Disclaimer: Beast Wars, Beast Machines and all characters related to those series are the property of MainFrame Entertainment and Hasbro Incorporated. The Transformers and all characters related to that series are the property of Hasbro Incorporated. This fan fiction is dedicated to the cast and crew of all three Transformer generations.
The following story, the personal histories of the characters, portions of the history of Cybertron both past and future, and the briefly mentioned Valnatron are all my creation.
Special thanks goes out to Ben Yee of www.bwtf.com for the use of his "Cybertroninan Dictionary" and reviews of the episodes of Beast Wars and Beast Machines; to Gemini83 for his persistence in making sure I stayed on my schedule; to the talented voice actors who brought the characters to life and the people who worked behind the scenes to give those voices a frame to dwell in and adventures to endure.
Beast Wars: Basic Program
Chapter 10; It Begins
The Crystal Forest was beautiful!
It was all Cheetor could do to keep himself from saying that out loud. Insteed he took a deep breath and let it out slowly, quietly, as a smile crossed his face.
A hand swatted Cheetor on the back of his head and he reluctantly handed the binoculars back to Rhinox.
"All ya had to do was ask." Cheetor said, frowning
The Maximals plus Terrorsaur were perched on the cliff where Waspinator and Scorpinok had planned the down fall of Inferno. The support vines were still hanging from the tree branches, swaying in the breeze. From where they were, the Maximals could see Inferno patrolling the beach and Tarantulus carefully monitoring his equipment. There was no sign of Megatron or Black Arachnia.
"This is the place." Terrorsaur said, pointing down to the valley
"It is quiet." Tigatron growled
"Too quiet." Dinobot said darkly
"Will you two stap tryin' ta scare me!" Rattrap hissed "I gotta enough ta worry about right now."
"No sign of Megatron." Rhinox reported "Or Waspinator, Black Arachnia and Scorpinok for that matter." Rhinox lowered the binoculars and turned to Rattrap "Could be a trap."
"Ya t'ink I don' realize dat?" Rattrap asked "Look, if we don' stap Megabutt now, we'll neva get a second chance. Wid a fraction a dis energon in 'iz stock pile, Megatron will be more dan jist a nuisance, he'll be a threat. We got one shot at dis en we're gonna take it, trap or no trap!"
"Maybe we should wait until we find Optimus." Air Razor suggested
"Oh, gee, t'anks fa da vote a confidence, Raze." Rattrap groaned
"She makes a vague point." Dinobot snorted "Optimus has had more experince with this sort of dilemma. Are you up to this challenge, Rattrap?"
Rattrap did a double take, he couldn't remember the last time Dinobot had called him by his name. He shook off the shock and snapped "Hey! I pulled us t'rough da Alien Pod Incident, didn't I! I may not be a Prime, buht I sure as slag kin take care a me en myown!!! So, da REALLY question iz are you guys ready da take Megabutt down or NAHT?!?"
Dinobot grinned darkly and nodded his approval, impressed at the Vermin's sudden heroics.
Rattrap swallowed hard, wishing to be any other place but where he was. He pulled his pistol out of its holster and said "I take it dere's a cave 'hind dat waterfall, right?"
"Looks that way." Rhinox said
"Too easy." Rattrap muttered, then said "All right, 'ere's da deal. Kid, ya stay up 'ere en watch our backs~"
"What!" Cheetor demanded "Look, I said I was sorry for snapping at you earlier, so why are you sticking me in the rear like some Spark who can't tell a phaser from a lazer pistol?!"
"I ain't stinkin' ya in da back!" Rattrap retorted "Will ya let me finish 'fore ya burn my processors? You stay 'ere, da rest a us are gonna go down ta da valley en split inta two groups. When I give da signal, Cheetor, I want ya ta blast dat blasted ant. Got it?"
"Oh. Okay, I got ya covered." Cheetor said, pulling out his Gut-gun
"Rhinox," Rattrap turned his attention to his old friend "when we git down ta da beach, I wan you en Choppa-Face ta cut right, behind dose crystals. Tigatron, you en Air Razor follow me, we's gonna try ta sneak ta da odda side 'hind da waterfall. Got it?"
"What about me?" Terrorsaur asked
Rattrap was caught. He had forgotten about Terrorsaur. Where to put a potentially dangerous ally?
"Ya go wid Choppa-Face en Rhinox."
"Will do."
"Well," Rattrap sighed, hitting his pistol's charge "here we go."
