Autobots Name: First-Aid Function: Autotrooper Core - Head of Emergency Response Division Bio: First-Aid is a renown medic on Cybertron preferring to heal rather than enforce with the A-Core. Loving his craft and having a compassionate spark made him a bot who was loved his job not only because he was good at it. Having his incredible service record led him to the position of the head of the A-Core Emergency Response Division. Unfortunately for First-Aid with his position finds himself behind a desk more often than not filing away data and division requisites rather than working on the slab. Most recently First-Aid has operated on Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus and is responsible for saving their sparks. Name: Minerva Function: Autotrooper Core - Emergency Response Division Bio: Minerva is the head of Cybertron Services for the Emergency Response Division. She is First-Aid's right servo. Minerva is a talented medic with idealism and care for her fellow Autobots. It's the unique idealism she has to join the Autobot Emergency Response Division to offer her services to the cause. She is highly trained in chemistry and was responsible for creating the cure for the latest strain of Cosmic Rust with the aid of Ratchet's old war reports. Minerva also boasts in surgical skill and was instrumental in assisting in Ultra Magnus' stabilization. Her skill set has also attracted the attention of the Autobot Elite Guard and is often recruited for experimental integration projects for the Autobot Provisionary Elemental Experiments Division. Name: Paradron Function: Autotrooper Core - Emergency Response Division Bio: Paradron is a pacifist that desires to help all possible Autobots. She is a strong medical officer in the Emergency Response Division and enjoys taking part in rushed rescues. Her dexterity and nimbleness make her one of the foremost experts in nervous circuitry repair. More recently, this skill was important in repairing the Cosmic Rust stricken Rodimus Prime. Paradron is also a scholar and in her down-time is often found in the A-Core archive studying up on historical battles and the damages troops endured. She is a firm believer that early preparation is the key to a successful operations even if you cannot anticipate what condition you'll find your patient in on the slab. Name: Groove Function: Autotrooper Core - Head of Special Response Division Bio: At first glance Groove's easy going attitude may appear to be a detriment for the A-Core Special Response Division dealing with hostage situations or criminals at gun-point. However that is exactly the opposite, Groove's ability to keep his circuits cool and keep a level head give him that much more an edge in negotiations and keeping an optic on the ball. Groove is a first rate officer and was promoted quickly to the head of the Special Response Division. He enjoys his job as it frequently takes him into the streets of Iacon to meet the locales. Any job that allows him to chill and get paid for it at the same time is a good one in Groove's optics. Name: Siren Function: Autotrooper Core - Special Response Division Bio: Siren is an aggressive negotiator but a good one. To Groove's chagrin, Siren is actually one of the better members of the Special Response Division despite his attitude. When Enforcement has captured the perpetrator, Siren enjoys playing the bad cop in interrogation often roughing up the perp. He has been reprimanded several times by Groove and even on occasion by the Executor himself, Hot Spot. However, his effectiveness in interrogations usually save him from spending any real time in trouble since he usually gets the perpetrator to talk. Siren enjoys his own version of justice and particularly likes ruining illegal smuggling or upgrade trading operations. But more than that, Siren just enjoys being a glorified troublemaker. Name: Hot Spot Function: Autotrooper Core - Executor Bio: Hot Spot is a stoic officer of the Autotrooper Core and believes in leading by example. He would make a great Prime in the Elite Guard, but prefers to stay on the civilian side of the fence. Hot Spot serves as the Executor, the liaison between the A-Core and High Council. His status makes him well known amongst Cybertron as the protector of the people. Hot Spot is courageous and follows his instincts when making tough calls. More often than not he finds himself butting heads with Nitro Prime when dealing with the budget for the upcoming term. The Autotroopers are stationed all across Cybertron and the Autobot Commonwealth, Hot Spot's duty to is to ensure everything is going smoothly. His role is often said by the locals to be tougher than being a Magnus though Hot Spot is quite humble in refuting this. Name:Nightbeat Function: Autotrooper Core - Head of Investigation Division Bio: Nightbeat is well known for his intense focus which made him one of the best detectives on Cybertron. He is brave and well versed in the schools of inductive and deductive reasoning. Nightbeat is the premiere best when it comes to investigation and has cracked dozens of smuggling operations that the Special Response brings to his attention. Nightbeat was the natural choice for the head of the A-Core's Investigation Division when his predecessor stepped down. Nightbeat enjoys the quiet of his office and stays long megacycles after everybot leaves to put every piece of detail the crime scene had to offer in place to draw his conclusion. In his spare time, when there are no cases to work on, Nightbeat enjoys perusing the archives to solve the greatest mystery of all time - Cybertron's origins. Name: Streetwise Function: Autotrooper Core - Head of Customs Division Bio: Streetwise as his name implies knows the in and outs of every street of Iacon and several other city states after that. As the Head of Customs Division, Streetwise's primary goal is to ensure no foreign aliens land on Cybertron without clearance. This includes Decepticon infiltrators. Streetwise was nearly reprimanded by Sentinel Prime when the organic Fanzone found his way to Cybertron. It was thanks to Hot Spot's quick retort of the freak transwarp accident that caused this and left Sentinel Prime dumbfounded. Streetwise is skilled at tactical planning, often coordinating the Autotrooper Enforcement forces from A-Core's headquarters. His tactical expertise has led him to be the forefront bot in charge of ensuring the escaped Megatron and Shockwave do not make it off Cybertron. Name: Blades Function: Autotrooper Core - Head of Enforcement Division Bio: Blades unlike most Autobots has a brash side and this makes him quite apt at dealing with tough customers as the Head of the Enforcement Division. Blades often leads his crew directly, preferring to spend time to get to know his fellow Autotrooper and patrols the streets of Cybertron with his good pal Groove. Blades has a secret desire to fly one day and has been saving his credits in hopes that the Autobot Provisionary Elemental Experiments Division makes their flight protocol upgrade available to the general public. Without a doubt, Blades would be the first bot in line the solar cycle they release it.
