Chapter Nine – The Autobots Vs.The Deceptions
Megatron's cry for battle sets the mood for the Autobots and Decepticons as they begin to open fire at one another, ducking for cover, Prowl, Brawn and Cliffjumper shoot at Soundwave, Rumble and Frenzy. All three Decepticons weren't ready for such a swift attack and desperately fired back at the group of Autobots that were managing to damage them. Starscream fires away at the various enemies and begins to fly up into the air with his other jet commandos.
"Skywarp, Thundercracker! Transform and attack!"
The three covert into their jet modes and begin to swoop in at the Autobots, all of whom do their best to dodge the multiple shots raining down. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe transform into their vehicle modes and race towards the many cloned duplicates of Reflector, their headlights retract in and soon reveal a pair of pulse blasters pointing outward. They shoot away at the clones and cause each one to decay and fall apart onto the ground. Reflector's clone drones are nothing more then nanotech- constructs that literally have no real substance. A special form of electromagnetism, holds them together solid to the touch and even as strong as the originals, but they lack a brain. The technology to achieve this replication took millions of years, just like the resizing and dimensional portal technology they all currently possess. Autobots and Decepticons have the ability to hide their extra parts or attachments into special pockets of time and space. Various forms of technology that has been the core of their civilization since the dawn of their creation, while some would question where it all goes or how it happens, the Cybertronians wouldn't think twice of it, much like any human would question folding a piece of paper and putting into their pockets. Reflector's clones are only temporary extra soldiers; once they are no longer needed they are re- absorbed back into Reflector until the next time. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe have a ball shooting down each one, for them it's not only target practice, but also a competition between them.
"Four...Five.... Six...hey I'm beating you here Sunstreaker!!" Sideswipe laughs as the shoots.
Sunstreaker takes out a few he missed and moans, "Give me a break will ya Sideswipe...I don't want to ruin my new look. This dirt is murder on my paint job!"
Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp all fly down low as they shoot at the Autobots on the ground, lasers blasting and rockets being fired, they almost clear the way as they nearly touch the ground and head straight up for the sky again. Bluestreak and Smokescreen rise from the smoke and dust the jets disturbed and nod to each other as if they both know what to do next. Together they leap into the air and clamp onto both Thundercracker and Skywarp, Bluestreak holds on tight as he tries to bring down the F-18 Blue Angel Decepticon jet and Smokescreen bashes the butt of his gun down onto the hull of the Black F-22 Raptor.
"Your flight has been cancelled boys! Time to be grounded back into reality!" Smokescreen yelps atop of Skywarp.
Bluestreak holds on tight to Thundercracker and laughs, "Looks like we got ya by the nosecone Decepti-jerks!"
"Get off of me you little twerp!", The Blue F-18 yells at the Autobot.
The weight of them causes the planes to crash into the ground, both Autobots flip off gracefully as they avoid the impact and touch back onto the ground with relative ease. Both give a smile and raise their thumbs up in approval at each other's accomplishments. Hound and Bumblebee are surrounded by the Constructicons as they try to ram the two lone Autobots. Hound fires his shoulder missile and causes three of them to get damaged, the mini-bot Bumblebee fires his hand held weapon at the charging Scrapper as he tries to take the small robot down.
"You think you can harm me you tiny dot! I'll steamroll you to oblivion!" the Constructicon leader shouts to the small yellow Autobot.
Hound looks over and sees Bumblebee is in grave danger; he activates his shoulder hologram projector and makes Bumblebee look as if he's growing five times his size. Scrapper halts in his tracks as he sees the robot growing and becomes startled by the trick Hound is creating. Bumblebee realizes what his Autobot friend is doing and plays it for all it's worth.
"Sooo I'm a dot am I? ", the yellow robot aims his now large looking weapon at the green front scooping construction vehicle and watches the Decepticon reverse fast as he screams in fear.
As the Decepticon moves backward, Gears comes up from behind and fires his weapon at him. The explosion creates a crater and the green Constructicon falls in.
"Gaaaahhhh!" Scrapper screams as he drops in.
Gears pats his weapon with pride, "Heeheh, just like old times...nothing beats the RTB-05 pulse rifle."
Jazz, the white Sportec 996 GT2 SP650 with two dark blue stripes streaked across his top vehicle mode, drives wildly through the battle and keeps a close speed with Starscream above him. As he finally sees air commander turning to attack him on the ground, he quickly transforms into his robot mode and aims his all-white hand weapon at the incoming jet. In his blue visor like eye, he gets a target lock on the rapid firing Decepticon and smirks at him.
"Starscream...this number one hit is just for you man!"
His finger pulls the trigger and a bright blue laser goes streaking up towards the air commander, it impacts on his right wing and causes the Decepticon to spiral and flip out of control. Almost hitting the ground, Starscream quickly pulls up and recovers from the near fatal crash. He climbs up back to the sky and transforms in the sky.
"You'll have to do better then that Autobot! Have a taste of my Null Rays you waste of metal!"
The Decepticon rapidly fires his two side arm cannons at the slick looking Jazz, who dives to the ground and rolls as each blast just nearly misses him. Spinning back around, the white and black looking Autobot holds up his weapon and continues to fire at the ballistic hovering Decepticon.
"A little too bland for my taste Starscream...have some of my Jazz-tastic blaster shots to kick it up a notch! BAM!"
On the other side of the battle, Optimus Prime shoots away at Megatron from a fair distance, and the evil leader stands there doing the same. Each shot is just narrowly missing one another; the red energy blasts rushing by Prime's head and the blue streaks of the Autobot leader's weapon just skimming off of Megatron's shoulder. The two continue to scream out to one another as the battle heats up.
"I don't know how you managed to survive Prime...But I'm going to make sure you stay dead this time!"
Prime laughs in a smug tone, "You're beginning to sound like a broken data rod Megatron...always skipping to the same phony line. Guess that crash damaged your brain more than you thought...or...have you always been broken?"
The Decepticon leader screamed in anger from Optimus's insult and lowered his arm cannon. Instead he rushed over, kicked Optimus Prime's gun out of his hand and tackled the Autobot leader to the ground. The evil leader pummeled his fists into Prime's face and chest, like a wild man gone mad; he kept thumping into the Autobot leader as he screamed.
"I'll show you broken Optimus!! You're kind is extinct! Deleted! Demolished! And now you and the remaining Autobots will be the final scrap heaps to do away with!!"
Hearing Megatron's rant and grating crazed laugh put Optimus in a most foul mood, the punches were hard enough to feel, but hearing him spew off that his kind were finished gave him the strength to counterstrike. Prime managed to bring his arm up, clench his fist hard and gave Megatron a side belt across the face that flung him into the air. The evil leader crashed a few feet way from Prime, but as he rose holding his jaw, he looked over and saw the Autobot leader running over to him. A swift kick to the gut from Optimus Prime caused Megatron to fly up into the air again and come crashing down onto his back. The evil leader could feel the pain being sent to his various internal workings, Optimus Prime was always a strong opponent, and no one else had ever come close to actually harming him before. And as he looked up to see the Autobot ready to continue the fight, Megatron rose up and acted like it didn't even hurt him. Weakness, he never wanted to show it, not to his men, not to himself and certainly not in front of inferior flesh creatures who have been trying to destroy him. As he was about to take a step, Optimus Prime called out to him.
"Megatron!! Stop! Don't move..." Prime screamed out in a worried tone.