The group moved out, leaving Cheetor alone on the cliff. The vines continued to sway in the breeze. The branches creaked and the shadows danced.
The group raced down to the edge of the beach. They staied a few klicks in the jungle, but never let the beach out of their sight. Dinobot and Rhinox lead the group, taking long strides as they raced silently through the forest. Rattrap, Air Razor and Tigatron did their best to keep up with the biggest of the Maximals....and Terrorsaur pulled up the rear, tripping quietly over vines and tree roots.
As the group neared the waterfall, Rattrap motioned for everyone to stop and hide as he ducked behind a tree near the edge. Rattrap made a quick glance over to the opposite shore; Inferno was still marching stiffly from one point to the other and Tarantulus was typing information frantically into his scanner. Rattrap glanced up to the top of the cliff; Cheetor watched the group's progress with anticipation. Rattrap swallowed hard and motioned for the group to split into their designated parts.
Air Razor and Tigatron darted for the waterfall, side by side, staying hidden amoung foliage and shadow. Then they lept onto the beach, into a maze of giant energon crystals that kept them hidden. This maze lead right to the waterfall, behind which they disappeared.
"Too easy." Rattrap sighed, looking the maze over "Like sumone's waitin' fa us or sumt'in'."
It was too late to call the plan off, so Rattrap took a deep breath and darted. A heavy hand grab his shoulder and pulled him back. Rattrap managed to swallow a rising scream as he turned to come face to face with Dinobot.
"Don' eva do dat!" Rattrap growled, shoving Dinobot's hand from his shoulder
"It would be wise to avoid contact with the water." Dinobot warned
"Rust should be da last t'ing on ya mind, Choppa-Face."
Dinobot shock his head. "The water has been energized somehow. Should one come in contact with it for an extended period of time his memory files will begin to fade and his logic circuits cross."
Rattrap looked skeptically at Dinobot for a moment, then turned his attention to Terrorsaur. The Pred was following Rhinox down to the beach. Once they reached the beach they fanned out and dove for cover behind two different energon boulders, gun ready. Despite his size, Rhinox moved quickly and quietly across the beach. He taken shelter behind boat shaped energon crystal and was motioning for Dinobot to follow.
Dinobot frowned and waved for Rhinox to be patient.
"Dat da secret ya'fraid Megabutt found?" Rattrap asked "T'ink 'e dumped Terrorsaur in dat riva ta git us 'ere?"
"I would not put such a ruthless idea passed Megatron. He has been know to do far worse than use his own as mindless drones." Dinobot growled
"Unda normal circumstances, I'd tell ya ta git ya main-frame checked," Rattrap said, getting to his feet and racing after Tigatron and Air Razor "budis is fafrom a 'normal circumstance'."
"You are welcome." Dinobot snorted, charging down towards the beach
Rattrap raced through the shrubs, through the maze, and dove behind the roaring waterfall, careful not to get wet. The cave behind the waterfall was deep and dark. A perfect place for an ambush. There was no sign of Air Razor or Tigatron. Rattrap swallowed hard and advanced slowly.
"Stripes? Bird-Lady?" Rattrap whispered
The roar of the water was all Rattrap could hear. He crept through the darkness, careful not to slip on the wet rocks, gun ready.
"Tigatron? Air Razor? Come on, dis ain't no time ta play 'Hide en Seek'! Tigatron? Raze?"
A pair of fingers carefully walked across his shoulder before a strong hand grabbed him. Rattrap whirled, ready to fire.
"I said, 'We're right here'!" Air Razor snapped, jamming her hands on her hips "Pay attention, why don't you?"
"Why do you people insist on drivin' me crazy?" Rattrap demanded
"Is everyone in position?" Tigatron asked
"Ready en waitin'. Let's givem da signal en git dis ova wid."
Rattrap, Tigatron and Air Razor made it to the other side of the waterfall as fast as they could. Through the space between the rushing water and the glimmering rock, the group had a clear shot at Tarantulus. Rattrap turned and looked out the rushing waterfall. He could just make out Cheetor, waiting for the signal. Rattrap raised his arm, hand clenched.
"All right," Cheetor said, charging his pistol "here we go."
Rhinox looked from Cheetor to Dinobot. Dinobot nodded solemnly and the two pulled out their weapons.
Terrorsaur aimed at Tarantulus.
Cheetor watched Rattrap, eyes narrowed.
Inferno reached the end of his patrol run, stop, and turn sharply.
Tigatron got Tarantulus in his sights, as did Air Razor.
