A/N: Thanks to all those who reviewed! jesdavi: I'm sorry for the lack of Jack/Arcee. Rest assured that I have something planned for future chapters. Foxbear: It would seem you are reading my mind! Trust me when I say when Liege Maximo gets his turn (and it will be soon), he'll cause some major trouble for Jack.
Chapter 10
As the military base that served as MECH's current hideout was lit by the glow of energon, the occupants remained unaware of the approaching threat; Bumblebee. The scout had gotten word from Agent Fowler about the terrorist group's location and saw this as a chance to get back his T-Cog. Raf had reminded him that Optimus had ordered to stay behind and, sure enough, 'Bee would probably get an audio receptor full later. But this was his T-Cog, not Optimus and definitely not MECH's. Optimus may have as understanding as they came, but there was no way the Prime could understand the pain the scout was going through.
Losing your memory isn't like losing your voice; the loss of 'Bee's voice box not only hurt physically, but emotionally. Before that horrid day, the scout was known to talk up a storm about anything. It was his way of getting himself and his comrades through the war (that was back when they thought they were winning). Even during Megatron's painful interrogation of him, 'Bee never lost his spirit and fired every verbal jab he could at the 'Con. That would prove to be the last time he would say anything beyond beeps and clicks.
When Ratchet had informed him that his voice box was too heavily damaged to be repaired at the time, 'Bee fell into despair at the thought he could no longer speak in his voice. Speaking in whirs and clicks just didn't cut it, but the scout made do with what he had. He never failed to catch the looks of sympathy his condition garnered from everyone; and that hurt worst of all. It was hard enough being a youngling during the war; everyone always babying you and trying to "help" you grow up (without realizing they were reason he wasn't). Losing his voice box made his comrades all the more protective of him.
When Bulkhead had suggested the others not use their vehicle modes when 'Bee first found out he lost his T-Cog, the scout felt like a helpless sparkling all over again. He was grateful for the Wrecker's concern, but he was a youngling anymore! That was the reason he insisted on following Bulk to locate the second Iacon artifact. He wanted to prove that even without his wheels, he was still a warrior (in training or otherwise). 'Bee had reached the hanger doors and burst into the room.
He walked in to find MECH, their work on his T-Cog halted by the scout's appearance. 'Bee scanned the room and saw Silas right next to…Starscream? The seeker hadn't been seen since his skirmish with Arcee months ago. From what 'Bee learned, he was the "reliable" source that told them where they could find the space-bridge and initiate their plan which ultimately led to Opitimus regaining his memory. Why he had aligned himself with MECH to steal his T-Cog was beyond him.
The MECH soldiers aimed their weapons at 'Bee and prepared to fire on Silas' orders. The scout prepared to defend himself when Starscream snickered, "He doesn't have his T-Cog! He's got not fire power." With that MECH opened fire.
ShadowStrike Rising
In the snowy moutains, the Autobots were climbing up a tall mountain top in search for the latest artifact from Iacon. They already had the spark extractor thanks to Bumblebee, but lost an unknown device to them as well. Whatever it was, if it had been kept in the Vaults of Iacon, it must have been a dangerous weapon. While they climbed the mountain, they made sure to keep their grip; even with their durable armor, a fall like that could easily kill them. They had just reached the peak when they heard hammering.
The looked up to find the Decepticon duo, Knock Out and Breakdown, the latter smashing away at the ground. He stopped for a moment to get a good look at what he was unearthing. It looked like a golden hammer. "I don't get it. I'm chipping away with my hammer. Just to bring Megatron another hammer?" Knock Out merely shrugged and allowed Breakdown to continue smashing through the ground.
"That hammer is a relic of the Thirteen original Primes," Optimus stated, earning shocked looks from Bulkhead and Arcee.
"Seriously," the Wrecker asked.
"Isn't that the opposite of Decepticon tech?" Arcee asked.
"It would stand to reason that in addition to confiscated weaponry, any artifacts of great importance were also stored into the Vaults of Iacon," Optimus said. "And none would be greater than the Forge of Solus Prime. Legend tells that it has the power to infuse raw materials with mystical energy."
"As in, if we had it, we could pound any weapon we could think of into existence?" Bulkhead asked in disbelief.
"Or perhaps," Opitmus pondered. "Possibly construct a new T-Cog for Bumblebee." Indeed, with the Forge in their possession, the Autobots could solve several problems. In addition to making a new T-Cog for Bumblebee, they could create new weapons as well as equipment to aid in their search for energon and Ratchet's research into completing the synthetic energon formula. As Knock Out and Breakdown finished uncovering the Forge, they prepared to take it back to the Nemesis.
"Time to get a grip," Knock Out smirked. Just as Breakdown reached down to grab the hammer, a dark energy flew at them. They jumped back and looked up to a ledge where the Shredder and Karai were standing. Having been tracking similar devices for some time, Stockman informed them of this find. Never in their wildest dreams did they imagine that artifacts they were locating belonged to the Transformers, nor would they allow them possess such power.
"We'll be taking that hammer," Karai declared.
Knock Out merely laughed, "You? You're nothing but skin jobs!"
