1991: Metroplex on a slow day. Vixica has come to speak with Optimus Prime.
"Sir, may I have an audience with you?" the all black fox-like form of Vixica asks.
"An audience you shall have, Vixica. Speak your mind." the red, blue, and white form of Autobot Commander Optimus Prime replies.
"I've been thinking about our current situation with the Decepticons and I want to discuss an idea I have to help alleviate it somewhat." Vixica says.
"By all means, tell me about your idea." Optimus replies.
"Being a spy and psychologist has allowed me to hear complaints, doubts and grievances many times over.
These, in short, relate to being out manned as a whole as well as in one specified area, underwater." Vixica states.
"I see, continue." Optimus says.
"It would be to our advantage to create warriors with such abilities and that could combine as well. I would like to suggest that they be females." Vixica suggests.
"Your idea has merit, Vixica. I shall consider it." Optimus replies.
"Good." Vixica says and turns to leave.
"Continue your good work, Vixica, but be careful not to infringe too much on anothers' privacy." Optimus states.
"Of course." Vixica retorts and she leaves.
In three days, the newest Autobots are built and given life.
"Greetings, ladies. I am Optimus Prime, your Commander. Please inform me of your names." Optimus states.
"I am Tacea. I sense that I am also a commander, is this so?" Tacea replies, her light blue form turns toward him.
"Indeed it is, Tacea. You are the Hydrobot commander, your comrades shall inform us both of their names." Optimus states.
"I am Capera, I hope to serve both my commanders well." Capera says, her two-tone green form gives a salute.
"I'm Otaria, I'll risk any danger for my commanders only if they give their approval of it." Otaria says, her two-tone blue form draws up, as it coming to attention.
"Call me Sarka, I'm willing to do all that is necessary to further the cause." Sarka says, her dark green form tenses a bit.
"Natias' the name, just leave me be and I'll get the job done." Natia says, her aquamarine and yellow form accents the statement.
"I want you five to get to know each other before I introduce you to the others. But first I want to know the names of these two ladies." Optimus states.
"I am Adena, I'll take on anybody." Adena says, her two-tone brown form seems ready to do just that. "And I'm Tauri, I'll take on anything Adena won't." Tauri says, her brown form repeats the latter's' motion and then some.
"Such upfrontness can be quickly tested on the battlefield." Natia states.
"Is that a challenge, Natia?" Adena asks.
"This is no way for comrades to act." Tacea says.
"Indeed. I want you ladies to talk things out before I return." Optimus states.
Three hours later, the Hydrobots and Optimus stand outside the Ark.
"I would like to introduce you ladies to your sparring partners." Optimus says.
"Sparring partners?" Tacea asks.
"Gentlemen, make your presence known." Optimus replies.
Defensor, Superion, and Computron walk up to the group.
"Oh bother, I suppose we've got to combine in order to fight these brutes." Natia groans.
"Indeed, Hydrobots combine." Optimus commands, they merge, "Gentlemen you see before you Tethys. Tethys, before you stands Computron, who represents the combined wisdom of the Technobots." Optimus says.
"We hope you are sufficient in intelligent warfare." Computron intones.
"Defensor, who represents the combined skill of the Protectobots." Optimus says.
"We dare to think that you could ever outdo us." Defensor states.
"And Superion, who represents the might of the Aerialbots." Optimus says.
"We are not easy to beat." Superion reports.
"They sound as if they have confidence in their abilities." Tethys smiles.
"They do, and so shall you." Optimus says.
"We surmise that we are to take them on singly, on their turf, and on their terms." Tethys comments.
"Yes. Computron will determine your ability to think under pressure, Defensor your battle skills, and Superion your strength and agility. Who do you wish to start with?" Optimus asks.
"We will confer." she pauses and states, "We choose Superion as our first opponent. How are you test us?" Tethys inquires.
He charges her and rams into her, she stumbles marginally. "Balance checks out." a fist flies at her face and the other at her belly, she easily wards them off.
"Stop toying with us, show us what you've got." Tethys sneers, she grasps his left arm and throws him over her shoulder.
"Oh, now you did it!" Superion cries.
As she turns towards him, he jumps to his feet and then tries a somersault over her, she grasps his right leg, whirls him about, and slams him into the ground.
