Main Access Plaza Polyhex, Cybertron

          This Plaza serves as the gateway to the Decepticon administrative headquarters. With most of the planet in dark shutdown to conserve energy, Polyhex has become the main focus of life on Cybertron. The Plaza spans a fifteen kilometre radius, its surface gleaming with a mirror-polished finish. Acid-etched in its centre is a rampant Decepticon insignia that is best viewed from the air, striking pride into the hearts of its soldiers or fear into the minds of the enemy. Serving as a training or parade ground, a landing area in emergencies or as an impromptu gathering place, the Plaza acts as the central focus for the Decepticons' fortified territory. Ringing the Plaza to the south beyond the gate, like jagged mountains, you can see the distant ruined tower-tops and broken skyways of the Nightwarren which acts as both a dead-zone and a killing ground around the area. Beyond to the north and far above, you can glimpse the edge of the Greater Worldshield that casts a looming shadow over the city but is unable to block out the stars.

CatsCradle is sitting, puttering with the hilt of her sword, fine-tuning the controls. She glances up, sees Megatron, and shoots to her feet, saluting. "Sir!"

Megatron walks in, looking around. As he sees CatsCradle, he smirks. "Greetings, Warrior."

CatsCradle says, "It is good to have you back on Cybertron again, sir." She tries to hide that she is nervous; she has rather just gotten used to speaking with warlords... Megatron coming in has startled her.

Megatron says, "Well, it won't be for long this time. I have a mission to accomplish."

Divefire walks into the area

Megatron sees that another warrior arrives. "Ah, Divefire!"

CatsCradle glances at Divefire with a slightly relieved smile.

Divefire comes walking from the training grounds, it's not really all that clear if he's been there training or observing. Of course he can't help notice the presence of Megatron, and indeed CatsCradle, and it seems he stiffens more than normal. "Lord Megatron, CatsCradle, hello."

Megatron says, "Divefire, we should soon be able to reestablish the space bridge connection to Earth. I think I may have some use for you there."

Megatron says, "You should know soon enough."

Divefire gives Megatron the 'oh-kay' look but declines to actually put that into words. "As you see fit, Lord. How are you finding being back home?"

Megatron looks at CatsCradle for a while.

Megatron turns his attention back to Divefire. "It is good to be back, but I am needed elsewhere."

CatsCradle looks a little relieved when she is no longer under such close scrutiny. She inches a step or two back, so as not to seem as intruding between the other two.

Divefire catches the look that Megs gives Cats and just wonders if it has any other meaning. He really doesn't know Megatron all that well, yet. Looking back to Megatron, just after catching Cats optics, he replies. "I can imagine. I wouldn't mind getting back to Earth myself, interesting place from what I saw of it."

Megatron says, "And rich in energy."

Divefire nods slightly at that. "No doubt, I'm wondering how much of it could be self sustaining..."

Megatron , seeing from the corner of his optics that CatsCradle is moving backwards, says: "No need to leave us, except you have duties to accomplish, CatsCradle - that is your name, isn't it?

CatsCradle says, "Yes, sir." She looks surprised that he would know her name.

Megatron as if he read her thoughts. "I downloaded a file with the warriors that are actually operational." He grins slightly. "I prefer to be informed about everything."

CatsCradle smiles a little. "I could understand that, sir."

Divefire's optics glitter a little at that.. "Speaking of, are we going to be informed how this new bridge works?"

Megatron says, "A very interesting personal file you have, CatsCradle..."

CatsCradle's optics glint a little nervously. "I imagine so, sir...." she says with a little sigh.

Megatron turns to Divefire. "If it is necessary, yes. But at the moment, I don't want to risk, data accidentally getting into the Autobots' hands. Therefore only a few are involved in the technical details.

Divefire seems to accept Megatron's words, though internally he's a little disappointed. However something else has tweaked his curiosity now, although there's no chance he's going to be asking about it directly. "A wise precaution, Lord."

Megatron looks down at Cats, smiling. "Why so nervous?"

CatsCradle says honestly, "Because I'm not used to Great Pieces of History taking notice of me, sir."

Megatron chuckles. "You're flattering me."

CatsCradle's hands move in a well-but-it's-true motion, but she doesn't say anything.

Megatron says, "It seems as if you had another question, Divefire, haven't you?"

