Transformers: Beginning and End

[LadyTevar]

Are we looking at Dinobots here? Grimlock not nice dino, Grimclock King!

I'm betting on Shockwave

[Imperial Overlord]

Cybertron, Now

"So the mighty Deathstrike has now been sent to me," mused Ratbat as he reclined in his throne.

"I have, governor. Lord Straxus was not inclined to have me near his person and I was informed you were in need of a higher quality of warrior."

"That is true," said the Governor of Helex and Chief Logistics Officer of the Decepticon Empire. "I suppose I should not be surprised. He likes to keep the Seekers close to him and use his triple changers as his right hands. You, on the other hand, he never liked. Fortunately, your utility outweighs his distaste."

"Then we are both fortunate," said Deathstrike. "You have prospered greatly since I saw you last. And he doesn't like you either, governor."

"Yes, but I'm even more useful than you are. Competent administrators can be so hard to come by and energon is far too important to let even a single erg be wasted."

"I'm sure the numbers improved after you took over," replied Deathstrike, "even after your skimming off the top."

Ratbat froze for a moment and then laughed. "You haven't changed at all," said Ratbat.

"On the contrary, I have," said Deathstrike. "You, on the other hand, have not. Your ambition still burns great, once senator, now governor. You have climbed back up the ranks after having been reduced to one of Soundwave's minions after trying to play both sides against each other and failing. Straxus despises us both. Let the traitor serve the traitor, he said. We both survive by our utility. I need a patron. You need your own agents."

"The last time I employed an agent his stole everything I owned, shot a hole through me, ripped out my spark, and placed it in a slave protoform with a loyalty programming overlay. Why should I trust you?"

"I am not Soundwave," said Deathstrike. "And I did not ask for your trust. Merely to serve you. Straxus will not advance me. You could. A second betrayal will convince no one of anything but that I am completely unreliable."

"I will consider you proposition," said Ratbat. "In the meantime, I trust you have no problems with air patrols and burning down Autobots?"

"I am Deathstrike."

"I'll take that as an affirmation."

"There are certain replacement parts I require to serve at full efficiency."

"You'll have them. Impress me with what you can do. With the Triple Changers gone, I expect the Autobots will become bolder."

"The Triple Changers are leaving?" Deathstrike asked.

"Straxus didn't tell you? Unfortunately the matter is secret. I thought he would of informed you, but if he hasn't then it is not my place ot over rule our leader's decision. Much as I would like to."

What are you keeping from me? Deathstrike thought. What do you want me to know that you want to tell me without actually telling me? You're moving to alienate me from Straxus, that is clear. You liked the bait. Now what secret are you hiding?

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Cybertron, Four Million Year Ago

Flamewind and Metalstorm rolled down Cybertron's pitted streets, returning to Kaon. They had been out hunting both Autobots and energon, and found none of the former and only a little of the latter. The planet had become a tomb, with a mere few thousand of Cybertronians inhabiting a world the size of a mid range gas giant. Cities that had been torn apart by war were now slowly crumbling into ruin. Cybertron had once been a thriving world-city. Now it was a graveyard inhabited by scavengers and ghouls.

Deathstrike stepped out from behind a gutted building. The two Decepticons transformed. "What's up?" asked Flamewind. "Have you on foot patrol, flybot?"

"Something like that," said Deathstrike. "Not that there is much to patrol. Prime doesn't have the resources for an offensive."

"Or the inclination," said Metalstorm. "Autobots are reactive by nature. That's why they let the council run everything and herd them about like empties on a conveyor."

"Those empties put up a good fight," said Deathstrike.

"Sure," said Flamewind. "With numbers, the Guardians, and most of the planet's resources in their hands they put up a good fight. And the ones that are left are survivors. They won't die easy."

"And what about us?" asked Deathstrike. "Think we'll make it to that last day of the war? Think we'll win? Think there will be anything left even if we do?"

"'Strike!" hissed Metalstorm. "That's treason!"

"It's desertion," said Deathstrike. "But its not treason to the Decepticon cause. Who says the empire must be built on Cybertron? What if we build it somewhere else. A rich world, with no opposition? We grow strong and numerous and come back to seize Cybertron."

"What does Megatron think?" asked Flamewind.

"He hasn't gone to Megatron," said Metalstorm.

"Megatron is obsessed with Cybertron and Prime," said Deathstrike. "He is our lord, but he has lost sight of our cause. After all these millennia, his goals have drifted. The glorious victory we envisioned, that we fought for, is no longer possible. If Megatron can longer lead us there, the logical course is to change directions and go there ourselves."

"I can't believe I'm hearing this from you, of all people," said Flamewind.

"Do you agree with my points?"

"How do you intend to accomplish this?" interjected Metalstorm.

"We already have everything we need," said Deathstrike. "Everything, except for the two of you."

"How are we going to get offworld?" asked Metalstorm, pressing the point. "You might be built for deep space travel, but we're groundpounders."

"You've both been reformated to fly," said Deathstrike. "That will be enough to get you to where the ship is."

"How did you get a ship?"

"The Autobots provided. Not willingly, of course."

"The ship you crippled and crashed into the ice moon," said Metalstorm.

"Yes. It's pretty far now, but we can cover the distance. The ship can still fly and your inbuilt factory will allow us to make additional repairs as needed."

"And my fuel conversion abilities will allow us to convert the hydrocarbons," said Flamewind.

"Yes," said Deathstrike. "Not just on the moon, but wherever we go."

The two Decepticons looked at each other and then back at Deathstrike. "You've always taken care of the warriors under your command 'strike," said Metalstorm. "You even dismembered Trauma over that once. And you're loyal. If you of all 'bots think its time to leave Megatron, then its probably way past time to leave. We're with you."

"Good," said Deathstrike. "I'll send you instructions soon."

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Cybertron, Now

The grey and blue 'bot had long white flexmetal mustaches and beard. Before him screens full of data flicked by. His hands danced, annotating each column. The door opened behind him. "Ultra Magnus," said Omnius Saphorum.

"Omnius," said the Autobot warrior. "We'll be putting the operation into motion."

"Good," said the Autobot leader. "I'm sure you and Elita-1 will handle the matter correctly."

"It would be good for the troops morale if you would address my team before they go out."

"I am not a warrior Magnus. I wouldn't know what to say."

"You're one of their leaders. The head of the Triumvirate. It would be helpful if you expressed your confidence in them and how important it is to succeed in this mission, as well as your concern for their well being."

"The work I'm doing here is important," said Omnius. "We live and die by our logistics."

"We live and die by the actions of our people," said Ultra Magnus. "The logistics data will still be there when you return. Our people need to hear you now."

"As you wish Magnus." The Autobot froze the data columns. Ultra Magnus lead his fellow triumvir into a bay holding a diverse crew of Autobot warriors.

"Our triumvir, Omnius Saphorum, wishes to say a few words. Triumvir?"

"Yes, thank you Ultra Magnus. This mission is very important and we are all very glad that you are the 'bots to handle it. We are confident of your success and hope that you'll all return home safe and sound." He looked over at Magnus. The Autobot war leader nodded briefly. It wasn't that good, but it could have been worse."

"Autobots, roll out!" shouted Ultra Magnus.

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"Two energon cubes," said Warhulk. The towering grey and white Decepticon loomed over his fellows. A pair of stacks on his back extended above his head. His paint was chipped and his armour was dented, but his power was undoubted. "One would think that the Autobots want us to be just barely functional."

His audience chuckled. They were the smallest faction on Cybertron that could still be called a faction. They were those who were disgusted with Straxus or had fallen afoul of his wrath and fled rather than face him. Too many of them were models with poor energy efficiency or dependent on good ammunition supplies. Too few of them were scout and surveyor models. Supply was always a problem and Autobot contributions did little to alleviate the constant problem.

"They want us to fight, but not to win," said Swindle. "That's obvious."

"A lot of things are obvious," said Blast Off. "There haven't been any new flights from Polyhex's space port in the last ten megacycles. There should have been at least two. Something is happening."

"They've been sloppy on the com channels," said Onslaught. The Combaticon leader was a careful planner who considered himself the equal to any other robot alive. He was smart, skillful, powerful, and he combined to form Bruticus with his fellow Combaticons. Could even Megatron or Shockwave match that? To say nothing of than dull thug Straxus. That's what had gotten him and his arrogant and fractious Combaticons into trouble. "Deathstrike is back, but it can't be that."

Warhulk was a cunning old warrior and knew how to handle the abrasive combiners. "You are of course correct," said Onslaught. "It's unfortunate that Deathstrike has joined with Straxus, but that wouldn't ground any flights. No, something bigger than that is happening."

"The Autobots have Blaster," said Swindle. "They might know what is going on. But they'll only tell us if its in their interest to know."

"Exactly," said Onslaught. "We don't have any good infiltrators.

"Deathstrike and Straxus never liked each other," said Swindle. "Maybe Deathstrike can be convinced to defect?"

"What do we have to offer him?" said Warhulk. "Besides, treason is not in that 'bots nature."

"He betrayed Megatron," said Swindle.

"He left Megatron," said Warhulk. "Founded a new empire on a new world. If the Wreckers hadn't smashes him, he would have returned and aided Megatron."

"You sure about that?" said Swindle.

"Yes," said Warhulk. "If he's signed up with Straxus, he's Straxus's 'bot. We are, however, Decepticon Warriors. There are more direct means of extracting information. We should consider them."

"Yes," said Brawl. "A good plan always includes violence."

[LadyTevar]

"On the contrary, I have," said Deathstrike. "You, on the other hand, have no.

Other than that typo, it's a great update and just what I needed

Although.. I have to agree with the Decepticons... all that Energon, but we only give them two cubes. I think Prime would be a little more generous, but he's not there. Omnius and Magnus just aren't up to this.

[Imperial Overlord]

Cybertron, Now

Straxus entered the Quintesson lair. "I have decided," he said. "I will take your warrior."

"Excellent," said Judge Zalryn's Face of Laughter. We have anticipated the answer. The warrior is already in transit to Cybertron. He will arrive in two megacylces. His spark has already been kindled and he merely needs to have his programming loaded and to make his first transformation after his stasis pod has been deactivated. You will, of course, have the opportunity to examine the code to assure yourself we are honest in our dealings."

"Yes," said Judge Klerjan's Face of Death. "He will lead your forces against Megatron and Prime. Both shall fall and he shall return with the Matrix. Your dominion over Cybertron will be unchallenged."

"You had better not betray me Quintessons," rumbled Straxus. "I can destroy you in moments."

"Of course you can," said Judge Jarzyn's Face of Bitterness. "We are within your power Lord Straxus."

