Whiz looks, hardly able to believe that everyone is gone. Whiz goes over and slowly looks at the readouts, examining the work that has already been done today. Whiz mutters nervously to herself, looking unsure of what to do. She looks up at a monitor that traces the progress of the Autobots toward Washington DC, then turns her optics back to the body. The body lies there, still as death. Whiz sighs. "Rodimus, you may never forgive me for this, but believe me, I'm doing this for your own good. I hope." Whiz promptly unplugs the monitoring machinery, including the machines meant to keep the energon pumping within the body. THe beeping sounds of the machines vanish, leaving the lab silent. Whiz then takes a few tools and decides to keep the project from working again... Ever. Whiz lowers a protective visor over her optics and fires up a plasma torch, carefully isolating some connectors and switching their connection points. Whiz's hands tremble, and her face looks pained. Whiz straightens up to find a laser scalpel in her toolkit. Whiz withdraws the scalpel and begins to examine the wiring of the neural net. Slowly, she begins to reconnect a few random wires, just to make it impossible to isolate the problem later. There is some sparking from one of the connections. It looks like it could be a short circuit. Whiz does a quick once-over, then stands up to put her tools away. Whiz says, "That'll show you to try to come back and take over from Rodimus." Whiz cheerily bonks the corpse on the forehead. Suddenly there is a loud *ZAP* as one of the circuits arcs into another. Smoke billows briefly from the connection... Whiz says, "Ack! Smoke! No, no, no evidence..." Whiz hurries over to take a look. There is a glimmer of light in the deep blue optics as something begins to hum, almost inaudably. The smoke stops billowing and there is a soft click, like something falling into place. Whiz stops dead, staring with wide-open optics. A hand spasms. Suddenly... He sits up. Whiz says, "Oh... no...." Slowly, he begins turning his head, looking around the lab. Whiz stamps her foot and mutters, "Well, now we know. Luck is a double- edged sword." Whiz stares at what she has just accomplished and groans. Optimus Prime looks at you, almost confused for a moment. Then his expres- sion clears. "Whiz. You are Whiz." Whiz says, "And lucky to be her, yes." Optimus Prime says, "I.. ..where? ..." Optimus Prime shakes his head if trying to put something together. Whiz sighs and puts on a brave face. "You're in Metroplex, sir, and there will be a lot of people who will be very happy to see you here." Whiz refrains from mentioning whether or not she will be one of them. Optimus Prime regards you again with those deep optics. "You are respon- sible for this?" Whiz holds herself to a simple, "Yes." Whiz says, "Er... how do you feel?" Optimus Prime says, "Feel? I ... I am Optimus Prime. I feel fine." Optimus Prime says, "Thank you." Optimus Prime looks around again, at the obviously empty lab. Whiz says, "Well, um, what's the last thing you remember?" Whiz says, "There might be a little bit of explaining to do..." Whiz wrings her hands behind her back. Optimus Prime says, "I remember.. Passing the Matrix to Ultra Magnus. He is leader now." Whiz says, "Oooo, that much explaining. Well." Whiz says, "All right. Do you want the condensed version?" Optimus Prime nods Caern has connected. Optimus Prime nods to Caern as he enters the lab. Caern steps into the room and nearly falls over in shock, "Primus." Whiz shrugs. "It's really all we have time for. Well, for starters, we all thought you died. Well, you did die. And then -- oh, man, all that -- then this giant planet called Unicron started eating moonbases. (those are gone, by the way) and then everyone had to leave for Cybertron. And Mega- tron died, but somehow he got turned into Galvatron, and then they crash landed on Quintessa, but they got off of it, and in the meantime, Ultra Magnus got killed on Junkion, and Galvatron (I told you he used to be Mega- tron, right?) took the Matrix, and he couldn't kill Unicron, so... um... somehow Hot Rod made it to Junkion, and the Junkions put Magnus back toge- ther again, and there was a dance, and they all came to attack Unicron, the big planet, and the planet turned into a big robot, and somehow Hot Rod got the Matrix and lit our darkest hour and became Rodimus Prime and then we were all saved and there was a party and we took over all of Cybertron and oh -- hi Caern." Optimus Prime absorbs what Whiz says carefully. He still looks somewhat disoriented but is recovering rapidly. Whiz takes a deep breath. "And Rodimus is a great leader but he wanted to revive you and so we tried and they all had to leave for this battle and I stayed her and, um, I guess I sorta figured out how to fix