Disclaimer: Transformers and all related merchandising and logos are the property of Hasbro, Takara, et al. I own nothing except the few characters that I made up (Night-stalker etc) and so, sadly, make no money from writing this.

This chapter was written at the same time as writing my Dissertation for uni, so if there are any problems, that's probably why, and also answers why it took me so long to update!

Questions, queries, comments please feel free to e-mail me. Otherwise, read and review!

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            Shockwave, again, reduced the power to his weapon. He had reduced his weapon power by seventy-five percent and, although was still powerful enough to destroy his enemies, he was now unable to transform into his space gun mode and attack the large transport craft that continued to unload Maximal and Predacon forces, which in turn meant that even more Maximals and Predacons were moving into the area unhindered. Around him he had seen Thrust and Ramjet forced to transform back into their robot modes and land, as they were unable to provide enough power to their engines. Blitzwing was limiting himself to his tank mode as it required only limited power and still allowed him three hundred and sixty degree targeting. Soundwave had reduced power to his weapons as had Rumble, Frenzy and Ravage, though they were not struggling in the same way due to their smaller size and comparatively low energy requirements. The Constructicons were unable to form Devastator due to the amount of power it required to maintain the magnetic connections. Ahead of him he had just witnessed Bruticus come apart as the Combaticons lost the ability to maintain cohesion and had been forced to withdraw. He looked to his left and witnessed Spectro blinding the Maximals attacking him whilst Spyglass and Viewfinder fired at the them, the three bots that formed the single mind of Reflector appeared to be one of the few who still had power enough to maintain a distinct advantage over the attacking Maximals and Predacons. Soundwave had also lost all contact with the Stunticons so they now had no information on whether they were still functioning, though the odds of their destruction was less than zero point zero five percent. They were also unable to gain contact with Astrotrain until he reached within Cybertron's lower atmosphere as, again, they didn't have the power. Their only air cover was now being provided by Dirge, Buzzsaw, Laserbeak and Ratbat, and Dirge especially was having power problems. Was it possible, Shockwave thought, that he had underestimated the resistance that the Predacons and Maximals would put up against them and that there was a possibility of them losing to their descendants?

            "Face it, we're doomed" stated Deadend. The Stunticons were all in their robot modes, except Breakdown who was currently stuck in his automotive mode due to lack of power, and were facing off against a growing number of Maximals and Predacons who were steadily beginning to encircle them. They were currently in the ruins of the city that had stood here before their return to Cybertron and so were using the remains of what was probably once a very large, very important building in order to provide them with limited cover. They had also lost all contact with any of the other Decepticons and were unsure whether it was because of lack of power or whether their radio frequencies had been jammed, it seemed unlikely that they had been destroyed but then who just a few short breems ago would have thought that they would have been in the position that they were now currently in.

"Don't be such a pessimist" shouted Wildrider. "These nanites don't know what's hit 'em" he closed this off by firing a few rounds into the encircling throng.

"Yeah, its not as if their weapons can harm us anyway" added Dragstrip.

"And when we run out of power? They won't need weapons, just a cutting tool," replied Deadend sombrely.

"Shut up whining 'n just shoot 'em," commanded Motormaster. "We weren't beaten by the Autobots and I'll be slagged if I'm beaten by those critters" Deadend merely nodded solemnly and continued to fire at the closing Maximals. Above them two optics watched the battle briefly, then turned back to make his report.

            "Ratbat returns Shockwave" Soundwave's monotone echoed over the sound of laser fire.

"What is his report?" questioned Shockwave.

"He has found the Stunticons. They are currently surrounded approximately half a mega mile North East of our current position in the ruins of the Maximal city"

"Order Dirge to bombard the Predacon and Maximal forces in that area and send Ratbat to order the Stunticons to return here"

"As you command Shockwave"

            "Bombard? He must be joking. I've barely enough power to shoot these flying scrap piles let alone bombard those on the ground," complained Dirge. Buzzsaw and Laserbeak flanked the larger Decepticon jet as they flew in the direction of the Stunticons.

"Do you wanna tell Shockwave or should I?" asked Buzzsaw barely able to contain a chuckle. He and Laserbeak weren't having the power problems that the others were having due to their smaller size and energy requirements. Dirge just muttered something incomprehensible and continued avoiding laser fire from aerial Maximals and Predacons, though their weapons couldn't do him any direct harm if they hit his engines he could be in trouble.

"Targets sighted. Fifteen degrees below" squawked Laserbeak.