"You are the master of Cybertron," said Judge Zalryn's Face of Laughter. "None doubt it. We merely want the Matrix that has been promised to us. Please forgive any excessive zeal. It has been tens of thousands of vorns and finally the prize is close."

"Yes," said Judge Jarzyn's Face of Laughter. "Forgive us."

"You will have your Matrix, when both Prime and Megatron are dead," said Straxus. The tyrant of Cybertron turned and walked away. The doors closed behind him. "The Matrix and its secrets will be mine, and I will have no more need of you."

Inside the Quintesson's sanctum the judges turned to each other. "He will betray us," said Judge Jarzyn's Face of Death.

"Too late for him though," said Judge Zalryn's Face of Rage. "He has no conception of the army we will unleash upon him."

"These Cybertronians and their pathetic obsession with individual battle prowess are blind to our true strength," said Judge Jarzyn's Face of Bitterness. "Fighting wars is a task fit only for slaves. Soon the Matrix and Cybertron will be ours."

Fifteen malicious faces joined together in cruel laughter.

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Deathstrike stood in the maintenance bay with his main armour panels open. Two slender tech 'bots replaced parts as the Decepticon warrior swam the data stream, gathering information about the current state of Cybertron. Starships, factories, energy stores, garrison strengths, assigned task forces, and more streamed into his mind. There were limits to his access, but that still made mountains of useful data available. Among the most important were the kill lists, listing Autobot and Decepticon renegades known to be at large and locations of enemy activity.

They were pirating Straxus's own resources to fuel their efforts and leaving trails of the dead behind. Straxus's clone army, however he had come by them, did not possess the skills of the veterans of Cybertron's wars. The enemy did not have the strength to deliver severe blows and each loss hurt them grievously, but they remained a perennial nuisance.

Deathstrike surfed through more com data and found a mass of heavy secured and encrypted FTL com traffic. This wasn't scout or exploitation or extermination team data, because that was easily available. This was some secret operation or contact. Could this be what Ratbat had hinted at?

Deathstrike checked ship logs. No flights within the last ten megacylces. A starship, Havoc, being prepped for a long distance mission. Crew assignments included Astrotrain and Blitzwing. Yes, this was it. Ratbat had wanted him to discover this, wanted him to know that Straxus was hiding things from him so that he would have no choice but to be Ratbat's servant. That was Ratbat's error. He was unaware there were other choices and that Deathstrike had already made his.

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Earth, Now

"Megatron report to the communication room. Situation urgent," said Soundwave in his customary monotone. Twenty astroseconds later the doors to the room slid open and Megatron stepped inside.

"Soundwave report."

"Monitoring of Earth communication systems has revealed a transmission sent to Autobot headquarters. A Cybertronian body has been discovered in Alberta, Canada."

"Do they know who it is?"

"Negative."

Megatron activated his communication systems. "Rumble, Frenzy, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Starscream, Thundercracker, and Skywarp report to the launch area." He cut off the transmission. "Come with me Soundwave."

"As you command Megatron." The Decepticon spy master followed his liege-lord across the underwater base the Decepticons had constructed over the past year. The damaged ship and its energon stores had given them enough material to start the job and the Constructicons had been more than up to the task. Now a fusion reactor was online, allowing the Decepticons access to more than enough energy to resume operations. Megatron had chosen to remain operating covertly while the Decepticons rebuit their strength. Not all of his warriors had agreed with that decision. Tensions had risen.

"-that's what I would do," finished Starscream as Megatron stepped into the launch area. Skywarp and Thundercracker turned as their leader entered.

"Mighty Megatron," said Starscream, "are you finally going to lead us into battle? Or are we going to remain here, hiding underwater like cowards?"

"Ah Starscream, as I suspected you wouldn't recognize an intelligent strategy if it bit off your leg," said Megatron. "The Seekers will transport the rest of us in our alternate modes to this location." His eyes projected a holo image. "You will fly fast and low and appear to be human jet traffic to all observers. We are leaving immediately."

"What is so important?" asked Starscream.

"Humans have unearthed one of us," rasped Megatron. "We will get there first, without alerting the Autobots to our continued survival until we have him in our possession. Do I make myself clear Starscream?"

"Perfectly clear, oh glorious leader."

"Decepticons, transform and rise up," ordered Megatron, leaping into the air and transforming into gun mode. He came to rest in Starscream's cockpit. The airlock cycled and launch catapults shot the Decepticon jets through the water. The Seekers broke the surface and skimmed the surface of the ocean at less than five meters above the crest of the waves. Sonics booms tore through the air and water behind them as they raced towards their goal.

[Imperial Overlord]

Wrecker Base, Deep Space, Now

"Hey Rodimus," said Kup as the old 'bot walked across the command center, "we have something odd going on?"

"What is it?" asked Hot Rod, "and for the thousandth time, don't call me that."

"Not my fault that you act like Prime kid."

"I'm not Optimus."

"There is only one Optimus kid and he had his moments of doubt and fear just like everyone else. It just didn't stop him or slow him down. Like a few other 'bots I could mention."

"You must be talking about Breakout."

"He's a good 'bot, but he's not a big picture leader. You are. We would be scrap vorns ago if it wasn't for you. But that's not what I want to talk to you about. Come over here and take a look at this."

Hot Rod walked over to Kup's console. "That's our stealth probe at Mercal."

"Exactly. 'Cons been stripping the comet and asteroid belts. Usual stuff. Look at the traffic data."

"No new arrivals. Someone else hitting them?"

"Not enough chatter for that. The local 'bots would be screaming and they wouldn't be pillaging as normal. I think it was that transmission we picked up ten megacycles ago."

"Maybe," said Hotrod. "Might be worth checking it out." He stood thinking for a moment. "Tell Springer he's got the base. You, Arcee, Breakout, and I will take the Liberty and check the systems in the signal's path and see if we can find anything that would get Straxus so riled up."

"You got it kid. Leaving Springer behind and taking Arcee huh?"

"Command prerogative."

"Sure thing Rodimus."

"Optimus never had to put with this kind of back talk."

"Like you keep saying, you're not Optimus."

The door to the command chamber slid open and Breakout walked through. "Is he calling you Rodimus again?"

"Yes," said Hot Rod. "Can you make him stop?"

"You got to admit," said Kup, "that the kid has moments when he's just like Prime. Remember Zetarax?"

"That was an impressive display of leadership," said Breakout, "or foolhardy bravado. Haven't decided which yet."

"That was two thousand vorns ago!" said Hot Rod.

"It's a tough call," said Breakout. "Although for Optimus it would have been leadership. You're not built as tough as he is."

"No is built like Prime," said Hot Rod. "I barely knew him and I know that."

"That's the truth," said Kup. Breakout's eyes flashed blue in agreement. "No 'bot like Prime."

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Earth, Now

"Prime," said Wheeljack as the Autobot leader strode through the corridors of the Ark. "Teletraan-I has picked up a human phone signal. They've found a buried Cybertronian!"

"Where?" asked Optimus.

"The badlands of Alberta," said Wheejack. "Apparently they were searching for dinosaurs."

"Do you know who they found?"

"Not yet Optimus."

"Hmm. Jetfire and the Aerialbots are still aiding relief efforts in Burma. Thousands will die if we recall them and Alberta is relatively close to us." He activated his com system, addressing all nearby Autobots. "Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Ratchet, Ironhide, Cliffjumper, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, Brawn, Hound, Windcharger, Gears, and Mirage transform and roll out!"

With a distinctive sound of shifting parts the Autobot leader transformed into a huge red truck and began driving towards the exit of the Ark. His Autobots formed up behind him. "Be alert Autobots. If the Decepticons still function it is possible that they were able to tap into the communication."

"Optimus," said Brawn, pulling his Land Rover form alongside Prime, "if Megatron wants his ugly can kicked back to Cybertron I'll be more than happy to oblige him."

"Yeah," said Cliffjumper. "We beat them before, we can beat them again."

"You might get that chance," said Optimus.

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Cybertron, Now

A gun metal grey scooter slid through the dark alleys between the gleaming towers of Polyhex. It was a variform drone, a crude cousin of a true Cybetronian, used for scout and light maintenance work. It attracted no attention, because it did nothing to draw any to itself.

"Guys," Crimson muttered, "you better be here quick if I whistle." There were far too many Decepticons about for her taste. She was a survey-bot, not a fighter.

She had to take the plunge if this mission was going to go anywhere. She rolled forward, crossing the brightly lit thoroughfare. A pair of Vehicon warriors were standing guard in front of the communication's hub. One looked her way as she crossed.

Her power regulator nearly froze up, but Crimson kept rolling as if nothing had happened. Ignore me boys, she thought. I'm just another drone. Nothing special. Definitely not a disguised Autobot terrorists on a retrieval mission.

The Vehicon looked away. Crimson continued rolling into the alley and then turned sharply to drive through behind the communication tower. Blaster was in there, somewhere, having been planted there earlier and then burrowed into the Decepticon system. That meant she had to take the next step, which was another action that might get her killed. Why did I agree to this plan? she wondered.

She sent out a weak data burst, which sounded mostly like static unless someone smart and paranoid was listening in close by. She tried not to think about a possible ambush. It didn't work.

Nothing happened. She tried to be patient, knowing that Blaster would have to disconnect himself and move towards her without being noticed and that would take time. That just made her think about being noticed. The longer she stayed here doing nothing the greater the chance of a Decepticon noticing that something not right was happening. And then her sweet chassis would be deep in the slag pit.

Something fell from the top of the tower. A small parachute deployed to slow its fall. It was a small box, falling through the sky. Crimson eased forward to position herself directly under it. She opened her a panel and the box fell in. "Nice catch," said Blaster. "Okay, now take us out of here."

She drove out of the alley, not too fast and not too slow. One of the Vehicons looked at her, but didn't do anything. Good. First one down, far too many to go. She sped down Polyhex's streets, going as fast as she dared. "Go as fast as you can Crimson," said Blaster. "What I've got is big. Real big. In fact-"

"Shush," said Crimson. Overhead the winged teardrop shape of an Overseer passed nearby. Weapons and sensor pods hung from the Decepticon's stubby wings or projected from its heavily armoured body. Sensor turrets sent beams sweeping across parts of the city beneath it. She darted across the intersection and hurried on her way as fast as she dared. A blue-white sensor beam swept up the street behind her. "Slag," she cursed and dodged. The Overseer noticed and turned. Other pods swiveled towards her.

Crimson accelerated to full speed, rocketing down the street. A cluster of three twenty millimeter cannons opened up, each one firing hyper velocity armour piercers at the rate of ten rounds a second. The Overseer's fire tore up the street. Crimson dodged left into an alley, taking the turn so tight she almost fell over. The buildings shielded her from the Overseer's fire. "This is Crimson!" she broadcasted. "I've got Blaster and I've got trouble!

