The Return of The Thylacine

by Karrit

After experiencing the loss of a close friend, Tracks finds himself and Beachcomber intertwined with the fate the Earth's most valuable animal-the resurrected thylacine. Can he protect them and a new ally while coming to terms with his grief?

6. Chapter 6

The Return of the Thylacine

Disclaimer: Transformers are the copyright of Hasbro and Takara. This work of fiction is written solely for entertainment purposes and is not intended for profit.

Author's Note(s): This story is dedicated in memory of Benjamin, the last known living thylacine who died on September 7th, 1936 at the Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart, Tasmania.

This story follows Season 2 of the G1 Transformers, but should also be considered AU for several reasons:

1: The setting is modern day instead of the 1980s. Some liberties have been taken.

2: Some concepts from later renditions such as the All Spark and Primus will be acknowledged.

3: The elements and subject matter of the story will deal with mature themes that would not be found in a series targeted at children.

Chapter 6: Raiders of The Last Ark

It was about four in the morning when Teletraan 1 came out of standby. "Alert! Alert! Message from Papua New Guinea Embassy in Washington D.C, is broadcasting on the emergency frequency," it announced. "Alert, Optimus Prime!"

Beachcomber was the first to come out of stasis. He converted to robot-mode and dashed to the super computer. Optimus Prime followed close behind. The other autobots started waking up, some quicker than others. They yawned and headed out to see what was going on. Tracks and Sunstreaker were the last to emerge. It took a little time to rouse their human companions. Even the Witwickys were awake.

Prime pressed a button on Teletraan 1's keyboard. "Who are you?" he demanded as an older man with a dark complexion came on the monitor.

The man was on the shorter side with a dark suit and red tie. His hair was of tight salt and pepper curls, and he wore glasses that hung over his broad nose. "Please forgive the intrusion," he said apologetically, "My name is Fabian Ngema, Papua New Guinea's ambassador to the United States."

"How did you gain access to this channel and why?" Prime asked firmly.

Ngema replied, "I'm sorry but I cannot explain right now. I am a close colleague of Ms. Lilian Smith, ambassador of Australia."

Optimus narrowed his optics. "Ah yes, I briefly met Ms. Smith. Did something happen?" He sensed an urgency in the man's voice. He seemed anxious as if someone might be listening.

"Ms. Smith has been detained. I left in secret two nights ago to the safety of my embassy, but I fear that time may be running out for me. I am contacting you from an undisclosed location within its confines."

"Why was the Australian ambassador detained?" Prime inquired.

"It was Thayer's doing. He has powerful friends in the United States Government. You see, originally, the thylacine project was a joint effort between our three nations until Thayer broke his contract with us in favor of wealthy donors who want to keep the animals in a private collection."

The autobot leader clenched his fists. "And so word leaked out and fanned the flames of that mass protest at the World Expo? But that still doesn't answer my question."

Mr. Ngema sighed. "Thayer accused us of inciting the protesters and working with the Decepticons in planning that attack. Ms. Smith and her Australian delegates went to meet with him to discuss strained relations between our countries when they held her for questioning. I don't know her fate beyond that. We lost contact right after. I connected you out of desperation and the hope that you autobots found the missing."

"Your intuition was correct," said Prime. "I thank you for your warning, but I suggest you not press your luck any futher. Thayer has been spotted not far from here and I suspect he knows we have them in our care. Keep yourself safe and do not lose hope, Mr. Ngema. You may have saved the day."

The New Guinea ambassador nodded solemnly and gave his thanks before disconnecting the call.

"That's just great," snarled Sparkplud. "Thayer's really throwing a monkey wrench into everything/"

Prime sighed. "Perhaps, but he'll have trouble dealing with Omega Supreme, providing there are no decepticons with him. Teletraan 1, can you use Sky Spy to pinpoint Thayer's activity?"

"Searching now, Optimus Prime. Please standby for further updates."

Kota shivered like a leaf in Sunstreaker's arms. The mention of decepticons stirred up memories of that evil face belonging to the one that tried to kill him. He felt the golden robot's right hand pull him in protectively against his chassis.

Tracks held Dyani in his arms. The girl was equally frightened.

"Prime, shall I get the thylacine?" suggested Beachcomber.

The leader nodded affirmatively. "Yes and be quick about it. She seemed to sense the decepticons when we and the humans could not."

The dune buggy ran off towards the lab. He found the animal awake in her crate. She hopped out of the crate as soon as it opened and reared up like a kangaroom. "Danger…come…soon," she said as her blue metal friend lifted her up and carried her away.

"How do you know?" he asked.

The animal couldn't quite comprehend the question, but she tried to explain, "Thylacine know changes in things around me…but…don't know why. Something tell me…when something is bad."

Beachcomber frowned. He had heard of animals reacting to changes in the environment right before environmental disasters. He wondered if this was something along those lines. He dashed into the common room just as Telatraan 1 gave an update.

"Sky Spy detects Thayer is on the move and headed towards the Ark. Cannot pick up Decepticon signals, but detected large vehicles and aircraft accompanying humans. Extreme caution is advised."

Springing into action, Optimus Prime turned around to take command. He pointed to Tracks, Sunstreaker, and Beachcomber. "Take Kota, Dyani, and the Thylacine the rear runnels and stay put unless you are forced to flee. Slag, Snarl, and Swoop. you are to station yourselves at the rear escape. Grimlock and Sludge will guard the tunnel entrance. Tracks and Sunstreaker, you are to protect the humans at all costs! The rest of us will split up into two groups-one to assist Omega Supreme and create a diversion so the other half will go on reconnaissance to find where Megatron is holding the hostages."

Tracks, Sunstreaker, and Beachcomber followed three of the dinobots into the tunnel just as Grimlock sealed it up with a sweep from his massive tail. Swoop led the way through the dim light. Unlike the Cybertronians, the humans were unable to see very far ahead ahead of them and had to put their faith into their robot guardians. The passage had many extensive twists and turns surrounding the dormant volcano until Swoop came to a stop.

"Me Swoop think this is rear entrance. We dinobots stay here," said the pteranodon.

Slag bellowed his annoyance and stomped the ground. "Slag want to fight decepticons!"

"Me want to fight too!" agreed Snarl.

"It may come to that," said Beachcomber, while trying to calm Benni in his arms. "But Prime told us to stay here. Our first priority is the safety of the Earthlings."

