Magic Among Cybertron
ESKK: New Chapter let's get started on it.
(Start the Nemesis)
Nightbird with Strika and Obsidian arrived on the Nemesis via a Ground Bridge to greet the crew. Nightbird left Slipstream in charge of the base while she was away as the trio entered the main command bridge. "Ah good to be back on a working vessel." Strika said as she clearly did not like being marooned.
As they entered the main bridge Nightbird's optics laid sight on Starscream and glared at him. Starscream of course glared back knowing full well of the reason. "Screamer, didn't think your cowardly hide would make it this far." Nightbird spoke as she spoke in a neutral tone.
"Nightbird, Lord Megatron's berth warmer, how is being his cozy treating you?" Starscream asked as he glared at Nightbird.
"Oh, how I wish that were the case because unlike you my skills aren't restricted only to the battlefield." Nightbird spoke as she clearly wanted some of what Megatron can give... in more ways than one. "Which reminds me how is the Great Air Commander, I mean we can't all get promotions when our previous Commanding Officers was a defector whom you exposed." Nightbird said as Starscream glared at the femme.
"The position has afforded me certain pleasures some of which are barred to some." Starscream said as Nightbird had one last thing to give even if it was slightly insulting to Megatron.
"That would explain why I'm never invited for a 'private,' meeting with Megatron." Nightbird spoke and thus Starscream had enough.
"Listen here you wretch!" Starscream began but a new voice cut in.
"Starscream." Megatron spoke his voice stern showing that Starscream would be best to stand down. The seeker scowled and backed off for the time being knowing full well Megatron had command.
"Lord Megatron what shall be your bidding?" Nightbird asked as she and her escort greeted Megatron.
"Now that we have the Nemesis we can expand on our search for the Titans on Earth." Megatron said as he looked to the sub leaders of the Decepticons.
"Of course, I've already had data of this planet sent directly to the Nemesis; Soundwave should be finished going through it by now if he is not just about finished." Nightbird reported as then Soundwave's face plate showed the data in question.
"So, we may start patrols now, Nightbird gather a scouting party and." Starscream began but Megatron cut in.
"Starscream, now that I am here, I issue the commands." Megatron said and thus Starscream backed off. "And among my first commands while you will retain military command Nightbird will be moved up to the same position as you." Megatron said making both fliers go wide eyed.
"So, wait that means we'll both answer directly to you?" Starscream asked as this meant he and Nightbird were to be equals.
"Precisely." Megatron confirmed and thus Starscream scowled a bit.
"Of course, Lord Megatron." Starscream said as Nightbird glared at Screamer.
"I don't like it anymore then you do, screamer." Nightbird spoke as she hated the fact she had to be and equal to the cowardly Starscream. "Lord Megatron, shall I deploy units to continue the search for the Titans on Earth?" Nightbird asked as she looked to Megatron.
"Instruct the troops on what to expect and ensure our ground unites acquired Earth Based vehicular forms." Megatron said as he looked to Nightbird giving her task for their time on this world.
"As you command milord." Nightbird said with a bow before she proceeded to take her leave of her lord and master.
(Scene Break Autobot Base Axelon)
Preceptor was going over the data that Elita and her team acquired during their little mission at Hogwarts and needless to say even the humans found it concerning. Using a combination of seismic readings and several wavelength scans Preceptor, was able to get a proper scan of the information after comparing it to their own data tracks.
"Well?" Chromia asked as she wanted to know since she was not at that fight.
"We have good news and bad news." Preceptor said as he looked to Team Elita. "The Good news is that we have in fact found a Titan." Preceptor said as this brough small smiles to everyone. "The bad news is that it's not the one we were looking for." Preceptor added and thus he brough data up on Scorpinok.
"Scorpinok." Elita said as she glared at the image of the Decepticon Titan in question knowing him well.
"Yes, it would seem that Hogwarts was built around exposed parts of Scorpinok." Preceptor said as Red Alert knew this was bad as Moonracer needed to hear this fast.
"This is bad." Ironhide said knowing that they were screwed if and when the Decepticons learn of this.
"And it will get worse." Chromia began as she knew just how bad this will get. "The minute Megatron learns what we know he'll send an entire invasion force to take the castle and Scorpinok with it." Chromia said as she knew if the Cons learned of this they were as good as dead.
"I have to agree we need to do what we can to prevent Megatron from learning this information." Jetfire said before looking over to Elita. "At least until we can locate the other Titan." Jetfire said knowing that Fortress Maximus was their best hope to defeat Scorpinok should Megatron learn of his location.
"I'll contact Optimus and his team and inform them of the situation. We need to focus our efforts on locating Fortress Maximus and ensure that Megatron does not learn where Scorpinok is." Elita said and thus the Autobots all knew what they had to do.
"Yes ma'am." The Autobots responded and thus they all began taking their tasks.
"Jetfire, I want you to continue ariel surveillance, keep us informed as our eyes in the sky, Chromia, Red Alert, and Ironhide I want you three searching every quadrant you can to locate Fortress Maximus, if he is not on the British Isle expand your search radius to foreign shores." Elita ordered as the Autobots each had their mission now.
(Scene Break back at Hogwarts)
Needless to say, the brief bout of friendship between Harry and Ron came to an end and Ron was not happy about it. He'd been giving the pair the stink eye ever since early after breakfast, this morning but Sparkplug had returned to look as well. Just then Alice showed up as she sat across from the pair. "Hey, I heard what happened are you both alright?" Alice asked as she looked to the pair concern evident in her voice.
"Yes, we are, thank you." Hermione said as she was happy to see not everyone was a berk like Ron was. Thankfully, no one found out about the Autobots yet but from what Hermione and Harry heard Moonracer had been terrorizing Filtch with pranks making the man seem crazier by the day.
"Well, that's good." Alice said as she looked to Harry with concern. "But judging by the look Harry has something else is bothering him." Alice said as she looked to Harry worried for him.
"Well, it's just." Harry began but was then cut off by another voice one whom he grew to dislike.
"Good luck today, Potter." Severus said as he looked to Harry. "Then again now that you've proven yourself against a troll a game of Quidditch should be easy work for you even if it is against Slytherin." Snape said before walking off opting Harry and Hermione to glare at him as did Sparkplug.
