Scattershot says, "Fine."
Nightshift nods. "Aw'ight."
[Through weary, almost subconscious efforts, there is a vague inquiry as 
to if you are okay...last night...*I could feel it so strongly, even 
when I was not so near*....]
Transmission from Firestar: This is falling apart quickly, sir. 
Permission to release weapons.
Scattershot folds his arms and just kind of stares at everyone, not 
having anything insulting to say.
Rodimus shifts his weight uncomfortably, flicking a short look in the 
direction of the medbay before sharply pulling himself up to his full 
(rather diminutive) height. "If you guys will excuse me, I need to get 
out of here for a while." he manages a faint smile, "It's been too long 
since I've seen Cybertron."
Strafe arrives from the Briefing Room.
Scattershot nods to Strafe.
Nightshift nods to Strafe. "W'sup?"
Strafe nods and quietly moves to Scattershot's side.
Brontosaurus stands up slowly from his corner. Slowly, like the behemoth 
he is, he emerges from the shadows of the back hallway, looking at all 
of the robots.
Nightshift turns to face Sludge.
@pemit *krys=\[Nothing short of utter anguish at whatever he was 
"looking" at in the medbay; it blanks out any other perception from him]
Strafe frowns as he spots the Dinobot.
Rodimus casts an uneasy look at Sludge and moves quickly for the door.

You head back out through the massive gates.
Gates of New Iacon

You transmit a message to Firestar: You have confirmation of their 
infected status? Permission granted.
Transmission from Strafe: Are you alright?
Krystal Bryant emerges from the massive gates.
You transmit a message to Strafe: I'm.. fine. I just had to get out of 
there. It's too close to th.. to my other self.
Transmission from Firestar: Status on Rampage confirmed, Legend unknown.
You transmit a message to Firestar: Do what you have to to defend 
yourself. Shoot to disable, though, not to kill if possible.
Transmission from Firestar: Understood, Commander.
Krystal Bryant patters softly out of the main area, gripping her cloak 
about her as she follows behind. "Rodimus...?" she calls gently, 
catching her breath as she finally (sorta) falls into step beside him.
Rodimus pauses on the base perimeter, his optics sweeping the Iacon 
plain with a look of gentle disbelief. He doesn't speak for several 
minutes.
Krystal Bryant resumes her quiet stance, watching Rodimus with a gentle 
patience as she tries to understand him.
Rodimus finally utters quietly, "I had to get away; the call was too 
strong." Another moment of silence as he watches a stray wind clatter a 
piece of scrap metal across the plain. "By Primus, it's been so long..."
Strafe emerges from the massive gates.
Strafe nods.
Rodimus is standing on the edge of the base perimeter, looking 
southward.
Strafe says, "Permission to.. look around, Rodimus?"
Transmission from Firestar: Situation citical, get yer hide out here, 
Rodimus!
Rodimus glances back quickly and starts to nod, "Gra--" cutting himself 
short as his radio buzzes. "Trouble at Magnaron. Firestar's pinned."
Black Ferrari emerges from the massive gates.
Brontosaurus emerges from the massive gates.
Black Ferrari roars past everybody and heads down the road.
Black Ferrari leaves to the south.
Rodimus moves sharply southward, waving an arm at Strafe. "Looks like 
it'll have to wait. Move in to back her up."
Strafe says, "I will.." He glances at the dinobot, a bit uneasily. "I'll 
check it out."
Strafe folds down into a black attack platform.
Rodimus transforms into what can only be called a high-tech, flaming... 
car.
Krystal Bryant blinks. "With whom?"
Black Attack Platform soars upward to the Sky above Iacon.
Krystal Bryant says, "Rodimus?"
Flaming Car says tersely, "Rampage and Legend."
Brontosaurus comes walking out of Iacon, the ground shaking violently 
underneath his feet as he walks along.
Krystal Bryant swallows, and glances quickly at her weapons harness. 
"I'm coming."
Krystal Bryant HAS ENTERED YOU!
Krystal Bryant blinks. "Rodimus....?"
[A sudden thought crosses her in revelation...they're Primitives...]
Flaming Car accepts Krystal's statement without comment, squealing out 
the instant she gets inside.

You move south...
Iacon Plain

Flaming Car says tersely, "Yes, they are."
Krystal Bryant blinks, only mildly, yet surprised. She says nothing at 
the noticed clarity with which Rodimus picked up her thoughts.
Flaming Car rumbles dryly, "I've watched almost every friend I ever had, 
die. You could say that broke down a few mental barriers."

You head southward toward the tunnel...
You leave to the west.
New Cybertron Highway <Far West>

Krystal Bryant swallows hard, her gaze dropping guiltily to her lap.
Flaming Car's tone softens. "Don't feel bad. It's not like it's your 
fault."
@pemit *krys=\[It's definitely the same familiar mental aura, just a 
lot.. sadder.]

You move west to the Magnaron Crater...
Magnaron Crater
Contents: Strafe, Nightshift, Blue Su-35, Tiger, Wyvern, Firestar

Tiger disappears into the crater below
Rampage begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots 
from Rodimus, Whisper, Legend.
Nightshift waves to Rodimus. "Could use a hand here, chief!"
Firestar bounces back to her feet and starts in persuit.
Krystal Bryant nods. "I know, Rodimus," she says quietly. "It's just, 
everything is so intense...I hate to know what you've been through, what 
you've had to endure. It's not fair...it's not right. I can't stand to 
know how you've suffered."
Wyvern flaps his wings, and dives after Rampage.
Legend begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots 
from Rodimus, Whisper, Rampage.
Firestar shifts downwards to become a crimson and white Hovertruck.
Crimson HoverTruck says, "NOT SO FAST, PRIMMIE!"
Strafe says, "Firestar, ENOUGH."
