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Cybertron, “The Boneyard”

“What do you mean you won’t get out of that stupid machine?” blasted Lancer.

The Japanese soldier rebuked forcefully, “I will not leave it behind!”

“Why?” she questioned. “Do you really think it’s going to stand up to a Decepticon attack? It’s a piece of junk!”

He fumed, “You are a piece of junk!”

The heavily armed and much taller Lancer strolled up to him with fire in her eyes. “What did you say, meat bag?”

Several meters away, an observer peeked around a corner to watch the exchange between the Cybertronian and the alien. He asked himself quietly, “What is it?”

Freeway had managed to sneak up on the observer. He was almost on him. He had never seen this Decepticon before. His adversary was about his height, around 3.5 meters, and predominantly blue-green in color with black accents and glowing bright green highlights. The ‘con’s design seemed to be fully Cybertronian.

The blue Corvette was now in striking distance. He quickly transformed his right hand into a large dagger and grabbed the observer from behind. The blade scrapped against the other’s throat. Freeway said, “Don’t move.”

The green-blue Cybertronian brought up both hands and reformed them into – what appeared to be cone-like electrical coils. He managed to break free of Freeway’s clutches and turn around.

The blue sports car immediately noticed two things. His opponent had blue eyes – a characteristic of Autobots. He glanced to his chest…an Autobot symbol.

The Autobot didn’t give Freeway a chance to stand down. He made contact with both his spiked hands – completing a circuit - and sending massive amounts of megavolts coursing through his body. As Freeway convulsed, arcs of energy permeated in and out of him. The attacker screamed in a panicked voice, “Get away!”

After a few seconds, the shock stopped. Freeway’s eye grew dim, then black. He dropped lifelessly. Smoke began to rise out of him. The points where the weapons made contact were red hot and charred.

The standing Autobot looked down while his coils cooled off. His helmet had a “V” shape above his brow. A mouth guard covered the lower half of his face. Then, he turned to see the others dashing for him. “Must go. Stinger must go,” he said to no one. He took a few steps and transformed into a “courier” model compact vehicle and sped off.

Lancer was the first to make it to Freeway. She could still see his fleeing attacker. Her comrade looked dead. At the very least, he was in status lock. At any rate, she lacked the skill to repair him. There was one thing she could do, however.

The mech encompassing Koin had barely reached their fallen friend when Lancer looked back at him. “Stay with Freeway and the ship. It’s your best chance at rescue.”

He asked, “What about you?”

The bulky Autobot was already on the move when she answered, “I’m going after him.” Lancer formed a tank of sorts, designed specifically for ramming through obstacles. Her entire front end was a hardened wedge. It took her a while to get to full speed, but now that she was there, it would take quite a bit to slow her down.

Stinger was light and fast. He swerved around a pile of debris. Lancer, on the other hand, plowed right through it. Despite this, the smaller ‘bot was widening the gap.

The ramming vehicle pledged to herself, “You’re not getting away from me!”

*****

Charr, Trypticon

Megatron sat upon his throne with irritation in his eyes as he rapped the armrest. He gaze fell upon Full-Tilt. He grumbled, “This situation would not have occurred had Onslaught and the others stayed on Charr.” The tyrant made a note to visit the Combaticons and make that point clear to them. The unstable purple mechanic, however, was far too valuable to him at the moment to punish further. “Have Breakdown rig a temporary arm for you so you can get back to work.”

The visored Decepticon considered himself lucky. He curtsied and wasted no time exiting the morbid chamber.

Slugslinger entered as Full-Tilt ran off. The dual-fuselage jet saluted and reported, “Milord, repairs are underway.”

The gunmetal leader stood and stepped down. “Even with all of our available troops working, it will still take some time until repairs are complete.”

The lieutenant commented, “It’s too bad the Constructions are stuck on Cybertron. They could really speed things up.”

Megatron looked over his shoulder, “My thoughts, exactly.” He walked toward Slugslinger, “Are you rearmed?”

The former Targetmaster grinned as he lifted his arm and transformed his hand, “Got myself a subsonic repeater and a few missiles.”

“Good, I’m sending you, Soundwave, and Sixshot to Cybertron. Retrieve the Constructicons.”

“Yes, milord,” he said as he brought his fist to his chest. He asked as an afterthought, “What about Shockwave and the tetrajets?”

He looked off, “Assuming the seekers successfully liberated Obsidian and Jetstorm, I am inclined to leave them at Shockwave’s disposal.”

“So Shockwave is going to stay there?”

Megatron began leading him to the egress, “In all this time, Shockwave has never left Cybertron. I see no need to extricate him now.” At the threshold they paused. He added, “Soundwave will not be coming back to Charr, either. His talents would best be utilized behind enemy lines.”

*****

 

Cybertron, Praxus

When Beachcomber rolled into the Paradron camp, it was a flurry of activity. The streets were nearly clean. New structures were being built from whatever could be scrounged from the ruins. He noticed many of them were already displaying their new, blue face icon.

It didn’t take long for the dune buggy to find Sandstorm hard at work in a newly established foundry. He transformed as he entered.

The Paradron placed some scrap in the smelting pot before noticing the Autobot. He turned and smiled, “Beachcomber, It’s good to see you in the settlement.” He stepped closer, “How did Optimus Prime react to your decision?”

The blue and silver ‘bot scratched the back of his head, “Uh, I’ll let you know when I tell him.”

Sandstorm cocked his head in disappointment. “You sure you want to go about it like this?”

The dune buggy nodded slowly. “I’m sure everybody will figure it out when they see me with a Paradron symbol on my chest.”

The triple-changer relented and shrugged, “Okay, let’s get you to the body shop.”

*****

Cybertron, Iacon
Central Spaceport

Blurr and Trailbreaker were making their final checks in the cockpit of the Autobot shuttle Boundless.

Optimus rolled up to the still open boarding hatch and transformed. He found the pilots at their stations.

The black 4x4 looked back, “Hey Prime, here to send us off?”

The leader placed his hands on the chair backs, “This mission in far more important than is known outside the Command Council.”

“Just an energon run, right?” asked Trailbreaker.

“It is much more than that,” Optimus explained, “Once Metroplex is fully charged, we are launching a full scale assault on the Decepticons on Charr.” He looked to each of them, “Time is of the essence. Get the energon from Broadside, get it to Metroplex, and return with him as soon as possible.”

“You want quick,” blurted out the light blue ‘bot in his characteristic rapid tempo, “We’ll give you quick. Nobody’s quicker than us, nobody!”

He nodded solemnly. “Of that, I have no doubt. Air Raid is loading himself into the cargo bay. If you should run into any trouble, he will help defend you.”

“I hope we won’t need him,” commented Trailbreaker.

Prime concurred, “As do I, old friend.” Then, he disembarked.

*****

Cybertron, Kaon
Underground Laboratory

Sparks flew as the Constructicons were hard at work on the disabled Decepticons.

Right on time, Laserbeak’s newest report was transmitted. Shockwave activated the viewer. Acid Storm joined him. The screen showed an Autobot shuttle blasting off and leaving the planet, along with some Cybertronian script.

“What are the Autobots up to?” asked the green jet.

The purple cyclops admitted, “I am not sure…not yet.”

“Well, Laserbeak is on his way back to his perch in Iacon,” stated Acid Storm. “Whatever they’re doing, I’m sure he’ll find out about it.”

“Yes,” agreed Shockwave. He turned to see the repairs underway. “What we truly need is a secure way to contact Megatron. Intelligence is of no use if we can not communicate it.”

The tetrajet crossed his arms, “We’d have a nice little fighting force once Jetstorm and Obsidian are back online. Maybe we can do some damage, instead of just hiding.”

“We are not ‘just hiding,’” retorted the Cybertronian tank, “We are preparing for Megatron’s inevitable return to his throne at Darkmount.”

THE END

TO BE CONTINUED IN “THE HIVE”

...Granted, not much of a climax. I'll have to re-edit it before Hasbro turns it into a TV series...  

 

Here's the next installment. Thanks for reading, everybody.

Transformers: Machinations
Season 4, Episode 13: “The Hive”​

May 2007​

Previously on Transformers: Machinations…

Nebulon
Epsilon Endi Star System

After the battle between the Decepticons and the Hive…

The giant, cybernetic bat came upon a beach. The water, along with the sky, had a purple hue. There, on the shore, was a white, walking, shark creature and something resembling a gargoyle – Rippersnapper and Cutthroat. As he neared, it seemed what was left of the Terrorcons were near status lock. The purple, black, and brown Decepticon landed near the other two.

Cutthroat didn’t respond - his left arm had been torn off. Rippersnapper was able to push himself up and looked at the bat. The shark-like ‘con had energon streaming from his mouth, “Mindwipe?”

“Yes,” his voice was that of a soothsayer’s. “How bad is it?”

‘Snapper gestured to Cutthroat, “He can’t move. I’m leaking a lot.”

The giant bat commented, “You could both be repaired. I could do it with the proper materials.” He continued, “But not in this form. I need a robotic head.” Mindwipe’s gaze fell upon Cutthroat.

Rippersnapper saw what was in the bat’s eyes. “I’m not gonna put his head on you. I don’t know how, anyway.”

Mindwipe grumbled.

The land shark suggested, “Hey, you can pull one of your mind tricks on the guy who was your head, can’t you?”

Mindwipe had a unique ability to send out mind-influencing signals that affected both Cybertronian and many organic brains. He liked up play up the idea that this ability was supernatural and arcane. The reality was much different. The technology to influence robotic minds had been installed long ago on an alien planet. In the past year, Mindwipe rediscovered the work of Dr. Arkeville and adapted his “hypno-chip” programming to be transmitted wirelessly. “Are you suggesting I sneak into the Hive city; find my former Nebulon partner, Vorath; and hypnotize him into becoming my head permanently?”

The Terrorcon said simply, “Yeah.”

Mindwipe contemplated aloud, “I would have to saturate his mind to such a point to ensure his loyalty that he’d become lobotomized.” After a moment, he looked to the shark, “Good idea.”

*****

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.”

*****

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.”

*****

 

…and now on Transformers: Machinations…

Cybertron, Iacon
The Tower of Pion
Temporary Autobot Fortification and Command Center

Springer’s fist hit the metal table hard, making an echoing clang. He fumed to Optimus, “First the Dinobots desert, now Beachcomber defects to the Paradrons. Who’s next, Prime? Cosmos, maybe? At this rate, the Decepticons won’t have to beat us. They’ll just have to wait for everyone to abandon us!”

The 1984 model Freightliner semi was much more even keel. “Though troubling, this was not entirely unexpected. I do not fault anyone for wanting to walk away from the horrors of war.”

The green and yellow triple-changer had no response, but he clearly wasn’t mollified.

Prime started a more pragmatic topic. “First Aid tells me that Inferno and Outback are ready to resume their duties. He will focus his efforts on the damaged Technobots next.”

Springer nodded and grimaced, “What about Kup?”

“His repairs are nearly complete.”

The Cybertronian second-in-command informed his CO, “I’ll put Outback back on patrol and I’m sure First Aid is eager to get his medic back.”

Optimus acknowledged, “No doubt.” He added warily, “I have also talked to Wreck-Gar.”

