Chapter 9: Cyber Misadventures in Space

After finishing the repairs, the Ark continued its journey, searching and rescuing their missing allies after the last space battle on Cybertron.

Silverbolt and Air Raid were piloting the spaceship. Ratchet was trying to contact his missing allies. Jolt was checking and making sure that the wounded soldiers are alright before letting them to do their part. Slingshot was navigating and charting the space map. Jetfire and Skydive were checking on the ship's system and engines, making sure they're functional. Both Mudflap and Skids were messing around wildly and playfully.

After make several tries of calling and contacting his allies, Ratchet groaned in frustration, "Damn it! This isn't good! I can't seem to able to find and contact any of them!"

"Chillax, doctor," Air Raid said calmly, "We'll find them soon."

Slingshot nodded in agreement, "Just because we can't find and contact them doesn't mean they're dead. They're fighting and surviving, and also finding a way to reach us."

"Yeah, Ratchet. You shouldn't worry too much," Skydive said playfully and calmly.

Ratchet groaned in frustration, "Even so, we can't be certain if they're alright especially that they could be dealing with the Decepticons. I feared that they could be in grave danger."

"But come on, Ratchet, they're the best and strong Autobots. They won't go down easily," Jolt said confidently.

"He's right!" Mudflap and Skids cheered, "They're awesome to get killed!"

Ratchet hummed in concern, "But still..."

"We'll worry about that later. But right now, we have bigger problem," Jetfire said in concern as he activated the screen, revealing the stockpile of Energon. They're very low. He hissed, "We're running out of Energon again."

Silverbolt hissed in concern, "Damn it. This is serious. We'd better find more soon. Otherwise, we all be dead."

"Not too much, we're gonna die!" Mudflap and Skids cried tearfully.

Ratchet sighed, "Very well. I suppose we have no other choice if we want to continue our journey. What's the closest planet we can find?"

"Just right around the corner," Slingshot reported while looking at the navigation map scanner. He whistled, "Looks like we've found some Energon Source."

"It does looks safe," Jolt said calmly.

"Could be fun!" Mudflap and Skids said playfully and happily.

Silverbolt hummed in concern, "Hopefully, avoiding the fight with Decepticons, or at least, even finding and rescuing our allies too."

Ratchet sighed, "That's what I have hoped for. Head to that planet now."

The Autobots nodded firmly as they set the course to the little greenish planet, which they believed to be safe from danger and harm.

BOOM! The Nemesis's engine has exploded again. Its command bridge's alarm gone wild, causing the crew to go panicked and crazy. Knockout was arguing with both Onslaught and Nitro Zeus about the command ship's damage status. Brawl was fighting and chasing after Swindle for cheating him on his favorite game. Both Vortex and Blast Off struggled in piloting the ship. Slipstream was standing still and silent as she's trying to be patient and not losing her temper.

Unfortunately, the Decepticons' argument and fight have caused a great commotion and damages to both Nemesis and the crew members. This has pushed her buttons too much.

"Enough! I've had it!" Slipstream exclaimed in anger, causing her crew members to be silent. She continued, "If you fools don't keep your act together now, we won't be able to get out of anywhere soon or even able to find Lord Megatron and the rest of our soldiers! So, cut this nonsense and start working before someone is going to lose his head!"

Most of the Decepticons were shocked and surprised to be silent. They were glancing oddly at Slipstream, who was annoyed and impatient to see them for not working.

"Awkward..." Knockout commented in surprise.

Nitro Zeus nodded, "No kidding. I thought my big brother scares me the most..."

"What are you waiting for?! Get back to work now!" Slipstream ordered angrily and firmly.

The Decepticons Crew yelped as they quickly headed off and performed their duty at once. The last thing they wanted is to annoy Slipstream again.

Slipstream, Nitro Zeus, Onslaught and Knockout were discussing on the next move. Swindle was charting and navigating the ship's direction. Both Vortex and Blast Off were piloting the command ship. Brawl was checking on both command ship and soldiers' weapons.

"Knockout, what's the situation," Slipstream demanded firmly.

"Well, Nemesis is not in serious situation, just some engines and turrets malfunction," Knockout reported firmly before sighed in annoyance, "Other than that we lost most of Energon Crates because someone got us into wrong direction again."

"Don't you dare blame me again," Nitro Zeus exclaimed in annoyance, "I already checked on the navigation chart, and it tells me to go that way."

Onslaught groaned, "So, what's need to be done, Slipstream?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Slipstream asked in annoyance, "We go and mined for more Energon. And then, we will proceed to continue finding and rescuing Lord Megatron and his allies. If you guys have no problem with it."

"Nope. Not a problem," Nitro Zeus said firmly and fearfully.

Knockout nodded in concern, "I'm okay too! Will do my best!"

