Astrosecond~ .498 seconds, milli-cycle~1 sec, cycle~1 min, breem~ 8.3 minutes, mega-cycle~1 hour, meta-cycle~1\2 hours, solar cycle~1 day, day~ 20 hours, orbital cycle~ 1 month, gigacycle~ 1 year, deca-cycle~10 years, vorn~ 83 years, stellar cycle~400 year, mechanometer~ 1 meter, vun~ hectometer, hic~ 1 kilometer

Thoughts, 'binary code', "talking"

Legion broke the neck of the last Decepticon keeper and moved to one of the stations to begin its work. The Prothean data overrode all of the Reapers commands as it quickly opened the Citadel arms. As it did more keepers entered the area to clean up the mess left behind, tossing the remains into protein vats for processing. "Unit-Jazz. Station control achieved. Citadel arms opening now."

The Starscreams witnessed the Citadel's wards opening despite everything Reaper Starscream attempted. "What's happening? Do something!"

"Don't you think I'm trying? Now we're exposed to an attack by Megatron…" A missile off the port side collided with them as a volley of shots and missiles joined it. "Autobots. Starscream, you'll have to deal with them."

"Alone? Are you insane? Even I am no match against so many of them at once."

"Don't worry about that. You won't be for long." A hatch opened between the Reaper's legs as a swarm of round vessels with wings flew out. "Now go, deal with this nuisance."

"Now this is what I'm talking about!"

"Keep your head in the zone Air Raid, keep moving and don't let them get a beat on you."

"Ha! You're talking to an ace here, I'm not letting some washout orb take me out." Air Raid soon had one tailing him as he lead it to crash into another that was chasing Skydive.

"But do you think you're a match for me Autofools!" Starscream now joined the fray as he shot down Aerialbots left and right, even transforming and using his sword to clip a few wings.

The Reaper itself also joined the fight, despite its cumbersome size, the legs moved rather quickly as it tried to fire its weapon on the pestering Aerialbots flying around it. Powerglide's stunt work seemed to be useful for a change as the red spitfire dodged around the Reaper's attack and the fighter support.

The fighting seemed rather even until a powerful blast was directed at the Reaper, knocking one of its arms to miss. It was one of the smaller Reapers as it was leading a charge for the Decepticons, with Megatron on its bow, "If you Autobots value your lives, I'd suggest you leave this to us."

With the arrival of the Decepticons and their converted Reaper slave, Starscream quickly retreated back inside the Reaper, "We have a problem!"

"You don't think my sensors can't detect the blast from my own solider? Come here." The hallways light up for Starscream to follow. "With Trypticon here, I doubt I'll be able to survive this encounter but I want to pass on a gift to you."

Starscream turned the corner and found him. Starscream took a step back in horror and disgust, "What happened to you?"

"Progress…" The body detached itself from the wall as parts fell off him with every step he took. The 'upgrades' were far more extensive than the Megatron that contacted them. What little remained of the frame and armor moved to grab something to reveal the various tubes and wires directly attached to nearly every point of his back, even one going through an optic, directly into this cranial chamber. A data drive popped out, "Here is data on how the mass relay network, the Citadel and how the two correspond with one another."

"But…"

"No time to explain everything now." The stripped arm reached out to Starscream, "Don't worry; I'll be with you when you need me…" A wire had snuck around Starscream as it attached a chip to his central processor.

Starscream jetted out of the Reaper as the Autobots and Decepticons continued to pound away at it. Neither side could give chase as the Reaper's fighters kept them from following. Starscream managed to escape the Citadel as he retreated to the remoteness of open space.

The Reaper's forces were dwindling as Trypticon forcefully tore the Reaper off the Citadel Tower. The Decepticons unleashed a barrage of attacks against the Reaper to no end as they finally broke through the armor plating. Trypticon dug his claws into the opening as he tore the hole even wider. Megatron entered the rift as he was now face to face with the disfigured form. "Look at yourself. Pathetic."

"It's good to see you once more, Lord Megatron. It's been too long since I last gazed upon your glor…"

Megatron smashed his fist into Starscream's face. "Enough of your babble. Now where is he?"

"Who?"

"Starscream. And don't toy with me and tell me it's you. I'm looking for the idiot that you seemed to convince to defect from me," aiming his fusion cannon at the wall Starscream's face was attached to.

The disfigured monstrosity started to laugh, "You think controlling this station will do you any good? Even with that slave at your command, only one such as I can command the Citadel. Even if you were to somehow convince me to work for you, Harbinger will overtake you and what few Decepticons you have. This place will be your grave."

Megatron smirked as he lowered his fusion cannon slightly, just so Starsream's optics were no longer obscured, "You think I didn't account for such a point. Laserbeak!" The Recordicon popped out of a wall panel as he flew out of the hole and returned to Soundwave. "Now I have no reason to let you live."

