Chapter 17 – The Ruby Mine Of Burma
Out across a rocky terrain, a large mound sits like a mountain smoothed away from eons of erosion. Strewn about lay various digging equipment and destroyed waterways that lead into the various holes with in the mound's caverns. High above, in the blue sky filled with layered clouds disappearing slowly like mist in the wind, a sudden figure appears out of nowhere. The bright flash of green and a blurred streak of the object now comes into focus as it materializes. Megatron, leader of the Decepticons has returned to the Ruby Mines of Burma. He hovers down slowly into the open air vent above the mound, the smoke billowing out of it suggests there is work being done deep below it's rocky interior. As he lowers himself into the darkness, he is soon surrounded in light as he finally reaches the bottom where all of his Decepticon soldiers are busily working away. Most of the Decepticons are using their hand weapons to blast the rocky walls down, some use drilling bits their hands can convert into. The leader smiles with joy at the sight of the interior walls shimmering with precious ruby crystals. Crystals that have turned out to be raw energon, the ancient power once used by their ancestors on Cybertron billions of years ago. As he stands there grinning like a greedy robot, Starscream approaches him and converts his drilling arm back into his regular hand.
"So good of you to join us Megatron...We've only been slaving away for hours while you haven't lifted a finger!"
"Calm yourself Starscream, don't forget you're on thin ice as it is." Megatron says calmly.
Starscream bows gracefully, "Forgive me mighty Megatron...how quickly I have forgotten. Now then, tell me...did it work?"
Megatron smirked at the question, "Like a dream Starscream...it seems you are useful to me after all."
"My crude drones were a bit under finished, but what can you expect with what limited materials I had..." The Decepticon jet confesses.
"Oh don't be so modest, Starscream.", the leader says patting the robotic jet's shoulder. "In fact it did so well...you have redeemed yourself, I'm placing you back as commander of your jet squad. That look in Optimus Prime's face was worth more to me then all the energon in the galaxy."
Starscream looked relieved as the leader laughed evilly about the entire situation. No doubt the Decepticon jet was pleased to hear he was back in the leader's good graces.
"Th-thank you Megatron! Does this mean I get to be your second in command again?"
Megatron laughed again, "Please...I said you redeemed your self. You have to earn my trust again fully...and that will take a long time yet...commander."
Starscream scowled at the mocking answer Megatron gave him, "But...but...I...I thought this would..."
Megatron interrupted him, "Enough! Be happy that I've given you back your old title again commander...and not had your head placed on a spike upon our return to Cybertron. Which is where you were headed not so long ago."
Starscream accepted the leader's decision and bowed to him again very humble.
"Yes...thank you leader. I am grateful for getting my old job back."
As Megatron passed him, Starscream rose slowly back from his bow and his eyes squinted in rage. Not being placed back in second command meant he had no official authority over any of the other Decepticons, at least, he thought, he was back in charge of his air force again.
"Soundwave!", Megatron beckoned to the yellow-eyed cycloptic robot. "Give me a progress report."
The blue robot bowed and displayed image charts of the work.
"We have collected nearly the estimated amount we can carry back to Cybertron. The transport will be slightly heavier upon takeoff."
The leader folded his arms and stared at the data scrolling on Soundwave's chest plate.
"Hmm...I hope the Constructicons have compensated for this extra load. I would hate to think we'd be stuck on this miserable planet any second longer then necessary."
The monotone voice robot nodded, "I have already discussed it with Scrapper...he assures me the ship will be able to withstand the added drain to the engines."
Megatron smiled, "Excellent work Soundwave. Tell the others to speed up the progress and collect the final batch of energon, the sooner we leave this world... the better. Humans are becoming too interested in our species...it seems I've underestimated their nature. This strange greed and interest in technology is very discomforting to me..."
As Soundwave stands there wondering what Megatron is on about, the leader looks up at him after breaking his thought and shouts at him.
"Well?! What are you still standing here for? Get going!"
Soundwave recoils in fear and runs over to a group of busy Decepticons to tell them to increase their workload.
Outside, near the base of the ruby mine, another blurred object speeds into focus. The green streak now becomes a shade of red, and becomes the shape of a car. The small Mini looking vehicle is Cliffjumper. He quickly transforms into his robot mode and takes out his small black colored weapon from behind his back.
"Ok Megatron...gotcha right where I want ya!"
Suddenly as he takes a step forward, two more vehicles warp their way in front of him as they block his path. A red Minivan and a yellow Volkswagen beetle, Ironhide and Bumblebee, the only two that seemed to have followed Cliffjumper to this site.
"Just where do you think you're going bud?" Ironhide says.
Cliffjumper growls at him "See! I told you he was bluffing...not a human around for miles! Optimus Prime is weak for these flesh creatures...it's time to make some noise! Now get out of my way!"
Bumblebee opens the driver side door and lets Sparkplug step out.
"Uh-uh, we're not moving an axle. You don't know what the situation is in there...they might have a bunch of humans trapped inside. You willing to be the one that killed innocent beings?" the little yellow car says.
Cliffjumper pounds on Bumblebee's hood, "I said out of my way damnit!!"
Sparkplug tries to get in between the robot's fist and Bumblebee's hood and raises his hands at the ticked off Autobot.
"Hey, hey! Easy there Cliffjumper! Why are you so mad at Megatron? There's no need to damage poor lil' Bumblebee just cause they want to try to help."
