Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers Prime. It is the rightful property of Hasbro. My only claim is the plot to this fanfiction.
A/N: Thanks for all the support and your patience with me to get this out! I hope I meet your expectations. So here we go with another chapter, enjoy!
xXx
Rise of the Predacons
Chapter 13
The past few days had been very strange for the residence of Jasper. Strange sightings, gas leaks, people from the military showing up at people's houses in the dead of night. It was all bull in Vince's mind. Who did those camo-wearing jerks think they were? Yeah, his town was a pit-stain in the middle of butt central of Nowheresville, but nobody told Vince when he could and couldn't leave his own home! When there were roads to tear up and losers to leave in the dust, nobody, that's who!
The so-called quarantine had finally been lifted from town, Vince didn't remember the lame excuses to why it was put in place, nor why they were finally able to go about things like normal. All he knew was that there were races he needed to win, and a certain loser to keep in his place! It had been too long since he got the chance to put that dweeb in his place. Problem was, he couldn't find Jack Darby anywhere. Whatever, he would find him one way or another. Jasper was a small town…he can't hide forever.
It didn't matter right now, anyway. He was heading to a killer party he got a text about. Picking on Jack was only a bonus in his book, wanting to rub it in that he got invited to a party while he was stuck doing whatever lame thing he was doing. Oh well, he would find another way to make Jack's life miserable. Right now, it was time to party!
Hitting the gas pedal, he roared in his prized car and zoomed to the address given in the text. It didn't bother him at all that the place was kinda way out of town. That just meant no grown ups to ruin the fun. He hoped there would be plenty of hot girls there, otherwise, he was going to split. Nothing worse than a sausage fest…
With his car's AMAZING speed, it only took him a little under ten minutes to reach the place. It turned out to be one of those relics old people used to hang out at: a drive-in movie theater. From what he could see it was seriously abandoned, but as he saw when he got out of his car, there were a lot of people, more importantly, babes, hanging around the place. Even better, that chick Jack was always failing to impress was present. Not surprising, she was the head cheerleader and the most popular girl in town.
Also, it helped to know the girl had a thing with guys driving cool cars. If she could be impressed by that stupid bike Jack drove around in now, then there was no way she could resist his baby. Putting on his best, smooth smile, he observed Sierra was talking to some other bubble-headed girl from their school. It was cool, she was hot, too. Would be a total score if he took them both for a spin. This party was going to be epic!
"Hiya ladies!" Vince called out, making a point to stay by his car, leaning on it and folding his arms across his chest when they heard him.
Sierra noted him briefly, then his car, and oh yeah, she was giving it the look. The kind of look all girls said 'oh yeah, I'm digging that car…I want in it.'. He smirked inwardly, if things played out right, he'd get to get in them. Smugly, he waved them over. "Doesn't seem like this party is all the hype. How's about you young ladies and I go for a spin and dump this lame place, eh?"
"Yeah…it is kinda weird," Sierra uttered as she looked at all the other people that were idly hanging about. "We all got a text for a party…but no one knows who is throwing it."
Vince hardly heard whatever she said. His eyes were doing all the listening he needed. "Uh-huh, sure. So, about that spin?"
"Maybe a bit later, things might pick up in another minute," Sierra brushed him off, already seeing what he was planning. Typical jerk…why did guys like him have to have such…slick, powerful cars? Ugh, she was horrible! She already knew the guy was just looking to get more than a joyride with her and her friend, but she couldn't resist the temptation of riding in that badass looking car of his. Why couldn't someone more…well, docile like that Jack guy…have such a sweet-looking car?
"Whatever, this party is already lame. Let's just split before we die of boredom!" Vince groaned out, not caring in the slightest how loud he was being. He wanted to live hard and party hard! Neither of those things were happening right now, so why waste any more of his time, unless he could talk the girls into leaving with him? It would have been a drag to drive all this way out here for nothing, otherwise. "Eff, fine! Let's see if anything happens!"
'Like we needed your permission?' Sierra thought in disgust. What an asshole! He already was thinking they were his to boss around? If this party was indeed a bust and somebody's idea of a joke, she was so leaving…and not with muscle-car head. Well, at least not in that moment, anyway, she considered after looking one more time at his car. God, how shallow was she?
Ignoring him for the time being, she looked around and saw a lot more people starting to show up. Mostly just strangers. She hardly saw a handful of people from her high school. There were some and they were already pairing off to idly chat with themselves. Maybe she and her friend would do better to go hang out with their schoolmates before Vince managed to talk her into leaving? Ugh, why were fast cars her weakness! It wasn't like he had a motorcycle. Now that was a fun ride, she admitted to herself. There was something more…exciting about riding on one of those, and she had to admit, Jack was kinda cute.
That was the thought-line that finally got her to completely forget about Vince and his flashy car. She could do better than him. Then she thought in excitement that maybe Jack would actually show up! If he did on that awesome bike of his, oh yeah…she'd ride off with him for sure. She seriously hoped that Jack would show up now!
What she had no idea of was…she was going to get exactly what she wanted, just not how she wanted.
A piercing roar echoed the sky, drawing everyone's eyes up to the night sky. No one knew where that roar came from or what made it, but Sierra thought she saw movement above them. Squinting her eyes, she started to make out shadows passing over the stars, blocking them out. It was the only warning to what was coming directly toward them. A massive creature suddenly appeared over the drive-in theater, flapping bladed wings and kicking up dust and small rocks with each stroke. Everyone shielded their eyes from the debris, some broke out into a run for their vehicles.
One guy managed to reach his car, but then another massive form the sky and landed right next to the dude's car, blocking him from getting into it! It was a monster! A mechanize bug thing! It let out an unnerving wail at the man, who fell on his ass and started scooting back toward the group. More massive forms dropped out of the sky, landing in a circle around the entire place, until they were completely surrounded!
"What's going on?" Sierra cried out, straining her eyes against the wind and the dust, shielding her face as best she could with her arms.
"Evolution!" the dragon cried out, shocking everyone in awe.
"It talks!" Sierra's friend said in awe, gazing up at the black-scaled monster. "Its…so beautiful."
"He is indeed, little morsal. But keep your hands off…he's mine!" a malicious, sardonic feminine voice echoed up.
Someone in the crowd screamed and pointed at the ragged white-screen of the theater. A set of spidery legs began to slowly appear from on top, crawling and feeling about for better footing as a monster, far more terrifying than the dragon and the bug things. It was a huge, frecking spider! Thing was massive!
Its bulbous head peaked up over the top of the screen, leering at them all with eight, purple-glowing eyes and black fangs flared out at them, hissing loudly as it made its appearance. Its head was practically part of its body, with a spiked cephalothorax that expanded out into a bulky abdomen with glowing purple streaks down its flank and thorax. Its entire carapace was mostly black with a few gold-plating around the joints of the eight legs.
The monstrous thing hissed at them all once more, but kept on top of the theater screen. "Listen, all of you! You have been given a chance to improve your lives! A chance to make something more of your short, fragile, pathetic lives!"
