For the next three weeks Stealthblade and Stormstrike did nothing but training, and learned the names of the rest of the Decepticons and their ranks.
Ultracon was in charge, and always had to be referred to as Lord or Sir. Then there was his second in command Downpower, who was creepily monotone. Under rank of him was the soldier Heavyhitter, who wasn't actually third in command, but received an unusual amount of respect from both his superiors and equals. The bright red Wild shot was ranked just below Heavyhitter, and was what was called a saboteur, meaning he was in charge of sabotage. His equal was the cold soldier Icetracker, who was the weapons specialist. Stealthblade had made a mental note to watch out for him, because his cold silence could end up catching him off guard. Then Stealthblade and Stormstrike were equals to these two, and just below them was Silenthowl, a regular soldier that seemed to be able to complain about everything in the universe. He never got angry though, just annoyed.
Stealthblade and Stormstrike both received individually training from Downpower, who was an exceptional fighter, and had endurance neither of the siblings could ever hope to match. If he got irritated with their efforts, which was rare due to the programming in their new mechanical bodies, he'd occasionally use his own special ability against them, to make them work harder to dodge his strikes.
His special ability was to punch his opponent, and then somehow draw out their power, or energon, and make them weaker and more fatigued. Stealthblade had only been hit with it once, but once was enough for him. Stormstrike had yet to be hit by it, due to his faster reflexes and melee programming.
By the end of week three in the Decepticon base, the brothers had fully mastered their mechanical bodies and abilities, as well as knowing all the technical terms for their body parts. They were required to receive minor first aid training incase they were stranded on the battle field, but Ultracon said that they needn't worry about that much being elite soldiers. Stealthblade wasn't reassured, and neither was his brother.
Stealthblade stretched his stiff joints as he stepped out of his pod, completely recharged after a long day.
"Stealth!" Stormstrike hollered as he entered their room, using his new nickname for his brother.
"Huh?" The black mech asked drowsily.
"Ultracon has our first mission for us. He's to address everyone in the main chamber." Stormstrike instructed hastily, sounding stressed for the first time since they've been here.
Stealthblade nodded and followed his gray and blue brother out, taking to his side once there was room in the hall.
You sound tense. Stealthblade commented.
Do I? He replied in a rush.
You okay? Stealthblade asked growing worried.
No, honestly I'm not. My processer's telling me that this should be normal, but my gut says this isn't good. I mean, what if we end up killing someone? Stormstrike's thoughts shook with worry and fear.
That's why you got me little bro. We're not going to kill any humans.
Yeah, but what about the Autobots, they're obviously the good guys in this whole war going on here!?! Stormstrike turned to his older sibling perplexed, the glow from his blue orb only reinforcing that fact.
We'll be discovered if we just sit around. Aim then to wound, not kill. It's better if they make it another day, rather than die. Stealthblade quickly added when Stormstrike looked as though he was going to protest again.
He just looked down and solemnly nodded, and the siblings continued on their way.
Ultracon stood in the center of the room, with his soldiers surrounding him expectantly. Stealthblade and Stormstrike took places where they could be beside each other. They had discovered that their mental connection only worked when they were within three hundred feet of each other, or if the other was in pain. They had learned about the pain part when Stormstrike had gotten slightly ruffed up by a jealous Wildshot, who had been taken down by Stealthblade as soon as he made it over to his distressed brother. The red mech glared at the brothers as he waited for Ultracon to begin.
"We're in need of more energon, so tonight we'll head out to the city generator and convert their energy for our use. Since this will be the elite brothers first mission, be extra careful. We don't want to deal with some air headed Autobots with them so ill prepared." Ultracon explained smoothly.
"Sir!" The Decepticons responded, each saluting by placing their hand over their spark chamber. Stormstrike and Stealthblade imitated them, but worry wracked both their processers.
"Transform and take off!" Ultracon ordered, and all the Decepticons complied.
Stealthblade swiftly transformed into his B-2 Bomber, while his brother changed into an F-22. They took off simultaneously and flew up and out the extinct volcano that was the Decepticon base.
Their morphs were far superior to that of a regular human machine, meaning they could fly at much greater speeds as well as perform aerial stunts that could end up killing a pilot.
Stealthblade's Decepticon symbol was emblazed upon his black that morphed into a sharp piece on his shoulder when in robot mode. Stormstrike's was located on his dorsal wing.
They flew effortlessly beside one another as they trailed the other Decepticons. Icetracker clung on top of Downpower's hovercraft form, and seemed completely bored out of his mind.
Stealthblade let out a calming sigh, trying to relax his frazzled circuits.
What's going to happen to the people there? Stormstrike thought nervously to his older sibling.
Nothing good, I can tell you that. Stealthblade felt all his worry return.
I can't kill anyone, I won't! Stormstrike exclaimed desperately.
Then don't. I'm not going to either. Stealthblade assured.
But they're going to die whether we do it or not. I don't think I can watch them die, not when I can do something! Stormstrike's thoughts made Stealthblade flinch.