Bumblebee didn't seem to like Sparkplug's comment about him, "Little? Hey who you callin' little? I'm just as big and bad as the rest of them."
Sparkplug laughs, "Sorry buddy. Didn't mean to bruise your ego there."
The small red robot clenches his fist and backs away from the small yellow car.
"You guys don't know...you just don't know what it means for me to get this guy."
Ironhide transforms and looks at Cliffjumper with deep concern.
"We've all got scores to settle with that monster CJ..."
Cliffjumper grabs his arm and shakes with anger, "Then get in line...cause it's me first!"
Now Bumblebee transforms and calmly asks the enraged robot, "Cliffjumper, what's with you? First you try to take him out on your own on Cybertron, then you defy Optimus Prime, and now your getting all crazed on us here. Come on...what is it?"
The small red robot walks a few feet away and sits down on a boulder near by. He calmly breathes out and looks up at the mine.
"Megatron killed my best friend. Hell he killed a lot of my friends, but Grimlock...man he was the best. The two of us were the top of our game...he was known for being a bit of a loner, a guy that wanted to get the job done and me...I was just like him. Grim and I served many battles together; we even knew each other before the war as security guards. Grimlock was the toughest robot I ever knew my whole life...next to Optimus Prime that is. That guy could take a pounding and keep going. I...I...loved that Autobot, the best friend any guy could have."
Sparkplug came over and patted the robot's leg for comfort.
"That's rough bud. Losing a best friend is tough for any person...machine...whatever...you know what I mean."
Cliffjumper smirked at the human, "Yeah I know."
Bumblebee, too young to remember the war in its infancy, had to ask the obvious question.
"How did Megatron...uh...how did he kill him?"
"That tin plated son of a...", Cliffjumper says shaking his fist. "Grimlock and I were assigned to take out the last of Megatron's energy depots on the second moon. It would be a long time before old Meg's would see his soldiers recharged for years to come. But while I was watching the doors, making sure no Decepti-creeps came in on us. Grimlock ran in to set the chargers...only...there wasn't a storage bay to be found inside of the building. Turns out...it was a false tip."
Ironhide now remember hearing about this incident and gasps, "No...you don't mean..."
"Yep." Cliffjumper says back. "Megatron and his goons we're waitin' for us the whole time. Grimlock never stood a chance; Megatron wasted no time and blasted a hole right through Grim's chest. I heard the blast and came in with my guns blazing. But it was too late...Megatron was standing over him as he lay there dying...ripped out his very spark...and then crushed it into oblivion."
"Sweet Primus no...", Bumblebee says covering his mouth looking ill.
"I got shot up pretty bad too.", Cliffjumper continues. "If it hadn't been for Prime coming when he did...I would have been a goner too for sure. I made a promise after that...to Grimlock...that I'd make Megatron pay and rip out his spark with my own hand as well."
Ironhide stood there in amazement.
"I heard Megatron do some sick things in my life...but that one always sends a chill down my framework."
Cliffjumper rises to his feet and clasps his gun tightly.
"I mean to end that Transformer once and for all. So if you fella's don't mind...I've got a date with destiny."
Bumblebee steps in front of the red bot and holds him back.
"Waaaaiiiit a second there. You can't go in by yourself with only one blaster, hell you'd be lucky to even get past the first guard in there."
Sparkplug nods, "That's right. I know how much you'd love to get your hands on Megatron...but fact is...you won't. They'd kill you the minute you try to rush in."
Ironhide looks down at Sparkplug.
"Well then what do you suggest Sparky? We go in and politely ask if Megatron can come out and play?"
"No...but I've come up with a plan that might just do the trick. Cliffjumper...I'd ask you to do it, but frankly...you're too wired to go in. I think Bumblebee and I should quietly drive in and place one of those Autobot bombs inside.", Sparkplug says with confidence.
Cliffjumper sneers at his suggestion, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. One bomb is not going to kill the Decepticons."
Sparkplug looks at him, "Oh really, don't think so? Well how about one massive bomb made out of others? Your story gave me an idea just a second ago, eventhough the Decepticons were waiting for you, the idea to turn the whole bay into a major bomb was a smart idea. Hell, it's kind of freaky now that you look at it....cause I was thinking of the same senario before we showed up here."
"That's right, Sparkplug and I talked it over as we came here." Bumblebee adds in. "We'd have combine a group of the chargers to make an impact. One won't do it alone...but five or six combined? Now thats a bomb big enough to do something major alright. The explosion will make the mountain collapse on them and crush them all into recycled tins."
Ironhide snickers, "Isn't that a tad morbid...even for the likes of you young pup?"
Bumblebee places his hands on his thighs, "Tough times call for tough measures. Besides...I'm smaller then you Ironhide...so I'll fit where you can't. And Cliffjumper...let's face it, you'd lose focus the minute you got in there. Sparkplug and I can go in un-noticed and plant the charges, set the timers and get out before any of them ever know. Then BLAMMO!! Good bye Decepticons."
Ironhide looks over at Cliffjumper, "What ya think Bud?"
The red mini robot taps now rubs his chin and thinks; "I dunno...I'd still like to have Megatron's beating spark in my hands. But you guys are right about them not letting me get past so easily. I guess...I guess it would work..."
Bumblebee and Sparkplug give each other thumbs up.
