Transformers Prime: A New Adventure

by bigvic150

In this take of Transformers Prime, an army of humans is reformatted into Transformers to help the Autobots take on the Decepticon army. But will they succeed? Rated T. Ensemble OC and already existing Autobot, Decepticon, Maximal, Beast Wars Predacon, and Primeverse Predacon casts. Don't like, don't read. Simple as that. My story, my rules.

27. Darkness Rising Part 3

Transformers Prime: A New Adventure.

Chapter 27: Darkness Rising Part 3.

(Author's notes: In this chapter, Agent Fowler will still be captured and the reason for that is this: despite Fortressimus Prime's warnings, Agent Fowler still gave out that transmission to his superiors at the Pentagon after finding out the truth about the army of techno-organics. Predacon techno-organics included.

Also, I happen to have a nice surprise in store for Chapter 28: Darkness Rising Part 4. I can't tell any of you what that surprise is, but here's a hint: it's the kids running into and unfreezing an Autobot OC that they find in stasis lock on the Nemesis as a prisoner.

At the same time, there'll be something in store for the Predatory chapter and for what's supposed to be the Operation Breakdown chapter. I ain't going to say what they are, though; that would be spoiler alerts.

Lastly, please let me know what other characters you want to see in any of my current Transformers stories, not the ones that are already completed. And of course, already existing Transformers characters and OCs count.

In the meantime, enjoy chapter 27: Darkness Rising Part 3.)

Optimus Prime begins the recap, "Previously on Transformers Prime..."

In the base, Optimus says to the one hundred and eighty new techno-organics, "It is best that the one hundred and ninety-eight of you remains under our watch and receive combat training from us and it is also best that the rest of you remain under our watch. At least, until we can figure out the rest of our enemies' intentions and until we can find a way for you to join us on the battlefield."

In the Energon mine, Megatron remarks, "Gaze upon... Dark Energon."

As Megatron revives the dead Vehicon Trooper, Victoryjump, Counterheader and Hub End voice over one after the other, "Legend has it that Dark Energon has the ability to..." "...revive dead Transformers..." "...as cannibalistic zombies known as Terrorcons."

In the Autobot base, as the computer starts beeping to alert everyone of the Energon mine and the Dark Energon signal, Ratchet announces, "Optimus, Fortressimus, we've just detected a large Energon mine in Nebraska, and... something I can't explain."

Fortressimus explains, "Megatron used a dead Vehicon Trooper to test the Dark Energon he brought from the Andromeda galaxy."

In the Energon mine, as the Terrorcon snarls and charges towards Megatron, Fortressimus says, "Optimus, Bumblebee, Arcee, Bulkhead, Cliffjumper, Tailgate, Tiderally, Steelfist, Clippoint, help me deal with the Miners. The rest of you, mine the rest of the Energon as fast as you can and have Ratchet and the others bring the Energon to base."

Later, the Autobots are shown shooting down Decepticon Miners while Fortressimus reprograms the ones they missed.

Later on, upon seeing the halved Terrorcon, Arcee is aghast at what she saw as she realizes Fortressimus Prime was telling the truth.

Getting out a Cybertronian equivalent of a turkey baster, Arcee collects enough liquid Dark Energon for Ratchet to analyze.

Putting it in her subspace compartment, Arcee takes cover as the platform gets shot to the point of breaking apart, with the Terrorcon on it.

The Terrorcon falls down to the Energon crystals, where some of the sharp points skewer the Terrorcon, killing it permanently.

In the Autobot base, Optimus asks, "Arcee, what did you see?"

Arcee answers a little shaken up by what she saw, "A half of a Vehicon Trooper... but it wasn't a generic soldier type both sides used anymore. It was mutated, butchered like something from those Decepticon experiments during the Great War."

Fortressimus then reveals the Dark Energon sample and says, "In any case, I have a sample of Dark Energon for you to analyze, Ratchet."

Ratchet gingerly takes the sample and asks, "Did either of you get this on yourselves?"

Arcee replies, "No, we thankfully didn't."

Ratchet points out, "All the same, go take a decontamination bath now. We can't be too careful."

Fortressimus replies respectfully, "Understood."

Suddenly, Arcee falls over in a daze.

Bumblebee asks worriedly, "Arcee, are you alright?"

Arcee is helped onto a crate as she answers, "I'm fine, just dizzy."

Miko asks, "Robots who get dizzy?"

Rafael adds, "Robots with emotions."

Jack concludes, "Robots who can die."

Ratchet scans Arcee and sees Dark Energon on her left wrist guard as he inquires to Optimus, "So, that's Dark Energon?"

Optimus answers, "Yes, Ratchet."

Fortressimus takes a look and theorizes, "Apparently, Arcee got some splattered on herself when she was collecting the sample."

Ratchet scraps the goop off of Arcee's wrist guard and both Fortressimus and Arcee head to the decontamination chambers, escorted by Starscream and Cliffjumper.

In the Autobot base, Ratchet is continuing to analyze the Dark Energon sample with Blow Saber's assistance as he was a medic and a scientist in the Quadwal cluster before becoming an Autobot.

Ratchet remarks, "Hmm. The base elements of this Dark Energon goo are unlike anything I've encountered. It must be extremely concentrated to the point where it should've affected Fortressimus Prime rapidly as it did to Arcee, but it didn't. Any ideas as to why, Blow Saber?"

The Tyran cluster Ratchet lookalike answers, "I believe that me, Fortressimus and our army are the first Transformers to be completely and permanently immune to the effects of Dark Energon. And yet, based on our foreknowledge, nobody is truly immune to Dark Energon. Not even Primus."

Ratchet looks at his ally and replies back, "You may be right about that. (He takes out a set of pliers to move the liquid Dark Energon in a petri dish to the decontamination chamber.) Fortunately, complete results are fast-coming when it comes to the use of proper diagnostic tools. I must remember to thank Fortressimus for talking down Agent Fowler since I now know that Agent Fowler continuing to chirp at Optimus like a malfunctioning scrap droid would've resulted in Bulkhead breaking another one of my tools."

Unbeknownst to everyone else, Fortressimus is in the desert in vehicle mode, watching the whole thing thanks to his connection to the cameras in the base.

Fortressimus remarks to no one in particular, "Well, I certainly aim to please, Ratchet."

Fortressimus continues driving along the desert.

And finally, on the Nemesis, as Megatron breaks a Dark Energon shard of the large crystal, Victoryjump exclaims, "WAIT! LORD MEGATRON, NO! NOT YOUR SPARK CHAMBER! YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT WILL DO YOUR SYSTEMS!"

But Megatron just shoves the shard into his spark chamber.

Suddenly, parts of Megatron's armor glows purple and Megatron starts convulsing with deep groaning while looking up.

Victoryjump and Counterheader step back as Megatron's optics turn purple and he starts to scream in agonizing pain.

(End of recap...)

At a stop sign in the desert, Fortressimus Prime is waiting for the light to turn green when Arcee, Tiderally, Jack, Overscreen, and Cliffjumper come up to him.

And coincidentally, Tiderally is an all silver, red and golden yellow ATV, and he has his human passenger, Torin Ianson, riding him.

Jack asks, "How you doing, Commander?"

Fortressimus replies, "Well, as much as I wouldn't admit it, I'm bored."

Cliffjumper suggests, "Well, you won't be bored for long. Wanna have a short 2 round race? First one to make the 1 mile marker wins and whoever makes the 2 mile marker wins."

Fortressimus replies, "Sure, why not?"

Overscreen remarks, "You and I haven't raced each other in eons, Fortressimus."

Arcee gloats, "You boys are going down."

Fortressimus mentally smirks evilly, knowing that because of his supernatural speed in vehicle mode, Arcee's going to eat those words.

Of course, what Fortressimus knew was that Tiderally, like Steelfist in his native universal stream before it vanished from existence, has a speed boost upgrade from his final days on Cybertron, and so Fortressimus decides to not show his surprise or previous knowledge of such a concept.

Once the light turned green, Fortressimus took the lead.

After five seconds, Fortressimus, Jack, Overscreen, Arcee and Cliffjumper were neck-in-neck before Fortressimus accelerated, leaving his friends in the dust!

Once he reached the 1 mile marker, he stopped while honking his horn in victory.

Fortressimus exclaims, "Whoo! Outstanding! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

And as the others caught up to Fortressimus, Torin tapped Tiderally on the handlebars, and he activated his triple power turbo booster, speeding past Fortressimus, Cliffjumper, Arcee, and Jack with Torin shrieking in surprise, excitement and fear all at once while holding on tight, thankful that all Cybertronians with vehicle modes come equipped with seatbelts. Partially thanks to and no thanks to the wretched Quintessons, in Fortressimus' words.

As Tiderally makes it to the 2 mile marker, he carefully stops.

Tiderally remarks before asking in concern, "Now, that was fun. Are you okay, Torin?"

Torin replies while slightly shaking, "Yeah, but I don't ever want to do that again."

Tiderally replies, "I understand, pal."

The other four Autobots caught up to him as he stops.

Arcee groans, "Ooouuuggghhh. You just had to be a showoff."

