Chapter 12 – The Battle For Sherman Dam Continues
The Constructicons continued to build the Decepticon shuttle as the helpless human prisoners looked on in their energized detention barrier. The military soldiers lay about beaten and trying to tend to one another's wounds, the battle took it's toll on most of them, some had 3rd degree burns and some were bleeding from shrapnel imbedded in them. As the two leading officers in the camp walked around slowly, they both had a feeling their days were numbered. The young blonde female officer turned to her dark haired male friend and gave a look of sadness.
"This isn't how I wanted us to go..."
"I know...I just wish I had one more chance to say goodbye to my girl....", the young man says to her.
Both gave each other a comforting pat on the back and tried to hold the tears back as not to look weak in presence of the other soldiers. But as they tried to contain their grim feelings, they both heard a quiet whisper coming out from behind the plasma energy fence. As they stepped closer to the faint voice, they could both swear it was coming from the other side. Suddenly a delicate hand appeared out of nowhere, feminine and Caucasian in skin tone.
"Pssst! Over here!", the voice said to them as the hand gestured as well.
"Who.... who's there?", the young blonde officer asked quietly.
Now a face peered out at them as it too became fully visible out of thin air. The woman's face was that of Carly, she gave a quick wink and smiled at them both.
"We're here to bust you out. Ok Mirage...start cutting...or disrupting the field...or whatever it is you need to do."
Another voice quietly spoke as a light source hit the side of the energy wall and began to disperse the electron flow.
"Got to make it big enough to fit two people...just incase they need to carry the others. Carly, activate that gizmo Hound gave you and put in the center of the jail cell."
The energy wall opened up large enough for Carly to step on through and held a device in her hand, it was almost as big as a basketball and constructed of metal similar to that of the Autobot's craft type. The man and woman both walked up as fast as they could to her and smiled in delight.
"Thank God you came! Who are you talking too?", the young blonde woman says cheerfully.
Carly smiles again at them and activates the device, "No time for questions...just do as I tell you."
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Optimus Prime finally stops in front of Megatron as he rises up. The Decepticon leader seems to have fully recovered from his fall and stares directly at the Autobot leader looking back at him.
"Soft Prime...that's what you are. A weakness that should have been wiped off the face of Cybertron long ago during the wars of old."
Optimus Prime continues to glare at the evil Decepticon, "Blah, blah, blah, Megatron...I'm beginning to think your all talk and no bite."
Megatron's eye's glow intensely, "I'll show you bite you insufferable...."
The Decepticon surprises Optimus with a quick upper cut punch to his jaw and causes the Autobot to launch up in to the air and fall back to the ground. Prime quickly shakes off the blow and sees the leader standing there with his fists ready.
"Stand and face me Prime!! I will crush you with my bare hands if need be!"
The Autobot rises up fully prepared for a slugfest, his fists are also raised up and the two begins circling one another looking for the open shot to make the first punch. As the two circle and circle, Megatron smiles as if a new thought has struck his brain.
"I challenge you Optimus...To the ancient form of Energon Combat!"
Energon Combat, the old Cybertronian form of Gladiator sport their ancestors used to perform during the dark days of their past. It was still heard of during their days, but those who felt the need to satisfy their honor only used it. In the alleys of Cybertron, the sport often was used for gambling reasons and for Decepticon tests of might. The Autobots rarely used this sport mainly because all of them felt it was too barbaric and a waste of vital energon fuel. Optimus Prime had studied this old form of combat long ago, and downloaded several old tactics, but so too did Megatron. He and Prime are the only two Transformers that are very well skilled in this deadly art, something that the Decepticon leader was only too happy to learn that Optimus was also trained in during the war. He had hoped to challenge the great Autobot leader to it one day, and was glad to see that this would be the day.
"Energon Combat?" Optimus says questioningly, "A perversed game of our dark times, how typical of you Megatron...but if this is how you wish to fight me...then so be it."
"Not so perverse Optimus...a test of strength, warrior against warrior. As it should be."
Megatron's hand retracts into his arm chamber and a bright glowing purple energy stream releases out of its socket. The energy beam contorts and forms into a large shape of a mace. A spiked ball that is attached to a linked chain. The form continues to glow in a soft purple hue as the energy holds it's form, pulsating and giving the look of raw power. Optimus Prime's hand now sinks back into his arm socket and also releases an energy bolt from it. His bright blue glowing energon stream now takes the shape of a massive axe; it too pulsates with raw energy and glows through the air as he moves it about. As the two giant robots stood on the dam bridge slowly being torn apart by the violent water pressure, the cracking of the large wall continued to happen and more water was now beginning to seep out of them. Megatron began to swing his purple mace in the air and cracked an evil grin at the Autobot leader. Prime raised his blue energon axe up and prepared himself for battle.
"As the combatants use to say Optimus...'One shall stand and One shall fall, let victory come to those who deserve it!' "
"On guard Megatron!"
The swing of the Decepticon's mace came crashing down towards Optimus's axe; the sparks flew across the sky as the strike hit the two energy weapons. Prime deflected the attack with sheer skill as he made his counter swing at Megatron, a quick swipe that nearly struck the Decepticon's chest. Megaton continued to swing away at Prime, both in deflecting his attacks and trying to hit the Autobot as he made his moves. Optimus was powerful in his jabs and cuts; it wasn't hard to tell that this was an Autobot who knew what he was doing. In fact both were very skilled, neither one seemed to be able to make a deadly hit in spots they were aiming for. The sparks lit up the sky like fireworks, bright flashes of blue and purple shone through the area like passing suns. The news helicopter was hovering over the action and the camera operator kept himself poised on the spectacle below with the lens capturing the battle of the two robots. The news reporter standing near him was trying to shield his eyes from the bright flashes, but couldn't help but scream out a childish reaction to what he was seeing.
"This is AWESOME!! Please tell me we're getting all of this?!"
The camera operator smiles, "You bet your sweet ass we are!"
Down in the water reservoir, Hound continues to battle with Rumble. The two robots are fist pounding each other like madmen and stirring up all the dirt from the bottom of the dam. Spike struggles to see if he can get any closer to help his friend, but the murky water makes it hard for him to fixate his eyes. Rumble and Hound now wrap their hands around each other's throats and both try to choke the life out of one another.
"Gah! Give it up Hound...Ack! You don't have the...Ugh...strength to finish me."
Hound struggles, "Shut up you little punk...Gaaah! I've got all the energy to ring your scrawny neck for hours!"
