Chapter 6: Not A Moment To Rest
[Cross Ange OST - Mori no Oku de]
The sun had set, and the night sky darkened Arzenal. The majority of Norma had turned in, all sleeping in their individual rooms. Zhao Mei was among the few that were still awake. The mechanic was working endlessly to repair the Para-mail and Villkiss for any possible battles in the future. Rubbing her eyes, she did her best to stay awake as she made adjustments to Hilda's Glaive. Salia's Arquebus was battle ready, its missing arm restored quickly with Wheeljack's help.
"Just a little longer," Mei said to herself, yawning. "Just gotta… finish these last adjustments and then I'll stop for tonight…"
"You're pushing yourself too hard, Mei."
Salia walks in from the landing platform, holding a book in her right hand.
"Call it a day, will you?" Salia asked. "If you keep going like this, you'll end up making mistakes that could cost us in battle."
"Salia…" Mei replied, yawning again. "You're absolutely right. I should get to bed…"
Mei got back up to walk to her room. Due to her fatigue, she was quite disoriented as she walked. Her leg hit the edge of a work table, making her wince in surprise and also knocking off the cassette player that was on it. Salia walked over and helped Mei, throwing the mechanics arm over her shoulder to escort her back to the dorms.
"I got you," Salia said. "Come on."
"Thank you, Salia," Mei replied. "Oh by the way… what's that book you're holding?"
"This?" Salia held up said book. "It's the manual to that machine Amuro Ray pilots, Nu 'Gundam' as he called it. I asked if I could have a look at it out of curiosity. I meant to put it back before coming in but I'll do it after I take you to your room."
Salia and Mei started walking to the dorms
"What do you think about it?" Mei asked. "About the Gundam, I mean."
"It's impressive," Salia answered. "I didn't get to read that far into the manual, but it's still way more advanced that our Para-mails are. I don't think I could pilot that thing if I had to."
"Really? Do you think he'd let me read it too?"
"If you ask him, then probably. But wait until tomorrow. He's probably asleep, and you need to be too."
"I know, I know. Where is that guy anyway?"
"The commander let him use one of our dorms, so you'll probably see him in the morning."
"What about the Autobots? Where are they?"
"They're somewhere on the island. I don't know. I don't think that they need to sleep. They're completely machine after all."
Salia was right. While the others were all turning in and asleep, the Autobots were still up and at it on the island. Wanting to prepare for a possible Deception attack, Wheeljack made the suggestion to set up a defensive barrier around the command center. The Autobots were using spare metal plating that wasn't being used by Mei to create metal walls that would defend the command center from behind. They were trying to be as quiet as possible with their work since everyone else was sleeping.
"Alright, I think that should be enough," Wheeljack said. "It's not much, but this is better than being defenseless."
"This was the best we could do without disrupting walkways," Optimus stated. "If we are attacked from behind, these barriers will act as a shield for the Norma. However, these walls will not hold forever."
"Well, if these walls give out, I guess we'll just have to build some new ones?" Bumblebee suggested.
"I am afraid that will not do. This island base was not created with the thought of battling on its surface. Continuing to fight here would only destroy us all in the end. After we set up a temporary defensive line, we must discuss the possibilities of finding another route off of Arzenal. And while I would hate to force them to abandon their home…"
"I don't think they'd have a problem with leaving if they could," Wheeljack interrupted the Autobot leader. "This place is still a prison to them, isn't it?"
"Wheeljack's right," Bumblebee added. "If we have to leave, I don't think they'll mind. Now the only problem is figuring out how to leave. There's no way we'll be able to steal one of those Decepticon dropships now."
"Our current hope is that we'll be able to get a message to any nearby Autobots," Optimus said. "Unfortunately, we have no means of confirming if there are any nearby."
"We could try heading to mainland without a ship,"
"It would be forever before we reached land on foot," Wheeljack responded. "And I don't know if any of them would be able to carry us." The Autobot scientist rubbed his chin. "That reminds me. I should ask about the maximum lifting strength in those Para-mails and Nu Gundam."
"They must have some way that they can get off this island. Even if it is a prison, there must be something that they could use in case the island gets attacked or something."
"Most likely, their means of being transported off the island was lost and scattered somewhere on the planet," Optimus replied. "Just like how their friends, family, and our fellow Autobots are somewhere unknown. Finding out where it went is most likely impossible."
"Can you think of any other plans, Optimus?" Wheeljack asked.
"I'm afraid not. The best thing to do is to discuss this with the others once morning comes. Until then, we must be prepared for anything as long as we have to remain on this island."
"Do we need anymore walls while we're out here?"
"This should be enough for now. You and Bumblebee can return to their hangar. I will remain here, and keep watch while attempting to contact others."
Bumblebee and Wheeljack nodded, both of them transforming and driving back to the landing platforms. Optimus activated his comm device, preparing to see if he can get in contact with any Autobots.
"Warship in sight!"
"We're here?! That's the thing the commander had us heading for?! From the looks of it, these guys look about ready to tear us apart!"
"We make one wrong move and we're screwed…!"
[Transformers Galaxy Force OST - Flames of Hades]
Several hours have passed since the aerial battle between Neo Zeon and the Autobot dropship. With their pursuers having withdrawn, the Columbus-class transports continued their route to the Decepticon warship. The soldiers were either in awe or in fear as the Nemesis came into view. The large, menacing warship was close to their transports, Decepticon soldiers flying around their ships as they guided them to the Nemesis.
"Keep on our current course," Char ordered all the transport pilots. "All other pilots, get to the cargo holds and board your mobile suits. Our new allies are all machines, and I don't trust them to not stomp on us. Do not show any signs of hostility when we step out of the transports. We want to make sure that we're treated as allies if we want to survive."
"But sir, with the mobile suits that we've lost, there won't be enough for everybody to ride on!" One of the pilots responded.
