Earth Vacation
It had been some time since Ultra Magnus had last been on Earth. Unlike some of the other Autobots, he did not come by for the occasional visit. His connection to the people of this world was not quite as strong when compared to someone like Bumblebee, who had formed close bonds with the few humans who had helped them during their time here in the past. Even so, Ultra Magnus found the change of scenery welcoming. The grey, metallic vistas of Cybertron had their own kind of unique beauty but the sweeping deserts in this region of Earth never failed to inspire him. The ground was softer under his feet, the air smelled fresher, more natural, with only some traces of fossil fuels amongst it. Even inside the Unit-E hangar his senses were accosted by all manner of smells, ranging from dirt to dust and aviation fuel. Cybertron may have been his home, but in terms of sheer diversity Earth had it beat.
Agent Fowler was how he had last seen him, with greying hair and a wearier look to his face. His usually stern but zealous demeanour had only faded slightly with his ever-advancing age. That was one thing Ultra Magnus found unfortunate in regards to humans. Their life-spans were short, fleeting things that must have been one impetus for the determination many of them had to make something of themselves. Humanity had spread all over this planet, settling its people into some of the least hospitable regions despite the risks. Ultra Magnus could admire such tenacity.
Nearby, Agent Fowler stood on a walkway running along one side within the hangar, the door to his office a short distance from him. He was in his usual grey suit with white shirt and tie. Ultra Magnus could only assume that the human had several sets of the same outfit, or maybe even just the one he washed frequently. He was leaning against a railing, looking towards Ultra Magnus and the other arrivals with a friendly smile, although the look in his eyes indicated that there were significant doubts on his mind that belied whatever warmth he displayed.
Wheeljack and Bumblebee stood nearby. Wheeljack had come through the ground-bridge expecting to see at least one familiar human other than Fowler, only to come away disappointed. None of his old friends were here. Chances are they had gone their own ways during the intervening years, even more so in regards to humans as their life-spans were short. They matured quickly compared to Cybertronians and went out into the world to find their purpose in life far sooner than any Cybertronian fledgling would. Bumblebee stood to Wheeljack's right, surveying the room with his large blue optics. The hangar had changed very little since Ultra Magnus' last visit a few years before. It still had the same warm, yellowish glow over everything, supplied by the many lights fixed into the ceiling above. Through the windows that lined the upper sections of the walls, it was dark. Night had fallen across Nevada, yet the lights here made it almost as bright as day within the hangar.
Knock Out was pacing around, looking over every inch of the place. He was one Cybertronian who had made very few return visits to Earth since his departure. Ultra Magnus watched the former Decepticon doctor stop by one of the larger Cybertronian computer monitors situated nearby. He switched it on and began to tap away at the panel, presumably in an attempt to amuse himself for a while.
"I'm glad you're here, Magnus," Fowler said.
"Judging from what Ratchet told us of the situation, it was imperative we come," Ultra Magnus said.
"I didn't believe it myself." Fowler's doubt was clear in his voice. This 'negotiation' with the Decepticon 'General' was something they were all having trouble accepting. Ultra Magnus preferred to remain at least optimistic, as a successful negotiation with a warlord would certainly help ease tensions back on Cybertron and, he figured, improve relations with the natives of Earth. The Autobots had only kept a small presence on the planet since Cybertron's restoration, with Ratchet serving as their 'Bot on the ground here. Since the Decepticons had done very little in the nine Earth years since the restoration, Autobot contact with Earth had become sporadic at best.
"I don't think I believe it," Wheeljack said from where he was standing nearby. "The 'Cons don't negotiate unless there's something in it for 'em. That, or they want to set up an ambush."
"I'm just as sceptical as you are, Wheeljack," Fowler said. "But even the President wants us to see this through. And from what I've been told, this Decepticon 'General' and his goons aren't in much of a state to fight. They're low on supplies, energon especially."
