Chapter 1 - Brother against Brother

Vehicles move to the side as a large black and red tanker truck drives slowly down the paved streets of the city he calls home. Streetlights reflect off his polished chrome grill and the Metallic sparkles that shine in the red portions of his paint job. As he passes by a mirrored faced building a Red Symbol shines on his Left Side as A Silver one is on his Right side. All those that see these Symbols and this Immense Vehicle know what each of the Symbols Mean. The Red is that of a Second Generation Autobot Warrior, those that are in charge of defending this World from all threats. The Silver is the Symbol showing that its Bearer is much more then Just another Autobot Foot Soldier, he is an Elite Soldier Trained to Lead and Built to Possess the Matrix of Leadership, that Symbol which is Identical To the Red only in a Different Color shows that this Vehicle is in Fact one of the Elite Guard, or Guardian as the Populace calls them. Only the Best Autobots around where this symbol and this Autobot is much more then just another of the Elite Guard.

Maximals and Autobots that roam the Busy Streets of Iacon stop and stare as they know who it is they are watching, Volcanus Convoy. The next to lead the Autobot troops, The Autobot that God Convoy choose him to be the heir to the Autobot Matrix of leadership. They all know of his rise to the Council and his praise on the battlefields and in the Chambers. None to this day can doubt that he is the true heir to their beloved leader.

All except one red transformer that stands in the shadows of on of the alleyways watching as his brother drives by. Fire Convoy, the youngest of all the Convoy councilmen stares down the road following his Brothers Progress, "It should be me, not him" He says as he rams his left fist into the wall of the closest build. "I will become the leader of the Autobots, one way or another." Fire Convoy declares as he pulls his fist out of the hole in the building that he caused, He Steps out onto the Deserted back Street and transforms to his own Impressive Alt Mode, that of a Hook and Ladder Fire truck, His own red tinted paint job catching the street lights as his own Red Autobot Symbol shows on his right side, but on his Left there is just another red Symbol, for this Autobot never gained the honor to be in the Elite guard. While his Brother Volcanus' Stature and Position was gained with his exploits in the Autobot Special Forces and then within the Elite Guard itself, placing him on the Council as Leader of Autobots. Fire gained his from his Words, and his Sneakiness gaining the position of Head of the Autobots version of the CIA, This position has corrupted him to his very core, dealing with those that are deemed Evil on a Cybertronian Level, have lead him down his own Evil paths. It has also given him access to all those files that are deemed classified, and has helped him gather together his master plan to gain Control of the Autobots for himself.

Unknown to Fire Convoy his departure is being monitored as well. High on a building ledge a yellowed eyed hawk sits perched on the Cybertronian version of a gargoyle, as the red fire engine leaves her site, a camera on Lazerbeak's head retracts and returns to its holding position. The Bird then takes to the air and returns to his master's side to report.

Entering a Warehouse outside the City Limits Lazerbeak sees a Dark shadow standing there his arm outstretched awaiting the Hawk's return; Landing She uses it as a perch as she tells of what she has seen. "Excellent Lazerbeak All is going as planned." Is all that is said from the shadowy figure, his raspy voice holding both contempt and outrage at the same time. Green optics flash from under the figure's helmet as he sends His spy back to his Master's awaiting tape bay, the hawk as he returns to his Master transforms into his Rectangular Tape mode and Slide Effortlessly into the opens Chest of Soundwave who closes his tape bay and awaits his leaders orders. Turning toward his minions sitting all around the warehouse; The Leader of the Unified Decepticon Predacon Faction speaks. "Soon, our plans will work to their completion, Predacons; Decepticons prepare yourselves for what I have told you all about." The shadow starts laughing with an insane purpose and then turns away from his troops as he exits the Warehouse for his Meeting a Smile comes to his Face "Yes, my plan works better than I have planned, setting those fake files for Fire Convoy to find, telling him that the Previous Security Leader was in a Peace Negotiation with me, and was forming a Plan to take control and Create a Unified Cybertron was genius in itself. To think that the young fool would think that Me, Galvatron would want peace in any other way then total Domination of Cybertron. He is a fool; there is no wonder that God Convoy, choose his Brother to lead in his place." Galvatron takes a turn down a Deserted Alleyway. As he looks across the way he sees one of his minions taking the place that he was told to be, "Good, I knew trusting this Young Predacon, Warpath was the right choice on my part. He will follow me and follow my new second." He chuckles to himself at that thought. "To think that this is all because of an Autobot looking to gain his glory years back, that I not only live, but that I will turn the Autobots new leader against them." Galvatron looks out the Entrance of the Alleyway and sees the Red Fire Truck pull up. "My ultimate pawn is right on time."

