Triangulation
Hello. Everyone! Alright in order to apologize for the so called last update I decided to put together these four episodes into one long chapter in hopes that I will be forgiven. It's not like I would have written one for each anyway.
Well here you go enjoy!
After the events involving the Nemesis thinking for itself and everyone, minus Ratchet, being stuck in stasis lock; everyone got some well deserved recharge.
As of right now everyone is in the main room awaiting orders. Optimus has decided we all will groundbridge to the relic coordinates simultaneously in hopes of getting to them before the cons do.
"If we are to have any hope of recovering the Iacon relics before the decepticons do; we must divide our resources." Optimus says.
"But Optimus when it comes to numbers we are already at a grave disadvantage."Ratchet states.
"Under the circumstances swiftness of actions is paramount. This is one race we absolutely cannot afford to lose." Optimus says.
Beeping comes from the computer screen so Ratchet goes to check it out. After a moment he turns to us and says,"Here's a twist; it would appear that the decepticons have retreated from Manhattan. "
"They just up and left?" Arcee questions.
"And when they know a relic is there?" I add confused.
"It is more likely that Megatron is already set course for the second set of coordinates. Having dispatched a unit to this relics underground location." Optimus explains.
"Without busting up a city block to get to it?" Asks Arcee.
"They used the subway tunnels. New York has a whole network of them beneath the city." Jack adds.
"Since the human population no longer seems to be directly threatened, our disguise is necessary." Optimus says. He then turns to Arcee and Bee and continues,"Arcee. Bumblebee. You are the best choices to navigate through such a heavy populated area."
"Optimus? New York has more than eight million people. The chances of being spotted by at least one of them are high. Even if they are headed underground." Jack says.
"Where are you going with this?" Arcee asks.
"Your going to need a face man." Jack says."someone who can speak on your behalf. A human who can run inference if their cover if blown."
Miko then steps up and says,"Well I've actually been in subway stations. I used to live in a major metropolis, unlike Mr. I've never been outside Jasper, Nevada."
Jack looks to her and says,"I've been to Cybertron."
"Cybertron doesn't have subways...does it?" Miko says.
"Agent Fowlers field experience makes him our best candidate." Optimus answers.
We look to Fowler but he simply lays there while mumbling something about a banana fish...whatever that is.
"If he wasn't still recovering from his encounter with the decepticon warship." Ratchet says.
"Which we survived without incident." Miko hints.
"You can stop hinting Miko. He gets it." I say.
Optimus turns to them and says," Very well. Miko and Jack will accompany Arcee and Bumblebee."
"Yes!" Miko cheers.
"Initiate transport." Optimus orders."And triangulate coordinates of the other three relics."
"That was some trick Miko." Bulk says to Miko.
She slides down the ladder then says," You mean swiping intel from right under Megatrons nose? Just doing my part for team Prime."
Bee honks his horn, signaling Miko it's time to go. "Oh I gotta go Bulk. I'll tell ya all about it when we get back." She then turns to me and says,"Bye sis! Cya in a while."
"Please be careful." I say.
"No worries sis. I'll be A-ok." She replies before running towards Bee. "Wait up!"
Ratchet sets the coordinates and soon Cee,Bee, Miko, and Jack are headed to Manhattan.
Optimus turns to Bulk and says,"Bulkhead prepare for departure."
"You are headed for the equator." Ratchet adds.
"I'll prepare for tropical weather...wrecker style" He says before walking up to the groundbridge.
"Raphael and Agent Fowler will be your communications and transportation hub." Optimus adds.
Suddenly Fowler interrupts by shouting," I asked for a cheeseburger!" Then laying back down.
Bulk looks to Optimus skeptically and says,"Communications huh?"
Bulk then walks through the groundbridge as Optimus tells him to be on his guard.
"Raphael lock onto the remaining coordinates. Solarstorm and I will be embarking for the Antarctic ."Optimus tells Raf.
Optimus then turns to Ratchet and says,"As for you old friend, I would prefer you had company on your mission."
"But no one is left to join me Optimus. Even if Agent Fowler were alert...he's human." Ratchet argues.
"I was referring to the only remaining Autobot alternative on this planet." Optimus states.
"But..you can't be serious. Wheeljack is insubordinate, a ruffian. Besides he's Bulkheads partner." Ratchet argues.
