Sorry for the long delay in getting this next chapter out! Had some health issues to take care of, and while recuperating was also working on another story of mine, one that had nothing to do with Transformers ("The Cat Returns - What If Haru Stayed?" – if you're interested).

At any rate, after a bit of a delay, here's the next installment. Takes place shortly after the end of Chapter 17…

Optimus was assembled with several Autobots, Agent Fowler, the four new Technorganics and their families.

"Cody and Frankie have some experience performing rescue missions on civilians. Therefore, I propose that they work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, under your direct supervision, Chief Burns. They will be far away from the battlefront." T:Prime Optimus assured the families.

"That...is acceptable." Captain Charlie and Dr. Greene conceded.

"Lara is skilled in hand-to-hand combat. So she will receive some quick military instruction at the hand of our Ninja soldier Arcee, much as Ben did when we first found him."

"I'll gladly join." Lara said, a bit to Lord Richard's hesitation.

"And Koji will remain here and receive basic training and instruction, as Aang did."

Koji's parents were definitely relieved to hear that. Koji however felt somewhat downcast, being the one Technorganic with barely any fighting experience. His dual nature revealed itself less than a month ago.

Just then, Jack, Ben, Miko and Raf entered the room. Fowler guided the parents and newer Technorganics out, claiming this was a classified session.

"Optimus, you're actually planning on sending them into battle?" Raf quirked an eyebrow.

"Yeah, two of them are still just kids." Miko agreed. "And that Lara has guts but she only fought crooks."

"Hey, I fought crooks for years, and I handled myself pretty well when we fought in New York." Ben retorted.

"We were in the middle of a battle and there was no time for explanations. Besides, Ben, you retained only a support role." Jack responded.

"Ok, I get your point."

"While I admit this measure is extreme, I'm afraid we require every resource we can spare for the coming conflict." Optimus said gravely. "The Decepticons are about to strike again. Their goal is to eradicate the site of operations we share close to New Kaon with the Regulans, in an attempt to demoralize and eliminate a listening post.

"What is most concerning is that we have heard rumors of a 'secret weapon' they will deploy."

"Then why enlist them in smaller roles when we could be out there instead?" Aang asked politely. Even though he was still against fighting, the Tibetan Technorganic accepted the necessity when it involved protecting someone else. With his Cybertronian basic martial training finished, and having better use of his mods, Aang believed they had a fighting chance.

"Far be it from me to ask someone else to fight this battle" he bent down to see them closer, "your abilities might be better put to finding the hidden Technorganics. In the long run, protecting them may be more vital than achieving victory today."

"That's if the Captain lets us help out. She says this is her mission, now. No help from us." Miko muttered.

Optimus sighed slightly before standing up again:

"I am sorry, but you will have to persuade her yourselves. The arrangements for the coming battle demand my attention now."


Sari left zazen, with determination to boot. She has three new targets and she must find them and bring them here, where they would be safe. Without wasting valuable time.

"Sensei." Jack called out behind her. She turned to see the Skystrikers, Ben and Aang standing there.

"I have three more to find now. I'll go to the first, bring that one back and then go after the others."

"You mean you're gonna snatch them, just like that? Bring them in first, explain things later?" Ben asked.

"Pretty much, yes. I afforded Koji the time to get him acquainted and that nearly cost him greatly." she sighed. "I must be more diligent."

"Sensei, I thought about doing the same but didn't and that got me, Cody and Frankie in Kālī's clutches. I made that mistake just as much as you. And while I agree we need to be quicker, I don't think practically kidnapping the Technorganics is the answer." Jack came to touch her shoulder. "It's just not what we are."

"Since when have our roles exchanged?" she made a ghost of a smile. "Used to be me giving you advice. Not the other way around."

"I grew up." he chuckled. "We all grew up."

Sari looked at the faces of her team and finally relented.

"Alright, we'll split up but don't forget to be quick and diligent. If you don't have the chance to explain the basics to the families, bring in the Technorganics first and then we'll contact their parents."

And so the Skystrikers split up. Sari and Jack went to Osaka, Japan; Ben and Aang to Sri Lanka; and Miko and Raf bridged to San Francisco.


Sari and Jack flew above the clouds over Osaka, which the latter found strange.

"Sensei, why are we here?"

"Because our target is up here rather than down there." she pointed down to the city. Turning her attention to the cloudy horizon, a small dot grew slowly larger. "He's coming in fast, jumping over the clouds."

"Yeah, I see him. He's got a knack for cloud jumping." Jack joked.

The target was a Technorganic, blissfully flying and jumping on the clouds with the grace and speed of a dolphin. His chassis was black and gray and of smaller build than Jack's. A distinguishable feature was a pair of horns on his head and two larger-than-normal blue optics behind the traditional black visor.

The new Technorganic was laughing joyfully and didn't notice his audience until he was less than ten meters from them. The new one glared at them, utterly confused; who were these two who were just like him, floating above the clouds like he was?