"You won't regret this guys. We'll finish the Decepticons and end the war once and for all." Bumblebee says with a smile.
Ironhide sighs and kneels down to the smaller robots level.
"Alright then...but you guys better becareful in there. Set the timers for a quick setting and then burn rubber."
Sparkplug nods, "You got it. Now then...lets get those bombs out and see what we can rig."
Bumblebee takes out several Autobot bombs and lays them out for Sparkplug to look over. Cliffjumper and Ironhide do the same giving them all that they can spare. Sparkplug begins to pry them open and takes out his trusty all in one tool to rewire the devices. Ironhide leans in and watches the small human work, he seems impressed with how fast and how calculated this non-robot being is.
"You humans sure know how to figure things out fast...why it only seems like yesterday you didn't have a clue how our technology worked." The southern sounding Autobot mused.
Sparkplug snickered at him, "It was only yesterday Ironhide. I talked to Wheeljack about showing me how to fix those special components of yours, so I kinda got the feel for it afterwards."
"What?" Ironhide says with shock. "Why that lil' brainiac! I'm gonna have a right talk with that lunk head about showin' everyone how to hot wire us."
Bumblebee chuckles at his friend, "Ah don't blow a circuit over it Ironhide...at least he told the right man for the job."
Sparkplug winked at Bumblebee for the compliment and continued working on the bombs.
Back at Autobot Headquarters, Optimus Prime and the other Autobots drove back from their failed surprise attack. Their driving back seemed slower then usual and as they came up the mountainside began to notice that the place was much more empty then last time.
"Where is everyone?" Prowl says in a confused tone.
Hound riding beside him also notices the emptiness, "Yeah...the troops and the workers aren't around. Did we miss a major party somewhere else?"
Continuing to ride up into the Ark, Trailbreaker, Smokescreen, Bluestreak and Windcharger transformed outside the entrance and looked across the rocky plains with their robot enhanced eyes.
"Nothing..." Trailbreaker blurts out. "Not a human being in site. I don't like this..."
Smokescreen and Bluestreak finish their lookout and come to the same conclusion.
"It's quiet..." Smokescreen says.
"Yeah...too quiet." Bluestreak adds.
Prowl drives by them entering the Ark, "Ugh...please don't write that brilliant observation in your report to me later."
Bluestreak smiles as he goes past and then looks puzzled by his comment. He whips around and shouts back at him.
"What? Wait a minute...since when are we giving you reports?? Yo, Prowl?!"
As Optimus drives into the main room, Spike and Carly rush over to him as he quickly transformed.
"Optimus!" Spike frantically says to him.
Prime looks down at them both, "What is it Spike? What's happening now? Where is everyone?"
Carly shouts up at the leader as she strains her neck gazing up at him.
"The troops packed up and left...the workers did too. It seems that they've all been threatened to leave or pay the price."
Optimus Prime's eyes lower, "And the General? Where is he? I want a few words with that human..."
"He's gone too Optimus." Spike says back. "He too was threatened by Archeville. He betrayed us all because they were going to kill his family...and...my dad...he's with Bumblebee..."
Optimus kneels down to him and holds his palm up to slow Spike from his ranting.
"Wait, wait, back things up there Spike. Who is Archeville?"
"He's the reason for all your problems of late Optimus." Carly says calmly. "Doctor Archeville is the one in charge of Drakemore and his men. It was his doing that brought in the weird looking weapons, making the General tell the Decepticons of your plans, and now is up to something else that has resulted in everyone pulling out of here."
The Autobot leader stood up again and placed his hands on his sides.
"I see. That explains much...I take it the General has gone into hiding now that he too has become a target of this...Archeville's wraith."
"Seems that way", Carly says.
Spike shouts at Prime again, "But what about my Dad Optimus? Bumblebee and him are on their way to help Ironhide and Cliffjumper take out Megatron...alone!"
Jazz comes walking up behind the Autobot leader and voices his concern too.
"Yeah Prime...we can't let poor Spike's dad get whacked by those Decepti- goons. Just give me the word and I'll assemble a team to go get medieval on their hides!"
Optimus Prime shakes his head, "No. I don't need anymore of you going out there and making matters worst. No offence Jazz, but this is not the time for everyone to go looking to settle their own personal score."
Jazz looks at him with disappointment, "Well we can't just let leave them there to die Optimus. Megatron's bunch will surly make energon slushies out of them all."
Prime turns to Jazz and folds his arms as he talks, "I don't intend for them to die Jazz. But this is one mission I'm going to go out alone on, Cliffjumper has to fall back in line, as do Ironhide and Bumblebee. I'm going to go out there and bring them back..."
Carly's eyes show surprise, "Alone? But...but..."
Prime looks down at both her and Spike, the two stare at the transformer with concern.
"Alone Carly." Optimus bluntly states. "I can't have this inner conflict disrupt the group, I'm going to bring them all back myself, even if I have pry them away kicking and screaming. As for Sparkplug..."
Spike looks at the massive robot gazing at him and then showing a more relaxed look in his glowing blue eyes.
"Well...I'll let you deal with him when I get him back for you."
Spike grins slightly and watches the massive robot transform into his rig mode again. The leader spins his wheels dramatically and rushes out of the Ark at full speed. Racing down the mountainside, the leader begins to Trans-warp and soon disappears into a haze of green light and dust that now settles as he vanishes.
"Better look out Cliffjumper buddy..." Jazz says looking out of the doors. "You've got a Prime problem heading your way."
