Chapter Nine:
Reunion of the Planet Leaders

The entire population of Velocitron was summoned and gathered at the Space Bridge in anticipation of welcoming the Planet Leaders from the other Cyber Planets. Hot Shot and Blurr stood atop the base platform of the Space Bridge just a few feet above head-level of the crowd. At ground level, Hotstreak was at the front of the multitude of bots gathered with Max and Zak upon his shoulders. Kyle and Monica had arrived with Clocker who was standing right next to Hotstreak. They all looked up at the others on the platform. There was a five minute time lapse before the Space Bridge opened up, spreading in a circular pattern like a flower blossoming in the spring.

"This is one experience that never gets old," Zak commented in awe, "It's like looking into a new prism kaleidoscope every single time."

"Yup," Clocker agreed with a nod, "There's nothing else quite like it in the entire universe."

"Citizens of Velocitron!" Blurr called everyone to attention, "Salute!"

The whole crowed moved as one, bringing their feet together with a loud clack of their heels and raising their right hands up at an angle above their optic ridges in soldiers' salutes. Within seconds, the first of the visitors stepped through the portal. This was Crosswise, an Autobot who had journeyed to Earth on the very first Space Bridge Expedition millions of years ago. He, along with his close friend Evac, traveled on board the legendary ship Atlantis, which sparked the original myths of "The Lost City" on Earth. At the time, Crosswise self-appointed himself to the hunting and entrapping of the ancient and mischievous Decepticons that were prowling around on Earth terrifying the native Earthlings by disguising themselves as mythical monsters from human lore. This earned Crosswise the title of "Monster Hunter," and he lived up to it quite well. Then, seventy stellar cycles ago, the "monsters" were set free by the scheming Decepticon Starscream, causing Crosswise to join the Autobots in their quest for the Omega Lock. When that mission ended, Crosswise became the leader of the Autobot Transformers stationed on Earth. He managed to pull veteran soldier Jazz out of retirement as well, appointing him second-in-command of the Earth forces and automatically Commander in Crosswise's absence. The Monster Hunter's alternate mode was that of a grey, Earth-based Bugatti Veyron sports car, and his weapons of choice were his long-range blaster rifle, hand grenades, and landmines.

The second out of the Space Bridge was Scavenger, the current leader of Gigantion, home of the giant Transformers. Most of the inhabitants of the Giant Planet used construction vehicle alternate modes, and Scavenger was no different. He transformed into a bright green bulldozer, and also like the other Giants, he had a Minicon companion. His was called Rollbar, and he transformed into a miniature crane. Scavenger was once a mercenary drifter back before the Unicron Battles and was not a true native to Gigantion. He had served as a mentor to Optimus Prime back when the Autobot and Decepticon wars first started and took part in the first defeat of the monster planet, Unicron. Afterwards, he returned to a life of drifting, stating that the war had made him grow weary of battle with a desire to find a place to settle down. That was when he came across Gigantion, a planet lost to the knowledge of the Transformers until the Omega Lock was rediscovered. Between those two times, Scavenger's form became adapted to that of the other Giants, and he grew to phenomenal proportions. He studied the histories of the planet and learned of the attack by Planet X, and so he was greatly prepared when bots from that devastated world attacked once more. This proved his ability to Metroplex, the Giant Leader at that time, and he was appointed the new leader at the end of Battle of the Omega Lock ended and the beginning of the Space Bridge expedition.

Lastly, Jetfire, the leader of Cybertron and Supreme Commander of all Autobots stepped out from the Space Bridge. This Autobot served many stellar cycles in the Cybertronian forces under his predecessor and friend Optimus Prime. He participated in so many battles in his life cycle that to list them all here would be quite overwhelming, but suffice to say that he was a key player in the ultimate fall of the monster-planet Transformer Unicron and in that of Decepticon leader Megatron. His alternate form was an An-225 Cossack Transport jet craft with wing-mounted missile launchers and a secret projectile launcher that could be activated with his Cyber Planet Key. He was most surprised with his appointment by Prime, as he felt he was not worthy of such an honor, but he accepted it with dignity.

