Autobot HQ, Nevada
September 26, 2014 1131 hours
Gloval took in the sight of the new RDF base. It took some time to set up but here it was. The first thing that was transferred from the Prometheus were military forces. The air force base they were located at couldn't hold everything that the ship had but it could hold enough to make it a fortress. Asking for volunteers first ones to step up was the Destroid platoon 'Primal', not surprising as they were more involved with Phoenix than the other platoons. The Air Force added on with four F-35 squadrons. Needless to say the base was packed.
They had also adapted the Autobot HQ with a Command center that he and his bridge crew could operate from.
In two months, they had an armed and fully operational Forward Operations Base. Not that there was much need for it. The Decepticons have been quiet lately for unknown reasons. The most they've seen is when they had captured Soundwave, and the small Seeker squadron came by. They regretted that decision, though soundwave still managed to escape. Due to the silence, Phoenix was socializing with team Prime more, especially the children. It seemed they had bonded some over then months. They were out by one of the warehouses with a projector, watching a movie about 60 meter robots. Gloval thought it was a little on the nose but let them have their fun
The Autobots decided to join in on the fun in their vehicle modes to add more seats as any of the military personnel on their breaks had joined the kids which mostly meant that practically everyone was there. The only people not present was Ultra Magnus, Prime and Gloval, though he was watching them from a distance. Off to the side or the impromptu drive-thru theatre, Primal unit was running a few melee drills with Miko. Since Miko might be getting more involved in combat thanks to the Armor, they had volunteered to train her some basics. Though Gloval wouldn't put her into the field till it was absolutely necessary.
"The irony is that it's totally possible for build a robot that big." Phoenix commented
"But it's so ineffective against anything else but other things on such scale." Lisa noted.
"I know." The AI admitted. "Bet it's something else to pilot one, though."
Before they could continue their conversation, an alarm sounded on the bas
"Incoming enemy bogey, bearing one one three at two thousand feet and descending!" Shouted Sammie over the intercoms. " It's the Nemesis! It'll be here in a little over an hour!"
As if someone had flipped a switch, everyone started scrambling to get their stations. The Marines rushed to the barracks, while the pilots ran for their jets. Gloval, followed by his bridge crew, Ratchet and any civilians headed inside operations where their command was located. Once his path was clear, Phoenix transformed to Battloid went to his private warehouse where the had set up the hard ware needed to perform repairs and outfit him. Theoretically, by the time the Nemesis gets there, the RDF will be completely mobilized.
'Thank god, we finished those weapons in time.' Gloval thought.
When Gloval and his crew was setup in the command center modeled after the bridge in the SDF-1, he ordered. "Lisa! I want Phoenix outfitted in the prototype Super Valkyrie armor and loaded up with a Jericho missile. "
Lisa gasped. "But sir, the armor's not ready! It's hasn't even been tested!"
Claudia also disagreed. "If you fire that missile, we may be caught in the explosion!"
Gloval folded his hands. "I understand your concerns but there's an enemy warship bearing down on us. If you see another solution, please tell me now."
After a moment of comtemplation Lisa turned to her station. "Deck crew, you have permission to activate Super Valkyrie armor, and attach Jericho frame."
MISSION: PROTECT NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE
MISSION PERIMETERS
RETURN FIRE ONLY
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-NEUTRALIZE HVT-D4 (PREDACON)
-NEUTRALIZE NEMESIS
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-NEUTRALIZE ALL AERIAL VEHICON TROOPS, CODE 'VIPER'
-NEUTRALIZE ALL GROUND VEHICON TROOPS, CODE 'RAT'
-NEUTRALIZE ALL INSECTICON HEAVY ASSAULT TROOPS, CODE 'IGOR'
LOADOUT: HEAVY ANTI-ARMOR
-1 X ENERGON AUTO-SHOTGUN/2,000 EXPLOSIVE SLUGS
-1 X GAE-01X ENERGON PULSE CARBINE/3,200 AHEAD ROUNDS
-8 X SEAGM-114 (SYNTHETIC ENERGON AIR TO GROUND MISSILE) HELLFIRE ANTI-TANK
-12 X SEAGM-84 (SYNTHETIC ENERGON AIR TO GROUND MISSILE) HARPOON ANTI-SHIP
1 X SELRAGM (SYNTHETIC ENERGON LONG RANGE AIR TO GROUND MISSILE) JERICHO
1 X SUPER VALKYRIE ARMOR
-32 X SESRAAM MICRO-MISSLES
-48 X SEMRAAM MISSILES
Decepticon warship Nemesis bridge
September 26, 2014 1301
Megatron watched as the last of the Autobot and human forces finish mobilizing. "Impressive. Massing such a force in such short time is a feat that should not be ignored."