"Well, here goes nothing," moaned Dirge as he pitched into a dive, followed by the two cassettes. As they approached the Stunticons they opened fire on the surrounding Maximals, who attempted to dive out of the way. As they flew past Buzzsaw dove down low and grabbed one of the Maximals by his shoulders and hoisted him into the air. Laserbeak looked at the gold and black Condor with a puzzled look. Buzzsaw just laughed. "Who need weapons when we can just shatter them?" He shot upwards, spun in midair into a dive and released his captive just before pulling out of his dive a few feet above the ground. A muffled scream was heard as the Maximals' chassis contorted upon impact as Buzzsaw flew away cackling.

            "Ouch, that's gotta hurt" Dragstrip said turning to Wildrider.

"Yep, it's got to be said Buzzsaw definitely knows about finesse," replied Wildrider, a grin on his face. "Lets see if we can't send any more to join him on the scrap pile, eh?"

"It's more likely to be us joining him," answered Deadend.

"If you don't shut up I'll make sure you join 'em" shouted Motormaster.

"Please do, at least then I wouldn't have to put up with your annoying vocals in my audio receptors," challenged Deadend. Motormaster turned, his sword ready for a final swipe when Ratbat interrupted him.

"Shockwave orders you to return to the tunnel entrance" Motormaster glared at Deadend, then Ratbat. After a short pause he commanded,

"Stunticons transform"

"How?" asked Deadend. "The whole point of us still being here is because we don't have any power"

"Then how else are we meant to get back to Shockwave?" asked Wildrider.

"Ever thought of using those large metal things attached to your lower torso? It's quite interesting really. You place one in front of the other in a walking motion and you move" answered Ratbat sarcastically.

"That'll take ages," moaned Dragstrip.

"Well, you got any better ideas?" asked Deadend.

"Maybe" grinned Dragstrip.

            "Yee, haw" cried Wildrider, riding on Breakdowns roof. Ahead of him Motormaster was in his semi truck mode with a length of metal coil attached to his rear axle that was in turn connected to Breakdowns' front bumper. On top of his trailer rode Deadend and Dragstrip, who were firing at the Maximals and Predacons as they passed.

"This is so humiliating," complained Breakdown.

"Would you rather we had left you?" queried Wildrider. He was met with no response. Wildrider just smirked and continued to fire at the Maximals and Predacons.

            Night-stalker cursed under his breath. Behind him he could hear Stormchaser congratulating everyone on a mission that he thought almost complete. The Decepticons currently on the surface were being beaten back and Stormchaser was now acting as if it was his idea all along and that he hadn't at all been against Obsidian and Strika's plan. Typical politician. It didn't help that the battle itself was far from over as satellites had detected what looked to be Astrotrain on a direct course for Cybertron and he would be entering the atmosphere within a few cycles. Obsidian and Strika had, of course, been informed directly so that neither Stormchaser nor any of the Generals could interfere. Not only that but he had the problem of having a possible traitor loose on his ship and no one could find where he was. If it isn't one thing its another, thought Night-stalker sombrely. He was interrupted from his thoughts by some noises behind him. As he turned he saw Cheetor walking towards the lift at the back of the Command Centre. Night-stalker scowled.

"Where do you think you're going?" he questioned turning towards the taller Maximal. He wasn't happy about the thought of any of the Maximals walking around his ship, let alone Cheetor as he was sure that he would be able to get himself into some trouble, and more problems was something that he didn't need.

"He's returning to the quarters that you gave us earlier to recharge. As the battle seems almost over there didn't seem any point for him to still be here" answered Stormchaser before Cheetor could speak. Night-stalker turned his head to glare at the Maximal Elder, his optics glowing brightly.

"And who said that he could walk around on my ship without an escort?" snapped Night-stalker. Stormchaser's lips turned upwards into a smirk.

"I did. We're all on the same side here" Stormchaser answered, his arms swinging open in a gesture to encapsulate all in the room whilst at the same time never losing optic contact with the Predacon. Night-stalker's faceplate visibly relaxed and his customary smile slowly spread across his features, an evil glint in his optics.

"Very well" agreed Night-stalker turning to look at Cheetor. "You may recharge. However I would hate that you should get lost," before Cheetor could argue Night-stalker clicked his fingers and the aide who had previously escorted the Maximals stepped up behind Night-stalker. "Please would you take our guest to recharging bed 17" looking at Cheetor his smile grew into more of a sadistic smirk. "I believe that this will provide you with a better charge, as well as allowing you to rest as I believe that your technorganic components require 'sleep'?" Cheetor just turned towards the lift followed by the Predacon aide. As the lift doors slid closed Night-stalker turned back to the console behind him. Hopefully that should be one problem out of the way.