"The Zakus and Geara Dogas will carry as many as possible safely. Everyone else, stay close to our mobile suits at all times. Mobile suit pilots, watch your surroundings. Anybody that even comes close to stepping on one of their own allies will not go unpunished."
"Yes sir!" several soldiers responded.
After giving orders, Char left the cockpit to go and get in his own mobile suit.
The others were already in the cargo hold, following Char's orders. Both Gyunei and Quess' Jagd Doga just came online, the former grabbing his mobile suit's shield and beam rifle and the latter stopping him.
"What are you doing?" Quess asked. "Char said to not show hostility."
"Just because we aren't hostile doesn't mean we can afford to not carry weapons when we step out there," Gyunei replied. "I don't want these Decepticons or whatever to even think they can take advantage of us, not even for a moment!"
The Diamond Rose Knights were all readying up as well. They were able to transform into Assault Mode within the cargo hold, the four Ragna-mails ready to march out when needed. The Cleopatra however, was in Assault Mode by default,and it was also unmanned. With Salia's absence in the Diamond Rose Knights, the force was down one Ragna-mail. Surprisingly, Embryo was also inside his Hysterica, despite the fact he's normally seen controlling it from the outside.
"What do you want us to do with Cleopatra?" Irma asked Embryo. "Should we leave it in here?"
"No, that wouldn't be the best idea," Embryo answered. "Carry it out and we'll find somewhere to store it later. That reminds me, I do need to find a new pilot…" Embryo sighed internally as he thought to himself. "If only I could still operate it without direct control."
Char reached the cargo hold soon and got inside his Gelgoog. All pilots in the second transport ship were ready to depart once they entered the Nemesis. While they waited, Hysterica approached the Gelgoog.
"I could've sworn we said that an escort wouldn't be needed," Embryo said to Char.
"I didn't expect that leader of theirs to listen anyways," Char replied. "His subordinate was the one that offered and accepted our rejection. But I can't blame them for wanting to take precautions."
"That is fair. We are a foreign force at the end of the day."
"Let's just hope that once we arrive, we'll have a much better reception."
"I wouldn't get your hopes up."
The transport ships were nearing the back entrance of the Nemesis, Decepticon flyers transformed into robot mode and guiding them in. The other Decepticon jets were patrolling around the warship. Combaticon Vortex was hovering in helicopter form as he watched the transports enter the Nemesis. One of his allies, Blast Off, came around from the side of the ship and transformed, hovering in the air next to him.
"So these are the humans that Starscream's having us partner with?" he asked.
"Apparently they have machines that are capable of catching his attention," Vortex replied, transforming to robot mode too. "Something about them must have Starscream interested if he's willing to let them on board the Nemesis like this." The combaticon shrugged. "Not that it'll matter. Lord Megatron will probably throw them off the ship once he returns."
"The allied ships have been secured," Decepticon Blitzwing announced to all the others. "Decepticons, return to the Nemesis' interior at once!"
Vortex and Blast Off transformed again and flew back inside the warship, dozens of other Decepticon soldiers also following suit. Within the warship, the Neo Zeon soldiers watched as numerous Decepticons flew past them before transforming. The transport ships turned around so that the cargo holds would be facing the interior, making it easier for the mobile suits and Ragna-mails to walk straight out. As they landed on the floor of the Nemesis, the cargo hold doors started to open.
"It's time," Char said to those with him. "Remain calm, and stay quiet unless we ask for you to give your opinion."
"Char and I will be the ones to handle the talking," Embryo added, mainly speaking to the Norma. "The rest of you are to stand and let your silence speak for itself."
The cargo doors were down, revealing the mobile suits and Ragna-mails perfectly lined up in rows of two. Char's transport forces marched out first. The Gelgoog and Hysterica were in front while the Jagd Dogas were behind them. Eirene and Victoria marched behind them while Theodra and Raziya carried out Cleopatra. From the first transport, there were four Geara Dogas and two Zakus marching. From the third, two Geara Dogas and two Zakus. All mobile suits and Ragna-mail were armed, but they made no gestures that would be interpreted as hostility. Decepticon soldiers lined up on the side, weapons in hand as the Zeon Army and Diamond Rose Knights marched in the direction that Vortex and Blast Off directed them in.
"Pretty small army," Vortex said as the two factoins walked by. "I was expecting they'd have more numbers than this."
"You can't have too high expectations for a bunch of humans," Blast Off replied. "But they must have something if that arrogant Starscream let them on our warship."
"Lord Megatron would've determined their worth first before even agreeing to work alongside them."
The two factions marched down the hallways with Decepticons standing at attention on both sides, ready to shoot at them if they stepped out of line and striking fear into the hearts of some of the soldiers. The two Combaticons were right behind them, doing the same thing as the others. The door to a large command center opened, the armies walking in as directed. The room was where Starscream had been waiting for Char and Embryo's forces to arrive, the acting Decepticon leader turning around as they all walked in.
He wasn't alone, of course. Starscream was accompanied by several other Decepticons. The leader of the Combaticons, Onslaught. The triple-changer Blitzwing. And the female seeker, Slipstream. All of these Decepticons, plus Vortex and Blast Off, were in the command center with Char and Embryo's forces. Starscream himself started approaching them. The rest of the two factions remained near the wall next to the door as Char and Embryo walked towards Starscream by themselves. Finally, the door shut as several grunts stood outside to stand guard.
"Quite the reception you've set up for us," Char said to the Decepticon leader. "I feel flattered that you'd go through so much trouble for a small army of soldiers."
"I wouldn't be as foolish as to not place the Nemesis on alert," Starscream replied. "The Decepticons would never show any weakness. Especially not towards humans."
"As expected of such a large force," Embryo said. "Though as allies, perhaps a warmer welcome would be in order next time."
"I'll keep that in mind, uh…"
"Embryo. It's a pleasure to meet in person."
