Disclaimer: I don't own the right to Transformers.
Before we get started, I want to dedicate this chapter to the memory of Michael Clarke Duncan, who passed away on September 3, 2012 at age 54. He is best remembered for his breakout role as John Coffey in "The Green Mile", as Bear in "Armageddon" and as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in "Daredevil." He also provided the voice of Kilowog in "Green Lantern."
A great actor and all around gentle giant who will be greatly missed; Rest in Peace.
Chapter IX
Location: Chaar
By now, Cyclonus was just hoping that the Decepticons had discovered Makeshift masquerading in his likeness among them. Then Galvatron would very likely incinerate the false Cyclonus and maybe mount a rescue. Actually, Galvatron would simply leave Cyclonus to his faint, which was fine. Cyclonus would've much rather be left to die than be part of the insane revenge scheme of a dead Decepticon like Starscream., Unfortunately, Starscream wasn't going to give Cyclonus a choice to leave until his new body was complete. Just to punctuate his point, Starscream forced Cyclonus to ram his head into the hardest surface he could find, usually when Cyclonus tried to resist which was often.
"Stop hitting yourself, Cyclonus," Starscream mockingly joked. "Stop hitting yourself!"
"I bet you think this amusing, Starscream; making me do your bidding while your shape shifting lackey tricks the rest of the Decepticons." Cyclonus retorted just before being forced into punching himself in the face.
"I find many things amusing now that I'm technically immortal, but I'd rather be directly responsible for said amusement," Starscream stated before once again making Cyclonus hit himself. "My new body is nearing completion and very, very soon, I'll be laughing at whatever is left of Galvatron when I'm done with him. Then, I'll take back my rightful place of leader… no, LORD of all Decepticons."
Cyclonus forcibly stopped himself from continuing to work on Starscream new body. "You're so-called immortality has driven you mad, Starscream. I won't be part of your scheme."
With every ounce of his strength, Cyclonus deployed his sword and prepared to drive it through his chassis. Before he could follow through, the sword was thrown from his hand and not by his own accord. It was Starscream controlling Cyclonus once again and after tossing the sword, he made Cyclonus thrown himself into the nearest wall. Cyclonus was then forced to repeatedly bash his head into the same wall before throwing himself across the lab and into some equipment. After the fall, Cyclonus noticed that he was near the exit from the lab. Starscream seemed to have stopped controlling him and, taking a chance, Cyclonus made a break for the exit.
Cyclonus made it outside of the lab and attempted to transform but he couldn't. He tried again to no avail and realized too late that Starscream was again controlling him. Then his thruster ignited seemingly on their own and before Cyclonus could react, he was flying uncontrollably back into the lab. He slammed back first into the wall and then into another wall and then into some more before sliding into the floor. After his thruster suddenly stopped and he came to a halt, Cyclonus tried to pick himself up and saw himself in a reflective surface. Then Starscream appeared in the reflective surface and made Cyclonus slam his head into the floor.
"You'll be part of my scheme whether you like it or not, Cyclonus," he calmly stated. "Believe me when I tell you that it's not negotiable. As for Galvatron…" Starscream was silenced by the sound of a console beeping. He knew immediately that it was Makeshift and forced Cyclonus to operate the console. Sure enough, Makeshift appeared in his true form concealed in shadows. "Makeshift, what have you to report?"
"I've infiltrated the Decepticon stronghold as you instructed, Starscream," Makeshift stated in his real voice despise looking like Cyclonus. "Galvatron has been in communication with Soundwave and the Combaticons from the organic world called Earth. Apparently, there's a rumor of humans having recovered the body of a deceased Autobot."
"A deceased Autobot," Starscream repeated, thought about it and then realized to whom Makeshift was referring. "Optimus Prime."
"THE Optimus Prime? The one you told me about; the one who defeated Megatron during the siege on Autobot City at the cost of his own life?" Makeshift said.
"Yes, the same Optimus Prime I told you about. You really should pay more attention in class, Makeshift." Starscream said while browbeating Makeshift.
"That reminds me," Makeshift said. "Galvatron also has his own infiltrator in one of Earth's many educational facilities."
"Is that right? Well, this hardly impedes my plans," Starscream said. "Continue to study the goings on within Galvatron's inner circle and keep informed of any changes. Understood?"
"Understood, Starscream!"
"I'm sorry; what was that last part?" Starscream sarcastically asked.
Makeshift then reluctantly said, "Lord… Starscream." Then the screen went dark.
