AN: Ladies and gentlemen, it is here! The chapter that brings together all but five of the final members of the Autobot team, and the chapter that is the prologue to the Orb Missions Story Arc. That being said, I am proud to announce that the wining first team...will be made clear in the preview for the next chapter. The new poll to select the second team is already up and on my profile so be sure to check that out and vote for the team you wish to see in action next. Also this chapter will introduce a special OC character for this story, and I will explain the reasons for the addition of that OC later on at the end of the chapter. Now I would like to take this time to answer a few reveiws:
Cybertronian Kaijuruto: In terms of this story itself, no there will not be any other Age of Extinction Bots, but there will most definitely be some appearing in the sequel to this story, and I agree with you the new designs for Optimus and Bumblebee were awesome and the Dinobots, EPIC!
Lone Gundam: The question of what Chromia will be doing in terms of sides when Sentinel shows up, now that would be telling, but I am glad you like the idea of Arcee having a sister in this story. I always kinda thought Arcee was the kind of Bot who cared a great deal about her friends and her family in Transformers Prime so I figured why not give her some more depth by giving her an actual relative.
hornofdesolation: I did not know any of that, because I only ever saw the anime, I have not ever read any of the manga for any Gundam series, but thanks for that bit of info, just do me a favor and next time you decide to tell someone something like that, do it through a private message please?
Now then, let's get down to business. I do not own anything from the Gundam or Transformers franchises.
Chapter 11: Welcome to the Land of Peace
The ocean is said to be both one of the most fearsome and also one of the most peaceful parts of the blue planet that humanity called home, which of those things held true at a time would change in almost an instant. Some of those who travel the seas whether they would be sailors, explorers, or even pirates would tell you that being able to travel the seas is like being free, but at the moment the Archangel and Omega II would actually have to disagree.
Shortly after Cagalli and Arcee had returned to their respective ships, the two vessels had been assaulted by the Decepticons and Z.A.F.T., namely Dreadwing's unit and what they assumed to be the Le Creuset team, though if one were to ask Mu La Flaga he would tell you that they were not being targeted by the Le Creuset team, even despite the fact that the four stolen G-Weapons were their opponents. When asked how the commander knew, Mu would just say that he was not entirely sure, but that he somehow had some sort of instinct that told him when Le Creuset was nearby like some kind of ESP.
Whatever the case, it did not really matter all that much, as the Archangel and Omega II still had to fend off the attacks that the two allied forces, and they were more than determined to make sure that both ships completed their respective missions. The first few attacks they faced were not as difficult to deal with as they only faced the four mobile suits and a small number of Decepticons, but this time was different as the enemies of the two ships were now coming at them in full force. Mu and Kira were doing all they could against the enemy, but unfortunately with Cagalli's Sky Grasper still being repaired they had become somewhat shorthanded. The Autobots were also facing problems as well, since they were also short one jetpack, which meant that they could only do so much about their air born opponents. Optimus himself was using the jetpack to handle the enemies from the air while Bulkhead, Bumblebee, and Hound handled things from up on the deck of the Autobot ship. The battle was more than simply fierce, it was brutal and it was about to get worse.
"Autobots," Optimus shouted from the air. "Disable each of the Seekers first! Omega II, provide the Archangel with covering fire!"
Though they had each received the orders, the Autobots were all more than eager to argue that said orders were easier said than done, as each Decepticon was aided by one of the Z.A.F.T. machines. As such, Bulkhead had a hard time pinning Thundercracker due to interference by the Duel, while Hound had to struggle with a barrage from the Buster while dealing with Skywarp at the same time. Bumblebee temporarily lost sight of Slipstream due to interference by the Blitz who was now moving to flank the Archangel, and had switched to trying to fire at Knockout and Breakdown, who had assumed positions similar to those of him and his fellow Autobots aboard their own vessel, which some of them had commented to seem like a smaller version of theNemesis. The next thing any of them knew, an explosion sounded from one of the Archangel's Valiants causing all the Autobots to look to see that said weapon had been blown apart by the Blitz and Slipstream.
