Transformers Robots In Disguise: Altered

by bigvic150

Twelve soldiers from the Quadwal cluster died when missiles blew up their bus with them next to it, causing them to die of blood loss and shrapnel in their hearts. Thankfully, Primus has a mission for them: reactivate Fortress Maximus and find the Allspark. With threats like Megatron/Galvatron, will they succeed? Rated T for violence. RID 2001 AU.

4. Team Bullet Train To The Rescue

Transformers Robots In Disguise: Altered.

Chapter 4: Team Bullet Train to the Rescue.

(Author's notes: In this chapter, there'll be additional members of Team Bullet Train, but they'll form a different kind of train combiner since the Robots in Disguise 2001 Rail Racer is traditionally a three-bot combiner. You'll have to read along the chapter to see who the additional members of Team Bullet Train are.

Enjoy chapter 4.)

In the countryside of an unknown location, a diesel train carrying dozens of tree logs is riding along the tracks to its destination.

Suddenly, the Predacon Gas Skunk is shown running alongside the tracks in beast mode to intercept the train.

Gas Skunk says to himself, "Now's my chance. Now's my opportunity to prove to Sky-Byte that I'm ready for this mission."

Gas Skunk jumps in the air and calls out while transforming to robot mode, "Gas Skunk, terrorize!"

Gas Skunk lands on the tracks and braces himself as the train approaches.

The train smacks into Gas Skunk and starts pushing him back as the train continues driving forward.

But the Predacon soldier who specializes in gaseous warfare manages to stop the train with all of his might, and then he pushes the train off the tracks, causing the tree logs to spill all over the greenery scenery.

Gas Skunk cackles merrily as he remarks, "There's nothing coming down the train tracks that I can't handle on my own."

Suddenly, Sky-Byte appears in his flying shark beast mode and he snarls, "You're a fool, Gas Skunk. You and the rest of your team are utterly useless. It doesn't take any brain modules to attack an unmanned train with tree log-loaded freight cars."

Sky-Byte flies off as Gas Skunk retorts, "Shouldn't you be at an aquarium somewhere?"

Meanwhile, at a royal palace with a train bridge, Slapper emerges from the river below in beast mode to see an approaching train.

Slapper remarks, "Well now, what exactly do we have here? A moving target to practice on! What fortune!"

Slapper transforms to robot mode as he exclaims, "Slapper, robot mode!"

Slapper prepares his Right Laser attack and he shouts, "Right Laser!"

Slapper's Right Laser beam attack causes the unmanned passenger train to explode and derail.

Slapper remarks, "Strike! And right on the head pin! Hehehehehehehehe!"

Sky-Byte flies overhead and sneers, "Slapper, why do you waste your time attacking these empty vessels? It accomplishes nothing! Instead of committing acts of mindless destruction, you should be scouring the planet for more energy sources to steal!"

Sky-Byte flies away as Slapper growls in frustration and anger.

Sky-Byte mumbles to himself, "I'll have to take the initiative and launch an attack myself."

Meanwhile, in Metro City, fireworks are exploding in the air as people cut the ceremonial ribbon to launch the inaugural run of the new Linear RFG bullet train.

Everyone applauds as the ribbon is cut.

Off to the side, Dorie Dutton is reporting on the scene as she explains, "The Linear RFG, the world's fastest bullet train, has just arrived at Central Station. We're coming to you live to mark this historic occasion." Several shots of how the bullet train works are shown as Dorie continues explaining, "The inaugural run of the world's most advanced rail transport system. Everything is controlled electronically from the Space Age command center. And the decisions that used to involve human beings are now carried out in a split-second by a massive supercomputer."

Koji remarks while on video-call with Optimus Prime, "It's amazing! Optimus Prime, are you watching this? It's the coolest bullet train I've ever seen!"

The Autobot leader replies, "Yes, I'm watching it right now from Autobot Headquarters. I just hope the train is as safe as they're all saying. There have been some incidents involving railroad sabotage recently."

Koji replies back, "Come on, don't be the voice of doom. You worry too much. I'm sure it's as safe as riding with you."

Optimus states in response, "Thanks for the compliment. Just keep your eyes open for trouble."

Koji replies, "Will do."

Koji hangs up.

T-Ai states, "Optimus. The Autobot Brothers and the Aerialbots have arrived."

X-Brawn asks, "Okay, everybody, we're here. What was so important that we had to be pulled out of our regular patrol routes to report to headquarters?"

Optimus replies, "Take a look at the monitors. Go ahead, T-Ai, roll the images."