"And they want mining rights for the deposits on Earth, I take it?" Ultra Magnus had not considered mining the energon deposits on this world. Cybertron, since its restoration, had had plenty of energon to go around. It was the refining of it that needed work, hence the rationing in Iacon.
"Most likely."
"What about the guys you told me about?" Bumblebee stepped forwards, looking towards Fowler with a curious gaze. "This 'Taskforce'?"
"Like I told Ratchet, they're the ones who were contacted by this 'General'," Fowler replied. "They hunted and killed one of his scouts. I guess he figured it was best to make nice with us humans after they did that to one of his goons."
"They killed one of his scouts?" Wheeljack raised a brow, surprised. "No offence, Bill, but you humans always had trouble even taking down Vehicons, let alone an actual Decepticon scout. What does this 'Taskforce' have that you don't?"
Fowler shrugged. Ultra Magnus was certainly curious to find out more about this 'Taskforce'. If they were able to take down Decepticons without Autobot assistance, then they could very well be a threat to the Autobots. From what he had been told of the human organization 'MECH', they had had similar capabilities through utilising reverse-engineered technology. However, unlike MECH, it seemed that this 'Taskforce' was somewhat more official.
"We have the determination, for starters," an unfamiliar voice called from further along the walkway. Ultra Magnus looked towards the source, his gaze meeting with that of a tall man in a black military uniform. His understanding of Earth's militaries was adequate enough that he noticed the lack of any real noticeable marks on the man's uniform jacket. He did wear a peaked cap, one that bore a small silver emblem of a pair of snakes coiled around a sword. He stopped a few metres from where Fowler stood, regarding the Autobots with a fairly straight expression. There was some curiosity in his eyes, as he had never seen these Autobots before. Ultra Magnus realised that they were probably the first ones that this human had seen in person.
Wheeljack watched him carefully, as did Bumblebee. Knock Out walked over from where he had been fiddling with one of the computers, his red optics eyeing the new arrival with a scrutinising look. Curiosity was noticeable among both parties, but the human did a far better job of making it subtle.
"This is Colonel Jerome Carver," Fowler said. He gestured with one hand towards the human in question. He did not sound especially keen in regards to the Colonel. The distrust, subdued as it were, was something that Ultra Magnus noticed immediately. He may not have been around humans a great deal, but he knew their cues, both through body language and their voices. "He's the man in charge of the Special Reaction Taskforce."
Wheeljack walked up to the ledge, his brow narrowed. Despite the Autobot's size and the two katana-like blades he wore at his back, Carver stood his ground and returned Wheeljack's look in turn.
"You took down a Decepticon scout?" Wheeljack asked.
"We took down thirteen other Decepticons in a thirty-month period." Carver stated this matter-of-factly, as if it were common knowledge. There was no pride in his voice and his face had become a nigh-unreadable mask. To the Colonel, actions spoke louder than words. There was no need to boast about his group's achievements.
"You underhanded Unit-E through doing so," Fowler said, turning to face the Colonel.
"Underhanded?" Carver shook his head. "That's doubtful. Unit-E has become a diplomatic connection to Cybertron. The Special Reaction Taskforce serves as a line of defence between Earth and alien aggressors, whether they be from Cybertron or elsewhere. It was our work that prompted the Decepticon General to contact us and request negotiation." He paused and Ultra Magnus saw Fowler's face scrunch up slightly, as if the man's sheer presence here was enough to make the Agent's anger flare. Ultra Magnus supposed such hostility was to be expected from Fowler when faced with the man who had been under-handing his efforts.
"I would have preferred to leave you out of this, Agent Fowler," Carver continued. "But the Autobots, Ultra Magnus in particular, are required for this negotiation." He looked towards the Autobot Commander, his mouth forming a friendly if subdued smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Commander. We can't forget the pleasantries, can we?"
"No, we can't," Ultra Magnus replied. He was not sure how to regard this human, whether to be impressed by his group's credentials or not. Fourteen dead Decepticons was no small feat and Colonel Carver did not seem like the type of person to lie. In fact, Ultra Magnus was reminded of himself in some way as he watched the Colonel. "My escort, Wheeljack and Bumblebee..." He would have continued the introduction, but the Colonel cut him short.
