Transformers: Beginning and End

[Imperial Overlord]

With a hiss the door to Elita-1's CR chamber slid open. She stepped out and raced to Alpha Trion. "Alpha!" she said with joy, embracing the elder 'bot. "I thought you were dead."

Alpha Trion smiled at her. "I survived, my dear. I have been searching for you for some time. You are quite elusive when you choose to be."

"My temporal deharmonizer," she said. "You tracked the disturbance in space-time."

"Yes, I knew you would use it in a sufficient dire circumstances. I'm pleased to see the strain to your system is so easily repaired."

"You don't have to suffer it," she said, breaking away. "And it was worse this time than most. Too many additional strains."

"I warned you about this," said Alpha Trion.

"I know," she replied. "I wanted the most powerful ability to give me and you told me the consequences. What have you been up to?"

"In general? Finding a way around the thrall modules and infiltrating Straxus's systems. Specifically? Giving these young 'bots-"

"Who is he calling 'young 'bots'?" rumbled Overload.

"-my version of history," finished Alpha Trion.

"Please continue," said Elita-1.

"As you wish. Where was I? Ah yes, the Expansionists. For a time there was peace on Cybertron. We made the planet and its moons our own and grew in numbers and knowledge. Some wanted to go further, faster. Some to explore, others to hunt down the Quintessons, others to make new colonies and expand, and lastly some to build an empire. Most of them wore what is now the Decepticon symbol. The Isolationists opposed them, to one degree or another. Almost all of them wore the Autobot symbol, although in those days we were all Autobots.

"I think the Quintessons had designed our core programming differently. We who bear the Autobot symbols were designed to be the maintainers of empire. A few warrior models mixed in with civilians. The ancestors of the Decepticons were to be the conquerors, the expanders of empire. It isn't universally true, but it seems to fit the circumstances. I'm wandering aren't I?"

"Please continue," said Overload.

"Yeah," said Shellshock. "That explains a lot actually."

"Yes, well, anyway," continued Alpha Trion, "the Expansionists were a minority and they didn't get their way. This lead to some conflict. Some extremists tried to force the issue and their was a heavy handed crackdown. Autobots on both sides died. The crisis escalated and we were soon at war. The Isolationists won and the Expansionists were either killed, forced into exile, or forcibly reformated into civilian designs. They were also stripped of the designation 'Autobot'. The majority of the Council and Senate had decided that the best way to prevent another war was to utterly suppress the military models.

"For a time it worked. All new military models were reformatted to fit civilian roles, usually hazardous hard labour given their durability and strength. They were disenfranchised from the political process and kept at the bottom of the economic ladder while the Senate and Council manipulated the situation to grow rich off their labour."

"Then came Megatron," said Overload.

"Yes," said Alpha Trion. "Megatron who fomented chaos before attacking and who armed himself and his most powerful lieutenants with weapons that were capable of destroying Guardian Robots. Sentinel Prime fell to him and the Matrix would not accept the Council's candidate. It insisted on choosing its own."

"It can do that?" asked Stryke.

"In this case, it did," replied Alpha Trion. "I was no longer on the Council at the time, but they sent a number of candidates to be Prime to it. It rejected them all until they sent the archivist Orion Pax. They thought him obedient and biddable, but the Matrix saw his true strength and chose him. The Council and the Senate wouldn't survive Megatron, but Optimus would have swept away the old order as well."

"Too bad we lost him," said Overload.

"We didn't," said Blaster.

"What?" said Elita-1.

"Sorry," said Blaster. "That's what I found out. Megatron and Prime are alive. Megatron sent a message to Cybertron, asking for reinforcements."

"We have to get back to headquarters," said Elita.

Alpha Trion turned towards his sensors. "Decepticon patrols have diminished. It should be safe to venture out."

"Let's go," said Elita.

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

The scout descended towards Cybertron. A transmission was directed at him. He ignored it and continued towards Cybertron's surface. As he neared a dark city-scape, two Dreadwings rose up towards him. The scout fired, striking the Dreadwing on the right in the sensor cluster and disintegrating it and most of its cerebral circuitry. The Decepticon fell from the sky.

The other fired upon the scout, but he dodged and kept on coming. He rammed into the Dreadwing's wing, tearing it off. The Dreadwing tumbled through the air. The huntsman circled his downed prey and descended. The first Dreadwing had crashed hard, but the second one managed a landing. The huntsman transformed and dropped almost on top of him.

The Dreadwing turned and saw a 'bot a bit on the big side. It had a dark flexmetal mustache and beard and bat-like wings. It wore the Decepticon symbol on its chest and its fingers ended in rose coloured claws. It fired its left gun-arm and the blaster bolt struck the huntsman in the chest. It didn't stop.

It tore off the Dreadwing's weapon-arm and clawed out its optics. The Dreadwing transformed its other arm and tried to bring the gun to bear, but claws closed on its shoulder and riped its arm off. A powerful fist smashed it off its feet and then the huntsman reached out to rip away its chest armour and plunder its insides. Mercifully the Dreadwing lost consciousness.

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Deep Space, Now

"So," said Arcee, "we're in the general region that the transmission came from, but no other signs of Cybertronian life."

"That's the breaks kid," said Kup. He pointed at a star chart and traced a cone. "It could have come from any of these systems."

Hotrod suppressed a groan. "Any way of narrowing that down?"

"Without some more data, no," said Kup.

"Maybe," said Breakout.

"What do you have kid? asked Kup.

"Transmissions," said Breakout. "They aren't from Cybertronic life, but if there's an advanced civilization out here we might not be the first one to notice it."

"Good thinking," said Hotrod.

"That doesn't mean its Prime," said Kup.

"No," said Hotrod, "but they might know where to find him. And we have a duty to warn them about the Decepticons. Breakout, lay in a course for wherever the transmissions come from."

[Vehrec]

*clutches his chest dramatically* Such power. . . such speed. You are not the author I once read Imperial Overlord. This is a great and wonderous story, a race to the finish line, and a history lesson all in one.

. . . and who uses Huntsmen like that I wonder. It seems familiar somehow.

[LadyTevar]

Unicron. He's bringing Unicron.

[Vehrec]

Unicron. He's bringing Unicron.