Flaming Car drives in headlong at full speed, all business as he starts 
barking. "I got here as fast as I could--"
Blue Su-35 flies toward Firestar, "Stop Firestar you don't know what you 
are doing!"
Nightshift says, "Man, I'm on Earth for one slaggin' week an' everything 
goes straight t'the infernal..!"
Crimson HoverTruck slides to a stop, growling down into the crater, 
plasma fire lancing out, and not hitting.
Shifting upwards quickly, Firestar transforms into her robot mode.
The SU-35 suddenly goes into a flurry of activity: the rear parts of the 
plane suddenly disconnect and move forward onto its back, and the 
cockpit slides back as well revealing the head. Whisper now stands 
before you in her robot mode.
Flaming Car catches Rampage's movement and kicks in the blower, grinding 
into high gear as he grits a terse command to Krystal to hang on as he 
throws himself after the retreating Predacon.
Whisper lands and transform, heading toward Firestar, "what is wrong 
with you?"
Krystal Bryant's eyes widen at the departing decepticons, and in a flury 
of quick mindedness she tries to focus in on Rampage's thoughts.
You ram into Rampage, your reinforced frame absorbing the impact without 
damage.
Nightshift tosses his rifle back into subspace.
Firestar rubs the nicks across her chest, the energon flowing from the 
wounds.
Firestar says, "All right, Rodimus!"
Nightshift goes over to check on FS. "Y'aw'ight?"
Strafe mutters to Firestar, "We've had... the Primitives, and we... 
We're... prevent..."
Firestar says, "Tell that to Rodimus, Strafe."
Tiger gets a good boost into the crater ...howling
Wyvern drops down after him.
Strafe says, "I will."
Whisper says, "Why did you attack Legend Firestar? He is an autobot like 
us"
Tiger tries to make his way down the side of the crater, but loses his 
grip and goes plummeting into its depths.
Wyvern soars downwards into the blackness of the crater.
Flaming Car slams on the brakes and cuts sideways to a halt at the 
precipice of the crater, a few bits of loose scrap tumbling down the 
slope just beyond his wheels.
Firestar looks evenly at Whisper, "I am not an Autobot. Not anymore."
Krystal Bryant yelps as she gets jostled heavily inside, pressing 
against the window with wide eyes, sucking in a breath as if to halt 
Rod's progress towards the edge, keeping them from toppling over it.
Firestar looks over to Rodimus.
Strafe looks at Rodimus as well.
Firestar says, "Should we persue, sir?"
Nightshift walks over to check on Rodimus' situation.
Flaming Car doesn't move for several moments, sensors sweeping as far 
down into the crater as he can, then slowly, slowly starts to drive away 
from the edge.
You say, "Firestar, status report." His attention shifts inward for a 
moment, "Krystal, are you all right?"
Krystal Bryant lets out a shuddery chuckle. "Y-yeah. Fine....." she 
clears her throat. "You?"
Nightshift also scans the crater bottom. "High-tailed it... slag. Why 
was Legend pallin' 'round with Rampage of all people??"
Strafe taps his foot, a bit impatiently.
Firestar snaps to, "Yes'ir. Had just finished report with Cyclonus, and 
came back to find Flamediver being questioned by Legend. Rampage arrived 
and started exhibiting Primmie behavior, trying to recruit Legend.. he 
succeeded before we could stop him. It is my responsibility, sir."
Nightshift says, "Yeah, while we're at the finger-pointin' stage. Might 
wanna mention Sludge started coppin' an attitude with me earlier."
Wyvern has arrived.
Wyvern rises up from the crater, slowing until he can perch on the edge.
Firestar waits patiently for Rodimus to digest that, "Should I continue 
with Cyclonus' report?"
Krystal Bryant swallows, listening carefully to Firestar, a sick feeling 
beginning to settle over her as Nightshift reveals his idea as well.
Flaming Car says evenly, "Go on, Firestar."
Firestar continues on, as calm as ever, "Cyc said he was able to get 
Galvatron to at least listen to him... but Motormaster may present a 
problem. He belives that Galvatron will work with us though. Razorclaw 
may of been turned already as well."
The white dragon's head and tail split in half. His wings fold up, while 
his torso twists. The arms and legs emerge, revealing the robot mode of 
Legend.
Firestar says, "One more thing.. Cyc.." She sounds genuinely worried, 
"...thinks it would be best to transfer Flamediver over to us.. in 
case.. in case Galvatron changes his mind..."
int It's nothing I haven't done before. Don't worry about me.
Rodimus broadcasts internally, "It's nothing I haven't done before. 
Don't worry about me."
You say, "He thinks he may be in danger?"
Firestar's optics flash for a moment in concern, "Yes'ir."
[It's not just you...it's everyone that I'm concerned about...]
Krystal Bryant says quietly, "I could pick up nothing from Rampage."
Flaming Car's voice loses the official edge for a moment. "Recall him, 
then," he says concernedly. "There's no need for him to risk his life 
unduly."
Strafe listens quietly to the report.
Nightshift says, "Rodimus, did Sludge say or do anything when y'all saw 
me bookin' outta Iacon?"
Firestar says, "But.. sir, what of the con Primes... if we have noone 
there to stop them.. and Spoiler is too ready to go back to the old 
war.."
You say, "Not that I saw, Nightshift. Other than that he looked pretty 
angry."
Nightshift says, "Yeah, I got that much. I told 'im t'calm his chassis 
down an' he gives me this 'You no tell Sludge what to do' bullslag."
Flaming Car says tersely, "Spoiler will have to get his priorities 
straight, then. He can't stay here. I'll have a talk with him, and 
Cyclonus can take care of Galvatron.. I'll go in there myself if I have 
to."
