Hey everyone! I'm back and with a new chapter! And as you can tell from the title, you can probably figure out which episode I've placed Stormracer in. I hope you like it! P.S. Sorry for any grammar errors.
Transformers Prime: The Medic's Assistant
Chapter 45: Triangulation
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime
(Autobot Base)
"If we are to have any hope of recovering the Iacon relics before the Decepticons do, we must divide our resources," Optimus continued.
"But Optimus, when it comes to numbers, we are already at a grave disadvantage," Ratchet reminded him.
"Under the circumstances, swiftness of action is paramount. This is one race that we absolutely cannot afford to lose."
Hearing an alert coming from the computer, the medic went to investigate. "Here's a twist," he said, "it would appear that the Decepticons have retreated from Manhattan."
"They just up and left?" Arcee asked questionably.
"It is more likely that Megatron has already set course for the second set of coordinates, having dispatched a unit to this relic's underground location," Optimus said.
"Without busting up a city block to get to it?" the two-wheeler asked.
"They use the subway tunnels," Jack said, "New York has a whole network of them running beneath the city."
"Since the human population no longer seems to be directly threatened, maintaining our disguises will be necessary," the Prime said, "Arcee, Bumblebee, you are the best choices to navigate through such a densely populated area."
"Optimus, New York has more than eight million people," Jack said, "the odds of being spotted by at least one of them are pretty high, even if they are headed underground."
"Where are you going with this?" Arcee asked her human partner.
"You're going to need a face man. Someone who can speak on their behalf. A human who can run interference if their cover gets blown."
"Well, I've actually been in subway stations," Miko spoke up, "I grew up in a major metropolis unlike Mister I've never been outside Jasper Nevada."
"I have been to Cybertron."
Miko folded her arms as she frowned at the older boy. "Cybertron doesn't have subways." She looked at the bots questionably. "Does it?"
"Agent Fowler's field experience makes him our best candidate," Optimus said.
"Banana fish!" the unwell liaison blurted out before passing out on the gurney.
"If he weren't still recovering from his encounter with the decepticon warship," Ratchet said.
"Which we survived without incident," Miko reminded them.
Optimus looked at Sierra sitting on a chair, her leg elevated with an ice pack on her bad ankle.
Sierra caught the Prime's gaze and immediately knew what he was thinking. "I only landed on it wrong. Besides, Jack and Miko are your best option."
Thinking it over, the Prime reluctantly agreed. "Very well. Miko and Jack will accompany Arcee and Bumblebee."
"Yes!" Miko cheered. Even Jack smiled excitedly.
Optimus then turned to Ratchet. "Initiate transport, and triangulate coordinates of the other three relics."
Jack walked over to Sierra. "Hopefully we'll be back soon. Try and take it easy with that ankle in the meantime."
"I'll be fine," she told him, "It's you who should be careful."
"Relax Sierra," Miko told her, "I'll make sure 'Hotshot' here doesn't get into any trouble."
"Oh? And who's going to keep you out of trouble?" the redhead asked her teasingly.
"Don't know what you mean," the Japanese girl said innocently as she made her way towards the ladder.
Both just shook their heads at her.
"Time to roll, Jack," Arcee said before transforming into her motorcycle form.
Sierra looked up at her boyfriend. "Go get em, Hotshot."
Jack smiled at her before making his way to his partner.
"That was some trick, Miko," Bulkhead said to his charge as she slid down the ladder.
"You mean swiping intel from right under Megatron's nose?" she asked with a smile, "Just doing my part for Team Prime!"
The other three were already at the groundbridge ready to go. Bumblebee honked at Miko and opened the passenger door for her.
"Oh, gotta go Bulk! I'll tell you all about it when we get back!" She then ran off to join the others. "Wait up!"
Bulkhead watched as she entered the yellow car. "Take care of her, Bee!"
"Take care of him, Miko!" Raf shouted, overlapping Bulkhead.
Soon as the four were bridged out, Optimus approached the green mech. "Bulkhead, prepare for departure."
"You are headed for the equator," Ratchet said.
"All prepped for tropical weather, wrecker style," Bulkhead said, ready to go.
"Maybe I should go with him," Stormracer suggested, "that way he has someone watching his back."
"Ooh no you're not!" Ratchet said sternly, "not after what happened on the Nemesis!"
"That was an accident," she protested, "besides, he should have a partner with him."
