Part two of the battle. Enjoy and review!
(Thirty Minutes Ago, TRF Unit)
The convoy was driving towards where their drones had found the Autobots before being shot down. Four black armored SUVs were up ahead, while the rest were coming up from behind, including ASV, an armored van that was their mobile command, and two Apaches overhead.
"Latest feed shows the targets heading to a nearby abandoned town." A soldier reported.
"Remember, our goal is to detain Cade Yeager. That means alive." Lennox said through the radio. "Be advise, the Autobots will defend themselves if they feel threatened."
Santos snorted. "Yeah well, we'll see how that goes." He muttered.
Suddenly, the computers began to make noise. Moving to check, the computer tech said, "Sir, we're detecting large seismic movement up ahead."
As if on cue, the road ahead exploded. Coming out of the ground were the Dinobots, roaring through the smoke and debris. The forward SUVs didn't stand a chance as they were smacked, stomped and tossed aside by the large Cybertronians. One of the Apaches tried to take a shot, only to lose balance when Swoop smacked his tail against the helicopter's rotor. They made no move towards the others as the rest of the convoy stopped upon seeing the destruction wrought by the Dinobots. The remaining Apache fell back, staying in position but the pilot kept an eye on Swoop.
The soldiers immediately disembarked from their vehicles. Epps looked through his binoculars and whistled. "Damn, those are some big ass Dinosaurs." He remarked.
"Doesn't look like they're going to attack, Colonel." Graham said to Lennox. "Guess they're just making sure we don't get in the way."
Lennox didn't say anything. From the corner of his eye he saw Santos marching towards the command vehicle. Running up to him, Lennox said. "Remember, Yeager is needed alive. He has vital information on a dangerous weapon." Lennox reminded the TRF commander. He knew that the death of those soldiers would anger the former Delta operator.
And right he was. "This is a TRF operation only, stay out of my way." Santos said before glaring at Lennox. "Those were my men." He said before roughly pushing Lennox backed.
On Santos's orders, multiple aerial drones were dispatched. Under the control from the computers in the carrier, they made their way off towards the town where the Autobots and Decepticons were fighting. Lennox could only watch as the drones took off. He could only hope that this would not get any worse. Looking back at the Dinobots, he watched as Grimlock turned around, while the others remained where they were, watching over the TRF from a distance. The Colonel could only assume that the T-Rex was going to aid the Autobots.
A honk caught Lennox's direction. Coming from the opposite direction was a large, blue Freightliner Cascadia Semi-Trailer Truck. Behind it was a dark and light green T-98 Kombat. They were both driving straight towards the halted convoy. Naturally, some TRF soldiers tried to halt the oncoming vehicles to no avail. As they got closer, Lennox finally noticed the Autobot emblem on the front of the truck.
"Move!" Lennox shouted to the soldiers as he pushed one of the men out of the way. The ASV had already moved to the side as the Freightliner bashed aside the TRF vehicles as it drove through. Sending a signal through Autobot frequency, the Dinobots made room for the truck to drive by.
Some TRF soldiers tried to fire on the Kombat as it kept driving. But the armored car unexpectedly transformed into a Boeing AH-64 Apache. It flew over the soldiers and easily passed by the remaining TRF chopper before heading towards the town.
As the soldiers were helping the others and checking on their vehicles, Graham walked up to Lennox. "Bloody hell. Think that was Prime?" The British soldier asked.
"Maybe" Lennox replied. "Whoever it is, the Decepticons are in for a surprise."
(Back with the Autobots)
"Take cover!" Salvage shouted as he, Skids, and Cliffjumper jumped out of the way as a laser beam struck the ground where they once stood. Mudflap joined them as he was sent flying, crashing on top of his brother. The twins bickered as Salvage and Cliffjumper fired their plasma cannons.
