Wow...just wow. I never thought this story would get such a good reception, I just wanted to write it because it was fun idea. Thank you...all of you who view it, who have chosen to read my story, who've favorited it and are now following me and Transforming Remnant.
Here is chapter 3 for you all, I just wrote this and edited it for the last 4 in a half hours and includes the first action scene. So please enjoy.
Autobots roll out!
Chapter 3: First Contact
As Optimus's vision comes into focus, he stirs in his chair and slowly starts to rise up. Joints start to creak as they move for the first time in centuries, grinding as he steadies himself against the console in front clutching a hand to his head. Ironwood, Pietro and Otis can only watch as the other robots around the bridge slowly wake up and begin to move also.
"Incredible, they must have all been in some sort of shut down mode and that Energon wave the voice mentioned was the key to wake them" Pietro slowly steps back as the red robot with what appeared to be a cannon on its shoulders shakes its head.
Winter comes through on Ironwood's earpiece.
"General! I'm running to our entry point! The robots in the hallway have started to move!
Ironwood presses his ear piece "Listen carefully Schnee. When you get off the ship, you are to prevent anyone else from coming aboard. Is that clear?".
"B...But sir, they could be hostile! We need to.."
"I am aware, but we can not be a hundred percent sure on that. If we take any drastic action the situation could escalate beyond our control and I don't think we could stop them even if we wanted to. So for now stand down and tell the camp to do the same till you see me leave. That is an order Specialist Schnee".
Winter bites her lip in frustration. "Understood General. Good luck." She manages to make it back to the lift and slams her fist on the control panel causing it to start moving down.
Otis comes up behind Ironwood. "So uhhh got a plan General? Cause ah don't think we can make a run for it".
"I know, but I have no intention of running" Ironwood pulls up his tie a little.
"So then...what are ya gonna do?".
The General steps forward with confidence, removing his hard hat and turning the torch off. It was no longer needed since the lights had come on. "I'm going to try and communicate with them".
Otis just gives a nod and stands in front of Pietro, just in case. Ironwood coughs into his hand and looks to the red and blue robot who had stood up first.
"Which of you is this Optimus prime!?".
The Autobots stop and turn to face the small creature that had just spoken and notice the other two standing behind it. How did they know their leader's name? Also how did they get onto the Ark? Ironhide steps forward and crouches down to look squarely at the one in front.
"How do you know that name?".
Ironwood looks back, remaining calm at the red robot staring at him. "Your computer system mentioned it, after it sent out a pulse. So am I to assume you are this Optimus prime it mentioned?".
A chuckle comes from a small yellow robot. "Ironhide a prime? Ha fat chance of that happening. He's too thick headed for it".
Ironhide glares back at Bumblebee "Watch yourself Bumblebee or I'll have to knock some sense into that head of yours" he smiles and stands "Besides I don't see you aiming to be a prime".
Bumblebee just laughs as the others join in the ribbing of the youngest Autobot. Completely forgetting their small guests.
Pietro looks on and smiles "Incredible not only do they have the ability to communicate verbally but they don't seem to be a threat".
Optimus steps forward slowly. "Anyone of you would be worthy of becoming a Prime, of that I am sure" He looks down at Ironwood with a calm demeanor. "I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots".
Ironwood raises an eyebrow. "I am James Ironwood, General of the Atlas military. Behind me is Pietro Polendina, head of our science division" he gestures to Pietro, who gives a slight nod and smile "and Otis, the head of our exploration team. So you are called Autobots?"
"Yes and No, we're called Transformers. Autobot is just the name for our faction".
"I see" Ironwood cups his chin "That must mean there are other groups besides them. I'll make a note to ask that later. For now I need to know if they pose a threat or not".
"Do you mean to attack us , Optimus Prime?".
The Autobot leader shakes his head slowly "No, that is not why we are here General Ironwood".
"Can you prove it?".
The last two questions rub Ironhide the wrong way but just as he is about to say something. Optimus holds up his hand, stopping him.
"It's alright Ironhide, I would ask the same given the situation".
He slowly reaches behind his back and brings out his double bladed axe. The handle extends to the floor and the blade edges start to glow a bright orange, then it is laid in front of Ironwood.
"You have my word as a Prime and leader of the Autobots that we are not a threat to your people. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings".
Hearing their leader's words each Autobot present brings out their own weapon and lays them upon the ground. Taking Ironwood by surprise, never before had he seen such respect and loyalty. No words were exchanged, they just did it. Fully trusting their leader. He didn't know what to say and could only watch till Optimus spoke again.
"Is there anything else General Ironwood?".
"Y..Yes ahem. I ask that for now you and your Autobots stay in the cavern your ship is in. We will have much to discuss back in Atlas and the council won't want to make you public knowledge yet. But I do have one final question.".
"Then ask and I will answer the best that I can" Optimus gives a slight bow with a hand over his chest".
