35- Spoils of War.
Today was a busy day at the Autobot base: Smokescreen was carrying a box full with different items while Bumblebee was taking a look to a datapad.
"...replacement patch, an Earth metal sample, one dose of energon and the complete list of humans worthy of trust selected by champion Cynthia alongside full profiles of all pokémon ranger cadets in training. Do you have it all?" Bee asked.
"I...think so."
"Great, then now you can deliver it to Ratchet and Blaster."
Smokescreen left Bumblebee with the full box on his arms. During his way to the command center, he encountered with Hot Rod.
"Hey Hot, mind giving me a hand here? Half of this is supposed to be for the doctor and the other for Blaster."
"Sorry Smokey, but Optimus is waiting me for my next training session. Besides, I think Blaster is reunited with the pokémon rangers for something important, like promoting new improvements for their security methods. Just leave it next to his place of work and he'll take care of it once he's back."
Smokescreen sighed in defeat before continuing his way. When he turned around the corner, he walked into Moonracer.
"Oh Moon, sorry, my bad."
"Don't worry Smokey, I was distracted as well."
"How so?"
"Elita has requested me to help with a routine diagnostic of base's subsystems."
"But that duty takes long for a single Bot. Shouldn't Arcee assist you on the matter?"
"That's what I told them, but Arcee made use of her actual position as Elita's second-in command to keep an eye on the new stationary sensors Windblade is placing around big cities for possible Decepticon movement. So you could say that's how she skipped it and passed it on me."
"Argh, these veteran ones, they believe they can boss us around just because they battled a lot in the War for Cybertron."
"And when they got promoted or rewarded with a little authority they act like they run over the place. What about the Wreckers?"
"They are in the hangar using some of the recycled remains of the Cons' fleet to updated our new flagship. Warpath is assisting Ratchet on seeing if it's necessary update Omega Supreme's arsenal and Predaking is on patrol."
"Well, I was about to deliver these spare parts Fixit requested for the special project he and Clemont are working on. Maybe we can do it at the same time."
"No problem with me, at least we can talk while we do it."
They arrived to the command center, just where only Fixit and Drift were.
"Here Fixit, what you asked for." Moon announced.
"Alongside Blaster and Ratchet's demands." Smokescreen added.
"Thanks, I'll place them on their personal places so they have them at hand for they get back." Fixit thanked.
"What about you, Drift? Have you been the only one without anything to do today?"
"Ultra Magnus assigned me to watch duty while Blaster is absent. Even the best formed warrior has to perform ordinary jobs at some point."
"At least you got the easy duty." Moon pointed.
As they were about to return, Smokescreen thought to hear some noises coming from one of the terminals: he turned and saw the Autobot twins acting like a couple of humans watching a football match.
"That was a close one, but I knew he was gonna hold it." Sideswipe expressed cheered.
"Come on buddy, use a Thunderbolt. You got it." Sunstreaker cheered.
"Hey, what do you two think you are doing?" Smokescreen demanded.
"Are you two lazing around or skipping your duties?" Moonracer added.
"No, not this time. We managed to end our duties in record time." Sideswipe answered.
"So we are doing like any good worker should and take a deserved break after hard work. We are checking how Ash, Ritchie, Goh and the others are doing on World Coronation Series. They say the pokémon battles there are the toughest of all." Sunstreaker revealed.
"Does Optimus, Elita or the commander have authorized you with it after finishing your tasks?" Moon repeated.
"It's a habit known by everyone to enjoy free time once your work is done. Don't complain if yours is harder or is taking more time to fulfill."
In that moment seemed like Smokescreen lost it. "That's it!"
"Smokescreen, where are you going?" Moonracer called.
"To talk with the chief about something I should a long time ago."
Smokescreen went right where Ultra Magnus was at the moment.
"Soldier, what is it?"
"Sir, I have enough with this. Some members of this team have already ascended on the leadership race while I'm still like the rookie. I know veterans and experience is what forges leadership, but I just can't avoid feeling that despite all the time being here I'm not making any progress. Not to question Optimus's way to decide who deserves higher rank, but this is not how I envisioned myself during my service in the Elite Guard. I just want to know if sometimes my efforts, besides making sure everyone on this planet is safe and sound, are being recognized."
