Chapter 5: Explanations and Alliances

Starscream was very puzzled by how a mere human child could hold so much power. He wanted to know more about Gene Kahn, but he would not risk his own spark by attacking to find out. Instead, Starscream began to ask the boy questions.

"Tell me, child," Starscream said, "how did you find us?"

"With these," Gene Kahn said as he held out his fist, revealing two rings with flame shaped gems, one purple, and one green, each bearing a different Chinese symbol.

Starscream leaned in closer to examine the rings.

"And what are those?" Starscream asked.

"These are the Makluan Rings," Gene said, "There are five in all, and once I activate the green ring and find the other three, I will be able to do anything."

"Then I take it you also used the rings to destroy my soldier, correct?" Starscream inquired.

Gene Kahn transformed back into the Mandarin.

"Yes, I did," Mandarin said, "but only to defend myself and the rings."

"Tell me, Gene Kahn…" Starscream began

"I prefer that you call me Mandarin in this form," The Mandarin said.

"Of course, Mandarin," Starscream said, "but tell me, why did you come looking for us?"

"I seek the ones who tried to destroy Iron Man yesterday," Mandarin said, "And I take it you are the ones I am looking for."

"Yes, we are," Starscream said with a little annoyance, "but why do you care if Iron Man is destroyed?"

"Iron Man stands in the way of my destiny," Mandarin said.

"To find the other Makluan Rings?" Starscream asked.

"Yes," Mandarin said, "These rings belong to me by birthright! Anyone who stands in my way will be destroyed."

"I see," Starscream said with a little worry.

"Now tell me," Mandarin said, "who are you?"

"I will explain everything to you," Starscream said, "Please follow me."

Starscream lead the Mandarin down the hall. As they walked, Starscream explained their story.

"We are the Decepticons," Starscream began, "one of two factions in the Cybertronian race. The others are the Autobots."

"Where do you and the Autobots come from?" Mandarin asked.

"Our home planet is Cybertron," Starscream continued, "but we had to leave it during the civil war. The war was fought for the control of our world's Energon supply."

"What is Energon?" Mandarin asked.

"Energon is the fuel, the ammunition, and the lifeblood of all Cybertronians," Starscream explained, "whatever affiliation they may be."

"Then why are you here?" Mandarin asked.

"During the great war, both sides began to hide their Energon spoils outside of Cybertron," Starscream said, "The result is Energon deposits on this and other planets. Currently, the Decepticons are in possession of most of the deposits, but the Autobots are here for them as well."

"How many Autobots are there on this planet?" Mandarin asked.

"Currently, there are only five," Starscream said, "There were six, but not anymore, thanks to me."

"Who leads the Autobots?" Mandarin asked.

They walked into a laboratory. Starscream walked over to a computer screen and pushed a button on the keyboard. A picture of Optimus appeared on the screen.

"This is the Autobots' leader, Optimus Prime," Starscream said with disgust, "He claims to be protecting this planet, but in actuality, his desire is to rule it. My Decepticon forces are the only ones who can stop them."

"Have you always led the Decepticons, Starscream?" Mandarin asked.

"No. There was one before me," Starscream said pretending to grieve, "His name was Megatron, and I was his second-in-command, but he is currently… incapacitated."

Starscream pushed another button that opened a wall in the laboratory. Mandarin walked over to it and saw Megatron lying on a slanted table. Wires and cables were attached to him, keeping him barely alive.

"What happened to him?" Mandarin asked.

"A fate truly worse than death," Starscream said, pretending to care, "When the Autobots destroyed our Space Bridge, Megatron nearly perished in the explosion, but I discovered him, barely alive, and brought him here to be rushed into stasis. Hopefully he will one day recover and lead us once again."

"And you being his second-in-command, you assumed temporary command," Mandarin said, "Correct?"

"Yes," Starscream said with pride, "As long as Megatron is in stasis, I am the Lord of the Decepticons, but the day Megatron emerges from stasis, I will graciously relinquish that title."

"Very interesting," Mandarin said, "And now Iron Man poses a threat to your cause."

"Yes, he does," Starscream said.

"Very well, Starscream," Mandarin said, "I propose an alliance. With my power and your army, we will bring Iron Man and the Autobots to their knees. All I ask in return is that you assist me in locating the three remaining Makluan Rings. Deal?"

Starscream hesitated at first, but then held out his right pointer finger. Mandarin took Starscream's finger and they shook on it.

"Deal," Starscream said. He knew that if he was going to have any advantage over the Autobots, he would need the Mandarin's help. At least until he outlived his usefulness.

Meanwhile

The Armory:

Tony looked throught the files that Ratchet sent him. Not only did they have information on all the Decepticons, but also the history of the war for Cybertron. He still needed to know more about the Autobots. He decided that the only people who could help him were the three kids that he and his friends met at the Autobot Base. He entered Jack's name and description on the search engine and waited. A few minutes later, the computer found something.

"Match found," the computer said.

"Okay computer," Tony said, "Who is it?"

"Name: Jack Darby," the computer said, "Place of origin: Jasper, Nevada. Age: Sixteen. Past Felonies: None. Workplace: K.O. Burger."

"Computer, call Rhodey and and Pepper," Tony said.

The phone rang for a few seconds, but then Rhodey and Pepper picked up.

"Hey Tony, what's up?" Rhodey asked.

"Pack your bags guys," Tony said, "We're taking a field trip."

"Where to?" Rhodey asked.

"Nevada," Tony said.

"Oh, Can we go to Vegas?" Pepper asked, "I'm sure that if Iron Man makes an appearance there, we might be able to make a few bucks for…"

"NO PEPPER!" Tony and Rhodey said in unison.

"Fine!" Pepper said in disappointment.

"So where in Nevada are we going?" Rhodey asked.

"A small town called Jasper," Tony said.

Chapter 5 Complete. Next Update: Chapter 6: The Kids.

Me: Well here's the new chapter. Sorry if it's a little boring or anything. I tried to squeeze out as much of what I thought would happen as I could. Okay, now i need some oppinions. Which member of Team Iron Man would be best friends with which of the kids from Transformers: Prime? What else do you think I should include in the next chapter? None of these characters belong to me. Please read and review.