The Destiny Ark 2: Line in the sand
Chapter one: Tip of the Spear
Joint Human/Autobot command,
Carrier Group USS Flagg, Pacific Ocean.
One year later….
"Pull up the holographics please" General Winston said as the lights in the war room darkened and a holographic display of the Western Hemisphere appeared before human and Autobot.
"We've reclaimed much of North and South America. Having driven the Decepticons from here we've realigned forces to attempt an attack to help the human forces in China and Russia. With Omega Supreme and his forces in the west and Metroplex and his force in the East, There is in effect an Iron ring around North and South America. "He said as various points on the holographic map were highlighted.
"The Decepticons still hold key positions in Africa,India,China and Russia." General Winston reported" Intelligence reports that Galvatron has moved his citadel deep in the mountains in the Mahalangur Himal mountain range."
The holomap then focused on the mountain range that was home to several mountains like Makalu, Lhotse, and Mount Everest.
"Given this Rodimus, do you still feel it's the right time to shift our focus to starting the Human Colonies?" Prowl asked Rodimus.
"Humanity has been scattered all over the globe for far too long, I have met with various leaders over the past month, A species that once numbered 7 billion have been reduced to a little over a billion. Whole countries and races were wiped out, cultures, languages lost. There are no borders anymore, Humanity has to rebuild or there will be nothing left to build." Rodimus said passionately.
"What humans we have rescued from worker camps have been placed at various military commands around the country. What places on the Earth still livable and unhindered by nuclear fallout can be used for human settlements. "General Chen, a leader of what was once the Chinese navy said "The fact we can even discuss settlements is a testament to how the war effort has progressed, Still if these human colonies have any chance of surviving. The Decepticons must be eradicated!"
"Galvatron is many things "Ultra Magnus said "And when he is the most desperate is when he is the most dangerous.
"The key in this war is freeing the Humans." Rodimus Prime stated. "Commander Sky Lynx, What have you to report on finding more Human Camps?"
From the monitor above the conference table Sky Lynx appeared "Having assumed operations concerning the liberations of the humans, I am pleased to say that my command are performing an outstanding performance in finding and freeing Humans from Decepticon worker camps. I can't help but feel that the humans under my command are inspired and honored to be in the presence of such heroic and intelligent leadership that I exude! I am pleased to reports that our scouts have found and eliminated the Worker Camps in Mexico and the Southern Americas!"
There was an uncomfortable huff in the war room at the sound of Sky Lynx's arrogance, Autobots included. Suddenly focus of the camera shifted and quickly moved on to the face of Brigadier General June Darby.
"What my associate is trying to convey is we are receiving reports from out scouts on hidden worker camps. Our command is operating at full mission capability." General Darby reported. "Every day we are sending out platoons to locations globally. The Rescuebots have been an invaluable resource in aiding and transporting freed human workers, Defensor has pulled many a victory out of the fire. We do however; require more trained medics and medical supplies as our demand is growing by the day. "
"Very good General Darby", Admiral Furman, head of Naval operations commended. " I will contact Ratchet and Hoist at the Florida Command on getting you what you need!"
4th Human/Autobot command "Liberty Leauge"
Baja,California.
The video screen went dark as June breathed out a sigh of relief. The meeting with the human/Autobot Joint Chiefs of Staff went off without a hitch. Since the Autobots arrival the tide of the war with the Decepticons had shifted. It was discovered that the Decepticons rounded up a huge number of humans for Energon/Supply/Weapon manufacturing than expected. June was promoted and given her own command .Together with Commander Sky Lynx she had humans and Autobots under their command to seek out suspected human camps and liberate the humans there. Hence the unofficial nickname of the command "Liberty League"
It was a huge task that June knew she had to do, even if it meant that she and Leland Bishop had to end their relationship. June just added to an already large pile of sacrifices she had to make. Still the job was more than enough to keep her busy. Working with Sky Lynx and Sky Lynx's ego provided a challenge for her that usually required her to go out and lead missions just to get away from him.
"Huh!" Sky Lynx huffed "If I were the paranoid type I would say they weren't moved by my report! Surely you were in awe of my prowess General Darby?"
