================================== Autobot =============================
Message: 3/35                      Posted        Author
Legendary Fights                   Sat Apr 19    Blaster
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*Blaster walks in again, grumbling aboutthe horrors of TV* Okay folx, 
here's the story. Arcee was out looking around where the femme base used 
to be. Whisper was with her. Theywere attacked by Legend and thoroughly 
getting their collective rears kicked until Whisper had the good sense 
to radio for help (Thank you communications department!) and immediately 
Omega Supreme, Nightshift,Warhammer, and myself were in route to back 
them up. Omega arrived firstand engaged Legend, then the rest of us 
showed up and helped (not much) to drive him off. Arcee and Whisper were 
brought back to Iacon and Arcee is in critical condition currently, but 
expected to survive. *Blaster leaves the camera and headstowards the 
Iacon Monitor Room, his current base of operations.*
========================================================================

You return to reality...
Iacon MedCenter Repair Room
Contents: Whiz, Kaleidoscope, Sidearm
Obvious exits:
 Waiting Room <S> leads to Iacon MedCenter Waiting Room.

Whiz snarls, "I'm not your dear, you Primitive bastard. I've seen the 
pictures of how we used to be friends, and I wanted to give you another 
chance, but now you've done it. You've started the whole thing over 
again."
From Scanner Sky Lynx smiles at Sidearm cruely, "Oh am I now, well why 
don't you come along inside this field and Help cure me of this dread 
illness, Primus knows I'd not want to hurt anyone."
From Scanner Sky Lynx levels his vision at Whiz, "Who betrayed who?"
Sidearm says, "I'm sorry, Sky Lynx. Galvatron's welcoming gift made me a 
little tired."
Rodimus stops in the doorway, his face registering shock as he tries to 
take in the scene. "What's going on in here?"
Sidearm winces a bit, the pain fresh in her mind.
Whiz hovers on the edge of the containment field, stalking along its 
boundaries.
Sidearm turns her head in the other direction on the medtable. "A get 
together."
From Scanner Sky Lynx receives a radio transmission.
Whiz says coldly, "That's right, Sky Lynx, I betrayed you. I gave you 
hugs and tried to teach you to dance. I made you my friend. And then you 
KILLED MINE!"
From Scanner Sky Lynx watches Whiz with some degree of amusement, "So 
much anger and hostility ... fascinating."
Sidearm says, "8 million years of fighting old friends and watching 
others die. How would you feel in her chassis?"
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "I believe you are the spitting image of a 
repressed psychotic, with a touch of scitzophrenia and possibly even a 
bit of sociopathy ... certainly not the Whiz I know."
Rodimus moves inside briskly and reaches out the grab Whiz by the 
shoulder from behind.
Whiz says, "I hope the cure for this disease is painful, Sky Lynx, so I 
can enjoy giving it to you. Lie still while I scan you, or I'll take 
great pleasure in putting you down."
From Scanner Sky Lynx eyes Sidearm, "My friends die too Sidearm."
Whiz whirls at the hand on her shoulder.
You evade Whiz's attempt to grasp you.
Whiz's first instinct is to try to throw her attacker, but she is off 
balance.
Rodimus hisses fiercely. He mutters to Whiz, "... DO,... right..." 
Whiz senses "Rodimus hisses fiercely. "What are you trying to DO, 
instigate another war right now?""
Mischief comes in from the Waiting Room.
Mischief moves into view a little more gingerly than normal, showing 
signs of fresh paint over recent injuries.
From Scanner Sky Lynx chuckles slightly at whiz, "Paranoid as well ... "
Mischief receives a radio transmission.
Mischief whews, having just made it in and looks around. "Sidearm? Need 
help?"
Whiz says, "After what he did to Arcee this morning, is there any doubt 
that that's exactly what's about to happen?"
Sidearm nods, sitting up slowly and motioning Mischief over to her 
table.
Sidearm winces, obviously still strained.
You say, "What could he do to Arcee? He's in a forcefield!"
Whiz says, "Okay, not him but one of *his*..."
