaw had reached his limit, the conversation infuriated him. How dare they spread these kind of views as if they were procedure. They had no right make these decisions. The badger looked over and strode towards them. "There is no Maximal code of honour" he declared with with furious certainty. Once he got close to Nemesis he grabbed hold of her wrist and snatched the cure out of her grasp with his free hand. Ironclaw clutched the cure out of Nemesis reach and for all to see. "Honour gets you killed"

"This is also not your call!" He reminded them as he looked about the many faces, Rhinox, Whitegrazer, Landslide, Rattrap and finally Aurora. Redirected his argument at these Maximals in front of him, he didn't bother to address the Predacons because they simply had no say in the decision. He was looking down at all of them except Landslide. Though he was directing most of this words at the rhinoceros and the witch. "We do not negotiate with terrorist. There are laws and procedures to follow. We don't just make decisions based what makes us feel good about ourselves. We have a legal system in place which handles wrong from right, guilty from innocent." the badger through away Nemesis wrist when he paused.

"Life being "precious' as you so profoundly put it, does not absolve them of their crimes nor can you rationalise unjust mercy with such a idiotic statement." His optics burning into Rhinox's. "You're right Whitegrazer, we are far away from courts or trials. Which is all the more reason to take decisive action! We don't have the luxury of mercy, it will lead to out end..." Ironclaw trailed off slightly to leave them with that notion for a while.

"The cure is ours. And if your conscience is still troubling you. Just remember that the virus did not originate from us so they have inflicted this upon themselves. Maybe that will rid of this guilt you hold into"

"Things have changed. The reason why we could never moved forward in the past is because were led by a Prime. Who never had the bearings to do what needed to be done. Not anymore" the badger finished and then turned to Nemesis who was about to say something when an alert went off. Ironclaw was\t sure what was happening, the Maximals were staring at him in dismay. He then realised his armour was tinted red. He turned. The scanner it had stopped on him and was alerting them as it shined a red light over him. It can't be. He knew.... Some thing was wrong. As the badger desperately looked around the room he started to feel uneasy. In fact fear quickly over came him and the need to act fast as a sense of survival over came his circuits. The last thing he was able to do before losing control was give Aurora one last look. The large soldier bolted for the nearest hanger door as the alarm rang in his head. At full pelt he slammed into the door within shoulder causing it to bend and buckle outwards. It left an opening big enough for him to get his large clawed hands in. He ripped it open to pass though and sprint down the hallway. in doing so he dropped the cure by the door. He dare not look back. Fear was a powerful incentive. Locating the nearest weakness in the hull he took a few shots at it and charged onwards. The shear power blew a hole in the side of the ship leaving jagged edges in the hole. One of these caught on Ironclaw's armour and gouged a deep mark in his chest leaving some mech fluid behind. He moaned in pain as he fell to the ground. He let out another groan of discomfort when he landed but persisted to escape.

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

"Zodiac... that's what Umbra said the shapeshifter called himself."

Yes, thought Rhinox. Something about that name was beginning to feel vaguely familiar the more it was said but he couldn't put his finger on it. Assuming, of course, that was his real name. He and Rattrap looked to Whitegrazer as she spoke, but the rat still wasn't convinced that it was the right option despite what they stood for in this war.

"He is right, Rattrap. I know there are people who view mercy as a weakness, but I believe mercy is a strength. We Maximals take great pride to being the better bots, compassionate and merciful, but... it is easy to be a saint where there is no conflict just as it is so easy to play judge, jury, and executioner in the middle of a war, especially since we are far from any courts or trials. Showing compassion and forgiveness isn't absolving their actions. They will have to face the consequences of what they sowed. Just as we do. But by showing mercy... proves we can move forward, away from the past."

"That is true." "If you deliver the cure directly, you would be their savior and indebted to you. Which I believe, if I remember some Predacon ideologies, may be swallowed better than us... just giving it to them. They will not like that one bit, would they?" "Nemesis still needs time to heal. We don't know what prolonged exposure of the virus does. They might not have much time, but even if Nemesis goes, she would be at great risk."

Rattrap shook his head before lowering it in disappointment toward the others. He understood the morals and ethics but this was their only chance! How could they pass up an opportunity like this only to screw themselves in the end? It didn't make sense to him.

I'll let him answer.

Well, for one yes.. The Predacons would be grateful to Nemesis, and it's a better idea to use her to deliver the cure to the Predacons as her speed is unrivaled. As for the cure.. Everything has a price Rattrap, so here's part of my payment. Currently, our enemy Zodiac has control of the Axalon's computer systems. That means he has control of your scanner and can make the results look like anything he wants, further more he has control of your defense systems.

Now Umbra had Rattrap's attention. "Dat might explain why Sentinel's been actin' so unpredictable lately," he said with some revelation. Then he added, "Assumin', o' course, dat you an' Blackarachnia didn't put a virus in our computer ta make it look like Zodiac did it, or whoever the deck he is." There still wasn't concrete evidence to rely on, so Rattrap remained suspicious of the Predacons and who the shapeshifter was.

"They are both right," "And if I may add.. Wouldn't it be going against that Maximal code of honor to simply let the Predacons die when you have the chance to save them?"

Rattrap gave Nemesis a dismissive wave, saying, "You just want things done ta help yerself in dis mess. Whatever's beneficial for your situation." He was obviously offended that she would recite or know anything about their "code of honor". How dare she use it against them to make them do anything that would give her an advantage. It was about time that the Maximals had the advantage over the Predacons! They deserved it!

"A life is a life.."

Aurora's quiet statement brought silence to Rattrap as his gaze wandered to her and he sighed to himself.

You'll probably need an extra one..

He looked up, watching Landslide hand a syringe of the antidote to Nemesis, glaring at it and then glaring at the flask in Rhinox's hand.

"There is no Maximal code of honour"

Both the engineer and the spy looked at Ironclaw who finally spoke up about the matter, pretty angrily, too. He approached Nemesis and snatched the vial from her grasp while the scanning continued. It seemed as though everyone had forgotten why they were all there with this heavy conversation that obviously had conflicting sides to it.

"Honour gets you killed" "This is also not your call!"

"Nor is it yours," Rhinox said calmly but firmly to the badger, holding on to the flask in his hand, out of reach from the badger.

"We do not negotiate with terrorist. There are laws and procedures to follow. We don't just make decisions based what makes us feel good about ourselves. We have a legal system in place which handles wrong from right, guilty from innocent." "Life being "precious' as you so profoundly put it, does not absolve them of their crimes nor can you rationalise unjust mercy with such a idiotic statement."

