Chapter 4-More Twists and Turns
Everyone at the Autobot Base couldn't believe what they had just heard about one Jack Darby. Jack had alien Nanomachines in his body and his Father had been the source of it all. Experimented on by the his sire, only to have that man trying to kill him, and June sometime later with the result being a complete failure. Still, it would explain Jack's behavior to Team Prime, as the Autobots had known little of Jack's background, and how Jack acted in the first place. Whenever something was happening around him, Jack acted in a calculating manner, always trying to see several steps ahead of what was going on, and thinking of the future while in the present. Granted this didn't happen all the time since that incident with street racing and Knock Out almost capturing the High School bully Vince in the belief he was Bumblebee's human friend was in part to impress a girl at school.
Not one of Jack's better moments, but one could argue the boy's hormones had played a factor, and wanted to prove to the girl he liked that he was every bit the man she believe him to be on account of his motorcycle. The fact his motorcycle was a living breathing alien robot, a femme robot, and was his guardian not withstanding.
"Wait a minute! How can Jack have these things in him and no one notices? Didn't he have checkups back then? After he was injured? I mean wouldn't Ratchets own scanners pick it up the moment Jack walked into the base?" exclaimed Miko while seeing June smiling at her.
"I just started my job as an intern at Jasper Hospital as a nurse a year before...that day, but I was very quick to learn since I had such an exciting child to take care of, and Jack's Father was always busy with his own work. We had a Nanny when our shifts prevented either one of us from looking after Jack, which back then we could afford since money wasn't an issue. After...that day happened, I was able to eventually use my position to get access to Jack's medical records, and altered them just enough to fool anyone snooping around. Since then, I've been making sure any blood work done on Jack, or any kind of test is done at Jasper Hospital so I can make sure no one saw anything that would raise suspicion on him," replied June while smiling sadly knowing her own personal reason behind being a nurse had transcended just being a career.
"So any and all tests done on Jack were altered to prevent any of the doctors assigned to him from then on out wouldn't see the Nanomachines," commented Fowler with June nodding.
"To be honest, I didn't have to alter much. I was so afraid when I was being treated that the doctors would see something was off with Jack's blood, and see the Nanomachines running around in his body. But they didn't," replied June and it was clear everyone was stunned by this.
"How is that possible? I mean...Jack would have been given an all out examination and the Nanomachines would have turned up sometime during the tests," questioned Raf and it was clear this was another piece to the puzzle.
"Perhaps Jack's Father would know. He did perform the experiment on his own son," Ratchet offered in terms of an idea.
"What is the man's name?" asked Optimus while looking at June, who looked away from his gaze, and the Prime turned to Fowler for the answer.
"His name is Janus. Janus Warrington," answered Fowler while looking back at June for a moment before refocusing his gaze on the Prime.
"Is he alive?" asked Prime seeing Fowler nod before reopening the file in his hands.
"Yes. He's being held in a Federal Prison in Leavenworth under special conditions setup by the military to keep him out of the general population. Having him a military prison would have embarrassed the brass that were in charge of the military base he worked in so they used the incident with Jack and his Mother to throw him away in there. The man has his own personal section there meant to hold several inmates, but the Warden running the prison was given specific instructions to make sure Janus was isolated, and kept under a tight watch by the guards," explained Fowler while seeing Prime narrow his optics at the is information.
"Can you get into the prison see him without having your conversations being monitored by security?" asked Optimus with Fowler shaking his head no.
"I wish. I'd need to get a signed order from a whole lot of people and they aren't easy to get a hold of even if I used every trick I knew to reach them," explained Fowler after he saw the level of restrictions on this guy.
"And its not like we can just Ground Bridge the guy here," remarked Bulkhead while he scratched the top of his metal head.
"Sadly no. Still, it is imperative that we redouble our efforts to find Jack before Megatron discovers the secret lying deep within his body, and pray he hasn't found it already," said Optimus and the others nodded in agreement.
(The Nemesis-The Bridge-1 Week Later)
"Jack! Come to the bridge at once!" commanded Megatron through the speak system while looking out at the dark reaches of space in front of him with the sound of the doors to the bridge opening with the small presence entering.
"I am here as commanded Lord Megatron," replied Jack, as he kneeled from his current position which was about five long Cybertronian steps, and waited for the command of the Decepticon Warlord.
"I have a mission for you. One that will act as a means of striking back at my human foes, send a message to Optimus, and further test your skills in battle. Not to mention it will further prove your loyalty to me and seeing whether the investment I made in you was worth the effort," replied Megatron with the last part reminding Jack of how much time, resources, and energy was put into rebuilding his body after it was broken.
"Command me and I will obey," said Jack and kept his head down while the Lord of all the Decepticons grinned with his back still turned from his human charge.
"As you no doubt are aware of from your memories, the humans have an organization called M.E.C.H. working to advance their race technologically, and going so far as to dissect the bodies of those that fall in battle. Breakdown's loss of an eye is proof of their actions against either side of the war being waged and they don't care who they have to go through to get it. Your own Mother being kidnapped was proof of that as well from what Airachnid had told me recently," said Megatron with the Warlord seeing Jack's body stiffen from its kneeling position and could see the boy was now accessing that memory just as he did to further confirm what the Spider Bot had told him earlier.
And was filling him with rage.
"The leader of the organization is a man named Silas. He is military trained and his forces are too. That much is clear after what they tried in pulling a heist on a moving train to steal military grade technology," replied Jack while his head was still down and awaited his orders.
"This organization is a third side in a war meant for only two. This M.E.C.H. group the humans have created will now doubt interfere in our fight with the Autobots and attack the weakened victor of whoever wins the war. I will not have my side, which will in the end win against the Autobots, be killed soon after by vultures, and our bodies be used for the endgame of some foolish human's ambition. Hence why I have summoned you here Jack. You are an extension of my Will. My desires. You are MY Ripper! As such you will use your skills and power to crush this organization before they can use what they steal to crush US! Soundwave has found one of the bases that these humans have been using and I want you to personally take it out while turning every flesh creature there into a mere rotting corpse!" stated Megatron while pointing at Jack, who looked up at Megatron, and simply nodded.
