I agree. I'm trying to get so many points across that the characterization does suffer. I definitely have things planned in the future for Megatron for sure so keep an eye out for that. Thanks for the feedback though, I haven't gotten a lot so I appreciate it! Oh and Cyclone is Armada Cyclonus...I thought the character would be pretty cool literally insane rather then the sort of nuts he was in the cartoon.
Chapter Twenty-Three Rockshot lunged out of the way the giant combiner slammed a fist into the pavement where he stood mere seconds earlier. Lightspeed and Peelout fired at the monster’s back to divert its attention. It turned around and swiped at the smaller ‘insects’. “Good thing he’s not too smart.” Rockshot thought to himself. He hailed Silverbolt and Scattershot. “It’s pretty apparent we can’t handle this guy as we are. Are you to the point Superion and Computron could be utilized?” After a moment of static Scattershot answered. “Give us a minute, we’re up to our afterburners in firepower up here.” “You might want to hurry. I’m calling down Airwing and Spanner.” “We’ll be there as soon as we can.” Silverbolt ended the conversation. Spanner and Airwing swooped down from their position covering the other aerial Autobots and transformed before they hit the ground. Washout and Peelout, still firing at the enemy, backed up to join their team. “Sentinalbots! Transform and combine!” The five Sentinalbots shifted and transformed into Ultrus, an enormous Gestalt in his own right. Ultrus looked up at the Alpha Cybertronian combiner, who seemed uninterested the tiny enemies suddenly turned into a larger one. Ultrus, though utilized as a last line of defense against the nigh unstoppable Predaking, was caught off guard as he was met with a swatting backhand that sent him reeling backwards. He crashed onto his back into the asphalt, which crumbled beneath his weight. The combiner was on top of him in no time, raising a mighty fist to finish the job. In a flash, Computron stood between them, Superion quickly wrapping his arms around the combiner’s neck. Ultrus stood and quickly thanked Computron for he and Superion’s intervention. Computron nodded. “Status of battle: Enemy Gestalt possesses higher strength and mass ratio then Computron, Ultrus and Superion combined. Weapons: Useless. Conclusion: Computron, Ultrus and Superion must wear down Enemy Gestalt utilizing speed and stamina alone.” The combiner wrestled with Superion until he was able to throw him bodily over his shoulder into Computron. Ultrus took his chance and threw his body into the midsection of his enemy. It staggered a bit but easily shrugged off the blow and returned the favor, leaving Ultrus prostrate on the ground once again. Superion flew overhead, distracting the combiner with random fire. Computron dragged Ultrus away from the skirmish. When his comrade was safe, Superion returned to the earth and stood his ground with Computron as Ultrus wearily got to his feet. “Computron, it might be a little harder then you make it sound to take him out of commission…” “Superion’s conclusion is accurate within 97.6%. Next coarse of action: Unknown.” The combiner stood in a ready stance. A larger Alpha Cybertronian soldier hovered in from above. “It’s useless Autobots. Your time has come!” behind him and the combiner unnoticed before were more containers like the one housing the ten drones. Alpha Cybertronians scurried about, opening the containers. More drones emptied out and began to combine. The gestalts being formed were not as large, only consisting of six members each, but there was a multitude of them. As they plodded forward, the three Autobots began to take steps backwards. “There’s no way we can beat them…” Superion whispered. “Superion’s conclusion is accurate within 99.89%. Course of action: Retreat.” “That’s the smartest thing you’ve said all day…” Ultrus quipped. “Separate!” The gestalts quickly separated and the individual Sentinalbots, Aerialbots and Technobots bid a hasty retreat. The general laughed heartily. He turned to the original 10-member combiner. “Ruination, take your drones and decimate the Earth forces! It is time for the Alpha Cybertronian Empire to make their first mark in history!”
Chapter Twenty-Four “Incoming!” The call came just as the outer wall of the EDC Headquarters collapsed. The Alpha Cybertronian gestalts fired randomly in the courtyard. Scattershot and Silverbolt transformed and landed next to Megatron and Ultra Magnus, Rockshot arriving shortly after. “There was no way even the three of our teams’ combined forms could handle this. It would take every gestalt we ever had to even make a dent in their forces.” Megatron grunted in frustration and fired his fusion cannon at the first oncoming Gestalt. It took a few steps backward but continued to move onward unharmed. Shots were fired behind them as Rodimus, Blaster, Cheetor and Jazz joined the group. “Are there any casualties?” Rodimus called out. “Thankfully none yet.” Ultra Magnus hollered back. Rodimus ran to a position next to Megatron. “We need reinforcements!” “There are none!” Megatron snapped back. “There are other Decepticons on Charr! Make the call!” “And why, pray tell, do you suppose they would have any reason to believe Megatron has come back from the dead? They will not come.” A mortar shot from outside the still standing parts of the outer wall connected with the main building of the headquarters. Rubble rained down upon them from above. Blaster looked at the battle machines bearing down upon them ever closer, then to Rodimus. “We don’t have the resources to handle this…” Rodimus grimly nodded. “We must put Prime’s plan into action.” “Where is Optimus?” Cheetor inquired. “Too long a story to explain Maximal.” Megatron interrupted. “Lets just say he’s taking matters into his own hands.” Cheetor gave Rodimus a quizzical expression, but the issue was skirted. “Cheetor, gather all the Maximals for a defensive. Magnus, I need you to remain here with the Maximals and Megatron. Blaster, you too. I’m taking half our Autobot forces to Charr.” “What?!” Ultra Magnus exclaimed. “It was Optimus’ last order.” Blaster backed up Rodimus. “Megatron, I’m leaving you all our combiner teams as well as the Dinobots, Armory and Omega Supreme.” “But!--“ Silverbolt started to protest. “Stand down!” Rodimus yelled. “There’s no time to argue. Primus watch over all of you. We will be in contact.” Rodimus took a step back and transformed, his tires squealing the instant they hit the ground. He was quickly followed by Jazz. Cheetor rushed off to gather the Maximals, leaving Blaster, Ultra Magnus, Silverbolt, Rockshot, Scattershot, and Megatron behind. Megatron pointed to Blaster. “You, send out the Dinobots. Perhaps they can hold the enemies’ approach. You three, gather together your teams. Luck was not with you before, but this time you shall have others to aid you. Magnus, send out the Protectobots and any other gestalts with them. Also, contact that maximal feline and send out any combiners they might have in their ranks. It’s time we showed these upstarts we will not lie down and die without a fight.” The group disbanded, but Silverbolt remained for a moment, leveling angry optics at Megatron. “Please just give me any reasonable doubt to your allegiance. I would relish the act of fusing your carcass to the nearest wall.” Megatron smirked and turned away ignoring the Aerialbot commander. Silverbolt felt his spark burn with rage but transformed to reconvene with his team. There would be another time, another place for this. * * * The awesome sight of Fortress Maximus as is soared through space was quite a sight to behold. The team of Autobots had not stopped as they closed in on Elita-1’s coordinates. They were so close, yet the possibility of their friends using a warp gate to reach their destination was looming in their minds. Radar continued to attempt radio transmissions, but they would not go through. “They have to out there somewhere.” Voodoo sighed in frustration. “There’s only so much we can do.” Radar replied sternly. “We’ll just have to wait it out.” Voodoo sighed again and laid her head down on her arms on the console. A blinking light caught her attention. “What’s this?” She asked. Radar saw the light and hurriedly pressed buttons on his console. “That is our answer.” He smiled. The ship was too far out of range to transmit a video image, but the radio transmission came through crystal clear. “This is the Autobot Recon of Cybertron. Who sent us this message?” Radar slid out of the chair and offered it to Voodoo. She quickly traded seats and answered. “Would you believe the answer?” “Voodoo?! Is it really you? We had almost given up hope after not hearing from you in so long!” “Yes it’s really me, we’re fine. Listen Recon, you have to slow your pace. We’re on your trail.” “Elita has given the ok. We’re turning around and tracing your signal beacon. We’ll meet you halfway.” “Excellent news. We’ll see you soon. Voodoo out.” “Recon out.” Voodoo turned to see Cerebros standing behind her. “We will increase our speed. We mustn’t linger. As soon as we have them, we must find the Alpha Cybertronian Empire.” “Agreed.” Voodoo said as she gave radar his seat back. Radar sat down and noticed another button flashing on his console. He turned to Cerebros. “Looks like our baggage needs their energon.” He said in a snide tone. “Shall I send Detour to deliver it?” “I have a strange feeling about it.” Cerebros said. “Send Hot Shot and Armorhide with him.” “Yes sir.” * * * In the depths of Fortress Maximus, more specifically the detention cells, Hotcase smirked and sat back in his cell. “There, now the Autobots should send someone down here to reenergize us.” “Hooray!” Cyclone snickered. “Are you sure you can keep him quiet?” Hotcase asked Demolishor, perturbed. “Yeah he’ll shut up.” Demolishor answered. “He wants to get out of here as much…if not more…then you do.” “Alright, alright. Get ready you two, we’re about to taste freedom.”
