*Nightglider appears at the screen, instead of Calliope* Um... Calliope! They're already here! What do I do? *No answer* Huh... *The mech smiles to the screen* Give me one second, ok?

*Rushes to look after the writer, who finally appears. Nightglider still next to her*

Hello, everyone! Sorry about that, I was trying to finish the next chapter! Guys, you don't know how happy your answers has made me! And, I will publish the one-shots I've wrote; though I still have a long way to go, but I won't cover all the characters I've used in this fic, otherwise I will be writing for the rest of my life...

Nightglider: *kind of depressed* You haven't writen mine yet...

I haven't thought what story should I give you yet... But I'll figure something out. I promise, ok? *The flyer smiles*

Coira94:

Thank you for your answer! I'll publish the one-shots once I've finished this fic, ok?

Seeker3:

Sorry to disappoint you about the Combiners... And, yes, this is ending soon. Glad to know that this would be the first story you read completely!

About the ideas of a sequel, yes I thought about it, but I don't know whether I would be able to write one... I mean I started a story, thinking about it, but... I got stuck after two chapters, and my vacations are coming to an end soon, so...

Nightglider: Wait... You mean that that... thing you were planning to write a couple months ago was...? *Calliope nods* Trust me guys, the others will be more than pleased if she doesn't publish it.

Hey, I said that I don't know if would be able to finish it, didn't I? So, sorry. There's the idea, but I don't know if will have time to fulfill it.

Sympathy Effect:

Glad you liked the mini-story. And, about Ultra Magnus, he's just trying to protect everything he loves in the only way he , yes, he's kind of reckless... Maybe he has spent too much time with the Wreckers? XD

About Galatea: I chose her name (which means 'white as milk') after Pygmalion's myht. According to it, the king Pygmalion refuses to marry with any of the women that lives in his kingdom, because he finds them imperfect. So he choses to live without any female companion; however, he, being a sculptor, soon finds out that he has been depicting his perfect companion on the statue he was working on, which he calls Galatea. Eventually, he falls in love with it, and begs to Aphrodite for help. The goddess, moved by this, brings the statue to life, and gives her the gift of fertility. Finally, Pymalion takes Galatea as his wife.

If I don't remember incorrectly, there are versions of the myth in which Aphrodite appears before the king, saying that he must choose a wife; and the reason why Pygmalion was sculpting the statue was because he tried to belate the goddess order, saying that he would marry after finishing his piece. The excuse was that he wanted to depict the goddess; but, as the time passed, he realized that he created the woman he desired, so he ends up asking Aphrodite to blow life into it. Since it went with her wishes, she does so; and that's how Galatea is born.

Nightglider: *Narrowing his optics* But you chose my name after one of Batman Arkham Asylum's trophies?

Hey! It sounded Cybertronian enough; and you were going to be a flyer, so...! *Changing subject* Oh, I didn't notice that Flare is becoming annoying... Huh. Oh, well, the story is almost over anyway... Endure her a bit longer XD

And I had my reasons for everything in here. You soon will know why these guys did what they did. As for Smokey, it would've been pointless to make him go to Cybertron... You'll see.

Bumblebee:

Glad you like the long chapters... Because they're becoming longer...

Oh, um... Sorry to Megatron, but I'm not planning to write about him, since he's one of the few characters I don't really like... And, since he self-vanished from Cybertron after the war, so his rol on the show is over. Besides, Unicron already told him that his soul is lost for have used (abused, actually) Dark Energon; so, it's not like he can be redeemed...

Wheeljack:

Easy, there! There's nothing wrong with the commander! I just asked him to try to socialize with the team! *Scratching the back of her neck* Perhaps the candy was too much, though...

Knock Out:

C'mon now... You know I wouldn't kill you in this fic. You're the main character! And, besides, I do remember to have warned you about some sparklings in the nearby future, a couple chapters ago... *Evil laugh* Though, Bumblebee might have a point about your finish...

Megatron:

Don't worry, I already caught Skywarp while putting dye in Solar Flare's shampoo, and took care of it... I exchanged my OC's shampoo with Knock Out's, then waited for him to take a shower. When he came out of the wash racks roaring in rage, I told him that it was Skywarp's fault. Then I grabbed some popcorn and watched the whole thing. *Evil smirk* Nobody messes with my babies...

Alright, let's keep going! Glider, go to your place! *The OC nods and leaves*

Warning: English isn't my mother language, so there might be some grammar mistakes in here.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Transformers franchise, nor its characters. It is a registered trademark of Hasbro.

THIRTY FIVE: The Only Line of Defense

Smokescreen was pacing up and down the control room, worried sick for his friend Hot Rod, whose call ended twenty minutes ago. What was going on back on Cybertron? Were everyone okay? Did the 'Cons got to the city? Grunting, he looked at the mainframe's screen, desperate for news; but, since nobody called, he resumed his pacing… Until Ironhide grabbed him by the shoulders.

"Making a hole in the floor isn't going to help us, kid…" The weapons specialist said, while patting the Elite Guard on the chest.

