-Personal Log: Entry #004-
With the possible exception of the bridge, the scanning room is the largest on the Axalon. (See Attached) This comes as no real surprise, as it was probably built for larger or more transformers. But for the moment I am alone here, with only the automated computer for company.
A large metal ring on the floor began to glow, and Nightshade stepped into the boundary.
"Scanning system for compatible beast modes," the computer said in a stiff, formal tone. A solid circle of blue light formed beneath Nightshade's feet, and the ring moved upward, taking the light with it until it stopped above his head.
"System scan: complete. Commencing scan of local wildlife."
This was the part that worried him. In the process of his many upgrades, he'd gained two pairs of extra weapons--shoulder-mounted plasma lasers, and hip-mounted rocket launchers--which he kept folded behind his back when not in use. But there wasn't a compartment in his back to store them, and if the scanner thought he needed more legs to act as such, he'd likely be given the body of an arachnid or insect. And Nightshade wasn't interested in being labeled as an Insecticon as well.
"Wildlife scan: complete. Multiple possible forms detected. Please select beast mode."
Two holograms appeared in midair. One was of a black panther, and the other of a free-tailed bat.
Neither one looked too bad, really. The problem was going to be choosing one. On the one hand, a panther form would likely be more comfortable, because the basic structure almost mirrored his own. Similar sized limbs, similar balance of strength. On the other hand, he remembered some of his old comrades back on Cybertron had flying alternate forms. He had always wondered what it would be like to look down at the ground from above, and laugh in derision at gravity.
"Hmmm, decisions, decisions. Let's see... eenie... meenie... miny..." Nightshade slammed his fist into his other hand. "Modify! Computer, is it possible to customize my beast mode, by combining elements from these compatible forms?"
"Affirmative."
"Let's try some of that, then."
"Acknowledged. Now replicating scanned forms... ... ...Replication complete. Prepared for modifications."
Nightshade smiled. This was gonna be good.
"Take the wings from the bat, and add them to the panther's back."
The panther hologram grew, shunting the bat to one side. The bat's wings were highlighted, and copies appeared on the panther's back, stretching from just behind its neck to the base of the ribcage.
"Modification complete."
"Okay, now replace the panther's ears with the bat's."
A ring of light formed around the panther's neck and traveled up the head, changing the ears as it passed.
"Modification complete."
"Also, replace the panther's forepaws with the bat's feet."
Two more rings of light lowered themselves down from around the panther's ankles, leaving another mutation in their wake.
"Modification complete."
"Can I get the bat's echolocation as well?"
The panther's throat glowed for a few clicks, and then dimmed back to normal.
"Modification complete."
Nightshade took a good look at his finished product. A new manner of beast, truly fitting of his name. He smiled again. This crossbreed was perfect.
"Finalize and lock modifications. I'll take it."
"Acknowledged. Finalizing... ... ... ... ...Modifications locked. Commencing reformatting sequence."
The circle of light changed from blue to red, and began descending again, changing Nightshade's outer appearance to seamlessly fit his new beast form. The first change that hit his attention was that the lasers he had on his back were now hidden in his folded wings. As the light progressed downward, each of Nightshade's forearms changed into half of his beast head, which sported the bat's relatively large ears on his elbows, and had his hands extending from between the jaws. His rocket launchers were safely tucked away in his panther's forelegs, and his robot legs changed shape, becoming thicker and stronger. Nightshade's body gained a dark silver trim over his black cyber-armor. And as a final touch, the Maximal insignia was emblazoned, in the same dark silver, into the center of Nightshade's chest.
"This is absolutely wild."
"Any luck locating Nightshade's ship, Rhinox?"
"None, Optimus."
The two of them were on the bridge. Rhinox was working at the console, with Optimus looking over his shoulder at the computer screen.
"What about the scanners? Are they back online?"
"The space scanners went back online by themselves, about the same time as our discussion ended. So unless Nightshade's craft up and left by then, it's still here. But the surface scanners are still out, so I can't find it."
"Can you clue us in on why you want that thing, fearless leader?" Rattrap asked as he and Dinobot entered the bridge.
"Find the ship, and we may find our answers. Nightshade said it himself."
"And why trust him?" Dinobot wondered.
"I'm still not sure I do. I've put him on probation; we'll see how he handles it. But there's no room for self-doubt. If the ship is intact, and large enough, we may be able to use it to get back to Cybertron. In the meantime, I've sent Cheetor to update Tigatron and Airazor about our guest."
"Why not just, I don't know, use the com-link?" Rattrap asked sarcastically.
"Because there's too much Energon interference," Rhinox said.
"Besides," Optimus added, "Cheetor's been saying he wanted to stretch his legs."
"A spacecraft," Megatron said. "Interesting. Yes. Can you figure out where it landed?"
"I'm not sure," Tarantulas replied. "The descent was highly erratic, almost as if the pilot was looking for something as he entered the atmosphere. The craft also has an intact stealth system, which activated about half-way down."
"Meaning?" Megatron prompted.
"Meaning I'm only able to plot the first half of the craft's descent. And as random as that was, it's useless to me. With our surface scanners out, I can't find any energy anomalies that would mark the craft's location. But it is still on this planet, and sooner or later, I will find it."
"You had better. Regardless of how much Energon we have, we won't be able to get off this planet without some spare parts. That craft may supply us with the materials we need. Yes."
"There's something else as well, Megatron. I believe I've identified the occupants. The scanners were able to pick up a faint Decepticon energy signature, which was overshadowed by that of an Autobot."
"That's impossible."
"Perhaps not, Megatron. The temporal jump was not accounted for when we were originally trying to escape the Maximals. If we are in the past, the energy signatures could be accurate. A prisoner, perhaps?"
"Or a traitor. Either way, I may be able to reach the Decepticon, and turn him back to us. Yes. Tarantulas, that craft and its occupants are now our top priority. Get out there, and find them. I want that Decepticon!"
-End Chapter Four-