Authors Notes: And the story continues. Reviews are love. Onward to spending time in the sun with friends, going sightseeing, and taking a swim after falling off a cliff? Maybe not a fun day but still survivable.
Story Notes:
:: Internal comms between specific bots or groups not audibly heard by anyone or anybot else. May be encrypted or hackable ::
All rights owned by Hasbro, Rhino and whoever else their lawyers signed up with paperwork.
S.O.S. DINOBOTS
Season 1 episode 7. October 27, 1984
Part Two
Great Falls – Between the Cascade Locks Area and Multnomah Falls, The Gorge, Oregon state
"Any idea what's for lunch?"
The cheerful question was met by silence before the other man relented, chuckling. The two uniformed guards paused by the hand railing without touching it, the metal slicked with moisture. Nearby, the cement walkway and buildings coating protected the concrete from the relentless buildup while creating sparkling drops in the bright sun. "Just because my rank is Captain," the dark-haired man pointed at the patch over his chest pocket. "Does not mean I know everything. The menu is posted weekly by the cafeteria door."
"I never pay attention to mundane stuff like that. Too awed by the natural beauty here, and the pretty new receptionist. I plan to ask her out on Friday to the movies. If she says no, then offer a lunch date. Or drop by at break time and start up a conversation and wow her with my personality," the other man answered, wiping at the moisture across his face.
"Read the menu. It's lasagna, Caesar salad and garlic bread. And while you're at it, read the policy on sexual harassment and interdepartmental activities. Never date a coworker, a good practice to follow but not official policy. If things go bad your work life can become heck on earth or cost you the job," the Captain stated firmly, settling his cap tighter. The bright red dot of their security and loss protection company logo the only marking on the tan cap. The tan uniform shirt and pants were military styled with a tie. The bright blue tie served a purpose rarely mentioned, detecting radiation and changing to red as a requirement around all government work sites. The M16 rifles strung over their shoulders while patrolling the strategic buildings would need drying off later, stored away when mixing with the visiting guest in the public access areas.
Completing the patrol of the walkways, the duo approached the other team waiting at the far corner. "Bet Barnes asks what's for lunch too," the Captain joked before a high whistling noise caught his attention. The descending scream sound of jet engines had him turning as a massively wide shadow blocked out the sun. "Too low unless crashing,' he thought then froze, blinking as the four shapes in the sky registered. Their names he didn't know except one. Megatron.
The guards exchanged a panicked look, realizing their rifles could stop human protesters but have little or no effect on those metal beings. "Above our heads and pay grade. The Dam is replaceable and insured, we are not. Pull the fire alarm, get everyone clear," the Captain ordered.
::Thundercracker, chasing fire only:: Megatron ordered. Plan calculations allowed for human casualties but not a requirement, needing workers for the start of the plan. He landed silently, his flying technology lowering him with precision onto the cement walkways.
::No offlining?:: Thundercracker's targeting systems alternated between locking on the human weapons and their path or higher power to leave a small crater and char mark.
::Let them carry the tale of our conquest:: Starscream interrupted, more striking a pose than hovering into place alongside Soundwave.
::Bait to ensure Prime leads and prevent his noble warriors from a full out assault least they hurt their precious fleshlings:: Megatron explained, suppressing a grimace as Starscream nulled the external generators as though stopping Iacon's grand shields. The larger generators cycled down, their high-pitched noise disappearing. 'Wasted effort. Plan proceeding as expected.'
"Phase one: Capture the Dam construct at Great Falls."
"Complete. Falls not 'great', research human use of word."
"Phase Two: Preparation of offensives for Autobot arrival."
"In progress, 15% complete with current warriors. Ongoing variables assessed."
"Phase Three: Energon cube production on half the generators."
"Preparation stage. Supplies in subspace and ready for distribution."
"Phase Four: Elimination of enemy foes."
"Pending for vorns. Starscream's current status?"