In anticipation of TF Prime's premiere I managed to finish this. The previous Tech Spec update was made to help flesh out the few name drops and cameos in this installment. Hopefully this Sideline offers a glimpse at the post-near apocalyptic Cybertron and the state of it. Also my intention was to keep any bored readers busy until TF Prime's sneak peak tomorrow. =) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Saber Prime Spotlight: The Promise Saber Prime stepped off the platform and descended the steps. He looked to both sides of his shoulders satisfied with the repair job. A quick scan of his hand print and optic opened the doors and permitted the Autobot commander access to the medical wards. Repaired, Saber Prime had one thing on his processor - get down to business. At the forefront of his priorities, find and capture Megatron - a vow he made to his new friend Optimus Prime. "Those automatic repair drone modules are going to put you out of a job First-Aid," joked Saber giving his repaired frame a look-over. Irritated by that remark, the head of the A-Core Emergency division stomped over and pressed his finger into Saber's chest. "Look here pal, maybe there'll be a solar cycle when we don't need medics anymore. But for now you can't replace the battlefield medic ok? Plus who do you think did the real work patching you up?" Saber let a light chuckle escape. "Alright alright, I'm sorry. Thanks doc, I'll make sure I don't play so rough next time." "Right, I'm just doing my job. As were you. Just be more careful next time. I may not have a spare servo with all the patients I've got flooding my infirmary from the Archa Nine debacle." "Ok then, will you get my recertified so I can get on with my business?" First-Aid nodded. He reached for his personal data-pad and activated it with a touch of the screen. He flipped his finger and changed Saber's operational status to a green light. "You've got a lot of bots looking for you. Sentinel for one, probably a debriefing for the whole Archa Nine debacle. And the reporter bots are all looking to you for personal insight into what happened on Archa Nine. The public is very interested in learning more about the rumours about Optimus Prime being involved. Seems like he's still quite the popular grass roots bot out there." "Hmm... do I want to be drilled with questions to death by the paparazzi or to boredom by Sentinel? You don't leave me a lot of options First-Aid. What of Convoy Prime's funeral proceedings?" First-Aid walked Saber Prime out of the medical ward and into the halls of Metroplex. "Shame what happened to him. He was a good friend of Hot Spot's. But his funeral was carried out while you were still in recovery. It was a small proceeding with him being a Great War veteran and all. Elite Guard brass is still figuring out how they want to spin his death to the public. Too bad we'll never know the real story about Convoy Prime." "He was a good bot. Went out fighting for Cybertron." Saber looked ahead while remembering the events on Archa Nine. It was the first time he had met Convoy and unfortunately it was the last. But he had to attend to business, staying on Cybertron gave him the feeling of rusting. It was time to go. "I'll check in with you later First-Aid. Gotta roll." Saber descended the ramp from Metroplex in vehicle mode. The moment he hit the streets he could hear the buzz. All the chatter gave Saber a splitting processor ache. It had seemed word was spreading fast that it was a Decepticon ploy. Word of Optimus Prime's involvement only spurred the conversations. The bot had become quite popular amongst the civilians ever since his theatrical return to Cybertron with Megatron in tow. He was a hero and not only did the Autobot High Council now it, but the Elite Guard Council knew too. Saber was amused at how Sentinel would no doubt try to diffuse this for his own benefit. Saber didn't much care for roles and positions. As long as he could do as he wished, he was content. It was the very reason he joined the Elite Guard after the Great War, that and to follow his good friend Dai Atlas. And what he cared was the continued protection of Cybertron. An important legacy passed down by Master Yoketron, Saber Prime promised his master to carry it on. The Cyber-Ninjas were charged with the protection of not only Cybertron but its inhabitants too. The protection of Cybertron and its people was an arduous commitment, something that required him to be amongst its people. And he could do it best by being a commander, not some figurehead at the top of the hill. ========== As Saber accelerated down the road, an onlooker caught sight of his vehicle mode. "Saber, I didn't expect to see you so soon!" exclaimed a familiar red Autobot. Saber Prime transformed into robot mode and exited the freeway. He climbed the steps quickly into the higher pavilion levels of Cybertron. "Cliffjumper, I came as quickly as I could. What's the situation?" "Hectic, but I'll fill you in on the way to Maximus." The little red Autobot led the way heading up to an automated tram system. The two Elite Guard officers entered an empty car and sat down. "Looked up in the sky lately?" Saber laughed. "You mean the third moon?" "Yeah, as you can probably figure out Sentinel wants to talk to you about that. But as of now, it's off limits to everyone. Planetary defences are still trained on it in case it's got any juice left. We've deployed a few Elite Guard troops to the surface to inspect it and transfer any additional Decepticon prisoners to the Kaon city state." "And the damage done to Cybertron?" "About that... as far as Perceptor can figure it, the weapon of mass destruction was classified as he calls it a prismatic beam weapon. The weapon had three lances that would build up in intensity through prolonged contact. Luckily you guys stopped it before the thing hit critical mass. But nevertheless, damage is significant, particularly on the Iacon state. It's cracked several hundred layers of crust. Seismic activity settled down several megacycles after your return to Cybertron. All I can say at the moment is that Hot Spot, Groove and First-Aid and the rest of A-Core have their servos full with rescue operations." Soon enough the high-speed transit stopped and the doors hissed open. The two bots climbed off the transport and onto the station deck. The Autobots made their way onto the deck that led to the Fortress Maximus. Cliffjumper placed his hand on the railing and turned to Saber while the automated escalator ascended the two Autobots. "Surprisingly the archaeological community has taken an interest to cracked ground. Given the vast network of cracks, it's been giving us quite the trouble keeping the public safe. There's also the issue of Megatron and Shockwave. We're hoping this will smoke them out. So far A-Core and Elite Guard patrols have found nothing. Best estimates put them deep underground. Probably towards the Aurex levels of Cybertronian crust - Minicon territory. Evac Prime has been negotiating for the