Seconds after landing, Thunderwing had begun his attack. Releasing a powerful electromagnetic pulse, the shock wave caused the Autobots to be knocked back, along with nearby buildings. Once that was done, he unveiled his arm-mounted laser concussion blasters, the large Cybertronian opened fired on the Autobots. Quickly, the others managed to recover and headed for cover. Ratchet and Jolt immediately dashed for Omega, who had taken damage from Thunderwing's surprise attack. The giant mech had scorch marks on his back, small leaks of energon dripping out from the wounds.
"Who the scrap is this guy?" Ironhide shouted as he fired his shell cannons. The projectiles merely bounced off Thunderwing's armor.
"Whoever he is, he's tough!" Brawn replied, shooting behind a building.
The femmes raced by, firing at Thunderwing as they passed him. The large mech tried to stomp on them, but their speed made it impossible. They continued shooting him, hitting him in the face. Though their photon bolts did nothing but annoy him, Thunderwing became angry enough that he released a concentrated stream of fire from his mouth. The sisters had just barely gotten out of the path of the flames, which consumed the ground and buildings.
Thunderwing became distracted by the Wreckers, who fired their chainguns at the giant mech. Turning his blasters towards them, the silver purple mech was going to shoot, when Bumblebee and Sideswipe jumped on his back. Hanging onto his shoulders, the two bots fired at Thunderwing's face, causing the mech to growl. Their attacks did little damage even up close, as Thunderwing grabbed the two Autobots and threw them aside.
Grimlock tried his luck next. Biting down on Thunderwing's arm, the Dinobot leader managed to throw the large mech into a building. The metal T-Rex followed it up with a torrent of flames, consuming Thunderwing. That did little to stop him though, as Thunderwing immediately recovered and grabbed Grimlock by the neck with one hand, while using the other to close Grimlock's mouth shut.
"Useless, obsolete Knight!" Thunderwing roared as he tried to tear the Dinobot's head off.
Fortunately, Grimlock was able to escape by transforming into his robot mode. With a growl, the Vanguard Leader swung his mace at Thunderwing, hitting his opponent with his mace before delivering an upper cut to the chin. Thunderwing was not deterred however, and simply kicked Grimlock back before firing his blasters. The lasers hit Grimlock square in the chest, sending the Dinobot rolling backwards. Thunderwing was going to finish the Knight off but was cut off when the other Autobots continued their assault on the large mech.
The Aerialbots took the stage this time. They did a dive and fired at Thunderwing, unleashing their rockets. This actually made the large mech stumble a bit but left no visible damage on his armor. Growling, Thunderwing glared up at the three flyers as they did a turn. The turbines on his wings shifted, spinning around and hovering over his shoulders. They began glowing as Thunderwing took aim.
From his cover, Jazz saw what was happening. "Silverbolt! Get your team back, now!" The saboteur cried.
The warning came to late. Thunderwing fired proton missiles from the two launchers. The Aerialbots only had a few seconds to move out of the way before the missiles exploded. Though they avoided a direct hit, the three flyers were sent crashing down into the ground, putting them out of the fight.
"Slag!" Jazz cursed as he fired another photon bolt at Thunderwing. "Longarm, Brawn, Cliffjumper! Check on those three and get them out of the line of fire!" He ordered.
From a far, the humans watched as the Autobots fought Thunderwing. However, before they could even decide on what to do next, a whirring sound caught their attention. Closing in on them was the swarm of TRF drones. They locked onto the humans and moved in.
"Run!" Cade said. "Run now, move you three!" He ordered as he, Jimmy, Adam and Izzy started running.
"Those things are supposed to hunt terrorists, not taxpaying Americans… not that I pay taxes anyway!" Jimmy said as he ran after Cade to another old building.
The four immediately took the stairs, running quickly. When they reached the third floor, they stopped. The inventor waited to see if the drones would enter. The sound of machine gun fire and shattering glassed indicated a yes. The drones' whirring was amplified inside. The TRF drones pursued them. Cade took shots at the drones with his rifle as he ran. He led his companions through several rooms and up a few more floors.
"Look! Over there!" Adam shouted, pointing to a nearby large room. Cade immediately ushered the other three inside said room.
