Chapter 9 – One shall stand One shall fall
Positioned at the back of the group, I crouched low so as not to be detected. I watched and listened as Epps and Lennox took in the scene before them.
''Fighter jets in 60 seconds. We got friendlies mixed with bad guys. Targets will be marked.'' Epps whispered into the radio, producing a laser.
I inched closer, being drawn out of the alleyway by some unknown force. I could hear the sound of metal clanging and smashing. An epic battle of some sort was taking place just around the corner.
Lennox patted Epps on the shoulder, ''Bring the rain!' Let's kill these things.'' At that signal Lennox, Epps and some of the others began to pour out of the alleyway in silent succession. As I followed, I heard Lennox remind the soldiers, ''Remember, aim low, the armour is weak under the chest.''
I slunk out of the alleyway, keeping against the wall. Lennox was making his way towards a motorbike that lay discarded in the middle of the road, picking it up and starting to climb onto it. /What on earth could he be…. Oh no!/. I had quickly connected the dots and realised what his intentions were. He was going to ride the bike down the street towards the giant helicopter!
At the same time Lennox was preparing to carry out this daredevil and insane plan, Epps had pointed the laser sight onto the helicopter as it walked slowly and purposefully towards to gigantic metal figures locked in battle.
My heart skipped a beat and I caught myself holding my breath as I realised who was engaged in the battle. /Optimus!/.
He gave a savage backhand to Megatron before kicking out with his feet. The sound of a motorbike engine roaring to life like an angry mosquito, tore my attention away from Optimus for a split second. Lennox had begun his charge down the street, his face set in a cross between grim determination and mania.
The sound of a large cannon preparing to fire and Epps' voice yelling, ''Move out!'' made me whip my head back around in time to see a fireball explode in front of some parked cars near where Epps had been standing. The force threw a few guys off their feet. I instinctively ducked.
As Epps hit the ground he screamed, ''Incoming!'' The roar of jet engines approaching only served to make my heart race once again – Starscream or friendlies?
Through the clearing smoke I could see Optimus, who had just thrown a punch at Megatron, falter as his attention was drawn momentarily in our direction. It was the opportunity Megatron had been looking for. Prime was knocked off his feet and sent flying.
''NO!'' I screamed in both terror and anger. I began to move from my position hugging the wall towards Optimus. The sound of missiles tearing through the sky towards their target and Lennox screaming as he slid along the road, firing at his quarry with uncanny accuracy as he did so. I faltered in my stride as the large alien helicopter shuddered and fell to the ground in a smoking mess, blue liquid oozing out of several places.
Lennox had since regained his footing and was calling the others to push forward into the fray. I didn't need to be asked twice. As we dashed the final few metres down the road, a flash of brown and blue darting from one scrap pile to another caught my attention as our little group quickly took refuge amongst whatever cover we could find. Sam! My God, he was still alive! I silently sent a thought of gratitude towards the heavens. Though my relief was soon replaced by fear and anger.
My heart twisted in my chest as Optimus was sent flying by a powerful kick from Megatron, as though he were a mere metallic rag doll. Once again, the sky was torn apart as the sound of jets bore down on us. Lennox and his men were firing everything they had at Megatron. At the same time several well aimed missiles slammed into Megatron's chest and back, sending him stumbling and falling towards where Prime lay battered and Sam lay cowering, desperately clutching the Allspark in his arms.
'Not on my fucking watch you don't!" I growled, raising my hands and not caring who saw, though I doubt anyone did as they were busy surviving. I deflected flying shrapnel away from Optimus, even as he put his arm out to shield himself from blows that never landed.
Sam, seeing Megatron almost upon him began to run past Prime. Megatron lunged at him. As Prime brought his great metal foot out to trip Megatron, I used my gift to simultaneously shove Megatron away as he fell and pulled Sam towards the ground out of his reach. It wasn't much but it helped.
As Sam rolled onto his back and started scrambling away from a clawing Megatron, I did my best to force Megatron back, slow his approach but I had very little left in the tank. Never before had I used my gift so extensively. /Just a little longer!/ I coaxed myself. Straining, I mentally ''pushed'' against Megatron trying to keep him from reaching Sam and the Allspark.
''I'll kill you! Mine. Allspark.'' Megatron's hatred and focus was singular. How could such narrowminded greed, vengeance and hatred possibly be deterred let alone contained? I began to falter.
Prime, who had been dragging his battered and beaten body towards Sam shouted at him, ''Sam! Push the cube in my chest – now!"'
/NO!/ I mentally screamed.
Sam rose to his feet, his chest heaving with the effort to both stand after all of his exertions and decide what course of action to take in such intense circumstances.
''Sam! No Sam!'' Optimus implored, slamming his giant fist into the ground. It was a heartbreaking sight.
Without warning I felt my gift fade and I opened my mouth to scream. Megatron made a guttural, feral growl and lunged towards Sam. In that moment Sam had made his decision – he stepped towards Megatron, with the Allspark held aloft like some trophy, and forced the cube into Megatron's chest!
Megatron's chest burned and began to melt, the cube absorbing itself into him, sparks flying everywhere. Megatron groaned and clutched his menacing claws at his chest. He sank to his knees before Sam, a look of incredulity, utter loathing and contempt set on his face. He groaned and screeched, twisting in agony before succumbing and falling unceremoniously on the ground – a burning, beaten shell. His large metal arms stretched out in a failed attempt to grasp his precious Allspark.
