Disclaimer: Transformers and all related merchandising are the property of a few big, rich companies, all of whom will never give me anything. I do however own some characters within this story (Night-stalker etc) and am fiercely protective over them. For any information on my character please read Histories Revenge OC Profiles (also to be found on this site).
Questions, queries, comments please feel fee to e-mail me or to put into the review. Thanks.
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Night-stalker looked into the small console viewer and his face dropped. He saw seven distinct shapes leap from Astrotrain, some of them transforming into what looked to be giant insects. He had expected that Astrotrain would be carrying reinforcements, but he had hoped that he was mistaken. Slag, this meant that it was also highly unlikely that Obsidian and Strika's plan would work now, as long as he remembered his history correctly, because the Insecticons could gain power by directly ingesting substances. This could be a very costly battle indeed.
"And we're called bugs, these creatures are tiny" called Bombshell.
"True, but they are the perfect size for a light snack, snack" added Shrapnel catching a flying Maximal as it passed and tore off one its wings with relish, its cries of pain merely increasing his enjoyment.
"Stop thinking with your stomach and come on, we've got bigger things to destroy," commanded Venom pointing towards the ground and a throng of charging Maximals. Turning back to the others he commanded, "Ransack, Bombshell, Barrage keep these creatures away from Astrotrain. The rest of you follow me" He dived towards the ground, the other three Insecticons following after. Bombshell turned to Ransack and Barrage.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" he asked moving to follow Astrotrain, firing at the flying Maximals and Predacons as he went. Ransack and Barrage took the queue and followed their compatriot.
Starstrike grinned. It was definitely clear that the Decepticons weren't going to go down without a fight, not that he thought that they would, but with the timely arrival of Astrotrain and the Insecticons they would only help to create even more mayhem. It would soon be time to bring the next stage of his plan into operation.
"How long until we reach the ground, I need to get out and stretch my servos" came a whine from inside Astrotrains hold.
"You are capable of flying, if you don't like the accommodation get out" answered Astrotrain, he was sick of being used as nothing more than a cargo shuttle.
"You know if I'm hit with all this fuel on board that we might as well give up now" came the reply.
"Why? Its not as if we don't have enough energon cubes back here, what do we need you for" came a second voice from Astrotrains cargo compartment.
"Yeah, its not as if you're any help once you unload your fuel any way" added another.
"I could deal with the pair of you if I needed to" challenged the first voice.
"Promises, promises" the other two chorused.
"If you three don't pipe down now I'll eject the lot of you" answered Astrotrain. "I don't see what you're still doing on board any way, you were complaining that you hadn't seen any action for ages earlier and now you have your chance you're just sitting around doing nothing"
"I never thought I'd say it, but he's got a point. How far are we from the rendezvous point?"
"About twelve mega-miles" Astrotrain informed the voice.
"Nice, I think abandoning now would be a great idea. If we transform it wouldn't take us long to get there even without flying and we could have some fun on the way, what d'ya think Runabout?"
"Good idea Runamuck lets join our Insectobuddies"
"You can join those flying bugs if you want. I'm gonna smash some Maxi hide" With that the two Battlechargers leapt from Astrotrains still open side hatch.
"You not joining them Octane?" Astrotrain inquired, hopefully.
"You've gotta be kidding if I'm gettin' involved with those two if I can help it. Nah, I think I'll stay and keep you company old buddy"
"I'm touched," Astrotrain answered sarcastically.
"I knew you would be," replied Octane cheerfully.
"Fraggin' idiots, they'll get us all killed," complained Chopshop as Runamuck and Runabout skimmed past him as they transformed into their respective vehicle modes and hit the ground rolling.
"What do you expect? Neither of them exactly rates highly on the intellect meter" answered Venom. "You've got to remember, they're just Decepticons"
"True, but even most Decepticons have a little more common sense, sense," added Shrapnel.
"You've got to be joking. The only Decepticon I know with any sense is Shockwave, and he's not exactly a barrel of laughs now is he" replied Venom.
"What about Soundwave?" enquired Kickback. "Admitted, still no fun but he's definitely intelligent"
"Maybe it's a Decepticon trait, trait? They can only be intelligent if they're boring, boring"
"I don't really care. I wasn't complaining about Shockwave or Soundwave, I was complaining about those two fools," muttered Chopshop.
"Don't concern yourself with them, they're of no consequence. Just deal with these rodents first," Venom commanded motioning towards the Maximals.
"Spoilsport" complained Chopshop and joined Kickback attacking a group of Maximals who were attempting to take cover behind a large tree-like growth. Shrapnel leapt on the plant in his lamellicorn mode and began biting huge chunks out of it.
"Hmmm, tastes similar to those redwoods on Earth, Earth" he muttered.
"Preferred the pines myself," added Kickback, "more neutrons" The two Insecticons laughed at their private joke as the others continued to attack the Maximals.
Laserbeak swooped low over the ground, avoiding enemy fire, before finally landing on Soundwave's shoulder and squawked in his audio receptor before taking flight again and continuing to attack the Maximals and Predacons. Shockwave turned to hear the report.
"Astrotrain approaches, Shockwave. The Insecticons and Battlechargers have already begun their assault" Soundwave said turning towards his commander.
"Excellent. Has Astrotrain made contact?"
"Unknown. Insufficient power to relay signal" Astrotrain couldn't arrive too soon. The Decepticons were struggling to hold their own against the growing throng of Maximals and Predacons that were in the area. Luckily there hadn't been any new transports arriving for a while, but that didn't necessarily mean that there wouldn't be any.
"Astrotrain had better get down here soon, else we're gonna start having real problems" muttered Motormaster.
"Start having real problems?" began Deadend. "Have you been fighting somewhere the rest of us haven't? I'd say we're already having real problems"
"Yeah, my guns almost outta juice" added Wildrider.
"Shame its not you're mouth, with all that jibber jabber I'd 'ave thought you'd be outta power by now" bellowed Brawl.
