Transformers War for Cybertron: An Old War

by bigvic150

In this prequel to A New Adventure, we explore how Starscream, Silverbolt, and a big majority of the canon Aerialbots and Seekers came to be Autobots along with exploring the story of the War, with lots of additional Autobots and Decepticons, including combiners and briefly Mercenaries before their final fate. That's all I have to say. (ON TEMPORARY HIATUS)

21. Defend Iacon

Transformers War for Cybertron: An Old War.

Chapter 21: Defend Iacon.

Iacon, the capital city of the Autobots, is crumbling under the brutal assault of Megatron and his Decepticons. Rumors have spread of the defeat of Omega Supreme and Autobot de facto leader Sentinel Zeta Prime. If the Autobots have any hope to rally together and repel the enemy, a new hero must emerge.

In the streets of Iacon, Bumblebee speeds towards two Decepticon Gun Brutes in vehicle mode.

And despite their efforts, Bumblebee was driving too fast to get shot at.

After driving up a ramp, Bumblebee transforms, shoots two shots from his Plasma Cannon at the two Decepticons, and transforms back to vehicle mode with enough momentum to continue driving.

Suddenly, two more Decepticon Gun Brutes fire shots at Bumblebee until one shot makes Bumblebee stumble and transform in mid-air at the same time before coming to a safe kneeling stop.

The two Decepticons approach him and prepare their guns to finish the job.

Suddenly, a Decepticon warship behind them explodes, and out comes Optimus Prime in vehicle mode.

The new Autobot leader smacks the first Decepticon soldier away by driving and ramming into him, then he transforms to his robot mode and slashes to death the second Decepticon soldier with his Energon axe.

Optimus puts away his axe and helps Bumblebee up.

Optimus states even as Ratchet, Dark Rook, Chronofall, Groundbreak, Seagear, Worldflyer, Brown Caracara, Flarestreak, Orange Peregrine, Red Magpie, Bright Harrier, Jet Corbeau, Screech Harrier, Carrion Jackdaw, Rail Harrier, Flint Cloud, Dragcap, Skybust, Galaxyflash, Duskclaw, Stellarflyer, Surevoid, Nightdive, Hangbite, Swiftside, Dirtlift, Haillift, Speedshift, Hydrauspot, Skypunch, Bulkguard, Shadesmasher, Darksnapper, Gloombreaker, Duskcracker, Umbrafragmenter, Dimsplitter, Grayrender, Hazesplinter, Screenbuster, Veilshiver, Nightgrazer, Twilightpiercer, Blackcutter, Brownshatter, Cloudsmasher, Lightcracker, Brightsnapper, Glowfragmenter, Glarefracturer, Flamesplinter, Shimmersplitter, Flashtearer, Shinebuster, Firedivider, Sparklerupturer, Blazerender, Gleammender, Whitepiercer, Silvercutter, Moongrazer, Sunspacer, Starhole, Blizzardshatter, Cyclonesmasher, Downpourbreaker, Galecracker, Gustsnapper, Hurricanefracturer, Squallfragmenter, Tempesttearer, Tornadoburst, Twistersplitter, Blastsplinter, Blowrender, Precipsever, Barragerupture, Bombdivider, Burstbuster, Hailshiver, Blitzmender, Blusterpiecer, Bustlecutter, Clamorgrazer, Ripcrasher, Roardasher, Stalkbeater, Tearpounder, Assaillasher, Besetbatter, Chargeslitter, Droprifter, Howlchink, Calmhole, Lidspacer, Firmamentgap, Welkinsplitter, Empyreancrusher, Azuresmasher, Vaultsever, Earthsnapper, Airshatter, Atmospheredamager, Breathbuster, Breezetrasher, Draftparter, Heavenfixer, Ozoneconnecter, Puffmender, Waftfastener, Whiffbolter, Zephyrbreaker, Landfade, Dryjumper, Floorrunner, Soilskipper, Loamslip, Clayjammer, Siltbasher, Sodbeater, Clodbreaker, Turfclobber, Terraincrippler, Dirtlasher, Gravelshatter, Mudsmasher, Dustthrasher, Sandwrecker, Mirebanger, Muckbat, Dreckclub, Beachhammer, Creamhitter, Tanknocker, Rivermasher, Seapounder, Waterpuncher, Lakerammer, Brimslapper, Necrobust, Heatdreamer, Swiftwheels, Soundrider, Roadwire, Motorcoder, Cometeater, Tidesmasher, Starride, Deathgaze, Thundervoice, Cometwing, Safeshield, Frontguard, Champshelter Chargeward, Silverwhite Plunderupper, Strikeslap Sunspark, Archsymbol Boldmacho, Dazzling Comet, Horseknight, Cavernous Ultramarine, Intercosmic Tramper, Constellation Shimmer, Constellation Cavalier, Steelbugger, Nimrod Asteroid, Wraith Supernova, Clairpath Spokespiece, Telemystic Hicatch, Bastwork Smashknock, Speedmissile Crestquill, Hammerbat, Neuraltactile Bushi, Orbsun Squasher, Crystalmist Globehiker, Squallditty, Downgale Swirlwheel, Bangcrash, Maroon Bounceblow, Ragespleen Blastboom, Armored Vanguard, Blackgold Raider, Warwheel Star, Guardgate Star, Lord Fearless, Fire Meteor, Flycop Combatter, Big Azure, Galaxy Horseman, Ironarrow, Flyiron, Wing Arrow, Milkway Hunter, Huntway, Super Vanguard, Ironfort, Angerfist, Fistfort, Blazefire, Ironhammer, Heavyhammer, Hammerguard, Soundknight, Stararm, Battlesong, Stormbattle, Galewheel, Joygale, Ridewheel, Swiftclap, Thunderswift, Suncloud Straggler, Crowdawn Jiffer, Friendly Psyche, Menaceful Ego, Benevolentwing, Trusswing, Coldflame, Starflame, Flamestar, Heattrap, Frostsharp Rouge Specter, Typhoon Hoofer, Crackdoom Rallymass, Downwings, Heaven Phantom, Redflame Phantom, Disasterwing, Frantic Spirit, Angel Bond, Blink Sprinter, Dark Walker, Brave Terror, Terror General, General Gentlecheer, Chaotic Fiend, Shilly-Shally, Drifting Lightning, Flyshaft, Willy-Willy Trapper, Highware, Slowopen, Tranquility Underdog, Hypocog, Steel Tooth, Iron Beast, Soft Barb, Staredge, Lightcover, Eyeglassburn, Metalwing, Timber Roar, Electric Murmur, Vapor Yanker, Clearkey Thrifter, Dark Dancer, Day Dancer, Day Hoofer, Bright Chorus, High Warrior, Tough Rear, High Pressure, High Front, Tough Pressure, Duress Prow, Split Carrier, Breach Porter, Shade Enforcer, Light Dropper, Heavy Destroyer, Armored Destroyer, Heavy Armor, Blockcannon, Reliefarm, Destructive Vortex, Fix-Unwind, Deep Star, Space Star, Deep Scar, Cosmo Pit, Star Spiral, Fall Dabbler, Dark Star, Dark Whirlpool, Star Whirlpool, Astral System, Flame Stream, Supernova Stream, Mass Blazer, Clearpraise Nobleman, Bear General, Valiant Giant, Giant Bear, Valiant General, Plough Wain, Dark Variable, Stable Sun, Black Pulse, Pulse Hole, Valid Cadence, Wing War, Rotor War, Wind Edge, Anger War, Ceasefire Shank, Truce Chopper, Gust Peace, Solarrider, Shotclaw, Clawjet, Shotrider, Riderclaw, Stormblaze, Riderpath, Pathblaze, Chopwave, Sidewing, and Banzaitop come up in vehicle mode and switch to robot mode in unison, "You're a skilled fighter, but you shouldn't be out here alone. Autobots are no longer safe in Iacon."

