A/N: Hello readers. Apologies for the long wait, but this chapter has to gone through multiple rewrites. Hopefully you'll enjoy this new chapter. Apologies for any errors you may find.
Harbinger:
Some time after the raid:
At the Harbinger, Dinobot was currently meditating. As he was doing this, Blackarachnia was at one of the terminals. As before, she was surfing through the humans internet and learning more about the natives of the world. Blackarachnia couldn't help but laugh and be disappointed in what kind of information goes through the internet.
Blackarachnia: I'll never understand these humans.
Antagony: Maybe Dinobot knows something we don't.
Blackarachnia turned and saw Antagony standing in the door frame.
Blackarachnia: I take it your done with your tasks?
Antagony: I managed to dig out a good part of the ship.
Blackarachnia: Good. That should give us more space. And your training?
Antagony: It's getting better.
Cuts to the makeshift training room where some of the training dummies were blown apart.
Blackarachnia: Good, soon enough you'll be able to be out in the field.
In another part of the ship, Dinobot was resting. As he was unconscious, Dinobot saw more memories of the actual Dinobot. In the memories he saw, Dinobot was indeed a gladiator just like how Megatron once was. But he also witnessed what he did during the war. However he was soon awakened when his comm-link activated.
Dinobot: *growls* This better be important.
The voice he heard was one he did not expect.
???: I hope I'm not interrupting you.
Dinobot: Airazor?
Airazor: I'm calling to ask for your help.
Dinobot: Do the autobots know you're speaking with me.
Airazor didn't respond.
Dinobot: *sighs* Do be more careful next time.
Airazor: I understand, but It's really important.
Dinobot: What is the situation.
Airazor: One of the humans and Bulkhead had found something. I believe they called it an energon harvester.
At this Dinobot knew immediately what she was referring to. A valuable tool that was destroyed thanks to Starscream and Bulkhead. But now he could insure the such a tool survives the war.
Dinobot: Keep in contact and inform me of what happens. Dinobot out.
With that he ended the call and began to plan out what should be done.
Nemesis:
Within the med bay of the decepticon flag ship stood the decepticon's second in command. Along with him were Dropkick, Shatter and the newly arrived Knockout. Currently, Knockout was examining a heavily damaged Megatron.
Shatter: Can he be restored?
Knockout: It won't be easy. Besides, I'm better at breaking bodies then fixing them.
Soon enough the group was greeted by another new arrival, Breakdown.
Starscream: About time you arrived.
Breakdown: I ran in to an old acquaintance. I also found something of great interest.
Starscream: Go on.
Breakdown: Apparently, Bulkhead had found evidence of a energon harvester on the planet.
Dropkick: An energon harvester?
Starscream: Undoubtedly a valuable tool left behind by the ancients. And no doubt the autobots will attempt to find it. Breakdown and Dropkick, you two shall find and retrieve the energon harvester.
Dropkick: We'll ensure that the autobots never get their servos on it.
The two then went to prepare. As they left, Shatter was ready to bring up Dinobot but something told her not to.
Shatter: And what will you have us do?
Starscream: Do what you can for our master. After all, we need lord Megatron to look his best for when he... recovers.
Elsewhere:
It was night time and the autobots arrived at the museum where the energon harvester was being held.
The plan was to have Jack, Raf and Miko go into the museum and obtain the harvester.
However, the group were greeted to a damaged museum.
Jack: Decepticon's?
Just before anyone could respond, two vehicles soon appeared. A pair of black S.U.V's. For a moment the autobots thought agent Fowler had sent some help. Optimus quickly realized that wasn't the case as Fowler never gets others involved with an autobot mission. The two S.U.V's began to rev their engines. After a minute the two then sped towards the autobots. Bulkhead soon took the initiative and drove head on. The three sped directly at eachother until they finally collided into eachother. This resulted in the three to flip and cause the two black S.U.Vs to transform midair. Bulkhead managed to land on his feet but staggered a bit. The other two landed with their sharpened digits digging into the ground.
Seeing these two newcomers, the autobots transformed and got into a fighting stance. The two new cybertronians stood up and looked at the autobots.
Optimus: Identify yourselves.
???: *spits* Worthless autobots.
Before the two could attack, a figure exited the museum. The figure was a black and green cybertronian with red optics.
???: Stand down Crankcase. We have what we came for.
Both Crankcase and the other did as ordered.
???: The great Optimus prime. Truly an honor.
Optimus: It would be wise to identify yourselves and why you are here.
???: No doubt the same as you.
He then shows in his hand was the energon harvester.
???: As for who. The names Lockdown. You've already met Crankcase and Crowbar.
The mentioned cybertronians glared daggers at the autobots.
Optimus: Lockdown, I humbly request that you hand over the energon harvester.
Lockdown: See I'd be inclined to do so prime, for a price.
Optimus: The energon harvester is not something to be bargained with. I ask again, hand over the energon harvester.
Lockdown: And this is why the decepticons were better employers. Might actually sell this little trinket to them.
???: Couldn't agree more.
Both groups turn to see Breakdown and Dropkick had just arrived.
Bulkhead: Scrap!
Lockdown: Now isn't this interesting.
