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Earth, Oregon
Metroplex/Autobot City

Ultra Magnus rolled up to main gate of Autobot City to greet the visitors. He watched as a caravan of black SUV’s approached. EDC personnel, who were assigned to help guard the city, lined the road to hold back protesters – both pro and anti-Autobot.

The demonstrators started showing up a few days ago. The arrival of the VIP and the media drew many more than usual.

The car carrier semi transformed and opened the gate. The caravan entered. As the human passengers got out, they appeared to be forming a perimeter around the vehicles. One human, wearing a grey suit, approached the nine meter robot.

The human introduced himself, “I’m Secretary of State George Galloway.” The man couldn’t have been more unremarkable-looking: thinning hair, glasses.

Magnus didn’t attempt to shake hands. Human to Cybertronian hand shakes always felt awkward to him. They always just grabbed his finger. Instead he nodded, “Ultra Magnus. I’m commanding officer of the Autobot task force assigned to Earth.” He supplemented, “I didn’t expect a personal visit from such a high ranking official.”

He looked up and spoke with a silver tongue, “Well, the president wants to impress upon you how important our alliance is.”

“I see,” said Magnus, but he knew political speak when he heard it.

Galloway looked around, “Is there someplace we can talk in private?”

*****

The conference room was designed specifically for human to Autobot meetings. Half of the large table was scaled down to sit humans; though, it was adjusted so everyone was at eye level.

The secretary addressed the elephant in the room, “The United States has every intention of continuing our good relations with the Autobots.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” stated the white and blue semi.

“However,” began Galloway, “the administration would like to float some ideas by you.”

The city commander sat back and waited for the other shoe to drop, “Oh?”

“We would like a complete list of all Autobots on planet at all times.”

Magnus shrugged, “That’s acceptable.”

Galloway continued, “Eventually, we’d like to begin issuing visas to any Autobots in country.” He looked up to see the scowl on the robot’s face. “Eventually,” he emphasized. “Also,” he went on, “we’d like to begin implanting all the Autobots in the United States with a GPS tracking device.”

Magnus put his hands on the table, “What?” He shook his head, “It’d be too easy for the Decepticons to hack your systems. That’s the very reason we don’t already have our own tracking devices.”

“The data will only be accessible by our most sophisticated defense computer at Iron Mountain, TORQ IX.”

The Autobot huffed, “I hope you’ve made improvements since TORQ III.”

He ignored the reference and pushed up his glasses, “I don’t think it’s an unfair request. We tag most everything now.” He pointed to himself, “I’m tagged.”

“How unfortunate for you.”

Obviously offended – or just annoyed that Magnus wouldn’t roll over for him – he continued, “Look at everything the United States has provided for the Autobots: materials, energy… land for this city.” He leaned in, “We have been very generous.”

The semi crossed his arms, “I’m pretty sure the ‘generosity’ has gone both ways.”

The man gave an empty smile, “Well, the tracking devices are only a request…at this point.” He stood and got ready to leave, “Congress will begin a review of our current agreements soon. Tell Optimus Prime that he may be requested to appear before a committee or two before it’s over.”

Magnus’ head lowered, “Are you joking?”

The secretary went down some stairs and got to the floor level, “Not at all. Of course, we can’t make him appear; but if he doesn’t, it won’t look good in the court of world opinion.”

The Autobot rose to his full height and glared at the man.

Making for the exit, Galloway added, “Contact the State Department if you change your mind on those tracking devices.”

He resisted the urge to literally kick the man out. Luckily, Galloway seemed to be in a hurry to get out of there.

Metal scraped as Ultra Magnus clenched his fists.

*****

 

Cybertron, Iacon
Witwicky Quarters

About the only other place of Cybertron that had breathable air was the Witwicky residence. The Autobots retrofitted a structure near the Decagon, but not so close as to be collateral damage if the security complex was attacked. Outside, it was completely non-descript, by design.

The interior spaces were large enough to fit most Autobots, but with conventional human comforts: beds, couches, even window dressings.

“Spike,” Carly, Arcee, and Daniel – who resided in the female Autobot’s head – were all in the oversized living room.

“I want what’s best for him too, Carly,” said Sam. “Between Nebulon technology and Cybertron technology, he’s gotten the best care we could possibly get for him.”

She retorted, “Even if that is true, he’s inside a soldier’s body. He will be put in harm’s way if he stays with Arcee.”

The pink Cybertronian hover car weighed in, “If it means giving Daniel the best possible lifestyle, I’ll….I’ll resign from the Autobot Forces. I’m sure Optimus Prime would understand.”

One of Daniel’s tears hit his console, inside her head. “No, Arcee!”

The convertible tapped her head, “We’re all trying to do what is best for you, Daniel.”

“But I don’t want to go to Earth,” his sobs became louder, “I want to say here on Cybertron.”

Arcee knelt down to Carly and Sam, “I’ll abide by whatever you two decide.”

Sam had nothing more to add. He had made his case.

Carly was no mere housewife. She had a degree from MIT in engineering. She knew as much as any human about the internal workings of the Autobots, no to mention most other technologies. She, Wheeljack, and Ratchet worked on several projects together other the years. Their deaths hit her especially hard. Afterwards, she matured quite a bit. The reality of the fact that she and her family were in the middle of a war could no longer be ignored. The sentiment had only been reinforced since Daniel’s run in with Snapdragon. She sighed, “Alright, how about this: for the time being, Daniel stays with Arcee…”

“Yea!” came from the 13 year old.

“…but, Arcee, Daniel, and I will take a shuttle to Earth, have some doctors look at him, and make sure every option has been explored.”

The female ‘bot prompted Sam by looking at him as she spoke, “That sounds perfectly reasonable to me.”

He shrugged, “Alright. It can’t do any harm, I suppose.”

“Great,” said the pink car, “We’ll go ask Springer for use of the Boundless and warm her up, while you get your things packed.”

*****

Nebulon, Old Hive City/Scorponok
Epsilon Endi System

Deep inside the slumbering titan, Scorponok, Lord Zarak and the rest of the Nebulon oligarchy, known as the Hive, continued their examination of the ruined Decepticons.

Blowpipe, the brother-in-law of Zarak, pointed to a pile of parts in the large factory-like bay. “All that is junk; spare parts at best.”

“Awe,” complained Spasma, “Apeface can’t be repaired. I kinda liked that body.”

The Hive leader summed up, “Weirdworf and Skullcruncher – or rather their bodies – can be remade to serve us. He turned to the other husks, “Those two,” he gestured to Sinnertwin and Blot, “are too small to be turned into headmasters – drones perhaps.” Zarak looked around a bit, “Are you sure there were no other bodies?”

Krunk, Zarak’s personal body guard, reassured him, “This is all we could find.”

“Mindwipe probably ran off with the others, that fink!” commented the bat’s head, Vorath.

“So that only leaves the two-headed dragon,” observed Grax, the former partner of Skullcruncher.

The one-eyed Zarak pointed to Spasma, “You will take that one. I believe the other transformers used to call it, Hun-Grrr.”

“Whatta stupid name,” he commented.

One of the Nebulons, Fracus, held a cracked and leaking, blue orb in his hand. “Hey boss, three of ‘em had one of these balls in their chest. But the ones that joined together didn’t. What do ya make of that?”

Zarak approached, “These spheres came up on our scans when we performed the Head and Targetmaster procedure on them. Cyclonus explained that it was their ‘life force’ – if you believe that. He called it a ‘spark.’”

“Almost sounds magical,” observed Blowpipe.

“Fool,” snapped Zarak, “There is no such thing as magic, only science we yet do not understand.” He rubbed his chin, “This ‘spark’ could not be explained by Decepticon science. I doubt it could be explained by ours.” He took a few steps, “As to why the so-called Terrorcons didn’t have one – I have no idea.” Finally, he shrugged it off, “It makes little difference to us. Come now, let’s see what we can make out of these bodies.”

*****

 

Earth, New York City

A red and yellow passenger bus turned exited “Sparkplug’s Garage.” A blue Corvette Stingray followed. As they turned onto the street, the bus started thumping with the beat of a heavy bass.

Tracks noticed not everyone on the street cared for the music blasting out of the bus. <Hey Blaster, you might wanna turn it down. I don’t want to get arrested for disturbing the peace.>

Inside the tour bus, Rewind and Eject were covering their audio receptors. “Yes, please do turn it down!”

The volume subsided. “If it’s too loud, you’re too old,” commented the newly reformed communications officer. “Look at what was brought by the stork! Man, Pipes does good work!”

After riding a few blocks, Rewind suggested, “Ok, now try to transform.” The ‘cassettes’ assumed box-like objects, while the bus shifted around them.

Blaster’s anthropoid form took shape. He stood about 10.5 meters tall. He admired himself, “Oh, yeah.”

The blue car transformed and stood about thigh-high to him.

Both were too self-involved to notice the crowd of humans massing around them. Or perhaps they noticed, but loved the attention. The first hint that this wasn’t an adoring multitude came when an empty glass bottle was hurled at Blaster and broke right on his chest/window.

“Hey!” he objected, “What was that for? You don’t like the new look?”

A man yelled, “Get outta our neighborhood, robot!” Another shouted, “Go back to your own planet!”

More debris was thrown. A few other men yelled at the ones heckling the Autobots. It didn’t take long for a fight to break out among the humans.

Blaster knelt down and his hands between two fighters, “Chill out, guys.”

