Transtech Revived

This update has been a long time coming. The first major portion of this story is nearing it's close, and only a fraction of the questions have been asked with many answers to come. Hope you enjoy:

The Coming Storm Pt. 2

Soon they were all back at Transtech Securities inside Depth Charge’s office, awaiting Dreadwing to join them. Combusta remained with them for debriefing, when he finally entered and seated. “Nice of you to finally join us,” Depth Charge commented on the wait.

“I apologize, sir. I was informing the other Maximals of our friend’s retrieval. I didn’t mean to make anyone wait,” Dreadwing bowed his head sincerely.

“It’s quite alright. Combusta was just debriefing me on their rescue. You’ve shown considerable leadership and loyalty lieutenant. You may soon be in line for a promotion,” Depth Charge complimented always impressed with her quick thinking and rational decisions under pressure.

“Just doing my job, sir. All the better with rescue’s when it’s involved with those as polite as these two,” Combusta smiled at the pair as Bountyclaws optics lit up and helmets ears lifted. “Well…, Cyberwolf anyway,” His optics and ears dropped immediately. Cyberwolf chuckled as Bountyclaw elbowed him silencing his friend.
“So what is this valuable Intel you two have obtained, and just how did you obtain it?” Dreadwing asked, turning in his seat to face them.

“We don’t know all the details, but Atlas explained to us just what is so important about our friends that would necessitate their apprehension, as well as their plans for Transtech Securities once they manage to shut it down. Most importantly, however, we know how to get their commander, Optimus Prime, out of there,” Cyberwolf answered, with no surprise to see Depth Charge’s optics flaring up.

“Please, enlighten us. While we have a suspicion as to why they want them so badly, knowledge of their plans for us as well as anything that would rescue Optimus would prove quite valuable,” Depth Charge replied sitting back in his chair.

“They want this Maximal crew because they believe their combined knowledge will reveal the location of Primus. From the sound of Atlas’ vocal processors, it’d be my guess he’s afraid of him. There’s quite a bit of desperation in his voice,” Bountyclaw explained clearly unsure of his opinion on the matter.

“Perhaps he knows that most Transtech would rather have our old political system back as opposed to his joke of a regime,” Combust commented, scoffing afterwards.

“We were aware they wanted to know where to find Primus, but if he is indeed afraid of something it could be we use against him later,” Dreadwing noted.

“As for Transtech Securities, they’re hoping to shut down all facilities very soon. Atlas is hoping to rally the population with slander of incompetence and abuse of power. The media mostly works for the government, so naturally the people will believe the lies they will attempt to spread. They plan to blame botched military missions and inefficient politics on interference from the police force; misinformation, jurisdiction, sabotage, etc…,” Bountyclaw continued before Cyberwolf stepped in.

“Let’s face fact, in recent stellar cycles Atlas’ popularity with the people has waned significantly. Soon, change may be demanded; he wants to prevent that. And that’s not what scares us the most. It’s the next phase in his plan. Full military police force. Government will handle all Transtech affairs from simple warehouse security to homicide investigations. A curfew will go into effect, jobs and wages will be cut, he’s even planning the arrest of the homeless. Things are going from a regime to tyranny very quickly,” Cyberwolf finished.

“Should’ve seen his optics as he explained this to us. It was like looking into the optics of a Megatron. He’s arrogant, conceded, egotistical… a pure megalomaniac,” Bountyclaw found himself quite fearful as this was explained to them.

“There is most definitely cause of concern, but he wouldn’t just be doing this unless there was something far greater to be gained. Tyranny is too simple an objective for one like Atlas. In the stellar cycles I worked for him not once did he concern himself with such petty ideals. He’s always seemed so above it all. There must be some additional phase in his plan.” For Combusta, none of it added up. While she believed the pair, she knew there was something they either weren’t telling them or didn’t know about.

“The only other information we can add is what Scourge asked Atlas as we were leaving their audience. I overheard him asking if starting over again was the wisest course of action. So my guess is that maybe at one point Atlas was that petty and he wants to go back to it.” Cyberwolf figured things started out as a tyranny in Nexus.

“There’s nothing in the ancient datatracks that suggests that this Cybertron was ever under a dictatorship. It may have once been close to democratic, but for most of us it’s always been somewhere between a democracy and a tyranny. First with three rulers, and then one, but mostly free,” Dreadwing explained, disproving their theory of Atlas once being a tyrant.

