Authors Notes: If your still reading, enjoy. It just keeps getting weirder after this. Oh and I should have mentioned, to understand most of these characters you'll have to read the series Written by Blackbird , Spider Striker and Pun. And AS soon as I can find a link to their stories I'll pass them along
*LATER, BACK AT THE DARKSEID*
*Hawk wakes up--notes himself inside a cage of some kind. Body is all wrecked*
Hawk: Mirage...forgot about that guy. I had wondered what that noise was... *tries to break free* Hmm. Nice and tight. Makes things a little more interesting. *notes surroundings* In the Predacon base. Probably brought me here after...who knows what. But, they brought me here. Just like I thought they would. *checks internal repair system* Everything is up in functioning order. A little sluggish in some points. Definitely going to have to get the construct repaired. Really need it.
Darkbird: Probably not right now, though. That'll come up later, once I REALLY start to get nasty. You think this was rough?
Hawk: Interesting. Definitely. But I've been through rough. This was just a luck shot.
Darkbird: But you were stupid enough to let yer guard down. Doesn't matter if it was lucky or not. If you can't pay attention to your surroundings, that ain't my fault. But I'll exploit the hell out of it.
Hawk: *runs diagnostics on scanning and audio equipment.* Everything's on auxiliary mode. Whatever was in that concussion charge, it did a number on my senses. So, is there a reason I'm in here and not on one of your Undertaker symbols?
Darkbird: Meh--I got tired of you hanging there. Besides, though it was poetic, it wasn't very...safe.
Hawk: I scare you some, don't I?
Darkbird: Watch yourself, metal-feathers.
Hawk: Where's Megatron and all them?
Darkbird: Mmm, around. Maybe not around here, but around.
Hawk: They left you in charge?
Darkbird: *examining clawtips* Maybe.
Hawk: Well, now that you have me all caged up, what's the new plan?
Darkbird: And, I'm gonna tell you because...?
Hawk: *smirks* All good villains do.
Darkbird: Oh yeah, that's good. The ol' "let's tell Mister Bond everything" bit, eh? Well, I'm not that kind of villain.
Hawk: *testing one of the bars* I noticed.
Darkbird: You aren't breakin' those down, you know. *unsheathes claws* But, yer welcome to try. Unless, of course, you haven't learned your lesson...
*multiple booms shake the base.*
Darkbird: What in...? *booms continue* Feels like they're raking the outside of the hull. *New sound of firepower is heard* Hah! There go the autoguns. Whoever's out there's screwed!
*new form of firepower heard--explosions*
Hawk: Sounds to me like the guns are going out.
Darkbird: Hmm. At least we still have Sentinel...
Hawk: *recognizes new laser resonance* Aw, sh**.
Darkbird: Excuse me? Wanna watch your f**king language?
Hawk: You might want to watch your assplate in a minute. I'm already dead, but you will be too if you don't get out of here.
Darkbird: What the hell are you talking about?! Threatening me?!
Hawk: No--warning you. You've never met Darkstorm have you?
Darkbird: Friend of yours?
Hawk: Nope. Archenemy actually. But, he'd kill you too, just because.
Darkbird: Because what?
Hawk: Oh--because you have feathers...because of your bad antics. Because he's five times taller than you. Because he's in the mood. A number of things.
Darkbird: Well, if he's anything like your sorry ass, then I have nothing to worry about.
Hawk: No, he's worse. He's already killed me once.
Darkbird: So? That ain't so hard. Mirage...*character decloaks* Watch him. *Darkbird converts to beast mode. Flies out of Predacon base--still being hammered by firepower. When he gets outside, he sees no one.*
Darkbird: Haha! I show up an' he runs. Little chickensh...
*Black jet flies over Predacon base--easily forty meters in length. Swoops low, almost hitting Darkbird. Engine wake burns at Darkbird's feathers a little as the ship passes by, the wash pulling him towards the jet in a frenzy. Darkbird recovers from the turns and spins, when the soundwave from the engines hits. It shatters one of Darkbirds audio receptors.*
Darkbird: AAUUGH!! What the fu... *looks up. Jet is gone. Shakes head and runs audio reboot to clear out ringing in remaining audio receptor, then flies back into the base* Great, finally take the base for myself, and we already have a new friend. We'll have to deal with him later, and oooh, how I'm gonna have fun. *flies to war room, where Hawk's cage is. Cage is torn open, Mirage sprawled on the floor with scorch and puncture marks around his front plating* What the hell happened??!!
