Continues immediately after the previous chapter.

The battle was going badly for the Autobots. It reminded Ultra Magnus of the final days of the War for Cybertron, when the Decepticons were winning battle after battle. They were outnumbered and outmaneuvered. The enemy had numerical and aerial advantage. Even with the help of the TFA Autobots and their new Technorganic, they were making less progress in the battle. Undoubtedly this was Megatron's end game; he was sparing no resources, no surprises for this victory.

Speaking of which, Magnus had engaged the Decepticon leader. Only T:Prime Optimus could stand a chance against him. But with his leader missing, Magnus took it upon himself.

"Megatron!" he challenged, and the former gladiator flashed a shark-like smirk.

"Ultra Magnus, you're no Optimus Prime." Megatron ran towards him with a battle cry. Magnus aimed his blasters and fired multiple rounds but Megatron evaded. Magnus leaped out of the way and the tyrant aimed his fusion cannon.

Suddenly, out of the corner of his optic, Megatron saw a red blur coming for him and retreated his cannon arm. The red mech slashed with an axe and would have severed Megatron's arm, had he not seen and avoided the attack. The red mech joined Ultra Magnus against the Decepticon lord.

"You're finished Megatron!" Said the mech, only now Megatron saw who he was…

"Optimus?!" Megatron was both astonished and confused. This bot looked like Optimus, though a bit less experienced in the realm of command, and younger. Though he still held the same gaze of so-called nobility that Primes were known for. Now Megatron laughed in understanding, remembering Blackarachnia's and Waspinator's origins:

"Oh, I see. The other Optimus. Though I must say you look much less of a Prime than my archenemy from this dimension," Megatron taunted. He noticed that both of them looked surprised; perhaps they were unaware he knew about the TFA dimension.

"How did you...?" shot back TFA Optimus, stunned.

"Blackarachnia told me all about you, Optimus." he said no more and proceeded to attack again, re-igniting the battle.


"Come here, Ben-bot. Wasssspinator smash!" the extra-dimensional Decepticon was engaged in air combat with Ben. Waspinator was much larger and stronger, but Ben had more speed and firepower. He fired two orbs; the Decepticon dodged one though not the other. Yelling in pain from the hit, he took off after the young Technorganic. "Wasssspinator eat you!"

"Oh, man!" Ben was thankful for the Energon Greenlight had given him. Usually he would have been exhausted with the energy he'd spent by now. Waspinator was proving to be a strong opponent; some of the Autobots had trouble dealing with his brute strength. Ben figured the best way to beat him was with smarts. Too bad he lacked training on how best to use his brain in a fight.

Waspinator was about to catch Ben when a barrage coming from the ground forced him back. The teen looked below to see Hound firing his machine gun. He came a bit lower to meet the veteran soldier.

"I'll cover ya, Ben! If I stop coverin' ya, that means I'm dead. But that ain't gonna happen."

"Fighting these bad guys is a lot tougher than crooks." Ben sighed, firing at Waspinator along with Hound. Waspinator was forced to retreat. The twins Jetstorm and Jetfire arrived. They had been fighting other aerial 'Cons.

"About time." Ben grumbled.

"Little white and green bot got cold pedes?" Jetstorm asked.

"No time for chit chat. Here they come again!" Hound pointed at a group of Decepticons racing towards them. He pulled out two blasters in each hand and fired like a madman. "Come and get some, punks! You're all gonna die!"

"Dude! You are one badass!" Ben grinned.

"Still have more fight, little bot. Decepticons in sky" Jetfire said, and the twins flew off with Ben behind them. The Technorganic could still hear Hound calling out to his fellow Autobots as he twisted, rolled and turned, firing weapons every which way:

"Sideswipe! 12 O'clock high! Bee! Watch yer back! Roadhandler, on my way to assist! Have some o' this, Decepticon scum! I'm like a fat ballerina, who takes scalps and slits throats!"

"He's always watching out for his fellow bots in battle," thought Ben. "That's the kind of hero I wanna be."


Despite the Autobots' best efforts, the Decepticon's aerial assault was brutal. Led by Starscream, they rained terror on the ground-based bots.

"Lugnut! Blackout! Blitzwing! Attack!" Yelled Megatron's Lieutenant. Lugnut descended onto the ground near where Ultra Magnus' team was fighting.

"Foolish Autobots!" He bellowed, "How dare you challenge our glorious and almighty leader lord Megatron!" And released the most dangerous weapon from his servo, the P.O.K.E.

"Retreat!" Yelled Ultra Magnus, and everyone transformed and sped away before Lugnut slammed his gravity generator weapon into the ground. The resulting explosion caused a 1 kilometer - wide crater in the area, destroying everything in its wake.

"That should scare them off," chuckled Starscream from the air.