More screams let out when the spider talked with that eerie feminine voice, but what got even more scares was when the black dragon hovering over them all moved to hover near the spider…and changed! With an oddly fascinating sound, the dragon transformed into a towering robot! It had a masculine frame and power seemed to roll off him as he glared down at them with intense, piercing eyes that matched the same glow as the spider's.
"Once! Once I was like all of you. Small…scared…weak!" the draconic robot declared, holding out a clawed hand to them all, expanding them out as if to snatch them up. "I was a frail shell, never understanding there was more to existence than what human life had to offer. But fate had decided that life was not for me. I stand before you…a blend of two races that have walked among you in disguise, until now. I am the perfection of both human and a race called Cybertronians, but I am neither of these, too. Along with my queen here, we are the beginning of a new race! A new power that will sweep across the universe! We aim to build an empire that will overshadow the Cybertronians that call themselves Autobots and Decepticons!"
"W…what are you then?" Sierra's friend said, looking up at the dark transformer with awed and frightful eyes.
"WE…have taken a name for our kind. It is a name of an ancient species that once roamed on my home planet called Cybertron. My love…it would only be fitting if you tell them our chosen category," the spider said again, and everyone was awed once more when it jumped up into the air and transformed into a feminine-framed robot next to the dark warrior, climbing up the side of his frame with her spidery-legs that remained out, swooning against him.
"My queen honors me…" he said, taking a moment to gaze are her…lovingly?
Yes, whatever was between these two, Sierra could see he and her seemed completely devoted to one another. It was…envious in way. What would it be like to have that kind of bond, she wondered to herself.
When the moment ended, the massive robot peered back over the gathered, trapped humans. "We…are Predacons! And the time has come for our rising! You small few are being given the chance to join our ranks, become more than you are now…to become…"
He was interrupted when the sound of a car's engine roar to life. Everyone turned to see Vince gunning it and tearing off away from the scene. The insect robots hadn't done anything to stop him, as they appeared to be completely engrossed with the dark Transformer's words. Upon seeing the car speeding past two of the Insecticons, the warrior snarled but waved a hand. "Kickback…Sharpshot…go deal with that coward. Bring him back alive…oh…and eat his car while you're at it, don't leave so much as a tire behind."
"As you command, our King!" the two loyal lieutenants cried out and took to the sky after the human.
The humans watched the bug robots zoom over head and easily catch up with the car. Even from the distance, they could hear the tires screeching as the driver attempted to dodge the monstrous things, but to no avail. One of them simply grabbed it from atop and ripped the ceiling completely off, letting the other reach inside and snatch the screaming human out of it. Once their prey was caught, the two went to work on devouring the offending vehicle that ruined their king's speech, venting their anger upon the thing until absolutely nothing was left, not even a single bit of scrap.
Upon flying back, the two Insecticons presented their prize to their leaders, bowing in reverence and holding the human out, who was thrashing and cussing up a storm of insults at the bug-robots. Airachnid wanted to rip the human's head off for his insolence, but she knew her Jack would not approve of her actions. So rather, she webbed his mouth shut and quickly made work of spinning him up in a cocoon, making it a little extra tighter than necessary, then stuck him upon the ragged theater screen.
"Go on, my love," Airachnid nodded.
"Thank you…now, as I was saying…" He paused when he saw how scared the humans were. His olfactory sensors were alerting him to their rising fear and a deep part of him…relished the smell. It made him almost start to drool and wonder what they might taste like. Suppressing that dark thought, he focused his mind on the task at hand.
"I see we are giving the wrong impression. Please, do not be afraid," Jack said reassuringly to the humans.
"What do you want with us?! Why are you keeping us here?" one of the humans shouted.
Airachnid glared at the human, wanting to rip this one to pieces but a hand on her shoulder from Jack made her pause. He gave her a smirking glance before addressing the small weaklings.
"I want to give you the same chance as I was given. A chance to become more than what life has so far offered. A chance to help create an empire that will reign in this chaotic universe. None of you are being held against your will…save for this one…" Jack said and glowered at Vince, pointing at the human with his claw-like finger. "…He and I have…personal history to settle."
Jack remembered Vince, all to well. The bastard that made him feel nothing but loathing and resentment was still alit in his processer. The memories of all the humiliations he suffered from this human had returned to him when he was planning out this little invitation party. It was quite easy to access everyone's personal number, thanks to Airachnid once she knew where to look, was able to use the contact number of everyone's cellphone. Jack had known there was a party line all the popular students shared to keep taps on any extracurricular activities that adults would frown upon. When he found Vince's name on the list…all those memories he had returned.
Vince was going to pay…one way or another.
"Are you telling us the truth? We can leave?" one of the older humans said meekly, but Jack was able to hear it with his audio receivers.
"Indeed, I want willing volunteers! If you wish to deny yourself at what I'm offering you, then leave! I will not waste my time!" Jack stated and glared at the back of the group where two Insecticons, the same ones that let Vince get away, parted to allow the humans to reach their vehicles, unhindered.
Some of the humans didn't wait. They took off as soon as there was an opening, but as soon as any of them started to make a run for it. Jack held up a hand and smirked. "Wait one moment!"
As soon as he said that, the two Insecticons moved back in place, blocking the humans.
"I have…a favor to ask for those who choose not to listen, and that I ask that you at least listen to what I want to give you before you make up your minds." Jack said, motioning their attention once again. "If you will indulge me just a bit longer..."
It wasn't a request and they all knew it. This robot had control of the situation and could decide whatever he wanted to do with them. They knew he was playing with them, much like a cat with a cornered mouse.
Seeing the fear growing more, he inhaled and found it made his back-paneling quiver in delight, his wings shaking somewhat at the thrill of it. Maybe he should have gone with something like Terrorcon…hmm, no. Predacons were a better description from what he learned after viewing some of the history logs that survived the Harbinger. An ancient race that once preyed upon the weak. Wild and animalistic and resembling many of earth's own mystical creatures. Appearing as a dragon himself, it was only fitting that he took upon the name of those great, powerful beasts.
His musing took only a nano-second. As he was becoming more familiar with his cybertronian anatomy, he found his mind thought much faster than it had before. It was little wonder why Megatron and every other Decepticon had such low views of humanity in general.
"I will make this quick in penance for that little misleading gesture," he said aloud. "I offer you all to become Predacons like myself and aid in the beginning of a new empire that will overshadow the threats that have been looming on this planet under your very noses for some time now."
"What threats?" Sierra found her voice speaking before she knew she had. She wasn't one to like secrets, of any sort.
Jack heard her and his optics widened for a brief moment as he felt like he should know this human for some reason. He expected his processor to work out any memories that might be related to this human: but nothing came about. She likely was just some human he might have encountered at some random moment in time. No matter, it was of no importance to him if his fragmented memories had nothing to offer about this particular human.
"The threat of the Decepticon army! And another faction called…Autobots!" Jack revealed. "These two factions have been at war with one another for untold eons, long before humans came out of the cesspool of evolution to take claim of his planet. They have been among earthlings waging their pointless war and drawing humans into their conflict! I was one of their causalities. I was a caught up in their war and…I suffered for it."