Mischief hesitates, looking at Whiz and Rodimus, then skirts around 
them, muttering about dinos and Firestone.
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Who betrayed who Whiz? If what you say is 
true ... tell me then ... who is responsible for this unfortuante 
outcome you keep harping about?"
Sidearm says, "Sky Lynx, an entire group solely based on animal forms? 
Why would it matter what a person transforms into. We are all born of 
Cybertron."
Rodimus shakes Whiz, his hand tightening unintentionally tightly on her 
shoulder. "This isn't our Sky Lynx. We can still end this before it's 
too late. But not if you let hatred rule your actions."
Mischief pauses again to look up at Sky Lynx thinking this is turning 
into a really weird day.
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Whose fault is it Whiz? Tell me? Whose 
fault?"
Whiz says, "I never hurt *anyone*! I never could! So tell me how I could 
have betrayed anyone!"
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "And ... *who* was responsible for my losing 
my body recently i wonder ..."
Whiz howls in wordless anger.
Firestone comes in from the Waiting Room.
Firestone walks in, slowly, electric burns on her feet.
Rodimus wraps the rest of his arm around Whiz's upper body and pulls her 
back, away from the forcefield. He mutters to Whiz, "Don't let... 
you...." 
Whiz senses "Rodimus wraps the rest of his arm around Whiz's upper body 
and pulls her back, away from the forcefield. "Don't let him get to you. 
It's the virus talking.""
Firestone says, "One day, I am going to attack those beasts."
Mischief blinks and looks over, confused, then just edges around and 
watches them all.
Firestone says, "They're beginning to reallllly annoy me. Sidearm, 
Missy's here."
Whiz struggles slightly, shouting, "I'll get the cure from his 
*autopsy!*"
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "If this is indeed some sort of virus, who 
compromised me so that it would infect me? I have paid much attention to 
the stories that have been flying about me .... supposedly the 
quintessons did this to me ... now let me think .. when was the last 
last time I was on Quintessa .... ahh yess ... I remeber .."
Mischief keeps her optics focused on the confusion. She mutters to 
Sidearm, "... okay?" 
Sidearm narrows her optics at Whiz. "You will do no such thing!" she 
then winces involuntarily.
Firestone says, "Whiz. Right."
Rodimus hisses, "He hasn't DONE anything to us! You can't blame him for 
what happened eight million years in this future!"
Firestone walks over to the Whiz.
Firestone says, "Take control of yourself, girl."
Sidearm leans over to Mischief. She mutters to Mischief, "... sorry... 
drag... We're... handed. Whiz... me.... you... repaired... to... chest 
and... her work? I'm worried..." 
Whiz says, "He doesn't want to change. It's gone too *far*, we have to 
stop him before he makes it all happen again!""
Firestone says, "Whiz..."
You say, "So find the antivirus."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "I believe YOU remember as well? don't you 
whiz? Despite 8 million years of betrayal and killing?"
Firestone gets ignored, so walks over to Lynxie.
Mischief nods at Sidearm, still captivated by the scene and slowly 
begins to check her over.
Firestone says, "Hey, Lynx."
Whiz shouts, "I saved your *life* on Quintessa, *Hyperion*!"
From Scanner Sky Lynx eyes Firestone, "Why don't you be a good dear and 
come in her and cure cure me of this so dreadful virus Firestone ... I 
would be much appreciative."
Firestone says, "There is that, Lynx. It's part of the Autobots. We care 
about each other."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Since you care so much .."
Firestone says, "Lynx... Don't think I wouldn't, if I thought anything I 
could do would help."
Rodimus doesn't let go of Whiz, looking up at Sky Lynx, his voice tight. 
"You weren't the only one who got kicked out of your body for that, Sky 
Lynx."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Oh ... I have the utmost faith in your 
ability .."
Firestone says, "But it's my sister who's the medic, remember?"
Firestone says, "I hit things."
Whiz growls, "Listen to him. He's trying to get us in there so he can 
escape. He doesn't mind using any one of us to get his goals."
Mischief interjects quietly, almost whispering to herself. "But... I 
thought this infection thing wasn't his fault?"
