Transformers the Shard of Life 5

By Aiden N. Whitley

Puerto Rico

2300 Hrs

Two weeks ago the Decepticons attacked a U.S. Army base in Puerto Rico led by Cytrax. The Decepticons had seemingly left no survivors, but they were wrong as general Ford emerged from an underground bomb shelter beneath the base. He was accompanied by Lieutenant Hernandez and Private Campbell. After the attack they sent out an S.O.S. distress message so someone could come and pick them up and take them back to mainland America. There they were sent to rehab center as they saw on the news the attack on the U.S.S. Marino and the attack in D.C. along with others. The straw that broke the camels back for Ford was the attack on the NASA base in Houston. After that Ford, Hernandez and Campbell met with the president and negotiated a new law.

5 Months Later

"This new federal law that the president has signed is a direct answer to all of the recent attacks from these large transforming robots that have been attacking major cities and land marks all across the nation. The law states that if anyone spots one of these 'Transformers' as people are calling them, there first act should be to call the authorities on a new emergency hot line, 811. The federal government will then take care of the problem one way or another. So if you ever see a Transformer in your area then remember that the number to call is 811. This has been Lester Holt on NBC News at 10:00. Goodnight everyone."

Cincinnati, Ohio

2100 Hrs

The Autocons had established themselves at Cytrax's old base in Cincinnati. "Everyone come to the main hall, I've got some important news." Blue Lightning said over the new speaker system installed. Everyone then entered the main hall. "OK so I don't know if any of you know this or not but recently the humans have enacted a new law that states that if any human see's us the federal government will try to kill us. Now I understand that this law seems absurd from our perspective but from theirs I can see what they're coming from. Every experience that they've had with us has been us just destroying things as far as they know. But regardless, because of this law we must cease all contact with humans, and to all of the former Autobots in the room that does include Jordan. Now you may all resume what you were doing." Blue Lightning then ended his speech. Recykill got a nervous look on his face when he brought up Jordan though, and I think you can guess why. "Hey what's with the nervous look?" asked Valentino. "Oh nothing, just this new law has me nervous is all." Recykill bluffed. "Well isn't that just dandy, how many times have we inadvertently saved them and this is what we get!" shouted Death Hand. "Hey cheer up pal! Remember that the humans are far too ignorant to comprehend this basic fact!" said Ulysses encouragingly. "What an amazing first day as an Autocon, no regrets here, nope." said Hooligan sarcastically. "Hey was being a Decepticon much better?" asked Highbeams. "You and your logic." replied Hooligan, annoyed. "Those humans are making me want to kill them more!" said Postal Apocalypse while activating his bladed gauntlets. "I couldn't agree more. Selfish bastards!" replied Cement Lament. "This shard quest achieved basically nothing other than pissing off the indigenous species then!" said Snapshot. "Hey Timelapse did you for see this too?" asked Slapshot. "Yes I did." "And you didn't tell us why?" asked Slapshot. "Telling others about the future then alters the future down a path that was not meant to be." he then started to walk away. "I for saw this conversation too by the way." he said before leaving. "Hm, can't believe I used to like humans." said Chopper. "So Cytrax what's the move? Do we just hide forever or what?" asked G-Force. "Listen everyone just calm down. If any of us get seen then the move to make is simple, take out the human that saw you before they can contact the government. You all seem to have a new found hatred for humans so you can use those moments as opportunity's to release some anger." said Cytrax. Everyone then left the main hall.

The White House

Washington D.C.

0600 Hrs

"President Trump, my top scientists have been studying the remains in Houston and have found out what powers them." reported General Ford. "That's tremendous! So what does power them exactly?" asked Donald Trump. "Well we don't really know because it is a substance that is not native to Earth." replied Ford. "So they're aliens?" asked Trump. "We believe so." "Darn, I was hoping that I could use this to start a war." said Trump. "Well you still could, it just wouldn't be with another country." said Ford. "What do you mean?" "We could start a war with them, the Transformers." "Oh yeah, I guess we could." "My scientists have been studying the substance and are tryin to make devices that can track them." "Again I say, tremendous! Get on that right away." "We already have, sir" "Right right, do it quicker then." "Will do sir."

Cincinnati, Ohio

0700 Hrs

Everyone was doing their own thing when suddenly Death Hand collapsed onto the floor! "Get Highbeams!" ordered Recykill. Highbeams then arrived. "What seems to be the problem?" asked Highbeams. "Death Hand just, collapsed and we don't know why!" "Sounds urgent, let's get him to the medical bay." They then rushed him to the medical bay. "Any idea as to what might have caused this?" asked Highbeams. "No. It was so sudden." replied Recykill. "Was it a gun shot or something like it perhaps?" "Definitely not, we would have either heard or seen it. And how could one shot take out Death Hand?" "All valid arguments. Just narrowing down the options." Once they reached the medical bay Highbeams began his examination. "I think I've found the problem." said Highbeams. "Well?" asked Recykill. "Right here on his right shoulder there appears to be a bite mark from a Terracon." said Highbeams. "But when did he get bit?" asked Recykill. "Let's ask him." replied G-Force. "Death Hand, do you recall getting bit by a Terracon at our last battle?" asked Highbeams. He then muttered "K9." "Did K9 bite you?'' asked Highbeams. He nodded his head. "Well then it appears that at point or another K9 bit Death Hand as a Terracon and spread the infection to him and that's what's killing him." diagnosed Highbeams. "Well is there a way to cure it?" asked Recykill. "Not one that is known but we can try various things and see if they work." replied Highbeams. "We still have one last shard fragment, do you think that could do anything?" asked Cement Lament. "That will be a last resort, we don't want another Terracon uprising immediately after the last one." replied Highbeams. "Well what do we do then? I don't want to see him go like this." said Cytrax. "I will do what ever I can think of to keep him alive." replied Highbeams. "And what about us?" asked Cytrax. "Just hope that he lives." replied Highbeams. He then started to get to work as everyone else left.