"Well with all the noise you make doing anything, I'm surprised you weren't a wasted carcass eons ago" snapped Wildrider.
"I just wish you'd all shut up, you're giving me a headache" moaned Thrust.
"I'll give you all a headache in a minute if you all don't shut it and shoot" threatened Ramjet.
"Yeah, you and what army" taunted Wildrider. Before Ramjet could answer he was interrupted by a massive explosion that blew the Stunticons and Thrust to the ground. Smiling Ramjet stood over the fallen Wildrider, his right blaster trained on the Stunticons chest plate.
"How's about that one"
"Looks like they've brought out the big guns" Swindle said, motioning towards the crater.
"How intuitive of you" answered Blastoff. "What ever made you think that?"
"You mean apart from the big hole in the ground?" grinned Swindle. Blastoff just shook his head and continued firing at the Maximals.
"Maximal Storm-troopers in position and opening fire on Decepticon positions" reported Strika. Behind the two Vehicon Generals, Stormchaser allowed himself a wry smile. Maximal Storm-troopers were much more heavily armed than anything else they had down there, and though they would still have problems against fully energised Decepticons those below them, in their low fuel state, were a different matter. So, he thought, as I suspected it would be the Maximals who win the day not the Predacons. Keeping them in check after this little problem might be easier than he had originally envisaged, though those new Decepticons could prove problematic, and from what he could work out from listening to Obsidian and Strika, those new 'Cons had split into about three different groups. Those Vehicons of theirs better turn up soon or this last phase of the battle wouldn't last long.
"I hope you're ready for a bit of a bump on landing" Astrotrain informed Octane.
"With you driving I always expect a bump," replied Octane a slight grin on his face, even though Astrotrain couldn't see. Astrotrain tipped into a steep dive pulling into level flight just a few feet above the ground. Below him the wind sheer was knocking the Maximals and Predacons to the ground as they attempted to remain upright.
"Alright Bombshell, you and the other Insecticons can break off, I should make it easily from here"
"Understood Astrotrain" Bombshell answered through his communicator as he, Barrage and Ransack moved away and attacked a group of Maximals who were moving forward to assist those attacking the main Decepticon force. Astrotrain then transformed into his steam locomotive form and landed heavily on the ground, crushing any Maximals and Predacons unlucky enough to find themselves below him at the time.
"We should be with the main force in approximately 200 Astro-seconds" Astrotrain informed Octane.
"Sounds good, then we'll show these germs who controls this planet"
It could hear the explosions happening on the surface above. Again the Decepticons were fighting a foe on their own planet, a foe that far outnumbered them. They would require their leader to once again lead them to victory, however he had been touched, damaged by the Chaos Bringer. Vector Sigma decided on its course of action. Before the supercomputer stood three whom the Bringer of Chaos had touched. They advanced towards the golden ball as if in a trance obeying some unheard command and stopped a pace away from the computer itself. Then three powerful bolts of directed energy struck the three Decepticons stood before it and the whole room was quickly filled with a powerful, blinding white light.
"This is ridiculous, surely the cloaking device has powered up by now," muttered Cheetor. He was becoming impatient, and not a little nervous. Here he was stuck in a shuttle with, of all 'bots, Waspinator, onboard a cloaked Predacon ship, which no doubt had at least half the crew searching for them, in the middle of a battle with the Predacons ancestors, all of whom were thought destroyed, and no idea where any of his friends were, or even if they were functional. All in all, a pretty fun-packed day.
"Not long now, but we've got another problem" buzzed Waspinator. Typical, thought Cheetor, things couldn't just work easily could they?
"What now?" he asked pensively.
"We can't get the doorzz open," answered Waspinator motioning towards the main hanger doors.
"What do you mean we can't get the doors open?" cried Cheetor. "What was the fraggin' point of coming down here if we can't get out!"
"We could get out" huffed Waspinator, "but they changed the locks"
Brilliant, just fraggin' brilliant, whatever next? On second thoughts I don't want to know, thought Cheetor, no doubt it would only make things more difficult. Just then out of the corner of his optic Cheetor noticed a movement. Looking out of the thickened glass viewer at the front of the shuttle he saw the door to the shuttle bay open. He grabbed Waspinator who yelped in shock, though his voice was muffled by Cheetors hand. Opening his palm Cheetor motioned towards the now open door, two Predacons in full view in the doorway their weapons held out in front of them scanning the room. Waspinator's head fell despondently, however after a short moment a wry grin spread across his face.
"I think I've got an idea"
Cheetor cursed inwardly.
Dive-bomber surveyed the progress of the search teams. Still no sign of the Maximal or the traitor, Night-stalker was not going to be happy. Well at least they couldn't escape through the shuttle bay; he'd given orders for the command codes to be changed so that the outer doors wouldn't open, but he really didn't need to be looking for runaways, it just made things all the more complicated and Dive-bomber hated complications. All he wanted was for things to go back to normal; he could just about cope with normality. The Predacons wanted to gain power back from the Maximals, the Maximals hated the Predacons and treated them as second-class citizens, and his job was to assist Night-stalker in the assassination of those Maximals and Predacons that made things more difficult for the Predacons to regain their rightful position as leaders of Cybertron, simple. Now everything had been thrown into complete chaos and was far from simple. They had Maximal Elders, well one at least, as well as Maximal Military Commanders on board a Predacon ship, a Predacon surveillance ship at that. Below them the Maximals and Predacons were fighting side by side against the Predacons ancestors, the Decepticons, all of whom were presumed destroyed or reprogrammed, as well as having to hunt for a traitor on board this ship not long having just executed one, and Night-stalker was looking more and more lost to his surroundings. Actually it was this final fact that worried Dive-bomber more than anything, though he wouldn't admit it. Last time Night-stalker had started to look like this he had barely escaped with his life and he wasn't sure that he would this time. He checked himself. Night-stalker was his superior, his friend, he was only like this because of the failures of those around him but when victory finally came he would see him regain his composure and things would return to normal, he knew that, trusted in that. He again read the search team reports, still nothing to report but at least they hadn't found any damage to the ship, yet. Dive-bomber collected the reports onto a data-pad and moved to give the information to Night-stalker.
