The Gathering Storm
Series: Children of Primus, part 2 of 3
by Phantom
Chapter Two
The two Autobot attack cruisers swept in low, bringing the planet surface of Goloran into view. It was immediately apparent to those aboard that the Deceptcion SOS was no trick. Large red winged creatures with cruel, metal-rending talons shrieked and chased down the rapidly scattering Decepticon forces. Fire borne from their mouths scorched the landscape and melted the bodies of those unlucky enough to be caught in its path. An incredibly dense exoskeleton protected the creatures from light weapon fire, and the shrapnel-filled grenades and rifles that they carried wreaked havoc on the fleeing robots.
On signal, the giant shuttles opened fire, nailing several of the creatures. Although the invaders were protected against light weaponry, their organic structures could not withstand such a powerful hit. It was painfully obvious from their mannerisms that these barbaric creatures were of low intelligence, not even learning from experience how to evade the shots that hit them. The pilots brought the shuttles as low as they dared, and the Autobot troops jumped out to join the fray, as the shuttles lifted higher to begin another strafing run.
Astonishingly, the Decepticons actually seemed relieved at their arrival, using Autobot cover fire to regroup. The Autobots were aghast at what they saw. There didn't seem to be a single Decepticon that wasn't singed, partially melted, or shredded in several places. All this from simple-minded, brutal organic creatures! Unbelievably, it was through the sheer extra firepower alone that they themselves did not fare as poorly.
Optimus Prime called, firing his laser rifle at an organic creature that approached too closely. He had had to crank it up to maximum output to even wound the creatures, on whom energy weapons were quite ineffectual. Their bodies just seemed to absorb the discharge. Where is Megatron?!
Several Decepticon lieutenants gestured to the wreckage of what had been their headquarters. Optimus groaned and took off at a run. A creature swept down, mouth open, ready to spew forth fire. A quick, sharp report came from the direction of the wreckage, and the creature fell, screaming and snarling in defeat. As he approached, he could see Soundwave's weapon smoking slightly. He gave the communications officer a surprised but grateful look. Behind the indigo Deceptcion knelt Cyclonus, diligently working to patch up numerous shrapnel wounds in a semi-conscious Megatron.
The Decepticon leader's optics grew brighter as Optimus came into view. came he said faintly.
You knew I would, Optimus said simply, kneeling by his side.
Megatron protested. I could not be sure. Despite what happened several months ago, it is not so easy to put nine million years of war aside. You are an honorable soldier, Optimus Prime, and you have always upheld the rather ridiculously noble precepts of the Autobots, but even you can carry a grudge. I was also unsure if you could convince your followers to aid us. It would have been all too easy for you to turn a blind eye and allow us to be destroyed.
I could never allow that, Optimus protested, taking the weakened Decepticon's hand. Primus created us all equally, and we cannot turn our backs on our brothers, no matter how much bloodshed is in our shared past. If Unicron is indeed returning, we will need every fighter we can get, or else we are as good as dead.
Megatron gestured weakly to the battlefield. We can discuss this later. Go and protect our peoples. Optimus gave him a brief nod, then headed off into the thick of the battle. They needed to drive these creatures off before even more damage occurred.
Eventually, the slow-witted creatures realized that they were outnumbered, and that a good number of their people had fallen. With angry hisses, they took off in the air, flying into the deep reaches of space itself. Autobot and Decepticon watched them go, infinitely relieved that this battle was over. It was only then that the enormity of the destruction was fully realized. It seemed hardly possible for such stupid, weak organic creatures to have wrought such damage! The base was a total loss, having collapsed in on itself, fires smoldering in a few isolated spots. As far as the optics could see, robots lay in pain, nursing their numerous wounds. The Autobot and Decepticon Medicorps forces alike scampered across the battlefield, arranging triage victims.
A hand fell on his shoulder, and Rodimus jumped. Optimus ignored his startled reaction, surveying the battlefield. Several Decepticons lay motionless, most likely dead, and while he did not recognize them, that made their passing no less tragic. He hung his head. There was no doubt of it now – they were in serious danger. It was just a matter of time before Cybertron was next.
* * * * *
Megatron awoke to unfamiliar surroundings. His newly patched wounds ached. He turned his head and saw Optimus Prime sitting at his bedside. The ever-vigilant Soundwave stood in the corner, making sure of his commander's safety. Megatron closed his optics and turned away. They had been bested in battle by stupid flesh creatures, and the Autobots had come to save them! It was beyond humiliating!
a soft yet commanding voice spoke, and he was forced to acknowledge it, staring at the familiar yet much-maligned red and blue Autobot. Megatron, I must have words with you. I know that you have just awakened, but it cannot wait.