"See, Cyclonus," Starscream said. "That is the respect due the future Lord and Master of the Decepticons."
"Respect, my afterburners," Cyclonus cursed out his unwanted ghostly guest. "Makeshift clearly chafes under your tutelage. I wouldn't be surprised if he turns on you out of spite." Then Cyclonus was forced face first into the console screen."
"If I were you, Cyclonus, I wouldn't assume anything to the contrary with someone like me," Starscream said. "I've already taken very thorough precautions with Makeshift, particularly the little explosion device I implanted in his head," Starscream made Cyclonus throw himself to the floor and slide across it. "So, if Makeshift even attempts to betray me… well, let's just say it won't end for him. Now if you would be kind, Cyclonus… GET BACK TO WORK!"
In the Decepticon stronghold, Makeshift, who'd been hiding in a dark corner in his true form, shut off the communication screen on his forearm and wondered how much longer he would have to put up with Starscream. His guess would be until Starscream's new body was complete. The sooner, the better as far Makeshift was concerned. He heard footsteps approaching and quickly shifted his form into that of Cyclonus before leaving the shadows. Much to his annoyance, the intruder was only Barricade who was tapping on his optical patch for no other reason other than his own. He quickly stopped when he saw the fake Cyclonus without knowing the truth about him.
"Hey, Cyclonus… um, what're you doing hiding back there?" Barricade asked.
The fake Cyclonus simply started walking right passed Barricade replying, "I don't see how that's any of your business, Barricade."
"Um, okay. Hey, if you're looking for Galvatron, he's still in his throne room. You know: beating up Scourge and all that." Barricade stated.
The fake Cyclonus stopped and turned his head back toward Barricade. "Is he doing anything else?" he inquiring.
"Well," Barricade said. "I think he's coordinating with Sixshot and Mindwipe about a trip to Earth. He didn't ask for you, though, which is kind of weird since you're, you know, his number one Decepticon," Barricade backed up a step at the sight of an annoyed Cyclonus look-a-like. "Um, I'm just saying."
For a very brief, insignificant moment, Makeshift felt the need to tear Barricade's head off or at least tear out his only remaining optic. But that would exasperate things and especially, draw the ire of Galvatron. That was something Makeshift didn't need right now so, as Cyclonus, he stared Barricade down in the very exact same menacing gaze as the real Cyclonus. It worked; Barricade was backpedaling away from the false Cyclonus before practically running off. Once Barricade had run away like a scared Sparkling, Makeshift cracked a sly smirk, something the real Cyclonus never did for any reason. Now was the time to meet with Galvatron and learn more of his plans.
Location: Autobot City
In a specially designed area, Springer and Breakaway were in the middle of a sparring contest with Spike, Carly and Tempest on hand to watch the match when Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus arrived. Rodimus had caught sight of Prowl sitting alone in the corner, studying the two combatants intently. Not once did he glance back at the troubled young leader, which was fine with Rodimus. The sparring contest took his mind off things, especially considering that today was the Two-Year Anniversary of the final moments of the siege. Rodimus was still wrestling with the image of… he stopped himself before thinking more and focused on the ongoing contest between Breakaway and Springer.
The two flyers appeared to be very evenly matched even though Springer was more experienced than Breakaway. Each had a non-lethal vibroblade in hand as their primary weapon. Whenever someone scored a strike, they'd receive a slight jolt of electricity to them. Harmless, but it still hurt. They both went back and forth several times throughout the contest until they hit a stalemate, their vibroblades clanging and scraping together. Springer and Breakaway exchanged a smirk between them before breaking off. Springer checked his arm where Breakaway somehow managed a quick hit and smiled.
"You're getting better, Breakaway," he said. "Keep this up and maybe you'll be almost as good as me."
"Almost, huh? You seem to be slowing down, Springer," Breakaway quipped. "Losing a step in your old age?"
"I've still got plenty of fight left in me, kid." Springer said before charging Breakaway.
Breakaway braced himself as Springer went for a wide slash from the left side. The attacked was quickly blocked before Springer went for another swipe from the right side. Breakaway managed to block that one too before going for his own swipe. Springer parried back and blocked another slash from above. He pushed back, forcing Breakaway back a couple steps before attempting another attack. Breakaway blocked and parried the next volley of swipes while countering with his own series of slashes, most of which missed Springer. Springer frequently answered with several rapid swipes that missed Breakaway almost completely before they were once again locked up. Again they smirked at each other before Springer broke off and went for a sudden overhead swipe. Breakaway was ready and ducked right under the attack, and then he caught Springer with a sudden leg trip, the momentum throwing the blade out of Springer's hand. Springer tumbled to the floor with Breakaway standing over him with the point of his blade at Springer's neck.
