Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Transformers characters in the TFP series, nor do I claim ownership of any kind towards anything trademarked. This story is just for fun, and isn't connected towards the true lore behind the franchise. The only things I own are the OCs.
Chapter 25: Darkest Hour
Megatron flew over the burning remains of the Harbinger, in a quick instance he transformed, landing just mere feet away from the spewing fire. Glaring around, he caught sights of what seemed to be a pool of Energon, it's bluish glow contrasting against the red hue of the flames. Giving a slight sneer, the gunmetal warlord crossed the flaming field, casually striding up to the lifeless frame of his former Second in Command.
Laughing maniacally, "So it seems that I'm late for the gutting!" Megatron roared with laughter.
Picking up the severed head of Starscream, "And it looks like you were the main course." he grinned, only to toss the head aside.
Pacing, "It seems that you've got what was coming to you, Starscream." Megatron grinned, "Too bad I wasn't here to see it happen."
Looking down at the cut frame, "And by the look of things, it was one brutal deactivation." he smiled, "I wonder, if it was the first strike that killed you, or did you live to witness your body being sliced to pieces, before they granted you mercy."
Chuckling, "Nonetheless, I'm glad you were deactivated so humanely, if I were to have done it, there'd be nothing left to show." Megatron spat, walking off.
"Soundwave." Megatron activated his com-link, "What is the issue?" he asked, only to be stopped in his tracks, "I see…" he grumbled looking back at Starscream's frame, "See to it that you find them, and once you do… bring them to me, dead or alive."
Giving one last look at Starscream, "Dreadwing may have betrayed me, but from looking at what he did to you, I might consider sparing him." Megatron spat, transforming into his jet alt-mode, and returning to the Nemesis.
{The Autobot Base}
Optimus Stood before the group of Autobots and Decepticons alike, his optics holding that of much disappointment. However, the Prime was thankful that due to Starscream being gone, the Autobots had just gained more allies.
"Arcee, even though I do not approve of the actions you and Bumblebee have done today, I am proud that you were able to rescue Ratchet… and Agent Fowler." Optimus hesitated, looking down at a military ambulance, that drove off without sirens.
"Optimus." Knightwave spoke up, "I am truly sorry of what had recently transpired, I should've informed your team of Smokescreen's survival." he bowed, showing his utmost apologies.
Taking a deep vent, "If you were to have sent the message earlier, I too would have gone, but due to our ground bridge being unstable, I wasn't able to take part in your quest, for it only had one jump left before total deactivation." Optimus implied.
Shaking his helm, "Optimus, I'm not like any Autobot, being on the side of wrong for so long changes how we express ourselves… even when we try to do a right, somewhere along the lines, it's a wrong." the purple seeker remarked, "This quest, was both… but as you can see, even after we accomplished our main objective, there is still something missing…"
"Satisfaction…" Drift spoke up, looking at Smokescreen with a solemn glare.
"Indeed." Dreadwing nodded.
Closing his optics, "Death is the harshest form of punishment, but most do not deserve such a fate." Optimus foretold, "Some, like Starscream, deserve something far more than just the bliss of the Pitts… an eternity living with what they have done, only to come to terms, of who they are, that is a satisfying punishment."
Slowly nodding his helm, "You're right…" Knightwave sighed, "Nonetheless, what has been done, is done… and it's something we cannot take back." the purple seeker walked over towards the cracked monitors, "However, there is one thing we can, take back."
Ratchet walked up next to Knightwave, "Cybertron!" he gasped.
Nodding, "Optimus, in the message I sent you, I also included attached data files of my discoveries." Knightwave implied.
"Indeed, and I have compiled them in the sequence you instructed." The Prime remarked, walking up to the monitors, and with a flip of a switch, they displayed a near complete image of the Emberstone.
Looking up at the image, "Great, now let's add the data Tap-Out and I decoded from the Harbinger…" the purple seeker muttered, attaching his data cords into the Autobot's mainframe.
"It appears that the data is still incomplete, two more pieces are still yet to be decoded." Optimus pointed out.
"And what is this Nexus, I keep decoding?" Ratchet questioned, "Nearly all of the current data, refers to this 'Nexus' being required to finish the sequence."
Shaking his helm, "I do not know, does the Star Saber have anymore encrypted data?" Knightwave asked.