"Next opponent, we choose Defensor." Tethys states.
He fires his fireball cannon several times, she dodges them as she approaches him. As she gets into range, she uses a wrist break to free the gun from his hand, and then applies an unbreakable arm lock from behind, "Give?"
"Agility and strength ascertained, we will give." Defensor says, she frees him.
"Last opponent, Computron." Tethys says.
"No need Tethys, you have already proved yourself in the capacity in which we were to test you." Computron intones.
"Optimus Prime, if we are to be tested thoroughly, we should confront them also, correct?" Tethys asks. "I agree, Tethys." Optimus replies.
"Very well." Computron intones, a blinding light illuminates the area, he approaches her from behind and secures a sleeper hold on her, "Give?"
"You boys never learn." she heaves and throws him over her back, she quickly turns him over and ties his hands up between his shoulder blades, then ties his feet, loops the rope around his neck, and secures the ropes all together, "Try getting out of that and you will only strangle yourself." Computron disassembles, his individual components extricate the ropes from themselves.
"Interesting ploy, thought under pressure ascertained." Scattershot says.
"Tethys, you have proved yourself a worthy opponent. You may all disassociate now." Optimus commands, the four do so. "Now, introduce our group members."
"I am Scattershot, commander of the Technobots. My comrades are Afterburner, Strafe, Lightspeed and Nosecone." the red and brown form of Scattershot says.
"I'm Silverbolt, commander of the Aerialbots. These are Skydive, Air Raid, Slingshot and Fireflight." the all white form of Silverbolt says.
"And I am Hot Spot, commander of the Protectobots. My colleagues are Groove, Blades, Streetwise and First Aid." the light blue form of Hot Spot says.
"We are pleased to meet you, gentlemen. I am Tacea, commander of the Hydrobots. My colleagues are Sarka, Capera, Otaria and Natia." Tacea says.
"If you ladies ever feel need for more battle practice either as Tethys or individually, these gentlemen are willing to be your sparring partners until you feel secure in your abilities." Optimus states.
"I think I speak for all of us when I say that we thank you for such an honor, but I think it not necessary for Tethys." Tacea says.
"I will agree with that." Scattershot says. Barracuda approaches.
"Tacea, you and the Hydrobots shall now accompany Barracuda so that you may test your underwater modes." Optimus says.
"Follow me ladies." the two-tone brown and black form of Barracuda says.
Elsewhere, Tauri and Adena are shown about by Tracer, they walk into a room where a project is underway. "In here, our resident inventor Wheeljack and our construction engineer Huffer are building a dimensional space bridge similar to what the Decepticons have, but will be smaller, faster and more convenient." the dark orange, ochre and black form of Tracer says.
"Do you think they would mind if I made some suggestions?" Tauri asks.
"We need all the help we can get." the purple, yellow and gray form of Huffer replies. Tauri joins the duo.
"Well Adena, care to continue our tour?" Tracer inquires.
"Only if you can lead me to something I can ram into, that Natia really got my dander up." Adena grunts.
"Maybe she was just uncomfortable around so many strangers and therefore implemented a way to counter it." Tracer says.
"Perhaps, but still I need an outlet to get rid of it." Adena says.
"Well, I suppose we had better go outside and find a suitable rock for you to ram then." Tracer suggests with a amused smile.
Sometime later, in the ocean, the Hydrobots and Barracuda are in their underwater modes.
"You know, the first time I went on a ocean tour, our small group had to fight the Seacons." Barracudas' brown and black car-sub form says.
"Who are they?" Taceas' light blue whale form says.
"Combiners like yourselves. You ladies were created mostly to take those menaces on." Barracuda says.
"Oh lovely. I knew there had to be a reason." Natias' aquamarine and yellow seahorse form says.
"If that had not been so, Natia, we wouldn't have been created." Caperas' dark green capricorn form states.
"Caperas' right, isn't she Sarka?" Otarias' blue seal form asks.
"Of course." Sarkas' green gator form replies, she pauses as she spots something ahead, "I hate to dampen things, but something's approaching us."
"Indeed, Sarka. It's best we hide until we ascertain what we're up against." Barracuda states. They hide behind a coral reef, enter the Seacons.