"I said no. End of discussion."
Stormracer huffed at that.
"Hey, don't worry about it, Storm," Bulkhead told her, "I got this."
Still upset she couldn't assist her friend, she let out a vent. "Be careful out there, okay?"
"I'll be fine," he assured her, "those cons are the ones who should be worried."
Stormracer let out a light chuckle as the two shared a fist bump.
With the coordinates set, Bulkhead approached the activated groundbridge.
"Rafael and Agent Fowler will be your communications and transportation hub," Optimus told him.
"I can has cheesburger!" The Agent blurted out before passing out again.
"Communications huh?" Bulkhead said, unconvinced the liaison would be any help.
"Be on your guard, Bulkhead," Optimus said as the green bot made his way through the groundbridge. Once Bulkhead made it through, Optimus then looked at the small human. "Rafael, lock onto the remaining coordinates. Stormracer and I will embark for the Antarctic."
Stormracer was surprised by this. She'd never been on a mission with just Optimus before. The only other times was when Ratchet was there.
Rafael put in the coordinates, locking it for Antarctica.
The Prime then looked at Ratchet. "As for you, old friend, I would prefer that you have company on your mission."
"No one is left to join me, Optimus," Ratchet said, "even if Agent Fowler were alert..."
Everyone looked at the liaison still laying on the gurney. He sat up and briefly spoke gibberish before falling back down.
"... he's human," Ratchet finished.
Optimus looked back at him. "I was considering the only remaining autobot alternative on this planet."
Ratchet nearly lost his words. "Wh- you can't be serious. Wheeljack is insubordinate! A ruffian! He even brought Stormracer to a fight, resulting in her getting captured by Dreadwing!"
"I escaped," she reminded him.
"You shush," the medic told her before looking back at Optimus. "Besides, he's Bulkhead's partner."
"Your expertise is scientific, but Wheeljack is a highly capable warrior," Optimus explained, "you would be wise to welcome the temporary alliance."
Ratchet vented as he pinched his brow and shook his head.
Optimus turned to Stormracer. "Let us depart," he said as he walked over to the groundbridge.
Stormracer looked at her boss. "Hey, it won't be that bad. Give Wheeljack a chance."
The frown on the medic's face remained as he vented. "Be careful out there and listen to Optimus."
"I will," she said, "you be careful as well."
"Good luck, Storm!" Sierra said with a wave.
Stormracer smiled and gave her two thumbs up before following Optimus through the groundbridge. Immediately she was greeted by the cold once they reached the other side. All she could see was ice and snow as she folded her arms and shivered.
"Brrrr! Remind me to ask June if she can knit me some mittens," she said.
Optimus checked his readings. "The current temperatures are not extreme enough to affect our biology. We should be alright."
With the Prime leading the way, Stormracer followed him as they transformed and drove across the icy landscape. Both didn't say a word as they drove. After a while, Stormracer looked at Optimus as she thought about what happened earlier. It still bothered her that he was willing to use the spark extractor on the decepticons. Wanting to hear his reason, she spoke up.
"Hey, Optimus, can I ask you something?"
He looked at her. "Of course, Stormracer."
"... Were you really going to use the spark extractor on the Nemesis?"
Optimus was quiet before releasing a vent. "I didn't wish to, but I felt it was a necessary course of action."
"But the spark extractor is such a powerful weapon. It wouldn't have just terminated Megatron but everyone around him. And what if you and the others didn't get out of there in time?"
"Sometimes one has to make the difficult call, no matter how dire the situation. Please understand that I had hoped to never use such a weapon of mass destruction, but Megatron has made it clear time and time again that he will continue down his path. I cannot allow his tyranny to endanger this world."
Stormracer understood Megatron was a threat. She had seen it one too many times. But what about the others? What about Knock Out? She then asked another question.
"Do you still believe bots can change? I mean, is there a chance one might go down a better path?"
Optimus looked at her questionably. "Why are you asking?"
"I'm... I'm just curious." She said, not wanting to tell him the real answer.
Optimus studied her. He knew there was more to her question, but he didn't try to pry it from her. "Everyone has the capacity to change, Stormracer. But that is a choice they must make for themselves."
Stormracer allowed his words to sink in as they continued driving.
They traveled for some time before approaching the edge of a cliff. Transforming into their bot forms, they looked down below to see a group of vehicons with their new Decepticon SIC.
