Chapter 10
Things have been quiet recently. Aside from the situation regarding Jack, there has been a lack of Decepticon activity as well as anything important. If they're not driving the humans or going out on patrol, the Autobots are mostly sitting around the base, waiting for something to happen.
Ratchet's been spending the time to work on his gadgets, testing different mechanics and updating all his technology with the help of Raf. Optimus mostly spends his time decoding the Iacon database, although he's been having a difficult time recently. Ultra Magnus uses his free time to learn more about human culture, spending hours watching people from his parking spot near the curb. The two wreckers have been keeping their football skills in check, tossing around a giant sized football around the empty desert. As for the two younger 'bots Bumblebee and Smokescreen, they're mostly playing video games or secretly racing around.
The only Autobot that the group doesn't know about is Arcee who has been keeping to herself lately. Morning, afternoon, and night, she's hiding out in her room. What she does in there is still a question for everyone else but it's obvious to them that Jack's departure has had a greater affect on her than they thought it would. Although, the two-wheeler still peaks her head out once in a while, saying 'hi' to everyone in the control center before she goes off on patrol. Her emotions have been extremely difficult to read and even Optimus had a hard time determining her state of mind. At the end of the day, the group believed it was best to let her be alone, not that she was giving them a choice to start.
It was Saturday morning, exactly two weeks since Jack's departure. As usual, the kids were over at the base, talking and playing with the other Autobots while the adults went and did their own thing.
"98…99…600! Nice only 400 more to go!"
Bulkhead groaned and collapsed on the ground. "Miko please, I need a break."
"Oh come on Bulk. You need to get back in shape so that you can scrap some more 'cons." The green wrecker gave her a look and she smirked. "Like I don't know what you're thinking."
"You're right" Bulkhead admitted with a sigh. "But this is just ridiculous. 1000 leg lifts?!"
"Look at the bright side, once you finish these, you'll be one step closer to getting on your feet again." Miko said cheerfully.
The two of them got back on their sides and began lifting their legs with Miko counting and Bulkhead groaning after every number. Near the side were Wheeljack and Smokescreen who were watching and laughing as the green wrecker struggled to keep up with Miko's tempo.
"Keep going Bulk, only 372 to go!" Wheeljack mocked.
"Jackie's hurt too, why don't you make him do this?" Bulkhead asked his partner.
"Because lifting my leg isn't going to heal a punctured spark chamber" the white wrecker answered, still getting a kick out of Bulkhead's torture.
Just then, Arcee walked into the command center to check out what was happening. She heard a noise come from here while she was in her quarters and while she thought it would pass by soon, it only got worse.
"Hey Arcee, what's up?" Wheeljack greeted as she walked towards them. It was nice to see her out of her room although he could tell that nothing has changed.
"I heard something that sounded like a dying cow come from the control center. Know anything about it?"
The wrecker turned to Smokescreen behind him and shared a laugh with him.
"Is that the sound you were hearing?" Smokescreen chuckled, pointing at Bulkhead. As he said that, the green wrecker groaned again, this time louder and filled with agony. The three Autobots plus Raf laughed again while Arcee merely raised an eyebrow.
"What am I looking at here?" she asked, genuinely confused.
"Don't worry about it" Smokescreen answered, laughing with Wheeljack again.
The sound of the proximity alarms went off throughout the base and soon after, two semis and a black and yellow Urbana 500 pulled up. Out of the Urbana's passenger seat came Raf who grabbed his computer form Bumblebee's back seat, allowing the scout to transform.
"Did you find anything?" Ratchet asked, walking towards them.
"Negative. We patrolled three different sectors and found no sign of an energon signal, or Decepticon activity" Ultra Magnus answered authoritatively.
"You think Megatron is planning something big again?" Raf asked.
"Perhaps, however I believe it is highly unlikely that he is. At this stage in the war, the best action for both sides to take it uncovering another set of coordinates from the Iacon database." Optimus stated. "As such, I have been spending many extra hours in my work because surely Megatron is doing the same."
