It feels good to be back, baby! WHOO! I got back last night! And I had the time of my life down there! I mean, being able to spend some time with my relatives, going to the Harry Potter exhibit; I was in HEAVEN! But I still couldn't unwrap my head from this story. Even though I was on vacation, my mind wouldn't stop thinking about potential ideas and where I could take this story. I'm just having trouble believing that we have to wait till February to be able to watch season 2. Now, we're still stuck with Optimus being Orion Pax and a Decepticon. WHY IN THE NAME OF GOD AND PRIMUS DOES HASBRO AND THE HUB HATE US? WHY ARE THEY MAKING US WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR FOR SEASON TWO OF TRANSFORMERS PRIME! WHY, GOD, WHY? WHY, PRIMUS, WHY? Sorry. Caps lock. hehe …well, that and I needed to vent. And it felt good.
Anyway…REVIEW REPLIES!
TRANSFORMERS-O.P.-ADDICT: LOVE'N IT!
Thanks, man! Glad you liked it. MAN! That was a hard one to write!
OK. The song for this chapter…this was a tough one to choose. But for some reason…I chose Know Your Enemy by Green Day. Don't ask me why. I'm having a really hard time choosing songs for this. And I'm not giving this up because this is too much fun to do. So please, please, PLEASE help me choose a song for next chapter. I WILL LOVE YOUR FOREVER IF YOU DO AND YOU GET TO SUGGEST AN IDEA FOR THIS STORY! Actually, you'll get to suggest FIVE ideas! Please! I need your help.
© Hasbro and The Hub and all respective creators own the rights to Transformers Prime.
© Talida Prime and other OCs belong to their respective owner. *cough* Me! *cough*
© Know Your Enemy belongs to Green Day and their record label.
ENJOY!
"Do you know the enemy?
Do you know your enemy?
Well, gotta know the enemy. Ohaooh…
Do you know the enemy?
Do you know your enemy?
Well, gotta know the enemy. Ohaooh…
Do you know the enemy?
Do you know your enemy?
Well, gotta know the enemy. Ohaooh…
Violence is an energy,
Against the enemy.
Well, violence is an energy, right.
Bringing on the fury.
The choir infantry.
Revolt against the honor to obey. (ohaooh…)
Overthrow the effigy.
The vast majority.
We're burning down the foreman of control. (ohaooh…)
Silence is the enemy,
Against your urgency.
So rally up the demons of your soul. (Ohaooh…)
Do you know the enemy?
Do you know your enemy?
Well, gotta know the enemy. Ohaooh…
Do you know the enemy?
Do you know your enemy?
Well, gotta know the enemy. Ohaooh…"
"Such a shame," Starscream sighed as he and Malita reviewed the footage from the Space Bridge explosion, "But I applaud you, Megatron. You certainly made a grand exit."
"Ah, Soundwave," Malita greeted as the Decepticon spy approached them, "Cue the audio/visual. We wish to address the troops."
Soundwave didn't say a word. He only nodded and did as he was instructed.
Inside the various control rooms, the Decepticons were working. Monitoring for untapped Energon, looking for signals from lost Decepticon ships, keeping an eye out for any Autobot activity; if anyone can name it, they're doing it…well, until the faces of Starscream and Malita appeared on the screens and haulted their process.
"The loss of Megatron, leader of a great Decepticon apprise, is certainly a blow to our cause," Starscream began the speech he and Malita had prepared.
"Yet, we musn't despair over his tragic demise. But instead, embrace his ultimate sacrifice and build upon the foundation he laid with an even mightier hand," Malita continued.
"With all due respect, Comman – I mean, LORD – Starscream and Lady Malita," a Decepticon began with slight hesitation.
"Yes, yes. What is it?" Starscream asked impatiently.
"If we failed to conquor Earth under Lord Megatron's command, what hope do we have now while the Autobots still defend it?" the Decepticon wanted to know.
"Allow me to be crystal clear. We studied for millennia under our former master – also known as my father. Thus we are equipped to lead you. We are Megatron's true heirs: Lord Starscream and Lady Malita, Emperor and Empress of Destruction!" Malita proclaimed.
However, their proclaimation wasn't well-received by their Decepticon Army. They are still hesitant. They agreed with the Decepticon who questioned Starscream and Malita's new rule. They were unable to bring destruction to Earth with the Autobots protecting the planet and all of humankind. What chance did they have under the reign of Starscream and Malita while the Autobots remained ready to take them on every attempt they make?
"What use are troops who can't rise to the task of inflicting unspeakable destruction in our names?" Starscream asked in frustration as he and Malita disconnected the audio/visual feed.
"My love, wait a minute! Legend tells of a warrior that exists here on this very planet. One who could be student to our master," Malita reminded him, "One that will give us even more of a chance of defeating Optimus Prime…and his little brat in the process. Besides, Soundwave heard a little rumor that our beloved Autobot commander is in a relationship with a certain Autobot femme on his team."
"Go on," Starscream smirked, clearly interested in Malita's little plan.
*theme begins here*
TRANSFORMERS PRIME
DEVELOPED FOR TELEVISION BY
Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman
AND
Duane Capizzi
Jeff Kline
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Jeff Kline
"Insurgency will rise,
When the blood's been sacrificed.
Don't be blinded by the lies in your eyes…
SAY!
Ohaooh…
Ohaooh…
Well, violence is an energy. (Ohaooh…)
From here to Eternity! (Ohaooh…)
Well, violence is an energy. (Ohaooh…)
Silence is the enemy.
So GIVE ME, GIVE ME REVOLUTION!"
All has been well for the Autobots since their successful mission from preventing an army of Cybertron's dead from entering Earth under Megatron's command and the destruction of the Space Bridge. All has been quiet since Megatron's defeat and death which is still to be officially confirmed. But Optimus knew that he could never let his guard down. He knew that there was still a chance that the Decepticons could attack at anytime.
