Primal Hunter
by: Takashidaimao
Chapter 6: Sabotage

This two-month-long posting delay has been brought to you in part by Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Elder Scrolls: Providing Bethesda with the ensnared souls of gamers since 1994.

The next few weeks were unusually quiet, all things considered. Optimus had given Dinobot what had to have been a three hour long speech that had the basic plot outline of 'I told you so.' Much to his surprise the raptor listened patiently, giving only the minimal response when prompted. While that seemed all well and good, there was a downside; he'd said little more to anyone since. At first Optimus was determined not to let the silent treatment get under his skin. The attempt barely lasted half a day before he began to feel like a complete ass. It took nearly a week for the commander to get his mate to talk to him, let alone sleep in the same room again. Still, Dinobot didn't seem angry at all. More distracted than anything else, especially in the past few days. It was beginning to worry him to the point where he couldn't effectively hide it from his crew anymore.

"Rhinox, what's the ETA on that stasis pod landing? Any change?" The commander asked, pacing slightly behind the science officer's station. "Same as it's been. Estimate's still at one week. Y'know, it won't change no matter how hard you stare at it, old friend." Rhinox replied, offering a small joke in an attempt to calm Optimus' nerves. The ape vented out a sigh, smiling slightly at the attempt. "Sorry..." The apology from the leader caused Rattrap to look over, a smirk already fixed across his face. "Gettin' a li'l nervous there, Boss Monkey?" the rat teased with a slight chuckle. Optimus let out a scoff, shaking his head at the question. "And you're not? Dinobot's only got ten more days at best. I want to make sure we're in the best position we can be to recover this pod with its life support systems intact. We can't afford to have to wait for another one."

"Hey, wait a minute, Big Bot!" Cheetor interjected, turning in his chair. "You sound like all you care about is that pod! What about the Maximal inside? Don't they matter to you at all?" the young scout demanded, folding his arms across his chest plate. Rhinox couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. "Don't get your tail in a knot, Cheetor. Optimus wouldn't be so focused on the pod if there were anyone inside. The one we're tracking is empty. It was one of the pods set aside for the bridge crew in case of an emergency." The feline's optics blinked at the explanation as he tilted his head to one side. "So, that pod belongs to... one of us?"

"That's why this one is the ideal target. Once the Predacons realize there's no protoform inside to manipulate, they should abandon their pursuit. Theoretically, at least." Optimus explained. Of course, that explanation didn't seem to bolster the confidence of their friendly neighborhood pessimist. "'Theoretically' is tha way it's gonna stay, Scrape Ape. Or did ya already forget what happened with Inferno? Tarantulus was more interested in his pod than he was with reprogramming tha bot inside. Even if tha Preds back off- and I ain't sayin' they will- we're still gonna hafta fight tha Spiders for it." The commander vented a sigh at Rattrap's interjection. He was right of course. The Spiders had taken an interest in Maximal stasis technology as of late and it was anyone's guess as to why. Still, battling two Predacons was a far more favorable scenario than having to take on all seven, especially since they were still one man shy of being at full strength. "I just hope Dinobot lasts long enough for us to at least try to get our hands on the slagging thing..."

"Hey, speaking of Dinobot... Where is he? I haven't seen him all morning." Cheetor asked curiously, earning yet another uneasy sigh from their leader. As if he wasn't worried enough as it is. "I'm not sure. He was still asleep the last time I checked on him." Optimus replied, his brow plates furrowing slightly. Rattrap could be heard giving a scoff at that. "Jeez, ya think Choppaface is gettin' enough beauty rest?" the rat joked lightly, though Optimus could have sworn he detected a hint of concern in the small bots voice. Apparently Rhinox picked up on it as well. "You're all worrying too much. The protoform's stasis chamber will drain a lot of energy from his power reserves, but not enough to do any damage to his systems. He'll be fine. He's just tired is all."

"'Ey, I ain't worried 'bout ol' Lizard Lips. Tha Big Ape does enough worrin' fer tha bunch of us in that particular department. I'm just sayin'... If Big Momma Rex is so 'fine' then why can't he come out here an' sit on monitor duty like tha rest of us for once?" Rattrap retorted, raising his hands defensively at the accusation that he was just as nervous as the rest of them. In fact, though he'd never admit it, he was probably the most anxious one there save for the expectant parents themselves. "I can ask him to relieve you for a little while if you'd like, but only if he feels up to it. I don't want to put any more strain on him than necessary right now." Optimus offered as he turned to proceed towards the back of the ship. He'd take any excuse he could to go check on his mate. Maybe he was worrying too much...