T-Ai explains, "Please listen carefully. In the past week, there have been a series of freight train wrecks around the country. The number itself far exceeds the average for this type of incident."

Prowl inquires, "Were any people hurt?"

T-Ai answers, "Fortunately for us, there were no humans onboard as these trains were unmanned. But we believe these wrecks were caused by the Predacons."

Bombsiren remarks, "Hey, the rest of us sans X-Brawn, Prowl and Side Burn happen to have foreknowledge that can help us in this case."

X-Brawn quizzes, "Even though we appreciate the help, why would the Predacons even bother with unmanned freight trains?"

Side Burn adds, "Yeah, that's pretty small scale stuff for them."

Hookbomber Prime answers, "They're looking for larger scale energy sources, and today's the inaugural run of the Linear RFG bullet train. It would be a natural target because of the energy of its engine."

Prowl replies, "Oh yeah? Well, whatever they're up to, we'll be watching them."

Optimus states, "There's an additional consideration. Koji's onboard that train."

T-Ai states, "We have to find a way to protect Koji and the train."

Fiststreak replies, "Well, whatever the case, we'll be sure to help in whatever way we can. But just in case the Predacons try to sabotage the tracks, we'll need Team Bullet Train."

T-Ai replies back, "I'll contact Team Bullet Train when Optimus says so."

Hookbomber replies back, "Understood, T-Ai."

Optimus states. "Time to go to work, Autobots. I'm initiating battle protocol. Is everyone ready?"

Everyone answers in unison, "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!" "Yes sir!"

Meanwhile, a buzzer sounds and the bullet train starts to move.

Onboard one of the passenger cars, Koji is staring out the window of his seating area.

On a rooftop overlooking the command system building, Optimus advises, "I'll follow alongside the train. The rest of you, you will all search the tracks up ahead for any signs of whatever the Predacons might be planning. Let's move out!"

The Autobot team runs off while the fliers transform to jet mode and fly off to provide air support for the train and the ground team.

Side Burn drives alongside the train on a downward parallel road as cows eat grass.

Side Burn states, "Well, I'm following the tracks, but I don't happen to see anything suspicious just yet. What are we looking for?"

Prowl answers, "Beats me, but knowing all of those Predacons, I'm sure it'll be deadly. Keep your optics open; Koji's on that train and he may be in great danger."

Meanwhile, Sky-Byte flies above the train tracks and he remarks, "The humans think that their new bullet train is totally safe, but I'm going to give them a big surprise. Nothing is safe from the likes of me, and when I have stolen the energy from their most powerful transport, Megatron will finally give me the respect I deserve."

As he drives alongside the elevated tracks, Optimus states, "So far, so good. I better head back to Autobot Headquarters and make sure that everything else is under control."

Optimus' sensors start beeping as the Global Space Bridge activates, taking him to Autobot Headquarters.

Meanwhile, on one of the bridges along the route of the bullet train's inaugural run, Gas Skunk presses a green button on a Pulsar Bomb, activating it.

Gas Skunk remarks, "When this thing goes off, it'll really blow their minds."

Gas Skunk starts cackling, but then, Prowl calls out, "All right, you two. Hold it right there. What are you up to?"

Slapper replies dishonestly, "We just stopped by to fix up some loose train tracks. That's all. You never can be too careful when it comes to train tracks."

Gas Skunk adds, "Yep, safety first. There's nothing going on here which would concern you."

Prowl replies, "Oh, I don't know. A lot of things do concern me, like SABOTAGE! Prowl, transform!"

Prowl transforms to robot mode.

Side Burn transforms to robot mode as well.

Gas Skunk sneers, "Here's a little present from me. Left Laser!"

Gas Skunk fires his Left Laser beam attack.

Slapper adds, "Just to balance it out, Right Laser!"

Slapper fires his Right Laser attack, but both of the lasers miss as Prowl and Side Burn jump out of the way in time.

As Optimus is getting ready to head to Autobot Headquarters, he gets contacted by Side Burn and the Autobot leader says, "Side Burn, report."

Side Burn replies, "We found a couple of the Predacons messing around with the tracks. We'll give you an update in a few minutes."

Optimus replies, "Roger that."

A worker at the communication system asks, "What happened? Our data screen just blanked out!"

Someone else says, "The whole system's failing! Try to reboot it!"

Another worker replies, "We can't get access, we're locked out!"

Optimus appears on one of the data screens and he states, "I'm sorry to intrude, gentlemen, but we have an emergency situation on our hands."

One of the workers asks, "Who's that robot?"

His co-worker answers, "That's Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots."