Instead of looking annoyed by his speech, Ultra Magnus seemed more like interested on what Smokescreen said. "Hmm, you know soldier? I see your point."
"Huh? Really?"
"What you just said has also roamed around my head some time ago. It is true, in the Elite Guard experience was a crucial factor which lead to promotion. And with Prime's agree with the needs of expand the chain of command within our ranks as more Autobots join us, I think it is time for you to face it."
"Face what, sir?"
"The fastest way the Elite Guard had for promotion, a hard trial for cadets eager to prove themselves and ready to pass to the next state."
"You mean something like a test?"
"Something like that, except that is like a field test instead of theory. Are you sure you want to make it this way?"
"Sir, for a long time I wanted to prove myself on the battlefield. Optimus offered me the chance to make good use of everything I wanted to show at becoming a member of this team, and I'm still mean it. And the Elite Guard still exist within us, so I better not betray everything I swore the day I joined in and honor them. I will be willing to try it, and give all of myself."
"Then you'll come with me. There's a pending matter which I wanted to handle for a while."
"Which one?"
"As you already know by records, the Decepticons' return was mostly thanks to Team Alien's efforts, since they started to study the cybertronian biology. Despite they are no more, it seems much of their legacy is still out there waiting to be reclaimed."
"And it appears the Decepticons are the ones who are making use of it now."
"Exactly. Our last clashes and proofs indicates their power might be much bigger than we initially thought, so who knows what else could they hidden out there. The pokémon rangers think they have discovered another of their secret locations, this time on Kalos. They have requested our help on figuring out what this one is. Since everyone else have already their hands full, and you just offered yourself volunteer, we will inspect it by ourselves. Anything to discuss?"
"No sir. Although I don't want to question your choice regarding the mission, are you sure a simple check on an abandoned human facility is the perfect test?"
"This will be a solo operating mission, which means we will receive no support from the rest of the team, just our skills, equipment and knowledge. We can ask for info in case of doubt, but not call for backup or supplies. An Elite Guard soldier must be able to adapt to any unexpected changes of the field conditions and find his way to turn the tables to his own."
Smokescreen thought about it deeply, until he made up his mind. "Okay, let's do it."
Ultra Magnus nodded. "Gear yourself up, I'll be waiting for you at the ground bridge."
Moments later, Ultra Magnus was waiting in front of the opened portal, with the Forge of Solus Prime and his heavy rifle on his back, when he saw Smokescreen coming with Moonracer next to him.
"Are you sure you wanna do this? If you want I can ask Elita and accompany you."
"Moon, I have to do this. I...just don't wanna remain as a rookie forever. It's time I prove all I have learned during all my experiences."
"You were never a rookie for me, Smokey."
"Fear nothing, it's just a simple recognition, we will be fine."
"Be careful out there." Moon ended before giving him a kiss in the cheek.
With everything checked, Smokescreen met with his superior and both crossed the portal.
"And exactly in which part of Kalos are we?" Smokescreen asked. "Or is that supposed to be confidential?"
"Reports use to refer to this place as Mega Island, which is rumored to be full of Mega Stones." Ultra Magnus responded.
"So this is where the objects which allow pokémon to megaevolve like our friends' come from."
"Time to put your experience to use, soldier. Where is the target?"
Smokescreen turned on the terminal of his wrist and used it to display a holographic map. "According to the marked coordinates, the secret facility should be in the center of the island."
"Alright, then lead the way."
Both Autobots transformed and drove right to their destination. Reaching there wasn't an easy task, because the road was hard to move through and sometimes space was pretty tight. Because of that Smokescreen decided to transform for a moment, turn on his phase shifter and change form again, making the drive much easier. He even hooked to Ultra Magnus so he could also had an easy drive.
"You have made good use of your equipment to find the better way of transport, good fast thinking soldier." The Autobot commander complimented.
"And also will allow us to approach silently, just in case we wish to avoid unpleasant attention."
"Another good fact."