Firestone says, "If you _really_ want me to try to open up your head and 
see what goes where, I guess I could give it a go."
Rodimus mutters to Whiz, "... reasoned... Ignore... true.... arguing 
about.... find..."
You whisper "He can't be reasoned with. Ignore his accusations; you know 
they're not true. It's not worth arguing about. Just find the 
antivirus." to Whiz.
Firestone says, "But I think it might be sort of a bad idea."
From Scanner Sky Lynx smiles at Rodimus, "They why am I the only one 
suffering from this dread form of Transformer Rabies? Hrm?
Firestone says, "You're not. Now hush."
Firestone says, "Rabies."
Firestone says, "That's good."
Firestone sighs.
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Oh please, come Hush Me Firestone ..."
Sidearm says, "You infect every animal alt-mode form you are near 
somehow."
You say, "Because, obviously, they've taken advantage of your instinct 
programming."
Whiz mutters to Rodimus, "... just... a nice swift... a blunt... 
I'll..."
Whiz whispers "Let me just stun him with a nice swift blow to the head 
with a blunt object, and I'll feel better."
Firestone says, "Okay, hush you."
Mischief grumbles towards Whiz, still baffled. "No....." she says 
quietly again.
Firestone turns off the inside to outside mike of the scanner.
Firestone wanders over to Missy and Sidearm.
Firestone says, "Missy, take care of Sidearm. I got shot up enough 
getting you here, I'll be annoyed if she dies."
Whiz shrugs at Rodimus' grasp irritably. "All right. I'm fine. I just 
won't listen to him."
Mischief blinks, tearing her optics away from Sky Lynx and looks again 
at Sidearm, opening up her chest plate to scan inside.
Kaleidoscope softly says, "Perhaps his vocalizer should have been 
deactivated while he were sedated."
Firestone considers, and puts up privacy curtains around Missy and 
Sidearm.
Rodimus releases her, taking a cautious step back.
Firestone says, "Good idea, Kal."
Kaleidoscope softly says, "Considering the amounts of gibberish which he 
speaks, that would have been most effective, potentially."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Let her go Rodimus, if it is my death she 
seeks, then so be it. I have prepared myself for death and have accepted 
it ... I fear death and I do not want to die, but I have no interest 
living in some world where I will be hunted down by former comrades just 
because I seem a little different than they do. If you so wish to kill 
me Whiz, I welcome it, go ahead, take your shot, end this terrible 
rebelion before it's make you into a horrible person ... I will not 
fight back."
Mischief hmmms at the repairs. She mutters to Sidearm, "... of... looks 
kinda... but..." 
Sidearm says, "I'd activate the restraints if you need to lower that 
field."
Sidearm looks at Mischief and smiles weakly. "Thank you, Mischief..." 
she says softly.
Whiz snaps at Sidearm, "I'm not stupid. And I didn't sabotage your 
repairs."
Firestone wanders over to the scanner, and idly makes faces at the 
birdie.
Mischief nods at Sidearm, then frowns towards Firestone.
From Scanner Sky Lynx holds up his middle talon in Firestones direction 
not even bothering to look at her
Whiz stalks over to the containment field and adjusts the scanner, 
entering a new programming disc and adjusting a few of the settings.
Sidearm glances at Whiz. "No, you didn't. I did ask for Mischief before 
you strolled in, however. I saw no reason to waste her visit."
Firestone looks at the talon, then wanders around, examining Lynx.
Transmission from Ramhorn: Ya'd better stop me, Rodimus! A certain 
traitor-tape-brother of mine's gone TOO FAR THIS TIME!
Whiz slips comfortably back into an unemotional scientist role.
Transmission from Ramhorn: And no one wants ta honor my request ta kill 
me after the big battle!! I'm only doin' it ta protect all of ya!!!
Sidearm taps her chest panel experimentally.
Mischief closes Sidearm back up and patpats the panel carefullly. "All 
better."
Whiz says, "I postulate that it is some form of sonic disturbance that 
activates normally dormant sections of their core programming."
