Trials, Tribulations, and Transformations
XIV - Shell Shocked
Unknown location - April 24th, 2011 - Sunday, 1:00 pm
An abandoned steel mill stood in the middle of an industrial district that been declared out of bounds to society. No one knows why, only that it is a restricted area. Those unfortunate enough to have unwittingly tread into this area or even ask questions have been known to have gone missing or have had a tragic accident.
Local police have assured the public that an investigation is underway and they believed them. They believed that whatever mishaps that have happened would be resolved as soon as possible because their government authorities would see to it. But they couldn't be more wrong.
The interior of the steel mill had been cleared out and converted into what appears to be a military-research facility of sorts but not of the conventional sort. This steel mill has been commandeered and put to use as an impromptu base of operations for the rogue military organization known as MECH.
In one section of the mill was a training ground. Men in masks and training outfits were practicing their combat skills, through sparring, weight training, artillery precision and even Spetsnaz, which roughly translated in Russian means 'Special Purpose Forces.' In reality, this is a form of training that increases pain tolerance where trainees are tortured in a number of ways: such as physical beatings, swimming around barbed wire or being dragged behind trucks.
Another section was set up as a laboratory of sorts, a small but advanced research facility for the purpose of examining the corpses of the alien robots that have fallen in battle, otherwise known as Cybertronian or more commonly Transformers. A group of scientists, also wearing masks, were in the process of melting down the head of a Decepticon trooper or a Vehicon. Its brain had already been removed for examination for whatever intel can be extracted of the Decepticons and the Autobots.
The mill's remaining sector has been put to use as a command center. Massive computer screens shrouded the area, consisting of virtually endless data detailing their operations and progress, emphatically that of the information that is being downloaded from the brain of their newest catch.
A single figure was standing on an elevated platform, closely examining the screens with great interest in silence. This person was dressed in a long black coat, wearing forest-green battle armor underneath and was also wearing a mask like all MECH agents who wished to remain nameless. Except this particular mask had a unique design: it appeared to have a wide cartoon of a smile painted on in white, showing razor sharp teeth. It was anything but humorous. It was a horrible parody of a smile, grotesque. So much so, that none wished to approach this person, not if it meant looking upon this mask and its ghastly grin.
One particular soldier had the misfortune of doing so, as he had a report to deliver. Gradually, hesitantly, fearfully, this trooper ascended up the stairs leading to the elevated platform of the command center. The grinning masked man had his back turned to the trooper as he was still observing the data on the mainframe in front of him and showed no sign of noticing the trooper behind him.
"Sir?"
The man showed no sign that he heard the trooper, other than his head moving a fraction to the left.
"You did not capture the boy?"
The soldier flinched. "No sir, we did not."
"I see." The man's voice showed no sign of anger or even a hint of dissatisfaction. "Elaborate."
"Agent Fowler anticipated us and was prepared. He prepared a transport with an armed escort but…" The soldier paused, as though he was at a loss.
"A decoy?"
The soldier managed to keep from flinching this time. "Yes sir. But the target-"
"Spectre 3," the man said interrupting him, although this time, his voice sounded dangerous. "You will be pay a terrible price for your next hesitation."
The soldier steadied himself to keep from trembling.
"Y-Yes sir," he stammered. "The decoy turned out an army recruit who volunteered to pose as Agent Fowler's son but he only remotely resembled him. We Intercepted the transport but we issued a full retreat when one of our drone jets picked up a high-energy signature, several miles from the drop-off where the decoy was picked up. It just burst out of nowhere sir."
The Autobots' teleportation system no doubt.
"Go on," the man said.
"In the surrounding area of the energy burst, our men found this big rig, to be exact, it was a 2010 Freightliner Argosy with a black and silver color scheme, but it did not match any of the designs of any of the Autobots we encountered. However, our sensors indicated that it had the same energy signature as the one known as Optimus Prime."
"Was Prime alone?" the man asked.
"No sir, our sensors also detected two life signals in the big rig's cab. It was also pulling a small trailer, no doubt the boy's belongings."
