The small, faded sign outside read simply "Neutral Ground", but surprisingly, it was what drew most of it's clientele inside. This was surprising because the place simply didn't do any advertising, at least none beyond simple word of mouth. Neutral Ground was, of course, a bar. Located in a rather run-down (and, appropriately, neutral) part of Cybertron, it catered to most anyone. To enter, you had to put aside whatever factional disputes you might have had and just enjoy yourself. Almost like the Autobot/Decepticon conflict wasn't happening. Of course the autoguns behind the bar helped everyone to keep their cool. Neutral Ground's fare was as widely varied as its customers, ranging from simple energon (all varieties), to inorganic Cybertronian delicacies, and even to human-style organics (for which the proprietor acquired a taste for some years back).

   It was mid-evening, and the Neutral Ground was at its most active. The TV at the bar's volume had been turned down a bit in favor of the jukebox in the back of the room. It was a general party atmosphere, especially in the larger rear of the bar room. Thusly, Admiral Lilwall had left his usual table in a darkened corner in favor of the somewhat less active bar at front.

   "What'll it be tonight, Lil?" asked Waitstate, leaning on the countertop.

   "Something lighter than my usual I think... I want to be able to not enjoy this."

   "You can be so depressing sometimes, you know?" said Waitstate, good-naturedly. "How about a 'Squeaky Wheel'?"

   Lil raised an optic ridge. "'Squeaky Wheel'? That's a new one... What's in it?"

   "Two parts standard energon derivative, one part mech fluid, and," Waitstate grinned evily, "A twist of lime."

   The Admiral laughed, and actually smiled for a moment before catching himself. "Sounds great. Make it a double."

   Admiral Lilwall had been coming to the Neutral Ground for about two weeks now. Though he usually tried to isolate himself, he seemed to slowly be warming to the social atmosphere of the bar.

   "So you don't like the little party we have going on here tonight, huh?" asked Waitstate.

   "I'm just not too big on large groups of people."

   Waitstate looked around, surveying the crowded room. "Why not go home then?"

   "Eh, it's not THAT bad. Besides, this is quite a bit more entertaining then my little one-room flat."

   "Oh well, guess you can't win 'em all. Here's your drink."

   "Thanks," said Lil, with a nod.

   "Enjoy," said Waitstate, moving away to serve some of his other patrons.

   A few minutes later, the door opened and a rather large blue robot entered the bar. Looking up, Waitstate called out to him.

   "Maximus!"

   The blue robot, Maximus, waved and took a seat at the bar.

   "I'll have something large and pleasently intoxicating. I'm in the mood to celebrate. Or something," said Maximus, jovially.

   "What happened?" asked Waitstate, preparing a double 'Core Dump'.

   "As of 6:15 this evening, I am officially NOT an Autobot anymore," said Maximus, sounding both proud and regretful at the same time."

   Waitstate, rather shocked, said "What?! Why?"

   "Oh, it was bound to happen eventually. I guess I just went too far this time."

   "Went too far doing WHAT?"

   Maximus shook his finger at the black and grey bartended "No, no, no... I know the rules. If I tell you what I did to that 'Con that got me kicked out of the 'Bots, I have to buy the next round."

   "Oh gosh... I'm not sure I WANT to know then..."

   "Heh... Anyway, I'm on my own now. Hmmm... how does 'Maximus PRIME' sound to you?" asked Maximus, apparently serious.

   "Sounds like a MASSIVE ego trip to me," said Stardrive, taking a seat next to Maximus.

   "Perhaps you are right, friend. But I rather think it suits me," said Maximus with a smile.

   "So what are you going to do now? Need help finding employment?" asked Waitstate.

   "No, I've already taken care of that. An independant development firm in my home sector has already hired me as Security head."

   "Good job for you. I wish you well," responded Waitstate.

   "Thanks." Maximus paused. "You know, I think I'll buy a round for everyone anyway." Maximus slapped down his cred strip. "Plug me in."

   Waitstate inserted Maximus' cred stip into the reader, then rang the old-fashion bell that hung above the bar. The crowd in the bar room looked up, knowing what that meant. "Next round is on Maximus!"

   Maximus raised his half-empty glass and said to the crowd "To good times!", then threw back the glass and finished off his drink.

   A cheer of agreement came from the crowd, who followed suit, then started placing orders for their next rounds.

   Admiral Lilwall, still in his seat furthest away from the celebrating crowd, just shook his head and smiled.