Disclaimer: Happy Thanksgiving from KiloWhiskeyOscar. Here's the latest chapter of my story. I don't own the rights to Transformers.

Chapter X

The Autobots feared the worst when Springer and Rodimus Prime vanished into the elemental processor. Arcee was the most distressed as she felt she'd two of her closest friends. She and the others had no time to mourn as the machine was coming right for them. Ultra Magnus and Kup helped Arcee up and they ran as fast as they could in the ooze. Spike, Grimlock and Elita One followed but Blackarachnia remained out of the way. She hung from a protruding structure of steel in spider form and watched the Autobots' struggle. Her expression was neither gleeful nor remorseful. Put bluntly, she was indifferent.

The machine advanced on the Autobots like a relentless beast of iron, sucking ooze and metal parts into itself without pause. Kup and Elita One tried to fire at the machine but their shots bounced off of it. It likely was made of a near indestructible metal alloy, hence why the shot had little to no effect. The machine just kept coming and because of her proximity, it seemed that Elita was next to be consumed. Then the machine stopped dead in its tracks and started to shudder. The left side burst into flames. The machine spun around once before crashing into the ooze. For a moment, Elita and Kup glanced at each other, wondering which of them first the shot. Then something started to smash its way out of the machine. Out; as in someone was alive inside the machine. Rodimus Prime emerged from the machine, scratched up and dented. He had a badly battered Springer leaning on his shoulder and motioned Ultra Magnus and Arcee to him.

"Well, that was fun!" Rodimus sarcastically spat.

"Yeah, a real riot," Springer said, grimacing and holding his left leg. It was leaking energon fluid fast. "Anyone want to fix my leg?"

Magnus and Arcee helped Springer down and sat him down. Kup looked at Rodimus Prime, astonished. "I've seen some brave acts and some stupid acts, lad."

"Which one was that?" Rodimus asked.

"Both!"

"It works for me, at least." Rodimus said with a shrug.

"Hey," said Springer as he clutched his leg. "You guys can run down the details after you fix my leg."

"Hold still, Springer," said Spike, who was checking the damage to his leg. It didn't look good. "Damn it to Hell. The damage is worse than I thought, Springer, and you're bleeding energon fluid."

"How long until he goes into stasis lock?" Arcee asked.

"I'm no doctor. I'm sure as Hell not Ratchet, but," Spike looked over the damage. "I'd say you've got a couple at most."

"At the rate he's leaking energon," Elita One said. "He'll be offline long before he hits stasis lock."

"Aw, the poor little Sparkling got himself a little boo-boo," Blackarachnia assumed proto form and lowered herself from a web line from which she hung upside down. "Maybe you'd like me to kiss it, make it all better. Or maybe, we should cut our losses and leave him behind."

Elita turned right around to face the spider. "We're not leaving Springer here to rust."

"Says the fembot whore who left me behind," Blackarachnia snapped. She got a swift punch to the face from Elita One. "Well, that struck a nerve." she quipped.

Ultra Magnus stepped between them before they could come to blows. "This is hardly the time or place to get at each other's throats. Stand down."

Blackarachnia simply laughed. "Lighten up, I was just kidding," Then she shot a large glob of webbing at Springer's wound. "That ought to stem the bleeding until you can get him repaired, assuming we find a way out of this mess. You're welcome, by the way."

"Let's go," Rodimus said. "Magnus and Kup, help Springer. We need to reach that structure and hope we can contact Wreck-Gar and his Junkions."

"Let's do it, then," Springer said, sounding weak. "I'm starting to feel dizzy already."

Rodimus Prime nodded and said. "Move out."

Location: Planet Chaar

The Decepticons were down to their last miniscule scraps of energon. Most of them were on the cusp of stasis lock and with Cyclonus and Scourge still having not returned, the future was bleak. Only a handful of them, Soundwave, Quickswitch and Sixshot, remained upright. But others like Blitzwing, Barricade and Fracture were close to stasis lock or even outright shutdown.

