A/N: Hey, guys. I know this is a little soon. But here's chapter 4. This is going to take place during the episode "Masters and Students." And it's going to be done, relatively quickly, because I'm just going to copy and paste some of the material from one of my previous stories. But only the parts that pertain to the episode. The rest will be completely original. And I promise, whenever I copy and paste the material, it'll only be the bits that pertain to the episode. Everything else I add, will be of my own imagination.
I also promise; that there will be a little more action, in this chapter. And hopefully, it won't be as short as the last one. And there may, or may not be some episodes, that I skip, in certain chapters. I'm just trying to only pick the episodes, that would be interesting to the theme.
Now, that being said.
LET'S ZOOM THE COSMOS!
The Nemesis
The Decepticons or watching video footage of the Space Bridge explosion, with Megatron caught in the middle of it. "Such a shame. But I applaud you Megatron. You certainly made a grand exit." Starscream said, in a gloating fashion. Soundwave walked behind him, after that. "Ah, Soundwave. Cue the audio visual, I wish to address the troops." Starscream ordered. Soundwave did as ordered, broadcasting Starscream's face on every monitor of the ship, as he gave a speech. "The loss of Megatron, leader of the great Decepticon uprising, is certainly a blow to our cause. Yet, we mustn't despair over his tragic demise. But instead; embrace his ultimate sacrifice. And build upon the foundation he laid, with an even mightier hand."
After his speech concluded; a trooper standing below the bridge of the ship, had something to say. "With all due respect, Commander Star... Lord Starscream." The trooper corrected himself at the last second.
"Yes, yes. What is it?" Starscream replied.
"If we fail to conquer Earth under Lord Megatron's command. What hope do we have now, while the Autobots still stand to defend it?" The trooper questioned.
Starscream released a breath of annoyance, before responding. "Allow me to be crystal clear. I studied for millennia under our "former master." Thus I am equipped to leave you. I, Megatron's true heir, Lord Starscream. Emperor of destruction." After concluding his speech; he heard his troops whispering amongst their selves, bringing him disappointment to see their lack of morale. He started to walk away with an angry sigh, before speaking again. "What use are troops who can't rise to the task of inflicting up unspeakable destruction in my name?" Starscream stopped in his tracks after saying that, an idea was forming in his head. "But wait. Legend tells of one capable warrior. One who exists here, upon this very planet. One who can be student to my master." Starscream finished, referring to himself as the master.
Autobot Base
Ratchet walked behind Optimus, asking him a question. "Optimus, why so glum? This planet, all planets, are finally free from Megatron's tyranny."
"I do not disagree, Ratchet. It's just, a small part of me hoped to change Megatron's mind, not extinguish his spark." Optimus replied.
"Optimus, his vileness was not slain by your hand, but by his own twisted arrogance." Ratchet attempted to remind him. He could tell by the uneasy sigh escaping Optimus's voice, that, that wasn't making him feel any better. "I'm sorry! I know the two of you had quite a history." Ratchet finished.
"But the Megatron whom I once fought beside, perished eons ago... the day he chose to be a Decepticon. The Decepticons may be in disarray, but they aren't without leadership. And while Starscream is no Megatron, he is far from predictable." Optimus responded. Immediately after that; it explosion, followed by a shaking sensation, was heard.
"Decepticons! We're under attack." Ratchet shouted, fearing that explosion was an attack from them. He and Optimus rushed towards the smoke of the explosion, to investigate. But once they got there, and the smoke cleared; they discovered that it wasn't an attack, just Raf and Bumblebee with a baking soda volcano.
"It's no attack Ratchet... It's my volcano." Raf said between coughs. His volcano then deflated itself. "Was." He said, since it was now deformed.
After that happened; Ratchet looked to his right, in the human area of the base, to see Bulkhead holding a model of the solar system, for Miko. "Hold still, Bulkhead. Jupiter needs it's red spot." Miko said while holding a paint brush, dipped in red paint, as she was attempting to give the model of Jupiter a red spot. She accidentally spilled a drop of paint on the floor, while trying to do so. "Whoopsie." She said in response.