rights to enter their territory." ========== Reports, reports, reports. Saber filed everything away in his CPU for later. The two Autobots entered Fortress Maximus where Cliffjumper parted ways. Saber found himself escorted by some guards to the debriefing room. Saber was not unaccustomed to this and took his place for the debriefing. Only Sentinel Prime was present, the other three council members were absent including his Cyber-Ninja comrade Atlas Prime. Sentinel took the center seat that was elevated and started the meeting. He tapped the microphone once and then another creating a piercing feedback causing Saber Prime to roll his optics. How Sentinel ascended through the Elite Guard so quickly was a mystery to every bot. "What's the deal with the setup? The other Elite Guard brass too busy to debrief me?" asked Saber Prime testing the limits of his audacity. Sentinel was not particularly the most popular of bots and Saber had a distinct interest in seeing how much he could get away with knowing Sentinel would likely give concessions in return for what he wants. "Ahem. Well I'll get to that later. But I'd like to be transparent about the situation concerning Archa Nine. As acting Magnus, I've decided to go public with everything we know about Archa Nine. Convoy, Optimus and your involvement will be announced. I've decreed it." Saber Prime cocked an optic brow. Sentinel sure seemed comfortable making temporary Magnus a permanent situation for himself. "Then what am I here for?" asked Saber Prime from his lower seat. Sentinel smirked and tilted the microphone closer to him. "Well I'd like to make a deal with you. You see as we speak, the other council members are debriefing Nitro Prime. She's recently returned from a classified mission. Needless to say, the information we ascertained indicates that the Decepticons have converted several secret worlds on the Outer Rim into factory worlds. We're going to war." "And the deal?" "Megatron and Shockwave are unaccounted for and are a threat to the public. I want them captured, surely a bot with your training will find this simpler than the Autotroopers. Evac Prime has so far been unsuccessful in negotiating allowance to enter the Aurex levels of Cybertron. However, your unique position as a Cyber-Ninja presents a different line of relation to our distant Minicon brethren. In exchange, I can offer you a seat on the Elite Guard council." Sentinel waited in the silence. He hoped that Saber Prime would take the bait. Sentinel had grown to resent Optimus more and more since his return to Cybertron. With public opinion deviating from himself, Sentinel now feared the loss of his running position for Magnus. Though the common civilians didn't have a say in voting for Magnus, their approval would motivate the Guild's approval of him allowing him greater power as Magnus. He would use the transparency of the Archa Nine debacle to help swing favour back towards him. With Magnus' passing, the Elite Guard would now expedite the process of electing a new Magnus. If he could act fast, he would ensure his position as the new Magnus. There were many other contenders for the role of Magnus. With Convoy Prime dead, Rodimus Prime still a few rungs below him and by keeping Optimus on Earth, positioning Atlas and hopefully Saber on the front lines of the new Autobot Decepticon war, there would be fewer obstacles in his way of cementing his rise to power. Saber Prime was a highly trained individual, if there was a bot able of capturing Megatron and Shockwave, it'd be him. All Sentinel needed to do was produce results, save a few more bots and maybe he wouldn't have to kiss any protoforms to garner more public approval. Saber was not power hungry. He had made a promise to Optimus to capture Megatron and Shockwave. It was his code to keep the promise and he would see to it to do so. On the other servo, it would require him using his status as a Cyber-Ninja to look for the renegade Decepticons. The Cyber-Ninja and the Minicon community had a lasting relationship that dated back far beyond the time of Yoketron himself. It was a privilege to have and Saber Prime had little issue using it if it meant keeping his word to Optimus. In Saber's optics it seemed like a win-win situation, yet a little too simple. "Any strings you conveniently forgetting to mention?" Sentinel smiled. "Me? Strings? Please, I'm no puppeteer! You think too much of it Saber. I merely need a qualified individual such as yourself to carry out this mission. You were near the top of the list I'd say. If you don't want it, I'll just find someone else." Sentinel's tone bothered Saber Prime but decided to concede. "Fine." ========== The crust of Cybertron was torn open. Stretches of the Iacon streets had simply crumbled into the darkness of the fissure below. Saber carefully descended into the depths. Illuminating the chasm with his wrist mounted lights he could see the severed underground infrastructure of the Autobot capital. Gushing sounds rushed in from all sides, no doubt the severed coolant systems of the planet had begun dumping gallons upon gallons of fluids deeper and deeper into Cybertron. Repairs would take a long time. Saber set foot down and pressed against the ground to ensure that it was stable. He maintained sensors blasting in all frequencies. Hopefully he'd find the Autobots before Decepticons and could send them back to the surface. There was little doubt that dispatching Shockwave much less Megatron would take the combined training of all his time as a Cyber-Ninja and an Elite Guard commander. ========== Glyph traced her fingers across the ancient etchings on the steel wall. She treaded forward carefully making sure not to damage any potential artifacts that laid in the darkness. Though the catastrophe that wrecked the surface of Cybertron was indeed horrifying, it also brought a blessing in disguise. Very few bots make it this far into the depths of Cybertron and come back. "Glyph... we should return to the surface. We haven't radioed back in solar cycles. The committee will be worried," advised Tap-Out inspecting the structural integrity of the tunnel they were crawling through. "The dense steel deposits and the depth of our position prevents communications with the surface." The archaeologist merely giggled. "Please Tap-Out. We'll be fine. We'll be through here before the Minicons even realize we were here. Now c'mon let's keep going." The ground began to shake, sudden at first but building in intensity. Glyph stumbled and Tap-Out immediately was at her side for support. The two smaller Autobots suspected seismic tremors but then flashes of energy illuminated the tunnels ahead. Tap-Out's face was that of a concerned bot, but the instant he looked into Glyph's optics, he knew she wanted to investigate. However, it was up to him to protect her and he would lead the way. The bodyguard inched his way forward, further down a rubble path. To his surprise he identified the two sources of the light and rumbling. Saber Prime clashed weapons with the traitor Shockwave. Shockwave used his giant size to his