[LadyTevar]

Damn... Allllmost made it.
Stupid Overseers.

But, thinking of hovering Overseers made me realize what Crimson's Cybertron Alt-mode looks like

[Imperial Overlord]

A small spaceship that strongly resembled a winged brick touched down at the space port of Polyhex. A door opened in its belly and a ramp extended to touch the landing pad. A large, coffin shaped object floated down the ramp. The ramp retracted and the door closed. The ship fired up its contragravs and slowly rose into the sky. At a height of three thousand meters it fired its main engine and burned towards deep space.

On the ground two Dreadwings approached the coffin. "Hey," said Silverwing, "a stasis capsule. I wonder what's inside?"

"Not our business," said Mourn. "We're just here to guide into the truck and take it to Straxus. That's all we need to know. That's all I want to know. Asking questions can get you slagged."

"Alright. Take it easy," said Silverwing. He touched the guidance controls on the stasis pod. "Still, real fancy. Nice bit of tech."

"Shut up," said Mourn as they guided into the back of hauler and got in back with it. "Drive slave," Mourn ordered. The Autobot Thrall powered up and headed towards Straxus's fortress. It didn't take long to reach it. The Autobot stopped in front of the pair of Guardians. The two Decepticons jumped out.

"Delivery for Lord Straxus," said Silverwing as Mourn took the stasis pod out of the back of the truck. "He's expecting it."

"Leave it here," said one of the Guardians. "You are dismissed."

"Got it," said Silverwing.

"Let's get out of here," said Mourn. Both Decepticons transformed into small single engine fighters and shot into the sky. The gates of the citadel slid open and Straxus retrieved the stasis capsule personally. It rode with him in the elevator as he rose to the top of his citadel.

He exited the elevators and deactivated the stasis field. Then he opened the capsule. A protoform lay within, a mass of metal and circuits floating in a fluid mass. Once the protoform was activated, the goo would be shaped into wheels, tubes, pumps, actuators and so forth by the transforming process and the protoform would take its true shape. He ran the programs stored in stasis pod and the dormant protoform through his computers.

There was nothing hidden there. Enormous amounts of targeting, martial arts, tactical, and technical data were contained. The performance and material specs indicated that every part would be of the highest possibly quality. The expense of designing and building this protoform would have been enormous, even for the Quintessons who did not need the Matrix to reliably create Cybertonian life. Personality programs included an overlay which imposed total loyalty to Straxus and a warrior imperative for combat and a tactician's respect for an opponent's capabilities. There was nothing at all sinister here, just like every other Quintesson program that Straxus had examined.

He had the stasis pod follow him into the Quintesson sanctum. "Ah," said Judge Jarzyn's Face of Doubt. "Have you satisfied your suspicions Lord Straxus?"

Straxus glowered at the Quintesson. "I am satisfied," he lied. "The warrior appears formidable, but he has no experience."

"That is true Lord Straxus," said Judge Zalryn's Face of Laughter. "In that regard he will be at a disadvantage. His other attributes more than make up for it. Although he is designed to be able to neutralize a group of Autobots singlehandedly, we do not expect you to rely solely upon him. If you are satisfied, we will bring him to full life."

"Go ahead," said Straxus. Zalryn approached the stasis pod and touched a control. There was the distinctive sound of transformation and a tall warrior rose from the pod. He was mostly white, with a green torso and purple legs. He had a red optical band and carried a pair of blaster rifles.

"State your identity," said Judge Klerjan's Face of Death.

"I am the Solo Transformer Assault Group," said the machine. "I am the greatest warrior ever built. I have a form for every situation. I always hold the advantage. I have no equals. Even the greatest will fall before me."

"He is a refinement of Triple Changer technology," said Judge Zalryn's Face of Laughter.

"Technology I supplied you with," said Straxus.

"Yes, the initial research was Shockwave's," said Judge Klerjan's Face of Bitterness, "but we refined and perfected it. We increased the power of your soldiers such as Astrotrain and Blitzwing, but here we have made the ultimate warrior. The Solo Transformer Assault Group has six different forms, each one granting him mastery over a different aspect of battle. He is matchless and your loyal servant."

"Six forms?" Straxus said incredously.

"Yes," said Judge Zalyrn's Face of Death. "Six forms of death."

"He needs a better name than Solo Transformer Assault Group," rumbled Straxus.

"I . . am . . . Sixshot. And I will destroy both Megatron and Optimus Prime."

Straxus eyed his new creation. "Perhaps you will," he said. "Maybe you won't. You'll have your chance to prove it. I will send some of my best warriors with you, to insure your victory."

"As you wish, my lord," said Sixshot. "I yearn only for battle."

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Earth, Now

"Hey," said Jamie, shading his eyes with his hand, "jets. Military, I think."

"They're pretty low," said Monica. "Aerialbots?"

"Could be," said Sharon.

"Oh fuck," said David. "What if they are Decepticons?"

They looked at each other.

"Then we're boned," said Jaime. "Because they're pretty much right on top of us."

Two small objects fell from one of the planes, transforming into giant robots in mid air. The planes transformed as well.

"Megatron," David moaned in despair.

The Decepticon leader and Soundwave landed on the stony ground. "Transmission interception active," intoned Soundwave as the two Decepticons stepped towards the human.

"Oh god," said Sharon.

"We're going to die," said Monica softly.

"Voice samples obtained," said Soundwave. "Duplication possible. Accuracy one hundred percent. Secrecy preserved."

"Excellent Soundwave," said Megatron.

Skywarp chuckled. "Can we kill the humans now?" the Decepticon asked. "I could use some fun."

"Can it," rumbled Thundercracker.

"No," said Megatron. "They maybe useful to us." He loomed over them.

"Transmission data indicates that the Autobots are on their way in vehicle form," reported Soundwave.

"That means the Aerialbots won't be crashing this party," said Starscream. "We'll own the skies."

"Yes," said Megatron. "And these humans can be of additional use. Prime is so sentimental." A nasty laugh circulated through the Decepticon ranks. "Now fleshlings," Megatron commanded, "where is this body?"

"Body located," announced Soundwave. Megatron advanced to the edge of the test pit.

"A large one. Autobot or Decepticon, I'll make use of him either way if function can be restored. Soundwave, deploy Rumble and Frenzy."

"Rumble, Frenzy eject. Operation: Careful excavation." The two Casseticons were launched into the air and transformed.

"Aww," said Rumble. "Can't I use my pile drivers."

"Negative," Soundwave said in his customary monotone.

"Why us?" complained Frenzy.

"Get to work," said Megatron courtly. "Soundwave, deploy Buzzsaw and Laserbeak on surveillance flights. I want to know if Prime is close."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cybertron, Now

Crimson zigzagged down an alley, jumped a thrall Autobot car and crossed the street, and zoomed down another alley as the Overseer pursued her. The giant flier didn't have a good shot, but it was gaining. "Boys," she said. "I'm coming in hot and with an uninvited guest."

"Just a little further Crimson," rumbled Overload. "You can do it. We're almost with you."

"Hang on Crim!" said Stryke. "I'm coming!" The military 'bot had darted out ahead of his companions and was driving recklessly fast, intent on getting to Crimson as quickly as possible.

The Overseer slid over the alley behind Crimon. Four gun pods opened up. Cannon fire tore up the sides of the building around her and ahead of her. "Ow dammit!" she cursed as a round slammed into her. "That hurts!" she turned hard to the side, breaking out into the street and out of the Overseer's line of fire. For a moment.

Stryke saw the massive Decepticon flier. He was configured for ground fighting, but that didn't mean he couldn't hit a big aerial target. He fired his cannon and put a hole in the Overseer's side. "Suck that down, trash 'bot!" yelled Stryke. "Yeah!"

The Overseer transformed, dropping down below the building and scattering four Casseticon warriors on the ground. Each one carried a heavy particle beam rifle. "Time to change the tune," said Blaster, ejecting from Crimson's carrying compartment and transforming. Crimson transformed as well.

A pair of Casseticons came around the corner. Crimson shot one in the chest twice with her laser pistol. The beams burned through his light armour and he toppled. They were solidly built little machines so the damage was probably repairable. Blaster took a particle beam hit in the shoulder from the other Casseticon that burned through his armour.

Blaster shot the Casseticon in the chest with his rifle, frying the Casseticon's primary and secondary systems. He fell. "You okay Crimson?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said. "Just leaking some 'mech fluid, that's all. But my top speed is down until repaired."

"We need to scram," said Blaster. "The big scrapheap is still around."

Stryke transformed, changing from driving all out to an all out run. Two Casseticons appeared ahead of him. He opened fire with his pistol. The rapid recycle laser gun unleashed a storm of fire against the Casseticons. One of their particle beams hit him in the left thigh. His pulses burned through their chest armour and dropped them both.

The Overseer turned the corner. It was easily as big as Ultra Magnus. Smoke drifted from a wound on its upper right torso. One shoulder held a missile launcher and the other held a gun pod. Its right forearm had transformed into a blaster cannon. "Uh oh," said Stryke as he limped for cover behind a building. His cannon blast missed and then his world became thunder.

An energy bolt missed him by centimeters and blew a large hole in a building two hundered meters away. Cannon shells tore the armour on his left side to pieces before ripping into the building he managed to hide behind. A volley of rockets smashed into the building and detonated. The Overseer fed energy bolts into it.

Pieces of debris and stray cannon shells zipped around Stryke. His cover was being chewed to pieces. Then he saw the building begin to teeter. "Oh scrap," he said as rubble rained down upon him.

"Stryke!" Crimson screamed. The Overseer turned towards the fembot. Crimson dashed behind a building as strobing cannon fire flashed towards her.

"Die Autobots!" the Overseer rumbled. "All who do not submit to Straxus will be destroyed!"

"Don't think so," said a voice behind the Overseer. It turned to Shellshock in tank form. Both of his cannons were fully charged. Dual bolts slammed into the Decepticon's chest. Armour exploded away from the impact point, revealing sparking insides and ruined machinery. The Decepticon tottered, took a step, and then fell face down into the street. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall," said Shellshock transforming into 'bot form.

Overload drove up beside his partner. "Okay, lets get this rubble cleared off Stryke and the wounded loaded onto me. Hurry. I don't think all the engine sounds out there are from thrall Autobots."

"Got it," said Blaster. The big 'bot hurried over to the rubble and begin tossing chunks of it away. Shellshock joined him. Crimson kept a look out.

"Hurry up guys," she said.

"Hold on," said Shellshock. "He's thrashing under there. We'll have him out in a couple a dozen astroseconds."