The room had a few pillars supported the ceiling. Debris filled the place, including overturned beds, tables, shelves and other random items. It looked like a former hospital room. The four took hiding spots, keeping quiet as they listened for the drones' whirling.
The wait wasn't long as three drones flew into the room slowly. Cade held his breath as they began scanning the room. He peered through a ripped sheet handing off the bed he was hiding behind. Unfortunately, that's all it took as a drone spotted the inventor and opened fire. Cade stood up and brought it down with one shot from his alien pistol. The other drones began to fire. Springing up from his hiding spot, a broken shelf, Adam brought down his axe on another drone, cutting it down. The young hybrid immediately took cover behind a nearby pillar before the last drone could spot him.
The final drone focused its attention on Cade. That's when Jimmy ran up and stood in front of a pillar, hands in the air. The drone immediately stopped firing.
"What the hell are you doing?" Cade asked.
"They use facial recognition software." Jimmy explained. "They won't fire on someone if they're not a target."
Cade was unconvinced. "Are you out of your mind?!"
"Stay behind me!"
"Don't do this!"
"I got this. Just stay behind me."
"Jimmy, don't do this!"
"It's not even shooting." Jimmy said. The young man relaxed as the drone was face-to-face with him. Then metal plating on the drone slid into place.
Cade saw this. "Shit!" There was a loud thump followed by Jimmy flying through the weak wall behind him. Cade pivoted out of cover and shot the drone. The drone hit the floor but was not out. Izabella, who was nearby, grabbed a broken bed leg and impaled it into an opening between the plating. Adam finished the drone with a shot from his crossbow. Meanwhile, Cade rushed over to the hole that Jimmy went through. Jimmy was laying on the ground with a few planks of wood on top of him. "Oh my god, you okay, man?" Cade asked.
The young man coughed and looked at the inventor. "Cade… I just wanna tell you… I love you, man."
The inventor just gave Jimmy a look as if he was an idiot. "What the hell are you babbling about?" Asked Cade.
"This job wasn't what I thought, but I appreciate everything." Jimmy continued.
"I have no clue what you're doing?" Cade said.
"I'm dying here, man!"
Adam and Izzy walked over to the hole. Both stared at Jimmy incredulously. The former was holding something. "Dude, you got hit by a beanbag." Adam said.
Slowly lifting his head, Jimmy checked his chest. "There's no hole?"
"No hole. No blood. Nothing, now get up." Cade said as Jimmy quickly gathered himself, trying to recover his lost of pride as Cade told him to hurry.
The four ran out of the building, back onto the street. Even from their spot, the sound of battle could still be heard. They could even see the upper part of Thunderwing's body, as well as Omega Supreme, naturally. Cade turned his attention and looked around until he spotted what looked to be a large hotel or business building that had long fell into disrepair. He led the other three into the building.
"You know, running won't get the rest of those drones off our backs." Adam commented as they ran inside.
Izabella than brought up something. "There's always one in charge! I saw a bigger one with them!" She said.
"Okay, we take out the big one, the rest will go with it!" Cade planned.
They reached the elevators and called one down. When it arrived, they quickly filed inside. The back of the elevator was glass that allowed a view outside the building. Cade, Adam and Izzy looked for any signs of the drones. Their attention was diverted when Jimmy screamed.
"Oh my god! A leprechaun!" Jimmy exclaimed.
Standing in the corner of the elevator was a humanoid Cybetronian. He was around their height and had blue optics. Cade noted that he had a steampunk look. His optics seemed to twitch frequently too.
"Who the hell are you?" Cade asked, moving in front of Izzy and Adam.
"Leprechauns are tiny, green, and Irish." The mech said in a voice that made him sound like an uptight British butler. "and that is offensive." He noticed Izabella staring at him. "What are you looking at, little girl?"
The mech then bowed his head to Cade. "Greeting, Master Cade. I've come to collet you and Master Adam." He then did the same gesture towards Adam. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Master Adam. You've grown much since the last time I saw you."
