Enjoy!
- Look at first chapter for disclaimer
Chapter 2: First Impressions (Tangled Web)
Pure dreamless sleep and nothing but quiet serenity, I was nice and warm too, my guess was that I was back in bed…safe. But alas, my brain had an annoying tendency to 'activate' at random times, especially early ones. As I woke up I blinked once, twice, three times before my vision cleared up enough to see a large silver, yellow and blue figure typing studiously away at a computer in front of me. And that the dimensions had not changed. I moved as noiselessly as I could manage, and looked behind me to see that my resting place was up against some kind of table, no, that's no table…damn it. I rubbed at my eyes and looked back over to the figure who -as if suddenly aware he was being watched- stopped typing and looked over his shoulder at me.
"Oh…Hi there!" he said awkwardly and waved.
I, again, stared blankly, that's definitely Cheetor…I couldn't possibly still be dreaming! But –ugh! I refrained from groaning and shook my head, just…play along, it's gotta end sometime…this has got to be a false awakening. I then walked over slowly "hello…" and stopped and tilted my head "are you the guy who patched me up?" I was also aware of bandages covering almost every conceivable inch of me. Huh, I guess launching myself into that 'dream' river really did mess me up. I couldn't help but wonder how I was even able to run. The stranger shrugged and offered a slight smile.
"Nah, you're going to have to thank Rhinox, he did most of the work. He should be somewhere on the ship…are you okay?"
I realized I was spaced out "…maybe…"
His smile got wider and he offered a hand (or half a cats' head), "name's Cheetor, and you're…?"
"…Cassandra…" I averted my gaze. Still feeling very awkward despite Cheetor being one of the friendliest people in the Beast Wars "…so there was this other bot…guy with a dog-face and wings"
"Silverbolt? Yeah, he came back with a few metal burns but that didn't stop him from going on patrol with Rattrap, no worries"
"Oh okay…"
He raised a brow "you look guilty"
"I kind of left him to face off against that big bad red guy with the flamethrower" who also wanted to take me to Megatron. Oh and guess what! I'm not from here!
Blink.
Blink.
"Oh you mean Inferno! Don't worry; I'm sure you had good reason to run away. To be honest, Inferno kinda scares me sometimes too…" and there he went about blabbering and my mind went about teleporting somewhere else. Up until the point where there was a beeping on the computer that instantly drew Cheetors' attention, and as protocol would have it, he patched onto a frequency:
"Hate to interrupt your fun big-bot, but I'm picking up a weird signal. It's a Pred code but it's on a Maximal frequency"
"Location?" I heard Optimus inquire on the other end of the transmission
"I can't get a fix, it keeps moving"
"Who's closest?"
Cheetor diverted his attention to the radar, and patched another comlink "Rattrap, Silverbolt, you guys busy?"
"…ohh yeah Skycat…" some guy with a Brooklyn accent –Rattrap, spoke sarcastically "I'm getting my spankin' new armor polished, whataya want?"
"We're picking up a Pred signal in Vector 8-4-7, Optimus says track and identify"
Another voice then patched in; "we will get on it immediately Cheetor" Silverbolt assured and the line dropped, which left me and Cheetor in a few moments of silence. Awkward silence.
"Soooo…this is the part where I get a tour of the ship?" if this is a dream I want to see the rest of the Axalon before it ends damn it!
"Oh, yeah of course!" he piped excitedly as he spun around in the chair, but as soon as it surfaced, the excitement was gone "…but I'm on monitor duty…"
I raised a brow "I could give myself a self-tour, and who knows…" I started walking "I might run into this 'Rhinox' guy and he could help me out" yeah no kidding, I could get lost…
"Okay…"
I walked through the automated door-
"Hey Cass!" only to stop short at the cats' volume.
"Optimus was with Rhinox last time I checked so you might see him too. And I don't know where Dinobot is, but I'm pretty sure he's on the ship…" he pondered for a brief moment "…but you might want to avoid him, just to be safe"
"…okay…" and so I continued walking, very much aware of Cheetors' stare at my retreating form. When I was sure I was out of earshot, I sighed loudly.
