StarFormers: Resistance

By H.R.C. Stanley

Episode I

Back in the Imperial Era, the Galactic Empire sought and attempted to slowly conquer the neutral planet of Cybertron, home to the alien species of advanced shapeshifting mechanical beings known as the Transformers.

To do this, they made a deal with the malicious and brutal faction called the Decepticons led by the power-hungry warlord Megatron; they would share a supply of Energon, the primary source of life and power on Cybertron, as well as space bridge technology as an alternative to hyperspace, and even a potential superweapon.

In light of such a unification, the rebellious Commonwealth of Autobots, led by the valiant Optimus Prime, fought back against this dark alliance and ultimately defeated Megatron himself, a minor blow that would eventually become a major factor to the Empire's downfall.

In the wake of victory, a greater bargain was struck; keep the power, influence and conflict between the Rebellion and Empire off the face of Cybertron for good.

However, despite this, a great fragment of the Decepticon and Imperial Fleets still remained, well into the conflict between the First Order and the New Republic Resistance.

As a lone Star Destroyer hovers just beyond the orbit of Cybertron, a group of Decepticon Seekers set forth to the ship in order to discuss with its Captain regarding their next course of action...

While droning silence dominated the bridge of the Star Destroyer, the ship's captain stood defiantly against it and took command over it. Staring out through the glass window into the utter emptiness of space, save the nearby planet, with piercing eyes and stiff pouting lips. Leather gloved hands were firmly placed on hips, resting if even for a brief moment, and smooth black boots were tightly gripped to the floor, still and unmoved.

The silence was cut short as the blast doors split open, revealing a young male officer, wide-eyed and hesitant on his step. He walked into the bridge and towards the captain until a mere few metres were left to stand in between them.

"Captain," the young officer cleared his throat and spoke. "A trio of Decepticons are approaching our ship and requesting permission to enter."

A brief moment of silence immediately followed as the Captain took it all in slowly and thoroughly.

"Let them know their permission is already granted," the Captain replied, head and eyes turned by a slight. "And that I'll meet them in the hanger bay."

"Yes, ma'am," the minor officer nodded before turning back and exiting the same way he came in.

Left back to her own devices, she continued staring out at the vast space once more.

A vague amount of time flew by before the various green-clad crewmen and polished white troopers gathered and stood in clear and proper line in the Hangar bay. The Captain took off her cap to brush back her short, light teal hair and wipe off a hint of sweat from her dark skin before putting the cap back in proper place.

Three identical jet-like ships of unique design slowly rose up and emerged into view before hovering into the hangar; the middle jet, grey and red, took the first lead while the other two, one bright blue and the other black and purple, followed close behind. With every second that flew by, the tension grew greater every instance.

Then, as soon as they've fully entered, the three jets morphed and changed until their true forms were revealed, tall and mighty mechanical titans. Looking down, they could see the humans staring back up at them; some of them drained of colour while few others were shivering with mouths hanging slightly open. The middle one in particular spotted the Captain, sticking out from the rest like a sore thumb.

"Ah, long time no see, Captain Nela-Keth Denyken," the middle winged mech kneeled down to greet the human captain with an open hand moved forth.

"Indeed we have, Commander Starscream," the unswayed Nela-Keth said, clearly declining a possible shake of hands.

"That would be Lord to you," Starscream corrected. "Since Megatron's disappearance, I nominated myself as the new leader."

"Sure you have," she crossed her arms together. "What do you have to report this time anyway?"

"Needless to say, our cleansing on many of our regions from Kaon to Burthov have been a success in recent weeks,"

"Have they now?"

"Indeed, the traitorous and savage Predacons and Maximals have been retreating and scattering into the shadows where they belong. We practically have them on the run."

"Good effort," she complimented. "And what of the Autobot Resistance?"

The Seeker leader took sweet time to calculate a clear and proper answer, slowly squeezing his fists and sharply inhaling.

"They shall not be a problem, I assure you," Starscream attempted to justify. "Well yes, they had taken back and liberated a few cities such as Iacon and Bitrex just hours ago."

"They even managed to recruit most of the Mini-Cons to their cause," the blue seeker on Starscream's left added, causing Nela-Keth to rub her forehead.

"I'm the one explaining the situation here, Thundercracker!" Starscream nearly snapped at his frightened comrade with a hiss, raising a hand to shield between his voice and the already unimpressed human captain. Then his audio sensors caught a slightly suppressed chortling from his right, coming from the purple seeker. "And you're certainly not helping, Skywarp!"

"Then why even bring us along at all?" Skywarp shrugged and questioned, not the slight bit intimidated like Thundercracker was.

"Why am I not surprised?" the Imperial Captain further scoffed. "Whatever the Supreme Leader claims to see in you, I sure as hell don't."

"Now not to worry, however my dear," Starscream reassured. "For I might know of a few worthy Bounty Hunters that might help us deal with this constant resistance."

"And may I ask, who might they be?" Nela-Keth cocked an eyebrow.

"Wait and see, my young organic friend," Starscream teased with a wide grin and a Kubrickian stare.

To be continued...