Divefire smirks slightly at Cats words, but doesn't add to it. He looks back to Megatron, slightly surprised. He had no idea Megatron was capable of reading people... "Not of any pressing urgency, Megatron."

Megatron says, "Well, I can wait."

Divefire pauses a second, then actually manages to speak. "Actually, Lord, I am curious as to whether I will be returning with you on the bridge, or at a later date?"

Megatron says, "In fact, I can't actually tell you. I need to contact Soundwave to get some necessary data for that, but we don't have contact with Earth, momentarily."

Megatron rubs his chin. "I suppose, they think I'm not functional anymore..."

Megatron thoughtfully looks to the stars above.

CatsCradle says hesitantly, "Sir, Clearblade came in shortly before you did. She brought back about 3000 astro liters. Would that be enough for the space bridge, as well as communications to Earth?"

Divefire muses a little to himself, not to thrilled with the idea of being stuck on Cybertron... Although it might just have its plus points..

Megatron looks at CatsCradle smiling as he hears pleasant message. "Clearblade is back? Well... yes... The energon may help..."

CatsCradle smiles, glad to be the bearer of good news.

Divefire also adds, "Clearblade also brought her crew and ship back in once piece."

Megatron says, "I haven't expected any thing else from her."

Divefire nods a little, "I take it you know her well then?"

Megatron says, "She's been one of the best fighters in the gladiatorial games I've ever met. And she is an excellent warrior."

Megatron says, "I have to return to work."

Divefire nods a little distractedly as he goes over a few of his other memories... "Yes, of course."

CatsCradle gives a little bow. "Sir."

Megatron nods at Divefire. "You'll hear from me." Then he looks at CatsCradle, with a charming smile. "And I hope to meet you again, CatsCradle."

CatsCradle murmurs, "Thank you, sir."

Megatron enters Watch Central

CatsCradle swats at Divefire. "You rat. When I said I was going to get you to laugh, I didn't mean at me and at that moment. I saw that smirk."

Divefire just blinks and tries to dodge back from Cats slightly, "What? I don't remember smirking, I was too busy trying to stop my net from freezing up.."

CatsCradle says, "Right after the Great Pieces of History stupidity that came out of my mouth before I could stop it." She sits downs and buries her face in her hands with a soft groan. "I don't believe I said that..."

Divefire's optics glow a little, as he does find that a little amusing. But he watches Cats groan and just can't help but feel for her. He sits down next to her, not too close of course and hesitantly places a hand on her shoulder. "It's not the worse thing you could have said, believe me. Besides, he likes you."

CatsCradle lifts her head and brightens a little. "I guess after Slipstream pouncing on him just after he got off the space bridge, maybe nothing I could say would be quite as..." She shrugs, obviously not finding quite the right word and deciding not to try.

Divefire says, "Unbelievably stupid, annoying, lacking in respect, and an excellent way to get yourself and others killed?"

CatsCradle squeaks and buries her face again. "Yes, that would be the one," she adds in a normal voice, if a bit muffled.

Divefire shakes his head a little and pulls Cats head up from her hands, via her shoulders, with a gentle touch. "Slipstream is either an idiot or young, you are neither. I believe Megatron appreciates these facts."

CatsCradle makes a face. "I'm just... not used to this. It's one thing to talk to Straxus, because he doesn't quite follow the rules. Diktat makes me forget that he really does out-rank me. However, speaking with Megatron is a whole 'nother thing entirely." She looks at her hands, as if finding it a little hard to believe she survived it.

Divefire heh's at the name of Straxus, but lets it go for now. "How much do you know about Megatron?"

CatsCradle admits, "I'm not a historian. I know he rose from the gladiatorial games to become the leader that he is now. I know the basic public stuff. And I've *seen* him. But this is the first time I've ever *talked* to him."

Divefire smiles slightly in understanding. "Well it won't be the last. Why not take a little pride in the fact that not only did you talk to Megatron, but you survived the experience and he has noticed you."

CatsCradle lets out a long sigh. "This is true. And I know I've got to get used to this if..." She shakes her head. "Unless I want to stay the unnoticed femme always in the corners. But when things started to change, they changed so quickly. I haven't caught up yet."

Divefire nods slightly, leaning back a bit. "I know what you mean. But as you've told me, trouble likes trouble. I suspect things are going to start moving far faster now that Earth has been discovered. Oh.. and for what it's worth... You are many things Cats and one of them is not unnoticeable."

