Episode 4: Transform and Lift Off
All Characters belong to Cartoon Network and Hasbro
Enjoy!
This takes place at the end of the last episode as we saw the Autobots have a conflicting skirmish with each other in the Junkyard as Rodimus and Slipstream aimed their weapons directly at each other.
"I'm only going to ask this once, and after that, I'm not going to repeat myself any further... Where is Megatron?"
Rodimus looked at the Decepticons, hearing their intentions said out loud as he lowered his Crossbow, taking the Rival Faction by surprise.
"Autobots, stand down..."
"Stand down?" Hot Shot asked rhetorically. "Are you kidding?!"
"That's an order!"
Hot Shot sighed, shaking his head as he and the rest started to disengage while some offered vocal whispers in the air.
"Man, I've got a bad feeling about this."
"This is going to be fun."
Slipstream lowered her weapons in advance, having seen the Autobots stand down so she could raise a hand up, signaling her fellow Decepticons to do the same, whether they liked it or not.
"Well... Are you going to answer my question?"
Rodimus sighed, putting his Crossbow away.
"It's... It's kind of hard to explain."
"What's there to explain, you insolent Autobot whelp?!" Lugnut yelled from behind. "We know you Autobots have our Glorious Lord Megatron in your grasp! That's why we are here to free him from your filthy Servos!"
"Hey, Bulknut!" Slipstream called out, turning around. "I'm doing the talking here, remember? Back down a little."
Lugnut growled lowly, lowering his Servos as he allowed Slipstream to take control of the conversation once more.
"Now... What do you mean that it's hard to explain?"
Rodimus looked around, seeing the Decepticons present as he knew that was a code red for their current situation that they have in their hands.
"...I think it's best that you and I should speak in private."
"No," Barricade said, walking past Shockwave. "We'd like to hear what you have to say, Autobot."
"Trust me, Barricade, you don't know what we're dealing with here." Jazz said with his hands raised up.
"Trust you?" Barricade asked bluntly. "No one on either side trusts each other! Why the Slag do we need to trust you?"
"Because this is something that isn't going to be easy for any of us," Windblade added, taking a step forward. "And as a former Decepticon who has known loyalty, this is going to take a lot of self-discipline to take control-!"
"Says the Deserter who left us to join the Autobots!"
"Enough!" Slipstream raised a hand up. "All of you, enough! I did not come this far just so I can listen to so much arguing! If I wanted that, I'd listen to Thrust and Dirge compete on who gets what for an hour."
Soon, everyone silenced themselves as Slipstream regained her sarcastic demeanor, turning back to Rodimus.
"Look, if there's something you have to show me, then get on with it. Soundwave said he spotted Megatron's signature to this location, and I have no patience to waste any more time, and neither does anyone else on my team."
"We're getting to it," Rodimus said, raising a hand. "I don't want to fight you here. We don't have the energy for it right now, and neither do you based on how much you've been affected."
Slipstream just gave out a loud huff, blowing air out of her nose.
"Just show me whatever you have to show me, and don't try pulling any funny moves, Autobot."
With that said, Rodimus simply nodded his head and led Slipstream into Omega Supreme, who allowed them both access inside of his Alt Mode as the rest of the Autobots and Decepticons just stood right outside in standoff... Staring at each other in deathly silence.
As they stood, the wind continued to blow through the air. The two Factions listening to the howling breeze circling around in between the center of the area dividing them as unnerved thoughts and feelings began to swell each opposing side of the meeting.
"...So, uh..." Hot Shot started, looking around each group. "What a nice day on Planet Earth, huh?"
Tarn raised a brow, observing the Autobot that boldly spoke out in a friendly demeanor. "Do we look like we're here for a nice chat, Autobot?"
Hot Shot blinked, uncertain about that counter-reaction. "No... I just thought we could, I don't know... Make a conversation or something."
"Don't bother." Windblade started walking away. "Decepticons aren't known to socialize with Autobots, even if they were open to it."
"Yet, it appears you are." Barricade remarked coldly. "Say, how do you like your new Faction, Traitor? Seems like you've found your place, especially since being one of the Fallen's Lapdog didn't cut out for you in the long run."
Windblade stopped for a short moment, turning her head slightly towards the Decepticons before making her entrance inside the Junkyard's building. When that happened, Chromia followed her directly inside, checking in on her Sister.
"You can't take that from him. That Decepticreep can't speak to you like that, no one should."
"Chromia."
"I mean it! Just because you aren't a Decepticon anymore, that doesn't mean they should treat you like garbage. That's what you are."
"And I appreciate the sentiment, I do." Windblade turned around, facing Chromia. "Seriously, I really appreciate it when you support me, but... Truth be told, I stopped giving a damn what the Decepticons thought of me a long time ago."
Chromia raised a brow. "Seriously? So, just like that? You're going to ignore what they're saying to you?"
"Pretty much. Besides, it's like you said, I'm not a Decepticon anymore. In fact, it took me a while to get realize that I haven't been for a long time."
She nodded with a sigh, turning around to face herself straight in the mirror...
Cybertron... 4 Months ago.
Windblade took in a deep breath, closing her Optics as she touched her Insignia wrapped on her chest. Then she looked at herself in the mirror, mesmerizing her Red Autobot Emblem as she continued staring at her own reflection.
Soon enough, she started pulling herself away as she started lining herself up, preparing to perform several postures, dictating how she feels is the best for her current assignment. Suddenly, just as she decided on her choice of direction, a knock on the door was heard there times in a row, with the comms activating from the wall.
"Windblade, you're up in 5 Cycles."
She sighed, nodding her head as she took one last glance at herself, staring right into her own Blue Optics before turning around and exiting her Quarters, facing Optimus Prime waiting for her while leaning against the wall with his Servos folded together.
"Took you long enough."
"How long have you been waiting?"
"Long enough. Your Team's waiting for you in the hanger."
"Then I suppose I shouldn't get them waiting. Let's go."
She started walking down the halls of the Autobot Academy as trainees from all over converse with one another, a few peering their gaze upon the Former Decepticon walking with Optimus.
"So, I see you've been doing a good job reconditioning these Bots into their new Flyer Formats. A few Lunar Cycles ago, these Recruits crashed right through a window three times in a row each week, some out here kept on calling the emergency Elite Guard for a Decepticon Attack."
"Well, that's different now. I've coached them enough to make sure they're disciplined. Being a Flyer isn't the same as piloting a Ship with your Bare Servos."
"Have you told them that?"
"Yes, repeatedly. And I plan on repetitioning these words over and over until they can get the message through their thick Tin Cans loud and clear."
"Well, let's hope that you can get it quickly because your team is finally being deployed."
At that moment, she stopped, turning to Optimus as if she were just given the news.
"...When?"
"A couple of Hours. Perceptor has been keeping tabs on you, and he says your team is statistically capable enough to be on the field."
"Well, Perceptor sees them through numbers. He hasn't seen them through their skill."
"Do you have doubts?"
"No... I just..." Windblade sighed. "It just feels too soon."
Optimus folded his Servos. "Look, I know being a leader can be a difficult job when you're trying to manage the team. And I do know that this is your first time leading any team, but from what Chromia says about you, you have a feat that most Bots don't even have."
"What feat is that exactly?"
"From what Ironhide and Chromia said about you personally? A tenacious Bot with a wistful of self-determination of completing her duty."
Windblade nodded, chuckling softly at that compliment. "With all due respect, I'm pretty sure that was mostly Chromia's statement."
Optimus dropped his Servos, continuing to observe Windblade. "Look, I understand that your transition from the Decepticon Ranks to the Autobot hasn't been easy. And take it from Drift, he hasn't had it easy either."
"And apparently, Knockout did, considering he has his own Business establishment on Earth."
"My point being is that you've had a lot of time to adapt to that environment. And you've adapted it well. But now, you're about to go on a fight against Decepticons, some who may have been your closest ally. I understand that may be a tough job to do, given you had spent most of your life being a Decepticon yourself, so I want you to feel as comfortable as you can possibly be ready for this."
