Flaming Car pulls out after the caravan.

You move west to the Road To Mines...
Road To Mines

Sundiver enters from the Liberation Arch to the east.
Green Airskimmer enters from the Liberation Arch to the east.
Teal Hovercraft enters from the Liberation Arch to the east.
Crimson HoverTruck enters from the Liberation Arch to the east.
Sundiver follows Rodimus closely.
Rodimus broadcasts internally, "It's a long story, Edward..."
Krystal Bryant almost breaks as she finds herself inside, the old, 
comfortable familiarity there, but masked with a hollow and dark sense 
of sadness. Her trust returns to her instantaniously, but not without a 
great sense of turmoil.
Black Attack Platform enters from the Liberation Arch to the east.
Edward Bryant says, "I have plenty of time."
Krystal Bryant reaches out to place her hand on the dashboard, biting 
her lip slightly as she gazes quietly at its readings.
Green Airskimmer follow at Rodimus' side, seething about something. (as 
usual)
Rodimus winces inwardly. "I promise, I'll tell you the whole story once 
things settle down."
Edward Bryant reaches over and places a hand on Krystal's back.
Black Attack Platform takes up the rear.
[I don't know what you can sense anymore, and can't...I want to 
understand, Rodimus...Rodimus. I *am* here.]
Teal Hovercraft skims through the air, taking in the scenery almost 
breathlessly. Her course veers side to side slightly.
@pemit *krys=\[*some sense of the warm, familiar presence returns* I'm 
still here, Krystal.]
Flaming Car chuckles softly. "Watch where you're driving, Outrun."
Sundiver glides over to shadow the hovercraft. "Enjoying the view?" It 
chuckles.
Green Airskimmer says, "Yes, just because this is the past doesn't make 
it safe."
You say, "That's not quite what I meant, Whiz..."
Green Airskimmer says darkly, "Regardless, it is important to remember."
Black Attack Platform sighs to itself.
Teal Hovercraft hmms? and ohs softly, her path levelling out.
Flaming Car sighs. "Yes, Whiz, of course."

You move west...
New Cybertron Highway - Far East
<everyone else continues to follow>

Black Attack Platform enters from the east.
Aerospace Fighter follows closely.
Krystal Bryant looks back tearily at Edward, nodding in appreciation.
Edward Bryant frowns, squezing Krystal shoulder as he tries to keep the 
confusion from swirling across his face, offering his handkerchief.
Aerospace Fighter whees and does barrel rolls in the air. "Cybertronian 
skies, free and clear . . . Primus, I'm going to enjoy this!"

You move west to the Koriolis Desert...
You move west to the Vestral Overpass...
You move west to the New Cybertron Highway - East...
New Cybertron Highway <East>

Black Attack Platform slows down. "Getting closer..."
Crimson HoverTruck says, "Little bit of a tingling."
Teal Hovercraft quivers faintly.
Green Airskimmer reports impassively, "The tingling may grow 
uncomfortable once in the base."
@pemit *krys=\[*a certain awe at the whole thing... the planet itself, 
the people, a sense of mixed anticipation and dread regarding Iacon, and 
perhaps more importantly, the people within.*]
Black Attack Platform takes up a position closer to the ground, wavering 
in its course slightly.
Crimson HoverTruck responds quietly, "Understood, Whiz."
You say, "Hang in there, people. It's not going to be fun but we've 
taken worse."
Green Airskimmer says, "I don't advise being in the same room with your 
past self. The pain could grow debilitating."
Aerospace Fighter says, "Huh? Why? I mean, I'm not the brains here . . 
."
Krystal Bryant blinks once, turning her head again momentarily to the 
dashboard, a faint look of wistful understanding trying to flicker 
across her face.
Green Airskimmer says, "The proximity buffers can only protect you from 
some of the effects of proximity to your past self. Discomfort will 
still occur with extreme proximity."

You move west...
Outside Memorial Spaceport

Edward Bryant looks over at Krystal, thenm back forward again, "You all 
right, Krys...?"
Black Attack Platform says, "Primus.."
Aerospace Fighter flies down low, skimmingthe ground, kicking up debris. 
"Yee-HAW!"
Crimson HoverTruck says, "Memorial..."
Green Airskimmer says, "By the.. flame..."
Krystal Bryant nods slowly. "Yes, Edward."
Flaming Car mutters, "Primus, it's been a lifetime."
Teal Hovercraft breathes, "Wow."
Aerospace Fighter says, "Memorial, Headquarters . . . how long has it 
been again? 8 mil?"

You move west to the New Cybertron Highway...
New Cybertron Highway <West>

Aerospace Fighter cheers as the tunnel begins to come into view.
Green Airskimmer says, "Nearly seven million years, Sundiver."
Transmission from Whiz: Your city. Are you going to be all right?
Whiz transmits a message via radio.
Flaming Car picks up the pace a bit as his tires hit painfully familiar 
ground.
Aerospace Fighter says, "It's like the place hasn't even changed . . . 
come to think of it, that's why I left it for a while..."
Edward Bryant doesn't look to convienced, but accepts the response, "I 
must admit I have my own questions, but I want to know what is going on 
before I start asking away..."
You transmit a message to Whiz: Our city. And I'll manage.
Whiz receives a radio transmission.
Krystal Bryant looks over at Edward, her face drawn in turmoil.
Edward Bryant listens to the radio, "Are you sure that's Whiz...?"
Krystal Bryant says, "Rodimus..." she breathes quietly. "What's happened 
to her?""
Edward Bryant grips Krystal's hand in support.
You say, "Yeah," his voice sounds more weary than anything else he's 
said tonight, "That's her."

You move toward the tunnel to the west ...
Tunnel of Retoris

Edward Bryant frowns to himself. "Damn.. what happened to her..."
The black attack platform forms into the Cybertonian warrior Strafe.
Shifting upwards quickly, Firestar transforms into her robot mode.
You say, "We never really found that one out, to be honest, Edward..."
Strafe shakes his head. "This is amazing."
Krystal Bryant looks out the window, shaking her head as she tries to 
figure, easily remembering the hostile glances, the pain, the hatred.
Edward Bryant draws in a breath, watching the situation unfold. "Time 
for us to get out, I suppose."
Strafe stares at the tunnel walls, in shock.
Aerospace Fighter flies low in the tunnel, realizing he's gonna haveto 
change or _really_ watch his flying.
The aerospace fighter's cockpit flips foreward, the wings back. Arms and 
legs form from the hull. Before you stands the heroic veteran warrior 
Sundiver.
Flaming Car slows, watching Strafe curiously. "Something wrong?"
Sundiver runs to keep up with the others.
Strafe says, "No. Just.. thinking."
The green airskimmer unfolds into the femme Cybertronian Whiz.
Edward Bryant has arrived.
Krystal Bryant pauses a moment, then slides out.
Krystal Bryant has arrived.
Rodimus shifts to robot mode.
Sundiver grins. "This is _just_ how I remember it..."
Rodimus shifts upward quietly, scanning the area.
Strafe says, "That's really it, ain't it?"
Firestar folds her arms over her chest, silent.
Double-Take comes in from the Iacon Plain to the north.
Whiz says, "This is really it."
Double-Take wanders out, holding his head.
Sundiver nods. "Iacon, sweet Iacon..."
Whiz steers a staring Outrun in the right direction.
Edward Bryant looks up at Whiz, as if trying to understand, a veteran 
gaze falling into his eyes.
Rodimus stands stock still for several moments, pain mirrored clearly on 
his face as he looks northward.
Double-Take ughs, taking a seat in the tunnel.
Sundiver grins up at Rodimus. "You okay, Fearless?"
Whiz looks sharply at Edward, then walks up behind Rodimus to put a 
gentle hand on his arm.
Rodimus says quietly, "I'm okay."
Strafe shuts his optics off for a few seconds, then restarts them.
Strafe looks at the old black Autobot symbol on his chest, with a touch 
or sorrow.
Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "... need help... or..."
Whiz whispers "I'm here if you need help... to explain... or..."
Double-Take says, "St-Strafe? that you?... Something wrong with your 
optics?..."
Edward Bryant shakes his head a bit, and places a hand on Krystal's arm. 
"We'll get this sorted out."
Sundiver claps either hand on Ed and Krystal's. "Primus, it's _good_ to 
be among people I remember..."
Whiz shrugs painfully and looks back down at the ground, recomposing 
herself.
Rodimus mutters to Whiz, "... manage. It's... I didn't... would... me... 
much.... familiar..."
You whisper "I'll manage. It's just.. I didn't think it would affect me 
this much. It's so familiar but so far away.." to Whiz.
Strafe looks slowly at Double-Take.
Transmission from Cyclonus: Status, Rodimus?
Double-Take wanders over, glad to have something to think about other 
than temporal physics and how he probably died. He runs a scanner over 
Strafe.
Strafe nods. "Yeah. It's me."
Double-Take pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Strafe.
You transmit a message to Cyclonus: We're just outside Iacon now. No 
problems so far.
Firestar's optics light up as the radio static sounds familiar, 
"Cyclonus...?"
Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "Other time,..."
Whiz whispers "Other time, other Cybertronians."
Rodimus murmurs quietly in agreement with Whiz, "You could say that."
You say, "Just checking in."
Whiz nods slightly to Firestar.
Double-Take scans, "Have you had this problem with your eyes for long?"
Firestar nods slightly, and looks north.
Strafe brushes Double-Take off. "Later."
Junky Red Volkswagen comes in from the Iacon Plain to the north.
WW I Tank comes in from the Iacon Plain to the north.
Double-Take shrugs.
WW I Tank says, "Rollin rollin rollin ... keep them doggies rollin!"
Whiz says, "We will have to enter. Sometime."
Transmission from Cyclonus: Few Decepticons on duty... our timing is... 
I believe after the ambush on earth.
Junky Red Volkswagen runs off something wrong...
Double-Take says, "The rest of you?... something you'd like patched up?"
Firestar says, "Take the first step..."
WW I Tank follows FX.
Junky Red Volkswagen leaves to the west.
WW I Tank leaves to the west.
Firestar starts forward, passing by the sensors and troops calmly.
You transmit a message to Cyclonus: The wha--? Oh.. *his voice turns 
slightly sheepish* That.
Whiz stares at Double-Take. "Our Sci-Med division has not been lax when 
it comes to maintenance."
Firestar heads north toward the Iacon Plain.
You say, "Never, Whiz."
Sundiver follows Firestar.
Sundiver heads north toward the Iacon Plain.
You say, "Shall we go in?"
Double-Take shrugs, "Fine."
Whiz squares her shoulders. "Yes."
Strafe stares northward briefly, before heading that way.
Whiz heads north toward the Iacon Plain.

You head north toward the Iacon Plain.
You move north to the Gates of Iacon...
Gates of New Iacon