"What in the AllSpark, is going on in here?" Ratchet demanded to know the meaning of this.
"Our projects are due tomorrow." Jack answered. He and Arcee were working on a motorcycle project.
Arcee picked up one of the motorcycle parts, only guessing how it worked, based on what she said next. "Maybe it needs one of these doohickeys?"
"You're a motorcycle, Arcee. Shouldn't you know how to build a motorcycle engine?" Jack asked, only using the knowledge that she transforms into a motorcycle, to back up his question.
"You're a human, Jack. Can you build me a small intestine?" Arcee replied.
Well, you can't work on these projects in here. You're... making a mess." Ratchet explained with annoyance.
"But the science fair's a big part of our grade." Raf replied.
"Yeah, if Bulkhead doesn't help me finish this model of our solar system..." Miko commented, only to be cut off halfway through her speech.
"Oh; and what does Bulkhead know of your solar system? Or Bumblebee of your volcanoes? Or..."
"Arcee of our motorcycles?" Jack spoke Ratchet's next question, before he had the chance to finish.
"Precisely. We're not earthlings. And they're, not scientists." Ratchet stated.
"But the Autobots are their guardians, Ratchet. Would it hurt to learn more of Earth, by helping our young friends with their school work?" Optimus added his own two cents on the matter. Unlike Ratchet; he was really open to the idea of helping their human friends, while learning about Earth, in the process.
"Well, maybe our young friends should try learning of Cybertron." Ratchet responded.
Meanwhile, in the rocky mountains
Starscream and Soundwave were scanning the area, looking for something. "During the great war, so much Energon was hidden on this forsake and rock; that are departed master sent some of Cybertron's greatest to guard it. True warriors, now lying in stasis; waiting to be reawakened. Such folly that, late in life, Megatron searched distant space for warriors; rather than here, beneath his feet." Starscream gloated. Soundwave continued scanning, still coming up with nothing. "What do you mean you can't pinpoint his signal? I know we are close. Boost the power to your sensors!" Starscream ordered. Soundwave did as instructed; delivering more favorable results, this time. "Yes... There." Starscream said with satisfaction, while pointing his finger at Soundwave's monitor face. They both transformed and flew to their next location, afterwards.
Autobot Base
Raf was listening to what Bumblebee was saying in his beeping language, while continuing to work on his paper mache volcano. "Ah-huh, ah-huh." Raf said while listening to him. Bumblebee whipped out his wrist blaster, to make emphasis on what he was saying. "Really Bumblebee? Then how do you make warrior class?" Raf asked him. Bumblebee answered in his series of beeps. "But I've seen you in action. You're awesome." Raf commented. Bumblebee started beeping again, until Optimus rested his hand on his shoulder.
"I second your opinion, Raf. But Autobot life cycles are much longer than those of humans. And though it may be hard to believe, our young scout, still has much to experience." Optimus informed the young lad. At that moment; an alarm buzzed on their monitors, warning them of something.
"Exposed Energon. And it's on the move." Ratchet announced.
"And since we ain't moving it, guess who must be." Bulkhead commented.
"Decepticons." Arcee answered.
"Without Megatron?" Miko wondered.
"Unfortunately; Megatron's legacy will live on, as others rise to take his place. Autobots, you have projects to complete. Ratchet, I may require aid." Optimus issued his orders.
Ratchet took a look at the children's science projects, and thought long and hard on what he was going to say next. "Science fair, is a big part of their grade. Perhaps I'm better suited to remain behind, and advise." Ratchet may only tolerate the humans, but he was still a scientist. So it was his passion in life, to make sure everything was accurate.
"Very well. Bumblebee, let us see about this Energon, in transit." Optimus ordered.