The ancient mech paused, not wanting to calculate how many times the annoying seeker had been on the foes list then removed for his science or battle acuity to be added again.
"Including Starscream if he fails me yet again."
"Communications jammed. Decoy signal ready Lord Megatron," Soundwave intoned, recalling Ravage out of the human's area, automatically checking his cassette remained intact after crashing through metal bars and glass. Small debris of the human world invariably found the way into Soundwave's parts when the cassettes returned. The humans primitive communications unit smoking and burning as the men working it fled.
"I Megatron declare this facility Decepticon domain."
"Until the Autobots arrive Leader. Your plans couldn't save Kaon, Praxus or Iacon for the Decepticon cause, why will this be any different?" Starscream countered softly, standing closest to the main entrance and away from the waterfall and his cannon carrying leader. The four seekers on the mission took defensive positions.
"Capture complete. Lay out the power cabling, activate the nanite cannisters and begin cube production. Rumble, attend to me. Your assistance is required," Megatron ordered.
"I get to drop this place after all?"
"Negative. We need its energy. Process bigger and more precise."
"Bigger would be Prime but that could never happen," the small cassette stated.
"I disagree. Listen and learn," Megatron countered.
The Ark, Autobot base – Mt St Hilary, Oregon
"Can you confirm if it's the Decepticons?" Optimus Prime stood in the Command Center, facing away from Ratchet and across the room physically. The medic's swearing and occasionally thrown charred part meant keeping a distance. Ratchet was as angry with himself over the failure of the Dinobots as being frustrated with repairing Teletran again, a volatile mix.
"The energy signature is warped but Cybertronian based. I need to get closer to confirm Cons and not more stolen technology in human hands but that puts me in weapons range," Hound's voice echoed over the communicator, his cheerful tone wrapped in sounds of racing winds and revving engine sounds. The signal lag nearly two seconds long, earth lacking Cybertron's advanced relays and their own systems use to relying on Teletrans and other communications enhancers.
"Orders stand. Do not engage or be discovered. I await your report."
"Understood. Hound out."
"Hey!" Instinctively lunging to the side, the large mech frowned even though the expression remained hid behind his battle mask. The ragged metal component, wires and all slid across the floor with scraping sounds to impact with the nearby wall. A piece large enough Prime could have snow sledded on slung across the room as easily as dropping a datapad onto a table. The metal piece an example of the Ratchet's great frame strength, often hidden.
"All five power transistors are intact and the interchange crystals but not the conduit tubing. Teletran 2 parts can be gutted. This part, that section," Ratchet's bright blue optics dimmed as he focused on design and overlays.
Prime listened, not interrupting. Teletran Two would have been the full working backup, its need demonstrated by the day's events too acutely. And dedicated to long-range outer space signal searching, to reach those still scattered across the stars. A faint pain echoed through his spark at the memory of his missing spark mate, Elita One. His processing trailed off wondering how many mechs or femmes offlined while he and his crew were dormant in the Ark. A silver shape neared, self-preservation protocols charging his rifle as he ducked.
"No moping you! Wheeljack's doing enough for us all, locked in his lab and blocking even my comm calls," Ratchet ordered, holding a handful of wrenches. Standing on his feet, the white and red armored med threatened to throw another wrench.
"I was reviewing personnel lists," Prime calmly stated, the rifle safeties engaging back.
"Mission? Check. Not enough frames to fill the mission without being target practice? Check. Repair everything and every bot around here, always!" Ratchet snarked, kneeling to reach around the power crystals and continue working.
Cascade Locks Area and Multnomah Falls, The Gorge, Oregon state
"Are you sure we can't be seen?" Spike asked. Bracing one hand on the dash, he leaned into the wild ride around the curves and hills as Hound raced. The wind whipping his hair smelled clean and felt warm in the bright sun.