"Uh, hi!" he said, in Japanese. Automatically engaging her language mod, Sari introduced:

"Hello, I'm Sari and this is Jack," she said, engaging her diplomat mod. "As you can see, we're just like you."

"Okay, I'm Tobio, but please call me Astro."

"Nice to meet you, Astro." Sari spoke politely but with a pinch of haste in her voice. "We have been looking for others like you and us for some time. And forgive the suddenness, but we must ask you to come with us."

"Why?" Astro stood a bit on the defensive.

"You heard about the alien robots that attacked New York on the news, right?" he nodded at her question.

"One of their agents may also be looking for you." Sari looked around, as if expecting an attack on the clouds. "In fact, they may already be on their way. So it's best you come with us now. Once we're safe at base, we will answer all your questions."

"I'm not going without my dad. From what you say, he too may be in danger."

"Fair enough, Astro. Thank you for trusting us." Sari bowed her head to show gratitude. "I believe you live here in Osaka?"

"Yep, my dad is a robotics doctor at the University here." Astro turned around. "I'll take you home. Let's rocket!"

Jack and Sari followed suit, descending subtly to a deserted part of the city where they could transform. The two Skystrikers noticed that Astro could fly with amazing skill.

"When did you learn about your powers, Astro?" Jack asked.

"A couple of weeks ago."

"You're light and fast on your wings. It took me longer to fly like that." he complimented.

"Thanks!"

"Out of mere curiosity," Sari questioned. "what is 'Let's rocket' about?"

"Nothing, it's just a thing I made up." he shrugged kind of awkwardly.

"Guess it's more fitting than 'It's hero time!'." Jack commented.

"What?"

"Never mind."


Meanwhile, in Astro's house, his foster father, a man with a large nose and balding, white hair was sitting down in the living room. His name was Professor Ochanomizu, Tobio Tenma's foster father. And he was speaking with an unexpected guest, a young woman who admitted to know about the dual nature of his son.

"I must admit this is quite unexpected. I never understood what Astro was for certain. My old colleagues' notes never spoke of anything quite like him." Ochanomizu fixed the woman with a penetrating look. "And you say you know of his origins and can help him?"

"Quite so, Professor. My associates and I are his brethren of sorts. We Technorganics are all of the same model. I am here to instruct him in his way to reach his full potential."

"Am I to assume you are aligned with the 'peaceful robots' that fought with the USA military against the invaders on the battle of New York?"

"Yes, we Autobots" she winced just slightly at the name. "are rescuing all Technorganics scattered all over the planet."

"I see." the Professor heard the sound of his tea-pot at the stove, boiling. "Oh, the tea is ready? Would you have some, Miss…"

"No, thank you." she smiled widely. "And you can call me Kālī."


"Sensei, I'm detecting something," said Jack, as they approached the Ochanomizu home.

"As do I," she replied, then yelled, "Turn back!"

The three made a rapid U-turn.

"What's going on?" Asked Astro.

"No time to explain," said Sari, and got on her comm. "Bulkhead! Emergency bridge!"

The three flew into the bridge and landed in Area 51.

"What about my father?" demanded Astro.

"He's with the evil Technorganic," explained Sari. "I had to get you here immediately before she captured you. I will go back and rescue him. Forgive me for the abruptness, but this was an emergency." She got on her comm. "Minerva, June, new Technorganic. His name is Astro. Sorry for the last-minute nature of my request; Jack and I have to return to rescue his father. Please come to the transport nexus and give him a briefing."

"Roger, Sari," said Minerva, "on our way."

"Minerva? June?"

"Medical bots. They will answer any and all of your questions. Jack, come with me."

"Yes, Sensei."

Sari had Bulkhead open a transport to the same location where they first arrived in Osaka, and they flew in. June and Minerva arrived.

"Astro? I'm June, and this is Minerva," she said to him in Cybertronian. "I understand you've arrived suddenly. We're in a fierce battle with the Decepticons - the ones who attacked New York, and things are really moving fast. Don't worry, Captain Sari is the most trustworthy, skilled, dedicated and powerful Technorganic there is! And Jack is her student."

"Plus, Jack's something else, isn't he, June?" Smiled Minerva.

"Plenty of time to explain that!" She replied. "Would you please come with us? As soon as Sari and Jack return with your father, we'll return back here so you can greet him."

"All...alright," he said warily, and followed them.

"You certainly look built for speed, Astro," said June.

"Thanks!" He smiled. Indeed, Astro's chassis was designed for supersonic flight. Black and gray, with red pedes, his most distinctive feature was two spiked appendages coming out of his jet black helm; they pointed straight back, as if their final shape had taken form in flight. He had black wings on his back, similar in shape to a certain Tibetan Technorganic.

"Do your wings change shape as you change speed?"

"Yes. The faster I go, the closer they hug my body."