"Char Aznable, leader of Neo Zeon."
"Starscream, leader of the Decepticons. It's about time that we meet in person. I won't bother inquiring about those under you."
"Formalities aside," Char said. "I believe we have many things to discuss. So if you don't mind, I'd like to get down to business."
"Yes, of course. I, for one, do not wish to waste any time as well." Starscream turned around and walked back towards the control panel behind him. "Regarding our recent schemes involving a species you called 'Norma,' I'm afraid that the Decepticons recent attempts of negotiation have ended in failure, as I mentioned. Proclaiming to be Autobots failed greatly as not only the real Autobots show up along with a human that met them, but so does Optimus Prime."
"This resulted in an all-out attack on Arzenal, correct?" Embryo asked. "Seeing as they would not become your allies, your men decided to wipe out the Norma, along with another one of your enemies."
"The actions that Dirge took were of his own accord. I gave no such order to wipe them out. And thanks to that, he has been terminated, along with Thrust, Ramjet, and a large army of Decepticons that included three of our dropships. The only survivor of that force was Soundwave, who acted upon my orders and stayed out of the battle."
"I understand that this Soundwave has remained in contact with this warship ever since," Char stated. "It's thanks to him that you're even aware of the destruction of part of your forces. Furthermore, he's been transmitting information via audio to you, and you've confirmed that all of our common enemies have gathered at Arzenal. Am I right?"
"Precisely. Onslaught," Starscream faced the Combaticon leader. "Has the data from Soundwave been sorted out?"
"We're still receiving transmissions from him now," Onslaught answered. "However, we've received enough to answer the humans' questions. We've analyzed the voices in his recording and we've already determined the Autobots that were on Arzenal."
Onslaught pressed a button on the nearby console. The screen in front of them displayed the Autobot symbol before the faces of Optimus, Bumblebee, and Wheeljack appeared in a row.
"The first one has been confirmed to be the leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime," Onslaught continued. "Next, we have the head scout Bumblebee. Finally there's the Autobot's chief scientist, known as Wheeljack." The images disappeared as Onslaught pressed another button. "The following recordings are those we've taken of the humans and Norma that were present at the time. I'll leave it to the two of you to determine if you recognize them."
"Think about it like this. This island is meant to be a prison first and foremost. Humans put us here the moment…"
"Besides, we have more important things to discuss. That being, who exactly are our allies and who…"
"And if you asked me, they really could've taken all of us on if…"
"He's right. The Autobots have their enemy. In return, Char and the rest of Neo Zeon could be here too…"
"Dammit… If that's the case then hypothetically speaking, that bastard Embryo's alive isn't he?!"
"Payback sounds good to me!"
"They were designed for us Norma to be very versatile and customizable. Sure they aren't as advanced as…"
"Hey! Could we get a hand over here?"
As the snippets of voice lines played, Embryo and Char were able to recognize some of the voices.
"There's no doubt about it," Char thought. "Amuro is on that island. So he survived Axis as well… not to mention that Autobot symbol they displayed matches the same symbol on the ship that we attacked. Thanks to that, it seems we're already experienced in what to expect from them."
"What a delightful situation," Embryo thought. "Both Salia and my Ange both ended up on Arzenal in this dilemma. If I can get a hold on them, I'll be able to secure Cleopatra's pilot once again, and then Ange will be mine without any interference."
"We've heard enough," Char said to Onslaught, prompting him to stop playing the audio files. "I can assure you that I recognized one of those voices as my archnemesis."
"I was able to recognize several," Embryo said. "Indeed, all of our enemies seemed to be gathered in one place."
"Perfect," Starscream said, chuckling. "Then perhaps now is the time that we put our new alliance to good use. We will do what Dirge failed to do and vanquish all forces on that island."
"Excuse me?" Char questioned.
[Transformers G1 OST - Auto Ambition]
"What that foolish Dirge did was make the assumption that even though you may all be humans to us, you're not capable of great inventions. We've seen that in how the Decepticons that invaded earlier were completely wiped out. However, with you two on our side and our superior numbers, we'll be able to easily fill in the gaps of knowledge that we're missing."
"An immediate attack following the failure of one who disobeyed orders," Embryo said. "Quite a bold move."
"And incredibly foolish," Char added.
"I… beg your pardon?" Starscream asked. "Are you referring to my plan as foolish?"
"I am, and that's the truth. Rushing in because of superior numbers is still the same mistake that your subordinate made. And even then, there's still several unknown possibilities that we must consider."
"Such as?"
"Whatever it is that allowed us to meet has also scrambled our forces and left many of us at severe disadvantages. This could be the same for our opponents but we cannot confirm this. But even without his primary mobile suit, Amuro Ray still poses a threat to any of us. During the One Year War he vanquished three warships along with twelve mobile suits in mere minutes. And all of this was done using a mobile suit inferior to the one he possessed when we last fought. Should he have either his previous or current Gundam, there is a chance that we could fail if he's siding with our other enemies."
"One man is not enough to stop the mighty Decepticons. And reports from Soundwave confirm that there were only a total of seven combatants in the last fight, along with the fact that their supplies are dangerously low. This could be our only chance to swiftly eliminate the best that our foes can throw at us. Especially Optimus Prime. With this mission, I shall easily succeed in doing the one thing Megatron could never accomplish!"
"Your ego is going to get you killed if you keep thinking like this. You need to withhold your attack and continue gathering data, both from what Embryo and myself can tell you and what you discover from Soundwave."
"I'm siding with the human on this," Onslaught said. "You need to cool it, Starscream. You're being too rash. If we go out there now, we could end up meeting the same fate as Dirge, Thrust, and Ramjet, all because you want to prove that you're better than Lord Megatron!"
"All of you are nothing but a bunch of cowards!" Blitzwing spoke up. "The Autobot leader is isolated from the other Autobots! We need to tear Optimus Prime into pieces ASAP! Else, he'll become a problem for when Lord Megatron returns."