Sunstreaker punched the wall. "Damn it all! I agree with Snarl. I'm a warrior!"

Kota bowed his head. "So…then does that mean I don't matter any more?" he asked, his voice cracking.

"That's not what I meant," said Sunstreaker.

The boy started beating against the lamborghini's chassis. "I thought we were brothers!" he yelled. "It was okay while you were hurt, but now you want to leave me behind?"

Tracks stepped forward. "No one's going anywhere. We have our orders!" he said.

Sunstreaker hugged Kota. "We are bros. I'm sorry. I just don't want anything to happen to you."

Beachcomber approached and said, "Everyone's just on edge right now. I suggest we take a moment to gather our bearings."

"I'm downright freaked out," said Dyani. She looked up, although she could barely make out Track's face in the dim light. "I wish I could see you better. The place gives me the creeps."

The corvette gently touched her face. "Don't worry, Dyani."

There was something in the tone of the giant blue robot, and the way he acted towards Dyani that caught Kota's attention. He could tell they had become friends, but could there be more to it than that? There seemed to be a bond between them, just like he and Sunstreaker? His wandering mind was interrupted by a slight tremble in the earth. The quivering started to grow and the tunnels started to shake violently as the tunnel ceiling cracked open and rained stone and debris.

Benni howled with fear. "Danger! Must…run!"

Swoop flew forward. "Slag, help open door!"

"Slag do! Maybe fight decepticon after all!" roared the triceratops as it charged forward, using his lasers and massive bulk to ram the sealed door. He was assisted by swings of Snarl's strong tail. It gave way, revealing a clear starry night and the very beginnings of civil dawn. Swoop dodged falling debris and was followed out first by Beachcomber, who had converted into his alt-mode with Benni riding inside. Tracks held Dyani against him and somersaulted out onto the ground. Sunstreaker dashed for it and was almost home free when a large piece of the ceiling came down in front of him, causing him to lose control of Kota. The young man was thrown forward onto the ground. He lay still without moving.

"Kota!" Sunstreaker called out. He jumped over the boulder and ran to the boy. "Bro! Bro!?"

Tracks set Dyani down and dashed over to them. "Is he?"

Dyani knelt down and supported Kota's head.

Sunstreaker dropped to his knees with closed optics. His fingers dug into the ground as he shook violently. Anger surged within Sunstreaker as he blamed himself for failing to protect the young man he had become so attached to. His optics opened and narrowed with a burning rage. He should have finished Megatron off several nights ago before everything went to hell. He jumped up to his feet and growled in a clear, but sinister voice. "Bro, forgive me. I'm going to make this right!" Without uttering another word, he transformed into a countach and sped off into the desert.

"What are you doing!?" Tracks demanded. He converted into his stingray form and started in pursuit.

"We need to stick together!" called Beachcomber.

There was something in the lamborghini's voice that unsettled Tracks. It came too close to home. He felt anxiety building up within, but then he remembered what Raoul had said to him in that dream: Remember what I said about some guys got the juice, and some ain't? You gotta remember that you got it. These guys need you, man! You can't keep moping 'round here full of regret. You gotta get with it and focus on what ya got. They needed to go after Sunstreaker, but he couldn't abandon the others. He turned around. Kota was now regaining consciousness.

Dyani was relieved. "Kota, are you okay?"

He appeared disoriented at first, but slowly he started recognizing his friends. Dyani repeatedly asked about his well-being. "My back isn't broken, but my head hurts a little and I did something to my right ankle." The boy looked around and realized Sunstreaker was gone. "Bro? Where is he!?"

"He took what happened to you very badly," Beachcomber answered sadly. "He said something about making things right and took off."

"Make things right?" Kota panicked, sitting up and wincing. "Oh no! He must be looking for the Decepticons!"

"Kota, you shouldn't move around too much," Dyani gently scolded.

The boy hugged Dyani. "I don't think I'm hurt too bad, but I can't walk."

Tracks reverted to robot-mode and stooped down to carefully lift up Kota. Benni seemed to sense one of her human friends was injured and jumped down onto the floorboard as he was laid across the seats. "Beachcomber, we need to go after Sunstreaker. You should take charge of Kota since you're equipped to handle rugged terrain. Keep him and the thylacine at a safe distance. Dyani, you and I will take to the air."

Both humans turned their gaze at the giant blue robot with scrutiny. They witnessed him transforming back into a Stingray, but his rear tires sprawled outwards and the wings, the very same ones from his robot-mode, folded out, and two fins appeared behind his rear window. He hovered in place thanks to two rocket boosters.

"A flying corvette? You are so dope!" exclaimed Kota, sitting up slightly and winced.

"Tracks, I freaking love you!" Dyani remarked.

"Yes, yes," sighed Tracks. "We can discuss how cool I am later. We've got a raging countach to catch. Dyani, get in."

Dyani hugged Kota and Beachcomber. ""Please keep them safe," she told the dune buggy before climbing inside Tracks.

The dinobots looked at one another and back at the others. Swoop spoke up. "Dinobots want know what dinobots should do now?"

"Stay here and wait for further instruction from Prime," answered Tracks. "If you see any decepticons, have at them."

Snarl bellowed together with Slag in response. The triceratops then said, "Slag like Tracks idea. We tear apart decepticons."

Rising up into the sky like a jet, the corvette flew over the desert as swiftly as he could travel on land. He scanned the desert in pursuit of Sunstreaker. Dyani rode shotgun, taking precautions to buckle herself in. She marveled over the level of detail the cybertronian's alt-mode had with its non-sentient counterpart.

"Beachcomber, do you copy?" radioed Tracks.

"This is Beachcomber. You're coming in loud and clear."

"Good," said Tracks. "I'm going to contact Prime. I don't know what happened back there, but I'm guessing decepticons having a tangle with Omega Supreme. What is Kota's status?"

"He's doing okay considering, but he really should see a doctor. Be careful while airborne. There's no telling if you'll run into Starscream or one of the other Decepticon jets."

Tracks laughed smugly. "True, but it won't be the first time I outfoxed them. Stay linked with me. Tracks to Prime. Come in, come in."

"Tracks, this is Prime," the voice of the autobot leader radioed in response. "You're in flight mode. Where are you going and why? You're not supposed to be on active duty!"