Not far from the groups, Airazor was watching everything atop a roof of a building. She was observing the encounter and was awaiting the right moment to step in. But as she observed the event, so did Dinobot.
From within the Harbinger, Dinobot watched everything from one of the terminals.
Dinobot: It seems things just got more interesting. To think that Lockdown would appear at all. It would appear things have changed slightly. I better be prepared for more surprises.
He then proceeded to activate his comm-link.
Dinobot: Airazor, they must not get their hands on the energon harvester. Help the others retrieve it.
Airazor: Understood.
Dinobot deactivated the comm-link. He then turned to the remaining protoforms with a curious look.
Back with the autobots, Optimus and the others got ready for a fight. Breakdown was the first to make a move. He immediately charged straight for Bulkhead. Seeing this, Dropkick followed suit as he went for Bumblebee.
Lockdown: Crankcase, Crowbar why don't you have some fun with these autobots.
The two both grew wicked smiles and charged at Arcee and Optimus prime. Once the two groups began fighting, Lockdown watched with amusement as he held the prize for who ever won the ensuing fight. However, unaware to both him and the decepticons, Airazor had taken flight and began preparing to enter the fray.
Airazor: I got only one shot. Better make it count.
She then flatten her wings and dove straight for Lockdown. As she dove Airazor was gaining speed. Once she reached the right amount of speed she transformed. Lockdown's left servo transforms into a blaster and aimed at Optimus who was dealing with Crankcase. But before he could fire, Airazor with the help of the speed she built up slugged Lockdown. The bounty hunter was sent skidding a good distance from fray.
For a moment Optimus and Crankcase stopped trading blows and saw Airazor standing where Lockdown once stood. Crankcase seeing his commander getting ambushed in such a manner became furious. He was about to charge at Airazor but was stopped when Optimus grabbed him in a fullnelson.
Optimus: Airazor!
Airazor: Already on it.
She quickly picked up the energon harvester that Lockdown had dropped when she cought him off guard. Once she had it Airazor quickly transformed and began to leave the area. But as she was flying as quickly as she could, Dropkick seeing her fly managed to overpower Bumblebee and proceeded to transform and chase after Airazor.
Dropkick: Hand that energon harvester over and I might spar your life.
Airazor: Forgive me if I don't believe you.
Airazor then dove with Dropkick hot on her trail. She attempted to maneuver through buildings and do her best to not get caught by the decepticon hunter. Dropkick was doing his best to keep Airazor in his sights.
But just as Dropkick was about to fire at Airazor, a ground bridge opened up in front of Airazor who entered it without hesitation. Dropkick attempted to follow only for the portal to quickly close.
Dropkick: Slag!
Bulkhead: Good work on the ground bridge doc.
Ratchet: What are you talking about?
Bulkhead: Wait. If you didn't open the portal.
Optimus: I think I know who did.
Back at the Harbinger, Dinobot stood with Airazor while holding the energon harvester.
Dinobot: Well done Airazor.
Airazor: Hopefully this won't cause any issues with Optimus and the others.
Dinobot: So long as this stays out of Starscream's hands, we have nothing to worry about. I'll send you back to the Autobot's base.
Airazor: That won't be necessary. I'll contact Ratchet to bridge me back.
Dinobot: Very well then. Do take care of yourself Airrazor and stay safe.
Airazor then proceeded to leave and return to the Autobot's base. Dinobot proceeded to inspect the energon harvester. It surprised him that such a seemingly, in his case, small and unsuspecting object could cause a significant threat.
Blackarachnia: Looks like your plan paid off after all.
Dinobot then handed Blackarachnia the energon harvester.
Dinobot: It won't be long till we find more wonderful artifacts.
Blackarachnia: More?
Dinobot: *chuckles* No doubt the ancients left more wonderful treasures for us to have.
Blackarachnia: And you plan on finding them.
Dinobot: Only the important ones. The energon harvester will help with our energon problem. However, there is an artifact of great importance here on Earth that must be found.
Blackarachnia: And that would be?
Dinobot: The forge of Solus prime.
Nemesis:
Starscream: I expected better from the two of you.
Breakdown: We were ambushed.
Dropkick: Apparently the Autobots had another waiting and attacked us when we weren't looking.
Starscream: Explain.
Breakdown: An Autobot like we've never seen before came and attacked. It then flew off with the energon harvester into a ground bridge.
Starscream: It flew?
Dropkick: It was like one of Shockwave's pets.
Starscream: So, it would seem some of Shockwave's creatures found their way here. Still you failed to obtain the energon harvester. However, you didn't return empty handed.
Just then, Lockdown and his companions stepped forward.
Starscream: It's been quite some time Lockdown.
Lockdown: I've been busy.
Starscream: Indeed. No doubt you're willing to offer your services to the Decepticon cause.
Lockdown: After what happened, you can bet I'll be sticking around.
Starscream: Excellent. Perhaps with more skilled warriors we may have an advantage against the Autobots.
At the Autobot base:
Airazor was sitting at the top of the abandoned silo. She was watching the sunset unaware that someone was behind her. Standing behind Airazor was her fellow autobot, Arcee.