The young mech took a deep vent, trying to calm down his nerves. Right. He had to keep it together, or he would become a burden to his friends, and that was something they couldn't bear right now… However, his spark was uneasy. Smokescreen was trained to help his teammates when there was a battle, and Hot Rod was a close friend of his… and he just refused to give him any backup! His loyalty was soared for this. But he also knew that he wouldn't feel different if he would've left the team to help the orange mech.

Fowler and the children were at the catwalks, looking at the bots, who were all at the verge of a spark-attack, wondering what they could do to help. The governmental agent more than anyone, since it was his job to be the middle-man between the Pentagon and these guys… It was then when the mainframe pinged with an incoming call.

With his hopes up, Smokescreen ran towards the keyboard to pick up. Surprisingly, it wasn't Hot Rod, but Ultra Magnus.

"Magnus! Thanks the AllSpark, you're back!" Ratchet said with a bright smile.

"You can say it again…" The commander conceded, remembering the shot he took at Kaon City, and massaging his chest-plates. "Prowl has been updating me about our current state. Is it true? Combiners?" He asked.

At this question, Knock Out walked up to the screen, feeling that he should be the one to answer that question.

"Yes. Shockwave figured how to solve the problems that inhibited Project Combiner." The red mech said. "One of the volunteered teams is here on Earth. But we fear that Shockwave sent two of his minions to recover another two groups, the Combaticons, and the Stunticons."

The blue bot's eyes widened at the names.

So he heard about them already… That wasn't a good sign.

Bumblebee exchanged a worried look with the rest of the team, and with Knock Out, before look at Ultra Magnus.

"Please, tell us that you managed to keep them locked down…" The yellow mech pleaded.

"I'm… sorry. They made it to the space-bridges." The Wrecker apologized.

"So they're here already…" Knock Out muttered in horror.

A cold silence spread through the base, and the Autobots' sparks faltered a few beats, knowing that this was a declaration of war… One that they didn't know if they were able to win, nor if they even stood a chance to survive. Nobody fought a Combiner before, because nobody ever managed to actually create one! None of them knew what to expect. Besides, for what they've seen, their guns didn't even left a scratch on the Constructicons; so, how were they supposed to stop them once they combined?!

Knock Out was the one who was pondering about this the most. Though he wasn't a pure Autobot, he couldn't deny that he was no longer a Decepticon; neither could he deny his new found fondness to this planet and its population. But, just as the 'Bots, he knew that nothing in their arsenal was strong enough to pierce through these guys' armors. "Unless… we don't have to 'pierce' them at all…" Without anyone's notice, the Velocitronian's eyes widened, as he got lost in deep thoughts.

At the same time, and fortunately for the team, Ultra Magnus was back in action:

"I might have something for you: when I fought those guys in here, I noticed that, while our blasters are ineffective, their weapons does hurt them." The commander informed.

"What? How you know?" Ironhide asked, walking closer the screen.

The blue commander's jaw dropped in surprise.

"Ironhide?! You're alive?!" Ultra Magnus asked, not trusting his eyes.

The weapons specialist chuckled, remembering that the Wrecker didn't know about him being a prisoner at the Black Moon…

"Not just me." He said, and gestured the femmes to approach.

"Elita-One…" The blue mech muttered as soon as the pink bot appeared on his screen. "It's a real honor, ma'am."

"The honor is mine, commander." She answered.

"Ultra Magnus." The red medic called after a while. "Do you know where the Iacon's Relics are being kept?" He asked, and couldn't help his smile when the Autobot nodded as answer.

The others arched an eyebrow at his sudden intromission, wondering what he was thinking; only Bumblebee understood the red mech's train of thoughts immediately at the mention of the relics. A new found hope started to enlighten his spark.

"Of course! Well thought, Knock Out!" The law enforcer said, while patting the former 'Con on his back.

"Um… You lost me guys. What are you exactly planning?" Chromia wondered, crossing her arms.

"The Phase Shifter!" Bumblebee and Knock Out answered at the same time.

Smokescreen's face lightened at the mention of his favorite relic, knowing what those two were talking about: with it in their grasp, they didn't need to hurt the Combiners; they could go right through them and break their weak spots from inside! And he was just the perfect bot for the job: he used that thing so many times that he knew how to exploit its potential in battle. Feeling the fire of a new hope burning within his chest, the Elite Guard volunteered for the mission.

Nodding, Bumblebee turned to look at the screen again.

"Ultra Magnus, is there any way for you to bring us the relics?" He asked, with a confident smile.

"Give me five kliks. Ultra Magnus, out."

The commander hung up the call and turned around to leave the clinic's reception (or what was left of it…), and went to meet with Prowl and his brothers, who were right outside, watching the wave of Decepticons that was advancing towards the city. The three of them were wondering when the Council was going to dispatch their own drones to protect the place; and the three of them were coming to the sad conclusion that their leaders might not even lift a finger to protect their people… They probably were on their own.

Ultra Magnus called Side Burn's attention, asking him if he had full access to the Academy's vaults. The blue and cerulean mech arched an eyebrow and cocked his head at the question.