"Your expertise is scientific but Wheeljack is a highly capable warrior. You would be wise to welcome the temporary alliance." Optimus suggests.
Ratchet just sighs while pinching his nasal plate.
"Come on Ratchet. Wheeljacks not that bad."I say.
"Maybe not to you, but he has a way of getting under my plates." Ratchet says.
I laugh and say,"because you let him do that. He feeds off your aggravation."
He says nothing.
"Come Solarstorm. Let us proceed with our mission." Optimus says.
"Yes sir." I reply.
We walk to the now activated groundbridge and through to the other side, where we find ourselves at the arctic. I give a slight shiver and say,"Never can get used to this cold temperature."
"The current temperatures are not extreme enough to affect our biology so you will not have to worry." Optimus replies.
"Thank Primus for that." I say. I hold up the scanner and it points in the direction we should go. "This way."
We walk in the same direction for about an hour while keeping an optic out for any activity. It's a silent trip though, since Optimus really doesn't feel the need to fill the silence with conversation.
Before long we come to the edge of a cliff and I look down and see a group of decepticons led by Dreadwing down below. "Optimus, look." I say to him.
He walks up beside me and says,"I had guessed we wouldn't be the only ones here."
"But it looks like they already had the relic removed. What do we need to do?" I ask.
"We cannot allow them to obtain even a single relic. Let us retrieve it." He commands.
"Yes sir." I reply.
We get up and walk down the cliff side and towards the group of decepticons. Once we get to flat land we transform into alt mode and drive towards the cons. Optimus takes the lead with me driving at his right side.
Once we get close enough they turn their helms to the sound of us approaching. I see Dreadwing holding Starscream in the air by his scruff bar. Once he realizes it's us he let's him fall to the ground. He then walks closer.
Once close enough we transform and stand in a ready position in front of them.
"Optimus Prime...and Solarstorm...I will request only once that you surrender the relic." Dreadwing says.
"We were going to request the same of you Dreadwing." Optimus replies.
"Then I would say that we are on equal footing, were it not that there we're five of us and only two of you." Dreadwing says.
Starscream then intervenes saying,"Six. If you would relieve me of these blasted manacles."
I glare haltingly at him. Oh if only looks could kill. He would be dead ten times over. As if sensing my glare Starscream turns to me and immediately looks frightened...he should be.
While doing this Optimus and Dreadwing have a stared down if their own. Suddenly Dreeadwing pulls out his gun and fires at Optimus. The other cons begin firing at us as well. One is aimed at my head but I quickly jump to the side to avoid it.
When I do the con who fired runs at me and starts to attack. He throws a punch but I quickly grab his arm and flip him over on the ground hard. I look to Optimus and see him and Dreadwing pairing off against one another. However the drones are against him as well.
So I grab my throwing knives from my thigh subspaces and throw them at the two cons firing at Optimus. The knives hit them in between the shoulder struts, making their attention turn to me. "I've got these Optimus." I yell to him before I begin attacking them.
I run to the one whose arm I broke and flip into a handstand on top of his shoulders. I then grab onto his scruff bar and proceed to complete the flip. I land standing while flipping the drone over my head and smashing him to the ground. I then grab another throwing knife and jab it into the drones neck, off lining him.
Stupidly I forgot about the other so I am hit from behind right in between the shoulder struts. "Ahh!" I yelp in pain. My yelp gains the attention of both Optimus and Dreadwing, but my attention is focused on the drone that attacked me.
I run at him and when he thinks I'm gonna hit him head on I surprise him by sliding on my front right between his legs. I use his surprise to my advantage by kicking his legs from underneath him, making him fall to the ground. I quickly stand and then take my blade from my back subspace and stab the drone right on the spark.
When this is done I see Dreadwing charge at Optimus. He tackles him, making them both fall over the cliff behind them. "Optimus!" I yell in worry.
I quickly run to the edge and then use the layers on the side to climb down. I soon reach the bottom and then watch the fight between the two. They resort to fist fighting and soon Dreadwing punches Optimus to the ground.
As he walks towards him Optimus activates his weapon and shoots at the cliff wall above Dreadwing.
Thinking he meant to hit him directly Dreadwing smirks and says,"Your aim is poor."