Tracks got the larger ‘bot’s attention, “I think the best thing we can do is leave, Blaster; before this gets any worse.”

Just then, a gunshot rang out from the crowd. The bullet hit Tracks squarely in the temple. He immediately placed his hand over the side of his head. “Ouch!” He stood up straight and looked for the shooter. There were too many people. He screamed out to the crowd, “That’s enough!”

Surprisingly, it worked. The brawls stopped and all attention was on him.

The corvette took a few steps back, “We’re leaving, alright! We’re leaving.” He transformed, as did Blaster.

One man yelled as they began to drive off, “Don’t let these jerks get to you, Autobots.”

A few more clapped as they rolled out. Blaster wasn’t sure if they were showing respect or just glad they were leaving.

*****

Cybertron, Iacon
Spaceport 12

Many Autobots were gathered at the base of the space cruiser, giving a sendoff to the crew. The Reliant’s engines were smoldering and ready to go.

Grapple walked with Hoist. They looked up at the Reliant.

“Are you sure she’s ready?” the crane asked.

The tow truck nodded, “Thanks to the Technobots. Though, I was lucky. Several drones and maintenance bots were left onboard. If it weren’t for them, we could never operate this size ship with such a small crew.”

“Well, good luck keeping this behemoth in ship shape,” Grapple patted him on the back. He began to walk away and added under his breath, “Glad I’m not doing it.”

Smokescreen, Sideswipe, Jazz, and Bluestreak formed a small gathering.

“Are you sure you don’t need an old Datsun to join you?” prompted Smokescreen.

The Reliant captain laughed, “Sorry, I can’t take everybody.”

“Well,” continued Smokescreen, “As the only one of us who isn’t going,” he raised a cup of warm oil, “let me say, good luck, farewell, and come back in one piece.”

The Lamborghini elevated his cup, “Here’s to that.”

Bluestreak joined in with a grin, “To not being blow apart!”

“To the Reliant,” added Jazz.

They repeated, “To the Reliant.”

Inferno and Firestar both sat on a nearby crate.

“I understand why you’re going,” started Inferno.

The red female Autobot hooted, “You know me that well, huh? Do tell. Why am I going?”

He stated softly, “You’re going to look after Elita One.”

Firestar was taken aback, “Wow, I guess you do know me that well.”

“Well,” he continued with a smile, “You’ve been doin’ it for so long. Why stop now, right?”

She threw her arm around him, “I knew there was a reason why I liked you so much.”

Optimus Prime and Elita One stood hand in hand in the shadow of the ship.

He admitted, “I will miss you, Elita.”

She smirked, “It’s not like I’ll be gone for four million years.”

Prime looked to the ground and up at her, at a loss for words.

Suddenly somber, she touched his chin, “I won’t fail, Optimus. I will get us the resources and allies our planet needs.” She added in jest, “Even if I have to twist some arms to do it.”

He added after a chuckle, “Just don’t make us anymore enemies.”

She stiffened up, “Well, no long goodbyes.”

Optimus injected, “No goodbyes.”

Elita smiled, “No goodbyes.” She nodded, “Until later.” She walked to the lift next to the ship and joined the rest of the crew.

*****

 

On the Reliant bridge, Jazz’s crew was counting down to launch. While the ship was vertical, the magnetic floors were activated, so it made little difference to those in the cruiser. Sideswipe manned the forward pilot’s station. Bluestreak’s tactical post was directly behind and elevated from Sideswipe’s location. Even higher and in the center of the bridge sat Jazz in the captain’s chair. To his right was Elita One.

Jazz tapped a control on his armrest, “Hoist, how we lookin’ down there?”

From engineering, he replied, “All systems are in the green.”

Then, the captain called out, “Skyfire, you secure?”

The hangar bay was vast, but the 40 meter jet still took up most of it. In space corvette mode, he responded, “All set down here.”

“Sideswipe,” he ordered, “retract the dome.”

“You got it,” came from the pilot.

He opened another channel, “Reliant to Decagon.”

“This is Kup. Go ahead, Jazz.”

“As you may have guessed, we’d like to get on our merry way.’

“Permission to depart granted,” came from the head of planetary security. “Remember to watch out for orbital debris.”

Cybertron had a cloud of space junk orbiting it from various explosions and conflicts.

Jazz nodded, “Ya betcha. Farewell Cybertron, Reliant out.” He closed the channel and said, “Ok ‘Swipe, take us up. Don’t embarrass us by hitting anything.”

The pilot looked back, “You’re hurting my feeling, skipper.” He turned to his console, slid a handle and reported, “Contact.”

With that, the ship heaved as it slowly began to clear the spaceport. It quickly picked up speed. They passed the clouds, then the debris belt. Within seconds, they were in open space.

*****

Orbiting Cybertron
Solar System

A blue and silver stealth fighter-like jet was magnetically attached to one of the many large chucks of metal gently floating around Cybertron. Soundwave observed the launch of the Vanguard-class cruiser. Once they were safely out of scanning range, he detached and continued his course to the southern hemisphere of Cybertron.

The jet tracked from one piece of space junk to the other. His design was meant to evade detection, but there was no need to press his luck. Finally, he was above the southern pole, directly over the former heart of Decepticon territory, the city-state of Kaon. Most of the Autobots would be in Iacon, near the Northern pole. The chance of anyone detecting him as he approached the surface would be minimal.

Soundwave made a sharp decent. He continued his trajectory as he entered the atmosphere. The surface structures were coming up fast. He braked as well as he could. The espionage director was still new to this new form and did not yet control it as well as he desired. He leveled out and slowed down, but not enough. He wouldn’t be able to level out before hitting the surface. As chance would have it, the Anodyxis Gulf was nearby. The chasm would afford him the extra space he needed. He dipped below the surface layers and began pulling up. It would be close. He quickly did the calculations. The angle was insufficient to get out of the gulf. Instead, he targeted an opening to one of Cybertron’s many sub-levels. Getting into the tunnel would be easy. The hard part was stopping before he hit some wall or collapsed debris in the tunnel.

The jet opened all its flaps as Soundwave desperately tried to slow his speed. He tipped his nose up as he entered the dark hole. Immediately, he transformed and crashed into the deck. He rolled and scrapped along the floor, leaving sparks behind him. Finally, he came to rest. He lay still for a moment and reported to his minions, “Superficial damage detected; all primary systems functional.”

Rumble said from inside the Decepticon, “If I were a flesh creature, I woulda crapped myself, just then.”

*****

 

As always, thanks to my readers!

Monicus Gambling Asteroid
Tau Ceti System

Slugslinger and Triggerhappy crashed through the glass doors of the casino, each with an armful of energon chips. As they ran along the street, a mob of aliens exited the casino after them. Some were shooting at them with energy weapons.

“I told you this was a bad idea!” cursed Slugslinger.

Triggerhappy continued to run beside him, “Na, everything’s going according to plan, just like you said.”

“I said we shouldn’t do it exactly because this would happen, you moron!” He huffed, “At least, let’s transform and find the other two before going back to Astrotrain.”

“Ok,” said Triggerhappy, “Make sure to hold on to your energon chips as you change form.” The blue and white jet jumped up and transformed. Several chips fell as he did.

Slugslinger gripped, “Aww, idiot,” and followed him in the sky.

*****

Cybertron, Iacon

After recovering, Soundwave flew low over the surface to mask his approach to Iacon. On the outskirts of the city, he decided to hoof it. He took cover in a blasted out building near the Decagon – the Autobot’s planetary defense complex. He was too big to continue to advance on it himself. He ejected his minions.

“Ratbat, Frenzy, Slugfest, secure this location.” He ordered, “Laserbeak, collect intelligence from targets of opportunity in the area. Ravage, Overkill, Buzzsaw, Rumble, infiltrate the Decagon and sabotage the planetary detection and defense grid.”

The underlings scattered as per Soundwave’s instructions.

****

Just outside the main entrance of the Decagon, Grimlock patrolled in T-Rex form. He paced back and forth like how envisioned diligent guards did. A staticy signal came to him.

It was Kup’s voice, <Grimlock, I left a crate down the road aways. Would you mind bring it to the command center?>

“Um, ok,” he said, “But what about guarding the entrance?”

<That’s why you work in pairs. Isn’t Snarl there with you?>

Grimlock looked over. Snarl was indeed laying down next to the gate, powered down. The T-Rex walked over to the Stegosaurus and nudged him with his foot, “Hey Snarl, wake up.”

The Stego’s eyes lit up. “What, what you want?”

“Me Grimlock, must go get stuff for Kup. So you, need to be vigilant guard for awhile, ok?”

Snarl stood on his four feet and pawed his face, “Ok. I will guard door.”

*****

Cybertron, Iacon
Ratchet’s R & R Bay

Laserbeak perched on a building adjacent to the Autobot repair facility. It wasn’t exactly a protected area. The vulture could easily observe the activity inside the building due to its large windows. He saw at least three injured Autobots being attended to. Not exactly critical intel. He was about ready to fly off when something caught his eye. His optics zoomed in. He activated a visual filter to enhance the image.

There was no doubt now.

The spy engaged his small engines and set a return course.

*****

 

Cybertron, Iacon
Decagon Planetary Security Complex

In humanoid form, Grimlock entered the command center with a metal crate in his arms. Along the chamber’s walls were many consoles and monitors. The far wall had several large windows looking out over Cybertron.