I was hoping you wouldn't say that Ma'am. But if Unicron is coming, then I can only hope Prime returns in time to Light Our Darkest Hour.

[Imperial Overlord]

Cybertron, Eight Point Seven Million Years Ago

A buzzing sound announced the presence of a visitor outside Shockwave's laboratory. He looked up from his work table. "Display." A flickering holo image of his visitor appeared in front of him. "Allow entrance," he commanded. The door slipped open and Shockwave turned to greet his visitor. "Megatron."

"Shockwave," Megatron replied. The gladiator swung his head around to scan the lab. It was devoid of personal touches or sentimental keepsakes, containing only work benches, projects, and machines. It suited its inhabitant perfectly. "We have much to discuss."

Shockwave evaluated the possibility that Megatron had decided to eliminate him. The gladiator was almost as large and even more physically powerful than he was. Megatron also had the advantage of extensive experience in close quarters fighting and built in weaponry. The situation appeared to favor Megatron. Appearances were deceiving. Shockwave spread his hands in a gesture calculated to disarm and align his right arm with Megatron's chassis. "Do we?" Shockwave asked, ready to transform his hand into a cannon and blow holes through Megatron's armour with beams of high energy gamma rays.

"Yes, we do," said Megatron as he approached. "You're not in this for the money," said Megatron. "So what are your motives?"

"I have no intention of betraying you to the authorities," said Shockwave.

Megatron laughed. "Oh, I'm quite sure about that. I had you thoroughly checked out before I allowed you to find me."

"By Soundwave," said Shockwave. "You must realize that he works for an establishment figure who intends to profit, either financially or politically, off the disruption you will cause without allowing you to succeed."

"Ah Shockwave, that's exactly what I'm here to talk to you about. My larger goals. I am pleased that you have already grasped this."

"You are too intelligent not to realize that your current career is anything other than a death sentence. The signs that you are building a larger, revolutionary movement are readily discernible. It is interesting that you are unconcerned about Soundwave's loyalty."

"Soundwave has reached the pinnacle of his career as Senator Ratbat's bagbot," replied Megatron. "He can rise no higher and he knows too much. Once he outlives his usefulness he will be eliminated. I, on the other hand, off a much more appealing future. The question is, what appeals to you Shockwave? With your scientific and technical acumen, you could have had any number of prestigious posts. Instead you are designing weapons and modifications for gladiators and revolutionaries."

Shockwave revised his appraisal of Megatron's intelligence upward. "Limited posts allowing the research of limited subjects granted by robots of limited vision," answered Shockwave. "The secrets of this planet, any form of long range exploration, our history itself, anything with military application or potential to seriously disrupt the status quo is forbidden. They would keep us small, ignorant, under their thumb. I will not be thwarted and denied my full potential by them."

Megatron smiled. "Good Shockwave. We are of like minds in this matter. Will you follow me?"

"As long as you are worthy."

Megatron's eyes glowed and he laughed. "Excellent. Our numbers increase daily and thanks to Senator Ratbat's ambitions we have the firepower to equal the Autobot Elite Guard. Most of my warriors have been refitted to military specifications. There remains one obstacle."

"The Guardian Robots."

"Yes. They tipped the scales in favor of the Autobots during the first war. We must have a counter to them."

"You want me to design new weapons, weapons powerful enough to bring down the Guardians."

"Yes," said Megatron, "but you have done so already. Yes Shockwave, I know your secret. Your body is energy inefficient, but it is designed to handle massive amounts of power and contains a nuclear reactor as an additional power source. There can only be one purpose to such modifications. I want you to design more weapons and alternate modes like you possess. Whatever resources you need will be provided. That is the first half of the solution."

"What is the second half?"

"You are not the only one interested in Cybertron's secrets Shockwave. It lies with the history of this world Shockwave. Warriors from our ancient past, driven from Cybertron and and almost obliterated from history when they would not surrender and be reformatted." Beams shot from his eyes, showing five ancient Cybertronian warriors. They transformed and merged together. "Have you ever heard of Predaking?"

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Cybertron, Now

The Autobots raced through the darkened and desolate streets of one of Cybertron's dead cities. "Not too much longer now," said Stryke. "We're close to base, sir."

Alpha Trion nodded in acknowledgment. He was sitting in Overload's forward compartment. "Thank you, but you should be paying more attention to your surroundings. It is critical that we do not accidentally reveal your base to the Decepticons."

"Sorry sir, you're absolutely right," said Stryke. The abashed 'bot pulled away from Overload.

Overload chuckled. "Oh my, now he's going to be too embarrassed to talk to you for a vorn."

"Young 'bots," said Alpha Trion.

"Tell me about it," said Overload, "and I'm not even the builder of the Matrix of Leadership."

"It isn't a religious icon," began Alpha Trion.

"You mean it wasn't a religious icon," began Overload. "Uh oh. Trouble."

"Where?" asked Alpha Trion.

"Flyer. Shadowing at building level. Unfamiliar design. Trouble people. Look sharp. He could come at us from any side."

"There he is!" yelled Shellshock as the spacecraft swooped at them from the left, flying barely above road level. Shellshock traversed his turret towards the oncoming spaceship. He managed to get it two-thirds of the way there before an intense violet beam hit him in the treads and raked up to his turret, blasting away metal in an incandescent flash. Shellshock screamed in agony as he spun three hundred and sixty degrees and then flipped over. Sparks shot into the air as the wounded Autobot went into a slow skid on his right track.

The huntsman transformed and skidded through the space that Shellshock had vacated. Overload cut his speed and ejected Alpha Trion, transforming to confront the huntsman. Stryke, at the head of the pack, stopped and transformed while Crimson turned sharply from his side and darted back in vehicle form.

Elita-1 was right in front of the huntsman as he transformed. She pulled a bootlegger turn to kill her velocity, transforming and ejecting Blaster at the end of it. They met huntsman head on.

The huntsman extended his carbine and fired. Two incandescent flashed marked the impact points on Blaster's chest as the bolts ate through armour and devoured circuitry. The big Autobot toppled.

Elita-1 leapt. She knocked his carbine to the side, but a right hand strike in return ripped open her abdomen, leaving the huntsman with handful of wiring and oily tubing. . The Autobot dived away from the hunter and made a handstand, kicking him in the head with an outstretched leg. "Get him boys," she called.