"We are more than that you mechanical fool," the Shredder reached for his sword with his left hand, drawing a long blade with red markings, translating a dead language. Electricity flickered across his blade of the Archfiend as he and Karai jumped down, the latter having drawn her katana. Knock Out and Breakdown were about to attack when blaster fire came from the opposite direction. They turned to find the Autobots speeding toward them in vehicle mode. Bulkhead broke off from formation while Optimus and Arcee transformed, running and firing.
Knock Out brought out the shield device and deflected their attacks. He expanded the shield and forced the two back, "How do you 'Bots like my new finish protector?" Karai jumped from behind and slashed the medic's back.
"Guess it's not doing a good job," she smirked. Knock Out tried to examine the damage, but couldn't see back there, but the energon leaking down his back to him she broke through his plating.
"You little brat!" he roared. "Do you know how it takes me to look this good?"
"Meh," Karai replied. "Six outta ten." Knock Out seethed as he drew his saw and attacked. He slashed at her, but Karai's size provided her with an advantage in speed. She slashed them his chasis and jumped back, allowing the 'Bots to fire. Knock Out brought out his shield again to prevent any more damage. While the two kept firing, Karai went on the attack, aiming for Arcee.
"You should learn to pay attention to everything around you instead of directing all your energy into one fight," she sneered as she prepared to strike. Arcee brought out her left wrist blade and blocked the girls attack.
"I've been at this a lot longer than you," she threw her back. Karai recovered as her father joined her.
"They're putting more of a fight this time around," the Shredder said.
"To be fair, you did take them by surprise," Karai pointed out.
"Even so, we must finish these machines here and now to avoid future meddling in our plans," Shredder held his blade of the Archifiend with a back handed grip and prepared to strike when a black sword caught is blade. He turned to find none other than ShadowStrike confronting him.
"ShadowStrike," Optimus called, "why are you here?"
"The voice in my head told me to come," he replied, his gaze fixed on the Shredder. Luckily for him, he managed to drive his kunai back into the mountain and found his way back up. Now he was ready for round two with the Shredder.
"As much as I would enjoy battling you again," the man rasped. "I have other priorities to attend to." He pushed the young ninja away and rejoined Karai, "We'll meet again." With that, they disappeared.
"Count on it," ShadowStrike replied. He looked over to find Bulkhead and Breakdown fighting while Knock Out was pushing Optimus and Arcee to the cliff edge with his "finish protector".
"For the most creative use of a shield, the award goes to Knock Out!" he exclaimed, unaware of the ninja approaching from behind.
"Do you ever shut up!" ShadowStrike landed on his shoulder and drove his sword into the medic's optic.
"AGGGH!" he cried as he lost the ability to see his right side. Before he knew it, Breakdown was sent flying into him by Bulkhead, who had taken hold of the Forge. The shield device was knocked from the medic's grasp; he struggled to recover it, energon leaking from where his optic used to be. Bulkhead slammed the Forge onto the shield , reducing to scrap. The Wrecker stood victorious, unaware of the ground-bridge that opened from behind.
A blaster shot fired from the vortex, knocking Bulkhead down.
"Bulkhead!" Arcee cried. From the bridge, Megatron strode out and took hold of the Forge. Optimus and Arcee drew their blasters and prepared to fire.
Ne-eh-ah," he aimed his fusion cannon at the prone Bulkhead, forcing them to stay their weapons. "A relic of the Primes here on Earth? The Decepticon cause is once again indebted to Orion Pax." He disappeared through the portal, while Optimus and Arcee opened fire. Knock Out and Breakdown transformed and sped through the bridge. Bulkhead regained consciousness as Optimus and Arcee rushed to his side.
"I'm okay," he replied, shaking his head.
"Let us return to…" Optimus searched around and realized someone was missing. "Where is ShadowStrike?"
"Jack?" Arcee's optics darted around, searching for her partner. "Jack!" She then looked to where the Decepticon ground-bridge had been and it hit, "He didn't."
Before anyone could reply, the commlink came to life," Optimus. We have located MECH's base." It was Ratchet, "Bumblebee has already taken leave to pursue."
ShadowStrike Rising
Bumblebee prepared to attack as MECH opened fire on him; his armor deflected the bullets and gave him time to think. He saw a barrel and grabbed it, tossing at MECH, sending them down. He knocked a few of them away, clearing the path to what appeared to be a man-made Cybertronian exo-skeleton. He hopped on its chest and ripped it open, revealing his T-Cog. He recovered it and was about to call for a bridge when Starscream's missile knocked him down.
He picked up 'Bee's T-Cog and smirked, "So close, yet so far."
"The location and the prototype have been compromised," Silas seethed as his men retreated. "Finish this and meet at the rendezvous point. With my T-Cog!" Silas followed his men and fell back.
"I am not some servant," Starscream hissed, "I am a consultant!" He noticed Bumblebee coming to his sense and prepare to fight. He shifted his servo into a blaster and grinned, "Try it and say goodbye to your precious bio-mech."
'Bee's optics widened as found himself helpless yet again; if he tried to attack, there was a good chance that his T-Cog could get destroyed in the skirmish. But if he didn't, Starscream would make off with his bio-mech and allow Silas and his men to continue their experiments, whatever they were.