Arcee: Enjoying the view?
Airazor: It is quite pleasant.
Airazor then turned to Cliffjumper's grave.
Airazor: If you want to be alone-
Arcee: It's ok. Besides, it doesn't hurt to have some company.
The two stood before the small pile of rock Arcee made that was Cliffjumper's grave.
Inside the base Ratchet and Optimus were discussing about the mission.
Ratchet: Lockdown here! This is bad.
Jack: You know him?
Ratchet: Lockdown's a notorious bounty hunter. I had my share of run-ins with him. He'll undoubtedly side with the Decepticons.
Optimus: Which means the Decepticons have gained more skilled soldiers.
The way things were looking, the Autobots were even more at a disadvantage. Optimus could only hope that Dinobot would join them and provide them with much needed help.
Harbinger:
Back the Harbinger, Dinobot was trying to figure out what to do with the remaining protoforms. He had some ideas, but he knew he had to decide carefully as they were limited.
Blackarachnia: You should probably rest.
Dinobot: I'll be fine.
Blackarachnia walked up to him.
Blackarachnia: You've been working with the protoforms for a while. I think a break might help.
For a moment he stopped and looked at her.
Dinobot: Who are you and what did you do with Blackarachnia.
Blackarachnia: Oh ha ha.
Dinobot: *sighs* If it's that concerning then I'll postpone the work for now.
Blackarachnia: Mind telling me why it's so important.
Dinobot: It's hard to explain.
Dinobot didn't know how to explain to Blackarachnia. How his purpose here was to help Optimus prime with the knowledge he possessed. But so far things have changed to a degree. The appearance of Lockdown along with their own had clearly made a slight divergence to this universe's history. He still remembers how the original history went with Airachnid becoming a cybertronian vampire and the Autobots picking up where they left off before the great war.
Looking back, perhaps Dinobot could follow where Megatron started before his fall to corruption.
Blackarachnia: *goans* This is getting tiring. All these hidden plans and you focusing on the protoforms is really making me-
She was soon stopped when the Harbinger's alarms went off. The two were about to see what the cause was. But were immediately stopped when they heard Antagony contact them through their comms.
Antagony: Guys, we have a problem!
Dinobot: What's the situation?
Antagony: We have an intruder in the base.
On her end, Antagony was dealing with said intruder. The intruder was a large cybertronian that she had never seen before. The larger cybertronian charged at the smaller femme who dodged every attack of the intruder. It soon became a chase as the intruder attempted to try and catch Antagony. Sadly the chase came to an end when Antagony ended up getting cornered.
The intruder was about to take a swipe at Antagony. But was stopped when a green blast hits the intruder's back. The intruder turned to see both Dinobot and Blackarachnia.
Blackarachnia: An insecticon?
Dinobot: And you had doubts they would be here.
Dinobot then proceeded to charge at the insecticon just as it began to charge at him. The two collided creating a powerful shock wave. The two soon began trading blows with one another. However unlike on Cybertron, Dinobot was doing better than his first battle against an insecticon. As he fought the insecticon, Antagony took the opportunity to run over to Blackarachnia who watched the to large male cybertronians battle.
Antagony: Should we help him?
Blackarachnia: I think he can handle it.
As she said that, Dinobot headbutts the insecticon hard enough to cause sparks. The insecticon stumbles back after the attack. As it tried to recover, Dinobot proceeded to attack the insecticon with a series punches. Soon enough the insecticon was backed against the wall of the Harbinger. Dinobot grabbed the insecticon by its head and proceeded to smash it against his knee. This earned a pained cry from the insecticon as it wheeled back from the attack. However, the insecticon's secondary limbs lashed out in attempt to gain advantage. But Dinobot knew of these secondary limbs and quickly blocked the insecticon's attack.
As the two fought, Blackarachnia watched on with interest. She was reminded of their battle back on Cybertron before their journey here. Of how despite they first met, he was willing to throw himself between her and their for. And here he was doing it again. But not just for her but for Antagony as well. She didn't know what compelled her, but Blackarachnia readied her crossbow blaster and aimed it at the intersection.
As Dinobot did his best to block the insecticon's attack, he had gotten caught a few times leaving a few scars. Just before the insecticon was about to deliver another strike, an cybertronian bolt finds it's mark in the insecticon's side. A surge of dark energy arches across the shaking body of the insecticon. Seeing this, Dinobot takes the opportunity and prepares his optic lasers and blasted the insecticon's head. With the combination of cyber-venom and a head shot, the insecticon's body collapses.
Dinobot: *sighs* Damned pests.
He then proceeded to kick the still body of the insecticon.
Blackarachnia: Looks like I owe you an apology.
Dinobot just looked at her with a surprise look.
Antagony: So that's an insecticon.
Dinobot: Indeed. However there are many different variations of them.
Blackarachnia: So what do with him?
Dinobot looked at the remains of the insecticon and began to think.
A/N: So ends the newest chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. As stated above this has to go through a few rewrites and I know it's a bit shorter than the previous one, which I'm sorry about, but I wanted to try and get this chapter out as best as I could. Hopefully I won't have as much of an issue with the next chapter.