Cliffjumper asks Fortressimus, "How are you that fast, commander? I mean, you're a truck, for crying out loud. And as far as I know, Peterbilt semi trucks on Earth don't go more than one hundred and twenty-four miles per hour."

Fortressimus replies, "Well, many versions of Optimus Prime, including the version that I look like, happen to have much greater superhuman strength, superhuman speed, and an enhanced supernatural ability to heal his wounds faster. Those powers that many different versions of Optimus have are much greater than normal Autobots. That, and because I resemble the Tyran cluster Optimus Prime, I inherited his powers from different Tyran cluster and Uniend cluster universes, including his Maximum Overdrive ability, his superhuman strength from the Matrix of Leadership and from years of exercise combined with a military training regiment, his supernatural agility, and his skills in using swords, blades, guns, and other forms of weaponry, no matter how advanced or primitive."

Jack replies before quizzing, "That's... actually a good point. But I thought Primes were much more mature than what we just saw before Tiderally beat us?"

Fortressimus replies back, "Under normal circumstances, most of the original Primes are one hundred percent mature, including Optimus. But most of the original Primes except for Optimus happen to have a small sense of humor. And even though I look like a version of Optimus that combines one of his modern interpretations with the look of a vehicular Guardian Knight, I have to have my fun away from combat from time to time. Remember, once you start pretending to have fun, you might end up having a small amount of actual fun by accident."

Jack was given something to think about after that answer.

Cliffjumper then questions Tiderally, "And what was that? I don't remember you being that fast, let alone having a turbo booster like what we saw."

Tiderally answers, "Oh, it was an upgrade I got from one of my generals 5 years before I left Cybertron. Although, I don't think you're going to see Torin or any of the others riding on me when I use my speed boost."

Jack takes notice of how shaken up Torin is, as well as the fact that he looks like he could puke if he goes through the experience a second time.

Jack says with a slight shudder at the end, "If Torin is this easily affected, I don't ever want to go through that either."

Torin gives Jack a shaky smile.

Just then, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Miko and Rafael came along.

Bulkhead questions, "Hey, guys. What's up?"

Fortressimus replies, "Nothing much, aside from both me and Tiderally winning a two-parter friendly race to alleviate boredom."

Bumblebee exclaims, "No way! You actually won one half of a friendly race despite having the vehicle mode of a big rig?"

Fortressimus replies again, "That's right, Bumblebee. But if I'm being honest, I've been working on a secret project for a couple of afternoons ever since me and my army first came here."

Everyone else inquires in unison, "What kind of project?" "What kind of project?" "What kind of project?" "What kind of project?" "What kind of project?" "What kind of project?" "What kind of project?" "What kind of project?" "What kind of project?"

Fortressimus replies once more, "That's a surprise, but it's mainly for our forces."

Bumblebee questions in mock offense, "And you won't tell even us?"

Fortressimus states a little teasingly before turning serious, "What, you really thought I would just tell you, when it wasn't even finished? But in all seriousness, if you really want to know, you'll have to try harder at convincing me to spill the beans, as humans say."

Bumblebee questions in reply, "Could it be that your project for me has to do with something our forces have long desired ever since Autobot scientists first started combiner experiments, Predacon cloning experiments, and other kinds of experiments?"

Fortressimus answers, "You got the first hint. I'll leave the rest to your imagination."

Rafael then quizzes, "What was this sort of thing that you and the others have always wanted, Bumblebee?"

Bumblebee answers, "...The chance to have our home planet Cybertron restored."

Jack then questions, "Wait. There's something I don't get. Why is Bumblebee able to talk if Gigawave said that Bumblebee has been unable to talk for millions of years?"

Miko opens her mouth but Fortressimus explains, "It happened at the Battle of Tyger Pax on Cybertron, after Optimus and Alpha Trion launched the Allspark to Theta Scorpii to prevent Megatron from abusing it. Bumblebee was captured by Megatron and personally interrogated by the arrogant blowhard himself. Megatron wanted to know where the Allspark was headed, but Bumblebee refused to break under interrogation despite not knowing where the Allspark was being launched towards, and Megatron crushed Bumblebee's voice box in response. Because of how strong Megatron is, that combined with his grip allowed him to crush Bumblebee's voice box with ease. Bumblebee was left for dead, but Autobot troops found him and immediately took him to a triage facility, where Ratchet was able to stabilize Bumblebee's condition."

Miko asks, "So, we owe Bumblebee's life to Ratchet?"

Arcee and Bulkhead answered one after the other, "Yes, it would seem that way, Miko." "But sadly, the damage to Bumblebee's voice box was beyond conventional repairs, even by Ratchet's standards."

Overscreen adds, "BUT thankfully, our team having the Forge of Solus Prime give us upgrades also allowed us to finally repair Bumblebee's voice box, seeing as how that's another benefit of having upgrades thanks to Solus Prime's Forge."

Tiderally adds, "Which is why Fortressimus explained to us that only Cybertronian magic like the kind our creator Primus uses to turn humans into Cybertronians and techno-organics, the kind of magic of the cyber-matter from the Omega Lock, and the kind of magic from the Forge of Solus Prime are the only things that can truly repair irreversible damages that even Fortressimus and Ratchet can't fix."

Bumblebee remarks, "Whoa. That's deep. Seriously, I didn't even know that."

Fortressimus replies before saying, "Yeah. It was a shocker when my army and I first found out about this back on our Earth in the Quadwal cluster. But now, we should head back to base. I'll open a Ground Bridge."

Fortressimus opens a Ground Bridge.

At the same time all of this was happening, in the Autobot base, Ratchet says to himself, "Thank Primus for peace and quiet. House guests can be such a bother. Fortressimus Prime's crew excluded."

Ratchet continues analyzing the Dark Energon sample and after about seven seconds of analysis, he exclaims, "By the Allspark! It is Dark Energon!"

Blow Saber then says, "Even though Fortressimus and the rest of our army knows, we still have to notify the others."

Ratchet nods and just as he's about to open the Ground Bridge, it opens by itself and out comes the deployment that went away for a little drive.

Ratchet and Blow Saber gawk in shock as the eight Autobots all transform to robot mode.

And in no time, the Ground Bridge also brings the rest of the ground and flying Autobots to base, wherein their human and techno-organic companions disembarked for their partners to switch back to robot mode.

Suddenly, everyone hears a clanging in Bulkhead's chestplate.

Bulkhead opens it to reveal Miko's guitar in its case.

Miko states while gently setting down her guitar against a wall, "Sorry, Bulk; must've left that in the backseat."

Miko takes her guitar and starts setting up the speakers for her guitar, thinking that band practice was on the activities list.

Optimus comes in and asks, "What's going on here?"

Fortressimus answers, "We just came back from our drive around the countryside, and Ratchet finally realized that Dark Energon is real."

Ratchet sputters before adding, "But Dark Energon is so scarce to the point of being non-existent."

Overscreen points out, "But remember, the thing about myths and legends is that sometimes, they're true. Like, for example, most Cybertronians believed that Predacons on Cybertron were mythological, but either Primus' powers bringing new Predacons to life as full Cybertronians or techno-organics, or even a Decepticon scientist the equivalent of the deceased Shockwave cloning Predacon bones using a Hyperevolution Chamber to bring new Predacons online can prove to everyone else that Predacons are indeed real."

Ratchet and Optimus along with the members of the original Team Prime roster mentally told each other not to reveal Shockwave's true fate to Fortressimus' group. Simply due to finding out how much Fortressimus hates Shockwave because of the things he's done in various Transformers universes.

Ratchet replies before asking, "Well, I cannot argue on that one. But what would Dark Energon be doing here on Earth?"

Fortressimus answers, "It was transported by Megatron to conquer this planet by raising an army of Terrorcons using a shard of Dark Energon in his own spark chamber to control said Terrorcons."

Optimus adds while keeping his cool, "Coincidentally, I had come to the same conclusion."

Fortressimus replies, "I had a feeling that you'd find out sooner or later."

Then, coming into the room was Deadimus Prime, Ridertimus Prime, Slapimus Prime, Dragimus Prime, Megaimus Prime, Galvaimus Prime, Fireimus Prime, Sideimus Prime, Wingimus Prime, Airimus Prime, Swipeimus Prime, Trackimus Prime, Siximus Prime, Burnimus Prime, Gutimus Prime, Hammerimus Prime, Longimus Prime, Wideimus Prime, Downimus Prime, Redimus Prime, Treadimus Prime, and Macronimus Prime, twenty-two of Optimus' brothers and cousins who resemble the various iterations of Optimus across the Transformers multiverse.