“I’m not gonna doubt it. Datatracks can be rewritten. There are likely things they don’t want the public to know about Nexus’ past. Couldn’t have become this peaceful without, at least, a little bloodshed,” Depth Charge interjected knowing that all major civilizations have many forgotten eras of darkness.

“Now what about how to rescue Optimus? That seems most impossible to pull off given the high level of security at the citadel,” Dreadwing asked feeling the escape of their allies was the most pressing matter.

“Simple, really. We were only informed of any of this because Atlas wanted us to replace Salvage as generals. He was impressed with our resolve, sharp wit, and cunning tactics to survive. He feels we’d have been invaluable assets to the Transtech cause. Granted we had some help, but if there was one thing we’ve learned since coming online, it’s how to survive, and the horrible things you must do at times, regardless of how terrible it makes you feel.” Bountyclaw stopped himself for a moment dwelling on the shame that has weighed heavily on his spark in recent cycles; though, he regained his composure and continued. “We agreed, but only long enough for us to get full access to all areas of the citadel… including the prison,” he grinned as the others knew just what to do next.

“Now we just need to organize a team to infiltrate,” Dreadwing looked toward Depth Charge whom nodded in agreement.

“If I may, I suggest our Maximal friends. I know you’re against them getting anywhere near Atlas, but, to be honest, they work well as a cohesive unit and with Optimus back in toe with them I feel we’d have the best chance for escape. Not to mention their impressive improvisational tactics,” Cyberwolf suggested.

“That’s too risky. What if their tactics don’t work? They get caught, it’s all over,” Depth Charge explained. While he wasn’t saying so, everyone knew he wasn’t telling them everything. He knew something, something big that was coming; his tone was making it quite obvious.

“Then let me accompany them. I might be able to provide further guidance if things get messy,” Dreadwing requested. Depth Charge thought on it for a moment.

“Very well, but they must agree to go. I’m certain they’ll have no objections but we still must ask. However, Rhinox and Blackarachnia will remain behind. We’ll need them in our science lab. If we’re to get them back to their home stream they must begin work immediately on creating a portable stream bridge from Maximal and Transtech technology,” none showed any objection to Depth Charge’s orders.

“Send them to the armory right away and brief them. I’ve gotta make call,” Dreadwing and the twins stood and left to begin preparations. Depth Charge made sure they had left before turning to his holoscreen accessing secret files on the database. The screen turned to static as he spoke again. “We have a plan to send them back home. They’ll soon be leaving to rescue Optimus Primal from the citadel. When do we send them your way?” Depth Charge asked knowing his allies were listening in.

“Soon enough. We’ll prepare a message and coordinates once they’ve returned to Primax. We only pray it’s not too late. The time is coming dangerously close. They must arrive here soon or else all is lost,” the mysterious voice on the other end of the comlink replied.

Meanwhile, in the armory the Maximals were briefed on the suicide mission they were about to embark on. Rhinox and Blackarachnia were already on their way to the science lab as per orders, while the others reflected on the dangers ahead. “While I’m not turning away from this for a second, I gotta say, I just don’t see us surviving this. I mean our technology is inferior and we’re gonna be extremely outnumbered once we step inside,” Nightscream was the first to speak up. His tone was grim and it was apparent he felt success was not an option.

“We won’t fail. Yes, our technology is inferior but this Cybertron has never been involved in a war. We all come from streams where war is in our nature. They’re at a tactical disadvantage,” Silverbolt was confident; a welcome change to the impending doom the others were feeling.

“Silverbolt is right. We’ve been in situations like this before, sometimes with far worse odds, and we’ve all made it out alive. It won’t be easy, but we will succeed,” Cheetor added. To the others he was sounding more and more like Optimus every solar cycle.

“What about when we get out? Will we receive transport or will we be on our own in that as well?” Obsidian asked, confident of success in the citadel, but unsure of afterwards.

“Unfortunately, we’ll be on our own on that front as well. While I am accompanying you, this has to look like an act of a rogue officer. I’m most suited for this as I’ve stuck my neck out for all of you in front of the military on many occasions.” The others looked at Dreadwing feeling the burden they’ve brought upon the police force since their arrival. “Don’t misunderstand me. I choose this of my own free will, and will have no regrets. I’m doing what I feel is right. We all are; security chief included,” Dreadwing added, not wanting the others to feel this was all their responsibility.

