DISCLAIMER: Sadly Hasbro etc still haven't given ownership of the transformers trademark so for everyone who cares I don't own them, except many toys, comics, videos, DVD's etc. However I do own Night-stalker and Dive-bomber. Anyone can use them, but I would like to be asked 1st as I've grown rather attached to them.
Immediately multiple giant robots leapt from the shuttle. As Cheetor watched many of the Decepticons transformed into large jet powered aircraft and immediately began diving assaults on the crowds of onlookers that had gathered to watch. The immense explosions as missile after missile impacted on the ground almost shook Cheetor off his feet. Still he could see more large figures leaping from the craft, and as he turned to run he counted at least fifteen Decepticons in the air firing into the crowds and yet still more were piling out. As Cheetor ran he looked over his shoulder. A large purple robot transformed in midair into a large gun and as it did so it seemed to float slowly towards the ground. Then a bright painful flash of light as it fired seared the air and struck the Maximal before him, the guide who had screamed at them all to run, vaporised into a steaming pile of molten metal.
The screams filled the air. Those small, insignificant, puny beings that they were supposed to have 'evolved' into now ran for cover. The Autobots legacy clearly lived on. They didn't even attempt to fight back they just ran. And so they will die, it was inevitable. Shockwave transformed back into robot mode. Before him he could see Ramjet, Thrust, Dirge and Blitzwing in jet mode strafing those on the ground below. Behind him he heard Astrotrain transform into robot mode. His shuttle mode helped carry them here from the suspension ship much easier than if they had flown here individually or tried to get it closer to Cybertron. Below him he could see his warriors embroiled in the slaughter of their new enemies with, it seemed, even more zeal than they had done when fighting the Autobots. Blitzwing had now transformed into tank mode and had joined Brawl, Swindle, Onslaught and Soundwave on the ground near what looked like the old mass transit system exit. He could also see explosions near the city. It looked as if these…Maximals? had some metal after all. They were using some form of city defence to attempt to knock the jets out of the sky. He surveyed the battlefield to see which of his troops were nearest. "Stunticons, Constructicons unite and destroy the city," ordered Shockwave.
Cheetor was running as quickly as he could away from the city. He knew that that would be the Decepticons first target. He looked back to try and see the city in the background but as he did so he stopped not believing his eyes. Before him he could see Decepticons joining together, these giant beings that towered over him, were now forming two of the largest robots he had ever seen. They both measured roughly half the height of the city central dome. Then as the green one lunged towards some of the taller buildings he heard a booming voice say "Prepare for extermination".
Shockwave would have smiled, if he could. His single optic watched as first Devastator then Menasor smashed through the city buildings one by one. The guns had been silenced very quickly as the onslaught had continued. The thought then occurred to Shockwave that the buildings would continue underground, as had almost all Cybertronian cities he remembered. "Soundwave" commanded Shockwave. "Destroy the city foundations".
"As you command" replied Soundwave in his deep, tinny monotone. "Rumble, Frenzy eject. Operation devastation". He pressed a small button on his shoulder and his chest panel flipped open. Immediately two cassettes flew out and transformed into two smaller robots, who themselves were taller than the average Maximal. They flew towards the city and landed near the dome.
"First they crack the shell," said Rumble, motioning towards Devastator.
"Then we crack the nuts inside" answered Frenzy as they both transformed their arms into large pile drivers and started to smash down on the planets surface.
As Cheetor watched he saw two small Decepticon warriors fly into the city. A few cycles later he watched on in horror as the dome, the centrepiece of the third district collapsed. All he could do was run.
A large view-screen glowed, providing almost all the light in the room. On it he could see the battle, or slaughter of his…colleagues. He pointed towards a section of the screen away from the main battle. "Zoom in there" He commanded with his cool, calm voice. The viewer zoomed in close enough to see individual Maximals and Predacons running for their lives. "Bring me him, unharmed"
"Yes sir" came the reply. So, he thought. Maybe you will be more receptive to what I have to say from now on. The viewer continued to track Cheetor through the crowds.
The Maximals and Predacons continued to run. Shockwave watched as the Stunticons disengaged from each other, transformed into vehicular modes and started chasing and shooting Maximals as they fled from the buildings. He watched as Blitzwing transformed back into his aircraft mode flew into the air and then dived into the middle of a large group of Maximals, transformed back into robot mode and began to slash at them with his sword. Pieces of Maximal flew everywhere as they attempted in vain to escape. Good, he thought. The area would be cleared soon and then the second part of his plan could come into operation. Soon Cybertron would be theirs again.
As Cheetor ran he could hear the explosions behind him. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. He spun round to see who had grabbed him. Before him he saw a medium-sized Predacon rather stocky in appearance. "Would you come with me please," he said politely to Cheetor, though it still sounded more like an order than a request.