Blackout landed his alt mode helicopter nearby where Hound, T:Prime Bumblebee, Ben and Sideswipe were engaged in battle and transformed. Another Decepticon came out of his chassis and tunneled underground.

"This is a good day to die, Autobots!" he yelled, and began attacking them from behind, firing blast after blast as he dodged between burned out office buildings.

"Just like you to be firing from a hiding position, Blackout!" yelled Sideswipe, as he returned fire, rapidly zooming back and forth on his wheeled pedes.

"Ben! Go up and keep an eye on where he is from the sky!" yelled Bumblebee. And the teen Technorganic flew above the destroyed Queens skyline, watching for Blackout's position. Blackout saw him and tried blasting him, but Ben dodged the hits and used his Skyboom shield to deflect any he couldn't avoid. "Man, that is one big 'Con!" he thought to himself, as he gave ongoing Intel to his fellow bots below.

Suddenly, Ben's enhanced optics detected something else on the ground. A slight deflection in the pavement, moving rapidly toward the Autobots. "Guys, I don't know what's going on, but something's headed your way - looks like from underneath!"

Sure enough, from out of the sidewalk next to Hound came the scorpion-bot Decepticon. It began firing on him.

"What the hell is that thing?!" yelled Ben, and started shooting orbs at it.

"It's Scorponok!" yelled Sideswipe.

"Take some 'o this, ugly!" yelled Hound, and fired his plasma gun at it, but his weapon had little effect. Ben decided to use his huge orb on the 'Con. He put his servos together. He chanted "HAA-MEE-NA HAA-MEE-NA HAA-MEE-NA-HA!" and threw the giant orb at the scorpion bot. It hit him on top and exploded, blowing the 'Con in two.

"Whoooo! Nice goin' Ben!" yelled Hound.


Blitzwing and Starscream meanwhile, were tag-teaming, laying waste to TFA Optimus' team. The Seeker's aerial attacks were legendary. He would dive - bomb, firing his missiles with deadly accuracy, then streak back up to the sky, avoiding flak. Blitzwing shot his freeze rays at a vulnerable Autobot, which Starscream then blasted.

The Prime gauged the odds, and seeing the mounting casualties, made a hard decision.

"Autobots! Retreat!" He called out on his comm.

"We're giving up?" asked Ben, confused.

"Prime's right, amigo" responded Hound. "I'm just about out of ammo, and we've got too many wounded. Save it for another day, Ben."

Hound signaled the Technorganic teen. "Help me and Bee get the wounded back to base while Sideswipe and Roadhandler give us cover."

"Coming!" He responded, and sped to Hound's side.


("Thanks, Ben") said T:Prime Arcee. He was holding on to her side, using his plasma jets to help her walk; she'd gotten a leg blown off by flak from one of Starscream's rockets.

("I'd transform into my alt mode, but I wasn't sure it was a good idea, with this missing,") she chuckled, holding her detached leg in her servo.

"Hey, Minerva's gonna get you patched up, don't you worry," replied Ben. He was amazed that, even though Arcee was speaking digitally, he was able to understand her with his Cybertronian processor.

("Ben?")

"Yeah?"

("I'll be honest with you. I had doubts about your abilities, seeing that you were so young and new. But I watched you in battle. You'll make one heck of an Autobot soldier. I look forward to seeing you in training on Cybertron!")

"Wow! On Cybertron? Awesome! I'd love to do that!"

("Just keep in mind, it's super tough, but you'll come out of it with even more incredible battle skills.")

"I'll remember that, Arcee."


"Victory is ours, Decepticons!" shouted Megatron. He stood near the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Park. "Here is where I shall build my tower in New Kaon!" He pointed to the steel representation of the Earth. "This shall be a fitting icon of our new base, as we go from here to ultimate victory in retaking our home world!" All of his supporters cheered! As prearranged by Starscream, the TechnoCons flew around the Unisphere, illuminating its three large orbit rings with their plasma jets.


Ratchet could see Sari floating above the operating table. She was made of pure white! Her arms were hanging freely, away from her chassis and her helm was back slightly. Beams of light came out of her mouth and optics.

Dumbstruck, the old medic watched in awe, for it seemed as if Sari was repairing herself. The gaping hole in her chest was slowly closing, and the numerous cuts and dents started to disappear.

"Ratchet! What is happening?" Said Optimus.

Ratchet fumbled in a drawer for a pair of shields for Optimus, who put them on so he could also watch. The two bots simply looked on, astonished, for what seemed like an eternity; Optimus even dropped his stoic demeanor, anxiously calling out:

"S-Sari? Are you there?"

"Yes, Optimus, I am here." her voice echoed from far away, yet appeared to be constantly moving, coming from all around them.

"Are you alright?" asked Ratchet.

"I am alright, Ratchet. I am in the Well with the Thirteen, speaking with Solus Prime."