Raf nodded before he and Bee left to join with the others. While they did that, Optimus returned to his work at the control console while Ratchet did a complete check of Ultra Magnus' weapons system and armor.
"Hey guys, what'd we miss?" Raf asked.
"Nothing much, except that" Wheeljack laughed, nodding towards Bulkhead and Miko's session.
Bumblebee immediately burst out laughing with Smokescreen joining in soon after. There was something about watching a huge green robot painfully doing leg-lifts while trying to keep up with a small human girl 20x smaller in size that got them laughing again. It's too bad that it didn't last because as soon as Miko counted to 1000 Bulkhead collapsed on the floor, looking like he wasn't going to get up until tomorrow.
"Aw it's over already?" Wheeljack joked. Bulkhead shot him a glare and the white wrecker took a step back, raising his hands.
After a couple minutes, Bulkhead finally managed to regain his bearings and dragged himself over to the others, annoyingly pushing anyone mocking him away.
"So, what's next?" Miko asked.
She was given her answer soon enough as another alarm went off in the base.
"What is it Optimus? Did you manage to decode another Iacon entry?" Ratchet asked as he and ultra Magnus returned from the medical bay.
"I do not believe so. I was in the middle of an entry when the console went off. I believe your expertises are better suited for this."
Optimus stepped back as Ratchet got to work, going through his softwares to see where the alarm came from. While he did that, the others crowded around, excited that they finally would get some action.
"That's strange…" Ratchet said, scratching his chin.
"What is it Ratchet?" Smokescreen asked.
"Did you find Jack?" Arcee blurted out accidentally, immediately retreating away and looking down at the ground sheepishly.
"I'm sorry Arcee but I have not located Jack yet" the medic said in a soothing voice before returning to the others. "What is strange is that our scanners are picking up an Autobot signal, however it is disappearing and reappearing every so often."
Bumblebee beeped a question.
"Perhaps, however there is the alternative that it is not a trap but an Autobot in distress" Optimus answered. "Ratchet, can you give any more detail on the Autobot signal?"
The medic shook his head. "No. Because the signal has been fluctuating, I have not been able to track it movement. As you mentioned Bumblebee, that may be a high indication for a trap, however it could also mean that the Autobot's communications systems have been damaged."
"Very well, if there is one of our own who is in need of assistance, I will take the risk of falling into a trap. Ratchet, prepare a groundbridge." Optimus ordered.
"Woohoo! I've been dying for some action!" Smokescreen whooped, jumping up and down and punching the air in a fighting stance.
"Actually Optimus, my medical expertise may be of use to you in this situation. I also recommend sending Ultra Magnus out to test out his newly updated weapon and armor systems." Ratchet suggested.
The Prime nodded. "As you wish old friend. Ratchet, Ultra Magnus and I will advance while Bumblebee, Smokescreen, and Arcee standby in case we are in need of back-up."
"Aw, second-lined again…" Smokescreen sadly expressed.
"Hey, at least you're not on Injured Reserve" Bulkhead shot back with Wheeljack nodding in agreement.
Behind them, the green swirling vortex appeared and Optimus, Ultra Magnus, and Ratchet stepped forwards.
"Bumblebee, if you may please operate the groundbridge?" Ratchet asked the scout who beeped in agreement.
"Alright let's go!" Miko exclaimed, about to slide down from the ladder when she felt a giant hand lift her back up.
"Uh, uh, uh, not this time Miko" Bulkhead said, earning a pout from the depressed girl.
"You and me both Miko" Smokescreen muttered.
Ratchet made sure he had all equipment needed and put the tools not connected to his body inside his compartment which would later be the back of his ambulance form. While he did that, Optimus stood in front of the groundbridge, waiting for his team to prepare. Once everyone was ready, he said the famous line everyone knows him for.
"Autobots, roll out!"
