A Long Forgotten Song, Prequel to TF:TM (The original)

Chapter 1

Optimus Prime made his way to the podium. His footsteps were heavy with despair, and the tone of his voice echoed that sensation. "My fellow Autobots," he began. "I have recently been made aware that our Autobot forces on Cybertron are losing ground to the Decepticons at an alarming pace." He moved his hand to the side of the podium, and flicked a yellow switch. A holographic map appeared two feet in front of where he stood. "Iacon City Commander, Ultra Magnus, estimates his forces will fall in a matter of days. I have ordered him to organize his forces and depart for Earth when he sees fit."

"So, we're giving up?" Sideswipe barked. "We're handing Megatron our home planet?"

Optimus was prepared for such outcries, and was quick to explain. "After giving it much thought, I have decided that it would be in our best interests to pull back, and regroup here on Earth."

"What good can come of..." Ironhide started, before being cut off by Prime.

"What good are dead Autobots?" Prime's voice had risen, a sign of his growing anxiety. "If our forces remain on Cybertron, they will be destroyed... if they return here, we can regroup and launch an all-out attack."

Brawn shifted in his seat. "So what do we do until Ultra Magnus and his troops arrive? Sit back and do nothing? Close our eyes to the war?"

"No," Optimus sighed. He drew everyone's attention to the holographic map. "There is a small planet, roughly the size of Mars, three days journey from here. According to our readings, it is a planet rich in energy- energy we will need when we do initiate our attack."

Prime nodded in Perceptor's direction, prompting him to take over the briefing. "If we have been able to detect this energy," he stated, "then we must also assume that Megatron has also. It is of the utmost importance that we be the ones to reach the planet first, and tap into its energy deposits. If we are unable to do so," Perceptor's voice dropped to nearly a whisper. "Then we have no chance of reclaiming Cybertron and winning this war."

Prime waved his hand, letting Perceptor know his part was finished. "I have already chosen a task-force, which will leave in one hour and head towards the planet. The shuttle has been equipped with extra weaponry, in case of a Decepticon attack."

"Sideswipe, Mirage, you two will join Brawn and Beachcomber." He turned and looked directly at Ironhide. "Ironhide, I'm putting you in charge of the team." The fire-red Security chief gave his silent approval, feeling honored to be chosen to act as commander. "We don't have much time," Prime continued. "Get to that planet, and bring back all the energon you can. Do whatever it takes." Prime's tone grew dark, and his eyes flashed brightly. "Whatever it takes."

Megatron stared at the view-screen before him, his optics not believing what they were seeing. "Incredible," he stated. "That planet is ripe with energy for the taking," he said to himself. Megatron turned around and faced Soundwave, one of his most loyal soldiers. He waved his arm in a 'come here' motion, and directed Soundwave's attention to the screen. "What do you make of this?"

Soundwave peered at the information displayed on the screen. "Planet Noxor... high detections of energy... no indications of life..."

Megatron motioned for silence. "No doubt the Autobots have detected this little treasure as well," he concluded. "If I know Prime, and I DO, I'm sure he's already picked a team of his so-called warriors to embark towards the planet." Megatron began to pace back and forth, his hand rubbing his chin in a repetitive manner. "No doubt Prime sees this as his last chance to attain a sufficient amount energon; the war is not going kindly for my old enemy."

"What are your plans, Megatron?" Soundwave asked, feeling his leader's mind was beginning to wander off.

Megatron stood still. "Inform Astrotrain, Blitzwing, and Reflector they're going to that planet. Inform them that they will not only return with all the energon they can gather... but they are also to destroy whatever Autobot presence they encounter."

Soundwave nodded. "Should I contact Starscream to serve as mission leader?"

Megatron felt his circuits tingle at the mention of Starscream's name. "You will do no such thing!" he barked. "This mission is too important to allow that buffoon to mess it up. Besides, I need him to remain on Cybertron with Shockwave's army."

If the Autobots reached Noxor before the Decepticons, they could possibly gain enough energon to fill their reserves. If that happened, the entire scope of the war would be changed. The only thing more dangerous than fighting a foe full of hope... is fighting a foe full of hope AND power.

"Contact the Insecticon, Venom," Megatron ordered. "Let him know he'll be acting as mission leader; they leave at the top of the hour."

"As you command, Megatron," Soundwave answered. He watched as Megatron left the chamber, waiting until the huge door closed behind him. Now alone, Soundwave sat in front of the main computer console. He rested his head in his hands, and pondered Megatron's choice of team commander.

Soundwave did not approve of Venom, not just as team commander, but in general. He was not to be trusted... he was void of trust and virtue. He and his band of modified Insecticons have long been referred to as Decepticon outcasts. The trio of Shrapnel, Kickback, and Bombshell never acknowledge their lineage to Venom and his comrades.