“OK, so we have everything straight, we’ll take the manual transport to get us all there undetect…” Cyberwolf stopped himself for a moment and restated, “…or should I say with as little suspicion as possible, then enter the facility. We should still have full access. I doubt they would ever expect us to show our faces around there again. Should that fail, demolition is our backup. We’ll alert the entire facility, but create a big enough hole for us to enter. We then take the elevator down to the prison and spring Optimus. Once again, should privileges be revoked a nearby ventilation shaft lead us there. Once we have Optimus we leave the same way we came in and make a run back here on foot. The transport will be reported stolen so this doesn’t come back to Dep…,” Dreadwing looked at Cyberwolf shaking his head, “…the security chief. It will likely be impounded by the military. Any questions?”

“Yeah, one? What are we still doing just standing around here? Let’s get this party started! Hehe…” Rattrap ran for the elevator eager to get this plan underway. The others wasted no time following their smaller companion. Soon it was all over the police band. A local business transport was stolen by a rogue officer and a group of offworlders. They took a scenic route so that military could not prepare defenses. Eventually, the police “lost them”, as they put it, and the group made their way for the citadel. To their surprise, the transport created no suspicion, as many kept driving to and from the location. They all exited from the cargo hold, Dreadwing exiting from the driver’s seat. To add to their surprise there wasn’t even any guards posted out front.

“So far so good,” Bountyclaw spoke as he approached the entrance. Using his security clearance, the doors to the citadel opened and they all entered. It was as they had said. Clearly Atlas didn’t expect them to show their faces again. They made their way to the elevator and soon were on their way to the prison. All was calm, but Cheetor was getting an uneasy feeling creeping up on him.

“Something’s not right. This is going too smoothly. I mean clearly by now we should have been detected, yet, pure silence,” he spoke up and soon the others noticed what he was talking about. He was right. How could the Transtech not see them by this point? There were security cameras and signature detectors installed all over the place but they encountered no opposition.

“I’m not gonna disagree with you. Even we were expecting a fight by this point, but we can’t turn back now. We’re almost there… and we promise you, we’re all getting out of this place alive,” Cyberwolf said pulling out his energon crafter and readying its sword configuration as the elevator halted at its destination. The others readied their weapons as the doors slid open. Once again, no danger.

“What game are they playing?” Bountyclaw questioned as he made his way to a nearby terminal. As if fortune might have been smiling upon them, his information worked and he was able to access the prison database. “I found it. His cell is straight ahead, sixth one on the left. Get over there as I’ll open the doors,” the others wasted no time running towards the cell as they saw the doors opening. They were so close, the anxiety of the situation almost drifted away. They turned, made their way for the cell in question, and entered only to see the doors close right behind them.

“What in the pit?! The doors shut! Bountyclaw, override the system and get us out of here!” Dreadwing exclaimed turning to analyze the surroundings. They were alone in the cell.

“Optimus isn’t even here!” Silverbolt added. It was apparent at this time, the Transtech had been onto them from the start; but how? “Open the doors already!”

“And why would they want to do that?” Only Dreadwing recognized the voice that came from outside the cell as a figure made his ways out of the darkness of the open cell behind theirs.

“Atlas!” Dreadwing charged at the bars as if hoping he could break through and get his hands on the leader and deity of the Transtech. Atlas laughed at his feeble attempt as Bountyclaw and Cyberwolf shamefully made their way to his side.

“To be honest, I didn’t actually think these two would succeed and in bringing you here, but clearly they’re more resourceful than I thought,” Atlas chuckled as the two just looked down. They couldn’t even look the ones who once considered them friends.

“You treacherous bastards! You sold us out, and for what?!” Silverbolt was next in a feeble attempt to get his hands on the pair.

“Even you should have figured out by now, that money and power go a long way in Nexus. These two are especially aware of this,” Atlas turned to face the pair, a wide grin upon his face. “You two have done quite well. Your debts are officially wiped clean. Now if you would, head to the R&D department and remove those hideous beast forms. Can’t have my future generals running around like mangy animals.” The two never looked once at their former allies. They just turned and left. Nothing could mask the remorse of the choices they’ve made.

“What do you plan to do with us and where’s Optimus?!” Cheetor demanded.

