Chapter 4-Free the Beast

Airachnid stirred awake in her berth after what felt like stellar cycles napping. She looked up at the tall mass of Cybertronian muscle that was her Jack slumbering underneath her own form. One of his large talon like hands, the right one in fact, was resting on her back, and was surprisingly bringing her a sense of comfort. She had never felt anything like it until now and had to silently admit...this was an enjoyable experience. An experience that Airachnid wanted to enjoy over and over again with the feelings that followed it.

To not fear the person next to you might possibly rip your Spark out from behind.

To not fear betrayal for the pursuit of power you have in the belief it can be taken from you.

To be held in an embrace that made you feel secure, safe, and above all others...loved!

'What a strange word. Yet it seems to fit with what has happened between us,' thought Airachnid before kissing his muscled chest and loved how he growled in pleasure from her touch.

Sadly, it was interrupted by a gentle tapping of their room's door, and Airachnid scowled at door as if to wish it would explode along with the offending Insecticon behind it. She was soon met in response to her wish being denied by another gentle tap from the claw of the Insecticon behind the door, and Airachnid slowly got out of the berth with her armor back in place. Walking to the door, she opened it to reveal one of her humble Insecticons kneeling now at her feet, and Airachnid gave the warrior a "this better be good or you will become scrap!" look.

"Forgive me my Queen, but we picked up something on the ships sensors. We felt you should be made aware of it," spoke the Insecticon with Airachnid's glare lessening.

"What exactly?" asked Airachnid with the Insecticon rising from his position.

"According to brother Kickback, the ship's still operational systems have reported of a Cybertronian escape pod landing here on this planet," replied the Insecticon, as he led his Queen to the communication system terminal where Kickback, and Sharpshot were now waiting for her.

"Autobot or Decepticon?" questioned Airachnid while looking at the screen showing the pod looking more like a meteor.

"Unknown my Queen. The fire around the pod during entry makes any form of proper identification impossible. We would have to investigate first hand," replied Kickback with Airachnid nodding.

"No doubt the Autobots and Decepticons will be investigating as well through their own forces after their sensors detect the pod," said Airachnid to herself.

"We could open a Ground Bridge and swarm the area to overtake all sides my Queen," suggested Sharpshot with Airachnid sending him a glare.

"And risk our forces being damaged so quickly? Prime's forces maybe small, but they have quality over quantity, and Megatron's forces are another factor we can't yet fight the way we want," countered Airachnid with Sharpshot trembling slightly at his Queen's words.

"Forgive me my Queen. I merely wished to show the fools the might of the Insecticon hive now that we are under your command once more," replied Sharpshot with Airachnid looking at him for a moment and then at the screen.

"What we need is finesse, not brute strength to win this war. Kickback, you will take a small squad of Insecticons to the area where the pod has landed, and monitor the situation from afar. You will NOT engage the Autobots or Decepticons," commanded Airachnid with the Insecticons looking shocked by this.

"You don't wish us to...engage them in battle?" asked Kickback since he wasn't expecting this.

"Not yet. When we attack as a whole, it will be on our terms, and my Jack is there beside me to join in the fighting. For now, we will let our enemies fight each other, and weaken their forces along with wasting energon," answered Airachnid with the Insecticons liking the idea since it meant their enemies would be blindsided by them when the time to strike was right.

"We shall depart immediately my Queen," replied Kickback with Airachnid using the portal Ground Bridge device and punched in the coordinates that put the scouting party near the downed pod but still kept them out of sight.

"Inform Sharpshot of your findings through the link you have with the hive. Any form of communication aside from that might be picked up by Soundwave," replied Airachnid since she knew of the special frequency only the Insecticons possessed to communicate and not even Soundwave could detect it.

An advantage in communications if there ever was one.

"Yes my Queen," said Kickback before entering the Ground Bridge with the rest of his group.

(At the Escape Pod's Location)

"There is the escape pod. Looks like it got hurt during the crash with all the energon now leaking out," whispered Arcee, as she along with the others quietly made their way to the pod, and Ratchet along with Optimus moved to examine it.

"And it has been opened from the looks of things," added Bumblebee while they looked around for the pod's occupant or occupants that maybe lingering around the area while keeping an eye out for Decepticons that could be in the area.

"Autobot?" questioned Ratchet hopefully with Optimus moving some dirt away to reveal the symbol on who it belonged to.

"Decepticon," replied Optimus with everyone in the group going on edge.

"Scrap," whispered Arcee since she was hoping for another Autobot.

They just couldn't get a break.

"Decepticons!" exclaimed Ratchet, as they were suddenly attacked by Vehicons, and now returning fire.

"How can this many Decepticons come out from a single pod?" questioned Arcee, as she returned fire, and dodging it at the same time.

"Humans refer to the phenomenon as a 'clown car!'" answered Ratchet, as he along with the others had to take cover behind some rocks, and the Decepticons now pressed their advantage.

"Down in front you two!" exclaimed a new figure charging toward Arcee and Bumblebee before jumping over them before firing at the Decepticons in a sudden surprise assault.

From a distance on a small cliff filled with trees, the Insecticons watched with glee at seeing their Queen's enemies fighting each other, and were hoping the Autobots would fall so they could focus entirely on Megatron. Their amusement was cut short when an unknown Cybertronian came charging from the Autobot side and assisted Prime's forces in fighting off the Decepticons.

Meaning the pod's occupant was an Autobot.

"Should we leave now brother Kickback?" questioned an Insecticon behind Kickback.

"Not yet. Let us watch and see the end of the fight," commanded Kickback, as he saw the new Autobot dance around firing, and accidentally hit one the leaking energon lines from the pod to create the explosion that wiped out the Decepticons.

"To hot for you Cons," taunted the figure while happy at seeing his handiwork while accidental had produced...explosive results.

"Such arrogance. We should destroy them now when they least expect it," remarked one of the Insecticons before being backhanded by Kickback.

"Our Queen's orders were explicit! We will watch and learn what we can from this turn of events," commanded Kickback with the Insecticon he hit bowing slightly.

"The name's Smokescreen and it is truly an honor to meet you Optimus," stated the now named Smokescreen with Arcee narrowing her optics at him.

"I see you have the symbol for the Autobot Elite Guard?" questioned Optimus with the Insecticons refocusing on conversation the Autobots were having with the newcomer.

"Yeah. It was more of boot camp more then anything. Didn't even get a proper graduation ceremony send off," whined Smokescreen with Arcee disliking him even further.

"Yeah well there was a war going on Cybertron at the time," remarked Arcee since it was clear to her that this Autobot was only interested in making a name for himself.

As they talked about Smokescreen's position during the war, the Insecticons listened with great interest on how this newcomer had been at Iakon, being the loyal bodyguard of one Alpha Trion: Master Archivist, and mentor to Orion Pax himself before becoming one to Optimus Prime. Smokescreen admitted that he had no idea where Alpha Trion was or if he even survived the attack on Iakon when it fell during the Decepticons attack on the building. But he did convey to Optimus that Alpha Trion was good teacher and was one on the Council to nominate him for becoming the next Prime.

It was that last piece of information regarding Alpha Trion's history with the Prime that convinced Optimus they could trust this new recruit. Such information was not known by many back on Cybertron, except for other members of the Council before its fall, and they were all dead.