Sidearm emerges from the massive gates.
Sundiver looks around as he enters. "Primus . . . "
Scattershot has arrived.
Scattershot walks in noisily.
Whiz is unable to keep her steps from getting quicker.
Scattershot walks in from the north to find a crowd.
Sidearm says, "There they are. So you, you, you, and you are all from 
the future?"
Strafe stops walking as he spots an extremely familiar face.
Firestar's optics go wide, "By the flame... how long has it been?"
Sidearm says, "By what flame?"
Scattershot absolutely fails to recognise most of the crowd.
Scattershot says, "An' who da sprock're these guys?"
Double-Take tries to scan several of them from afar, and isn't doing a 
very good job of it.
Strafe speaks slowly, "Scattershot.. Chief."
Whiz is recognizable, but different.
Firestar dittos Whiz.
Sundiver walks up to a computer terminal. "Computer? Recognize Sundive, 
voice-programming." The computer just beeps. "Doesn't remember me . . . 
all the proof _I_ need . . . "
Scattershot frowns as he hears Strafe's voice. "What da shick you let 
'em do to ya? Hope it didn't screw up the merge systems..."
Sidearm says, "Sundiver?"
Sidearm looks Firestar over. "Scattershot, they *claim* to be from the 
future."
Sundiver looks at Sidearm. "Yay-o?"
Strafe looks at the ground. "We have some catching up to do, 
Scattershot."
Rodimus says quietly, "We *are* from the future."
Double-Take continues trying to scan them, afraid to ask them if they 
want any fixing done and taking it into his own hands...
Firestar says, "No claiming to it."
Car Carrier emerges from the massive gates.
Scattershot says, "Ya know I don't tink I ever heard you dis quiet. You 
okay?"
From NightThunder Swoop says, "You go. Me Swoop stay here."
From NightThunder Swoop jumps out the back of the trailer.
Swoop has arrived.
Scattershot seems to have taken "from the future" and filed it in the 
big blue bin with the three revolving arrows on the front
Whiz says, "You are welcome to scan us. We have been upgraded, but are 
the same..."
Car Carrier rumbles by. "We have a big problem and it's name is 
Menasor."
Firestar places a hand on Strafe's shoulder. "It'll be all right."
Sidearm looks at Swoop. "They won't attack you again, I hope."
Strafe nods slowly. "Yeah.. Just great to see you again."
Sundiver supresses an instinct to grab his gun.
Car Carrier leaves to the south.
Whiz barely keeps her hands down.
Strafe glances over his shoulder and nods at Firestar.
Scattershot says, "Looks like everyone's gone stickin' stuff on 'em."
Scattershot says, "Cept you <points at Rodimus>. Someone cut yer legs 
off at th' knee?"
Swoop looks around, frowning. "OK. Me Swoop no dummy. Something not 
right..."
Sidearm frowns slightly.
Strafe smiles slightly at Scattershot.
Whiz glares coldly at Scattershot.
Scattershot says, "No shicking kidding somethin' ain't right."
Sidearm studies Rodimus. "What do you want here?"
Sundiver walks up to Ed and . . . just stands there.
Rodimus scowls slightly at Scattershot. "No, I'm perfectly normal.. and 
we don't want anything, except to help."
Edward Bryant watches quietly, "Maybe we should take a few of us into 
the briefing room?"
Double-Take jumps around, trying to scan the various transformers 
without a snide remark once again.
Sidearm says, "No offense but so far your help as resulted in knocking 
out our leader and several of my friends."
Strafe glances at Rodimus before turning back to Scattershot. He speaks 
a bit quickly, "We were right."
Double-Take says, "Good point... they're effectively brain-dead."
Rodimus passes a hand over his forehead. "Believe me, I'm.. quite aware 
of that, Sidearm."
Sundiver pauses. "That reminds me, I wonder how _I_'m faring...."
Scattershot instinctively knows what Strafe means, and nods. He *almost* 
smiles.
Whiz looks at Sidearm. "He is your leader. Being your friend, however, 
is not assured."
Krystal Bryant blinks surprisedly at Whiz.
Sidearm looks at Sundiver. "Who are you? You said Sundriver or 
something, right?"
You say, "Whiz, there's no need to be so hostile."
Swoop says, "We friends! Me Swoop friend!"
Sundiver nods to Sidearm. "Sundiver, but close enough."
Scattershot notices Strafe's rifle, and *knows* something.
Whiz shrugs her shoulders without concern.
Sidearm says, "Sundiver, sorry."
Sundiver just stnads near Ed and Krystal, not doing much but looking 
around and grinning.
Sidearm says, "At least you know me. The humans are right, lets take 
this to the briefing room."
Edward Bryant stays next to Krystal, trying to sort this out still.
Nightshift emerges from the massive gates.
Double-Take continues running around trying to put together various 
scans and such. However, he obviously isn't doing a very good job...
Sundiver bends down close to Ed. "Um, sir? How are you?"
Nightshift says, "Yo, everybody listen up, Caern's on 'is way here from 
Earth."
Edward Bryant says, "In all honesty, confused, frankly."
Sundiver groans. "Caern . . . perfect. Never got over that incident...."
Rodimus mutters to Whiz, "Couldn't... can... at..."
You whisper "Couldn't you put better blockers in these field generators? 
I can FEEL it, Whiz; it's right inside and it's yelling at me." to Whiz.
Sidearm looks at Nightshift. "Great, ask him to drag Magnus here too. We 
could use some straitening out."
Scattershot matter-of-factly says, "They're tellin' da truth."
Nightshift nods to Sidearm and heads back inside.
Nightshift proceeds into the Iacon base.
Sundiver returns to Ed. "Hey, you should see it from my end. It's just 
as bad trying to convince you people..."
Krystal Bryant swallows, a small look of "uh-oh" crossing her face at 
the mention of anal-retentive security guru Caern. Should make things 
interesting.
Whiz looks at Rodimus in surprise. She mutters to Rodimus, "... it?... 
uncomfortable..." 
You sense Whiz looks at Rodimus in surprise. "Can feel it? I merely feel 
an uncomfortable tingle."
Edward Bryant says, "Oh great, Caern?? We have about 8 hours before it 
goes to Hell then."
Rodimus mutters to Whiz.
You whisper "Not the body." to Whiz.
Sidearm receives a radio transmission.
Sidearm says, "If he's so bad, why would anyone put him in charge?"
Swoop says, "Seem like Caern not popular guy."
Sundiver nods. "He'll probably try to revoke my security clearance 
again..."
Sidearm says, "Noted, Swoop."
Whiz suddenly comprehends, and her face flickers with sympathy. She 
mutters to Rodimus, "... sorry.... Rodimus." 
You sense Whiz suddenly comprehends, and her face flickers with 
sympathy. "I'm sorry. Nothing could block that, Rodimus."
Rodimus covers a momentary look of strangled desperation with an almost 
perfect mask and even manages a wry smile. "Caern's here?"
Rodimus nods to Whiz. "I had a feeling."
Edward Bryant says, "Not yet. He is on his way up. I would like to have 
this able to be explained before he gets here."
Sidearm frowns deeply. "He's coming by shuttle from what I heard." She 
glances at the gates. "Please, come with me. We'll head to the briefing 
room. I'm sure everyone knows where that is."
Swoop nods to Sidearm.
Rodimus dims his optics briefly and appears to run some kind of internal 
diagnostic. "I'll be all right."
Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "Your... able to use... while..."
Whiz whispers "Your former self is not able to use it while 
unconscious."
Sundiver pauses. "Briefing room . . . right."
Whiz looks speculatively at Rodimus.
Double-Take says, "Uhhh, could you guys... stand still for a second?"
Scattershot looks Strafe dead in the eye, and says quietly (especially 
for him). "So...do I make him pay in the end?"
Sundiver gestures towards the tunnel. "There, right?"
Edward Bryant looks around, "Perhaps we can keep this to command level 
only?"
Sidearm nods to Sundiver. "Around."
Rodimus jumps and shoots Whiz a startled look mixed with wild 
anticipation, suddenly shot down by anguish. "I can't. It's not mine."
Strafe thinks about the question. "Yeah. You do."
Edward Bryant says, "At least until it is straightened out."
Swoop sighs and grumbles. "So much for me Swoop getting answers..."
Scattershot actually smiles a real, honest smile. "Brutal."
Sundiver eeps. "Right, that's where they moved it by the time I got back 
. . . " He points to the briefing room. "Right?"
Sidearm frowns at Rodimus, piecing together an idea of what that means.
Whiz puts her hand on Rodimus' gently. "I'm sorry."
Scattershot looks like he's out of practice at this.
Sundiver nods at Ed. "We can try...but some of our command level isn't 
here..."
Double-Take sighs, and shakes his head. He sticks his medcorder in his 
holster and saunters elsewhere.
Double-Take leaves to the south.
Sidearm turns slowly, heading towards the north. "Lets get to the 
briefing room before a few million years go by."
Sidearm proceeds into the Iacon base.
Strafe quietly watches the ground, glancing up at Scattershot 
frequently.
Edward Bryant proceeds into the Iacon base.
Rodimus mutters, "A few MORE."

Iacon
Central Hallway - New Iacon Base
Contents: Edward Bryant, Sidearm, Kaleidoscope, Brontosaurus, Swoop, 
Whiz, Sundiver, Krystal Bryant, Scattershot, Strafe

Edward Bryant makes his way into the briefing room.
Kaleidoscope looks up, quietly...
Sidearm enters the Briefing Room.
Whiz gasps quietly, feeling a wave of prickling pass over her metal 
skin.
Sundiver enters the Briefing Room.
Strafe takes up position alongside Scattershot.
Scattershot glances toward Whiz as she gasps, but says nothing.
Swoop hmms. "Command staff me Swoop's tailpipe..."
Rodimus walks in slowly, staring around the room as though he couldn't 
take in enough in a lifetime.
Strafe slows to a stop.
Swoop follows Sidearm into the briefing room.
Swoop enters the Briefing Room.
Krystal Bryant cringes, swallowing the suddenly painful sensation from 
Whiz. "Whiz?"
Scattershot seems to be keeping a close eye on everyone.
Whiz straightens, then glares at Krystal. "It is none of your concern."
Strafe rubs the side of his head.
Scattershot says, "You all right, Strafe?"
@pemit *krys=\[Anguish. Pure, unadulterated. I've been without the 
Matrix for almost 8 million years and its in the next room and I know 
that it's still not mine to take.]
Kaleidoscope looks to the newcomers and bows politely.
Krystal Bryant shrinks back from the sting of Whiz's voice, her eyes 
widening in anguish at Whiz's spite.
Strafe slowly answers, "Yeah.. little confused."
Kaleidoscope softly says, "Greetings."
Scattershot nods grimly.
Whiz rubs her arms absently.
Strafe looks up to see Kaleidoscope and smiles softly.
Nightshift arrives from the Monitor Room.
Nightshift walks in.
Swoop arrives from the Briefing Room.
Swoop stomps out of the briefing room, not looking too happy.
Nightshift says, "Yo, Swoop, w'sup with you, man?"
Swoop says, "Swoop not 'command staff'. Swoop no get answer to 
questions."
Rodimus finally manages to drag himself into the briefing room. "Don't 
worry, we'll all have answers all too soon..."

The metal doors swish open, and allow you to pass.
Briefing Room
Contents: Sundiver, Sidearm, Edward Bryant
Obvious exits:
 Up <U> leads to Observation Tower - New Iacon.
 Southeast <SE> leads to Central Hallway - New Iacon Base.

