Night to Day, part 1

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Night to Day, pt. 1 (PG)
by BluePard (bluepard@buffnet.net)

SCENE PANTHERA's quarters. PANTHERA is asleep when CHEETOR rushes in.

CHEETOR: Panthera! (PANTHERA doesn't move) PANTHERA!!

(PANTHERA wakes up with a jolt, falling off her high bed and landing on her back. She twists her head around, but doesn't bother getting up.)

CHEETOR: And here I thought you'd land on your feet.

PANTHERA: What is it?

CHEETOR: Something strange's going on in sector four. Rhinox got some weird energon readings, so we're gonna check it out.

PANTHERA: Any reason we get to be the sacrificial lambs?

CHEETOR: I dunno. Probably 'cause I can get away fast, and 'cause Optimus doesn't like you much. (He grins. PANTHERA rolls her eyes)

PANTHERA: Ahhh... why do I bother conversing with the lower life forms, as though I actually expect them to understand....

SCENE Plains, scattered with rocks. CHEETOR is rushing ahead, while PANTHERA walks patiently behind.

PANTHERA: Ah, so glad they sent Cheetor. Rushing ahead like that... I'll have plenty of warning when the aliens try to scrap him.

CHEETOR: Hurry up! We want to get there before dark!

PANTHERA: (shouting) Correction; you want to. I operate better after lights out.

(As they get closer to the site CHEETOR gets a healthy dose of caution and waits for PANTHERA)

CHEETOR: Do you think it's them?

PANTHERA: I don't know. I've never even met these aliens... frankly I think they may be just one of your hallucinations.

CHEETOR: You'll see

PANTHERA: I hope not. I really don't feel like getting vaped today.

IDA: That's all right...

CHEETOR and PANTHERA turn to see a fox-like creature standing on one of the protruding rocks above them. Svelte with humanlike proportions, it stares down at them with wide, solid sky blue eyes.

IDA: ...I had no intention of vaping you.

PANTHERA: Who are you? What are you doing here?

IDA: I am IDA. I am here for the same reason all are here, to learn. I mean, Maximals and Predacons in the same place happens all the time... but it's rare to get a Proxian in the mix; they're such homebodies. Yes, I have better uses for you two than space dust.

PANTHERA: And if we don't like those uses...?

IDA: It's not as though you have a choice. This... (she raises her mask-like face to the sky) is a planet of learning, and so far all of you have refused to learn. I shall change that.

PANTHERA: You can lead a cat to water, but ya can't make her drink. And you can't force somebody to learn.

IDA: Perhaps not. But I can try.

(IDA's eyes deepen suddenly into a deep navy blue; CHEETOR and PANTHERA are slammed back unexpectedly into the rock wall, though no projectile was thrown. They both lay stunned for a few moments, and by the time PANTHERA's eyes open, the creature is gone. She looks over to CHEETOR, who is writhing in pain. She then lifts her paw and looks at the front and back of it, as though she does not recognize it.)

PANTHERA: What... happened? (she blinks a few times, then presses her comlink) This is Panthera. Sometimg weird just happened to us.

OPTIMUS: (over comlink) What?

PANTHERA: We met this foxlike... thing... and she did somthing to us. But I don't... know... what. There's something wrong but I can't tell what it is. And Greenpaws seems to be in pain.

OPTIMUS: I'll be right there. Hang tight.

(PANTHERA sits down, thinking with her tongue caught firmly between her teeth. After several moments, she notices that CHEETOR still has not opened his eyes.)

PANTHERA: You okay, Greenpaws?

CHEETOR: (strangled) No.

(PANTHERA stands and looks over CHEETOR quickly. He appears to be unhurt.)

PANTHERA: What's wrong?

CHEETOR: I'm being... ripped apart. I-- my head's all red.. and hot... (CHEETOR opens his eyes, but his vision greys and goes black, the words of PANTHERA fading as he forgets where he is)

PANTHERA: Your head's not red. You've taken no damage! (She waits, but CHEETOR does not respond) Greenpaws?

(As PANTHERA attempts to revive him, OPTIMUS PRIMAL lands. Transforming to beast mode, he steps over beside her.)