Volcanus stands in all his Glory talking to three of his fellow Guardians. One is a Silver and Blue, Hover tank built around designs Perceptor developed for the ultimate War Machine, Hardrock is his Name, Taking Volcanus' Place as Commander of the Guardians this Figure towers over most other Autobots in the Battle Field, he looks down at the new Second in command of the Autobots with trust and friendship showing in his optics. The Second of the trio is a White and red Fighter Plane, Originally calling himself Jet-Fire this Scientist turned Solider stands a shoulders length taller then his Commander. Within his Presence, a Feeling of Courage, sympathy and Remorse can still be felt even after the end of the Great wars he still remembers failing several of his Autobot Comrades, God Convoy being the leader that he truly is, saw something in the Large Autobot Jet-Fire, and Turned him into one of the First Guardians. Giving him this new design and allowing him to focus on being the air commander of the Squad, versus giving him the time to dwell on the past, to this day everyone around him knows him solely and Silent-Flight. The third of the team is the youngest member of the Guardians, In his Alternate mode of a red and Yellow Sports car, Heat-Wave is by far the fast of any of the Guardians; this fits in Perfectly with his assignment amongst the Guardian Squad as there lead scout and Recon Specialist. These three units now make up the Elite Guard, those that are sworn to protect both the Autobot Leader and his second in command. After Volcanus accepted the position of Autobot Second in command, the Young HeatWave came into the Elite Guard, and with his adding the Elite guard received a Major Upgrade, this Upgrade is what has brought these Four Transformers together today.

"So, Tell me Rock, how does it feel to be the Leader of not only the Guardians, but also a Gestalt team?" Volcanus asks Hardrock as they all stand by one of the local Pubs, within the Center of Iacon.

Hardrock, looks a little nervous since his Upgrade not only in rank but in his Form, but still as he speaks his tones show nothing but Confidence in his own abilities and that of his team mates. "To be honest Volc; It is a little Nerve raking on me. Seeing as the three of us just spent over a month in Preceptor's labs, getting these refits, and we still aren't full comfortable with this Merging Process…"

"But actually this is great Volcanus." Jumps in Heat Wave his Youngness and Eagerness telling in his voice as he speaks says. "We or at least I feel a new kinship to these two big Lugs."

"Heat is correct about that Volc, there is something to be said to have the three Elite guards being a Gestalt team. There is a Kinship that has been established between the three of us, and even I must admit it is nice to have someone around me that I can stand and talk to if necessary." Silent Flight says as he places his hand on Heat's shoulder to Quite down the Youngster.

"The three of us together, have really been able to Shape the way the Guardians are handling themselves; Not that you didn't do a good Job Volc, Don't get me Wrong," Hardrock says without thinking that the Autobot with them was once the leader of the team that he himself is now running.

Shaking his Head Volcanus Smiles under his faceplate and looks at the three; "Don't worry about insulting me Rock. I understand by all the reports that you all have given me that there is significant increases in the Way the guardians are handling things, I Am Proud of the Way the Aerialbots have taken to being Guardians in the first place, I was a little surprised at Flight's Recommendation to bring them into the Guardians."

"They were the most likely choice to be brought in Volc… Their flight records and Mission success rates where among the Highest in all the Autobots, and their experience only established them to be brought into the Ranks." Flight goes into trying to defend his stopping as Volcanus raises his hand.

"Relax, Flight I wasn't saying anything about your decision, they were looked over by not only myself but my predecessor in the Guardians as well." Volcanus says as he looks into the streets with as the Busy Autobot Society goes on their normal Daily activities.

"Speaking of Kup, Has there been any sign of him, since God Convoy, was forced to remove him from his position by the council?" Rock Asks the Autobot second.

"I'm afraid not." Volcanus responds to his question. His attention is pulled away from his Conversation with his Friends. "Fire, What is he doing out here today?" Volcanus asks himself out loud as he sees the Red hook and latter truck pulling out into one of the abandoned Warehouses. Turning back to the Others He looks at the three of them, "Fellows, I have to go look into something, I wanted to ask you one other Question, What is the Name of that you three agreed on for your gestalt Form?"

A smile comes to Hardrock' S chiseled face, as he looks straight at Volcanus Convoy. "Magna-Guard." He tells him as he notices that His conversation has really been delegated to the Proverbial Back Burner, as Volcanus' attention is no longer on them.

"That's a Good Name, Rock. I really need to go." Without another word Volcanus Convoy, transforms and Drives toward the Warehouse that Fire just pulled into.

Heat looks at the other three as they all follow along with their eyes as Volcanus disappears into the Warehouse District. "Think we should follow him?" He asks the others.

Hardrock Shakes his head as He Mentally looks at the time, "We Can't Heat; we need to get back to the Citadel." With that Hardrock transforms into his hover tank mode and heads in the opposite direction; heading back toward the Citadel and there other duties, Flight doesn't say a word as He transforms and Zooms out of site; Out pacing the slower moving Tank. Heat looks in the direction of the Volcanus one last time before he Himself transforms and Hits the Streets and Screams down the road easily catching up to his bigger partner.