Onslaught groaned, "We'll get the job done, Slipstream. Count on it. We will find more Energon Source. We will succeed our mission!"

"We found it!" Swindle exclaimed happily. Everyone turned and looked at him. He continued, "Energon is from the asteroid field. Tons of them in there!"

Brawl groaned, "This better not be one of your stupid tricks again. I really hate it, you know!"

"Yeah! The last time we let you navigate, you cheated on us and got the stuffs for yourself!" Blast Off exclaimed in agreement, "Got annoyed and angry by you!"

"Hey! My bad! Alright?!" Swindle exclaimed in annoyance. He groaned, "Honestly. Hard to let it go for once..."

"So, what's next, bosses?" Vortex asked.

Knockout, Nitro Zeus and Onslaught turned and looked at Slipstream for the order. She was annoyed and irritated by it.

"What are you waiting for?! Head to the asteroid field now!" Slipstream exclaimed in annoyance. The Decepticons Crew yelped in surprise as they returned and continued their posts at once. She sighed in annoyance, "Honestly. Hard to find good commanders, these days..."

The Decepticons have set course to the asteroid fields, where they believed it has the Energon Source. Unknown to the group, a group of large scary yet slimy flying black slug-like creatures were hissing and snarling wildly and darkly like they're stalking and preying on their preys.

They were led by unusual yet demonic black-red-purple colored Cybertronian with claws, giant bat wings and his face has the gentleman vampire's feature with crimson visor. He was snarling and hissing darkly.

"Energon... Energon... Energon..."

Passing through the planet's atmosphere, the Ark slowly descended and landed on the ground gently and firmly. It opened its ramp. Ratchet and his team are standing on the entrance. They're marching down the ramp to the ground. They then looked around the surroundings.

The Autobots awed in amazement and surprised of what they're looking at. This new planet is the large wasteland-like with some strange shaped rocks, several shaped mountains and caverns, little greenish grasses and trees, and even lake of crimson water. The strangest thing is happening to them - three suns on top of them.

"Wow. It's beautiful..." Jolt commented in surprise.

Jetfire nodded, "Yes. Reminds me of Cybertron..."

Skydive nodded, "You could say that again, J. Never seen green before in our lives." He groaned while glaring at the ground, "One thing I can't stand the most is sand. Reminds me too much of Sea of Rust."

Air Raid groaned, "Always hate that place. Can't even see where the heck you're going. Almost getting lost in nowhere."

"Well, if you have this GPS Mobile Device with you," Slingshot groaned with annoyance while showing his GPS, "Then, you wouldn't have gotten lost in the first place."

Skydive groaned, "There he goes again."

"Yeah. Mr. Lectured Slingshot's in the house," Air Raid said in annoyance.

"What was that?" Slingshot demanded angrily.

"Ooh! Busted!" Mudflap and Skids remarked amusingly.

"Knock it off, everyone. We've got work to do," Ratchet scolded angrily and firmly. He was looking at his Energon Tracker Device, which was pointing out wildly and crazily at everywhere direction. He hummed calmly, "Intriguing. Looks like there's lots of raw Energon around here."

"So, what should we do next, doctor?" Silverbolt questioned firmly.

"Dig and collect?!" Skids asked dumbly. Mudflap turned and glared at his twin brother. He looked confuse and asked, "What? Isn't what we were supposed to do?"

Mudflap groaned, "Do you have to answer dumb question?"

"No, Mudflap. Do you have to ask that dumb question? And it's not Skids's question." Ratchet asked dryly, annoyed Mudflap and Skids laughed at him. He sighed, "Either way, get the drillers and containers now. Time to collect them now. Jolt, Jetfire, remain behind with the ship. Contact the Autobots out. Scan the area. We don't want any surprises."

"Sure, Ratchet. But are you sure that letting those two go with you is good idea?" Jolt asked curiously and concernedly.

Ratchet groaned, "Better than letting them destroy most of tools and equipment when I needed the most for my work."

"Yeesh. Ratchet got some anger issues," Mudflap whispered.

Skids nodded in agreement, "Touche, bro."

Jetfire nodded in concern, "Point taken. Watch yourself out there, Autobots. We still don't know what the heck are we dealing with."

"Don't worry, Jet. What could worse happen out there?" Air Raid asked amusingly.

Slingshot huffed, "Hopefully, it's not Scraplets or Energon Eaters."

Air Raid, Skydive, Mudflap and Skids groaned in annoyance, "Hate those things."

"Let's hope not to encounter them," Ratchet said firmly.

Both Jolt and Jetfire returned to the Ark's Command Bridge. They began to scan across the planet's areas, as well as trying to contact their missing allies.