"There blood shall stain the walls and their faces shall only show fear from the sight of my fury that is but an extension of yourself Lord Megatron," replied Jack, as he bowed his head again, and yet he sensed the Warlord was pleased by his response.
"Good. Airachnid will be accompanying you on this mission. Her talents for infiltration and gathering information will prove beneficial in making the humans know what awaits them in the future," stated Megatron with Jack not commenting on Airachnid joining him, which to the Decepticon Warlord meant the boy had no qualms with it, and was willing to put up with the Spider Bot to prove his worth to his Master.
"We shall depart immediately once I have the necessary gear to ensure the mission does not end in failure. What of the equipment inside or the base's computer systems. Should I not hack into them and see what they have stored in the files?" replied Jack with Megatron thinking that part over.
"While I doubt anything this M.E.C.H. organization has in their systems is worth interest, we wouldn't want to overlook it, and miss such a wonderful opportunity to see what they have in terms of technology. While primitive, we can give the weapons they possess a nice upgrade to be used not only against the humans, but Optimus along with the rest of the Autobots too," replied Megatron with Jack nodding before he rose from his kneeled position.
"What of Silas should the man be there? Should I bring him here for questioning? Or do you want him to be killed outright?" asked Jack with Megatron thinking over that part with greater care.
"IF this Silas is at the base, bring him here to me alive, and in a somewhat manageable condition. How you do that is entirely up to you and Airachnid," ordered Megatron with Jack nodding again.
"As you command my one true Lord and Master," replied Jack before bowing and then leaving the room.
"I'm not one to question you Lord Megatron, but...isn't it a tad early to be sending Jack into the field, and with Airachnid of all of us here on the ship? She did do a number on his body after all," said Knock Out with Megatron looking at him impassively.
"I need young Jack to embrace the Decepticon cause immediately if we are to ensure he willingly does what I command him to do. The program in his head may work now, but the Nanomachines in his body may try to remove it, and the only way to prevent such a thing from remotely happening is to make the boy fight for me as soon as possible. By the time the Nanomachines remove the program or it were to fail on its own, I want Jack to be so deep into the cause that his loyalty will not leave him long after the program that Soundwave downloaded into his head does!" exclaimed Megatron with Knock Out now beginning to understand.
"So even with the program gone, our young human friend will still fight for us of his own freewill. Truly ingenious Lord Megatron," replied Knock Out while Megatron let out a small chuckle.
"That it is Knock Out. I only wish Prime could witness the sight of his chosen human for a Prime," said Megatron, as he could only imagine Optimus's face when seeing the new, and improved Jack fighting under the Decepticon Banner.
It would truly destroy Prime's Spark!
(The Nemesis-Hanger Bay)
"I still don't see why we have to use my alt. mode to get there. Using the Ground Bridge would be so much easier," replied Airachnid, as she entered the hanger where the other Vehicons that could fly would leave when called upon, and her toy/slash partner on this mission walking beside the Decepticon femme shrugged.
The two of them made a strange pair walking side by side like they were partners when not that long ago they were something else. By the Pit, they should be sworn enemies, each one vowing to rip the others throat out, and tearing each other limb from limb in a fit of uncontrollable rage. And yet, here they were! Acting like they didn't hate each other, acting like one didn't torture the other, didn't blow up the other's ship, didn't side with a human terrorist organization to...well you get the point. Still, despite ALL of this, Jack didn't flinch, hesitate, or cower in fear of Airachnid whenever she was around him.
And she made it her business to be around him.
At first, the Spider Bot wanted to intimidate Jack. To make the boy's body go stiff in fear at seeing his torturer again. But Airachnid found that her Jack wasn't afraid of her like she thought he would be when they met for the first time under these new conditions. Instead, Jack just gave her a curt nod, and some small talk, and never once gave off any hint that he was terrified of being within spitting distance of her form. It was almost annoying and irritating at times when she would smile at him in passing with the usual "I'm going to rip out your intestinal track when I get the chance" look she gave him.
But at the same time it brought about...excitement! Someone who was fearless while in her presence. Someone who wasn't afraid to be in a room with her for more then a few seconds and then leave while giving a lame excuse to why they needed to suddenly leave. Few had the processor or the ball bearings to be around the black pink femme Decepticon and Jack was in that small handful.
Airachnid couldn't deny it made her want him even more!
"We can't risk M.E.C.H. having sensors that can pickup Ground Bridges and prepare for an imminent attack. Just because their technology is not as advanced as ours does not mean they aren't trying to compete or they haven't been trying to create such a thing," replied Jack with his duffle bag (from Soundwave) thrown over his shoulder, and waited for Airachnid to transform into her helicopter mode.
"I think you just want an excuse to be inside of me," countered Airachnid in a sweet and sultry tone with the cockpit now open for Jack to enter.
"Keep telling yourself that," replied Jack after sitting down and soon the two were off to head for the coordinates Soundwave had supplied before entering the hanger.
"I be sure to remember that later on when we're together in my room on my berth and you sleeping on top of me," remarked Airachnid with amusement in her voice.
"You kidnapped me from my room, laid down on your berth, and kept me pinned to your body with the threat of ripping me to pieces in the event I tried to free myself if I recall correctly Airachnid. Something about getting the 'Arcee experience' in terms of close contact with me?" replied Jack and he was sure her helicopter controls glowed slightly to indicate that she was doing her own version of blushing.
"I just wanted to know what Arcee felt when she was in close contact with you. After all, you did ride her all the time, and no doubt gave my old friend a nice wash from time to time. Your hands do have the ability to reach all those hard to reach places we know Arcee loved to have touched by your skilled hands," countered Airachnid while trying to turn the tables on Jack.
"Perhaps. But those days are over. The next time I see Arcee, these hands that at one point would touch, and caress her form for whatever pleasurable experience it brought me will not be for that purpose. They will be used to rip out the Autobot femme's Spark and with her last few seconds of sight...she will see me crush it!"replied Jack coldly while hearing Airachnid make sound of approval at his choice of words.