advantage, keeping Saber on the back foot. The Decepticon had no weapons and was simply fighting with a broken steel pipe and to Tap-Out's surprise was keeping up with Saber Prime's sword strikes. Tap-Out trained his optics on the enemy. He would study the strikes and lend Saber a servo once he felt he was on par with the rhythm of Shockwave's attacks. Unfortunately curiosity got the better of Glyph. "Hey! What's going on?" Her pitched voice pierced the battle and caught the attention of the combatants. It didn't take long for the eager Autobot to understand that a Decepticon and Autobot warrior had crossed paths. Shockwave would've smiled if he had a mouth. Just the opportunity he was looking for. Time wasn't on his side and hostages would expedite the process. He quickly identified the two Autobots. Glyph was beneath his notice during his time as the head of Cybertron Intelligence, but Tap-Out on the other servo had a much more interesting past. Unlike Saber, Jazz or Prowl, Tap-Out was one of Cyber-Ninjas that did not publically declare their identity. It took Shockwave a long time to decipher and identify most Cyber-Ninjas to find potential threats against his position as a double agent. Tap-Out had retrofitted himself with a more energy efficient frame, but would pose the greatest threat out of the two civilians that had just stumbled in. Shockwave made his move quickly and captured Tap-Out with his free claw. He slammed the Autobot into the side of the wall with tremendous force, knocking the former Cyber-Ninja out cold. He dropped the Autobot to the ground and stomped a foot on Tap-Out's head crushing in his helmet. To Shockwave's calculated expectation, Glyph screamed out in horror. Shockwave then snatched the tiny civilian up and clenched her neck tightly. "Listen, and listen well Autobot..." hissed Shockwave slowly tightening his grip on the archaeologist. The strengthening grip caused Glyph to squirm more and increase in panic. No doubt existed in Shockwave's extensive research of Autobot psychology that this would push Saber Prime to listen to Shockwave's reasoning. "One false move and off her goes her head." He crushed Tap-Out further into the ground with his foot. Saber tensed his stance and realized he'd have to negotiate with the traitor. "What... do you want?" Shockwave nodded and crushed Tap-Out's shell some more. "This one, the one beneath my foot will require medical assistance. Tend to him and let me go. I promise you I will release this female Autobot once I've gotten far enough unharmed." "Liar! How do I know you won't double-cross me?" Shockwave shrugged. "You don't. But given the circumstances, you will have to. If you take another step forward, I'll flatten the ugly one into the ground and snap the neck of the prettier one. Your call Autobot." Saber held out his hand to reassure Glyph. The circumstances were dire. The vile traitor had backed him into a corner. He tried to weigh out the consequences but under the situation's time sensitive manner, he couldn't. He'd have to break the promise he made to Optimus to keep the one he made to Yoketron. Presently, the lives of the civilians came first. He would have to trust Shockwave. Saber Prime sighed and convinced himself that his decision was the right one. "Let's do it your way." Saber then held his weapon out to his side and dropped it to the ground. A light tap with his foot slid his sword out of servo's reach. Shockwave eased up on the hostage situation and kicked Tap-Out into Saber's chest, knocking both of them down. The Decepticon rapidly turned and threw Glyph at them then made his getaway. Clearly in a rush, Shockwave simply vanished into the extensive underground tunnels. ========== "Are you damaged?" asked Saber still mentally berating himself for letting the Decepticon get the better of him. Glyph shook her head. "Only slightly, but please! Help my friend... that monster crushed his cranium... I fear for his life!" She laid the unconscious bodyguard on the ground and knelt next to him hoping that he could be helped by Saber Prime. Saber nodded and got to his knees. He opened the storage compartment on his right arm and pulled out a couple repair tools. Preparing himself for a field patch job, he took a quick look over Tap-Out and then got to work. "Thank... thank you." "Just doing my job."
Yikes over a year without updates ><" Sorry everyone, so I got myself together and started writing again. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season 5#: Episode 21#: Escalation Optimus Prime stepped through the space bridge cautiously unsure of what sight would await him, but one look over the shoulder and he was reassured by the team behind him. Preparing himself one last time, the scene that greeted his optics froze him to the core of his spark. The Autobot commander took his first step back onto Earth and spun around, the transwarp sphere of the space bridge crackled then faded. From the top of Sumdac Tower, Optimus could clearly see the level of devastation that Detroit had endured. Fires sparking across the landscape, sirens of rescue vehicles resonated through Prime's audio receptors. Smoke engulfed the city. His first time on an organic world gave Hot Shot quite an eyeo pener. He recalled the lessons he was taught in the academy. Organic worlds were supposedly some of the most gorgeous out there, but the cadets were always warned about the danger they presented. "What... what happened here?" The growing possibility that the Earthbound Autobots had been defeated burdened Optimus greatly. It didn't look like the humans were in any state to provide him the information he required. For now he'd have to pursuit the distress beacon and stay optimistic. "That's what we're here to find out. Let's go." Despite all that had happened stepping from one catastrophe to another, the Autobots followed Optimus to an external elevator without question and rode the moving platform to the ground level. Stepping off, the Autobots transformed and raced into the city. ========== "Prime! I'm reading multiple Decepticon signatures ahead!" alerted Ironhide putting the energy scans through his registry. Ironhide paused when the identifications came in. He slammed hard on his breaks and transformed to robot mode. "Wait!" Optimus reluctantly slammed on his breaks too. The blue and red semi-truck swerved in an arc before converting into Optimus' robot mode. "What's the big hold up? We've got a team of Autobots out there in need of our help. Who knows how much damage the Decepticons have already done." Red Alert intervened. "Optimus, I understand it's your old team. But it's no excuse to start being sloppy now. As you've mentioned, we don't know what the Decepticons are up to. We're going to need adequate intel to make a coordinated move." As much as Optimus didn't want to admit it, Red Alert was right. Personally, he felt too much urgency riding on this precisely because of the Autobots he knew. Ratchet had reported that he had started taking Sari into missions, if any harm were to befall the young girl, Optimus would not be able