"How did he escape? Did you not jam all transmissions?"
"Of course sir. He could not call for backup or for an emergency teleportation."
"And yet he escaped. How is this possible?"
"We sent every available soldier after him sir. We set up blockades, sniper positions, and even guided middles. But we weren't expecting the Autobot to resist with such...brutality."
The man turned to look at the soldier. Upon seeing his ghastly, mirthless grin upon his mask, the soldier wanted to run but he stayed put, waiting for his superior to further address him.
"Were there casualties?" he asked flatly.
"Seventeen sir."
The man paused in thought for a moment. "So...the kid gloves have come off for the Autobots have they?"
"The Autobot warned us several times to disengage sir. Each time, his warnings were ignored."
"Describe how the casualties were inflicted."
"Sir?"
"Now."
"Of course sir." Spectre-3 cleared his throat before continuing. "We set up a blockade alongside a turn right by a cliff side, consisting of two humvee's and nine troops. They were prepared to open fire but the Autobot did not stop, it just accelerated. We warned it to stop or be fired upon, but that just made it accelerate more. It issued a warning via a broadcasted transmission. It said 'Move aside and be spared.' We prepared to open fire and that's when the Autobot fired a missle. We took cover but it turned out to be a smoke bomb. Blinded by the smoke, we couldn't see the Autobot as it rammed through the blockade. Five of our troops went over the cliff. None of them survived."
The soldier seemed shaken by recollecting this experience but he wasn't done.
"We had helicopters attempt to stop the truck by shooting out its tires, but before they could take aim. The Autobot fires upon them with some kind of mounted blaster that emerged from its roof and shot out the tail propellers, all of them."
"All of our choppers were shot down?"
"Yes sir. Two of our men died in the crashes."
"That's seven casualties. You said seventeen."
"Yes sir, there was one more incident before the Autobot made their escape. We set up one last blockade where the road makes a u-turn which continues downhill. The Autobot could not ram us this time because that would cause it to go off the cliff side behind the blockade. It launched another smoke bomb but instead of ramming us, it made a sharp turn and went off road to the descending one next to it. And with our MECH troopers pursuing it from behind, the smoke blinded them and they crashed into the blockade. The crash was of such tremendous force that an explosion took place. Six men died in that crash and four died from their injuries soon after."
The grinning MECH leader said nothing. He caressed the chin of his mask, pondering this new information. He then turned back to the screen.
"Most unfortunate. Without the Fowler welp, we have nothing to use as leverage against the liaison to the Autobots. That man has no other living family."
"Yes sir, but the fact that most to all of the people associated with the Autobots happen to live in Jasper, Nevada, it stands to reason that the Autobot base cannot be far behind. It won't be long before our scientists can triangulate and pinpoint its location."
The man in the smiling mask turned to look back at Spectre-3. "Quite right," the man said. "But that will take time and resources. High Command does not like resources being wasted and they do not like to be kept waiting."
"Of course sir, but what are our alternatives?"
"Alternatives? Whatever alternatives present themselves. See if you can make it happen sooner rather than later. Are we clear Spectre-3?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Dismissed."
Autobot Outpost Omega One, Jasper, Nevada - 1:20 pm
"Alright, that's the last of it," Arcee said as she placed down a full-stocked dresser in one of the room cubicles in the male barracks of the base.
Arcee and Bumblebee has just finished setting up the bedroom for the base's newest addition.
"You know Bee, I didn't know Fowler had a son."
"Weeeepzzzzoop?"
"Who knows? Maybe he didn't want to risk it getting out. If any of the 'Cons knew Fowler had a son, they'd snatch him as quickly as they did Fowler."
"RaaaeeeepZzzzzzooooeeeep."
"Yeah, I just hope this blows over soon. We're too short on Autobots to manage seven kids."
"Weeeeepzzzzzzrrrt."
"Yeah, I suppose that is too much to ask for. Wonder if the message reached anyone."
"Baaaaareeeepooooeeeep."