"I've read the files on each of your group, Commander," Carver said. "Wheeljack, the Wrecker and former scientist. Bumblebee, the scout-turned-warrior and finally Knock Out, the defector." He had likely memorised the important details from each of the files in question. He recited the basic facts without pause. "All very good at what they do, from what I've learned."
"I'm glad you feel that way." Knock Out was the one to say this, a smirk forming at his mouth.
"Except for you," Carver stated. "Turncoats are the lowest of the low. You'll have to do a lot more than keep your finish buffed to a sheen to impress me, Decepticon."
Knock Out's smirk faded. He looked almost hurt. Ultra Magnus did find this somewhat amusing, not that he showed it. Wheeljack, on the other hand, chuckled loudly.
"And what about this Decepticon who wishes to negotiate?" Ultra Magnus narrowed his optics. The Colonel nodded in acknowledgement of the question. Despite the unusual situation, he seemed completely content, as if this sort of thing was nothing new to him. Ultra Magnus, on the other hand, found it odd but understandable. Some of the Decepticon warlords who were still at large would likely be getting desperate, especially without the organization that Megatron's leadership would have provided.
"You really buy it?" Wheeljack asked. "Because I don't."
"Of course, in regards to the Decepticon warlord, or 'General' as he prefers to be called, we have to tread carefully." Carver's tone was level, with only a slight hint of concern. "However, judging from my interactions with the General so far, he does seem genuine. He would have little reason to betray us. We have the means to fight him effectively, even more so now that the four of you are here. By attacking us, he would also incur the wrath of the Autobots on Cybertron. After all, the Treaty we have with your race states as much."
"Yet you killed fourteen Decepticons without our help," Ultra Magnus said. "You didn't even tell us they were here."
"We didn't need to," Carver replied. He was quick to answer, likely having anticipated such questions. To Ultra Magnus, the Colonel seemed almost too sure of himself. He was a military leader, in charge of this 'Taskforce', so it was likely he simply carried himself the way he did as part of his job. He had to look strong to his subordinates. Ultra Magnus could certainly relate. It appeared this particular human did almost too good a job of it.
"We've made some progress technologically when it comes to fighting alien intruders," the Colonel continued. "We can't rely on you Autobots to fight our battles for us. That's why the Taskforce was created."
"And no one bothered to tell me about it," Fowler said, abjectly. He looked over to the Colonel, his tone sour. "It's like you forgot what was written in the Treaty."
"The Treaty is hardly my concern, Agent Fowler," Carver replied. "We shouldn't need to call in the Autobots whenever there's a Decepticon incursion. Humanity can't be so dependent."
"How do you fight them, then, Colonel?" The question was one Fowler delivered fairly incisively. Ultra Magnus and the other Autobots could sense the hostility between the two, even if most of it came from Fowler. Carver, on the other hand, did not appear very concerned. "What weapons have you and your boys cooked up to battle the Decepticon menace?"
"I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to say," Carver said.
Fowler rolled his eyes. He let out a dejected sigh and looked back to Ultra Magnus.
"This is the sort of nonsense I have to deal with," he said. "Red-tape, secrecy, being left out of the loop. I remember when you and the other 'Bots were here, staying on Earth. It was so much simpler then. Now I've got to deal with Agent Smith over here." He nodded in the direction of the Colonel.
"Who?" Ultra Magnus was not too familiar with human popular culture. Such references were often lost on him.
"Never mind."
There was a brief silence amongst the group. It was an awkward one at that, especially where Fowler and Carver were concerned. Agent Fowler's distrust of Carver was readily apparent. It even rubbed off on Ultra Magnus, to a degree. Still, he could relate at least a little towards Carver. The man was a leader who aimed only to protect his species. He had made a valid point, how humanity could not be so dependent upon the Autobots. The secrecy was also fairly understandable. Ultra Magnus had fought in many secret missions, particularly when he had been placed in charge of the Wreckers. Keeping secrets from other branches of the military was standard practice, especially during a war. Fowler's contempt for the Colonel in response to this was not a surprise.
