A/N: Sorry for the long wait but here is the newest chapter.
Harbinger:
Currently Dinobot and Blackarachnia were looking over the data from Antagony's examination. Not to his surprise, Antagony was much like her original self. However the major difference was her personality.
Blackarachnia: So, what are your thoughts?
Dinobot: Best to have her practice using her alt-mode. I'll see about setting up something for combat traing.
Blackarachnia: You expect a fight from the autobots?
Dinobot: No. But there is a chance of rouge elements that we should keep watch for.
Blackarachnia: I still don't understand why we don't just make contact with the other decepticons.
Dinobot: From what I gathered from our "guests", the one leading the decepticons here is non-other then Starscream.
Blackarachnia: So, it's either we go and follow Starscream or we take our chances on our own.
Dinobot: Precisely.
As much as he would like to see things from the decepticon side of the conflict. He did not want to be ordered around by Megatron's personal punching bag. Thankfully, they had some potential allies awaiting to be brought online. Sadly he still needed time to figure out which beast formers to bring about.
Elsewhere within the derelict ship, Antagony was exploring and getting familiar with her surroundings. It had been a day since she was brought online and she was interested in learning about everything around her. So far she seemed to enjoy her new home. Currently she was in her alt-mode wandering the halls of the ship. Antagony was practicing being in her alt-mode and was getting used to doing things in it.
She was about to continue her exploration when she heard footsteps. Antagony was soon met by one of the two who had awakened her.
Dinobot: So how goes your practice?
Antagony proceeded to transform.
Antagony: It's going well, so far. I'm still trying to get used to everything.
Dinobot: Understandable. But be glad you didn't go through the same transition as either Blackarachnia or myself.
Antagony: That's actually something I'm curious about Dinobot. Were there others like us?
Dinobot: Yes and no. On Cybertron there was a group of cybertronians known as the insecticons. But they were no exactly friendly or smart like most cybertronians.
Antagony: Is that what I am?
Dinobot: No. Or at least not in the same sense. Your alt-mode is that of an insect, but it would be more apt to-
He was stopped in his tracks when he remembered that predacons were different in this universe. Again he is reminded of the changes so far.
Antagony: To what?
Dinobot: It's something to discuss at a later date. Just know that your not like the insecticons. There was also a group of autobots who were changed like I and Blackarachnia.
Nemesis:
On board the decepticon flagship many of it's crew were doing their task as normal. However not all was well. Within the medical bay of the ship laid the critically damaged form of Megatron. It had a miracle that the leader of the decepticons managed to survived a space bridge explosion. Now he was on life support while his second in command ran things.
On the bridge said second in command was overseeing the daily tasks. Soon enough a vehicon approached Starscream.
Vehicon: Commander, we have detected two incoming energon signatures.
Starscream: That was quick of Knockout.
Vehicon: It's not Knockout sir.
Outside of the Nemesis two aircrafts were making their way to the flagship. On the runway of the Nemesis a group of vehicons were awaiting the aircraft. Once the two got close to the runway they transformed. One was a blue mech the other was a red femme. It wasn't long till Starscream appeared and saw the duo.
Starscream: Ah, Shatter and Dropkick. It has been some time.
Shatter: Indeed Starscream. No doubt lord Megatron is here as well.
This caused Starscream to be annoyed. He then led the duo inside the Nemesis. It took them a few minutes before they reached the med bay. The looks of both shock and surprise were seen on both Shatter and Dropkick when they saw the state of their leader.
Shatter: By the Pit. What happened to him?
Starscream: We were battling against the autobots. Sadly they got the better of us and detonated the space bridge and lord Megatron was caught in the ensuing explosion.
Dropkick: It's a miracle that he's even functioning.
Starscream: I have already contacted Knockout to lend his skills to help in our lord's recovery.
Shatter: You said the autobots did this?
Starscream: I did. Led by Optimus Prime himself.