Meanwhile; Starscream and Soundwave dug up a big metal chamber sticking out of a mountain. "Excellent, Soundwave. The cube!" Starscream ordered, holding out his hand. Soundwave opened the container in his hands, revealing a glowing cube of Energon. Starscream took the cube and inserted it into the chamber. "The Energon infusion. It's working." He added, followed by a big glow emerging from the chamber. Elsewhere; not too far from them, Optimus & Bumblebee arrived at the same location, with the Ground Bridge closing behind them.
Bumblebee began speaking to Optimus in his beeping language. "No Bumblebee, it does not. Hold your position. And await my command!" Optimus instructed.
Back with Starscream and Soundwave; the chamber began to open. "Awaken, warrior. Rise and serve your new master." Starscream chanted. After the chamber was completely open; a huge green Decepticon by the name of Skyquake, stepped out.
"Skyquake serves only one master." He replied to Starscream.
"Excellent. You're loyalty and devotion will set a fine example for the troops. No need to be timid, Skyquake. You may bow." Starscream spoke.
"You fail to grasp my meaning. I am here on a mission, assigned to me by my one master, Megatron." Skyquake clarified.
"Yes, him. Sadly Megatron is, no longer with us." Starscream said back.
"Impossible." Skyquake said, with shock.
"Why is this so difficult for everyone to accept? Skyquake, I located you. I awakened you. Thus I, "Lord Starscream" am now your master!" Starscream stated, with firmness. Starscream came to regret this, resulting in Skyquake approaching him with fierce attitude.
Suddenly; Optimus Prime and Bumblebee made their presence known to them. "It has been a while, Skyquake." Optimus announced. This caused Skyquake to ignore Starscream, and direct his attention to the Autobots.
"Optimus Prime. I haven't seen you since the battle of Technar. Megatron ordered me to annihilate you." Skyquake spoke.
"That was a long time ago." Optimus replied.
"That may be, Prime. But my orders still stand." Skyquake responded.
"Is this ancient war still worth fighting, when so many comrades have been lost, and worlds destroyed? If you want to be a true leader, Starscream. Then stray from Megatron's path. And lead the Decepticons toward peace." Optimus advised Starscream.
"I, would be... willing to consider a truce. If you would be willing to bow before me, Optimus Prime." Starscream responded. One thing was for sure about him; his ego knew no bounds.
"Again?! Bow to this!" Skyquake shouted, while swatting Starscream against a wall. Starscream picked himself up off the ground, transformed into jet mode, and flew off.
"Skyquake, this is a new era. On another world. Side with the Autobots and help me win this conflict, forever." Optimus pleaded with him. Skyquake told him he would never side with a Prime, resulting in him fighting Optimus.
Starscream landed on a mountain and stood next to Soundwave. "What need have I for peace, when I have Skyquake? With some discipline, he will learn to respect his new master. And once it becomes known that Skyquake destroyed Optimus Prime, under my command. All Decepticons, will gratefully bow to me." Starscream rambled. Meanwhile; Bumblebee watched from behind a rock, as the fight between Skyquake and Optimus began to intensify. Optimus shot at him with his blasters. But Skyquake on holstered a minigun, shooting Optimus with multiple rounds. Bumblebee spoke in his beeps, deciding to intervene.
"Bumblebee, no!" Optimus ordered. But Bumblebee jumped in the air, shooting Skyquake. This caused his him to direct his fire towards Bumblebee. Soon; Bumblebee & Prime got into a fist fight with Skyquake. On top of a nearby mountain, Starscream and Soundwave were monitoring and recording the whole thing.
"Do not miss a single moment, Soundwave. We shall need visual documentation of Optimus Prime's demise For the historical record." Starscream stated.
The fight between the three below them continued. Bumblebee made a comment to Optimus, with his beeping. "Skyquake has not yet acquired a vehicle mode." Optimus replied. Skyquake started running towards them, with his weapon in hand. "Fall back!" He ordered, as he and Bumblebee transformed regrouped.
Skyquake stopped in his tracks, watching them retreat. "So time has made you a coward, Prime." He shouted, continuing to shoot.