That made Adam give him a questioning look. "I'm sorry, have we met before…?"
"Cogman, sir. At your service." The mech replied. "And yes, we have met. But you were a baby at the time, so I do not blame you for not remembering me. Now, I believe it's time for us to go."
"No, no, no. You're not collecting shit." Cade said as he went to grab the mech. However, Cogman dodged out of the way and began throwing punches at the inventor. "Eh! What's your deal?"
"So, you want to play rough, huh?" Cogman asked, getting into a boxing stance.
The elevator dinged, and the doors opened. They were all greeted to the sight of a single TRF drone. The silver mech moved out of the way as the drone flew forward and collided with Cade, taking the inventor out of the glass window of the elevator. He hung on for dear life as the drone tried to correct it flight but could not with the added weight. His friends shouted from the elevator, but Cade could not hear what was being said over the drone's motor. The thing flew him into the side of buildings. He honestly thought he was going to lose his grip and fall to his death. Below him, the Autobots' battle with Thunderwing had entered that part of the town. Explosives were flying everywhere now as weapons fired. If the fall from the height didn't kill the Cade, then the explosions most likely would.
The drone finally smashed into the roof of the building next to the one he was in. Sliding down, Cade managed to grab onto a flag pole and dangled over the edge. Another drone came by, firing upon him. He felt something hit his chest, the force causing him to lose his grip and fall a short distance to the lower roof below. Cade checked the spot where he felt the bullet hit him. All he found was a hole in his shirt and the talisman attached to his upper right chest. The thing somehow moved from his arm to where it was now. If it wasn't for that though, the bullet would have torn through his right lung.
Meanwhile, down below, Adam, Jimmy and Izabella had exited the building, followed by Cogman. The mech appeared to be talking to someone, having pulled out an old phone from his chest. That was when Sqweeks appeared, clicking like mad as he rolled up to Izabella. Around the same time, Thunderwing was tackled by Ironhide, Armorhide and Warpath. The larger mech managed to throw them off before focusing his optics on the humans and smaller mechs. He reached out for Sqweeks.
"Sqweeks, look out!" Izzy shouted as she ran up to her friend.
Adam raised his crossbow and fired an energy bolt at Thunderwing. The shot hit the mech in the face, causing him to hiss at the sting. "Good shot, Master Adam!" Cogman congratulated as Adam ran over to help Izabella and Sqweeks.
Unfortunately, Thunderwing was less than pleased. Standing up, he brought out his chest-mounted Cyclone Cannon. The four-barreled cannon fired energy projectiles from each barrel, quickly merging into a single larger one with greater speed. It headed straight towards the three. Adam only had seconds to push Izabella and Sqweeks out of the way before the projectile struck. The explosion sent all three of them flying, however Adam's landing was less graceful. The young man slammed against a building wall hard, and smoke could be seen rising off him. His clothes were slightly burned too.
"Adam!" Izzy screamed in horror as she got up.
Thunderwing ignored the girl. He reached out, preparing to grab Adam, who he could tell was still alive thanks to his scanners. Before the mech could grab the boy, however, the blue Freightliner appeared. It drove straight into Thunderwing's legs, knocking the large mech over. Cogman took that chance to pick Adam up and move him to safety.
The Freightliner than transformed. It took on the form of a large blue and white mech, who was a few inches taller than Optimus Prime. He had a bulky build and bigger chassis. The mech had what looked like retracted missile pods on his shoulders, and extra guards on his thighs, arms and legs.
"Ultra Magnus…" Ironhide as he tangled himself from Armorhide.
The mech, Ultra Magnus, immediately pulled out a large battle hammer with jet thrusters installed into it. Swinging the hammer, the opposite end released propulsive energy that increased its speed (A/N: It's like the Rocket Hammer used by Reinhardt from Overwatch) before striking Thunderwing in the face. The larger mech looked to be in pain from that blow, energon flying out of his mouth. Magnus delivered several more hits, sending Thunderwing staggering backwards. Snarling, Thunderwing raised his arm-mounted Concussion Blasters, firing barrage of lasers.