Minerva nodded. "Variable-sweep wings. We have another Technorganic here named Aang. You'll meet him. His wings do the same thing."

June chuckled. "I bet you like to go fast, Astro!"

"You bet!"

"You remind me a little of a bot I knew in my world, called Blurr," said Minerva. "Of course, being an Autobot, he wasn't a flyer. But he was the fastest thing on the ground."

"Autobot?"

They arrived at sick bay.

"C'mon inside," said Minerva, "we'll talk."


The bridge opened back in Osaka, and the two Cyber-Ninjas flew out.

"Alright, Sensei, what's the plan?" asked Jack.

"Follow me," she replied, and they flew a slight distance away.


"I don't understand, Kālī," said the Professor, "he normally arrives by now. Of course, he does have a tendency to dawdle, flying around the clouds - ever since discovering his abilities."

"Humm," responded Kālī, walking outside, standing on the patio. "You say you can see him up in the sky?"

"Oh, on occasion. He is quite fast. He'll be just a quick dash across the sky."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, if I, say, met him up there?"

"Oh! No," he laughed. "It would be quite amusing, to say the least! I'd give anything to see the look on his face!"

Suddenly, a jet stream appeared in the sky! It darted much too quickly for a commercial jet or even a military aircraft.

"Ah! There he is! Think you can catch him?"

A flash, and Kālī transformed. "Shouldn't be a problem," and she jetted off.

Jack saw Kālī headed toward him and got on his comm. "Now, Bulkhead!" And a bridge opened up. He flew in. By the time the purple Technorganic got near, he was gone. "What the...?" She yelled.

Professor Ochanomizu had his hand on his brow, peering at the sky trying to watch what was happening. Suddenly, Sari warped behind him, wrapped her arms around his chest and the two warped a kilometer away to a distant hillside.

"What?...help!" The Professor screamed.

"Forgive me, Professor, but I'm taking you to Astro," said Sari, and got on her comm. "Bulkhead, bridge, now!" and holding on to the Professor, she flew into the bridge. Arriving at Area 51, she released him.

"This is outrageous!" he yelled angrily, "I demand that you return me at once!"

"Dad!" called out Astro.

"Tobio!" he replied, "they captured you too?"

"No, Dad, they rescued us. That Kālī, she's evil; she was going to abduct me and make me a slave! Minerva and June, the two Autobots here," he pointed up to them, "explained it to me. They are the good bots. Kālī is with the Decepticons, the ones who attacked New York."

"It is true, Professor."

He turned, and was shocked!"

"Dr. Onishi!" He bowed in respect for the renowned archeologist. It was June's idea to bring him to assist.

"Yes, my son, Koji, is also one of these Technorganics." He explained. "What Tobio says is correct. These alien beings you see before you are here on earth to fight for our survival. That individual you spoke with deceived you. She would have abducted Tobio."

Professor Ochanomizu turned to Sari. "Forgive me for misjudging you."

Sari bowed in respect. "No apologies needed, Professor. I am happy that you and your son are safe with us."

Kālī returned to the Ochanomizu residence. Finding it empty, she surmised what had happened.

"You won one, Sari," she chuckled. "but how long can you keep it?"


On the coast of Sri Lanka, Ben and Aang took their time to admire the view of the peaceful ocean and the warm sky.

"Aww, man! This beats Egypt any day." Ben transformed only his helm and inhaled the salty air with pleasure.

"I've only seen pictures of the ocean. Gyatso regretted I could not go see more of the world, sometimes." Aang sighed.

"Beaches in New York got nothing on this! If we get this new guy, we should totally party in here."

"First, we should find...the new guy," Aang smiled. He checked the Spark sensor. "Our target is near, on this very beach as a matter of fact."

"Well, heck, let's go! Like we agreed, we need to get him, grab him, and leave."

"Or her."

Ben rolled his eyes. "Or her."

They transformed into "human" mode and walked on the beach a short while. "Any luck?" The New Yorker asked.

Aang checked, then looked up. "I was right."

"About what?"

"It's a her." Ben looked in Aang's direction, to a pier where a small ship was anchored. On the pier was a young woman. She looked to be in her early 20s.

"Not Asian," said Ben.

"No, she looks European to me," said Aang, as they approached the pier.

"You meet many Europeans in that monastery?"

"Oh, of course!" He laughed. "Visitors from all around the world."

The woman had straight dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes. She spied Ben and Aang as they got on the pier. "Good afternoon," she said. Recognizing Aang as a monk, she put her palms together near her chest in a prayer-like fashion and bowed her head slightly. "Namaste," she said to him. He returned the gesture and greeting.

"What can I do for you?"

"We are here on urgent business," said Aang. "Forgive the abruptness and the intrusion of my inquiry, but am I correct in assuming that you are not completely...human?"

She stepped back slightly, confused and somewhat concerned. "What do you mean?"

Ben sighed. "What he means is...and with a blue flash, he transformed. "Do you look anything like me?"