"Just like that? From that little bit of information?" questioned Arcee with Optimus now looking at her.

"If Alpha Trion entrusted that piece of information to Smokescreen, it means that he can indeed be trusted, and is one of us," replied Optimus before calling for a Ground Bridge to let them into the base.

"We must report this to Queen Airachnid immediately!" commanded Kickback before he got in contact with Sharpshot through their link to the hive and a Ground Bridge opened for them to enter.

(Autobot Outpost Omega-1)

"So this is where you guys have been working to fight the Decepticons. It seems to be a bit...cramped!" remarked Smokescreen with the sight of so many humans running around and wondered how many had been accidentally crushed underfoot.

"Its not usually like this with so many among the human population here, but our base has just been recently compromised by a rogue Decepticon, who escaped our custody, and forced us to relocate to a new base," replied Ratchet while trying to mind his own footing to ensure he didn't crush someone.

"Really? Which Decepticon?" asked Smokescreen with the group going silent for a brief moment.

"Airachnid. I take it even you have heard of her?" questioned Arcee with Smokescreen's optics going wide.

"Airachnid? Here?! Oh man, I've heard so many stories about that twisted femme during my time at Iakon. Alpha Trion even mentioned her, but when he spoke about Airachnid, his voice would go slightly soft, and his optics held a sense of...well pity! It was like he pitied what she had become during the war. Kind of baffling considering she is a Con and did all sorts of damage to anyone that ever got in her way," answered Smokescreen while Arcee's optics flashed with anger.

"Yeah well she got in my way and cost me two partners," replied Arcee bitterly in a cold tone and began walking away.

"Arcee, you must have hope that Jack can be saved from Airachnid's influence," stated Optimus with Arcee stopping for a moment.

"Hope won't bring back Tailgate. Hope won't bring back Jack or cure him Optimus. The only thing I can do from this point on...is fight!" replied Arcee before she walked off with a confused looking Smokescreen look at her.

"She lost two partners by Airachnid's servos?" asked Smokescreen with Optimus Prime nodding.

"Technically its one while the other has been...converted into something else," replied a somber Ratchet while not wishing to go further in detail.

"Converted?" questioned Smokescreen with Optimus shaking his head.

"Another time Smokescreen and without the ears of others around us that aren't meant to hear this," replied Optimus before walking over to the human living area where June was sitting with Agent Fowler.

"New recruit?" asked June with a forced smile.

"Yes. Though I'm confident he will be a good addition to our ranks," answered Optimus while Fowler looked at the new Autobot with a military eye.

"Are you sure Prime? I've seen how your Bots and other military soldiers walk. This new guy doesn't have that walk. Its like he hasn't seen any action. And that look in his optics tells me he's got a cocky swag about him that could get you into a lot of trouble in the future if you don't nip it in the bud," stated Fowler with Optimus scowling.

"It is true that Smokescreen saw little to nothing of the many battles during the war for Cybertron, his skills are enough that he was able to become a member of the Autobot Elite Guard, and watched over my mentor Alpha Trion. As it stands, we need all the help we can get in fighting Megatron, and eventually combating Airachnid in order to bring Jack back to our side," replied Optimus with Fowler nodding.

"If you say so Prime, but take it from a guy like me who knows from experience when it comes to dealing with hotshot rookie soldiers fresh from training. You get the new guy to know the score and scare the cocky brash attitude he has right out of him. If you don't do that soon Prime, I can guarantee you right now it will come back to bite you, and it won't be pleasant," stated Fowler with Optimus nodding in agreement.

"I understand Agent Fowler. Believe me I do. Smokescreen will earn his right to be here I assure you," replied Optimus before returning to his duties.

"So our job is to protect these organic life forms, these human beings as they are called, from the Decepticons, and Megatron?" questioned Smokescreen skeptically.

"That's about it. They've been able to help us blend in and provided our small group with this base that has shielded us from Decepticon detection," answered Ratchet before going to the computer console he had to work with and was in the process of transferring files for the departure to the new base.

(With Jack)

Jack stirred in his slumber, the dream he was in was intense, as his weapon systems, and T-Cog used for transforming into an alt mode were coming online. As this was happening to him, his body physically began to change along his right arm, his hands, legs, feet, and other areas of his body. The wrist on his right arm leading up near his elbow seemed to swell, if he was awake, Jack would have felt his hands burning slightly, like multiple tiny hot needles had stabbed his palms, and making multiple tiny holes. As for the rest of the body itself, jagged bone like structures came out at the legs, the arms, and even along the head region.

In his mind, the former human turned Cybertronian was meeting the beast within him for the first time, and it was a sight to behold for young warrior.

"Who are you?" asked Jack while staring at the creature in the darkness looking at him with one blue and one red optic.

"I am you. I am your inner beast," replied the creature while watching Jack.

"Inner beast? What do you mean? I don't understand," questioned Jack with the creature letting out a growl.

"Not surprising. You have only been a Cybertronian for a short while. You are unique. WE are unique," replied the creature with Jack narrowing his optics at the beast while trying to gauge him before they widened.

"You're not just my inner beast. You're my inner desire! You're...You're what my T-Cog will recognize as my alt mode. You're what I'll turn into when I transform," stated Jack with the beast in the shadows nodding and letting out a chuckle.

"Correct!" replied the beast.

"Why are we like this? Why are we acting like we are two different minds?" questioned Jack with the beast sighing.

"Because we are two different minds Jack. At least for now. You're changing. Your systems are coming fully online and that includes me. But before you can embrace my own form, you must come to terms with yourself, and what you want in life," replied the beast with Jack narrowing his optics at him.

"So in order for me to become one with you again, I have to come to terms with myself, and what I want in life? But I already do!" challenged Jack with a the beast chuckling again.

"You would think that, but deep down you are not sure," replied the beast with Jack letting out a growl of anger.

"I know what I want! I want to be with Airachnid!. I want to form a family with her! To forge an Empire with my Queen with our kind having our corner of the Galaxy to call our own!" exclaimed Jack passionately with the beast laughing further.

"And what about the Autobots? Do you really want to forsake them? Surely you know that the memories you have lost were not ALL bad, right?" questioned the creature with Jack frowning.

"Perhaps, but I won't doubt myself now. Airachnid's enemies are my enemies and until that changes I will fight the Autobots with all being. The same for the Decepticons and Megatron," declared Jack with the beast nodding.

"Very good. Doubt is a powerful weakness and weapon that can be used against you by your enemies," replied the beast with Jack walking toward the creature.

"I want to embrace you as my alt mode, but I don't know what you look like in all of this darkness. Show yourself to me! Reveal your form to me so we can become one again!" commanded Jack with the beast letting out a bolstering laugh at his words and some of the darkness was receding to reveal itself to him with Jack gasping slightly in shock.

This was his alt mode?

"Impressed?" questioned the beast with Jack looking him over.

Before grinning.

"Very!" answered Jack and the beast laughter increased.

"Good to know. Now wake up Jack. We have work to do," replied the creature with Jack nodding since there was no rest for the wicked.

And his alt mode was VERY wicked.