"Since when don't we negotiate?" Rhinox inquired, his optics locking with Ironclaw's. "We always try resolving issues with our rivals without violence first, which means we talk in hopes of finding a suitable compromise so that no one is injured or worse."

"You're right Whitegrazer, we are far away from courts or trials. Which is all the more reason to take decisive action! We don't have the luxury of mercy, it will lead to out end..." "The cure is ours. And if your conscience is still troubling you. Just remember that the virus did not originate from us so they have inflicted this upon themselves. Maybe that will rid of this guilt you hold into"

"That may be, and Megatron may think no rules apply to him, but he will not succeed. And let's not forget that not every Predacon over there has the same intentions as their commanding officer. They are not all bad, which means not all of them should suffer the same fate with that virus that a common enemy has induced upon them and us," explained Rhinox, disagreeing with Ironclaw's assessment of the situation.

"Things have changed. The reason why we could never moved forward in the past is because were led by a Prime. Who never had the bearings to do what needed to be done. Not anymore"

Now the badger was going too far. "Optimus isn't a Prime," he corrected him, "just his namesake. And he didn't ask for any of this. We're all doing the best we can given what we've been dealt with against an egotistical, powerful predator like Megatron. And given that we're still here, still surviving and fighting, I'd say we've been doing a pretty good job following our honorable and merciful conduct. If we lose that, then we're no better than Megatron himself," the rhinoceros argued.

Rattrap wasn't sure who was right. His thoughts were indecisive between Rhinox and Ironclaw. Both of them had valid points, except for Ironclaw demeaning Primal's leadership again. Granted, Rattrap doubted the ape's commanding abilities when they first crashed there on Earth because he was young and inexperienced with war, but he had proved himself worthy, intelligent and dependable. He trusted him with his life, which was saying a lot for the rodent. Although, after his ordeal at the Darksyde, Rattrap wasn't sure that he was the same Optimus he had come to know.

"Stop the scan, something isn't.."

That statement from Nemesis made both Rattrap and Rhinox stop and look at her quizzically before their optics immediately shifted to Ironclaw...

Meanwhile, up in the observatory room, while the scan was progressing over the others in the hangar, Optimus thoughtfully glanced at Nexus Prime. His mind wandered back in time with his memories of his teacher, the classes, the exercises, the wisdom and the admiration and respect that he held for him. The fact that the Admiral was there right now helping him in this traumatic war was quite surreal to him. He felt more powerful than Megatron just because of his presence. It was a monumental feeling for the younger officer who had once doubted his own leading abilities in this tireless war.

And then his thoughts returned to Nemesis and her scanned results. It occurred to him that he had seen something like this before a long time ago back on Cybertron. He couldn't remember who it involved or what exactly was going on, but something about the way her nanobot technology looked on screen was slowly triggering some long lost memories. He tried shrugging it off, and then an alert successfully distracted him. As the scan had passed over Ironclaw, its green beam flashed to red and an indicator on the console alerted him that it had found what Primal was searching for. His spark pulsed faster, his stomach sank, and his orange eyes enlarged in surprise before they immediately shot toward Nexus and out the window to the badger below. Had it been him all this time, ever since Ironclaw joined them? He didn't know. He didn't even want to think about that. He felt anxious, betrayed and protective of his other Maximals.

Watching him below, Optimus observed Ironclaw jumping into a state of panic as his attention darted around to the other Maximals and Predacons surrounding him. He ran for the door in search of an escape but it had been locked which delayed his actions. "DETAIN HIM!" Optimus ordered the others, who were just as shocked about the reveal and witnessing him run. His behavior was exactly how Primal predicted it would be if the shapeshifter had been found with the scanner. How typical. But the door didn't stop the large Maximal as he forced his way through it using his shoulder's armor and brute strength, causing yet again more damage to the Maximals' base before the others could catch him and restrain him. Primal growled with rage, lifting a balled fist in the air only to slam it down on the console and leave an impact in the metal casing. He groaned and cringed in pain as the action stretched his crimped armor around his chest, leaving him breathless for a moment and lightly gasping to get it back. Then Ironclaw advanced with one of the best abilities badgers had in the wild, using his clawed fingers to rip away more of the thick door so his whole body could squeeze through. And just like that, he was loose in the corridor. "Everyone stay put," he told his comrades below. It was too late to capture him now, and he didn't want anyone leaving the hangar just yet. "Sentinel, stop Ironclaw with non-lethal force!" he then ordered, unknowing that the badger had already made a break for freedom beyond the walls of the Axalon.

Amidst all the chaos and distractions, Primal immediately hit the command to pause the scanner, delaying it from continuing so the green beam failed to reach out further into the large room, stopping it from enclosing toward the stasis pod.

[NaitoKage]

"Dat might explain why Sentinel's been actin' so unpredictable lately," "Assumin', o' course, dat you an' Blackarachnia didn't put a virus in our computer ta make it look like Zodiac did it, or whoever the deck he is."

"They are both right," "And if I may add.. Wouldn't it be going against that Maximal code of honor to simply let the Predacons die when you have the chance to save them?

"You just want things done ta help yerself in dis mess. Whatever's beneficial for your situation."

Well ofcourse that'd be the case.. Umbra thought to himself, that was part of being alive. Everyone in the end has their own agenda...

"There is no Maximal code of honour""Honour gets you killed" "This is also not your call!"

Umbra observed with a netural expression, the Maximal butcher seemed to try to call the shots among the smaller units..

"We do not negotiate with terrorist. There are laws and procedures to follow. We don't just make decisions based what makes us feel good about ourselves. We have a legal system in place which handles wrong from right, guilty from innocent.""Life being "precious' as you so profoundly put it, does not absolve them of their crimes nor can you rationalize unjust mercy with such a idiotic statement." "You're right Whitegrazer, we are far away from courts or trials. Which is all the more reason to take decisive action! We don't have the luxury of mercy, it will lead to out end...""The cure is ours. And if your conscience is still troubling you. Just remember that the virus did not originate from us so they have inflicted this upon themselves. Maybe that will rid of this guilt you hold into""Things have changed. The reason why we could never moved forward in the past is because were led by a Prime. Who never had the bearings to do what needed to be done. Not anymore"

"Stop the scan, something isn't.."

Cheetor and Landslide watched as Ironclaw rushed towards the hanger door and escaped Ironclaw wait! Cheetor shouted out towards him, Landslide sighed watching.

Cheetor walked over to the cure that was dropped on the floor picking it up, Cheetor walked over to Nemesis handing her the cure, then transformed to his beast mode and ran out following Landslide and Ironclaw.