Edward Bryant scowls, "Under the alliance treaty, you do. Now. Get. Out.
Rodimus blinks. "Some problem?"
Sidearm says, "He's trying to kick me out. Let me look for that alliance 
treaty."
Edward Bryant looks calmly at Sidearm, "No, she was just leaving, 
weren't you?"
Sundiver sighs. "I can quote it verbaitim if you want..."
Krystal Bryant arrives from the Central Hallway.
Edward Bryant gets short, "Sidearm, I say again, this is a command staff 
meeting, unit I recieve word that you are on command staff, leave."
Whiz arrives from the Central Hallway.
Sidearm rummages through files. "Well, lets see... Hmm, here it is. 
Alright fine."
Sidearm turns and walks out.
Strafe arrives from the Central Hallway.
Whiz takes a seat, careful to remain at a distance from the humans.
Sidearm leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
Scattershot arrives from the Central Hallway.
Edward Bryant lets out a rumble of pent up anger.
Scattershot takes his usual spot against the briefing room wall, and 
shows a remarkable lack of intensity.
Sundiver realizes he can't see well form a seat, and hops up on the 
table, sitting there.
Edward Bryant sighs, "Are there no Autobot Command Staff about, 
Scattershot?"
Scattershot says, "I got no idea where Magnus is at."
Strafe stands beside Scattershot, laying 'his' rifle against the wall.
Scattershot says, "I can put in a call..."
Scattershot says, "He might be on Earth though."
Edward Bryant says, "And Caern is on his way.. Chromia?"
Rodimus walks around the room, trailing his hand along the table and 
pausing at his old chair, just a bit too big for his current frame. He 
looks up blankly across the room at the door. "Grimlock came through 
there," he murmurs, looking down again at the table, his hands working 
in a motion as though to overturn it, then shakes himself forcibly out 
of the memory.
Scattershot says, "Who knows what she's up to? Don' much care either."
Strafe smiles slightly.
Scattershot says, "Grimlock's in here pretty often, bein' as he's a 
squad leader what gets briefed on things an' that's what dis room's 
for."
Strafe mutters to himself, "Chromia.. 'slaggin'..."
Caern arrives from the Central Hallway.
Strafe chuckles softly.
Whiz observs, "Our last guest has arrived."
Caern hurries into the room, "Alright. What in the name of Primus is 
going on?"
Sundiver tries to avoid looking at Caern.
Edward Bryant says, "Be seated, Caern.. this is gonna be a long night.. 
Rodimus, if you will please?"
Rodimus allows himself a warm smile for once, "Caern.. it's been a 
while."
Rodimus shakes his head and nods to Edward. "Of course."
Caern seems to be slightly taken aback, "Neddron's Belt. What happened 
to you?"
Whiz says, "That is what we are all here to discuss."
Scattershot says, "He shrank."
You say, "Too much. I'll try to explain."
Caern motions sharply at Scattershot before glancing at Rodimus and 
taking his seat.
You say, "What's the exact date, by the way? This is 2009, correct?"
Strafe frowns.
Edward Bryant says, "February 15.. the ambush occured yesterday."
Edward Bryant says, "But yes, it is 2009."
Rodimus makes a mental note. "All right."
Whiz reports, "Then we have achieved the selected time coordinate."
Sundiver nods. "The ambush . . . right! That was back when I needed a 
fighter . . . Scourge scragged me but good..." He chuckles.
Rodimus smiles wryly, "Yes, Whiz, I knew I could count on you."
Caern turns to glance at Sundiver for a moment and then back at Rodimus 
and Whiz, "Count on her for what Prime?"
Whiz says, "The machine was Pak-Gor's. I merely oversaw construction."
Rodimus dims his optics in quiet pain and he requests softly, "Please 
don't call me that. My name is Rodimus. No more, no less."
Scattershot says, "Yeah, whatever. So get to da point on why you come 
back here an' all."
Sundiver chuckles.
Edward Bryant says softly, "Always called you that anyway, Rodimus..."
Strafe glances up at Scattershot.
Sundiver looks over. "Safe to still call you 'Fearless', Fearless?"
You say, "We came back to prevent a revolution that in our time 
destroyed nearly all of Cybertron and its inhabitants. And yes, 
Sundiver, since I'll never break you from that habit anyway."
Sundiver grins. "As Ed would hav...would say, 'Damn Skippy'."
Rodimus chuckles.
Caern shifts slightly and glances at the others, "Cybertron destroyed?"
Strafe nods slowly.
Edward Bryant looks over at Sundiver, "It's eight million years 
supposedly, I doubt severely I would still be alive."
Whiz says, "Cybertron is... occupied. By hostile forces."
Sundiver nods sullenly. "Well...yeah."
Strafe's optics flash. "Come out and say it. Tell them about the 
Primes."
Edward Bryant says, "Occupied.. by whom?"
You say, "Overrun. Sky Lynx.." he looks over uncertainly at Whiz, then 
decides that if names are going to be dropped, it might as well be now, 
"Sky Lynx amassed an army of "primitive" Transformers -- Cybertronians 
with animal alt modes. Their combined force was enough to drive the rest 
of us off the planet and across the galaxy."
Whiz says, "Calling them the Primes is a perversion."
Rodimus grits his teeth. "Sky Lynx's name for them."
Edward Bryant nods a bit, "That is why you were silent around Swoop..."
Strafe says, "Yeah, well.."
Strafe shrugs.
Sundiver nods.
Strafe says, "Same thing. They're all scrap."
Strafe says, "Primes and Primitives."
You say, "We're not sure exactly what caused the revolt, but we think it 
may have been a Quintesson plot gone awry. We came back to stop it from 
ever happening."
Whiz says flatly, "We are all that is left of Cybertron."
Sundiver nods sullenly. "The others all died in the fighting."
Strafe glances at Scattershot, shifting his weight.
Whiz receives a radio transmission from Pak-Gor.
Caern glances around, "Of Cybertron you mean? What of Earth and 
Junkion?"
Whiz transmits a message via radio.
Sundiver winces at the mention of Earth.
You say, "We had a base on Junk for a while, until the Primitives 
overran it. Earth is..." he looks uncomfortably at Edward, "barren."
Caern says, "The humans? Dead?"
Sundiver nods. "Um...yeah, what he said."
Whiz says, "Sundiver, you were the last to explore its surface."
Sundiver nods. "Somewhere along the lines . . . the humans died out, 
yes."
Edward Bryant remains quiet, his brow furrowing, "Humanity is extinct, 
then?"
Caern shakes his head slowly, "This is a little difficult to believe. 
Surely Metroplex would have been able to defeat any force Sky Lynx was 
able to muster. We have a large garrison on Earth."
Strafe listens quietly, clenching his fists occaisionally.
You say, "As far as we can tell. We lost contact several million years 
ago."
Sundiver sighs. "I . . . don't want to screw thing sup, so I'll leave 
out how, but leave it at when I was there about . . . what was it, 5 or 
6 million years ago, the most intelligent life was the dolphins. Or, 
what they had evolved in to... No humans, anywhere."
Whiz says, "Eight million years is a lengthy span for any organic 
species. Most of them adapt or die within three million. It was to be 
expected."
Sundiver sighs and rests his head on his palms.
Caern looks sharply at Whiz.
Rodimus sighs, "Whiz, a little less analysis, please..?
Strafe says, "No sense in hiding the facts, Rodimus."
Strafe says, "They deserve to know."
Edward Bryant nods. "You are right Whiz..." He leans back, feeling the 
cold sharpness, "Even the dinosaurs went extinct eventually, though I am 
interested in how it occured."
You say, "Well, we don't have to be brutal about it."
Whiz says, "I would prefer that they did not believe that we had 
abandoned them."
Whiz says, "We can fight Primitives, but not nature."
Edward Bryant blinks a bit, "Abandoned? How.. why? We just forged a 
treaty..."
Caern begins to look very grim, "What happened on Earth? 
Metroplex....Ultra Magnus?"
Whiz says, "We defended you with our lives. Until you no longer needed 
us."
Whiz's voice catches slightly, and she is still.
Rodimus says forcefully, "We defended Earth with everything we had." His 
tone turns sad, "It wasn't enough.."
Edward Bryant's eyes widen a bit, "No longer needed..."
Sundiver sighs. "Can we Change The FRAGGIN SUBJECT 
ALREADY?!?!??!?!?!?!?"
Rodimus says as gently as he can, "A lot of people died, Caern."
Sundiver pounds a fist on the table beside him.
Edward Bryant says, "I agree.." He looks up at Rodimus, "Perhaps you 
could get together with Krystal and me later for a better explanation 
though?"
Whiz says, "Sundiver, if you cannot control your emotions, you are 
welcome to leave this briefing."
Rodimus says as neutrally as he can manage, "Of course, Edward."
Sundiver stares over at Whiz. "Just _once_ since Junkion I'd like to see 
you _show_ some emotion..."
Scattershot hasn't reacted to any of this.
Whiz narrows her eyes at Sundiver. "My emotions have no bearing here."
Strafe frowns as his comrades' actions.
Sundiver groans and throws up his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. I'll 
shut down my circuts and becomes a Machine. Whatever you think is 
best..." He trails off.
Caern slams his hands on to the desk, "By Primus, I want facts and I 
want them NOW!"
Strafe says, "You want facts? You're all going to be dead, how's that 
for a fact?"
Strafe slams his fist into the wall disgustedly.
Scattershot says, "Just so long as it's worth it."
Rodimus interjects quietly but in a tone that defies disregard, 
"Everyone. Calm down. Now."
Whiz tolds her hands. "Caern. The Cybertronians fulfilled their trust to 
the humans. We defended them while they developed a protective 
forcefield to shield them from the Primitives. Then we left, and they 
lost touch with us. Those are the facts."
Sundiver sighs, running his hands over his face. "Okay . . . okay, 
sorry."
Scattershot adds, almost inaudibly, "...an' it will be...."
Sundiver shoots Whiz a look.
Edward Bryant says in disbelief. ".. a forcefield? What type of nut 
would seperate the Earth like that...?"
Whiz says, "When the forcefield failed, we returned, but the humans were 
no longer on Earth."
Caern shakes his head violently, "I wouldn't have left Earth 
unprotected. Neither would Magnus."
Whiz says, "Earth was protected. It was removed from the war. Believe 
me, they were fortunate."
Sundiver groans. "Thanks, Whiz. The one thing I _didn't_ want to do here 
was give them that idea . . . "
Scattershot opens his mouth to say something, but then realizes that at 
this stage it's probably preaching to the choir and doesn't say 
anything.
You say, "We can't go into a lot of detail here for fear of 
inadvertantly changing something we don't want to. Someone making a 
misjudgement in the future because they think they're assured to die 
some OTHER time. Bad feelings between friends because of future -- and 
hopefully never realized, now that we're here -- actions."
Arcee arrives from the Central Hallway.
Caern glances up and nods as Arcee enters.
Sundiver looks up. "Arcee!"
Rodimus freezes.
Whiz looks up and stiffens, immediately glancing to Rodimus.
Caterwaul arrives from the Central Hallway.
Arcee pushes open the doors and walks in, expecting to see someone she 
doesn't know, but that's only Sundiver.
Edward Bryant looks up, "Hello, Arcee. Take a seat."
Springer arrives from the Central Hallway.
Caern turns at the sudden movement, "Rodimus? Whats wrong?"
Strafe looks at Arcee until Caterwaul walks in.
Arcee nods, "I thought there was more than one?" She seems vaguely 
amused.
Strafe grabs a hold of his rifle uneasily.
Springer looks around. "Reminds me of a costume party."
Scattershot watches Strafe and follows suit.
Sundiver looks down at Cater and slowly reaches for his pistol.
Strafe says, "Rodimus, primitive."
Arcee chuckles softly as SPringer comes up behind her, then glances at 
Strafe, "Uhm, Strafe, Scattershot?"
Caern wrenches his optics from Rod, "Springer. No comments."
Caterwaul looks about curiously..keeping someone between him and the 
techno bots
Rodimus works his mouth a few times, unable to choke out any words, his 
hands tightening over the edge of the table until his knuckles grind.
Strafe motions towards Caterwaul with his rifle.
Caterwaul blinks?
Scattershot says, "Yeah?"
Sundiver glances to Strafe, nodding slightly, then goes back to looking 
at Cater.
Krystal passes out.
Caterwaul hops into Arcee's lap
Edward Bryant blinks as Krystal passes out, "Krystal?!"
Caern comes to his feet, "This situation is rapidly getting out of 
hand."
Whiz looks at Rodimus in concern, her cold mask falling away.
Arcee sits down at the table, in the nearest open seat.
Caterwaul links curiously...and looks about?
Springer nods to Caern, shrugging cluelessly.
Caern says, "Secretary General. Is your wife injured?"
Scattershot rubs his chin.
Caterwaul notes he's not to welcome or something...and cringes against 
Arcee...
Strafe watches Caterwaul, showing no emotion, keeping his rifle trained 
on Caterwaul.
Edward Bryant is up in a flash, picking up Krystal, "I.. don't know.. I 
think I will take her to the Iacon office and let her relax... and 
myself also, the shuttle ride tired me out."
Sundiver tenses as Cater cringes against Arcee.
Caterwaul just looked at you.
Caern glances back, "Strafe. Holster that weapon immediately!"
Arcee erks and looks down at Caterwaul.
Rodimus grates hoarsely, "I think it would be best... for his own 
safety.. if Caterwaul left the room."
Strafe ignores Caern.
Sundiver nods. "Mildly put..."
Caern glances at Scattershot, "Scattershot control your troops."
Pak-Gor arrives from the Central Hallway.
Caterwaul looks around. "Ums...maybe your rights...
Scattershot says, "He ain't doin' anything wrong."
Strafe growls softly.
Dee-Plane arrives from the Central Hallway.
Caterwaul vacates the premises...quickly...
Arcee hmms, petting Caterwaul and looking around, her optics flickering 
as she begins to notice a few... differenences, which she is TOO polite 
to point out at the moment.
Knightmare arrives from the Central Hallway.
Caterwaul aint taking any chances...
Pak-Gor says, "Ahh,. The others."
Caterwaul leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
Whiz says, "This is a restricted briefing for command personnel."
Edward Bryant picks up Krystal and carries her out.
Knightmare says, "Sorry. I found these guys on the Cybertron Highwya."
Strafe watches Caterwaul leave, still keeping a tight grip on his rifle.
Sundiver grins. "Knightmare!" He smiles. "Primus, I'm enjoying seeing 
all these faces..."
Edward Bryant leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
Knightmare looks at Sundiver. "huh?"
Arcee urms, "Uhm, am I missing something.... "Her gaze falls fully upon 
Rodimus.
Pak-Gor says, "Yeah. Good to be back."
Pak-Gor smirks. "Lady, you got no CLUE what yer missin'.
Sundiver grins at Knightmare. "Trust me, if you don't know, wait for us 
to get it figured out first . . . Seargant."
Arcee raises an optic at the odd junkion.
Rodimus swallows hard, forcing as level a tone as he can manage, 
although he's obviously struggling. "Hello, Arcee."
Caern comes to his feet, "I'd better check on Mrs. Bryant. I'll be 
back."
Edward Bryant arrives from the Central Hallway.
Sundiver notes how long it took Rod to respond.
Scattershot says, "Looks like SOMEONE's processors're fryin'."
Knightmare looks at Sundiver like someone's gone insane and then figures 
it out. "Ah. Timeline stuff."
Dee-Plane glances over to Pak-Gor...
Caern walks past Ed on the way out.
Rodimus tightens his jaw over anything else he was going to say, not 
trusting himself.
Caern leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
Sundiver nods.
Whiz grates, "If we could have some control, please."
Arcee notices the lack of anyone SAYING anything and asks a bit louder, 
"WIll someone explain?"
Pak-Gor says, "Dunno. Depends on what I can explain. Whiz? Can I tell 
'em everything?"
Springer says, "Might help."
Dee-Plane quotes to Pak. "We have ways of making you talk..."
Whiz says, "We already held a briefing, Pak-Gor. It appears that we must 
now hold a second.""
Rodimus sits down shakily, his hands still in a death-grip over the edge 
of the table. "Yes, please, control, Whiz..."
Transmission from Firestar: Heads up. Primmie Grimlock and Legend 
incoming.
Pak-Gor smirks. "He's a little flustered cause he ain't seen ya in 8 
million years. You wanna talk sore eyes...
You transmit a message to Firestar: They're not Primitives YET.
Arcee frowns slightly, lost at the moment to what exactly IS going on, 
"What's with the new paintjobs.... and ...." She stands up and glares at 
Rodimus now, her suspicions extremely heightened.
Transmission from Firestar: Yet being the operative word. Understood, 
sir.
Firestar arrives from the Central Hallway.
Firestar flips back her flamethrower and grumbles. "Sorry, Rodimus.. one 
of the Primmies spooked me and snapped off a shot."
Pak-Gor grins. "You pondering what I'm pondering Pink?"
Arcee glances at Pak, who she doesn't even think is Pak, "Yea," She 
grumbles, "Something is going on that I have a feeling I may not like."
Springer says, "Primmies? Sounds like a rock band."
Sundiver nods to FS. "I knew it...happening already."
Rodimus tears his optics away from Arcee to look at Firestar in concern. 
"Remember, we're in the past.. they're not Primitives yet."
Scattershot says, "Y'know, if you'd let us waste 'em when dey go down 
there'd be a lot less around when it all happened."
Firestar says, "I know, sir. Still getting used to that."
Pak-Gor chuckles. "What happens ain't exactly enjoyable. But after what 
we been through, I wouldn't mind it.
Rodimus stares at Scattershot blankly. "Huh?"