Washington D.C.

0800 Hrs

"Mr. president, sir, we've continued our analysis on the the mystery substance that powers them and have successfully made a sort of sensor that detects it." reported Ford. "When will the wonderful news stop!" exclaimed Trump. "We're also detecting a faint signature in Ohio, permission to send in troops to deal with them?" asked Ford. "Yes, absolutely, do it immediately." replied Trump. "Thank you sir, I will deal with them one way or another." Ford then left the room. "Hernandez, Campbell, with me, we're going to hunt some Transformers." "Finally we can show them what's it's like to have some greater military force beat them!" said Campbell. "Indeed, this should be fun." said Hernandez. They then rounded up a few hundred soldiers along with five attack helicopters, five Humvees and two tanks before heading for Ohio.

Cincinnati, Ohio

1000 Hrs

The Autocons were minding their own business when they heard the sounds of the approaching military. "Did anyone get seen?" asked Blue Lightning. "No, no ones left the base all day." replied Cytrax. "Well somehow they must know we're here so ready your weapons but do not engage unless me and Cytrax say so!" ordered Blue Lightning as everyone readied their weapons and headed outside to confront the military. "So you must be the Transformers, I've actually met a few of you before. Yeah I remember it vividly, especially you." said Ford while pointing to Cytrax. "And when was this?" asked Cytrax. "Don't you remember your little attack in Puerto Rico? Myself and these two beside me were the only survivors and trust me when I say that the U.S. military holds a grudge!" threatened Ford. "Look there has clearly been a misunderstanding, we have been fighting to keep your planet safe." said Blue Lightning. "And how's that?" asked Ford. "It's a long explanation but-" "Men open fire!" ordered Ford while cutting off Blue Lightning. "Autocons engage but keep casualties to a minimum." ordered Blue Lightning. "I hope you realize that everyone is going to ignore that last bit in about a minute or less." said Cytrax. "It was worth a shot, Autocons attack!" ordered Blue Lightning while pulling out his E.M.P. gun and slamming it to the ground creating a shock wave, deactivating all the electronics in the militaries vehicles, causing the helicopters to fall out of the sky and take out two Humvees. The Autocons then proceeded to immediately ignore the 'minimum casualties' part of the order as they started to decimate the opposing military! Each member using their various weapons to kill the soldiers. Hooligan managed to land a clean shot on Hernandez, instantly killing him! "Hernandez!" shouted Campbell as he began to run over to his now dead former soldier. As he ran over though Cement Lament saw him and transformed into his Cybertronian Howitzer form and promptly shot him before taking out another Humvee. "Sir we have a tank back online!" reported a soldier. "Then fire!" ordered Ford. The tank then fired at Chopper who activated his shield to block the shot before taking out the tank with missiles. Cytrax flipped another Humvee with his whips as Postal Apocalypse threw several knives at soldiers, killing them. "Retreat! I want a full retreat ASAP!" ordered Ford. G-Force then fired four missiles into the air before they came back down, taking down the last Humvee and tank! After that the military retreated with only a few dozen left alive. "Well that was fun!" said Valentino. "I do concur my morally ambiguous friend!" replied Ulysses. "Everyone back inside, our work here is done." ordered Cytrax. "It felt so good getting to kill some humans for once!" said Postal Apocalypse. "Definitely. I hate them with a passion!" replied Cement Lament. The Autocons then went back inside their base.

Washington D.C.

1200 Hrs

"Mr. President, I'm sorry to say that the squadron that I sent to kill the Transformers was decimated. What's our next move?" asked Ford. "Stand back and stand by." ordered Trump. "Understood sir." replied Ford as he left the room.

Cincinnati, Ohio

0200 Hrs

The Autocons had entered stasis which is their version of sleeping. Then the room where Cement Lament is was entered by Ulysses. "Alright then, let's get this show on the road and off the rails." said Ulysses while activating his arm blade and approaching Cement Lament. "It's been nice knowing you but I've got a mission to complete so..." He then stabbed Cement Lament through his chest, killing him instantly! "Welp, that's one. Let the murder mystery begin." said Ulysses while leaving the room.