"Hey, they needed that," Arcee shouted over the communicators from the bridge.
"Oh great," Bulkhead muttered. "Now Bee's girlfriend is saying that too, and to the enemy no less."
"Bulkhead! She's NOT my girlfriend," Bumblebee shouted over the sound of explosions near their own ship, one of which ended up being a destroyed weapon. "Bad enough the Cons say that to try and throw us off in a battle, but now even my own teammates?!"
"We may have other problems aside from whether or not a relationship exists between Bee and Arcee," Hound called out as he fired off some rounds from his Scrapmaker. "Anyone else notice the large fleet of ships gathering a little ways away from us?"
Everyone had indeed noticed, and they all knew why. It was because the battle was getting close to the border of Orb's waters. Seeing as Orb was neutral in this conflict, they were all well aware that the nation was obligated to make sure that a battle did not enter their territory, but at the rate things were going, it seemed like the Archangel and Omega II, would end up having to make an emergency landing in Orb territory. Optimus however was determined to not allow that to happen.
"Kira, we must eliminate the aerial advantage our allies currently have," Optimus shouted to the coordinator pilot.
"We're way ahead of you Optimus," Kira called out as he blasted apart the aircraft that the Duel was riding on top of and then quickly had the Strike leap into the air with its thrusters in order to disable it. Kira then followed up by knocking the Blitz off its own transport and destroying that aircraft as well. This did not last long though, as Thundercracker and Slipstream soon came up underneath the two in vehicle mode, giving both a new transport.
"Why didn't we do this to begin with," Yzak demanded.
"Because we prefer not to degrade ourselves by acting as mere transports for human children in large toys," Thundercracker replied.
"And yet you turn into jets, a vehicle that humans normally ride inside of."
"Uh…well…shut it!"
"Both of you shut it," Slipstream hollered. "Now hurry up and get that guy!"
"Slipstream," Dreadwing called. "You're too far out!"
Sadly his warning came too late, as Slipstream was soon knocked out of the sky by Optimus Prime's sword, with Thundercracker soon following after being hit by the Strike's beam rifle.
"Kira…," Athrun whispered. "Your skills have improved."
"Indeed they have," Dreadwing agreed, having been the only one to have heard Athrun. "They seem quite similar to the fighting styles of some of the Autobots."
"You think that he's been training with them or something?"
"It's possible."
The whole time the battle was going on, both sides were wondering what was going through the minds of the Orb governments, but they did not have to wonder for long, as all ships in the area received a message from the Orb fleet. "This is a warning to the Earth Forces ship, all Z.A.F.T. forces, and all unknown forces also involved in the vicinity. You are currently approaching Orb Union territory. Alter your course at once! In defense of our neutrality we strictly prohibit all armed ships, aircraft, and mobile suits from entering our waters. Turn your forces away at once! Should you fail to change your course, we will exercise our nation's right to defend itself and we will open fire on you!"
"They can't be serious," Bulkhead cried. "Are they really threatening all of us?"
"I'm afraid so Bulkhead," Murrue replied. "We are dangerously close to their territory, and Orb is not our ally. Not only that, but since they more than likely know nothing about the Autobots and Decepticons they will consider you hostile as well."
"Never mind any of that," Cagalli's voice then called out from the Archangel, indicating said blonde was on the bridge. "Proceed into their territory. That goes for you as well Omega II."
"Cagalli, what are you planning," Hound asked. He got his answer a minute later, as Cagalli opened a communication line to Orb as well as all other forces.
"How dare you say those things after seeing the mess we're in," Cagalli half shouted. "The Archangel and the vessel known as Omega II are going to cross into Orb territory, but do not open fire!"
"Who is speaking right now," the Orb fleet commander demanded.
"Who am I speaking to?! If you really can't tell who this is then connect me to your superiors!...Call my father. Call Uzumi Nara Athha. My name is Cagalli Yula Athha."
