Chapter 1

Jets screamed overhead and soared over the barren no-man's land. The twisted metal spires that filled the sky offered little cover from the rampaging Decepticons. In the shadows stirred a figure. Sidewinder peered out of his hiding place and watched the three brightly coloured jets leave. He turned back to his wounded comrade. She was lying flat on the ground and liquid energon was spilling from her spark. Sidewinder cradled her head and she spluttered

"Hang in there, the others are on their way" he stroked her metal cheek "you're going to make it". There was an explosion from outside and he got to his feet, his left hand weaponised. He pressed his back against the wall and searched the sky, something was up there. Logic dictated that the something wasn't friendly. Sidewinder gingerly looked out. A large airship was gliding though the canyon. Decepticon iconography all over the vast hull. Small shapes dropped from its underbelly and landed on the ground. More Decepticons. The odds were not looking good. He had to keep them away from Aftershock. Making his decision he loaded the gun.

Four months previously

Sidewinder stretched and some of the joints in his shoulder clicked in thanks. He rolled his shoulders and stared in awe at the view from the citadel. The other Autobots were maintaining the machinery in the parapet below but he had managed to sneak off while his supervisor wasn't looking for a well-earned rest. Ratchet looked up and caught him

"Sidewinder get down here". Rolling his eyes he did as he was told and dropped down off the battlements to stand next to the old man. Ratchet groaned. Smiling cheerily Sidewinder bent down and lifted the generator Ratchet had been carrying (with the help of Cliffjumper) and rested it on his shoulder

"Where did you want this?" Ratchet pointed and Sidewinder carried it over and fitted it into place. Ratchet nodded, begrudgingly pleased with the young bot's work . The cocky young Autobot resumed his work. Lifting repairing and assembling all the components in the citadel that were required to defend them from the ever impending attack. A soldier by trade Sidewinder was fairly new to the Autobots. Ironhide had swiftly taken him under his wing and shown him the ropes, he had shown promise in the use of heavy weapons.

Having finished his work Sidewinder scaled the battlements to look out across the horizon once more. He craned his neck and squinted into the sunlight. There were four small shapes moving towards them. His eyes adjusted and he tried to identify. It was them. His face lit up with glee. Ratchet joined him on the edge of the defence tower

"Ah good, Prime's back" and with that climbed down to greet his old friend. The great metal doors opened and four vehicles screeched to a halt. The largest was a red freight truck and in a swirl of parts and lights it became Optimus Prime leader of the Autobot rebels. Sidewinder gaped at the sight

"Wow" he breathed. Two of the other vehicles reverted to their robot form. Bumblebee nodded to some of the workers and jogged off for some maintenance. Jazz leapt up and greeted a few of his comerades before leaving to be debriefed. The last Autobot stayed in vehicle form. Optimus strode forwards and Ratchet met him half way

"Prime" Ratchet nodded

"Ratchet I must speak with you in private. I have troubling news" the two vanished within the citadel walls. Sidewinder cocked his head to one side odd he thought Something's up he hopped down and made an attempt at following

"What do you think you're doing?" the sharp voice stopped the bulky youth in his tracks, he turned on his heels and stood face to face with an irritated looking femmebot. She had transformed from the sleek purple motorbike and was bearing down on him. He smiled

"I was going to go and see what the fuss was about"

"And you have that right?" she scoffed "who are you"

"Sidewinder" he puffed out his chest and looked tough "Ironhide's apprentice"

"Oh in that case go on in" she smiled sweetly. Sidewinder turned to go but she grabbed his shoulder

"That was sarcasm I don't care who you are, Prime has ordered me to let no-one in after him". Sidewinder offered a friendly hand

"I care who you are" he grinned. The stern glare did not falter. Eventually the hand was withdrawn and Sidewinder retreated back to the battlements.

The sun set on the battle-scarred horizon and the Autobots gathered within the confines of the citadel. Sidewinder was still contemplating the fiery femmebot he had encountered hours ago. As he descended towards the armoury he met up with Quake. His huge friend was a demolitions expert and as such transformed into a particularly powerful cybertronian tank. Though his weapons were limited his effectiveness on the battlefield was unquestioned by his peers, Sidewinder included. The massive bot's face split into a big grin

"Sidewinder" he slowed his pace to walk beside him

"Hey Quake. Did you hear prime's in the citadel"

"It was built for him". They passed through a vast metal archway where dozens of their Autobot brothers were already gathering to hear the news from Prime

"I know that but it's y'know a Prime"

"I get it Sidewinder. Still don't get why you have to get so excited he comes and goes all the time"

"You don't have to ruin it for me" Sidewinder grumbled. Realising his mistake Quake chuckled and grappled with him

"Aw come on, I didn't mean it" Sidewinder laughed and twisted free of Quake's grip and spun to put a hand to the back of his head

"Kill shot" he chirped. Quake laughed

"Ok, you got me" the two chuckled and stepped into the grand chamber. Ratchet was organising the display. He lifted his head and spied the two. He said nothing and went back to his work. The pair took a seat near the back and waited for Prime to arrive. Hey didn't wait long. The large Autobot strode in through the doors and took his post in front of the citadel's workers. He looked solemnly among them. The femmebot Sidewinder had seen earlier was posted by the door and wasn't looking too happy. Prime nodded to Ratchet and the lights cut out. Only an image from the holographic progector lit the room

"My Brothers" Prime began "I have grave news. A team of our best soldiers is trapped deep in Decepticon territory and we have lost contact" the progetor displayed a map of the planet, Prime pointed to a position on it "The team last checked in at this point and claimed to have vital information on the Decepticon fleet". If we do not rescue them then the whole of our kind could be in danger"

"So why come to us about it" shouted some worker. Prime's tone remained calm and lost no respect

"I have come to you all to ask for your help. We need a team of soldiers to deploy at this point and find out what happened. I ask this because my attention is required elsewhere, otherwise I would do it myself" Prime bowed his head and spoke in a quieter tone "General Ironhide is among the missing squad". The words hit Sidewinder like a grenade to the face. He gaped for a few seconds and regained his senses

"I'll go" he said. Heads turned to face him. He took no notice and instead walked towards where Prime was standing. Ratchet looked as awestruck as everyone else, although he needn't have, he knew Sidewinder would try and help. Prime looked down on the younger bot

"Are you sure?" he asked

"I owe a great deal to General Ironhide, more than I'd care to mention. I will gladly heid the call to arms". Quake noticed where the situation was going and covered his face, he was about to do something stupid

"I'll answer too" he trudged down to his friend's side.

"These protoforms can't do this" Sidewinder turned his head to watch the Purple femmebot storm towards them "Send me Optimas, I have the training I can bring them back safely". Prime lifted his hand to silence her. He looked into Sidewinder's eyes. Boring a hole right through him

"This young spark has promise. I have no doubt in his abilities" Prime turned away

"WHAT!" The femmebot shouted

"If you want to go so badly you could always come along" Sidewinder mumbled

"An excellent idea" Ratchet stepped forwards from the corner and nodded to Sidewinder "Aftershock will prove a valuable asset in most combat situations" he continued. Aftershock was seething

"Fine" she spat. She stormed out of the room bumping into Sidewinder's shoulder on the way out. The Autobots dispersed leaving Quake and Sidewinder staring at the form of Aftershock as she vanished into the crowd

"I'm getting bad juju about this one Wind" Quake groaned

"I like her" Sidewinder started walking towards the armoury "Let's get kitted out, we need to leave as soon as possible".