Transformers : Book 3 :
The Devil's Gambit
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Death's Head - I do not own Transformers. Takara, Marvel, Marvel UK, Sunbow Entertainment, DW Comics and all the rest own them. I only own a couple of the figures. Also, I do not own the Freelance Peacekeeping Agent, Death's Head. Marvel UK does.
The following are my own creations. I made them, they're mine. If you'd like to use them in one of your stories, just send me an email asking for permission to use them, as I'll most likely say you can. I just want to know which story they're going to be placed in.
The New Autobots I created : Outlaw, Valkyrie and Seraphim. The New Decepticons I created : Alpha Destroyer, Acousia, Tremble, Carnage, Blaze, Thraka, Tempest, Darkshayde, Hydrina, Vette and Roadkill.
** ** - Indicates the character's thought.
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Near Scorpononk :
Grimlock slashed with his sword, slicing the wing off of Thrust. The Dinobot commander smiled to himself, as the red and black Seeker spiralled out of control and collided with the control tower of the massive Decepticon. Skyfire and Dogfight swooped overhead, the Aerialbots and the three Triple Changers, Springer, Sandstorm and Broadside, following them. They made a concentrated attack run on the Decepticon space rocket, Alpha Destroyer.
Grimlock smiled.
"Me enjoy myself."
Seraphim, standing next to him, her weapon blasting, rolled her optics.
"Really Grimlock? Heh, judging by the wrecked parts surrounding us, I'd say you were enjoying yourself immensely."
Grimlock laughed and blasted Ramjet in his fuselage, sending the Seeker spiralling into Cyclonus. Scourge, meanwhile, had snuck up on the two Autobots, and smiled as he aimed his targetmaster partner, Fracas at them.
"Heh, two for the price of one!"
The tracker was about to fire, when a silver foot kicked his weapon, sending it flying across the deck. Scourge faced his attacker.
"Damn femme! Time for you to die!"
Scourge leaped at the femme, who caught him by his throat, lifting the tracker/mad scientist off his feet and squeezed.
"No Scourge. No one destroys Autobots! Only I Destroy Autobots!"
Scourge's optics went wide as he stared at the femme. Even though she wore the Autobot insignia on her, her optics glowed Decepticon red.
"It can't be..."
The femme smiled and dropped him to the deck.
"Oh, but it can, heh, heh, oh, but it is. I have finally awakened Scourge, and, unfortunately, I need aid. Therefore, if you wish to continue to function, you will aid me. Understand?"
Scourge rubbed his throat as he studied the femme before him. He recognised her, from her mannerisms and such, that this was Outlaw's mate before him. However, she was different. It was then he remembered what Valkyrie had been called, before Raiden had managed to bring her to the Autobots. He paled.
"Celestine!"
Valkyrie/Celestine smiled.
"Good. You remember me Scourge. But then, the part of you which is still Skywarp, remembers me, doesn't he?"
Before Scourge could respond, Valkyrie/Celestine aimed her weapons at Grimlock and Seraphim, and fired, the beams of energy cutting deep into the two Autobots, causing them to fall to the deck, spasming in pain. She faced Scourge.
"I need troops Scourge. Find them! Bring them to Alpha Destroyer, in one cycle."
Scourge nodded, and grasped his weapon, transforming and heading into the battle. Valkyrie/Celestine watched him go, then faced the wounded Autobots. She walked over to Seraphim, grasping her by the throat and lifting her up, level with her optics.
"Seraphim, Seraphim, Seraphim, I have to admit, I did like you. Now, I just feel scathing hatred for you. For you and for Outlaw. Tell him, Celestine has returned, and I will finish what I started all those years ago. I give you and him, this warning, because, I guess, sentimental attachment I once felt for you and for... him."
Seraphim looked at Valkyire.
"Val... kyrie... why?"
Celestine threw Seraphim into Grimlock, smiling as the two Autobots crashed onto the deck.
"Remember what I said Seraphim. If you and your brother want to continue to function, do not stand in my way. I will not hesitate to destroy you."
Celestine transformed into jet mode and flew towards Alpha Destroyer, leaving Grimlock and Seraphim behind. Grimlock looked at Seraphim, then gazed after Celestine.
"We in big trouble."
Meanwhile :
Megatron slammed against the side of the hull, his chest armour dented and cracked. Ultra Magnus stepped in front of him and pulled him to his feet.
"Megatron, you who started this war all those years ago. It is time to exorcise the past, and put you where you belong!"
Before Ultra Magnus could carry out his threat, a black panther and two condors attacked him. Megatron smiled as Soundwave hit Ultra Magnus across the face, sending him down. Soundwave faced his leader.
"Megatron, time to depart."
Megatron nodded and was about to speak when Starscream and Skywarp blasted a hole in the hull, right next to Megatron, and entered.
Skywarp looked at his leader.
"Mighty Megatron, Autobot reinforcements have arrived. We must leave while we still can."
A growl came from the darkness behind them, and Starscream shuddered as Galvatron and Acousia stepped out of the darkness.
"You aren't thinking of leaving me behind, are you partner?"
Megatron grimaced.
"Nothing of the sort." he faced Soundwave "Have all the Decepticons been loaded into Alpha Destroyer?"
Soundwave paused.