PANTHERA: Come on, respond if you can hear me. (She waves her paw in front of his face, and the real world becomes solid for a second.)

CHEETOR: Wha... (he groans as the world fades out again, and he closes his eyes. PANTHERA turns to look at OPTIMUS.)

PANTHERA: I don't know what she did. But there's something wrong with me, too. I just can't put my finger on it.

OPTIMUS: We'd better get both of you back to the CR chamber. Do you think you can walk?

PANTHERA: I guess... but I wouldn't trust myself too much right now, until I find what's wrong. (OPTIMUS hits his com)

OPTIMUS: Optimus here. Cheetor is injured and Panthera may be too. Send Dinobot to escort her, I'll fly Cheetor back. (He transforms, picks up the shaking spotted cat and flies off.)

PANTHERA: Diagnostics.

PANTHERA'S INTERNAL COMPUTER: All systems functional. Internal and external systems undamaged and fully functional.

(PANTHERA walks slowly after OPTIMUS, shaking her head with her tongue sticking out)

SCENE Outside Maximal Base. PANTHERA stands outside the shields and is arguing with SENTINEL.

PANTHERA: I am too Panthera!

SENTINEL: Energon signature does not comply with that of Panthera. Access denied. (PANTHERA hits her comlink)

PANTHERA: Optimus!

OPTIMUS: (over comlink) I know, I know, it did the same thing with Cheetor. Sentinel, stand down. (The shields deactivate and PANTHERA walks in)

PANTHERA: That was odd.

OPTIMUS: Here's something odder; the CR Chamber can't find a thing wrong with Cheetor, though he acts like he's being eaten alive.

PANTHERA: I don't know... though I'd swear I've seen someone act like that before... I just can't... (they wait a few seconds while she thinks. She shakes her head) I don't know.

CHEETOR: Are you sure you don't know? (CHEETOR steps in, beast mode, ignoring the pain)

OPTIMUS: Cheetor, get back to your quarters, you ought to rest.

CHEETOR: Are you sure you don't know, or perhaps you just don't feel like helping us again. Maybe you don't care that I'm standing here in agony. Maybe you think it's funny.

PANTHERA: I said I don't know, which means I don't. I don't lie, and I don't break promises.

CHEETOR: Well, aren't you the little angel? I'm sure you're doing us a service by coming down here and telling us how much better You are.

PANTHERA: I doubt that. None of you really seems to listen to it.

CHEETOR: Well, I've been listening to it, and I don't hear you trying to help us, all I hear is your arrogant ego deciding that you're better than everyone else, so you get to decide who lives and who dies, who you put in pain and who you merely torment. (CHEETOR is right in PANTHERA's face now)

PANTHERA: Is there a point to this?

CHEETOR: Tell me what it is and how to stop it. Now.

PANTHERA: I don't kn-- (CHEETOR transforms, picks PANTHERA up and throws her across the room. She skids into some machinery, sending it flying, then transforms. She narrows her eyes at CHEETOR as he storms over to that side of the room, picks her up by the neck and slams her against the wall, as high up as he can reach. PANTHERA's toes still reach the floor)

CHEETOR: You DO know! Tell me now! (PANTHERA calmly waits for him to settle a second, thinking as quickly as she can) WELL?

PANTHERA: I was telling the truth; I didn't know. But I do now.

CHEETOR: Well, what is it? Fix it! Make it stop!

PANTHERA: I can't.

CHEETOR: What?

PANTHERA: It's called AHS; Acute Home Sickness. It's something that only affects Proxians who are off of Proximis.

CHEETOR: But I'm a Maximal!

PANTHERA: Correction-- you were a Maximal. IDA has reprogrammed you as a Proxian (she points to the middle of his forehead, where a Proxian symbol now displays) and me into a Maximal. (She gestures as her own upper arm, and the Maximal symbol there.)

CHEETOR: It can't be...

PANTHERA: It is. IDA must have incredible technology, I can only assume when she hit us with that light she scanned us and reprogrammed us with the other's programming, all like.. (she snaps her fingers) ..that.

CHEETOR: It can't be...

