Please Read… It will settle some confusion, if there is any
I had made a mistake earlier in the last four chapters. In the chapter "Uncover", I revealed Unicron's weakness. The mistake I made was I never again brought out the revealed secret. So I went through the chapters and added in a couple dialogs where the weakness was spoken. For the ones who have already the chapters before they were looked over, I have added in that Optimus, Red Alert, Megatron and Alexis are the only ones who know the weakness. Optimus and Megatron agreed not to inform the others as it could create confusion amongst everyone. Not even the Armada fleet knows. That is the only mistake made.
-
Surprise TalentsThe five shuttle pods, landed gracefully on the backside of Unicron. Four of the pods had individual pilots but the fifth, which housed Alexis, Optimus Prime and Megatron. They were also the last to exit their shuttle. Alexis didn't know what to expect when she walked out into the vacuumed space. As she stepped out, it was as if she was still in the pod or even on Earth. Just from not feeling a change, made her dizzy.
"Are you all right?" Optimus asked.
"Yeah, just a little dizzy," she said. "I didn't know what to expect."
Megatron snorted. "It seems you have little faith in your abilities."
"Why don't you be human for all your life and then become a Transformer and see how it will effect you," she snapped.
Optimus slightly smiled to himself. She may fear Megatron but with him in their presence she was safe. He still wished he knew what was between his enemy and dear friend.
"Come on, let's go," Optimus suggested.
"Optimus," Hotshot called. "Sideswipe and Cyclonus are you're backup and we'll stay out here and see what we can find."
"Agreed."
"Then what are we waiting for," Megatron grumbled impatiently. He turned and began to walk away from the group. Optimus and Alexis were not long catching up to him. Sideswipe and Cyclonus came up the rear.
"How are we going stop Unicron?" Alexis asked, making conversation.
"We'll find away," Optimus said before Megatron could retort.
Megatron turned to the former human. "And once we go inside, it could get a real dangerous."
Alexis flinched in fear as the way Megatron smirked at her but before too many could register the fear, she stood her full height. "Bring it on. I'm an Autobot warrior. I'm going to fight for what's right."
Optimus smirked at her comment. It lightened his heart to know that Alexis knew what she was getting herself into. Sideswipe grinned. She's been the only person--Autobot, to defy Megatron by mouth.
As they continued to walk, leaving the other Autobot and Decepticon behind. Hotshot decided to try and strike up a conversation. He knew that he could be setting himself for disappointment but he wanted to do something other than worry about his 'sister' being with Megatron. Luckily Optimus was with her. This was her first assignment and her training wasn't near complete.
"So what do you think of Alexis?" Hotshot asked. Though he was worried, saying her name, gave him a little peace.
"Huh?" Demolisher looked up from looking at the structure of Unicron. "Oh. Why would you care?"
"I don't. I'm just curious," Hotshot shrugged. How did he know he'd get that reaction?
"You're just trying to get your mind of the current situation. I don't blame you there. She's nothing like what I expected. If she was in the Decepticon ranks, she would have been melted to scrap already."
"That's the Decepticons way. I think she's great. She has so much to give and teach everyone."
"Think what you like Autobot, I think Megatron's nuts to have her by…" Demolisher trailed off. He slapped his head in stupidity.
Hotshot looked up in confusion for a moment. "What was that?" Megatron wants Alexis?. But why?
"Nothing. Anyway, we're not here to chat about that former human," Demolisher diverted the subject.
Hotshot started to move away from his partner when suddenly the ground--Unicron's body began to shack. Hotshot had to move his body to keep himself from falling to the floor unlike Demolisher who fell.
"Be careful!" Hotshot shouted.
"Don't tell me what to do, Autobot!" Demolisher snapped as he tried to pick himself up but fell again when another tremor waved through.
"What in the world is going on?" Hotshot asked.
"How should I know?" Demolisher retorted.
-
Starscream paced around on the bridge. Jetfire was carefully watching him. He knew that Starscream did not like hearing when Megatron demanded for Alexis to go on the mission. Though the pacing was annoying him, he wasn't going to stop him. Jetfire was just as worried as Starscream. However, one Autobot was starting to get annoyed at the former Decepticon's pacing.
"Will you stop that!" Blurr snapped. "You think you are the only one worried for Alexis?"
Starscream stopped and was about to retort a comment, but he quickly looked down and saw the kids. Just the look on their faces gave him the whole story. The kids were just as worried as he was. Starscream turned and was about to walk out.
"Perhaps it may be a good idea for you to stay here," Jetfire said. "Just in case we hear from them."