"You have got to be kidding" Replied Cheetor.
"Sorry, but no. This way please" Answered the Predacon and ushered him through the crowds. Cheetor couldn't believe what he was hearing but felt he had very little choice, especially as the vice like grip of this Predacon seemed to increasing around his shoulder. Reluctantly Cheetor followed him.
He led Cheetor through the crowds. "Stand here one moment please" He said. Cheetor turned to shout at him that there was no way that he was standing still whilst the slaughter that was going on behind them continued but he was suddenly sucked upwards. He looked up and suddenly he was inside what seemed to be a large craft that was floating above the surface of the planet. I didn't see this, but how could I have missed it, thought Cheetor. Before he could ask anyone he was ushered into a lift by the Predacon. A computerised voice came over the intercom "What level" it asked.
"Control room" replied the Predacon. Immediately the lift began moving upwards. It moved so quickly Cheetor was sure he could feel the change in pressure as they rose. Suddenly it stopped and the doors opened to reveal a darkened room. Almost all the light was provided by what looked to be a giant view screen at the far end of the room. Around the edge there were a number of smaller consoles with Predacons working at them. In the centre of the room there looked to be a large command chair. He could see two arms on the armrests. He then heard a voice that he recognised emanate from the centre of the room. "Please, Cheetor, come in" said a characteristically smooth voice. As Cheetor looked on the chair in the centre of the room rotated and there seated in front of him was Night-stalker. "So pleased you made it at last," He said. "I do hope that Dive-Bomber here wasn't to hard on you. Good worker but a little to eager sometimes".
"What…Where?" Cheetor began but was stopped by Night-stalker raising his hand. "All will be explained in time. For now though I thought you might like to watch this." He motioned towards the viewer. "Your friends have just sent in the cavalry". On the viewer Cheetor could see multiple Maximals approaching the area of battle, each one armed to the teeth. "Now we shall see how good Maximal weapons and soldiers are against my ancient ancestors".
Shockwave surveyed the battlefield. Everything was going perfectly as he had planned it. Suddenly Soundwave turned towards him. "Shockwave, Maximal forces approaching from the South". Shockwave turned his attention to the area his single optic automatically zooming in to where Soundwave had motioned. He saw roughly two hundred Maximals approaching, each one fully armed. So, he mused, there is still some strength left. "Combaticons, Stunticons, Constructicons disengage and deal with them" he ordered. Immediately they all disengaged from the slaughter and moved to intercept the Maximal troops.
On the viewer Cheetor and Night-stalker watched as the Maximal troops surged forwards. They saw many Decepticons leave their positions and move in to attack the incoming forces. As the Decepticons moved into the Maximals weapons range they opened fire. Immediately two of the Decepticons, one another shuttle and one a rotor-powered aircraft fell out of the sky crashing down onto the ground below. Cheetor whooped but his outburst was cut short however as it could be clearly seen that they had not been badly damaged as they transformed into their robot modes and began returning fire. Five ground vehicles moving at high speed then crashed through the Maximal frontline sending many flying into the air. "Is their any sound to this?" Asked Cheetor anxiously. Night-stalker merely motioned to one of his subordinates and the room was filled with the sound of explosions and shouts. Though the fast moving ground vehicles seemed to be able to move in and out of the Maximal lines at leisure the Maximals had been able to pin down five Decepticons, who were desperately attempting to reach another group of six who were starting to make a small front down one side of the Maximal forces. Cheetor could see that the smaller group of Decepticons were talking between themselves as they fought. "Can we hear what they're saying?" He asked. Again Night-stalker motioned and the volume was increased. The noise was deafening but Cheetor thought he could just make out what they were saying.
"We're out numbered," Said the one who had formally been the shuttle.
"Well then lets improve the odds," Said the taller one. "Combaticons transform into Bruticus". Immediately the five of them transformed into another larger robot. Cheetor cursed under his breath. They heard a loud booming voice emanate from the large gestalt. "Bruticus angry. Bruticus outnumbered but Bruticus will win!" The sheer firepower as he opened fire blew many of the Maximals near him to atoms. A small group attempted an encircling manoeuvre around him but he crushed most of them with his foot before blowing the others to pieces. It was then he heard the cry go up "Retreat" Ordered the Maximal commanders. The Maximal troops split into two groups in an attempt to make the withdrawal easier. Many immediately transformed as they tried to escape whilst others heroically stood their ground in an attempt to give their comrades time to escape.
He watched the Maximals retreat. This was something he had been waiting for for a long time. A thought occurred to him, if they could find out exactly where the Maximal and Predacon bases were. He ran over to Shockwave. "Shockwave"
"What is it" Answered Shockwave.