That was honestly the truth as he knew it. He did indeed get caught up in the war between Autobots and Decepticons, and he remembered the suffering he endured. The pain that broke his mind and rendered his memories in the fragmented state it was in now, but that was repairing itself, if somewhat slower than he'd like.
"I stand before you now! Renewed and more powerful than either forces can imagine!" Jack continued on, pounding a fist against his draconic-head chestplate. "I've come to give humanity…those that have the will…to rise up and join me and push back against those that have inflicted us with their war!"
"How do we know this isn't all just bull crap?" a human, somewhat braver now that he knew they weren't all going to die, shouted.
Jack smirked and made a motion. From out behind the run-down concession stand, a group of people wearing odd gear and googled masks marched up to Jack and took their positions in respect before him and saluted. "These men are from an organization once called M.E.C.H. that have been secretly working towards the betterment of humanity through the advancement of technology…at least, until recently. The men standing here before you now are the survivors of their traitorous leader, who killed their members after he was given a chance to join the Decepticon ranks. Said leader thought he had killed them all, but one survivor made it, and he is at this moment going through the process of transformation into a Predacon. Before he did, he contacted the remaining branches and all have sworn to aid in the Predacon cause. Talk to them, ask whatever questions you may have. If you still do not feel this is your destiny…then I shall allow you to leave and return to your…mundane lives."
This was the part he had a long time persuading Airachnid into doing. She simply wished to abduct as many humans as she could and force the change on them all, damn their willingness to or not. Jack couldn't sit with that…for some reason, it just made him feel sick inside. They needed willing members to join their ranks. The more people they could convince to join the Predacon army of their own free will, the better. Airachnid was not seeing the problems that could arise if they didn't go about it this way. If they forced any of these humans into becoming a Predacon and they retained that bitter resentment, it would linger and feaster in the ranks. The possible potential for mutiny and betrayal would be a certainty, and that was not how Jack wanted to begin his empire.
That sort of method was better suited to Decepticons, not what he wanted for his Predacons.
After he had captured Silas and they 'treated' him, the scientist had vowed that M.E.C.H was forever in their debt for bringing the traitor to justice. He reached out to all remaining field agents and other branches that were out on missions. Told them of Silas's true nature and the cause he had brought them all together for was only for his own self-interest. They would have dissembled or another would have risen and take control of the terrorist group, but Jack had offered them the same offer he was giving to these humans now. A chance to become what Silas only sought for himself, evolution through technology, or in this case, bio-technology.
Now with the aid of M.E.C.H, Jack had their agents out about the world, gathering humans they were sure that would willingly join their ranks. Jack had chosen this more direct method to appease his Queen. She was eager for more troops to make up for the loses her Insecticons had suffered, and she aimed to just kidnap all the humans within the area and convert them into Predacons. That was a disastrous idea to Jack's way of thinking. They had too many enemies, all of whom where seeking them out.
If a massive number of humans suddenly go missing in a specific area due to being abducted by Insecticons, would be no better than lighting up the Harbinger and sending out a transmission to all their enemies to reveal their exact location. They still needed time to grow their forces, time to incubate their warriors and weed out any problems that might arise. He had no doubt there would be troublemakers within the ranks. Look at Starscream. He was the prime example of overambitious treachery. Jack would be on the lookout for any signs of such nature among those that joined, but if he could limit the chances of that happening, he'd rather cover his bases and obtain absolute loyalty to make up for any likely backstabbers in the future.
Plus…if he did let some of these humans go, they would spread word of his proposal to all who would listen and that news would be spread on the internet, finding those that would jump at a chance at what he was all too willing to give them. Power. Nothing more tempting than power. Said power would of course be moderated, as he and Airachnid would not deal with any usurper to their claim as rulers. None would become as powerful as he himself had, she had promised him that, but they would be powerful enough to give even veteran warriors like Dreadwing a hard time to defeat.
That would do for now, until Jack could discover the limits of his abilities, assuming he had any limits. He couldn't quite place his claw on it…but something inside whispered there was more going on inside him than he was made to believe. Airachnid thought he had hit the pinnacle of his evolution, a perfect being, and yet, he felt there was still more to come somehow. He wasn't sure what it was exactly, but there was still room for improvement and power he did not have access to yet, but would make itself known in the future. He kept that musing thought to himself, though.
He did not want to make promises that he couldn't keep, or expectations to Airachnid until he had solid proof, he was indeed getting more powerful every day. It was like a whisper in the back of his mind, telling him secrets only meant for him, guiding him to present these humans with the choice to accept rather than force it on them. It was a presence he couldn't decipher, a mentor almost. Oddly, the presence made him think of Optimus Prime. It was strong and assuring and whispered encouraging words of wisdom when his processor lacked a solution to an otherwise difficult problem. He almost thought he saw a shadow in the corner of his optic at times, but when he turned to look at who it was, the shadow was gone. He could never figure out what that shadow was, but lately it was appearing more and more to him.
Was he losing his senses maybe? No, he was sure he could still reason well enough…assuming his queen wasn't do that thing he was deeply taking a liking to. She really had discovered a love for oral and was completely fixated on getting her fill whenever possible. Inwardly he smirked wickedly at the things they had done so far in private, and the things they would get into once they were done with their recruiting session tonight.
His private thoughts were interrupted when one of the humans approached the M.E.C.H agents. He grinned as it was the friend of the girl he thought he knew. She was the first to start asking the agent what may come if they accepted, noting her eyes kept looking up at him every moment she could. That was fine. If just seeing his imposing frame was enough to convince even half of this group, that would suffice, but if she was desiring more from him…then she would suffer Airachnid's wrath. He was hers as she was his.
Any who tried to pry in between them would woe they day they were born…
As if noting his thoughts, Airachnid took his arm into both of hers, laying her claim clearly to all the humans he was only hers. Yet that did not seem to deter the human he thought he knew. She came up to him slowly, looking ready to bolt at any moment, but he admired her courage to confront him directly.
"I…I have a question," she said.
"What is it…and what is your name?" Jack demanded.
"S-sierra," she said.
Jack's processor suddenly kicked into high-gear. He knew that name! Leaning down until he nearly hovered over her, he gave her an inquisitive look. "…We met before, haven't we?"
The girl looked up at him in wonder. "…I-I think I'd remember someone like you."
"Not as I am now, no…" Jack retorted softly, then was thoughtful again. "…but we did at one point. Riding together…on…on." He tried to force the memory to come back, something, anything that was attached to her name, and then finally he remembered her, holding onto him as they rode together. "…a motorcycle," he finished.
Her face went pale and her eyes grew huge. "…J-Jack?! Oh god, is that you, Jack?"
His expression became one of alarm. She remembered him, or rather, she remembered the weak, pathetic thing he was before his transformation. If he recalled, she had been a…secret crush of his. He had tried to get her attention when he could, even to impress her with…huh, he couldn't remember the rest. There was someone else with him that time, but his mind couldn't finish the memory. Damn it! His mind was still working out the pieces. But no matter, he remembered all he needed now, and it satisfied him that he was correct in knowing this girl.