June rolled her eyes and threw her hand up "I need a shower; I'll see you tomorrow morning for briefing!"
June walked from the staging warehouse at the base that called Baja California home. The sun set gave the entire sky an orange glow before night settled in. She had a command of about 1,000 troops and 25 Autobots. Thanks to the ground bridge, one of the many technological gifts the Autobots gave the humans. They could deploy troops anywhere in the world in seconds. She made the walk as looked as humans and Autobots worked and played together. She could see sentries at the wall as they kept watch. She walked by the recreations area and saw as Autobots sat and watch a group of soldiers play basketball.
The base was a good base; it had everything her troops needed, an armory, Training centers, Communal showers, and barracks that were made from plasteel. The mess hall was a huge warehouse that also doubled as a chapel. The Autobots had their own warehouse where they lived and used for power down modes. Sky Lynx personally chose the Autobots under his command; He had the Protectobots which like the Aerialbots were also a combiner team. Cosmos was in charge of intelligence, Gears and Warpath were in charge of Security. Perceptor was the head of science and Medical. Mirage,Drift,Huffer, Kup, and Trailcutter headed up the different tactical divisions. New Autobots were coming in by the day too. Humanity extended their planet to Rodimus Prime and the Autobots as a new home as the Autobots were now nomads when their planet Cybertron was destroyed when their sun went nova. The only caveat was both Humans and Autobtots had to work together to evict the Decepticons.
June quickly gathered what she needed for a shower and walked to the communal showers not far from trailer that served as her office and living quarters. June looked up at the night sky and she found her thoughts trailing and thinking of Jack Darby, The son that wasn't her son. That she met when an accident sent June to an alternate earth where the world wasn't at war, and the June Darby of that world lived with her son. It was a stark reminder of things June had to give up when the world was thrust into chaos. Still the memory of Jack and that one week she lived with him was alive and well in her mind. She often wished he could see how the events of her time there change her world forever.
June turned on the shower and placed her hands against the wall as she felt the hot water run over her head and body. She had her own bath and shower in her quarters, but she like the feel of community she had with her troops. She liked seeing them live and fight together. June was always someone who led from the front, and never from the rear. The joys of camaraderie were well worth the hushed whispers and stares of the many scars on her body. They were a frank reminder of what the war put her through. That she was no different from anyone under her command.
As June lathered up she could hear other people showering up in the three sections of the Showers. She then heard voices closer to her as she realized she would no longer be the lone user of the section. By the voices alone June counted three, one male and two females.
"I keep telling you the T-4's would be a much better choice for you given your body frame!" The male soldier a tall black man in his 20's told the younger female with blonde hair and in her late teens. "I know you want to shoot the big guns, but if you can't steady it, you aren't gonna hit the broadside of an Insecticon!"
"Listen to Bam-Bam Corporeal "The other female a brunette said as she turned on the faucet and let the shower start. "He may have the intelligence of a Dinobot but he knows his guns!"
"Now that's just hurtful Lieutenant Fuentes!" Bam Bam said as he squeezed a gob of body wash in his hand and began to lather up. "
"Now this sounds like an interesting conversation…" June quipped as she moved her wet hair back across her back. "
It took the trio a good two minutes to realize they were in the same shower as their commanding officer.
"ATTENTION ON DECK!" Bam Bam called out as the trio snapped to attention wearing only the suds on their bodies. June chuckled in her head and was happy to see the military bearing in her young troops. "At ease." She said with a smile
She saw them relaxed; June knew each of them and had some interaction with them in the past couple of months.
"Hello Sargent Benjamin Folwer, Lieutenant Dorothy Fuentes, Corporal Hayli Peters." June nodded.
"You know my name ma'am?" Hayli said with an aura of glee in her voice
"She read your meat tag, meat head!" Dorothy teased as she poked the tattoo on the girl's right side on her hip. Each soldier had them, A tattoo that had their name, serial number, blood type and service stamp. It was used a 2nd form of ID behind the Dog Tags they wore around their neck.
"How old are you Hayli?" June ask as she turned off her shower.
"I'm sixteen ma'am! " Hayli said "I volunteered when I was freed from the East Canadian Camps!, I just finished basic and requested this command."