He was staring at Stormchaser; he didn't trust him, not one neutron. That upper crust Maximal Elder, always thought he was better than everyone, especially him. He looked forward to the day when he could slowly squeeze his spark to atoms whilst he looked on in agony. Still, he could do it now, couldn't he? He could cloak and stab him right through the spark chamber, make it look like an accident; he'd done that on a number of occasions with many Maximal commanders. But there were those blasted Maximal Generals there to, Lightfire and Nightflight, who knew what they were plotting against him. Behind them stood the Predacon General who had demanded that he be allowed to join them in this military farce. He might be plotting anything, who knew with the military. His data-file said he was a believer in the Predacon covenant, a secret sect with their own version of the covenant of Primus and believed that unless Predacon rule was restored everyone would perish, religious nonsense really, but no doubt they would have a chapter to cover what was going on down below, or maybe that's why he's here, to write that chapter, who could tell with religion? He should be allowed to wipe them out. He could start here, with him, he didn't trust him, Predacon or not. Then there was also Cheetor, that camshaft rendering, diode blowing technorganic. The thought repulsed him. How anyone could allow that 'goo' to touch and reshape their body like that, it was disgusting.
His plan had been perfect, was still perfect, and would no doubt come into play when they defeated the Decepticons. If they defeated the Decepticons he corrected. So much for Obsidian and Strika, the two greatest Generals in modern Cybertronian history my afterburner. If they were so good, why were they still fighting down there? Why hadn't they won? The plan had seemed logical enough when it started, but they had completely misread the situation with Astrotrain. Those fraggin' Decepticons had ruined everything, damn them to the pit. Those gas-guzzling morons had thrown his meticulously perfect plan into disarray. He had been all for teaching Predacon history of his ancestors to the newly created, but bringing them back? Should never have happened, though they knew that it might. They had been preparing a plan to deal with this eventuality, had even told the Maximal Elders that it could happen. Ever since the loss of Ravage they knew, he knew something was going to happen. But they were unprepared, not ready for this eventuality to have occurred so soon. But what was he supposed to do now? He was surrounded by enemies, Stormchaser, Nightflight, Lightfire, Cheetor, wherever the smelting pool he was, that fraggin' religious freak of Predacon, even Obsidian and Strika were possible enemies if they found out the final part of his original plan they were meant to play, but at least he had a way of stopping them if they became troublesome. Instinctively he accessed the controls that would activate the chips implanted in their craniums that would send an electrical impulse through their neural processors. Then there was his own crew. Mostly handpicked, they were the best that was to offer, and still they lost one Maximal and the insect. Why were they so incompetent? Was it his fault? That thought immediately left his neural processor. Of course it wasn't his fault. The security systems were in place, there were guards stationed with both of the 'prisoners', for want of a better term, and what happened? They lost the slaggers, morons. What was the point of having well trained personnel if they couldn't think for themselves? Obeying orders was one thing, something that by losing the prisoners they showed that they couldn't even do, but being caught off guard like that, were they complete imbeciles? After this was all over he would deal with them, deal with them all, all of them plotting behind his back. Darkfires betrayal had been expected, he knew something wasn't right with that 'bot, but the rest of them should know better. It didn't really matter. He'd show them, show them all that they shouldn't try to out think him, they'd all pay, they'd all…he stopped. Were these really his thoughts? Did he really believe the whole ship was plotting against him? The Maximals maybe, but his crew wouldn't be so stupid as to attempt it, would they? He paused again. He'd thought like this once before, a long time ago now but he still remembered what had happened. He had been involved in a border dispute; the Maximals had tried to force the Predacons out of one of their cities claiming that the land was required for 'special works'. His orders had been simple, pretend to negotiate a settlement and then assassinate the leaders, without a head the body would crumble, right? But something had gone wrong. Even with his meticulous planning something had gone wrong. He had, of course, executed the traitors but there had been many. In fact he had executed almost everyone. Maximal, Predacon, it didn't matter, in his mind they had all been traitors. Again he paused as the thoughts from his past ran through his processor again, as it had so often recently. It was Night-stalkers first, his only failure. It would never happen again, he would make sure of it. Someone to his left made a noise, it sounded almost reminiscent of someone clearing their vocal processors, interrupting him from his thoughts. Turning he saw Dive-bomber stood before him, a pad in his hand. How long had he been stood there?
"The report from the search teams" said Dive-bomber, raising his arm to give Night-stalker the pad. Night-stalker just stared at him blankly, but something in his optics made Dive-bomber involuntarily shudder and he instinctively looked down towards Night-stalkers hands where, if death was to come it would spring forth in the shape of large spikes appearing from Night-stalkers wrists, however he was relieved to see that they didn't move from his commanders sides. A noise from behind Night-stalker caught both of their attentions. They both looked round to face Obsidian and Strika, their voices now filling the room as they screamed orders to those on the ground attempting to stop Astrotrain from reaching the other Decepticons.
"All Storm-troopers concentrate fire on Astrotrain, he must not break through!" screamed Strika; it was one of the few times that anyone had ever heard a hint of panic in the Generals normally calm voice. Night-stalker spun to look into his monitor. Dive-bomber could see something in his commander's optics that concerned him. Looking at the monitor he could see Astrotrain in his ground vehicle mode ploughing through the Maximals and Predacons before him, crushing them beneath his wheels. Something had gone badly wrong.
Astrotrain was almost at the rendezvous point. He could make out the shapes of the other Decepticons towering over the Maximals and Predacons as he crunched his way through. Only a few more astro-seconds and they would use the energon he was carrying to refuel and reclaim their home. Joy and pride swelled through Astrotrain. He would be a hero, it was he who had brought the lifesaving energy to his companions, but as these thoughts filled his mind something struck him from the side. No, it was many something's and, to his horror, he felt himself begin to tip onto his side. Possible courses of action flooded his CPU as he attempted to find a way out of the inevitable. He could transform into his shuttle mode, take off and stop his fall, but there wasn't time. He could transform into robot mode, impossible, Octane and the energon cubes would be crushed. He could…no time. Slag.
