Transformers Prime: The Final War.
Chapter 74: Minus One.
(Author's notes: Oh, would you look at that? We're getting closer and closer to the finale.
Enjoy chapter 74: Minus One.)
In front of the pure Cybertronian cyber-matter, Highstalker explains further from where he left off, "Simply put, this combination of the elements from the explosion can be used to allow us to cyberform entire worlds."
Roughstuff groans, "Hhhggghhh. Why do I feel a Highstalker plan coming along?"
Highstalker menacingly grabs Roughstuff by his left arm and snarls, "Do not think for a moment, Roughstuff, that it has gone unnoticed that you left me at the mercy of the Autobots!"
Roughstuff exclaims, "Lord Megatron, are you really gonna allow one lieutenant to harm another? ...Master?"
Megatron replies, "I'm thinking."
Highstalker shoves Roughstuff in front of a spike and holds his head in front of the spike, with the shard of metal aimed at one of Roughstuff's optics.
Highstalker states menacingly, "I am tempted to force you to share my perception of things. Including depth perception."
Roughstuff replies, "No! I only did what I believed was best for the mission! But I do feel compelled to add that it was my very error in judgment that made this happy accident possible, even if it wasn't for the Autobots discovering our plan to destroy the Predacon clones except for the traitor Predatitan! If I recall, you were seeking to purge your off-site laboratory of any sensitive materials before the Autobots turned up, were you not?"
Highstalker replies, "Your argument... is logical."
Highstalker releases Roughstuff.
Megatron remarks before asking, "Exemplary teamwork. Now, please tell me, Highstalker, why does this cyber-matter resemble chaos?"
Highstalker answers, "Apparently, the basic elements of the cyber-matter are unstable. I will turn my attention to correcting that properly."
Megatron then quizzes, "Hhhaaa. Nevertheless, in the event we choose to cyberform Earth or restore Cybertron, we would require a launching mechanism for the cyber-matter, would we not?"
Highstalker answers again, "Affirmative."
Megatron then declares, "Then we will immediately focus all of our remaining resources upon the successful rebuilding of the Omega Lock."
(The intro plays: The Predacon known as Predatitan screeches as he flies over a highway and spits a huge fireball at the highway. Out of the flames comes the entire Autobot army, with the new Vehicons, Shockwave, the new Autobots born in Autobot Outpost Omega 2, and the Autobot Predacon clones that were originally Decepticon Predacon clones in the original timeline coming out of the flames in vehicle/dragon mode. Optimus Prime is once again last. And as the camera pans around him, Optimus quickly transforms to his taller robot mode, and the view shows the entire Autobot army deploying their various robot mode weapons for battle. In Autobot Outpost Omega One, Bumblebee transforms to vehicle mode and drives through the Ground Bridge, followed by Stakebeak and his two clones known as Dreadstreaker and Swingslice. Bulkhead transforms to vehicle mode and he drives through the Ground Bridge, followed by Bombspeed and her two clones known as Crashout and Mazenter. And finally, Arcee transforms to vehicle mode and she drives through the Ground Bridge, followed by Jakestreet and his own two clones known as Jetace and Shortmark. In a Cybertronian battleground, Megatron fires his Fusion Cannon while Highstalker fires his own AstroMag Cannon, Roughstuff fires all of his missiles, and Devastator, Menasor, Bruticus, Preyerking, Abominus, Monstructor, Constructicon Maximus, Bruticus Maximus, Dominus Trannis, Dinoking, Liokaiser, Piranacon, Tripredacus, Devastator Maximus, Predacus, Infernocus, Volcanicon, Battle Gaia, King Poseidon, God Neptune, Megatronia, Grand Galvatron, and Thunder Mayhem fire their guns. Predatitan screeches as he flies towards Optimus Prime and Corvowing Prime, spitting fireballs at them. But the two Autobot leaders are unaffected as Optimus activates his jetpack and Corvowing transforms to his own dragon mode and they fly towards the Predaking lookalike. They respectively punch Predatitan before the title card appears. It reads, Transformers Prime: The Final War: Beast Hunters. The last thing the viewers hear is an unknown Predacon roaring.)
In the Autobot base, Ratchet has just finished welding together Predaking's new sword.
Ratchet then announces, "I've done all I can, given the limitless acquisitions of my equipment and lots of ideal spare parts. It is simply unknown if Predaking's new sword is fit for battle, though it should prove to be useful at its functions, given the requisite amount of training."
Optimus Prime replies, "That is all we can hope for in the time being, old friend."
Arcee comes up to Predatitan and inquires, "You doing okay?"
