Meanwhile in Nevada
"It can't be!" exclaimed Prowl.
"How…How is this even possible?" said Optimus "You were…you were"
"I think we know by now, Optimus, that I am simply too stubborn to die" said Megatron "You left me in there to die; and I would have to, if Scrapper and the other Constructicons hadn't salvaged me from there" Crankcase's optics lit up.
"What happened to you then?" asked Optimus.
"Optimus—" said Prowl.
"No, I'll answer his question" said Megatron "I was badly damaged and rendered in a coma; so Scrapper and the others have spent the last few months repairing me and I've finally regained full strength again. Funny; they say that you become sluggish after experiencing a long dormant state like this, and yet…I feel stronger than ever" Crankcase walked over to Megatron and bowed before him. "What is this?"
"Father, it is a great honor to see you alive again" said Crankcase.
"And what makes you so confident as to approach me again?" asked Megatron.
"I worked with Scrapper" replied Crankcase "I was unaware of your presence, but we worked together nonetheless. Please, all I ask is—" At that moment, Megatron grabbed him by the throat and held him up.
"Whatever it is, it is too much" said Megatron.
"But—" begged Crankcase.
"It is always too much to accept something like you at my side!" snarled Megatron. He threw Crankcase out of sight.
"How could you do that, Megatron?" asked Optimus.
"You say that like you're surprised" said Megatron.
"He's your own son" said Optimus.
"That is only a technicality of his birth" said Megatron "It doesn't make him my son"
"I can't believe anyone can be that cold sparked" said Prowl "Not even you"
"Maybe because you don't know me at all, Prowl" said Megatron. Suddenly, Prowl threw all of his shurikens at Megatron at once, only for them to either be missed or caught in midair. "You should have let me finished talking first" He chucked the shurikens to the side. "Now where were we?" He retracted out his blade.
"And so it happens yet again" said Optimus whilst retracting his blades.
"I've looked forward to this for a long time" said Megatron. He charged at Optimus and the two clashed blades violently.
All Hail Megatron part 1
Nevada
Bulkhead, Ironhide, Breakaway, and Hound drove through the terrain as they heard the clashing.
"They're just up ahead" said Ironhide "I can hear them up ahead" The lights of blaster flickered up ahead
"I think I can see them" said Bulkhead. When they reached the fight between Megatron and Optimus, they stopped and transformed.
"Wait…is…is that—" said Breakaway.
"Megatron!" said Ironhide. Megatron turned his optics towards them.
"I…I thought you guys said that he was dead" said Hound.
"He was" said Bulkhead "I mean…we thought he was" Optimus pushed Megatron back to face the others.
"Autobots, get back!" said Optimus before Megatron shot him out of the way.
"Prime!" exclaimed Bulkhead.
"The other Autobots" said Megatron "Greetings"
"You're looking awfully well for a dead robot, Megatron" said Breakaway.
"Then let us put it to the test" said Megatron "Come on!"
"You feelin' lucky, punk?" said Ironhide whilst loading his cannon.
"He sure is feeling it" said Bulkhead as he turned his hands into maces "Let see if he is" He shot out his maces at Megatron who wacked both of them to the side with his blade.
"Take him!" yelled Ironhide. He and the other Autobots began shooting at Megatron who dodged the shots and rushed over to them where he punched Ironhide out into a large rock. Hound started shooting him continuously but Megatron grabbed him by the neck and slammed him into the ground.
"It doesn't matter how many of you there are" said Megatron "You will all fall!"
"Never!" said Prowl as he leapt onto Megatron's back only to get thrown to the side. He got himself up and leapt towards Megatron again but was bashed to the side. Breakaway transformed, flew at Megatron, and rammed himself into him but Megatron grabbed ahold of his wings.
"A flying Autobot?" said Megatron "Most Decepticons would view that as an accomplishment" He spun Breakaway around and threw him away. "But I know better" Bulkhead rushed up to him from behind and slammed his maces onto his back, but he turned around (more angry than hurt), charged up his fusion cannon, and blasted Bulkhead away.
"Ah!" exclaimed Bulkhead. Megatron walked over to him and charged up his cannon again.
"Such a waste of energon" said Megatron. Suddenly, Optimus tackled him down to the ground.
"Enough of this!" said Optimus "If there is no way around it, then let us end this once and for all!"
"In time, Optimus" said Megatron "But right now, I have more pressing things to adjourn to. But when we see each other again, I promise you that I will tear out your spark!" He transformed and flew off.
Later
"And then…he just left" said Optimus.
"I can't believe Megatron's back" said Bumblebee "I mean…I thought…"
"We all thought that" said Optimus "But he survived through it"
"And apparently he's up to his old tricks again" said Prowl "We don't know what his plan is yet, but knowing him it's not good"
"As of now, we are officially on high alert" said Optimus "We have to be prepared to face any move that Megatron makes on us, but we also have to be prepared for both the defensive and offensive tactics"
"What do you want us to do?" asked Bulkhead.