"Dreadwing," Optimus said.
Noticing a shackled bot in the middle, Stormracer looked closely before her optics widened in surprise. "And Starscream?"
Optimus looked at the site, seeing the relic had already been dug out with flags around the spot. "It appears they have already obtained the relic."
Stormracer looked closely. "I don't know. They look like they're still searching. Plus, I don't remember them ever planting flags."
Optimus thought it over. "I will distract Dreadwing and the others while you go around and investigate the site."
"Got it. Be careful."
"You as well."
The two made their way down the hill and transformed into their vehicle modes. As they approached, Stormracer drove off to the side and fell back so not to be seen.
Dreadwing, who had the handcuffed Starscream up in the air by the throat, heard the semi-truck approaching. Seeing it was the autobot leader, he let go of the seeker.
"You two, guard the prisoner," he told the two vehicons closest to him.
Optimus transformed as the new decepticon commander stepped forward with the two remaining vehicons.
"Optimus Prime," Dreadwing said, "I will request only once that you surrender the relic."
"I was going to request the same of you, Dreadwing," Optimus replied.
"Then I would say that we are on equal footing, were it not that there are five of us, and only one of you," the flyer said.
"Six, if you relieve me of these ridiculous manacles," Starscream said.
Optimus and Dreadwing stared each other down at a standstill. After a long moment of silence, Dreadwing and the vehicons activated their weapons and fired.
The Prime was quick as he activated his blasters and fired back. He dodged their attacks as the two vehicons charged at him. Still dodging, he was able to shoot down the vehicons once they were close. With them gone, he was able to fully focus on Dreadwing. Jumping back from the shots, he fired back and managed to hit Dreadwing in the shoulder.
The con let out a yell as he dropped his weapon. Glaring at Optimus, he brought it back up and fired three explosives.
Optimus easily flipped over the explosives, avoiding them before they hit the ground and exploded behind him. Getting rid of his blasters, Optimus activated his sword as he charged and leaped at Dreadwing.
Dreadwing pulled out his sword, using it to block Optimus's and push him back.
While they fought, Stormracer made her way around without being noticed. She looked around the spot where the ice was cut out, hoping to find something. It wasn't until she looked at the ground that she saw a clue. Vehicle tracks. All the Decepticons there were fliers, meaning someone else had definitely taken the relic.
Starscream was still being guarded by the two vehicons when he caught something in the corner of his optic. Looking over his shoulder, he saw the teal femme snooping around the site behind them. Immediately he turned around and pointed at her. "Autobot!"
Stormracer snapped her helm up and turned around just as the two vehicons did. She nervously gulped as they looked at her.
"Uuuuh... would you believe I was looking for penguins?" she asked innocently.
The vehicons only fired their blasters at her.
"Didn't think so!" she yelped as she dodged. Immediately she took cover around the ice wall, her spark racing as she tried to think of something. Activating her EMP, she tried firing back at the enemy, only to miss their helms each time. She pulled back around the wall as shots whizzed past her. She had to think of something. Looking up at the icy wall, she had an idea.
The two vehicons rushed over to the femme's hiding spot with their blasters ready. But she was nowhere in sight.
"Where did she go?" one of them asked. Just then he was hit with an EMP pulse, making him bend over and hold his helm from the dizziness. The other looked up to see Stormracer up on the wall, her grappling claw secured in the ice. But before he could react, she fired a pulse and got him in the head. With him disoriented as well, she dropped down and gave them both one swift kick to the helms, knocking them out as they fell down. With those two down, she let out a vent of relief.
"That was brilliant!"
Stormracer frowned as she turned around to see Starscream approaching.
"Thank you so much!" he said as he walked over, acting like they were on the same side all along. "They would have scrapped me! Now, if you would be so kind to free me, I will gladly-" He didn't finish his request as Stormracer fired three EMP pulses at his helm, stunning him as he fell onto his back.
"That's for snitching," she told him.
Starscream let out a loud groan as his helm spun around. "Whyyy's the sky spinning around so fast?! Please make it stop! Ugh!"
Meanwhile, Optimus and Dreadwing were still fighting each other as they clashed swords. Swinging his sword at the con, Optimus kicked Dreadwing back, making him skid across the icy ground. Dreadwing spun his sword around and let out a battle cry as he lunged at the Prime.