She put her hand to her chest. "Yes."

"May I ask your name?" asked Aang.

"Eleanor."

"Eleanor, you must come with us, quickly. Your freedom is in danger."

"I can't. I...I have my work. I'm an ocean biologist. I…"

"I understand, but there are others searching for you. They…"

A blast came near the water, and blew up her ship! Flying toward them were Skysword and Firefly. The femme TechnoCon laughed. "So, they're sending the lame-o's now to collect up the Technorganics? S'matter, Sari running out of competent lackeys?"

Aang transformed. "Eleanor! Transform and get behind us!"

She transformed. Her chassis was quite unique!

"Whoa!" said Skysword, "you look like a miniature Shockwave!" Indeed, Eleanor's chassis was blue and light gray, and had a single large blue optic. Her right arm sported a long, harpoon-like prod.

"She's coming with us," said Firefly.

"That's what you think!" Yelled Ben, and flew up at her, his orbs glowing.

Firefly made a gesture with her digits. "C'mon, pipsqueak," she taunted.

Skysword meanwhile went after Aang. "This won't take long," he said, almost half-bored. Aang, however, showed prowess, learning some battle techniques he'd learned on Cybertron. He had no qualms about fighting, seeing as he was defending Eleanor.

He used his flying skills and some Ninja moves to make lightning-fast tight circles around Skysword, kicking him in the helm before the TechnoCon had a chance to return a blow. When he did, Aang would rapidly reverse direction, then with a beginner's P-O-M, push Skysword away. While doing this, he engaged his comm. "Bulkhead, will need bridge, on my mark!"

"Acknowledged, Aang."

Ben was going after Firefly with some skill, but she had a surprise for him. He was about to form one of his huge orbs, and do his chant. "Nuh uh, squirt!" she said, and released a red energy blade at the last minute, flying at him and with one swipe, she came down on his left arm!

"Aaah!" Ben screamed in pain, as his arm flew away. While he grabbed his stump, Firefly flew over and grabbed the severed arm. "I just got myself a back-scratcher!" she cackled. Ben fell on the pier, writhing in pain.

"Ben!" yelled Aang, coming down to him. That same moment, Eleanor ran to the two.

"Let's get them," said Skysword, and the two TechnoCons came in for the grab. "Three for the price of one!" But to their surprise, there was a flash, and they all disappeared!

"What the…?" What happened?" said Firefly.

"Is Sari here?"

"No! How did that happen?"

About a kilometer away, a flash, and the three re-appeared.

Aang looked around. "What just happened?" he asked.

"I warped us out of that battle," said Eleanor.

"You have that ability?"

"Yes."

Aang bowed. "Thank you Eleanor," he replied, and got on his comm. "Bulkhead? Our position has changed. Ground bridge, from my new location." And a bridge opened up.

The Tibetan monk and the new Technorganic helped the injured Ben into Area 51.

"Thanks," said Ben, looking up at Eleanor. "Say, didn't get your last name."

"Didn't give it yet," she smiled, looking at him with her one blue optic. "Lamb."


"San Francisco." Raf looked at the Golden Gate Bridge, with all the cars dashing in both directions like any other day. "It doesn't even look like the country has been invaded by the Decepticons."

"You think what Optimus said is right? That the 'Cons are about to attack again, expand their territory?" Miko asked concerned.

"Megatron would never stay put with just one city under his pedes." Raf sighed. "But keep your voice down, okay? And watch out for any TechnoCon."

"Don't even tell me about those guys. When I see Nazi-Shockwave-junior, I'll chew him up like bubblegum." she hissed, recalling the pain Starfury had caused her.

The two had just arrived on the northern part of the city and Raf checked the Spark sensor. To his surprise, they were far off from the target's location.

"This is a problem. According to the sensor, the Technorganic is in San Bruno Mountain State Park...and moving at an astonishing speed!" it was true, the blip was speeding through the mountain park, in a circuit.

"Maybe it's flying." Miko suggested.

"Maybe. It'll take some time to get there, we're kilometers away."

"No big deal!" she smirked. "Let me just transform and maybe I can fly us…"

"No! There's millions of people living here. If they saw a Predacon, or even you just sprouting your wings, civilians would freak out and they might call the military. We do this stealthily." he admonished her.

"Oh, yeah. Right. Then how are we gonna get there, drive?" she crossed her arms. Raf looked at the road and shrugged:

"Taxi?"


They got out of the cab in downtown San Bruno, and Raf paid the driver.

"OK, so, we're here. Now what? The hybrid girl asked. "Where's our Technorganic?"

Raf checked the sensor, looked up, and chuckled. "Sitting right there." He pointed across the street.

Miko raised her eyebrow and made a skeptical face. "Her?"

"What's wrong with her?"

"I dunno; as fast as that thing was tracking her, I'd have expected someone taller, with long legs. She's...short."

"Well that's her human mode; maybe her bot mode's taller."