Bumblebee then says, "The Decepticons control the Airwaves. The only secure way to communicate is by messenger bots. I volunteered. Name's Bumblebee."

Optimus then says, "Ratchet, Shadesmasher, this Autobot needs repairs."

Ratchet says as he and Shadesmasher spray Bumblebee with Energon Repair Beams, "Be still; we will get you fixed up."

Bumblebee says, "What? Oh. Anyway, I need to find the Autobot called Optimus Prime. I got important information for him."

Optimus says, "I, am Optimus Prime."

Bumblebee states, "You're – ? Sir, it pains me to tell you this, but our de facto leader, Sentinel Zeta Prime, is dead."

Optimus growls, "Megatron... Now he has gone too far."

Ratchet asks, "And what of the High Council?"

Bumblebee answers, "They've all gone into hiding, and they severed all communications from the outside. Optimus, sir, with Sentinel Zeta Prime gone and not helping you in your duties, our forces are withdrawing."

Optimus clenches his left fist and says, "The High Council will emerge when it's safer. In the meantime, Ratchet, Dark Rook, Chronofall, Groundbreak, Seagear, Worldflyer, Brown Caracara, Flarestreak, Orange Peregrine, Red Magpie, Bright Harrier, Jet Corbeau, Screech Harrier, Carrion Jackdaw, Rail Harrier, Flint Cloud, Dragcap, Skybust, Galaxyflash, Duskclaw, Stellarflyer, Surevoid, Nightdive, Hangbite, Swiftside, Dirtlift, Haillift, Speedshift, Hydrauspot, Skypunch, Bulkguard, Shadesmasher, Darksnapper, Gloombreaker, Duskcracker, Umbrafragmenter, Dimsplitter, Grayrender, Hazesplinter, Screenbuster, Veilshiver, Nightgrazer, Twilightpiercer, Blackcutter, Brownshatter, Cloudsmasher, Lightcracker, Brightsnapper, Glowfragmenter, Glarefracturer, Flamesplinter, Shimmersplitter, Flashtearer, Shinebuster, Firedivider, Sparklerupturer, Blazerender, Gleammender, Whitepiercer, Silvercutter, Moongrazer, Sunspacer, Starhole, Blizzardshatter, Cyclonesmasher, Downpourbreaker, Galecracker, Gustsnapper, Hurricanefracturer, Squallfragmenter, Tempesttearer, Tornadoburst, Twistersplitter, Blastsplinter, Blowrender, Precipsever, Barragerupture, Bombdivider, Burstbuster, Hailshiver, Blitzmender, Blusterpiecer, Bustlecutter, Clamorgrazer, Ripcrasher, Roardasher, Stalkbeater, Tearpounder, Assaillasher, Besetbatter, Chargeslitter, Droprifter, Howlchink, Calmhole, Lidspacer, Firmamentgap, Welkinsplitter, Empyreancrusher, Azuresmasher, Vaultsever, Earthsnapper, Airshatter, Atmospheredamager, Breathbuster, Breezetrasher, Draftparter, Heavenfixer, Ozoneconnecter, Puffmender, Waftfastener, Whiffbolter, Zephyrbreaker, Landfade, Dryjumper, Floorrunner, Soilskipper, Loamslip, Clayjammer, Siltbasher, Sodbeater, Clodbreaker, Turfclobber, Terraincrippler, Dirtlasher, Gravelshatter, Mudsmasher, Dustthrasher, Sandwrecker, Mirebanger, Muckbat, Dreckclub, Beachhammer, Creamhitter, Tanknocker, Rivermasher, Seapounder, Waterpuncher, Lakerammer, Brimslapper, Necrobust, Heatdreamer, Swiftwheels, Soundrider, Roadwire, Motorcoder, Cometeater, Tidesmasher, Starride, Deathgaze, Thundervoice, Cometwing, Safeshield, Frontguard, Champshelter Chargeward, Silverwhite Plunderupper, Strikeslap Sunspark, Archsymbol Boldmacho, Dazzling Comet, Horseknight, Cavernous Ultramarine, Intercosmic Tramper, Constellation Shimmer, Constellation Cavalier, Steelbugger, Nimrod Asteroid, Wraith Supernova, Clairpath Spokespiece, Telemystic Hicatch, Bastwork Smashknock, Speedmissile Crestquill, Hammerbat, Neuraltactile Bushi, Orbsun Squasher, Crystalmist Globehiker, Squallditty, Downgale Swirlwheel, Bangcrash, Maroon Bounceblow, Ragespleen Blastboom, Armored Vanguard, Blackgold Raider, Warwheel Star, Guardgate Star, Lord Fearless, Fire Meteor, Flycop Combatter, Big Azure, Galaxy Horseman, Ironarrow, Flyiron, Wing Arrow, Milkway Hunter, Huntway, Super Vanguard, Ironfort, Angerfist, Fistfort, Blazefire, Ironhammer, Heavyhammer, Hammerguard, Soundknight, Stararm, Battlesong, Stormbattle, Galewheel, Joygale, Ridewheel, Swiftclap, Thunderswift, Suncloud Straggler, Crowdawn Jiffer, Friendly Psyche, Menaceful Ego, Benevolentwing, Trusswing, Coldflame, Starflame, Flamestar, Heattrap, Frostsharp Rouge Specter, Typhoon Hoofer, Crackdoom Rallymass, Downwings, Heaven Phantom, Redflame Phantom, Disasterwing, Frantic Spirit, Angel Bond, Blink Sprinter, Dark Walker, Brave Terror, Terror General, General Gentlecheer, Chaotic Fiend, Shilly-Shally, Drifting Lightning, Flyshaft, Willy-Willy Trapper, Highware, Slowopen, Tranquility Underdog, Hypocog, Steel Tooth, Iron Beast, Soft Barb, Staredge, Lightcover, Eyeglassburn, Metalwing, Timber Roar, Electric Murmur, Vapor Yanker, Clearkey Thrifter, Dark Dancer, Day Dancer, Day Hoofer, Bright Chorus, High Warrior, Tough Rear, High Pressure, High Front, Tough Pressure, Duress Prow, Split Carrier, Breach Porter, Shade Enforcer, Light Dropper, Heavy Destroyer, Armored Destroyer, Heavy Armor, Blockcannon, Reliefarm, Destructive Vortex, Fix-Unwind, Deep Star, Space Star, Deep Scar, Cosmo Pit, Star Spiral, Fall Dabbler, Dark Star, Dark Whirlpool, Star Whirlpool, Astral System, Flame Stream, Supernova Stream, Mass Blazer, Clearpraise Nobleman, Bear General, Valiant Giant, Giant Bear, Valiant General, Plough Wain, Dark Variable, Stable Sun, Black Pulse, Pulse Hole, Valid Cadence, Wing War, Rotor War, Wind Edge, Anger War, Ceasefire Shank, Truce Chopper, Gust Peace, Solarrider, Shotclaw, Clawjet, Shotrider, Riderclaw, Stormblaze, Riderpath, Pathblaze, Chopwave, Sidewing, Banzaitop, Bumblebee, all of you are with me."

Optimus leads the way to an Autobot outpost.