Arcee chuckled. "Optimistic as ever Bee but I wouldn't give our hopes up."
Bumblebee gave a light jab to Arcee's arm. "Weeeepzzzzzzooop."
"I wasn't there to hear Optimus when you stormed that prison in Kaon."
Bumblebee raised a fist with his arm in an L-shape angle for dramatic effect of what he would say next.
"Eeeeeepooooooreeeeepzzzzzrrrrtweeeep!"
Arcee smirked. "We will stay. We will fight. And we will win. Good words. I really wish I were out of my cell to hear that. And then you, Optimus, and Sideswipe were materialized into a prison cell yourselves."
Bumblebee gave an annoyed chirp.
Arcee laughed. "And then you made a daring escape and made quite possibly the greatest jailbreak in Cybertron's history."
Bumblebee whirred proudly, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. But then he made set of beeps which sounded quite sad, almost like he was mourning.
Arcee frowned sadly. "Sentinel Zeta Prime."
Bumblebee bowed his head, whirring in sadness.
Arcee approached the scout, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You did everything you could Bee. It may have been too late to save Zeta Prime but you saved so many more lives, all of ours. Mine. Jazz's. Everyone. Don't sell yourself short because one life slipped from your grasp."
This seemed to lift Bumblebee's spirits but there was still some length of melancholy shrouding has spark when the name of a long-time friend was mentioned.
"Wrrrrrrreeeeepooooozzzt?"
"Jazz? He's one of the toughest and one of the most evasive bots I've ever known. If anyone could survive for this long, it's him."
Bumblebee looked apprehensive as he remember a small detail regarding his friend. "Eeeeeeepwrrrrt."
Arcee's optics widened a fraction and she looked downward. Sighing, she said, "If Jazz ever makes his way to earth, I'll have to tell him what happened to Cliff. I know that he and Cliff worked together and that they were close."
Bumblebee reached out to Arcee as though to comfort her but she instinctively pulled out from his reach. Almost immediately, the two-wheeler regretted brushing off Bumblebee's compassion.
"I'm sorry Bee, I'm still not used to...you know, being touched and all."
Bumblebee waved a dismissive hand. "Whzzzzreeep."
Arcee smiled. "Thanks Bee, you almost always know what to say."
"Um, hi?"
Arcee and Bumblebee turned to see someone poking their head in from the entrance of the men's barracks.
"You're Agent Fowler's son, right?"
"Yeah, that's me. Can I come in?"
Arcee raised an eyebrow. "What kind of question is that? Your room is in this room. Of course you can come in."
Jon looked sheepish. "Well...it looked like you guys were having a private conversation so I didn't want to intrude."
Arcee chuckled, shaking her head. Bumblebee simply give a few rapid chirps that sounded an awful lot like laughter.
"Kid," Arcee, stifling her laughter, "We were just finishing up your room and we had a short chat, nothing private. You can come in."
"Oh ok," Jon said as he gradually walked in. "My name's Jon by the way, Jon Fowler."
"Arcee. And this is Bumblebee. He'd tell you himself but…" Arcee turned to Bumblebee, who gave a sad chirp, "his voice is...well…"
"Out of order?" Jon suggested.
Arcee stared at Jon. "Yes, exactly. How'd you figure?"
Jon shrugged. "Call it a hunch." He then turned towards Bumblebee with look of sadness and sympathy. "I'm...deeply sorry for what happened to your voice."
Bumblebee looked like he might cry. He turned his head and waved a dismissive hand to the boy.
Jon looked stricken. "I hope I didn't offend you."
Arcee shook her head. "You didn't kid, he's just happy that you care is all. Why aren't you with the other kids?"
Jon looked uncertain. "I guess I'm a bit shy is all."
"Shy? Is that all?"
"Pretty much."
"Jon, do you know why you're here?"
Jon paused, smacked his lips before answering. "Because there are some bad people who wanted to catch me in order to get to my dad, and by extension, you and your team. I mean...it seemed rather obvious when a small army was chasing us down." Jon grinned as he remembered the event as though it was the most exciting moment in his life. "But your boss sure showed them, I don't think I've ever seen a big rig take out a band of merc's. And being the passenger seat to witness all that. Oh man!"