Finally they reached their destination: an open area with a few small round rocks. Seeing the area was secure, both Autobots transformed.
"This is the place coordinates pinpointed?" Ultra Magnus asked.
"It is, but...it looks like there's nothing here."
"Remember we are searching for an outpost hidden on purpose by human criminals. In order for it to not being found by anyone it should be well covert. Take a look of the area, see if you can find anything suspicious."
"Are you not going to help me, sir?"
"This is your test soldier, you will have to rely mostly of your own."
"Okay." Smokescreen started inspecting the area. Something earned his attention. "Hum, well, these rocks seem to be placed all forming a perfect circle, too perfect to be work of nature. Unless…" Smokescreen turned on the shifter again and put the head into the floor, to return back immediately. "There's a hidden access beneath this floor. From the looks of it, it appears to be a secret elevator."
"Which means there must be a secret switch or access panel somewhere."
"We may find it if we track any energy trails left on the electronic circuit."
Smokescreen pressed some buttons on his wrist terminal, showing the map where they were and a trail of light. He followed it right to one of the rocks, cleared some dust and discovered a hidden button. He pressed it with care, making the center part of the floor open, revealing the elevator, big enough for the Autobots.
"Here's our ride. Although we also could have forced the doors to make it fast, but that would have not been subtle." Smokescreen announced.
"You are learning fast."
The duo descended with the elevator, until it stopped and the door opened.
"Let's proceed with caution, we don't know what this place was built for, or what security measures may still be active." Ultra Magnus warned pulling out his guns.
While the Autobots walked their way in through the hall, suddenly they triggered some kind of pressure tile which revealed two weird antenna out of the floor which fired two beams of electricity. Smokescreen had no time to react and turn on his gadget before the beams made contact with them, but surprisingly nothing happened.
"That's strange, I thought something bad would happen. Like being stunned by some stasis beams, but I just feel a little weak sensation from the electricity, almost like tickles." Smokescreen revealed.
"Those beams must be designed to stun smaller and weaker beings than us, like humans and pokémon. Not bad security measure, but not enough for us."
"It could be connected to other traps, better deactivate those as well."
Smokescreen did as before, tracking where the energy of the traps sourced and pulled out a small object, similar to a grenade, and threw it against the source. The object detonated, revealing to be an electromagnetic grenade, deactivating the power source, and the traps.
"Well thought, now let's keep going." Magnus complemented.
"It seems this base got one more level down. What could be hiding? Some kind of secret lab or forging garage?"
"I think we are about to find it out."
The Autobots used another elevator at the end of the hall to descend more into the base. This time, when it opened, what they saw left them without words.
"Alright, it appears to be worse than we thought." Ultra Magnus said.
"By the Allspark." Smokescreen expressed in disbelief for what they were seeing.
In front of them extended a huge underground cavern, but it wasn't empty: they saw a secret dock, with the emblem of Team Alien, with huge boats, or better said ships, docked in, but not complete but with parts of shell exposed. But these weren't ordinary ships: most of them looked like military ones, aircraft carriers or battleships. It also had submarines being constructed as well some military versions of jet skies.
"This looks not just as I expected." Smokescreen admitted.
"It appears this wasn't just a secret base: look at all those ships docked and in construction, it's not doubt a private shipyard. And according to what we know about their leader it makes complete sense: coming from a high social military family, Misbelwy could made use of her family's wealth and influence in order to build up this secret emplacement." Ultra Magnus remembered.
"But for what?"
"Probably for the same motive which impulsed the previous ones which preceded them and the Decepticons: to create an army to conquer all planet's regions, one by one."
"So she was serious." Smokescreen said while he was taking a look around, and was forced to hide for what he discovered. "And it seems someone has reclaimed it as well."
In a chamber next to where the ships were docked they found the Nemesis landed, with lots of Decepticon giants, air units, engineers and foot troopers manipulating heavy machinery around it.
"Whoa, why the Cons have brought their warship?" Smokey wondered.
"A shipyard is the perfect place to perform repairs for such huge asset, or modifications. Look up there." Ultra Magnus said pointing at one crane bringing what looked like cannons closer to one side of the Nemesis. "It looks to me that the Decepticons are using this place and its resources to upgrade their warship's weaponry."