This upped Springer’s interest, “What did the Junkions decide?”

His head tilted down, “Unfortunately, the Junkions have voted not to join us on the attack against Charr.”

“Humph, figures the way things have been going.”

Prime dismissed him with, “That will be all for now.”

After the triple-changer got a few steps away, he turned back, “Optimus.”

“Yes.”

“Since the Paradrons are luring our people away, it seems only fair to try to get some new recruits from them.”

The matrix bearer was silent for a long moment. “I will make our case to the Paradrons.”

*****

Decepticon Sixshot
Space Corvette Mode
In Orbit of Charr

In his space fighter mode, Sixshot was about 40 meters long, more than big enough to carry a squad of Decepticons. Currently, however, Slugslinger and Soundwave – including Frenzy, Rumble, and Ravage – were his only passengers.

The newly minted lieutenant asked, “Do we head for the warp gate or use our super-luminal drive?”

Soundwave informed him, “The Solar warp gate is constantly monitored for activity. A hyperspace flight is advised.”

The dual-fuselage jet acceded. “You hear that, big guy? You got the energon to get us there and back?”

“I’m topped off,” said the vessel. “I could get you to Procyon and back.”

“The Sol System will do,” replied Slugslinger.

*****

Skuxxoid Rockeroid
In Orbit of Charr

The faux asteroid drifted not far away. Praht, a bulbous brown scaled reptilian, and his much skinnier green partner, Slizardo, observed Sixshot on scanners.

Slizardo reported something in an unintelligible language.

“I see it,” said the Skuxxoid in irritation. “We can’t keep and eye on Charr and trail that ship. Just figure out its trajectory. Hopefully our marks aren’t on it.”

****

Cybertron, “The Boneyard”

The blue-green Cybertronian compact raced into a large, hanger like building. Quickly, he transformed and pulled shut the door. Stinger could feel every pulse of his cosmotron. He dared to rest a moment against the closed hatch. “She didn’t see me,” he attempted to convince himself. “Stinger is safe, Stinger is safe.”

He looked up to his only companion. A white and black Cybertronian fighter jet with red and gold trim. The jet looked formidable and had forward swept wings. It had obviously been made for fighting. “It’s okay,” he said to the inactive transformer, “She won’t find us here.”

Stinger only had a moment before he heard her engine. It was revving up…and coming closer, fast. He ran away from the closed bay door, screaming, “No! No! No!”

The large hatch parted violently. Lancer, in ramming rig form, spread it apart like it was tinfoil. The armored Autobot transformed and readied her path blaster. She quickly found the smaller Autobot cowering and leveled her weapon at him. “Who are you?”

He hesitantly moved his hand from his face, “Stinger…I…I’m Stinger.”

“What did you do to Freeway?” she demanded.

Genuinely confused, he asked meekly, “Who?”

Lancer was in no mood. She said harshly, “The Autobot you…disabled.”

“Stinger…stings.” He awkwardly explained. “I…these…” He transformed his hands into cone shaped coils.

This prompted Lancer to overcharge her weapon.

He put his “hands” up. “No…no. See…do you see? They are stingers.”

She began to understand. “I’ve heard about those. Wheeljack developed them, didn’t he?”

“Yes, yes,” Stinger nodded, “Wheeljack – smart ‘bot. Stinger remembers Wheeljack. Wheeljack gave me the stings.”

Lancer began to circle him. “So if you touch me with both of those stingers, it’ll overload my systems and put me in status lock?”

The green-blue ‘bot said reluctantly, “They…um…need to charge.” He added in an almost playful tone, “It takes a lot out of Stinger to sting.”

She continued to cover him, “I’ll bet.” The immediate threat seemed over. She relaxed, but just only, and asked, “How long have you been here?”

“Um, chronometer says, 77.97 megaquartex.”

She repeated, “Four million years? How have you survived?”

Stinger stopped cowering and answered, “Lots of Decepticons had secret energon stashes around Kaon. Stinger had time to look and find them.” He pointed to the fighter jet, “Enough for Stinger and jet ‘bot.”

For the first time, Lancer noticed the jet. It looked vaguely familiar. Then, she saw the Autobot emblem. It had three chevrons incorporated into the symbol. She said to herself, “Autobot Elite Guard.” Finally, it came to her, “Wingsaber.”

*****

 

Here's more. Thanks for your interest.

Autobot Cruiser Reliant
Monicus Gambling Asteroid
Alpha Centauri System

Maintenance drones hovered around the space cruiser like bees around a hive. Hoist was walking on the dorsal hull, directing their efforts.

Inside in the repair bay, Jazz, Elita One, Firestar, Sideswipe, and Bluestreak surrounded the platform bearing Blitzwing.

Sideswipe and Bluestreak already had their weapons deployed.

Elita looked to the medic, “Do it.”

The Cybertronian pickup adjusted some nearby controls, “Increasing energon flow. He should be gaining consciousness any centicycle.”

Slowly, the Decepticon’s eyes glowed red. He saw he was looking up at figures. It didn’t take him long to recognize them. He lifted his head, only to have it greeted by Sideswipe’s energon pistol. Blitzwing put his head back down with a sigh, “So you have saved me only to shoot me?”

The feminine mission commander spoke up, “No one is going to shoot you.”

“As long as you play nice,” added Bluestreak.

The triple-changer looked around, “Am I a prisoner?”

There was a pause – a tension – in the room for a moment. Elita One finally stated, “No, no you are not our prisoner. You are free to go.”

Slowly and deliberately, Blitzwing sat up. “Do you know anything about Astrotrain and those other Decepticons that attacked me? Did they make it to Sheol?”

“Yeah, they made it al’ight,” Jazz informed him, “They trashed that arena and hurt a whole bunch of people in the process.”

Bluestreak supplemented, “They escaped, but the Monicus bosses have put a bounty on them.”

The tank/MiG stood. He was taller than most everyone in the room. “I have to get back there. My patron may still be alive.”

“We’ll be happy to…escort you off the ship,” said Sideswipe scornfully.

*****

The crew led Blitzwing to the hanger bay. The main door was already open. Drones were dotting in and out.

The Decepticon couldn’t help but ask, “You guys get into a fight or something?”

“No need to concern yourself about that,” rejoined Bluestreak, his photon burst rifle still trained on him.

The triple-changer looked to the weapon. “Trusted by no one,” he said somberly. Without further parting comment, he ran out of the hanger door, transformed, and flew off.

The weapons were retracted. “Good riddance,” commented Sideswipe as he and Bluestreak walked away.

Jazz and Elita One lingered, looking out upon the jagged, Monicus landscape.

He offered, “At least he didn’t give us any trouble.”

“We’ll need all the help we can get if we’re going to attack Charr,” she said. “He is an able fighter.”

“Do ya really think he’d help us against the ‘cons?”

She shrugged, “Why not? He did just get shot down by them, after all.”

*****

Nebulon, Fortress Maximus
Epsilon Endi Star System

The giant robotic bat’s wings began lifting Mindwipe of the ground. His three meter wingspan caused a gust of wind as he rose.

Pointblank with his Nebulon partner/weapon, Peacemaker, watched the Decepticon move off into the purple sky.

The light blue Cybertronian jet, Brainstorm, and Arcana, the rebel leader – serving as his head, walked out of Fortress Maximus’ main ramp and joined them.

The green-skinned Arcana was the first to vocalize their concern. “Do you think he’ll betray us?”

The red and blue Cybertronic sports car responded, “I don’t know.”

Peacemaker’s hair and garb was reminiscent of the early Puritan settlers of America. The law enforcement officer turned rebel stated, “If he tells Lord Zarak of our plans…”

“We’ll give him a few arns to infiltrate Scorponok. It’s the best shot we’ve got,” injected Arcana.

Pointblank, the senior ranking Autobot, added with finality, “No matter what Mindwipe does, we attack tonight.”

*****

Cybertron, Praxus

With a hiss of his brakes, Optimus Prime stopped in the center of the Paradron settlement. He was surprised to see a community meeting already taking place. He transformed and joined the periphery of the crowd.

A silver and red Paradron currently held the stage. “Our ancestors set out from this world not only to escape the war, but to explore the galaxy. I vote we focus our efforts on building a space cruiser.”

The crowd both cheered and jeered…it seemed the former was the majority, however.

Another Paradron, this one blue and yellow, hopped up and retorted him, “What about energon, Crosscut? We lack even one energon converter. Do you intend to steal one from this planet before we leave?”

Crosscut addressed him and the crowd, “Nightbeat, I’m sure the Autobots would be willing to give us a few from unpopulated areas, if we ask.”

A large, purple and orange, ‘dron with a slightly feminine voice shouted from the crowd, “Why ask? They are as much responsible for our homeworld’s destruction as the Decepticons! We deserve reparations!”

The crowd’s rancor peaked at the comment.

The silver and red ‘dron held up his hands, “Thoughts like that will only lead to ill-will. We need the Autobots as friends.”

Next, Sandstorm stepped up and calmed down the crowd. “I believe everyone’s views have been heard and debated. Let us all think on what has been said. We will put it to a vote in the next congress. Do we focus our efforts on reconstruction or do we build a space craft to leave?”

Optimus spoke up from the back. “I would like to address the assembly.”

All looked back at him; some with acceptance, some with contempt.

The dune buggy/mini-copter waved him up. “Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. Please, come forward. You are welcome to share your views here.”

He began to speak as the Paradrons allowed him deeper into the crowd. “First of all, let me extend my sincerest apologies that your people have been dragged into our conflict with the Decepticons. Through no fault of your own, you have lost your home. I would not harbor malice against anyone who chooses to leave."

"Unfortunately, I know all too well what it is like to lose a home. We may still be on Cybertron, but it is not the Cybertron I once knew.” He looked around at the ruined landscape for a moment and continued, “My greatest hope is that, one day, it will be.”

He looked into their faces, “I have yearned for peace with the Decepticons, more than you can know. But as you have discovered when Galvatron enslaved you, the Decepticons will not leave us alone. Regrettably, it is sometimes necessary to meet force with force. To that end, I wish to call upon any Paradron who is willing to join our cause. Not to destroy the Decepticons out of vengeance but to declare to Megatron and all tyrants everywhere: freedom is our right and it is the right of every sentient being.” He gazed over them, “Help us and help yourselves. Join us.”

The humans have a saying about a bird with its head buried in the sand. That’s how Optimus felt about how the Paradrons. Many were avoiding his gaze…and his plea.

Downtrodden, he simply said, “I see. Thank you, for your attention.” As he worked his way out of the crowd, he saw he wasn’t alone.

Nightbeat, and surprisingly, the Paradron who shouted about reparations had followed him as the other dispersed.

“For what it’s worth,” offered the light blue and yellow ‘dron, “I was gonna vote for us to stay.”

A small grin was under Prime’s mouthplate. He extended his hand, “They called you ‘Nightbeat.’”

He accepted the hand, “That’s right. I’m kind of the unofficial constable.” He joked, “I don’t know if I’m ready to change my emblem back to the way it was, but I’m willing to help.”

“Thank you,” said Prime somberly.

The purple and orange Paradron was nearly as tall as Optimus. She said, “I am Strika. And if it means laying down some hurt on my former slave drivers, I’m all for it.”