Arcee frowned. "Not sure if Optimus would share that sentiment Jon."
"What do you mean?"
Bumblebee looked stricken. Arcee simply looked sad. "Optimus...never killed a human before. And he may need time to let that sink in."
"Aren't you guys fighting a war?"
"Yes, against the Decepticons, not humankind. When we committed ourselves to protecting humankind, we also committed to not harm humans. Optimus took that to spark, or to heart as you humans put it. But now, with what's at stake, Optimus determined that we cannot protect all humans because some humans cannot be reasoned with. He finally decided that Autobots must protect the innocent above all, even if it means inflicting casualties, be they Decepticon or human."
"Is Optimus going to be ok?" Jon asked.
"He just needs a little time. There's also the matter of your government. They may not take kindly that an Autobot killed, not one, but seventeen humans."
"What?! But they were criminals, traitors who tried to kidnap me!"
"Yes, but our relations with your government is volatile at best. Most of them are not particularly trustworthy of those who have the potential to do them harm, especially when they possess technology and weaponry that they didn't make."
"Sounds like Space Race," Jon said.
Arcee and Bumblebee turned towards each other, then back at Jon. "The what now?" Arcee asked.
"The Space Race, it started back in the 1950s after Sputnik, the first satellite to be put in earth's orbit, was launched by the Russians. The technological gap spooked the US and this drove them to try and catch up. This was a key event in the Cold War which lead to the creation of NASA."
Bumblebee gave a delighted chirp at the boy's apparent intelligence and knowledge, and he muttered something to Arcee.
"What'd he say?" Jon asked.
Arcee smiled. "He said that you remind him of Raf."
"Raf, he's that little boy genius with the glasses right?" Jon asked.
"The very same, you've acquainted with him?"
"I did. I hadn't been here an hour, but I like him already."
"Wrrrrrrteeeeeooooop?"
"Uh...what was that?" Jon asked.
"Bee said 'What's not to like?'" Arcee answered.
"Gotcha."
"Anyway," Arcee said, moving on to where she left off, "once your dad's higher-ups find out how easily Optimus can dispatch a small army of rogue special force troops, they'll become more than just spooked of us Autobots, their fear might drive them to shut down Team Prime."
Unknown location
Somewhere in earth's airspace, there loomed an aircraft of massive proportions. No, not simply an aircraft, a spacecraft. A spacecraft, black as night, its bow pointed and upturned like a ship, with two pointed prongs protruding from the bottom of the bow at an angle, along with numerous wings and vanes covering its hull. At the bow, on both sides are view ports, gleaming in red, as though they were the eyes of a soaring bird of prey.
This spacecraft is none than the Nemesis, a massive powerful warship of Decepticon origin and personal flagship of their leader, Megatron.
The mighty warlord stood stoically at the bridge of his warship, observing the main screen, pondering the events as of late regarding the actions of the Autobots.
And it puzzled him. Why is it that the Autobots have gone silent all of a sudden. What were they up to? Are they planning something?
If that is the case, then we must be a few steps ahead of them. While the Autobots are indeed outnumbered, that does mean they aren't resourceful. No, far from it. Hopefully Soundwave will have come up with something that will be of use to me.
Megatron then heard the sharp hiss of the main doors behind and then some familiar footfalls, unique per the design and mannerism of how one walks. He did not have to see the reflection of Soundwave in the main screen to know that it was him.
"Soundwave," Megatron greeted without so much as turning his head. "What have you uncovered?"
Soundwave as usual did not speak. He simply displayed a string of data on the screen of his visor which acted as his mask and the only face most Decepticons have ever known him by.
Megatron leaned in close to observe the data Soundwave was showing him. As he examined the data, his optics grew but a fraction indicating a measure of surprise.
MECH?