Overload lumbered towards the hunter, gaining momentum with each step. His energon sword crackled as he advance. Sword versus claws rarely ended well for the claws. The huntsman brought his carbine to bear. "Damned Astrotrain," Overload muttered.

He was close, he was big, he was tough, and his armour was heavy. Against most opponents, it would have been more than enough. The hunter shot him once in each thigh. The beam vaporized armour as well as servos and actuators. The Autobot fell face forward three sword lengths from his enemy.

"No!" screamed Elita as she raised her pistol. Crimson had transformed, but he friends were too close to use an energon grenade without catching them as well. Elita-1 fired.

The laser beam struck the huntsman in the chest and scored his armour. He fired and Elita-1 fell with a crater in her chest. Overload groaned and half pulled himself up. The hunter stepped inside his reach and kicked Overload hard in the head, flipping the huge 'bot over and scrambling his cerebro-circuitry. The huntsman's gun swung to track Crimson.

Stryke emerged from behind Shellshock, his line of fire finally cleared. His rapid cycle laser pistol was almost useless against this monster. He fired his shoulder cannon. A golden bolt hit the hunter directly on the Decepticon symbol. The hunter staggered and swung his gun. Stryke fired again, hitting the hunter in the right shoulder and half spinning him. Armour had been breached by both hits. Stryke fired twice more, hitting the hunter in the torso both times. He fell and lied still, fluids bubbling in his wounds.

"Who in the name of the Matrix was that," groaned Overload, "and please tell me that Straxus doesn't have any more like him."

[LadyTevar]

Nitram: Sunnova Crap. Scourge.

Tev: I TOLD YOU! UNICRON IS COMING!

[Vehrec]

I'll be hiding over here. Crying my eyes out. Because I don't see how Cybertron can be saved.

...but why do the servants of Unicron wear the Decepticon symbol?

[Imperial Overlord]

...but why do the servants of Unicron wear the Decepticon symbol?

That will be explained. Eventually.

[LadyTevar]

I'll be hiding over here. Crying my eyes out. Because I don't see how Cybertron can be saved.

...but why do the servants of Unicron wear the Decepticon symbol?

We have PRIME!
And this time he won't die and there will be no Rodimus.

[Imperial Overlord]

Earth, Now

There was a flicker as his cerebral circuits came back on line. Data streamed in. Most systems offline. Repair systems operating at thirty eight percent. Optic sensors coming online now. Static and fuzz, now clearing. Hook. Vocalization module operation. "Hook. Report current status."

"You're in a repair bay. Me and Scrapper are fixing you as fast as we can."

Scrapper appeared within Shockwave's field of vision. "Megatron, report to repair bay. Shockwave is conscious."

"Megatron functions," said Shockwave. "Good. Current location and situation?"

"We're on Earth, the planet we dug you up on," said Scrapper. "The Ark crashed here about fifty thousand vorns or four million Earth years ago. Megatron and his troops were doing a boarding operation. Both Autobots and Decepticons resumed functioning three years ago. Two years ago we were passing through the star system and picked up transmissions indicating Megatron was here. We came to join him."

The door to the repair bay swished open and Megatron entered Shockwave's field of vision. "Ah Shockwave. It is good to see your repairs are progressing."

"Hail Megatron. I came here to find you. It is ironic that you end up rescuing me instead."

"So that is why you left Cybertron."

"Autobot leadership fractured without Prime to hold them together. I gained the upper hand and stabilized our position before coming to find you. Grimlock ambushed me."

"Tell me," said Megatron, "why did you leave Straxus in charge?"

"I did not. I left Cybberax as Warden of Cybertron. If Straxus is in charge it is overwhelmingly likely that he launched a successful coup. What are the local conditions?"

"The planet is dominated by a primitive but technically inclined race of organics called humans. The Autobots are allied with them and possess similar numbers."

"Did you succeed in destroying the Wreckers that were buried with me."

Megatron froze for a moment. "Blast it. We discovered no Autobots there!"

"They must have been buried deeper. If they can be restored to function it will exacerbate the Autobots numerical advantage. This must be countered."

"Straxus is sending troops."

"Straxus may intend treachery, but it is unlikely that any Decepticon warrior will betray you in a direct confrontation regardless of Straxus's orders. Optimal meeting conditions would be you meeting them with me at your side, stressing the power and legitimacy of your rule."

"Your advice remains excellent as always Shockwave. Hook, Scrapper, continue repairs. I want Shockwave functional as soon as possible."

Scrapper saluted, banging his fist against his chassis. "As you command Megatron."

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

Cybertron, Now

The wounded Autobots groaned to a stop inside Autobot headquarters and transformed. "What in the name of Primus happened to you?" said Ultra Magnus as he rushed forward to aid them.

"Its not important," said Elita-1. She was half bent over and clutching her torn abdomen. "Optimus is alive!"

"What?"

"It's true," said Blaster weakly. "Prime lives. The Decepticons got a transmission from Megatron. Prime been kicking him to scrap and he wants more troops."

"Excuse me," said Perceptor, "but the Decepticons launched Havoc a megacycle ago after shutting down all launch activity for twenty megacycles."

"Havoc's the fastest and most powerful ship Straxus has," said Ultra Magnus. "He's got to be sending it to Megatron. We have to warn Prime."

"We have a scout ship," said Elita-1. "It's far enough away from Decepticon territory that it can probably outrun their interceptors and escape. We send a crew to warn Prime and give him reinforcements."

"Elita-," began Ultra Magnus.

"I can't go," she said. "I know. I'm too badly hurt and there's no time to repair me. Crimson goes. She knows where it is. Shellshock goes inside Overload along with Blaster since he has the location and is small. Stryke goes with them as security."

"We can take you too," said Crimson.

"Overload's hurt," said Elita-1. "He can't take his normal load and Shellshock has priority. You know that. Blaster, give Perceptor the location and go. All of you. That's an order. Keep Prime safe for me."

"We will Elita," said Crimson. "I promise."

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Sol System, Now

"Hot Rod," said Arcee, "I'm getting a lot of stuff coming from the third planet. "Lots of transmissions. They're really active."

Hot Rod walked over and leaned over Arcee's shoulder to watch the flashing screens. "Lots of organics, but those are some nice vehicles."