Firestar looks between herself and Flamediver, "Sir.. Outrun had an 
'incident' with Sludge earlier.. I had to bring Flamediver into Iacon to 
help stop it."
Strafe frowns.
You say, "All right, then we'll assume Sludge has already left us. We 
need to find the source of this 'virus' and fast."
Legend looks to the others from the edge of the crater.
Nightshift says, "Question is, chief, whaddawe do if anybody runs inta 
Sludge?"
Strafe says, "I spotted Sky Lynx above Iacon on my trip here."
Strafe says, "Perhaps we should have a talk with him."
Firestar looks dead at Strafe. "Lynx.. is here??"
Nightshift turns to Strafe. "And?"
Strafe nods at Firestar. "And.."
Strafe shrugs.
Krystal Bryant says, "Rodimus." she says quietly. "Let me help. I can 
help find what's causing this."
Nightshift says, "Well, I'm headin' back t'the crib, y'all."
You say, "We.. talked to Sky Lynx last night. He's not in any mood to 
listen."
Legend grumbles, "Perhaps it was your approach."
Nightshift stops before he transforms. "Legend?"
Firestar says, "Then maybe we need to find another way to make him 
listen."
Strafe sighs and looks into the crater. "So much for that plan.."
Flaming Car starts to snap, catches himself and seethes quietly, "My.. 
'approach' was in no way hostile."
Legend scoffs, "Accusing someone of being the destroyer of their own 
race is by no means a good way to gain friendship and trust."
Krystal Bryant fidgets inside. "Maybe he'd let me talk to him, Rod..."
Nightshift shrugs, turns, and shifts into vehicle mode...
Legend says, "Nor is releasing this 'virus' here."
Nightshift transforms into his vehicle mode, a 2002 black Ferrari.
Black Ferrari does a 180-degree donut turn and heads back towards Iacon.
Black Ferrari leaves to the New Cybertron Highway - Far West to the 
east.
Firestar goes quiet, placing a patch over her wound.
You say, "I neither accused him nor started this virus. I'm here to halt 
the virus. If you'd just listen to what I'm saying you'd know that."
Rodimus says quietly, "Go ahead, Krystal."
Legend says, "I find it convient that you and this virus show up at the 
same time."
Krystal Bryant nods. "Thank you. I'll wait until I'm alone. I'll try to 
contact him."
Legend growls, "You're simply choosing your victims by their alternate 
forms, trying to create a mass-hysteria on the planet."
Strafe shakes his head sadly.
You say, "That's not true. We came back to save this planet from 
destruction."
Krystal Bryant has arrived.
Firestar says, "Among others."
Legend says, "You came from where? The future? How are we supposed to 
believe that? Why here? Why now?"
Rodimus shifts to robot mode.
Krystal Bryant narrows her eyes, standing quietly next to Rodimus. Her 
eyes focus carefully upon Legend as she listens, studying, probing 
subtley and inconspicuously.
Rodimus says quietly, "Look at us, Legend. Yes. We came from the future. 
Too far in the future for me to want to remember."
Legend says, "What proof do you have? What did you use to come back? Why 
did you choose this of all times, when you could have done something 
earlier. I can't accept your explanations."
You say, "What proof do you want?"
Legend says, "Show me your time machine? Prove to me that you can travel 
to other times."
Rodimus shakes his head. "The device was left in the future. We came 
back through a portal -- a rift in the space-time continuum, generated 
in our time and leading back here."
Strafe sighs, wondering how the destruction of the ground he's standing 
on can be prevented.
Legend says, "And how do you ever expect to return?"
You say, "We.. don't know for sure. OUr options were exhausted. This was 
our last chance. Presumably, once the damage to the timeline is 
repaired, we'll be pulled back to our own time to prevent paradox."
Legend says, "In other words, you have no proof."
Rodimus spreads his hands. "If the physical evidence of the time machine 
itself is what you need, then no. But I invite medical scans.. I'm sure 
the stress-level on our armor and internal systems will confirm our 
age."
Legend scoffs, "Yes, and when Optimus Prime rejoined the living, everone 
was so quick to embrace him as the real thing. Medical scans and old 
friends all agreed. At least some of us, Sky Lynx and myself included, 
knew him to be a fraud. As you are."
Legend says, "I don't know who made you, or why they sent you hear to do 
this to us, but I won't stand for it."
Strafe speaks up. "No one is forcing you to help prevent the destruction 
of this planet."
Legend says, "Oh, but you are. You can't just come here, infect half the 
population, and rile up the other half against them, and expect us not 
to oppose you."
You say, "All we ask is that there be no conflict. We haven't riled 
anyone."
Strafe nods.
Legend says, "Liar! Your companions have pulled and fired weapons on us 
with no cause. How can you deny it?"
You say, "With no cause? Self-defense isn't a valid cause?"
Legend says, "I haven't attacked you. ANY of you."
Strafe says, "Not yet."
Sweep_craft soars down into view from the skies above.
You say, "And I don't have any weapons out, either."
Sweep_craft appears from a cloud bank, circling high overhead.
Dredclaw sweeps the area.
Strafe says, "And my rifle has not been raised, except for the defense 
of my comrades."
Legend's optics narrow. "Of course. You've already infected us all with 
your virus. It's only a matter of time now until we're too blind to tell 
up from down."
Legend glares at Rodimus, "Of course, proving that you are not who you 
say you are is rather simple, now that I think of it."
Rodimus shakes his head sadly. "If you don't trust us, then talk to 
someone from your time. Let them scan you and make sure you're safe from 
the virus."
Legend puts his hands to his head as he realizes what he is suggesting 
to himself, "No..."
Sweep_craft seems immanently interested in the conversation below.
Legend frowns, "But... if it's the only way to be sure...?"
Rodimus carefully says nothing for fear of inadvertantly pushing 
Legend's thoughts in the wrong direction.