CatsCradle shakes her head. "That's just recent. It's Diktat's fault, really. He got me talking, and when I survived that, I just kept doing it. Blame him."

Divefire's lips tighten slightly, then he does genuinely smile, for a short moment. "So that explains your conversations with me..." And yes, there is a spark of sarcasm there.

CatsCradle looks up at him, rather surprised. "Well, yes. You came back after Diktat, you see. I had already stepped out of the corners by then."

Divefire looks back at her for a moment, then just shakes his head with a very slight smirk. "That's fortuitous then, I hate having to find new corners to skulk in."

CatsCradle says, "Oh. You, too, huh?"

Divefire nods a little, "Somewhat, I tend to like my own company."

CatsCradle nods, the glint in her optics again. "And this is why you've been... how'd you put it... my shadow recently?"

Divefire heh's and just folds his arms over his chest at that. "I can go now if you like?"

CatsCradle says "*I* wasn't the one who mentioned liking their own company, now, was I?"

Divefire rolls his optics a little and sighs. "True... Look, it's a little complex. Mostly I keep myself to myself because I don't like dealing with the social side of life. I'm either working, fighting, or flying. Right now I don't have any of those options... I'm just... well... Ah I don't know Cats.. There are a lot of memories here for me..."

CatsCradle says "Oh," quietly, her face darkening a little at the word "memories". She glances away, focusing on her feet. She swings them a little. "I guess they must not be very good memories, then?"

Divefire looks over at her and frowns a little, seeing her reaction. "Not particularly... So you want to tell my why you flinch every time some one brings up either the med bay or memories?"

CatsCradle starts to say something. Stops. Then tries again, as if she really wants to, but just doesn't know how to start. She shakes her head, more in frustration than refusal. She finally smiles a little, without much behind it. "It's a little... complex," she echoes.

Divefire smiles rather sadly, closing his optics in understanding. "I can imagine..." However after a moment he stands and looks up to the sky. "Seems like awhile since I flew for the shear thrill of it..." He looks back down to Cats and looks at her carefully. "Feel like a flight?"

CatsCradle looks up at him. This time her smile has a little more reality to it. "Yes," she says. "I think I'd like that." Then with more energy. "Blow some of the cobwebs away, huh?"

Divefire nods a little, optics shinning a dark green. "You could say that." He offers Cats his hands to help her up, if she wants it. "C'mon, shall we see how bright we can burn?"

CatsCradle takes his hand hesitantly, as if not quite used to such gestures, but her smile turns into a grin. "Let's."

Divefire helps her up as smoothly as he can, there's a little doubt in his features as to the offer he's making, he's not exactly used to these types of gestures either, but he sees something rather familiar in Cats... "To the airfield then."

CatsCradle looks up. "Well, leaving from here would be a rather... abbreviated flight."

Divefire smirks a little as he starts to walk, "I remember hearing of some newly on-line air jock actually blasting through one of the sky lights in his rush to get on a mission once... Thankfully I think his name was omitted from the report.."

CatsCradle laughs in delight as she walks beside him. "Sounds like a rather Slipstream thing to do."

Divefire glances at Cats and smirks somewhat. "I wonder who's offended more by that, Slipstream or the air jock."

CatsCradle says, "Would Slips notice that as being offensive?" Then she shakes her head. "Oh, dear. I really need to watch my mouth. He's Draconia's friend, and she was willing to die for him. There must be something in there that merits that." She adds weakly "I just haven't figured out what..."

Divefire smiles slightly and just shakes his head. "Speaking your mind is a valuable asset, just not always. As for Slipstream.. Hrm... All I know is that he was causing trouble more then 4 million years ago and it looks like stasis hasn't changed that."

Divefire continues the walk to the hanger section.

You enter Hangar Bay <Polyhex>. You enter Airfield.

CatsCradle stretches, enjoying the feel of the outside air.

Divefire watches Cats stretch a second and smiles a little and then looks up to the permanent night sky line. "Ah, it is good to be out here."

CatsCradle says, "Even better to be up there." She looks at the stars, optics glowing.

Divefire relaxes a little more on hearing that, "After you, then Cats." As he beckons to the sky.

CatsCradle gives Divefire another grin, then breaks into a run, as if with a burst of freedom, leaping into the air and transforming.