“Optimus? Nearby. Take comfort in the fact that you came so close. As for what I plan to do with you? I think you can guess even that. None of you are going to make it out of here alive. Soon, nothing will stop me,” his laughter brought an eerie surge through there circuits. It was a familiar and haunting laugh in which few Cybertronians truly understand, but any would know it for what it was. Pure, undiluted evil.

He made his leave with the canine twins and left them by the elevator in the throne room. Only after he had left did Bountyclaw speak and only two words could truly describe what they were feeling. “We’re sorry…,” the two entered the elevator, heads down, to receive their upgraded forms… a long walk of shame ahead.

Great twist !!!! Keep it up !!!!

Amazing story so far.

Though one question, what became of the Prime and Megatron of Axiom Nexus in your version of the Transtech?

Again, great job, really looking forward to the next update.

Thank you, I'm glad you've enjoyed it thus far. As for Nexus Ops and Megs, there never really were any. Or at least not that I've written in yet. While this does follow the original idea of Fun Publications Transtech, it is separate universe and it meant to serve what Transtech was originally meant to be... a sequel to Beast Wars/Machines. The Multiverse, however, was quite inspirational and allowed me to bring in more than just beast saga characters, evidenced by Dreadwing mostly, being as he was the movieverse character, just a lot smarter now.

Back on Ops and Megs, if there were any reason that Optimus and Megatron never existed in Nexus, it ties closely to the four mains rules of Axion Nexus. No Primes, No Megatrons, No McGuffins, No Loitering.

Oh, okay. It does make me wonder why the Transtech of FunPub decided to keep their Prime and Megatron. Looking forward to the next update.

The first act is coming closer and closer to a close and while not the longest I do have an update on the first part of what will likely be a very long chapter (Maybe even as long as Breaking Even). This first part is mostly a little backstory on Rattrap and how he wound up on the Axalon to begin with. Enjoy:

The One Part 1

Within the dank, rusty, old cell they were recently imprisoned in, the Maximals reflect on the events that landed them there, and the impending doom that was to come. They went back and forth blaming the ones they once called friends whom had only megacycles earlier betrayed them. All felt contempt and resentment for the pair known as the canine twins; all except Rattrap, who remained silent the entire time.

“If we ever get out of here I’ll rip out their optics for this. We should have known from their behavior alone they would betray us, but you and Obsidian had to insist we help them. We should have let them kill each other in that arena then rescue them,” Nightscream yelled pointing his finger at Cheetor.

“Now you’re going to blame us for this? We all put our trust in them, you included,” Cheetor defended himself and Obsidian, leading Nightscream to stand and approach Cheetor in confrontation. Before a fight could break out Silverbolt intervened holding Nightscream back.

“Stop this now! None of us are at fault for this! We could never have expected this, especially from our own kind!” Silverbolt tried his best to relax his friends trying to think logically about the situation.

“He’s right. Even, I myself never saw this coming. But if you insist on blaming anyone, blame me. It’s my organizations responsibility to provide any questionable Intel on refugees, but our data on the pair is limited. Besides, I feel their recent behavior is the result of their prolonged time in Nexus. This world can turn the best of us into treacherous criminals. And I’m certain they had their reasons,” Dreadwing’s words were sincere. He wanted to believe Cyberwolf and Bountyclaw were noble Maximals, but it was not the case.

“I’m surprised you’ve had nothing to say on this matter Rattrap. You despise traitors more than anyone of us. I’m curious what you think of all this,” Silverbolt noted on his friends silence on the matter. Rattrap looked up at his close friend and sighed.

“I don’t blame em’,” was all he said.

“What?!” All of them spoke.

“Don’t get me wrong; I don’t like it one bit, but, in the end, I don’t blame em’,” Rattrap clarified.

“How can you say that? Because you assisted Megatron in the spark wars that one night, or does this have something to do with Dinobot?” Nightscream asked confused.

“If anyone can relate to them, it’s Rattrap. He knows better than anyone what it’s like to betray his own kind,” Dreadwing added, but Rattrap did not protest. He only nodded in agreement. “Surely some of you would have wondered how Rattrap wound up on the Axalon in the first place. Does he look the type for space exploration?”