Rattrap opened his palm.
Tarantulus adjusted his scanners and smiled darkly to himself. "Perfect." he purred
Cheetor took his aim.
Inferno marched right into Cheetor's site.
Dinobot raised his head at a faint sound, a whisper that appeared all to suddenly.
Rattrap brought his hand down.
Black Arachnia lept out of the trees and kicked Cheetor in the back. Cheetor fired his gun, but the She-Pred's kicked had caused him to lose his balance. He tumbled over the edge of the cliff, towards the Lethe beneath him.
"CHEETOR!!" Rhinox yelled as he watched the young Maximal fall to the glowing water below.
Cheetor's blast raced over Inferno's shoulders and struck one of the crystals. The crystal charged and flashed, sending out an energy pulse that fried Tarantulus' equipment!
"Slag those Maximals!" Tarantulus roared "They've ruined everything! Forget the plan! Inferno, blast them!"
Tarantulus and Inferno turned and started to shot into the waterfall. Rattrap, Tigatron and Air Razor raced out of their hiding place firing at the two Preds.
Tigatron and Air Razor dove behind a crystal that had two other crystals growing out of it. Inferno roared and fired his flame gun at the crystals, slowly melting away the Maximals' protection.
Rattrap kept running, dodging Tarantulus' fire as he raced into the Crystal Forest. The Eight-eyed Predicon raced after him, livid at the destruction of his equipment.
Rhinox stood and took aim at Inferno...when a giant shadow fell over him. Rhinox turned around just in time to see Megatron raise a giant four bladed sword made of stable energon above his head and bring it down.
Dinobot shoved Rhinox out of the way and blocked the blow with his own sword! Rhinox banged his head against one of the boulders and blacked out.
Waspinator and Scorpinok raced out of the jungle and open fire. Terrorsaur had just enough time to leap behind a new energon crystal for cover.
"It's an ambush!" Terrorsaur shouted
One of Waspinator's optical blasts struck an energon crystal behind Terrorsaur. The crystal started to spark. Waves of energy began to surge out of the charged crystal. Terrorsaur lept over his protection, but was still in the air when the crystal exploded. The shock wave hit Terrorsaur and sent him flying. He landed at Scorpinok's feet.
"Now, let's see if we can't jog your memory." Scorpinok said, clicking his claws in excitement.
"By the Matrix, what was that!" Optimus shouted
"Sounds like a battle." Silverback said. He rose his nose to the approaching wind and inhaled "Your friends are fighting your enemies, but they are out powered. It would appear the enemy leader has discovered how to use The Gift for destruction."
"Gift?"
"Follow this river to the place it falls, and you will find the Greatest Gift our creators gave us. A valley of powerful crystals. Each color represents a certain power, a certain trait, that must evolve within us if we are ever to reach the VOK. However, the Gift has its own curse. A trickster among the VOK, not fully understanding The Project's purpose, placed crystals in the valley that would drive those who used them insane. Those crystals are rare, but even then the risk is too great....should your enemies find these crystals~"
"Well, we can't let that happen, can we! Come on, my friends are going to need help stopping Megatron! Let's go!"
"No."
"No?"
"I cannot help."
"Why not? Your knowlegde~"
"I am a sworn protector of this planet and it's creatures. You, your allies and your enemies are not of this planet....so I cannot aid you."
Optimus blinked, but for some reason he was not surprised. "Well, you may be free of responsibilities, but I'm not. My crew is in danger and I have to help them! Prime Jets; ON!"
The jets on Optimus' back flared! He rose to the air and started towards the sounds of the battle.
"OPTIMUS!" Silverback shouted.
Optimus stopped and turned back towards Silverback.
"What ever you do, stay clear of the water! When blue crystals are submerged in water their radiation becomes polarized and the new energy frequencies are absorbed into the water! When the water is consumed, the energy frequencies interfere with brain waves and cause the consumer to forget or to scramble recent memories together."
"The River Lethe." Optimus sighed, then to Silverback "But we're robots. We don't~"
"Brainwaves is a relative term. If you think you have 'brainwaves' and the river can harm you. How else do you think you came to believe you were of my kind?"
"But we were never near this river....unless...." Optimus thought it over, then sighed "Of course, Megatron's crystal. I'll have to remember to get it out of the stream before anything else happens."
Optimus held out his hands "Are you SURE you won't come with me?"
Silverback turned towards the Crystal Cave and said nothing.