He looked around, Kup wasn’t there. In fact, the only person in the room was Punch.

“What’s that?” inquired the double-agent.

“Wait,” said the Dinobot. He tried to be diligent in his duties. The Autobots had adopted a sign/countersign system when Punch was around, just to be sure he wasn’t his doppelganger, Counterpunch. “Coyote.”

Punch had resigned himself to this treatment long ago, “Roadrunner.”

Grimlock relaxed and walked forward, “This is thing Kup wanted me to bring here.”

“Well, what’s inside?”

The Dinobot shrugged and put it down. Then he transformed. The Dinobots preferred to remain in dinosaur mode most of the time. Not only were their dinosaur forms powerful, but it afforded them about twice the armor of their robot forms.

Punch walked to the box, “You brought a crate into the Decagon without knowing what’s in it? That is what they call a breach of security, Grimlock.”

The T-Rex turned and made for exit. “Ask Kup what is inside.” He mumbled to himself as he left, “Me don’t do what Kup says, me get yelled at. Me do do what Kup says, me get yelled at…” The door slid shut behind him.

The blue Lamborghini Diablo put his hands on his hips and huffed. Then, he transmitted, <Kup, what do you want me to do with this package that Grimlock brought?>

<What package?>

<Hold on. I’ll check what’s in it.> He went to open the container. There were four hexagonal-shaped discs inside, each about the size a manhole cover on human streets, but they were thicker. On the top one, he spotted a Decepticon symbol, but it was too late.

Ravage transformed and leapt out, pining Punch to the ground.

*****

In a different section of the complex, Kup paused his work on a drone. He looked up, <So what’s in it?>

Silence.

He added audio, “Punch, what’d ya find?”

Nothing.

The old ‘bot stood up. He walked and the began to sprint, “Punch!”

No response.

Kup switched to the common channel, “Security alert, all Autobots. I believe the Decagon has been infiltrated.”

Prime came on the line, “Dinobots, Silverbolt, Air Raid, converge on the Decagon. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

*****

In the command center, Punch lay on the deck. His mouth oozing energon and his eyes were dark.

Rumble stepped over the mangled body, “Hey, didn’t we already kill this guy?”

Buzzsaw activated the explosives in the crate. There was no need to be subtle. As soon and the detection grid went down, the Autobots would be on high alert, anyway.

“Alright,” said the purple ‘con, “it’s time to go.”

The yellow and black vulture blew out one of the windows and the others jumped through it. Finding there way down to the surface level wasn’t as easy for Overkill or Ravage, but climbing down the outside of the building did mean they wouldn’t have to fight their way out.

Once all four of them hit the ground, they ran – or flew – for it. They didn’t get far before being spotted. All they heard were huge, metal clangs behind them.

Rumble looked back. Grimlock, Snarl, and Slag were on their tail. Fortunately, the Decepticons had a good lead. Buzzsaw was well ahead of the pack, then Ravage. Rumble was trying to keep up with the Panther, but was failing. Overkill, the mini T-Rex, was lagging behind.

He panted, “Don’t have to be the fastest – just not the slowest.”

*****

Kup ran along the corridor. He was striving to get to the command room, but was still several levels below it. He heard and felt huge quake above him. The corridor went black and then the building began to fall in all around him. There was nothing he could do and no where to run.

*****

 

A massive force blasted the Dinobots from behind, knocking them to the ground. They looked back. The explosion eviscerated the top half of the main building.

The T-Rex didn’t have time to ask ‘why,’ there was only rage. He roared with a primal fury. He and the rest of the Dinobots got to there feet. They could still see the Decepticons fleeing.

They all charged with a renewed vigor. The clanking of their heavy feet was thunderous. Grimlock came upon the much smaller version of himself, Overkill. The large T-Rex didn’t even break his stride as he scooped up the Decepticon in his jaws and crushed him like cracker. Components and energon dripped from his jowl as he continued to sprint.

Rumble had witnessed the brutal dismemberment of his teammate. Now, the robotic mauler loomed closer to him. He ran in desperation. The building Soundwave had hid in was in sight, but not close enough.

Automatic fire began to pelt Grimlock, forcing him to stop. The attack came from above. It was Soundwave.

The other discs launched their own attacks. Frenzy fired from behind cover. Ratbat, Buzzsaw, and Laserbeak harassed them from the air. Slugfest was even foolhardy enough to charge the three Dinobots. Rumble was able to join Frenzy.

Snarl took on the smaller Stegosaurus. Slugfest whipped Snarl with is spiked tail right across the face. The larger ‘bot was able bite the tail and threw him some distance. Snarl then returned the favor. One of his spikes impaled the smaller Stego right through the spark. Snarl had a hard time getting the husk off.

Grimlock and Slag targeted the fliers with their molten-flame bursts. Ratbat wasn’t as maneuverable as the others and fell to the ground a half-melted hunk of metal when one hit him.

Frenzy and Rumble still fired at the Dinobots from a distance.

“What’s Soundwave thinkin’?” complained Rumble. “We can’t fight the Dinobots. We need to get out of here, fast.”

The red and black disc shot back, “He was trying to save your worthless hide! We wouldn’t have to be fighting the Dinobots if you wouldn’ta ran out in the open!”

The two began to notice a dark shadow fall on them. They looked back. A towering metal beast with a long neck blocked the sun. Its foot rose up to crush them. They dove out of the way; the massive foot barely missing them both. The two ran for their lives.

A mechanical pteranodon glided above the battle. Swoop picked his target and dived. Buzzsaw was plucked from the sky by the dinosaur’s serrated beak and cut clean in two.

Soundwave transformed and landed near his remaining minions. He employed the only weapon in his arsenal that might give them a chance to escape. A low rumbling began to reverberate through the ground. It quickly became more intense.

The sonic disruptor had the desired effect. The Dinobots were now attempting to cover their ears, without much luck. The beasts were going crazy in a desperate bid to stop the pounding in their heads.

It gave Rumble, Frenzy, Ravage, and Laserbeak a chance to transform and be collected. As soon as the last disc was in, Soundwave transformed and flew off to the south.

The compression waves stopped. The Dinobots transformed and collapsed on the metal ground in relief.

*****

A few minutes later, many other Autobots arrived on the scene, including Optimus Prime. He gazed at the smoldering ruins of the Decagon.

First Aid rolled up from the ruins. He transformed slowly when he reached Prime. “Punch was…decimated.” He looked up, “We found Kup, but he’s in real bad shape.”

Grimlock pounded the ground with his fist, “No!” He was slowly beginning to realize, he was to blame.

The Autobot leader placed a hand on the Dinobot, “You’re not the first one to be tricked by a false communication.” He stood straight. “Now that planetary defenses are offline, you can bet the rest of the Decepticons are coming.” He looked to Springer, “Halt all reconstruction efforts. Get everyone on Cybertron back to Iacon. We need to set up a defensible location if we expect to repel an attack. And inform the Paradrons. They’ll need to take precautions as well.”

Springer suggested, “Don’t you want them to join us in Iacon to help…”

“No,” Optimus replied, “the Paradrons are an independent nation. If they volunteer to join the Autobot Forces, I’ll welcome it. But they must find their own way of dealing with the Decepticons.”

Silverbolt said, “Do you really think the Decepticons will honor their independence?”

“The Decepticons don’t honor anyone’s independence,” came from Prime, “but it may take awhile for the Paradrons to fully understand that.” He changed the subject, “We have work to do. I want scouting parties in orbit, in the air, and on the ground. I want to see the Decepticons coming. Everyone else, let’s prepare our defenses.”

*****

END OF “CONTACT”

WILL BE CONTINUED IN “THE DEPARTED ONES”

 

clap clap ~

 

Thanks ARCTrooperAlpha and all my readers. Here's the next installment...

Transformers: Machinations
Season 4, Episode 7
“The Departed Ones”
​

April 2007​

Decepticon Space Cruiser Revenge
Approaching Cybertron

Cyclonus sat in the throne on the bridge. Hook reported from a forward station, “I’m not detecting any incoming artillery or sensor sweeps. It appears as if Soundwave was successful.”

The Decepticon second-in-command leaned forward, “Excellent. Take us to the Well of Allsparks. With any luck, we can take our leader to Vector Sigma and be on our way back to Charr before the Autobots even know what’s going on.”

*****

Cybertron, Hydrax Plateau
Equatorial Region

The highest structure on the plateau was a large, domed building. It sloped gently enough to drive up; more of a metal hill, than anything. Five Autobots were busy erecting a metal frame tower on top of it.

Searchlight, a white sports car, yelled up, “Chase, how ya doing on rivets?”

The red Ferrari was attached to the tower via a safely line and a rivet gun in his hand, “I got plenty.”

Wideload, an orange dump truck, was in vehicle form and had hauled the girders to this location. “I’m sure you’ll like it, Wheelie, when this relay tower is up and running, no more running back and forth over the horizon to get a signal to Iacon.”

The orange compact car replied in rhyme, as he always did, “Running all over the place is fine. Driving is how I like to spend my time.”

The green jeep, Rollbar said, “I know, I’ll like it better. I don’t like being out of communications range. I…” Something in the southern sky caught his eye. “What’s that?” There was something entering the atmosphere. It seemed to be on a more controlled trajectory than some random space trash coming in. “Searchlight, you’ve got better magnification than me. Can you see what that is?”

