Summary/disclaimer: Time for another chapter of Triple Changing. Enjoy the 4600-word chapter. I do not own Transformers, Hasbro does.
(3 days before Shadow Zone)
"So, it's another transformer?" Fowler asked to which Optimus looked over at Rachet to which he ran his instruments over the pod.
There was a ping as he blinked before he tapped on the computer.
"Optimus? The scanning equipment is pinging an error… That cannot be right." He stated to which Optimus peered over his shoulder.
"A helix T-Cog," Optimus stated as Miko blinked.
"A T-What?" Miko asked to which Optimus looked over at the computer.
"That is impossible. The triple changer project was destroyed when Iacon fell." Rachet stated.
"There have been miracles even we cannot explain, old friend," Optimus stated.
"Uh… What is he talking about?" Fowler asked as Optimus turned.
"During the height of Cybertron, our ability to transform has reached an Apex… A result of this boon was the attempt to enhance those who already existed." Optimus stated.
"You mean triple changers WERE going to be a thing?" Arcee asked before she snorted. "Great, give a bot the ability to turn into a car and then a boat, that would work out well," Arcee stated.
"This one can turn into TWO vehicles?" Fowler asked as Optimus nodded.
"The project was meant to go up to a sestet at least," Rachet said before the kids blinked. "6… It was supposed to stop at 6. I do not know if one was ever researched." Rachet said.
"AWESOME! One that can turn into a jet then turn around and ram them as a car! Cons will not know what hit them!" Miko said as Optimus hummed.
"Rachet?" Optimus questioned. "Is the triple changer of Autobot ranking or one of Megatron's followers?" Optimus questioned.
"It is Autobot… One from the war, back during Zeta's rule." Rachet stated. "The pod should have a name on it… However, there is a problem." Rachet stated.
"They're out of gas from being shot halfway across the galaxy?" Arcee asked to which Rachet nodded.
"Yes. The pod was closed off to keep the occupant alive… But that meant putting them into a status lock." Rachet stated to which he turned to Optimus.
"And I do not believe this is the only pod out there," Rachet stated.
(Nemesis)
Megatron would have shattered the panel if he had not gotten good news. The pod which the Autobots recovered was not the only pod he had found and not the only one he had found.
If it had been? Oh, someone would have been folded into scrap metal in front of the Decepticon Commander.
"You are lucky you found this… Otherwise, I might be looking for another second in command, Knockout." Megatron stated before Soundwave tapped on the pod.
"Hmm…" He stayed silent before he paused to think of what was going on before he seemed to relax.
He had a lot more on his mind either way as he seemed to think of what was going on, there was a lot more on… Even then? He could only ponder what prize Optimus had gotten.
"What more use is one more soldier? We already have an army of our own…." Starscream said only to stare down the barrel of Megatron's cannon. "I will shut up now…" Knockout stated before leaving the room.
"Open the pod and tell me what is inside… And then scan for more. I have a feeling Optimus has already used his." Megatron stated.
There was a beep on the computer, Megatron looked at it… Then grinned.
(With Team Prime)
"So… There are people who can turn into two forms?" Fowler asked as Optimus nodded.
"Yes. Megatron has attempted to capture the technology. A Decepticon as equally lethal on the ground and air would be close to unstoppable." Optimus stated.
"I believe you forget triple changers had their flaws which were why the council argued against them. The two we had been made to be weapons, nothing more and nothing less… Machines built for combat… And I doubt this one is no different." Rachet stated.
"Their soldiers," Fowler stated.
"They are not mindless brutes nor ruthless weapons of death… But yes, the process turned them into soldiers who are very skilled at warfare but have… Quirks as a result. Some became insane, some became cocky, some became interested in war." Rachet stated.
"We will secure Energon… Then we will see." Optimus stated.
"Might be better to move it to a more secure location," Fowler stated before Optimus turned. "If it wakes up? It is probably not going to blend in… Considering it has been shipped fresh from Cybertron." Fowler stated.