Then pray that the Autobots spot us. Stealthblade murmured.
Stormstrike's thoughts broke away, and he fell silent. Stealthblade used the silence to focus his thoughts. Everything rode upon the chance of the Autobots showing up to stop them. If they didn't, Stealthblade wasn't sure what he'd do.
They made a quick circle over the power generators before landing. Because it was night, the only people present were the night guards. Ultracon fired at them, and they were blasted away to oblivion before Stealthblade could even fully transform! He stared at the charred remains in shock. Two innocent bystanders were dead, just like that. He felt his body constrict, and his hands clenched into tight fists.
A thought from his brother tried to enter his head, but he quickly blocked him out, not wanting him to feel his emotions. They were too tangled up for his little brother to handle.
"Come, time to collect the energy." Ultracon ordered, and the Decepticons quickly filed into the large plant, headed straight for the generators.
"Stealthblade, stay outside and watch for any Autobot activity. Your heat sensors should be able to detect them easily." Ultracon instructed.
Stealthblade just gave a curt nod. He no longer said anything to any of the Decepticons unless it was necessary, something that the others had picked up on, and assumed it was just his personality. Which was sort of true, Stealthblade was getting more withdrawn, except around his brother.
You going to be okay out here? Stormstrike finally managed to break through Stealthblade's mind block.
Yeah. He replied shortly.
Stormstrike threw his brother one last uncertain glance before heading in with the other Decepticons. Stealthblade turned away and began to automatically scan the area, looking for any trace of an enemy, who actually happened to be the good guys.
Stealthblade kept his energy signature low, so it wouldn't be detected as he walked along the perimeter of the power plant. Everything was deathly quiet, and considering the dead guards, that statement was absolutely true.
He just killed them, just like that. They didn't even see it coming! How could he? He's no respect for other living things. He ought to be slayed. Stealthblade's thoughts grew darker and darker, when suddenly a warning flashed on his heat sensors!
They began to pulse a bright purple, and Stealthblade turned to pinpoint the direction the foreign heat was coming from. It was over by the main road leading into the complex.
Stealthblade hesitated before switching on his communicator. If he revealed the Autobots were coming, they'd retaliate and a battle would surely take place. But if he allowed the Autobots to arrive, there was a chance that they'd be caught off guard and get taken down. Yet the problem with that was the fact his brother was in there with the other Decepticons, not to mention if they made it out, he'd surely be questioned for not warning them. Stealthblade let out a deep sigh, unhappy with the decision he was forced to make.
"Ultracon, an unidentified heat source is approaching fast from the main gate." Stealthblade reported, his voice sounding darker than usual.
"Excellent work Stealthblade." Ultracon replied before disconnecting.
"Yeah, superb." Stealthblade grumbled to himself.
The Decepticons quickly filed out of the complex, loaded up with fresh energon. Heavyhitter and Wildshot loaded up with most of it, and then took off back to base. Stealthblade ran over to the mechs' sides, and Ultracon turned to him with a smug grin on his golden face.
"We ought to introduce you two." Ultracon smirked at the brothers.
Stealthblade and Stormstrike exchanged brief glances with each other. This wasn't going to be good.
Then four vehicles pulled up and one huge helicopter, each with a red emblem on their bodies that must have been the Autobot symbol. Stealthblade couldn't help but look down at his own dark purple one.
The Mi-26 Halo helicopter transformed first, and became a mech rivaling Ultracon's own sheer size.
"Hello cousin." Ultracon greeted with a pleased snarl.
Stealthblade couldn't keep his helm spikes from flaring up in surprise. The leader of the Autobots was Ultracon's cousin?
"Ultracon, you're stealing from the human's power sources?" The Autobot leader asked in a deep, well respected voice.
"Aero Prime, I thought you of all beings would see the ease of taking from the weak." Ultracon replied smugly.
"This has gone on far enough." Aero Prime stated.
The Autobot leader tensed his gray, orange, and silver body, and his yellow optics narrowed readily. The 'bots behind him revved their engines preparing to transform.
"Now hold on one moment, I thought I'd introduce you to our two newest members." Ultracon held up his hands nonthreatening.
Aero Prime hesitated, and then straightened back up. The 'bot was just tall enough for Stealthblade to have to look up to him, considering he was a rather large mech himself.
"Step forward Stealthblade and Stormstrike." Ultracon ordered.
They complied quickly, striding over to Ultracon's side. Aero Prime narrowed his optics even more, obviously trying to scan the brothers for any visible abilities.
"With these two brothers, you shall finally fall to us, Prime!" Ultracon's smile grew twisted and cruel, making Stealthblade's helm spikes flatten uncomfortably.
Crap, we're going to have to fight, aren't we? Stormstrike mused.
Seems that way. Stealthblade answered.
Damn.
"Decepticons, attack!" Ultracon suddenly exclaimed, and the mechs suddenly began firing at the Autobots.