"Um… Yes and no. That level has a special lock. Two guards are needed to open the doors… Or you need to have the Master Code, but only the chairman knows which it is…" He explained, shrugging and rolling his eyes at the last part.

"I understand that you have a friend at the Academy, does he has the code too?" The commander asked, receiving a nod as answer. "Good, because I need you to retrieve some things for me."

A honk called their attention towards a group of Cybertronians who were approaching in their vehicle mode. He recognized four of them, but he had no clue who were the three trains, the orange car, or the chopper… Arching an eyebrow, he walked up to the white sport car with blue and red streaks, which transformed in Jazz. The lieutenant ran up to the Wrecker, happy to see him standing. The orange and golden sport car rolled towards Side Burn, transforming into a young mech that had the Elite Guard's badge carved on his chest and shoulders.

The tall, blue mech concentrated in his friend.

"Mags! Oh, you don't know just how happy I am of seeing ya' up!" He said, restraining himself from hugging the commander. "I saw the army of 'Cons that's coming our way; I'm trying to regroup the old gang, but…" He gestured towards the Autobots behind him. "This is all I got this far… I could really use your help."

"I'm sorry, Jazz, but I'm needed somewhere else. Ratchet and the others are about to fight three Combiners back on Earth; I have to help them." He excused himself.

"Oh, scrap…" Jazz cursed, dropping his shoulders.

"Hey, Whirl, where's that acquaintance of yours?" Crosshairs asked, behind the lieutenant, looking at the one eyed bot, who shrugged.

"He said he was coming…" The soldier said.

Seeing how things were going, Ultra Magnus looked away, towards the Sea of Rust. Maybe… No. Not 'maybe', it had to be; there was no other choice. With this amount of warriors, they wouldn't survive a day! Grunting, biting his lip, the commander turned towards the Elite Guards and told them to grab the Iacon Relics that were being kept at the Academy's vaults; that he would meet with them at the space-bridges within ten kliks. Then, he ordered Prowl to go to his place and grab his case of guns, same point of meeting; at the same time he threw his keys to the startled cop. Then, he turned to Jazz, promising him that he would ensure him some back-up; right after making that promise, he transformed and drove away.

Hot Rod and Side Burn looked at each other, and, nodding, transformed and rushed towards the Academy; while Prowl and X-Brawn went towards the Wrecker's apartment. Jazz sighed and looked at what he had…

They were so doomed…

But their luck was about to change, as a chopper was heard in the distance.

"Wo-hooo! He's here!" Whirl celebrated. "Told ya'!" He added, turning to look at Crosshairs.

"There's someone with him…" Drift said, squinting his eyes, trying to see the newcomers better.

Finally, the helicopter transformed into a red mech; and, behind him, three jets transformed into three red and white mechs that had the Autobot badge carved somewhere in their bodies. Whirl greeted the first one, calling him Blades.

Drift walked up to him.

"Please tell me you're gonna help us with that army…" He said.

"Can I shoot at any Decepti-creep I see?" Blades asked, receiving a nod from his friend Whirl. "Then the answer is yes. Oh, and I brought some helpers." He added, looking at the three other flyers. "These guys were from the Aerialbots's unit: Powerglide, Fireflight and…"

"Silverbolt!" Jazz greeted the last one, running up to him.

"Jazz?! You survived?!" The old flyer celebrated, while patting the lieutenant's shoulder. "Good, at least we stand a chance."

The lieutenant's smile faded away at that comment, turning into a dubious grimace.

"Yeah… I wouldn't be that sure… We haven't recruited many 'Bots yet…" He said, scratching the back of his helm, and looking at the group. He sighed. "We're seriously outnumbered."

"Maybe I can help with that…" A feminine voice said.

Galatea was walking out the clinic, helped by First Aid who found her lying on the ground when he finally reunited enough courage to jump off his hiding. She had a nasty hit on the back of her head, and her back's platting was cracked, but, otherwise, she was fine. Besides, she was a sniper, not a close-range soldier. Her armor wasn't mean to the kind of fight she had at the hallway… But she knew someone who would be more than happy to hear that there was a lot of Decepticon tailpipe to kick…

When Hot Rod and Side Burn passed next to the tied down chairman, the blue mech couldn't believe his eyes. But there wasn't time to waste in jokes, so he kept his head in the game and followed his friend to the vaults, where both of them introduced their security codes at the same time.

With a soft click, the reinforced door opened, revealing a room filled with four relics that were being kept within four blue beams. The two mechs gasped in awe at the sight, and looked at the objects around them. There were four items… Which one did the commander needed? Sharing a quizzical look, both young mechs nodded, and decided to take them all. Just in case…

Side Burn took the Phase Shifter, and the Apex Armor; while Hot Rod grabbed the Polarity Gauntlet. However, as soon as the orange bot was about to grab the Star Saber, his friend stopped him.

"What? But… It's the strongest weapon in the universe!" Hot Rod complained.

"Yeah… In the hands of a Prime!" The youngest of the Triplets reminded him. "Are you a Prime? No. Leave it there! It's safer here, than out there where the 'Cons may snatch it!" He said, while walking out. "Now, move it! The commander might be waiting for us already!"