Megatron was confused, he stood there with leg arched and his foot dangling, as he looked down below it, he saw what Optimus Prime was so worried about. A wounded human soldier laid there unable to get out of the way of their brawl, bleeding and in need of medical attention, the poor man was helpless as the shadow of Megatron's foot was cast over him. Megatron smiled and gave a chuckle at Prime's foolish compassion. There it was again, weakness, Optimus Prime always has a soft spot for lesser life forms and any other non-Cybertronian life for that matter. The Decepticon leader always knew that would be Prime's downfall, these humans were the perfect leverage for him to exploit the Autobot's sense of compassion.
"Why? Why should I or you for that matter be concerned for such weak little things?"
"Megatron...don't do it...I'm warning you." Prime says to him in a threatening manner.
"Warn me?! How about this Optimus...You back off from me or I'll crush this pathetic human and any others laying around the area!"
Megatron looked out across the plains of the battle-ravaged area, he saw numerous humans all still moving about and trying to get back to the main campsite. The Decepticons that were fighting the other Autobots all had one near by each of them, so Megatron smiled again and called out to them all.
"Decepticons! Cease-fire!! Fine a human and prepare to shoot it or crush it under your foot!!!"
Optimus looked around and was surprised to see that all did as they were instructed; each Decepticon soldier ended the weapons fire at the Autobots and targeted the humans near by. The jets transformed back onto the ground and aimed their weapons, while others still standing around made ready to step on them just like Megatron was. The Autobot leader had to stop his men from attacking or else the humans would be hurt.
"Autobots!! Hold your fire!! Nobody attack them!"
The Autobots did as they were told as well; they all kept their weapons poised at the various Decepticons, but saw the helpless Earthlings being threatened by each evil robot soldier. It looked like a stand off, nobody was moving at all, but everyone was eyeing the other. Prime turned back to Megatron and saw the grinning monster looking straight through him.
"Sooo, you have a weakness after all Prime. You actually care for these beings? And to think I always believed you'd do whatever it takes to bring me down, but now I see your no better then any other leader before you."
Optimus kept his eyes right on Megatron, "This is between you and I Megatron, how many worlds have perished from your lack of respect for life? Preserving life is no weakness; it is a strength that is well beyond your comprehension. There's no need to harm these poor beings..."
The Decepticon leader laughs, "Oh Prime you idiot! Look around you...see what these beings have done to themselves already. They war as we do, but they lack the intelligence to control what they create, that weapon over there is a direct example why these...things...shouldn't be allowed to live! They are a menace to be wiped out...just like you and all the Autobots. You're weak, just like all these other flesh creatures, Cybernetic beings are the true rulers of the universe.... everything else is ours to do as we please. Whole galaxies at our disposal and you worry about the puny lives of stupid creatures? Cybertronains are much more advanced, why don't you see our greatness for what it is? How many times have I seen you Autobots lower yourselves to inferior factions, being gentle and merciful to other creatues other then your own kin. I would have embraced you as brothers if you had only seen the true potential and joined our side, to live as we should, to be the dominant life and all of them as our slaves!"
Optimus Prime shook his head, "I would have welcomed all of you to ours as well, Primus wanted all of us to live in harmony, to live as one speices of Cybertron and expand our horizons as we journey through the stars...but not at the expense of other life forms. What you want is chaos and tyranny...That is not what we were ment for. You've become too power hungry, too decedent, too set in your evil ways and I fear that in the end...Cybertron will pay the ultimate price for it. No Megatron...your twisted slant on Primus's teachings is not how we should go about. He wanted us to communicate peace, understanding, compassion.... for that is what will bring us all back as one."
"Really Prime.... you speeches are so overdone it makes me wonder how you ever became leader of your kind. And I'm bored of it. I swear to you I will kill all of these beings if you do not leave right now and not return here again! If I so much as see a vehicle of any sort...I will kill every last one of them!"
The human under Megatron's foot is scared and nervously looking over at the giant Autobot, in the human's eyes he can see the terror of losing his life. Optimus Prime always has to make split decisions, war is nothing but full of those split decisions and even though this will be a major set back to their cause, it is the right decision to make...life...all and any life is too precious to be wasted like this. The Matrix of Leadership would not have chosen him if he didn't respect such life, all leaders that carry it need that wisdom and moral ethic if they are to be the destined leader of the Autobots and Cybertron. But over the millions of years, the Decepticons have reshaped it's meaning to what they believe is right, why should they bow to other races? They are the pinnacle of sentient life...all life should bow to them.
"Give me your word Megatron....", Prime sighs under his breath, "You won't harm any of them if we leave you alone here."
The evil leader folds his arms as he still stands there ready to crush the man below his foot, "I will at least give you that honor...one warrior to another. I shall promise not a hair on their tiny inferior heads will be harmed if you leave this area and never come back."
Everyone around the battlefield awaits Prime's response, Decepticons, Autobots and even the humans sitting helpless listen to hear what Optimus Prime will say back. Once again the Autobot leader sighs with failure.
"Then...we shall do as you ask. But know this Megatron...the battle is not over yet, one way or another we will end this once and for all."
"I don't think so Prime...I intend to keep these humans around until our ship is complete, as a reassurance that you will not interfere. And tell those foolish human soldiers that as well...no more surprises or they will feel my wraith!", the Decepticon leader says clenching his fist.
Optimus Prime stood erect and raised his hand, "Autobots! Transform and....and....Retreat."
The shock in every Autobot soldier's face was precious to the Decepticons; a big defeat for their sworn enemies and all it took was a threat to step on some stupid humans. Victory was very, very sweet to them all. Transforming back into his tractor-trailer, Optimus Prime led the others back out with him. Each Autobot transformed and slowly left the area, the last one to leave was Bumblebee and as he looked back he could see the many disappointed faces of each wounded human soldier they were leaving behind. The image was burned into his mind and couldn't help but feel ashamed of what they were doing, but then again, he didn't know what else to do. Transforming into his yellow beetle mode, he continued off into the distance with Prime and the others. Megatron watched with delight, lowering his foot away from the human and laughing in his usual maniacal tone.
Unknown to all parties, high above in space orbiting the Earth, the strange satellite peered down on their location. The black orb-like eye on the bottom of it seemed to be almost staring down like a shark viewing its prey at a distance. Somewhere in a secret location, a man in total shadow watches the everything being viewed on the various monitors in front of him, some have still images of both Optimus Prime and Megatron in a profile look, while the main large screen in the center watches the entire battle area as it happens. The chair he is sitting in is dark and wide, so much so it would be hard to make out who is in it as you see it from behind. The whole surrounding room he's in is dark and shadowy; no real depth to it can be made out as the darkness covers everything around him. One light source from above shines down like a spotlight, and as mysterious man watches the screens a male voice speaks beside him.
"Sir it's the President...he wants to know if launching the nuclear weapons will be a good idea at this point and time.", the low calm male voice states to the person in the chair.
The shrouded figure's hand appears from the concealed view and presses a button on the side of it. A panel of built in buttons are sitting on the side arm all flashing red and green, as he taps one of the buttons a quick snap of sound fills the room. The man in the chair can be heard after the low toned beeping noise comes on.
"This is N Leader Mr. President...I don't think that would be a wise idea at this time."
"I've seen the spy satellite images as well N Leader.... we need to end this quickly! I will not let this country, nor the American public to be held hostage by these...these.... robots!", The President says in a angry voice over the booming intercom-phone.