Though his words obviously fell on deaf ears, he accepted the offer. “For what we have planned, you will get the opportunity.”

*****

 

Thanks for your continued interest. Here's more...

Nebulos, Scorponok (near the Hive Old City)
Epsilon Endi Star System

The orange sun became almost purple as it set over the barren horizon. Mindwipe was just in site of Scorponok. It rested inside the Hive’s old above ground city. It was one of the few places on the planet that demonstrated how technologically advanced the Nebulons really were - an island of future in an ocean of medievalism.

As the giant, robotic bat neared the citadel, cannon turrets turned on him. They did not fire, however. “Good,” said the headmaster, “Zarak knows an opportunity when he sees one.”

Mindwipe landed just outside Scorponok. Lord Zarak and his entourage met him. All of them were armed and were trained on the bat.

The Hive leader, wearing his headmaster suit – minus the helmet – began, “Well, how interesting seeing you here…Mindwipe, was it? I would have thought you left with the rest of the Decepticons. “

He answered honestly. “I am no fool, Lord Zarak. I knew we couldn’t win against Scorponok. So, I fled when the fighting broke out.”

“That makes you either an intellect or a coward,” deduced the Nebulon. “I have use for the former, but not the latter.”

Mindwipe ignored the barb and continued. “Without Galvatron, the Decepticons will slowly disperse. I have no where to go.” He added with purpose, “I do, however, still need a robotic head. I would be willing to serve you, if it meant being able to assume a humanoid form again.”

Zarak stoked his long, white mustache. “Hmm. And where have you been all this time?”

The transformer seemed taken back by the question. “I’ve been wondering around the wilderness trying to decide whether or not to come back here.”

“I see,” rejoined the Hive leader. “Very well, I suppose we could use another strong body.” As he led them into the fortress, he added sardonically, “I’m sure Vorath will be thrilled to be bonded to you again.”

*****

Cybertron, “The Boneyard”

Stinger looked to his companion over the ages. “Stinger never knew his name was Wingsaber.”

The armored Autobot walked up an put a hand on the jet. “He was probably one of the Elite Guard members assigned to bomb this area. He must have gotten shot down by the Decepticons.” She turn to her current problem. Stinger was looking more lost and pathetic by the nanosecond. She sheathed her path blaster. “We’ll have to come back for him later. For now, follow me.”

The blue-green ‘bot retracted his weapons as well. He almost seemed excited, “Where are we going?”

“Back to my friends at the crash site. With any luck, a rescue team is already there.”

“A rescue team?” he repeated. “There are even more Autobots alive?”

Lancer had to remind herself, he had been isolated all this time. “Yes, there are nearly one hundred Autobots on our team. Well over one thousand, if you count the Paradrons and Junkions.”

“Stinger….I thought…I was the last.”

She put her hand on his shoulder. He nearly jerked back, before accepting it. Lancer offered, “You are not alone anymore.”

*****

Sadly, as Stinger and Lancer arrived at the crash site, they found only Koin in his mech and Freeway – still in status lock.

The Japanese NCO thought about readying his guns as he saw the strange vehicle approach, but noticed it was Lancer leading him in. Both transformed near him. “New friend?” he asked.

Lancer considered her words before she spoke. “No, just a lost one.” She looked to Stinger, “I don’t suppose you can do anything for him.”

The smaller Autobot shrugged, “Sorry, smart-‘bot, Wheeljack, not tell Stinger how to undo sting.”

She knelt down next to Freeway, “We’ll have to get him to First Aid.”

The sun had long since gone down. The only lights came from the stars and the Autobots and mech. Irrationally, the night seemed to add to the urgency of their situation.

Sergeant Nijo suggested, “Well, since our visitor isn’t a Decepticon spy, I’d say it’s time to send that distress signal.”

Lancer nodded, “Agreed.”

*****

Decepticon Sixshot
Space Corvette Mode
Nearing Cybertron

The chromatic chaos of hyperspace ended abruptly as they the large space fighter fell back into normal space. Before them was a rough, dirty silver sphere – Cybertron.

Soundwave advised his transport and Slugslinger. “Recommend course change. Risk of detection on the current trajectory is heightened.”

“Come on,” said Slugslinger. “You told me, yourself, the Decagon is wreaked. What type of early warning system could the ‘bots possibly have in place so soon?”

The newly redesigned stealth fighter answered, as he pointed to a display, “A vessel is on an intercept course.”

“What?”

Sixshot supplemented, “Don’t worry. It’s that wimp, Cosmos.”

“Eliminate threat,” stated Soundwave, “before a transmission can be sent to the Autobots.”

“Consider him eliminated,” the space fighter reassured them. He kicked on his sub-light engines and moved to meet the saucer head on.

*****

Cybertron, Iacon
The Tower of Pion
Temporary Autobot Fortification and Command Center

Prime hovered over the Teletraan terminal intently. “Say again, Cosmos. You are just inside communications range.”

“A Decept…hip just dro…ut of h….ace. I th…t’s Sixshot. He’s head…ybertron.”

“Do not engage,” ordered Optimus. “I repeat. Do not engage. Return to Iacon immediately.”

“Yo…on’t ha…to tell me twi…rime. I’m n…ilt for d…ghting.”

Prime opened another channel. “Springer, send Silverbolt, Strafe, and Cloudraker up to reinforce Cosmos against Sixshot.” He had no time to regret sending Air Raid with the Boundless to Earth.

“Ok, Prime,” replied the triple-changer, “but Silverbolt is still looking for Lancer and her team.”

He hesitated for only a moment. “This takes precedence.”

“What about Omega?”

Optimus answered, “We can not risk leaving the Well of Allsparks undefended, in the event that that is their destination.”

“You got it, chief.”

Optimus returned to the other channel, “Cosmos, help is on the way.”

“He’s o…y tail, Prime! I can’…trun him. He’s fir…’m taking dama…I think I can m…it, as long as…an avoid an…her volley. I can’t… uvering thruste…re down! I’m dr…ng! Give m…a chance to… No! ….”

“Cosmos.”

“…”

Prime repeated urgently, “Cosmos, come in.”

Only static came over the channel.

His blue, metal fist pounded the console. He fumed for several seconds. Then, he sent over the common channel, “Autobot down. I fear Cosmos has been lost.”

*****

 

Autobot Silverbolt
Over Cybertron’s Southern Hemisphere

From Silverbolt’s cavernous cargo bay, Percepter told Rollbar, Chase, Captain Faireborn, and Medic Macías, “We are approaching the ‘Boneyard’ district.”

“Message coming in,” reported the female human excitedly, “on speakers…”

The bay filled with Cloudraker’s voice, “Silverbolt, come in.”

The rescue team’s spirits dampened slightly.

The Cybertronian cargo plane responded, “Silverbolt, here. What’s going on?”

“Finally, my transmission got through. Sixshot is in orbit. He took out Cosmos. Prime wants you to put your S&R mission on hold and get up here on the double.”

Suddenly and violently, the craft shifted into a deep climb. “I’m on my way.”

The red Ferrari Testarossa put a hand on Marissa’s arm.

She looked up at him and mock smiled. “Don’t worry, Sergeant Nijo is tough. I’m sure he’ll take care of Lancer and Freeway.”

Chase smiled and nodded as he walked away. “That’s exactly what I was going to say.”

*****

Cybertron, “The Boneyard”

For some reason Nijo Koin would have felt better if there were a campfire, not that it would have lasted long in the oxygen deficient air. He looked over the darkened, jagged, metallic landscape. “Other than Decepticons, is there anything we should be concerned about out here?”

“Scraplets,” quickly responded Stinger as he squatted nearby.

The human repeated, “Scraplets?”

Lancer informed him, “Legend has it, they were parting gifts from the Quintessons after we forced them from the planet.” She added, “Nasty little machines, self replicating…”

“…and like the taste of ‘bots and ‘cons,” added Stinger.

“I wouldn’t worry,” she reassured him. “The Extermination War took care of most of them.” She leaned down, “Besides, I’m pretty sure they’d leave you and your mech alone…probably.”

He looked up from the sealed, upright cockpit, “Good to know. Anything else I should know about Cybertronian…wildlife?”

“Scrapmetals,” said the smaller ‘bot.

The female once again elaborated, “Maintenance drones.” She stood tall and considered for the first time, “They might be operational again, now that Vector Sigma is fully powered.” She looked to him, “They perform various roles throughout the planet.”

Stinger offered, “Blue ones fix energon flow, red ones do recycling, yellow ones build.”

The ramming rig nodded, “That’s right, but they don’t attack. Not even to defend themselves.”

Koin directed to Stinger, “So how did you end up here?”

He turned his head with a twitch, “Stinger…I…we were the last batch of Autobots given a spark before Alpha ‘bot locked the Allspark.” He moved slightly closer. “Stinger and some others were sent to try to free ‘bot prisoners in Kaon, so they could leave with last group on Ark.”

“What went wrong?” asked Lancer.

Violently, he answered, “We was led into ambush! Tricked! Tricked by Traitor! Whole team…all gone. All gone but Stinger. Leader Longarm, Pyro, Bumblebee…”

“Bumblebee?” Lancer said. “About your size, yellow?”

He looked up slowly. “Yes.”

She smiled, “He’s still alive. Though, he goes by Goldbug, now.”

“Bumble-bot is alive!” he screamed.

“Yes,” she confirmed joyously.

Stinger’s exhilaration slowly mutated into something else, something much darker. “Bumble-bot is alive.” He whispered to himself, “Bumble-bot must have been traitor.” He turned to them and asked as innocently as he could, “Where is Bumble…Goldbug now?”

Lancer saw a change in his demeanor, but couldn’t put her finger on it. “He’s on a mission off world.”

The blue-green compact feigned a smile, “We can’t wait to see him!”

*****

Nebulon, Scorponok
Epsilon Endi Star System

Deep in the bowels of the Hive construct, Mindwipe entered a large chamber. It appeared to be part throne room, part war room. Lord Zarak assumed his perch. The rest of the Hive sat abreast of him – and lower.

“I have a surprise for you,” began the monarch. He ordered to an underling, “Send them in.”

A hatch slide open and five familiar forms entered. It was Weirdwolf, Skullcruncher – the alligator, and the rest of the Terrorcons: Hun-Grr, Sinnertwin, and Blot.

For a moment, the giant bat was exited. But as he approached, he knew something was wrong. He turned to Zarak, “What have you done to them?”

The Hive leader grinned devilishly, “We made them better. No more personalities, no more egos, no more independent thought. They serve us now.”

“You’ve turned them into mindless drones!” blasted Mindwipe.

“Only the two smaller Terrorcons are drones,” he replied evenly. “The others have minds: the minds of Grax, Spasma, and Monzo.”

“If you consider Spasma having a mind,” chided Grax from inside Skullcruncher.

The bat spun around to Zarak, “Is this what you have planned for me?”

Slowly, Lord Zarak leaned forward. “Do you really think I don’t know what happens on my own planet? The Hive has eyes and ears everywhere. I know you spent time at that rebel fortress.”

Mindwipe had run out of time. He made his move. The techno-hypnotist gazed at Zarak. “Order Scoponok to self-destruct.”