Megatron resisted the urge to laugh out loud, not wanting to attract attention. If word got out that that the human organization known as MECH were troubling them so that it caused the Autobots to go silent, a Cybertronian entity that has been more than a shrapnel in Megatron's side, it might make the Decepticons seem a joke.
Certainly amusing that MECH could cause the Autobots so much trouble.
"Is that all Soundwave?"
The communications officer shook his head.
"Well then?" Megatron said, urging Soundwave to continue.
Soundwave continued to display further data, which consisted not only of written reports, but also images, geographical images that focused on a certain area in the Western region of the United States.
Megatron seemed disinterested. "Is there something important about this map Soundwave?"
At that, a certain photograph popped up on Soundwave's screen.
The Autobot's pet vermin?
It was indeed a picture of the three children who became personal charges under Optimus Prime's protection. The same picture that was taken before Megatron nearly lost his spark attempted to summon his army of undead warriors. Megatron did not seem to remember the names of these human pests, nor did he care to.
"I imagine this 'Jasper, Nevada' is where these insects reside?" Megatron asked slightly annoyed.
Soundwave nodded.
It took less than a klik for Megatron to realize what Soundwave was implicating.
"If these children live here, than can the Autobot's base be far behind?" Megatron said, grinning with satisfaction.
There's no question that these children spend an enormous amount of their time at the Autobot base. Optimus would keep them close for their own safety. And there's no way that they'd simply bridge them from their homes if they did not live close to their base. Such a feat would demand vast amounts of Energon for their groundbridge. The Autobots would never expend their resources just to transport three human pests. No, they'd be transported directly via their respective guardians.
"Excellent work Soundwave, now we're that much closer to uncovering the location of the Autobot's base."
Megatron noticed movement down below. Several Decepticon troopers paused from their routine assignments to look up at him and Soundwave with clear interest, obviously due to the wonderful news that they overheard that it wouldn't be long now before the destruction of their sworn enemies.
"Resume your posts," Megatron commanded.
The trooper wasted no time doing as they were told, albeit with greater diligence as though their sparks depended on it.
Because it does, Megatron thought darkly.
"Continue," Megatron said.
The stream of data continued on Soundwave's visor.
"Mhmm...mhmm...yes. Ah. Gone into hiding have they? Their families as well?" Megatron said, his delight steadily growing as he read Soundwave's report.
"I must say Soundwave, this is perhaps some of the best news I've received in a long time. But you're not quite finished are you?"
Soundwave shook his head.
"Good, please continue."
Soundwave did as he was told, albeit he did so gradually, almost as if he was wary of some misfortune in his future. Megatron did not seem to notice his change in behavior as he was too engrossed in what seemed to be a never-ending tide of good news.
However, what Megatron would bear witness to next is one of the last things he'd ever expect in his long life.
Soundwave then opened a video link which shows what appears to be a view overlooking a set of roads in the open country. Megatron watched intently in anticipation.
Let's see what Laserbeak has found here.
And then, just as the footage angle takes itself over a hill, there emerging from behind on a narrow street, is a speeding big rig, a Freightliner Argosy of a black and silver color scheme. And following closely behind were a number of vehicles, very similar to what humans refer to as corvettes with a vibrant green and black design.
"MECH of course, but who is it that they are pursuing?"
Soundwave rewinded the video to the point that the front of the Freightliner could be seen and he zoomed in on its grill, sharpened its image bandwidth so that its design could be seen clearly, and there at the top of the rig's grill, clear as day, the emblem of the Autobots could be seen.
Optimus. Now what could be so important that he'd change his vehicle form and paint job? And what is it that storage unit that he's pulling?
Soundwave seemed to know what he was thinking. He rose the angle of the image so that the cab of the truck and its passengers could be seen.
Ah. Agent Fowler and...hmm...this boy seems to be the young spitting image of...Agent Fowler. This must be his offspring.
"His son of course?" Megatron asked.
Soundwave nodded.
Megatron chuckled maliciously. "I understand that Starscream once made Agent Fowler a guest aboard our ship but he failed to extract any valuable information from him. Is that not so Soundwave?"