Kneeling down he positioned himself so his faceplate was more leveled with her so she wasn't having to crane her neck up so awkwardly. "That is my name…or what I still call myself currently." For whatever reason he had yet to let go of his name and take on one that was more fitting of his new stature. Airachnid had toyed with a few options like Dragotron, but that didn't stick very will with him. She even tried coming up with human names he might consider. He almost tempted to take on the name Gilgamesh…but that still did not suit him for some reason. There was a name brewing in the back of his psyche, he knew it. The same place where that whispering voice was getting stronger and stronger each day.
He suddenly realized Sierra was talking to him.
"Sorry, I…was distracted," Jack admitted and motioned for her to repeat.
"…I…I was asking how all this happened to you? Does…this have anything to do with that weird thing that happened in town? Where the military showed up and had us all quarantined in our homes?" Sierra asked.
Jack had no idea what she was talking about, but likely she may be correct. He glanced up at Airachnid and was not surprised to see her giving the human a death glare. "You are probably correct," Jack said, keeping his optics on his queen, trying to convey to her to be patient.
"Oh my god…this is unreal. How, I mean…why?" Sierra asked rapidly, holding a hand to her head.
"Why?" Jack said, drawing his gaze back to her and tilted his head. "I told you why. This is the result of being dragged into a war I had no part of being in. The details…you don't need to know." Truthfully, he had no details to give her even if he was willing to tell her. He could not yet recall why he was a victim, but somehow, he would remember the cause of his torment soon enough. "I survived and this is the result of having the strength to. I am now a techno-organic Cybertronian, and I want to put an end to the war forced on me!"
His words came out in harsh growl that made Sierra back away from him in fear. He snarled at himself for almost losing it and looked away until he could temper his rage. "I…have seen an enemy. One that will stop at nothing to annihilate any who stand in his way, and there are those who will come after me for simply being what I am…and who I am with." He motioned with a hand toward Airachnid. "She saved me, gave me this new form to help me better face the threat, but we are few in number…we need more on our side if we are going to stand a chance."
"Is that what you're really doing all this for? To get more people to fight a war we don't know about? Doesn't that make you like the ones that dragged you into it?" Sierra proclaimed.
Jack felt a flare of anger at her words, but he saw her point. "Perhaps, perhaps not, but unlike the Autobots and the Decepticons, I'm willing to leave you alone if that is your choice. I only want to offer my hand to those that wish to fight rather than hide and pretend everything is fine."
This time she flinched at his words. He just basically called her an ignorant coward. "How do we know this is going to end well? You sent those…things…"
"Insecticons," Airachnid corrected her darkly, fighting to keep from killing the impertinent fleshling.
"Whatever, those Insecticons on Vince and you stated you're not going to let him go! I mean, yeah, he is a jerk and all…but you have no right to do whatever you want with him!" Sierra declared, pointing up at where Vince was webbed up.
Jack leaned in and ever so slowly narrowed his optics at her. "You think me petty?"
Sierra met him with silence and although she was trembling on the spot, she fought to keep from taking another step back.
"…You're a brave one," Jack said after another moment had passed. "If I were to let him go…what would you think then?"
"…I w-would think better of you for starters," Sierra replied.
Jack pondered his choices. He deeply wanted to make the human Vince pay for all he did to him, but would his actions only create an enemy he was trying to avoid? A whisper in the back of his mind stated that it would indeed. He had no idea where this voice was coming from, but he felt he could trust it.
Straightening back up to his full height, Jack moved over to Vince and yanked him off the screen, then with one claw, he cut the human free of his trappings, then with some care, he dropped him next to Sierra. "There, he's free to go. I will not stop him this time."
"Fuck you, you dickwad! You and those ugly shits wrecked my car! I'm gonna…" Vince started to rant, but when he had gotten up, he pushed Sierra out of his way, none to gently and his shove forced her to fall on the ground.
Jack reacted in rage. Transforming into this dragon-mode, he roared at the human, sending him flying off his feet and sailing through the air a good thirty meters away. "LEAVE! Before I change my mind, human!"
It took him a few moments to get back on his feet. The force of the roar had echoed through his entire body, making his limbs feel like rubber and wouldn't respond as he wanted. Soon enough, though, fear and adrenaline overrode the shakiness in his body and he bolted on unsteady legs out into the desert, screaming pathetically as he did.
"…Was that wise, to let him go?" Airachnid hissed softly.
Jack grunted. "We don't need weaklings like him in our empire."
"Still, cannon fodder is still cannon fodder," Airachnid teased, looking down at Sierra, placing a hand on her wide hip and another on the Jack's thick neck.
"T-Thank you. You did the right thing, Jack…but all these people. You really should let them go…all of them," Sierra pleaded.
"If you do not want this glory, then go after that pathetic fleshling!" Airachnid snapped at her, baring her fangs. "Be grateful you were allowed to get your way once!"
Jack chuckled and nuzzled his head against Airachnid, licking at her neck to calm her down. "It is their choice to make, as it is yours…I will await until all have made their decision. Go, talk to the members of M.E.C.H…or talk to me, and if you still think as you do, then you shall leave here in peace."
Sierra was overcome by Jack's response. It was still hard to believe this was that slightly gangly boy with the cool motorcycle she had last seen. What had he been through to turn into this massive…Cybertronian he called himself? And these Autobots and Decepticons, who were they?
"You talked about enemies…who are they exactly? Why are we being pulled into their war?" Sierra asked, having made her choice to speak with him further.
Jack, with the aid of Airachnid, explained the age-old war that consumed Cybertron, leading to the evacuation of their planet, and how earth had a refugee for many Cybertronian secrets that led the race to their world. Jack left Airachnid to explain most of it, as he could not trust his own mind on all the facts save for what he did know. The Decepticons were the biggest threat to them all. The Autobots were more reasonable but so long as they continued to pursue Airachnid, they were enemies as well.
"So…why did you turn him into this?" Sierra had asked Airachnid after they were done with the explanation. "Why couldn't you have just healed him and left him normal?"
"Normal?" Airachnid barked with laughter and disgust. "What? I should have left him as the weak, meatbags your kind are, letting him be a victim again to those stronger? Why should I when I was able to give him the strength to not only fight back, but crush his enemies!"
"I…I dunno," Sierra answered honestly. "But there could have been…"
Jack let out a low growl to silence her. "What happened to me is too late. I have made my choice and I desire to build up my own forces to ward off Megatron and his Decepticons and to keep the Autobots at bay. That is all I desire…to protect my queen and my people."
He was resolute in that. If nothing else, he wanted nothing but to keep his queen safe and those that would follow him. What this girl was not seeing was fighting was inevitable. One way or another, humanity was going to be drawn deeper into this war. So, she could accept to fight with him, or stay in the sidelines like all the other ignorant humans.
"If you really care for her…for your people," Sierra said, giving the Insecticons all a wary look. "Then you should try and talk with these guys…maybe the Autobots? They don't sound so bad…maybe?"
Jack leaned down until his muzzle was almost touching her. "That will not happen…not with how they view my queen. Plus, more of them have appeared on earth and tried to kill both me and my queen. Even if some of them might be willing to talk, the rest will not suffer our existence."
"O-oh," Sierra muttered and backed away a bit, very intimidated by his face. "S-so, why us? Why'd you pick us out of everyone in Jasper?"
"Why you? A whim maybe? Because I have connections to this town…because maybe I view it worth protecting as well as its people? It could be all of those or none of them, all of it depends on what you wish to believe. I have my reason. It is for you to decide to accept my offer or not," Jack retorted firmly.
He was done talking and leaned his head back up until he was overlooking the gathered humans. If she picked to join him or not was up to her now. He said his piece and now wanted to see how, if any, progress was happening with the agents of M.E.C.H. A quick glance showed there was indeed some hopeful signs. A few of the humans had pulled to the side along with some of the agents, deep in conversation, one of them being the girl that accompanied Sierra.
Seeing she no longer had his attention, Sierra mingled back into the crowd, looking lost and uncertain as of what to do. This was too much for her. Why couldn't Jack have turned out to be some secret spy or something cool like that? Hell, she'd have taken a glittering vampire at this point over him turning into some dragon robot thing! And what the hell was the deal with that spider-chick? There was something definitely wrong and cruel about her, she could feel it, but Jack seemed completely oblivious of it!
Was she really controlling him somehow? Was she manipulating him into doing all this? That would make sense…yet she couldn't see the reason to why they were being given a choice. That felt more like Jack's doing than the scary one. Was she humoring him, maybe? Or was he truly sincere about the threat to their world? These Decepticons sounded like a real danger if she believed everything she was told.
Could joining them really be the only way to stop them? Why was she being pulled into this? Just because she took one joyride with a guy because she thought he was kinda cute, and he had a sweet bike, that didn't mean she should get yanked into this sci-fi madness! She just wanted to go home and pretend this was just a bad dream. She wanted to get away from that spider-thing and the creepy Insecticons hounding over them all, watching their every move.
But then when she looked back at Jack, she couldn't help but be awed by how he and Airachnid were behaving. He remained in his dragon form, nuzzling against her like a cat might, wanting attention and Airachnid had no sign of deceit. She was showing him deep affection and appeared to be fully absorbed with fawning over him. Did the two of them truly have that much devotion for one another?
If that was the case…then what was she now to him? Sure, they only talked briefly and she didn't see anything serious happening, but she had been interested a few times. It was high school. She was the leader of the cheerleader squad. Sometimes it got too much to keep up appearances and act her role and hang out with who she thought she had to. Jack…well, he was plain. He was stable…he was different from all the rest.
She was floundered by her choices. A part of her was deeply envious that Jack could forget her for some over-sized bug woman…one with really nice curves if she had to be honest. Hell, the woman might be a robot, but she was drop-dead gorgeous robot. It was no wonder Jack couldn't keep himself away from her. Would she maybe be like that if she…?
Sierra looked down at herself in wonder, then back up at the pair. She was hottie, she had no doubts there. She was blessed with good looks and smarts, but likely her looks wouldn't get her by for long. She was realistic. She knew people only took her serious because she was pretty to look at. That was why Jack had spoken to her, after all. Why dicks like Vince tried to impress her so much. Her brains were never taken into consideration, and she knew that was what she would have to reply if she was going to get anywhere in the world.
Her mind was telling her that this was a chance of a life time. Jack was offering her a chance to become…something more. She wasn't sure if it was still a good thing. Her instincts were telling her to stay on alert, but her rational mind was working out the pros and cons of this all. Jack could have been like every classic evil villain and kidnapped them all and carried them away to do whatever he desired. Or, he could be extremely intelligent and was manipulating them all to believe they were joining for a better cause…
That was the thing, though. He only said better cause, not good. He never stated they were the ones in the right, or that they were justified in defending themselves. He was being as neutral and honest as he could with them. If he really wanted to believe this was the best choice, he would be pushing them harder and scaring them into it, but he appeared to be content to just wait and watch. With Airachnid by his side, he didn't seem to give a damn at all if any or all of them took his offer up.
"Curious and confused, aren't you?" A voice spoke up next to her.
Yelping in surprise, Sierra turned to find one of the weirdos in suits standing next other, looking up at Jack and Airachnid. "A marvel, isn't it? Perfect balance of biological and technological nature, the ultimate lifeform."
"…I-if you say so," Sierra answered back, curling her arms into a hug over her chest and pulling away slightly from the weirdo.
Seeing her defensive posture, the agent chuckled and pulled off the mask, revealing a woman with a pixie haircut and a slight scar at the edge of her left lip. "I know. It seems very strange and scary. But new things are always going to be scary. It takes a lot of guts to jump into the deep end and see what happens."
"…How did you get caught up in this kind of stuff?" Sierra asked without thinking.
"How? Ah! I went looking for it!" the agent chuckled. "I was the smart girl in my town. Always able to outthink everyone and knew all the answers…it was so dull and unfulfilling. I wanted a challenge! At least, that's what I thought until I was given a chance to join M.E.C.H. and we…well, for a time I believed we our cause was worth fighting for, until our leader showed his real colors. I admit, I was pissed, but I'm still here, wanting to do see how deep this goes because I want to know."
"Aren't you scared? Isn't this wrong?" Sierra countered.
The agent shrugged. "If you think its wrong, then its wrong, but consider the facts before you decide on that. There before us is a glance of what humanity could become! We could evolve further than what we are now! The possibilities are endless with the Predacons, whereas if we stay as we are, with the leaders and politicians that decide whats best for us? We'll end up killing ourselves before we realize we're extinct. Here is a chance! A chance to…take control of one's own fate and do something!"
Sierra hadn't thought of it that way. Take control…? Could she really be able to take control of her own life? Flashes of her parents and their expectations. Moments in school where she had to be what everyone expected her to be, who to hang out with, who to ignore…people like Jack. Okay, she might have really liked to see how things had gone with him before…before all this, but looking back at him now with that robot woman…she had no chance in hell anymore.
But did she really need that? Did she really need to have someone like that in her life? Couldn't she just be allowed to make her own choice…
'Oh god…that's what Jack is giving us. The choice we were never allowed to have,' Sierra assumed in her mind.
The agent smiled inside. The girl finally got it. "I see you came to a conclusion. Mind if I ask what you've made out of the situation so far?"
Sierra wasn't sure if she should answer that dangerous question. To give into it…might just see her head under that deep end. She brooded over it for a long time, trying to find an easy out, but that ended up defeating her. She was always looking for the easy way out, the easy thrills, always avoiding the hard truth and letting herself be what others thought. This might be the very chance she needed to break that cycle, be who she wanted to be, not this image…this fake person she was.
"Liberation…He's giving us a chance to break from our mundane lives, a way to escape the chains we've put on ourselves," Sierra answered quietly.