Shocked, Optimus and Ratchet looked at each other. If she was in the Well of All Sparks, could this mean...she had moved on?

"Are you coming back?" Optimus asked with a mournful Spark.

"Yes. I am coming back now." and the brilliant white light began to slowly fade.

As it faded, Sari's chassis came back down to rest on the table, completely healed. Once the white light was gone, Optimus and Ratchet removed the protective gear covering their optics.

"Primus!" declared Optimus.

"By the Allspark!" gasped Ratchet.

Sari's chassis had undergone a radical upgrade. Her yellow and cream-colors were now brilliant silver and gold. Her gray accents were gone. The joint covers beside her shoulders were replaced with gold spikes; all points of articulation were now black, with glowing, shimmering silver lines, and the "wings" on her back were now sharply pointed and up swung, with gold tips. Her helm was silver, as were the triangular appendages on top.

Her mouth plate was up, and her optics were closed. They were still shrouded in the flat black area that covered the top part of her face, but the mouth plate was now more defined, with a sharp point that came up between her optics.

Ratchet cautiously approached the reborn Technorganic. "Sari?" he asked. She opened her optics and lowered her mouth plate. "I'm here," she smiled.

"Your optics!" he gasped. They had also changed. No longer white irises in a field of pale blue, both were now brilliant white, with a circle that defined the iris.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Sari, you have undergone a radical upgrade," said Optimus.

"I have? I remember being in the Well with the Thirteen, and speaking with Solus Prime. She gave me a mission, with new mods and abilities, and told me important things that I must share with you, Optimus."

"Before you do that, Sari, perhaps you should see yourself," suggested Ratchet, and helped her off the sick bay table to a full-length mirror.

"Oh, my!" she gasped, looking at herself. "Is that me?"

"It is now," the medic replied.

In addition to her new chassis, there was a certain luminescent radiance that emanated from her.

"Solus Prime told me about this," she explained.

"Told you about what?" Ratchet asked.

"This glow. It's only for certain times, for certain purposes. It's caused by white Energon."

"White Energon?!" The two mechs looked at each other, confused.

"It's the opposite of dark Energon. It provides healing, for myself and gives me the ability to heal others. But I should only manifest it when needed."

"Can you turn it off?" Optimus asked.

"Well, I could do it by transforming, she smiled." And with a white flash, Sari transformed into her old "bot" self!

The Prime gasped! "You can do that now?"

"Yes. The Thirteen endowed my T-cog with multi-changing ability. But enough of that! Solus Prime told me there are many more Technorganics on this planet! They are hidden from plain sight like Ben. We must find them before Megatron does!"

"But how, Sari?"

She transformed back into her silver & gold mode. "In this mode, I can locate them."

Bumblebee and her father came into the sick bay. "Sari!" yelled Isaac in disbelief. "You're alive! But...What happened to you?"

"Whoa, Sar! Is that really you?" asked Bee.

"It's me," she responded happily.

"I'm, I'm having trouble seeing you," said Isaac, shielding his eyes with his hand. "There's something about your chassis, it's too bright! It hurts my eyes"

"Sorry Dad," she replied, and with a white flash, transformed back into her old self. "I guess my new chassis is too much for human eyes."

"What happened to you?" TFA Bumblebee asked.

"It is best that Sari explain it to all of us." Optimus suggested, and after having Ratchet scan her for any injuries and giving her a clean bill of Autobot health, they exited the med hall. Needless to say TFA Bulkhead, Minerva, Agent Fowler and the Skystrikers were jubilant! They rejoiced to see Sari alive and well. Miko even transformed into her Predacon mode and roared in ecstasy, expelling a short torrent of fire into the ceiling.

"Miko!" Yelled Fowler, frowning at the scorch marks.

"Sorry!" She replied. "I'm so happy!"

"Well all right," he chuckled, "considering the circumstances, I'll let it slide."

After everyone settled down, they met in a large conference room. Optimus explained how he used the Forge of Solus Prime to save Sari's life when she was on the brink. And it worked beyond his expectations. Sari, in her turn, relayed her transformation and her experience in the Well of All Sparks. The Cybertronians present tensed when she relayed her 'death'. Though they quickly grew intrigued with the rest:

"Solus Prime explained my new powers to me, and the properties of white Energon." To demonstrate, she transformed into her new bot self, though holding down her aura so as not to blind the humans.

"Epic!" Miko mooned over that, back in her "human" mode (of course, with optics in both modes, she could have withstood the full force of Sari's aura).

"Wow!" Jack's optics opened wide.

"Great Cybertron!" Minerva sighed.

"I can heal myself and others with white Energon. That's partially how I survived. And more." Sari suddenly vanished in a quick flash of light, only to reappear on the other side of the room. She repeated the process to return to her original spot. "I can warp a short distance, too."

