Sideflare looked around. It had been several hours since Sideways left and she was starting to wonder where he was. She knew he should have made contact by now. Something had gone wrong. The only thing that came to mind was he failed and now was being held prisoner down on the planet.
"Unicron, we shouldn't have trusted him," she called out looking up. She waited for a response and when nothing came she continued.
"Why don't we attack now and destroy this miserable excuse for a planet. We've been monitoring the planet for quite sometime even before the Autobots and Decepticons arrived. The humans can not appreciate their planet."
"We will attack at the appointed time. No sooner, no later," a deep voice was heard from all around.
"Sir, with Sideways not completing his mission, it could jeopardize everything."
"Don't tell me something I already know. If Sideways has failed, he will soon be a memory in everyone's memory banks."
For a second Sideflare was confused but then smiled. "Though you released him, you implanted…"
"Within the next twenty-four hours Sideways will be nothing but melted scrap."
-
"What have you come up with so far?" Optimus asked.
"Not much," Red Alert said. After Red Alert got Sideways to the medical bay, he began scanning him. At first, scans showed up nothing but not too long, a computer chip was found that kept malfunctioning the scans. Red Alert was trying to defuse the chip.
"Whatever this chip is," Red Alert continued. "It is difficult to get out."
"See what you can do. Sideways is the only one who can tell us what Unicron is up to."
"Yes, sir." Red Alert turned back to the scans.
"In the meantime, I'm going to see what Thrust has. Thrust and Sideswipe should be near completion."
Optimus walked out of the bay and proceeded towards to the command center. When he entered the room, he heard a heated discussion going on. "What's going on in here, men?"
Sideswipe turned at the sound of his leader. "Nothing sir. Just a small disagreement."
Thrust and Sideswipe had gone to the Medical Bay, downloaded the information into the computer. When it was complete, they went back to the command center.
"Good. Keep it that way. We may not like working with each other but it was the decision on myself and Megatron." He looked over at Thrust. "Progress report."
Sideswipe quickly turned back around and began his work. "The process is slow but is going faster than when I analyzed Starscream's data."
"So that is how you got into the base," Thrust exclaimed.
"We don't have time to discuss the past," Optimus said. "Right now we have to find out what you have that Unicron wants."
"For once I agree with you," Thrust said. "Anything about Sideways?"
"No," Optimus simply answered. "Sideswipe, inform me when you find something."
"Yes, sir."
Optimus turned and walked out. He walked down the hall and decided to look out over the vast valley of the town. It had been a while since he was outside. Upon reaching the lookout, Blurr and Jetfire were also at the lookout.
Jetfire turned as he heard a sound. "Sir. Came out for some sunshine?"
"Yes, in a matter of fact."
"Alexis has become a little distant today. It's almost sundown, and she's been quiet since arriving," Blurr observed.
"I've noticed as well," Jetfire said. "It could be from having the Decepticons here. She misses the boys and it's not good for them to come up here."
"I agree," Optimus nodded. "But I think there is more to it than that. Something has happened since we landed back, that I'm sure."
"Any ideas as to what it may be?" Blurr asked.
"I think Megatron is involved, but what? And right now it's too dangerous to confront anyone about it. As much as I hate to admit it we need the Decepticons. Probably when this is over, Alexis will tell us what's wrong."
"Just be thankful she found love with Starscream. He'll take care of her."
"I will agree to that, Blurr."
-
When he had the first chance at being alone, he took off towards the secret passage. Between him, Alexis, Red Alert and Optimus a coded password was created to prevent the Decepticons from finding out the place. He already had a sneaky feeling that Megatron already knew about the lake. He figured he used something close to Alexis for the truth of her appearance.
When he arrived by the lake, he brought out his sword and began swinging it around, practicing some of his moves, to blow off some anger. He knew Alexis was safe at the time being, as she was with Hotshot, target practicing. For as long as Megatron was around, he didn't want Alexis to be alone.
"He'll pay for that," Starscream hissed as he spoke to himself. "I will not allow him to hurt Alexis and get away with it. I love her too much."
Who are you talking about?> Swindle beeped.