And they are as follows: Deadimus Prime resembles the Armada Optimus Prime. Ridertimus Prime looks like the Energon Optimus Prime. Slapimus Prime shares the same appearance as the Cybertron Optimus Prime. Dragimus Prime resembles the Robots in Disguise 2001 Optimus Prime. Megaimus Prime looks like the Combiner Wars Battle Core Optimus. Galvaimus Prime shares the same appearance as the Generation 1/Titans Return Powermaster Optimus Prime without a Titan Master. Fireimus Prime resembles the Generations Selects Star Convoy in every way possible. Sideimus Prime looks like a combination of the Dark of the Moon Optimus Prime and the Armada version. Wingimus Prime shares a hybrid appearance that looks like a combination of the Cybertron Optimus Prime and the Animated version. Airimus Prime resembles a combination of the Cybertron Optimus Prime and the RID 2001 version. Swipeimus Prime looks just like a combination of the Primeverse Optimus Prime and the Generation 1 version. Trackimus Prime shares a hybrid appearance that looks like a combination of the Primeverse Optimus Prime and the Armada version. Siximus Prime resembles a hybrid combination of the Primeverse Optimus Prime and the Dark of the Moon version. Burnimus Prime shares a hybrid appearance that greatly resembles a combination of the Beast Hunters Optimus Prime and the Cybertron version. Gutimus Prime looks a lot like a combination of the Age of Extinction Optimus Prime and the Armada version. Hammerimus Prime shares the same appearance combination as the Age of Extinction Optimus Prime and the Generation 1 Optimus Prime put together. Longimus Prime looks like a combination of the Age of Extinction Optimus Prime and the Primeverse Optimus Prime put together in terms of robot mode armor design. Wideimus Prime looks exactly like the Cyberverse Optimus Prime. Downimus Prime greatly resembles a combination of the Transformers Go Optimus Exprime and the Beast Hunters Optimus Prime put together, making him a Four Changer. Redimus Prime looks just like a combination of the RID 2015 Optimus Prime and the Armada Optimus Prime put together. Treadimus Prime greatly looks just like a combination of the RID 2015 Optimus Prime and the Generation 1 Optimus Prime in a modernized design. And lastly, Macronimus Prime looks exactly like a combination of the RID 2015 Optimus Prime and the Beast Hunters iteration of Optimus Prime put together. This was all something which caught Fortressimus and his army off-guard, as Optimus didn't have any biological siblings or cousins whatsoever that resembled different incarnations of him, even though Optimus had a mother who was never shown in print, on TV or on a movie screen.

As Ackas Pax, Caelum Pax, Tangoray Prime, Lightflame, Magnetgaze, Cora/Black Dancer, Ashlida Prime/Gravityjumper Prime, Reza Pax, Rainplay, and Chronogaze also emerge, Ratchet then asks, "Well, Megatron will definitely need to break quite a few toaster ovens. I mean, where on this planet do you think Megatron will find an army of the undead, Fortressimus?"

Fortressimus looks lost in thought as he tries to remember the location of the first Cybertronian graveyard on Earth.

Fortressimus then says, "My best guess would be the very bottom of the Grand Canyon."

Optimus looked stern as he remembers the tales of a Cybertronian army or two fighting each other at that location a long time ago.

Ackas questions, "Orion, you don't think that Megatron will resurrect an army of undead Cybertronians, do you?"

Optimus answers, "Unfortunately, Mother, considering what we've been informed of in the last 24 hours, I am afraid that Megatron will indeed disgrace the memory of our fallen people to win this war."

Ackas shakes her head in disappointment.

Meanwhile, on the Nemesis, Megatron exhales deeply, having recovered from the pain of infusing his spark with Dark Energon.

Victoryjump, Counterheader and Hub End respectively ask, "Lord Megatron..." "Are you alright?" "How do you feel?"

Megatron replies, "It's as if the Blood of Unicron the Chaos-Bringer flows through my metallic veins. It's as if I can hear his very thoughts. (He breaks off another shard.) Now, I know what I must do."

Victoryjump then quizzes, "And what can we do to assist you, Master?"

Megatron replies, "Quit groveling, and await my command."

Megatron turns to Hub End and says, "Hub End, you, Counterheader, Streetroar, Airwheels, Speedgazer, Swiftforce, Duskgazer, Chronoblazer, Steelwinder, Crashheart, Cometwire, Rapidscream, Solarclash, Rapidshot, Flareracer, Magnetvoid, Sunwind, Speedheart, Currentstriker, Blightstrike, Victorysmasher, Sunroar, Soundwave and Ironspan are in charge until I return."

Hub End replies, "Yes, Lord Megatron."

Megatron makes his way to the flight deck.

Upon entering the flight deck, Megatron transforms to his jet mode and flies off to the Grand Canyon.

On the flight deck, Counterheader sits on Victoryjump's shoulder plate and the 20 Decepticon generals stood alongside Victoryjump when Soundwave comes up, sneaking behind Victoryjump.

Victoryjump startles as he states, "Soundwave! Stop sneaking on me like that!"

Soundwave plays back a recording of Megatron laughing in response.

Victoryjump replies, "Har har, very funny."

Streetroar then questions, "What do you have to report, Soundwave?"

Soundwave answers with combining his voice with Shockwave's voice, "I have been monitoring the communication wavelengths of this planet for any sign of the Autobot base to report to Lord Megatron."

Speedgazer remarks, "Excellent work as always, comrade."

Soundwave replies in the same voice combination, "Thank you, General."

Victoryjump then says, "Now, Soundwave, Streetroar, Airwheels, Speedgazer, Swiftforce, Duskgazer, Chronoblazer, Steelwinder, Crashheart, Cometwire, Rapidscream, Solarclash, Rapidshot, Flareracer, Magnetvoid, Sunwind, Speedheart, Currentstriker, Blightstrike, Victorysmasher, Sunroar, Hub End, I'm going to be clear with all of you and Counterheader. I fear that when our master reached for the Andromeda galaxy for the Dark Energon, he came down with a touch of... space madness."

Counterheader asks in confusion, "Can you please clarify, Commander?"

Victoryjump replies before ordering, "Think about it for a nanoklik, Counterheader; Lord Megatron has not been of sound judgment since he returned from his journey. Soundwave, increase global surveillance."

But Soundwave's response was a playback of Megatron saying, "Quit groveling, and await my command."

Victoryjump replies, "I'm not deaf! But if Optimus Prime lives, I believe its in Lord Megatron's best interests that we ensure his enemy's destruction."

Counterheader cautions, "You do realize that Lord Megatron won't be happy at all if he does find out what you're doing, right?"

Victoryjump replies again, "What he doesn't know, won't harm him."

Counterheader and Soundwave look at each other before shrugging, mutually agreeing that Megatron wasn't going to be happy at all and that it was Victoryjump's funeral if he decides to ignore Megatron's orders.

Hub End states, "It is ill-advised to engage any Autobots right now, as Lord Megatron didn't give us any orders other than to wait for his orders when he contacts us and when he returns."

Victoryjump replies, "True, but we have to be assured of Optimus Prime's termination."

Hub End mentally remarks to his inner human spirit, "Makiko, I'm afraid our mission to help our ancestor's Autobot friends just got a whole lot more difficult."

Hub End's human spirit formerly known to her family in the year 2486 to 2799 by the name of Makiko Nakadai replies, "Yep, sure seems like it, Hub End. Nevertheless, we're gonna have to play this smart to avoid suspicions. Especially since, thankfully enough, Soundwave is not a psychic whatsoever."

Speedgazer then snarls, "Defying Lord Megatron's orders is a capital offense, Ironspan, right alongside aiding the Autobots!"

Victoryjump snarls in response, but before a fight could break out, Soundwave steps between them and plays back a recording of Megatron saying, "Enough! Put your jealousies aside, or I'll personally damage both of you beyond repair and have the both of you permanently replaced as my first lieutenant and first general!"

Speedgazer and Victoryjump grumble under their breaths as they go about their own ways.

In the Autobot base, Fortressimus states, "So basically, we need to assemble a team to head to the Grand Canyon and investigate this Cybertronian graveyard."

Optimus replies, "Way ahead of you, Fortressimus. Mother, Father, Tangoray, Lightflame, Magnetgaze, Black Dancer, Ashlida, Reza Pax, Rainplay, Chronogaze, Ratchet, Tiderally, Steelfist, Solarstorm, Deadimus, Ridertimus, Slapimus, Dragimus, Megaimus, Galvaimus, Fireimus, Sideimus, Wingimus, Airimus, Swipeimus, Trackimus, Siximus, Burnimus, Gutimus, Hammerimus, Longimus, Wideimus, Downimus, Redimus, Treadimus, Macronimus, you'll come with me. Fortressimus, we'll be outside of communications range for some time, so therefore, I'm putting you in charge."

Miko says to Bulkhead, "Dude, you're one of the biggest. You should be the boss."

Needleimus Prime points out, "Miko, there are rank systems in place to maintain a chain of command. And even though the rest of us have just been recruited by Optimus three weeks ago, Fortressimus is one of Optimus' new lieutenants due to him being a Prime. Therefore, by that reckoning, Fortressimus is in charge."

Ackas then questions, "What brought on the idea of me and the rest of us accompanying you, Optimus?"

Slightly grateful for his mother calling him by his new name, Optimus answers, "It is my understanding that Megatron is afraid of the both of you, Mother. And besides, you could use the experience as a method of exercising your rusted joints. No offense."

Ackas replies, "None taken, son."