Now that gave everyone, human, Autobot, and even Decepticon a major shellshock, the last of the three being Dreadwing more so than others. None of them had ever expected that Cagalli was actually the daughter of Orb's chief representative, and to find out that she had been with the Archangel and the Autobots for so long was shocking to say the least. Whether or not the Orb fleet believed her though, was another matter entirely.
At the Orb Union's government building, Uzumi had gathered the Orb government officials together as soon as they had received word of the battle that was going on, and sent the fleet out to guard the border. Sometime during the battle, Uzumi had convinced one of the ministers to put a stop to the live broadcast, and it was shortly afterwards that he had received word that someone aboard one of the vessels had claimed to be his daughter. Uzumi knew that Cagalli had snuck away to Heliopolis some time before it was destroyed, but he never suspected that she had ended up on the Earth Forces warship. In the case of the other ships, and what most had assumed to be a small unit of transforming mobile suits, Uzumi was not sure what to think of it, at least not until an aide approached him.
"Excuse me Lord Uzumi, sir," the aide told him. "There's a call for you."
"Whatever it is will have to wait," Uzumi told the aide.
"Sir, it's a call on line three, and they said they are calling from somewhere called Alpha I?"
Hearing that Uzumi instantly demanded the aide give him the phone and which he answered right away. "Representative Athha, we have discovered something about one of the unknown vessels outside of your waters. Are you still receiving a visual on the battle," an old, slightly grumpy sounding voice asked.
"Yes," Uzumi answered.
"Ask them to zoom in and enhance the visual on the hull of the ship flying alongside the Earth Forces vessel. Namely, the gold and red one."
Uzumi then did as he was instructed, and as soon as they had done so, what the Orb ministers gasped at the image they saw, almost as though they recognized the image they were seeing. What they saw of the gold and red colored ship, was the image of an emblem that resembled a kind looking face that was colored red.
Well how about that, Uzumi thought to himself. So there were others out there. He then quickly asked for instructions to be relayed to the Orb fleet.
During the time that Uzumi had received the call from Alpha I, Dearka and Skywarp had been able to land a crippling blow both to the Archangel and Omega II before being shot down by a combined effort between Mu, Kira, and Optimus. Sadly, they were not able to act fast enough.
"First and second engine were hit," Neumann reported. "Sealing all bulkheads on blocks forty eight to fifty five. Forward thrust is dropping. We're losing altitude."
Kira quickly used the Strike's thruster pack to fly up and try and drive away the Aegis, who was still firing on the ship, while Optimus flew alongside him to cross swords with Dreadwing. The two could only watch as the Archangel and Omega II crashed down in an emergency water landing in Orb waters. The next thing any of them knew, the Orb fleet had opened fire on the two ships and Kira and Optimus soon after as they made their way back to their respective vessels. Dreadwing and Athrun broke off pursuit of the two and tried to see if Orb was successful in sinking the two ships, but a moment later, a small fleet of surveillance drones flew in blocking both their views.
"We'll have to retreat for now and wait to see what Orb's official statement on this is," Athrun groaned.
"And am I to assume that we should believe whatever that statement reads," Dreadwing asked.
"That depends on what it says, but most likely no." With that said, the two then headed back to their ships as well.
"Now then," Uzumi stated as he stood up from his seat. "That was a bit of a charade but we really had no other choice. Is the official document ready?"
A moment later, a woman gave Uzumi what she called the second draft of the announcement for him to look over. After getting his approval, Uzumi left the statement to the man he asked to end the broadcast, stating he would take care of the two ships and Morgenroete. After silencing the ministers' mutterings about why it was a bad idea to allow the two ships into their territory and hide it from Z.A.F.T., Uzumi left the room, and raised the phone he was still holding back to his ear. He had put the other person on hold while he handled things in the meeting. "Well?"
"We've already dispatched someone to meet with you when you meet with the commanding officers of the Earth Forces vessel and the Autobot ship afterwards."
"Understood." With that said and done, Uzumi hung up the phone and went to prepare for his meeting with the Archangel's commanding officers and whoever was commanding the Autobot ship.