Windblade sighed, folding her Servos. "In my years that I've lived, I have only known combat. Believe me, no one in the Decepticons is my friend, nor were they ever my friends to ever begin with, so this day was coming one way or the other."
"In that case, I'll leave you to finishing your warm-up. Remember, Perceptor and I will be waiting to debrief you on your mission, so whatever you need to finish before it starts, you may want to wrap it up soon."
With that said, Optimus left to exit through the Academy's Courtyard while Windblade started venturing down the hallways. There she started walking alone, with figures moving through the shadows around her. The steam that oozes ough the air disappeared by another's movements as Windblade continued walking silently.
As she walked, her Optics looked down on the floor panel as she continued her walk, casually moving down towards the Hanger Bay, never ceasing her movements until a small particle of dust flew right into her Optics, putting an end to her quiet walk.
Her Servos grasped on her Lightsaber as she gave out a calm Inhalation from her Intake... Then she Exhaled softly as suddenly, a Silver and Orange Autobot hiding underneath the floor vent jumped right behind her, activating his Cannon only to have them sliced off as Windblade activated her Purple Lightsaber, cutting off his weapon before back kicking him by the chest, knocking him to the floor.
As she flung her Saber around, a Blue and Yellow Autobot Flyer dropped down from the ceiling, Skydiving towards her only so he could be hit by his Teammate when Windblade grabbed him by the Pede and flung him in the air, taking him out in the process while both Autobots fell to the ground defeated. Soon after their takedown, Windblade turned around to the sounds of a homing missile launching through the air, causing her to Transform and fly right out of her position as the homing missiles continued to chase her.
While the chase ensued, a White and Red Autobot Flyer was seen on the ground guiding his Missiles towards Windblade, hoping one of them would hit her. However, Windblade proved to be an evasive Flyer as a few of the Missiles landed on the wall, the ceiling, and the floor, until finally, when one remained, Windblade flew right towards the White Autobot, much to his horror.
"Oh, Scrap!"
He yelped, turning around to run away when Windblade Transformed back into her Robot Mode and flipped over to push the Autobot backward, causing him to get hit by his own Missile, much to his screaming irony.
As he fell to the floor having a complete Ash Face, a Silver and White Autobot Flyer appeared from the air, shooting out his blasters towards Windblade, who deflected his shots as she made one of them hit his Wings, causing the Autobot to scream out before crashing right into the hanger's force field, knocking him back onto the floor with no one left to stand in Windblade's way.
At least, it would have seemed that way until one remaining Autobot Flyer sped right towards her, right until he Transformed into his Robot Mode, getting out Two Swords as the Red and White Autobot dueled with Windblade's Purple Lightsaber, clashing his Cybertanium Sabres with her weapon as they dueled relentlessly.
Finally, when an opening cleared up, the Red and White Mech kicked Windblade back, causing him to move forward and swing his Blade at her Head until he stopped mid-attack, freezing just a few meters towards her Red Tattooed Cheek as the Autobot smiled, feeling victorious
"I GOT YOU! I FINALLY GOT YOU!"
"Yeah... And I got you too."
The Autobot Flyer raised a brow, looking down only to find Windblade's Purple Lightsaber just a couple of inches away from his waist, much to his shock as he widened his Optics from that note, the rest of the Autobot Flyers got up, groaning in pain from the beatdown they received from their Team Leader.
"Seriously? Really, this is the best you got?" Windblade deactivated her Saber, as the Red and White Autobot did the same, disengaging their duel entirely. "Let's talk about what you slackers have gotten wrong this time around... Does anyone want to tell me what went wrong with this encounter? No? Fine, I'll tell you one by one what each of you did wrong."
As she folded her hands behind her back, the Silver and Orange Flyer lined up with the rest of his team as they observed their team leader staring at them sternly with her hands clasped behind her back. Her Optics staring down each and every single one of them as they met up with the Blue and Yellow Autobot from before.
"Skydive... You were hiding up in the ceiling observing my movements, hoping to strike me from above, which would have worked if you hadn't slipped up your Digit and let the dust hit my own Optics. I hope you're really proud of yourself because you're Dead now."
She walked past Skydive, turning her Optics over to meet with the Silver and Orange Autobot, who looked embarrassed by his performance as he nearly trembled within Windblade's gaze.
"Slingshot... You thought I didn't see you hiding beneath the floor vent, but I did. You want to know how? You gave yourself away when you shined your Sidearm, attracting my attention in the process, so congratulations; You're Dead too."
Slingshot shivered as he felt verbally trashed by Windblade while she turned her sights on the smaller Autobot Flyer. The one who had been guiding his Missiles manually in order to hit Windblade, which resulted in his Ash Face being formed when the Missile hit him instead as he met his leader in embarrassing shame.
"Fireflight... I know you were just making adjustments to the manual launch of your Missiles you had set up from Skydive because I could hear the datapad being tapped on your screen. You picked a good strategy, but you did it right at the moment your enemy arrived just in time to Kill you. Guess what? You're part of the Casualty List ever since you ended up committing suicide by your own Missiles.."
Fireflight sighed as he rubbed his head, feeling embarrassed at being mocked by the Team Leader as her sights were set upon the Gray and White Autobot while standing next to him.
"Silverbolt... You're a great Flyer, but you ended up firing too soon. That gave you away, which ended up getting yourself blown right out of the sky, which resulted in you getting yourself a free ticket down to the Well of AllSparks. Honestly, I wish that your team could offer you their condolences, but I'm afraid they're unable to offer any because most of your team just got killed in an action."
She walked right past him while Silverbolt blew out an awkward whistle, signifying his own humiliation as Windblade finally set her sights on the Red and White Autobot she herself had just dueled with as she looked at him right in the Optics while standing right in front of him.
"Air Raid... Oh, Air Raid... Dear, dearest, Air Raid... *Sighs* ...Do I really... I mean, really? Do I really need to point out your fatal mistake?"
Everyone on the Team turned around facing Air Raid as he shared his mutual embarrassment, rubbing his hands together while Windblade continued staring at him.
"Well..." Air Raid cleared his throat. "I mean... I did try..."
"Yeah... You tried, and you died because you Fragged up very Royally on your first and last debut. Such a poor choice of last words, don't you think?"
With that, she lightly tapped him by the head, leaving Air Raid to recover from his bruise while Windblade stood in front of the team as a whole.
"I swear on my own Spark, people, I get it! You want to learn how to fly so badly, you want to take as many selfies as you can on top of the very edge of Iacon, or maybe even a bird's eye view from Cybertron! Or maybe just start flying below the oceans of whatever backwater planet has an ocean on it, or maybe show off to any Decepticon on the field on how you're the better flyer than them! But you're not going to be able to do any of that, unless you're already lying facefirst on any solid surface, horizontally or vertically. So if you want to live another day telling your friends about your experience, you need to get your acts together and take this seriously. So until you realize that, we're going on for another Flight Excercise Run."
With that said, everyone groaned as they all shared their dismay towards another Excercise Run.
"Oh, Scrap, not another one."
"We just had one just yesterday, and the day before that!"
"We've been through this so many times already!"
"Yeah, yeah, ave it for someone who actually feels sorry for you. Like Jetfire and Jetstorm! Even I don't have the slightest clue where they are at this moment!"
"Right here!"
A voice called out from above as the Jet Twins flew down from the ceiling, each carrying their own Energon Cube as they just enjoyed their lunch.
"We were just watching while Windblade was doing the Training Regiment," Jetfire said.
"And we have to say, it wasn't that worse when Sentinel Prime was in charge back then." Jetstorm implied, knowing that he wasn't as rough as Sentinel was during the early days.
Windblade sighed, turning around. "Well, if you're finished snacking on your Energon, we have an Excercise Run to finish. Afterward, we're going straight to Optimus for our first Mission together as a Team."
Fireflight widened his Optics. "Whoa, really?! We're actually ready to go on a mission?!"