Everybody in the command centre on board Night-stalkers cloaked command ship watched as Astrotrain, in his ground vehicle mode, was blasted onto his left side and was sent skidding along the ground, sparks flying from where his chassis met the metal floor. They could clearly see where the Maximal Storm-troopers missiles had struck leaving a large, smouldering dent on his right side.
"All Storm-troopers advance and terminate the target" Strika commanded, a slight hint of pride welling up in her voice. On the viewer they could see a large group of Maximals approaching Astrotrain cautiously, their weapons raised, when suddenly many of them were blown to the ground by multiple, rippling explosions. Before any of them had chance to fire back Laserbeak and Buzzsaw landed at either end of Astrotrains chassis followed by three of the Insecticons, who were joyfully firing at any and all who attempted to approach.
"Need a hand their Astrotrain?" Bombshell asked his voice laced with sarcasm. Astrotrain muttered something incomprehensible. "Sorry, what was that?" taunted Bombshell, "You'll have to speak up, we can't hear you"
"Stop messing around and just lift him back onto his wheels" snapped Buzzsaw.
"And what are you gonna do about it if we don't?" replied Ransack, his enjoyment clearly audible, "peck us to death?"
"If you insist," answered Buzzsaw as he leaped into the air and dove on Ransack. Ransack just moved aside in time as Buzzsaws diamond-hard, micro-serrated beak narrowly missed his shoulder. Ransack turned to fire after Buzzsaw when he was blown to the floor by a powerful explosion as a Storm-trooper missile connected with the ground in front of him.
"Looks like the insects have got their courage back," shouted Bombshell motioning towards the Maximals.
"Then lets just lift Astrotrain and get back to killin' 'em," screamed Barrage over the sound of weapons fire.
"Very well" agreed Bombshell. "Ransack, stop playing with the bird and lift this heap back on to its wheels" Ransack scowled as he transformed into his locust form, planting his powerful hind legs under the side of Astrotrains chassis whilst Bombshell and Barrage opened fire on the Maximal Storm-troopers. Just before Ransack started to lift, Astrotrains rear hatch opened and a head popped out.
"Need a hand guys?" asked a battered but none-the-less cheerful Octane. This was answered with a loud crash as Astrotrain was righted back onto his wheels by a powerful kick from Ransack, Laserbeak leaping off at the last second, and the sudden jolt knocked Octane out of the large open rear hatch. Astrotrain immediately closed it blocking Octane's re-entry; and began moving towards the other Decepticons again. Octane briefly looked at the battle around him, the rubble of smashed buildings, the carcasses of Maximals and Predacon who had fallen to superior Decepticon firepower. He smiled briefly before changing into his fuel tanker transform and following after Astrotrain. Again the Maximal Storm-troopers began firing at the advancing Decepticons, however Bombshell, Barrage, Ransack, Buzzsaw and Laserbeak were now firing at them and stopping their attacks on the triple-changers.
Night-stalker turned away from the monitor shaking his head. He looked up at Dive-bomber a look of disgust on his face. "That was probably our last chance of victory" he stated sombrely, "and as usual the Maximals fragged it up"
Dive-bomber looked at his commander, his friend. The glint that had been in his optic before the attack on Astrotrain that had scared him had been replaced by a weary, resigned look. This was very unusual for Night-stalker and in its own way it worried Dive-bomber even more, at least he had seen the other look before, this one he had never seen and so couldn't fathom what the response might be. He paused as if trying to think of something to say when he was interrupted from his thoughts by a blinking light on the control panel next to him. Turning he flicked a control switch to read the report that the light had signalled was being received. His optics widened and his face dropped. Turning slowly towards Night-stalker he said,
"We may have a problem"
Cheetor wasn't very happy with Waspinator's plan, but then again it placed the Predacon in more direct danger than himself, which meant that it couldn't be all bad, that and he couldn't think of a better plan himself. They had been able to open the rear hatch of the shuttle without the Predacon searchers noticing, and he was waiting for a signal from Waspinator. The Predacons though didn't seem to be doing very much at all, let alone searching for them. They had seemed to peer in, couldn't see anybody so stepped in far enough for the door to close and now just seemed to be stood near the entrance talking to each other. Cheetor had been sure that they would do a complete search of the shuttle bay and find them, but instead they seemed to be using the fact that no one could see into the shuttle bay as an excuse for a 'time-out'. Oh well, it just made things easier for him and Waspinator, or at least he hoped so. He was currently stood in the back of the shuttle waiting for Waspinator to lead the Predacons to him, then he would use his two swords to permanently deactivate them. It was a thought that he didn't particularly relish. At least when he had been destroying Vehicons they hadn't had any form of real sentience, they had just followed the command codes that were placed upon their limited neural processors, they didn't have sparks, but these Preds were different, they were alive, but then as Waspinator had reminded him, 'it was them or us'. Increasing the power to his audio receptors to be sure to hear everything that happened, he couldn't see the Predacons or Waspinator as he would have had to look around the edge of the shuttle, which would have made it so that the searchers could see him, he stood waiting to bring destruction to the two Predacons. Suddenly he heard a clearly recognisable voice say,