And at the same time; Ratchet and his expedition team began mining and collecting some raw Energon Crystals. Ratchet was leading the expedition while scanning and checking on crystals, making sure they're edible and useful for them to use. Silverbolt and Air Raid led the mining team to mine, drill and drain out the crystals into the containers. Slingshot and Skydive were loading and moving them into the Ark. Mudflap and Skids were fooling and playing around playfully and wildly, which often annoyed and frustrated their team especially Ratchet when he saw and found his tools and materials are damaged and destroyed.

While the Autobots were working on mining the crystals, they were not aware that some humanoid egg-shaped headed creatures with mandibles worn spacesuits. One of them was taller and scary worn dark yellow spacesuit. All of them hissed and squeaked softly and wildly to each other. The taller creature snarled while glaring at the Autobots.

For three hours have passed, the Autobots have successfully mined and collected very much of Energon Crates. They even loaded them into the ship. Ratchet and his group regrouped at the Ark's ramp.

Air Raid sighed in relief, "Man! That was a lot of work to do!"

"Yeah." Slingshot agreed, "For what is worth, we've got enough Energon for the supplies, weapons and the Ark."

Skydive sighed as he fell on the ground by back, "Finally. I am tired!"

"Guess we're ready to continue our journey," Silverbolt said firmly.

Ratchet nodded firmly, "Definitely, Silverbolt. Autobots, it's time to leave now. We have enough Energon for our journey."

And just before the Autobots could do anything or even entered the Ark, they heard some squeaking and rustling noise. They looked around of their surroundings, searching for the source of noise. They found nothing.

Both Mudflap and Skids spotted a creature from the bushes. The twin approached to the bush, where they encountered little mandible creature. It squeaked softly and calmly, which make the twin awed happily and cutely.

"Aw, look at this little guy. He's so cute." Skids commented happily and playfully. He turned and looked at Mudflap, "Hey, bro. What do you think this little guy is?"

"No idea," Mudflap shrugged. He approached as he tickled playfully on the little creature's chin, "Boy, they're very soft for me to play with. I kinda like him."

The creature hissed in anger as he raised his left gauntlet in firing some web on Mudflap's face, causing the orange short Autobot to scream and panic for help. Skids panicked and helped his twin brother to free him from the sticky web. This alerted the Autobots to his attention.

Upon their arrival, the Autobots found a small creature standing before them, as well as aiming his gauntlets at them. They especially Ratchet gasped in shock and surprise like they'd never thought they get to see his species. Skids pulled the web out of Mudflap's face. The shorty Autobot gasped and breathed frantically.

"You okay, bro?" Skids asked.

"Yeah, I am." Mudflap sighed in relief. He turned and glared at the little creature. He groaned as he readied with his Mini Shotgun, "I'm gonna kill you. You're too disgusting. Take that, freak!"

And just before the creature could do anything, Mudflap fired his Shotgun at the little creature's to the walls hard. The orange Autobot blew the smoke out from shotgun's nose. This shocked and scared the Autobots.

"What the heck, guys?!" Air Raid asked angrily, "Why did you do that for?"

"What's with you?" Skids asked in confusion.

"Yeah. It's just a little freaking guy," Mudflap said in annoyance, "Hated his web."

"You two! How can you be that stupid?!" Ratchet exclaimed angrily, scaring twin out. He groaned, "This isn't good! No doubt Velgrox will be angry and retaliated at us soon! I cannot believe that we actually landed on their planet!"

Mudflap and Skids looked confused. Silverbolt sighed, "Velgrox are the organic alien lifeforms and hunters! They searched and hunted down some preys for both sports and food."

"And not to mention, they and our kind kinda bad at being friends," Air Raid said in concern.

"Okay..." Mudflap asked in confusion, "I don't get why you make big deal."

"Yeah. It's just a little alien while we're big," Skids agreed, "How bad they can be?

BEEP! The Autobots responded to the calls. Jolt reported, "Guys. We might have problem. We've got company! Lots of them!"

"From the looks of the scanner, I have the feeling that they're not happy!" Jetfire added in concern.

"What can they do?" Skids asked amusingly.

Mudflap laughed happily, "Yeah. They're just little guys."

Ratchet and his soldiers turned and looked around as they found themselves surrounded and cornered by the army of Velgrox. The humanoid creatures with mandibles looked very angry and fury. All of them were glaring and aiming their gauntlets at the Autobots.

"I think they're mad," Skydive said in concern.

Slingshot turned and glared at both Mudflap and Skids, "You'd just have to insult them, didn't you?"

The leader of Velgrox roared angrily as he began firing his webs, tangling and trapping Ratchet. After the Autobot Medic got trapped in the web, he fell on the ground hard. The Velgrox Army joined in as they all began firing their webs to tangle and trapped the Autobots, who struggled and fought back by punching and kicking them off. However, all of them fell to the ground.

The Autobots all groaned and moaned angrily. They're unable to do anything or even escaped as they're trapped by web. Velgrox snarled and squeaked wildly as they approached to the Cybertronians. They all armed themselves with weapons to attack and finish them off.