"I know, but we have a situation. There was a cave-in in the back tunnels. We all made it out, but Kota was injured. Sunatreaker blew up and took off probably in pursuit of Megatron. He asked Kota to forgive him and promised to make things right."

"What!? Oh no…," replied Prime with concern. "What is Kota's condition and is Dyani alright?"

"The boy got knocked out, but he's awake now. He said he hurt his ankle. I instructed Beachcomber to watch over him. Dyani is unharmed and with me. I'm en route to intercept Sunstreaker."

"While I'm not happy you disobeyed orders, I'm very grateful. Be careful. I am going to send Sparkplug along with Powerglide and Sideswipe to assist."

"Thank you, Prime. By the way, what happened?"

"Thayer attacked as predicted along with Menasor and Devastator. They overpowered Omega Supreme at first, but thanks to Superion and his combined armor, we were able to get the upper hand. The Decepticons retreated, but I believe this attack was a diversion."

"A diversion!?"

"Yes, but have Thayer in custody."

"Patel must be working with them! Prime, put Thayer on. I'll ask him myself!" Dyani interrupted.

Prime responded firmly with, "Dyani, for now, just focus on Sunstreaker and get Kota to safety. I will contact you soon."

"But Optimus," the girl protested, but it was too late. The autobot leader had already cut his broadcast. her fingers gripped against her seat. She cursed under her breath.

"I know you're upset," said Tracks in a gentle tone. "I don't know who's pulling the strings with Megatron, but I can guarantee Prime is going to find out. Our radio signals are useful, but Decepticons have ways of hacking into them-or rather one particular one does."

Dyani hugged the seat. "I'm just scared. I keep trying to tell myself I'm brave, but I'm not."

"You don't think you're brave because you're frightened of something?" Tracks said. "Courage is being afraid but doing what you have to do. You might be foolish sometimes, but you're no coward."

There was silence from Dyani as she took those kind words in. She placed a hand on Tracks' dashboard to thank him. "You forgot a little crazy. I rode on the top of a speeding corvette," she added.

Tracks laughed and said, "That's the truth. Hang on a sec…Yes, I've locked on onto our missing countouch. Beachcomber, try connecting with Sunstreaker. Dyani, hold on tight…we're going in for a rough landing!" He prepared himself to meet the ground, straining his boosters to propel himself to land in front of Sunstreaker. The lamborghini aimed his gun at Tracks. The corvette angrily called out, "Don't shoot me, you ass! Dyani's inside!" He switched course and tried to land beside Sunstreaker.

A voice came over Tracks' radio. It was of Kota, who put his hope in that Sunstreaker was also listening in. "Bro!" he pleaded. "Don't hurt them! You promised you wouldn't leave me behind! You promised!"

Tires screeched as the lamborghini breaked and slid in the desert sand. He stopped after twenty feet and settled in clusters of big sagebrush. Tracks landed several feet away from him.

"Kota!" cried Sunstreaker. "Where are you?"

"I'm with Beachcomber," the boy answered with some anger in his voice.

"Look, I'm sorry. You got hurt and I couldn't think straight…this wouldn't have happened if I finished Megatron off before he made off with your dad…"

"I might have died if you did that! I'm alive because you protected and got me to safety! That was bad ass, but blind rage isn't. I'm hurt, but not too seriously. You can't take on Megatron alone. Prime's sending some Autobots to help us."

Sunstreaker converted to his robot-form and sat in the sagebrush. He looked dejected. "I'm sorry…" he whispered. There was no answer from Kota.

"Out," Tracks ordered Dyani, who obeyed. He too converted to a robot and walked over to the golden lamborghini. He sat down next to him. "It takes guts to admit you were wrong." he said to Sunstreaker.

Dyani patted Sunstreaker's arm. "Kota looks up to you, you know."

After a few minutes, a familiar-looking dune buggy approached and was followed by a red countach and a jet plane. They circled around the two robots and the human girl. Sunstreaker didn't look up or acknowledge them. He was too ashamed. Sparkplug emerged from inside Sideswipe, carrying a first aid kit. He went to Beachcomber to inspect Kota's injuries. He first examined the bump on the boy's head and asked him a series of questions. After a moment he looked up with relief.

"I don't think you have a concussion. That's good. Let me take a look at that ankle," he said. He carefully checked the area around the injury. It was swollen, but nothing appeared to be broken.

Sparkplug opened the kit and took out an elastic bandage roll. "I think it's sprained. I can't tell what grade, but if I were to guess, I'd say it's probably a two. I'll wrap it and fold up my jacket to keep it elevated. We'll need to get you to a hospital."

Sunstreaker rose and walked over to Kota. "I should be the one to take him," he suggested. He paused when he saw the injured boy's face turn ghostly white. His first thought was Kota might be still angry, but he realized the youth was looking past him. Whipping around, Sunstreaker saw what Kota was looking at. It was Megatron, Starscream, and the Coneheads.

"Sparkplug, take Kota and get behind me!" he commanded.

Tracks stood next to him with his own blaster ready. "Dyani, do the same. Beachcomber, transform! Sideswipe, Powerglide, circle around the humans!"

The humans obeyed the giant robots. Sparkplug carried Kota in his arms, while Dyani did her best to restrain Benni, who was bristling and snarling with fear. They were surrounded by a wall of Autobots who readied themselves as the Decepticons landed. Starscream remained in his jet-altmode, for a human was riding inside the cockpit. It was someone both Dyani and Kota unfortunately knew very well. Benni balanced on her tail and hissed, "Bad man!"

Tracks pondered. Why didn't they fire? And that man…is that Patel? They must want the kids and the thylacine?

"I am surprised you're still alive and kicking!" Megatron laughed menacingly at Sunstreaker.

The lamborghini snarled back, "You think I can be taken out so easily?"

"Come a step closer and we'll blow your head off!" threatened Powerglide.

Sideswipe aimed his gun at Megatron.

The Decepticon leader smirked. "Go ahead and shoot if you wish. We won't hesitate to kill the flesh creatures and the animal, but our friend here might be upset."