The mysterious man just sighs, "And if you launch them we'll have quite the explaining to do to the rest of the world...they are watching Mr. President. How shall we tell them that you decided to destroy valuable technology that America was willing to share with them? Hmm? Be calm..."
The President becomes furious, "Valuable technology?? I'm talking about lives damnit! To hell with the technology! This is going well beyond human morals and I for one will not allow you to proceed...do you hear me?"
"Mr. President...tell me...how is your lovely wife? She's somewhere in Africa right now isn't she? It would be a shame if something were to happen to her..."
The President's voice wavers, "You.... you wouldn't dare."
The man in the chair chuckles, "Wouldn't I? I'd be sure to give the information to the media on who exactly gave the order to kill her...a few witnesses, some well placed pictures and even recorded phone records. Hmm? Come, come sir, you know I have always given you everything you wanted...after all, I took care of your opposition didn't I? You're now the President and not him correct? Don't worry about any of this anymore...From now on, I will make all the big decisions. Just enjoy your term and look important...the welfare of the world is no longer your responsibility. Now...hang up, I've got work to do. Oh, but do be sure to give your young blonde intern...oops...I mean your wife in Africa my best regards."
"Rot in hell asshole." The President remarks for the last time and hangs up the phone.
Sighing in his deep dark chair, the shadowy man pivots it slightly to his right to talk to the other person beside him hanging by in the shadows.
"Such manners...I shall have to find a new President when this is all over, one that does as he's told. So the weapon didn't work. What a shame. We'll have to try something much different, alert Area 51 and get it ready for the next development. We have more weapons to construct if we're going to handle these creatures."
Stepping within the light, we now see the person that was talking to him from out of the shadows, Agent West, the man who greeted Drakemore and Connors at the base. Looking down at the seated hidden man, he expressed his concern to him.
"What about the Autobots and the Decepticons? They might get suspicious about the weapon we've left there...."
"Let them...", the mystery man snickers, "It will only confuse them more until our next weapon is designed. As to this war, I'm interested to see how it will unfold. Let the Decepticons do as they will; it will give me opportunity to study the Autobots in action. Optimus Prime is proving to be very predictable in his thought patterns.... but Megatron.... yes Megatron...he's very interesting to me. A most unpredictable robot...he had the chance to kill all those humans laying about on the ground, but instead spared the humans. Why? Because he gave Prime his word? There's something more going on in that robot's brain...."
As he looks back at the monitor, he begins tapping the keyboard buttons on the table in front of him and enlarges the picture of Megatron's face.
"Something more indeed. The look of a mind constantly planning ahead...a ruthless, cunning warrior...unafraid to do what is nessessary."
The Agent clears his throat, "And...Connors sir?"
The secretive man sighs again, "A stupid idiot that rushed into things. Recall Mr. Drakemore back to base, I don't want the Autobots questioning him..."
"Yes sir." West nods and walks off back into the darkness again.
Now alone with the images on the screen, the shrouded figure laughs somewhat like a giggling insane man alone in the dark room. The image of Megatron is still in full blown up view on the monitors and looking as if he's staring right back at the man.
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Optimus Prime and the other Autobots ride up towards the General and his remaining forces. Spike and Carly see how slowly the group is moving and fear for the worst. Sparkplug and Ratchet turn to see them coming and walk over to the transforming bunch as they come to tell them all the grave news.
"Megatron has hostages." Optimus Prime says to them.
"Well ain't that just peachy...", the General bluntly states, "You were supposed to be able to stop him and his thugs and you come back here to tell us he's got our men? I am not impressed with you robot!"
Optimus Prime leans down close to the small man and stares at him with anger, "I'm not to impressed with you either...Human! If you had listened to my advice earlier we wouldn't be in this situation right now, the fact is General...your men are safe...for now."
Ratchet grabs hold of Prime's shoulder to back him off from the General, "Easy Prime...what happened out there?"
"We had the advantage and the perfect space to finish them off...but there were to many human causalities laying about, Megatron used them as a bargaining chip. He knows all to well that I will not endanger life...not even those who don't respect it themselves."
His words carried down to the General and saw he caught his meaning. Sparkplug came up behind Spike and Carly and rested his hands on their shoulders, they all looked up at Optimus and continued to listen to him speak.
"I should have secured the area more, I didn't realize they'd be so many of them laying about...now they've got a foot hold on launching site and will continue to build their vessel. You people have made things much worst, Megatron will not tolerate another stupid attack you're military made against him, he's demanded all of us pull back immediately out of his sight."
The General snickered, "Yeah right, I'm not leaving my men to die out there. We'll regroup and start a whole new attack strategy...this time it will be right!"
"Perhaps you didn't hear him General!" Ironhide walks up after finishing repairs to a human transport vehicle, "You guys got busted and Megs' ain't gonna stand for that crap anymore! If you re-launch your attack, he'll kill all your men and wipe out your entire forces properly this time. I wish I could have gone in there with you Optimus, I would have finished that oversized tin plated wacko in no time flat!"
Prime chuckled at Ironhide's comments, "I don't doubt it for a second Ironhide, but we needed you and Ratchet to stay behind and help the humans. Speaking of which...how are they Ratchet?"
The med-bot shakes his head and folds his arms together, "I'm not a human doctor Optimus, but...they're in bad shape. Telatran One downloaded all the files on their anatomy and treatment into my memory banks, but I'll admit that I'm not the skilled surgeon to do the operation. I think I should help them carry the wounded back to their military base, its bout as good as I can do to help any of them right now."
Prime nods, "Agreed, you help the humans as much as you can Ratchet, we'll call you if the situation requires you."
The medical robot transforms into his Ambulance form and drives over to the area loading up the wounded soldiers, the General looks over at Spike, Carly and Sparkplug and walks over to them. He stands there proudly and looks at each one of them.
"Now then...what are we going to do with the three of you? Spike and Sparkplug...you're charged with interference and government conspiracy. And Carly...I'm sure a good long questioning at the base will make you see the light."
"Oh come on General." Carly says rolling her eyes, "This is not the time to act all anal...you do realize that this was a major public fiasco? I'm sure the media has seen the explosions and heard about your mass movement of troops. They're probably already on their way or even taking pictures of us right now."
The General grinds his teeth as he chews on the fact that the young woman was absolutely right, he sighs for a moment and lowers his head.
"What do you think Mr. Drakemore? Mr. Drakemore?"
As the military man whips his head around to look at the man, he notices Drakemore isn't even standing near by, but is sitting on a helicopter preparing to lift off. The General's eyes grow large with anger as he yells out to the agent to come over to him. But the dark eyes of the agent's sunglasses give no hint that he's even paying attention to the General anymore. As the old commander runs over to stop them from taking off, the helicopter rises off the ground and begins to head off into the desert-mountainous horizon. Standing there in the flying dust and backwash from the chopper, the General sourly stares at the massive helicopters leaving him behind to deal with everything. Sparkplug watches the military commander and pities him.
"I think General...you've been fired."
Optimus Prime doesn't pay attention to any of the men, nor of Drakemore's helicopters flying off yonder. Instead he talks to the rest of his Autobot brethren standing by, feeling ashamed and cheated of a victory. As he approaches them all, the men line up in order and salute him, he is still their commander and chief, after serving with him as leader for so long...now is not the time to question his motives. Prime looks at all of them and gives them a speech of encouragement.