Air Raid scoffed, folding his Servos. "About Fragging Time already."
"Okay, everybody, don't get your Servos in a bunch." Windblade turned around, facing the recruits. "You Bots just failed combat session recently, so let that serve as a reminder why it's important to regard this; because we're not going to be training anymore, this is going to be the real deal. Anyone of you messes up; today may as well be the last day you ever set foot on Cybertron. Flying can be a lot fun than it may seem to be, but it can also hold the balance of life and death when the battle comes to mind. And I'll keep on reminding you until you get it through your Thick Processors that this is no game. This is exactly what you signed up for."
She turned around, walking past Jetstorm and Jetfire while they followed her from behind, with Windblade raising a fist up in the air.
"Form up behind us!"
The Autobots nodded, getting in gear as they prepared to Transform into their Alt Modes.
"Aerielbots! Transform and Lift Off!"
She and the Jet Twins Transformed, flying in the air while the Aerialbots did as they were ordered to do, following their chain in command as they have flown through the skies of Iacon as they have always done under her command.
Once their Excercise Run was completed, the Aerialbots rendezvous with Optimus and Perceptor as they stood in front of the Spacebridge Nexus, awaiting their arrival.
"Aerialbots. Good to see you on time."
"What's the mission, Prime?"
Optimus nodded, turning to give out a hologram of a Decepticon Insignia. "Decepticon activity has been reported somewhere near the region of the Nebulon Republic. The Nebulans fear that they're pushing on for an attack of some kind."
"The Nebulonians?" Jetfire asked, folding his Servos. "Didn't Decepticons used to retire over thereby selling them parts of Elite Guardsmechs?"
"Despite the bizarre history between the Decepticons and the Nebulons..." Perceptor explained. "The Nebulon Republic has been greatly helpful in assisting the Autobot Commonwealth in the Cybertronian Recovery Effort. After the Decepticons from the 2nd Dimension left, they have lent their resources to help our cause."
"So you can imagine how much that must have ticked off the Decepticons." Windblade folded her Servos. "I've seen this kind of activity before. They only act like that unless they have some kind of grudge."
"And when Autobots are involved, I'm willing to bet that's only going to fuel that grudge for the Decepticons." Optimus turned to the Aerialbots. "For a while, their ships have been under siege by Decepticons in the air. The Nebulans are depending on us for support, so now is our chance to show them that we got their backs. I'm counting on each of you to not only watch their backs but to watch yours as well. The Decepticons are extremely ruthless Cybertronains, and Windblade and the Jet Twins can each personally tell you that from personal experience."
Windblade held her hands behind her back. "When do we begin?"
"Immediately. There's a Firefight going on just outside of the planet Nebulos."
"Yikes! That's like the Capital Planet for the Republic!" Fireflight inputted, to which Silverbolt was curious.
"Wouldn't they have enough firefighters to take the Decepticons on?"
"The Nebulons do not seek to have casualties on their margin. "They fear any acts of resistance may result in a devastating retaliation."
Silverbolt raised his Servo. "Sir, may I ask then why are we helping then? Because the way I see it, the Decepticons would retaliate even with Autobot interference in the way."
"The Nebulons expect the Autobot Commonwealth to offer their add in their time of desperate urgency," Perceptor informed. "It would be considered to be a violation of trust for not accepting their call for assistance."
Optimus nodded. "Right, and on to the point, I'd like to add that Autobots are meant to help any and all sentient life. It's what we stand for, whether or not we're a Grounder or a Flyer. It's our job to help others in need, and that's exactly what you're going to be doing."
Windblade placed her hands behind her back. "When do we begin?"
"Soon as the Spacebridge opens. It'll take you immediately into Nebulos. Afterward, you're going to be on standby until they are attacked. I've already alerted them that you're on your way at this moment."
"Well..." She tilted her head to the side leaning over to the Spacebridge. "Let's get started then."
She moved her hand forward, signaling her team to follow as she led on towards the Spacebridge, Perceptor began to type in coordinates for Nebulos as they each began to prepare for their flight trip to space.
"Just remember, everyone is counting on you," Optimus added as he watched the Aerialbots prepare to leave. "Same goes for Perceptor and me, but also remember to watch your backs... And good luck."
Once the Spacebridge was activated, the Aerialbots all Transformed into their own Alt Modes and flew right into the portal, disappearing from Cybertron's air entirely.
Nebulos, Center of the Nebulon Republic.
The Spacebridge Portal transported them into space above the Planet's atmosphere as they flew directly inside the void of space. The Aerialbots lined up in standard formation as Windblade lead the team towards the Planet's Ring.
"Alright, everyone stick close to each other. We haven't spotted any Decepticons in the area yet, but the Nebulons reported some signals indicating incoming Decepticon movement, so be on your guard; they're bound to strike at us hard, so let's split into two groups to gain some ground over this region."
Jetstorm began to fly next to his Twin Brother as they flew above the Ring hovering below them.
"Jetfire and I will scout ahead for anything unusual."
"Silverbolt, Air Raid, to us!" Jetfire commanded.
The two Aerialbots did as they were ordered to do as they followed the Jet Twins close behind them while Windblade continued to lead the rest, forming two separate groups of Aerialbots.
"Alright, Aerialbots, remember; you see a Decepticon, you open fire at the first chance you get. They're not gonna wait for you to pull the first shot, so you be sure to be the one to shoot first." Windblade advised her team. "If any Bot has any questions, feel free to ask now, or forever hold your peace."
"Hey, so I mean this in the most possible non-offensive manner, but... How many Decepticons are we going to be dealing with?" Slingshot asked while flying behind Windblade. "Because if they're attacking the Nebulons, should we expect a horde the size of Trypticon Prison?"
"Not to worry. They only attack in small groups, ensuring that they never let their enemies see them coming."
Silverbolt raised his window up as if he would raise an Optic Brow. "So, to ensure that we win the fight, we have to ensure that they don't see us coming."
"Precisely the point, Silverbolt." Windblade began to fly upwards. "Everyone stick together in your groups, and we might just make it out of here in one piece."
The two groups separated as Windblade lead her team into a Nebulonian Freighter while the Jet Twins patrolled the Planet from above.
"Alright; Slingshot, Skydive, Fireflight, you're with me. Follow my lead, we're flying into the freighter ahead of us."
"Ma'am, why are doing that for?" Fireflight asked. "I thought the Nebulons were informed that we were coming."
"They were, but they're not expecting Autobots in Flight Formats, so we need to reassure the Nebulon Lordship that he and his people have nothing to worry about us."
"So..." Slingshot began as his voice raised of concern. "Does this mean we have to worry about any of us getting shot at from out here?"
"Ah, what's the matter, Slingshot? You scared of a little bit of blaster fire?" Fireflight teased while flying behind him.
"Oh, shut up, man! I'm just trying to make sure everybody knows we're all on the same side here, that's all!"
Skydive hummed in amusement. "Funny. Last time I checked, you were a little envious about that Paintjob you had waxed recently."
"No, that's-!" Slingshot squinted his front shield window down. "That's not the point!"
"Settle down, all of you," Windblade said. "I've been led to believe that the Nebulans are aware of our arrival, so we shouldn't be facing any kind of hostility from their security-!"
Just as they reached halfway towards the ship, fighter jets began to fly right out of the hanger as they flew right towards the Aerielbots with loaded arsenal in their disposal.
"Decepticon Frigates, stand down." The Nebulons commanded as they faced the Autobots. "On behalf of Lord Zarak and the Nebulon Ruling Council, you are ordered to stay out of our airspace and return back to your respective territory. You are not welcome here!"
Fireflight noticed one of the Fighters flying close right next to him as he felt unnerved by the close proximity of his personal space.
"So... You were saying about hostilities, Ma'am?"
Windblade sighed, feeling annoyed. "Okay... Maybe some Organics out here haven't gotten the message about our arrival."
"I repeat, all Decepticons, depart from Nebulon Space! You are not welcome here!"
Windblade began to open her channels to the Neblons, seeking to communicate with them.