Magnus did a barrel-roll, putting away his hammer and then drawing his neutron blaster. Getting down on one knee, the large Autobot unloaded his eight-barrel weapon, unleashing 600 neutron rounds per second. He also fired his shoulder missiles at Thunderwing, being joined in by the Apache that followed him.
As the other Autobots began to regroup, a familiar Tiger Helicopter appeared before transforming. Tomahawk landed beside Crosshairs. "You guys okay?" The flyer asked.
"What the slag took you guys so long?" Crosshairs asked as he watched Blazemaster join in on attacking Thunderwing. Stratosphere transformed and landed on the ground, readying his weapons.
"Air traffic" Was all Tomahawk said, bringing out his machine guns.
Back with Thunderwing, the mech took notice of the additional Autobots that had just appeared, with the others also coming. He also saw Omega Supreme slowly getting up, that's what made Thunderwing realized that perhaps it was time to retreat. Thus, Thunderwing ignored the projectiles hitting his armor, and transformed. The shuttlecraft took off, kicking off dust as the mech flew away.
"That's right! You better run, you bastard!" Ironhide bellowed as he fired his Heavy Irons.
"Stand down, Ironhide." Magnus ordered as he put away his blaster. "Springer" He said to the Apache, who transformed into a green mech. "Help the others with the wounded. I'll contact Gears to land the ship."
"Ship? Did someone say ship?" Crosshairs asked, but his question was ignored as Cade and Izabella ran to Adam's side. Said boy was gently placed down on the ground by Cogman.
"Adam! Adam, talk to me, kid!" Cade yelled as he checked over the young hybrid. Rewind also joined them, scanning his friend's vitals. Evac and the others had finally arrived, and his optics widened at the sight of Adam's injured form. "Ratchet! We got a man down!" Evac called out.
"I can see no injuries that are fatal on Master Adam." Cogman reported, relief in his voicebox. He looked at Cade. "Though my orders were to bring both of you, I'm afraid Master Adam is in no condition to accompany us. So, you must come with me alone."
Cade brushed aside Cogman. "Go with you? Go where? And why the hell are you even here?" The inventor demanded as he stepped back to let Ratchet scan Adam.
"I am here because of that," Cogman pointed to the ground next to Cade. There sat the talisman. How did that come off? "And that is here because of you." Cade picked up the talisman, only to regret it began to stick to him and slide up his sleeve. "It will not leave you until you've fulfilled your quest. You have been chosen."
"What do you mean chosen?" Cade asked, trying, and failing, to shake the talisman off.
"I will explain everything if you come with me." Cogman said.
Crosshairs walked up behind Cogman, staring down at the smaller Cybertronian. "I'll swat this metal cockroach for ya, Cade." He said as he made to reach Cogman.
Without looking, Cogman grabbed Crosshairs digit and twisted it. Crosshairs fell to the ground, yelling in pain as his digit sparked. Skids and Mudflap charged Cogman from the sides but were foiled when the butler mech jumped into the air and did a spin. He kicked the twins in the face, sending them sprawling backwards onto the ground. Cade just gawked, watching this all.
"Ow, that hurt man!" Skids shouted.
Mudflap groaned, rubbing his head. "Crazy ninja a-hole."
"Don't kill the messenger, or the messenger will kill you." Cogman said and turned back to Cade. "Now, I'm afraid all this ballyhoo is on your account. If you want to save your friends, you will leave them, and come with me to England. I have a plane ready."
"And why should I go with you? I've got no reason to trust some crazy ninja butler." Cade said.
"Cade Yeager" Ultra Magnus said, calmly approaching the human and Cogman. He made sure to give Ratchet some space as he worked. "I've heard many things about you from the human Internet, and your efforts to help my fellow Autobots. However, there are things you are unware of, things that will affect both Cybertronians and humans. While the current situation is not the most suitable, I believe that traveling with, Cogman was it, would be the best course of action."