Rumbles eyes soon show a weakness, he knows that Hound will probably do exactly as he means to say, he's battled him before and seen just how tough this Autobot truly is. He could feel his neck slowly being crushed by this green colored Autobot, and it was time for him to break free. Rumble transformed into his minidisk form, causing Hound to lose his grip on him, then he retransformed into his robot mode with his arm pile drivers attached. The mini robot pounded the Autobot in the face, causing Hound to fall to the bottom hard and knocked himself out cold. Rumble was impressed with his own handy work and laughed joyfully. The Decepticon looked up at the top of the water and scanned towards the surface, his eyes could see through the dirt and the sediment and saw young Spike trying to reach the surface in an attempt to get more air. The small robot continued to laugh and now made his way straight towards Spike. Hound remained lifeless on the bottom, giving only a faint moan as his internal systems repaired his injury. Spike finally reached the top of the water and gasped desperately for air, the rough water was too much for him and began swallowing it each time he inhaled. Suddenly a something rose behind him a few feet back, it was Rumble who was slowly moving towards him looking very ticked off.
"So...you want to be an Autobot? Then maybe I should kill you like one as well huh?" he says to Spike laughing and swimming closer.
Spike's eyes grow wide as he sees the robot heading straight for him.
On the dam, Optimus Prime and Megatron continue to battle like mythical gods, energy flashes and electrical currents beam out of their weapons as the two make contact holding them in place as they force themselves on to each other.
Megatron leans in to Optimus Prime's face, "Give it up Optimus...you will never best the likes of me! Unlike you...I will show no mercy and run you through like an energy blade through tin!"
Prime struggles back and stares him down, "Never Megatron! NEVER!"
Optimus Prime forcefully pushes the Decepticon away from him and quickly strikes at Megatron's shoulder as it becomes exposed. The crippling slash damages the evil leader's outer shell and makes him scream in pain. Megatron quickly steps back for a second and continues to defend himself from Optimus Prime's strikes, each time he hits down on him he screams out insults.
"You're old Megatron, over the hill, past your expiry date!! Junk!!"
The Decepticon's eyes once again flash bright red, "WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!"
Prime pushes down one last hit, "JUNK! That's what you are...JUNK!"
Megatron sceams out loud and whips his purple energon mace at Prime's head, the strike makes contact with him and sends the Autobot flying in back snap motion. Optimus crashes down onto the dam in a loud thud making the cracks along the dam stretch even higher. Megatron stands over the Autobot leader and laughs like a raving madman. He swings his mace down at him forcefully and Prime tries to shield himself from each blow.
"Who's the junk now Prime?! You're just as old and out dated as the rest of the Autobot leaders that came before you...you're finished Prime.... it's over for you, Cybertron, Earth and the Universe!"
Optimus Prime looks down and sees that Megatron's leg is near his laying beside it; he picks it up and knocks the leader over with it. The Decepticon tumbles to the ground and smashes his head to the hard surface. Optimus Prime stands up and brings his axe up to make the final blow to the leader lying helplessly on the ground. The Autobots fighting in the generator room and down below the dam pause to see him about to finish Megatron once and for all. Ironhide stares up and notices the leader hesitating.
"Finish him off Prime! Do it now!!" the southern sounding robot screams up at him.
Suddenly Optimus Prime hears another scream coming from behind him, this was not a voice like one of theirs, more like a human male voice in distress. It was Spike. Optimus Prime could instantly tell that was who it was, he had remembered the voice pattern of the dear friend and seemed to break his concentration as he heard the boy call out.
"OPTIMUS!! HELP!!"
As he looked behind, Rumble was holding on to the frail human and forcing him to drown. Prime didn't seem to care about Megatron anymore, only the safety of Spike who was in need of his assistance. Optimus looked at his energy axe and looked over at Rumble again, he brought his arm around and flung the weapon out towards the mini Decepticon harming his friend. The detached weapon struck Rumble; the impact was so devastating it launched him out of the water and clear across the reservoir. Megatron took advantage of this situation and tripped the Autobot leader with his leg, as Prime fell to the ground, Megatron took his Mace and swung it up into the air. As it came down towards the leader's face, Megatron gave his final words to him.
"Victory to those who deserve it!!"
The energon weapon thwarted the Autobot leader in the head and caused him to fall to the base of the dam. All of the Autobots saw him fall down and each one called out to him. As Megatron laughed with joy, Thundercracker screamed out of the sky and fired at all the unsuspecting Autobots trying to run over to help Optimus. The news helicopter was now in the way of the Decepticon jet's flight path and ended up hitting the blue jet as it came rushing in. The chopper lost it's tail and spun out of control to the ground. Jazz saw the hit, transformed into his Sportec car mode and drove over to where the chopper was about to crash. Quickly transforming again, he jumped up and caught the remaining vehicle in his arms.
"Have no fear...Jazz is here!"
With the humans safe on the ground, they all ran out and headed for safety. Ironhide shook with anger as the sight of his fallen leader caused him to go ballistic; he pointed his gun up at Megatron and continued to fire at the Decepticon leader as he screamed in defiant anger.
"MEGAAAATRONNN!!!!"
Megatron looked down and gave an evil grin.
"Thundercracker!! Break the dam!!"
Making his way again, the blue jet fired his weapons at the weakened wall and laughed at his leader's command.
"Have a nice swim, Autobots!!"
The shots didn't take much to break the wall, which quickly crumbled and rushed the water out like a speeding river. Megatron lifted himself off of the dam and flew high above in the air, his purple mace spun in the air as he rose higher and higher, all the while he was still laughing away at the Autobot's predicament.
The Constructicons take a short break from the heavy building and gather around to discuss their progress. As they all confer with one another, a message is transmitted to the lead Constructicon, Scrapper.
"Megatron to the Constructicons..."
"This is Scrapper mighty Megatron. What are your instructions?"
"It is no longer necessary to have prisoners.... kill them all and prepare for our return."
The Constructicons all chuckle with grins on their faces and Scrapper signals back with much delight.
"With pleasure Megatron..."
The green transformer walks over to the humans trapped inside the barrier and looks down at them all. Inside the men and women stare up and give no reaction to his menacing form. That didn't seem to faze him much, he figures the humans have now been waiting for their deaths and are now prepared for the end. Switching off the energy cage, Scrapper takes out his weapon and prepares to fire at them. Hook, standing behind him, looks at the humans with curiosity. Just as Scrapper is about to pull the trigger, Hook shouts to him and walks over.
"WAIT!"
Scrapper looks back at him, "What? Why are you stopping me?"
Hook looks down at the humans as he too now towers overhead of them all.
"Why don't they cower in fear? Why are they not trying to make some sort of escape while the energy barrier is down? Look.... See how they don't even resist us at all."
Scrapper laughs, "Why should they? Their prepared for their fates.... besides...humans are stupid creatures, they dare not try to escape us."
Long Haul now joins them as he too looks in, the slightly wider transformer strokes his manifold chin and agrees with Hook.
"He's right.... something isn't right about this. These creatures were fighting us even when we put them in there, now they're not even trying to fight back? Most un-natural."
Scrapper looks down and brings his gun pointing straight at one of the humans. The young black officer doesn't even flinch as the barrel of his gun aims directly at his head. Scrapper's eyes narrow and fires the weapon. The energy blast rips into the man standing there and as soon as the smoke clears the Decepticon is surprised to see the human unharmed.