Optimus explains, "It appears the Predacons are attempting to destroy the Linear RFG and steal the energy from the engine. There isn't enough time; you've got to stop the train immediately."

One of the workers replies, "There's a problem, Optimus. Our entire control system has gone down. We can't contact the train, much less try to stop it."

Another of the workers asks, "Is there something you and the Autobots can do to help us resolve the situation?"

Optimus answers, "We're dealing with the problem now. I'll have to get back to you."

Optimus hangs up before contacting T-Ai with a plan on his mind.

Meanwhile, Dark Scream emerges from the wreckage of the communication system and remarks, "I've wrecked their train control system. Now, there's no way that they'll be able to contact that train."

Optimus advises, "Emergency alert. T-Ai, activate the member select program."

In Autobot Headquarters, T-Ai replies, "Fiststreak was right, Optimus. We will need Team Bullet Train for this operation. Accessing the database now. Hmm, each one is on assignment. I'll have to contact them individually. Let's see. Railspike, Rapid Run, Midnight Express, Cliffshaft, Slapblock, Bumblebug, Starwatch, Breakburner, and Gutbug. There's no time to bring them to Autobot Headquarters. They'll have to go to the field."

At one of the train stations, Railspike is waiting on several passengers to board the train he was hooked up to.

Suddenly, T-Ai contacts the elderly leader of Team Bullet Train and says, "Command center to Railspike. This is an emergency. Report directly to Optimus Prime."

Railspike replies before advising the railroad workers, "On my way. Gentlemen, there's an emergency and I have to leave at once. You'll need a replacement engine. I'll be in touch."

Railspike detaches from his train and calls out for a hyper rail that appears.

Railspike starts driving down on the hyper rail just as his supposed driver for the train calls out, "I don't believe this!"

T-Ai then contacts Rapid Run and she advises, "Rapid Run, we have an urgent mission. Report for field duty."

Rapid Run is driving on a commuter line as he replies, "Uh-oh, this is gonna be trouble, T-Ai. I'm on a commuter line. Have you ever seen a giant mob of angry commuters?"

Inside one of the passenger cars, Kelly is having breakfast on her way to work.

The lady who's always at the wrong place and the wrong time remarks, "This is just what I needed, a nice, peaceful train ride. I don't have to fight that freeway traffic. Yeah. And the best part of it is I can eat my breakfast on the way in."

T-Ai replies to Rapid Run's question, "No, I've never seen a mob of angry train commuters, but Rapid Run, this is an emergency."

Rapid Run states in response, "Okay, I hear you loud and clear as day, T-Ai. I just need to drop off about fifty thousand pounds and I'll be on my way."

Rapid Run drives in reverse to a tunnel and drops off the passenger cars before driving forward again, clearly on his way to the battlefield.

Rapid Run remarks, "There, that's more like it. Now, I am one hundred percent available and reporting for duty."

As the train cars stop, Kelly emerges and demands, "How am I supposed to get to work?! My boss is NEVER gonna believe THIS story!"

T-Ai then contacts Cliffshaft and advises, "Cliffshaft, please report to the field. This is an emergency."

Cliffshaft, the red and blue 1987 Zero Shinkansen bullet train engine, states in response, "I'm on my way, T-Ai. Thankfully, I don't have any freight cars attached, so I should get there fast enough via the Space Bridge.

T-Ai then contacts Slapblock and advises, "Slapblock, this is an emergency. Please report to Optimus Prime."

Slapblock, the orange, yellow, dark blue and forest green 1986 200 Shinkansen bullet train engine, replies shortly, "Understood, T-Ai. Please activate the Space Bridge so I can get there on time."

T-Ai does so and contacts Bumblebug. She says, "Bumblebug, this is a battle protocol alert. Please report for field duty."

Bumblebug, the yellow, dark golden yellow and black Acela bullet train engine, rejoinders in response, "Roger that, T-Ai, I'm on my way."

Bumblebug finishes his rounds before heading to the battlefield.

T-Ai then states, "Starwatch, this is an emergency. Meet the rest of your team on the way to report to Optimus Prime."

Starwatch, the white, red, blue and black N700S Series Shinkansen bullet train engine, responds with, "Right now? Okay, I'm on my way."

Starwatch detaches from his parked freight cars and drives off.

Next, T-Ai states, "Breakburner, this is a battle protocol. Please meet your team at Optimus Prime's coordinates."

Breakburner, the tan, dark brown, red, and yellow 800 Series Shinkansen bullet train engine, rejoinders with, "Affirmative, T-Ai. I'm coming over to Prime's coordinates."

Breakburner drives off from the train yard he was parked at and he uses the Space Bridge to get to Optimus' coordinates faster.