Umbra chuckled watching the scene Oh this is rich.. But I doubt you want your fellow Maximal hurt too badly. Umbra then looked towards Rattrap I can't prove to you that Blackarachnia didn't hack your systems, least not in a way you'd believe. But.. I can provide you with a way of proving your friend there is innocent. Umbra smiled warmly And just to make things interesting.. if I'm wrong.. I'll commit ritual suicide. Least then you'd have one less pred to sully your hands with.. Right?

Umbra then leaned up, transforming to his beast mode, then coiled up to roughly the size and shape of a beach ball with two large purple eyes, his internal repair systems coming online. Ofcourse.. til then, I'll work on my own repairs. Being smashed under an interior wall wasn't really that damaging to him as he was built to survive the crushing depths of the ocean, but his body was riddled with holes from the autogun fire, which effected his structural support, making it too difficult for him to walk properly, let alone fight.

[Phoenix]

"You just want things done ta help yerself in dis mess. Whatever's beneficial for your situation."

The rodent's snide remark brought about a slight smirk in return. Nemesis saw no need to refute such claims, not when all of them knew it was at least partially true. Then again..

"And the same can't be said of your decision to let my kind be killed?," she countered, her point being made quite clear by the tone in her voice. She made no attempt to hide the disdain she felt for the rodent and his self-righteousness.

Aurora glanced a bit nervously between the two high-strong individuals leading the debate. Obviously she was siding with Rattrap but still.. a part of her was starting to question what the right thing to do would be. Whitegrazer and Rhinox were quite firm in their belief that the Predacons deserved to live and she doubted anything Rattrap could possibly say would change their minds.

Nemesis clutched quite gingerly onto the cure in her hand, knowing that she literally was holding onto her best chance of not only regaining her position within the Predacon ranks and even had a chance to beat Zodiac at his own game. Granted she was a little unsure of what the best approach would be given Zodiac's ability to heal himself as effectively as she could. To stop him they would have to limit his powers.. But how? Knowing from her own experiences, the nanotechnology disliked extreme temperature changes. An electric shock could also stun them but the effects were limited at best. So they'd need a more permanent solution..

She was quickly snatched from her ponderings when the badger approached with his normal display of disgruntled disapproval. Her optics narrowed at him as he grabbed for her occupied hand, her other hand immediately grabbing for her weapon as he pried the bottled solution from between her fingers.

"There is no Maximal code of honour"

"Not in present company at least," the avian Predacon muttered under her breath, her free hand pulling up her sai and clutching it by the handle. It was a Predacon's first instinct to resolve a conflict with violence and she certainly had no intention of letting Ironclaw run off with her ticket back into Megatron's graces.

"Honour gets you killed"

Well.. she was inclined to agree with that statement at least. Honor, pride, stubbornness and stupidity were all very likely candidates to get someone killed. So was arrogance as the badger was about to discover very soon if he didn't hand her back the cure.

"This is also not your call!"

"Nor is it yours,"

"We do not negotiate with terrorist. There are laws and procedures to follow. We don't just make decisions based what makes us feel good about ourselves. We have a legal system in place which handles wrong from right, guilty from innocent." "Life being "precious' as you so profoundly put it, does not absolve them of their crimes nor can you rationalise unjust mercy with such a idiotic statement."

By now Nemesis was getting infuriated, enough so to point the sai in her hand at Ironclaw in an accusing motion when she spoke.

"And who made you judge, jury and executioner? Who decided that you, the prime example of someone who is not Maximal nor Predacon in nature, gets to decide over who lives and dies?" She was about to continue but Rhinox cut her off.

"Since when don't we negotiate? We always try resolving issues with our rivals without violence first, which means we talk in hopes of finding a suitable compromise so that no one is injured or worse."

Upon hearing those words, Nemesis glanced briefly over at her sai before she slowly, grudgingly, lowered it. Tempting as it was to plunge the sharp weapon through the loudmouth badger's neck, it would certainly not help the situation any. At the same time the Maximal finally released his grip on her other wrist.

"The cure is ours. And if your conscience is still troubling you. Just remember that the virus did not originate from us so they have inflicted this upon themselves. Maybe that will rid of this guilt you hold into"

Nor did the Predacons create the virus, Nemesis thought to herself, knowing all too well it originated back in a part of her past that she had long since attempted to bury. It was not of Predacon origin but rather a surviving branch of Decepticons, and it had been used on her and those like her to prepare them for the horrors to come in a world they couldn't possibly have imagined when the had started this venture. It had driven most of its victims mad even then, the survivors developing an immunity to it. She understood why Zodiac had decided to use it, after all she'd seen the effects first hand, and if her situation had been different she probably wouldn't have hesitated to use it against her enemies as well. But alas, she was stuck here, on Earth, in a time before history as she knew it. Killing off Megatron and his crew now could alter history and strand her to live out her days here, unable to even locate the goal of their mission here. There was too much at stake to ignore, too many reasons not to sit back and just let it happen.

She looked back at Ironclaw, fully expecting him to continue arguing with the rest of them, only to find that the he stood as if frozen.. as if.. fearful for his very existence. It was then she realized that the machine had stopped moving, its beams centered on the badger. The look of panic then spread across his face, the realization that he had been tagged all too clear. So Ironclaw was really Zodiac. Gone were the warnings from earlier that Zodiac had control over the computer system, now replaced with an instant deep hatred and feeling of betrayal. Ironclaw's look of panic didn't help matters any at all, certainly not when he attempted to flee.

Aurora stared in utter shock as the larger Maximal looked straight at her with a look unlike anything she'd ever seen before.He looked like he'd just been trapped and had no way out, like a wounded animal.. She merely stared back at him, swallowing as she heard Optimus' voice ordering them to capture Ironclaw.

Nexus' optics locked with Optimus' as the scan abruptly came to a halt, notifying both of them that their target had been located. The Maximal commander's conflicting emotions played across his face in rapid succession, revealing that at least part of Optimus had hoped that the scanner wouldn't find anything abnormal. It was evidently a hard blow to him that the traitor was one of his own crew, no matter how impossibly stubborn and obnoxious the badger tended to be. The admiral followed Optimus gaze out of the window, down to the crowd below, where that same confusion was quickly spreading like wildfire. And in the midst of it Ironclaw stood as if frozen for a few moments, a look of genuine shock and perhaps even fear on his features.

