9- Day at the Museum.
There was an argumentation going on in the Autobot base of New Iacon.
"It isn't about protocol sir, more display of authority is required."
"What are you referring to, Ultra Magnus?" Blaster questioned, with just him, Ratchet, Elita, Magnus and Optimus present, so it was a reunion of the leaders.
"Optimus's message was sent in order to guide all our scattered comrades and reunite them all here. But with soon more of our own living in around the base, we will require a more elaborated chain of command, in order to keep the same efficiency which this team operates."
"Like when you lead the Wreckers while I commanded Stealth Team during the assault on the Nemesis?" Elita remembered.
"I support your choice, my friend. It has been a while since this team has learned to work together, so I believe it is time for someone to assume a little more responsibility and lead its members when drastic situations take place." Optimus supported.
"Well, first we will have to choose one between our partners. They have getting used to take care of our human friends, but when it comes to leadership aptitude there isn't much choice. I highly doubt Warpath or Wheeljack are suited for that kind of responsibility, and Smokescreen is basically the newest of the team. If I have to choose one, I would go with Arcee." Ratchet debated.
"I don't think that's a good choice. Before our encounter with Galvatron's Terrorcon legion we left her in command of everything, and according to the kids she simply left the base and their care on Hot Rod and Warpath. Sadly I don't think she is suited for that post." Elita argued.
"I believe I know just the right Autobot for this task. One who has already proven the ability to lead." Optimus announced.
Minutes later, Optimus was talking about that with the chosen candidate.
"What? Me?"
"Indeed, Bumblebee."
"But…Optimus…are you sure I'm the right one for this? I'm a warrior, not a commander."
"You've already shown skills of a great leadership, when during my absence you offered your guidance during the battle with Unicron."
"That was a desperate situation, our planet was in risk."
"That's the point. Sometimes is in the hardest situations when we show our strongest attributes. You simply followed your spark's guidance. You just need to work to develop this new fact."
"I still don't think I'm prepared for this responsibility."
"My spark tells me the opposite, as well I'm sure the matrix believes the same, leadership can be earned with or without it. You are ready to lead, Bumblebee. Do not doubt yourself."
"What if I make a mistake? I will need your guidance."
"I will help you in anything you need, but at the end the choices as leader will depend on you."
With all said, Optimus retired, leaving Bumblebee still in disbelief by the news. He wasn't expecting this, to have the authority to lead his teammates. Speaking about them, they were gathered around the gang's area, seeing Ritchie, May, Dawn and Ash playing some racing video game on the console (similar to Mario Kart).
"Go on, May. You're ahead." Warpath encouraged.
"Don't let her get away, Ash." Hot Rod cheered.
"The power up, get a power up!" Sideswipe advised to Ritchie.
"Don't forget using the shortcuts, Dawn." Wheeljack told to his partner.
"Just remember once you're done with this race it's our turn." Bonnie requested.
"Yeah, we have been waiting for this game to come out." Max added.
"Don't worry, you will have your chance." Clemont promised.
"How about you face the two best ones the next race?" Misty suggested.
"Sounds fair." Max nodded.
"Honestly I hoped we could play today the interactive sports game." Iris shared.
"I prefer the dancing game." Serena opined.
Arcee sighed. "Video games, is that a proper way to spend time?"
"Look it this way, partner. They interact with each other and spend fun time." Moonracer said.
The pokémon were also seeing how their trainers played, and despite doing nothing they seemed to enjoy it. Bumblebee decided to put on a test his leadership skills.
"Guys, listen." He said, putting a more profound voice, like if he was imitating Optimus, which made everything to look at him. "There is no time for this foolishness. We have a planet relying on us, and a duty to complete."
There was a long pause.
"What hits you, Bee? You always have enjoyed playing games with us." Max protested.
Suddenly, Smokescreen, Moonracer, Sideswipe and Hot Rod started laughing while the other Autobots remained speechless, which left Bumblebee confused.
"What's so funny?" Seaspray asked.
"Sorry Bee, but…" Moon started, but couldn't contain her laugh.
"That's the worst Megatron imitation ever." Smokescreen said laughing.
"Megatron?" Bee asked confused.
Before anyone could ask why he acted like that... "Guys, guys, urgent news!"
"What is it, Fixit?" Ritchie asked.
"I think I have located another relic of the Prime's Legacy. It appears to be coming from-"
"The Unova region?" Iris finished.
"How do you know?"
"Here, take a look." She said changing the TV's channel.
"This afternoon, on a wooded trail near Nacrene City, hikers found a strange object which was then brought to the Nacrene Museum. As imaginations run rampant, scientists are working to open the bizarre artifact. Sources tell us the object might appear completely alien to them. While another source speculating that there might be something or someone locked inside." The reported informed before Iris turned off the TV.
"Looks like they have beat us this time." Dawn said.
"Why is everyone so bummed? Humans found a Prime relic for us. Let's walk in there and get it."
"Eh Sideswipe, do you remember the last time we went to recover a cybertronian relic from a museum?" Misty recalled.
"What happened?" Iris asked.
"My sister got arrested by the guards and we had to rely on the pokémon rangers to get her out." Max told.
"Could you please not remind me about it?" May requested serious.
"That explains with Sundor has reported a negative finding on the relic's coordinates." Blaster announced showing them a recording of his Minibot.
"What do we do now?" Serena asked.
"If the relic is in the museum, the only way to get it is going inside." Tracey deduced.
"Like the last time?" Bonnie asked.
"Well, not exactly. Unlike the last time, Iris and I visited this museum when I was traveling through Unova." Ash started.
"So it will be easier for us to move around it and find the relic." Iris continued.
"That's a wise choice. Human assistance will be required for this mission, since we cannot afford to be seen." Optimus supported.
"Besides, we have no clue what kind of relic would be storage inside that container. What if when humans crack the pod, it reveals to be some devastating weapon which turns on the moment they accidentally touch it?" Wheeljack added.
"It appears the museum is going to be close because of the recent discovery." Serena saw on her digital map, which allowed her to see news.
"Then I can make us pass the security systems and turn off the cameras, so it will be safer than last time."