"You chose this duty Corporeal?" June asked
"Yes ma'am, the tales of you and your company's heroics are everywhere, I wanted to help people like you, I wanted to be in the Liberty League!" Hayli said in almost idol worship.
"Well listen to your Lieutenant and Seargent, Hayli. "June advised "Listen and learn from the ones who have been here longer than you, and teach those that will come"
"Carry on kids…." June smiled as she grabbed her towel and left the shower section.
Hayli looked at General Darby leave and was soon snapped out of her trance as smacked her behind "You can close your mouth now Corporal!"
Earth Prime
Jasper,Nevada
"June if it means anything this is the first time I heard anything about this!" William Fowler said as he gazed out the window of his office. " I had to leave for Washington to brief the President when that ship crashed near Area 51."
"I should have known something was up when my sister April wondered why I forgot our lunch date!" June said as she held the recorder in her hands "This other me was apparently here a week before the Autobots were able to send her back. "
"It just makes no sense why Jack and the Autobots would make no mention of her to me. " June said puzzled.
"Really, Do the Autobots tell you everything?" Fowler said looking at June " I am their liaison and I'm not sure I know everything they go through."
June wrapped her arms around herself. "It's not that Jack didn't tell me about this that bugs me, it's the fact that somewhere there is another me, and who knows how many others." She touched the DVR with the tips of her fingers. "Her voice, there was so much pain in it. What would it take to get me to that point? What did she have to go through to sound so weary?"
William stood behind June and placed his hands on her shoulders "Remember what Jack said, She came from a world at war with the Decepticons, I know what war does to you, I know what you have to become to survive. And if she is anything like you, I know she is just as strong as you are."
June didn't have to look up; His words somehow struck a chord in her. She slowly reached up and squeezed his hand. A silent gesture to say, "Thank you Bill."
June looked up into his eyes, "I think the kids are having another sleep over at the base, if you want to come over later…" She said with a glint in her eye as Fowler gave her a warm smile.
Alternate Earth
Morning.
"It is said in the teachings of Quark, when the pupil is ready, the master will appear." Drift said while eyeing his student as she practiced her kata with intent concentration. The morning sun beginning to peak over the hills of Baja.
"Buddha," Captain Sierra Miller said while moving in silent rhythm to one of the many kata's taught to her." When the student is ready the teacher will appear, it was one of his many teachings."
"It seems the school of thought is a universal fraternity "The Autobot smiled "It has been 10 months since I took you as my student, and while you have advanced quickly, there is still much for me to teach you."
Sierra could feel the hum in her palm as she held her sword forged from Energon, She remembered the day Drift destroyed her old sword. It was one of the first missions the Autobots undertook with the humans to find and liberate humans from a Decepticon worker camp. She and Drift had been separated from their team and had to work together to survive an onslaught of Insecticons, The Insecticons numbers were immense. Drift was impressed what a fierce fighter Sierra was, When Sierra's clips ran empty she disobeyed Drift's order to run and hide and instead fought with her only weapon to her person, the sword on her back. Drift noted her swordsmanship was sloppy, but she held promise. When the last of the Insecticon horde was driven back, Drift shocked her by taking her sword and crushing it in his hands.
Shocked, Sierra asked him why? Why would he do such a thing to a weapon she was trying to master? Drift was a fellow swordsman and she thought He would have a respect for her initiative.
"In this battle you have earned my respect Sierra," He said "So much I want to take you as my student and pass on to you what I have learned about the sword. But to do that we must start fresh."
It was then that Drift showed her how to forge her own blade from her own hands. A blade that was so sharp that it could cut the wind and make it bleed. A sword so strong, it would become an extension of it's owner's will. That day Drift became more than Sierra's guardian, He became her teacher.
Drift stood up as Sierra finished her kata, "Good, now pay attention, "He said as he pulled out his sword from his back." Take your stance as I do and follow my movements.."
Sierra nodded as she took his stance and began to follow his exact movements. The new kata was one of dozens taught to her. Through practice Sierra was honing her craft, and through meditation Sierra was starting to grasp the Demons that plagued her dreams.
"I sense something is on your mind Sierra" Drift said in mid motion.