Next-to-last, Gutbug is contacted as T-Ai remarks, "Oh, Gutbug, it's time for battle!"

Gutbug, the green, purple, golden yellow and white E3 Series Shinkansen bullet train engine, replies with, "I'm on my way, T-Ai."

Gutbug drives onward to the Space Bridge portal to Optimus' coordinates.

And lastly, T-Ai contacts Midnight Express as she says, "Midnight Express, report to Optimus Prime. The Predacons are planning an attack. We need you now."

At a railroad crossing sign, Midnight Express drops off his freight cars and is asked by T-Ai, "What is your ETA?"

Midnight Express replies, "That all depends. If the tracks are clear, I can be there in eight hours, but if I use the Space Bridge, I can be there in thirty seconds."

Meanwhile, back with Optimus, the Autobot leader continues driving as he spots Railspike's team and he remarks, "Good to see you, Team Bullet Train."

Rapid Run, Railspike, Cliffshaft, Slapblock, Bumblebug, Starwatch, Breakburner, and Gutbug drive alongside Optimus in train mode.

Rapid Run states, "I don't know what was so important that we had to drop everything. I mean, it doesn't look like there's any action going on just yet."

Railspike replies, "It's not our business to question orders. If T-Ai says it's an emergency, I take her at her word. Besides, Prime will fill us in as soon as everyone's assembled."

Rapid Run replies back, "I'm just saying, I left a load of angry passengers back there in the tunnel."

Cliffshaft states, "Don't worry, Rapid Run, I'm sure they'll understand."

Just then, Midnight Express comes up and asks while catching his breath, "Whoo. Oh well, gentlemen, what's the problem?"

Slapblock answers, "Oh, Rapid Run is a little sore about leaving a mob of angry train commuters in a tunnel when he got the battle protocol alert."

Bumblebug asks, "And are you all right, Midnight? You sound like you just ran in a hundred yard dash with a clogged air filter."

Midnight Express replies, "Oh, don't worry about me, I'm topped off and ready to go."

Starwatch replies back, "If you say so. Anyway, Prime, what's our assignment?"

Optimus explains, "The bullet train running next to us on the elevated track is called the Linear RFG, said to be the fastest bullet train in the world."

Breakburner replies, "That's what I hear, and Rapid Run and I want to try a little one-on-one sometime while taking turns, just to see if it's true."

Optimus explains further, "Hopefully, it'll still be around so that you can find out. You see, the Predacons are up to something. We've already stopped one attempt to sabotage the tracks, and they'll likely try it again."

Gutbug inquires, "Well, why don't they cancel the trip until the danger has passed over them?"

Railspike explains, "It's too late for that. The command system has been sabotaged. Therefore, they can't contact or control the train."

Rapid Run theorizes, "That means we need to find a way to stop the train and fast."

Optimus finishes the explanation, "If you need help from the passengers, contact Dr. Onishi's son Koji. He's on board the train."

The nine members of Team Bullet Train reply in unison, "Roger that." "Roger that." "Roger that." "Roger that." "Roger that." "Roger that." "Roger that." "Roger that." "Roger that."

The elder Prime states, "I'm going to meet up with the rest of the team on the field. Activate the Space Bridge."

Optimus passes through a Space Bridge portal to get to a far away bridge up ahead.

Meanwhile, Sky-Byte smacks X-Brawn in the face with his tail-fin, causing Hookbomber Prime to slash his side with his own set of Wolverine claws.

Sky-Byte cried out in pain from the slash as Hookbomber gets airborne.

Side Burn snarls, "That's it; now I'm getting p*****."

As Optimus Prime emerges from the Space Bridge portal, he remarks, "Looks like I got here just in time to assist. Optimus Prime, transform!"

Optimus transforms to robot mode.

Hookbomber asks, "What's the word, Prime?"

Prowl adds, "Yeah, is the train safe?"

Optimus replies, "Railspike and the other members of Team Bullet Train are looking after it right now. But for the time being, we'd better focus on the problem right here."

Sky-Byte calls out as he starts transforming to robot mode, "Sky-Byte, terrorize!"

As Sky-Byte lands, Burnfang, Flashtooth, Buckeye, Snakehide, Horndire, Beamfrost, Cartilatron, Wolley, Nicfin, Waspstrike, Autorachnid, Archacrusher, Drillgony, Buzzarachnia, Quickhorn, Powerpage, Crabex, Falconstrike, Sawwing, Stingdobber, Ironhead, Strongneck, Lancecondor, and Nozzlevulture arrive.