Sidearm lays back down. "Thanks again..." she murmurs, staring at the 
cieling.
You transmit a message to Ramhorn: We're *working* on it.
Transmission from Ramhorn: 'SCUSE ME!?
Transmission from Ramhorn: Workin' on WHAT?!
Mischief hmmmms, pondering something as she looks at Whiz again, decides 
against it, then ponders it again.
You transmit a message to Ramhorn: Finding a cure for this.
You say, "So find it. Or can we?"
Mischief says, "Ummm... Whiz?"
Whiz says, "The trick is discovering the means of transmission. This new 
programming should adjust the focus of the scanner and allow me to 
pinpoint the nature of the neural dist... yes?"
Transmission from Ramhorn: So ya don't mind me goin' ta smash Caterwaul 
then?
Mischief says, "I-I.. have a few scans in memory from.. some others I 
had to fix... if you want that..."
Mischief hesitantly offers her scanner. "Slag.. Hun-Grrr.. Razorclaw..."
You transmit a message to Ramhorn: We're not going to kill them. We're 
going to cure them.
Firestone's left foot catches on fire. A small fire.
Transmission from Ramhorn: This ain't killin'! This is personal!!
Firestone sighs, and leans against the wall, looking at her foot.
You transmit a message to Ramhorn: He's your friend and he's not in his 
right mind.
Transmission from Ramhorn: WHAT'S THAT S'PPOSED TA MEAN?! He's never 
been in his right mind, ta me!
You transmit a message to Ramhorn: *sigh* Then maybe coming back to stop 
this thing and save everyone was a lost cause to begin with.
Rodimus switches off his radio.
Rodimus considers. "Slag's scans might be useful.. Whiz?"
Whiz says, "I have examined the previous material and found the means of 
transmission to be lacking. As Sky Lynx is one of the first of the 
'affected' transformers, I hope to get better results."
Firestone says, "Odds are he's a primary infection."
Sidearm says, "Can he be cured?"
From Scanner Sky Lynx turns his back to the assembled group, curling up, 
with his head pointed at a wall
You say, "If he can't, then..." he trails off, then says firmly, "We'll 
find an antivirus."
Whiz says, "And, frankly, it might hurt."
Mischief nods, not understanding, still holding up her scanner.
Whiz's fingers fly silently over the control panel as she begins a 
barrage of readings and tests.
Whiz receives a radio transmission from Ramhorn.
Whiz transmits a message via radio to Ramhorn.
Mischief sighs quietly, then goes over to an empty port on the computer 
and downloads the tiny shred of information she has stored in her 
scanner in case it's needed.
Whiz transmits a message via radio.
Whiz receives a radio transmission.
Whiz looks up at Mischief. "I thank you for your aid."
Whiz receives a radio transmission.
Mischief looks at Sky Lynx again. "Sure... May I talk to him?" she asks.
Rodimus frowns. "Not that it'll do any good..."
Whiz transmits a message via radio.
Sidearm says, "Everyone else is."
Whiz receives a radio transmission from Ramhorn.
Mischief noddles and edges over towards the containment field carefully.
Firestone wanders over to get some space....
Firestone heads back into the Waiting Room.
Whiz transmits a message via radio.
Whiz receives a radio transmission.
Whiz transmits a message via radio.
Mischief hmmmms. She mutters to Scanner, "... Lynx?... ya feeling?" 
Whiz receives a radio transmission.
From Scanner Sky Lynx grunts, "How do you *think* I feel Mischief?
Mischief sighs. "Alone."
Whiz vanishes out of reality.
Mischief has disconnected.
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "They've got primus knows what coursing 
through my fuel lines that giving me a splitting cerebral ache, not to 
mention making me feel like I want to sleep for a week on end, and to 
top it all off I'm trapped in a containment field ... just peachy I'd 
say"
Sidearm struggles painfully to rise, letting her legs fall to the side 
of the table. "Sky Lynx, you are infected with something," she repeats. 
"Think about it. After all this time you choose now to leave? Suddenly 
all these other people from both the Decepticons and the Autobots leave 
as well to join you? Out of all that, they are all somehow animalistic. 