"That will definitely come in handy, Captain." Raf commented.

"My mods and capacities have also been enhanced. Even my blades were replaced." Sari revealed a thin blade made of light extending from her wrist. As she moved it around, it made a low droning sound.

"A light saber!" Said Fowler, impressed.

"You know that light makes you look like an angel, sweetie." Isaac smiled.

"Thanks, dad." she giggled in gratitude. "I can fire white energy rays in addition to white orbs."

"But my upgrade wasn't meant to be offensive. Most of my enhancements are directed to my new mission." she paused. "This is what the Thirteen told me about; something we had suspected but never had confirmed."

"What is it, Sari?" TFA Bulkhead asked, half-curious.

"Ben and Jack aren't the only Technorganics on this Earth. There are more. Many more, living as normal humans."

Everyone took in the news with surprise, though a few had different emotions. Isaac and Ratchet were the first to change from surprise into understanding. From a scientist's point of view, the chance of more Technorganics living on T:Prime Earth was a logical one, given the discovery of Ben.

Jack looked down in deep thought. Ever since he learned of Ben's existence, he wanted to explore the possibility of more Technorganics. Until this day he had thought Technorganics were one of a kind for each dimension. He recalled Sari once telling him they could take centuries, millennia, even millions of years to discover their origins. Maybe they would learn it much sooner!

Optimus was stoic, though he too was surprised by this development. Ever since he met Sari and saw how her intervention allowed them to restore Cybertron, Optimus felt this war had reached a new stage. When Jack was revealed to be Technorganic, he understood the Autobots' fates were meant to become increasingly tangled with humans.

He placed a servo on his chest, where the Matrix of Leadership was stored. Optimus searched through the wisdom of the Primes for some clue of what was to come. The appearance of Sari, discovery of Jack's true nature, the creation of Kālī and the TechnoCons and now the revealing of Benjamin Tennyson. These were all portents for the future; of that much he was certain.

"Then it is imperative that we locate and protect these Technorganics hiding in plain sight before the Decepticons catch wind of their existence." the Prime decided.

"That is the mission they gave me." Sari clarified "Most of my new powers are directed toward that end. I have a stronger spiritual connection with nature, the Well and the Primes. Through deep and long meditation I can pick up the Spark-signals of the hidden Technorganics all over the world."

"Wait!" Ratchet said abruptly. "Does that mean you are now...one with the Allspark?"

"That's what they say when someone kicks the…" TFA Bumblebee started to joke but stopped himself when he realized what it implied. Those present who understood what he meant turned with heavy looks at Sari.

"No, friends. My time hasn't come yet," she smiled at them reassuringly. "But we have no time to lose. Megatron has won today. Even if he doesn't know for sure about more Technorganics, he definitely suspects their existence. And with Blackarachnia on his side…"

"Whoa, whoa, Sar! What do you mean? That spider-lady is here?!" Her Sparkmate was dumbfounded.

"Yes," she nodded sadly. "The TechnoCons had planned to take me out from the start. They isolated me and had Blackarachnia help them knock me out of the air."

"So that's the spider bot that immobilized me?" Raf asked, and she nodded.

"Well, our main advantage is that Megatron hasn't confirmed the existence of more Technorganics. Nor possesses a method of locating them." Fowler advised. "Though knowing how cunning he can be, we should make doubly sure he doesn't learn of this, either way."

"Wise thought, Agent Fowler." Optimus then sighed. "Our joined forces will be withdrawing soon. We have lost the city, but all Humans in the area are safe now."

"Wait! Are we just giving up?" Miko asked, incredulous.

"Never, Miko. But to keep fighting for a lost cause will only result in more losses. We must retreat and liberate the city when the battle is more favorable for us."

"I've spoken with Colonel Mitchell, Optimus," said Fowler. "Skybolt is now at your disposal. Unit:E was originally ordered by the President to hold back, but given the circumstances, we must now take a more active role."

"Thank you, Agent Fowler," the Prime responded. "I know Unit:E is a top-secret, clandestine unit of your government. We shall only call upon Colonel Mitchell's resources if truly needed."

Optimus then excused himself and retreated to a comm room. He was going to pass by a bad time, explaining to the President their failure. On the bright side, the Autobots would be available to assist in the evacuation of close areas. The farther civilians were away from the now Decepticon - conquered city, the better.


"There is no doubt now that this Megatron knows of our dimension. If he's anything like our Megatron, he might already have plans of invasion in the making." TFA Optimus sighed.

After the meeting, the Autobots withdrew to the main region of Area 51. Greenlight, Minerva and the two Ratchets were up to their necks in work to treat the injured. In her new capacity, Sari used her white Energon to heal those bots most seriously injured.

Including an old friend.

