The Transformers
The Instrument of Revenge
Chapter Twelve – Retreat
Scourge's exterior was severely damaged from both Autobot and Destructicon weapon's fire as he approached Cyclonus who watched the battle from atop a nearby hill only several hundred feet from the conflict. Scourge was in tremendous pain and Cyclonus could tell.
"The battle does not go well Cyclonus… There are just too many of them. We cannot win this, especially after already fighting with the Autobots." Scourge was clenching his right arm with his left hand to stop coolant from escaping. Cyclonus turned back to the fighting to witness the Terrorcon giant Abominus falling to the ground after being bombarded with Destructicon firepower. The Decepticon gestalt died shortly after.
Cyclonus' eyes turned from the dead body of Abominus back to Scourge. "Signal a retreat. Let the Autobots deal with Starscream..." Scourge looked into the sky and a red beam of light shot out from the weapon he had mounted on the top of his head. The overwhelmed Decepticons who still valiantly battled nearby immediately took notice.
Optimus Prime turned away from the dead body of Ultra Magnus to face the approaching Hot Rod. Much of the young Autobot's exterior was covered in black from the smoke and fire emanating from the wreckage and debris all around them. "The Decepticons are leaving Optimus…" Then Hot Rod noticed Ultra Magnus and his eyes dropped to the ground. "Oh no, not Ultra Magnus too…"
Optimus Prime grabbed hold of the much larger dead Autobot and hoisted him up and onto his shoulder. There would be no way he would leave him here. He then looked out over the landscape, across the many dead Transformers, and noticed that the Decepticons were in fact leaving. He knew that if the Autobots did not follow the Decepticons lead, the situation would only get worse. The Autobots could not fight Starscream's forces alone. He then looked to Hybion who had taken cover behind the fallen remains of Autobot Tailgate. He knew the Autobots needed to withdraw, but how could he leave Hybion's world like this?
"You must come with us Hybion… There is nothing left for you here." claimed Prime.
Hybion crawled away from the dead Autobot's body and stood before Optimus. The small Symconian was covered in cuts and bruises and his clothes were frayed and torn. "I know you have to save your own people Optimus… I know you cannot let your friends die like mine have died. I understand what you have to do, but this is my world, and I will not leave it…"
Optimus Prime reluctantly nodded his head in recognition of Hybion's words. "We will be back my friend, I promise you…" With that, Prime turned to Hot Rod and motioned for him to signal the retreat.
The mighty Omega Supreme brushed aside the several Destructicon warriors he was battling and transformed to rocket mode. The Autobots arrived to his location from all points across the landscape and quickly boarded him. Optimus Prime took one last look at the scorched surface of the planet. "Come on Optimus, we have to go…" claimed Hot Rod who was still at his side.
"Everywhere we go Hot Rod, we leave destruction in our path. When will it ever end? When will we finally leave the innocent alone?" Optimus turned to watch Hybion running off into the chaos before moving to the waiting Omega Supreme. Hot Rod took one last look of his own and remembered the burden he had endured during his short tenure as Prime and he knew exactly what Prime was thinking.
The Decepticon triple-changer known as Astrotrain transformed from his robot form to train mode and collided with several Destructicons crushing them beneath his heavy frame. He approached Cyclonus and Scourge and transformed yet again, this time to his shuttle configuration. The damaged Decepticons who could not transform into space capable vehicles boarded his large cargo bay.
Optimus Prime helped the last of his Autobot warriors into Omega Supreme before closing the giant hatch. Destructicon warriors continued to fire at Omega's exterior but the mighty Autobot lifted off the ground anyway. Prime looked out a window at the Destructicon warriors now fading away as the Autobot rocket rose into the clouds. The surface of the once beautiful world was now a smoldering ruin and Optimus Prime realized that he just abandoned what was left of that planet to Starscream and his new army. It was something he never imagined he would do and he was disgusted by the realization that Hybion and his people faced extinction.
Starscream watched closely as Omega Supreme and Astrotrain ascended into the Symconian air. Aside from the fact that Galvatron had been defeated and killed before his arrival his plans were now set into motion and there was nothing to stop him. His Lieutenant, the Destructicon known as Metalcrusher had stepped to his side. "Should we follow them?"
Starscream's gaze left the sky as he turned to his trusted warrior. "Let them go, at least for now. Let them spread their fear back to Cybertron and Charr and then we will deliver a final blow to eliminate them all…"
Metalcrusher nodded his head signaling that he understood. "Should we set up base here my Lord?" he asked.
Starscream took a glance across the landscape and the utter destruction that surrounded him. "Is there anything left of any value?"
"Negative. The Decepticons have killed most of the population and have drained nearly seventy-five percent of the planet's resources. There is little value in remaining on this world…"
Starscream began to walk away, but turned to Metalcrusher once again. "Very well. Signal the others back to the starship and prepare for departure…"
"Where are we going my Lord, Cybertron or Charr?"
Starscream was quick to respond. "Neither. Order the helm to set a course for planet Earth!" Starscream began to walk again until something else suddenly came to his mind. He pointed his finger to the retrieved body of Galvatron that rested on the ground only several feet away. "And Metalcrusher, make sure you get that back to the ship…" Starscream jumped into the air, transformed to jet mode and ascended towards the immense Destructicon warship hovering in the sky above.