Harbinger:
Back at the Harbinger, Dinobot was at one of the functional terminals. He was going over the ship's databanks to see if he might have missed anything. So far he found all the important cargo of the Harbinger, immobilizer included. Sadly however Dinobot's mind was elsewhere as he thought about when Megatron would reappear. He even began to consider that there would other cybertronians appearing aside from him and Blackarachnia.
Speaking of said spider, she was currently in her alt-mode sneaking her way behind Dinobot. Just as she was right above him she heard him chuckle.
Dinobot: You know you don't need to sneak around.
Blackarachnia proceeded to transform and landed behind Dinobot.
Blackarachnia: Just keeping you on your peds. What are you doing anyway?
Dinobot: Double checking the information on the ship.
Blackarachnia: Your planning something?
Dinobot: Thanks to a cowardly seeker, there are energon mines in various locations.
Blackarachnia: And you want to pay a visit to one of these mines.
Dinobot: Indeed. However there is only three of us.
Blackarachnia: So then we'll just have Antagony remain here. She is still new after all.
He then thought about it. Dinobot wanted to see how she would do in the field. However as Blackarachnia said she was still new to everything. But on the other hand he didn't want to risk Blackarachnia in such a mission.
Dinobot: Very well. But I would advise teaching her about the ground bridge.
Blackarachnia left to do as such. Dinobot meanwhile had to prepare himself for possible confrontation with any vehicons who were left to guard one of the mines.
Nemesis:
Starscream was currently walking the halls with Shatter and Dropkick.
Starscream: As it stands, we currently outnumber the autobots. But despite our numbers the autobots have proven to be quite troublesome.
Shatter: Clearly.
Starscream: With any luck more skilled warriors such as yourselves will come. No doubt the promise of offlining Optimus Prime would definitely earn the attention of many decepticons.
Dropkick: Couldn't agree more. Especially after what happened to lord Megatron.
After a few minutes the trio arrived on the bridge where Soundwave and many vehicons were doing their tasks. But before Starscream could say anything a vehicon spoke up.
Vehicon: Sir, he have detected autobot movement.
Starscream: Have you located where they are?
Vehicon: Yes. Unfortunately this was roughly several cycles ago.
Starscream: Still, we should see what had gotten their attention. Shatter and Dropkick, this shall be your first task. Find whatever the autobots might have been looking for.
Shatter: What do you think we might find?
Starscream: Whatever may have gotten the autobots attention. Hopefully something that could tip the scales in our favor.
The two were about to leave till they were stopped by Starscream.
Starscream: Before you leave, be sure to acquire new alt-modes. Last thing we need is for the autobots to know of your presence.
Both Shatter and Dropkick nodded and left.
Autobot base:
Things at the autobot base went as normal. Bumblebee was playing with his charge in a racing game. Bulkhead was listening to music with Miko. Arcee and Jack watched Bumblebee and Raphael race eachother.
As this went on Ratchet was going over ways to improve the ground bridge. However his mind kept going back to his talk with Optimus. He wondered if Optimus and Arcee found something that they could not speak of and what it could be.He was soon broken from his thoughts when one of the two autobots he was thinking of approached him.
Arcee: Everything ok Ratchet?
Ratchet: Just something on my mind.
Arcee: Like what?
But before they could continue their conversation, they hear an alert from the computer. Ratchet went to see what the alert was.
Arcee: What is it?
Ratchet: It's encrypted message.
Bulkhead: A message from who?
Ratchet: No clue. All it reads is a coordinates.
Soon enough Optimus appeared. He then looked at the message and saw what it said.
Time skip:
Within a barren landscape a ground bridge appeared. Stepping out of the portal was non-other then Optimus and Arcee. Just as before, the two were greeted by the very person who sent the message.
Dinobot: We meet again prime.
Optimus: Dinobot. Why have you called us here?
Dinobot: Simple. An opportunity has arisen, an opportunity that could benefit us both.