"What do you propose for me to do to occupy myself?" Starscream said with irritation.
"Starscream, I can order you to stay on the bridge. Don't make me make that order. I need you here."
"Starscream," Springer called. "Why don't you help me to scan Unicron? I'm trying to see if there's a way to penetrate his armor. There has to be a way."
"Might as well," Starscream grumbled. He walked over to the triplechanger. "This will not get my mind off her."
"I don't expect it will, but it will keep you from annoying everyone with your worry."
Starscream snorted. "I've already lost someone close to me before. I don't want to lose another."
"Starscream," Scavenger said. "How do you think Optimus felt when Megatron agreed but that Alexis was to go too? I know for a fact it infuriated him. But Optimus has a cool enough head not to let it show. He'll keep a close eye on her."
"Besides," Rad said. "Hotshot and Sideswipe are with her as well. They'll keep watch out for her too. This is her first mission. A mission, I don't think she was expecting. From the years, I've known her, she's always loved adventure but when it was something that she didn't know or was around one person she didn't know well, she'd get nervous."
Billy turned to Rad. "I remember one field trip we had a couple years back. We were scooping out a cave."
"Yeah, I remember that," Carlos said. "Alexis was real excited but when we got there, she seemed quiet."
"What happened?" Powerglide asked.
"It turned out, though Alexis was real excited to go an adventure and as much as we had a tour guide, she was really nervous about venturing into a cave with a stranger," Rad answered.
"But after we left the cave and was heading back to school," Carlos said. "She was back to being a chatter box with the rest of her friends. All she could talk about was the cave and how neat it was to see it."
"That sounds like Alexis," Starscream said. He turned to Springer. "Let's just get this scan over with. The sooner we get this done, the better I will feel."
Starscream sat at the nearest seat and began his own scan. He decided to start from Unicron's head, as he knew Springer started from the feet. While he scanned, he kept going over the conversation with Alexis. He was quite surprised that he took what she kept saying to him and gave it right back at her.
Suddenly something caught Starscream's optics. He stopped the scan to take a closer look. To make sure he saw correctly, he redid the scan and stopped as scan came to the spot that caught his attention.
"Springer, take a look at this."
Springer turned slightly in his seat to look at Starscream's screen. "If I didn't know any better, I think you may have found something useful. I'm sending the same finding to my console and enhancing the image."
With the image on Springer's screen, and enhanced, he was able to point out the finding. "From these readings from Starscream," Springer began, speaking to everyone. "It looks like Unicron has a weakness in his armor."
"Location," Jetfire demanded.
"On the left side of his neck. That seems to be least amount of armor."
"Continue the scan to see if that's the only spot."
"Yes, sir," Springer said. He continued his scan as Starscream continued his.
Through both scans, they were not able to come up with anything new. With that information, Jetfire opened the comlink.
"Jetfire to Optimus Prime."
"Go ahead Jetfire," Optimus said through the comlink.
"We have found a small section on Unicron that has the least amount of armor. It's located on the left side of his neck."
"Good," Megatron grinned. "That will be our point of entry."
"Jetfire," Alexis came through, "Is there any way to detect how thick his neck is?"
Jetfire quickly looked at Springer and Starscream.
Springer nodded to Alexis's question. "Affirmative," he said. "His armor can be penetrated by lasers. However, there needs to be a good amount of force against the lasers, which is what you do not have."
"Good work," Optimus said. "If you find anymore contact me. Optimus Prime out."
Jetfire turned back to Springer and Starscream. "See what you can do about how to weakened the rest of his armor."
Springer turned to Starscream and began their work. Jetfire smiled behind his faceplate. He was thankful that there was something for Starscream to do to keep his mind off the former human that everyone had grown to love. At least this way, everyone else could concentrate on their tasks.
Jetfire, himself, wasn't sure what to feel. He didn't know if he should a feel reassured as Alexis was with Optimus or worry as she was also with Megatron and has somehow blackmailed her. He knew for the time being, his worry would have to go to the back of his mind until the worst was over.
"Sir," Powerglide called out to Jetfire. "Something has just emerged out of Unicron and closing in fast at the Optimus Prime's position. Whatever it is there's more than one."
"Damn!" Jetfire cursed. "Jetfire to Away team."
"What is it Jetfire?" Optimus asked.
"Watch your backs, something has just emerged and closing on your position."
"Acknowledged."
-
Optimus brought out his gun from subspace as he began to watch the directions. Seeing Optimus getting ready for action, prompted Alexis to bring her own gun from subspace.
"You know how to use that?" Megatron asked.
"We'll see in a few moments now won't we," Alexis retorted.