For anyone confused: No Ruination isn't the RiD version. I thought the name was way too cool to be used for a repaint so I gave it to a character of mass destruction lol.
Chapter Twenty-Five The flagship of the Liege Maximo was even larger and more imposing then he ever imagined. Why Cybertron had not been reduced to rubble was simply a conundrum he chose to ignore for the moment. Optimus Prime slowly let his shuttle drift toward the dreadnaught as he gathered his thoughts. His spark ached from the fact he had to leave his beloved Autobots on earth under the command of Megatron, yet he knew the task he had begun had to be done to ensure their survival, even if it threatened his own. With a final surge of courage, Prime activated the forward thrusters. The fact he was waltzing straight into a trap did not escape him, the Alpha’s window for his ship to be blown apart was wide open with no foreseeable closure in the near future. His main screen blipped to life, emitting a purple glow as it displayed the Alpha Cybertronian’s disfigured Decepticon insignia. “Welcome Prime…I’ve been expecting you.” Optimus could not stop the shiver that went down his spinal column at the sound of the voice so full of evil and pure hatred. An opening appeared on the flagship. He sighed deeply and forced himself onward. He entered the opening, which led to a large docking bay. The ship hissed as the landing gear was extended and jolted as it safely landed on the tarmac. Prime exited the shuttle, expecting soldiers to surround him the instant he set foot on the craft, but none came. This did not surprise him however. Nor did it surprise him to see a side door slide open revealing a huge soldier who beckoned him to follow. “Optimus Prime.” Prime nodded solemnly and followed the soldier. “I am called Tremor.” He said. “The Liege invites you to join him immediately.” As Tremor led Optimus Prime down the corridor, an unknown stowaway on the shuttle poked his head out of the hatch and surveyed his surroundings. Finding the docking bay empty, he exited the ship, being careful not to let his heavy footsteps resonate off the walls. Not wanting to follow Prime and Tremor down the corridor too closely, he decided to search for another route. He made his way nearly halfway down the massive docking bay before he found another doorway. His optic glimmered as he almost half hoped there would be a swarm of soldiers beyond the door. He pressed the button to open the door and it quickly hissed open. He was met with another dark corridor similar to the one Optimus was led down. He entered the hallway, the door slid closed behind him and Grimlock began his search for Optimus Prime. * * * The Alpha Cybertronian gestalt drones came to a halt just outside the EDC Headquarters. Captain Cody Bourne leaned over the tower and gave the call that the enemy was in range. Artillery rained down from the tower and collided with the drones and the ground surrounding them. Captain Bourne called for a ceasefire. As the smoke cleared, the drones stood slightly tarnished but no significant damage could be seen. An Alpha Cybertronian soldier ran to the front of the pack of drones he turned to them. “Go forward and destroy the humans and their insignificant monument of ‘defense’! Leave none surviving!” The first drone in the group took a thundering step forward. As it raised its fist to strike at the building, the lower wall collapsed and a searing blast of flame spewed out. The drone stumbled back to escape the heat. To its even greater surprise, a battering ram like projectile came from the hole in the wall and connected with its midsection, toppling the giant into those right behind him. “Drive them back, use all the force you can muster!” Snareclaw shouted above the din. Sludge, Snarl and Slugger came at the enemies next using their bulk to slam into the nearest drones and force them backwards. Swoop flew out of the hole, sending heat-seeking missiles into the face of a drone Slugger had knocked off balance with his tail. Snareclaw knew he was no match for the giant enemies, but he contributed his own by shouting orders to the others. The Dinobots fought ferociously but soon it became apparent that the sheer number of drones against them would be too much to tackle alone. Thankfully, help was soon to arrive. Scattershot and Strafe joined Swoop in the skies in an attempt to distract the drones long enough for Lightspeed and Afterburner to use trip wires below. “The others are on their way!” Scattershot informed Snareclaw over the comm. link. Heavy fire came from behind the drones as the Sentinalbots made their presence known. In no time, Autobot teams seemingly came out of the woodwork and a veritable blitzkrieg was underway. The heavily armored drones were not taking much damage and began to move forward once again. “If we can’t beat them by sheer numbers lets take them by force!” Rockshot yelled to Build Team commander Wedge. “Agreed. Scattershot, its time we upped the ante!” Wedge relayed to the Technobot commander. The Aerialbots and air-based Technobots and Sentinalbots dove for the earth, dodging firepower every which way. The ground-based Autobots met them as they landed, leaving the Dinobots to hold back the front line closing in. “No matter what happens, lets go down fighting!” Silverbolt yelled out. In a matter of moments the Autobot teams transformed into their combined gestalt forms. The six giants stood their ground. Superion stepped forward and yelled out to the Dinobots. “Get out of the way or be slagged!” The Dinobots did not hesitate and quickly transformed, rolling away. Superion raised his hand. “Fire!” The barrage that erupted from Superion, Defensor, Computron, Ultrus, Rail Racer and Landfill all but incinerated the drones in the front of the group. Unfortunately, the attack only scratched the surface of the oncoming enemy. Seeing a comrade evaporate into thin air would no doubt have fazed a normal soldier, however being devoid of independent thought and emotion played in favor of the drones advance. They continued forward, crushing what was left of the fallen drones underfoot. “Get ready for another attack!” Superion bellowed. “Weapons are still charging!” Defensor called back. “There’s no way we can send out another blast as powerful anytime soon!” “Status of battle: enemy drones require a force blast equivalent of 800 megatons to be destroyed. Datum: Present Autobots weapons cannot charge fast enough to generate needed force. Datum: Ally Dinobots might be able to compensate for dividend of force blast. Conclusion:--“ “Enough of this, just blast ‘em!” Rail Racer yelled, firing his weapons full force at the drone army. The others followed suit, as did the nearby Dinobots. The firepower caused the drones to slow their advance slightly, but it was not enough to take any out of the battle permanently. “Keep it up!” Ultrus called out. “They have to wear down sometime!” Defensor shook his head, still firing his fireball cannon. “Our weapons will run out of power if we continue this way!” Defensor’s cryptic warning came to fruition as the gestalts’ weapons began to overheat. They stopped firing and waited for the inevitable retaliation. The drones paused their advance, their own weapons beginning to glow menacingly. “Behind me!” Defensor ordered, “But keep your transistors crossed…my force field might not hold long enough to withstand the attack!” The yellowish glow the Protectobot gestalt emitted came just in time as the drones fired their weapons. The firepower met the force field, ricocheting in all direction. Defensor took a step backward and focused his entire power supply on the force field. The drones learned quickly what was transpiring and stopped all fire, waiting for the force field’s power to distinguish. “They’ve got our numbers now.” Defensor winced, trying with all the power he had left to extend the life of his force field. “It’s only a matter of time…” “…Until reinforcements arrive!” Landfill finished, pointing upward past the wall of drones. Flying in at a massive rate was Magnaboss and Tripledachus the Maximal combiners. Tripledachus fired his weapons at the army below him, gaining their attention long enough for Defensor to end his barrier and the Autobot Gestalts and Dinobots to return to offensive positions. Using the distraction, Magnaboss increased his speed, flipping over headfirst into a dive towards the ground. He hit the ground and with a flash the drone at the forefront of the group sputtered, falling in two pieces on the ground. Magnaboss hopped backwards, brandishing his sword now dripping with energon. Tripledachus landed nearby and joined the Autobots. “You came just in time…” Ultrus said as he joined Magnaboss’ side firing his now recharged and cooled weapon. Computron stepped forward as well. “Datum: Maximal Combiners Tripledachus and Magnaboss now join battle. Conclusion: Autobots, Dinobots and Maximals still have 36.3% chance of defeating enemy drones. Reason: Insufficient firepower.” “You make everything sound bad with your statistics.” Defensor added. The drones’ firepower diminished and stopped completely. Slowly, slight movement could be seen and the army parted, though the next hurdle in the combiners’ path could be seen without the drones’ making way for it to come forward. Ruination’s footsteps rang out as concrete buckled and gave way with every thundering step. He halted raising his arms up to prepare for an attack. The Autobots, Dinobots and Maximals regrouped closer together. Superion shook his head. “This just isn’t our day…”
