Alewar8: I'm back, have you guys seen the trailers for Destiny 2? Jesus Cayde is hilarious but still sadness that we lost the city but if you think about it, this incident was bound to happen right?
Anyway, here's CH: 5 and a big thank you to my dear Beta, Loc, for both writing and posting that filler chapter. I am encouraging her to continue writing it because I love her idea so far, also I'm revising some stuff in the previous chapter to better fit the past we, as in Loc and I, are working on.
On another note, how would you guys feel about pairing Asher up with someone? ;) if so let me know, I may be posting a poll soon about the possibilities. You can PM me or Locien, either way we both have access to this account's email. Alright guys, I do hope you enjoy.
Loc: Destiny and Transformers do not belong to X, thank heavens for that. We accept criticism but be aware that x may decide to delete the comments if she so wishes to, she's done it before. Seriously be careful, she's mostly calm but gets vicious and fast too.
Asher sighed as the tenth trial failed, Hunter told him he should take a break but where exactly would he spend his time? He didn't interact with the NEST Rangers because they were always busy, Ironhide and Optimus always seemed to be with them too and Bumblebee was with Sam. Arcee and Bulkhead were allowed to accompany Jack, Miko and Raf in case anything were to happen and those three are due back sometime today which was reported three days ago, and they're returning half a week earlier. Still, something had started tickling his senses as if something was gonna go wrong. Probably a good thing then that Bluebell and Big Green went with the kids. Though Asher thinks Bulkhead volunteered to keep confrontation with Ironhide to a minimum. The Exo himself could use a new perspective on his work but Ratchet's constant nagging on blowing things up had started grating on Asher so with a final joke he made his way to the NEST base's containment rooms and continued his experiments there. He should have begged Optimus to let him tail the children, at least maybe then he wouldn't have to force himself to work so much, like Imara did when she tried upgrading their equipment further. Another sigh escaped his lips. Hunter started another trial in the eleventh containment unit he built to minimize the damage in case the compound did not take and so far it hadn't. Asher jogged a ways away and waited, hoping it would take. "Synchronization at 30%, 45%, 68%...80%!" Asher couldn't help but grow excited as well. "95%!" the compound turned green inside the empty casing of special ammunition Hunter provided. Both Exo and Ghost were ready to burst in victory but then the compound turned red and Asher pulled Hunter to his chest then turned away as the case exploded outward. The blast was enough to send him flying forward, he landed with a deep noise of pain before he groaned. The other explosions weren't nearly as big or loud as this one. Asher groaned once more as he released his partner and rolled onto his stomach. "Asher are you alright?"
"Yeah," he stood up with a shake of his head, the strange ominous feeling creeping on the edge of his sixth sense was growing but still he turned to look at the mess the blast made. He needed to get this done or risk relying solely on his Hunter abilities and whatever weapons NEST decided to equip him with. "That was bigger than before."
"It appears the closer we are to the correct substitute the bigger the explosion since the compound itself becomes more charged." Asher blinked his optics to his Ghost before jumping up with an excited yell and a fist pump. Hunter gave out a snort before hovering over to the decimated containment unit.
"It was at ninety-five percent synchronization, we're getting closer! Woot!" the door behind them swished open and there stood Optimus and Ironhide with their canons out and ready but Asher bypassed that in his excitement. He turned to the battle ready Autobots with a shout. "We're so close Swordfish! The Synch level was up to ninety-five percent and it turned the right color before exploding! Hunt examine the properties of what Ratchet gave us and then asked him if there is anything similar or greater of it around! Oh man this is so awesome!" he threw his hands up in joy again but the two Autobots were frowning, their weapons re-drawn into their bodies and Asher's joy deflated at the disapproving look of doom Optimus was shooting him. "What's wrong? Was there an attack on the base? I thought the Decepticons couldn't find us."
"No there has not been a Decepticon attack," a pause. "At the moment." Asher looked from Hunter's small body hovering over the blast mark to the two towering 'bots and his mouth opened with a soft, drawn out Oh of realization. They thought there was being attacked or something.
"Sorry Optimus we didn't think the blast was gonna be that bad." Ironhide crossed his arms over his chest and Asher shrunk back from the action before he puffed his chest out and stood his ground, Guardian or not these Cybertronians were big and intimidating. "Look we're closer to perfecting it and we can't quit now but I promise I'll be careful and com in when it's me causing the blast."
"I'm a weapons specialist Steelfrost, you didn't think asking me for help would be I don't know...any help?" Asher's optics narrowed. It had crossed his mind but he had seen Ironhide spending a lot of time with both Optimus and the Rangers on base. He also went around on missions with them just in case the humans needed back up.
