Author's note: Hope chapter 2 was good. Sorry if it didn't make any sense.
There was a large desolate town. Destroyed by a still smoking volcano. It was a desolate No Man's Land. The ground shook, and Bulkhead was thrown into one of the abandoned buildings.
His nemesis Breakdown stood above him to gloat. "Bulkhead! Imagine you and I bumping into each other in the middle of nowhere while tracking a stray Energon signal!" He said.
"Yeah, Breakdown. It must be your lucky day!" Bulkhead said. They attacked each other. "Where's your pet human? How about when I finish with you I pay her a visit?" Breakdown taunted. Bulkhead roared and pushed Breakdown into the ground. "So, the Wrecker's got a soft spot!" The Stunticon said.
Bulkhead roared again as he readied his mace, and launched it at Breakdown's helm. The Decepticon moved away in time as he turned his servo into a sledge hammer, and collided it with Bulkhead's helm. The Wrecker fell to the ground with a thud.
"As much as I'll miss our little reunions, hammer time!" Breakdown said. He raised his sledge hammer, but a device landed on his chassis and he was electrified, and fell next to Bulkhead.
Green helicopters surrounded the area. Bulkhead blacked out as the choppers landed. Silas came stepped down from the lead helicopter.
M.E.C.H soldiers surrounded Bulkhead and Breakdown. "Sir, we only have the resources to transport one." A soldier informed Silas.
Silas gave it some thought, before he settled on his final decision. "Take the victor."
Later
"Marco! Marco! Marco!" Miko said through the comms as Bulkhead stirred. "Miko?" He groaned. Miko made a buzzing sound. "You're supposed to say 'Polo'!" She replied. "Huh?!" Bulkhead realized where he was.
He immediately stood up, and readied himself. But Breakdown was nowhere in sight. "Miko, let Ratchet know I need a Ground-Bridge." Bulkhead instructed as he clutched his helm.
In base, Ratchet was patching the Wrecker up. "Engaging the enemy on your own was foolish, Bulkhead." Optimus gently scolded. "Breakdown jumped me. I knew I could take him." Bulkhead said, and cringed at the pain as Ratchet was finishing up.
"Stay still." The medic instructed. "What happened to Bulky?" Elsa asked as she entered the area. Anna was with Jack's mother June, who was getting the princess clothes, while having to go through paperwork about her and Elsa's adoption, and getting to know Anna. Thankfully, June didn't know that Elsa and Anna were accidentally plucked from another dimension and are never able to return home, no matter how many times Ratchet tried. Optimus was right, it would seem. Jack told June he was gonna introduce Elsa around the town, but actuallytake her to Autobot base. "I was attacked by a Con named Breakdown. I'll be fine." Bulkhead assured.
"We should see what happened to the other guy, right, Bulk?" Miko asked on the catwalk. "Uh, yeah, about that." Bulkhead started. "You didn't torch him?" Miko questioned. "Not exactly. I figured you all did." Bulkhead said. "Oh." Miko said bluntly.
"When I came to, Breakdown was just gone." Bulkhead continued. "I remember hearing a copter. Maybe it was Agent Fowler."
"Not me. But, I have an idea who. Show me where this Con-napping occured." Agent Fowler said as he stepped forward.
On the Nemesis, Starscream approached Megatron with news. "Lord Megatron, I fear Breakdown has gone missing." He said. "The Autobots?" Megatron asked. "According to the surveillance provided by the astonishingly accurate Soundwave, Breakdown was abducted by humans." Starscream said.
"Your point?" Megatron asked. "My strongest recommendation, we assemble a rescue team to hunt the vermin responsible for this outrage!" Starscream suggested. "Breakdown is on his own." Megatron said.
"Master?" Starscream sputtered. "If Breakdown allowed himself to be captured by those smaller than him, weaker than him, he deserves whatever fate awaits him." Megatron said. "But, Breakdown is a key player in our..." Starscream stopped himself when Megatron glared at him. "Your wisdom reigns supreme, Lord Megatron." He said.
Starscream turned around and whispered, "For now."
Breakdown slowly awoke. He was surrounded by drills and saws. "What?" He asked aloud as he tried to move, but his arms and legs were restrained. A door opened, and Silas accompanied by two of his guards entered. "Filthy fleshlings! Who do you think you are?!" Breakdown bellowed.
"We are M.E.C.H, and I am Silas." Silas said. "Release me now and I will let you live." Breakdown said. "I'm afraid you are far to valuable to us." Silas said. Breakdown laughed. "Megatron will never pay a ransom."