"We'll act fast" said Optimus "Bumblebee, pick up Melody, Bobby, and Kate and bring them here; they were thrust into this and it's up to us to make sure they stay safe"
"Got it" said Bumblebee. He turned, transformed, and drove off out of the Ark.
"Ratchet, contact Agent Bluestone" said Optimus "He needs to know"
"Will do" said Ratchet.
"Everyone else, stay alert and ready" said Optimus. He turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" asked Prowl.
"If Megatron is mounting a master plan, we need every available Autobot at the ready" replied Optimus.
"But we all are, Optimus" said Prowl.
"By every available Autobot, I mean every available Autobot on this planet" said Optimus.
"What are you—" asked Prowl before realizing what he was saying "Wait; you're not talking about Grimlock and his team, are you?"
"They are powerful warriors and we need everyone we can get" said Optimus.
"But they are also some of the most insubordinate Autobots I have ever seen" said Prowl "You know very well that they won't follow you willingly"
"Grimlock did not long ago" said Optimus.
"Because he needed us, not because we needed him" said Prowl "There's no point in going, he doesn't care about any of us and he cares even less for this planet"
"Grimlock might be too big for this world, Prowl" said Optimus "But he is an Autobot nonetheless; and if I don't try, then we will definitely not have any more help" He transformed and drove off.
Meanwhile on the Nemesis
As Starscream sat on his throne with Slipstream at his side, Barricade came rushing in.
"Lord Starscream, we have…an unexpected visitor" said Barricade.
"Who is it that would interrupt me like this unannounced?" snapped Starscream.
"Umm…well…" said Barricade shortly before Megatron stepped in which caused everyone to freeze instantly.
"It….It can't be…" said Starscream "It can't be!"
"Hello Starscream" said Megatron.
"L-Lord Megatron, you're alive!" said Starscream whilst instantly rushing down to bow down "Praise the AllSpark! It's a miracle!" Everyone (Slipstream included) stood to the side and watched as the scene played out.
"Tell me, what were you doing on my throne?" asked Megatron.
"I…I took charge, my lord" replied Starscream nervously.
"And why would you do that?" asked Megatron.
"I had to, my lord" replied Starscream "I mean; you're disappearance was a tragic loss to us all, but we had to endure nonetheless. I merely took it upon myself to stand in for your position"
"Starscream, I think you're smart enough to know that I'm not that stupid" said Megatron.
"Excuse me, what did you—" said Starscream shortly before Megatron grabbed him by the throat.
"It wasn't a coincidence that the Antarctic base collapsed in on itself at the very moment that I was in it" said Megatron.
"Lord Megatron, please!" begged Starscream "Mercy!"
"And you will get it" said Megatron "I have other plans to focus so I will grant you your mercy….eventually" He dragged the screaming Starscream off down the hall with a disturbed Slipstream looking on.
Meanwhile
Bobby lay on his bed when he heard a loud car hoot. He instantly ran to the window and looked out of it to see Bumblebee parked on the sidewalk.
"Seriously?" said Bobby. He grabbed his coat, ran down stairs, and out of the door. "Bumblebee, what is it?"
"Get inside" replied Bumblebee whilst opening his backdoor up.
"What for?" asked Bobby.
"Just get inside" replied Bumblebee.
"Alright, alright" said Bobby as he got himself inside before Bumblebee zoomed off. "Woah; you're in quite a hurry today"
"Yeah, I'll explain it when we pick up Kate and Melody" said Bumblebee.
"Melody?" said Bobby "But she's grounded"
"I know" said Bumblebee "But since Optimus wants you all, she'll understand"
"Tell that to her mom" said Bobby.
Meanwhile
Optimus walked through the cloudy forest in search of Grimlock and the rest of his team. He reached an area where the trees had been cleared out and knocked down.
"Grimlock?" said Optimus "Grimlock, where are you?" At that moment, he heard thumping footsteps walking up to him from behind. He turned around to see Slug slowly walking up to him in beast mode.
"You are not welcome here, Optimus Prime!" growled Slug "Leave!"
"I have merely come to speak with Grimlock" said Optimus "Where is he?"
"No one speaks with Grimlock!" growled Sludge who walked up to them in beast mode.
"I don't want any trouble" said Optimus. Slug and Sludge began to circle him. "I want this to be quick"
"You should have thought of that before you came!" growled Sludge.
"Please, let me speak with him" said Optimus "It is urgent"
"I will say this one last time, Prime; leave!" growled Slug.
"Slug, Sludge; leave him!" snapped a voice. Grimlock walked up to them with Snarl and Swoop at his side. Slug and Sludge didn't comply. "I said "leave him"; we don't want the Boy Scout breathing down our necks" Slug and Sludge transformed and walked off.
"You were lucky this time, Prime" said Slug.