"And giving how many things Team Alien left here undone, there's enough for them to work for a while. Should we report back to base?"
"For the moment this is just recon. We better collect as much intel from this place as possible in order to comprehend the threat's seriousness before sharing it with the others for the proper action plan. Proceed with caution, this is one place we cannot afford to been seen."
The Autobot proceeded farther into the shipyard, now under Decepticon control. Their first obstacle was the dock where the Nemesis was, because of the great Decepticon multitude gathered around; passing through there was not going to be easy. Fortunately Smokescreen, not wanting his superior to be the one to deal with the problem because he had the phase shifter, decided to observe the Decepticons guards position changes patters. After a while observing them he decided to push their luck and signaled Magnus the moment to move, right when the guards were looking at other direction, or when one was about to turn he threw a little rock nearby to make look at it. That allowed them to move through the heavy machinery and sneak to a safer zone. Ultra Magnus nodded to Smokescreen as sign of congratulations for his decision, making him smile in appreciation. But they were forced to hide again into the rocks with the shifter's effects when they heard footsteps approaching them.
"Really? Are you messing with me?" They heard a Vehicon speak.
"As I'm telling you pal." Another one told him.
"Are you sure about it? I bet it must be false."
"What are they talking about?" Smokescreen murmured.
"Let's listen quietly, it may be some vital intel." Magnus advised.
"There is no talk of anything else around the warship." The second Vehicon continued.
"But it's just absurd? Why would some of our troops desert like that?" The first one finally spilled out.
"No clue, that's why the generals are so uneasy so recently. I've heard they are assigning Shatter and Dropkick the important task of identify possible new deserters, for capture and interrogating so they may find any clues about how many they are and where they could possibly be hidden."
"Hmm, that may explain why we have been reported of missing supplies. Do you think it could have been them?"
"Sneaking in here to steal energon, supplies and weapons? Beats me, I would bet it was those pirates. But that could explain why the commander is so mad, giving the fact he asked to be in charge of the new weapons depo."
"Yeah, then we better keep with our patrol to not being caught when he gets another tantrum."
Once they made sure the Cons were gone, the Autobots continued their way in silence.
"Did you hear that?" Smokescreen asked.
"Indeed soldier, it seems we have uncovered more than expected. The Decepticons have established a weapons' storage on this location as well. We better take a look to it." Ultra Magnus decided.
"And what do you think about the other thing? You know, the rumor of Cons deserting from their ranks."
"That's not imperative at this moment, we must focus on this right now."
With help of the phase shifter they Autobots navigated through the base's underground more safely, giving the fact there was lot of guardians patrolling some tunnels.
"Normally guardians don't exercise patrol duties, unless the area they guard is of most importance." Smokey analyzed.
"Nice deduction. We now know where to take a look."
And they used the walls to evade the guardians. They reached the command center the Decepticons established on the base. They thought about the chance of checking the center's main terminal and access their intel, but it was very protected by lots of heavy soldiers and foot soldiers moving equipment all around the cavern. They could only approach a little, enough for them to listen what was happening.
"What do you mean you still haven't found those missing boxes?"
"The place's too much big to cover and the sections haven't still being organized completely. But we have found some mysterious footprints inside the complex, commander Red Wing." The Vehicon in charge responded.
"So Darkscream's crew have been ranked up to commanders of the Decepticon army, how predictable. He wanted to keep the best for his family." Ultra Magnus guessed.
"Do you think they may be referring to us about those footprints?" Smokescreen pointed nervous.
"Those are not proof enough. Whoever left those tracks it did long ago, and now it surely must be rejoicing with whatever stolen stuff! I want every soldier at my disposal to check every quadrant of this base. We must keep at secret the existence of the new weapon system developing."
"Secret weapon system?" Ultra Magnus repeated while he and Smokey listened with full attention.
"If any of the MechTech weaponry, just a single piece, fall into enemies' hands, who knows what kind of situation it could led to. So stay sharp and alert with weapons ready, if you find any unauthorized individual roaming around, don't hesitate and eliminate it. Changing subject, how's production going?" Red Wing demanded.