Jetfire looked out at all the Velocitronian Autobots gathered at the Space Bridge; "At ease!" he said with a heave Australian accent, "It's great to see so many old faces and refreshing to see new ones. However, it is regrettable that this isn't a leisurely visit. Carry on." As the gathered bots began to disperse and go about their own business, Jetfire turned to Hot Shot; "Good to see you, old mate," he greeted with a handshake.

"Likewise, Jetfire," Hot Shot agreed then turned to Crosswise, "Always a pleasure, Crosswise." Lastly, he turned to Scavenger; "It's been too long, Scavenger!" he said as he reached his hand out for Scavenger's. Then he quickly pulled it back from the size of the giant servo; "Um…well," he chuckled sheepishly, "it's good to see you again. I don't mean to offend you, old friend, but I've forgotten how much you've reformatted since you moved to Gigantion."

Scavenger laughed a deep, gruff chuckle; "No harm done, Hot Shot," he assured, "I'm still trying to get used to this myself…and you remember Rollbar, my partner Minicon, right?"

"Of course! How can I forget? How have you been, Rollbar?"

Rollbar beeped happily in the language of the Minicons and moved his arms up and down in joy at Hot Shot's recognition of him.

""That's always good to hear," Hot Shot encouraged the Minicon then returned his attention to the Planet Leaders, "This visit is earlier than expected. We've had a bit of tragedy which has set me back on finding Velocitron a new leader. Come on. We'll talk more in the control center."

As Hot Shot lead the way to Velocitron's Control Center, he began telling Jetfire and the others about what had transpired just three solar cycles ago. He told them about Hotstreak's venture out into Seta Alpha Five and that Blade Stryke had followed to watch his back. Even though his knowledge of all that took place that day was rather limited, he knew just enough to explain the situation of his planet.

"Hotstreak had been damaged beyond the repair of the CR," the mech elucidated, "so Towline, Clocker, and Kyle Hansen's family built a new body and transferred his spark into it. Then we learned that Blade Stryke had been captured by the mutated bots of the ravine, which sent Freeride and Siren off on their own mission to find her. We haven't heard from them since."

"That's too bad," Jetfire mused, "I've heard very promising things about those femmes. Anyone of them had the potential to lead the planet had these events not taken place. You still have two other choices though, right?"

"Yes," Hot Shot acknowledged.

"What about Blurr?"

"I've thought about him."

"…and?"

"I don't know, Jetfire. I straight up offered him the position before the Grand Prix was announced, but you know how he is. He doesn't like things to just be handed to him…he wants to earn them."

"After all this time," Crosswise spoke up in that unmistakable Brooklyn accent, "he doesn't think he's earned the right to lead?"

Hot Shot shrugged; "That's what it seems," he said, "But I also know—"

A crashing sound at the entrance of the command center was heard, interrupting Hot Shot's thought and catching the planet leaders' attentions. They turned to see Max fighting against her parents' and brother's hands as they shove her into the room. Finally, Clocker's hand was seen giving the final successful shove.

"Go on!" Clocker whispered from out of sight, "Tell them!"

"Why do I have to do it?" Max shot back.

"Because it was your idea!" Zak reminded her.

"This is not going to work…" she spoke under her breath, "My ideas almost never work!"

"Something to say, Max?" Hot Shot asked suddenly.

Max grumbled in annoyance as she trudged over to the Planet Leaders who addressed her. She appeared rather elegant at first, but in the last couple of steps, nervousness took over, and she nearly tripped on the wide hems and long straps that dangled from her jeans.

"I, uh," she stammered, "I was going to wait 'til you guys were finished talking, but um, well…"

"Spit it out, girl!" Scavenger rumbled softly.

"Hot Shot," Max cleared her throat and spoke more smoothly, "I've bee talking with the others, and, given the events that occurred out in the valley, we think that Hotstreak is indeed ready to take the responsibility of leading Velocitron while you're away."