The Nebulon ruler grasped the sides of his head in agony as the mind control technology developed by Dr. Arkeville began to take hold. All members of the Hive had neural transceivers implants in their brain, allowing them to control their machines with a thought.

“Order Scorponok to self-destruct!” he demanded.

The pain seemed to pass for the despot. He straightened up and said emotionlessly, “Of course.”

A second passed. Nothing happened.

Spasma’s whiney voice came from Hun-Grr’s body as he smacked Mindwipe to the ground. “What kind of moron puts a self-destruct mechanism in a battle platform?”

The giant bat was helpless as a white foot shaped from a dragon’s head pinned him down.

Grax and Monzo, both in their looted Cybertronian bodies looked at Mindwipe. The former said coldly, “Don’t damage his body too much. We’ll be needing it.”

Lord Zarak came out of his trance with the help of his bodyguard, Krunk. The leader quickly shooed him away, embarrassed and irritated. He looked to Mindwipe, “Get him to the factory floor!” Zarak could help himself as the giant bat was led away, “Prepare to have your mind wiped, Mindwipe.”

*****

 

Autobot Silverbolt
In Orbit of Cybertron

Chase and Marissa manned the cargo plane’s cockpit – Silverbolt was kind enough to adjust the seat, restraints, and controls for the human. Perceptor, Rollbar, and Macías remained in the hold.

Cybertron’s atmosphere passed rather quickly. As they moved to avoid one of many pieces of Unicron that orbited the planet, they caught sight of the battle already underway.

“What do you want us to handle?” asked the EDC captain.

Their transport responded, “Nothing at the moment. If I start taking damage, I’ll release manual control.”

The Testarossa complained, “So you just want us to sit here and watch?”

“Unless you can maneuver and fight in a vacuum, yes.”

The human cocked her head, “He has a point, Chase. All we can do is enjoy the show for now.” She called to the Brazilian navy officer, “Macías, space combat protocols in effect.”

“Aye, ma’am.”

The captain donned her helmet, sealed her Hostile Environment Battle Uniform, and hooked a tether to the bulkhead.

Out the window, the fight was getting closer. Sixshot was no longer alone. He had released both Soundwave and Slugslinger. The three Decepticons were dominating Cloudraker and Strafe. Silverbolt was just as big as Sixshot, though, inferior in firepower.

*****

In the shadow of the metallic orb, the battle progressed. The red, white, and orange Cybertronian UAV, Strafe, launched twin rockets at Slugslinger. The duel fuselage jet ignited his thrusters hard to port and just managed to avoid them. Soundwave deployed his mini-gun style weapon from beneath his cockpit and opened up on Cloudraker. The miniature jet tried to pull up out of it, but several rounds found his left wing, nearly tearing it off.

*****

Chase needlessly reported, “Cloudraker is heavily damaged.”

The transport said, “I’m in weapons range. I’m gonna take out Sixshot, first.” He added to himself with reverence, “This is for Skydive, Fireflight, and Slingshot.”

*****

Two large caliber machine guns began unloading on the Decepticon space corvette, followed up by two missiles.

Sixshot saw it coming and performed a lateral roll as he returned the favor. He couldn’t avoid all the projectiles. One missile hit him hard, causing a substantial gash in his forward section.

Unfortunately, Silverbolt didn’t only have to contend with fire from Sixshot. Soundwave targeted the larger Autobot vessel as well.

*****

Marissa couldn’t help but flinch when a bolt of plasma energy passed just outside the cockpit. The cargo plane jolted violently as it impacted the hull.

She called back, “Everyone alright?”

Percepter answered, “For the mom…”

A salvo of super dense bullets showered the cargo hold. Luckily, no one was hit. The unmistakable sound of atmosphere leaking began to overwhelm the craft.

Silverbolt said aloud to his passengers, “I’m going to start a controlled decompression, so I don’t have an explosive one later.”

The humans aboard felt the same nervousness in their stomach as they began to rely on their own air supply.

The red, manned Mars rover checked the sensors as the air rushed out. “I’ve detected Cosmos. He appears mostly in…”

The medium for the sound to travel was now gone. He continued on the shared Autobot/EDC channel, “Intact.”

It was interesting for Marissa to see Chase’s mouth remain closed, yet his voice in her ear, “How much air is in you tank?”

She answered, “About 20 hours’ worth.”

The red sports car rejoined, “This should be over long before that.”

Silverbolt buffeted again. He reported, “That one took out one of my missile launchers. Hopefully, my ordinance won’t go with it.”

Chase added morbidly, “One way or another.”

*****

 

Strafe managed to position himself behind Slugslinger. The Autobot only had one missile left, so it had to count. The Decepticon was flying way too erratic to get a lock, however. Nearby, Strafe noticed Soundwave bearing down on Sliverbolt. The stealth fighter-like craft wasn’t taking much fire and moved pretty smoothly. The Technobot veered off and made for the intelligence director. Quickly, he got tone and fired. The missile smacked right into Soundwave’s aft quarter. The Decepticon began an uncontrolled spin and got caught in the planet’s gravity well.

*****

Slugslinger signaled Sixshot, <Our mission is to bring the others back to Charr. We can’t do that if we get blown away!>

<All that’s left is an unarmed Technobot and a crippled Aerialbot. We can destroy them.>

Cloudraker, leaving a trail of smoke rejoined the battle and let loose a super-heated projectile from his path blaster. It impacted Sixshot near his engines. The thruster flickered for a moment, but then normalized.

<See?> implored the black and white jet, <We’ve already lost Soundwave. We need to disengage before we take more damage.>

<I still say we can annihilate them,> replied the corvette as he shot again at Silverbolt.

Slugslinger began diving away from the combat zone. <I’m in charge! We can’t risk it. We have to get the Constructicons back to Megatron. Follow me.>

He left a parting shot, <Oh, fine.> The heavy fighter banked down and lit his afterburners.

*****

Captain Faireborn called out, “They’re leaving.”

Silverbolt transmitted, “We’re in no shape to go after them. Let’s get our wounded back to Iacon.”

*****

Monicus Gambling Asteroid
Alpha Centauri System

Before this chaos, Sheol was a slum. Now, it was a ruin. The stone arena that was Gyconi’s had an odd resemblance to another old coliseum Blitzwing had seen once on Earth.

Sheol’s various alien inhabitants seemed to wonder around the city in a daze. So many had been killed when Astrotrain attacked. There was no organized relief effort. Sheol’s boss was Gyconi. With him dead – for better or worse – the town was leaderless.

The triple-changer scanned the devastation with his red, visored optics. For a moment, he considered helping to repair the city. But then, he noticed a hologram in the market area. It was a repeating loop of Constable Elik. The bird-like humanoid announced, “Fifteen million Galactic Credits will be awarded to the individual who captures or kills the Decepticon fugitives. If death occurs, their heads will have to be intact for full payment. The fugitives are known as Slugslinger, Triggerhappy, and Astrotrain. They were last seen leaving Monicus for whereabouts unknown. Fifteen million…”

He turned away from the image. Blitzwing was well known and respected in the city. Despite this, he began noticing the glares from people. He still bore the Decepticon symbol. It was then, he realized he would no longer be welcome in Sheol. If the people didn’t blame him directly, they would blame him for not stopping it.

The tank/MiG jet walked to the outskirts of the city, transformed, and flew off.

*****

Nebulon, Scorponok
Epsilon Endi Star System

The giant, robotic bat found himself strapped to an operating platform. His undead, body-snatched brethren had left the factory area. Several mechanical appendages lowered from the ceiling with various unpleasant-looking instruments attached to them.

Nearby, there were observers and directors of the morbid task that was about to occur. Some members of the Hive seemed to be more robot than organic. Outside of their Targetmaster suits, Aimless, Caliburst, Blowpipe, and Nightstick still had a robotic exoskeleton protecting their vital organs and nervous system. The exoskeletons were colored, predominantly, in yellows and browns. The four seemed to be controlling the equipment with their minds.

Implementing his mind control, Mindwipe ordered Aimless, “Release me.”

Nightstick spoke up, “It won’t work. If you hypnotize one of us, the others will simply take over his task. You can’t control all of us at once.”

The tools got closer, but stopped short. Caliburst asked, almost as an afterthought, “What did the rebels discuss with you while you were at Fortress Maximus? Are they planning an attack?”

The Decepticon’s bat face grinned. “I thought the Hive had eyes and ears everywhere. Don’t you know?”

Blowpipe shouted, “Listen here, bat. You tell us what we want to know or we’ll…”

Inexplicably, the room shook. The cyborgs looked around as another tremor hit.

Mindwipe volunteered smoothly, “Well, since you asked, yes. Yes, the Autobots and the Rebels are planning to attack. Right about now.”

Aimless, Nightstick, and Caliburst rushed out of the room, to their battle stations, presumably. Blowpipe lingered a moment and fumed at the Cybertronian, “We’ll…we’ll get you for this, once we wipe out the Rebels.” He also made for the exit, but stopped after only a few steps.

The Decepticon asked him in a mystical tone, “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

He turned.

The bat looked at his robotic face intently, “Release me.”

Despite himself, the cybernetic Nebulan rejoined, “Oh, alright.”

The heavy, metal straps retracted. As Mindwipe awkwardly propped himself up with his wings and got to his feet, he added, “Summon Vorath here, immediately. Tell him he is to guard me.”

Blowpipe did so via his neural chip. “Vorath says he’s on his way,” he reported blankly.

“Good, now return to your post. You will remember nothing about this once the door closes behind you.”

He nodded, “Ok.” The robotic Hive member ran out the exit and it slide shut.

*****

Brainstorm circled Scorponok in his space fighter form. The Nebulon Rebel leader, Arcana, was in his cockpit.

“It looks like we took them by surprise,” observed the green-skinned hominoid.

The Autobot replied, “I guess that means Mindwipe didn’t turn against us.”

The jet lined up for a run with his dual ion blasters and sent a salvo. It impacted on the base without resistance.

*****

 

The red Cybertronian sports car, Pointblank, led the ground forces: Sureshot, Crosshairs, Hardhead, and Chromedome. The Targetmasters utilized their Nebulon partners in vehicle mode. The two Headmasters had weapons in their alternate form as well. All of them began pelting the citadel with fire.

Falling behind in their relatively slow monster forms, Rippersnapper and Cutthroat brought up the rear.

*****

Highbrow, a blue and grey twin-roter helicopter, joined the air assault. The Autobot’s blatant arrogance was well deserved. He was proficient in most of the sciences, including chemistry. In his tinkering, he discovered a corrosive acid formula similar to Acid Storm’s. The results of which could now be observed on Scorponok’s hull.

“What are those slime balls you’re shooting?” asked his partner, Gort.

The Autobot seemed to sigh in irritation, “Those ‘slime balls,’ as you so crudely put it, is a precise chemical concoction that took years to stabilize. The most demanding aspect, however, was to devise a successful deployment method, which…”

Gort cut him off, “Never mind, I figured it out. It’s an ooze that eats metal. Got it.”

“What a plebian synopsis of a multifarious chemical reaction…”

The Nebulon pounded on the cockpit window as Highbrow went on, “Let me out of here!”