The agent smiled openly now. "That's a start, but there's more to it than that. Sure, liberation is one thing, but what's even more important…Progress! Our species has hit its dead end. We'll never peak beyond our natural limitations unless we find a way to break that limit. Technology is that way, our minds are our greatest tool and so many let it go to waste. We'll always be weak and prone to so many dangers if we keep on the path we're on now. But here, tonight? Well…just think what you could achieve if you let yourself think about it…You're not alone, just give it a bit more thought, okay?"
"M-mind if I talk to you some more. It's kinda helping," Sierra asked timidly.
The agent placed a hand on her shoulder. "I've got all the time you need. What's your name?"
Sierra told her and the two of them started chatting and ever-so-slowly, Sierra was being led to the group where her friend was talking to the other agents. She hadn't realized she was being pulled away from those that were still on the fence, nor did she seem to care. A good hour had passed and a nice portion of the group had ended up over where all the agents were mingling with everyone. Those that still were reluctant grouped to themselves as far as they could from the agents and the towering Insecticons.
This wasn't a large group, but still it would have been good to have them with the others, Jack noted to himself. It didn't matter in the end. He had expected to lose some of them. This was more of an experiment on his part anyway. To see if it was possible to recruit with this method or not. In truth…had they all denied his offer, well…there was always Airachnid's first option. As luck would have it, his plan worked out as he'd hope. Weed out the weak among the curious.
There would be no place for uncertainty and weak minds in his and his queen's empire. Only those that had the courage to take it for themselves and hold on to it would be welcomed with opened claws. Soon enough, he could see the choices were made and his patience had reached its end. There was more to do and they had been left out exposed for too long.
"The time has come…" Jack announced, transforming back into his robot-mode, and holding out his arms. "I will make this easy. Those that wish to join the Predacon cause…stand with me. Those that have chosen not to…"
Jack motioned to the two Insecticons once more and they stood apart and bowed this time.
"This will be your only chance. Another offer will never be made to any who leave tonight. If you were uncertain now, then I cannot trust you to be certain in the future. Make your choice now!" Jack said with authority and watched them expectedly.
The first ones to move were the agents, all knowing their place in this and what to do in this moment. They stood confident before Jack and Airachnid, the agent with the pixie-cut kept her mask off and winked at Sierra encouragingly when she took her spot with her fellow agents. A few seconds went by as everyone made their final choices. Slowly, people started moving. Some started to move toward the exit provided by the Insecticons, but not many. Those that had been among that group looked unsure now and were glancing back at those that seemed to have made up their minds.
Sierra's group all took the initiative and marched over to join with the other agents, some appearing to be a bit hesitant, mainly because they didn't like the evil look Airachnid was giving them all. To Jack's surprise some of the people from the unsure group started heading toward them. He smirked to himself at that. Some people just needed to be given a final ultimatum. If they knew they could linger about without making a choice, they'd do just that thinking they could always decide later. Take that away from them and they would make an on-spot decision, whether or not it was the smart one to make.
This would make Airachnid very happy tonight. Counting out the numbers, they had a total of thirty-two 'volunteers'. The numbers that chose to leave was twelve. Overall, good numbers and acceptable loses. With the present members of M.E.C.H agents that helped in the conversion process, they all would be rewarded along with the brave ones, as was promised to them. They had plenty of human agents out on the field now looking for more recruits, they would slowly be converted over time, but they were better suited to gather more people to their ranks. These few here tonight would be the proof that their hard work would indeed pay off, rather than the lie their ex-leader Silas had toyed with them with bits and pieces of stolen tech.
Ah, Silas…the screams that man made still made Jack smile with pleasure. The man was likely nearing the end of his transformation cycle. It would be interesting indeed to see just how well he changed with the aid of a little red energon to spice up the formula. If the process granted positive results…Well, then these new recruits would be the next ones to sample it.
Jack said nothing as he waited for the cowardly humans to leave. Some had tried to talk their friends who had decided to join him, but a snarl and hiss from the Insecticons cowered them quickly and they departed. Some in tears, others with looks of uncertainty or just plain fear. Jack hoped some more of them would change their minds and join their fold, but sadly, none of the twelve did. They got into their vehicles and made with all haste back to the interstate road back to Jasper.
Time was against them again. Now with the weak ones free to report what happened, they needed to leave the area with all haste before human authorities were alerted, well, once they were another two miles away. During the entire event Jack had his human agents block all cellphone signals to keep anyone from calling out for help. The blocking signal only reached out for a two-mile radius, but once the humans out of range, no doubt they would report what they had experienced…and Agent Fowler would be on them in minutes.
Jack unconsciously reached up and touched the spot the man had shot him. The man had decided for Jack that humans were a threat to him and Airachnid, all those that didn't join him, that is. Those that chose not to…would be shown no mercy if they should make the mistake of attacking him and his Predacons. For the smart few who did, time of their ascension was at hand.
When the last car was out of sight, Jack spoke out to all. "To you who have chosen this path, welcome! We shall begin your transformation immediately. Before we do…you will need to leave your contact devices and your personal belongings behind. Agents, please collect these now."
Moving on command, the agents went around and collected everyone's cellphones and watches and wallets. One thought this was going to be a robbery when they thought they'd have to take off their jewelry, but the agent explained that all foreign objects like earrings and such would hinder the process. Jack nor Airachnid knew if that would actually happen, but they figured the agent made up the excuse to get the human to comply. Once all the belongings were collected, Jack ordered them to throw them into a pile on the ground. Doing what they were told, he then motioned for them to back away.
Once they were clear of the pile, Jack aimed his Thermo Cannon and fired it!
All the humans gasped at the display of firepower and destruction. Where once simple items had been dumped was now a melting hole of slag and lava. "You will not need such things anymore. Let that mark the end of your old lives so that you may embrace your new ones," Jack stated simply, then pointed at the remaining vehicles. "Everyone aboard your cars but do not drive off. We will handle your transportation."
Everyone did as he said, those that had lost their ride to the people that left joined others that were willing to share the space in their cars. Once everyone was inside the vehicles, Jack looked to his minions. "Insecticons, transform and take flight! Take our recruits back to base and care for them! They are your new brood brethren! Treat them with respect!"
"Yes, our King!" the Insecticons said in unison and bowed before their rulers before jumping into the air and transformed.
Hovering over to the vehicles, an Insecticon gently grabbed each one and lifted it into the air. The humans inside gasped as they were quickly flown away toward the Harbinger. Jack looked down at the agents who remained. "As for you, leave your vehicles behind. We shall personally take you back to our base…where you shall join the Predacon ranks!"
"We…get to ascend now?" the pixie-haired agent uttered in reverence.
"I keep my word…always," Jack stated with a firm nod. "You have done your part well, and we must begin the process while there is time. No doubt our enemies will likely double their efforts once news has reached them about this…meeting."
"…We could just eliminate them in route right now?" an agent had voiced.
Airachnid agreed with that choice. "It would give us more sufficient time. There is no telling how long each one of these humans will take to process into Predacons. You were a miracle, my love. But I don't think every human will change at the same rate you did."