Alice saw this and thus got the memo of what was going on. "Ok you make a good point." Alice said as she then went back to her classmates. "I swear he sucks the fun and happiness out of every room he enters." Alice said not caring if Snape heard her or not. "Wait why is he limping?" Alice asked as she noticed something amiss.
Harry looked to Sparkplug who noticed this and shrugged in response. "I'm not sure but it might be something to do with the troll and the Third Floor." Harry said as he knew a Cerberus guarded the room with what Moonracer had told him.
Soon a familiar owl was heard and in turn Harry and Sparkplug looked up and found Hedwig had arrived. Hedwig was carrying a large parcel in her claws as she flew over to where Harry was. Once she got close, she dropped the package on the table surprising the group to no end. "Look." Hermione said as she saw a letter with it.
Opening it up Harry began to read it and thus looked it over.
"Dear Pronglet,
Sorry if I wasn't there when you needed me, but I heard you became a Seeker for the Gryffindor Team. I hope this will be useful to you and wish you good luck in the game.
-Signed, Sirius Black your Godfather."
When Harry read this, he then began to open the package and inside it was a new broomstick. "A broomstick?" Alice asked as the Ravenclaw looked at the item with curiosity.
"Oy Potter got a Nimbus 2000!" A student called out and thus all eyes fell to Harry who in turn began to grow even more nervous.
"I'm doomed." Harry sighed as he put his hands in his face.
"Talk about bad timing." Alice said as she looked a bit nervous for Harry now.
He doesn't know if she will be here watching his game or not, with a lot of thoughts going through his mind he wonders how he will get through it as then Hermione suddenly said, "I'm sure you will do fine, follow me I want to show you something."
AS Hermione stood up and grab Harry by his arm as she dragged him out of the common room and out to the halls of Hogwarts, as she led him around to a trophy case of sort the school had as she pointed out a plaque that had many names on badges with a set of year under said name, but one name stood out to Harry.
Harry looked at the badge that said "Seeker: James Potter 1972" as Hermione give harry a soft smile as she said, "I know you can do it Harry because it is in your blood. If your original father is able to become a great seeker player… so, can you."
"I… didn't know," Harry said as Hermione wasn't surprise, sense there was very little was known about Harry's parents in the muggle world, Hermione had been looking around Hogwarts about Harry's former parents and found a few things at least as she hope this could cheer him up and on knowing his birth father was a seeker as well… maybe he can do it.
Just then Sparkplug looked to Hedwig and nodded in which the bird nodded back. Hermione saw Sparkplug jump onto the table and transform into a boombox before tuning it to one particular song.
-Insert The Touch by Stan Bush-
-You got the Touch! You got the Power! -
When Stan Bush came out of the speakers Harry and Hermione slowly looked over to Sparkplug wondering what sort of antics he was doing now. "Huh The Touch by Stan Bush, right?" Alice asked as she saw the music was familiar.
"Well at least Sparkplug is cheering you on." Hermione said with a nervous smile of her own, but it was clear Sparkplug's attempt was greatly appreciated.
-End OST-
(Elita 1 base)
Elita wasn't happy to say the least, as she knew of Harry's first Quidditch game which she is happy to hear about, but what put her mood as of now was there was a breakthrough of finding another one of the titans and had to get to it before the cons does as the mission comes first before anything else.
While Elita was getting everything prepared and set in order before she left, she had asked Remus to meet her at the last moment as he suddenly came through the doors as he said, "Greeting Elita, I got your message, what was it that you wanted to talk about?"
"Ah Remus great timing, I want to ask a favor from you," Elita said as she came over to the wizard and came more face to face with him as he asked, "What is it that you need?"
"You know of Harry's first Quidditch game is today, correct?" Elita asked with Remus nodded as he said to her, "Right, it's been the talk of the team to hear Harry was playing Quidditch, why is something wrong?"
"Another titan may have been found, and we were ask to check it out by Optimus before the cons can, as it's a good chance it's one of ours, and sense this mission may take up a great deal of my time, I may miss his game… so I'm asking you to go in my place and watch Harry Remus," Elita said as Remus was surprise but he understand as he said to herm "O-of course I will, I'll watch and cheer harry on, I'm sorry you will have to miss it."
"Well, the mission comes first unfortunately, but at least with you, he knows I am wishing him the best of luck, just send Harry my regards and tell him I am sorry to miss the game," Elita said as Remus said, "I'm sure he'll understand, he is smart for his age."
"Thank you, Remus, my team and I are about to head out soon, so don't be late," Elita said as Remus said to her, "Don't worry I'll head out there now, hopefully find a good seat too."
(Scene Break over with Team Elita)
Team Elita was out on an island several miles off the coast of the British Isles in a mountain area tracking down a large signal that had originated in the area. Myrtle was back at the base as Preceptor had made a sort of protégé out of the former specter. She had instantly grasped the concept of Ground Bridge Technology and was able to operate it without much trouble. This allowed for Preceptor to join the mission because Elita had a hunch.
They were to rendezvous with Team Prime in the area after Bridging in from two separate insertion points. From there they were to make their way to what was hopefully Fortress Maximus. Once the mission was over, they would bridge back to the Axelon Base where Team Prime will then be bridged back to Autobot Outpost Omega 1 from the Axelon's Ground Bridge. Elita knew that she was missing out on Harry's Quidditch Match but right now the mission was more important and if the Decepticons got their servos on Fortress Maximus and manage to gain control of him then Earth will be in severe danger for it.
Team Elita arrived at the rendezvous point first and took hiding locations in case a patrol showed up. Once they were hidden Elita took out a scope and looked through it to see what was at the signal source. "We got a Decepticon Excavation going on." Chromia said as she looked through her rifles scope while Red Alert had a pair of binoculars as did Preceptor.
"It seems a bit too well stocked more so then normal." Red Alert said but then Chromia saw something.
"And I think I know why." She said as coming onto the scene was Starscream himself.
(At the Excavation Site)
"Work faster!" Starscream ordered as he was overseeing the excavation of the Titan. With the aid of Soundwave, the Data Nightbirds crew had acquired, and The Darkside's systems in conjunction with the Nemesis systems they managed to locate one of the Titans that was hidden on Earth.