"All Decepticons have been reloaded into Scorpononk, as per your orders."
Megatron's optics widened.
"I ordered no such thing!"
Starscream smiled to himself.
"The order came from Galvatron's little 'pet', Scourge. He said, he had orders from the two of you to reload them into that giant scrap heap, and then preapre for departure."
Galvatron snarled as he lashed out with his fist, catching Starscream unawares, sending the Seeker into the wall.
"Scourge! That accursed tracker! He's gone too far this time!"
Skywarp was about to respond, when beams of energy splashed down the corridor. The Decepticons turned, and saw Triggerhappy, Rollbar and Death's Head firing their weapons at them. Starscream snarled and fired two cluster bombs down the corridor, before he leaped out the hole. Soundwave recalled Ravage, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw back into his chest, before helping Megatron out through the same hole Starscream had retreated through.
Skywarp fired his cannons, as he spoke to Galvatron.
"Go! I'll keep these Autobrats occupied!"
Galvatron nodded and with Acousia's aid, followed Megatron towards Scorpononk. Skywarp snarled.
"Well, looks like we can get this show going, eh?"
Death's Head leaped at the dark Seeker, his axe attachment biting deep into Skywarp's shoulder, almost severing Skywarp's left arm completely. The Seeker fell backwards, holding his arm, as Death's Head stood before him.
"Time for you to die, yes?"
Skywarp snarled, and was about to teleport away, when a white fist slammed into the back of his head, rendering him unconcious. Death's Head nodded at the mech.
"Good work. Thought you were dead Magnus, yes?"
Ultra Magnus rubbed his chin.
"It'll take more than a punch from Soundwave, and attacks from his little toys to stop me."
Rollbar looked around.
"Where's Optimus?"
A weary voice spoke out.
"Right here Rollbar."
The two Autobots, the Decepticon and mercenary faced the battle damaged Optimus Prime, and as he fell, Death's Head caught him.
"Easy. Taken a lot of damage yes?"
Triggerhappy spoke.
"We better get him to the repair facilites onboard the Autobot shuttles, and..."
The comm on Optimus's wrist beeped for attention. Optimus activated it and spoke.
"This is Optimus."
The voice on the other end, sounded relieved.
"Good to hear that old friend. I was afraid we arrived too late."
Optimus smiled behind his mask.
"No fear in that Xaaron. How goes the fight?"
Aboard the Autobot flagship, the "INDEPENDENCE", Emirate Xaaron smiled.
"Good. By all accounts, we've won. The Decepticons have been routed, and left aboard Scorpononk. Akpha Destroyer left earlier, just after we arrived. According to a report from Rodimus Prime, we've suffered numerous casualties, fortunately no fatalities."
Optimus sighed.
"That's good to hear, I..."
Optimus slumped forward, optics dim. Ultra Magnus spoke over the comm.
"Xaaron! Bring your ship as close to the mausoleum shuttle as you can, and prepare your repair bay! Optimus is hurt bad!"
Xaaron's response was quick.
"We are already within minimum distance to the shuttle. Repair bay, standing by."
Death's Head hefted Optimus Prime over his shoulder.
"Let's go."
Elsewhere :
Seraphim groaned as Grimlock helped her to her feet. Her weapon transformed back into the armoured form of her Nebulon partner, Kari. Kari spoke softly.
"What do we do now? Valkyrie has gone all Decepticon on us."
Grimlock shook his head.
"Me not know. Me not be one to tell Outlaw."
Seraphim nodded.
"That's my job Grimlock. I'll tell him. Right now, we..."
Seraphim looked up and saw the Autobot scientist, Skyfire heading towards them. Even from the distance they were, Seraphim could see the damage Starscream had inflicted on his one time partner.
Seraphim cringed as she saw the massive jet transform and land in front of them.
"Skyfire, your injuries..."
Skyfire smiled.
"Are only cosmetic. Fortunately I lost Starscream in the middle of the fight. Unfortunately, I caught a few hits from that flying crustacean, before they left."
Seraphim nodded, as Grimlock looked over at the new Autobot shuttle.
"Reinforcements arrive. Too late for help."
Skyfire nodded.
"Come on, I'll take the three of you aboard Xaaron's shuttle. Optimus Prime was brought aboard the same shuttle for repairs."
Seraphim looked at the giant Autobot.
"Repairs? What happened?"
Skyfire shrugged, then transformed.
"Unsure, but when we get there, I'll be sure to ask. All aboard!"
Grimlock, Seraphim and Kari boarded the jet, and as Skyfire headed towards the shuttle, Seraphim felt dread start to fester within her.
**This is just great. Optimus is down, and Celestine is back. Dammit, where's Outlaw! He knew how to deal with Celestine, and how to turn her into Valkyrie. I just hope he gets here soon, and with good news, because we sure are gonna need it.**
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On the asteroid :
Outlaw cursed as he slammed the repair tools onto the counter. Chromia looked at him.
"Outlaw, don't push yourself too hard."
Outlaw faced her.
"If I don't do something quick Chromia, Elita-1 will die. I can't have her death on my shoulders, as well as all the other sins I committed!"
Chromia studied the young Autobot.
"Outlaw, we can't change the past, all we can do is learn from our mistakes and ensure not to make them again."
Outlaw snorted as he sat on a bench.