"Alexis, remember what Hotshot had taught you and your teachings with archery," Optimus said.
"I know this is not a good time Optimus, but I just thought to warn, I'm scared as hell."
"Well that figures," Cyclonus said. "Let the party start."
"That's a feeling that will go away through time of battles and then there's some battles where that feeling is always there. But one learns to ignore the fear," Optimus said.
"You're telling me," Sideswipe said. He walked over to Alexis. He placed a hand on Alexis's shoulder. "We'll fight together."
Alexis nodded in agreed. "I hope I don't freeze up in fear," she whispered to the young warrior.
"I won't let that happen to my sister," he smiled.
"Thanks," she smiled back.
As the group began to watch the directions, Hotshot was also watching his back. He heard what Jetfire blurted and presumed that whatever was heading in Optimus's direction was also heading in his. Luckily Sideswipe was also with Optimus. Of course the young warrior was still in training but he had already been in battle.
"Demolisher, watch yourself. We may have trouble run into us." Hotshot brought out his gun.
"Just them let them come, I'll blast them to the next world," he said as he positioned his weapons.
"That's probably why we felt that tremor. Unicron was sending out distractions."
"Here they come!" Demolisher shouted as he began to fire. They were little pods, which began to fire upon them.
"Jolt! Let's link up!" Hotshot shouted to his Mini-Con. Within seconds, the small helicopter had it self attached to the yellow Autobot. Hotshot then began to fire at the pods as well.
But as they destroyed them, others appeared. "They just keep coming!"
"Tell me about it!" Hotshot snapped. "Let's split up and see if we can't cover more ground."
"Hotshot! Demolisher!" Optimus shouted over the comlinks. "Get over here stat!"
"We're on our way. Transform!" Quickly Hotshot transformed and began to drive towards where his leader was. Demolisher wasn't far behind.
-
Optimus and company were having their own difficulties with the pods. They were appearing as fast as they were being destroyed. Alexis seemed to fair so far, she missed a few but was helped with Sideswipe. Megatron and Optimus were holding their own.
Suddenly Alexis and Sideswipe were surrounded. There was no way they were going to be able to get out. Being able to feel Kiaudica again, Alexis seemed to feel some sort of security. She had no idea how long it was going to last but she was going to take full advantaged of it. She sensed a plan form in her head, a plan that she wasn't controlling.
"Sideswipe," she whispered. "On the count of three, transform. Re transform in the middle and start blasting. Just the action will probably put them off guard."
"What are you going to do?" he whispered.
"I'm going to do the same, except I'm going to use my sword and techniques I learnt as a child. When you land back on the ground, I'll fly overhead. Grab my legs and swing me around."
Sideswipe seemed to gulp at his sister's tactic. "I hope you know what you're doing. I'm more experienced in fighting than you are. I just don't want you to get hurt."
"Thanks for the concern. One…Two…" Sideswipe got in position to transform. "THREE!"
The two robots transformed and sped off into the middle of the pods. Megatron stopped and watched for a moment. He watched the two re-transform and start destroying pods. Sideswipe was using his gun while Alexis used a…sword, a winged sword just like Starscream.
Alexis then flew past Sideswipe and in the last moment, he grabbed her legs and began swinging around.
"Optimus! Megatron! Cyclonus! Duck!" Alexis shouted.
Dumbstruck, both leaders and Cyclonus crouched to the ground while Alexis demolished the rest of the pods with her sword and laser guns on her chest. Lasers that she never told anyone.
When the pods were destroyed, Alexis blurted. "Sideswipe, release me."
Sideswipe didn't want to let her go, he wanted to slow down but he did what she asked and trusted in her judgment. When he let go, she swung her body around and landed in front of the two leaders.
Megatron jumped up when she landed, surprised. Optimus was behind him.
"Impressive," Megatron commented, crossing his arms. "No Autobot has ever been that gutsy."
"Well you can thank my archery and karate lessons for that. Optimus, I'm sure there will be more. This was more Kiaudica's idea. She has kept watch with all my learning."
"I'd say," Sideswipe answered. "Here comes bro and Demolisher and they have others on their tail."
"That figures," Megatron snorted as he turned to see the two bots heading towards them with more pods on their tail. "You needed the help of a dead Autobot to do that."
"It might have been her idea but it was me, who pulled it off." Alexis turned to Cyclonus. "Why don't we go and help them. We can get above the pods and give them a surprise attack."
"Let's go!" Cyclonus transformed and began to fly to the chased Transformers. Alexis wasn't far behind.