"It crossed my mind 'hide but you looked so busy lately. Hunter and I just thought it best to not interrupt you from your job ya know? I had Ratchet helping me but he kept nagging me about me almost blowing up his medical equipment even when I told him to move it or move us somewhere else." Asher put his hand on his hips as he leaned forward a bit, waving his finger around in a reprimanding gesture. "And what is up with that name? The name's Asher-8 not Steelfrost."
"The reason I went on mission was because there was nothing else to do on base and I was technically on temporary relief. Ratchet gave me a list of what you were using as a substitute, have you used potassium perchlorate?" Asher opened his mouth but shook his head. "What did you use a moment ago?"
"Potassium chlorate," the weapon specialist gave a rumbling sigh and Asher tilted his head in confusion. "Is that not a good substitute when mixing sulfur and charcoal?"
"It works well in smoke grenades Steelfrost," If Asher had eyebrows he would be raising one at the name. "Potassium perchlorate is a good substitute, when mixed with sulfur and charcoal it makes a substance similar to Earth's black powder." Asher shuffled his feet. "I will bet my arsenal that potassium perchlorate will easily coexist with the composition of your unique ammunition ." Hunter hovered back over, his shell twisted once before disappearing.
"Hunter took note but he also said if I don't take a break he won't let me try it so..." Optimus was about to offer his hand to the Exo but Ironhide knelt first and offered his own. Asher glanced at Optimus before hopping on; the weapon specialist nodded once to Optimus and all three made their way back to the main base. "Hey, the fleshies were supposed to be back today. Any idea what time they are?"
"Arcee was to com in when they were on route to return but they have not." The feeling was creeping up again. "It is only noon in Earth time Asher, Arcee estimated that they would not return until perhaps the evening." He must have noticed something off about the Exo but still the feeling was there and even Hunter began to grow anxious. When they made it topside everyone was in a frenzy, Asher thought the blast had caused damage but Lennox was barking out orders and worst of all; Arcee and Bulkhead were standing there but only Jack and Raf were with them. Asher didn't wait as the two Autobots hurried over. As soon as he was close he jumped off Ironhide's hand and landed beside the two fleshies.
"Are you hurt? What happened? Where's Miko?" he asked as he looked over Raf first, there was a cut on his forehead.
"They came out of nowhere, we told our teachers we were being picked up by Arcee and Bulkhead. They got Miko before they could make it to us and they just flew away after." Jack explained. A medical officer jogged over, a first aid kit in hand. "We were hiding at first then ran but instead of just playing with us they tried catching us, really tried. Miko tripped and a blast from their weapons forced me to cover Raf and they took her." Asher stepped back and let the Ranger do his work.
"Jack, did they open a ground bridge?" the teen shook his head, they hadn't opened one at least not that he had seen. Bumblebee rushed in with Sam on his shoulder. The 'bot immediately knelt beside Raf and beeped in worry.
"Ratchet is working on pinpointing her signal but it keeps appearing in different areas." Arcee added in. Bulkhead was quiet and that worried the Exo, he could always hear the Wrecker's voice echoing through the halls. "I don't know how they were able to do it." Asher watched the Ranger patch up Jack and Raf, his mind far away from the conversation but he knew Hunter would be listening even though he was working over a control panel like computer.
"Optimus, we can send out some of ours to look for her." Lennox said, they continued their discussion with the Prime telling the Colonel it was a trap and a dangerous one at that. Hunter then reappeared before Asher and the Exo nodded once. "We know it's a trap but what other choice is there? We didn't even know there were three kids involved before this happened. We could have sent some of our with them on their field trip as mock security from the government due to certain circumstances. We could have bought Arcee and Bulkhead some time."
"Enough," Asher snapped, this could be dealt with later. "Our priority is finding Miko."
"We must be cautious in our search." Optimus agreed.
Hunter opened a projection. "Ratchet has sent me this map, he has narrowed it down to three locations. These three have the strongest life signals, he assumes that the replication was not completely accurate. I suggest two Autobots with each Ranger team." Bulkhead let out a growl, he wanted payback.
"Two per team but that would leave my third squad on with one, unless..." Lennox began as Hunter and the projection disappeared. "You're planning on going with them."
"Asher," but the Exo's dimmed eyes snapped to the Prime, he would not sit around when he could be more help in finding the girl. "Very well, it will be likely that we will need your medical assistance." Prime tilted his head, "Ratchet, is the ground bridge ready to be opened?"
"Affirmative Optimus, I will open three ground bridges, one at a time, to each location. Standby." Bee let Sam down, the young man kneeling down to stay with the kids. The four Autobots transformed into their vehicles. Ironhide a Modified GMC Topkick C4500, Bee as a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Arcee a Kawasaki Ninja 250R, and Bulkhead a modified Lamborghini LM002. "Opening to first location."