Optimus first checked his own quarters, as that's where Dinobot had been sleeping (finally) for the past month. Much to his surprise he found his bed vacant. The commander grumbled a bit to himself. Well, so much for 'Good morning, Dear.' He had no idea why he expected such a thing. The raptor seemed almost incapable of showing affection in any verbal form, even after all this time. He'd always been the more physical type, and since the two of them couldn't exactly get very physical at the moment, well... Needless to say there was a bit of a strain developing in their relationship. He'd have to work on getting the warrior to open up a little more.

Since the raptor wasn't where he'd left him, Optimus opted for the next most likely location. Luckily, Dinobot was indeed in his quarters. Hearing the door slide open behind him, the Saurian instinctively jumped up to his feet, having been sitting at his desk. The commander raised a brow as his mate looked back at him from over his shoulder-plate, obviously trying to hide whatever he was working on. Unfortunately, since he was so close to having the little bot, hiding something behind his body wasn't exactly a hard task to accomplish. "Yes? Do you need me for something?" he questioned in a somewhat impatient tone. Optimus shook his head. So now he couldn't even speak to his mate without wanting something? "No. I just wanted to check up on you." Dinobot averted his gaze, letting out a low growl. "I see... Well? You've checked on me. You can leave now."

Even though that was probably the most the raptor had said to him all week, Optimus was surprised at how quickly he was dismissed. "That's it? You just want me to go? Dinobot, if something's wrong, you know you can tell me. I've been worried sick about you these past few days." Another growl preceded Dinobot's answer. "And therein lies the problem..."he hissed, never turning to face his commander. The ape furrowed his brow plates in confusion. "I'm worried... And that's a problem?" "Yes!" the raptor retorted immediately, finally turning to face the other bot. His little mystery project remained hidden from view behind his back. "The fact that you are so concerned for my well-being is precisely what's bothering me! I'm a warrior, Optimus! I shouldn't have to be treated as though I'm as brittle as glass! I'm not just talking about you either! It's everyone!" he rumbled out, averting optics once again. Optimus vented a sigh. So that was the problem. The ape stepped in close to the warrior, placing a hand gently against his side. Once his mate looked down at him, he gave a soft smile.

"It was never our intention to upset you at all, but you know we wouldn't be so protective of you if we didn't think there was just cause to do so." the commander offered in a calm tone. Dinobot merely sighed in response, placing a hand over that of his mate's. "And I would not be so upset if I myself did not see just cause for your concern..." Well, Optimus certainly wasn't expecting that one. It also didn't do much to affirm Rhinox's 'he'll be fine' conclusion in his mind. "What? Are you okay? Did something happen?" he questioned somewhat frantically. Dinobot rolled his optics, shaking his head slightly. He should have expected such an overreaction. "No, nothing's happened. Not recently, in any case... I just can't seem to get what happened out there with Terrorsaur out of my head. I should have been able to dispatch that fool in an instant, yet he had me pinned there like a helpless little lamb. I could do nothing until the rodent showed up to help..." That, in Dinobot's opinion, was the salt in the wound; having been saved by Rattrap of all bots. "Have I become so weak that I can't even fight a single foe on my own?"

"You're not weak." Optimus assured firmly. "You just aren't used to fighting defensively. I know you, Dinobot. You always rush in with no concern for yourself, defeating your enemy being your only priority. I must admit, you've been an unstoppable force that has crushed more than your fair share of immovable objects... But now even you realize that you can't do that anymore, if not for yourself then for your child. If you ask me, that just makes you stronger." Dinobot stared down at the commander for a long moment, searching the bots determined optics. He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on his mate's lips. "How is it you always know exactly what to say?" Optimus couldn't help but flash a cocky grin. "It's in my job description."

After another kiss Dinobot straightened up again. "In any case... I suppose it was fortunate you came to check on me. I've a small matter that needs attending to and I... I cannot do it on my own..." he admitted reluctantly, glancing away. Optimus gave a small smile. "If you ever need help with anything all you have to do is ask." The raptor nodded before stepping aside, no longer feeling the need to hide what he'd been working on. "Then I'd like to ask that you accompany me on one last hunting trip."