Slag just looked at you.
Strafe frowns, seeing the Dinobot make his way out of the crater.
Slag growls at -all- around, bots and cons alike, unknowing of what is 
really going on here.
Sweep_craft levels off and maintains a safe distance once the Dinobot 
emerges.
Rodimus spooks slightly, his hand twitching back toward his gun but not 
making a definite move for it just yet.
Legend seems lost in thought.
Legend's torso twists around. The dragon head halves on his shoulders 
merge to form one unit. His legs combine into a powerful tail, and the 
white wyvern unfolds its wings.
Wyvern growls, "This is something I'll need to consider elsewhere..."
Slag snarls.
Wyvern flaps his wings, lifting himself off the ground.
Rodimus nods. "Think on it. Think well.."
Wyvern flies up and away, still muttering to himself.
Sweep_craft banks, giving the Dragon a large berth.
Wyvern soars upward to the Sky above Magnaron Crater.
Sweep_craft builds up his nerves and TF's landing several feet from 
Rodimus.
The wings of the Sweepcraft smoothly swing back and around, legs extend 
and turn as Dredclaw emerges into robot form.
Dredclaw lands lithely, peering at the "Autobot leader" intensely, while 
looking back at the large Dinobot every once in a while.
Rodimus meets Dredclaw's gaze fearlessly, with even an odd hint of 
familiar recognition. "Yes?"
Slag snarls at all and goes to a 'quick' <actually quite slow, but for 
him anyways> dash to get somewhere... perhaps just away from here?
Rodimus relaxes slightly as Slag seems to be moving away.
Slag suddenly leaps into the air and transforms to his Trike mode, 
landing with a thunderous BOOM!, the ground shaking beneath his four 
legs. He continues his gallop as if nothing happened.
Slag falls to his knees and pushes foreward into a massive Triceratops.
Dredclaw's optics narrow, and he startles as Slag lumbers away, turning 
back he says, "I wanted to see for myself.... Lord Galvatron says that 
you are among the ones who have "come back" ??"
Rodimus nods. "From the future, yes."
Dredclaw sniffs towards Rodimus, a sneer playing across his features, 
"You reek of Prime..." the sneer fades, "but without his scent of 
uncertainty."
Firestar growls. "Oh great.. a sweep."
Triceratops leaves to the Old Cybertron Highway to the west.
Rodimus winces at the mention of the name. "I'm not Prime. But I've been 
in command of the resistance for nearly eight million years.." a slight 
smile crosses his face, "..you learn to make decisions in that time."
Firestar grims. "Orders, sir?"
You say, "Same as standing, Firestar. Recon and contain."
Dredclaw peers intently at Firestar as well...
Firestar nods, pulling away her medical patch. "Understood, Commander."
Dredclaw frowns, "what do you mean, not Prime.... you are Rodimus, are 
you not?"
Rodimus says quietly, "I am Rodimus."
Dredclaw takes a couple tentative steps closer, curiosity overcoming his 
reserve. "But not Rodimus *Prime*? Your answers are not very 
illuminating to say the least."
Firestar says, "His name is Rodimus, now, you stupid.." She cuts herself 
off, "..never could get that through yer skull."
Rodimus struggles with the explanation, barely restrained pain clogging 
his throat. "I no longer have the Matrix. I haven't been called Prime 
for.. aeons."
Firestar reaches out and touches Rodimus' shoulder. "It's all right, 
Commander."
[reaching out to you, to calm you, to lessen the pain you suffer in any 
way she can.]
Dreadclaw's jaw drops slightly... "my my... how...interesting. My..." he 
pauses frowning, "condolances, Rodimus."
@pemit *krys=\[A flash of overwhelming agony, before he manages to 
contain it.]
Rodimus grates, "I've gotten used to it."
@pemit *krys=\[Baldfaced LIE]
Krystal Bryant swallows, her eyes lowering as she struggles internally 
with something for a moment, and returns her gaze to those gathered.
Firestar looks over at Strafe then back at Rodimus, "We ain't gettin 
nowhere like this. Can we just get back to Iacon and plot our next 
move?"
Dreadclaw lifts into the air, "do not let me interfere, if your mission 
is what Cyclonus has told us...you have much to do..."
Firestar glances up at Dreadclaw at the mention of Cyclonus, "It is."
You say, "We'd appreciate any support.. talk to Cyclonus, Dredclaw.. 
he'd welcome the help."
Firestar nods in agreement.
Firestar mutters to Rodimus, "... him..... down... wish..."
Firestar whispers "I talked to him.. he's really down on himself, 
Rodimus.. wish I could do more to help."
Rodimus mutters to Firestar, "... knowing..."
You whisper "Cyclonus? I can understand, knowing Galvatron.." to 
Firestar.
Krystal Bryant taps her comlink for a moment, a frown crossing her face 
uncertainly.
Transmission from Sundiver: Fearless, you there? Talk to me boss . . .
You transmit a message to Sundiver: I'm here. What is it?
Dreadclaw bows mid air, "then wind to your wings, I have all the proof I 
need, you'll have sweep support... unless of course my commander orders 
otherwise" a grin plays across his face.
Firestar nods a bit.
Rodimus smiles dryly, "We'll have to convince him, then."
Transmission from Sundiver: We're too late. The Uprising has started. 
I'm here in the lab . . . Lynx tore up some stuff and made his 
declaration of war.
Dreadclaw mutters into his radio, "..gand, where is Command... ...news 
to discus..."
In a fluid motion, Dredclaw soars into the air, and folds into the 
deadly curves of a Sweepcraft.
You transmit a message to Sundiver: We had a spat with Rampage and 
Legend, too.. where is this declaration?
Transmission from Sundiver: There's a copy in the Iacon database. I'm 
going to go check Vilnacron, it might be the logical place for him to 
hide.
