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        The small shuttle craft broke through the atmosphere.  Its' pilot looked at his readouts and altered his course towards the signal he was picking up.
    "Time to catch up with destiny, Fuzz," The pilot said to the only other occupant of the craft.

    Mistress Venom looked up from the terminal. Ram Horn, Cicadacon and Sea Clamp were each held in to braces along the wall.  She had set the equipment up they way it had been before the Maximals destroyed the lab during their escape.  There was a slight deference in the set up however.  A hexagonal box now rested in front of the transmetal driver, where the dead spark of Magnaboss had rested before.
    "All that's left is to turn it on," Venom explained to the box. "You will have a new body soon."
    With a flip of a switch a beam shot through the transmetal driver, through the hexagonal box then into a beam spliter that broke it into three beams.  Each of the three beams found a target on one of the restrained Predacons that hung on the wall.
   A smile of satisfaction filled Mistress Venom's face.

    "This is getting us no where," Powerglide yelled over the explosions of laser fire. "I can't get a clear shot at any of them."
   Wolfang made no reply as he tried to find a target.  The two of them had quickly gotten pinned down after the exited the Star Skimmer.  There were six Predacons attacking them from three sides.  The underbelly of the ship gave them only so much protection.
    "They are firing on the stasis pods," Powerglide exclaimed.
    "Go check them out, I'll cover you."    Wolfang fired into the Predacons breaking their  rhythm for a moment so Powerglide could head for the area where she had left the two stasis pods.

    Pride, Ironhide, Silverstreak, Prowl and Nightglider slowly made their way through the forest to the Star Skimmer, unaware of the battle that was in progress there. All five of them had been changed through a painful and confusing ordeal.  Each of them needed time to come to terms with the what the changes meant.
    "Stop trying to comfort me." Pride yelled, breaking the silence that had followed the group.
    "What?" Nightglider asked puzzled.
    "Magnaboss keeps telling me it was not my fault.  He wants me to understand that he does not blame me for any of this.  And I am tired of arguing with him."
    "He's right," Ironhide broke in. "I have been catching bits and pieces of your conversation."
    "Don't listen in on my mind."
    "It can't be helped.  We are linked now.  It would seem that when your emotions get the better of you, you lose control and let some of your thoughts escape."
    "Is it such a curse to be joined so," Prowl asked.
    "Yes," Pride replied. "I want my mind back.  Magnaboss has promised to not go diving through our memories or interfere with our thoughts, but it is kind of hard for him to keep his promise when he is our minds."
    All five of them froze.  The conversation vanishing into the silence it came from.  They watched as a shuttle craft landed in a small clearing not too far from them..
    "That was a Maximal shuttle, I think," Prowl remarked.
    The five of them jumped straight into a run, excited over the possibilities.

    Powerglide had gotten to the stasis pods with minimal trouble.  Luckily they were partially hidden by the ship, making it hard for the Predacons to find them.  She looked over the readouts and was relieved by the healthy readings. She quickly keyed in several commands.
    "Colorful-girly is up to something," came a voice from behind her.
    Waspinator and  Spittor were standing behind her.
    "Oh yeah, yeah," Spittor mumbled. "I think we're going to have a little fun now. Yeah, yeah."
    "Waspinator and frog-bot were suppose to be frontal attack, but Waspinator saw colorful-girly heading around to the back of the ship.  Waspinator wondered what girly-bot was up to."
    "We, we got luckily it looks like.  Two stasis pods. Good, good."
    Powerglide turned quickly and fired at the two Predacons.  The Predacons scattered.  Powerglide dived for what little cover she could find.