"What is this trickery?"
Scrapper takes his weapon and fires his weapon at them all, each shot doesn't damage any of them and none of the captured humans even move from their spots. The last shot fired by the angered Decepticons soon reveals the hidden truth. Something explodes in the center of the prison and all the people distort and fade away like a TV screen turning off. Hook can now see the small device appearing in the center and recognizes it immediately.
"A hologram projector!!"
Scrapper picks it up with his hand and crushes it, "NO.... An Autobot hologram projector to be precise! Constructicons...we've been duped!!"
The six group green colored Decepticons run out into the valley and search all around, their eyes look everywhere for any piece of evidence of the escaped prisoners and even use their built in thermal optics to scan the grounds.
"Search everywhere Constructicons!!" Scrapper yells out, "They must not escape!!"
Just beyond the view of their eyes, out past the valley's rocky terrain, a small grumbling of a vehicle engine can be heard and a pair of tracks digging into the soft ground can be seen.
"Are we almost there?" a voice whispers out of the air.
"Shh! Quiet Carly...The Constructicons might hear you!"
"Well, you're going so slow Mirage..."
"Listen Carly...it's not easy carrying all these people and trying to conceal them all in my cloak. If I go too fast I might accidentally cause them to fall off. Now just hold on tight.... only mile to go."
Another human voice pops out of thin air, a man's voice that doesn't seem to like the sound of Mirage's estimate.
"Another Mile?? "
"Shhhh....", Carly's voice says to him.
The Constructicons were still looking about, then suddenly the one called Scavenger looks on the ground and sees the tire treads leading out into the valley.
"Here! I've found something!"
The others run over and look at his discovery. Hook crouches down on one knee and touches the tracks with his hands.
"Hmmm...heavy, very heavy. Even for a it's own weight no doubt."
Scrapper snaps his fingers, "Mirage...it has to be. He's the only one who could sneak in undetected!"
Scavenger grumbles, "Mirage?! That coward? No way he could be in here without our knowing."
Hook stands up and keeps his eyes out at the tracks beyond.
"Not so...I've heard that he's been equipped with a cloaking device. A prototype the Autobots made for him..."
Scrapper walks along the track lines and turns around to face the others, "Enough speculation! Just follow the tracks morons! He can't have gone far...not with all those humans to carry. Constructicons Transform!!"
All six obey his command and each one converts into their specific construction vehicle mode. Long Haul as a dump truck, Scrapper as a pay loader, Hook as a crane, Scavenger as a digger, Mix Master as a cement mixer truck, and Bone Crusher as a bulldozer. All of them drove out fast along the car tracks and tried to catch up to the fleeing Autobot. With his sensors on full, Scrapper focuses in on the emission trial left behind by the intruder's exhaust. On the screen inside his cab, a graphic display shows the vapor trail getting stronger and stronger.
"He is close Constructicons...keep moving and increase speed!"
Suddenly the trail begins to die off and the tracks they're following disappear. The Constructicons all transform back into robot mode and look around the area to see were trail has gone. Scratching their heads, Long Haul and Scavenger give up.
"They're long gone. We must have missed them somewhere back abit." Scavenger shrugs.
"Maybe there was no Autobot...maybe the humans had that device all along and just snuck out without us knowing it."
Scrapper turns around and hits them both on the head, "Shut up both of you! Megatron will be furious if we don't find them.... he'll deactivate us all if he learns of what happened...."
Hook nods, "Yes...he would at that. But to avoid such an undesirable fate...perhaps we shouldn't mention it at all. Who's to say we didn't' kill the humans? Who else but us six are witnesses to it? And more to the point...who cares...it's not like we're going to be here for much longer."
Scrapper is shocked by his fellow Constructicons, "Are you all mad? You would allow mere humans escape from our clutches? We're Decepticons!!"
Bone Crusher shakes his head, "No! We're Constructicons. And what do a few mere humans mean to the likes of us. Megatron isn't here to witness it, just like Hook said...I want to get off this dirt planet and return to Cybertron."
Mix Master raises his fist into the air, "Yes! Back to Cybertron. Where we can use the energon and finally take over...the Autobots will be finished and then we can crush Megatron with our combined strength as Devastator!!"
Scrapper looks at them all with uncertain eyes, "Hmm...so long as we are all in agreement then. Very well...but just remember that we all must never tell what really happened here. We killed the humans...agreed?"
The all look at one another, nod and reply back to him in unison, "Agreed!"
"Then let us return to the ship and prepare for our...leader." Scrapper says with hesitance.
They all transform again and speed back to the construction site, the dust blows behind them and soon tiny voices coughing can be heard as the vehicles leave the area. A bright green glow flashes and exposes the humans standing all around. Another bright green glow flashes behind them and now Mirage is seen with Carly as they walk over. Mirage wipes his brow and looks down at the young woman holding a small device.
"Whew! I thought that second hologram of Hounds wouldn't hold up till we were clear. Guess it's drained huh Carly?"
Carly looks at it, "Yep...energy levels are gone. Thank goodness they gave up so easily, otherwise we'd be in quite the pickle."
The military soldiers huddled around the robot and woman; the ranking young male soldier shook Carly's hand.
"You guys ought to be given a metal. You saved our butts..."
Mirage leans down, "Save the praise later guys...we've got to get back to Autobot HQ before the Decepticons really find us here."
Carly looks back at Mirage again, "Don't have to tell me twice...let's burn rubber!"
Mirage transforms into his F1 car mode again and the humans all pile on top of him. He slowly drives out of the valley and heads for the road leading back towards the Autobot ship.
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As the Decepticons ascend to the sky, carrying the many energon cubes they've created, the Autobots all continue to fire up at them hoping to shoot one or any of them down. Ironhide is screaming away as he tries to target Megatron, never listening to Jazz as he tries to shake him out of his craze.
"Ironhide! Let it go man! We've got a bigger problem then Megatron right now..."
"Get off me Jazz!! I'm not letting this guy win again!!"
Jazz looks both at the fleeing Decepticons and the rushing waters flowing out of the busted dam. With his fist clenched and one powerful back swing; he gives Ironhide a right cut across his chin. The Autobot falls to the ground and lies there in pain.
"Get your priorities straight Ironhide! The humans come first.... remember Optimus Prime gave us an order...you got that soldier!"
Looking over at the Autobots giving up the shooting and looking at him now, he barks orders at them all as if he's now the next in line for command.
"Trailbreaker, Wheeljack! You two fix the dam walls. Sideswipe, Prowl, Sunstreaker, Bluestreak.... shift into trans-boost drive and save the humans ahead of the flood coming their way. And Ironhide...if you're not too whipped to lend a helping hand...maybe you and Cliffjumper can get ahead of the water and try to stop it somehow."