PANTHERA: Hey, do you think you'd be able to do this as a Maximal? I'm not the easiest to throw to the wall.

CHEETOR: How can I cure it?

PANTHERA: There is no cure.

CHEETOR: There must be! No one could survive this!

PANTHERA: Every Proxian born for millennia has survived it. You must be unarmed and chained, or you will attack all of us when it gets worse.

CHEETOR: It gets worse? No, there must be something you can do! (He shakes his head in thought a moment, lowering PANTHERA to the floor without realizing it) ...my index codes.

PANTHERA: What?

CHEETOR: You have my index codes. Can't you look at those, think of something?

PANTHERA: No, I mean, well... (she stammers as she thinks of an excuse) ...no, that wouldn't work. Your index codes as a Maximal would be different than as a Proxian. (She carefully edges out of his way while he's staring at the floor)

CHEETOR: There must.. (he takes a step forward) ...be something... (another step) ...you... (she's getting backed up against a wall again) ...can do!

PANTHERA: Umm, ahhh, maybe, yeah, this always used to work when Pattie went nuts. (She edges away from him again, and, with one hand behind his head, whacks him on the chin. He promptly wavers and falls, Panthera catching him and throwing him into the CR chamber)

PANTHERA: Computer, regulate energon flow to subject. Allow for health stability, but not consciousness. Period of recuperation one week.

RATTRAP: Is... is the kid gonna be all right?

PANTHERA: Perfectly fine. Wish someone'd done that to me, I had to stay awake the entire week.

RHINOX: But, you never acted like that after you landed.

PANTHERA: And while I could explain that, I won't. So don't bother asking. I... (she stretches and yawns) ...have not been having a good day. (PANTHERA leaves for her quarters)

SCENE Void. Light pulses from a single star, around which revolves five planets. The second closest to the star is slightly large for a planet, blue-green with life, and the ring of asteroids around it reflects the sun's light. The third closest is small, and green-blue also. CHEETOR, as a robot, gazes at this, himself just outside the fifth planet's orbit, and as large as the solar system itself.

CHEETOR: It's beautiful. (He steps carefully through the fifth and fourth planets' orbits, so he is now close enough to touch the second planet. He points to the third one.) Here's Vicinis, where Proxians are trained... (He moves his gaze to the second planet, pointing to separate spots on it, careful never to brush the surface) ...and Proximis itself... here's Trinity, home of Starmoon, and the Constellation, Moonlight Nighttreader and Daystar Daisanasu.... over here, right by it, that's where the Proxian fleet is stationed. And the Light... the Light... I don't know. Panthera, where is the Light?

(PANTHERA appears behind him, catching his arm and pulling him away from the scene, putting herself between him and the star)

PANTHERA: Where is the Light? (She pushes him in the chest, knocking him back a step) What makes you think that you (push) are fit to gaze upon the Light? The Light (push) is not for you (push) to see.

CHEETOR: But, Panthera...

PANTHERA: You (push) have seen too much already. (CHEETOR backs away before she can push him again, and bumps into two night-shadowed Proxians, who grab his arms and force him to his knees)

CHEETOR: Panthera...

PANTHERA: You-- (she puts her finger to his nose) --have known too much since the second you arrived on this planet. You are a threat to Proximis itself! (She turns to the beautiful blue-green planet, casting her shadow over CHEETOR. She bends to one knee to observe it better, shaking her head) You must be terminated-- (she glances over her shoulder) --for the good of Proximis. (A third Proxian now appears, draws the black covering cloth off of an axe, and places the cloth over CHEETOR's head. The star's light glances cruelly off the axe's sharp edge.)

CHEETOR: Panthera, please! (PANTHERA is still kneeling, her eyes transfixed on the globe like a deer's in headlights)

PANTHERA: For the good of Proximis. (The axe is raised)

CHEETOR: Panthera! (The axe comes down, all goes black, and CHEETOR awakens, stepping out of the CR chamber into the control room. Only RHINOX is there)

RHINOX: You feeling better?

CHEETOR: Yeah, still awful, but better. Though, I do have this sudden impulse to shout, "All hail the Night and Day Leaders! All hail Proximis!"