When they reached Hotshot and Demolisher, they began to fire on the pods, still transformed. In no time, the first wave of pods was destroyed. Alexis and Cyclonus re-transformed.
"In the distance," Hotshot commented as he came up to Alexis. "I saw you and that was amazing."
"After all the things I've learned, I figured might as well put it to good use."
"There's no time for talk, we have to get to Unicron's shoulder now," Megatron growled as him and Optimus grouped up with them. "We've already lost the element of surprise."
"Maybe not," Alexis said. "The ones that came after us are now gone and it doesn't seem to be anymore coming."
"At least for now," Cyclonus mocked.
"Jetfire come in," Optimus called out into his comlink.
"Go ahead."
"What's the status of Unicron? Anything coming towards us?"
"Negative. Whatever was coming at you disappeared fast."
"You can thank Alexis for that. How close are we to the weak point?"
"E.T.A. five minutes."
"Keep me informed."
"Roger that."
"Let's go," Optimus commanded. He turned and continued his walk towards the shoulder. The rest of the team were one step behind.
"I can't wait to see what else you'll surprise us with," Hotshot commented.
"Hotshot," Alexis said. "It wasn't all me who just got us out of danger. Kiaudica came up with the idea and I followed through."
"That's not the point. You have had her with you all your life. If she helps with the battles, then so be it. It gives us that more chance of survival."
"Hotshot, you always see the better side of things."
Hotshot placed a hand on her shoulder. "Well I have to help my sis any way I can."
Sideswipe came up on the other side and placed his hand on the opposite shoulder. "I agree. We have to protect our younger sister."
"You guys are the greatest."
Cyclonus kept watch on the three but the comment about siblings began to bug him. "You weak Autobots are pathetic. Relying on each other to get out of danger."
"If we are that pathetic," Alexis snapped. "Then why has the Autobots whipped your ass on many occasions."
Hotshot and Sideswipe were surprised at her curse but Cyclonus…that put him over the edge. He quickly turned ready to strike but didn't swing.
"I've almost as much as I can take you!"
"Cyclonus!" Megatron shouted.
"But sir," Cyclonus stumbled. "She has just insulted me with her human profanity."
"I heard." Megatron sneered. "But we have a mission to complete. Optimus, tell that woman to shut her mouth before this uneasy alliance ends before Unicron is defeated. Unicron is winning because of her." Megatron continued walking towards the shoulder.
Optimus turned to look at Alexis as Cyclonus also continued. "Alexis, Megatron is right. We need this alliance to work. And as much as I don't want to say this but…"
"I know," she said sadly as her head lowered. "I'm walking on thin ice. But what am I suppose to do. I am new at this fighting. I'm new at everything in being a Transformer and it's nerve racking."
"I understand. Why don't I tell you a secret? You know how many times I want to hit Megatron. You know, I know he has something on you and you won't tell me what it is. That infuriates me to the very core. I want to rip his optics out, but this needs to work. Sometimes to be a good warrior, one needs to keep a level head while the other makes a complete fool of himself. Don't like the Megatron or any of the other Decepticons make you feel small.
"Earlier, you made me proud. I know you're scared as hell but you stood up to Megatron by telling him that you were an Autobot warrior."
"What did Megatron mean that Alexis is allowing Unicron to win?" Hotshot asked.
"Yesterday we learned some valued information from Sideways. Information that the less amount of Transformers know the better. Unicron is fueled by anger."
"Anger? You mean that's his weakness?" Sideswipe asked.
"Yes. And we all have to keep cool. The less anger amongst us, the better our advantaged."
"You're right," Alexis agreed. "It's probably better if everyone knows then they can work on keeping their frustrations down. Let's get this over with so we can go back to fighting those jerks."
"That's the idea," Hotshot said.
"We better catch up to the other two," Sideswipe pointed out.
"Optimus do I have your permission to scope out the rest of the way to the shoulder. Don't worry," she rushed on before Optimus could protest. "I'll take Hotshot with me. Perhaps we can find a way in."
"Alright, but be careful. Any sign of trouble get back here on the double. With your inexperience, I don't need you to try and play hero just to show off in front of Megatron. There's lots of time after this crisis is over to do that."
"Yes, sir," Alexis smile. Alexis quickly transformed. "Hop on Hotshot. It'll be faster this way."
"You got it sis."
When Hotshot was secure on Alexis, she sped off, flying past Megatron and Cyclonus. Megatron recognized Hotshot but took him a few seconds to see Alexis.
"What is going on?"
"Alexis has asked to scope out ahead to see if there's a way to get in," Optimus said from behind. "Hotshot has gone with her for protection."