Arcee then says, "Optimus, with all due respect, even if I wasn't chosen to be in charge, playing bodyguard is one thing, and babysitting is a whole other ballgame. (Jack sighs in response.) Besides, Ratchet hasn't been in the field since the last days of the Great War."

Fortressimus then points out, "Ratchet's not that old. A little rusty in his pistons, sure, but his hearing is sharp as ever and he's not old to the point of being weak, senile or decrepit. No offense, Ratchet."

Ratchet replies, "Thank you, Fortressimus. I'm glad that at least you and your army don't see me as an old bot."

Optimus then says to Arcee, "For the moment, it's only reconnaissance."

Starscream then inquires, "And why do I hear an edge in your vocalizer, Optimus?"

Optimus replies with a hardened seriousness, "Because, Starscream, much has changed in the past twenty-four hours, and we all need to adapt."

Optimus turns to Fortressimus and asks, "I do not wish to disrupt anything that may happen in the future, especially with what we know about the conventional rules of time travel and interdimensional travel, but what can we expect?"

Fortressimus replies, "Well, you've seen firsthand the effects of Dark Energon, correct? (Optimus nods.) Well, you'll see it again sooner or later."

Optimus replies back before saying, "That's all the information we'll need for now. Galaxystreak, you and the others stay here in case we need backup. (Galaxystreak: You got it, Dad.) Ratchet, bridge us out."

Ratchet activates the Ground Bridge with the coordinates set for the Grand Canyon.

The thirty-eight Autobots walk out of the Ground Bridge.

Jack then asks, "Okay, lieutenant. So, what's first on the activities list?"

Fortressimus answers, "Simple. I'm giving you guys a history lesson."

Everyone gathers around as Fortressimus explains something vital from the original timeline, "Now, in the original timeline of your universe, Megatron led an assault on a Cybertronian orbital station to acquire control of an artificial form of Dark Energon. It was protected by Starscream's original counterpart as the primary leader of the Neutral armies, an assortment of armies of Cybertronians who refused to join either Autobots or Decepticons. Even before those days, all Decepticons were ordered to convince Neutrals to join their cause, and any Neutrals who refused were either taken prisoner or were murdered. Anyway, Megatron encountered all sorts of generic troops on his way, along with Air Guardian Jetfire, one of Starscream's closest friends. After Megatron got control of the artificial Dark Energon, Starscream's original timeline counterpart signed up with the Decepticons alongside the majority of the Energon Seekers posted at the orbital station, while Jetfire and a few leftover Seekers in the minority signed up with the Autobots, aghast at Starscream's betrayal. Because of the fact that Megatron's primary timeline counterpart had lots of air support, he decided to press his advantage, so he sent Starscream and his twin brothers Skywarp and Thundercracker deep into Cybertron's underground to infect an Energon Bridge with Dark Energon. That way, Megatron would be able to mass produce an infinite supply of Dark Energon. But of course, Megatron's plan to infect Cybertron's core with Dark Energon in a futile attempt to control the planet's energy supply resulted in Optimus receiving the Matrix of Leadership from Primus himself as he entered shutdown mode in order to purge his systems and his spark of the Dark Energon. But the overall process would take a whopping one million years, during which Cybertron will be left cold, barren, and devoid of life to the point where the remaining Cybertronians on the planet resorted to cannibalism to survive. Sadly, it also took Megatron several days all the way to the launch of the Autobot flagship, the Ark, for him to finally realize the consequences of using Dark Energon on Cybertron's core. But he still continued his atrocities because of the fact that he still wanted to destroy the remnants of the entire Autobot army and to take the Matrix of Leadership from Optimus."

All two hundred and seventy-seven techno-organics plus the armada of humans sans the techno-organic Predacon Primes were aghast at what they were told.

Miko then questions in curiosity, "Isn't there some way for the Autobots to invent new flying troops?"

Fortressimus answers, "With the exception of normal troops like Arcee, Jetfire tried to invent a surgical procedure that can turn Grounders into flight frames. But he gave up because he didn't have enough information on how it can be done. But then, Shockwave, one of Megatron's prized scientists, picked up where Jetfire left off and succeeded where he failed. Simply because Shockwave is said to be the smartest Decepticon and the smartest scientist on Cybertron with very few as his equals. Whether on a battlefield against a battalion of Autobot soldiers or in his laboratory, Shockwave achieves his victories thanks to his extreme devotion to cold, ruthless logic Anyway, with this surgical procedure in Decepticon hands, many of the Decepticons' generic ground forces volunteered to become Seekers, which are Decepticon Fliers. And without this medical practice in Autobot hands, there would be no way to make more Aerialbots, which are basically Autobot Fliers."

Suddenly, before Fortressimus can continue his history lesson, the proximity sensor goes off.

Fortressimus bemoans in realization, "Aw, nuts, it's Agent Fowler again. Everyone, hide!"

Everyone hides as Agent Fowler steps out of the elevator.

The liaison calls out angrily, "Prime!"

Fortressimus explains, "If you're looking for Optimus, he left."

But Agent Fowler interrupts him, "Well, where did he go? Wait, don't tell me. He's out pancaking a mini-mall."

Fortressimus clenches his fists as Agent Fowler goes on his tirade, "Now, I don't know what language you bots speak on your planet, but Prime guaranteed that he would handle the Decepticons, and blowing up a crater in the middle of Nebraska is not what the word '"handle"' means in English!"

Fortressimus replies back, "First of all, for your information, all Transformers speak Cybertronix, which is modern Cybertronian dialect. And secondly, with all due respect, Agent Fowler, that crater in Nebraska had an Energon mine in it, and when we went there to investigate it and seize some Energon, Ironspan was ordered to blow up the mine crater by Megatron himself and that means Megatron has returned."

Agent Fowler groans audibly as he states before stopping abruptly, "This is gonna be much more difficult to explain to my superiors, Prime Jr. But I want you to know that we're working on a military strike team that can help to countermand Decepticon operations while minimizing human casualties. So, you tell Prime Sr. –"

Agent Fowler notices Miko's electric guitar and questions, "Since when are you bots electric?"

Fortressimus growls as the techno-organics and the normal humans reveal themselves with Jack starting with saying, "Hey. How you doing?"

Agent Fowler exclaims before sneering, "Contact with civilians! Team Prime has really gone off-book this time. Wait, don't tell me. You're running a daycare center!"

Fortressimus snarls, "Daycare center, my ass! These guys were recruited by me personally, simply because three of them found out about us. And even if I could go back in time to prevent it, there'll always be replacements to keep the timeline in balance. And also, these guys finding out about us is a fixed point in time, and hopefully you might've seen Doctor Who enough times to actually know what a fixed point in time is."

Agent Fowler replies, "Okay. So, these guys being recruited is a fixed point in time. But what will we do if they are techno-organics?"

Fortressimus answers, "Prime and I have decided to train these guys to fight in order to help defend themselves from any Decepticons looking for a fight or looking to take prisoners. BUT, whatever you do, be careful on your way back to the Pentagon, because Soundwave is monitoring Earth-based transmissions to find out where our base is."

Agent Fowler replies again, "Will do, lieutenant. And as for you kids, I'm gonna have to pull some strings to have you guys receive military training. It's also for your own protection because the harsh reality is, even if there wasn't a way to revive Cybertron, the Autobots might not always be here to protect us."

Rafael replies on behalf of the others, "Understood, Agent Fowler."

Agent Fowler then notices Anatole, Carver and Onorato before asking, "And what's the deal with these three?"

Fortressimus answers, "They were brought to our universe, and for Onorato here, he was separated from his abusive parents who were arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment by the time the day came when he came to our universe. As for Anatole, he was transported here in his sleep. And as for Carver here, he was separated from his more saintly family when he came to our universe."

Agent Fowler replies before saying to the three boys, "Okay. I need to debrief my superiors at the Pentagon, so, would you boys like to come with me and see if we can pull some strings to have the three of you in military protection unified with Autobot protection?"

Onorato replies coldly, "Your proposal is sound, but flawed. For one thing, the government of the United States won't react well to civilians knowing about the Autobots as the existence of the Transformers for the most part is an above top secret matter. And for another thing, whatever intel we respectively have could easily wind up leaked to either Decepticons or to the likes of MECH and V.E.N.O.M. if any discussions about our respectively shared intel was ever eavesdropped upon."

Agent Fowler replies again before saying, "I see. And I can see you're just as concerned about safely changing the future of the war between the Transformers. All the same, I think you three can explain things better than I can."

Agent Fowler then goes over to a payphone and starts dialing the phone number for his superiors at the Pentagon, but Bulkhead says while crushing the phone line with a finger, "Don't use that phone, it's out of order."

Carver snarls, "That was an old payphone from the Cold War, you bucket of bolts! Onorato, Anatole, and I have everything under control!"

Agent Fowler adds, "This isn't over, Bigfoot, not by a long shot!"

Anatole, Carver, Onorato, and Agent Fowler go into the elevator and the trio goes onto the roof.

Fortressimus is then asked by one of his Autotroopers, "He's gonna send that transmission anyway, isn't he?"

The Prime replies, "It's not the first time someone like Agent Fowler does the exact opposite of what another character tells him or her to do in a specific form of fiction. And it certainly isn't even going to be the last time something like this happens."