"Autobots...Megatron handed us a dirty tactic, it's just the typical spineless attempt I've come to expect from his sort. What we did...had to be done, unlike the Decepticons, we respect life in all forms and all sizes. He has those poor humans at his mercy for now, but we will not let him use them as bartering chips for his own goals. He'll have time to build his ship...so we'll let him. We promised we wouldn't go near the area he's in... And we won't, but he needs to get energy and that's where we'll strike him. Retreating back to The Ark will be a hard thing to do for so many of you, but to create the false illusion that we're doing as he wanted will make it easier to target his men as they come out."
Optimus paces back and forth as the men all stare at him walking past, so too do the human troops trying to gather they're supplies and boarding their vehicles. His words ring true to each of them as the all listen, as the General stood there with his head hung low, he too listened to the stirring words Prime was giving out.
"We'll not let those poor humans be left to die at the hands of Megatron, we'll not stand idlely by while he tries to build a ship to return to Cybertron, and we will certainly not let him take this planet's energy to win the war!" Prime continues to bark out at them, "Autobots...Brothers...My dearest friends. I feel your frustrations about all this, I only ask you to believe I'm doing this for the right reasons and that you'll continue to have faith in my leadership. If anyone feels otherwise, or has any comment to make...I'm listening."
A hush falls among the Autobot soldiers; they all turn to glance at one another to see if anyone will speak out, sure enough, Ironhide steps forward and raises his hand. Optimus Prime's eyes dim slightly, but knowing that he'd be open to any suggestion at all, he gives a gentle nod to his old southerly sounding friend.
"I just wanna say this...We all had our doubts about you from the very beginning Optimus. When you took over as leader during the war, we all felt our doom was surely coming...but you managed to keep us all busy and fight back with all our hearts. When the impossible situations sprang up...you made us beat it back down into submission. You are without a doubt the finest leader any of us have seen in a long, long time. And ah...even though we get into now and then...I still think you're the man for the job. I guess what I'm saying is that...well...just give us the command and we'll follow you anywhere. Sir!"
The Autobot leader's eyes beamed with joy at Ironhide's flattery, even more so when the robotic soldiers all saluted him again and smiled. The General raised his head and felt rather humbled by the Autobot's loyalty to their leader; it was strange to hear such honor among non-terrestrial beings and even stranger that he lacked to give it to his own kind. These soldiers would fight the minute he'd ask and even die for him if necessary, the General was now starting to feel very ashamed of his own behavior. Human life is more important then the wonders of technology, he was saving America for all the wrong reasons and serving the wrong people who have their own agendas. Looking up at Optimus Prime made him remember what freedom, liberty and justice for all truly meant all over again. It only took a massive red transforming robot to make him believe that goodness still exists in hearts of those who seek peace no matter the cost.
"I thank you my friends..." Prime says cheerfully, "Now lets go back to the base and figure out a way to save the humans...stop the Decepticons and go home to free our own world again!"
The General finishes listening to the Autobot leader and walks over to his awaiting Hummer, he sits in the passenger side and driver beside him looks over, "General, we've been ordered by the President to return back to base and await further instructions."
The old military commander rubbed the gold stars on his left shoulder and sighed as he thought about things, "How many more stars will it take to wash my sins clean? How many more mistakes will happen, as my men die a hopeless battle? My God, where is my humanity? Where are my morals? These robots come and they're more human than I..."
The driver sits there confused, "Uhm...Sir? Are you ok?"
"No. I'm not ok, neither is this whole damn war we're starting." The General stops rubbing his gold metals and straightens up, "Screw the damn President! Follow those Autobots back to their ship..."
The driver stares at him with great concern, but the military commander just looks back at him with conviction, "Well, just don't sit there looking at me like I've lost my marbles...I gave you a direct order Sergeant!!"
The man turned back to his steering wheel and started the car; nervously he smiled and gave him a loud answer, "Sir, Yes Sir!"
Looking out the side window, the General could see Optimus Prime facing away from his robot warriors and giving them one last order as they head out.
"Autobots, Transform and Rollout!"
The large red and blue robot converted back into his truck cab mode, the large back trailer popping out of its hidden pocket of space-time and reconnecting to him. The other Autobots all transform back into their vehicle modes and follow right behind the leader as he quickly pulls out back towards the main road. Together they all leave, Autobots and humans, as they make their way back to the ship embedded in the mountainside. The large convoy of trucks, cars, and many other military vehicles produces large dirt clouds that signal to the Decepticons across the terrain that Prime has kept his word. Megatron looks at the fleeing group and chuckles to himself.
"So predictable Prime. You truly are weak when it comes to winning a war."
"So Megatron...what are we really going to do with these creatures?" Starscream asks standing behind him.
Megaton turns around, "As we agreed Starscream. No harm will come to these humans, that's the promise I made to Optimus Prime."
The air commander looks confused at the Decepticon leader as he walks by, "What? You truly are going to keep your word mighty leader?"
"That's right Starscream, I intend to keep these humans as long as I can. It will give us the needed protection of this area until our ship is fully built and fueled. Optimus Prime won't rush in to harm them and the human military will not make such a foolish attempt again."
Starscream follows the leader as he walks over to the group of humans who now have been collected and placed together as Rumble, Frenzy and Skywarp keep their weapons pointed at them. Megatron stops to look down at the prisoners and gives a simple smirk as he gazes at their fearful faces.
"Such heroics would threaten these poor dumb creatures...might even make us a bit trigger happy. So if they don't keep back and hold up their part of the bargain...we'll have our selves a few targets to shoot."
The evil leader laughs as the mention causes the people below to shiver, Starscream begins to laugh with the leader, as do all the other Decepticons. Like a group of huge metallic bullies, they taunt the humans with their laughter and poke at them with the ends of their guns. Soundwave walks over to Megatron as they all continue to enjoy the moment, the only Decepticon not laughing, as he is too busy with other things on his mind.
"Megatron! The new ship blueprints are ready..." the robot says in his wavering monotone electronic voice.
The leader brings his laughter to a slow end and nods to his loyal officer, "Very good Soundwave. Now we must look for a source of energy to fill our hunger and rebuild Cybertron."
Soundwave instantly projects a holographic screen in front of them, slightly see through on the whole, but readable to anyone viewing it on either side. On the holo-screen are images of various human made hydro plants, nuclear weapons, oil refineries and natural energy producing resources. As they all scroll along, Soundwave talks about the various places to visit.
"There are numerous facilities and natural resources for us to collect the energon from. There are several nuclear power plants near by and a few oil fields, there is even a large human constructed dam near by."
Megatron almost drools at the many places they could plunder; this was a world rich in energy and just where he needs to be in order to stockpile energon. He looks at the images with a greedy face, wrenching his hands as if he's hit the jackpot and doesn't know where to begin.
"Where is this dam? It looks rather large...a few modifications and some extra water pressure would produce a sizable quantity of energon don't you think? "
The blue robot looks down and points to the image as it pops up full screen, "Sherman Dam is capable of producing the required energy output...if we can bring the generators to full capacity it should be able to fill one energon cube every one point two Deco-quads of energy."
Megatron places his hands on his hips, "Excellent...this world is too good to be true. Such energy, such raw untapped energy! When we get back to Cybertron, I will send a legion of ships here to restock all of this and suck the very life out of this planet until it runs dry!"