"This is Windblade of the Aerialbots, representing the Autobot Commonwealth on their behalf. We come in peace-!"
"Last warning, Decepticon Frigates! Turn away or else, you will be shot down! I repeat you will be shot down!"
As more fighters arrived, some began to approach Jetstorm and Jetfire's group as they tailed right behind them.
"Windblade, we're getting outnumbered out here." Jetstorm pointed out.
"I believe they don't intend on listening to our claims either." Jetfire hinted as they noticed the fighters about to ready their weapons.
"All the more reason we should get to it already! Let's go ahead and end this!" Air Raid suggested dramatically, to which Windblade then interjected.
"No! We're not here to fight them, only the Cons." Windblade reminded.
"Well, they're not seeing it that way, given that we look like Decepticons in disguise!" Air Raid sounded agitated as he saw the fighters close in on his group. "They don't look like they're in a mood to talk!"
"Yeah, I think Air Raid may have a point on this..." Fireflight said. "Any suggestions on what w should do, Ma'am?"
"Yeah... If they don't want to talk, then I'll just go talk to them in person." Windblade began to set her sights on the Neblan frigate. "Cover me, but do not engage! I'm going to meet with the Lordship himself!"
With nothing else to say, Windblade began to break herself out of formation and fly directly into the Nebulon frigate while the Nebulon fighters moved on to engage her, the Aerialbots moved in and blocked their path while they Transformed into their Robot Modes.
"You want to get to her?" Jetstorm asked.
"You'll have to go through us!" Jetfire stated as he folded his Servos together.
"All units, we have been engaged! Shoot on sight!"
The Neblans began to open fire as they shot at the Aerialbots, who began to dodge their blaster fire as they moved to keep them away from Windblade's path.
"Come on! Chase me instead, you trigger happy-ARGH!" Slingshot had his shoulder grazed as he held on to his wound. "FRAG! The Slaggers hit my Paintjob!"
"HA!" Fireflight flipped backward while avoiding a missile. "I knew it!"
"Shut up! This isn't funny right now!"
"Yeah, yeah! Complain all about it to Knockout so you two can compare each other about your precious Paintjobs!"
As the skirmish went on, Windblade flew right into the hanger, Transforming into Robot Mode as she met face first with a whole platoon of armed Nebulon forces.
"Ugh, okay, I don't have time for this! Where can I find Lord-?"
"Stop right there, Decepticreep! Don't move, or we'll open fire!"
"*Sigh* Okay... I guess I'll just find him myself, thank you very much."
Windblade Transformed back into her Alt Mode and flew past the guards, blowing them in the air as she flew down in the halls, then up the elevator shafts after having blown open the doors. She flew upwards in the shafts, but then Transformed back into her Robot Mode when she Activated her Lightsaber and stabbed at the wall, making her slow down her momentum in order to enter the bridge.
Once she reached her destination, she rolled down forward onto the bridge, standing up as more armed forces began their weapons at the Autobot facing a chair facing it's back to her.
"I heard an explosion down below on your way up..." A figure in the chair said as he turned his throne around to face the Autobot. "You realize that you'll have to pay for the damages? Those doors are expensive to craft."
"Lord Zarak I presume?" Windblade questioned as she continued to hold her Lightsaber in a defensive stance. "We're here to offer you assistance."
"I can tell," Zarak stated as he reached out his comms to contact his military. "All forces, stand down. The Autobots have arrived, therefore they are free to patrol our borders as much as they please."
At that moment, the fighters outside stopped firing their weapons at the Aerialbots, leaving them alone as Windblade took notice of the changes going on outside.
"Now that the theatrics have been cast aside, let us start our formalities over to discuss business."
Windblade raised a brow, turning to the Lord.
"You knew we weren't Decepticons?" She questioned as Zarak remained unchanged.
"I knew that the Commonwealth would inevitably start expanding beyond their Grounder Formatting Systems. After all, when it comes to progress, one must adapt in order to survive." Zarak began to stand up from his throne. "After all, as a Former Decepticon yourself, you of all Cybertronians should know that by now."
Windblade tilted her brow, merely blowing her vents. "Oh? So you researched me... I'm flattered."
"My dear, I believe we can all make this much easier on ourselves if we just keep ourselves punctually polite as possible..." Zarak advised, placing his hands folded together on his waist. "After all, you and your team have yet to gain my trust."
Windblade folded her Servos. "And how do I do that, exactly?"
"All in due time." He set his eyes over to the bridge windows, seeing the Aerialbots hovering idly by in Space. "For now, I believe you must go and send in your team so each and every one of you shall be debriefed of our current crisis, yes?"
Windblade nodded. "Yes, I believe we'll all be on the same page once we have the intel we need."
"Good. Now, let us begin."
Soon, the Aerialbots joined their field leader in debating with Lord Zarak as they met at the Nebulon Frigate's War Table.
"In case your Superiors have neglected to inform you, the Decepticons have formed a grudge against the Nebulon Republic ever since the Ruling Council has decided to offer their aid onto Cybertron's Recovery. At first, they've been doing nothing but taunting us for revoking their residency after a violated assault on one of our guests. Now, all they have been doing is assaulting us ever since."
Windblade folded her Servos. "You sound displeased, Lord Zarak."
"Displeased is the fundamental word for it indeed." Zarak cast his eyes over to Windblade. "If it were up to me, I would have left you to rebuild your government from the ground up all on your own. But since this is the Majority of the Council's decision and not mine, here we are."
Fireflight perked a brow, whispering to Silverbolt and Air Raid. "Someone's a Cranky Organic."
Air Raid nodded his head. "Yeah... He almost sounds like Sentinel Prime if he were still a Slaghead back in the day, but with less of an obnoxious attitude."
Windblade pressed her hands on the table. "You said the Decepticons have been assaulting you... Do you know where the attacks are being coordinated?"
Zarak sighed, turning to the table's holoprojector as he swiped over to a screen as if he were using a tablet with his own hands.
"So far, the attacks are only coming from a small number of Decepticons in the region. They seem to be only providing minimal damage to our cargo transports, nothing too severe as of yet."
Silverbolt raised a hand, silently asking permission to ask a question. "When you say, "Small Number", just how much of a small number are we dealing with here?"
Lord Zarak hummed. "Only at least two of them. One of them looks like and sounds like a Girl, kind of like your Co-Captain over here."
Fireflight widened his Optics. "Scrap... Our first mission and one of the first Decepticons we have to deal with is a Femme?!"
Windblade raised a brow, folding her Serovs. "Nervous about fighting women, Fireflight?"
"No! I just..." Fireflight folded his Servos, making an awkward sound in his voice. "I just never... Really hit any Girl before..."
Air Raid smirked. "Yeah, he's nervous."
"Shut up!"
Windblade turned away from her team, going back to her attention on Zarak. "Alright, do you have any identification on the Decepticons that have attacked your transports? Any names we could lead with?"
Zarak bit his lip, swallowing as he lowered his brow to give himself a train of thought. "The other one I have had no reason to give it any interest worth noting... Though the Female happened to have an odd Designation which appeared to have fit her profile."
"And what might that be exactly?"
"If I am correct, the Female Decepticon's Name may be known to some of as this... Nightbird."
Windblade closed her Optics, inhaling her Intakes as she remembered her previous encounters with Nightbird.
"I see that you are familiar with this Decepticon in particular." Lord Zarak pointed out as Windblade reopened her Optics.
"Yeah... We didn't exactly share the best history together as far as I'm concerned."
Air Raid folded his Servos. "Nightbird... Why does that name sound familiar to me somehow?"
Silverbolt observed while Windblade conversed with the Nebulan Lordship, whispering in a silent tone in order to acknowledge one of his fellow teammates.
"Because Nightbird was one of the Fallen's personal servants right until his downfall at the Battle of the Ark. She was one of the few to escape during the final moments of the fight, resulting in her becoming a Rogue Decepticon herself, wanted by both Factions at once."
