"The hell?" Jonah Hex wasn't prone to deep introspection, nor did he possess the most curious mind. Thus the sight of the giant robotic beetle flying overhead then transforming into a vaguely humanoid shape didn't raise anything other than profanity.

Shrapnel stared down at the human. He had sent a signal to the rest of the Insecticons to meet at a secret location. There was energy on this Earth, energy that he wanted the Insecticons to possess. He quickly snatched up Hex and stared at him. "Interesting, judging from your clothes and weapons, you are from the late 1860s of your calendar-calendar." He casually dropped Hex, ignoring the man's increasing cursing.

"Curious, my scans showed this Earth has having compatible technology with ours-ours."

Hex drew his Colt Dragoons and fired both barrels. The bullets harmlessly bounced off the robot's hide.

"Human, what year is it-it?"

"The year I quit drinking that cheap rotgut!" Hex spat as he fired twice more. If Shrapnel was in any way bothered by the bullets, it didn't show. "Damn future junk!"

"Wait, future? Did you fall forward in time or did I go backwards-backwards?" Shrapnel tried to process this new train of thought as Hex continued to shoot.

-A

Previously

Jetfire had taken to the sky the instant Optimus had ordered them to split up. Despite the scars and weapons, Jetfire still considered himself a scientist. "This Earth is similar, but I'm detecting so much more energy. I wonder if Prime would mind if I took some readings?"

The sleek white and red jet screamed across the sky. Blaster had bailed out some time before, leaving the researcher alone with his thoughts. "The Decepticons' plans of conquest must end here!" Increasing his scanners, Jetfire found the nearest Decepticons signal. "A single one, no doubt split off from the main party, but I can't afford them to ravage this planet no matter the number." Sending out a signal to the rest of the Autobots, Jetfire broke the sound barrier as he streaked across the sky.

-D

"Human, you will tell me what I need to know-know!" Shrapnel loomed over Hex. To the bounty hunter's credit, he showed no fear.

"I've seen enough strange things in my time not to be impressed by any tin plated jackass giant." Hex had holstered his pistols. He had tried using a shotgun and a tomahawk he kept on hand, but neither weapon had much effect.

"How colorful, but if you can't help me then I see no point in letting you live-live!" Shrapnel drew a massive rifle from some place and pointed it at Hex. The scarred man's head and upper body would easily fit inside the barrel.

Shrapnel suddenly looked up. "Ah, a plane! I knew I must have been in the twentieth century all along-along!" The rumbling across the prairie gave the giant robot insect pause. "Wait, why does that craft look familiar?"

Jetfire streaked down, sending up a wave of dirt in his passing. Shrapnel, ignoring Hex, drew his rifle and fired. Jetfire spun wildly, the energy bolts narrowly clipping his wings. His legs suddenly swung down as he drew closer. Shutting his engines off Jetfire plowed feet first into Shrapnel, sending the Insecticon flying backwards.

Hex, half buried in sand, pulled himself free and took stock of the situation. "Another one?" He spied Shrapnel's rifle, half buried in the dirt.

-D

"Give up!" Jetfire leveled his gun at Shrapnel.

"Never-never!" Shrapnel wheezed. His chest plate was badly crushed. Various fluids leaked out of his chassis.

"Prime, I've captured-"Jetfire's words were cut off as an energy blast grazed his shoulder. "What?"

"Alright, now I've been shot at and buried enough times today! Both of you are going to start making sense, right now!" Hex snarled as he braced himself inside the trigger guard of Shrapnel's rifle.

"Later Autobot-autobot!" Sharpnel quickly transformed and flew away as Jetfire lowered his gun.

"I can't harm a native, yet what else can I do?" Jetfire held his hands up. "Greetings earthling, I mean you no harm."

Hex narrowed his one good eye. "Suppose I don't believe you?"

"The other one did threaten you, I'm sure. I'm trying to stop him, please. I can take you to the nearest settlement, but we have to hurry. I'm an Autobot, see?" He pointed to the red symbol of his chest.

Hex eased off the trigger. "That tattoo looks different than the other one, but that doesn't mean much."

"I suppose it doesn't, but if I can't convince you now, I will have to leave to meet with the rest of the Autobots. Your planet is in grave danger."

After nearly a minute of silence, Hex stepped free of the trigger. "I don't give a tinker's cuss about the planet, but if you want some help in capturing that overgrown beetle, I'll ride with you."

"Good enough!" Jetfire transformed back into a jet. Hex shook his head. His horse had fled at the first sign of trouble.

"I hate flying machines." Hex shook his head and climbed into the cockpit.