The white ‘bot looked, “Hold on. Tracking…got it. I don’t know. I can’t get a positive identification. It might be a ship. It looks too symmetrical to be debris.”

“I can tell you one thing,” Rollbar informed them, “It’s making a beeline to Well of Allsparks.”

“The path to Vector Sigma.” offered Wideload.

Searchlight suggested, “I might be nothing.”

“Maybe,” admitted Rollbar, “but I think it’s worth investigating.” He turned, “Come with me, let’s go check it out. Chase, Wideload, keep working on the tower. Wheelie, report this to Springer. If it’s nothing, we’ll probably be back in about a hectocycle.”

The two formed vehicles and drove south. Wheelie headed north. Wideload and Chase were left alone.

The dump truck was mildly annoyed, “I think they just wanted to get out doing any real work.”

The red ‘bot still hung on the tower. He smirked and placed another rivet.

*****

 

Nebulon, Fortress Maximus
Epsilon Endi Star System

Cerebros, the head of Fortress Maximus was finishing up repairs on Rippersnapper and Cutthroat. Both were conscious and – for the moment – behaving themselves. It might have had something to do with the fact that Hardhead and Sureshot had their weapons trained on them.

Cerebros went to Pointblank who was overseeing the repairs in an adjoining observation room.

“Pointblank, did you know the Terrorcons were drones?”

The red Cybertronian sports car crunched his brow, “What do you mean, ‘drones?’”

The black Headmaster elaborated, “They were never given sparks by Vector Sigma. They’re not Cybertronian. They are merely programmed, cybernetic robots.”

Pointblank surmised, “Galvatron probably had them built, but lacked the means to take them to Vector Sigma.”

“Well,” the Headmaster asked, “Should I tell them?”

He shrugged, “Why? There’s no need to tell them they’re a few steps above being mindless automatons.” He cocked his head, “Though, it would explain why they’re so dim-witted.”

*****

Cybertron, Iacon
Council Chambers of the Primes

The full council wasn’t in session. Only a few were present advising Prime.

Springer stepped forward from behind his podium, “I know Grimlock got tricked by one of Soundwave’s fake signals…,” which reminded him, “I changed the encryption, by the way.” He continued on his original point, “but that’s no excuse. If he had been following standard protocols, that crate never would’ve got into the building.”

Optimus allowed him to make his argument.

The newly installed Cybertronian military commander went on, “I know Wheeljack and Ratchet did their best with the Dinobots…but it wasn’t enough.”

“In fairness, let’s not forget, the Dinobots trashed four of the intruders,” Chromia added in their defense.

“Not before one Autobot died and another got severely injured,” he snapped. Springer didn’t mean to be so harsh. He seemed to take a breath and kept going, “The Dinobots should be used as offensive weapons only. They shouldn’t be used for guard duty or anything else.”

Prime rested his hand on his podium. He rapped his fingers against the metal. Then, he repeated, “Weapons.” The leader took a few steps. “Is that all they are? After twenty years, is that all they are?”

Springer didn’t answer, but his posture indicated he stood by his comments. The blue female Autobot stood silently as her eyes fell to the ground.

The triple-changer stated respectfully as he could, “I’m sorry, Prime, but what took place speaks for itself.” He straightened up, “I am officially requesting to take the Dinobots off active duty. They can be called upon when needed…”

Optimus reflected for a while. He remembered, “Grimlock said once, the Autobots only call the Dinobots when we’ve bitten off more than we can chew.” He turned and looked at the broken statues of Primes’ past. “The first time we activated them was a disaster. Later, they proved themselves useful…but useful for what?” After several seconds, he faced them, “Perhaps, you’re right. Perhaps, we’ve…I’ve put more responsibility on them than they can handle.” He looked down for a moment. With a heavy heart, he nodded, “Release the Dinobots from their duties.” He spoke mostly to himself, somberly, “It seems Grimlock has been proven right.”

*****

Charr
Alpha Centauri

“See, I told you,” boasted Sky Lynx, as Goldbug and Mirage disembarked, “We landed safe and sound and no Decepti-bums in sight.”

Goldbug surveyed the area. They had landed in a large, flat depression. Low hills surrounded them, less than a kilometer away. It was quiet. “Good job. Now…” There was a low rumbling in the distance. “What’s that?”

Mirage listened, “Something’s coming…a lot of somethings.”

The sound was unmistakable now. It was the sound of engines and vehicles rolling over rock. They were closing in fast.

The golden beetle looked to Mirage, “Mission failed. Let’s get back onboard and get out of here!”

At nearly the same time, the four cars in the Stunticon team jumped the hills and headed straight for Sky Lynx. A moment later, Runabout, Runamuck, and Swindle crested the ridge.

Goldbug ran for the shuttle.

Blast Off and Vortex quickly arrived and began strafing the much larger Autobot from the air.

“Come on,” said Sky Lynx, “I can only take so much of a pelting!”

“Almost there,” called out the gold VW, as he was merely steps away from the hatch.

Brawl and Onslaught reached the ridge and opened fire with artillery. One of the rounds impacted right next to Goldbug. The force of the impact blew him meters away. He hit the ground with several clanks. His optics were malfunctioning and his audio receptors ringing. Was he still on the ground? He must have been because the last thing Goldbug saw was Motomaster towering over him. The Decepticon said something – “Thanks for the ride” – raised his foot and after that, darkness.

*****

 

Nebulon, Fortress Maximus
Epsilon Endi Star System

All the Autobot Head and Targetmasters circled a conference table that projected holographic images. Mindwipe, still in bat form, joined them; as did the repaired Rippersnapper and Cutthroat.

Brainstorm/Arcana continued to lay out the plan. “According to my scans, Scorponok is still able to transform, but is severely damaged. I’d say he’s about 50%.”

“Scorponok would be a force to reckon with at 10%,” injected Crosshairs.

Arcana, inside Brainstorm’s head, suggested, “The key is Lord Zarak. Much like the relationship between Cerebros and Fortress Maximus, Scorponok is nothing but a citadel without Zarak serving as his head.”

The yellow and red Sureshot crossed his arms, “So we need to get Zarak before the battle even begins.”

“That’s right,” confirmed Brainstorm. “If we can do that, it would greatly increase our odds.”

Stylor, Chromedome’s partner, stated, “You know what would really increase our odds? If Fortress Maximus attacks with us. In Scorponok’s weakened state, it would be easy to win.”

Cerebros said flatly, “No. I made it clear to everyone here. I will not be part of any offensive action. I would rather leave than be part of any warfare. I’ve had my fill.”

Pointblank put his hand on his shoulder, “I know. We all know.” He looked to Stylor, “No one will suggest it again.”

After a tense silence, Arcana refocused the group, “Alright, we have an attack to plan.”

*****

Cybertron, Iacon
Council Chamber of the Primes

Optimus Prime waited for his lieutenants in the center of the domed, circular chamber. Springer and Chromia, both in vehicle form, rolled up and transformed.

“Report,” ordered the supreme commander.

The green and yellow ‘bot responded, “Iacon is locked down tight, Prime. But I don’t know what the ‘cons are waiting for.”

“Hmm.” Optimus rubbed his chin, “I’ve been thinking the same thing. Their best window to attack has already passed.”

“Unless attacking us wasn’t part of their plan,” offered the female weapon specialist.

“Good point, Chromia,” said Prime. “Unfortunarly, we don’t know what their plan is.” He took a few steps to think, “Keep us on high alert for another kilocycle. After that, we’ll start getting back to work.”

Springer nodded, “Alright.”

The two subordinates began to exit when Prime stopped them.

“Chromia,” he started, “You’ve done an excellent job of filling in for Kup while he recuperates. Until he totally recovers, I’d like you to continue overseeing planetary security.”

She looked confused for a moment. “Thank you, but I assumed you’d have Red Alert do it. He was your security director back on Earth for years.”

“True,” he acknowledged, “but I’ve had a talk with “Red” and he agreed to do another job for me.”

The blue Autobot bowed slightly, “In that case, I’d be proud to serve.” She paused to take it in, “Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do.” She transformed and drove off.

Springer decided to linger. He walked up to Prime.

“Something on your mind?” the leader asked.

“I’ve been observing the EDC soldiers,” he elaborated. “Their training is impressive. Those troops are the best of the best. They go in, complete the mission, and get out with precision.”

Prime looked down, not sure where he was going with this.

The triple-changer went on, “We need our own elite forces, a squad of Autobots that could be a quick response team. Unlike the Dinobots, this team would be made of intelligent, veteran combat officers.”

“A commando team,” summed up Optimus. He began to nod, “Alright, Springer. Once things calm down, you can assemble this squad.”

*****

 

Charr
Alpha Centauri

Goldbug’s automatic repair systems had worked to reroute circuit pathways since he lost consciousness. Now, cognitive control was reestablished. His eyes reactivated, though, his vision was still sporadic. The VW got is bearings. He was in robot form and chained up to a wall. I must be inside Tyrpticon, he surmised. The room looked more like a boiler room than a prison. Apparently, Trypticon didn’t have a proper brig - a good thing, hopefully.

He activated a communications channel, <Goldbug to Mirage or Sky Lynx.>

Nothing.

<Come in, anybody!>

He heard an engine noise. It sounded high-pitched and it was coming fast. Within seconds, a small, armed, purple rover appeared and transformed just meters in front of him.

