DISCLAIMER: I do not own Code Geass or Transformers. They are (respectively) the property of Sunrise/CLAMP and IDW/Takara/Hasbro.
Rated: T for violence and language
The Autobot/American forces commence operations in Northern Africa. Meanwhile, the mercenaries dispatched from Earth head towards the Trion.
Chapter 29 – The Breach EU Mediterranean Border
Morocco, North Africa
Gillspie and three other Splinter Cells wore desert pattern tactical suits, which blended well with the local environment. While there were large stretches of sand that crossed miles, it made it easier for them to move out in the open. The Europeans couldn't risk sending their soldiers on foot any more than beyond fifty miles of the base since the temperatures soared above 130 degrees, and they were short on fuel. While they had more than enough vehicles to send light patrols, they were not by any means completely invisible.
Thanks to the innovations of Third Echelon, each Splinter Cell's suit was fitted with a filtering system that allowed to keep their bodies cool or warm, depending on the environment that they're operating in. Gillspie lifted the binoculars across his eyes and watched as German and French soldiers roamed around the outpost. They worked in twos, providing coverage to the entrances that provided access inside the settlement.
While the Americans worked in concert with the Autobots, there were a few that distrusted working with aliens such as the Transformers. Gillspie was one of the humans that shared in the discontent of teaming up on a mission which he felt that they had no business in doing. The fact that they were risking their lives alongside a foreign species seemed somewhat ludicrous to him. But, as the senior agent told himself time and again, this was no ordinary job.
"Prowl, this is Agent Gillspie, you copy?"
"Affirmative, Agent Gillspie. How are things on your end?"
"They still haven't seen us. We got eyes and ears on 'em."
"Our satellite coverage has determined that the Knightmares are stowed inside the facility."
"Well, there's also a couple of bunkers on the outer premises, with men manning them. They got machine guns, rocket launchers, and mines. Snipers are positioned in the main watchtower within the base. There're searchlights that provide a full 360 coverage around the perimeter. I can tell you that if we're going to do this, it ain't gonna be a cakewalk."
"Hmm, a little more heavily entrenched than what our intelligence indicated."
"Got any ideas?" Gillspie asked.
"I have something in mind. Head on back to base for the time being. We'll be planning preparations in executing the next phase of our operation shortly."
_ _ _
Shuttle 35
En route to the Trion
Banzai-Tron kept his blade grounded into the hull of the cockpit, just behind Dealer's seat. The latter focused on getting the passengers he had on board into the ship. The idea was prior to their arrival, the occupants would enter the crates in the back of the shuttle and pose as cargo so that they could be unloaded.
Usually ship sensors would scan for anomalies within the cargo that would differentiate them from one another, such as munitions, fuels and hazardous materials. What made the crates inside the shuttle different from regular cargo containers were the fact that they're equipped with tamper shields that would give a larger ship's internal scanning systems false readings. Dealer made sure that the crates that would carry the mercenaries undetected into the ship were preprogrammed to look like defective equipment in the eyes of the personnel that would be in proximity of the cargo.
Bomb-Burst and Banzai-Tron were going over final plans in which to disrupt part of the tachyon network that monitored activity throughout the entire sector. All of the other mercenaries stood around the pair as they navigating through each detail and what needed to be done upon arrival. A holographic avatar of Megatron materialized in front of Banzai-Tron. The latter narrowed his optics as the warlord began supplying additional bits of information to his hirelings.
"I trust all is going as planned?"
"Yes, Lord Megatron. We should be arriving shortly as intended," Bomb-Burst informed.
"Excellent. How long until you arrive?"
"In less than three cycles," Banzai-Tron stated. "What of the troops that are coming to Earth?"
"Stryka has already contacted me, and reinforcements are coming to this dimension as we speak. Remember, this is only a diversion. The main objective is to disrupt the fleet's tachyon network so that the additional troops can move planetside undetected," the warlord said.
The black-armored assassin nodded. "Understood, we'll be continuing as planned."
"See to it. Megatron out."
As the conversation terminated, Dealer turned to face the two leading mercenaries of the mission: "Sit tight gentlebots, we're about to arrive. Shuttle 35 to Trion, heading on approach vector bearing 035 mark 142 to drop in some equipment for repairs. ETA thirty nanokliks."
"Confirmed, 35. Welcome aboard."
As the shuttle entered, all of the Decepticons hid themselves inside the crates, ready to give their enemies the big surprise.