(Outside the Room)

Airachnid grew concerned for Jack when he had yet to come out of their room. Surely their time together didn't drain him that much, right? Then again, her Jack was a young Cybertronian, new processor, a Spark chamber, and he had yet to activate some of his various systems. Still, it didn't fully explain the reason for him resting so long after their intimate encounter, and wondered if they had engaged in their intimacy too soon. She hoped not and was now outside the door to their shared room, about to enter, and check on her Jack to see if he was okay.

Before a sudden violent roar from behind the door shook the entire ship and scared the ever living scrap right out of her body. The loud sound of movement came with what appeared to be thrashing, smashing, and metallic fists hitting Cybertronian metal hull plating. Several Insecticons came running to the area, fearing some kind of attacker had gotten into the base without their knowing, and was targeting one of their Masters. When they saw Airachnid looking at the door, they realized that whatever was behind the door with their chosen King was something truly fearsome.

"We must aid Jack my Queen," said one Insecticon with Airachnid staring at the room in thought or like she was sensing something.

"No," replied Airachnid at last while the Insecticons looked at her in shock.

"But my Queen, your consort is fighting an unknown foe!" protested Sharpshot, as he saw Airachnid smirk, and turned to look at him.

"Wrong. My Jack isn't fighting an enemy inside that room. He's awakening his power," replied Airachnid with a smile appearing on her face.

"His inner power?" asked Sharpshot with Airachnid nodding before silence fell over the room beyond the doors.

And when they opened, Airachnid's optics widened at the sight of her Jack in her newly changed form clearly meant for battle.

"Sorry I worried you with all the noises I made in there. My unique T-Cog awakened with the chosen animal that represents me in an alt mode. I am now fully awakened," stated Jack with an animalistic tone to his voice that was much deeper then usual.

It was intoxicating to Airachnid.

"And what is your new form my Jack?" asked Airachnid curiously while running a finger along his chest.

"Its a surprise my Airachnid and I can't show you here. The space we're in is too small, but I can show you my weapon systems," answered Jack with Airachnid pouting at him for not sharing.

Of course that was before she showed surprise when he revealed his blade that came out of his wrist that was just like Megatron's weapon of choice, but the sword itself was slightly longer, and had a serrated edge on both sides. As for possible blasters for long range shooting, Jack showed his Queen that his palms could fire energy blasts not unlike her, except they didn't fire the usual energy blast, but rather he could generate a ball of energy in the palm of each hand that looked like it would come from a thermonuclear cannon, and exploded violently upon impact.

"Most impressive Jack, but I do hope to see your alt mode soon. I don't like being made to wait," replied Airachnid with Jack letting out a chuckle.

"You won't have to wait long my dear. How are we on kidnapping a medic?" replied Jack with Airachnid sighing.

"Not well. The Autobots only let theirs come out to play because he might have been needed regarding an escape pod that crashed on this planet recently. It turns out they got someone fresh out of the Academy for the Autobot Elite Guard," replied Airachnid sadly with Jack frowning angrily when hearing this.

"Yes. I do recall some images of the Autobot Medic. He liked staying at the Autobot base more then being out in the field. We may have to do something creative to draw him out," said Jack with Airachnid nodding since both the Autobots and Decepticons coveted their Medics knowing they were rare to have in this war.

"The same can be said for the Decepticon's Medic, Knock Out. Megatron won't send him on any mission and with his assistant slain by my hands...," added Airachnid and saw her Jack nod in understanding.

"We need to find a way to draw them out into the open. In the mean time, let's access the human's Internet to see what unique things they might unknowingly have that we can use," said Jack before offering his hand to Airachnid and she took it while looking at him curiously.

"Why would you want to use that primitive thing?" asked Airachnid while Jack smirked at her.

"You would be amazed what interesting things a human finds and post on it. Besides, something tells me this new guy will give himself away all too soon, and get his picture displayed there soon enough before someone I know deletes it," answered Jack with a chuckle leaving his mouth.

"So you remember more about your time before becoming what you are now," stated Airachnid with Jack smiling at her.

"A bit more yes. Not much though. More images and fragments. Still, I chose my side, and I will not leave you for anything," replied Jack before kissing Airachnid's hand and saw her optics glow warmly up at him with lust hidden behind them.

"A quick search and then to the berth again. I want you to take me in your body's now fully awakened state," demanded Airachnid hungrily while Jack smirked at her.

"We'll see. Though you better pray to Primus we don't find anything my dear because chances are if we can find it...so can our enemies," replied Jack with Airachnid scowling at him even though he was right.

She really wanted to be intimate with him again.

(The Harbinger-With Starscream)

"Vast amount of data on this primitive information network and this is what the humans have put on in it? This is their 'information superhighway' they love to use so much? Its disgusting and yet...not entirely unpleasant," remarked Starscream while shifting through images and stopped for a moment to see a dancing monkey banging together a musical instrument while screeching.

He had been trying to find other relics left on this planet after learning about them from his encounter with Dreadwing in the Arctic and the Apex Armor that was uncovered by the humans during an excavation. While Starscream still believed humans to be a frail and weak species, they did have the home field advantage, had superior numbers, and some of them were actually intelligent enough to figure out how to take down something much bigger then them.

The leader of M.E.C.H. reminded Starscream of Megatron and the glare the human gave during their temporary partnership only enforced it further.

Hence why he was looking through the human's "World Wide Web" for anything that the species of organic life may have found in terms of Cybertronian artifacts they may have uncovered without realizing it. They had already done it with the Energon Harvester and recently with the Apex Armor so why not try for a third relic using the very thing they had?

Besides, Starscream couldn't really risk patching himself into Megatron's Warship using the Harbinger's own connection to it and using the Decepticon's own database that was on the Nemesis. Using this terminal to do that would ensure Soundwave detected him, and Megatron would make sure he was pounded into scrap.

"What is this? Is that...red energon? There is actually something as rare as that here? On this wretched planet?!" exclaimed Starscream, as he saw the image of red energon being excavated by humans, and was no doubt going to be transported soon.

If Starscream got a hold of that rare crystal and refined it for use...he could achieve the temporary ability to move at incredibly fast. So fast that everyone around him in theory was said to go in slow motion and wouldn't be able to catch his movements until it was too late. It was all in theory though, as red energon was rare, it being refined for usage was rarer, and the test subjects that volunteered for the speed testing...the stress from moving at such speed for too long a time would result in their body parts falling off their body. Still, the contents he could refine the amount found, if it was to scale could produce the needed liquid to bring about such intense speed if the intake was small, and precise enough once refined for ingesting.

Again, it was all in theory, but a sound theory, and something he would be foolish not to test out on himself.

(With Jack and Airachnid-Sometime Later)

"You're sure?" asked Airachnid while she saw him access the human's Internet and began his search through anything of interest if not possibly alien origin.

"Positive my dear. One of the memories I have is of a device Optimus called an Energon Harvester being in a museum that humans tend to visit. They had it there after digging it up and no one on Team Prime knew about the device until it became an issue on whether the Decepticons might possibly find it for their own usage," answered Jack, as he grinned at Airachnid before looking through more pictures, but stopped at the dancing monkey playing, and frowned at it for moment.

"Something like that amuses you?" questioned Airachnid with Jack shaking his head.