And just before they could, the Ark's turrets turned and fired upon the Velgrox, which scared and chased them away from their allies and ship. Jetfire quickly flew out and rescued his allies by burning down the webs. After all of the Autobots are freed from the sticky web, they all quickly escaped and boarded on the Ark.

With everyone's on the command bridge, they all began to lift up from the ground. The Velgrox have returned to attack the ship. They even tried to fire their webs on the Ark, sticking them to the ground while preventing them from escaping. The Autobots responded to the attack by firing and blasting their turrets at them, and also shaking them off as well. After burning down the web, the Ark make its escape to the space. The Autobots have escaped angry Velgrox.

The Autobots sighed in relief. They now can relaxed a bit at the command bridge.

"Damn it. I'd never ever want to do that again," Mudflap said in annoyance.

Skids nodded in agreement, "Tell me about it. Hate to get on their bad sides..."

"On the bright side, we've got enough Energon for our journey," Skydive said happily and calmly, "That should be good enough, right?"

Slingshot groaned, "Better hope that our friends don't cause the problem."

"Definitely agree, Slingshot," Air Raid agreed dryly, "Hate to have bad luck."

"So, what is next now, Ratchet?" Jolt asked.

Ratchet hummed thoughtfully, "Now, we must find and rescue our friends. The only problem is that we have no idea where they are."

BEEP! Everyone turned their attention to the computer, which shown the Autobot Insignia at the map's distanced coordinates.

"How about that one?" Silverbolt asked.

Jetfire sighed, "I only hope that isn't false alarm."

"It has to be one of them," Ratchet said hopefully and firmly. He turned to his allies, "Locked on that coordinates. Prepare to launch now!"

The Autobots saluted. All of them have taken their positions in the seats. As soon as they locked on the coordinates, the Autobots activated the ship's system, preparing and setting launch to the location now. They hoped that one of their allies are there.

The Nemesis has arrived and entered the asteroid field. While searching and locating the center of large Energon Source, the command ship fired its turrets and missile launches in destroying most of meteor into pieces during their voyage and search. At the same time, the mysterious Cybertronian and its space slugs, hidden in shadows and asteroids, were following and tailing their preys. They're waiting for the opportunity to strike and take the enemy down.

Took the Decepticons for an hour of searching, the Nemesis has arrived at the largest source of Energon, which was located at the central large meteorite island-like of asteroid field. It then landed close to the area.

"Is this it?" Slipstream questioned firmly and calmly.

"This is it!" Swindle said firmly. The Decepticons turned and glared at him annoyingly and angrily. He groaned in annoyance, "Will you relax?! I won't get us into a trap! Promise!"

Brawl grumbled, "Better hope not. Or else I'll blast you to pieces!"

"Oh yeah. I'd like to blast you off too," Blast Off snarled firmly.

"Same goes to me, business man. I don't do well with business man like you," Nitro Zeus snarled angrily.

"Cut the threats. It's not gonna do well with business," Swindle snarled in annoyance.

"Speaking of business," Knockout said calmly as he looked through his computer carefully and firmly. The computer revealed the positive results. He hummed calmly, "This is something. Looks like we've got confirmation of Energon Source! This is it."

"Finally, good news," Vortex snarled angrily.

"Well, we'd better get starting," Onslaught said firmly, "It's a long journey. And I ain't gonna sit around for long."

Slipstream nodded in agreement, "Combaticons, with me. Knockout, Nitro Zeus, stay in command. Locate and contact Lord Megatron. I want them to be found!"

While Knockout and Nitro Zeus remained in the bridge for searching on their leader and allies, both Slipstream and Combaticons led the miners and soldiers out to begin their mission. The Decepticons have sent out to mine and collect the Energon for their supply and journey.

Two hours have passed, the Decepticons have collected and loaded up the large crates of Energon into Nemesis. Believing it's enough for their journey, they're about to return to their ship as they prepared to leave the asteroid field. Unfortunately for them, they were under attacked by mysterious Cybertronian and slug worms. This has forced the Decepticons to fight and shoot back at the creatures before they get killed.

"What the heck are these things?!" Vortex demanded angrily.

Seeing some Vehicons got grabbed and drained out of the energon, Blast Off grunted as he fired his missile launchers at the worms, "Who cares?! I don't wanna die!"

"Swindle!" Brawl snapped angrily as he transformed into tank mode to fire his cannons at creatures.

"Don't blame me, jerk! I've got nothing to do with this!" Swindle protested as he fired his machine blaster at the creatures, "And for the record! They're called 'Energon Eaters'! Nasty buggers sucking our Energon like we're food!"

"Yuck! Not a chance!" Brawl groaned in disgust, "Hate to be that guy!"

"Shut up and fire!" Slipstream snapped angrily as she fired her stinger blasters at the creatures. She then contacted her allies. She continued, "Knockout! Report!"