Air Raid rubbed his brow as he turned his gaze onto one of his team leaders. "Weird... It's kind of odd Windblade isn't considered a Rogue, given she was a Decepticon too."
Fireflight widened his Optics, punching Air Raid in the Servo. "What is the matter with you?!"
"What?" Air Raid rubbed on his Servo while turning to Fireflight. "It's true, isn't it? Windblade was a Decepticon before."
"Yeah, and so was Drift and Chromia before they also defected." Slingshot said while rolling his Optics. "What's the point here?"
"I'm just saying, it must be really hard trying to let go, you know?" Air Raid explained. "I mean, to have been raised in one place you spent your whole Life-Cycle in, only to just leave to move onto another. That's just got to be rough on her, on anyone really."
Windblade turned around, facing her Team. "Hey! Quit the chatter, all of you! I need you to stay focused on the mission here." She turned back around to face Zarak. "Now... During these attacks, do you know when exactly did she and her Decepticons attack your convoys?"
Zarak turned around, typing in coordinates as he faced his back to Windblade. "Their attacks are made at any time of the day. They attacked us early in the morning, late in the night, or even out when our Planet is in the middle of broad daylight when the sun shines brightest."
Silverbolt rested a hand on his chin. "If these Decepticons are holding back their attacks, then they must be using this as a means of a scare tactic."
Zarak scoffed, shaking his head. "Oh, don't flatter yourself, Machine, Nebulons are never afraid."
Windblade raised a brow, turning to Zarak. "Yet, you wouldn't have called us for help if you didn't fear for your people's safety."
"The Council made this decision, not me," Zarak said as he handed a datapad to Windblade. "And the only reason each of you has been decommissioned to our Homeworld is that the Decepticons are your problem, not ours. We just want them off our territory as soon as possible."
Windblade took the datapad, gently pulling it from his hands. "Of course... Now, have your forces sit tight; we'll contact you once we've cleaned up your Backyard."
She sighed, turning around as she started leaving with her teammates, having been granted permission to exit the ship's premises as they began to walk down towards the hanger.
"Fireflight, can you download the information written onto this datapad?" Windblade questioned as she handed it over to the White and Red Autobot, who started syncing the datapad's intel onto his HUD.
"Done... I'm syncing the rest onto our Shared Network, we should know where our next move is."
Skydive raised a brow with intrigue as he nodded his head. "Gotta hand it Wheeljack. These Upgrades keep on getting better and better."
As the rest of the team began to process the data onto their HUDs, the Jet Twins raised a brow as the mention of Nightbird was shown on the databanks.
"Decepticon Nightbird?" Jetfire said out loud.
"In the flesh?" Jetstorm questioned.
"Yes, and yes," Windblade confirmed, nodding her head. "One of the last of the Decepticon's Rogues have finally resurfaced after a long time, and I plan on taking full advantage of it in any means necessary."
Air Raid relaxed his Servos on the back of his neck. "Oh man, Chromia's gonna be Jealous when she hears we kicked her own Sister's Tailpipe."
"Well, you'll have to be specific on who because technically, she's my sister too. Nightbird included, Primus forbid." Windblade turned to Air Raid. "And for the record, "You", will perform recon while Jetstorm and Jetfire and I perform the search."
Air Raid widened his Optics, halting his position as the rest of the Aerialbots expressed disappointment and shock.
"What?!"
"That's absurd!"
"Are you Fragging kidding me right now?!'
Windblade raised her hand as she heard everyone speaking all at once. "ENOUGH." Soon, her teammates stopped talking as she finally gained enough silence in order to speak for herself. "Now... Each of you has seen the data, there's no doubt about it that one of the most Experienced Decepticons has been spotted in this region of space. And I don't intend on adding casualties on my report to the Commonwealth, so you all do exactly as I say, and no one here gets hurt."
Air Raid cocked a hand up like a classmate wanting permission to speak. "But that's what you trained us for, Ma'am! This is basically what we've signed up for getting ourselves... Hurt. For the service of others, I mean."
Windblade turned to Air Raid. "I get that you've been training for this. I know because I've been the one training you for Lunar Cycles, but this is not something you can just deal with on your first day on the field. Trust me, Nightbird is unlike any other in the Universe."
"Yeah, so was the Fallen, until he ended up Offline by Optimus Prime!"
Windblade shut her Optics for being interrupted but then recomposed herself by merely raising a hand up. "Point being said, she is not to be underestimated." She opened them up to reveal her Blue Optics. "I should know because I once saw her rip open a Sharkticon's face apart from the jaw right before stabbing an unlucky Cybertronian in the Optic and then jamming her dagger deep through the back of his skull, so deep that it was nearly impossible to identify the head of his own Protoform."
Fireflight shuddered at the mention of that, widening his Optics as he rolled his shoulders back.
"Uh... Is that true?"
Air Raid folded his Servos. "Look, I'm just saying that we've been training for a long time right now-!"
"And I'm saying that you only trained for Lunar Cycles, not Stellar Cycles." Windblade interrupted bluntly. "That is not sufficient enough experience for you Bots, not in my standards, so I'm sorry, but each and every one of you besides Jetstorm and Jetfire is staying out of this mission."
"Oh, come on-!"
"And for the record; that wasn't a demand, that was an order." Windblade got up close personal with Air Raid as she started becoming firm with her men. "Do I make myself clear?"
The rest of the Aerialbots looked to each other as they were given a direct order from Windblade herself as Air Raid turned back to gaze at his teammates. Then he sighed, turning back to Windblade as he simply nodded his head with a salute.
"Yes... Ma'am."
Windblade nodded her head, having seemed to have reached an agreement. "Good... Now, next when you acknowledge, don't ever salute, okay? That's just not... Necessary with me, ever."
Air Raid raised a brow. "Uh... Cool?"
"Cool." She turned around. "Alright, now let's roll out."
Silverbolt raised a hand in question. "You mean, "Lift Off", right?"
"Yeah, that too."
She soon started leading her team out of the hanger and into the void of space as Lord Zarak oversaw their immediate departure from the ship, having felt one of his loyal servants approach him.
"Is the Weapon all charged up?" Zarak questioned his minion, who nodded quickly.
"Yes, My Lord."
"Good... I'll be needing it."
Later, the Aerialbots arrived on Nebulos' asteroid belt as Windblade lead the Jet Twins flying on both of her sides while Air Raid led the rest of their team behind his back.
"Alright, Air Raid, take the squad below the belt and recon the area. The Twins will be helping me from above to help draw out the Decepticons should any presume to target us."
"Copy that, Aerial Leader. Moving out to patrol."
The two teams separated as they ventured out down the small pocket of Space, with Windblade leading Jetstorm and Jetfire while Air Raid lead the rest of the team.
While they continued their personal separate flyby, Silverbolt continued to scan nearby asteroids for any hidden Decepticon signals as he flew right next to Air Raid and Fireflight.
"Silverbolt, are you picking up any signals?" Slingshot asked as he flew behind him.
"No signs of any Cons... Yet." Silverbolt answered. "We should probably prepare ourselves in case if we do have an encounter with at least one of them."
"Yeah, except we won't because the Aerial Leader wants us to hold ourselves back, so all that hard training we've endured won't be used for this mission." Air Raid said bitterly as Fireflight perked a small hum at that.
"Are you mad, Air Raid?" Fireflight asked casually.
"Mad? No. Irritated? Maybe a little."
"Oh boy, someone was expecting a little bit more of the action than just lasers shooting at us." Skydive quirked as he flew right next to Slingshot and behind Air Raid.
"Come on, you can't get upset over following orders, Raid," Silverbolt said to Air Raid. "She's just trying to make sure we all come back home in one piece."
"Yeah, well all of us each had spent a lot being prepared to become the best fighters that everyone is expecting us to be." Air Raid countered back. "And all of us on this team made a lot of sacrifices, especially when it came to being converted from being your average Grounder to transitioning to becoming a Flighter."