Stormracer watched from the side while Starscream just drunkenly complained.
"What's h-happening over theere?!" the seeker slurred, "they forgot aall about me! Why's my back so c-cold?! I order the sun to come out right this minute!"
Dreadwing brought his sword down on Optimus. The Prime was able to block it with his as he tried to push back. Letting out a grunt, Optimus managed to push his opponent's sword to the ground. But Dreadwing only backhanded him away, making him slide closer to the cliff's edge.
Dreadwing then put his sword away and charged at the Prime. Optimus did the same, but Dreadwing tackled him, sending them both flying over the cliff.
"Optimus!" Stormracer shouted worryingly. She ran off to make sure the Prime was okay, leaving the drunken Starscream behind.
"Hellooo?!" Starscream slurred as Stormracer ran off. "Where'd everybody go?!" Rolling onto his front, he let out a small whine. "I'm so lonely."
Stormracer looked over the edge to see Optimus and Dreadwing still fighting. Relieved Optimus was okay, she ran over to the side and began making her way down.
Optimus and Dreadwing fought fist to fist before the Prime was knocked to the ground. Letting out a groan, he looked to see Dreadwing approaching. He then activated his blaster, but instead of firing it at the flier, he fired at the ice wall behind him.
Dreadwing smirked as he grabbed his gun. "Your aim is poor."
"That is a matter of perspective," Optimus said.
Hearing the ice crack behind him, Dreadwing turned around to see the ice coming down towards him. He tried to run but it was too late.
"NOO!" Dreadwing yelled as the ice crashed down and buried him.
Stormracer shielded her optics as snow and ice filled the air. Finally reaching the bottom, she leaped down and tried to look for her leader through the thick snowy air. All she could hear was the wind as she scanned her surroundings. Just then she saw a large figure approach her. Thinking it might be Dreadwing, she activated her EMP and aimed it. However, relief swept over her once she saw it was Optimus. Deactivating her weapon, she rushed over to the Prime. "Are you okay?"
"I'm alright," he assured her.
"I took a look at the site. I don't think the cons took the relic. I found vehicle tracks and the only cons here are fliers."
Hearing footsteps approaching, Optimus motioned for her to take cover. The femme did as the enemy approached.
After awakening from the femme's attack and knocking their prisoner's senses back into him, the two vehicons and Starscream made their way down to look for Dreadwing.
"A stale mate would leave us where?" Starscream asked as they looked at the huge pile of snow.
One of the vehicons soon noticed a figure walking over to them. "Commander Dreadwing!" he shouted.
However, it was Optimus that came into view. Immediately the two vehicons began firing as the Prime fired back.
Realizing he truly was on the losing side, Starsceam attacked one of the vehicons and pushed his blaster away from the Prime's direction.
The other vehicon saw this and fired. Quickly thinking, Starscream grunted as he spun the vehicon around and used him as a shield. The blast hit the vehicon in the back, offlining him. The other was then shot by Optimus. With the vehicons down, Stormracer rushed over to Optimus as he made his way over to Starscream.
Starscream pushed the dead vehicon off before approaching the two. "What a team we make! I am so glad that you prevailed, Optimus Prime! That wretch Dreadwing was going to terminate me. Now, if you could just remove my bonds, I can lead you both straight to the relic."
But his smile was soon replaced with fear as the Prime pointed his blaster at him.
"You will lead us there regardless," Optimus said.
Even Stormracer frowned at the seeker as she folded her arms.
Starscream looked at the two autobots then angrily huff. "Humph! you're welcome."
(Time skip)
"Seven hundred sixty-five energon cubes on the wall, seven hundred sixty-five energon cubes. Take one down, pass it around, seven hundred sixty-four energon cubes on the wall..."
Leaving the site, the three followed the vehicle tracks to the relic. They had only walked for ten minutes before Stormracer started singing. Having started at a thousand energon cubes, she counted down as she sang. Optimus was patient enough to allow her. Starscream on the other hand...
"Must you sing that song?!" the seeker growled in frustration as he frowned at her.
Stormracer stopped and looked at him. "What? It distracts me from the cold," she said innocently.
Starscream vented as he looked at Optimus. "Be reasonable, Prime. The cold will freeze our actuators."
"The current temperatures are not extreme enough to affect our biology," Optimus told him, "You'll be fine."