"No! No! A triple changer is chaotic and unpredictable! It would wipe half your military base!" Rachet stated to which Optimus hummed.
"If the Cybertronian inside awakens? They will most likely act as they would on Cybertron, Rachet. It would be better if they managed to have a vehicle to scan and security to stop them in the event they escape." Optimus stated.
"Fine… But I request that Bulkhead and a second Autobot remain on sight, a triple changer is as unpredictable as any Decepticon." Rachet stated to which Optimus hummed.
"I will secure the Energon necessary to awaken the triple changer, then…. It is paramount we are prepared for any eventuality the Decepticons prepares…" Optimus stated before he turned to depart.
"So… Does the big gun have a name?" Miko asked as Rachet pressed a key.
"Fuse. This one is called Fuse, which simply makes me angry." Optimus heard as he left.
He knew more and more that Rachet was trying to make a point. The logic of letting a creature so versatile and unpredictable free from its cage without any restrictions was something even he felt was wrong. Yet? This was tempered with the compassion the prime had always shown, the wisdom that he had shown for now? He had been tired and he had been willing to deal with such an ideal for now
There was exhaustion on his face for the moment as he seemed to try and deal with it for now and then looked to the ground before he hummed once more as he cracked his fingers and then started to leave.
Optimus knew that if the triple changer was awakened? It was a double-edged sword. He was no stranger to the project, considering he had helped document it and knew Zeta had considered it a last-ditch resort to get better soldiers to the frontlines.
Still? if there was even a 1% chance, he could help another? It was his duty to do so. He could not allow another to suffer. He also knew of the last mine they had visited and it had some leftover Energon. Megatron had still been moving his men out which meant little to no security.
"I'm not an expert, but aren't triple changers supposed to be elite soldiers who can handle almost anything?" Arcee asked to which Rachet waved his hand.
"They were created to be a sort of commando… If one can transform into two different forms? One can handle more dangerous tasks." He had stated before he sighed.
"What, so you're saying this guy can handle half a group of Decepticons?" Jack stated.
"They were designed to… it depends on what form these choose… Though I suspect this one is possibly going to pick a flying form… It would not make sense to have two ground-based alternate modes." Rachet stated.
"Yeah, because a fighter jet flying around is not going to cause ANY problems." Arcee snarked before Fowler hummed.
"We can send it to Hanger E. There's about as much military equipment there as there is here and it is off the radar," Fowler stated.
"I would much rather the triple changer remain here," Rachet said before the box clanged off the ground.
Arcee and the others blinked as they realized the triple changer might NOT be as offline as they had believed.
(With Optimus)
Optimus revved his engines as fast as they would go. Megatron already had gallons of Energon and the best he could manage was trying to retrieve a few cubes. He was also not stupid to believe…
There was a whine of engines as Optimus slid to a crawl simply a few feet from the Energon he needed. The familiar profile of a menacing jet tore him away from it.
"So… Come for the Energon, Prime?" Megatron asked, his smile reminding him of a lion.
"I am," Optimus stated, drawing his arm blade.
"Good… Because I just found something that might fascinate you…" Megatron said before diving forwards.
The Autobot and Decepticon leader clashed in a tangle of limbs as Optimus used Megatron's momentum against him, slamming him to the ground and landing a kick. The Decepticon leader tumbled and spun, firing a shot at Optimus as he deflected it.
"I know you stole the pod from me… I should have taken it myself rather than send Knockout." Megatron stated.
"You shall not corrupt any other Cybertronians into fighting for your twisted ambitions," Optimus stated.
"This comes from the one who did not have the manifolds to step aside… Tell me, how many did you lie to about the core being my fault? If you had stood aside, this war would NEVER have happened." Megatron stated.
Optimus bristled at his lies. He had poisoned Cybertron, he had launched the attack on them, too exhausted to do much for now.
But he could fight and he did that well enough…
He charged at Megatron who was already trying to shoot him once again. Optimus gripped the weapon, wrenching it away before landing a kick that sent Megatron skidding down the hill. He turned and fired, nailing Optimus in the chest who held a hand to his wound as the two leaders prepared for further combat.