The transmetal badger then seemed to regain his senses, or perhaps it was just his desperate attempt to avoid the confrontation he surely realized would be coming, regardless of his reasons he suddenly lunged towards the locked doors and started hitting them. Nexus raised an optic ridge as he followed every move the now fugitive badger made, fully realizing he could not have planned for a better reaction than what the normally hotheaded badger had on display right now. His frantic actions made him look just as guilty as a confession would have, and it was quite liberating to see his movements grow more desperate by second. By now all the other Maximals were staring at him, mostly in shock and horror, and for that brief moment their voices went silent.

"DETAIN HIM!"

The sound of Optimus' order echoed throughout the large chamber, causing a few of the Maximals to look up at the two commanding officers visible through the window. A few others immediately stepped towards Ironclaw in an attempt to follow through with Primal's order. It was then that the large Maximal managed the unthinkable. He actually hit the doors hard enough to break a hole through the thick metal plating, just large enough for him to be able to pry the doors open and squeeze through.

By the pit..!

The admiral's visage immediately soured much like his plans to have the Maximals dispose of Ironclaw. He immediately sent a message to Sentinel, ordering the defense system to take down the escaped badger. Fortunately Optimus had a similar idea and ordered Sentinel to do the same.

"Everyone stay put,"

"Sentinel, stop Ironclaw with non-lethal force!"

"Acknowledged," the monotone voice of the computer responded, a number of drones taking off after Ironclaw. Nexus crossed his arms as he watched the Maximals stirring below, still shocked by this recent turn of events. The pretender didn't trust that Sentinel would be able to stop the rampaging Maximal, not if he managed to find a way outside the base. It was best to make sure this ordeal was settled swiftly and subtly. And messy and quite painfully for the badger. It was time to bring in the big guns..

While Optimus' attention was on his precious Maximals, Nexus transmitted a single, undetectable message to his secret weapon. The first order was a code to override the weapon's preliminary programming to protect Night Terror, a fail safe he had installed to assure that Dirge could never be used against him. He then swiftly transmitted instructions on who the target was and to get the job done quickly, following up with the schematics Dirge would require to complete this mission. Zodiac was quite confident in the large worm's ability to get himself out of whatever prison cell he had been stashed in.

"Seek out and destroy the Maximal Ironclaw," came the last part of the transmission.

He then turned to Optimus, just in time to see him turn off the scan. The admiral shook his head and closed the gap between himself and Optimus rather quickly, placing his hand on top of his pupil's. "No," he told the younger bot in a friendly yet firm voice, "We need to finish the scan. It's the only way to make sure there are no other surprises hiding among the Maximals. You've done well so far, but stay strong enough to finish what we've started."

He gave Optimus a reassuring smile, the same one he had practiced so many times before, and nudged the commander's hand forward towards the switch to continue the scan.

[una]

"They are both right," she said in a surprisingly quiet voice, "And if I may add.. Wouldn't it be going against that Maximal code of honor to simply let the Predacons die when you have the chance to save them?"

"You just want things done ta help yerself in dis mess. Whatever's beneficial for your situation."

"And the same can't be said of your decision to let my kind be killed?

"A life is a life.."

Whitegrazer smiled towards Aurora and agreed, "Yes, Aurora, and we mustn't take life away so easily or callously." She bowed her head. She knew... She knew what it was like take a life. To have it in her grasp and squash it with her own hands and feet or by weapons created by her own. To watch several of her enemies' optics become lifelessly and their visage straining from agony to horror, from bitterness to pure serenity. Young and old. It didn't matter... It was the same. All life, no matter she viewed them. And because of what she learned, one mustn't talk about taking life like some type of game or obstacle. Every life existed for a purpose and had a right to exist, Maximal or Predacon.

Then she lifted her head and smiled towards Nemesis, "Once the scanning is done and we are all free to leave, if you are ready, I believe it would be wise to-

"There is no Maximal code of honour"

"Honour gets you killed"

"Ironclaw!" Whitegrazer was actually taken aback but Ironclaw's outburst, but why was she so surprised? She didn't approve of Ironclaw's actions towards Nemesis nor his words. Hasn't he learned the last time he touched and started something with Nemesis? Hasn't he learned? "Yes, we do. Nemesis was here to help us with this shapeshifter and help clear her name. With the idea Rhinox has suggested, we will honor it."

"This is also not your call!" He reminded them as he looked about the many faces, Rhinox, Whitegrazer, Landslide, Rattrap and finally Aurora. Redirected his argument at these Maximals in front of him, he didn't bother to address the Predacons because they simply had no say in the decision. He was looking down at all of them except Landslide. Though he was directing most of this words at the rhinoceros and the witch. "We do not negotiate with terrorist. There are laws and procedures to follow. We don't just make decisions based what makes us feel good about ourselves. We have a legal system in place which handles wrong from right, guilty from innocent." the badger through away Nemesis wrist when he paused.

Whitegrazer watched Nemesis draw out her sai. She watched with sadness and concern. If she must, she would throw herself between the two, so neither of them got hurt.

"And who made you judge, jury and executioner? Who decided that you, the prime example of someone who is not Maximal nor Predacon in nature, gets to decide over who lives and dies?"

"Since when don't we negotiate?" Rhinox inquired, his optics locking with Ironclaw's. "We always try resolving issues with our rivals without violence first, which means we talk in hopes of finding a suitable compromise so that no one is injured or worse."

"We always find the most peaceful solution first. Anything else is last resort. And only last resort." Whitegrazer added into the conversation.

"Life being "precious' as you so profoundly put it, does not absolve them of their crimes nor can you rationalise unjust mercy with such a idiotic statement." His optics burning into Rhinox's. "You're right Whitegrazer, we are far away from courts or trials. Which is all the more reason to take decisive action! We don't have the luxury of mercy, it will lead to out end...

"The cure is ours. And if your conscience is still troubling you. Just remember that the virus did not originate from us so they have inflicted this upon themselves. Maybe that will rid of this guilt you hold into"

"Things have changed. The reason why we could never moved forward in the past is because were led by a Prime. Who never had the bearings to do what needed to be done. Not anymore"

"Ironclaw, " she shook her head and full disagreement towards him. She had been in a war between the Predacons. If really anyone could call them that, "I was a soldier during the last war between us and the Predacons. I was taught the same words you tell us today by several of my comrades and many commanders. I believed them once because I didn't know better... No, that's only the half-truth. I did know better. It was just easier. It was easy to disregard the rules, blaming our enemies. If they didn't follow, why should we? If they didn't show mercy, why should we? And if we killed them, slaughtered, butchered them, it wasn't our fault but theirs. Taking no responsibility for our actions. Finding no alternative peaceful solutions. Just more violence and aggression." She closed her optics. There were many things she done and witnessed by her side and the Predacons. Oh, the horror and disgust she feels about being silenced. Many things... too many to actually say or recount. To the point her entire history and life was a classified file. Covered up and threatened to not speak a word or... else. Threatened by her own leaders and the High Council to keep her mouth shut. She wished to speak about them, to tell them to the whole Axalon crew, especially towards Ironclaw and the like. But she could try her best to get them to see reason and at least respect her enough to listen.