Mirage: Idiot hit me with some damned rockets from his shoulders.
Darkbird: What?? I had those disabled.
Mirage: Apparently, it didn't work. Then, he ended up cutting the cage out with a small energy dagger of some kind.
Darkbird: Wonderful. Just friggin' wonderful! Computer, keep Sentinel on-line. The only good thing Megatron ever did was steal that...
COMPUTER: Invalid request. Program, Sentinel is not found.
Darkbird: What kind of bullsh** is that? What are...*thinks* that bastard took it… The Old Man took it!! Well, we're getting it back. Mirage, your status...
Mirage: I can barely walk...
Darkbird: Good, cloak and follow me. This asswipe is gonna learn not to f**k with the Lord of Darkness...
*MEANWHILE, A FEW MILES AWAY FROM THE DARKSEID*
Hawk: *sees Jubilee as he walks to the Maximal base* Hey there.
Jubilee: You're a mess!
Hawk: Merely cosmetic. But I got Sentinel. Right under their noses.
Jubilee: Great job; nice going! You better get back to base and get repaired. Man is Op and the others going to be happy to see Sentinel again.
Hawk: What are you doing out this far?
Jubilee: Spider Striker hunting. He sort of took off after getting our of the 'R-chamber. Looking for the Cat Sisters.
Hawk: I see. One other bit of news. It seems that Darkbird has taken the Pred base. No sign of Megatron, or his regulars. Looks like it's only Darkbird and those still loyal to him.
Jubilee: Wow. Hurry and get back. Optimus will need to know. I'll back you up. *Hawk makes his way back to base.* HEY LORD OF DARKNESS! COME OUT AND MEET THE LADY OF LIGHT! You good for nothing. Oh sure you can take over the Pred base, but what good is that if you can't even keep the one badly damaged prisoner that you had there? Come on, that's just pathetic! *waits for echo to die out throughout the desert valley.* Hmm. Wonder if he heard me?
*BACK AT MAXIMAL BASE, A FEW MINUTES LATER*
*Hawk walks up to the base at the side of Mount St. Hillary. Optimal Optimus is standing there, waiting for Hawk to approach*
Primal: You look like scrap, Hawk.
Hawk: Yeah, I've been getting that. Rhinox is going to be pretty happy to see this again. *Holds up Sentinel*
Primal: I got your communiqué. Good work. Think you two can plug it back in before the Preds can attack?
Hawk: I can, but I don't know if they'll be attacking.
Primal: I see. You figure it has to do with the fact that Darkbird is in command.
Hawk: Megs wouldn't just give him command. Something happened. But, I don't think that will matter. Darkstorm is showing up again.
Primal: So you said. He attacked the Predacon base. Any idea what he was after?
Hawk: He might have simply been testing Sentinel, seeing it's weaknesses. But there might be more to it. I didn't bother checking out the rest of the base once I got Sentinel back. Still, he might make his way here. We should probably get this thing plugged in before I even bother doing CR time.
Primal: Understood. Go find Rhinox and get Sentinel back on-line A.S.A.P.
Hawk: Got it. *walks inside with Optimus, then splits off to find Rhinox*
Primal: *walks up to Axalon remnants, where Rattrap is sitting at a terminal.* Rattrap.
Rattrap: What's up?
Primal: Get a hold of Jubilee. She was out there covering Hawk's way home. Call her back in, and then set up a search party with Cheetor and Blackbird to find Spider Striker.
Rattrap: Got it. *flips comm switches* Hey, Jubes. Ye readin' me out there? Fearless leader here wants ye te' head back as soon as ye can. Copy?
*static*
Rattrap: Eh...Jubilee, come in. We need ye te' come back te base, pronto.
*static*
Primal: What's wrong?
Rattrap: Can't get through. Either the signal's jammed...or it ain't there.
Primal: *straightens* That's a problem. Do what you can to get through to her.
Rattrap: I'll try. *continues to flip comm switches to clear signal as Primal walks out* Jubee. Hey Jubes, come in. Jubilee, are ye there?...