Aboard the Z.A.F.T. submarine carrier that the Zala team had been assigned, said team was in a meeting with the Decepticons joining via a holographic communication as usual to discuss Orb's official statement, or rather to argue with it.
"I can't believe they're actually telling us that the Legged ship has left Orb territory. That's their solution," Dearka asked rhetorically.
"They must think we're nothing more than sparklings," Skywarp agreed.
"You ask me, it's because we have a pair of raw commanders."
"Dearka," Nicol warned the blonde off.
"That's irrelevant," Athrun stated, getting everyone's attention. "But unfortunately you can't deny that this is Orb's official response, so you can complain all you want about how they're a bunch of liars, but it's not gonna change the situation that we're in."
"Say what," Yzak and Slipstream both shouted.
"Perhaps if you and your human copy remained silent long enough, Slipstream, Athrun would be able to actually finish," Dreadwing stated.
"Your friend's right chrome dome," a female voice stated, getting everyone's attention. They all looked towards the source and saw a young woman in a red Z.A.F.T. uniform with dark hair, and diamond green eyes standing in the doorway. "If we forced our way in then it would only turn into one big diplomatic mess, so obviously we can't do that unless you want to be the cause of that kind of trouble."
"And who the hell are you," Yzak demanded.
"Jaylen Westenfluss, reassigned from Jachin Due to the Zala team by Commander Le Creuset," the now identified Jaylen answered, saluting Athrun as she did. "I'm also the pilot of a new mobile suit that is a prototype for future Z.A.F.T. mass produced units and is the early stage of Decepticon-Z.A.F.T. engineering."
Athrun then accepted the small data pad that the girl had handed to him and looked over the specs. He saw that the machine seemed similar to the GINNs that were currently in use but without the wings and it had different armaments, such as a long range blaster rifle, a set of missile launchers on its back, a beam rifle, and a beam battle axe. "The Zaku Accelerant," Athrun read aloud.
Jaylen nodded. "Like I said it's the first and currently only one of its kind."
Athrun then smiled and exchanged a small handshake with the dark haired woman. "Welcome to the Zala team Miss Westenfluss."
"Thank you sir, and please call me Jaylen."
Athrun nodded and moved to introduce her to the Decepticons, but Jaylen simply waved him off saying there was no need and she had already read the briefing.
"Hey are you by any chance related to a Heine Westenfluss," Nicol asked.
"Yes, he's my brother. You know him," Jaylen asked.
"We were classmates."
Before any more conversation could continue, Yzak scoffed as he mocked, "Your analysis is impressively rational Athrun and Dreadwing. Oops, Commander Zala and Commander Dreadwing."
"Uh, I gave a part of it too you know," Jaylen reminded him.
"We know," Slipstream smirked, instantly giving Jaylen reason not to like her.
"Hold on a second, getting back on track here," Dearka interrupted before things got hairy. "Are you saying we'll have to accept their word and just leave?"
"That may be our only option at this time," Dreadwing replied, but Athrun had to disagree.
"We'll ask Carpentaria to apply some official pressure," the blue haired youth calmly implied. "But if there's no quick resolution, we'll sneak in. Does that meet with your approval?"
"You mean so that you can pin point the ships' locations," Knockout asked.
"Yes, because whatever the situation is our opponent here is a sovereign nation. We can't take any hasty action against it without evidence of some sort."
"Why can't we just force our way in," Breakdown asked. "We all know that the ships are there, and from what I've heard, your team has done so before."
"This is nothing like Heliopolis," Athrun coolly stated. "The differences being the size of their forces, and I'm sure I don't have to tell at least my team how advanced their military technology is. Officially, they're neutral but behind the scenes they are a cause of great concern to us."
Yzak smirked and stated, "I'll go along with it, but if it were up to me we'd be forcing our way in. Can't disagree with the son of Committee Chairman Zala, who also happens to have the approval of Lord Megatron, but sneaking in does sound fun too. Besides who knows, there's always the possibility that I'll finally get a chance to see the face of the Strike pilot and the mighty Optimus Prime of the Autobots."