"Nice option, Clemont. I will send Sundor to monitor everything from outside, and Rossana will ensure any scientist or person remaining inside the museum will not get in your way." Blaster announced.
"Then I guess Sideswipe, Smokescreen, Arcee, Hot Rod, Moonracer, Wheeljack and I are the right ones for infiltrate the museum." Bumblebee decided.
"I agree. We will stand by for in case you need support." Elita agreed.
"Are you not coming with us, commander?" Arcee asked surprised.
"You can also fit inside the building." Moonracer added.
"You are better suitable for stealth and operating fast. I would just only slow you down."
"You should hurry. We are not sure if the Decepticons are aware of this as we are." Ultra Magnus hurried.
As the Autobot commander supposed, the Decepticons also found the same clue, thanks to a certain Decepticon who was watching the news.
Starscream chuckled. "No matter how many times they try to prove it wrong, humans will always be a weakness for the Autobots. Nice work, Knock Out."
"I was simply making zapping when I suddenly came across with that."
"Prepare for departure, go retrieve that relic."
"Wait, are you seriously going to assign him for the mission? He's just a medic, not even warrior class." Dropkick protested.
Knock Out didn't take the offense for serious, instead he laughed. "Maybe you are a very skilled fighter, but you have no idea about the human world."
"Despite his specialization on the medic field, Knock Out possess lot of field experience. He has managed to learn many facts about human society, and also succeeded in retrieving relics when Galvatron was among us and battling the Autobots." Starscream revealed.
"Impressive. However, I still doubt he's the best choice for this task." Shatter opined.
"You two are formed for direct confrontations and undercover operations, not stealth and retrieve. And the Predacons are too notable regarding humans. That's why Knock Out is the most suitable for retrieving the relic."
"If Starscream is convinced about Knock Out's fact, then I support his choice." Xiaxus said.
"Maybe. But according to reports he used to operate that successfully in company of his former pal Breakdown, who is now one with the Allspark." Shatter recalled.
"That's why you should take a few soldiers with you, in case you find some complications." Starscream advised.
Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Nacrene Museum, the Autobots and the gang finally arrived to the back door.
"It's been a while since we went to a museum." Bonnie expressed excited.
"You are gonna love this one. It's also the local gym." Iris told.
"We learned some excited stuff here, right Bee?" Max said.
"Yeah, some cool stuff."
"Alright kid, your turn." Wheeljack said to Clemont.
Clemont approached a port entry and used his Aipom arm to connect his back to the museum's network. It took him only a few seconds.
"Done. The alarms are off, and now I am the one who has access to the cameras." He announced looking at the terminal of his wrist.
"Whoa, science is so amazing." Ash expressed.
"Smokescreen, how about you take a look to see how many people are inside the building?" Hot Rod suggested.
The young Autobot turned on the phase shifter." On it."
Smokescreen phased through the walls and sneaky in the museum as quiet as possible. He found the few people working there and returned with the team.
"There are a few scientists taking a break in the cafeteria, and a pair of security guards talking at the entrance." He reported.
"Blaster, that's your quote." Tracey communicated.
"Rossana, deploy. Take a human disguise and lure those people far from our pals."
The female Minibot traveled to the museum by the ground bridge, used a holographic disguise to adopt the appearance of a human woman and went to the people of the museum was. A couple of minutes passed, until…
"The museum is clear, guys. You are clear to go."
"Thanks Blaster." Ash appreciated.
"Alright team, let's roll and recover a relic." Bee announced, imitating Optimus' line.
"Is that supposed to be like when Optimus says 'transform and roll out'?" Dawn recognized.
"Well, actually…urg, it doesn't matter. Let's get this over with." Bee said entering the museum.
The group entered the museum in search for the relic. But it was a little harder because some of the kids were distracting with the exhibitions. There was one which caught Bee's attention, making the whole group to see it as well.
"What made the museum' chiefs to put those statues of humans happy in the first place?" Wheeljack wondered, looking to a group of humans riding on Rapidash and chasing Tauros.
"Well, they're cowboys. They are independent carefree adventure seekers who transported groups of pokémon across the country. It was an exciting time." Bumblebee expressed with joy, thing that his partners noticed.
"You surely like cowboys a lot." Max noticed.
"Wow, you just described it just fine, Bee." Bonnie complemented.
"I understood nothing of what he said." Sideswipe confessed.
"I didn't know this fact about Bee." Hot Rod admitted.
"Not me either." Arcee added.
"It must be some of his and Max's secrets." Moon deduced.
"Either way, we should focus on searching the relic." Smokescreen decided.
The Autobots were about to leave, but…
"Stop." Bumblebee stopped with the same tone of voice which he put on the base before approaching them, moving his body in some strange way. "By dividing our search efforts we will be more efficient. Arcee and Hot Rod with me, the rest should divide in pairs and choose a way."
"Aye aye, boss." Wheeljack saluted before he and Smokescreen headed for a path while Sideswipe and Moonracer did the same for another.
"Well, I guess I have done it right." Bee said for himself proud.
"Seriously, what's wrong with Bee today?" Ritchie asked in disbelief by his acting.
"He's not acting like himself." Serena observed.
"Do you think he's possessed? Like when Galvatron did it?" Dawn suggested.
"Max, you know Bee better than any of us. Can you figure out what has gone into his head?" Tracey questioned.
"I don't know it neither, don't look at me." He defended.
"Guys, you better go ahead and try to find the relic by your own. We will figure out what's going on with Bee today." Arcee instructed.
"Okay. Let's go." Ash decided.
And the gang went their way, leaving the three Autobots alone. The rest were wandering through the halls of the museum in search of wherever they had the relic storage.
"Did something happened before I arrived here like what's affecting Bee?" Smokescreen asked.
"Kid, I don't know our former scout since the beginning like Optimus, but this isn't his touché. He's acting more like of he's imitating someone else." Wheeljack realized.
"Like who? I don't think it may be Ratchet, because you simply need to say 'I needed that!' and that's something even the humans can do."
"Hehe. It can't be the commander as well, he's more formal, and direct. Perhaps Prime?"
Suddenly, a noise was sounded inside an exhibition room.