Jetfire raised an optic ridge at the young woman then turned to Hot Shot; "Hotstreak has seniority after Blurr, right?" he asked, "Surely he's good leadership material. Where is that boy, anyway?"

"Back on the track," Max answered with a little more confidence, "He's trying to get used to his new form. So…Hot Shot, what do you think."

Hot Shot rubbed his chin in reluctance; "He's capable, that's for sure," he acknowledged then sighed, "but Freeride was right when she had said Hotstreak's actions were irresponsible. His recklessness may have cost his friend her life, and I can't ignore that. The people need to be able to trust their leader, not fear him or her."

"But, Hot Shot!" Max protested, "Regardless of what bad happened out there, there was also some good. In the midst of it all, Hotstreak realized his mistake and took the initiative to fix it. Even Freeride admitted that she ignored Hotstreak when he told her to wait for you before going after those creatures with Siren. And if that's not going to convince you then maybe we should consider what was lost on Hotstreak's behalf…even you said he'd been punished enough."

"Look, Max," Hot Shot came back, "I understand how you feel about this, but I have to do what's best for the planet. Hotstreak has proven he has learned a lesson, but he has also provided evidence that he is not ready to take up the mantle of leader, not yet. This isn't about punishment. This is about trust, and at present—as much as I don't want to say or believe it—my trust in him is fractured. That hurts to say more than anything right now."

"I'm afraid Hot Shot's right, li'l sheela," Jetfire said after much consideration, "I just reviewed the incident report, and I have to say, regardless of what he did in the end, it was the initial choice he made that shows his level of responsibility. The boy is clearly not ready to lead an entire planet."

Max nodded sadly but in understanding as she walked back to where her family and Clocker were waiting. She mumbled something along the lines of "I told ou it wouldn't work" just before she vanished from eye sight of the Planet Leaders.

"So then," Jetfire resumed the conversation, "I take it you already made your choice of stand in?"

"Yes," Hot Shot answered, "I'll talk to Blurr before the solar cycle ends. For now, we need to discus a plan to try and rescue our friends and family involved in the expedition."

"Yeah," Crosswise agreed, "but you see we've encountered a problem. We have absolutely no contact with the Jungle Planet, and we can't exactly embark on a rescue mission without the Leader of the Beasts, ya know? Well, we could, but it wouldn't be easy with three bots looking for four ships."

"Yeah, well, Scourge wasn't one to use communicators, we all knew that. We'll just have to go to Jungle Planet and—"

"That would be the problem, mate," Jetfire cut him off, shaking his head, "We tried to land on the planet before coming to get you, but we were nearly shot out of the sky! There were no familiar Spark signatures either. Scourge, Snarl, and Leobreaker are all missing, and there seemed to have been a miserable war going on down on the surface. Everything seems to have reverted back to a feral state as Scourge had once described the place before he took over."

"We didn't stay long enough to make contact either," Scavenger added, "The current inhabitants of the planet are no longer friendly to outsiders, and they do not recognize the Cyber Planet Pact made seventy-five stellar cycles ago."

"We can't sit back and do nothing," Hot Shot observed.

"We won't," Jetfire assured, "but that's why it's very important for you to appoint your replacement as soon as possible. I want to send a team of your current best warriors—including your choice of leader—to Jungle Planet while the four of us go forward with our rescue mission."

"You're joking, right?" Hot Shot asked in disbelief, "Velocitron doesn't have any 'warriors.' We're racers, you know that. Blurr, Clocker, and I are the only ones experienced in battle, if that's what you want, and…and…and Hotstreak has had some training. However, none of them could possibly be prepared for something on the grand scale of Jungle Planet."

"No warriors?" Crosswise echoed, "Didn't you think it'd be wise to at least have a small militia just in case?"

Hot Shot threw Crosswise a cold glance; "Don't tell me how to lead my people, Crosswise," he said, "Besides, it shouldn't be that much of a surprise. Aside from my Sparklings, the youth of Velocitron have minimal combat training; it's mandatory, but it's only used for races. All other veterans went on the expedition."