to forgive himself. Red Alert noted the cooling of Optimus' circuits before lifting her hand from his shoulder. She turned to Ironhide. "Now, what is the urgency?" "It's the same crew that slagged us out on the outpost." "What?" Red Alert asking the red Autobot for a clarification. Ironhide started over. "It's those Cons that ambushed our team at the space bridge. The one that put Rodimus out of commission? The monsters that took Hot Shot's arm, spat you out like a rag doll and..." "We get the point!" shouted Hot Shot not wanting to recollect the harsh battle conditions which Red Alert promptly amputated his leg. He turned to Optimus and remained calm. "But it's as Red Alert said, we can't let revenge take over our processors. We've have to approach this with a plan." Ironhide scoffed. "I didn't say anything 'bout revenge. Just wanted to be prepared that's all. These are wanted Decepticons and with our last encounter, we should have a better idea of what they've got up their servos." He stepped back and rocketed his two massive arm mounted cannons into ready position. "Wouldn't want a repeat of last time now do we?" "Got any suggestions?" questioned Optimus deciding to get an insight into what the new Decepticon group was capable of. Red Alert produced a small holographic projector form her utility harness. She clicked the disk once and it digitized five faces. "The team is led by the one on the far left. Designation Strika. We know she is one of Megatron's most trusted generals from the Great War. She is powerful and ruthless. Next, we've got Spittor. Explosives expert, nearly got me and caused several of my circuits to overload the last time we ran into him. Tricky and fast. The middle one with a bucket over his head. That one is Oilslick. A veteran from the Great War as well. His records are sealed, but I do know he's a potent chemical engineer. Disabled our commander with a strain of Cosmic Rust. Should be wary of him. The fourth is Blackout. He's well known amongst the Elite Guard for being the bane of the Omega Sentinels. Very dangerous, we should approach with the most caution in regards to him. And the last, purple in colour. We have no information about him, other than the fact that he wields twin blades." "Your call boss, that's pretty much all we know," stated Brawn folding his arms. "But if it were up to me I'd take out the big one first. Nearly scrapped us all if it weren't for the reinforcements." "Which big one? They're all pretty big to us Brawn! Some of us more than others," exclaimed Hot Shot while taking a cheap shot at the punitive Autobot. Brawn shot his friend a sharp glare. "Blackout - you slag head." "I think so too. Though Oilslick presents quite a problem too. It'd be best for a battle scenario to take out both of them. Granted while all the others are equally dangerous, these two present the slightly greater threat. The purple bot also worries me but unfortunately we don't have enough data to make an informed decision," answered Optimus Prime. He turned to his crew and realized they were still exhausted from the Archa Nine debacle. However, the look in their faces indicated they were ready to march in and follow Optimus to the end. "I'll be the lure. I'll go in and draw their attention. Red Alert you're up first after, nullify the Blackout threat with a cyber-anaesthetic. At that point the element of surprise will be gone. Ironhide and Hot Shot, take out Oilslick. Make sure he's down for the count. Brawn I want you to take out whoever looks at you funny." Brawn cracked his knuckles. "My kinda plan..." Optimus was greeted with nods from the rest of his team and then split. Optimus carefully stepped around the ruined streets and found his way into a collapsed wall. The city was decimated, there was no doubt Fanzone would give him an earful if he survived this. Optimus looked out to the clearing which had once been a park. The consequences for this atrocity would be unimaginable. But Optimus decided he couldn't worry himself with that now, the objective was clear. The Decepticons had to be stopped, no matter the cost. The group of five Decepticons had lured out the Autobots. The majority of them now laid fallen in a heap in the center of the park. To Optimus' surprise the Dinobot Grimlock had engaged Strika but with the rest of the Decepticons assisting, he was being easily beaten. Four signals blinked on Optimus Prime's wrist console. It indicated to him his team was in position and now it was his turn. Optimus charged out axe in hand. A strong strike knocked Strika out of the way as Optimus grouped with Grimlock. "Been awhile." Prime was as candid as he could while retaining his battle stance. Strika twisted her torso back up and wiped her bottom chin from where Grimlock had so kindly head butted her. Strika craned her head forward forcing out a crackle. The Decepticon general snarled and to the onlooker's amazement, began laughing at the lone Autobot that had joined them" Well... well... what do we have here? A hero?" Her crimson optics sharpened. "I hate heroes..." As if on cue, Red Alert jumped out and lanced the unprepared Blackout with an injection. The administered drug took effect immediately and the lumbering giant fell to his knees and then flat on his face. Hot Shot and Ironhide jumped Oilslick and mostly caught the road warrior off guard. However, the nimble Decepticon proved more resilient than Blackout and dodged Hot Shot's jetting flames. Instead, Oilslick counteracted and unleashed a canister of cosmic rust at the yellow warrior. Hot Shot was startled at first but then calmed and swiped the fumes away. To Oilslick's surprise twin fists came from the smoke in the form of a yellow and red fist, knocking the Decepticon to the ground. "Vaccinations, smarten up Decepticon scum," spat Ironhide sending a kick into the downed Oilslick. He wrenched his foot in further and sent Oilslick's frame skidding across the park lawn. "That's for Rodimus!" Brawn headed towards Spittor but was sent flying back with a quick kick to the chest careening into the distance. The slightly amused Decepticon switched his sights to the new Autobots and immobilized Ironhide and Hot Shot with his metallic tentacles. Cyclonus swooped down and dispatched Red Alert holding his twin blades around her neck. He smugly looked at the side of her face and raised the blade notches further up relishing in the medic's growing fear. Strika let out a hearty laugh and stomped towards Grimlock and Optimus with arms extended. "See what being a hero gets you? Do you know what the definition of a hero is? Someone who gets other bots killed... Pity you won't have a chance to look it up later." Strika lowered her shoulder mounted cannons and targeted Hot Shot and Ironhide. The cannons hummed to life and when Strika prepared to fire, blue lightning crackled out and hoisted the Decepticon into the air. The altered alignment caused the blasts to shoot out harmlessly skyward. A heavily wounded Ratchet limped his way behind Optimus releasing his magnetic lance from exhaustion. "Pr... Prime..." The elderly Autobot