Gnaw waves again to depthcharge, "Heya depth! It's me! Longsight!" Transmission from Sundiver: You there? Rodimus shakes his head roughly. "We're not sure how it spreads. Sonics, possibly. Just by talking to people." You transmit a message to Sundiver: I'm here. DepthCharge takes a step back and looks at the sharkticon. DepthCharge exclaims "What on Earth?" Transmission from Sundiver: Sorry, didn't know. You're invited o come talk to Magnus, too... You transmit a message to Sundiver: Where are you? Firestone enters from the north. Firestone says, "Reporting, Rodimus." Transmission from Sundiver: AHQ, the observation tower. Gnaw grins, "I'm under disguise.. Dealiticus made me look like a shark so I could rescue the prisoners! Cool huh?" You say, "Ahh.. excuse me. Ultra Magnus wants to see me." Gnaw frowns, "What about the virus though?" Double-Take enters from the north. Rodimus shrugs helplessly. "What about it? I don't know very much. We only know that they all turned on us." Gnaw frowns... Arcee leaves to the Gates of Iacon to the north. Double-Take wanders in haphazardly. The panels on Gnaw begin to shift and fold, transforming him into SuperShark! SuperShark smiles and grrrrs playfully at Depthcharge. DepthCharge raises a hand in fairwell to the Sharkticon... SuperShark stomps out. DepthCharge still has a confused look on his face You move north to the Gates of Iacon... Iacon Central Hallway - New Iacon Base Contents: Arcee, Trailbreaker, Blurr Arcee steps in silently, her expression serious and somewhat angered. Rodimus walks through briskly, heading for the tunnel with his optics fixed on the floor. Blurr blurs, "WhatIsWrongArcee?" You step on the Grav-Lift, and are whisked down into the tunnel. You have arrived at the Observation Point - West Tower on level 1. You step out of the tower lift... Observation Point - West Tower Contents: Firestar, Strafe, Ultra Magnus, Sundiver Sundiver nods slightly as Rod comes in. Strafe nods as well. Sundiver says, "Sorry about that. Didn't realize you were active." Rodimus steps out of the lift and gives the room a cursory sweep. He nods gravely to those gathered, but acknowledges only one vocally, "Magnus." Ultra Magnus slowly glances toward Rodimus from the far wall. Ultra Magnus just looked at you. Ultra Magnus nods his head slowly toward Rodimus and the others as he takes a hesitant step foward, obviously uncomfortable in their company. Sundiver hops up onto a nearby seat. Strafe takes a seat beside Sundiver. Rodimus says quietly, "You wanted to speak to us?" Firestar remains standing, watching with stoic calm. Rodimus Prime> Arcee enters from the Central Hallway West to the south. Rodimus Prime> Warhammer enters from the Central Hallway West to the south. Rodimus Prime> Warhammer points to Rod's body Rodimus Prime> Arcee steps inside and walks immediately over to Rodimus' body. Rodimus Prime> Rodimus Prime lies there mostly repaired and stuff but with obviously replaced armor plating on his chest. Sundiver looks between Rod and Magnus, as if expecting something. Ultra Magnus' optics flicker as he nods toward Rodimus, "Y-yes, Rodimus. Sundiver was filling me in on some of the basic background information as to your journey. I have also caught reports from the computer systems, and the information is most ...idstressing. I have been removed from much of the loop of information down on Earth, but I have decided to place Metroplex's systems on a higher level of alertness while I travel here to provide assistance. What do I need to do?" Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "I'm sorry Arcee. I know how hard it must be" Rodimus Prime> Arcee winces, "What... happened??" Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Legend got in here" Rodimus Prime> Arcee walks hurridly to the body, "Legend.. what did he do??" Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Tried to kill the future Rodimus by killing the present one" Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Ripped out the Matrix by force" Rodimus Prime> Warhammer frowns Rodimus Prime> Arcee's optics widen. Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Sidearm repaired him though" Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "The future Rodimus would not take the Matrix, even though Blaster and Sundiver wanted him to" Sundiver stares at Rod, as if thinking what he wants him to say. Rodimus says simply, "Help us." He frowns slightly, glancing over each face in turn. "We don't know exactly what caused this. We need to catch Sky Lynx so we can examine the virus at its source, in order to find a cure. Failing that.." he pauses, "we'll need to lead a strike team to Quintessa and try to pull the information from their computers. They don't have an antivirus. But with our technology, given a pure form of the original, we may be able to construct one." Rodimus Prime> Sidearm enters from the Central Hallway West to the south. Rodimus Prime> Arcee nods slowly, "I see." Rodimus Prime> Sidearm walks in quietly, she looks at the people here and seems a bit surprised. "Oh, hello..." She tilts her head to the side. "I was just checking up on the bodies." Rodimus Prime> Arcee walks over to Rodimus' body, lifting his right hand and looking down a Rodimus Prime> Sidearm says, "Perhaps I came at a bad time." Sundiver pauses. "Hold on. Where does Quintessa fit into this?" Sundiver says, "No one tells me anything . . ." Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Sidearm, at this time ..." Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "All times are bad" Rodimus Prime> Sidearm nods. Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "The world we have build for ourselves, our perception of it, is all being unraveled" Rodimus Prime> Arcee grumbles. Ultra Magnus shudders slightly at the mention of Quintessa, but nods calmly. He looks toward Firestar and says, "Do you have any knowledge whatsoever as to the medical basis of this virus? Are you even sure that it is a virus that is causing these behavioral changes?" You say, "The Quintessons -- the ones from our time -- think that it may have been caused by a Quintesson project gone awry. It stands to reason there may be information there." Sundiver sighs and nods his head. Firestar looks faintly pained for a moment, as she looks towards Rodimus and back at Ultra Magnus, "I am sorry, Commander. I have been out of the medical field.. for.. a long time..." She looks down, going quiet again. "I have no information to give." Rodimus Prime> Sidearm nods. "Life is rough..." Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Yes ... but this is not life Sidearm" Rodimus Prime> Warhammer looks at Rodimus Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Its death ... and that is alot rougher" Rodimus Prime> Arcee sighs softly, "We may not have a life if this keeps up...." Ultra Magnus pulls back slightly, as if thinking he has hit a sore point of discussion. He glances back toward Rodimus and says, "...what about the Matrix? Does it contain any information of use to us?" Strafe sighs. Rodimus says sharply, "No." Rodimus catches himself and regards the floor carefully. "It.. didn't help me before." Sundiver snorts. Sundiver mutters to himself. Rodimus Prime> Sidearm says, "They're not dead, just unconscious. None of us are dead unless we allow ourselves to be." Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "We may die anyhow Sidearm" Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Such is the truth of war" Rodimus Prime> Arcee nods slowly. Rodimus Prime> Sidearm says, "Everything dies." Rodimus Prime> Arcee lays Rodimus' hand down and starts to elave. Rodimus Prime> Sidearm looks at Arcee. "Do you need anything?" Rodimus Prime> Arcee shakes her head and states quietly, "Answers." Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Like what?" Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "I'm not very smart, but I can try" Rodimus Prime> Arcee shakes her head with a sight, "The only place I am going to get these answers, is from Rodimus. Rodimus Prime> Sidearm says, "Good luck." Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Why not ask him?" Rodimus Prime> Sidearm says, "They don't share much but are determined to change the future." Rodimus Prime> Arcee nods, "I am going to, and they've shared a lot with me." Rodimus Prime> Arcee says, "at least.. Rodimus has." Rodimus Prime> Sidearm says, "He's biased." Rodimus Prime> Sidearm grins. Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "I would like some answers too" Rodimus Prime> Arcee shrugs. Sundiver mutters, " . . .know? He never . . . " Ultra Magnus jolts somewhat, surprised at the tone of Rodimus' comment. He glances slowly at the expressions on the faces of the others' before turning back to the aged Autobot before him. He quietly asks, "What do you mean?" Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Even though I do not have friends among the effected ...." Rodimus Prime> Warhammer says, "Not that I have many in the first place to begin with ..." Rodimus Prime> Warhammer sighs Rodimus Prime> Sidearm says, "Neither do I. Live with it." Rodimus Prime> Arcee says, "Excuse me..." Rodimus Prime> Arcee tries to get past you two. Rodimus Prime> Sidearm isn't exactly keeping Arcee in here. Rodimus Prime> Sidearm looks at Warhammer, then heads to the bodies to do a routine check up on them. Rodimus draws himself up stiffly. "I mean," he states crisply, "that the Matrix didn't help me when eight Primitives held me down for Sky Lynx to rip it out of my chest. It didn't give me any answers for the remainder of eight million years as we tried to bring the revolution to a halt." Rodimus Prime> Arcee leaves to the Central Hallway West to the south. Rodimus Prime> Warhammer sighs and mutters to himself, "I have lived with it ... lived with it too long." He then heads out of the room Rodimus Prime> Warhammer leaves to the Central Hallway West to the south. Rodimus Prime> Sidearm scans over each one. Rodimus Prime> Sidearm leaves to the Central Hallway West to the south. Sundiver turns to look out the window at Cybertron. Ultra Magnus' optics flash brightly in a mixture of surprise, anger, and sorrow. His mouth hangs open as he stands in silent speechlessness. Firestar looks at Rodimus briefly, and grims, letting him handle it. Sundiver says, "And I noticed you still haven't fixed it." Rodimus says quietly, "There's nothing to fix. It happened a long time ago." Sundiver snorts again. "Just because you lost the Matrix doesn't mean you don't deserve to use it . . . " Strafe says, "Sundiver.." You say, "It's not a matter of deserving to, Sundiver, and I'll thank you not to throw it in my face again. It hurts enough as it is. It is not mine. It belongs to the Rodimus of this time and for me to try to claim it would be a perversion of its very nature. I can't do that." Sundiver gets up. As he heads for the lift, he says, "The Matrix belongs to our leader, to light our darkest hour. IF that isn't you and now, then we've lost . . . Rodimus." Sundiver steps into the lift. The lift quietly leaves this level. Ultra Magnus continues to stand in total awe at the exchange that just unfolded before him. Rodimus shakes his head and sighs. Ultra Magnus steps forward and stammers, "I-I'm sorry, Rodimus. I did n- not know..." Firestar says, "What an idiot.. he doesn't understand." Strafe sighs. "I've gotta go check on him.. Excuse me." The lift quietly comes to a halt at this level. Ultra Magnus receives a radio transmission. Sundiver steps in from the tower lift. Sundiver says, "I can't get out. The door's sealed." Strafe stops and looks at Firestar. "Doesn't understand?" Sundiver walks back to his chair and sits down, trying to maintain his composure. Ultra Magnus transmits a message via radio. Firestar grunts, "Don't worry about it." Strafe returns to his seat, seeing as he can't go check on Sundiver now. Rodimus says briskly, "It's all right, Magnus, I wouldn't expect you to." Ultra Magnus