"Thank you" said Optimus.
"Don't get cocky, Prime" said Grimlock "I told you I'd rather not be disturbed. What is it?"
"I have urgent news and I'll try to keep it brief" replied Optimus "Megatron has returned"
"Returned?" said Grimlock "I thought he was dead"
"So did I" said Optimus "But he escaped it. I won't go into details right now, but right now he appears to be up to something. I'm not sure what it is yet, but I think we can both agree it's nothing good"
"And why do you come to me about this?" asked Grimlock.
"In this time of need, we need everyone available" replied Optimus "Please, we need your help, Grimlock; we need all of your help to stop him before it is too late"
"You just can't kill Megatron; can you, Prime?" said Grimlock.
"That's beside the point" said Optimus.
"No, it isn't" said Grimlock "It's always been like this; in moments of extreme, you say you're willing to up your game and kill that overgrown ground crawler but you never do. What makes you think you'll be able to go through with it this time?"
"Grimlock, we have to—" said Optimus.
"No" said Grimlock "You talk big Optimus, but you're ultimately too soft to go through with these things. But I'm not"
"What are you saying?" asked Optimus.
"I'm saying that I'll take care of Megatron myself" replied Grimlock. He turned to leave.
"Grimlock, no!" said Optimus "He's too powerful. You can't just—"
"Can't just what?" said Grimlock "And don't think you can stop me. I think you of all Autobots would know that it's no good" He, Snarl, and Swoop left leaving Optimus behind who face-palmed himself.
Meanwhile
As Scrapper and the other Constructicons did work in the cave where the space bridge lay, Megatron stood in front of a screen which had Shockwave on it.
"Have you prepared everything on your end, commander?" asked Megatron.
"Everything per your order, my lord" said Shockwave "I trust the Constructicons have applied the modifications to the space bridge that I instructed them to?"
"They have" replied Megatron "And it is almost complete. I will contact you when it is ready"
"Understood, my lord" said Shockwave. As the screen switched off, a Vehicon walked up to him.
"Lord Megatron, we have something to show you" said the Vehicon.
"Let me see" said Megatron. A group of Vehicons approached Megatron with Blackout handcuffed. "What is this?"
"This fugitive recently escaped from our custody" replied the Vehicon "He approached our location and surrendered the moment he arrived. He told us he wanted to see you so we brought him up"
"Leave us" said Megatron.
"Yes my lord" said the Vehcion. It and the other Vehicons left.
"Blackout; it's been a long time, old friend" said Megatron "Although the current circumstances was unexpected"
"Likewise" said Blackout "I had some recent bad experience with the Decepticons so I knew I had to be cautious; that's why I allowed myself to be captured" Megatron ripped his handcuffs off and threw them to the side.
"Although I may ask you one thing" said Megatron "Slipstream has informed me of how you tried to take leadership of the Decepticons, various times; and that is how you got imprisoned. Care to explain?"
"I merely viewed Starscream as an ineffectual leader and decided to take matters into my own hands" replied Blackout "Although things didn't turn out as I had planned. I hope you can understand the situation I was in"
"That is fair enough" said Megatron "Although attacking the city head on was unnecessary" Blackout looked up at the construction before him.
"So what are you doing here?" asked Blackout.
"It is part of my backup plan" replied Megatron "Before I left Cybertron to return to our progress on Earth, Shockwave and I came up with a backup plan in case we should lose the AllSpark"
"How did you assemble this all together so quickly?" asked Blackout.
"It all began before I was fully repaired" replied Megatron "I had ordered Scrapper and the other Constructicons to build a communications device that could contact Cybertron; and with it, they were able to come into contact with Shockwave who helped explain my plan to them. With his instructions, they built a space bridge to travel between here and Kaon flawlessly. Shockwave was able to supply additional equipment for them to increase the space bridge's size. Now it will be able to project it above the planet"
"And what would you need for a space bridge of that size?" asked Blackout.
"That's where my plan comes in" replied Megatron "Shockwave has developed a device to attract raw energon to it, like a magnet. He has placed several around Kaon. When we open the space bridge, we will bring Cybertron to Earth and use the devices to rip every energon deposit out and to us"
"And what of Earth?" asked Blackout.
"It will be left ruined and inhospitable, yes" replied Megatron "But that is a small price to pay. Remember; without the energon supply, Earth is useless to us. With the great increase in energon, this war will tip in our favor" At that moment, Scrapper walked up to them.
"Lord Megatron, construction is complete" said Scrapper.
"Man the controls and await further instructions" said Megatron "I will inform Shockwave so we can prepare the next stage"
"Yes Lord Megatron" said Scrapper. He turned and left.
"Everything has come together as I had planned" said Megatron "And soon no Autobot can stand in my way, not even Optimus Prime"
Meanwhile
As Melody sat on her bed reading a book, she heard her phone ringing downstairs, ran down to it, picked it up to see that it was Bumblebee, and sighed.