"Very well. But know this Megatron before you destroy me, even with the Citadel under your command, Harbinger would simply reprioritize his targets to include the Citadel for the initial invasion. Shockwave and the others are limited by the network, but you aren't. Why localize yourself to become an easy target, why not use that one advantage to its full potential."

"Why help me now, just before I kill you?"

"Because, I have already lost. There's no point in lying now. I might as well give you some help before my termination…"

Megatron blasted the head as a hole was melted through it and the walls behind, "Noted." Megatron flew out of the Reaper, "Trypticon, finish it!" Trypticon opened his mouth as he charged the weapon to full power. The captured Reaper opened fire on the larger Reapers before Trypticon unleashed his full furry, vaporizing the Reaper's body. "Decepticons, gather the pieces, take everything piece of scrap from the Reapers. I have business that requires my attention." Megatron floated toward the Citadel as the Aerialbots moved in his path. "I wish to speak with Optimus," removing his fusion cannon from his arm.

"Prime, you can't do this!"

"Yeah, at least take someone with you for backup."

Optimus stopped Vibes and Ironhide, "No, Megatron wishes to speak to me. I will respect his wishes though keep your optics out for anything from the other Decepticons. The Aerialbots will also be there."

Optimus Prime met Megatron on one of the Ward's docks as Aerialbots continued to keep guard of him and his fusion cannon. "Prime, I was wondering when you'd arrive."

"What is it now, Megatron?"

Megatron did not even bother to look at Optimus as he watched his Decepticons gather the remains of the Reapers destroyed while also keeping the Citadel Fleet at bay. "Our war will have to wait for the time being. It seems these Reapers may prove to be more of a threat then I first anticipated." Megatron finally turned to Prime, "I shall allow the organics to hold the Citadel, for now, so that I may remind these Reapers why I shall rule all. I would advise you to stay out of my way. I'd hate to hear you were destroyed by the Reapers and not by man hands."

Megatron reacquired his fusion cannon while throwing the Aerialbot at Optimus before flying back to the Nemesis. "Aerialbots, don't let him escape!"

"Let him go," Optimus pulled himself and the other Aerialbot up as he watched the Nemesis and the Reaper leave the system. "The Decepticons are no longer our only concerns."

Alone, Starscream drifted through the vastness of space speaking aloud to himself, "What a fine mess this is, alone, stranded and without energon. What was he thinking, sending me alone out here, to do what?"

"To be the deceitful, sneaky, and clever bot I know you are."

Starscream quickly transformed into his robot form as he took aim wherever he could, "Who said that! Show yourself!"

"Relax, it's only me."

A hologram of Starscream appeared before his optics. "What, how are you here?"

A tingling sensation started to tickle Starscream's neck, "Through that device. I left a portion of myself with you to help you with your plans."

"My plans? My plan was to take over the Citadel and eliminate Megatron and those accursed Autobots in one fell swoop. My plan fell to pieces when you arrived with only five ships at your disposal! Now I'm going to shut down due to a lack of power."

The hologram floated around, "You don't have to worry about that. Fuel is readily available, you just have to know where to look. And as for plans, this was merely a setback. We can still eliminate Megatron and the Autobots, but we'll need some help from Shockwave."

"I thought you were trying to remove Shockwave from power?"

"I still am. But the enemy of my enemy is my friend, for now. Shockwave will see Megatron as a potential threat to his leadership to the other Decepticons, so all you have to do is convince him that you now seek to work for him to remove Megatron and that you would dedicate the Deception forces to him. That of course will be a lie, so that Shockwave and his forces fight instead."

Starscream started to think about it as he turned to the nearby star, "And how exactly would I remove Shockwave?"

"You'll have to gain Shockwave's trust, and make up an elaborate story about planning to pledge the Decepticons to him after eliminating Megatron and me. Shockwave will want to eliminate Megatron personally, so before the battle, plant explosives within Shockwave's new superstructure and let the two fight for a while before destroying both and assuming full control over the Reapers."

"I like you're thinking." Starscream transformed back into the starfighter form as jetted off to meet the Reapers before they start the invasion.

With Legion reunited with the others within the Ark, Optimus spoke with Shepard, "Commander, I must thank you once more for assisting Vibes and Dropshot in their hour of need. And I promise the full support of the Autobots when the Reapers arrive."

"Thank you, Optimus. But what will you do now? And what about the captured Decepticons?"

Prime looked out to the nebula, "Now, we find a new planet to call home. The Decepticons will be punished for their crimes, but that time will come after we reestablish ourselves. Megatron will no doubt plan something, but he too realizes the Reapers will be a threat even he cannot ignore."

Shepard smiled as he looked out to the nebula as well, "Well one day, the Reapers and the Decepticons will no longer threaten anyone ever again." Prime only nodded as he continued his gaze.