But he couldn't ignore the positive effects of this peace and quiet. It allowed him time to properly bond with his rapidly-maturing teenage daughter, something he had done only once or twice in her short lifetime. And it allowed him to officially form a relationship with his soul mate. After seeing Arcee hurt and weak after Starscream's attack, he realized that he couldn't wait any longer. Because he knew that if he continued to wait, he may never have the chance to share his life with her. After the confession of their feelings and a magical night under the stars, they began their journey down the path that would lead them to their destiny together. They officially started their loving relationship. And honestly, Optimus couldn't be any happier about his decision. (AN: For those who are reading this and don't know what I'm talking about, read the previous chapter.)
"Optimus," Ratchet began as he approached his leader/longtime friend, snapping Optimus from his content thoughts of his girlfriend and daughter, "Why so glum? This planet – ALL planets – are free from Megatron's tyranny."
"I do not disagree, Ratchet. It's just…a small part of me hoped to change Megatron's mind. Not estinguish his spark," Optimus confessed.
"Optimus, his vileness was not slain by your hand! But by his own twisted arrogance!" Ratchet reminded Optimus, owning a sigh from Optimus, "I'm sorry. I know the two of you had a history together."
"But the Megatron whom I once fought beside perished aeons ago; the day he chose to become a Decepticon," Optimus corrected gravely, "The Decepticons may be in disarray, but they are not without leadership. And while Starscream and Malita are no Megatron, they are far from predictable."
"Optimus, be happy. Megatron cannot bring harm to us anymore. You can finally watch your daughter grow properly. And fully cement your relationship with Arcee," Ratchet reminded him.
"How did you find out about me and Arcee?" Optimus demanded.
After all, the two had made an attempt to keep their new relationship a secret until they felt it was the right time to tell the others of the latest development. That is...when they weren't preoccupied with Decepticon drama and wouldn't freak out or fuss over the news of the new relationship.
"You put Miko and Talida together, they're an Autobot version of Soundwave. Besides, you know how close Arcee and Talida are. They're virtually mother and daughter. They have no secrets between the two," Ratchet reminded him.
Their little conversation was interruped by an explosion. Concern coursed through the veins of Optimus and Ratchet. What was going on inside? Did someone misfire a weapon? Or was that caused by…?
"DECEPTICONS! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!" Ratchet cried.
Immediately, Optimus was worried for Arcee and Talida…and Bumblebee and Bulkhead, of course. And Jack, Miko and Raff, as well. So he and Ratchet took off running, praying they weren't too late. But when they got there, they saw nothing but smoke. And they also realized that they weren't being attacked by a Decepticon. The explosion was caused by…
"It's no attack, Ratchet," Raff reassured them as he coughed from the smoke caused by the explosion, "It's my volcano…was."
"Hold still, Bulkhead! Jupiter needs its redspot!" Miko instructed Bulkhead as she went to paint said redspot on Jupiter…only to spill more paint, "Whoopsie!"
"What in the All Spark is going on around here?" Ratchet demanded angrily.
"Our projects are due tomorrow," Jack answered.
Optimus fully took in what was going on around him and Ratchet. Bumblebee and Raff were trying to reconstruct an active volcano. But when it erupted, it melted until it was nothing but splat on the giant table. Hense the explosion that made Optimus and Ratchet come barging in. Miko and Raff were trying to contruct a model of the solar system with the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Naturally, she would include Pluto. But sadly, Pluto is no longer classified as a planet. Some scientists aren't even calling it a dwarf planet anymore. So Pluto wasn't going to be included.
When Optimus' gaze reached the other end of the room, he couldn't help but smile to himself. Jack was there. But that wasn't the reason he was smiling. His eyes laid on his beautiful girlfriend, Arcee, and his teenage daughter, Talida. They were working on their own project: building a motorcycle from scratch. And that included the engine and internal structure as well was the external structure.
"Maybe it needs one of these doo-hickies," Arcee suggested as she held the exhaust pipe up, causing Talida to laugh.
"That's an exhaust pipe, Arcee. That doesn't go on till last," she laughed affectionately as she took the exhaust pipe from Arcee.
While she worked on the science project with Jack, Talida had ditched her leather mini-skirt, her black strapless top and black leather boots. Instead, she wore a pair of worn-out demin booty shorts with a blue, black and white cropped checkered top that tied up around the front over a white crop singlet which exposed her well-toned stomach and a pair of blue Converse All-Stars. Her hair was up in a ponytail with loose strands framing her angelic face.
"You're a motorcycle, Arcee. Shouldn't you know how to build a motorcycle engine?" Jack asked with a slight laugh.
"You're a human, Jack. Can you build me a small intenstine?" Arcee retorted.
"Well, you can't work on these projects in here. You're…making a mess!" Ratchet proclaimed with a slight lie.
"But the science fair is a big part of our grade!" Raff objected.
"Yeah! If Bulkhead doesn't help me finish this model of our solar system," Miko began explained before Ratchet cut her explanation short.
"Oh! And what does Bulkhead know of your solar system? Or Bumblebee of your volcanoes?" Ratchet scoffed in disbelief.
"Or Arcee of our motorcycles?" Jack and Talida finished knowingly.
"Precisely! We're not Earthlings! And they're not scientists!" Ratchet finished cockily.
"But the Autobots are their guardians, Ratchet. Would it hurt to learn more about this planet by helping our young friends with their schoolwork?" Optimus asked.
"You would know, Optimus. You and Talida always did her science projects together. You two actually managed to blow the place up a couple of times with your experiments," Arcee recalled with a laugh.
"And we had to suffer through a dozen long, boring lectures from Ratchet and him continually going, 'I NEEDED THAT!' Good times… Good times…," Talida sighed in recollection.
"Well, maybe our young friends and your daughter should learn more about Cybertron!" Ratchet retorted to Optimus' earlier statement.
"There's something I don't get though. You're not meant to work with a partner for this fair. How come you two get to work together?" Miko asked Jack and Talida.
"We don't know either," Jack and Talida shrugged.