Now that the Liberty Bowl trip and my drum instruction gig is over for now I'll have some more time to write, so hopefully I'll have a new chapter to post soon enough
Chapter Twenty-Six “Optimus Prime has arrived.” “As I expected.” “What is your bidding my Liege?” “Send Optimus Prime to me…and Tremor…release the next wave.” “At once my lord.” Tremor bowed and turned to make his way out of the Liege’s chamber. The exit hatch hissed open, dripping with condensation from the literal evil dripping from the walls. Optimus Prime stood just outside where he had been left. The huge soldier passed by him with barely a second glance. Prime watched bewildered as Tremor walked to the end of the corridor, turning down an adjacent hallway. He was left alone in the flagship of the enemy, alone and unguarded. Fleeting thoughts of sabotaging the flagship ran through his mind, but he quickly shed any notion of it. The ship was far too vast to begin to wander around aimlessly. He would be caught and destroyed within mere moments. Besides, the Liege knew he had come for a purpose. There was no reason to waste precious manpower on one piddling Autobot, even if that ‘one piddling Autobot’ was their commander-in-chief. If he was to escape this, the time would make itself known. He had to be patient. The chamber doors hissed open, steam leaving the room. The air escaping into Prime’s air intake valves choked him, but he bravely walked into the chamber. The doors slid closed behind him leaving him in utter darkness. “Maximo, it is I Optimus Prime, Commander of the Autobots!” The answer came before Optimus could finish his last word. “I know who you are. I also know why you’ve come.” “Then you must know a great deal of things.” Prime continued, unruffled. “Indeed.” A pair of massive blood red optics had appeared at the end of the chamber, focused on Prime’s location. As his own optics became used to the smothering blackness, he saw the pipes and conduits running this way and that in all directions. He took a step forward. “You have no need to fear me.” The Liege rumbled. “If I wanted you dead, you would be a smoking wreck, still on Earth’s surface.” Prime slowly took more steps forward. “I do not fear you.” Great rumbling laughter rattled the walls of the chamber. “Really Optimus Prime…I can sense your fear…though there have been few who can hide it as well as you are.” Prime quickly shifted the subject. “Why are you doing this…exterminating all those worlds in which we are or have been inhabiting? Zoltess…Ishi’I Nib…You have sent Cybertron into utter disarray…Nebulos—“ “Nebulos was handled for us.” The Liege interrupted. “Though I wish it was, I cannot take credit for its demise.” “…And now Earth.” Prime finished. “Your kind has served its purpose.” “So we are to be systematically destroyed…as well as those innocent beings who we have interacted with even for the shortest amount of time?” “You are too weak-minded to see the big picture of things Prime. Tell me, if in the original war, you had gained victory over Megatron…would you have destroyed him, or let him fester in jail until the day he escapes and regains power? Do not speak, for we both know the answer. The only way to eradicate a threat is to squelch it out completely, grinding its remains under heel. Should any aspect of you or your race be left, that small insignificant speck could one day grow once again into power.” “And why are we a threat to you, Liege Maximo?” The optics flared with energy as the Liege’s temper waned. As quickly as the surge came, it left. A screen slightly behind and to the left of Optimus activated. The battle raging on Earth was brought to Prime’s optics. Explosions rocked left and right. The EDC Headquarters was heavily damaged. Prime saw the army of gestalt warriors advancing on the painfully few Autobot Soldiers capable of withstanding them. He felt his own anger boil inside him, optics narrow, barely open wide enough to take in the destruction being shown to him. “You could end it all right now. Give the call to surrender.” “And I know what your answer to a surrender would be. I will not sacrifice my loyal soldiers to slake your thirst for power.” “Very well.” The screen went blank and the room once again was blanketed in the stifling darkness. The optics were gone, no sign of the Liege was visible. Optimus Prime stood alone and for the first time he felt a lingering doubt in his spark. Had the done the right thing in coming here?
Chapter Twenty-Seven Detour carried the three small energon cubes to the prison hold. Hot Shot was on one side, Armorhide on the other. “I don’t know why Cerebros suddenly thinks I can’t handle this menial task.” Detour complained, “He must really think I’m incompetent…” “It’s not that at all…” Armorhide said. “Cerebros isn’t worried about Demiloshor and Cyclone…it’s Hotcase. He’s unpredictable. There’s no telling what could happen.” Detour scoffed. “Hotcase has no head, he’s stuck in his alternate mode in a cramped cell, and he has a weapons inhibitor. What could he do?” Hot Shot and Armorhide exchanged glances. Detour continued his protests until they stood in front of the door leading to the cellblock. “I’m going in there alone.” “No, Cerebros sent us to accompany you.” Hot Shot said shaking his head. “He told you to accompany me, he didn’t tell you to hold my hand as I throw these cubes at the scum in there.” Detour snapped back. Hot Shot opened his mouth to argue more but Armorhide interrupted. “look, just let him go in there. We can stand outside the doors here in case anything happens.” Hot Shot had a disgusted look on his face but stooped over with arms outstretched, presenting the door sarcastically to Detour like a kingly gift. Detour snorted and entered the cellblock in a huff. The ship jerked slightly as their pace slowed. “Looks like we caught up to Elita-1.” Armorhide mused. “Their ship must be docking as we speak.” * * * Elita –1’s ship landed in the docking bay of Fortress Maximus, greeted by Radar, Voodoo, Cerebros, Kickstart, Stratica, Impactor, Overload, and Volt. The ships engines powered down, and the front ramp extended. Elita-1 hurriedly exited the ramp followed by Moonracer, Firestar, Chromia and Recon. Elita picked out Cerebros immediately and threw her arms around him. “Cerebros, Primus smiles upon us by sending you to our aid!” she smiled broadly. “I only hope he continues to give us good fortune…” Moonracer shook hands with Kickstart and Stratica. “Seems like you two do some good work…” “We can’t take any credit.” Kickstart answered. “If not for Voodoo, we wouldn’t have made it off of Cybertron alive.” Overhearing the conversation, Elita-1 pleaded to know more about what transpired on their home planet. Voodoo, Stratica and Kickstart explained how a group of Decepticons had ravaged Pentrax and there were few survivors. Elita attempted to hold her emotions as the story unfolded. Taking in a deep breath, she scanned the welcoming group. “Where is Spire?” she asked with concern. “She is in rest cycle…she didn’t take the events at Pentrax well at all.” Stratica answered. Elita-1 nodded and turned again to Cerebros. “There are more aboard my ship…do you have room aboard to accommodate them?” “Of course. Rest, recharge and make yourselves at home. Elita, please join me in the bridge. We will be among friends shortly.” * * * Detour walked into the center of the cellblock boldly announcing his entrance. “Alright you three, here’s your slaggin’ energy.” Demolishor shimmied up to the bars of his cell. “We didn’t call for energon, somethins’ wrong with Hotcase!” Detour sighed and looked into Hotcase’s cell. “He looks fine to me.” He curtly answered. “No, no there’s something wrong…he sputtered and stopped talkin’! You gotta check it out!” Detour glanced behind him at the door. For a moment he considered calling for Hot Shot and Armorhide to help him…but he quickly dismissed the notion. He wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction. He walked to the cell control pad located behind a blast-shielded panel near the door and deactivated the locking mechanism of Hotcase’s cell. He set down the energon cubes and entered the cell next to Hotcase. In his jet mode, Hotcase sat at an odd angle in the chamber usually able to hold up to four prisoners. “Over here!” Demolishor called out pointing to a set of exposed panels on Hotcase. Detour bent over to check it out, and was met with an unfortunate surprise. Quickly transforming, Hotcase grabbed the young Autobot by the throat. “If there’s one thing I can always count on, it’s you Autobots to be trusting and stupid.” * * * Armorhide and Hot Shot stood outside the cellblock. Hot Shot had his arms crossed over his chest, leaning up against the wall, his optics dim. Armorhide looked around the hallway until his optics came to rest on the small open door to the right of the chamber door. Rarely did Spike leave any of his passageway doors open, let alone one leading to a chamber housing traitorous prisoners…then it hit him. “Vander!” he yelled out. He was answered by the sound of a small explosion inside the cellblock. Hot Shot’s optics went online and he rushed to the door, Armorhide right on his heels. The door swung wide, and the two Autobots paused and gasped when they saw what greeted them. The