you." Optimus Prime says, "Who is currently in charge?" Caern looks stunned, "It....it....worked." Whiz says, "Well, Rodimus of course." Optimus Prime says, "Of course." Whiz says, "Even though Ultra Magnus is fine now, Rodimus is the chosen one, he's the leader and we all like it that way, so I hope you can get used to it." Whiz looks sorta helplessly at Caern. Optimus Prime says, "That ... will not be a problem." Optimus Prime says, "Where is Rodimus Prime now?" Whiz says, "Good. Oh, and Rodimus is probably going to be sappy and ask you to forgive him. Okay? But you have to say there's nothing to forgive. Understand?" Whiz lowers her voice. "It would probably protect him from feeling bad." Optimus Prime nods. "There has never been anything to forgive Rodimus for. And he was forgiven a long time ago, if he would remember." Whiz says, "Perfect. I'll find out where he is." Caern receives a radio transmission from Trailbreaker. Caern transmits a message via radio. Whiz glares at Caern. "Dont tell anyone!" Caern receives a radio transmission. Whiz can't rouse Rodimus on the radio and turns to the computer, which shows his position. Whiz says, "Washington DC. But I don't know if you should travel..." Caern shoots Whiz an irritated look, "I am not mentioning it to anyone. I am receiving a request for assistance from Trailbreaker. The Decepticons are attacking New York." Whiz wrings her hands. Caern says, "I need to get there." Whiz says, "I knew that, where do you think everyone is?" Optimus Prime stands up immediately. "Decepticons must be stopped." Whiz says, "But, uhhhhh...." Whiz looks to Caern as if she's expecting help. Caern moves towards the door, "Whiz...watch him." Optimus Prime says, "No buts. The Decepticons must be stopped." Whiz says, "Watch him?!" Caern leaves to the Main Lobby - Second Floor to the west. Optimus Prime moves towards the door also. Whiz says, "Sir, you're not really in a condition to travel..." Optimus Prime says, "I am fine." Optimus Prime turns at the door. Whiz says, "Er... uh... oh, who am I to tell you what to do? Have fun. I'd better try to clear this up. Somehow." Optimus Prime says, "They need reinforcements. Your assistance would be appreciated." Whiz says, "Me?" Whiz says, "Oh, I'm no good in battle." Whiz says, "Really. Better get ready to treat the wounded." Whiz backs away from the door nervously. Optimus Prime says, "And there will be wounded in New York that you can treat. Come with me." Whiz groans, "With you?" Optimus Prime turns around and walks out like he expects to be obeyed. Optimus Prime leaves to the Main Lobby - Second Floor to the west. Whiz shakes her head. "This is.. oh, Primus help me." Whiz moves west to the Main Lobby - Second Floor... Whiz follows, looking distracted. Optimus Prime nods to Daniel and Chromia as he comes out. "We are going to New York City to help Rodimus Prime." Daniel wows in total awe. Whiz looks helplessly at Chromia. Whiz whispers "Don't ask. I can't stop him." to Chromia. Whiz looks over the towering figure. Optimus Prime: He towers like some massively tall juggernaut over those who surround him, his shadow falling across his enemies as if brought to life by divine will. Brillant blue optics shine above a gunmetal grey face who's stern expression grants relief to some while creating fear in others. Emblazoned upon the arms of the claret colored torso are two relatively small Autobot symbols that seem to scream out for attention as if they are flaming with an inner light. For a moment, you see this figure as if through an insub- stantial haze... But no. He is here, in front of you. He stands with the manner of the righteous as if he is the Hand of God. He is back, this Leader of the Autobot Army. He is Optimus Prime. May Primus have mercy on our souls. Optimus Prime moves towards the lift Optimus Prime heads downward to the Main Lobby - First Floor below. Whiz heads downward to the Main Lobby - First Floor... Chromia enters from the Main Lobby - Second Floor above. Chromia says, "Sorry...bout back there. I was uh...preoccupied for a second or two..." Chromia grins feebly. Whiz coasts through on the power of her own disbelief that this is really happening. Optimus Prime says, "That is alright. We must go to New York City immed- iately." Optimus Prime continues to head out. Chromia stares at Whiz. "Of course we have to." Optimus Prime leaves to the Entrance to Autobot City to the west. Optimus Prime has left. Whiz whispers, "Nightmare. Gotta be." to Chromia. Whiz moves west to the Entrance to Autobot City... Chromia enters from the Main Lobby - First Floor to the east. Optimus Prime leaves to the Outskirts of San Francisco to the west. Whiz moves west to the Outskirts of San Francisco... Whiz numbly transforms into her faster airskimmer mode. Whiz's body buckles as