"Fine, but miserable," the seeker complained, "and I cannot believe you would take our alliance for granted; after all I've done for the autobots. Helping to restore your memory or saving Arcee's life."
"While you have at times proved beneficial to us, it's been only to further your own interest," Optimus pointed out.
"Well, we can't all be as selfless as you, can we?" Starscream said sarcastically.
The three were quiet before Stormracer started singing again.
"One thousand energon cubes on the wall, one thousand-"
"You're starting over?!" Starscream exclaimed.
"I lost count."
Starscream groaned as she continued.
Time went by slowly as she continued singing and Starscream's patience was wearing thin. After what felt like an eternity, he was slightly relieved when she finally got past ten energon cubes.
"Two energon cubes on the wall, two energon cubes. Take one down, pass it around-" she then stopped and remained silent.
For some reason, that irritated Starscream.
"Why did you stop?" he asked the femme.
She shrugged. "Don't feel like singing anymore."
His optics widened as he looked at her in disbelief. "You mean to tell me you spent the last hour singing that ridiculous song only to stop at two energon cubes?!"
A mischievous grin spread across her face. "Drives ya nuts, doesn't it?"
Realizing she did it intentionally, Starscream's optic twitched before he glared at her. "I hate you."
Stormracer snickered, but it didn't last long once she saw the disapproving look Optimus was giving her, making her immediately button her lip.
After a bit more walking, the three soon saw a facility far off in a large clearing.
"Ah, just what I suspected," Starscream said, "humans. We will find the relic here. So, let us reclaim what is rightfully ours." He was about to continue before Optimus stopped him.
"We cannot simply enter a human facility to search for Cybertronian relics." Optimus said.
"Not even if they stole it?" Starscream asked.
"Nor can I expose innocent humans to a dangerous decepticon."
Starscream frowned as the Prime contacted the base.
"Rafael, has Agent Fowler regained consciousness?"
"I'm here, Prime," Agent Fowler's voice replied.
"I require access to a research facility at my current coordinates."
"I'll make a call."
As the three waited, Starscream started impatiently pacing.
"Are we really going to wait out here in the freezing cold completely at the mercy of human bureaucracy?" Starscream asked.
"We must be patient," Optimus told him.
"Patience is a virtue after all," Stormracer said with a smirk, "in fact, studies show that gaining patience helps build confidence, decisiveness, and gives a more thoughtful outlook on life. It also improves physical and mental health growth and helps one deal with fewer negative emotions."
Starscream's scowl deepened more and more as she talked, every ounce of him just wanting to strangle her. "And I thought Cliffjumper was annoying," he said out loud.
Stormracer's mischievous smirk soon turned into a frown. Starscream realized he struck a nerve as she glared at him.
Just then they heard helicopters starting up. Looking over, they watched as the humans flew off, leaving the base unoccupied.
"Base is clear, Prime," Fowler said, "try not to wreck the joint."
"Many thanks, Agent Fowler," Optimus said as he started pushing Starscream towards the facility.
Stormracer released a deep vent before following after the two.
Soon as they stepped onto the property, they began their search. They finally came to a hangar and slid open the large door before entering. Placed at the back was a large block of ice... with the relic frozen inside.
"Bingo!" Stormracer said as they walked over to it.
"The relic remains sealed in the ice," Optimus said.
But before they could do anything, a voice spoke from behind.
"I knew you were of questionable honor, Starscream..."
The three turned around to see Dreadwing stepping into view with his gun in hand.
"But aiding the autobots, that is a capital offense," Dreadwing continued as he glared at the prisoner.
"What?!" Starscream exclaimed, "but, I-I left tracks for you, on purpose! So you could rescue me from my capturers."
Stormracer gave him a look. "Seriously?"
"Dreadwing, I cannot allow you to leave here with this relic," Optimus said as he stepped forward.
"I know that Prime," the con said, "but I do not intend to give you a choice." He then fired at Optimus as the autobot leader charged at him.
Letting out a yell, Optimus tackled the blue con out of the hangar.
Stormracer watched as the two fought hand-to-hand before glancing over at Starscream who was hovering over the relic. She immediately activated and aimed her EMP at him. "Don't even think about it," she said, making him step back with his servos up.
Optimus found himself in a headlock as Dreadwing tightened his arm around his neck. Thankfully he was able to elbow the con in the torso, freeing himself and sending Dreadwing skidding back.