Soundwave nodded.
"However, perhaps if it his own blood on the line, he might feel more cooperative, yes?"
Soundwave immediately pulled up the image of the map of the United States, zooming in on Nevada, and pinpointing the location of Jasper.
"Indeed. If we uncover the location of the Autobots' base first, any information Fowler could offer would only be a secondary concern. Now, is that everything Soundwave?"
Soundwave shook his head and lifted his arm with two digits extended to indicate that he had two more pieces of intel to share.
"Very well, proceed."
Soundwave continued the play the video which showed Optimus making his escape with MECH in hot pursuit. As they descended down the road, it could be seen that a blockade was set up at a turn which was right beside a cliff side.
Why is Prime alone? Where are the other Autobots?
"Soundwave, I assume you intercepted their transmissions?"
Soundwave shook his head.
Megatron almost recoiled. He raised a brow. "Why?"
Soundwave pulled up a diagram of a certain device that Megatron recognized to be a signal jammer, which is designed to scramble transmissions.
Optimus would not scramble his own transmissions if needed to call for backup or a groundbridge. But then who...no...
Megatron grimaced. "That is not possible. Humans do not possess the technology to override your yours."
Soundwave produced further data on his screen, data detailing a certain number of Decepticons that have been unaccounted for, troopers whose life signals have gone offline, but their remains were never found.
If MECH is responsible for this, then they must've pilfered their technology, including their comm systems. They must've calibrated their own jamming devices to according to our comm's unique frequency.
Megatron gritted his shark-like teeth. "Meet me in my brig and summon the others. In the meantime, show me the remainder of the footage. I'm curious to see how Optimus escaped from MECH's grasp."
Later...
"So…we're all here," Megatron said.
Megatron had called in his chiefest officers for a private meeting, not on the bridge or in his private quarters, but in the cargo-bay of the Nemesis, as he did not wish to chance their meeting being overheard.
The cargo-bay was out of the way and being in the center, surrounded by crates, all stacked in a certain way that no one could conceal themselves among them and eavesdrop.
Airachnid was the first to arrive. Then Knockout, who was followed by his partner, Breakdown. And at last, Megatron's first lieutenant, and perhaps least favorite subordinate, Starscream.
"Lord Megatron, what is so important that you called us all here into the cargo-bay?" Starscream grumbled.
"Because Starscream, I do not wish for anyone other than the soldiers I at least hold an iota of trust to witness what Soundwave has uncovered as of late."
Starscream grimaced. "Flattering."
"It's good news of course master?" Knockout asked, although the slight quiver in his voice suggested that what his leader had to share might be less than good.
"Let's say that there is some good news and some that is not so good," Megatron answered.
He then turned his head a fraction to the left. "Soundwave?"
The communications officer of the Decepticons stepped forward so that his visor could be visible and in full view for the ones who stood in front of him to see.
Breakdown and Starscream stood in the back as they were the biggest, while Knockout and Airachnid, the smallest of the group, stood in the front.
Soundwave had already began streaming the data of the intel he uncovered and the summoned officers were already engrossed in it.
Breakdown's visage became murderous as he read the substance of the data. "MECH," he said through clenched teeth.
"And they're giving the Autobots and their pet humans quite a bit of trouble," Airachnid said, sounding delighted.
"That's good isn't it? Not only do we know where their human pets live but now we're that much closer to triangulating the location of the Autobot base," Knockout said.
"Keep reading," Megatron said flatly.
Knockout flinched and he, along with the others, continued viewing the data.
Starscream, unlike the others, did not turn away from the screen, not since Soundwave started streaming the data. Not even for an occasional question. He observed the data with utmost seriousness. Something in Lord Megatron's voice caused any lack of focus or respect to dissipate, for the moment anyway.
"They can jam our transmissions, even prevent Soundwave from listening in?" Breakdown said bewildered and disbelieving.
"How is that possible?" Knockout asked.
"Look there," Starscream said, pointing at something that had just appeared on Soundwave's visor.