"You doubt my skills as a scout? I am Special Operations certified and seekers never detect me. Not on Cybertron or earth. Hold tight, road is washed out ahead," The red glowing button on Hound's dash seemed to deepen more towards purple with his words. The steering wheel turned matching wheel movement, an unnecessary effect the Transformers kept as part of their disguises. The gear shift remained centered in neutral, the setting not existing on Cybertron and the power of their engines beyond human numbering for shift levels. The communications button for Spike's benefit and a quick read visually by any medic if darkened.
"I meant seen by Optimus. I left my helmet in my locker and Prowl's rules require shoulder belts while riding. And obeying speed limits." Tennis shoes and a tan colored shirt replaced his normal working clothes, his appearance less conspicuous while enjoying a chance to scout around.
"I can slow down if you are worried. Satellite links ensure the road ahead is clear of human traffic and I won't tell Prowl if you don't," Hound's voice held a tone of teasing. "Hold it, I am picking up more electronic signals. Could be Decepticons."
"Or campers. Last false signal was Park Rangers training in the trees. And 'could be Decepticons,' is a phrase you guys use a lot to start sentences."
"Or a new adventure. Fight an enemy for thousands of vorns and you learn to expect their sneakiness everywhere."
The Ark, Autobot base – Mt St Hilary, Oregon State
"Hound, calling Optimus Prime. Enemy sighted."
Prime nodded, the top left helm bar sliding out to boost range. Without looking, he automatically reached back to grab his ion rifle with his focus remaining on the signal. "Understood, we will meet you at the falls in eight thousand astro seconds." Logically he knew they had to roll to the dam, meaning their alt modes and weapons secured. But the comforting feel of his ion rifle, fingers curled around the trigger and ready to fire soothed battle impulses active from the Dinobot fight. A click released all the rifle settings for battle, rare for him but it felt right. The Matrix under his chest panels hummed, wanting attention. Focusing, he felt its warning. Events were in motion that could affect more than him or his troops. What was coming could affect Cyberton itself.
"How?" He prodded, use to the implement of the Primes being vague.
Ancient language glyphs flowed across his vision. "Power," "Team" "Trouble" and "Accept."
"Not very helpful," Prime noted, feeling the Matrix settle to dormancy.
"And?" Ratchet prodded, looking up expectantly at Prime. The medic recognized the increased power flare of the Matrix, with medical protocols set to check Prime as his very spark could ebb while communicating with it.
"Power, team, trouble and accept."
"Remind me why the Matrix is considered the source of wisdom? Sounds like a random collection of words for a human writing contest."
"It will light our darkest hour."
"Your problem, not mine. Finishing Teletran One is. Report any injuries and haul the peices back here," Ratchet returned to repairs, sparks dancing from his micro welder across another bent metal piece. Prime's life signs remained in operating range and Primus willing would stay that way for as long as Ratchet functioned.
Prime carefully prodded at the Matrix again, seeking more. He felt its warmth of acknowledgement only. It recognized him, approved of him carrying it and would reveal more when and ever if it wanted to. Deep venting, he shuttered his optics and recognized multiple energy signatures nearby. Turning his helm to the right, he twitched as his troops were lined up in a row and he had never heard any of them. Trying to get answers inward, he had lost his focus outward.
Ironhide stood first, having arrived the quickest and always wanting to be closest to Prime to protect him. His red armored form was clean and neatly polished as though they were heading to the Council chambers for a meeting and not a battle. Gears was next and stood at attention patiently, none of his usual comments. Next was Bluestreak looking ready for inspection, weapon in hand then Trailbreaker, Bumblebee, and Sideswipe.
"Autobots, transform. Not you Bumblebee. Stay here and guard headquarters," he added, watching them transform and hiding a soft smile at their youngest. Most transformers had to concentrate between forms shifting least parts misalign. Bumblebee stopped mid shift and returned to standing as casually as sighing.
::Why me?:: Bumblebee pinged across the scout frequency.