Nitro Zeus and their marines were manning and maintaining the Nemesis's turrets and gunners at the creatures. Knockout was checking on his computer. He hummed suspiciously as his computer has identified Cybertronian Signal with sound wave frequency pattern.

"Interesting." Knockout said curiously. He then contacted his ally, "Slipstream, I found something interesting. There's a Cybertronian Signal is among the creatures. I believed he's responsible of commanding them."

Nitro Zeus yelped in surprise as he found something from his turret controller, "Like this guy?!"

Knockout turned and approached Nitro Zeus's turret controller. He checked on the computer, where he found the Mysterious Cybertronian, who was communicating and coordinating the Energon Eaters for the attack. He hummed curiously. He then typed and searched for the match. He came across to the profile he was looking.

"Jackpot," Knockout exclaimed amusingly, "Slipstream, I found the identity of our attacker. His name is Mindwipe, one of our Decepticon Spies"

"What the hell was he doing here?!" Nitro Zeus demanded angrily, "Why would he kept on attacking us?"

"Good question. According to his latest report, Mindwipe volunteered for Shockwave's experiment, involving of communicating and controlling the creatures under his command. Unfortunately, the experiment has driven him mad and even started to attack Shockwave and the scientists. He can't tell difference between friendly and hostile. So, all he did is attack and suck out his victims' blood. He was put out of commission and thrown out from Cybertron."

Nitro Zeus scoffed, "Looks like he's back from the dead. He's really pissed!"

"So, what's next?" Knockout asked firmly.

Slipstream and her team continued fighting and shooting back at the enemies. She then gave some thoughts of how to handle the situation. She looked at Onslaught and his team, followed by Knockout and Nitro Zeus. She has the idea.

"Onslaught, combine into Bruticus! Take them down!" Slipstream ordered.

"What?! You're kidding me?!" Onslaught demanded angrily, "If we do that, then we'll be the bigger target for those freaks to eat!"

"We can get the clear shot," Slipstream said firmly and calmly, "So, do it now!"

Onslaught groaned as he ordered his Combaticons to combine and form into Bruticus at once. He roared angrily, attracting the attention of Energon Eaters. They all turned to attack and take down the Combiner at once. Bruticus fought and knocked them out one-by-one, though they managed to attack and take him down.

Mindwipe hissed and snarled angrily and darkly while overseeing the event. He suddenly got attacked by Slipstream. She armed with her long sword for a big fight. She the charged and swung her blade at the vampire Cybertronian-like, who swiftly and quickly dodged the attacks while swinging his punches at her for few times. She grabbed it for the moment before giving him a headbutt before kicked him off.

Slipstream tried to thrust her long sword at Mindwipe, who quickly grabbed it while taking a bite on her.

"Energon... Energon..." Mindwipe snarled darkly.

Slipstream groaned in pain, "That's what you think. Nitro Zeus!"

In his armored Cybertronian Jet with blasters and missile launchers, Nitro Zeus transformed into his robot mode. He slammed and knocked Mindwipe to the ground hard thrice. The vampire Cybertronian screeched as he turned and gave the one-eyed warrior a claw. Mindwipe and Nitro Zeus have the fierce fight for the moment. As the vampire Cybertronian tried to strike him down again, the one-eyed warrior dodged down at once before slamming his anchor-like weapon in knocking him off. He then placed the helmet device-like on his head. It has caused Mindwipe snarled and hissed in pain as he held his head tight before falling to the ground.

Knockout approached and helped Slipstream out. He passed the controller to her. She pushed some buttons, causing Mindwipe to scream and screech in pain and agony. The vampire creature held his head tight.

"Obey me, then I will let you live. Refused, then you will die. Understand, monster?" Slipstream said dryly and darkly. Mindwipe screeched while nodded in understanding. She scoffed, "Order your creatures to stand down now."

Mindwipe nodded as he screeched out loud, alerting and commanding the Energon Eaters to stand down from fighting the Decepticons. They all sighed in relief that they survived the attack. Bruticus disassemble and returned to the group of five Combaticons.

As Slipstream turned back while deactivated the Interrogator Helmet device, Mindwipe ceased from screeching in pain. He snarled angrily as he was preparing to attack. He was held down by Nitro Zeus, who is glaring and aiming his weapons at him.

Knockout approached to Slipstream as he questioned, "Don't mind me asking, Slipstream. Is this a good idea of keeping them here?"

"No." Slipstream admitted firmly, "But his communicating with the Energon Eaters might proven to be useful. We're bringing him and his pets with us. Squeeze out the Energon from them. But make sure they stayed alive and contained well."

"Surely you jest! That thing is a loose cannon! It will cause more problems than helping us!"

"Knockout, you either follow my order or suffer their wrath!"