"No wonder Ironhide loved you. Always the optimist."
Chromia smiled sadly.
"True. Yet my optimism in regards to seeing Ironhide again, will never come true."
Outlaw looked at her face, and saw the grief etched there. Jetfire and himself had told the femmes about what has happened since their departure and subsequent stasis sleep. Optimus Prime and the Autobots with him, awakening on Earth, the Ark embedded at the base of Mt. St Hillary. The numerous battles on Earth and Cybertron and back again. When Outlaw told them about the first battle for Autobot City, in particular the death's of Prowl, Brawn, Ratchet and, in Chromia's case, Ironhide, they reacted which shock and horror. When they heard how the mighty Optimus Prime, mate of their leader, had fallen at the hands of his nemesis, Megatron, Beta had a slight smirk on her face, no doubt thinking of what it would've look like to see Megatron fall.
Jetfire then told them about his return, thanks to the planet devourer and Dark God, Unicron. How Unicron had taken the battered and broken form of Megatron and reformatted him into the dangerous, deadly and utterly ruthless Decepticon, Galvatron.
Outlaw could'nt help but smirk there. He knew that Unicron had tortured Galvatron into doing his bidding, and how even the mightiest Decepticon was brought to his knees in pain over the immense torture inflicted upon him mentally. That mental barrage from Unicron had no doubt started the damage to Galvatron's psyche and when Cyclinus and Scourge found Galvatron on that distant planet, in a lava pool, the lava had leaked into his head casing, causing even more damage, turning the powerful and noble warrior, into the psychotically deranged lunatic he is today.
Outlaw also knew, that out of all of Unicron's henchmen, there had been only one he couldn't control, no matter how much torture Unicron inflicted, the entity fought him and won, even entering Unicron's mind, and discovered the true origins of the Transformers and their god, Unicron's arch enemy, Primus.
Jetfire then explained about the second battle for Autobot city, and told Moonracer and Firestar, how their own loves, Powerglide and Inferno died. Both femmes comforted each other and Jetfire looked at Outlaw and Chromia.
"Outlaw, we need to find another cosmotron, otherwise Elita..."
Outlaw nodded as he stood.
"Understood Jetfire. I know where we can get one from."
Chromia spoke.
"Where? We don't have any spares aboard the ship."
Outlaw gazed at her, a cold look of determination on his face.
"We have at least fifteen spares on deck four. We just use one of them."
Jetfire and the femmes looked at him, horror on their faces. Moonracer stepped in front of Outlaw, blocking his way.
"You're talking about the others aren't you? Our comrades in the stasis tubes! You can't desecrate them Outlaw, I forbid it!"
Outlaw stare coldly at her.
"Then Elita dies. Care to explain that to Optimus, Moonracer?"
Moonracer faltered slightly, but Firestar backed her up.
"Outlaw, you do this, you're nothing more but a Decepticon in disguise!"
The dark Autobot snorted, his optics glowing dangerously.
"You forget dear Firestar, I WAS a Decepticon. I served under Ratbat, as well as Astrotrain on Cybertron for over a million years! I do what I do to survive."
Beta spoke, anger in her voice.
"Is that what you were taught by the Decepticons, or by being a puppet assistance to a bounty hunter!"
Jetfire raised his hands, trying to calm everyone down.
"Heeeyyyy, calm down guys. Let's stop and think things through rationally here..."
Outlaw shook his head.
"Fine. You guys talk, I'll go and save Elita's life."
Outlaw stalked past the two femmes before him, heading to deck four. Moonracer, Firestar and Chromia in pursuit. Beta looked angrily at Jetfire.
"Jetfire..."
Jetfire sighed.
"Not my fault, your worshipfulness. When Outlaw gets like this, it's best to just let him be."
Beta turned and walked out of the room, leaving Jetfire alone. The Air Guardian sighed and followed.
"Why me? Why am I always in the middle of crap like this?"
On deck four :
Jetfire made his way to the stasis room, in time to hear the femmes gasp. He peered around the corner and his optics widened. Outlaw had ripped the lid off one of the dead stasis tubes and, without any tools, tore the chest plate off the deactivated femme inside, removing the cosmotron from the dead femme.
Beta and Chromia were furious, and Moonracer and Firestar had drawn their weapons. Jetfire stepped in front of them.
"Now ladies, let's not do anything rash here."
Firestar kept her blaster levelled on Outlaw.
"Get out of the way Jetfire! After what he just did, he deserves to die!"
Moonracer nodded in agreement.
"It's time for him to pay for his sins! By his own admission, he brought about the death of my Powerglide on this planet, Earth!"
Jetfire sighed to himself.
"Ladies, please!"
Meanwhile, Outlaw had opened Elita's chestplate and removed the old cosmotron, replacing it with the 'spare'. No sooner had he closed the femme's chest, her optics flickered, then glowed faintly.
"Wha... Who...?"
Outlaw glanced over his shoulder at the femmes and Jetfire.
"Well, look whos awake now."
Beta looked at the femme sitting up on the bench.
"Elita..? You're alive?"
Elita-1 looked up at the room's occupants, her gaze settled on her old friend.
"Beta... where are we?"
Beta walked forward, past Outlaw, and approached her friend.
"According to these two, our shuttle crashed on an asteroid in the Paradron system."