"Oh, to be without a means of transforming," Starscream gloated. "To be unable to feel the thrust of a vehicle mode speeding across this retched planet." 'Bee took advantage of the Seeker's gloating and tackled him, sending his T-Cog into the air. The scout jumped up and reached for it, his spark beating at the speed of light. Time seemed to slow down as 'Bee's servo came closer and closer to his T-Cog. He was moments away from making himself whole again when a shot hit his T-Cog, sending to the ground below.
'Bee fell to ground as he examined his T-Cog; it was singed, possibly damaged beyond repair. He looked over at Starscream, both in fury and despair.
"Time to jet," he mocked, "because I can!" He transformed and flew out of the hanger at top speed. 'Bee sat there for Primus knows how long, his optics never leaving his damaged bio-mech. After all that effort; after everything he risked, his T-Cog was destroyed, possibly for good. 'Bee wanted to cry, to let fluids leak out of his optics to just relive some of the pain, but he couldn't.
"Bumblebee," the voice of Optimus drew him from his thoughts. 'Bee got to his pedes and slowly walked out of the hanger, his optics still fixed on his T-Cog. He looked up briefly to find the sympathetic gazes of Optimus, Arcee, and Bulkhead.
"Ratchet," the Prime commed, "prepare for surgeory."
"Thanks to me," Bulkhead groaned. "Megatron has the hammer."
"While we would have put the Forge of Solus Prime to valuable use, I do not believe we have reason to fear Megatron's possession of it. It is said that only a Prime or those chosen by Solus herself have the power to utilize the Forge's power. Besides, we may be able to salvage Bumblebee's bio-mech." 'Bee looked up at the Prime, his optics hopeful, all of them unaware of what was approaching. Out of nowhere a dragon flew past them, snatching Bumblebee's T-Cog in his jaws.
It turned to face the 'Bots before shattering 'Bee's T-Cog in its teeth, leaving them horrified. The dragon transformed to assume the form of the Shredder, landing next to Karai. He laughed manically, "Let that be a lesson. Cross me again, and you will lose more than that device!" They disappeared into the shadows, the 'Bots glaring daggers at where they stood.
'Bee fell to his knees, unable to comprehend what had just happned.
ShadowStrike Rising
Aboard the Nemesis, Megatron was slamming the Forge of Solus Prime onto a metal box, attempting to transform it into a weapon. When he finally stopped, all that remained was a dented box.
Knock Out eyed curiously, his missing optic being treated by his medical drones, "It doesn't look like Fortress Maximus grade nuclear explosive."
"It is as I suspected," the Deceptiocn leader snarled. "Without the power of Prime to unlock it, the Forge is just another addition to our tool chest. But one that we must ensure never reaching the grip of a Prime." He set the hammer down and prepared to leave, Soundwave and Knock Out behind him when the sound of transformation filled the room. The trio turned to see ShadowStrike with the Forge, now human sized, in hand.
"You!" Knock Out growled.
"So you are the one who tried to interfere with our plans," Megatron's optics narrowed at the ninja. "Soundwave, alert the-" Megatron was cut-off by ShadowStrike slamming the Forge into his face, sending him back into a wall on the far side of a corridor.
"Don't suppose I should make the derogatory hammer joke," he asked, seemingly to no one in particular.
"Please don't," Solus replied.
"Raaggh!" Megatron roared. "Destroy him!" Scores of Vehicons approached from around the corners, firing at the ninja. He dodged each of them, placing the Forge on his back and drawing his sword. He slashed their arms, disarming, but not killing them. He ran along the wall of a corridor, looking for a way out of the ship.
He knew he was far from ready to take on Megatron or even Soundwave (you all know why). He turned another corner, still running along the wall, disarming any Vehicon he ran into, he was hit by a blast from Megatron's fusion cannon. He landed on the ground with a thud, his body rolling to a distance. He tried to get his bearings as Megatron stalked him, "I hope you've made peace with yourself! Because this is where you die!"
This is it, he thought. How was he supposed to get out this one? His body was still not responding as the Lord of the Decepticons drew ever closer. He could only hope that the 'Bots would bridge themselves to his- Wait!
His forgot about his space-bridging ability! Right now it was his best hope, but he didn't know where to go.
"Focus on the Matrix and you will go it!" Solus called to him. ShadowStrike closed his eyes, trying to block out the heavy foot falls of Megatron as he neared. He saw Optimus and the others back at base, looking sullen. Bumblebee looked worse out of all of them, Raf doing his best to comfort his friend. He then heard the sound of Megatron's cannon charging up.
"Say goodbye," he grinned darkly. Just as he was about to fire, ShadowStrike disappeared in a flash. The ninja found himself back at base, the 'Bots looking at him in shock.
"Jack!" Arcee said, "What were you think-" she stopped when noticed the Forge in his hands.
"Special delivery," he panted.
ShadowStrike Rising
A/N: Hope you enjoyed! Next time: The Autobots have the Forge. Have all their problems been solved or will there be one more standing between them and 'Bee getting a new T-Cog.