Autobot Base
Ratchet was using his welder on a metallic model he made, of a volcano. "Umm, what is it?" Raf asked him.
"You'll find out." Ratchet responded, with enthusiasm.
"But Ratchet, shouldn't I be doing the work?" Raf questioned.
Ratchet gave his classic mumble, before speaking. "Don't touch. Just watch, and learn."
"So, we're just gonna go help Jack & Miko, finish their..." Bulkhead started, only to be cut off by Ratchet.
"Without my supervision? You want them to be right, don't you?" Arcee and Bulkhead looked between themselves, before looking back at the good doctor. It looked like he was hijacking the assistance, as well as the completion of the projects. "Then watch, a master, at work!" Ratchet said with a crazy obsessive look in his eyes, and an overly excited tone in his voice.
"Control freak." Miko commented.
Jack took this opportunity to talk with Raf, in private. "Hey, Raf. It looks like we're not going to get to our projects, anytime soon. So what do you say, we find a way to discreetly sneak past Miko, into the Ground Bridge, so we can help Optimus & Bumblebee?" Since Ratchet was hijacking their activities; Jack wanted to do something to feel more useful, around here. And what better way, than to add an extra set of hands, as Invincible, to help the Autobots?
"Jack, I don't know about that. I mean, even though I've been helping you as a fellow superhero, I only, just got used to this Tech Jacket. And I don't want to keep lying to Miko, either." Raf responded. It's been quite a few days since Raf acquired the Tech Jacket; and during that time, they were still keeping their secrets from Miko. It didn't feel good for Raf. And Jack knew, that was something he needed to put him at ease with.
"Look, Raf. I promise we'll tell her, when the time's right. And you're not alone, and this dilemma. She's my friend too. So lying to her is just as hard for me, as it is for you. But I'm not ready to tell her, just yet. Miko's a real spitfire. So I just want to make sure, that when I do tell her, it's the right moment. You can tell her your secret if you want, Raf. After all, I can't stop you. But once you do, that's it. No going back." Everything at Jack just told him, seem to hold water.
"Alright. How do we sneak past her?" Raf asked him.
A smile formed on Jack's face. "Leave that to me." A little while later; Jack walked up to Bulkhead and Arcee, speaking with them. "Hey, guys. Is there any chance that you guys can distract Miko, so we can sneak through the Ground Bridge, to help the others?"
"Jack, you can't just ditch in the middle of completing your project. Besides; you're going to have to tell Miko, sooner or later. And more importantly, Optimus and Bumblebee can handle themselves." Arcee reminded him.
"And how are we supposed to complete our projects, when Ratchet has completely hijacked them? And I know we have to tell Miko, eventually. But it just doesn't feel like the right time yet. Look, I just want to feel useful right now. So please, can you help us out?" Jack said. Arcee took a moment to think about this, and after considering everything, was there really any point in not helping them out?
Arcee released a sigh, before speaking. "Come on, Bulk. We got a job to do."
Bulkhead went up to Miko, to distract her. "Hey, Miko. You want to go, dune bashing? Or maybe even, watch me crush some boulders in my hands?" Hopefully; since she was a youthful spirit with an adrenaline rush, this would be enough to get her out of the way, for a while. Luckily, Bulkhead didn't have to wait long, for her answer.
"Are you kidding? That sounds totally awesome! I mean, anything sounds better, than watching Doctor control freak over there, obsess over the perfect project." Miko said, gesturing to Ratchet, working non-stop on that volcano project.
After she left with Bulkhead; Arcee input the coordinates to the Ground Bridge, then activated it. Jack quickly zoomed into his costume, and Raf activated his Tech Jacket armor, becoming completely covered in it. But the first thing any of them noticed after the transformation was complete, was that Raf was now, basically the size of an adult, in his armor. For a while now, Raf's been discreetly making the armor give him not too noticeable, elevator boots. "Seriously, dude? How many times are you going to keep doing that?" Jack asked.