Athrun looked at Yzak worriedly at that, but it went unnoticed by almost everyone but Dreadwing, Nicol, and Jaylen. Though Athrun knew they had to do this, he sincerely hoped that Yzak did not see the face of his old friend, Kira. Nicol then looked at Jaylen and asked, "Hey how did you even get here so fast anyways?"
"Oh the Decepticons allowed me to use their Ground Bridge," Jaylen answered, nonchalantly.
During the time the Z.A.F.T./Decepticon team was meeting, the Archangel was brought into a secret underground port at Onogoro Island, with Omega II being brought into a similar port in another area. While docked there, Ramius, Badgiruel, and La Flaga were meeting with Uzumi to discuss the situation involving what would happen with the Archangel while it was being repaired. While they were away, Kira's friends all found themselves wondering if they would get a chance to see their parents, with the exception of Kira and Flay. Flay because she did not have anyone to see since both her parents were dead and Kira because he was not sure if he wanted to at the moment.
In the meeting that Uzumi held with the three highest ranking officers of the Archangel, Uzumi revealed that he was not all that certain if he made the right decision in allowing the two ships to not be sunk, and expressed his feelings on the matters involving Heliopolis, the children who had volunteered to serve on the Archangel, and the G-Weapons in general. Even so, he was more than happy to allow the Archangel to receive any repairs it needed from Orb, but in exchange he asked for all of the Strike's current combat data and for the ship to loan Kira for technical cooperation with Morgenroete.
Naturally, Natarle was against the idea, but ended up being outvoted once more by both Mu and Murrue. Natarle tried to convince the two that they should just pay for the repairs, but had that idea shot down when reminded that if they did so that would not be the end of it. Murrue went on to point out that Orb was more than likely under tremendous pressure from Z.A.F.T. at the moment, and yet they still decided to protect them. Even though she understood this, Natarle was not letting that stop her from being her usual, snappish, military protocol driven self and made it no secret that she would make a point of bringing this whole case up when they arrived at Alaska.
"She's got a list right," Mu whispered, to which Uzumi and Murrue both gave a small smile.
"Now then," Uzumi said, having felt that the meeting concluded. "I believe it's time we all met with the captain the rather gargantuan vessel that arrived with you."
He then led the three outside to a white and blue sports car that was waiting for them. The fact they would be traveling in such a vehicle shocked the three Earth Forces soldiers, but they were certainly not going to complain. A few hours later, they arrived inside the massive hangar were Omega II was currently docked, and the Archangel's crew finally got a good look at just how much punishment the mighty Autobot ship had received from the previous battle. A number of the ship's guns were either damaged or practically destroyed, and there were a number of large tears in the hull. Though this was all they could see, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that the proud gold and red ship had suffered much more damage beyond that.
At that point they were all brought out of their musings as the car came to a stop, and they all climbed out to find that Optimus was already approaching them. "Captain Murrue Ramius, Commander Mu La Flaga, and Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel. It is good to see you are all unharmed," the red and blue Autobot commander began. "And I take it you are the representative of Orb?"
"I am," Uzumi answered. "I am Representative Uzumi Nara Athha, and you are?"
"I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots."
"Not to mention the last Prime, former data archivist, and one of my best buds since before the war on Cybertron," an unknown voice suddenly exclaimed. Turning towards the source, the Earth Forces soldiers were all mildly shocked to see the sports car they had just traveled in transform into yet another Cybertronian, who they assumed was an Autobot. He was mostly white, with blue highlights, and had a black colored head with what looked like a blue visor for his eyes, and a beaming smile.
"Yo Prime," the Autobot shouted as he raised a fist to the bigger robot, to which Optimus responded with a fist bump. "Good to see your still kicking pal."
"It is good to see you as well, Jazz," Optimus replied.
"Friend of yours," Mu asked Uzumi and Optimus.
"Yes actually," Uzumi replied with a small smile. "Jazz here, actually showed up here in Orb a short while ago with about three others in tow. At first we made the mistake of assuming they were mobile suits of either Z.A.F.T. or the Earth Forces, but they quickly cleared things up for us."