"We were asked to stay behind after class the day we found out about the science fair," Jack started.
"And our teacher told me and Jack that due to reasons we can't know of, we have to work together. We're thinking Mrs Darby had something to do with that," Talida finished.
"Maybe you guys could be half-siblings!" Miko suggested excitedly.
Optimus smiled and knelt behind Arcee, wrapping his arms around her considerably smaller frame. Arcee smiled contently and leaned against his broarder chest as he planted a loving kiss on the top of her helm. Well, as Ratchet said, everyone now knows of the new relationship they share. There's no reason why they now can't be open with their display of affection…but not in the battlefield. The Decepticons wouldn't hesitate to use Arcee as well as Talida against him. He couldn't help but inwardly shudder at the thought of the Decepticons bringing harm to his girlfriend and daughter. He couldn't travel down that road. Not again.
"During the war, so much Energon was hidden on this forsaken rock. But our departed master sent some of Cybertron's greatest to guard it. True warriors now lying in stasis waiting to be reawakened," Starscream explained.
"Such folly that late in life, my father searched distant space for warriors rather then here beneath his feet," Malita sighed, before Soundwave beeped something to her, "What do you mean you can't pinpoint his signal? I know we are close! Boost the power to your sensors!"
And boost his power to his sensors, Soundwave did. When he did, a Decepticon emblum flashed on his screen, proving the theory that Starscream and Malita share together. There IS a Decepticon lying here in stasis protecting Energon.
"Yes. There," Starscream observed.
With no more words being said, Starscream and Soundwave changed into their alternate forms. Malita climbed aboard the hoverbike she brought along with her. And the three took off towards the resting place of a Decepticon warrior; one that would help Starscream and Malita succeed in what Megatron could never do:
Conquor Earth.
Back at Autobot Outpost Omega One, Raf was rebuilding the model of the volcano that was destroyed earlier. Bumblebee was helping him that relaying the instructions and occassionaly pitching in when Raf needed a hand with the actual construction of the volcano.
"Really, Bumblebee? Then how DO you make warrior class?" Raf asked.
OK. Raf and Bumblebee have gone off-topic. Instead of talking about what they were actually doing, they were talking about Bumblebee's lack of warrior status.
"But I've seen you in action! You're awesome!" Raf objected as he stuck more newspaper to the volcano model…until Optimus rested a hand on Bumblebee's shoulder.
"I second your opinion, Raf. But Autobot lifecycles are longer than those of humans. And though it may be hard to believe, our young scout still has much to experience," Optimus explained.
"What about the lifecycle of a techno-organic?" Raf asked.
"Until they are 21, a techno-organic will age like a regular human. After that, they enter the Cybertronian lifecycle for at least two Earth centuries. After those two centuries have passed, they age like a regular human again. Leading a regular human life until they become one with the All Spark," Optimus explained sadly, "Sadly, this fact means that I will outlive Talida."
"That must be hard. Because depending on the age and circumstances within the family, the children outlive their parents," Raf told him, "Just how much will you outlive Talida by?"
"I will outlive her by at least five aeons. But with a techno-organic, she can choose three humans to live through the two centuries with her before aging like regular humans once again. She can pick anyone at any age…excluding infants. When the time comes, she might choose you, Jack and Miko," Optimus remarked before alarms started going off.
"Exposed Energon! And it's on the move!" Ratchet proclaimed.
"And since we're not moving it, guess who must be!" Bulkhad challenged.
"Decepticons," Arcee answered as she stood next to Optimus.
"Without Megatron?" Miko asked in disbelief.
"Unfortunately, Megatron's legacy will live on as others rise to take his place," Optimus sighed gravely.
"And I bet you that Malita is one of them. Since she is his daughter, she automatically assumes command. But with the Decepticon hirachy, since she is female, she has to choose someone to rule alongside her. And since she and Starscream are lovers, it's obvious she'll choose him," Talida informed Miko, "So can I PLEASE tag along this time, dad?"
"Sweetspark, you know that I would feel more comfortable if you remained here at base. Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee will remain here to help you and your friends with your projects. Ratchet, I will need assistance," Optimus said as he subconsciously tightened his grip on Arcee.
"The science fair is a big part of their grade. Perhaps I'm better suited to remain behind and advise," Ratchet decided.
"Well we're screwed," Talida remarked.
"Why are we screwed?" Miko wanted to know.
"Just trust me when I say we're screwed," Talida begged her friend.
"Very well. Bumblebee, let us see about this Energon in transit," Optimus suggested before planting a quick kiss on Arcee's forehead.
"GET A ROOM!" Talida exclaimed as she covered her eyes.
Optimus rolled his eyes at his teenage daughter's antics. With a loving smile, he kissed the top of her head, causing her to uncover her eyes with a cheeky grin. She couldn't help but giggle when Bumblebee nuzzled his face against her small form. Jack rolled his eyes a little at the sight. He felt something coiling inside his stomach. What was it? Overprotectiveness over his friend whom he considered his baby sister?
Or was it…jealousy?
Together, Soundwave, Starscream and Malita removed a Decepticon cargo box from the hidden compartment inside the cliff face. Within was their secret weapon.
"Excellent, Soundwave," Malita complimented before holding out her hand, "The cube."
As usual, without saying a word, Soundwave did as he was told. He handed the cube to Malita. She opened the lid to reveal the glowing blue Energon which was the cause of the current war. She slid the Energon cube inside the square hole and stood back as she, Starscream and Soundwave heard the familiar sounds of a machine coming to life.
"The Energon infusion. It's working!" Starscream proclaimed.
They watched as the container opened in a bright flash of light and…
Near their location, a GroundBridge opened. Bumblebee stepped out of the GroundBridge first. Immediately following Bumblebee was his commander, Optimus Prime. Once he was out, the portal shut behind him. In his usual bleeps and beeps, Bumblebee communicated with Optimus, saying that the sound they were currently hearing doesn't sound good for them.
"No, Bumblebee, it does not. Hold your position and await my command," Optimus instructed before walking away.