"Will you come with me to Atlas, tell the council your story and answer some questions?".
The Autobot leader just nods.
"Thank you Optimus" Ironwood smiles and lets out a breath he had been holding.
-Later on an Atlas Battlecruiser-
After agreeing to come to Atlas, Optimus had asked that he bring another Autobot called Perceptor with him. Well more like Perceptor had insisted along with Pietro after learning about the Autobots scientific mind. Ironhide was put in charge till they returned and was tasked with repairing the Ark as best as they can, with help from the Atlas science team in the base camp.
To say the team was surprised when a large door on the ship opened and the two Autobots jumped down would be an understatement. Even with Ironwood calling in ahead, telling Winter and the Ace Ops to keep everyone calm. So as not to attract any Grimm to the mine. Otis chose to stay behind, he wasn't going to miss out on the repairs and managed to strike up a friendship with Ironhide and Wheeljack very quickly, he was also put in charge of the site. Which no one argued with unless they wanted to face the old miners' wrath. Winter accompanied Ironwood back per his request while the Ace Ops stayed behind in case of a Grimm attack. The Atlas council had agreed when Ironwood called to meet at the front of Atlas Academy, work was already underway to make the meeting more fitting due to its importance.
Optimus and Perceptor stand on the cruiser's flight deck as it flies over the cold tundra of Atlas.
"It's hard to believe that such a small organic race can make such impressive ships and live out in this harsh environment. It's impressive to say the least, Optimus" Perceptor says as he looks at the crew on the flightdeck doing their jobs.
"On that I can agree Preceptor, the human and faunus race are very adaptable and resilient from what General Ironwood briefly told us. These creatures of Grimm they have to deal with on a daily basis makes it so" The Autobot leader looks out from the deck edge "We must do what we can to put their minds at ease and help in whatever we can. Till we are able to return to Cybertron".
"Is that the name of your home Optimus?" Pietro asks as he walks up in his four legged chair. Gaining the attention of the two Autobots.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop" he smiles adjusting his glasses.
"Yes it is and you have nothing to be sorry for Dr Polendina" Optimus kneels down "Cybertron is the name of our home planet, where all Transformers come from".
"So it's not just you and your Autobots then? There are others?".
Both Autobots nod but don't say anymore. "You will have to forgive us Pietro, but we would like to wait until we meet with your council before answering any more questions" Preceptor rubs the back of his neck.
Pietro chuckles a little. "I understand, but I am excited to learn more. Your ship, The Ark was it? It was simply wonderous to be aboard and your computer Telatran one, is astounding".
Perceptor smiles as he sees how excited Pietro is and feels a connection with the human scientist. "If you like I can give you a tour when we return and I will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have".
Pietro's eyes widen and a smile breaks across his freckled face. "Thank you and I will gladly answer any questions you might have, Preceptor. It might also be possible to connect The Ark to the CCT network".
"Is that your communication network? It would be of great help, thank you, we need to learn as much about Remnant as possible since we will be staying here for a time".
The two scientists happily talk as Optimus watches. Happy for his friend in finding a kindred spirit in the human.
Suddenly alarms start going off , the ship captain's voice comes over the speakers as the crew start to scramble.
ALL HANDS GET TO BATTLE STATIONS! WE HAVE AN INCOMING SWARM OF MANTICORES AND POSSIBLE NEVERMORES!
Optimus and Perceptors' right arms transform into blasters as they get ready, the Grimm starts to come into view. Numbering at least fifty as the cruiser's guns turn and start firing on the swarm as do the Autobots.
"Perceptor, get Dr Polendina and any of the crew remaining on the deck to safety! I will cover you!"
Perceptor gently picks up Pietro in his chair "What about you Optimus!?"
"I will follow, now go!" He blasts a couple of Manticores as the swarm surrounds the ship.
"Roger that Optimus and good luck" Perceptor runs to a fighter lift holding Pietro gently in his hands.
-The bridge-
"Where did this swarm come from, Captain!?" Ironwood asks as he storms onto the bridge
"I don't know sir, but it's the biggest I've seen and it looks like it was heading for Atlas"
"What!?" Ironwood clenches his fists. "Where are the Autobots? We must get them and our people to safety and get fighters in the air!"
"We can't sir, the Grimm are blocking the lift and hanger doors. Any fighters sent out will be overwhelmed. As for our guests the last I saw of them they were on the flight deck"
Ironwood grits his teeth as a female soldier speaks up from a console in front of the captain.
"Captain, General. I just got word from the fighter hanger, all personnel are below deck and accounted for. Apparently the Autobot leader Optimus Prime gave them covering fire and is still fighting on the flight deck".
Ironwood's eyes widened and he ran to the front of the bridge. He sees Optimus outside standing defiant in the face of the Grimm, all their attention on him. "What is he doing!?".