Miko LOL'd! "Never knew you for a comedian!"

Their subject was sitting outside a local coffee shop, sipping a latte. About 5'3, she looked to be late teens - early 20's, Korean-American, with a round Asian face, somewhat scruffy black hair with violet streaks, brown eyes and lavender eye shadow. She was wearing a dark gray leather jacket and fashionably ripped dark gray leggings with violet patches underneath a pair of black shorts with red highlights, a white shirt, black trainers with blue on them, and bare-knuckle gloves.

"Gotta say one thing, the girl's got style," said Miko.

"You ready?" Asked Raf.

"Let's go!" They approached the girl.

"Hey, there," he said.

She looked up. "Sup?"

"Enjoyed your speed."

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, nice move, Raf!" Chided Miko. She turned to the young woman. "Look, we're with a group called the Skystrikers. You know the guys that attacked New York? Well, they're after you. We're the good guys; we want to help you before they take you away. What's your name?"

"Leiko, my friends call me GoGo."

"OK, Leiko, we're special, like you," Miko continued. "Look," and she took off her contacts, revealing her yellow slitted eyes.

"Whoa!" She put down her latte.

"I'm telling you, we've got to get out of here, like now. Will you come with us?"

"How?"

Miko turned to her partner. "Raf?" But before he could contact Bulkhead, a bridge opened!

"Well, well, whaddya we have here?" said Thunderbolt, "lame-o soldier and the purple freak!"

"Leiko! Transform and get behind us!" Yelled Raf, getting out his plasma gun. Miko transformed into her Predacon form.

"Woman up!" She yelled, and with a blue flash, changed into her bot mode. Her armor was black and yellow, with large yellow discs on her wrists and pedes. Her helm was yellow and windswept, with a single pointed antenna out the back. Her blue optics were shrouded in a black mask, like Sari's and Jack's.

The locals screamed at the sight of a robotic dragon!

"Tsk, tsk, Miko," said Starfury, "must I use this again?" And taking out Shockwave's weapon, he aimed it at her and fired.

Nothing happened.

He shook the device. "What the frag?"

Miko shot a tight, focused flame at the weapon, melting it in his servo and singeing his digits. "Bloody hell!" He yelled in pain.

"Aw, did I melt your toy?" Miko laughed. She lunged at him with her claw, slamming him against the coffee shop wall.

"Screw this!" Yelled Thunderbolt, and raised his hammer to strike at Raf. But suddenly, his staff was severed by a yellow disc, which flew around him and returned back to the new Technorganic. "What the…?" He cursed.

"You're next, Hammerboy!" Yelled Miko, and blasted him full face with a huge firebolt. She kept it up, pushing him back. This gave Raf time to get on his comm. "Bulkhead! Emergency bridge!"

"You two go first!" said Miko, "I can handle these losers." And Raf and GoGo sped in.

"Sayonara!" She told them, and flew in to the closing bridge. They arrived in Area 51.

"Hey, thanks for the assist," Raf told GoGo. "So, those things are weapons?"

"Wheels and weapons," she replied.

Miko transformed back into her hybrid human form. "Cool move back there," she said. You got fighting skills?"

"Taekkyeon black belt," she smiled.

"Korean martial art," said Raf. "Impressive. Perhaps you and I can spar. I need to brush up on my Taekkyeon."

"Sounds like fun!"


Chassis scorched, the two TechnoCons got up. Starfury got on his comm. "Kālī, we have…"

"Failed? I thought so." she responded in a sweet taunt. "Whatever."

She ended the call and Starfury looked strangely at his partner, who gruffed:

"I know you're the brains of this outfit, but she didn't sound one bit disappointed."

"No, she didn't." Starfury nodded thoughtfully. "For one who was so obsessed with completing her mission, Kālī wasn't much furious when the Autobots rescued the only prisoners she managed to collect so far. It's like she isn't even trying anymore."

A silent pause followed before the TechnoCon spoke again:

"Let's go. Megatron wants us back home and ready for battle."

"We're gonna do the thing?" Thunderbolt asked.

"Yes, we are going to do the thing."


In New Jersey, the last few civilians were being evacuated. When the Decepticons took over New York, the governor ordered a voluntary evacuation of all surrounding cities and towns. Only a few citizens remained who had refused to leave. No longer. With the increasing battle now spilling over into the Jersey shores, the governor recalled the voluntary evacuation and ordered all civilians out.

FEMA had assigned Chief Burns and his two charges, Cody and Frankie, to Morristown, about 40 miles from New York. Even at this distance, Decepticon missiles occasionally landed nearby. Morristown High School was the focal point of the evacuation.

"Let me help you, sir." Cody assisted an old man getting into a school bus. He and Frankie were in human mode escorting the civilians from the high school to the awaiting buses.

"Incoming!" Yelled a National Guardsman, as a missile streaked across the sky, landing near the high school. The force of the blast shook the school wall, causing it to buckle.