0700 Hrs

"Everyone report to the main hall, we have an emergency!" shouted Cytrax over the speaker system. Everyone then entered the main hall to see the corpse of Cement Lament. "Someone or something has killed Cement Lament through what appears to be a stabbing through his spark. If anyone can provide more information then that would be greatly appreciated." said Cytrax. There were murmurs in the hall from everyone speculating as to who or what had killed him. "You know, it was probably those damn humans who attacked us yesterday. They probably learned that they can't take us on in a fair setting so they killed him in his stasis." speculated Recykill. "Ah that interrogating mind working like a charm!" said Ulysses. "But how did they kill him, this stab wound is quite large for standard human weaponry." pointed out Highbeams. "Well it's just a theory, for now at least." replied Recykill. "Maybe it was Razorwind and Minesweeper, Megatron could have given them new orders or something like that." guessed Slapshot. "Yet another brilliant idea!" encouraged Ulysses. "Hold on, what if...one of us killed him?" asked Hooligan. "An unlikely possibility, why would one of us just start killing the rest, and why start now? It doesn't add up as well as the other possibilities." said Chopper. "I'm just saying that it could be the case, you never know until you know." said Hooligan. Then there was a knock on the factory door to there base. Almost instinctually everyone readied there weapons until Timelapse spoke up. Everyone, calm down and let me use diplomacy, alright?" Everyone slightly lowered there weapons. "Good enough for me." said Timelapse while approaching the door. When he opened it he saw an old man in a suit. "Hey man, I wanna talk with you guys, is that OK?" asked the man. "You can talk with me but not the others, unless you can prove that you don't have malice intent." replied Timelapse. "Come on man, I just wanna have a nice, civil conversation." "And you can, with me." "Oh alright, let's get talking then. By the way, my name is Joe." "And my name is Timelapse." They then began walking to the back of the building. "What is that?" asked Timelapse while pointing to a blank T.V. screen. "Oh that's just uh- my uh-tele-tele-tele-something, I forget the name." "OK then. So what did you want to talk about?" "I want to make peace with your kind, the only way to restore the soul of this nation is to welcome strangers like you with open arms." "I already like you more than the last humans I met." "Oh that's good, now look, here's the deal, we need to nego-nego-neg-" he started to stare behind Timelapse. "What are you looking at?" asked Timelapse while turning around and seeing that screen from before but with words on it, the same words that Joe was saying to him. He then turned back. "Really, a teleprompter, that's what you were looking at." "It's just there to help me remember what I want to say to you, my memory isn't the best." "Well I think that you should maybe take some medication and come back when you can remember what you want to say, till then goodbye." he then reentered the factory base as Joe left. "Who was that?" asked Snapshot. "Some old guy named Joe."

0200 Hrs

It was later that same day when Ulysses struck again and entered Snapshot's room. "So apparently giant stab wound is too much to be a human caused death so gun it is." He then activated his turret and got as close to Snapshot as possible so as to create the least amount of noise as possible. He then fired, killing Snapshot! "Dun dun dun, another one bites the dust, and another one gone, and another one gone, another bites the dust!" Ulysses then continued to hum the song as he left the room.

Washington D.C.

"Mr. President, you called?" asked Ford. "Yes of course, I want you to get a squadron and kill those Transformers!" "Sir we already tried that." "You haven't tried it in their sleep have you?" "Oh I get it now, good plan as always." "I know, now get to it!" "Of course sir." Ford then gathered up a new squadron to take out the Autocons.

Cincinnati, Ohio

0400 Hrs

The Autocons (including Ulysses) were in stasis as the humans arrived! "Alright here's the plan, we have snipers take out there eyes so they're blind, then we strike with a full frontal assault. They will literally never see us coming. Snipers, enter positions." ordered Ford. The snipers then climbed to the roof tops and set up with their guns pointed through the windows of the base. Then they fired! But the shots could not penetrate the eye lids and only woke them up. "Sir, they've awoken." "Then send in the big guns!" ordered Ford. But before they did anything the front doors opened and a dagger came flying into the ground in front of them. Then Blue Lightning teleported in and began to do motions similar to break dancing. Then the rest of the Autocons followed soon after with their guns blazing! The military was quickly out matched yet again. "Everyone fall back!" ordered Ford. But G-Force snatched him up before they could retreat as the Autocons dealt with what was left of the military force present. "Looks like despite your best efforts you still lose. You're 0-3 right now and I think that you would be quite embarassed if you went back to your officials with this news so how about I just kill you right now." G-Force then tossed him up in the air and activated his arm blades and stabbed Ford with them on his way down. "Well that's one less issue to deal with." said G-Force while tossing the body aside. "Hey wait a second, where's Snapshot?" asked Slapshot. "I don't know, let's go check." replied Blue Lightning. They then went to his room and entered with Slapshot going in first and seeing the gun shot wound. "Snapshot!" He said while rushing over to check on his brother. He quickly realized that he was dead. "Those bastards killed him! I'm gonna tear them apart, limb by limb!" yelled Slapshot. "Well there's a ton of bodies outside that you can do whatever with." said Recykill. "I'm going to be out there for a while!" Said Slapshot as he left the room. Ulysses was in the hallway that led to Snapshot's room and was over hearing the whole thing. "Well then, what a convenient alibi. This just got a whole lot more interesting." Everyone then stayed up for the rest of the night to make sure that nothing else happened while Slapshot was "Dealing" with the bodies outside.