"Hey, Fracture," said a weakened Barricade. "You even think it would end like this?"

"Be quiet." Fracture said.

Barricade might have been delirious, because he wound up saying, "You know, I always thought you were hot."

"Shut up, Barricade, or I'll beat you with what's left of your severed arm." Fracture said weakly.

"I love you too."

"Just shutdown already."

Soundwave suddenly stood up, staggering a bit. "Alert; unidentified vessel approaching."

"Unidentified vessel? From where?" Blitzwing asked.

"Origin unknown. Configuration does not match that of Decepticon warships." Soundwave pointed toward the stars, where a peculiar looking ship was only now becoming visible.

The many weakened Decepticons pulled themselves up of the dirt, some leaning on their nearest fellow 'Con. Others tried and failed to stand and sank to their knees. The ship, long and in a spiral shape landed up right, deploying a series of landing clamps to keep it standing. A ramp opened as the top Decepticons, Soundwave, Barricade, Fracture and Blitzwing stepped forward. They didn't have their guns ready, which was obvious considering the lack of energon. Then five animal based machines burst forth; a lion, a tiger, and eagle, a bear and a jackal. They stood side by side, sneering at the much weaken Decepticons, none of whom were in any shape to fight.

"What are those things?" Blitzwing asked.

"Scans indicate…" Soundwave started to speak.

"They're robots based on animals from Earth, Blitzwing," Fracture snapped. "I've never been there and I know more than you. Are you that fragging stupid?"

"Screw you, Fracture," Blitzwing snapped back and then looked up and pointed toward the ramp. "Can you tell me what that is?"

At the top of the ramp stood, or hovered, that most outright bizarre-looking creature the Decepticons had ever seen. It was no larger than the average Decepticon soldier, but its body was mostly oval shaped. It had elongated arms whipping around and its face was the stuff of human nightmares. Two more, much smaller creatures flanked it on either side, the main difference being that they each had five faces. The big came forward, looking at the Decepticons, almost as though it was examining them. Of all the 'Cons, Blitzwing was the most suspicious. He had an odd feeling about these creatures; one of familiarity, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Hello, Decepticons," the new arrival greeted. "My name is Alpha Q, and I come seeking an audience. Tell me, who amongst you is in authority here?"

Two Decepticons, Fracture and Soundwave were about to step up when Sixshot pushed passed them. He stood over Alpha Q. "I'm in charge for now. Name's Sixshot."

"Says you!" Blitzwing spat, earning himself a swift punch to the face.

"Yeah, says me, Blitzwing." Sixshot said.

"You are a big one, as is your partner there." Alpha Q said while addressing Quickswitch.

"We're brothers actually," Quickswitch corrected Alpha Q. "Now cut to the chase; why are you here?"

Alpha Q sneered at Quickswitch but made no attempt to silence him. Instead he spoke. "We come to propose an alliance. The Autobots are currently on the run. We know where they are, right this moment. If you join with us, we will take you to them where you can slay them all where they stand."

"You must think we were manufactured yesterday. We've got no reason to believe you. We don't even know you." Blitzwing said.

"'You've no reason to disbelieve either," Alpha Q countered. "Speak amongst yourselves, consider our offer. And just to hasten you decision…"

Alpha Q made a motion. The left flanking Quintesson flipped a lever, opening a hatch on the side of the ship. A stockpile of energon cubes fell to the ground, in plain view of the weary Decepticons. The weakest of the bunch marveled and lumbered toward the stockpile of sustenance. But they were also hesitant, until Dead End stepped forward at Swindle's suggestion and sampled a piece. At first he thought it was poisoned, but he felt his energon reserves returning to normal. Seeing that he clearly survived, the rest of the Decepticons jumped at the stockpile. There was plenty to go around even though they were still fighting amongst themselves. Barricade, Soundwave, and Fracture joined their comrades while Blitzwing deliberated with Motor Master, Scrapper and Onslaught.