"Cody! Frankie!" Yelled the Chief, "Transform and get everyone out of the school, NOW!"

The youngsters transformed and sped into the now unstable building, one a dark blue streak, the other dark purple. Remaining civilians, soldiers, and EMTs were getting picked up and carried out and away to a safe location by the two at lightning speed.

Inside the gymnasium, a mother and her baby were being picked up by Cody, when suddenly the wall gave in.

"Cody, the wall!" Yelled Frankie, but it was too late; the wall and ceiling crashed in on the young Technorganic, mother and baby!

"Cody!" screamed his friend, covering her optics. But amazingly, they were alright! A golden Negatronic field surrounded them, protecting the three from the crash.

Chief Burns and another fireman ran inside. "Cody! Frankie! Are you all right?"

"We're OK," Cody replied, as the field died out. "Here are the last two," he said, handing the mother and baby to the fireman.

"Everyone, out!" Said the Chief, and the building was evacuated with only seconds to spare before what was left of the roof collapsed and the building crashed into rubble.

With the last occupant settled safely on the grass, the two came up to Chief Burns. "All out, Dad - er, Sir!" said Cody in his metallic bot voice. Frankie chuckled at the faux pas, but with a raised eyebrow from the Chief, she stopped and said "Ahem! Uh, yes - everyone accounted for, Sir."

"Good job, you two," he replied, betraying a small smile himself. "Now, let's get back to work."


Meanwhile, on the borders of New Kaon, the Autobots and Regulans were getting battle ready when they spotted Seekers coming from the city towards New Jersey.

"They're here!" a Regulan sentry announced.

On the front of the battle was Megatron followed by the multitude fliers. In the rear were the TechnoCons. The Autobot leader, Rodimus Major, took notice.

"Strange." he frowned. "We assumed the TechnoCons were the secret weapon. I guess Megatron's faith in them is less than we thought."

"Be as it may, Rodimus, let us not lower our guard before any of our enemies." T:Prime Optimus advised. "I will deal with Megatron. Rodimus, take charge of our forces on the ground with Lieutenant T'Resh."

"Will do, Prime!"

"Decepticons, begin our assault." Megatron yelled, fusion cannon pointed to the sky.

The Decepticon engaged, this time cautious and prepared for the Regulans' nasty weapons. There were Cyclonus, Blitzwing and Lugnut, the latter dropping bombs from on high. Fortunately the Regulans had installed anti-aircraft weaponry on the ground. These guns were protected by the rear guard Autobots, whom Lara had joined.

["Just remember the drill Lara: follow my lead and watch out from all sides. You'll live longer. We're not diving into battle, we're defending our position."]

"Got it. Right." Lara was clearly nervous. Fighting crooks is one thing; going into battle is something else entirely. Unlike Ben, she was cautious and not carefree. Arcee took notice.

["Hey, it's okay to be afraid. Just don't hesitate if you get the chance to slag some 'Con. Because they certainly won't.]

Suddenly, a webbing struck Arcee, wrapping around her arms. ["Unnh!"] She groaned.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" came a sultry voice from above. Arcee and Lara looked up to see an arachnid-shaped Decepticon descending from above.

["Blackarachnia!"]

Lara instantly jumped up and released her energon blade, cutting the webbing away from Arcee's arms. Blackarachnia tried striking her, but the Technorganic was too fast, spinning over Arcee and deflecting the Decepticon's strikes with her Skyboom shield.

"You're fast, little one!" Blackarachnia chuckled.

"I'd say thanks," Lara replied, ricocheting off a wall, twisting and firing powerful orbs at her, forcing the Decepticon to dodge and weave, "but I'll spare thanks for someone who deserves it!"

"You stupid Autobots have lost already!" Blackarachnia hissed.

["Speaking of stupid, where's your green lackey?"] mocked Arcee, trading blows.

"Don'tt callll meee s,s,stupid!" screamed the green Decepticon, landing with a thud in front of the blue wheeler. "I kill yooou!" He went after Arcee, letting loose with a right upper cut, but she dodged, did a Ninja twist, and kicked him in his thorax, sending him staggering back. "Blue girlzzz got movezzz!"

Blackarachnia meanwhile, went after Lara. Thanks to some training from Jack, she'd learned how to use her plasma jets, and she tied it in with her velocity taekwondo moves, flying away from the eight-legged Decepticon's webbing when needed, and flying at her with lightning servo and pede strikes.

"I'll kill you, black bug!" screamed the Decepticon.

"Bug?" laughed Lara in a mocking tone, "You should talk! Your Optimus told us all about you, Elita-1."

That did it! "Aaaah!" She screamed hysterically, her four red optics glowing with murderous intent. She lunged at the Technorganic.

"Hit your soft spot, didn't I?" Thought Lara, who had positioned herself in front of a huge weakened building, with both servos pointed backwards. She timed it in such a way so that, at just the right second, when Blackarachnia was right on her, she'd blast the wall and jet away. All she needed was the right conditions, and a foe's loss of emotional control.