"Starscream." A new voice was heard as soon Starscream looked and found Thundercracker approaching him. "Must you continue to work the Vehicons to the dirt?" Thundercracker asked as he did not like how Starscream treated the lower class of their forces.
The blue seeker had a build similar to Starscream, but the main difference was the fact he more had similarities to Starscreams old build. More so on his hips were a pair of swords as the way he carried himself gave off an aura of a warrior. When Jetfire had left the fold Starscream had been promoted to Air Commander seeing as she once served as Jetfire's second in command. This in turn lead Thundercracker to get promoted as well as having a powerful combatant like Thundercracker had served to bolster Starscream's position in the Decepticon Forces.
"Thundercracker we are on a tight schedule the more work done the sooner we can meet our deadline." Starscream said not giving Thundercracker a moment to even spout his gripe about personal honor. "I would hate to disappoint Lord Megatron as you no doubt would agree." Starscream said as Thundercracker grew quiet for a bit.
"Yes... of course." Thundercracker said yet he did not sound all to convinced with his own words. Thundercracker was a warrior, but he was a warrior with a certain sense of honor that kept him from becoming Air Commander himself. Thundercracker never bends his code of honor even if an Autobot is involved. He never strikes from behind, never attacks an unarmed opponent, and most of all never attacks thus unable to protect themselves. Megatron even noted that if Thundercracker were to ever betray him he'd do it from the front and never from behind which was something Megatron could respect from the seeker.
"Commander Starscream." Came a Vehicon and thus the two seekers went over to the scene. It showed that they struck something and after clearing a path they saw what it was.
Starscream began to laugh sinisterly as he saw that the thing, they struck was metal of Cybertronian origin. "Well then seems we've struck a Titan." Starscream said as he knew that the metal was too smooth if it was covered in stone like this.
(Back with the Autobots)
Just then as the Autobots of Team Elita looked ready to move out a new yet familiar voice was heard. "What is the situation." Optimus was heard as Team Elita looked and saw Optimus was here.
Nodding Elita was the one to report. "By the looks of this scene it would appear that Starscream is here, and the mining operation had started to uncover the Titan buried beneath the stone." Elita reported which meant that they may not have enough time.
"What's the play Prime?" Ironhide asked as he looked to Optimus while Chromia looked through her scope.
"We must secure the dig sight posthaste." Optimus said as he stood up showing they had to act now rather than later. "Autobots exercise caution if Starscream is here then the facts show that so too is the Nemesis." Optimus said remembering Megatron's flagship from the Fall of Cybertron. "Elita you will lead a stealth team for a pincer maneuver." Optimus ordered and thus Elita nodded to this.
"Understood, femmes with me." Elita ordered and thus Arcee, Chromia, and Moonracer followed after Elita while the Mechs remained behind. "Ironhide you will go with Bulkhead, and Preceptor circle around and eliminate the equipment the Decepticons are using." Optimus ordered and thus Ironhide nodded.
"You got it, Prime." Ironhide said and thus he went followed by Bulkhead and Preceptor.
"The rest of you are with me." Optimus said as he was left with Jetfire, Bumblebee, Red Alert, and Cliffjumper. In turn with blasters activated the Autobots moved in to stop the excavation of the Titan by my any means available to them.
(Meanwhile back at the Axelon Base)
Myrtle was sitting on the ledge with her computer on her lap swinging her legs back and forth. So far, she hadn't heard much of anything going on and had thus opted for a wait and see approach. Thus, as she sat down looking through the computer, she soon heard something a whisper of sort echo through the air. "City... Speaker." A voice spoke as Myrtle looked to the source wherever it may be.
"Hello?" Myrtle asked as she looked but saw nothing.
"City... Speaker." The voice spoke again and thus Myrtle began to grow concerned.
(Back at the Dig Site)
The Decepticons had already managed to dig deeper and start exposing more of the Titan that laid buried beneath when Starscream approached. The Air Commander grinned as he saw that soon they would have the power of a Titan in their hands and no force on the planet would be able to stand against them. Just then a new voice was heard which got Starscream's attention.
"Step away from the excavation!" Optimus ordered as all optics went to the source. It was there that they saw Optimus Prime approaching with Jetfire, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, and Red Alert all of whom were ready with blasters at the ready. "NOW!" Optimus insisted as he had his battle mask on already.
"Optimus Prime!?" Starscream gasped as he remembered Nightbird mentioning that Prime was on this backwater world. Regaining himself Starscream portrayed a strong front as the coward chuckled. "You are most foolish Prime, now that the Nemesis is here, we now have more weapons at our disposal, so we now have you out gunned and outnumbered." Starscream boasted as Thundercracker had a hand on one of his swords ready to draw it. "I would suggest you surrender you're in no position to make demands." Starscream said and in turn Thundercracker noticed something nearby.
"Look out Grenade!" Thundercracker called out as Ironhide and threw one of his Grenades towards the group which caused Starscream to panic and get out of the way. Thundercracker avoided the blast and thus the Wreckers came charging in ready to fight. Thundercracker and several Vehicons opened fire as Starscream got out of the way to avoid being shot at.
Just then from the other side more laser fire was heard as Elita charged in with the femmes firing down on the Decepticons boxing them in. As the Autobots moved in Thundercracker knew they were outnumbered but being the warrior that he was rather go down fighting. Arcee went in and Thundercracker saw her before swinging his sword at her which was met by Arcee's blades. The two did battle as Thundercracker showed himself to be a formidable warrior against Arcee.
"Impressive Autobot using your speed and smaller stature to compensate against larger enemies." Thundercracker praised as he knew to respect his opponents for their merits and potential.
"Thundercracker right?" Arcee asked as she looked to the Seeker. Word gets around and Thundercracker was noted even by Autobots for his code of honor. Some even suspected that Thundercracker was on the wrong side of the war simply because of his code alone.