"We need those forces to escape. We can track them and find out where their bases are"
"Agreed" Replied Shockwave. He turned to Soundwave. "Order Laserbeak and Buzzsaw to track each group"
"Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, eject. Operation reconnaissance" Soundwave's chest panel flicked open and two cassettes ejected. They transformed in mid-air into large metallic condors', one red and one gold, and flew in the direction of the retreating Maximals.
"It seems to be over" Said Night-stalker, to nobody in particular. He turned to one of his subordinates who stood at a console in front of the main view-screen. "Get us out of here" he commanded.
"Aye sir" came the reply.
"That's it?" Blurted out Cheetor. "You're not going to do anything?"
"And what would you have me do?" Asked Night-stalker calmly. That voice annoyed Cheetor even more now than it had ever done. Had he just watched the same things occur that Cheetor had? He didn't show any emotion. "Well you could try and fight them, something. I don't know. Help them"
"You mean like you were" Answered Night-stalker. "You were so much help down their heroically running away from danger. Yes I think that is what I will do"
"Well I didn't have this ship, I'm sure its armed. Surely if you Predacons are so powerful surely you should be able to deal with them" Said Cheetor mockingly. Night-stalker suddenly turned on Cheetor. It surprised Cheetor how quickly Night-stalker was out of his seat and stood in front of him, he didn't even notice he had moved. "And risk the lives of my crew, I don't think so. I think I will withdraw and await orders, rather than that foolish effort that your leaders tried to put together. Did they really think they would win? It was a foolish waste of life and I am pleased that I had no part in it" The venom that Night-stalker spat the words at Cheetor with took him aback, he'd never even heard him raise his voice before. So you do have feelings then he thought. "You understand nothing," continued Night-stalker shaking his head sadly. "You believe what you are told by your superiors, your elders. Like a good little drone doing exactly as he is told" His voice changed to a very bad mimic of the head of the council. "'We are the oldest of the old. We are the wisest of the wise. We know what is best for Cybertron'. They know as little about this situation, any situation than you do"
"And I suppose you knew all about this before it even happened didn't you?" Replied Cheetor sarcastically. Night-stalkers eyes hardened on Cheetors face. "You did know…"
"Yes I did know, something"
"Then why didn't you say so? YOU could have saved hundreds of lives" Cheetor could hardly believe what he was hearing. Night-stalker had known about this and done nothing? He knew he had personality flaws but not even he imagined this.
"Of course I didn't do nothing" Retorted Night-stalker. "I attempted on many occasions to tell the council that something of this nature could happen in the near future but what did I get? 'What does a Predacon know that our security doesn't?' You Maximals and your beliefs in right and wrong, but there is only one major problem with your belief structure. You believe yourselves always to be right and everyone else is wrong. Well look what it's got you? And now that you're in dire peril you tell me that I should use this ship and do something. Well fine, we are going to do something but we need help and this, my dear Cheetor, this is where you come in" Night-stalkers voice had changed from being harsh and accusing to his more traditional calm and conspiratorial tone. A true career politician, thought Cheetor. "I want you to recommend to the council, or at least what's left of it, to bring Cybertronian security forces under Predacon control" Cheetor could hardly believe what he was hearing.
"Let me get this right. You want me to walk up to the Maximal council and give a recommendation that they let you take control of all security forces on the planet? You must be joking"
"This is no joke" Replied Night-stalker. "We have forces but they are not strong enough to deal with this threat alone, especially as we have no idea exactly what it is that the Decepticons are after"
"Well surely they're after this planet, their home?" Cheetor thought this was obvious, even to Night-stalker.
"Yes, of course they want the planet back. The question, though, is why begin the assault where they did. Why not a better target, something more strategic?"
"They attacked there because it was a high profile target. What better way to spread fear?"
"True, but for the Decepticons surely the most high profile target for them would be Iacon, this was the base of the Autobots you know. Didn't you do history?" The mocking tone had again returned to Night-stalkers voice. He has to bring Iacon into it somehow doesn't he though Cheetor. Night-stalker continued. "Or they would have tried to land nearer the site of their former base. No there is a reason they landed where they did but I just don't know what it is yet. Anyway, are you going to help me or not?"
"Ok, but only to get the Decepticons off Cybertron. I still don't like you"
"Good" Replied Night-stalker quite cheerily. "I would feel uncomfortable if it were any other way"
Shockwave stood before his warriors. The Constructicons were already busily demolishing the last of the city buildings and moving the rubble away from the site. Before him he could see Soundwave, Reflector and the Combaticons scanning the ground. The entrance should be around here somewhere. Ahead of him he saw Ramjet flying low over the surface of the planet. As he approached he transformed back into robot mode and landed in front of Shockwave. "Report" Commanded Shockwave.
"All Maximal and Predacons in the area have either been routed or destroyed" He paused as if thinking then continued. "This organic stuff is all over the place. Since when did Cybertron have organic life? Its like being back on that terrain rock-pile of a planet again".