"Oh boy, when is this gonna end? I mean I love Beast Wars but this is a little much, my lucid dreams are not this elaborate" I muttered under my breath, a little paranoid at the thought someone would hear me "…oh well, I guess I should relax. It's bad enough Silverbolt and Cheetor probably think I'm crazy"
After I explored the ship to the best of my ability, I eventually settled with sitting in a random hallway. A nice and cool, quiet hallway. I had to remind myself that if I got myself lost that it would add to my stress. But I didn't want to go back to the command center (not that I could, I was already lost). I didn't quite want to sit around either because it was only a matter of time before I got bored sitting in the hallway. And, with great effort, I stood back up and continued to meander through the ships' hallways. I wasn't actually bothering to look for Optimus or Rhinox, I was perfectly content wandering. Well, up until I heard a door open, and that goal was rekindled. I paused and listened if the footsteps were headed my way, and surely enough, they most certainly were. But who they belonged to made me question if I wanted to introduce myself, especially when I've been told to avoid one transformer in particular, Dinobot to be specific. Of course with all the time it took for me to reconsider my options, the footsteps already rounded the corner leading into the hallway I was in. And when I finally snapped out of it, I found myself staring into the red (terrifying) optics of a very surprised, and very big, raptor-former. I stood perfectly still as he snarled, rather loudly, and pulled out a sword, I should have known better than to run into him first –damn it-!
Only when he started to move was when I finally sprinted the other way, not completely sure if he would listen to me if I were to have explained myself…I really didn't want to get impaled.
"Come back and face me intruder!"
I risked a glance over my shoulder and mentally berated myself once I saw he had quickly gained on me. He seemed to be enjoying himself…
That bastard
With a sudden change in attitude and a swiftness that I thought I didn't possess, I stopped, whirled around, and side-stepped him as he dove past me –with what I assumed was the intention of grabbing me. To prevent from falling on his face, he then somersaulted and got in a stance. Before he could have made any more moves however, I started clapping slowly. Because why not? I actually had a plan, and if I died? Oh well, I figured I'd get back to my reality. I rolled my eyes; "Well congratulations fearless warrior, you have caught your prey which just so happens to be a helpless unarmed woman. May I ask what you were about to do? Or should I not inquire about my impending death?" I made sure every word was dripping in sarcasm and I kept steady eye contact with a rather intimidating beast warrior. Whom of which possessed the funniest expression that seemed to be close to an 'oh really?'. I was silently thankful he hadn't run me through with his sword, or rather he hadn't had the chance to before two bots turned the corner. Upon sight of them, Dinobot lowered his weapon, but his sight stayed trained on me. I just wiggled my nose at him
"Dinobot?"
Said bot snarled like an animal.
"You weren't going to hurt her were you?" Optimus asked.
"He did just have his sword out-" I ducked behind Rhinox as a predatory glare was shot in my direction.
Optimus' metal brows furrowed at my remark. He probably thought I was being a smartass, which respectively, I was.
"I saw. Dinobot? Follow me…" and with that, both of them walked down the hallway (in the direction me and Dinobot ran in from) and ultimately disappeared around the corner. A gentle tap made me look up
"I believe we haven't officially met, I'm Rhinox" he held out a massive hand. Which I graciously took, the handshake being slow and clumsy, but at least I didn't have my hand broken, "And you are…?"
"Cassandra"
"Alright…you wouldn't mind if I ran a quick scan on you? I wish to check your vitals as well as any damage Dinobot may have inflicted"
"Not at all, and as for that Dinobot guy…he didn't do any damage. I made sure of that"
With a small nod, Rhinox pulled out a small device, and with a few beeps, it emitted a brief scanning light. Nodding some more, Rhinox gestured for me to follow him, "I also have questions for you…"
"Okay"
So he led me back to the command center. As we got there I sat next to Cheetor, who looked absolutely delighted, and Rhinox sat next to me.
"I have quite a bulk of questions to ask you. And so I assumed you wouldn't have wanted to stand in that hallway for that duration of time"
I nodded.
"Alright, first question. Do you know of the Transformers?"
"Yes sir" I blurted. Dumbass! Maximals have never really interacted with humans…have they?
"Maximals and Autobots alike…?"
"…yes…" I sheepishly answered. I was absolutely incapable of lying.
"So you know about the Great War?"
Hmmmmm… "I've read about it…?"