"Oh, you misunderstand. We don't want a ransom; We want only you. ALL of you." Silas stated.
In Autobot base, Ratchet pointed out Bulkhead and Breakdown's last known location. "This is where we picked up Bulkhead." He said. "The Kamchatka Peninsula in Eastern Russia." Agent Fowler identified. "Mich if it was abandoned 20 years ago when its volcano first erupted. My intel reported M.E.C.H. activity there earlier today."
"M.E.C.H? Do you mean those techie guys?" Miko asked. "Mr. Fowler, what's M.E.C.H?" Elsa asked. "They're a crazy bunch of people who do bad things and oppose our government, miss." Agent Fowler said. "And they're the very ones who know of our existence on this planet." Ratchet added. "They must have tracked one of us there." Bulkhead said.
"But, what would they want with Breakdown?" Miko wondered. "What's it matter? They can have him." Arcee said. Bee buzzed in agreement. "Dragged off by humans, guess I softened him up for them." Bulkhead said.
"Yeah." Miko said.
"Ratchet, reactivate the previous Ground-Bridge coordinates." Optimus instructed. "We will rescue Breakdown."
"What?" Ratchet asked in disbelief. "Optimus, you can't be serious." Arcee said. Bee buzzed. "M.E.C.H. can melt him down for all I care. Let the Cons rescue their own." Said Bulkhead.
"It is unlikely that Megatron would bother with an errand of mercy." Optimus reasoned. "Okay. But this is Breakdown we're talking about." Arcee said. Sometimes, we must rise above ourselves for the greater good." Optimus stated. "Oh, what's that supposed to mean? Breakdown's going ti be grateful and go all soft and join the cause?" Bulkhead exclaimed.
"While it is unlikely that any Decepticon will choose the path of good, even they possess the potential for change." Optimus said. "I knew where this was headed!" Bulkhead huffed angrily.
"By greater good I meant Humankind. M.E.C.H. presents a clear and present danger." Optimus said. "Prime's right, 2-ton." Fowler agreed. "We know M.E.C.H. is obsessed with obtaining groundbreaking technology."
"Which means we can not allow Cybertronian biology to fall into their hands." Optimus finished.
Breakdown was still struggling to break free. "Fulk disclosure. We intend to pull you apart and break you down if you will. And we will utilize whatever we discover to develop a new generation of weaponry, " Silas said and snapped his fingers. A M.E.C.H soldier walked onto Breakdown and two drills surrounded him.
"I'm afraid that you won't survive the process. So, thank you in advance for your sacrifice. M.E.C.H is very much in your debt." Sulas said as he walked down a set of stairs to face Breakdown closer.
"You are making a very big mistake, little man! When I'm finished with you, they'll have to scrape you off the floor!" Breakdown threatened. "Since you evidently aren't squeamish, I'll allow you to watch." Silas said, and he turned to the soldier. "Are his pain receptors disabled?" He asked.
The soldier nodded. "Good. Then he won't make as much noise. Open him up." Silas ordered. the drill on the soldier's left side activated ad the surgeon lowered it towards Breakdown's optic.
Back at base, Miko was attempting to convince Bulkhead to go with the others. "Come on, Bulk! You gotta go with!" She pleaded. "Don't wanna!" Bulkhead said stubbornly.
"Bulkhead." Optimus started. "Optimus, I'm sorry, I just can't do it." Bulkhead apologized. "I support your choice." Optimus said. "What?!" Bulkhead and Miko said together.
"Given your history with Breakdown, your judgement may be clouded and thus jeopardize the mission. Besides, the Decepticon may be in more need of a medic than another warrior." Optimus said as the Ground-Bridge powered on. "Locked and loaded, Optimus." Ratchet said.
"Autobots, roll out!" They transformed and drove through the Ground-Bridge. Bulkhead, Agent Fowler, Miko, and Elsa watch it shut off. "Fine happy hunting." Bulkhead said.
Miko groaned. "Uh, what do you say, uh, Creature double-feature?" Bulkhead asked. "Sure." Miko said blankly. "Can I see it?" Elsa asked. "Okay. But, it's scary." Miko warned. "Woo! I'm in!" Agent Fowler said.
The Autobots were transported to the Kamchatka Peninsula. They transformed and their servos became their weapons. Breakdown, and M.E.C.H. were nowhere to be seen. "No signs of life. Human or Cybertronian." Optimus said. Bumblebee noticed tire tracks in the dirt. He buzzed about it.