Optimus gave the purple seeker a look that said it all, Knightwave only responded with a small nod, "So it was destroyed…" he mumbled.
"Not exactly." Smokescreen spoke up, running towards the base's crumbled halls, and not a moment too soon, he walked out holding the broken blade.
Looking down at the dull blade, "There is only one thing that could repair it, but I'm not sure if we are in possession of it." Knightwave sighed.
Walking up, "I haven't been as helpful as I should be." Dreadwing implied.
Waving his servo, "No need to degrade yourself, Megatron had probably disposed of the Forge, before you could obtain it." Knightwave said calmly.
Shaking his horned helm, "That is what you do not understand, for I have obtained the Forge." Dreadwing stated, pulling the sword, he hand on his back, and in a surprising transformation the sword converted into that of the Forge.
All the bots in the room stood still, this entire time Dreadwing was in possession of the Forge of Solus Prime, but it was converted into that of a sword. Optimus was the most surprised, for during his time as an archivist, he had read countless of documents that dated back to the 13, and none have documented the Forge being that of a sword, and a hammer.
"How is this even possible?" Knightwave asked.
"Ever since you have revived me, I have been experiencing things I never considered that of possibly obtaining, nor would I have ever considered being real. Similar to how I learned the ability to sever Sparkbonds, the Forge had taught me many things, that I hadn't disclosed to you. For Solus herself told me, when the time is right, I must reveal my secrets" Dreadwing informed, his red optics holding a sorrowful look.
"What a strange predicament… I considered the possibility that you were worthy of the Forge, when you informed me of when you could wield the Star Saber… but I never thought Solus Prime could talk you…" Knightwave uttered, clearly flabbergasted.
"That's so cooooool!" Smokescreen cheered, only for Bee to push him into Drift, whose face looked slightly amused, but at the same time holding a scowl.
Optimus gave a serious look at the maroon seeker, "What prophecies has Solus Prime disclosed to you?" Optimus asked.
"Solus still speaks to me, she tells me of a past I never lived, and she disclosed information regarding that of the Nexus, and how to 'Forge' it." Dreadwing implied.
With his blue optics widening, "Has Solus told you, how she is able to speak to you?" The Prime asked.
Nodding, "Indeed, she is speaking to me, through that of the Allspark… through that of the Great Sword." Dreadwing implied.
Knightwave opened his visor, his violet optics holding that of shock, "So the legend is true, the Great Sword is real…" he gasped.
"Mind me asking, what's going on?" Arcee asked, followed by a buzz from Bumblebee.
Taking a deep vent, "The Great Sword was… is a mythical weapon of great proportions. It was forged from the core of a dying star, the same exact core the Star Saber was birthed from… you could say they were sisters." Knightwave began, "Unlike that of the Star Saber, the Great Sword could only be wielded by one mech…"
"Cyclonus." Drift inserted, gaining a nod from the purple seeker.
Continuing his tale, "Solus Prime forged both swords as a countermeasure to use against that of Unicron, however after the battle… after the victory, and sacrifice, the Great Sword vanished from existence… only for it to end up here… as the Forge… remarkable…" Knightwave uttered.
"I deem it quite amusing, how events lead us to this moment." Dreadwing remarked, "Nonetheless, the power of the Great Sword is far from being complete."
"How so?" Optimus asked.
Looking at the Forge, "We need to repair that of the Star Saber, and bring them both to the Omega Lock." Dreadwing informed.
"Wait, didn't Alpha Trion and Rigor Mortis tell you something, about the Omega Lock?" Arcee asked Optimus.
"Indeed, they both foretold a prophecy, depicting that of us using the Omega Lock to restore that of Cybertron." Optimus responded.
Knightwave searched through his memory banks, but nothing came up, about Optimus' vision of Rigor Mortis, {It seems that he left out some important information.}, Tap-Out muttered, she too searching for answers.
"Why haven't you told me this?" Knightwave questioned, "This would've helped us soon, this would've changed how current events have been laid out."
Tilting his helm, "My apologies, Knightwave, I wasn't deliberately trying to hide your foreseen involvement in a prophecy predicted in the past. Nonetheless, I came to the conclusion that neither Alpha Trion or Rigor Mortis wanted me to disclose this information to you, until we were all brought together." Optimus apologized.
