One Final Easy Moment
Communications officer Blaster stood just outside the Ark, and watched as the first wave of Autobot/Maximal forces departed to intercept the combined Decepticon/Predacon threat. In all his years serving the Autobot cause, he had never experienced the level of fear and anxiety that he was feeling now. During all his previous battles, both on Earth and abroad, he always knew there would be another day. He knew that no matter how dark the outcome seemed, there would be light before it was all said and done. But something told him this was different, something deep inside his being whispered that perhaps this was the final day. More importantly, perhaps this was his final day.
His optics noticed nearby tree branches swaying back and forth, an indication of what his human friends referred to as a slight breeze. His attention drifted and settled on past exploits. Listening to earth music alongside fellow hell-raiser Jazz... helping improve the Ark's communications systems while trying to prevent Cliffjumper and Mirage from taking each other off-line...remembering the very first time he watched a lunar eclipse from Earth's soil. A smile rolled across his face as the happy memories warmed his soul.
The roar of a nearby transport shuttle's engines brought his trip down memory lane to an abrupt end. Seconds later, upon hearing his name being called, he slowly made his way towards his selected team. "Time to rock-n-roll!" he shouted.
Fire Engine Prime listened as Optimus Prime selected engineers Huffer and Wheeljack, along with the always-impressive Perceptor to stay behind at the Ark and serve as the science team. It had been decided that a handful of Autobots would remain at the base and attempt to correct the damage done in regards to the tear in time and space. If the initial attacks on the Decepticon/Predacon forces weren't successful, this gave them a second chance at victory. What, exactly, they were hoping to accomplish wasn't easily defined. Perhaps by finding some way to "reseal" time they could restore order to the various realities. After watching Optimus Primal offer the services of his trusted gadget-bot, Rhinox, Fire Engine Prime chimed in with who he felt would be a worthy addition. "I would like to volunteer Grimlock to round out the squad."
Optimus Prime stood in slight disbelief. "Grimlock? Assisting on a science mission?" The image of the Dinobot leader working around hazardous liquids with the fate of their race possibly in his hands didn't do much for Prime's nerves. "I don't think he's... right... for this sort of assignment."
Laughter escaped from Fire Engine Prime, as he realized the case of mistaken identity. "My apologies," he chuckled. "I should have clarified which Grimlock I was talking about." The large Autobot in question, whose alt-mode was a harmless looking backhoe, stepped forward awaiting the final okay. "He's one of my most intelligent soldiers." Indeed, the members of Build Team often looked to Grimlock for advice when hot-headed team leader Wedge acted irrationally.
Optimus Prime appreciated the gesture, but felt the team of four already selected would be sufficient. There was also another reason he chose not to accept Fire Engine Prime's offer. "I'm sure he is," Optimus complimented. "But I feel he would be of greater use on the battle-fields, alongside his Build Team members. I'm certain we'll need the power of Landfill before this day is over." Landfill was the combined form of all Build Team members, putting him at roughly the same height as the feared Constructicon combiner, Devastator. "The best equalizer for a giant, is to have a giant of your own!"
After thinking it over briefly, Fire Engine Prime agreed. "I see your point." If his feelings were hurt by the refusal, he did a great job of not showing it. "Well, now that we've selected the science team, I suggest we join our teammates and stake our claim in this fight."
Optimus Prime began his transformation process. "Autobots," he shouted, then quickly adding " And Maximals... transform and roll out!"
end of chapter 13
A/N: Starting next chapter, the war is on...