Without looking over in the direction of his Mini-Con, he answered. "Megatron! He's blackmailing Alexis and there's nothing right now to stop it. Optimus and the Autobots need Megatron's cooperation."
And if you retaliate, Megatron will end the alliance.>
"Exactly," Starscream growled. "We all know, we are weak against Unicron alone. We need all the help we can get."
Would you like me to stay with Alexis? At least that way, I can report to you if Megatron does something and she'll be safe.>
Starscream stopped and looked at Swindle. "That might not be a bad idea. If Megatron sees you're with her, he won't dare to threaten her. He knows you too well. What would I be without you, Swindle?"
You'd be lost.>
Starscream gave a small smile. "Let's see how Alexis is doing then see how she would feel about you watching out for her."
Swindle nodded and as Starscream placed his sword back, Swindle jumped up onto Starscream's shoulder. They walked into the training room, and saw Alexis practicing. He stood back and watched in silent as Hotshot instructed her. Sideswipe was also in the room, watching as well, firing off a few rounds.
The first time he saw her target practice, she wasn't doing well but now she was hitting with good accuracy. He knew she would be a fast learner. She might have been turned into a transformer but that didn't stop her from being a determined young woman or the fact that her mind was of a teenager.
"Well done," Hotshot said. "That's five in a row."
Starscream watched Alexis turn to her instructor with a smile. "I have a good teacher. But don't forget to, I did have archery lessons."
"Don't worry. I haven't forgotten. Maybe when this is all over, you could show us what archery is all about. You could make bows and arrows."
"That could work," Sideswipe said. "When we're fighting the Decepticons again, some of us could hide and fire the arrows with no one's knowledge."
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, Sideswipe. You know Optimus would like to see the Autobots and Decepticons be at peace with each other."
"But look at all the lives that were suffered at the hands of the Decepticons."
Hotshot turned to the youngest member, well besides Alexis. "Sideswipe. All the older soldiers who died all knew what Optimus's dream is. They also knew that the dream is a costly one. I heard a story of one Autobot who commended Optimus's dream as special."
"Who was that?"
"Beachcomber. He was a small Autobot who had a big heart. He had a love for all living creatures. He died during the battle when the Mini-Cons made their escape to Earth."
"Any ideas of what happened to him?" Sideswipe asked.
"Not really. All is known is after the battle, no body was found. It appears his body was destroyed on contact."
"That's sad," Alexis said. "So he was about the height of Seaspray and Powerglide?"
"Yes. Alexis, would you like to practice some more?"
"No that's ok. I'm starting to have a hard time concentrating. All I want to do right now is rest. We still have another day and then we're heading back out. I might go and visit the boys before we leave. I don't know."
Hotshot nodded. He turned and walked towards the exit. He looked at Starscream and gave him a small smile. From the moment Starscream walked in, he knew he was there. Sideswipe also knew as well.
"Would you like to be alone?" Sideswipe asked Alexis when they were alone.
"If you wouldn't mind." The sound of Alexis's voice sounded sad. She placed her gun on a shelf beside her for now. She didn't feel like reattaching it to herself.
Sideswipe shrugged his shoulders and walked away. He nodded at Starscream as he left.
Starscream silently moved away from the door as Sideswipe stepped out, and came up behind the woman. He watched with sadness as she leaned her head down and rested her hands on the shelf where her gun sat.
His optics widened as he watched her slam her fist on the shelf. "I don't want to be a Transformer anymore!" she yelled.
When she slammed her fist the second time, Starscream took action. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tight to his body. She jumped at the contact but quickly went limp as she leaned against Starscream. "How long have you been in here?" she whispered.
"Since before you called it quits. Why do you wish not to be a Transformer anymore? Is it because of Megatron?" he asked softy.
"Among other things," she whispered.
"I have an idea," he said softly.
She tried to turn but his arms were secure around her. He was content in having her back to him. "What idea is that?" she asked after giving up.
"Allow Swindle to be by your side. If Megatron comes towards you, he will not be able to threaten you any longer."