(RATTRAP, in beast mode, steps into the adjoining corridor, carefully gazing around the corner first. He takes a few steps, then tries to run the other way as PANTHERA jumps out from above, nearly squashing him, then chasing him around the corridors)

RATTRAP: Leave me alone, leave me alone!!

PANTHERA: Not on your life, not on your life! (They turn another corner and RATTRAP runs right through CHEETOR's legs, while PANTHERA pulls to an abrupt halt)

CHEETOR: Leave him alone.

PANTHERA: Why, this is entertaining!

CHEETOR: Because I say so. The whole time you've been here I've heard nothing but how great Proxians are and how Maximals suck. And you don't lie, isn't that right? So, back off.

PANTHERA: I hate to burst your little power trip, but you don't have the training. You're controlling yourself by instinct, you don't know how to use your abilities, so they're barely worth having.

CHEETOR: So, teach me how to use them.

PANTHERA: No.

CHEETOR: Why not? They're no good to anyone now.

PANTHERA: You don't get it, Greenpaws; to give you training secrets would be traitorous. I am not a traitor.

CHEETOR: But there are no Proxians here; no one would know.

PANTHERA: It doesn't matter if I don't get caught; it's still traitorous. Forget it, Greenpaws, I'm not telling. (PANTHERA walks to her own quarters)

CHEETOR: Becoming a Maximal hasn't changed her attitude much.

RHINOX: It's changed a few things; she hasn't been out of the base the entire week.

RATTRAP: And she's driving me nuts!

CHEETOR: But she's always going off by herself.

RHINOX: Not anymore. (CHEETOR knits his brows in speculation. Another second, and the base's warning lights illuminate, accompanied by sirens)

RATTRAP: What was that? (RHINOX checks the console)

RHINOX: We're under attack!

SCENE Outside Maximal base. All the Predacons but Tarantulus are gathered outside, launching some distracting missiles while BLACKARACHNIA fiddles with a mysterious weapon, MEGATRON looking over her shoulder.

BLACKARACHNIA: There, it's ready. (She points it towards the AXALON and fires. Energy gathers in the weapon's barrel for a long moment, then discharges, hitting the shields hard, rocking the AXALON, and knocking down their shields.)

Night to Day, pt. 2 (PG)
by BluePard (bluepard@buffnet.net)

SCENE Inside Maximal Base. Now the missiles hitting the Axalon are bringing down parts of the ceiling. Rhinox is fiddling with the consul, and beats his hands against it.

RHINOX: They've overloaded the shields! (tries the com) Optimus? Airazor? Slag, they're out of range. We have to hold them back until the shields are back up. You three engage them.

PANTHERA: Are you nuts? I can't, I'm just a Max...(she gets mean looks from everybody) ...I mean, I don't know what my limits are anymore.

RHINOX: It's too late now. Transform. (Cheetor, Rattrap and, reluctantly, Panthera transform.)

RATTRAP: Man, this is first time of seen you in robot form. One'd almost think you're shy.

PANTHERA: Perish the thought. (Cheetor reaches for his gut-gun and finds a sand shooter instead)

CHEETOR: Hey, where's my... (Panthera pulls out a jet black gut-gun)

PANTHERA: Looks like she switched our guns, too. (another blast rocks the ship)

RHINOX: Just go already!

SCENE Outside Maximal Base. Cheetor, Rattrap and Panthera run out of the base and begin firing at Megatron, Waspinator, Terrorsaur, and Inferno. They hide behind the best cover they can find, but are far too outnumbered, even with the automatic defenses backing them up. Cheetor misses a few with the sand shooter, finally nailing Waspinator who falls to the ground. He manages to free himself of the gloop before it hardens and traps him, but by that time three well-placed shots knock him out of commission.

PANTHERA: (shouting) You have to hit them twice with that thing or they can get free.