Sierra narrowed her eyes, she knew better than to hide anything from Drift. As Drift was a keen tactician, through millennia of fighting he could read his opponent and knew what they were going to do before they did it.
"I still see his face in my dreams, Master." Sierra said "What he did to me, how me hurt me. All I feel is anger…"
Drift knew what she was talking about; it was what she talked about in the quiet times of meditation they shared, to the times when she broke down sobbing in moments of weakness.
"I know of Knock out from my days as a Decepticon, He is a coward at heart. But he owns your soul so long as you allow him to." Drift said "Take your anger my pupil, and use it as focus."
Sierra was only 10 when she was shuffled with a large group of other children to Knock Outs laboratory. They were too small and too weak to be of any use in the camps, and were marked for immediate termination by the Decepticon controller. At the last moment Knock Out arrived and claimed he needed test subjects for a new Energon he synthesized.
Twenty children were chosen at random and given to him, they were stripped of clothing and treated like test rats. Gradually the cage they shared got less and less crowded. Many of the children he experimented on didn't survive. Those that did were subjected to endless torture and pain. Sierra would cry and wish for death whenever she was on his work table. Given countless injections of Energon, Her body managed to survive the countless doses she received. Of the twenty children given to Knock out, only three were breathing when Human resistance forces took the compound. Sierra recalled being scooped up by soft warm arms and being told they were going home. Through weak eyes, Sierra only remembered the voice of a dark haired woman, compassionate eyes, and then being loaded on a transport.
Sierra turned and positioned her sword downward, her kata complete when she heard a voice call to her from across the beach.
"Captain Miller!" The young messenger called out "It's General Darby, she's requested your presence at her bivouac!"
Sierra looked to her teacher.
"Go" He said, Dismissing her " We will pick up again later."
It took Sierra three minutes to run back to General Darby's briefing room. She ran in to see General Darby and her second in command Commander Morgan Greene gathering some papers and maps. A Holomap was onscreen and had the map of a compound in what was once known as Alaska.
"You called for me ma'am?" Captain Miller reported.
"Sierra, Gather 3rd Platoon, we found another Worker Camp in Alaska. We leave within the hour." General Darby ordered. "I want you to report to Commander Sky Lynx when the platoon is ready to use the ground bridge."
Sierra looked and then saw General Darby select a pistol and various clips. "Are you coming with us ma'am?"
"Yeah, High Command has an extra objective for us; I'll explain when we're on the way." June said as she loaded the clip and cocked her pistol. She watched as the young Captain left.
"Make it known I am highly objectful to this.." Commander Greene said voicing her displeasure at the notion of General Darby taking the field.
"We went over this Commander, That's a Class B Energon refining and Munitions factory. To even get through the front gates takes a careful tactical approach." June argued.
"One that any number of your qualified Platoon commanders can do!, I get it June you lead from the front. But we are in a changing world now, our priorities have to shift. The world will need June Darby to patch it back together. "
Then a silence passed between them as they realized that as long as they have been fighting together in the resistance, Both knew each other's moves and when each other was bullshitting the other.
"Oh my God, you just don't want to do the monthly command assessment with Sky Lynx isn't it!?" Commander Greene accused June.
"Guilty, I nearly chewed my own leg off to escape last time!" June smirked " and seeing how I did the conference with him, YOU get to do the assessment, and I'm also pulling rank…" June smirked as she took her gear and headed out the door, nailing the final nail in Morgan's coffin.
Commander Greene walked outside and stood next to the large red Autobot waiting for her.
"She pulled rank didn't she?" Ironhide noted.
"Shamelessly!" Commander Greene said as Ironhide transformed into his truck mode and waited for Morgan to climb inside of him. "Ironhide, can you just step on me now?"
"And leave me to Commander Sky Lynx's ego alone?, Not a chance!" Ironhide chuckled.
Earth Prime
The Devils Sea.
U.S.S Eisenhower 10 miles off the coast of Island of Aogashama
Lt Weltzer hated night watch, Long nights of nothing. Being the Officer on Deck he was usually responsible for making sure the enormous aircraft carrier the U.S.S Eisenhower stayed afloat until the Captain of the ship woke up . The carrier was currently on an 8 month tour of the pacific, stopping at various ports like Australia, Guam, and soon Japan.