Sweep_craft blurrs as his Ion drives activate, and he roars away towards 
DM.
Sweep_craft soars upward to the Sky above Magnaron Crater.
You transmit a message to Sundiver: Good call. Be careful.
Transmission from Sundiver: You know me, Fearless. Careful is my second 
function.
You transmit a message to Sundiver: *vaguely amused* Naturally.

================================== Autobot =============================
Message: 3/23                      Posted        Author
Sky Lynx                           Fri Apr 11    Caern
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 This is Security Director Caern. In light of recent statements he has 
been making I am ordering all Autobots to be on the lookout for Lt. 
Commander Sky Lynx. He is to be detained and arrested if found. The 
charge is treason. Sky Lynx is a powerful individual do not try and 
apprehend him alone. Radio for assistance and wait until it arrives.
======================================================================

================================== Reports =============================
Message: 9/9                       Posted        Author
Announcement!                      Fri Apr 11    Sky Lynx
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Sky Lynx appears before the monitor, but something is different about 
him. He wears no smile on his large beak and his bright yellow optics 
seem somehow darker.* "For those of you whose ignorance has caused you 
to not know who I am, I shall introduce myself one final time. I am Sky 
Lynx, Lt. Commander of the Autobots, and quite frankly I'd rather get 
that out of the way at this point and time. *He tears and crumples the 
Autobot symbol from his chest area then looks back at the monitor.* "For 
four million years, I have given my all for the sake of freedom and 
righteousness. For four million years, I was one of he staunchest 
supports and most respected members of the Autobots, and have fought, 
bled, suffered and lost my dearest and closest friends in this damnable 
war that has waged ridiculously for well over 9 million years. I regret 
none of my sacrifices or dedication, but I do have a single regret that 
must be addressed at this time. I am different and for a time I was the 
only Transformer who had an animalistic alt mode. Acceptance has always 
been difficult, but it was not until recently that my eyes were opened 
when many more of my animal-based brethren were created and enlisted in 
the various ranks of this endless war.
======================================================================

================================== Reports =============================
Message: 9/10                      Posted        Author
cont.                              Fri Apr 11    Sky Lynx
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I admit, it was reassuring to finally be around other Transformers who 
were like me in the aspect of their alt modes, and I enjoyed the 
comradery and the feeling of finally having something to identify with. 
However, thanks to the jokes, wisecracks, and maligning efforts of those 
who refused to understand that which was different, I was forced to 
identify with something else that goes hand in hand with being 
different, prejudice. I have watched myself and my brethren suffer at 
the hands of those who think nothing more of them than killing machines, 
stupid, malicious, and the probably the most demeaning word of them all, 
Primitives. They call us names and make fun of us and complain about our 
instinctual drives and yet I never hear one complaint when a nobel 
dinobot uses himself as shield so as to prevent some non-animal 
Transformer from being obliterated for taking on mor than he or she 
could ever hope to handle. No one even complains when Sky Lynx flies in 
and transports their demolished carcass back to medbay, getting his hull 
torn to shreds in the process. No even complaints when the Predacons 
deliver a resounding defeat to Omega Supreme because no other Decepticon 
has the physical power or courage to attempt to do so.
======================================================================

================================== Reports =============================
Message: 9/11                      Posted        Author
cont.                              Fri Apr 11    Sky Lynx
------------------------------------------------------------------------
And still you poke fun and call us stupid and hate us when the blasts 
are not threatening your pathetic hides! You never once thought to get 
to know us as anything more than killing machines or, as you say, 
"Primitives." I have tried time and time again to gain an single ounce 
of respect for my brethren and myself and it has not been paid! So now 
it is time to fall back on someone who will appreciate our sacrifices, 
someone who appreciates us for who we are and what we've done, 
ourselves. Yes that's right, whether you be Autobot, Decepticon, 
Vilnacron or civilian, if you have an animal beast mode you are welcome 
my brethren, to join a group who refuses to be oppressed and 
unappreciated any longer You are welcome to join a band of freedom 
fighters who will accept you for who you are, not how many blasts you 
can repel with your 8 foot durasteel hide. You are welcome to join a 
faction that WILL end this senseless conflict once and for all, a 
faction that is true to itself and doesn't hide behind politics and 
propaganda. With our combined strength these prejudicial, disrespectful, 
unappreciative fools will be forced to make a reckoning with reality, 
that there is more to a "Primitive" than huge weapons and a thick hide.
======================================================================

================================== Reports =============================
Message: 9/12                      Posted        Author
Fin.                               Fri Apr 11    Sky Lynx
------------------------------------------------------------------------
There will be no more sedatives, name calling, imprisonment, prejudice, 
or conflict. We possess the sheer power to stop this war in it's tracks 
and accomplish something that these "non-Primitives" could never do in 9 
million years or 9 million more. And for all of you who dared to exploit 
for our power and tease us for our difference, those of use who called 
us "Primitive", and refused to call us friend. You're name calling will 
live on with us. You will constantly be reminded that it is YOU who 
started this, it is you and your intolerance that caused this final 
battle, this reckoning. We will carry your name if only to shove it in 
your face, as a constant reminder of your absolute cruelly and hatred of 
someone who only wanted to be accepted. We will be known as the Primes 
and will band together for the sake of our existence. And those of us 
who have suffered capture or inoperation at the hands of any of these 
prejudicial fools, you will be liberated, by force if necessary. I claim 
no responsibility for this. I have endured far to much and proved myself 
too many times to accept responsibility for other's prejudices. You non-
primitives have brought this entire conflict on yourselves with your 
wretched intolerance and hatred. Primus help you.
======================================================================

Firestar says, "We going back, or hang around all day?"
Rodimus exhales softly. "I guess we head back now.."