Springer gazed up at Breakaway with a sly grin which Breakaway returned. "Do you yield, Springer?" said Breakaway.
"This time," Springer conceded before Breakaway helped him up. "Just, don't let it go to your head when fighting Decepticons; they're not nearly as graceful in defeat."
"They're 'Cons. What do you expect?" Breakaway quipped.
"Personally, I'd expect better," said Prowl, who was approaching the pair with a vibroblade in his hand. "You technique is interesting but flawed. You might have your opponent down but by sacrificing surefootedness for a killing stroke, you leave yourself wide open to be tripped up."
"Right," Breakaway said nonchalantly. "Anything else you want point out?"
Prowl strode around Breakaway and Springer while twirling the vibroblade in his hand. "In addition, you don't mind your surroundings," he said. "If this had been an actual fight, chances are you'd be killed by another Decepticon before you get a chance at the one you've beaten."
"Is that right?" Breakaway asked.
"I've been around, kid." Prowl said.
Breakaway then stated, "Not recently!"
Prowl stopped short and tightened his grip on his vibroblade. Then he turned around to face Breakaway and Springer. "Okay, kid. How about a little one on one, just you and me."
Breakaway looked at Springer for a moment before telling Prowl, with a sly grin, "You're on!"
Prowl showed no such enthusiasm as he and Breakaway ventured to the center of the area, while Springer rejoined the onlookers in attendance. They stood across from each other with their vibroblades extended out front. Then they began to circle around each other, waiting for their opponent to make the first move. Breakaway subtly glanced up at Tempest, maybe hoping she was watching. Then without warning, Prowl charged and went for a quick forward thrust. Breakaway acted fast and parried right while Prowl went for a wide swipe and then an overhead slash. That last attack sent Breakaway rolling backward before he was vertical and he refocused.
"Right there, you didn't mind you surroundings," Prowl scalded Breakaway. "You need that awareness if you want to survive."
"I fought Decepticons before, okay? I know what I'm doing." Breakaway retorted.
"Then show me." Prowl said.
Breakaway gripped the hilt of his vibroblade and charged Prowl headlong. His opening attack was a wide swipe from the left followed by an overhead slash, both of which Prowl dodged. The next attack was a forward thrust that was parried before Prowl countered with a quick swipe. Breakaway ducked under the swipe and quickly blocked another wide slash. Prowl pushed hard before Breakaway pushed him back several steps; at one point, Prowl had almost tripped. Breakaway saw it as an opening and charged again. Prowl wasn't ready and had to parry backward while Breakaway took a wide slash at him from the far left. Then Breakaway surprised Prowl with a sudden twist from the right and caught Prowl in the left shin.
Prowl hobbled back holding the spot where Breakaway hit him and glanced at the flyer, who was smirking at him and daring him to come close. It irked Prowl to see such a display of arrogance from such a young Autobot. It reminded him of Hotrod long before his ascension, but he set that aside and continued the sparring match. Breakaway braced himself for the next move from Prowl.
In a sudden flash, Prowl sprinted toward Breakaway with his vibroblade out to the side. He brought it up to bear on Breakaway's left shoulder. The blade missed the shoulder when Breakaway parried left and then he went for a wide slash. Prowl parried right and went for another swipe which Breakaway ducked under, and then Breakaway attempted an overhead slash that Prowl blocked. A momentary stalemate followed before Prowl kicked Breakaway back and then charged him again. Their blade clanged against each other, sparks flying from the steel before Prowl and Breakaway broke off.
Then the sparring match suddenly became more intense. Prowl and Breakaway began matching each other move for move with neither landing a blow. Even though it was still a sparring match, it was like they were genuinely dueling a Decepticon with their lives at stake. In the stands, there was a mix of excitement and concern, particularly from Tempest for Breakaway. On the other hand, Spike, Carly and Springer seemed to be enjoying the duel while Rodimus and Ultra Magnus simply looked on intently.
Prowl and Breakaway continued to spar with added fury, each still trying and so far failing to land a blow. It was that intense, that fast. Prowl began to realize that Breakaway had been training extensively since he was able to match him almost flawlessly. Breakaway, knowing that Prowl had just come back online, noticed that he hadn't lost a step. Then they began moving at an even more frenetic pace and they still couldn't land a blow as hard as they tried. It was as if they were fighting mirror images of each other.