0800 Hrs

"Alright Autocons, after a long and sleepless night of discussing we have decided that one of us will speak to the U.S. president to resolve our conflict diplomatically. We will now hold a vote to determine who it will be. So myself and Cytrax have set up a polling booth where everyone will be given proportionally sized pens, created by Highbeams, to simply bubble in their choice. Have fun!" Blue Lightning announced. Everyone then proceeded to vote. "And the results are in. And everyone got one vote exept for Timelapse who got 2, one from himself and one from myself, you're welcome! Anyway Timelapse shall be the one who meets with the president in order to negotiate peace, good luck!" announced Blue Lightning. Timelapse then transformed and drove to the white house. He eventually arrived and transformed. "Hello humans, take me to your leader...please." requested Timelapse. Then as police men readied their weapons to engage a man stepped out of the white house. "Wait, wait, hold your fire I know him." ordered the man. Then Timelapse recoognized the man as..."Joe?" said Timelapse in confusion. "Hey man, I'm the president now, isn't that crazy." said Joe. "Wait so were you always the president?" asked Timelapse. "Oh no, I wasn't the president up until earlier this morning." "Well OK then, this should be easy enough then." "Your Time-Time-" "Timela-" "No I can remember this just give me a second. Time-Timelapse thats it!" "Good job you remembered my name." Timelapse replied sarcastically. "Anyway so why are you here?" asked Joe. "To negotiate, and hopefully this one is more productive than our last." said Timelapse. "Good, this will be a great start to my presidency, immediatly fixing our relationship with you guys, that is what we're talking about right?" "Yes, me and my fellow Autocons wish to negotiate a peace treaty of sorts with your government." "That's great! I must say that our previous plan to handle you guys was a bunch of malarkey!" "Yeah we were not very fond of being killed in our sleep, which is why I'm here to propose our idea." "Good, lay it on me man." "So the deal is simple, you don't kill us and we don't kill you, no attacking either." "Simple enough, we will show no signs of aggression towards each other and co-exist in peace." "Well then, that went quite well I must say." I agree, if we can maintain this bond then we will rebuild this great-" "Anyways gotta go." Timelapse then transformed and headed back. When he got back he spread the news. "OK, it's official, we're neutral now, if we don't attack them then they won't attack us and vice versa." reported Timelapse. "Fantastic! We have earned back the trust of the humans! I'm so proud of us!" exclaimed Ulysses while striking a pose. "Have you ever considered doing inspiratoinal speeches because you've got the enthusiasm." suggested Highbeams. "What a wonderful suggestion! I shall consider it later!" said Ulysses while leaving the room. "Well crap, there goes that alibi. What next, what next, Ooh I know!" Ulysses said to himself before walking away.

0900 Hrs

Later that day Ulysses entered the medical bay where Death Hand was. "Alrighty then, which one of these little machines is keeping him alive." Ulysses then started to cut the wires to every thing in the room until he finally cut the right one. "Well it's about time." Death Hand then died after a few seconds. "Now for the grand finally! Just gotta put in this little doohickey and-" "Ulysses what are you doing in here?" said Highbeams, interrupting Ulysses while holding the Autocons final shard. "Why hello there my good doctor! What are you doing here?" "That's a dumb question my patient is here. And what are you doing in here with the shard?" "Oh yeah, that! I was just going to preform a...science expieriment, you might say!" "Holy crap why is he disconnected from life support!" Highbeams then rushed over to check out the scene. "Actually new question, why are the wires cut?" "That is a very good question!" "And he's dead! For Primus' sake! Was he like this before you entered?" "Of course he was! That's why I got our shard so that I could revive him!" "You do understand that would cause him to become a Terracon, correct?" "Eh, it's worth a shot!" Ulysses then tossed the shard into Death Hand, quickly making him become a Terracon. "Ulysses you idiot!" "I said it was worth a shot! Anyway, I will let you two get aquainted!" He then left the room as Death Hand charged and pinned Highbeams against the wall. "This is Highbeams, send help quick!" Highbeams sent the distress message. Within a minute everyone entered the medical bay to see Highbeams still pinned but holding back his attacker. "Someone kill it please!" Shouted Highbeams. Postal Apacalypse then dove in to action and stabbed through the spark, causing the shard to fall out. Death Hand then collapsed to the ground, dead again. "Highbeams what happened to you, what happened to Death Hand?" asked Blue Lightning. "Well Ulysses was in here with the shard and the body of Death Hand. After a brief conversation he tossed the shard into Death Hand's body, bringing him back as a Terracon. He then left me alone with Death Hand, presumably hoping I would be killed or something. I'm pretty sure that he also killed Death Hand too." "What? You're telling me that Ulysses tried to inadvertently kill you?" asked Blue Lightning. "I knew it! I told you all that it was someone among us, a mole of sorts that was killing us. I have never felt such conflicting emotions before, should I be happy or sad, I don't know." said Hooligan. "Somebody get Ulysses in here now!" ordered Cytrax. "I can do that." said Chopper before leaving to go get Ulysses. "Ulysses where are you?" asked Chopper. Ulysses was intentionally hiding from Chopper and the rest because he knew that he had been found out. "Crap, well time to flee the country I guess. No way they'll forgive me for this." Ulysses whispered to himself. "Come on Ulysses, we all know you're here just come on out and we can make this civil." said Chopper. "Guess my next target is you." whispered Ulysses. He then sprung from the shadows and stabbed Chopper before getting thrown at the wall. "Come on Ulysses, don't make this is hard and come peacefully." "Yeah that's a minor problem, my orders kind of contradict yours." "Your orders? From who?" "Sorry, can't disclose." Chopper then punched Ulysses' head against the wall, knocking him out. As Ulysses woke up he saw everyone standing in front of him. As he tried to get up he realised that he was in Cybertronian handcuffs attached to a pipe on the wall. "Hello boys, how are we doing on this fine morning?" asked Ulysses. "Explain everything now." ordered Recykill. "You're going to have to be a little bit more specific." said Ulysses. "Explain to us why you killed Death Hand and attempted to kill Chopper and Highbeams." "Don't forget Cement Lament and Snapshot!" admitted Ulysses. "Oh you mother-" Slapshot muttered. "Hey calm down." said Blue Lightning. "So do you want the long version or the short version?" asked Ulysses. "Long." replied Recykill. "Alright so basically I am a bounty hunter sent to kill all of you. More specifically the Decepticons, now former I guess but whatever, so that the Autobots, also now former, could get the shards more easily. But once I informed my client that your teams joined forces I was then given orders to just kill all of you instead." "And who is this client you speak of?" asked Recykill. "I'm not allowed to say, it's like an unspoken rule amongst bounty hunters." "Well I recomend that you tell us or I will impliment my torture techniques that have ceased to fail me." "Eh, why the hell not, as you all know I'm not the loyal type so...my client is Optimus Prime." "Wow, you crack really easily." "Well it's not like I'm trying to with hold information. I just finally got caught." "Wait you said that Optimus Prime sent you to kill us?" asked Slapshot. "Correctamoondo!" "But why? That doesn't sound like Optimus at all." "Sorry to interrupt but we have company at the front door." said Timelapse. "We do?" asked Valentino. Just then there was a knock on the door. "Yes, in fact, we do." "If it's the military again I swear!" grumbled Recykill. "I'll check it out." said G-Force. He then walked up to the door and quite aggresively opened it. "Who is it?" G-Force asked. He then saw who it was. "Razorwind and Minesweeper!" said a shocked G-Force. "What the hell are you guys doing here?" "We've got some terrible news that we believe concerns you." said Razorwind. "Indeed, we require immediate assistance with the current situation that all Cybertronians are faced with, Optimus Prime." said Minesweeper.