::I need you to be the voice of reason with Wheeljack and Ratchet. Both are emotionally compromised and need a bot who can focus beyond the task at hand. I believe you are our best scout and those skills are best served here:: Prime answered, wanting to keep him safe. His injuries had not been repaired and Ratchet labeling them "minor" were still concerning. Any mention of that however and the little yellow bot would bring up surviving Tyger Pax and Prime's own injuries over countless battles. Now as not the time for an argument. Bumblebee would remain safe at the Ark while he confronted Megatron.
"Roll out," Prime transformed, calling his trailer to him. Systems locked, keeping it paired to his frame even to rolling downhill or sliding as one unit, Roller tucked inside mid trailer. The rising battle platform inside charged to readiness and went into standby mode.
::Is this every bot?:: Ironhide sent over the comms. He made a processor note to spend more time with Bumblebee later to make up for being left behind. Bee took his duty seriously, never outgrowing the need to prove himself to those who had raised him.
:: Others will join en route. This may be a diversion or split of the Decepticon forces. Megatron's plans are never what they seem. We will meet with Hound then disburse into teams:: Prime answered, rolling out and leading them. The hall lights flickered as the outer access doors closed, the power draw routed elsewhere in the Ark. Any bot remaining behind should have realized it was not Ratchet's repairs on the downed system. Which left Wheeljack's lab. The inventor continued tooling the third processor panel base, the drone machinery behind him making components as fast as the metals cooled.
Cascade Locks Area and Multnomah Falls, The Gorge, Oregon state
Megatron, Dark Lord and Leader of the Decepticons stood before the falls as Frenzy processed another batch of energon cubes nearby. Only twelve cubes were stacked by the cassette warrior, and he bet his Second in Command would never notice the pile should have been tripled for the time allowed. 'Hiding inside from getting his precious wings damp and watching the others draw power to make the cubes instead of doing. Now he disturbs my peace.' Red optics cycled back, the scans confirming the saturation of the water below. He kept his back turned, an insult in the old ways to the other's rank and titles. "Endless energy Starscream."
"Unless we are interrupted by the Autobots."
Megatron vented softly, steps ahead in his plan and confident. "As usual, you underestimate me Starscream. I have already devised a warm reception for our foes. If they should be foolish enough to interfere."
Frowning, the Seeker pondered his wording. 'Warm' meant weaponry and he tracked all computer simulations and designs at their base. Nothing new had popped up on the screens for some time. And the word 'interfere' meant confidence the plan would succeed. What was Megatron up to?
Several breems later, Starscream had his answer. His initial judgment of the plan notched quickly higher. The instruction to herd the Autobots together by flying close in mech modes without full attack seemed odd. Their grouping was their strength. To defeat a bot, you had to separate them. They knew team fighting all too well. And the command to keep their focus upward, flying by in strafe runs made no sense. The cliff they fought on balanced between the falls and river and limited the option to use their alt modes except down the narrow one lane road. Up for down made no difference. Prime's trailer remained parked a short distance away by roadside boulders, the automated weapons a calculated risk with the dam nearby. A single blast could miss a target, impacting the area with disastrous results.
Gears soared up, the red and blue armored mini bot firing until a blast from Soundwave's rifle. At quarter power, the charge carried enough force to knock the bot down to the ground without critically injuring him. Megatron's orders were resolute. No offlining yet, even if they had a chance.
::Starscream do not land!::
The order snapped across his relays, sending the Seeker back up into the air instead of landing behind Trailbreaker to take his spark.
::Why? I had him in my sights!:: Starscream argued, the perfect alignment lost as Sideswipe covered his teammate, firing up at the seekers.
::The dirt is laced with nanites. You would be infected. Do not disobey me in this or suffer the consequences:: Megatron explained, his red optics practically glowing before striding into the human building and disappearing. He had remained out of the battle, not even verbally sparring with Prime.