They all salute and break into their separate teams. Ironhide gets help up from Cliffjumper and looks at him with anger.
"We should go after the Decepticons!"
"Later big guy...", Cliffjumper says, "Right now...we need to stop that water before it drowns every living thing in its path!"
Ironhide nods, "Right.... right..."
The red robot transforms into his Volkswagen Eurovan mode and opens his back hatch for Cliffjumper to step into. Cliffjumper hops inside and a large weapon pops out from Ironhides van floor. The weapon remains attached to the floor, but sits on a stand that is maneuverable for Cliffjumper to move around. The two race off heading for the front of the massive water wave rushing towards a human town near by. Sideswipe, Bluestreak, Sunstreaker and Prowl transform, and quickly Trans-boost for the human town as well. Trailbreaker and Wheeljack combine their special talents to stop the wall from spilling out more water. Trailbreaker, the all black transformer, uses his force field generator connected to his shoulder to hold the water in place. Wheeljack folds in his hand and quick drying foam launches out of it as he mends the entire wall.
"Fill in that wall with your Silicon foam Wheeljack! I'll keep the water back with my force fields!"
"You got it buddy...this silicon foam should keep the water fully contained and the pressure in check until the humans can repair the dam."
Jazz scans the bottom for any sign of Optimus Prime and gathers more Autobots over to him as he looks in.
"Bumblebee!! Huffer!! See anything??"
Bumblebee shakes his head, "Nothing! Hey Brawn! What do you and Windcharger see?"
Standing down further is Brawn and Windcharger...both look into the water and back up at Bumblebee.
"Smokescreen dove in to have a look. Wait.... wait he's coming back up!"
The stock car Autobot rose up out of the water, looking over at Brawn he shouts to him with panic, "I've found him!! Give me a hand for Primus's Sake!!"
The two Autobots dive in to help him lift up the damaged leader, only a hand and an arm at first, but soon the three of them raise him completely to the surface and drag him over to land. Brawn kneels over as he gets out of the water and holds his leader's head.
"Come on Optimus...Stay with us now.... show us that spark ol' man!"
Spike tries to stay afloat in the deep water, he almost spilled out of the dam had it not been for Trailbreaker's force fields and Wheeljack's reinforcing foam. Still he struggled to keep himself above water, but from trying to fend off Rumble's attack and swimming against the water current, he could not stay afloat any longer. His eyes slowly began to shut from exhaustion and began to drown under the surface. Just as he seemed to lose the battle for life, a large robotic hand grabbed him from underneath and brought him back to the fresh air above. Hound totally emerged from the bottom of the reservoir and held on to Spike as he moved back to dry land. Climbing out of the water, the large green robot laid his friend down on the dirt ground and tried to gently revive him.
"Spike! Spike wake up!"
No movement came from the young man, Hound realized he'd have to quickly research his brain for uploaded data on how to save human drown victims. In his head he scanned the various files that were placed in there by Teletran One when they were re-awakened, quick as any computer could ever search, he found the very instructions he needed. Turning Spike over on his front, he slowly pumped the human's back area in a rhythmic motion, the slight pressure from the robot's strong hands forced the water out of Spike's lungs and soon heard his friend breathing again. Coughing out the liquid and gasping for air, Spike raised his hand up to show that he was all right again.
"Thanks...COUGH! COUGH! ...Hound. I thought that was the end of me."
Hound nodded at him, "You and me both Spike...I should be thanking you for trying to help me as well. That Rumble...He's got some major payback coming to him."
Spike stands up and looks back at the remorseful robot that saved his life.
"If you do see him again...be sure to give him one hell of a punch for me too."
Hound smiles and laughs.
Out beyond the dam, the water that escaped is still rushing down the valley beyond. In a near by town in it's wake, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Bluestreak and Prowl try to warn the townsfolk of the danger as they arrive in car mode. Booming out in a large stereo voice, Prowl flashes his lights and speaks to the people as if he was the law.
"Attention everyone! This is an emergency! Please evacuate the area immediately for your own safety and protection! Once again, this is an emergency evacuation..."
Sunstreaker races up beside Prowl, "Oh for Cybertron's sake.... These people won't respond to that..."
"We can't start a panic Sunstreaker...these people need to eased out in a calm manner..."
Sideswipe pulls up beside the other side of Prowl and sighs.
"Yeah right.... this ain't no drill slick.... time to motivate these people but fast!"
Sideswipe transforms out of his car mode and stands over the town in his towering robotic form. Aiming his weapon in the air, he fires multiple shots and shouts out to the humans all staring up at him in amazement.
"Wooooo-Yah!! You heard my buddy everyone...MOOOOVE!!!"
Sunstreaker and Bluestreak transform as well and also fire their weapons in the air. The sight of the gun shooting robots causes the humans to run for their very lives. Dropping everything and grabbing children, the people sprint, drive and use any form of transportation to get out of the robot's way. All three Autobots laugh as they feel like their rustling cattle, but Prowl transforms and shouts at them all.
"Stop that right NOW!"
Sunstreaker giggles, "Why? Have a look will ya.... they're motivated aren't they?"
Prowl scowls at him, "You arrogant lunk heads! These people don't need to be terrorized by a bunch of gun happy robots. We're not Decepticons, so learn to have some respect for these people!!"
Bluestreak looks embarrassed by his actions and agrees, "You're right Prowl. We should have handled it better.... we'll make sure no one was hurt or left behind in the panic. Ok?"
Prowl turns around and walks away, "Just make sure you do that guys...we're here to help, not to send the humans in frenzy."
Sideswipe shrugs his shoulders at his brother Sunstreaker, "Geez...That guy needs to take a energon pill or something. He's as bad as Kup..."
Sunstreaker nods, "Must be part of his training.... grumpy see as grumpy do."
In front of the rushing water heading towards the town, Ironhide speeds in front of it as Cliffjumper manages his laser gun inside. The smaller mini- red robot takes aim at the rushing flood and targets the ground ahead of it as they speed.
"Keep it steady Ironhide! We need to slow down this new river before it floods the whole valley!"
"You just fire the laser Cliffjumper...I'll do the driving if you don't mind!", the surly southern speaking Euro van says back.
Cliffjumper fires the laser cannon and a beam slices into the ground like a knife through butter. He creates a bunch of small channels for the water to break into and manages to slow down the flood's progress. Each new cut into the ground splits the water into other directions and makes it thin out as it still rushes towards them. Soon the rushing water begins to die down and the last cut he makes ends up stopping the speeding flood from reaching the town. Satisfied with the completion of his task, Cliffjumper hops out of Ironhide, while he in turn transforms back to robot mode to shake his friend's hand in a job well done.
"So much for that...."
Cliffjumper snickers, "Dah, that was nothin'...Megatron will have to do better then that to get the best of us."
Ironhide gasps in realization, "What about Prime?! Come on we've got to go back!"