*****

Most of the Hive members found Lord Zarak in the command center. He was observing multiple displays. All of them showed their attackers. He turned to them violently, “Monzo, Grax, Spasma, get into your Headmaster bodies and repeal the Rebels!”

As they complied, Krunk asked, “Should we activate our drones?”

“Of course, you fool!” he blasted. “Take charge of our conventional drones and our two former Terrorcons.” He turned back to the monitors. “Now leave me. It takes effort to control all of Scorponok’s arsenal.”

*****

Autobot Shuttle Boundless
Earth, Off the Libyan Coast

It was a bright day on the Mediterranean. Sea gulls hovered overhead.

Broadside, modeled after a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with the number ‘86’ on the forward fight deck, was being escorted out to sea by several of Fakadi’s frigates when the Boundless touched down. There was just enough room for the 208 meter space craft.

Trailbreaker and Blurr walked down the ramp as it lowered. Hot Rod, Hound, and Sunstreaker met them.

Hot Rod extended his arms, “Welcome aboard.”

“It wasn’t exactly fun landing on a moving ship,” voiced the black 4x4.

“Our… host wanted us in international waters ASAP,” explained the World War II-era jeep.

The shuttle pilot commented, “Fakadi must have been fun to deal with.”

The yellow Lamborghini complained, “He’s not as bad as dealing with all this salt in the air. It can just feel it getting into my servos.”

Hound was more pragmatic, “Well, we should begin the energon transfer.”

Trailbreaker reassured the vessel, “Don’t worry, Broadside. We won’t suck you dry. But you won’t be getting off Earth for awhile.”

His voice went over the external PA, “That’s ok. According to Scamper, I won’t be flying at all for a while.”

The military jeep informed the shuttle pilots, “Prime wants Scamper to stay with Broadside for repairs. We’ll have to get Seaspray up here and Smokescreen is around here somewhere too.”

“Probably washing himself with distilled water,” jibed Sunstreaker.

Blurr quickly ran to and from the still lowering ramp leading to the hanger bay of the shuttle. “Seaspray can fit in the hold with Air Raid. No problem, no problem at all.”

The flame-adorned concept car directed them, “Alright, Blurr, Sunstreaker, use the crane to get Seaspray up on the flight deck. Hound, find Smokescreen and get him up here to help. Trailbreaker, let’s make the connections.”

*****

 

Cybertron, Iacon
Central Spaceport

The last of the Autobot Interceptor-class frigates, the Xanthium, gently lowered Cosmos to the ground with its grapples. The saucer was placed next to the other damaged craft: Silverbolt and Cloudraker. Only Strafe survived the encounter with Sixshot, Slugslinger, and Soundwave unscathed.

The Protectobots, Grapple, Inferno, and Perceptor were already triaging their comrades.

Optimus Prime stood some distance away. He knew when to lead and when to allow others to simply do their duty. He was somber with his arms crossed as he watched the mechanics work.

Springer arrived in helicopter form. He transformed and dropped near Prime. “As of right now, the only air power we have in Iacon that is 100% is: Greenlight, me, and Strafe – once he gets rearmed.”

Without looking away from the wounded, he responded evenly, “That will have to suffice, for the time being.”

The triple-changer added, “I sure hope they can be repaired before Metroplex gets here.”

Unmoving, Optimus stated, “The Decepticons most likely think this battle is over. That gives us the advantage.”

“Not to be disrespectful,” Springer said as he turned to face him, “but isn’t it?”

Prime looked to him. “No, I do not believe it is.”

*****

Cybertron, Outskirts of Kaon

A scope zoomed in on Sixshot and Slugslinger. They were entering the atmosphere and heading somewhere fast. Moonracer, behind the sniper rifle, reported, “I’m calculating their trajectory.” A moment later, she said, “Got it.” She added with a grin as she sent a weak, short range signal, “…and now sharing with the group.”

The Wreckers were concealing themselves in a bombed out structure.

Twin Twist chuckled, “Stupid ‘cons. They’ve led us right to their base.”

Roadbuster knelt close to the others. He looked to Cliffjumper, “How long until we can reconnoiter a route to get there?”

“I know that district of Kaon,” answered the VW bug. “We can be there in less than a hectocycle.”

The heavily armed Humvee-like vehicle addressed their aerial scout. “Top Spin, get up there and keep an eye on them…and don’t get detected this time.”

The white and blue Cybertronian UAV put up his arms, “Hey, exhaust happens.”

The unit commander looked up to Whirl and continued, “Stay here until we can synchronize our attack. Come in low & fast.”

The Supercobra attack helicopter mimicked the movements of a poorly performed kata. “Oh yeah, I’ll be like a fifteen meter, light blue ninja.” He said it as he did it, “Ninja kick!” The ground shook slightly has he hopped.

The rest of the group just looked at him and shook their heads. Finally, Roadbuster waved the ground team to move out, “Let’s go.”

*****

Cybertron, Kaon

Sixshot landed in a clearing near Shockwave’s secret lab. He was far too large to enter the underground complex.

Slugslinger transformed and landed on his feet. He looked around at the unremarkable scenery. “So where’s the entrance?”

No sooner had he asked, a pile of rubbish parted and revealed a cellar-type door.

Acid Storm emerged first. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Nice to see you too, Rainmaker,” chided the dual-fuselage jet. He went on, “We’re here to bring you guys to Charr.”

The orange tetrajet, Sunstorm, joined them, “What about Jetstorm and Obsidian. The Constructicons aren’t done with ‘em yet.”

“They come with us,” came from ‘Slinger. He emphasized, “Let’s get everybody aboard, quickly.” I don’t know if the ‘bots tracked us here or not. Either way, we need to get moving.”

The purple Cybertronian tank moved up the steps. “That will be problematic. Jetstorm and Obsidian are in a critical stage in their repair.”

“Yeah,” added Sunstorm, “Their parts are all over the lab too.”

“Well, gather up all their parts and bring what you need with you,” said the black and white jet. “I don’t want to stay here a cycle longer than we have to.”

Shockwave did an about face and headed back down. “I will inform the Constructicons of the situation.”

The tetrajets lingered.

Slugslinger looked to them incredulously, “Well, help them.”

The green jet asked with irritation, “Who put you in charge?”

Without missing a beat, he answered, “Our Lord and High Protector Megatron.”

The jets didn’t know how to respond to that, other than to do as he ordered.

*****

 

Nebulon, Scorponok
Epsilon Endi Star System

The Autobot/Rebel ground team had scattered to avoid incoming mortars but they were still advancing in vehicle mode. They were now well within the Old City. Scorponok, however, was intensifying fire.

The yellow and red buggy, Sureshot, was the first to have his luck run out. One of the Hive’s shells smashed right into him and his partner, Spoilsport. The Autobot seemed to shatter into hundreds of parts. One of his tires continued to roll for some time.

Pointblank signaled to the others, “It’s getting too hot, find cover!”

From Brainstorm, Arcana objected, “No. We can’t get bogged down. We have to press the attack!”

“Arcana’s right,” sent the green Cybertronian tank. “We have to keep on the move.”

Peacemaker offered from his Targetmaster suit on Pointblank, “We have to get inside that beast as quickly as possible. It’s the only way to…”

The city came alive with all kinds of walking and rolling Hive machines. About a dozen of them moved to run interference.

Gort looked down on the battlefield from Highbrow, “This may be harder than we thought.”

*****

Vorath entered the darkened factory bay. The only light was from the corridor he left behind. He took a step in. The door slide shut. He now found himself in total darkness. The base shuttered again under the assault. He attempted to activate the lights by thought, but they were unresponsive. He entertained the idea that it was a systems failure, due to the battle. But then, red eyes opened right in front of him.

Mindwipe didn’t waste any time. He gazed at his Nebulon partner, “You will obey my every command, now and forever more. My will is now your will. Your mind is mine. Your body is mine. You live only to serve me. You live only to serve me.”

Vorath cried out as the hypno-chip signal penetrated his brain. Synapses were getting rewired. Mindwipe probed deep into his grey matter, deeper than he had ever gone before with any fleshling. There could be nothing left of Vorath’s critical mind – only obedience. He fell to his knees.

“Your mind and body are mine!” persisted the giant bat.

The screaming stopped. Slowly, the Nebulon stood up. “I am yours, master.”

The bat grinned. “Good. Now, don your Headmaster suit.”

*****

Outside, the Terrorcon gargoyle, Cutthroat, landed on an insect-like drone and began ripping open its back with his claws. Once he breached the outer layer, he stuck his face in the hole and chewed every wire, circuit board, and servo he could find until the machine collapsed flat on its belly.

*****

A brown and red sports car, Chromedome, made it to Scorponok’s shadow. He transformed and Stylor assumed his robot form role. The Autobot readied his neutron assault rifle and ran to the massive stronghold wall. He waited a moment to see who else made it this far…no one.

“I guess it’s just us,” the car said to his passenger.

“Come on,” advised Stylor, “Let’s find a way in.”

A familiar, whiney voice spoke. “It’s through me, rebel scum!”

Chomedome turned to see Hun-Grr’s white, two-headed dragon mode. Spasma, in a Headmaster suit, rode the mindless Terrorcon.

There was no time to react as one of the dragon heads clamped down on Chrome’s right arm. The metal monster shook the Autobot violently until the appendage ripped off. The Rebel and his body were flung several meters away and rolled to a stop.

Neither Chromedome nor Stylor were ready to get up from the thrashing. It didn’t matter to the dragon. Its hungry jaws reached for them again.

“No, please,” managed the Autobot before a robotic jowl squashed his head with the fleshing inside.

Automatic weapons fire lambasted Hun-Grr’s neck that held the Headmaster. It did not stop until the dragon head was shredded off. It fell, still holding the dead Autobot/Nebulon.

The other dragon head and Spasma looked over. It was Hardhead and Duros rolling up on the Hive abomination. Duros opened the yellow canopy and took aim. A single projectile went right through Spasma’s faceplate. He and what was left of Hun-Grr collapsed on the ground.

Hardhead stopped near Chromedome. He stayed for a moment.

“We have to stay in the fight,” urged Duros. “We can mourn them later. There are more of our brothers that still need avenging.”

The tank’s treads spun into action. “You’re right. We have things to do.”

*****

 

Rippersnapper looked up after disassembling a hive machine with extreme prejudice. The land shark saw his old teammate. “Blot? How are you still online?”

The blueish-purple monster snarled for a moment, then rushed the Terrorcon. It caught the white shark off guard. The drone’s teeth sank into Rippersnapper’s back. He cried out before lashing about. Finally, the monster’s grip released. Blot rolled a few times on the metal roadway, but he quickly righted himself and roared as he threw his clawed arms out.

The land shark said Blot in a squalled voice. “What did they do to you? Our masters will destroy the Hive for this, if the Autobots don’t do it first!” He sprinted to his opponent with rows of razor sharp teeth bearing.

Blot did the same. Both ran at each other with mouths agape. In the end, Rippersnapper’s mouth was bigger. He munched down on Blot’s head, shredding it off. He chewed a few times before spitting it out.

*****

Pointblank rolled up to Crosshair’s position. The latter was beginning to be overwhelmed by Hive machines.