At first Dyani felt petrified as a statue, but she soon felt something burning within her. Though deadly afraid, a courage had been awakened inside of her. She pulled Benni back and moved in front of Sparkplug and Kota. She'd rather die than let anyone hurt them-robot or crazy geneticist. Poor Benni couldn't share the same sentiments. Her instinct was to run and preserve the two young lives within her pouch. She gave Dyani a strong kick with her powerful hind legs and broke free. Disregarding her own safety, the girl ran after the panicked thylacine, only to have a hand grab her. She was lifted up to be greeted by a cackling silver head with glowing red eyes. Benni was frozen in a tractor beam, courtesy of Thrust. Tracks had charged forward to intercept Dyani, only to have Megatron overpower and knock him to the ground, placing a metallic foot on top of the autobot.

"So you care for this human girl, do you?" hissed Megatron. "If you move so much as an inch, she dies on the spot! That goes for all of you! Dirge, secure the animal and the girl. Doctor, are there any other humans you want?"

Patel grinned menacingly as he popped out from within Starscream. "I don't care about the old man, but I also want the other girl. I must say I am grateful you didn't kill her. Really, I should thank the golden robot for saving Dr. Shimizu's daughter."

Sunstreaker backed up in front of Kota and Sparkplug. "Over my dead body!" he bristled.

"Bro," he said weakly. "We've got to protect Dyani. He hugged the robot's leg and positioned himself to make it look like he was crying. Megatron was becoming increasingly impatient. "I'm warning you! Turn over the girl, boy, or whatever before I decide to finish what I started several days ago!"

Megatron seized Kota, who tried in vain to hold onto Sunstreaker. He tossed the boy inside of Ramjet. "Let's go!" he commanded, "But first…" he turned and fired upon the five autobots, who flung themselves over Sparkplug. A cloud of sand and plant matter rose up and scattered around them. Laughing maniacally, the Decepticons left them to rest in pieces, but as the dust finally cleared, the autobots, although scuffed up, were unharmed. Beachcomber pulled Sparkplug to his feet.

"Are you okay? he asked."

"A bit battered and bruised, but I'm fine," he said. "And it looks like that armor saved your butts."

"Yeah, that's one thing Megatron wasn't counting for," replied Powerglide while brushing sand off of his chassis.

Tracks remained silent and stared off into space. He trembled at the thought of Dyani in the clutches of Megatrom and that bastard Patel. He had become attached to the girl-the girl who both annoyed and intrigued him. He failed to protect her. Beachcomber stood next to him with his hand on the corvette's shoulder.

Sunstreaker clenched his fists. "Damn!" he bellowed. He went to stamp his foot, when he felt something lodged behind the knee. "What the hell? Something's up with my leg!"

"Bro, there's something stuck in there," said Sideswipe, as his sensors scanned his twin brother.

"Let me take a look," said Sparkplug. He carefully examined the area behind the lamborghini's knee and found a small device that had become wedged in the joint. It took him a few minutes to fish it out. He laughed and beheld a small wrist device.

"Lookie here!" he called. "Here's a watch if I ever saw one. Kota must have planted it on you when he was saying his goodbyes. We can only hope Megatron and that mad scientist are none the wiser."

"That little pain in the aft!" said Sunstreaker, peaking over his shoulder. "But what good's a watch gonna do?"

"It's a smart watch," Sparkplug answered. "And as long as Kota's got his phone on himself, we can track 'em.

When Tracks heard that, he rushed over to Sparkplug. "Then we don't have a minute to lose!" he cried.

"I'm with Tracks. I got to save my bro!" added Sunstreaker. Sideswipe nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

"I'm all for it," said Powerglide. "Ol' Megs will pay for getting sand in my skidplate!"

Beachcomber was contemplative. He hated fighting, but the lives of the humans and the thylacine were on the line. He lacked the firepower and speed the others had, but he was agile and willing to fight when necessary.

"I'm in," he finally said. "But we ought to contact Prime. He may be headed wherever we're going since Thayer's in custody."

Sparlplug sighed. "Fair enough, guys. I'll see what I can pick up with the watch. Sunstreaker, I'm riding with you."

Fists clenched, Tracks said, "I'll lead the way through the air with Powerglide. Beachcomber, you get in touch with Prime!"

The watch was cracked, but functional. It had a 'phone finder' app that enabled Sparkplug to pinpoint a general direction the boy had been taken. They followed the course through the desert from the land and air in the South-Eastern direction of Greenhorn, Oregon. It was once a mining city located in a mountain range of the same, but now a ghost town that boasted a population of zero.

Beachcomber contacted Prime, who revealed that he and a convoy of autobots were headed in the same direction. It turned out the combiners had turned on Thayer and his security-force the moment they were defeated with the intention of killing them. Omega Supreme managed to shield them with the explosive rounds, but had been blown back against the Ark, which had caused the cave in. Thayer surrendered to the autobots without a fight and sang like a canary. They made an arrangement with the Decepticons to form a partnership with Kagayaku motors to gain access to their renewable hydrogen technology. The entirety of the World Expo was a ruse to get all of the engineers in one place. Patel had been in on it as well. He feigned being one if the kidnapped in order to curtail suspicion. He may have also been the one to leak the deal to the media in order to manipulate the protestors into unknowingly assisting with Megatron's plan. Thayer also made the revelation that the Decepticons were indeed using some sort of stealth technology, but he didn't know anything beyond that. As for the thylacines, they were at a private facility located between Greenhorn and Umatilla National Forest.

The five autobots met up with Prime and a convoy of autobots at the northern outskirts of the Umatilla National Forest. Sparkplug was furious to see Thayer riding along inside of Optimus Prime, but the Autobot leader explained the businessman had agreed to assist them in return for saving his life.

Sparkplug checked the watch. The signal had been lost. They must have figured it out, but at least they could guess there was a good chance the Decepticons and Dr. Patel were hiding out at that private facility.

"My Autobots," said Prime to the five. "Do not blame yourselves for what happened back there. You put the lives of our friends above all else. Sometimes it's harder to know when not to fight. You protected Sparkplug and demonstrated the durability of our new armor. Now is the time for us to mount a rescue! Autobots, transform and roll out!"

Tracks couldn't believe his audio sensors. Was this Prime's way of giving him the okay to return to active duty? Maybe, but protecting Dyani was still his primary objective. He transformed.

The other autobots followed suit and went into their alt-modes. Cosmos was ordered to take up to the high altitudes to scout the terrain. Prime took his place at the head of the team with Sparkplug and Thayer riding in his cab, and led them down an old road in disrepair. It was a rough ride for many of the cars, but they managed.