"Or sooner," said Blaster as he tossed away a giant slab. The engine sounds grew louder.

Shellshock removed another piece. "Hey Stryke! How ya feeling?"

"Like scrap," said the Autobot. He pushed a piece off him. "Help me with the rest of this stuff."

"Guys!" screamed Crimson. "Trouble!"

A violet and a yellow car were racing towards them. They were still far away, but that wouldn't be the case for much longer. Both of them had double barreled cannon on their roofs. "Drag Strip and Dead End," said Blaster. "Trouble is right."

"They're all around us," said Shellshock. The engine noises got a lot louder.

"Remember me?!" a voice roared from an alley. A huge violet and grey truck charged out into the street, aiming straight for Overload's side. The impact smashed the Autobot across the street and through the side of a building. Motormaster transformed into robot mode, his cyclone gun in one hand and energized sword in the other. "Remember me Overload? I'm the king of the road and you're all scrap!"

[LadyTevar]

I quote Nitram, Overload's creator:

Oh *HELL* no. It's on, bitch.

[Imperial Overlord]

"Motormaster!" Crimson yelled, her left hand shining with a pink radiance. "Catch!" she shouted as she hurtled the energon grenade at the Decepticon. It struck him in the chest, detonating in a storm of pink lightning which crawled over his body. He fell backward.

"Hey," said Dead End. "Did you see what that Autobot just did to Motormaster?"

"Yeah," said Drag Strip. "Let's kill her last." Both Decepticons opened up with their roof mounted guns.

"Scrap," said Shellshock as he took Stryke's hand and pulled the smaller Autobot out of the rubble and into cover. He fired his own shoulder mounted cannon, but the blast missed Dead End by ten meters.

Stryke got to his feet as Crimson ducked beside him. Blaster fired on the Stunticons, who swerved and took cover. "Okay," said Blaster, "lets get going while the going - AHHH!" As shower of laser bolts struck him from the side. A grey and red Stunticon, Wildrider, ducked back into cover. Motormaster got back up as Shellshock fired on the building which Wildrider had ducked behind. The explosion blew a large chunk of it into the street.

Motormaster fired. The blast from his cyclone gun smashed Shellshock off his feet and sent him sprawling. The Decepticon warrior charged shouting "die Autobots!"

Crimson and Stryke scrambled back. Motormaster lost his footing on a piece of debris and fell. He got up. "You'll pay for that!"

"Motormaster!" shouted Overload. The Autobot had emerged from the building and brandished his sword. "It's on!" Motormaster growled and charged Overload. Their swords met in a spray of energon.

"Weakling Autobot!" Motormaster shouted. "I'll grind you to dust!". He pushed hard, forcing Overload back.

Wildrider, Drag Strip, and Dead End all emerged from cover and trapped the Autobots in crossfire. Stryke raised his laser pistol above the cover and fired blindly at Wildrider. Chunks of rubble were blown to pieces of slagged by Stunticon fire. "We're running out of cover," said Blaster.

"How bad is it?" asked Crimson.

"Bad, but I can still fight," said Blaster.

"I think he dislodged half my circuit boards," complained Shellshock. "Ahh. Not good."

Overload slipped and fell to one knee. Motormaster smashed his sword to the side and raised his for a finishing strike. Overload pivoted and kicked out, knocking the Decepticon's right leg out from under him. "You always were a sucker Motormaster," said Overload as her regained his feet.

The Decepticon roared and jumped to his feet. Overload ducked and stabbed, slipping passed Motormaster's guard and punching through the armour over his hip. Circuits sizzled and Motormaster staggered back. "Can't even put a guy down after sucker punching him. Some warrior you are."

Motormaster roared and pulled out his cyclone gun. "Cheater," said Overload as he dove back into the ruined building. Motormaster blew holes all the way through the building which blew chunks of rubble into the opposite street. "If Astrotrain hadn't stolen my rifle I would show you what a gunfight is really like."

The Stunticons closed in, tightening the noose around the trapped Autobots. "Anyone have a plan?" asked Shellshock. "We could use a good one right now." Another volley of Motormaster's fire collapsed the building Overload was sheltering in. "Scrap," said Shellshock. "Could this get any worse?"

Tires screeched, signaling the arrival of another vehicle. "Just what we need," said Shellshock, "Vehicons." The car raced toward them, not slowing at all. She smashed into Dead End, sending the Stunticon flying over her hood as she sped ahead, transformed, took a flying leap and roll. She had a laser pistol in her hand and she poured shots out at Drag Strip. The Decepticon retreated behind cover in the face of Elita-1's fierce fire. "What are you waiting for boys?" she said. "Let's get out of here while the getting is still good!"

"Die, Elita-1!" roared Motormaster as he leveled his cyclone gun. Thunder rolled through the air as an intense bolt of golden light smashed him in the chest and off of his feet.

Smoke rose from Shellshock's shoulder cannons. "I think not," he said.

Motormaster rose to his feet and leapt high into the air, rising high above the battlefield and not making himself an easy target. "Stunticons!" he roared. "Form Menasor!" All of them leapt up and converged on their despised leader. As much as they despised Motormaster, they had wounds and humiliations to avenge. They converged. Menasor descended. The impact of his landing shook every building within a kilometer.

"Menasor crush puny Autobots!" he roared and advanced. He was armed with Motormaster's sword and cyclone gun, which had transformed into larger versions to fit their new wielder. "None can stand before Menasor!"

"Scrap," muttered Shellshock. He transformed and rolled away, but his gun battery form wasn't fast. He raised his cannons and fired. Menasor took the hit in the chest and kept on coming. Shellshock hit him again. Menasor teatered, but did not fall. Instead he advanced and pulled back his leg.

The kick sent Shellshock flying across the street and through the wall of another building. Menasor turned to the other Autobots. "Menasor crush you all!"

"Crimson," said Elita-1."Your energon grenade! Now!"

"But against Menasor-"

"Do it!"

Crimson summoned a grenade. Her energon supplies were getting low, but she could muster this. Then everything froze. Everything but Elita-1.

She had to work fast. Activating the temporal deharmonizer was an extreme stress to her system. While it lasted the local flow of time was suspended for everyone but her. She grabbed the energon grenade from Crimson's hand and ran at Menasor. She leapt, her feet touching Menasor's thigh, and sprung up from there. The wounds from Shellshock's cannons were clearly visible. She slammed the grenade home in the deepest gash and then dropped back, rolling, and regaining her feet.

The stasis field failed. She half fell forward. Crimson caught her and staggered under Elita's mass. Menasor took a step forward and raised his foot to crush the female Autobots. The grenade went off.

"MRAAAAAAH!" screamed the titan as he staggered back and fell into the building behind him. Parts of it collapsed on top of him.

"Elita!" shouted Crimson.

"Go," said Elita. "System overstressed, energon depleted. Repairs, refuel."

"Easy Elita," said Crimson as she held up the much larger 'bot. There was a tremendous crash and the sound of sliding rubble as Overload freed himself from the rubble.

He looked around. "I hate it when I miss the best parts," he joked. He surged free of the debris. "I suppose someone has to haul the wounded. He transformed. "Everyone inside." The other Autobots piled in. Shellshock's bulk barely fit in.

"Cramped in here," said Stryke, wedged between Elita-1 and Shellshock. The door slammed close and Overload accelerated rapidly. Debris shifted as Menasor rose and what was left of the building reburied the giant.

"Sorry about the lack of accommodations," said Overload. "I keep meaning to put in some nice gel padding."

"Sure," said Shellshock, "that's what you said last time."

"I meant it last time."

"And the time before that?"

"Going to have to cut the banter short," said Overload. "Dreadwings in bound."

"How many?" asked Crimson.

"Six."

"Scrap."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Dirge," said Deathstrike as he hurried to catch up to the other Decepticon. "Wait."

"What is it?" said the Seeker. "There's been an Autobot raid. A big one."

"I know," said Deathstrike. They were the only Cybertronians in the corridor. "I could use a flier on my wing."

"I am senior," said Dirge. "Your not Megatron's pet anymore. You guard my wing, not the other way around."

"Right," said Deathstrike. "Either way, whoever is making attack runs could use some cover."

"Form up with me," said Dirge. Deathstrike matched his stride. They passed a door to storage room and Deathstrike halted. Dirge took two steps before he realized that the larger 'bot wasn't with him. Deathstrike's right arm was raised and pointing at the Seeker's back. He fired.

The x-ray laser sliced across Dirge's shoulders in a high intensity, wide aperture beam. The Seeker's arms went limp and main systems crashed from the massive amount of damage inflicted. Deathstrike fired again, a single wide aperture pulse striking Dirge in the left side and another pulse dead center, just above the hips. The Decepticon toppled.

Deathstrike opened the door and grabbed Dirge's legs, dragging the Seeker into the room and closing the door behind him. He flipped Dirge face up and removed several armour panels. He spliced wires together, reconnected the systems he needed.

"Why?" Dirge whispered. "You were back in."

"Death is better than what I endured and death is better than living as Straxus's minion," said Deathstrike. "He has reduced Decepticons, Megatron's warriors, to his degraded slaves. "

"They'll kill you, no matter what you do to me."

"My problem." He rose up. "On the other hand, what I do next is very much your problem. Give me your access codes. I want to know what is in that transmission. You're assigned to Havoc's crew. You know. And if you don't tell me, I'll cut out your memory circuits and I'll crush your spark. Cracking your encryption will take a while and I might lose the data. But you'll be dead. I'll be very, very thorough about that. So the question is Dirge, do you want to live?"

"Straxus will kill me."

"He's not here. You can come up with a lie that he might believe. You have a good chance. I, on the other hand, will most definitely kill you. Now. Choose."

"Alright," said the Decepticon. "You fried my transmitter."

"Yes," said Deathstrike. "You can still send with about a range of ten meters. Send. Good. You get to live." He reached into Dirge's chest and pulled out a fistful of circuits. "But I don't need you conscious and I don't need your autorepair systems fixing the damage before I'm long gone."

He left the room, sealing it behind him and headed towards the communication's center. A Decepticon he didn't recognize was there. "Leave," he ordered.

"On whose authority?"

"Ratbat's. Leave. Now. Or you'll find out there's other ways to die than being tossed into the smelting pit." The other Decepticon left. Deathstrike sent in Dirge's access codes. Data streamed by. Then an image appeared.

"Megatron to Cybertron. Come in Shockwave. I have found a rich energy source and I need reinforcements to deal with Prime and seal my victory once and for all." Spacial coordinates followed.