Dreadwing however had a trick up his sleeve. Pulling out his detonator, he pressed the button.
Hearing the rapid beeping noise, Optimus looked down to see one of Dreadwing's explosives attached to him. Ripping it off, he threw it before running. The explosive went off, sending the Prime flying forward and onto his front.
Stormracer's attention turned away from Starscream soon as she heard the explosion. Her optics fearfully widened once she realized Optimus was down. Seeing Dreadwing making his way over to her leader with his sword in hand, she transformed and sped towards them, completely forgetting about Starscream.
Optimus let out a groan before looking up at Dreadwing. The decepticon commander raised his sword up, ready to terminate his opponent. But just as he was about to bring the sword down, the teal femme transformed into her bot mode and got between him and the Prime.
Dreadwing frowned at her as he lowered his weapon. "Move aside!"
Stormracer refused. "Dreadwing, please don't do this. If you give that relic to Megatron, he could use it on this world. Many human lives would be in danger."
"I will not tell you again," Dreadwing said in a warning tone. He stepped forward and towered over her. "Stand. Aside."
The femme only stood her ground. She knew Dreadwing wouldn't attack her. Activating her EMP, she frowned at the con. "I won't let you kill him."
Dreadwing frowned back as they stared each other down. But before the flier could forcibly remove her, something large shot out from the roof of the hangar and onto the ground. All three cybertronians looked in shock. Standing there was a now freed Starscream... wearing the relic.
"The Apex Armor," Optimus said.
"Ooh, that's not good," Stormracer said grimly.
Starscream smirked as he examined the large armor incased around him, making him look more taller and stronger. "A perfect fit."
Dreadwing pointed his sword at him. "You dare to claim that which rightfully belongs to Lord Megatron?!"
Starscream laughed. "And what do you intend to do about it... Commander?"
Dreadwing charged at him. Letting out a battle cry, he swung his sword against the ex-con. But the blade only bounced off the armor, not even leaving a scratch. Starscream laughed as he brushed off the spot the sword hit. Dreadwing went to strike again before the seeker backhanded him, sending him flying backwards.
Stormracer watched in horror as the con flew back before tumbling to the ground.
"Not so big and strong now, are you?!" Starscream gloated, "I haven't had this much fun since I punched that hole in Cliffjumper!"
Hearing those words leave his mouth angered Stormracer as she charged up her EMP. Just then Optimus got up and ran past her, catching her by surprise.
"Stay back!" he told her as he ran over to help Dreadwing.
Walking over to one of the snow mobiles, Starscream picked it up and held it over his head. "Allow me to reunite you with your beloved twin." But before he could finish off the blue and gold con, he was rammed from behind by Optimus, causing the machine to fly out of his grasp and miss Dreadwing.
Optimus threw a punch at the seeker, only for Starscream to catch it in his now large servo.
"And you, Optimus Prime..." The seeker tightened his hold and bent the Prime's servo back, causing Optimus to painfully grunt as he was brought to his knee. "I will beat the living spark out of you, just so I never again have to endure your pontificating!" He then threw Optimus away like a ragdoll, knocking him into a bunch of shipping containers.
Stormracer's optics went wide when she saw her leader get thrown away so easily. Glaring at the seeker, she fired her EMP at Starscream's helm. Unfortunately, her attacks were no match for the armor and didn't faze him one bit.
Starscream looked over at her and chuckled. "Is that the best you can do? Cliffjumper put up a better fight than that. Then again, he was already crippled by the time I finished him. I still remember the look on his face; the moment that he realized he was going to die. He truly was pathetic."
That did it!
Anger took hold as Stormracer transformed and charged.
"Stormracer, no!" Optimus called out.
Stormracer didn't listen as she charged. Starscream went to stomp on the teal sports car, but she swerved out of the way and activated her grappling claw. She fired it at the building before swerving around Starscream's legs. Before the seeker could realize what she was doing, he let out a grunt as he tripped over the wire and fell on his back with a loud thud. Soon as he was down, Stormracer transformed and leaped onto his chest. She furiously yelled as she continuously punched the clear visor of the helmet, hoping to crack it open. But the visor was too strong. Starscream wasn't even fazed as he laughed at her attempt. Next thing she knew, Starscream grabbed her and threw her away, making her slam right against the hangar. Her helm spun around as she fell to the ground with a thud, her vision even going in and out from the impact.