"Why now?" said Melody to herself. She answered the phone. "What is it, Bee; I told you that I'm not allowed to just call people while I'm grounded"
"Sorry, but this is urgent" said Bumblebee "Optimus wants you back at base now"
"What for? asked Melody.
"I'll explain along the way" replied Bumblebee.
"Along the way?" said Melody "You do know what grounded means?"
"I know" replied Bumblebee "But you have to come now. Believe me, the Decepticons won't care if you're grounded" Melody thought for a moment and sighed.
"I'll be out in a sec" said Melody.
"See you" said Bumblebee. Melody hung up. She walked over to a hall table, picked up a picture of her and her mother to look at it, and sighed.
"I'm sorry, mum" said Melody. She reached for a slip of paper and pen and started writing on it.
Meanwhile
"No luck with Grimlock?" said Ratchet as Optimus entered.
"I'm afraid not" said Optimus "It looks like we're on our own"
"I suppose it was worth a try" said Ratchet "So what's our next move?"
"We'll be patient" replied Optimus "We'll stay on alert until something comes up" At that moment, Teletraan I let off an alarm.
"Speak of the devil" said Ratchet. He typed into Teletraan I which brought up a live video of the giant space bridge rising from a plateau nearby. "This is not far from here"
"Wait, zoom in" said Optimus. Ratchet zoomed in to reveal Megatron standing on the space bridge. "Megatron!"
"I guess we know where he is now" said Ratchet.
"Gather everyone" said Optimus "We have to mount an attack immediately"
A few minutes later
A ground bridge portal opened up beside the space bridge and all of the Autobots ran out of it.
"What is that?" asked Hound.
"I've seen that before" replied Prowl "It's…It's a space bridge. One that's designed to project a portal of great size in space"
"What's he going to use it for?" said Arcee.
"Pretty much anything" said Jazz "Including fleets of starships"
"Which is why we have to shut it down before it even opens a portal" said Optimus "Autobots, charge!" As he and the other Autobots charged forward, Megatron looked down.
"Predictable of you, Prime" said Megatron "Trying whatever you can to thwart my plans. Well, not this time. Decepticons, attack!" An armada of Vehicon jets being led by Thundercracker and Skywarp flew out from behind the space bridge and down towards the Autobots.
"Well, I was expecting the welcoming committee to come sooner or later" said Bulkhead. At that moment, a large group of Vehicon cars behind led by Barricade drove up to them from behind.
"Ram them!" said Barricade.
"A double whamming" said Ironhide "Wow; they're quite big on the hospitality, aren't they?"
"Can you two take this seriously for just one minute?" said Prowl.
"Breakaway, can you give me a lift up there?" asked Optimus.
"I can try" said Breakaway "But I'm not sure if I'm strong enough to pull you up to the right height"
"Then I'll give you a running start" said Optimus "Everyone else, fend the attackers" He and Breakaway transformed and sped towards the space bridge.
"They're coming for us" said Megatron "Scrapper, how much longer?"
"Patience" said Scrapper "If we're even slightly off, everything will be for nothing"
"Lugnut!" said Megatron. Lugnut landed in front of them.
"What is it, my lord?" asked Lugnut.
"Protect Scrapper at all costs" replied Megatron "Destroy any Autobots who approach him"
"Yes my lord" said Lugnut whilst saluting.
"I've got a Prime to deal with" said Megatron.
Meanwhile
"So without the AllSpark, what does Megatron want now?" asked Melody.
"We don't know yet, which is what makes things even worse" replied Bumblebee.
"Then what's Optimus going to do about it?" asked Bobby "I mean, he's always got some idea on what to do, right?"
"He does" replied Bumblebee "But right now, he seems…unsure"
"What do you mean by that?" asked Melody.
"I don't know" replied Bumblebee "He usually seems so calm during these sorts of things; and while he still is, something about it feels off. It's as if he's trying to stay cool-headed but deep down he's unsure of the situation"
"What reason do you think is behind this?" asked Bobby.
"It might be because he and Megatron go way back" replied Bumblebee "They've been fighting for years and years and then suddenly it looks like Megatron's gone forever, and I guess Optimus got used to it overtime and got at peace with himself; but now he's back, and I think Optimus just doesn't know how to deal with it"
"What the heck is that?" exclaimed Kate as she looked out the window. Bumblebee skidded to a stop and looked over at the space bridge nearby that was charging up.
"Scrap!" said Bumblebee.
"What is that?" asked Melody.
"I'll explain later" replied Bumblebee "First, we really need to get back to base. I'll call Ratchet for a ground bridge to get us there quicker" Suddenly, Dead End zoomed up to them on the road, transformed and walked over to them. "Oh dear!"
"Well, look who decided to turn up" said Dead End. Hailstorm walked over to them.