Pinpointer, in weapon mode, was doing his best to keep the machines at bay, but they were closing.

The red and light blue Cybertronic sports car transformed right next to Crosshairs. They stood back to back against several large spider-like drones.

The off-road vehicle said to his CO, “Glad you could make it.”

“It was tough fitting it into my schedule,” jibed Pointblank as Peacemaker took aim and fired.

One of the spider’s legs got blasted off, but it was still coming.

Pointblank deployed his spoiler/shield and energized it. He bashed one machine and followed up with a few rounds from Peacemaker right into its grinding orifice. The drone began to smoke from everywhere and fell with a thud.

The other Autobot managed to topple another. Just when the fight seemed to be ebbing, Monzo, in Weirdwolf – opting for robot mode – joined the melee. Right behind him was Grax piloting the pink and green alligator and the remaining Terrorcon drone, Sinnertwin.

Weirdwolf’s thermo sword crashed into Pointblank’s shield, causing electric sparks from the impact. Suddenly, Peacemaker transformed and fell out of his hand.

The sports car used the other hand to brace the shield. “What are you doing?”

“It’s just like the Rebels to run when the going gets tough,” taunted Monzo. “You should pick your allies better.”

It was all Pointblank could do to deflect Monzo’s blows. Finally, the spoiler/shield was knocked out of his hands. Weirdwolf brought both hands to the blade and raised it over his head.

The Autobot was completely unarmed. He braced himself.

With one clean swipe, the wolf’s arms were cut from his body with a large circular saw from a Hive machine. In shock, Monzo turned around to see Peacemaker manually controlling a crippled, tracked drone. The return swipe cut Weirdwolf’s head from audio receptor to audio receptor, with Monzo inside. The top half of the head fell to ground. What was inside wasn’t pretty. The rest of Weirdwolf landed with a dull thud.

Pointblank relaxed a bit, “I admit, you had me going for a while.”

Peacemaker shrugged, “I was inspire…” The Nebulon was scooped up in the jaws of Skullcruncher. Then, fatefully, the Decepticon Headmaster lived up to his name.

“No!” screamed the sports car.

“What are you going to do about it?” asked Grax boastfully. He gestured over, “You won’t be getting any help from your friends.”

He looked. Crosshairs had been demolished and Sinnertwin lifted a clawed foot off Pinpointer’s crushed body. Pointblank returned his gaze to the alligator with fire in his eyes. “What am I going to do about it?” he repeated with resolve. “Why tell you, when I can show you!” He transformed and circled around to get up to speed. Then, he rammed head on to Sinnertwin. The car rolled right over the small, two-headed dragon. As he did, Pointblank transformed and grabbed on to one of his heads. He used the momentum to swing the drone around and threw him at the large alligator.

The former Decepticons crashed into each other, forming a rolling mass of legs, tails, and teeth. Finally, they came to rest. The Autobot didn’t give them time to recover. He was already on them. He used one of Sinnertwin’s heads to smash Skullcruncher’s tinted cockpit canopy.

Grax looked up at Pointblank in terror. “Please, don’t!”

The Autobot was in a rage. “Is that what Crosshairs or Pinpointer said? It didn’t help them, did it!” He pounded his fist into the cockpit, again and again and again. Finally, he backed away in a daze. He fell to his knees in grief, regret, and hatred. Had he the ability to produce tears, he would have been sobbing.

*****

The one-eyed Zarak watched the progress of the on monitors. “It is time to change the game,” he said to himself. He stepped on a nearby dais. Parts of the floor opened and components of his Headmaster suit began to be fitted on him by mechanical arms. Something unexpected happened as they were sealing him in. A nervousness…no a panic…sheer terror! “Get it off!” he called out. “No, no, get it off!” The machines complied. Zarak was hyperventilating. He rested against a bulkhead. He asked to no one, “What happened?”

The answer came from the open doorway behind him. “A little hypnotic suggestion.”

Zarak spun around. It was Mindwipe – in robot form, head and all. The Hive master blasted, “What have you done to me?”

“While I was in contact with your mind, I sent a simple, secondary command,” explained the Decepticon. “You now have an acute case of claustrophobia. Which means, no Headmaster suit.” He stepped forward, “Which means, no transforming Scorponok.”

“How dare…” he began.

Mindwipe deployed his energon pistol, “I should atomize you for desecrating my brethren and killing Galvatron.” He lowered his weapon, “But that is not what you fear. I know what you fear most.” He moved closer, “You can not resist me. Transfer control of Scorponok and all your Hive machines across the planet to me.”

He attempted to defy the hypnotist. “No, no, I will not…”

“Yes, you will,” pressed the bat. “All your serfs, are now mine.” He repeated, “Transfer authority to me!”

“I…I… No! This is my planet! It’s mine! I...” blue blood began to come out of Zarak’s nostril.

“Obey me!” commanded the Decepticon.

The Hive leader seemed to have some type of stroke and fell to the floor. Mindwipe knelt next to him. Vorath ran a scan and reported, “He is alive. Zarak must have installed some type of program of last resort to prevent you from using your hypnotic signal. All of his implants have been fried. He is no longer able to transmit commands to Scorponok or the other machines.”

The bat looked upon Zarak. “He must have put it in after our last encounter.” He stood up and looked at the screens. He said with no enthusiasm, “Scorponok has stopped firing and most of the drones have been destroyed. It seems the battle has been won.”

He looked down again at Zarak, lying so pitifully on the floor. “A shame your ability to control Scoponok is gone. I could have used you to destroy the Autobots. I could have been master of this world.” Slowly, he walked out of the control room. He repeated, “A shame.”

*****

 

The battlefield suddenly got a lot less noisy. Brainstorm realized, “Scorponok has been shut down! Mindwipe did it!”

Arcana clinched his fist, “Alright! Let’s go in and finish off what’s left of the Hive!”

*****

Cybertron, Kaon

Bonecrusher and Long Haul pushed hover crates full of parts and equipment up the ramp to Sixshot’s cargo bay.

Slugslinger supervised. He asked them, “How many more trips is this going to take?”

The dump truck looked back, “Mixmaster and Scavenger are bringing up the last load now.”

“Good,” the dual fuselage jet commented. “This is taking way too long.”

Acid Storm and Sunstorm descended the incline, once their load was secure. The orange jet said, “The Autobots wouldn’t dare come this far into Kaon. They…”

The green tetrajet pointed to the top of a nearby building. “Who’s that?”

Slugslinger turned to look. A light blue Cybertronian stood with both arms up diagonally and one leg was up as if ready to kick – approximating the “crane kick” stance. The figure kicked and shouted a “Ha-ya!” As he did, he jumped off the top of the structure, fell for a time, and then transformed into a human-designed helicopter.

Whirl launched a salvo of hellfire missiles at Sixshot. They all impacted on his dorsal side.

Slugslinger led the two other jets, “Come on. We have to get him away from Sixshot, before he takes anymore damage.” The three Decepticons assumed their aircraft mode and lit their afterburners.

From seemingly every direction, Wreckers emerged from various hidden positions and began firing at the Constructicons and jets.

Mixmaster and Scavenger made it to the surface. They were confused at first, but quickly abandoned their carts and joined in the battle.

The cement truck shouted over the fire, “Hook, Scrapper, get up here! We got problems, problems, problems!”

*****

Several levels underground, Shockwave, Laserbeak, and the remaining Constructicons were checking the lab for anything that might be useful on Charr. Obsidian and Jetstorm were already aboard the Decepticon space corvette. They paused as the transmission from the surface came in.

The purple cyclops tank told them, as he checked a scanner, “Autobots.”

Hook radioed back, “We’re on the way.” He and Scrapper began the accent.

Shockwave looked up to Laserbeak up on a girder, “I understand. May your search be successful.”

The robotic vulture flew into a ventilation shaft and disappeared into the complex maze that was Cybertron’s interior.

The Decepticon analyzed the battle overhead on his screens: eight Autobots versus ten Decepticons, including Sixshot and potentially, Devastator. The other Decepticons had a means of escape aboard the space fighter. Shockwave, however, had no intention of leaving Cybertron. If he went to the surface and helped in the fight, it would be very difficult to evade the Autobot pursuit if the tide turned against them.

He made a logical, tactical decision. Calmly, Shockwave lowered a lever and the lab went dark. Instead of going up, he made his way to another exit and went deeper underground.

*****

Top Spin was a fraction of Sunstorm’s size. The small UAV plane did his best to avoid the Decepticon’s incendiary rounds. The white and blue craft dove down steep and used the massive, metal ruins as cover. “A little help,” he pleaded.

From her perch overlooking the battlefield in a bombed out tower, Moonracer caught sight of the two planes. “Can you line him up for me?”

“I’ll do my best.” Top Spin banked right and headed for her position, while tracers flew passed.

The teal-colored sniper put her crosshairs well forward of the orange jet. She fired. The directed energy bolt intercepted the tetrajet right below the cockpit window. The well-placed round shorted out some of Sunstorm’s command relays.

Sunstorm began flying erratically. He grazed a building before breaking off the chase.

*****

In vehicle form, Bulkhead and Warpath lobbed shells at Sixshot and the Constructicons. Sixshot did his best to defend himself in space fighter mode, but he couldn’t go anywhere or transform with his passengers and cargo.

The front-end loader told his team, “Sixshot can’t take much more of this.”

“Neither can we!” added Bonecrusher.

“I’d say its time we join up,” suggested Hook.

“No,” came from Slugslinger over their comms. “Get aboard Sixshot and get out of here! Get Sunstorm aboard too. Acid Storm and I will cover you and meet you in orbit.”

The crane shrugged, “Or we could do that.”

*****

Roadbuster opted for robot form. He was unloading his path blaster down range. Cliffjumper and Twin Twist were at his flanks. He noticed the Constructicons withdrawing into Sixshot. “They’re trying to bug out!”

Nearby, Warpath – still in tank mode – said, “Well, I got an idea. How ‘bout I – kla-blao – blast ‘em!” The Sheridan tank rocked back as another shell headed toward the Decepticons.

Overhead, Slugslinger saw the artillery and released a pair of missiles.

Bulkhead saw the incoming heading for Warpath. He rolled out of his position and began targeting the missiles with his torrent-mounted twin path blasters. It wasn’t working. “Warpath, move!”

The tank detected the threat and his treads shifted into gear. He backed off as much as he could before the impact. A cloud of flame and smoke engulfed his position.

The futuristic APC rushed over. As the smoke cleared, he saw the maroon tank - charred and covered in debris, but in one piece. He half-joked, “We’re gonna have to do something about your speed.”

*****

The red VW pointed out, “They’re lifting off!”

Roadbuster activated his radio and looked up, “Whirl, it’s up to you. Bring that ‘con down.”

As the forty meter craft blasted his vertical thrusters, the attack helicopter moved in. His subsonic repeater sprayed continuously and his last two hellfires launched.

Sixshot engaged his sub-light engines and easily outran the ordinance. Acid Storm and Slugslinger got some parting shots and they followed close behind.

The Wrecker commander lowered his weapon and gazed up as the Decepticons fled. One by one, his team rallied to him. Finally, he sheathed his weapon and said, “Well, I guess it’s time to head back to Iacon.”