"So what's going on with Optimus?" asked G-Force. "Well you see-" Razorwind started as Minesweeper interupted. "-In the last few months the war on Cybertron has ended with the Autobots as the victors. Megatron and all of the highest ranking Decepticons have been killed with only basic ground troops left alive, and ourselves of course." Razorwind then reentered the conversation. "With the war over Optimus quickly became the leader of Cybertron. At first everyone loved him, but after a while Optimus slowly became more corrupt and power hungry. He eventually claimed all of the shard fragments that the Decepticons had for himself and he is trying to get the remaining ones, which you own the last one." "He doesn't know that one was destroyed." Minesweeper intervened again. "Anyway, he now rules Cybertron with an iron fist. And now there are multiple small, attempted, revolutions that have all failed." said Razorwind. "So we are coming to you to ask for your help to defeat Optimus Prime." finished Minesweeper. "That is a lot to process! Give me a second here...let yourselves in and explain that to the others, ooh my head hurts from all that." said G-Force. Razorwind and Minesweeper then entered the base and explained the whole situation to the others. "So will you help us?" asked Razorwind. "I think we need a moment to dicuss this." said Blue Lightning. The Autocons then huddled together to discuss what to do. "Ok so that was a lot of information." said Blue Lightning. "I can't believe all of that happened in just a few months." said Cytrax. "So what's our move?" asked Chopper. "Anyone got any ideas?" asked Recykill. "As long as it involves killing then I'm fine with whatever it is." said Postal Apocalypse. "I say we put on a full frontal assault on the Autobots!" suggested Hooligan. "That sounds like an awful idea." replied Valentino. "Hey here me out, if we do a full on attack then they will expect us to be easy to beat, but then comes phase two..." "Phase two?" asked Blue Lightning. "Yes, phase two, there we will insert a second team to go after Optimus, then we somehow defeat him, either by killing or capturing." said Hooligan. "That... actually isn't that bad, how did you come up with that?" asked Valentino. "You all really need to listen to my ideas a bit more often." said Hooligan. "I guess so." said Highbeams. "So is that our final plan?" asked Slapshot. "Timelapse, check to see how it works out will ya?" asked G-Force. "Alright, see you in a sec." He then time traveled to see how effective their plan is. He then returned while holding a shard fragment. "Where did you get that?" asked Cytrax. "I may have stolen it from Bi-saw after they killed Kidd." said Timelapse. "Wait you guys killed Kidd?" asked Slapshot. "Well it's not like I participated or anything." said Hooligan. "So why'd you get it?" asked Recykill. "We're gonna need it, trust me." "Ok then so are we ready?" asked Blue Lightning. "I think we are." said Cytrax. "Alright, Minesweeper, Razorwind, we will help you." said Blue Lightning. "Excellent, we will go over the plan and begin our attack." said Minesweeper. "Oh and Ulysses?" asked Blue Lightning. "Yes?" replied Ulysses. "You wanna join us and redeem yourself?" "Eh, what the hell. I don't really have a reason not to." "Excellent, let's begin!" "Wait a second!" said Valentino. "What is it?" asked Minesweeper. "Where is Optimus?" "On Cybertron." "How are we supposed to get there?" "How do you think we got here." said Razorwind. "I'm drawing a blank." "We took some ships from the Nemesis, obviously." "Oh, I forgot about that ship. Forget I said anything." "Ok, now let's begin!"