"I've contacted the Decepticon General," Carver said. "I told him about your arrival. He should be here within the hour."
"That's kind of short notice," Bumblebee said.
"I suppose he'll have an escort?" Wheeljack asked. He crossed his arms over his chest and regarded the Colonel with some disdain.
"Well, since Ultra Magnus has an escort, it's only reasonable that the General has one as well." Carver checked the silver watch he wore at his left wrist, partially concealed under the glove there. "You four may wish to get ready in whatever way it is you Autobots prepare for a negotiation. From what I've been told, the General may ask for safe passage to Cybertron. Maybe even a chunk of land to settle his soldiers down."
"We have standards," Wheeljack countered. "We don't just let any old 'Con settle on Cybertron."
"Of course, I understand. Working out that sort of thing is what negotiations are for, am I right?" Carver looked up from his watch. Ultra Magnus noted the pistol he had in a holster at his waist. It was large and silver, catching the light of the hangar with a significant glint. Even from this fleeting glance, Ultra Magnus could see that it looked to be almost impractically large for a side-arm.
"Does this Decepticon 'General' have a name?" Ultra Magnus asked. Despite all that they had been told, they still had no idea as to the genuine identity of the Decepticon in question. The Autobot Commander had figured that it was likely a trumped-up Lieutenant who had found himself in a position of leadership after Megatron's disappearance. There were not many of the old guard sorts left, with Starscream dead and Shockwave missing. Any other well-known Decepticons were either dead or elsewhere in the galaxy. Who could this 'General' possibly be?
"He didn't tell me," Carver said.
"He can't be keeping secrets from us if we're going to meet him." Bumblebee was the one to say this. He made a good point, even if it was too late to demand the 'General' reveal his true identity. "I'd like to know who I'm going to be meeting with."
"You may recognize him," Carver suggested. "I've only met him in person once. Our other communications were either through his Lieutenants, or over the phone."
"How quaint," Wheeljack quipped. "Are you two best buddies or something?"
"Far from it. This situation is as strange to me as it is to you. That's why you were brought in."
Ultra Magnus was certainly curious to meet the Decepticon 'General'. He was not sure on what to expect, nor would he trust anything the Decepticon said. The war was still being fought in some regards, especially where these rogue warlords were concerned.
Wheeljack had considered getting in touch with Jack and Miko. He had not seen them for some time, as his trips to Earth had been sporadic at best. However, he figured he would not get much of a chance to do that, given the fact that the Decepticon 'General' was apparently on his way here. Wheeljack had no desire to be caught up in the negotiations, but Ultra Magnus had dragged him here and had even had the gall to suggest that it might have a positive effect on him. As if playing nice with a 'Con will make me feel any differently about them, he thought.
Fowler had gone back to his office while Carver had wandered off, heading outside. Wheeljack assumed he had gone to wait for the Decepticon 'General' to arrive. The Wrecker had no real liking for that human, he might have carried himself with confidence (perhaps too much confidence) but there was something almost slimy about him. The fact that his 'Taskforce' had been operating in secret for three Earth years and had only brought in Unit-E now, when faced with this unusual situation, said much about their true nature. This was an inconvenience for the Colonel, Wheeljack figured.
He made his way over to where Knock Out was. The former Decepticon had been fiddling with one of the Cybertronian computer terminals, although as Wheeljack neared him he saw that Knock Out had been merely browsing the worldwide web. The doctor turned around as he heard Wheeljack approach.
"What are you looking at, Knock Out?" Wheeljack asked.
"I was simply searching for a newer vehicle mode," Knock Out replied. "My current vehicle mode is almost obsolete in Earth terms."
