(Takes place instead of Dark of the Moon. I needed to rewrite the movie after ideas for kept popping up in my head and to try to get out of my writer's block with my other fics. Hope you like it.)
Several hundred years ago-Skies of Iacon, Cybertron
Ultra Magnus held onto his chair tight as the ship rocked from weapon impacts. The Decepticons were assaulting the city of Iacon once again and unfortunately, those traitorous scums were doing it just as the Ark was launching. Perhaps that was the main reason behind the assault, to stop the ship. The Decepticons had no idea what the Ark's mission was but neither did anyone onboard did save for one. Sentinel Prime, leader of the Autobots and one of the last of the Primes. He was the only one who knew what their destination and objective was.
Magnus wasn't sure what it was and he didn't care, he had a mission to complete. And according to Sentinel, it was of the utmost importance. He told all the Autobots in the briefing that this mission they were undertaking was essential for the survival of their race and stopping the war entirely. Magnus was both excited and angry at being chosen to join the crew. He was happy about joining the most important mission in the history of the war. But he was also upset as whom Sentinel Prime chose to lead the Autobots in his absence, Optimus.
Optimus Prime was a great warrior, one of the best but his compassion and feelings always brought him into conflict with Magnus. The two of them were generals, the two that Sentinel trusted more then anyone else but they were also opposites. Magnus always believed in placing the mission ahead of everything else. Optimus let his feelings get in the way of too many missions to count. At times, the Prime would compromise his assignment to save his fellow Autobots. While that was noble, this was war. They needed to win battles and the only way to do that was to complete your mission priorities.
"Sentinel, we've taken extensive damage to the starboard hull. We need to jump now," said Air Raid, manning the sensor console.
Sentinel sat in the center chair, shaking his head. "No, we must escape Cybertron's gravitational pull or it will comprise the space bridge. Our mission is too important," he said.
"Incoming Decepticon Seekers, they're launching missiles," said Prowl, manning the helm console.
"Good, more targets for me," said Cliffjumper, manning the weapons console. Ultra Magnus hated all this waiting, he would rather be out among the rest of his brothers battling the Decepticons on the ground but Sentinel selected him to join the Ark's and Magnus wasn't going to complain.
The whole bridge shook violently, that wasn't any missile impact. "Sir, Decepticon cannon battery has locked onto us. Our shields cannot take another shot like that," said Air Raid.
"Our left primary thrusters and five secondary thrusters are offline. We'll never be able to get out of range in time," said Prowl.
"Then we have no choice. Initiating jump," said Sentinel. One of his many inventions was a space bridge hyper drive. It allowed a space ship to jump instantly from one point in space and time to another. The problem was the calculations in making such a jump had to be precise or you might be a few years into the future or the past. Or a couple lights years off as well.
On the view screen, a display of lights shot in front of the ship. Space itself began to bend and distort, forming a wormhole for the Ark to pass through. "Entering wormhole in three…two…one," said Prowl. A sudden impact blast rocked the ship before they entered the swirling darkness of the wormhole.
"Sir, that last shot knocked us off course," said Prowl.
"Keep us steady. Maintain our heading," ordered Sentinel. The whole room began to shake, alarms going off all over the bridge.
"Sir, primary shielding is failing. Our secondary shielding is coming online but it won't be enough to compensate for the gravity distortions," said Air Raid.
"Divert all power to shielding. We will not fail our brothers or Cybertron," said Sentinel.
Present Day-Prypiat, Ukraine
Mirage focused his optics on the Decepticon posing as an old 1980s vehicle. He could hide all he wants but Mirage's energon sensors didn't lie. "Mirage to NEST One, we've definitely got some 'Cons in the area," he reported.
"Hold position and continue recon," came Lt. Colonel Lennox's voice over the com. Mirage groaned, he never did like taking orders from a human.
For the past several years, the Autobots aided the humans in hunting down whatever Decepticons remained on Earth. They had a few victories here and there but they always missed the big fish. Megatron, Starscream, and Shockwave were the most wanted fugitives on the planet. Those three were the ones who called the shots and if they were killed, the 'Cons would scatter like roaches.
The 'Cons had set up areas for them to hide in and wait before being summoned for a mission. These safe zones were often difficult to find and the fact that they managed to find this one was a miracle. It made sense to set up here, the whole city was abandoned in 1986 due to its proximity to Chernobyl. No human activity allowed them to use the city without fear of discovery until now.
A complete sweep of the area revealed at least seven Decepticon protoforms. Protoforms were Transformers grown from experiments conducted by the 'Cons. They were far from as powerful and efficient as a real Transformer but put a few together and they can be a serious threat to any Autobot. But it wasn't the protoforms that caught Mirage's attention, but a tall transmission tower in the middle of the city.
"Looks like the 'Cons are guarding some sort of transmitter they buil,." reported Mirage.
"That's strange. The Decepticons don't need a transmission relay to communicate with each other on this planet," came Wheeljack's voice on the intercom.
"What if they're calling for reinforcements from outside this system?" asked Sideswipe, the only other Autobot in the area. He was scouting the opposite side of the city.
"I'm not detecting any transmissions though," said Mirage.
"Then it's not a beacon, maybe it's not a transmitter at all," said Wheeljack.
"Mirage, see if you can get a closer look but don't compromise your position," ordered Optimus Prime. The thinking was simple. The Autobots and NEST were not going to attack this place, at least not yet. Not until more 'Cons show up or one of their big three commanders do.
Mirage moved slowly closer to the tower, using the various trees and buildings for cover. The overgrowth around the city allowed him to easily move undetected. "Optimus, I'm transmitting visuals of the tower. See if Wheeljack can figure out what it is." said Mirage.
"Receiving…Hmm, I was right. That isn't a transmitter, it's a long range scanner," said Wheeljack.