"Well even if I'm wearing armor. I don't want anyone thinking I'm a kid, alright?" Raf replied.
Jack released a breath of boredom, before speaking. "Whatever. Let's just go, okay?" They walked through the Ground Bridge, immediately after that.
Back in the mountains
The Ground Bridge opened, Jack & Raf emerged, with it closing behind them. Raf began observing their surroundings, and noticed something atop a mountain. Raf nudged Jack shoulder, getting his attention. "Hey, Jack. Is that who I think it is?" He asked him.
Jack looked to where he was pointing. "Starscream and Soundwave." Jack said.
"So how do you want to play this?" Raf asked, since Jack had more experience with being a superhero.
"Let's see what they're up to, first. Then we'll help Bee and Optimus. But remember, if a fight ensues, Soundwave's mine. I've got a score to settle." Jack insisted.
"Whatever you say, Invincible." He replied.
"Good attitude, Tech Jacket. Now let's show them what a team we are." Jack said, as they flew towards them.
Soundwave and Starscream were trying to locate the Autobots and Skyquake, which they lost track of. "We've lost sight of them. Soundwave, why aren't you tracking them?" Starscream asked the Decepticon spy master. A radar sound was Soundwave's only response. "What... What is it?" Starscream asked. Soundwave showed to coordinates in space, on his faceless visor. "A second Decepticon life signal? But Skyquake is the only sleeper buried in this area." After looking at Soundwave's more thoroughly, this time, Starscream came to only one conclusion. "The site of our destroyed Space Bridge. You're not telling me, that life signal belongs, to Megatron?" Starscream was now assuming, that could be a possibility. "But he was microns from the detonation point. Nothing could have survived that blast. Your sensors must be faulty. Ignore the contact, delete the coordinates!" Starscream demanded. Soundwave continued to display the readings, causing Starscream to reconsider his words, since he knew how loyal Soundwave was to Megatron. "Ahh, what am I saying? Of course, this, must be... Investigated. If Lord Megatron is up there, I shall bring him home." Starscream spoke. Soundwave gave a nod, in response. "Remain here and monitor the outcome. When Skyquake snuffs Prime's spark, I must bear witness." Starscream said, while jumping off the cliff, transforming into jet mode. But before he even got the chance to make it to space, he was blindsided in the air by Invincible.
"Leaving so soon, Starscream? That's a real shame. Because neither of us have had the pleasure of meeting the other's acquaintance." Jack said, in a somewhat joking manner.
Starscream recovered from the blow, as he began hovering in mid-air in jet mode, setting his sights on him. "Well, by the AllSpark! I don't believe my optics. You must be that organic, that's been causing so much trouble for my troops. And here, I thought you were just some myth conjured by my soldiers, to excuse their failure." Starscream said.
"Oh, I'm very real. By the way, the name's Invincible." Jack said back. Starscream then laid optics on Raf, flying next to Invincible, in his armor.
"Oh, and I see you have a friend now. How very interesting." Spoke Starscream.
"I'm Tech Jacket. And we're here to both stop you, and help our friends." Raf said back.
"Oh, but Skyquake is a powerful warrior of legend. So I'm afraid it would take more than one of you, to accomplish either task. So you can either help your friends, or fight us. What's it going to be?" Starscream questioned, with a maniacal laugh, before proceeding to space.
"Hey, we're not done..." Jack didn't get to finish his sentence, because Raf put his hand on his shoulder, telling him something important.
"Jack, we can't worry about them, and help our friends at the same time. Bumblebee and Optimus need our help."
Jack wanted to argue about that, but instead, he released a sigh of defeat, because he knew he was right. "Alright. Let's give them a hand!" Spoke Jack. Soundwave repeated what he Starscream about bear witnessing, with his voice recorder and sent his drone, Laser Beak, after him, to make sure he meant what he said. At that moment, before they flew to help their friends, and idea popped into Jack's head. Jack charged at Soundwave, knocking him off his feet. He then grabbed him, and picked him up as he flew in the air. "You know what, Soundy? You like observing this battle, so much? Then let's see how you like being apart of it." Invincible spoke, flying him to the battle site.