medic sputtered oil out the side of his mouth forcing his words. "I knew you'd come... I... did my -" Optimus rushed and caught his friend. His optics blinked weakly and forced one last look at his former commander before entering emergency stasis. Optimus set his friend down and looked to the unconscious forms of Jazz, Snarl and Swoop. Hopefully Arcee and Sari were elsewhere, safe and far away from all this. The Autobot leader called on Grimlock. "You in to kick some Decepticon fender?" The left jagged teeth of Grimlock inched up to create a monstrous grin. "Me Grimlock say even odds much more appealing. Think it's slagging time!" The Dinobot raised his flame sword into the air and ignited it sending sparks flying. Optimus launched his grapple hook at Cyclonus' crossed swords. A forceful pull and he had disarmed the Decepticon menace. Red Alert hammered both her elbows into Cyclonus' lower torso and freed herself. She continued the sequence by sending a roundhouse kick into the fumbling warrior's head then connected and upper cut. Cyclonus was sent toppling over backwards. Angered Cylonus regained his footing and pulled a broken metal pole from the ground. As he prepared to attack he found his new opponent to be the Autobot designated Grimlock. It didn't matter to him, he would dispatch all Autobots who dared to face him. The two titans clashed weapons. Spittor picked both Ironhide and Hot Shot up with the tentacles and was looking to catapult them at Optimus Prime. However, a whipping axe came flying through the air and severed the steel tentacles dropping both Autobots only slightly harmed. The axe swung around and returned to his owner's servo. Spittor yelped in pain and converted to his hulking robot mode. "You'll pay for that Autobot!" swore Spittor trying to speak properly. Strika recovered from her drop. A quick conversion into vehicle mode and she came barrelling towards Optimus at top speed. The Autobot commander was barely able to move out of the way and was knocked to the side. Strika reverted to robot mode and slammed her fist into Optimus and used her other hand to lift the disoriented Prime into the air. The red optics of the Decepticon flared. "You dare make a mockery of elite Decepticon forces?" Her grip caused Optimus to grunt and struggle which in turn enticed her to tighten the vice. "Your pathetic attempt ends here!" She threw her arm forward and released the Autobot commander into the fallen heap of his comrades. She quickly lanced a shot at her comrade in contempt. "Quit your squirming Spittor! Decepticons, finish them..." Grimlock's lava blade hissed upon contact with Cyclonus' thinner, more elegant sword. With a quick slide and a parry Grimlock couldn't even visualize, the purple Decepticon flier got the better of him and sent him tumbling backward. Before Grimlock could recover, the tip of the blade that got the better of him was pointed at his neck. With little effort the Decepticons had quickly turned the tables on the Autobots. The combat veteran unit was well organized and despite the loss of two of their warriors, the other three managed well on their own. Optimus laid on the ground unable to move cursing himself for letting it get this out of hand. Earth would pay the ultimate price for his failure. ========== Meanwhile high in the skies, shielded from sight by the combatants by dark storm clouds and experimental cloaking technology, a large orbital craft had been observing from the start of the conflict. "All hands, prepare for ground barrage. Moreau, scramble the pilots for phase two and bring us in. I think we're finished with entertaining the idea that the Autobots would be able to mitigate this little issue. It seems as if it's time to take things into our own hands." Klaxons rang throughout the bridge of the craft. Personnel rushed to their stations and prepared for the violent engagement to come. The craft began its descent and spat out a barrage of yellow bolts of energy towards the battlefield below. ========== Cyclonus took a direct hit to the chest and collapsed backward. Unable to discern an actual target, Spittor aimed armaments to the skies and fired in random spots hoping to hit target. Strika maintained a level head and quickly realized the enemy was evading visual detection via optics. Quick scans indicated they had been fitted with an adequate heat-sink to avoid thermal scans. A hiss escaped from Cyclonus' mouth in frustration. The female Decepticon commander quickly realized they had lost the advantage. With two of her team disabled and the other two in confusion, they would not be able to maintain their strike on Earth. It was time for a tactical retreat, distasteful but it would keep them online to fight another day and that's what mattered now. "Cyclonus, grab Blackout. Spittor, take Oilslick. Fall back into the lake. I will cover our retreat!" She sent a quick glare to silence any squabbling from Spittor. She modulated her laser pulses, keeping the downed Autobots contained for good measure while training another barrage at the sky. Before she made her retreat into Lake Erie, several silhouettes began their descent to the ground keeping the pressure on even after Strika made her escape into the water. Continued laser barrages and ordinances pounded the shores in an effort to route the retreat. The first colossal robot touched down and surveyed the damage. Smoke began to clear and its form became evident to Optimus who maintained an optic view of the battlefield. The robot was soon joined by several others with all too similar designs to Optimus. Their wingspans stretched out in both directions, the tall and slender build invoked that of Starscream. Optimus feared for the worst, they had traded one Decepticon take over for another. But to his surprise the first robot tapped the side of his helmet and the head ejected and transformed in mid-air before landing. "Major, we've got the perimeter secured. Detroit is under control. You may begin the landing sequence." Static radio buzzed through the open frequency. "Roger that. Any signs of survivors?" The smaller head robot trotted around the ground examining the inert frames of the Autobots that laid sprawled across the ground. He began to shake his head before noticing Optimus' servos clawing the dirt a few meters away. Optimus groaned and creaked his head upward. "Who... who are you?" The robot's chest hissed open and out popped a human in a military jumpsuit. The pilot clicked a device embedded in the side of his ear, "Seems like we got one." "Identify." "Prime," said the pilot without answering Optimus' question. Prime's damaged systems continued to wane and before drifting off into stasis, his optics caught a badge on the pilot's suit as he turned to his side reading E D C.
Meant to get round to checking this out. Nice to see an update! Still enjoy your descriptive battle scenes. Red Alert fights pretty well for a medic! And it's always refreshingly different to see Optimus with a different team.