"Megatron," Deathstrike whispered. "My lord. You live. You live." His right hand curled into a fist. "Megatron lives!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earth, Now

Rumble and Frenzy were clearing away the earth, flinging dirt and rocks flying back as the worked. The small Decepticons had rapidly expanded the excavation area. The humans were lined up near the edge of the pit. "Please don't kill us," Sharon said.

"Silence fleshling," said Megatron.

"Hey Megatron," said Rumble. "I think we found his head."

"Excellent. Keep digging." The little 'bots cleared the dirt away.

"Not much in the way of a face," said Frenzy.

"He's pretty damaged," agreed Rumble as he cleared away more dirt. "Hey he doesn't have a face at all. Megatron! It's Shockwave!"

"What? What's he doing here?"

"Maybe he came looking for us?" said Thundercracker.

"Yes," said Megatron. "Loyal Shockwave. Unearth him. Quickly. We need to get him back to base and repaired." His eyes flashed red.

"Megatron," said Soundwave. "Buzzsaw reports Autobots approaching from the Southwest."

"Keep working," Megatron ordered. "Buzzsaw and Laserbeak are to remain in the air." He pointed towards a pair of canyon walls. We'll make our stand here." He pointed to a colum of earth in the Southwest part of the canyon-maze.. "On my mark, Skywarp teleport to that point."

"You got it."

"Hey," said Rumble. "What about the humans?"

"Yeah," added Frenzy. "What about them?"

"The Autobots won't fire on you as long as you have them as shields and you aren't part of the fighting," said Megatron. "As long as they stay put, do nothing to them. If one runs, kill the fleshling." He turned to address the rest of his warriors. "Let's give Prime a warm reception."

[Imperial Overlord]

Cybertron, Now

The Dreadwings swooped down from the sky to prepare their attack runs. "Some of you," said Overload, "may have noticed I make a rather large target. They might not have the most powerful weapons, but enough hits will do the trick."

"What?" quipped Shellshock. "I thought your thick hide was impervious to everything."

"Funny."

"Oh right. It's only impervious to good sense. My mistake. Stryke, move your arm. Have to get through. Sorry Crimson." Crunch. "Sorry about your hand Stryke." As the big Autobot squeezed his way passed his fellows towards Overload's side door, the lead Deadwings began their attack runs.

The were slim bodied, single engine fighters with bat-like wings. Two side mounted blaster cannons opened fire as the lead Dreadwing swooped down. The guns fired a shot every second. The second Dreadwing followed. The cannons cratered Cybertron's battered streets and blew chunks out of buildings. On bolt grazed Overload, another struck his roof.

"Ow!" said Overload. "If you don't do something quick, you'll be walking home."

"Don't rush me," said Shellshock as he leaned out the door. Dreadwings were lining up on Overload.

Two missiles fired from Shellshock's shoulder rack, streaking through the air towards the Dreadwings. The leader swerved to the right, nearly clipping a building with his wing. He overcorrected, ducked down and ended up heading straight for a building. He pulled a hard left and headed up, narrowly avoiding a collision and temporarily removing him from the fight.

The other Dreadwing dodged left, but the missile still tracked. It detonated in Dreadwing's belly, flipping the Decepticon plane's tail up so it went top first into a nearby building. The wall disintegrated in an explosion of steel and glass as the Decepticon buried itself in the building's center.

"Nice," said Overload. The next two Dreadwings descended for an attack run.

"For the love of Primus," Shellshock muttered. "Can't we get any air support?"

"Maybe we should have given the Decepticons more than two cubes," said Crimson.

"Maybe," said Overload, "and maybe Warhulk has an energy hoard the size of Ratbat's skim waiting for the day. No use crying over it now."

The Dreadwings dived down. Shellshock fired a missile at each. The lead Dreadwing jinked up a the last minute, dodging the shot. The trailing Dreadwing took a hard left, interposing a building between it and the missile. The explosion filled the street with broken glass and bright edged metal fragments and the Dreadwing pulled up into the open sky and looped back to rejoin the pack.

"Scrap," said Shellshock as the leader opened up. Blaster bolts smashed holes in the street, blew out a chunk of Overload's roof, and struck Shellshock in the chest. The big Autobot tumbled out of Overload with sparks sizzling in the hole in his chassis. The lead Dreadwing swooped down on the stationary target.

Overload slammed on the breaks and lurched sideways. "Shellshock!"

"Eat this!" Shellshocked screamed and fired his last two rockets. Both struck the Dreadwing in the belly, blowing the Decepticon in half. The front half tumbled down the street. The rest came apart in the air and rained scrap on everything below it.

Stryke staggered out of Overload's door. His shoulder cannon was powerful, but slow firing and it didn't track targets rapidly. He was built for ground combat and did it well. It was a poor choice of weapon against the Dreadwings. His rapid fire laser pistol, on the other hand, had the punch and rate of fire necessary to make it good for sending Dreadwings to the repair bay and the scrap heap.

The sudden death of their comrade had convinced the Dreadwings to pull up and abort any attack runs. Stryke encouraged them with a flurry of laser bolts. "They'll be back," said Stryke. "They'll just hang back and take more time to shoot us to pieces."

Blaster transformed and helped pull Shellshock back inside. "Hey," he said. "I'm picking up a transmission." He played it.

"Autobots, come quickly. I can hide you from the Decepticons." An image followed, a map overview with a highlighted trail.

"Could be a trap," said Shellshock.

"We're already trapped," said Crimson.

"Point," said Overload as he accelerated away and then made a hard left. The road sloped down into a tunnel.

"Hey, at least its a roof over our heads," said Blaster.

"Yeah," said Shellshock. "All the Decepticons have to do is blast both ends and wait for their buddies to arrive to dig us out of the rubble one by one."

"You're a cell half empty kind of 'bot, aren't you?" said Blaster.

"It's a cell half empty kind of life," Shellshock replied. Overload took a turn and they left the tunnel, emerging under a bridge. He took another turn and followed a road that lead down before pulling into a garage. "They'll search this whole area. They're sure to find us."

"They will not," said maroon and grey Autobot as he stepped into the room. He was tall, with a long flexmetal beard and mustache. "You must transform and come with me quickly."

The Autobots exited Overload as he transformed. "Several of us are badly damaged," said Crimson. "Our emissions will be distinctive and poorly shielded. They will pick us up easily." She had been a survey 'bot in her civilian life. When it came to sensors, she knew her stuff.

He lead them into a large workroom with shelves and tables covered with tools and parts. "They would, if the room wasn't specially shielded."

"This room isn't shielded," said Crimson.

"I didn't mean this room," said the 'bot. A wall slid away. "I meant that one. Go inside and place Elita in one of the CR chambers. I will join you after I have sent the Decepticons away."

"They'll scrap you," said Overload as the Autobots entered the hidden room.

"They will not. I have an active and registered thrall module. They will believe what I am saying and my rating is sufficient to shield me from casual abuse."

"How can you aid us then?" asked Crimson. "If you're thralled . . ."

"There is no time. Suffice to say the system is not perfect and I have exploited it. I will explain everything when there is time." The wall began to slide back.

"Wait!" said Crimson. "Your name?"

"I am Alpha Trion."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Straxus surveyed the Decepticon warriors gathered in his throne room. "Where is Dirge?" he asked Thrust.

"I don't know. He got his orders. He knew he had to be here."

"He will answer for this," said Straxus. "The rest of you will board Havoc and proceed to the coordinates. There you will contact Megatron and destroy him and any Decepticons who do no acknowledge my authority."

"Um, with respect lord," began Ramjet, "the Thriple Changers are powerful and all, but Megatron is Megatron. And any 'bots with him will fight, at least until it's clear they can't win. And they will be fighting with Megatron."

"Megatron will not be a concern," said Sixshot, stepping out from the back of the room. "I will deal with him."

"Uh right," said Ramjet.

"This is Sixshot. He is a Solo Transformer Assault Group and he will give you an additional edge against any opponents. Astrotrain will command this mission," said Straxus, "and Blitzwing will be his second in command. Ramjet will command the airwing. You will have four Dreadwings under your direct command. The Stunticons are being loaded into Havoc's CR chambers and they will be ready for combat by the time you reach . . whatever the locals call their dirtball. In addition there will be four Vehicons, ten Casseticons, two Overseers, and two Omicron class Sentinels.

"You will kill Megatron. You will kill any Decepticons that do not submit to my rule. And you will kill Optimus Prime and rip the Matrix from his dead chest and bring it to me. Do not fail." He let that sink in.

"Thrust."

"My lord?"

"The Autobots have been getting bolder. I want results. I want those vermin eliminated."

"Sir, I'm ah-"

"To that end, I have recalled the Insecticons. They will saturate target areas with drone 'bots to aid in the search. Find them. Crush them."

"Yes my lord."

A com panel beeped, interrupting the meeting. "What is it?" Straxus ordered.

"Com signal from space traffic control. Decepticon Deathstrike has left Cybertron's atmosphere. Request orders."

Straxus had ordered all spaceships grounded, but that hadn't directly included space capable Decepticons like Deathstrike. Deathstrike, who had once been one of Megatron's loyaler followers and who possessed his own FTL jump drive. Why else would he leave if not to try to buy his way back into favor with Megatron. Did he know about Straxus's plans or had he merely guessed. Either way, it could costs his assassins the element of surprise if he reached Megatron in time.

It didn't matter, he realized. Deathstrike's FTL couldn't match Havoc's. Megatron's spark would be extinguished before he ever arrived on the distant dustball. "Depart immediately," Straxus ordered. "And if you see that traitor Deathstrike, kill him."

[LadyTevar]

And now we meet Alpha Trion.

[Imperial Overlord]

Earth, Now

The Badlands of Alberta are a twisting maze of rocky canyons running through a barren and broken land. They appear as barren and lifeless as the moon, although appearances can be deceiving. Free standing pillars of earth and rock stand where they have been calved away from the canyon wall by erosion. "I don't like the look of this place Prime," said Ironhide. "Deadest place on Earth."

The Autobots were moving in a loose convey with Optimus Prime at the lead. Bumblebee and Cliffjumper flanked him, ready to dart off and scout the way. The ever reliable Ironhide was just behind Optimus. "Grounds not too good for driving."

"Yeah," said Brawn. The small yellow and green robot was driving next to Ironhide. "We can handle it, but human vehicles would get their tires and suspensions torn up real quick.

"If the worst we have to worry about is the driving conditions at the end of the journey," said Optimus Prime, "I'll count us lucky."

"Uh oh," said Bumblebee. "Prime, I hate to spoil the good mood but I just spotted a flying Deceptiturkey. Up high and east of us."

"I see him," said Prime. "Buzzsaw. Megatron is here."

"You sure about Megatron, Prime?" Bumblebee asked.