"Till all are one…" Knightwave gave a slight chuckle, "Mortis would always use that phrase… and it took me until now to understand it." he walked up to the monitors, "She knew that one day we'd be brought together, and now here we are…"
"Together we will fight." Drift nodded.
"And together, we will revive our home." Ratchet chimed.
Shrugging, "What the heck, I've got nothing to lose anyways." Wheeljack smirked, standing next to Bumblebee, whose optics were glistening.
"I'm ready when you are." Arcee implied, crossing her arms.
Optimus was at a loss for words, it took one bot to bring everyone back together again, and then some. Now on the verge of victory, the Prime couldn't help but smile.
{The Nemesis}
Megatron watched tenaciously, as the Omega Keys formed an image of the Omega Lock, and its location on Cybertron. The warlord was both happy, and annoyed at the same time. Knock-Out had taken his sweat time, figuring out how the keys worked, nonetheless with the location discovered Megatron knew what he had to do. Without that of Knightwave's research, the Emberstone was out of the picture, but that wouldn't stop him from obtaining it, one way or another.
Growling at the fact he had just lost two of his most valuable assets, Megatron walked into the Bridge. However, Soundwave wasn't in his usual spot, for he had moved near the massive overlook, glaring out the window.
"Soundwave!" Megatron beckoned his attention, "Any luck with locating that of Dreadwing, and Knightwave?" he asked.
Raising an optic ridge, "Is that so?" the warlord implied, "Regardless, I want you to send troops to the coordinates I provided, just in the event the Autobots have located the whereabouts of the Omega Lock." Megatron commanded.
"Oh and Soundwave, set coarse to this Jasper, Nevada… and burn it down…" Megatron grinned, walking out of the bridge.
{Autobot Base}
Drift stood quietly near the exit of the base, with his arms folded, he watched as all those around him work diligently. Even Wheeljack was putting in his two cents, by helping Bumblebee push all the debris aside, so the others could walk down the hallway with ease. Not even realizing it, Smokescreen was watching him, it hasn't even been a few cycles since they were reunited, but he had questions… a lot of them.
Feeling as if he was going to explode, the rebuilt young mech walked over towards Drift. His red visor flashing with both excitement, and nervousness.
"Drift." Smoke spoke up, catching the white mech's attention.
With saddened blue optics, "If you wish to bombard me with queries about my survival of Tyger Pax, and the events that brought me here… I wish not to share my upbringing." Drift remarked, his voice holding much disdain.
Shaking his helm, "No… I just wanted to know, how you're holding up… I mean…" Smoke hesitated.
With a deep sigh, "I understand… we have been separated for so long, I doubt we share much in common anymore… you have taken the path I wish I've taken. One that leads down to that of righteousness…" the white mech admitted.
"You're not talking about me… are you?" Smokescreen asked, looking over his shoulder, and directly at Ratchet.
With a surprised expression, "Even after eons of our separation, you still figure me out faster than any mech… you've never changed…" Drift sighed.
Putting a hand on Drift's shoulder, "You should go talk to him." Smoke advised.
Shaking his helm, "I cannot… when I'm near him, my spark pounds like a hammer against metal… I thought I lost him eons ago, during that of the Great Exodus…" Drift uttered.
"It's a small universe, isn't it?" Smokescreen internally smiled, "Go and have a chat, maybe that'll break the ice."
"What does that mean?" Drift asked.
"In Earth terms, it means relax a little, and just talk." Smoke cheered, walking towards Arcee, who looked like she needed help moving some energon crates.
Cracking a smirk, "Though your appearance has changed, you haven't changed in the slightest…" Drift mumbled, looking over towards Ratchet, "I hope you're still the same…"
{The Nemesis- Medbay}
It was quiet… not even the low buzzing of the dim lighting, made a difference in the stillness of the Medbay. It was as if the room itself, acknowledged the fact that, it has seized being that of any particular value. Hidden in a furthest room of the Medbay, was the covered form of Breakdown, relocated after Knightwave departed.
Sitting down with his helm hidden within his hands, was Knock-Out, in front of him a monitor with a video playing on loop. It was a message from his sister, that he'd discovered shortly after he was interrogated by Megatron. Luckily he stretched the truth enough, for the warlord to believe him… nonetheless after watching this video, he wished we left with her.
"So you knew how I was feeling all along…" Knock-Out muttered for umpteenth time, taking small glances at Breakdown.