But Soundwave realized that a war was going on, one in which- ultimately- only one side will survive. Megatron knows this, and at times must make choices he normally wouldn't.

Lifting his head up, Soundwave began to contact the members Megatron had chosen and give them their instructions.

The Autobot shuttle raced towards their destination. Ironhide sat in the command chair, located almost directly in the center of the bridge. Beachcomber occupied the science station, located to Ironhide's left. Mirage and Sideswipe sat directly in front of Ironhide, monitoring the shuttle's engines and piloting the craft. Brawn was located to the right of Ironhide, his fingers resting atop the weapons control pad. "Everything lookin' okay, boys?" Ironhide asked.

"Seems we're the only ones on the road," Beachcomber answered, after doing a sensor sweep of the immediate area.

"Fine, fine," Ironhide said. "Let's hope it stays that way."

Mirage felt as though he were a million miles away. His mind was not with his teammates; it was in a distant time and place. Remembering the good ol' days, as some would say. Back when he was allowed to do as he wished, back before the war.

Images of days gone by flashed through his mind. Days of hunting turbofoxes back on Cybertron... racing with his friend Jazz... all things that no longer took place. Things that couldn't take place. He was in a war. A war he didn't want to be in, a war he didn't believe in.

Just prior to being selected for this mission, Mirage had finally convinced himself to approach Optimus Prime about how he felt, how he wanted out. He had done so a few times in the past, but Prime always seemed able to convince him otherwise. "We need you," Prime would say. "Your place is here with your family."

That last word always left a sour taste in Mirage's mouth. "Family." That's one thing he's never been able to attain, and it was all because of this war. This damn war.

Astrotrain waited in the launching area for the others to arrive. He had heard of how Venom was going to serve as team leader, and it did not sit well with him. His dislike of Venom stemmed from an incident that occurred not long ago. Before Venom's most recent departure from the Decepticon ranks, he was able to stir up trouble in the Triplechanger's brotherhood. There was a time when the trio of Astrotrain, Blitzwing, and Octane were inseparable. But thanks to the ramblings and lies spread by Venom, that unity is no more. Astrotrain is still very close to Blitzwing, but Octane is another story. Barely a word has been spoken between the two since Venom's intervention, and Astrotrain has never forgiven him.

Astrotrain noticed the entry doors sliding open, drawing him back from his self-imposed trip down memory lane. It was Reflector... all three of him.

"It is almost time to depart," Reflector said. "Where are the others?"

"They're coming," Astrotrain sighed. He absolutely hated listening to him talk. The echo effect from hearing the three of him talk always hit a raw nerve with him. Deep down, he knew he wasn't alone in that feeling.

Blitzwing was next to enter, and only seconds later, in walked in Venom. His color scheme was mostly orange and light green, not exactly an appearance that invited fear in his enemies. But it was what lived in his mind that made Autobots and Decepticons alike tremble when face to face with him. He was an expert in psychological warfare, often leaving his targets little more than burnt-out empties. By the time he was finished, the poor victim would believe anything Venom said no matter how outlandish or impossible.

Atop his head, which some cruelly said resembled a pumpkin, was his alt-mode stinger that harbored several destructive liquids. It made no difference if his prey was mechanical or organic, he had plenty of poisons to go around including corrosive acids and paralyzing toxins. Rivaling his majestic fear-inducing reputation was his own personal paranoia that constantly stabbed at his sanity. He trusted no one.

Venom stared at the members of his team, walking towards them with a silent rage behind his optics. He stopped in front of Astrotrain and remained still. One could almost say he sneered at him. "It's been a while," he said.

"Not long enough," Astrotrain snapped.

Venom began to pace back and forth, sounding off about his plans and how this mission is to be handled. Nobody was really listening, but nobody was saying anything either. Until...

Venom mentioned something that didn't sound correct to Reflector, and he was quick to point out the flaw in Venom's words. "That does not match up with the information..."

Venom lunged at Reflector, grabbing the one in the middle and knocking the other two back into the steel wall. "I am in command!" he roared. "What I say goes, and that is that!" He leaned in and whispered softly. "If you ever question anything I say again, I will inject you with enough corrosive acid, you'll wish you were never brought online... I'll eat you from the inside-out."

Astrotrain began to make his way towards Venom, but felt Blitzwing's hand on his shoulder. Despite wanting to attack the Insecticon right then and there, he gave in to Blitzwing's silent request. Venom noticed Astrotrain's eagerness and smiled when he saw Blitzwing's hand holding him back. "Do you have something to add?"

"Just one small detail," Astrotrain told him. "One day, I'm going to kill you."

Laughter escaped Venom's mouth; a mad, crazy laughter. "Decepticons," he yelled, "To the shuttle!"