Understanding, the orange and golden mech glanced one last time at the sword before ran out of the vault to close it.

The blue truck sped down the Sea of Rust, honking, and lifting a cloud of dust behind him. Usually he wouldn't drive this recklessly, but he was in a hurry, and there was no other way to call those guys attention. Finally, when a shadow bypassed him from above, the vehicle stopped, transforming into the tall figure of Ultra Magnus, whose eyes fixated in the night sky. But there was no sign of the creature anymore. Grunting, clenching his teeth and fists, the mech yelled one single name with all his might: Predaking.

He had to repeat his calling three or four times, but, finally the three Predacons showed up, surrounding him. Only the leader of the pack transformed into his bipedal form to be able to talk with the commander, who quickly walked up to him.

"What are you doing back in our territory? We already gave you what you wanted." The Predacon complained, snarling every word.

"The time finally came for you to prove that Autobots and Predacons can live in peace." Ultra Magnus started to explain. "Our city is under attack, the survivors are in danger, and…"

"So? It's your city, not ours…" Skylynx interrupted, transforming and crossing his arms.

"Don't you understand? The Decepticons will not treat you as we had." The blue mech retorted, dedicating a brief look to the youngest member of the brethren, right before look back at their leader. "Please. If my people sees you helping, they will know that you mean no harm, and will allow you to live among us, out of these wastelands." Then, Ultra Magnus lowered his gaze. "I'm ashamed to say that my people cannot win this battle on their own… We need your help." He admitted.

Predaking seemed to consider the Wrecker's words, as he gutturally hummed, arching an eyebrow and cocking his head to the side, his eyes fixated on the city. It wasn't as if they didn't want to leave the desert; but nothing ensured them to be accepted, even after they've fought for the Autobots. Besides, this bot sounded as if his people was facing a highly dangerous battle; so, why should he risk his own brethren for them? To the Predacon's eyes, the Autobots were no different from the Decepticons. Sure, he helped them before, but it was different: if he didn't, then the whole planet would've died, and he wouldn't have anywhere to live…

Ultra Magnus saw the indecision in Predaking's eyes, and knew that he had to press harder.

"Would it change anything if I tell you that this is the first step of a bigger plan? A plan that's been orchestrated by Shockwave." The blue mech said, immediately earning the Predacons' attention. Yes, they all remembered that bastard. Smirking, he knew that it was time to rise the bets. "I would never ask you to die for us, Predaking; and I know that even with you on our side, our army would be dangerously outnumbered… That's why I didn't come here empty-handed." Extending his left arm, the commander showed a set of coordinates to the Predacon. It led to the most dangerous part of the Sea of Rust, a place that even Predaking and his kind avoided. "You will find others in there. Tell them that you were sent in my name, and convoke them to fight. They will come."

"How you know?" The Predacon wondered.

"Because they owe me a favor…" He put away the coordinates. "And because they hate Shockwave as much as you hate Starscream. Maybe more…"

After the blue Wrecker hung up, Team Prime started to analyze Shockwave's research, hoping to find a solid strategy to follow. With the Phase Shifter, one of them would be able to take and destroy the regulators, which were installed in the chests of those things; which meant that Nightglider was the best option for it, despite that Smokescreen had more experience with the relic. Surprisingly, the flyer refused to wear the item, saying that he would be more useful as aerial support; after all the Seekers would be there, and he was the only Autobot with wings.

"Guess that you're wearing the Phase Shifter after all, Smokey." Bulkhead commented, smacking the rookie on the shoulder, and almost making him fall flat on his face.

"I have no problem with that. But, how am I supposed to get all the way up there?" The Elite Guard asked, pointing at the blueprint of the Combiner's chest.

"If Shockwave and Starscream are really trying to change the war's outcome, then they will come to us, to Jasper." Ratchet said. "The roads are surrounded by tall rocks. Try to be creative…" He pointed out, gaining a realization look from the blue mech.

"As soon as Ultra Magnus arrives, the city must be evacuated, and the perimeter must be secured." Elita said, before turning to look at the governmental agent. "Agent Fowler, you'll be in charge of Jasper's evacuation. The city must be empty by the time the Decepticons arrive."

"Leave that to me, ma'am." The man said, while taking out his cellphone and calling for his superiors.

"Ratchet, you'll remain in here, and you'll keep the ground-bridge ready to receive wounded ones. Something tells me that there will be plenty…" The pink femme kept saying.

"You'll remain in here too, Knock Out." Bumblebee suddenly said, looking at the red mech, who turned to look at the law enforcer with wide eyes, surprised of hearing him say that. "You're more valuable as a medic than as a warrior." The warrior explained. "And, besides, your fight is already over." He added, looking at the med-bay, where Sunscorch was recovering. "Ratchet will be responsible of you until I return."

"Understood." The Velocitronian said with a nod.

"Autobots, get ready for the battle." Elita ordered, and everyone went to the training room to stretch and physically prepare for the fight.