In a ginormous elevator, Ratchet remarks as he observes several Decepticon warships leveling the city of Iacon, "Megatron is determined, I'll give him that. He means to see Iacon destroyed."

Optimus replies, "Not destroyed, Ratchet; simply taken. He knows we are at our weakest with Sentinel Zeta Prime gone."

Bumblebee snarls, "Megatron can take this city over my twisted, lifeless shell!"

Banzaitop replies, "We'd prefer no further loss of life, Bumblebee."

Optimus says, "Focus on the task at hand, Autobots."

After the elevator comes to a stop at ground level, the three hundred and nineteen Autobots disembark and gather around a communication hub.

A hologram of Starscream appears and he says, "To any Autobots on this frequency, this is Starscream. Come in."

Optimus replies before asking, "Starscream, this is Optimus Prime. Glad you're still airborne. What's your status?"

Starscream replies, "We're taking sufficient damage in the skies! Put me through to Sentinel Zeta Prime – we need him to activate the Planetary Guns."

Optimus replies back, "Sentinel Zeta Prime is dead."

Starscream exclaims before questioning, "What?! He's dead?! What are we going to do now, Optimus?"

Optimus answers as the Starscream hologram transforms to jet mode and accelerates in place, "I have assumed temporary command, Starscream. Let the rest of your flight squadrons know, and don't worry, we will get those guns online."

Ratchet inquires, "Temporary command?"

Optimus replies, "Not now, Ratchet; Starscream needs those guns online."

As Dark Rook snaps his digits thirty-six times in rapid succession to vastly multiply Autobot troops, weapons emplacements, weapons crates, ammo crates, grenade containers, Energon cubes, Autobot warships, and even Autobot dropships, Ratchet activates the entrance/exit door to the outpost.

An Autobot Soldier calls out as the three hundred and nineteen Autobots leave the building, "Scrap them all, Optimus!"

Suddenly, their attention is drawn to an incoming crashing Decepticon warship.

An Autobot Soldier exclaims, "Heads up; that warship's coming in real hot!"

Another Autobot Soldier exclaims as well, "Take cover!"

The Decepticon warship then crash lands into the statue in front of the walkway to the entrance before coming to a skidding stop.

An Autobot Soldier calls out, "Whoo-hoo!"

Dark Rook takes out Firefest, his Weaponizer Mini-Con who turns into a harpoon cannon, and he fires a harpoon at a surviving Decepticon Soldier, turning him into an Autobot Soldier. And then Dark Rook deploys Backmix and multiplies the new Autobot Soldier into several thousands.

The three hundred and nineteen Autobots then progress to a checkpoint – while Ratchet repairs an injured Autobot Soldier – and they see an armada of Decepticon Soldiers emerging on the scene in vehicle mode.

After the Decepticon Soldiers switch to robot mode, they open fire with every bit of ammunition they have.

One such Soldier calls out, "Over there! Get them!"

Dark Rook reprograms the Decepticon Soldiers and multiplies them vastly.

After getting to a checkpoint with a second elevator, Dark Rook reprograms the Decepticon Soldiers into Autobot Soldiers and multiplies them vastly.

Optimus then says, "Old friend, you do realize that this will cause Megatron to become even more desperate, do you?"

Dark Rook answers, "Yes, I am indeed aware."

The three hundred and nineteen Autobots board the elevator and go up to the top floor where the controls for the Planetary Guns are.

After reprogramming the Decepticon Soldiers into Autobot Soldiers and then multiplying them, Optimus says, "There, the controls for the Planetary Guns! Activate them now!"

Ratchet does so, and the Planetary Guns take out multiple Decepticon warships.

Bumblebee remarks, "Yeah! Take that, Decepticons!"

Sidewing points out, "This battle is not over yet, Bumblebee; the skies might be clear for our air forces, but our ground forces are still in disarray."

Optimus says, "That is correct, Sidewing."

Chopwave then states, "Optimus, if we can get the Communication Grid back online, we'll be able to better coordinate our city's defense systems and defense forces."

Optimus replies again, "The communication grid is in the Decagon. If we get there in time, we might have a chance."

Suddenly, a Planetary Gun shoots down a Decepticon warship, and the warship comes crashing down onto the forcefield of the platform even as Bumblebee exclaims, "Look out!"

The warship crashes to the ground floor below, and because the forcefield was taken down, the Autobots jump down to the ground level.

Optimus says as Dark Rook goes around reprogramming Decepticons into Autobots, multiplying them, and repairing them at the same time, "Every nanosecond counts. Let's get moving!"

Ratchet then says, "Not bad for a temporary command, Optimus. You're proficient at this than you give yourself credit for."

Optimus answers, "The High Council will eventually task me with retrieving the Matrix of Leadership from Cybertron's core, as Dark Rook and Shadesmasher theorized. But I am also a stand-in until that order is given."

The Autobots follow Dark Rook to a speedway that leads to a building with an elevator lift going down, but he stops as Decepticon Seekers bombard the speedway with missiles.

Dark Rook activates Firefest's heat-seeking harpoon-shaped missile ammo setting and fires locked-on harpoons at the dozens to hundreds of Decepticon Seekers sent to intercept them.