"As Ultra Magnus said, it is the wisest choice. Your friends will be safe in your absence." Cogman replied. "In your presence, unsafe. You are more important than you can possibly imagine. You are needed, sir. Urgently." Cade stood up. "My master often says that the important decisions in life often come down to one moment."
(Megatron's Team)
The survivors of the botch attack were recovering near the borders towards Iowa. Most of the Decepticons were busy licking their wounds, while Barricade and Megatron were speaking from afar.
"I've contacted Astrotrain, lord. He'll transport our ground members and follow you and the others." Barricade said to Megatron.
The Decepticon leader nodded. "Good. According to Soundwave, Cade Yeager and the talisman are heading towards the country, England. We shall rendezvous with Fracture's team and continue the hunt from there." Megatron said.
"Lord Megatron, why do we allow those TRF soldiers to continue monitoring us? Would it not be simpler to remove the GPS trackers? We can easily do it." Onslaught asked as he approached Megatron.
"The TRF have their uses. Their presence will pressure Yeager and the Autobots to continue running and will take most of the damage while the rest of our forces prepare for Cybertron's arrival." Megatron explained. "I highly expect them to double cross us once Yeager and the talisman have been captured but that will be dealt when the time comes."
That's when Megatron's coms came alive. :My Liege, this is Shockwave. I have just been contacted by a Decepticon defector who is heading towards your location now.: The second-in-command said.
"Understood, Shockwave" Megatron said as his scanners picked up an approaching energon signature. The rest of the Decepticons all got up when they spotted a dark green Infiniti Q60 driving up to them. Some prepared their weapons but stood down when Megatron raised his hand. The car immediately transformed into a Cybertronian around Barricade's height. He had a thin build, and claws at the end of his fingers. On the back of his hands were tubes, giving the claws the appearance of syringes. Attached to the side of his mouthplate were what looked like two gas mask tubes on his jaw. Pipes trailed down from them and ended to his shoulders. Parts of a retractable mask could be seen on his head. His red optics spun as they focused on Megatron.
Megatron immediately recognized the Cybertronian. "Oil Slick, chemist specialist and defector. You joined Lockdown's crew from last I remembered." He growled.
"That was in the past." Oil Slick said. The way he talked made it sound like he was speaking out of a gas mask, venting out air. "After Hangnail was killed, I became Lockdown's SIC. Until he was killed by Optimus and the Axalon was shot down by that giant mech. I managed to get out before it took anymore damage. The others were forced in stasis lock by the ship's protocols."
"So, what it is you're offering? The ship's location in exchange for your pardon from defecting?" Megatron questioned.
"That, and an army of trained Cybertronian soldiers, advanced weapons and vehicles for you and your forces to use." Oil Slick added.
Megatron eyed Oil Slick carefully, while processing this bit of information. On one hand, it would just be easier to kill him right now, as he does with all traitors. However, the Axalon was one of the most advanced ships built since the Dynasty of Primes fell. It and its horde of secrets, as well as mercenaries, would be a welcome addition to his forces. "Very well, Oil Slick. I shall give you this once chance to prove yourself to rejoin our ranks. However," Megatron revealed a blade underneath his Fusion Cannon and held it in front of the Con's face. "Fail me, and I will have you drowned in your own chemicals."
Once he made sure he got his point, Megatron contacted Shockwave. "Shockwave, are there any additional forces current available?"
:There is indeed one, Lord Megatron. The Mayhem Attack Squad has just finished their mission in locating the center point of the horns that links to Unicron's spark. I shall have them prepared in the hour: Shockwave reported.
"Excellent. Once Astrotrain drops my team off in England, I shall have him come and pick Smolder's team up and transport them and Oil Slick to where the Axalon is." Megatron explained.
At that moment, a large purple grey NASA space shuttle flew down from the sky. It landed in front of Megatron. "Ready for pick-up, Lord Megatron." Astrotrain said as the doors opened.