However, the pink femme remained at the control room, now alone with Ratchet. Making a quick sweep of the room, she made sure that not even the humans were around; and, finally deciding that the kids followed their friends, she walked up to the old medic, who was typing something onto the mainframe. Placing a hand on his shoulder, the commander earned the mech's attention.

"I need to ask you a favor…" She started, unsure of how to ask it…

"Sure. What is it?"

"I need you to transport me to Cybertron." The femme confessed with an apologetic face.

"What?!" Ratchet yelled, not understanding her. They were about to head into a battle! She couldn't just leave them! "Elita! We need you!"

"I know but…"

"No!" He interrupted. "You're finally leading this team; if you leave, then you'll be doubted and…"

"Ratchet!"

Taken aback by the sudden scream, the old mech shut his mouth and watched the femme who was now glaring at him. Her body was tense and trembling, and, judging by her optics' gleam, there was something going on inside of her processor.

"It's for the team's welfare that I'm going to Cybertron." She stated, firm, straightening her back. But, in the end, she sighed and closed her eyes. "Remember that itch that I mentioned?"

"The one in your chest?" He asked, arching an eyebrow.

She nodded.

"I've been feeling it more and more as these events kept happening… And I think it's pulling me to Cybertron." Elita explained, placing a hand over her chest-plates. "Call it a hunch, but… There's something I must do there, Ratchet; something that may help us." She added, sighing.

The medic didn't know what to do, but, in the end, he decided to trust his friend, and went to activate the space-bridge. Elita instructed him to leave her in Polyhex, and so the medic did.

The vortex flashed and twirled into life in front of the commander, who started to walk towards it.

Ratchet didn't turn to look at the leaving femme, even though she promised to be back to finish the fight.

Ambulon's head was ringing when he slowly started to open his optics, gasping when he realized that he wasn't in the clinic anymore; but nothing compared to the fear he felt as soon as he realized that he was tied to a large stretcher… and that the place was strangely familiar… The memories of another facility, back on his days as a Decepticon, hit his processor like a tsunami. In no time, the poor medic started to hyperventilate, while he tried desperately to break free.

And that's when things got worse, as the heavy and paused footsteps announced the entrance of that monster; and a round, big red optic glowed in the doorway.

It was a déjà vu… One that he really wished not to be living.

By the time Ultra Magnus arrived to the space-bridges, the Triplets and Hot Rod were already awaiting for him with all the stuff he asked. The commander nodded, thanked them all, and said that he would continue alone from there; thing that made everyone exchange a confused look. He was planning to leave them? They all thought that they were going to Earth with him! As soon as the Wrecker activated a portal to the foreign planet, preparing himself to bridge, Hot Rod took a step forward.

"I'm coming with you, sir." He offered.

"No, you're not, soldier. Stay here, help Jazz and the others, and defend our home…" The commander said, while grabbing all the stuff he was going to take with him.

"With all due respect, sir… My friend Smokescreen is on that planet, an Elite Guard such as myself, and I want to be there. I might not be of much assistance, but, at least, I want to say that I tried." The orange mech said.

"If Roddy decided to go, then I'll go too." Side Burn suddenly said, walking up to his friend. "After all, you'll need someone to watch his back." He added with a warm smile, while patting the other Elite Guard on the shoulder.

"If Side is going, then you'll have to take me along." X-Brawn announced, crossing his arms. "Just to make sure that my little brother stays focused…"

And, then, the last mech also took a step forward, making the commander look at them all from above his shoulder. Prowl was silently offering himself too… because his two brothers already did so…

Sighing, Ultra Magnus simply nodded and entered the vortex, followed by the other four mechs.

Jazz was preparing a barricade on the main street, several feet in front of the clinic, while Drift was mobilizing all the medics on the area, telling them to prepare to treat wounded ones immediately. The army of 'Cons was already too close, and they needed to work fast. "We're outnumbered fifty to one… This isn't good enough. We need more people…" The lieutenant was thinking, while watching over the makeshift low walls to take cover. With this equipment, they weren't going to make it… not for long. But they were the only thing between those 'Cons and the whole planet. And Jazz wasn't going to lose his home twice because of those morons.

However, his prayers were soon heard when the roar of a few engines made him look towards the residential district, noticing four newcomers, zooming in at max speed. Alarmed, everyone readied their guns, only to be stopped by Galatea who said that they were her friends.

Jazz gestured everyone to calm down, while asking the femme to explain herself.

"I said that I was going to help you with the numbers… And so I found that there were some old teammates nearby and called them over." She said.

Then, the car that was leading the group came to a halt and transformed into a femme of fuchsia armor and hair of fire. She had the Autobot insignia proudly carved on the middle of her chest. The other three followed her example, revealing a group of four femmes; and, then, all the mechs knew it: they were seeing the remnants of the femmes' army.

The tallest one, the femme of fire hair, walked up to Jazz and placed her hands on the sides of her hip.

"My name is Firestar, Third in Command of the femmes' army." She introduced herself. "Galatea contacted me, told me what's going on, and, so, I brought as many old acquaintances as I could find nearby." She explained gesturing to the femmes behind her. "These are Flareup, Moonracer, and Override."