"Someone who looks ready for a beating" said Hailstorm.
"Reverse!" said Bumblebee as he reversed but hit into something solid.
"Going somewhere?" said Blitzwing.
"Double…no, triple scrap" said Bumblebee.
"More like quadruple scrap" said Astrotrain as he walked over to them.
"We have you surrounded, Bumblebee" said Dead End "Better to transform and fight then just sit there and let us beat you up" Bumblebee didn't comply.
"What's the matter, Autobot?" said Astrotrain "Are you yellow?"
"YELLOW!" yelled Blitzwing before he burst out laughing.
Meanwhile
"Breakaway, get ready" said Optimus as he neared the space bridge.
"Roger" said Breakaway as he aligned himself above Optimus.
"Now!" yelled Optimus. He transformed, sprung upwards, and grabbed onto Breakaway who zoomed upwards towards the space bridge. Optimus leapt off, retracted out his battle mask, latched onto the side of the space bridge with his blades, and used them to climb up. "Breakaway, go for the controls"
"Got it" said Breakaway. He flew around the space bridge until he caught sight of Scrapper at the controls. "Found 'em" He looked down at Lugnut. "And it looks like they've found some muscle to guard it.
"Is it too dangerous?" asked Optimus out of his comlink.
"If I get too close, yes" replied Breakaway "But it's not like I'm trying to protect the controls" He zoomed down towards the controls and started shooting.
"What are you just standing around for?!" snapped Scrapper "Stop him before he does any damage to the controls" Lugnut turned towards Breakaway, transformed, and flew towards him.
"Die Autobot!" growled Lugnut.
"Oh dear!" said Breakaway shortly before Lugnut rammed into him, transformed, and slammed and pinned him to the wall of the space bridge.
Meanwhile
Optimus pulled himself up onto the rails and steadily walked his way across until he reached the controls.
"No!" exclaimed Scrapper "Stay back!"
"I have to shut this down" said Optimus as he walked over towards the controls.
"You can't do this!" said Scrapper whilst turning his hands into blasters "This is my life's work! If I lose it, Megatron will make me suffer for it!"
"I can't afford him to cause any more danger to this planet" said Optimus. Suddenly, Megatron leapt down and landed right on top of Optimus painfully.
"Did you mention my name, Prime?" smirked Megatron. Optimus admitted to wriggle free but Megatron pinned him down and slammed his head down. "Complete the process, Scrapper"
"Right" said Scrapper whilst turning his blasters back into his hands and continuing on with his work.
Meanwhile
"No escape, Autobot!" snarled Lugnut as he pressed Breakaway harder and harder against the wall "You and all of your kind shall perish in Lord Megatron's conquest!"
"Not while Optimus is leading us" said Breakaway.
"Your leader is weak!" snarled Lugnut.
"We'll see about that soon enough" said Breakaway. He transformed and shot Lugnut in the leg.
"AH!" exclaimed Lugnut as he lost his footing and dropped off the space bridge, pulling Breakaway down with him.
"Oh…not good" said Breakaway as he and Lugnut plummeted and crashed to the ground.
Meanwhile
"Almost finished" said Scrapper.
"No!" exclaimed Optimus as he tried to pull himself free again, only for Megatron to pin him down again.
"Relax, Prime" said Megatron "Everything will be over very shortly"
"It is ready" said Scrapper. He reached for the lever and pulled it down. Suddenly, the space bridge shot up a large beam which created a giant portal just above Earth, which gained the attention of all of the Autobots and Decepticons alike.
Meanwhile
"What on Cybertron is that?" said Dead End. Suddenly, Bumblebee shot forward and rammed him down.
"Hey!" snarled Hailstorm before he started shooting at the fleeing Bumblebee.
"Ratchet, ground bridge NOW!" said Bumblebee into his comlink. A ground bridge appeared in front of him which he drove straight through.
Meanwhile
As Optimus looked up at the sky he saw Cybertron slowly coming through.
"Is that Cybertron?" asked Optimus.
"Well done, Prime" replied Megatron "You finally discovered part of my plan"
"Why are you bringing it here?" asked Optimus.
"That's the other part of my plan" replied Megatron "That part you'll have to figure out" Optimus secretly retracted out one of his blades. "But I'm afraid you might not live to figure it through" Suddenly, Optimus stabbed Megatron in the forearm with his blade and rolled off the platform, skidding on the side of the space bridge in the process. "I never knew he had it in him"
"Ratchet, prepare a ground bridge" said Optimus into his comlink. He landed next to the unconscious Breakaway and Lugnut, picked up Breakaway, flung him over his shoulder, and ran off towards the other Autobots. "Autobots, retreat!"
"Should we go for them now?" asked Scrapper.
"No" replied Megatron "It would only be a waste of ammunition. Soundwave, assemble the Decepticon forces around the space bridge. Make sure that it is guarded at all costs"
"As you command, Lord Megatron" replied Soundwave out of his comlink.