Sky-Byte remarks, "You and your new Lieutenant Commander are too late, Optimus Prime! There's nothing you and the Autobots can do to save that train!"

Meanwhile, Team Bullet Train continues driving after the Linear RFG bullet train.

Midnight Express inquires, "All right, Railspike, what is our plan?"

Railspike answers, "Well, we don't want to alert the passengers that there's a problem."

Rapid Run ponders aloud, "If only we could just talk to the drivers to find out what's going on."

Cliffshaft replies, "Let's contact Koji. He can talk to the drivers."

Railspike replies as well, "Worth a shot."

Onboard the train, Koji remarks, "This is quite literally a great ride."

Koji notices the nine Autobot bullet trains and quizzes, "Hey. What are all those bullet train engines doing out there? And where did they come from?"

Railspike contacts Koji and states, "Koji, can you hear me?"

Koji picks up and Railspike continues, "Nice to meet you; we're Team Bullet Train. Optimus Prime sent us."

Koji asks, "What? You mean to tell me that you guys are Autobots?"

Slapblock replies, "Well, we're not out here playing bumper cars, or bumper trains. Listen, we need an important favor from you."

Railspike explains before asking, "We need to slow the train down. Can you ask the driver to engage the manual override?"

Koji replies, "Sure."

Koji rushes over to the door to the engine car, but a train conductor rushes out without seeing Koji and the conductor exclaims, "I don't believe this!"

Koji whispers to himself, "I wonder what that guy's problem is."

Koji opens the door to the engine cab a bit and listens as the two drivers complain, "What in the world is going on here? I thought we had a backup system, but the brakes aren't responding!" "And the speed's increasing; we're accelerating out of control here!"

Koji quickly leaves to the other train car and explains, "Listen, you guys, we're in trouble here. The brakes aren't working, and the train's speeding up! What do we do?"

Railspike replies on his end, "Stay calm, Koji. We're here and we can help. Everything's gonna be fine."

Koji replies, "Okay, whatever you say, Railspike."

The leader of Team Bullet Train hangs up and says to his teammates, "Let's go to work, fellas. Don't make me out to be a liar."

As the train continues speeding up, Bumblebug states, "The first thing we have to do is get in front of the train somehow."

Railspike explains, "That won't be easy. It's moving at an excess of over one hundred and fifty miles per hour."

Starwatch and Midnight Express ask in unison, "Where does it have to get to so fast?" "Where does it have to get to so fast?"

Breakburner replies, "Who cares about that? It'll get to its destination as long as its in one piece."

Railspike states in response before asking, "That's the challenge, all right. Anybody got an idea on how we can pull that off?"

Midnight Express suggests, "How about coating the entire track with glue? That would slow it down."

Gutbug points out, "Dude, a train that size going at over a hundred and fifty miles per hour can demolish even a blockade of glue. Plus, if the train were to stop at that speed, chances are it could derail and explode, killing everyone on board."

Midnight Express replies, "Oh."

Onboard the train, the passengers grab hold of something as they finally realize that something's wrong with the train.

Even Koji looks worried and scared to death for his life.

Meanwhile, back at the battle site, Slapper and Gas Skunk fire their lasers at X-Brawn, but he dodges out of the way.

Side Burn jumps in and fires his blaster/rocket launcher/sword-like staff while exclaiming, "Turbo backfire!"

Prowl fires his arm cannon as he exclaims, "Combustion missiles!"

Optimus calls out while firing his own gun, "Compression pistol!"

Slapper and Gas Skunk run out of the way.

Burnfang remarks, "Imbeciles! I knew we couldn't depend on them, Sky-Byte!"

Sky-Byte remarks, "Let's see how you like my Tsunami Blaster!"

Sky-Byte's spark crystal fires his Tsunami Blaster at Prowl, and he gets blown back by the intensity of the shot.

Flashtooth, Buckeye, Snakehide, Horndire, Beamfrost, Cartilatron, Wolley, Nicfin, Waspstrike, Autorachnid, Archacrusher, Drillgony, Buzzarachnia, Quickhorn, Powerpage, Crabex, Falconstrike, Sawwing, Stingdobber, Ironhead, Strongneck, Lancecondor, and Nozzlevulture are otherwise preoccupied with Hookbomber Prime's Aerialbots and Autobot animal troops.

Optimus calls out before saying, "Hang on, Prowl, I'll be right there! X-Brawn, Side Burn, get to the other side of the bridge and try to head off that train!"

X-Brawn and Side Burn reply in unison, "On our way!" On our way!"

X-Brawn and Side Burn jump off a short drop and they transform to vehicle mode.