Starscream laughed nervously. "Is it just me or are there more than last time?"
Predaking stepped forward in his robot form and growled. "I do not care what their numbers are. I just want vengeance on the one who had humiliated me not once but twice."
"And you will have it, but not today." Megatron assured the proud warrior. "We are here because of the danger that seeks to destroy us and the Autobots."
Predaking scowled but reluctantly agreed. "I will not put my future brothers and sisters in path of that monster."
Megatron nodded. "We do not want to appear weak. Launch our remaining forces and activate our weapon systems. Stay on standby, a single blaster bolt will spell the end of the deceptions. Soundwave, stay here and prepare the package."
The silent 'con nodded and did as his master commanded.
Phoenix hovered on the sky as a guardian. Initially, the mech was surprised when Gloval told him use the Valkyrie Armor and the Jericho. The armor consisted of covered missile packs that sat on the outside of his forelegs and the underneath of his forearms. On top of him was a pair of rocket boosters that held missile packs too. Sitting in between the boosters was frame that held a missile the as long as the veritech and half as wide. The Jericho held sixty high yield SESRAAMs in the body with a cluster charge held in the head.
Right now, he has enough ordinance to take on the entire Decepticon army by himself. Between him, the sixty Destroids below, the forty F-35's, thirteen Veritechs armed with new weapons ranging from shotguns to sniper rifles, the 'cons might as well leave. He was further assured of his victory when the Decepticon army spewed out of the warship and their groundbridges to only be revealed that it totaled one fifth of what RDF intelligence believed it to be and it consisted only of vehicons.
"Yeehaw!" 'Nomad' cheered on the coms. "This is gonna be a cake walk!"
"Ease up, Nomad. We don't know what's going on." Prophet ordered.
"Ratchet." Options called to the medic. "I need confirmation that this is all their forces."
"Running scan now." Ratchet affirmed. "That's it. Every last one. Except…"
The roar of the predacon completed Ratchets sentence for him. Megatron followed by Starscream and the predacon flew out of the warship at a slow and non threatening speed. They landed on the ground outside the base with his two followers. Megatron and Starscream transformed while the Predacon landed cratering the ground beneath it.
Megatron stepped forward. "Optimus! I request an audience. I have important news discussing the future of all Cybertronians!"
Optimus flew in front of Megatron and hovered there. "I require insurance that you will not try attack."
Megatron nodded. "Soundwave, bring the package."
As ordered, the Decepticon communications officer came down from the with a glass container that held the Starsaber.
"Is that…?" Bulkhead stared in disbelief.
Rick shared the surprise. "Well, I'll be..."
Soundwave landed and placed the container of the mythical weapon in front of Prime. The 'con opened the container before stepping to Megatron's side.
"Check it." Gloval advised. "This may be a trick."
"They are called Decepticons." Rick helpfully added.
Optimistic drew the Excalibur-like sword and after a moment's pause he declared. "This is the Starsaber. Phoenix, if you may join me down here."
Phoenix lowered himself to the ground as Options did the same.
"Are we seriously gonna trust them? After everything they did?" Arcee argued.
Phoenix countered. "Think about it. They're already outnumbered. Handing us the Starsaber has shattered any chance they had."
Arcee admitted. "Okay, fair point."
"So, may I learn the name of the warrior who has defeated my Predacon?" Megatron asked.
Phoenix answered. "Phoenix."
Starscream stepped towards the RDF mech and looked at the cockpit. "How about you stop being rude and transform like everyone else?"
"No."
Starscream stodod straight and crossed his arms in false arrogance. "And why not?"