A few minutes later
Teletraan I displayed various reports and live videos of natural disasters being caused by Cybertron's orbit.
"I never thought I'd find myself unhappy to see Cybertron again" said Jazz.
"The governments across the world are trying to deal with the problems but I think we can all agree we've got to handle this problem" said Bluestone.
"What does Megatron hope to achieve by bringing Cybertron to Earth?" asked Ratchet.
"I think I may have some idea" replied Prowl "I had Teletraan I monitor the Earth's surface and I've found something that may just be connected; over the last hour or so, energon deposits have been getting nearer to the surface"
"So is Megatron using Cybertron to make the energon deposits more visible so he can harvest them?" asked Arcee.
"Worse" replied Prowl "I fear he's using it to collect the deposits and bring them back to Cybertron. There may be a finite amount of energon on this planet, but it's still a lot; enough to tear this world apart if they're all ripped out at once"
"That is not good" said Bulkhead.
"How can Megatron do that?" asked Hound.
"No doubt he got some help from Shockwave" replied Prowl "Stuff like this has his name all over it"
"Shock who?" said Kate.
"You don't know about Shockwave yet?" said Prowl.
"Probably because we don't bring him up on a regular basis so we never needed to explain to them about who he is"
"Then who was he?" asked Bobby.
"Shockwave is a Decepticon scientist and was one of Megatron's first followers long before the war" replied Optimus "During the war, Megatron placed him in a high ranking position and funded his experiments as part of the war effort"
"What did he do?" asked Kate.
"He created weapons" replied Optimus "Some of them were improved blasters, grenades, and other artillery; but some of them were much more unorthodox. He weaponized transformers surgically, using both Autobots and Decepticons as his bases, turning into something else entirely"
"So why haven't we seen him around?" asked Melody.
"When we originally left Cybertron, Megatron placed Shockwave in command of Decepticon operations while he was gone" replied Optimus "It seems that he found another use of his position"
"What are we going to do, Optimus?" asked Breakaway.
"First things first, we have to stop that machine from tearing up the planet" said Optimus.
"What's the plan then?" asked Jazz.
"We'll send someone to Cybertron to sneak into Kaon and take down the machine" replied Optimus "Ratchet, since Cybertron is in closer proximity, can you ground bridge any of us there?" Ratchet looked at Teletraan I.
"Only just" replied Ratchet "But we have to be careful; the ground bridge's range was meant for this planet, not above the atmosphere. If we're not careful, we could send someone across the galaxy"
"This mission will require stealth and subtlety" said Optimus "Bumblebee, Arcee; you will be sent. Do you accept?"
"We do" said Arcee.
"And what are the rest of us going to do?" asked Wheeljack.
"We will form a plan of attack against the space bridge" replied Optimus "We need to capture it from the Decepticons so we can send Cybertron back to where it belongs"
"Then why not just focus all of our resources on the attack?" asked Prowl.
"We'd still have Shockwave's machine as a loose end" replied Optimus "If they build another space bridge, they could revive the plan easily; if we destroy both the machine and the space bridge, we'll send them back by months. Megatron would gamble resources on a space bridge, but not on a plan that failed"
"Then it's official, we're going on the offensive" said Jazz "We're taking the battle to the Decepticons"
"Which is why we have to prepare for it with great force" said Optimus.
Meanwhile
As Starscream sat in his cell, the door suddenly opened to reveal Barricade standing there.
"You have a visitor, Starscream" said Barricade. Slipstream entered. "Remember, you only have a few minutes"
"I know" replied Slipstream. Barricade exited and shut the door.
"Finally come to pay a visit" said Starscream.
"We've only got a few minutes so I'll go straight to the point" said Slipstream "After what happened, it seems that Megatron has absolutely no reason to trust you ever again"
"Do you have to bring that up?" said Starscream.
"However, there may be a way around it" said Slipstream "I've spoken with Megatron and he's granted a way around"
"What is it?" asked Starscream.
"This is going to sound difficult but…you have to pledge loyalty to him" replied Slipstream. Starscream raised an eyebrow. "But you'll be free. Okay; he'll have you under surveillance, but you'll be free like the rest of us nonetheless"
"Free?" said Starscream "Do you think pledging loyalty to Megatron is freedom?"
"I know it's not what you may have wanted; but considering the circumstances, you're was lucky to get the offer" said Slipstream "It's better to take it before he gets bitter again"
"Do you expect me to respect him after he did this to me?" said Starscream whilst gesturing to the wounds on his chest.
"If you want to stay in this cell, then fine" said Slipstream "I just thought I'd give this a try. I guess I just wasted my time" As she turned to leave, Starscream grabbed her by the wrist.
"Or perhaps I could bring up your involvement" said Starscream.
"I've done nothing" said Slipstream.