The two robots transform and race back towards the dam.
The Constructicons continued to build the Decepticon shuttle as the helpless human prisoners looked on in their energized detention barrier. The military soldiers lay about beaten and trying to tend to one another's wounds, the battle took it's toll on most of them, some had 3rd degree burns and some were bleeding from shrapnel imbedded in them. As the two leading officers in the camp walked around slowly, they both had a feeling their days were numbered. The young blonde female officer turned to her dark haired male friend and gave a look of sadness.
"This isn't how I wanted us to go..."
"I know...I just wish I had one more chance to say goodbye to my girl....", the young man says to her.
Both gave each other a comforting pat on the back and tried to hold the tears back as not to look weak in presence of the other soldiers. But as they tried to contain their grim feelings, they both heard a quiet whisper coming out from behind the plasma energy fence. As they stepped closer to the faint voice, they could both swear it was coming from the other side. Suddenly a delicate hand appeared out of nowhere, feminine and Caucasian in skin tone.
"Pssst! Over here!", the voice said to them as the hand gestured as well.
"Who.... who's there?", the young blonde officer asked quietly.
Now a face peered out at them as it too became fully visible out of thin air. The woman's face was that of Carly, she gave a quick wink and smiled at them both.
"We're here to bust you out. Ok Mirage...start cutting...or disrupting the field...or whatever it is you need to do."
Another voice quietly spoke as a light source hit the side of the energy wall and began to disperse the electron flow.
"Got to make it big enough to fit two people...just incase they need to carry the others. Carly, activate that gizmo Hound gave you and put in the center of the jail cell."
The energy wall opened up large enough for Carly to step on through and held a device in her hand, it was almost as big as a basketball and constructed of metal similar to that of the Autobot's craft type. The man and woman both walked up as fast as they could to her and smiled in delight.
"Thank God you came! Who are you talking too?", the young blonde woman says cheerfully.
Carly smiles again at them and activates the device, "No time for questions...just do as I tell you."
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Optimus Prime finally stops in front of Megatron as he rises up. The Decepticon leader seems to have fully recovered from his fall and stares directly at the Autobot leader looking back at him.
"Soft Prime...that's what you are. A weakness that should have been wiped off the face of Cybertron long ago during the wars of old."
Optimus Prime continues to glare at the evil Decepticon, "Blah, blah, blah, Megatron...I'm beginning to think your all talk and no bite."
Megatron's eye's glow intensely, "I'll show you bite you insufferable...."
The Decepticon surprises Optimus with a quick upper cut punch to his jaw and causes the Autobot to launch up in to the air and fall back to the ground. Prime quickly shakes off the blow and sees the leader standing there with his fists ready.
"Stand and face me Prime!! I will crush you with my bare hands if need be!"
The Autobot rises up fully prepared for a slugfest, his fists are also raised up and the two begins circling one another looking for the open shot to make the first punch. As the two circle and circle, Megatron smiles as if a new thought has struck his brain.
"I challenge you Optimus...To the ancient form of Energon Combat!"
Energon Combat, the old Cybertronian form of Gladiator sport their ancestors used to perform during the dark days of their past. It was still heard of during their days, but those who felt the need to satisfy their honor only used it. In the alleys of Cybertron, the sport often was used for gambling reasons and for Decepticon tests of might. The Autobots rarely used this sport mainly because all of them felt it was too barbaric and a waste of vital energon fuel. Optimus Prime had studied this old form of combat long ago, and downloaded several old tactics, but so too did Megatron. He and Prime are the only two Transformers that are very well skilled in this deadly art, something that the Decepticon leader was only too happy to learn that Optimus was also trained in during the war. He had hoped to challenge the great Autobot leader to it one day, and was glad to see that this would be the day.
"Energon Combat?" Optimus says questioningly, "A perversed game of our dark times, how typical of you Megatron...but if this is how you wish to fight me...then so be it."
"Not so perverse Optimus...a test of strength, warrior against warrior. As it should be."
Megatron's hand retracts into his arm chamber and a bright glowing purple energy stream releases out of its socket. The energy beam contorts and forms into a large shape of a mace. A spiked ball that is attached to a linked chain. The form continues to glow in a soft purple hue as the energy holds it's form, pulsating and giving the look of raw power. Optimus Prime's hand now sinks back into his arm socket and also releases an energy bolt from it. His bright blue glowing energon stream now takes the shape of a massive axe; it too pulsates with raw energy and glows through the air as he moves it about. As the two giant robots stood on the dam bridge slowly being torn apart by the violent water pressure, the cracking of the large wall continued to happen and more water was now beginning to seep out of them. Megatron began to swing his purple mace in the air and cracked an evil grin at the Autobot leader. Prime raised his blue energon axe up and prepared himself for battle.
"As the combatants use to say Optimus...'One shall stand and One shall fall, let victory come to those who deserve it!' "
"On guard Megatron!"
The swing of the Decepticon's mace came crashing down towards Optimus's axe; the sparks flew across the sky as the strike hit the two energy weapons. Prime deflected the attack with sheer skill as he made his counter swing at Megatron, a quick swipe that nearly struck the Decepticon's chest. Megaton continued to swing away at Prime, both in deflecting his attacks and trying to hit the Autobot as he made his moves. Optimus was powerful in his jabs and cuts; it wasn't hard to tell that this was an Autobot who knew what he was doing. In fact both were very skilled, neither one seemed to be able to make a deadly hit in spots they were aiming for. The sparks lit up the sky like fireworks, bright flashes of blue and purple shone through the area like passing suns. The news helicopter was hovering over the action and the camera operator kept himself poised on the spectacle below with the lens capturing the battle of the two robots. The news reporter standing near him was trying to shield his eyes from the bright flashes, but couldn't help but scream out a childish reaction to what he was seeing.
"This is AWESOME!! Please tell me we're getting all of this?!"
The camera operator smiles, "You bet your sweet ass we are!"
Down in the water reservoir, Hound continues to battle with Rumble. The two robots are fist pounding each other like madmen and stirring up all the dirt from the bottom of the dam. Spike struggles to see if he can get any closer to help his friend, but the murky water makes it hard for him to fixate his eyes. Rumble and Hound now wrap their hands around each other's throats and both try to choke the life out of one another.
"Gah! Give it up Hound...Ack! You don't have the...Ugh...strength to finish me."
Hound struggles, "Shut up you little punk...Gaaah! I've got all the energy to ring your scrawny neck for hours!"