Cheetor looked back in time to see Optimus returning to the bridge with the large brown lizard in tow. The young scout had to look away quickly as to not get caught chuckling to himself. Even in Beast Mode it had become impossible for Dinobot to hide how much the stasis chamber in his abdomen had grown. As humorous as the feline found it, he wouldn't be caught dead laughing about it, especially with how edgy Optimus was and how self-conscious Dinobot felt about it. "We're stepping out for a few cycles. Rattrap, I want you to follow our signals and alert me immediately if you see a Predacon energy signature within a mile of our location." The commander's announcement was followed by an annoyed snarl. "Oh for the love of... Is that really necessary?" the raptor rumbled out as his mate reverted to his gorilla form. "Considering what happened last time? Yes, I find it entirely necessary." Dinobot could be heard grumbling something about the commander being a 'typical overprotective primate' but didn't argue beyond that point. However, just as the dinosaur turned towards the ships exit port Rattrap decided to add in his two cents. "Hey, what gives? I thought ya said ya were gonna get Choppaface ta cover fer me fer a few cycles!" Dinobot cocked a leathery brow at that, eyes instantly drifting towards the Maximal leader. The ape gave a half-apologetic shrug of his shoulders. The raptor heaved a sigh of defeat, shaking his head. "Oh, alright... I'll relieve you after we return." he gave in quickly before proceeding out the exit with Optimus following closely behind. Once the two were out of sight Rattrap scratched at his chin thoughtfully. So all he had to do was say 'Optimus said so' and Choppaface would do it? Good to know...

Once outside Dinobot was free to reveal the small DNA scanner he'd kept concealed at his side. He wouldn't openly announce what he was doing out there to the rest of the crew, though he was certain they were likely to come to the correct conclusion on their own. Rhinox knew for sure, as he was the one who cobbled the contraption together for the raptor in the first place. Still, he refused to allow the rumor to spread that he might actually care for his as of yet unborn infant. Of course, there was always that certain someone he could never fool.

"You know... I'm proud of you. I was certain you still wanted to get rid of the sparkling. It's nice to see you actively trying to protect it." Optimus praised with a wide smile as the two made their way out into the wilds. The raptor let out a loud scoff, turning his snout up at the comment. "Hmph! Do not confuse the issue. I did not waste the last two months carrying this child only to have it die of something as preventable as energon exposure. And since you've yet to recover a functioning stasis pod, a beast form is required. Nothing more." Dinobot hissed, trying his best to avoid the gorilla's gaze. Optimus' smile shifted somewhat into a smirk. "Is this what you were trying to do when I sent you out with Cheetor that time?" Dinobot lowered his head, glaring up at the ape with one slitted white eye. "Perhaps I was... Perhaps I was interrupted by that blasted Inferno before I could get a proper scan of my chosen specimen. I certainly didn't feel guilty afterward for not asking your opinion on the matter..." The last part was muttered, the large lizard looking away once again. Optimus let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "I'm flattered you thought about me." he replied in a mild teasing tone. He was of course met with a low growl. "At least pretend I'm not doing a horrid job of camouflaging such nauseating sentiment..."

After the two left on their little expedition Rattrap could be seen leaning casually back in his chair. Cheetor raised a brow plate. "Hey, didn't Optimus just tell you to monitor their position?" the scout questioned accusingly, to which the spy merely propped his feet up against the control panel. "Hey, I don't gotta be sittin' at attention ta stare at a computer screen, now do I?" he retorted without missing a beat. "Besides, they just left. Ain't like tha Preds are gonna come swarming tha instant-" Rattraps words were cut off as the computer chimed to life. "Alert; Predacon energy signature detected within designated scanning range of units Optimus Primal and Dinobot." The rat immediately sat upright, grumbling about how the slagging computer always had to prove him wrong. "Fer bootin' up cold… I swear that li'l brat ain't even born yet an' it's already a Pred magnet!" he complained before activating the com link. "Rattrap to Optimus! You got incomin' from tha south! It's movin' in fast! Gotta be a flier!" he announced hurriedly. He got nothing but static in reply. "Hey! Fearless Leader! Ya copy, big guy?" Again, nothing but static. Now he knew how their commander felt back when Dinobot ran off that first time. "Slag! Signals being jammed!" Rhinox roared, jumping up to his feet and moving for the exit. The other two followed suit without question.