"Awaken, warrior. Rise and serve your new masters!" Malita proclaimed as the crate before her opened.
Once the crate was opened, red glowing eyes stared down at Malita and Starscream. The green, white and partially red Decepticon stepped out of the tight space he was confined to for aeons. When he did, he fully looked at the two fellow Decepticons standing before him. His first words to them were,
"Skyquake serves only one master."
"Excellent. Your loyalty and devotion will set a fine example for the troops. No need to be timid, Skyquake. You may bow," Starscream invited.
"You fail to grasp my meaning. I am here on a mission; assigned to me by my one master: Megatron," Skyquake corrected.
"Sadly, my father is no longer with us," Malita informed the Decepticon standing before her.
"Impossible!" Skyquake gasped.
"Why is it so difficult for everyone to accept? Skyquake, we located you. We awakened you. Thus, we, Lord Starscream and Lady Malita, are now your masters!" Starscream declared.
"It has been a while, Skyquake."
Skyquake, Starscream and Malita turned to their left and saw Optimus Prime standing before them. In their eagerness to locate and revive Skyquake, they have forgotten about the fact that as soon as the Autobots found an Energon signature or a signal from a crashed ship – Autobot and Decepticon alike – that they would come running. But Malita couldn't help but be disappointed. Once again, her own arch enemy didn't accompany her father. So Malita was left with no one to fight herself.
"Optimus Prime. I haven't seen you since the Battle of Technor. Megatron ordered me to anniliate you," Skyquake recalled.
"That was a long time ago," Optimus reminded Skyquake as he approached his enemy.
"That may be, Prime. But my orders still stand," Skyquake retorted.
"Is this ancient war still worth fighting? When so many comrades have been lost? And worlds destroyed? Starscream, Malita, if you two want to be true leaders, then stray from Megatron's path and lead the Decepticons towards peace," Optimus pleaded them.
"I would be willing to consider a truce…if you would be willing to bow before us, Optimus Prime," Malita counter-offered, "And, of course, allowed me a one-on-one battle with that pathetic excuse of a techno-organic, Talida Corrie Prime."
"My daughter is even more courageous, just and loyal then you will ever be, Malita. I do not believe that it would be a fair fight if Talida fought against a fellow techno-organic who has discovered her powers while she is still to do so," Optimus retorted.
"AGAIN? BOW TO THIS!" Skyquake interveined as he punched both Starscream and Malita.
Starscream and Malita screamed in pain as they flew through the air. With a rough, solid thud, they crashed into the cliff face Skyquake had punched them into. They gasped in pain as they removed themselves from the rocky wall. Malita jumped onto the hover bike that flew by and Starscream transformed from his bipedal mode into his alternative mode. And just like that, they took off. But they weren't going to miss the slowly unfolding battle.
"Skyquake, this is a new era. On another world. Side with the Autobots and help me end this conflict forever," Optimus once again pleaded the newly-awakened Decepticon.
"I will NEVER side with a Prime!" Skyquake proclaimed as he ran towards Optimus.
Optimus never saw the next hit coming. So when Skyquake threw a punch at him, he didn't block it. Instead, he let it knock him into a nearby archway. Skyquake picked Optimus up by his shoulders and threw the shorter Transformer around like a child throwing a rag doll.
Above the ensuing battle, Starscream, Soundwave and Malita watched everything unfold. This was too good of a battle to miss. They finally had an advantage over their Autobot enemy. In their possession was one of Cybertron's greatest warriors. Within a matter of moments, the war would work out in their favour.
"What need have we for peace when we have Skyquake?" Starscream asked rhetorically to Malita and Soundwave.
"With some disapline, he will learn to respect his new masters," Malita reassured her lover/co-leader.
"And once it becomes known that Skyquake destroyed the great Optimus Prime under our command, all Decepticons will greatfully bow to us," Starscream proclaimed.
Below them, Bumblebee watched the battle between his commander and the Decepticon unfold from his hiding place. He was ready to help Optimus when he requested his help. Not before. Not 5 hours after the request. But right away. But so far, Optimus didn't need his help. He was managing well by himself, hitting Skyquake with a shot or two from his blasters. Which, of course, caused Skyquake to retaliate with his own blaster. Each rapid shot hit Optimus, knocking him back a few feet. But it didn't force Optimus to back down. It would take more than that to bring him down. Nevertheless, Bumblebee talked to Optimus with his bleeps and started running out onto the battlefield.
"Bumblebee! NO!" Optimus begged him.
But Bumblebee didn't listen to his leader. Instead, he attacked Skyquake from behind. Skyquake was surprised when he felt the familiar sting from a blaster hit him on the back. So he turned around with his blaster reloaded and ready. With each fire he made, Bumblebee avoided being hit. He jumped from wall to wall within the canyon, avoiding fire. Eventually, one hit Bumblebee, sending him crashing to the ground. Skyquake went to fire again, but Optimus stopped him. But that didn't stop Skyquake from grabbing Bumblebee and throwing him around just like he did to Optimus just moments ago.
"Do not miss a single moment, Soundwave!" Malita instructed, "We shall need visual documentation of Optimus Prime's demise for the historical record!"
Down in the canyon, things weren't looking peachy for either Optimus OR Skyquake. With each hit one Transformer delivered, the other reciprocated with a blow of equal force or more. On some occassions, one would miss. But they would quickly make up for that failed punch, kick or fire. When Optimus was knocked back by a hit from Skyquake, Bumblebee bleeped to him his own worried thoughts.
"Skyquake has not yet acquired a vehicle mode," Optimus whispered to Bumblebee as Skyquake came charging towards the two, "FALL BACK!"
Before Skyquake could even take a swing at the two Autobots, they transformed from their bipedal mode to their vehicle modes and drove away from the approaching Decepticon along the canyon beyond.
"So time has made you a coward, Prime?" Skyquake called after him as he fired a few more shots from his blaster.
"Let's see. Where is it?" Ratchet mumbled to himself.