The three femmes nodded when named. Fareup was orange and red, with a cerulean visor covering her eyes, her protoform was black, and she was carrying a long gun behind her back. Guessing that she was a good shooter, Jazz paired her up with Crosshairs; but Firestar refused, saying that they were partners most of the time, leaving the green mech without partner. The lieutenant guessed that they would ending partnering up again…

Override was more aerodynamic, with silver grey and red paintjob. She said that her speed was her secret weapon, and as she admitted to be Velocitronian, Jazz paired her up with Blurr, who was also a speedster. None of them seemed to have trouble with this, so they simply nodded and went to take position.

Now, there was Moonracer… who ran up to Powerglide as soon as they recognized each other. Before they could do anything about it, they were hugging, happy of seeing that they both were find.

"Um… Ahem!" Jazz cleared his throat trying to gain their attention.

At this attention call, both young bots let go from each other, though Powerglide refused to release the femme's hand. The lieutenant didn't need to ask: those two were dating during the war, and this was their first reunion after it. It was then when Moonracer said that she was a top class shooter, and that she would be more useful with Galatea.

"But she doesn't have an armor thick enough to endure close range fights; you do. So you'll stay at ground level, 'Racer." Firestar said, before turn to look at the light grey femme. "And you'll find a high ground."

The grey young femme nodded and entered the clinic, decided to get a better view from the roof. Crosshairs, then, preferred to stay with Moonracer, since both of them were good shooters. The rest of them were told to take position behind the barricades and to stand their ground. They would protect the city as long as they could.

"Hello, Ambulon." The tall violet mech said, looking down at the medic that was tied down to the stretcher, trembling. "It's been a long time."

"Y-you…" The prisoner stammered.

Shockwave turned away and typed something on a keyboard, making a bunch of screens turn on. As they filled with data logs, the medic couldn't help but shiver in fear when he recognized his own blueprints shown in one of the many monitors, next to a very detailed picture of a T-cog. He knew what it meant, and, for so, he knew that he had to run away as soon as possible, or this would be more than just a déjà vu… It would be a time loop!

"W-what do you want?! You already took everything from me!" Ambulon yelled, struggling with his bonds.

"I require your medical training to fix something for me. Then, you'll allow me to complete Project Combiner." The chief scientist said with his typically monotone voice, not even looking back at him.

"Frag you!"

As soon as he said this, Ambulon felt someone pressing an Energon prod against his left leg. Without his notice, Starscream entered the room, and placed himself next to the surgical table. The Seeker didn't like the prisoner's attitude, reason why he did it; and he didn't let go from Ambulon, until Shockwave told him to.

The medic relaxed, venting heavily, and glaring at the air commander.

"You seem to forget the position you're in." The silver grey mech said, showing off his claws. "You will do what we say, or, this time, you won't make it to the door."

"The project is a failure… My team got terminated… Have you forgotten?" Ambulon panted.

"That problem has been fixed." Shockwave informed him. "The project is now viable."

Then, four mechs entered the med-bay saying that they were ready to proceed, and Ambulon felt how the chief scientist peeled him off the table, making room for the newcomers.

Only after Ultra Magnus announced his arrival to the planet, Ratchet told everyone about Elita's leaving. It alarmed everyone, starting with Fowler who thought that the femme believed that the fight was already lost, and jumped off the ship before it sunk; but the old medic calmed him.

"Elita-One is not known for running away from danger, Agent Fowler; but for heading straight-forward towards it." The white and orange bot said, while opening the ground-bridge for the commander. "She said that there was something she needed to do on Cybertron, but she assured me that she would return to help us in battle, and I must believe in her word."

"Besides, she would never leave a friend in distress." Chromia completed, crossing her arms.

The cerulean femme knew the pink one since forever; they were best friends long before the war spread out, so she knew for sure that Elita was no coward, and that she would be back on time. Ironhide knew it too; even Arcee said that the femmes' commander never faltered to her team, and that she sure won't start now. But, regardless of their votes of trust, Fowler still prepared for the worst. So, since the Wrecker already arrived, the black man ordered Jasper's evacuation.

Right on the moment in which the governmental agent called his superiors, the tall blue bot walked into the base, receiving a welcome from the whole team, including Knock Out who was honestly happy of seeing him. The Autobot greeted them, announcing that he brought some back-up with him, and stepped aside to allow the newcomers in. The first one in cross the bridge was Prowl, followed closely by his older brother, X-Brawn. Then, two young mechs entered the base, carrying three relics with them; and Smokescreen gasped in joy.

"Side Burn! Hot Rod!" He yelled, running up to the newcomers, while the ground-bridge closed.

"Hey, Smokey!" Side Burn greeted him, bumping fists with the other Elite Guard. "Good to see you're still in one piece!"

"Is great to see you on Earth, guys!" Then he turned to look at the orange and golden mech, who was the oldest of the three. "Hey, Roddy! Why so silent?" He asked with a bright smile.