"Excuze me, but I believe you're looking for me?" Immediately after Waspinator had finished speaking Cheetor heard shouts coming from the Predacons followed promptly by rapid laser fire, some of which struck the side of the shuttle perilously close to where Cheetor was stood, so much so that he could feel the increase in temperature of the shuttles hull plating. Not long after the first shots had been fired Waspinator shot around from the side of the shuttle past Cheetor and hid behind him. "I think they took the bait," he buzzed almost panting. Nano-klics later the two Predacons came charging round the corner. Before they noticed him Cheetor was able to strike one across the side of his neck, piercing the primary fuel line to its neural processor, sparks and liquid energon bursting from the wound as the Predacon collapsed to its knees on the floor grasping at its neck in a desperate attempt to stem the flow of energon, shock clearly evident on its face, before it suffered complete systems shutdown and it slumped forwards to the ground, occasional twitches all that showed that the now lifeless husk had ever functioned. However before Cheetor was able to attack the second Predacon he was hit hard in the face by the butt of the guard's weapon. Stumbling backwards Cheetor attempted to steady himself against the side of the shuttle but he was forced to the ground face first by a shot from the guard's weapon that spun him around and opened a large gash in his right shoulder. Cheetor could feel the loss of fluids leaking from the obvious hole in his shoulder, but forced himself to roll onto his back just before a second shot slammed into the shuttles floor, leaving a dark burn mark. Cheetor swung the sword in his left hand blindly trying to hit the guard. He missed, but was able to slice the barrel off of the guard's weapon making it useless. The enraged Predacon roared and lunged forward trying to bring his foot down on Cheetors damaged shoulder, however he suddenly staggered backwards howling in pain as something flew into his face. Focusing, Cheetor was able to see Waspinator flying away from the Predacon leaving what looked to be a thin sliver of metal in the guard's right, golden optic. Before the guard was able to recover Cheetor pushed himself hard off of the ground and slashed the Predacon across the chest leaving a deep gash that penetrated across the outer layers of the guards spark case. The guard cried out in pain and shock as he fell to the ground, quickly slipping into stasis lock. Cheetor slumped forward as he looked into the optics of his opponent to be sure of deactivation. Seeing only darkened optics staring blindly back at him he turned away from the gruesome sight, his left hand clutching his damaged right shoulder, vital fluids leaking slowly out of the open wound. As he looked into the shuttle Cheetor could see Waspinator activating the crafts systems. Hitting the panel at the rear of the shuttle to close the hatch, Cheetor stumbled towards the control seat.
"I believe it'z time to leave," said Waspinator, a slight hint of concern evident in his voice. Cheetor scowled at the Predacon.
"I thought you said we couldn't open the doors?" he said forcefully.
"We can't, but if we fire the shuttles laserzz at full power we should be able to at least damage the doorzz enough to allow our ezzcape"
"Couldn't you have mentioned this earlier?" Cheetor asked, exasperated.
"Maybe, but had hoped to get out eazzier" Waspinator shrugged. Shaking his head Cheetor activated the shuttles hover boosters and the ship rose a few feet into the air whilst it rotated, bringing the weapons to bear on the shuttle bay outer-doors. Hovering over the weapon control Waspinator informed Cheetor, "after we leave the ship we will have a maxzz-imum of 5 nano-klics to activate the cloak before they are able to track uzz, zzo you had better be fazzt" Cheetor nodded to show his understanding. Waspinator fired the forward laser canon and the shuttle lurched towards the damaged hull as Cheetor activated the thrusters.
"So have you detected weapons fire or not? And if so where?" Night-stalker snapped at Dive-bomber.
"Internal sensors have detected multiple energy discharges, however as most of the internal scanners were deactivated the computer is having difficulty pinpointing the exact source or position of said discharges" Dive-bomber answered, his hands working skilfully over the control console. "However, we can ascertain that the discharges were somewhere on deck seven" Before Night-stalker could ask any more questions the ship rocked violently as an explosion ripped through the hull. Alarm claxons began blazing loudly and the few lights that were operational turned a deep crimson red. A loud, mechanical, computerised voice boomed over the internal communications system,
"Hull breach detected. Shuttle bay doors now inoperative. Damage control teams report to deck seven section fourteen" Night-stalker spun and activated a viewer showing a view just outside of the ship. He briefly saw what looked like a shuttle leaving what remained of the shuttle bay doors before it seemed to waver and disappear.
"Track it!" he screamed turning towards Dive-bomber.
"We can't, they activated the cloak before we could get a lock on their computer frequency"
"What! It's one of our own shuttles! By the pit, we have to know the fraggin' frequency"
"Negative. Until we know which shuttle they've taken we can't track them" Night-stalker slammed his fist into the console in front of him, smashing the cover as a rain of sparks burst forth from its internal workings.
"Not that I really care" said a sneering voice from behind the two Predacons, "but what was that jolt and why do we have a hull breach?" Turning, Night-stalker glared at Stormchaser.
"As soon as something you need to know happens, I'll tell you," snapped Night-stalker.
"More importantly," started Obsidian, "is the cloaking device still operational?" Night-stalker turned to Dive-bomber who was receiving damage reports. Seeing a slight nod, Night-stalker collected himself and calmly answered.
"Of course, everything is under control" Unfortunately, it was a shame he no longer believed his own words.
Astrotrain and Octane burst through the last of the Maximals and Predacons attacking the Decepticons and stopped alongside their comrades.
"So, who's for a recharge?" Octane asked cockily, clearly enjoying himself. Shockwave turned towards the two triple-changers.
"Move within the shelter of the tunnel entrance, we will begin refuelling from that position," turning towards the other Decepticons he commanded. "All Decepticons will withdraw into the entrance of the tunnel to refuel. Bombshell, Barrage, Ransack, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Ratbat, Rumble, Frenzy and Ravage will cover the entrance to block entry by the Maximals and Predacons" he then turned towards Bombshell "what is the current position of the other Insecticons?"
"They are roughly about 2 or 3 megamiles Southwest of our current position"
"Inform them to join us here immediately"
"Understood" Bombshell answered grudgingly. Astrotrain and Octane had already entered the tunnel, Octane releasing six long fuel lines, three either side of his fuel tank, as he drew to a halt whilst Astrotrain opened the large rear hatch of his locomotive transform to allow access to the energon cubes. The other Decepticons retreated inside the tunnel and quickly began pushing and shoving each other out of the way as they attempted to either plug themselves into Octane's fuel lines or grab energon cubes.