"I don't see why you bother declaring loyalty to Megatron," Slipstream said to the triple changer. "You might as well bow to Starscream since you're both idiots."
"What did you say!?"
"Silence! All of you!" Starscream ordered. "You fail to see all that is at stake. Not only could Optimus Prime escape us, but Soundwave remains in constant danger too. Should he be discovered, we'll lose our main advantage over our enemies."
"Don't get me wrong, I understand that," Char said. "But you need to understand something crucial. All of the previous Decepticons were wiped out excluding him. What if we meet the same fate?"
"Soundwave has more than likely provided us with the answer to what wiped out Dirge. Search the data he's sent! Find out what it was that defeated those Decepticons so that we can better prepare for it!"
Onslaught began searching through all of Soundwave's transmissions. He started playing all of the audio files in the background as the others continued to argue.
"I, for one, am all for advancing on Arzenal," Embryo said. "However, if we went there just to lose a battle, then what was the point? But at the same time, this just seems like an opportunity we can't let slip through our fingers."
"Things like this don't come around every single day," Blitzwing said. "Destroying the Autobot leader is something that must be done to bring this war to an end."
"Megatron's gone, and we're still fighting," Slipstream retorted. "They'll find someone else to rally behind even if Optimus Prime fell to Strascream's plans."
"No Autobot could ever live up to the standards that their leader has set," Starscream argued. "Therefore, once he is out of the way, the rest will fall to pieces before my might!"
"Armies can hold their own without their leader," Char stated. "This is evident considering how all of you seem to be well organized without the presence of this 'Megatron' you keep referring to."
"That is because the current leader of the Decepticon is someone who is far greater than Megatron could be, me! Under my leadership, there will be no failure!"
After saying his piece, Embryo had remained quiet for the rest of the argument, listening at the audio files that were being played by Onslaught. Suddenly, one of them caught his attention.
"Wait," he said, grabbing everyone's attention. "That last one… play it back for me."
Onslaught was as confused as the others about the interruption, but he knew what Embryo was asking. Not making any progress, he did as requested and replayed the previous audio file.
"Hajimari no hikari kilari kirari…"
Embryo chuckled, powering down Hysterica as he stepped out of the cockpit just to listen to Ange's singing.
"A woman's singing?" Blitzwing questioned.
"What's significant about this?" Slipstream asked.
[Cross Ange OST - Uzumaku Ensa]
"It is what I thought it was," Embryo said. "Everyone. I've figured out what wiped out the aforementioned Decepticons."
"You have?" Onslaught questioned. "From this one piece of data, you were able to ascertain what led to Dirge's fate?"
"Of course. After all, it was the same weapon within my Hysterica that killed them."
"What?!"
"They're known as 'Spacetime Convergence Cannons.' They're weapons that could easily tear through massive amounts of armies and terrain. Even the very fabric of spacetime could be in danger thanks to them. They're built into the shoulders of all Ragna-mail, and that song is what's required to activate the ones in the Villkiss."
"A weapon of that firepower could easily wipe out a large army," Char said. "It would make sense that they used it."
"Not only that, but I believe that if we were to invade now, I could prevent them from using it again."
"Oh?" Starscream raised a brow, interested. "And tell me, Mr. Embryo. How would you be able to stop this weapon from being fired?"
"The only other Ragna-mail not in my possession is the Villkiss, piloted by the Norma Ange. All I need to do is prevent her from firing the convergence cannons, and that will eliminate that problem. And to do so…" Embryo gestured to the Diamond Rose Knights. "I'll be able to use two of my knights to interfere. She would think twice once she sees them in the battle."
"Using the faces of allies as enemies is a common, but effective tactic," Onslaught said. "This could work but-"
"Enough of your 'buts' Onslaught!" Starscream interrupted. "I've made up my mind! Assemble a strike force! We're going to launch a surprise attack on Arzenal island immediately!"
"You're ordering an attack right this second?" Char questioned.
"Don't bother giving me your opinion, human. Either you and your forces are joining us, or you're defying my orders."
"We're supposed to be allies, not your slaves."
"However," Embryo said. "It would also be beneficial if we were to take part in this battle as well. Don't you agree?"
"As much as I hate to admit it now, yes. I do see the benefits in attacking right after a previously failed one. But at the very least, we shouldn't just rush straight in with everything we've got."
"I'll leave the planning up to the Combaticons," Starscream said, facing Onslaught. "Is that clear, Onslaught?"
"Yes, sir." Onslaught replied, his tone making it clear he was still in disagreement with this attack.
"Then count me out," Slipstream said as she walked out of the room. "I'm not getting involved in something I know is going to end in failure."
"Will we be advancing with the Nemesis?" Blitzwing asked.
"No," Starscream answered. "We'll head out in more dropships and attack them using those. I don't want this warship anywhere near a weapon of such capability." Starscream sees everyone gesturing to Embryo and his Ragna-mail. "Not while it's in the hands of our enemies, I mean."
"I'll assemble the Combaticons and several others for a strike team within eight earth hours," Onslaught stated. "We should be ready to depart by the time the sun comes up on this planet."
"That is acceptable." Starscream faces Char and Embryo. "Is that alright with your forces? As our allies, it is only right that I make sure things will work for you."
"We'll just have to get some rest immediately," Char replied. "It may be pushing the human body to its limit to continue fighting within a short time period, but we're all soldiers. We'll manage."
"The same goes for my girls and myself," Embryo answered.
"Excellent…!" Starscream said, clenching his fist. "Then tomorrow morning will be the day Optimus Prime finally meets his end. And it will be done at the hands of I, Starscream! Wherever Megatron may be in the world, let him watch him with great shame as I perform all of the things that he was unable to do!"