Knockout groaned in frustration, "I will prepare the containment and tools to get the job done."

Slipstream smirked, "Good. Settle up! We're leaving now!"

As ordered, the Decepticons gathered most of fierce and dangerous male Energon Eaters into the containment, with the help of Mindwipe's command. Mindwipe was subjugated to Slipstream's control and command, thanks to the Interrogator Helmet. They even left the group of female and young Energon Eaters behind since they're worthless to them.

With both Energon Crates and Energon Eaters Containers inside the Nemesis, the Decepticons have boarded in the commanding ship. It lifted up and blasted off for their next journey.

After escaping the Velgrox Planet, the Ark has transported and arrived at another planet, which was filled with ocean water. The Autobots were in shock and surprised of what they just saw and couldn't believe it.

"This is where the signal is coming from? Are you sure?" Ratchet asked in concern.

Jolt sighed, "I was certain, Ratchet. The signal is coming here."

"But that planet is nothing but made of blue liquid," Skydive exclaimed in concern, "And I don't think it's Energon."

Slingshot hummed as he has his hands crossed, "He has the point. But still, there is no way the Autobots could be here. There is no ground for the ship to land. And not to mention, there's no sign of city there either."

"Don't be too sure, everyone. Appearance can be deceiving," Jetfire said firmly as he looked through on the computer's screen, "And I am certain that the Autobots' signal is coming from here."

"So, where are they?" Skydive asked impatiently.

BOOM! The Autobots yelped in surprise and concern as the Ark was under heavy fire by the ion cannons from the watery planet. It was badly damaged. It was heading straight towards the planet.

"I think I know why!" Air Raid exclaimed in concern.

Silverbolt grunted, "I don't really like this the most!"

"We're gonna die!" Mudflap and Skids screamed while holding each other tightly.

"Hold on!" Ratchet ordered firmly.

While the Autobots screamed in fear and concern, the Ark was heading towards the planet while surviving and dodging the blasts. It make a huge impact on the planet's large ocean. All of them got knocked out from consciousness. Unknown to the group, a group of humanoid creatures in fish shapes are approaching to the ship.

"Ratchet... Ratchet... Ratchet..."

Ratchet groaned in pain as he slowly woke up and found himself in the realm of darkness. He felt something was poking him from behind. He yelped in concern as he turned and found Liege Maximo stood before him.

"YOU?!" Ratchet demanded angrily and fury as he activated and armed with blades. He aimed it at Liege Maximo's throat, "Where are we?! Why have you brought me here?! Do you intend to use me as leverage, so he can kill Optimus Prime?! I won't let you!"

Liege Maximo remained firm and calm as he grabbed and held the blades tightly. He glared at Ratchet firmly and darkly, as well as his hand did not bleed. It shocked and scared him.

"If I want you dead, you would be dead by now." Liege Maximo said darkly before letting the blades go. He then glared at Ratchet, who was still suspicious and uneasy. He continued calmly and firmly, "However, you will listen to a reason especially when you want to save Cybertron."

"Why is that, Maximo?"

"Because you have your crucial role in the future especially sacrificing your value to work with evil to achieve it."

"Never! I will do no such thing."

"Maybe. Maybe not. Road to the future remains unknown, Ratchet. But I only know that you are the key to save Cybertron and its kind."

"How?"

"Time will tell. But right now, Prime needs all the help he can gets."

"What does it have to do with me?"

"Quintessons..." Liege Maximo said calmly and firmly, shocking and worrying Ratchet. He continued, "Yes, you know them well. And you know they're coming to finish what they have started. They're after all Cyber Planet Keys of Cybertronians. If they used the keys, then the planets Cybertonians have colonized and lived for more than centuries will be gone. But our kinds' and indigenous lives will be lost."

"What are they up to now?" Ratchet asked suspiciously.

"An ultimate weapon... Find and destroy it, or it will destroy the world..."

"Damn it. I can't let that happen."

"Then, I wish you luck..."

Ratchet asked suspiciously, "Liege Maximo, why did you help me? What are you planning, not after what you have done to the Primes?"

Liege Maximo looked at Ratchet firmly with his narrowed eyes, "Redemption..."

And just before Ratchet could ask for more, the light glowed and blinded his eyes as Liege Maximo slowly disappeared into it.

"Ratchet! Ratchet! Ratchet!"

Ratchet groaned in pain as he slowly woke up from his sleep. He found himself and his team at the metallic throne chamber of Atlantis-like theme with colors of golden-orange, sea items and jewelries. They were held by the armored colorful shark-like creatures. They all snarled and growled at them.

"What the?! Where are we?!" Ratchet demanded in concern.

"Aquatron..." The cruel yet dark voice responded firmly. Ratchet and his team looked up and found the scary and demonic greenish humanoid beast worn purple armor stood before him. He held a giant axe on his right claw. He snarled, "My palace..."