Predatitan answers, "I'm still armed with the adequate weaponry appropriate for Predacons."
Hexerscorch replies, "So's Predaking."
Smokescreen then says unwisely to Bumblebee, "Just you wait. That sword's gonna become Predaking's signature. You know, like that voice box Ratchet surgically implanted!"
Bumblebee and Corvowing Prime growl in unison, making Smokescreen back away.
Vulturewave Prime smacks Smokescreen in the head, making shout, "Ow! What was that for?"
Vulturewave answers, "Bumblebee's secondary voice box after the Battle of Tyger Pax is still a sensitive matter to this day, Smokescreen."
Bulkhead then says, "Hey, look on the big, bright, shiny side; Commander Magnus, Jackie, and our resident scientist double agent increased our ranks further thanks to Project Predacon."
Predaking comes up and points out, "Although, that doesn't necessarily mean Megatron is going to stop at whatever it takes to win this war. Especially since he's most likely using all of his Matter Duplication Rays to constantly and excessively multiply and duplicate all of his remaining troops to infinity, in addition to the possibility of multiplying the Energon cubes in the warship's Energon Storage Vaults to power up both the Nemesis and the Matter Duplication Rays."
Optimus adds, "I agree with you, Predaking. This definitely does not bode well. Where is Predajet?"
Predaking answers, "He is overseeing the cloning of the other Predacon remains that we have acquired, duplicated, and multiplied. In addition to the Predacon remains buried on Cybertron during the eras before the Great Cataclysm."
Optimus nods and heads downstairs to the underground bunkers that Corvowing invented for the sole purpose of cloning a Predacon army and for the purpose of cloning the Energon reserves and the Autobot army's generic troops.
Optimus then asks an Autobot Soldier, "What's your status, soldier?"
The Autobot Soldier answers, "Everything is coming along great, but I have been spending my days preventing the new Predacon clones from destroying anything without Corvowing and his clones around to help the Predacons learn how to transform."
Optimus replies, "Everything will shine through in due time, soldier. Be patient and have faith."
Later, on the Nemesis, Highstalker points out, "We have managed to salvage what was left of the Omega Lock. But the damage done by Corvowing Prime using the Star Saber to slice the Omega Lock in two was quite severe. I would recommend the acquisition and selective use of many pieces of Earth technology. Retrofitting the operating systems of various Earth technology components will be more efficient than rebuilding from scratch."
Megatron replies, "Then provide Roughstuff with your wish list. (Megatron turns to Roughstuff) Since Highstalker will have to turn his attention to the stabilization of our cyber-matter, you will be in charge of acquisitions."
Megatron leaves the medical bay and Roughstuff scowls.
The next day, in the Autobot base, Agent Fowler calls out, "Prime! We have trouble brewing. The 'Cons staged a smash and grab at the Los Alamos Nuclear Power Plant late last night and they escaped with twenty tons of control rods."
Optimus asks Corvowing, "What are the Decepticons looking to build?"
Corvowing answers, "They're looking to rebuild the Omega Lock. This heist shows me that the end of the war is approaching us much faster than I thought."
Optimus and Ratchet look at each other.
In the Decepticon laboratory, Highstalker advises, "Lord Megatron, I have discovered that the Synthetic Energon formula provided by Knife Out is the source of the instability in the cyber-matter. Simply because the formula is incomplete."
Megatron replies, "Then do make haste and complete the formula. We will require enough of the cyber-matter to not only rebuild Cybertron, but to remake Earth."
Megatron starts to leave, but Highstalker queries respectfully, "Master, excuse my impudence, but what is the logic behind ruling two worlds?"
Megatron answers, "It has taken me quite a lot of time to fully understand that Earth and Cybertron have always been linked, as their cores are two halves of one whole – Primus and Unicron. And that to rule only one of the planets would be never truly ruling either of them."
Later, in the Autobot base, Agent Fowler contacts the base and says, "Prime! It's 'Cons again, this time in progress."
Agent Fowler transmits the coordinates into the Ground Bridge.
Ratchet states, "Coordinates received, Agent Fowler."
Ratchet activates the Ground Bridge.
Ultra Magnus states, "Let's roll."
An away team consisting of Optimus, Corvowing, Ultra Magnus, Bumblebee, Arcee, Jakestreet, Venus, Boltyin, Cloudfin, Metrofest, Sandman, Rotaikey, Bulkhead, Smokescreen, Wheeljack, Jazz, Ironhide, Hound, Predaking, and Starscream drive, run, and fly into the Ground Bridge portal.
