Nexus: Hey, everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I updated. I've been busy, this chapter was the last chapter that me and my friend worked on together and it wasn't finished, so I had to finish it.
Orion: From here on out this will be all Nexus since this is where the original work ended so expect updates to be a bit slower.
Nexus: Also please go to my profile as I have put up a poll as to what story you guys want me to do next.
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime, Hasbro does.
Chapter #12: A War Between Man and Machine
Part 2
"Okay, I think I've got it." Jack stated. Upon his request, Ratchet had easily secured the various schematics on the infrared/night vision goggles. The new vision modes had incorporated rather easily into his HUD without a problem. The lock-on system had been difficult to incorporate, mainly due to it's complexity but Jack was able to assimilate it. The re-breather was much the same way as the lock-on system. After incorporating it, Jack's HUD updated itself. Now located in the upper left corner was a small blue bar with a timer that was currently reading '5:00:00:00'.
Lastly, was the active-camo. Sadly, Ratchet hadn't had much on it and human technology just wasn't advanced enough for Jack to copy anything useful. Ratchet suggested trying to see if he could shift the armor of the color so that it appeared completely black without reflecting any light. With nothing to lose, the young man tried it. To the relief of everyone, the suggestion proved valid. Jack's appearance had turned to that of three-dimensional shadow. His form had no detail to it and offset one's vision. No matter what angle one looked at Jack, he just seemed to not be there.
"That's going to come in handy." Arcee stated after a moment.
"Yeah, but only in the dark." Jack corrected, looking himself over. "Otherwise, I stick out like a sore thumb." He then deactivated the camo, returning his armor's features to normal.
"Despite that, " Ratchet began, "I'd say this has been a rather successful venture. At least something has." He muttered the last part under his breath.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Arcee questioned.
Ratchet sighed and shook his head tiredly. "I am worried about how we will handle this operation. No matter what, MECH will not simply let us disrupt their operations. Optimus want no human casualties but..."
Jack interrupted him in a quiet voice. "You're not sure that's possible?"
"Exactly. Their numbers are unknown. Weaponry unknown. Even if we ascertain more intelligence, there just doesn't seem to be a way to realistically do this without causing a catastrophe and as a result human casualty."
Arcee and Jack shared a knowing glance. Killing 'cons was one thing, humans were another. Neither of them had much love of MECH, but if this situation went south, the consequences would be devastating. The US government wouldn't exactly like the fact the Autobots massacred a human terrorist organization. If it appeared the Autobots appeared willing to kill humans...
Jack suppressed a groan as torrent of possible scenarios poured into his mind. Sometimes, he really hated having an improved brain. Arcee on the other hand was more concerned about having Jack to possibly kill a MECH operative. Cybertronian kills were rather clean; metal parts and energon, humans on the other hand were biological with blood, organs and bone. Messy wouldn't even begin to describe them. Arcee could just imagine MECH soldiers running for their lives...running...moving...that gave her an idea.
"Ratchet?" the femme asked, continuing when the medic turned to her. "Is it possible for the Immobilizer to work on humans?"
The medic thought for a second. "Possibly..." Without another word, he walked briskly towards elevator.
Arcee turned to Jack with a smile. "We might just have solved our casualty problem."
Just as Ratchet was about to enter the elevator, the doors opened revealing Optimus, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Slipstream and Soundwave. As they poured out, Optimus stopped and turned to Ratchet.
"Where are you going?" The Prime asked.
"To see if we have another asset for this operation. Arcee has given me an idea." With that Ratchet entered the elevator.
Optimus turned back to the gathered team before him. "Soundwave." The spymaster nodded in acknowledgement. "I need to you to locate MECH's base. It should be within a region known as 'Colorado'."
Soundwave wasted no time, walking over to the computer and plugging himself into it via his tentacles. He felt the familiar rush of data as he sorted through information. While not familiar with human computer and communication networks, they were relatively simple compared to those used by Cybertronians in general.