Jack felt that whisper in his mind agree to that last part. He was an exception…but why? Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Jack was firm. "I want them to spread news of this. Even if all who listen don't take them for their word. There will be a percentage that might be tempted to seek us out to join our ranks. Granted, we will need to set up an actual trial to see if they are worthy to become Predacons. These humans we've taken tonight are lucky because we simply need the numbers to make up for our losses. They will need to prove themselves after they've changed, surely, but at least we'll have a strong fighting force before long."
"And us?" the pixie-hair cut agent inquired with a narrowed look.
"You were allowed to hear us admit the truth," Jack growled back, narrowing his optics back at her. "Least you forget, I am still wary of your…methods…of dealing with leaks. I do not condone most of your choices, and if you wish to join the Predacons, then you will need to forsake that line of thinking. All will become one in our ranks; all will be brothers…and sisters…in-arms. Any who takes a life of a fellow Predacon…" his Thermo Cannon hummed to life as he charged a shot.
The threat was made. The agents knew they were walking on thin ice with this creature. Given how Silas ran M. , and the choices he made in regards to these Transformers…it was little wonder of the low trust Jack had with them. And yet, he was still going to honor his word and give them the formula that would change them into Transformers like him. He was offering them the carrot while reminding them of the stick…Jack was indeed a being not to underestimate.
"We understand, commander!" the pixie-haired agent said and saluted, waiting until all the other agents had saluted in turn. "We are honored you still deem us worthy!"
"Time will prove if you are worthy, but for now…you have done as I asked and I shall keep my end of the bargain," Jack replied shortly, then looked to Airachnid. "My love?"
She smirked and mentally reached out to Hardshell who was left behind in command of the Harbinger during their absence. A moment later, a ground-bridge opened up before them and Jack took his queen's arm and they strolled through it, with the agents and remaining Insecticons following behind.
"Umm, this may be a redundant question, but why didn't we bring the recruits with us this way?" an agent asked aloud after they all crossed over and were standing inside the Harbinger.
"To reflect," Jack answered, hearing the agent. "This will be their final moments as average humans. A little time to reminiscence what their lives were up to this point, so that they may embrace their future ones to come."
"What if that time changes their mind? People are fickle like that, after all," the agent countered.
Jack grinned in a way that made the agent sick to his stomach. "If they decide to change their minds, then they should have left with the others when they had the chance."
"There's the Jack I love," Airachnid hummed in excitement and kissed him. "Mmm, I couldn't stand the niceties any longer!"
"You know I will make it up to you…later," Jack said suggestively, slapping her rear-aft playfully, earing a sharp squeal from his queen.
The agents looked away awkwardly. It was a little much to take seeing two giant metallic wonders of science…flirt so openingly. Most of them, anyway. The pixie-haired agent was fascinated with how two techno-organic Cybertronians might procreate. She was a scientist after all and her main field had been biology, so her curiosity was understandable. Maybe once she had transformed into one, she would have time to experiment. There would be plenty of volunteers once everyone had undergone the process…and she would have her pick of the lot.
She would love to give a Jack a tryout, but it became very abundantly clear by Airachnid, he was off-limits to everyone but her. The spider-queen would likely kill any female that tried to lure him away, and she was not about to get on that crazy-bot's bad side. She scared the living crap out of all of them when she first revealed her spider-mode. She could only imagine that would be how she would end any would-be suitors in that form. Jack, for his end, didn't seem to notice any others but her. Sure, he commanded his Insecticons with firm authority, but he had that love-sick puppy look all the time toward Airachnid. If he wasn't such an imposing and dangerous lifeform…it would be kinda pathetic how much he swooned over her.
The group walked to the laboratory and entered it where a group of Insecticons were lining up the cages they had been busy constructing. Cages were a loose term for them. In truth, they would be containers to safeguard all humans undergoing the transformation process. Each 'cage' was fixed with miniature spinnerets that would cocoon an occupant before the virus was injected into their system. Once they were completely cocooned, then an infusion of energon that each cage would be fueled with would enter through the webbing to continue the process once they had reached that stage. Attached to each cage was a container of the virus that would be used to change them, automatically injecting the caged occupant over a certain amount of time as needed to lock in the transformation permanently.
Airachnid had worked out the precise amount of dosage each transformation would require, and thanks to using half of their red energon supply to fuel the Insecticons. They were able to raid all the known Decepticon mining operations. It took to little to no time to empty out the mines and decommission the mining crew…further decreasing Megatron's forces.
Another function of the cages was awe-inspiring to the agents. Once the transforming humans were near the end with their process and outgrew their size, the cages would expand and create a protective sphere around them, allowing them to comfortably continue their process unhindered, but provide some shielding should an attack occur. Jack had explained it was for another reason, as well. During his own experience, he felt the need to be contained. Airachnid had did all she could to hold him and keep him stable, but the need for security was paramount during the process. Once the cages had expanded, they would hold fast and 'hug' the Predacon during their final stage to keep them passive until completion.
It was odd to her and the other agents, but Jack kept stating it was needed, and they were not going to argue with him as he had undergone the process himself personally. Airachnid had agreed to the needed function and how she came up with the idea of using the cages for that final stage. Walking over to the end of the lab, the agents all saw one such cages already expanded out, gripping tightly around a webbed occupant within.
"He's already near his final stages…I'd say by morning, he will be a new addition for our brood," Airachnid hummed, stroking the cage in a motherly way. Noting how low the dosage of the virus was on the outer-side of the cage.
When considering how this was all happening, that would be a fitting description. She was in truth going to be the mother of all who were changed. Jack would be both their king and father-figure in the new age to come. It was a bit unsettling having these two for 'parent figures' but there was nothing to be done about that. They were the founders of this new race and were single-mindedly bent on rising their Predacon empire.
The pixie-haired agent approached the cage-cocoon, marveling at the process. "…He's going to be beautiful."
Airachnid eyed the agent skeptically, but she replied, "He will be indeed…but Jack will always be my perfect masterpiece."
"As he should be…You wouldn't want a weak partner," the pixie-haired agent replied in kind.
"Indeed…" Airachnid relented, giving the agent a bit more of a respective glance, then called out to her brood with her mind. As one, the Insecticons nearest to the cages all reached over and brought them forth. "It is time…for your reward."
Needing no further prompting, the agents all lined up before a cage after removing any unneeded belongings and gear on their person, save for their clothes. The Insecticons gently took hold of them and deposited them inside, then sealed the top of each cage. Once they were locked in, the cocooning process began, shooting webbing from the sides to encase their bodies save for their heads and neck. Once this happened, a limb-like appendage extended out from where the vial dosage was mounted. It reached for each human and exposed a syringe needle from its narrow tip. It positioned itself at their necks and simultaneously, all the humans were injected with their first dosage.
The screams quickly followed as Airachnid had accidentally forgot to mention how painful the process was going to be. She didn't feel the need to find a way to dampen the pain during the changing. Why should she? They were hers to do as she pleased now, and making them suffer a little was for her amusement. Jack looked at it as a hazing they all needed to experience, to make them stronger to ready them for the battles to come. If they could surpass this painful time, then there was nothing for them to fear anymore.