"You were the one who poisoned Cybertron…. I will not let you poison Earth." Optimus stated.
"If you had simply stood aside and done what I asked, this never would have happened, Optimus," Megatron said as the two aimed their guns at each other.
"My liege? The capsule is online… Soundwave, keep it… Soundwave, stop this infernal warrior." Megatron heard.
"Hmm… It appears we will have to continue this contest another time. I have a recruit to address..." Megatron stated before grabbing some of the Energon and shapeshifting into his jet form.
Optimus stayed silent and simply gripped several shards of Energon. He knew Megatron would have destroyed the mine to deny them Energon if they stuck around… But Megatron also had a dozen different operations to deal with as of now which rendered this a speedbump.
(With Team Prime)
Bulkhead lifted the capsule through the portal as Arcee looked at it before frowning. Bulkhead paused and placed it on the ground before turning and walking out of the hanger, sealing it behind him.
"I don't think this is a good idea," Arcee stated as the capsule shook. "Is that one offline?" Arcee questioned to which Rachet hummed.
"I suppose it isn't, but more Energon shall get him up to operational status," Rachet stated before the capsule hissed open.
The robot within, a crimson and green robot rolled out of it, slamming into the pavement. He stood to his feet, towering over several of them as the Cybertronian turned.
"Uh, hey…" Fowler said before the bot spoke.
"Where are the cons?" He said before he blinked. "This isn't the command center." He said to which Fowler blinked.
"Uh, Rachet? Maybe we should run more tests on him." Arcee said before the Cybertronian slowly turned.
Before they could discuss anything further, beams of light shot forwards and toward a vehicle in the middle of the base, a military vehicle with a giant canon. The other Autobots were too busy trying to communicate to notice that it was not a car but a tank… And one which Fowler knew all too well
"Uh… Autobots?" Fowler stated before the sound of a transformation was heard.
They turned to see a crimson and greenish tank… An M1 Abrams to be more on the money which whirled to life as the creature shifted back, the cannon grinding and moving into place.
"Oh…" Bulkhead said as the doors slowly slid open and the triple changer marched outwards onto the battlefield.
It was then Fowler realized this one was a soldier and a very dangerous one. He had looked at the tank and saw a weapon, the biggest and most purposeful one for warfare.
"Hmm…" The Triple Changer said, marching into the midst of the base. "This is not Cybertron… One other check." He said before transforming, his cannon clicking into place.
"Did he…?" Bulkhead questioned.
"Scan a tank? Yeah. He scanned a tank." Arcee said as the Triple Changer transformed. "Hey, big guy? That does not blend in well." Arcee stated.
She looked at the triple changer. He was tall, perhaps as tall as Optimus, painted in crimson and green colors which half reminded her of Bulkhead, a human-like cannon whirled on his right arm and a blade slid from his left. His eyes burned with Energon as his legs strode forward like bulky trees.
"It is the most sufficient for combat… Sides, I want to crush some cons." He stated before he slowly strode forwards.
Arcee and the others followed. He made no effort to harm a human, merely sweeping his optics over each vehicle in the yard.
"Window shopping for anything, in particular, soldier?" Fowler asked, crossing his arms.
"Something that can fly… Who the frag are you?" The triple changer stated.
"The guy asking questions. I would like a name before I let you snoop around here." Fowler stated.
"Fuse. Sergeant Fuse of the Autobot Army, kicker of Decepticon skidplate." Fuse stated before turning.
His optics started to scan over several helicopters and jets, data and information scrolled across them.
"Too slow, too under-armed for combat…" He stated before he finally turned.
"An Apache and a black hawk aren't good enough?" Fowler asked.
"Maybe, but they are stationary… I need something that can cover the ground… Wait." Fuse stated.
He strode past several aircraft, a supercobra, a super stallion… He nodded at several helicopters but seemed to shake them off.