"Because I've got this giant missile pointed at your ship just in case you try anything."
Starscream grimaced and stepped back, raising his hands in surrender.
The Decepticon leader scowled at the cowardly Cybertronian briefly then he returned to more important matters. "Two months ago, some of my subordinates performed unauthorized experiments and created an abomination that my men call Terrorcons. They devour energon from our bodies. Those who were bit were infected. If you died, you turned into a mindless beast, and almost all that were bitten died."
"What about the ones that lived?" Optimus interrogated.
Starscream laughed nervously. "That's where our… problem…lies."
The Predacon snapped at Starscream's head. The 'con ducked and glared at the beast.
Megatron resumed his story. "During the outbreak, Arachnid escaped and was infected. She somehow survived and the result is something much more terrifying than the Predacon. She can control the other infected and is organizing them into an army."
"Why haven't you killed her?" asked the white mech.
Megatron looked at Phoenix with a deadpan face. "What is the reason why I have so few under my command?"
Phoenix decided to shut up.
Soundwave passed Megatron a Cybertronian memory card. It looked similar to the Key for Vector Sigma but it was the size of playing card for Cybertronians.
Megatron handed the card to Optimus. "This holds everything we know about the infection, and Arachnid's location."
Optimus asked. "Will you be joining us?"
"No. I have wasted enough of my forces on this. It's your problem now."
With that Megatron and the other Decepticons returned to their ship and left.
"What!? Is that it?! They just ran?!" Nomad demanded over the radio. "We could've had that in the bag!"
"I agree. That would have been easy battle." Ultra Magnus agreed.
"Let's be thankful for how lucky we are and see what's on that chip." Ratchet suggested.
Everyone returned to base fumbling about hour the mobilized only to pack everything up. Little did they know, that the hills have eyes.
Unknown Cybertronian ship, unknown location.
September 26, 2014
The Terrorcon that was watching the exchange between the Autobots and the Decepticons was returning to the hive. For the past two months his when has had him watching the Autobots, learning about them. The deformed insecticon made inside the Autobot derelict ship that was found in the Harbinger's database. He stepped into a massive room and lining the walls were tubes of varying sizes and vague cybertronian shilouettes could be seen in them. Sitting on a throne made of Vehicon corpses, in the middle of the room was Arachnid. She had not mutated, unlike her children, keeping her original form but her eyes glow a sinister yellow
The once-insecticon, now-terrorcon kneeled even though he was nowhere near her. He knew he was not worthy to be that close. "My queen, they have done as you predicted. "
She chuckled sinisterly. "As I thought. When Megatron couldn't get rid of me, he turned to the one person he could trust, no matter the strength of the hatred between them. Now, a Prime is on his way here, where I will infect him. A terrorcon Prime. I can see it, now. Taste it, now." She moaned lustfully. "The energon of Optimus Prime. My circuits tingle in excitement."
"More good news, my lady." Terrorcon continued, wishing to please his queen more
"Oh?"
"Megatron also gave him the Starsaber."
A look of pure rage filled her face as she forwarded across the room and embedded an arm into the stomach of the Terrorcon. "How is that good news? She threw him across the room. "Optimus could destroy this entire ship and be done with us, if he so wanted." She paused. "Wait, he might not."
The Terrorcon got up his wound finishing healing. "What do you mean?"
She laughed. "It's simple. The Autobots are working with humans. Soldiers, and they tend to be more paranoid. They'll insist on a scouting mission. Optimus will address exactly which ship this is. On his honor as a prime, he must never allow any harm to come to it. He'll have no choice but to come inside. Absolutely, perfect."
RDF HQ, Nevada
September 26, 2014 1504 hours
"Those fools!" Ratchet exclaimed.
Everyone jumped in surprise. "What?!"
Team Prime including Phoenix with the bridge crew have been waiting on pins and needles for Ratchet, Raf, and Lang to check the chip for viruses and read the info.
Ratchet apologized. "I didn't mean to scare you like that but what made the Terrorcons was a mad scientist's mixture of Red, Synthetic and Dark energon."
Wheeljack whistled. "That's messed up."
"Who's idea was that?" Phoenix queried.