"Yes, and you must be Arcee." Thundercracker said and thus he pushed back the femme and fired upon her causing Arcee to back off and avoid it. "My condolences for Tailgate he seemed to be an honorable Autobot." Thundercracker said as he fired upon Arcee making sure she was aware of it so to not be caught by surprise. Thundercracker may be a Decepticon, but he would never disrespect the dead even if they were Autobots.
"Thanks, but coming from a Decepticon seem to ruin it," Arcee said as when someone talk about former partners of her put her in a bad mood, mostly from cons but at least she can vent her anger onto them as she brought forth her arm blades and fight against Thundercracker who leap back to avoid her strikes before he said to her, "I see."
The two continued to do battle for a bit keeping the other on guard as they moved. Thundercracker seemed to value his skills and sword yet was giving Arcee a fighting chance. As they did battle Thundercracker was pushing her back a bit keeping the two-wheeler on her peds. Thundercracker then kicked Arcee forcing her back with it and then went to slash at her. The blade just barely grazed Arcee's face but when it did Arcee miscalculated her landing and lost her footing and was about to fall over.
Seeing this Thundercracker caught Arcee and then threw her to a more stable area to fight. Arcee was of course surprised by this since this was an opening Thundercracker could exploit but he didn't take advantage of it. "What gives Con you had the ideal moment to take me down?" Arcee asked as she found this oddly suspicious of Thundercracker.
"You tripped and claiming a victory in such a way would be lacking in honor." Thundercracker said making it clear on his values while taking back his battle stance. "I prefer to best my opponent the old-fashioned way, brutally!" Thundercracker called out and went on the attack once more against the femme.
Nearby Ironhide was firing his canon with Bulkhead backing him. Chromia had taken a sniping position not too far away aiding her fellow Wreckers while Preceptor was firing what accounted for an Cybertronian pistol from cover. In another area Elita, Ratchet, Bumblebee, Moonracer, Red Alert, Jetfire, and Cliffjumper were assisting Optimus in clearing the area of the Vehicon troopers. The battle went on from here as Starscream was attempting to contact the Nemesis for backup.
"This is Air Commander Starscream requesting immediate aid at the Titan Dig Site. I repeat we require assistance posthaste." Starscream called in knowing they needed help in dealing with the Autobots.
(On the Nemesis)
"Why am I not surprised Starscream had gotten himself into trouble?" Nightbird asked as she heard the alert.
"We going to leave him for scrap?" Slipstream asked and thus Nightbird sighed to this.
"Unfortunately, we have no choice but to rescue that fool." Nightbird said before directing her attention to Soundwave. "Soundwave if you would be a dear and lock onto those coordinates?" Nightbird asked and thus Soundwave nodded while also sending an alert to Megatron of the situation.
"Slipstream, Lugnut, Obsidian, and Strika you four are with me." Nightbird said and thus the Cons in question were ready to move out.
(Later back to the Battle)
Back on the scene the Autobots were forcing the Decepticons back and away from the equipment. Yes, some of them had managed to utilize the mining equipment to fight but that was handled by Ironhide and Bulkhead. Nearby Arcee was still fighting Thundercracker, but the Autobot femme was soon joined by Moonracer and Cliffjumper. The trio in turn proceeded to start attacking Thundercracker who drew his second sword out and fought all three of them at once displaying his skills as a combatant for all.
Not long after a Ground Bridge opened up and from it Nightbird came out with her own Decepticons, Lugnut, Slipstream, Obsidian, and Strika who charged in firing their blasters upon their foes. They had come here to provide Starscream and Thundercracker with aid against the Autobots with her battle mask active for this fight.
"Bulk incoming!" Ironhide called as the Autobot veteran saw Lugnut coming their way.
"I see him!" Bulkhead said as he and Ironhide opened fire on Lugnut.
"Prepare to face the might of the loyalist of all of Lord Megatron's followers, Autobot scum!" Lugnut called out and in turn went on the attack against Ironhide and Bulkhead who had their weapons set for melee and in turn began to fight the larger Decepticon.
Nearby Moonracer was attacked by Slipstream leaving Arcee and Cliffjumper to take on Thundercracker. Over with Optimus team the other Bots were forced to scatter as Obsidian began firing down upon them with a small group of Vehicon troopers. Strike followed after as this opted for Preceptor and Chromia to move in and aid Optimus and Elita's unit. This became their battle as the entire site was just one stray shot away from bringing the entire place down. Autobots and Decepticons went at it in battle attempting to overpower the other turning this into a stalemate. Nightbird of course saw this as she led Strika and Obsidian against the Autobots with the Vehicons as well.
"Lugnut use the punch!" Nightbird called out and thus Lugnut understood the order.
"As you command!" Lugnut called out before transforming and flying to a higher vantage point. Once he got there, he went back to robot mode and had his explosive punch prepped for use. "For the glory of Lord Megatrons eternal Decepticon empire I cast you Autobots into the pit!" Lugnut invoked and thus jumped with his explosive punch ready.
"Take cover!" Elita ordered and thus the Autobots all got out of the way in time for Lugnut to use the punch. Once it hit the entire excavation site went up in a blast of destruction. Mining equipment went flying, and even the mountain itself began to come undone. Once the dust settled the entire site had become somewhat of a crater with the Autobots getting back up from there cover.
"Head count anyone missing?" Elita asked as Cliffjumper was the one to respond.
"All Autobots present and accounted for." Cliffjumper said as they were ok.
"And so are the Cons." Red Alert said as he saw the Decepticons regrouping with Starscream growling dusting himself off from Lugnuts attack.
"Optimus!" Moonracer called out and pointed out to another spot which was the mountain. The blast had broken the mountain apart big time to reveal the entrance into Fortress Maximus ready for them.
"Thank goodness." Preceptor said but Jetfire then noticed something else while they all heard the sound of an engine.
"More trouble it seems." Jetfire said and in turn the Autobots looked up and saw that in the sky was the Nemesis moving upon them ready to open fire.
"Autobots into the titan!" Optimus ordered and thus they all proceeded to enter the titan for safety and security.
The Autobots all began to enter the Titan as Bulkhead and Ironhide acted fast and sealed the door behind them. the cons tried to get in but thankfully the doors held strong for them. On the Nemesis Megatron glared down upon the sight and knew that his foes were now trapped inside the Titan.
