Astrosecond~ .498 seconds, milli-cycle~1 sec, cycle~1 min, breem~ 8.3 minutes, mega-cycle~1 hour, meta-cycle~1\2 hours, solar cycle~1 day, day~ 20 hours, orbital cycle~ 1 month, gigacycle~ 1 year, deca-cycle~10 years, vorn~ 83 years, stellar cycle~400 year, mechanometer~ 1 meter, vun~ hectometer, hic~ 1 kilometer

As the battle above the planet started, the fighting on the surface never really stopped when the invaders first hit. Now all of the Autobots have been gathered to London as Admiral Anderson led the resistance on the offensive to establish the FOB on the once powerful nation. All thanks to advance Autobots scouting they created a modestly large area for the expected reinforcements, but before any of them could land Hot Rod and the others had to knock out the AA guns ready to shot the shuttles down. Their primary concerns were the Hades Cannons, Destroyer-class Reaper frames outfitted with a massive and highly accurate AA gun.

"Last of the charges set here. Autobots, report in. How do your sectors look?"

"This is Bee, we just took our behemoth down! We're falling back to base."

"Yeah, there's a bit more security than we thought," Cliffjumper was cut off by an explosion, though he quickly noted, "It'll probably be another nanoclick or two."

"Hold on, and keep your head down Cliff. I've got ya cover."

"Be careful Brawn," Hot Rod walked away as the explosives detonated and brought down the cannon, "Admiral, skies are almost clear. Call in the Hammer to begin their descent."

"Roger. We'll get the signal into the air now." A few moments later a massive ball of plasma was fired, targeting one of the Reapers blocking the fleet from reaching the planet.

The signal to deploy Hammer team was activated as the Cybertronian built ground-to-space cannon brought down the last Reaper blocking the shuttles flight path. Once they broke through Reaper lines the Ark acted as a shield for the shuttles against any other AA weaponry that were still standing. Thanks to the Ark's die-cast construction the flak wasn't as severe as it looked. The Decepticon dropships were more than glad to use the Autobots as a shield. Accompanying Hammer team were Seekers and Aerialbots more suited for atmospheric combat than zero-g. Slipstream was one of the few exceptions to this as she kept to the center of her squadron.

On their way down, Nightbird and two of her sisters managed to worm her way into the group, contacting Slipstream, "You don't have any words of encouragement or something to spur the troops as we fly into the maw?"

"My words of encouragements are not to die and to kill every last Reaper and Reaper ground unit on your sensors. Unless there is something else you want to talk about, I'd suggest you keep your optics on the flak." Slipstream then broke formation, carpet bombing a small block with missiles, taking out an AA position.

"No worries," Nightbird moved behind Slipstream now as her sisters flanked Slipstream, "We've got you covered."

Ever since he learned about what happened to this universe's Cybertron, Megatron has slowly been modifying his body, shifting his alt mode into something different. The final preparations would have been completed if Megatron wasn't summoned by Blakout to discuss Slipstream's treachery. With the battle underway, Megatron finished his upgrading and was now completely flightworthy while still capable of delivering the devastating blows of a tank.

Megatron walked down to the hangar, watching the battles that were raging, Autobots, Decepticons, and organics fighting a common foe that has stood relatively unopposed until recently. "Soundwave, you have command of the Nemesis."

"Affirmative."

Megatron slid out the opening, transforming into his new fighter form and taking the fight to the Reapers. "Decepticons, forward! Blast the Reapers that don't convert!"

The Dark Energon cannon fired into another Sovereign-class Reaper and the Dark Energon crystals sprouted throughout its form and joints. The Reaper was either going to convert to the Decepticon cause and turn on its brethren or be consumed by the power of Dark Energon and the already converted Reapers. Fortunately for this one it accepted the Dark Energon, breaking a few of the crystals hindering its movements and turning to attack the other Reapers.

Shockwave's avatar zoomed in and watched Megatron transforming once more. "It would seem we get to proceed with your plans sooner than we had anticipated, Starscream."

Starscream blasted the avatar, "You will not be the death of me! Not like this!"

A hundred new avatars emerged from the walls around them, every one of them speaking, "Starscream, you should realize by now, no matter what you do in here, there is nothing you could do to escape." Starscream fanatically continued to destroy each one he could before running out of energy for his weaponry drawing out a blade to continue to cut them down. Some of the broken avatars continued to persist, dragging themselves toward Starscream, "At least die with some dignity. This was part of your plan, now live up to it."

Ignoring the fleet, Harbinger moved through the battle not hiding the fact that he was making a beeline for Megatron, and the Decepticon leader accepted this challenge.

The Ark took several hits for the shuttles, finally coming to a crash landing after a lucky shot at one of the engines, making land down relatively close to the FOB in Cybertronian measurements. "Autobots, status? Is anyone injured?"

"A few crush arms and legs, but nothing the medbots can't fix, sir."

Many of the Ark's systems were relatively intact as well, though flying and takeoff would not be possible without repairs. "Autobots, this will be our base of operations. Prowl, coordinate our forces in conjunction with the Alliance and Hammer team."

"Right away, Optimus."