"But he'll get suspicious. If he sees Swindle by my side all the time, he'll know that you know something."
"Not if Swindle is always at your side with another Mini-Con."
Alexis again tried to turn. This time nothing was restraining her. She turned and looked into his face. "You mean make Megatron think that Swindle is around talking with my Mini-Con?"
Starscream nodded as a slight smile formed. He watched as pink tears started to track down her face. He gently wiped a tear away and then pulled her close to his chest. "I will not allow Megatron to hurt you again. I love you too much to allow that to happen again. I lost Kiaudica that way."
"I love you, Starscream."
"Get a room, you two."
Starscream and Alexis quickly turned at the sound. To their surprise, Jetfire was leaning against the door with his arms crossed.
Alexis chuckled as Starscream snorted and let her go. "Leave it to Jetfire to come up with a smart remark."
"If it weren't for Jetfire's antics, the base would be dull," Alexis said. "What's up?"
Behind his faceplate, he smirked. Just one more joke. He took his thumb and pointed up before moving towards the two.
Alexis giggled at his response. "Besides the sky." If he was going to joke around, she might as well get in on the fun.
"Actually, I came searching for you. I was wondering if I could have a moment alone with you." Jetfire turned to Starscream. "That is if that's alright with you."
"Why would I mind? You're as much her friend as I am."
"But I'm not the one in love with her."
If Alexis could blush she would have. She felt a little embarrassed at Jetfire's comment. "I'll be along shortly."
Starscream nodded and left the two bots alone.
"You wanted to speak with me?"
"I just wanted to have a small private talk before we leave."
Alexis turned away from her commander. "Who told you?"
Jetfire gave a long sigh. "We are all worried about you. Since we landed, you have been acting distant. Optimus has gathered that you are being tricked. I just wanted to let you know that we understand. You will tell us when it's safe."
Alexis clenched her fists. Jetfire saw this and placed both of his hands on her shoulders. "You have friends who love you, as a friend, and one who loves you more. You are one of the valued members of the team. All of us who have gotten to know as a human will cherish those memories. Heck, we even would die protecting you."
She turned back around. "Here, I thought you had no serious side expect to fight and even that you have to joke around."
"I know what it's like to be tricked. I have been once." Jetfire removed his hands to his side. "When I was a young fighter like Sideswipe, I was captured by the Decepticons. Mind you it was not an elite force. But back then, I was so naive and I was talked into giving up some Autobot data for my life."
"And they kept their word?"
"Yes. But afterwards news spread out soon after that those warriors were destroyed. Rumor has it that Megatron killed them after learning that they let me go."
"So you have been around almost as long as Optimus and Megatron?"
"Yup."
Alexis lowered her head. "Who else knows?"
"Optimus, myself, Blurr and I believe Red Alert."
"I don't want anyone else to know. If…"
"I know. You don't have to say anything. But I want you to know that if you need anything or want to talk, don't hesitate to come to any of us."
"Thanks Jetfire."
"Now, why don't you go see if Rad or the others are on your instant messenger. It's not safe for the boys to come here and it's defiantly not a good idea for you to go down and see them. We're leaving at first light."
"I think that would be good. I could also chat with a few other friends that would be online."
Jetfire watched his friend leave. We'll somehow get you out of this Alexis, that I promise. When she was gone, he decided to see how Red Alert was doing.
-
"I'm surprised that he hasn't moved yet," Powerglide said.
"Well one things for sure. He does keep his word. So far there hasn't been one incident yet," answered Blaster.
Springer turned in his seat. "We're being hailed."
"Who?" Wheeljack asked.
"Ultra Magnus."
"Put him up on the monitor." Wheeljack faced the main viewscreen as Ultra Magnus appeared.
"Well I see you've been in good company."
"You better believe it."
"I take it that you know as well?" Springer asked. He watched as Ultra Magnus nodded.
"I wasn't sure who all knew. We only found out, when we got here," said Blaster. "Who all knew before we arrived?"
"Just myself," Ultra Magnus answered. "Optimus Prime, Scavenger and Jetfire."
"When did you get here?" Powerglide asked.