Pak-Gor says, "Earth calling Rod. It was 8 million years ago."
You say, "Oh... Primus, that was a lifetime ago Scattershot.."
Arcee shifts her gaze to Firestar, absolutely LOST at the moment, "... 
Firestar??
Scattershot says, "I *said* that if we'd been takin' Cons outta action, 
then when all dis happens there wouldn't be as much an army to take 
over."
Sundiver says, "Yesterday now, Fearless."
Rodimus sighs sadly. "Telling me this now won't help anything."
Firestar looks through Arcee, a quietness falling her for a moment then 
nods, "Yes, I am Firestar."
Scattershot says, "I know. Figured everyone else outta hear it tho'."
Pak-Gor smirks. "Kay. I'll spell it out. We're from the future. You're 
dead. We been to hell n' back. Well we just got back. Now we're gonna 
try to keep from goin' there.
Springer grins at Pak-Gor. "Right, so what's REALLY going on?"
Dee-Plane gives Pak-Gor a bizarre look...
You say, "Thank you for that poignant summary, Pak."
Dee-Plane shakes Pak-Gor. "And the whales??"
Sundiver says, "Couldn't have put it better myself, Pak-Man."
Scattershot says, "He's tellin' the truth."
Arcee decides to just ignore the look with a sigh as she sits back down, 
looking for someone who IS completely 'normal.'
Sundiver walks over to Arcee (on the table) and sits in front of her. 
"You _are_ a sight for sore optics."
Arcee mutters to herself, "... Rodimus,... this... cannot... Rodimus..."
Pak-Gor smirks. "Sorry. Gotta admit it's a trip being here with all 
these unsuspecting friends."
Edward Bryant throws up his hands. "This is entirelly too much to digest 
for now, folks. Look, when you are ready to explain this civilily, give 
me a holler, I'll be staying in the EDC office."
Knightmare almost regretably butts ins. "It think you'll need to see 
this, Arcee. I don't quite believe all of this either, but take a look 
at this first."
Rodimus catches his name and give Arcee another tortured look.
Pak-Gor says, "Sure it can. Rent Back to the Future."
Arcee's optics flicker at Sundiver, as she doesn't recognize him, trying 
to go through her memory files so as not to say something.... wrong.
Dee-Plane says, "Is there a problem with the Earth's gravitational pull 
in the future, Pak?"
Pak-Gor grins. "This is heavy."
Whiz slaps her hand on the table palm-down. "This is not a briefing. 
This is chaos!"
Sundiver grins. "Relax, you wouldn't know me in this chassis. Just take 
my word for it, okay?"
Arcee jumps and looks at Whiz,her optics open wide, "Sheesh."
Springer says, "Yeah, I noticed. How about we all quiet down and figure 
out what's up?"
Pak-Gor says, "Well duh. Who didn't see this coming?"
Edward Bryant says, "I agree, Whiz."
Whiz says, "I understand your excitement, but we are accomplishing 
nothing."
Whiz says, "Sit down and be silent. We will explain what we can."
Knightmare stands up. "OK! I know this isn't my place, but you need to 
see this!"
Sundiver grins at Whiz. "Yeah, but we can _afford_ a little chaos right 
now..."
Rodimus stares at the tabletop and draws several deep breaths.
Sundiver turns to Knightmare.
Pak-Gor smirks. "Lady in pink walks in of COURSE Big Rod's gonna freak."
Leaving out the door, Edward Bryant adds, "Just let me know when you are 
ready."
Knightmare says, "Please?"
Whiz swivels to regard Knightmare. "What is it?"
Edward Bryant leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
Sundiver nods to Knightmare. "Go ahead."
Rodimus Prime has arrived.
Knightmare points to the obvious holograph and back to Rodimus.
Sundiver looks up at the holo, then back to Knightmare.
Whiz growls, "Turn that thing off."
Scattershot says, "Yeah? He shrank. So?"
Arcee receives a radio transmission.
Pak-Gor mutters to Arcee, "... you better..."
Rodimus forces an even tone, "What's your question, Knightmare?"
Arcee's optics widen even more, and she gets up, "This is going to have 
to wait..."
Sundiver says, "Your point, Sergeant?"
Arcee transmits a message via radio.
Whiz snaps out, "Arcee."
Whiz says, "We will explain the situation Sidearm is talking about."
Arcee frowns at Whiz and then gives Rodimus a LONG look, "Listen, all I 
know, is that she just radioed me that Rodimus is in the repair bay, 
unconscious and I want to know WHY." She criticizes Rodimus with a look, 
still completely LOST.
Arcee receives a radio transmission.
Knightmare says, "I just check through tactical. The two schematics 
check. This is Rodimus Prime . .minus or plus some wear and tear."
Arcee transmits a message via radio.
Pak-Gor looks Arcee straight in the optic, his patch staring at the 
other. "Listen. We are from the FUUUUTURE."
Sundiver winces. "Drop the 'Prime', willya?"
Whiz grates, "Stop tormenting him with the holograms and the Prime."
Scattershot says, "So maybe th' other one shut down cuz you can't be in 
two places at once?"
Springer says, "Slow down, we can't go running around everywhere. Next 
thing you know, everyone's leaping off bridges."
Knightmare shuts off his holographics.
Dee-Plane glances to Rodimus, then to Pak, then to Rodimus, then to 
Pak...he begins to scan Pak...
Rodimus Prime has left.
Rodimus grasps Scattershot's suggestion like a lifeline. "Yes," he 
confirms, eager to change the subject. "Our alternate selves have been 
stasis-locked due to our proximity. They're in no danger."
Arcee receives a radio transmission.
Arcee transmits a message via radio.
Sundiver says, "Which reminds me, you guys are in _lot_ closer proximity 
than I am. Any idea what's going with _my_ body?"
Pak-Gor says, "Prime went into a nice sleep when Future Rod got here. So 
did Whiz, me and all the other time travelers. Rod'll be find when we're 
gone and hopefully you will too."
Arcee folds her arms, "Ok, explain." She looks pointedly at Whiz.
You say, "Time-stream proximity, Sundiver, not physical. I think."
Rodimus glances at Whiz for confirmation.
Whiz's gaze rises to Arcee's meeting it with a cold and steady stare.
Sundiver pauses. "Oh, okay. That . . . kinda makes sense." He shrugs. "I 
never was a technical type."
Whiz says, "It's paradox."
Arcee sees hardly anything in Whiz, to identify as Whiz anymore, "Who 
/are/ you anyway?""
Dee-Plane gives Pak-Gor a bizarre look. "OK, so you're not the you I 
knew you before from? Or are you?"
Arcee receives a radio transmission.
Pak-Gor grins. "I'm the 9 million year forcast of the Pak you knew.
Whiz says, "If we were to cause damage to our other bodies, we would 
destroy ourselves. Thus, when the two selves are too close in the time 
stream, they both shut down to avoid paradox and self-destruction."
Arcee transmits a message via radio.
Pak-Gor says, "'Cept we don't cause we were repaired."
Whiz says, "We are protected from those effects by the proximity-buffers 
that Pak-Gor has developed. The other bodies are going to be fully 
functional as soon as we are gone from this time frame."
Dee-Plane ooohs. "Can you turn to liquid metal? And what about Dr. Who? 
Did the daleks ever get him?"
Arcee receives a radio transmission.
Whiz says, "As Sidearm reported, the other bodies are in a stasis lock. 
There is nothing to fear from us."
Springer crosses his arms and leans back against a wall, listening.
Arcee moves over near Springer, since he's about the only one she KNOWS 
isn't giving her some freak looks.
Scattershot is staring at his former sidekick, who's gone into downcycle 
against a wall
Whiz narrows her optics slightly. "And there is no need for curses. We 
are not the Cybertronians you know... but we are still allies."
Arcee looks at Whiz, wondering HOW she heard what she was radioing.
Pak-Gor says, "Everyone here is very freaked cause you were.... A 
memorable causalty. Sorta the straw that broke the camel's back. It's 
like seeing a ghost.""
Springer looks at Arcee. "Ever feel like you're in a twilight zone 
episode?"
Whiz is creepy.
@pemit *krys=\[Desperation. So long, so many countless centuries alone, 
locked in my own bitter memories, I just want to hold her and never let 
go but I can't...]
Arcee nods to Springer and murmers.
Arcee mutters to Springer, "... creepy."
Sundiver sighs. "Look, this is not gonna get better unless we give it 
some time. On that note, where do we keep the hangar these days? I need 
a restcycle. Haven't had a good restcycle for five million years...."
Whiz turns to Pak-Gor. "Those details are unnecessary."
Knightmare stands up. "I'll escort you, if no one objects."
Dee-Plane pouts. "I feel so out of place."
Scattershot draws his sword and immediately buries it in the ground to 
get attention.
Springer nods. "And some." He glances at the others. "So if you all are 
from the future, why are you here?"
Firestar remains against the wall. Armms crossed.
Pak-Gor smirks. "Sorry. If I reveal too much I might alter the future?
Sundiver winces at the sword, and quickly hops off the table. "Lead on, 
Sargeant."
Whiz mutters to Pak-Gor, "... have... we reveal. They could... 
comrades... overconfidence -... they... they... die."
Arcee looks at Scattershot but says nothing.
Whiz mutters to Pak-Gor, "... is... reason... died."
Knightmare nods dispationatly to the door. "Follow me."
Sundiver follows.
[A strong wave of emotional turmoil touches you for a moment before a 
supportive one sweeps in to desperately try and comfort.]
Knightmare leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
Sundiver leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
Scattershot says, "Look. You probly think somethin's wrong wit' my head 
for believin' someone like dis, but dey're tellin' the truth."
Scattershot says, "Listen to 'em, dat's all I gotta say."
Scattershot looks like he's never been more certain of anything.
Arcee nods to Scattershot, knowign him well enough to believe him of 
this one.
Springer says, "I am, even if this sounds like something out of a sci-fi 
movie."
You say, "Thank you, Scattershot."
Sundiver arrives from the Central Hallway.
Pak-Gor mutters to Whiz, "... is... We... death... by the time... If 
all... according... plan.... Primmys,... got... death... know about."
Sundiver leaps back in. "Yipes!"
Whiz says, "If we wished to deceive you, we would have advanced a more 
plausible story."
Sundiver says, "I'll just, uh, restcycle by Stafe . . ."
Rodimus chuckles dryly.
Dee-Plane grins. "Nah...this isn't so unbelievable...remember when Man-
E-Faces from He-Man was really evil when he first showed up? Now THAT 
was unbelievable. I've got that episode archived back at my lair."
You say, "What's wrong, Sundiver?"
Whiz mutters to Pak-Gor, "But... harbor... against... it,... not... it. 
End..."
Scattershot says, "What can I say? I know my own soldier when I see 
'im."
Arcee smirks and dryly remarks, "Truth is stranger than fiction....."
Whiz looks at Pak-Gor severely.
Sundiver sits down by Strafe. "Um...outside? Grimlock, Legend, 
Caterwaul, And a Turbo-wolf . . . I'd prefer to stay in here, thank you 
very much."
Scattershot withdraws his sword and returns it to its usual sheath.
Pak-Gor mutters to Whiz, "... gonna give the..."
Springer mutters to Arcee, "Don't... from... We just... them... the... 
just... to know... They're... selling girl scout cookies... all."
Sundiver re-checks the charge on his pistol before shutting down, 
leaving only his alarm systems active.
Rodimus says with an effort, "They're not against us, Sundiver. They're 
still on our side."
Whiz observes, "Long habit is difficult to break."
Arcee mutters to Springer.
Rodimus doesn't take his optics off Arcee, a haunted look on his face. 
"I'll agree to that one."
Arcee turns toward the more than familiar voice, absolutely having no 
real idea as to what to do.
Dee-Plane turns to Pak-Gor. "Even if you're from the future, yer still 
Colonel Hogan ta me, sir." He salutes.
Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "And... wish I... no... was..."
Whiz whispers "And those we have lost are difficult to see. I wish I 
could have prepared you somehow. I has no idea she was on the way."
Springer says, "So, talk. What are you guys doing here? This isn't 
exactly a hot vacation spot."
Scattershot withdraws his rifle from its usual place and turns it over 
in his hands, an almost sentimental look on his face.
Rodimus mutters to Whiz, "... I... I..."
You whisper "No, I knew. Somewhere.. I knew. It's not your fault." to 
Whiz.
Pak-Gor grins. "Just don't freak. We're here to fix everything. We came 
in. We do our thing. You do yours. We go. You got your old Rod back. And 
Rod will have an OOOOOOOLD Arcee back."
Rodimus smiles gamely.
Whiz sneers, "Nice and cozy."
Firestar smirks. "And we don't get to fight the Primmies."
Scattershot looks up.
Dee-Plane looks over to Firestar. "The who??"
Rodimus shoots a startled look at Whiz. "And what's that supposed to 
mean?"
The door seems to open slightly, as though someone is pushing against 
it.
Springer says, "Some rock band or something."
Scattershot says, "Unless, o'course, everything happens anyway."
Dee-Plane turns to Springer. "Umm...what I said...The Who." He grins 
innocently.
Dee-Plane pretends to smash an air guitar.
Scattershot says, "I seen a show when I was laid up on Earth back a 
while...everything just fell into place."
Whiz allows Rodimus' question to roll off of her back.
Firestar swings around, alert to the movement, plasma flamethrower 
coming to life with a dull thruming noise.
Scattershot is less sure of himself than he's trying to sound.
Springer transmits a message via radio.
Kup arrives from the Central Hallway.
Arcee sighs at Scattershot, "Shows are plotted, this is REAL life, not a 
script."
Whiz growls, "If this were a script, we would only have had to explain 
this once."
Kup walks in with a slight nod to the summoning Springer.
Dee-Plane says, "Hungry for Life, Thirsty for Answers."
Springer says, "Odds are you got a third time. Hey, Kup, you wouldn't 
believe what's going on."
Arcee stands beside Springer, at the edge of the room regarding everyone 
else in the room with looks of deep suspicion.
Pak-Gor smirks. "Lemme explain it like this.
Rodimus's face breaks into an open grin on seeing Kup. "Damn, I never 
thought I'd see you again, old-timer."
Scattershot turns back to his "sleeping" brother and puts a hand on his 
shoulder.
Firestar taps her radio worriedly. She mutters to herself, "... 
careful... Cyc..." 
Pak-Gor draws the famous forking line on the chalkboard from Back to the 
future 2 on some conveniant drawing surface.
Arcee's gaze narrows, "If that is all... I am going to check on Rodd--e-
mus." She starts to say her usual name for him, then turns to the door, 
catching herself.
Kup's face shows a clear fog at Rodimus, then he notices that something 
is not quite right, "What in the tarnation is that supposed to mean??"
Firestar looks back at Kup, looking well older than him.
Pak-Gor smirks and draws a circle on where the line forks off and lables 
it YOU ARE HERE.
Springer nods to Arcee.
Rodimus's smile fades at both Arcee's and Kup's comments.
Scattershot appears to be missing the end of his left little finger.
Springer mutters to Arcee.
You say, "Sorry. It's... been a long time."
Pak-Gor smirks. "This line is the chronostream. Just bear with me. I'm 
not that good an artist.
Dee-Plane looks at the drawing, then to Pak. "Where's the fire exit?"
Arcee mutters to Springer, "... I will..."
Arcee mutters to Springer, "... not..."
Springer mutters to Arcee, "... should..."
Whiz sits down and looks at Pak-Gor. "Ensure that you do not say too 
much."
Arcee walks on out the door, glancing at the picture and picking up the 
general idea, that and from what has already been said.
Pak-Gor says, "No talking! And spit out that gum. Did you bring enough 
for everyone?"
Arcee mutters to Springer, "Keep..."
Kup get's even more puzzled as he notices Rod's smaller frame, "Hot Rod? 
Firestar? Whiz? What the hell happened to you."
Dee-Plane shakes his head nervously. "No, teach. Just enough for my 
bedpost."
Springer nods. "later."
Arcee turns toward Kup, "I'll let you figure it out, it's too... 
creepy."
Whiz says, "This is getting us nowhere."
Pak-Gor smirks. "We're from up here." He points to the end of the line 
forking up. "This is our future. We didn't like it much. In fact, we 
didn't like it SO much, that we developed a machine to take us HERE. 
*Points to the circle." This is our past and your present.
Springer says, "So why are you guys here?"
Arcee leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
Rodimus looks after Arcee with words obviously stuck in his throat, but 
afraid to let them out.
Scattershot seems almost placid as he goes into the third (fourth?) time 
thru the story
Pak-Gor says, "We're here to do something that's gonna change THIS 
future *Draws a sad face at the end of his present. To THIS future. 
*Draws a happy face at the end of the other line."
Dee-Plane folds his arms. "So the 1985 you know has been replaced with 
an ALTERNATE 1985, in which Biff is rich, and we're just sort 
of...here?"
Pak-Gor smirks. "Then we're egonna go to THIS future, and enjoy late 
retirement.
Pak-Gor says, "We hope."
Rodimus stands up and moves around the table, letting Pak do the 
explaining this time as he walks over to Kup.
Springer says, "So what are you gonna change?"
Pak-Gor says, "I could tell you, but then I'd hafta disrupt the space-
time continuum. Let's just say things are gonna get a little crazier in 
the next couple days and we're here to provide some forsight."
Kup watches Rodimus come closer and makes further notations on his 
appearance and sttitude
Whiz nods approvingly at Pak-Gor.
Springer says, "I really feel a whole lot better now."