"Let's just say that I'm going to scrap you in our next training session… And you too Side!" He roared, looking at both mechs, who flinched. Though being himself a clown, Hot Rod was the best warrior of them three during their training, and, if they had to ask, he still was… "I almost got shot when defending the Academy! Many times, actually! I needed you, guys!"

Bumblebee exchanged a quizzical look with Knock Out and the others, before look back at the three mechs that were arguing. So those were Smokey's friends from training. It was hard to believe that the three of them went through the hardest military training that there was on Cybertron, such as the Elite Guard… After all, their personalities didn't show their training; Ultra Magnus was more a graduated of that class, rather than those three. Or, maybe, they were still too young… After all, according to Smokescreen, the training became a boot camp when the war started; so, perhaps, the discipline loosen up in order to simply give the rookies some tools to survive the conflict. The protocols and stuff could be learned later.

It was then when Ultra Magnus decided to restore the order by clearing his throat, and, then, by putting down his case with weapons and ammunition. The bots were glad to see that he brought enough for a war, because they guessed that it would be like one out there…

"We also brought the surviving relics. All of them, except the Star Saber." He added, looking at the two Elite Guards, who placed them on top of the closed case.

Smokescreen took the Phase Shifter and attached it to his wrist.

"Just like the old times." He thought out loud.

"Whatever, Destiny Boy; just make sure of play for the team this time…" Arcee mocked him, while walking up to the relics. "I guess that I will take the Apex Armor. I'm the smaller one after all…" She announced, grabbing the item. "Meaning that I will need a weapon, sir. With this I can't use my blasters." The femme added, looking up at the commander's face.

Ultra Magnus nodded. That's why he brought his personal arsenal after all!

"What about the Polarity Gauntlet?" Bulkhead wondered.

"What does that do?" Nighglider asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Basically, it's a giant magnet…" Bumblebee explained with a shrug. "But it could help us to keep those things away from Jasper. I'm taking it."

Nodding and smirking, Arcee tossed the item towards the yellow mech, who caught it in midair. They had their weapons; time to start thinking their strategy…

The Decepticon horde reached the city's border, and was starting to open its way inside of it, finding very little to almost none resistance. It didn't took long for them to realize that the Autobots' number decreased dramatically during the war, meaning that the city was terribly vulnerable. As the war prisoners started to take over the place, the few 'Bots that were trying to keep them at stake realized that the situation was beyond desperate for them. And so, any Autobot or Neutral who could move and knew how to shoot a gun received an emergency message from Jazz, calling them to back him and his team up at Iacon's entrance, where they were trying to stop the runaway Decepticons. However, as almost nobody answered the call, the lieutenant found himself losing terrain quick enough. "Thanks for nothing…" He thought with a growl, while shooting down a flyer that tried to outsmart him.

Unfortunately, another one dodged his attacks and went straight after the city's center.

"Scrap! Silverbolt! A bastard avoided me, is heading downtown!" The lieutenant said, through the commlink, while transforming and driving back towards the city.

«I got him! Oh, and, Jazz? You've a big one on your rear, I can see him from here… » The old Aerialbot answered.

Jazz could see him too: a big black vehicle that looked like a hybrid between a tank and a hedgehog was right behind him. At least, the explosion not too far ahead told him that Silverbolt took care of the 'Con that bypassed him… And, fortunately for him, as soon as his chaser was about to shoot him, Drift crashed on the tank's side to take him off-course. Both vehicles twirled around, until they transformed, coming to a halt.

The white and orange knight drew out his swords, preparing to fight. The other guy was a very tall, very bulky, and very angry mech that had the Decepticon insignia proudly carved on his chest. His right hand was a cannon.

«Drift! What are you…?! » Jazz's voice came through the commlink.

"I got this one under control, lieutenant. The city needs you more than I do. Go." The knight told his friend.

Suddenly, the black mech chuckled, recognizing his voice.

"Deadlock… It's been a while…"

"I don't answer to that name anymore, Turmoil." That said, he jumped towards the Decepticon commander.

The moment she stepped out of the space-bridge, Elita's spark missed a few beats at the sight of a healed Cybertron. Yes, the ruins were yet very visible; but to see that the planet's luminescence was bathing her again… It was breathtaking for the pink femme, who had to close her eyes and take a deep vent to remind herself that she wasn't there to admire the landscape. And that's how the itch returned; only that, now she could tell it wasn't an 'itch'. Something was pulling her. "I know where to go now." She thought while transforming and starting her engine.

The sound of explosions called her attention, noticing the flashes of a battle in the rebuilt part the city that was disappearing behind her. Iacon. With a nostalgic sigh, the femme sped up.

She needed to hurry. Her friends would slow down the Combiners, but they wouldn't stop them forever.

A quick shadow flew right above her, and three strange silhouettes disappeared in the distance.

It took him a long time to convince Skylyinx and Darksteel, but, in the end, the three of them came to agree in one thing: they all hated Shockwave; and, if help the Autobots meant to ruin that cyclops's plans… then so be it. So, once the three Predacons decided to take the risk and show themselves on the city streets, Predaking admitted that there was one more stop that they needed to do before go to scrap some 'Cons.