Elita nodded slowly, as she looked at the three other femmes. She spoke again.
"What happaned? Where are...?"
Beta sighed.
"Only the five of us survived the crash. The others, their stasis tubes had been tampered with. They..."
Outlaw spoke suddenly.
"They died. Deceased. No longer functioning. Empty shells. Scrap Metal."
Jetfire whirled on Outlaw.
"Outlaw! What's wrong with you! Why are you behaving like this?"
Outlaw studied Jetfire, then turned on his heel and stalked off.
"Jetfire, do me a favour. Keep out of my way."
Jetfire watched his friend leave.
"What the?"
The other femmes all looked at each other, and Chromia was about to speak, when Elita spoke.
"Raiden is still the same."
Beta watched Elita get off the bench and stand, a bit shakily, in front of them.
"Elita, how did you know?"
Elita smiled to herself.
"Because I know Raiden. I witnessed his creation, and that of Seraphim and Valkyrie. I also know, or have a idea about what's wrong with 'Outlaw' now."
Jetfire faced her.
"What's wrong with him?"
Elita walked towards the door, and spoke.
"When Raiden was created, there was a fault in his operating system and BIOS. A copy was made from Seraphim, and used, but that failed as well. The only way to correct the problem, was to slave him to Valkyrie, and download her operating system and BIOS into him. It worked... to an extent."
Beta shook her head.
"I can't believe that was done. There are that many problems which could arise from a procedure like that! Who created them?"
Elita left the room, the others following her.
"First, Moonracer, find Outlaw and head to the bridge with him. The rest of us will meet you there."
Moonracer nodded, then turned and headed down the corridor. The others headed towards the bridge in silence. As soon as they entered, Elita nodded at Chromia and Beta, who quickly booted the ship's computer and engaged the engine warm up cycle. Elita sat in the central chair and continued her story.
"Raiden, Seraphim and Valkyrie, were created in Vector Sigma. The three of them, were the last Autobots created by Alpha Trion. Unfortunately, Straxus and the Decepticons with him, attacked and took Raiden and Valkyrie. Straxus subverted the programming within the two, and made them his own personal bodyguards. Valkyrie renamed herself Celestine, and caused nothing but death and destruction to not just Autobot but Decepticon as well. Raiden fought against the programming and was imprisoned within Polyhex." She paused "Impactor, Ultra Magnus, Chromia and Myself, managed to retrieve him, but not before Celestine attacked, Straxus by her side. Ultra Magnus and Impactor both fired simultaneously, causing the Decepticon to explode. Only his head survived the explosion."
Chromia nodded, as she remembered that day.
"Last I heard, Shockwave had the head of Straxus imprisoned within a nutrient energon vat."
Elita smiled.
"That is correct. After subduing Celestine, Alpha Trion managed to purge the Decepticon programming from Raiden and Valkyrie's systems. Then I led what was left of my forces away from Cybertron, and that's all I know."
Jetfire leaned against a console, arms folded across his chest.
"That explains why Raiden, and subsequently Outlaw, is so..."
"Disturbed?"
Jetfire looked and saw Moonracer and Outlaw enter the bridge. Outlaw walked over to the navigation and engineering console, and uploaded the navigation data he had from the shuttle he arrived on.
"There. Course plotted in." he looked over at Moonracer, who was sitting at the helm "Engines are at full power. Structural integrity field at 89% and holding."
Moonracer nodded, then looked at Elita.
"Boss, ready to head home?"
Elita smiled.
"Home. Moonracer, take us home."
Moonracer nodded and pressed numerous buttons. Jetfire walked over to Outlaw.
"Outlaw..."
Outlaw shook his head.
"Save it for when we're back on Cybertron. Right now, I need to ensure the engines are working at full capacity." He looked at Elita "I'll be in the engine room."
With that said, the dark Autobot left the bridge. Chromia looked at Jetfire.
"Has Outlaw always..."
Jetfire sighed and nodded.
"For as long as I've known him, he has."
Elita spoke softly.
"Jetfire, I want you to tell me everything about Outlaw, Seraphim and Valkyrie. I need to know everything about what they've been doing over the past four million years."
Jetfire looked at her.
"It's a long story..."
Firestar, sitting near the weapons console, spun her chair around.
"It'll take us about 90 Decacyles to get back to Cybertron. So we've got plenty of time to listen to your story."
Jetfire nodded and then started to tell them, everything he knew about Outlaw, Seraphim and Valkyrie.
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Death's Head - Ok. First, I hope you all enjoy this BIG update. Now I need to figure out the rest, lol. Second, the Cosmotron was the vital replacement part, Optimus Prime needed replaced in the sixth episode, Divide and Conquer, of The Transformers, Generation One, Season One (I got the Generation One DVD boxset yesterday, so I've got a LOT more info.), so I used it here. Ironic that Optimus Prime needed the replacement, and so does Elita-1.
I may even bring in, G.P. Blackrock, Circuit Breaker and even Dr Archiville into the next book. At this point in time, book 4 will be set almost entirely on Earth, so any suggestions for book 4, would be gratefully appreciated.
Also, the change in Valkyrie into Celestine, was one I've been planning since book 1. I just needed to figure out how I was going to do so. Outlaw's reaction to what happenned to her, will be... Heh, explosive, yes? R&R please.