Aero Prime dove behind the gate wall for cover while the rest of his troop transformed and returned fire. Stealthblade naturally sprang back, being a distance fighter, and morphed out his sniper gun. He aimed, pondering what Autobot could withstand the damage if hit directly. Before he could decide a blast from behind sent him flying forward, landing face first onto the ground! Stealthblade looked up confused, and saw an UAV, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle fly by overhead. Why hadn't he detected him? Because he had been too preoccupied with the ground 'bots.
Stealthblade fired randomly back up at the air vehicle, but purposely missed, singing him on the wings slightly. The Autobot quickly hightailed it out of his range. Stealthblade quickly turned his attention back down to the ground battle, where he saw his brother fist to fist with a yellow and orange Autobot, who was obviously more skilled with hand to hand combat. But then again, Stormstrike may have been holding back.
Stealth! I can't do this! He's going to kill me! Stormstrike shouted desperately in his head.
Stealthblade charged, completely ignoring the other battling mechs around him. He leaped forward, claws extended at the orange optic mech. Stormstrike clambered back at the last second, and Stealthblade took the startled 'bot to the ground! He delivered a sharp punch to the mech's head, but only managed one before his other hand was intercepted by the 'bot beneath him. Suddenly Stealthblade found himself getting kicked off the yellow mech, and sent tumbling into his brother, who barely caught him. Stealthblade shakily sturdied himself with Stormstrike's shoulder, and quickly darted his attention back to the yellow 'bot.
"Is that all ya got Decepticons?" The mech challenged.
Stealthblade, what are we going to do? Stormstrike asked, sounding like a scared child for the first time.
Knock him out before either of us do more damage. Stealthblade answered.
Stromstrike nodded, liking the alternative given. They sprang in unison, and the Autobot was only able to compensate for one of them! He blocked Stealthblade's clawed fists, but was quickly swept off his feet by Stormstrike. His brother let loose a carefully aimed blow to the Autobot's head, rendering him offline.
Stealthblade offered a hand and helped his younger sibling to his feet, who proceeded to dust himself once he was straightened out.
"You okay?" Stealthblade asked while glancing around at the others still fighting.
"Think so." Stormstrike replied in his smooth mature voice.
The two brothers examined the fighting continuing on around them. Ultracon was pitted against Aero Prime, Icetracker was battling with the Autobot that was still a UAV, and for some reason hadn't transformed yet. The soldier Silenthowl was fighting a red, white, and silver 'bot that Stealthblade had seen earlier as a Ferrari 575 GTC. By the looks of it they were evenly matched. Downpower was battling against two Autobots. One was light and sleek, with a silver base color and red and black highlights. His face was visor like, only rounded similarly to a scout trooper's in Star Wars, which Stealthblade found slightly amusing. He was however jealous of the fact that he had a nose and mouth. The other Autobot was big, gray and broad with black and white highlights. For some reason Stealthblade placed him as older and experienced, perhaps even older than Aero Prime. He had seen him earlier as an F-350 Super Duty, which explained his size. Even though the Autobots were working together, Downpower did not seem to be having any trouble dealing with them.
Suddenly a loud boom erupted! Stealthblade spun around to see what had caused it, and discovered that Wildshot had returned, and dropped a bomb near the fighting Silenthowl. Both the Autobot and Decepticon were down, large blasts marks evident in their armor. The young Autobot struggled to right himself, but he seemed fairly damaged. Silenthowl wasn't moving.
"Wildshot you idiot!" Ultracon snarled and then proceeded to let loose a long stream of curses at the red and white Decepticon.
"Breakshift!" Aero Prime exclaimed, and disengaged from his fight with Ultracon, running over to the injured Autobot.
Stealthblade just stared as Ultracon called for a sudden retreat, and all the Decepticons took off. Stormstrike glanced at his brother as he was about to transform.
We gotta go. He indicated to the fleeing Decepticons.
They just left Silenthowl. Stealthblade murmured stunned.
Yeah, and they're leaving us! Stormstrike pointed up at the flying Decepticons.
Go on ahead; I'm going to get Silenthowl. Stealthblade replied, not knowing why he wanted to save the obvious bad guy; perhaps just to preserve life.
Stormstrike hesitated, watching his brother with his blue optics carefully.
"I'll be right behind you. Now go!" Stealthblade ordered in a darker than normal voice.
Stormstrike nodded and took off with his jet boosters in his feet, not bothering to transform. Stealthblade proceeded to run over to the down Silenthowl, who was lying right along side the injured Autobot and concerned Aero Prime.
The Autobot looked up at Stealthblade warningly. Stealthblade couldn't hold back the sigh as he bent over and swung the offline Decepticon over his shoulder. The injured Breakshift stared at Stealthblade mildly curious, or perhaps it was just pain, Stealthblade couldn't really tell. As the other 'bots began to run over thinking their leader was in danger, Stealthblade took off, headed back for base.
A few shots rang out around him, but none hit there mark. Stealthblade increased his speed, not even looking back at the Autobots.