Megatron's cry for battle sets the mood for the Autobots and Decepticons as they begin to open fire at one another, ducking for cover, Prowl, Brawn and Cliffjumper shoot at Soundwave, Rumble and Frenzy. All three Decepticons weren't ready for such a swift attack and desperately fired back at the group of Autobots that were managing to damage them. Starscream fires away at the various enemies and begins to fly up into the air with his other jet commandos.
"Skywarp, Thundercracker! Transform and attack!"
The three covert into their jet modes and begin to swoop in at the Autobots, all of whom do their best to dodge the multiple shots raining down. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe transform into their vehicle modes and race towards the many cloned duplicates of Reflector, their headlights retract in and soon reveal a pair of pulse blasters pointing outward. They shoot away at the clones and cause each one to decay and fall apart onto the ground. Reflector's clone drones are nothing more then nanotech- constructs that literally have no real substance. A special form of electromagnetism, holds them together solid to the touch and even as strong as the originals, but they lack a brain. The technology to achieve this replication took millions of years, just like the resizing and dimensional portal technology they all currently possess. Autobots and Decepticons have the ability to hide their extra parts or attachments into special pockets of time and space. Various forms of technology that has been the core of their civilization since the dawn of their creation, while some would question where it all goes or how it happens, the Cybertronians wouldn't think twice of it, much like any human would question folding a piece of paper and putting into their pockets. Reflector's clones are only temporary extra soldiers; once they are no longer needed they are re- absorbed back into Reflector until the next time. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe have a ball shooting down each one, for them it's not only target practice, but also a competition between them.
"Four...Five.... Six...hey I'm beating you here Sunstreaker!!" Sideswipe laughs as the shoots.
Sunstreaker takes out a few he missed and moans, "Give me a break will ya Sideswipe...I don't want to ruin my new look. This dirt is murder on my paint job!"
Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp all fly down low as they shoot at the Autobots on the ground, lasers blasting and rockets being fired, they almost clear the way as they nearly touch the ground and head straight up for the sky again. Bluestreak and Smokescreen rise from the smoke and dust the jets disturbed and nod to each other as if they both know what to do next. Together they leap into the air and clamp onto both Thundercracker and Skywarp, Bluestreak holds on tight as he tries to bring down the F-18 Blue Angel Decepticon jet and Smokescreen bashes the butt of his gun down onto the hull of the Black F-22 Raptor.
"Your flight has been cancelled boys! Time to be grounded back into reality!" Smokescreen yelps atop of Skywarp.
Bluestreak holds on tight to Thundercracker and laughs, "Looks like we got ya by the nosecone Decepti-jerks!"
"Get off of me you little twerp!", The Blue F-18 yells at the Autobot.
The weight of them causes the planes to crash into the ground, both Autobots flip off gracefully as they avoid the impact and touch back onto the ground with relative ease. Both give a smile and raise their thumbs up in approval at each other's accomplishments. Hound and Bumblebee are surrounded by the Constructicons as they try to ram the two lone Autobots. Hound fires his shoulder missile and causes three of them to get damaged, the mini-bot Bumblebee fires his hand held weapon at the charging Scrapper as he tries to take the small robot down.
"You think you can harm me you tiny dot! I'll steamroll you to oblivion!" the Constructicon leader shouts to the small yellow Autobot.
Hound looks over and sees Bumblebee is in grave danger; he activates his shoulder hologram projector and makes Bumblebee look as if he's growing five times his size. Scrapper halts in his tracks as he sees the robot growing and becomes startled by the trick Hound is creating. Bumblebee realizes what his Autobot friend is doing and plays it for all it's worth.
"Sooo I'm a dot am I? ", the yellow robot aims his now large looking weapon at the green front scooping construction vehicle and watches the Decepticon reverse fast as he screams in fear.
As the Decepticon moves backward, Gears comes up from behind and fires his weapon at him. The explosion creates a crater and the green Constructicon falls in.
"Gaaaahhhh!" Scrapper screams as he drops in.
Gears pats his weapon with pride, "Heeheh, just like old times...nothing beats the RTB-05 pulse rifle."
Jazz, the white Sportec 996 GT2 SP650 with two dark blue stripes streaked across his top vehicle mode, drives wildly through the battle and keeps a close speed with Starscream above him. As he finally sees air commander turning to attack him on the ground, he quickly transforms into his robot mode and aims his all-white hand weapon at the incoming jet. In his blue visor like eye, he gets a target lock on the rapid firing Decepticon and smirks at him.
"Starscream...this number one hit is just for you man!"
His finger pulls the trigger and a bright blue laser goes streaking up towards the air commander, it impacts on his right wing and causes the Decepticon to spiral and flip out of control. Almost hitting the ground, Starscream quickly pulls up and recovers from the near fatal crash. He climbs up back to the sky and transforms in the sky.
"You'll have to do better then that Autobot! Have a taste of my Null Rays you waste of metal!"
The Decepticon rapidly fires his two side arm cannons at the slick looking Jazz, who dives to the ground and rolls as each blast just nearly misses him. Spinning back around, the white and black looking Autobot holds up his weapon and continues to fire at the ballistic hovering Decepticon.
"A little too bland for my taste Starscream...have some of my Jazz-tastic blaster shots to kick it up a notch! BAM!"
On the other side of the battle, Optimus Prime shoots away at Megatron from a fair distance, and the evil leader stands there doing the same. Each shot is just narrowly missing one another; the red energy blasts rushing by Prime's head and the blue streaks of the Autobot leader's weapon just skimming off of Megatron's shoulder. The two continue to scream out to one another as the battle heats up.
"I don't know how you managed to survive Prime...But I'm going to make sure you stay dead this time!"
Prime laughs in a smug tone, "You're beginning to sound like a broken data rod Megatron...always skipping to the same phony line. Guess that crash damaged your brain more than you thought...or...have you always been broken?"
The Decepticon leader screamed in anger from Optimus's insult and lowered his arm cannon. Instead he rushed over, kicked Optimus Prime's gun out of his hand and tackled the Autobot leader to the ground. The evil leader pummeled his fists into Prime's face and chest, like a wild man gone mad; he kept thumping into the Autobot leader as he screamed.
"I'll show you broken Optimus!! You're kind is extinct! Deleted! Demolished! And now you and the remaining Autobots will be the final scrap heaps to do away with!!"
Hearing Megatron's rant and grating crazed laugh put Optimus in a most foul mood, the punches were hard enough to feel, but hearing him spew off that his kind were finished gave him the strength to counterstrike. Prime managed to bring his arm up, clench his fist hard and gave Megatron a side belt across the face that flung him into the air. The evil leader crashed a few feet way from Prime, but as he rose holding his jaw, he looked over and saw the Autobot leader running over to him. A swift kick to the gut from Optimus Prime caused Megatron to fly up into the air again and come crashing down onto his back. The evil leader could feel the pain being sent to his various internal workings, Optimus Prime was always a strong opponent, and no one else had ever come close to actually harming him before. And as he looked up to see the Autobot ready to continue the fight, Megatron rose up and acted like it didn't even hurt him. Weakness, he never wanted to show it, not to his men, not to himself and certainly not in front of inferior flesh creatures who have been trying to destroy him. As he was about to take a step, Optimus Prime called out to him.
"Megatron!! Stop! Don't move..." Prime screamed out in a worried tone.