Bulkhead groans.

Meanwhile, in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Deadimus Prime quizzes, "Optimus, precisely what is it that we hope to find here?"

Optimus replies, "The location of what happens to be the largest Cybertronian battlefield in this galaxy."

Slapimus Prime asks for clarification, "Wait a nano, it was actually here on Earth?"

Optimus replies again before quizzing, "Yes, it was here on Earth. Do either of you recollect the period late in the Great War when both Autobots and Decepticons concealed their Energon spoils off-world?"

Ratchet replies back, "Of course we remember. After all, it's the reason Energon deposits exist on planets like Earth."

Optimus adds, "And it is also the reason battles for Energon came to be waged on planets such as this one. And I fear that Megatron's memory core is as long as history."

Ridertimus Prime states, "Now I got shivers running down my mechanical spinal strut."

Optimus replies, "Don't be afraid, Ridertimus; with Fortressimus and his army combined with their foreknowledge, we will have a chance at winning this war."

Tiderally remarks, "Whatever the case may be, we'd better make sure we have an advantage over Megatron. Simply because, as I fear, we're going to need every edge against Megatron if he is indeed making an undead army. And with Hub End still among the Decepticon ranks, as Fortressimus and his troops surmised, we could easily be looking at the Decepticons cloning new Predacons."

Optimus looked horrified at what Tiderally theorized, but he kept his cool nevertheless.

Ackas Pax then suggests, "Why don't we have Fortressimus and his troops search everywhere on Earth for the microchips inside the Predacon bones? I mean, Hub End and Shockwave are the only scientists I know that would be smart enough to have the Predacon clones microchipped before sending them to a planet thousands of light years away from Cybertron."

Optimus replies, "An excellent suggestion, Mother. I shall discuss it with Ratchet and Fortressimus once this crisis is averted."

The Autobots continue their trek through the bottom of the canyon.

Meanwhile, back at the Autobot base, Agent Fowler hands Anatole, Onorato and Carver three buckets for in case they get airsick.

Agent Fowler then asks, "What are your names, kids?"

Onorato answers, "I'm Onorato, this is Anatole, and this is Carver, sir."

Agent Fowler then starts his helicopter, and in no time, the helicopter takes off.

Once the chopper gets a considerable distance from Autobot Outpost Omega One, Agent Fowler presses a button to send a transmission to his superiors at the Pentagon.

Agent Fowler says, "Sir, this is Agent Fowler. We have a situation. I'm en route from the Autobot base along with three civilians. I'll brief you and the others in person."

On the Nemesis, Soundwave plays back specific parts of Agent Fowler's transmission, "Agent Fowler. I'm en route from the Autobot base along with three civilians. I'll brief you in person."

Victoryjump remarks, "Autobot base, eh? Humans. They're always the weak link. Fetch me this Agent Fowler and these three civilians so that they may brief us instead."

Soundwave deploys Laserbeak and the drone flies off to find Agent Fowler and the boys.

On Agent Fowler's helicopter, the radar starts beeping an alert.

Agent Fowler remarks, "Hey, Big Bird, I'm flying here."

Suddenly, Laserbeak comes into view and Agent Fowler quizzes, "What in Uncle Sam's beard?"

Onorato exclaims, "Oh crap!"

Laserbeak almost collides with Agent Fowler's chopper, but he barely manages to maneuver out of the way.

Agent Fowler bemoans, "First the freeways aren't safe, and now air travel of all things isn't safe?!"

Carver points out, "Sir, where Decepticons are involved, any kind of travel isn't safe!"

Agent Fowler replies, "Good point, son!"

Laserbeak smacks the underbelly of the chopper, but Agent Fowler manages to regain control.

Agent Fowler sees a stone wall leading to a bigger canyon wall approaching, and he makes the helicopter go up by pulling back on the steering stick while being careful not to yank it too hard.

Agent Fowler's helicopter flies ahead as Laserbeak catches up.

Agent Fowler gets an idea and briefly glances behind him with a smirk.

Agent Fowler purposely lags behind Laserbeak for his plan to work.

As Laserbeak continues flying ahead without being the wiser, Agent Fowler aims the helicopter's machine gun at the Avianoid Decepticon drone and remarks, "You wanna dance, 'Con? I'll lead!"

Agent Fowler presses the red button on top of the flight stick, and the machine gun on his chopper starts firing multiple rapid fire bullets at Laserbeak.

The minority of the bullets missed, but a lot more replacement bullets actually managed to put several dents and Energon-leaking holes into Laserbeak's armor. This was because Fortressimus Prime had told Agent Fowler three weeks ago when they first met what was about to happen, and they both made preparations, including using bullets that were a mix of BG-49 armor-piercing bullets, military grade armor-piercing rounds like the ones from RoboCop, Cybertronian metal bullets and high-heat sabot rounds.

Eventually, Agent Fowler's chopper ran out of hybrid human/Cybertronian explosive armor-piercing bullets, and Laserbeak decided that it was time to get serious.

So, Laserbeak did a dive bomb and smashed into the tail rotor of Agent Fowler's helicopter, his wings slicing the tail rotor clean off.

The helicopter starts spinning out of control as it slowly starts to descend.

Agent Fowler grumbles, "There's never an Autobot around when you actually need one."

Onorato replies, "That's because they didn't know about this due to us being too preoccupied to contact them!"

As the chopper spins out of control, Agent Fowler struggles to press the red button that would send an emergency transmission to the Autobot base.

Suddenly, the helicopter stops spinning as Laserbeak catches it and uses his tentacles to break through the windshield to restrain Agent Fowler and the boys.

As Agent Fowler, Anatole, Onorato, and Carver are forcefully taken out of the chopper, the federal agent manages to press the button, but alas it was too late as the now empty and deactivated helicopter falls to the stone ground below and explodes on impact.

Laserbeak immediately starts flying towards the Nemesis.

In the Autobot base, the computer starts beeping to signify that Agent Fowler's transmission was received.

Raf complains, "My ears!"

Fortressimus states, "An SOS from Agent Fowler."

Fortressimus presses the accept call button, but the location scan for the transmission shows it to be incomplete.

Boris asks, "Did you trace it?"

Fortressimus replies, "I tried, but the location scan was incomplete, meaning that his chopper was blown up without him inside. Also meaning that he along with Anatole, Onorato and Carver were taken captive aboard the Nemesis."

Bulkhead remarks, "Oh well."

Jack exclaims incredulously, "Oh well?! Seriously?!"

Bulkhead replies, "Fowler's a jerk."

Fortressimus points out, "Whether any of us likes him or not, he's been taken captive by Decepticons along with Anatole, Carver and Onorato, and what makes matters worse is that they know where our base is!"

Miko points out as well, "And didn't we just witness how quickly Fowler backs down from a Bot? The 'Cons will literally make him spill his guts about our... coordinates, am I getting it right?"

Fortressimus nods before he points out once more, "Agent Fowler knows everything about our base and our defenses. And true, Agent Fowler may be a smart ass in the right situations, but it's only a matter of time before Ironspan makes him spill the beans by usage of an Energon shock prod. And unfortunately, if Agent Fowler doesn't tell Ironspan what he wants to know, he'll be a dead man walking. And if Agent Fowler doesn't tell Ironspan what he wants to know, Anatole, Onorato and Carver will be interrogated in his place. No matter if Fowler dies of Energon poisoning or if he gets torn limb from limb or even if he gets locked up while the boys are interrogated."

Bulkhead points out in response, "But we lost the transmission; Fowler, Onorato, Anatole, and Carver could be anywhere!"

Fortressimus reveals while punching in coordinates into the Ground Bridge, "Not necessarily; if I remember correctly, their coordinates are latitude 39.5 and longitude -116.9, smack dab near the center of the Nevada Desert."

Everyone looked astonished at how well taught Fortressimus was taught in coordinate locations.

Fortressimus then reminds them, "Hello, my troops and I got foreknowledge spanning three to five years of the future running through our processors here!"

Everyone else shrugs.

Fortressimus then says, "Arcee, assemble some of the others. We got work to do."

Arcee nods and goes off to find the other Autobots

Meanwhile, in the brig of the Nemesis, Agent Fowler and the boys are escorted by four Vehicon Troopers to where Victoryjump is waiting.

Agent Fowler, Anatole, Onorato, and Carver are roughly pushed to the floor without really hurting themselves.

Victoryjump remarks, "Welcome... Agent Fowler. And you as well, humans."

Onorato growls in anger, but Victoryjump doesn't even flinch.

The Autobot liaison dusts himself off and quizzes sarcastically, "You actually treat all your guests this nice?"

Victoryjump replies, "Hmhmhmhmhmhm. Any friends of the Autobots."

Agent Fowler remarks in a smart ass tone, "Autobot – that one of them coin operated wash-my-own-car places?"

Victoryjump replies again before ordering, "Oh, so that's how you're going to address me? Apparently, not even Soundwave has told you I have no appreciation for human humor. And since this is a wonderful opportunity, if you don't talk before dying, perhaps one of the boys will. Make our guests comfortable."