"So everyone understands the plan right?" asked Cytrax. Razorwind and Minesweeper then nodded there heads in agreement. "Good. Autocons roll out!" Everyone then boarded the ship and began there flight to Cybertron. " So how long will this take?" asked G-Force. " About 3 hours." replied Minesweeper. "I know how to pass the time." said Valentino with a grin. "And how's that?" asked Recykill. "99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of beer! Take on down, pass it around, 98 bottles of beer on the wall!" Valentino sung. "Oh no, not again." groaned Timelapse. "Come on everyone, join in. 98 bottle of beer-" "What is he talking about?" whispered Postal Apocalypse. "I think he's space sick." said Highbeams. "No no, he's fine. This is just something we do on long flights." said Blue Lightning. "Well I don't think anyone is joining him." said Hooligan. "Man you guys are no fun." said Valentino. "How much longer?" asked Razorwind. "2 hours and 55 minutes." replied Minesweeper. "Let's hope we don't lose our sanity on the way." said Razorwind. After a while the Autocons had arrived to Cybertron. "Alright everyone, Optimus should be in the capitol building. Let's roll out!" ordered Blue Lightning. They all transformed and made there way to the capitol. As they arrived they saw that it was very heavily guarded by the Autobots. "So how do we actually get in?" asked Hooligan. "Don't worry, I can help with that." said Ulysses. "How's that?" asked Slapshot. "I was sent to kill all of you, I'll just say that I captured you all instead, easy fix." "Well that does make sense." "Now then, allow me to do the talking." They then transformed back and approached the capitol building. "Ah if it isn't Ironhide, my good friend!" greeted Ulysses. "I see you have the targets." said Ironhide. "Yes indeedy!" "Why aren't they dead?" "Quite simple really, I thought that I should give the honor of finishing them off to Optimus Prime himself!" "Alright but next time follow your orders to the letter, no improvising." "Alrighty then, you got it!" The Autocons then entered the capitol. "See, easy." said Ulysses. Then a group of Autobots approached the Autocons and put them in handcuffs. "We'll take it from here." said the Autobot. "Are you sure about that Wheeljack?" asked Ulysses. "Yes I'm sure, you'll get your paycheck after the execution." "How lovely!" "But it will be cut down from the original price." "How lovely." Ulysses said again more sarcastically. "Now go to your station, we'll contact you when we pay you." "Alright, toodaloo!" Ulysses then left the room. The Autocons were then escorted to the top floor where Optimus was. "This suspense is gonna kill me before Optimus does." said Valentino. "Hey! Quiet down." commanded Wheeljack. Eventually they reached the top. "Optimus is in here, enjoy your final moments." Wheeljack then shoved them all in one at a time and closed the door behind them and locking it. The room was large and relatively empty, the only things inside were two large sets of seats lining the walls along with a balcony in each corner with one large, looming chair in the back. "Greetings my former Autobots." a voice echoed from the back of the room. "Normally I would be happy to see you all, well half of you at least, but not in this instance. You have greatly disappointed me, joining the enemy is treason of the highest order and I will not let that go without punishment. To show the residents of the newly liberated Cybertron what happens when you are against us I will make examples out of all of you" said Optimus. "Optimus, may I speak on behalf of my team mates to explain our actions?" asked Blue Lightning. "You shall have one mintue." "Thank you. Now the reason we joined with this group of Decepticons is because they too left their own cause. We are all defects of our faction. We try to be neutral in the war and not help either side. We do not wish you or any of your followers any harm, but we will not back down so easily. So I hope you understand our reasons and can let us live." "Do you remember your original mission? The reason you were sent to Earth in the first place." asked Optimus. "To get the shard fragments." answered Blue Lightning. "Yes, do you have any with you?" "Just one, Timelapse has it." "Give it to me." ordered Optimus. Blue Lightning did a head motion to signal Timelapse. Timelapse then walked up to Optimus and gave him the duplicate shard. "Thank you. Just one left." "About that." Valentino spoke up. "What about it?" asked Optimus with an annoyed tone in his voice. "The final shard kinda doesn't exist anymore." "What happened to it?!" "It got destroyed while fighting a Terracon uprising a few months back." "So you mean to tell me that after all of the work I put into getting these shards, it was all for nothing because of some random Terracon?" "Yeah, basically." "Which one of you destroyed it?" "It was me." said Cytrax. "Of course it was a Decepticon. You will be executed first. Everyone come over here and stand on this platform." ordered Optimus as a platform emerged from the floor. As they stepped on the platform rose to the roof and stopped. Everyone then stepped off and the platform went back into the room. Optimus then emerged on another platform farther back on the roof. "This is where you will all be executed. Take in the view, it will be the last thing you all see." Optimus then pulled out his axe and approached Cytrax from behind. Optimus then raised his axe and swung down!