(Inside Fortress Maximus)
The Autobots quickly arrived at the command center of the Titan with Optimus already giving orders. "Preceptor Ratchet try to reactivate Fortress Maximus's defenses, Autobots find anything we may use to defend ourselves." Optimus ordered as they were now inside the Titan. Ratchet and Preceptor then got to work on getting those defenses back online. They just needed the firepower to force the Nemesis to retreat.
"We need to try and defend what we can." Arcee said and thus she turned to Cliffjumper, and Bulkhead. "Cliff, Bulk with me we need to buy some time." Arcee said and thus they got moving.
"Chromia, Jetfire, Ironhide with me we're going to back them up." Elita said and in turn they got moving to defend the outer perimeter.
"Understood." Optimus said and in turn Moonracer and Bumblebee had an idea.
"Come on Bee let's see if any Autobots left some toys for us to play with." Moonracer said as Bee knew that by toys Moonracer meant weapons. Leaving the room, the two scouts went looking for anything they can use to put up a fight against the Decepticons.
(Meanwhile on the Nemesis)
The Nemesis was firing all its weapons down upon the Titan as the shots were revealing more of its body from under the mountain. Megatron oversaw the battle as he saw that the Titan was not active. It meant that they had the advantage in this scenario which meant they had to make quick work before the Autobots could start their counterattack.
"Soundwave hold command until my return I will lead our forces personally." Megatron said as he took his leave of the base. Soundwave quietly bowed to Megatron and allowed for him to take his leave of the bridge.
(Battle)
Megatron walked on the outer haul of the Nemesis with several Vehicon fliers behind him. He then took a running start before he and the Vehicons transformed into their Cybertronian jet forms "Decepticons Attack!" Megatron ordered and thus the Decepticons began to come down on the Titans. Rockets and laser fire were prevalent as the Decepticons attempted to breach the outer haul of the Titan.
Meanwhile Elita and the Autobots with her were firing their weapons off at the Decepticons who were making their attack. Laser fire and explosions were going off as Elita was being reminded of the War for Cybertron so many eons ago. As she fired off weapons Jetfire provided cover fire as Vehicons made a few bombing runs, on them forcing them to cover.
(Inside the Command Center)
The entire titan shook as Preceptors and Ratchet worked to get power back into Fortress Maximus. Just then much to their joy power began to flow in and thus Ratchet smiled. "Optimus we have power!" Ratchet said and thus Preceptors, Ratchet, and Red Alert ran to any available console.
"Activate the defenses!" Optimus ordered and thus the Autobots began to transform Fortress Maximus into siege defense mode.
(Battle)
The entire titan began to come to as Fortress Maximus began to convert. Gears turned and pistons activated after eons of inactivity as defensive weapons and shields began to cover the titan.
Elita saw what was going on as she knew it was time to move. "Autobots move!" Elita ordered and thus they all began to move to avoid any attacks. Elita went with Jetfire as they made a run for the nearest entrance they can access. Nearby Moonracer and Ironhide were also heading to the defensive turrets knowing they would need them to defend the Titan.
As the Autobots were heading into the Titan Arcee and Cliffjumper were being chased down by Starscream. the path they were on was being shielded up as they made for a beeline for the path into the base. As Starscream fired upon them the two Bots were able to avoid him and even returned fire on him. Starscream soon managed to get into the path, but the door sealed before he could give further chase.
Starscream was soon in robot mode as he growled over his lack of thrust in this case. But then he looked up and realized the pathway was about to seal him in so in a burst of cowardly panic he started getting out of the pathway. "Foolish Autobots you cannot escape me!" Starscream called out as he chased the Autobots down into the tunnel. But it seems he was a bit slow as just before he could get out his foot was caught in it causing him to cry out in pain. Starscream tried his hardest, but he was stuck as he knew there was only one way to get out of this. Aiming his rockets at his trapped foot Starscream fired it off and thus freed his foot. "AH SCRAP MY FOOT!" Starscream cried out before transforming and flying out of the hole.
Megatron charged at the main entrance, but Elita smiled and waved at him before it sealed him out. Megatron roared in fury and fired off his fusion cannon, but the blast did nothing to break through the shot.
(With Ironhide Chromia)
Ironhide and Chromia managed to climb up to the defense turrets and got to the seats for them. "Haven't used these in a while so not sure if they still work." Ironhide said as he pressed a few commands before he saw it activate. "HELL YEAH!" Ironhide called out with a grin on his faceplate.
"Don't cheer yet cannons we still got a scrapheap worth of Cons to worry about." Chromia said as she and Ironhide began to open fire on the Decepticons. As Ironhide fired of the turrets he grinned as he fired at the Decepticons in an attempt to take them down. Chromia shared the grin as she also opened fire on the Decepticons.
(Meanwhile with Moonracer and Bumblebee)
Moonracer and Bumblebee were seen in another part of Maximus looking for anything they could use to defend the Titan. The entire facility shook a bit as this caused some of them to stumble. Bee voiced concern as he looked to Moonracer who understood her fellow Scout.
"Yeah, I know Bee sounds nasty out there." Moonracer said as they soon entered another room. "Wow look at this." Moonracer said they entered the room and found it filled with capsules. "Stasis Pods." Moonracer said and thus went to the primary terminal and turned it on. Bee then voiced a question while Moonracer was working. "Trying to see if there are any active pods here so we can wake up any Autobots inside them." Moonracer said as she typed away on the terminal.
The base rumbled again causing the pair to stop but then got back to work. "Ok gotta work fast." Moonracer said as she picked up the pace. Just then she saw that there were five stasis pods that were still active and thus this brought a smile to her faceplate. "There." Moonracer said and thus she looked to Bumblebee. "Come on Bee!" Moonracer said and thus they darted to the pods Moonracer found. Thankfully, they did not have to travel far as they got to their intended destination and began to type away on the keypads.
Not long after the fives pods began to open one by one revealing five large figures inside them making the two scouts look up in shock to it. "Wow your big." Moonracer said as Bumblebee buzzed his own thoughts to this as well.