"Who are you, ugly?" Mudflap asked dumbly.

Skids chuckled amusingly, "Yeah. Ugly, who are these uglies?"

The demonic beast snarled angrily and darkly as he gave a snap of his fingers, gesturing the shark-like Cybertronians to slam both Mudflap and Skids on the ground hard. Ratchet and his team remained firm and calm while glaring at him.

"I am Rexian..." Rexian introduced firmly, "Great General and Executioner of Quintessons, and the Ruler of Aquatron! I welcomed you fools to your doom!"

"Quintessons?!" Skydive asked in confusion.

Slingshot grunted, "This is not good..."

"So, it is true..." Ratchet said in concern and feared. He groaned, "Have you come to take revenge?"

"WHAT?! How did you know this plan?!" Rexian demanded in anger and fury. Ratchet and his team looked at him dryly and annoyingly. He groaned, "It's obvious, isn't it?"

Ratchet nodded, "It is. But you will not succeed it, Rexian. The Autobots will not let your masters succeed it! We've defeated you once, we will defeat you again!"

Rexian snarled, "I assure you. Great Quintessa will rise and succeed her mission! For now, it's time for you to face justice! Guilty! For the treason, crimes and betrayal against the Quintessons! Your creators!"

"You're kidding me?!" Air Raid asked annoyingly.

Jetfire grunted, "Spare us your mockery of justice!"

Rexian chuckled coldly, "Who said anything about justice? Don't make me laugh." He brought and armed with his giant axe. Sharkticons remained silent for the moment. He approached and faced to the group. He snarled, "Any last words, Autobots? Just said 'no' coz I want your heads as my collection. Trust me on that."

"Yeah. Two," Silverbolt said firmly, "Aerialbots, Combine!"

As ordered, the Aerialbots get close to each other as they combined and formed into Superion. They also break themselves and their allies freed from the shackles. Rexian and Sharkticons were in shock and concern of what they just saw.

"Combiner?! Why didn't anyone tell me about this?!" Rexian demanded angrily.

"Wow. For a Great General, you're pretty dumb," Jolt joked.

Rexian roared, "I'm gonna tear you apart! Sharkticons, attack!"

Rexian and his Sharkticons roared angrily as they all charged and attacked Ratchet and his team. Superion has easily defeated and knocked most of the Sharkticons. Mudflap and Skids screamed and panicked while running for their lives as they were chased by the monsters. Thanks to them finding and using some armored weapons, the twin fired back and chased off the Sharkticons.

Both Ratchet and Jolt were facing off Rexian. The giant swung and slammed his giant axe at two medic, who both dodged and moved back for ten times. He grabbed Ratchet by his left claw, chocking him painfully. Luckily, Jolt jumped and struck his electrical whip in shocking and electrocuting Rexian's back. Letting Ratchet go, the giant turned and slammed his punch at Jolt back at the walls.

Jolt grunted as he struggled to get up but got slammed and stomped by Rexian. Ratchet jumped while trying to hold and pull the monster back. Jolt quickly fired and electrocuted his whip at the giant while Ratchet stabbed and struck his blades on back. Rexian roared in anger as he grabbed and slammed Ratchet on Jolt to the ground. The medic groaned and struggled to get up before the giant raised and struck his fists them to the ground hard for five times.

Mudflap and Skids screamed angrily as they charged and attacked Rexian, who turned and roared wildly at them. They screamed in fear as they turned and ran off. Luckily, Superion appeared and slammed his fist in knocking Rexian off. Superion struck both his punches and kicks at the giant for few times. As the Aerialbot Combiner was about to punch, Rexian quickly grabbed and held it before struck down his axe in shutting down the former into five warriors.

Rexian laughed evilly and sinisterly, "Is that all you got?!"

HONK! Rexian turned to his back as he found a ship was heading straight to him. He groaned and mumbled angrily and annoyingly as he got rammed and struck into pieces. Ratchet and his team were surprised yet relieved that they were rescued. Sharkticons screamed in fear and worry as they quickly ran off for their lives.

Ratchet and his team then looked at the ship as it opened and revealed themselves to be Bumblebee and his teammates.

"Bumblebee!" Ratchet exclaimed in surprise. He laughed happily as he approached and gave the young scout, "You're alive! Thank the Primus!"

Bumblebee beeped, "Good to see you too, Ratchet."

The group of both Ratchet's and Bumblebee's team chatted and exclaimed happily as the Cybertronian Autobots have reunited since they got separated.

Ratchet noticed Rodimus, Mirage and Kup. He hummed, "I see you make new friends, Bumblebee."

"Yeah. I have quite adventure," Bumblebee beeped calmly and happily. Ratchet chuckled and nodded in agreement. He continued, "Ratchet, you're not gonna believe of what I've been through. It's about-?!"