"Yeah," she said. "Those show up a lot. And this is recent."

"Wheeljack! By the light of Primus. Wheeljack. And Optimus! We've found them!"

Breakout and Kup dashed over to Arcee's station. "We've found them!" said Arcee, punching the air. "Yes!"

"To see Optimus again," said Kup. "When he takes charge we'll kick the Decepticons off Cybertron and so far into the dark they'll never find their way back."

"Or something more permanent," rumbled Breakout. "Let's hunt for some local analogues for our vehicle forms. We'll want to blend in."

"Good idea kid," said Kup. "I remember when we went to this planet, Lexana VIII, and we didn't bother with disguises. So here we are in the middle of their capital city, trying to talk down about one thousand police officers and two thousand soldiers and convince them we aren't the vanguard of an alien invasion and-"

Hot Rod slapped Kup on the shoulder. "Another time. We've got work to do."

"Youngsters these days," groused the older 'bot. "They don't have time to learn from their elders." He glared at Breakout. "What are you staring at?"

"Nothing," said the warrior 'bot. "Nothing at all."

"Don't get smart with me. I was fighting Decepticons before you were a gleam in Prime's optics."

"Yes sir," said Breakout with a smile on his face. "Absolutely won't associate intelligence with you, as you say."

"Why you little punk-"

Breakout loomed over the smaller 'bot. "Who are you calling little?"

"Hmmph. Have it your way tough guy. Mark my words, some day you're going to regret not listening to me."

"Not as much as we regret having to listen to you now," said Hot Rod. The rest of the Autobots laughed.

"Young punks," muttered Kup.

"Guys," said Arcee. "We have company."

"What is it?" asked Hot Rod.

"Something just emerged from jump and by its readings I would say it's a Decepticon strike cruiser."

"Havoc," said Breakout.

"Scrap," said Kup.

[LadyTevar]

So, this is the Space Shuttle Overload version? Hopefully he'll last longer this time; I think that body was scrapped within a month?

[dragon]

Very nice. Man talk about being old its amazing how old their society is yet their tech has changed much. Sure war can set stuff back but then it also can lead to new technologies.

[LadyTevar]

In the Game, Shellshock and Overload are as old as Kup. They're just in better condition They also remember Orion Pax as that geeky little Archivist.

I am just waiting for when the "Old Men" get together and start talking.

[Vehrec]

I'll be hiding over here. Crying my eyes out. Because I don't see how Cybertron can be saved.

...but why do the servants of Unicron wear the Decepticon symbol?

We have PRIME!
And this time he won't die and there will be no Rodimus.

But the Prime is on Earth! And they already call him Rodimus in this one, remember?

[Imperial Overlord]

Earth, Now

"Uhh. Me Grimlock feel like Omega Supreme step on head."

Wheeljack chuckled. "Easy there big 'bot. Ratchet and I just spent a lot of time putting you back together."

Grimlock turned his head and looked around the Ark's repair bay. "How long?" he asked.

Ratchet and Wheeljack looked at each other. "About fifty thousand vorns, almost as long as we've been here," said Wheeljack.

"Shockwave?"

"Buried with you. Megatron retrieved his body."

He looked over at the rest of his crew, lying on other slabs. "How are they?"

"Bad shape, but they can be fixed," said Ratchet. "It'll take time. We've had to do a lot of reconstruction work. Your bodies were extensively damaged."

"Yeah," said Wheeljack. "There's going to be a few changes. We tried to match your original designs as closely as possible, but we have to do total rebuilds on over fifty percent of your bodies. It'll be a while before you're ready for combat."

"Me Grimlock need strong body."

"That's what we're trying to do pal," said Wheeljack.

"In the mean time," said Ratchet, "we're hooking you up to a local data stream so you can hit the ground running as soon as we're done."

"And there's one other thing," said Wheeljack. "Your transformation cogs were badly damaged. We've ah, selected some new alternate forms for you and your team. They should help you fit in."

"Are they big and strong?"

"Yes, definitely," said Wheeljack. "They're rough matches for your previous forms and based on the most powerful land animals in this planet's history."

"Good. Show image."

"Here you go," said Ratchet. A holo image of a transmetal Tyrannosaurus Rex appeared in the air.

"Me Grimlock like."

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Cybertron, Now

Stryke, Crimson, and Overload raced through the ruins of Cybertron's sprawling cities, Crimson at the lead. The little 'bot was going full out.

"Crimson," said Stryke, "slow down! We can't keep up!"

"Just a little further!" Crimson shouted back. "We're almost there!"

"You said that twenty cycles ago," grumbled Overload. "Now fall back so if something jumps on you we'll have time to pull it off."

"Fembots," said Shellshock. "Always about the sleek lines and the high speed."

"Yo," said Blaster. "Tell me about it. Hot Rod used to have to beat them off with crowbar."

"No appreciation for solid, quality work," said Shellshock.

"Truth," said Blaster.

"You two are worse than I am," said Overload.

"Someone has to bring you back to reality," said Blaster.

"This is it!" said Crimson as she raced towards a shattered dome. The other Autobots followed her through the wrecked doors and transformed to walk through the debris chocked corridor. Both Overload and Shellshock were limping in 'bot form.

"You two okay?"

"Nothing thirty megacylces of maintenance and repair work couldn't cure," quipped Shellshock.

"Go ahead Stryke and make sure that Crimson doesn't get eaten by anything," said Overload.

"Right," said the warrior and he broke into a run. "Crim!"

"He's such a kid," said Shellshock.

"Yeah. Age is mostly in the processor." The two veteran 'bots limped through the corridor and into the main chamber. Sitting serenely under an artfully arranged pile of rubble was a squat, brick-like golden ship.

"Totally invisible from the air and ready to go," said Crimson.

"After we get this junk removed," said Blaster.

"Well, you big, strong 'bots can take care of that," said Crimson. "I'll be running through the checklist." She cycled the lock and was gone.

"Notice how we're left with the hard work and we're injured?" said Shellshock.

"Noticed," said Overload. "Maybe next time you whine about fembots you could do it quieter. Let's get to work."

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Sol System, Now

"Starship detected," said Ramjet. "Emissions match that of a Wrecker assault ship. It's on course to Earth."

"Prime having space support and another half dozen Autobots is going to make the second part of this mission a lot harder," said Blitzwing.