three Decepticons stood outside their cells. Demolishor stretched his arms and neck module. “Hi guys…long time no see…” Cyclone giggled uncontrollably as his transformation inhibitor deactivated, allowing a razor sharp blade protrusion from his back to shift into view. Hotcase stood just outside the shattered cells, Detour dangling by exposed wires from his open chest in the Decepticon Headmaster’s hands. “Back away from Detour.” Hot Shot warned, drawing his weapon. Hotcase laughed, yanking on the wires coming from Detour’s chest causing him to scream in agony. “You won’t do a thing…You know I’ll gut the kid if you so much as twitch. Hot Shot’s face contorted in disgust and concern for his friend. He dropped his gun. “Alright now put him down!” Hotcase gave the wires one last violent yank as he dropped Detour to the ground, optics empty. Hotcase’s weapons located on either wrist started to glow as he aimed them at the Autobots. “Now it’s your turn to back away.” Hot Shot and Armorhide backed out of the door into the hallway. With no provocation, Hotcase fired his weapons, knocking the two through the far wall. He ran from the rubble at his feet, yelling to the others. “Come on you two, it won’t be long before Cerebros discovers what’s going on here…” Demolishor and Cyclone hurried after Hotcase. They ran around the corner into a dead end. “Slaggit all!” Hotcase roared. “I thought you knew your way around this flying space tub!” “It’s been too long!” Demolishor squealed. “Up up, up!” Cyclone chortled. “He’s right! Demolishor said. “The docking bay is three levels up from here!” “No time to backtrack…” Hotcase muttered. He transformed, blasting a large hole in the ceiling. “Hold on!” The other two grabbed onto Hotcase and they sped upward, three levels. Sirens had begun to sound along with flashing red lights bathing the trio in a disorienting sound and light display. “Where do we go from here!?” Hotcase screamed above the sirens. “I…I think it’s this way!” yelled Demolishor as he ran down a corridor to his left. “Yes, this is it!” The well built Decepticon ran bodily through the heavy door in front of him. The large chamber inside was empty…save for a single ship—Elita-1’s. “Well done…” Hotcase snickered. “Let’s blow this pop stand…”
You know how there are parts of a movie that make you want to fall asleep? This is that part, sorry it's not more exciting, I'm trying to tie up some loose ends before the action starts up again. Hope you like it anyway.
Oh, it's not that bad. Believe me, I've read and watched much worse. I think it's called "good pacing"! I can't wait until Fort Max starts squishing Decepticons.
Thanks, I really appreciate it I haven't been too inspired with my writing lately because I've been busy, but I hope I can do better in the future....thanks again for your feedback!
Chapter Twenty-Eight Ruination’s mighty fist slammed into the pavement with such force a fissure split the ground in twain. The Autobots, Maximals and Dinobots dove for cover to avoid falling into the opening, but more importantly none wanted to be the recipient of another blow from the enemy. The only thing they had on their side was the fact that Ruination was painfully slow, and his movements and actions could be read easily. He brought his fists up above his head in preparation for another attack. Defensor picked this time to retaliate, sending a salvo from his fireball cannons into Ruination’s face. More startled then in pain, the towering goliath reeled back. As he took a step backwards, his massive foot crushed another gestalt drone’s leg who was unfortunate enough to be standing directly behind him. The drone separated into his surviving five components. Before they could even think about retreat, the Dinobots quickly transformed and attacked. Three were turned to molten scrap in the blink of an eye by Slag, another torn to pieces by Snareclaw. Slugger dispatched the final drone with a fatal flip of his clubbed tail. The ensuing firepower from the other combiner drones caused the Dinobots to retreat once again. Against normal Decepticons, their incredibly thick armor could withstand virtually anything thrown at them…however against gestalts with heavier firepower it was always wise not to take any chances. They found refuge behind a massive chunk of concrete and soil jutting upwards in the wake of Ruination’s first attack. The Dinobots transformed, save for Slag. “Slag no want to hide, Slag fight back!” He yelled in Snareclaw’s face. Slag lumbered from behind the concrete shield amidst Snareclaw’s cries of anger. He opened his mouth and let his fire flow forth again. The closest drone fell forward as his lower torso melted. Slag kept the flame coming as more drones approached their position. Two more found limbs missing as the fire jet found its mark. “Slag get behind cover, you can’t keep it up forever!” Snareclaw snarled. In defiance, Slag increased the flame jet coming from his mouth. Another combiner fell, then another. The flame started to decrease as Slag foolishly expended his power. The drones started to advance on the Dinobots. Slag’s flame jet sputtered and gave out, leaving him virtually defenseless and powerless. One of the drones raised his weapon and aimed at the weak Dinobot. Just as he fired, Rail Racer dove in, wrapping his arms around Slag, rolling him out of the way of the blast and behind the concrete slab. The blast connected where Slag stood, erupting soil and concrete all around them. “Snareclaw, me must pull back!” Rail Racer yelled. “Indeed.” The small Dinobot hissed. “Snarl, contact Striker and Scar. Tell them to bring the shuttle and get us out of here.” Off to the left of the Dinobots’ position, Defensor, Landfill and Ultrus stood firing their weapons at Ruination with poor results. Scorch marks and scrapes covered the Alpha Cybertronian Combiner, yet he showed no sign of fatigue or pain. The mighty destructive fist again came swooping down from above, giving Defensor little to no time to react. Instinctively, he put up his force field, however it was still incredibly weak after maintaining it for such a long period of time moments earlier. The fist connected with the yellow glowing force field, shattering it and sending Defensor flying backwards through the wall of the EDC Headquarters. Landfill met with a similar fate as he met the back of Ruination’s hand. Ultrus backed up to cover Landfill, but he knew there wasn’t much he could do alone. “This is hopeless! Maybe if we had the Decepticon gestalts with us we’d have the smallest chance of voctory, but this is impossible!” Out of the corner of his optic, Ultrus saw Tripledachus pull Defensor from the EDC Headquarters. Superion and Magnaboss hovered in from overhead, firing weapons to distract Ruination. Computron walked up to Ultrus’ side, firing his weapon. “Chances of Autobot victory: 5.2%.” Ultrus shook his head. “We need to get out of here…we’re going to get slaughtered.” He patched through to Superion. “It might be prudent to retreat and regroup!” “Agreed!” came Superion’s voice through the static of the comm. link. “I’ll join you and Computron…Magnaboss is on his way to help Tripledachus with Defensor.” Superion saw an incoming Autobot shuttle. It landed a short distance away from the spot the Dinobots and Rail Racer were pinned down. Realizing if they were to walk away alive from this skirmish, they had to use this one chance, Superion gave the order to retreat. Rail Racer Separated into his components Rapid Run, Midnight Express and Rail Spike, who quickly made their escape to the shuttle with the Dinobots trailing shortly behind. Defensor limped from the rubble of the building braced by the shoulders of Tripledachus and Magnaboss. Superion landed in front of them, providing cover with Ultrus, Computron, and Landfill who was barely holding together after the pounding he had taken. Defensor hobbled towards the direction of the shuttle until he heard the screams for help coming from the upper levels of the EDC Headquarters. Smoke was billowing from the open windows. “The humans!” He exclaimed. Defensor pushed aside the two Maximal combiners and transformed into his Protectobot components. “Into the building!” Hot Spot yelled weakly. He transformed into his fire truck mode and barreled through the building rubble between him and the large hole Defensor’s body had made in the wall. Groove, Streetwise and First Aid followed him, leaving Blades alone with the Maximals. Creaking and groaning coming from the dilapidated building section caught the lone Protectobot’s attention and he called after his teammates. “Wait! That building is going to--!” To his horror, the left Wing of the EDC Headquarters rumbled, and collapsed in on itself. The battle seemed to pause for a moment as the ground shook and the sound of metal and rock came crashing to the ground. Everything seemed to be in slow motion to Blades as he started to run towards the wreckage. Laser fire erupted all around him and he heard Superion’s voice once again yelling to retreat. He felt the ground go out from under him and realized he was being held by large hands, pulled away from the place his friends and teammates lay buried and possibly inactive. Magnaboss landed next to the Dinobot shuttle, shoving the struggling Blades aboard. He turned to see a massive amount of drones closing in on their position. “Superion! Get out of there!” Ultrus, Landfill, Computron and