*OUTSIDE...*
* The soundwave from a jet's engine roar coats the sky. Scene switches to a smoldering wreckage. Parts that are not melted or ash blackened are identified as Jubilee's. Commlink is still active...*
Rattrap: Jubilee, come in please. Ye there?
Wildfire: Jubilee is no more, Rattrap. There is only Wildfire now. *Phoenix Rising from the scrap that was Jubilee*
Wildfire: Darkstorm, you're going to wish that you hadn't shot me in the back like that. Now you have unleashed the fury of the Phoenix!
Rattrap: Well whoever ya are, ya might want ta head for the base, Hawk's tryin' ta get Sent'nel workin' and the BossMonkey's gonna want ta see ya.
Wildfire: Fine I'm coming in. As soon as I find Striker. *flies off looking for Striker* Striker where are you?
*continues to fly for a while, when she sees Striker ducking into a cave. Lands and goes into the cave* Striker are you ok? I came to take you back to base...
*a shot is fired.*
*MEANWHILE*
*Hawk is repairing his outer hull while Rhinox is helping*
Rhinox: The damage looks pretty much cosmetic, with a few exceptions. How'd you let Darkbird take you down?
Hawk: Actually, it wasn't just Darkbird. Mirage had a good hand in it too. Besides, they eventually took me to the Predacon base didn't they? Though, I had hoped they would have taken me to their own base of operations instead of the Darkseid. Guess we'll just have to find that one on our own.
*Hawk and Rhinox finish repair work on his outer hull, then head to the briefing room. Primal, Rattrap, Silverbolt, Cheetor, and Blackbird are waiting.*
Primal: Glad you could join us. Let's get this briefing started. Everyone please add your knowledge to this situation. The situation is as follows: Darkbird has control of the Predacon base, Darkstorm has resurfaced, another figure...um, Wildfire, has come along out of no where, and Spider Striker, Jubilee and the Cat sisters are out there alone. Now, getting to Darkbird. He apparently has full control of the Pred base, with whatever other Predacons on his side. We know that at least Mirage is there, and it sounds like Terminx is as well.
Silverbolt: Recon reports show minimal defenses around the base after Darkstorm's attack. And, since Hawk has reaquired Sentinel, that makes things much harsher for the Predacons.
Hawk: At this point, we have to figure out who's still out there. If we're going to make this strike count, we have to do it right. That means recon the area for anyone and everyone, that even may include finding out where Megatron and the rest of them are.
Blackbird: It'll probably be best to go in groups, since both Darkstorm and Darkbird are out there.
Primal: Blackbird, Rattrap and Cheetor; you have already been set up for a search and rescue for Spider Striker and Jubilee.
Hawk: I will be accompanied by Silverbolt. We'll be scanning for Predacon signatures around the planet.
Primal: Rhinox, you take Rattrap once he gets back from Blackbird and Cheetor's run, and make another recon run on the Pred base. Find out what you can inside and out.
Hawk: And, everyone--watch for Darkstorm.
Primal: Any questions?
*no one protests*
Primal: Good. Let's go, people, we have a mission to complete!
*MEANWHILE*
Darkbird: So, Hawk thinks he can escape and take Sentinel with him and just get away with it? Well, we'll see about that. I think it's time I put a plan into action that I've been holding onto far too long.
Mirage: And that is?
Darkbird: Oh, you'll see.
*Walks into his quarters, then goes into secret lair.*
Darkbird: Now, you'll see my ultimate plan come to fruition. Something I've been saving for just the right occasion. Something that would destroy both the Maximals and Predacons. I suppose with all these other people after me, now's the right time.
*Takes out small remote control, then presses main button. The ground suddenly begins to shake and a good portion of the caves floor splits in two. Then a huge platform comes up. A rack emerges through the center of the platform, carrying hundreds of Battle Droids*
Mirage: How did you find all the materials to build of these?
Darkbird: Oh, you'd be surprised.
*Presses second button and the rack begins dropping off all of the battle droids. With the press of a third button, all the Battle Droids come on-line.*
Darkbird: Now, I want you all to go out and destroy anything that gets in your way! Take no prisoners! Uh, except of Blackbird and Hawk. I want to deal with those two personally. *A cave wall splits open that leads outside. Battle Droids pull out their weapons and start marching out.*
Darkbird: Now, we will see who attacks who. Mhehehehehehhahahahaahahahahaahahahahahahhahaahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!