The two Autobot Brothers drive off to the other side of the train bridge.

Optimus comes over to Prowl and asks, "Are you okay, Prowl?"

Prowl replies, "I believe so."

The elder Prime states, "We've got to get moving."

Optimus and Prowl notice behind them in the distance was the Linear RFG bullet train approaching fast.

Sky-Byte says to himself, "That's it. That's it, race along, little speed demon. Race along to your doom. Nothing could save you now. Megatron will finally see what a good leader I am."

Railspike states, "We'll link up and use our brakes to stop the Linear RFG."

The other seven members of Team Bullet Train reply their affirmatives in different ways, but Midnight Express starts to advise, "All I can say is be careful. If we overuse our brakes and they give out..."

Railspike finishes, "We'll be on the fast track to disaster."

The nine members of Team Bullet Train come together on the same hyper rail and Railspike states, "Here we go, initiate single file linkup!"

Railspike connects to Rapid Run, Midnight Express connects to Railspike, Cliffshaft connects to Midnight Express, Slapblock connects to Cliffshaft, Bumblebug connects to Slapblock, Starwatch connects to Bumblebug, Breakburner connects to Starwatch, and Gutbug connects to Breakburner.

Rapid Run, Midnight Express, Cliffshaft, Slapblock, Bumblebug, Starwatch, Breakburner, and Gutbug call out in unison, "Linked up!" "Linked up!" "Linked up!" "Linked up!" "Linked up!" "Linked up!" "Linked up!" "Linked up!"

Onboard the train, Koji notices the whole thing and is amazed that he just says, "All right!"

Rapid Run states, "On my mark, separate and go for it! Go!"

The Autobot trains jump and separate, with Railspike, Rapid Run, and Cliffshaft in front of the Linear RFG bullet train, and with Slapblock, Bumblebug, Starwatch, Breakburner, Gutbug and Midnight Express at the back of the train.

The nine members of Team Bullet Train hook up to the Linear RFG via each other and Rapid Run asks, "Good job! Everybody still has their head gaskets on straight?"

Cliffshaft answers, "Yes. We got our head gaskets on straight."

Railspike states, "We're in position. Whenever you're ready, Rapid Run."

Rapid Run replies, "Do it!"

Railspike advises, "Begin braking chain!"

Meanwhile, X-Brawn and Side Burn completely make it to the other side of the train bridge and they transform back to robot mode.

Optimus calls out, "Move in! Let's go!"

The Autobot team rushes in, but then Sky-Byte says, "You're too late to stop us, everything's in place!" He turns to Dark Scream and orders, "Blow the bridge."

Dark Scream presses the green button of another Pulsar Bomb and jumps off the bridge while transforming to beast mode and laughing maniacally.

Just as Optimus Prime was gonna tackle Sky-Byte, the Predacon lieutenant jumps into the air, transforming to his beast mode as he remarks, "Goodbye, Optimus Prime! Enjoy the show!"

Optimus stops in his tracks and the Pulsar Bomb beeps, and then it explodes, taking out the bridge.

The Autobot team manages to get out of the way before the collapsing bridge can take them with it.

Sky-Byte spots the approaching train and remarks again, "Here it comes. Very good. So far, my plan is working perfectly."

Rapid Run advises, "We can stop this thing, it's just gonna take some time."

Railspike replies, "We copy."

The nine members of Team Bullet Train start braking, scaring the passengers as they try to hold on to something.

Bumblebug calls out, "Guys, we've just run out of time! The Predacons blew up the bridge!"

Sky-Byte snickers in amusement as he states, "You pathetic fools, you'll go off the edge of the bridge with the rest of them."

Gutbug remarks, "I don't think we're slowing down enough!"

Optimus remarks, "I've got to do something. They'll never stop it in time."

Optimus jumps down and transforms to his Battle Mode, landing on the track leading the broken bridge.

Railspike bemoans, "Come on, Midnight Express, dig in!"

Midnight Express replies, "I'm trying! I'm locked and loaded!"

Rapid Run states, "This isn't working! I'm telling you, we're running out of track quickly!"

Optimus gets into a prepared stance and says, "I'm ready."

As Rapid Run leads the charge about to go off the bridge, he slams into Optimus, but the Autobot leader manages to stop the convoy in time with some effort.

Sky-Byte snarls, "Those meddlers! They've ruined everything!"

Hookbomber hovers above the trains and he remarks, "Nice job, bullet trains."

Rapid Run replies, "Thanks, Primes. Hey, can we back this thing up? We're a little too close to the edge."

Hookbomber replies back, "Go ahead."

Rapid Run and the bullet trains start to back up.