"Its a shame we have to go on this mission Jack. I could set us down right now and we see just how compatible you really are to my systems," said Airachnid in a lustful tone.
"Business before pleasure Airachnid. We're almost at the coordinates. Set us down here. We need to discuss our plan of attack,"replied Jack while hearing Airachnid let out a groan, call him a tease, and landed in a woodsy area away from the M.E.C.H. base.
"So what IS the plan exactly besides infiltrating the M.E.C.H. base and slaughtering all the M.E.C.H. agents inside?" remarked Airachnid after she transformed once Jack leaped out of her alt. mode's cockpit.
"First, I will infiltrate from above on the roof. I have a small yet powerful jamming device I had Breakdown give me from the Medlab earlier to jam their communication system. Once that is in place, you will tunnel underground, and enter from below to kill M.E.C.H. soldiers. Leave the one in charge of the base and the Head Scientists alive for interrogation. They might know something useful is being made or how to gain access to their database easier to see if any of their technology is worth looking into for the Decepticon cause to use against the Autobots," explained Jack while taking out the jamming device from the duffle bag.
"I understand the need for stealth Jack, but this is beyond the usual scope of what needs to be done. Why not kill everyone and blow up the base?" asked Airachnid with Jack shaking his head.
"We can't risk M.E.C.H. knowing the Decepticons are targeting them. Silas no doubt believes Megatron is too arrogant to go after them and is focusing on the Autobots. When we are finished with this place, I believe Silas will send agents here to investigate why its gone silent, and find everyone in it slaughtered. I want the man to know fear and there is nothing more fearful in war then knowing that there is an unidentified enemy coming after you. I want that man to know fear. To breathe it. To see shadows in his nightmares while knowing a living breathing one will eventually come for him when the time is right,"explained Jack passionately and it was clear to Airachnid that Silas had crossed him on a personal level by involving his Mother into this secret war.
Airachnid was actually kind of glad Jack's anger was focused on M.E.C.H. and not her since she had a hand in that event.
"So you attack from above after setting up the jammer. I attack from below. We meet in the middle," concluded Airachnid with Jack smirking behind his mask.
"Exactly. This base is secluded here near the mountain so security focuses more on the inside of the base. Not out. From what Soundwave showed us of the entire base, they don't have any kind of fence, but that doesn't mean they don't have motion sensors on the ground, and one of the reasons why we need to setup the jamming device so you can tunnel underneath from here. When the jammer is in place, I'll shoot this flare into the sky, and you'll dig underneath the base to do what you do best," explained Jack while Airachnid smirked and nodded.
"If the motion sensors around the M.E.C.H. base are there like you say Jack...just how are you going to plant the jammer on the roof?" asked Airachnid knowing the base and the woods they were in had quite the distance between them.
"How good is your throwing arm? Or should I say...arms?!" asked Jack with Airachnid looking at him with a slightly surprised look on her face before she grinned.
"Let's find out," replied Airachnid before gently picking Jack up and heading for the edge of the woods before the boy mentioned one more thing to her regarding his identity when they got inside.
(Autobot Base-3 Days later)
"Prime!" exclaimed Fowler over the communication system Ratchet was working on.
"What is it Agent Fowler? Have the Decepticons attacked another military base?" asked Optimus with the government agent looking grim.
"I almost wish that were the case Prime. This is more M.E.C.H. related, but the Cons are definitely involved, and there is a new player among the ranks," replied Fowler, which got everyone's attention since they had not seen any old foes rejoin Megatron since the fight they had with Airachnid over the polarity gauntlet.
"Do you have some kind of picture or video we cans see to identify this new foe?" asked Ratchet curiously.
"Yeah I have one right from a security camera video feed from the M.E.C.H. base. And that's not all. The video feed I've got also shows a certain Spider Bot helping cause a lot of damage to the base too," replied Fowler and that made Arcee narrow her eyes.
"Airachnid!" stated Arcee with Fowler nodding.
"Here's the security footage we were able to save before the system died. Its not pretty," said Fowler before transmitting the footage to the Autobot Base.
The Autobots of Team Prime watched silently, as they saw the security footage of the all out slaughter of M.E.C.H. soldiers being killed without mercy by Airachnid after she dug her way upward into the base. The solders were trying to call for help, but it was clear the communication systems they had were clearly being jammed, and were running around in an unorganized fashion. M.E.C.H. scientists were being subdued by the smaller of the two attackers. Some of them were hurt during the restraining process by the human sized Decepticon though who it was exactly couldn't be determined due to the fact they had never seen one of that size before until now. Was it a Mini-Con? There had been a few back on Cybertron, but they were wiped out during the Great War, and by Decepticon orders no less.
So what was one doing fighting under the Decepticon Banner? Why was this one wearing human clothes?
The apparent Mini-Con even killed quite a few M.E.C.H. solders that came his way using brutal hand to hand combat. Even using their own weapons on them, which was puzzling since no Mini-Con would do that since they had their own built in weapons their enemies, or defend themselves from harm when in combat. Further study of the footage showed Airachnid actually helping the Mini-Con in battle and that was even more puzzling since Airachnid never helped anyone in a fight. From what they knew of Airachnid's history with the Decepticons, the femme didn't help anyone unless it suited her, and even then it was a minor save.
This showed Airachnid acting in a different way while around the Mini-Con.
"Please! Show mercy! Stop! STOP!" came the begging voice of one M.E.C.H. soldier, as he was on the ground, bleeding, in pain, and at the mercy of the two fiends that had taken down the entire base.
"What do you think Airachnid? Should we show him mercy?" came the voice of the male sounding possible Mini-Con to the femme Airachnid.
"I don't know Ripper. We really should send someone back to Silas so he knows that his little organization is on notice and Megatron doesn't like third parties in a two party only war. Still, you would think a soldier would be tough enough to NOT beg for mercy and show he has some kind of spine," replied Airachnid and saw the supposed Mini-Con go over to the computer systems still intact to access the files.