Talida was right when she told Miko that they were screwed since Ratchet hung back to supervise the construction of their science projects. Rather then just hanging back and supervising, he is actually BEHIND THE CONSTRUCTION of their projects. Of course, Jack, Talida, Raf and Miko weren't happy about this fact. These are THEIR science projects. THEY should be the ones constructing their science fair experiments. But Ratchet, being the ego-centric scientist he is, told them to step aside and let HIM do all the work.
"Um…what is it?" Raff asked.
"You'll find out," Ratchet answered.
"But, Ratchet, shouldn't I be doing the work?" Raf retorted as he went to touch the giant volcano.
"Thpangujy. Don't touch! Just watch and learn!" Ratchet snapped.
"So…we're just gonna go help Jack, Talida and Miko finish THEIR-," Bulkhead started.
"Without my supervision? You want them to be right, don't you?" Ratchet asked his fellow Autobots, causing them to look at each other and shrug, "Then watch a master at work!"
"Control freak!" Miko remarked to Jack and Talida.
"I tried to warn you," Talida sing-songed to her friends.
"…did anyone else notice the Mad Scientist gleem in Ratchet's optics?" Jack asked the girls. (AN: That questions for you guys too!)
"He gets that sometimes. When he does, watch out," Talida warned.
"Hey, Lida. How about we go work on our own projects?" Jack suggested.
"Definitely! Besides, there's an idea I want to show you," Talida said.
"Can't wait to hear about it," Jack beamed as he slung his arm over her shoulders and they left.
"We've lost sight of them! Soundwave, why aren't you tracking them?" Starscream screeched, "What? What is it?"
Soundwave was showing Starscream and Malita something else. A different map. It wasn't of the area they are currently watching Skyquake's battle with Optimus and Bumblebee. But a map of Earth and the space that surrounds it.
"A second Decepticon life signal? But Skyquake is the only sleeper buried in this area!" Malita scoffed in disbelief as she studied Soundwave's map closer.
But Starscream noticed something perculiar about the life signal. He knew that area well. After all, they were there just days ago.
"The sight of our destroyed Space Bridge! You're not telling us that life signal belongs to Megatron?" Starscream gasped as the realization dawned on them both.
"But he was microns from the detination point! Nothing could have survived that blast! Your sensors must be faulty! Ignore the contact! Delete the coordinates!" Malita immediately instructed Soundwave.
"What are we saying? Of course it must be investigated! If Lord Megatron is up there, I shall bring him home. Soundwave, Malita, remain here and monitor the outcome. When Skyquake snuffs Prime's spark, I must bare witness," Starscream instructed.
With those words said, Starscream jumped into the canyon below. Once he was close to the ground, he transformed into his alternative jet mode and flew away from the canyon. Soundwave and Malita just stood by and watched him leave.
"Must bare witness."
Without saying another word, Soundwave disconnected Laserbeak from his main body. Malita nodded at Soundwave. Obviously, she knew what Soundwave was planning to do with Laserbeak. And she was eager to follow along. So she allowed Laserbeak to fly away on the exact same path that Starscream had taken just moments before.
"Tango 6 Alpha to Station Command. We're picking up transmissions from unidentified technology. Possibly hostile. We are moving to investigate."
"Negative, Tango Six Alpha," Agent Fowler interrupted the communications between the two respective personnel, "This is Special Agent William Fowler intercepting. Strike your report from the record and abide origin coordinates. I'll take it from here."
Down in the canyon below, the chase appeared to be working out in the favor of the Autobots. Bumblebee continued to drive around the canyon with Skyquake hot on his tail. However, Bumblebee eventually reached a dead end. Once he did, he transformed into his bipedal mode.
"It will be a shame to crush you, bug. But it is my duty," Skyquake remarked.
Suddenly, he heard the familiar sound of a truck horn behind him. He turned around and saw Optimus approaching him in his truck mode. Immediately, he started firing shots from his blaster. Whilst taking hits, Optimus transformed into his bipedal mode and punched Skyquake in the face.
"Excellent strategy, Bumblebee," Optimus complimented his scout.
Moaning, Skyquake fell from the cliff face Optimus had punched him into towards the ground below. Initially, he appeared unconscious. But as the saying goes, looks can be deceiving. Skyquake opened his eyes and punched Optimus.
"Skyquake, stay down," Optimus instructed as he retaliated with his own punch.
Bits of shrapnel broke off from Skyquake's face due to Optimus' powerful punch. Skyquake fell to the ground weakened. Optimus and Bumblebee stood above him. He appeared to be defeated. But, once again, as the expression goes, looks can be deceiving.
"Fowler?" Optimus gasped as he looked up and saw a familiar fighter jet.
While Optimus and Bumblebee wwere distracted, Skyquake looked up at the jet with a sinister grin. His eyes glowed green as he took in the appearance of the jet…literally.
"Agent Fowler, fall back!" Optimus pleaded Fowler through their radio connection.
In his eyes were the designs of the fighter jet he had just scanned. Skyquake jumped above Optimus. Before either Optimus, Bumblebee or Fowler could do anything about it, Skyquake was no longer in his bipedal form. But instead, he was in his recently-acquired alternative mode. His alternative mode was the jet Fowler was flying and Skyquake had scanned. He flew towards the skies at high speeds, intent on finishing his enemies once and for all.
"Well, I'll be a bald eagle!" Fowler remarked as he noticed Skyquake flying next to him.
"Air superiority achieved," Skyquake proclaimed as he fired shots at Optimus and Bumblebee below him.
Immediately, Optimus and Bumblebee started running for cover from Skyquake's shots. Needing more speed to do so, they transformed into their alternative forms and sped away.
"Stealing plans for classified military aircraft will NOT be tolerated on my watch!" Fowler proclaimed as he fired shots at the phoney classified military aircraft.
To Skyquake, Fowler was now his new target of destruction. He fired a group of missles at the government agent. And they are no ordinary missles.