calmly speaks, "When the first reports of this situation came trickled down to Earth they were almost fantasic...amazing stories hard to believe. However, standing before all of you only reinforces the solid true rigidity of the future which is laid out before us. How do we even know our attempts even have the possibility to succeed?" Sundiver changes his mind, and sits _behind_ the seat, facing the wall. Transmission from Dee-Plane: Yo, Rodman, why's the kitty-tape in the hoosegow? Ultra Magnus receives a radio transmission. You transmit a message to Dee-Plane: Suspicion of intended treason. I'm looking into it. Firestar edges over to Rodimus real quick and mutters. Transmission from Dee-Plane: Compliance...Borg will not release Caterwaul unit per unit's request. Firestar mutters to Rodimus, "We... had no... in on... of..." Firestar whispers "We have had no checks in on Outrun as of late.." You say, "Our very being here has already affected the fabric of time. Nothing is ever set in stone. We came back to change things, and we will." Ultra Magnus squints his optics and rubshe side of his head, "Where is Perceptor when you need him..." Rodimus doesn't say, spread out over three square miles of land on a moon in the Argonan cluster. Ultra Magnus glances back to Rodimus and says, "You mentioned something about data stored in the Quintesson computer archives. What exactly do you hope that will allow us to do?" You say, "If we can find the prototype of the virus, we may be able to analyze it and derive a cure. The Quintessons were unable to in the natural course of time, but with our advanced technology NOW, it may be possible." Rodimus mutters to Firestar. You whisper "Can you raise her?" to Firestar. Firestar says, "I'll attempt it, sir." Strafe says, "Rodimus.. Knightmare told me that he was able to get a sample of the virus from Legend." Firestar taps her radio. Ultra Magnus nods and says, "Very well...what is known about the characteristics of the virus so far?" Firestar taps her radio again, frowning. You say, "We'll have to get Pak working on it, then. But I strongly suspect we'll need to get it directly from the source -- Sky Lynx -- or Quintessa itself..." Strafe nods. Sundiver turns back around. "I'm ready to go against Lynx again." You say, "The only characteristics are that the victim in question feels paranoid, thinking that any non-Primitives are against him, and he only feels comfortable among others of "his own kind."" Ultra Magnus nods and says, "Any knowledge of how it is passed?" You say, "Casual contact, apparently. Sky Lynx was able to ammass an army without any visible signs of deliberate infection. They don't even know they're "infected." Possibly physical contact, or sonics... he seems to have communicated the virus simply by talking to people." Strafe nods. "It's not instantaneous, though." Sundiver says, "I've been thinking . .. is it _is_ vocal, can we shut down the auditory sensors of those who aren't infected?" You say, "They may not need to hear it, though... it might be worth a try, but if the simple sonic vibrations were enough.." Ultra Magnus calmly clasps his hands in front of himself. He then asks, "What about reversal? Have any attempts at reversing its effects at verious stages in your timeline been effective?" You say, "None, Magnus." Sundiver says, "I know, we would have figured it out earlier. It's worth a shot, tho. At this point, _anything_ is worth a shot..." You say, "We were too focused on simple survival to try to capture subjects most of the time, anyway." Ultra Magnus frowns and nods solemnly. Firestar turns off her radio and looks at Rodimus. "Nothing, sir." Strafe looks up. "Nothing?" Sundiver says, "Nothing? From who?" Firestar says, "Strafe, have you had contact with Outrun since earlier this cycle?" Strafe shakes his head. "Not since I left the scrap yards." Ultra Magnus' blue optics flash, "Trouble?" Strafe says, "Why?" You say, "Possibly." Firestar says, "I can not raise her on the net." Strafe sighs. "I'll go look for her.." Strafe stands. Strafe steps into the lift. Sundiver says, "Good luck getting out the door . . ." The lift quietly leaves this level. Ultra Magnus looks cluelessly toward the others and says, "Are you missing someone from your party?" You say, "Outrun, our scout. She hasn't reported in recently." Ultra Magnus says, "Does she have a homing beacon?" Firestar leans up against the wall. "She's not that lost, I am sure, but still, her not checking in." Sundiver says, "Outrun's a smart kid. As long as she wasn't in Vilnacron, she'll be fine. Probably just out sightseeing and was so caught up she forgot to report..." Ultra Magnus says, "Do you have any clues as to her last location? I could send a group of Autobots to search for her, but that could place them in a large amount of danger at risk of attack." You say, "I wouldn't worry too much, Firestar. She can take care of herself." You return to reality... Observation Point - West Tower Contents: Firestone, Sundiver, Firestar, Ultra Magnus Firestar receives a radio transmission. Transmission from Dee-Plane: Rodman...you there, or are you still Grimlock? Sundiver hunches over a hologram of New Vil, with siege plans on it. "We'd still need mines, for in case they got through the metal . . . " You transmit a message to Dee-Plane: Am I still Grimlock? Huh? Ultra Magnus studies the hologram closely. You say, "I've been told Airwolf knows of underground tunnels that would get us in the back way.." Firestone says, "Yep." Sundiver moves some of the troop placements on the holo. "But since sealing the exit would make it equally possible for them to come out the side of the mountain, we'd need a three-sixty watch . . . " Transmission from Dee-Plane: I saw you try and force me at gun-point to let Caterwaul out...then you used your liquid metal power and changed into Grimlock... Ultra Magnus receives a radio transmission. You transmit a message to Dee-Plane: Whoa whoa whoa... I can't do that. Caterwaul