A Grim Revelation

Yokohama, Japan

Smoke rose from the countless Tank Drones, all of which were handily destroyed by the Optimus Prime-led team. The great Autobot leader suffered no losses in the battle, but was visibly upset at the massive damage done in attaining victory. "So much destruction," he sighed, his optics surveying the countless fires and demolished buildings. Thankfully, he detected no human casualties, but felt a deep regret for the hundreds who were now without a place to live or work.

Behind him, in a makeshift holding cell, stood the mighty Vehicon general and commander of the Tank Drones, Tankor. Bonecrusher, a Maximal who was part of a first-strike brigade, and long time Autobot security officer Ironhide, kept a careful watch over their prisoner. "You don't seem so tough now," Ironhide mocked.

A look of contempt and disgust could be detected in Tankor's demeanor. Had it been physically possible, he would've spit in their direction. "Among the winners, there is no room for the weak."

Bonecrusher shook his head in annoyance. "Yeah, we know," he snapped. "We heard you the first ten times you muttered that garbage."

Tankor took a step forward, so he was just inches away from the electrical bars that confined him. "You may have won this battle, but the war was lost long before it started." He let out an evil sounding chuckle, and stared out into the open. "You just haven't realized it yet."

Ironhide looked over his shoulder, and checked on the locations of his teammates. Skid-Z, an Autobot scout from Fire Engine Prime's universe, was making his way through the Drone wreckage and extinguishing any possible explosions. Cosmos, a mini-bot who resembled a flying saucer of UFO lore and a trusted recon/communications officer, had just received an incoming transmission. He hurriedly made his way towards Optimus Prime. As Ironhide had hoped, everyone was busy, so their attention was removed from their prisoner-and more importantly-from the prisoner's welfare. "I think you can keep an eye on our little buddy here," Ironhide stated. He placed his hand on Bonecrusher's shoulder and looked directly at Tankor, almost smiling as he finished speaking. "If he gets rowdy, be sure to calm him down." A quick wink sealed the deal. "Just keep the noise down."

As soon as Ironhide started to walk away, Bonecrusher deactivated the holding cell, causing Tankor to do a double take. Seconds later, the sound of metal striking metal filled the air, causing the others to momentarily stop what they were doing and look up. Ironhide raised his arms high into the air, drawing their collective attention. "Prisoner escape attempt," the old school soldier stated. "Bonecrusher's taking care of it."

Optimus Prime doubted the actuality of Ironhide's explanation, but didn't have time to question it. Cosmos was in the middle of relaying one message after another. The reports all shared one thing in common; massive casualties. Those who couldn't be reached for a status report were considered lost in battle. As Cosmos continued sharing the information he received, Ironhide and Skid-Z moved in closer and stood on either side of Optimus. The three of them became lost in the endless chant of names either confirmed or believed to be off-line.

The last message received was from Megatron, Prime's mortal enemy and current uneasy ally. Optimus was surprised to hear from the former Decepticon leader, figuring he and his subordinate Soundwave would've surely terminated the shaky alliance they'd formed. "This is Megatron," he announced. "Those worthless pieces of scrap you assigned to oversee me and Soundwave, the Protectobots, have been totally and completely destroyed. The same goes for your yellow human-lover, Bumblebee." A chill raced through Prime's body. "My military superiority took down four of the aggressors," Megatron continued. "We're returning to the Ark to regroup and I suggest you do the same." The transmission abruptly ended.

Bonecrusher, leaving the crumpled body of Tankor behind him, made his way towards the others. "What I miss?"

Optimus Prime didn't answer his question. For several seconds, he didn't do anything . It didn't seem real; it didn't seem like this was possible. He wasn't sure how he imagined this day would've turned out, but he knew this wasn't it. The Autobot leader finally broke his silence. "Cosmos, send out a global directive. Any and all remaining Autobots and Maximals are to return to the Ark. Immediately."

end of chapter 23

A/N: The action returns to The Ark, as Autobot and Maximal forces prepare themselves for whatever hell awaits them. And Starscream returns. --- Next Chapter ---