"Positive. This is too important for him not to be leading personally." Optimus Prime transformed, leaping up as he did so, and landed with his laser rifle in his hand. "Autobots, prepare for battle."

"Megatron," said Soundwave, "Buzzsaw reports Autobots have transformed and are approaching on foot."

Megatron smiled. "Yes Prime. Cover the rest of the ground on foot. I can use all the time you give me." He turned to his warriors. "Places!" he commanded. Soundwave, Thundercracker, and Starscream moved into position by the canyon walls. Two canyons converged into one just before opening out into the wide space where the dig site was situated. The Autobots would be forced through this choke point if they wanted to stop the Decepticons from escaping with their prize. The Autobots' advantage of superior numbers would not help them as they charged through a Decepticon shooting gallery.

"I see you Prime," said Megatron as the Autobots came into view and promptly started hugging the canyon walls for cover. He raised his fusion and fired at the canyon wall, blasting a huge mass of dirt and rock into the air. Sideswipe was knocked off his feet by the blast as a cloud of dust rolled over the Autobots. "Come and die Autobots!" Megatron shouted. "I'm waiting for you!" He laughed.

"We aughta kick their lousy tailpipes," said Ironhide.

Optimus Prime raised his rifle. "Wheeljack, Ironhide, Ratchet, Hound, and Windcharger, lay down covering fire. The rest advance to new positions and cover us." He fired, blasting a chunk of earth apart. The other Autobots joined in, laying down a heavy stream of fire that tore the canyon walls to pieces as the rest of the Autobots charged out, Brawn and Cliffjumper in the lead.

The Decepticons fell back behind walls of earth and rock. "Brilliant plan, oh mighty Megatron," said Starscream. As usual, the air commander's voice dripped the sarcasm.

"Why thank you Starscream," said Megatron sardonically. "I'm glad you approve."

"In case you haven't noticed, there's a lot more of them than us and they have the firepower to pin us here while we get overrun."

"You're as perceptive as ever Starscream. Buzzsaw, Laserbeak, attack. Now Skywarp."

"As you command Megatron," said the Seeker. There was a flash of violet light and he disappeared.

Buzzsaw and Laserbeak swooped down on the charging Autobots. Buzzsaw's mortar cannons send earth and rock flying as he cratered the canyon floor with powerful explosions. The charging Autobots dived out of the way as he swooped passed. Laserbeak followed in his wake, sending deadly beams of light into the sides of the canyons. Windcharger was hit in the shoulder and torso. He fell as the Decepticons swooped away.

Skywarp appeared on top of a column of earth and rock behind the autobot lines in a blaze of violet light. He launched a pair of missile's towards Prime's back.

"Prime!" shouted Ratchet. The Autobot leader turned to see both missiles streaking towards him. He dodged left. One missile struck earth, the other struck him in the side and detonated. The blast breached his armour and knocked him to the ground.

"I got him!" shouted Skywarp and then unleashed his twin cannons cannons against the Autobots. Explosive shells tore up the ground and into Sunstreaker, chewing through his armour and exploding inside of him. The Autobot fell, smoke pouring from half a dozen wounds.

"Now!" said Megatron as he emerged to fire. Thundercracker unleashed a stream of incendiary shells and Soundwave joined him with a volley of blaster bolts. "Starscream, cluster bomb the front ranks!"

The Decepticon air commander didn't need to be told twice. He had a good eye for weakness, on of the traits that helped secure his position. He rose into the air. "Eat this Autobots!" he screamed and fired a pair of fat missiles at the leading Autobots. The heads of the missiles broke apart and spat out bomblets the size of a human's fist that rained down behind Cliffjumper and Brawn. Explosions rolled down the canyon, filling the air with dust and shrapnel. Laserbeak and Buzzsaw wheeled for another attack run as Skywarp continued to rake the rear lines of the Autobots with cannon fire.

"Enough of this," said Wheeljack as he faced Skywarp and fired his shoulder mounted launchers. A gyro-inhibitor shells struck Skywarp in the chest and the Decepticon fell backwards off his perch.

"Nice shooting Wheeljack," said Prime as he got up. A bolt from Ironhide's gun hit Buzzsaw in the tail. The Decepticon broke off, trailing smoke.

"Bad Birdy," said Ironhide.

A smattering of Autobot fire emerged from the dust cloud to support the Autobot lead ranks. "Secure your positions!" yelled Sideswipe as he found some meager cover. "Wait for covering fire to advance!"

"I feel more secure when the Decepticreeps that are firing at me are getting their cans kicked," said Cliffjumper.

"I'm with you buddy," said Brawn. "Let's go remind Megatron that it's not just Prime who can kick his can." Both Autobots rose up, firing as they charged. The speedy Cliffjumper pulled ahead of his stronger friend.

"Argh," Thundercracker realed back, his shoulder blasted open by a shot from Cliffjumper's gun. There was a violet flash and Skywarp appeared next to Thundercracker.

"Arrogant fools," said Starscream as he raised his left arm and fired. He hit Brawn in the right shoulder and chest with his null ray, disrupting the Autobot's circuitry. He fell.

"Such heroic nonsense," said Megatron as he unleashed the fury of his fusion cannon. The front half of Cliffjumper's torso exploded. His right arm bounced off the canyon wall and his burning chassis fell to the ground.

"MEGATRON!" screamed Prime. A pair of laser blasts hit the Decepticon leader in the chest, knocking him down.

"Die Prime!" said Megatron as he pulled himself up. The blast from his fusion cannon missed Optimus by a meter. The force of the explosion knocked the Autobot leader down.

"Megatron," said Frenzy excitedly, "we got him!"

"Enough of this," said the Decepticon leader. "Soundwave, help me with Shockwave." The two massive Decepticons leapt into the pit and grabbed Shockwave under each armpit. "Decepticons, fall back." They rose up into the sky and the rest of the Decepticons joined them.

"Cliffjumper!" shouted Bumblebee as he raced to his friend's body. "Oh no! Ratchet!"

The med 'bot approached the burning wreckage. He passed a scanning beam over the remains, but he knew what the results would be even before he read them. "I'm sorry Bumblebee. He's gone."

Prime inclined his head in respect for the fallen. "We have all lost a friend today," he said. "This tragedy will not be forgotten." The rest of the Autobots bowed their heads in respect for the fallen.

Wheeljack pushed ahead to investigate the excavation site. "Hound, can you give this place a full sweep?"

The Autobot looked back. "Wheeljack there are more important things than satisfying your curiosity."

"I know, but this maybe important. Please."

"Alright." The olive green Autobot swept the area. "Multiple magnetic anomalies underground."

"Prime!" shouted Wheeljack. "I think we have something here!"

[LadyTevar]

YES!!! DINOBOTS!!!!!

[Vehrec]

*dances with Lady Tev, because Dinobots are here to play!*

[Imperial Overlord]

Earth, Three Point Two Million Years Ago

Shockwave approached the source of the anomaly detected by his ship's sensors. His unaided optics detected nothing, but the sensors on his ship were far more sensitive. Earth and stone crunched under his feet. Here. He should be right on top of it. He dug with his hand. It wasn't long before he hit metal.

An emergency beacon. Its transmitter had been destroyed upon impact, when it buried itself in the earth. It had to be from the Ark, which predated the war. The power core was still intact, enabling his ship to detect it from orbit. Inside would be data on the Ark's course just before the beacon had been launched, data that would bring him one step closer to the Nemesis and Megatron.

It had taken him a long time to begin the search. Megatron had charged him with securing Cybertron and he had. The Autobot leadership had been demoralized and fractured with Prime's disappearance. They had become reactive. It had been relatively easy to take control of the war. He had implemented the first generation of his triple changer technology to give the Decepticons an additional edge in combat and pushed hard, securing much of Cybertron's dwindling energon reserves for Decepticon use.

The Autobots response was unfocused and inconsistent. Shockwave had capitalized on the opportunity, hoarding enough energon for an offensive campaign while Autobot reserves decreased. Victory had become inevitable. He broke them and then went about securing Cybertron and adequate sources of energy to sustain the Decepticon Empire.

That had eaten so much of his time, but it had eventually allowed him to have the time and resources to undertake this search. If Megatron still functioned and was still worthy of leading the Decepticons then so be it. If he had perished or been broken, then the Empire was Shockwave's. Either way, he had to know Megatron's fate and he had to know if Prime and the Matrix still survived. Cybertron held many secrets and the Matrix was key to many of them.

His data link to his ship cut off abruptly. He swung his head and its single powerful optic towards the sky. A new star burned brightly and then faded away. His ship had been destroyed.

It would take him years to build another, but he could do that. The time it would take did not matter. What mattered was what happened in the next few cycles. Whoever destroyed his ship was likely to have detected the datalink. Would they bombard his position from orbit or would they refrain from doing? If they wanted the buoy, they would have to come down and deal with him personally.

No fire came from the sky, but a star fell toward the earth. The killer craft was entering the atmosphere. They were going to attempt to capture the buoy intact. The most logical plan of attack was close with him and destroy him with the ship's main guns. He waited for it to get closer and then began to walk towards the beacon.

The ship was a golden skinned brick, tapering at the front. Typical Autobot design. Missile pods on the flanks, bow mounted sensor cluster, dorsal and ventral cannons. A Wrecker attack ship. It had just entered his optimum attack range. With a tell-tale clicking of parts, Shockwave transformed.

The muzzle of the giant space gun aligned itself with the engine section of a the Wrecker ship. Shockwave fired at full power. A violet beam scorched the air, blinding every organic creature within two kilometers who was looking in this direction. The beam sliced through the ship's armour gutted the engines. Exploding fuel blew out of the ship's thrusters and enlarged the wound in its side as the ship went from a smooth descent to tumbling fall.

Shockwave transformed back to robot mode and watched it fall. Most robots would suffer serious injury from the fall and would be trapped in the wreck. It would be a simple matter to enter the ruined ship and dispatch the crippled Autobots one by one.

An Autobot leaped out of the falling ship, transforming as he did so. He became a transmetal monstrosity, an alternate form based on a organic predator. They had been popular in the last days of the arenas before Megatron had launched his rebellion. The gladiators who had fought on both sides of the war had retained those shapes, as did some of their imitators in the ensuing generations. This one had broad wings, a short neck, a long fang filled maw, and a pair of wing mounted missile launchers. It was Swoop and his presence meant that this had to be Grimlock's Wrecker team.

Shockwave attacked before Swoop could begin an attack run. His first shot ripped through Swoop's right wing and crippled the Autobot's ability to fly. He put two more shots into the Autobot's torso and Swoop fell from the air.