"I don't trust these guys." Blitzwing said.

"You don't trust anyone, you're so antisocial." Scrapper stated to the Triple Changer.

"They claim that the Autobots are vulnerable. Maybe we should take advantage of this opportunity." Onslaught said.

"How do we know their serious? It could by a lie." Blitzwing explained.

"That energon isn't a lie," Motor Master said. "I say we put it to vote."

"A vote," Blitzwing snapped. "You really want to put our lives in the, um…" he glanced at Alpha Q briefly before continuing. "…hands of these things? What if Galvatron…"

"Galvatron's not here. You want to wait around for him to show up, be my guest," Motor Master said. "Me, I say we follow Alpha Q and hunt down the Autobots. Who's with me?"

"I'm in," said Scrapper. "It's better than sitting here waiting to die."

"Agreed." Onslaught added and he, Motor Master and Scrapper looked to Blitzwing.

"What're you looking at me for," he said. "We can't trust these Quintesson guys."

"I don't trust anyone," Motor Master said. "That's not the point. Are you in or out, Blitzwing?"

"I'm out. I'll take my chances when, if, Galvatron comes back." Blitzwing said.

"Your funeral." Onslaught said.

With that, the three combiner team leaders joined their respective groups, who were consuming the energon like rabid dogs. Soundwave, Fracture and Barricade stood back with their share since they had a decent supply earlier when they began the search for Galvatron. They returned of course with the Six-Changers, neither of whom partook in the energon spoils. Alpha Q watched curiously but with a slight smirk on his face when Motor Master, Scrapper and Onslaught approached. The Predacons immediately took a defensive stance before Alpha Q reigned them in, allowing the combiner leaders to finish their approach.

"Have you made your decision?" Alpha Q asked.

Onslaught stepped forward. "We've deliberated amongst ourselves and accept your terms, so long as you do nothing to betray us."

"Rest assured that such a betrayal will never occur," Alpha Q claimed and motioned to the interior of the ship. "Now if you please, the Autobots await their imminent demise."

The Decepticons entered into the ship, at times climbing over each other. The only Decepticon to not join was Blitzwing. He was disgusted with the 'Cons for more or less betraying Galvatron even though he wasn't present. Considering that Cyclonus and Scourge had yet to return, with or without Galvatron, did the Decepticons really have an option? Blitzwing noticed someone not in any hurry to enter the ship. It was Fracture. She like the other 'Cons partook in the energon stockpile, but when it came time to board the Quintesson vessel, she backed off. She saw Blitzwing standing by and approached, bringing with her a single energon cube. From the ramp, Barricade saw Fracture going to Blitzwing. He contemplated for a moment, looked at his severed arm, and then hopped from the ship and went to join Blitzwing and Fracture. Blitzwing was hardly shocked but was a bit surprised, which was saying a lot.

"It thought you two would be out of here," he said. "Had a change of Spark?"

"The energon's nice and all, but I don't trust those Quintessons one bit," Fracture explained. "Besides, it's suicide for you stay here on your own."

"It's suicide for me to go without repairs," Barricade said. "That, and I kind of like this planet."

"That wouldn't be surprising with you, Barricade." Fracture said.

On the ship, Sixshot and Quickswitch looked at the three lone 'Cons. "Should we stick with them?" Quickswitch asked.

"Naw! They wanna kill themselves, that's their problem." Sixshot said and moved on into the ship.

Quickswitch hesitated for a moment and then made a move down the ramp. But he ran into a problem; the Predacons were in the way, sneering and growling at him. It was like they wanted him in the ship immediately. Quickswitch was about to attack but realized that it would be unwise to cause an issue, like risk blowing up the ship. He entered the ship followed by the Predacons and then the ramp closed behind them. A moment later, the ship's engines ignited, kicking a cloud of dust into the air. The ship took off and jetted toward the stars. Blitzwing, Barricade and Fracture watched the ship vanish into the sky and when it finally did, they resigned themselves to waiting for Cyclonus and Scourge to return. Hopefully, with Galvatron.