The robot immediately invaded Goldbug’s personal space and shot off, “Hey Autobot! I detected your transmission. Of course, I couldn’t understand it since I don’t have the right encryption, but I detected a signal. So, I figured I’d come down and see what ya wanted. Do ya want anything? Warm oil? Energon? To be let free? He he, I’m just kiddin’ about that last one.”

Goldbug wasn’t sure if Cybertronians were susceptible to caffeine, but this Decepticon was really wired. “Ahh,” he uttered.

“I’m Full-Tilt. I maintain and guard Trypticon. Boy, is there a lot of repair work to be done. You’re keeping me from it. So, speak up.”

“Where’s Sky Lynx?”

“Oh, is that the name of that shuttle you came in on?” He looked down, “The other Decepticons don’t really keep me in the loop about stuff.” Then, he faced Goldbug, “I, I don’t really get out much.”

The Autobot tried to resist the urge to sympathize with the socially isolated ‘con, but he figured he may get more cooperation if he didn’t take a threatening tone. “Ok Full-Tilt… sorry about that, but do you know what happened to Sky Lynx?”

He perked up, “Oh yeah, you’re gonna be ticked. The rest of the Decepticons overran him, disabled his cognitive functions, and took him to Earth.”

“What!”

“Yep,” he stated nonchalantly, “They took that brain-dead shuttle to Earth.” Again, he looked down, “They didn’t ask if I wanted to come.”

Goldbug was having none of it. He struggled against the chains, “Let me go!”

Full-Tilt smiled whimsically, “Oh sure.” He moved to a nearby panel and extended a finger. It hovered over a button.

The espionage director couldn’t believe his luck.

He paused and laughed at the Autobot, “I may be a little off kilter, but I’m not stupid.” The Decepticon raised an arm, which had a double-barreled weapon on it, and fired.

The impact ripped through Goldbug’s modest armor. He cried out in agony and the wound began to drip energon. Luckily, no vital systems were damaged.

Full-Tilt began to walk away and stated lightheartedly, “Welp, gotta go. Work, work, work.” As he rounded a corner, he added, “Maybe I’ll take my next break down here.”

Goldbug hung helpless. He purposely didn’t mention Mirage to the Decepticon. With any luck, he was still out there…somewhere.

*****

 

Autobot Cruiser Reliant
Bridge
Interstellar Space

The Reliant was well outside the Solar System’s Oort cloud. It was standard procedure to exit any star system with the sub-light Hyperfuel Intake Accelerator engines. It was much easier to avoid larger chunks of rock and ice that way. Besides, slipstreams could only be created as straight lines.

Sideswipe rounded the small staircase up to the super-luminal drive station. He looked back to the command console, “Ok Jazz, time to decide where we’re going.”

The captain’s chair was surrounded on three sides by controls. Elita One sat next to it.

The white Porsche turned to her, “I guess that’s up to you.”

The pink, magenta, and white female leaned back, “Are there any warp gates around?”

Warp gates were much more advanced than the space bridge developed by the Decepticons, though, worked on a similar principle. Warp gates had been created eons ago, by an unknown race – or races. Very little of their origin was known to the Cybertronians, or anyone else. What was known is that they were spread throughout the galaxy. Like space bridges, a warp gate links two points. The major difference was warp gates seemed to be self-sustaining. They had apparently been active for millions; if not, billions of years. It was left behind like some inter-galactic civil works project.

He pointed aft, “Yeah, near Pluto.”

She crossed her arms. Elita One leaned forward and pulled up some files from the computer. She activated a small hologram. It was a cylindrical object. “Recognize that?”

After a moment, Jazz admitted, “Natta.”

“It’s a Quintesson Journal.” She explained, “Rodimus Prime retrieved it last year. It details many of the Quintesson’s dirty little secrets. It proves their subversive influence in many cultures around the galaxy.” She leaned back with a coy smile, “Our mission is to make allies, right? Well, I intend to show this evidence to every victim mentioned in this journal. Not only will it weaken the Quintessons, but it will show these cultures they have a friend – and that we have mutual enemies.”

Jazz couldn’t help but chuckle, “Now, that sounds like a plan.”

Her face straightened up, “The journal even has coordinates and course directions to get to each planet.”

“Well, where’s the closest one?”

Elita checked the database, “A planet called Tyxlara. It’s in the Procyon System.”

Sideswiped checked from the forward navigation station, “We’d have to stream to it. There’s no warp gate that leads there…that we know of, anyway.” He calculated the trajectory and looked back, “It’ll take about 6.7 hectocycles to get there.”

Jazz and Elita shared a nod.

“Alright,” said the captain. He activated his comms., “Hoist, we’re ready light ‘er up. You good to go down there?”

From engineering, the tow truck responded, “Just say the word.”

“Course set,” reported Sideswipe.

“Wait,” came over the common channel. It was Skyfire from the hangar bay.

Jazz was a bit disappointed. He was all worked up to give the order to get underway. “Whatcha got, Skyfire?”

“I’ve been testing out the long-range scanners and I picked up some dissipating slipstreams on a parallel course. They’re running from Sol to Alpha Centauri.”

Elita looked confused, “Two?”

“One would have to be Sky Lynx goin’ to Charr,” Jazz stated, “but that doesn’t explain the other.”

She asked over the channel, “Are you sure the sensors are calibrated? It could be an echo.”

“Positive,” the large jet rejoined, “I’ve checked and double checked. They are definitely two distinct streams.”

Elita asked, “Can you tell what direction the ships were going?”

“I think so. Slipstreams are like giant slides in hyper-space. If I can determine the location of the peak…there. It looks as though one was leading away from Sol…the other was coming in.”

“Get on the horn,” Jazz ordered Sideswipe. “Tell Kup he may have trouble headin’ his way.”

The red Lamborghini moved to the adjacent communications station. He plugged into an input and waited. He looked to Jazz, “There’s no response from the Decagon.”

“We have to go back,” said Elita.

Jazz sat up in the chair, “Yeap.” He looked to Sideswipe, “Do it.”

He nodded, jumped down to the forward pilot’s station, and brought the ship about.

The Reliant captain commented, “So much for a five year mission.”

*****

 

Cybertron, Well of Allsparks

In vehicle mode, Rollbar and Searchlight arrived near the Well of Allsparks. At one time, the well was a sacred ceremonial site for all transformers. Processions of robotic bodies would enter the well drones and come out again fully conscious. Of course, the ‘well’ wasn’t a well at all, but the only known route to Vector Sigma.

It was unknown how or when Vector Sigma was brought to Cybertron. It must have been over 11 million years ago. That was the time the Autonomous Robot models overthrew their Quintesson masters. The Transformers knew nothing of their history before that.

Several meters away, still behind cover, the two throttlebots shifted form. There was no doubt now. Hovering nearby was Galvatron’s ship, the Revenge. Beneath it, standing on the surface, stood the Constructicons, Cyclonus, Soundwave, and Snapdragon.

Rollbar whispered, “See why I hate being out of communications range?”

“What are we going to do?” rejoined the white car.

The jeep said, “We’re gonna get out of here and report this as fast as we can, that’s what.” Just as he was about to roll out, something caught his eye; something that was being lowered from the ventral cargo hatch. It was a platform of some sort. Maybe an anti-grav platform? What was on it? A body. “Oh no.”

“What is it?” Searchlight said without looking. He followed Rollbar’s stare. It definitely looked like it could be a reincarnated Megatron. “Oh no,” he repeated.

A deadly resolve formed on Rollbar’s face. “We can’t let them get Megatron to Vector Sigma.”

His companion shook his head, “We can’t stop them ourselves. We have to get back up.”

“It could be too late by then.” He ordered, “You roll out and tell the others. I’ll try to buy us all more time.”

“No way,” Searchlight insisted, “that’s suicide.”

The jeep flared, “Unless you intend to die with me, I’d get into overdrive!” His fists transformed into energon pistols. “Get them here. As fast as you can.”

Searchlight knew he couldn’t talk him out of it – and he was wasting the precious time Rollbar was sacrificing himself for. He ran a few steps and formed a car without breaking his stride. Then, he gunned it.

The green covered jeep hesitated for just a moment to summon his courage. Then, he broke cover and blasted with both arms.

The first shots hit Megatron’s new body. Immediately, Soundwave placed himself in front of his comatose master. The next few rounds impacted on the blue and silver ‘con. The damage was minor, but his armor could only handle a few more shots.

In the mean time, Cyclonus and Snapdragon had formed jets and quickly found their target. The jets opened fire. The barrage was relentless. They strafed twice and leveled the area around the Autobot.

The smoke was still settling when they transformed and dropped onto the metal surface. The purple and white Decepticons didn’t bother readying their weapons. As the smoke and dust parted, they expected to see an Autobot husk. There was nothing.

“He must be buried in the rubble,” suspected Snapdragon.

Cyclonus snapped, “Well, make sure! Find the body! I don’t want the Autobots to know we are here.”

As instructed, Snapdragon began foraging threw the debris.

The temporary Decepticon leader joined Soundwave. “Has Megatron suffered any damage?”

“Moderate damage to the right elbow assembly,” he reported. “In addition, he will still require a cosmotron to regulate energon flow.”

“Do you know where to get one?” asked Hook.

“Yes,” the monotone Decepticon replied, “there should be a supply of cosmotrons in one of Shockwave’s abandoned labs, approximately 40 kilometers away.”

No one had seen Shockwave since the Unicron Crisis. It was thought he had perished like so many other Decepticons defending Cybertron from the monster planet.