"55% higher than expected, sir." One Decepticon engineer responded.
"Fine, at least one good new. Make sure it keeps that way, or better."
"What they were talking about production? He couldn't be referring to the warship modifications, right?" Smokescreen suspected.
"My guess is that it must be related to that weapons depo. Let's check it out." Ultra Magnus decided.
They managed to pass the guards, following a few engineers carrying some supplies to a certain room. Once they got inside the Autobots confirmed with their own eyes it was indeed a weapons' deposit. But not just for storage, there was also a smelting oven where metal and other things were smelt, connected to a ramp in which they were manipulated, resulting in the creation of brand new weapons.
"This is what Red Wing was referring to production. They uses what remains of Team Alien's supplies left behind or recovered to create a brand new arsenal." Ultra Magnus observed while they navigated through the weapons' storage.
"There are guns I haven't seen since the previous days of the War for Cybertron." Smokescreen said looking everywhere. "Even some I don't recognize."
"I do." Magnus set eyes on a curious cybertronian rifle. "This is a special assault rifle, Heavy Iron model. Those were Autobot creations, Ironhide's favorite."
"This also doesn't seem like any weapon I've ever seen before." Smokescreen agreed seeing a strange artifact in front of him. "You think the Cons probably retrieve them from containers from the database?"
"That could explain why Blaster reported the ones belonging to two set of coordinates reported negative findings. Surely they reached them first."
"So, it will not be a bother if we rescue some of these assets and returned them back home with us?"
"That would be correct." Magnus nodded, taking the Heavy Iron rifle, while Smokescreen took the artifact.
Then, something caught Smokescreen attention, making him whistle. "Look at that."
In a chamber with lot of space stood some huge structure, similar in form to a space bridge but not exactly the same: it looked more hollow, with one side completely close by lots of small dents.
"What do you think this is? Some kind of secret weapon the Cons are building?" Smokescreen asked.
"Hmm, I cannot say for certain, but I have the feeling I have seen that mechanisms somewhere." Ultra Magnus responded. "I think we have collected enough intel, and giving the size of this Decepticon operation I think it's too much for just us to handle. We better call for backup. New Iacon, Ultra Magnus here, come in." He called, but unfortunately he just got static. "Scrap, the Decepticons may have planted some inhibitors to block all incoming transmissions not recorded by them. They must want to keep this place a secret."
"Maybe we could use the terminal of their command center to contact base."
"Good idea soldier, let's hope we manage to catch the guards' next shift change."
While they headed out of the chamber, the Autobots passed next to the assembly line. There Smokescreen took a close look to what seemed to be its main engine, and saw it had something inserted in the center: some kind of gear. He though about sabotaging the line so the Decepticons's weapons production would stop, so he used the phase shifter effects to extract it and turn it off. Once done he saw the gear didn't look like an ordinary one: it had an ancient appearance, and also a little mystical he thought, so he placed it in one of his personal compartments with intention of asking Optimus back at base. When he caught up with Magnus…
"Seems we are lucky, most of the staff is gone and there's no sign of Red Wing. The command center is open for snatching, with just a few guards defending it." Ultra Magnus pointed.
"And perhaps we will not need to face them." Smokescreen stopped while he turned on the phase shifter again.
The young Autobot sneaked beneath the floor, approaching the command center without the guards noticing him. Once there he inspected the buttons of the panel until he found the one he was looking for and pressed it. Suddenly that made a red spot of the screen appear and a little beep, which earned the guardians' attention. Smokey hide before they reached.
"One sensor of the rear dock has detected something." The first guardian saw.
"It must be one of the supplies thieves the commander was referring to. Let's check it out." The second decided before they left the room.
"Smart move." Ultra Magnus congratulated while they stood in front of the terminal. "Now let's find a way to contact the others."
"This terminal could have registered what other things the Cons may have been storage here retrieved from the field that we didn't notice."
"Good point. Take the chance to look into their records while I try to reach New Iacon."