"Quintessons?!" Ratchet asked in concern. Bumblebee nodded in surprise. He hissed, "This does not bold well. We must find and regroup with our teammates and Optimus. We have to stop the Quintessons before they destroy our world."

Bumblebee nodded, "Yeah. Got it."

The Autobots quickly make their way to the Ark. The ship blasted off to the space. It's now searching for the rest of them before they could engage with the Quintessons.

The Nemesis continued its voyage across the space after escaping the asteroid field. Onslaught and Nitro Zeus continued steering and piloting the command ship. Brawl and Blast Off were checking and securing both weaponry and Energon Supplies especially draining them out of the Energon Eaters. Swindle checking on his computer in searching and contacting his allies. Slipstream, Knockout and Vortex were checking, analyzing and experimenting Mindwipe within the tube.

Knockout hummed as he looked at the pad, "Interesting. Despite him is still alive and controlling the Energon Eaters, he's still dead."

"Seriously?" Vortex asked in surprise.

Slipstream hummed curiously, "Intriguing. Any idea of how he comes back to life?"

"Hard to tell..." Knockout admitted in concern as he looked at the pad carefully, "Can't help that I've seen it somewhere before..."

BOOM! Slipstream and her allies yelped in surprise and shocked. They quickly left and headed back to the command bridge, meeting up with the rest of their allies.

"What's happening?!" Slipstream demanded angrily.

"We're under attacked!" Onslaught exclaimed in concern as the computer revealed the screen. A large sailing ship with pirate symbol was firing and shooting the cannons at the ship. He groaned, "Pirates. I hate pirates!"

Nitro Zeus snarled, "What are we gonna do now? We can take them down!"

"No. We don't..." Slipstream said calmly. She smirked, "Let's give them surprise..."

BOOM! The army of pirates have penetrated and breached inside the Nemesis. They all looked of their surroundings, making sure the area is secured. The blue and white pirate-like Cybertronian with sharp claws has entered the scene.

"Alright, mateys. Split up and find me the treasures and Energon!" Pirate Captain exclaimed firmly and calmly, "I heard this ship has lots of them. It worth the millions!"

"Aye, aye, captain! Count on us!" The pirate exclaimed firmly.

"Good! If you see anyone is getting in your way, kill them!" Pirate Captain exclaimed firmly.

The pirates have split up and scoured across the Nemesis. They looked around through various chambers as they were searching and looking for treasures and Energon Crates.

As they were searching and looking for them they got stalked, caught and taken down by Energon Eaters from the shadows and hidden areas. The creatures took a bite and drained out of their Energon. And at the same time, the pirates resisted and fought back. Unfortunately, they were defeated and got killed. The Pirate Captain became scared and worried.

"What trickery is this?!" Pirate Captain demanded in shock and concern. He then found more Energon Eaters are getting close to him. He screamed, "Get back to the Tidal Wave now!"

As ordered, the Pirate Captain and his pirates quickly turned and escaped at once. They're heading back to the Tidal Wave. Upon their return to the pirate ship, they found it being commandeered and blocked by Slipstream and her army, who aiming their weapons at them.

"Are you mad?!" Pirate Captain exclaimed in concern, "We'll be dead! Let us in!"

"Step down now..." Slipstream said darkly.

Pirate Captain and his crew quivered and shivered in fear while looking back at the Nemesis' hole entrance. They could hear the Energon Eaters are coming towards them.

Pirate Captain screamed in frustration, "Alright. We give! We give!"

"Good..." Slipstream said calmly. She turned to Mindwipe, "Tell them to stand down."

Mindwipe hissed as he contacted his creatures, "Yes..."

Pirate Captain and his crew were in shock and annoyed to find out of what they just heard. They realized that the Decepticons are in-charge of controlling the creatures.

"That's right. I lure you all into my trap. And you have surrendered," Slipstream said slyly and darkly, "Saving the ammo and troubles, filthy pirates."

Knockout chuckled, "And I almost feel sorry for you all. Pity..."

"I'm not," Onslaught snarled darkly.

CLAPPED! Slipstream and her Decepticon Army were surprised as they turned to their back. They found an ancient greenish Cybertronian Sage with white long beard worn a roundish helmet-like with purple spiky curves-like and has twin tentacles.

"Who are you?!" Slipstream demanded darkly.

"Utha, Quintesson's Lead Scientist and Negotiator" Utha introduced himself with gentle tone. He sighed, "I'm impressed that you have beaten the pirates, without the fight. In fact, I'm looking for some strongest and fierce fighters for our clan."

Slipstream hummed suspiciously, "What do you want?"

"I'm here for negotiation and alliance." Utha reported calmly with a glee, "In fact, I can help you find Lord Megatron..."

Slipstream and her Decepticons looked surprise and shock to hear. They looked at each other. They all wondered. Can he be trusted?

To be Continued...

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