"Well, hey, cut her some slack, alright? I heard she's as new to this as we are." Fireflight said. "Maybe she's just trying to prove herself to be a good leader, that's all."
"If she's trying to prove herself to be a good leader, then leaders should know when to trust in their teammates." Air Raid argued as he started Transforming back into his Robot Mode, unamused. "Just think about it; if only she gave us a chance, then maybe we'd prove her we're trustworthy to fight alongside within battle."
"Coming from someone who doesn't sound like he trusts her as much." Silverbolt retorted, which Air Raid can visually seem insulted as he saw one of his fellow Aerialbots Transform into Robot Mode.
"What's that supposed to imply?"
"What I'm implying is that working as a team involves a level of trust, one that needs to be formed over time. You say that Windblade doesn't trust us, but in this instance, you don't seem to trust her either."
"What are you on about? I trust her! I just, don't like the fact that she doesn't seem to have that same trust in all of us."
"Didn't you freak out when you heard she was some kind of former Decepticon?" Slingshot asked, which made Air Raid push away the question aside.
"That's not the point; I treat all my superiors with respect! Even if some of them aren't known to have a 100% perfect lifestyle prior to the present."
"Look, nobody's ever perfect; just look at Optimus Prime!" Skydive said explaining. "I mean, that Bot used to be a Maintenance Bot, now he's one of the top-notch big-time Autobots who's likely to become Magnus one day."
"And more to the point, perhaps we just need to give Windblade the benefit of the doubt and wait until an opportunity arises to help prove ourselves during combat," Silverbolt explained. "But for now, we should do what is told, like soldiers."
Air Raid nodded as he looked out onto the stars just only to stare. "If you say so."
As his Blue Optics looked out into the various interstellar constellations, the Optics transitioned to Windblade's as she started looking out towards the various rocks that formed the ring around the small Planet she and the Jet Twins are flying above.
"Are you alright?" Jetfire asked as he and his Brother noticed her being in a trance.
"I'm fine," Windblade said as she flew alongside the Twins. "Have we spotted anyone?"
"No, Ma'am. No Decepticons insight." Jetstorm answered, to which Windblade continued to turn around and glance in her general direction.
"Keep up your guard, both of you. We might be in for an ambush soon, so expect any heavy resistance."
"Yes, Ma'am. Resuming patrol-!"
BOOM!
An explosion knocked off the three Flighters off their course, sending them flying against rocks before they each maneuvered their way out of the line of fire that was drawn towards them.
"Dammit! Jetfire, Jetstorm, take cover, onto the asteroids!"
They started flying low as blaster fire started spiraling towards their direction.
"Where are they? I can't see them!" Jetfire said as he flew next to his Brother.
"Just fly downwards, draw their fire! I'm gonna move from behind and surprise the Fraggers!" Windblade said as she drew away from Jet twins, who started to fly in the direction that she ordered them to.
When the Twins started to fly farther and farther from the shooter's path, Windblade stayed behind and got a close-up of their attack; a Purple Decepticon Seeker wearing Decepticon Colors as she flew right in and took him head-on.
Having blasted at him from behind, she fired rapid shots before Transforming mid-flight and kicked the Decepticon towards an asteroid, growling as she let out her Lightsaber, igniting it as she stood on top of the Decepticon.
"Not so fun when you're the one getting ambushed, huh? No, I bet it isn't." The Jet Twins joined her as they flew right behind her. "Now, tell us where Nightbird is."
The Decepticon remained silent as she still stepped her Pede onto of the Con's flight window, which is uncharacteristic giving their infamous nature to spout hatred towards all Autobots in general.
"...Is he supposed to be silent?" Jetstorm asked.
"Did you shoot out his voicebox?" Jetfire asked.
"No, I didn't shoot out his voicebox..." Windblade said, kneeling down. "At least... I don't think so."
The Twins glanced at each other, having heard the uncertainty in her voice as they started feeling some semblance of pity for the Bot, Windblade started to look for a way to activate his Cog, opening up his windshield only to find a small ticking bomb just waiting to go off.
"...Move."
The Twins raised a brow, both asking a simultaneous question. "What?"
"I said, MOVE!"
Windblade turned around, tackling both the Twins as she started boosting her engines just to get enough safe distance as the Decepticon behind them exploded, sending out a large blast radius that sent several asteroids getting knocked back while the one Windblade was standing on got eviscerated.
As the explosion occurred, the other half of the Aerialbots took notice of the nearby explosion, prompting everyone to drop their positions and fly right over to Windblade's location as she and the Jet Twins turned around, seeing the damage that took place.
"Holy."
"Frag." The Twins each said the words as Windblade hovered next to the two, seeing all the atoms floating in the vacuum of space.
"Yeah... Holy Frag indeed."
"Windblade!" Fireflight called out to her as the Aerialbots lead by Air Raid flew after her. "Guys, are you okay?!"
"What happened here?" Silverbolt questioned as Windblade pulled away from the Twins.
"It was a trap... We were ambushed by what we believed to be a Decepticon, but instead, there was a bomb inside intended to kill one of us. I was fortunate enough to pull all of us out when it exploded."
"So, what? That wasn't a Decepticon?" Air Raid asked.
"I'm not sure... It was wielding Decepticon colors, but it wasn't behaving like it was supposed to."
"She's right. Decepticons normally would have poor banter." Jetfire quipped.
"And a very obnoxious voice." Jetstorm added.
Slingshot pointed an index finger on his chin. "Could it be that you were attacked by a drone decoy?"
"Could be... But wouldn't a Decepticon wanted to have picked a fight with us directly?" Skydive asked.
"I don't know... Something doesn't feel right." Windblade said before receiving a holographic call from Cliffjumper. "Cliff."
"Windblade. Have you and the Aerialbots completed your mission with the Neblans?"
"Not quite. There's been a setback; we were nearly ambushed by what we thought were Decepticons harassing the Neblan Republic."
"Well, are there any Decepticons in the area?"
"According to the Republic's Lord Zarak, they are Decepticons being led by one of our fugitives; Nightbird."
"What? That can't be."
"Why's that?"
"Because Nightbird is right here with us," Cliffjumper answered, showing off a background of Nightbird getting shoved into an Autobot convoy, shouting hysterically with her voice.
"You Autobot filth, keep your hands off of me!"
"Quiet!"
She screamed out in the background as the team saw her location live at another location.
"...That's her?" Windblade asked as Cliffjumper nodded his Helm.
"We just picked her up just close to Nexus Zero. She was actually attempting to enter Vok Territory, believe it or not!" Cliff mentioned with a smile. "And as for this, Lord Zarak, I'm afraid you'll have to go speak with him again because she is nowhere near your current location."
Windblade nodded. "Yeah... I think I just might." She ended the call, turning around as she shook her head. "Alright, let's go."
Air Raid turned to Windblade. "So, we're speaking to Lord Zarak?"
"Yes; to ask him why he tried to kill us."
The whole team was left to shock at the team leader's bold choice of words.
"Uh... Care to clarify?" Skydive asked.
"That bomb inside that drone? It was made from Neblan origin, designed to kill Transformers."
Skydive scanned the residue from the bomb site, having searched for evidence of Windblade's claim, which was accurate based on his scan.
"She's... Correct." Silverbolt said with widened Optics. "There are traces of Nebulon tech here."
"So, does this mean the Neblans are trying to kill us?" Fireflight asked.
"No, just Lord Zarak. The Republic's Council doesn't wish any of ill, just Lord Zarak."
"What makes you think it was him?"
Windblade turned around. "Think about it; that Organic had an attitude towards us, acted like we weren't even smart enough to solve his government's problem."
Air Raid nodded. "And not to mention that he deliberately ordered his soldiers to attack us, on purpose."
"And he never even apologized for it." Slingshot added. "Something smells fishy with this story."
She started facing in a different direction, waving her hand up. "Aerialbots... Let's pay Lord Zarak a visit."
Later, the Aerialbots returned to the ship that they had boarded on as they attempted to find the person responsible for their direct assault when a voice boomed from throughout the hanger.