was messing with your head. Transmission from Dee-Plane: Watchyou talkin' about, Willis? Sundiver frowns at the holo. "We'd need to make sure the Cons would help. I'd need Seeker support . . . " Firestone says, "And Constructicon support." Sundiver nods. "Yeah, to make sure the exits are secure . . . " Ultra Magnus transmits a message via radio. Ultra Magnus receives a radio transmission from Syke. Ultra Magnus receives a radio transmission.. You transmit a message to Cyclonus: What's the likelihood of getting Constructicon and Seeker support for a seige on New Vilnacron? Transmission from Cyclonus: Fairly good, though we will need time to recover from this cycle's activities. Galvatron wishes to know our plans for that. Transmission from Dee-Plane: Rodman? Ultra Magnus transmits a message via radio. You transmit a message to Cyclonus: We're brainstorming now. You transmit a message to Dee-Plane: Yes? Transmission from Cyclonus: Cyclonus sighs. "We were so close... Slag, Hun-Grrr and Razorclaw... I am sorry." Transmission from Dee-Plane: He was messing with my head?? Sundiver says, "While everyone's talking to Cyclonus, someone ask him how many Seekers he can get for watch duty if we do this . . ." You transmit a message to Dee-Plane: Yes. Caterwaul is a powerful Empath. You have to be on your guard against him mentally. Firestone says, "Mmm." Transmission from Cyclonus: Galvatron is away. Do you wish me to come? Transmission from Dee-Plane: (Homer impression) D'oh! Sundiver places a few more markers on the holo. "Keep gestalts here, here, and here . . . " Rodimus interjects, "Cyclonus thinks Seeker and Constructicon help will be obtainable. He wants to know if he should or can come to this meeting?" Transmission from Dee-Plane: NOW you tell me. Firestone says, "Why not? We should move it." Rodimus looks to Magnus. Sundiver nods, and places a Devestator hologram near the Tunnel into New Vil. Firestone says, "Where should we move this meeting to?" Sundiver says, "Crystal City." Sundiver places an Omega holo on the map. Firestone says, "Works for me." Sundiver says, "We might just be able to pull this off . . ." Firestone says, "I'll bring th' table." Ultra Magnus notices the reply is supposed to come from him, not Rodimus, and belatedly replies, "Cyclonus' input would be appreciated, although a more neutral position should be chosen." Sundiver downloads the holo from the terminal to a nearby datapad. Rodimus says quietly, "Cyclonus can be trusted. He's saved my life enough times." Firestone says, "Well, yes, Rodimus, but, th' point is, we might want other Cons in on this too. Constructs." Sundiver says, "We know, Rod. He's saved all of us at one point or another, and vice versa . . ." Firestone says, "Hm. Whut happened to 'em, anyhow?" Sundiver scetches out a flight pattern for seekers to follow overhead. You say, "I was making note of it for Ultra Magnus' benefit." Ultra Magnus calmly nods, althought with some obvious hesitation. You say, "However, if you'd feel more comfortable moving the briefing, we can comply." The lift quietly leaves this level. Sundiver rotates the view. "Wish I had been able to examine New Vil closer beforehand . . . and I _need_ the info on the secret tunnels if I'm gonna set up guard posts...." Firestone says, "I think I know where some of them should be." You transmit a message to Airwolf: I was told you knew of some tunnels that lead into Vilnacron? Ultra Magnus says, "Well, if there is a better location to meet with Cyclonus..."" The lift quietly comes to a halt at this level. Kup steps in from the tower lift. Sundiver looks at the holo more, as if committing it to memory. "We'll need all the help from Earth we can get. Exos and fighters may prove usefull . .. ." Transmission from Airwolf: Those tunnels were sealed off when we broke through to the surface. The best way in is through the spaceport. No locks are normally engaged. Sundiver says, "Put the Jumpstarts near the tunnels, so they can collapse them if need be . . ." You transmit a message to Airwolf: We're looking to set up a two-front attack, though. There's no way to blast through the old tunnels? Firestone says, "Ut-oh." Sundiver says, "What?" Ultra Magnus nods his head toward Kup, "Greetings." Firestone says, "We better move the refugees." Firestone transmits a message via radio. Transmission from Airwolf: You *might*, but that would be enough noise to warn them. (OOC the exits were nuked a long time ago.) Sundiver says, "Why? Primes moving?" You transmit a message to Airwolf: Noted. Thank you. Kup says, "Hello old friend..." Sundiver gets up, sticking the datapad in a compartment. "Where are they?" Kup cuts short and turns to Rodimus and Firestone, "What's going on?" Firestone says, "Lay odds there's a tunnel leading out of New Vil to th' Quartzite Mountain." Rodimus frowns at his radio. "Airwolf reports the tunnels sealed. We could blast through but the noise would certainly warn them." Sundiver swears. "So there's no way to shut down the reactor?" Firestone says, "Sure there is." Firestone says, "Missy's in there." Sundiver swears again. "That's right! The cave-in trapped them . . . so is Foxhole! We've got an engineer and a hologramer inside!" Firestone says, "Can't get any better than that." Firestone says, "Okay. We've got to get messages in via Longsight. I wouldn't trust a radio message." Sundiver grins. "Longsight, Mischief, and Foxhole . . . .between them, they can get it shut down! This is it, this is our opening!" Firestone says, "Speaking of Longsight, I have a terran-sized Sharkticon exosuit." Firestone says, "Look, let's get the Cons in on this." Firestone says, "Meet at Crystal City, Omega's feet. Sound good?" Ultra Magnus glances curiously at Firestone, "You have a what?" Firestone says, "I have a sharkticon I bashed into a terran-sized exosuit." Firestone says, "I was gonna use it, th' time the Bots got humanized..." Sundiver says, "Where did _that_ come from?" He grins. "We can get Matt in there, too . . . ." Firestone says, "See, th' idea was, we have Telly pretend to be a real quint, and have all th' humanized TFs, wear the exos and pretend to be his horde." Sundiver calls up a holo of the interior of Vilnacron, plotting out who he thinks is in there and who he thinks might be in there . . . Firestone says, "And then we'd just sneak in an' git the bodies. Never pulled it off. But I got th' prototype in my room." Firestone says, "Okay, here's my three decicreds on this." Firestone says, "We get a message in to Foxhole. They're probably watching her less than Missy." Sundiver says, "Okay, so Longsight and a human-sharkie get inside, contact Mischief and Foxhole . . . the first two make a distraction while the other two shut down the reactor. Then hope they get out somehow...." Firestone says, "Tells her to excavate a hiding place, and to store energon in it. Then with her and Missy..." Sundiver frowns at the holo. Firestone says, "They shut down the reactor, an go hide." Firestone says, "An' we lock th' outside." Sundiver says, "There wouldn't be a way out, and most of the Pimes can track to some extent. They'll be found...but if they can trash the reactor enough so it can't be repaired, it might just be worth it." Rodimus says quietly, "If we're talking suicide missions here, I won't have it." Kup says, "We can't put their lives in any more danger than they are in already just by being trapped in there" You say, "We don't know how much danger they're in." Sundiver looks at Rod. "If we can't pull this off, they'll die anyway..." He looks at the holo and frowns. "I'm not saying we do it right away, but if there's no other options . . . " Sundiver looks up at Stone. "Is there any way to modify the Shark Exo so it will fit me? I'm willing to go in, and I'd last a lot longer when fighting breaks out...." Firestone says, "Uhm." Firestone says, "I guess so. It's just sort of a car seat stuck in a gutted Sharkticon." Sundiver nods. "I'd rather be in there instead of someone else..." He looks up at Rod. Kup says, "I'm more worried about sending a human in pretending to be a sharkticon... those Prims would sniff him out for sure.. especially Grimlock" Sundiver nods. "That, too." You say, "I agree. Longsight's already running a huge risk..." Sundiver says, "Longsight cam eup with the idea, or so I heard. HE know's what he's . . . well, he understands the ris . . . he's having fun." Firestone says, "That's Longsight." Rodimus smiles wryly. "Well, that too. Leave it to a Junkion." Sundiver grins. "HE never lost that spark, even when Terrordactyl had us cornered...." Sundiver turns on his radio. Firestone says, "Guys?" Sundiver says, "What?" Firestone says, "Anyhow, I think Foxhole can rig the generator to shut down after she leaves." Sundiver nods. "She should. The question is, where do they . . . we go from there?" Firestone says, "You know, so it slags in two hours or so. She's good at defensive fortifications, too. She should be able to dig in somewhere semi-safe by then." You say, "We need to catch Sky Lynx. It still comes down to that." Firestone says, "Well, we block the tunnel, and wait for him to come out the spaceport. Then we toss a net over him." Sundiver says, "He'll be trapped in New Vil, and when they shut down to loss of energy, we can go in and take him." Firestone says, "Thet'll work, too." Sundiver looks at Firestone. "I thought you said to seal the spaceport, too?" Firestone says, "Yep." Sundiver looks at his holo again. ================================== Autobot ============================= Message: 3/34 Posted Author AC Lockdown Sun Apr 13 Ultra Magnus ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Autobot City security and alert protocols have been enacted at level 4 magnitude. Metroplex's main logic centers have been given increased power. The force fields are still active around the city and are to remain so until ordered by either myself or Caern. I was unable to determine the location of either Swoop or Steeljaw, but my presence was more immediate on Cybertron. Shuttles to Autobot City should not be travelled upon unless you have explicit permission. --Ultra Magnus ====================================================================== Sundiver frowns. "Once we know they've all shut down, Omega and the gestalts can tear through the seals, and we can swarm the place..." Firestone says, "Not very dramatic." Firestone says, "I like it." Sundiver drops Hologram on Datapad. These are siege plans apparently. New Vilnacron is shown in detail form the outside, with various gestalts and others surrounding it. Seeker flight plans are above the city, while both exits are covered with molten steel. The spaceport is further covered by debris, and a minefield and weapons guard the tunnel. Sundiver says, "Here's what I have so far . . . of course, it's dependant on who we can get available." Transmission from Ramhorn: Yo, Rodimus...what's goin' on in the outside world? (he grumbles only briefly, trying to conceal his stress) You transmit a message to Ramhorn: Right now? We're just planning a seige on Vilnacron. Sky Lynx's forces have taken it over and they have hostages. Sundiver says, "Of course, this whole plan depends on what we can get . . . Cineplex would be nice to have, too." Firestone says, "Yep." Transmission from Gnaw: Man!!!! I thought I'd never get away! They are keeping Mischief because she is the only one who can repair them I think.... Slag just deactivated her though....what a brute...Ummmmm, they are also keeping foxhole alive just to torment mischief into working for them! Also, I think sky lynx is wanting to make her rebuild vilnicron into something too! Oh yea! And he is wanting to find this matrix thingy, whatever that is...he says he can become leader with it....I don't know...I better get back now... Sundiver says, "I doubt the current-time Quints would let us have Trokius...." Rodimus erks and if robots could pale, he would at that radio. Transmission from Ramhorn: (you hear