"No. But I think Raf just used his skills to remove another picture of the Autobots to keep their existence a secret from the rest of the world. This seems like his handiwork to me. Meaning if he's snooping around this general area of websites, chances are there are other sites that have something of intrigue, and would interest our enemies," answered Jack, as he looked at a few more, and stopped at the picture showing energon being dug up with the color not being the usual blue the energy source was known for.

It was red.

"Is that...red energon?" asked Airachnid while seeing what he was seeing.

"Red energon? You make it sound like its extremely rare," replied Jack with Airachnid nodding yes.

"It IS rare my Jack. Its almost as rare if not rarer then dark energon. If refined properly, it can grant the user incredible speed beyond measure, and could be useful if we want to capture ourselves a Medic from either side," answered Airachnid while Jack grinned at her.

"The red energon was dug up and has been transported to the U.S. and will no doubt still be at the docks if the Autobots know if it. We have to hurry. This is the location of the red energon is now," replied Jack while showing the coordinates on the screen, which Airachnid punched into the portable Ground Bridge device, and opened up a swirling vortex of light.

"Sharpshot, you along with ten other Insecticons are to come with us. Kickback, I want inventory check of all energon we have, and are currently gathering when we return. I have been neglectful of my duties in making sure everyone in the Insecticon hive has enough to call their own. Also, check on Hardshell's condition, and see to it he gets his needed energon intake to keep him functioning," commanded Jack with Kickback and Sharpshot nodding before they carried out their respected duties.

When they exited the portal, Jack along with Airachnid saw the shipping area was filled with metal shipping containers, but no one manning them, and that meant the humans in this area were told to evacuate. Meaning Optimus Prime knew of the red energon and had Agent Fowler make a call to make them leave the area before the Autobots came through their own Ground Bridge.

It also meant time was short.

"There it is my Jack. All packaged and ready to go," stated Airachnid sweetly like she had just gotten a gift all wrapped up in a black box with a pretty purplish pink lined bow.

"Good. It makes our job easier. Sharpshot, take three of the Insecticons over to the red energon, and bring it to us in its container. The rest of you will take up hiding in key defensive positions around us because I think we are most likely going to get some very uninvited guests real soon," commanded Jack with the Insecticons obeying his command and set out to do their assigned tasks.

"Paranoid much?" inquired Airachnid though she knew he was playing it smart.

"Maybe, but can you really blame me with our individual track records when it come to things not going according to plan?" questioned Jack with Airachnid smirking at him.

"Good point," replied Airachnid, as she kissed him on the lips, and loved the taste of him that seemed to now possess that hungry kick to it.

Sure enough, the a Ground Bridge opened to reveal Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Arcee with their weapons ready to fire. When they saw Jack standing beside Airachnid along with a few Insecticons putting the crate of red energon down on the ground, it was clear the members of Team Prime were shocked, and wondering how this new side to the war had known about the red energon. As for Jack and Airachnid, they saw the trio of Autobots walking towards them cautious with blasters at the ready.

"Hello Optimus. How have you been? Recruited anyone new lately to your ranks?" asked Jack in a casual manner, but there was enough of a tone in his voice that Optimus became very suspicious, and it was clear after the slight surprise in the Prime's optics left.

'He knows. But how?' thought Arcee while glaring at a smirking Airachnid.

"Don't be so surprised Optimus. Insecticons aren't just the mere brutes you and Megatron take them for. Jack and I have actually been encouraging them to use their brains more and teach them how to think before acting. Given their recent success, I would wager the training, and strategy to use them in such a manner is quite effective," stated Airachnid with her smirk growing.

"They were spying on us while we were fighting Decepticons where the escape pod fell," said Arcee with Airachnid's smirk growing.

"Of course. Why send my troops to fight a battle that doesn't need to be fought by them? They gathered necessary Intel on your newest recruit and what happened to him prior to his arrival here," replied Jack with Optimus narrowing his optics at him.

"Well played Jack, but you still have much to learn in being a leader," countered Optimus with Jack smirking at him

"I'm a fast learner Optimus," Jack shot back, but frowned when a Ground Bridge opened up, and revealed...Starscream?

What the scrap was he doing here?

"Well isn't this a surprise. Autobots, Airachnid, the Insecticons, and whatever that thing standing next to that wretch is all here for a fight," taunted Starscream while Optimus, Arcee, and Bumblebee now aiming their guns at the rouge Decepticon.

"Starscream," whispered Airachnid angrily while Jack frowned at the Decepticon and the urge to just punch the scrap out of the Cons face was suddenly felt.

"Careful my sweet Airachnid. He's acting confident. Too confident actually. Its clear he's got trick up his sleeve. One that he believes cannot be stopped by all of us here combined if we tried," whispered Jack while mentally commanding the Insecticons in hiding to stay hidden.

"He's bluffing my Jack. The fool no longer is in the service of Megatron. Starscream is all alone," countered Airachnid confidently, but deep inside a part of her was just as cautious as Jack, and watched the Seeker walk toward the Autobots.

"I've come for the red energon. If you would be so kind as to lower your weapons and walk away while I claim my prize...I would consider showing mercy to all of you in exchange for your act of submission," said Starscream and heard Jack growl loudly at the word submission.

"How about I shove my fist up your aft, interface with your body's internal systems, and turn you into the first Cybertronian puppet?" countered Jack with Starscream narrowing his optics at him, as if trying to recognize his voice, or if he had known him from some past event.

"Don't bother using what limited memory you have in your processor Starscream. You wouldn't recognize my partner here from any previous engagements," said Airachnid while seeing Arcee looking furious at her.

"Watch your tongue insect or I will crush you like the insignificant wretch we all know you to be in life," stated Starscream while Jack narrowed his optics at him and clenched his servos into fists.

"You are the wretch Starscream. Every second I stare at your pathetic form, the desire to smash it into scrap grows stronger, and I am so tempted to give into that desire right now if not for the red energon in our possession," replied Jack while the Insecticons holding the cargo moved back further away from him and Airachnid per his silent command so there wasn't a chance of it being hit by potential enemy fire.

"Bold words coming a nobody. You look like a crude combination of Optimus Prime and Megatron sewn together. Your appearance is just as disgusting as Airachnid's while I find its fitting that wretches of similar feathers should flock together...I would rather not have to risk outputting my body's energon anytime soon from the mere sight of you," commented Starscream with Jack's patience on the matter getting thin.

"I have a better way of making you spill all your energon. By me slicing you open with this!" exclaimed Jack with his sword shooting out from the wrist of his right arm that made the Autobots look at it in surprise.

"So the new guy has some form of bite to back up his bark. No matter. I'll see your blade and raise you with armor. The Apex Armor that is," replied Starscream before pulling it out and activating it while laughing his egotistic filled laugh.

"How did he get that?" asked Airachnid with Jack narrowing his optics at Starscream.

"I don't know my dear. He must have acquired it during the hunt for other relics. Just how powerful is the Apex Armor?" asked Jack with Airachnid looking worried at this point.

"It is an ancient relic of a Primes my Jack. The Apex Armor is said to be indestructible and any who use it are considered to be invincible," answered Airachnid with Jack letting a snarl appear on his face.