The first Vehicon Trooper clenches his fists and approaches Agent Fowler menacingly.

The second drone tries to grab Onorato, but he flips through the drone's hand and makes a break for the exit, but he gets grabbed by a third Vehicon.

Anatole and Carver make a break for the exit, but as soon as they exit the room, they get grabbed by Soundwave.

Carver snarls while imitating Soundwave's voice, "You won't get away with this once Optimus Prime's new recruits find you, Soundwave!"

Soundwave steps back in shock, and after finding the right frequency of Carver's voice, he questions, "How do you know what I sound like?"

Carver replies in his normal voice, "Where I come from, you're pretty popular because no one else has ever tried to imitate your voice without voice-changing technology by Cybertronian and human standards."

Soundwave rubs his chin plate in thought before walking towards the brig again.

Anatole then maneuvers his feet to Soundwave's face and he remarks with each stomping kick, "Just – let – me – rearrange – your – faceplate!"

Soundwave tightens his grip on Anatole to stop him before going back into the brig.

Meanwhile, in the Autobot base, Fortressimus states, "All right. Here's how it's going to go down: Blackrider, Ironfinder, Wavebrain, Long Slam, Surebomb, Dropwarp, Divesnapper, Red Strip, Groundtron, Cliffgate, Mind Hauler, Skystreet, Big Leo, Triggerjack, Mixcone, Chop Leo, Blowdrive, Chopfest, Redbomb, Victorybolt, Stormstalker, Seabeat, Subbite, Treadfight, Stargrin, Joybrain, Divespan, Tipspin, Snapstuff, Downbreaker, Blastmix, Crosswind, Cliffcase, Longbuster, Gutcone, Laserface, Powerbuster, Clippoint, Galaxyscream, Moonbringer, Worldcoder, Searider, Starwinder, Chronostreaker, Sunshot, Currentdancer, Seaflyer, Stellarreaper, Soundfire, Spikeride, Streetflyer, Ironroar, Groundbeat, Nightdriver, Gravitycharger, Nightbearer, Deathwind, Roadracer, Busibot, Busicus, Cerebus, Bus-Top, Omnibus, Chronomaster, Tidebeam, Droptrack, Dreaddash, Longtwin, Hubstreaker, Camhandler, Octostalker, Flarescream, Solarcharger, Lightgear, Battleclash, Lightbreaker, Soundfinder, Battleflyer, Metalride, Lightbreak, Skysmasher, Brightvoice, Atomblade, Atomflight, Sureclaw, Magnetbearer, Cometcoder, Chronoforce, Nightswimmer, Lawbringer, Gravityrider, Brightstealer, Spikeburst, Flareblazer, Worldwinder, Nightheart, Victorybeam, Worldlord, Speedgiver, Riftbringer, Nightbringer, Warblazer, Smokevibe, Windgiver, Sunsmith, Hydrofire, Airvibe, Seafall, Hydrobeat, Motorswimmer, Sunstealer, Worldfire, Nightfinder, Sunmaster, Hydrorally, Galaxystreaker, Brightracer, Metalflyer, Atomstriker, Gravitybust, Stellarwinder, Currentburst, Brightbolt, Airwielder, Chromereaper, Victoryracer, Circuitdrive, Magnetjumper, Starvoid, Chromestreaker, Windfinder, Riftflyer, Chronobane, Terrorbringer, Sunfinder, Terrorfist, Flamereaper, Sunfall, Steelflyer, Swiftbreak, Crashbite, Galaxycrusher, Airstriker, Stranglelock, Terrorjumper, Roadheart, Blightgiver, Currentgiver, Swiftfall, Magnetdrive, Airfinder, Skyblaster, Stellarbolt, Spikecrusher, Downshell, Cliffjumper, Tailgate, Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Skyquake, Dreadwing, Steelfinder, Gravitydrive, Terrorwielder, Circuitflyer, Shadowfinder, Steelrally, Dusksinger, Soundforce, Acidclaw, Ionclaw, Novaclaw, Flarefinder, Tidebolt, Downblaze, Grimdown, Shotstorm, Grimknock, Currentscare, Blightbringer, Aero Raid, Armored Corps, Axel, Axor, Black Spider, Blackwidow, Blast Off, Blazemaster, Brawl, Breeze Master, Carnivac, Carzap, Catilla, Choppermaster, Clobber, Crankshot, Crystal Widow, Deaddart, Diabla, Drench, Drift, Explosion Launcher, Fireworks Master, Glit, Tightcutter, Gripthroat, Daresteel, Hot Break, Steamtractor, Laserknock, Hawkshear, Wheelrider, Wildbolt, Landbuild, Combatmaster, Rotorpunch, Rackflap, Oilclaw, Razor Bomber, Kingclaw, Jetswipe, Black Eye, Whirlrotor, Victoryfire, Stargunner, Razorslasher, Slogshot, Cat Rod, Shadowwheel, Scouttake, Thunderbomber, Wild Dragon, Vaingain, Hawking, Eclipse, Eagle Eye, Erector, Gigawatt, Deadgripper, Skyfire, Skyfly, Landslide, Manta Ray, Marinemaster, Piranha, Silverbee, Obsidian, Oil Slick, Onslaught, Flatwave, Flame Dragon, Scoutjet, Scoutlauncher, Scoutslasher, Scoutstinger, Treadmine, Shred, Sandblock, Counterglide, Ironsaw, Stealth Bomber, Stealth Saber, Seadown, Swindle, Firegut, Torque Gain, Vortex, Wasp, Knockdrive, Stake Twist, Wildwheel, Super Rod, X-Gunner, Warbrain, Nosejet, Mixstuff, Battleburner, Chaintwin, Denfentron, Hot Alert, Blastblock, Razorbug, Bumblecap, Victoryspan, Dreadjack, Dragtop, Acidcharger, Ioncharger, Novacharger, Thunderstrike, Riftfall, Lawblazer, Streetbearer, Frostgiver, Cloudbreaker, Metalswimmer, Necrosinger, Streetheart, Gravitystreak, Riftburst, Shadowflyer, Chromelord, Swiftflash, Streetwheels, Worldfinder, Victoryflyer, Galaxystreak, Jetsable, Shinescythe, Flarebeam, Heatheart, Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Tailgate, Overscreen, Darksor, Blow Saber, Ironrider, Beachswipe, Banzaibolt, Black Spot, Groundpick, First Shop, Silver Rod, Gunface, Tipjumper, Denfen Hauler, Sixway, Scatterstreet, Counterout, Mudbolt, Ice Haul, Cranktrack, Motorbar, Laserpunch, Iron Hauler, Spark Shot, Wild Rod, Nightlane, Cattrap, Motormarauder, Sandcruncher, Beast Aid, Sideback, Dropwave, Subcruncher, Gunlight, Bumblecrusher, Icehappy, Road Rod, Snapmaster, Holelord, Strikeswipe, Storm Saber, Knockwheels, Needlegut, Roadbomb, Dragwipe, Slugspin, Mixgate, Deadstreak, Slap Supreme, Superraker, Splashcruncher, Shock Aid, Sixscreen, Rat Twist, Hubtron, Beastcharger, Cathide, Sea Maximus, Cloudcrunch, Metroface, Bristledown, Breakcase, Gutcharger, Squeezespan, Blackcrusher, Warbite, Skull Slam, Cranktrain, Hyperfest, Groundbrow, Splash Shop, Grimjack, Drop Shop, Counthappy, Icespan, Steelfest, Bigcrunch, Tipdown, Landraker, Tailrock, Smokefeather, Cuthide, Lightstalker, Flat Strip, Hardstreet, Surespeed, Break High, Beastplex, Ironblock, Battle Saber, Tailjump, Omega Strip, Squawktron, Chopmix, Needleblank, Bigmarauder, Blastcap, Knockjump, Firstmine, Takehead, Roll Alert, Flatdome, Quickbox, Splashslinger, Bumblewave, Joyatron, Fin Shop, Cinder End, Powerbee, Slug Alert, Roadlock, Flintwarp, Hypercap, Banzaistuff, Headmine, Victorybrain, Countplex, Chopdance, Afterdance, Iron Rod, Supermine, Victorydown, Silverimus Prime, Victorypick, Broadboom, Slingsor, Divebug, Buzzimus Prime, Needleimus Prime, Triggerimus Prime, Skullsor, Tailflight, Grim Magnus, Ramburst, Blitzcrusher, Menkill, Blitzpipe, Lightwing, Mindrider, Sunsweeper, Countsor, Quickjet, Stakestorm, Red Raid, Stormcrunch, Buzzblock, Birdcross, Thunderdance, Steelstick, Blastbrain, Menrunner, Doubleplex, Banzaiflight, Bristleworks, Needlelight, Thunderhappy, Denfen Cloud, Quickcross, Slingtop, Tailline, Octocone, Dropstick, Sidestorm, Black Alert, Hubion, Denfencrunch, Firstwave, Blackstalker, Sluggrin, Airrunner, Soundpipe, Stoneshock, Chopcrunch, Greasefight, Mindfeather, Sidecap, Shock Raid, Camshift, Blueshot, Rollslinger, Breaklane, Greaseasor, Chromepath, Ratbomb, Quickstorm, Laserasor, Ironbrow, Bigpick, Windwatch, Mainflight, Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Skyquake, Dreadwing, Astrocone, Sky Alert, Windbeat, Menplay, Splashslinger, Wavewarp, Triggerlock, Dropshot, Crossjet, Buzzheader, Grandshell, Wingdance, Stranglenose, Sixtrack, Tailface, Joyhappy, Hoseclaw, Sinnerhead, Octopath, Twinfest, Hyperblock, Icethroat, Dreaddealer, and Sidehandler, you'll all accompany me to the Nemesis to rescue Fowler, Anatole, Onorato, and Carver. The rest of you will stay here and guard the base in case Optimus and the others call for a Ground Bridge."