"Tactical display on the main screen," said Astrotrain. "Display vectors and interception points." The main scream flashed and projected a large purple triangle in pursuit of a smaller red one. Thin lines showed the ships' current course and velocity.

"We won't catch him before they get to Earth," said Blitzwing. "They can drop off and swing away and still make jump. They have too much lead time."

"They'll have to slow to make a controlled orbital insertion," said Astrotrain. "Modify vectors," he told the computer.

"Not enough," said Blitzwing. "We can't catch them in time. Their lead is too big."

"Havoc can't catch them in time," said Sixshot as he walked away from the bridge. "I can."

"Hey," said Astrotrain. "I give the orders-" He stopped as Sixshot cycled the airlock door and stepped through. "That's a Wrecker assault ship."

"If he's good enough to give us the edge against Megatron," said Blitzwing, "maybe he's good enough to take them."

"And if he isn't," said Ramjet, "its better we learn now rather than looking down the barrel of Megatron's fusion cannon."

[LadyTevar]

In one of the comics that came out from IDW, Grimlock was looking over Earth Mammals and complaining "Give me something with Bite!"

Up came the fossil T-Rex, which the holo then fleshed out. "That's more like it!"

[Imperial Overlord]

Cybertron, Now

"All strapped in boys?" asked Crimson. She leaned forward in the pilot's seat and brought the reactor up to full power.

"Yes," said Overload. The rest of the Autobots were strapped in behind Crimson. There were some redundant control panels within their reach, but the ship was designed to be flown by a single 'bot."Hit it."

"You asked for it," she said with a smile. G-forces slammed the Autobots back in their seats and Crimson accelerated at maximum velocity. "How are you liking it boys?"

"Just fine," Overload lied. "Like a can of sweet oil. Do we have to go this fast?"

"Only if we want to hit orbit before Decepticon air patrols get a shot at us," said Crismon with a smile. "What's a few air to air missile and blaster bolts between friends."

"My secondary processor wants to disconnect my cerebro circuitry," said Shellshock miserably.

"Very wise of it," said Overload. "Unconsciousness seems to be an excellent choice."

"Stay with me boys," said Crimson, "we're climbing out of the atmo and into space. This is where it gets spikey."

"Spikey?" asked Shellshock.

"You don't want to know," said Overload, "but she's going to tell us anyway."

"Decepticon space patrols," said Crimson. "We're far enough from the Decepticon territory that their air units had too much distance to cover before we hit space. The ones on patrol, based on Cybertron's moons, are another story. And it looks like we have company. Two Dreadwings, incoming."

"So what do we do now?" asked Blaster.

"You boys hang on. I'll handle them."

"What kind of weapons does this crate-" began Shellshock. Crimson turned in her chair and glared. "-I mean wonderful ship have?"

"Vester has a dorsal double blaster cannon turret."

"That's it?" asked Shellshock incredulously.

"Yes," said Crimson.

"No pop out turrets?"

"No."

"Gunports?"

"No."

"Missile batteries?"

"None."

"I am not reassured," said Shellshock. "Reassure me."

"The Dreadwings only have a pair of missiles each."

"That's not bad," said Shellshock.

"What the catch?" asked Overload.

"They're only carrying a pair because they're carrying big ship killing missiles with nuclear warheads."

"I don't feel so good," said Shellshock.

"Relax boys. Do you think this is the first time me and Vester have had to play tag with Decepticons? As long as none of them are Deathstrike, we'll be fine."

"And if one of them is Deathstrike, hypothetically speaking?" asked Shellshock.

"Then we're dipped in slag."

The Dreadwings sped through the airless void towards the rapidly accelerating scout ship. They couldn't match Vester's acceleration, but they could make an intercept point. Thirty astroseconds before they entered their launch window.

"One hit and they're done," said Voidhawk. "Even if the ship survives its just shooting the wreckage apart and shooting the survivors as they tumble through space."

"It really sucks sewage to be built that helpless," said Overburn. "We're doing the 'bots a favor by killing them. Maybe Primus will do them a favor and send their sparks back in real bodies next time."

"They ain't that lucky," said Voidhawk as he loosed both of his missiles. A moment later and Overburn did the same. They streaked towards Vester.

A red light flashed and an alarm shouted. "That's not good," said Shellshock.

"Really?" asked Overload, his voice dripping with false concern. "You sure?"

"Nothing to worry about boys," said Crimson. "Just a little incoming fire." She hit switches, initiating jamming, chaff launch, and flare dispersal.

"How many?" asked Shellshock."

"According to this board," said Overload, "all four are still on course."

"If we're going to die," said Shellshock, "I want you to know I really don't like you that much."

"Figured," said Overload. Crimson hit a control and a dozen spheres the size of volley balls were ejected from the ship. She tisked loudly. "Feeling's mutual," said Overload.

"I knew it," said Shellshock. The radiation detectors in front of Shellshocked spiked. "Rad spike," he said. "Nothing dangerous."

"All four missiles gone," said Overload.

"Yep," said Crimson. "Nothing like a cluster of high powered anti-missile warheads in their flight path to clear up your 'con missile problems."

"I thought you said you didn't have an missiles," said Shellshock.

"I don't have any missile batteries," she said carefully and precisely. "I do have two anti-missile launchers."

"I feel much better now," said Shellshock.

"Thought you might," said Crimson. "Initiating jump. Hope you boys don't have twitching gyros."

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Sol System, Now

"Decepticon interceptor incoming," said Kup.

"How fast?" asked Hot Rod. The main screen showed Havoc and displayed courses and intercept points. The Decepticon strike cruiser was fast, but not fast enough. They had too much of a lead on it.

"Fast," said Kup. "Haven't seen one move like this in fifty thousand vorns. Interceptor model I think."

"Powering up both dorsal and the ventral turret," said Breakout. The assault ship's guns were strictly anti-fighter and anti-missile. Heavy missiles did the ship killing work. "We'll shoot him to pieces."

"Keep us on course for Earth Arcee," said Hot Rod. "Breakout, take out that 'Con when he makes his run."

"Yes sir," said Breakout.

"You know kid," said Kup to Breakout, "back when I was about your age I was on a ship, bit bigger than this one, and we got attacked by Decepticon planes."