"Go ahead, kid. I will take a look inside. I'll catch up with you once done."
Smokey continued walking down the hall while Wheeljack entered the room carefully. He looked around but saw nothing out of place, but when he was about to turn back and leave, something surprised him electrifying him on the chest, knocking him out. It was Knock Out, who used his staff to stun the Autobot.
"Wreckers, they are not different from the other Bots after all." He smirked before looking at where Smokescreen left. "I guess I could go to retrieve my favorite toy, but first things first."
Moonracer and Sideswipe ended reaching to an intersection.
"Now what? It's not like we can go both directions." Sideswipe said.
"Together no, we will have to split up in order to cover more ground." Moon suggested.
"Now that's some way to announce a good idea."
And the two Bots went a different way. Moonracer was so busy seeing the architecture that she didn't notice someone hidden in the shadows, with just two red lights looking at her. A shadow emerged from behind, but when she turned to see what it belonged to it was too late. Sideswipe heard her screams and hurried to reach her. When he did, he found her lying on the floor.
"Moon! What's going on? Is this place haunted or what?"
"Think fast." Knock Out said landing on him from above, pushing him against the ground as he used his staff with him.
"Knock Out, you cheater." The young Autobot groaned before passing out.
"Two down, a few more to go in order to clear the way for the relic."
Smokescreen was still searching for Wheeljack getting back to his tracks, but found no sign of him.
"Jackie, do you read me? Where are you?" He called by com-link, but got only static. "Scrap."
At the same time, Arcee and Hot Rod were going with Bee.
"Bee, can we talk? Something is weird with you today."
"What's weird, Arcee? Nothing is wrong. Everything is completely fine."
Hot Rod stopped him getting on his way. "Oh really? The way you talked this morning at base and before suggesting us to split up? Definitely not the way you talk. So, wanna share with us what's around your head?"
Bee sighed. "I guess I can't fool you. Optimus met with me before and told me I was chosen between all of us to start assuming the role of leader."
Both Autobots remained speechless by the news.
"But Bee, that's marvelous. You have been chosen to be the next one in the chain of leadership. You should be happy. And us should be jealous." Hot Rod congratulated.
"Not me. I never seen myself in the leader role." Arcee defended.
"Really? Not even for when they put you in temporary command of the base?"
"Giving orders to a large group doesn't fit with me. I prefer to be part of small parties with the same position, like the one Elita used to command back in the war."
"The problem is this has caught me off guard. I'm not sure if I'm suited for leading a team." Bee said.
"Guys, I think we have a problem. I can't find Wheeljack, he said he was going to check on something but he hasn't come back. I have tried to contact Moonracer and Sideswipe, but they don't answer me back." Smokescreen communicated through their com-links.
"That means we are not the only ones in the museum. We need to find them, as well as the kids." Hot Rod decided.
But before he could go…
"Team, listen to me. This is Bumblebee, your team leader." He started to announce by com-link to everyone. "Let's remain calm to not lead fear and insecurity to block our judgments. There may be enemies on the building, so let's proceed this way: Smokescreen, go find our missing friends; kids, find a safe place and remain hidden; Arcee, Hot Rod and I will keep searching for the relic."
"Ok." Smokey simply said.
Bumblebee's speech with his weird voice made a few reactions: Blaster made as if he rolled his eyes, Hot Rod's mouth dropped by his acting and some of the kids couldn't contain the laugh (Misty, May and Dawn) until Max gave them a serious look to make them stop.
"Are you by any way trying to act like Optimus?" Arcee figured out.
"Well, I realized I wasn't adding the inspirational team stuff like Optimus would have so." Bee nodded laughing.
"I see. Anyway, let's go find those Cons." Hot Rod hurried up.
Back with the gang…
"Jackie, Moon and Sideswipe have disappeared?" Iris recalled.
"Then the Decepticons must be inside here as well." Ash deduced.
"Pika pika." Pikachu supported emitting some sparks.
"They are probably looking for the relic too. We must find it before they do." Clemont realized.
"But where it could be?" Bonnie asked.
"Clemont, you know the protocol of these places when it comes to new acquisitions, right?" May asked.
"Let's see, when the museum receives a new item for exhibition, first must go through a specific process to check its origin, value or authentication. So…it must be storage in the repository."
"Blaster, can you access the museum's map and once located the room pass it to Serena's digital map?" Tracey requested by his Pokétch.
"No problem. But if the Cons are in there they must have entered by ground bridge, since Sundor hasn't detected nothing from the outside. I will send Rossana with you for protection."
"Serena, get ready your map."
"Ok. Let's go find that relic."
After taking all people to a room where they couldn't know what was going on, Rossana received Blaster's order and went to reunite with the gang. Meanwhile, as they waited for the map to arrive, they continued searching through the halls of the museum, careful to not encounter any Decepticon on their way.
Serena heard a beep from her digital map and saw that Blaster already downloaded the museum's map on it. "Guys, I have it. Now we can find it without worries."
"Wait for it, Serena. Look." Ritchie advised as he and Ash took cover.
Everyone took a look behind the corner and saw a few Vehicons standing in front of a room, locked by some metal bars, meaning they were guarding something. Or someone.
"Do you really think all those Autobots are gonna fit inside that room? It looks very tight for me." One of them opined.
"It doesn't matter if they fit, Knock Out wants us to keep an eye for them while he looks for the relic." The other argued.
"They said Autobots. There is where they have taken them in custody." Iris deduced.
"Guys, we know where the Cons have the others locked. It's right in front of us." Misty called.
"Remain in your place, I'll handle this." Smokescreen volunteered heading for there.
"We don't know what else they could be doing them. There must be something we can do." Serena said.
"Maybe a distraction, to delay their attention from them."
"I like your idea, Ash." Ritchie supported.
"But what can we distract them with?" Tracey asked.
Then May got an idea, and approached the Vehicons, getting out of her hideout.
"Hey Cons, looking for a lost relic?" She simply said.
"May, what are you doing?" Misty mumbled in disbelief.
"She's crazy." Max said.
"Hold it right there." One of the Vehicons warned aiming his weapon at her.
"Wait. Did you say relic?" The other stopped interested.