(Back to the Battle)
The Decepticons were starting to break through the Autobots defenses as they were moving in for the kill. "Combaticons Unite for the kill!" Megatron ordered and thus the Combaticons united and formed into Bruticus. Once the Combiner was formed, he roared out causing all Autobot eyes to go on him. Chromia and Ironhide in response targeted their turrets on the combiner and began to open fire on him. Bruticus was proving to be a powerful combatant as Arcee and Cliffjumper tried to get the Combiner to back off as it tore into the wall.
(Meanwhile Back in the Command Center)
Optimus saw Bruticus had appeared and knew they were running out of time. After all it would not be long before the Combiner broke down the sealed doors. "Ratchet Preceptor what is the progress with reactivating Fortress Maximus?" Optimus asked as he looked to the two big brains.
"Sir we the overwhelming Decepticon forces we currently possess both a strategic disadvantage and a distinct lack of operating time to get Fortress Maximus to respond." Preceptor explained and thus this was unwelcome news.
"Autobots I'm going down we must buy more time." Optimus said but then Moonracer was heard.
"Um Commander Prime I think we found some back up." Moonracer said as she spoke on their comm. links. "Do you by chance have security images online?" Moonracer asked and thus Optimus had to ask.
"Moonracer what have you and Bumblebee found?" Optimus asked until a new voice spoke up.
"Not what they found, Prime but whom." Came a stern and bestial voice as soon security images popped up to show the stasis room with Grimlock, Swoop, Sludge, Slag, and Snarl there online and/or coming too. But Optimus noticed that they looked different much like they did before the Space Bridge Battle for the ARK when they took down Shockwave's tower.
"We've gotten them update on the situation at hand." Moonracer said as this was a case of good fortune for them.
"Grimlock are you and your team able to fight?" Optimus asked with a stern tone as he knew how fickle the Dinobots can be at times.
"That depends, who is the target?" Grimlock growled as he glared at Prime knowing they don't always see eye to eye.
"The Combiner Bruticus." Optimus announced and thus Grimlock smirked to this.
"Our sort of challenge." Grimlock said as he was almost giddy over taking on the Combiner.
(Back to the Battle)
Bruticus was in the middle of tearing his way into the Titan smashing his massive fists into the blast doors. When it seemed that the Combiner was about to break through a set of explosives fell down from above landing on him. This drew the combiners attention away enough where he ended up taking a blast to the face curtesy of the Dinobots leader Grimlock. Bruticus was caught off guard by this before Swoop and Slag flew down with blasters armed and blazing.
Once the first pair landed Snarl and Sludge came in tagging Bruticus with an explosive on his back which went off. Grimlock growled as he glared at the Combiner no doubt he was peeved to wake up and find Decepticons banging on his doorstep.
From nearby Arcee saw the Dinobots appear and was surprised by this. "The Dinobots where did they come from?" Cliffjumper asked as he saw this and was equally surprised.
"Don't know but we can use the firepower." Arcee said as the Decepticons were now being pushed back.
"You wanna tangle with Bruticus!?" Bruticus roared as he glared at the team of Dinobots.
"Wouldn't be the first Combiner we took down, just ask Devastator." Grimlock taunted and in turn Bruticus roared in fury causing the Dinobots to open fire on the Combiner. Once Bruticus was close enough the Dinobots scattered and in turn Bruticus stepped on an explosive mine that went off. This caused the Combiner to stumble before Swoop slid in with a wire and caused Bruticus to fall over with a yell.
"Dinobots tear him apart!" Grimlock ordered showing it was about to get ugly. In turn the Dinobots grabbed each of the Combiners limbs ready to rip him apart. They pulled using chains and this began to cause Bruticus extreme pain. Just then Nightbird with Slipstream and a squadron of seekers flew down and opened fire upon the Dinobots. Grimlock took most of the damage while his team was forced to let go of Bruticus allowing him time to get up. Grimlock roared out to which Elita took notice of.
"Grimlock! Wait you don't have a Vehicle mode yet you're at a disadvantage!" Elita called out unaware of a surprise on her way.
"No that's my advantage!" Grimlock growled and in turn he slammed his fists into the ground and began to transform to something prehistorically primal. His entire body shifted and not long after he towered over the battle as a massive Tyrannosaurus Rex. Grimlock then roared out and when he roared a flurry of flames shot out from his massive maw like a dragon's flame.
"What the?!" Cliffjumper asked as he was for once at a loss for words on how to respond.
"I was expecting a giant car or something." Red Alert added as he did not see this coming. Following it up the other Dinobots transformed with Swoop turning into a Pterodactyl, Slag becoming a Triceratops, Snarl becoming a Stegosaurus, and Sludge became a Branchiosaurus. Megatron was even caught off guard by this as the Dinobots began to push the Decepticons back with their firepower.
(Back at the Command Center)
"Our tactical advantage will not last long." Optimus said as he, Ratchet, and Preceptor kept trying to reactivate Fortress Maximus knowing that so long as Megatron has the Nemesis he has the firepower to break through.
"I don't understand the power conduits have been connected, system restart has been completed yet Fortress Maximus won't receive power." Preceptor growled as he tried to figure out why the Titan won't activate. It was starting to look like they may need to consider using drastic measures to prevent the Decepticons from acquiring the Titan.
Just then the Ground Bridge Vortex was heard which got the groups attention. Looking to the source they saw that it was Myrtle who had activated and used the Ground Bridge. "Myrtle what are you doing here?" Preceptor asked as he looked to the Ghost turned Cybertronian.
"It's Fortress Maximus." She said before darting towards the nearest command console and tried to climb it. Preceptor grabbed her and hoisted her up intended to bring her back to base. But the moment her hands touched the console it began to activate and from it, Myrtle's eyes began to glow. She cried out in shock which got everyone worried for her well-being. "Myrtle!" Preceptor cried out with concern for his young protegee but instead of Myrtles voice another voice spoke instead.
"Please." The voice spoke getting everyone's attention. "Please don't make me fight again, don't turn me into a tool of war." The voice spoke as it belonged to a male.
"Fortress Maximus." Optimus said realizing who was speaking now.