Onslaught just shook his head as he transformed and rolled out of the command center, preparing to gather soldiers for the upcoming battle.
As for the Decepticon leader missing in action, Megatron was nowhere to be found on this planet Earth. In space, floating just outside the asteroid belt near Jupiter was Megatron. His body was in complete stasis, drifting among the stars. None of the Decepticons knew that he was out there, and under Starscream's leadership they would never find out most likely.
However, Megatron wasn't the only one on this side of the galaxy. Unknown to the leader in stasis, there was another in space with him…
[Transformers G1 OST - Call to Action]
The sun had begun to rise over the planet. Elsewhere on Earth, the Autobot Dropship piloted by Sideswipe had been flying for several hours after giving up its chase on the Columbus-class transports. Jazz had been pursuing an energy signature with a small Autobot team. Something on Earth caught their sensors' attention, and they wanted to find out what.
"Jazz, maybe we shouldn't keep going after whatever this is," Sideswipe suggested. "What is this thing turns out to be a hostile force? We've lost a lot of soldiers chasing those ships already. We'd be wiped out if we engaged in another large battle."
"Cliff and I can check things out alone when we get down there," Jazz said. "The rest of you stay in the ship, and be ready to take off just in case we have an emergency."
"Still, I don't like the looks of things. An unknown energy signature that's not Energon, nor is it anything that the Decepticons would use. I feel like we're flying right into a trap."
"It could be one of our allies trying to call for help. And that's why we gotta take this chance."
"We won't have much of an option soon anyway. We're getting close to… whatever it is. It's about eight clicks northwest from our current position."
"Good enough for me! Bring the dropship in real slow, and we'll go check things out beforehand."
"Wait what?"
Jazz starts heading back to get ready to jump out.
"Wait a minute, Jazz!" Sideswipe hopelessly calls out.
"Cliffjumper, you ready?" Jazz asked his partner.
"Always ready!" Cliffjumper replied.
"Are you sure you two will be fine on your own?" Jetfire questioned. "We don't know what's out there and we're already limited in forces."
"Relax. Jazz and I pull through a lot of things with just the two of us. This is no different."
"Ain't that the truth." Jazz replied.
The two Autobots fistbumped as the door opened. Jazz and Cliffjumper jumped out the dropship, the former grappling onto it with his grappling hook grabbing the latter's hand. Jazz flung himself and Cliffjumper northwest, in the direction of the energy signature. The Autobots were in free fall for several moments before reaching the ground, rolling as they landed before transforming and driving off. Sideswipe watched the two take off from the cockpit as he slowed the dropship down.
"Well they are some of the best Autobots we have," he said. "I can't be too worried when they've made it through tough situations in the past."
[Mobile Suit Gundam OST - The Menace of Zeon]
The morning sun was slowly creeping up from behind the mountains where the Nemesis was sitting stationary. The Decepticons, Neo Zeon forces, and Diamond Rose Knights were all assembling at the back of the warship. None of the Columbus-class transports were ready to move out as they were all cleared out the way for the Decepticon dropships. Five of them in total were ready to depart once all forces had arrived. Char had assembled all the forces he could take considering their limited mobile suits. Embryo had readied the Diamond Rose Knights as well, leaving Cleopatra behind as there was a lack of pilots. Embryo himself was about to get into Hysterica. The Gelgoog walked up next to his Ragna-mail.
"You're not going out in a pilot suit like your subordinates?" Char asked him.
"I'll be fine," Embryo replied. "The ones who will be doing the most fight will be my girls anyway. Speaking of, aren't you supposed to be sitting this fight out as well?"
"The Gelgoog may be inferior to the Geara Dogas and Jagd Dogas, but it's also above the Zakus. If my men are going out in their mobile suits, I shall do the same. My only concern is this fight would be against Amuro."
"If he's piloting the machine you fear he is, then perhaps you should remain behind. What good is the leader on the front lines if he can't do his best? Your men wouldn't want you to be shot down after all."
Decepticon soldiers began walking towards the dropships, starting to fill two of the ships. The third one was where the Combaticons made their way to.
"Starscream must be out of his mind," Brawl said, ranting. "Reserves?! He's putting us on the reserve troops?!"
"We might as well wait at the Nemesis," Vortex commented. "There's only three Autobots down there. And with Blitzwing and Quake, there's not gonna be anyone left for us to take down."
"But if Starscream messes this up, then I don't see why we wouldn't get to see any action," Swindle replied.
"This attack is already sooner than I'd like," Onslaught said. "The last thing we need is to mess up and let Optimus Prime escape."
"We'll take care of them if Starscream screws this up!" Blast Off exclaimed.
The Combaticons boarded their personal dropship, not saying anything to Char, Embryo, or their forces as they passed by. Other Decepticons started arriving too, including the aforementioned Quake and Blitzwing. Starscream was also among them.
"Has anyone found out where that fool Slipstream slipped off to?" The Decepticon leader asked aloud.
"Nobody has seen her, sir," a grunt answered.
"We're wasting our time searching for her," Blitzwing commented. She already said she's not coming."
"She dares to disobey my orders?!" Starscream said angrily."
"What's the matter?" Gyunei spoke up and asked. "If you can't get her to follow orders then move on if she isn't a problem."
Starscream slowly turned to face Gyunei's Jagd Doga, then faced Blitzwing again.
"I must have a memory issue," Starscream said, still walking. "I don't recall asking for the input of a measly human."
"Why you-!"
"That's enough, Gyunei," Char said, the Gelgoog stepping in front of his Jagd Doga.
"We'll just have to do without Slipstream," Starscream stated. "plenty The amount of Decepticons that will be partaking in this mission is more than enough to make up for the absence of one soldier. All troops, prepare to launch at once! We'll go over our strategy one last time once we're en route to Arzenal."
"Yes, Lord Starscream!" several Decepticons said with a salute.