Arcee: And that is?
Dinobot: An energon mine. Thanks to my base of operations I was able to gain access to the location of one such mine.
Arcee: But why tell us?
Dinobot: If I'm not mistaken, your own supply is limited just as ours.
Optimus: So you are proposing a united assault.
Dinobot: I am. However, this is only out of necessity.
Arcee: I don't know Optimus.
Dinobot: Then allow me to sweeten the deal. Within the Harbinger, there are a total of four protoforms. We'll give you one to bolster back your numbers.
Arcee: Only one protoform.
Dinobot: Yes. I have plans for the others. But one protoform won't be an issue for me.
Optimus began to ponder the situation.He obviously didn't like the fact Dinobot was bartering a protoform. But understood his position as he had no other allies that he knew of.
Optimus: We accept your offer Dinobot.
This surprised Arcee a little.
Dinobot: Excellent. You won't be disappointed.
Time skip:
Dinobot had returned to the Harbinger to prepare for the mission. As he was preparing Dinobot soon heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps of Blackarachnia.
Blackarachnia: And where did you run off to?
Dinobot: Getting us some help.
Blackarachnia: From who?
Dinobot: From some very unlikely allies.
Blackarachnia narrowed her optics at the larger cybertronian.
Blackarachnia: What exactly are you playing at.
Dinobot: Never took you for the suspicious type.
Blackarachnia: You hang around enough decepticons and you grow a knack for it. Now tell me, what are you planning?
Dinobot sighed knowing she'll find out anyway.
Dinobot: I have gained the aid of the autobots. And before you go trying to offline me, allow me to explain.
Blackarachnia the crossed her arms with an annoyed look.
Dinobot: I have only gained their help do to us having such low numbers. So, I offered them half the energon from the mine we'll be raiding.
Blackarachnia: And I take it is only for this one time?
Dinobot: But of course. As I have said, I rather not follow the scheming fool that is Starscream.
Blackarachnia: I doubt anyone does. Now that that is out of the way, when shall we head out.
Dinobot: Soon. I'm just checking over some things before we head out.
He then picked up a fusion pistol and a grenade. The two then made there way to the ground bridge where Antagony was waiting. But before the ground bridge could be activated the Harbinger's alarms were going off. Both Dinobot and Blackarachnia went to check and see what the cause for the alarm was.
Outside the derelict ship, a red vtol jet and a blue attack helicopter were flying close to said ship. Once they were close enough the two proceeded to transform.
Shatter: At least we know what got the autobots attention.
Dropkick: What do you think happened?
Shatter: Don't know. But I'm more curious about what might be inside.
The two then began to make their way to the Harbinger. As the duo got closer a part of the ship opens up. The duo stopped and waited to see what would happen. What they saw next they did not expect. Stepping out of the ship were Dinobot and Blackarachnia. Both groups then walked up to one another. As they did, Dinobot measured the two decepticons and saw that he had the height advantage.
Shatter: Now this is a surprise.
Dropkick: Didn't think any of Shockwave's pets still lived.
Dinobot: If I were you, Dropkick, I would be more careful to who speak to.
Blackarachnia: You know these two?
Dinobot: Shatter and Dropkick. Almost inseparable and effective back on Cybertron if memory serves correctly.
Dropkick: And some of the best autobot hunters.
Dinobot: We shall see.
Shatter: Before our arrival, commander Starscream informed us of autobot activity in this region.
Blackarania: Well you missed them.
Shatter: They were dealt with?
Dinobot: Affirmative. However they managed to escape before we could finish them.
Dropkick: Cowards.
Shatter: I would be careful Dropkick. Especially with what happened to lord Megatron.
Blackarachnia: You have news about Megatron?
Shatter: Starscream told us that he was battling with the autobots, Optimus Prime to be specific. They were fighting on a space bridge and the autobots caused it to explode.
Dinobot: And Megatron was caught in the blast.