But then Prowl finally scored a hit to Breakaway's side, forcing Breakaway back a step. Breakaway reached for the spot where Prowl got him; no physical scarring or damage of any kind but it still hurt like the Pit. Breakaway went on defense when Prowl made his next with an overhead slash, forcing Breakaway back another couple of steps. Prowl moved in for a wide swipe from the right and then another from the left, while Breakaway ducked, blocked and dodged the sudden frenzy. He tried to parry but Prowl bested him at nearly every turn while keeping up his attack. Then he got caught.
Prowl struck Breakaway repeatedly on varying points of his body even as Breakaway tried to fight back. Then the rest of Autobots noticed Prowl becoming more aggressive; too aggressive. Breakaway couldn't keep up and eventually, his vibroblade was knocked out of his hand. Prowl kicked Breakaway to the floor where he landed with a heavy clang, enough to cause Tempest to jump out of her seat. Breakaway tried to get up only for Prowl to pin him down, the tip of his vibroblade pointed toward Breakaway's neck.
"Close combat is a two-way street; you have to be mindful of both your surroundings and your opponent," Prowl stated. "If you lose sight of either one, you lose sight of everything. Then, you just lose."
Breakaway didn't move until the tip of Prowl's blade was out of his face and then he said, "That's some good advice. Anything else?"
Prowl put his hand out and let Breakaway take it and then as his pulled him, Prowl droved his other fist into the flyer's face. "Remember; your enemy, he's not going to play fair."
"Back off," Tempest rushed to Breakaway's aid and stood right up to Prowl. "What in the Pit is your problem, Prowl?"
"I'm just giving Breakaway a friend heads-up; might save his life one day." Prowl stated with a hint of malice that was uncommon with him.
Magnus and Springer were on hand to confront Prowl. "Maybe in your mind it was friendly, Prowl, but your actions just now were way over the line." Magnus said as Springer and Tempest helped Breakaway.
Prowl stepped up to Magnus looking about ready to fight it out with him when he stopped himself. "You're right, Magnus. I'm sorry." Then Prowl stormed off.
By that point, Spike and Carly approached and Carly quickly asked Breakaway, "You alright, Breakaway?"
Breakaway shook his head and said, "Yeah, but I don't remember Prowl being such a prick."
"That makes two of us," Carly said. "In fact, I don't remember Prowl being like that all."
"Look, he did just come back online," said Spike. "I don't agree with his attitude, but I can't say I blame him for being so pissed off."
"Well, if he tries that again, I'll…" Tempest started to speak.
"Drop it, Tempest," Rodimus Prime said. "You and Springer just take Breakaway to Wheeljack to get checked out."
As Tempest and Springer were escorting Breakaway, the voice of the Autobot's new Communications Officer Cerebros boomed out. "Spike and Carly, could you please come to Teletraan II. There's an urgent message from Chip Chase."
"Chip? I haven't heard from him in years," Carly said. "It'd be nice to see him again after so long."
"Yeah, it's been a while," Spike said and looked over to Rodimus Prime. "You coming, Rodimus?"
"You go ahead, Spike. I'll catch up." Rodimus said before heading off to where Springer and Tempest to Breakaway. Spike and Carly headed off to meet with Cerebros with Ultra Magnus.
"Magnus, is Rodimus okay?" Carly asked.
"Today's the anniversary of the siege. Rodimus is still dealing with it," Magnus explained. "Best to let him be for now."
Cerebros was another native from the pacifist world of Paradron before the Decepticons sacked it, leading to Cerebros joining the Autobots. Being extremely against violence of any kind, whether it was by Decepticon or Autobot, Cerebros preferred to act as a Communications Officer. That wasn't to suggest that Cerebros didn't know how to fight; he simply preferred not to fight. Regardless of his preferences, Cerebros greeted the two humans and Ultra Magnus was they entered the room that housed Teletraan II. While he wouldn't say it out loud, Cerebros regretted the involvement of humans in the Transformer's conflict.
"Good of you to arrived, Spike and Carly," Cerebros said. "Chip is online, waiting to speak to you."
"Thanks, Cerebros," Spike said. "You know, you should get out more before you start rusting away."
"I appreciate the sentiment, Spike, but there always seems to be some random conflict going on," Cerebros stated. "I'm happy just handling communications with Teletraan II."
"You're loss, buddy."