"I am a triple-changer, I'm worth any two of you" spat Blitzwing, transforming into his robot form and pushing Thrust to the ground out of his way whilst he picked up one of the fuel lines.
"Soundwave superior, Blitzwing inferior" came Soundwave's monotone as he grabbed the fuel line from the triple-changer.
"Why you slagging rust pile" Blitzwing countered brandishing his electron scimitar, "I'll have your head for that" However before he could swing his weapon it was blown from his hand by a shot from Frenzy, who fired from his position outside of the tunnel, and waved at the angered triple-changer as he looked around to see who had dared to fire on him. At the same time the Constructicons were facing off against the Combaticons in the rear of Astrotrains cargo hold as each tried to be the first group to get to the energon cubes whilst Ramjet, Dirge and the three robots who formed the single mind of Reflector were forcing their way past the Stunticons, minus Breakdown who was still in his vehicle mode, who had decided that they were going to use the final fuel lines emanating from Octane.
"Enough!" cried Shockwave. "Your squabbling serves no purpose and only increases the inefficiency of our situation. Soundwave, Blitzwing, Thrust, Dirge and Ramjet will refuel from Octane. The Constructicons, Combaticons, Stunticons, Spectro, Spyglass and Viewfinder will each refuel using energon cubes. Any further complaints and I will deal with them," He threatened, motioning with his weaponed arm. As none of the others responded against his threat he picked up the final fuel line from the floor and, opening a small input port on the side of his chest, inserted it. The other Decepticons stalked over to their positions and began to refuel.
"The Decepticons are retreating into the tunnel. Do you think we've won?" asked Nightflight hopefully.
"Unlikely" responded Obsidian. "It is more likely that they are retreating in order to provide cover for themselves to refuel"
"Can't we just destroy the energon cubes?" pushed Stormchaser.
"Possibly, the ground forces have been informed to attempt to attack those targets, however, with the cover being provided by the Insecticons as well as the fact that the energon cubes are now within the confines of the tunnel it makes it even more difficult to hit them" answered Strika matter-of-factly. Just as she finished speaking a Predacon at one of the side consoles turned towards the two Cybertronian Generals.
"Sensors indicate approximately 2000 signatures approaching from the Northeast"
"Designation?" asked Obsidian, turning towards the Predacon.
"Designation is…one moment, we are receiving a signal, putting on speakers now" There was a loud crackle of static, followed by a low electronic hum and a monotonous, computerised voice came over the communications system.
"Vehicon battalion 0001 approaching start position and awaiting commands" A wry grin spread across Obsidians features. He turned towards Strika and whispered something in her audio receiver as the monotone repeated itself over the communications array.
"Agreed" came Strika's answer, as she turned to her console and began relaying orders the Maximal and Predacon forces already in combat, Obsidian turned and activated his comm system to send instructions to the awaiting Vehicons.
"All Vehicons, move into sector Beta Omega and prepare for assault on Decepticon defensive positions" Again the computerised monotone spoke.
"Order acknowledged, preparing for primary assault" The communication system shutdown automatically after the voice had finished speaking whilst the holographic map of the battle area began to show multiple Vehicon signatures moving towards the Decepticons position.
"What have you told the ground forces?" demanded Stormchaser.
"A slight change of plans," answered Strika, "we may not be able to stop the Decepticons from refuelling, however we may be able to trap them long enough for our reinforcements to arrive by collapsing the tunnel entrance"
"Do you really think that the Vehicons will provide enough firepower to make any significant difference to fully energised Decepticons?" queried Lightfire.
"Do you have any better suggestions?" asked Obsidian. When no answer was forthcoming the General turned back to his console as the first salvos from the Maximal Storm-troopers connected with the tunnel entrance.
"What, by the sacred spires, was that?" shouted Wildrider, instinctively ducking as a powerful explosion ripped through the roof of the tunnel, bringing down a few hunks of metal from the ceiling above.
"Looks like they're trying to bring the roof down on top of us" replied Swindle.
"They probably are. I knew there wouldn't be any point in re-energising," moaned Deadend rotating the energon cube he held in his hand before taking a large gulp from it.
"For someone who thinks there's no point in re-energising, you're sure draining that cube quickly" smiled Dragstrip.
"Well, I can at least enjoy these simple pleasures whilst I function" Deadend retorted. Again more explosions erupted as more missiles ploughed into the tunnel ceiling, bringing large hunks of organic coated metal crashing to the ground around the Decepticons.
"Its lucky they're not slightly more accurate or they might hit the energon cubes," said Vortex.
"Don't push your luck. If you say things like that they will hit the energon cubes," replied Dragstrip motioning towards the many cubes still piled high in the back of Astrotrain. However before anyone else could speak multiple missiles struck the already weakened roof and the entrance to the tunnel collapsed before them blocking their exit.
Barrage, Rumble and Frenzy dove forward as they narrowly avoided being buried under tonnes of organic covered metal. Bombshell, Ravage and Ransack turned from their position slightly ahead to check whether any debris had hit or damaged their companions.
"So we're definitely outnumbered and out-gunned now," Ransack muttered.
"Good" answered Barrage, picking himself off of the ground, "now we can really have some fun annihilating them without Decepticon interference"
"Decepticon interference" cried Rumble, staggering to his feet, "why I ought-a…" Barrage just looked at the smaller Decepticon with an amused look.
"Why you ought-a what?" he asked before turning towards Ransack "Just look at this, the little guys got guts" He retuned his gaze to the smaller Decepticon, "let me remove 'em for ya and show you what they look like, eh?"
"Silence your squabbling" came a voice from above them. Looking up they saw Venom, Shrapnel, Kickback and Chopshop dive down to greet them. "Use your malice on them, not each other" he finished, motioning towards the Maximals as more missiles ploughed into their armour.
"Hmmm, this group seems to have some more firepower than the last group we attacked, attacked" Shrapnel said to Kickback.
"There also seems to be a lot more of 'em to," agreed Kickback.