The large army of soldiers began boarding the four dropships. The Neo Zeon soldiers and Diamond Rose Knights boarded a separate dropship that contained only their forces, plus one Decepticon pilot. The back end of the Nemesis opened up as the dropships came online and flew out, several dozen Decepticon flyers were accompanying them.
"Our forces greatly outnumber our enemies, which are only seven combatants," Starscream said, speaking to all the Decepticons via the dropship's comms. "However, our opponents consists of the Autobot leader, and two well known Autobots. Furthermore, the humans that call themselves 'Norma' have a superweapon capable of obliterating all of our forces within a single blast. That is where our new allies will be useful. Onslaught! Explain to them our plan."
"Decepticons, listen up!" Onslaught ordered from the Combaticons' dropship. "We'll be splitting our forces up into two forces. One will commence attack once Arzenal is in sight and the other will remain on standby for the time being, us Combaticons included. In order to keep out of any possible radars so they won't know we're lying in wait, the reserve forces shall hold position at an island southeast of their base."
In the dropship leading the advance was the Decepticon Quake. His force consisted of a majority of bulkier Decepticons, all with a body type similar to his.
"Quake, you'll be leading the first wave of offense," Onslaught continued. "Your goal is to take the fight to the enemy no matter what. Use your heavy weaponry to keep the pressure on the Autobots and their allies."
"I'll crush those Autobots into scrap within the hour!" Quake exclaimed.
In the next dropship was Blitzwing, the Decepticon's main triple-changer aside from the missing Astrotrain. The team of soldiers with him were a mixture of Decepticon flyers and ground soldiers, most of them being built to travel quickly across land.
"Blitzwing, you and a few of your men will support Quake," Onslaught ordered. "Have the rest of your forces spread out and ensure that there's no escape routes that they can easily take. Once they've finished and we've determined Soundwave's location within Arzenal, you are to begin demolition. Blow the entire base to smithereens."
"They won't even know what hit them by the time I'm through!" Blitzwing exclaimed.
Starscream himself was in the center dropship, surrounded by his elite Decepticon soldiers with the exception of Slipstream, Thundercracker, and Skywarp. The latter two however, were a part of the Decepticon flyers escorting the dropships.
"Our leader Starscream has also chosen to participate in the first invasion." Onslaught said. "He'll-"
"I'll be targeting Optimus Prime with my own two hands," Starscream said, interrupting Onslaught. "Once Quake has cleared me a path, I'll arrive and do away with the Autobot leader within a nanosecond!"
"Right…"
The fourth dropship contained the Neo Zeon troops and Diamond Rose Knights. Other than the pilot, no other Decepticons were aboard the dropship.
"Our human allies will be joining the first wave," Onslaught continued his explanation of his strategy. "The leaders of the ones known as 'Diamond Rose Knights' have a plan that will deal with a weapon that could easily wipe us out. Meanwhile, those known as "Neo Zeon" are going to split and both provide support for Quake and Blitzwing, as well as join the reserve teams."
"Leaving things in my hands, I see…" Embryo said with a chuckle. "I'll be sure to not let you down."
"What does he mean 'some of us' will be in reserves?" Quess asked. "Shouldn't all of us join the fight?"
"I'll be surveying the situation at Arzenal before I join this battle in the Gelgoog," Char answered her. "Therefore, it was easier to say that some of us will be on reserves. The offensive strike will be led by you and Gyunei."
"That just leaves us, the Combaticons," Onslaught said, coming to a close on the explanation. "Our dropship will be the main reserve team. Escort troops under the direct command of Thundercracker and Skywarp, you will be joining us. When we're within range of the battle zone, we are to pull back to the southeast island and avoid detection. The rest of you will be joining the offensive forces on the first strike."
"I don't expect the reserve team to even be needed, but Onslaught decided that we should have one just in case," Starscream stated. "All offensive forces, listen up! I expect this battle to be won within a short period. Retreat should be unnecessary with me as your leader. Prepare to advance! The moment Arzenal's within our radar, this battle will start!"
"Yes, Lord Starscream!" a large number of Decepticons said.
The dropships and escorts increased speed, rocketing towards the battle zone.
At Arzenal, the hangar was currently empty as morning had come. The only thing there was Hilda's spare Arquebus, extra parts and junk, and the cassette player that was still on the floor. With everyone else out and about across the island, the hangar that was once busy with repairs being made was now silent.
"Rumble, eject."
WAS silent. With the hangar empty, something decided to make its move. The cassette player that the girls found was the Decepticons' communications officer, Soundwave. He ejected one of his minicons, Rumble. As he was too big to fully transform inside the hangar.
"Man, talk about rude," Rumble said, picking up his boss and putting him back on the table. "Knocking you down in the middle of the night and not even bothering to pick you up?"
"Laserbeak, eject," Soundwave said. "Operation; Surveillance,"
Soundwave ejected another minicon, Laserbeak. The minicon flew out of the hangar and out into the opening. His small size allowed him to fly around without being noticed easily. Flying over the island, he perched on one of the walls that Wheeljack set up. The minicon was relatively close to the group as a satellite emerged from his head. Laserbeak began recording his surroundings and transmitting them back to Soundwave.
"Frenzy, Ravage, eject."
Soundwave ejects his next minicons. The red, gun wielding Frenzy, and the gray dog Ravage.
"Alright, boss," Frenzy said. "What's the plan?"
"Deception invasion, imminent," Soundwave replied. "Operation; Confirm Location."
Soundwave started replaying a message he received earlier.
"Soundwave, this is Onslaught," the message said in a mixture of Onslaught and Soundwave's voices. "The Decepticons are preparing to launch an attack on Arzenal with the intent of wiping out all our enemies. I'm going to have Blitzwing's team bombard their base. I need a schematic of it and your current location. That way, you won't be accidentally destroyed before we can reach you."