Ratchet walks up behind Jazz and looks at him with concern.
"Where is Prime going?"
Jazz looks back at him and sighs.
"I think we'd better follow the old man...I seriously think he's making a big mistake."
"There's a lot of that going around lately." Ratchet says back as he turns into his white Renault Ambulance van mode.
Jazz snickers at his friend's comment and also quickly transforms into his detailed Sportec 996 GT2 SP650 mode.
"You got that right brother...you got that right. Now lets ride!"
The two spin their tires and quickly follow the leader in hot pursuit as they too streak into Trans-warp to catch up to him.
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"There...that should do it.", Sparkplug says wiping his brow of sweat.
Raising it up for Ironhide, Cliffjumper and Bumblebee, they see that it combined together with a single digital timer. They all look at one another and nod with a sense of satisfaction. Bumblebee quickly transforms into his yellow Beetle mode and opens the driver side door for Sparkplug.
"Ok, let's do this thing! Get in Sparkplug."
Cliffjumper puts his hand between the door and Sparkplug just as he is about to step in.
"Wait a second...I've changed my mind."
"Now what Cliffjumper?", Ironhide says with a groan. "Look the more time we waste the more time the Decepticons will be finished in there."
Cliffjumper lifts his hand back up and folds his arms.
"It was my plan in the first place...I want to go in as well."
Bumblebee also groans at the mini red robot's complaint.
"Oh come on..."
Sparkplug shakes his head and finally climbs into Bumblebee who is still waiting for him with the door wide open.
"Oh for god sakes...if you're going to be this hard headed you might as well join us."
As the door closes behind him, he scrolls the window open to finish talking to the little Autobot standing near.
"Just remember we're going to plant the bomb and that's all. No running through the tunnels looking to find revenge...you got that?"
"Yeah, yeah...", Cliffjumper says waving his hand at him like a child not really listening. "Enough chatter...lets go already."
The mini red robot transforms into his car mode and pulls up beside Bumblebee. Together they rev their engines and beep their horns at Ironhide behind them.
"Good luck lil' guys...I'll keep sharp eye out here for any sign of trouble."
The two small cars speed up the man made ramps that climb up to the main mine opening. The loose dirt stirs up from their tires as they race straight in and soon vanish down the dark tunnel a head of them. As Ironhide waits outside at the foot of the mine, he takes out his weapon from his leg panel opening up and cocks the gun as he prepares for anything to happen.
Deep inside of the mine, the two mini cars continue to drive in, but slow their pace down as they peer in with their headlights on. Sparkplug sits inside of Bumblebee with the device beside him on the passenger side and taps the Autobot's dashboard.
"Hey, hey...no lights! The Decepticons will see it."
"Oh yeah...good thinking Sparkplug.", Bumblebee says as he switches them off.
Cliffjumper also shuts his off and both begin to coast in with their engines running. The noise bounces off the walls like surround sound and makes the little red Autobot give an order to his friend beside him as well.
"Switch to whisper mode Bumblebee...we're makin' a racket in here."
"Gotcha"
Both cars now become as quite as possible. Sparkplug is amazed at how non- sound producing the two cars have become, only their tires crunching the dirt is heard and even that is quite as a human sneaking around with his or her feet. As they drive in further and further, Bumblebee suddenly hears a noise coming towards them.
"Quick...hide!", the robot says in an almost low voice.
The cars manage to find a tunnel adjacent to the one with the approaching sounds, and as they both cram in tightly they cover themselves with the darkness it provides. The noise that Bumblebee heard is a squeaking of rusted metal wheels, but now large thumping noises are joining it as it now begins to pass through the area. Pushing up a rusty looking rock loader is both Thundercracker and Skywarp. The two talk away as they move the container full of rock and earth, they don't even see the two small Autobots hidden away nearby.
"So much for not ever doing hard labor again, huh Thundercracker?", Skywarp says with a bit of sarcasm.
Thundercracker scowls as he pushes the rusted box and grumbles his thoughts at Skywarp.
"I just knew Starscream would suck up to Megs' again...that two timing, double faced lying...Gah! I should have killed him when I had the chance."
"Now you sound like Megatron.", Skywarp snickers at him.
"Why didn't he kill him?", the blue jet robot stops to ask his friend. "He should have pointed his cannon right at his head and done away with him! Starscream doesn't deserve to be our leader again...we should protest!"
Skywarp realizing he's the only one pushing the cart now stops and faces the angry Decepticon.
"Go ahead...I'm sure Megatron will listen. But I'm also sure he won't care one way or the other. Starscream may be treacherous, but like the man said...he's got some uses after all. Building those decoys was a good idea, plus we're the only soldiers he has to battle the Autobots and do all the labor for him. So if you want to protest...go right ahead. Oh...but be sure to keep a sharp eye for your back..."
Thundercracker looks at him with confused look.
"Cause that's were Starscream is sure to aim his weapon at you when you're done complaining.", the black jet robot says as he begins to push the cart again.
Watching his friend push the mine container again, he simply clenches his fist in anger and then helps his friend continue to take the rubble beyond the tunnel. As they start to vanish into the darkness again, both Bumblebee and Cliffjumper slowly drive out and giggle.
"Poor saps.", Cliffjumper says.
"Hehehe, Yeah.", Bumblebee snickers. "Guess it just ain't no fun to be a Decepticon."