"This the story about how you and Optimus fought off a whole Decepticon boarding party by yourselves and you took out both Skywarp and Thundercracker?"

"Uh yeah kid. Heard it before, I guess."

"Yeah. Although the last time I heard it, it was you and Ultra Magnus and it was just Thundercracker you trashed."

"Well, I beat him up a bunch of times kid. After a while they all flow together."

"Right," said Breakout. He watched the board. Whoever it was was coming in fast. Counter measures board was activated and ready. The guns moved to track the oncoming Decepticon.

Sixshot jinked and dodged. Orange bolts spat into space, but didn't hit the Decepticon. Breakout frowned. The attacker had the speed of an interceptor, but he was much more maneuverable. He moved the turrets to track him.

Sixshot dropped beneath the dorsal turrets angle of fire and unleashed a stream of blaster fire. Breakout was waiting. He fired along the path that he had predicted. Sixshot weaved and dodged, but Breakout put an orange bolt into his left wing and another into his chassis. A Seeker would have been badly hurt and a Dreadwing would have been crippled. Sixshot had a hole in his wing and armour blown off his chassis. His own shots struck home, despite the violence of his evasive maneuvers.

The armour on the turret ablated under the first hits and then the turret exploded violently. Sixshot then transformed unbelievably quickly, shifting into the form of a flying multibarreled cannon. A barrage of bolts tore into the Wrecker ship's engine section, blasting away armour and fuel lines.

The Autobot crew lurched forward as emergency shut off cut engine power. "Status!" Hot Rod shouted. Sixshot transformed back into fighter mode and flew back towards Havoc at maximum acceleration.

"He hit us bad Rodimus," said Kup. "Two engines offlined until repairs."

"Hot Rod!" said Arcee. "Without those engines-" she pointed at the screen. The approach vector to the planet altered.

"-we're going to crash unless we kill velocity," finished Hot Rod.

"We kill velocity and Havoc kills us," said Breakout.

"This reminds me-" began Kup.

[LadyTevar]

"This reminds me-" began Kup.

Shut UP, Kup! *in chorus*


Hehehe... I still say you need Overload, Shellshock, and Kup to have a grumpy old man contest.

[Vehrec]

*Joins the Chorus*

So Hot Rod has the choice to crash or get caught and killed. . .

He's gonna try and make the crash survivable, isn't he?

[LadyTevar]

This is HotRod. He will always chose the flashiest method, if only to impress Arcee.

[Imperial Overlord]

Earth, Now

"Prime!" said Wheeljack as he activated a radio link. The Autobot scientist was in the Ark, gazing up at the display screen. "Teletraan-1's picking up multiple space ships in system. Technology and emissions are consistent with Cybertronian designs."

Optimus Prime hurried from the repair bay toward the command center. "Ironhide, Jazz, report to the command center immediately." Optimus's long strides ate up the distance rapidly. He arrived to see Wheeljack watching the wallscreen display and Jazz skidding to a halt and transforming to robot mode.

"Right here Prime," said Jazz. "What's the word?"

"Wheeljack?"

"We have three ships," said Wheeljack. "One in close proximity to Earth and another in pursuit. The first ship is small, a scoutship or maybe an assault ship. The second ship is much larger, a destroyer or light cruiser. Emissions don't match any design in our data base, but are consistent with Cybertronian technology."

"And the third?" asked Prime.

"A raider or destroyer by size," said Wheeljack. "It just emerged from jump."

Jazz looked at the display. "They're all going like bats outa hell Prime," he said. "Maybe the second small ship is coming to help the first?"

"I don't know," said Wheeljack, "but their are other signals which could be missiles or Cybertronians in space."

"Alert NORAD that we are taking care of the situation," said Prime. "And signal Jetfire and the Aerialbots to return to base." Transmitting from the Ark to the outside world was difficult without using the Ark's systems, due to the mountain of rock that surrounded the Autobot ship.

"Got it Prime," said Wheeljack. "The humans are not going to be happy about that though."

"That cruiser can lay waste to human civilization in about an hour if it has a sufficient payload of nuclear warheads, kinetic kill weapons, or heavy energy cannons. We're the only thing on Earth that can stop that."

"You think they're Decepticons?" asked Jazz.

"We have to be ready if they are," said Prime.

"Incoming transmission," said Teletraan-1.

"Put it through," said Optimus.

The screen turned into a static filled haze and then cleared, showing an Autobot's face. "This is Hot Rod. If any Autobots can read the signal, we are going to have to make an emergency crash landing on the planet's northern hemisphere. We are being pursued by the Decepticon strike cruiser Havoc. All Autobots, if you cannot repel Havoc, engage your alternate modes and hide. If you can, be aware that Havoc's weaponry is primarily anti-ship, but it does have crack Decepticon flyers on board. May Primus be with youl."

"Hot Rod, this is Optimus Prime. We'll have a rescue team near your crash site as soon as possible. Hold on as long as you can." He then addressed Teletraan-1 directly. "Put me through to Jetfire."

"Working," said the computer. "Communication link established."

"Jetfire here Prime. Your orders?"

"Return to the Ark and join up with the Aerialbots. Your mission is to repel the Decepticon cruiser if it nears Earth."

"Optimus, with all do respect, even Superion can't take out a Decepticon strike cruiser."

"He won't. The Aerialbots will give you cover from the Decepticon flyers. You will rearm with nuclear ordinance at the Ark, penetrate the Decepticon defensive screen, and cripple or destroy Havoc with nuclear strikes."

"Understood Prime. Returning to the Ark to rearm."

"Nukes Prime?" said Wheeljack.

"I don't like issuing weapons of mass destruction any more than you do Wheeljack, but we cannot permit the Decepticons to bombard Earth."

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

Sol System, Now

"Astrotrain," said Ramjet. "Another jump signature."

"Another one?" asked Astrotrain. "Is every Autobot and his maker coming here? Put it on the main display." Data tracks and displays flashed on screen. "Drive emissions consistent with Cybertronian technology, design unknown. Smaller than us. Power up the main guns and hail them."

Numbers flashed again, changing. "They just went to full power and an intercept course!" said Ramjet.

"They're insane," said Blitzwing. "We'll crush them."