"We're trying to blend in," Arcee stated.
"These are war machines… I blend RIGHT in." Fuse stated before he looked at him.
"To be fair… Starscream already took an F-15 Falcon and his body an F-35 Lockheed… We have plenty of aircraft and it is not like we can't pretend their rogue plans." Fowler stated.
Fuse blinked and noticed something, a thruster-fueled aircraft. It was impressive enough for him.
"This will work," Fuse stated.
Fowler followed his line of sight to two such aircraft: A F-14 Tomcat and an F-18 Superhornet.
"Well… He certainly has taste." Fowler stated before looking over them. "F-14 is getting retired soon but it's fast and quiet… F-18 isn't but it's got a lot of kick." Fowler said.
"I am aware… Which would you pick, I need something good… And if one blends in better?" Fuse stated.
"One of his forms is a tank, that doesn't blend in well enough," Arcee stated.
"Fuse, you're a soldier, right?" Fowler asked.
"Yep, I fight war… If they shoot well and blend in? Good… So, F-14 or 18?" Fuse stated. "Uh, whomever you are?" Fuse questioned.
"Well, there are more modern aircraft… But if you want? Can I suggest the F-14?" Fowler stated.
"Yeah, that will work for now," Fuse stated, sweeping his optics over it.
"I thought you said they're being retired," Arcee stated.
"They are… But some are still going to use them… Unit E is looking into refurbishing some… Will not be hard." Fowler stated. "And it's Agent Fowler, soldier… Remember it." Fowler added.
Arcee watched a pair of wings sprout from Fuse's shoulders as the Triple Changer changed into their jet form, engines purring.
Fowler and the others watched as Fuse took off, blistering speed as the Autobot rounded the base, twirling as he had lived there.
"I have returned with the Energon." They heard before turning to see Optimus who eyed the plane as it circled before finally landing.
"Yeah, this will work… And it has better guns than the first ones I scanned…" Fuse stated. "Agent Fowler, is the F-18 any different from this?" Fuse stated.
"It's slower… Modern planes aren't exactly built for speed." Fowler stated.
"Yeah… The F-14 seems faster and I noticed it can drop explosions on people." Fowler heard.
"Bombs… And do not think about it." Fowler said.
"Only on cons…" Fuse stated before finally simmering down.
"Autobot," Optimus stated, striding towards him.
"Sir?" Fuse asked blinking. "Wait, your Optimus… Where is Zeta? Last I heard, he was sent to Kaon." Fuse stated.
"He no longer walks among us…" Optimus stated. "I can see you have already acquired two forms," Optimus stated.
"One… Not sure about the flier… Wait, Zeta is dead?" Fuse questioned.
"Yes… I am but the last of the Primes." Optimus stated.
Fuse lowered his head. Zeta was the one to greenlight the project and he had been a soldier under his command, he slowly raised his optics as Optimus stood in front of him.
"Your forms are from the Earth's military…." Optimus stated as Fowler sighed.
"He is fine… I can handle it… Just don't go around scanning everything. Autobots are friendlies… That doesn't mean they get eyes on high-tech hardware." Fowler stated.
"I apologize…. I simply needed some hardware… I do not plan to go to war with friendlies, Fowler." Fuse stated. "And if I am here? You are in danger… The Autobots shipped me off to try and make sure they did not get their hands on the tech… But I have a feeling they already do." Fuse stated.
"You're a tank, what can be worse than that?" Arcee stated.
"They know about six changers… Last I heard from command? They seemed to be securing it… If I had to guess? The other pods got here." Fuse stated.
"Primus…" Optimus stated as the two Autobots regarded each other. "Will there be any problems with operating here? We have much to discuss Autobot… The war has changed." Optimus stated.
"Not if they have tech like this," Fuse stated, gesturing to his wings. "Long as I get to blast some cons? We're cool." Fuse stated.
"This is going to be a nightmare," Arcee stated.
(With the Decepticons)
He grinned as he looked at the soldier within the pod. Another triple changer… One which he was aware was one of his as he glanced upon the emblem on their head.