From high up in the stratosphere, Cosmos was able to pinpoint the facility. There were decepticons around outside, and he could sense more inside as well as many organic lifeforms. The decepticons on the outside were looking around in confusion. It took him a moment to realize something must have broken through their defenses, but he couldn't pick up any disturbances in the nearby vicinity. He relayed the news to Optimus Prime.

"I don't understand what's behind this turn of events, but I intend to use it in our favor!" said Prime, as they closed in on the building. It is a three-storey building that was longer and wider than it was tall and partially underground. It had been built on property belonging to Thayer that he had purchased years before from the state of Oregon, and had been built a year-ago with the assistance of the Decepticons.

The autobots were welcomed by the bewildered decepticons. They recovered in time to go on the offensive and fired upon the newcomers, only to have their energy blasts repelled off of them. Optimus Prime transformed into robot-mode as did the others. They advanced forward on the Decepticons with their own weapons. The massive doors of the facility were thrown open and more decepticons led by Megatron and Soundwave stormed out and joined in the fight.

Megatron's anger was growing as much as his bewilderment. What trickery did the Autobots have that not only made them resistant to their weaponry, but also caused their new stealth drones between Earth and Cybertron to shut down? They would pay dearly for this.

Deep within an undisclosed room filled with scientific equipment, Dyani was thrown to the ground by Patel. Her hands were bound behind her back with energon chains, but surprisingly, she hadn't been gagged. Kota and Benni were taken elsewhere by Dirge, for later, as the geneticist had put it. Her face jerked back as the doctor's hand caressed it creepily. It was enough to make her want to vomit.

"I have so many things in store for you, my feisty little savage," hissed Patel.

Dyani glared back and spat. "So what, did they promise you the United States or something cliche like that?" she asked sarcastically.

"This isn't Hollywood, girl. All I ask for is to have the most advanced technology and manpower at my disposal without the ethical watch dogs breathing down my neck. You would do best to consider your actions."

The geneticist pulled back his white jacket to reveal his gun, which appeared to be upgraded. He sneered and threatened, "You remember my little friend here? I should thank Megatron for giving it a complete makeover. I promise the results won't be as pretty as simply blowing your brains out."

The girl narrowed her eyes, but kept quiet. She didn't know what scared her most-the gun or the lunatic wearing it. She told herself in her mind to be brave, in spite of her fear. Even so, she was terrified more than that first night of the robot attack. From her vantage point, Patel was holding all the aces, and it didn't take a detective to know what was on his mind. She hoped the autobots would come to the rescue, especially Tracks. She remembered how he rushed to her aid, but halted after that giant silver one-Megatron threatened to kill her. Based on what happened to Kota prior, he probably would have. He was as massive as Optimus Prime and undoubtedly the one calling the shots. The other Decepticons obeyed him without question, except the large red and white jet. He seemed to question Megatron's reasoning for appeasing the scientist.

Patel pinned Dyani down and proceeded to forcibly kiss her. The touch of his stubble and the smell of his breath against her face was enough to terrify her. It would be tempting to try to buck the geneticist off and kick the hell out of him, had she not felt cold steel against her side. Patel reveled in how everything was turning out beautifully for himself. How the tables had turned and he would take his time, savoring this girl's humiliation. A bulge had formed in the front of his pants as he pressed against her. He was just about to pull down her shorts when the room went dark.

Something had caused power failure at the facility. Dyani was pulled to her feet by the cursing scientist and forced to walk blindly in the pitch blackness towards a secret exit. They traveled in a narrow corridor dimly lit with emergency lighting.

The doctor spoke into a handheld device. "Patel to Megatron."

"Not now, you wretched flesh creature!" a voice screamed back, along with the sounds in the background the geneticist couldn't make out, but it was apparent security had been compromised.

There was a sound of laughter from beside him as Dyani failed to contain herself. "So much for your friends," she said.

Patel shoved her against the wall and punched her in the face. He pointed his gun into the girl's side and forced her to follow him as they navigated through a maze of corridors. They came to a door large enough for a cybertronian to enter through. The scientist removed a key card from his pocket and inserted it into a slot. The backup battery was still operational. The lock clocked and the door slid open.

The room was large with the walls lined rows of cages stacked on top of each other by three. Unlike the hallway, this particular room still had power, thanks to its solar-powered reserves. A large cat-like robot two meters in height growled at the two humans. It was a newly repaired Ravage who was standing guard over Kota, who was lying on the floor. He looked worse off than before. The jaguar bared his fangs as Dyani was thrown at his feet.

"It's just me!" sneered Patel. "Guard this one too. If she tries to escape, make her your chew toy. It's all the same to me."

Ravage growled and sat back on his haunches with his mechanical ears pressed back against his head. He leaped towards the geneticist, who braced himself. However, the cat's target was outside the door. He was intercepted in midair by a pair of giant arms that hurled him against the wall.

A giant robot stepped into the room and peered down at Patel with contempt. It was Tracks. He, the Lambros and Beachcomber had infiltrated the building while the others held the other Decepticons at bay-at least for the moment. Tracks lifted the man up by his lab coat and narrowed his optics. He threw him aside and went to free Dyani and Kota from their bounds. "You're not going anywhere, you wretched piece of filth!" warned Tracks. He pointed his firearm at the geneticist, who started reaching for his own. "I'm a quicker shot than you are, and I'm not alone!"

The other three robots entered the room. Sunstreaker rushed over to Kota and cradled him in his arms. His sensors picked up on the boy's elevated body temperature. The lamborghini pulled him close.

Kota opened his eyes slightly. "Bro?" he questioned weakly.

Sunstreaker nodded and replied, "I need to get you out of here."

Dyani hugged Tracks' chassis. She felt him embrace her back.

Sideswipe secured Patel and stood guard over him while Beachcomber identified Benni. Her collar had been destroyed, but he was able to communicate with her. He spoke to the other animals in their primitive tongue, explaining that they were 'big metal friends' here to lead them to safety. It was Benni who took charge of urging them to listen and obey.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Tracks whispered to Dyani. He had a few glints in his eyes. The girl shook her head. "Not yet. There's something I need to take care of first." She marched over to Patel and stood over him. Flames burned in her eyes as she delivered punches and kicks into the man's body. "This is for threatening to hurt my friends!" She raised her foot and sent the heel stomping down hard on the man's groin. "And that is for trying to rape me, you piece of shit!"