"Oh, Jazz!" She sighed mournfully.

Minerva had him in emergency stasis to keep him alive. Ultra Magnus was at his side. "He was responsible for getting us out when Lugnut used his gravity generator." He told her. "He...he pushed us all away, with Processor-Over-Matter, sacrificing himself in the process. He is a brave and courageous soldier." Sari could sense the anguish in the old warrior's Spark.

Jazz' chassis was cracked open in the back from the explosion, and his legs had been blown away. His helm was badly fractured, and Minerva had patched him up where she could, keeping him on an Energon drip.

"I immediately sped back to rescue Jazz before those Decepticons could grab him and take him to Shockwave." Magnus continued. "No soldier left behind."

"His injuries are quite severe, Sari," said Minerva. "If it weren't for his Processor-Over-Matter, that explosion would have completely disintegrated him."

Sari took Jazz' servo in hers and a white glow enveloped them both. Ultra Magnus and Minerva watched, dumbstruck, as Jazz' body began rebuilding. An outline of his legs began to take shape, then came into reality before their optics. The injuries on his body and helm likewise started fading. The glow gradually diminished, and when it dissipated, he was fully healed. Sari gently let go, and put a servo on the Cyber-Ninja's helm.

"Jazz?"

He opened his optics and looked at the little silver and gold bot.

"Where am I?" Slightly disoriented, he frowned. "Who are you?"

Sari chuckled, and with a white flash, transformed into her old self. "It's me," she smiled.

"Sari? Sari! How…?"

"I'll explain later." She held his servo in hers again. "Right now, you rest, my friend."

He closed his optics and went into a deep recharge. Minerva and Ultra Magnus approached her. "Sari, that was the most incredible thing I've ever seen," he told her. "Thank you. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Commander," she smiled. "I am honored to assist wherever I can. I have many things I need to do."


The Decepticons had achieved a great victory, demoralizing to the Autobots, and very unnerving to the USA and the rest of the world.

Now Sari was speaking with her old friend and commanding officer. The news of the defeat was truly a letdown but she knew she couldn't give up.

"Megatron will definitely capitalize on this victory as soon as he can. If he attempts to find more Technorganics and by sheer luck manages to find one, then he won't stop hunting them down." Sari said. "I can't waste any time. I have to start now. Optimus, please tell the others I need privacy and silence."

She turned to make her way down an unused corridor, there to find an empty room far away from the now busy and noisy parts of Area 51.

"What are you going to do?" He asked curiously.

"Meditate. With the Thirteen's assistance, I hope to be able to tap into the first Technorganic's Spark, wherever he or she might be. This being my very first attempt, I don't know how long that will take."

She left, and arriving, closed the door. The Primes ordered it off limits. Getting into zazen, she began to meditate, hovering slightly above the floor.


"We have lost." Optimus' phrase was short and simple but made the President and the JCS still feel like a combat knife had been slashed through their spirits.

"Lost?!" General Rogers grunted angrily. "You claimed to have had everything under control, Prime. We've lost a city and thousands of lives because of this!"

"That is my responsibility, I understand, General." Optimus accepted the blame for this defeat. Now that the enemy had a foothold on Earth, they would begin expanding their grasp to make this planet their new base.

"What do we do now?" asked the President.

"Now that they have a foothold on Earth, we do what we can to prevent the Decepticons from expanding their base," said Optimus. "The evacuees from New York must be protected at all costs. The Autobots will assist."

"Seems like your assistance isn't enough, Prime," retorted General Rogers. "We gave you and your kind a chance. Now it's our turn!"

"While I understand your desire to respond, General, I must warn you that Megatron cannot be stopped by any means available on Earth."

"So you say," replied the General. "Mr. President, my advice to you is to call for an all-out attack on New York."

"Mr. President, conventional forces will be immediately shot down by the Decepticons," advised Optimus.

"Then if that's the case, I say we escalate with non-conventional forces," countered Rogers.

"What are you saying, General?" asked the President.

"You get on the phone to the other world leaders, and tell them that we will deliver an EPW right on Megatron's head!"

"You can't be serious!" said the President.

"Forgive me, but what is an EPW?" asked Optimus.

"An EPW, or Earth-Penetrating Weapon, is a nuclear version of what is known as a bunker-buster," explained the President. "It is a bomb designed to penetrate hardened targets."

The Prime shook his head. "Will that not result in radioactive fallout, such as occurred at Hiroshima and Nagasaki?"

"There will be better containment," said the General.

"I fear it will not work," Optimus replied.

"Well I believe this is our best option," countered the General.

There was several seconds of silence, while the President considered the odds. He then reluctantly announced:

"Optimus, I ask that you and your Autobots continue to protect the evacuees. General, proceed with your plans."

"Yes, Mr. President," said the General.