"And ever since, we've been chilling here on Onogoro Island. Lord Uzumi here even set us up with a sweet crib as our new base," Jazz finished. "Optimus, everyone there is going to want to see you and whoever else you've got with ya."
Optimus nodded in reply at this and then turned to Uzumi. "Lord Uzumi Nara Athha, I would like to request that my Autobots and I be allowed to see the Autobot base you have allowed our allies to establish."
"Of course," Uzumi said. "I would not consider it very fair if I were to prevent you from reuniting with your friends who are also of your own kind."
"Then might I also ask for one other favor as well," Optimus asked. When he received a nod in reply, Optimus continued saying, "I would also like for individuals of the Archangel crew and Miss Cagalli to see the base with us as well, if they would be interested."
Uzumi paused to consider this for a moment, and then finally answered, "I am sure that will be fine so long as they go directly there and back to the Archangel, at least for the moment, and that my daughter is home by ten."
Optimus nodded in acceptance and thanked Uzumi for this before radioing the other Autobots aboard Omega II, to let them know that they would need to pick up the individuals he wanted to bring along to the base with them.
A little while after night had fallen, Bumblebee, Arcee, Bulkhead, Hound, and Elita One departed for the coordinates of the Autobot base they had received from Optimus with Kira, Cagalli, Sai, Tolle, Murdoch, and Miriallia riding with them. Flay had blatantly stated that she, in her words "did not want to bother with the massive metal freaks' secret base" and Kuzzey decided to stay on the ship to try and help with the repairs to the Archangel. After traveling the streets for some time, they soon reached an out of the way area that most people did not normally travel to on Onogoro, which clearly had signs of being an old military base.
Kira then looked ahead to see that Bumblebee, who was leading the pack, was about to drive directly into the side of a cliff that was on the edge of said base, and he immediately slammed his foot on the brake pedal in an attempt to get Bumblebee to stop. He soon felt silly for doing so, as a moment later, the mountain side opened up to reveal a secret tunnel that led into a large room with a raised platform and massive computers in the center of the room.
Standing near one of the computers, was yet another Autobot that was colored red and white, and seemed to have a somewhat moody air about him like that of a grouchy old man. A moment later Optimus entered the room from a corridor on the other side with Jazz, Murrue, Mu, and Natarle alongside them. Following them was another pair of Autobots. One of them was a big, muscular Bot that was red and dark silver and the other was closer to somewhere between Bumblebee and Bulkhead's sizes with a white paint job that included a red v-shaped pattern on his chest, with a bit of green inside the v along with the Autobot symbol.
"Ugh, how many humans must we have in here anyways," the red and white one then asked as Bumblebee and the other newly arrived Autobots transformed.
"Well no mistaking that old, grouchy whining," Elita commented. "Been a while Hatchet."
"Elita, how many times have I told you NOT to call me Hatchet?! My name is Ratchet and you know that full well!"
"Yeah I know, and to answer your question at least once more apparently," Elita sniggered in reply, prompting the now identified Ratchet to just groan in annoyance.
"Hey not that I'm not honored by the fact that Optimus Prime himself is here, or that I'm not glad that we found more of the old crew, but could someone please tell me that there was a good reason for me to get up," the white Bot with the V-shaped pattern on his chest asked. His voice was instantly recognized by a certain dark green, wrecking ball wielding Autobot.
"Wheeljack," Bulkhead softly exclaimed in excitement. "That you ya old Con crusher?"
Wheeljack, as everyone believed him to be, looked towards Bulkhead and chuckled, "Well whadya know? Bulkhead, old buddy! Hope rolling with Prime hasn't softened you up or anything."
Bulkhead then ran over and pulled the slightly smaller Bot into a servo crushing hug as he happily exclaimed, "Jackie!"
"Hey easier there Bulk, before ya put more dents in me than the Cons."
The red and dark silver Bot then strode up to Bumblebee as he stated, "Well look what the scrapper dragged in. The little scout that could. Guess I shouldn't be surprised that you're tagging along with Prime considering how much a fan boy of him you are."