"HEAT SEAKERS!" Fowler gasped.
Fowler was now thankful of his intense compulsory pilot training. With his special maneovers, he managed to avoid the missles. When he reached a dead end, he pulled up immediately. Below him, the missles flew into the rocky cliff face and exploded upon impact. The positive side about heat-seaking missles, if you are at the receiving end of a basketful of them, fly towards another object that would attract the missles with their heat or a dead end and pull up at the last minute, forcing the missles to hit that instead.
"I still got it," Fowler boasted rather proudly.
Bits of shrapnel from the Space Bridge explosion remained in space, floating around Earth's orbit. Hopefully, astronomers won't pick up on this strange phenomenon and/or said its of shrapnel won't penetrate Earth's atmosphere and possibly destroy the world as the humans know it.
But Starscream wasn't concerned about the Space Bridge shrapnel. Rather the life signal Soundwave had detected. The life signal of the original Decepticon commander, Lord Megatron. Once he was at the sight, Starscream transformed into his bipedal mode and landed on a stable section of Space Bridge sharpnel. Upon glancing around the destruction sight around him, he still held strong the beliefs he and Malita share.
"No one could've survived this. As Malita and I suspected, faulty sensors. The last thing we need now are rumors that Megatron is still-."
His little rant was cut off by a gasp. A desperate, painful gasp for air. Starscream turned towards the direction the sound had come from. That was when he saw Megatron floating around in space. He was motionless. Unable to move because of the intense pain that coursed through every part of his body. If it weren't for his desperate gasps and his chest which continued to glow a vibrant purple, any Decepticon and Autobot alike who would fly by would automatically assume that the original Decepticon would be dead.
But Starscream knew better than them. And he didn't want it to be this way. Not when he was so close to power. So he jumped from the shrapnel he was standing on and floated through space; through the flying shrapnel towards his master.
"MEGATRON!" Starscream gasped, feining concern.
When Starscream landed on Megatron's chasis, Megatron bolted upright and grabbed his arms desperately. His intakes grew rapid as he tried to hang on; despite the intense pain he was feeling due to his injuries. However, before long, he slumped to his lifeless appearance once again.
"But how?" Starscream pondered before noticing the purring, glowing shard lodged into his open chest, "Dark Energon. Everyone believes you are deceased; including your own daughter."
"Malita…," Megatron gasped in response.
"Who am I to disappoint them, master?" Starscream purred in his ear. (AN: That just sounded SO WRONG! However, it is NOT what you think! I need to get my mind out of the gutter!)
Starscream reached into Megatron's chest and wrapped his clawed hands around the glowing shard. With a single jerk of his arm, he plucked the Dark Energon shard from Megatron's chest. Megatorn came to life again. His hand reached for the shard Starscream took away. His red optics were pleading for mercy. Silently pleading Starscream to stab him with the Dark Energon shard once again. But Starscream ignored his silent pleas. He watched as Megatron's body slumped once again and the light faded from his optics.
"And this time, STAY DEAD!" Starscream shouted as he jumped off Megatron, pushing his body further into space.
That was when he heard a familiar humming. He gasped in fear as the humming came closer. That was when he saw Laserbeak approaching him. Obviously, Soundwave played back his words and Malita sent Laserbeak to watch every move Starscream made.
"Soundwave!" Starscream gasped as he hid the Dark Energon shard, "If you are listening, I have found Lord Megatron. And he is…unwell. We must transport him to sick bay…immediately!"
Down in the canyon, the chase continued involving Optimus and Bumblebee on the ground and Skyquake and Fowler in the air. Optimus and Bumblebee narrowly avoided every shot Skyquake fired. One missle came too close for Optimus' liking. It sent him flying through the air. Optimus transformed into his bipedal mode to prevent potential self-harm.
But Skyquake ignored the Prime. He continued going after Bumblebee. He continued to drive through the canyon with Skyquake flying close behind him firing shots from his blasters. Eventually, he drove up a hill at high speeds, causing him to fly over the top of the hill. Midair, Bumblebee transformed into his bipedal mode and ran across the hot, sandy ground underneath his feet. Skyquake flew above the gap of the canyon…not realizing that it would potentially be the greatest mistake of his life.
Bumblebee jumped from the edge of the canyon and landed on top of Skyquake. Immediately, the jet began flying out of control, randomly knocking Bumblebee into cliff faces in the process. From the ground, Optimus witnessed the events between the two. And he immediately knew that Bumblebee would need further support.
"Agent Fowler, we acquire immediate assistance!"
Optimus didn't need an answer from Fowler. He knew that he would help his scout. Meanwhile, Bumblebee was punching Skyquake and ripping out bits of wiring vital to his bodily functions. Bumblebee's actions sent Skyquake into a crash dive, rapidly approaching the ground below. Immediately, Fowler was hot on their tail.
"Anytime, fella. Ground floor's coming up fast!" Fowler remarked.
Bumblebee didn't make a move. Not yet. The timing had to be perfect. Or it would be a disaster for both Fowler and Bumblebee and NOT just Skyquake. Any minute now… Ready… NOW! Bumblebee jumped from Skyquake and landed on top of Fowler's jet. Immediately, Fowler pulled up to avoid crash-landing alongside Skyquake. The smoking Decepticon jet continued his crash dive towards the ground.
From the ground, Optimus watched as Skyquake landed nearby with an exploding bang. The burning jet skidded along the desert ground before coming to a stop a few feet away.
"Happy landings, 'Con," Fowler wished cockily.
Fowler flew his jet near the edge of the canyon so Bumblebee could jump off. Once Bumblebee was off of the jet, Fowler flew away. Presumably, he flew back to his base to report this to the higher powers. Bumblebee stood by the edge and observed the still-smoking remains of Skyquake. Eventually, he climbed down to meet up with Optimus. Together, the two watched as the red optics of Skyquake went dark and his spark gave out.
"Had Skyquake chosen to stray from his master's path, we might not be burying him today," Optimus remarked.