Rumbles eyes soon show a weakness, he knows that Hound will probably do exactly as he means to say, he's battled him before and seen just how tough this Autobot truly is. He could feel his neck slowly being crushed by this green colored Autobot, and it was time for him to break free. Rumble transformed into his minidisk form, causing Hound to lose his grip on him, then he retransformed into his robot mode with his arm pile drivers attached. The mini robot pounded the Autobot in the face, causing Hound to fall to the bottom hard and knocked himself out cold. Rumble was impressed with his own handy work and laughed joyfully. The Decepticon looked up at the top of the water and scanned towards the surface, his eyes could see through the dirt and the sediment and saw young Spike trying to reach the surface in an attempt to get more air. The small robot continued to laugh and now made his way straight towards Spike. Hound remained lifeless on the bottom, giving only a faint moan as his internal systems repaired his injury. Spike finally reached the top of the water and gasped desperately for air, the rough water was too much for him and began swallowing it each time he inhaled. Suddenly a something rose behind him a few feet back, it was Rumble who was slowly moving towards him looking very ticked off.
"So...you want to be an Autobot? Then maybe I should kill you like one as well huh?" he says to Spike laughing and swimming closer.
Spike's eyes grow wide as he sees the robot heading straight for him.
On the dam, Optimus Prime and Megatron continue to battle like mythical gods, energy flashes and electrical currents beam out of their weapons as the two make contact holding them in place as they force themselves on to each other.
Megatron leans in to Optimus Prime's face, "Give it up Optimus...you will never best the likes of me! Unlike you...I will show no mercy and run you through like an energy blade through tin!"
Prime struggles back and stares him down, "Never Megatron! NEVER!"
Optimus Prime forcefully pushes the Decepticon away from him and quickly strikes at Megatron's shoulder as it becomes exposed. The crippling slash damages the evil leader's outer shell and makes him scream in pain. Megatron quickly steps back for a second and continues to defend himself from Optimus Prime's strikes, each time he hits down on him he screams out insults.
"You're old Megatron, over the hill, past your expiry date!! Junk!!"
The Decepticon's eyes once again flash bright red, "WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!"
Prime pushes down one last hit, "JUNK! That's what you are...JUNK!"
Megatron sceams out loud and whips his purple energon mace at Prime's head, the strike makes contact with him and sends the Autobot flying in back snap motion. Optimus crashes down onto the dam in a loud thud making the cracks along the dam stretch even higher. Megatron stands over the Autobot leader and laughs like a raving madman. He swings his mace down at him forcefully and Prime tries to shield himself from each blow.
"Who's the junk now Prime?! You're just as old and out dated as the rest of the Autobot leaders that came before you...you're finished Prime.... it's over for you, Cybertron, Earth and the Universe!"
Optimus Prime looks down and sees that Megatron's leg is near his laying beside it; he picks it up and knocks the leader over with it. The Decepticon tumbles to the ground and smashes his head to the hard surface. Optimus Prime stands up and brings his axe up to make the final blow to the leader lying helplessly on the ground. The Autobots fighting in the generator room and down below the dam pause to see him about to finish Megatron once and for all. Ironhide stares up and notices the leader hesitating.
"Finish him off Prime! Do it now!!" the southern sounding robot screams up at him.
Suddenly Optimus Prime hears another scream coming from behind him, this was not a voice like one of theirs, more like a human male voice in distress. It was Spike. Optimus Prime could instantly tell that was who it was, he had remembered the voice pattern of the dear friend and seemed to break his concentration as he heard the boy call out.
"OPTIMUS!! HELP!!"
As he looked behind, Rumble was holding on to the frail human and forcing him to drown. Prime didn't seem to care about Megatron anymore, only the safety of Spike who was in need of his assistance. Optimus looked at his energy axe and looked over at Rumble again, he brought his arm around and flung the weapon out towards the mini Decepticon harming his friend. The detached weapon struck Rumble; the impact was so devastating it launched him out of the water and clear across the reservoir. Megatron took advantage of this situation and tripped the Autobot leader with his leg, as Prime fell to the ground, Megatron took his Mace and swung it up into the air. As it came down towards the leader's face, Megatron gave his final words to him.
"Victory to those who deserve it!!"
The energon weapon thwarted the Autobot leader in the head and caused him to fall to the base of the dam. All of the Autobots saw him fall down and each one called out to him. As Megatron laughed with joy, Thundercracker screamed out of the sky and fired at all the unsuspecting Autobots trying to run over to help Optimus. The news helicopter was now in the way of the Decepticon jet's flight path and ended up hitting the blue jet as it came rushing in. The chopper lost it's tail and spun out of control to the ground. Jazz saw the hit, transformed into his Sportec car mode and drove over to where the chopper was about to crash. Quickly transforming again, he jumped up and caught the remaining vehicle in his arms.
"Have no fear...Jazz is here!"
With the humans safe on the ground, they all ran out and headed for safety. Ironhide shook with anger as the sight of his fallen leader caused him to go ballistic; he pointed his gun up at Megatron and continued to fire at the Decepticon leader as he screamed in defiant anger.
"MEGAAAATRONNN!!!!"
Megatron looked down and gave an evil grin.
"Thundercracker!! Break the dam!!"
Making his way again, the blue jet fired his weapons at the weakened wall and laughed at his leader's command.
"Have a nice swim, Autobots!!"
The shots didn't take much to break the wall, which quickly crumbled and rushed the water out like a speeding river. Megatron lifted himself off of the dam and flew high above in the air, his purple mace spun in the air as he rose higher and higher, all the while he was still laughing away at the Autobot's predicament.
The Constructicons take a short break from the heavy building and gather around to discuss their progress. As they all confer with one another, a message is transmitted to the lead Constructicon, Scrapper.
"Megatron to the Constructicons..."
"This is Scrapper mighty Megatron. What are your instructions?"
"It is no longer necessary to have prisoners.... kill them all and prepare for our return."
The Constructicons all chuckle with grins on their faces and Scrapper signals back with much delight.
"With pleasure Megatron..."
The green transformer walks over to the humans trapped inside the barrier and looks down at them all. Inside the men and women stare up and give no reaction to his menacing form. That didn't seem to faze him much, he figures the humans have now been waiting for their deaths and are now prepared for the end. Switching off the energy cage, Scrapper takes out his weapon and prepares to fire at them. Hook, standing behind him, looks at the humans with curiosity. Just as Scrapper is about to pull the trigger, Hook shouts to him and walks over.
"WAIT!"
Scrapper looks back at him, "What? Why are you stopping me?"
Hook looks down at the humans as he too now towers overhead of them all.
"Why don't they cower in fear? Why are they not trying to make some sort of escape while the energy barrier is down? Look.... See how they don't even resist us at all."
Scrapper laughs, "Why should they? Their prepared for their fates.... besides...humans are stupid creatures, they dare not try to escape us."
Long Haul now joins them as he too looks in, the slightly wider transformer strokes his manifold chin and agrees with Hook.
"He's right.... something isn't right about this. These creatures were fighting us even when we put them in there, now they're not even trying to fight back? Most un-natural."
Scrapper looks down and brings his gun pointing straight at one of the humans. The young black officer doesn't even flinch as the barrel of his gun aims directly at his head. Scrapper's eyes narrow and fires the weapon. The energy blast rips into the man standing there and as soon as the smoke clears the Decepticon is surprised to see the human unharmed.