Angry at himself, the red mech listened to video, his sister sounded so depressed, so fearful. Her words sounded like his own, as she described her death, her love, and most of all her regrets. She regretted many things, that also included turning her back on her only brother. This didn't help much, however, it was as if she hiding something, or better Knightwave was restricting her from revealing something. Knock-Out knew his sister well enough to know when she was lying, and to know when she was scared. This video was filled with that suspicion.
Sneering, "If I only knew, I'd gone with you." Knock-Out grumbled, stopping the video and walking into the main part of the Medbay.
Looking rather distraught, the red doctor felt as if he was nothing without Tap-Out, and Knightwave keeping him company. He was all alone, even his spark beat was slow paced… and his affections towards the covered form of Breakdown's lifeless frame, wasn't enough for him. For the first time, Knock-Out felt that due to his actions, leaving him behind was a group decision… both Tap-Out and Knightwave knew him so well, that they knew if they brought him along, then their plans wouldn't have played out so well.
"I guess I'm good at playing the role, of a Decepticon." Knock-Out sighed, and just when he thought nothing could go wrong, the Medbay doors slide open revealing that of Soundwave.
Rolling his red optics, "Now what do I owe the pleasure? I've already told Megatron all I know, and besides he's got the coordinates to the Omega Lock…" Knock-Out began, only to be cut off.
[Shut up and listen to me] Soundwave spoke, causing the red mech to glare wide eyed at the dark violet seeker, for he had never heard him speak before… like EVER.
"Hold up! Y-you can talk!?" Knock-Out exclaimed, pointing at shaky digit at Soundwave.
[I've been watching] Soundwave voiced, [But not telling-Wondering what you were up to-tell me] He remarked.
Looking side to side, {Knightwave must've been adopted…} Knock-Out thought, watching as Soundwave got closer.
"If you were watching, then you should already know." Knock-Out implied, glaring into the darkness of Soundwave's visor.
Pointing towards the back room, [No surveillance] The Communications Chief informed.
With a smug expression, "Now why would you be interested, in what happens behind closed doors?" the red doctor questioned.
Suddenly Knock-Out was taken aback when Soundwave pinned him down, [Knightwave is in danger, along with the Autobots] he exclaimed, his robotic voice holding what seemed to be fear.
Scowling, "When did you give a single frag about him, and the Autobots?!" Knock-Out spat.
Lifting his visor, for the first time in Eons, Soundwave's vibrant red and violet ringed optics glistened like a stars, even down to his black pearl faceplate, overall he looked exactly like his brother… Knockout was flabbergasted, never had he thought he'd see the silent seeker's faceplate. Even when his visor was damaged, Soundwave would avoid any contact… and he could see why… his face was left untouched, while everything around him changed… his face was the last thing he had, to remember his past… and brother that he murdered.
Closing his red optics, "I see…" Knock-Out sighed, "Would you please get off of me…" he mumbled, as the seeker let got of his grip.
[Where are they?] Soundwave queried.
Wiping some dust off his chassis, "First you tell me, why are they in danger?" Knock-Out glared.
[Made mistakes-wish I could take back-Megatron is planning to attack-kill all enemies and obtain the power of the Omega Lock] Soundwave informed.
"Does he know exactly where the base is located?" the red doctor asked.
[No-only knows of location of most reports- Jasper, Nevada] the seeker implied.
Putting a servos over his mouth, "If he levels the entire area… by the Allspark…" Knock-Out gasped, "We need to relay a signal, we need to warn Knightwave!"
Shaking his helm, [Not using Nemesis servers-Megatron has tech group scanning for his signal.] Soundwave warned.
Shrugging, "Then were can we possibly relay a signal, without the risk of detection?" Knock-Out question, only for Soundwave to drop his visor and display a location, "Oh right." the doctor uttered.
{Autobot Base}
Drift slowly made his way towards the old doctor, his neon blue optics shaking like mad, as he neared the white and red mech. To come to think of it, they both sported similar colors, in a way Drift realized that over the Eons of separation, had resulted in him wearing Ratchet's colors. Giving a smirk at how things turned out, Drift hadn't realized that he ended up bumping into the old medic, causing him to yelp from the unexpected contact.
"My apologies!" Drift exclaimed, trying not to sound nervous, but ultimately failed.
