Chapter 26
The Nemesis…
"Are you ever going to wipe that smug look off your face?" Starscream asked angrily, not bothering to turn round to face Knock Out as the surgeon followed him to the bridge.
"Eventually." He replied. "It's not every day that I get to show you up. Call it payback for that swipe you took at me back on Cybertron."
"That was ages ago!"
"And the outline is still faintly there."
"Garrr!" growled Starscream. "Aren't you in the least bit concerned over the amount of our resources that Lord Megatron is devoting to Shockwave's science project?!"
"As long as he doesn't take away any of my supplies or equipment, I don't really care." Knock Out shrugged.
"He does so despite the fact that we have already been given an indication that it might be all for nothing." Explained the seeker. "For all we know, the specimen has no intentions of keeping his mouth shut."
"Look. From what 'indication' that has been given to us, we can assume that whatever happens was meant to happen. After all, Alex was the one who came up with the cloning idea which means in the grand scheme of things, he's not an independent variable." Argued Knock Out
"You sound just like Shockwave now." Starscream turned his head back. "Also, 'Alex?'
"Any human that can stand up to the big guy and get away with it twice is allowed a bit of respect." Knock Out stated crossing his arms.
"Maybe that's what's preventing you from seeing the problem." Starscream sneered. "People on this ship are so easily blinded from the truth. An effective example being those who agree to everything just because it is deemed 'logical.'
That last comment could not have been said at a worse time, as the two decepticons had made it just outside the open door to the bridge and because of this, its only occupant had heard every word said.
"So, Starscream. You disagree with logic?" snarled Megatron.
"Uhh, Lord Megatron…" Strarscream began to slowly back away.
Megatron flashed his razor-sharp teeth as he turned around but was then stopped mid-movement when he heard a soft beeping coming from the console. Returning to face the monitor he was presented with a geographical map of one of Earth's smaller continents with a small red dot pulsing over one of its coastlines. Megatron sneered. Suddenly an excellent idea flashed through his mind. Grinning slightly he turned back to face his fellow decepticons.
"Starscream," he said slowly. "An opportunity to somewhat redeem your competence has arisen."
"My liege?" the seeker asked wearily stepping forward.
"It appears that the specimen is wanting to speak with me. Since I am in no mood to partake in whatever his plans are, it seems 'logical,' as Shockwave would put it, that I dispatch my second-in-command. Don't you agree?"
"Uhhh…of course. At once, Lord Megatron." Starscream stuttered standing up straight.
As the two left their leader in the bridge, Knock Out smirked. "Someone's got a play-date with a human…"
"Oh, shut up."
East Australian Current…
The sun was at its peak, brightening the glare from the white sand and causing Alex to screw up his eyes. He had been standing on the beach admiring the view for the last ten minutes and despite knowing that certain things were beyond his control, was starting to become a little impatient. Megatron was not one to dawdle, but then again Alex guessed that the tyrant didn't appreciate being called out like he had.
Taking a deep breath of the sea air, he contemplated the potential repercussions of his departure from Hangar E…
15 minutes earlier…
"Raf! I need a bridge! Somewhere remote!" Shouted Alex as he stepped through the side door into the Autobot base.
Rafael, who was sitting in front of his laptop, looked towards the teenager with a surprised expression. "Uhhh…okay."
"What?" asked Ultra Magnus stepping in from outside the massive doors.
"Ratchet, tell Optimus I've gone out." Alex stated as he strode over to grab his jacket from a nearby hook.
The medic, also wearing a confused expression, just stared as Alex stood in the middle of the room waiting for a portal to open.
"I don't recall Optimus giving you permi-"
The commander's voice was suddenly drowned out by the activation of the groundbridge. Alex wasted no time and immediately started to head through it.
"Be back in a moment." He called over his shoulder.
"You do not have clear-!"
Optimus had still been on his mission on the oilfields when Alex had left. He was hoping that the bot would take a while to return, as there was the possibility that he would come looking for Alex. Thank God Raf had granted him the courtesy of closing the groundbridge portal behind him.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of an approaching jet engine. Turning towards the horizon he was able to make out a sleek silver aircraft coming up fast. Alex frowned. The aircraft was smaller than what he was expecting. His eyes went wide as he saw a long object detach itself from the wing of the craft and with a trail of smoke, come flying even faster towards the dune that he was standing on.
Leaping down the slope on the opposite side and bolting for cover, Alex was sent rolling as the missile hit the dune with a mighty explosion. A moment later the craft soured just above the smoking crater.
Picking himself up Alex watched as the fighter jet pirouetted in the distance before making a broad turn back. Sliding the sword out of its sheath Alex felt his hand grow hot. The blade itself started to a crackle and with a swing of his arm, a wave of energy was sent flying in the general direction of the jet, growing in length with distance. Immediately the machine dipped downwards.
It was slightly not fast enough in its movements. Flying just underneath the orange wave, the energy aftershock and residue caused the plane to judder and lose control. Speeding towards the ground the sound of transformation could be heard as Starscream's heels dug into the soft sand. Amazingly keeping upright, he eventually slid to a stop a couple dozen meters from where Alex was standing.
"Missed me." Sang the seeker, standing upright and directly facing the human. He studied him for a moment. "So," he sneered smugly. "You're the human that's caused so much trouble, hmmm?"
Alex said nothing.
Starscream cocked his head. "I'm sure that the sight of a mighty decepticon is enough to freeze any life form in utter fear. But seriously? Nothing to say?"
He remained silent.
The cybertronian chuckled. "And here I assumed that you were different than your fellow vermin. Would you like some time to reconsider your 'position?'