"You! You...miserable...piece of trash! I'll…"

"Now!" The orbs hit the wall, causing a huge towering tsunami of debris. Blackarachnia looked up, but it was too late! She glanced forward, but Lara was nowhere to be found. "Wha…?" A 10-meter granite ledge fell vertically on her helm, impaling her into the pavement. Tons and tons of building fell, and fell, dust flying everywhere. Lara was away, shooting more and more orbs at the foundation, until the entire block cratered down, burying the Decepticon like some miniature reenactment of the fall of Sodom.

Waspinator, getting beaten by Arcee, turned to see the destruction wrought at the hands of the Technorganic. "Blackarachnia?" he said plaintively. The distraction gave Arcee the opportunity to deliver the final blow, landing a roundhouse kick to his helm, knocking him down for the count.

Lara, slapping her servos together, returned to her partner. "A job well done," she nodded.

["Didn't get to see all you did girl, but that looked pretty cool."]


Megatron and Optimus engaged in a sword fight, occasionally exchanging punches.

"Your attack is proof of your desperation, Megatron. What is to be gained from consolidating your position here?" challenged the Prime.

"Merely a doorway to achieve greatness, Optimus."

"You cannot win. Our allies are strongly united. We are holding the line and none of your desire for destruction shall pass."

"Then I suppose it's time to demolish said line." Megatron declared ominously and sent the signal.


"Megatron gave us the green light." Skysword announced. "Let's do this."

The TechnoCons flew into the heart of battle, at ground level and approached the field of anti-aircraft. The Autobots guarding it prepared to open fire.

"Freeze, PigmyCons!"

"TechnoCons, transform…" Skysword announced. "...and combine!"

And they all transformed like actual Cybertronians, their parts shifting and moving place. Skyskater became a left leg. Firefly became a right leg. Thunderbolt became a left arm. Starfury became a right arm. And Skysword became the torso and head that united them all.

The Technorganic combiner roared with the voices of all five components. "Caligulus online! Ready for slaughter!"

The combiner was a goliath for humans, but a dwarf for Cybertronians. Yet, it proved to be a terror. Caligulus moved with his skaters, faster than the optic could follow or the gun could target, and sliced three Autotroopers to ribbons with a long purple energy sword that came out of his right servo. The guardians looked horrified before unleashing all of their firepower on Caligulus.

But the Technorganic combiner simply remained in place, activating Skysword's Negatronic field.

"Tsk, tsk, Autobots. That's not how you slaughter an enemy. Here, let me show you!" Caligulus smirked bloodthirstily. His left arm displayed the wing-jets of Thunderbolt, now two twin cannons. The cannons fired beams of purple energy that sliced the anti-aircraft guns like butter. On occasion he also did that to the Autobots guarding them.

["Slag it, molecular slicers!"] Arcee hissed, observing how the beams made perfect clean cuts on the metal. ["Lara! Fall back!"] And the two-wheeler started bringing her partner back behind the battle lines.

"Arcee, I'd like to stay and fight."

["I understand, Lara, trust me,"] she responded, ["You're good - extraordinary, in fact! But you need more experience."]

"I understand," she replied. "I'll do my best."

Arcee looked away and smiled. The new Technorganic's attitude reminded her of another, former partner.


The Regulans ran in a pack toward Caligulus. Captain R'ruul let out a roar. "Defend the Autobots against that monster!" he yelled. They roared in kind, running toward the combiner.

"Here, kitty, kitty, kitty," laughed Caligulus. R'ruul jumped straight up at him, unsheathing his metallic claws, but no sooner did he get near, when the Negatronic field caused him to bounce off. He twisted and landed back on all fours.

"How 'bout a barbeque?" said Caligulus, and blasted a wide spray of fire, setting half of the Regulan soldiers ablaze. Charred, they writhed on the ground in pain.

"Get out the sonic weapon!" Yelled R'ruul, and a dozen remaining Regulans took out their devices, aiming it at Caligulus.

"Ooh! Hit me with your best shot!" The combiner chuckled.

A roar from the pride, and a powerful, focused beam went full force at him, but again, the result was nothing more than a slight vibration from the Negatronic force field.

"That tickled - I think," he responded. "My turn!" and clapping his servos together, he sent a sonic shock wave back down to the remaining Regulans. The force of the energy blasted their organic cells so hard, they all exploded in red, furred bursts.

"Cleanup on aisle thirteen!" Caligulus yelled to the Regulans.

"T'Resh, recall your troops away from that bot," said Optimus.

"We will remain fighting elsewhere, Optimus," he replied.


An old Autobot veteran Kup fired his rifle at Caligulus' unprotected back. Aggravated, the combiner turned around and expelled a stream of fire through his left servo. Kup jumped out of the way and tossed a grenade at the enemy.

"Eat this!"