After progressing to the next building, Dark Rook spots an incoming Autobot Soldier and Decepticon Brute, and he immediately reprograms the Brute before multiplying him vastly.

The automated repair sentry appears overhead at the door to the elevator and repairs the door as Ratchet says, "The automated repair turrets are still functional at best. That's a good sign."

The giant lift appears, and Dark Rook says, "Autobots, onto the lift!"

Valiant General activates the lift, and it starts descending.

But then, the lift goes down faster because of extensive damage, and then it crashes at ground level, sending everyone to the ground.

Everyone gets back up and exits the elevator, transforming to vehicle mode, and they proceed to drive and fly over a destroyed bridge – courtesy of a destroyed falling building – to reach an Autobot checkpoint.

Along the way, Ratchet manages to revive some fallen Autobot Soldiers.

Optimus says, "Let's move, quickly."

Ratchet then says, "That's odd. Optimus, I'm picking up a concentration of electro-tetronic anomalies close by."

Optimus asks, "Any ideas on what the cause of these anomalies is, Ratchet?"

Ratchet answers, "No. Not enough data to draw a logical conclusion."

After entering the building leading to the Autobot checkpoint, Bumblebee spots a Decepticon War Machine and asks, "Whoa, what is that thing, Ratchet?"

An Autobot Soldier on the other side of the window screen calls out, "Fall back, now! Watch your head!"

An Autobot Soldier stumbles before getting back up.

Ratchet then starts to say, "I'm reading a massive surge of – "

But Bumblebee exclaims as the Decepticon War Machine blasts the room and spreads Dark Energon crystals everywhere, "Guys! Get out of there, now!"

Unfortunately, the Autobot Soldier pounding on the window comes in contact with some growing Dark Energon crystals and he dies instantly.

Dark Rook growls animalistically, and Optimus says, "Dark Rook, Bumblebee, there was nothing we could do."

Dark Rook then says before asking, "I know what that thing was: a Decepticon War Machine. I'd seen those in the Archives. What about you, Optimus?"

Optimus answers, "Yes, I've seen them in the Archives too. They're used to dispense Dark Energon."

Ratchet then asks, "Dark Energon? I thought that was the stuff of legend."

Bumblebee points out, "And yet you doubted the existence of the replicas of Prime relics and weapons until you had them scanned and found out that they were indeed replicas of the genuine articles."

Ratchet replies, "Yes, right; the thing about myths and legends is that sometimes, they're true."

Optimus then says, "We'll sort it out later; right now, we got comrades and a world to save."

Optimus and his comrades go on and they reprogram multiple Decepticon Soldiers into Autobot Soldiers while greatly multiplying them, and while destroying the Dark Energon crystals.

Starscream then contacts Optimus and says, "Optimus, this is Starscream. Do you copy? You've got a platoon of Decepticon Seekers heading your way! I couldn't stop them all."

Optimus replies, "Roger that, Starscream."

After reprogramming more Decepticon Soldiers, Decepticon Protectors, and Decepticon Seekers into Autobot Soldiers, Protectors, and Aerialbots, the Autobots come across an Autobot dropship getting ready to drop off onto the platform additional Autobot reinforcements.

They manage to get across before the dropship gets blown out of the sky.

Then, Dark Rook activates Firefest's long-range missile harpoon ammo setting and he reprograms several Decepticon Rocket Soldiers before activating Backmix's long-range multiplication beam setting and greatly multiplying the new Autobot Rocket Soldiers.

After getting to the second floor of the platform and reviving an Autobot Soldier, Starscream calls out, "Prime! Inbound Decepticon Seekers at twelve o'clock! You can either use Dark Rook's Mini-Cons, or you can use the gun emplacements!"

Optimus replies, "Understood, Starscream. Autobots, man the turrets and give Dark Rook's Mini-Cons covering fire!"

While Dark Rook has Firefest and Backmix firing on all cylinders, the Autobots manning the gun emplacements take out any Decepticon Seekers and Rocket Soldiers they might've missed.

Bumblebee remarks as he kills one Decepticon Seeker, "Scratch one Decepticon Seeker!"

Bumblebee kills another one and remarks, "That's showing them!"

Bumblebee kills yet another one and says, "Take that, you Decepti-creep!"

They all take on the Decepticon Rocket Soldiers, and then comes a Decepticon warship.

Dark Rook makes Firefest's harpoon cannon mode charge itself before firing a big harpoon that turns the Decepticon warship into an Autobot warship and reprograms all the Decepticons in the warship into Autobots, as well as making Backmix's multiplication beam gun mode charge itself before firing continuously at the warship, making the Autobot warship multiply greatly before going on to find Decepticons to take out.

Then, Starscream, Jetfire, and two Aerialbots show up at a previously undiscovered road leading to a tunnel that contains an Iacon Highway.

Jetfire then says, "Nice shooting, Autobots. Starscream, Air Raid, Skywarp, Thundercracker, and I have control of the skies now."

Tough Rear replies, "Thanks, Jetfire. But we need to get to the Decagon to reactivate the communication grid, and fast."