Out across a rocky terrain, a large mound sits like a mountain smoothed away from eons of erosion. Strewn about lay various digging equipment and destroyed waterways that lead into the various holes with in the mound's caverns. High above, in the blue sky filled with layered clouds disappearing slowly like mist in the wind, a sudden figure appears out of nowhere. The bright flash of green and a blurred streak of the object now comes into focus as it materializes. Megatron, leader of the Decepticons has returned to the Ruby Mines of Burma. He hovers down slowly into the open air vent above the mound, the smoke billowing out of it suggests there is work being done deep below it's rocky interior. As he lowers himself into the darkness, he is soon surrounded in light as he finally reaches the bottom where all of his Decepticon soldiers are busily working away. Most of the Decepticons are using their hand weapons to blast the rocky walls down, some use drilling bits their hands can convert into. The leader smiles with joy at the sight of the interior walls shimmering with precious ruby crystals. Crystals that have turned out to be raw energon, the ancient power once used by their ancestors on Cybertron billions of years ago. As he stands there grinning like a greedy robot, Starscream approaches him and converts his drilling arm back into his regular hand.
"So good of you to join us Megatron...We've only been slaving away for hours while you haven't lifted a finger!"
"Calm yourself Starscream, don't forget you're on thin ice as it is." Megatron says calmly.
Starscream bows gracefully, "Forgive me mighty Megatron...how quickly I have forgotten. Now then, tell me...did it work?"
Megatron smirked at the question, "Like a dream Starscream...it seems you are useful to me after all."
"My crude drones were a bit under finished, but what can you expect with what limited materials I had..." The Decepticon jet confesses.
"Oh don't be so modest, Starscream.", the leader says patting the robotic jet's shoulder. "In fact it did so well...you have redeemed yourself, I'm placing you back as commander of your jet squad. That look in Optimus Prime's face was worth more to me then all the energon in the galaxy."
Starscream looked relieved as the leader laughed evilly about the entire situation. No doubt the Decepticon jet was pleased to hear he was back in the leader's good graces.
"Th-thank you Megatron! Does this mean I get to be your second in command again?"
Megatron laughed again, "Please...I said you redeemed your self. You have to earn my trust again fully...and that will take a long time yet...commander."
Starscream scowled at the mocking answer Megatron gave him, "But...but...I...I thought this would..."
Megatron interrupted him, "Enough! Be happy that I've given you back your old title again commander...and not had your head placed on a spike upon our return to Cybertron. Which is where you were headed not so long ago."
Starscream accepted the leader's decision and bowed to him again very humble.
"Yes...thank you leader. I am grateful for getting my old job back."
As Megatron passed him, Starscream rose slowly back from his bow and his eyes squinted in rage. Not being placed back in second command meant he had no official authority over any of the other Decepticons, at least, he thought, he was back in charge of his air force again.
"Soundwave!", Megatron beckoned to the yellow-eyed cycloptic robot. "Give me a progress report."
The blue robot bowed and displayed image charts of the work.
"We have collected nearly the estimated amount we can carry back to Cybertron. The transport will be slightly heavier upon takeoff."
The leader folded his arms and stared at the data scrolling on Soundwave's chest plate.
"Hmm...I hope the Constructicons have compensated for this extra load. I would hate to think we'd be stuck on this miserable planet any second longer then necessary."
The monotone voice robot nodded, "I have already discussed it with Scrapper...he assures me the ship will be able to withstand the added drain to the engines."
Megatron smiled, "Excellent work Soundwave. Tell the others to speed up the progress and collect the final batch of energon, the sooner we leave this world... the better. Humans are becoming too interested in our species...it seems I've underestimated their nature. This strange greed and interest in technology is very discomforting to me..."
As Soundwave stands there wondering what Megatron is on about, the leader looks up at him after breaking his thought and shouts at him.
"Well?! What are you still standing here for? Get going!"
Soundwave recoils in fear and runs over to a group of busy Decepticons to tell them to increase their workload.
Outside, near the base of the ruby mine, another blurred object speeds into focus. The green streak now becomes a shade of red, and becomes the shape of a car. The small Mini looking vehicle is Cliffjumper. He quickly transforms into his robot mode and takes out his small black colored weapon from behind his back.
"Ok Megatron...gotcha right where I want ya!"
Suddenly as he takes a step forward, two more vehicles warp their way in front of him as they block his path. A red Minivan and a yellow Volkswagen beetle, Ironhide and Bumblebee, the only two that seemed to have followed Cliffjumper to this site.
"Just where do you think you're going bud?" Ironhide says.
Cliffjumper growls at him "See! I told you he was bluffing...not a human around for miles! Optimus Prime is weak for these flesh creatures...it's time to make some noise! Now get out of my way!"
Bumblebee opens the driver side door and lets Sparkplug step out.
"Uh-uh, we're not moving an axle. You don't know what the situation is in there...they might have a bunch of humans trapped inside. You willing to be the one that killed innocent beings?" the little yellow car says.
Cliffjumper pounds on Bumblebee's hood, "I said out of my way damnit!!"
Sparkplug tries to get in between the robot's fist and Bumblebee's hood and raises his hands at the ticked off Autobot.
"Hey, hey! Easy there Cliffjumper! Why are you so mad at Megatron? There's no need to damage poor lil' Bumblebee just cause they want to try to help."