    Sea Clamp awoke to find Mistress Venom standing over him.    He rose to a sitting position and looked around the room.  Ram Horn and Cicadacon were resting on other tables in the room.
    "You're awake, good," Mistress Venom remarked.  "How do you feel?"
    "Disoriented.  What happened?"
    "The Maximals freed themselves and fled."
    "Who's there?" Sea Clamp said as he jumped to his feet.
    "That would be the Tripredacus Council."
    "What?"
    "I copied the experiment you performed on the Maximals, with you , Ram Horn and Cicadacon.  I used a very special spark."
    "There is something you are not telling me."
    A small smile crossed Mistress venom's face as she lightly grasped her hands together.
    "Cybertron has fallen."
    "What?"
    "There is a lot that is unknown, but Megatron returned and quickly took over.  He had an army of sparkless drones and some kind of virus that locked our people in their transformations.  Everyone on the planet fell victim.
    "The Tripredacus Council was not about to fall into Megatron's hands.  They escaped by merging their sparks into one and sending the hybrid spark to me for safe keeping.  My new mission was to find them a new body.
    "You should feel privileged.  Now we can reorganize and make plans to take Cybertron back.  We will bring the Predacons to their rightful place in the galaxy."
    "We need to go," Ram Horn said as he got to his feet. "They want  to go and see what their new form is capable of."

    The hatch way of the shuttle craft open with a pop-hiss.  The five Maximals stood silently waiting for a glimpse of the new arrival.  They ship had Maximal markings on it, but the design was unlike any they had seen before.
    A streak of black shot out form the ship and flew over their heads.  Instinctively they raised their weapons and followed the fast moving form.
    "Fuzz will not harm you," a strong voice came from inside the ship.
    The group of Maximals quickly turned their attention ot the large form standing in the entrance to the shuttle.  A white and red transformer slowly walked down the landing ramp.
    "I need to speak with Magnaboss," the new arrival said.  He then looked at Pride. "If you would be so kind as to merge, I would like to talk to him face to face."
    The Maximals exchanged puzzled looks.  They had no idea how this stranger knew of the recent merger.
    "Prowl and Nightglider, you will be needed back at The Star Skimmer."
    "How do you know all this?" Ironhide asked.
    "Magnaboss told me all I needed to know when he sent me on this mission.  I am from the future."
    "And you can prove this?" Pride replied.
    "A day in which we do not learn something new, is a day we have wasted."
    The group once more exchanged puzzled look.
    Pride jumped into the air and was caught by Silverstreak.  The merged transformers landed on Ironhide to complete the transformation into Magnaboss.
    "You know Grandios Prime's words?" Magnaboss asked.
    "You taught me everything Grandios taught you."
    "Prowl, Nightglider, go to the Star Skimmer and see what is happening," Magnaboss commanded. "I need to talk with our friend alone."
    Prowl and Nightglider transformed to their beast modes and took flight.
    "Now, my friend, why did I break laws to interfere with time by sending you back to talk with me here and now?"
    "Please call me Polarclaw.  The answer to your question will take you many years to learn."

    Wolfang turned when he heard the sounds of a personal jets off to his left side.  The red and black form of Inferno hovered  just beyond the Maximal's targeting range. The green and gold snake's head of Quickstrike's tail appeared from the underbrush following.
    "I hope Powerglide is in a better position," Wolfang mumbled to himself.

    "You were to be the frontal attack force," yelled  Iguanus "Firecracker and I were to take this side of the ship. You have left a large opening in our assault."
    "Waspinator was only doing what made the most sense.  Metal-lizard and bug-girl should help Waspinator get colorful-girly, and take stasis pods as reward."
   "That is a workable plan now sweety," Firecracker replied.  "Four on one.  We'll have this little brat scrapped in no time."

    Wolfang fired several shots, knowing he had no chance of hitting his targets.  He looked to the portable locator he always carried with him.
    "That's why there is not as much enemy fire," he remarked to himself.
    His locator showed two Predacons symbols just off to the side of the ship and four grouped together at the rear.  the Predacons at the rear were closing in on the lone maximal that was in that area.
    "This is not good." Wolfang got transformed to beast mode and hurried towards the rear of the ship.