Optimus inquires, "Are the Iacon speedways still drivable?"

Starscream answers, "From above in the sky, they look barely usable, but it's worth a try."

Jetfire then says, "Good luck, Optimus. With Sentinel Zeta Prime gone, we're all looking to you for leadership now."

Optimus replies, "I'll do my best. Autobots, roll out!"

Everyone transforms to vehicle mode, and while the Aerialbots fly away, the Grounder Autobots drive while the Fliers take flight to protect their comrades from above.

After getting through the first two tunnels, the Grounders come to a small drop leading to another tunnel.

The Grounders then stop as they see an Autobot Destroyer mowing down some Decepticons.

The Autobots then split up on two different speedways, and they come across some Decepticon checkpoints.

After reprogramming and/or killing the Decepticons, they continue driving onto the speedway.

Just then, Soundwave is heard saying over the commlink, "Autobot signatures detected in the Eastern Access Highway."

Bumblebee states, "Oh, no, was that Soundwave...? Optimus, that was Soundwave!"

After coming across a speedway that gets blown up halfway into expanding for easier passage, Soundwave says, "Activate thermal detonation probes. Target: Iacon Highway."

The Autobots manage to barely escape the detonation probes before transforming to robot mode as they fall to ground level.

The Fliers meet up with their comrades on the ground, and Ratchet asks, "Damage report! Is anyone hurt?"

Bumblebee replies, "Nothing you can't fix."

Ratchet replies back, "Bumblebee, it wouldn't kill you to exercise caution."

The Autobots head into a building doorway, and an Autobot Soldier gets shot in the head by a Decepticon Sniper.

Optimus says, "Heads up, Autobots! Snipers!"

As more Autobot Soldiers get shot down by Decepticon Snipers, Dark Rook snipes the Decepticon Snipers and turns them into Autobot Snipers, while multiplying them greatly over the course of them being fully reprogrammed with no side effects at all.

Dark Rook then uses his powers in an all-encompassing Energon field to revive the fallen Autobots, and while using his powers and know how of Cybertron's land masses to revive and greatly multiply the fallen Autobots after their resurrections back at the starting points of their mission objectives.

Ratchet then says, "We've got to get back to the Speedway!"

After progressing through the area to reprogram Decepticon Snipers into Autobot Snipers, multiplying them greatly, reviving dead Autobots and multiplying them greatly, the Autobots come up to a command post.

Inside the command post, a hologram of Megatron's head says, "You may rejoice, citizens of Iacon! Your new ruler, Megatron, has arrived! No longer will you be plagued by the burdens of freedom and choice. Henceforth, my will is the only guidance you shall need. Embrace the Decepticon way, and reap its rewards, or resist, and face destruction!"

Soundknight scoffs, "Yeah, right! Like we need advice and warnings from you, Megatron!"

Bear General then says, "Let's keep moving."

After Dark Rook revives and greatly multiplies the dead Autobots in the room, the Autobot teams then bear witness to a team of Decepticons led by Soundwave transporting Autobot prisoners onto a dropship and stacking vast amounts of Energon cubes he creates out of his chestplate window.

Soundwave then notices the three hundred and nineteen Autobots plus the revived and greatly multiplied Autobot troops and he says, "Alert! Autobots detected! Destroy them!"

A Decepticon Rocket Soldier continuously fires missiles at the forcefield blocking the exit, and the moment that the forcefield is down, Dark Rook immediately reprograms the Decepticons intercepting him and his comrades before going on to reprogram a Decepticon Heavy Soldier and before going on to greatly multiply the new Autobots.

Ironhide then contacts Optimus and says, "Optimus, this is Ironhide. There's a huge faction of Decepticons swarming the Decagon's main gates."

Optimus replies, "Take out as many as you can. I need a pathway cleared!"

Ironhide replies back before saying, "Understood. And Optimus, I'm glad to see you finally stepped up as Autobot leader."

Optimus replies back, "Just doing what needs to be done, Ironhide."

Ironhide states, "Yeah, well, just try not to get us blown to pieces in the process."

Ironhide hangs up.

Ratchet asks, "Old friend of yours?"

Optimus answers, "Old, and cranky."

The Autobots make their way through the exit door and jump down two levels before coming across a big assortment of Dark Energon crystals and dead Autobots.

Dark Rook revives them and the Autobots start shooting at the Dark Energon crystals, including the ones blocking the open entrance to the room hosting the Decepticon War Machine.

Optimus states, "Looks like our intel was right again; Megatron has somehow found a way to weaponize Dark Energon."

Bumblebee questions, "This is Dark Energon?"

Optimus answers, "Yes, Bumblebee. Dark Energon is the source of these crystals. I've read the stories, but to see it for real is unthinkable."

Dirtlasher says, "There's a first time for everything, Optimus."

Optimus replies, "That's true."

After blasting the Dark Energon spikes, the three hundred and nineteen Autobots converge towards the exit with Dark Energon spikes.

After blasting the spikes and getting inside of the room with the Decepticon War Machine, Optimus says, "A Decepticon War Machine! So, you were right all along, Dark Rook!"