“Hehe, got a file on me do ya?" Rattrap asked as Dreadwing nodded in acknowledgement. "Granted my relationship with Chomperface does have something to do with it, but Dreadwing is right. I know what it’s like to be a traitor. It was about 10 stellar cycles ago; I was short on cash, unemployed and about to be evicted from my place. I was metacycles behind on my rent and getting desperate. I used to work data analysis and security at the Citadel and acquired quite a bit about information on the current affairs of Cybertron. Valuable to Predacons. Well, I met up with a representative for the underworld one evening at a bar. I was targeted from the start. They knew about my old job, my financial troubles, as well as my gambling debts. They offer to pay it all off for a little portion of that info. I reluctantly agreed,” Rattrap paused to remember it all as the others looked at him in silence and disbelief.

“As time went on the money started to control my actions. It was too good to pass up, so I became an information broker. From my own place I would hack political and military servers and sell the information to the highest bidder. Predacons weren’t my only clients either. Some Maximals came to me for valuable Intel. Eventually I was contacted for a big job, millions of credits offered. All for just a schematic of the Citadels relic room as well as any security information. Shoulda’ know it was too good to be true. Cryotek was the client, and he wanted the golden disk,” this stunned all but Rhinox on the revelation that Rattraps information is what started the Beast Wars.

“I have regretted that day ever since. I’ve blamed myself for what happened in those 3 stellar cycles. Never told anyone except for Rhinox and Dinobot. Ol’ Chomperface never brought it up once, and took it to the grave with him. In the end the data was a trap. I was a loose end in identifying Cryotek, so he sent an anonymous tip to Maximal high command on my dealings. I was only charged with the one deal, but it was enough to put me away in a maximum security prison for 5 stellar cycles. I served my time, got out, and was assigned to the Axalon as community service, as per the stipulations in my parole. I got lucky too. Had they convicted me for any of my other dealings I’d have spent my life in that prison. But I had the best defense attorney that money couldn’t by. All my funds were locked up, so I was assigned one voluntarily. He got me to confess to the one charge, as well as provide the names of my clientele in return for immunity for the rest of my charges. I’d be rotting away in a prison if it weren’t for him. Been my best friend and comrade ever since,” Rattrap paused and warmly smiled. “Anyway, last thing any of us would want to do is rot away in a Predacon prison. It’s enough to drive even the strongest bots insane, especially Maximals. I’m sure Transtech punishments are worse, and given their debts I’m sure Cyberwolf and Bountyclaw would have wound up dead if it weren’t for the deal they struck. For that reason, I don’t blame em’.”

“Rattrap speaks the truth. Waspinator spent time in Predacon prison more than a decacycle. Waspinator not always crazy. Waspinator only steal energon and jaywalk but it enough to put Waspinator away for long time,” Waspinator explained surprising the others that he had ever been sane.

“In the end though, only Bountyclaw and Cyberwolf truly know why they betrayed us,” Obsidian noted as the others looked in his direction, yet all agreed.

Edit: Changed the title of this chapater since it went on longer than I expected.

Here's part two of this chapter. This will finally give you all better insight into who Atlas really is:

The One Part 2
A long silence came as they all contemplated their fate. Though, likely the Transtech would kill them soon enough, Obsidian was not content with just lying down and letting fate deal them another poor hand. Obsidian was focused on finding a way out of this prison and out of Nexus. He just needed time to think. “I’m going to try to formulate a strategy to get us out of here. Given this prisons age there are likely weaknesses surrounding the structure that we can exploit.”

“I don’t see how any of it would help. Even if this place is old and run down and we could find a weakness, this place is loaded with security we couldn’t sneak past. Besides we’d still have to find Optimus too,” Nightscream was pessimistic about their situation at best.

“Perhaps but it wouldn’t hurt to try. Better than just lying around waiting to die,” Obsidian added.

“Maybe we could all pool our minds and come up with something,” Silverbolt noted, yet Obsidian just shook his head.

“I appreciate the willingness, but that’s not how I strategize. I meditate,” the others all looked at Obsidian confused. “I don’t seem the type I know but it’s just something I’ve always done in the past before battle. I focus better when I just tune out and concentrate on my own consciousness,” Obsidian explained.

“How long do you think it will take? I’m not to certain we have very long. I keep getting this feeling that we’ll soon outlive our usefulness, or perhaps that Atlas would rather not risk keeping us online,” Cheetor’s fears were valid and were shared by all, including Obsidian. Obsidian walked past them all and sat alone in a small corner.