Ratchet scoffed. "Who else? Starscream."
Arcee laughed. "Sounds like something his psychotic mind would think up."
Ultra Magnus butted in. "That's not what we're looking for. Where is Arachnid located?"
Arcee growled. "It would be my luck that she survived our old base's destruction."
Phoenix placed a have on her shoulder comfortingly.
Ratchet scrolled down. "It seems that she's hiding out in a Cybertronian derelict located in Washington."
"Washington? How has no one find it yet?" Miko asked.
"It's underground."
"Ohhh. " Miko nodded in understanding.
Optimus walked over and picked up the Starsaber the he had set against the wall. "Ratchet. Open a groundbridge. This infection must not be allowed to a moment longer."
Everyone immediately started to voice their concerns.
"Enough!" Gloval ordered silencing the room. "Decepticons are well known for their traps and if there is an army of Terrorcons, the last thing we need is you infected. I suggest we send a non-energon powered drone to investigate and if there is the presence of Terrorcons, we'll exterminate them…together."
Optimus stared silently at Gloval before nodding. "We'll do this your way."
"Lisa, prepare the drone."
"Yes, sir." Bridge officer pulled out her phone and started making the appropriate calls.
Barely half an hour later, a group of Marines came into Operations with a Ground Surveillance Drone. It had tank treads and a pair of standard claw arms. The camera was in a spherical case and in the back were antenna.
"Open the groundbridge at the location where Arachnid is hiding." Optimus commanded.
Ratchet did as told and the Drone rolled through, the bridge closing behind it.
"Are we receiving, yet?" Gloval asked.
"It should be any minute…" Sammie answered. "Got it."
Ratchet declared. "I'll put up on the main screen."
Everyone gathered around the screen as the video came in. The drone ended up in front of a cave entrance.
"I think it's that's way." Raf suggested.
Gloval ordered. "Head down that tunnel."
"Aye, aye, sir." Sammie piloted the Drone inside.
There was nothing special about the cave, except that it stayed in a straight line. After another half hour of nothing but cave, cave and more cave, it opened into a massive cavern. Inside it was an equally massive Cybertronian ship the size of a small city. The ship was triangular in shape and there was visible damage in the hull.
"By the Allspark! Is that…?" The Autobot medic exclaimed.
"…the Ark." Optimus finished. "That it is, old friend."
Various forms of surprise spread across the Autobots.
"The Ark? As in…the Ark? The most important relic of Iacon." Smokescreen confirmed.
Gloval asked. "Anyone care to explain?"
"The Ark is the most important ship of all in Cybertronian history, it was the largest ship ever made with objective of finding a new world to populate as well as carrying the entire Iacon database with more than a few relics." Arcee explained. "It's also rumored to have a Protoform factory inside."
"They're more than rumors." Ratchet clarified.
"Protoform?" Lisa queried.
Optimus walked up to the mock-bridge. "Every Cybertronian begin their life as a Protoform. They have no form and no personality. They develop over time into the Cybertronians you see today. The factory is meant to accelerate this process."
"In other words," Gloval summed up. "We can't just bomb the area and be done with it."
"I'm afraid so." Optimus turned back to the com center and ordered. "We need to return the Ark to Autobot control. Without resulting in further damage to the factory than may have already occurred. Ratchet, bridge the…"
Optimus was interrupted when loud demonic roars sounded from the speakers. Everyone looked towards the screen to see a swarm of what could only be called monsters swarm out of the Ark. The Terrorcons charged the Drone and like some bad horror game the last they saw was a Terrorcon face before the screen became static.
"At least we know that it was a trap." Phoenix helpfully announced.
"Optimus," Ratchet called out, worried. "If those…abominations have the Protoform factory then they have capacity to create an army beyond imagining."
"But don't the Protoforms need live before they're infected?" Bulkhead asked.
"And doesn't that require the Well of Allsparks?" Arcee continued Bulkhead's line of thought.
"Normally, yes," Ratchet countered. "But you're forgetting something important. Dark energon brings back the dead. In theory it should give life to the Protoforms."