"The rules aren't limiting us. They are what keeps us from crossing a line we might not ever come back from. We go down this path. Conflict would breed more conflict. Anger will create more anger. Hatred will create more hatred. In the fires of powerful, biting emotions, more death and killing will arise, increasing on both sides. " She looked at Ironclaw, "If we let the Predacons die, we will remember what we did. No matter who ordered it or not, this moment would be etched into history. It might be buried, but the truth will spill out eventually. Megatron and the Predacons will be made as martyrs, creating more conflicts like what we have here or even worse, another Great War from those who risen from this incident for vengeance or some other agenda. And if they don't kill us, guilt will. And guilt... is the most dangerous emotion of all."

Guilt was a monster that eats up one's soul until they rid themselves of it. No way or another. She had seen several of people she learned to care for be destroyed by it. Horrible. She prayed she could prevent such a fate towards those she no doubt would feel this if such an act was done.

"All I'm saying, Ironclaw, is that you ask yourself if this is really worth it. Because the truth is that the Predacons are victims to the shapeshifter just like we are."

Well, for one yes.. The Predacons would be grateful to Nemesis, and it's a better idea to use her to deliver the cure to the Predacons as her speed is unrivaled. As for the cure.. Everything has a price Rattrap, so here's part of my payment. Currently, our enemy Zodiac has control of the Axalon's computer systems. That means he has control of your scanner and can make the results look like anything he wants, further more he has control of your defense systems.

"Stop the scan, something isn't.."

Whitegrazer turned her attention to Umbra than at Nemesis, but before she could say anything, the scan that went over Ironclaw turned red. No. That wasn't right. Ironclaw couldn't be... He couldn't be the shapeshifter. No, Umbra said it had to be Nexus. She believed him. He had nothing to lose for spilling out his name. Why would he say Nexus' name falsely? To her, it made no sense. And yet, she couldn't accuse. No one would believe. Especially not the words from a Predacon's mouth, which everyone would then accuse her of being... naive and too trusting of Umbra's words.

"DETAIN HIM!"

Optimus' command came loud from the observatory. Well, it didn't sound like a commanding voice to her. It was anger and a hint of betrayal in him. She didn't have to feel from her connection as when one spends time for a person for an extended period, one could see and hear when the other wasn't himself. Then she heard a large thud like something smashed against something. It came from where Optimus and Nexus were. Who did that? Was it Optimus? Did he not take the news well and was acting out of anger and betrayal? She was only guessing. Nexus... Zodiac... whoever was up there with him. She didn't think it would be something he would do.

Coming to Ironclaw's defence, she tried to place herself between Ironclaw and the others, "Wait, everyone. Just wait. " Ironclaw then made a run for it. "Ironclaw! Stop!" He made a hole in the wall and she was about to dash forward, but Optimus spoke out.

"Everyone stay put," "Sentinel, stop Ironclaw with non-lethal force!"

Umbra just said that Zodiac might have control of the Axalon's computer systems if that was true... Ironclaw might be a false positive or chosen to take the fall again like the incident in the CR chamber. Also, Sentinel was acting more aggressive. She shook her head, calling out to Optimus, moving closer towards the observatory deck to gatehr both Optimus and... Nexus' attention, "Optimus, maybe we should stop the scan. Sentinel is acting strange. I think we should inspect it before we do anymore and send a couple of people to help Ironclaw."

The shape shifter got exactly what he wanted."

Aurora's statement she said earlier before they came to the hangar bay rung in her ears like a deafening echo. She could looked around her surroundings. Everything went slow-mo for her. She closed her optics once more. She had the strongest urge to meditate for some odd reason, but her spark ached and felt a burning flame engulf its entire energy. It's pulsed went fast then slowed down.

The shape shifter got exactly what he wanted."

What do you mean by that? What was he after?

Her thoughts went back a day ago. When she thought the shapeshifter was after Nemesis, it was Nemesis that day when they were discussing the shapeshifter's true intentions... who or what he wanted she compelled an argument which was good.

He had to deal with her. Her being here was... a catch up? HAHA!

Of course, Nemesis had the same technology if she found out... it would have blown his cover. That make sense especially with the actions after. So... Nemesis was right about that. He never really made a killing move after her. He let her live, but who attacked Nemesis earlier today? Did he do it? But he let her live. Were they interrupted or was it unnecessary? Was he just playing with her?

Then he was after her... or she thought he was going to. He shot Aurora. Aurora. Why? She was vulnerable. Umbra admitted they were after her. He seemed shocked by such a turn of events. But why were they after her? Optimus... he thought Aurora was in front of him, but she warned him about Darkwind, another disguise of Zodiac's, a shapeshifter. Wait, of course! She was right! She suspected that the shapeshifter may have just used her and Aurora to get to...

Whitegrazer... you got it. It was right in front of you the whole time.

Optimus? Why? To see if he or she had a link?

It was then her mind flashed. Images of the hangar bay she and the others were in. It exploded as the scan reached the end of the room, after the pod. She saw the burning flames collapse upon Nemesis, Aurora, Rhinox, and her. She felt the hot, yellow flames coming inside her entire body, cracking it from the inside. She heard the drowning screams of everyone around her until... pop! Image of everyone's smoldering corpses against the debris of other's severed limbs from the force of the explosion. Some in shock. Some with no expression. Didn't have time to react. But there was a loud scream. A horrified scream. Bronze hands surveying the corpses. Picked up a severed head of green and brown. Agonizing, apologetic whispers echoeing over and over as a slight sliver of the bot's reflection on the broken optic. His teary face drenched in energon then it changed into a plead, begging for a death which was granted by a loud crack of thunder!

"NOOO!" Whitegrazer was almost hyperventilating when she opened her optics and then coughed, catching her breath, and waved her hands out to Optimus, "No! Don't! Don't continue the scan!"

She raced up to the observatory, banging on the door, "Optimus, listen to me! Don't continue the scan!"

[Optimal Optimus Primal]

"Once the scanning is done and we are all free to leave, if you are ready, I believe it would be wise to-

"'Grazer, are you still tryin' ta be her best friend?" the TransMetal rat asked her rhetorically. He didn't understand why the mare was so determined to try and make Nemesis see something she wasn't. It was beginning to annoy him with her treating her like she was a Maximal when she was far from it.