Though the other two mechs exchanged a quizzical look at their leader's sudden change of mind, they quickly shrugged it off. The older Predacon has managed to keep them alive despite the harsh environment, and the almost complete lack of shelter at the Sea of Rust. There was no reason to start doubting him now. And so, the three of them transformed and took off…

From up high, they were able to see the battle that already burst out in Iacon streets, and the horde of Decepticons that where charging against the survivor Autobots. No doubt that Ultra Magnus was right, and this was part of some bigger plan. "We are already late. We need to hurry up." The dragon-like Predacon thought, while indicating his brothers to speed up. They would take a shortcut through Polyhex lands.

However, he couldn't help but wonder what the pink moving thingy was…

The repairs were done. The regulators were now connected to the soldiers' power cores and were fully operational… So, Ambulon guessed that he was no longer of use, and that Shockwave would now dispose of him. But he didn't, in fact, he forced the medic to refuel. After doing so, the former 'Con got to know why the scientist was so interested in him: they needed a replacement, since the Stuncticons were missing a teammate. In other words, they wanted him to… combine…

Panicking, the white and orange mech stumbled several feet back, while shaking his head in denial. No! No, he wouldn't go through that again! Not after what happened the first time! But, unfortunately for him, the place was stuffed with Decepticons who were talking about nothing else but Project Combiner, and, for so, when Ambulon's back bumped onto a wall, a tall, black mech of purple optics walked up to him.

"You will combine with us. Either you like it, or not." He said, grabbing the medic's arm, dragging him towards the hallway, where the rest of his team was.

"Ha! He will share his mind with us?" Wildrider chortled, bending over to hold onto his knees.

"I feel pity for him already…" Dead End commented.

Ambulon desperately tried to break free from Motormaster's grip, but all he got was the taller mech gritting his fingers around the medic's wrist. The former 'Con would've screamed, tried to convince them of letting him go with some invented reasons, but he couldn't articulate sounds. He was at the verge of suffering a spark-attack, because of the memories… Because the history was about to repeat itself.

A few steps away from there, Starscream was watching the whole scene next to his Seekers, the chief scientist, and Solar Flare. It was promising: sixteen Decepticon soldiers that would soon combine into the ultimate destruction weapon. Fifteen of them were also enhanced to be bulletproof; and the Autobots surely didn't know how to fight this threat.

"Well done, Shockwave. With this, we will finally defeat our enemies, and claim our rightful place on Cybertron!" The air commander said, fisting one of his hands in anticipation for the battle.

"If the army of Decepticons that Solar Flare released back on our home planet succeeds, by the time we arrive with the Combiners, we would be able to take down whoever's left to fight us." Shockwave asserted with a nod.

"But, first, we will try your creation with the Autobots that lives in this planet. Then, we will move to ours…" The silver grey Seeker said.

Though Skywarp seemed to be thrilled with the idea; Thundercracker's second thoughts were starting to fill his processor, which was about to have a glitch. As a Seeker trained in Vos, and as a Decepticon, he had to fight for his trine; but, as a Cybertronian, who was as tired of the war as anybody else…

Sighing, the cerulean mech looked away from the army in front of him with sad eyes.

They already ravaged their own planet because of this stupid war… Should they do the same to this one? Organic or not, planet Earth was not theirs to decide its fate.

Predaking and his brethren arrived to the coordinates provided by Ultra Magnus, and landed nearby what looked like a den. It didn't look inhabited… Was this the right place? Maybe it was just a trick from the blue mech, and they fell like idiots. Growling at the idea, the older Predacon was about to tell his companions that they were leaving, when the sound of steps stopped him.

There was someone living in that place!

Frowning, the dragon-like beast transformed to be able to talk with the stranger, but the owner was faster than the intruder.

"Predacons?" A hoarse voice wondered out loud, echoing a little inside of the cave. "Who are you? What do you want?" The same voice asked, while walking closer. A red visor became visible.

It made Predaking arch and eyebrow. Red? Wasn't cerulean the color of the Autobots? Who was this person?

Nevertheless, Ultra Magnus didn't lie, so he had to fulfill his word too…

"My name is Predaking. I came in behalf of Ultra Magnus." He said.

There was a moment of silence, then a ruffle inside the den, and, then, four more red optics and visors shone between the shadows. However, only the same from before kept talking with the intruders.

"What does he want from us?"

"A favor: Shockwave is endangering the Autobots' city. There's an army running towards it, and their own soldiers are heavily outnumbered." The Predacon said, without receiving an answer, only whispers on the background. "Ultra Magnus didn't share many details with us, only that he would seek for us to be able to live among the Autobots, after the battle is over; and, by the looks of it, you require his help in this matter too. So…"

"Dude." The same of before, who Predaking now took as the group's leader, interrupted him. "You convinced us at the mention of Shockwave…"

And so, the Predacons transformed and started to fly towards the battlefield, followed closely by this mysterious Cybertronians.

A powerful roar filled the night's air.

So, this is all for now!

I'll try to finish the next chapter soon enough, but there're so many things happening that it's taking longer than I thought!

Tell me what you think!

See ya!