Without looking at the other men, Wheeljack answered. "When Megatron saved me from that blaze, he did not know that it was a setup. Through an inside job, a message was leaked out that Megatron was going to attack the compound. I didn't start working for the Decepticons until recently."
"Once we had known that Wheeljack was alright, it took awhile for us to setup the plan and put it into motion," Ultra Magnus finished.
"So you've been hiding all this time?" asked Tracks.
"I left Cybertron in secret and went to a neutral planet and hid there until the appointed time. Before the time came I decided to leave the planet, in case I was found, and came here to Earth, which was twenty years ago." Wheeljack said. "But it's well worth it, especially when word got out that the Autobots and Decepticons arrived. I even had to change my design twice in order not to be suspicious."
"Well I have been informed," Ultra Magnus said. "That Thrust was working with Unicron for while now but has been betrayed. Sideways is down on the planet being held captive. It's in hope that a solution will be found."
Cliffjumper looked up to Ultra Magnus. "Why would Unicron want Thrust?"
"Thrust has agreed to have his data analyzed and Sideways is being scanned to see if there's way to stop this battle."
"To be sure Unicron doesn't catch on to our plan," Ultra Magnus started. "We have arrived just beyond Planet Mars. The Decepticon army has arrived as well."
"Would you like us to send a transmission down to Optimus?" Wheeljack asked.
"There is no need. We shall not respond to each other again until the battle begins. Good luck men."
"Good luck," Wheeljack said. The monitor switch back to Unicron as Wheeljack then turned in his seat. "Tracks, I'm sure you have a question to ask me."
"Why is that only so few know of your mission?"
"The less to know the better. You might as well rest up, we'll have a busy day tomorrow."
-
Alexis was walking towards the command center to speak with Optimus, knowing that was where he'd be, when she decided to see any progress was done on Sideways.
"Alexis," Red Alert called. "What can I do for you?"
"Actually I came to see what I could do for you. We're leaving at first light and nothing has been found on him." She looked down to the captive bot.
"I might have found something but could be of some help"
Alexis walked over to the science officer. "What can I do to help?"
"Strap this against him, he'll soon be reviving." Red Alert held up a metal binding that would hold the one in question down. "I've disconnected his weapons and he'll still be weak from the blast. But I want to make sure he doesn't escape."
Alexis nodded and did as asked. When she was done, she noticed movement coming from the motorcycle. "He's awaking," she said.
"Good." Was all Red Alert said before going over beside Alexis.
As Sideways woke, he tried to move but found he couldn't. He began to struggle until his optics came online and he saw where he was. He seized struggling as he stared at Alexis. "You'll get nothing from me."
"You might want to change your mind," Red Alert said. "I've found something that's infused into your system and if you want to live, it will need to be removed."
"That's impossible," Sideways said then he remembered that he wasn't a spawn of Unicron. "I've failed and now Unicron is disposing of me."
"If you want to live," Alexis said. "You must tell us what we need to know."
"If I go, then you'll go and Unicron will have this solar system." Sideways tried to laugh.
Alexis quickly brought out her gun, aiming it at Sideways. "I'm going to give you two minutes to tell us what we want to know. Either way, Unicron will not get the better of us."
"You've exceeded my expectations and have come along way since I've met you."
Suddenly, a surge of electrical currents rippled through Sideways. Sideways started to convulse. Alexis jumped from the action but kept her gun aimed as Red Alert rushed over to the computer. He began punching on series of buttons to control the convulsion. When Sideways stopped, Red Alert moved back over to the table.
"Apparently, that is a warning sign," he said. "Tell us what is going on."
"Why should I?" Sideways groaned out.
Alexis got over her shock. She lowered her weapon and bent closer to Sideways. "What do you got to lose? Unicron has betrayed you. Why not get your revenge on him?"
Sideways thought for a moment and then came to a decision. "Unicron must have implanted an auto destruct chip."
"How do we defuse it?" Alexis rushed out in a panic tone. If Sideways was telling the truth…she didn't want to think about it.
"Serial code 09167 abort."
Red Alert rushed back over to the computer and punched in the code.