Sky-Byte prepares to fire his Tsunami Blaster again as he exclaims, "Wait a minute! We're not through with you just yet!"

Side Burn's optics glow and he states, "Optical laser strike!"

Side Burn's optics fire optic lasers that cause the Predacon team to stumble down the cliff.

Optimus aims his ladder at the Predacon team and says, "Looks like you fellas lost your footing. Now get out of here so that none of the humans get hurt."

Meanwhile, back in the farmlands, Team Bullet Train detaches from the Linear RFG bullet train and the train starts driving back to the train station at Metro City, signifying that the command system was repaired.

Rapid Run advises, "Bullet train's back online and ready to roll, everyone."

The other members of Team Bullet Train reply in unison, "Let's move." "Let's move." "Let's move." "Let's move." "Let's move." "Let's move." "Let's move." "Let's move."

Team Bullet Train drives back to the battle site.

Koji calls out from the window, "Bye, Team Bullet Train, and thanks again!"

At the battle site, Sky-Byte sneers, "So, you think you've won, don't you? We haven't even begun to fight."

Megatron arrives on the scene in jet mode and says, "You're right, you haven't even begun to fight! What are you incompetent fools doing here without orders from me?"

Sky-Byte replies, "It wasn't my fault!"

Megatron sneers in response, "It's never your fault. Let me show you how it's done! Megatron, terrorize!"

Megatron transforms to robot mode.

Megatron calls out, "Cutter Beam!"

Megatron's forehead crest fires his Cutter Beam attack.

But the beam misses its intended targets.

Optimus inquires jokingly, "Don't you even bother to say hello anymore?"

Optimus looks to his left and sees Team Bullet Train coming to the battle.

Rapid Run explains briefly, "We were gonna come back to help you clean up the mess left behind, but it looks like somebody's trying to mess around!"

Railspike calls out, "Railspike, transform!" and he transforms to robot mode.

Rapid Run calls out, "Rapid Run, transform!" and he transforms to robot mode.

Cliffshaft calls out, "Cliffshaft, transform!" and his transformation to robot mode consists of this: the bullet nose splits in half and the dome moves to the back of the engine. The sides open to reveal Cliffshaft's arms as they slide upwards to his shoulder joints and they all click into place. The back of his vehicle mode slides down and splits apart as his pedes fold out of the sides of his ankle joints. And his helm pops out of his chestplate as it opens, revealing a helm sharing the same designs as Railspike's helm combined with the Generation 1 Astrotrain.

Slapblock calls out, "Slapblock, transform!" and his transformation to robot mode plays out like this: the back of his vehicle mode slides up and his legs unfold and configure themselves into legs. The lower back panel folds up against the upper back panel. The sides where the doors are pop out of place as his arms extend outwards till they click into place. His hands slide out of his wrist sockets, and his head slides out of his neck cavity until it clicks into place, revealing a head similar to Rapid Run's head combined with the Generation 1 Cyclonus' head.

Bumblebug calls out, "Bumblebug, transform!" and his transformation to his robot mode plays out like a combination of Railspike's transformation and Midnight Express' transformation.

Starwatch calls out, "Starwatch, transform!" and Starwatch's transformation to robot mode is a combination of Railspike's transformation and Rapid Run's transformation.

Breakburner calls out, "Breakburner, transform!" and his robot mode transformation is the same as Midnight Express' transformation combined with Rapid Run's transformation.

Gutbug calls out, "Gutbug, transform!" and his transformation is a combination of Railspike's transformation, Rapid Run's transformation and Midnight Express' transformation all together.

And finally, Midnight Express calls out, "Midnight Express, transform!" and he transforms to his robot mode.

Megatron growls, "You're finished!"

Rapid Run fires his rocket launcher and exclaims, "Compression ejector!"

Railspike fires rockets from his shoulder armor and calls out, "Power-stroke missiles!"

Midnight Express fires his own rocket launcher and calls out, "Diesel destructor gun!"

Cliffshaft aims his own missile launcher and calls out, "Incendiary missile barrage!"

His missile launcher fires a humongous barrage of incendiary missiles.

Slapblock fires his own missile launcher and calls out, "Proton missile barrage!"

His own missile launcher also fires a barrage of proton missiles.

Bumblebug, Starwatch, Breakburner, and Gutbug fire their own missile launchers at Megatron, consisting of Aquasting missiles, bicep mounted missiles, Break Anchor missiles, Clap Missiles, Cluster Warhead Missiles, concussion missiles, fire-fog missiles and Screamwinder missiles.