"Forget the tracks, Bumblebee. I'm picking up a faint Energon signal 3 clicks North by Northwest." Ratchet said. "Breakdown." Optimus identified. "But, we shouldn't be getting a reading, unless -" Arcee started. "- his Energon's been spilled." Ratchet finished.
In Autobot base, Bulkhead, Agent Fowler, and the kids were watching Creature double-feature. Fowler was snoring on the couch. Elsa sat next to Miko on the catwalk. Bulkhead stood next to them.
"Dino-Lizard vs 5 headed ape! You're missing the smackdown." Bulkhead said. "No, YOU'RE missing the smackdown!" Miko snapped. "Huh?" Bulkhead questioned. "Which stinks, because Breakdown is your arch enemy, not Optimus'!" Miko shouted. "Yeah, you should fight him! But, you need to save him from this M.E.C.H. too!" Elsa agreed.
"Elsa, Miko, neither of you understand. Breakdown and me, we go way back. You have no idea the things he's done." Bulkhead said. "I am not rescuing him, okay? Not now, not ever!" He finished.
"Duh, you don't need to bromance him, Bulk. You just need to beat him!" Miko convinced. "What?" Bulkhead wondered. "No rescue, no rematch." Miko grinned.
Bulkhead glared at the Ground-Bridge.
In Kamchatka Peninsula, the Ground-Bridge portal appeared and Bulkhead drove through. He noticed the tracks that Bee saw earlier. He transformed back into his jeep, activated his headlights and followed the trail.
In another part of Kamchatka, the Autobots were pointing their weapons everywhere. "This way." Ratchet said as the Energon signal was getting closer. They turned a corner and entered the courtyard of what appeared to be an abandoned orphanage. "Readings coming from right here." Ratchet said.
On a platform in the middle of the courtyard was Breakdown's optic. "Breakdown's eye." Ratchet identified. Arcee looked disgusted. Bee was shocked.
Bulkhead noticed a familiar green car. "M.E.C.H!" He said.
The car entered a subway tunnel. Bulkhead ran after it. He activated his arm cannon, and entered.
Ratchet attached the severed optic to his Energon detector. "What are you doing?" Arcee asked. "The optic receptors might have retained the final images seen." Ratchet explained. The screen displayed what Breakdown last saw.
"What do you know? Weird science wins again." Arcee commented. They saw a M.E.C.H soldier lower a power drill towards the optic, and the screen was filled with static.
But then, the static was replaced with Silas, who was looking directly at the Autobots. "Well, well, Optimus Prime. A pleasure to set eyes on you again." He said. "He's converted the optic to a two-way feed." Ratchet said.
"And you must be Silas." Optimus said. "In the flesh! But, being that our captive is not one of yours, I have to admit, I was expecting Megatron." Silas said. "In this circumstance, Autobots and Decepticons share a common foe." Optimus said.
"M.E.C.H. is anything but common. Our guest is yielding quite a bit of information about your biomechanics, as you can see. Although Breakdown himself can't see so well anymore." Silas stated. "We don't fear you!" Ratchet declared.
"Oh, but you should. In fact I would strongly urge that you not stand your ground." Silas said and hung up. In a storm drain in front of the statue was a bomb, ticking down from 10. "It's a trap!" Optimus realized.
"Would this be a 'role out' kind of trap?" Arcee asked. "Evacuate, now!" Optimus ordered. They transformed and drove away as the bomb hit zero. The ensuing shockwave sent the Autobot flying into bot mode.
"So, any idea where they're keeping the rest of Breakdown?" Arcee asked as soon as the coast was clear.
Meanwhile, Breakdown could only watch in horror as his parts were removed and studied. "Enjoying the view? Ironically, your would-be rescuers may be in more pieces than you right now." Silas said. "Decepticons don't break that easy!" Breakdown shouted. "Who said they were Decepticons?" Silas asked. "That doesn't make sense. Autobots wouldn't come to rescue me." Breakdown said.
Then, they heard metal being bashed down the tunnel. The monitor dispayed footage of the tunnel security camera. Something was trying to get in.
M.E.C.H. soldiers aimed their weapons at the collapsing shutter. Then, Bulkhead burst through while shouting, "Marco! You're supposed to say 'Polo!'" as he attacked the soldiers.
"More grist for the mill." Silas said as he and his forces left. Bulkhead finished off the last soldier, and slowed down to a walk. He soon spotted Breakdown restrained.