"Acknowledged, Mr. President," Optimus replied.

"Anything else?" asked the President.

"One other thing, yes. During the battle in Queens, a young teenage boy engaged the Decepticon Technorganics."

"What?! That's suicide! Why did you let him?" asked the General.

"Because he was not a normal human," replied Optimus. "He was a Technorganic like Sari and Jack, the two Skystrikers. This was indeed a shock to us, since we had no idea there were others on your planet."

"Another Technorganic? Are you sure?"

"Yes. He was examined by our Autobot medic, who confirmed his physiology. He apparently came to Earth the same way as our other two."

"Could there be others, Optimus?" asked the President.

"Indeed. In fact, our Cyber-Ninja Sari has confirmed this. While we don't know the number, she suspects there are many, scattered throughout your planet. It is imperative that we locate and protect them before Megatron gets the opportunity."

"How? How can they be found? This boy in Queens - he showed up unexpectedly!"

"Sari, the Cyber-Ninja, has the ability to locate them. She began her search yesterday, and when she returns, we will know."


A black shadow was vaguely seen in the dark night. Passing some moonlit clouds, it was in fact revealed to be a B-2 stealth bomber. Seconds later the bomber was joined by a squadron, eight flying together in attack formation toward New York City.

At an undisclosed location, a tracking screen came to life, nine blips flashing.

Army Technician #1: "We've got the AWAC on line. Signals coming in low."

The President's advisors and the JCS took their position behind monitors at the Situation Room in the White House, listening to the technicians. They were watching the same thing.

The nine B-2 Stealth Bombers broke formation, each heading off to different target destinations.

On a large map, the group in the Situation Room saw the nine target destinations and the planes heading for them. One will deliver the weapon to its true destination; the others acting as decoys.

Lead B-2: "Intercept ETA, six minutes and counting down."

President: "My God."

JCS General: "The nearby cities have been deserted. Civilian casualties should be at a minimum, sir."

One map screen enlarged, tracking the bomber on route to New York City.

Nervous military technicians worked equipment as their tank commander, only miles from ground zero, pulled down a periscope. Through the periscope cross-hairs he could see Manhattan, the Decepticon space ships patrolling its perimeter.

The B-2 flight crew worked their computers (similar readouts were seen in the Situation Room), the Multi-Function Display (MFD) flashing before each crew member.

B-2 Captain: "We have laser targeting locked."

General: "Target is locked, sir. Do you wish to deploy?"

Everyone turned to the President who did not answer.

"Mr. President, do you wish to deploy."

Still there was no answer.

"Mr. President?"

President (softly): "Deploy."

The bay doors opened and a large Tactical Nuclear Cruise Missile dropped down, flying parallel with the bomber as it adjusted its radar and laser tracking. Suddenly it SHOT OFF.

The B-2 banked away.

B-2 Captain: "She's away."

The big map showed one flashing target line tracking the missile as it approached New York City.

President (to himself): "May our children forgive us."

The Tank Commander readjusted the periscope.

The Cruise Missile guided itself on a direct collision course with the Decepticon base. The targeting map showed how close the missile was, nearly on top of the target. Everyone in the room held their breath.

Suddenly, the image of the missile on the map disappeared!

General: "What the hell happened?! Tank commander! What happened! Did we get the bastards?"

Seconds passed. The tank commander responded.

Tank Commander: "Negative. Missile was destroyed by one of the Decepticon ships. Target remains."


The Decepticon insignia was burnt onto the Unisphere as a symbol of the throne of the Decepticon city on Earth. New York City was no more; from now on it was to be called New Kaon.

Starscream called an assembly of all Decepticons before Megatron's Unisphere. Megatron descended from the Nemesis ramp, walking over and standing in front of the newly-dedicated steel globe. On his side were Starscream, Shockwave, and Soundwave.

"Skysword!" called out Starscream, "bring forth your team. The TechnoCon leader stepped forward with JoAnne, Osgood, Adam, and Scott.

"We are here to recognize these Earth-born Decepticons," said Megatron. "I now call them Decepticons, for that is indeed what they are; they have proven themselves in battle and are worthy to bear the name." He turned toward a large jumbotron screen that Soundwave had erected, taken from Citi Field and placed above so all could see. The Intelligence Officer then replayed the video of the five coordinating their attack on Sari, ending with Skysword plunging his falchion sword through her chassis. Everyone cheered!

"JoAnne, step forward," said Megatron. She came up. "From this day forward, your Decepticon name shall be Firefly." And Shockwave burned the Decepticon shield on her abdomen.

"Osgood, step forward," he said next. He came up. "From this day forward, your Decepticon name shall be Starfury." And Shockwave did likewise,

"Adam, step forward," he said next. He came up. "From this day forward, your Decepticon name shall be Thunderbolt." And Shockwave applied his Decepticon shield.