If Tracks was angry before, he was now downright livid. He might not have understood the nuances of organic sex, but he was aware enough to understand what rape meant. How dare that poor excuse for a human try to harm Dyani like that! As much as she needed this retribution, he knew the Decepticons would be after them. He gently pulled Dyani away from Patel and opened up the top compartment of his chassis again.

"In now!" he ordered. "We can't waste any more time."

"Kickass idea!" said Sunstreaker, opening his own compartment. "Kota, you'll be safe here. "

Tracks approached Patel. "Sideswipe, help Beachcomber free those animals! I'll watch over this lowlife."

The two autobots went to work ripping the doors off the cages with their cybertronian strength. Benni freed first. She waited as more and more thylacines joined her until all fifty were set free. They surrounded all of the autobots.

Sideswipe grabbed Patel and narrowed his optics. "Do we have to take this asshole with us?"

"Those are Prime's orders," answered Beachcomber. "He's going to face justice."

"Yeah, better the humans deal with him than me!" spat Sunstreaker. He had no scruples about how he would have punished Patel had it been left up to him.

"Where are the engineers?" demanded Tracks.

The man glared and said nothing. He choked a little as the corvette's hand squeezed his face.

"I'm not playing! Where are they!?" Tracks demanded a second time.

Coughing, Patel relented. "The lab to the north," he said in a hoarse whisper.

The robots headed in the direction of the laboratory with their small army of thylacines and the humans. Sideswipe had the misfortune of guarding Patel. Sunstreaker led the way with Tracks close behind. Beachcomber brought up the rear. They reached the northern wing of the facility that ended with another large door.

Sunstreaker grabbed Patel and flung him to the ground. "Grant us access!" he snarled.

"I don't have a key!" he shouted back.

"Screw a key when I've got pile drivers!" Sideswipe said as he examined the doors. "Reinforced steel-a piece of cake. Stand back!" The younger Lambro used his upper limbs to pound through the thick metal. It collapsed with ease. He kicked the dented mess away and found electronic equipment connected to a hydrogen engine and five organics.

They were the missing engineers. All of them were ragged in appearance and to the brink of exhaustion, but very much alive. They huddled together as the giant robots approached. However, one of them had a look of surprise when the large golden robot advanced. He thought he could hear a muffled voice from within it, one he recognized. The robot knelt down and opened its chest to reveal a boy reaching out to the man. "Dad!"

"Kota," the man spoke weakly, and reached inside to hug the youth. He cried tears of joy as he proceeded to say, "You're alive!"

"You must be Dr. Shimizu," said Beachcomber, who stayed back with the thylacines.

"I am," answered the man, whose disposition changed to one of relief. "You are the Autobots? Where is Dyani?"

Tracks knelt down and opened his chassis. The girl jumped out. "Right here, Mr. Shimizu."

Dr. Shimizu scanned around the room at the strange assortment of organic and robotic life. He would have found the whole thing comical if he hadn't realized Kota was injured.

"I'll be okay," whispered Kota. "Did they hurt you?"

"No, but they've worked us to the bone developing what you see here. We haven't slept in days."

Sunstreaker snorted. "If it creates potential endless supplies of energy…of course they would…hmm?" He paused.

"Autobots, this is Optimus Prime!" an urgent voice radioed through to the five. "Evacuate at once! The Decepticons have retreated back into the building. Megatron knows where you are!"

"Shit! That's all we need!" Sunstreaker growled. "Prime, we're about to make a break for it! Transform and meet us if you can. We got the engineers and all those animals in tow!"

"I'm on my way!" Prime acknowledged before cutting out.

Sideswipe sprang into action and started pummeling through the outer wall to make their exit.

Tracks shivered. He could pick up that Megatron would be there any minute. "The engineers are too weak to run. You and Sideswipe need to carry them out. Beachcomber, you make an exit first and lead the thylacines to Prime. There should be enough room for all of them inside his trailer! Where the devil did Dyani go?" He started to panic. She couldn't have run out the exit or else Sideswipe would have seen her. There was one other possibility, and it was one that was both more likely and worried him the most.

Kota started crying. "Dammit, Dyani! What in the hell were you thinking?"

"I'm going after her!" said Tracks, blaster in hand. "She's my responsibility! Sunstreaker, it's up to you!" He ran back towards the direction of the corridor.

Sunstreaker nodded, although he wasn't sure he liked where this was going. He closed up his own chassis. "Kota will be safe inside here, Dr. Shimizu. Hold onto me if you can. I'll take three of you. Bro, grab the other two and Patel! We ain't forgetting about him!"

The thylacines, led by Benni, followed behind Beachcomber, who was now a dune buggy. The marsupials could not bound as fast as their distant kangaroo cousins, but they pushed themselves to their limits to follow the strange, yet gentle-spirited creature to get as far away from the approaching danger. The Lambros ran behind them, carrying the humans. None of them looked back, but hoped Tracks would be following close behind with Dyani.

Winding around through the corridors, Tracks searched for the missing girl, calling out her name. His heat sensors located organic life dangerously close to the Decepticons. He spotted her running as if trying to lead Megatron, who was accompanied by Soundwave, and Starscream, away from the lab. The Decepticon leader was no fool. He was preparing to seize the female flesh creature when a sudden burst of blinding blackness caused his aim to miss. He was so preoccupied that he didn't notice the remaining autobot. Tracks scooped up Dyani, fired his twin cannons towards the Decepticons, and took off running as fast as he could. The corridor was too narrow for him to transform.

"Tracks!" shrieked Dyani. Everything had happened so suddenly. She was a confused mess, but also relieved to see him.

The corvette tightened his grip around her. "We'll talk about it later!" he replied.

Tracks dashed back into the laboratory and headed towards the escape Sideswipe had made. He set his blaster maximum power, and he raised it, aiming in the direction of the stolen engine. Tracks fired once, and turned to run. A terrible thunderclap erupted from the building as flames and debris shot up upward and outward, spewing down around the surrounding area. The corvette was blown forward to the ground as much of the debris rained down upon his body, He pulled himself into a tight ball and used his energy field to shield Dyani. Everything went dark.