"Yeah, my boyfriend and I are on practices here." May invented before looking at the hideout. "Come out, Clemont."
He had no choice but to follow her game. "Hey there dear. I told you not to wander off alone. Or our teachers are gonna get mad."
"Boyfriend?" Bonnie and Max asked in disbelief while almost everyone else, especially the girls, laughed at this.
"Yes, we know about the recent acquisition. We took it a look just a few moments before." Clemont invented.
The two Vehicons looked at each other until one headed for them. "Alright humans, here's the drill: we will leave you unharmed if you take us to the relic."
"What are you doing? We are supposed to stay here on guard duty." The other argued.
"If we return with the relic in hand, we could impress commander Xiaxus or Starscream and receive a promotion. Wouldn't you like to have a little more authority?"
The other Con thought about it for a moment. "Seeing it in that way seems reasonable. There has been a while since one of our kind as received an award."
"Alright humans. Take us, now."
"Without hurries. Come on sweety, lead the way." May told to Clemont grabbing his arm.
While they two took the Vehicons far from where they had the Autobots locked, they rest of the gang saw Rossana coming and gave her nod pointing to the Cons, so she nodded as well before following them. They took the Decepticons to a huge empty room with lots of seats forming a circle, with just a terminal in the center.
"Where is the relic?" One Vehicon demanded.
"Easy. I just need to turn on the system first." Clemont said operating the terminal, knowing what it was for.
Immediately, from the orb next to the terminal lots of lights came out, illuminating the room with a manifestation of space: a planetarium. Even if it wasn't what the Cons were looking for, they were stunned to see the spectacle.
"Is this…the relic?" One of them asked in disbelief.
"I can't believe humans has managed to decipher it so quickly." Other said.
"But what it is?" Other asked.
"It looks like…some kind of cosmic displayer, maybe for contemplation. Or maybe for space cartography. Or secret space travel routes?" Other suggested.
"Maybe it's like what we heard about the ancients: they used to explore the immensity of space. They were explorers."
The Cons were so busy admiring the show that Clemont and May took the chance to sneak out of the room while Rossana entered and approached the Decepticons silently.
"We should report this to Knock Out. He will know how to proceed on this case." One Vehicon suggested.
But too late for that: Rossana fired from her hands some electric bolts which hit the Cons on their backs, paralyzing them. Next, she jumped above them with a pair of blades coming from between her fingers and stroke fast. The result: she decapitated all the Vehicons before they could react.
Tracey whistled. "Not bad. At the end size doesn't matter."
"What did you expect from Blaster's Minibots?" Ritchie added.
"By the way May, why did you refer to Clemont as your boyfriend?" Serena asked.
"Yeah, it sounds a little…weird." Max said putting a face of disgust.
"Me too. You can lead me finding a suitable fiancee for him."
Clemont's face turned red of embarrassment. "Bonnie, I told you to stop that a million times!"
May laughed like the rest. "I don't know. I just…took the first thing it came to my mind."
"At least it worked on fooling the Cons. Now let's get for that relic before Knock Out." Ash reminded.
"Blaster, your girl has taken out all the Cons." Misty reported.
"Roger. I will take care of their remains."
At the same time, Smokescreen reached to where the Vehicons were guarding the Autobots and saw his three missing companions locked in, stuck against each other.
"No need to call the rest of the team for this." He chuckled a little. "Seems like you got yourselves in a very tight situation."
"Hey, I'm supposed to be the one of the pranks here." Sideswipe protested.
"Can you get us out?" Moon asked.
"Swiftly if it's possible." Wheeljack pleaded.
Smokey turned on his unique item and pulled out the three Bots, one after one.
"I have to admit kid: that little trinket is undoubtedly a life safer." Wheeljack appreciated.
"We heard what the Cons are up to. Knock Out must be searching for the relic right now." Moon reminded.
"Just let me a chance to return him a little dose of the pain he inflicted to me." Sideswipe said as they moved on.
Meanwhile, the gang reached the door which leaded to the repository.
"Here it is, finally." Iris said.
"I will get it open in no time." Clemont assured approaching the door's terminal.
But before he could start…
"I guess I should thank you for showing me where the relic was in this maze." A familiar voice told them from behind, one they recognized when they saw who belonged to.
"Knock Out." Ritchie said.
"It's been a while." May added.
"We didn't know about you during the battle on the Nemesis." Dawn recalled.
"He was probably hiding in order to protect his paintwork." Max joked, making some laugh, including the pokémon.
"Maybe I didn't play any important role in the fight, but now I'm doing what I do best: taking relics under the Autobots' noses with style." The red Decepticon defended proud.
"Style? I thought you were more a simple road runner who likes to cheat instead of winning fair and square." Ritchie provoked.
That managed to annoy Knock Out. "Hey! In war and races everything counts! I don't expect you to understand it."
"But we understand what you and your pals only care about. So you better go now, unless you want a few dents and burns in your paint." Ash warned.
"Is that a warning? Because I will lovely show you my answer." He announced changing one of his hands for one of his weapons and the other for a buzz saw. "The new Decepticon way demands everyone of us to operate at full capacity every time possible, and I'm not exception."
But before anyone could do the first move, an explosion blew up part of the wall. That forced the group to cover, while Knock Out, who was closer, was sent backwards.
"What's going on now?" Misty demanded.
"That came from inside the repository." Tracey realized.
"Then someone else is after the relic as well." Serena deduced.
"But who? Knock Out's reinforcements?" Ritchie asked.
Suddenly they heard some familiar laughs as two figures appeared between smoke.
"Looking for trouble?" A female voice asked.
"Then get ready for double." A male voice followed.
"No way." May said, knowing who those voices were.
"Just what we needed." Bonnie complained.
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all people within our nation!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now or prepare for a very educational fight!"
"Meowth, that's right!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"They never get tired of saying that, don't they?" Iris simply said.
"What are you guys doing here?!" Ash demanded.
"We simply came for a little shopping." Jessie started.
"You see, we were watching the news during our break time. And when we heard about the astonishing discovery, we thought it was the chance of a lifetime, and we couldn't let it escape." James continued.