"Optimus Prime escaped…" Breakdown stated.
"Your ability to explain the situation baffles me, Breakdown," Knockout stated.
"Lord Megatron? I'll deal with it now." Megatron heard as he paused to look over as he seemed to try and deal with such an idea.
"Good… Let's get this over with." Megatron stated before he seemed to look downwards at the ground.
(With Optimus)
Fuse seemed to be trying to think of what was going on as he seemed to try and understand what was coming next. He paused, his entire frame silent and without any noise telling him what was going on… He knew what the next move was, he knew how to act.
Yet? it was clear such ideas were chaotic enough… And even then, did Optimus note that Fuse acted a lot like what he expected someone new to Earth to act?
"He scanned a tank… And he's going to be working with us?" Arcee questioned.
"Fuse is an Autobot and he acts as one… Though his desire to fight Decepticons worries me." Optimus stated.
"Why not choose a car or something?" Arcee questioned.
"Triple Changers are by their nature built purely almost entirely for warfare… I am sure Fuse may consider a less offensive alternate form… But I suppose that will take time." Optimus stated.
"Why an F-14? What even is that?" Arcee asked as Fowler spoke up.
"An old fighter that's pretty much a museum piece… They're considered obsolete by today but they're faster than any jet today… The tank is still cutting edge." Fowler said as Fuse started to walk over.
"Fuse," Optimus stated.
"Sir." Optimus heard. "I apologize, I'm still settling in… I can run recon if you want, find the Con ship," Fuse stated.
"No, locating the Nemesis would only inform Megatron of our location," Optimus stated.
"Plus flying around the air isn't exactly going to help," Arcee stated.
Fuse turned to her, folding his arms as the triple changer snorted.
"What?" Arcee asked before Fuse turned.
"Nothing," Fuse said before he looked to Optimus. "I get it, Prime… I'm rough around the edges, was before they started fixing me. I ain't a hotshot, not on missions with something at stake. You need a soldier, I'll be one." Fuse stated.
"I am aware, Fuse," Optimus stated with a nod. "If you will excuse me? I must speak with Rachet and confirm the next move." Optimus stated before departing.
"By the way? You are all wheels… Cons are war machines, it ain't as I plan on rolling around cities showing off my paint job." Fuse said as he looked at Arcee.
"We are trying to blend in," Arcee stated.
"You want to tell me transforming into a fast motorcycle in desert terrain won't alert the cons?" Fuse asked.
"Maybe, maybe not," Arcee said.
"I'm not a hotshot. I like my job and I'm good at it… If I wanted to show off? I'd go speeding around at top speed." Fuse stated.
"Just remember we're trying not to turn Earth into a warzone," Arcee said.
"Noted… You seem like your one of the soldiers from the first few centuries of the war like me." Fuse said.
"War's been going a long time," Arcee stated.
"And I lost a lot of fragging friends to the cons," Fuse said, slamming his fist into the other.
Arcee hummed. it reminded her of Cliffjumper, he probably would have liked a bot willing to throw down with the Cons but to her? It just reminded her of the fact they lost a lot and that fighting smarter was better than fighting harder.
"So, you're a commando?" Fowler asked to which Fuse nodded.
"Born and built as one, I've fought a lot of the war before I got damaged… Zeta thought I'd be good to be rebuilt like this." Fuse stated before he sighed and looked around. "Fat lot of good that did just will lead to more dead Autobots and more ash and fire… I don't think I did something good at all." Fuse stated.
"Least I can do now is make sure they didn't die for nothing… Smash some cons, win the war." Fuse stated.
"That attitude is going to get you killed." Arcee snarked.
"You know how many people died so I could show up like this? Because it's a lot…. A LOT of people." Fuse said, tone dripping with snark and venom.
Before the two bots could come to blows came Optimus again who purposely stepped between them.