::Nanites? For what?:: Thundercracker
::Strategic placement. Follow orders:: Soundwave reminded, confirming Ravage tucked inside with the others and Rumble nearby. The cassette warrior answered back, grumbling about the layered coating on his frame to block the nanites affecting his ramming speeds. ::Necessary. Ready pile driver arms::
::Are we sure these things are going to work? Shockwave ain't here and we are:: Rumble answered, the drill marks from Laserbeak aligned under his rounded enhancements. As bad as he wanted a chance to attack the great Optimus Prime, he knew a slagged off Prime could kick Megatron's aft and had done it. Rumble didn't stand a chance even with Soundwave and all the other cassettes helping.
"Now you will witness the power of my fusion cannon." Megatron tugged the final section of the power cable flat before connecting it to the modified cannon end. Visions of his own exploding arms and battle damage flashed across his optics before being banished ruthlessly. Soundwave and Shockwave were their best scientists and if they said the power outlay would work, it would. He would take their sparks if it didn't.
Prime's blue optics narrowed, seeing the cable. "Upping your power hmm? Been tried before. What are you up to?" The Autobots stood close together, waiting for orders and to duck if fired upon.
"Ready Rumble?"
"Aw slag, not him again," Ironhide grumbled, passing Jazz and Bluestreak to get a clear line of sight to fire. The Praxus mech focused upward, trying to get Thundercracker sighted in the targeting locks of his shoulder weapons. Jazz's visor flaring blue betrayed his focus. A jammed cartridge ejected out to clear his gun began disappearing under brown dust. Moving brown dust that multiplied.
::Big problem boss bot! Nanites under us:: Jazz reported, data flowing across his operations visor.
::I show no signs of system intrusion:: Prime reported back, watching Megatron closely. He should have fired the instant connected to the power cable and had not, even the tip of his cannon remained pointed down. Cracks in the rock began, spreading to open fissures underneath Rumble's power drivers along a marked line. Squatting down, hydraulics shifted in his legs to jump Prime up and clear into the air.
And Megatron fired. Not at them but the cliff edge on which they stood. Firing along another marked line they had seen and ignored believing it to be a human marking. The steady energy disbursed into the rock, shattering it apart and charging the nanites. The micro attackers on lined, the Cybertronian internal systems detecting their presence too late, hidden under their dirt coating.
Externally, the fighters braced as their cliff section tilted sideways, crumbling apart over the rushing river below. Internally they fought the nanites jamming systems and blocking energy relays. Arms wouldn't move, fingers couldn't pull triggers and battle protocols went into standby as orders waited to update, the last motion command to jump or rise in the air frozen. Self-repairs countered, marking the micro intruders for isolation and removal over time they did not have.
::Autobots, move! ::Prime ordered, his rifle arm falling to his side.
::I can't fly. Systems down!:: Ironhide roared, tilting backwards and over, the rocky surface under his feet pads collapsing.
Other Autobots sounded, their calls angry more than fearful. Ironhide hit the water first, sinking deep with the combined weight of Sideswipe and Hound landing practically on him. Mirage splashed to his left, panicking as the upper class mech avoided earth's water at all costs and began to sink, clueless what to do in the flowing river.
::Teach Mirage to swim:: Ironhide's immediate processor note was classified to a subroutine holding file.
::First Priority : Protect Prime::
:: Secondary priority : Self survival::
::Tertiary priority: Kick Con aft::
::Lower Priorities: Upgrade internal drying systems to compensate for water on a planet two thirds water.
Verify all team members know what to do in earth's varied terrains.
Compile three insults to counter Ratchet's repairs later.
Spend more time with Bumblebee, lessening danger of this mission in story to him.
Priority list to be updated pending survival. Listing program offline in three astro seconds. Two astro seconds. One astro second.
Gears and Sunstreaker splashed in further away, auto systems keeping them afloat as Bluestreak's scream ended in a gurgle as he fell head first with the combined weight of his shoulder rockets making him top heavy.
Even with optics closed Ironhide recognized the mini wave as Prime hit. ::Good thing he left the trailer with Spike:: crossed his processor.
To be continued…