Ramhorn argh in rage, and snort angrily...he snorts several times to calm himself down enough to speak) Excuse me, Rodimus...I gotta go smash somethin' big-time...slaggin' traitors!!!!!!!!!!! Everythin' in this room is gonna go up in smoke by the time I'm done smashin'! Sundiver looks up at Rod. "What?" Sundiver puts the holo away. Sundiver takes Hologram on Datapad. Transmission from Gnaw: I'm turning my radio off now..want me to do anything? You say, "Report from Longsight. Sky Lynx is after the Matrix." Firestone says, "We know that." You transmit a message to Gnaw: Nothing specific. Continue as usual. Sundiver nods. "I'll get to the bodies, since it won't knock me out . . . " Firestone says, "On my way." You say, "Get to the.. what?" Kup says, "He's on his way to the Lab... we gotta get down there." Firestone steps into the lift. Sundiver steps into the lift. Rodimus Prime> HoverCadillac enters from the Central Hallway West to the south. Rodimus Prime> Firestone rises, forms interlocking and reshaping, into her feminine robot form. Rodimus Prime> Firestone says, "Outrun..." The lift quietly comes to a halt at this level. Springer steps in from the tower lift. Springer looks around. "Is this a private talk or can anyone join in?" Rodimus Prime> Sundiver enters from the Central Hallway West to the south. Rodimus Prime> Firestone says, "C'mon, let's move Rod's body!" You say, "He didn't say he was moving in now.. just that he'd been talking about it..." Rodimus shakes his head at Springer. "Come on in." Kup calms down, "Okay... well, we need to get a security detail down there ASAP. Rodimus Prime> Sundiver looks around. "Sorry I'm late . . .go tlost." He picks up Rod's head. "Kinda big for me . . ." Rodimus Prime> Firestone says, "I got it." Rodimus Prime> Sundiver pauses. "Why not just put the MAtrix somewhere Lynx won't find it?" Rodimus Prime> Firestone takes the body, and lifts it into a fireman's carry. Rodimus Prime> Firestone says, "Let's put it in the brig. Best defended point in the building." Springer says, "I really hate it when I walk into a conversation like this. Especially serious ones." Kup says, "So, Sky Lynx is IN Vilnacron. That is confirmed?" You say, "Yes. Longsight just reported in." Rodimus Prime> Sundiver says, "LEt's just hide it like . . . I dunno, in a Shuttle. Have it orbit somewhere distant. Since Fearless won't take it . . ." Rodimus Prime> Outrun hasn't really moved too much from where she sits watching the bodies, even after they are moved. Springer crosses his arms, watching the discussion. "Are we planning on catching Mr. Ego?" Transmission from Ramhorn: (you hear screaming, and smashing, and a total dyn coming from your radio...as Ramhorn makes his rage known...) Rodimus Prime> Firestone says, "Safer in the brig. We know where they are." You transmit a message to Ramhorn: Whoa, hey hey hey! Calm down or take it to the training room or something. Kup says, "Soon Springer.. hopefully very soon before this all gets out of hand." The lift quietly comes to a halt at this level. Firestone steps in from the tower lift. Firestone says, "There. Shifted your bodies into the Brig." Rodimus waves a hand at the holomap. "We're working on it, Springer.. err.. why?" Transmission from Ramhorn: Can't take it anywhere! Blaster wants me in here...but I can't take this whole mess! And I can't do anythin' about it, cause then I get infected, right?? (more smashing is heard) I'm still an Autobot, but I'm also Ramhorn, and I gotta smash!! Firestone says, "Now the Primes don't know where they are, and it's the single most secure place in Autobot HQ." Springer says, "You know how routy Roddy can be, even unconscious." Firestone says, "What's the ETA of Lynx's arrival?" You say, "There is no ETA! He's in Vilnacron!" Firestone says, "I thought he was coing after the Matrix." Springer says, "See what I mean?" Springer grins. You say, "He was talking about it. I didn't say he was about to attack Iacon." The lift quietly comes to a halt at this level. Sundiver steps in from the tower lift. Sundiver frowns at Stone. Firestone says, "Oh." Sundiver says, "I still say hiding the Matrix is better than sticking it behind a forcefield...." Firestone says, "Whut, Sundiver?" Firestone says, "Well... we did both." Sundiver says, "Like they aren't going to think of the most well- defended place in the base?" Firestone says, "Not if they know that the bodies are in th' lab." Sundiver says, "When they see the bodies aren't there . . ." Firestone says, "I don't know. Better than them finding it by accident." Sundiver says, "I mean, it's right down the hall for Cybertron's sake!" Firestone says, "Then they gotta get in th' brig." Transmission from Arcee: Would you mind speaking with me? Firestone says, "Annnnyhow." Sundiver says, "If we'd moved it to Iacon maybe . .. ." You transmit a message to Arcee: *startled pause* ...Of course not. Sundiver avoids looking at Rod, "Or if someone would carry it . . . " Rodimus shakes his head. "Leave them in the brig, then. They're fine, and if it's the safest place.." Firestone says, "Yep." Firestone says, "Primus knows, we don't want to _loose_ them." Springer says, "How do you loose comatose people? It's not like they'll get up and walk off." Sundiver looks at Springer. "I had that happen to me once." Firestone says, "If we put them in a shuttle orbiting a random planet, we might. Seriously..." You transmit a message to Ramhorn: I'm sure Blaster would rather have you tear up the training room than your quarters. As long as you avoid other animals, you should be okay. Kup stands quietly by Rodimus as if he is unsure how to act. Rodimus says quietly, "Let's keep our scheming to realistic levels, people. The brig is fine." Firestone says, "Right." Transmission from Ramhorn: I dunno...he told me to trash the place, he just wanted me to stay in... Sundiver sighs. "Okay, so we need to seal off Vilnacron and defend this base at teh same time . . . tricky." Firestone says, "Nah. If they're