Megatron was confused, he stood there with leg arched and his foot dangling, as he looked down below it, he saw what Optimus Prime was so worried about. A wounded human soldier laid there unable to get out of the way of their brawl, bleeding and in need of medical attention, the poor man was helpless as the shadow of Megatron's foot was cast over him. Megatron smiled and gave a chuckle at Prime's foolish compassion. There it was again, weakness, Optimus Prime always has a soft spot for lesser life forms and any other non-Cybertronian life for that matter. The Decepticon leader always knew that would be Prime's downfall, these humans were the perfect leverage for him to exploit the Autobot's sense of compassion.
"Why? Why should I or you for that matter be concerned for such weak little things?"
"Megatron...don't do it...I'm warning you." Prime says to him in a threatening manner.
"Warn me?! How about this Optimus...You back off from me or I'll crush this pathetic human and any others laying around the area!"
Megatron looked out across the plains of the battle-ravaged area, he saw numerous humans all still moving about and trying to get back to the main campsite. The Decepticons that were fighting the other Autobots all had one near by each of them, so Megatron smiled again and called out to them all.
"Decepticons! Cease-fire!! Fine a human and prepare to shoot it or crush it under your foot!!!"
Optimus looked around and was surprised to see that all did as they were instructed; each Decepticon soldier ended the weapons fire at the Autobots and targeted the humans near by. The jets transformed back onto the ground and aimed their weapons, while others still standing around made ready to step on them just like Megatron was. The Autobot leader had to stop his men from attacking or else the humans would be hurt.
"Autobots!! Hold your fire!! Nobody attack them!"
The Autobots did as they were told as well; they all kept their weapons poised at the various Decepticons, but saw the helpless Earthlings being threatened by each evil robot soldier. It looked like a stand off, nobody was moving at all, but everyone was eyeing the other. Prime turned back to Megatron and saw the grinning monster looking straight through him.
"Sooo, you have a weakness after all Prime. You actually care for these beings? And to think I always believed you'd do whatever it takes to bring me down, but now I see your no better then any other leader before you."
Optimus kept his eyes right on Megatron, "This is between you and I Megatron, how many worlds have perished from your lack of respect for life? Preserving life is no weakness; it is a strength that is well beyond your comprehension. There's no need to harm these poor beings..."
The Decepticon leader laughs, "Oh Prime you idiot! Look around you...see what these beings have done to themselves already. They war as we do, but they lack the intelligence to control what they create, that weapon over there is a direct example why these...things...shouldn't be allowed to live! They are a menace to be wiped out...just like you and all the Autobots. You're weak, just like all these other flesh creatures, Cybernetic beings are the true rulers of the universe.... everything else is ours to do as we please. Whole galaxies at our disposal and you worry about the puny lives of stupid creatures? Cybertronains are much more advanced, why don't you see our greatness for what it is? How many times have I seen you Autobots lower yourselves to inferior factions, being gentle and merciful to other creatues other then your own kin. I would have embraced you as brothers if you had only seen the true potential and joined our side, to live as we should, to be the dominant life and all of them as our slaves!"
Optimus Prime shook his head, "I would have welcomed all of you to ours as well, Primus wanted all of us to live in harmony, to live as one speices of Cybertron and expand our horizons as we journey through the stars...but not at the expense of other life forms. What you want is chaos and tyranny...That is not what we were ment for. You've become too power hungry, too decedent, too set in your evil ways and I fear that in the end...Cybertron will pay the ultimate price for it. No Megatron...your twisted slant on Primus's teachings is not how we should go about. He wanted us to communicate peace, understanding, compassion.... for that is what will bring us all back as one."
"Really Prime.... you speeches are so overdone it makes me wonder how you ever became leader of your kind. And I'm bored of it. I swear to you I will kill all of these beings if you do not leave right now and not return here again! If I so much as see a vehicle of any sort...I will kill every last one of them!"
The human under Megatron's foot is scared and nervously looking over at the giant Autobot, in the human's eyes he can see the terror of losing his life. Optimus Prime always has to make split decisions, war is nothing but full of those split decisions and even though this will be a major set back to their cause, it is the right decision to make...life...all and any life is too precious to be wasted like this. The Matrix of Leadership would not have chosen him if he didn't respect such life, all leaders that carry it need that wisdom and moral ethic if they are to be the destined leader of the Autobots and Cybertron. But over the millions of years, the Decepticons have reshaped it's meaning to what they believe is right, why should they bow to other races? They are the pinnacle of sentient life...all life should bow to them.
"Give me your word Megatron....", Prime sighs under his breath, "You won't harm any of them if we leave you alone here."
The evil leader folds his arms as he still stands there ready to crush the man below his foot, "I will at least give you that honor...one warrior to another. I shall promise not a hair on their tiny inferior heads will be harmed if you leave this area and never come back."
Everyone around the battlefield awaits Prime's response, Decepticons, Autobots and even the humans sitting helpless listen to hear what Optimus Prime will say back. Once again the Autobot leader sighs with failure.
"Then...we shall do as you ask. But know this Megatron...the battle is not over yet, one way or another we will end this once and for all."
"I don't think so Prime...I intend to keep these humans around until our ship is complete, as a reassurance that you will not interfere. And tell those foolish human soldiers that as well...no more surprises or they will feel my wraith!", the Decepticon leader says clenching his fist.
Optimus Prime stood erect and raised his hand, "Autobots! Transform and....and....Retreat."
The shock in every Autobot soldier's face was precious to the Decepticons; a big defeat for their sworn enemies and all it took was a threat to step on some stupid humans. Victory was very, very sweet to them all. Transforming back into his tractor-trailer, Optimus Prime led the others back out with him. Each Autobot transformed and slowly left the area, the last one to leave was Bumblebee and as he looked back he could see the many disappointed faces of each wounded human soldier they were leaving behind. The image was burned into his mind and couldn't help but feel ashamed of what they were doing, but then again, he didn't know what else to do. Transforming into his yellow beetle mode, he continued off into the distance with Prime and the others. Megatron watched with delight, lowering his foot away from the human and laughing in his usual maniacal tone.
Unknown to all parties, high above in space orbiting the Earth, the strange satellite peered down on their location. The black orb-like eye on the bottom of it seemed to be almost staring down like a shark viewing its prey at a distance. Somewhere in a secret location, a man in total shadow watches the everything being viewed on the various monitors in front of him, some have still images of both Optimus Prime and Megatron in a profile look, while the main large screen in the center watches the entire battle area as it happens. The chair he is sitting in is dark and wide, so much so it would be hard to make out who is in it as you see it from behind. The whole surrounding room he's in is dark and shadowy; no real depth to it can be made out as the darkness covers everything around him. One light source from above shines down like a spotlight, and as mysterious man watches the screens a male voice speaks beside him.
"Sir it's the President...he wants to know if launching the nuclear weapons will be a good idea at this point and time.", the low calm male voice states to the person in the chair.
The shrouded figure's hand appears from the concealed view and presses a button on the side of it. A panel of built in buttons are sitting on the side arm all flashing red and green, as he taps one of the buttons a quick snap of sound fills the room. The man in the chair can be heard after the low toned beeping noise comes on.
"This is N Leader Mr. President...I don't think that would be a wise idea at this time."
"I've seen the spy satellite images as well N Leader.... we need to end this quickly! I will not let this country, nor the American public to be held hostage by these...these.... robots!", The President says in a angry voice over the booming intercom-phone.