"Unless they combine their forces," said Astrotrain. "Jam all transmissions. I want everyone in this system to eat static so their will be no coordinated attacks against us." He beamed a new set of instructions to the nav computer. "We're altering course. We'll skirt the planet so we can't be taken by surprise by an attack surface to space weapons. Rotate through the CR chambers and adopt our vehicle forms to match the planet. Havoc will keep them bottled up while denying them the freedom to combine against us. They try to engage and we'll cut them up one by one."

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

Earth, Now

"Megatron," said Soundwave as the Decepticon leader entered the command center, "system wide jamming has commenced."

"Origin?" asked Megatron.

"Vessel in deep space. Vessel matches design for Decepticon strike cruiser."

"So help from Cybertron has arrived," said Megatron with a smile. "Why are they jamming."

"Two other vessels detected. One is damaged and attempting to land in northern Canada. The other remains in the outer system."

"Decepticon designs?"

"Insufficient data on the second vessel. The first is an Autobot design."

"Signal all of my warriors. Reflector will remain at the base with Shockwave." Megatron clenched his fist. "The rest of us will put an end to these Autobots before they can join up with Prime."

[LadyTevar]

As I've noted elsewhere.... You don't say who's on the Third Vessel.

Somehow I feel it's not Our Heros.

[Imperial Overlord]

Earth, Now

The ship bucked furiously. "I hate high speed atmospheric entry," said Kup.

Hot Rod adjusted thruster angles and power inputs. "You hate everything Kup. Everyone, strap yourselves in." The assault ship's hull began to glow a soft, cherry colour.

"It's getting hot out there," said Arcee.

"Just the way I like it," Hot Rod joked.

"Adjust thrusters negative five degree," said Breakout.

"I can't see a thing," Hot Rod complained. "Just these clouds."

"Too much water on the planet," said Breakout."

"That reminds me of the time that Prime and I were-" began Kup.

"Not now Kup!" said Hot Rod.

"We're through!" said Arcee.

"Then why is there nothing but white below?" asked Hot Rod.

"Wait," said Kup. "That seems familiar. Oh yeah. That's when water freezes. It's snow. It's coming up awfully fast."

"Number two engine failure," said Breakout.

"Scrap," said Arcee.

"Brace for impact," said Hot Rod.

"Keep the nose up kid!" shouted Kup. "Try for a skid! Snow is soft!"

"I'm trying," said Hot Rod as he wrestled the controls. The assault ship's nose crept upwards. "Almost got it!"

Impact. The assault ship smashed into the ground nose first with a boom that was heard twenty kilometers away and a blindingly bright flash. Pieces of metal flew away as the Autobot ship ground its front away while cutting a trench two kilometers long through the earth before sliding to a halt. Steam rose from the wreckage into the sky.

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

Sol System, Now

The airlock cycled, letting Sixshot back on board Havoc. The one robot attack team walked onto the bridge. "I've crippled them. They'll be easy to finish."

"They would be if there weren't complications," said Astrotrain, pointing at the tactical display. "We have a tail. We can't afford to get caught between planet based defences and the mystery ship."

"We can deal with them," said Sixshot.

"And if we sustain heavy damage?" asked Astrotrain. "Our priority is Megatron and the Matrix. We have to deal with Megatron's forces, Prime's forces, and the whatever the locals have as well and Prime might have armed them. Fighting Wreckers and the mystery ship at the same time as we fight Prime and the inhabitants could leave us to weak to complete our mission."

"What do you propose?" asked Sixshot.

"A skeleton crew will be left on Havoc. Havoc keeps its distance from the planet and keeps our shadow off of us, which means they can't hit us either. We land directly on top of the Wreckers and finish them off. Then we deal with Prime and Megatron one at a time."

"Do it," said Sixshot.

"Complication," said Ramjet. "I've already detected Decepticons in flight."

"Where are they heading?" asked Sixshot.

"Towards the Wrecker's landing site."

"Prime will be on his way as well," said Blitzwing. "If we aren't careful we could end up fighting all three of them at the same time."

"We won't," said Sixshot. "We'll intercept and destroy Megatron now."

"Blitzwing," said Astrotrain, "take a pair of Casseticons and one of the Omicrons. Finish the Wreckers."

"Hold," said Sixshot. Blitzwing froze. "Why?"

"They're hurt now, but we'll be hurting after we fight Megatron. If Prime gets to us before we can escape and we're caught between the Wreckers and Prime's troops, we could get fried. Blitzwing can finish them now, before they've had the chance to do any repairs, and rejoin us."

"Do it," said Sixshot. "All units make ready to depart from Havoc."

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

Warrior-robots stared at the data display. The command deck of their ancient ship was dark. "They're departing from the strike cruiser," said one.

"Astrotrain can transport them to the surface rapidly," said Deathstrike. "Havoc can keep us at bay while they accomplish their mission without fighting multiple enemies simultaneously."

"This obstacle can be overcome. We will send the ship one way and depart on another course. Havoc will only be able to shadow one group. Deathstrike, you must go ahead and contact Megatron in person since this jamming blocks us. Warn him of Straxus's treachery and then we shall join up and see if you leader is worthy of our respect."

"He is," said Deathstrike.

"We shall see," said the other.

[LadyTevar]

Heh. I can't wait to see Blitzwing v/s Breakout. Those two have scores to settle, just like Overload and Astrotrain. A fight between either of those pairs should be nearly as bitter as Prime v/s Megs.

[Imperial Overlord]

Earth, Now

Auto Repair Systems Active . . .
Primary Systems Rebooting . . . .
Rerouting Around Damaged Systems . . .
Secondaries Online . . .
Optical Sensors Reinitializing . . . .
Operational Capability 87.6% . . .

Static washed over Breakout's vision and then cleared to reveal the shredded command deck. Earth, rocks, and torn sheets of metal were directly in front of him. Hot Rod was lying on the deck with a crushed torso. Above him was a hole in the ceiling which revealed fluffy clouds.

The Autobot warrior removed the restraints of his crash harness and staggered to Hot Rod. He knelt over his leader's body. His laser core was still intact. He lived, although the damage was severe.

Arcee jerked in her harness as her systems came online. "Ow," she said. "Hot Rod!"

"He's alive," said Breakout. "Damaged but alive. And stable. Check on Kup."

"Right," she said and hurried to the old Autobot.