Smokescreen started to check the data filed in the command center, and was right once again.
"Commander, we were right suspecting that weapon wasn't the only device hidden here. It seems this thing is a Gravity Adjuster: it says when it is fired at a target, it can increase or decrease gravity around it."
"Another super weapon, not doubt why they want to keep it in secret. I bet they would have tried to use it against New Iacon given the chance of discovering its location."
"There's something more. It appears they discovered another long lost relic, but they couldn't figure out what it was, so they brought it here for study. It seems it is…"
"What are you fools doing during your guard, lasing around?!" They heard a yell, which owner was Red Wing. They turned and saw him shouting to a pair of the other guards returning. "The main component of the assembly line has gone missing, and that has stopped production. If Darkscream known it has been missing, specially since there's still more to learn about it, more than one head is going off around here."
"Sir!" One Vehicon said pointing at Smokescreen, who pulled out the gear he took.
"Autobots?! How did you get in here?! Surrender that, we need it to get production at good rate."
"Oh, so you can make more weapons to threat this planet? Hmm, no. I think we will keep it, never harms to get one more gear for replacements." Smokescreen answered back.
"Why you…?!" Red Wing said before changing his hand for a cybetronian shotgun (Scatter Blaster) and fired it at them. "Sound the alarm, move all troops to my position!"
"Why did you retrieve that thing?!" Ultra Magnus asked while they covered themselves.
"It seemed like a good act against them." Smokescreen excused.
"Now we will have all the Decepticons of this place over us in no time. We must find a way to escape."
"But we can't let them keep using this place, we have to destroy it."
"We'll come up with it once we're safe. Now, let's move."
While they moved, heading back to the weapons storage, Ultra Magnus decided to fire back using the Heavy Iron rifle. He discovered it had two fire modes: a rapid fire and the second acted like a grenade launcher, which allowed him to counter some guardians. Smokescreen also noticed the weird gear started to shine in a curious way, what a surprise. Unfortunately Red Wing anticipated where they were heading and went another way. He was waiting for them right on top of the complex structure.
"You wanted to see our big inventions, didn't you? Well then, allow me to present you this place's crown jewel." The red Seeker announced while he pressed a few buttons, turning on the whole thing.
"Oh scrap, now I remember from where that comes from." Magnus recalled.
"What is it?" Smokescreen asked.
The structure started to emit loud sounds while the center started to rotate. But the weird thing is that some kind of wind current started to suck up everything in front of the structure into it, and the things absorbed were disintegrated at making contact with the center.
"That's a Vortex Grinder, known as Devastator's apex weapon! Hold on tight!" Ultra Magnus warned.
"And this one is not a toy like the ones Team Rocket uses, this one can make you more than a boo-boo!" Red Wing mocked.
The wind became more and more stronger, threatening the Autobots to end being sucked in like all other things. They managed to grab on two strong pipes before ending with their feet in the air. The situation looked very bad, until Smokescreen thought on something: he took his last PEM grenade, turned it on and let it being sucked in by the wind, it exploded right almost at reaching the core of the weapon. That deactivated the whole machine, giving the Autobots a rest.
"Well, that was some quick act." Magnus saw.
"It wasn't my intention, I hoped it would blow up by overload." Smokey admitted.
"What in the…?!" Red Wing complained before getting into the machine to take a look. "I thought everything was solved with this bunch of scrap. It's so frustrating these things happen so suddenly."
"Commander, Smokey, are you alright? It's been a while since we heard about you."
"Moon, I'm glad to hear your voice." Smokescreen appreciated. "How is that we can contact you?"
"One of the things that vortex consumed must be some of the inhibitors." Ultra Magnus guessed. "We need you to contact everyone available right now, we're in urgent need of reinforcements."
Smokescreen looked at the Gravity Adjuster and thought of something. "No sir, I have an idea. It's a crazy one, but I think it may work to destroy this whole place in one shot."
"Something like Wheeljack style?" Ultra Magnus suspected.
"More or less, but I think it could work."
"What is it?"
"If this thing can disrupt gravity, maybe if it overcharges it could create one powerful magnetic field capable of attract all this place's surroundings, crushing and destroying everything the Cons are working on."