Vibes, Dropshot and a few of the others Autobots were saying their goodbyes to the Normandy's crew, with Dropshot kicking it off, "Well, it's been an interesting ride with y'all. Have to say, you've impressed me with what organics are capable of pulling off. I hope we can work with each other again real soon."

Vibes wasn't as loud, lowing herself to her knees as she leant out her fingers, "Tali'Zorah, Legion, I'm glade our paths crossed when they did." Vibes stared to smile as Tali and Legion grabbed her fingers, "Maybe one day they will again. But until then, my the fortunes of Primus smile upon you and your friends."

"Thanks, and good luck to you too Vibes."

Grunt however had other ideas, "Hey Warpath, I've got a planet I'm sure you will like. A sunny world with lots of old ruins and stuff to blow up."

"Sounds fun! Where is it?"

"Not too far from here. Just a mass relay jump away to Tuchanka. My people's home."

"Your homeworld, huh? If your people are as fun as you, I'm sure I'll feel right at home there."

Kasumi was sitting on Jazz's shoulder, "Aw come on, I think the two of us should partner up. Just for a little while."

"Me and a kleptomaniac," Jazz could only laugh, "Sorry but I'd probably slow you down. Especially with the space I need."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Kasumi jumped off as she grabbed onto Jazz's arm before dismounting to the floor. "I hope your people can start over on this new world when you find it."

"I'm sure we will. We are adaptable after all."

"You mean, transformable."

Within the Ark's brig, Crumplezone and Ransack laughed at Slipstream who had been placed into a cell by herself, "Oh, the great Slipstream, now a common frizz-rat like the rest of us."

Slipstream seemed to ignore the idiot as she just lied there on the ground. "Uh…Ransack, she ain't moving."

"That's cause you gotta rattle the cage big guy. So shake 'em up real good!"

Crumplezone started to shake the area before the Autobot guard finally shouted, "Keep it down you!"

"Why should we listen to you, Autobot?"

"Because," The yellow Autobot turned around as his body shifted to reveal a Decepticon symbol on his blue back and his head spun a complete 180 as his face shifted to match, "I'm here to help."

"I was wondering when you'd get here, Counterpunch."

"Hey it's not easy to smuggle all of your weapons here and jam the brig's security long enough for me to get you all out," unlocking Slipstream's cell as he started to undo her stasis cuffs. "Got you a special present too," tossing her left arm, "Figure Soundwave or one of the mechanics on the Nemesis can reattach it for you."

"Hey, he was an Autobot just a moment ago! Why should we trust him!"

Counterpunch jumped at Ransack's cell, startling the bot to the floor, "Do you think Soundwave is Megatron's only source of information on the Autobots? I am the perfect spy, a Decepticon disguised as an Autobot disguised as a Decepticon."

"Huh?"

Counterpunch unlocked Crumplezone and Ransack's cell door, "Don't worry your processors big fella, just know that I'm a Decepticon."

Counterpunch started to give the Decepticons all of their weapons as he walked over to the sole Insecticon, "Sorry to tell you, Hardshell, but you're the last Insecticon still functioning. All the others are in the scrap heap."

Slipstream reattached her weapon to her right arm, "So our escape route?"

"The hole I blasted earlier with the remote doll," pointing out the crude patch work above them. Counterpunch gave each of them a small disc, "This will mask your energy signatures for a few cycles, long enough for the Ark to leave the area so you can rendezvous with the Nemesis."

"And what about you?"

Counterpunch punched out the weak plate, "I still have a job to do here."

Slipstream kissed Counterpunch's check, "Until the Autobots are destroyed…"

"Yes, my love," Counterpunch placed a small, unnoticeable device on one of Slipstream's good wings before she jumped out. As the Decepticons left the Ark, Counterpunch shifted back to Punch as he activated a terminal, "Prowl, the Decepticons took the opening. Prepare to leave the system."

The Decepticons watched as the Ark jumped out of the system. Slipstream attempted to make contact with the Decepticons, "Any Decepticons within the area, we've escaped Autobot custody and are awaiting pickup." Within a few astroseconds of her transmission, the Nemesis appeared to pick them up.

While Slipstream and the others were admitted into the maintenance bay, Soundwave forced himself out, after all major damages had been repaired, to begin processing the data Laserbeak had recovered from the Reaper. "Data analysis complete."

A disk popped out for Megatron to insert into his processors. "So, it seems Shockwave is the one in charge of the Reapers, and the Dark Energon will only work on the little ones. So be it. They will join me, or fall. Decepticons, repair yourselves and prepare for war with these Reapers. Once a majority of them are under my control, nothing, not even Optimus Prime will stop us."

The Nemesis opened a small space bridge portal as a team of Decepticons came through, "And with my assistance, victory is assured," Shockwave proclaimed.

A/N: Sorry to end it so short, but I guess I wanted to pick up on another story I have. With any luck I might decide to pick this story back up one day too, but for now this is were we must say goodbye.