Chapter 1: Only the Beginning

High in Earth's Orbit

5 Hours after the Battle of Darkmount

The hull of the Nemesis was crowded with rows of Vehicon Fliers, all lined up under Starscream's orders and standing at attention. On one of the Warship's upper levels, Megatron, the Leader of the Decepticons, paced back and forth. His loyal Communications Chief, Soundwave, and Seeker Commander Dreadwing stood a respectful distance to the side.

Starscream himself, however, stood to the side of the Vehicon forces that were lined up and standing at attention. Megatron sure was taking his sweet time, that's for sure, Starscream thought as he grimaced, waiting for his Master to speak.

"Decepticons, I would like to inform you with unmost authority that we are winning the War against the Autobots," Megatron announced, "what with Cliffjumper's demise at the hands of Starscream, and the destruction of Autobot Outpost Omega One following the incident on Cybertron..."

These words were met with cheers from the Vehicon soldiers, though Starscream remained silent, glowering because he knew the truth.

"...Sadly, that would be a lie," Megatron continued, "Primus hate on me, but I know we're Decepticons, but I am not about to lie to you. We are, in fact, losing the War! After our humilating defeat at the hands of the Aubotos five hours ago, and following the destruction of most of our Energon mines, we have been pushed back. However, I am confident that this next step will turn the tide in our favor. Launching an attack on the town known as Fairview, we will draw the Autobots into a trap!"

The Vehicons cheered again.

Megatron raised his Fusion Cannon and fired. The unlucky Vehicon was sent flying backwards, his arm and head being blown off from the blast. The Vehicons immediately silenced themselves, and Megatron lowered his weapon.

"Soundwave has already set the Warship on a course to Fairview," Megatron said. "Once there, Dreadwing will supervise bombing runs, and Starscream will see to the ground assault. Our attacks will focus on the town's power supply and energy reserves. We want to cut the town from surrounding areas."

Starscream allowed a small smile.

"When Optimus Prime learns that a populated town is at risk, rest assured, he will be coming," Megatron said, "and when he does... we WILL be waiting for him." Megatron allowed a smile to come to his faceplate, and then he laughed triumphantly. Dreadwing joined him, and even Starscream joined in. After a couple minutes, Soundwave also joined in, using his recording to imitate Megatron's laugh rather than use his own voice.

Unit E Military Base

The Location of Team Prime's New Base

The red and blue All-Terrain, Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle rolled through the glowing green Ground Bridge portal. The Autobot Leader had been away scouting mines previously inhabited by Decepticons, and just now took time to return to the military base that currently served as Team Prime's headquaters. Ratchet had his hand on the Ground Bridge lever, and watched the Autobot Leader roll in. Then he turned and pulled the lever, closing the portal.

As the Ground Bridge portal closed, the All-Terrain, Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle broke apart, parts rearranging and stacking up on each other until it was now the tallest member of the team, Optimus Prime.

"I take it you found nothing important?" Ratchet asked.

Optimus Prime shook his head. "I am afraid not, old friend. I have been to seven former Decepticon mines, but it would seem anything worth it has been either destroyed or taken back to the Nemesis for safe-keeping."

"Too bad," Ratchet commented, "would've been nice to have something that could tell us what Megatron is planning or where on Earth he is."

Bumblebee came into the room at that moment. The Autobot had recently reversed his color, so he was now mainly black with yellow stripes. The speechless 'Bot wasted no time putting into the conversation with beeps of his own.

"No, Bumblebee, it is not a good sign," Optimus Prime replied. "If the Decepticons are covering their tracks, then they are planning something that they absolutely don't want us to discover."

"Can't we spy on them... or something?" came the voice of their Human friend, Jack Darby, from nearby.

Optimus and Ratchet took a moment to look at Jack, then they both turned to look at each other. After a moment, Optimus walked forward and leaned down so that he could look at Jack face-to-face.

"Unfortunately, we have no way of finding out the Warship's coordinates, and without any clue as to where Megatron is, spying on the Decepticons is out of the question," Optimus Prime explained.

Jack nodded and looked down.

Optimus looked saddened, most likely wishing he could say something to cheer him up.

The monitor flickered, and Ratchet bashed his fist against it. Unfortunately, the rumble sent across the monitor sent one of his tools crashing to the ground where it became disassembled. Ratchet picked it up and threw it aside.

"SCRAP!" he exclaimed, "I NEEDED THAT!"

The big, lumbering green lug called Bulkhead walked past at that moment, with his human friend, Miko Nakadai on his shoulder. Bulkhead glanced at Ratchet and shook his head while Miko suppressed a laugh.

"At least it wasn't me this time," he stated to Miko.

Ratchet rolled his optics and grunted, "Not. Helping."

Miko stopped laughing instantly.

"Come on, Bulk, let's go do something," she suggested.

"Sounds like a plan, Miko," Bulkhead said. He set her down on the floor and transformed to his 4x4 mode, opening the passanger door for Miko to climb in. As soon as she buckled herself in, Bulkhead took off through the garage door.

"Um, is that really a good idea?" Jack asked.

"Yeah," Raf chimed in from beside Jack. "I mean, if the Decepticons are searching for us, wouldn't Miko be in big trouble then?"

Bumblebee looked at Raf and responded with a series of beeps.

"What did he say, Raf?" Jack asked, looking at his friend.

"He says that Bulkhead wouldn't let anything happen to Miko," Raf replied, "and he says he's sure the 'Cons are to busy planning their next move to concentrate on finding where Team Prime is hidden."

Bumblebee spoke with another series of beeps.

"Really? Are you sure, Bumblebee?" Raf asked.

Bumblebee replied with yet another group of beeps.

"PRIME!" a new voice cut in. It was Special Agent Bill Fowler, storming out of his office with a clipboard. "PRIME! WHERE IN SAM HILL HAVE YOU BEEN!?"

Optimus Prime looked blankly at Agent Fowler for a long moment.

"Special Agent Fowler," Optimus said after a moment, "To what do I owe-"

"Seen any Decepticons since Darkmount?" Agent Fowler asked in his usual, annoyed tone of voice. "Besides Megatron, Starscream or Shockwave?"

Optimus looked over at Ratchet and shook his head. "No, Agent Fowler... Why?"

"Because I've recieved word that the Decepticons have arrived over the town of Fairview," Agent Fowler explained. "And they've cut all communications to and from the town. General Bryce is ready to send an air strike to nuke the Decepticons if Team Prime doesn't act."

Optimus remained silent for a moment, taking this in. Finally, he turned toward Ratchet and asked, "Are you locked onto the coordinates?"

"Affirmative, Optimus," Ratchet said. He pulled the lever, and once more the green portal that was the Ground Bridge came online. "The Ground Bridge is online."

Optimus Prime stepped forward. "Ratchet, make contact with the other members of Team Prime. Bumblebee, let's move ahead to the given coordinates. Transform - and Roll Out!"

Both Autobots assumed their vehicle modes and burned rubber as they sped through the Ground Bridge. Ratchet closed the Ground Bridge and turned to the monitor, activating the remote connection to the other members of Team Prime, currently out on reacon missions. It was time to send them as backup for Optimus and Bumblebee. The closest was Bulkhead, so that was who Ratchet sent for first.

So, there's Chapter 1 for you guys! Sorry about no action, but this IS after all, only the beginning! The attack on Fairview will be shown next chapter, and Skylar Lewis will be introduced sometime in that time. The other Autobots and other Decepticons will be introduced at well. Leave me feedback and tell me what you'd like to see in the next chapter!