"What is this trickery?"
Scrapper takes his weapon and fires his weapon at them all, each shot doesn't damage any of them and none of the captured humans even move from their spots. The last shot fired by the angered Decepticons soon reveals the hidden truth. Something explodes in the center of the prison and all the people distort and fade away like a TV screen turning off. Hook can now see the small device appearing in the center and recognizes it immediately.
"A hologram projector!!"
Scrapper picks it up with his hand and crushes it, "NO.... An Autobot hologram projector to be precise! Constructicons...we've been duped!!"
The six group green colored Decepticons run out into the valley and search all around, their eyes look everywhere for any piece of evidence of the escaped prisoners and even use their built in thermal optics to scan the grounds.
"Search everywhere Constructicons!!" Scrapper yells out, "They must not escape!!"
Just beyond the view of their eyes, out past the valley's rocky terrain, a small grumbling of a vehicle engine can be heard and a pair of tracks digging into the soft ground can be seen.
"Are we almost there?" a voice whispers out of the air.
"Shh! Quiet Carly...The Constructicons might hear you!"
"Well, you're going so slow Mirage..."
"Listen Carly...it's not easy carrying all these people and trying to conceal them all in my cloak. If I go too fast I might accidentally cause them to fall off. Now just hold on tight.... only mile to go."
Another human voice pops out of thin air, a man's voice that doesn't seem to like the sound of Mirage's estimate.
"Another Mile?? "
"Shhhh....", Carly's voice says to him.
The Constructicons were still looking about, then suddenly the one called Scavenger looks on the ground and sees the tire treads leading out into the valley.
"Here! I've found something!"
The others run over and look at his discovery. Hook crouches down on one knee and touches the tracks with his hands.
"Hmmm...heavy, very heavy. Even for a it's own weight no doubt."
Scrapper snaps his fingers, "Mirage...it has to be. He's the only one who could sneak in undetected!"
Scavenger grumbles, "Mirage?! That coward? No way he could be in here without our knowing."
Hook stands up and keeps his eyes out at the tracks beyond.
"Not so...I've heard that he's been equipped with a cloaking device. A prototype the Autobots made for him..."
Scrapper walks along the track lines and turns around to face the others, "Enough speculation! Just follow the tracks morons! He can't have gone far...not with all those humans to carry. Constructicons Transform!!"
All six obey his command and each one converts into their specific construction vehicle mode. Long Haul as a dump truck, Scrapper as a pay loader, Hook as a crane, Scavenger as a digger, Mix Master as a cement mixer truck, and Bone Crusher as a bulldozer. All of them drove out fast along the car tracks and tried to catch up to the fleeing Autobot. With his sensors on full, Scrapper focuses in on the emission trial left behind by the intruder's exhaust. On the screen inside his cab, a graphic display shows the vapor trail getting stronger and stronger.
"He is close Constructicons...keep moving and increase speed!"
Suddenly the trail begins to die off and the tracks they're following disappear. The Constructicons all transform back into robot mode and look around the area to see were trail has gone. Scratching their heads, Long Haul and Scavenger give up.
"They're long gone. We must have missed them somewhere back abit." Scavenger shrugs.
"Maybe there was no Autobot...maybe the humans had that device all along and just snuck out without us knowing it."
Scrapper turns around and hits them both on the head, "Shut up both of you! Megatron will be furious if we don't find them.... he'll deactivate us all if he learns of what happened...."
Hook nods, "Yes...he would at that. But to avoid such an undesirable fate...perhaps we shouldn't mention it at all. Who's to say we didn't' kill the humans? Who else but us six are witnesses to it? And more to the point...who cares...it's not like we're going to be here for much longer."
Scrapper is shocked by his fellow Constructicons, "Are you all mad? You would allow mere humans escape from our clutches? We're Decepticons!!"
Bone Crusher shakes his head, "No! We're Constructicons. And what do a few mere humans mean to the likes of us. Megatron isn't here to witness it, just like Hook said...I want to get off this dirt planet and return to Cybertron."
Mix Master raises his fist into the air, "Yes! Back to Cybertron. Where we can use the energon and finally take over...the Autobots will be finished and then we can crush Megatron with our combined strength as Devastator!!"
Scrapper looks at them all with uncertain eyes, "Hmm...so long as we are all in agreement then. Very well...but just remember that we all must never tell what really happened here. We killed the humans...agreed?"
The all look at one another, nod and reply back to him in unison, "Agreed!"
"Then let us return to the ship and prepare for our...leader." Scrapper says with hesitance.
They all transform again and speed back to the construction site, the dust blows behind them and soon tiny voices coughing can be heard as the vehicles leave the area. A bright green glow flashes and exposes the humans standing all around. Another bright green glow flashes behind them and now Mirage is seen with Carly as they walk over. Mirage wipes his brow and looks down at the young woman holding a small device.
"Whew! I thought that second hologram of Hounds wouldn't hold up till we were clear. Guess it's drained huh Carly?"
Carly looks at it, "Yep...energy levels are gone. Thank goodness they gave up so easily, otherwise we'd be in quite the pickle."
The military soldiers huddled around the robot and woman; the ranking young male soldier shook Carly's hand.
"You guys ought to be given a metal. You saved our butts..."
Mirage leans down, "Save the praise later guys...we've got to get back to Autobot HQ before the Decepticons really find us here."
Carly looks back at Mirage again, "Don't have to tell me twice...let's burn rubber!"
Mirage transforms into his F1 car mode again and the humans all pile on top of him. He slowly drives out of the valley and heads for the road leading back towards the Autobot ship.
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As the Decepticons ascend to the sky, carrying the many energon cubes they've created, the Autobots all continue to fire up at them hoping to shoot one or any of them down. Ironhide is screaming away as he tries to target Megatron, never listening to Jazz as he tries to shake him out of his craze.
"Ironhide! Let it go man! We've got a bigger problem then Megatron right now..."
"Get off me Jazz!! I'm not letting this guy win again!!"
Jazz looks both at the fleeing Decepticons and the rushing waters flowing out of the busted dam. With his fist clenched and one powerful back swing; he gives Ironhide a right cut across his chin. The Autobot falls to the ground and lies there in pain.
"Get your priorities straight Ironhide! The humans come first.... remember Optimus Prime gave us an order...you got that soldier!"
Looking over at the Autobots giving up the shooting and looking at him now, he barks orders at them all as if he's now the next in line for command.
"Trailbreaker, Wheeljack! You two fix the dam walls. Sideswipe, Prowl, Sunstreaker, Bluestreak.... shift into trans-boost drive and save the humans ahead of the flood coming their way. And Ironhide...if you're not too whipped to lend a helping hand...maybe you and Cliffjumper can get ahead of the water and try to stop it somehow."