Superion saw the drones approaching. There was no possible way they could get past Ruination as well as the army of drones rapidly closing off their avenue of escape. Superion knew he had to make a decision and fast. “Get out of here, don’t wait for us!” He yelled. Magnaboss yelled something back, but explosions from the drones’ firepower made it impossible to hear him. Superion ignored the reply and turned back to fire on Ruination. Magnaboss stood in awe as the others faced impossible odds. How could Superion bring himself to jeopardize their lives? Snareclaw appeared at the shuttle entrance. “Magnaboss, we have to leave now!” “We cannot abandon the others! I’m going back for them!” A mortar shell hit the ground nearby, sending him reeling on the ground. The first of the group of drones rounded the corner of the cement slab and began firing on the shuttle. Magnaboss took one last look at Superion and the others, and grimly separated into Fang, Quicksilver and Santon. They quickly boarded the shuttle. Snareclaw gave the order to take off, and Striker and Scar rapidly complied. Through the laser fire below, those aboard the shuttle as it sped them away to safety could make out their friends, standing alone against Ruination and now the drones with little chance of survival. * * * Radar shut off the blinding lights and deafening sirens as he and Cerebros entered the Docking Bay only to find Elita-1’s shuttle was missing. Cerebros covered his face with a hand. A beep sounded as a call came in through his comm. link. “Hot Shot and Armorhide are in stable condition.” Came Overload’s voice, “But Detour…He needs immediate medical attention…his spark is waning.” “Get him stabilized.” Cerebros ordered. “Cerebros…We might lose him.” Cerebros shut off his comm. link and turned to exit the docking bay. Radar ran after him. “Sir, what should we do about the escapees?” Cerebros stopped, turning his head slightly toward Radar. “There’s nothing we can do. Our priority is to reach Earth. Hotcase, Demolishor and Cyclone’s fate is now in Primus’ hands.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine “Alright boys, NOW it’s time to celebrate!” Hotcase chuckled as he stretched out his legs on the console. They had been free and soaring in the opposite direction as the Autobot fools for the good part of an earthen hour. Their stolen Autobot shuttle had been refueled and in immaculate running condition. It seemed like absolutely nothing could go wrong. Cyclone lay on his back on the cabin floor, laughing hysterically. “Free! Free!” “Yeah buddy, it feels great after all these long years…” Demolishor added, smiling broadly and leaning back in his chair, hands behind his head. “I think it’s time we got compensated for our time in lockup…what do you say?” Cyclone squealed with glee. Hotcase gave him a sideways look. “So what’s wrong with him?” “Well, he was pretty normal back on Cybertron…even talked me into leavin’ with Cerebros and the others…but as soon as we started to colonize on Badune for at least a year, other primal urges started to take over…ya combine millions of years of warlike instinct and a deep-seated yearning for peace…I suppose somethin’ just snapped. Like I told you before, he just up and decided to slag a village of those green-skinned wimps back on Badune ‘stead of helping ‘em with their crops.” Cyclone perked up. “They blowed up REAL good!” he shouted before exploding into another uncontrollable bout of high-pitched laughter. “Hmph.” Hotcase sneered and returned to his relaxing. “So what d’ya say about stopping by a space port…we can probably hijack a better shuttle, maybe take some hostages…” Demolishor started in but was cut off by the sound of an alarm. Hotcase and Demolishor scrambled up to look around the panels for an indication of what was going on as Cyclone jumped to his feet, screaming and running in circles around the cabin. “Curse these Autobot designs!” Hotcase yelled. “And I can’t concentrate with all these distractions!” Cyclone made another pass and Hotcase stuck out his arm, clothes lining him to the floor. “Now shut up or I’ll disconnect your vocal net!” Cyclone stayed on the floor and giggled softly. Hotcase and Demolishor turned back to the panel, and finally by a sheer stroke of luck Demolishor pressed a button that activated a radar screen. A massive red blip appeared on the screen behind their own location, indicated by a green light. “What is that thing!?” Demolishor gasped. “It’s too big to be Fort Max!” “I don’t know…” Hotcase said grimly, “But it’s closing in on us…fast…” “There’s got to be some sort of weapons on this tub!” Demolishor screamed, pressing random buttons on the panel. Suddenly, the cabin lights went dark and the ship powered down. Everything around them started to vibrate and rumble. Hotcase silences Demolishor and looked around him in a panic. The cabin grew darker as a great shadow covered the portholes and windows in the shuttle. “Whatever it is…we’re now being engulfed by it…” * * * “Blast off in 3…2…1…ignition!” The rear thrusters exploded with raw power as the shuttle blasted out from its underground housing bay. Atlas, Omega Supreme and Sky Lynx shot past them amidst the firepower being rained down upon them from all sides. The Autobots and select few Maximals and Predacons reached and boarded the shuttle just in the nick of time as the next wave of Alpha Cybertronian soldiers attacked. Rodimus sat aboard the shuttle with friends and enemies and prayed their escape would be successful. Kup sat beside his leader and leaned over to him. “Déjà vu, eh Rodimus?” “Not now…” Rodimus shut off his optics and tried to deny the fact that Kup was right…this seemed just a little to alike the last rapid shuttle escape they made off of Earth, hundreds of years ago as Galvatron attacked with Cyclonus, the original Scourge and his new minions after being reformatted by the Dark God Unicron. Even if their escape was successful, how long would it take for the Leige’s flagship to follow them to Charr? Optimus Prime had obviously not thought this through. The ship rocked and shook due to the enemy firepower and the shuttle tearing through Earth’s atmosphere. He hears Springer’s voice at the helm and opens his eyes. “Defensive maneuvers! Sky Lynx, Atlas, buy us some time!” From the various portholes Rodimus saw white flashes here and there as the two large Autobots swirl around them. The ship is still shuttering with each impact. “Omega Supreme, lead the way through the meteor shower ahead of us! It’s been done, but if those soldiers are smart, they won’t follow us and if they’re stupid they will follow us and get slagged!” “Course of action: Not liable.” Came the deep monotone voice through the shuttle’s speakers. “Failure: Imminent.” “Failure: Imminent if we don’t do something, so just do it!” Springer shouted back, slamming his fist into the control panel. A large jolt caused those aboard the ship to cry out in fear. Springer guided the ship close behind Omega Supreme as he led them into the meteor shower. Rodimus closed his eyes again as he felt his equilibrium circuits malfunction against the erratic movements of the shuttle. “Sideswipe, Twin Twist ready the main batteries…we need to take out as many of those enemies as we can!” Springer ordered. Rodimus was happy to let Springer command the ship—give his overloaded shoulders a rest. The sound of the ship’s main weapons exploding backward sent shockwaves through the ship. “Two direct hit, four others in the vicinity taken out by the blast as well!” Twin Twist shouted out. “Perfect, but don’t get cozy just yet! Crosscut, give me a damage report!” “The ship has been badly damaged in the aft section. The shields won’t withstand a direct assault.” “Slaggit all, Primus just give me one break!” “Springer, the ships are breaking off, they aren’t going to follow us into the meteor shower!” Windcharger called out. A general sigh of relief was audible. Springer thanked Crosscut, Windcharger, Sideswipe and Twin Twist for their support. “But we’re not out of this yet…” He said “We still have a meteor shower to get through alive.” “This may seem a little too ‘simple’ Kup retorted from his location with Rodimus behind the control panels, “But back in the day, when I was a young pup my troop flew into an asteroid belt…we blasted out way out of there fairly easily and our weapons weren’t as sophisticated as they are nowadays.” Springer and Sideswipe cast shifty glances at each other. “You know,” Sideswipe sighed “The Alphas didn’t follow us in…it’s probably safe to open a clear path.” “Yeah yeah yeah…Springer grunted and opened a patch to Omega Supreme, Sky Lynx and Atlas. “Guys, we need these meteorites cleared pronto…you guys up for the task?” “Are you being serious?!” Came the offended proper voice of Sky Lynx “One with my incredible talents can clear this whatnot in mere parsecs!” “Arrogance: Unneccesary.” Omega Supreme added. “We’ll see who’s ‘superior engines’ gets the job done first!” snorted Atlas. Springer chortled as the three behemoths continued to argue and opened a patch through the ship’s speakers. “Fellow Autobots, we are in the clear for the moment…you can stop crossing your transistors…” Rodimus continued to sit still, his optics still offline. He couldn’t appreciate the humor surrounding him. Yes, they escaped this time…but what about their allies still fighting on Earth…and the inevitable battle on Charr?