Not once have you wondered why?"
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Truth be known I expected to die last night 
and tried my damndest to be killed ...."
Rodimus says quietly, "We aren't going to kill you."
Kup comes in from the Waiting Room.
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "You know full well, if given the 
opportunity, I could not promise the same to you"
Kup walks in, noticing the contained Sky Lynx.
Rodimus looks pained. "I know that."
Mischief has connected.
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "and yes ... I feel ... alone"
Sidearm says, "Once cured, we shall let you out and hopefully all of 
this mess can be left behind us..."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "There's nothing to cure ..."
Mischief nodnods at SL, hands crackling a bit on the field as she 
reaches too close. "It'll be okay, Sky Lynx. We'll take care of you."
From Scanner Sky Lynx never turns to look at the assembled crowd, "I do 
not want you're care."
Mischief frowns. "Why not? Why can't we be nice to you? You were always 
nice to me..."
Sidearm says, "Same here, might as well repay the favor from time to 
time."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "I want to be free damnit, free of 
containment fields and discriminations and unfounded hatred, I want to 
be free of war and destruction and .... you cannot give me these 
things."
Rodimus says quietly, "And you'll be free, once we lift this virus 
that's telling you all these things."
Sidearm says, "Because you have an animalistic form? I'm sorry to 
dissapoint you but I care not what your form is. People are people no 
matter what they look like or transform into."
Mischief says quietly, "No... *I* can't..."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "it's easy to say that when you are not on 
the end of anothers hateful gaze, sidearm"
Mischief says, "I don't hate ya, Sky Lynx.... I don't know anyone who 
does... well, except maybe the cons, but..."
Kaleidoscope looks at the form within the field impassively.
Kaleidoscope softly says, "Cease your delusions, the only hatred is 
within your own mind, not the others."
Sidearm smiles bitterly, "You don't think I felt hate when I first came 
here? The gazes so cold and untrusting? People calling me traitor, 
others thinking I'm a spy, and more just hating me for what I was. I am 
quite well aware of what it's like, Sky Lynx."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "but you also know the elation of 
acceptance"
With a small grunt, Mischief sets herself down on the floor in front of 
the field, finally giving in to the ache of her tiredness and sits 
quietly, looking up at the big Transformer.
Rodimus says quietly, "You're the one who rejected us.."
Sidearm shakes her head slowly. She says in a softer voice, "Have I 
been? Maybe...I hope so. Still, people remember. Galvatron most 
definately did..." she says, frowning at the recent painful memory 
again.
Kup stands silently against the wall, a pained expression on his face as 
he listens to his old friend and colleague speak words that he never 
though he would hear.
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "I rejected hatred and distain, nothing 
more"
Rodimus continues, his voice quietly bitter in a sense, but mostly just 
sad. "You're the one who, in my time, killed off almost every friend I 
ever had. Destroyed my home. Attacked me and left me for dead. But I 
don't want to kill you, Sky Lynx. I don't need another death on my 
hands. I can't leave my past self with that to deal with. He's your 
friend, Sky Lynx. As I used to be..."
Kup looks much the way he did when Optimus was on his death bed.
Sidearm says, "From what I remember, you left because you thought 
everyone was trying to cheer you up and play a cruel joke on you. At 
least that's what triggered it."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "I .... have no friends among you, youmy 
only friends are among my own kind ..."
Mischief pouts at Sky Lynx and looks down at her lap.
Sidearm says, "Own kind? Isn't that a bit prejudiced?"
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Your word, not mine."
Mischief sniffs sadly. "I'm sorry you think that."
Sidearm says, "Define own kind. From what I recall you are the only one 
of your kind. There are no other Sky Lynx types. You are unique in that 
way, as are many people in their own way."
Kup quietly mumbles a protest, "But Sky Lynx...."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Primitive ... your word, not mine"
Sidearm says, "I refuse to call you that."
Sidearm says, "Mainly because it's untrue. If you were truly primitive, 
you wouldn't be able to speak. You would be nothing but a savage killer. 