_ _ _
Main Hangar Bay
Command Ship TrionIronhide inspected the security detail that guarded the ship. All of them were gathered in a large formation within the vessel's holo-training facility. The aged security officer had an optic for checking details that were out of place when it came to the troops. Two megacycles passed before he finished checking the personnel and moved on to the armored divisions which they were responsible for.
The majority of the armored units stored within the main hold of the hangar bay next to the Alpha Sentinels parked against the launcher arms. Several Gamma Sentinels were lined alongside one another, some of which were in poor shape. Upon closer inspection the security officer noticed that the machine's main turret was smeared with dirt and grime, with wirings sticking out from inside.
"What's with this turret?"
"The fuses have been damaged, sir. We're still waiting on the replacement parts coming from one of the other ships."
"You're going to have to do better than that. Prime wants these units operational within the next several megacycles," the elder Autobot said before he felt a tap on his shoulder pad. "Who are you?"
"Name's Dealer, sir. I'm one of the pilots that just recently arrived in the system."
Ironhide wanted to get to the point. "Alright, what do you need?"
"Sir, I need you to sign this," Dealer said, offering a digital hand tablet.
"What is this?" the security officer asked.
"Equipment that's been scheduled for repairs per Commander Prowl's instructions."
Ironhide eyed Dealer suspiciously. He signed the pad and handed it back to the pilot. Once the signing was finished, the latter instructed the personnel on deck to bring in the cargo crates so that the damaged equipment could be unloaded. A large batch of crates containing the gear were marked with massive insignias that marked it as Autobot property. After they were scanned, Dealer bid the crew farewell and made way back to their galaxy.
_ _ _
Two megacycles passed after the shuttle delivered its cargo into the Trion. A pair of guards doing security runs around the ship sensed something unusual about the crates that were dropped earlier. A technician that was nearby examining the crates. There was something odd about the bot. Most of the personnel that worked inside of the hangar bay knew each other, but neither of the guards recognized this mechanoid. They approached him cautiously, with their weapons shouldered behind them.
"Is everything alright?" one of the guards asked.
"Everything's just fine," the technician answered.
Both guards eyed him warily and glanced at the containers, which seemed larger than normal.
"Open the crate." one of the guards commanded.
The suspicious looking-tech opened the crate and suddenly disappeared. The two guards widened their optics in surprise finding that their 'comrade' was only a hologram. What came afterward were two squads of very dangerous-looking Decepticons armed to the teeth, ready to tear into the ship's hull plating. Two of them in particular mean-looking and, the purple crests on their chest plates shining proudly under the flagship's lights.
"Surprised to see us, Autobot?" Runamuck laughed, his visor glowing a bright red.
"What the-?" the guard muttered before his optics grew wide in shock, a massive hole gaping through his chest with smoke billowing from within. The hapless soldier dropped onto the deck as Runabout's rifle fumed at the end of the barrel. The mercenary laughed wickedly as his weapon took down its first victim.
The gunshot drew the attention of additional security personnel who immediately drew their firearms and attempted to stop the Decepticons in their tracks. Instead, they founded themselves overpowered by the sheer might of the weapons which the enemy mercenaries brought to bear, and the skill of the assassin that accompanied them. Banzai-Tron stood tall and sheathed his weapon.
"We've taken care of them," Runamuck told Bomb-Burst.
"Indeed. Head towards the tachyon control center. I'm going to go search for Optimus Prime." Banzai-Tron instructed.
"We don't take orders from you!" yelled Runabout.
"Come now, comrades. There is no need to fight," Bomb-Burst reminded the group.
Another one of the ship's personnel that was nearby watched helplessly as the two guards were gunned downed by the newcomers. He noticed that Decepticons have somehow managed to enter without being detected. He reached for the nearest comm panel and tapped through to call out any friendly soldiers that were nearby.
"We have intruders on board the ship! Send security down here now!" the crewmember's cry for help was silenced by the blade of Banzai-Tron.
_ _ _
Training Room
Command Ship Trion
Drift focused his psi energies around his chassis, his entire figure bathed in a bluish glow. Surrounded by a dozen Decepticon soldiers, he postured himself to prepare for the attack to come. They were only projections that acted as part of the training simulation to keep his skills sharp.
They came in twos and threes, the blademaster dispatching his foes with ease, smashing his fists into their armor. He deflected a blow meant for his spark core and threw his opponent over him. Another drew a dagger and launched it towards him. Drift caught it with his hand and threw it onto the floor before kicking the mechanoid three times in rapid succession and knocking the bot flat on his back.
Drift dodged a near-fatal stab from behind and landed a chop behind his enemy's neck. The enemy 'mechanoid' landed with a loud thud against the ground. In reaction, all of the others that were left standing staggered back. They attempted to distance themselves from him but instead fell pray to the merciless blows and swift finishes that took them down in less than a minute.