"Scott, step forward," he said finally. He came up. "From this day forward, your Decepticon name shall be Skyskater." And Shockwave applied the final shield.

"Our newest Decepticon members!" shouted Starscream, and all applauded!


The TechnoCons were enjoying themselves in "human" mode, sitting at table in DANIEL, one of New York City's most expensive restaurants, at 65th Street between Madison and Park Avenues. Amazingly, it was one of the buildings that hadn't been destroyed.

"Skysword, pour another glass of that Chateau D'Yquem 1918," said Starfury, "it's only $10,000 a bottle," he laughed, looking at the wine list.

"Sure thing!" and the TechnoCon leader poured a glass for the British Decepticon.

"This White Sturgeon Caviar's not bad!" said Firefly. "Here, try some." And she handed a cracker to Skyskater. He tasted it.

"Bleah! How can you eat that!" he spat it out. She laughed.

"S'matter? Not fit for the finer things in life?" she teased.

"Not that! I'll stick with this lobster." And he cracked it open.

"Mind if I have some?" came a voice from behind them. They turned to see - a purple Technorganic!"

"Bloody hell?!" yelled Starfury, getting up.

"Who are you?" yelled Skysword.

"It's that Sumdac again!" yelled Thunderbolt, and transforming, got out his energy hammer and rushed toward her. The purple Technorganic deployed her energy scythes. "I wouldn't if I were you!" she warned.

"Hold it!" yelled Firefly, getting up. She then noticed the Decepticon shield on this strange bot. "That's not Sari!"

"Sari? Of course I'm not Sari!" she spat back.

"Then who are you?" said Skysword again.

She retracted her scythes. "Name's Kālī."

Starfury fell back in his chair. "No. Way!" All five were shocked. The other four stood there motionless, staring at her.

With a red flash, Kālī transformed into "human" mode and plopped down at one of the tables. She put her spiked boots up on the linen tablecloth, crossed her arms, and smirked "So...lobster?"


Kālī polished off several lobsters, then burped loudly and wiped her mouth with the linen tablecloth. The shells were scattered all over the floor. "Not bad," she remarked. "Now, let's get down to business. Take me to Megatron."

"Excuse me? You waltz in here and think you can just ask for an audience?" laughed Thunderbolt.

"Ask? That wasn't a request, hammer-boy."

"Why you…" and he got up from his chair.

"Stand down!" yelled Skysword, then cautiously approached Kālī. "We'll bring you."

"That's better," she replied.

"Mind telling us your business before we leave?" He asked her.

"I have some important matters to discuss with him."

"Such as?"

"With him, not with you," she said, calmly but resolutely, then transformed back into "bot" mode. "Let's go."

Skysword transformed as well and turned to his team. "Transform and roll out! We bring Kālī to Megatron."

Thunderbolt was incredulous! "We're just gonna follow the demands of this intruder?!"

"Thunderbolt! Didn't you do your homework? Do you remember anything about this bot?!" chided Starfury. "She fought Sari and nearly bested her - could you?"

"No," replied Thunderbolt testily.

"Then stick with the program!"

Indeed, Skysword did not want to take this Technorganic on until he could learn more about her, what had happened to her, and what she was doing back here. Better to let Megatron sort all that out. They left the restaurant and headed back to the Decepticon Leader's headquarters.


"Lord Megatron," Starscream reported to the tyrant sitting on the throne in front of the Unisphere. Soundwave and Shockwave stood at his side. The Seeker seemed strangely bewildered, which Megatron caught "The TechnoCons have returned. They said they have found someone...unexpected. She has demanded to see you immediately."

"She?" Megatron quirked a metallic eyebrow. Whoever she was, it had to be very impertinent to think she can demand to see the Lord of the Decepticons. Starscream stepped aside to allow her to approach.

There were very few things that could have shocked Megatron in his millennia-long life. The betrayal of his old friend Orion Pax before the High Council, before the war. The discovery of that meddling Technorganic Sari. Prime wielding the Star Saber to cleave an entire mountain. But he was clearly shocked to see his first Technorganic soldier, Kālī, alive and standing before him.

"It defies logic." Shockwave spoke with a note of disbelief, the closest he has gotten to show emotion in a long time. Megatron's reaction, however, was laughter.

"This day just keeps getting brighter for the Decepticons! Now one of my fallen soldiers has returned to our ranks."

The TechnoCons were behind Kālī, having escorted her here. Though each had different ideas about her, they all were edgy to be around the legendary first Decepticon Technorganic.

"Don't count your sparklings before they hatch, Megatron." Kālī said drily. "I'm not the same Technorganic I was the last time you saw me. I'm here under the orders of my new masters, to propose an alliance."

Megatron frowned. He didn't like to see one of his followers speaking on those terms. But he decided to play along, partly interested in who these 'masters' were and how Kālī came to stand before him.