Cheetor was the first to arrive, as his beast form was the fastest. The young scout dropped down from a sprint to a trot as he neared the area where Dinobot and Optimus were last seen. He sniffed the air frantically, trying desperately to locate their missing teammates. After a moment he picked up on their leaders scent. Unfortunately, that's all he picked up on. Dinobot's trail had already gone cold. "Hey, guys! Over here! I think I found Optimus!" Cheetor shouted before rushing through the brush. Sure enough, not far away, an ape was found pinned under a net of cyber webbing, the type normally used by Tarantulus or Blackarachnia to trap and paralyze their prey. The charge on the webs wasn't enough to subdue a Cybertronian for very long, only a few minutes at best unless connected to a constant power source, but that seemed to be all that was needed. By the time the other two arrived, Optimus was already trying to get up on his own. Dinobot was still nowhere to be found.

"What happened?" Rhinox asked after transforming into robot mode. Optimus maximized as well, slicing through the nearly dead webs with his machete. "Spiders must've set these traps for us. We stumbled into them right after I got your garbled transmission. I didn't get a chance to reply before Inferno…" he trailed off there, optics drifting towards a patch of disturbed soil next to where he was pinned. He cursed under his breath. "Slag! I'm such a fool!" he growled through gritted teeth as he slammed the back of his fist into the trunk of a tree. They'd set up unmanned traps, sensor arrays, a jamming perimeter… Megatron must have anticipated that he'd take precautions to protect Dinobot. He made sure to capture them in a way that wouldn't show up on their scans. Not until after it was too late.

"We've got to go after them before they do anything to him!" Optimus announced, not that it came as much of a surprise to the others. Still, Cheetor had to ask. "A-are you sure you're up to that? I mean… Did you take any damage when the Preds sprung their trap on you guys?" He of course got an answer equally as obvious as the question. "That's not important right now! We've got to get after the Predacons before it's too late!" the commander barked out before activating his Prime Jets. Without another word he took off into the sky, making a beeline for the Predacon base. Cheetor reverted to beast mode and sprinted after the leader. Rattrap vented out a heavy sigh as Rhinox transformed to beast mode as well. "If I've said it once, I've said it a million times… We're all gonna die." He grumbled out before climbing onto the rhino's back, his pistol at the ready.

His processor was foggy at best, optics just now blinking online. Everything was a black haze, dark and blurry. The first thing that truly registered was the horrid stench of sulfur on the air. Once his vision cleared, he could see the dim red glow that was cast on the dark metal walls around him, originating from below. He could feel the uncomfortable heat penetrating through his thick leathery scales, especially where it came into contact with the steel slab that served as the floor of his prison. An organic being would have roasted alive by now. "Ah, it seems our guest has finally awoken." Instinctively Dinobot went to jump up to his feet at the sound of the Predacon leader's voice. His legs didn't seem to want to listen to him, lagging so badly he only made it up with his forelimbs supporting his weight from the front. Cybervenom… Inferno hit him with a strong dose after he was ensnared in the Spiders' trap, his energy reserves sapped almost completely dry. It was anyone's guess how long he was out… or what had been done while he was.

Dinobot let out a vicious snarl, bearing his fangs at his former commander. "Release me at once or I'll slaughter you where you stand!" he roared out, earning a laugh from Megatron. The large bot steered his floating platform closer to the caged lizard's prison bars, his red eyes cutting through the shadows of the Darksyde. "And how exactly do you presume to do such a thing? You're unarmed, drained of power, and most importantly… Hardly in any shape to put up a fight." He explained matter-of-factly, easily seeing through the raptor's empty threat. Dinobot let out a growl, but didn't argue any further. Though it pained him to admit even internally, Megatron was right. There was nothing he could do in his current condition, at least not without shorting himself out in the process. While he would normally insist upon freeing himself or dying in the attempt, he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Not now, at least… Great… So now he had to admit Optimus was right on top of everything else? He let out a low rumble of defeat, hanging his head low.

"What, pray tell, do you plan on doing with me now? If you wanted me dead, you'd have finished me by now… Or did you want the satisfaction of watching me suffer as I die?" he questioned, trying to sound as though he still had a hand to play. Megatron merely chuckled. "Oh, my dear Dinobot… You always did lack the vision to see beyond the obvious ploys… I've no intention of harming you in the slightest. Why would I so thoughtlessly throw away the life of a most valuable ally?" Dinobot's eyes narrowed at that, another growl emanating from his throat. "You think I'll join you again? After all the times you've spat on my name and insulted my honor? Hmph! I would sooner terminate myself than bend my knee to the likes of you!" Again, the Tyrannosaurus couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh my! What ideas you come up with! Then again… The amusement gained from watching such a spectacle may indeed make up for the loss of a potential soldier… Dearie me, what to do with you…" Megatron replied in exaggerated indecisiveness. Before Dinobot could formulate a retort the whole ship began to shake, his steel cage swinging precariously above the lava flow. Seconds later the klaxon began to blare, the feminine voice of the ship's computer chiming to life. "Alert; Perimeter breached. Maximal energy signatures detected." Megatron let out a growl. As if he didn't know already, what with the Maximals already pounding down the front door. He activated his communicator. "All hands engage the enemy at once!" he ordered before turning momentarily back towards the captive raptor. "As anticipated, you've proven to be sufficient bait to lure those Maximal fools into a suicide assault. I'll be back to deal with you once I've dispatched your comrades…" With that he left, off to taunt the Maximal leader no doubt.