“Get it and hurry,” ordered Cyclonus.

Soundwave acknowledged, but added, “Relevant intelligence collected. The Autobots have the bodies of Obsidian and Jetstorm in their possession.”

He shrugged, “I don’t know them.”

Scrapper informed him, “Obsidian was one of Megatron’s head scientists. Jetstorm served as aerial commander before Starscream.”

Cyclonus nodded, “If the opportunity arises, we will recover our fallen brethren, but regenerating our great leader must take precedence.” He looked to Soundwave, “Retrieve the cosmotron.”

The espionage director acknowledged, transformed, and flew off.

Then, the purple jet turned to the Constructicons. “Fan out. Search for any more enemy scouts. Autobots rarely travel alone.”

*****

 

Cybertron, Iacon

Grimlock’s snout reached into the water and pulled out a robotic fish.

Eating wasn’t necessary for them to live, but Wheeljack discovered it was an easier way to provide fresh energon to the Dinobots than to have them sit down in a recharging chamber.

Energon from a fish dripped off Snarl’s jaw. The stegosaurus said lazily, “This is good; better than patrols.”

“Yeah,” agreed the apatosaurus, once called a brontosaurus.

Slag commented gruffly, “Boring – no fighting.”

“Autobots will call when we, Dinobots, needed…always do,” offered Swoop as he perched on the metallic bank.

Grimlock growled lowly. “Me, Grimlock, no care if Autobots do call – do need us, Dinobots. We Dinobots try hard.” He whipped his tail in the water violently, “Still Autobots think we too stupid to do anything.”

“Yeah,” agreed Sludge.

The stego grumbled in confusion, “But nothing to do but fish.”

Swoop’s mind wondered. He brought up, as he often did, “You, Dinobots, remember Dinobot Island?”

“Yes,” said Slag enthusiastically, “Place where we could fight!”

Snarl suggested, “We need place like that now. Place away.”

“Yeah,” agreed Sludge.

“Hmm,” Grimlock said, “Maybe we go away. Find a new away place.”

“Um, place with energon and fish?” asked the stegosaurus.

The T-rex thought a moment. “I no know where place like that be.”

After a contemplative moment among the group, Swoop offered, “Here is fish and energon.”

“Yeah,” agreed Sludge.

The Dinobot leader grumbled under his breath, “Fine. Dinobots stay here…for a while longer.”

*****

Cybertron, Polyhex City-State
Shockwave’s Lab/ Former Space Bridge Location

The sliding door the chamber started to allow Soundwave to enter, but jammed after about a meter. The Decepticon forced the door the remainder of the way.

The domed structure had a purplish tint. Inside, there was a central pillar. It was one of Shockwave’s most important inventions – the space bridge. It was an important first step in recreating the more powerful warp gates that littered the galaxy.

In the Earth year 1992, the Autobots raided the site to thwart a Decepticon invasion of Earth. They completely destroyed Shockwave’s achievement and set Decepticon science back millennia.

Soundwave looked at the ruined space bridge with shame. He ejected Ravage and instructed, “Locate the components.”

The black cat jumped into action.

While Ravage searched, his master examined the chamber for anything of value left behind after the attack.

Suddenly, the space bridge door slid open. Soundwave immediately readied his mini-gun and spun around to face the potential threat. A large, arm-mounted fusion cannon was already pointed at him. It glowed with purple energy and hummed with power.

It was Shockwave.

The Decepticon in charge of Cybertron security had altered his appearance slightly. The signature cyclops-like head, purple color scheme, and arm cannon remained the same. The main difference appeared to have been his alternate mode. According to a quick analysis, Soundwave determined his comrade now formed a Cybertronian-style tank.

Shockwave powered down his weapon, “Soundwave? I didn’t think you survived the onslaught of that giant.”

“Nor I you,” he replied, as he too sheathed his weapon. “Does the space bridge function?”

“Unfortunately no,” the purple ‘con said as he looked up at the pillar. “I lack the resources necessary to rebuilt it.” He explained, “After the giant exploded, I searched for survivors. I only found two living Decepticons on the planet. Soon, we discovered Cybertron was crawling with Autobots. There was no way we could engage them, so we hid.” Shockwave gestured behind him, “I choose to guard my life’s work from Autobot pillagers.”

“Identify additional assets,” came from Soundwave.

The tank replied, “Sunstorm and Acid Storm. I know where they are.”

“Primary objective: take Megatron’s newly fashioned body to Vector Sigma,” the sheath fighter informed him.

Shockwave stepped forward, “What happened to Megatron?”

For a moment, Soundwave considered explaining the last two years to him, but decided it was inefficient. “Return with me to the Well of Allsparks.”

Ravage ran up with a cosmotron in his mouth. He dropped it at his master’s feet and transformed into a disc. Soundwave collected him and the part.

“Very well,” conceded the tank. “Are you in need of energon?” He pointed to an adjoining room, “I’ve been covertly siphoning power from the Autobots for nearly 0.2 quartexi.”

The two walked over to the hatch. Shockwave opened it. The glow of the energon highlighted them. The room was full of energon cubes. “The fools haven’t even noticed,” he added.

Soundwave stared at it.

The scientist turned, “Though, I suppose energon won’t be a problem from now on, now that the planet seems to be producing it again.”

He snapped his neck, “Elaborate.”

“Haven’t you detected it?” Shockwave pulled up a holographic model of the planet from a nearby console, “Vector Sigma has recently been infused with a massive amount of plasma energy. It now has the power necessary to reactivate the energy converters scattered over and in the planet.”

The espionage director was silent.

He went on, “Vector Sigma is more than a spark granting device. It regulates the processes of the whole planet. At least it did, until the power reserves were depleted during the war. It went into a type of emergency shutdown state. Rationing only enough power to sustain itself. Now that it has been revitalized, energon is being produced.

Soundwave inferred, “Cybertron lives?”

“Well, that’s simplifying the situation,” he rejoined, “It’s not as if the planet itself is alive, but yes. It appears as though Cybertron is alive.”

“Accompany me to Cyclonus,” stated Soundwave.

“Who?”

“All will be explained, at a later time.”

The tank looked at the energon cubes, “We’ll require cargo containers.”

*****

Cybertron, outside of Iacon

As Wheelie approached the city, he saw the smoke in the air. If he had had a stomach, it would’ve sank. He opened a channel as he sped down the roadway and dodged debris that was a constant accent to the landscape. <Wheelie to Decagon…Wheelie to Kup….Wheelie to Springer!>

Finally, a return signal, <Wheelie, this is Springer.>

<You may need to ring the alarm bell. We think ‘cons are heading to the Allspark well.>

<Now it makes sense,> he replied. <Go back and tell the others to return to Iacon on the double. We’ll take care of it from here. Springer out.>

*****

 

Cybertron, Well of Allsparks

Rollbar’s systems slowly began to come back online. It was dark. He must have fallen down into a sub-level. The jeep activated his night vision and other sensors. He was still flat on his back, looking up at a hole in the ceiling. How many levels did he fall? His maintenance software indicated several injuries. Most important were ankle hydraulics. He could limp, but not walk. It got worse, he determined he could transform into vehicle mode, but his injuries wouldn’t allow him to become humanoid again. The choice wasn’t an easy one: limp or roll…and stay rolling.

With the help of the wall, he got to his feet and looked around. He was in a curving corridor. There were no sign posts; no indication was where he was. He could guess his location due to schematics loaded into his hard drive, but the only maps that existed of Cybertron were from the pre-war era. Nine million years of conflict had made the schematics nearly obsolete. After taking a moment to collect himself, the Autobot tracker made his decision and started hobbling.

*****

Cybertron, Iacon

Optimus Prime assisted Grapple and Smokescreen load rubble from the Decagon into cargo trailers, including his own.

A scaled down helicopter, Springer, landed nearby and transformed. He rushed to Prime, “The team on the Hydrax Plateau thinks they saw a ship land near the Well of Allsparks.”

The semi dropped the chunk of metal in his hands. “The only reason the Decepticons would go there would be to bring life back to their dead leader.” He activated his comm. unit, <Cosmos, I need you to do high altitude surveillance over the Well of Allsparks immediately.>

<Alright, Prime,> the spacecraft responded. <What am I looking for?>

<Decepticons. Prime out.> The leader turned to his general, “Springer, assemble a strike force. I want to be ready to roll out two cycles ago.”

The green and yellow triple-changer nodded, “I’ll get our warriors rounded up.”

*****

Autobot Cosmos
In Orbit of Cybertron

The green flying saucer had Cybertronian etchings on his hull. Flying around the planet was no easy task. Cybertron’s orbit was littered with space junk. Despite that, Cosmos was in position within seconds. He assumed a geosynchronous orbit over the well. His camera’s zoomed in. The images were obvious. The Revenge was near the surface and close to it, eight Decepticons. He transmitted, <Prime, it’s true. I’ve got a Decepticon space cruiser in sight and eight…no nine…ten ‘cons getting ready to enter the well.>

*****

Cybertron, Iacon

Upon receiving the news, Optimus didn’t waste time. He called over the common channel, “Strike team members, if you’re not already at my location, get here quick.” He looked up. A 60 meter tall rocket ship was descending to the surface. Its blowback was overpowering. He raised his voice to be heard, “Omega Supreme is taking us to the well in exactly one cycle.”