"What? What are you-" Knockout began, but stopped short when he saw what it was that Starscream was pointing at.
"Is that...no…that's one of our signal scramblers!" Breakdown almost shouted.
"And they made some modifications apparently," Knockout bristled. "Thieving apes!"
"MECH may only be the least of our problems at the moment," Megatron said.
"Why do you say that my liege?" Airachnid asked.
"Soundwave, show them."
Soundwave's visor immediately pulled a video link and put it in full view for them all to see. The video that Megatron has already seen.
"That's MECH alright but who's that they're chasing?" Breakdown asked.
"Optimus Prime," Megatron said bluntly.
Starscream blinked at his leader. Knockout's optics grew huge. Breakdown's one optic shot open as well. Airachnid simply looked intrigued.
"Really now?" she said seductively. "Then I must say his new vehicle form, especially his new finish, it looks rather dashing."
"Keep. Watching."
Megatron's officers did as they were told. As the video progressed, the looks on their faces began to look foreboding as though something terrible was about to happen.
"Prime is approaching a blockade...but...he's not stopping," Breakdown said with growing dread.
"He's...he's accelerating," Knockout stammered.
And then it happened. A loud and terrible crash could be heard, and an explosion followed.
The Decepticons were aghast. Breakdown stepped back, almost falling backwards. Knockout covered his mouth, gasping inwardly. Both Airachnid and Starscream were stunned, except Starscream was beginning to tremble as well.
"No scrapping way," Breakdown whispered.
But the video wasn't done. The sound of helicopters operating could be heard, followed by blaster fire and then the sound of helicopters going out of control, crash landing.
And finally, the worst sight of them all. The scene where Prime destroyed yet another blockade by causing the MECH drivers pursuing him from behind to crash into them.
"Impressive," Airachnid purred.
"That can't be Prime," Starscream said. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Prime doesn't harm humans, much less kill them. It's too out of character.
"It can and it is Starscream," Megatron said grimly.
"I...I didn't think he had it in him," Knockout said, his voice hollow.
"Nor have I," Megatron agreed.
"What could be so important that could've driven Prime to run down those humans?" Starscream asked, beside himself with disbelief.
Breakdown was not entirely convinced. "How do we really know that's Prime? It could be a trick, a cheap scare tactic to get us to think that Prime is playing it our way."
"Soundwave?" Megatron said.
Soundwave immediately rewinded the tape, to the point that a full view of Prime's front could be seen and he zoomed in so that the interior of the cabin was visible. And then he sharpened the image so that the passengers within could be visible and clear as day.
"Agent Fowler," Starscream said. "But who's that boy with him?"
"Most likely his offspring," Megatron said.
"Huh. They do look like each other," Breakdown said. "But how does this prove-"
"Take that one good eye of yours and watch his hands closely while the truck is in motion Breakdown!" Megatron snapped.
"Y-Yes master."
As the video played in slow motion, it could be seen that Agent Fowler's hands were not on the wheel. Even when the truck made evasive maneuvers, his hands were not anywhere near the wheel. In fact, he had his arms around his son, as though he were attempting the shield him with his body.
"The fact that Agent Fowler was in the truck and was not operating it, it is quite clear that this is no trick. Aside from the mounted blasters which were clearly of Cybertronian design and Prime's unique driving pattern, there can be no doubt. This is Optimus Prime and as we just seen, his actions led to seventeen humans perishing."
The Decepticons were stunned once more.
"Seventeen?" Breakdown stammered.
"By the Allspark," Knockout almost whispered.
"The Autobots have become desperate. It is clear now that Optimus Prime is willing to go further than before to protect humanity," Megatron said darkly.
"Because he killed a few MECH soldiers?" Breakdown asked.
"Humans all the same Breakdown. Optimus Prime has sworn to protect humankind, no matter the cost, but he has also committed to never harm humans. But now, he has taken his commitment even further than ever: he will protect humankind even if it means inflicting human casualties."
"Lord Megatron, that doesn't make sense," Starscream said.