Shatter: Correct. However, he miraculously survived and is currently in critical condition.
This was a surprise to Blackarachnia but not to Dinobot. He knew that the dark energon ensured Megaton's survival. But do to Starscream he was stuck in limbo. Sadly he now had an issue which was that Shatter and Dropkick found the Harbinger and they know of their presence. Dinobot was planning to keep his and Blackarachnia presence hidden from the decepticons for a time. Now things have changed. Even worse was that this event has ruined his attempt to earn the autobots trust.
Dinobot: Obviously with autobots gone, what now?
Shatter: It would be best to inform commander Starscream about situation.
Dinobot began to think carefully. At the moment he was at a crossroads. Follow Dropkick and Shatter back to the rest of the decepticons or fight them. He was weighing his options when an idea popped into his head.
Dinobot: That won't be necessary.
Dropkick: What do mean?
Dinobot: I see an opportunity that would no doubt benefit the decepticons.
Shatter: And that would be?
Dinobot: A secret secondary base. Both I and Blackarachnia had converted this derelict ship into a base of operations, hidden from any whom may be an enemy.
Shatter: That would explain why we couldn't detect your signatures. A wise decision.
Dinobot: Return back to Starscream and tell him you found nothing. As I have said this is a secret base. Should anyone know of it's location we'll lose a possible advantage.
Shatter: I see where you're coming from. Very well, we'll inform Starscream that nothing was found. However, we'll be expecting some reports of any more autobot activity.
Dinobot: You have my word.
Both Shatter and Dropkick proceeded to transform and leave the region. Once they were far away Dinobot sighed in releaf.
Dinobot: That was too close.
Blackarachnia: Mind explaining what that was.
Dinobot: That was me trying not cause an incident.
Blackarachnia: We could have scrapped them.
Dinobot: Then we would have Starscream snooping around. We don't have the numbers yet. And I would rather we be prepared for such an event.
Blackarachnia: Now what?
Dinobot: We continue with the plan. However, I'll have to contact our momentary allies.
Blackarachnia: What for? It's not like we care what happens to them anyways.
Dinobot: No. But I would feel better with another hand watching the base then leave Antagony by herself.
Time skip:
At the entrance of a large cave stood Optimus Prime, Arcee and Bulkhead. The trio were awaiting for their temporary allies. They did not have to wait long as a ground bridge appeared. Stepping out of the ground bridge were Dinobot and Blackarachnia. At seeing the spider transformer, Arcee couldn't help but be on guard. Optimus moved his hand in front of her to calm her.
Optimus: I'm glad you finally arrived.
Dinobot: Apologies. I had to ensure your scout knew the arrangement.
Bulkhead: I'm still not sure about this Optimus.
Blackarachnia: I'm not thrilled about this either autobot.
The group then began their task when they entered the cave. As they traversed the tunnels both Dinobot and Blackarachnia remained silent. This sadly didn't make things better for Arcee or Bulkhead as they still didn't trust the two. After a good trek they eventually arrived at the entrance of the mine. They soon saw a good number of vehicons mining for energon.
Arcee and Bulkhead readied their weapons, but were stopped when Dinobot raised his hand. He then looked to Blackarachnia and gave her a nod. She the proceeded to transform and started to scale the wall of the mine.
Arcee: Where is she heading?
Dinobot: To take care of their communications. Last thing we need is reinforcements showing up.
Bulkhead: Smart move.
As the group waited, Blackarachnia stealthily made here way to where the communications were. As she walked up on the ceiling of the mine she went undetected by the vehicons. It took her a few minutes to find what she was looking for, however there were two vehicons guarding the communications device.