"Yes, I had contacted, The City Speaker when the battle had roused me from slumber." Fortress Maximus said using Myrtle as a conduit. "I ask you, no I beg of you please do not make me fight this war any longer." Fortress Maximus begged as it was clear that the Titan had enough fighting and now simply desired to sleep forevermore to return to blissful silence.
"Oh dear." Preceptor said as many Autobots knew the titans desire not to fight well. But the Decepticons forced their hand and now they hesitated to fight.
Just then the glow from Myrtle vanished and in turn she began to speak directly to Fortress Maximus. "Maximus please!" She spoke out getting the Titans attention as The City Speaker whatever that was. "I know you don't want to fight but if you don't the Decepticons will use you to hurt many people hundreds of thousands of innocent lives!" Myrtle spoke as the former Ravenclaw tried to convince the Titan to fight.
"I've lost a great deal myself; I lost my life my future and I don't even remember how it happened but Preceptor and the Autobots gave it back to me!" Myrtle spoke hoping to convince Fortress Maximus to stand and fight.
"I can't!" Fortress Maximus refused but Myrtle was not going to give up.
"PLEASE!" She begged because she looked to the console that she connected to Fortress Maximus from. "This world... I won't let the Decepticons have it not without a fight!" Myrtle yelled as she looked to the Titan. "I hate fighting too but it has to be done because evil triumphs when good men stand down." Myrtle said as she tried to get Fortress Maximus to move.
"But all that death... all that suffering." Fortress Maximus tried to argue but Myrtle stood up on that.
"I know it's ugly and cruel not a place for ones whose Spark is so gentle." Myrtle said as she looked to Fortress Maximus control unit. "But if you don't fight then many more will suffer and die for it." She said and in turn Fortress Maximus grew silent.
The explosions outside could be heard as Fortress Maximus considered her words. In turn Fortress Maximus established control from Myrtle once more to speak. "Alright." Fortress Maximus said conceding to Myrtle. "I'll do it but once it's done, I never want to be brought to do battle again." He said and thus Optimus stepped up to speak to Fortress Maximus.
"You have my word Fortress Maximus." Optimus said making it clear they won't force him to fight anymore then he has to.
"Alright but we have one problem my joints my systems I've been inactive for so long I'm stiff." Fortress Maximus said showing he could not move, not on his own.
"Scrap." Ratchet said but Optimus knew they had to work fast.
"Fortress Maximus what can we do to aid you?" Optimus asked and in turn a plan began to form.
"I can talk you through it, Blocks A, B, C, and D; are where most of my major systems are located as with access to by T-Cog." Fortress Maximus said as he looked to the Bots.
"Understood." Optimus said before going to speak with his Autobots. "Autobots fall back into Fortress Maximus we must do what we can to get him back into fighting shape!" Optimus ordered before directing his next bit to Grimlock. "Grimlock can you and your team hold off the Decepticons?" Optimus asked as he then heard his response.
"We most certainly can!" Grimlock responded before roaring like a T-Rex from the Jurassic Park movies.
With a not Optimus then directed his attention back to his troops. "Autobots Roll Out!" He ordered and in turn they got to work.
(Start Montage)
The Autobots were seen driving through Fortress Maximus to get to the areas that needed to be repaired. They were doing all that they could as they needed to get Fortress Maximus back online. Arcee was seen holding a cable as she attached it to the needed port after running with it for a bit. Jetfire and Moonracer were handling the wirings and systems doing what they can to ensure Fortress Maximus can fight.
In another part of the base Bulkhead and Ironhide were carrying a large part that needed to be installed while nearby Chromia was handling a few minor details. The Minicons of Team Elita were even there as they got to the areas the Autobots were too large to get to on their own.
Bumblebee was with Cliffjumper as they were also doing what they could to get Fortress Maximus systems online. At the main command center Ratchet and Preceptor handled the main systems while Myrtle and Maximus were talking the Autobots through the tasks. Optimus meanwhile oversaw the mission as he could only hope that his Autobots can finish this in time.
(Back Outside)
The Decepticons were not letting up, in fact they seemed to be increasing their fury as the Combaticons with Lugnut and Strika were pushing the Dinobots back. Grimlock roared in fury as he and his Lightning Strike Team were putting their beast modes to effective use. Grimlock had even jumped down and mauled a Vehicons who got to close while Swoop grabbed another Vehicon and dropped him to his death.
Megatron lead the attack as he saw Grimlock. Firing his fusion cannon Megatron managed to push Grimlock back before he started fighting the leader of the Dinobots. Grimlock went back to Robot Mode and drew his sword before roaring and striking at Megatron. Megatron smirked at his foe and thus the two began to fight each other with equal savage might.
(Back in the Command Center)
"Block A and Block B are ready!" Preceptor announced as the screen showed the blocks back in operating order.
"Block C has regained power." Ratchet reported as they were so close now just needed Block C and Block D to make it whole.
(The Battle)
Grimlock was launched against the door into Fortress Maximus as he and his team gathered to make their stand. Megatron wiped off a bit of Energon leaking from his mouth as he glared at the Dinobots. "Grimlock I almost forgot how powerful you were." Megatron said as Grimlock glared at Megatron.
Grimlock only growled as he stood his ground ready to fight to the end. "Well, what's the play Grim." Swoop asked as he knew they were up against the wall... literally.
"WE stand and fight!" Grimlock said as he would not allow Megatron to acquire Fortress Maximus.
(Command Deck)
"Yo Boss bot we got D Block ready!" Cliffjumper announced as now all five blocks were powered up.
In turn Preceptor didn't even wait for the order as he then slammed his fist onto the big red button that would boot up Fortress Maximus.
(Fortress Maximus)
Fortress Maximus' systems began to start up as the entire city was glowing with Energon Flowing through. The entire city began to shake as pistons that sat immobile for eons shuttered and came to life. In turn Fortress Maximus began to rise up. Grimlock and his team retreated inside the transforming titan as this happened as Megatron was left wide eyed over what he was seeing. The Decepticons began to fall back as Soundwave opened a Ground Bridge for them while the fliers all flew off to return to the Nemesis that hovered in the sky. One segment from Fortress Maximus even detached as the entire base shook and rumbled to life.