"How high up are you in the organization?" asked Ripper while accessing the terminal.
"I'm not that high up. This is a simple installation. Mostly R&D is done here," replied the M.E.C.H. soldier and soon cried out in pain when Airachnid used one of spider legs to stab the man in the back through his heart.
He died instantly.
"Then what good are you little man? To think someone like him is a M.E.C.H. soldier and considered to be something special among the humans. So pathetic. At least Jack put up a better fight when he was under my loving care. Isn't that right Ripper?" said Airachnid while her words made Team Prime stiffen when she mentioned their friend in past tense and Arcee feared Megatron had killed jack while trying to keep it in the dark.
"If you say so Airachnid. Bring this one over here," commanded Ripper, as he pointed to one of several scientist on the ground, and the terrified man was picked up before being dropped beside the strange Con.
"W-What do you want?" asked the M.E.C.H. scientist before he found a clawed metal hand firmly wrapped around his throat and giving it a tight squeeze.
"I want access to your systems and all the technology you've been researching here. Lord Megatron might find it useful once given the proper upgrades. You can either give me the means to access the system or I kill you before seeking another of your fellow scientists here to take your place as a complying prisoner," commanded Ripper before moving the man's head to the computer system and watched carefully as the scientist complied with his wishes.
"So commanding Ripper. Its no wonder Lord Megatron chose you personally for this mission," Airachnid remarked while Ripper looked at her for a second before refocusing on the scientist.
"We both know that's the not the real reason Airachnid," replied Ripper before seeing the scientist finally succeeding in opening up all the files regarding their technology.
"I-Its done," replied the M.E.C.H. scientists before he let out a gasp of pain and looked down to see the arm of his captor stabbing through his torso.
"Thank you. Your services are no longer needed," replied Ripper before ripping out the man's intestinal track to the shock of Team Prime.
"You bastard! He gave you what you wanted!" exclaimed one scientist before Ripper turned his masked face to him with the eyes of the supposed Mini-Con glowing red for a second.
"Do not make yourself out to be so high and mighty you fool. I know full well that if roles were reversed, your leader Silas would have given the order to one of his soldiers. Unlike him, I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty to get what I want when the time comes to stain them bloody," replied Ripper before pulling out a cord from his left hand and plugged it into the computer.
A moment later, Ripper looked up from the terminal to where the camera was, and then with simple press of the button the computer terminal...it went dead.
"That's all we have on them. All the other cameras were killed from that terminal or they were destroyed by the two. When my boys arrived there, the bodies were all over the place, blood staining everything, and everyone around us. It was like something out of a horror movie," explained Fowler with Optimus narrowing his optics.
"How did you find out about the base? Did Silas not send his own team to investigate the matter?" asked Optimus with Fowler shaking his head.
"The video feed was sent to my office at the Pentagon. From what I can tell, this new guy that joined the Decepticon ranks wanted us to know about the base before Silas did. I have my own team in place to ambush any M.E.C.H. agents Silas sends to look into it and with any luck they will nab some that know where the leader of the organization is hiding out. Now what can you tell me about this new guy? An old running buddy of the unfriendly Spider Bot from your war?" said Fowler while Optimus and the others shook their head no.
"No. Airachnid killed partners. She'd never made or ever consider making one," replied Arcee while still thinking about Jack and the growing fear of what had become of him on the Nemesis.
"There are no Decepticons or even Mini-Cons by the name of Ripper among Megatron's ranks before and after the war for Cybertron ended. Whoever this new individual is...he is not of Cybertronian origin," replied Optimus making Ratchet do another once over of the mysterious figure after rewinding the footage before pausing it to see the figure looking at the camera.
"He has Cybertronian implants in him. The claws, the mask, and the unnatural abilities in combat prove he's been enhanced specifically to be an agent of the Decepticons. His very mask is the Decepticon symbol from the looks of things, but other then that I don't see it on any form of his clothing, or what parts of his armor that I can see," Ratchet remarked while giving the image of the figure a scan from top to bottom.
"It feels like we are missing something. I can feel it in my Spark!" exclaimed Arcee and the fearless leader of Team Prime could only nod in agreement.
"So do I Arcee. Ratchet, scan the figure for anything out of the ordinary. Try to find out who it is behind that mask, and maybe we will learn his reason for siding with Megatron in this war," commanded Optimus with Ratchet nodding and doing just that.
"What else can you tell us about the M.E.C.H. base Airachnid and this new guy trashed?" asked Bulkhead knowing Fowler had seen the base in detail.
"Like I said before, it looked like a horror movie, and not one with all those cheap special effects either. Each of the M.E.C.H. scientists they held captive were all killed ruthlessly without mercy. Whether for information or just for fun is unknown. Even the M.E.C.H solider apparently in charge of the base wasn't spared much either after we located him in one of the more secluded offices away from the fighting. We suspect he was trying to get in contact with Silas when this Ripper guy made his presence known and well...let's just say my stomach isn't what it use to be after what I saw," answered Fowler grimly.
"They were clearly gathering information," concluded Arcee with Optimus nodding.
"How do we handle this? I mean...M.E.C.H. is our enemy right? We don't have to help them...do we?" asked Bumblebee with Optimus looking unsure.
"I say let Megatron go after them. Maybe a little humility will do Silas and M.E.C.H. a little good. Who knows...they might finish each other off," remarked Arcee with Optimus shaking his head.
"Even if such an option were the best choice Arcee, I fear Jack would no doubt be caught in the middle, and I doubt Silas would let him live if M.E.C.H. was victorious," countered Optimus and his words made Arcee stiffen.
"Not to mention what could happen to Jack if Megatron was the victor in his war against M.E.C.H. and let's not forget this new guy could factor into the fight," added Bulkhead with Optimus nodding since this new follower of Megatron could fight M.E.C.H. with the playing field being on more even terms for the Decepticons to win.