"Is that why you decided to come along? So you could play dress-up?" Wheeljack frowned. The Decepticon doctor's slick exterior did not fool him. Underneath this veneer was nothing more than a coward and a 'turncoat', as the Colonel had put it. That was a new coin of phrase that Wheeljack found to be very apt.
"I came along because Ultra Magnus requested it," Knock Out replied. "I might be able to shed some light on who this 'General' is."
"Oh yeah?" Wheeljack found this unlikely. "Who is he, then?"
"Well..." Knock Out paused for a moment, giving the matter some thought. "I haven't really got much to go on, do I? At least ask that question after he's arrived?"
"You have no idea, then?"
"I'd say he's someone vain, since he's calling himself a 'General'. It's very unlikely that's his real title."
"Vain?" The Wrecker smirked. "You and he have something in common already."
Knock Out frowned, his enthusiasm gone.
"I wouldn't say I'm 'vain', that's too strong a word," he said, after a brief pause. "Unlike you, I actually take some pride in my appearance. I wouldn't expect a Wrecker to understand what it takes to look good."
"Maybe because I've got other priorities."
"Like what?"
"Like resisting the urge to flay that shiny finish off of you," Wheeljack replied, straight-faced. He may not have been completely serious with this statement, but the way Knock Out's optics widened made it worth it. "Piece by piece. Wouldn't be the first time I've cut up a 'Con."
"I would never have expected a scientist to be so violent," Knock Out said.
"I stopped being a scientist a long time ago." At least, that had been up until recently. Now Ultra Magnus expected him to resume his work in science to help rebuild Cybertron. It was a jarring change from the life of a soldier he had come to enjoy. "I don't think I can go back to being one. Not easily."
"And would you really cut me up, Wheeljack?" Knock Out eyed him with an inquisitive expression. "I don't think the Commander would appreciate you dismembering one of the few experienced doctors on Cybertron."
Wheeljack may not have been entirely serious with his threats against the former Decepticon. Still, all it would take would be one sign of betrayal from Knock Out and Wheeljack would not hesitate to end him. In the meantime, making him feel uncomfortable made for an amusing diversion.
"If you'll excuse me, Wheeljack, I have some catching up to do in regards to certain Earth movie genres," Knock Out said. He turned around, bringing his attention back to the computer terminal. "I've missed a great deal during my absence."
Wheeljack found his gaze going towards the door at the far end of the hangar. A familiar figure had walked in, a human, one whom he recognized immediately. Sure, the human in question had grown a bit and had gained a fair amount of muscle mass, but Jack Darby was someone whom Wheeljack was actually glad to see. He was wearing a dark business suit with white shirt and tie, an outfit that was apparently standard for the sort of work Jack had found himself in during the last few years. It was not the sort of thing Wheeljack was used to seeing him in.
"Jack," Wheeljack said. Seeing a familiar face, other than Fowler, was a welcome change.
"Jackie," Jack said, stopping a few metres ahead of him. He glanced over at Knock Out, a funny look crossing his face. He turned back to Wheeljack and gestured in the doctors direction. "Why'd you bring him along?"
"I didn't. The chief did." He nodded towards Ultra Magnus. He stood some distance away and was speaking to Agent Fowler, who had just re-emerged from his office.
Bumblebee approached from nearby and greeted Jack with a smile.
"Hey," he said.
"It's been a while, Bee," Jack replied. "I heard you were here a few days ago, but I couldn't make it here to meet you. I got caught up in work."
"Moving up through the world, eh kid?" Wheeljack smirked and Jack raised an eyebrow quizzically.
"I don't think I'm quite a 'kid' anymore," Jack said.
"Tell me that when you hit my age."
"And what would that be?"
Wheeljack shrugged.
"I have no idea," he answered. "Aside from that, it's good to see you again. I mean, I always envisioned you as becoming a..." He trailed off. "What exactly is it you do here, kid?"
"Same sort of thing Fowler does," Jack explained. "I help him oversee Unit-E's operations. Usually, anyway. Past six months, I've been working with Colonel Carver's Taskforce."