"So we are relocating this little baby to Team Rocket's property." Meowth said pointing to a cable holding the relic's container.
"Be glad this time we are not after Pikachu, so be smart and don't bother us so you could still enjoy your little trip at the museum." Jessie ended.
"That thing doesn't belong to you! You not even know what it is or what it does!" Clemont defended.
"Drop it immediately or we will force you!" Dawn added.
"Pi piplup!"
"Yamask, use Haze!" James commanded pulling out a poke ball.
James's pokémon, Yamask, filled the whole room with his move, causing everyone to lose sign of them. Team Rocket took the chance to escape in a van with the relic's container on its trunk. But Knock Out, who was already back, saw them getting away.
"Hey, I was going to steal that!" He said changing to vehicle form and going after them.
The group managed to get out of the cloud, but the thieves were already gone. At the same time, Bumblebee, Arcee and Hot Rod were at the museum's entrance.
"Has anyone seen the rest of the team?" Bee asked.
"Maybe they are not interested in seeing you in this Optimus mode." Arcee joked.
"Guys, we have a problem. The Cons are not the only ones after the relic. Team Rocket is here, and they are getting away with it." Ash communicated with his Pokétch.
"The losers are here?"
"We are at the entrance. We will keep an eye for if they dare pass through here." Hot Rod answered.
"So, any ideas for handling human low criminals, team leader?"
"No…I mean…rarg…I just need…"
But before Bumblebee could decide they saw a truck driving at high speed toward the exit, they were too fast that looks like Team Rocket didn't notice them. And right behind them…
"Out of my way, Autobots! I'm in a hurry right now!" Knock Out shouted driving at fast speed.
The Decepticon ended running over Bumblebee, who unlike Arcee and Hot Rod didn't have time to react and get out of his way. The impact force of the two robots ended bringing down the museum's wall, ending both out. Knock Out saw Team Rocket's vehicle getting away.
"Oh no, you don't." Knock Out said entering the road and continued after Team Rocket.
Unfortunately for Bumblebee, he was now exposed directly to all the people who was present right there. Fortunately, someone came to the rescue.
"It's okay ladies and gentlemen, there's nothing to be worried about. The museum has been working with on some new animatronics. Observe." Clemont announced, now wearing an identification tag like if he works in the museum. He pulled out a remote and headed to Bee. "Tell me assistance unit, what's the composition of Mars's atmosphere?"
Bumblebee looked at Clemont confused, but at seeing the public with interested eyes he knew what he was doing. So he decided to follow his game.
"The planet Mars's atmosphere composition is…" He started to make signs that he was glitching. "…error…error."
"Ups, sorry. I guess this one still requires a few retouches before activation. Sorry for bothering you." Clemont apologized as he and Bee returned back into the museum.
"Uff, that was a close call." Hot Rod sighed in relief.
"Nice trick out there, Clemont." Arcee congratulated. "That was really smart."
"Yeah. Maybe you should be the one in charge of the group instead." Bee said in shame walking away.
"What Bee means with that?" Ritchie asked.
"Optimus chose him to be in charge of leading the team during the mission." Arcee revealed, surprising everyone.
"Bee is the team's leader?" Max asked in surprise.
"Oh, so that's why he was even acting that weird." Serena realized. "Was he imitating Optimus that way?"
"He thought acting like he does may be the best course for leading." Hot Rod answered.
"So that's what's been troubling him all this time." May said.
"It seems he could need some help." Ash said.
"Pi? Pika pika." Pikachu said before showing Ash his best imitation of a certain individual.
"Good idea, buddy." Ash thanked before using his Pokétch. "Blaster, I need you to call someone."
"That's very impressive, but let's not forget that Team Rocket has taking the relic away and Knock Out has gone after them." Iris recalled.
"And they are in middle of the city. That seems to complicate things a little." Tracey added.
"For the moment, let's wait for the rest of the team to meet us at the entrance. Then we will decide what to do." Hot Rod suggested.
While the group debated, Bumblebee, a little depressed at the feeling that he had failed in leading the team, was immersed on his thoughts. Until a voice got him out.
"Bumblebee."
"Optimus?"
"Ash told me you have been having a hard time during your mission." The Autobot leader spoke from base.
"I'm afraid I'm not doing a very good job of leading a team, Optimus. No matter how much I try to be like you."
"Perhaps that is the problem. Bumblebee, you are not me."
"You can say that again."
"You misunderstand. What I mean is that you don't need to be like me in order to succeed."
"Optimus is right, Bee." Max started. "Having a great leader doesn't mean you have to act the same way. You are you, and you have done great things by yourself. Maybe if you try to lead as you it will work."
"And you are not alone here." Ash added.
"You have everyone on your side if you're mistaken, to help you improve that way." May joined.
"Listen to your friends, young warrior. The wisdom of a leader doesn't lie just on himself, but also in the ones who surround him." Optimus recited.
At hearing that, Bumblebee's spirit cheered him. "Thanks Optimus, thank you guys. I really needed that."
"Thing you can give it a try, chief Bumblebee?" Max encouraged.
Bee simply smiled. Moments later, the remaining Autobots gathered with the group at the entrance.
"Finally we're out. I don't understand how humans like these places." Smokescreen complained.
"Is it true what we heard? Those losers of Team Rocket have taken the relic?" Moonracer asked.
"I just hope to find Knock Out right where they are, so I can leave him a good dent on his precious paint job." Sideswipe requested.
"If those troublemakers are in possession of the relic, who knows what big mess they can orchestrate not knowing what it is." Wheeljack added.
"That's why we'll need to stop them before they go too far." Bumblebee pronounced arriving. "Guys, you know Team Rocket better than us. How we should proceed?"
"If we know Team Rocket as we know them, they simply will try to get away with their price in their vehicle." Ash summarized.
"Without diversion, or distraction?"
"The most they use to perform are simple getaways with smoke to cover their escape or trying to hold us with their pokémon." Misty added.
"Classic criminal getaway performance. Typical of low-class and harmless criminals. I think I know how to stop them."
"And to recover the relic?" Smokey remembered.
"And what about our Con friend?" Moon added.