Optimus fires from both arms, taking out Grimm in the sky one after another. Before running and leaping into the air. As he does his form changes as he transforms into a Cybertronian truck with his red and blue colours and lands back onto the flight deck, using the momentum he floors it and runs over multiple Manticores on the deck, before drifting into a right turn sending another flying into a group. The soldiers on the bridge watched, amazed at what they were seeing as Optimus fights.
"Incredible, he is not even fazed by the numbers and fights on regardless" Ironwood wonders why, then realises. "Get me the hanger! I want to know if the Grimm are still at their doors!".
"What is it sir?" Winters asks.
Pietro comes through on the comms "This is Pietro, the Grimm are just gone James. Not a single one is at the hanger doors".
"I knew it. Optimus is baiting the Grimm. He gave us our window to get the fighters out" Ironwood smiles. "Captain, can you give Optimus cover?".
The Captain smiles "Yes sir! Engineering, get your fighters in the air and give our new friend some cover! You have your window!".
-Flight deck-
Optimus transforms back into his robot form during a drift and grinds against the flight deck in a crouch with the momentum, sparks fly as his arms become blasters again and start to fire rapidly at the Grimm. Before he comes to a stop and stands up. "These creatures of Grimm are more fearsome than I thought. Almost as fearsome as the Decepticons" His arms transform back to normal and he reaches for his back and brings out the battle axe as its blades glow brightly.
"Regardless, I will not let this ship fall. Primus, protect me. Raaaahhhh!" Charging forward Optimus swings his axe, slicing Manticores unlucky enough to get in the way as they fade into dust.
A couple try to pounce onto him from behind but as they leap, they're blasted from the air by missiles as Optimus turns his head seeing Atlas fighters now in the air and sighs with relief. They had gotten his plan and started providing cover fire, flying through the air.
"Humans are resilient indeed and are more than meets the eye" he thinks as he slams a sphinx into the flight deck with a punch and brings his foot down upon it. Crushing the Grimm into dust. A loud screech echoes through the sky as the flapping of large wings follows it, the cruiser lurches a little as a Nevermore lands on the end of the flight deck and screeches at the Autobot leader. "By the all spark" is all Optimus can say as he hears Ironwood in his head.
"Optimus can you hear me?".
"Yes General Ironwood, you are clear".
"Good, we need to get that thing off the cruiser. It's a Nevermore and is a very big threat, the fighters are busy with the Manticores in the sky. Optimus can you handle the Nevermore?".
"I will take care of it General, you have my word. Once I do get your fighters clear and I can take care of the rest".
"I don't know what you're planning. But after what I've seen you do, you've earned my trust. Good luck Optimus Prime".
"And to you General Ironwood" Optimus leaps into the air again and transforms, landing back in his vehicle form and drives full speed towards the Nevermore, dodging the flying feathers as they land in the flight deck. "One shall stand, one shall fall" As he reaches the halfway point, Optimus drives off a piece of the deck sticking up, acting as a ramp. Allowing him to jump into the air, as he arcs and comes down toward the large Grimm he transforms back and brings his axe down with a mighty swing. It carves through the Nevermore like it was nothing, both from the heat of the axe edge and momentum that had been built up as Optimus lands back onto the deck, denting it significantly as the Nevermore's head falls from the body and it fades into dust.
The entire ship erupts into cheers and applause as the crew watches the whole spectacle on the screens throughout the ship.
-Fighter hanger-
"I...I can see why Optimus is your leader, Perceptor," Pietro smiles, removing his hat. "I don't think any of us have ever seen someone fight quite like that, just listen to the crew" he looks over and sees a couple crying with joy as they hold each other.
Perceptor just smiles as he sits against the wall in the hanger "That is the power of Optimus Prime, to inspire you, to guide you, to be more than meets the eye. That is why we trust and follow him".
Optimus stands on the screen proudly and reaches for his chest, taking Perceptor by surprise.
"No..Optimus are you really?".
"What is it Perceptor?" asks Pietro.
-Bridge-
Winter watches Optimus closely "Sir what is he doing?"
"I don't know Winter" Ironwood watches queally as closely.
Optimus opens his chest as a bright blue light is seen coming from him and suddenly it becomes brighter and brighter till it envelops the Grimm and everyone's field of vision. The crew on the bridge have to cover their eyes. Just as quickly as it came, the light fades as Optimus closes his chest. The sky is completely free of Grimm and Optimus turns and walks back along the deck.
"General Ironwood the sky is clear, we can resume travel to Atlas" Optimus says through the comms.
Ironwood just smiles, not sure of what he has just witnessed but is very thankful that it worked. "Affirmative Optimus Prime. On behalf of the Kingdom of Atlas and the crew. We thank you, we all owe you our lives".
The crew start filling out onto the deck cheering, clapping and thanking the Autobot leader as he just humbly nods at them and sits. One thought goes through Ironwood's head. "Ozpin needs to know about the Autobots as soon as possible".