<Prime,> said Cosmos solemnly, <They’ve got what might be Megatron’s body with them.>

“Understood,” he acknowledged.

The red VW bug, Cliffjumper looked up to his leader, “Let me go, Prime. I’m itchin’ ta kick some Decepticon hide.”

Optimus looked down and said evenly, “We can’t leave Iacon defenseless. Not everyone can go. Besides, we’re charged with protecting our human guests.”

The thruster exhaust subsided somewhat as the rocket ship touched down, following a tremor when Omega landed.

The red bug protested, “The humans can handle themselves, now. And besides, they’re warriors, not bystanders.”

“I’m sorry, Cliffjumper, but this time you play defense,” Prime’s tone indicated he was done debating the subject.

Autobots began filing up Omega Supreme’s ramp. First, there was Warpath, then Trailbreaker, Outback, and Smokescreen.

A large Cybertronian passenger jet landed nearby, Silverbolt. Strike team members Hot Spot, First Aid, Grove, Streetwise, and Red Alert boarded; followed by the Technobots.

“Where are the Dinobots?” asked Springer.

Prime looked down for a moment, “They haven’t showed up and they’re not responding to my hails.”

“Why those useless…” began the yellow and green car/helicopter. “I’ll get their oversized butts in gear.” He turned to transform, but Optimus placed a hand on his shoulder.

“No, let them be.” He put his hand down, “It’s a problem for another time.”

Springer nodded, “Yes sir, it is.”

Optimus went to step on the ramp when something caught his eye. He had never personally seen on of the human’s battle suits, until now. Two of them were walking toward him, along with a dozen other humans in armored uniforms.

As they approached their leader, Captain Marissa Faireborn, asked, “We’re not too late to join the party are we?”

The semi shook his head, “You’re not coming with us, Captain.”

Sergeant Jack Darby said with resolve from inside his machine, “We can help.”

Prime was ready to get curt, but didn’t, “I know. Help defend the city.” He didn’t wait for additional comments. He boarded the rocket.

Omega, Silverbolt, and Air Raid all left the ground in haste. There was nothing left for those left behind to do, but watch their friends and allies head into battle.

*****

 

Cybertron, Well of Allsparks

Rumble and Frenzy were busy loading Shockwave’s energon cubes on to the Revenge. The Constructicons circled Megatron’s body.

“He’s ready,” said Scrapper. The construction vehicles moved away.

Cyclonus spoke to Megatron’s body. “Stand and follow us.”

The body complied. Though, Megatron’s damaged spark was in the body, it did not yet control it and the mind was that of a drone. The body could respond to simple commands, but that was all.

Megatron’s new body was over 12 meters high. The armor color was darkened silver with purple and black highlights. His fusion cannon was in place, as was his pre-Galvatron helmet. He now formed a vicious-looking Cybertronian fighter jet. In robot form, his wings folded flat against his back, resembling over-sized shoulder blades.

Soundwave was the first to detect the bright lights in the sky. “Alert! Alert! Autobots incoming!”

The rest of the Decepticons looked up and confirmed the sight.

Cyclonus barked, “Rumble, Frenzy, get the Revenge back into the air and primed for battle.” He turned, “Soundwave, take Megatron to Vector Sigma. Shockwave, Snapdragon, Constructicons, we will face the Autobots here.”

The front-end loader called to his teammates, “Constructicons, unite!” One by one, the construction vehicles formed their various components. In order to form Devestator, the gestalt had to be formed in a laying down position. Once the giant stood up, he towered 23 meters.

Snapdragon and Cyclonus took to the air.

Shockwave formed a tank, elevated his main gun and engaged the enemy craft.

By now, the Autobots were parachuting out of Omega Supreme. Omega had been altered several years ago. He was no longer a simple-looking rocket. His components had been incorporated to form a space craft with a main core and two rocket-like engines. While he was tough and powerful in rocket mode, he wasn’t maneuverable and not made for a dog fight.

Air Raid engaged Snapdragon in the air. He sprayed the Decepticon with his scrapmaker guns. Only a few rounds landed, not enough to bring the triple-changer down.

The passenger jet opened his aft hatch. Inside, Autobots were ready to jump. They didn’t wear parachutes. Silverbolt was going low and slow enough to make it not necessary. Besides, dropping out of a plane was a favorite tactic of combiner teams.

Scattershot, leader of the Technobots, gave a thumbs up to his team and leapt out. The other four followed him.

The remaining Protectobots looked to Red Alert. He could feel the pressure.

“Don’t worry, Red,” offered Hot Spot. “Just stick close.”

Hot Spot, Groove, First Aid, Streetwise, and with some hesitation, Red Alert jumped out.

Below him, Red could see the Technobots had already merged. Computron was still in free fall. He could see the other Protectobots shifting form and coming together as well. The white Lamborghini fire car fell toward them. Defensor was now formed, minus an arm. He got closer. It was his turn. Red Alert took a shape he never had before and linked up with Defensor.

Computron and Defensor landed with a slam. Immediately, they came under fire from Shockwave and Devestator.

The Protectobot gestalt put up a forcefield around both of them, “Ok Computron, whatever you’re going to do, do it.”

As the name implied, Computron was a being that didn’t do anything without first doing statistical analyses and running several simulations to determine the most desirable outcome.

“Come on, Computron!” demanded Defensor as the forcefield was being pelted, “I can’t hold this thing up forever.”

“Analysis complete,” stated the joined Technobots. “Drop forcefield in three…two…one.”

The field evaporated and Computron fired his sizable weapon at the Revenge, which was still rising in the air and not attacking them.

“Really?” questioned the Protectobots, “That’s the target you choose?”

“Eighty-three percent probability of the space cruiser having a decisive factor in the outcome of this engagement,” came from the 15 meter ‘bot.

A shell from Devestator was heading right for Computron. Instinctively, Defensor raised the shield again.

The joined Protectobots looked to their comrade, “Yet, you didn’t see that coming.”

Once it was safe enough, Optimus Prime cut his chute cords. He dropped and did a combat roll as he hit the surface. In mid-roll, he transformed into his semi form and made a beeline for the well entrance. Exhaust came from his twin smokestacks as he accelerated.

The Decepticon tank saw the red truck and targeted Prime. Just as Shockwave was ready to fire, a shell exploded on his right side. The damage was substantial.

Several meters away, a maroon colored Sheridan tank shouted, “Bang! Didn’t expect that one did ya!”

Shockwave faced his opponent, “Overconfident fool.” His cannon burst out a mass of directed energy. It impacted on the red tank’s front quarter, ripping that section of the tank asunder.

“Ouch!” yelled Warpath. “Ok, no more Mr. Nice Guy for you.”

In the sky, Cyclonus and Silverbolt endeavored to gain the advantage over each other. While the Decepticon was better armed, the Aerialbot was faster.

Devestator was holding his own against Defensor and Computron in hand to hand combat, but just barely.

Shockwave had managed to disable Warpath with a well placed blast to his turret.

Snapdragon was still in the air, but smoking.

Optimus was no where to be found. Presumably, he had already jumped into the hole.

Shockwave transformed and assessed the situation. A group of Autobot ground forces were charging onto the battlefield. He looked up. The Revenge was doing its best to avoid fire coming from Omega Supreme, but Frenzy and Rumble weren’t up to the task. He concluded the battle would be lost. <Cyclonus, we must rethink our strategy.>

<I’m open to suggestions.>

The tank proposed, <We need to neutralize their larger assets. I suggest we regroup and enter the Well of Allsparks. The Autobots won’t have nearly as much room to maneuver underground.>

<Neither will I,> said the 24 meter, Cybertronian fighter jet.

Shockwave reiterated, <It’s our only hope of fending off the Autobots long enough to reach Vector Sigma. Instruct the Revenge to break orbit and head for Charr.>

As he fired a missile at Silverbolt, he complained, <But that will leave us stranded on Cybertron.>

<That’s preferable than having the ship destroyed,> he continued, <I recommend you and Snapdragon disengage, as well. Try to lose the Autobots. Then, find Sunstorm and Acid Storm. We may require their assistance.>

There was a pause. Smokescreen and Trailbreaker were already shooting at him. He found cover and returned fire.

Finally, Cyclonus responded, <I agree. Just make sure to protect Soundwave and Megatron. Make sure they make it to Vector Sigma.>

Shockwave fired another shot. This one threw Outback to the ground. <Understood. Shockwave out.> He called to Devestator, who was beginning to falter between the other two combiners. “Fall back to the well!”

Luckily, Omega Supreme followed the Revenge. Likewise, the remaining two Aerialbots pursued Cyclonus and Snapdragon.

The purple tank was able to reach the entrance. As Devestator approached, he disassembled into his component robots. They, in turn, transformed into their vehicle modes and fell into the well, while Shockwave covered them. Once they were in, the tank jumped down as also. After falling for about 30 meters, he landed with a clang. Shockwave transformed into vehicle mode and began down the corridor. He debated collapsing the ceiling, but this was the only why in or out. It was too great a risk. Instead, he followed the Constructicons deeper underground.

*****

 

heating up !

 

Thanks ARCTrooperAlpha and all my readers. Here's more.


Near Cybertron
Sol System

Cybertron was like a jagged, dirty silver sphere floating in space. As the Reliant approached the planet, Bluestreak called out from the tactical station behind the pilot’s pit, “I’m detecting a ship coming up from the surface. It’s a cruiser.” He examined the display for a moment. Then turned and concluded, “It’s Galvatron’s ship.”