Chapter Thirty “Datum: Enemy combiner strength and stamina far exceed the combined force of Autobot combiner designates Superion, Computron, Ultrus and Landfill. Datum: Enemy Combiner reflexes are far inferior to that of the Autobot combiner designates. Datum: Autobot combiner designates’ firepower not powerful enough to damage enemy combiner. Datum: Individual members of the Aerialbots, Sentinalbots, Technobots and Build Team faster and more agile then the sum of their combined forces, i.e.: Combiner Gestalts. Conclusion: Separate and retreat.” As Computron gave his lengthy assessment of the situation, Ruination had more then ample time to position himself above him. “Computron get out of there!” Superion bellowed. Before any reaction could be made, Ruination grasped hold of Computron’s right arm. Lifting him bodily over his own head, Ruination threw Computron at Landfill and Ultrus. The two braced themselves and did the best to catch Computron. The force Ruination hurled him with, however sent all three off them to the ground skidding for several feet before they stopped. Computron lay still, his right arm crumpled like tin foil. Sparks came from open wounds all over his body. “We need to get him out of here…” Landfill assessed. “Especially Afterburner.” “Cover me!” Ultrus yelled to Superion who was on the other side of Ruination, keeping the advancing drones at bay. As Landfill joined Superion firing at both Ruination and the drones, Ultrus opened Computron’s chest port and began to fiddle with some of the internal connections. Not long after, Computron separated into his Technobot components. Each was highly damaged but Afterburner, being the right arm of Computron, was in the worse shape. His body was virtually crushed and it wouldn’t take a genius to decipher he needed immediate medical attention if he were to survive. “All right, lets get the slag out of here!” Ultrus yelled before he himself separated into his Sentinalbots components. Rockshot quickly transformed into his armored transport mode as Strafe and Scattershot gingerly carried Afterburner to him and placed him inside. Superion took to the air as he too separated. The Aerialbots flew overhead ensuring the others ample time to transform and begin to retreat. Spanner, Airwing, Scattershot and Strafe joined their Aerial comrades. Washout, Lightspeed, Nosecone, Peelout and Rockshot took off quickly moving past the horde of drones rapidly closing in on them. Wedge, Gridlock, Hightower and Heavy Load however were not capable of making hasty escapes. “Don’t transform, we’re coming to get you out of there!” Superion communicated to Wedge. The Build Team leader looked around him at the imposing drones, not to mention Ruination who had finally noticed his ‘playthings’ were trying to get away. “You’d better make it quick or you won’t have to worry about saving anything!” Air Raid swooped down low to the ground allowing Hightower to jump on his back, Skydive pulling off a similar maneuver with Wedge. Fireflight and Slingshot lowered cables for Heavy Load to grasp hold of, and Silverbolt snatched up Gridlock. “Good job team,” Silverbolt encouraged. “Now lets get back to the others.” As they rocketed past their friends on the ground towards the ramshackle base of operations, Silverbolt tried to keep his mind on the business at hand, and not on what he was going to do to Megaton when next their paths crossed. * * * Hotcase, Demolishor and Cyclone stood as still as possible in the complete darkness as their ship came to rest inside whatever ship had engulfed them. Although the fear of the unknown had begun to settle in to Hotcase and Demolishor, Cyclone continued to giggle uncontrollably. It wasn’t a nervous giggle, it was as though he relished the fact he was in an uncertain position, loving every second of it. “Do you think it’s the Autobots?” Demolishor whispered. “No. Fortress Maximus isn’t fast enough to catch up to this ship as fast as we sped off…” Hotcase trailed off then whispered, “It’s the Alphas…” “Alphas?” “The Alpha Cybertronian Empire…long story short they are another faction of Decepticons who attacked Cybertron with the intent of turning it into one huge weapon, enslaving most of the planet, killing many to become the only Cybertronian faction in the universe. If it wasn’t for Rodimus Prime and that slaggin’ Autobot Matrix we’d all be dust floating through the cosmos by now. Last I heard, they blew up a number of planets just because they had Autobots or Decepticons living on them at some point…” Hotcase shut up completely when a cracklinging noise came from the entrance hatch. “They’re coming in…” He gathered up his courage. “If my spark is to be extinguished, I’m taking some of them with me!” He said standing up. Demolishor listened in the dark as Hotcase apparently slapped his head and yelled at an unseen entity. “Shut up, remember I call the shots!” Hotcase felt his way to the entrance hatch and activated his arm lasers. Cyclone squealed and ran in the direction of his new friend. Demolishor sighed, furrowed his brow and joined the other two. They stood prepared to destroy anything that stood in their path as the hatch finally started to hiss as the shuttle’s air pressure leaked out of the opening hatch. “Now!” Hotcase yelled. He kicked open the hatch and jumped out of the ship into the chamber bay below. Demolishor and Cyclone landed next to him. Looking around, they discovered there was no one else in the large bay with them. They blinked their optics and took another look around them, then another. Hotcase looked at the walls and the floor. A huge Decepticon insignia adorned the floor of the chamber beneath them. “Wait, I know what this is! Its—“ Hotcase’s sentence was choked out of him as he felt himself being lifted off the floor by his throat. Four others quickly detained Cyclone and Demolishor.The large being behind him turned him to stare into his own optics. “Hahahaha! I figured there would be some Autobots on board this Autobot shuttle!” Araknyd’s voice grated, “But this is even better!”
Chapter Thirty-One On Earth, the remaining Maximals, Predacons, Autobots and Decepticons gathered in an underground bunker in preparation to counter attack, though many believed doing so was folly. The bunker’s original purpose was to serve as a bomb shelter should nuclear war break out, but its vast size was perfect for the large Transformers. Radar screens and other tracking and communication equipment lined the walls, similar to the room set aside for the Cybertronians to use in the EDC Headquarters. Megatron, Cheetor and Ultra Magnus stood near a group of screens showing various scenes of destruction on the surface. One showed a clear view of the collapsed wing of the EDC Headquarters, another panned over a view of the army of combiner drones lining up for a final advance. Similar scenarios were on other screens, and finally there were a variety of smaller screens showcasing earthen news broadcasts. Many different nations were included, but the message was crystal clear: ‘Invasion under way ’ “Megatron a shuttle is landing directly above us!” yelled Astrotrain from another screen nearby. Megatron hurried to the triple changer’s location, shoving him aside violently to get a view of the radar screen. He switched to a video screen of the tarmac above them. “It is an Autobot grade shuttle!” Ultra Magnus said from over Megaton’s shoulder. Megatron spun around, shouldering Magnus out of his way. He pointed to Astrotrain and the Predacon Frostbite. “You two, come with me.” The two subordinates looked at each other with quick weary glances but did as they were instructed, following Megatron from the bunker. By the time they caught up to their leader, Megatron had already exited the door to a steep passageway leading to the thick hatch to the surface. Megatron easily hefted the hatch open and quickly scanned the area around them for enemies. None were found, but he was still unconvinced. “Weapons at the ready…This bunker was a secret fallback spot, however I will not discount the possibility of the Liege Maximo’s ability to intercept messages. If this is a trap, shoot the fuel tanks of the shuttle. Now stay put!” Megaton cautiously climbed from the hidden bunker entrance. He wasn’t long in waiting until the hatch opened. He leveled his fusion cannon at the ship, but lowered it when he saw the Dinobots at the exit. Signaling Astrotrain and Frostbite out of hiding, he started towards the ship. “Why did you retreat?!” He shouted. “You could have—“ Snarl shoved Megaton hard and leaned down to the Decepticons face. “Us do best us could. If you no like it you get out and fight!” Megatron resisted the urge to blindside the Dinobot while he was in robot mode, but caught himself. A commotion started from inside the ship. Blades was being pushed out by Quicksilver, DJ and Gimlet. He was fighting violently to get back to the ship shouting, “ Let me go, I can save them!” Once out of the ship and on the tarmac, Blades attempted to run away and transform, but in his weakened condition he got a mere three steps away before hitting the ground. Santon attempted to help his ally up but Blades slapped away his hand. Megatron walked to the hysterical Protectobot and pointed his cannon at Blades’ head. “Accept your losses now or join them!” Megaton bellowed. Blades looked away with a contorted look of agony on his face. Santon picked him up off the tarmac and followed Fang, Quicksilver, DJ, Gimlet, and Motorarm down the bunker entranceway. The Dinobots were close behind as they squeezed their large forms down the hatch. Snareclaw lingered behind. “Superion, Ultrus, Landfill and Computron stayed behind to allow us an escape.” He said in an accusing tone. “We stood no chance, and neither will they.” Snareclaw took a step down the bunker hatch when he paused and cocked his head skyward. “There’s something approaching.” A quiet rumble filled the air, gradually building into a crescendo. Through the clouds a squad of jet planes dove towards the surface. Astrotrain and Frostbite raised their weapons, but Snareclaw called out a halt. “Don’t fire, it’s Silverbolt and the others!” Soon after Scattershot, Strafe, Airwing and Spanner followed the Aerialbots out of the clouds. The latter skimmed the ground allowing the