I know you better, I know how intelligent you are and respect you. I 
consider you a friend."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "and wouldn't it be such a wonderful and 
inspiring world if everyone felt that way?"
From Scanner Sky Lynx speaks with heavy sarcasm and contempt.
Mischief sighs again. "How come you don't believe us when we tell you we 
don't hate you?"
Sidearm says, "Unfortunately everyone can't get everything they want. 
It's what makes idividualism so interesting I suppose."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "if you respect the rights of the individual 
so much, then why do you keep me contained for the way i have acted? My 
actions are just as pure and true as any of yours, do I not have a right 
to freedom? Apprearantly not ... appearantly my individuality is not 
quite as important as yours ..."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "that's what makes hypocracy so interesting 
I suppose"
You say, "Because, Sky Lynx, I know that if we don't do something about 
this, then you'll destroy Cybertron eventually in your "revolution.""
Mischief says quietly, "Sky Lynx, we *think* you might have something 
wrong with yah.. aren't you willing to stick it out to make sure that's 
not the case?""
Kup looks back and forth between Rodimus and SKy Lynx, a hint of doubt 
creeping over his face.
Kup has disconnected.
Sidearm adjusts her posture. "I was in that very same field the first 
few days here. Remember? You kept me company..." she says softly. "It 
has to do with trust, we trust you. The sickness, however, is another 
matter."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "No! My only affliction is an overly sappy 
bunch of captures who choose to drugg me to the point where i can't even 
walk." He points to a small tube running into his arm, "I could easily 
rip it out without the slightest bit of pain, but then I'd have to 
listen to your continuous whimpering for the remainder of my stay 
endlessly. I preferr to let the sedatoves take control so at least I can 
have some amount of peace in sleep, for it's quite clear I'll have none 
of it during my waking hours."
Mischief sighs again to herself and pushes herself to her feet again, 
dusting herself off and stepping away slowly.
Rodimus shakes his head. "I told you he couldn't be reasoned with. He 
won't listen.."
Sidearm says, "That would be a counter to your previous statement of 
being alone. You are obviously not alone currently. Can't you see we're 
worried about you?"
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Keeping me company or getting at gander at 
the latest exhibit in the zoo?"
Mischief looks back over her shoulder at Rodimus and nods slightly, 
furrowing her brow as she turns to look at Sky Lynx again. "Keep you 
company, but... well, I don't want to bother you... I'll let you rest."
Sidearm says, "I expected you to say that eventually to be honest. it's 
standard procedure to keep sick patients behind restraining fields when 
they could be contagious or harm themselves...or others. It's for your 
own good and temperary."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Purhaps Rodimus could install a vendor so 
that the "Visitors may feed their aquisition? Hrm? Observe his eating 
habits?"
Mischief looks down and starts out.
Rodimus sighs and shakes his head.
Mischief mutters to Rodimus, "... okay... back..."
Mischief whispers "Is it okay to come back and visit him?"
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Purhaps you could toss a ball in here with 
me? Watch me balance it on my beak?"
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "Maybe a few flaming hoops for me to jump 
through?"
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "have to keep the spectators entertained."
Mischief's shoulders sag a little as SL continues on.
Rodimus mutters to Mischief, "I... see... point, but do... want.."
You whisper "I don't see the point, but do whatever you want.." to 
Mischief.
Mischief nods at Rodimus.
Sidearm says, "I don't do that to my friends, Sky Lynx. Sorry."
Mischief mutters to Rodimus, "... though.... guilty... ever fix... 
bad..."
Mischief whispers "I dunno what'd be better though. He's gonna feel 
guilty if we ever fix this... it's going to be bad for him I think."
From Scanner Sky Lynx turns his head toward tose gathered, he looks 
surprisingly sad instead of angryand then turns his head away and 
nestles it on the ground.
Rodimus mutters to Mischief, "Better... the..."
You whisper "Better than the alternative." to Mischief.
Mischief nods again, glancing back.
Mischief says, "See ya, Sky Lynx..."