Seeing Stormracer in trouble, Optimus forced himself up and charged at Starscream with his blasters out. His firepower however was useless against the apex armor as Starscream got back up. Seeing the Prime leaping at him, the seeker only swatted him away, sending him flying onto his back.
Stormracer groaned as she opened her optics. By the time she got her senses back, she looked up to see Starscream towering over her with a malicious grin on his face. She wanted to get up and run, but she couldn't. She couldn't tell if she was still recovering from the blow or was just frozen with fear.
Starscream darkly chuckled at the femme. "Goodbye, Underling." Lifting his pede up, he prepared to stomp her helm in and finish her off for good. But before he could, multiple shots were fired at him from the side, making him step away from the femme.
Stormracer looked over to see Dreadwing with his gun in hand firing at Starscream.
"RUN!" he told her.
Snapping out of it, Stormracer forced herself up and ran over to help Optimus.
Dreadwing then charged as he pulled out his sword and leaped towards Starscream. The ex-con only blocked the blade with his arm before throwing Dreadwing away. The blue con grunted as he landed right next to Optimus and Stormracer.
The three looked at the threat before them, knowing there was only one way out of this.
"Dreadwing, our battle remains unfinished," Optimus said, "But if we do not unite against our common foe-"
"Starscream will destroy us all," Dreadwing finished.
Starscream evilly laughed as he walked over towards them.
"What's the plan?" Stormracer asked.
"I will draw his attention," Dreadwing said as he handed Optimus one of his explosives. Transforming into his jet mode, he flew off overhead Starscream.
Starscream grinned as he brought his attention to Dreadwing who was circling back towards him. Dreadwing began firing at him, but the ex-con just stood there, the firepower not even damaging the armor. Soon as the blue jet got closer, Starscream ran over and leaped into the air, hitting Dreadwing's wing with a yell.
Dreadwing immediately crashed down before transforming into bot mode. He slid on his back before coming to a stop.
"Might beats flight!" Starscream boasted.
Optimus let out a yell as he leaped onto Starscream's back. The seeker only punched him away, sending him flying to the ground.
Stormracer rushed over to check on Dreadwing. "Are you alright?"
"Still functional," he told her before looking over at the fight. Seeing that the Prime did his part, he smirked as he got back up. "You shall be the one to join with the AllSpark!" he told Starscream. Holding up his detonator, he pressed the button, activating the explosive attached to Starscream's back.
Starscream's smug expression turned to a look of horror when he heard a rapid beeping sound. He tried turning around to see it, but it was too late.
BOOM!
Stormracer covered her audio receptors soon as the explosive went off, the explosion causing her whole frame to shake. Fire and smoke engulfed the seeker in a big cloud. Even the ice underneath was cracked from the force. Soon the only sound heard was the crackling of the fire.
"Is he..." the femme went to say.
Just then they heard laughter coming from within the smoke. Optics widened when the smoke cleared, revealing Starscream still standing with the armor unsinged.
"That tickled!" Starscream said as he continued maniacally laughing. "FOOLS! Not only am I intelligent. I. Am. INVINCIBLE!"
"Yet you cannot fly!" Optimus reminded him.
The seeker turned around to face him. "Nobody's perfect," he said before walking over to the autobot leader.
Stormracer was about to run over to help Optimus before Dreadwing grabbed her shoulder. "Don't," he said. He then held up more explosives in his other servo. "I have a better idea."
Looking at the explosives, she looked at him and nodded.
Meanwhile, Starscream stopped in front of Optimus. "Now, tell me of the other three relics. Are they as powerful as my shiny new armor?" He asked before backhanding Optimus.
The Prime staggered back but held his ground. "They were hidden away precisely to keep them from the hands of those like you."
Starscream brought his fist down on him. Optimus was able to block it with his arms before continuously punching Starscream in the chest. His attempts were proven fruitless as Starscream stepped towards him.
While Optimus was distracting the seeker, Stormracer and Dreadwing quickly planted the explosives on the ground. Once she was done on her end, Stormracer gave Dreadwing a thumbs up before meeting him at the same spot.
"Optimus, retreat!" Stormracer shouted at her leader.
"He is far too powerful Prime!" Dreadwing shouted along, "fall back!"
"Cowards!" Starscream said.
Optimus immediately transformed into his truck mode and drove over to Stormracer and Dreadwing. He then transformed back into bot mode as Starscream grinned at the three.