Episode 22#: Human Alliance Optimus Prime sped across the freeway sirens blasting. Ahead, a local hydroelectric generation station had been attacked by Decepticons and herds of evacuating vehicles sped in the opposite directions. "Jazz, situation report?" called Optimus through the communications channel. The stealthy scout snuck around a concrete wall and peered his optics over to the giant hole in the plant wall. He zoomed in with the aid of his onboard computer and identified the culprits. "Ugly and uglier boss. We got the frog and the sword wielder. I think I can take 'em both by surprise. Just give me the word Prime." Prime stepped on the accelerator. "Negative Jazz. You know as well as I do that we can't underestimate this crew. Regardless, the EDC wants to set up a perimeter before we move in." "But Prime!" "That's an order Jazz. I don't like it any better than you do but we've got to play by their rules now." The communications was cut, presumably from Jazz's side. Prime sighed and accelerated blasting down the road hoping that Jazz would not head in against his strict orders. ========== A tall sleek red and white Autobot greeted Optimus Prime in a closed off meeting room. Gold embroidery lined the Autobot crests and armour detail indicating she was of a high rank. The specialized black and gold elite Guard symbol identified her as Nitro Prime, a member of the Elite Guard council. "In an effort to maintain peaceful relations we have decided to agree to a permissible number of Autobots on Earth at anytime. That number has been set to five. No more no less as of midnight next solar cycle." The Elite Guard official paused and looked at Optimus directly. "Despite all that has happened, Sentinel Prime has ensured your continued post here on Earth. Your roster will consist of Ratchet, Bumblebee, Jazz and Ironhide. All other Autobots, be it the Dinobots or other Earth born Cybertronians, will be taken back to Cybertron. This here is our human liaison - Commander Faireborn." Faireborn stepped forward. "Thank you." Her attention turned to Optimus. "Furthermore, travel and communications between Earth and Cybertron will be restricted and monitored for security purposes. You will be evicted from this current base of operations and placed under the supervision of the EDC." She pointed her finger towards the Autobot Commander. "All actions must be cleared through EDC. We will no longer allow unauthorized and unmonitored Decepticon engagements." Optimus jerked forward to retort. "That's ludicrous! A Decepticon assault must be met by a swift tactical response! Any hindrances and casualties will rise, that I promise you." "That's enough!" shouted Nitro Prime slamming her hand down on the table. Commander Faireborn strut forward standing in between Nitro and Optimus on the meeting table. " Sumdac may have used his influence to mitigate your mayhem in Detroit but the escalation is no longer something we can tolerate. All future action out must be vetted by me. Is that understood?" There was nothing Optimus could say. ========== "Transform!" Optimus Prime converted to robot mode and knelt to meet the human commandos. "Good, we can get started. Our perimeter has been set. Satellite imaging shows two Decepticons in the complex. We've got a larger bipedal leaping unit and a more agile dual wielding unit," reported an EDC officer. He pointed to the larger map hologram at the spots. Optimus briefly thought about rolling his optics but mustered strength to refrain from doing so. "We will roll in our headmaster units and initiate suppressing fire. That will keep the Decepticons pinned down for you to move in and take them out," replied Faireborn walking in from behind Optimus' foot. She fitted a head set around her ear and looked up to the giant. "We'll maintain consistent contact throughout this operation, understood?" "Commander if I may, you will do more harm than good with an air strike. If you corner a feral animal and leave it no place to turn, it will respond the only way it knows how - lethally," said Optimus keeping his tone in check. "The Decepticons are not deliberately trying to cause harm. They've targeted a plant for the reason of stealing energy to convert into energon. Their last encounter clearly left them in a state of disrepair and require energon for refuelling." "Prime, we've been over this. Your tactical information will be taken into consideration, but I will have the final say." Prime attempted to sway the stubborn commander one last time. "Yes, I completely understand. But I must advise that it is not wise to provoke them. I can move in with agent Jazz and neutralize them." Optimus paused to notice Faireborn's consideration of his words. "Trust me, this is the only way to keep your men out of harm's way. If for no other reason, please consider their safety." Faireborn looked to the ground and thought for a few moments. "No, I'm sorry Optimus Prime. My men are willing to give their lives for our world. We will move as I see fit. Now move out, before I'm forced to elevate this situation's threat level even higher." Optimus stood up and activated his battle mask. ========== Optimus considered the ramifications. It was harsh but there was little he could do to push back against this decision. But why leave him and his team on Earth? Surely the Elite Guard had much more qualified personnel to station on Earth. Was this a favour from Sentinel? Or perhaps another ploy? Optimus couldn't decide, but for now he was relieved that they would be allowed to remain on the planet they had grown to love. For now he had to focus on the task at hand. "You in position Jazz?" asked Optimus as he took a look to the sky. Nothing was discernible, but with little doubt, the EDC drones were moving into place as he spoke. "You betcha. Still waiting on the humans?" Optimus kept crawling in forward , creeping in closer and closer to the Decepticon positions. "Unfortunately. Jazz you must understand we're facing a difficult predicament here. The humans are unwilling to trust in my judgement and with their decision only to mobilize two of our five, we may be unable to mitigate any collateral damage unless we do this discretely." "Naw, I dig it Prime. You just tell me what to do and we'll be outta this mess ASAP." "Good. I can't track the EDC's headmaster drones but I've sent Faireborn a request for troop positions and they're only moving into the airspace now. I say move into position and if you can lure one of them away, I'll take the other." "Got it, Jazz out." ========== Optimus hugged the wall and jumped into the plant. He kept his frame low and crawled behind a large generator. Spittor was grudgingly loading energon cubes into a trolley while Cyclonus was walking off further into the plant with his sword slung over his back. "Stupid Cyclonus..." muttered Spittor as he stocked another pile of energon cubes. He growled and continued to complain. "Who does he think he is telling me what to do? He comes out of nowhere and presumes to outrank me? Nobody cares about seniority anymore..." Optimus extended his axe and rushed out to engage the Decepticon. Unfortunately for the Autobot, Spittor's hearing was more