"So you're still alive?" Lord Zarak questioned rhetorically. "You Aerialbots must be as formidable as you were designed to be."
Air Raid scoffed. "So that Fragger admits it?! Oh, just wait until I get my stinking hands on him..."
Windblade raised a hand up, signaling her turn to speak. "Why did you attack us? The Autobot Commonwealth only sought out to seek peace among your people by assisting us with Cybertron's repairs."
"Yes... And what an extreme waste of time and resources that my Republic has to go through just to show pity for your people."
A large set of doors were opened, revealing a Cybertronian like armor marching through the doors, only except this time, it has Zarak sitting inside of its' head.
"All these lucrative supplies that were meant for the people of Nebulos are being squandered under your mechanical hands!"
Fireflight tilted his head, seeing Zarak wearing a large bodysuit. "Is that supposed to resemble a Cybertronian?"
Silverbolt nodded. "From the looks of it."
"I see you've noticed my new look," Zarak boasted as the doors behind him were closed shut. "I've taken the liberty of extracting pieces of your Cybertronian Armors to create the ultimate mech suit of my own. You like?"
Windblade spits her tongue out, disgusted by the look now that she had been informed of the how.
"I feel more like puking rather than impressed."
"Too sensitive for your liking? Fair enough," Zarak said, folding his Servos. "If it's any constellation, all of the Cybertronians who passed by were given painless deaths per my command."
"So you killed Autobots right before you took them apart scrap by scrap?!" Jetfire asked with anger.
"And Decepticons too... The ones who misbehaved a bit too far for anyone's liking anyway."
Silverbolt stared at the armor that Zarak was wearing, clearly unpleased with how he acquired it. . "Yes, your armor appears to be extremely different than one of Earth's Organics had to deliver, but it's clearly inspirational... Where have you got it is the question though."
"Oh, that'd be telling. But first, here's the ultimatum I am about to deliver."
He pressed on his Wrists, generating a holographic feed of a Drone composed of Autobot Properganda hovering above a Neblan traffic lane.
"What you see here is a live satellite image of one of the drones imprinted with your Insignia, waiting to detonate on top of our civilian highways. It's cloaked so no one would see it, but by the time the explosion occurs, everyone will have a vivid memory of how the Autobots were responsible for the bombing of innocent civilians."
"You psychopath, that's your own people!" Windblade said with fury. "You're going to get people killed doing this!"
"Yes, well... There's always a heavy price to be paid in exchange for freedom."
"Okay..." Air Raid spoke with a hiss in his voice while he gripped his fists. "I'm gonna kill him."
"No," Windblade said, turning to Air Raid. "You are going to take the Team, and take out the bombs before they do some serious damage. I'll remain behind, see what Zarak's capable of first hand with his Armor."
"Alone?!"
"Well, that's something you don't hear every day."
"Okay, you? Shut up!" Air Raid as he pointed at Zarak, then he glanced back at Windblade. "And you, why would you even try to pull this off on your own, especially if he's wearing Cybertronian skin?!"
"I can handle it..." Windblade said. "Besides, we don't know how many there are, so you'll need many hands for this op."
"She has a point, Raid," Silverbolt said as he heard his fellow Aerialbot sigh under his Intake.
"Alright, well... I guess we can always kill him for you if anything happens."
"It won't." She reassured him. "Now go, you have bombs to disarm."
The team turned around and started following the Jet Twins lead, flying right of the hanger as Windblade remained behind to face off against a cynical madman.
"Just so you know; I have a short timer for the bombs should you Autobots attempt this kind of tactic." Zarak mocked even further. "They'll never make in time to put an end to them all."
"They will... They were trained for this kind of situation."
"Speak from experience per the days of being a Decepticon?"
She chuckled, shaking her head. "You know, you really like pissing me off that much to keep reminding me of my past."
"We all have our pasts... Though, the only future for you is that I am going to kill you, now that you are all alone."
"Strange..." She spoke sarcastically as she ignited her lightsaber. "See, that all depends on whether or not I kill you first."
"Oh, this is going to be quite the scene indeed."
And that was the last he spoke of before he used his arms to shoot out missile attacks, causing Windblade to stab her blade onto the ground to create a defensive shield to block her from the heat melting her own Plates. Then just when the fires died down, Zarak jumped right up and used a melee weapon of his own to attack her.
As they fought, the Aerialbots began to reach Nebulos' atmosphere, all lined up in standard formation.
"Alright, according to the origin of the feed Zarak showed, it was originating closely to this heavily populated sector!" Silverbolt said out loud.
"Oh, awesome, that narrows that down! Now what?" Skydive asked.
"Now, I deliver the bad news when I say that there at least fourteen different drones containing bombs in this area, all with a timer of three minutes and forty-three seconds and counting."
Air Raid groaned. "Seriously?! Who comes up with this stuff?!"
"Clearly, Lord Zarak thought this out thoroughly, but not to worry! I've got the bomb locations pinned down based on their signal!"
"Jetfire, Jetstorm! What we do now?" Fireflight asked as Jetstorm turned to glance at his Brother before issuing a command.
"Brother will take Air Raid, Silverbolt, and Fireflight to take care of the first half, while I take Skydive and Slingshot to deal with the other half."
"And when we fly, we will fly fast in order for this to work!" Jetfire said added he flew alongside his group.
"Rightfully said, Brother! Aerialbots, let's make this fast and quick!"
The Aerialbots split into two once again as they started to fly down towards the surface, putting in the effort to finding the bombs as back inside of the ship, Windblade was busy fighting off against Lord Zarak in his armor made out of Cybertronian body parts.
"You must have a lot of nerve against the Commonwealth if you're pulling off this attempt," Windblade said as she flipped back before Transforming into her Vehicle Mode, flying through the air as Lord Zarak started shooting at her again.
"I am entitled to my opinions, just as you are entitled to yours!" Zarak replied as he saw her dodging his shots. "Our government had continuously been at the beck and call of you Cybertronians, albeit an Autobot or a Decepticon!"
"Aw, so it's about an issue with Cybertronians then?" Windblade assumed as she dropped down to the ground after reverting back into Robot Mode.
"Our people used to take pride in having our precious resource used and consumed only by the Neblans! Your people, along with any other outsider just use our planets and take them all for granted!"
"So how does killing off innocent people get you somewhere?"
"When they see that the Cybertronian Race are nothing but metallic savages, they'll back away from the trade, and Nebulos will maintain its sovereign integrity!"
"Even when that integrity has blood on its hands, right?"
"Sometimes, blood must be paid to achieve our goals, something you of all Decepticons should know by now!"
Lord Zarak used a device that sent a vibrational wave, pushing Windblade back as she was flown across the hanger, pushing her against the wall. She grunted, rubbing her back as she got back up, glaring at her opponent.
"...Call me a Decepticon again," Windblade told him as she drew her blade out. "I dare you."
Lord Zarak grinned, seeing the fire being held inside her Spark as he ran right after her, the Aerialbots lead by Jetfire began to take out all the bombs one by one as explosions were popping in the air, with Slingshot blowing up his targets like a slingshot, while Skydive dived down and blasted at his targets, with Jetfire putting out the fire by using his vents to absorb it all.
"WOO HOO! This feels so much more fun than shooting at Decepticons!" Slingshot said out loud as Jetfire smiled, activating his comm channel.
"Brother, how are you handling things on your end?"
"Things are moving smoothly in our favor, Brother!" Jetstorm said as he used his whirlwinds to blow away the flames as Air Raid, Silverbolt, and Fireflight took out the bombs on their own terms; with Air Raid raiding the bombs from the air, and Silverbolt using his Bolts to disarm a bomb by creating an electric discharge, rendering it unreliable while Fireflight had fun blowing up bombs.
As this occurred on the surface, the two still brawled with each other on the ship as they have been making quite the mess in the hanger bay.
"You are still alive, even after two minutes!" Zarak said as she clashed against his baton.
"What's the matter? You scared I might break more of your stuff?"