"Bombardment?" Rumble questioned. "Forget about our safety. There's nowhere we can run and hide in this base once they start shooting!"
"Well we gotta give 'em something!" Frenzy replied.
"Alright, we'll go look for something."
Soundwave's minicons split up as they run deeper into the base. Their small size let them move around to places that Soundwave could not.
[Mobile Suit Gundam OST - The Heoric Gundam]
On the island, the Autobots, Amuro, and Norma were just above the landing platform. The girls had all gotten up at Jill's orders, wanting to see how compatible the Para-mails would be with Cybertronian weapons. While Optimus had no doubts that they could wield some of them, the commander wanted to be positive.
"Salia," Jill called out. "You're up next."
The Arquebus approached the edge of the island holding a sniper rifle from Optimus' trailer. Seeing how its repairs were finished, Salia wanted to see how her Arquebus would perform. She stood at the edge and aimed for a rock formation in the distance, but close enough that the others could see. Lining up her sight, she fired. The bullet left a very visible hole in the rock while Salia's Para-mail jerked back a bit, making her groan as she lowered the rifle. Holding it up again, she fired another round and had the same feeling. After the third shot, she stepped back and opened the cockpit.
"The kickback on this is more than I was expecting," Salia said. "It's rate of fire is a little slower than my old rifle, but it's not too noticeable unless you pay attention. It'll take some getting used to."
"Got it," Jill replied. "Alright Hilda, take your turn."
For Hilda, she chose the Energon axe that she was eyeing yesterday. It was slightly shorter than the one she wielded, but it was wieldable. Her personal axe was still on her Glaive's wing as a backup. Instead of attacking a rock target, Optimus Prime volunteered to help her get used to wielding it. The Autobot leader wasn't going to attack, and had his flak shield out.
"You do not need to worry about holding back," Optimus said. "Swing at me like I am a Decepticon!"
Glaive's thrusters activate and the Para-mail rushes towards Optimus. Hilda swung her new axe and collided at Optimus, colliding with his shield. She kept swinging back and forth, striking the metal shield as she got used to the weapon.
"It's a little lighter than what I'm used to," Hilda said. "But my Para-mail can definitely feel the power behind every swing!"
The Para-mail push kicked Optimus back. Grabbing onto the axe with both hands, Hilda rushed in with an overhead swing and came down on Optimus' shield. She let up afterwards, landing on the ground before opening her cockpit. The redhead gave a thumbs up and smiled.
"Oh yeah," she said. "I'm definitely keeping this. Works just as well as my own! Those Decepticons won't know what hit them when I start swinging!"
"Do you need me to make any adjustments?" Mei asked Salia. "If you're having trouble with the rifle's knockback then I could probably reduce that by strengthening the Arquebus."
"Don't worry, it's fine," Salia replied. "I can handle it after some more practice."
"They've gotten a hang of their new weapons quickly," Ange said. "I'm surprised that Prime had this much of a variety in his trailer."
"You're not going to try anything new?" Amuro asked.
"The Villkiss is fine with its current loadout. I'll just grab a new blaster from here if I run out of ammo or something during a battle."
"You should at least practice with something then."
"Amuro Ray," Jill called out. "Come on. You'll go next."
"Right."
Amuro entered Nu Gundam's cockpit and stepped up. The mobile suit was wielding a steel Energon blade and a heavy machine gun. Optimus was ready for Amuro to come at him any time, which the Newtype didn't hesitate to do. Nu gundam flew in and swung its sword, moving slower than with a beam saber. After a few swings, Optimus jumped back. Nu Gundam held up its other arm and fired the heavy machine gun at Optimus' shield. Amuro didn't fire long before stopping and opening his cockpit.
"Nu Gundam wasn't normally designed to be swinging a sword that weighs this much," Amuro said. "It's not impossible to use, but I wouldn't use it if I don't have to. On the other hand, this machine gun will come in handy with my other beam rifle."
"You sure there wasn't anything that you wanted to try out, Ange?" Salia asked.
"I'm good," Ange replied.
"Very well." Salia turned to Amuro. "Then, could I try wielding that sword?"
"Sure."
Nu Gundam hands the Energon sword over to Arquebus, Salia seeing that it was heavier than her standard one but manageable.
"I think I can wield this," she said. "Alright, I'll give it a go."
Meanwhile, Wheeljack had made some adjustments to Bumblebee. The scout was given two short daggers built into his arms.
"There," Wheeljack said. "That should take care of it. Now you've got something else besides your fists to fight up close with."
Bumblebee changed his right hand into one of the daggers, taking a few practice thrusts and swings before changing it back.
"Thanks, Wheeljack," the scout said. "This'll come in handy. Heh heh."
"Hey, Mr. Wheeljack!" Oliver called out.
The communications trio were heading towards the scientist, having hitched a ride on Roller to move fast.
"Could you lend us a hand?" Pamela asked. "We're trying to see what we can fix in the command center and we could use your help."
"I'm a little too big to fit inside that building," Wheeljack said. "But I'll see what I can do."
Roller turned around and carried the girls back to the command center, Wheeljack transforming and rolling after them.
"Alright, let me try this one out!"
Hilda grabbed one of the assault rifles from Optimus' trailer, looking to practice ranged weaponry in her Glaive as well. Aiming at the rocks Salia fired at, Hilda opened fire too. The assault rifle was just as powerful as the sniper rifle, tearing apart the rock formation to the point it crumbled.
"This definitely packs a bigger punch than our old rifles," Hilda said. "I can do a lot more damage with this than a rifle with regular bullets."
"These are definitely better weapons than what we were using before," Salia said, in agreement with Hilda. The Arquebus holds up its sniper rifle. "Alright, let's give this another try."
Salia aimed and fired at the rocks that had fallen into the water. As everyone else continued practicing with their new weapons, Laserbeak had been secretly transmitting everything that happened back to Soundwave.