"Sideswipe, think you can keep him busy without endangering innocent citizens?" Bee asked.
"Just leave him to me."
"Sounds like you have a good plan on head."
"Not only it's a good plan Arcee, it's gonna be fun. Let's roll out." Bee declared.
"That's what I wanna hear." Hot Rod complimented.
"Let's spoil Team Rocket's fun." Bonnie proclaimed.
Once the Autobots transformed and the kids got aboard the team proceeded to pursuit the bad guys. Speaking about, Team Rocket was now driving through the city's streets, laughing for their victory.
"Wait until we deliver this trinket to the boss." James started.
"I'm sure he will get surprised once he put his eyes on this thing ever seen." Meowth followed.
"And he will no doubt reward us for our well-done service." Jessie ended.
"We will be rich!" The three said at the same time.
"Wobbuffet."
Then, they felt something hitting their truck.
"What was that?" Meowth asked.
"Seems like someone has hit us. Probably a vague driver." James deduced.
Jessie looked out of her window and spotted Knock Out right behind them. "Hey, you have cleared the other road! Pass to it!"
"You bush-leagues have something I have come for, and I'm not gonna leave without it." The Decepticon warned before hitting them again.
"That guy is crazy! He must be blowing off steam with us." Jessie deduced.
"Perhaps he's another thief which wants this valuable thing the same as us." James deduced.
"He's crazy if he thinks we are going to hand it to him like that. Metal to the pedal." Meowth said.
Team Rocket's truck speeded up to get away from Knock Out, but he was more experience when it comes to races and pursuits, so he continued hitting them. Fortunately, there wasn't much traffic that day in the city, so the team managed to catch up with them.
"Looks like Knock Out didn't like Team Rocket to get away with his prize as well." Moonracer observed.
"It doesn't matter. If he continues with that mad behavior, he could endanger other drivers or pedestrians. Sideswipe, you know what to do." Bumblebee authorized.
"With pleasure, boss. Yeeehhaaaaa!"
Sideswipe speeded up until reached Knock Out from behind and hit him, making him to spin a little in disorientation.
"Hey Knocky, you're it!" Sideswipe provoked driving away.
"Oh, so you wanna play tag? Fine, let's play!" Knock Out accepted, getting after him.
"He's distracted, now's our chance!" Smokescreen saw.
"Arcee, Moon, advance ahead of Team Rocket and force them to slow down. Smokescreen, Wheeljack, you and I will trap them so they cannot change track. Hot Rod, place yourself in the back of the truck, the kids will climb on its trunk and move the relic to yours." Bee instructed.
"We should also need a distraction so they would not notice it." The red Autobot reminded.
"We can take care of that." Ash and Ritchie volunteered.
"Okay. Let's move out." Bee ordered.
The female Autobots accelerated to put themselves in front of the truck, forcing it to slow down. That allowed Hot Rod to almost hit its back, allowing Ash, Ritchie and both Pikachu to jump to the ceiling and crawl to the frontal part. And once they reached the windows, which were open…
"Stop this truck!" Ash shouted while the four entered where Team Rocket was by force and started struggling with them.
Because they had Jessie and James immobilized, no one was driving the truck.
"Now!" Bee commanded.
At the signal, Smokey, Jackie and Bee pushed the truck from both sides, trapping it like a sandwich in order to control its route.
"Guys, your turn!"
"You heard Bee. Time to get back the relic." Hot Rod communicated.
Clemont used his Aipom arm to break open the trunk's door. They saw the relic's container at front of them, so they jumped aboard the truck.
"We are gonna need lot of strength in order to move this." Iris deduced.
"Clemont, use your mechanical appendage to pull from it. Fraxure, give him a boost." Tracey instructed.
"We will push it from the other side." Serena added.
They started to move the container, although it was difficult because of how heavy it was, for both humans and pokémon. And because of that, someone noticed what they were attempting to.
"Hey, what do you twerps think you are doing? You're stealing us!" Meowth discovered.
"For starters, you stole it first! So we are simply returning it to its rightful owner."
"Don't bother Bonnie, these guys don't understand the rights of property." Misty said.
"But we know how to get right of nuisances as you." Meowth said pulling out a rocket launcher from who knows where, with intention to use it.
"Not this time. Piplup, stop him!" Dawn commanded.
Wasting no time, Piplup used Ice Beam to freeze the rocket launcher's exit hole, which made it not work.
"Ah, it's stuck!" Meowth noticed after trying to fire it multiple times.
"Let's take our leave." May encouraged as everyone helped pull the container.
But Meowth and Wobbuffet tried to pull it to them, starting some tug of war duel. Until Dedenne crawled to Wobbuffet's tail and started to tickling him, making him laugh and releasing the relic.
"Hey, what's wrong with you?! This is no time for laughs! Stop doing that and give me a hand here!"
While Meowth was busy reproaching his pal, Piplup took the chance and started pecking him on the head, making him also to lost focus on the relic.
"Keep like that, guys. We're coming." Ritchie called.
While Ritchie and Ash made their back to the truck's trunk, Pikachu and Sparky used an electric attack to stun both members of Team Rocket, making sure they were too fried to do anything. They four walked over Wobbuffet and Meowth, leaving them dizzy, and joining their pals in pushing the container.
"Bee, I'm sorry to report this but, it seems I underestimated our pal respecting tag and he managed to give me the slip." Sideswipe reported.
"Then where actually is he…?" Hot Rod started, but couldn't finish when he felt a strong hit which sent him out of the road.
For when the gang finished pushing the relic out of the truck…
"Hot Rod, here! Catch it!" Ash called.
And the relic's container ended in another car's trunk, but…
"Hold a minute, that isn't Hot Rod." Serena recognized.
When the car turned at them…
"Knock Out?!" Everyone said in surprised.
"Thank you for a most welcome delivery, you have made a nice contribution for the Decepticon cause. So, as a token of appreciation, allow me to get rid of your problem." The red Decepticon offered pulling out his vehicle form's weapons and charging them up.
"We need to get out of here!" Tracey announced alarmed.
"Coming!" Bee answered.