Pontoon Vehicle enters from the New Cybertron Highway <Far West> to the 
east.
Firestar nods.
Pontoon Vehicle drives in, rather slow, by his standards, looking to be 
going at around 75 MPH.
Rodimus turns from the crater and starts back eastward, casting an 
absent look over at Topspin as he drives in.
Cyclonus has arrived.
Cyclonus slips silently into the area with the intensity of a hunting 
predator.
Krystal Bryant shifts and looks up at Rodimus.
Cyclonus circles downwards from above, surveying the group cautiously 
before he lands.
Strafe nods at Cyclonus quietly.
Firestar sighs and nods again, "Maybe he'll listen.."
Rodimus pauses, looking up. "Cyclonus," he greets levelly.
Pontoon Vehicle stops near Rodimus, flipping back up into robot mode.
In what seems like it can't be a stretch of any more than half a second, 
the pontoon vehicle springs into a backflip, shifting instantly into the 
robot form of Topspin in midair.
Firestar stops and turns, a smile tugging at her face, "Cyclonus..."
Krystal Bryant starts, but when the others make no motion, quickly puts 
two and two together. "Cyclonus." she says gravely.
Cyclonus nods at them as he touches down, knees bending slightly and 
then strolls towards them.
Cyclonus glances down briefly at the human, arching an optic. "Ah.. 
yes... you."
Firestar stops, looks over at Rodimus.. then back at Cyclonus and makes 
her way across. "Hey there. Yes, it is Krystal..."
Topspin looks at Rodimus for an awkwardly long amount of time before 
breaking his own streak of silence with the casual question, "Uh, aren't 
you s'posed to be... uh... out cold in Iacon?" while starting to look 
over the other present Transformers, thinking, and quite possibly 
determining the connection between them all. It's amazing what a 
Jumpstarter can do when he actually thinks.
Krystal Bryant grunts softly, but does not take it too harshly.
Rodimus replies mildly, "My alternate self is unconscious, yes."
Cyclonus smiles at Firestar and takes her hand as she nears, quickly 
scanning around again conscious of the company.
@pemit *krys=\[Unconscious.. and he doesn't need the Matrix when he's 
unconscious-- but no, I can't it's not mine--]
Firestar grims up at Cyclonus, the lines in her face relaxing somewhat.
Topspin opens his mouth, as if to speak, gesturing towards the east, 
before he drops his arm and asks emptily, "Erm, alternate self?" in a 
manner not showing the amazing brilliance that was previously hinted at.
Krystal Bryant blinks aghast for a brief moment, her jaw dropping 
slightly as her mouth parts to form a silent question. She quickly 
composes herself, arching an eyebrow first at Cyclonus and Firestar, 
then Rodimus.
Cyclonus chuckles at her and looks towards Rodimus, awaiting his turn.
You say, "My past self. I came from the future."
Firestar looks over the group and grins at Krystal, understanding her 
questioning look.
Strafe studies the ground, thinking and mumbling something to himself 
every so often.
You say, "You didn't see Whiz's explanation on the Autobot subethernet 
board?"
Cyclonus leans down. He mutters to Firestar. 
Firestar mutters to Cyclonus, "He thinks we... all over... and Legend 
are..."
Topspin throws his head back and nods in an overly dramatic manner, 
finally realizing just what's going on. "Oh, so you're one of them... 
uh, I, like, read it, but, uh, she didn't really say who was the people 
who were comin' back from the future, 'r stuff like that," he says, 
voice trembling, seeming out of place with his body, which is, for the 
most part, still.
Krystal Bryant allows a slow, small smile touch her lips momentarily as 
she understands.
Rodimus's face relaxes into a more familiar smile. "Myself, Cyclonus, 
Firestar and Strafe, here... Spoiler, Whiz, Pak-Gor, and Sundiver you 
knew as Photon."
Firestar remains next to Cyclonus and nods her head, "Right."
Strafe nods. "And do not forget Outrun and Flamediver.."
You say, "And Outrun and Flamediver, of course, although you wouldn't 
know them."
Topspin looks over the others once more, before his attention draws his 
gaze back towards Rodimus. "Uh, I don't know anybody named Photon, but, 
uh, I think I know what yer tryin' to point out."
Topspin seems to go along with the notion of travellers from the future 
quite easily, until Strafe speaks. He points at the (former?) Technobot, 
surprised as he says, "Uh, somethin' wrong with him?"
Strafe says, "Excuse me?"
Rodimus looks back at Strafe and lets him do the talking.
Cyclonus keys up his newly reactivated locator and glances at it 
uneasily before closing up his arm panel again.
Sandtrap enters from the west.
Sandtrap strolls in, curiously scanning the area.
Cyclonus scans towards the West as the Decepticon enters, still 
occasionally surprised with seeing them.
Topspin nods quickly. "Er, well, yeah... he's not so stupid... er... any 
more," he says, slowing down towards the end, trying not to insult 
Strafe.
Strafe frowns. "I've been through a lot, Topspin. And I'm standing right 
here."
Rodimus chuckles softly.
Topspin shrugs, nodding, once again starting to go along with the whole 
time travellig deal. "Uh, so, you recognize me?" he asks, then 
confirming his hopes by inquring, "So, er... I survived...?"
Cyclonus intones quietly so as not to disturb the conversation, 
'Firestar, where is Flamediver now?"
Firestar frowns, and lets her hand drop, stepping away slightly, but not 
too far from Cyclonus, hiding the hurt look from her face, but 
understanding in her optics, "He is with Outrun..."
Strafe glances at Rodimus, wondering if he should answer the question..
Sandtrap starts moving over to Cyclonus.
Cyclonus mutters to Firestar, "... 'look' for..."