“I don’t know. Hopefully not long,” it wasn’t soon after this his gaze went distant, and all knew his consciousness was no longer with them. However Cheetor noticed something different about his gaze. He couldn’t pin it, but it looked less like when Optimus would meditate and more like Obsidian was not alone in his thoughts. As if some force had entered his consciousness.

Within his mind Obsidian soon learned that he had done something more than just slip into meditation. He felt a presence, and it immediately revealed itself. “I am Vector Sigma, before Cybertron was, I was,” the voice and atmosphere were unmistakable. Somehow he had reached a commune with the ancient computer system.

“Vector Sigma?! But how?! We’re no longer in Primax anymore and most definitely not anywhere near your core,” Obsidian wondered is Vector Sigma might have been contacting him.

“Your thought process is three dimensional. I exist in every stream, on every Cybertron that has ever existed. Unicron, Primus, and I all exist on a conscious plane in every stream simultaneously. With that I am the very same Vector Sigma you first communed with,” Vector Sigma explained.

“So you’re a collective consciousness from all the streams?” Obsidian felt it now made sense why Vector Sigma’s database was so vast.

“Correct.”

“But it was not my wish to commune and I still don’t understand how it can be engaged when I am not near the core,” he asked still a bit confused.

“Perhaps not consciously but sub-consciously you knew you needed information. Information I could provide. As for accessing my database from your cell, you need only the key download,” the more Vector Sigma spoke the more Obsidian felt this computer had evolved into something else. At times it acted like it was a computer, and at other times is seemed as if it had a will of its own.

“Well, since I’ve accessed your database perhaps you could inform me to a weakness in the Transtech defenses, or even a way out of this prison.”

“Negative,” was all Vector Sigma said.

“Negative, as in you don’t know, or as in, you won’t tell me?” It sounded evasive to Obsidian. Vector Sigma remained quite. “Very well, is there anything useful you can tell me about the Transtech?”

“The Transtech are the most ancient race of Cybertronians to ever exist. And since their stream rests between all universes, when an inter-dimensional portal opens, it always leads here. Because of which they have infinite knowledge of the other streams and access to nearly all advanced technology on other Cybertrons. In your current forms you might be able to defeat some, but eventually you would be overrun. You would need technology far more advanced than theirs to effectively combat them. That technology does not exist in any stream,” Vector Sigma’s words opened the grim reality of the situation to Obsidian.

“So there is no hope to fight them.”

“Incorrect. The technology exists in what can only be described as a dimensional flux, or limbo of sorts. It exists simultaneously within all streams much like Unicron, Primus, and myself. Access can only be gained when desired by its inhabitants,” Vector Sigma continued.

“Is there any way we can gain access other than with their blessing?” Obsidian knew they would have to find away into their domain whoever they were.

“Negative.”

Very well,” Obsidian sighed and continued with his questions. “What can you tell me about Atlas?” This so-called king of the Transtech was a mystery altogether, as were his motives.

“Atlas has many names throughout the many streams and planets in its galaxies. Humans referred to him as God, Allah, Jehovah… Cybertronians from other streams know him only as the One; the very first life form and creator of all. His spark is immortal and was what created another dimensional limbo known as the Matrix, the Well of Sparks, and even the Allspark. All living energy from all streams exists there for eternity when their bodies cease function, and Atlas uses it as a means for infinite knowledge and understanding. However, Atlas is by no means divine or pure. He holds contempt for imperfection and seeks to destroy what is not worthy in his optics,” Vector Sigma’s words shook the foundation of Obsidians understanding of Cybertrons, and even universes history.

“The One?! It was said he created Unicron, and eventually Primus. We’ve always known them as our factual deities. The One was always considered myth.”

“Unicron was an attempt to create a life form much like himself. Powerful and intelligent. However, as time went on he began to see Unicron a neutral entity which didn’t share in his desire to create and destroy. Eventually he decided to split Unicrons spark; to split his personality. The result was the Lord of Chaos, the Chaos Bringer, and the Planet Devourer, Unicron, and the embodiment of Cybertron, Primus. This is not to suggest that there is any black and white distinction between the two. Primus could be just as malevolent and cruel as Unicron. Yet, the split was hard on Unicron. It enraged him. He cursed the name of Atlas and cried foul. It was what drove him to his destructive nature,” Vector Sigma explained, giving Obsidian better understanding of who Unicron is, or once was. Yet, Obsidian felt that there was perhaps another reason that Vector Sigma was avoiding. He decided to just let the computer continue.