Build Team members they carried to jump and roll off. Air Raid, Sky Dive, Fireflight and Slingshot transformed and helped them to their feet but Silverbolt continued on a kamikaze path straight for Megatron and the others. About forty feet from the Decepticon Leader’s position Silverbolt transformed and, spraying concrete around him, skidded the rest of the distance into a punch that sent Megatron head over heels. Astrotrain and Frostbite jumped on Silverbolt, holding him back amidst his struggles. “You worthless pile of rust! You were willing to sacrifice all of us just to save your tarnished spark!” Megatron shook his head and stood up. He looked to the enraged Aerialbot and with a flash of his optic he fired his cannon, sending him and his own two subordinates flying across the tarmac. Megatron was upon Silverbolt before he could regain his senses, and sent a savage kick to his face, followed by another burst from his cannon, connecting with his back. “Those were low-level blasts.” Megatron barked. “If you ever strike out against me again I shall not be as generous. I have made the mistake of allowing dissenters in my ranks for far too long, I shall not continue that transgression!” He turned to Astrotrain who was on one hand and knees, holding his head as he tried to recuperate. “Drag this Autobot underground and see that he is repaired.” The other Aerialbots reached Silverbolt before Astrotrain and gingerly carried their leader to the bunker entrance. Frostbite limped behind them followed by Astrotrain. In the distance Rockshot and the others could be seen speeding onto the edge of the tarmac. Megatron folded his arms across his chest. Snareclaw stood beside him. “You can’t blame Silverbolt for his distrust…” “Save your self righteous speech, Dinobot.” Megatron snapped. Snareclaw turned to leave his substitute commander alone to wait for the rapidly oncoming Autobots. “I was going to inform you for what its worth you have my trust…” he said as he entered the hatch. Megatron narrowed his optics and pondered Snareclaw’s intent. The thought soon passed as beyond the edge of the tarmac, slowly coming up the grassy hill were the first lines of the Alpha Cybertronian Gestalt army. The Autobots had been followed.
How did the Disgusticons get off Badune? Will Cerebros, Elita-1 and the others reach Earth to aid Megatron before his team is destroyed by the Alpha Cybertronian Empire? What has the Liege Maximo done with Xenotron and the inert Shockwave, and what are his intentions concerning his latest captive, Optimus Prime? What happens to Grimlock on the Flagship? Who will betray those who escaped to Charr? The answers to these questions and more in the next few Chapters of Transformers: Retribution, so stay tuned!
Chapter Thirty-Two Hotcase had traversed these halls many times…but being carried through them by his neck as a prisoner was something new and unpleasant. Vander’s voice mocked him the entire way adding insult to injury. “Alright genius, how are you going to get us out of this one? Araknyd entered a chamber that confused Hotcase. “Why is he takin’ me to the brain unit?” Once in the center of the chamber, Araknyd not-so-lovingly slammed Hotcase down in a heap on the floor. He rubbed his head and looked up only to peer into the maw of a growling robotic lion. Startled, he skidded backward away from the beast and hit Araknyd’s legs. “What’s the matter coward, you don’t remember Razorclaw?” The Disgusticon commander jeered. Razorclaw joined in with his harsh raspy laughter and transformed. “Why’d you have ta’ go and ruin my fun, Araknyd?” After being kneed away my Araknyd, Hotcase took in his surroundings. The other Predacons were at various places in the room, seemingly repairing something he couldn’t quite see, and the other four Disgusticons still held onto Demolishor and Cyclone at the entrance. He wondered how and why the Predacons were here…after they went AWOL years prior, no one had heard or seen from them in any way shape or form. Hotcase had been uneasy with his encounter with Araknyd and had his nervous system jolted with the appearance of Razorclaw, but nothing prepared him for what he heard next. “Go easy on our guests!” a high-pitched voice snickered from speakers located on the walls and ceiling, “We wouldn’t want to damage the Decepticon…’commander’s’…lapdog!” “St-Starscream?!” Hotcase stammered. “Xenotron said you were dead!” “Pppft…I’m sure Xenotron says a lot of things. Truth be told, I got out of my old, crippled body the Predacons are in the process of repairing as we speak…I borrowed Trypticon here, ran into the aforementioned Predacons, found the Disgusticons who pledged their alleigence to me in exchange for getting them off the worthless planet they were marooned on, and now by a stroke of luck I’ve found you…one of Xenotron’s closest subordinates!” “Where are you taking us?” Hotcase found his courage, speaking in what he construed to be a bold tone. “Why, Cybertron of course!” Starscream cackled. Hotcase thought quickly. He heard the small voice in his head that was helpful from his perspective for the first time since the binary bonding. He immediately spoke up. “Why go all the way to Cybertron when Xenotron isn’t there?” Starscream was silent for a moment. “Go on…” Hotcase had to think quickly but with Vander’s help he came up with a plausible lie, yet unkown to him to was closer to the truth then he could ever imagine. “Xenotron’s plan was to track down the Alpha Cybertronian Empire and take ‘em out before they could rebuild their forces entirely. Only Primus knowns exactly where he and the rest of the Decepticon forces are.” “You had better be telling the truth you sniveling rust spot, or ‘only Primus will know’ where your parts are scattered.” “Oh I swear by the Ultimate Warrior!” Hotcase stammered. “Disgusticons, let our guests free…the Predacons will watch over them to prevent foul play. Araknyd…take Nightflier and Vermin and activate all of Trypticon’s scanning equipment I don’t have access to. Prepare for a hunt!” * * * Rodimus followed Kup and Springer out of the bruised and battered Autobot shuttle on to the barren wasteland of Charr. Signs of the recent battle between factions were the first thing to catch their attention…Dead soldiers belonging to the former army of Straxus were strewn about, smaller shuttles were blackened and torn to pieces everywhere, and Thunderwing’s ship lay crumpled at the door step of where Trypticon…was supposed to be? This was the next thing to gain their attention. “Where would Trypticon go?” Kup questioned. “I don’t know…” Rodimus mused, “But no one else is here either…the planet’s deserted.” “You’re right! Why would they abandon the planet?” Rodimus pondered the issue shortly then exclaimed the only logical explanation. “They were attacked by the Alpha Cybertronians! They tracked down the Dinobots on Zoltess, destroyed Ishi’I Nib because of their interaction with Cybertron, the next plausible course is to Charr!” Springer nodded in agreement. “So the Decepticons here escaped—“ “—Or were destroyed.” Finished Rodimus solemnly. “Which means there’s a good chance there will be no reinforcements.” Kup added. “We sentenced Megatron and the others left on Earth to death.” Rodimus moaned covering his face. Springer knelt down and inspected one of the massive saurian footprints embedded in the planet’s surface. “We need to plan for that possibility.” He said in agreement with Rodimus. “Now let’s get some sort of headquarters set up on this junk pile of a planet.” The ship was emptied and the nervous Autobots and Maximals took in their new surroundings. Most of the few Predacons with them knew Charr as home. There wasn’t much available to form any sort of base of operations, so the shuttle had to be utilized in a pinch. Once as comfortable as they could possibly be, Rodimus immediately ordered Earth to be contacted…if there was anything left. Springer sent many signals, but received no replies. “No response. We might have to accept Megatron and the others are lost.” Rodimus barely heard the report. His thoughts were on Optimus Prime…how could he abandon them in their hour of need? And where was he now? There were too many questions to answer. “Rod, you awake there, bud?” Springer said waving his hand in front of his commander’s optics. Rodimus nodded. “Sorry Springer. Just have a lot on my mind.” “Understandable…but we need guidance here. What’s the next step?” “I wish I knew Springer, I wish I knew.” The sound of rapid footsteps came from the entrance ramp and Blurr was upon them in the blink of an eye. “Rodimusrodimus! Kup, Red Alert and Inferno report an injured Decepticon has been found!” “Where Blurr?” “Thiswaythisway, follow me youcan’t go wrong! Blurr turned, transformed and sped out of the ship. Rodimus and Springer followed suit and kept as close to the incredibly fast Autobot ahead of them. They rounded the corner of some soil built up around the spot Trypticon fired his rockets off to get off the planet and found Kup, Red Alert, Inferno as well as Arcee and Warpath surrounding a figure prostrate on the ground. Blurr has transformed and was examining the Decepticon long before Springer and Rodimus pulled up to the group. Kup and Inferno parted and allowed Rodimus to get a good look at the injured transformer. He was fairly intact, except for his missing left arm. “We got him stabilized…his name is Battletrap.” Kup informed his leader. Rodimus knelt down next to Battletrap. The Deception was visibly uncomfortable being surrounded by Autobots. “Don’t worry…we’re all on the same side now. Can you tell me what happened here? Where are the other Decepticons?” Battletrap winced as Arcee worked on welding his shoulder joint shut. “S-Starscream possessed Trypticon…Onslaught blamed me for letting both of them escape, hence my injury. Xenotron went to Cybertron after we won the battle here and he deposed Starscream…Once he got what he wanted there, he signaled the few of us here to join the main force to take on the Alpha Cybertronian Empire. I was left here to rot--” “Wait—“ Rodimus cut him off, optics wide, “Who is…Xenotron?” “New leader of the Decepticons…possessor of the Decepticon Matrix of Power.” The gasp from the Autobots was in unison as the looked at each other. “Decepticon Matrix?”