CHEETOR: You coulda told me before. (they both duck as gunfire explodes over their heads. Terrorsaur spins out of the way of Panthera's fire)

TERRORSAUR: (laughs) Taste my wrath, Maxi... (he's shot to scrap)

PANTHERA: (mumbling) Idget. (she turns to fire on Inferno, but stops, lowering her gun, her eyes fixed as Inferno gets more and more insane at each blast nearby him)

RATTRAP: Whatareyoudoing, fire!!! (Panthera still waits, thinking)

PANTHERA: (shouts) Hey, Inferno, your fly's open! (Inferno stops laughing maniacally for a second, checks, and Panthera blasts him while he's distracted, laughing)

PANTHERA: Three down, too many to go! (Cheetor tries to continue firing, but his sand-shooter just clicks)

CHEETOR: What... it's broken!

PANTHERA: Nope, you're outta ammo.

CHEETOR: Out of ammo, what sort of gun...

PANTHERA: Hey, there's downsides to being Proxian, ya know. (the shields reactivate, and the fighters scramble inside while the Predacon dodge the automatic defenses and retreat)

CHEETOR: All right, we did i...(he gets an energon surge) What? I haven't been in robot form that long...(he transforms and looks over at Rattrap and Panthera. They're still in robot form)

PANTHERA: Like I said, there are downsides to being a Proxian. Like how we absorb energon faster than Cybertronians.

CHEETOR: How come we didn't hear about any of this before? (Panthera gives him an odd look. He rolls his eyes) Nevermind. How long until this sticky gun thing refills?

PANTHERA: It's a sand shooter. It oughta take four cycles.

CHEETOR: Just long enough to get ya killed.

PANTHERA: Well, maybe it's time you idgets learned how to shoot straight and use brains instead of brawn.

CHEETOR: Weren't you the one who sat on me and said 'don't pick a fight with me, I'm bigger than you'?

PANTHERA: Well, if ya got it, why not use it? (Panthera enters the base, followed by Rattrap and Cheetor. Inside Rhinox is checking the damage)

RHINOX: We took a lot of bad hits. They knocked out three of the automatic energy cannons, and the hull needs repairs.

CHEETOR: Um, Rhinox, did you notice that Sentinel didn't refuse to let us in this time, like it did before?

RATTRAP: What, did you fix that already? (Rhinox checks the computer, and looks shocked)

RHINOX: No, I didn't. The Predacons stole our energon signature identifier. They must have snuck in while our shields were down. And they could still be in here!

CHEETOR: What? (he transforms back into robot mode, wincing as he remembers the sand shooter is out of ammo)

RHINOX: Computer, search for number of active beings in the ship.

COMPUTER: Scanning.... four active beings found. (everyone relaxes a little)

RHINOX: Well, they're gone for the moment, but they could still walk right in and Sentinel wouldn't even blink.

CHEETOR: Why don't you just require passwords of everyone who enters? (Panthera looks at him oddly) What, it's obvious!

PANTHERA: (mumbling) But I should have thought of it first.

RHINOX: All right, Sentinel's ready. The friend or foe program's in charge. That oughta keep them out, but all a pred'd have to do is wait outside for someone to say the password, and they'd have open access again. We need that identifier. (everyone slowly turns to Rattrap)

RATTRAP: Oh, no, not again. They'll be expecting this, they'll be waiting for me!

RHINOX: Your right. They'll be guarding the gates for him. (Rhinox looks over at Panthera, who is ignoring all of this and filing her claws) You wouldn't happen to have any ideas, would you, Panthera? You did promise to help.

PANTHERA: Huh? Oh, well, there is the fact that the pred's ship doesn't recognize Proxian energon signatures... (she sits up) ...wait, if they realize that identifier has my signature encoded in it... there goes my free passport into bad-guy central.

RHINOX: Even if they do realize, it'll take them a while to download it. I guess that means you'll have to go, Cheetor.

PANTHERA: And me.

CHEETOR: Since when do you risk your tail for our noble cause?

PANTHERA: Since I promised. You'll need backup, and stealth is my business.

RATTRAP: Which is lovely, we'll trust you with the kid's life and you'll have a nice little mech-feast.

PANTHERA: I don't lie and I don't break my promises. Besides, he's the Proxian now, how the heck am I supposed to beat him up?