Jetfire jumped between them; "Okay, okay!" he shouted, "Calm down, both of you. Look, Hot Shot, we're pressed for time. Every cycle we waste is a cycle we lose in the search for our friends. We must leave tomorrow morning."

"We'll figure something out," Hot Shot assured, "even if I have to put the burden on Blurr to plan the Jungle Planet mission."

"We'll see you in the morning, then."

The leaders then departed from each other, the guests heading for the visitor's chambers and Hot Shot to his own chamber. It was going to be a long evening.

* * *

Clocker and Max joined Hotstreak out on the test track. Max sat up in the monitoring booth to observe all action on the track. Hotstreak and Clocker had begun a race to test Hotstreak's speed in his new body. Neither Max nor Clocker spoke a word about the incident in the Control Center with the Planet Leaders, not wanting to upset their friend by what they had been told. Besides, Hotstreak had been enjoying himself too much for them to ruin that.

"Come on, Clocker!" Hotstreak shouted excitedly, "I've only had this body for a day and I'm already kicking your tailpipes with it! At least act like you're trying to beat me, man!"

"You think I'm not trying?" Clocker shot back, "Hotstreak, I'm already at my top speed!"

"You're pulling my fender!" Hotstreak laughed in disbelief, "I'm not even venting fumes yet! You're conserving your engine for the final lap, aren't you? Sly devil!"

"He's telling the truth, Hotstreak," Max confirmed over Hotstreak's comlink with an obvious smile in her voice, "Clocker is moving as fast as his engines will allow even with Cyber Key Power."

"Then he should be passing me, right? I'm only going half my speed!"

"I'm sure that's how it feels after being a Chrysler for so long. Your mind still thinks your top is right at two hundred miles per hour, so that's what your top speed will always feel like. However, you're actually breaking three hundred right now."

Hotstreak nearly shouted in disbelief; "What?!" he shrieked, "No way!"

"Yeah," Max laughed, "You know, on Earth, that specific Subaru model is used mostly for racing rather than conventional travel, but even they can't reach three hundred miles per hour. It's all you, bro. This mode we gave you enhanced your already impressive speed, and I wouldn't be surprised if three hundred wasn't your maximum."

Hotstreak and Clocker skid to a shrieking halt after crossing the finish line after their third lap and transformed to robot mode as Max came down from the viewing booth. Hotstreak examined all his systems.

"Slaggin' unreal!" he exclaimed, "Three hundred miles an hour and I can possibly go faster? Too bad the test track isn't quite long or straight enough to experiment with that theory…I really could have used this speed out in the desert."

"Yeah…well," Clocker tried to avoid delving into that subject again, "you know, we could try it out on the main track, but we'll have to—"

"Great idea, Clocker!" Hotstreak agreed, smacking Clocker on the back, "The main track would be perfect to really tear it up. Of course we need to get special permission to utilize the track when it's not in use."

"I was trying to say that," Clocker grunted mildly offended, "I'd never suggest we just go without permission, geez. If you'd have let me finish my sentence, you'd know that."

"Details, details," Hotstreak waved him off, "let's go find the guy in charge of all that."

He transformed to vehicle mode and allowed Max to climb in. Clocker also transformed, and they all headed for the main track, and after receiving permissions to run on it, there was no stopping them. At first, Clocker was matching Hotstreak's speed with little effort. Max, who opted to ride within Hotstreak during this run, relayed everything she could see.

"Okay, 'Streak," she said, you broke your normal two hundred, and Clocker's not getting enough of a workout."

"Hope you didn't expend too much energy on the test track, kid," Clocker teased.

"I'll show you!" Hotstreak laughed, "How's this for energy?"

Hotstreak accelerated rapidly, plastering Max to the seat. She noted the mech had reached the three hundred mark and was exceeding it! It was just like she predicted! She read off the numbers as the gauge needle past them.

"Three twenty-five!" she hollered, "Three fifty! Three seventy! Four…hund… red! 'Streak! Stop!"