"Sounds like a risky plan, but given the seriousness of the situation we may have not other chance like this. Do it."
Smokescreen tried to figure out how to employ the artifact the way he wanted while Ultra Magnus hold the Decepticons. After a while trying many ways he ended hitting it against the floor, causing it to beep and shake without pause. Then many things nearby started to congregate around it, sign that a magnetic field started to emanate from it. But what they didn't expect was that the magnetic field was expanding faster than expected, and it started to be noticed in the others areas of the shipyard.
"What the…? Autobots, what have you done?!" Red Wing demanded.
"If I were you I would close this place and run as soon as I could. Think about it." Smokescreen saluted while he and Magnus jumped into a getaway ground bridge.
Seeing that the magnetic field's effects started to cause a total cave-in, crushing all things it attracted and even causing fires and small energon explosions, Red Wing decided to follow his brother's best advise. "Everyone, evacuate the shipyard. Don't try to recover anything trapped by the magnetic field, just pick the closest thing and leave!"
All Decepticons, or the ones near enough, transformed and left the secret base flying through an underground passage connected to the sea outside or simply returned to the Nemesis right before it took flight and took flight, making a huge hole in the process. Because of the accumulated debris and unstable materials around the device, it ended in a huge explosion which consumed almost all the docks, erasing all what remained of Team Alien's formed base, even the part of the top. Moments later…
"What do you mean nothing has being saved from the weapons deposit?!"
"Exactly how I tell you, Darkscream. The magnetic influence made impossible any attempt of recovery, just my personal adjustments. Not to mention the detail that our warship could have ended like a big bunch of scrap metal, depriving us from our mobile headquarters." Red Wing defended.
"What about the other matter?" Xiaxus asked.
"The last check revealed a pleasant surprise: the warship's modifications went better than expected, those water human ships ended being good replacements and the base possessed enough proper materials for the goal to achieve."
"And with the parts we saved from what we recovered from the fleet on the moon I think we can finish them without the need of a shipyard." Thundercracker pointed.
"Good. At least we have achieved one of our goals, and let's hope the Autobots can provide us with a nice chance to test it properly." Xiaxus smirked.
Meanwhile, the two Autobots made it back to New Iacon.
"What was that for? Where you guys got involved?" Moonracer demanded.
"Only wreck the Decepticons' last reclamation from Team Alien. Something it could have allowed them to get some serious advantage on this war." Smokescreen answered.
"Is that true, commander?" Optimus asked.
"Indeed sir, it was a secret shipyard full with military supplies. Surely Team Alien had intention to wage a full open war with the rest of this world."
"If it wasn't for our intervention."
"Why would the Decepticons want a place like that?"
"You didn't see it, Arcee. They were using it alongside all the supplies present to upgrade their warship." Smokescreen revealed.
"Besides a weapon production line to increase their arsenal. We were forced to employ a recovered weapon against them." Ultra Magnus added.
"My scanners have detected a strong cave-in right over where we picked you up, followed by a strong explosion powered up with a magnetic boost. It appears that weapon did what you intended." Blaster reported.
"We also retrieved some intel I think you would like to take a look." Smokescreen revealed pulling out a cybertronian flash drive with the Decepticon emblem.
Blaster inserted it on the terminal and started analyzing the data. "What a surprise. This contains info about something called MechTech."
"We heard Red Wing speak about it. It seems to be some new weapons system developing."
"That's right, but it appears it was Team Alien who started to develop it. It is focused on upgrading human weapons with aspects of cybertronian technology, rising them to almost its same level."
"Meaning?" Bumblebee asked confused.
"I see it very clear. With this technology humans could develop ways to combat the Decepticons by their own. Similar to the weapons our human friends employ." Fixit translated.
"Send it to the pokémon rangers at will, Blaster. They'll know what to do with it." Optimus instructed.
After that, the leaders went to talk with Smokescreen about his performance.
"Honestly sir, Smokescreen has impressed me back there. His acting proved completely flawless, both at the beginning and under pressure. Knew how to employ the resources at his disposal, and how to adapt to the changing of the situation. From my point of view he passed his test, with the highest honors the Elite Guard can grant." Ultra Magnus summarized.