The Autobots felt the earth shake beneath them as they witnessed the explosion. They had just finished loading the thylacines in Prime's trailer when it happened. Anxiety shook the leader to his core when it became apparent Tracks and Dyani were nowhere to be seen. He had a sense of foreboding. He disconnected himself from his trailer, instead of returning to its dimensional storage pocket. He called for Ratchet, Wheeljack, Ironhide and Hoist to follow him. Sparkplug also insisted on coming along and riding inside of Prime.

They sped off with great haste towards the burning ruins of what was once the secret facility and witnessed Astrotrain being boarded by the few Decepticons left standing. At least three were badly damaged and rushed aboard. One of them they identified as Megatron. They paid no attention to the Autobots and launched off, presumably back to the Nemesis, their own headquarters.

Prime scanned the debris and located the heat signature of something organic. He was certain it was Dyani and she was alive. He could also sense Tracks. The corvette's spark was intact, but his life signs were very weak.

From underneath Tracks, Dyani crawled out through a small pocket. She was unharmed, save for some minor bruising. She stood up and looked in shock to find the Tracks buried under debris with only his face exposed. His optics were closed and he seemed lifeless. The girl screamed with horror and ran over to the corvette, trying to shake him awake.

"Tracks!" she yelled, "Nooooooooooo! Wake up! You idiot, wake up! Please…wake up! Don't leave me here like this!" She was hysterical and buried her face against his. "I love you…"

"Dyani," a gentle baritone voice whispered, as Oprimus lifted her up away from Tracks. "He's still alive, but he's in critical condition. We're going to do everything we can to save him." He turned the girl over to Sparkplug, who allowed her to cry against him. The man carried her some yards away to allow Prime and the others got to work at freeing the corvette.

They worked like bees clearing away the debris until Tracks was free. Most of his chassis and his limbs were smashed and twisted, but he was alive. Although he didn't get a good look at Megatron, Prime was certain Tracks fared slightly better than the Decepticons. Ratchet was already transformed and ready for the wounded autobot to be loaded up. Wheeljack jumped out with a stretcher. He and Ironhide took care placing Tracks onto it and set him inside Ratchet. Wheeljack got in behind to assist with emergency care as the ambulance sped off at top speed.

Dyani tried to jump out of Sparkplug's arms to be with Tracks, but he firmly held her in his grasp. "Honey, you can't." he comforted.

"It's all my fault!" she shouted. "What if he dies because of me?"

Optimus Prime felt sympathy for the girl. He transformed and drove her and Sparkplug back to collect his trailer. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe volunteered to take the Shimizus and engineers to the hospital. Jazz and Prowl offered to assist and the latter would also serve as a police escort. Thayer and Patel were bound in energon cuffs and would be turned over to the F.B.I. One was more willing to comply than the other, but both would have to face whatever justice had in store for them.

Dyani asked to see Kota before they left. She hugged her friend and apologized profusely. Kota was less furious this time and more relieved she was okay. Dyani broke down and cried against him.

"They'll help Tracks," whispered Kota.

"It's my fault. If anything happens to him…I.."

The young man studied his friend's face carefully. "Dyani, do you…love him?"

She nodded shyly.

"Awww…that's so adorable," said Kota.

Dyani wiped her eyes. "But he's a robot…"

Kota became serious. "And a living being who can feel like us. Love is love."

"Bro, I hate to butt in, but we've got to get going," said Substreaker. "You've needed medical attention like forever ago and we're going to be traveling fast. Dyani, are you coming with us?"

She looked unsure, but Kota came to her rescue. "It's okay. Stay with him until you know for sure if he's okay. Just don't forget to come see me later. Deal?"

Dyani cracked a slight smile. "Deal."

The remaining autobots arrived at the Ark a few hours later. The headquarters had taken some damage, but those who stayed behind had already begun making repairs. Teletraan 1 was still online and already contacted the proper authorities to meet with the autobots concerning the guilty parties and what to do about the thylacines. For now they would remain in the care of Beachcomber and Perceptor. Hound agreed to assist with their personal needs and Grapple stepped up to make temporary shelters for the fifty animals since Wheeljack was busy attending to Tracks.

Poor Dyani was a wreck. Fortunately, the human quarters were spared of damage, and she was able to shower. However, she refused any food and drink, and spent her time lying on one of the beds, hugging a pillow. Spike and Carly wanted to console the girl, but Sparkplug suggested they give her some space for a while.

Some time later, Ratchet emerged from the infirmary to update Prime and the others about his patient's condition. His expression was grim, but he spoke calmly, "He's in very bad shape. I had to put him in the CR Chamber, but it'll take at least several weeks-depending on how fast he heals. My biggest concern is we might not have enough energon to sustain it for such a lengthy recovery unless we don't run at full capacity. It might leave us vulnerable."

"I refuse to give up on Tracks," stated Prime. "Even if we have to make sacrifices!" He turned to Teletraan 1. "Connect me to Sunstreaker. I want to check in with him."

The computer obeyed and connected them to OHSU Hospital in Portland. Sunstreaker was seated in a room next to Kota's bedside. The boy seemed happy to see Prime on a holographic screen being emitted by the lamborghini.

"Not much to report really," said Sunstreaker. "They're keeping Kota and the engineers for a few days. My little bro's got a mild sprain and a bump, but he'll be good as new in about a month."

Kota waved to Prime. "How's Dyani? What about Tracks?" He now looked concerned.

"Dyani is fine, but Tracks is gravely injured. He's in suspended animation while his body repairs. We have a special chamber, but we use it sparingly because of the amount of energy required to operate it."

"Prime, but what if you aren't able to run it for long?" asked Kota, with growing anxiety. "We can't let Tracks die! Let me talk to my dad. The President of Kagayaku Motors came by. He wanted to talk to you anyway. Maybe they can help?"

The autobot leader considered this. A partnership with a human entity with renewable resources sounded enticing, but only if both parties benefited equally. They were not like the Decepticons, who took without regard. "You should rest, my friend, but if you can put me in touch with Kagayaku Motors, then perhaps we can work something out."

Sunstreaker folded his arms and said, "Prime, if you're cool with it, I'd like to stay a little while longer. The others are on their way back."

"You have my permission," Prime answered.