"We'll see about that. Everything has a weakness. A Prime would never make something like that and NOT put in some kind of weakness into the design to stop it. Be ready to use our portable Ground Bridge device to get the Insecticons with the crate holding the red energon out of here," ordered Jack with Airachnid looking at him with worry.

"And leave you here? Alone? Against them? Never!" protested Airachnid, as she wasn't about to let Jack fight alone, and saw him smirk at her.

"Have faith in me my love. I won't be alone in this. Now our Insecticons!" called out Jack with the Insecticons in hiding now appearing from their hidings spots and letting out their infamous war cry.

"Jack brought more Insecticons with him then the four behind him," stated Arcee while seeing some were on various shipping crates and others appearing from the shadows of other shipping containers at their level.

"You really didn't think I would simply bring a few Insecticons knowing Autobots and Decepticons could possibly come along to take the red energon?" questioned Jack with a grin on his face.

"Jack, we do not have to fight. Right now, we have a common enemy in Starscream, and his usage of the Apex Armor. Not to mention his own sinister plans for the red energon if he were to get a hold of it," said Optimus with Jack thinking it over.

"That's very true. Okay Optimus, I'll support you in fighting Starscream, but my price is steep, and its in the form of that red energon being taken back to our base," stated Jack with Airachnid smirking at the Autobots.

"You would set a price for helping us?" demanded Arcee with Jack growling at her.

"I'm putting my life and Airachnid's life on the line helping you fight Starscream's Apex Armored form. So are my Insecticons if they join the battle against him. I will not risk the lives of my forces and my Queen unless there is some form of reward that is worth the risk!" exclaimed Jack while Arcee flinched slightly at his raised voice.

"Please! Even if Megatron and Dreadwing were here to aid you all in combat, this armor cannot be stopped, and since I am wearing it...I cannot be stopped," stated Starscream before he charged towards the Autobots to knock them down and then move to take the red energon.

Knocking both Arcee and Bumblebee away with ease, Starscream collided with Optimus Prime, pushing the leader of the Autobots back before throwing him right into a shipping container. Jack, seeing his opportunity to fight Starscream, charged the rogue Con, and decided to see if this Apex Armor was indeed indestructible as was claimed by those that knew of it. Unfortunately, his sword did little in terms of hurting the armor, and didn't even scratch the metallic monstrosity much to Jack's shock. Starscream himself simply laughed arrogantly, grabbed Jack's arm, and slammed him into the nearest shipping container before smashing his fist into the former human's face. Airachnid, not wanting to see her Jack hurt, leaped into the fray, letting out a shrieking war cry, and landed on top of the slightly surprised Starscream while slashing at the joints of the armor in the hopes one of her legs would somehow make a hole that could be exploited.

"Get off my Jack you worthless scrap!" exclaimed Airachnid, as she scratched, stabbed, shrieked, and spit acidic venom on the armor.

"You dare attack me? Impudent wretch!" said an angry Starscream, as he diverted his attention from punching Jack to grabbing one of Airachnid's limbs, and viciously threw her aside with a large body indentation on the shipping container she hit.

With a roar of rage at the sight of his Queen being hurt, Jack raised his right leg, and launched a forward kick Starscream with all the strength he had with the rogue Con gasping in surprise at the impact of the hit. While the hit had not damaged the armor, the blow did cause Starscream to let go of Jack, and stumble a bit from the impact. Before the rogue Con could fully stabilize his footing on the ground beneath him, Jack quickly tackled Starscream into a shipping container, and began punching the Apex Armor where he could see the arrogant Seeker's face was protected by supposedly indestructible glass. While the punches themselves didn't break the seemingly impenetrable glass, the force behind it did cause Starscream to become slightly disorientated, but was able to regain his line of sight, and stopped one of the hits from successfully hitting him.

"The Apex Armor won't save you Starscream. Everything has a weakness and something made by a Prime is no exception!" stated Jack with Starscream sneering at him.

"I don't need this armor to defeat a rookie Cybertronian abomination like you or whatever Airachnid has become since our last confrontation," countered Starscream, as he held both of Jack's wrists over their head, and slammed the technorganic male into the very shipping container he had be tackled into.

"If that were true, you wouldn't have used it right off the bat. Face it Starscream, without the Apex Armor, you are nothing more then pile of scrap! Hell, you're lower then scrap. You're not even worth the interest of Scraplets!" Jack fired back with Starscream looking insulted by his words.

"I'm going to enjoy ripping your limbs off and then handing them to Airachnid before I take her head off to mount on my wall," replied Starscream with while squeezing Jack's arms painfully at the wrists.

"That's going to be pretty hard to do when you can't see anything in front of your face!" exclaimed Jack, as he channeled energy into both hands, much to the surprise of the Con hurting him, and the energy in both hands merged before exploding in a bright light not unlike that of a solar flare.

"AHHHHHH! MY OPTICS! MY OPTICS! IT BURNS!" yelled Starscream, as he let go of Jack, and tried to grab his face, but couldn't due to the Apex Armor's own protective glass.

The Autobots quickly shielded their optics at the last second, but even they were partially blinded for a moment, and couldn't see straight for a few seconds. The Insecticons had been prepared due to their link with Jack and had even commanded one to move its body to shield Airachnid fully from the blinding light he created. As for Jack, he tackled the rogue Con yet again, only he didn't stop upon slamming Starscream into just one of the shipping containers piled around them, and proceeded to slam the rogue Con through multiple before sending the Seeker into the ground. Looking around him, Jack saw they were near the water, then he looked down at Starscream, and after a moment got a wicked idea.

"Insecticons! Work together in picking up those shipping containers and throw it in my direction. Aim for Starscream!" commanded Jack with the Insecticons not guarding the red energon and the one watching over Airachnid to look at each other in shock.

"Did he just say what I think he just said?" asked Arcee with Bumblebee shrugging while they winced from their optics still seeing blurs in their line of vision.

"But my King, you will be in our line of fire, and possibly be hit. We don't wish to harm you with our projectiles," protested one of the Insecticon.

"Just do it!" commanded Jack with the Insecticon.

"Yes, your Majesty!" replied the Insecticons, as the Insecticons went into pairs, lifting a container closest to them before throwing each one to the area where Jack, and a downed Starscream were residing.

"Move Jack!" commanded Airachnid, as she saw the shipping containers getting closer, and worried he had somehow lost his mental processor.

With a grin on his face, Jack did just that, and dove the ground opposite of where the flying projectiles were going to land. Starscream himself still couldn't see properly from the damage done to his red optics and was surprised by the sudden hit to his body by the multiple containers that sent him right into the water.

"And that everyone, is the weakness of the Apex Armor," stated Jack with a grin on his face before walking over to Airachnid and held her close.

"Wow! That was impressive," said Bumblebee before being elbowed in the gut by Arcee currently scowling at the couple in front of her.

"How did you know Starscream wasn't going to disengage the Apex Armor and fly away after being knocked into the water?" asked Airachnid curiously.

"I didn't. Though I suspected the fool couldn't fly since he didn't transform into his alt mode after arriving here by Ground Bridge and his immediate use of the Apex Armor. The weakness of the armor itself is that it requires solid ground to stand on because of its weight and power enhancing strength it needs to be used properly," answered Jack with Airachnid holding onto him tightly.

"Both brains and brawn. A deadly combination to have my Jack," purred Airachnid with Jack letting out a chuckle.