Optimus sighed, a part of him hurt beyond compair. "Very well. I'll be careful...and thanks for the advice."
Optimus started for the battle.
Silverback was left alone.
The following story, the personal histories of the characters, portions of the history of Cybertron both past and future, and the briefly mentioned Valnatron are all my creation.
Special thanks goes out to Ben Yee of www.bwtf.com for the use of his "Cybertroninan Dictionary" and reviews of the episodes of Beast Wars and Beast Machines; to Gemini83 for his persistence in making sure I stayed on my schedule; to the talented voice actors who brought the characters to life and the people who worked behind the scenes to give those voices a frame to dwell in and adventures to endure.
Beast Wars: Basic Program
Chapter 10; It Begins
The Crystal Forest was beautiful!
It was all Cheetor could do to keep himself from saying that out loud. Insteed he took a deep breath and let it out slowly, quietly, as a smile crossed his face.
A hand swatted Cheetor on the back of his head and he reluctantly handed the binoculars back to Rhinox.
"All ya had to do was ask." Cheetor said, frowning
The Maximals plus Terrorsaur were perched on the cliff where Waspinator and Scorpinok had planned the down fall of Inferno. The support vines were still hanging from the tree branches, swaying in the breeze. From where they were, the Maximals could see Inferno patrolling the beach and Tarantulus carefully monitoring his equipment. There was no sign of Megatron or Black Arachnia.
"This is the place." Terrorsaur said, pointing down to the valley
"It is quiet." Tigatron growled
"Too quiet." Dinobot said darkly
"Will you two stap tryin' ta scare me!" Rattrap hissed "I gotta enough ta worry about right now."
"No sign of Megatron." Rhinox reported "Or Waspinator, Black Arachnia and Scorpinok for that matter." Rhinox lowered the binoculars and turned to Rattrap "Could be a trap."
"Ya t'ink I don' realize dat?" Rattrap asked "Look, if we don' stap Megabutt now, we'll neva get a second chance. Wid a fraction a dis energon in 'iz stock pile, Megatron will be more dan jist a nuisance, he'll be a threat. We got one shot at dis en we're gonna take it, trap or no trap!"
"Maybe we should wait until we find Optimus." Air Razor suggested
"Oh, gee, t'anks fa da vote a confidence, Raze." Rattrap groaned
"She makes a vague point." Dinobot snorted "Optimus has had more experince with this sort of dilemma. Are you up to this challenge, Rattrap?"
Rattrap did a double take, he couldn't remember the last time Dinobot had called him by his name. He shook off the shock and snapped "Hey! I pulled us t'rough da Alien Pod Incident, didn't I! I may not be a Prime, buht I sure as slag kin take care a me en myown!!! So, da REALLY question iz are you guys ready da take Megabutt down or NAHT?!?"
Dinobot grinned darkly and nodded his approval, impressed at the Vermin's sudden heroics.
Rattrap swallowed hard, wishing to be any other place but where he was. He pulled his pistol out of its holster and said "I take it dere's a cave 'hind dat waterfall, right?"
"Looks that way." Rhinox said
"Too easy." Rattrap muttered, then said "All right, 'ere's da deal. Kid, ya stay up 'ere en watch our backs~"
"What!" Cheetor demanded "Look, I said I was sorry for snapping at you earlier, so why are you sticking me in the rear like some Spark who can't tell a phaser from a lazer pistol?!"
"I ain't stinkin' ya in da back!" Rattrap retorted "Will ya let me finish 'fore ya burn my processors? You stay 'ere, da rest a us are gonna go down ta da valley en split inta two groups. When I give da signal, Cheetor, I want ya ta blast dat blasted ant. Got it?"
"Oh. Okay, I got ya covered." Cheetor said, pulling out his Gut-gun
"Rhinox," Rattrap turned his attention to his old friend "when we git down ta da beach, I wan you en Choppa-Face ta cut right, behind dose crystals. Tigatron, you en Air Razor follow me, we's gonna try ta sneak ta da odda side 'hind da waterfall. Got it?"
"What about me?" Terrorsaur asked
Rattrap was caught. He had forgotten about Terrorsaur. Where to put a potentially dangerous ally?
"Ya go wid Choppa-Face en Rhinox."
"Will do."
"Well," Rattrap sighed, hitting his pistol's charge "here we go."
The group moved out, leaving Cheetor alone on the cliff. The vines continued to sway in the breeze. The branches creaked and the shadows danced.