Left in solitude, Dinobot was now free to devise a strategy for escape. The first obstacle he had to deal with was the lock to his cage. He knew Megatron's prisons. The doors would activate to a voice command. Unfortunately, he wasn't much for vocal forgery. That was always Tarantulus' thing. The only option that remained was to hack the system. He never was any good with hacking either. Though he hated to admit, this time it was the rodent who possessed the expertise he lacked. Rattrap had busted out of these cages before. Still, that didn't do him much good now, not unless the Maximals could subdue the entire Predacon team on their own. So he was either to be rescued yet again or fall prey to Megatron's whims. Fucked either way, in his opinion. He'd always thought he'd die in the midst of battle, not as Megatron's plaything. He heaved a rumbling sigh. "Nothing else in this venture turned out as it should have, so why should my death?" he growled ruefully, slamming his tail against the bars of his cage. A low creaking sound followed the blow, then a dull metallic bang. Dinobot's eye twitched slightly. "That had better not be what I think it is…" he hissed through gritted fangs. He glanced behind him and, sure enough, found the door to his cage wide open. His clawed hands balled up into tight fists. Rather than being delighted at such 'luck', the raptor felt truly insulted.

"Oh, you have got to be slagging kidding me! Do they think me so helpless that they needn't even lock my cell? I swear, when I get through with that great purple buffoon, he'll be indistinguishable from the vermin's collection of Waspinator parts!"the warrior roared, his irate ranting echoing through the cavernous hold. Once he had the chance to cool off, he assessed the rest of his situation. Glancing over the edge of the cage floor he peered down into the river of molten lava below. Having landed in a highly active volcanic region, the lower panels of the ship had been melted away leaving precious few pathways over the river of death below. The hold was probably the worst area of the Darksyde, entirely inaccessible except by the Predacons' hover platforms. There were other ways out, however. He recalled that Rattrap, Cheetor, and Tigertron all used much the same method to escape Megatron's hanging cages. And, unless his eyes were playing tricks on him, it seemed the Predacon leader neglected to seal the venting duct through which the rodent had previously escaped. This time he would accept such luck without complaint.

The Cybervenom had almost completely worn off by now, so it was fairly easy for Dinobot to get the cage swinging. Once he built up enough momentum, he made a leap for the vent. He made it, but just barely. He had to dig his rear talons into the wall to keep from slipping down into the lava, but quickly pulled himself up. Well, so far so good. Now for the hard part. Though escaping the ship shouldn't be that hard, what with all Predacons supposedly engaged in battle with the Maximals towards the front of the ship, Dinobot wouldn't assume it was safe to proceed without caution. No matter how inept Megatron though him in his current state, he'd never leave him completely unguarded. The warrior made his way carefully through the wide ducts, trying to make as little noise as possible. Eventually, once he was certain the coast was clear, he tore open a grate and leapt down into the main hall. Taking only a second to remember the layout of the ship, he moved quickly towards where he recalled a large hole having been blown in the hull. With any luck, the fighting would be well away from that side of the ship. The further he proceeded the more disgusted he became with the situation. To think, a warrior of his caliber sneaking around in the shadows to avoid conflict. He should have been fighting his way out tooth and claw. He'd just have to deal with it for now, he told himself. He'd repay the Predacons tenfold for the embarrassment he'd suffered through this whole fiasco just as soon as he could fight again.

"Nyuuurrrrrrzz… Lizard-Bot trying to escape! Wazzbinator will capture!" Dinobot let out a groan, shaking his head as the annoying buzz of the Predacon whipping boy resounded through the hall from behind him. Well, so much for that plan… The warrior turned to face the bug-faced bot, who didn't even bother to arm himself with his pistol. Oh, that was it… He would not- could not- stand for this any longer! He would not have Waspinator of all bots thinking he can approach the raptor unarmed! Letting out a bloodthirsty snarl, the raptor lunged forward. Before the wasp knew what was going on, he was pinned to the ground, one long curved talon hooked around his neck. Waspinator let out a terrified buzz as huge dagger fangs closed around his head. With one firm yank it was separated from the body before being tossed violently down the hall. There was a metallic crash accompanied by the insect's startled shout. Dinobot let a satisfied smirk spread across his lips. God, he'd wanted to do that for weeks. Not particularly with Waspinator exactly, but he'd take what he could get away with.