"Please" said Starscream "When you found out about my plan, you were about to tell; that was until I gave you the offer to become my second-in-command. That was enough to keep you quiet"
"Let me go!" said Slipstream whilst pulling herself away.
"No" said Starscream "You'll probably have to get used to this cell eventually; after all, he's bound to find out eventually"
"LET ME GO!" snapped Slipstream as she pushed Starscream away. At that moment, Barricade opened the door up again.
"Time's up" said Barricade.
"Finally" said Slipstream. She left the cell and walked down the hall until she noticed Blackout walking up to Barricade and hid behind a corner.
"Captain Barricade, I have a proposal for you" said Blackout.
"What is it?" asked Barricade.
"Follow me" replied Blackout. The two of them walked down the hallway and Slipstream quietly followed them.
Meanwhile
As Ratchet opened up the ground, Bumblebee and Arcee transformed and drove through.
"Good luck, Bumblebee and Arcee" said Optimus "And take care" Bumblebee and Arcee drove out onto the surface of Cybertron just outside Kaon and transformed.
"Well; there it is, Kaon" said Bumblebee. They looked at it up and down and noticed three large pillars with a glowing blue light surrounding Shockwave's tower. "And I bet those are the machines we have to take down"
"That place is probably crawling with guards" said Arcee "We'll have to stick to stealth, a lot"
"Agreed" said Bumblebee. The two of them slowly snuck off towards Kaon.
Meanwhile
"More guards, typical" said Jazz as they examined the space bridge via Teletraan I.
"At least, as far as we can make out, those are the only permanent defenses aside from the turrets" said Prowl "And we've dealt with them before; only now it's more quantity"
"Permanent?" said Jazz "As in there are things that are not always permanent but…potentially still dangerous"
"I've examined it and found that the biggest threat is not the guards or the turrets" said Prowl. The Nemesis flew past the space bridge. "Every twenty minutes, the Nemesis flies past the space bridge and gets a clear sight of everything and everyone on the terrain; and we all know how much firepower that thing carries" Optimus looked carefully at the Nemesis and noticed Megatron standing on top of it.
"And it looks like Ol' Megatron himself is overlooking the defense" said Jazz "That's never a good sign"
"He's got eyes like an Earth eagle and is twice as vicious if something stands in his way" said Prowl "That's why we have to work hard on the plan of attack"
"Then we'd better get started" said Ratchet.
Meanwhile
Bumblebee and Arcee snuck carefully past the Vehicons who guarded the machines around the tower and reached the first machine.
"There it is" said Arcee quietly "Seems they control it individually with that control pad" They looked over at the Vehicon who guarded it.
"And they've got someone on guard duty" said Bumblebee quietly "Time to use stealth" Arcee quietly snuck up behind the Vehicon, leapt onto it from behind, covered what would be its mouth, and pulled it to the ground.
"Hurry!" said Arcee quietly. Bumblebee ran over to the control pad of the machine, examined it, and pulled down the lever, causing the machine to power down. "Good" She punched the Vehicon out. Bumblebee then shot the control panel. "What was that for?"
"We need to make sure the machines are damaged somehow" replied Bumblebee "We don't want Shockwave to simply turn them back on"
"Good idea" said Arcee as she got herself up "But I think we'll have to do some more damage to the next two; Shockwave was able to create these things from scratch, he can repair a simple control pad"
"Now for the next one" said Bumblebee. The two of them crept off to the next machine.
Meanwhile in Shockwave's tower
"Commander, power to energon rod #1 has been turned off without authorization" said a Vehicon at the controls.
"Autobots have infiltrated us" said Shockwave.
"How did you—" asked the Vehicon.
"These energon rods are a vital part of Megatron's plan; if they are destroyed, everything falls down" said Shockwave "Megatron would not waste time on a failed plan of this scale so he won't have us rebuild it"
"What do you want us to do, commander?" asked the Vehicon.
"Focus all security upon the third energon rod" replied Shockwave.
"But commander, shouldn't we focus security on the second so we can catch them quicker?" asked the Vehicon.
"If they deactivated the first rod, they will already be on their way to the second rod if they are not there already" replied Shockwave "Focus security upon the third rod and their capture is assured"
"Yes sir" said the Vehicon.
"Time for the Autobots to learn that getting in is different to getting out" said Shockwave.
Meanwhile
As the Autobots gathered in the Ark, Optimus sat at Teletraan I and examined the live feed.
"Preparing ourselves for battle is only part of the plan" said Prowl "If we attack head on, we'll only invite disaster. That is why we're going to form a plan; I've observed the security system and it seems straightforward, except for the most dangerous part. The Nemesis swings by the space bridge every twenty minutes and Megatron himself observes the field in case of intruders, which is why we have to spring into action immediately after the Nemesis has certainly left so we have enough time"
"I will go" said Optimus whilst standing himself up.
"Excuse me?" said Prowl.