"Good," Megatron growled. "She needs time to cool off. With the way she's acting she'll ruin our advantaged, that is if we still have one."
"Megatron, you and I can both agree that you just would love to blast at me right about now but won't. Maybe you should tell you're warriors to also keep their cool as I have asked Alexis. You should also let your men know what our advantage is."
"You're right." Megatron side glanced the Autobot leader. "This is too important for any of our men to bicker amongst them selves. Cyclonus. Demolisher. Unicron is fueled by anger so do your best to refrain from attacking our allies. If you don't you'll be melted to scrap."
-
"Sir," Starscream called. "I believe I have found a way. And if I'm correct only Alexis will be able to get everyone through."
"Through. How?" Jetfire whipped himself around to jet.
"Kiaudica," Starscream stated. "With her being conscious at the moment, she be able to sneak in with detection."
"How could she do that?" Blurr asked.
"I'm not sure how she did it. But once she infiltrated a Decepticon base and destroyed without being caught."
"But didn't she get caught?" Rad asked.
"Only after the explosion. This time though, it's just to get inside of him." Starscream looked at the vice commander. "I wouldn't be suggesting this otherwise if I knew that Alexis couldn't do this."
"All right. Open a channel to her."
Starscream nodded and quickly opened the comlink to Alexis. "Alexis, this is Starscream."
-
Alexis stood from her position, startled. "Starscream?"
"Yes. This is secure channel that only you can hear and who ever you want to listen as well."
"What is it?"
"I need to speak to Kiaudica."
"Kiaudica? Why?"
"I don't really have time to answer."
"Starscream," Alexis said softly. "What is it you need?"
"When you infiltrated the Decepticon base, you were able to get in undetected. Is there anyway you can do it again? Yes, I know you got caught after the explosion but this time, you won't as right now that is not what you're trying to do."
"Yes, I believe so. But that could risk us."
"No, it won't," Hotshot said. "You are my sister and I'll protect you with my life."
Alexis turned to Hotshot. "I can do it. It's only to get inside and getting in is the easy part. Thanks Starscream for the idea."
"How are we supposed to get in?" Cyclonus asked as he approached the two Autobots.
"The same why I did when I blew up one of your bases."
Cyclonus was taken aback. "What do you mean bases. You've never been…"
"Cyclonus," Megatron said. "Shut up. That's the Autobot Starscream once loved. She destroyed one of our bases but was caught shortly afterwards. How she got in, is a mystery that I would love to know."
Alexis smirked. "I know you would. And now you're about to find out."
"Sir," Hotshot spoke to his leader. "What is going on?"
"Kiaudica is about to reveal one of her many talents when she was just a rookery," Optimus answered. "Be careful. I may have lost you once but I don't to you loose you again."
Alexis crouched down. She opened the cockpit on her chest, revealing the circuits. Without looking, she pulled out a couple wires that she knew were vital to her system. She was a little nervous but trusted Kiaudica. Kiaudica did it before, not knowing what the outcome was.
Hotshot was about to say something but Optimus placed a stern hand on his arm. "She knows what's she doing."
Alexis then took the wires, placing them on the hull of Unicron. She then brought out her gun and with turned off her optics, fired. When her optics came back online, there was a hole in the hull, big enough for everyone to get through. She was surprised that there was no sound from the explosion, but then she came up with a conclusion. The wires, mixed with the fire of her gun, melted the hull.
"Amazing," Megatron breathed.
Alexis smiled as she placed the gun back in subspace and replaced her wires back into her chest, then stood back up. "Now you know how Kiaudica got in."
"That was risky," Cyclonus said. "I suppose when she did that, she didn't know what to expect."
"Actually, no she didn't," Alexis answered. "Let's move."
Wasting no more time, Alexis jumped down the hole. Hotshot soon followed with Cyclonus behind him, then Sideswipe.
"After you," Megatron said.
Optimus nodded and proceeded down, leaving Megatron coming up the rear. A rare occasion on his part but he didn't want Unicron to get the best of anymore.
-
"They disappeared," Powerglide said. "They have must have found a way to get in."
"Good." Jetfire looked on, watching the scene in front of him. Watching, as his fellow teammates were under fire by spawns of Unicron. The only ship not being touched at the moment was Ultra Magnus's.
He was starting to get a little worried about the ship. Even though it was out of his hands and something he could not get involved. He had to help the teammates that were on the ship he was commanding at the moment. He had hoped soon this battle would be over, even though up to that point, not much of the battle was too dangerous but he knew it was going to get more ugly soon. Especially when Unicron would learn that Optimus and Megatron had just penetrated his hull.