RHINOX: Better hurry. We'll send Optimus and Airazor as soon they get back, in case you need back up. (Panthera and Cheetor go to beast mode and run out)

RATTRAP: I don't care if she did promise. She could still stab him in the back while he isn't looking.

RHINOX: We'll just have to trust her for the moment. She hasn't lied yet.

SCENE Outside Predacon Base. The clouds have just drawn over the sun and two black cats enter the black ship unseen.

CHEETOR: (whispered) Are you sure this was necessary? (he pats his fur, sending up a cloud of the ash that covers him)

PANTHERA: (whispered) Hey, without it you'd have stood out like mustard on coal. And stop doing that, you're making me cough. (they enter the Predacon ship. Cheetor leads)

PANTHERA: (whispered) You sure you know the way?

CHEETOR: (whispered) You explained it to me a thousand times already. I don't wanna know how you found out this stuff. Besides, why do I need to know, you could just lead. (Panthera doesn't reply) Panthera? (he looks behind; Panthera is gone. He swears under his breath and continues, unaware of the trail of black paw-prints he's leaving...)

SCENE Predacon Base's Basement. Tarantulus is working at a terminal, and has just completed installing the new signature file. He chuckles to himself.

TARANTULUS: There, my lair is finally safe from the thieving cat! (behind him Panthera's red eyes glow. She readies a pounce, but shakes her head, unsure of herself. She maximizes instead, levels her gun at Tarantulus and fires, spinning him around with the first two shots and knocking him out with the third. She steps up to the terminal)

PANTHERA: Computer, delete the files you just installed.

COMPUTER: Unable to comply; incorrect energon signature detected. Alerting Base of Maximal presence. (Warning sirens go off all over the base)

PANTHERA: Aw, slag. (she steps away from the computer and blasts it to slag, ducking at the flying debris. She replaces her gut-gun with a shake of her head)

PANTHERA: (sarcastically) Well, aren't I just the master of stealth. (she growls and gets out of there before the preds show up)

SCENE Inside Predacon Base. Cheetor is sneaking around a corner and finally comes to the room where the identifier is. It is guarded by Inferno and Terrorsaur, who both jump to defensive positions as the base's warning sirens go off. Cheetor curses Panthera to himself, and transforms. He is about to step out of the shadows when a hand drops onto his shoulder. He turns to find Panthera.

PANTHERA: (whispering) Use the slicing bow. It only has two shots, but it'll take them out fast.

CHEETOR: (whispering) Why didn't you tell me about it before?

PANTHERA: (whispering) It's only for emergencies. Here, let me shoot it. (she pulls it off of his back, he catches the edge of it and won't let go)

CHEETOR: (whispering) It's mine; let me use it.

PANTHERA: (whispering) You don't know how to shoot it.

CHEETOR: (whispering) I can shoot anything.

PANTHERA: (whispering) I mean shoot it and actually hit something.

CHEETOR: (whispering) You want me to show you what I'll hit?

MEGATRON: Excuse me, I hope I'm not interrupting anything. (He blasts Panthera into the wall with one shot) But you shouldn't fight among yourselves like that; so deconstructive; and not nice either. (Waspinator and Inferno both fire on him and he ducks, so that each blast the other. He jumps at Megatron, who is knocked down. Cheetor starts to drain Megatron's energon, but Megatron manages to blast Cheetor away from point blank range, then Cheetor's and Megatron's eyes both flicker and fade. Inferno manages to get up, and looks in shock at Megatron)

INFERNO: My Queen! (he struggles to his feet, ignoring the two cats he carries Megatron out of the battle site. Panthera gets up slowly, she picking the identifier up in one hand and throwing Cheetor over her shoulder with the other. She sways under the weight and as the ship rocks. She hits her com)

PANTHERA: Optimus?

OPTIMUS: (over com) Panthera...

PANTHERA: Keep them distracted while we get out of here. Panthera out. (she runs as best she can away from the battle scene)

SCENE Outside Predacon Base. Optimus and Airazor are firing on the Predacon base without much effect. Panthera slowly emerges from inside, immediately putting Cheetor down and resting the second she finds a spot of cover. Optimus lands beside her.