Back with the group Arcee was becoming anxious. But before she could say anything Arcee saw Dinobot touch the side of his helm. A smirk grew as he nodded to the autobots. Within a moment the mine was turned into a battlefield. Thankfully for the autobots they had the element of surprise. Many of the vehicons tried their best to fight back only to either get blasted or smashed. One unfortunate vehicon attempted to aim at Optimus with his back turned. But he soon heard a savage roar and looked to see Dinobot bringing down his sword down on the vehicon. Unlike with the insecticon Dinobot's sword went clean through the smaller opponent. A few meters away from them a group of vehicons aimed their blasters. But before they could fire they were hit by a barrage of blaster fire. Dinobot heard the sound of blaster fire and saw Blackarachnia with her spider legs out. Another group of vehicons soon appeared and began firing at the autobots. The autobots took cover from the oncoming fire. Dinobot proceeded to reach behind him like he did for his sword. He then pulled out his rotating tail shield. Dinobot began to move towards the vehicons with his shield blocking most of the blasts. Blackarachnia took this opportunity and fired her grappler into the ceiling of the mine. She then proceeded to pull herself up and when she got to a certain point her spider legs aimed at the vehicons and rained blaster fire at the group. They did not last long like their comrades. Once the area was cleared the group gathered.
Bulkhead: Not bad. But there's probably some more cons about.
Dinobot: Then it would be best if we make sure there's no one still online. We don't want any survivors trying to get back to Starscream.
Optimus: We are only here to take what we can Dinobot.
Dinobot: And we don't want any vehicons who see I and Blackarachnia to report back.
Arcee: Why so worried?
Blackarachnia: Because autobot, we exactly don't have the numbers to deal with an army of vehicons. And unlike you we don't have a hidden base.
Optimus: Explain?
Dinobot: Before I contacted you we were discovered by two decepticons, Shatter and Dropkick.
Bulkhead: Wait those two are here?
Dinobot: Yes and they know of my and Blackarachnia's presence. We were able to talk our way out of a possible issue.
Arcee: That explains why you wanted Bee to help watch your base.
Dinobot: And as collateral should anything happen. Thankfully that's no longer the case. Now, I believe I and Blackarachnia will clean up any stragglers.
Optimus: Understood. But know I do not condone such actions.
Dinobot: And that's the difference Prime. I don't mind getting my hands dirty. But I am not one for needless slaughter.
Both Dinobot and Blackarachnia then left the autobots to gather what energon they could.
Blackarachnia: I still don't like this.
Dinobot: I know. But what else do we do.
Time skip:
After making sure there no more vehicons remaining within the mine. Dinobot and Blackarachnia returned to Optimus's group. The two saw that the autobots had managed to gathered a good haul of energon.
Dinobot: Glad to see our task was a success.
Optimus: Agreed. But there is still the matter of-
Dinobot: Which will be settled when we get the energon to both bases.
Optimus was a bit taken back but soon understood. The two groups then took the energon out of the mine to the awaiting ground bridge. Once the autobots left with their portion of the energon, Dinobot and Blackarachnia went back into the mine. With the vehicons dealt with the mine now belonged to them for a limited time.
Dinobot: Now all that's left is for us to get our share.
Blackarachnia: At least we won't have to worry about any interruptions.
They then began gathering the energon within the mine.
Back at the autobot base:
Ratchet looked over the energon that was brought in.
Ratchet: There's enough energon here to last us quite some time.
Bulkhead: All thanks to our new friend who helped us with the mine.
This causes Ratchet to raise an eyebrow. But before he could question Optimus about both the mission and the so called friend. The ground bridge activated on it's own causing the others to go on alert. Stepping out of the ground bridge was non-other then their favored scout.
Bulkhead: Bee, good see you're ok.
However Bumblebee soon sidestepped from the ground bridge as another individual soon came out from behind Bumblebee. The others looked at the new individual with curiosity. They were a female cybertronian who was as big as Bumblebee and as slender as Arcee. But what really caught everyone's attention was her features. Some parts of her had feathers and her chest was the head of a falcon.
Optimus: Welcome. You are no doubt the one we awaited for.
???: Indeed. My name is Airazor, and it is an honor to meet you all.
Arcee: Airazor?