But Caligulus made the grenade halt in thin air with his own limited telekinesis. He smirked malevolently and sent the grenade back at its master.

"No, you eat it."

Kup took the blast and survived, though battered. The other Autobots were running at him to support the veteran, but Caligulus would have none of that. Skating towards Kup, he chopped his head off with the sword.

"Kup!" Rodimus stared at the dead shell of his former teacher and friend. He threw a murderous glare at Caligulus. Angered, the Major fired continuous arrows at him but the Negatronic shield prevented any harm. Though that didn't stop Rodimus from continuing to fire. "You'll pay for that, you freak of nature!"

"Put it on my tab, you lousy red spot." Caligulus decided to try something else, using the twin canons on his right arm that were Starfury's wing-jets. Instead of beams they fired two single shots that hit Rodimus in the chest. Immediately, his chassis began rusting uncontrollably.

"Cosmic rust." he cried out in agony and fell dead, his shell soon nothing more than rust. The death of their leader demoralized the Autobots even more. Caligulus laughed hysterically:

"I want to share with you the most beautiful of songs. It's called 'Your Dying Screams of Agony'!" and he continued wreaking havoc and death around. Soon all the anti-aircraft guns were demolished.

Nearby, another old soldier watched this gruesome display, and ground his teeth.


"Optimus, the anti-air batteries are gone! He's killing us!" Optimus received the grim news during his struggle with Megatron. He too received confirmation that Caligulus had succeeded. He kicked Optimus away and bellowed to sky

"Now my Decepticons, advance and take your revenge!" the airborne 'Cons moved onto the Autobots and Regulans, the destroyed anti-air guns no longer able to keep them at bay. With air superiority, they were winning.

"No!" Optimus cried out.

"What will it be now, Optimus?" Megatron sneered.

The Prime looked at his troops and the Regulans being mowed down and the destruction already caused. He hated to do this again, he had failed once and tried his best not to fail again. Alas, he had.

"Autobots, retreat!"

One more victory to make Megatron smile. The heroes had no choice but to retreat and the Decepticons cheered. Caligulus eagerly waved the heads and sparks of several Autobots he had slayed.

"Look at 'em run!" Laughed Firefly from inside Caligulus.

"Victory is ours," said Skysword.

Suddenly, while they were distracted watching the Autobots' retreat, Caligulus was hugged from behind.

"What the…?" the joined bot said.

"Got a little present for ya, you son of a bitch!"

That same moment, Optimus and Ironhide were standing at the ground bridge monitoring the Autobot's retreat, when from a distance there was a huge explosion, followed by a yellow mushroom cloud.

"What was that?!" the Prime yelled.

"I don't know," said Ironhide.

"Are all surviving bots accounted for?" Optimus asked.

"Not all."

"Go to the location of that explosion, and make sure there aren't any of our wounded." And Ironhide transformed and sped to the location.

Several tense minutes later, Ironhide returned, carrying a bot. "One, sir - barely surviving."

"Who is it...oh, dear Primus." He got on his comm. "Minerva! Emergency! Prepare for a wounded soldier stat!" All remaining Autobots accounted for, he and Ironhide ran into the closing ground bridge.


The TechnoCons lay on the ground, separated. Thunderbolt got up. "What the hell was that?"

"The explosion blew us apart," said Skysword. "Fortunately, whoever that was, blew himself up."

"Dammit! I lost my arm! Complained Firefly, clenching her left stub.

"Over here, dudette!" yelled Skyskater, holding up an orange left arm.

"Give it!" she yelled. He threw it to her, and she caught it with the other servo. The arm was, unfortunately heavily damaged and most likely ruined.

"Cha! Good catch!" he laughed. So did Starfury.

"Shut up both of you!" She spat at them, getting up with effort.

"You'll be fine," said Skysword, and got on his comm. "Knockout, one wounded for you."

"I just lost an arm! How am I supposed to...wait!" she halted and looked thoughtful before smirking. "I think I have a replacement."


Ironhide laid the bot on Minerva's ICU table. "Oh my God," said June. She put a servo on his helm and checked the vitals, they were very bad. Half of his chassis from the Spark chamber down was mostly blown away, and the chamber itself was badly cracked, exposing his Spark.

The nurse bot looked at Optimus and shook her head.

"Optimus," said Minerva, "I don't think there's enough of him left to save."

The Prime put a servo on his shoulder. "Hound?"

He opened his optics. "Hey, Prime. I did it for...for Kup and...and Rodimus." And closed them again.

June yelled, "Minerva! We're losing him!"

Optimus called out. "Please get Sari. NOW!"

The battle ended badly, for the Autobots. Megatron is advancing, and with the combiner Caligulus, things indeed seem grim.

Sari and the Skystrikers, with help now from Aang, seem to be rescuing more of the hidden Technorganics. But Kālī appears disinterested – why is that?

Another cooperative effort by yours truly and TheSealer!

Thanks for reading. Please review.