The silvery Decepticon frowned, knowing that whatever Optimus had to say, he would most likely not want to hear. But after the gesture of good faith that had saved his people, could he really refuse? Soundwave, leave us. Go see how the others are doing, he instructed. The enigmatic indigo robot nodded silently and departed, leaving the two age-old enemies alone.
What do you wish of me, Optimus Prime?
Optimus regarded him as placidly as ever. Both of our factions are in deadly danger. What Primus has warned about has already come to pass. You can no longer deny that his words are true, Megatron. Therefore, we must follow another one of his prophesies. Alone we are no match for Unicron, but perhaps together, united as one force, we can find the means to defeat him.
Megatron looked unconvinced. Your reasoning is sound but holds no basis against such a creature as Unicron. He is much more than just a giant robot. I have felt his mind. I know what he is capable of.
That is exactly why you must help us! Prime exclaimed. Between your knowledge of Unicron and Rodimus' and my command of the Matrix, maybe we can stop him! Please, Megatron, it's the best chance for survival that any of us has. We can't do it without you.
He was silent for a short time, looking at the ceiling. He never thought a day like this would come! What Optimus Prime was proposing went against every fiber of his being! But times had changed, and perhaps he should learn to change with them. What do you propose?
Here was the crunch. This was what it all came down to. I propose a temporary alliance, a truce between our forces. Goloran is no longer safe for your people, Megatron. In exchange for your cooperation, we will allow the Decepticons to return to Cybertron.
Megatron could not hide his surprise. Certainly Cybertron was the safest place for them, but the Autobots were running a serious risk in allowing them to return. Their formidable planetary defenses had prevented the Decepticons from waging an assault on the planet, but once they were past them, it would be much easier to take back Cybertron for themselves. Still, what good would Cybertron be to them if Unicron destroyed it, and them along with it?
Breaking the silence, Prime continued, We will share with you whatever energy and supplies you need. Darkmount still stands, but it has been deactivated. You will need help to get it back in running order.
The Decepticons do not accept charity! Megatron clearly found the offer insulting.
It's not charity, Megatron, Optimus replied firmly. Your Decepticons will work for everything that is given to you. You will help us to fortify Cybertron, transport crucial personnel and materials from Earth, and your troops will train side-by-side with mine until we can fight as one united force. It will not be easy. Nothing will be given without something in return. He fell silent, giving Megatron time to think over his offer.
Megatron stared at the ceiling once more, wondering how on Cybertron things had ever gotten so bad. An alliance with the Autobots? Help them in exchange for Energon? Help them transfer Autobot materials from the Earth, instead of draining the planet dry? Was he in the Inferno? Could this be some kind of nightmare? The Decepticons were beaten; nearly everything they had possessed had been destroyed in the battle. They had nothing left. Without the Autobots, they would surely die. Every circuit screamed against it, but he could not afford to put pride ahead of the survival of the Decepticon army. Very well, Optimus Prime, he whispered in defeat. You have your alliance.
Prime's relief was nearly palpable. Thank you, Megatron. I know how difficult this decision was for you to make. We both must be strong and uphold our new alliance, for it will be sorely tested.
Megatron looked at him askance. Have you discussed this with your top officers?
I have.
And what was their reaction?
Optimus shook his head, unsure whether to be amused or frustrated. Some understood right away, but most of the others thought I had lost my mind. He looked at his clasped hands. Considering recent events, I suppose I can't blame them. It took an awful lot of persuasion, and some unsubtle threats from Rodimus, to convince them that this was the only avenue left open to us. I was able to convince them eventually, though they are less than happy with it. I don't know whether to be pleased that they acquiesced, or disturbed that they have so much faith in me.
Megatron did not remark on this, but it gave him something to think about. The Autobots had always seemed to treat their leaders with much more awe and respect than was due, revering them as nearly godlike figures. He had always seen it as some kind of Autobot propaganda, but now he wasn't so sure. Optimus did not seem to like that sort of unquestioning loyalty at all.
Optimus looked troubled. Many Decepticons perished today. I am sorry for their loss, and I apologize that we were unable to save them.
Megatron smiled, finding those words oddly touching. Do not grieve for their passing, Prime. To a Decepticon, there is no higher honor than to die in battle, fighting against insurmountable odds. Their names will be honored and praised.
Optimus said his goodbyes and left Megatron to heal his wounds. He headed back to his office, mind awhirl. Now that he had what he wanted, he had no idea if it would actually work. Their armies were so filled with hate and animosity, and getting them to work together may well prove to be impossible. The responsibility for success or failure would be his. He didn't know if he could hold his own mind together sometimes, let alone two warring armies! Primus help the universe if he failed.
end of Chapter Two
The author would like to thank you for your continued support. Your review has been posted.