Sam stood transfixed for a moment. No doubt his mind racing to catch up with what had just transpired. I felt myself start to breathe again and hot tears started to spill from my eyes. So close - we came so close to losing them both. Standing alone amongst the clearing smoke and debris, I closed my eyes and covered my sobs with my hand, allowing myself to fall apart for a moment.
Optimus stood; his footsteps as heavy as his heart no doubt as he made his way over to the fallen Decepticon. Standing above Megatron, his tone was strangely wistful and sad, not relieved and elated as it seemed it should have been, he watched the glowing red eyes fade to black.
''You left me no choice – brother,'' Optimus whispered in a voice raw with emotion. Listening to this declaration I felt whatever anger, hatred and fear I had coursing through my body, dissipate and be replaced with – sympathy. I knew what it felt like to lose family through bitter circumstances. I wiped the tears from my face, drew a deep breath in and started to make my way over to where both Optimus and Sam stood.
Optimus had carefully lowered his great metallic body down to be at eye level with Sam. The Prime's face was battered and scarred, his armour singed, torn and dented but his voice didn't waver or show any signs of pain as his deep baritone voice intoned, ''Sam. I owe you my life. We are in your debt.'' His azure eyes shining with what one could interpret as gratitude. Sam simply nodded his acknowledgement.
Slowly, Optimus raised himself to his full and imposing height once again. As he did so he caught sight of me as I threaded my way over to where Lennox and the others stood. Optimus paused and inclined his head towards me in a subtle gesture of acknowledgment. Taken off guard, I simply gaped at him for a second before recovering my composure and returning the gesture. /What was that for?/.
At that moment a familiar vehicle pulled up, an equally burned and battered Bumblebee in ''tow.'' Mikaela emerged and walked around to stand not far from Sam. Her face lighting up when she saw him. A smile graced my lips. /Ahhh…. Young love/.
The sound of heavy footfalls interrupted my thoughts as Ironhide, Rachet and Jazz approached Prime, they all looked both relieved and pleased to see that their leader had survived. Something told me that the Prime was the glue that held this lot together. As everyone stood around, taking in the events of the day and processing their victory, Prime spoke in a commanding voice, gaining the attention of all who stood nearby. ''We gained new comrades today. Thank you. All of you. You honour us with your bravery.''
At this the sound of static filled the air and Bumblebee spoke. My mouth flew open. ''Permission to speak Sir.''
Prime sounded equally surprised but pleased as he stepped forward to address Bumblee, ''Permission granted old friend.''
Sam spoke for the first time, "'You speak now?''
''I wish to stay with the boy.'' I simple but earnest request.
''If that is his choice,'' was Prime's equally simple reply.
Sam slowly nodded, as though he had no energy left to do anything else, a small smile forming on his face. ''Yes.''
It was a heartfelt and sweet moment. Only 24 hours earlier I had been alone, discarded. Now, I felt a connection to all of the people and beings in this moment. A sense of ''family'' – something I hadn't felt in a long time. A feeling of joy began to bubble up in me and I couldn't contain the laugh that escaped my lips. Lennox, Epps and the others turned to look at me quizzically.
I shook my head in amazement and addressed Sam, ''You know Sam. I was wrong about you.'' I admitted.
He raised an eyebrow in silent inquiry, ''Oh yeah? How so?''
I smiled, ''When I first saw you, I made a judgment call. Turns out, you're not a spoiled brat. Just a mildly neurotic pain in the arse with a good heart and a best friend who happens to be an eighteen-foot sentient robot from Cybertron who communicates through the radio. It's a classic scenario really.'' At this everyone in the group stopped and stared, eyes wide and mouths working in disbelief and shock.
Sam stared blankly at me for a moment before I arched my eyebrow and allowed a playful smile to tug at the corner of my lips. It was Lennox and Epps who began to laugh, slowly at first and then with greater gusto, as if the horrors of the day had just been erased. They were soon joined in by most everyone, save Sam who stood pouting somewhat, hands on hips.
''Damn girl!'' Jazz exclaimed snapping is large metallic digits, ''remind me not t' piss you off.''
Bumblebee simply sifted through the radio waves; "'Whoomp there it is!''
Ironhide and Rachet allowed a small smile to form on their faces – /Progress/ I thought, /I'll take it/.
I walked over to him and gave him a playful, gentle punch in the shoulder, ''Just joking mate, you did great, top effort.'' At this Sam's expression changed from feigned hurt to embarrassment as I grabbed him in a huge hug. Mikaela made her way over towards Sam too and I stepped back to allow her the opportunity to reconnect with and congratulate him.
I made my way back to Lennox and Epps who gave me a nod much like Prime did and slapped me on the back, ''Good call…uh… Aussie?'' It just occurred to me that I knew their names, but they didn't know mine.
'Thanks, and the name's Orianna Connors or OC. But hey, Aussie works for me too.'' I smiled. It felt so good to have this again.
Prime, clearly not used to engaging in such light hearted banter, seemed to ignore what had taken place and instead bent down over Megatron's crumpled body, his large metal hand seeming to reach down into his chest and retrieve something, holding it tight in his fist. As Prime looked off into the distance I mused, /I wonder what that was?/.
''Alright, everyone, fun's over.'' Lennox had put his leader's cap back on. Prime had become strangely silent. ''There's a shit load of work to do, people to help and the arrival of giant alien robots to this earth to cover up, let's get to it''.
Taking one last look around at my new ''family,'' I moved my aching body to help in whatever way possible.