Megatron deflects and slices the missiles with one of his swords, much to the shock of the Team Bullet Train members.

Megatron calls out, "Megatron, dragon mode!" and he transforms to his two-headed dragon mode.

Megatron calls out, "Dual Conflagration Dragon Fire!" and fires his twin-headed fire breath at the Autobot bullet trains, only to miss.

Railspike states, "We need some extra push."

Rapid Run replies, "You know what that means. It's time for a little cold fusion."

Railspike asks, "All right, is everybody ready?"

Everyone says in unison, "Let's do it!" "Let's do it!" "Let's do it!" "Let's do it!" "Let's do it!" "Let's do it!" "Let's do it!" "Let's do it!" "Let's do it!"

Railspike, Rapid Run and Midnight Express call out in unison, "Bullet fusion mode!" "Bullet fusion mode!" "Bullet fusion mode!"

The primary three members of Team Bullet Train combines into Rail Racer.

Rail Racer calls out, "Triple power! Rail Racer!"

Cliffshaft, Slapblock, Bumblebug, Starwatch, Breakburner, and Gutbug also call out in unison, "Rail bullet fusion mode!" "Rail bullet fusion mode!" "Rail bullet fusion mode!" "Rail bullet fusion mode!" "Rail bullet fusion mode!" "Rail bullet fusion mode!"

The secondary six members of Team Bullet Train combine in the same style as the Generation 1/Headmasters Raiden.

The second train combiner calls out, "Six power! Fortressout!"

Fortressout and Rail Racer land and they stand tall.

Side Burn remarks, "Wow! How come we can't do that?"

Prowl answers, "I don't know. But I think they're double-jointed."

Hookbomber interjects, "Actually, they have combiner cores, a special organ shared among the many members of Autobot and Predacon combiner groups. Combiners are forged in a different way to mere Cybertronians."

Side Burn states, "Maybe they could teach us how to combine."

X-Brawn confesses, "I was never a good student."

Side Burn changes his mind as he says, "Come to think of it, I wouldn't want to fuse with you guys anyway."

Megatron snarls, "Twin Dragon Breath!"

His dragon heads breathe their fire breath, but Rail Racer and Fortressout dodge out of the way.

Megatron gawks in surprise.

Rail Racer calls out, "Super Turbo Punch!" and his fist crackles with electricity as he speeds towards the Predacon leader.

Rail Racer punches Megatron with the electrifying fist and Megatron blubbers as he tries to shake off the volts of electricity.

Fortressout gives Megatron a flying roundhouse kick and the two Autobot combiners bring out their guns.

Rail Racer calls out, "Fusion Laser Rifle!"

Fortressout calls out, "Ion Laser Rifle!"

The two Autobots call out in unison, "Scatter blast!" "Scatter blast!"

The two lasers fire at Megatron, but he only manages to dodge one while taking slight damage from the second.

The Predacon team is blown away by the other shot and Megatron quickly switches back to jet mode to make his escape.

Sky-Byte follows Megatron in beast mode and calls out, "Megatron, wait for me!"

Optimus and Hookbomber remark respectively, "Nice job, big guys." "Thanks a lot, Rail Racer. Same with you, Fortressout."

Rail Racer replies, "Sure thing." And Fortressout adds, "We can't just stand lifeforms that threaten or blow up railroad tracks. We tend to take that very seriously."

Later, as the bridge is fixed, the Autobot team is gathered as Team Bullet Train prepares to leave.

Railspike remarks, "We're glad that this all worked out for the best. We should get back to work."

Rapid Run explains, "I was in the middle of a commuter haul. They didn't seem to be too happy with the interruption. Maybe I can make up for the lost time."

Railspike advises, "Remember though, safety first."

Midnight Express states, "I was about to haul a private wedding party. My word, I hope they haven't said their vows just yet."

Rapid Run calls out as Team Bullet Train drives away, "Bye-bye for now, guys! Call us if you need us!"

Optimus remarks, "That's one tough team. They really came through."

Dorie Dutton voices over from a news report, "Ladies and gentlemen, we appreciate your patience during our short delay. Thanks to the timely and dynamic assistance of the Autobots, the Linear RFG will now complete its inaugural run."

On a nearby cliff, Optimus Prime and Hookbomber Prime are overlooking the Linear RFG bullet train.

Optimus replies to himself, "I'm glad we could help. We'll always be there to protect the Earth and its people, no matter what the threat, and no matter the cost."

The End.

(Author's notes: In the next chapter, the Spy Changers will work splendidly well with the Aerialbots to protect the Plutonium Energy Generator.

See you all in chapter 5: Spy Changers To The Rescue.)