Scattershot sighs
Rodimus mutters to Kup, "I never... chance to... Maybe this doesn't... 
sense... of these days,... now... being there.... for..."
You whisper "I never had a chance to say thank you. For everything. 
Maybe this doesn't make sense now, but it will. One of these days, I 
promise. For now... just.. thanks. For being there. I wouldn't be where 
I am now if it hadn't been for you." to Kup.
Pak-Gor says, "However I CAN say that not many of us make it to our 
future. Hence the sad face. So if we tend to look dazed, you read it 
someplace we got cause to be."
Kup nods, still puzzled, but starting to understand at least part of the 
reason why Rod seems different, He mutters to Rodimus, "... wouldn'ta 
done..." 
You sense Kup nods, still puzzled, but starting to understand at least 
part of the reason why you seem different, "Nothing any other Autobot 
wouldn'ta done lad."
Whiz looks up impassively. "What is it that we can do to gain your 
confidence, Springer?"
Dee-Plane glances to Pak again, pointing to himself. "So I'm...toast?"
Firestar pushes herself off of the wall and goes over to Rodimus, 
muttering quietly for a moment. She mutters to Rodimus, "... And... 
briefing... beyond me..... to..."  She smiles faintly, "See if I can 
contact him?"
You sense Firestar pushes herself off of the wall and goes over to 
Rodimus, muttering quietly for a moment. "Sir, Cyclonus hasn't reported 
in in a while. And thie breifing is way beyond me.. Permission to..." 
She smiles faintly, "See if I can contact him?"
Rodimus nods quietly to Firestar.
Springer says, "Why can't you guys be straight with your plans, for 
starters?"
Blue tape arrives from the Central Hallway.
Blue tape clatters to the floor...
Whiz says, "The future is full of pain, for al of you, unless we change 
it. We want to keep that pain from touching you without cause."
Rodimus smiles wryly. He mutters to Kup, "... about... there,... 
think... a few..." 
Kup senses "Rodimus smiles wryly. "Careful about your nicknames there, 
old-timer, I think I may have a few years on you now.""
Scattershot says, "Life without pain ain't real life."
Firestar nods and straightens up, saluting, "If I get a hold of 
Cyclonus, I will let you know.." She stops, and reconsiders what she 
said, "Have to remeber what year this is..."
Kup stifles a mild chuckle, "From the sounds of things, yes you do."
Springer says, "So basically you guys screwed up the first time and want 
a do-over?"
Whiz says, "If you died in the future, we don't want you to believe that 
you are safe until you reach that circumstance. Nor do we want you to 
hold unnecessary hostility toward those who may have turned upon you in 
the future, without our interference.""
Pak-Gor says, "Yo! Wasn't our fault."
Scattershot suddenly goes rigid and stern again, looking like he's 
perfectly willing to stare down whatever he has to.
Pak-Gor quotes, "I've seen STUFF that'll turn you WHITE."
Dee-Plane looks at himself, then up to Pak-Gor. "I *AM* white."
Kup decides to interrupt, "So what exactly do you want us to do then?"
Springer says, "I'm happy green."
Scattershot looks like he probably heard something he shouldn't've.
Whiz says, "If we succeed, nobody will be hurt."
Firestar makes her way out.
Firestar leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
You say, "We just want your help. We need to keep this thing from 
happening but even we're not sure exactly how it started. We just know 
the consequences if it DOES happen all over again."
Springer says, "Okay, fine, look at it from our side. You're here, you 
say you're from the future, and you want to do something but you can't 
tell us. Don't expect everyone to jump up and down to willingly let you. 
People are gonna be suspicious."
Pak-Gor says, "This ain't just a "Do-over" This is the only way we got 
of preventing a future that ain't worth looking forward to. Things 
happen that'll catch everyone SO off guard you ain't gonna know what to 
do."
Whiz reports coldly, "All we know is that we have to find Sky Lynx."
Kup says, "What does Lynxy have to do with this?"
Dee-Plane says, "Nothing catches me off guard...cept that annoying 
Emergency Broadcast System test thing...I *HATE* that."
Whiz says, "He initiates the rebellion of the animal-formed 
Cybertronians that eventually decimates our race."
You say, "I understand that, Springer, which is why we'll do whatever we 
have to in order to work together on this."
Whiz looks challengingly at Springer. "Are those details sufficient?"
Kup takes a double take as he begins to ponder what a rebellion of that 
magnitude could do.
Springer says, "Yeah, also hard to swallow. Heck, I can't even put it in 
my mouth. Mr. Ego? I knew the guy had plans but this is a little out 
there."
Rodimus reads Kup's expression carefully. "Whatever you're imagining," 
he says levelly, "Double it."
Whiz says, "We do not believe that it is entirely his fautl."
Scattershot says, "So what specifically's gotta be done t'stop this?"
You say, "That's part of our mission; to find out WHAT happened."
Kup nods to Springer, "VERY out there... heck, I was surprised when he 
challenegd Optimus after his revival."
Whiz says, "Our Quintesson allies believe that they may have had a hand 
in it, but their access to their records was restricted. We must find 
Sky Lynx and determine what has made him rebel."
Springer says, "Missed out on the Optimus clone thing. Lucky me. Woah, 
time out. Quintesson allies?"
Scattershot keeps his thoughts on Optimus to himself.
Whiz says, "The rebellion spread to the Sharkticons. They were forced to 
seek our protection."
Rodimus says gravely, "The Sharkticons turned on them.
Dee-Plane blink-blinks at the words Quintesson and allies in the same 
sentence...he quickly turns to give Whiz a look of total disbelief.
Springer would laugh if this was different circumstances.
Pak-Gor smirks. "Tuna Helpers helped us make a great meal.
Scattershot, without a word, goes over to the grav-lift and up to the 
tower, his footfalls heavy on the ground.
Scattershot gets on the Grav-Lift, and disappears upwards into the 
Observation Tower.
Dee-Plane shakes his head. "Looks like you guys aren't gonna have an 
easy time of this. There could be Big Trouble in Little China..."
Springer says, "To be honest, I haven't seen Sky for months."
You say, "In any case. Certiorarius thought the whole thing may have 
been a Quintesson plot gone awry, but we need to confirm that, THEN 
figure out how to stop it."
Pak-Gor says, "So when we FIND Big Bird, what's the plan. He gonne be- 
you know- when we find him?"
Rodimus looks uncertain. "We'll have to hope not, Pak."
Dee-Plane turns to look at Pak-Gor again.
Whiz says, "My theory is that analysis of his neural net will offer a 
clue as to the nature of his dysfunction."
Kup says, "Springer's right, Lynxy's been stayin to himself ever since 
he got back into his own body."
Springer says, "So what, he just needs a check up and then you guys are 
out of here?"
Pak-Gor grins. "Then maybe we can work out a vaccine and prevent stuff.
Pak-Gor hrmms.
Pak-Gor says, "In that case it's time for plan Q. Improvise."
Whiz says, "I doubt it will be that easy, but that is the plan."
Scattershot returns from the tower and walks out without a word.
Scattershot leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
Springer says, "You won't hurt him?"
Kup says, "If we can find him, how do propose convincing him to get a 
check up? Tell him that we think that the Quints screwed with him and 
that he is going to lead the animal-based Cybertronian's on a blood-
bathed rebellion?"
Rodimus grates, "Certainly not," running over some painful memory 
internally by the look on his face.
Pak-Gor says, "And should we keep some distance between and the insane?"
You say, "But they're not insane. That's the frightening part."
Springer says, "Dunno, Kup. That might GIVE him ideas if any of this 
junk is true."
Pak-Gor says, "Meantime, you all might wanna control the pet population. 
Have your pets spayed or neutered."
Scattershot arrives from the Central Hallway.
Whiz says, "We must ensure that he does not suspect that we wish to harm 
him. If it were practical, I might be tempted. However, any overt action 
against him may only shift his focus in an unknown direction,and we 
woudl be unable to stop him. We must stop him, even if it means 
capturing him physically."
Whiz's voice flattens. "I don't care what it takes."
Kup says, "Yeah, who knows. These guys being hear might just plant the 
seed in him that activates whatever the Quints put in hiim"
Dee-Plane notes Pak-Gor, and waves. "Goodbye from the Price Is Right!"
Springer says, "Hang on, he hasn't exactly DONE anything wrong yet."
You say, "Whiz, he used to be my friend. I don't think that's fair."
Pak-Gor says, "Well let's not get paranoid."
Kup says, "Well, frankly, we do care what it takes. No matter what he's 
done in your time, right now he is still an Autobot."
Rodimus's face twists suddenly and he falls silent again.
Whiz shakes her head. "I am here to prevent the Uprising. That is the 
most direct way to do so. We capture him and neutralize the threat."
Scattershot looks like he's not sure whether to care or not.
Springer says, "Yeah, I'm sure having you guys in the funky designs 
won't freak people out."
Whiz says, "I do not suggest murder."
Scattershot turns back toward Strafe, who's of course still on 
downcycle, and just shakes his head.
Springer glances at Kup. "What do you think?"
Whiz looks back at Kup, her optics cold.
Scattershot slumps over next to his comrade, apparently planning on 
downtiming himself.
Scattershot has not been paying attention to what's been said in a 
while.
Kup glances around the room quickly, focusing in on Whiz, "I thik 
they're legit... this may not be our Rodimus, but one thing that will 
never change about him is looking out for anyway to save lives that he 
can find. We will cooperate, but the tests on Sky Lynx are to be closely 
monitored.
Rodimus nods. "As I should expect."
Springer says, "Well, shouldn't be too hard to find a giant dinobird."
Pak-Gor grins. "Got a point there."
Whiz adds, "A giant bird with space flight capabilities."
Dee-Plane says, "Not hard to find...maybe hard to catch."
Pak-Gor says, "But if the whole thing's started, it might snowball and 
already be too late to be too easy."
You say, "All the more reason to get started as soon as possible."
Springer grins at Whiz. "If he's gonna start this rebellion or whatever, 
like you guys say. Odds are he's not doing it light-years away."
Kup nods to Rodimus, "Right."
Arcee arrives from the Central Hallway.
Whiz says, "I have ceased to underestimate Sky Lynx."
Arcee returns and walks back over to the wall, her expression rather... 
fixed.
Tyrannosaurus arrives from the Central Hallway.
Tyrannosaurus says, "Boo."
Springer grins. "Hey, Grim."
Scattershot rubs his hands over his face a couple more times and scowls.
Whiz stiffens defensively.
Rodimus twitches for his gun and restrains the reflexive action sharply.
Arcee chuckles at Grimlock, "We already knowyou were coming."
Kup smiles uneasily as Grimlock enters.
Scattershot is sitting against a wall. "'eya, big guy."
Pak-Gor says, "But what do we do if we see Pinky here in the same room 
with you-know-who. Do we assume infection, try to stop her, or sell 
tickets and decide not to interfere with the space-time continuum?"
Kup mutters to Rodimus, "easy... on..."
Kup whispers "easy son, he's still on our side."
Rodimus mutters to Kup, "I know.... habits die..."
You whisper "I know. Old habits die hard." to Kup.
Springer says, "Pinky?"
Double-Take arrives from the Central Hallway.
Arcee mmmms?
Whiz says sharply, "Pak."
Double-Take receives a radio transmission.
Rodimus says gravely, eyeing Arcee, "Pak-Gor, I came back to stop this. 
I have no intention of.. selling tickets."
Double-Take enters quietly
Pak-Gor says, "I just wanna prevent stuff. But I wanna know what I 
should prevent."
Arcee takes the pinky to refer to her but is lost at the OTHER bit.
Whiz says, "Prevent it all. But try not to hurt anyone in the process."
Arcee receives a radio transmission from Sidearm.
Pak-Gor says, "Got it."
Kup mutters to Rodimus, "I... can tell... happened..."
Kup whispers "I don't suppose you can tell me.. you know.... what.. 
happened..."
Arcee transmits a message via radio to Sidearm.
Scattershot finally indicates that he's been listening. "I'll take dat 
to mean "Try not to hurt any Autobots inna process."
Rodimus mutters to Kup, "I... any... was one... the.. first casualties.. 
of the..."
You whisper "I can't drop any names. Arcee was one of the.. first 
casualties.. of the Uprising." to Kup.
Kup nods reverently, He mutters to Rodimus, "... understand... it..." 
You sense Kup nods reverently, "I understand... jsut hopin' I made it 
few million years."
Whiz moves closer to Rodimus to report something. She mutters to 
Rodimus, "They... ask... our... to... technology..." 
You sense Whiz moves closer to Rodimus to report something. "They are 
about to ask for the technology of our proximity buffers. We cannot 
permit them to gain access to our technology in this time frame."
Pak-Gor says, "Don't really wanna hurt the primmys either. They're not 
bad. Just drawn that way. As for the cons... Well I don't wanna hurt 
them either."
Tyrannosaurus looks around and hmphs.
Arcee peers at Whiz.
Rodimus nods to Whiz, "Agreed."
Arcee transmits a message via radio to Sidearm.
Scattershot says, "Any Terror I spot's shickin' dead. Nothing changes."
Whiz looks at Arcee and touches the silver diamond of her audio 
receptor, then nods slightly.
Rodimus smiles slightly. He mutters to Kup, "... than you should..." 
Kup senses "Rodimus smiles slightly. "Longer than you should have.""
Pak-Gor smirks. "Fine, but you didn't do it cause of anything WE said 
wink wink nudge nudge.
Kup grins widely at Scattershot, "Look's like you can't go wrong there 
lad"
Scattershot says, "Nothing changes."
Arcee receives a radio transmission.
Arcee looks at Whiz suspiciously, then at Rodimus, "Would you mind... if 
I had a personal 'talk' I have a lot of questions."
Rodimus ulps.
Whiz's gaze immediately slides to Rodimus in concern.
Kup chuckles at Rodimus, He mutters to Rodimus, "That... million... 
not... positive of..." 
You sense Kup chuckles at Rodimus, "That point passed a few million ago, 
so that's not too positive of a comment."
You say, "Uhm... yeah, sure.."
Springer mutters to Arcee.
Pak-Gor says, "Well we apparantly can't answer those, but that's OK 
cause you're not listening. This explanatory meeting's been way helpful. 
We can change the cronostream but we can't say anything about it but we 
can still try to explain ourselves."
You say, "Only what we have to, Pak."
Arcee mutters to Springer, "... LYNX??"
Pak-Gor says, "Yeah yeah. I watched Back to the Future. I just don't see 
how ANY added changes to our timestream's gonna be anything but 
improvement."
Arcee looks extremely shocked at what she was just told.
Double-Take listens silently.
Dee-Plane pats Pak-Gor on the back. "Explain what ya have to, when ya 
have to. Do what ya have to, when ya have to. It'll work out, and if it 
doesn't...just remember they never made a Back To The Future 4." He 
winks.
Pak-Gor says, "So. Operation follow that bird's in action."
Springer mutters to Arcee, "... goes bad... see... they... this is... 
stop it.... I... would probably wait... nothing... They're either... 
or... Thing... look... see... lot..."
Arcee mutters to Springer.
Blue tape hecks with it..
The Blue and gold cassete unfolds into the form of the robotic lynx 
Caterwaul
Tyrannosaurus eavesdrops shamelessly.
Whiz steeples her hands and continues to observe Rodimus, then sees 
Caterwaul unfolding.
Caterwaul sits just inside the door
Arcee motions to Rodimus and for the door.
Rodimus tries very hard to ignore the large dinosaur in the middle of 
the room.
Kup says, "Right, Springer, I need you to find out his last reported 
location...." trails off seeing Springer whispering to Arcee.
Whiz demands, "How long has that been there?"
Double-Take sits next to the cat near the door.
Springer huhs? He looks over at Kup. "You want me to find Mr. Ego?"
Rodimus mutters to Whiz, "... easy,... against us."
You whisper "Go easy, they're not against us." to Whiz.
Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "It... report... have... how... this..."
Whiz whispers "It could report back to Sky Lynx. We have no idea how far 
this has progressed."
Rodimus slides out carefully around Grimlock. "Just don't go overboard, 
Whiz."
Tyrannosaurus growls briefly.
Double-Take rubs Caterwaul's tummy.
Caterwaul closes his eyes half way, and starts purring
Arcee leaves the room, through the automatic metal doors.
Kup says, "No, just his last reported location."
Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "If... escapes... much more..."
Whiz whispers "If Sky Lynx escapes because of this, our mission will be 
much more difficult."
Rodimus clenches his fists, priming the laser banks in his arms, but 
keeping them at his sides with an effort.
Tyrannosaurus says, "Heheh."
Pak-Gor says, "Whoa whoa whoa! Before we give him the idea to start 
jurrassic porking down on us, maybe we should check to see if he's a 
good witch or a bad witch."
Kup says, "Cool it Grimlock..."
Knightmare arrives from the Central Hallway.
You say, "Okay, Whiz, okay..."
Whiz slowly relaxes.
Pak-Gor smirks. "We gotta remember thet the primmys aren't all primmys 
yet. But keep your guard.