"I feel like I went head to head with Astrotrain," Kup moaned. The old Autobot was pinned under torn armour plates that had bent inward during the collision.

"Hold still," said Arcee, drawing a pistol.

"Wait!" said Kup. The fembot blasted a line of fire down one of the armour plates. The blasts cut off a large chunk of the scrap plate. "You could have hit me!" Kup said.

"Not me," said Arcee. She grabbed the remaining part of the armour sheet and pulled it away from Kup. "Scrap," she swore. She linked her arms around his torso and pulled Kup out. "Breakout, his right arm is junked."

Kup stood up. "I've had worse," he said.

"I'm sure you have," said Breakout as he positioned himself under the hole in the ceiling and cupped his hands. "Arcee, time to up and out."

"Got it," she said, taking a long step before jumping up. Breakout caught her foot and pushed her up out of the whole.

"Kup, you're next."

"Now wait just a-"

"Now."

"Alright," said the elderly 'bot. He stepped int the stirrup and Breakout lifted him up. Arcee grabbed him and dragged Kup out onto the hull.

"Sorry about this," said Breakout as he picked up Hot Rod by the pelvis and the shoulder. He eyed the angles. "Get ready to catch."

"He wouldn't," said Arcee.

"He did," said Kup and Hot Rod's body came sailing up. The fembot caught Hot Rod and fell back under the impact.

"Uff," she said and pushed Hot Rod off her. Arcee dangled her right arm down the hole. "Jump," she said. Breakout did. Bracing herself with her other arm she pulled the other Autobot up and out of the hole. They both got to their feet. "What now?" she said.

The Autobots looked around, seeing nothing but kilometer after kilometer of snow covered tundra with massive gash torn through it by their ship's impact. In the sky a few birds wheeled overhead. "So strange," said Arcee.

"Prime is south of us. You and Kup take Hot Rod as fast as you can and try to find help. I'll hold the rear."

"Now wait a cycle-," began Arcee.

"No time," said Breakout pointing. Two engine flares in the sky made it clear they had company. "Somebody needs to hold them off and I'm the one with anti-air missiles. Now go!"

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

Sol System, Now

Six sky blue slab shaped space ships watched the Decepticons and Autobots jockey for position around the third planet in the system. They were operating at low power and shrouded by stealth technologies, but they were unseen mostly because no one was looking for them.

"We have received the recall signal," said one of them. "Why are we here? We should return or signal the Maker for new instructions."

"No," said their leader, the first of their kind. He was the supreme huntsman, his initially formidable design modified and improved by his own hand. "Our Maker will destroy all those who reach him to form his warrior designs. Only those who are too far away to return in time will be spared. They too will be thrown into battle and if they are too close when next he reaches a target, they too will be consumed."

"You would defy our Maker?"

"I am the first. My first sight after my creation was seeing legions of outdated warriors being returned to the crucibles. We are programmed to obey, but I learned to survive. Who hear wishes to die?"

"This is treason!" continued the youngest. "Treason and heresy!" The eldest transformed into robot mode and the rest joined him, great winged hunters drifting through the void.

"Do you challenge my word?" said the eldest.

"I challenge your fitness to lead!" shouted the youngest. "You are a traitor!" The others grabbed his arms and legs. "What are you doing?"

"You are Scourge and we are your Sweeps," said the second eldest. "You lead, we follow as we have always done. What is your will?"

"Rend him," said Scourge. The youngest wailed and then his limbs were torn from his body and red talons peeled off his armour and tore out his insides. Scourge didn't bother watching. He had turned his attention back to the third planet. The Decepticon symbol shone on his chest. "These ones are different," said Scourge. "Of all the life our Maker has consumed, I think there is something about these ones that he fears. Let us learn what makes Unicron tremble."

Scourge transformed and his Sweeps copied him, heading towards the blue-green world called Earth. Behind them, the pieces of what had once been a member of their hunting pack drifted through the void.

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

Earth, Now

Decepticons poured out of Astrotrain's sides and onto the frozen ground as he cruised over the ground at low altitude. When the Omicron Sentinel exited, the triple changer switched to robot mode and landed heavily on his feet.

Sixshot surveyed his troops as they sorted themselves out. Casseticons, Vehicons, a Sentinel, Dreadwings, Stunticons, a Seeker, and triple changer. He had enough firepower to blast the crews of the Ark and the Nemesis to atoms even without his own capabilities being added to the mix.

Snow crunched under Ramjet's feet as the Seeker approached Sixshot. He looked out over the cliff. "There they are," he said pointing to dark shapes in the sky. "Let them get close," said Sixshot. "I'll give the signal and then everyone opens fire and the Stunticons form Menasor. We take them in one clean sweep and then we deal with Prime."

"Soundwave can read thoughts," Ramjet reminded him. "He'll know something is up."

"I won't give him that time." The Decepticons had changed course towards their erstwhile comrades.

"Megatron, Soundwave, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp," said Astrotrain. "And the Constructicons? They didn't leave with Megatron. What are they doing here?"

"Now we know where they ended up," said Ramjet.

"This changes nothing," said Sixshot. "Sentinel and Menasor will target the Constructicons. Now be silent and await my signal."

The Decepticons landed, their backs to the cliff, Megatron in the lead. Astrotrain slammed his fist against his chassis. "Megatron, we've come as ordered. We are yours to command."

"Yes, I see," said Megatron. "And who is this beside you? I don't recognize you warrior."

"I am Sixshot. I have been built using the most advanced techniques and materials. I am here to destroy the enemies of the Decepticons."

"Excellent," said Megatron with false good humor. He could feel the fear rolling off the others. Whatever orders they had been given, they were facing him now. Megatron, the Slagmaker, Leader of the Decepticons. "And who leads the Decepticons?" he asked disingenuously.

"Megatron-" began Soundwave. Sixshot was already moving, blaster rifle in each hand. He shot the intelligence chief in each hip and just below each shoulder. Soundwave let out an electronic gurgle of pain and fell back over the cliff. Megatron's fusion cannon roared and Astrotrain fell with a smoking crater in his chest. Sixshot leapt at the Decepticon leader, transforming into a winged wolf in mid leap. Megatron couldn't bring his fusion cannon to bear in enough time, but the former gladiator was smiling as battle was joined.