Later, at another power plant, several Vehicons of every type – specifically inoculated – were walking away with their spoils.
Suddenly, the Autobot Ground Bridge opens and the twenty Autobots emerge.
Unbeknownst to everyone except for Corvowing, Soundwave is watching the whole thing as he flies above and behind the Autobots.
He quickly opens a Ground Bridge for the Vehicons, who start to escape while their comrades provide cover fire.
Optimus uses his rearview mirror like an optic sensor and he sees Soundwave deploy Laserbeak.
Optimus and Corvowing transform to robot mode and they take off to fight Soundwave and Laserbeak.
Laserbeak starts shooting at Optimus, but he keeps missing.
Optimus eventually gets high enough and punches Laserbeak in the faceplate, having learned his lesson from having Laserbeak sneak up on him.
Starscream manages to gun down one Vehicon Trooper and one Tank Vehicon before the others manage to escape.
The Autobots stop and they turn their attention to Soundwave.
The Grounder Autobots initiate Stealth Force Mode and Optimus gets out his minigun while Corvowing deploys his Death Machine Guns and his Dark of the Moon-style Double Rocket Launchers.
The twenty Autobots open fire on Soundwave, eventually managing to down him and severely damage him as he crashes into electrical wires in no time flat.
Soundwave groans in pain as he gets electrocuted before slipping into stasis lock for the time being.
Corvowing and Optimus land and their comrades join them as Laserbeak escapes.
Optimus contacts the base and advises, "Ratchet, reopen the Ground Bridge, but ensure that the techno-organics and the rest of the humans are kept at a safe distance, for we will be returning to base with a Decepticon prisoner."
Later, at the Autobot base, Soundwave awakens to find he's been strapped to a table.
Ratchet notes, "Because we had the foresight to shield our new base, our captive will be unable to transmit his coordinates to the Nemesis."
Optimus adds, "Nor will they be able to pinpoint his location because of our base's shielding."
Wheeljack remarks gleefully, "Guess we have all the time in the world to make Mister Personality tell us everything he knows."
Off to the side, Jakestreet remarks, "The Decepticon surveillance chief must know everything Megatron is planning, right?"
Bombspeed questions, "But Soundwave doesn't speak, does he?"
Stakebeak replies, "I'm not sure if he even has a face."
On the Nemesis, Roughstuff asks, "With Laserbeak unable to triangulate Soundwave's coordinates, aren't you a teensy bit concerned about what our comrade might spill, Lord Megatron?"
Megatron replies, "Of one thing I'm confident, Soundwave knows when to share information and when to withhold it."
Roughstuff gapes in shock, as he didn't know how Soundwave knew all too well something that happens in a war on Earth and on Cybertron: if a soldier becomes an enemy's prisoner, that soldier is not to reveal any form of information under any circumstances.
In the Autobot base, Optimus asks Soundwave, "Why is Megatron stealing human technology? Is he looking to rebuild the Omega Lock?"
Though slightly shocked, Soundwave still mockingly replays Optimus' question set to music as he replies, "(Imitating Optimus Prime) Wh-wh-wh-wh-why is M-Megatron stealing human t-t-t-technology? I-i-i-i-is he looking to rebuild the Omega Lock-the Omega-Omega Lock?"
As everyone gapes in shock, Bombspeed remarks, "Whoa. Optimus Prime: The Remix."
Soundwave displays on his visor a smiling emoticon, showing that he finds his mockery funny.
Corvowing snarls, "You think that's funny? I'll show you what I find funny."
Corvowing throws a giant blueberry, cherry, strawberry, apple, minced meat, bacon, egg, banana cream, banoffee, blackberry, bumbleberry, cheese, and lemon meringue pie at Soundwave out of nowhere, splashing the contents all over his armor and faceplate.
Everyone gaped in shock again, including Optimus.
Corvowing and the other Autobots laughed hysterically while Soundwave managed to shake off the ingredients while still strapped to the table.
Soundwave displayed an emoticon featuring a demon scowling.
Corvowing snickered, "Heh heh, like I'm scared of a demon emoticon. But seriously, is Megatron rebuilding the Omega Lock? Soundwave, we treated you fairly, but for the sake of our techno-organic troops, confirm our question before we are forced to rely on Shockwave's original cortical psychic patch."
Corvowing and his troops quickly turn off their audio receptors as Soundwave broadcasts a loud noise that makes everyone else double over in pain.
Once it ends, Corvowing and his troops turn their audio receptors back on as Redsight questions, "Have you guys seriously forgotten that you can turn off your audio receptors in case something like this happens?"