Elita One was used to being in command. She performed a slight breach of protocol when she stood and ordered, “Battle stations. Ready the ship for combat. Seal all compartments. Charge weapons and activate the polarity inverter array.”

The silver and black car didn’t hesitate to follow her orders.

Jazz didn’t feel any need to argue the command structure with her. He accessed his own console, “It looks like Omega Supreme is chasin’ ‘em off Cybertron.”

“That’s a good sign,” commented Elita.

Anticipating the order, Sideswipe set an intercept course. “Doesn’t mean we can’t give him a hand.”

“Damn Skippy,” concurred Jazz. “Take us in, ‘Swipe.” He rounded the command terminals to get closer to the action. “Bluestreak, as soon as we’re in range, give ‘em both barrels.”

He grinned with anticipation, “With pleasure, cap’n.”

Within seconds, they could see the battle out the forward windows. Omega was much smaller than the space cruiser, but was pressing the assault. The Revenge was returning fire, but less often and with less effect.

Bluestreak reported, “Hostile has moderate hull damage. Omega seems fine.” He swiveled his chair, “It’s almost like the Decepticons aren’t trying. Omega should be taking a bashing from that cruiser.”

“Maybe our guys were able to scrap most of ‘em before they left,” said Sideswipe with a laugh.

Jazz hoped so. He looked at the range finder. They were close enough, “Hit ‘em.”

*****

The Vanguard-class cruiser’s forward torrents found their mark and unleashed their super-energized particle pulses.

The pulses crashed into the purple hull of the Decepticon ship, leaving hull breaches in their wake.

*****

Decepticon Space Cruiser Revenge
Sol System

Rumble and Frenzy were utilizing stools to reach the controls. Rumble was piloting. The red and black ‘con manned the weapons’ array. Klaxons and warning indicators were going off all over the bridge.

The impact of the particle pulses caused an earthquake throughout the ship.

“What was that?” called out Frenzy.

Rumble looked back, “How am I supposed to know? You’re the one with working sensors!”

The ship jolted again, “Awe crap, there’s another ship shooting at us! We need to get outta here!”

In a panic, the purple disc responded, “I’m tryin’! But if we went to hyperspace now, we’d be flyin’ blind. If we hit something, we’d be pulverized.”

“If we stay here, we’ll be pulverized!”

Rumble considered, “Good point.” He manipulated the oversized controls, “I’m setting a course for Alpha Centauri.”

*****

Autobot Space Cruiser Reliant
Sol System

The Decepticon ship filled the forward windows. It was smoldering as it tried to flee.

Elita One had assumed the sensor station next to Bluestreak. She reported, “I’m reading an energy build up. It looks like they’re going to make a run for it.”

“Idiots,” said the security officer, “they’re likely going to destroy themselves.”

“They’re desperate,” commented Elita.

Jazz ordered, “Target their slipstream drive.”

“It’s too late,” injected Bluestreak. “They’re…”

A blinding white flash emitted from the Revenge and she was gone. Both Omega and the Reliant got caught up in their wake. It was like the fabric of space rippled and the ships had to ride the residual wave in space. It passed a few seconds later.

“Well,” observed Sideswipe, “Look on the bright side. They probably didn’t even make it out of the system without crashing into something.”

There was a silence on the bridge after that. It was broken when an indicator went off at communications.

Elita One left sensors and sat at the adjacent station. “It’s Omega. On speakers…”

Jazz spoke up, “Omega, you alright?”

“Gravimetric disturbance caused minor damage. Status functional.”

“What happened?” asked Elita. “Why is the Decagon not responding to hails?”

“Explosive device planned in Decagon. Substantial structural damage. Punch deceased. Kup incapacitated.”

“Are there anymore Decepticons on the surface?” inquired the feminine robot.

“Affirmative. Situation unknown. Returning to Cybertron for further instruction. Omega Supreme out.”

Jazz instructed Sideswipe, “Take us closer to Cybertron. Close enough for ‘bot to ‘bot communication.”

A few minutes later, the Reliant took up position high above Iacon.

The magenta female opened a channel, “Elita to Optimus. Optimus, can you hear me?”

There was nothing.

Jazz placed a hand on her shoulder for a moment and tried, “Jazz to Springer.”

“Jazz, what are you doing still here?”

There was a collective sigh of relief. The white Porsche continued, “Never mind that, what’s the situation down there?”

“The ‘cons are trying to resurrect Megatron. Prime took a task force into the Well of Allsparks to stop them.”

Bluestreak deduced, “That’s why Prime couldn’t hear us. He’s too far underground.”

“How can we help?” came from Elita One.

The triple-changer responded, “I just got a report from Silverbolt. He and Air Raid lost Cyclonus and Snapdragon. When he returned to the well, the Protectobots, Technobots, Trailbreaker, Outback, and Smokescreen were going underground. I told the jets to guard the well entrance to prevent any Decepticon reinforcements.” There was a pause, “So, to answer your question, not much.”

The answer struck the crew like a punch to the gut. “Surely, there’s something we can do,” said Bluestreak.

Springer came back over the channel, “Thanks for the assist, but we’ve got it handled. I’d say continue on your mission.”

Slightly dejected, Jazz acknowledged, “Understood. Reliant out.” He returned to the command area and sat down. The crew looked to him. Finally, he said, “Why the long faces? Our guys can handle it. We got other stuff to do.” He ordered, “’Swipe, take us out of the system…again. Full thrusters.”

“Aye sir.”

The bridge was quiet. None of them liked being out of the fight, especially when the stakes were so high.

*****

 

Cybertron, Iacon
Ratchet’s R & R Bay

He heard distant voices…

“Neural net active. Spark fully energized and integrated.” There was a pause, “He should be conscience.”

An older and gruff voice seemed much closer, “Hey, wake up you young punk!”

He got hit! Roadbuster instinctively shot up and changed his hands into weapons and his shoulder torrent warmed up.

A larger, multi-green colored Autobot smiled, “That’s more like it!”

He was familiar to Roadbuster. It was coming back now. “Bulkhead?”

The veteran heavy warrior grinned, “Well who else would knock some sense into ya?”

There was another robot present. He knew this one as well, though, not as well, “Inferno. How long was I out?”

The red fire truck rejoined, “You’re not gonna believe this, but it’s been about 4 million years.”

Roadbuster looked at his old comrade, “You’ve been upgraded. I don’t remember you looking that good.”

The old ‘bot was notorious for being carefree, even in the mist of battle. Bulk’ did a little jig, “I know ain’t I perdy!” He transformed into a six-wheeled, armored personnel carrier; sporting a torrent on top. It seemed to be a mix of human and Cybertronian design.

Inferno filled both Bulkhead and Roadbuster in, “It’s a newly designed APC from the humans.”

“Humans?” questioned Roadbuster.

The medic elaborated, “Organic allies we’re in close contact with. I hate to admit it, but it seems like they can design better vehicles than we can sometimes.” He shrugged, “So I borrowed it.” Inferno gestured to Roadbuster, “You’re new alternate form is from the humans as well. Give it a try.”

The green, orange, and brown Autobot got to his feet. Somewhat awkwardly, he transformed. His vehicle mode resembled a hardened military humvee, but was two or three generations more advanced. The lines of the vehicle were hard and straight. Atop and slightly to the rear, an armored, twin machine gun had been integrated into the design. He took a moment to target various objects with the guns. “Oh, I’m gonna like this.”

“That’s not all,” came from Bulkhead, still in APC form. “Follow me outside.”

After rolling out of the medical bay, Roadbuster saw some type of helicopter. It was blue. After a moment, he put it together, “Whirl!”

The Supercrobra attack helicopter transformed. Whirl’s cyclops face, chicken-like legs, and claws made him one of the oddest looking Autobots. To the dismay of some, his personality mirrored his physical appearance. The 15 meter ‘bot dwarfed the others. “’Buster! You look fantastic. Whatta think of my duds? I know light blue isn’t very tactical, but I want them to see me comin’! I wanna ‘em to be like ‘What the heck? What kinda crazy ‘bot would color himself baby blue?’ And I’ll be like ‘This kinda crazy ‘bot!’”

Roadbuster looked up at Whirl. He had never been sure if Whirl was the most courageous Autobot he’s fought with or the stupidest. In the end, it probably didn’t matter. When it came to trashing Decepticons, Whirl was second to none. “Well where’s the rest of the team?”

Inferno walked up. He hated to be the bearer of bad news. “Ironhide and Brawn were deactivated about half a quartex ago.”

They unconsciously gave a moment of silence.

“In battle?” asked the elder Bulkhead.

“Yes,” the medic confirmed.

Bulk’s tone pepped up, “Well then, there’s no need to mourn. It’s what they would have wanted.”

“Cliffjumper is still around, though,” added Inferno. “He’s in the city, in fact.”

Without hesitation, Roadbuster opened a channel, “Cliff! Come in, Cliffjumper.”

“Roadbuster, you’re back online!” responded the red VW bug.

“Transmit your location. We’ll come to you.”

Inferno began to protest, “Well hold on. I still need to…”

With no regard for the medic, the three took off toward their former teammate.

The red fire truck flopped his arms, “Yeah, now I remember that kind of behavior.” He began walking back into the repair bay. Talking to no one, he said, “Should have done some personality alterations while I was at it. No ‘thank you.’ No nothing…”

*****