she folds down into an aerodynamic airskimmer. Chromia enters from the Entrance to Autobot City to the east. Optimus quickly shifts and folds into a large semi truck. Semi [Optimus] starts heading up the highway towards the east. Chromia slowly glimmers green and begins to float off the ground. Semi drives off to visit the desert. Airskimmer [Whiz] drive into the desert to see the sights. Chromia comes in from the west coast. Airskimmer mutters about the appropriateness of the Death Valley's name. Airskimmer transmits a message to Rodimus Prime: *strangely shaken voice* What is your current, er, postition? Chromia says, "So what is going on in New York that requires....such assistance?" Semi continues driving down the highway as fast as he can while avoiding normal Earth traffic and trying not to cause accidents. Airskimmer says, "Con attack. Zombies walking. Same diff." Semi says, "Rodimus is in need of help. He has called for reinforcements." Transmission from Chromia: Does Rodimus know? Transmission from Rodimus Prime: *sharply clipped voice* Washington. Airskimmer transmits a message to Chromia: Not yet. Airskimmer transmits a message to Rodimus Prime: Uhhhh... reinforcements are coming. Primus help me when we get there.' Transmission from Chromia: Seems to ponder for a sec. Do not tell him then. Airskimmer transmits a message to Semi: Um, sir? Rodimus is actually in Washington DC. Airskimmer skids along the roads, as if she is preoccupied. Transmission from Semi: Then Washington DC is our destination Semi radios you both with: "The fight has moved to Washington DC, so we will head there, AUtobots." Chromia transmits a message via radio to Semi. Semi transmits a message via radio to Chromia. Chromia transmits a message via radio to Semi. Airskimmer transmits a message to Chromia: *panicky* What? What? Chromia receives a radio transmission. Airskimmer transmits a message to Chromia: Chromie, I am soooo freaked out... I didn't mean to do it, it just happened, and I don't even know what I did... and here he is, and I have made such a mistake... Semi transmits a message via radio to Chromia. Transmission from Semi: Radio silence with those in the battle for now. We don't want the Decepticons to know we're coming. *Nice little special report picture* "This is Dan Anchroman, NBC Nightly news..I'm here on the scene near Washington, where yet another conflict between transformers has apparently emerged (starts showing overdramatized footaged with cheesy music in background) Airskimmer transmits a message to Semi: Ummmm, of course. Semi continues driving along this lonely, hot stretch of road like he was created to do just that. Chromia radioes you both with: "You may switch over to internal frequency 3bz. We can continue with local burst traffic and not risk interception." Dan Anchroman says, "When will it end..the constant conflict, now so close to the dear capitol of our nation. We must ask..what is next..what is next..who is the good guy.. *continues to blab* Semi heads east towards the Midwest as we all travel out of the desert regions of the USA. Chromia closes down to the road, transforming and joining the others in traffic. Chromia leans back and transforms into a hover vehicle. Semi drives east towards the cornbelt. Airskimmer drives to the cornbelt to the east. Airskimmer glumly follows along, looking paler than usual. Hover Transport [Chromia] comes in from the desert to the west. Hover Transport walks into the room, not quite paying attention. Semi doesn't notice your disquietd demeanor. He is focused on his goal. Hover Transport speeds up, reaching abreast with Whiz. Footage of humans running out of a nearby federal budget meeting. Airskimmer transmits a message to Hover Transport: What am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to say? *Help* me, Chromia! Semi radios you both with, "When we get there, be careful. Whiz, you are to isolate the wounded as soon as possible. Chromia will cover you. I will act as a distraction and try to draw Decepticon fire so you may do your jobs." Transmission from Hover Transport: *static* Airskimmer is so unnerved that she nearly swerves off of the road. Hover Transport radioes with, "Rodimus....er...Optimus.... I think when you arrive, everything will stop. But orders understood." Semi responds with, "Do what you can. Our first priority is the wounded and the humans." Airskimmer mutters to herself, "And the totally freaked out medic..." Hover Transport whispers "Don't worry about it...nothing bad can happen from this....at least nothing worse..." Anna-Mecha comes in from the desert to the west. Dan Anchorman shakes his head at the firing of weapons, corny music begins to play "It's hard to tell exactly how many of our fine citizens have been affected, but rest assured, we'll be there to