Sidearm slinks back down into the medical table, the earlier injuries 
wearing her out.
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "When you come back don't forget the straw."
From Scanner Sky Lynx says, "I need to build a nest you know ..."
Mischief says quietly, "Right...."
Mischief nods tiredly at the rest of them and heads out. "Thank you 
Rodimus. See ya."
Sidearm lays her head back comfortably and tries to relax, not 
responding.
Mischief heads back into the Waiting Room.
From Scanner Sky Lynx quietly drifts off, the scanner listing the 
containment field's occupant as unconscious."
Sidearm turns her head towards Rodimus. "I hope things get better..." 
she says softly.
Rodimus says grimly, "They have to. Or we're all dead people walking."
Sidearm nods. "Galvatron managed to raid Killarn earlier because of our 
weakened numbers. This does not help matters. I fear I let people down. 
I was unable to do much other than get blasted by him."
Rodimus blinks. "What's this? I didn't hear anything about a raid."
Sidearm says, "It happened awhile ago. Only Firestone, myself, and 
Ramhorn were able to really respond. I was going to make a report once I 
had the strength to write it down."
Rodimus growls. "That fool.. he'll bring his own death down on himself 
all over again.."
Sidearm says sarcastically, "So there is some good news in the future."
Rodimus frowns. "We could have used him. But he refused to work with 
us..."
Sidearm says, "He's in for himself, one of the reasons why I left..."
Sidearm says, "At any rate, I'm sorry I couldn't stop them..."
Rodimus shrugs. "It doesn't matter; we have bigger fish to fry."
Sidearm nods slowly. "We don't eat fish, Rodimus. I did get to try Long 
John Silver's a few months ago when I was a human. I like hush puppies." 
She smiles faintly.
Rodimus cracks a very slight smile. "It's been so long since I've seen 
Earth... and now that we're here I probably still won't get the chance."
Sidearm says, "Same here, I usually remain where the trouble seems 
focused. It's handy to keep medics around. There isn't a chance you can 
go there to investigate Swoop and Steeljaw's disappearance for awhile?"
Rodimus looks wistful for a moment, then shakes his head. "I'm more 
likely to be needed here."
Sidearm smiles. "You are...I mean it. I swear, when people come to me to 
solve their problems, Primus only knows why they come to me, I always 
wish your counterpart was awake dealing with it for me. It's...strange 
to be counted on for a change."
Rodimus chuckles softly. "I almost wish he could deal with this for me, 
too. But he failed last time.." he trails off frowning, then shakes his 
head. "We'll get it done right, and then we'll be gone."
Sidearm says, "From the sounds of it, you were caught off guard at the 
time. This time, our Rodimus has no chance to do much but pick up the 
pieces after you and the others leave. This is a silly question but do 
you plan on leaving any messages to yourself?"
Rodimus looks over uncomfortably at Arcee's unconscious form. "Message 
enough," he replies softly.
Sidearm says, "That's up to you. I am glad I am not in your chassis, 
though. I am quite content living in ignorance of everything that 
happened in such a long period of time."
Rodimus hmms. "I don't really think about it.. it's just my life. It's 
what happened. Better than dying, I suppose; at least most of the time," 
he adds softly, a sour note creeping into his voice. "You people deserve 
better."
Sidearm says, "Anything is better than death and constant pointless 
conflict. Did I die honorably, at least? I've always imagined myself 
going down after a long battle and sacrificing myself over something 
meaningful."
Rodimus hesitates. "I can't say too much," he cautions, uncertain how to 
proceed, then finally offers, "You... died... honorably, in battle. I'm 
afraid that's all I can say. Every death, every person who sacrificed 
his or herself to defend the cause... they all had meaning."
Sidearm nods, a slight smile on her face. "Thank you, I never wished for 
details. Just knowing that is more than enough. A part of me always 
worried I would one day die cowardly, that can still happen but it's 
still a comforting thought."
Rodimus smiles weakly. "Anything can happen."
Sidearm says, "Probability is like that. I'd like to think we can make 
our own destiny but it's not always enough to me. There's factors 
involved in surroundings. Sometimes people can't change the big picture. 