"Ratchet, acquire as much space as you need for the injured. You'll be receiving more as this battle continues."

"I will. We'll send what bots we can back out there."

"Warpath, pick out a team to defend the Ark."

"Will do, Prime! We'll get everything ready and when the Reapers show up, KAPOW right in the face!"

"Autobots, transform and roll out!" Many of the Autobots moved to the exit ramp, driving out and moving to the sectors Prowl was diverting them to help defend as Optimus lead the charge toward the human FOB.

Megatron was blasting away at the armor of the Reaper, trying to reach the core to destroy the Decepticon inside. As he dodged a series of shots from the Reaper, Megatron received an unwanted transmission, "Megatron!"

"Starscream, I hope you've made your peace, for when I find you your spark will never reach the Allspark!"

"Please Megatron, listen to me! The Reaper you're fighting has a bomb! Several. They're primed in proximity to your unique resonant spark signature."

Megatron continued his attack against this Reaper, "And why warn me of your treachery? Unless you gain something in return."

"I'm trapped inside of the Reaper you're blasting!"

"So it is more out of fear for your own life than your affiliation toward me. Why shouldn't I trigger these explosives? I think I could out run the blast and destroy two problems before they become more of an annoyance."

"I have information in regards to Shockwave. The Reaper Shockwave!"

"What information could you possibly give me that I don't already know?"

"This is just a shell! A fake made in Shockwave's image! I know where the real Shockwave is hiding! And I can tell you which Reapers have a Decepticon controlling it."

Megatron pondered on the offer, though as often as Starscream has tried to take over, he usually does make up for his stupidity to a degree. "Then prove it to me."

"All of the Reapers holding their positions around the Citadel don't house a Decepticon! And the ones that do are resistant to you controlling them via the Dark Energon."

"Your incompetence and treachery have cost us in the past," Megatron transformed, using a fully powered shot from his fusion cannon to blow a hole into the Reaper's hull, "but you are at least a competent fighter when the demand calls for it. Don't make me regret doing this." Starscream quickly jetted out of the Reapers as Megatron flew after him.

Skyfire was still in the air and fighting, despite the damage it was suffering. "Grimlock, port stabilizer is gone. Weapons are offline. Shields are at 30% and dropping. I don't know how much longer I can keep her airborne."

"No need, Roadbuster. Approaching target now," Grimlock pointed to one of the Reapers more defensive emplacements.

Even Slug was questioning the validity of this plan. "But Grimlock we don't have the fire power to…"

Grimlock ripped the starboard door off, "Everybody out! Slug, lead others to human base. Me catch up when can." Grimlock took the controls from Roadbuster's hands, taking the seat too.

Slug was hesitant, but he knew the boss bot, "You heard Grimlock, jump!" Swoop was the first one out, followed closely by Sludge and Snarl. Slug grabbed Jazz and Vibes, "You bots too," tossing them out before they could argue, making sure they still had enough air to correct themselves before turning to the remaining members of Lightning Strike. Once they jumped out, Slug was the last one left. "Don't die Grimlock. Don't want to be leader yet."

Grimlock turned back, "Who said you leader after me? Now go." Once Slug was out of there Grimlock turned his attention on the barrier he was going to knock down. "Reapers…worse than Cons…" Grimlock then started to pull some wires out, binding the controls to hold steady now as he said his farewells to a soon to be fallen comrade. "Skyfire, been through many battles together. Both as Decepticon and Autobot. Will miss you. But sacrifice will not go wasted." Grimlock moved to the hatch he had opened, jumping out moments before the ship crashed into the wall. Grimlock managed to sink his sword into one of the buildings to anchor himself as the shockwave from the explosion knocked several things around. Grimlock slide his way down to the streets, pulling his sword out as his shield activated from his left shoulder. With some of the Reaper units still functioning Grimlock charged in, twirling his sword as he roared into battle.

Jazz threw a grapple line to Vibes as she fired off a cable from her rifle toward one of the buildings to swing Jazz. He broke through the wall, but he had something new to grapple to, shifting his swing now as he pulled himself back toward Vibes.

Vibes was grinding against a metal pole that ran along a building but her weight would cause this damaged structure to collapse at any moment. Jazz had his hand out to Vibes as she grabbed hold and he helped slow their decent toward ground level. "That's one way to make a drop."

Vibes could feel the explosion in her sensors, though they could also hear it too. "Do you think Grimlock made it?"

"If anything, Grimlock's probably got himself into a huge mess of trouble and stomping his way through as we speak." Just as Jazz predicted a rather familiar roar echoed out as more explosions erupted soon after. "Told ya. Now let's hurry back to the human base before things start trying to tear us apart."

Vibes could hear the many different sounds from the Reaper's creations moving on Grimlock as well as toward them. "You don't have to tell me twice." The two Autobots transformed into vehicle form and drove off towards the coordinates that they were given.

Many of the shuttles arrived as planned, some forced down sooner than expected. Decepticons were establishing their own temporary base to gather before the organics were ready to march. Slipstream and the other aerial Decepticons landed too, keeping out of the flak if they don't need to be in the air. They had some of their heavy hitters on the field, many of their combiner teams were on the ground; Constructicons, Combaticons, Stunticons, Predacons, and Terrorcons. Not to mention all of the ground forces and the organics to pick off whatever the big guns might miss.