"Epps," the man stepped forward with a squadron behind him. They got into one of their military grade trucks just as the bridge opened. "Don't get in too much trouble." Epps only grinned and stepped on the gas. Without a word from Optimus, Arcee and Bulkhead followed after them. Optimus gave a hum at the action before transforming into a Peterbilt 379. That closed and another opened, "Fig." His squad got on a set of motorbikes and rushed through. Asher got on his Sparrow, his gear back on before he raced through, Ironhide following him right after. Another opened after the second closed and Bee and Optimus followed Lennox's team through.
Asher and Ironhide appeared through the bridge, Fig's team had stopped a ways away. "Hunt tap into all radio frequencies, we need to be connected." beep and then a low squeal before it stopped. "Do you guys copy?"
"We hear you Asher," Fig replied after a moment's pause, their radio buttons were helpfully put on the back of their middle finger. "The signal should be here in this area but we don't see anything."
"Keep your eyes open and stay alert," Ironhide started. "Don't lower your guard." Red appeared on Asher's visor, not too close but not far enough.
"Got red on my scanner, they're close by. We need to continue on, you guys be careful." Asher and Ironhide took point and the Marines brought up the rear.
"Jefe you think I can use one of your sparrows on a mission sometime? Those things look like they can go faster than what you've allowed us back on base." Fig asked and Asher knew he was the nervous talker on suspenseful mission like this.
"Maybe, Hunt says we're less than ten meters from enemy targets. 'hide I think it's a good idea if the Rangers and I continue on foot, it'll be quieter that way." Ironhide began to slow down so Asher held up his hand and they all stopped.
"I will come at a slower pace to draw less attention but if the shooting starts I'm charging in." Asher felt Hunter's amusement.
"Copy that 'hide, Fig let's go." Asher's sparrow disappeared and the others left their bikes. As they rounded a rock wall they spotted three Decepticon underlings, Fig sent two men left and two right to flank them. He stayed with Asher, they moved quietly and hid behind a small rock wall. Fig sent some hand signals to Asher, Hunter had the decency to translate what Fig meant (He always did suck at those hand signals) so he nodded once. The Ranger crept forward and took a peek around the wall for a moment before turning back and shaking his head. "Red, do you see her?"
"Negative, Johns confirm eval." static came through the com link for a moment before John's voice patched though.
"Confirmed, she isn't here...Optimus was right this is a trap."
"What should we do Fig?" Red asked. Fig looked to Asher who shook his head. Charging in without seeing Miko first would be suicide plus the fact that they would use her safety against them, whether she was here or not. And in any case, it would be stupid to show he was alive.
"They believe you dead Asher, this is a risk to both you and your team." Asher felt apprehension, Ironhide was wrong this wasn't really his team. It was Fig's. "Fall back, Ratchet has opened a ground bridge for our return. Do it quickly, the longer it stays open the faster they can detect us."
"Pulling back." Red confirmed.
"Same." Johns answered. Fig and Asher started creeping back but large, heavy footfalls made them pause. The Exo put a finger to his mouth, way to jinx it Ironhide. Both stood ready in case they were caught but were as silent as they could be. "Fig we see Red, we're heading towards Ironhide. Do you copy?" Asher shook his head when Fig went to answer, the Decepticons were getting closer. "Fig do you copy? Asher?" Asher gave a mental nudge to Hunter to answer the Ranger.
"They can hear you Johns. Quickly return to Ironhide and they will meet with you in a moment." Fig grinned at the Exo, his partner was a genius.
"Understood Hunter, good luck." Johns replied. Asher stuck a hand out, a smoke bomb appeared in his hand. It wouldn't make Fig invisible but if timed correctly it would blind the mech. He should really get on top of making them better equipment. The Decepticon footfalls stopped; Asher felt uneasy so he pulled at Fig's sleeve so that the man would move behind him but would be running in front. Asher signaled him to start forward quietly so the man did. Asher kept his attention to where the Decepticons were last heard but then...a large crunch. Fig froze as he looked down under his boot and found a pink phone crushed under it. Asher turned in a hurry and pushed the man forward just as the rock wall was blasted away. Asher stood quickly after the blast but the human was groaning from the it so the Exo gripped his arm and lugged his ass up.
"Get a grip Fig, we need to go!" with one shake of his head the Ranger shot up and started running with Asher right behind him. There was no pausing, the Ranger's bike was too much trouble since he had to kick up the stand then turn the bike on. "Ironhide is the bridge still open?"