As if to worsen the mood, a familiar maniacal laughter filled the room. The static on the video was replaced with the visage of Arachnid sitting on her throne, her legs crossed and resting her head on her hand. Her golden eyes gleaming with mischief and hunger.
"What's up with her eyes?" Raf asked.
"It must be the Terror-En they cooked up." Phoenix answered.
She chuckled. "Hello, my friends. Unfortunately, since this isn't two way I can't see you."
Arcee growled in anger. "You'll see me soon and my blaster soon enough."
"I heard that you've been busy since I fell asleep and since I woke up, also. Building your new base, and welcoming your new teammate, Jack." She feigned being apologetic. "Oh, I'm sorry, I meant Phoenix. It's just that he sounds so much like our beloved Jack."
Phoenix raised a head to his head as a flash of pain reach through his head. There was something familiar about the way she said that name. 'Jack'.
Arachnid covered her eyes in mock despair. "When I had heard of Jack's death, I was filled with despair. I can only imagine how his mother feels. Speaking of which how is she? Jack's death was hard on all of us. Maybe I should pay her a visit."
Arcee aimed her blaster at the screen ready to shut the offending thing up but her attention was drawn to Phoenix screaming in agony as he clutched his head. He dropped to the floor writhing in agony.
"Hold him down!" Gloval commanded.
Bulkhead and Ultra Magnus rushed over and pinned the agonized mech down.
"Having problems with your new friend?" Arachnid asked smugly.
Wheeljack growled. "They've got eyes on us."
"I don't see anything on the radar." Kim declared.
"They don't need to be if they have the right scope."
"Now that I've had my fun, listen up." Arachnid pointed up.
The camera panned up to reveal walls lined with incubation tubes.
"What are those?" Raf asked shakily.
"Protoform Incubation Tubes." Bulkhead explained. "Lots of 'em."
The camera returned Arachnid who had folded her hands. "They'll awaken in three days. After that I'm invading the city the human call Los Angeles. If you want to stop me, come and get me."
The video cut after a clawed hand flashed across the screen.
After a moment of tense silence, Optimus turned to the now still and unconscious Phoenix. "Will he be alright?"
"I don't know." Lang replied and furiously tapped away at his tablet. "It's never been this bad before."
Optimus nodded and turned to the others in the room who looked to their leader with fear and worry. "I know what many of you out thinking. 'How can we do this? What can we do against such an enemy?' I simply ask you set aside your worries and fears. This is no different than when we fought on the Decepticon Spacebridge. No, it is different. This time we're not alone. This time we have allies willing and ready to help us."
"We have your back." Gloval helpfully affirmed.
Optimus nodded to the remote leader. "The stakes are as high as they've always Arachnid is going to attack LA to make a statement of her power. We must not allow this. Humanity is depending on us. We must fight. Not only to save humanity, but recover a long lost piece of our history."
"Don't waste your breath, Optimus." Wheeljack said with a smirk. "I don't need any convincing. Taking down some Terrorcons sounds like a wild time."
"Jackie's right. We don't need fancy speeches. We'll always have your back." Bulkhead spoke for everyone on the room.
After looking around to see that everyone shared Bulkhead and Wheeljack's position, Optimus ordered. "In two days we move out to cleanse the Ark. Make your necessary preparations. Gloval, we require the assistance of Lieutenant Fokker's and Lieutenant Hunter's squadron."
"They're yours." Said Gloval.
Optimus looked towards the RDF mech on the floor. "How long do you think before he wakes up?"
"That's a question for Dr. Lang."
"If it is possible, I would like Phoenix to come with us."
"We'll do our best." Lang affirmed
Optimus looked towards Arcee, who was looking at Phoenix with worry. "Arcee, I want you to keep an eye on our friend, tell him our situation when he wakes up."
Arcee smiled, relieved. "Thank you, sir."
The femme went with Magnus and Bulkhead at they carried Phoenix to his warehouse followed by Dr. Lang. Optimus looked outside towards the mountain where Arachnid's spy was watching. This battle was going to be one of their most difficult. He was going to have to work harder to keep their team together.
Next chapter is going to be much larger. Hopefully the largest I've posted on this story so far.
Reminder, reviews are life. Until next time.