"I have to be at my best if I'm going to give you an Empire my dear Airachnid and you deserve to have only the best," replied Jack, as he moved in to kiss her, but stopped when he turned his head to glare at the Autobots walking toward them, and disliked the idea of them seeing their intimate moment.

"You fought well Jackson. Well done," said Optimus while wanting to get closer to the former human, but he along with Arcee, and Bumblebee were blocked off by the now sudden wall of Insecticons getting ready to defend their Masters.

"Complimenting me will not change things Optimus. There can be no peace between us. Not as long as you, Arcee, and the other Autobots have Airachnid on your Most Wanted List," replied Jack with his blade at the ready.

"How can you defend her? After all the lives she's taken? One of my partners already fell at her servos. She nearly killed you once and teamed up with M.E.C.H. to get her revenge against both of us!" exclaimed Arcee while Airachnid hissed at her, but Jack calmed her down, and stared into the blue femme's optics with his own.

"You make it sound like I should care about her past actions against you. Against the old me. I honestly don't," replied Jack with Arcee's optics widening in shock and horror.

"Jack, there is still time to return to us. If Airachnid can promise us that she will not harm another innocent human or Autobot again...we will not punish her for past deeds," replied Optimus with Arcee looking at him in surprise and it was clear to Jack that she was not expecting it.

"Optimus, you can't be serious? Airachnid can't be trusted! Jack can't...," protested Arcee, but stopped herself from saying more, and heard Jack growl at her.

"Jack what? Jack can't be trusted? Is that what you were going to say?" questioned Jack with Arcee not replying and looked away.

"Jack, we do wish for you to return with us. Please believe me when I say the Autobots are not your enemy," replied Optimus with Jack looking at him with optics filled with a bit of uncertainty given how most of his past life's memories were lost to him.

"Don't trust him my Jack. The word of a Prime means little to nothing. He or one of the other Autobots will betray us," whispered Airachnid while seeing Jack narrowing his optics at Optimus while weighing her words against the Prime's own.

"Jack I am...," started Optimus, but was interrupted when a Ground Bride opened up and Smokescreen came flying out, arm blasters at the ready, and fired quickly at Jack while the technorganic Cybertronian snarled while shielding Airachnid from the attack.

"Look out below!" exclaimed Smokescreen, as he double kicked an Insecticon, and firing on several others.

"Sharpshot! Take to the air and move the cargo back. Don't let the Autobot damage the crate or take the red energon from you!" commanded Jack seeing Smokescreen literally going through several of the Insecticons and noticed the device on his wrist.

"Smokescreen stop your attack!" commanded Optimus, but the damage had already done, and it was clear when he saw Jack's optics filled with betrayal.

"So that's how it is Optimus. You talk to me about their being peace and friendship with the Autobots, but in reality you would deceive like Megatron long enough for your new subordinate to earn his stripes by sneak attacking when our guard is slightly down. Well I won't be deceived again!" exclaimed Jack angrily, as he charged forward, and tackled the hesitant Prime, and moved to run his blade through when Bumblebee knocked him off with a shoulder tackle.

"You'll pay for betraying Jack's friendship Arcee," stated Airachnid, as she let her limbs got ready to strike, and the blue femme was in her own fighting stance.

"What are you talking about? Jack was my friend. My partner! Like Tailgate!" protested Arcee with Airachnid scoffing before charging the blue femme with the two exchanging blows.

"Please! You're still singing that same old tune? Tailgate this! Cliffjumper that! All you do is complain about the past, but never once look to what you had in the present until it was taken away," stated Airachnid, as she blocked a strike by Arcee, dodged another, and double kicked the blue femme right in the torso with enough force to send her bouncing backwards.

"They were taken away by you and the other Decepticons," Arcee shot back with venom in her optics.

"So what? I don't care about your dead partners of the past. The only individual that truly matters to me is my Jack. The very same Jack you took for granted all this time. What was it you said to him? 'You are not my partner. You are a liability!' I may not have been able to see his face at the time, but I'm pretty sure Jack's feelings were really hurt when you said that to him. But let's face it Arcee, he was never your partner, or a friend to you in any respect. Jack was a burden in your mind. You only tolerated him because of the order by Optimus. We both know you would never take a human partner unless the Prime gave such a command," taunted Airachnid with Arcee glaring at her.

"That's not true! I cared about Jack. I still do!" exclaimed Arcee with Airachnid smirking at her.

"Come now Arcee, who are you truly trying to convince here. Me? Or yourself? I think we both know the answer," replied Airachnid while Arcee let out a war cry and charged the Spider Bot with the technorganic Cybertronian did the same.

Bumblebee was currently having his hands full, as he was fighting several Insecticons at once, and barely holding his own. It was only due to his speed, agility, and experience in fighting multiple foes at once did he stay ahead of them all. Insecticons were bulky and their size was not a strength in such confining spaces, but Bumblebee also knew that one slip up could mean the end for him, and that wouldn't be good at all.

As for Jack, he was currently fighting Optimus after several Insecticons moved to engage Bumblebee after the Scout attacked their King, and the others engaged the new Autobot recruit. Optimus and Jack exchanged sword attacks, clashing violently against the other, and it could go either way. On one hand, Optimus had experience from years of fighting, and the skill to back it up. Jack had savagery, passion, and desire to with a think on your feet type of fighting that made it hard to predict his movements regardless of experience. The two seemed to be equally matched in strength, as they tried to push the other back while looking into the other's optics, and neither intended to give ground.

"Do you take me for a fool Optimus? Is that it?! You think because I'm new to this that I will be naive enough to be tricked and fall into one of your traps?" demanded Jack while he stared right into Optimus's optics.

"No. This wasn't a trap Jack. Its a misunderstanding," replied Optimus while Jack just snarled at him.

"Misunderstanding? You went back on your deal with me when that new recruit joined us here Optimus. He shot at me. He shot at Airachnid. He is shooting at my Insecticons and showboating in the process!" countered Jack with Optimus flinching slightly.

"Jack I am sor...," said Optimus, but had to lean his head back when Jack actually tried to lean forward to bite at his face despite the guard protecting it.

"Enough! Enough of your lies! Its time to end this fight," stated Jack furiously, as he had finally knocked Optimus's bladed arm away, grabbed the surprised Prime by the top of his upper frame, and threw the leader of the Autobots right at Smokescreen with a show of incredible strength.

But rather then follow up with the expected attack...he just stood there.

"Is this all you've got Insecti-AAAH!" exclaimed Smokescreen, as he had turned off the Phase Shifter, which was "borrowed" from the base, and was suddenly hit by his idol that was Optimus Prime.

"Airachnid! Insecticons! We are leaving!" commanded Jack much to the overall shock of everyone fighting.

"What? Why?" asked Airachnid, as she had just webbed Arcee, and had the blue femme right where she wanted her.

"We have the red energon my Queen. That was the main objective of our mission when arriving here. Any further fighting from here on out is a waste of time and energon. The longer we stay here fighting the Autobots, the greater the risk of us losing our cargo, and I am not about to lose it just to satisfy my bloodlust," said Jack with Airachnid nodding, but she still shot Arcee a cruel smirk, and walked away from her scowling opponent.