Everyone else looked at each other before Ratchet snarls, "Scrap this! Soundwave is no ordinary Cybertronian, inside or out! So, I would strongly recommend opening him up so we can have a first-hand look at the information recorded on his drives."
Just as everyone was gonna object, Soundwave accesses his data drives and erases all forms of information.
Corvowing scoffs, "You think that's gonna work? Think again! We already have all the information we need."
But Soundwave finishes downloading the data and says in his normal computerized robotic voice, "Soundwave superior. Autobots inferior."
Corvowing flips off Soundwave and the communications specialist crashes his drives, going offline.
Bulkhead questions, "Is he offline?"
Ratchet scans Soundwave's vitals and answers, "His vital signs remain functional. It seems he simply severed all forms of communication by crashing his own drives."
Corvowing remarks, "It's just as I suspected: even if we knew what Megatron's plans were, Soundwave was still gonna withhold the information in the event of being captured and interrogated."
Optimus remains silent, unable to say even praise for Corvowing informing them just in time.
On the Nemesis, Highstalker advises, "Lord Megatron. I have finally located the one item of technology on Earth with enough raw tonnage powerful enough to power up the rebuilt Omega Lock: a particle collider synchrotron."
Megatron replies, "Excellent work, Highstalker."
Highstalker adds, "However, the successful completion of the Synthetic Energon formula has proven to be far more difficult than I thought."
Megatron suddenly gets an idea as he queries, "Knife Out first obtained this unfinished variant of the formula from the Autobot medic thanks to Corvowing's carelessness, did he not?"
Highstalker answers, "Affirmative. That is my understanding."
Megatron proclaims, "Then the most proficient means to this end may well be to recruit that medic."
Roughstuff points out, "Attempting to kidnap the one Autobot who rarely leaves their base – a base we have yet to locate – will prove to be a challenge."
Megatron points out in response, "You forget that we currently have an agent within the Autobot base."
Highstalker states, "Laserbeak can reconnect with Soundwave and upload his orders to him."
Roughstuff points out again, "This would still require learning the location of the Autobot base."
Highstalker points out in response, "It is my understanding that Soundwave kept surveillance records of more than just the army of techno-organics."
In his car, Agent Fowler states, "Prime! These recent Decepticon technology heists have got General Bryce breathing down my neck. So I gotta get back to the barbecue today for another grilling."
Optimus replies in the base, "Understood. And rest assured, should our prisoner return online, we will resume our interrogation."
Agent Fowler replies in his car, "Sounds like a plan. I'll get back to base as soon as possible."
Agent Fowler continues driving, but for a change, he takes Corvowing's advice and checks to see if he's being followed.
Agent Fowler notices Laserbeak following him and sounds the alarm.
On the Nemesis, the War for Cybertron Constructicons, the RID 2015 and War for Cybertron Stunticons, the Fall of Cybertron Combaticons, the Generation 1 Predacons, the Generation 1 Terrorcons, the Seacons, the Combiner Wars Predacons, the Operation Combination Decepticon combiners, the Decepticon Breastforce, the Beast Wars Tripredacus Council, the Decepticon Commandos, the RID 2001 Constructicons, the RID 2001 Decepticon Team Bullet Train, the Construction Team, the Destruction Team, the Revenge of the Fallen Combaticons, and the rest of the Decepticon combiners approached the bridge of the Nemesis.
Onslaught quizzes, "You summoned us, Lord Megatron?"
Megatron replies, "Yes, I did. I require the services of all of your combined forms, since I anticipate an Autobot presence at our next event."
Scrapper replies back, "We'll be there, Lord Megatron."
The combiner teams leave the bridge of the Nemesis.
Megatron looks out the window and he says to himself, "One way or the other, the Decepticons will win this war, with or without any Predacons. One way or another, I will bring order back to Cybertron once our planet has been revived. It's only a matter of time."
Later, on the roadway to the Autobot base, Agent Fowler advises, "I'm on my way to base, Prime, but I just got word. The Decepticons busted into the Solaris Particle Collider Project at the South Pole."
Corvowing muses, "They're planning to steal the particle collider synchrotron to power up the rebuilt Omega Lock."
Agent Fowler adds, "And to top it off, Laserbeak's following me."
Optimus then says, "Vibe, deploy Mainglide to take care of Laserbeak."
Vibe states while deploying his half-Avianoid and half Seeker in robot mode, "Mainglide, eject. Operation: Grounded. Find Laserbeak and ground him to prevent him from finding our base."