The mysterious man just sighs, "And if you launch them we'll have quite the explaining to do to the rest of the world...they are watching Mr. President. How shall we tell them that you decided to destroy valuable technology that America was willing to share with them? Hmm? Be calm..."
The President becomes furious, "Valuable technology?? I'm talking about lives damnit! To hell with the technology! This is going well beyond human morals and I for one will not allow you to proceed...do you hear me?"
"Mr. President...tell me...how is your lovely wife? She's somewhere in Africa right now isn't she? It would be a shame if something were to happen to her..."
The President's voice wavers, "You.... you wouldn't dare."
The man in the chair chuckles, "Wouldn't I? I'd be sure to give the information to the media on who exactly gave the order to kill her...a few witnesses, some well placed pictures and even recorded phone records. Hmm? Come, come sir, you know I have always given you everything you wanted...after all, I took care of your opposition didn't I? You're now the President and not him correct? Don't worry about any of this anymore...From now on, I will make all the big decisions. Just enjoy your term and look important...the welfare of the world is no longer your responsibility. Now...hang up, I've got work to do. Oh, but do be sure to give your young blonde intern...oops...I mean your wife in Africa my best regards."
"Rot in hell asshole." The President remarks for the last time and hangs up the phone.
Sighing in his deep dark chair, the shadowy man pivots it slightly to his right to talk to the other person beside him hanging by in the shadows.
"Such manners...I shall have to find a new President when this is all over, one that does as he's told. So the weapon didn't work. What a shame. We'll have to try something much different, alert Area 51 and get it ready for the next development. We have more weapons to construct if we're going to handle these creatures."
Stepping within the light, we now see the person that was talking to him from out of the shadows, Agent West, the man who greeted Drakemore and Connors at the base. Looking down at the seated hidden man, he expressed his concern to him.
"What about the Autobots and the Decepticons? They might get suspicious about the weapon we've left there...."
"Let them...", the mystery man snickers, "It will only confuse them more until our next weapon is designed. As to this war, I'm interested to see how it will unfold. Let the Decepticons do as they will; it will give me opportunity to study the Autobots in action. Optimus Prime is proving to be very predictable in his thought patterns.... but Megatron.... yes Megatron...he's very interesting to me. A most unpredictable robot...he had the chance to kill all those humans laying about on the ground, but instead spared the humans. Why? Because he gave Prime his word? There's something more going on in that robot's brain...."
As he looks back at the monitor, he begins tapping the keyboard buttons on the table in front of him and enlarges the picture of Megatron's face.
"Something more indeed. The look of a mind constantly planning ahead...a ruthless, cunning warrior...unafraid to do what is nessessary."
The Agent clears his throat, "And...Connors sir?"
The secretive man sighs again, "A stupid idiot that rushed into things. Recall Mr. Drakemore back to base, I don't want the Autobots questioning him..."
"Yes sir." West nods and walks off back into the darkness again.
Now alone with the images on the screen, the shrouded figure laughs somewhat like a giggling insane man alone in the dark room. The image of Megatron is still in full blown up view on the monitors and looking as if he's staring right back at the man.
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Optimus Prime and the other Autobots ride up towards the General and his remaining forces. Spike and Carly see how slowly the group is moving and fear for the worst. Sparkplug and Ratchet turn to see them coming and walk over to the transforming bunch as they come to tell them all the grave news.
"Megatron has hostages." Optimus Prime says to them.
"Well ain't that just peachy...", the General bluntly states, "You were supposed to be able to stop him and his thugs and you come back here to tell us he's got our men? I am not impressed with you robot!"
Optimus Prime leans down close to the small man and stares at him with anger, "I'm not to impressed with you either...Human! If you had listened to my advice earlier we wouldn't be in this situation right now, the fact is General...your men are safe...for now."
Ratchet grabs hold of Prime's shoulder to back him off from the General, "Easy Prime...what happened out there?"
"We had the advantage and the perfect space to finish them off...but there were to many human causalities laying about, Megatron used them as a bargaining chip. He knows all to well that I will not endanger life...not even those who don't respect it themselves."
His words carried down to the General and saw he caught his meaning. Sparkplug came up behind Spike and Carly and rested his hands on their shoulders, they all looked up at Optimus and continued to listen to him speak.
"I should have secured the area more, I didn't realize they'd be so many of them laying about...now they've got a foot hold on launching site and will continue to build their vessel. You people have made things much worst, Megatron will not tolerate another stupid attack you're military made against him, he's demanded all of us pull back immediately out of his sight."
The General snickered, "Yeah right, I'm not leaving my men to die out there. We'll regroup and start a whole new attack strategy...this time it will be right!"
"Perhaps you didn't hear him General!" Ironhide walks up after finishing repairs to a human transport vehicle, "You guys got busted and Megs' ain't gonna stand for that crap anymore! If you re-launch your attack, he'll kill all your men and wipe out your entire forces properly this time. I wish I could have gone in there with you Optimus, I would have finished that oversized tin plated wacko in no time flat!"
Prime chuckled at Ironhide's comments, "I don't doubt it for a second Ironhide, but we needed you and Ratchet to stay behind and help the humans. Speaking of which...how are they Ratchet?"
The med-bot shakes his head and folds his arms together, "I'm not a human doctor Optimus, but...they're in bad shape. Telatran One downloaded all the files on their anatomy and treatment into my memory banks, but I'll admit that I'm not the skilled surgeon to do the operation. I think I should help them carry the wounded back to their military base, its bout as good as I can do to help any of them right now."
Prime nods, "Agreed, you help the humans as much as you can Ratchet, we'll call you if the situation requires you."
The medical robot transforms into his Ambulance form and drives over to the area loading up the wounded soldiers, the General looks over at Spike, Carly and Sparkplug and walks over to them. He stands there proudly and looks at each one of them.
"Now then...what are we going to do with the three of you? Spike and Sparkplug...you're charged with interference and government conspiracy. And Carly...I'm sure a good long questioning at the base will make you see the light."
"Oh come on General." Carly says rolling her eyes, "This is not the time to act all anal...you do realize that this was a major public fiasco? I'm sure the media has seen the explosions and heard about your mass movement of troops. They're probably already on their way or even taking pictures of us right now."
The General grinds his teeth as he chews on the fact that the young woman was absolutely right, he sighs for a moment and lowers his head.
"What do you think Mr. Drakemore? Mr. Drakemore?"
As the military man whips his head around to look at the man, he notices Drakemore isn't even standing near by, but is sitting on a helicopter preparing to lift off. The General's eyes grow large with anger as he yells out to the agent to come over to him. But the dark eyes of the agent's sunglasses give no hint that he's even paying attention to the General anymore. As the old commander runs over to stop them from taking off, the helicopter rises off the ground and begins to head off into the desert-mountainous horizon. Standing there in the flying dust and backwash from the chopper, the General sourly stares at the massive helicopters leaving him behind to deal with everything. Sparkplug watches the military commander and pities him.
"I think General...you've been fired."
Optimus Prime doesn't pay attention to any of the men, nor of Drakemore's helicopters flying off yonder. Instead he talks to the rest of his Autobot brethren standing by, feeling ashamed and cheated of a victory. As he approaches them all, the men line up in order and salute him, he is still their commander and chief, after serving with him as leader for so long...now is not the time to question his motives. Prime looks at all of them and gives them a speech of encouragement.