Topspin follows Strafe's glance, looking at Rodimus, his facial 
expression making it clear that he hopes that both he and his brother, 
whose life he would most likely allow to continue before his own, have 
been of use to the future Cybertronians.
Firestar nods. "Perhaps. They was headed for Vilnacron...":
Rodimus sighs tightly. "We can't reveal too much, for fear that someone 
may make a mistake in the future, thinking themselves assured to die at 
some *other* time..."
Firestar looks at Rodimus, "We are going to go see if we can find Outrun 
and Flamediver..." Talk about your weak, see through excuse.
Cyclonus glances up and nods at Sandtrap thoughtfully, considering 
something, then flinches slightly at Rodimus' words.
Cyclonus transmits a message via radio to Sandtrap.
Sandtrap receives a radio transmission from Cyclonus.
Rodimus nods carefully at Firestar, looking between her and Cyclonus.
Cyclonus vocalizes carefully into his radio.
Firestar nods and makes her way froward, transforming.
Firestar shifts downwards to become a crimson and white Hovertruck.
Cyclonus transmits a message via radio.
Firestar receives a radio transmission.
Cyclonus motions Sandtrap forward.
Firestar transmits a message via radio to Cyclonus.
Cyclonus receives a radio transmission from Firestar.
Topspin nods sadly, his concern for his present needs overriding any 
plans for the future, and once again showing his immaturity and lack of 
intelligence. "Er, yeah, OK, I get it... so, you're sayin' I died, huh? 
So did Twin Twist, right? Yeah, an' it was probably 'cause we got shot 
in the backs. By one of them stinkin'..." he pauses, thinking back about 
40 minutes, and having trouble. "Oh, yeah... them stinkin' Primitives!" 
he exclaims, displaying hatred for those who are likely responsible for 
his death to come.
Cyclonus nods towards Firestar before turning his still thoughtful gaze 
back towards Sandtrap.
Crimson HoverTruck leaves to the New Cybertron Highway - Far West to the 
east.
Firestone has arrived.
Firestone just looked at you.
Rodimus shakes his head. "Don't read too much into it, Topspin, 
please... I can't tell anyone, because if I only revealed the 
information to those who survived, then the ones who died would know 
when I balked to tell them.."
Firestone says, "This seems to be the new headquarters for the 
timelost."
Strafe looks at Firestone, thinking.
Firestone says, "I'm jes' missing in action."
Rodimus smiles, "People just keep coming in on us.."
Sandtrap nods to Cyclonus, after lost in his thought about something 
else.
Firestone says, "Hey, Strafe. You've changed most, mebbe."
Strafe nods slowly.. perhaps a bit sadly.
Firestone says, "And you're still not loud, I'm sure."
Topspin shrugs. "Don't worry, I can't read the long words that are 
usually in time travellin' stuff... that's OK. I'll just kill all the 
animals I come across, maybe we'll win," he says light-heartedly, not 
really caring about the fact that there could be a peaceful solution.
Sandtrap transmits a message via radio.
Cyclonus receives a radio transmission.
Strafe tilts his head, looking at Firestone. "Excuse me?"
You say, "We're not at war yet, Topspin. We're trying to stop it from 
happening."
Firestone says, "I said, you're still not loud. Nevermind. You never 
understood it before."
Strafe shrugs and goes back to listening quietly.
Firestone says, "So, Rodimus. Awaiting orders. If you're looking for th' 
two little ones, one went to New Vil, th' other to the Scrap Yards."
Triceratops enters from the west.
Topspin looks at his hand lasers with admiration, before Rodimus informs 
him that he shouldn't be taking that particular route. "Er, oh, OK... 
well, I gotta get goin' anyway, so..." he trails off, transforming and 
driving to the east.
Topspin collapses into his vehicle mode in less than a second.
Pontoon Vehicle leaves to the New Cybertron Highway - Far West to the 
east.
Strafe starts to raise his rifle instinctively at the sight of Slag.
Firestone says, "Slag! There you are."
Cyclonus whirls, jumping into a hover at the well known sound of a 
dinobot storming in.
Firestone stalks over to Slag.
Rodimus shakes his head slightly, then nods to Firestone. "Thanks." He 
inclines his head toward Firestar and Cyclonus, "There you go, then."
Firestone says, "Now, what's this message you put in th' terminal?"
Triceratops snarls at -all- in the area and continues on, not 
acknowledging anyone, not even with his characteristic how-are-ya-growl.
Firestone says, "Git back here, you dino!"
Firestone says, "Cuse me, sir. Got me somethin' to do."
Firestone lowers into herself, folding into a large black '59 
hovercaddy.
HoverCadillac chases after the dino.
Rodimus sighs. "Be careful..."
Triceratops goes to a gallop.
Cyclonus sighs and sets down near Rodimus. "Rodimus.. something I must 
tell you."
Triceratops leaves to the New Cybertron Highway - Far West to the east.
HoverCadillac easily keeps up.
HoverCadillac leaves to the New Cybertron Highway - Far West to the 
east.
Cyclonus leans in. He mutters to Rodimus, "... be... to... but he has... 
to..." 
You sense Cyclonus leans in. "Autobots may be trusting, but Decepticons 
are not. I was forced to relay more than I wished to .. Galvatron, but 
he has agreed to help still."
Rodimus nods gravely. He mutters to Cyclonus, "... it... reveal 
what's..." 
Cyclonus senses "Rodimus nods gravely. "Whatever it takes. Only reveal 
what's absolutely necessary, though.""
Flamediver has arrived.
Cyclonus nods. "It is so. He still requires me to fulfill my loyalty, 
but he has granted me some... leeway."
Smoothly and rather quietly, Flamediver's wings shift from his side to 
his back as his arms slide out. His legs extend slightly and separate as 
he flips up into his robot mode, his cockpit flipping down to the front 
of his chest.