"Ah, so destructive! But why am I surprised? Given you are a Decepticon after all."
She growled, slicing off Zarak's weapon before rolling over to a corner as he unleashed a flamethrower on her. Then she sliced that off too when she saw an opening, which leads to her slicing off the flame thrower, as well as the arm used for shooting missiles at her.
Then step by step, she tore apart all the limbs on his suit right before she trusted her hand in and pulled Lord Zarak right out of the chest, leading the suit to fall flat on the ground as she held him in her hand.
"I warned you..." She said, glaring her eyes at him as he glared right back.
"Go ahead... Do it! It doesn't matter." Zarak told her. "My bombs have already detonated all over the traffic lanes, with thousands dead-!"
"Uh, hi!" Air Raid interrupted as a live feed popped up on Zarak's wrist, with his face shown on it as the team was seen victorious. "Am I interrupting something here, or what?"
Zarak turned to see that the Aerialbots managed to disable the bombs, with Silverbolt sending in evidence of his part in the explosions to the nearby Council members as he closed his eyes at his defeat.
"...Well played." He admitted, raising his head up. "Perhaps you are an excellent teacher when in terms of flying."
"Yeah, shows what you know, doesn't it?"
He nodded, leaning back against her palm as he looked up at Windblade. "Well... You'd said that you would kill me, so do it... Or was that simply a lie?"
"Oh, believe me, I'm already killing you." She said, confusing Zarak at first. "See, I'm going to turn you into the Republic for the crimes that you've committed today, and when they find out what you've been up to, they'll throw away the card, and they'll have you locked up for however long you deserve to be... And if even you get out, your whole reputation will be but ashes... And that is how I kill you because without all that power you've held; you're just nothing, but a man with an obnoxious attitude."
With all that said and done, Zarak simply remained silent as Windblade started Transforming into her Vehicle Mode and started flying him back to his home planet, where the consequences lie for him...
Later, Optimus Prime was seen conversing with Windblade as she was back on Cybertron, seeing him reading a datapad filled with a report.
"Good work, Windblade. From the sounds of it, you and your team managed to avert a political crisis in preventing Lord Zarak from having his way with the bombs."
She nodded, smiling as she held out her personal Energon Cube. "Well... Considering the political crisis you have on Earth, I think one is probably enough on your plates."
Optimus sighed, putting the datapad on the table. "Let's not discuss Earth right at the moment. For now, I'd like to talk more about you in particular."
She raised a hand up. "Look, Prime, you don't need to tell me how good of a job I did, okay? I've handled it the way I was supposed to, that's the end of the story."
"That's not what I was about to say, but congratulations none of the less," Optimus said as he pressed his hands behind his back. "Your team... I'm assuming that they lived up to your standards?"
She lowered her brow, raising her head up. "It's... It's taken some used to, and they've all gotten lucky with that fake Decepticon report, but... Overall, from what the Jet Twins tell me; they're ready to work as a team alright."
Optimus smiled. "Good... It sounds like you're beginning to expand your circle of trust."
"Okay, I'm still taking the necessary Sparkling Steps here, but yeah... Yeah, I'm starting to develop something alright."
"And that's a good thing. See, it doesn't matter whether or not you're a Grounder or a Flyer; because when you're an Autobot, that means you're putting yourself on the line when in terms of serving the Universe. So whatever negative thing a person has to say, it wouldn't even matter compared to the weight of good that you have done in the Autobot name. And with you leading the team, it's my goal to help spread that kind of change so that way when sentients start looking up to the skies, they don't have to see a monster flying above them, only good Cybertronians with good Sparks."
She sighed, nodding her head. "Yeah... Well, I just hope for your sakes, that kind of change is the kind that everyone needs for our future..."
4 Months Later... Present Day.
If a human being were to walk the surface of Cybertron, all they would have smelled in their nostrils was smoke and burnt metal in the air as Quintessons start hovering in the air with most of the Autobot cities rendered to complete ash as a Knight fell on top of a burnt ship, scouting for any prey to kill before turning to fly away as the street it was on was completely empty... At least until a dirty Servo started pulling itself out of the shadows, with a pair of Blue Optics seeing it vanish away into the burning night.
"...Clear!" The elderly Kup said as the rest of his group started to show up, which consists of Perceptor, Cosmos, Elita One, Greenlight, an Autobot named Canopy, and a gravely wounded Ironhide with no Servos in his body as he was helped by the latter. "Perceptor, how far are we to the signal?"
"According to my scans, we are almost there."
Elita grunted as she helped Ironhide walk with Cosmos' help. "We have to hurry... Ironhide isn't looking too good, and his Energon is looking awfully dry right now."
Ironhide made a weak moan as he kept on walking thanks to Elita's and Canopy's help.
"Poor Bot barely has any color left in him... I don't think he's gonna make it." Canopy said with concern.
"Yes, he will," Greenlight said as she prepped her Gauntlets online. "That sadistic Witch Optimus brought back home with him has killed too many of us just using her spawns; she will not have him too."
Elita nodded, lowering herself down so she could lift him by the Pede. "Alright, let's speed things up; help me lift his legs."
Kup started to join the two in the effort as he and Greenlight helped pick up the injured Ironhide as Cosmos took point, using one of his Optics as a Microscope, keeping watch for any signs of trouble. However, Cosmos should have been looking upward as one lucky Knight was just close enough to pounce right at the group when a sudden Slingshot of energy eviscerated the non-sentient Knight, killing it as everyone stopped to see one of the Aerialbots flying low to avoid detection.
"Somebody call for backup?" Slingshot asked out loud as he landed on the ground, with the rest of his team arriving as they started showing support for the survivors.
"Aerialbots..." Kup chuckled, nodding his head. "Well, I'll be..."
Fireflight turned to Ironhide, having noticed his wounds. "Your friend looks really hurt... What happened to him?"
Canopy scoffed at the question. "What didn't happen to anyone else living here?"
As the team met with one of the group, Jetfire started showing up as he started checking up on Ironhide as well, many who knew him personally well noticed the absence of his Twin Brother.
"Jetfire... Where's Jetstorm?" Elita questioned as Jetfire started to check in with Ironhide, seeing his wounds being cauterized previously.
"...Whoever cauterized the injuries did a good job, but that won't help him for long," Jetfire said. "We need to escort him straight to Red Alert; she'll heal him in no time."
"Hey, kid," Kup called out, raising his hands up. "What happened to your Brother?"
Jetfire paused, stopping on his tracks as he felt compelled to answer.
"...I don't want to talk about it." He said with a low emotion in his voice. And just that, he started walking away as the group started feeling disturbed by the way the naturally bright Autobot was distancing himself from everyone as Air Raid turned to glance at Kup.
"...It's better you just don't ask."
He sighed, nodding his head as he helped everyone place Ironhide into Skydive's arms, but not before tying a rope around his waist.
"Alright, everybody, follow close! I'm going to activate a cloaking device that will shield us from getting spotted, but don't roar your engines too much. That'll give us away." Silverbolt said as he started activating the device, automatically camouflaging the whole entire party.
Then, they started Transforming and began to head out to their destination as one Cybertronian began to help another in these trying times, one of the Autobot flags was just hanging idly by behind the flames that continued to burn in the night...
Hey everybody, I'm back! Again, just like the last chapter, I'm a little bit rusty, but hopefully, I delivered well on introducing the Aerialbots since I noticed a lot of people wanted me to introduce them way back in Season 5. Sorry for making you wait so long, I've been trapped on a very long hiatus, but my writing's zen has returned, and it is business as usual!
In case you haven't noticed, I have made a small preview of Spider-Man Season 2 as part of my apology for being silent for such a long time, and I also made an update on Wolverine in case you guys are interested in reading that too, so feel free to check them both out along any of my past works. I'm so happy to be back at this, and this time, I hope to post each episode on a weekly basis.
Feel free to leave an open review on this chapter, and I will be seeing you all next time on Transformers Animated: Fall of Cybertron!
PEACE!