Bumblebee didn't seem to like Sparkplug's comment about him, "Little? Hey who you callin' little? I'm just as big and bad as the rest of them."
Sparkplug laughs, "Sorry buddy. Didn't mean to bruise your ego there."
The small red robot clenches his fist and backs away from the small yellow car.
"You guys don't know...you just don't know what it means for me to get this guy."
Ironhide transforms and looks at Cliffjumper with deep concern.
"We've all got scores to settle with that monster CJ..."
Cliffjumper grabs his arm and shakes with anger, "Then get in line...cause it's me first!"
Now Bumblebee transforms and calmly asks the enraged robot, "Cliffjumper, what's with you? First you try to take him out on your own on Cybertron, then you defy Optimus Prime, and now your getting all crazed on us here. Come on...what is it?"
The small red robot walks a few feet away and sits down on a boulder near by. He calmly breathes out and looks up at the mine.
"Megatron killed my best friend. Hell he killed a lot of my friends, but Grimlock...man he was the best. The two of us were the top of our game...he was known for being a bit of a loner, a guy that wanted to get the job done and me...I was just like him. Grim and I served many battles together; we even knew each other before the war as security guards. Grimlock was the toughest robot I ever knew my whole life...next to Optimus Prime that is. That guy could take a pounding and keep going. I...I...loved that Autobot, the best friend any guy could have."
Sparkplug came over and patted the robot's leg for comfort.
"That's rough bud. Losing a best friend is tough for any person...machine...whatever...you know what I mean."
Cliffjumper smirked at the human, "Yeah I know."
Bumblebee, too young to remember the war in its infancy, had to ask the obvious question.
"How did Megatron...uh...how did he kill him?"
"That tin plated son of a...", Cliffjumper says shaking his fist. "Grimlock and I were assigned to take out the last of Megatron's energy depots on the second moon. It would be a long time before old Meg's would see his soldiers recharged for years to come. But while I was watching the doors, making sure no Decepti-creeps came in on us. Grimlock ran in to set the chargers...only...there wasn't a storage bay to be found inside of the building. Turns out...it was a false tip."
Ironhide now remember hearing about this incident and gasps, "No...you don't mean..."
"Yep." Cliffjumper says back. "Megatron and his goons we're waitin' for us the whole time. Grimlock never stood a chance; Megatron wasted no time and blasted a hole right through Grim's chest. I heard the blast and came in with my guns blazing. But it was too late...Megatron was standing over him as he lay there dying...ripped out his very spark...and then crushed it into oblivion."
"Sweet Primus no...", Bumblebee says covering his mouth looking ill.
"I got shot up pretty bad too.", Cliffjumper continues. "If it hadn't been for Prime coming when he did...I would have been a goner too for sure. I made a promise after that...to Grimlock...that I'd make Megatron pay and rip out his spark with my own hand as well."
Ironhide stood there in amazement.
"I heard Megatron do some sick things in my life...but that one always sends a chill down my framework."
Cliffjumper rises to his feet and clasps his gun tightly.
"I mean to end that Transformer once and for all. So if you fella's don't mind...I've got a date with destiny."
Bumblebee steps in front of the red bot and holds him back.
"Waaaaiiiit a second there. You can't go in by yourself with only one blaster, hell you'd be lucky to even get past the first guard in there."
Sparkplug nods, "That's right. I know how much you'd love to get your hands on Megatron...but fact is...you won't. They'd kill you the minute you try to rush in."
Ironhide looks down at Sparkplug.
"Well then what do you suggest Sparky? We go in and politely ask if Megatron can come out and play?"
"No...but I've come up with a plan that might just do the trick. Cliffjumper...I'd ask you to do it, but frankly...you're too wired to go in. I think Bumblebee and I should quietly drive in and place one of those Autobot bombs inside.", Sparkplug says with confidence.
Cliffjumper sneers at his suggestion, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. One bomb is not going to kill the Decepticons."
Sparkplug looks at him, "Oh really, don't think so? Well how about one massive bomb made out of others? Your story gave me an idea just a second ago, eventhough the Decepticons were waiting for you, the idea to turn the whole bay into a major bomb was a smart idea. Hell, it's kind of freaky now that you look at it....cause I was thinking of the same senario before we showed up here."
"That's right, Sparkplug and I talked it over as we came here." Bumblebee adds in. "We'd have combine a group of the chargers to make an impact. One won't do it alone...but five or six combined? Now thats a bomb big enough to do something major alright. The explosion will make the mountain collapse on them and crush them all into recycled tins."
Ironhide snickers, "Isn't that a tad morbid...even for the likes of you young pup?"
Bumblebee places his hands on his thighs, "Tough times call for tough measures. Besides...I'm smaller then you Ironhide...so I'll fit where you can't. And Cliffjumper...let's face it, you'd lose focus the minute you got in there. Sparkplug and I can go in un-noticed and plant the charges, set the timers and get out before any of them ever know. Then BLAMMO!! Good bye Decepticons."
Ironhide looks over at Cliffjumper, "What ya think Bud?"
The red mini robot taps now rubs his chin and thinks; "I dunno...I'd still like to have Megatron's beating spark in my hands. But you guys are right about them not letting me get past so easily. I guess...I guess it would work..."
Bumblebee and Sparkplug give each other thumbs up.
"You won't regret this guys. We'll finish the Decepticons and end the war once and for all." Bumblebee says with a smile.