Miko then asks, "Why can't we come?"

Fortressimus replies, "One, because you're all still undergoing combat training. Two, no matter how skilled you are in Earth martial arts, the more dangerous Decepticons like Ironspan or Megatron will literally tear you guys apart. Three, you along with Jack, June, Rafael, and some of the others don't have the Iron Man suits you need because we don't have Agent Fowler's approval yet and because the Forge of Solus Prime is still recharging. And four, this is a stealth mission, and you in particular don't know the meaning of stealth or being quiet in general when it comes to sneaking past guards. You get me, Miko?"

Miko replies, "Oh. I can see that."

As soon as the Ground Bridge opens up, the five hundred and thirty-nine Autobots go through the Ground Bridge while asserting that Pyrodragon was in charge of the base.

But then, unseen by everyone else, Miko sneaks through the Ground Bridge portal, signifying that Miko disobeys orders for an adrenaline rush, simply because of her inferiority complex and a need to prove herself capable of braving many dangers.

Jack then says before noticing Miko's absence, "Guess we also have the run of the place. Miko? Miko?"

Later, at the site of the Nemesis docking, the five hundred and thirty-nine Autobots emerge from the Ground Bridge, with Fortressimus discreetly manipulating stone in the floor to provide additional covers from patrolling Vehicon Troopers.

Bulkhead asks before remarking, "Fowler? Uh-oh. The whole Decepticon shebang."

Bulkhead and the others take cover, and Fortressimus readies Holebomb and Bonestreak.

Suddenly, Miko whispers, "(Softly) All right! What's the plan?"

Fortressimus signals Miko to be quiet as he hears a Vehicon Trooper approaching.

Maneuvering out of his cover without being seen, Fortressimus reprograms the Vehicon Trooper and multiplies him all the way to nine hundred thousand before reloading Roll Shop with Energon and an extra ammo clip.

Miko remarks, "Whoa. That is so cool."

Fortressimus explains briefly, "A combination of magic and science, courtesy of Primus' lifeforce and the fact that Weaponizer Mini-Cons have great power in them."

Fortressimus then smacks Miko upside the head hard enough to make her land on her back in pain.

Miko exclaims as she rubs her head and her back, "Ow! Hey, what gives?"

Fortressimus states sternly, "That was for disobeying my orders. You and the others were ordered to stay back at the base, and you literally have no idea how much I despise those who disobey orders. You literally have no idea of the seriousness and the severity of Megatron's threat level to the entire planet along with his armies of Decepticons and Terrorcons! Besides, what part of '"wait until you have Iron Man suits"' don't you understand?"

Fortressimus aims his blaster behind him to shoot a Decepticon Vehicon Trooper who tried to sneak up behind him. And the Prime shot the Trooper without even turning around or looking behind him.

Miko remarks, "Whoa."

Fortressimus growls dangerously, making the punk rocker cower behind Bulkhead, shivering frantically in fear.

Bulkhead looks uneasily at Fortressimus.

Fortressimus then says, "The next time you decide to be reckless enough to disobey orders for an adrenaline rush just because of your inferiority complex, your obliviousness, and your need to prove your worth, I'll make sure that no one tries to save you!"

Miko squeaks, "Eek! You wouldn't dare!"

Fortressimus' optics glowed a demonic searing red as he snarls in his demonic voice, "Try me."

Bulkhead holds up a hand to stop Fortressimus, who merely shoots lasers out of his optics at Bulkhead's hand, making the Wrecker put out some small flames in a small panic.

Miko decides not to do anything, knowing that if she angered Fortressimus one more time, she'd end up on the chopping block.

Arcee states, "Okay, lieutenant, we get it; you hate orders being disobeyed to an extreme. You don't need to set any of us on fire as a punishment."

Fortressimus deploys his bladed knuckles in the same length as Wolverine claws as a warning.

In the Autobot base, Rafael bemoans, "What should we do? Fortressimus may not have realized that she followed them."

Jack replies, "Miko hasn't seen the Decepticons in action like we have. She has absolutely no idea."

Rafael types into the Ground Bridge and states, "Those are the coordinates. Their destination is still locked into the Ground Bridge."

Jack then says, "Carzap, you're in charge."

Carzap replies, "Fortressimus will be twice as (bleep!) when he finds out."

Carzap activates the Ground Bridge and Jack and Rafael enter the portal to the center of Nevada where the Nemesis is.

Meanwhile, in the brig of the Nemesis, Victoryjump states to the Autobot liaison, "Agent Fowler, I have one simple request that will save your family unit the pain of grieving your death. Tell me the location of the Autobot base."

Agent Fowler replies, "No problem, but I need to ask you something first."

Victoryjump replies back, "Yes? I'm listening."

Agent Fowler remarks jokingly, "I got an issue with he customer service around here. Could I speak to the manager?"

Victoryjump growls, "Grrrrraaaaaahhhhhh! I make the decisions around here! I AM IN CHARGE!"

Onorato points out with a sneer on his face, "Yes, until Megatron comes back and takes that position from you like he has done for nine million years."

Victoryjump backhands Onorato in response, making him shout in pain.

He turns to a Vehicon Trooper in the room and says, "Bring the Energon prod."

Carver remarks snidely, "Go ahead and torture us; it's only going to add it to the charges of war crimes on your Cybertronic criminal record!"

Onorato adds, "And Anatole, Carver and I can take the pain of being shocked by Energon better than Agent Fowler can!"

Victoryjump replies, "Oh, I'm certain you three can, but I doubt your immune systems' limits will be able to hold out for long."

Outside, the Autobots – Vehicons included – load their weapons, especially Miko's more sensible older sister as Windcore since she had already learned how to access her blasters that shot Energon laser shots and metal bullets just in case she runs out of natural Energon for her blasters.

Bulkhead then asks, "What's taking the others so long?"

Miko then states, "Dude, the 'Cons could be putting the clamps on Fowler right now. Let's just storm the joint!"

Fortressimus replies, "Out of the question. There's no less than five hundred and fifty-five octillion, five hundred and fifty-five septillion, five hundred and fifty-five sextillion, five hundred and fifty-five quintillion, five hundred and fifty-five quadrillion, five hundred and fifty-five trillion, five hundred and fifty-five billion, five hundred and fifty-five million, five hundred and fifty-five thousand, five hundred and fifty-five Decepticons, including Vehicon Troopers. Maybe a whole lot more. We would get slaughtered."

Arcee adds, "He's right, Miko; it's much too risky."

Suddenly, the Autobot Ground Bridge opens, and Jackfix and Bombback show up alongside Jetsable Prime, Heatheart Prime, Shinescythe Prime, and Flarebeam Prime.

Fortressimus face palms.

Miko remarks slightly snobbishly, "Why don't those two hang out with their own partners? This is our one hundred-to-one time."

Fortressimus smacks Miko upside the head again twice as hard and growls into her ears loud enough for her to hear, "(Softly) Speak out of line one more time, and I'll allow Pyrodragon to eat you after I tear you limb from limb!"

Miko groans in pain as she holds her head, feeling a medium-sized headache forming.

Jetsable, Flarebeam, Heatheart, Shinescythe, Jackfix, Jack, Rafael, and Bombback get behind cover as more Vehicons appear on the Nemesis.

As Fortressimus spots the dozens of Vehicons on the humongous roof of the Nemesis, the Prime remarks, "This is gonna be more difficult than I thought."

Cliffjumper replies, "No argument there, Lieutenant."

Everyone deployed their weapons, with Juith's weaponry being the Cybertronian equivalent of standard modern Japanese firearms.

Fortressimus then whispers to everyone, "(Softly) Wait for my signal."

Everyone made soft noises and signs of agreement.

In the brig, Victoryjump snarls, "I'll ask nicely one last time. The Autobot base!"

Agent Fowler replies defiantly, "Sure thing, buddy, right after you eat my star-spangled shorts!"

Carver adds, "It's up your posterior!"

Victoryjump activates the Energon prod and aims it at Agent Fowler's below the belt before zapping him with Energon, making him scream in pain.

Victoryjump remarks, "As I imagined, Energon and human nervous systems don't mix."

Victoryjump shocks Onorato next, and he cries out in pain next.

Victoryjump remarks again, "Hahaha! This is better than I imagined! I get to torture four prisoners at the same time!"