cover this tragic event as it happens. Final hearings for the OJ Simpson civil trial will be delayed..watch them tommorow at 8.. Anna-Mecha shouts out, "Go-Go Gadget, Junk Cycle!!!" Anna-Mecha cracks and twists into a Junk Cycle. Junk Cycle catches up with you guys. Transmission from Semi: Is this person an AUtobot? Junk Cycle breaks a few speed limits too while she's at it. Airskimmer is in no mood to talk. She is strangely introverted. Airskimmer transmits a message to Semi: This is one of the Junkions. They're our allies - they repaired Ultra Magnus on their planet and helped defeat Unicron. Hover Transport transmits a message via radio to Semi. Airskimmer moans quietly to herself. Semi transmits a message via radio to Hover Transport. Semi transmits a message via radio to Junk Cycle. Dan Anchorman 's ugly face finally disappears "We'll now be cutting into some live footage of the scene.." Semi continues driving down the interstate which is surprisingly free of drivers at this time. Junk Cycle uuuummmms as she starts riding along with the others... Ultra Magnus says, "Spike, get out of the way. He's mine!" Spike gets josteled by a nearby ammo explosion and misses Dump Truck laughs...weakly as the shot is a bit off to his left side. Spike nods and dives for safety Drake tries to heave his Exo up as quickly as possble. Ultra Magnus runs towards Soundwave, intent on him and nobody else. Dump Truck begins slowly to pick up speed again..."Liked this..so ... much...last time...see...if ya...like it...again...bot... Spike goes over to Drake and helps him up. Rodimus Prime rolls over on his side, trying to regain his bearings through the smoke. Airskimmer watches the battle on the small TV in her console and groans again. Phoenix lies close to the anchor man..he looks at peace and yet REALLY damaged...go figure. Dump Truck seems to be leaking energon out of several cracks in his armor Pickup-Camper drives in quickly for his normal pace, scanning around to try to get a good idea of the situation. Spike mutters to himself, "... help.." Dump Truck collides with Rodimus Prime forcefully. Drake continues to scramble for better cover, and to prepare for his next shot. Trailbreaker flips upward, and his head, arms, and legs appear. The camper folds up onto his back, and he locks into his robot form. Blitzwing looks at firestar with a volient look in his optics Firestar draws her axe, striking it to life and throwing it at Blitzwing, "Get over here!" Firestar misses Blitzwing with her energy_axe attack. Airskimmer gasps suddenly and nearly swerves off of the road as Rodimus gets hit with a blow on TV. Hover Transport veers up and over Whiz, to stay on the road. You transmit a message to Semi: The battle looks like it's not going well for us. Semi says, "Whiz, are you okay?" Dan Anchorman continues blabbing...suddenly a commerical for pizza rolls fills half the screen.. :) Airskimmer transmits a message to Semi: There was a brief bit of news coverage on the television. It doesn't look good, and I was surprised, that's all. Hover Transport whispers "Keep your mind on the road!" Junk Cycle starts blaring the blues as she heads down the highway. Airskimmer transmits a message to Semi: I'll try to concentrate better... Airskimmer transmits a message to Hover Transport: *Excuse me* for being *distracted*! Transmission from Semi: Just be careful. Junk Cycle transmits a message via radio to Semi. Semi crosses the invisible boundary seperating the Midwest from the Eastern states. Semi drives to the east coast. Transmission from Hover Transport: Fine! *pause* You're excused! *pause* *snickers* Junk Cycle drives to the east coast. Airskimmer drives to civilization on the east coast. Hover Transport comes in from the Great Midwest. Junk Cycle vrooms in right behind a funky semi truck. Warplane [Double-Take] fires a rocket at Mixmaster, and says, "PRIME???" Airskimmer follows the semi in a pecuiliarly wobbly way. Semi comes roaring in from an interstate, heading full speed towards DC. Hover Transport transmits a message via radio to Semi. Semi transmits a message via radio to Junk Cycle. Semi heads toward the outskirts of Washington D.C. to the south. Mixtruck [Mixmaster] says, "It cant be..it must be some kind of trick.." Warplane strikes Mixtruck with rocket. Airskimmer moves toward the outskirts of Washington D.C. to the south. Hover Transport enters from the Outskirts of New York to the north. Drake moves back to Spike...And I'll cover you...:) Junk Cycle enters from the Outskirts of New York to the north. Airskimmer trails behind the semi unhappily. Semi comes roaring in from the interstate HoverTruck [Firestar] remains lying on the ground groaning as she lifts up. Ultra Magnus says, "What?" Junk Cycle vrooms behind the funky semi truck. "Heeee's baaaaaack...."