Ironhide sighs and kneels down to the smaller robots level.
"Alright then...but you guys better becareful in there. Set the timers for a quick setting and then burn rubber."
Sparkplug nods, "You got it. Now then...lets get those bombs out and see what we can rig."
Bumblebee takes out several Autobot bombs and lays them out for Sparkplug to look over. Cliffjumper and Ironhide do the same giving them all that they can spare. Sparkplug begins to pry them open and takes out his trusty all in one tool to rewire the devices. Ironhide leans in and watches the small human work, he seems impressed with how fast and how calculated this non-robot being is.
"You humans sure know how to figure things out fast...why it only seems like yesterday you didn't have a clue how our technology worked." The southern sounding Autobot mused.
Sparkplug snickered at him, "It was only yesterday Ironhide. I talked to Wheeljack about showing me how to fix those special components of yours, so I kinda got the feel for it afterwards."
"What?" Ironhide says with shock. "Why that lil' brainiac! I'm gonna have a right talk with that lunk head about showin' everyone how to hot wire us."
Bumblebee chuckles at his friend, "Ah don't blow a circuit over it Ironhide...at least he told the right man for the job."
Sparkplug winked at Bumblebee for the compliment and continued working on the bombs.
Back at Autobot Headquarters, Optimus Prime and the other Autobots drove back from their failed surprise attack. Their driving back seemed slower then usual and as they came up the mountainside began to notice that the place was much more empty then last time.
"Where is everyone?" Prowl says in a confused tone.
Hound riding beside him also notices the emptiness, "Yeah...the troops and the workers aren't around. Did we miss a major party somewhere else?"
Continuing to ride up into the Ark, Trailbreaker, Smokescreen, Bluestreak and Windcharger transformed outside the entrance and looked across the rocky plains with their robot enhanced eyes.
"Nothing..." Trailbreaker blurts out. "Not a human being in site. I don't like this..."
Smokescreen and Bluestreak finish their lookout and come to the same conclusion.
"It's quiet..." Smokescreen says.
"Yeah...too quiet." Bluestreak adds.
Prowl drives by them entering the Ark, "Ugh...please don't write that brilliant observation in your report to me later."
Bluestreak smiles as he goes past and then looks puzzled by his comment. He whips around and shouts back at him.
"What? Wait a minute...since when are we giving you reports?? Yo, Prowl?!"
As Optimus drives into the main room, Spike and Carly rush over to him as he quickly transformed.
"Optimus!" Spike frantically says to him.
Prime looks down at them both, "What is it Spike? What's happening now? Where is everyone?"
Carly shouts up at the leader as she strains her neck gazing up at him.
"The troops packed up and left...the workers did too. It seems that they've all been threatened to leave or pay the price."
Optimus Prime's eyes lower, "And the General? Where is he? I want a few words with that human..."
"He's gone too Optimus." Spike says back. "He too was threatened by Archeville. He betrayed us all because they were going to kill his family...and...my dad...he's with Bumblebee..."
Optimus kneels down to him and holds his palm up to slow Spike from his ranting.
"Wait, wait, back things up there Spike. Who is Archeville?"
"He's the reason for all your problems of late Optimus." Carly says calmly. "Doctor Archeville is the one in charge of Drakemore and his men. It was his doing that brought in the weird looking weapons, making the General tell the Decepticons of your plans, and now is up to something else that has resulted in everyone pulling out of here."
The Autobot leader stood up again and placed his hands on his sides.
"I see. That explains much...I take it the General has gone into hiding now that he too has become a target of this...Archeville's wraith."
"Seems that way", Carly says.
Spike shouts at Prime again, "But what about my Dad Optimus? Bumblebee and him are on their way to help Ironhide and Cliffjumper take out Megatron...alone!"
Jazz comes walking up behind the Autobot leader and voices his concern too.
"Yeah Prime...we can't let poor Spike's dad get whacked by those Decepti- goons. Just give me the word and I'll assemble a team to go get medieval on their hides!"
Optimus Prime shakes his head, "No. I don't need anymore of you going out there and making matters worst. No offence Jazz, but this is not the time for everyone to go looking to settle their own personal score."
Jazz looks at him with disappointment, "Well we can't just let leave them there to die Optimus. Megatron's bunch will surly make energon slushies out of them all."
Prime turns to Jazz and folds his arms as he talks, "I don't intend for them to die Jazz. But this is one mission I'm going to go out alone on, Cliffjumper has to fall back in line, as do Ironhide and Bumblebee. I'm going to go out there and bring them back..."
Carly's eyes show surprise, "Alone? But...but..."
Prime looks down at both her and Spike, the two stare at the transformer with concern.
"Alone Carly." Optimus bluntly states. "I can't have this inner conflict disrupt the group, I'm going to bring them all back myself, even if I have pry them away kicking and screaming. As for Sparkplug..."
Spike looks at the massive robot gazing at him and then showing a more relaxed look in his glowing blue eyes.
"Well...I'll let you deal with him when I get him back for you."
Spike grins slightly and watches the massive robot transform into his rig mode again. The leader spins his wheels dramatically and rushes out of the Ark at full speed. Racing down the mountainside, the leader begins to Trans-warp and soon disappears into a haze of green light and dust that now settles as he vanishes.
"Better look out Cliffjumper buddy..." Jazz says looking out of the doors. "You've got a Prime problem heading your way."