"For now, we will do nothing regarding this matter unless its absolutely necessary that we step in. Our main concern at this point is recovering Jack and our continued protecting of the other children along with Jack's Mother in the event they are also targeted for what they may know to use against us," replied Optimus knowing that with this new agent of the Decepticons...nothing could be left to chance.
"I hate sitting on my aft and doing nothing," remarked Arcee though she could tell the others agreed.
"I don't like it either, but until we can identify this new Decepticon recruit, the choice in the matter isn't really your to decide, and I have to continue using my own connections to see if Janus can be temporarily moved to a secure location to get a sit down," explained Fowler since he was going through a lot of red tape to make that happen.
"How is June doing?" asked Optimus with concern for the human femme that was Jack's Mother.
"I checked in with her about an hour ago. June's holding on, but just barely, and I don't need to remind you of what we know that she doesn't, and can't tell her about until the time is right," answered Fowler and saw Optimus nod.
"Be on your guard Agent Fowler. If this new Decepticon ally knows where to send you information, then its safe to say he knows how to reach you personally, and may try to kidnap you if ordered to by Megatron," stated Optimus with Fowler nodding.
"I've already relocated my office at the Pentagon to a more secure location. Only a few high ranking Generals besides the one I report to will know about it. Plus, I've relocated my own place of residents to a safe house even known to an even fewer people. I'll send you the coordinates to where it is the next time we meet in person," answered Fowler, as he knew Soundwave could possibly intercept this transmission, and the location of his safe house.
With his piece said, Fowler ended the transmission, and left Team Prime to think what they would have to do next in the war against Megatron. Realistically, the team was sadly outnumbered, outgunned, and found that even some of the humans on this planet were not all friends. M.E.C.H. and Silas were proof of that time and time again with those in the organization being just like the Decepticons. Optimus saw a lot of Megatron in Silas just like he saw a lot of himself in Jack during the boy's time at the base or on a mission that required his assistance. Up until recently things had become a repeat of history of what had befallen his world now had befallen the human's, only it was different in several ways, and with different circumstances. But the pieces were all there waiting for the right moment, the right instance where they would come together, and react violently into a war that would escalate if left unchecked.
"Optimus, I need to talk to you in private. Its about what I have learned so far regarding Megatron's newest recruit, but this is something the others can't hear just yet," whispered Ratchet to the Autobot Leader.
"Arcee. Bulkhead. I need you to go out in search for energon. Bumblebee, I need you to go pick up Miko, and Raf from school before bringing them back here," ordered Optimus with the trio looking at him in surprise, then each other before nodding, and transforming into their alt. modes to follow their leader's instructions.
"Optimus, I did a nonstop scan of our newest foe while you were talking to Agent Fowler moments ago, and I'm not liking the results. I used the video of him fighting and focused on anything in particular that would help learn the identity of Megatron's newest recruit. Sadly, I think I know who it is, but like I mentioned earlier...I'm a bit hesitant to give my answer with the others around, and not just because the evidence gathered would be all circumstantial," replied Ratchet before bringing up the screen that showed the figure of the one Airachnid called "Ripper" in the security video.
"What did you learn old friend?" asked Optimus while dreading the answer.
"Remember, this is all circumstantial, but from the evidence I've gathered from the video, and scanned through the system...this new 'Con' if you will is human. Of that much I was able to determine through his actions, the fact he's wearing clothing, and the fact there is natural human flesh along the neck line despite his best efforts to hide it. I also looked for markings on the exposed skin to see if there was anything there, and what I saw shocked me all the way into my Spark Chamber," replied Ratchet before bringing up a scene from the security video of Ripper having a piece of his trench coat burned along his right arm from an explosion that got a little to close for comfort.
It also burned away some of the clothing for that arm and revealed the flesh there was scarred from signs of abuse. Not just from the newly acquired burns on the flesh, but scar tissue along the arm like it had been cut into deeply, and with something not of human design. Optimus studied the old yet still fresh looking injury on the arm, his countless years of being in war with the Decepticons gave him the knowledge of whoever did this to Megatron's newest subordinate, and his optics widened in surprise.
"These scars on the arm are of someone who was tortured by Airachnid," stated Optimus with Ratchet nodding in agreement.
"I ran them through our database and there were several rare instance on Cybertron where Autobots suffered similar scars on their bodies after encountering Airachnid. Arcee being among those examples we had on file and I even did a cross referenced with the humans that may have suffered at her hands in secret since being here on Earth. There are quite a few of them with similar injuries and if you'll forgive me for saying this Optimus...there is only one human Megatron has in his possession that Airachnid would keep alive for this long with those kind of scars," explained Ratchet with his leader looking away from the screen.
"Jack," was Optimus's only reply.
"We have to consider the possibility that Megatron did this to Jack. That this 'Ripper' is none other then Jack himself after being twisted and turned by Megatron's hands. This new threat is the same height as Jack, the scars we saw on his arm are ones Airachnid would leave, and let's not forget other ones she no doubt left on Jack that are covering the rest of his body thanks to her. If we can capture him long enough for me to examine his body, I can figure out what Megatron did to Jack, and possibly reverse it," stated Ratchet while Optimus closed his optics and digested this new information.
"For once Ratchet...I pray you are wrong that this new subordinate of Megatron is Jack. The news itself would break the hearts of Miko, Raf, and Arcee's Spark while destroying the spirit of his femme sire June," replied Optimus and turned to see Ratchet nodding.
"So am I Optimus. I'll gladly admit I was wrong should that be the case. However, if I am not...then it might be imperative that a new location for our base be established sooner in the event of a possible attack by the Decepticon Warship," explained Ratchet since there was a chance Jack told them about the base and it wouldn't be long before Megatron's massive Warship came to bombard it until there was nothing left.
"I do not believe that Jackson has told Megatron our location. If the boy is serving the Decepticons now, he would have told their leader the moment he pledged his loyalty to him long before this moment with the M.E.C.H. base he attacked with Airachnid. If he is serving Megatron, it is not with all his being, and his sudden loyalty to the Decepticon cause might not be engraved into his mind as deeply as his new Master would no doubt like to believe," answered Optimus with resolve in his voice.