I figgured since the story has a front page link, I need to update it! Thanks to everyone who's checking out my fiction. By the way, anyone else think writing dialogue for Blurr and having it fit his speech pattern sucks? lol Next update should be soon, hopefully in the next couple days.
Chapter Thirty-Three A lesser Transformer would surely have panicked and fled at the sight of the oncoming combiner army, but Megatron would not stoop to frivolous emotions such as fear. The instant he saw the first combiner climbing the hill, he shouted into the bunker hatch ordering Snareclaw to ready those below capable of battle to make ready. Rockshot and the other retreating Autobots finally reached Megaton’s position. Nosecone and Washout transformed and limped to unload Afterburner from Rockshot’s transport module. Rockshot, Lightspeed and Peelout transformed, giving Megatron dark glares. Megatron barely acknowledged Afterburner as he ordered Nosecone and Washout to take him to Ratchet then return to the surface. “Prepare for an attack.” He coldly ordered the others. Rockshot shook his head and drew his weapon. Lightspeed and Peelout followed Rockshots example but it was apparent they weren’t happy about it. Those down in the bunker started to pour out in order to defend themselves. The feeling in the air was pure fear mingling with the smoke and fire licking skyward. Megatron immediately set up a defense blanket and awaited the attack. The slow approach of the Alpha Cybertronian Combiners didn’t help the rattled nerves of the Transformers, most of whom were sure this was their final stand. As the drone combiners reached the hilltop and began their descent toward the tarmac and their prey, the Autobot and Decepticon army began to realize the sheer size and power their enemy possessed. Deep indentations pockmarked the hillside with every step. In the middle of the group towered Ruination, seemingly surrounded by the sea of his combiner subordinates. Breaking the uncomfortable silence, one of the drones fired, the shell landing just short of its mark. Once again concrete rained around them. Megatron pointed his cannon at the oncoming enemy. “Return fire!” he bellowed. Firepower erupted from their ranks, punctuated by the trademark sound of Megatron’s fusion cannon tearing the air in twain. The glowing fusion energy slammed into the drone who fired upon them, toppling it into the two right behind it. The chest of the drone crackled with raw energy and exploded outward. The drones stopped for the moment, and concentrated their firepower to the location the incredible energy came from. Astrotrain dove in and tackled his leader out of the way before Megatron could be incinerated. The triple changer helped Megatron to his feet. “Megatron, transform…I shall wield you!” “Fool!” Megatron shouted as he shoved away Astrotrain. “I am no longer restrained as I once was!” Running back to the forefront of the army, and much to the surprise of those around him Megatron transformed into a gleaming heavily armed tank. What had served as his fusion cannon in robot mode was now a massive turret that shifted towards their adversaries. The same power exploded out of him as before, rocking the ground underneath him, literally lifting his treads from the tarmac. He slammed back to the ground as another drone exploded near the front of the line. Inspired by his display of power, many from the army joined Megatron, transforming into their various alternate modes. Blitzwing, resurrected after his death at the hands of Snarl and Slugger on Cybertron joined his leader, followed by quake and the Autobot Hardhead. At the rear of the defensive blanket, the massive Armory backed up the already formidable artillery with his awesome power. “Keep it up men!” Ultra Magnus encouraged. “We might be able to survive this one yet!” Two Cybertronian aircrafts soared out from above the drone army. One was called Bloodstorm, the other was Backdraft, one of those directly under the leadership of Genocide during their initial attack on Cybertron. Backdraft took in the situation and saw the immense firepower coming from their foes’ camp. He transformed midair and was soon joined by Bloodstorm. Backdraft squinted his optics and saw the large silver tank. “Could it be?” He asked rhetorically, shortly answering his own question. “It has to be! It is Megatron! The Liege’s premonition was correct, both the leaders of the olden days have returned!” “What can we do about it with all that firepower coming at us?” “We must find a way to dispose of Megatron, Bloodstorm. With him incapacitated the others will invariably fall.” Another combiner below them exploded in a blaze of fire and circuitry as Armory and Megatron’s energy hit their mark. Backdraft shielded his optics as the flames nearly reached them. He transformed back to his jet mode and hovered above the battlefield before he started toward their enemies. “We must deliver him to the Liege immediately…no matter the cost!” he shouted above the noise below. Bloodstorm nodded and transformed, following his commanding officer. Their appearance did not go unnoticed. A handful of lesser-known resurrected seekers took to the air to intercept. A tan and gray colored one found out the hard way the Alpha Cybertronian soldiers were not a force to take lightly as Backdraft turned him to a blossom of red scrap. Bloodstorm followed his commander through the cloud that was once the seeker and dispatched two more before barrel rolling to avoid oncoming fire. The rest of the jets banked off hard to the right to out maneuver the new threats, but there were few aerial transformers who could hold a candle to the skill and agility of Bloodstorm and Backdraft. Two more seekers remained and retreated back to ground level as the oncoming jets streaked toward Megatron. “For the Liege!” Bloodstorm screamed as he pulled ahead of Backdraft. Before he could get even get Megatron in his crosshairs, Bloodstorm felt the white-hot sting of laser fire across his back. As he lost control and veered off, a missile connected with him sending pieces scattered across the tarmac. Air Raid pulled up and came up on Backdraft’s tail. “Farewell Bloodstorm, you served the almighty Liege with vigor.” Backdraft said to his fallen comrade as he avoided Air Raid’s fire. The black F-15 Aerialbot was not to be shaken. Backdraft inwardly welcomed the challenge he presented, and longed to draw out the confrontation longer but knew he had a duty to fulfill. He activated thrusters located on his belly, propelling him straight up. Air Raid sped ahead of him, letting out a startled yelp as he realized what had happened. Backdraft fired his weapons, grazing Air Raid’s tailfins. “Consider our spark a gift from me Autobot. That we might cross paths again!” Air Raid spiraled down and transformed before he hit the ground. With no other obstacles in his way, Backdraft spun a loop, coming down straight above Megatron. Twin rockets came from housings located under his wings that were aimed right at the commander’s location. Ultra Magnus noticed too late. “Megatron, above—“ he started to shout. The missiles connected with the tarmac on either side of Megatron, sending him into the air. Backdraft fired lasers at the airborne tank, forcing him to transform. Megatron hit the concrete hard and lay still. Backdraft swooped down low, extending arms that clasped around his shoulders. Before any Autobot or Decepticon could react, Backdraft was speeding away with Megatron in tow. “What should we do?” Blitzwing shouted. “What can we do?” Ultra Magnus answered. “We’re left alone against an army we cannot possibly defeat.”