The three Autobots stopped holding the truck and allowed the humans to jump on them. They stepped aside before Knock Out shot two charged up lasers at Team Rocket's truck, which hit right at the rocket launcher. That caused a typical explosion which obliterated the vehicle completely and sent them flying between the smoke.
"If those cursed twerps didn't stuck our launcher with ice…!" Meowth started.
"One thing for sure, I don't intend to break any driving rules anymore!" James swore.
"I just hope the boss didn't forget to apply an insurance for the vehicle." Jessie simply said.
"Wobbuffet!"
"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" They said again as they disappeared in the sky.
"Wow, so it wasn't joke what they said about those three. Well, I admit it was fun, at the end. Anyway, I will love to stay here and chat about those crazy clowns, but I have a tight schedule and someone waiting for this baby to go back home. So, see you later!" Knock Out said goodbye before changing route.
"We cannot let him get away!" Iris yelled.
"Girls, see if Hot Rod requires assistance. The rest with me, we're going after Knock Out." Bumblebee ordered.
As the group organized, Knock Out was already into an alley, trying to put more distance between him and the Autobots.
"I can't wait to see the faces of those two when I enter the bridge with the relic at hand. Surely that will teach them to properly respect the veteran ones of the Nemesis." Knock Out boasted, until he felt something hard on his back. "Oh, in the name of Galvatron, now what?!"
He looked through his rear view and saw something attached to his back, some kind of claw, which started to pull from him and taking him into the sky.
"Hey! This is not how I wanted to fly!"
The cable was coming from some kind of mix between a helicopter and a jet from above him, which started to take him swinging between the buildings. It made him crush into some of them on purpose.
"Hey, watch the paint!"
The team didn't take so long to spot him as well.
"Is that…Knock Out?" Max said in disbelief.
"Since when Team Rocket calls for backup?" Dawn asked seeing the new vehicle.
"I don't think that's strange birdy is from the weirdos. But sounds familiar." Wheeljack noticed.
Next, they saw how the vehicle dropped Knock Out into a pool of cement.
"Juck, this gross! Who do you think you are to ruin my finish?!" Knock Out exclaimed mad.
The vehicle headed for him and before reaching land it transformed, revealing to be someone Knock Out didn't expect, because his anger seemed to banish and replaced with fear.
"Thundertron?!"
"You have such a big mouth for a mediocre Decepticon. I assure you getting your finish ruined is the less of your worries right now." The Star Seeker leader menaced pointing a sword at his face. "But fortunately for you I'm only interested of whatever this container holds. Surrender it to me and I will allow you to leave without a scratch. Believe me, instead of fearing what your superiors will do to you for failing, you should fear more what I can inflict to you."
Thundertron's words were enough to convince Knock Out, because he gave up the container and allowed the pirate to grab it.
"Wise choice." He congratulated before transforming and taking off.
The team saw it too.
"Who's that Con?" Serena asked.
"Thundertron, the head of the Star Seekers." Hot Rod recognized.
"The leader of the space pirates?" Ritchie asked.
"The same. But he looks a little changed." Bee noticed.
"That doesn't matter, he's getting away with the relic!" Smokescreen reminded.
"We cannot allow him. Bee, take us closer!"
"Are you sure, Ash?"
"Trust me, I have an idea."
Bumblebee speeded up all he could at Thundertron and surprisingly, without warning, Ash and Pikachu jumped and hooked to the cable holding the relic.
"What is he doing?" Arcee asked arriving with Moon and Hot Rod.
"Is he crazy?" Moon questioned.
"No. Ash never does anything reckless if he doesn't know what to do." Serena said trustful.
"We must be sure he gets support when he needs it." Hot Rod agreed.
"I'll take care of it. Scyther, go help them!" Tracey called.
Back with Ash, it seemed that Thundertron didn't notice them.
"Pikachu, use Iron Tail. We need to cut this cable."
"Pika pika."
Pikachu started using his move to break the cable. This also made it to move from one side to another, which the Star Seeker noticed too.
"What? What in the name of the Allspark are you two doing down there?! Wait! Stop!"
But it was too late: the last hit from Pikachu cut the cable completely. They started to end free falling, until something caught them.
"Scyther! Good timing!"
"Scyther!" Tracey's pokémon nodded.
"Now let's go after the relic."
The container fell right in middle of a scrapyard, so it landed not too hard. But Thundertron was now focused on them.
"You are gonna regret interfering with my business." He said preparing some missile launchers.
Fortunately, Pikachu used Electroweb to trap all missiles before they reached them. Taking advantage of the smokescreen, they landed safely in the scrapyard, but soon Thundertron was after them again. But suddenly, Optimus Prime arrived flying at high speed and tackled him against the ground. That forced the Star Seeker leader to return to robot form.
"Optimus Prime, it's been a long time."
"You have no business here, Thundertron. Leave now or face the consequences."
"I will take my leave as soon as I recover what belongs to me."
"The relics of the Primes are not some lost item anyone can take as lightly. Some of them holds great power which not even you can comprehend. Stay out of that path if you know what concerns you."
"I feel flattered for your concern, Prime. But this is not the first Prime relic which I take my hands on." Thundertron announced pulling out his sword.
Optimus widened his eyes once he recognized it. "By the Allspark, is that…?"
"Yes. One recovered from the ruins of the resting place of one of the original Primes. An interesting sword. One worthy of being properly used by me."
"I will return it to its rightful place, Thundertron. Even if that means snuffing your spark in the process." Optimus menaced changing his hands for his battle axes.
"Now that's what I wanted to hear, Prime. Show me your skills!"
Both leaders started to duel, clashing their weapons together with great force and speed. Thundertron may had in disadvantage because Optimus possessed two weapons, but his skill with the sword allowed him to counter it. Until Optimus used them both to block him and pushing him backwards, before using his jetpack to tackle him against a pile of scrap. Next, he pulled out his gatling and fired to a container above them to open it and drop another amount of scrap above his rival, burying him. Thinking it was done, Optimus proceeded to recover the relic's container, but then a huge shot broke through the scrap, and Thundertron made his way out, now with a huge cannon instead of one of his hands, a riot cannon.
"Not bad, but you are not the only one who has obtained a few improvements." He said before firing at him.