"Autobots...Megatron handed us a dirty tactic, it's just the typical spineless attempt I've come to expect from his sort. What we did...had to be done, unlike the Decepticons, we respect life in all forms and all sizes. He has those poor humans at his mercy for now, but we will not let him use them as bartering chips for his own goals. He'll have time to build his ship...so we'll let him. We promised we wouldn't go near the area he's in... And we won't, but he needs to get energy and that's where we'll strike him. Retreating back to The Ark will be a hard thing to do for so many of you, but to create the false illusion that we're doing as he wanted will make it easier to target his men as they come out."
Optimus paces back and forth as the men all stare at him walking past, so too do the human troops trying to gather they're supplies and boarding their vehicles. His words ring true to each of them as the all listen, as the General stood there with his head hung low, he too listened to the stirring words Prime was giving out.
"We'll not let those poor humans be left to die at the hands of Megatron, we'll not stand idlely by while he tries to build a ship to return to Cybertron, and we will certainly not let him take this planet's energy to win the war!" Prime continues to bark out at them, "Autobots...Brothers...My dearest friends. I feel your frustrations about all this, I only ask you to believe I'm doing this for the right reasons and that you'll continue to have faith in my leadership. If anyone feels otherwise, or has any comment to make...I'm listening."
A hush falls among the Autobot soldiers; they all turn to glance at one another to see if anyone will speak out, sure enough, Ironhide steps forward and raises his hand. Optimus Prime's eyes dim slightly, but knowing that he'd be open to any suggestion at all, he gives a gentle nod to his old southerly sounding friend.
"I just wanna say this...We all had our doubts about you from the very beginning Optimus. When you took over as leader during the war, we all felt our doom was surely coming...but you managed to keep us all busy and fight back with all our hearts. When the impossible situations sprang up...you made us beat it back down into submission. You are without a doubt the finest leader any of us have seen in a long, long time. And ah...even though we get into now and then...I still think you're the man for the job. I guess what I'm saying is that...well...just give us the command and we'll follow you anywhere. Sir!"
The Autobot leader's eyes beamed with joy at Ironhide's flattery, even more so when the robotic soldiers all saluted him again and smiled. The General raised his head and felt rather humbled by the Autobot's loyalty to their leader; it was strange to hear such honor among non-terrestrial beings and even stranger that he lacked to give it to his own kind. These soldiers would fight the minute he'd ask and even die for him if necessary, the General was now starting to feel very ashamed of his own behavior. Human life is more important then the wonders of technology, he was saving America for all the wrong reasons and serving the wrong people who have their own agendas. Looking up at Optimus Prime made him remember what freedom, liberty and justice for all truly meant all over again. It only took a massive red transforming robot to make him believe that goodness still exists in hearts of those who seek peace no matter the cost.
"I thank you my friends..." Prime says cheerfully, "Now lets go back to the base and figure out a way to save the humans...stop the Decepticons and go home to free our own world again!"
The General finishes listening to the Autobot leader and walks over to his awaiting Hummer, he sits in the passenger side and driver beside him looks over, "General, we've been ordered by the President to return back to base and await further instructions."
The old military commander rubbed the gold stars on his left shoulder and sighed as he thought about things, "How many more stars will it take to wash my sins clean? How many more mistakes will happen, as my men die a hopeless battle? My God, where is my humanity? Where are my morals? These robots come and they're more human than I..."
The driver sits there confused, "Uhm...Sir? Are you ok?"
"No. I'm not ok, neither is this whole damn war we're starting." The General stops rubbing his gold metals and straightens up, "Screw the damn President! Follow those Autobots back to their ship..."
The driver stares at him with great concern, but the military commander just looks back at him with conviction, "Well, just don't sit there looking at me like I've lost my marbles...I gave you a direct order Sergeant!!"
The man turned back to his steering wheel and started the car; nervously he smiled and gave him a loud answer, "Sir, Yes Sir!"
Looking out the side window, the General could see Optimus Prime facing away from his robot warriors and giving them one last order as they head out.
"Autobots, Transform and Rollout!"
The large red and blue robot converted back into his truck cab mode, the large back trailer popping out of its hidden pocket of space-time and reconnecting to him. The other Autobots all transform back into their vehicle modes and follow right behind the leader as he quickly pulls out back towards the main road. Together they all leave, Autobots and humans, as they make their way back to the ship embedded in the mountainside. The large convoy of trucks, cars, and many other military vehicles produces large dirt clouds that signal to the Decepticons across the terrain that Prime has kept his word. Megatron looks at the fleeing group and chuckles to himself.
"So predictable Prime. You truly are weak when it comes to winning a war."
"So Megatron...what are we really going to do with these creatures?" Starscream asks standing behind him.
Megaton turns around, "As we agreed Starscream. No harm will come to these humans, that's the promise I made to Optimus Prime."
The air commander looks confused at the Decepticon leader as he walks by, "What? You truly are going to keep your word mighty leader?"
"That's right Starscream, I intend to keep these humans as long as I can. It will give us the needed protection of this area until our ship is fully built and fueled. Optimus Prime won't rush in to harm them and the human military will not make such a foolish attempt again."
Starscream follows the leader as he walks over to the group of humans who now have been collected and placed together as Rumble, Frenzy and Skywarp keep their weapons pointed at them. Megatron stops to look down at the prisoners and gives a simple smirk as he gazes at their fearful faces.
"Such heroics would threaten these poor dumb creatures...might even make us a bit trigger happy. So if they don't keep back and hold up their part of the bargain...we'll have our selves a few targets to shoot."
The evil leader laughs as the mention causes the people below to shiver, Starscream begins to laugh with the leader, as do all the other Decepticons. Like a group of huge metallic bullies, they taunt the humans with their laughter and poke at them with the ends of their guns. Soundwave walks over to Megatron as they all continue to enjoy the moment, the only Decepticon not laughing, as he is too busy with other things on his mind.
"Megatron! The new ship blueprints are ready..." the robot says in his wavering monotone electronic voice.
The leader brings his laughter to a slow end and nods to his loyal officer, "Very good Soundwave. Now we must look for a source of energy to fill our hunger and rebuild Cybertron."
Soundwave instantly projects a holographic screen in front of them, slightly see through on the whole, but readable to anyone viewing it on either side. On the holo-screen are images of various human made hydro plants, nuclear weapons, oil refineries and natural energy producing resources. As they all scroll along, Soundwave talks about the various places to visit.
"There are numerous facilities and natural resources for us to collect the energon from. There are several nuclear power plants near by and a few oil fields, there is even a large human constructed dam near by."
Megatron almost drools at the many places they could plunder; this was a world rich in energy and just where he needs to be in order to stockpile energon. He looks at the images with a greedy face, wrenching his hands as if he's hit the jackpot and doesn't know where to begin.
"Where is this dam? It looks rather large...a few modifications and some extra water pressure would produce a sizable quantity of energon don't you think? "
The blue robot looks down and points to the image as it pops up full screen, "Sherman Dam is capable of producing the required energy output...if we can bring the generators to full capacity it should be able to fill one energon cube every one point two Deco-quads of energy."
Megatron places his hands on his hips, "Excellent...this world is too good to be true. Such energy, such raw untapped energy! When we get back to Cybertron, I will send a legion of ships here to restock all of this and suck the very life out of this planet until it runs dry!"