Lt. Weltzer swallowed the last of his lukewarm coffee. "Looked at the coffee mug and saw it was already empty. Not a good sign at , At the very start of a 6 hour watch. The young lieutenant looked to see where the coffee can was so he could brew another pot. The command deck was low lit and only the light of the control panels and monitors illuminated the cabin.
"So it doesn't bother you that we are in the Dragon's Triangle?" Petty officer 3rd class Erickson asked, As he watch computer screen that read out the course heading.
"I've been up and down this route more times than I can remember, I never once saw a Devil or a Triangle!" Said fellow sailor Petty Officer 1st class Roberts.
"Look I'm just saying, there have been more disappearances here than in the Bermuda Triangle in the past 20 years!" Said Erickson, as he tapped the blinking light on one of his consoles.
"Oh and what would be the cause of that? UFO's? Ghosts? Bigfoot?", Mocked Roberts.
"Ok One, Bigfoot is in the Pacific Northwest, and two, the only ghost ship is the Flying Dutchman, so yeah it's UFO's behind all the disappearances!"
"I know my foot is gonna disappear up someone's ass if I don't get some coffee!" Lt Weltzer shouted.
Erickson took the hint and got up to put on a fresh pot of coffee, within moments the smell of Java filled the cabin. It was the same time a red alert sounded from the decks below.
"Get on the horn find out what the hell is going on!" ordered
A black haired female petty officer got on the phone and called all the decks. "It's the Starboard watch! They are reporting strange lights in the water!"
"What the hell do they mean strange lights?" Weltzer argued.
Soon the entire carrier rocked as the command cabin lurched to the side. The sound of a huge crash followed it. The fresh post of coffee crashed to the floor, as Lt Weltzer got on the horn.
"Attention all Decks! Attention all Decks! Get to General Quarters! I repeat Get to general quarters!" called over the intercom. "What the hell did we hit? We are nowhere NEAR the islands!"
Then from the right of the ship the watch dogs saw it rise from the water. It was large and had a massive wingspan. Nearly 26 sailors saw it and all described the same. It was a huge metallic dragon.
Predaking roared as it's wings flapped behind it. It looked down as it hovered over the Aircraft Carrier. It howled as a bright light bellowed from its stomach, up its throat and from its mouth came a huge stream of fire. It painted the side of the Carrier with it flames. The six Jets that caught on fire instantly exploded. As sirens blared from all over the Carrier, Predaking screamed a war cry that announced it was only starting its assault.
Jasper
3:45 am.
William Fowler opened his eyes at the sound of his cell phone ringing. He reached over and felt the night stand for it. He saw it was the US Navy Pacific Command in Hawaii. He glanced over and saw the bare back of June as she slept naked partially under the covers. The room illuminated by the moonlight.
"Fowler" He said groggily, as June started to flutter her eyes open. She stretched as she turned to see Fowler sit up as his tone grew serious.
"I see, and you say the carrier was attacked by a winged metallic creature that blew fire?" Fowler asked "What's the status of the Carrier and crew?"
Fowler let out a deep sigh as he rubbed his brow in frustration. "I understand, I will notify Washington immediately."
"He hung up the phone and turned his head toward June." Uh look June.."
"And here I thought I got brownie points for going back on Birth Control!", June said as she sat up holding the sheet over her body "It's ok Bill, But that's two breakfast's you owe me.."
Fowler chuckled at her smile and leaned over and kissed her. " I'll call you later, I need to go and alert Optimus, The Decepticons pet dragon has been found."
NEXT TIME: General June Darby and her Liberty League uncover a new and terrifying plot by the Decepticons to kill all life on Earth once and for all. In order to stop this new menace, the Autobots and the Resistance must come up with a plan to find and retrieve the one thing that can stop it. The Destiny Ark. Back on Earth Prime, The Autobots are sent to the Pacific in the heart of the Devil's sea to track and stop Predaking and his band of Predacons.
Writer's note - Commander Morgan Greene and Hayli are characters created by Aurrawings and are used with this writer's gratitude!. ^_^