The computer that managed the simulation spoke with a feminine voice and a flat tone after he dispatched them. "Score: 100."
Drift judged the challenge that his enemies posed as relatively lax. He needed to raise the bar for himself farther. "Hmm, could be better. Computer, rerun simulation at advanced difficulty, level five."
"Confirmed. Please stand by."
In seconds the program booted up again, and the enemies moved with greater speed. Some of them managing to land a few blows against Drift before he recovered himself and countered swiftly. One of the opponents charged towards him as he lowered himself and locked the enemy's legs with his own.
Drift sensed that something was amiss.
"Computer, terminate program."
"Program terminated."
As the holographic projections of Decepticon soldiers disappeared, Drift ran out to search for the cause of the disturbance. His audio receptors caught onto the sounds as they drew him further into the bowels of the ship.
_ _ _
Briefing Room
Command Ship Trion
Jazz barged into the meeting without an apology. The normally cool-mannered officer was upset (with good reason). If he was going to stop Spike, he would need help. Prime sanctioned the mission in which Lelouch would be captured and interrogated. Jazz honestly believed that Lelouch had nothing to do with the Black Knights, but Spike seemed to be thinking the opposite.
"Optimus, I'm sorry for interrupting but we need to talk," the Autobot lieutenant said with an urgent tone in his voice. All of the other officers that were present stared at him.
"Gentlebots, would you give us a moment please?" the supreme commander gestured. All of the officers except himself and Jazz remained. He sensed that something was afoot and wanted to get to the point of the matter.
"What did you need to talk with me about, Jazz?"
"It's about Spike and the mission that we sanctioned to allow him to capture Lelouch Lamperouge."
"What of it?"
"Is this what we've become? Have we reached a point where we have to rely on hurting humans to get what we need?"
Prime narrowed his optics, disturbed by the accusatory nature of Jazz's question. "Understand that I did not come to that decision lightly. I stress that the Americans have volunteered to aid us in our goals. Their assistance in our endeavors is critical if we are to complete our mission and repair the damage that has been done to this world."
"So you're going to let him have his way by torturing an innocent kid?"
"No, but I do share your concerns about what is to happen to the chi, but I often question the supposed innocence of your friend. The discovery of a test subject of the Britannians' experiments is no coincidence, which I agreed is worth looking into."
"What test subject?"
"Do you still remember what Spike uncovered back at laboratory at Narita?"
"As clear as day. He uncovered something about a secret experiment that the Brits were running, using children as some sort of psionic weapon."
"Spike has reason to believe that the woman that his team observed might have something to do with the boy."
"Even if Lelouch has been trying to hide something, it still ain't right! We should be confronting him about it!" Jazz emphasized.
"Which is why Ironhide will be heading back to Earth via shuttle to monitor the operation closely."
Optimus gestured Jazz to pause and tapped onto the ship's comm system. He grew alarmed at the sound of weapons fire in the background. Each shot grew louder in intensity, one of them striking near the comm panel of whoever was calling from the other side.
"What in blazes is happening down there?" he whispered.
"Optimus! The ship has been breached! Decepticon troops are on board!" Ironhide shouted. That was all the supreme commander needed to trigger a ship-wide broadcaster that would have the soldiers on board to mobilize, arm up and scour the decks of whoever dared to attack the insides of the ship.
"Hang on for as long as you can, Ironhide, I'm sending help!" Prime said before he tapped into his helmet's antennae. "This is Optimus Prime to all security personnel, I'm declaring a general alert! Arm yourselves and neutralize the intruders!"
"I'm heading back to the medical bay. We don't know how bad the threat is, and it looks like we're going to need all the bodies we can muster."
Prime took out his plasma rifle from his internal armory and cocked it, hoisting the weapon in front of his body. "Go."
_ _ _
Banzai-Tron continued in slaying his enemies with his sword, sparks flying as severed wires and mechanical fluids covered the passageway towards the bridge.
"These security guards are weak."
"Drop your weapon and raise your servos where we can see 'em!"
Instead of obeying the command, the assassin sheathed his weapon behind his back and charged his inner energy. Moments later he disappeared in a bright flash, the guards shielding their eyes due to the disorienting nature of their light.
"Where'd he go?" shouted one of the guards.
A red Autobot with an oddly shaped helmet suddenly appeared out of nowhere. He seemed old and not as agile as he was. Banzai-Tron needed to kill him to prevent the old guard from doing anything foolish.