"Well it's not a very good one considering we managed to enter the area undetected," said Sideswipe.
Something caught Mirage's eye, one of the Decepticons was checking over the control terminal and seemed to be panicking. The rest of the 'Cons all transformed to their robot modes and quickly converged on the scanner. "Something's got them spooked. Optimus, please tell me the humans didn't launch a strike," said Mirage.
"Negative, there's nothing in the air for miles," said Optimus.
"Hey, I've got new movement. Something's moving underground," said Sideswipe. A wave of risen dirt moved along the barren streets, tearing up sidewalks and pavement. Whatever was moving underground, it had to be big. Mirage's prediction proved to be accurate when a massive wormlike drill machine bursted out of the Earth.
All the Decepticons quickly scattered as the driller slide beside the sensor, coming to a stop. "What in the name of Primus is that?" asked Sideswipe. A one-eyed Decepticon emerged from the top of the machine, riding one of the driller's tentacles down to the ground.
"Optimus, I have a visual on Shockwave. Whatever's happening must be big if he's here," said Mirage.
"Hold your position. We're on our way," said Optimus.
Shockwave checked over the data the Protoforms alerted him to. Gravitational distortions were detected and increasing. That meant whatever Megatron wanted them to wait for was finally coming. The Decepticon leader didn't specify what they were waiting for, not even his top commanders. Whatever was going on, Megatron was being extremely cautious. Something very rare for the master.
"Shockwave to Megatron. Station six has detected increased gravitational anomalies in the atmosphere. They are slowly increasing and should be detectable to the Autobots within a matter of hours," reported Shockwave.
"So it has finally arrived. None of this matters anymore. Keep me appraised of its progress," said Megatron over the com. Strange, what did he mean by that? After everything Shockwave had done, surely Megatron could trust him with whatever plan has. He was far more trusting then Starscream. That blasted Seeker would stab Megatron in the back the first chance he got. Megatron only kept him around because he was one of the best fighters among the Decepticons.
Something then caught Shockwave's optic. A reflection among a group of nearby trees, they were being watched. He charged his particle cannon and fired, obliterating the earth fauna and knocking the Autobot spy into a nearby building. Shockwave recognized him. The Autobot scout Mirage. Shockwave turned to the Driller. "Feast," he said. The machine sped off, slithering towards its quarry.
Mirage moaned as he got to his feet, the building behind him crumbling. He glanced up to that Driller machine charging right at him. "This is a bad day," he moaned before transforming into a Red Ferrari 458 Italia. He sped off as the Driller weaved in and out of the ground, destroying buildings and roads that get in its way. "Optimus, I could really use some assistance," said Mirage.
Sideswipe shot through the town in robot mode, his cannons blasting two protoforms as he passed by. He tossed one of his blades at Shockwave's back. Amazingly, the Decepticon commander turned and caught the blade inches from his face. "You'll pay for that," growled Shockwave, tossing the blade aside.
The Decepticon lifted his cannon and fired away. Sideswipe swerved behind a building that was destroyed in a single shot. He continued moving around, strafing with his forearm blasters. Despite his size Shockwave could move incredibly fast, avoiding Sideswipe's attacks and bridging the gap between them. Sideswipe knew he couldn't take the 'Con on by himself.
He transformed into his Corvette Stingray form and speed off, shooting behind him with his exhaust cannons. "Kill him!" ordered Shockwave, sending the five remaining Protoforms after him. Sideswipe led them on a chase to the other side of town, knowing he had a better chance of killing these guys then Shockwave.
Then something in the sky catches Sideswipe's eye. He smiles and turns to face the 'Cons, transforming into his robot form. The 'Cons all stopped and aimed their weapons. "You're dead Autobot," said one of them.
"That's funny, I was going to say the same thing to you Decepticon," laughed Sideswipe.
Suddenly an energy blast passes overhead and hits a protoform, destroying it instantly. Another blast and another dead 'Con later, Optimus Prime in Jetfire mode flies by Sideswipe. Primes hand blades eject into his arms before he slices two 'Cons in half as he passes by. Prime then turned and fired his afterburners right in the last protoform's face, turning him into scrap. The Autobot leader turned to Sideswipe and shook his head.
"I could have taken them but watching you do it is much more entertaining." shrugged Sideswipe.
Optimus rolled his eyes. Prime then turned his attention behind him where Shockwave was approaching. Both Optimus and Sideswipe aimed their weapons at him. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," warned Shockwave.
The ground behind him exploded as the Driller emerged from the Earth, holding Mirage in one of its tentacles. It held the Autobot right over its mouth. "My pet here relishes the taste of Autobot metal. And unless you want him to get his wish, I suggest you stand down," said Shockwave.
"Don't listen to him Optimus. Slag him!" yelled Mirage. A tentacle slapped him in the face, shutting him up.
Prime and Sideswipe growled as they lowered their weapons. "Wise decision," said Shockwave as he climbed onto the back of his large pet. The Driller tossed Mirage at the Autobots, knocking them all down. Shockwave laughed as his merged with the Driller before it went underground. All the Autobots got to their feet but Shockwave was long gone.
"You should have fried him Optimus. This was the first time we've seen Shockwave in months. Who knows when we'll get another chance," said Mirage.
"Not at the expense of your life. We'll get another chance with him again, of that I am certain," said Prime.
Prime activated his comlink. "Optimus to NEST, area cleared. Seven enemy KIA but Shockwave escaped," he reported.
"Understood, any causalities?" asked Lennox.
"Negative. Send in Wheeljack and a survey team, we need to know what the Decepticons were using this place for," said Prime.
(I have no idea the time between Megatron going after the AllSpark and when he was revived so I just decided a couple hundreds years was the time frame. Please review.)