The Axalon, the flagship of the Wreckers, docked at hanger inside Outpost One. It was large enough to accommodate the vessel and as such, the station itself was large enough for the Wreckers. Four of them, Drift, Roulette, Airazor and Depth Charge, disembarked and entered the station. The many humans that were going about their business stopped in their tracks and marveled at the four commando Autobots. It annoyed Depth Charge, given his dislike of humans. He did admire their ingenuity in building a space station. It was a start.

Meanwhile, Marissa and Major Lennox were moving down the corridor to the platform. Marissa had a space suit on minus the breathing helmet. That was all the indication Lennox needed to know that Marissa planned on joining the Wrecker on the coming rescue mission. He was against it, naturally.

"This is way out of our league, Marissa," he said. "Io is a volcanic planetoid orbiting a gas giant. That kind of put organic thing, like say humans, in danger."

"An Autobot ship went in our solar system, Will. Yours and mine. That deserves our attention." Marissa said.

"You're intending to fly to a moon with a volcanic surface and breathable air to speak of," Lennox went on. "With all due respect, that is idiotic."

"Sometimes idiocy works," Marissa said and suddenly stopped. "Look, Will, you don't have to agree with my decision, but I expect you at least respect it."

Marissa went on her way to meet with the Wreckers, leaving Lennox behind to think about what she said. She had to have the last word. Lennox knew that. After all, Marissa was still the EDC Director, and her decision stood. Lennox didn't like it. He went off to see if he could catch up with Marissa. She was just about to reach the hanger where the Wreckers and their ship waited. Depth Charge was the first to notice Marissa's arrival but had no idea what brought her there. At least, not until he noticed the space suit and helmet.

"Aw no, you not going anywhere, human." he said.

"I wasn't asking, Depth Charge," Marissa said. "This incident happened in my system. That makes it my problem to deal with."

"Two Autobots are involved in this incident," Depth Charge explained. "That makes it our mission. Personally, I doubt you'll do us any good."

Drift had overheard the exchange and added, "He's right, Marissa. I won't risk your safety by having you accompany us."

"I might be young by your standards, Drift, but I'm not a Private," Marissa said confidently. "Besides, do you have any knowledge on the kind of place you're going? I don't think you do?"

Roulette came up to Drift and said, "As much I hate to admit it, she's got a point. We've seen some of the Earthling's home system, but what do we really know?"

"I don't like but…" Drift said. "…if you that bent on helping us, Marissa, I guess I don't have a choice."

"She's not going alone," said Lennox, having entered the hanger amid the argument. He approached Drift and saluted. "Major William Lennox, formerly United States Marine Corp. assigned to Earth Defense Command at the request of Director Faireborn."

"Where do these humans come from?" Depth Charge muttered and returned to the Axalon.

Airazor followed and lightheartedly quipped, "They multiply. They're like techno-rabbits, you know? So cute you just wanna squeeze 'em, right, Depth Charge?"

"Oh, shut up, Airazor."

Airazor looked down at Lennox and shrugged. "He's not so bad once you get to know him." Then she returned to the Axalon.

"I can't in good conscience endanger the lives of two humans." Drift said.

"With all due respect, Drift, is it," Lennox said, to which Drift nodded. "I've been through worse situations on Earth, in places like Qatar and Afghanistan. A rescue mission in space may be different, but still similar in some aspects."

Drift, deep down in his Spark chamber, came to admire Lennox's dedication. "If you can contribute to the mission and follow orders, I'll take all the help I can get. Get on board." He said.