Flamediver groans quietly and transform, sitting up, holding a hand to 
his head.
Cyclonus looks down, expression wavering for a bit, then steps away from 
Rodimus and off towards the east.
You say, "I trust you to use the best judgement, Cyclonus. Galvatron's 
not the easiest person to.. negotiate with."
Cyclonus says quietly as he pauses, "No, he is not."
Flamediver stands up slowly, shaking his headd and looking around him.
You say, "You all right, Flamediver?"
Cyclonus leaps gracefully into the air, pulling in on his limbs until he 
completes the transformation into his formidable jet.
Camoflaged Jet winds up his engines silently and soars off, keeping to 
near ground level.
Firestone enters from the New Cybertron Highway <Far West> to the east.
Flamediver's optics slowly focus on Rodimus as he hears the familiar 
voice address him, "Yeah. Think I got a nasty bump when I crashed, but I 
should be fine. Did.. did they get away?"
Camoflaged Jet leaves to the New Cybertron Highway - Far West to the 
east.
Firestone says, "I tell you, whut's wrong with that Dinobot? Sludge is 
acting odd, too."
Rodimus inquires quietly, "Who? Rampage and Legend?"
Strafe looks at Rodimus, worriedly.
Flamediver nods slightly to Rodimus, "Yeah. Did we manage to catch 
them..?
Krystal Bryant clears her throat uneasily and says quietly to Rodimus. 
"I..I'm a little concerned about Edward....I think I'm going to check in 
on him."
You say, "He's been affected by the virus, Firestone. That's the only 
explanation."
You say, "You need a ride back?"
FX enters from the Southern Highway to the south.
Firestone says, "Virus?"
Rodimus returns quickly to look at Flamediver. "Legend I think may still 
be saved.. he needed to think on it. I knocked Rampage over the edge of 
the crater. Not sure where he went."
Firestone says, "Try down, sir."
FX looks at the group, "Hell..o."
Flamediver frowns slightly and steps carefully over to the edge of the 
crater, peering downwards into the blackness, "He went.. down there?"
Transmission from Cyclonus: Slag is moving towards Vilnacron.
Firestone says, "Sir, okay, so, there's a virus. And this is th' 
disaster thet you came back to stop?"
Rodimus twitches an optic in mild amusement. "If you think he'd stick 
around down there, Firestone.."
You say, "I hit him hard, but not hard enough to knock him out."
Firestone says, "Welp, I meant initially, sir."
Krystal Bryant shakes her head. "No...it's all right. I can handle 
myself if you need to discuss things here."
You say, "But yes, that's the disaster we have to stop."
Firestone says, "He's not exactly smart enough t' transform afore he 
hits th' crater bottom, if you ask me."
Firestone says, "So, even odds, he's down thar, stuck horn-first."
Flamediver's head snaps up from looking down into the swirling 
blackness, and if a transformer could go white, Flamediver certainly 
would. His mouth opens as so do his optics, and he stumbles back a few 
steps, stumbling over some rubble and landing harshly on his aft.
M1A2 Battle Tank enters from the west.
Firestone says, "No, wait, thet's tantrum."
M1A2 Battle Tank bursts into the area at 60 MPH
Firestone says, "Rampage would land on his foots. Cats do thet."
Flamediver is staring at FX, BTW.
The M1A2 Battle Tank starts his transformation sequence. He stands up, 
and shrinks. The Ion cannon comes out and the curret forms his chest 
piece. He looks around after planting his feet flat.
Firestone says, "Okay, an' who is at risk fer this virus, sir? Th' 
dinobots, th' predacons... Whut's th' common factor?"
Warhammer says, "What are you talking about?"
FX looks at Flamedriver, "Uh.. hi..and stuff.."
Krystal Bryant leaves to the New Cybertron Highway - Far West to the 
east.
Warhammer's eyes are flickering red on and off. 
Firestone says, "Warhammer, git over here."
Warhammer strolls toward Firestone.
Warhammer says, "What?"
Flamediver practically stares at FX as if he's seen a ghost. As FX 
speaks, Flamediver flinxhes visibly, his mouth shutting as he scrambles 
backwards for a moment, finally getting to his feet.
Firestone says, "Stand still."
Firestone circles around behind Warhammer.
You say, "The common factor, Firestone, is the animal altmode.. the 
virus links to something in the instinctual programming, as far as we 
can determine."
Warhammer stops completely.
Firestone scientifically whaps Warhammer in th' back of th' head.
Warhammer OWS!
Warhammer says, "FIRESTONE, WHY DID YA DO THAT?!"
Firestone peers at Warhammer's optics.
Warhammer grrs as his eyes turn red and stay red
Firestone says, "Hold _still, now_."
Strafe glances up.
Firestone says, "Welp, they're not flickerin' anymore."
Warhammer says, "What ain't?"
Firestone says, "See, Strafe, thet's whut I meant by loud."
FX says, "Um.. Yeouzers, I didn't meen to scare you like that."
Strafe shrugs.
Firestone says, "Still not raght."
Warhammer says, "What ain't!? Ain't ya goina tell me?"
Firestone says, "Yer optics are red, Warhammer."
Warhammer says, "Yea so?"
Rodimus mutters to Strafe, "... this..."
You whisper "Was she *always* this odd?" to Strafe.
Firestone says, "They were flickerin' before."
Firestone says, "Hold still, lemme fix thet one more time."
Flamediver shakes his head slightly to clear away the memories, trying 
to gather himself as he walks towards FX. He smiles slightly, his optics 
reflecting deep sorrow, "Hello, FX. I am.. Flamediver."
Firestone says, "Mebbe if I shake you?"
Strafe nods, smiling slightly. He mutters to Rodimus, "I..." 
You sense Strafe nods, smiling slightly. "I always thought so."