locked in, we don't have to worry so much." Sundiver says, "But if they hit the base, it will be bad. Even if they _don't_ get the Matrix . . ." Springer says, "They got a lot of targets to choose from." Sundiver nods. "Any way to get them false info? Make up fake bodies, load them on a shuttle?" Transmission from Airwolf: I have acquired Arachnis and have him under a Quintesson override subprogram that basically turns him into a computer. Are there any questions that should be asked? Springer says, "You know that might work." You transmit a message to Airwolf: Ask him why he feels he's being treated unfairly. Springer says, "We could leak out shipping the coma patients to Autobot City and let Mr. Ego attack the shuttle. He's got FTL, he could intercept the shuttle with a few of his friends. Then all we got to do is set up a small trap for them." Sundiver grins. "If we can get him to attack it in the Terra system, the EDC can have a flight of Aerospace fighters ready to help." Transmission from Arcee: I'm in the observation tower in New Iacon. You say, "That's a thought. But Sky Lynx has a distinct advantage over us in space." Firestone says, "I say we jes' lock them down." Sundiver says, "If not, we can still have Seekers and stuff ready for them." Springer says, "Yeah but we got Cyclonus on our side." Sundiver snaps his fingers. "Can we make something that can disable his FTL?" Sundiver says, "If we can strand him in deep space..." Springer says, "Plus if we can get him INto the shuttle, we could spring a forcefield around them." You transmit a message to Arcee: I'll be there as soon as I can. Rodimus smirks. "Sky Lynx, fit in a shuttle?" Sundiver shakes his head. "He'd stay outside and send in troops. If we can disable him, maybe some sort of tractor beam . . . ." Transmission from Ramhorn: Blaster should know what I could do to the place...he's prepared for slag-city in here... You say, "A tractor beam... do we have tractor technology available to us in this time?" Transmission from Airwolf: He doesn't know... Sundiver shrugs. "I dunno . . . no, we don't. Damn." Transmission from Arcee: I'll wait. Sundiver says, "Maybe . . . no, don't have the tech for that, either." You transmit a message to Ramhorn: *chuckles* Blaster's a wise 'bot. Springer says, "Yeah but we haven't developed teleportation yet or any of that other sci-fi junk. Sky Lynx's big but I've seen him fit in a shuttle before, it's just a little crowded in there with him." Transmission from Ramhorn: *heh* Yeah...that's why he's my boss. He knows how ta handle my.....Ramhorn-ness. Sundiver shakes his head. "I still say sealing Vilnacron would be better . . . .This is too ricky, and it's got no good way to trap him." You say, "We'd have to disable him first." Firestone says, "Yep." Rodimus nods to Sundiver. "Let's try the thing with Vilnacron first. With any luck we'll get more than one dino-bird with our stone. Sundiver looks at his hologram again. "Do we have any sort of tech to short out his systems? Maybe get him outside and stun him?" Firestone says, "And if we don't get him, he's cut off from his army. Still not bad." You say, "If you guys'll excuse me... uhm.. Arcee's got some questions for me." Firestone says, "He's too big to stun." Springer says, "Hey, at least consider it plan B." Sundiver nods. "I'll start getting arangements together...." ** Spoiler space: I included the last bit with Rod and Arcee because it's important to one of the sub-plots of the TP, but it's not crucial to the main story, so feel free to skip it. No, we don't TS. ;) However, it's of a personal nature (read: mushy), so if you're offended by the idea of TFs having any sort of relationship, don't read it. There's nothing physical involved beyond hugging; it's all a very purely emotional/mental bond. ** You enter the lift. Firestone enters the lift. Firestone says, "Darn door. Stuck me foot in it." Rodimus gives Firestone a cursory nod. You say, "3" You feel a slight acceleration as the lift shifts into motion... You have arrived at the Command Center on level 3. You step out of the tower lift... AHQ Command Center Firestone steps in from the tower lift. Firestone follows Rod. You say, "Can I *help* you?" Firestone says, "Nope." The lift quietly leaves this level. You say, "Then do you mind not following me?" Firestone says, "Jes' watching you, sor." Firestone wanders off. Firestone steps out to the central hallway through the northwest doors. Rodimus shakes his head. You step into the briefing room... You step aboard a grav-lift, which elevates you to the planet's surface. Central Hallway - New Iacon Base Contents: Dee-Plane Rodimus nods shortly, heading briskly through to the briefing room. Dee-Plane looks to Rodimus, and backs up a bit... Dee-Plane says, "Umm...heya, Rodman..." Dee-Plane shakes his head once more to clear the previous version of Rodimus he saw from his head. Rodimus grunts. "Dee-Plane." The metal doors swish open, and allow you to pass. You get on the Grav-Lift, which takes you up into the Observation Tower. Observation Tower - New Iacon Contents: Arcee Arcee is sitting on a ledge, looking out over Iacon. Rodimus pulls himself up out of the hatch and straightens uncertainly. "You wanted to talk to me?" he asks, unable to keep a small quaver out of his voice. Arcee turns her gaze toward Rodimus, extremely quiet it seems, more so than usual, "Yes, I did." Rodimus ventures, "About?" Arcee says, "What happened with the Matrix." Rodimus exhales shakily. "I thought I already told you that." Arcee says, "No, why didn't you accept the Matrix when it was offered to you earlier. I heard that it was, when Legend attacked your past self and 'ripped' it from him...." Rodimus swallows hard and sits down, contemplating the floor for several moments. "Because it's not mine," he finally says, softly but firmly. "It belongs to the Rodimus of this time and I have no right to it." Arcee studies Rodimus a moment, before saying anything else, "I see, ..." She tilts