Divefire watches Cats take off and rise into the sky in her jet form, and catches himself looking a little too hard. He shakes his head and frowns to himself, breaking into a run and transforming as well.

Divefire powers into the sky, his fusion cannon derived engines blasting out a purple streak of energy as his form comes pasts Cats, wings over, not that he's showing off at all, and heads for the sky above.

You enter Sky above Polyhex.

Divefire tips his wings in acknowledgment to Cats as he keeps the climb going, getting higher over Cybertron and any Autobot snipers that might want to take pot shots. "Feel like going any where in particular?"

CatsCradle says, "You lead the way. Find some good memories."

Divefire banks over without a response, engine output climbing to take them above mach as he heads to the north west.

CatsCradle rolls mischievously, coming up and over Divefire, then under again and back to her original position.

Divefire almost laughs to himself as she moves around him, he lets himself go a little, after all it wasn't that long ago he used to be an air jock. With a trigger of air brakes and a throttle down, he wings over to behind Cats, staying close to her tail before he powers up his engines again, blasting underneath her, inverting as he gets in front of her and matching his speed so he falls back to be inverted and above her. "You fly pretty well, Cats."

CatsCradle says, "You're not so bad yourself, for someone who likes corners." She shoots ahead in a silent dare for him to catch up.

Divefire watches Cats accelerate away from him and lets her for several moments, he lets her pull away as his engines build up there power. Just before Cats escapes his visual range, Divefire lets the built up power of his engines release and a roar of power with a purple streak of energy from his exhaust pre-emps massive acceleration as he rockets up to Cats form, then powers back down again to keep level with her wings.

CatsCradle says, "Show off."

Divefire replies with humour evident in his voice. "Just occasionally."

CatsCradle pulls into a barrel roll. She's not as agile in jet form as in robot form, but that doesn't mean she's not having fun.

CatsCradle says, "Sounds like a laugh's pretty close there..."

Divefire follows Cats on the roll, but not pulling of the maneuver, just watching for a moment. "Maybe... The question is if you make me laugh, what is there left to keep you around?"

CatsCradle says, "Hey, I've just come out of the corners. There's a whole universe out there, and I'm just getting started."

Divefire smiles internally as he flips in to the other side of Cats, "Good for you, I'll just have to watch you from the corners then."

CatsCradle falls to flank him again, pulling even. "I can drop back to the corners for a visit every now and then. I am a stealth, after all. Corners are kind of my profession."

Divefire voice sounds more then a little curious as he asks, "Really? I guess I haven't asked you what your function is..."

CatsCradle's shrug is evident in her voice. "Covert ops, mostly. Sniper, too, on occasion. A little of this, a little of that."

Divefire sounds more amused at that, "My, I'm flying with a shadow agent, I best watch my back."

CatsCradle laughs. "Haven't been used as an assassin yet. You're probably safe."

Divefire voice smiles back at Cats, "You're not going to hit on me then, such a shame."

CatsCradle's wings wiggle a little in a version of a vocal sputter, then she says, "I'm sure I can find something vaguely heavy to hit you with, if that's what you want."

Divefire smiles silently for a long moment, dropping down and forward of Cats for a moment, giving her some space. It's safe to assume he's relaxed some. "I have no doubt that you could try."

CatsCradle says, "Well, the heavy part might not work so well, that's true."

Divefire once more sounds rather curious, "You train in melee combat as well then?"

CatsCradle says, "Sword. And you've seen the claws. But I'm not much use in heavy combat. Just not armored enough. But on a smaller scale, I'm pretty hard to touch."

Divefire smiles again internally as he continues to head down towards the shield. "You'll have to show me some time."

CatsCradle says, "Whenever. I can always use the practice. So many of the mechs around here are the heavy combat-type, and just aren't interested in sparring unless they're trying to bash their partner into pieces, just to prove their point. It wouldn't take much bashing to put me down." She doesn't even sound rueful; it's something she's just used to. "But I don't really think you'd spar like that, would you?"

Divefire muses as he hears Cats words, imagining her form in combat, and quickly putting it to one side. "Well in combat, last I was told I fight with a controlled aggression. Sparing though I've always, well.. not always.. but I tend to think of it as a matching of skill and finesse. If that's what you meant."

CatsCradle says "Yes," with some relief. He understands. "It's a way of testing yourself, as well as your partner. It's not a matter of who can bash who the hardest. Save that for the battlefield."