"What in the Inferno is going on in here?" the Autobot shouted with a low drawl before he bore witness to the dismembered bodies of his fellow soldiers everyone. He drew weapon but was too slow to stop Banzai-Tron before he severed one of the legs. The old bot clutched onto his limb, feeling the pain surge throughout his body. He tried to take down the assassin with his pistol but instead had his servos sliced, the sharpness making him yelp even more.
"You must be Ironhide. You're tough, but not enough to handle the likes of me. Don't worry, I'll get back to you shortly." Banzai-Tron said. Dozens of parts were scattered throughout the passages of the ship. The assassin spared no expense in cutting a swath against any and all who crossed his path. He wanted Optimus and the bridge crew to know that he was coming for them.
Three guards suddenly popped out of nowhere, photon rifles in hand and fully charged. He heard the whir as the trio unleashed several bursts meant to take him down. The assassin jumped and latched onto the ceiling like a spider and cracked the lights overhead with a swipe of his sword before he landed back onto the deck again. His feet was mute amidst the heavy gunfire as he rushed forth and dispatched the three Autobots with lethal efficiency.
A blast that sheered his midsection caught him by surprise. Banzai-Tron paused as he glanced at his wound. He leveled his head and smiled inwardly that the mech he was searching for decided to come out in the open. The massive Autobot leader kept his weapon trained at the assassin to prevent him from doing anything foolish.
"Get away from him. Now," he commanded.
"The legendary Optimus Prime. Quite a pleasant surprise to actually meet you in person. Shame that I have to take you offline though."
Prime's optics narrowed. "Indeed? Well then, let's see what you got."
"With pleasure!" Banzai bellowed as he leaped and clung onto the walls before jumping again towards Prime's direction. A group of guards popped into the open with photon rifles drawn, firing at the assassin. Their bursts could not keep up with the Decepticon's speed, as he was just mere feet away from the Autobot leader. One guard stood in front of the massive commander to protect him from harm.
"Optimus, stand b -" the security bot gurgled before Prime watched him slain in an instant. The cyber-ninja lunged forth as he drew his blade back and swung forth toward's the chest plate of the Autobot leader. Optimus barely blocked the blow with his plasma rifle. In retaliation, Prime fired several blasts that struck the corners of the passageway. The Autobot leader widened his gaze at the assassin's skill.
Banzai-Tron halted his attack and saw a white mechanoid with certain tribal marks that covered his chassis. The Decepticon's inner spark sensed something familiar about this Transformer, his strength rivaling his own. His processor dug in deeper and noticed the darkened powers that this warrior harbored. The robot that he sensed earlier stepped forth at the end of the passageway, optics glowing bright blue. He looked into the two lights and instantly recognized the serious look behind them. Banzai-Tron smiled inwardly when he realized who he was about to face next.
"Deadlock, what a pleasant surprise."
"I had a feeling there was something strange going on," the armor-clad blademaster declared.
"Seeing as how you've decided to show up, I will gain satisfaction but turning you to rust instead."
"Get out of here, Drift," Prime commanded the blademaster.
"Optimus, let me handle this one," the white cyber-ninja insisted. Prime glanced at the two combatants. He was confident on taking on the assassin on his own, but the situation demanded his attention elsewhere. "Drift, be careful."
The white armor-clad cyber-ninja nodded. Banzai-Tron watched as Optimus retreated and searched for personnel with which to battle the rest of the intruders that have made way inside. He then focused his attention back to the real obstacle of his mission.
"So the rumors are true, you've betrayed the Decepticons to fight for these weaklings. You're wasting your talent, Deadlock."
"I'm called Drift, now," said the blademaster.
"It doesn't matter what you do. I'm on a mission and I intend to carry it out. And I'm not going to let you stop me," the Decepticon mercenary said.
Drift said nothing afterwards, but simply drew his short swords and rushed into battle against his former comrade. Banzai-Tron held his blade high and charged as the two warrior's swords collided against one another. Both blademasters used their psi-energies to anticipate each other's moves. Drift blocked an upward strike that came from below and kneed his opponent in the faceplate.
Banzai-Tron recovered on his feet and scratched his chin. He shrugged off the impact as if it was nothing. There was nothing more satisfying than fighting a rival that was just as skilled as he was in a fight to the death.
End of Chapter 29
Author's Note:
The beginning is meant to serve as the precursor for the chapters after the next one where the Autobot African forces will engage against the Decepticons and the Britannians. I need inputs as to what Knightmares the Europeans have that are analogous in size and function to the imperial Sutherlands and Gloucesters. Any advice will be credited, just send me a PM.
And props to my readers (including SC and Worker72) for their support.