"Well, I just thought on the right thing to do. Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention it. This gear seems to not be an ordinary one. I don't know why it started to shine during the firefight." Smokescreen recalled showing it, which started to shine again. "Whoa, again."
"Why do you think it does it?" Elita asked.
"It is not the only thing shining." Optimus pointed.
What Optimus noticed was the Forge of Solus Prime shining with the same intensity as the gear. Following his instinct, he took the gear and approached it to the forge, making the bright stronger. Then, without warning, the gear flowed to the forge, joining with it, causing it to shine much than ever before.
Once it was over, Optimus took it. "Unbelievable, it must be it."
"Be what, sir?" Ultra Magnus asked.
"That gear must be the Creation Lathe. A holographic lattice that Solus Prime could project from her own body. Designed to be used in conjunction with her famous forge, the lathe allowed Solus to design the architecture and components that her vast and otherworldly blacksmithing endeavors might require. It was rumored that it possessed the power to, in case of depleting it all, it could return the forge its unique power."
"Which without Smokescreen's acting we could not have seen it's true. You truly have risen upon yourself, young warrior." Elita continued.
"You can be proud of yourself, as we all are."
Optimus' speak made Smokescreen smile, knowing they saw how great his actions were for the team.
"Commander, I believe the Elite Guard uses to recognize their soldiers based on their performance. Am I right?" Optimus asked.
"Indeed sir. And in my opinion our young graduated has proved his value, enough to be my right hand from now on." Ultra Magnus surprised.
"Whoa. Your...your right hand?" Smokey repeated in disbelief.
"That's right. Optimus and Elita trust me to keep everything in order and in well acting, and I need someone who I can trust to delegate with some of that authority. From this moment I'm counting on you, corporal."
With all said, the Autobot leaders left Smokescreen, still in disbelief for what happened.
"Looks like you've finally ascended in the ranks." Moonracer spoke.
"Corporal. Unbelievable."
"Congratulations, Smokey. At least not just me now see how great you are."
"Well, indeed. But even, I hope that doesn't deprive me from spending time with my favorite Autobot of Team Prime."
Moonracer couldn't blush at realizing who Smokescreen was referring to. "Oh my, Smokey. Hehehe, thank you. You are too my favorite one. But don't tell Arcee, and don't let this get on your head."
"Hey, I think being the commander's trust Bot is enough glory. By the way, that reminds me."
On the gang's rest room, the Autobot twins were still seeing TV, this time a funny human contest (based on Takeshi's Castle), laughing without stopping. Until the screen turned off.
"Hey! Where did it go?!" Sunstreaker protested.
"I did." Smokescreen responded, making both Autobots to turn at him.
"What gives, Smokey? We were at the best part." Sideswipe said.
"Insert this in your neural nets, from now on you must address me properly at certain times, including this one."
"Are you trying to act with authority, Smokey?"
"It's corporal Smokescreen for you, Sunstreaker."
"Corporal?" Sideswipe asked surprised, ending with him and his twin bursting in laugh. "That's a good one. And I am Sentinel Prime."
"Hey Moon, can you believe it? Smokescreen thinks he's a corporal, who can gives us orders." Sunstreaker shared.
"I know, so I don't get why you two are laughing. He's Ultra Magnus's right hand now."
That made them drop their jaws. "No way."
"Hold on, seriously?" Sideswipe asked.
"Yes, and so I am responsible to keep actings like this under control. You said you managed to end your assigned tasks early, did you communicated it to our leaders?" Smokescreen recalled, no earning response from them. "Then you better do unless you want them to take proper ways of motivation."
Instead of arguing, both siblings urged to make things right to avoid trouble.
"Not bad for your first act as corporal." Moon complemented.
"Wait until the kids get back, Iris would not believe my words."
Meanwhile, Blaster was analyzing the data recovered when he detected something. "Hmm, that's weird. Why there's a MechTech signal moving in middle of nowhere? Who is carrying it? And more important, where it's heading?"