"Agreed" Answered Shockwave. "It would appear that much has happened during our absence but soon we will rectify this small anomaly" The problem was Shockwave was unsure of how to deal with it. He had calculated a 99.9% chance that things would have changed drastically during their time away from Cybertron, however this had never been in any of his calculations. However, this was not the time to be worrying about such things. All that mattered now was finding the entrance corridor then they would be able to instigate phase two of the operation. He heard a bleep in the direction of Soundwave. He turned. "Soundwave, have you anything to report?"
"I believe that I have found the entrance we have been searching for. However it appears to be covered in a thick concentration of organic material," replied Soundwave.
"Well lets just blow our way through," shouted Brawl as he transformed into Tank mode. Soundwave jumped out of the way, anticipating the blast that emanated from Brawls turret. The explosion hit the organic matter and blew it to pieces, however before any of them could move towards the entrance it was again sealed by an organic cover. Interesting, thought Shockwave. Again Brawl fired and again the same thing happened. Shockwave turned to Soundwave. "Soundwave analyse the organic material" Soundwave scanned it. "It would appear to be made up of standard organic matter found on all organic infested planets. However, there would seem to be some form of fast growing property which is feeding off the energon within our weapons" Soundwave turned to Shockwave. "It would also appear to have a metallic neural signature"
"Supposition?" Asked Shockwave.
"I would surmise that some outside influence is effecting the organism"
"But who would use this sort of weapon?" asked Frenzy.
"Unknown" replied Shockwave.
"Well if standard weapons are of no use lets just try brute force," added Motormaster transforming into his vehicle mode. He rammed through the organic cover splitting it into to pieces, however before he was able to leave it reformed in a much thicker consistency. Inside they heard Motormaster transform back into his robotic mode. Soon afterwards they saw a silver blade come slicing through the organic cover. This time, however, rather than the plant merely splitting and reforming a dark green goo began to seep from the end of the organism. It was also noted that it didn't re-grow. Shockwave turned to Soundwave. "Take a sample from the organism for study, it may become useful later" He then turned towards Astrotrain, Blitzwing and the three waiting 'cone heads'. "Return to the ship and transport the prisoners down here, phase two of the operation can begin"
Night-stalker stalked towards the corridor towards the communications centre. He had sent Cheetor into some quarters to allow him to recharge. Now he had to report to his superiors. He entered a well-lit circular room. In its centre there was a large white glowing disc, slightly raised from the floor. Night-stalker stepped onto it and a small control panel raised from the floor just in front of him. He tapped in the code to allow for secure communication to his leaders. After a few nano-klics the lights went dark and a large holographic image appeared above and ahead of him. He looked up as a voice said, "Report"
"As we expected, the Maximals made an attempt attacking the Decepticon forces. As was predicted they lost. I am now heading towards the Maximal emergency council chambers in order to attempt to gain us command over their forces"
"Have you gained the support of the young Maximal?"
"To a limited extent, though he says that he will recommend we are given control of the security forces. I would request that we keep an eye on him, he may try and get his friends to assist him in gaining information"
"Do not concern yourself with that, we have already moved an operative into a position to block contact with his peers"
"Very well. Do we have any information on what the Decepticons are up to?"
"Information is very limited. We will send through all we have to you. This communication ends"
The lights came up and Night-stalker inserted a small memory disc into the console in front of him. A small readout flashed up 'downloading'. After a few nano-klics it ejected the disc into his hand. As he turned to walk out the room he inserted the disc into a small device on his chest. He began receiving the information directly into his memory core. He stopped walking as he left the room. Slag, he thought and then continued to the control centre.
He left Astrotrain followed by Blitzwing and the 'cone heads'. Shockwave decided to put him in command of this small, yet highly important, mission. Of course he did, he thought. Shockwave could be annoying but putting him in charge was logical considering Soundwave was remaining on the planet awaiting the return of Laserbeak and Buzzsaw. They walked through the corridors on the ship towards the stasis chambers containing the prisoners. The large doorway ahead of them opened and before them were the stasis chambers that had contained them for their four hundred year sleep. 18…19…ah 20. He stopped. Turning to the others he said, "We will reduce power to the stasis booths slowly and individually. Thrust, you will place the energon bonds on them and also remember to remove HIS power core for his canon". As he spoke about Him he pointed towards booth 20. "Is everyone ready?" Everybody nodded. "Good, Blitzwing reduce power to the booth and open the hatch". Blitzwing set the controls. Around them they heard the power shut down from the booth. The hatch opened and Thrust moved forward to place the bonds on him. However, before he was close enough to do anything they saw within the dark booth two bright red eyes suddenly flicker on. Slag, he thought. Galvatron was awake.