her head to the side looking Arcee sighs softly, "From what I heard, they wanted to destroy your past self to keep you from existing to come back." You say, "That was apparently Legend's train of thought." You say, "Of course, I don't even know if it's a valid one. I've already changed my past. It's probable that I would continue to exist, regardless of the state of my.. current self." Arcee nods, "True..." She still seems a bit unsure of what to do around him, "Rodimus...." her voice softens as she gets up and walks to him, "Is there something you want to say?" Rodimus squeaks somewhere in his throat, dropping his hands to grip the edge of the ledge he's sitting on tightly. "You... you know it already..." Arcee nods, sitting next to Rodimus, looking at him and trying to see into his optics, and noting his feelings just by his voice and actions, "I do..." Rodimus whispers, "I've missed you so much..." he winces, "if you don't want to have anything to do with me, I understand. Believe me, I do. But if that's the case, then move away because I don't know how far my self- control can go." Arcee looks a bit torn, but reaches out with a hand to caress his jawline with her fingers, "Rodimus... you are the same as the one that is absent from me right now. I know how I'd feel if I were in your position... I'd be in a lot of pain." Rodimus chokes, his frame shaking as he squints his optics nearly shut and tries to force himself to hold still. Arcee sighs softly and moves just enough to slip into Rodimus' lap and slide her arms around him, whispering softly, "I know our relationship is young as it is now, in this time, but seeing you have kept it for millenia, I know it's a strong one and it's going to remain that way. I love you more than I can say, and far more than I could ever show you. I want you to know that, because even though, things may not turn out the same way, you are the same one that I love, only time has changed the situation...." Rodimus gasps in outright physical shock, snapping into spastic motion as though touched by a cattle-prod. He wraps his arms around Arcee desperately, almost painfully tightly, burying his face against her with his forehead against her shoulder. His voice comes out in a wracked sob against her chest. "I love you... Always... I missed you so much..." Arcee is a bit surprised by the force and murmers, "Careful, I'd rather not be squeezed in half..." She brings a hand up across his shoulders, holding him with the other. Slowly she strokes his helm, continuing, "History will not repeat itself, I will not die, yet I am not letting the knowledge rule my actions. I am more cautious, far more around all the primitives. I think that history has already been changed enough that perhaps I won't be killed in the way that I was and you had to live through..." She drops her head down to nuzzle the top of his, "You've been through a lot." Rodimus stammers, "Too much..." he trails off in a choked groan, half- pain, half simple, raw, emotion, unable to control his voice. He doesn't lessen his death grip on Arcee at all, either because he doesn't want to or can't. Arcee nods in agreement, her optics flickering with emotions of her own at seeing Rodimus like this and she simply repeats I love you, over and over, softly and not making any moves to free herself, becoming more or less relaxed even with how hard he's holding her. After an interminable length of time, Rodimus finally loosens his grip to something less armor-crushing and pulls away slightly with a shuddering sigh. "Thank you," he mumbles. Arcee murmers softly, shifting enough in the loosened grip to where her head is resting against his shoulder, "It's nothing you need to thank me for you know...." You say, "Yes I do. Because you didn't have to do this. All I've done is horn in on you and take my present self out of the picture..." Arcee pulls back a moment, looking into his optics, "Rodimus, you did not remove your past self from the picture, if you had tried to take his place, then I would have known you were not the one that I know. Instead, you did what is right, which you've always strived to do, even when it hurts you. When you are gone, I will tell your past self everything,... I love you and I say that to you, Rodimus, Hot Rod, whom I cared for first, my best friend." Rodimus slowly regains control of his voice. "Hot Rod.." he murmurs in quiet, rueful amusement. "That's a name I haven't heard in a long time. I guess..." he considers, "I guess I would look like that to people in this time..." Arcee nods, "You look like Hot Rod, but you have the experiences of Rodimus Prime, without the Matrix... that, is actually quite an achievement. You've survived." Rodimus repeats quietly, "I've survived... but not much else. Then again, that's more than most." Arcee nods, "And you've returned to change the past, ... which could be harder than anything you've ever done." Rodimus muses softly, "I think throwing the Matrix away from me was the hardest thing I ever did." Arcee nods slowly, "But if you succeed, you'll never lose it." You say, "I hope so." Arcee smiles, "Let's not think about that right now, you've had enough ... depression and heart ache... to use a human term." Rodimus dims his optics faintly at the memory. "It accepted me, Arcee. After all the pain and time alone... I could feel it raking through every circuit, trying to rewrite everything... and I had to toss it away." Arcee nods slowly, listening. You say, "And then everyone yelling at me to take it back, like I was trying to avoid the *responsibility*, the *burden*," he spits the words out in disgust, "they wouldn't see the real reason. I wanted to so much but I couldn't..." Arcee sighs softly, moving back to rest against Rodimus, "I understand, ...." Rodimus sighs and wraps his arms around Arcee tightly again. "If only you knew how long I'd been waiting to hear that..." Arcee ventures a guess, "Eight million years?" Rodimus mumbles, "Something like that. It felt longer."