“Satisfied with the result he formed the first Cybertronian council. The council, consisting of these three created others like them. Atlas has Transtech drones, Unicron created the Quintessons, and Primus created Cybertronians as you know them now. Eventually Atlas grew unhappy with his results and his desires soon shifted to ridding his perfect Cybertron of Unicron, Primus, and their creations. He threw them into a temporal flux as well as their creations, and the Transtech remained. He expected this banishment would eventually destroy them. Instead the unexpected occurred. They branched out into new streams. This flux began creating multiverse. Primax was one of the first streams created and others followed in its image. However, Nexus was always connected to them and at times temporary portals would open and its inhabitants would emerge. In these other streams some Cybertronians had technology significantly more advanced; technology the Transtech wanted. Anytime they found technology greater than their own, they stole and implemented it into their own, eventually killing the race they’d received it from.”

“So they are tech stealers, as some suggested,” Obsidian knew they would need technology more advanced if they were ever to combat them.

“Correct.”

“Atlas wants us here for a reason. He has some agenda. What is it?” Obsidian saw it coming; the silence. Another dodged answer. “I know you’re trying to remain neutral, as you’ve always been but I need to know what we can do to get out here and back to our home stream.”

“Before you can ever return, there is a task that needs completing. Throughout the streams are 12 relics. These relics will point to the location of Primus, who is instrumental in stopping Atlas from whatever he is planning. They must be recovered at all costs,” this response sounded grave.

“It’s too dangerous for us to remain here! We need to leave here immediately!” Obsidian felt their circumstances were more important than some treasure hunt.

“You need only collect the one here, in Nexus; within the Citadel,” if it was that close, then perhaps it might not be difficult as it sounded.

“What is it?”

“A hammer forged within the smelting pool beneath a Forge before the Decepticons had taken over Polyhex. It is a powerful relic that Atlas stole from another Primax refugee, and used to kill many refugees’s that opposed him,” Vector Sigma explained.

“I understand you wish us to find this relic but you also suggest there are others scattered throughout the streams. How will we find the other 11? We can’t travel inter-dimensionally,” Obsidian felt pessimistic, at best, about the situation.

“Correction. Only ten are left to recover.”

“Ten! Where are the other two?” Obsidian wondered what happened to these other two.

“Both you and Cheetor each possess one; my key and the Solblade,” Vector Sigma answered.

“The key? But it’s only data, not the physical copy.”

“It has always been data. There never was a physical copy. However one copy has the ability to manifest into reality briefly from a user of my choosing,” Vector Sigma clarified.

“My copy? But, why would I be chosen and if that is the case why can’t I fully access your database?” Obsidian wondered what made him so worthy, but also why his access was restricted.

“Possession is a great responsibility, as it has many unique properties that some would seek to exploit. You have always served a higher cause, therefore are above any such abuse.”

“So it’s a matter of trust. Not that I would abuse it but perhaps you could explain to me how I could use these properties? With the threat we face I may need to defend myself through means other than physical combat,” Obsidian requested, but knew he’d be denied.

“Only when the time is necessary will you be able to access these programs.”

“Had a feeling that would be your answer. Very well. Where in the Citadel is this hammer?”

“It lies within Atlas’ throne room. It will not be easy to obtain as only one can possess it, fortunately they are already with you. When the time comes, they will know what to do.” Vector Sigma answered, and before Obsidian could request any further information his commune abruptly ended. He returned to his cell with the others staring at him with a curious expression.

“Didn’t know mediation would take megacycles,” Nightscream commented seeing that Obsidian was back with them again.

“It wasn’t really meditation was it? You were having a vision or something, weren’t you? Your optics were like Optimus’ when he communed with the fake oracle,” Cheetor asked, sensing he’d learned more than just a strategy to escape.

“I was communicating with Vector Sigma again. Not my intension, but beneficial. I now have a better understanding of our enemy, and what we’re to do,” Obsidian went on to explain the history of the One, and the mission they were to complete, only leaving out the acquisition of their two artifacts.

Edit: Man, I really gotta work on some of these plot holes LOL! Corrected a previous chapter so that Waspinator did accompany them on their rescue mission.