"We always find the most peaceful solution first. Anything else is last resort. And only last resort."

Precisely, Rhinox agreed with Whitegrazer.

"And the same can't be said of your decision to let my kind be killed?,"

"Hey, we ain't the ones out ta conquer the universe and kill everybody who stands in or way... cough-Megatron-cough," Rattrap told Nemesis, ignoring her tone. Maybe she had a point, but most of the Maximals there had to defend themselves and feared for their lives on a daily basis. They weren't the ones causing the violence, the Predacons were; most of whom enjoyed doing so. So, in the rodent's mind, the Predacons were the bad guys. These Maximals weren't trying to control the Predacons on Earth like the way it was on Cybertron, they were just trying to survive because of the Predacons' constantly trying to kill them.

"And who made you judge, jury and executioner? Who decided that you, the prime example of someone who is not Maximal nor Predacon in nature, gets to decide over who lives and dies?"

Indeed, thought Rhinox, agreeing with Nemesis on her description of the badger.

Ironclaw wait!

"Wait, everyone. Just wait. " "Ironclaw! Stop!"

While Whitegrazer had temporarily put herself between Nemesis and Ironclaw, Rattrap kept himself between them and Aurora, glancing at the Predacon female reaching for her weapon while Ironclaw began to panic.

Both Rhinox and Rattrap followed Cheetor's and Whitegrazer's distraught outcries to Ironclaw's horrified reaction. Rattrap, wielding his gun, was about to pursuit him when Optimus told all of them to stay put. Instead, he watched the younger cat pick up the syringe that the badger had dropped at the doorway that was completely ruined now and hand it back to Nemesis. He glanced at Aurora to see how she was fairing, and she appeared to be nervous and on edge. He couldn't blame her, after all, despite recent events and his poor attitude and lack of cooperation, it was still a shock that Ironclaw was singled out to be the shapeshifter thanks to the scan. Maybe it was because he had been with them for quite some time and none of these kinds of events happened until Nexus, Night Terror and Dirge arrived. Umbra's voice interrupted his thoughts while they had to let Ironclaw get away.

Oh this is rich.. But I doubt you want your fellow Maximal hurt too badly. I can't prove to you that Blackarachnia didn't hack your systems, least not in a way you'd believe. But.. I can provide you with a way of proving your friend there is innocent. And just to make things interesting.. if I'm wrong.. I'll commit ritual suicide. Least then you'd have one less pred to sully your hands with.. Right?

Absolutely! "I've been sayin' we're all gonne die since day one, so don't try ta convince me you're right by tellin' me that you'll commit suicide if you're wrong when I'm already certain we're dead," Rattrap said, half jokingly.

"That being said," Rhinox interrupted the Spy, nearly rolling his eyes at his little friend's negative remark, "We would be interested in learning how you can prove that Ironclaw is innocent and not Zodiac. I, for one, am tired of losing friends in this senseless war."

Ofcourse.. til then, I'll work on my own repairs.

Rhinox, intrigued, and Rattrap, disgusted, both watched the wounded Predacon transform and roll himself up into a ball. "We have a CR right here that you can use for those repairs," the engineer offered, gesturing his hand to the large chamber in the room. In fact, wasn't someone supposed to put him in one some time ago? IF Umbra was telling the truth and knew what he was talking about, an intruder like Zodiac who had control over Sentinel was very problematic and Rhinox was not happy about that. How much of any of this was Optimus aware of? Probably none of it since he secluded himself up there with the Admiral.

"Optimus, maybe we should stop the scan. Sentinel is acting strange. I think we should inspect it before we do anymore and send a couple of people to help Ironclaw."

Again with Sentinel. "We'll get to it," Primal told Whitegrazer firmly through the speaker in the observatory room. "No one else leaves until I know for certain that Ironclaw is the only one who the scan picked up with abnormal readings. I don't want anyone chasing him when they could easily find themselves in a trap or ambushed."

Rhinox's gaze shifted to Whitegrazer who started to approach the stairs to the room above before looking up at Optimus and Nexus inside.

"Sentinel, status on Ironclaw," Optimus demanded.

"Unit Ironclaw has damaged the hull. His signature indicates that he is retreating away from the base," the computer answered in its normal, monotone voice.

He escaped?! NO! the gorilla growled inwardly and quite angrily. He wasn't going to automatically accuse Ironclaw of being the shapeshifter even though the scan was pretty convincing. He would have began an investigation to look into it. Admittedly, though, it certainly made Ironclaw look guilty by the way he panicked and took off along with him allegedly attacking Nexus in the CR. Now he didn't know what to think.

"No,"

Lost in his chaotic and aching mind by this point, not even noticing Nexus approach him, the Admiral's touch on Primal's new hand made him immediately swat at it and yank his own away from him. In response, he almost grabbed his mentor's hand with his other hand to squeeze it and bend it backwards toward his wrist, but Optimus stopped himself before carrying out the action and glared at him for a moment. He didn't like that his teacher was being more persuasive, perhaps even forceful, by being physical with him rather than practicing vocal guidance. And after everything Optimus had just been physically put through, he didn't care for anyone touching him, not even Whitegrazer who only wanted to help in his grief and pain. It was still so fresh what the Predacons did to him, the mutilation that Megatron performed on him, nearly killing him. So much anguish.

"We need to finish the scan. It's the only way to make sure there are no other surprises hiding among the Maximals. You've done well so far, but stay strong enough to finish what we've started."

The Maximal Commander's frustrated expression slowly calmed down to worry the more Nexus spoke and encouraged him to remain determined and in control. It was very difficult for Optimus, however. He was concerned about Ironclaw and the rest of his crew below, and now Whitegrazer's odd and frantic behavior. His gaze lowered from Nexus Prime's smile, unable to return the emotion, and fell to the controls; more specifically the command to continue the scanning process. Even though Ironclaw was gone, he supposed there was no harm finishing what he started. His hand lifted and hovered over the button.

"NOOO!"

The engineer and the demolition expert looked toward Whitegrazer's sudden scream and awkward breathing before they looked at Banshee, Aurora, Landslide, and even Nemesis and Umbra. They watched the equine excitedly wave her arms to try and get their leader's attention. "What's wrong, Whitegrazer?" Rhinox asked, but his words were smothered by her next holler.

"I'm a little more concerned about Ironclaw escaping. If he really was Zodiac, den we just let him get away, and he could be anybody anywhere by now," the rodent said with disappointment and a bit disheveled.

"No! Don't! Don't continue the scan!"

The white mare's sudden outburst caused Primal to stop what he was doing. Now what? he thought. Just in case it was important, he took his hand away from the button.