Turning a corner the Hook and ladder truck stops and then the front end separate from the back and transforms into his humanoid robot mode. Stretching his arms he presses a Button on his left arm, which activates a Small disk that sits across from the Alley entrance, he then starts walking toward an old energy plant. Unknown to him his brother noticed him within the City and decided to follow. Volcanus Convoy still in his vehicle mode slowly pulls up next to his brother's trailer. In almost an identical transformation he returns to his Robot mode and scans the area. "What are you up to fire?" He says to himself as he starts to walk slowly up the footpaths. Stopping as he starts to hear voices he looks around the corner and sees his Brother standing there his back to him. And there in the shadows stands another transformer. Volcanus can almost make him out and knows that he has seen him before. Something in the back of Volcanus' mind says that he knows this Transformer, but as the Fire moves to the side Volcanus is Dumb founded at what he sees a Purple Symbol Shines in the Pitch black Alley way. "Decepticons, Fire what are you getting yourself into." Without wanting to bring attention to himself he Sneaks closer to attempt to hear what the two are talking about.

Fire Convoy stands there as he makes sure that the video camera is on and taking the necessary pictures that are needed. "So all I have to do is take down God Convoy, and then declare the Pac-Cybertronian invalid given your forces the right to take their place among us again." Fire says looking directly into the shadows of the Alleyway.

"Yes, then the under ground forces that you are calling Anti-Cybertronians will come to the surface and become civilized and mingle into the common bots. And that will be It."

"And My brother."

"As I promised he will be taken care of."

"Then Galvatron you have a deal."

"Excellent, we will be at the detention center awaiting your Signal." The shadowy form of Galvatron turns and walks down the dark alleyway. He then turns and Stops as a look of disgust comes to his face, but he knows that he must finish off his Deception or things will fall apart. "And Fire Convoy; it is nice working with you to create a final peace between the Autobot, Maximals Decepticons and Predacons." With that Galvatron turns the Corner and Vanishes from Fire Convoy's Site.

"Yes, we shall have peace finally." Fire turns and heads back towards his Trailer. He knows that this Decepticon can't be trusted but yet the urge for power courses through his veins. As Fire finally reaches his trailer portion he knows that this is the choice that must be made, for the good of all Cybertron. "I have made the right choice." He says out loud to himself. Then he notices the Second Trailer Portion Sitting Near his own. A look of Surprise and Contempt comes to his faceplate. "So how much do you know Volcanus?" He asks no one but himself.

"Enough;" Comes the voice behind Fire, As Volcanus Steps out of the Shadow of the building and Stands with his Riffle pointing at his Brother. "I'm taking you in Fire; you betrayed us all."

"Yes of Course brother, I betrayed you and god Convoy, but I will never Betray the Autobots or their Cause."

"What are talking about Fire?" He asks his brother who is starring at the ground.

The two warriors are un-aware that pairs of eyes watch them from a near bye alley, as another set appears behind them. "Is it going as we suspected Warpath?" Galvatron says in a low rumble to the Predacon that watches the two brothers.

"Yes, Might Galvatron, they are about to confront each other." Replies Warpath, as he converts to his woolly mammoth form and stands there still looking at the two convoys getting ready to square off with each other. "These two are ready to tear each other apart at the slightest mistake from the other."

"Yes, the tension between the two is great." Galvatron says as he takes a spot on the wall and leans against it and watches as his two pawns square off with each other. "But, I want the older Brother for myself. He is the warrior that I'm looking for."

"Why does he interest you so?"

"You dare question me, Warpath?"

"No Mighty Galvatron."

"Very well, all things will be revealed in good time my warrior." With that they both turn to watch what is about to occur between the two brothers.

Fire Continues to stares at the ground knowing that his brother is right behind him. In his head he paces things out knowing right where Volcanus must be for the null ray to take effect properly. "Well, Volcanus… One of us shall be deemed a traitor this day." He says as he turns his upper body and in one smooth motion he brings his arms up and fires the null ray that he has mounted to the underside of his one arm.

Volcanus unable to react in time to this sudden situation is hit with the full effect of the paralyzing weapons beam and instantly he falls to the ground in complete stasis lock. His optics flare and then go to a lifeless gray, the last thing he sees is his brother standing over his body.

"See brother I am smarter than you." Fire says as he kicks his brother's unmoving body. Moving to his own trailer he mentally command's it to transform as it does it's a computer console emerges. Playing back the meeting Fire Convoy is most ecstatic at the quality of the file that has been taken. With a few short commands his body paint is replaced with that of his brother's and the voice is also digitally re-mastered to be that of his brothers. "Well it seems that my own brother is a traitor how does that sound to you Volcanus." Fire says as he watches the tape to make sure that it is the way that it should be. As the tape plays for the second time, Fire over looks two little details in the tape as he watches it. One of those Details is the lack of the Guardian Symbol on his Altered left four arm, and the other the Black and red shadow that sneaks into the picture before it cuts out, and the un mistakable silver patch on the warriors Left Shoulder.