"We're waiting on you to return through. Epp's needs help on his end." Asher replied with an affirmative before he did a quick turn with two Void wall grenades in his hand. He threw them down and purple fire emerged. The underlings made no attempt to stop, they charged through but soon felt the effects of the grenade and slowed.
"Fig," he said into the com link. "Looks like you'll get your wish, Hunter is going to summon a sparrow straight ahead of you. Get back to the bridge and make sure it is shut once you're through!" Hunter made the sparrow appear and Fig didn't slow down too much. The Decepticons started gaining on them so he took off and a whirring notified Asher that they transformed into their aerial vehicles. Asher jumped, a sparrow appearing under him before he took off behind the Ranger. The bridge was straight ahead and he managed to see Fig disappear into it but at the speed the underlings were going he wouldn't make it without them going through. "Ratchet close the damn bridge, they're right behind me!"
"You are still not through Asher-8!" the Exo was aggravated, didn't Ratchet know they couldn't let them through.
"They'll make it through before us, close it!" Hunter called into the com.
"Get your aft through the bridge now Steelfrost!" Asher snorted a short laugh at Ironhide's yell. Who did he think he was, Lord Shaxx? The bridge started flickering. "Ratchet, he can make it!"
"I'm not closing it, they're beginning to block the signal!" Asher started panicking, the Medic sounded on the verge of panicking himself. It would be a repeat of the last time only now the Decepticons won't care if he dies, they know he will come back no matter how many times he falls. Hunter wanted to help but he would need to come out in the open and Asher forbids that of his Ghost in combat.
"I'm coming back Steelfrost." Ironhide's statement brought down his panic levels.
"You cannot Ironhide, the bridge is destabilizing!" Asher knew Ratchet could do nothing and letting Ironhide through could kill him or worse. Ironhide cursed into the com link and Asher knew he could only reassure them as best he could that he would not die easily.
"I'll hold out for as long as I can," his voice came out a lot more distressed than he wanted. "Don't leave me behind." Static filled his com before Hunter shut it off. The bridge disappeared so Asher hit the brake causing his sparrow to drift into a sharp U-turn. He punched the sparrow's speed to its fullest and managed to get passed the troops.
"Asher what are you planning?" the Exo's grip on his sparrow was deadly.
"What Fig stepped on to cause that noise was a phone, maybe the one Miko used to send us pictures of them on their field trip." his voice was quivering in the beginning, it had been a very long time since he was truly afraid but then the realization that they did have Miko close by hardened his resolve. His fear was still there but he would not, could not, leave the innocent girl in their clutches. "How far can you scan the area without being physically out?" a blast threw Asher up, he hit the brake on instinct like Dren had showed him. He spun on the his sparrow before landing safe enough. He spotted the rock walls and adjusted his direction to make it in through the small gap without a problem but before he could make it through, one of the seekers landed before him. Asher was forced to stop his vehicle and stare up at the mech.
"I'm picking up a faint signal, they're hiding her well now." Asher felt his resolve waver as the three seekers surrounded him, they had suspected he would take off again. "They're Seekers Asher, smaller foot soldiers for the Decepticons." they pointed their cannons so Asher sighed and got off his Sparrow with his hands held up in surrender. A loud rumble and a Bushmaster (it's an armored car from Australia) appeared, it transformed until Asher saw Breakdown standing behind one of the Seekers. A MQ-1 Predator appeared next and transformed midair, Soundwave now stood beside Breakdown. Asher groaned at the sight of the two. He needed to bide time for a plan, time for the others to get to him.
"Please tell me Ice-cream isn't making an appearance." He needed to find Miko. "Oh hey there Handsome," Asher waved to Breakdown and then did a salute to Soundwave. "How's scream queen treating ya Sweetcheeks?" the mech only tilted his head as the Sparrow disappeared. Soundwave knew he was dead the last they left him but Megatron had not taken their answer and now the mech was seeing that his Lord's suspicions were accurate. Strange then how this human had not stayed dead.
"Don't even start meat-sack; we're not letting you get away from us again." the Seeker before him moved to the side in order for Soundwave to reach down and pick up the Exo. Asher sighed and grabbed onto the mech's thumb and instead of holding him in a fist he simply kept his hand open. "You gonna cooperate instead of shocking us again?" Asher shrugged as best he could with one arm available to make it exaggerated. Hunter was pushing at him to use his Blade Dancer again to get away but Asher told him that patience is a virtue. The underlings kept their cannons out but away from the Exo now in their superiors grasp.