"Consider yourself lucky Arcee. The next time we meet...I will rip out your Spark," said Airachnid before she approached Jack and pulled out the portable Ground Bridge device before punching in the coordinates for their base.

As for the small group of Insecticons fighting Bumblebee had actually pinned the Scout to the ground and were about to run their talons through the Autobot when Jack gave the order. They looked at each other, then down at the Scout, and finally at Jack before they obeyed the command their King had just given them.

'I can't let them get away with the red energon. At the very least I can injure Airachnid or the one they call Jack,' thought Smokescreen, as he saw the Ground Bridge open up, and saw the Insecticons take it in first with their Masters being the last to walk through.

Taking aim from his position, Smokescreen fired a single concentrated energy blast at Airachnid before he could be stopped by Optimus, and it hit the surprised Spider Bot in the back with a cry of pain that soon followed from the hit. Jack quickly moved to catch her, holding his Queen in his arms, as two of the last remaining Insecticons moved in front of the two, and growled menacingly at the offending Autobot wearing the Elite Guard symbol.

"Airachnid! Are you all right? Speak to me!" asked Jack with concern while Airachnid herself winced slightly in pain, but nodded while enjoying the feeling of being in his arms, and put her right servo on his face affectionately.

"I will survive my Jack. The injury is already healing from what my systems are telling me right now," whispered Airachnid while Jack held her closer and moved to be a shield for his Queen while the rage inside his mind grew to primal levels.

"Insecticons, take her back to our base. Keep her safe," commanded Jack silently with Airachnid and the Insecticons looking at him in surprise.

"Jack?" asked Airachnid with worry.

"My King?" asked the two Insecticons at the same time.

"Take our Queen back to base and await for my signal to bridge me back," replied Jack in a deadly and whispery voice.

"You're not going to face them all alone, are you?" questioned Airachnid, as she saw how his optics seemed to be pulsing now, and his level of his breathing increased.

"Let one of us stand and fight beside you my King," requested one of the Insecticons, but he shrunk back in fear when Jack glared at him.

"No! This is something I must do alone. Now do as I command! Airachnid is your Queen and must be protected at all costs. Besides...I think its time I showed the Autobots exactly what my alt mode looks like when I transform," said Jack after he handed Airachnid over to one of the Insecticons before walking towards the rallying Autobots.

"You better surrender while you have a chance Jack. There are four of us and only one of you now," stated Smokescreen with his cannons ready to fire and the others were doing the same while the Ground Bridge behind Jack closed after the Insecticons along with Airachnid went through it.

"As far as I'm concerned new guy...you're all outnumbered," countered Jack, as he looked deep inside himself, into his processor, and called upon his inner beast to come out with a simple single command.

Transform!

And transform Jack did. The four Autobots standing there could only watch in horror and slight fascination at the highly complex transformation Jack underwent with his body, as it was bending, twisting, and changing into the creature that now stood before them. The former human turned technorganic Cybertronian had changed from a bipedal warrior into something completely different from any vehicle mode they had ever seen. Of course, that was probably because Jack didn't transform into any vehicle alt mode like they did, but rather a tall, long necked beast, sharp talon like claws, a tail that from base to tip was covered in spikes, and all of those spikes were jagged edged. Instead of being Jack now being on two servos, he was now on four, his face animalistic with a long mouth, sharp metallic teeth, a tongue that had saliva dripping off of it, and several metallic jagged horn like structures jutting out the back of his head. On the back of the large creature that was Jack, the Autobots saw a pair of large wings rising, freeing themselves from constriction for the first time, and showing the massive wingspan with the wings themselves being pure black that seemed to block out all forms of light around them.

As if they could consume light itself.

"What in the name of Primus has Jack just turned into?" asked Bumblebee in fear at the sight of the massive creature that towered over all of them.

"Whatever it is, I'm taking it down!" Smokescreen proclaimed before charging forward while disregarding Optimus's command to stop.

Seeing Smokescreen charge toward him, Jack's different colored optics narrowed, and locked onto the headstrong Autobot before snarling at him. Having an idea of just what Smokescreen planned to do when close enough, on account of the tactic having worked almost perfectly so far for him, Jack decided to act quickly, and brought his wings down in a sharp motion that sent a massive gust of wind toward the Autobot. Smokescreen was just about to activate the Phase Shifter when the massive wind sent him flying back right into Arcee and Jack laughed at the misfortune of the two Autobots now currently on their back.

"I'm sorry. Did that hurt?" mocked Jack while shocking the group that he could still talk to them in this form.

"Jack...what have you become?" asked Optimus with Jack chuckling.

"Do you like it? Its my alt mode. Just like Airachnid's only different. You could say I was born with it built right into my T-Cog thanks to the Quintesson when he did the experimenting on me," answered Jack while snapping at them in an intimidating manner.

"What kind of animal is that? Is this normal on this planet?" asked Smokescreen while he was feeling a bit of fear in his Spark right about now.

"Foolish newbie. On this world, nothing is what it seems, and to answer your question as to what kind of animal I am...this is what is known simply as...a dragon!" answered Jack with pride in his voice.

"A dragon? What's a dragon?" asked Smokescreen while looking at Optimus, who was busy looking at Jack's form with calculating optics, and burning the former human's alt mode right into his processor to look at later for further study in the hopes of finding a weakness to it.

IF he and the others survived this encounter with Jack in this form.

"A dragon was a mythical creature of legend in the ancient world of human history. They were terrors made flesh. They feasted on human, other animals, and they ruled the skies thanks to their wings giving them the power of flight!" stated Jack and just grinned at the still stunned Autobots.

"Oh great! Its bad enough that Megatron has air superiority with his troops and Warship in the sky, but now Jack can too in this form," said Arcee sarcastically while not liking the idea of being outmaneuvered by another flying Cybertronian that could attack from the air and dodge her shots at the same time.

"Also, there is one more thing about dragons that I almost forgot to mention since its clear you are all interested on what I am," said Jack with his grin somehow increasing.

"And what's that?" asked Smokescreen with his cannons ready to fire.

"The thing about dragons new guy is...they've been known to breathe FIRE!" stated Jack before unleashing a wave of thermo energy from his mouth that made the Autobots dive for cover.

"Whoa! I take it that's new?" asked Smokescreen, as he was too afraid to use the Phase Shifter at the moment, and hid behind a metal shipping crate though the blast had torn a nice size hole through the second one on top of it.

"Do you really have to ask such a stupid question now out of all times to ask?!" Arcee angrily called out from behind her own shipping container and flinched when the "fire" that Jack launched from his mouth nearly got her.

The intense heat from the attack felt like it could melt her form without even touching the plating.

"As it stands, we can't win against Jack like this. Ratchet! Open up a Ground Bridge. We need an immediate evacuation from the area," commanded Optimus and soon a Ground Bridge opened up behind them.

"Running so soon Optimus? Pity, I was hoping to see if a Prime could handle me in this state while in combat. You disappoint me," said Jack before shooting another blast of fire from his mouth, nearly getting Bumblebee, who transformed into his vehicle mode to moved left, and right before heading to the Ground Bridge.