That got Bumblebee mad. "At least I'm not some old, out-of-date gear grinder unlike some Bots. Or should I say rusted gear grinder?"
"What did you just say, you little dopey-eyed brat?!"
"Rusty trash compactor!"
"Okay it's on now kid!"
"Bring it old timer!"
The next thing anyone knew, the two had each thrown a serious punch to the other's face that caused them both to end up lying on the floor. Thankfully all the humans in the room had made their way to safety on the raised platform that was out of the way. Kira and the others thought that this was going to be bad, but to their surprise the two got up off the floor laughing. "Ah, you've still got it Bee," the chuckling red Bot stated as he extended a hand to help the scout to his feet.
"Right back at ya 'Hide," Bumblebee replied, accepting said hand.
Optimus then coughed to get everyone's attention. "Everyone, for those of you who do not know, I would like to introduce the Autobots who have taken up residence in the Orb base that has been codenamed Alpha I. The Autobot Chief Medical Officer, Ratchet."
Said medic just grunted in reply. "The Autobot Wrecker legend, Wheeljack."
"Sup folks," Wheeljack asked.
"Our weapons specialist, Ironhide." Ironhide moved to pull the same joke that Hound had back when the humans first met him, but stopped as soon as Hound told him of the fact he already told that joke. "And finally, the Autobots' first lieutenant, Jazz."
"Yo how's it hanging dogs," Jazz asked. "So I gotta ask, which one of you is this Strike pilot kid I keep hearing about?"
All the humans just looked at him in surprise before Kira stepped forward saying, "Uh that would be me. I'm Kira Yamato."
Jazz smiled as he walked over to the platform and raised his fist for a fist bump as he stated, "Hey cool to meet ya little man. Gimme some love."
Kira smiled a bit as he chuckled and returned said fist bump. Cagalli just looked at her father in anger as the other humans introduced themselves to the new Autobots, until finally she could no longer hold it in. "And how long have you been keeping this covered up huh? Orb's now setting up a secret alien military force?"
"Cagalli," Uzumi scolded. "Jazz and the others had only arrived here shortly after the destruction of Heliopolis. They are not a part of Orb's military, and are simply being given asylum here."
Cagalli just huffed in disbelief at this, which led Wheeljack to say, "I think I'm gonna like this girl. She's got a personality worthy of a Wrecker."
"Well now that all of that's out of the way," Ratchet stated. "Optimus you should know that we've been picking up multiple signs of Decepticon activity from all across this planet. There's a chance that whatever they plan for the human's world is already in motion, but there is always something new coming up every day. We would move to investigate, but with the Ground Bridge still being…sporadic at best and considering how few of us there were until now there was not much we could do."
"Understood Ratchet," Optimus nodded. "Then we had best get started. Once you, Elita One, and whomever else you require to aid you have finished the necessary work on the Ground Bridge, make the repairs to Omega II your next top priority. In the meantime, we will do what we can about these instances that you have been detecting until both the Archangel and Omega II are ready to deploy once more."
All the Autobots nodded in understanding of their orders, and then dispersed to see more of their new base and catch up with old friends, while the humans present all joined them and seeing what there was to see, Sai and Natarle being the only ones to stay on the raised platform so they could talk to Ratchet and see what they could learn from him and what they could do to help him out. Kira had departed a short while later with Optimus so that he could move the Strike to an underground facility at Morgenroete and get started on his work for them.
No one was present on the shore, save for what seemed to be a small group of fishermen and dockside workers, when five figures arose from the water onto the shore. Once all five were on shore the lead figure removed his oxygen mask and goggles with the others following suit revealing Athrun and the rest of the Zala team. "Welcome to the land of peace," one the men that had helped them come ashore said.
A moment later, a ground bridge had opened, and Knockout and Breakdown emerged from it. Being the only Decepticons with vehicle modes that could actually allow the Zala team to maintain their cover and search for evidence of the Legged Ship and the Autobot ship, it had been an obvious choice as to whom would be accompanying the Zala team while they were in Orb.