"I hope you are right in that regard Optimus. While I wish to believe turning Jack back from the thing he is now, I will not be so naive to embrace it, and try to resolve things with words in the event we encounter him in battle. THAT is Megatron's eventual goal when it comes to Jack. To be used as a weapon against us," stated Ratchet knowing it was a mind game aimed at Team Prime and Megatron was playing it rather well.
"If Jack cannot be reasoned with simply using words...I will do what I must to free him from his unknowing enslavement. Even if it means freeing Jack's spirit from his body," said Optimus knowing that the only way to free Jack from Megatron's grip as a last resort would be to end the boy's life.
Again...it would be a last resort.
"Should we tell the others when they get back?" asked Ratchet with Optimus going over the scenario in his head.
"No. The evidence is still circumstantial at best Ratchet. I will not bring dread mixed with hope to the others if told Jack is serving as Megatron's newest subordinate. We must wait in telling them this news until such conclusive evidence in presented to us that Jack is indeed fighting for the Decepticons," answered Optimus gravely knowing that the boy they once knew was possibly no more then a mere memory.
Something Optimus had feared would happen from the start and increased in belief once the hair belonging to Jack was delivered to them by Agent Fowler. For Jack Darby to be turned from a simple human boy into a monstrous figure now fighting for the Decepticon cause and for Megatron himself...it was almost too much for the Prime to process.
"Arcee will be devastated by this news if its true," stated Ratchet sadly.
"She will not be the only one," replied Optimus with the same sadness before taking out the Key to Vector Sigma and looking at it while the memory of the conversation he had with Jack manifested itself.
And if the Prime could shed tears...he would have done so knowing it was his decision to give Jack the key that doomed the boy to living this current nightmare.
(The Nemesis-The Bridge)
"You summoned me my Lord?" replied Jack while kneeling before the Decepticon Warlord currently with his back to him.
"Yes Jack. I wish to commend you properly on the mission against the M.E.C.H. base you and Airachnid destroyed a few days ago. I was given a detailed report that has your performance being absolutely astounding when in the heat of battle against the human scum," answered Megatron before turning to face Jack fully.
"I did only what you commanded of me Lord Megatron,"replied Jack in a humble tone while Megatron simply grinned.
"That maybe true my boy, but that doesn't mean your actions taken to make the mission a success should be ignored! No. It deserve praise! As such, I am giving you a gift in honor of your mission being successful. Breakdown!" said Megatron while motioning the large bulky Decepticon to come forward.
"A gift? I am honored Lord Megatron, but I'm not worthy," replied Jack while looking from Breakdown to the Megatron and then at the item in the large con's hand.
A sword...made of Cybertronian metal.
"You are if I say you are Jack. I had Knock Out commission this for you while you were on your mission with Airachnid. While you are good at fighting in close combat, I felt a weapon aside from your hands would prove beneficial, and considering the violent nature you seem to possess towards your enemies when fighting...this will only enhance that fact considerably when in the field," countered Megatron and saw Jack take the weapon from Breakdown's hand.
"This sword...it is remarkable!" said Jack in awe of the weapon while holding it in his hands carefully.
"A katana based designed Soundwave took from the country called Japan from their era of the samurai, who were from what I was told, served their Master with great zeal, and were great warriors. You will be MY samurai in that regard Jack. Both in loyalty to me and the fierce warrior that will complete his mission no matter what his Master gives him," stated Megatron with Jack admiring the blade.
"I will wield it with honor my one true Lord and Master. As the samurai of the past served their Master with unwavering loyalty...so too will I in your service!" said Jack while reading the engraving on the side of the blade.
Loyalty forever given to the one true Lord and Master. To whatever end it may be in life.
Those were the words on the flat of the blade and the Decepticon symbol at the base of the blade right where it connects to the hilt.
"As I know you will Jack. Now go to the training simulator to practice using your new weapon. I want your skills with this sword to be as sharp as the blade itself!" commanded Megatron with Jack bowing before him.
"As you command Lord Megatron," replied Jack, as he left bridge, and headed for the training simulator.
"Jack is certainly coming along, hasn't he Breakdown?" declared Megatron with a smile on his face.
"Yes he has Lord Megatron. Made Knock Out throw a fit when he came into the Medlab dripping with human blood and needing repair work on his arm. He kept complaining about how Jack was staining the lab and it was difficult to get those stains out," answered Breakdown with a chuckle since that was funny to see Knock Out go on one of his vanity based fits.
"Nevertheless, I see from the detailed report Airachnid gave me about Jack further proves he is progressing well, and will go far when it comes to future missions. Who knows...I might make him a high ranking officer," remarked Megatron knowing that if Jack did keep up the good work in fighting for him it just might happen.
"And Airachnid? She's grown a bit...attached to him," stated Breakdown with Megatron frowning at the thought of the Spider Bot having some influence on Jack.
"We will leave Airachnid alone for now. But the moment a competent and loyal second-in-command becomes available...I will ensure the position she has will be considered an open position awaiting to be filled," declared Megatron with Breakdown nodding.
While Breakdown admired the femme for her dominating personality, she still made his servos shake uneasily, and would prefer not to have the Spider Bot around any longer then was allowed.
(The Nemesis-Training Simulator-1 Week Later)
Jack had used his networking systems to access the Internet to study the art of Bushido that samurai from ancient Japan and how they wielded their katana based swords. The sooner he understood the principles of Bushido, mastered the stances, and the moves, and the actions of how to wield this blade the better he would be able to serve Megatron. So he devoted himself to training here against Solidograms of humans Soundwave had been so generous to provide in terms of combatant his size though Jack knew he would have to fight the Autobot based ones later.
He spun on his heel, his blade raised, and came down on his next target Jack sensed was behind him. Only to stop when the target wasn't some M.E.C.H. agent or some soldier from the U.S. Army guarding one of the many bases the Decepticons had attacked to get the various pieces of advanced tech for their Space Bridge.