Turning around, the old doctor only gave a smile, "So now you've decided to chat? I was holding back the urge to talk to you, it seems that you were doing the same." Ratchet remarked.
Smiling nervously, "I was actually trying to avoid any form of verbal interaction…" Drift admitted.
Taking a deep sigh, "I don't blame you for trying to avoid me." Ratchet implied, "Our separation wasn't done on good terms…" he paused.
Shaking his helm, "No, it wasn't… and I have to admit, that I regret ever doing so in the first place." Drift remarked.
"Drift, don't blame yourself for what happened, we had no control of the situation!" Ratchet argued.
"I was in charge, Ratchet, and they died while under my command!" the white mech shouted.
"Then why do you bear the mark of the Decepticons? Is that why you left? To hunt down your so called 'mistakes'? Am I one of them?" the old doctor shuttered, his optics flashing.
Closing his optics, "No! You're not one of them! You were never a mistake! I just needed time alone…" Drift wept.
"Time alone hu? Well had it ever occurred to you, during your 'alone time', that I needed you? That after eons fighting, hadn't you realized that without you, our bond would fade?" Ratchet rebuked, causing everyone nearby to pause.
"I've regretted leaving your side, the moment we parted ways… For the longest time, I was walking down a shadowed path, I saw what it was like to be the enemy, and sometimes I enjoyed it… my spark still yearned for the grace being around you brought… and even now I miss the time we shared back home…" Drift admitted, his frame trembling from the pain he was enduring.
Ratchet however, stood with his arms folded, it was as if he couldn't relate to his former friend anymore, the mech that stood before him was a broken version of the original. With a helm shake, the old doctor walked away from the shivering Drift, his spark belonged to someone else… someone who he lost eons ago.
Watching as Ratchet departed down the hall, Smokescreen was at a loss for words. He watched as Arcee, Bumblebee, and Wheeljack walked over towards Drift, comforting the shaken mech, but at the same time he was overly confused.
"Okay… not to be that guy, but.. What in Alpha Trion's bread, just happened?" Smoke questioned.
Closing his optics, "Remember back during our training for the Elite Guard, I told you that I was hoping to be transferred to the Tyger Pax division?" Drift implied.
"Oh yeah, and I tried to convince you, to be transferred with me, to Iacon." Smokescreen remarked.
Shaking his helm, "The main reason I wanted to be transferred to that division, was because my Conjunx Endura was currently residing there." Drift revealed.
Looking over towards the hallway, "Well that kinda explains everything… you both have a common attitude problem…" Smoke implied, getting a slight chuckle from those around him, including Drift.
"I unfortunately, haven't been completely honest about my age either… even though I may look like a young mech, I am far older… I even predate that of Orion Pax by a few hundred Stellar Cycles." The white mech informed.
If Smokescreen had normal optics, they'd be as wide as everyone else's, "Wait! If you're older than Optimus… No way! How did you get into the Elite Guard!?" the young mech asked.
"I had some help… nonetheless my youthful appearance was enough for me to slip through without the suspicion of my true age." Drift sighed, his processors still booming from what had just transpired.
"Well you fooled me… I bet big spire shoulders, didn't give you a second glance." Smoke implied.
Rolling his deep blue optics, Wheeljack was the first to ask the question, "How in the fraggin' Pits, did you and the old Doc meet anyways?" He questioned, get a buzz from Bee who also has that question burning.
With a sigh, "Prior to the war, I wasn't much of anything to be honest. I was just a bot without a cause, without focus." Drift spoke, his voice held much sadness, "Ha in a matter of fact, I was nothing… just a wanderer hoping to find his next meal, and praying there wasn't someone to end your life… But just like always, trouble found me… and the next thing I knew, I was looking into the optics of a freelance doctor, who in fact was new to his craft." he vented.
"So if it weren't for you getting your aft handed to you... you and Doc Bot wouldn't have ever met?" Wheeljack remarked.
Nodding, "He saved my life… he freed me from my blindness… only for me to gain it back through my sheer ignorance…" Drift scowled at himself.
"You shouldn't blame yourself." Arcee spoke up, "Scrap happens, and there is nothing we can do to change the past, but we can change our future." she implied, "If I were to have dwelt in my past, without facing it head on, then where do you think I'd be?"
Drift couldn't think of a proper response, for what the femme was saying was true… he does think about the past too much, he does blame himself for everything, and most of all he blames himself for what happened between him and Ratchet.