Mr. Goro Tamaki, CEO of Kagayaku Motors' San Fransisco did not waste time in contacting the Autobots. He bowed respectively and first expressed his gratitude for the safe return of the five engineers. He also apologized for everything that had happened in regards to recent events. Optimus Prime apologized himself for the loss of the stolen engine. Mr. Tamaki said it couldn't be helped and assured that it wasn't the only engine or technology they possessed. As it turned out, the presence of the Autobots at the World Expo had prevented the Decepticons from acquiring more of it. Upon hearing about one of autobots being seriously injured during the rescue and their energy crisis, Mr. Tamaki insisted on providing them with more than enough hydrogen energy to sustain their needs in return for his engineers having access to Cybertronian technology and working alongside the autobots to furthering renewable energy to combat climate change. He also expressed sincerest hopes that the autobots would consider the idea of having a permanent presence on Earth. Prime, in response, said he would be happy to agree to these terms, but only if there was full transparency on both sides and that they also included their human allies, the Witwickys.

The rest of the evening was a busy one for the autobots. The FBI, along with the newly released Lillian Smith came to detain Thayer and Patel. Optimus Prime talked at great length over everything that had transpired over the past several days. They were shown the lab where the thylacines were being held. Mrs. Smith noticed one wearing a special collar. It was Benni. She saw the humans and approached.

"Freedom…is right…of all sentient beings!" she said.

The humans gasped with astonishment. They looked at the robots with confusion.

"This collar works as a translator," explained Beachcomber. "What you would normally understand as grunts and growls are being heard as speech."

Benni looked at the humans. "Thylacine want…to…go home. Thylacine home."

"What does that mean?" asked one of the humans.

Ms. Smith knelt down to the animal's level. "I think she means they want to return to their home."

"Yes…home…of thylacine. Never seen…but know." repeated Benni.

"We need to get a video of this!" said Ms. Smith, reaching for her phone.

Prime laughed. "There's no need for that. Teletraan 1 has already recorded it. We'll be happy to send you a copy. But the question is, what is to be done with all of them? They don't belong to us and are still legally the property of the Thayer Institute."

The humans agreed that this was a precarious situation. They asked if the autobots were up for it, to have them keep the animals at least until they held an emergency meeting tonight between the United States, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Food and supplies would be sent from the Oregon Zoo. While they had gotten used to having one thylacine around, only Beachcomber seemed happy about the prospects of cleaning up the many messes that were to be expected.

Things were falling into place, but there was one last thing that needed to be done. Dyani needed to be reunited with her parents. Mr. Tamaki said he would contact the Swiftwater's personally. Prime was expecting their call. When it came, there was a man and woman on the screen. The man was taller and seemed to be of mixed heritage. He introduced himself as Terry Swiftwater. His wife introduced herself as Tika. Many of her features were also seen in Dyani. They were overjoyed to find out their daughter was alive and safe. They thanked the Autobots for everything and asked them to inform their daughter that they would be arriving in the morning with Kagayaku Motors to get her.

Dyani woke up from an uneasy sleep to find Prime kneeling down beside her. She hugged the giant autobot and started crying. He embraced and gently lifted her up. "Don't cry," he soothed. "Tracks is going to make it."

"Can I see him?" she asked.

"Of course," he answered, and carried her to the infirmary. They walked through the familiar room with equipment and platform beds to a more isolated room with a large metal tank. It was all covered with metal, except for a small window at the top. It was connected to a series of wires and machinery. Dyani could see Tracks enveloped in clear liquid. He was unconscious and appeared unaware of anything around himself.

"Is he in a coma?" asked Dyani as she tried fighting back tears.

"No," said Prime while setting her down. "He's in suspended hibernation so his body's system can focus on repairing itself. Although his body is badly damaged, the prognosis is good. It'll just take time."

Dyani cried against the tank. "It's all my fault," she whispered.

Optimus placed his hand across her shoulders. "Do not blame yourself. Megatron would have pursued all of you regardless. Tracks put others' interest above his own. There is a saying I heard that some famous human once said: A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."

"Joseph Campbell, I believe," remarked Dyani. She felt some comfort from those words.

Prime nodded, and said, "You parents will be arriving in the morning. I'm sure you will be happy to be reunited with them."

"More than you know," she said. Dyani had been so worried about them and whether or not they knew she was alive, but now there was a slight reluctance. She had become attached to the cybertronians and part of her wished she could stay with them, especially Tracks. Her feelings went beyond his beautiful alt-mode. She loved his snooty personality, and his kindness. She even loved the way he got so adorably flustered when something embarrassed him. Still, returning back to San Francisco seemed the right thing to do.

"It's a beautiful night. Would you like to join me in stargazing?" Prime offered.

"I'd like that," said Dyani. She always enjoyed watching the stars whenever she visited her grandmother on the reservation and imagined the view must be spectacular out here as well.

They went to Prime's thinking spot. The autobot leader sat down looking out into the valley. The night sky was jet black and decorated with thousands of silvery-white stars. There was no moon in the sky, which allowed the milky way to shine brilliantly before them. Dyani sat on Prime's shoulder, nibbling on a bit of a sandwich. Sparkplug had insisted she eat a little something.

Optimus felt at peace. He knew Megatron wasn't dead, but it would be some time before the Decepticons would be able to mobilize again. He was proud of his autobots, especially those who rescued the organics.

Dyani finished eating and looked at the stars. For some reason, they made her think about Tracks, or rather it made her imagine herself lying on his hood and gazing up at a starry sky on a night like this. It reminded herself of her feelings for him and caused her to break down.

"What's the matter, Dyani?" Prime asked gently. His head was turned towards her, and his optics glowed faintly in the darkness.

The girl blushed as she turned towards him with teary eyes. "I'm in love with Tracks," she admitted openly to him.

"Love is such a powerful force," said Prime. "I too love someone."

"You do?"

He nodded. "My love is fighting for freedom on Cybertron."

Dyani rested against her knees. "But I'm a human. Kota said love is love, but how do I even know Tracks loves me in return?"

"I cannot answer that, Dyani. Kota is right-love is love. It doesn't matter if one is a human or a cybertronian. Love is never easy even for members of the same species, but it is something worth fighting for. Perhaps you should tell Tracks how you feel when and if the time comes."

"Maybe," she pondered. "You will take care of him for me?"

"You have my word," promised Prime.

Dyani hugged his massive head. "Thank you, Optimus Prime," she said. "I'm going to miss you and the Autobots."

Prime leaned in. "I shall miss you as well. You and Kota have been good friends."