Chapter 6
Walking onto the Decepticon warship felt as if Smokescreen were on a completely different planet. Smokescreen walked beside Megatron fearing nothing. Starscream and Knock Out broke off from the main group to about their own private matters. "I would like to officially welcome you to the Decepticons as our newest recruit" said Megatron. "My loyalty to you will never be doubted, my one true master" pledged Smokescreen. "Soundwave activate the ship's main communications, I have a message to give to the troops" ordered Megatron. The faceless Decepticon turned and started to enter commands into the terminal.
"This is lord Megatron, we have gained a new trusted ally today; yes he is a former Autobot but he will receive the respect of a fully ranked Decepticon" said Megatron. Smokescreen stood at attention as Megatron addressed the entire crew of the Nemesis. "Now that introductions are over now we must get you accustomed to your new surroundings" said Megatron. Knock Out appeared in the doorway and Megatron gestured for Smokescreen to follow. The only thing that was needed for Smokescreen's full Decepticon transformation was a new paint job and a Decepticon insignia. "First thing we need to do is rid you of that awful paint job, might I suggest a flashy finish like my own" suggested Knock Out. "No I was thinking about going red and black finish" said Smokescreen. Knock Out adjusted a scanner just above Smokescreen's head and punched in directions. A bright red line ran Smokescreen's figure changing his red, blue, white paint job to a dark red and black finish. His optics started to change from bright blue to red. Megatron had returned to watch the transformation of the newest Decepticon; clutched in his hand was a glowing crystal shard. "It is now time you receive your birth right as a true Decepticon, behold the powers of dark energon" boasted Megatron. Smokescreen jabbed the glowing shard into his spark chamber; power surged through Smokescreen's body as Megatron watched with interest.
"I can feel the power of Unicron flowing throughout my entire body; no Autobot will ever survive my wrath" yelled Smokescreen, his voice echoing through the lab. "Now there is only one more thing to complete before you can become a true Decepticon, now you must rid yourself of that cursed Autobot name" said Megatron, "from this moment on you will be known as Blackout".
Two months later, back at the Autobot base...
Optimus stepped out of the medical chamber and had managed to take a few steps before collapsing to the ground. Arcee went over to help the leader onto pallet in order to rest. "Optimus' recovery has increasing progress but it's long and slow" said Ratchet. The medic was typing down Optimus' progress in a special log; it showed that the leader had only made significant progress over a month ago. "If were down a Bot maybe we should call someone for some help" said Jack. "Who would we contact, Smokescreen was only other Autobot contact we had in years" replied Ratchet. Bulkhead came over to where Ratchet, Arcee and Jack were conversing. "Maybe we should give Wheeljack a call; I'm sure he would be happy to help out" suggested Bulkhead. Wheeljack had helped out Team Prime many times in the past but he was known for doing things outside of standard protocol. "With the very limited resources, you're probably right" said Ratchet. Bulkhead went to help Optimus attempt a few more steps than last time; while Ratchet went over the computer and keyed in Wheeljack's com-link code.
"Well if it isn't the doc, how are things at base" asked Wheeljack over the com-link. "Not good, Smokescreen has possibly gone over to the Decepticons and Optimus was wounded by the rookie" described Ratchet. "I can be there in less than four hours at my current speed" said Wheeljack. "Alright doctor, already on my way" replied Wheeljack.
Meanwhile back on the Decepticon warship, that same day...
It had been over two months since Blackout had abandoned the Autobots for the power of a Decepticon soldier. He had risen to the rank of second lieutenant over the past two months and it was possible that his powers could rival that of Megatron's. Starscream was still untrusting of Blackout but he had earned the respect of every trooper, Soundwave and even Knock Out. "Blackout I am need of your services, report the bridge" ordered Megatron; Blackout got to bridge to receive his orders. "We have found an Iacon locater beacon decoded by Soundwave; your task is to go to and retrieve the relic and if you come back successful I will promote you to second in command" said Megatron. "Yes my lord, and if I encounter any Autobots their sparks will be brought back to you" said Blackout. Soundwave brought up the coordinates up on his visor and then activated the ground-bridge.
Autobot base- same time and day...
Ratchet had picked up an Iacon locater beacon and that meant the Decepticons had already unearthed it. Wheeljack, Bumblebee and Bulkhead were on their way now to beacon. Optimus stood up shakily and limped over to where Ratchet was standing. "What is going on old friend" asked the Autobot leader. Hopefully Wheeljack and his team can get to the relic before the Decepticons do" said Ratchet
Blackout arrived at the coordinates set by Soundwave; he was staring out at a vast mountain range. The signal was coming ten miles from his current position. Blackout transformed into his black sports car form and drove at top speed down a rugged mountain road. When Blackout arrived at the location there were three Autobots digging at the ground in an attempt to find the relic. "Well, what do we have here" said Blackout, all three Autobots turned in surprise. "Looks like the 'Cons have got a new lackey and something new to shot at" said Wheeljack. Suddenly Bulkhead gasped in sudden realization and Bumblebee beeped in surprise. "Smokescreen is that you; what have the 'Cons done to you" asked Bulkhead. "They did nothing to me Bulk, I chose this option myself" answered Blackout, "and do NOT call me Smokescreen my new name is Blackout". Wheeljack stepped forward to block Blackout from taking the relic. "So you're the punk who shot out Optimus and left for dead" said Wheeljack. The Wrecker unsheathed both of his swords and swung them threateningly at Blackout. "One thing is clear 'Con, you're not getting this relic and you ARE going to pay for what you did to Optimus" said Wheeljack. Both Blackout and Wheeljack lunged forward blasters firing and swords swinging.