The Devil's Gambit
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Death's Head - I do not own Transformers. Takara, Marvel, Marvel UK, Sunbow Entertainment, DW Comics and all the rest own them. I only own a couple of the figures. Also, I do not own the Freelance Peacekeeping Agent, Death's Head. Marvel UK does.
The following are my own creations. I made them, they're mine. If you'd like to use them in one of your stories, just send me an email asking for permission to use them, as I'll most likely say you can. I just want to know which story they're going to be placed in.
The New Autobots I created : Outlaw, Valkyrie and Seraphim. The New Decepticons I created : Alpha Destroyer, Acousia, Tremble, Carnage, Blaze, Thraka, Tempest, Darkshayde, Hydrina, Vette and Roadkill.
** ** - Indicates the character's thought.
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Near Scorpononk :
Grimlock slashed with his sword, slicing the wing off of Thrust. The Dinobot commander smiled to himself, as the red and black Seeker spiralled out of control and collided with the control tower of the massive Decepticon. Skyfire and Dogfight swooped overhead, the Aerialbots and the three Triple Changers, Springer, Sandstorm and Broadside, following them. They made a concentrated attack run on the Decepticon space rocket, Alpha Destroyer.
Grimlock smiled.
"Me enjoy myself."
Seraphim, standing next to him, her weapon blasting, rolled her optics.
"Really Grimlock? Heh, judging by the wrecked parts surrounding us, I'd say you were enjoying yourself immensely."
Grimlock laughed and blasted Ramjet in his fuselage, sending the Seeker spiralling into Cyclonus. Scourge, meanwhile, had snuck up on the two Autobots, and smiled as he aimed his targetmaster partner, Fracas at them.
"Heh, two for the price of one!"
The tracker was about to fire, when a silver foot kicked his weapon, sending it flying across the deck. Scourge faced his attacker.
"Damn femme! Time for you to die!"
Scourge leaped at the femme, who caught him by his throat, lifting the tracker/mad scientist off his feet and squeezed.
"No Scourge. No one destroys Autobots! Only I Destroy Autobots!"
Scourge's optics went wide as he stared at the femme. Even though she wore the Autobot insignia on her, her optics glowed Decepticon red.
"It can't be..."
The femme smiled and dropped him to the deck.
"Oh, but it can, heh, heh, oh, but it is. I have finally awakened Scourge, and, unfortunately, I need aid. Therefore, if you wish to continue to function, you will aid me. Understand?"
Scourge rubbed his throat as he studied the femme before him. He recognised her, from her mannerisms and such, that this was Outlaw's mate before him. However, she was different. It was then he remembered what Valkyrie had been called, before Raiden had managed to bring her to the Autobots. He paled.
"Celestine!"
Valkyrie/Celestine smiled.
"Good. You remember me Scourge. But then, the part of you which is still Skywarp, remembers me, doesn't he?"
Before Scourge could respond, Valkyrie/Celestine aimed her weapons at Grimlock and Seraphim, and fired, the beams of energy cutting deep into the two Autobots, causing them to fall to the deck, spasming in pain. She faced Scourge.
"I need troops Scourge. Find them! Bring them to Alpha Destroyer, in one cycle."
Scourge nodded, and grasped his weapon, transforming and heading into the battle. Valkyrie/Celestine watched him go, then faced the wounded Autobots. She walked over to Seraphim, grasping her by the throat and lifting her up, level with her optics.
"Seraphim, Seraphim, Seraphim, I have to admit, I did like you. Now, I just feel scathing hatred for you. For you and for Outlaw. Tell him, Celestine has returned, and I will finish what I started all those years ago. I give you and him, this warning, because, I guess, sentimental attachment I once felt for you and for... him."
Seraphim looked at Valkyire.
"Val... kyrie... why?"
Celestine threw Seraphim into Grimlock, smiling as the two Autobots crashed onto the deck.
"Remember what I said Seraphim. If you and your brother want to continue to function, do not stand in my way. I will not hesitate to destroy you."
Celestine transformed into jet mode and flew towards Alpha Destroyer, leaving Grimlock and Seraphim behind. Grimlock looked at Seraphim, then gazed after Celestine.
"We in big trouble."
Meanwhile :
Megatron slammed against the side of the hull, his chest armour dented and cracked. Ultra Magnus stepped in front of him and pulled him to his feet.
"Megatron, you who started this war all those years ago. It is time to exorcise the past, and put you where you belong!"
Before Ultra Magnus could carry out his threat, a black panther and two condors attacked him. Megatron smiled as Soundwave hit Ultra Magnus across the face, sending him down. Soundwave faced his leader.
"Megatron, time to depart."
Megatron nodded and was about to speak when Starscream and Skywarp blasted a hole in the hull, right next to Megatron, and entered.
Skywarp looked at his leader.
"Mighty Megatron, Autobot reinforcements have arrived. We must leave while we still can."
A growl came from the darkness behind them, and Starscream shuddered as Galvatron and Acousia stepped out of the darkness.
"You aren't thinking of leaving me behind, are you partner?"
Megatron grimaced.
"Nothing of the sort." he faced Soundwave "Have all the Decepticons been loaded into Alpha Destroyer?"
Soundwave paused.
"All Decepticons have been reloaded into Scorpononk, as per your orders."