Above them, Soundwave and Malita watched the scene unfold. Per Starscream's instructions, they stood witness to the grand battle. But the outcome they were hoping for didn't happen today. Instead of Optimus' spark giving out, the spark that gave out belonged to Skyquake. And Optimus and Bumblebee would be the ones burying him, much to the Decepticons' dismay.
"Bumblebee, putting yourself at risk was perhaps not the wisest of strategies. But you performed admirably," Optimus complimented Bumblebee after Ratchet finished checking him over for injuries.
Bumblebee bleeped to Optimus his thanks for the compliment as he stepped out of the chamber. Suddenly, they heard the familiar sound of Bulkhead's horn. Ratchet was suddenly like a little kid in a candy store, laughing in glee as Arcee and Bulkhead approached them with Jack, Talida, Miko and Raf. Optimus smiled to himself as he caught sight of Arcee and Talida. Obviously, during the battle, he had missed his girls terribly. And he was glad to see them home once again.
"There you are!" Ratchet cheered as Jack, Talida, Miko and Raff approached him looking sheepish, "Well, how were my – I mean, OUR – projects received?"
"Uh…," the four of them began sheepishly.
"Miss Nakadai, what planet would that be?" the science teacher, Mr Kline, asked Miko.
"Um…Cybertron," Miko answered uncomfortably.
Miko knew she was in trouble. How can she explain a project she had no part in building? Well…it was all Ratchet's fault. He was the one who built her project and wouldn't tell her anything about it when it came down to describing what it was. And what didn't help at all was that the planet fell from his rope and landed on Mr Kline's desk with a thud.
"I hesitate to ask, Mr Esquivel, but is it active?" Mr Kline asked nervously about the giant electronic volcano.
All Raf did was stand back and activate the volcano. Well…let's just say that a mysterious hole in the roof was created and no one knows how it happened.
"Well, on our planet, you would have been awarded the highest honour!" Ratchet scoffed in disbelief.
"Jack, Talida, how about you two?" Optimus asked.
"I just have this one question: HOW COME YOU BUILT THEM A PROJECT THAT DIDN'T DESTROY THE ENTIRE SCHOOL?" Miko boomed.
"That's because Talida and I didn't show the project that Ratchet built us," Jack confessed nervously.
"We built our science project from scratch and took that instead," Talida added, who is equally nervous.
"You didn't use MY PROJECTS? I trust you failed the fair then," Ratchet assumed.
"Actually, Ratchet, they WON the science fair. They were awarded the highest grade in the class," Arcee corrected as she leant into Optimus' warm embrace, smiling as he kissed her temple and whispering loving words into her ear, "Well, what did you and Jack build, Tally?"
"Arcee, remember that time last year where I was sick with a pretty bad flu?" Talida started, which earned a nod from Arcee, "And the others went out on a mission but you stayed to look after me and we watched a movie on the TV out here?"
"Meet the Robinsons. I must admit. That was a pretty good movie. I especially like that song Rob Thomas sang at the end. Uh…what was it called again?" Arcee asked.
"Little Wonders. And you know that invention Lewis invented? How if you placed the helmet on and typed in a date, the screen would display that memory from the person's point of view?" Talida went on.
"Yeah. At the end of the movie, Lewis demonstrated the project with Lucille by showing her wedding to Bud. I still don't understand why that man wears his clothes backwards," Arcee remarked.
"No one does," Jack and Talida laughed.
"Wait. You actually recreated that?" Arcee asked excitedly.
"Well…we added our own styles for it as well. Rather then type in a date, there are two ways you can do it. One way, you can scan a photo and it would show you the events 5 minutes before and after the time the photograph was taken," Jack started as he carried the machine from Bulkhead to the table.
"Another way is you wear the helmet and it scans a memory you're thinking about and displays it for everyone to see," Talida finished as she activated it, "Jack, wanna get your mind scanned?"
"How about a photo instead?" Jack immediately suggested as he took out a photo from his wallet.
"OK," Talida nodded confusedly as she placed the photo on the plate face down, "Now it just scans the photo and it'll display the memory."
"JACKSON! TALIDA! GET BACK HERE NOW!" June Darby called after the two 7-year-olds in the park.
"But mum!" Jack began objecting.
"No buts, mister! Or you two won't go on the swings!" June threatened.
"We're coming!" Talida immediately called as she and Jack ran over.
It was a beautiful day in Jasper, Nevada. A day June happened to have off from working at the hospital. So she decided to savour it and take her 7-year-old son and his best friend to the park for a nice picnic. Now they were sitting on the lucious green grass at the top of a hill.
Jack wore a navy-striped henley t-shirt with a pair of dark indigo 5-pocket denim shorts with a pair of dark blue Converse All-Stars. His hair was a little shaggy. Talida wore a pair of light blue Converse All-Stars with a pair of dark blue skinny jeans with a white belt and a blue-and-white striped singlet. Her hair reached her shoulder and was in pigtails.
After eating, the two went on the swings. They were giggling and having the time of their lives.
"Hey, kids! Come here! It's time for a photo!" June called out.
"COMING!" the kids chorused as they ran towards June.
The three raced to the top of the hill. June got out her camera and told them to stand still. Jack and Talida both slung their arms around each other's shoulders and smiled happily. Both of them had unnoticeable gaps as their baby teeth began falling out.
"SMILE!" June instructed.
And smile they did. A big smile, too. June laughed as she snapped the photo.
"Race you down the hill, Lida?" Jack challenged.
"You're on, Jacky," Talida giggled as they began racing down the hill.
"Kids," June sighed to herself happily.
"Optimus, out of all the femmes – Earth and Cybertronian alike – that could've been Talida's mother, she had to be a NEUROSURGEON?" Ratchet practically screached to his old friend before storming off.
"Indeed, Bumblebee. Miko and Rafael would have been wise to stray from Ratchet's path like Jack and Talida did," Optimus agreed to Bumblebee's remark.
"Wait. Your mum was a neurosurgeon?" Miko asked Talida in amazement.