Optimus however, did not reply back to Jack's taunting, but he did fire back at the beast the former human had become to see if his attacks would damage the draconic body that towered over them all. Sadly, his optics saw that it did absolutely nothing, and had to quickly retreat when Jack reared his draconic head back to launch another attack on the three members of Team Prime. Rushing to the Ground Bridge, the Prime dove into it after the others did, and found himself now back at their still being decommissioned base with the sight of Jack's attack having followed partially through the portal to cause it some serious damage that melted the circular structure.

They wouldn't be Ground Bridging for awhile.

"What in the name of Primus was that?!" demanded Ratchet, as he saw Bumblebee come in using his vehicle mode, nearly hitting some of the humans getting out of the way, and now this with the other two with Prime answering his question when asked.

"That my old friend...was an attack made by one Jack Darby after transforming into his alt mode and it is something I have never seen before in a Cybertronian," replied Optimus while Ratchet looked shocked by this.

"What does that mean?" asked Wheeljack while he saw the damage done to the Ground Bridge and let out a whistle at how bad the melted areas really were.

"It means that Jack has become something of incredible power. One that even Megatron will soon learn to fear," answered Optimus before recounting his time with the others at the docks to get the red energon, encountering Jack, Airachnid, the group of Insecticons with them, and then Starscream appearing before going into detail about the fight they had with the rogue Con wearing the Apex Armor.

"I've got to admit, Jack's got a good grasp on strategy. He came in with a large group of Insecticons, hid most of them in the event of uninvited guests, which did happen, and then acted accordingly when it came to springing the trap," remarked Wheeljack with Arcee glaring at him.

"You wouldn't be saying that if you got the scrap kicked out of you by your nemesis and watching your former partner fight by her side," stated Arcee while she felt sore from the fight with Airachnid.

"Well at least I was able to get a solid hit on Airachnid so she will be out of it for awhile. That's good news in my book!" commented Smokescreen with a cocky grin on his face, but it left him when Arcee glared, and Optimus's face was filled with disappointment.

"You have shown complete disregard for command Smokescreen. When I give the order to stop, I expect it to be obeyed, and as a result of your last action in attacking Airachnid I fear we have now possibly made a true enemy in the form of Jack Darby," said Optimus with his tone being grave and a hint of anger.

"But I helped you guys! You were right in front of a line of Insecticons getting ready to attack you. I saw it when I came out of the Ground Bridge," protested Smokescreen with Optimus frowning further.

"What you saw was Jack and myself working on possibly becoming allies in our war against Megatron. However, because of your recklessness, and disregarding of my orders...Jack now believes I...that we are his enemy. That my word cannot be trusted and he will do everything in his power to destroy us for the attempt you made on Airachnid's life," replied Optimus with Smokescreen sputtering and clearly at a loss for words.

"You should have seen it Ratchet. Jack turned into this giant creature called a dragon! It was intense. He blasted us with fire and used his wings to create an intense wind that sent us flying back. He even talked in that mode!" said Bumblebee while Raf's jaw dropped and Miko's did soon after with some questions for the boy translating what the Scout just told the Medic.

"A dragon? What in the name of Primus is a dragon?" questioned Ratchet before Raf was at a computer and brought up on the main terminal screen images of dragons from human folklore.

"That is a dragon. They were considered ancient creatures from our history. It was said they could cause all sorts of trouble when attacking towns and villages," answered Raf with images of painting of what dragons could do were shown causing untold damage and carnage to their surroundings.

"Jack mentioned it was already in him thanks to his T-Cog. Apparently given to him by the Quintesson Five Faces," added Arcee with Optimus's optics narrowing.

"We will have to speak with the Quintesson about this," stated Optimus since they would need answers to Jack's alt mode and their best chance of getting an answer was from the Quintesson.

(With Jack-After the Fight)

Jack roared in primal fashion in his alt mode over his victory against the Autobots and their leader. He had pushed Optimus Prime and the others with him back to their base, including the new guy, who thought he was hot stuff when in reality was just a novice for a rookie that had bitten off more then he could chew.

Especially after provoking Jack to show his beast of an alt mode and the power behind it.

However, the time for celebrating was not to be at the moment, as he needed to get back to base, and to his Queen where the REAL celebrating would begin. Transforming back into his bipedal form, Jack connected himself with the Insecticons, and Airachnid to let them know he was all right. Within moments, the Ground Bridge soon opened up, and Jack entered to appear within his base with all the Insecticons before him kneeling in his presence.

"That was an impressive display of power my Jack," commented Airachnid, as she had felt him transform into his alt mode through their shared link, and the power behind it sent a shiver of pleasure through her Spark chamber.

An animal form for an alt mode that was the personification of power.

"Sorry you couldn't be there in person to see it my Queen. Perhaps when we finally do go against Megatron or even Optimus again you will see what made the Autobots tremble in fear," replied Jack with Airachnid walking slowly over to him and hugged her lover while he wrapped his massive arms protectively around her.

"That would be nice. Especially when it will their last moments of life before we rip out their Spark chambers in front of everyone that fights for them," whispered Airachnid, as she closed her optics, and sighed contently at being loved by Jack.

"Are you still in pain? Do you require any energon to accelerate the healing?" asked Jack curiously, as he touched the back of Airachnid where Smokescreen had shot her, and felt his Queen fight back the whimper.

She still possessed what he could only guess was a bruise.

"I'm fine my Jack," answered Airachnid, but she could tell he didn't believe her, and only wanted to take care of her.

"Your wound needs to heal my Queen. The more energon in your system, the faster the healing process. Bring her some energon. Now!" commanded Jack with several of the Insecticons nearly tripping over the other to carry out their assigned task.

"I'll be fine my Jack. We still need to capture one or both Medics with the needed skills to heal Hardshell," replied Airachnid while Jack held her tightly in his embrace.

"And we will my Queen. The opportunity will present itself. I can feel it within my very body," said Jack with Airachnid looking up at him while the Insecticons came in with an energon cube.

"Your instincts?" questioned Airachnid with Jack nodding.

"My instincts," replied Jack before taking the energon cube offered by the Insecticon and handed it to Airachnid for her to drink.

"You spoil me," remarked Airachnid before drinking its contents.

"You deserve to be spoiled. You are my Queen. I will see to it you will want for nothing and get everything your Spark desires!" answered Jack passionately before kissing her on the lips and heard Airachnid moan in pleasure.

"I want you right now. Back up your claim and take me to our room. Now!" commanded Airachnid with Jack grinning at her before scooping the Spider Bot up in his arms.

"No interruptions from anyone unless its of extreme importance. Understood?!" ordered Jack with the Insecticons nodding.

"Yes my King," replied the Insecticons in unison.

"Good. Place the red energon near the Energon Processor for the time being. I want that substance ready to be used in the future, but I want Airachnid, or myself to supervise the process. Such rare energon must be handled with care," said Jack with the Insecticons nodding in agreement.

"You really like taking charge my Jack. I'm getting very...turned on as the humans of this world would say," remarked Airachnid while Jack let out a small chuckle.

"Oh, you haven't seen anything yet my Queen," whispered Jack in a husky voice that was promising her untold pleasure and Airachnid once again shivered in anticipation of what they were going to do when they reached their room.

(A/N: YAY! Another chapter and a super long one at that to boot. Hope you are enjoying this. Until next time...PEACE!)