Optimus could feel the large boulder at his back begin to give way as Predacon fire hammered away at the other side. The instant there was a gap in the enemy's fire, the ape emerged from his cover to fire back with his wrist cannon. He only managed to get a few shots in before he felt a sharp burning pain in his right shoulder. He ducked back behind cover again, hand clutched over his singed shoulder plate with a pained grunt. Rattrap was ducked down next to him, only having gotten a few quick hits in himself. "Man, I knew they'd put up a fight, but this is gettin' crazy! How tha slag do we get in there?" the spy complained as he squeezed in one more shot, grazing Terrorsaur's leg. Rhinox glanced over to Optimus as he reloaded his submachine guns. The two of them had about the same idea. Rattrap glanced between the two, his optics widening. He knew that look. "Whoah no… I ain't doin' that again fer no one! Especially a slag spoutin' Saurian like Choppaface!" he protested, pressing himself against the crumbling boulder in an attempt to escape their plot. The two merely smirked at each other in response.

"Cheetor! Cover fire!" Optimus barked out as he and Rhinox charged out shoulder to shoulder. The Predacons paused their fire momentarily, if only because the sudden charge was unexpected. The two tackled into the enemy line. Rhinox managed to barrel over Scorponok before tossing Rattrap past. The spy tumbled to a stop along the side of the ship, but the ploy didn't go unnoticed. "Terrorsaur! After that rodent!" Megatron ordered just before being tackled to the ground by the Maximal leader. Optimus pressed the twin barrels of his arm cannon against his enemy's temple. "You've got five seconds to order your men to stand down and release Dinobot before I carve a new ventilation port through your core processor!" he threatened, fiery red optics glaring down at the Predacon commander. Megatron let out a scoff. "That's quite a bold bluff coming from you, Primal… But a bluff all the same. You Maximals never could stomach taking a life, even if it is that of your enemy." He retorted confidently, even going so far as to lean into the ape's weapon as if daring him to fire. "Given the circumstances, I may just forget how much of a Maximal I am!" The rebuttal earned an amused chuckle from the psychopathic renegade. "Were it not my neck on the line, I would readily hold you to that statement. However, I've no intention of dying today, no…" Just then, Optimus felt a searing pain explode across his back. He looked back to see Inferno hovering some distance behind, his firearm still aimed down at the ape. He then felt the jagged vice of a Tyrannosaurus' jaws close around his head before shoving him to the ground. "Though I'm afraid the same cannot be said of you!"

"Heeeeeere, mousy mousy mousy!" Terrorsaur screeched as he flew after Rattrap. The rat dodged the Predacon's fire as best he could, quickly making his way towards the rear of the ship. Once the gap in the hull came into view, he chanced a few shots in the pterosaur's direction, landing one squarely in the face. "Hah! Take that, ya overgrown turkey!" he teased before slamming headlong into what had to be a steel wall. As he fell flat on his ass he heard a familiar growl. "Watch where you're going, vermin!" the raptor hissed out as he picked himself up off the ground. Rattrap raised a brow plate. "Hey, how'd you get out on yer own?" The spy's question was met with an immediate snarl. "Contrary to what everyone seems to believe, Predacons included, I am still more than capable of taking care of myself!" Dinobot retorted just before two shots could be heard close by. The warrior felt them dig into his chest as he was sent flying backward, slamming into the hull of the Darksyde. "Oops! Sorry about that! I meant ta get ya right in tha gut!" Terrorsaur screeched, aiming his gun once more at the raptor. Before the Predacon could get in another shot, Rattrap was on his feet and was unloading his pistol into his enemy's hide. He only stopped once Terrorsaur collapsed to the ground in a charred heap. He then scrambled back to where Dinobot lay. "Hey, Choppaface! You still alive?" The raptor let out another growl, trying to hide how much he struggled to pick himself up. "I told you I can take care of…" he trailed off, a sudden flood of warning signals overwhelming his processor. "Warning; Power reserves nearing critical levels. Internal repairs cannot be completed. Initiating stasis lock." Dinobot managed one last defiant growl before everything went black.