Divefire would nod in agreement if he could. "Quite, although to be honest it's been some time since I sparred or fought."

"That's by default. You were out of it for four million years." It's her turn for questions now. "What do you do? Profession, I mean."

Divefire keeps silent for slightly longer then some one might expect, but after a moment he replies. "Oh, this and that. I'm more of a researcher these days then anything else. And it's around 2 million years."

CatsCradle sounds confused "You weren't on the Ark with the others?"

Divefire relies simply. "No."

CatsCradle almost visibly draws back. "I'm sorry," she says after a moment. "I don't have the right to pry." Then she adds, "I, of all people."

Divefire sees and hears that, and sighs a little to himself, he draws back as well, getting level again with her. "No, it's all right. I'm sorry Cats. I'm not really used to being, open with someone."

CatsCradle says softly after a moment, "Well, neither am I. Which is why I should have known better."

Divefire keeps silent for a long time, just letting the roar of their engines wash over him. He breaks the silence with out much conviction.. "I..I crash landed on Earth around 2 million years ago. I'd left Cybertron some 500 years prior to that to track the lost Decepticons... I got closer then most so it seems..."

CatsCradle asks softly, afraid of prying again, "And you were in stasis lock that whole time?"

Divefire replies with a slight amount of humour, "Actually buried in rock and sand as well."

CatsCradle says, "Yuck."

CatsCradle's wings shiver a bit at the thought of being buried alive. She sometimes has trouble just being indoors.

Divefire smirks a little internally, "Not the best of places to be, I agree... Would you mind if we touched down on the shield? I haven't seen that side of Cybertron for some time."

CatsCradle says, "Of course not. Lead the way."

Divefire wings over in acknowledgment and heads down leading the way but not so Cats can't keep up.

You enter Greater Worldshield.

          Here is the ultimate layer of Cybertron - a vast, featureless metal plain filling your view from far horizon to horizon. Perhaps in the dim past, there were plans to encase the outermost surface of Cybertron entirely in metal, creating the impression from space that the planetoid was one solid, metallic orb. However, the Greater Worldshield only caps about half of Cybertron. Where it ends, there is a great drop into the hollows of the world below. Down in those shafts it is literally another planet...

Divefire swoops down to blast over the surface of the world shield, studying it with some thought as it's appearance awakens some dim and distant memories of a time long past. "Have you been here before, Cats?"

CatsCradle follows Divefire, skimming over the surface at the same level. "No, I haven't. Been past, not to."

Divefire mentions more to himself then Cats, "It hasn't changed in all this time... It's a fascinating place. Terrible in regard to strategic position and combat, but the history behind it.. That's something."

CatsCradle says, "Gonna tell me a story? I love stories."

Divefire says, "All right, but let's land first. The last time I got distracted while flying was 2 million years ago."

CatsCradle eeks. "Yes, let's then."

Divefire's engines power down as he starts to transform, anti-grav kicking in as he descends to the shield's smooth surface.

CatsCradle flies past him, then swoops up and over, transforming as she does.

Divefire smirks a little as he watches Cats land. "Do you always land with such flair?"

CatsCradle says, "Gotta have some fun somehow."

Divefire looks at her with a glint, "I'll keep that in mind."

CatsCradle looks around her. "You've spent a lot of time here?"

Divefire nods slightly to Cats as he steps up to her, looking around at the vast expanse. "In many ways, yes. I have memories stretching back to before this was constructed, but, they are a little patchy to say the least."

CatsCradle squints at the horizon, as if that would make it seem closer. "You sound like it's rather special to you." Her voice sounds dubious, but not discouraging; as if she doesn't understand why he'd like it, but she's willing to be convinced

Divefire looks around, remembering certain bits of history, although if he where honest they don' make a lot of sense to him. "It's very peaceful here Cats, as long as I've been coming here I can remember it being peaceful. That and it was an insane project at an insane time. Cover the surface of Cybertron with a heavy metal shield... No one really knows why, but I've heard some rumours."

CatsCradle says, "Peaceful... peaceful I can understand. But it's so..." She sighs. "Isolated. And as much as I've been in corners for as long as I can remember... I still need the feel of people around me."

Divefire nods at the isolated comment, although he quirks a little at her last omission. "I guess that what really draws me here then, it's very much like space in that regard."