    A light buzz from the stasis pods drew Powerglide's attention away from the battle.
    "They're charged.," Powerglide blindly fired several blast to scatter her attackers and then made a run for the stasis pods. As she neared a shot caught her foot and sent her flying to the ground.  Powerglide looked up and saw Waspinator and Firecracker closing in on her from the air.  At ground level she could make out Spittor and Iguanus making their way towards her.
    Powerglide saw no chance to make it back to cover as she drew forth her pistol.
    "I'll go out fighting," Powerglide said as she prepared to fire.
    A gray form jumped out in front of her.  Wolfang held his shield high deflecting several blasts.  The Predacons focused their attention on the new target.
    As Wolfang held off the four Predacons Powerglide was able to make her way to the stasis pods' controls.
    Through the intense sounds of the battle Powerglide was able to here the scanners on the stasis pods activate.  She released a sigh of relief as she leaned against a rock to relax for a moment.
    The sounds of battle suddenly stopped.
    "Wolfang?' Powerglide said as she turned to see why the firing had stopped.
    All six Predacons were grouped together now.  Laying on the ground before them was the still, gray body of Wolfang.  Several of his limbs had been blown from his body and his internal circuitry had been ripped from its' housing.
    "No!!!"
    "Now for you, little girl," Iguanus remarked with a smile.

    Magnaboss found himself at a lose of words.  What do you say to a person you sent from the future to deliver a message to your past self, who is the present you.  He found it a little confusing.
    "Do not return to Cybertron once you leave here," Polarclaw said to break the silence.
    "Why?"
    "You have a much more important mission.  Besides, Cybertron is changing even as we speak and history has you playing no part in that."
    "Changing? How?"
    "When you do return home, and you will, you will learn all that for yourself."
    "What is this mission you are giving me?"
    "Correction, you are giving yourself this mission."
    "Right."
    "You must find the lost ones and bring them home with you."
    "The Lost Ones?"
    "You had told me that none of this made any sense to you at this time.  I have told you everything you have allowed me to.  Now you must go and learn how to fit all the pieces together.  Your part here and now in the Beast Wars is only the beginning of your adventures.  Do not leave Earth until you are sure there is nothing more for you to learn here."
    Magnaboss was about to ask another question when Polarclaw reached up and put his hand to the side of Magnaboss' head.
   "Before I forget, I need to download this to you."
    "What is it?"
    "A program you told me would make all the difference.  That's all I know about it."
    "Download it then."
    A wire shot out of Polarclaw's hand and fixed itself into Maganboss' temple.  After several moments Polarclaw removed his hand.
    "That was it?" Magnaboss asked. "I don't find any new programs in my system."
    "You did tell me something about it only be accessable when the time is right."
    Before Magnaboss could say anything more, a roar of laughter came from above.
    Polarclaw froze. "What is it Fuzz?"
    The black creature that had heralded Polarclaw's arrival shot out from the trees and and landed on his shoulder. The bat let loose a series of fast high pitched sounds.  Polarclaw nodded his head, somehow understanding the noise.
    "Tripredacus is coming," Polarclaw stated.
    "Who?" Was all Magnaboss was able to ask as the new arrival came into view.
    "This new body is the greatest body we have even had," three voices said as one.  The mismatched form of the merged Predacons landed just in front of Magnaboss. "With no Prime units on the planet we guess we will have to settle for destroying you."
    Magnaboss drew forth his sword right as Tripredacus raised his weapon.  Although they had never met before the two powerful gestalt commanders fought with the intensity of old rivals.

    Powerglide could not stop herself.  She was running full speed towards the six Predacons, firing wildly.  Driven by pure emotion, she lashed out blindly.
    "This, this is starting to look like fun now," Spittor remarked as he jumped out of the way of a random shot. "Yeah, yeah."
    "Waspinator will get final shot on colorful-girly," Waspinator said as he set himself up for the clear shot he now had to Powerglide.
    "That ain't my grove," came a voice behind the female Maximal.  Suddenly two blast struck Waspinator in the chest, sending him flying into the trees.  Pieces of the Predacon left a trail to where he landed.
    "B'Boom is on the scene and ready to save a maiden in distress." A blue furred figure landed nest to Powerglide. "That is if the lady needs an assist."
    A gray figure walked slowly to Powerglide's other side.
    "Cybershark is at your service as well," he said is a calm voice.
    The three of them turned to face the five remaining Predacons.  As one the charged towards their enemies, guns firing.