After transforming, the two semis and the ambulance disappeared into the groundbridge and a few seconds later, the entire vortex vanished.
…
As soon as they arrived, the three Autobots were already getting shot at. They seemed to be in the clearing of a small forest with large rocks and tall trees to their sides. Although, they didn't really get a second look because they were forced to take cover before they were shot to pieces.
"The Decepticons have already arrived. We must make haste in finding our fellow Autobot" Optimus ordered, firing some warning shots from behind cover.
As the two more experienced fighters shot back, Ratchet scanned the area, looking for anyone that would be considered an ally. He didn't find anyone but he did spot an Autobot ship parked a few miles out.
"Optimus I've located the ship" the medic said, motioning towards it.
"Understood, our objective is getting to that ship and aiding anyone who may be inside. Ultra Magnus, am I able to task you with escorting Ratchet to the objective?"
"You can count on me sir" the lieutenant answered.
Optimus nodded and gave the signal that he would provide cover fire. He put up three servos, lowering one by one until he no longer had any up. As the last finger went down, he jumped out of cover and sent a barrage of blasts at the squadrons of Vehicons. He dodged and weaved, getting all of their attentions while Ultra Magnus and Ratchet made a break for the ship.
With centuries of experience under his wing, Optimus easily avoided the oncoming shots, firing his own at the unorganized Vehicons. Although, there comes a point where the mightiest of warriors realize that they are outnumbered and when that happens, the best thing to do is take cover. That is exactly what Optimus did, rolling on the ground to avoid fire and ducking behind a rock.
While the Prime dealt with most of the Vehicons, there were still some who caught on to Ultra Magnus and Ratchet's play. The two Autobot's became under heavy fire since they were sprinting in an area without cover. The only things stopping them from getting shot were the Decepticons' lack of aim and the fact that they were a moving target. Other than that, they were sitting ducks… well more specifically moving ducks.
"Stay behind me" Ultra Magnus ordered, firing a round of blasts at the Vehicons. While most of them missed, a few made direct hits with the Decepticons and he was surprised to see his blasts decimating them.
"It appears like the upgrades have been successful" the lieutenant shouted over his shoulder.
"Yes, your systems are running at 100% capacity and are working flawlessly" Ratchet agreed, although he was more focused on not getting shot than Ultra Magnus' weapons.
It didn't take long for them to reach the ship and they used it as cover to defend against the oncoming squadron. Quickly, Ultra Magnus spotted the hatch near the back and pointed it out to the medic.
"Make haste Ratchet, I am not sure if I can hold them off for much longer" he ordered and the medic moved over.
After a multitude of tugs, he finally pulled the hatch open, carefully stepping into the ship. It was much larger than Wheeljack's or Ultra Magnus' own ships with two floors and multiple rooms. It was dark and he could see that all systems have been shut down. Ratchet quickly, but cautiously, moved around, feeling the occasional rock from outside.
While the medic scouted out the inside, Ultra Magnus struggled to hold the Vehicons off from the outside. He fired left and right and slowly he saw that he was making a dent in their forces, although that dent wasn't big enough for his liking.
Suddenly in the corner of his optic, he spotted Optimus dashing towards him. Behind the Prime was another wave of Vehicons, cut down to half their numbers but still enough to outnumber them 40-2. Optimus leaped over a boulder and came to a halt in front of the lieutenant, giving him a look that said 'you better get ready'.
"Sir, reinforcements may be beneficial to us in this situation" Ultra Magnus said, landing two head-shots and taking out a third with three blasts to the chest.
"I disagree. If they groundbridge to a bad position, they will be completely open to the Vehicons with no means of protecting themselves. We were lucky to avoid any fire when we arrived. I will not risk the safety of any Autobot, especially when it is unnecessary."
"I apologize sir, I should think before I suggest any ideas."
"Do not think badly of yourself old friend. You are a strong leader and I trust you with my life" Optimus said. "Now we must work together to disable the remaining forces."