"Did it hurt when I got you last time Handsome?" the look Breakdown was sporting was making Asher a bit uneasy, he had to play this carefully or they'd test their theory of his death. "Aw don't be like that! Tell you what," he let go of Soundwave's thumb and jumped towards the Ex-Wrecker, the 'con didn't even move so Asher used his second jump to land on the mech's shoulder. The Seekers had tensed but when he landed on Breakdown they lowered their cannons all the way down. "I'll cooperate if ya let me see, look over, and talk to Miko. Oh and if you let her go afterwards do we have a deal Handsome?" the 'con narrowed his one good optic, the Exo figured they wouldn't believe him.
"You are in no place to negotiate Human." Asher looked to the silent Mech talking into his com. "The female will be staying with us, she will enable us to control the Autobots." the Exo's optics narrowed behind his visor. A broken message came into his audio and he knew the silent 'con would hear it, what exactly is Hunter thinking letting the mech into their com link frequency.
"Asher-com-you...alive 'til then." oh that's what he was thinking, clever little light. Hunter took offense to the name, he felt it since Hunter couldn't say anything without alerting the 'con tapped in. Still that didn't sound like the Autobots, it wasn't Ratchet. Maybe it was one of the Rangers? Yeah that had to be it, it totally didn't sound like Imara telling him something about staying alive because they were coming for him. Pfft, they were not stupid enough to do that. Soundwave tilted his head again, he could hear that soft buzzing, no it was more like the hum of a machine and it was coming from the human again. Was it the technology he used that made the sound? Soundwave didn't think so, the sound was different and more...integrated? Yes, he would say it was more integrated with the human, as if he and the sound were of the same body.
"Honestly saying here Sweetcheeks I am in a position to negotiate, I've taken on one of you and came out on top. I'm pretty sure I can make some good damage before you manage to pin me down." Okay he may be a Hunter Class but dammit he can still do a fair amount of damage. A marker appeared on his visor and Asher knew that Hunter had located Miko or at least got a good idea where she was. "Me telling you I'll cooperate is a courtesy that I rarely give to my enemies let alone telling them I'll do damage." He wasn't a Titan, Dren would have been useful with his Sunbreaker or his specialty, Striker. Heck even Imara with her Void Walker's Nova-wait! That's it! Breakdown shrugged his shoulder to throw Asher off, the Exo gave a short yelp before jumping over to Soundwave. He landed on the Mech's head, he laughed then; what a perfect height and angle to use it! The Seekers had all turned towards the trio so they're in range.
"Lord Megatron believed you were alive and he was right." Breakdown finally said, his tone held two things Asher had not heard in awhile. Contempt and malice; Hunter only found what Bulkhead had reported about Breakdown's capture, what he saw when he was rescuing the mech. The 'con already disliked humans on principle alone but it seems after what happened he grew cynical, Asher knew the feeling. Hunter was already uneasy but at his tone the Ghost grew alarmed. Still, Asher played his part well and put his hands on his hips in a casual manner but the Seekers around them took several steps away from the ex-Wrecker. It's a good thing he gets three shots.
"And what does that mean exactly?" Soundwave took one step away from the mech as well. He knew Breakdown would crush the human if given the chance.
"Means I don't have to hold back. I can end your fleshy spark as much as I want but you'll be alive by the time we get you to Lord Megatron." it went silent between them. Hunter's alarm turned to full out panic then panicked worry since Asher's fear had suddenly calmed. He needed to do it now so he did what he did best; he laughed. It started out low then began escalating until it was bordering manic.
"Oh you big tease!" the joy in his tone made the Seekers think they were sent to capture a mentally unstable bag of flesh. "You sure know how to flirt with someone Handsome, you make a lasting impression. However!" purple Void energy began to emit from Asher's left hand. "I don't have time to play with you right now, sorry but ya know how it is." he jumped once, a purple energy bow and arrow appeared in his hands. He aimed one between Breakdown and Soundwave, another at a Seeker's head since he was aiming his weapon and the last between the last two Seekers. As he neared the ground Hunter brought forth the XV0 "Timebreaker" Sparrow(I saw this online and thought why the hell not?), with Ratchet's help (note: condescending help) he was able to increase the speed of this one in particular. He punched it and he sped off at 190.
"You can't keep this speed very long or it will overheat and explode with you on it." Hunter said into the com.
"I got it Hunt now will it withstand the distance to my mark?"
"Only just, as soon as you get close enough jump off and I will store it again." Asher gave a curse as he just barely missed hitting a boulder. "If you make it that far that is."
"Trying to not die here!" He answered. "I just need to get there and get her out."
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"Arcee and Bulkhead have requested back-up, there were a lot more Decepticons in their area than they first thought." Ironhide sat in his Alt. Mode, looking to the walls of rocks but he didn't see Asher or Fig. The Autobot sighed before he turned his alt mode around and raced through the bridge. As soon as he made it back to the base he transformed again.