            Cheetor scowled. He didn't want nor need to recharge. He had hoped to be able to find a shuttle, or something, get off this ship and hopefully find his friends. What he didn't need now was to be chauffeured around by this Predacon guard. He looked at the Predacon standing next to him. He was completely ignoring Cheetor; an air of imposed self-superiority surrounded him. Cheetor slowly moved his hands behind his back and took hold of one of his swords. As the lift doors opened the Predacon began to move forward. Noticing that Cheetor wasn't following he turned and was about to tell the Maximal to move, but he was cut short as Cheetor brought the butt of his sword down on the back of the Predacons neck, sending a power surge through his data-core. The Predacon slumped to floor unconscious, the armour on the back of his neck cracked where Cheetor had hit it. Re-sheathing his sword he edged out of the lift pushing the Predacons unconscious form back inside the lift so as to allow the doors to close. He moved down the corridor attempting to find a computer terminal that would tell him where he was and how to find the shuttle bay, assuming of course that this ship had a shuttle bay. He paused as he heard voices coming from ahead. He looked about him and saw an unmarked door. The voices were continuing to move closer and Cheetor decided that his only chance was to go through the door, no matter where it led. He stepped up to it and with a hiss it opened. He ducked inside just as the approaching Predacons came round the corner, the door closing before they saw him. He looked around the room. It was small, with large banks of computers around the edge. What looked to be a large power core was in the centre of the room, and a soft thrumming sound echoed from it. He was about to move towards one of the consoles when he heard a low buzzing coming from what looked to be an air duct to his left. He moved as far into the furthest corner as he could, unsheathing a sword as he did so and waited, his optics transfixed on the duct.

            Waspinator was feeling depressed, not that that was anything unusual recently but still he was feeling more down than usual. He was onboard of a Predacon Intelligence Agency ship and had 'broken' out of the room that he had been ordered to stay in. Not only that but he had received orders directly from the head of Predacon Council that he was to find a way of damaging, or at least deactivating the cloaking device of the ship he was currently on. Sounded great, except that he had to find a way off this ship before he was going to do anything otherwise he knew that he would perish when the Decepticons attacked. He knew where the shuttle bay was, however his small size negated his ability to pilot the craft. He could attempt to open the shuttle bay doors and fly out himself, but if he was caught in the cross fire between the Maximal/Predacon forces and the Decepticons he would most likely be vaporised. Not something he wanted to happen. His small size, however, had allowed him to escape through the air ducts and so give him a chance of completing his mission, he had no doubt that the Agency agents had detected that he was no longer in the room they had left him in which probably meant that right now he was being hunted by almost the entire crew of this ship. Why universe hate Waspinator? He thought. He entered what should be the cloaking device control regulation chamber. He knew that because encased within the message that he had received from the Council was a schematic of the class of vessel he was currently in. He looked about the room. Computer banks lined the edges of the small chamber, and what he assumed was the cloaking devices power supply thrummed in the centre of the room, a deep blue light emanating from the centre cylindrical core. As he continued to survey the room he noticed a hand cover his entire body. Slag, he thought, caught.

            Cheetor opened his hand and to his surprise he was brought face to face with Waspinator, though his head had remained as the Vehicon Thrust even on his micro-sized technorganic body. The look of shock in Waspinator's optics almost made Cheetor laugh but instead he asked,

"What the slag are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here? Shouldn't I be azzking you that, cat-bot?" replied Waspinator, now hovering just in front of Cheetors optics.

"I asked first" Cheetor pushed, threateningly. He backed up the threat by brandishing his unsheathed sword. Waspinator was forced to think fast.

"Attempting to find a way off thiz ship," he answered quickly.

"And why would a Predacon be trying to escape from a Predacon ship I wonder?" Waspinator smiled.

"Why would a Maxzimal be on a Predacon ship?" Cheetor was, for a moment, dumbfounded. Waspinator had never been one for a quick reply all through the Beast Wars and now here he was holding his own in a war of words.

"Well what stops me from squatting you now like the bug you are?"

"'Cause I know a way off thiz ship," answered Waspinator triumphantly.

"And what makes you think I want off this ship?" Cheetor asked, rather concerned that Waspinator knew anything.

"'Cause otherwize you would zztill be in the command centre," answered Waspinator. He was very glad that he had checked who was on board the ship when he had first arrived. Many thought that he wasn't very bright, but whoever had trained the guard was just damn right idiotic, though seeing Cheetor in the cloaking device regulation chamber had been a surprise he hadn't expected

"Okay, fine. I want off this ship. And like you're gonna help me?"