The group raced down to the edge of the beach. They staied a few klicks in the jungle, but never let the beach out of their sight. Dinobot and Rhinox lead the group, taking long strides as they raced silently through the forest. Rattrap, Air Razor and Tigatron did their best to keep up with the biggest of the Maximals....and Terrorsaur pulled up the rear, tripping quietly over vines and tree roots.
As the group neared the waterfall, Rattrap motioned for everyone to stop and hide as he ducked behind a tree near the edge. Rattrap made a quick glance over to the opposite shore; Inferno was still marching stiffly from one point to the other and Tarantulus was typing information frantically into his scanner. Rattrap glanced up to the top of the cliff; Cheetor watched the group's progress with anticipation. Rattrap swallowed hard and motioned for the group to split into their designated parts.
Air Razor and Tigatron darted for the waterfall, side by side, staying hidden amoung foliage and shadow. Then they lept onto the beach, into a maze of giant energon crystals that kept them hidden. This maze lead right to the waterfall, behind which they disappeared.
"Too easy." Rattrap sighed, looking the maze over "Like sumone's waitin' fa us or sumt'in'."
It was too late to call the plan off, so Rattrap took a deep breath and darted. A heavy hand grab his shoulder and pulled him back. Rattrap managed to swallow a rising scream as he turned to come face to face with Dinobot.
"Don' eva do dat!" Rattrap growled, shoving Dinobot's hand from his shoulder
"It would be wise to avoid contact with the water." Dinobot warned
"Rust should be da last t'ing on ya mind, Choppa-Face."
Dinobot shock his head. "The water has been energized somehow. Should one come in contact with it for an extended period of time his memory files will begin to fade and his logic circuits cross."
Rattrap looked skeptically at Dinobot for a moment, then turned his attention to Terrorsaur. The Pred was following Rhinox down to the beach. Once they reached the beach they fanned out and dove for cover behind two different energon boulders, gun ready. Despite his size, Rhinox moved quickly and quietly across the beach. He taken shelter behind boat shaped energon crystal and was motioning for Dinobot to follow.
Dinobot frowned and waved for Rhinox to be patient.
"Dat da secret ya'fraid Megabutt found?" Rattrap asked "T'ink 'e dumped Terrorsaur in dat riva ta git us 'ere?"
"I would not put such a ruthless idea passed Megatron. He has been know to do far worse than use his own as mindless drones." Dinobot growled
"Unda normal circumstances, I'd tell ya ta git ya main-frame checked," Rattrap said, getting to his feet and racing after Tigatron and Air Razor "budis is fafrom a 'normal circumstance'."
"You are welcome." Dinobot snorted, charging down towards the beach
Rattrap raced through the shrubs, through the maze, and dove behind the roaring waterfall, careful not to get wet. The cave behind the waterfall was deep and dark. A perfect place for an ambush. There was no sign of Air Razor or Tigatron. Rattrap swallowed hard and advanced slowly.
"Stripes? Bird-Lady?" Rattrap whispered
The roar of the water was all Rattrap could hear. He crept through the darkness, careful not to slip on the wet rocks, gun ready.
"Tigatron? Air Razor? Come on, dis ain't no time ta play 'Hide en Seek'! Tigatron? Raze?"
A pair of fingers carefully walked across his shoulder before a strong hand grabbed him. Rattrap whirled, ready to fire.
"I said, 'We're right here'!" Air Razor snapped, jamming her hands on her hips "Pay attention, why don't you?"
"Why do you people insist on drivin' me crazy?" Rattrap demanded
"Is everyone in position?" Tigatron asked
"Ready en waitin'. Let's givem da signal en git dis ova wid."
Rattrap, Tigatron and Air Razor made it to the other side of the waterfall as fast as they could. Through the space between the rushing water and the glimmering rock, the group had a clear shot at Tarantulus. Rattrap turned and looked out the rushing waterfall. He could just make out Cheetor, waiting for the signal. Rattrap raised his arm, hand clenched.
"All right," Cheetor said, charging his pistol "here we go."
Rhinox looked from Cheetor to Dinobot. Dinobot nodded solemnly and the two pulled out their weapons.
Terrorsaur aimed at Tarantulus.
Cheetor watched Rattrap, eyes narrowed.
Inferno reached the end of his patrol run, stop, and turn sharply.
Tigatron got Tarantulus in his sights, as did Air Razor.
Rattrap opened his palm.
Tarantulus adjusted his scanners and smiled darkly to himself. "Perfect." he purred
Cheetor took his aim.