"Optimus, listen to me! Don't continue the scan!"

With her loudly knocking on the door, he opened it for her so she could join them. "Why? What's wrong, Whitegrazer?" She looked of fright, terror and almost in tears with sporadic breathing. What could possibly be wrong besides them losing Ironclaw and possibly the shapeshifter? His once furious and intolerant persona and energy just moments earlier was quickly replaced by genuine concern because she was obviously bothered by something extremely troubling. All of his attention was suddenly on her.

"Rhinox, we gotta deactivate Sentinel before anythin' else goes haywire. Like, oh I don't know, it starts attackin' us!" the rodent suggested very seriously with great emphasis on the last word while Whitegrazer's Broadway scene was unfolding.

Big Green nodded while his fingers subconsciously rolled the flask of the cure in his large palm, assuming they could do it depending on how well and deep the intelligent computer software had been infiltrated and commandeered. Unfortunately, for the time being, all they could do was wait to be dismissed when given the all-clear after the scanning.

[DarkSpark]

Tarantulas continued to hide behind the equipment as Megatron and Starshadow made a mess of the place, laser beams and lightning bolts flying about everywhere, making it more than a little difficult for the transmetal spider to work to say the least.

"Hasn't she done enough? Couldn't she have just waited quietly in her cell until I found a moment of free time to examine her? Nooooo, she had to go "Autobot X" on me and make a mess of the place, and to top it all off, provoke the mad dinosaur while she was at it. Seriously Starshadow, no matter what secrets your bizarre anatomy might hide I'm beginning to wonder if its worth allowing your spark to beat a moment longer" Tarantulas brooded to himself as he prepared his cybervenom launcher, intending to poison the crazed femme and quite frankly not caring if she slipped into stasis lock or just died, he didn't have time for such drama now.

"I spare your life rather than flat out vaporize you on the spot for your transgressions and this is how you repay me Starshadow? So be it then, far be it for me to get between a suicidal fool and their coveted death wish" Megatron said calmly as he lit up the treacherous feline like a supernova, beams of purple energy scorching the air on their way to blow her to pieces.

"I don't know who's worse, the electric vampire cat or the beam spamming T-Rex!" Tarantulas snarled as he risked standing up and fired a few cyber venom shots at Starshadow, hoping to neutralize her and end this conflict sooner rather than later so he could return to giving the cure his full attention, the analysis nearing completion at last, or so he hoped.

After he had taken his shots, Tarantulas attempted to dive back behind cover but instead was zapped by a chance strike of Starshadow's lightning, the spider sprawling backwards from the shock before shaking it off and rolling back under cover...However, though the lightning's effects had done minimal damage to the spider, it had unfortunately done him more harm by burning a hole in his protective suit, meaning he was now vulnerable to infection, and there were a lot of infected predacons roaming about at the moment.

"SLAG YOU! SLAG YOU STRAIGHT TO THE PIT! DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE?!" the spider yelled angrily, ripping away the rest of the ruined suit since it could no longer do him any good, and then followed up with a volley of shoulder missiles that rained down upon Starshadow like a swarm of angry bees.

Starshadow was NOT a popular predacon at the moment, not at all.

[Phoenix]

"'Grazer, are you still tryin' ta be her best friend?"

The avian female paid no heed to the obvious taunting tone in the rodent's voice, his opinions mattered very little to her after all. Albeit he did raise a valid point in that Whitegrazer had been treating her much more kindly than most of the Maximals, not that Nemesis had returned the friendliness. And for now she was much more focused on the fleeing badger.

Nemesis sneered a bit in contempt as Ironclaw made his escape, especially after Primal ordered everyone to stay behind. Even though she was no Maximal, she seriously doubted that she was an exception to the rule. So she let the traitorous bastard go but not before shouting "Go ahead and run, you pathetic coward!," after him. There would be another time.. another place..

Aurora, on the other hand, stared on in disbelief as Ironclaw forced his way through the large doors and disappeared down the corridors. She really didn't know what to think. Yes, it was true that Ironclaw had been acting less than chivalrous for some time now, but could he really be hardhearted enough to send a bullet through her chest..? The shapeshifter, this.. Zodiac.. had almost killed her.. for little other reason than to get to Whitegrazer and Optimus. Of that Aurora was certain since there would be no other reason for him to make her a target. She posed no threat to him after all.

Still Umbra's words lingered, his warning about the threat coming from someone even closer to home. If Ironclaw was really a traitor, it would crush Optimus' already fragile spirit. But if Umbra was telling the truth, if Nexus truly was yet another of the pretender's many disguises, the effects would shatter Optimus' entire world. Neither choice was very appealing and Aurora really wasn't sure what the better option was. She did feel, however, that Ironclaw was a more likely possibility, given his sudden and frantic escape. If he had nothing to hide, why would he run like that..? But at the same time it also seemed unlikely that the shapeshifter would suddenly tuck tails and run.. It just didn't fit with his existing pattern.. But nor did Ironclaw suddenly freaking out!

"NOOO!"

A loud scream quickly brought her back to reality, the voice so twisted in petrified agony that she barely recognized it as belonging to Whitegrazer. The fuzor turned towards the white mare, her mouth dropping open in utter confusion, but the other female was already on her way up the stairs to the control room.

"No! Don't! Don't continue the scan!"

Nemesis, too, followed Whitegrazer's frenzied movements up the stairs, no longer sure of what to make of all of this. One moment the suspect was putting them all in grave danger, the next he was frantically running away. Ironclaw's actions certainly made him look guilty, but there was just something about him running away that didn't sit right with her. Zodiac never ran away in a state of panic.

"I'm a little more concerned about Ironclaw escaping. If he really was Zodiac, den we just let him get away, and he could be anybody anywhere by now,"

Nemesis glanced up at Whitegrazer who had just about reached the observatory, tilting her head a bit as she spoke up.

"For once I agree with you, rodent. We should be going after him."


It wasn't so much that she was convinced Ironclaw was really Zodiac, but more so her gut feeling telling her that she shouldn't be here.. That something was terribly wrong.

Amber optics settled on Optimus as the commander pulled his hand back from even the lightest touch, but the admiral did not make a move against him. Instead he withdrew ever so slightly, giving Optimus some room, while sighing deeply. "At ease, soldier," he told him with a calm, soothing voice. It was evident the admiral recognized the signs of post-traumatic stress, his voice very soft as not to make the situation worse. "It's me, old friend.." A slight pause. "You're safe, I will make sure of it." Another brief pause followed by a slow extension of his hand towards Primal's position. "You know I would never hurt you. But I need you to trust me now. We have to finish the scan.. "

He was interrupted by loud banging on the door, again drawing Optimus' attention from the task at hand. These Maximals were getting to be quite the nuisances..