But he had to wonder…was the pain they were going through anything like…his own?
Airachnid appeared to read his mind as she was soon distracting him by hugging his frame. "How about we get a quick one in before the next patch of humans arrive?"
Jack was hesitant, his optics watching all the agents suffering and crying out until the spinnerets had finished concealing the rest of their bodies, muffling their agony. When they were finished being contained, the Insecticons took their cages to mount in a safer location…one out of sight until they were further along with their change. Didn't need to scare the next wave of recruits, until it was too late for them to consider backing out.
The whisper came back and urged him to not be so easily swayed, but Jack ignored it this time. The whisper had its uses and some sound advice but nothing denied him from his queen and their needs. Easily pushing the whisper to the back of his mind where it belonged, Jack followed his queen to their private chambers to commence some well-desired lovemaking. It wouldn't take the Insecticons carrying the volunteers long but that was okay. Jack and Airachnid had learn to make the most of the time they could get for themselves.
Across from the lab on the opposite side of the cage-cocoon, still strapped to the wall by webbing, the spot they had left Silas to suffer with his transformation was starting to shift around. His webbing glowed with an eerie mixture of blue and a hint of red energon. One Insecticon was pouring the latest dose of refined energon on the webbing, not caring at all at how much the webbing was shaking, until the webbing started to snap!
Out from the cocoon, a massive jaw with mandibles snapped into existence, trying to take a bite out of anything within reach. The Insecticon almost lost its arm to the jaws, pulling back just in time to miss being caught in them. A monstrous, gurgle sound came from the thing working on getting lose from its confinement.
"I am reborn!" it roared, taking its first step and eyed the Insecticons hungrily. "I must feed! I must-ragh!"
A beam of thermo-energy nailed the beast right in the face. It wasn't a powerful blast, but it was enough to singe the things face and throw it flat on its back. Jack stormed out of the private chamber, very much irritated at the interruption. He looked down at the thing that once was Silas and scoffed. The new Predacon resembled an odd fusion of creatures, mainly a lizard and a preying mantis. The head and arms were like that of a preying mantis with wings sticking out of his back to match, but everything from the torso down was lizard-like from neck to bottom set of feet which would likely hold up his weight, but the tail was an oddly all on its own. It was a perfect mix of both mantis and lizard, ending with an abdomen outer-shell but with a scale underlining.
Its scheme was mostly dark blue, much like the original color of the unfortunate Breakdown, but with purple plating around the waist, wings, and tail. Its bulbous eyes glowed with purple light, much like his own and Airachnid's, compound like a real bug's eyes too round and wide for them to shift on their own. The creature had to rotate its head back and forth to look around.
"That hurt!" it whimpered with a blend of the old Silas and a chittering sound.
"You deserve more!" Jack bellowed, wanting nothing more than to stomp the wretched thing under his talon foot, but he withheld that impulse. "Who do you serve?"
"I serve…I…" it started chittering away, trying to get back up on its legs. It looked ready to fight again, but seeing the fury in Jack's optics knew it was completely outmatched. "…I serve you."
"Serve me…what?" Jack pressed, readying to blast the monstrous horror again in the face.
"King! I serve my king!" the creature once called Silas whimpered, completely cowed by his intimidation.
"Remember your place…always," Jack warned. "You exist only at my whim. If you do or act in anyway that threatens my queen, myself, and our fellow Predacons…I will terminate you on the spot. Remember that…" he was about to call him Silas, but the cowardly thing seemed completely changed from the vile human he once had been. It seemed using red energon had mentality degraded the man's mind into a simpleton. A pity, if this was the effect it had on a man as intelligent and dangerous as Silas, it would likely ruin others. No, this thing did not deserve to keep its human name. It was changed forever and completely. "Hmm, Buzzclaw. Yes, you are now called Buzzclaw from this point forth. Go now, get your fill of energon and then report to Hardshell, he will be expecting you. Do whatever tasks he has for you…without fail."
"Y-yes, my k-king!" Buzzclaw said and then hurried away until he realized he had no idea where he was going.
One of the Insecticons looked to Jack and he nodded to it. "Show him where to go…and make sure he does nothing I would find unpleasing."
"Yes, my King!" the Insecticon bowed its head and then grabbed Buzzclaw by his head and lifted him up, carrying and dragging the thing down into the corridor. The warped Predacon howling and screaming all the way.
Jack sighed and ran a hand over his faceplate, yet his sharp mind had made a note to not take the things performance at face value. There was no telling for certain if that thing retained its same cunning and deceitful nature from its human life. Jack hadn't lied about Buzzclaw's life existing on his will. If the thing showed a single sign of being dangerous, Jack would kill it with no regrets. Regardless of its new form…deep down that thing was still Silas and a possible danger if left unwatched.
He would need to ask Airachnid to make sure the thing was watched at all time by the Insecticons. Until that thing proved its loyalty and showed signs of tolerable acceptance, Jack would be ready to carry out judgment at a moment's notice.
"Jack…are you done toying around?" Airachnid called out to him from their chamber, leaning out of the doorframe with her chestplate retracted and exposing her goods to him. "I need your attention, now."
Jack gave her a lustful grin and put all other thoughts aside. His queen called to him and he would answer it with gusto. "Coming, my love."
"Not out there you won't. I want it where it counts," Airachnid teased, pulling him into her embrace when he was within arm's length, pressing and grinding her perfect globs of techno-flesh against his bony chestplate, hissing in delight at how the ridges felt on her sensitive nubs.
Jack wasted no time in carrying her back inside. No sooner had the door closed, then the sound of pleasurable screams and grunts muffle through it. There was no time for foreplay, just raw, passionate action, and Airachnid seemed to like it when he was this rough with her. They needed to celebrate a bit after all, for now their empire was growing and soon all their enemies would quiver when they heard the approach of their Predacons.
xXx
A/N: Frecking Primus! Wow that one took a while to get done. I seriously started and could not stop until I reached this point, and did not notice how late it got until I was done. So, with that said, I hoped you appreciate this rapid update to the story. I know a lot of people expected another late update but I'm trying my hardest to make up for that time. Also to note, for those of you who leave a review…please give me a little more insight, please? If all you're going to ask is when the next update is going to be and nothing else…then expect the next chapter to a little later, because if I'm just going to that kind of response, then I will work on other projects.
I took a lot of my free time to work on this and other chapters that I will be posting soon, but focused mostly on this one for all the fans that have been patient and actually talked to me, so a little more of a response would be appreciated. IF I get sarcastic reviews, then expect the next chapter in a month, not a week, that's all I'm saying. That's my only warning from now to future chapters. I'm not wasting my energy and time if all you plan to say is "Okay, nice. When's the next one?" That doesn't really convey much to me as to if you enjoyed this chapter or not. So please, be thoughtful in your reviews, please? More feedback I get the more I'm likely to get another chapter out for you all to enjoy. Okay, rant is over…
Till then…