    Neither Magnaboss nor Tripredacus could gain the upper hand.
    Polarclaw stood silently watching.  He knew very little of the outcome of this first conflict between the two.  Magnaboss had never gone into much detail on what had happened.  Yet Polarclaw knew that both would survive the day and that their changes were just beginning.  Neither one would leave the Beast Wars the way they were now.
    Fuzz chattered in Polarclaw's ear.  His attention turned from the battle.  Hiding in the near by bushes Polarclaw saw the movement that had alerted Fuzz.
    As he tried to get to where Mistress Venom was hiding, Polarclaw found his path blocked by the battling gestalts.  He was unable to stop her as she raised her gun and fired at Magnaboss.
    The sudden pain caused Magnaboss to turn to find the cause.  Tripredacus used the opening.
    The strike from Tripredacus' weapon ripped through Magnaboss and set him flying to the ground.  The Maximal commander was obviously lost in daze.  He tried to get back on his feet.  Tripredacus would have none of that and kicked Magnaboss back down.
    "We must end this quickly," Tripredacus remarked cheerfully. "We have a galaxy to concur."
    As the Predacon swung for what looked to be a killing blow, a black blur flew form Polarclaw's shoulder.
    "No, Fuzz" Polarclaw said as he tried to grab his companion.
    Fuzz flew at full speed straight into Tripredacus' face.  the shift in his weight caused the Predacon to strike the ground next to Magnaboss.
    Magnaboss rolled away and quickly got to his feet.
    Fuzz started to fly back to his perch on Polarclaw's shoulder.  Tripredacus' weapon closed on the small Maximal, trapping him.
    "We will not tolerate your interference," Tripredacus announced as he started to tighten the weapon around Fuzz.
    Magnaboss made a movement towards Tripredacus, but was stopped by Mistress venom.  She had transformed to her beast mode and had wrapped herself around the Maximal's legs.
    Polarclaw stood perfectly still.  A look of panic on his face.  He had promised the Magnaboss of the future that he would not
involve himself in the battle, no matter what happened.
    Tripredacus laughed as he heard the crunch as Fuzz was broken open.  A loud bang followed by a bright flash signaled the death of Fuzz.
    "That was enjoyable, even if it was too easy," Tripredacus remarked as he opened the weapon and allowed Fuzz's remains to spill to the ground. "Who's next."
    Polarclaw fell to his knees in grief.

    Still outnumbered, the Maximals fought on.  The surprise of the two new additions had quickly worn off.  The Predacons were slowly gaining ground.
    "This gig is starting to get old," B'boom remarked.
    "We need a strategy," Powerglide replied. "What would the Autobots do?"
    Before she could think of a plan, Inferno flew out in front of them and fired.
    The three Maximals jumped from their cover.
    Cybershark jumped, tackling Inferno to the ground.
    B'boom rolled with the explosion and jumped on to his feet firing.  Quickstrike fired back as the two of them quickly got caught up in their own side battle.
    Powerglide found herself surrounded by Spittor, Firecracker and Iguanus.
    "This fight has become far more trouble than it should have been," Iguanus stated. "You may have the honors Spittor."
    "Yeah, yeah.  This is going to be fun.  Yeah, yeah."
    Spittor help his spiked club above his head and prepared to swing.  As his weapon came down it met with a sword.
    "Nightglider?" Powerglide said as she saw her savior.
    "Three on one?" Nightglider remarked. " I guess Predacons can not win in fair fights."
    "That was not a very good strategy my dear," Prowl said as he swooped in and pulled  Iguanus into the air.
    As Spittor and Nightglider dueled it out, Powerglide got to her feet and looked Firecracker in the eyes.
    "Ready for some one on one," Powerglide said as she drew her sword.
    "Come on," the Predacon replied as she drew her own weapon. "I can take care of a pretty girl like you any day."
    Powerglide made several swipes in the air.  She approached Firecracker slowly with the tip of her blade pointed right at the Predacon's neck.
    Firecracker raised her blade for defense.  In one quick motion Powerglide disarmed her opponent. Firecracker transformed to her beast mode and took flight.
    Powerglide was preparing to follow.  She looked and saw the small individual battles going on around her.
    Nightglider had quickly pushed Spittor back.  The Predacon was anxiously looking for way out.
    Prowl had dropped Iguanus on top of Waspinator who had been trying o piece himself back together.
    Cybershark had damaged Inferno's rockets.  The Predacon was now flying wildly off into the distance.
    B'boom had gotten a good hold on Quickstrike's tail and was in the process of building up enough momentum to throw the Predacon into the ocean.
    Powerglide suddenly found that she did not have the strength to do any more fighting.  She slumped over to Wolfang's body, laid down and started to cry.