PANTHERA: Greenpaws needs the R chamber, and I'm not doing so well myself. (she hands the unconscious cat to Optimus)

AIRAZOR: What's with the ash? (Panthera shakes her head, managing a laugh)

PANTHERA: It's camouflage. Nevermind, I'll tell you later. (the flyers jet off while Panthera catches her breath and rushes off after them.)

SCENE Inside Maximal Base. Cheetor emerges from the R Chamber.

RHINOX: There you are, good as new.

CHEETOR: Maybe I look it. But I still feel awful, I haven't felt right since I was reprogrammed.

RATTRAP: You should've seen yourself when you came in, kiddo, you looked like a Panthera wannabe.

CHEETOR: I don't want to be Panthera. I hate this, I don't care if I am stronger or faster or anything.

PANTHERA: You think I enjoy being this wimp?

CHEETOR: Which reminds me, Panthera, I want to have a word with you.

PANTHERA: Oooo, I'm in trouble. What about?

CHEETOR: Somewhere else. Outside. (he starts to walk out but notices she isn't following) Or I could get angry and drain your energon, then tell everyone your index codes. (Panthera follows, giving him the evil eye)

SCENE South of the Maximal Base, Cliffs overlooking a lake. Panthera is in robot form, trying to skip stones over the surface.

CHEETOR: Come on, listen to me, I'm trying to have a real conversation with you for once.

PANTHERA: I have nothing to say to you, Maximal.

CHEETOR: I'm a Proxian now.

PANTHERA: You may be physically, but you don't think like one. Whatever IDA did, it wasn't a full reprogramming. Proximis could be blown to slag for all you care.

CHEETOR: No, I do care. Just because I know you care. Look, Panthera, why don't you just help us? Cut the slag and just help. No going off on your own priorities, helping us by choice instead of because of some promise. Helping without it being asked. (Panthera looks at him strangely, shaking her head)

PANTHERA: That's the biggest load of slag I've ever...

CHEETOR: Oh, forget it. I could even understand you, if you'd let me. But no, you have to be some big total jerk and have everyone hate you. Well, that's your choice. Hope you still feel that way when someone blows your slaggin' head off, 'cause no one's gonna be there to back you up. (Cheetor turns his back to her as she looks surprised. She turns her back to him, also, skipping another rock across the surface.)

IDA: (from above) So, you've learned nothing. (They both look up to see IDA standing on the cliff above them. She shakes her head.) Perhaps you were right, perhaps I can't force you to learn. But you have been warned, those who refuse to learn do not survive long here. (She bends her head almost sadly, closing her eyes as though to ward off tears, but as she opens them they are bright navy blue. Panthera and Cheetor shout as they are knocked backwards. This time Cheetor opens his eyes first, but IDA is still there)

CHEETOR: What are you doing here?

IDA: What am I doing here? I belong here. It is you who should be asked that question. (Panthera is still on the ground, beating it with her hands)

PANTHERA: (strangled) You slaggin' fox, now it hurts more than ever...

IDA: You will get used to it again. Pain is temporary, fear is forever. Just remember who it is you fear. (she steps away from the ledge and out of sight. Cheetor sits down by Panthera as she slowly gets up)

CHEETOR: Are you all right?

PANTHERA: Well enough, it's fading faster this time. (She transforms to beast mode and sits a while, recovering)

CHEETOR: Well, I guess things are back to normal.

PANTHERA: You don't know how true that is, Greenie... (he turns and dodges just in time to miss her pounce. He runs a short distance and transforms, but turns to find her already gone. He shouts at the nothing)

CHEETOR: Panthera, I thought you didn't lie! What about your promise?

PANTHERA: (still hidden) I promised not to hurt you if you didn't hurt me. And you did. Think before you throw someone across a room next time.

CHEETOR: (to himself) Prime, she's strong again, and knows our index codes, and is no longer honorbound not to scrap any of us. (Panthera emerges from the shadows a second)

PANTHERA: But look at the bright side, at least I'm happy! (and she jumps back into the shadows before Cheetor can blast her. He starts to walk back to the base alone, but stops as he remembers something... "For the good of Proximis" rings in his ears and he shivers)