The sound of a powerful cannon being fired echoed down the hallway, bouncing off of walls, ceilings, floors; filling every part of the Arts and Science building with the explosive sound of dreadful finality. Hearing the sound, announcing proudly the death of some unfortunate Autobot, Alpha Trion and Smokescreen paused in their stride.
Turning to his protegé, Alpha Trion removed the aged book that he carried with at all times from where it was proudly displayed on his forearm. Holding it out to Smokescreen, the Elder bot spoke gravely, "Smokescreen, I fear that the Forged have forced their way past Ironhide's blockade and will soon be upon us. Take this book. No matter the cost, do not let it fall into Dece-"
"No, I can't take this," Smokescreen interrupted, "You have held it in your care since time immemorial, writing everything down, cataloguing the history of Cybertron. I am unworthy to even hold it."
"Smokescreen, I am old and will not function much longer in any situation, but if I stay and hold off the Decepticon's, it will give you time to escape this place. I do not have the time to explain why, but know that if this book falls into the hands of the Decepticons then time as we know it may be altered or altogether destroyed. I will not sacrifice the seeds of the future to maintain the past. Take the Wrecker shuttle to Earth, my former student Optimus is there, he will know what to do," He placed his hand on Smokescreen's shoulder, "You are a great warrior Smokescreen and it has been my honor serving as your teacher, but you have learned all you can from me. From this point on, you will learn from your own experiences."
Smokescreen let out a sigh, "Good bye Alpha Trion"
Smokescreen looked at the ground dejectedly before taking the book from his tutor, mounting it on his own arm, transforming into his cybertronian sports car form, and racing down the hallway.
Watching his his pupil drive away, Alpha Trions mouth curved in a sad smile and he muttered to himself, "Goodbye Smokescreen, you have the ability to be a great leader, even if you don't know it yet."
He pulled out the Quill from its sheath on his left arm, activated its blade, and turned to face where they had been minutes before, ready to fight what ever Decepticons would come his way. But those theoretical Decepticons never came, though what did happen was far worse.
The floor beneath Alpha Trion began to roil and he jumped to side, only just avoiding the large worm monster that burst out of the ground. It hit the stone floor, and disappeared into a tunnel it created. Alpha Trion turned his head from side to side, hoping to see the signs of the fiends attack before it surfaced. The ground in front of him split wide, and the horrible creature lunged at the surprised Autobot. He grabbed one of teeth, and held its maw in place. Alpha Trion tried to stab the creature, but it seemed to know what he was up to, squirming violently whenever he tried to attack.
He finally succeeded in getting in a single small blow, but that small victory was soured when a section of the spine separated and reformed into a cannon, which quickly and easily blasted his right arm off. The pain and the power of the blast interfered with his concentration, and his grip on the serrated fang of the Driller gave way. The freed beast dug its teeth into Alpha Trion's chest, lifted him into the air, and slammed head first into the ground, with Alpha Trion still attached. Alpha Trion began to slip into stasis lock from the damage, but before he went unconscious, he saw the Driller split apart and morph into the familiar, hideous form of Shockwave.
So sorry, Ironhide fans.