CatsCradle says say, "I think..." She sits on the ground, as if that would make her feel less exposed in such a vast area with no shelter. "It's just that there's no place to hide here." Then she cocks her head, considering. "Then again, I guess you'd see anyone coming eons before they actually got to you."

Divefire looks down at Cats and nods in agreement. "You do, and with my speed... Well this isn't about me..." He remains standing for a minute, then just shakes his head, feeling rather foolish being the only one standing and sits too. "So on the list of things you don't like, I've got medi bays, the inside, isolated places and vast open areas."

CatsCradle says, "I don't *mind* being indoors. I just sometimes need to be... out. I just need the option. I actually like having a roof over my head very much, thank you. And I've just never been in an area this open before. I would need to get used to it." She grins suddenly. "The med bays, I'll give you with absolutely no argument, though."

Divefire smirks back in turn, "Nice to know I got one thing right today." A little more seriously though and with a definite hint of a gentler tone, "So, about the med bays..."

CatsCradle glances up at him, then away. "What about them?"

Divefire says, "Honestly, I'm curious about you, Cats... But you certainly don't have to tell me if you don't feel comfortable. As you said earlier, both of us know better then to pry.."

CatsCradle's optics flicker at him again. "Have you read my file?"

Divefire shakes his head slightly in response. "It's not in my rank to go through personal."

CatsCradle says, "Oh." She thinks for a moment. "It's just that usually questions like yours begin with 'I've read your file, but I want to hear it from you'..."

Divefire frowns somewhat, but it's not at her, more of what she must have been through. "That sounds, unpleasant, to start with."

CatsCradle shrugs slightly, almost abbreviated. "I have no memories. I woke up one day in a back street ally. All I knew was my name. I had no insignia then. I was damaged badly. I don't know from what." Her jaw clenches for a moment. She still hasn't looked up at him. "What I do remember makes me quite certain I don't want to ever know. I hate med-bays, because the medics assure me that the memory banks are intact and it would be very easy to repair the relays. I won't let them. So I've gone through centuries of suspicion that I'm an enemy plant. Because after all, if I wasn't, I'd let the relays be fixed, wouldn't I?"

Divefire looks at Cats for a long moment, his optics glowing slightly in a some what unreadable expression. He doesn't make a move or a sound, only looks. A part of him wants to reach out to her, but the rest of him knows that's not a wise idea right now. "No... you wouldn't.. Because I know full well how much the past can hurt."

CatsCradle looks up at him, then. Something in his expression assures her that he really does understand. She lets out a long breath, some of the tension visibly easing. "This is usually when people say "oh, really?" in a forced polite voice and start edging towards the door."

Divefire smirks a little in response, as is his way. "I'm not even sure there is a door up here."

CatsCradle says, "Well, that would definitely keep you from walking out of it."

Divefire nods in agreement. "So do many of your would-be superiors ask you then?"

CatsCradle says, "Ask me to have it repaired, or ask me if I'm a plant?"

Divefire shrugs a little, "Either, I guess."

CatsCradle says, "Shockwave has been my commanding officer for a very long time." She smiles a little bitterly. "And I'm still as low ranked as you can get. Which, I guess, is his answer to the situation. Don't make it a direct order for repairs, but don't trust her overly much either." She sighs. "And up till now, I could live with that. Because I'd rather be low-ranked than insane. And I think if I ever remember, it will not leave me sane."

Divefire just bows his head in understanding, "Been there... Don't recommend it..."

CatsCradle's optics flicker at him again. A little more of the tension eases out of her.

Divefire for his part seems relaxed, but not in a way that's comfortable. He looks back up at Cats and takes a moment to look at her. "So you said up until now, what's changed recently?"

CatsCradle laughs a little, rubbing at her face. "Oh, I got coaxed out of a corner." She shakes her head in rueful amusement. "Someone actually listened to me. Diktat. And he not only listened, but encouraged. And that hadn't happened in... oh, a very very long time. And he also said that if I was an enemy plant, that I would have been activated long ago. " She ducks her head. "And I know a little about Diktat. I know that he gets people to believe what he wants them to believe, but... he listened. And then Straxus listened, so it wasn't just Diktat. And now you're listening. And suddenly, I'm... valued."

Divefire nods slightly in understanding, deciding that no is not the best time to mention anything about Straxus, or Diktat for that matter. "After so long it must be something of a shock to your systems."