"I will go to the Nemesis and take Megatron on" replied Optimus "He cannot ignore me, especially if I issue a challenge to him; that way I can buy you some time"
"And if this doesn't work, it will all be for nothing" said Prowl.
"We're not going to argue this, I'm going to do it" said Optimus. Prowl sighed.
"Fine" said Prowl "But tell me; how long will your rivalry keep Megatron at bay for before he realizes what's going on?"
"Then I guess that's the rest of the plan" replied Optimus.
Meanwhile
Bumblebee and Arcee snuck their way towards the last energon rod.
"Looks like that's the last one" said Arcee quietly.
"Right" said Bumblebee quietly. Arcee started moving towards the rod. "Hey, are you alright?"
"Yes" replied Arcee quietly "Why do you ask?"
"Well, something about you just seems…off, is all" replied Bumblebee quietly.
"What do you mean by off?" asked Arcee quietly.
"Well…just…off" replied Bumblebee quietly "It just feels like something's bothering you" Arcee sighed.
"Okay, there is something" said Arcee quietly "It was back when we were facing Spittor. You really beat him up when he attacked"
"It was to save you" said Bumblebee quietly "Besides, he's just unconscious is all"
"I know, and I'm grateful for that" said Arcee quietly "I'm just starting to worry that…maybe this relationship isn't ideal"
"Wait, what do you mean by that?" asked Bumblebee quietly.
"It's difficult as it is out on the field, but now we have to worry for each other" replied Arcee quietly.
"Yeah, but teammates always do that" said Bumblebee quietly.
"Not in the same way we do" said Arcee quietly "Perhaps it's…it's a little too much"
"Are you talking about…ending this?" asked Bumblebee quietly.
"I don't know what I'm talking about, honestly" replied Arcee quietly "It just seems like this relationship is harder than I had originally thought it would be"
"Well, what are we going to do then?" asked Bumblebee quietly.
"We'll discuss it back on Earth once this is all over" replied Arcee quietly "Right now we have to—" At that moment, a bright searchlight flashed on top of them.
"Hands up, Autobots!" said a voice. As Bumblebee and Arcee's optics adjusted to the light, they realized that they were surrounded by Vehicons all of whom had their blasters pointed at them. "I said hands up!" As Bumblebee and Arcee lifted their hands up, Shockwave walked up to them and examined them.
"Mere scouts and espionage agents" said Shockwave.
"What should we do with them?" asked a Vehicon.
"Lock them away" replied Shockwave "I'll deal with them later"
Meanwhile
Optimus opened up a cabinet in his quarters, reached in, pulled out a double-bladed energon axe, and looked at it. At that moment, Ratchet entered.
"Optimus, it's time" said Ratchet.
"I'm ready" said Optimus.
A few minutes later
Ratchet opened up a ground bridge.
"Best to go through now" said Ratchet "It won't stay in one place for long"
"Just remember to keep him occupied for however long possible" said Prowl.
"Acknowledged" said Optimus. He turned to leave but was stopped by Ratchet.
"Optimus, promise me this; come back safe" said Ratchet "Don't throw away your life"
"Don't worry, Ratchet; I will" said Optimus whilst retracting out his battle mask. He ran through the portal and was transported to the top of the Nemesis.
"Well, look who decided to show himself" said Megatron "I was expecting you to come at some point, Optimus"
"Megatron, I gave you a chance; many, many times" said Optimus "But now I see that you have only used it against me"
"Finally waking up, I see" said Megatron "This is war, Optimus; to sympathize with the enemy is to invite disaster"
"I thought we could've ended this peacefully; but now you have not only endangered the lives of countless Cybertronians, but innocent Humans as well" said Optimus.
"Standing up for the weak, how noble" said Megatron sarcastically.
"They are not either of our enemy, Megatron; and yet you continue to antagonize them, and now this" said Optimus "You would risk their whole world?"
"After all these years, and even after you came to revelations, you are still as naïve as when we first met" said Megatron "You were chosen wrongly to lead the Autobots"
"Enough of this" said Optimus "I have stood idly by long enough, it ends now. Today, one shall stand…"
"…and one shall fall!" said Megatron. He pulled out a large Sauron-like energon mace that glowed purple. The two of them charged at each other and clashed their weapons together. "Tell me; why throw away your life so recklessly, Prime?"
"That's a question you should ask yourself" said Optimus.
"No!" snarled Megatron "I'll crush you with my bare hands!"
To be continued…
Author's note #1: Bringing Cybertron to Earth was inspired by The Ultimate Doom three parter.
Author's note #2: Just to let everyone know, the next chapter shall be the last for this season and afterwards I shall return to my other fanfiction series. It's been a long journey but a worthwhile one nonetheless and I'd like to thank everyone for reviewing and helping me through.
RoboDiamondDragon09: Well, here comes the battle between Optimus and Megatron.
Hellman76: The Predacons will come into the series eventually.