Mainglide transforms to Transmetal vehicle mode and flies off to find Laserbeak.
Optimus then says, "Corvowing, you are in charge until we return."
Corvowing nods.
Optimus then states, "Sinnerhead, Octopath, Twinfest, Fist Rod, Cammarauder, Biglane, Octane, Octone, Sky Saber, Icethroat, Needleimus Prime, Buzzcone, Blowcase, Dreaddealer, Backcomber, Slugblock, Fastwipe, Razorlock, Gearsteel, Retrobite, Chainbite, Chromeshift, Slipguard, Slipflight, Fastplex, Topjet, Goldcap, Deaddown, Chophead, Bombflow, Bulletdealer, Tigerlock, Grindviper, Weirdshot, Moonbrow, Overwheels, Flashstreak, Scorchdealer, Iceside, Apepick, Smokebeak, Goldspin, Sidehandler, Superhammer, Countcrusher, Flyswitch, Airspinner, Turboload, Deepfist, Menjack, Wing Alert, Icesaur, Predajet, Grimsnapper, Skycat, Blackiron, Fangrazor, Lazershock, Brainpunch, Pound Out, Wildscreen, Grimwind, Kickhorn, Razorshock, Springshot, Kickshell, Zapneedle, Shotbomb, Salvohole, Searock, Blitz Saber, Mudrider, Hyperbox, Squeezecruncher, Dog Alert, Smoke Twist, Battlelord, Camface, Darkhopper, Broadbuster, Roughbeak, Birdraker, Bristlecap, Dragbar, Trailwind, Chaingrin, Astrokill, Roadshell, Ironnose, Deadimus Prime, Surebee, Razorjumper, Crankwind, Longstreaker, Squawkcruncher, Flametop, Deadfeather, Dreadshaker, Finfight, Darkhappy, Flypipe, Bristlefight, Hub Saber, Sidethroat, Joygrin, Fortress-Burst, Smoke-Burst, Skullwing, Chopout, Birdtop, Mixsnapper, Trail End, Kickspeed, Landatron, Pipespin, Flybar, Darkhammer, Pipedome, Victorywave, Road Shop, Freewing, Cuthold, Twinheader, Redsight, Blowjaw, Vulturewave Prime, Ravenimus Prime, Hawkthruster Prime, Owlfeather Prime, Chouettesplicer Prime, Cuervoflight Prime, Strigtimus Prime, Vulturicus Prime, Vector Prime, Rodimus, Solus Prime, Alpha Trion, Sentinel Prime, Amazon Prime, Bendy-Bus Prime, Big Bang, Hubbang Prime, Dai Atlas, Fire Prime, Magnus Prime, Guardian Prime, Ginrai Prime, Lio Convoy, Leo Prime, Mach Five Racing Prime, Modus Prime, Nemesis Prime, Nominus Prime, Nova Prime, Driveride Prime, Primal Prime, Primon, Sentimus Prime, Regulus Prime, Septimus Prime, Shockarm Prime, Star Saber, Toys-R-Us Prime, Geoffrey Prime, Ultra Prime, VX-Prime, Akiba Prime, Dimicron Prime, Fukutsu Prime, Ginza Prime, Hakata Prime, Hiroshima Prime, Ikebukuro Prime, Ishinomaki Prime, Itami Prime, Kawasaki Prime, Mito Prime, Nagoya Prime, Nanba Prime, Safety Prime, Saitama Prime, Chuo Prime, Sapporo Prime, Sendai Prime, Tachikawa Prime, Takasaki Prime, Umeda Prime, Yokohama Prime, Yurakucho Prime, Adaptus Prime, Amalgamous Prime, Epistemus Prime, Autonomous Maximus, Micronus Prime, Mortilus Prime, Nexus Prime, Onyx Prime, Prima, Quintus Prime, Solomus Prime, Armada Convoy, Big Convoy, Blue Convoy, Break, Colada, Crow Convoy, Evacuator Convoy, Galaxy Convoy, Galva Convoy, Great Convoy, Green Tender Convoy, Legend Convoy, Live Convoy, Magna Convoy, Megalo Convoy, Nitro Convoy, Powered Convoy Magnus, Purple Wicked Convoy, Reverse Convoy, Rhetoric Convoy, Flame Convoy, White Gallant Convoy, stay here with EVERYONE else to guard our prisoner."
The two hundred and twenty-two Autobots nodded in unison.
Optimus continues saying, "Everyone else, transform and roll out!"