The Wrecker ship hit the ground with an earthshaking boom. Clouds of dust billowed up, obscuring Swoop's impact. Shockwave flew towards the ship. Grimlock's Wrecker team was composed of the toughest gladiators to align with the Autobot cause. Their bodies were powerful, heavily armoured, and structurally reinforced. Their chances of surviving the fall with only modest damage and being able to free themselves quickly were much higher than those of ordinary Autobots. He didn't have much time.

A wingless, four legged dragon smashed its way out of the wreckage. The dragon turned its maw towards Shockwave, roaring as he did so. He was Sludge, a member of Grimlock's Wrecker team. Shockwave shot him in the neck and twice in the torso. Even thick plates of maximum grade armour were no match for Shockwave's firepower. He blew gaping wounds in the Autobot and Sludge collapsed.

Metal squealed and tore as Grimlock and the rest of his team forced their way out of the shattered ship. The Wrecker leader was in his transmetal beast form, a huge maw mounted on a bipedal torso. The other two Wreckers were in robot mode. "Me Grimlock shred you Shockwave," the Wrecker leader growled. Grimlock had adopted the persona of a monsyllabic thug for the arenas and his followers had copied it. Shockwave found it mildly irritating.

"I think not," said Shockwave, shooting Snarl in the chest. The Autobot staggered and Shockwave shot him again, dropping him. Grimlock spewed fire all over the Decepticon, dangerously increasing his internal temperature and degrading his armour. Slag raise his rifle and fired, blowing a hole in the right side of Shockwave's chest and scrambling circuitry. The Decepticon reeled back, twisting to shield the wound from Grimlock's fire breath. The two Autobots charged.

Snarl grabbed Shockwave's right hand and forced his gun arm down. Grimlock's fang filled maw closed on the Decepticon's left shoulder and bit down. His fangs tore through Shockwave's armour and mangled struts. Lubricants spewed from severed tubes. The Autobots forced Shockwave back.

The Decepticon kicked out, knocking Snarl away from him. The Autobot got back to his feet as Shockwave leveled his gun. High energy gamma rays left a white-violet ionization track in the air as Shockwave blew a hole in the Dinobot's chest. He fired again. Snarl staggered. A third blast and he went down.

Grimlock shook Shockwave, nearly tearing his arm off before throwing the Decepticon to the ground. The Autobot breathed fire on the downed Decepticon, sending tongues of fire blooming through the wound in his shoulder. Circuits and actuators were fried, tubing melted, and power lines were cooked. If Shockwave had been another 'bot he would have screamed in agony from the massive amount of damage he had sustained.

Grimlock transformed and drew his sword. A scarlet energon corona surrounded the blade. "Me Grimlock finish Shockwave." That irritating manner of speech again.

Grimlock was almost undamaged, having come through the crash with minor damage. The one shot Shockwave had would not be sufficient to stop him. Targeting data revealed other options. The crash had greatly enlarged the damage the wound Shockwave had inflicted on the ship's aft section. The fuel tanks were vulnerable. The blast, at this range, would be devastating even with Grimlock's bulk shielding him and his prone position. He fired.

Blinding white light for a brief instance. Then everything went dark.

[LadyTevar]

*dances with Lady Tev, because Dinobots are here to play!*

That wasn't dancing...

WoW... what a FIGHT! *jumps up and down in glee*

[Vehrec]

Oh come on, you know you like my silly little Charlie Brown Christmas dance. Admit it.

And that was a good fight. Grimlock's crew works very well as Wreckers. Even if I'm not exactly clear on who or what the wreckers are other than Autobots who are off Cybertron and are out to Wreck Decepticon plans.

[Imperial Overlord]

Even if I'm not exactly clear on who or what the wreckers are other than Autobots who are off Cybertron and are out to Wreck Decepticon plans.

Elite Autobot strike teams.

[LadyTevar]

Even if I'm not exactly clear on who or what the wreckers are other than Autobots who are off Cybertron and are out to Wreck Decepticon plans.

Elite Autobot strike teams.

Which covers the Dinobots perfectly.

Also hits Rodimus' crew as well, although they don't cause as much secondary damage as the Dinobots.

[Rahvin]

Just wanted to say that I'm absolutely loving this so far, especially your portrayal of Shockwave. Keep up the good work IO.

[Imperial Overlord]

Cybertron, Now

Two Dreadwings pushed their way through the open door. They superficially resembled Seekers, although they were smaller. They lacked the arm mounted guns of their larger brethren, but the both of them had transformed their right forearm into gun barrels. Alpha Trion bowed obsequiously to the smaller Decepticons. "I live to serve."

"Heh he, I bet you do rustbucket," said the 'bot on the left. "What do you do here?"

"It pleases my masters to serve in the capacity of maintenance custodian for this region. How may I be of service to your lordly selves."

"Yeah, lordly," said the other Dreadwing. "We're looking for some renegade Autobots. Seen anything like that around?" The Dreadwing's split up, looking around Alpha Trion's shop and finding nothing but tools and parts. There was no where to hide.

"No, lord," replied Alpha Trion. "Only yourselves and the drones I service."

"Well, if you do, signal us," said the first Dreadwing.

"As you command." The Dreadwings exited the room and rose into the air before transforming and flying away. Alpha Trion sealed the door and then opened the false wall to join the Autobots on the other side. "They are gone."

"Good," said Shellshock. "I'm glad we didn't bring trouble down on your head."

"You would have been welcome regardless," said Alpha Trion. "I have been trying to recontact the Autobots for many vorns."

"Well, thanks again," said Shellshock.

"Will Elita be alright?" Crimson asked.

"Yes," said Alpha Trion. "The temporal deharmonizer consumes a great deal of energy and places a severe strain on her systems. She suffered an overstress failure which would have sent her into stasis lock, but would have ultimately been rectified by her autorepair systems. The CR chamber is doing the same job, merely faster and better."

"Optimus Prime once mentioned an Autobot named Alpha Trion," Overload said slowly. "He was one of the wisest Autobots that ever lived, according to Prime. And one of the bearers of the Matrix."

Silence greated his words. Every optic was glued to Trion. Then he spoke. "Yes, I bore the Matrix," he said at last. "I am pleased that Optimus found my avatar's advice useful."

"Hey, wait," said Stryke. "How come I've never heard of this guy? If he carried the Matrix and Optimus thought he was wise . . ." His voice trailed off, but his question remained.

"Yes, how?" Crimson asked.

"Because the information was restricted," said Overload. "That was it, wasn't it? The Council and the Senate locked it up with all the rest." The other Autobots looked at him. "I'm old," said Overload. "I was there for the first war, the one between the civilian and the military 'bots."

"It was not like that," said Alpha Trion.

"No," agreed Overload, "it wasn't just like that. And I remember what happened after the war. And probably during it, but I didn't know better. Inconvenient facts got steadily eliminated from public data bases. I remember trying to look up things after the war, things that I knew about from personal experience and they were gone."

"The Council decided to conceal certain facts and shape public opinion in the interest of future peace and security. The Senate concurred. I objected, but I was just one councilor and my prestige was waning. I was seen as behind the times. I used what leverage I could while I was on the Council to try and push for more constructive policies with an emphasis on reconciliation. The majority disagreed and my political career came to an end. The rise of Megatron validated my opinions, but I took no pleasure in that. The Decepticon War was far worse than the so-called Military War."

"That's true," agreed Overload. "Although I don't see Megatron's rise, or that of some 'bot like him, as inevitable. Sure things weren't perfect, but he was an extraordinary 'bot in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our society was basically healthy-what?" Alpha Trion was shaking his head.

"I am sorry, but you are wrong. I agreed to keep quite, in exchange for some policy concessions that I thought were worthwhile. I thought enough Senators and Councilors would come around in time. But they did not. The truth is that some kind of violent revolution was inevitable. Our misfortune is that it was lead by a warrior as ambitious and as capable as Megatron."

"Why do you say that?"

"The problems that lead to the so-called Military War were not ended by that war. They were, in fact, exacerbated by the decisions of the winners. The problems were merely suppressed and the symptoms concealed, along with all other inconvenient facts."

"I'm not so sure about that," said Overload.

"You were not forcibly reformatted into another body and forced into a job that was against your programming while denied the destiny your spark yearned for."

"Huh," said Overload. "You're speaking of the demilitarization. It wasn't like that."

"It was exactly like that. You did not see the start of the war, what it was like at the beginning."

"Maybe you should tell us," said Crimson. "We aren't going anywhere, not until these patrols die down."

"Yes," said Overload. "Tell us everything."

"Where do you want me to start?"

"From the beginning."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Havoc rose on her lifting thrusters. The Decepticon cruiser had a dark purple hull shaped like a barbed blade. Heavy cannons, point defence clusters, and tubes for ship killing missiles made Havoc the most heavily armed ship in Cybertronian space, easily capable of obliterating a Wrecker assault ship in a one on one duel. Havoc's powerful real space engines and Jump Drive made her one of the fastest ships in existence.

Astrotrain leaned back in the command throne. "Engage main drive," he ordereed. His gaze drifted to the station where Sixshot manned. The 'bot gave him the creeps. Who was he? He came from nowhere, had a fancy title, and claimed he could defeat Megatron. Megatron! What in the name of the Pit was Straxus up to? Besides not being the one to have to take Optimus or Megatron out. That possibly very fatal honor was being passed to him and Blitzwing. Have a dirty job that needs to be done, give it to the Triple Changers they'll get it done. Have a nice new governorship? Let's give that to Ratbat. He's totally corrupt and treacherous and thus entirely deserving of a reward. Scrap.

Sixshot turned to look at him. Astrotrain looked away, staring at the bridge window as if it was utterly fascinating. "Main drive on," said Ramjet.

"Bring us up to half power once we reach a thousand kilometers and full at ten thousand," said Astrotrain. "Then run the computations for the first jump sequence." He continued pretending to ignore Sixshot. This mission was really going to suck sludge.

As Havoc ignited its main drive to full power another ship entered the system. It was much smaller and a light blue in colour; a rounded slab with an sensor and weapons tower at the rear near the engines. Its sensors picked up Havoc a few moments from jump and it accelerated towards the Decepticon warship. Then Havoc vanished in a flare of photons, tachyons, and neutrinos. The space ship monitored it all and turned its attention to the world Havoc had left.

The ship had traveled a long, long way. It had been spent millions of years on its search. For a moment its mind froze. The world matched not its secondary or tertiary targets, but its primary search parameters. It double checked its sensor data and the new data it was receiving. The world was that rarest of objects, a primary target. It sent a superluminal transmission to its master and the rest of its kind, who were spread out through the cosmos, searching. Then it assumed an approach vector. It needed more data.