The Prime received a nod from his lieutenant and his faceplate slid over, covering his mouth. He then changed his blasters into blades with Ultra Magnus doing the same. He shared one last look with his old friend before they jumped out of cover, slicing and stabbing the Vehicons who tried to go toe-to-toe with them.
…
The last Vehicon was off-lined and all was silent in the forest. Optimus looked over to Ultra Magnus who seemed to be holding up and checked over himself to make sure he didn't sustain any major injuries. Aside from a few burns, he was fine and the same could be said for his lieutenant.
Suddenly he realized that one of them were missing and he began searching the area.
"Where is Ratchet?" Optimus asked.
"He is inside the ship, undoubtedly aiding the Autobot inside." Ultra Magnus replied.
The two adults walked over to the hatch of the ship. They were surprised to see Ratchet stepping out, empty handed and without anyone else with him.
"There is no one in there. It appears like they had abandoned the aircraft after they landed." The medic explained. "However, I do not believe it is merely one Autobot who has arrived. This ship is designed to hold four passengers and judging by the amount of equipment and other supplies, there were four Autobots who had escaped."
"Then we must find them" Optimus commanded. "The Decepticons will have reinforcements arrive soon and it would be wise to use this time to our advantage. Split up and-"
"Decepticon air supports inbound!" Ultra Magnus warned and the three of them quickly lied down on their stomachs, a line of blaster fire scattering right in front of them.
Looking up, a single jet flew by, circling around for another round. It was sleek and white, unlike the usual Decepticon colors, however the fact that it was shooting at them was all they needed to know that it was an enemy.
"Stay down" Optimus ordered and another round of blasts sprayed right next to them.
They looked up once again but were surprised to see the jet fly away. It disappeared into the forest and the three of them knew that they were going to be under attack soon.
"The Decepticons have changed their tactics" Ultra Magnus said, noticing the uncommon usage of a flyer to scout ahead before they launch an attack. During the war, that was mostly used by the Autobots and it seems like Megatron decided to use the idea as well.
"They have indeed" the Prime said. "We must be cautious with our surroundings; we could be attacked from any side."
The three Autobots went back-to-back-to-back, creating a triangle and watching every angel possible. Not knowing where the attack was coming from was something new and definitely an improvement to the Decepticon attack plan.
Suddenly, blaster fire was shot from the forest and Ultra Magnus was only able to jump away just in time. Immediately they began firing back but another barrage of shots were fired from behind them. Knowing that they were being flanked, the three Autobots desperately shot back in both directions while clambering back for cover.
The enemy shots began to become closer and with no clear shot of the enemy, all they could do was return back to cover. Optimus, Ultra Magnus, and Ratchet circled the ship, using the giant air craft as a shield to the shots. Slowly, the blasts began to die down and the sound of footsteps approached the corner where they were hiding.
Optimus looked back at Ultra Magnus and Ratchet and activated his blades, ducking down in a defensive stance. The lieutenant did the same with the medic raising his blades as a shield.
If the Decepticons wanted a fight, they were going to get one.
The footsteps stopped just at the corner and Optimus could sense the presence of multiple Decepticons. He waited until his team was ready, giving them one last look before leaping out.
What he saw next was something he would have never expected.
…
Author's Note: Cliffhangers, cliffhangers, how I love cliffhangers. I hope I've been keeping you on the edge of your seats with these teases. If you lost count, there's still Jack's final words to Arcee, Carter's mysterious past/secrets, and now this.
Anyways, it seems like I'm going to be updating every other day, although I'll be feeling guilty for not going with my original schedule. Of course I'll still try to update daily if I can, after all, if I'm planning on doing a 30 chapter story, that's going to take about two months. Hopefully I'll go daily on the weekends and holidays but no promises.
Other than that, be sure to review and follow the story/me if you haven't already. If you have any ideas or any personal questions, feel free to PM me. Hope you enjoyed and have a great day/night (depending on where you are.) :P