Sideways ignored Red Alert and continued. "Buried deep within Thrust's mind is a computer chip. The chip is my memory bank."
"Your memory bank?" Red Alert questioned. When the auto destruct was disabled he turned. "You are spawn of Unicron."
"No, I am not. I thought I was but I am…originally a Transformer of Cybertron who was fatally wounded after a battle. Apparently Sideflare went down onto the planet when no one was looking and took me to Unicron where I was reformed."
"What was your name before?" Alexis asked.
Sideways felt another surge of pain but not a very strong one. Luckily for him, Unicron could no longer control his body. When the surge subsided, he remained silent.
Alexis who was starting to get annoyed, got closer to him. "Who are you?"
"Beach…comber."
Red Alert gasped at the name.
Alexis looked up to her friend. "Isn't that the Autobot who was killed when you fought to protect the Mini-Cons when they came to Earth?"
He nodded in surprise. "Optimus," he said, switching on his communicator
"Go ahead, Red Alert."
"You and Megatron may want to come down here."
"We're on our way."
"Now you know who I am, why would you call for your leader?"
"Optimus would appreciate knowing that one of his men is actually still alive," Alexis answered for Red Alert.
For several minutes the room was silent until Optimus and Megatron walked in.
"Why would I need to be called in here?" Megatron demanded.
"Thrust has the memory chip of Sideways, which makes him a normal Transformer."
"Remarkable," Optimus said.
"The remarkable thing is," Alexis said. "Is who Sideways was before now."
"And that was?"
Alexis looked at Megatron as she answered. "Beachcomber."
"Beachcomber!" Optimus uttered. "How?"
"When Beachcomber was fatally wounded, Unicron took him and recreated his body. He must have taken his memory chip and then when Thrust began to work for him, place it in him so it and Thrust would be destroyed," Red Alert said.
"Which means," Optimus began. "Unicron had planned to destroy Thrust all along."
Megatron went up to Sideways, who was still lying on the table, strapped down. He pushed Alexis out of the way, a little roughly. "What is Unicron's weakness?"
"Why should I tell you?" Sideways groaned.
"Because if you don't, you'll be in worse pain than you are in now. I'll make sure you live but with excruciating pain."
"Megatron that is enough," Optimus demanded. "He maybe Sideways but if he is Beachcomber, he is one of my men."
Megatron looked up at Optimus with barely contained anger. "Why would you want to keep him around? He has betrayed you and myself. He even tried to kill you as well as led Hot Shot into a trap."
"Megatron," Alexis ventured. "If Sideways tells us what Unicron's weaknesses and Strengthens, wouldn't that be cause to keep him alive. Besides, Sideways had no idea who he was."
Megatron whipped his head to the former human. "No. And Thrust is no different."
"Why don't we let events play out," Optimus sighed. "As you already said and I agreed, we will ally ourselves until this threat is over and then we'll be adversaries again."
Without taking his optics off Alexis, Megatron said, "That is true. Fine, then. Do with Sideways as you please but I will make Thrust pay." He quickly turned and left the medical bay.
Optimus noticed Alexis beginning to tremble. "Alexis are you alright?"
"Yeah," she said looking to her leader. "Megatron just gave me the creeps, is all. I don't like the way he was looking at me."
Optimus nodded as he walked over to the female bot and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. He looked to Red Alert as he nodded as well.
Red Alert turned back to Sideways. "If you can give us any information on Unicron it will be appreciated."
Sideways looked at the officers and then sighed in defeat. Alexis was right, what did he have to lose? "Anger from Transformers fuels Unicron."
"Anger?" Red Alert questioned. "If anger is what fuel's Unicron."
"Then that means," Alexis gasped. "He's feeding off of the Decepticons. Megatron most of all, as he has the most anger."
"As I said before, you are quite smart," Sideways said.
"Megatron should here this new information," Red Alert stated. "At least we know what needs to be done."
"I'll let him know," Optimus responded. "But that will not help. Megatron can have a temper."
"Is there any way in getting the computer chip out of Thrust?" Optimus asked.
"Yes," Red Alert said. "The question is will he cooperate with us."