*ON RECON PATROL; SILVERBOLT AND HAWK*
Hawk: *shaking his head* Well, Primal's not going to like what we found one bit.
Silverbolt: I have yet to meet a Maximal that does not taste the bitterness of loosing a warrior. Jubilee was a good friend, and did not deserve to die.
Hawk: *sighs* If we weren't so damned busy, we could have stopped and salvaged her remains for a proper burial.
Silverbolt: We may yet still have the chance, once our current situation is...*Silverbolt stops mid-sentence. He starts to look around*
Hawk: *suddenly aware* Picking up on that, too?
Silverbolt: Indeed. It is pretty strong--coming from that direction. It appears that our sinister friend has reappeared. We should report back to...
Hawk: Hold up. This one's different. Too sporadic, almost like a bunch of signals at one source. Darkstorm doesn't give off that kind of signal. We have speed on our side, so if it's more than we can handle, we'll bug out quick.
*characters fly over a large hill, leading into a grass valley*
Hawk: *stops short in mid-flight* Aw, hell... *sees hundreds of battle droids, in square marching formations, with heavy tanks trailing behind them.*
Silverbolt: By...the Matrix!... *both turn around and fly away quickly*
Hawk: Yup, it's official; Pepsi has taken over the Beast Wars...
*ON SEARCH PATROL; CHEETOR, RATTRAP, AND BLACKBIRD*
Blackbird: Spider Striker, Jubilee, come in.
*Static.*
Blackbird: Slag! I still can't reach them! Where are they?
Cheetor: Don't worry, we'll find them.
Blackbird: I hope so. I don't like this whole situation. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Rattrap: Would you two pipe down, I've got a signal. Make that a whole lot of signals.
Cheetor: What is it?
Rattrap: Don't know. But we're about to run right into it!
*The three stop and hide behind some trees and look for the source of the signal. Unfortunately, they find it. A large group of battle droids begin marching through the area.*
Blackbird: Holly sh**!
Rattrap: I've been saying it all along. We're all gonna die.
*AT A FAR OFF CAVE*
Spider Striker: I don't know what you are, but you stay back. *pulls out sonic rifle* I just had a vision. Mock me if you want, but a Phoenix was in it. It was probably Firehawk but I ain't chancing it. *fires warning shot*
Wildfire: *ducks out of the way* Striker, chill. It's me, Jubilee. I had a Phoenix protocol installed before I left Cybertron, I didn't think it'd work, but it did. Darkstorm killed my other body. This is the one I have to use now. Don't be afraid. I'm still your friend. Please come back to the base with me.
Commlink: *Primal's voice* All flyers return to base.
Wildfire: See I have to go back. Come with me, please.
Spider Striker: Jubilee?
Wildfire: Yep. So are you coming?
Spider Striker: Of course! Sorry about being frightened. What's a Phoenix protocol?
Wildfire: I'll explain later. Let's go!
*AT MAXIMAL BASE*
Primal: Repeat, all Maximal flyers, back to the base immediately! Rattrap come in.
Rattrap: I'm here. An' so are a bunch of other bots!
Primal: It looks like we'll have to cut yours and Rhinox's infiltration mission entirely.
Rattrap: Looks like yer cuttin' our regular search op too. If this is about what we're seein' out here...
Primal: Yes, Rattrap. Unfortunately... *looks at view screen* ..that's exactly it. All flyers, return to the base, immediately. Our only chance may be a combined aerial assault. Move it, bots, we don't have much time!
*MEANWHILE*
*Catsclaw and Catspaw are out on scouting duty in beast mode*
Catspaw: I'm telling you! Striker and I are just friends!
Catsclaw: And I'm telling you, if he touches you, he's... *Catsclaw drifts off as she notices the army of battle droids heading their way*
Catsclaw: Primus, I thank you for this bounty for which I'm about to receive. Catsclaw, TERRORIZE!! *Catsclaw transforms and starts attacking*
Catspaw: Oh, no. Catspaw to anyone! Me and my sister are being attacked by an army of battle droids of some sort! Don't tell anyone I said this, but we need back up! Catspaw maximize! *Catspaw transforms and joins battle*
*FROM A CAVERN*
Wildfire: *turns off commlink* Sorry Striker, but I'm going to have to leave you here at the cave. Make it back to the base if you can. I'll be back there as soon as I deal with these Battle droids attacking everyone. *Kisses Striker on the cheek*
Spider Striker: Be careful.