After the Autobots destroy the War Machine's armored legs, Ratchet notices the chest is vulnerable.

As the Autobots avoid the sweeping Dark Energon laser, Ratchet calls out, "Aim for the chest! Aim for the chest!"

The Autobots manage to destroy the machine's exposed core, and it stumbles around a bit before toppling over.

Bumblebee remarks, "Aw, yeah! We got it down now! Bring on the rest of them!"

Optimus replies, "That's the spirit, Bumblebee! Autobots, to the Decagon!"

After blasting through the exit on the other side of the room, the Autobots rush through the corridor until they reach an Autobrand door.

The Autobots jump down from a weak ledge and they come across an open exit with Dark Energon crystals.

Dark Rook blasts the Dark Energon crystals and Ratchet says, "It's working! Taking out the source makes the roots retract! Now Iacon can start repairing itself!"

Optimus says, "Remember, Autobots, blast the spikes but never touch them! Transform and roll out!"

The Autobots transform to vehicle mode and they drive and fly to several Decepticon checkpoints, where they reprogram the Decepticon troops into Autobot troops and greatly multiply them.

But then, after stumbling across the destroyed speedway, Bumblebee groans, "Aw, GREAT! The Speedway is destroyed!"

After the Autobots drop down to the ground level, they switch back to robot mode and Optimus asks, "Ironhide, what's your status?"

Ironhide answers, "Still working on clearing that path for you, Optimus, but these Decepticons really are stubborn! Be advised; I got some Defenders near your location engaging some Decepticon War Machines."

The Autobots progress through the checkpoint and they start helping their fellow Autobots, especially by making sure that every fallen Autobot is revived and every Decepticon trooper is reprogrammed into Autobots and greatly multiplied afterwards.

After unlocking the next exit, the Autobots destroy the next Decepticon War Machine.

Ironhide then says over the commlink, "Thanks, Optimus! We appreciate the help!"

After the Autobots pile onto the exit elevator, the repair sentries fix them up while simultaneously destroying the Dark Energon crystals as the elevator ascends to the top floor.

As the last Dark Energon crystals blow up, the exit door opens.

After dealing with the ambush of Decepticons, Bumblebee asks, "The Decepticons are really giving it all they have here, aren't they?"

Ratchet answers, "That they are. All Autobot communications funnel through the Decagon hub, Bumblebee. It's the lifeline for the city of Iacon."

Dark Rook says, "All the more reason we must reach it rapidly!"

After making it past several hundred Autobots loading subway trains with Energon cubes, Ratchet observes the situation and says, "Looks like we'll have to ride the turbines to reach the other side!"

The Autobot Grounders do so while the Fliers fly the whole way, and while dealing with Decepticons and comforting the morale of Autobots loading Energon cubes while listening to Megatron's propaganda as he says, "Citizens of Iacon. I, Megatron, have destroyed your unworthy leader, Sentinel Zeta Prime. Now, you will have the privilege of experiencing my rule! I shall not be denied!"

After dealing with more Decepticons and reviving dead Autobots, the Autobots make it to the other side of the valley.

The Autobots make it to where they can see a speedway, they transform to vehicle mode, and they drive and fly until they can see the Decagon dead ahead.

Along the way, Dark Rook says, "Let's go, Autobots; we're almost there!"

Optimus says, "Autobots, lock and load. Taking back the Decagon won't be easy."

Orange Peregrine replies, "Yes, that's true; but let's not get too cocky with each kill either, that's how the greatest soldiers wind up becoming overconfident and getting themselves killed."

Everyone else gave different affirmatives.

After seeing the Decagon dead ahead, the Autobots get to an Autobot staging area and switch back to robot mode.

Everyone turns their attention to the left to see Ironhide with some Autobot Soldiers on an elevator behind a forcefield wall.

Ironhide says, "Optimus! Your path is clear! I'll move on and flank the Decepticons in the northern sector."

Optimus replies, "You have my thanks, Ironhide! Good hunting!"

Red Magpie opens the exit door, and they enter the battlefield, when Ratchet exclaims, "The Decagon Plaza!"

Dark Rook's family unit take on the Decepticon forces, either neutralizing them or reprogramming them into Autobots and then greatly multiplying them, and they even took out the Decepticon reinforcements.

As the other Autobots converged on the wreckage blocking the entrance to the Decagon, two Decepticon Brutes appear, and one charges, but Ironhide comes up and hoists the first Brute over his head before slamming him onto the ground hard face first, deactivating him.

Then Ironhide dodges a hammer swing from the second Brute before grabbing him, holding him over his head, and ripping him in half from the midsection with ease due to the fact that Ironhide is one of the strongest Autobots in the entire Autobot army.

Ironhide then says as he drops the two halves of the second Decepticon Brute, "That guy should've stayed home."

Ironhide then lifts a piece of debris enough for the Autobots to get through and he says as they rush through, "Hurry up! I'm not gonna stand here like this all day!"

Optimus replies, "Thanks, Ironhide!"

