Inside the Predacon base, an initial warning siren, followed by the ship's computer voice, alerted those inside of Tigatron's presence.
"Maximal energy signature detected. Unit: Tigatron. Awaiting orders."
A low, authorative voice spoke in shadows.
"Disable all weapon's systems. No action is to be taken against this particular foe. No."
"Ackowledged," replied the smooth female voice. All weapon systems powering down."
Outside the Predacon base, weapons capable of reducing a small army to ashes returned to their original hidden and not-so-hidden positions. The retreat of the weapons gave Tigatron a slight puzzled pause, but no more than a pause. All that fueled him now was anger.
"Your funeral, Megatron," he yelled as he drew his cryo-freeze cannon. Aiming true to the underside of the massive craft, the icy blast met little resistance as it began penetrating the inner-most layers of the Darkside. Replacing the cannon with another, more lethal weapon, Tigatron aimed once more, sending an explosive beam of energy that, when hitting the already frozen metal, caused the great belly of the beast to explode in hundreds of tiny pieces of mangled shrapnel.
"Warning. Hull breach in sector Yee. Force field activated."
The same voice of authority spoke once again.
"Computer, override emergency force field."
"Acknolwedged."
Another voice joined the first in the dark shadows.
"He's in, Megatron. What do we do now?"
"What you will do, Ms. Arachnia, is exactly what I have already instructed you to do. No more," the voice grew momentarly harsh, "or less." The female Predacon merely bowed her head in acknowledgement of the superior power oh her commander.
"Understood." Yet another voice, one filled with a barely restrained hint of madness joined in.
"Royalty, I do not like the idea of you exposing yourself in such a vulnerable manner." The soldier stiffened, expecting a blow from his great Queen. Now, both of you, to your positions."
"Your concern is noted, Inferno. But for our liitle plan to have the greatest effect, one must put onself in a little jeopardy. Yes." The giant Predacon acknowledged his Queen's wisdom with a quick salute.
"As you command, my Queen." As the ant and spider made their way out out of the command chamber, Megatron repressed a slight shudder.
"I really must do some creative reprograming with his core consciousness someday. Yes."
Turning his command chair to a viewscreen, Megatron touched a panel, illuminating a screen directly in front of him.
"Computer, verbal and 3-dimensional location of Tigatron." A tiny image of Tigatron, surrounded by the Darkside's environment, emerged on the viewscreen.
"Unit: Tigatron is on a direct course for command chamber." A smile crossed Megatron's face.
"Excellent. Now the true game begins."

To Be Continued!