"Of courzze" answered Waspinator. "Cause I need your help to fly the shuttle. Not big enough you zee" he highlighted this by opening his arms wide. Cheetor had to suppress a chuckle, but he quickly reminded himself who he was talking to. Again he had to suppress a chuckle.

"Okay. If you can get me off this ship then lead on" said Cheetor edging towards the door.

"Not yet cat-bot, have zzumthing to do firzt," said Waspinator moving towards one of the consoles at the far side of the room.

"What are you gonna do?" asked Cheetor suspiciously. Even though Waspinator had said he was going to help him he didn't trust the bug at all.

"Gonna make it zzo we can leave" lied the bug, accessing the computer core. He knew most of the security codes because not only was he a Predacon but he was also an Agency agent. "There, that should do it" he finished triumphantly, flying towards the door.

"Do what?" asked Cheetor. Waspinator hovered in front of Cheetors optics and grinned.

"Let uzz leave" he said, and flew towards the door. Cheetor followed slowly giving one last look at the computer that the bug had just been working on.

            Astrotrain could feel the increase in temperature of his outer plating as he began to enter Cybertron's outer atmosphere. No matter what the Predacons and Maximals had done to the planet, it was still home and Astrotrain enjoyed the feeling of returning. Inside his rear compartment he could feel his cargo shuffling around. At least I'll be rid of them soon enough. When Shockwave had planned this mission those many Vorns ago he should never have included them, he thought. But then, who back then thought that the Decepticons and Autobots would, to all intents and purposes, be an extinct species replaced by micro-sized pieces of scrap that were struggling to protect themselves from only a limited number of Decepticons. Astrotrain wondered how they would have reacted if they were put against the original Decepticon army before the Great War. It would have been a massacre, not that he was expecting anything less now.

"Astrotrain to Soundwave, come in Soundwave" he had entered the atmosphere and as arranged opened communications. Funny, he thought, no response just static. "Astrotrain to Soundwave answer, over" Again nothing but static. Something was wrong, but he wasn't sure what and he hated it. Ahead of him his sensors detected craft approaching at speed. He checked his scans, no Decepticon signatures detected. Slag, he thought. He activated the comm link into his main compartment. "Hold on to something guys, its about to get bumpy"

            "Maximal Wing Delta Omega reports that they have engaged the incoming Decepticon" Obsidian informed Strika.

"Incoming Decepticon?" asked Stormchaser, suddenly alarmed. "What incoming Decepticon?"

"The one that's about to be attacked" answered Night-stalker without turning away from his console. "Now do shut up, that's a good fellow" Stormchaser glared at Night-stalkers back, the Predacon not even giving him the satisfaction of allowing him to look him in the optics.

"Maximal Wing kappa Delta also in position and beginning attack run" continued Obsidian.

"The Decepticon is attempting to communicate with those on the ground," said one of the Predacons at the communications console.

"Is he receiving a response?" questioned Strika.

"Negative, no transmissions detected from those on the surface" answered the Predacon.

"Good" Strika replied. "Any information on production of Vehicon drones?" Another Predacon turned from his console.

"Drone production continuing. Approximately 2000 completed"

"Classification?"

"Ratio approximately 60:40 ground assault"

"Very well. Order drones to position Omega four and prepare for assault"

"Understood"

"But what about the incoming Decepticon?" began Stormchaser. "Are you sure that you've sent enough forces to deal with him?"

"Depends," answered Obsidian bluntly.

"Depends! Depends on what?" Stormchaser almost screamed. The lack of any proper response form the two Generals was infuriating. He could tell that they had been rebuilt by the Predacons.

"Depends on whether he is alone" Stormchaser paused considering what Obsidian had said.

"And if he isn't?" he finally asked.

"Then Primus help us all" Night-stalker echoed from his console.

            Night-stalker smiled to himself. What he just said to Stormchaser may well be true, but Stormchaser really did believe all that religious mumbo-jumbo and no doubt was now praying to Primus. He was interrupted from his thoughts by Dive-bomber stepping up next to him.

"What?" he snapped harshly, turning towards his lieutenant.

"I've got some good news and some bad news," said Dive-bomber, instinctively preparing himself for Night-stalkers rage. Night-stalker glared at him, his purple optics glowing brightly.

"Well?" he pushed. Dive-bomber decided to give what good news he had first, hoping to soften the blow he would receive from his superior.

"We've been able to decrypt at least part of the message that was sent to someone on board the ship" Night-stalker just stared at Dive-bomber forcing him to continue. "It seems to give an order for some kind of sabotage, though we are still unsure as to what system it is that is to be sabotaged" Night-stalker scowled.