Ratchet walks up behind Jazz and looks at him with concern.
"Where is Prime going?"
Jazz looks back at him and sighs.
"I think we'd better follow the old man...I seriously think he's making a big mistake."
"There's a lot of that going around lately." Ratchet says back as he turns into his white Renault Ambulance van mode.
Jazz snickers at his friend's comment and also quickly transforms into his detailed Sportec 996 GT2 SP650 mode.
"You got that right brother...you got that right. Now lets ride!"
The two spin their tires and quickly follow the leader in hot pursuit as they too streak into Trans-warp to catch up to him.
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"There...that should do it.", Sparkplug says wiping his brow of sweat.
Raising it up for Ironhide, Cliffjumper and Bumblebee, they see that it combined together with a single digital timer. They all look at one another and nod with a sense of satisfaction. Bumblebee quickly transforms into his yellow Beetle mode and opens the driver side door for Sparkplug.
"Ok, let's do this thing! Get in Sparkplug."
Cliffjumper puts his hand between the door and Sparkplug just as he is about to step in.
"Wait a second...I've changed my mind."
"Now what Cliffjumper?", Ironhide says with a groan. "Look the more time we waste the more time the Decepticons will be finished in there."
Cliffjumper lifts his hand back up and folds his arms.
"It was my plan in the first place...I want to go in as well."
Bumblebee also groans at the mini red robot's complaint.
"Oh come on..."
Sparkplug shakes his head and finally climbs into Bumblebee who is still waiting for him with the door wide open.
"Oh for god sakes...if you're going to be this hard headed you might as well join us."
As the door closes behind him, he scrolls the window open to finish talking to the little Autobot standing near.
"Just remember we're going to plant the bomb and that's all. No running through the tunnels looking to find revenge...you got that?"
"Yeah, yeah...", Cliffjumper says waving his hand at him like a child not really listening. "Enough chatter...lets go already."
The mini red robot transforms into his car mode and pulls up beside Bumblebee. Together they rev their engines and beep their horns at Ironhide behind them.
"Good luck lil' guys...I'll keep sharp eye out here for any sign of trouble."
The two small cars speed up the man made ramps that climb up to the main mine opening. The loose dirt stirs up from their tires as they race straight in and soon vanish down the dark tunnel a head of them. As Ironhide waits outside at the foot of the mine, he takes out his weapon from his leg panel opening up and cocks the gun as he prepares for anything to happen.
Deep inside of the mine, the two mini cars continue to drive in, but slow their pace down as they peer in with their headlights on. Sparkplug sits inside of Bumblebee with the device beside him on the passenger side and taps the Autobot's dashboard.
"Hey, hey...no lights! The Decepticons will see it."
"Oh yeah...good thinking Sparkplug.", Bumblebee says as he switches them off.
Cliffjumper also shuts his off and both begin to coast in with their engines running. The noise bounces off the walls like surround sound and makes the little red Autobot give an order to his friend beside him as well.
"Switch to whisper mode Bumblebee...we're makin' a racket in here."
"Gotcha"
Both cars now become as quite as possible. Sparkplug is amazed at how non- sound producing the two cars have become, only their tires crunching the dirt is heard and even that is quite as a human sneaking around with his or her feet. As they drive in further and further, Bumblebee suddenly hears a noise coming towards them.
"Quick...hide!", the robot says in an almost low voice.
The cars manage to find a tunnel adjacent to the one with the approaching sounds, and as they both cram in tightly they cover themselves with the darkness it provides. The noise that Bumblebee heard is a squeaking of rusted metal wheels, but now large thumping noises are joining it as it now begins to pass through the area. Pushing up a rusty looking rock loader is both Thundercracker and Skywarp. The two talk away as they move the container full of rock and earth, they don't even see the two small Autobots hidden away nearby.
"So much for not ever doing hard labor again, huh Thundercracker?", Skywarp says with a bit of sarcasm.
Thundercracker scowls as he pushes the rusted box and grumbles his thoughts at Skywarp.
"I just knew Starscream would suck up to Megs' again...that two timing, double faced lying...Gah! I should have killed him when I had the chance."
"Now you sound like Megatron.", Skywarp snickers at him.
"Why didn't he kill him?", the blue jet robot stops to ask his friend. "He should have pointed his cannon right at his head and done away with him! Starscream doesn't deserve to be our leader again...we should protest!"
Skywarp realizing he's the only one pushing the cart now stops and faces the angry Decepticon.
"Go ahead...I'm sure Megatron will listen. But I'm also sure he won't care one way or the other. Starscream may be treacherous, but like the man said...he's got some uses after all. Building those decoys was a good idea, plus we're the only soldiers he has to battle the Autobots and do all the labor for him. So if you want to protest...go right ahead. Oh...but be sure to keep a sharp eye for your back..."
Thundercracker looks at him with confused look.
"Cause that's were Starscream is sure to aim his weapon at you when you're done complaining.", the black jet robot says as he begins to push the cart again.
Watching his friend push the mine container again, he simply clenches his fist in anger and then helps his friend continue to take the rubble beyond the tunnel. As they start to vanish into the darkness again, both Bumblebee and Cliffjumper slowly drive out and giggle.
"Poor saps.", Cliffjumper says.
"Hehehe, Yeah.", Bumblebee snickers. "Guess it just ain't no fun to be a Decepticon."