Soon pieces start to fall as Optimus says,"That is a matter of perspective."
Then more of the wall falls as the two of them start running from the avalanche. Dreadwing isn't quick enough and it quickly covers him. It manages to knock Optimus off his peds so I rush to him and help him stand."Are you alright?" I ask.
"I am fine."he replies as he stands. We then make our back towards the direction we came when we hear a voice say,"Commander Dreadwing?!"
We walk closer and once they realize it's us they quickly begin firing. We activate our guns and fire back. Suddenly Starscream grabs ones arm which gives us enough time to shoot him and the other. Now that only leaves us with Starscream.
He walks up to us and says,"What a team we make! I am so glad that you prevailed Optimus Prime and Solarstorm. That wretch Dreadwing was going to terminate me in cold blood. Now if you could just remove my bonds I can lead you both straight to the relic."
However, Optimus and I activate our guns again as he says,"You will lead us there regardless. "
"Humph...your welcome." Statscream mumbles.
"Consider yourself lucky that we haven't shot you, you piece of scrap." I hiss venomously.
"You wouldn't. You need me to lead you to the relic." He challenges.
I suddenly activate my blade and quickly run at him and grab him at the back of the neck and hold my blade to his throat. "We would find it eventually. So please, give me a reason to terminate you...nothing would make me happier than to be rid of my brothers killer."
"Solarstorm." Optimus warns me.
"No! Why should we. Think about it, we let him live and he will just become a problem later. I'd be doing both sides a favor." I growl.
Optimus grabs my arm that has my blade in it and pulls it away. "You must put aside your vendetta for the good of the mission. This is only a temporary alliance after all."
I sigh and then move away from Starscream, whom quickly backs away from me in fright. "Fine. Don't expect me to be happy about it." I say waiting for them to lead.
"Lead us to the relic." Optimus commands him.
Starscream begins walking while saying,"Fine. Just be sure to keep your attack dog on her leash."
I growl and go to charge at him but am stopped by Optimus. "You have a lot of nerve you fragger! Just wait till I get my hands on you!"
"Solarstorm! That is enough. You will take point while Starscream will give directions and you will calm yourself. Am I understood?" Optimus says.
"Yes sir." I reply quietly.
We all then start walking towards where this relic supposedly is. Starscream gives directions while I follow them and Optimus watches Starscream from behind. Most likely watching me as well to make sure I don't offline him. Honestly if it were just me and him then I would have.
After a while of walking Starscream starts to complain. "Be reasonable Prime. This cold will freeze all our actuators."
"The current temperatures are not extreme enough to affect our biology. You'll be fine." Optimus replies patiently.
"Fine but miserable. And I cannot believe that you take our alliances for granted; after all I have done for the Autobots. Helping to restore your memory, or saving Arcees life." Starscream argues.
"While you have at times proved beneficial to us, it's been only to further your own interest." Optimus says.
"It's not like your capable of doing anything out of the goodness of your spark...which is completely wasted on you." I add. Optimus gives me a warning glance, which I reluctantly heed.
"Well we can't all be as selfless as you can we." Starscream says sarcastically.
We then continue walking. After about an hour we come across a base of some sort.
"Ahh just what I suspected, humans. We will find the relic here. So let us reclaim what is rightfully ours." Starscream says.
He starts walking towards the base but Optimus stops him by grabbing him saying,"We cannot simply enter into a human facility to search for Cybertronian relics."
"Not even if they stole it." He asks.
"Nor can I expose innocent humans to a dangerous decepticon." Optimus adds. He then activates his com link and says,"Raphael. Has Agent Fowler regained consciousness?"
"I'm here Prime. What's your situation?"Fowler asks.
"I require access to a research facility at my current coordinates."Optimus says.
"Let me make a call." Fowler replies before cutting the link to make the call.
"Are we really going to wait out here in the freezing cold completely at the mercy of human bureaucracy?" Starscream complains...again.
As soon as that leaves his mouth we hear the sound of helicopters. We look at see the humans flying away on them...looks like Agent Fowler came through.
"Base is clear Prime. Try not to wreak the joint." Fowler tells Optimus.
"Many thank Agent Fowler." Optimus says while pushing Starscream forward urging him to walk.
We all make our way into the facility. We end up inside one of the bunkers which we notice is housing a block of ice with the relic inside it.