I know it's been a long time, and I apologize if I kept anyone waiting. I've been stuck in a block for a while, but I'm out of my funk, and ready to continue.

The Run Part 1


The Run

After escaping Sideways in Gygax, Bountyclaw and Cyberwolf did not find a warm welcome when they returned back to the base of operation for the Wreckers. They only found stasis cuffs on their wrists, and an awaiting trial to answer for their so-called crimes. Without their datatracks they could not prove their innocence, and if Sideways was still alive, he was long gone, safely back with the Predacons. Few believed them, and even fewer could help them even if they wanted. After all, as members of the wreckers, the populace must believe they are dead to keep information of their operations a secret.

They stood before a judge and jury, professed their innocence with no proof to back their claims, and were eventually convicted of murder, treason, theft, and surprisingly jaywalking, though it was irrelevant to that case, and happened long before the war. Cyberwolf claimed, in his defense, he was drunk at the time of the incident. They were sentenced to life imprisonment in a top secret, maximum security prison, without the possibility of parole. Fortunately there was a silver lining in the dark skies that had become their lives. They could appeal the decision if evidence came forward of possible innocence. When they were to arrive at the prison, after being registered in the system, they were to report to the medical bay to receive new datatracks, and when the memories contained in their sparks synced with the new device, they would have their evidence. Unfortunately for them, they would never arrive.

Sideways knew, eventually, they would be able to prove what really happened and needed to protect the interests of the Predacon cause, safeguarding the information he had stolen, as well as fabrication of his death. This information would turn the tide of the war; he entire Wreckers database. A comprehensive list of agents, targets, missions, and financial records that would allow the Predacons a chance to fight back, and eventually conquer. His lie had to be protected, so he hired a group of Predacon mercenaries to destroy the transport that was taking the twins to prison and ensure their deaths. This mission was only partially successful. The transport was destroyed but before it exploded they had managed to crawl out through a hole in the hull. The next shot that hit the transport created a massive energon explosion that ripped a portal in space that sucked the pair through as they fell unconscious. When they awakened, they were in Axiom Nexus, and the downward spiral of their lives only continued.

Cyberwolf knew what they did was wrong. Those Maximals were nothing but loyal to the two. Loyalty they did not deserve. This knowledge was like a vise on his spark squeezing and draining away his life force. The thought of what he had become made him sick. Bountyclaw was in no better shape. He too had taken their betrayal hard. But they had to survive. The Transtech military, and Atlas, were too powerful to contend with. How could they make any impact on saving these refugee’s of another stream? And now they wait, their upgrades to Transtech bodies soon to come. The doctor to perform the spark transfer was making a few final adjustments before having them lay on opposite tables of their new bodies. Long before that wait a silence had fallen over them. Not a word spoken of what they had done. But that elephant wasn’t leaving anytime soon. Bountyclaw was first to speak. “We did the right thing. Their good bots, but we have to think about ourselves first. If we were to save them we’d probably all go offline in the process. Not to mention, we finally remove our debts and get our lives on track.” Cyberwolf did immediately respond. He dwelled on his friends words.

“Can we even really defend this? What makes us different from Sideways? We sold them out, after everything they had done for us. I know we had our reasons, but I can’t escape the fact that I might have just rather died then ever betray who I really am. I am dishonored. An action that only voids my spark. The only solace in that reality is that I’m already dead,” his words spoke only a grim truth. He had shamed himself, and his master, Yoketron. His actions would have resulted in the Deceptus Templar enforcing his own suicide. There is no place for criminals when there is no honor.

“Could you be any more optimistic? We’re lower than just criminals. Even a sharkticon has more class then us,” Bountyclaw replied, mostly in agreement.

“Still as you said, we have to think about ourselves. It’s in our nature. Self-preservation is our primary instinct. We’ll just have to live with those consequences,” another long silence fell over the two until the doctor interrupted.

“We’re all set. If you two would kindly lie on the appropriate tables we’ll begin implanting your sparks into these fresh protoforms. When you re systems reboot select an alternate form and enjoy your new lives as Transtech,” he explained with a smile. They looked at each other, then over at the lifeless protoforms they were to inhabit, then at each other again.

“You sure you wanna do this?” Cyberwolf asked, a small smile cracking under the brutal truth of what they had become.

“I’ve always been with you, bro. Why would now be any different?” Bountyclaw answered with a wide grin.

“Let’s do this.”