"And, pray tell, who are these new masters of yours?"

"When I collided with Sari's attack, I inadvertently opened a hole through the fabric of space and blasted myself into a dimension where space-bridges interact."

"I understand, my liege." Shockwave said suddenly. "I have theorized that a fast moving object going against an orb opens an anomalous space-bridge. However this anomalous space-bridge is only 'half a doorway'. When a space-bridge opens, one automatically passes by an intermediary dimension."

"Exactly." Kālī continued. "This dimension is in-between. A place where there is no time, no escape. I was sent there in pain, and I would have remained there forever as such."

Unbeknownst to everyone, Starfury gasped silently. When the attack on New York began, he had explained to Lazerback about Shockwave's theory of Kālī's possible survival and eternal torment. At the time, the Brit had simply dismissed it as just a theory. How wrong he had been…

"My masters rescued me and gave a new mission and purpose."

"And you should know, Kālī," Megatron got up from his throne. His demeanor suddenly became very menacing. "The Decepticons don't accept resignations." He lifted up his arm and fired his fusion cannon at her point-blank! The blast never hit her, however; the moment the force of the blast came within a meter of her body, it dissipated into harmless clouds of glowing gas!

"What is this?!" said Megatron, and shot once more. The same result.

"Care to try something else, Megatron?" said Kālī, in a half-mocking tone.

"Insolent pest!" he yelled, and unsheathed his Dark Star Saber. With a yell, he struck Kālī, but the sword shattered as soon as it hit her chassis! The force of the blow sent the Dark Lord back, staggering.

"What is this sorcery?!" he yelled, panting.

"No sorcery,' she replied. "An alliance, between the Decepticons and my masters. Are you interested? For there is more to tell you and I grow impatient."

Megatron was angry but also intrigued. He'd never been challenged in this way before, not even by Optimus. No one had ever sustained his attacks and survived! Clearly these masters of hers were a force to be reckoned with; yet, what did they want? What is the nature of this "alliance"? Was he to be an equal partner, or merely a secondary subset?

'Go on," he told her, sitting on his throne.

"I see that you have acquired additional Technorganics," she began. "Where did they come from?"

"They were once human. Turned Technorganic by my scientist."

"Clever. Would you be interested to know that it was not necessary to artificially create them?"

Megatron turned to Shockwave, then back to Kālī. "What do you mean?"

"This planet is populated by many more Technorganics. I'm willing to help you find them. However, there's a catch."

Megatron frowned. He didn't like negotiating. "A catch, you say. What is the nature of this catch?"

"The Technorganics we find will remain under my custody. However, there is a benefit for you. Working together, the masters will see to it that you will never have to deal with those do-gooder Autobot Technorganics, ever again."

Megatron rubbed his chin. "And precisely how will your masters ensure that I never have to deal again with these Autobot Technorganics, Kālī?"

"That is for me to know," she replied coldly.

"Do we have a deal?" She asked him.

"Perhaps," Megatron replied. He looked to his Intelligence Officer Soundwave, who had already silently begun a search on the Nemesis for signs of these Technorganics on the Earth. Kālī sensed his actions. "Your Intelligence Officer won't be able to find them, no matter how long his Nemesis program tries," she said, to which Soundwave betrayed a slight degree of shock at her knowledge.

"You appear to have me at a disadvantage, Kālī," said Megatron. "Tell me, if you will, how will you find them?"

"There's a tall building over there," she said, pointing to the Chrysler Tower. "Let me retire to its top. I can begin my search."

"I asked you already, let me ask you once again: do we have a deal?"

"Very well, Kālī," the Decepticon leader replied. "One question, though. Who are your new masters?"

She gave a slight chuckle and replied, "We all work for someone."


After three solar cycles of meditation, Sari finally emerged from her private room. TFA Optimus was the first to see her come out.

"Sari, you're finally up. I must say, we were getting a little worried," he smiled.

"Sorry about that, but I couldn't interrupt the zazen or else I would have had to start all over again," she sighed. "It took longer than I thought, but I have located the first Technorganic. Tell Bulky to charge up the ground bridge. We're going to Tibet."

So! New resolutions, and new developments. Sari has been reborn, with new powers and a new mission. But then again, there's another twist! Kālī is back, having been restored by this group she calls her new masters. She wants an alliance with Megatron and is out for the same goal as Sari!

What will come of this, and who will win the race for the search? We shall see!

Another cooperative effort by yours truly and TheSealer!

By the way, be sure to see TheSealer's artwork on deviantart! He has depictions of both Sari Reborn as well as the TechnoCons. His deviantart ID is Orichalcosdark. Actually his "Sari Reborn" contribution was the inspiration for this part of the story.

Thanks for reading. Please review.