"Don't tell me, let me guess, the Seacons?" Natia asks.
"Indeed, the one in the lead is their commander Snap Trap, then there's Tentakil, Nautilator, Skalor, Overbite and Seawing." Barracuda informs them.
"They don't look so tough to me, let's get 'em." Natia sneers.
"Hold on there, Natia. All the group has to agree to attack first." Capera states.
"Indeed, I think it's a foolish endeavor. Who's with me?" Tacea inquires. Sarka and Otaria agree with her.
"Smart decision. We shall wait for them to clear the area before we continue on our tour." Barracuda says.
"Hey, Nautilator, you smell something?" the black manta ray form of Seawing asks.
"Yeah, I smell Skalor." the dark blue lobster form of Nautilator says.
"Oh yeah, you smell like a week old whale corpse." the blue and pink fish form of Skalor retorts.
"Oh yeah!" Nautilator growls.
"Enough!" the blue turtle form of Snap Trap snaps.
"No, not him, I smell something else." Seawing says.
"I smell it too. Smells like Autobots!" Snap Trap snarls.
"Let's find 'em. I want to squeeze some 'Bots into scrap." the blue and white squid form of Tentakil sneers.
"So what do we do now? Do we stay here and let them find us or do we flee while we can?" Tacea asks.
"Fleeing sounds like the better alternative. Come, I know where we can escape their notice." Barracuda states.
They swim behind her until they reach a cave, "This leads to a cave opening just ten miles from shore, then it's just a short jaunt to the Ark." Barracuda says.
"Here come those 'Cons." Sarka states.
"Swim for it!" Barracuda cries, all but Tacea enter.
"Wait, Taceas' still back there." Otaria says.
"I'll get her." Capera volunteers and swims back to Tacea, "What's keeping you?"
"I can't enter the cave. I'm too big." Tacea sighs.
"Transform then." Capera replies.
"Got you now!" Snap Trap cries.
"Go Capera, I'll be alright." Tacea says and she swims off.
"There goes one brave soul." Capera says and swims back into the cave.
"I'll go after the one in the cave." Seawing states.
"Don't bother. Let's see how that whale fares by himself." Snap Trap sneers.
"I like the way you think." Skalor grins.
"Come on, our quarry is making a hasty retreat." Nautilator growls and they give chase.
oO(I hope none of them can maintain ten knots per hour or I'm in trouble.)Oo Tacea thinks.
"He's too fast, I'm giving up." Skalor says.
"Me too." Tentakil agrees and they leave.
"What wimps." Seawing sneers.
"Speed up you three or we'll lose that 'Bot!" Snap Trap growls.
Minutes pass.
"That's it, I'm almost out of fuel. See you guys later." Nautilator says.
"He's got a point, let's give up." Seawing states.
"Not until I catch that 'Bot." Snap Trap says.
"Have fun." Seawing sighs, they leave as well.
oO(One more left. I'm going to have to face this guy pretty soon.)Oo Tacea muses as Snap Traps' lasers skim by her.
"Being graceful won't save you from my lasers 'Bot. Sooner or later I'll hit you." Snap Trap sneers.
oO(He's right. I guess I shall have to turn and fight.)Oo Tacea thinks, she transforms and lands by a coral reef. "Ah ha! Finally decided to give up, eh? Do you want it quick or slow?" Snap Trap cackles.
"You underestimate me 'Con." Tacea states, her lasers fly and strike him.
He transforms and charges with fists poised. As he comes upon her she grasps his hands, jerks him down and knees him in the face.
"Now you're really going to get it." Snap Trap grins. He clasps his hands and delivers a stunning blow to the side of her head. She staggers, he charges her, knocks her down and pins her arms under his knees.
"Okay, so you got me. Now what are you going to.. Why are you looking at me like that?" Tacea says.
"Powers that be, you're a female!" Snap Trap cries, Tacea kicks him in the abdominal area, "Gahhhh . A lady with spunk."
"Get the heck out of here, or I'll kick lower next time!" Tacea yells.
"I'll go." he transforms, "But it won't be the same after this." Snap Trap states.
"Name's Tacea, buster." Tacea says as she stands.
"Til next we meet." Snap Trap grins and swims off.
"Good riddance!" Tacea calls after him and transforms.