Airazor: It was given to me by the one who brought me online.
Jack: With a name like that you're no doubt a flyer. Right?
Airazor: You are correct.
Miko: Can we see you transform?
Airazor just nodded with a smile. She then proceeded to transform into her alt-mode. This earned mixed reactions from both the autobots and the humans. The autobots were confused at seeing Airazor's alt-mode. The humans on the other hand were surprised and amazed at seeing Airazor's alt-mode.
Ratchet: What in Primus is that?
Raphael: It's a Falcon. But I didn't know cybertronians could turn into animals.
Ratchet: It's rare for any cybertronian to have such an alt-mode. But why something like this?
Raphael: Well falcons are one of fastest flyers.
Airazor then transformed back to her robot mode.
Optimus: It would seem we have gained quite an ally.
Arcee: Having a flyer would definitely be of great help.
Optimus: Though I am curious. Did the one who brought you online informed you about us.
Airazor: Of course. He told me about both autobots and decepticons.
Ratchet: Hopefully he was honest with the information.
Airazor: He was. He actually holds the autobots in high regard.
This surprised most of the autobots.
Bulkhead: If that's the case why doesn't he join us?
Airazor: Sadly, he has a reason for not joining. Just know that he is willing to help as best as can.
Optimus just nodded.
Harbinger:
Dinobot was at one of the terminals looking through some of the information from the ship. As he was doing this he didn't notice Blackarachnia in her alt-mode walking on the ceiling towards him. For a moment Blackarachnia thought that Dinobot would turn around knowing she was behind him. However he didn't. Instead Dinobot was focused on the terminal.
Blackarachnia: And what exactly are you doing?
Dinobot: Checking to see if any other parts of the ship still remained.
He then turned to face the cybertronian spider. Blackarachnia proceeded to transform and landed in front of Dinobot.
Blackarachnia: So mind explaining why we are one protoform short.
Dinobot: Simple, I activated it and gave it to the autobots.
Blackarachnia: Why?!
Dinobot: Wouldn't you want someone on the inside.
Blackarachnia: Wait. You mean to tell me that they're a mole.
Dinobot: Yes and no. They are unaware of the importance of their position.
Blackarachnia: And why wasn't I told about this?
Dinobot: I have my reasons. Besides, I have a more important job for you.
Blackarachnia: Let me guess, something humiliating right?
Dinobot: Don't be like that. The task I need you to preform requires us work on one of the protoforms.
Blackarachnia: And what exactly is this task?
Dinobot: Located around the world are hidden caches of cybertronian artifacts.
Blackarachnia: And we're going to look for them?
Dinobot: Not yet but yes. Instead were going locate a hidden collection of stasis pods.
Blackarachnia: Hidden stasis pods? I didn't think any other cybertronians were here beside us and the others.
Dinobot: There were some decepticons who came to the planet hunting both the relics and any autobots they found. Among them were a hive of insecticon.
Blackarachnia: And you want to find them?
Dinobot: Indeed. However we'll need to work on one of the protoforms to have special mental control over them.
Blackarachnia: You mean like Airachnid?
Dinobot: Yes. But we'll have to make it so it supersedes her own.
Blackarachnia: And why should we do that?
Dinobot: Because if there is one cybertronian I distrust more then Starscream it's her.
Blackarachnia just turned her head knowing Airachnid's reputation among the ranks. This however didn't go unnoticed by the bigger cybertronian. Dinobot didn't know how to feel about this. He understood loyalty to family, but how does it extend when said family member is a sadistic backstabber.
He then placed a servo on Blackarachnia's shoulder. This surprised her as she didn't expect this. But before he could say anything Blackarachnia shrugs off Dinobot's hand and left. Sadly there was nothing he could say to help with that particular situation. He then returned to what he was doing before Blackarachnia arrived.
A/N: So ends another chapter. I hope you the reader enjoyed this new chapter. Stay tuned for the next.