"There's only way to find out," Alexis said.
"Where are you going?" Optimus asked as he watched her head towards the door.
She continued walking out. "Thrust."
-
Walking onto the bridge of the ship, knowing full well the one she was looking for would be there. She walked up to him before speaking his name. She wanted to make sure her presence was known.
"What do you want?" he snapped.
"A way for you to be free of Unicron's hold," Alexis answered.
The tactician turned to the girl. "What do you mean?"
"You have a computer chip which is actually Sideways' memories. He is not a spawn of Unicron. He is originally Beachcomber."
"Beachcomber! He was destroyed in the battle when the Mini-Cons left."
"So you were all led to believe. With your cooperation we can extract the chip and place it back inside Sideways."
"That will not protect me from Megatron when this is over."
"Maybe, but it will protect you from Unicron. Maybe when this is over, Megatron may let you live."
"Unlikely." Thrust did not like talking to the girl. "Fine. Maybe one of us won't survive this battle anyway."
Alexis turned and walked out, assuming Thrust would follow. When she entered the medical bay she wasn't surprised that Thrust was right behind her.
"Might as well get this over with now before I change my mind," Thrust demanded.
"Good," Red Alert said. "Sit over here and I'll start the procedure."
-
Alexis was the first to awake. She quickly made her way outside of the base to have a quiet moment. In the short time that she had known the Transformers, she had never been as scared as she was at the moment. She may never see the blue sky, the greenery of the grass or even sounds of birds again.
She allowed the first rays of the sun to beat against her metal body. If I die at least I'm dying for a worthy cause, she thought. Mom, I hope you'll be okay. A slight noise behind her drew her away from her thoughts. She turned only to see Cyclonus.
"What do you want?" she asked.
"Humph." Cyclonus crossed his arms. "Someone's got to keep an eye on you."
Alexis shook her head. "You are very predictable."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Cyclonus got on the defense side.
"Just what I said. In the year I've gotten to know you, I have been able to predict your moves. You are motivated through aggression. Don't get me wrong, you are a good warrior when you are not flapping at the mouth with a wisecrack."
"Listen here former human," Cyclonus growled, getting into a fighting stance. "When we leave here, you better not get in my way."
"The name's Alexis and I know you know it. Instead of getting angry with me why don't you use common sense for once. Why do you think you've always failed?"
"Why else, because you humans was always getting in the way."
"If that's the case then why has the Decepticons never won the battles? Why has it always ended in draw?"
Cyclonus seemed flabbergasted at Alexis's words. Why indeed.
"You know I've come to observe that you Decepticons don't get along with each other very well. You like to get all the glory, leaving none for anyone else. While the Autobots work as a team and when one fail, they will admit their failure and move on towards a new day."
"Why would you care what our fighting techniques are?"
"The only way we're going to defeat Unicron is by working together as a team. Unicron is motivated through aggression. If that means you and I fight side by side, then that what's it means. I don't want to fight along side by you no more than you but wouldn't that make Unicron at a less advantage. He knows that Autobots and Decepticons don't get along, heck he probably knows about me being a Transformer."
"You probably have a point." Alexis and Cyclonus turned to see the latest traitor to the Decepticon ranks. "I have noticed myself that the Decepticons don't work well together and I even noticed that the Autobots stick together. That is the whole reason why we've failed so many times."
"Traitor."
"Accuse me all you want, but at least I'm still alive."
"Only long enough to help fight Unicron."
Alexis ignored Cyclonus's comment. "Any ideas as to how long you had Sideways' memories?"
"No. I know it wasn't there before I came to Earth. It does feel strange with that chip missing."
"I suppose it hasn't been integrated yet. It probably needs some sort of access code?"
"You are quite smart for a human-former human," Thrust commented sarcastically. "You'd be a good Decepticon."
Alexis turned away from Thrust and walked back instead the base to prepare for battle.
-
For all who have reviewed, thank you. Your comments mean a lot. Your comments mean a lot. Especially those who have commented on how well this story has developed. I never realized my writing was this good until your comments came in. Again thank you.