CatsCradle says, "Oh, tremendously so." She looks up at him, chewing her lip, trying to decide, then shrugs. "I'm transferring to Straxus' team. It's not public knowledge yet, but I think it's becoming more apparent anyway. He's taking me on as an apprentice."

Divefire's optics just glow brightly at that statement in more shock then anything, before he can look away from her. It takes a moment, but he manages to ask, in a controlled tone. "And you think that's a good idea?"

CatsCradle tilts her head at him, catching his expression, if not his tone. "And you don't?"

Divefire sighs a little and shakes his head. "I.. I don't know. Has Straxus told you about him?"

CatsCradle looks thoughtful. "Why don't you tell me? Then I can compare notes."

Divefire smirks a little at Cats through the general mist of slight anger and shock. "Smart move. Some time ago, long before I was put on-line in fact, Straxus was the ruler of Polyhex. He was, and as far as I know still is, a cold and ruthless individual. He has a lust for power that frankly makes Starscream's look like a case of the ener-munchies. Of the exact details I'm not sure, but I do know that he tried to over throw Megatron and that didn't happen. The next thing every one knows he's disappeared, and now it's seems he's back."

CatsCradle nods. "Doesn't look like he's trying to overthrow Megatron now."

Divefire sighs a little, but does nod. "I guess not, but, well maybe I just don't like the guy."

CatsCradle nods again. After a moment, she begins counting off points on her claw tips. "He is now the drill sergeant for Decepticon recruits. The Empire would not allow him access to young impressionable minds if there was a question of his trust. Megatron has accepted his oath. I am not just looking this from the view of the ignored femme desperate for praise. After all," and she looks at him, not accusingly, but with simple honesty. "Can you honestly say that you are the same person you were four or five million years ago?"

Divefire almost scoffs at the statement, but then just frowns slightly, knowing she's proved her point far too easily. "I'm a very different being then I was 4 million years ago..."

CatsCradle shrugs, the mischievous glint starting to hover in her optics again. "So am I, but I can't really remember."

Divefire shakes his head in her direction, a very soft smirk on his features. "Quite... Well, just be careful, Cats, that's all I'd ask."

"I'm always careful," she says with a grin, then shrugs again. "It's either this, or stay in the corners. I might not get another option."

Divefire remains silent after that, not really sure if he should add to her list, and not altogether sure of his motives for doing so.. "Perhaps... What about Earth?"

CatsCradle says, "What about it?" Then she stares at him. "You mean, go there?"

Divefire nods slightly. "Yes, I do."

CatsCradle says, "Urg." She looks stunned for a moment. "That... that would really be starting over, wouldn't it?"

Divefire looks in comparison rather calm, "It might well be, it's a strange new world, with the Decepticons' and Autobots' finest on it. It's the front line and a vast open space all rolled into one."

CatsCradle says, "Open space, huh?" She shakes her head. "And do what, Divefire? Skirt my way around heavy-combat mechs? That's no better than what I'm doing on Shockwave's team."

Divefire smirks a little at that. "Skirt? Cats, do you know how many Minibots there are on Earth right now, not to mention the less combat orientated mechs." However he does pause, looking at Cats. "It might not be the best place for you, I agree, but I guess I am slightly biased."

CatsCradle says, "Bias --" She looks at him again for a long moment. "That wasn't strictly a professional suggestion, was it?" she finally asks in a low voice.

Divefire's optics narrow slightly as he keeps his own voice and expression in a good imitation of level and calm. "This whole conversation hasn't been strictly professional, Cats."

CatsCradle quite obviously runs a mental re-wind and play-back. "Oh," she says softly. "Oh, Divefire..."

Divefire looks down to the floor as his optics narrow some more, he just raises his hand in a stop motion and stands, "Don't..." He turns and takes a few steps away, looking out into the vast distance. "I shouldn't have suggested it, I'm out of line." The last statement is rather more forceful then he wanted it to be, but he just frowns into the distance rather then apologize for it.

CatsCradle says, "Is it out of line to admit you care about someone?" Her voice is almost a whisper.

Divefire's optics glow fiercely at that, and for a moment he just tenses, head bowed. After a moment in a very low, carefully controlled tone he replies. "No... But it's a very dangerous admission to make..."

CatsCradle says, "Now, that, I can understand." Her expression is agonized as she imagines what such a future might be like, a new planet, new purpose, someone to share it with... She closes her optics and pulls her knees up to her chest, resting her chin on them.