The metal doors swish open, and allow you to pass.
Central Hallway - New Iacon Base
Contents: Arcee, Black and Gold Turbo-Wolf, Legend

Black and Gold Turbo-Wolf lifts her head and wags her tail.
Arcee is on her way to the comissary, pausing at the tube.
Rodimus walks out nervously, fists tight at his sides, the laser banks 
on his arms primed and ready to fire but holding himself back with some 
kind of superhuman(?) restraint.
Legend sighs and leans up against the wall, being emotionally exhausted 
by this.
Arcee sighs, noting Rodimus' position and walks on, "Don't shoot 
anyone...."
Rodimus says quietly, "I'm not about to."
Legend nods to Rodimus. "Sir."
Arcee is whisked away north on a people-mover into the Main Commissary.
Legend ohs, shutting up quickly. Just realizing who it is.
Rodimus nods with remarkable restraint, keeping his tone unintrusive. 
"Legend."
Rebound erms, "Hot Rod?"
Rodimus pulls a short breath and starts after Arcee. "Not for a long 
time, Rebound.."
Rebound looks confused at that.

You are whisked away on a large people-mover, through a tube, into the 
Main Commissary.
New Iacon Main Commissary

Arcee walks directly toward Elita's room, since she doesn't feel right 
about going to your office, or her own.
Transmission from Cyclonus: Rodimus... the infection is already on 
Cybertron...
Rodimus follows, a rather puzzled look on his face.
You transmit a message to Cyclonus: Who?
Arcee has left.
Rodimus pauses abruptly.
Transmission from Cyclonus: *grating with hatred* Razorclaw... I believe 
his team is also infected. It is only safe to assume that.
You transmit a message to Cyclonus: Understood. Relay to Whiz; she'll 
want to know.

Elita's Sanctuary
This small room serves to be the sanctuary of peace for Elita-One. The 
decor is spartan, a recharging bed, a small table and chairs with some 
datapads about it. The only notable item is a glowing crystal ring, 
suspended by a thread on the wall.
Contents: Arcee