Marissa and Lennox exchanged looks of collective approval as they entered the Axalon. Drift and Roulette followed. The interior of the Axalon was massive to the two humans, while it was also the usual length and width for the Wreckers. Seated at the helm of the ship were Bulkhead and Stratosphere. They were checking and re-checking the systems to make certain everything was in place for launch. Roulette, Airazor and Depth Charge took to separate chairs and began operating the consoles there. Drift was the last to enter the ship and sealed the ramp behind him.

"Alright, Wreckers, we're launching now," he said. "Stratosphere, set a course for the moon of Io. Bulkhead, take us out."

Stratosphere glanced briefly at Marissa. "Good to see you again, Marissa. Who's your friend?"

The male human stepped forward. "William Lennox, United States Marine Corp."

"So the humans have Wreckers too?" Bulkhead asked curiously.

Marissa found that amusing. Cute even. "Not exactly, Bulkhead."

The Axalon ignited its thrusters and started its slow departure from Outpost One's hanger. A slight dip of its nose didn't stop it from exiting the hanger and entering space. Then as it righted itself into a straight, level position, it thrusters ignited further. With a jolt, the Axalon rocket away on route to Io where Blur and Wheelie were awaiting rescue. That was assuming that they were still alive.

Location: Chaar

By the time of arrival, it became apparent to Cyclonus and Scourge that they were in deep trouble. The planet, specifically the very spot were the Decepticons were supposed to be, was completely deserted. There wasn't any sight of them, save for the remains of Dreadwind and Darkwing. After a brief flyover, Cyclonus and Scourge assumed proto form and landed swiftly on the surface. Skyquake followed the lead before Galvatron transformed and landed right in front of them. He paid no mind of the dust he kicked up in his landing, instead surveying the landscape. This was Chaar, he thought with a vague sense of disgust. This was where his troops had been exiled to by those accursed Autobots after the destruction of Unicron?

"Cyclonus," Galvatron said in as calm and calculated a tone as he could manage. Cyclonus approached apprehensively, and then felt Galvatron's hand grip his neck. "Would you care to explain to me why my soldiers are not here AS YOU CLAIMED?" he growled and squeezed the saboteur's neck at the same time.

Cyclonus struggled in Galvatron iron grip as he was lifted off the ground. "They… they were here when… we began our search for you."

Galvatron pulled Cyclonus closer. "Where. Are. They."

"I don't know," Cyclonus said, and Galvatron squeezed harder. "I swear… on the Fallen's Spark."

"Well, well, well," said Skyquake. "So much for the reign of Galvatron. Looks like your soldiers have grown weary of the wait for your return."

"And I grow weary of you, Skyquake."

Galvatron released Cyclonus, unsheathed his duel edged sword and charged at Skyquake. Skyquake pulled on a similar sword and blocked the first blow. They became locked in a test of strength, neither of them being able to budge the other even an inch. Their swords scraped against each other, causing sparks to jump and disappear. Then they broke off in a stalemate and before they could continue, Scourge had suddenly spoken up.

"Galvatron, I found them."

Galvatron to where Scourge had called from and saw Blitzwing, Barricade and Fracture with him. "You three. Where are the rest of my soldiers."

Barricade muttered to Fracture, "Oh great, looks who's back in town." Fracture said nothing.

"Galvatron," said Blitzwing. "You really are alive."

"I live, but you won't, Blitzwing, if you don't answer my question. And I'm in no mood to ask twice." Galvatron said.

"I… I can explain, Galvatron. Just don't scrap me." Blitzwing begged.

Galvatron stormed over and stopped suddenly, looming over Blitzwing. He said in a frightening tone. "I'm listening."

Author's Note: Let's stop right there for now. Note the difference of Springer's fate between the old cartoon and this story. He didn't get hacked to pieces but instead seriously wounded and started to bleed. Or leak. Well, whatever.

Also, I tweaked the Blitzwing scene to included Barricade and Fracture sticking around. Not that it'll save them from a very angry Galvatron!

Anyway, let me know what you think so far.