"Then perhaps its time we evened the odds, odds," Shrapnel stated. "Bombshell, some Insectishells if you please, please" Bombshell took his queue and fired off one of his grenades which shattered into multiple small fragments of metal. "Now for some reinforcements, reinforcements" continued Shrapnel, firing his electronic clone beams from his antennae. When they struck the metal shards they began to change shape and mould themselves into controllable copies of the Insecticons in their insect modes. "Now this should be fun, fun"
Her body seemed weightless as she was carried through the air by the undulating air currents of Cybertron. All around her, all she could see was white void, then gradually below her she could see the beauty of the now technorganic planet with its myriad of colours and shapes as the organic plant life covered its metal surfaces and grew over the large metal constructs which the Transformers called home. She looked down upon the last of the cities constructed before the return of organic matter to the surface of the planet, as the plants stretched upwards along the gleaming walls of polished metal. In the centre of the city was the large central dome where thousands flocked daily to marvel at the great shows of the Maximal artisans and enjoy the holographic escapist entertainments of the great Cybertronian authors. Over 250 floors of metal shimmered in the bright white light as the warm glow of her surroundings engulfed her with feelings of joy and happiness. Suddenly the scene before her optics changed into something she would only see in a nightmare. The beautiful, warming white light before her had turned to darkness. All she could hear were the screams of those trying to escape from the massive explosions and fires that were engulfing the city and its surroundings. All around her large menacing shadows strafed the populace below as the wielders of death faced off against the new world order. Again the scene changed and where once there were great structures and life there was nothing but smoke and debris, and the acrid stench of burning flesh, fuel and plant life. Again the scene before her changed and she was forced to watch as below her she saw her friends, Silverbolt and Blackarachnia, gunned down by unseen assailants, shock and fear written across their faces as dark, shrouded figures seemed to appear as if from nowhere around their fallen bodies just to disappear with her friends as quickly as they had appeared. She now saw before her Rattrap, her partner, her soul mate, crying out as if in pain for his life and she tried to call to him, tried to help him, but no sound emanated from her vocal units. She looked on in horror as some form of electron prod was jammed into the side of his body, forcing him to transform from his robot mode, whilst his tail lashed from side to side as he attempted to escape, but to no avail. Suddenly her audio units were filled with the sound of laughter, but not a laugh of joy. Instead the cold, malevolent, spark-less sound drowned out every other sound about her. Then she saw them, saw the glowing scarlet optics as again the laughter rang out, the maniacal look in those optics chilled her to her very spark as before her she saw what remained of the plant life withering below, and the only light that she could see emanated from the glow of two spheres floating above the ground seemingly facing off against each other, one a bright golden colour the other an iridescent silver, and a voice boomed out over all other sounds but somehow she couldn't understand its words. Again the voice rang out, merging with the maniacal laughter to form a cacophony of sound that impacted against her audio sensors like the beating off a base drum whilst all around her was engulfed in flame, and the smell of burning organic tissue.
Botanica awoke, the thoughts of her vision still vivid in her mind. She began to consider what she had just seen, was it a vision from the Oracle, and if so what did it mean? However, before she could think of an answer she felt something sharp and metallic slide into her abdomen and she suddenly realised that her optics and audio sensors weren't functioning. With all the strength she could muster, and fighting against the pain in her abdomen, she reactivated her systems. The sound of screams almost brought her to deactivate her audio sensors immediately, but she persevered, and through the noise she could hear that at least two of the screams were coming from voices she recognised. Blackarachnia and Rattrap, crying out in pain. She forced her optics to focus and before her she saw three Predacons standing approximately 2ft away from her, two of them holding data-pads whilst the third held the long, cylindrical probe that had been inserted into her abdomen. Approximately 20ft away she could just make out the silhouette of Rattrap, chained up about 5ft off of the ground above a spherical white light, by energon bonds strapped to his arms, as a further group of three Predacons stood in front of him. A scream from her left forced her to try and move her head, when to her shock she realised that she physically couldn't. As this realisation dawned on her she suddenly felt the burning sensation on her arms of the energon bonds that held her in the air as her awareness of the things around her increased as her systems returned to operating capacity.
"She appears to have regained consciousness," said the Predacon holding the probe, his crimson optics burning into her with malice.
"So, she has come out of the trance again," said a tall Predacon holding a pad.
"Each 'vision' appears to last approximately two cycles," said the shorter one.
"And none of the other subjects have been able to access these 'visions'?" asked the taller Predacon.
"Negative" answered the shorter one.
"Have we determined how she accesses the Oracle and what it tells her? Assuming of course that she accesses the Oracle," pressed the taller one.
"Negative" came the shorter Predacons reply.
"Very well" sighed the taller Predacon. "Restart the experiment" The Predacon with the crimson optics grinned and pressed a control on the probe. An excruciating pain shot through Botanica's 'nervous system' and before she could cry out again her vision turned white.
"So, how do you reckon we get outta this one?" Longhaul asked, nudging Scrapper in the side and motioning towards the pile of twisted metal that blocked the Decepticons exit from the tunnel.
"Simple," answered Scrapper, "we'll be ordered to move the mess"
"What do we need you for," laughed Motormaster, "we could easily shift this scrap without your help"
"Really?" returned Scrapper, "then be my guest" he finished by motioning towards the blockage. Motormaster turned towards the exit and fired his cyclone gun. A few chunks of splintered metal exploded from the pile, but for the most part it remained intact. Bonecrusher laughed,
"So much for the 'King of the road', he can't even move a few tonnes of scrap"
"Maybe not, but I'm sure I could move your cranium from your chassis" Motormaster roared brandishing his sword.
"Silence" shouted Shockwave, advancing towards the two gestalt teams. "Cease your squabbling, your inane babble will not assist the situation" He looked towards the Constructicons. "Scrapper, you and the Constructicons will remove this material from our path. The Stunticons and Combaticons will cover you in case there should be a mishap" The Constructicons moved towards the rubble, transforming into their vehicle modes as they did so. When he was out of audio range Scrapper radioed to Longhaul.