The ground came undone as the stone shuttered and shook with power. Then it began Fortress Maximus began to transform into robot mode. Megatron and his ilk got back to the Nemesis and in turn saw the rise of Fortress Maximus who began to tower overall.
(Fortress Maximus Command Center)
The Autobots gathered in the command center with the Dinobots as they saw what was going on. "We didn't miss anything did we?!" Moonracer asked as Team Prime, Team Elita, and the Dinobots gathered together.
(Battle)
Finally, as Fortress Maximus body form his head was still missing. Then the segment that detached from him transformed and formed into his head before attaching to him. His eyes flashed to life as the Autobot crest on his chest flashed crimson red. Taking his first step Fortress Maximus started to make his way towards the Nemesis crushing any cons that were unfortunate enough to get in the way or dumb enough to not get out of the way. "Fortress Maximus Online. Objective: Destroy Decepticons." Fortress Maximus announced as he made his way towards the Nemesis.
(Nemesis Command Deck)
Megatron arrived in the Nemesis's command deck having what looked to be a Vietnam flashback of Metroplex. "Target all our weapons on the titan eradicate it!" Megatron ordered as the bridge crew got working on it.
(Battle)
The Nemesis in turn began to open fire on Fortress Maximus using all their weapons to try and eradicate the Titan. But Fortress Maximus simply raised his hand to block the laser blasts from the Nemesis's weapons. Fortress Maximus was not a fighter by nature, but it was his duty to protect life. Looking at the Nemesis he could sense one of his own from it... another Titan. 'What has Megatron done to Trypticon?' Fortress Maximus silently asked as he saw that Trypticon was the Decepticon Warship.
Before the Nemesis could fire off another barrage Fortress Maximus got to work. He started off by activating his guns, all of his guns. They Canons came to life from his legs, hips, and arms as Fortress Maximus took aim. He then opened fire and thus hit the Nemesis with a barrage of his own dealing a great deal of damage to it.
(Nemesis)
"Lord Megatron severe systems damage, shields are fading, weapons systems offline!" A Vehicon reported as Megatron growled to this.
"Attain ramming speed!" Megatron ordered but before the crew could carry out the order the entire ship had shook and thus on the screen, they were met with the face of Fortress Maximus.
(Battle)
Fortress Maximus had grabbed the ship by the bow and using one of its spikes as an improve handle. Glaring directly into the vessel Fortress Maximus intended to send the Decepticons away. "Decepticons!" Fortress Maximus began as he began to twist around his body and though his size made him slow his power more than made up for it. "Begone!" Fortress Maximus roared and thus threw the Nemesis so hard that a concussive sonic boom went off.
The Nemesis eventually vanished into the sky as the force Fortress Maximus threw the ship was enough to reach escape velocity. Fortress Maximus simply stood there as the destruction around his feet were that of Decepticons it did not make him enjoy this anymore. Still the Autobots and this planet were safe for another day, so he took comfort in that.
(Scene Break Axelon Base)
The Ground Bridge was active as both Team Prime and Team Elita entered the base with Myrtle and the Dinobots. "This is one of your bases?" Grimlock asked as he looked around the base.
"Yes, here I'm in command, Optimus and his team operate over in the United States in Autobot Outpost Omega 1." Elita said as she looked to the Dinobot leader.
"So, we going to talk about the whole beast forms of ancient earth creatures?" Moonracer asked as Grimlock growled.
"Shockwave captured me and my team back on Cybertron and experimented on us. We managed to escape but the damage was done already." Grimlock said revealing that he and his team can no longer utilize vehicle forms.
"That might be a problem." Red Alert said causing Grimlock to raise an optic.
"Grimlock, we live on this world as robots in disguise if you are unable to utilize a vehicle form it might prove to be a problem for our mission here." Optimus announced as he looked to Grimlock.
"Optimus we also need to consider what to do with Metroplex because for obvious reasons we can't bring him to either base." Elita said as that was also something to note.
"I will contact Agent Fowler he might have a way for us to hide both Fortress Maximus and the Dinobots yet still be able to aid the planet." Optimus said as Grimlock growled to this.
"Then I'll contact our human liaison on this side of the Atlantic see if she can provide us with anything." Elita said and thus Optimus nodded.
"We still need to consider one last thing; Myrtle was a; City Speaker." Preceptor said as Myrtle was rejoined with the Minicons in the human main area.
"Yes, this is most troubling." Elita said as this could go either way for them. "We best treat carefully from here on out less the Decepticons learn of this as well." Elita said making it clear that they must not allow the Decepticons to learn of Myrtle as a budding City Speaker. "Optimus we will keep you informed of things on our end." Elita said and thus Optimus nodded.
"Very well." Optimus said and thus Preceptor activated the Ground Bridge. With a nod Team Prime departed back to Autobot Outpost Omega 1. Once the Ground Bridge was deactivated an alert came to their computers. Preceptor checked it and saw who it was on the line. "It's Remus." Preceptor said and thus inputted the coordinates for Remus. Once the Ground Bridge reactivated Remus walked in with a smile on his face.
"Well how did he do?" Elita asked wanting to hear from Harry.
"He won." Remus said as Elita in response smiled.
"Knew he'd do it; the boy is a natural flier." Jetfire announced as he was proud that Harry won his first match.
"But there was more." Remus said which got Elita concerned.
"More?" Elita asked raising an optic to Remus.
"Someone had jinxed his broom trying to fling him off, we suspect it was Severus Snape but I'm not entirely sure." Remus said as he looked to Elita. When Elita gave him the look Remus in response began to tell her everything that happened at the base.
(Meanwhile back on the Nemesis)
The Decepticons were finally able to regain control of the ship as Megatron was clearly seen enraged over what had happened. They just lost the Titan to the Autobots. The balance of power has shifted in their favor they will need to find the other Titan soon or else they might not win this war. Showing a map Soundwave had narrowed the Titans location down either London or Scotland. This was good news for Megatron as they were narrowing down the search. But they needed to hurry because if they don't secure the other Titan soon then it won't be long until the Autobots turn the full fury of Fortress Maximus upon the Decepticons.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here we are the first update for the New Year. I hope you all enjoyed it and will remain as we enter 2023. Now then remember to review this chapter before you leave and as always folks, ja-ne.