Rhinox raised an optic ridge, but shrugged "I'm sorry, I didn't expect a human to know of us. The human race has been out of contact with ours for centuries…"
"…yeah I get around…"
"Get around? Are you from Earth, or perhaps a colony planet?"
"Errr, Earth" just relax, this is just a dream…
"And just how did you read about us?" he sounded intrigued.
"…I snooped into some ancient records…" okay, so I was capable of lying.
That earned a smirk "I hope you did it legally"
Hahaha funny guy I smiled a genuine smile "Yes sir, I was just very thorough going through the library".
"Very…" he tapped his chin and logged something into his data pad "Another question…how did you get here?"
"ehehe, funny thing. I just woke up here" I answered truthfully. I felt good with the knowledge I was being sincere. The best part was that it was in my tone.
"…you 'just woke up here'?"
I gave him my best serious stare, which he hummed thoughtfully and walked over to the strategy hub. Once he plugged the device in, the scanners data immediately flashed onto the hub to show my general outline…nothing too detailed, thank Primus.
"I don't know much on human anatomy…"
Why thank you Doctor Rhinox!
"…but you're definitely human. Please forgive my earlier suspicions, but humans of your physique don't exist in this point in time"
"How so…?" I knew so, I just wanted to hear it, for him to confirm it. I felt a massive hand rest on my shoulder.
"I don't mean to startle you, but you're roughly four million years in Earth's past"
I was as horrible actress as I was a liar. "Oh…" I tried. I really did. At the least, he had not picked up on my poor acting effort. And so he gave a soft nervous smile.
"Don't worry, I won't question you any further" and then looked over to Cheetor, whom of which gawked at the holographic display "Cheetor" the cat jumped "perhaps you'd like to show our new member to a room? Maybe find her something to read?"
"Sure! But what about-"
"I'll cover you. Just come right back when you've found a room"
"On it Big R" Cheetor then gestured excitedly for me to follow. I waved a quick goodbye to Rhinox as we left through the automated door.
Even more time, that I hadn't bothered track, swept by as Cheetor eventually found a suitable room, "I know it's not much but it'll grow on you" he lead me in, examining every nook and cranny for what I assumed was nothing but eventually he found a single data pad.
"Here's a datapad. It doesn't have much, just some info on the Predacons"
"Still…it's reading material and the helpful kind at that" too bad I already know all the Predacons and depending where I am in the plotline, just slightly more…
He stood at the side of the bed awkwardly for a full ten seconds before slowly inching toward the door, "Well I gotta go…monitor duty" and before I could give so much as a 'yup', he zipped off. Only to briefly appear back in the doorway "Oh! I almost forgot! Your rooms' password is 37664! If you ever forget just ask!" and then he was gone, the door shut immediately afterward.
37664 huh? Well I'm going to be asking for that soon enough…thanks Cheetor I blew out air and went back to reading about the Predacons. I read every last little detail (and chuckled at each and every one of them) as the minutes ticked on by, just for fun. After that, I waited for the moment I'd 'wake up', which I soon learned was pointless. So instead, I explored my room. It was a simple little cubicle, plain and grey with a metal bed and desk…exactly like the rooms had looked in the series. I hope these guys will soon learn that I'll need something soft to sleep on, I smiled as I remembered the forest floor, if not I'll just sleep in the forest…provided I'm here for that long. I jumped once someone knocked on my door, must I answer?
"Cassandra?"
Hmmmm I would have found it rude to not answer Silverbolt, especially after he saved my poor, confused hide, and not only that, but he was just a really nice guy and I would have felt extremely guilty if I ignored him. I sighed and walked over to the door, presssing the button to open it.
"Looking pretty good for a dead guy"
"Ah ha, sense of humor I see…how are you feeling?" he cocked his head to the side slightly
"Aside from almost being Purina Dinobot chow...I'm just dandy"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes siree"
"…have you been acquainted with everybody?"
"Almost, I have yet to meet this Rattrap guy" in person anyway…
Awkward silence then: "I'll…be taking my leave now" and he left. I was little bummed to say the least, because I wanted to chat more, but just shrugged it off, he's probably got things to do.I sighed and turned away, pressing the button to close the door. However, the door did not close as a rather loud and unpleasant clang sounded behind me. And so what did I do?