Back in the landing platform, the other three minicons were returning. Having scouted certain parts of the base, they were able to record a general idea of the layout of Arzenal. Transforming back into tapes one by one, Soundwave downloaded the information obtained and began sending it back to the Decepticons.
"Transmissions from Soundwave," Vortex announced. "He's got what we asked for."
"Data retrieved," Soundwave said via comms.
"Much appreciated, Soundwave," Onslaught said. "Vortex! Send this to Starscream and the rest of the Decepticons. We're ready to begin."
"Island's within range," Swindle stated, sighing. "Looks like it's time for us to pull back and see how things play out."
"Let's hope this doesn't end with us needing to clean up Starscream's mess."
In the Decepticon leader's dropship, Starscream was waiting for his forces to enter the battle zone. His dropship had a chair made specifically for him. He sat there with his legs crossed and his arms folded, waiting.
"Lord Starscream," one of the grunts called out. "We're entering the battle zone."
"We're receiving a transmission from the Combaticons' dropship," a second grunt stated. "We have Soundwave's coordinates."
"Excellent," Starscream said. "All the preparations are met." The Decepticon leader suddenly gets on the ship's speakers. "Decepticons! We're entering the battle zone. Don't forget your roles as we move to take down Optimus Prime and his allies, old and new! All of you, to your positions! Decepticons, attack!"
[Mobile Suit Gundam OST - Approaching Terror]
Thundercracker and most of the other flyers start descending and separating from the dropships. The three dropships in the front started to speed up as the other two slowed down. One of them opened its doors as the Jagd Dogas, Geara Dogas and Zakus were preparing to leave.
"We'll determine Amuro's status first and then you can join us, Commander," Gyunei said. "But you need to remain here if he's piloting Nu Gundam."
The Ragna-mails Raziya, Theodra, and Eirene walked near the door as well, also ready to jump.
"This Nu Gundam…" Irma starts to question. "Is it really that big of a deal?"
"Against Nu Gundam, this Gelgoog of mine wouldn't last a minute," Char answered. "Amuro is a pilot on the same level as I am. I could not possibly match him in this mobile suit."
"We're gonna be out of the battle zone soon!" the Decepticon pilot yelled out. "Move it or lose it so I can close the door!"
The Gelgoog, one Geara Doga and one Zaku stepped back. The rest of the mobile suits jumped off the dropship and flew towards the battle zone. The aforementioned Ragna-mail did the same, leaving the other two behind.
From the advancing dropships, other Decepticon flyers were taking off and advancing ahead of the others, Blitzwing included. The allied forces of Neo Zeon, the Diamond Rose Knights, and the Decepticons were closing in on Arzenal.
Amuro's senses suddenly flared up as the man looked out in the distance.
"Huh? What's the matter?" Ange asked.
"We've got company," he answered. "And not the good kind."
"Is it the Decepticons?" Bumblebee questioned.
"Again?" Ange complained. "We just fought a whole army's worth yesterday and now they're attacking again?!"
"Wheeljack, are you able to detect them?" Optimus asked the scientist.
"Hang on…" Wheeljack replied. "I'm picking something up. There's… Woah, these numbers are already higher than yesterday!"
"You're kidding!" Jill exclaimed.
"I wish I was. Eighty, eighty-five. It just keeps on going up. I'm even picking up Starscream's energy signature in there! Is he bringing the whole Decepticon army down to-"
"Holy shit…" Hilda uttered.
"What? What is it?" Wheeljack looked up. "Oh…"
Heading towards the island was a large number of Decepticons. Even though they were in the distance, everyone could tell that the enemy was far greater, and more fiercer than the ones led by Dirge yesterday.
"I just finished repairs…" Mei said.
Author's Notes (A/N):
[Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2 OST - A Time Of The Afternoon]
Hello everyone! This is the author! How are ya? Now, you're probably wondering why am I adding this bit in after the story. I've noticed that I've received quite a few reviews asking questions. While this isn't a problem by itself... I can't actually reply to these people separately since they aren't actual accounts on .
So because of that, I'm going to address some of the questions and provide suitable answers. This is also insight onto what I'm thinking about when I'm writing Automata Conflict. Let's get into it! (I've never done this before and I hope this doesn't go against FF's TOS...)
Asked by Captain Imaginat:
"Is this following Transformers Prime or Generation 1/ Beast Wars?" and "So is Automata conflict following the storyline of the Transformers War For Cybertron and Transfomers Fall Of Cybertron games?"
Honestly, when I was thinking up Automata Conflict, I had a hard time decided what continuity to put it in regarding Transformers. I ended up making the beginning a sort of original story for G1, but it was taking cues from several other continuities. The premise of how this all started in Chapter 1 was a combination of War For Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron and the plot of Dark of the Moon. I try to use mainly G1 characters for the Transformers, but I do use Cybertron designs for some, and incorporate the weapons and tech from those games as well. I'm also pulling weapons from the long gone mobile game Transformers Legends to help with this.
To sum it up, it's meant to be mainly G1. But, there are several elements borrowed from other continuities to help things out, and I'll most likely incorporate things from other continuities as I write. Of course this applies to Gundam, and there's... not many places to get things from Cross Ange other than the anime.
Asked by R reyes:
"nice do when Amuro will meet his squadron and captain. also Amuro x or chan still alive"
For the sake of not spoiling a lot of things, I'll try to be as abstract as possible with this answer. I'm not going to confirm nor deny the inclusion of any specific characters from Gundam's UC timeline. However, there will be others appearing of course. I won't say who, and I won't say when. All I can say is you'll know when you konw.
I hope that this deals with any questions from these accounts. If you do have anymore questions in reviews, I accept them, but I won't promise to do this again and address the questions. If you would prefer to have them answered privately, that is up to you to create an account on .
Anyways that is all. Hope you've enjoyed this chapter, and I look forward to continuing writing with all the support that I get!