"Fuse? If you wish? I have heard from Rachet that a new mine of Energon has been located… While your systems seem secure, I still wish to secure the resources in the event…" Optimus stated to which Fuse nodded.
"The event we run low… On it… Who is coming with us?" Fuse stated. "Transporting the Energon is hard enough, are we securing transport?" Fuse asked.
"Since you and Arcee appear to be having a problem? I will be bringing you both alongside Bumblebee." Optimus stated.
"If you say so, boss," Fuse said before he crossed his arms. "I have a question…. If the Decepticons outnumber us? Why aren't they launching an assault on Earth? last I checked? The Decepticon army massively outnumbers our forces." Fuse stated.
"Their commander has been… Incapacitated." Optimus stated. "However? That predicament has recently changed."
"Megatron was offline? Frag and I thought we'd be losing the war…" Fuse stated.
"Doesn't mean they aren't still kicking. You can thank Starscream for that." Arcee stated.
"The tactical side of me just says take him down and we don't have to worry about the rest so much… Simple decapitation strike," Fuse stated.
"The Autobots do not resort to assassination tactics, Fuse," Optimus stated.
"Yes, sir. Sorry sir." Optimus heard as Fuse looked down.
"If there are further questions? Now is the moment." Optimus stated as the two Autobots shook their head. "Then we shall depart… Fuse? I ask you to remember the code of battle, Decepticon Miners are to be ignored." Optimus stated.
"Only offline the shooting ones… I know." Fuse said, slamming his fist into his other hand.
"He also means don't go smash happy, we need Energon, not pieces," Arcee stated.
"You think I'm dumb enough to shoot the stuff we need to survive?" Fuse asked as Arcee smirked. "Frag you…" Fuse said with a small amount of mirth on his faceplate.
Fuse paused to keep thinking for now as he looked to try and figure something out as he sighed. He was utterly tired and he was utterly ready to deal with it as he cracked his fingers, he was not ready to deal with something for now.
"Optimus?" Fuse questioned. "Is there not something left of the Autobot resistance?" Fuse stated.
"In my knowledge? We are all that is left." Fuse heard as he frowned.
The trio walked towards the ground bridge as Fuse hummed, activating his canon. Arcee watched as a minigun like weapon popped from his arm, watching as he spun it.
"Optimus? If there is another triple changer as I believe? I believe we might be in trouble." Fuse stated. "I chose the 'tomcat' because it is fast, built for combat… It to my knowledge is the most suited for combat in this base's aircraft." Fuse stated.
"What do you imply?" Fuse heard from Optimus.
"Are there other militaries besides this on this planet?" Optimus heard.
"Oh… The cons are going to get better weapons, aren't they?" Arcee asked as Fuse nodded. "Scrap…" Arcee stated before they stepped through the ground bridge.
(Aboard the Nemesis)
"Good! A triple changer! This one is massively dangerous!" Breakdown stated as he danced with giddy amusement.
"What? That fancy science that Megatron wanted to be captured from Iacon?" Knockout asked.
"Yes! The key to the Autobots and their defeat lies in the perfection of this weapon!" Breakdown stated.
"Didn't he want something called Sixshot off the ground? I thought he started experimenting with upgrading it." Breakdown stated.
"Sixshot would never have worked, upgrading a triple changer would have been instrumental in the war," Knockout stated.
"Oh? And do you want me to point out that your plans are pretty insane to be believed?" Knockout asked to which Soundwave broke the two up.
"Bah, this weapon is Decepticon either way, even Megatron…" Knockout stated.
"Wishes to look over his new weapon, Knockout," Megatron said, emerging from the back of the bridge. "Blitzwing! Report for duty… NOW!" Megatron ordered with a smirk.
Author Notes
Phew. Another chapter is done! I want to point out that this story will change some episodes but I will try to keep Fuse's involvement to a minimum. The next chapter will be in 2-10 months and will show more of Optimus, Arcee, and Fuse fighting Decepticons and show off Blitzwing's introduction to the Decepticon ranks. Until the 900–6500-word chapter, Lighting Wolf out!