Wheeljack was surprised to hear this.
"You've been working for him?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"I only just met him and already I think he's an ass. He reminds me too much of Magnus. All that stern, authoritarian B-S. At least Fowler's got a personality. Heck, even Magnus has more of a personality than Colonel what's-his-face."
"Don't let him hear you say that," Jack said.
"Why? Is he gonna beat me up?" Wheeljack scoffed loudly, perhaps more so than he had intended.
"He doesn't beat people. I've rarely heard him yell at anyone. He's very good at keeping his cool." Jack said this very matter-of-factly. There may have even been a hint of respect in his voice.
"What about Miko? How's she?" Wheeljack asked him. He had not seen the girl for even longer than he had not seen Jack. Sometimes, while he worked in his workshop on Cybertron, his mind wondered to thoughts of Earth and the fleshy friends he had made there. Sometimes he thought about Miko, the 'honorary Wrecker'. And sometimes he pondered returning to Earth and staying there with Ratchet, as Cybertron was becoming even less like he had thought it would. The constant work, much of which restricted him to his workshop, had left him feeling drained some days and downright depressed on others. Not that he would tell anyone that, certainly not explicitly.
"She's as you would expect," Jack answered. "Feisty as ever."
"Good to hear. I might go by and see her, once this business with this 'General' is done." He made his disdain for the current, if unusual, situation clear in his voice. Negotiating had never been something he had found himself very interested in, especially if it involved Decepticons. "You know anything about our 'guest'? This 'Con warlord?"
"No. I've never seen him. The Colonel did not even tell me about it until recently."
"The whole thing stinks," Wheeljack added. "'Cons don't negotiate. Not unless there's something big in it for them."
"I was told they're short on supplies," Jack said. "That might explain why they haven't gone elsewhere. They know they can get to Cybertron from Earth and they probably haven't got the resources to fly there the old-fashioned way."
"I'm sure we'll find out what their problems are when they arrive," Bumblebee advised. "We shouldn't go jumping to conclusions. That goes for you, Wheeljack." He eyed the Wrecker carefully. "You really think they'd betray us? When we could easily bring in far greater numbers through the ground-bridge?"
Wheeljack was not sure what to think. He did not like being so conflicted, especially since he had been so certain that Decepticons were never to be trusted. No Decepticon warlord would 'negotiate' unless they were certain they could get what they wanted and it was likely to be something fairly significant that they were after. Some had surrendered in the past, only to be accepted onto Cybertron and Wheeljack had always been vocal in his opposition to that practice. 'Cons brought trouble and that was one thing Cybertron, and Earth for that matter, had had plenty of. Still, if Knock Out could genuinely switch sides it was not a stretch to think that other Decepticons could do the same.
"The whole thing's just off," Wheeljack said, finally.
"You should ease up, once in a while," Bumblebee suggested. "You've been on edge a lot recently."
"I've got a lot on my plate. This business with this 'General' is just something more I have to deal with. Forgive me if I don't believe he's going to come here to 'negotiate'." He paused, eyeing Bumblebee carefully. "Did you bring your weapons? I have my blades and my on-board cannons. I prefer to be prepared."
"How about we just wait and see, before we start preparing for the worst?" Jack asked. Wheeljack looked towards him, thinking that maybe he was being a bit too paranoid, but Bumblebee had been right about him being a bit on edge in recent months. All the work he was assigned had taken up every minute of his time. By the end of a typical day on Cybertron, he had been doing nothing but work. At least the war had not been so routine, so dull. And, to top it off, he had got to thinking about his potential future on Cybertron. 'Settling down', as Knock Out had called it during their talk earlier that day, was something that he had not considered much before. Now, it was an idea that had been nagging away at the back of his mind like a parasite. He had never thought he would reach this point, actively thinking about a peaceful future for himself. He had always assumed he would go down in a blaze of glory.
"If you expect me to sit down and have a nice, friendly chat with this 'Con warlord, you're mistaken," Wheeljack stated.