We walk right up to it and upon closer inspection it really is the relic. "The relic remains sealed in the ice." Optimus states.
Suddenly we hear a voice say," I knew you were of questionably honor Starscream."
We turn and see that it's Dreadwing.
"But aiding the Autobots. That is a capital offense." He continues while holding his gun out.
"What?! But I left tracks for you. On purpose...so you could rescue me from my captors." Starscream lies.
"It's amazing that you can stand without a back strut, Starscream." I hiss.
Dreadwing smirks at my joke.
"Dreadwing I cannot allow you to leave here with this relic." Optimus says.
"I know that Prime, but I do not intend to give you a choice." Dreadwing replies.
"Stay back Solarstorm." Optimus tells me before suddenly tackling Dreadwing to the ground.
I watch as the two of them begin beating each other with their fists. Dreadwing then grabs Optimus in a headlock but thankfully Optimus pushes him back. I then see a device on Optimus that wasn't there before. I squint and realize...it's a bomb.
Without thinking I run towards Optimus and once close enough I grab the bomb, which then starts beeping, and throw it away. I throw it away from both because I honestly don't want either of them hurt. It goes off not long after I throw it and me and Optimus quickly run from the blast.
Once it's calm Optimus turns to me and says,"Thank you Solarstorm. I did not realize Dreadwing had attached it."
"I've got your back." I say with a smile.
Dreadwing takes that moment to walk towards us but before he can get close we hear a commotion from the hanger. We see a bulky figure jump from the roof of the hanger and land across from us.
Upon closer inspection I see that the figure is...Starscream. Oh no.
"The Apex Armor." Optimus says confirming my thoughts.
"Oh no." I add.
Starscream checks out his new suit and says,"A perfect fit."
"You dare to claim that which rightfully belongs to Lord Megatron?!" Deadwing angrily says while aiming his sword at Starscream.
Starscream just laughs and says,"And what do you intend to do about it...commander."
Dreadwing then charges at Starscream and once close enough he strikes his sword at him. Unfortunately, this does absolutely nothing.
Starscream gives another laugh and slaps Dreadwing back several feet as if he were nothing. "Not so big and strong now are you?! I haven't had this much fun since I punched that hole in Cliffjumper!"
He picks up a snowmobile and aims it at Dreadwing. "Allow me to reunite you with your beloved twin." He goes to throw it but, angry at that and the Cliffjumper comment, I charge at him and using all my weight I tackle him to the ground. All while giving off an angry yell.
"Solarstorm, don't!" I hear Dreadwing and Optimus yell.
I don't give him a chance to stand up before I take knives from my thigh subspace and try to stick them into the helm portion, thinking it would be the weakest part...I was wrong.
Starscream simply laughs as he grabs my neck and throws me to the ground. I grunt in pain from the impact but I don't have time to recover since Starscream grabs me neck again and starts to squeeze.
I can faintly hear the sound of Optimus and Dreadwing calling for me over the ringing in my helm. " This looks so familiar. Where have I seen this look of helplessness before...oh yes! This is how Cliffjumper looked right before I punched that hole right through his spark. Did you feel it Solarstorm? Did you feel his pain before he offlined for good?"
"Y..yo..you weak fragger. H..hid..hiding behind armor." I say as best I can.
"Well too bad your twin wasn't wearing armor that day, then maybe he would have survived." He replies cruelly.
He then brings me closer and says,"I got rid of one I might as well make it a set...Say hello to your twin!" He goes to kill me when Optimus jumps on his back making him let go of me.
I feel myself get grabbed and held securely to a chassis while being moved away. I look up and see Dreadwing.
"Are you alright?" He asks with concern.
"I'm fine...Starscream is such a coward...it's easy to be tough when your hiding in armor." I reply.
He chuckles and says,"Then our best course of action is to detach him from it."
"I thought there would be a weak point in the head piece, but apparently I was wrong." I state.
Before he can reply we see Starscreqm grab Optimus by the servos and causes him to kneel. "And you, Optimus Prime. I will beat the living spark out of you just so I never again have to endure your nobility." He then picks him up and slams him into a pile of trailers.
"Optimus!" I yell in worry. I then spot Dreadwings gun by me so I get his attention. "Dreadwing your gun."