"Optimus, listen to me! Don't continue the scan!"

Nexus lowered his extended arm as Primal went to open the door, allowing a very distraught Whitegrazer to join them. He maintained his normal stoic look for now, even if he had a feeling he already knew what she was going to say. It wouldn't matter much anyway, the shapeshifter was confident that Optimus trusted him fully. It shouldn't take too much effort to persuade him that Umbra had been lying to them.

"Why? What's wrong, Whitegrazer?"

Why was she so frantic? Was there something more to this than simply wanting to tell Optimus about what Umbra may have said about his identity?

"Are you not feeling well, Whitegrazer? You look like you need medical attention, perhaps it would be wise if you had Rhinox look you over," Nexus then offered, eager to usher her back downstairs so that he could finish his mission.

"Rhinox, we gotta deactivate Sentinel before anythin' else goes haywire. Like, oh I don't know, it starts attackin' us!"

Aurora nodded at that, her hand inadvertently tapping the wrist mounted computer pad she carried on her person. Whitegrazer's sudden outburst had her more than a little edgy right now.

[una]

"Why? What's wrong, Whitegrazer?"

Whitegrazer was relieved that Optimus let her in because she didn't know what would have happened if he didn't. She would probably opened the door herself. Seeing the concern look on Optimus' face made her realize how she might appear. She really didn't realize her own face was drenched in tears and her fists clenched until she was digging energon from her own palm. She stared at her hands, closed her hands abit, and took a deep breath. She needed to focus and choose her words carefully, especially with what she may have to reveal to Optimus and that made her not want to gaze at Optimus. How could she tell him? How could she reveal that he was being lied to, they were all lied and manipulated by a person they opened their arms and sparks to. Even now, as she stood near the doorway, she couldn't stop the overwhelming emotion of betrayal, sadness, concern, disgust, and sheer burden of what having to be the one to expose the truth. Break his heart.

It wasn't you that did. It was him. None of this is your fault.

I know. But it still hurts.

She took another deep breath, closing her optics. "Forgive me, Optimus." She opened them and looked at Optimus calmly, "I believe we should have everyone leave the hangar bay immediately."

"Are you not feeling well, Whitegrazer? You look like you need medical attention, perhaps it would be wise if you had Rhinox look you over,"

"I'm fine." She pushed aside her emotions. Serenity. Focus. That's all she needed. Anything else might compromise her intent and destroy her credibility. She wasn't going to run nor was she going to panic and allow this shapeshifter to use her own words against her. She was going to stand. Optimus must see the truth for himself, and she hoped, she could get through to him in time.

She stared at the red button that controlled the scan and the viewscreen. She saw the dent on the console. So someone must have hit it out of anger like she felt before. She looked at Optimus, looking just as concern towards him as he looked towards her. "I believe the scanner is wrong. Ironclaw isn't the shapeshifter nor do I believe the shapeshifter is down there." She ended like that, but she couldn't go through the questionings of where the shapeshifter is. Not yet anyway. "Ironclaw is too easy a target. He has a problem with authority,I know, especially authority that clashes with his views no doubt forged inside him by horrific experiences of cruelty. I believe him to be misguided, reckless, and even too trigger-happy to point worse than Rattrap towards Predacons, but no matter how I disagree with Ironclaw, I know that he only wishes for our preservation, not our destruction. Survival in it's most pragmatic terms."

"While I was talking to Umbra, he was about to tell me the identity of the shapeshifter when Sentinel shot out the wall beside him, crushing him." She left out the fact that Umbra spoke a name after they got him off, but it would be easy for her to being accused of being naive. Images of Umbra crushed underneath the debris made her grimace a bit. It was an act that caught her off-guard, but also, made her question Sentinel's control. "Sentinel has never acted this aggressive before, Optimus. Sentinel will do its best to protect us and the base, but most of it's tactics are defensive. Offensive tactics are only programmed for the most extreme and dire circumstances. Also, I find it convenient that when Umbra was going to speak the name, he was suddenly sneak attacked."

"Where I'm going with this is that I believe Sentinel has been tampered with, and if it has been tampered with, then Ironclaw would be the least likely candidate of such an act. He is a soldier. True, soldiers are taught basic skills in technical areas, but we are no experts. Especially in tampering or creating new complex actions in a mere minutes." She looked through the viewscreen, pointing towards the hole Ironclaw made, "The shapeshifter has proved to be cunning so far. He wouldn't place himself in a situation he would be vulnerable, and he wouldn't run. Ironclaw was scared, panicky. I saw it in his optics, Optimus. The shapeshifter doesn't get scared or panic. He would fight."

"He isn't there, Optimus," she shook her head slowly. "But he is here. He would have planned for such an act like this, and he would make sure he was far away as possible, but not too far to not manipulative how the events unfold. He probably planned this even before he came here. That's just my speculation, though, but from what my vision showed me, it may be true. And if what I said is to be true, then what I have figured out now would make sense and troubles me deeply."

She gazed at Optimus, "You are being set up."

[NaitoKage]

"I've been sayin' we're all gonne die since day one, so don't try ta convince me you're right by tellin' me that you'll commit suicide if you're wrong when I'm already certain we're dead,"

"That being said," "We would be interested in learning how you can prove that Ironclaw is innocent and not Zodiac. I, for one, am tired of losing friends in this senseless war."

"We have a CR right here that you can use for those repairs,"

Umbra looked towards Rhinox Ah, no. With sentinel under Zodiac's control, the CR chamber is a death trap at the moment. As for proving your friend's innocence.. it's rather simple really. In the Maximal armory, you have spares and copies of all your weapons.. the one miss "Frilla" used, the Electro scrambler.. that is the key. Someone with nanomachines inside them has a much more violent and unusual reaction compared to a normal cybertronian.

"NOOO!""No! Don't! Don't continue the scan!""Optimus, listen to me! Don't continue the scan!"

"Rhinox, we gotta deactivate Sentinel before anythin' else goes haywire. Like, oh I don't know, it starts attackin' us!"

He has a point. Umbra responded

Landslide grumbled The autoguns already attacked me earlier. as Landslide still didn't know why the guns had attacked him, or why there was a hanging wire in the hallway.

Umbra glanced towards Landslide Clearly they didn't win that engagement.. the octopus responded, seeing Landslide only have a few scratches and dings on him compared to himself, though Umbra's body wasn't made for taking gunfire. Blunt impacts were fine, but projectiles and blades just cut through him easily if they hit their mark.