This was a Solidogram of his Mother!
Narrowing his eyes behind his mask, Jack turned his head sharply to the now chuckling Decepticon femme behind the terminal in charge of the training program and saw the evil smirk on her face. As if to prove something to her, Jack slashed through the Solidogram, and walked over to the Spider Bot looking down at him.
"What? Can't a girl get a laugh in at her man's expense?" asked Airachnid while Jack just looked at her with his mask.
"Since when have I become 'your man' exactly?" asked Jack before sheathing his blade and turning off the training program.
"You know when Jack. Your pride just won't admit how much you enjoyed it," remarked Airachnid with a grin and Jack shook his head while recalling his time spent healing with Airachnid spending her time with him.
"I won't deny it was creative on how you made it even possible. Using a combination of such advanced technology helped make me see, hear and feel things in an interesting yet...different perspective," remarked Jack while Airachnid let out a sultry chuckle.
"Care to try it again later tonight? From the way your muscles are tensing, you could use a time of relaxation, and affection only my hands are capable of Jack!" offered Airachnid with Jack again shaking his head with amusement.
"Everyone on this ship says you are one twisted femme for a Con, but I don't think they know just HOW twisted you really are, and what lengths you go for fun," said Jack with a chuckle and Airachnid did the same.
"What can I say Jack. You bring that part out in me more then anyone else. You have that kind of...attraction about your form," remarked Airachnid with Jack letting out a sigh.
"You are insatiable Airachnid. You know that right?" replied Jack with Airachnid giving him one of her classic smirks.
"Maybe I do. I thought that was one of the many things you liked about me when we are alone...and together?" answered Airachnid in a sultry and sensual voice.
"Keep telling yourself that Airachnid," replied Jack with a chuckle in his voice.
Neither of them sensed or were aware of that they were being watched by Megatron on Soundwave's faceplate screen.
"They are getting close. Perhaps too close. We need to send Jack out on another mission before long to remind my new weapon of who he serves and that his loyalty to me is far greater then the various...pleasures given through that of a femme's body or her touch!" remarked Megatron while narrowing his optics at Airachnid since it was clear the Spider Bot wanted to have some influence over Jack with it just enough to prevent the boy from taking his sword to her Spark Chamber if given the order by the Decepticon Warlord.
Clever really, but something Megatron was not going to tolerate since it involved his newest, and possibly greatest weapon to be used against the Autobots along with their human allies.
"Lord Megatron! We have received a Decepticon Beacon registered to one of our missing warriors," came the voice of a Vehicon on the communications panel.
"Who?" asked Megatron with the Vehicon bringing up the beacon's registration pattern before a picture of the Decepticon holding it appeared.
"Its Dreadwing my Lord. We are near his beacon and will arrive within the hour to the designated spot for pickup," answered the Vehicon while the Decepticon Warlord was surprised by this.
"Dreadwing? Now this is a wonderful surprise. Aside from Skyquake, he was one of my strongest, and most loyal of subordinates. Perhaps I will have a new second-in-command sooner then expected," said Megatron while grinning at the prospect of Dreadwing being Airachnid's replacement.
(Autobot Base-At the Moment)
"Easy there Doc. I need that arm," remarked Wheeljack while Ratchet worked on his arm.
"Its good to see you're back Jacky. We need your help big time since you were here last," replied Bulkhead and seeing his old Wrecker buddy back on Earth.
"Oh yeah? Why is that Bulkhead? Last time I was here, Starscream was in charge of the Decepticons, and they didn't know their front from there aft," asked Wheeljack and saw the mood at the base was much different from when he was there Months ago.
"Much has happened since your departure from this world Wheeljack. Megatron is alive and back in command of the Decepticons once more. His forces have begun to slowly swell with competent warriors like Airachnid, who I am sure you know is not someone to be messed with, and should be approached with caution," answered Optimus while Arcee stiffened at the Spider Bot's name.
"There is more to it then that. I can almost see the atmosphere in this place become thick with tension. Almost smell it. What else happened before my arrival that's got everyone feeling lower then an empty energon tank?" questioned Wheeljack with Arcee glaring at him for a few seconds before transforming and rolling out of the base.
"I assume you are still familiar with the human known as Jack Darby?" asked Optimus with Wheeljack nodding though it took a moment for his processor to bring up the boy's image in his head.
"Yeah. Tallest of the three kids right? Arcee's partner? Why? Wha-oh! Oooh! The kid got scraped...didn't he?" replied Wheeljack after recalling that look on Arcee's face was that of someone losing a partner and it was one the Wrecker himself had when one from their own unit got taken offline.
"No. Its sadly worse then that. Jack is now a prisoner aboard the Decepticon Warship and is being tortured for information about us. That was also several Months ago," explained Ratchet sadly with Wheeljack wincing.
"Ouch! That doesn't sound good at all," replied Wheeljack with the others nodding.
"Megatron had a major score to settle with Jack not only for sparing Megatron back at a cave-in, but for bringing Optimus's memories back!" added Bumblebee through his many beeps, whistles, and other noises he made.
"Wait! This kid had Megatron dead to rights and chose not to kill him? Why by the All Spark didn't he?" exclaimed Wheeljack with Ratchet and Optimus giving him a glare.
"Because it is not something one can easily do! Jack may have had Megatron within his sights, but was taunted by him, and no doubt wish to lure the boy into his grasp before turning the opportunity to his advantage. Jack isn't someone who will kill just because the opportunity is there. He's not a Decepticon! Besides, if Jack had killed Megatron, then we might not have been able to defeat Unicron!" exclaimed Ratchet passionately towards the Wrecker, who was surprised by this, and looked at Bulkhead for confirmation.
"Seriously! Unicron? The Chaos Bringer? Here? How? Give me details. I want to know everything I missed out on!" Wheeljack nearly yelled while looking at Bulkhead and then Optimus while the latter narrowed his optics at him.