Inferno marched right into Cheetor's site.
Dinobot raised his head at a faint sound, a whisper that appeared all to suddenly.
Rattrap brought his hand down.
Black Arachnia lept out of the trees and kicked Cheetor in the back. Cheetor fired his gun, but the She-Pred's kicked had caused him to lose his balance. He tumbled over the edge of the cliff, towards the Lethe beneath him.
"CHEETOR!!" Rhinox yelled as he watched the young Maximal fall to the glowing water below.
Cheetor's blast raced over Inferno's shoulders and struck one of the crystals. The crystal charged and flashed, sending out an energy pulse that fried Tarantulus' equipment!
"Slag those Maximals!" Tarantulus roared "They've ruined everything! Forget the plan! Inferno, blast them!"
Tarantulus and Inferno turned and started to shot into the waterfall. Rattrap, Tigatron and Air Razor raced out of their hiding place firing at the two Preds.
Tigatron and Air Razor dove behind a crystal that had two other crystals growing out of it. Inferno roared and fired his flame gun at the crystals, slowly melting away the Maximals' protection.
Rattrap kept running, dodging Tarantulus' fire as he raced into the Crystal Forest. The Eight-eyed Predicon raced after him, livid at the destruction of his equipment.
Rhinox stood and took aim at Inferno...when a giant shadow fell over him. Rhinox turned around just in time to see Megatron raise a giant four bladed sword made of stable energon above his head and bring it down.
Dinobot shoved Rhinox out of the way and blocked the blow with his own sword! Rhinox banged his head against one of the boulders and blacked out.
Waspinator and Scorpinok raced out of the jungle and open fire. Terrorsaur had just enough time to leap behind a new energon crystal for cover.
"It's an ambush!" Terrorsaur shouted
One of Waspinator's optical blasts struck an energon crystal behind Terrorsaur. The crystal started to spark. Waves of energy began to surge out of the charged crystal. Terrorsaur lept over his protection, but was still in the air when the crystal exploded. The shock wave hit Terrorsaur and sent him flying. He landed at Scorpinok's feet.
"Now, let's see if we can't jog your memory." Scorpinok said, clicking his claws in excitement.
"By the Matrix, what was that!" Optimus shouted
"Sounds like a battle." Silverback said. He rose his nose to the approaching wind and inhaled "Your friends are fighting your enemies, but they are out powered. It would appear the enemy leader has discovered how to use The Gift for destruction."
"Gift?"
"Follow this river to the place it falls, and you will find the Greatest Gift our creators gave us. A valley of powerful crystals. Each color represents a certain power, a certain trait, that must evolve within us if we are ever to reach the VOK. However, the Gift has its own curse. A trickster among the VOK, not fully understanding The Project's purpose, placed crystals in the valley that would drive those who used them insane. Those crystals are rare, but even then the risk is too great....should your enemies find these crystals~"
"Well, we can't let that happen, can we! Come on, my friends are going to need help stopping Megatron! Let's go!"
"No."
"No?"
"I cannot help."
"Why not? Your knowlegde~"
"I am a sworn protector of this planet and it's creatures. You, your allies and your enemies are not of this planet....so I cannot aid you."
Optimus blinked, but for some reason he was not surprised. "Well, you may be free of responsibilities, but I'm not. My crew is in danger and I have to help them! Prime Jets; ON!"
The jets on Optimus' back flared! He rose to the air and started towards the sounds of the battle.
"OPTIMUS!" Silverback shouted.
Optimus stopped and turned back towards Silverback.
"What ever you do, stay clear of the water! When blue crystals are submerged in water their radiation becomes polarized and the new energy frequencies are absorbed into the water! When the water is consumed, the energy frequencies interfere with brain waves and cause the consumer to forget or to scramble recent memories together."
"The River Lethe." Optimus sighed, then to Silverback "But we're robots. We don't~"
"Brainwaves is a relative term. If you think you have 'brainwaves' and the river can harm you. How else do you think you came to believe you were of my kind?"
"But we were never near this river....unless...." Optimus thought it over, then sighed "Of course, Megatron's crystal. I'll have to remember to get it out of the stream before anything else happens."
Optimus held out his hands "Are you SURE you won't come with me?"
Silverback turned towards the Crystal Cave and said nothing.
Optimus sighed, a part of him hurt beyond compair. "Very well. I'll be careful...and thanks for the advice."
Optimus started for the battle.
Silverback was left alone.