The shot's impact was strong enough to send Optimus flying against the wall.
"Optimus!" Ash called before going to check him.
Meanwhile, Thundertron took the container, sliced its top and put his hand into to pick the relic.
"It's been a while since the last treasure I acquired, and I'm eager to know what this is."
But he got surprised when he discovered what was inside: a tiny metallic pen, similar to the ones used in ancient times for writing.
"A plume? Are you kidding me?!" Thundertron expressed, surprisingly in mad tone, probably not pleased for what the relic was. "This is what the Primes guarded in this compartment? For what everyone was so interested in?! This is nothing more than a waste, a simple tool! You can't use this for nothing more than write things. Those Prime fibbers. Keep it if you want it, I'm not interested on such useless file ornament." He said throwing it away.
Pikachu saw it and run forward it, jumping to grab it before it crashed against the floor, just in time. "Chu."
"It has been entertaining rumbling with you again, Prime. That's the only thing worthy for me today." Thundertron said before transforming and leaving.
"Whoa, that was surprising." Ash observed before Pikachu brought the relic, which he took. "Good catch, buddy."
"Ash!" Hot Rod's voice called, making them look at them approaching.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes Tracey. Everyone's fine." Ash answered.
"And Thundertron?" Arcee asked.
"He left. He could have taken the relic, but instead he threw it back to us."
"He threw away the relic? Why?" Bonnie asked surprised.
"He didn't like it?" Ritchie added.
"And what was the relic exactly?" Iris wondered.
"This." Ash showed.
"We have been rumbling Team Rocket, Knock Out and the leader of the Star Seekers for this?" Sideswipe asked in disbelief.
"Doesn't look like much." Wheeljack opined.
"It's smaller even that the phase shifter." Smokescreen added.
"Whoa, looks like a plume. And a beautiful one." Serena said taking it and admiring it.
"Why such a small thing was storage within a container for cybertronian relics?" Tracey asked.
"Because this is the most important item of one of the oldest Primes of all. The most important belonging of Alpha Trion: the Quill." Optimus revealed as Serena gave him the relic.
"Wait. That thing belonged to Alpha Trion?"
"Indeed, Smokescreen. Thus I never saw my mentor holding it, he told me about it: one of the most powerful elements of the ancients. Though it appears to be nothing more than a simple scaled writing pencil in the hands of a cybertronian, it has the power to change the future of the universe itself. When used in conjunction with the Covenant of Primus, the Quill has a limited ability to literally write new events into the future."
"Whoa. So literately it's like something to write things in the book of the universe."
"Indeed, Clemont. And thus, this is not a power to be used lightly, and the future is a strange and mutable thing, so the Quill's penned changes don't always last. Still, it is an object of immense power that must be carefully guarded, something Alpha Trion kept secret from even his closest allies."
"Which means if the Decepticons would have get their hands into it, they could have used it to create events in which they will have been success." Bumblebee realized.
"Fortunately now it's in our hands, and we have no need to use it." Misty said.
"We are also fortunate that Thundertron didn't comprehend the true value of this relic. We will storage it safely on the room of the Primes." Optimus decided. "Blaster, mission accomplished. Bridge us back."
"Right away, sir." Blaster nodded from base.
While they waited for the ground bridge…
"Optimus, you were right at putting Bee in charge. You should have seen him when we dealt with Team Rocket." Max started.
"He did right at listening my request to deal with Knock Out, although at the end he managed to evade me. But that was my fault, not his." Sideswipe defended.
"And the plan to get those thieves trapped, what an ingenious thing." Smokescreen supported.
"Not to mention he knew where we could perform best taking into account our skills." Arcee added.
"The kid's learning fast. Jumping from scout to warrior was easy, but surely he will take this steady as well." Wheeljack opined.
"Maybe he didn't start right, but which leader starts without making mistakes?" Moonracer added.
"Can't wait to see you leading again like that." Bonnie admitted.
"Let's tell everyone about this back at base. I can't wait to see their reactions." May suggested.
And the ground bridge appeared in front of them.
"Until the next time, commander Bee." Hot Rod said putting a hand on his shoulder before entering like the others.
"Seems like the team has operated well. Thanks to you, Bumblebee."
"No Optimus, it was thanks to you. You put your faith on me even when I was not sure I could do it, and that allowed me to see what I was doing wrong. Thanks for believing in me."
"Don't ever forget as well, young warrior, to always know how far you can reach if you trust yourself like today."
After that, Bumblebee knew that his friends also trusted him to lead them when the time needs it, and now he knew how to lead his way. Meanwhile, back at the Nemesis, Knock Out was back, still covered in cement.
"I knew something was smelling here." Dropkick mocked when everyone saw Knock Out entering the bridge.
"Looks like we were right about underestimating your battle skills against the Autobots, if they managed to humiliate you like this." Shatter added.
"Shut up your mouths. For your knowledge, I managed to handle them just fine. This gross stew is Thundertron's doing."
"Wait, hold on. You said you faced Thundertron?" Starscream asked interested.
"And you're still in one piece?" Xiaxus added.
"That's correct. He threatened me to worse my condition if I didn't hand him over the relic. He also looks changed, explaining his new alt form." Knock Out reported.
"Surely we would have succeeded if we were sent on his place." Dropkick boasted.
"Allow me to disagree."
"Pardon me, general?" Shatter asked confused.
"Knock Out was lucky that Thundertron was not interested in extinguish his spark. Even if you two engaged him you would not have triumph. Many of our warriors didn't return after facing him as proof." Starscream revealed.
"The only one who could face him was Galvatron. Or probably Prime as well." Xiaxus added.
"Is that renegade that bad?" Skylynx asked interested.
"It is said Thundertron earned his combat skills in the same gladiatorial area which forged Megatron." Shockblast told.
"Which means in any future encounter with him all members of this crew must not act reckless at facing him." Xiaxus instructed.
Darksteel laughed. "You can lead that one to us."
"Darksteel is right. That criminal may be tough, but he hasn't faced any of us yet."
"We will take your opinion into account, Ser-Ket. In case the Star Seekers' presence becomes a real threat to our campaign." Xiaxus decided.