Slipstream looked around to the decimated city, "These humans should be worshiping us, groveling for our help." The Decepticons all chucked in agreement, though since she was speaking in the Cybertronian native tongue the organics would have no idea what they were saying.

One of the raloi approached now, (Commander Slipstream, what is our battle plan?)

Slipstream looked to the organics, still holding disgust for them, but that didn't mean she didn't have some respect for what they have shown. (We're waiting on the human Alliance to begin the march against the Reapers. Until then we're holding our ground. Be thankful that you don't have to fight constantly like most of the Autobot's allies are right now.) "Decepticons, make sure your comm channels are secured and linked. Once we enter this fray and you can't call in back up, then tough luck. And see if we can't exploit using the Autobots to our advantage, especially Grimlock."

Nightbird was a little worried about this idea. "How do you know this Grimlock or any other Autobot would be able to aid your plans?"

"Then you didn't study up on our war. Grimlock was once one of us. He understood that change needed to happen if Cybertron was to be strong again. Then his code of honor got in the way and his entire team defected to the Autobots."

"You let the traitors live?"

Several of the Decepticons started to laugh now, much to the annoyance of Nightbird, Darkstar and Shadowguard. "It's not from a lack of trying mind you. Grimlock is just that strong. He was a gladiator of Kaon, just like Megatron before the Decepticons were formed. They even rigged the fights back then to make sure they didn't fight against each other, because not even Soundwave could calculate who'd win. Grimlock alone is his own wrenching crew, but with his team backing him they're an unstoppable force of nature. There's something of a Con joke about Grimlock. If you hear the sounds of a blade scrapping the floor and walls or the audio receptor breaking shrills of a dying bot, you best pray to Primus that Grimlock shows you a swift end."

"And how is that a joke?"

Slipstream was silent for a moment. "Listen right now." Off in the distance a roar of a mighty beast echoed out followed by the all too familiar screams of Reaper forces being decimated. "That's Grimlock blowing off steam."

Shepard's team had dispersed across the base, helping however they could or just providing support to the soldiers before charging into the fires. Shepard was walking around the base, talking with friends and saluting the soldiers who saluted to him. Just his presence on the base seemed to be giving all of them even more energy.

Shepard found Rago'Za ready to move, however it wasn't forward with the rest of the attack. "Are you ready for this?"

"I am, however my battle won't be with the Reapers. I still have men I am responsible for, and I will not feel sated if I cannot be by their side or aid them in the battle to come. I hope you understand."

Shepard rested an arm on Rago'Za's back, "I understand. Though I hope you aren't trying to go out there alone."

"I wasn't. I asked James, Ashley and some of the Alliance soldiers to help me get out there. They seemed rather willing to offer their aid. If only my people were stronger, I would stand proudly at your side in battle. But…"

"Make sure your people don't remain under Decepticon control."

"One battle at a time."

At the front gate two Autobot were screeching down the ruined street running over and gunning down husks attacking the compound, jumping over the wall to get into the base itself. "You always were one to demand a flashy entrance."

"I can't help it if I'm fabulous." Jazz threw out his arm as it was met by another. "Long time no see, Cliff."

"Right back at ya, Jazz."

Vibes looked around the base, spotting several different aliens preparing for battle. "The final push. I only wish we could have retaken Cybertron in a similar fashion."

"No need to worry about Cybertron," Dropshot arrived on the scene, "We'll see it again soon enough. I'm sure Prime has plans for what we're going to do right here."

At the command center, Optimus was watching from the broken window as Anderson and Major Coats discussing strategies for the final push. "Defensor will protect the convoy while on transit as we clear the path ahead. Computron will remain with the back ranks to aid however possible."

"Shouldn't the big robot with brains be helping up front with the other one?"

"As big as Computron is, there is a window of opportunity the Reapers could exploit while he calculates the best strategy for the moment. He will defend those around him as he needs those to provide him the time to process the data."

Anderson noticed one of the Reaper barriers just north of them disappear from the display. "What happened just now?"

Optimus turned as he received a message from one of the Autobots. "That would be Grimlock. He and his Lightning Strike Coalition have already begun their own march toward the Reaper and the Citadel insertion point, destroying everything in their path."

Coats turned back, "Are they Decpeticons?"

"No. I saw Grimlock. He's an Autobot. A rather scary one at that."

"So then what about the Decepticons? Do we let them run rampant and do whatever they want?"

"That is where we come in." Optimus carefully pointed to the plans, "We're receiving reports that the Decepticons are waiting for our assault to begin before attacking. Autobot teams will also be deployed along the flanks to keep both the Reapers and the Decepticons away from the convoy. There shouldn't be any foreseeable problems with this so long as the Decepticons don't start attacking us directly."

"It's a gamble, but this is the best chance we've got."

A/N: Starscream's a bitch and he knows it. With wheels and feet on the ground, the fight to reclaim Earth seems almost assured. But how will Shockwave ensure his 'perfect' plan now, or has everything continued to fall into place as he predicted?