"Barricade, Onslaught, get the troops on board. This hunt is not over yet." Megatron ordered before transforming and taking off, followed by Nitro Zeus and the other flyers.
(TRF Convoy)
Santos stared at the fiery wreckage of armored SUVs. The dinosaurs had already left, most likely to regroup with the other Autobots who have already left the abandoned town. Clean-up teams were already retrieving the remains of the dead Decepticons, while medics were helping the wounded soldiers. Count was 10 injured but in stable condition. And the Colonel wanted to go easy on the Autobots. You don't go easy with those things. Didn't matter what faction they belonged too, all Cybertronians were the same. The only thing you could do was take them down hard, way hard.
"I'm sorry about your men." Lennox said as he walked up beside the Commander. "Trust me, I know the feeling."
"I would feel comforted if you didn't try and protect these monsters at every damn turn." Santos growled towards the Colonel. He then headed back to the ASV. Lennox followed behind him. The remaining TRF soldiers gathered around as the two officers approached.
"Before they were shot down, the scout drones were able to track Yeager. He and that yellow bot followed some human-size robot onto an older World War 2 bomber. Last known sighting was that it was heading for England." Lennox explained. "General Morshower has already been notified and is contacting MI6. The GPS trackers on the Decepticons also show that Megatron is heading there too. Remember, while we have an agreement with the, the Cons are not our friends. With that said, prep up and get ready to move. We're going to Great Britain."
(An Hour Later, Autobot Forward Base)
The Autobots had managed to regroup back to the junkyard. Somehow, they got Omega Supreme back without much difficulties, the giant mech sitting on his back while the Wreckers looked over him. The Autobots who were wounded were in the medical room, along with Adam. The others who were not injured were currently in the command room, where Ultra Magnus was. Izzy wanted to remain next to Adam, feeling partially responsible for his current state. Jimmy was sleeping in his trailer, the whole fiasco too much for him to handle. Cade had left with Cogman a while ago, with Bumblebee accompanying him.
Along with Springer, three more mechs had come with Ultra Magnus, aboard his vessel, the Iron Will. One was Gears, a white mech with a Toyota Sequoia alt mode. The other two were members of a team called Protectobots, First Aid, white and red mech, as well as a former student of Ratchet that transformed into a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulance, and Blades, with a red and white Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin alt mode. First Aid had assisted Ratchet and Jolt with treating the injured. They had also managed to stabilize Adam, and heal most of his wounds, though he was still in a coma.
"Now that we're all assembled, I shall explain everything." Ultra Magnus said to the gathered Autobots. "Four Earth years ago, I was tracking the Star Seekers, a group of Cybertronians who have resorted to piracy, raiding entire worlds for energon in order to survive. I had picked up Springer and Gears along the way during my pursuit when I made a startling discovery…Cybertron is moving and is currently heading towards Earth."
That got the Autobots' attention. "Cybertron is moving?! How is that possible?" Drift asked.
"I don't know, though I suspect its caused by the strange power source I had picked up when I traveled to the planet. I can only assume that it is done by these 'Creators' you told me about." Magnus said. "I decided to come here to Earth to inform you all of this."
"That's when we ran into First Aid and Blades." Springer said, picking up the conversation. "Their team, the Protectobots, were captured sometime ago and experimented on by Flatline and Shockwave. Apparently the two Cons are trying to replicate the Combiner process. Those two managed to escape and run into us."
"Last scans indicate the rest of the Protectobots were moved to Cybertron, perhaps to be experimented on." Revealed Ultra Magnus. "I plan on infiltrating the planet and freeing them, as well as any other prisoners that might be there. I'll need Cosmos's help though." Magnus said to Prowl.
The white and black mech nodded. "I'll tell him of the situation. He'll be waiting for you up in Earth's orbit. However, this also changes in the situation. The only other place that has many Autobots is Cuba, and perhaps where ever Cade and Bumblebee are going. And majority of refugees in that country are not fighters. If this is a Decepticon ploy, I don't know if we'll be able to hold."