The room seems remarkably clean, despite its lack of use in the last 
year.
Rodimus glances around the empty room a bit puzzledly. "Why here..?"
Arcee smiles softly, although a bit tense, "I come here to think...."
Rodimus nods stiffly, working his hands as though to bleed off pent-up 
energy, his whole stance radiating his unease.
Arcee motions to a chair, "Please... sit down."
Rodimus looks between the chair and you and back several times, then 
finally sits down haltingly.
Arcee takes her own seat, in her usual calm manner, although her optics 
reflect that she has a LOT of questions.
Rodimus sits as though poised on a pincushion.
Arcee looks directly at you, as though searching your optics, "Relax... 
what do you think I'm going to do... I'm a bit unsure of what's going on 
myself." She tries to speak soothingly, "I know what I've been told, but 
I want to know...."
You say, "I'm not afraid of what you might do. I'm afraid of myself.. 
but what do you want to know? Anything."
Arcee speaks in a hushed tone, almost a whisper, "What... happened to 
you?"
Arcee says, "The Matrix?"
Rodimus's face twists in sudden wrenching agony. "It was.. taken from 
me."
Arcee looks at you sympathetically.
Rodimus says in a shuddering voice, far from characteristic, "It took 
eight of them to hold me down... I tore myself apart struggling but it 
didn't do any good.. and Sky Lynx-- ripped it out---"
Arcee's optics widen a moment, "... Sky Lynx.... but why Sky Lynx....." 
She sighs softly toward you, definitely touched at the moment and in a 
different mood from earlier.
Rodimus struggles to regain control of the all-too-vivid memories 
scorched on his neural net. "We think the Quintessons were involved.. 
they manipulated him into thinking he had to take over, he and his army 
of primitives.."
Arcee nods, recalling everything the Quints have already done to Sky 
Lynx, "I see.... but the others, they have choices and I know many would 
never turn on their allies... like Caterwaul and Steeljaw."
Arcee says, "Or Swoop."
Rodimus says grimly, "Tell that to Blaster."
Arcee looks slightly surprised and taken aback, "You mean...?"
You say, "They turned on him."
Arcee nods slowly, "The Decepticons? Did it affect them also?"
Rodimus nods. "Soundwave never got over the tapes leaving... the 
Predacons took out half the ranks, and Trypticon--"
Rodimus shudders.
Arcee says, "... Trypticon was....."
Arcee nods, catching the implication.
You say, "He destroyed Vilnacron, most of Iacon and killed Galvatron."
Arcee winces, "Say no more, Rodimus.... it sounds bad enough, but now, 
why are you here, to stop them...? "
You say, "If you had the chance to save eight million years worth of 
dead friends, wouldn't you take it?"
Arcee nods, "I would.... but, can you truly change anything?"
Rodimus says firmly, "We have to."
Rodimus draws some measure of confidence from that statement.
Arcee nods, "Then I will assist you in any way possible.
You say, "If we can stop it at the root, the whole thing need never 
happen.."
Arcee says, "The root, being... Sky Lynx?"
Rodimus nods. "Or rather, the Quintesson meddling that did that to him.
Arcee frowns, "D*MN Quintesson's, why can't they mind their own business 
and stay on their planet."
Rodimus says ruefully, "Because the Sharkticons rebelled.." before 
remembering what time frame you're referring to.
Arcee' s optics flicker, "That.. is a scary thought."
Rodimus looks down at his hands. "It's scarier to live it."
Arcee nods to you, "I imagine so...." She draws a deep breath, and 
ventures another question that has been edging on her mind since she has 
now accepted that you are telling the truth.
Arcee rests her arms on the table before her, leaning forward slightly, 
"Rodimus ... " Her voice lowers and almost seems to tremble, "What 
happened... what happened that you seem to treat me as a ghost, someone 
you haven't seen in... millenia..."
Transmission from Cyclonus: Razorclaw escaped to Earth. Predaking is 
there now.
Rodimus looks up helplessly, trying to meet your optics, his gaze 
haunted, empty. "I..I haven't."
Arcee nods slowly, "I won't ask... about what happened, or when, but ... 
is it far in the future?"
Rodimus whispers, "Within the month."
Arcee frowns at the thought, "It's.. going to happen that soon.. why 
didn't you choose an earlier time to return and warn us?"
You say, "The technology was far from perfect. It's amazing we got this 
close, really.." he chokes on the explanation. "I came.. I came back to 
save you, whatever else happens, Arcee I can't let you die--"
Rodimus coughs as he chokes himself up and falls silent of his own 
accord.
Arcee nods slowly, "Did you come back, just to save me?" Her voice is 
edged with something somewhat guarded.
Arcee is TRYING to remain calm, but the urge to comfort you is extremely 
strong, afterall, you are Rodimus, yet.. not .. HER Rodimus, which stops 
her.
Rodimus shakes his head. "To save everyone." He looks up helplessly, 
unable to keep up the facade of careful control. "But you were the 
first... and I never got over that."
Arcee nods, "The first, what a way to go." She tries to smile, but the 
thoughts are obviously beginning to get to her, "... Perhaps, I should 
stay away from all the primative alt forms."
Arcee says, "Especially Sky Lynx..."
Rodimus nods glumly. "If it kills me, Arcee, I swear I won't let it 
happen.." his optics search yours desperately for some inkling of 
support. "I can't tell you how much.. how much I lost that day..."
Transmission from Whiz: Razorclaw has escaped the Decepticons. He has 
retreated to Earth and is calling for Autobots to aid him with a virus 
of some kind. I suggest you monitor the channels if possible.
Arcee gets to her feet, and walks over to you, bending down before you 
to take your hand, the only gesture she really feels comfortable with, " 
... I can tell."
Rodimus grits his teeth and looks away, afraid for his own self-control.
Rodimus says hoarsely, "I know I told you... I would always love you.. I 
KNOW I did." He stares hard at the far wall, his frame shaking, "Eight 
million years, and I never got over it."
Arcee smiles a bit more, "This has to succede, we must stop it as soon 
as possible...." She pauses, listening, "You told me, .. so many times." 
She speaks softly, "And I believed it every time.
<Admin> Wreck-Gar hasta go. night!
Arcee doesn't know whether to withdraw or continue holding your hand, 
with your actions, but figures moving might be far worse.
Arcee receives a radio transmission.
Rodimus sighs heavily.
Transmission from Whiz: Sky Lynx is in the main corridor. Grimlock, 
Rebound, and Caterwaul are in the immediate area.
Transmission from Whiz: This could be a serious situation. Please 
advise.
Arcee transmits a message via radio.
Arcee receives a radio transmission.
Rodimus stands up suddenly and pulls away, turning his back. "I don't 
have any right to do this to you.."
You transmit a message to Whiz: What's his.. status?
Arcee transmits a message via radio to Springer.
Transmission from Whiz: Unknown.
Arcee receives a radio transmission.
Arcee transmits a message via radio to Springer.
Transmission from Pak-Gor: Yo. Get out of your little seance. We got a 
situation out here. Big Bird's in the vacinity of several will-be 
primmys. Things're gonna get ugly SOON.
You transmit a message to Pak-Gor: I know...
Arcee says, "Something wrong?"
Rodimus looks back at you, "I have to go. Sky Lynx is here."
Transmission from Pak-Gor: Yeah thanks. Preciate it.
Arcee sighs softly standing up, "I know."
Arcee receives a radio transmission.
Rodimus's hands twitch in some impulse to move, which he sharply cuts 
off, and heads for the door before his self-control wears any thinner.

New Iacon Main Commissary
You step on the people-mover, and head south through the tube into the 
Base.
Central Hallway - New Iacon Base
Contents: Knightmare, Pak-Gor, Whiz, Tyrannosaurus, Sky Lynx, Caterwaul, 
Sidearm, Rebound, Legend

Arcee arrives on the people-mover from the Main Commissary.
Sky Lynx draws back looking WHiz over and then Pak-Gor, he smirks 
slightly and laughs, "Oh I see, some sort of a game? Trying to play a 
trick on me are you? IS it my birthday perhaps?"
Arcee follows Rodimus in.
Rebound is whisked away north on a people-mover into the Main 
Commissary.
Whiz is being eyeballed by Sky Lynx and looking rather leery about it.
Tyrannosaurus hehs. "That's right...just wait till you get your 
present."
Pak-Gor says, "Ah yeah. My rep proceeds me. Someone who useta be serious 
wanna try?"
Sidearm says, "Come to the medbay if you wish to see their unconscious 
forms."
Tyrannosaurus starts circling slowly around the hallway, keeping his 
optics on Sky Lynx.
Knightmare looks up, his arms still crossed. "No games."
Whiz says, "Sky Lynx, I am incapable of joking. I lost tht ability a 
long time ago. You must cooperate with me."
Rodimus remains in the back of the room, obviously unsettled but not 
sure what to do about it.
Sky Lynx turns his head in Rodimus' direction and gapes slightly, "What 
in the name of Optimus Prime are you chaps trying to do?
Whiz is making a stiff fist to keep her hands from trembling.
Legend just shakes his head, waiting for someone to make heads or tails 
of this whole thing.
Sidearm leans against a wall. "I don't know anymore. Everything is 
crazy."
Caterwaul says, "Beleives it or nots Sky Lynx..but they're tellings the 
truth..or believes they are anyways."
Whiz is too focused on Sky Lynx to notice anyone else arriving or saying 
much.
Legend sighs, carrying more than a hit of depression in it. "Maybe I 
picked the wrong day to check it. I supposed I could have stayed out of 
Iacon for a few more cycles."
Tyrannosaurus keeps circling around the hallway, now slightly behind Sky 
Lynd. "That right...we just trying to help."
Rodimus says quietly, "Hello, Sky Lynx."
Pak-Gor says, "We're from the future. Why's that so funky to everyone. I 
know if _I_ saw every one of my friends that mysteriously collapsed 
walking around 8 million years older elsewhere, I'D be open to ideas."
Caterwaul says, "I wouldnts say the same for Grimlocks over there..."
Whiz grates through a clenched jaw, "Could someone send Syke a message 
to explain why she cannot speak to Razorclaw..."
Knightmare calls up. "If you will just humor us, er, them, and try this 
out, you can judge for yourself if this is valid or not."
Sidearm frowns at Pak-Gor. "Or bothered by them. I have good friends out 
cold because of your strange expeditions."
Legend waves Grimlock over to him.
Pak-Gor says, "Granted. But they're FINE. Promise. They're in perfect 
hibernation."
Pak-Gor says, "They'll wake up when we're done doing what a man's gotta 
do."
Knightmare says, "It's not like you can't handle us if something went 
wrong, right?"
Rodimus says dryly, "I could hardly wish my past self any ill-will."
Whiz touches a hand to her audio receptor. "Galvatron is landing in 
Africa."
Sidearm says, "Only if you were really who you say you are."
Rodimus frowns. "Galvatron? What for?"

Sky Lynx says, "No, this is ridiculous and I do not wish to hear the 
reasoning for this less than acceptable joke. I have endured far to much 
recently to be the butt of someone else's joke. My sense of humor has 
long since evaportated in recent times and quite frankly I have more 
important things to focus my attention on that your ridiculous pranks." 
He looks at Rodimus, "And it seems that some would go to all extents to 
make their friends look like complete asses for the sole purpose of 
getting a small chuckle. I would have expected more from you Rodimus. 
You no better than the rest of them!"

Whiz reports, "He is in pursuit of Razorclaw. Cyclonus accompanies him."
Pak-Gor says, "I may be a couple million years older but this is the 
same Pak that took the human plunge with you. Remember? Disneyland?"
Legend comments, "Destorying your past self would be destroying 
yourself. If they truely believe it, we should have nothing to fear... "
Caterwaul blinks at SkyLynx. "Rest of them?"
Pak-Gor receives a radio transmission.
Rodimus spreads his hands. "Sky Lynx, look in the med bay yourself. 
Rodimus..Prime's," he stumbles over the name, "body is in there."
Pak-Gor transmits a message via radio.
Legend frowns.

<Autobot> Whiz says, "This is Cybertron.  Broadcasting to Syke and 
Autobot City."

Pak-Gor receives a radio transmission.
Knightmare says, "Guys, you might be pushing this a bit much. Just let 
Sky Lynx see for himself."

<Autobot> Whiz says, "Razorclaw is operating independently of the 
Decepticons.  He is not to be trusted... the other Decepticons are 
landing in African in pursuit of the rogue Predacon.  Do not engage."

Rodimus nods. "Back off him, guys. I trust him."
Pak-Gor says, "Yup. That's me. I've been through 8 million years of icky 
not niceness and I'm not gonna take it anymore. I'm here to make a 
difference. Trust me. My younger self'll thank me. He won't hafta become 
THIS."
Legend says, "I think it'd be best if you were not to push this too 
much."
Rodimus eyes Sky Lynx hard, trying to fight back the pain and betrayal 
and focus on the friend he used to have.
Sidearm leans against the wall, looking saddened at all of this.
Pak-Gor transmits a message via radio.
Legend steps away from the wall and over to Knightmare.
Knightmare looks over to Legend and nods.
Legend mutters to Knightmare, "Why... they... pestering... What did... 
to..."

Sky Lynx says, "Yes the REST of them, like the Technobots and their 
ridiculous accusations and anti-animal Transformer attitudes. I have 
been proved my self time and time again to not be associated with those 
cruel Barbarians known as the horde and yet after two years of complete 
devotion and loyalty they still accuse me of being a freak! And you know 
what the largest farce is, they have been with us for 2 years, I have 
been fighting this war for 4 million and everyone sides with the damned 
Technobots, the barbaric, misguided Technobots! I had it with all this 
anti-primitive sentiment. What? we don't have feelings?"

Rodimus shifts a nervous look at Whiz.
Whiz takes a step back.
Transmission from Whiz: We have reason to fear.
Whiz transmits a message via radio to Rodimus.
Legend winces a bit at ever exclaimation Sky Lynx makes, not wanting to 
hear them.
Pak-Gor says, "Houston... We have a problem."
Sidearm says, "I was never really that fond of Scattershot, Sky Lynx."
Pak-Gor receives a radio transmission.
Pak-Gor says, "The eagle has landed."

<Autobot> Whiz says, "Syke, do not engage. Repeat, remain within Autobot 
City.  Raise the defenses if you must."

Legend mutters to Knightmare, "... I'll admit I've... him for a short 
time,... tame.... you'll accept the human phrase.... known him... 
rather..."
Caterwaul ehs. The technos have always been jerks
Knightmare looks up at Sky Lynx. "If someone claims that, not everyone 
does. I, for one, don't. You've proven to be a rational thinking in the 
past, so why not now?"
Pak-Gor transmits a message via radio.
Legend doesn't comment on the second part of Knightmare's statement.
Legend nods, "If what I'm told is true, the accusations are 
proposterous. I've never known Sky Lynx to be anything by a kind and 
valorus Cybertronain."
Caterwaul has disconnected.
Whiz says icily, "Sky Lynx, this is not a trick. The Technobots are 
irrelevant. You are our concern. If you trust us - if we have ever been 
friends to you - cooperate with us now. It could save hundreds of 
lives."

Sky Lynx says, "and you decide to play some ridiculous joke on me to 
"cheer me up" well it's not working this time. Try taking who I am into 
considerations sometime, I'm not just some hateful war machne, there's 
more to me than tooth and claw. Stop with all these pretenses and trying 
to cheer me up or read me like a book. I'm not yours to be psycho-
analyzed, but I have given my all for 4 million and I could even get the 
respect of a few friends ... all I get are cruel jokes and name calling 
and no respect whatsoever, and quite frankly I don't need it."

Legend grumbles to Knightmare.
Rodimus says quietly, "C'mon, Sky. What about all the good times we had 
together? I thought we were friends. You know I never thought poorly of 
you."
Legend mutters to Knightmare, "... loud in... wish..."
Knightmare nods with Legend.
Sidearm says, "I doubt Sky Lynx would be Lt. Commander if he was not 
respected."
Dee-Plane arrives from the Briefing Room.
Rodimus swallows hard, fighting down the pain evident in his face.
Dee-Plane stands tall in the doorway, an imaginary cape and an air of 
heroism pervade his expression. "I'm here to be a deus-ex-machine plot 
device...to answer all your questions, and solve all your problems!" He 
looks around, hmms, then throws his imaginary cape down on the ground, 
and stomps on it. "Bad cape! Bad!"

<Future-TF> Whiz <IC> Whiz broadcasts, "Sky Lynx already appears to be 
descending into his paranoia.  Unobtrusive scans are not able to pick up 
any anomalous readings.  We will need to scan him with our equipment if 
we are to make any progress.  Grimlock, Caterwaul, and Rebound have been 
exposed to him for a long period of time, so exercise caution. Whiz 
out."