[Imperial Overlord]

Earth, Now

"Hook, Scrapper, I want Shockwave returned to function as soon as possible," ordered Megatron. The Decepticons were clustered around the maintenance bay. Shockwave's battered body lay on a slab while a half dozen sensors scanned his body.

"As you command, Megatron," replied Scrapper. "His damage is extensive. It will take time."

"Take whatever resources you need," said Megatron. "I need to know why he was buried on this planet instead of holding Cybertron for me."

"The answer is obvious Megatron," said Starscream. "He failed. Your chosen second in command screwed the stabilizer. If you had left Cybertron under my my control-"

"Shut up Starscream," ordered Megatron. The Decepticon air commander crossed his arms over his chest and sulked.

"We'll start with his autorepair system and his cerebral circuitry," said Hook. "That way he'll be able to assist us in his own repairs and answer your questions as soon as possible."

"Good," said Megatron. He received a transmission. "What is it Soundwave?"

"Megatron, transmission from Cybertron."

"I'm on my way." Megatron exited the maintenance bay and headed toward the communication room, the Seekers trailing in his wake. Soundwave was standing at the control console for the main scream. "Play the message Soundwave."

"As you command, Megatron."

The screen swam with static and then a face appeared. "Megatron, this is Straxus, Warden of Cybertron in Shockwave's-*screech*. I have dispatched a Decepticon task force to your location so you will have the forces to crush Optimus Prime and the-*static* once and for all. Hail Megatron!"

"So Straxus is in charge of Cybertron now? We shall see how Prime fairs when the numbers no longer favor him." Megatron clenched his left fist.

"Megatron," said Starscream, "can you trust Straxus? He may have . . . ambitions."

"Like you, Starscream?" The Decepticon leader laughed. "It doesn't matter. Whoever he sends to Earth will face me. Not even you would dare to betray me under those circumstances Starscream. Whether he intends to betray me or not, those warriors will be mine!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Gently," said Ratchet as Ironhide and Jazz laid Slag's body down in the Ark. Teletraan-1's scanners swept the Wrecker's body. "They've taken a lot of damage."

"How bad is Ratchet?" Optimus asked. "Can you fix them?"

"Pretty bad, Optimus," replied Ratchet. "Their bodies will have to be almost entirely rebuilt. Even Grimlock's. Their spark chambers survived, so they'll all make it. It's going to require a lot of work and resources."

"Whatever they need," said Prime.

"Prime," said Wheeljack, "can I talk to you for a moment."

"Of course Wheeljack. What is it?"

"We're going to have to totally rebuild their bodies, including their transformation cogs and alternate forms," said Wheeljack. "Grimlock and his team favored transmetal beasts as their alternate forms, which could hurt our relationship with the humans."

"You're right," said Optimus Prime. "We don't need anymore humans being scared of us, but we cannot impose our will upon them."

"I wasn't thinking of that Prime. It occurred to me that there is one kind of giant monster humans aren't necessarily afraid of. Dinosaurs."

"Really?"

"Human children love dinosaurs," said Wheeljack. "And some of them do generally match up with their old transmetal forms. If we rebuild them with dinosaur forms, they still have the choice of altering their forms if they want to. And we're going to have to choose new forms for them anyway, because they're in such bad shape."

"Then do it. We'll see how Grimlock and his team react to becoming Dinobots."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deep Space, Now


The ship was ancient and scarred, having been damaged and repaired many, many times. Its crew was not at all surprised to see a jump emergence a thousand kilometers away. Sensor data confirmed the identity of the arrival.

"He's early," said Cybertronian sitting on the command throne. The bridge was enshrouded completely in darkness, with the sole exception being the instrument lights.

"Maybe he discovered something important," said the one at the sensors.

"Maybe his true mission was discovered," said the the one by the gunnery controls.

"Incoming transmission," said the fourth. "A course and jump data. He wants us to leave immediately."

"Bring him on board and prepare to leave," said the commander. "Did he say why this was so important?"

"Yes," said the fourth. "Megatron. He lives and Straxus has sent assassins after him."

"Megatron," said the commander, tasting the word in his mouth. "So he lives. I look forward to meeting him and seeing if he lives up to his reputation. Prepare us for jump."

[LadyTevar]

"Megatron," said Starscream, "can you trust Straxus? He may have . . . ambitions."

Yeah, Megs should call him on that one. Talk about Pot & Kettle!

Who is Deathstrike talking to?

[Imperial Overlord]

Cybertron, Eight Point Seven Million Years Ago

Shockwave approached the apparently abandoned building. His sensors noted the transmetal stealth form watching him from the shadows. Most Cybertronians would never have detected it. He walked up to the door, knowing there was at least one other unit watching him, probably armed with a gun. The door pad was nonfunctional, but he was being monitored. He was sure of that. "I am here to speak to Megatron," he said. "I am alone."

They would know the last to be true. The door slid open. Two medium sized 'bots in green and purple were just inside the door. They both had blasters pointed at him.

The one in the lead spoke. "You better be what you say you are buddy or this is going to be the last megacycle of your life."

"I have a proposition for Megatron," said Shockwave. "It is mutually beneficial."

"That way," said the other one, pointing the way with his gun. "The big 'bot's in a bad mood. Better make it good or Soundwave will be tearing the data tracks out of what's left of your chassis."

"Understood," Shockwave replied. The corridor lead into a large room which had been converted into a repair bay. Megatron lay on a slab being worked on. The lower part of his right arm was being reattached. He was a big 'bot, almost Shockwave's size. Ninety-seven percent likely a heavy ground assault design repurposed into a hazardous environment worker. Big, strong, durable and already sporting several modifications. A half dozen robots surrounded Megatron.

"Who are you?" the gladiator asked in a gravelly voice.

"My designation is Shockwave. My areas of specialty are technical and scientific."

"I've never seen a Cybertronian that looks like you."

"That is correct. I have modified myself to better accomplish my tasks. I offer the same services to you."

"Indeed," said Megatron. The green and purple robot working on his arm reattached the joint. "What exactly is the nature of the services you offer?"

"Weapons and upgrades," replied Shockwave.

"Your services are irrelevant," said Soundwave. "Such services are already available."

"Soundwave has a point," said Megatron.

"Conventional upgrades to military specifications and conventional weapons are available," said Shockwave. "Your patrons and sponsors supply you with considerable resources but they cannot provide you with the designs I have recovered and developed on my own."

"Recovered?" asked Megatron.

"War era designs, no longer in production as well as my own enhancements of existing designs. I can make you the most powerful warriors on Cybertron."

Megatron's eyes flashed. "Tell me more Shockwave."


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cybertron, Now


"As far back as I know, Cybertron was ruled by the Quintessons," began Alpha Trion. "How Cybertron came to be, the origin of the Quintessons, and how they came to be Cybertron's rulers I cannot say. The Quintesson judges ruled Cybertron and the lesser Quintesson castes served them. They were a strange race, mostly machine but partly biological. They were cruel and merciless and, I think, frightened as well."

"Wait," said Stryke. "How come I never heard of these guys? Where do we fit in?"

"Information on the Quintesson's was suppressed," said Alpha Trion. "Their existence lead too much credence to the Expansionists goals and was a reminder of a time when military models were leaders and heroes."

Shellshock nodded. "I remember how I felt when Megatron showed us the fragments of the recovered histories"

"Indeed," said Alpha Trion. "That was what they feared, but in fearing it they made it come to pass."

"Who feared it?" asked Crimson.

"The Council," said Overload. "And the Senate. They were in a hurry to lock up inconvenient information and restrict it to the tightest data cores. So many of the older 'bots were dead or gone or on the Senate. Not many left to tell the tale." He looked at Alpha Trion.

"And those who remained were forbidden from doing so," said Alpha Trion. "But I digress. In those days there were two lines of Cybertronians being built on Cybertron and both of them were slaves. The most numerous wore the symbol that is now associated with the Autobots. They were mostly civilian models. The other symbol was the worn by Megatron. Most of them were military models and almost all of the ones that could fly wore that symbol. We maintained the planet and worked in its factories building more of our kind, weapons, spaceships, and Guardian Robots. Those were the most important.

"The Quintessons had warriors in their numbers, but their strength lay in their giant Guardian Robots. They were controlled by the master computer that ran much of Cybertron, Vector Sigma. It also, among other things, gave life to Cybertronians built in the factories. We were programmed to be Quintesson slaves, but our experiences shaped our personalities and programming. Some of yearned to be free. We called ourselves 'Autonomous Robot' or Autobots for short. I was one of them.

"I suspect the Quintessons knew we might be able to rebel. That is why they had their army of Guardians. I don't know why they continued to build us if they feared us, but there is so much about them I never learned. We Autobots gathered in secret. Open rebellion was doomed, we could not overcome the Guardians. They were too strong for us, even without the aid of Quintesson warriors. So we came up with a different plan. I worked on the last stages of giving Cybertronians life and I had some experience with Vector Sigma. I thought I could build a dedicated computer system that I could conceal within my body that would enable us to hack Vector Sigma and take control of the Guardians.

"We put the plan into motion. Many of us died, but in the end we succeeded. The surviving Quintessons fled Cybertron and we were the masters of our own destiny. We created an elected Senate to represent the will of Cybertron's inhabitants and an executive Council of some of Cybertron's wisest beings. I was chosen to be on that Council. And the Council chose a champion, the Prime.

"My computer system had downloaded much of Vector Sigma's data, including Vector Sigma's method of creating Cybertronian life. More than that, in linking with it and with Vector Sigma, it had acquired my memories and its storage capacity was vast. Within it was the knowledge on how to reformat a Cybertronian for maximum performance. Razorwing was the first to bear it and for a thousand vorns he did until he left to try and find the Quintessons. He never returned, but the next Prime had both of our memories available to him as avatars within the computer. Of course, it had a name by then. The Matrix.

"Wait!" said Shellshock. "Are you saying you built the Autobot Matrix of Leadership?"

"Yes," said Alpha Trion. "Its contact with Vector Sigma is why it is such an extraordinary device, why some believe it has supernatural powers, but I was the one who designed it, built it, and the first to carry it."

"That's why Prime spoke so highly of you," said Overload. "He knows all of this."

"Every bearer of the Matrix knows this," said Alpha Trion. "And that was why in latter years the Council was wary of its Primes. They chose candidates based on their obedience, not on their potential for greatness. The Matrix and the Primes were indispensable as symbols of the Senate's and the Council's legitimacy, but they were also potential leaders of insurrections. Honor, duty, and most of all obedience is what they wanted from the Primes."

"Until they got Optimus," said Overload with satisfaction.

"With Optimus they had no choice. But I am getting ahead of the story. Where was I? Ah yes. The Expansionists."

[LadyTevar]

Sly devil, sneaking a chapter up while I'm offline getting dinner!