The Decepticon saw the Wrecker turn his cannon back into his servo. "It must be your lucky day." Bulkhead mumbled. He reached for Breakdown, who closed his remaining optic, but to his surprise, Bulkhead ripped the restrains.
"What are you doing?" Breakdown asked. "Getting you out of here. Yeah, I don't believe it either." Bulkhead responded. They reluctantly took servos, and the Wrecker helped the Decepticon up.
"Can you walk?" Bulkhead asked. "I think so." Breakdown said as he closed his torn open chassis. Then, the alarm blared. "Can you run?" Bulkhead questioned. "Never run when you can fight!" Breakdown said as his servo turned into his sledge hammer. "Just keep that thing pointed away from me, alright?" Bulkhead suggested.
They ran through the tunnel, and met another group of M.E.C.H. soldiers who fired at them. "Creature double-feature comin' at you!" Bulkhead shouted as he and Breakdown ran through the group, and out the exit where they were met with more soldiers and helicopters for support.
Breakdown activated his shoulder cannon and shot the soldiers away, and turned a car over on its side. "You have some sort of escape plan?" He asked. "Yeah, but you're not going to like it." Bulkhead said. "Bulkhead to Optimus: Rendezvous to my coordinates. I need backup!" He said into his comms link.
They were soon overwhelmed. More helicopters joined the fight and fired machine guns at them. In the farthest, Breakdown saw Silas. Silas activated an electric missile, and shot at the Stunticon who jumped aside in time.
He saw Bulkhead fall to his servos and knees, as Silas activated another electric missile. He fired, but Breakdown shoved Bulkhead out of the way in time. They continued to take down M.E.C.H.s forces.
Silas readied another electric missile, until multiple dots appeared on the radar. "Sir, incoming 5 bogeys!" A soldier reported. "All units, disengage and initiate Omega Protocols." Silas reluctantly ordered.
The enemies turned and retreated, but not before Breakdown smashed one more car and cast it away. They then heard jet engines. "Your backup?" Breakdown asked.
They got a clear view of the jets, which transformed into Starscream and multiple Vehicons. "Commander Starscream?!" Breakdown said surprised. "Consorting with the enemy, Breakdown?" Starscream asked. "But, Bulkhead got me out of there." Breakdown countered.
"Many Spark-felt thanks, Autobot. Now, destroy him." Starscream ordered. Breakdown looked at Bulkhead, then tried to say, "But..." before Starscream cut him off. "Do you plan on joining their ranks anytime soon? No? Then, be done with it already!" He said impatiently.
Breakdown gave Bulkhead a sad look. "Tough luck, Bulkhead. Maybe in the next life." He said. He activated his sledge hammers, and attacked Bulkhead, but was thrown to the ground instead. "Destroy him - AHH!" Starscream was smashed away by Bulkhead. The Vehicons activated their triangle shaped cannons.
Bulkhead quickly picked uo Breakdown. "Hammer time!" The Wrecker tossed the Stunticon into the Vehicons. "Come on! I'll scrap all of you!" Bulkhead vowed as he readied his mace.
Starscream led the charge and activated his own blaster, until shots fired from behind. It was the Autobots. "Grr! Retreat!" The Seeker shouted. He and the Vehicons took to the skies. Breakdown slowly stood up, and ran past Bulkhead, before transforming into a damaged army van and fled.
"Engaging the enemy on your own was even more foolish this time, Bulkhead." Optimus scolded. "But, I am honored that you saw fit to rescue your rival. You have truly risen above yourself." The Prime admitted.
"Did you see? I beat Breakdown and bashed them all with his own hammer! I won the rematch!" Bulkhead cheered.
"I'm sure Miko would be proud." Arcee said.
Brekadown came to a stop with Starscream hovering in front of him. "One day, you will repay your debt to me, Breakdown. The day it comes time to choose sides." He said.
"Between 'Bots and 'Cons?" Breakdown asked and transformed. "Between myself and Megatron." Starscream corrected. "Incidentally, I suggest that Megatron never know of this rescue. You do want him to think you overcame the puny humans on your own, don't you?" Starscream asked before he flew away.
Meanwhile, Silas was in sitting on a chair in his lair. He was talking to himself. "The test subject escaped, but we managed to sanitize the location and transfer most of the newly acquired data to another facility. Our diagnostic scans of the subject's vital components were thorough enough for us to initiate Project Chimera. The power of the living machines will someday soon belong to M.E.C.H."
Author's note: Chapter 3 is done. Mpre ate on the way.