    Magnaboss had untangled Mistress Venom form his legs and was trying to get a good grip on her.
    Tripredacus calmly walked towards Polarclaw.
    "And why do you not fight us?" the three voices said as one. "Does the mere sight of our new body terrify you so?"
    "I gave my word.  Besides, I know your future.  I would not place that much faith in this new form of yours."
    Tripredacus laughed and prepared to slaughter his unthreatening enemy. As he raised his weapon, Mistress Venom came flying into his face.  The two of them fell to the ground in a tangle.
    "We must get back up and fight," came a lone voice form Tripredacus.
    "No, they have the advantage now.  It is time to retreat," came a second voice.
    "We should go to the Maximal ship and join the battle there," replied the third.
    Magnaboss stood back and watched as Tripredacus argued with himself.  The Maximal leader was unsure how to handle the new development.
    Tripredacus got to his feet and started to walk towards Magnaboss.  Then the Predacon's left foot jerked back.  He seemed to have lost control of his body.  Each of his movements became unsure and weak.
    Magnaboss held his sword high.  A blast of energy shot out from the weapon, hitting Tripredacus square in the chest.
    A moment later a pile of three Predacons rested on the  ground where Tripredacus had stood.
    "We must retreat," Sea Clamp commanded quickly.
    The Predacons took off into the forest a at quick pace.
    Magnaboss turned to Polarclaw.
    "I am sorry," Magnaboss said in a calming manner.
    "I now have much to talk with you about once I return to base.  You told me that I would come back changed, and you were right.  I now know why you said very little of this meeting."
    "Would you have come if I had told you what would happen?"
    "I do not know.  The circle had to be completed.  I know that Fuzz's sacrifice was for the greater good of us all.  You must not tell me of any of this.  Everything must happen as it has for me and will for you."
    Polarclaw made his way quietly back into his shuttle craft.
    "Remember to come back for me," Polarclaw said as he started to close the hatchway. "If you search now you will not find me.  In the years to come you will return here and I will be waiting for you then."
    As the shuttle took off, Magnaboss separated into the three Maximals and headed back to the Star Skimmer.

    "We have a lot to accomplish," Prowl said as all the Maximals gathered in the cargo bay.
    Pride, Ironhide and Silverstreak were back as Magnaboss.  He had just told the group about the message from the future.  He felt uncomfortable with such hints about his destiny.
    "It must be important if I went through so much trouble to deliver it," Magnaboss thought.
    The Maximal leader got to his feet and looked at the group.
    "Then intensity of the last few days has been overwhelming.  We have already made sacrifices and lost much," Magnaboss paused and looked to B'boom and Cybershark. "We have gained as well though.  The road ahead of us is going to be an even greater challenge. Weather we like it or not, we have just taken our place in the Beast Wars, and they are not over yet."
 

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