Megatron's optics widened.
"I ordered no such thing!"
Starscream smiled to himself.
"The order came from Galvatron's little 'pet', Scourge. He said, he had orders from the two of you to reload them into that giant scrap heap, and then preapre for departure."
Galvatron snarled as he lashed out with his fist, catching Starscream unawares, sending the Seeker into the wall.
"Scourge! That accursed tracker! He's gone too far this time!"
Skywarp was about to respond, when beams of energy splashed down the corridor. The Decepticons turned, and saw Triggerhappy, Rollbar and Death's Head firing their weapons at them. Starscream snarled and fired two cluster bombs down the corridor, before he leaped out the hole. Soundwave recalled Ravage, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw back into his chest, before helping Megatron out through the same hole Starscream had retreated through.
Skywarp fired his cannons, as he spoke to Galvatron.
"Go! I'll keep these Autobrats occupied!"
Galvatron nodded and with Acousia's aid, followed Megatron towards Scorpononk. Skywarp snarled.
"Well, looks like we can get this show going, eh?"
Death's Head leaped at the dark Seeker, his axe attachment biting deep into Skywarp's shoulder, almost severing Skywarp's left arm completely. The Seeker fell backwards, holding his arm, as Death's Head stood before him.
"Time for you to die, yes?"
Skywarp snarled, and was about to teleport away, when a white fist slammed into the back of his head, rendering him unconcious. Death's Head nodded at the mech.
"Good work. Thought you were dead Magnus, yes?"
Ultra Magnus rubbed his chin.
"It'll take more than a punch from Soundwave, and attacks from his little toys to stop me."
Rollbar looked around.
"Where's Optimus?"
A weary voice spoke out.
"Right here Rollbar."
The two Autobots, the Decepticon and mercenary faced the battle damaged Optimus Prime, and as he fell, Death's Head caught him.
"Easy. Taken a lot of damage yes?"
Triggerhappy spoke.
"We better get him to the repair facilites onboard the Autobot shuttles, and..."
The comm on Optimus's wrist beeped for attention. Optimus activated it and spoke.
"This is Optimus."
The voice on the other end, sounded relieved.
"Good to hear that old friend. I was afraid we arrived too late."
Optimus smiled behind his mask.
"No fear in that Xaaron. How goes the fight?"
Aboard the Autobot flagship, the "INDEPENDENCE", Emirate Xaaron smiled.
"Good. By all accounts, we've won. The Decepticons have been routed, and left aboard Scorpononk. Akpha Destroyer left earlier, just after we arrived. According to a report from Rodimus Prime, we've suffered numerous casualties, fortunately no fatalities."
Optimus sighed.
"That's good to hear, I..."
Optimus slumped forward, optics dim. Ultra Magnus spoke over the comm.
"Xaaron! Bring your ship as close to the mausoleum shuttle as you can, and prepare your repair bay! Optimus is hurt bad!"
Xaaron's response was quick.
"We are already within minimum distance to the shuttle. Repair bay, standing by."
Death's Head hefted Optimus Prime over his shoulder.
"Let's go."
Elsewhere :
Seraphim groaned as Grimlock helped her to her feet. Her weapon transformed back into the armoured form of her Nebulon partner, Kari. Kari spoke softly.
"What do we do now? Valkyrie has gone all Decepticon on us."
Grimlock shook his head.
"Me not know. Me not be one to tell Outlaw."
Seraphim nodded.
"That's my job Grimlock. I'll tell him. Right now, we..."
Seraphim looked up and saw the Autobot scientist, Skyfire heading towards them. Even from the distance they were, Seraphim could see the damage Starscream had inflicted on his one time partner.
Seraphim cringed as she saw the massive jet transform and land in front of them.
"Skyfire, your injuries..."
Skyfire smiled.
"Are only cosmetic. Fortunately I lost Starscream in the middle of the fight. Unfortunately, I caught a few hits from that flying crustacean, before they left."
Seraphim nodded, as Grimlock looked over at the new Autobot shuttle.
"Reinforcements arrive. Too late for help."
Skyfire nodded.
"Come on, I'll take the three of you aboard Xaaron's shuttle. Optimus Prime was brought aboard the same shuttle for repairs."
Seraphim looked at the giant Autobot.
"Repairs? What happened?"
Skyfire shrugged, then transformed.
"Unsure, but when we get there, I'll be sure to ask. All aboard!"
Grimlock, Seraphim and Kari boarded the jet, and as Skyfire headed towards the shuttle, Seraphim felt dread start to fester within her.
**This is just great. Optimus is down, and Celestine is back. Dammit, where's Outlaw! He knew how to deal with Celestine, and how to turn her into Valkyrie. I just hope he gets here soon, and with good news, because we sure are gonna need it.**
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On the asteroid :
Outlaw cursed as he slammed the repair tools onto the counter. Chromia looked at him.
"Outlaw, don't push yourself too hard."
Outlaw faced her.
"If I don't do something quick Chromia, Elita-1 will die. I can't have her death on my shoulders, as well as all the other sins I committed!"
Chromia studied the young Autobot.
"Outlaw, we can't change the past, all we can do is learn from our mistakes and ensure not to make them again."
Outlaw snorted as he sat on a bench.
"No wonder Ironhide loved you. Always the optimist."