As the three hundred and nineteen Autobots enter the lobby, Ratchet states, "Optimus, the Communication Grid is located at the top of the Decagon. We need to find an elevator that goes up."

Optimus replies, "You've got the schematics, Ratchet; lead the way."

Ratchet leads the way while he and everyone else deals with multiple more Decepticons.

After finding the destroyed elevator, Ratchet says, "The elevator's wrecked; looks like we'll have to find another way up."

After dealing with more Decepticon Brutes, the door is opened by the repair sentries.

After entering the room with the main terminal, Bumblebee remarks, "Wow! This place is amazing!"

Ratchet then states, "There, that's the main terminal for the Communication Grid. We can reactivate it by aligning the data streams... I think... in theory, anyway."

Wing Arrow does the aligning and activates the console terminal.

As the Communication Grid starts up again, Optimus states, "Good job, Wing Arrow. The grid is back online. Let's get to the broadcast room up top so we can re-coordinate Iacon's defenses."

Coldflame then points out before asking, "The elevator's been destroyed. Anyone have any ideas how to get to the broadcast room?"

Tearpounder answers, "Well, we could use our Fliers to get to the top while the rest of us rides the Energon shell capacitors. It'll take a little longer to get to the broadcast room, but it's the best option we have right now."

Optimus says as he and the others get themselves ready, "Let's do it, then we can fight back at the Decepticons in full force."

It takes nearly ten minutes for the Autobots to get to the lift of the top for the broadcast room, along with dealing with multiple platoons of Decepticons to reprogram into Autobots and then greatly multiply them, but the Autobot team manages to do so.

After activating the lift, Ratchet says, "According to the schematics, the broadcast control room is at the top of the lift."

Pathblaze remarks, "Perfect! Then after we reconnect Iacon's defenses, we can get to the battle outside, right?"

Optimus answers, "That's affirmative, Pathblaze."

Starscream then advises over the commlink, "Optimus, this is Starscream. Be alert; Ironspan is heading your way! We tried to stop him, but Silverbolt, Jetstorm, Jetfire, Blazemaster, and the others sustained serious damage."

Optimus replies before advising his team, "Get clear and return to base for repairs, Starscream. You've done more than enough already. Autobots, despite our numbers, we must exercise caution. Like Starscream, Ironspan is as dangerous as he is smart, but unlike Starscream, Ironspan is also as dangerous as he is treacherous."

Bumblebee replies, "Just get us clean shots."

Starride replies back, "We'd have to use Thermo Rocket Launchers on him; even with our army of Fliers, Ironspan's skills are on par with Starscream."

After exiting the lift, the Autobots stock up on weaponry suitable for Fliers aside from just Thermo Rocket Launchers.

After entering the broadcast room, the Autobots see Ironspan fly into the room and transform to robot mode and land up high.

Ironspan remarks, "Trying to restore your precious grid, Autobots? How pathetic!"

Ironspan switches back to jet mode and starts doing fly-bys.

Optimus says as he fires rockets at Ironspan, "You have committed crimes against Iacon, Ironspan, and now it's time to answer for them!"

Ironspan replies, "Oh, I think not! Optimus Prime, is it? Prepare to die!"

After about three minutes, Ironspan is made to stumble in robot mode after a Fusion Cannon blast courtesy of Dark Rook, and Optimus smacks Ironspan in the chestplate and face with his Energon Axe, knocking him into a non-solid holo screen monitor.

Ironspan gets up high and snarls, "You'll see me again, Autobots! That's a guarantee!"

Ironspan transforms to his jet mode and flies off.

Bumblebee remarks, "That's right! Go ahead and run, you yellow-plated coward!"

Optimus remarks, "Good work, Autobots. Now, let's get to work on coordinating the city's defenses."

Just then, Sentinel Zeta Prime says slightly weakly as he contacts every public Autobot broadcast, "To any Autobot receiving this broadcast... this is Sentinel Zeta Prime. I am being held captive in Megatron's Kaon City Prison Complex."

Optimus asks before saying, "Sentinel is alive? Ratchet, home in on that signal and boost it!"

Ratchet replies as he starts doing so, "On it!"

Sentinel then says his next fake lines, "I am... downloading vital... information that could be used to help the Autobots win the war. Hurry, Autobots... I don't know... how much longer I have..."

Sentinel's broadcast ends.

Bumblebee then says, "Optimus, let's go! We have to save Sentinel Zeta Prime!"

Ratchet then says, "That wasn't Sentinel Zeta Prime, Optimus. It couldn't possibly be him."

Optimus explains, "The message carried his unique data signature, Ratchet, and it was authentic."

Ratchet replies, "Perhaps, but we both saw the wreckage of his battle with Megatron. Nobody can survive that, even with little damage."

Optimus replies back, "If there is even a small chance that Sentinel is still alive, we must act."

Ratchet points out, "Optimus, it's a trap! Surely you know that!"

Optimus replies before saying like a prayer, "It's a small chance we'll have to take. Hang on, Sentinel, my friend. I have a plan..."

The End.

(Author's notes: See you all in chapter 22: Kaon Prison Break.)