Wildfire: Always! *flies off towards the battle droids. Activates commlink* Catsclaw, 'Paw, I'm coming, try to hold your position!
* SEARCH GROUP*
Rattrap: Well, you guys heard the boss monkey, we gotta get back ta the base.
Blackbird: Oh yeah, we'll just fly out in front of these guys and hope they don't notice! I mean, these guys aren't rocket scientists, but they aren't that dumb!
Cheetor: So, what do we do?
Blackbird: I don't know. Waitaminute! I got an idea! Rattrap, you have any demolition charges with you?
Rattrap: Of course.
Blackbird: Well, hand me a couple.
Rattrap: What are ya gonna do.
Blackbird: Create a diversion.
Rattrap: Awright. *Rattrap pulls out a couple of bombs and hands them over.*
Blackbird: OK, now when you guys hear the signal, run like hell!
Cheetor: What's the signal?
Blackbird: Coupla' loud explosions. *Runs off into the forest, leaving Rattrap and Cheetor with confused looks on their faces. Runs behind a tree near the Battle Droids and places a charge on it. Runs off. Charge goes off and tree falls and crush a couple of droids.*
Rattrap: There's the signal!
Cheetor: You sure? He said a couple.
Rattrap: Now ain't the time to be picky, kitty cat. Let's go! *They each transform to their vehicle modes and head for the base.*
*Some Battle Droids are inspecting the tree.*
Blackbird: Hey, morons! Up here!
*Battles Droids look up and see Blackbird.*
Blackbird: Here, catch.
*Drops two more charges. A Droid catches one and it explodes in his hand, taking out the Droids next to it. The other one goes off with similar results.*
Blackbird: Well, see ya guys later.
*Flies back to base, while trying to dodge laser blasts.*
Blackbird: Maybe that wasn't such a good idea.
*Takes a blast to the back and falls to the ground. Struggles to sit up and sees a sea a Battles Droids coming towards him.*
Blackbird: "Aww crap"!
*A comet of fire comes down towards the Battle Droids and burns a group of them to a crisp*
Blackbird: Oh great, out of the pan and into the fire.
Wildfire: Hey, that's no way to thank the person who just rescued you. I was trying to track Catspaw and Catsclaw. Apparently, they're in the area somewhere. *looks around and sees quite a few more Battle droids. Forms a fireball and throws it at the droids*
BOOOOM
Wildfire: Those droids are sooo stupid.
Blackbird: Thanks. We should probably keep moving though. There are probably more on the way.
*Tries to stand up, but grunts in pain then falls back down.*
Blackbird: Uh, think you can give me a lift?
Wildfire: A lift? Sure! *Grabs Blackbird and flies towards the base. The flight only takes a couple of cycles*
Wildfire: *into commlink* Hey, you guys want to open the doors? I've got Blackbird and he's injured.
Primal: Acknowledged. Opening the doors.
*Flies in the doors and to the CR room*
Wildfire: There. Now you owe me one BB.
Blackbird: Hey, Wildfire, whatever you want, just ask. "But keep it along the lines of borderline psychotic".
Wildfire: I'm not sure what the favor will be but I'll keep that in mind when I ask. Anyway I have to go look for Striker, see ya later. *Closes the CR hatch with Blackbird inside. Leaves and starts to head for the outside in search of the Cat Sisters, when she bumps into Hawk* Hey, Hawk looks like you're feeling better.
Hawk: Uhp...yes I am. *a little perplexed* And you are?
Wildfire: Oh, sorry, I'm Wildfire. I was Jubilee, that was until Darkstorm blew my body up.
Hawk: Interesting. And how did you survive?
Wildfire: I have a special protocol....*sees Striker down the hall*... Excuse me, I just remembered something I have to do. Striker wait up!
*runs down the hall trying to catch up to Striker*
Hawk: Yup. Very interesting. *walks off*
Spider Striker: Hey, Wildfire!
Wildfire: Where you off to?
Spider Striker: Well, I... *sigh* I was headed out side to help the cat sisters. Alone.
Wildfire: Alone? But…
Spider Striker: I don't have time to explain! I just gotta go! *runs off*
**********************
Please Read and Review, we've has so little of that. We'll even take flames, we need a good laugh.