With a shaky vent, "You're right… I forgot what it feels like to be around other bots, who have felt the same way, I'm feeling right now… but after all this time… I don't think Ratchet will ever forgive me…" Drift uttered, his neon blue optics swelling.
"There are always second chances." Smokescreen implied, "We all get a second chance, no matter how far gone, we think we've fallen." he remarked, his red visor flashing.
Looking up at the young mech, "So you have changed… you've learned humility… something I wish to learn… maybe from you perhaps?" the white mech implied, gaining a sincere and much needed hug, from a friend he thought he'd lost.
Smiling at Arcee, "That was a quick resolve." Jackie chimed.
Rolling her optics, "We have a knack for solving things pretty quickly." Arcee replied.
"Bweee zoo dididoo weee." Bee buzzed, walking off to finish cleaning.
"Hey! What do you mean by 'From time to time'?" Arcee scowled, following the yellow mech, causing Wheeljack to chuckle.
Looking over at Smokescreen and Drift, the Wrecker couldn't help but smile. Clearly the two were best friends, from the way they were keeping each other at ease, even after the recent conflict Drift had with Ratchet. However, it gave him a slight feeling of anger, not that he was jealous of their friendship, but his spark ached for his best friend. To him, killing Starscream wasn't enough, he was just one 'Con, and he wasn't even present for Bulkhead's deactivation. All Wheeljack wanted to do, was to put a sword through the brain module, of the 'Con who snuff his friend's spark.
{And even after I do that, I won't stop until all the 'Cons, are wiped from existence.} Jackie thought, his optics burning a hot blue.
[DOO DEE DOO]
The Autobot base's communication relay blared throughout the base, it's distinct sound vibrated through the halls, catching everyone's attention. Rushing down the crumbled halls, Knightwave, Optimus, Ratchet, and Dreadwing, walked into the main center of the base. Ratchet immediately ran up to the main console, ignoring that of Drift, and focusing his attention to the screen.
"Ratchet." Optimus spoke, "What is the issue?" the Prime asked.
Shaking his helm, "It's a direct video transmission… from the Harbinger?" the old doctor implied, obviously confused.
"Accept the call." Optimus remarked.
Nodding at the Prime, Ratchet accepted the relay, and as soon as he did the display monitors began to render the transmission. To everyone's surprise, Knock-Out was on the other end of the feed.
"Knock-Out?" Knightwave questioned, walking up to get a closer look, "How did you get aboard the Harbinger?" he questioned.
{Wait, is he actually helping us, for once?!} Tap-Out uttered, her voice filled with shock.
"Thank Primus I got through…" the red doctor cheered, "Look you don't have much time, Megatron his coming, and he knows where you are.. Well not exactly, but he's bringing the Nemesis, and if you don't act now, he's going to level Jasper." Knock-Out warned.
"How does Megatron know of our location?" Optimus questioned.
"You don't have time to ask questions like that! Look, here are the coordinates for the Omega Lock, if Megatron knows you're there, then he'll have no choice but to pursue you, and ignore Jasper." Knock-Out implied, sending the coordinates to the Lock.
"How much time do we have, until Megatron arrives?" Smokescreen asked.
"In mere minutes, do you have access to a space bridge?" Knock-Out asked.
Shaking his helm, "No, however with the power of the Forge we could repair our groundbridge, and convert it into that of a Space Bridge" The Prime informed, looking over towards Dreadwing, who had already begun repairing the bridge.
Nodding his helm, "Good...good… well I have to get going, before Megatron finds out we left." Knock-Out remarked.
Glaring at the screen with his violet optics, "Who are you with?" Knightwave repeated, only to notice that of a ground bridge opening up, and the video feed being disconnected.
{Soundwave… but how… why?} Tap-Out questioned.
"He must've defected…" Knightwave uttered, never would he have thought of his brother betraying Megatron… and now right before him, was proof that his brother had done the one thing, he never thought possible… he made his own choice.
It didn't take Dreadwing long to complete the Space Bridge, for the Forge held unlimited power, thanks to it being charged by the power, of the maroon seeker's very spark energy. Though they were on a time crunch, the remaining Autobots felt at ease, and were ready for the fight of their lives. Megatron was coming, but that just meant they had more time to achieve their goal, nonetheless without the assistance of Agent Fowler, Jasper was still in danger.