"Leave him alone, Spike," Carly said, causing Spike to shrug, before Carly caught a glimpse of Chip on the screen. "Chip, it's been a long time since we last saw each other. In person, I mean."
"The feeling's mutual, Carly," Chip said. "Where's Daniel? I don't see him with you."
"He's back in school, going to Oregon State University," Spike stated. "What's this about, Chip? I doubt this is a social call."
"I'll get straight to the point; there's a very special bit of precious cargo about to be sent across the country from the Langley Research Center where I'm working," Chip explained. "There's a very strong possibility that the Decepticons might've found out by now."
"What kind of precious cargo are we talking about, and why do the Decepticons want it?" Spike asked.
Chip appeared to be hesitant to speak, which Spike and Carly found unusual. "Um, I can't tell you that, Spike; it classified."
"That a pretty fancy way of saying, "Mind your own damn business!" Chip." Spike quipped.
"Believe me, Spike, I'd love to tell you more, but the Decepticons could be listening in right now," Chip said. "Look, Director Fairborne and Major Lennox will be providing military escort for the convoy, but they might need some added muscle. I'm uploading the following coordinates and the projected path."
Ultra Magnus stepped forward to greet Chip. "Chip, it's Ultra Magnus. If you don't mind my saying, it might be a good idea to tell us what the Decepticons might be after."
"I agree with you, Ultra Magnus but I can't risk the 'Cons learning too much," Chip stated. "Please, you'll just have to trust me."
"We trust you, Chip, but I don't like the sound of this." Carly said.
"Neither do I. Give Daniel my best." Chip then disappeared from the screen.
An awkward silence filled the room before Carly looked to Spike and whispered, "Since when is Chip so secretive? It must be some very serious cargo for him to be so tight lipped about it."
At the same time, Ultra Magnus looked to Cerebros and said, "Cerebros, did you pick up the coordinates?"
"Yes I did, Ultra Magnus. The coordinates set that convoy's path through the Mid-Western United States," Cerebros said. "That's mainly woodland with hardly populated areas to speak of."
"Great spot for a Decepticon ambush. I'll go talk to Rodimus about it," Magnus said. "Carly, Spike, you two talk to Drift and his team. Chip mentioned the need some extra muscle and the Wreckers can more than provide that."
"I assume we can expect trouble." Carly stated.
Magnus simply stated, "I wouldn't be surprised."
Location: Sol System
near Saturn's largest moon
The traveler's spaceship was only now passing by Titan, the largest of Saturn's moons, on its way to Earth. Throughout the journey, the traveler spent most of his time thinking only about what he'd have to do in order to claim what he once believed was rightfully his. His exile changed him, changed his outlook on things. He gazed out at Saturn, studying the great ring that swirled around the gas giant. It was clearly very different from Cybertron. The more he thought of his home planet, the more he was haunted by the lives he'd taken in the Great War. At the time of his exile, he felt he was betrayed. But his exile illuminated his optics. Exile was what he deserved. That was until he encountered the Fallen.
They had much in common. Both once fought alongside their brothers against a great evil. Then they betrayed their brothers and then, they were exiled from their home. But while he lamented his actions, the Fallen wanted one thing; vengeance. The traveler wanted to redeem himself but it was clear to him that challenging the Fallen would be suicide. Hence, he had no choice but to serve the Fallen and help him escape from his prison of limbo.
"Computer, what is our estimated arrival time to planet Earth?" he asked the ship's main console.
"At our certain speed, we will approach the outer atmosphere of the designated planet in 17.1 decca cycles." The computer said in an automated tone. "Once the outer atmosphere has been breached, our estimated time to landfall will be 12 Earth minutes. Do you wish to make contact at time of arrival?"
"No," said the traveler. "Maintain radio silence at all times."
"Understood."
After the computer finished its analysis, the traveler returned to his quiet contemplation. He was contemplating solely what he would have to do once he reached Earth. He contemplated what the Fallen might do once he was released from limbo. The Fallen had promised the traveler a reprieve from the inevidable. But the one and only thing the traveler wanted was a chance at redemption; a chance he knew he would never receive. That was because in serving the Fallen, the traveler believed there was no hope for him. No hope at all.
Author's note: That's yet another chapter in the books. I won't get into the details of this one, with the highlight being the sparring contest between Prowl and Breakaway. FYI, Prowl utters a line originally spoken by Michael Clarke Duncan.
Other than that, I'll let you be the judge. Take it easy!
IN MEMORY
MICHAEL CLARKE DUNCAN
1957-2012