"Is this the good news or the bad news?" he asked. He watched as Dive-bombers face dropped. Slag, he thought, but remained silent in order to allow his lieutenant to continue.

"I'm sorry to report that most of the internal security systems shut down approximately five cycles ago"

"And why wasn't I informed?" asked Night-stalker, anger clearly evident in his voice.

"Because at that moment in time we weren't sure that it was anything to be concerned about but…" Dive-bomber was cut off by another Predacon stepping up next to him.

"Sir" began the tech.

"What?" snapped Night-stalker, his patience wearing thin.

"We just got a report from one of our security patrols looking for the traitor"

"And?" Night-stalker was growing impatient. Was his crew always this incompetent, or was it just something in the air?

"They found an unconscious body, and no sign of the Maximal" Night-stalker cursed under his breath.

"And we have no way to track him" Night-stalker finished for the tech. The tech remained silent. Night-stalker shook his head, then turned to Dive-bomber. "Find Cheetor and the traitor. Do whatever's necessary, and bring them here. Whatever happens, we're having an interrogation and most likely an execution soon"

"And the other Maximals" asked Dive-bomber. Night-stalker smiled.

"Leave them to me"

            Cheetor crept down another corridor. He could hear footsteps behind him but couldn't move any faster because he was desperately trying to keep in optic contact with Waspinator. Considering the bug was flying, he moved awfully slowly. He hated having to follow him but, as was, he was his best, and probably only chance of getting off this ship.

"Come on" he whispered forcefully at the bug. "Move it or we'll both get caught"

"You maybe not me" answered the Predacon. "I'm small enough to hide almozzst anywhere"

"If they get me, d'you really think I won't tell them where you are?"

"Why cat-bot not like Wazzpinator?"

"D'you wanna list?" Waspinator ignored the Maximal and continued flying forwards. After a short time he turned.

"Here" he said triumphantly. Cheetor walked up to the door and it slid silently open. Before him he could see a large hanger with three small, black craft. Each one had a streamlined front linking directly into delta wings. It reminded him somewhat of the Decepticon seekers in their original guises, though much chunkier and rounder. He stepped up to one, hoping to find an entrance hatch. He looked around the whole craft then turned to Waspinator.

"Okay, so how do we get in?" he asked. Waspinator smiled.

"See, cat-bot need Waspinator now" he said smugly. He flew to the rear of the craft, and seemed to just fly through the wall. Cheetor stepped up to follow, but just bounced off with a loud 'clang'. Inside he could hear Waspinator sniggering.

"What's so funny?" he snapped.

"Did cat-bot really think it would be that eazzy to get in?" he questioned. Cheetor remained silent. After a few nano-klics a whirring sound emanated from the rear of the shuttle and a large entrance hatch lowered. Cheetor stepped inside. It was extremely cramped, with no thought of aesthetics. There was a control board at the front, which looked out through the large windscreen at the front. The only light was emanating from the few control panels on the side of the ship, and that which could come through the front window. As he stepped inside, the hatch closed. He sat in the only chair in the small craft and saw Waspinator hover up next to him.

"Okay" he asked. "How did you get in?" Waspinator smiled at the Maximal.

"Trade zzecret" he answered. Figuring that he was never going to get an answer to his question, he busied himself with activating the shuttles systems.

"How long does it take for one of these things to heat up?" he asked.

"Not long," answered the Predacon. "However, it takes more time for the cloaking device to come online. Until then we better not leave the ship or we're both dead" Cheetor decided it was better not to argue with the Predacon.

            Astrotrain again shook with the force of the explosion that just missed his starboard wing. He was still not receiving a signal from Soundwave, but continued to the rendezvous point nonetheless.

"How much longer do we have to put up with this, with this" came a voice from Astrotrains cargo hold.

"If you want to get out now," replied Astrotrain.

"Open the hatch then" said another. Astrotrain did as requested, and opened the side hatch of his shuttle mode.

"Excellent. Lets show these microbes what we're made of, made of"

"Insecticons, attack"

Again, shorter than originally planned, but hey thought you might like to read a little more!

If anybody could answer about the character profiles thing, it would be most appreciated as FF.net still haven't (surprisingly) got back to me.

I was asked if I would put down the allegiances of my OC's so here goes:

Night-stalker: Predacon/PIA operative, Dive-bomber: Predacon/PIA operative, Stormchaser: Maximal (Elder), Nightflight: Maximal, Lightfire: Maximal. Hope that's helpful!

One more thing, it probably won't change anything I write in future chapters (the story mostly planned out in my mind) but just out of interest, who is your favourite/Least favourite out of my OC's and why? Would you like to see one die?

Anyhew, please leave a review. Cheers!