Chromia smiled sadly.
"True. Yet my optimism in regards to seeing Ironhide again, will never come true."
Outlaw looked at her face, and saw the grief etched there. Jetfire and himself had told the femmes about what has happened since their departure and subsequent stasis sleep. Optimus Prime and the Autobots with him, awakening on Earth, the Ark embedded at the base of Mt. St Hillary. The numerous battles on Earth and Cybertron and back again. When Outlaw told them about the first battle for Autobot City, in particular the death's of Prowl, Brawn, Ratchet and, in Chromia's case, Ironhide, they reacted which shock and horror. When they heard how the mighty Optimus Prime, mate of their leader, had fallen at the hands of his nemesis, Megatron, Beta had a slight smirk on her face, no doubt thinking of what it would've look like to see Megatron fall.
Jetfire then told them about his return, thanks to the planet devourer and Dark God, Unicron. How Unicron had taken the battered and broken form of Megatron and reformatted him into the dangerous, deadly and utterly ruthless Decepticon, Galvatron.
Outlaw could'nt help but smirk there. He knew that Unicron had tortured Galvatron into doing his bidding, and how even the mightiest Decepticon was brought to his knees in pain over the immense torture inflicted upon him mentally. That mental barrage from Unicron had no doubt started the damage to Galvatron's psyche and when Cyclinus and Scourge found Galvatron on that distant planet, in a lava pool, the lava had leaked into his head casing, causing even more damage, turning the powerful and noble warrior, into the psychotically deranged lunatic he is today.
Outlaw also knew, that out of all of Unicron's henchmen, there had been only one he couldn't control, no matter how much torture Unicron inflicted, the entity fought him and won, even entering Unicron's mind, and discovered the true origins of the Transformers and their god, Unicron's arch enemy, Primus.
Jetfire then explained about the second battle for Autobot city, and told Moonracer and Firestar, how their own loves, Powerglide and Inferno died. Both femmes comforted each other and Jetfire looked at Outlaw and Chromia.
"Outlaw, we need to find another cosmotron, otherwise Elita..."
Outlaw nodded as he stood.
"Understood Jetfire. I know where we can get one from."
Chromia spoke.
"Where? We don't have any spares aboard the ship."
Outlaw gazed at her, a cold look of determination on his face.
"We have at least fifteen spares on deck four. We just use one of them."
Jetfire and the femmes looked at him, horror on their faces. Moonracer stepped in front of Outlaw, blocking his way.
"You're talking about the others aren't you? Our comrades in the stasis tubes! You can't desecrate them Outlaw, I forbid it!"
Outlaw stare coldly at her.
"Then Elita dies. Care to explain that to Optimus, Moonracer?"
Moonracer faltered slightly, but Firestar backed her up.
"Outlaw, you do this, you're nothing more but a Decepticon in disguise!"
The dark Autobot snorted, his optics glowing dangerously.
"You forget dear Firestar, I WAS a Decepticon. I served under Ratbat, as well as Astrotrain on Cybertron for over a million years! I do what I do to survive."
Beta spoke, anger in her voice.
"Is that what you were taught by the Decepticons, or by being a puppet assistance to a bounty hunter!"
Jetfire raised his hands, trying to calm everyone down.
"Heeeyyyy, calm down guys. Let's stop and think things through rationally here..."
Outlaw shook his head.
"Fine. You guys talk, I'll go and save Elita's life."
Outlaw stalked past the two femmes before him, heading to deck four. Moonracer, Firestar and Chromia in pursuit. Beta looked angrily at Jetfire.
"Jetfire..."
Jetfire sighed.
"Not my fault, your worshipfulness. When Outlaw gets like this, it's best to just let him be."
Beta turned and walked out of the room, leaving Jetfire alone. The Air Guardian sighed and followed.
"Why me? Why am I always in the middle of crap like this?"
On deck four :
Jetfire made his way to the stasis room, in time to hear the femmes gasp. He peered around the corner and his optics widened. Outlaw had ripped the lid off one of the dead stasis tubes and, without any tools, tore the chest plate off the deactivated femme inside, removing the cosmotron from the dead femme.
Beta and Chromia were furious, and Moonracer and Firestar had drawn their weapons. Jetfire stepped in front of them.
"Now ladies, let's not do anything rash here."
Firestar kept her blaster levelled on Outlaw.
"Get out of the way Jetfire! After what he just did, he deserves to die!"
Moonracer nodded in agreement.
"It's time for him to pay for his sins! By his own admission, he brought about the death of my Powerglide on this planet, Earth!"
Jetfire sighed to himself.
"Ladies, please!"
Meanwhile, Outlaw had opened Elita's chestplate and removed the old cosmotron, replacing it with the 'spare'. No sooner had he closed the femme's chest, her optics flickered, then glowed faintly.
"Wha... Who...?"
Outlaw glanced over his shoulder at the femmes and Jetfire.
"Well, look whos awake now."
Beta looked at the femme sitting up on the bench.
"Elita..? You're alive?"
Elita-1 looked up at the room's occupants, her gaze settled on her old friend.
"Beta... where are we?"
Beta walked forward, past Outlaw, and approached her friend.
"According to these two, our shuttle crashed on an asteroid in the Paradron system."