"Yeah. I kinda inherited everything I know about medicine from her. As well as some of the stuff Jack's mum teaches us," Talida boasted proudly.
"How come we've never met her?" Raf questioned.
"I haven't properly met her either, to be honest. About two weeks after I was born, mum got a pretty bad illness. It's a rare occurance for a human who gives birth to a techno-organic child. So there wasn't a treatment known for the illness. She died when I was a month old," Talida sighed sadly.
"My dad was killed in a car accident on the anniversary of her mother's death ten years later. We helped each other through it," Jack recalled just as sadly.
"So you both have lost a parent," Raf gasped.
"Yeah. It's one of the many things we have in common. One of the many things that makes us…well, us," Talida laughed, "Hey. Do you guys have permission to sleepover on school nights?"
"My host parents don't care what I do," Miko shrugged.
"My mum says its fine because I finally have friends. Why do you wanna know?" Raf asked.
"Why not have a movie marathon?" Talida suggested.
"YEAH!" Jack, Raf and Miko cheered.
"Let's watch Saw!" Miko exclaimed.
"Oh no. We've all seen enough gore to last us a lifetime," Talida immediately denied, "How about Harry Potter?"
For the rest of the night, Talida, Jack, Miko, Raf and the Autobots sat around the TV watching all eight of the Harry Potter films. From The Philosopher's Stone to The Deathly Hallows – Part 2. When the sun peaked over the horizon, they were all asleep at random locations around the room. Jack and Talida occupied the couch, curled up tightly like a brother protecting his sister from demons. Raf slept on the coffee table flat on his stomach while Miko slept on the floor between them. Ratchet was asleep against the computers and Bumblebee sat on the floor against the wall also fast asleep. Bulkhead was sprawled on the floor next to him, sucking his thumb and mumbling in his sleep. Optimus was asleep on one of the berths clutching Arcee to his chest as she slept on top of him.
Their dreams were filled with happiness. A perfect life. A life without war. A life without fear. Their dreams were dreams they never wanted to wake up from. But they knew they had to. However, they also knew this. When they woke up, they would be safe in the Autobot base. They would all be together.
Nothing would be able to touch them.
"The troops will be pleased to hear of your success in rushing my father, Lord Megatron, into stasis. Let us hope that my father pulls through," Malita prayed to Starscream and Soundwave.
Lying on the berth in the sick bay aboard the Nemesis was Lord Megatron himself. He was still unconscious as Malita had pointed out before. But multiple wires were connected to his frame. His sparkbeat was represented by nothing but beeps. These beeps indicated he was alive. However, for Malita, only this question remains concerning her beloved father:
Is her father really alive or is the life-support machines keeping him alive?
"Do you know the enemy?
Do you know your enemy?
Well, gotta know the enemy. Ohaooh…
Do you know the enemy?
Do you know your enemy?
Well, gotta know the enemy. Ohaooh…
Do you know the enemy?
Do you know your enemy?
Well, gotta know the enemy. Ohaooh…
Overthrow the effigy.
The vast majority.
We're burning down the foreman of control.
Silence is the enemy,
Against your urgency.
So rally up the demons of your soul. (Ohaooh…)"
YA HOO! ANOTHER CHAPTER UP AND RUNNING FOR YOU! Started and finished on the same day! WOW! I'm on a roll! I reckon I could get this done before I start Year 10 (she says doubtfully).
Well, time to go for me. Make sure you review. Oh! I almost forgot! I have one more bit!
Remember how Jack was hesitant to have his mind scanned for his and Talida's invention? Well…here's why. He was thinking of this memory and he didn't want anyone to find out about it. Hopefully, this will appease those who want Jack and Talida to end up together.
After this scene, you won't hear from me until next chapter.
BYE!
"So what's this invention we can do for the science fair?" Jack asked.
After realizing that Ratchet was going to take over the destruction of their science projects, Talida decided that she could at least save her and Jack from receiving a failing grade and build their own projects and hand THAT in rather than hand in Ratchet's science project. And while Jack sat on Talida's bed, she went through the stuff in her closet looking for the diagrams she wanted.
Whilst she went through everything, Jack couldn't help but notice what a terrific body Talida had. It was no wonder that the majority of the male population at their school were throwing themselves at the young Prime. She was SMOKING HAWT! Jack let his eyes wander over her adequately-sized breasts, her flat well-toned stomach and her long, slender, tanned legs.
Suddenly, he felt the urge to do something. Something he never thought he'd be doing. Slowly, he walked up to her. Talida didn't notice because she was too busy going through her belongings. In one smooth motion, he grabbed her by the arm and spun her around, crushing her into his chest.
"Jack, what are you doing?" Talida gasped in surprise.
Jack didn't answer her question. He backed her into the wall. And before he knew it, he was kissing his childhood best friend. Talida was shocked at first, but she kissed him back. The kiss was fuelled by a firey passion between the two friends. Their arms were embracing one another tightly. Their tongues were battling for domination. A battle that Jack eventually won. His hands reached for the knot that held her shirt together. With one simple tug, that knot was undone.
Jack's mouth slowly tore from Talida's and left searing hot kisses down her neck. Talida gasped in pleasure and arched herself against him, wanting more. Their lips met again in a firey kiss. Suddenly, a red flag flashed in their minds. Before, their current predicament felt so right. But now, it feels so wrong. They shouldn't be doing this. They're best friends. Practically brother and sister! Besides, Talida had feelings for Bumblebee and Jack had growing feelings for Miko.
At the same time, they pulled away panting. Their eyes said it all. That shouldn't have happened. It was wrong. They had to stop it before they started anything they would regret. And they understood.
"We won't tell anyone. No matter what happens," Jack swore.
"Yeah. Wow. We were each other's first kisses," Talida remarked.
Jack laughed and hugged her tight. And so, the two best friends went back to searching for those blueprints Talida was searching for concerning their science project. No one mentioned what had happened between them. And they wanted to keep it that way.