After watching the faceless bot start his search, Optimus turned back to address the others. "Autobots, we are on the verge of facing a powerful enemy that seeks to exploit to us, for their own ends. With that effort, they also endanger this planet. We must neutralize that threat. Our mission is to destroy their foundation, not to slaughter them."
"Well, thank the AllSpark, we have this." Ratchet's voice called from behind. The group looked at the medic. In his hands, was a rod like device.
"The immobilizer?" Optimus questioned.
Ratchet nodded. "Yes. Arcee mentioned using it to stop MECH's forces. Not only doesn't it harm them but also makes sure that their numbers can't properly regroup. Now all we need is for Soundwave-"
Right at the mention of his name, the spymaster turned around, gaining the group's attention and pointed at the computer screen. It was currently displaying a map with an indicator point to the base.
"-to find the base." Ratchet finished lamely and muttered. "At least he works fast."
"Then the operation may begin." Optimus declared. " Autobots, we have been called upon by the government of this planet to engage an human organization that in terms of malicious intent rival that of the Decepticons, MECH. Should they get their hands on any of us, they would dissect us to fuel their own agenda. However I do not want us to engage MECH directly, it is best for them to be stopped by there own. As we Cybertronians judge our own then humanity must be allowed to judge themselves as well. Ratchet, Soundwave, I want you two to remain at the base and provide tactical backup and assistance. Our main objective will be to destroy their base and any research it contains."
"How will we deal with the MECH personnel?" Bulkhead asked. "I don't think they're just going to let us walk in."
"Agent Fowler's men will handle MECH's operatives while we Autobots will dismantle any major fortifications or heavy artillery the enemy may have. Our object is the destruction of MECH's research and main base of operations. With their base of operation destroyed they will be forced to surrender, after that our human allies will handle the rest."
Jack gave a small sigh. "Optimus, I understand that you do not wish to harm any human beings, but this may be a situation where we can't afford mercy of that kind and unless Rachet is able to make a breakthrough on the the synthetic energon, we cannot even afford serious injury, your energon supply is already at an all time low."
"And what of the costs to us? We are few in numbers and everyone of us is vital to the defeat of the Decepticons. We cannot afford any losses." Shockwave stated with a hint of concern in his voice.
"I agree with you all, but I will not allow human casualties if possible. If we decide to cross this line what will stop our human allies from viewing us the same as the Decepticons? Unless it truly involved Decepticon activity, human affairs are to be left to them. I already feel guilt that we brought this war to Earth, we don't need to add more grief this species." Optimus sighed and closed his optics. "To have a human terrorist group that targeted Cybertronians in general is a situation I had not expected or even considered and after several close calls with this group, the issue has now coming to a point to which even our human allies are asking for our aid."
"If I may enquire, what is this Synthetic Energon that the Minicon refers to and why it is not being used?" Shockwave asked causing the other Autobots except for Slipstream and Soundwave to shudder. "The formula for the Synthetic Energon was recovered from a data cylinder a while back but do to certain complications the data was lost before the formula could be completed. The current formula is highly unstable and has certain side effects that are⦠problematic." Ratchet grumbled.
"Optimus, with your permission I would like to analyze the formula for this Synthetic Energon." Shockwave asked turning to Optimus. "With the limited amount of energon we currently have available and the dwindling amount we have at the present, this could prove us with a much needed advantage and a possible end to the shortage of energon forever."
"Optimus, while I may be a medic, my skills are nowhere near Shockwaves. And if he is anything like the Decepticon Shockwave then this is an opportunity we can not turn down!" Ratchet said as he turned to look at a formula on the screen.
Optimus sighed. "Shockwave, as long as you keep the tests restricted to testing equipment then you may remain here and work on the formula. Ratchet, I want you to explain the events of your previous tests to him. As for the rest of you, prepare to roll out!"
Nexus: So that's it for now, again please go to my profile as I have put up a poll as to what story you guys want me to do next.
Orion: And please leave a review or comment as we do read them all!
Nexus: That's right and if you leave a suggestion for the story it may be added in.
Nexus/ Orion: See you all in the next chapter!