*****

 

Nebulon, Scorponok
Epsilon Endi Star System

It was a simple matter for Arcana and the other Nebulon rebels to overrun Scorponok and take Lord Zarak and remaining Hive members into custody. The rebels were now leading them out in shackles. Zarak was being carried out on a stretcher.

Slowly, Nebulon civilians began approaching the battlefield. It didn’t take long for word to spread. Soon, the old Hive city was filled with liberated serfs. The atmosphere was joyous for the natives – not so much for the Cybertronians.

Mindwipe, Rippersnapper, and Cutthroat stared down Pointblank. Brainstorm, Hardhead, and Highbrow were nearby in vehicle mode.

“Soo, now what?” asked Rippersnapper. “Do we fight?”

The red sports car had no response. The ball was in Mindwipe’s court.

The Decepticons were still outnumbered. Even if the Nebulon headmasters shrugged off their partnership with the Autobots, they couldn’t win a battle.

The hypnotist offered, “The Terrorcons and I will stay here at Scorponok. We will annex it as compensation for the Decepticon Empire.”

“No deal,” Pointblank rejoined flatly. “Even if I would allow it – which I won’t – the Nebulon rebels wouldn’t like the idea of alien robots in control of a heavily fortified Hive stronghold.”

“Counteroffer,” transmitted Brainstorm, “We call for a shuttle and on the way back we swing close to Charr and let you three take an escape pod to go the rest of the way.”

The bat complained, “There is nothing on Charr. With Galvatron dead, the Decepticons will start looking out for themselves. Our best bet is to stay on this planet.”

Pointblank crossed his arms, “That’s something you’ll have to work out with the new management.”

The Cybertronian tank reminded them, “With the way these people hate most machines, I wouldn’t keep my hopes up.”

“Indeed,” supplemented Highbrow, “With the hostilities concluded, I am already detecting the Nebulons deem our presence to be superfluous.”

The taskforce leader looked at the celebrating crowd and noticed the organics were avoiding them. Arcana and his cell were the heroes here, not the Autobots. The rebel leader did nothing to dispel that illusion. “Highbrow is right. We should go back to Fortress Maximus.” He looked to the ‘cons, “All of us.” He transformed and rolled out, “We’re not invited to this party.”

On a private channel, Brainstrom asked Pointblank, <What do we do if Mindwipe and the others find out Megatron is alive again and we didn’t tell them?>

The red car rejoined, <I don’t intend to find out.>

*****

Cybertron, Taygon Heights Province

On a wide thoroughfare that once used to be one of the largest trade markets on the planet, a blue stealth fighter-like jet screeched to a halt. Soundwave had just only managed to make a controlled landing.

“Rumble, Frenzy, eject; operation: maintenance.”

From under each wing, he released two hexagonal cylinders. They quickly transformed and began assessing the damage.

“Eh, it could be worse, boss,” offered Rumble.

The red and black robot added, “Yeah, I bet we can get you back in the air in less than a kilocycle.”

As the two humanoid ‘cons began removing panels, Laserbeak arrived on location and assumed sentry duties.

THE END OF “THE HIVE”

TO BE CONTIUED IN “CHARRED”

 

Author’s Note: I has just come to my attention that G1 Cliffjumper is not a reco of G1 Bumblebee and is, therefore, not a VW Beetle. Cliffjumper is, in fact, based off a Porsche 924 Turbo. Sorry for the oversight. That’s what you get when you ass-u-me.

Supplemental: I’m learning all kinds of things. I just found out Hot Rod is based off a real car: the Dome Zero. He will no longer be referred to as a Simoltech Concept car.

Transformers: Machinations
Season 4, Episode 14: “Charred”​

(June 2007)​

Charr, Near Trypticon
Alpha Centauri Star System

Sixshot’s trip back to Charr proved uneventful. Steam still radiated off the Decepticon attack corvette from its passage through the toxic atmosphere. One by one the Constructicons: Hook, Long Haul, Mixmaster, Scavenger, Bonecrusher, and Scrapper disembarked via a ramp.

Megatron met them, “Ah, Constructicons, excellent. I am pleased to see you arrived back without incident.”

“I wouldn’t go that far, milord,” commented Scrapper.

The despot had no interest in hearing the tale. He sidestepped, “None the less, now you are here and there is much work to be done.”

Sunstorm wheeled down a platform bearing Obsidian. After him, Acid Storm pushed Jetstorm’s body. The orange jet made sure to hide his Unicron talisman.

Megatron moved to the still unconscious soldiers. He looked down on them without emotion. “More broken Decepticons,” he complained to himself. He looked to the tetrajets, “Take them to Trypticon and put them with Cyclonus, Scourge, and Snapdragon.”

Slugslinger walked up and noticed, “You don’t seem happy to see Obsidian or Jetstorm, master.”

He placed his hands behind his back and turned to watch the two deactivated ‘cons move away. “Obsidian served me well as a surgeon. Jetstorm, on the other hand, has a disobedient streak in him.”

“He was your air commander before Starscream, wasn’t he?”

They took a few steps, “Yes. But unlike his successor, Jetstrom never attempted to usurp me. He is just old…and thinks himself wise as well.”

The black and white dual-fuselage jet asked, “Should we keep him in status lock?”

Slowly, Megatron began to shake his head. “No. I he is a formidable and experienced war fighter. I can put him in his place.” After a moment, he turned and faced the Constructicons, “Now, to more urgent matters. Scrapper, assume command over our repair efforts.”

The front end loader put his hand to his chest in salute and said, “As you wish, milord.” Then he and the rest of this team transformed and rolled out toward the living battle station.

*****

In Orbit of Cybertron
Sol Star System

Goldbug sat up in his seat in Skyfire’s cockpit upon seeing the jagged, chaotic surface of Cybertron. “Home sweet home,” he said sincerely.

His transport reported, “I’m making my final approach into the atmosphere.”

The modern VW beetle looked confused, “I hate to tell you, but Iacon is on the other side of the planet.”

Skyfire replied, “I intend to fly low and see our restored planet in all its glory.”

He grinned, “I’d look better once everything gets rebuilt.”

“True,” said the Cybertronian cargo jet, “but I want to see how high the energon pools are for myself.”

*****

Cybertron, “The Boneyard”

In the shadow of their crashed dropship, Lancer, Stinger, and EDC Sergeant Nijo Koin in his mech, sat disheartened. The blue Corvette, Freeway, lay nearby. There was no noise between them. The ramming rig, however, was sending an SOS over the common Autobot channel.

<This is Lancer to any Autobot within range. We are in need of assistance. Our coordinates are 109.7 by 98.5. Please respond.>

Nothing. She seemed to sigh and placed her head in her hands.

Time passed. The Japanese soldier checked his HUD. Thirty-two hours of air left. Luckily, the mech designers thought of most contingencies. He had enough water and rations – at least until he suffocated. Nijo even had a “waste system” in the mech. Unfortunately, there were no air fresheners. It was getting pretty ripe in the cockpit.

He saw movement in the sky. It was little more than a moving, reflective…something. A jet, maybe? He and his mech pointed, “Look. Can you identify it?”

The armored Autobot stood and turned. She activated her zoom function. It was defiantly a jet. She couldn’t tell if it was friend or foe. She decided to risk it, <Unidentified jet, we are in need of rescue. Please alter course 94 degrees to the right.>

After a moment, a voice came over, <Lancer, is that you?>

She smiled as she looked to Stinger, who received the communiqué as well. She responded aloud, “Yes, Goldbug, do you mind giving us a lift?”

Lancer had already told Stinger about Bumblebee’s adoption of a new name. He took a step back and began to glare at the distant jet. He said under his breath, “Bumble-bot is coming. The traitor is coming.” He did an internal check. His stinger weapons were again fully charged. He would finally have a chance to confront the one who lead his unit into an ambush and stranded him alone for all these years. He continued to lock his stare as Skyfire tipped his wings up and down and headed for them.

‘No,’ he thought suddenly. ‘If I sting Bumble-bot now, others will think Stinger is the bad one… and they send me away. No, no we…I ….Stinger must make them see. Make them see the traitor. Make them see. Then we will be a hero, exposing the traitor. They will not send me away…We will never be alone again.’

*****

 

Nebulon, Fortress Maximus
Epsilon Endi Star System

The massive Autobot base used flood lights to illuminate the surrounding area. All around Fortress Maximus were bonfires, fireworks, and celebrating Nebulons. Something akin to Scottish folk music filled the air. Arcana and his rebels were being canonized as the saviors of the planet.

Brainstorm, Highbrow, and Hardhead were parked in a large, interior bay. Their Headmaster partners had all but forgotten about them.

Even in the brig, the music could be heard from outside. Pointblank assumed the role of guard. He hoped Mindwipe, Rippersnapper, and Cutthroat weren’t plotting somewhere. Cerebros was no doubt in the command center.

Behind energy bars, Lord Zarak stewed. He and the rest of the Hive occupied several cells lining the wall.

The deposed leader finally snapped to the Autobot, “What’s the matter? Don’t feel like rejoicing with the others?”

The Cybertronian sports car sat, arms crossed and his legs raised. He looked over coolly, “I don’t rejoice after a battle anymore, not even a successful one.”

Zarak persisted, “Now that Arcana and the others have no further use for you, how long before you think they will turn on you as well? The commoners will demand it. They will destroy every machine in sight.”

Even though Pointblank had the same thought, he didn’t respond.

He tried a different tact, “You don’t know the rebels or the rabble. It won’t be long before they publicly torture us!”

The Autobot looked over, unconcerned, “That’s a possibility, I suppose.”

Seeing he was getting no where, Lord Zarak stopped the conversation with an angry growl. There was nothing else for him to do, but sit back down and await his fate.

*****

Charr, Trypticon
Alpha Centauri Star System

Scrapper and Megatron walked abreast of each other in one of the colossal beast’s corridors. Cables still drooped from the ceiling. Wildrider was wielding a strut nearby.

The Constructicon reported, “What we lack the most are replacement parts, master. We could have all the ‘cons in the quadrant helping us, but it won’t do any good if we don’t have materials.”

Megatron grinded his metal teeth. He grumbled, “I see.” The leader paused and thought aloud, “The Junkions are well defended and the Autobots would come to their aid. I have no desire to loose more warriors in a prolonged battle over spare parts.” He paced a bit, “Of course.” He actually began to laugh, “Of course!”

The front end loader asked, “You have another idea, milord?”

He looked to him with a vicious grin. “The humans have a saying: killing two birds with one stone.” Megatron began striding and opened a channel, “Slugslinger, assemble a strike force. We are going back to Nebulos. I have unfinished business with Lord Zarak.”

*****

 

Cybertron, “The Boneyard”

In a clearing a short distance away from the crashed commandeered Decepticon dropship, Skyfire rested a moment from his journey. Goldbug rolled up to the survivors in car mode and transformed next to them.

Lancer was the first to greet him, “Goldbug, Freeway got hurt…” She looked to Stinger with sympathy. “…in an accident. We need to get him to a repair bay.”

The newly minted espionage director nodded. A familiar form caught his eye, “Stinger? Stinger is that you?”