"Then let me put it to you this way Starscream: Optimus values the lives of innocents more than he values the lives of those who are not. Therefore when it comes to saving an innocent or refraining from killing an enemy, he will kill you to protect that innocent without hesitation, even if you're human. What we just saw is proof of this."
None spoke. Silence reigned in the cargo-bay. Even the sound of Starscream trembling ceased.
And then the sound of something they did not expect filled the air.
Laughter.
Hearty, raucous laughter.
Everyone in the room blinked when they saw that it was Megatron who was laughing.
"What's so funny, master?" Breakdown asked.
Megatron did not answer. He just continued to laugh hysterically.
Confused and disturbed, Knockout stepped back, dreading the possibility that the warlord had finally lost his sanity, what was left of it anyway.
And finally, the laughter mercifully stopped.
"This...this changes everything," Megatron said. "And here I thought Optimus would never learn, that he'd never have what it takes to win a war in the long run."
"What are you saying master?" Starscream asked.
"I'm saying that Optimus Prime is not as weak as I supposed. It is clear that he will hold nothing back any longer. Whatever MECH has done has changed him, made him decisively more ruthless. Optimus has become more dangerous than ever."
"Then perhaps we should wait for MECH and the Autobots to fight it out so we-" Starscream said but was cut off when he saw Megatron towering over him.
"So we can what Starscream? So that we can take on the winner when they're weak and vulnerable? What do you take me for?!" Megatron bellowed.
"Lord Megatron, I-"
"We will be the ones who will destroy the Autobots! We are the only ones who deserve that honor! No one else may have them, no one! Do you understand me Starscream?!" Megatron roared.
"Implicitly my liege," Starscream stammered fearfully.
"However, precautions and certain measures will be taken. I will not take anymore chances with Prime and the Autobots."
Megatron looked at his subordinates.
"And neither will any of you. Is that clear?" he said darkly.
"Yes master," Knockout and Breakdown in unison.
"Of course master," Starscream stammered.
"Airachnid?" Megatron said raising a brow at her.
"Understood my lord," Airachnid said, albeit hesitantly as though it left a bitter taste in her mouth.
"You're all dismissed then," Megatron said.
As they all turned to leave, Megatron called out, "Not you Starscream."
"My liege?"
"I have an assignment for you."
Starscream perked up, eager of the opportunity to prove himself to his master. "Yes?" he said elatedly.
"Contact Lockdown at once."
Starscream recoiled as though he were struck. "Lockdown? Lord Megatron, you want to do business with that impertinent renegade?!"
"Do as I say!" Megatron shouted.
"O-of course master, but what do I-?"
"Soundwave has already forwarded the information of his assignment to your station," Megatron said before pointing a menacing finger to the door. "Now go!"
Starscream wasted no time as he scurried out of the cargo-bay.
Now it was just Megatron and perhaps his most loyal soldier.
Megatron turned to Soundwave and said, "Soundwave, initiate the Gigantion Protocol."
Soundwave looked at Megatron expectantly, as though he were inquiring of him.
"It is time," Megatron said with finality.
A string of data appeared on Soundwave's visor. It was a command to execute, but only one thing remained.
His visor reads as such:
Voice confirmation required:
Megatron's optics dimmed sadly. "Athena."
A soft chime was heard, indicating approval of the spoken code.
Voice confirmation accepted.
Megatron turned away from Soundwave with hands folded behind his back.
"Leave me," he said.
Soundwave nodded and he left the cargo-bay.
Alone, Megatron was deep in thought.
This is a strange feeling, pride in someone other than myself.
Megatron's somber look of melancholy then turned menacing. He grinned, chuckling in excitement.
I've underestimated you Optimus. I look forward to the challenge of destroying you, once and for all.
To be continued…
Voice Cast
Megatron - Frank Welker
Starscream - Steve Blum
Airachnid - Gina Torres
Knockout - Daran Norris
Breakdown - Adam Baldwin
Unnamed MECH leader - Sam Mowry (Infamous, 2009)
Spectre-3 - Phil LaMarr