An away team consisting of Optimus, Silverbolt, Air Raid, Slingshot, Fireflight, Skydive, Airazor, Skyrazor, Airwave, Jetfire, Ravenspar, Spitfire, Jetstorm, Springer, Broadside, Sandstorm, Grimlock, Slug, Sludge, Snarl, Swoop, Slash, Sideswipe, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Arcee, Elita One, Chromia, Firestar, Greenlight, Lancer, Flareup, Novastar, Glyph, Tremors, Lugnut, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Ironhide, Jazz, Bluestreak, Silverstreak, Wheelie, Ultra Alert, Cliffjumper, Tailgate, Snapgrin, Hubfight, Wheeljack, Ultra Magnus, Delta Magnus, Hot Spot, Hot Zone, Streetwise, Streetstar, Streetsmart, Blades, Wrangle, Groove, Cruiser, First Aid, Freezerake, Rook, Grandscope, Stakeout, Heatrock, Skyfeather, Scattershot, Scatterbullet, Scattergun, Strafe, Steel Whip, Lightspeed, Lightsteed, Lightstorm, Afterburner, Afterbreaker, Afterburst, Flatiron, Astrotorch, Nosecone, Scrounge, Boltax, Cybaxx, Crash Test, Fastbreak, Dust Up, Jumpstream, Jumpbreak, Faststream, Praesidia Magna, Pyra Magna, Rust Dust, Skyburst, Stormclash, Bucketcrusher, Bonehead, Dirttrain, Boneloader, Drillstorm, Drive Bit, Fronthammer, Steamtower, High Haul, Longjack, Skipmaster, Quickhook, Widehammer, Dusthammer, Dust Haul, Longstorm, Scrapledge, Scavengesteam, Gravehauler, Scoopdigger, Trasher, Skipload, Scrapload, Paykick, Demolishmetal, Bone Haul, Highload, Tramplepage, Treadmix, Grimtower, Heavylock, Landwedge, Heavy Load, Wedge, Grimclone, Heavytower, Highhook, Railspike, Rapid Run, Midnight Express, Railload, Tankspike, Overnight Run, Storm Jet, Sky Shadow, Terradive, Treadshot, Windrazor, Silverstrike, Airbolt, Slingflight, Skyslinger, Fire Raid, Longmetal, Mixload, Bonetread, Tramplekick, Hookback, Overtower, Paytower, Skippage, Iron Bull, Crush-Lift, Gran Mix, Treaddigger, Grounddown, Takepounder, Mixscrapper, Buckettower, Simba, Clump, Pardo, Shriek, Thump, Dragonicus, Bluedrift, Starjaw, Stonesight, Freepoint, Frostlane, Brakepoint, Hydrauburner, Lazerrazor, Stormreign, Steelbane, Skullitron, Wing, Waver, Wingwaver, Dash, Tacker, Dashtacker, Mach, Tackle, Machtackle, Dai Atlas, Sonic Bomber, Roadfire, Groundblades, Growlscope, Wildslide, Freedive, Growldive, Groundburn, Kenzan, Jinbu, Ganoh, Gekisoumaru, Hishoumaru, Sensuimaru, Getsuei, Kaen, Seizan, Shouki, Suiken, Yukikaze, Ripglider, Rumbleblades, Avianbrawl, Dreadframe, Lunarguard, Meltwing, Lunarsweep, Savageraid, Bullflight, Deftdive, Aeroraker, Meltbite, Sky Lynx, Overblitz, Scorchtop, Dirtflow, Hangburst, Grimfist, Longfire, Smoketron, Rollcrush, Bodyjaw, Magnaslinger, Soundload, Neutrolock, Shadetop, Crankpoint, Suncrush, Savagescraps, Boneside, Dirtglitch, Slammaster, Cliffline, Cannonlock, Motorcut, Slamways, Rageframe, Fangflash, Scorchfist, Freezebang, Depthshot, Lunarstuff, Doubleside, Meltline, Darkwatch, Clouddrive, Razorsling, Quickquake, Shocktrap, Neutrospin, Topsteel, Turbobrawn, Rotorsweep, Crankvortex, Buzzsweep, Rhinothing, Flashrake, Dirtsplitter, Bombtrap, Stormwhip, Fire Chief, Streetstar, Fly-Up, Sparkride, Safety, Crush-Bull, Digger, Gran Arm, Iron Lift, Mixing, Treader, Steamdesire, Atlan, Converter, Raise, San D-Go, Windy, Road Police, Circuitracer, Discharge, Glide, Neo-Wheel, Sireen, Chain Gun, Falcon, Flanker, Missile Run, Raker, Supersonic, Checker Road, Fire Road, Mach Road, Spin