Cytrax used the axe swing to break off his handcuffs and free himself! "Alright everyone begin the attack!" ordered Cytrax. Cytrax then used his two whips to break off the other handcuffs. The Autocons then readied their weapons and entered a battle position. "Autobots, we have another assasination attempt. Get to the roof of the capitol building and help me kill them!" ordered Optimus. A squadron of Autobots began to climb to the top of the building. "What's all the fuss about?" asked Ulysses. "Those traitors you brought in are trying to kill Optimus!" Shouted Wheeljack. "You are not getting your payment!" shouted Ironhide. "Oh man a real shame I tell ya. Should I participate in the battle?" asked Ulysses. "NO! You stay right where you are, you've caused enough trouble already!" ordered Cliffjumper. "Well shucks. See you later then!" As the Autobots continued upwards Ulysses closed the door. "Now how to get to the top without being seen? This should be fun!" Back on the roof Optimus pulled out his Ion cannon and fired at Cytrax. Cytrax whipped the shot away though. Then there was heavy fire coming from above. Autobot gunships had arrived and were providing aerial support. Blue Lightning pulled out his E.M.P. gun and fired at the ships. But shots had no effect! "Oh dear." said Blue Lightning. Minesweeper released Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ratbat to help in the battle. "Anyone who can fly I need in the skies!" ordered Cytrax. All of the flying Autocons then took of and engaged the ships. Minesweeper then hit some buttons on a small control panel. Then the ship that they flew in on arrived and started firing at the ships as well. Then the ground troops arrived to the roof. "Alright Slapshot myself and Cytrax will go after Optimus, everyone else deal with the Autobots!" ordered Blue Lightning. "All remaining Decepticons on Cybertron, head to the capitol building for our last stand against Optimus!" Razorwind sent out the message. Cytrax whipped Optimus but missed as Optimus grabbed his whip and yanked it away. Cytrax then pulled out his missile launcher and fired. Optimus blocked the shot with his axe and threw it at Cytrax, landing it in his chest! Slapshot then entered the battle by firing at Optimus. But with one charged shot from his Ion cannon Slapshot was sent flying back. During the battle in the sky Laserbeak was shot down and killed. Postal Apocalypse was tearing through the ground troops with ease. Then Wheeljack pulled out a gun no one had seen before. "This is my own personal creation. I hope you like it." He then fired it at Postal Apocalypse. The shot immediately put him into stasis. The Autobots then started to push back, eventually cornering the Autocons on the roof when suddenly..."Hello boys! I'm back!" Ulysses came bursting out from beneath and he instantly got to work by activating his second set of arms and taking on the Autobots. "Autobots, push them off the roof!" ordered Ironhide. "Hey I have an idea!" shouted Highbeams. "What?" asked Hooligan. "Let me just adjust this, rewire that and finally-" Highbeams surgical laser then fired automatically and sliced several Autobots in half. "Holy crap how did you do that?" asked Hooligan. "I'm not sure really." "Well can you do it again?" "Nope." "Well crap." "Oh hello Optimus, been a while hasn't it." "Ulysses, you have betrayed me too have you?" "Maybe!" "Shame, I respected your skills as a hunter and an actor. Time for your untimely death" Optimus then pulled out his sword. Blue Lightning then dove in with his sword out and went for a stab that was quickly parried by Optimus. Ulysses then activated his two turrets and started to fire at Optimus. Optimus snapped his fingers and Bumblebee arrived and handed Optimus a shield. He then started to block the shots with his shield. "Bumblebee prepare my AFT." "Yes sir!" Minesweeper pulled out a switch and flipped it which set off several explosives under the feet of the Autobots. "I will pilot our ship and provide cover, try not to die in the mean time." Minesweeper then lept onto the ship. "Was that his first attempt at humor?" asked Hooligan. "I think he's loosening up a bit." said Highbeams. Then a series of missiles shot several ships out of the sky. One of the ships took out Ratbat on its way down. "Holy mother of-" said G-Force in amazment as he saw War Machine approach the battle with his small army with him. "War Machine ready for combat. Decepticons attack!"ordered War Machine. "Bumblebee where is it!?" Optimus growled. "Right here sir." "Thank you. Now prepare the railgun." "Understood." Optimus then equipped the AFT which was a jet pack with weapon attachments. He then flew up towards War Machine and started to fire. "Optimus Prime, prepare to be overthrown." taunted War Machine. Eventually the ships managed to critically damage the ship that Minesweeper was piloting. "Time for operation crash and burn." said Minesweeper as he started a head first dive into the Autobots, killing several and destroying his ship. "Bumblebee, how is the railgun?" asked Optimus. "Ready and waiting sir." "Fire at War Machine, now!" "Yes sir. Warpath man the railgun." "I got my shot." said Warpath as he fired! The shot landed on War Machines shoulder causing him to fall backward. Optimus then started to fly back to the roof. Then the right wing on his AFT spontaneously exploded, causing him to crash. "Direct hit." said Minesweeper while climbing out of the rubble of his crashed ship. As Optimus got up he had his own axe swung at him by Cytrax. "Timelapse get the shards." ordered Chopper. Slapshot