I squeaked/squealed and jumped maybe a good foot. I heard a chuckle and spun around.
"Dat was da cutest noise I'd eva heard-"
"I promise you'll make that same noise after I tear out your lugnuts and shove'em down your throat" I placed my hands on my hips and narrowed my eyes at a smug Rattrap. I wasn't angry; in fact, I was overjoyed that I met one of favorite beast warriors.
"Rattrap" he held his hand out. Surprised, I accepted his handshake. Oh wow, so this was a test? Are we gonna be good friends now or what? That will be so awesome! I smiled and shook his hand. First impressions were funny little things
"Cassandra"
"I have a funny feelin' we're gonna get along just fine…as long as ya leave my lugnuts alone"
I rolled my eyes and grinned, "no promises".
Rattrap's red optics widened, his grin doing the same. "Yep, we're gonna be besties for sure…hmmm…" he stroked his chin mischievously.
"What are you thinking?" because it ain't good whatever it is…if it's a prank I hope he doesn't throw me under the bus just because I'm new here…
"Ya new here right?"
Yup, it's gonna be a prank "…sure…" that was all he wanted to hear, his grin stretched wider as he grabbed my hand and pulled me out of my quarters.
I kept my mouth shut as I carried one big jug of paint while Rattrap carried a funny looking contraption. It was obvious whatever we were doing was meant to be quick and silent as we hurried into a room. And as I had judged from the reptilian skin hanging and sword-racks, I guessed it was Dinobots'. Dear baby Primus what I have gotten myself into, although I had regrets, I hadn't really done anything to stop myself. Rattrap was ridiculously charismatic. Said rat hummed a pleasant little tune as he linked the device to Dinobots' door. Have I mentioned that the gallon of paint I carried contained pink paint? "Now we jus' need da final ingredient, Cass?" I nodded, nervous as hell as I handed him the gallon. It's just a dream, it's just a dream –oh who am I kidding! First day I'm going to piss Dinobot off! I recalled our first meeting, or maybe I already have… I swallowed the lump in my throat as Rattrap finished dumping the last of the paint in the contraptions' built-in bucket. Once he did, he leaped down and pulled me out of the room as if Unicron himself was on his ass.
We waited in the command center. And in the meantime, I was introduced again, but in a more formal manner. "Welcome aboard the Axalon…" Optimus held out his hand, and not missing a beat, I shook it with a big smile on my face "Cassandra was it? Unless I got it wrong"
"Nope, that's my name"
"Alright" the transmetal monkey's optics panned the room "I'm going to assume you've met everybody?"
Rattrap walked over and patted my shoulder, "Dat's right boss monkey, we're practically best buds"
"Poor lady" Cheetor quipped with a chuckle. A sound that proved to be contagious as I had found myself chuckling, Cheetor was a funny kid.
"You haven't got her into trouble have you?" Rhinox lumbered up to my right and placed a protective hand on my head. Act cool I kept a straight face.
Rattrap shrugged "Nah" but when no one looked he winked at me. I grinned back and walked over to Silverbolt.
"Say, I didn't thank you earlier for saving me from that Inferno nutcase…guess I must have been out of it" I smirked and patted his shoulder (he was tall, but I could still reach).
"It is no problem, dear lady" and so he dramatically bowed like a gentlemen. Something I would have been okay with if it hadn't been in front of a small group of people. I felt myself grow red.
"Okay okay, noneofthatLancelotcomeon" I ushered him back into a standing position, we got chuckles.
"Dere's Silverbolt for ya-"
We all jumped upon hearing an enraged snarl echo through the base. It wasn't long before Dinobot charged into the room, his red optics the only part of him that weren't covered in pink paint. He glared at Rattrap.
"Aye DinoButt that color looks good on ya" the rat put an arm around my shoulders "it's our masterpiece, ain't dat right Cassandra"
I paled, he threw me under the bus –I shoulda KNOWN "Uhhhh sure…?" and then Dinobot glared at me. Without another word Rattrap pushed me behind Rhinox and ran out of the room. After he stood there and contemplated who he should go after, Dinobot then stormed after the rat maximal. Rhinox pat my head and sighed.
"I'll escort you to your room"