Meanwhile, back in the ground level of the Grand Canyon, Optimus, Ackas, Caelum, Tangoray, Lightflame, Magnetgaze, Black Dancer, Gravityjumper, Reza, Rainplay, Chronogaze, Ratchet, Tiderally, Deadimus, Ridertimus, Slapimus, Dragimus, Megaimus, Galvaimus, Fireimus, Sideimus, Wingimus, Airimus, Swipeimus, Trackimus, Siximus, Burnimus, Gutimus, Hammerimus, Longimus, Wideimus, Downimus, Redimus, Treadimus, and Macronimus arrive at the graveyard of their fallen ancestors.

Ratchet remarks glumly, "For the first time in my life, Optimus, I had hoped that you were wrong. And for the first time since meeting Fortressimus, I was hoping that his foreknowledge was wrong."

Optimus replies, "Me too, old friend."

Tiderally remarks, "Something tells me that this isn't good."

Trackimus adds, "Yeah, something's just not right. Only an arrogant idiot would have the chop bearings to revive an army of the undead using a source of dark magic."

Burnimus adds further, "Yeah, and the only ones who fit that description are Ironspan and Megatron."

Caelum Pax adds even further, "And unfortunately, Megatron may not realize that using Dark Energon too much results in him being separated from the Allspark, until it's too late."

Ackas Pax also adds even further, "Unfortunately, honey, this is just like Megatron continuing to do his horrid crimes even after he finally realized the consequences of poisoning Cybertron's core with Dark Energon in the final years of the war."

Suddenly, the thirty-eight Autobots hear a jet engine roaring.

They look up to see a silver and purple Cybertronian fusion fighter jet flying towards the top of the canyon up ahead before transforming to robot mode, revealing Megatron.

Suddenly, time freezes immediately, and one of Fortressimus Prime's likeness clones salvages bits of armor, Energon, and other forms of Cybertronian C.N.A. from the fallen Cybertronians to clone and manipulate the metal to create new generic soldiers and outright new Autobots that weren't generic soldiers.

After the clone leaves the area, everyone is unaffected as time unfreezes.

Megatron turns to face his old enemies as he remarks, "Optimus. Been well? I see you brought your trusty watchdogs. I was certain Ratchet would be convalescing in a scrapyard by now while Tiderally, Steelfist, your brothers, your parents, your children, and your cousins would be rusting in space for their ability to turn the majority of my own soldiers to your cause."

Of course, even Ratchet knew that Megatron was referring to Steelfist, Tiderally, Optimus' parents, his siblings, and his cousins convincing Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Skyquake, Dreadwing, Sixcross, Snapstreak, Skullstrong, Blastglide, Breakcrunch, Blightvibe, Grimhead, Wildswipe, Pathwing, Wavenight, Knockwind, Pathjet, Fireknock, Boneknock, Wingboom, Wingdead, Hidewild, Knockfall, Hotwind, Razorwind, Nightknock, Fallclaw, Hideshot, Shadownight, Strikeshadow, Armorboom, Boomstreak, Aero Raid, Armored Corps, Axel, Axor, Black Spider, Blackwidow, Blast Off, Blazemaster, Brawl, Breeze Master, Carnivac, Carzap, Catilla, Choppermaster, Clobber, Crankshot, Crystal Widow, Deaddart, Diabla, Drench, Drift, Explosion Launcher, Fireworks Master, Glit, Tightcutter, Gripthroat, Daresteel, Hot Break, Steamtractor, Laserknock, Hawkshear, Wheelrider, Wildbolt, Landbuild, Combatmaster, Rotorpunch, Rackflap, Oilclaw, Razor Bomber, Kingclaw, Jetswipe, Black Eye, Whirlrotor, Victoryfire, Stargunner, Razorslasher, Slogshot, Cat Rod, Shadowwheel, Scouttake, Thunderbomber, Wild Dragon, Vaingain, Hawking, Eclipse, Eagle Eye, Erector, Gigawatt, Deadgripper, Skyfire, Skyfly, Landslide, Manta Ray, Marinemaster, Piranha, Silverbee, Obsidian, Oil Slick, Onslaught, Flatwave, Flame Dragon, Scoutjet, Scoutlauncher, Scoutslasher, Scoutstinger, Treadmine, Shred, Sandblock, Counterglide, Ironsaw, Stealth Bomber, Stealth Saber, Seadown, Swindle, Firegut, Torque Gain, Vortex, Wasp, Knockdrive, Stake Twist, Wildwheel, Super Rod, X-Gunner, Warbrain, Nosejet, Mixstuff, Battleburner, Chaintwin, Denfentron, Hot Alert, Blastblock, Razorbug, Bumblecap, Victoryspan, Dreadjack, Dragtop, Hawksight, Airsized, Knife Out, Knockdown, Dreadcore, Rawquake, Fangwing, Steelshell, Chockbome, Shellhead, Kickfang, Coreshot, Stormnel, Acidshark, Acidulate, Burstcast, Tinfun, Shockwar, Flamewar, Shockwave, Soundboard, Stagescout, Starachnid, Shockwar, Coreshift, Bombshot, Chopshell, Buzzshock, Barclaw, Sparrow Shop, Hardox, Infernoshell, Kickhole, Shotback, Shrapler, Needsack, Ranhorn, Razornel, Wasptrap, Zapinok, Scorpshot, Salvoinator, Venomsharp, Springage, Bristlebrain, Birdback, Brougeon, Bludhaha, Bug-Burst, Bombly, Carback, Fenivac, Finris, Gilflector, Hoodpick, Icewink, Killnaus, Igujoy, Octomaster, Oilpunch, Blockgrabber, Skullblock, Skygrin, Snarlhammer, Scowler, Reflecslug, Spacedown, Splashwarp, Stranglemarauder, Thunderhold, Subwing, Starfly, Wildpinch, Screamer, and Sparksong among others to the Autobot cause, either before they joined Megatron first or during the early to final days of the War for Cybertron.

Five of these former Decepticons who resemble most of the chronological timeline Decepticons who are mostly Autobots in this timeline in terms of Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Skyquake and Dreadwing were once staunch Decepticon patriots, but when Tiderally and the Primes sans Optimus showed them the error of their ways and how little Megatron cares for them and how little he views them as nothing more than cannon fodder to punish for failure, betrayal, and insubordination or questioning his orders, safe to say they signed up with the Autobots even though they weren't welcome with open arms at first.

But of course, Ratchet also knew that Optimus was the one who convinced Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Skyquake, Dreadwing, and a big majority of the Energon Seekers to join the Autobots while another big majority of the Seekers joined the Decepticons instead of the Autobots.

The Seekers who joined the Decepticons were led by Ironspan, and the Autobots today still didn't know about Ironspan's true fate or where he is.

In the present day, Tiderally snarls, "We freed them from your tyranny, your abuse and everything else wrong with you, you monster!"

Ratchet questions while clanging his fists together, "Why don't you invite him down here for a chat?"

Optimus replies, "We all know why you're here, Megatron."

The Decepticon leader replies back before pulling out his crackling Dark Energon shard, "Hardly a surprise, Optimus. After all, you and I have been at this for a long time, 9 million Earth years no less, and your time has come to an end!"

Megatron throws down the Dark Energon shard, and purple cracks appear throughout the ground.

The thirty-eight Autobots look shocked to their cores.

Megatron's chestplate glows with purple veins, his optics glow a much deeper purple, and his Decepticon symbol glow a deep bright and dark shade of purple.

Megatron bellows, "RISE, MY ARMY!"

The fallen Cybertronians immediately rise from their graves and their optics glow purple, signifying that they were now servants of Megatron.

Ratchet softly states, "(Softly) By the Allspark!"

One of the new Terrorcons even brought out an ancient sword-like spear.

Optimus and the others looked horrified at what they're seeing, even as the Terrorcons start growling, snarling and roaring as they set their sights on the Primes and the Autobot CMO.

Megatron then bellows again, "BEHOLD, THE POWER OF DARK ENERGON!"

Most of the Terrorcons stand still as they await their orders from their master while others start shambling towards the twenty-five Autobots, fully signifying that the ancient Cybertronians-turned-Terrorcons were completely under Megatron's control.

Ratchet, Tiderally, Optimus and his fellow Primes looked worried and horrified as they realized that if they don't defeat their undead adversaries, they'll be doomed.

To be continued...

(Author's notes: In the next chapter, the kids will infiltrate the Nemesis with their fellow Autobots and they will discover just who is on the Nemesis as a prisoner. I can't tell you who it is, but here's a hint: he shares the same multiple designs of the Autobot Create-A-Bot from the Transformers 2007 Nintendo DS video game, but with the ability to take on multiple forms and colors and standing at twenty-five feet tall.

Also, just so you know, I intend to feature many great things in this story. I haven't exactly ironed out all the details just yet, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, so to speak.

Next to that, after I release the One Shall Stand chapters, I intend to focus more on my other stories. But that doesn't mean I'm abandoning any of my stories.

Lastly, what do you think about the names of the Transformers who were convinced to join the Autobots before, during, and after the beginning, middle, and end of the War for Cybertron?

See you all in chapter 28: Darkness Rising Part 4.)