They all salute and break into their separate teams. Ironhide gets help up from Cliffjumper and looks at him with anger.
"We should go after the Decepticons!"
"Later big guy...", Cliffjumper says, "Right now...we need to stop that water before it drowns every living thing in its path!"
Ironhide nods, "Right.... right..."
The red robot transforms into his Volkswagen Eurovan mode and opens his back hatch for Cliffjumper to step into. Cliffjumper hops inside and a large weapon pops out from Ironhides van floor. The weapon remains attached to the floor, but sits on a stand that is maneuverable for Cliffjumper to move around. The two race off heading for the front of the massive water wave rushing towards a human town near by. Sideswipe, Bluestreak, Sunstreaker and Prowl transform, and quickly Trans-boost for the human town as well. Trailbreaker and Wheeljack combine their special talents to stop the wall from spilling out more water. Trailbreaker, the all black transformer, uses his force field generator connected to his shoulder to hold the water in place. Wheeljack folds in his hand and quick drying foam launches out of it as he mends the entire wall.
"Fill in that wall with your Silicon foam Wheeljack! I'll keep the water back with my force fields!"
"You got it buddy...this silicon foam should keep the water fully contained and the pressure in check until the humans can repair the dam."
Jazz scans the bottom for any sign of Optimus Prime and gathers more Autobots over to him as he looks in.
"Bumblebee!! Huffer!! See anything??"
Bumblebee shakes his head, "Nothing! Hey Brawn! What do you and Windcharger see?"
Standing down further is Brawn and Windcharger...both look into the water and back up at Bumblebee.
"Smokescreen dove in to have a look. Wait.... wait he's coming back up!"
The stock car Autobot rose up out of the water, looking over at Brawn he shouts to him with panic, "I've found him!! Give me a hand for Primus's Sake!!"
The two Autobots dive in to help him lift up the damaged leader, only a hand and an arm at first, but soon the three of them raise him completely to the surface and drag him over to land. Brawn kneels over as he gets out of the water and holds his leader's head.
"Come on Optimus...Stay with us now.... show us that spark ol' man!"
Spike tries to stay afloat in the deep water, he almost spilled out of the dam had it not been for Trailbreaker's force fields and Wheeljack's reinforcing foam. Still he struggled to keep himself above water, but from trying to fend off Rumble's attack and swimming against the water current, he could not stay afloat any longer. His eyes slowly began to shut from exhaustion and began to drown under the surface. Just as he seemed to lose the battle for life, a large robotic hand grabbed him from underneath and brought him back to the fresh air above. Hound totally emerged from the bottom of the reservoir and held on to Spike as he moved back to dry land. Climbing out of the water, the large green robot laid his friend down on the dirt ground and tried to gently revive him.
"Spike! Spike wake up!"
No movement came from the young man, Hound realized he'd have to quickly research his brain for uploaded data on how to save human drown victims. In his head he scanned the various files that were placed in there by Teletran One when they were re-awakened, quick as any computer could ever search, he found the very instructions he needed. Turning Spike over on his front, he slowly pumped the human's back area in a rhythmic motion, the slight pressure from the robot's strong hands forced the water out of Spike's lungs and soon heard his friend breathing again. Coughing out the liquid and gasping for air, Spike raised his hand up to show that he was all right again.
"Thanks...COUGH! COUGH! ...Hound. I thought that was the end of me."
Hound nodded at him, "You and me both Spike...I should be thanking you for trying to help me as well. That Rumble...He's got some major payback coming to him."
Spike stands up and looks back at the remorseful robot that saved his life.
"If you do see him again...be sure to give him one hell of a punch for me too."
Hound smiles and laughs.
Out beyond the dam, the water that escaped is still rushing down the valley beyond. In a near by town in it's wake, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Bluestreak and Prowl try to warn the townsfolk of the danger as they arrive in car mode. Booming out in a large stereo voice, Prowl flashes his lights and speaks to the people as if he was the law.
"Attention everyone! This is an emergency! Please evacuate the area immediately for your own safety and protection! Once again, this is an emergency evacuation..."
Sunstreaker races up beside Prowl, "Oh for Cybertron's sake.... These people won't respond to that..."
"We can't start a panic Sunstreaker...these people need to eased out in a calm manner..."
Sideswipe pulls up beside the other side of Prowl and sighs.
"Yeah right.... this ain't no drill slick.... time to motivate these people but fast!"
Sideswipe transforms out of his car mode and stands over the town in his towering robotic form. Aiming his weapon in the air, he fires multiple shots and shouts out to the humans all staring up at him in amazement.
"Wooooo-Yah!! You heard my buddy everyone...MOOOOVE!!!"
Sunstreaker and Bluestreak transform as well and also fire their weapons in the air. The sight of the gun shooting robots causes the humans to run for their very lives. Dropping everything and grabbing children, the people sprint, drive and use any form of transportation to get out of the robot's way. All three Autobots laugh as they feel like their rustling cattle, but Prowl transforms and shouts at them all.
"Stop that right NOW!"
Sunstreaker giggles, "Why? Have a look will ya.... they're motivated aren't they?"
Prowl scowls at him, "You arrogant lunk heads! These people don't need to be terrorized by a bunch of gun happy robots. We're not Decepticons, so learn to have some respect for these people!!"
Bluestreak looks embarrassed by his actions and agrees, "You're right Prowl. We should have handled it better.... we'll make sure no one was hurt or left behind in the panic. Ok?"
Prowl turns around and walks away, "Just make sure you do that guys...we're here to help, not to send the humans in frenzy."
Sideswipe shrugs his shoulders at his brother Sunstreaker, "Geez...That guy needs to take a energon pill or something. He's as bad as Kup..."
Sunstreaker nods, "Must be part of his training.... grumpy see as grumpy do."
In front of the rushing water heading towards the town, Ironhide speeds in front of it as Cliffjumper manages his laser gun inside. The smaller mini- red robot takes aim at the rushing flood and targets the ground ahead of it as they speed.
"Keep it steady Ironhide! We need to slow down this new river before it floods the whole valley!"
"You just fire the laser Cliffjumper...I'll do the driving if you don't mind!", the surly southern speaking Euro van says back.
Cliffjumper fires the laser cannon and a beam slices into the ground like a knife through butter. He creates a bunch of small channels for the water to break into and manages to slow down the flood's progress. Each new cut into the ground splits the water into other directions and makes it thin out as it still rushes towards them. Soon the rushing water begins to die down and the last cut he makes ends up stopping the speeding flood from reaching the town. Satisfied with the completion of his task, Cliffjumper hops out of Ironhide, while he in turn transforms back to robot mode to shake his friend's hand in a job well done.
"So much for that...."
Cliffjumper snickers, "Dah, that was nothin'...Megatron will have to do better then that to get the best of us."
Ironhide gasps in realization, "What about Prime?! Come on we've got to go back!"
The two robots transform and race back towards the dam.