Road, Thunderbite, Megaside, Galvaside, Freefight, Gearline, Autocharger, Shocktrack, Depthswitch, Oilcrusher, Brushfeather, Turboboom, Groovehead, Magnaways, Ironsnarl, Sunfist, Longslide, Chromestream, Dustwire, Vicejaw, Deepdrive, Wideside, Autocloud, Heavyray, Grindrake, Locklight, Gearwire, Magnawhip, Growlflash, Halfguard, Swiftdome, Roughsiren, Gunbeast, Widespike, Longtwitch, DJ, Gimlet, Motorarm, Autocharge, Longcircuit, Freetop, Grizzbite, Jawhorn, Armorwhip, Bombstrong, Flamecycle, Ironboom, Heavyguard, Dinoway, Voltpoint, Tigaways, Depthclutch, Hardfoot, Hangways, Hypershift, Freeglitch, Dinojaw, Stormspike, Retrowar, Icelock, Ratstrong, Flashshift, Dropwatch, Razorblight, Dunedash, Bombbite, Dropraker, Brakeburner, Bulletbite, Gunscope, Deftcut, Botanibeast, Bombguard, Freezelight, Heavyspin, Flashray, Brakething, Razorbrawl, Slamcircuit, Grindthing, Speedworks, Tigacut, Afterstrong, Bulletcharge, Widetrack, Armortrap, Hammerpunch, Deftsight, Firespike, Rumbleshift, Dunestop, Bullcase, Firedome, Vicekill, Deepcut, Hammerraker, Retrodrift, Rapidrunner, Firesiren, Chrometwitch, Groundburner, Flatsight, Bombcharge, Vicecrush, Nightglitch, Wildtwitch, Fireline, Droptron, Motorback, Crankblight, Aquafist, Motortrap, Motorthing, Highblight, Dinoswitch, Scorchscope, Seamaster, Halfbang, Nightbite, Razormaster, Wolftwitch, Buzzglitch, Bodywar, Magmaguard, Breakfist, Autosweep, Hardbutton, Grandblight, Rollbrawn, Hotwhip, Darkflash, Tigasweep, Fireblast, Deftblaze, Crossbuster, Armortrack, Crackstop, Scorchfoot, Solarfist, Sidewar, Ratbutton, Grindspin, Tigermaster, Botaniflash, Silverframe, Lazerviper, Vicerazor, Autoviper, Backwheels, Cliffslinger, Freezeline, Flyburn, Breakbuster, Sunframe, Voltburner, Dusttwitch, Meltvortex, Pyroclutch, Junkglitch, Rumbletwitch, Hammerheap, Buzzflight, Botanibite, Fireworks, Doomraid, Depthsplitter, Fierycrusher, Widecrack, Roadthing, Motorcase, Rumblelift, Grindtracks, Roadjaw, Dustdrive, Pyroslinger, Crankwire, Sunbutton, Breakrunner, Flysling, Deepray, Fieryjump, Hookburst, Freeboom, and Dirtcrush all transformed and they drove, ran and flew through the Ground Bridge to the South Pole.
As soon as the Ground Bridge closes, Needleimus Prime asks, "Can't we throw a tarp over Soundwave? He's creeping me out."
Dreaddown replies, "Yeah. It's almost as if he's watching, no matter where you go."
Ratchet snaps, "Would the both of you stop focusing on what Soundwave can or cannot see?! Help me guard him in case Mainglide fails to apprehend Laserbeak."
The twosome shrugged and stood guard around Soundwave with the others.
Outside the base, Agent Fowler parks his car and gets out.
But unbeknownst to the Autobot liaison, Laserbeak followed him, somehow managing to defeat Mainglide.
Meanwhile, at the South Pole, Optimus is leading the enormous Autobot deployment through the snow-covered grounds to the Solaris Particle Collider Project.
Spotting the research center in front of him, Optimus notes the hole in the wall, signifying that the Decepticons were here already.
Optimus states, "The Decepticons must be here already. Let's go."
Optimus leads the Autobots to their destination.
But suddenly, the Decepticon combiner groups with a clone of Predatitan emerge, and the Predatitan clone shrieks as it spits a humongous stream of fire at the Autobots.
Ultra Magnus calls out, "Down!"
The Autobots hit the deck, except for Optimus.
Optimus deploys his Ion Blaster and shoots at the Predatitan clone while generic Autobot Titans accompanying the team holds off the Decepticon combiner groups.
But Optimus keeps missing.
The Predatitan clone flies towards Optimus, but the Autobot leader manages to duck out of the way while managing to get a good look at the Predatitan clone's paint job.