Elita nodded slowly, as she looked at the three other femmes. She spoke again.
"What happaned? Where are...?"
Beta sighed.
"Only the five of us survived the crash. The others, their stasis tubes had been tampered with. They..."
Outlaw spoke suddenly.
"They died. Deceased. No longer functioning. Empty shells. Scrap Metal."
Jetfire whirled on Outlaw.
"Outlaw! What's wrong with you! Why are you behaving like this?"
Outlaw studied Jetfire, then turned on his heel and stalked off.
"Jetfire, do me a favour. Keep out of my way."
Jetfire watched his friend leave.
"What the?"
The other femmes all looked at each other, and Chromia was about to speak, when Elita spoke.
"Raiden is still the same."
Beta watched Elita get off the bench and stand, a bit shakily, in front of them.
"Elita, how did you know?"
Elita smiled to herself.
"Because I know Raiden. I witnessed his creation, and that of Seraphim and Valkyrie. I also know, or have a idea about what's wrong with 'Outlaw' now."
Jetfire faced her.
"What's wrong with him?"
Elita walked towards the door, and spoke.
"When Raiden was created, there was a fault in his operating system and BIOS. A copy was made from Seraphim, and used, but that failed as well. The only way to correct the problem, was to slave him to Valkyrie, and download her operating system and BIOS into him. It worked... to an extent."
Beta shook her head.
"I can't believe that was done. There are that many problems which could arise from a procedure like that! Who created them?"
Elita left the room, the others following her.
"First, Moonracer, find Outlaw and head to the bridge with him. The rest of us will meet you there."
Moonracer nodded, then turned and headed down the corridor. The others headed towards the bridge in silence. As soon as they entered, Elita nodded at Chromia and Beta, who quickly booted the ship's computer and engaged the engine warm up cycle. Elita sat in the central chair and continued her story.
"Raiden, Seraphim and Valkyrie, were created in Vector Sigma. The three of them, were the last Autobots created by Alpha Trion. Unfortunately, Straxus and the Decepticons with him, attacked and took Raiden and Valkyrie. Straxus subverted the programming within the two, and made them his own personal bodyguards. Valkyrie renamed herself Celestine, and caused nothing but death and destruction to not just Autobot but Decepticon as well. Raiden fought against the programming and was imprisoned within Polyhex." She paused "Impactor, Ultra Magnus, Chromia and Myself, managed to retrieve him, but not before Celestine attacked, Straxus by her side. Ultra Magnus and Impactor both fired simultaneously, causing the Decepticon to explode. Only his head survived the explosion."
Chromia nodded, as she remembered that day.
"Last I heard, Shockwave had the head of Straxus imprisoned within a nutrient energon vat."
Elita smiled.
"That is correct. After subduing Celestine, Alpha Trion managed to purge the Decepticon programming from Raiden and Valkyrie's systems. Then I led what was left of my forces away from Cybertron, and that's all I know."
Jetfire leaned against a console, arms folded across his chest.
"That explains why Raiden, and subsequently Outlaw, is so..."
"Disturbed?"
Jetfire looked and saw Moonracer and Outlaw enter the bridge. Outlaw walked over to the navigation and engineering console, and uploaded the navigation data he had from the shuttle he arrived on.
"There. Course plotted in." he looked over at Moonracer, who was sitting at the helm "Engines are at full power. Structural integrity field at 89% and holding."
Moonracer nodded, then looked at Elita.
"Boss, ready to head home?"
Elita smiled.
"Home. Moonracer, take us home."
Moonracer nodded and pressed numerous buttons. Jetfire walked over to Outlaw.
"Outlaw..."
Outlaw shook his head.
"Save it for when we're back on Cybertron. Right now, I need to ensure the engines are working at full capacity." He looked at Elita "I'll be in the engine room."
With that said, the dark Autobot left the bridge. Chromia looked at Jetfire.
"Has Outlaw always..."
Jetfire sighed and nodded.
"For as long as I've known him, he has."
Elita spoke softly.
"Jetfire, I want you to tell me everything about Outlaw, Seraphim and Valkyrie. I need to know everything about what they've been doing over the past four million years."
Jetfire looked at her.
"It's a long story..."
Firestar, sitting near the weapons console, spun her chair around.
"It'll take us about 90 Decacyles to get back to Cybertron. So we've got plenty of time to listen to your story."
Jetfire nodded and then started to tell them, everything he knew about Outlaw, Seraphim and Valkyrie.
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Death's Head - Ok. First, I hope you all enjoy this BIG update. Now I need to figure out the rest, lol. Second, the Cosmotron was the vital replacement part, Optimus Prime needed replaced in the sixth episode, Divide and Conquer, of The Transformers, Generation One, Season One (I got the Generation One DVD boxset yesterday, so I've got a LOT more info.), so I used it here. Ironic that Optimus Prime needed the replacement, and so does Elita-1.
I may even bring in, G.P. Blackrock, Circuit Breaker and even Dr Archiville into the next book. At this point in time, book 4 will be set almost entirely on Earth, so any suggestions for book 4, would be gratefully appreciated.
Also, the change in Valkyrie into Celestine, was one I've been planning since book 1. I just needed to figure out how I was going to do so. Outlaw's reaction to what happenned to her, will be... Heh, explosive, yes? R&R please.