Divefire turns back to look at Cats slightly on hearing her words and lowers his head, not sure of what to say or do, not even sure of the conflicting emotions battling inside of him. All he can say after a moment is a heart felt. "I'm sorry to do this to you, Cats..."

CatsCradle shakes her head. "Never apologize for that, Diver. Never. If you apologize, it takes the feeling away from it." She looks up again. "I can't go with you."

Divefire looks down again, as something said reminds him of the past. But he accepts what she says in the best way he can. "I know.. It's probably for the best, our lives are complex enough it seems."

CatsCradle says, "Urg." She rests her forehead on her knees. "I'd like to think it's our pasts that were complex, not our futures." And there is the flutter of doubt deep inside her that this is not for the best. But there isn't any other decision she can make.

Divefire seems to hesitate with his actions, as he doubts what he wants to do in reassuring Cats. He steps forward and kneels in front of her, not touching her but close enough to be personal. "I try not to worry about the future, deal with the present first. Or at least I try to do that..." And there's that hint of humour in his voice again.

CatsCradle says, "I sometimes wonder what it must be like, to have a history. Because I only have the present and the future to deal with, and can barely handle that. Everyone else has all three." Her smile fades again. "I have to ask, Diver. My transfer is not public knowledge yet, although it probably will be soon. Still, I told it to you in trust..."

Divefire looks at her with that blank expression of his. "You honestly think I'm going to tell anyone?"

CatsCradle reaches her hand out to him. "Oh, Diver, I'm sorry I had to ask. But... I had to ask." She closes her eyes and shakes her head slightly. "For formality, if nothing else." It sounds almost bitter.

Divefire looks at her outstretched hand for a moment, then hesitantly reaches out and holds it. After all if she can trust him enough to make the gesture, he can trust her enough to take it. He keeps his optics on her features, even though he would feel by far more comfortable looking away. "In your position, I'd probably do the same. My past is so entwined with who I am... I can't imagine not having it.. Frankly I don't know how you cope."

CatsCradle says in a suddenly much more normal tone of voice, "I don't know how I cope either. Sometimes I don't think I do a very good job at it. Actually, I know I don't."

Divefire grips her hand gently, trying to be reassuring as best he can. "I think the important thing is that you do the job at all, Cats." Divefire looks around again at the shield and frowns as a reflection catches his attention. "Blast it... C'mon Cats, it's time to leave here."

CatsCradle looks up, startled at the change in his own voice. "What's wrong?"

Divefire gaze is set firmly in the distance as the glint of light reflects more often. His optics tighten in annoyance and in more then anything else, anger. "I think the Autobots have put up some listening posts around here, because if I don't miss my guess, there's a couple heading for us now."

"Damn." She scrambles to her feet. "You call it. Fight or leave?"

Divefire's hands tense as he glances over to Cats, the definite burning deep behind his optics says more then his words can, but he shakes his head. "No, we leave. And more to the point I'm not risking you... Ah.. lets go."

CatsCradle demands with some indignation "Risking me? *RISKING* me?" She runs, leaping into the air and transforming as soon as she is clear from the ground. "Oh, we're definitely going to have to have a talk about THAT!"

Divefire frowns as he shouts up to her, "I didn't mean it like that!" He then just shakes his head at annoyance in his own idiocy and leap-transforms too.

CatsCradle says, "Well, it sure sounded like that to me."

CatsCradle debates flying a strafing run at the Autobots just to prove her point, but she sighs and follows Divefire for home.

Divefire mutters as he pulls up besides her as they leave the shield far below them. "I didn't mean to imply you couldn't look after yourself Cats, it's just.. You're right, we'll talk about it later."

Airfield.

CatsCradle breaks away ahead of Divefire and swings in to land, transforming and landing on her feet lightly.

Divefire swings down to a landing several moments later, landing easily on his feat, but noticeably a short distance from CatsCradle.

CatsCradle stands with her hands on her hips, looking like she is about to launch into a lecture, then sighs and visibly releases her annoyance. "I'm still going to try to make you laugh," she says with a slight smile.

Divefire smiles faintly as he looks to Cats, "I'd be disappointed if you didn't."

"I'll see you later, then," she says softly. She gives him a wave-salute and turns to leave.

Divefire says quietly after her, "Count on it..."

CatsCradle gives him another smile over her shoulder and disappears into the hangar bay.