The Predatitan clone's paint job was in reverse positions.
Optimus retracts his Ion Blaster, and the normal Autobots aim their weapons at the Predatitan clone, having also gotten a good look at the clone's paint job.
Optimus holds up a servo and says, "The Decepticons must not be allowed to secure their target. I will engage the Predatitan clone while our combiners will deal with the Decepticon combiners."
Optimus gets himself ready for battle and Ultra Magnus states, "You heard your leader. Forge ahead!"
Ultra Magnus rushes into the research center, followed by Airazor, Skyrazor, Airwave, Jetfire, Ravenspar, Spitfire, Jetstorm, Springer, Broadside, Sandstorm, Sideswipe, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Arcee, Elita One, Chromia, Firestar, Greenlight, Lancer, Flareup, Novastar, Glyph, Tremors, Lugnut, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Ironhide, Jazz, Bluestreak, Silverstreak, Wheelie, Ultra Alert, Cliffjumper, Tailgate, Snapgrin, Hubfight, Wheeljack, and Delta Magnus.
The Predatitan clone rushes towards Optimus and the Autobot leader brings out his minigun.
As soon as the clone comes into range, Optimus starts shooting.
But the multiple rapid-fire shots kept missing.
The Predatitan clone breathes out a fireball aimed at Optimus, but the Prime activates his jetpack and blasts off into the air before the fireball could impact, and the Predatitan clone crashes in a failed attempt to into Optimus.
Optimus shoots at the Predatitan clone with a barrage of Energon lasers, but the clone manages to take flight again.
Optimus flies higher as he continues to shoot.
The Predatitan clone spits a fireball at Optimus, forcing him to do a backflip in mid-air before tackling the clone while holding onto his minigun.
Optimus throws the Predatitan clone into an ice wall and starts shooting at the wall with both his Ion Blaster and his minigun to bring giant chunks of ice down on the Predatitan clone to bury it.
However, the clone manages to escape just in time.
The Predatitan clone rams into Optimus, slams him into a bunker building, takes him into the air again, and scrapes him in the head twice with its claws, but not hard enough to cause total damage.
Optimus puts his minigun away, and he manages to stop the Predatitan clone from presumably biting his chestplate open.
But then, the Predatitan clone gets ready to use its fire breath.
Optimus' optics widened before he manages to maneuver the clone's head out of the way just moments before the clone starts breathing a stream of fire.
Optimus shoots the clone in the face, but gets bashed aside.
Optimus manages to activate his jetpack again before he starts shooting at the clone with one Ion Blaster and his minigun at the same time.
Unfortunately, Optimus is too late to prevent getting hit by the clone's dragon tail even though he saw it about to slam onto his chestplate.
Optimus is sent crashing into the snowy ground below.
Meanwhile, in the Particle Collider building, Ultra Magnus leads the way through the corridors.
As the Autobots make a right hand turn, they happen upon a deployment of Vehicon Jets and Tanks.
An Energon laser is just about to hit Ultra Magnus' flashlight, but Wheeljack deflects it with his sword.
Soon, the firefight begins.
As the Autobots take out the Jets, Wheeljack bemoans, "Megatron knew we were coming, just like Corvowing said."
Arcee replies in a deadpan, "You think?"
In the Autobot base, Agent Fowler enters the base, but then, Laserbeak bursts into the base through a window.
Everyone gapes as Ratchet bemoans, "Oh, no."
Laserbeak avoids laser fire as he shoots Soundwave out of his restraints, but he gets shot down by Corvowing.
Suddenly, Buzzsaw, Sundor, Wingthing, Garboil, and Ratbat arrive, and they neutralize the entire Autobot army thanks to their multiple electrocution tentacles and thanks to Ratbat's ability to drain Energon like a vampire bat.
Laserbeak is instantly repaired, but a small piece of his wing is left undiscovered as Corvowing picked it up and hightailed it out of there just before the birds reconnected with Soundwave, reactivating him and uploading his orders to capture Ratchet.
Ratchet stares slack-jawed as Soundwave approaches menacingly with his tentacles crackling with electricity just moments after knocking out everybody else, including Agent Fowler.
Soundwave remarks, "Soundwave superior, Autobots inferior."
Just before Soundwave electrocutes Ratchet, the reader screen cuts to black.
To be continued...
(Author's notes: In the next chapter, Corvowing's final plans for the rest of the war will come into play.
Also, the combiner fight will be shown in the next chapter, so please be patient.
See you all in chapter 75: Persuasion.)