than adequate. The Decepticon transformed into his vehicular mode and sent dual kick into Optimus' chest. Optimus flew back and lost grapple on his weapon. He groaned and as he opened his optics saw Spittor coming back to barrel down on him. Optimus rolled to the side as Spittor's mammoth leg came crushing down into the exposed generator cable. The electricity connected to Spittor, electrocuting him. The distraction gave him time necessary to regain his ground and weapon. Spittor spun around and shrugged off the electrocution. "Thanks for the recharge Autobot!" ========== "Uhh Commander, we've got two engagements inside the plant." The operator keyed in a few commands and brought up a satellite image through the broken wall of the power plant. "See?" Faireborn bit her bottom lip in contempt. "Looks like the Autobot Commander needs to be taught what it means to disobey my directive. Alright, let's do this. Rescan the facility with the parameter for energon. Position our forces and ignite the energon." The operative looked over his shoulder. "But won't that compromise the Autobots?" Faireborn scowled, "They'll get out of there once we start shooting. Do it." The operator keyed in the commands. ========== Jazz flipped onto the catwalk and dodged Cyclonus' right swipe. But the left swipe severed the supports holding it in place. Jazz stumbled and ended up sliding back down towards Cyclonus. Jazz acted on instinct and forced his armguard forward into the chin of the lunging Decepticon. Cyclonus fumbled but recovered with a back step. He slashed both swords forward to put some distance between himself and the melee fighter. With the butt of his wrist he readjusted his jaw. "You'll pay for that Autobot!" Jazz kept up with the beat bouncing side to side on his toes dodging Cyclonus' strikes. He waited for a deep lunge and then swept his foot across in a wide arch, catching Cyclonus' leg. Cyclonus fell backward and allowed Jazz another strike into the side of his chassis. Suddenly a barrage of lasers came burning through the ceiling and the walls of the plant. Startled, Jazz took a couple blasts to the chest knocking him back. "Reinforcements? What's going on?" ========== Optimus sent a punch across Spittor's face and stepped back. He too was noticing the lasers cutting into the building. He raised his communicator to his face. "Not from what I can understand. The EDC forces must have moved into position earlier than expected. They're only supposed to keep suppressing fire, not this heavy of an assault!" "They must be attempting to ignite the energon!" Optimus backed away from the downed Spittor. "Faireborn! What's going on? You're going to demolish this entire facility!" No response came. The laser fire only intensified slamming into Optimus and knocking him to the side. ========== Cyclonus bolted and took to the skies only to encounter a platoon of headmasters. The null rays that they produced were too much and forced him to return to the ground. Spittor's obnoxious voice came out from Cyclonus' communicator. "What do we do?" Cyclonus growled. "Now you're looking to me for command? We cannot return to Strika empty handed. And currently air and ground travel doesn't seem like an option anymore." Spittor hopped and confronted Cyclonus. "Stop telling me what I do know and what we're gonna do!" Cyclonus pushed his comrade aside. "Enough buffoon. Listen carefully, I said currently. I will cut a path through the sky." The tall warrior turned and faced his back to Spittor. "My link may have been severed to him in my time... but in this time, he still functions... If I summon his power I will be able to succeed but... No I must do it. Too much is on the line for my failure." Cyclonus shut his optics and turned back to Spittor. He motioned for Spittor to follow suite and picked up a few crates of energon. He took to the sky ahead of his comrade ready to take on the units. As he prepared to summon strength, a battalion came rushing forward. ========== "Commander, they're carrying energon!" reported a pilot forwarding the images captured through his headmaster unit's optics to the ground. Faireborn smiled. "Those fools, reduce them to atoms!" "You heard the lady boys. Light them up!" ========== Blasts lanced forward tearing into the energon carriers. Cyclonus' cargo exploded sending him into emergency stasis. But to Spittor's surprise three jets zoomed into the battlefield and began unloading heavy laser fire. Several EDC drones erupted and exploded into shrapnel raining down on the field below. A purple jet transformed into robot mode and fired off focused null blasts, disabling the drones ahead of the charge. "Skyfire, Rampage! Annihilate these sorry excuses for clones!" commanded Slipstream pointing at the multitude of remaining EDC forces. She swooped and caught the falling Cyclonus. Rampage cackled in delight as he jumped onto one of the clones and tore its head off. As the clone rapidly descended, the monstrous Rampage tossed the head into the hands of another drone nearby. He raised his null ray and blew the other one's head straight off. Skyfire soared by in vehicle mode unloading a couple scatter bombs. Rampage kicked the carcass of a drone off and took to the air. He turned his head to Skyfire who was making another pass. "Quit your cowardice Skyfire! Transform and join the festivities! These humans are completely out of their league for the real deals!" Skyfire transformed into his red and white robot mode and looked at Rampage with disgust. "You're nothing short of a brute Rampage. If you must kill, at least do it with grace and finesse. Simpleton." Rampage ignored the comment from his clone brother and continued the devastation. "Who are you?" spat Spittor with little gratitude. Slipstream smirked. "Your saviours you ungrateful ingrate. Alright boys, let's finish up here! Soundwave has secured the fallback point. Let's go!" ========== Jazz helped Optimus up and out of the compromised power plant. "They got away..." sputtered Prime watching the five Decepticons vacate the premises. The downed EDC headmasters littered the battlefield. "This one is on you Optimus!" roared Faireborn stepping onto the battlefield from her combat jeep. Optimus unshielded his faceplate and showed his discontent. "We had the situation under control! It was your intervention that escalated the engagement!" "No Optimus Prime. It was your decision to move against my orders that forced my hand. Listen and listen well Prime. The deal your superiors made with us was to have all your actions go through the EDC, namely myself. You are not above reproach! Your actions today jeopardized and compromised our operations. It is without question that this will be reported to your superiors. You both will have your status deactivated for two weeks." Optimus looked to Jazz and received a nod. "Yes Commander Faireborn." "Alright non-essential personnel back to base. Rest of you, hold the fort until sweepers get here and clean this mess up." She turned her head away from Optimus and Jazz. "Contact the deceased's families. This op is done."