Hotstreak initiated his brakes as fast as he could, causing himself to slide sideways just before to track ended. He opened his doors to let Max out and then transformed to robot mode.

"What a rush!" the mech shouted in exhilaration, "You okay, Max? I didn't know humans could change color like that."

"Trust me," Max said shakily, "it's not something we do because we like to…I think I'm going to be sick…"

The young woman hunched over and grabbed her knees, hanging her head down in an attempt to fight back the nausea that threatened to bring dinner back for an encore. After a few deep breaths, that threat passed, but Max was still feeling weak from the potential of it. Clocker pulled up just as Max sat herself on the blacktop, still keeping her head down and evening out her breathing.

"That was just insane!" Clocker commented, "You might even be faster than Blurr!"

"About the same," Max corrected softly, "The Maserati wasn't built for racing, but it can definitely keep pace with a Subaru, so don't get his hopes up."

"Who cares weather I'm faster than Blurr or not?" Hotstreak asked suddenly, "I'm more concerned about being faster than Skullgrin and Venomous down in the ravine!"

Clocker and Max shot confused looks at Hotstreak who was not even looking at them anymore. His gaze had shifted out in the direction of Seta Alpha Five, a fueled rage burning in his optics.

"Hotstreak," Clocker spoke cautiously, "I already told you the team Hot Shot sent out thoroughly searched the area for Blade Stryke. If you were to go out there again, there's no telling what Hot Shot will do."

"I hear you, Clocker, but just how 'thorough' were they? Did they just check out the surface, or did they go down in the ravine itself? That's where they took her, and that's where we should search."

"Listen to yourself! Before it was just ignorance, but now you pan to deliberately defy Hot Shot by reentering the restricted sector?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Hotstreak was smiling now, "I don't plan to just go on a whim like last time. I'll have to appeal to my father's compassion, but I'm going to get cleared to venture out there this time. Besides, it's not just Blade Stryke now. Freeride and Siren are out there, too, and they've been missing long enough to send a search party for them."

That made sense to Max and Clocker, but they were still in doubt as to the effectiveness of the young mech's plan. They knew he would have to rely on more than just Hot Shot's compassion for the results he wanted, especially with the other Planet Leaders being more concerned with the situation on Jungle Planet. Then again, they also knew he was too stubborn to just let it go, even if it meant getting into more trouble.

"Well, 'Streak," Max said as she rose to her feet after finally regaining her balance, "if you plan to confront them confidently, I'd suggest you rest your engines well, otherwise you might stumble over your words—not very convincing, you know."

Hotstreak ran a diagnostic on his systems when Max said that, and sure enough he was running rather low on energy and needed a recharge.

"Huh," Hotstreak scoffed, "in my old body I could go several quadra-decacycles without a recharge. What's the deal?"

"Since this is still a new body," Max pointed out, "you're going to have to take it a little slower than normal so that you can manage your energy output, otherwise you might drain yourself much too rapidly. It'll take a couple more days for your systems to calibrate properly, and your recharge cycles will return to normal."

"I can't wait that long," Hotstreak responded adamantly, "but a single solar cycle's worth of energy should suffice."

"Hotstreak," Clocker tried to reason with the younger mech once more, but he did not get the chance to finish his thought.

"No, Clocker," Hotstreak silenced him, "it's personal this time. Whether or not I get the clearance I need, I will go back out there, and I will find my friends and sister or get scrapped trying. Nothing you or anyone else can say will change my mind about it."

He quickly transformed to vehicle mode and peeled off the track and headed back towards his personal quarters. Clocker shook his head, and Max shrugged her shoulders.

"I guess that's that," Max said nonchalantly.

"He's going to get himself in more trouble than necessary," Clocker responded in disappointment, "It's for reasons like that that Hot Shot feels he can't trust him."

Max did not respond. She kind of felt what Hotstreak was feeling, and she knew if roles were reversed, she would go against her parents to help someone she cared about. With that thought in her mind, she asked Clocker to take her back to the complex that was specially built for human visitors. She wanted to be fully alert when the Planet Leaders were ready to depart.