"Ironhide is the bridge still open?" so Steelfrost was still alive then.
"We're waiting on you to return through. Epp's needs help on his end." Asher replied with an affirmative.
"Fig, looks like you'll get your wish, Hunter is going to summon a sparrow straight ahead of you. Get back to the bridge and make sure it's shut once you're through!" Dammit Asher, that's not happening. The Autobots do not leave a comrade behind.
It was a few moments later that Fig came racing through the bridge on Asher's Sparrow, his control was sloppy but he only partially slammed against one of the still parked trucks. He took deep breaths as he hopped off the vehicle, his com unusable to respond because of the blast. He jogged back over to Ironhide who was looking down at him. "You heard what that idiota said right?" the 'bot looked from the Ranger to the open portal. "I personally think we shouldn't, there were three 'cons on our tail. Almost blew us up the first time."
"Ratchet close the damn bridge, they're right behind me!"
"You are still not through Asher-8!" Ratchet knew what could happen, what would happen, should he be captured by the Decepticons. He would not let it go like that, Asher was still his patient whether he knew it or not.
"They'll make it through before us, close it!" Hunter called into the com.
"Get your aft through the bridge now Steelfrost!" Asher snorted a short laugh into the com link. The portal started growing smaller and smaller, Ironhide quickly yelled into the com. "Ratchet, he can make it!"
"I'm not closing it, they're beginning to block the signal!" Ironhide never thought he'd hear the Medic so frantic.
"I'm coming back Steelfrost." Ironhide would not leave the small Exo to fend off three Decepticons at once. He was about to transform but Ratchet's voice filtered through the com.
"You cannot Ironhide, the bridge is destabilizing!" Ironhide started cursing.
"I'll hold out for as long as I can," distress was clear in his voice even if he intended it to be reassuring. "Don't leave me behind." Static filled the com and the bridge disappeared. Ironhide had never felt so useless in his entire existence. He didn't want to look at his human companions, he had failed. In war, he had tried saving those being left behind but this was not a field of war. He had no reason to go through the bridge until he saw both smaller companions, he should have waited! He should have-! No he could not dwell on this, they must act or Asher will be captured like the girl, Miko.
"Ratchet open a ground bridge as close as possible to Steelfrost's location." the Rangers got back on their bikes so Fig went to the Sparrow and checked it over. Ironhide was right, no man was left behind.
"I'm working on it," Ratchet answered.
"It was my fault they heard us in the first place," Fig said at last. "Asher was covering us, I stepped on something...it crunched like-it was a cellphone!" Ironhide snapped his head to the Marine. "Assuming you big guys don't have cellphones, I'm guessing the girl, Miko, was nearby but just carefully hidden!"
"Ratchet inform the others, Miko and Asher are in the same location. We need to get there or we'll lose them both." Ironhide only wished Asher did hold on long enough for them to get there.
"I've informed the others but the Decepticons are fighting doubly hard!" the medic answered quickly. "Hm, this is strange..." Ratchet murmured as he typed on his system. There was a strange signal, it was similar to Asher's frequency but the Medic knew it wasn't the Exo. He allowed the frequency to play and his optics widened in disbelief. "Ironhide I've tapped into a frequency similar to Asher's, listen."
"Asher, we are coming. If you hear this, we are coming for you. We're almost there, stay alive until then." Ironhide gave a rumble, whoever this was...would they be able to get to Steelfrost in time?
"I'm opening a ground bridge now, the closest we could get was near Optimus and Bumblebee. I'm going to try to make contact with these beings, perhaps they can help Asher." A ground bridge opened so the Rangers raced through and Ironhide simply ran.
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The rift opened near Saturn's rings and ten seconds later five ship shot out. "Is everyone accounted for?" Locien asked his Ghost.
"Everyone made it through." Miluion confirmed and Locien let out a sigh of relief.
"How exactly can we tell we're not in the same Solar System?" Dren asked.
"The Dreadnought's not there." James said into the com link. "In fact, it's like a fight never happened. Look, no debris from destroyed ships or anything; just the cloud and asteroid belt." Locien hummed, Imara grew hopeful and Dren gave out a breath of relief. The moment they broke warp, Hawke-76 had her Ghost scanning the surrounding planets for life of any sort. With a beep, she and her Ghost finally got into the conversation.
"Earth seems to be the only planet that contains life, I suggest we send out an encrypted message. One Hunter will be able to detect and decrypt." Aaron, Hawke's Ghost, input as he pinpointed Asher's and Hunter's light. "He is on Earth."