He looks in the direction I'm pointing and he nods in understanding. He let's me go and then grabs his gun and begins to fire at Starscream with me following suit.
Dreadwing nods and I take that moment to run to Optimus. " You alright?"
"Jostled but fine." He replies.
I then look up in time to see Dreadwing get thrown in our direction.
Once he knows he's fine Optimus says,"Dreadwing our battle remains unfinished but if we do not unite against our common foe-"
"Starscream will destroy us all." Dreadwing finishes.
"I will draw his attention." Dreadwing says while handing a bomb to both Optimus and myself.
Dreadwing then transforms and flys into the sky. He then pulls around and begins firing at Starscream. Unfortunately he gets too close and gets knocked out of the sky and slides a few feet.
I quickly jump onto Starscreams back and attach the bomb. Before he can react I jump off and towards Dreadwing. Once I reach him I help him sit up and ask,"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Did you attach it?" He asks back.
"Yes." I answer.
We see Optimus jump onto Starscreams back as well so Dreadwing take that as his Que.
He and I both stand as he says,"You shall be the one to join the AllSpark." He then pushes the button that activates the bombs. They beep frantically before going off, engulfing Starscream in a ring of fire.
Unfortunately once the smoke clears we see him completely fine and laughing at us. " That tickled! Fools! Not only am I intelligent I am invincible!"
"Yet you cannot fly?" Optimus adds.
"Nobody's perfect." Starscream replies to him while walking to him.
Dreadwing looks down at his bomb in thought.
"An idea?" I ask.
He nods and says,"Perhaps if we cannot damage him, then we can at least relocate him."
"You mean like several feet under?" I ask.
He smile at my understanding and says,"Exactly."
"Here, give me a few." I say.
He gives me enough to cover the far side of the circle we will create. I quickly get to work. While he is busy with Optimus I make the other half of the circle. Once complete I go back to Dreadwing and wait for Starscream to step into the circle.
Optimus throws punches at Starscream, but we know how useless it is.
"He is far too powerful Prime! Fall back!" Dreadwing commands.
Starscream looks at us and says,"Cowards."
Optimus takes that time to make it back over to us.
Once there Starscream says,"You will not escape my might! Wait!...you three are up to something."
Drreadwing then smirks and whips out his control and activate the bombs. They all light up around Starscream and quickly go off.
Dreadwing, Optimus, and I run as quickly as we can but the blast still knocks us off our peds.
Once the blast has calmed Optimus and I walk over to the newly created hole and peer inside. Thankfully we see no signs of Starscream.
We then hear Dreadwing swinging his sword. We turn and see that he has it in battle ready position. "Now that our alliance has served its purpose-"
"Starscream is gone and the Apex Armor with him. Is there really a need to renew battle when the goal has been lost?" Optimus finishes.
"We have other unfinished matters" Dreadwing says darkly.
"I bore Skyquake no ill malice and I regret the role I played in his demise. So I will appeal to you as I once did your twin. Turn your back on the decepticon cause and help me end this war for his sake and for all who have fallen." Optimus says.
"Please Dreadwing. How many more families will have to be separated a a result of this war?" I plead.
His look softens at my words and then suddenly he points his weapon at us and then suddenly attaches it to his back. He walks until he's beside us then says,"You you have saved my life today. I will terminate you the next time we meet."
He gives me one last look before taking off into the sky.
"So be it Dreadwing." Optimus says sadly.
"I wish all this conflict would end." I mutter.
"And I as well Solarstorm. Perhaps in the near future we will convince him as well as others to join our cause." Optimus replies.
I nod and then say," I suppose it's foolish thinking to hope Starscream was destroyed."
"You know as well as I that he survived with that armor." He says.
"There goes one more chance of justice slipping through my fingers." I say sadly.
"I know and understand why you think killing Starscream will make everything better off. However, doing so will not bring your brother back. It does not do well to fuel your existence on hatred and revenge." Optimus says.
I say nothing but rather just nod slowly.
"Let us get back to base." Optimus says. He then says onto his com,"Raphael, we need a groundbridge."
One opens up for us and we walk inside, not knowing what was about to happen.
Well there you go! A better and longer chapter, well at least more than the last one. Hope I didn't disappoint. Now for this one I would like a review so please do so! Thank you and see you next time! Bye!