Later, Optimus Prime addresses Ultra Magnus on a vid-screen, Vixica and Ursa Thylar overhear.
"Magnus, tell the Pretender Beasts that I need them here immediately." Optimus commands.
"Yes sir." the blue, white and red form of Magnus replies.
"Who are these Pretender Beasts?" the brown, purple and golden-headed ursine form of Ursa Thylar asks.
"Some warriors who volunteered for a new process that combines their metal with syntho-flesh. The syntho-flesh becomes an animate shell for them and protects them from harm while they're in it. It will be interesting to see what they look like." Vixica replies.
"How did you come to know about this process?" Ursa Thylar inquires.
"I have my ways." Vixica says with a toothy grin.
"Vixica, you're terrible." Ursa Thylar states.
"No, just terribly sly." Vixica chuckles.
"You know what I mean." Ursa Thylar sighs.
Austera and Struthia enter.
"What's up?" the green, red and golden-headed equine form of Austera asks.
"We are awaiting the arrival of some warriors from Cybertron who have undergone a most interesting process." Vixica replies.
"How interesting?" Austera inquires.
"They could be more intriguing than the 'Masters." Ursa Thylar informs.
"I'll be the judge of that." the blue, gray and golden-headed ostrich form of Struthia says.
Sometime later.
"Hey, I see someone headed this way." Austera states.
"Shh, don't give us away." Vixica shushes.
Pretender Beasts enter the room, talking cheerily.
"Okay, you're correct in say that they're interesting." Struthia says.
"Indeed, I bet the 'Cons will throw a fit when those three show up in battle, don't you think, Ursa?" Austera asks.
"Oh, um, yes they would." Ursa Thylar replies.
Optimus approaches the Beasts. "Pretender Beasts, reveal yourselves." Optimus commands.
The shells split, out of each a robotic beast steps out which then transforms into robot mode. "If I didn't see it, I wouldn't have believed it. Ursa, where are you going? Ursa?" Austera calls, Ursa Thylar doesn't reply and leaves, "What's with her all of the sudden?"
Outside, sometime later, Ursa Thylar lays on a bluff on Mt. St. Hillary, Adena approaches in ram mode.
"Hello there. Hey, what's the matter?" Adena asks.
"Go away." Ursa Thylar growls.
"I know what that tone means. Did one of the guys break your heart?" Adena asks.
"Hardly. Leave me." Ursa Thylar growls.
"I know what the problem is, you care for some guy, but he doesn't notice you." Adena says.
"I guess you won't go away until you know the truth, so I'll tell you that you're correct on the second guess." Ursa Thylar growls.
"Figures." Adena says.
"You see, I was smitten with his bear mode, but when he transformed into his robot mode, I knew he wouldn't
care for a lowly cassette." Ursa Thylar states.
"I see. So you think that since you don't have a humanoid form that he couldn't care for you." Adena replies.
"Yes." Ursa Thylar says.
"Such a belief is unfounded. All of us have a mode that differs, but that doesn't mean we can't care for someone with a mode drastically different from our own." Adena states.
"Perhaps you are right, but you could also be wrong. I suppose it will be up to him to decide. Thank you for the talk, um?" Ursa Thylar replies as she stands.
"Name's Adena." Adena replies.
"Adena. Call me Ursa Thylar, my friends call me Ursa. Good day." Ursa Thylar says, she leaves.
"Good day, Ursa." Adena says.
At sunset that day, Ursa sits by the ocean watching the sun set, a figure approaches her. It is the Pretender Beast Chainclaw in robot mode, he sits beside her, silence prevails for several minutes.
"Why are you here?" Ursa Thylar asks.
"I overheard your conversation, Ursa." the yellow form of Chainclaw states.
"Matrix help me." Ursa Thylar sighs as puts a paw over her optics.
"I understand what you feel. I wish to extend my friendship to you, if you will accept it?" Chainclaw inquires.
"Do you mean that or are you just trying to be..." Ursa Thylar begins.
"I mean it, Ursa. I have thought long and hard about it. Friends?" Chainclaw asks.
"Friends, comrade." Ursa Thylar says.
"Name's Chainclaw, Ursa. Come, it is getting late and our comrades worry over you." Chainclaw states.