Sidearm tilts her head at Dee-Plane. "That was interesting."
Sidearm looks up at Sky Lynx.
Legend implores, "Please, could we stop this for a moment. Continual 
arguing will get us all nowhere and we all need time to think... And the 
noise is making my audio-receptors ring.

Sky Lynx eyes Rodimus angrily, "You .. you who I have placed every bit 
of love and affection and effort to get the rest of these autobots to 
respect you, you who I spent such a long time trying to get you to 
reclaim the matrix when that clone was walking around with it, YOU WHO 
SPAT IN MY FACE WHEN I TOLD YOU HOW MUCH YOU MEANT TO US! HOW MUCH YOU 
MENT TO ME! What the hell good times are you talking about?"

Dee-Plane grins innocently at Sidearm.
Rodimus blinks. "Spat in your face?"
Legend mutters to Knightmare, "... that'd..."
Tyrannosaurus shrugs. "Sounds like the same Sky Lynx to me."
Knightmare looks to Legend and nods.
Dee-Plane winces at SL's words. "Woah...bad vibes a'happenin'"
Whiz shudders, as if reliving a particularly painful memory.
Sky Lynx says, "You did nothing and waved me off like the others, the 
one who believes in you most, well maybe it's time to start believing in 
something else."
Knightmare says, "Guys, this is getting out of control. Let's sleep on 
this. Good night."
Knightmare starts walking out of Iacon.
Legend scowls in the direction of the arugment, and steps out after 
Knightmare.
Knightmare leaves Iacon, via the main gates.
Legend leaves Iacon, via the main gates.
Sky Lynx turns abruptly and starts for the door, "Yes ... maybe it is 
time to find something else to believe in ...
Rodimus shakes his head, "Sky Lynx, I don't understand, I never did that 
to you, at least not intentionally. We've.. we've always been friends. 
Remember Hyperion? It's a lot longer ago for me than you, but..."
Whiz says in an almost dead voice, "Sky Lynx, don't turn your back on 
us. Don't betray our friendship."
Sky Lynx says, "I have much to contemplate, we will discuss this when 
you are in a less jovial mood."
Sky Lynx leaves Iacon, via the main gates.
Dee-Plane just sort of stands there. He raises a finger, and opens his 
mouth, but nothing comes out, as SL leaves before he can say anything. 
He glances to his side, and lets the hand swing limp at his side.
Whiz lowers her head. "Now do you believe us?"
Rodimus releases a long, juddering sigh and sags back against the wall, 
doubling over with the back of one hand pressed to his chest as though 
in pain.
Tyrannosaurus says, "So...time for plan B?"
Tyrannosaurus smacks a tiny fist into his palm.
Sidearm frowns. "Believe what? I barely know what's going on."
Whiz says achingly, "Sky Lynx is about to betray us all."
Dee-Plane glances around with frantic concern, at Rodimus, then everyone 
else. "Woah, woah, hold up...I had no problem with believing......"
Whiz says, "He is about to gather an army of the animal-mode 
Cybertronians and destroy us all. And it is already too late to stop his 
own corruption."
Dee-Plane says, "However...I also have an aching desire to live, too."
Dee-Plane glances to Whiz. "Is it?"
Sidearm says, "So you just stand there and give up already? 
How....quaint."
Whiz looks up. "We did not come this far to give up. If we cannot stop 
his corruption, we will have to stop it from spreading."
Dee-Plane stands tall, and delivers a quoted, altered speech. "Remember, 
ask not what Sky Lynx can do to you, ask what YOU can do for Sky Lynx."
Whiz suddenly withdraws a large chaingun. "One way or the other."
Sidearm looks off. "You are not Whiz. If this is so important, why 
aren't you running out there now and attempting to stop Sky Lynx? You 
let him walk out."
Dee-Plane walks up to Grimlock, and leans casually up against him. 
"Y'know, I have no problem with logical solutions, but when it comes 
down to it..." He grins, and smacks his fist into his palm. "Plan B 
works for me, too."
Whiz replies icily, "I could not have stopped him. He is already 
convinced that he is correct."
Rodimus straightens slowly, regaining his composure as the memory 
passes. "We saw that just now."
Whiz says, "And, to be entirely honest, I am terrified of being alone 
with him. After what I have seen him do."
Sidearm says, "So instead he's running out now to do who knows what. How 
logical."
Rodimus looks sharply at Whiz and grimaces miserably.
Dee-Plane thinks. "It's a toughie...we trap him, and affirm his 
feelings...we talk to him, and he won't listen..."
Whiz acknowledges the glance and nods to Dee-Plane.
Whiz says, "If we attack, we lose him forever, and possibly the element 
of surprise as well. We could touch off the rebellion we seek to 
avoid.""
Dee-Plane says, "Can we knock him out somehow, and examine him? I mean, 
something we're sure will take him down, and keep him there? You've got 
all that techie stuff..."
Sidearm shrugs. "Better stop him now and fix whatever is wrong with him 
rather than letting him loose in his unstable condition."
Dee-Plane folds his arms. "We need a subtle approach...but how do you 
get subtle with a giant dinobird?" He begins to pace.
Rodimus nods. "Agreed. Capture him if at all possible. I don't want... 
this Sky Lynx.. dead."
Dee-Plane says, "I agree..."
Dee-Plane thinks for a moment.
Whiz says, "If he were dead, the threat could come from an unexpected 
direction. We could fail our mission. Bettter the devil we know, to 
quote the humans."
Dee-Plane says, "I have a possible sub-idea for that notion"
Dee-Plane says, "What if we were able to get a non-Autobot to capture 
him? He can't hate the Autobots for doing it to him if they don't 
actually do so."
Whiz says, "Cyclonus is on Earth with Galvatron, pursuing Galvatron."
Dee-Plane grins. "I know the perfect way to knock him out...I've got 
some old 'Manimal' tapes archived...that'll do the trick! No, wait! How 
about 'Automan'? Or maybe 'Supertrain'??" He begins to gain an evil 
twinge to his grin.
Sidearm looks at Dee-plane oddly.
Tyrannosaurus says, "Hey Whiz, you sure this thing only work on guys who 
change into animals?"
Tyrannosaurus pokes Dee-Plane lightly with his hand.
Whiz nods. "Something about the programming necessary to support the 
animal alternate-form. There is something in the instincts... we never 
determined the root."
Whiz says, "But it never affected anyone else."
Dee-Plane glances to Whiz for a moment...
Sidearm says, "Perhaps you should have someone explain everything over a 
terminal."
Whiz raises her glance to meet Sidearm's. "Over a terminal?"
Sidearm says, "Why not? Why should this be such a big secret?"
Whiz sighs. "Our aim wwas to contain the knowledge to avoid affecting 
the future. That has been proven impractical."
Whiz says, "However, there are details which should remain unknown. If 
the future changes, there is little need for you to know the extent of 
its horror.""
Dee-Plane says, "Yeah, we'll experience it for ourselves in time."
Sidearm says, "Contain it? How can you change time by not changing what 
happens? By not saying anything, you have everything continue on its 
course."
Whiz says, "No. If we succeed, you will be spared."
Dee-Plane says, "Woohoo! We'll be spared."
Whiz says, "We have already altered the future just by warning you that 
danger is coming. But whether the horror is averted depends on our 
actions in the days to come."
Sidearm says, "If they succeed. It seems to me they merely succeeded in 
agitating Sky Lynx."
Dee-Plane says, "I dunno...in a couple million years, I wouldn't mind 
coming back and saying Hi to everyone who didn't make it."
Whiz says, "Sky Lynx is already agitated. However, you are now aware. 
You will use caution, and that is then useful."
Tyrannosaurus says, "Well maybe you have a better idea."
Whiz looks with some concern at Grimlock.
Sidearm says, "How can anyone come up with a better idea?"
Sidearm says, "There's little information to access."
Dee-Plane says, "Yeah, but we've got some major points down..."
Sidearm says, "Why after all these years have you been unable to repair 
Sky Lynx's odd behavior?"
Whiz says, "We were unsure of its cause and were unable to get to him to 
analyze it."
Sidearm says, "But surely whatever influenced him influenced those 
animals around him."
Whiz says, "I would share information if it were available to me. All I 
can tell you is how you died, which is information of no use."
Whiz says, "That is true. Which is why we must find him and determing 
the cause of his malfunction."
Sidearm says, "I assumed I either died or left, since obviously I'm not 
here with you."
Dee-Plane says, "Well, I must've died...ewww, gross."
Whiz looks piercingly at Sidearm. "You cannot bully me into revealing 
that which I do not know."
Dee-Plane folds his arms, and quotes, "Homey don't play that."
Sidearm looks surprised. "I'm not asking you anything other than how to 
help Sky Lynx."
Whiz says, "The cause is unknown. And that is what we are here to 
determine. I can do no more to satisfy your curiosity."
Whiz says, "Once we have scanned Sky Lynx, we will have a better 
determination of how to help him. And, in turn, how to help those who 
may join him."
Sidearm says, "Then why didn't you bother asking to scan him earlier?"
Whiz says, "I asked him three times, and I used whatever unitrusive 
methods were available to me."
Whiz says, "Unfortunately, they returned no anomalous results. I will 
have to immobilize him."
Sidearm says, "That would be difficult."
Whiz nods. "Which is why I depended on his cooperation."
Whiz says, "Unfortunately, he was reluctant to offer it."
Whiz looks emotionlessly at the gates.
Dee-Plane nods.
Sidearm says, "Which backfired it seems. Strange how quickly he assumed 
it was a birthday party gag or whatever."
Whiz says, "His dysfunction appears to manifest itself in paranoia. He 
imagines that we are mocking him."
Dee-Plane sighs. "How do you counter paranoia?"
Whiz says, "That I do not know. I have suffered from it too long to know 
the cure."
Sidearm says, "I don't think it helped that you look so differently. 
Paranoia can be countered with agreeing with the one paranoid or cold 
logic from what I have heard."
Whiz says, "I cannot change my appearance. I have grown into it over 
millenia."
Dee-Plane nods. "So we agree with his opinion, and offer to work on his 
terms to rebuild friendships..."
Sidearm says, "Maybe, if he starts accusing us of bad things. Agreeing 
with him may be odd."
Whiz says, "Perhaps if he were approached by someone who is not so close 
to him."
Dee-Plane hmms...
Sidearm says, "Perhaps, that is unknown to me."
Sidearm says, "I would think an animal altmode sort to be the most 
willing for him to trust but obviously animals being near him is a bad 
idea from what you are saying."
Whiz says, "They could be corrupted by proximity."
Whiz looks again at Grimlock, unsure.
Tyrannosaurus shrugs. "I'll do it. We never did get along."
Dee-Plane gets a very odd idea. "Can anyone be disguised as an animal? 
It worked for Lon Chaney"
Sidearm shrugs. "Perhaps, my holo technology can make me look like I 
have an animal mode but such things would easily be discovered since 
most animal forms have heightened senses."
Whiz nods, her icy exterior weakening slightly and revealing fatigue.
Whiz says, "I have not had a rest cycle.. or a full compliment of 
energon... in a long time. I think I must rest before I attempt to 
devise any more strategies."
Sidearm glances at Whiz. "You could always stay in your 'old' quarters 
if you wish to rest and recover."
Dee-Plane nods..."Can a body be built to transfer temporarily a bot's 
personality into? A body without a Primitive's chip-set?"
Whiz looks oddly at Sidearm, then says thoughtfully, "My old quarters."
Sidearm says, "I've been there. Very messy."
Dee-Plane looks over the turn of the conversation, and quietly bows out.
Sidearm looks at Dee-Plane. "It's been done in the past."
Dee-Plane glances over to Sidearm, and nods.
Whiz says, "This journey has been wearying, and there were many... 
losses... to bring us here. I must rest."
Dee-Plane snaps his fingers. "It's a thought."
Sidearm says, "At least structural changes, not a complete down load of 
one's mind. Well, Wraith had his entire neuronet held in Scourge's grip 
once."
Whiz looks again at Sidearm, then sweeps her eyes across the rest of the 
room. "It was a... it was good. To see you again."
Whiz turns and proceeds down the corridor to the commissary.
Sidearm looks surprised. "Really? How strange, I always thought we would 
be at each other's throats eventually."
Dee-Plane nods, then turns to smile at Whiz. "We'll be around." He 
grins.
Dee-Plane looks back to Sidearm. "So you're saying build a body, or 
convert one's body?"
Whiz is whisked away north on a people-mover into the Main Commissary.
Sidearm smiles a bit, then glances at Dee-Plane. "It takes a very long 
time to redesign a body, however."
Dee-Plane says, "That is, when it succeeded?"
Dee-Plane nods.
Sidearm says, "Transferrng a mind is serious work and out of my league."
Dee-Plane says, "Still, something like that might be the best way to 
gain Sky Lynx's trust, and convince him...especially if this is out of 
his own control."
Sidearm says, "I think it's strange. No animal form really has a true 
difference than non-animal forms. They're either animals that turn into 
objects or animals that turn into robots. I never experienced animals 
that turned into animals or robots that turned into robots. There's a 
common basis in at least one mode. Robot or vehicle. The other being 
animal is just...odd. I wonder...."
Sidearm shakes her head thoughtfully. "Maybe it is nothing..." she 
mutters, walking off in deep thought.
Sidearm heads southeast, into the Repair Bay.