"See, what did I tell you? I said we'd do all the menial work"
Shockwave moved back towards Soundwave, who was attempting to penetrate the rubble blocking their path with a communications signal and talk with the others outside, however something was blocking the transmissions. "Has there been any response to your signals?" he asked.
"Negative" came the monosyllabic reply, "communication signals unable to penetrate the blockage"
"Supposition?"
"The organic material"
"Explanation?"
"It is possible that the neural signature that we detected the organism contained is in some way effecting our ability to communicate through it, however further study is required"
"Very well, proceed" As Shockwave began to turn away from Soundwave he had his attention returned to the communications officer as he shouted,
"Unidentified life forms approaching"
"From where?" Shockwave demanded. Soundwave pointed down the tunnel.
"There" As Shockwave looked in the direction that the blue Decepticon had pointed he saw three sets of glowing scarlet optics advancing toward them.
The Maximals and Predacons fired wildly as the Insecticons and their clones advanced on them. Cries could be heard throughout the nearby areas of the battlefield as the clones leapt onto the defending Maximals and Predacons and began to devour them whilst they still functioned. Maximal Storm-troopers fired volley upon volley of high yield missiles against the Decepticons and found that, unlike the standard Insecticons and Decepticons, the Insecticon clones chassis weren't as strong as those they were copied from and their missiles were able to penetrate into their inner workings and destroyed them from the inside. Explosions and flying debris littered the area as more and more clones came into contact with the final groups of Maximals and Predacons as they attempted to regroup against their larger aggressors whilst they waited for Vehicon reinforcements. Radio traffic was vast, and sometimes confusing, as individual troops relayed information to their commanders who in turn radioed Obsidian and Strika who gave their orders to the ground and aerial forces.
Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ratbat were forced to stay near the Insecticons as they were now starting to feel the lack of energon that had previously affected their comrades, whilst Rumble and Ravage stood over Frenzy who, though still functional, lay wounded with energon leaking from a large hole from a missile that had pierced his left shoulder and the subsequent explosion had damaged his motor relays down his entire left side of his body. Suddenly Ratbat cried out in pain as a missile ripped through his right wing and he fell quickly to the ground in a heap. Laserbeak dove to the ground after his comrade and helped him onto his feet, but not before another missile grazed him across his back. Rumble turned to help his comrades as a technorganic Maximal in his modified 'cat' mode leaped onto him and began clawing at his back.
"Ahhh" screamed Rumble, whilst attempting to grab the Maximal. "Get it off, get it off, get it off!" Ravage turned and fired at the Maximal at point blank range, though because of the lack of power his weapon held, it only blew it off Rumble and it was able to return to its comrades with only limited damage.
"This is getting ridiculous," muttered Ravage. "We should be trying to find a way to get through that rubble, if only so we can get in and refuel"
"To do that we're gonna need some help, and I doubt that the Insecticons 'll give us any" answered Rumble.
"Somebody ask for some help," cried a voice from nearby. Turning the cassettes saw two fast moving vehicles burst through the Maximal lines and quickly transform into their robot modes. "So, who wants help?" asked Runabout.
"It had better be help to kill something, or I ain't gonna be of any" replied Runamuck, firing rapidly into the throng of Maximals that the two Battlechargers had just burst from.
"If you could give us a hand clearing away some of this rubble…" began Ravage, but before he could finish his sentence there was a gigantic explosion and the metal that was covering the entrance to the tunnel exploded outwards, narrowly missing the waiting Decepticons. From inside a powerful, mechanical voice cried,
"ATTACK" At once Decepticons burst from the now reopened passage. Six aircraft screamed overhead as they began strafing any Maximal or Predacon that stood in their way. The Constructicons, Combaticons, Stunticons, Astrotrain, Octane, Spectro, Spyglass and Viewfinder charged out on foot, the Constructicons quickly spotting the injured and began dragging them back inside the cover of the passage for repairs. The sound of heavy footsteps could be heard from inside the passage and as many Maximals and Predacons looked in that direction they saw three sets of optics advancing towards them, though most were transfixed by the glowing scarlet optics of the central mechanoid that were filled with loathing and contempt. As it moved into the light, gasps of terror rose from those before it as they looked upon the hulking, silver-grey chassis that towered above them.
"Its…its…"
"Run!"
"Every Predacon for himself!"
"It's the Slag Maker!"
Obsidian turned toward Strika. They had seen the entrance to the tunnel cleared of rubble and the Decepticons piling out. Now, listening to the radio signals coming from the troops from the ground they could hear the panic rising from them as many turned tail and fled.
"Magnify sector fourteen" commanded Strika. "We must see what the problem is" As the viewer magnified on the tunnel entrance a large silver-grey robot, flanked by Shockwave and Soundwave exited the chasm.
"That's impossible, he's dead," muttered Nightflight from behind the two Generals.
"It's a sign," cried the Predacon General.
"It's pretty fragged up," muttered Night-stalker.
"Heathen" the General spat, as he turned toward Night-stalker. "The Slag Maker has returned and we are all doomed, so says the covenant"
Starstrike sat on his 'throne', his mouth agape. Before him he watched the battle as the Decepticons burst from the tunnel. He thought he had a malfunction in his optical sensors as he watched the jets fly from the hole in the ground. Ramjet, Blitzwing, Dirge and Thrust he had expected to see, but the two leading aircraft were original design 'seeker' fighters, two he recognised instantly. But they're dead, he thought, but now before him he could see them, the past had returned to haunt him, as he had done to do to it so often. For the first time in millennia he felt the slightest twinge of fear as his optics fell on the silver-grey giant that stood before him on the viewer. His mouth formed the words that his vocal sub-processor couldn't, and he leaped from his chair, wonder and puzzlement filling his entire being and the words from long ago filled his mind,
"Megatron, is that you?"
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A/N: Wow, that only took me, what? Two months to put up. Hopefully later chapters will come together quicker now that I've finished Uni (for those of you that care I passed with second class honours)
Anyhew, please review, cheers.