"In do time when we have it Wheeljack. For now, tell us what can about that Decepticon you were fighting," replied Optimus in a tone that made Wheeljack realize this was an Autobot you don't disobey when being given an order.
"His name is Dreadwing. The twin brother of Skyquake," answered Wheeljack with the Autobots nodding since they were familiar with the Decepticon.
"That explains why they look the same. Both even shared the same loyalty to Megatron," said Ratchet with Wheeljack nodding.
"Yeah. I've been tracking the Con ever since he took out an old Wrecker buddy Seaspray when we tried to rendezvous. Dreadwing blew Seaspray's ship to pieces with a proximity mine and I've been on the Con's tail ever since," replied Wheeljack with Bulkhead now mourning the loss of his old Wrecker of a friend.
"And now he is here. No doubt having somehow heard of where Megatron was located to come to pledge his loyalty to his one true Lord and Master," added Optimus knowing that Dreadwing was not someone to be underestimated in a fight or loyalty to Megatron being questioned.
Just like Skyquake.
"Now that I've told you about Dreadwing, can you tell me about this battle with Unicron, and how Megatron was crucial to taking the legendary being down?" asked Wheeljack and saw Ratchet sigh while Bulkhead deciding to do it since no one else wanted to with the given mood.
(The Nemesis-The Bridge)
"I have come to pledge my undying loyalty to you Lord Megatron," said Dreadwing, as he kneeled before the Decepticon Warlord, and basking in the warrior's presence.
"Rise Dreadwing. Loyalty such as yours is hard to come by in such times when many would question it. Especially those that follow me. With you here, we can inspire the rest of the troops to fight harder," replied Megatron with the massive Decepticon warrior in front of him rising from his kneeled position.
"It is not loyalty alone that has brought me here," stated Dreadwing with a slight sense of hesitance in his voice.
"Oh?!" questioned Megatron while looking slightly at Soundwave and then at Jack sitting on the silent Con's shoulder.
"I merely wish to confirm what I already feel in my Spark. That my twin brother is now one with the All Spark," answered Dreadwing, who saw Megatron turn to Soundwave, and nod to the Con to play the recording.
"It is true Skyquake did perish at the hands of the Autobots, BUT it was not under my command that he fell," replied Megatron with Soundwave showing parts of the fight Skyquake had with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee...along with Starscream being the reason Skyquake was awakened from stasis.
"Then by the Pit, every single Autobot will die!" said Dreadwing ominously with anger in his voice while Megatron smirked at hearing this.
As for Jack, his mind was currently focusing on a memory he had of Skyquake becoming a dark energon zombie thanks to Starscream, and the problems the undead Cybertronian caused for him along with his former friends. Jack wondered why Megatron decided not to mention this to Dreadwing, but figured it was not his right to question his Master, and kept his own mouth shut on the matter.
"Things are going to get more interesting around here with him around," commented Jack to Soundwave and the silent Con merely nodded in agreement.
"And who is this human speck I see before my very optics that dares to use a Decepticon like a chair while in the presence of Lord Megatron?" challenged Dreadwing while seeing Jack's masked eyes glow red for a second.
"At ease Dreadwing. Ripper here is a loyal Decepticon like yourself and has pledged his undying loyalty to me just as you have done," stated Megatron while Dreadwing just narrowed his optics at Jack and analyzing him.
"How can one so small and weak be of use to you Megatron? He is no true Decepticon nor is this human speck worthy of being in your presence!" exclaimed Dreadwing with Megatron frowning.
"Ripper is hardly weak Dreadwing. The human boy is much more then he appears and I will not tolerate him being disrespected even by you," stated Megatron firmly and it was clear Dreadwing was still skeptical of Jack despite the Decepticon Warlord's words.
"As you command Lord Megatron. Perhaps by seeing this strange human, who wears the Decepticon symbol on his head in action will help change my view of him, and see what you see in terms of his value," replied Dreadwing before leaving the bridge after giving Jack another side glance.
Things are going to get more interesting around here with him around.
"Shut up Soundwave," said Jack knowing that even though Con didn't talk much he still found a way to annoy people when words came out of his faceless mouth.
"Enough Jack. Let Dreadwing be alone for now. I have more pressing matters for you to personally handle alone for me," commanded Megatron while Jack turned his attention to the Decepticon Warlord.
"What is your wish Lord Megatron?" asked Jack with Megatron nodding to Soundwave and the silent Con put the boy in his hand before showing him images on his visor of a military base located in the Rocky Mountains.
"Soundwave has been more active in intercepting human communications recently and picked up that this military base here has possession of a new technology capable of bending light to make someone invisible. While still primitive by our own standards, I would rather this device not be given to Optimus to make modifications on, and improve its design for their own usage to use against me. You will got to this base, steal the plans before destroying what they have on file, and then take the only prototype they have in their possession away from them," commanded Megatron with Soundwave showing Jack what the device looked like.
"Is this a solo mission?" asked Jack with Megatron nodding.
"Yes. I know it seems sudden given how you've only done one assignment for me so far, but I have duties Airachnid needs to handle while you are away and Dreadwing is still too new to this world to be of any proper assistance. We still need to act covertly despite the actions taken against M.E.C.H. and cannot risk the humans as a whole rallying together if several of my warriors attack the base. Soundwave will Ground Bridge you to the base once you have the needed equipment Knock Out has for you in the Medlab," informed Megatron seeing Jack nod and leap off of Soundwave's hand.
"I'll leave at once Lord Megatron," replied Jack before heading off to Medlab to get his needed equipment and then some since he would be going solo.
"That boy will go far in my army Soundwave. Its almost a shame his lifespan is so much shorter then that of ours," remarked Megatron to Soundwave with the silent Con nodding in full agreement to his words.
Jack the Ripper certainly had potential when fighting for the Decepticons.
(A/N: YAY! There you have it. Hope you enjoyed it. Not getting so many reviews for this though. Surprising, isn't it? Oh well. I'm still going to write and finish it. At least I hope to depending on how things come along in the show though I will deviate further from the second season storyline. Until next time...PEACE!)