"Well that's somewhat lucky then. Make your calculations." They all started punching in the numbers for warp. "We'll need to use the Stealth Drives Cayde allowed us to replicate, a precaution in case of any unexpected Fallen, Taken, etc. While in warp, Imara send out the message. He needs to know we are here for him." Imara gave an affirmative and at Locien's call they went into warp. An hour passed and Aaron was almost done pinpointing where exactly the duo was on Earth when all of a sudden the light signals disappeared. Aaron waited a moment but when they didn't reappear he knew something was wrong.
"Hawke we have a problem, their light signal has disappeared and it hasn't returned." Hawke-76's optics narrowed as her ghost showed her the Exo Hunter's last known location. "Do you think...?" but Hawke was stubborn enough to shake her head before tapping the screen that showed Imara's ship so Aaron got to work.
"Imara, Aaron has sent where both Asher's and Hunter's last known light signal was. Send out that transmission, we're almost there...and we might need to move fast." Imara received the coordinates, they were rough and unfinished. Questions swam through her mind but she needed to let her friend know he wasn't alone.
"Received and sending out transmission, I'm making it short." Alec, Imara's Ghost, finished inputting the information and tapped into surrounding frequencies before sending an affirmative to her Guardian. "Asher, we are coming. If you hear this, we are coming for you. We're almost there, stay alive until then." Once the message was out, it took another thirty minutes to break warp and for each minute Dren's leg was bouncing in anticipation. Hawke's few words made them doubt though both she and Locien believed he would be alive when they did reach him.
"Activate stealth drive," all did so but left their one channel open in case Asher responded but it wasn't the Exo Hunter's voice nor his Ghost's that came through the com link.
"Are you Imara?" Locien glanced at his Ghost in confusion. "Look there is no time to ponder! All communications and ground bridge capabilities have been cut off. They have Asher-8 backed into a corner and we cannot make it to him in time. So I need to know if you can make it the coordinates I send you to get him out."
"Who has him in a corner?" Dren asked. There was an irritated sigh on the com. "Make no mistake, we're going to help Asher but we need to have an idea about what we're up against. It won't help if we all die trying to get him out."
"I-frag!" the voice said over the com and Locien's eyes narrowed in thought. Coordinates came in so the five's Ghosts punched the numbers in. "Listen, three human children were pursued three hours ago, one was taken a girl named Miko. We sent out three teams to each location blasting her life signal, Asher was on one of those teams." there were some voices in the background, they seemed young so the five Guardians figured they were the voices of the other two kids. "Yes I'm getting to that; She was taken by titan sized mechanized beings called Cybertronians. Two weeks ago they got Asher killed, we've had him under house arrest ever since."
"Asher died?" James demanded, Imara and Dren's eyes widened; Asher was never one to go down so quickly. Locien hummed, giant mechanized beings huh? "You locked him in because he died?"
"The Cybertronian faction that attacked him are called Decepticons. They forced his hand and we couldn't reach him in time, I saw what effect his death had on him. He revived out of battle and it's never happened before. Look, we were separated and now we cannot get to him in time. Those Decepticons think he's dead but now they see he can't stay dead!" Imara sucked in a breath at the realization. "What do you think they'll do to him if they manage to catch him dead or alive?" the voice roared.
"Punch it!" Locien ordered as his ship rushed forward. The others followed after, their stealth drives holding steady. "Assume we're fighting something big like Crota and Oryx's size. Dren I'll need you on Defender, Hawke you're on offensive. Imara Stormcaller and James, Nightstalker...I'll provide cover when needed." Everyone geared up, their helmets on and their guns fully stocked and ready. "We're heading in mon ami, make sure you let everyone else know we're getting this Miko and Asher." they broke through the atmosphere and James was the one to give a sigh of relief, the stealth drives were still holding. As soon as they reached the coordinates Grim called in through the com.
"Asher's and Hunter's light is still here," Dren took point and led them over. There were four Cybertronians, scattered but close enough for the five Guardians to know they were a group. "Seems they're looking for something."
"Or someone," Dren answered his Ghost. "Locien, we should break apart. You, James and Imara should go find this Miko girl. I'm sure that's what Asher was doing before these guys forced him to hide."
"Think you can handle this?" Locien directed to Hawke-76 who in turn gave a snorting sound.
"I'm offended you felt the need to ask." Grim and Aaron transported their Guardians down below as the three remaining Guardians headed off with Locien trying to talk to Ratchet but the signal was beginning to fade. Some static filled the com so Grim and Aaron shut them off, they'd need to stay close enough to hear each other. "Radio's out Dren but Aaron says he can faintly detect Asher." Dren nodded in agreement as he drew his Thorn hand cannon.