Sometimes they can. I think it's the wonder of what's next that is the 
most interesting thing."
Rodimus nods. "Probably why I didn't give up a long time ago. I kept 
hoping that somewhere along the line, we'd round the bend and there 
would be a solution."
Sidearm says, "This time travel option. Was it the absolute last 
resort?"
You say, "By default. Pak-Gor's research sparked the idea and we managed 
to put it together before the Primitives found us on our remote base. 
It's barely a prototype technology; we weren't even sure it would work."
Sidearm says, "A good risk, I'm sure you had few choices at the time. 
Whiz said the base may have exploded as you left. I really hope things 
change now, while your group is given this chance. There is one thing 
good I've seen from you all here, at least."
You say, "What's that?"
Sidearm says, "Seeing Cyclonus with you is interesting. It makes me 
hopeful this war will stop and we all will start cooperating again. No 
more fighting and destruction. Essentially something to look forward 
too. I never expected to see Cyclonus act the way he does."
Rodimus nods quietly. "Cyclonus has saved my life more times than I care 
to count. He's a valuable friend. That's the only problem with stopping 
this revolution.. without being forced to work together, will the 
Autobots and Decepticons ever overcome their differences?"
Sidearm says, "Sometimes I think only refocusing the war effort towards 
the Quintessons will do that. From my perspective it seems like most 
Decepticons need to fight something. either themselves, us, traitors, 
Quintessons, humans, or essentially enemies. As if it gave them meaning, 
something to do because they're good at it. It really depends on who but 
most I know are like that."
Rodimus nods. "And then Primus help us all when there's no one left to 
fight."
Sidearm frowns. "I'm hoping it won't be an endless cycle. I do admit I 
tire of it. Especially when they stand there and the trading insult wars 
begin. I can't see why daring the other side to start something is going 
to accomplish something other than give an excuse to attack. Those are 
the ones I usually avoid because they're pointless. I only really 
participate if there's great need to. Even then, I hold back in case I'm 
the only medic around at the time. Sure, I train and train, but mostly 
for my own survival or interests."
Rodimus nods. "There's no up side to war," he says gravely. "I was built 
for it, as were most of us, but it shouldn't be all there is to life... 
unfortunately, that's all some of us have known."
Sidearm says, "It's been here so long people get used to it..."
Rodimus says wearily, "Too long."
Sidearm says, "I suppose it has, especially for those who have been 
through two different wars. I can't even begin to imagine what it was 
like."
Sidearm lays her head back and glances at the ceiling. "As I said 
before, I don't think I'd like to..." she says in a softer voice, optics 
diming.
Rodimus shakes his head. "You wouldn't. Better off not knowing."
Sidearm says, "Ignorance is bliss?"
You say, "I wouldn't say that, but I wouldn't wish my life on anyone."
Sidearm smiles faintly. "Neither would I..." she says thoughtfully. "I 
think I need some rest... thank you for the interesting talk. It's been 
awhile since we've done this."
Rodimus says quietly, "A long while."
Sidearm's optics dim a little more. "For you, definitely..." she says 
says, shutting down for a rest Sidearm has disconnected.

================================== Autobot =============================
Message: 3/36                      Posted        Author
Killarn Raided                     Sat Apr 19    Sidearm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Galvatron personally lead a small party to raid the mines. He, 
Ramjet, Breakdown, Brawl, Blast Off, and Soundwave were there. I believe 
that was all. I believe Ramhorn and a small group of Autobot Troops were 
defending it. By the time I arrived, they were already leaving with 
materials in their arms. I have no idea what happened to the others. I 
wasn't given a chance to check. Galvatron ordered his men to open fire 
on me. When that failed, he did. I fell and crashed, Firestone had to 
drag me back to base. <Slight wince.> If anything it was a good reminder 
to why I avoid him over all. Whiz repaired me. If anyone can check up on 
the area and examine it, that would be most appreciated. I am recovering 
currently, it should be a day or so before I am walking around again. 
Sidearm out.
=======================================================================