"That's why we need a damn ship." Hound grumbled. The commando had been fixed up by Ratchet and was now here in the meeting.
"Daytrader says he finally found one, the one we've been looking for. That's why Wheeljack went with him, to make sure it's operational." Prowl revealed. "Unfortunately, all we can do now is wait for them to contact us."
"While you do that, I shall prepare my team to head to Cybertron and rescue the remaining Protectobots. Perhaps we'll even figure out who or what is piloting the planet. Prowl, Jazz, if you two could come with me." Ultra Magnus said as he ended the meeting. While everyone went off to do his or her own thing, Magnus led the two smaller mechs into a hallway. Once the door closed, the ranking officer looked at the others. "I did not want to reveal this in front of the others, in fear of how it might affect their morale. A few days ago, while making following Cybertron, we picked up Prime's energy signature near the planet."
"Optimus!" Jazz exclaimed. Prowl also seemed rather shock too. "What's he doing on Cybertron? Do you think the boss man was captured or something?"
"I tried contacting him, but his transmitter was jammed. If that is the case, then it is a possibility he is being held captive." Magnus replied. "Rest assured, I will make sure Optimus is rescued. I said I was going to save any prisoners we find, did I not?"
Prowl and Jazz looked at each other. Both of them wanted to go with Magnus to see if Prime had truly been captured. They knew though, that if they did so the others would grow curious and want to know what made them decide that. And Magnus's ship did not have enough room for all of them. Plus, it would leave the base undermanned. With that in mind, Prowl looked at the taller mech. "In that case, Magnus, we'll leave it in your hands, sir."
Ultra Magnus nodded in thanks and then proceeded towards where his ship was parked.
(Bermuda Triangle)
The region known as the Bermuda Triangle, or Devil's Triangle, had always been one of mystery and superstition due to the large number of ships and planes that have disappeared going through it. There have been many theories towards the reason why, some logical and others ridiculous. However, the truth was far more sinister.
In his shuttlecraft form, Thunderwing had already entered the triangle, flying through the thick clouds, violent storms and hurricanes that covered the region. He eventually reached a small island with multiple jagged rocks, with a larger tunnel in the center. Thunderwing flew straight into the cave, going deeper and deeper into the Earth.
After ten minutes of flying, Thunderwing transformed and landed on a metal ground. The large cavern was covered in black metallic walls, with crisscrossed metal web-like beams all over the place. A platform in the center of the floor, near where Thunderwing landed, began to shift and transform. After it fully transformed, a Cybertronian double the height of his large frame own looked down upon him. His jagged armor made him look terrifying. Pointed shoulders, feet, claws, and horns on the top of his head made the individual look like the Devil.
Thunderwing immediately got to one knee, bowing his head towards the intimidating entity. "My Lord and one true master, Unicron." Thunderwing said in reverence.
"Arise Thunderwing, my herald." The Chaos-Bringer, Unicron, said. "I have seen all that has happened on Earth. You failed to retrieve the boy."
"I have no excuse, my Lord. I shall accept any punishment, so long as I can have another chance to complete my task." Thunderwing replied solemnly.
Chuckling, Unicron said, "Your devotion is noted, Thunderwing. You will have another chance to fulfill your usefulness to me. Continue your role as a servant to Quintessa. The Deceiver will want things done quickly so she may restore Cybertron, unware that her efforts will end with my freedom. And with her capture of Optimus Prime, we can destroy the Matrix whenever we want too. For now, ensure that her staff is recovered at all costs, the boy will be secondary. Is that understood?"
"I hear you, my master. Worry not, I have already brought several Cybertronians to serve you. Soon, you will be revived, and the universe will be yours for the taking." Thunderwing declared. He then transformed and took off, while Unicron's avatar merged back with the room.
That's this chapter done! Now you know where Thunderwing's allegiance is. Be sure to leave a review.