"Grim got that too, let's see if we can find our Blade Dancer." They weren't trying to sneak around, they were Titans and contrary to popular belief they had a knack for simply charging in guns blazing. As they passed by the Decepticons they caught onto the tail end of their conversation.
"-Lord Megatron won't be happy we lost the fleshie." Were they talking about Miko? "This would be the second time he gets away and he's not even dead. If we don't catch him Soundwave I'm blaming you since you didn't let me kill him." Nope it was about Asher. Dren and Hawke nodded to one another then continued forward. As they passed a smaller formation of rocks, some voices floated out to them. Hawke motioned her fellow Titan forward. Dren walked inside Grim appearing to light his way. The voices stopped as soon as the light appeared. Asher dashed forward but Hawke caught his wrist before his knife landed. "Come out and I'll consider not killing you for all this trouble." Hawke released the Exo who then sheathed the blade and clasped his hand on Dren's shoulder. Dren did the same before he motioned to the cave entrance, Asher nodded and went forward. He patted Hawke's shoulder in passing as they followed after him. As soon as Asher was close enough a large servo curled around him. Asher yelped, Grim and Aaron turned off their lights then disappeared.
"Heeeeyyyy..." Asher said in greeting. Dren and Hawke sighed in unison, he'd never change. "I know I like killed one of your other guys but he was about to shoot me so yeah...wait no don't give me to Breakdown he'll squish me to death!" Dren and Hawke rushed out; there stood a Decepticon Seeker with his arm stretched out to another the two Titans assumed was Breakdown. "Seriously don't hand me over!" Dren's eyes widened at the panic in his friend's voice. "Dren!" he called out loudly. A growl bubbled up from Dren's throat and Hawke wished she could make that sound as well.
"Release him and we'll think about not killing you for the trouble." Sure she couldn't growl but her voice mod did the trick, she somehow always sounded like she was gonna kill something.
"More fleshies huh?" Breakdown said, the Seeker handing Asher to another mech instead. Dren absently noticed how Asher wasn't as panicked in that one's grasp. "Does he need them alive?" the one holding Asher shook his head.
"No!" Asher called up and hit the servo holding him. A side arm appeared in his hands so he pointed it at the mech. "Bad Handsome, Bad! No touchie!" all cannons pointed down to the two Titans and Grim being the less calmer of the two was throwing obscenities in Dren's helmet.
"This won't hurt too much fleshie," Breakdown was going at Asher with some type of device so Asher shot at the mech who shielded his face with his free servo. Screw Defender he was using Sunbreaker; he and Hawke activated their Hammer of Sol and threw their hammers up at the Decepticons. The hits sent the seekers back and into the other two holding Asher. Said Hunter used his double jump to land safely before dashing over to the two Titans raining havoc on the Decepticons who were drawing back but firing their cannons at them. As soon as Asher ran passed them Dren and Hawke made their shots count. They dodged the enemy fire and managed to take out the two Seekers before their Sunbreaker light faded.
"Asher!" said Exo Hunter threw a grenade at them all as they ran off. Soundwave's hearing or not, the mech wouldn't be able to tell which steps were his target's so Asher was at least somewhat appeased as they ran. The Exo's worries were for naught though, the two mechs hadn't gone after them. Soundwave watched the trio disappear thanks to the little human's grenade; they have peaked his interest and he was sure his Lord would very much wish to hear that there is more than one of these humans with strange (but powerful) abilities.
"Now I really want to squish them." Soundwave didn't bother looking to the mech before turning and transforming to his alt mode and flying away. They would be heading towards the child's location, he would catch them there. Breakdown huffed but got into his own alt-mode and drove off after the silent mech. The trio watched the two mechs disappear, Asher sighed when they did and slumped back onto the rock wall behind him. Hawke kept a lookout on the surrounding area, her visor would register anyone and anything in red; a hassle but it was better than being completely blind. Dren turned to his friend and teammate, his stance tensed at the sigh that escaped Asher.
"They have Miko, they know I won't leave without her." Asher's helmet covered head looked to Dren. "Please tell me you didn't send Imara on her own again..." Dren grabbed Thorn from his back and checked it's ammo count.
"No, she's not her own." he replied and returned the hand cannon to it's place. Hawke cocked her fusion rifle, tossed it over to Asher and nodded back to Dren as the Exo Hunter looked over the customized gun. The gun itself was from the reef that much he could tell, Varriks' work no doubt, but how did they manage to…? Ah, they had the Adept Rogue on their side.
"If they're planning a trap then let's walk right in shall we?" Asher barked out a laugh at the Exo Titan's response. He felt all giddy inside; man, it felt good to know that almost all of Vector was back together.