"That ID we've given you will get you into Area One of the factory," the man who greeted Athrun's team stated as he handed out the package containing the items Athrun's team would need. "But after that, there's a system in place that checks for specific personnel data. I wasn't able to get anything more detailed on such short notice, and don't overdo it okay? I don't want any fuss, because I'd rather let the beast keep on sleeping."
Athrun nodded in thanks to the man and then led the others up the cliff to where they needed to head. He then had Yzak and Dearka ride with Breakdown while he, Nicol, and Jaylen all climbed into Knockout so that they could sneak in more effectively. As they drove down to their destination, Knockout told them all over the radio, "You should all know that Lord Megatron has been informed of all this, and wanted me to tell you that sometimes one or more of you may be pulled from this assignment to assist in a Decepticon operation."
"Any reason for that," Jaylen asked, being the only one to ask the obvious question. "I would've thought you wouldn't want us lowly humans getting in the way of Decepticon missions."
"Normally we wouldn't, but Lord Megatron thinks that having some of Z.A.F.T.'s finest along for the ride would guarantee a higher chance of success on these missions, and for some reason he thinks that the Autobots will be making more active moves on Earth if they are now suddenly based here in Orb, even if only temporarily or otherwise."
"I guess that makes sense," Nicol said. "I mean you guys have only been helping us out so far, so this would be like a small way to return the favor by helping you."
"Well when you put it that way, actually yes," Knockout agreed in a satisfied tone. "You catch on quick kiddo."
Nicol just smiled a little as he chuckled at Knockout's compliment, and then noticed Athrun seemed to only nod as an indication that he heard the red, land based Decepticon. "Hey Athrun, you okay," Nicol asked.
"Yeah I'm fine," Athrun replied, trying to sound convincing, though he had a feeling he did not succeed. He was still thinking about Cagalli, and how he had also heard her admit to the Orb forces earlier that she was the princesses of Orb. He could barely believe that the fiery, blonde girl he met on that island was actually the daughter of Lord Uzumi, and yet for some reason he felt like there was something about that whole thing that just made him more interested in her. Whatever the case may have been, Athrun knew one thing for certain. This mission in Orb was definitely going to be considered as something that was more than meets the eye.
AN: Okay so, the old Team Prime of Transformers Prime is now all together, including Wheeljack, and they've even got Jazz and Ironhide to add to the extra additions that are already in there. Now for clearing some stuff up. Jaylen Westenfluss, yes she is based off of Heine from Gundam SEED Destiny. I always really liked that guy, he seemed pretty cool. I mean he was easy going, easy to talk to, all about equality among everyone and not setting boundaries by having people address him by his rank instead of his first name, wanted people to refer to him on a first name basis, and yet he was also a fierce fighter when he got going, so it seemed really unfair that he got killed off after only like, what three episodes. Anyways, I'm not saying anything about what I plan to do with his character when he appears in the sequel to this story, but I will say that I wanted a character kind of like that in this one so, hello Jaylen. As for the Zaku Accelerant, I figured that with the Decepticons around, Z.A.F.T. would be able to make a prototype for the mass produced mobile suit of Gundam SEED Destiny a little early. If you have trouble picturing it, just think of the Z.A.F.T. Zakus with armaments from Lunamaria, Rey, and Yzak's Zakus in SEED Destiny. Another reason why I added her in is because, well I'd tell you now but I'm sure you can figure it out, and if you do, please don't say anything and give it away to everyone. Now then, preview time!...
Kira's work for Morgenroete has begun to seem like something he is using to hide himself away from others, a fact that does not go unnoticed by Erica Simmons, the chief engineer of Morgenroete. When the Autobots discover a strange reading, Optimus and Ironhide roll out to investigate with Kira and Erica along for the ride. What dangers will the two pairs face, and will they find that leads them to discover something that the Autobots believed to be merely legend? Next time on Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Prime…Chapter 12: The Engineers, the Warriors, and the Sword…slash through to the truth Optimus!
Read, review, and vote for the next team please. I'll see you all next time!