Suddenly Alex blinked as if he had just come out of a daydream. "Sorry," he said. "It's just that when I sent out my coordinates I was expecting Megatron…not the tap-dancing monkey."
The grin instantly vanished. Starscream looked as though he had been hit by a gale-force wind. "How do know about it?" he queried, speaking quickly.
Putting the sword away, Alex spread his arms wide. "The same way I know how you reacted when Megatron took a spacewalk." A massive grin appeared. "You can really those hips, by the way…"
Starscream advanced on Alex. "Why you lump of-"
He was cut short when the ground in front of him erupted with smoke and orange sparks. Alex lowered his hand.
"I could go on making fun of you all day Starscream, but unfortunately I don't have the time and you don't have the tolerance nor the sense of humor. Now, care to explain why I got you and not Megatron?"
Starscream remained tensed but let back a bit. "He's not exactly wanting to speak to you right now."
"Oh, is he having a bad day? I thought he'd be happy with the bone." Alex snorted.
"Allow me to clarify. You knew that Knock Out would be successful?" asked Starscream.
"Yep." Replied Alex.
The seeker took a step back. "Clearly Lord Megatron has heavily underestimated you as a threat." He said. "I am astounded that he hasn't taken more action to eliminate you."
"Well, I'm actually here to tell you that he doesn't really need to." Stated Alex. "Tell him that my info's run out. That from the moment that Knock Out came back with the bone, I know nothing of the future."
One eyebrow raised, Starscream asked "And are we supposed to believe that?"
Alex shrugged. "I would prefer that you did, 'cause apparently it's the only way I'm ever going to get you off my back."
"I doubt that will ever be the case, human." Snorted Starscream. "You are part of 'Team Prime,' are you not?"
"True, but we can both agree that I'm not like the other humans 'pets.' I can fight back on my own."
Starscream went silent, merely looking at the teenager.
"But of course, I'm sure that any human is capable of picking a fight with you." Alex smirked. "I mean, you did just have your backside kicked by Miko."
Starscream started to look livid. "The girl was somewhat at an advantage." He responded, trying to remain calm.
"What, so you're not capable of fighting someone your own stature?" Alex pressed.
"I receive the taunts and mockings from my brethren, human!" The seeker snarled taking a step forward. "I do not need to hear them from you!"
Alex's hand moved to the handle of his sword threateningly.
Starscream stopped. "What do you want?" he asked slowly.
Alex said nothing.
"You could've ended this ages ago. Told the Autobots everything you knew and this war would've ended before we even knew of the Omega keys. Why didn't you?"
Alex looked away, then turned back to the seeker.
"There's no mentioning of me." He stated. "In this world, I don't exist. Who am I to question the general order?"
"Someone who has extreme bargaining power." Starscream retorted. Suddenly he had a brainwave. "Why didn't you just exchange your foreknowledge for being sent back to your world?"
"Well firstly, I did sort of try that." Alex explained. "And secondly, I know you 'cons well enough to know that you would never have kept your word."
Starscream shrugged. "Force of habit, I guess."
"Plus, I will point out that you are trying to kill off my species on this world. I may want to go home, but I am not stupid."
The seeker relented. "Well, that sorta does make sense…"
"Among few things, I'm sure." Alex murmured.
"Then what exactly IS your plan, then? If what you say is true then how do know that you're not getting involved in future events?"
"Let's just say I will." Remarked Alex.
"Somehow I believe that." sneered Starscream
Alex was getting tired of this, ignoring the seeker's last statement.
"Okay then, Starscream." He stated, a look of rising anger appearing. "I don't care. You can believe what I say or not. You can go back and give Megatron my message or you can just not bother. It might be useful if I make another appearance or possibly this is the last time you will ever see me. Either way, it will not change the one fact I know of your future in particular."
"Didn't you just say you didn't-"
"I know what I said. Because after observing your character and actions for so long it is something I can be pretty sure of. And the funny thing is that it is probably the last thing you want to hear."
Starscream kept quiet, but a frown had appeared on his face.
Alex's face morphed into a sneer.
"You will never, ever, lead the decepticons."
The only sound that could be heard was the blowing of sand over the dunes and the crashing of the nearby waves. Starscream stared at the human before him. Slowly his face twisted into an expression of pure hatred. Suddenly in a split second he raised his arm and activated his other missile. Alex's hand shot to the handle of his weapon.
But before either two could fire the ground just in front of Starscream exploded with blue sparks and smoke, causing the decepticon to yelp and jump back in surprise. Alex spun round and was met with a surprising sight.
Standing on top of the dune behind him, hand transformed into still-smoking gun, was Optimus.
Alex turned back to his opponent, who in turn glanced back at him. With a low growl he leapt into the air, transformed back into jet mode and shot off into the distance, a word not uttered.
Alex breathed deeply. He turned back up to the Autobot leader. "How long were you standing there?" he asked.
"I just bridged here." Optimus replied, a hint of sternness in his voice. "In future I ask that you inform me of your actions before carrying them out."
"Sorry. Didn't know how long you'd be in the oilfields." Alex apologized as he started walking towards the giant.
Optimus held up a hand. "You will now tell me exactly what happened here. I cannot risk the possibility of you unintentionally revealing information to the decepticons."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Optimus." Alex sighed. "But fine…"
The Nemesis…
Knock Out was playing with one of his tools when Starscream stumbled into his lab.
"Oh, look who's back." He scoffed. "How was your play-date?"
Starscream said nothing. A look of utmost concern on his face.
Knock Out's smile vanished. "What happened?"
"If Megatron doesn't kill that human, you better hope that someone else does." The seeker snarled.
"Why?"
"Because he could end up killing us all."
To be continued…