then activated his arm blade and stabbed Optimus in the leg, putting him on one knee. Optimus then fired his Ion cannon at Slapshot but missed and shot Valentino instead. "God damnit I can't catch a break can I?!" Yelled Valentino. Optimus then activated his own arm blade and sliced off Slapshots arm! He then pulled out the now severed arm and smacked Slapshot with it before turning around and stabbing Cytrax and kicking away his axe. Ulysses then jumped and stabbed with all four of his arms. Blue Lightning then fired his E.M.P. gun, partially disabling Optimus. "Cytrax wrap him up!" shouted Ulysses. "Timelapse hurry up!" said Chopper. "Got them." said Timelapse while running back. Cytrax then wrapped up Optimus with his whips. "Alright Optimus stand still." said Timelapse arrived. "Who would like the honor of defeating Optimus?" asked Timelapse. "I'll do it." said Blue Lightning. "Ok all you have to do is take these shards and shove them in his chest." said Timelapse. "Won't that make him immortal?" "Trust me." "Alright." Blue Lightning then took the shards and shoved them in! "So what happens now?" "Give it a second." "You fools just made me immortal. How do expect to win n-" Optimus paused. "In three tw-" Optimus then collapsed onto the ground dead. "One, my timing was a little off." "Wait what actually happened there?" asked Blue Lightning. "It's quite simple really, you see since one of the shards I had was a duplicate, when I combined it with another of its kind along with the others it created a chain reactions that-" Hooligan then lifted his finger up to Timelapses mouth. "Shh, You lost us all at duplicate. Point is we killed him!" "Well if you're ever curious about how he died just let me know and I'll be happy to explain." "Yeah yeah whatever, who really cares about the nitty gritty details." "I do." Highbeams spoke up. "Don't get him started please." "Well Highbeams I would be more than happy to tell you every single little thing, come with me." the two then walked off while talking to each other. "So how do we deal with the other Autobots?" asked Recykill. "I will keep them as prisoners." said War Machine. "Sounds like a great idea!" exclaimed Ulysses. "So who's going to be the new leader of Cybertron?" asked G-Force. "I...don't know actually." said Blue Lightning. "Should we vote again?" asked Chopper. "No, that was a mess last time." "So what do you propose?" "I have an idea." said Minesweeper. "After analyzing all of our possible leadership options I came to a conclusion." "And it is...?" asked Valentino. "No one leader." said Minesweeper. "Could you maybe explain that a bit better." suggested Hooligan. "I think I know what he means." said Razorwind while flying down. "I believe what he is trying to say is that not just one person should rule Cybertron." "So anarchy?" asked Ulysses. "Yes." said Minesweeper while nodding. "Splendid! I hate rules." said Ulysses while jumping in the air. "But why anarchy?" asked Cytrax. "Simple, it is statistically our best option." "If you say so." said Recykill. "What did I miss?" asked Postal Apocalypse as he reawakened. "We won!" exclaimed Ulysses. "Did anyone else die?" "Optimus is dead." "Yes! I still got a good few kills." "Well I one for one am excited for the new Cybertron!" said Chopper. "I will be the prison warden for our Autobot friends." said Razorwind before transforming and flying away. "I will join him. Return Buzzsaw." Buzzsaw then returned to Minesweeper. Minesweeper then jumped off the roof, transformed and drove away. "Alright let's round up the Autobots and get them to War Machine." ordered Recykill. "Hooligan help me out." "Alright, not like I got anything better to do." "Valentino join them." ordered Blue Lightning. "Fine, you're the boss. But once I'm done you better believe I am starting my own gang." said Valentino. "Wait what?" "What?" said Valentino before rushing over to Recykill. "Alright Autobots hustle up!" ordered Recykill. "This could take a while, I'll meet up with you later." "I will go and talk to War Machine about...stuff." G-Force then Transformed and flew away. "Well then I guess he just felt like leaving, anyway I'm gonna go find a bounty to hunt! Tata!" Ulysses then left as well. "I'm gonna go catch up with Timelapse, maybe he can fix my arm, you know reattach it and such. See you later. "Well Cytrax, looks like it's just you and me still on this roof." said Blue Lightning. "Yes, it does seem to be the case." replied Cytrax. "It feels like so long ago you and I were trying to kill each other in D.C." "Just remember, you never did beat me." Blue Lightning then lifted his finger before lowering it. "True...but don't rub it in alright?" "Sure." "Well I guess I'll start working on rebuilding Cybertron…again I suppose." "Again?" "Well Optimus started reconstruction and I guess we're finishing it." "Oh right...I will handle the military and you can handle the economy." "Sounds good." "Well time to start." "Alright let's get going." Timelapse then walked back to the body of Optimus. "Almost forgot about these." Timelapse said while grabbing the shards out of his chest. "Can't leave these lying around. Now Highbeams, where was I?" "You were talking about how the markings on the shards actively negate the effects of itself if duplicated." "Ah yes of course, now to further expand on that we need to take a quick trip to the Cybertronian museum of science and history. Come with me." They then set off for the museum. " I should probably drop these off when I get there." said Timelapse while holding the shards. And so they left.