However, Optimus knew of one other human, who'd be able to help in this dire situation. Prior to have meeting Fowler, the Prime and his team had another human representative, someone they trusted to keep their secret at bay. Not taking the chance, Optimus activated the com-system, relaying a private server, with the codename NEST.
Arcee looked up at the Prime, his optics glaring at the monitors, "Optimus, do you think he'll answer, after all this time?" she asked, a shakiness in her voice.
"Even though we hold no correlation with the Captain anymore, doesn't mean he'll bypass our call." Optimus assured.
Knightwave, who was curious about Optimus' contact, approached the Prime, "Who is this 'Captain'?" he asked.
"Who ain't he?" Arcee smiled, "About a decade and a half ago, we were still hiding in plain sight, no base to call home. Even then we were in a heap of trouble, the Decepticons were hot on our trail, everywhere we tried to make camp, they'd beat us there." the blue two wheeler informed.
"And let me guess, this 'Captain' was the one who helped you guys find this place?" Knightwave asked.
Shaking her helm, "Not exactly." she remarked, "This place was Fowler's doing, but without the help from the Captain, we'd possible be marked as enemies, and be hunted by both 'Con, and human alike."
[DEE DOOO]
The coms were suddenly brought to life, followed by the monitor picking up an image of a lean built man. The man was a few years younger than Fowler, however his hair was speckled with white hairs, making him look older than he was. His eyes were stern, deep set with a long scar running across his, lightly bearded face. Overall, this man looked like he'd seen more than his fair share of combat, even down to the magnitude of medals that decorated his military outfit.
Then he spoke, "Optimus Prime, long time no see." the man addressed.
"Captain Lennox." Optimus greeted.
Smiling, "It's Colonel now, but besides that, what is your reasoning for this call?" Lennox asked.
"The news you're about to receive, is quite new, thus I am not certain of you were given word... but Agent Fowler is no longer one of this world." Optimus spoke, his voice holding sadness.
"Wait… what are you say?" the Colonel asked, his blue eyes glistening, "What happened to Bill?" he questioned.
"He was murdered, by the Decepticons." Arcee sneered, "And if you don't call in the military now, Jasper will be in danger." she remarked.
Flabbergasted, "Then why aren't you doing anything?!" Lennox asked.
"Colonel, we are currently in between two crises, one of this world and one of our own. We are vastly outnumbered, and we only know of one outcome." The Prime began, "We need your Earth forces to distract the Decepticons while be return to our home, once we arrive the Decepticons will make a full retreat." Optimus implied.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, "Are you certain, they'll make a full retreat?" Lennox asked.
"I am positive, once the Decepticons know of our whereabouts on Cybertron, they'll have no choice but to intercept us there." Optimus assured.
Taking a deep breath, "I have faith that your plan will work, I'll call in all available support to that area." Lennox addressed, "And Optimus… I'm not doing this for you, this is for Bill." he stated, before the feed disconnected.
Turning away from the monitors, Optimus approached the ground bridge, while everyone, except that of Ratchet and Smokescreen stood in formation.
Nodding at the old Doctor, "Ratchet, activate the Ground Bridge." Optimus implied, as the distinct glow of the Space Bridge rumbled to life.
"Good luck." Smokescreen chimed, smiling at Drift, who was ready to Transform on command.
In that moment, all were one, all were ready to finally unravel the secrets of the Omega Lock… all were ready to finally unlock the secret of Rigor Mortis' data, and all were ready to return to Cybertron.
"Autobots!" Optimus announced, "Roll Out!"
End of Chapter notes:
Welp this chapter was interesting... to say the least... and if you haven't read the IDW comics... it's CANNON! Ratchet and Drift in the comic are a couple and same for Knock-Out and Breakdown, so yeah! CANNNNOOOONNNNNN! Huehuehuehueheuheuheuehuheuheuheuheuheuhueheuheuhuehuehuehuhe
Besides that, I had fun with chapter, and hey! It's the first chapter to have two words as the title instead of one! So yeah thanks for Reading my weird aft story, and I'll be seeing you in the next!
PS... Captain Lennox is an awesome charter, and I was happy when I actually got the chance to put him in the story...
PSS what do you guys think of the story so far? Since I don't have my paper notes anymore, this entire part and onward is just from the top of my head...