"You will not escape my might!" Starscream said. Just then he realized something. They wouldn't just give up that easily. His grin soon disappeared. "Wait." He looked side to side then back at the trio suspiciously. "You three are up to something."
Dreadwing smirked as he held up the detonator and pressed the button.
One by one, each explosive lit up and started beeping. Starscream turned around and soon realized he was in a ring of them as they all beeped rapidly.
KABOOM!
Stormracer, Dreadwing, and Optimus had already started running when the explosion knocked them forward.
Starscream was surrounded by flame as he tried to get through. But the explosion was so great it caused the ice to crack right underneath him. Letting out a horrified scream, he fell through the ice, swallowed up by the large hole.
Once the smoke cleared, Stormracer got up and looked to see Starscream gone. She then heard a groan and looked over to see Dreadwing lying beside her. Walking over, she extended her servo to him. "You good?"
Dreadwing looked at the femme before accepting her servo, allowing her to help him back up. "I'll live."
Stormracer smiled at him. "Good thinking with those explosives," she complimented, "also, thanks for saving me back there. I owe you one."
He didn't say anything but gave her a nod.
Stormracer then looked at Optimus who was standing at the edge of the large hole. She made her way over and looked down, seeing nothing but darkness down below.
"You think he could have survived?" she asked.
"Given the full power of the apex armor, I would say most definitely," Optimus said.
Both then heard the sound of a blade, making them turn around to see Dreadwing with his sword out.
"Now that are alliance has served its purpose," Dreadwing said, ready to continue their battle.
"Starscream is gone, and the apex armor with him," Optimus said before activating his blade, "is there really a need to renew battle when the goal has been lost?"
"We have other unfinished matters."
"I bore Skyquake no malice, and I regret the role I played in his demise." Optimus then deactivated his blade. "So I will appeal to you as I once did your twin. Turn your back on the decepticon cause and help me end this war, for his sake and for all who have fallen."
Stormracer looked at Optimus then back at Dreadwing, hoping the con would reconsider.
Dreadwing silently glared at him. He then pointed his blade and spun it around before raising it up. But instead of attacking, he put it back in his compartment.
"You saved my life today," he said. He then walked over and stopped beside him. "I will terminate you the next time we meet." He then looked at Stormracer. "And nothing will stop me." He continued walking before transforming and taking off into the sky.
"So be it, Dreadwing," Optimus said as the con flew away.
Stormracer watched as Dreadwing disappeared into the southern lights. She let out a sad vent. "I won't lie, I was kind of hoping he would switch sides."
"Dreadwing may be a cybertronian of honor, but his loyalty to Megatron is fiercely strong," Optimus said.
"You think he might ever leave Megatron's side?"
"Only time will tell."
Stormracer looked on and vented. She then looked at Optimus. "Sorry for losing my cool during the fight. I shouldn't have let Starscream get the better of me."
"I understand why you did it, but charging at a heavily armed enemy was foolish."
Stormracer sadly looked down. "I'm sorry."
Knowing she truly felt bad, Optimus placed his servo on her shoulder. "I am just grateful that you're alright."
Stormracer smiled at him. Though it didn't last long. "You're going to tell Ratchet when we get back, aren't you?"
"Yes."
Stormracer lowered her helm and groaned, already hearing Ratchet's lecture in her head.
With nothing left for them in the Antarctic, Optimus contacted base. "Agent Fowler, have the others returned to base?"
"They have, Prime," the agent said, "but you need to get here stat."
Stormracer and Optimus could hear the upsetting tone in his voice. Both looked at each other with concern as Optimus spoke.
"What's wrong, Agent Fowler?"
"It's Bulkhead. He's down."
Dun dun daaaaaa! And that was Triangulation! I hope you liked it.
I am still open to constructive criticism so if you guys feel like I need to improve with my story telling or character building, please feel free to let me know.
Also, to C.S. Allen, yes, I do know about the DJD. They are one of my favorite decepticon teams (along with the Scavengers), Tarn being my favorite out of the group. I actually almost made a Halloween special on them but opted out for writing reasons. I think it would be cool to have them show up in this story in the far future, but I can't make any promises. Also, Miko meeting Whirl? Those two together would probably cause chaos for everyone lol.
Thank you all for reading and hopefully I will post the next chapter soon. Until next time! God bless.