The comparable Autobot glared from under his brow, “Yes, Bumble-…bee, it’s us, er, me.”

The golden ‘bot placed his hands joyously on his shoulders, “I thought you’d been scrapped. How did you survive?”

Stinger attempted to mask his contempt. “How did you survive the ambush?”

The smile behind Goldbug’s mouth guard faded quickly. He brought his hands down and his examined the ground, “I…well…” He looked up as his eye shifted, “Luck, really. Just dumb luck.”

To Stinger, his evading answer only served to reinforce his belief.

Lancer cut in, “This is a conversation for another time. We must load Freeway and get back to Iacon. Then, we can send the Xanthium to tow Wingsaber back. ”

The espionage director was all to willing to attend to his fallen comrade.

The green-blue ‘bot clenched his fists as the traitor turned away.

*****

Cybertron, Iacon
Central Spaceport

The city’s main spaceport had been converted into an open air triage camp. Scattershot, Silverbolt, Cosmos, and Cloudraker were all sitting on the metallic tarmac in various states of repair.

The Autobot ambulance, First Aid, met Optimus Prime as the semi rolled up and transformed.

The leader looked above the Protectobot to the injured. “I regret I can not assign more Autobots to the repair efforts.” He added, “Perhaps once the Wreckers return to Iacon that can change.”

The medic wiped oil off his hands as he said, “I understand, Prime. A bit of good news,” he offered, “we managed to get Lightspeed, Nosecone, and Afterburner off the injured list before…” He looked over his shoulder solemnly, “…this.”

“How are they?” Optimus asked as they took a few steps forward.

They both looked at the activity around the air/space craft. Inferno, still showing some slight armor damage due to his encounter with Acid Storm, directed Streetwise on the subtleties of arc welding as they worked on Silverbolt.

“Cloudraker won’t take long to fix,” reported the medic. “Silverbolt’s wounds are severe, but manageable. Cosmos is…” He paused, “His spark and neural net is still intact, but…he requires a complete rebuild, Prime.”

His eyes found the charred and battered saucer. A little ball of flame appeared in Optimus’ spark. He tucked it away for later use. He braced himself to hear even more bad news, “Kup and Scattershot?”

First Aid grimaced, “Acid Storm’s corrosive slime is some pretty nasty stuff. We’re having to replace over 50% of Scattershot’s exterior components. Gears is still working on him. It’ll take time.” He pepped up a bit, “Kup, I’m happy to say, is nearly restored. We just need time to polish him up and bring him out of status.”

Slowly, Prime nodded. “Then, I will leave you to your vital duties.” He turned to transform when he noticed two Cybertronian-like hovercars come into view. One was blue and yellow in color; the other, light green and white. He allowed them to approach unchallenged.

First Aid lingered as well as the vehicles came up and transformed. Both bore the blue Paradron insignia.

Optimus recognized Nightbeat but not the aquamarine ‘bot. She seemed to have a model lineage similar to Arcee’s.

The Paradron investigator introduced her, “Optimus Prime, this is Jadeweld, our head engineer.”

She extended her hand, “Optimus.”

He took it. “I am pleased to meet you, Jadeweld.”

The feminine Paradron answered the unasked question. “I’d like to offer my services. No matter what the popular opinion is back at the settlement, I’m not going to stand idly by while fellow Cybertronians are in need of assistance.”

An injecting of hope coursed through Prime. He said sincerely, “Jadeweld, any help you might offer is very much appreciated.”

*****

 

Charr, Trypticon
Alpha Centauri Star System

An orange tetrajet circled in the sky above the Decepticon battle station. Something on Trypticon’s landing pads caught Sunstorm’s eye. He went down to confirm.

The seeker transformed several meters above the platform and fell to the deck. As he stood, he saw them. One was in his vehicle mode. The other had been leaned against the fortress wall. He said aloud, “Cyclonus…Scourge.”

The damaged, purple jet didn’t respond, at first. The figure, however, looked up with effort, “Have you come to repair me?”

From under a chest plate, Sunstorm took out his Unicron talisman. He held it and admitted, “Um, no.”

Scourge lowered his head, “Then leave.”

The tetrajet knelt down next to him, “I’ve heard about you. You used to be Thundercracker, but then you were touched by the great one.”

The last of the sweeps wearily lifted his head, “What are going on about?”

“Unicron,” rejoined the orange jet as if it were a stupid question. Sunstorm began to reach out to touch Scourge in reverence. “You saw him. He reformatted you. He changed you.” He pointed to Cyclonus, “He blessed you both.”

The injured ‘con slapped the hand away. “He cursed us, maybe. Now, bug out.”

The zealot stood. “You dare forsake him.”

As Scourge eased himself down to the deck, he suggested, “Yeah, and you can tell him I said so.”

At that, Sunstorm reached down and pulled the sweep up against the wall, “What do you mean? ‘I can tell him?’”

The ‘winged’ Decepticon was in no shape to put up a fight. “Unicron’s head…it used to orbit Cybertron.”

He pulled him closer, “I didn’t see it when I left Cybertron.”

Scourge feebly gasped at his assailant’s hands, “It was blown out of orbit when Starscream tried to connect it to Cybertron. But…it still has to be in the Sol System somewhere.”

“Does he still function?” demanded the tetrajet.

For a moment, the sweep hesitated. He wasn’t sure how this fanatic would react. At last, he said, “Probably.”

Sunstorm dropped him without preamble. He jumped up, transformed, and flew off.

After hitting the ground with a clank, Scourge looked up at the jet. “What a complete crackcase.”

*****

Monicus Gambling Asteroid, Sheol
Alpha Centauri System

Blitzwing left the chaos of the shattered settlement behind. He had seen enough of Astrotrain’s handy work. The town of Sheol was never much to look at, but now…parts of it were rubble. Many flesh creatures from around the galaxy had died in the collapse of the arena and the subsequent blast of the shuttle’s engines.

He found himself at primitive spaceport – little more than a clearing – at the edge of the stone city. He quickly found the old Decepticon shuttle that barely managed to bring him here.

The Harbinger-class cargo shuttles were once the workhorses of the Decepticon Empire. The craft was about 100 meters long and mostly purple in hue. It was a utilitarian vessel with plasma cannons at the end of each wing. This one had “Longshot” crudely painted on its hull in Cybertronian script. Blitzwing grimly christened it once he got it running. Since his arrival, however, he had managed to bring the ship back up to specs.

The MiG/tank walked up to it and entered a code on a keypad. The forward ramp lowered. He took one last look at his temporary home. Without a word, he boarded the vessel and entered the cockpit.

He sat in the large chair and ordered to the ship’s navigation computer, “Calculate a trajectory for Charr.”

*****

 

Thanks for your continued interest, readers! I hope it is being enjoyed.

Cybertron, Iacon
Tower of Pion, Autobot Stronghold Position

Marissa Faireborn passed through the massive door frame into the impromptu Autobot Command Center. Large, tall displays ringed the chamber and a holographic, tactical display of Cybertron was the focus of the room. Optimus, as always, faced one of the many monitors.

Donned in her EDC hardened EVA suit, she made her way to the leader. No matter how long she had worked with these creatures, she was often amazed. At nearly three stories high, Optimus Prime – or any Cybertronian, really – was an impressive sight. She had to remind herself, some Transformers made even Prime look like a chihuahua. After she mentally pinched herself, she focused on the problem at hand.

“Prime,” she said respectfully, but insistently, “I know we got distracted, but Sergeant Nijo, Freeway, and Lancer are still out there. I’d like to resume the search.”

The giant turned his head and looked down, “As would I, Captain Faireborn.” He turned to face her, “However, our aerial forces have been dealt a bitter blow.”

She took a step closer, “I don’t care if we fly. We just need some transport.” Her tone turned sour, “It was a mistake to deploy here with out support vehicles.”

Prime wasn’t sure if that was intended as a barb or not. He felt it, none the less. He opened a private line, “Springer, report to Captain Faireborn. You will…”

A klaxon sounded.

Optimus moved to another readout, stepping over Marissa in the process. “Autobots, there is a craft coming in; bearing 312. Alert Status.”

The EDC officer asked, “How long until you can ID it?”

He manipulated the console, “I am attempting to do so now.” A few seconds later, a screen zoomed in on the contact.

She breathed again as she confirmed, “It’s Skyfire.”

*****

A few minutes later, Marissa got out of the 20 year old model diesel. As soon as she hit the ground, her driver shifted doors, panels, and parts. Quicker than seemed possible, Optimus assumed a humanoid form. His large feet stepped ahead of her.

Skyfire’s vertical thrusters burnt ferociously until the 40 meter jet touched down. The forward ramp lowered. Lancer and Goldbug carried down a metal stretcher. Freeway was on it.

Prime paused for just a moment as he saw him.

Behind them, the EDC mech disembarked. Nijo quickly found Faireborn and opened a comm. “Ma’am.”

Marissa’s voice was a stern one, “Sergeant, what were you thinking going on a mission alone?”

“With respect, ma’am, I wasn’t alone.”

She cut him off, “We will have words later, Sergeant!” Her tone softened slightly, “Take that mech to the tower and report to Ensign Macías for a check up.”

He nodded like a professional. “Yes, ma’am.”

Once Koin had turned his mech away, Faireborn smiled with relief. That’s when she first noticed the new Autobot. Prime was already talking to him and the others.

“It really was an accident,” reported Lancer. “We all assumed he was a Decepticon scout. Freeway just startled him.”

Greenlight was completing her scan of the blue Corvette. The lime and pale yellow quad-copter UAV looked up. “Wheeljack, taught me a lot about this weapon…and its affects.” She stood, “I’ll have to replace the overloaded circuits, but Freeway should be able to boot up after that.”

Prime gestured to his nearby trailer. “Load him in. I’ll take him to our temporary repair bay in just a moment.” He turned to Stinger, “I regret that you were left behind. The report I received indicated there were no other survivors in your unit.”

The teal and black Cybertronian compact couldn’t help but add, “Bumble-, err, Goldbug gave you that report, didn’t he?”

The leader nodded, “Yes.” He added, “I am pleased to see it was inaccurate.” He extended a hand, “Welcome back, Stinger.”

Tentatively, the smaller ‘bot took it. Slowly, he began to feel real joy.

“Most everyone is at the Tower of Pion,” he said. “Much has changed in your absence. I suggest you access Teletraan once you get there and get caught up.”

Stinger jubilantly stood at attention and saluted, “Yes, Boss-bot! I…um…sir!” He transformed. Unlike most models, his vehicle mode utilized electro-magnetic “replusers.” They were cylindrical in shape and could either serve to hover the vehicle or could be repositioned and used as more of a traditional wheel. The innovation was actually an energy-saving measure, late in the war.

As Stinger rolled off, Prime seemed oddly nostalgic. It had been some time since he had seen such enthusiasm in the ranks.

Lancer returned to Optimus after loading Freeway. “Prime, Stinger was not the only Autobot we discovered. Well, in truth, Stinger discovered him.”

“Who?”

She answered, “Wingsaber and he seemed to be in pretty good shape, all things considered. His spark core is still active.”

He step closer, “Are you up to leading a recovery team?”

The armored ‘bot grinned, “Absolutely.”

*****