Elsewhere; a government jet was flying over the the area, patrolling, while receiving valuable Intel from their radio. "Tango 6 alpha to Central command. We're picking up transmissions originating from unidentified technology, possibly hostile. We are moving to investigate.
The pilot of the jet push the button on the console, revealing himself to be none other than special agent William Fowler. "Negative tango 6 alpha. This is special agent William Fowler, intercepting. Striker report from the record, and provide origin coordinates. I'll take it from here." He said, while swooping in to investigate.
Meanwhile; Bumblebee continued to evade Skyquake, in vehicle mode. Bumblebee ran into a dead end, transformed into robot mode and turned to face Skyquake. "It will be a shame to crush you, bug. But it is my duty." Skyquake stated. Skyquake turned his head to hear the horn of a truck, seeing Prime charging toward him. Skyquake fired his weapon at him, only for Optimus to transform and punch Skyquake into a mountain wall.
Optimus got to his feet, directing his attention to Bumblebee. "Excellent strategy, Bumblebee!" He praised the young scout. Skyquake fell from the wall, to the ground. He stayed like that for a second, then opened his eyes and attacked the Prime. "Skyquake, stay down!" Optimus warned him. He decked him across the face after that, sending him back on the ground. Suddenly; an impact in the ground, followed by a dust cloud, was seen happening, right in front of them. When the dust settled, they were surprised to find Soundwave, laying on his back. "Soundwave?!" Optimus said, with shock.
"Yeah, turns out, he and Starscream were monitoring the outcome of the fight. So I thought it'd be nice to give old wavy here, a more official, front row seat." Invincible exclaimed.
Optimus was surprised to see them here. "Jack, Raf? What are you two doing here?" He asked them.
"Isn't it obvious? We're here to help." Invincible replied.
"You shouldn't be here. Neither of you are ready for the field. And the both of you have science projects to complete." Optimus reminded them.
That's when Jack decided to clear the air, on things. "Actually; believe it or not, neither of us have to worry about our science projects, at the moment. And as for being in the field, you do know that I've been operating as a superhero, days before I told you guys the truth?" Jack could see the slight look of disappointment in Optimus's eyes, and the look of guilt emanating from, Raf, even though he was encased in armor. So he decided to take responsibility. "Optimus, don't blame Raf. This was all my idea. He didn't even want to be here, in the first place. But I talked him into it." Optimus was impressed by Jack's level of responsibility. And he told him that next time, to seek his permission, before joining them in the field. As long as that meant he could help them out, every so often, he agreed with those terms. Which Optimus appreciated. "But now that we are here. Is it cool if we help you guys out?" Jack asked. Optimus gave a simple nod, as his response.
Skyquake got to his feet; only to see a puny organic life form in a brightly colored costume and an armored individual, flying in the air, before his eyes. "Either I've been hit harder than expected, and as a result, am hallucinating. Or there are two puny individuals, floating in the air." Invincible decked him in the face so hard, after he said that, that he was sent back into the wall of the mountain.
"How's that, for puny?!" Invincible spoke to him, with satisfaction.
Skyquake fell from the imprint he left in the wall. "How is this possible? No creature that small, could be that powerful." Skyquake couldn't believe the idea of being bested, by such a small being.
"What can I say? I'm tougher than I look." Invincible answered.
Skyquake developed a frustrated frown, on his face. He began rushing toward Invincible, only to be wailed hard in the face, by Tech Jacket. Jack looked to the side, and saw Soundwave getting up. "Optimus, you guys handle Skyquake. Soundwave's all mine." Jack said. Jack hovered in front of Soundwave, as he got to his feet. "Hey, how's the shoulder?! It healing up real good, since our last encounter?"
This caused Soundwave to fidget with anger. "Soundwave, superior. Organic, inferior. I underestimated you, last time. It will not happen again." Soundwave said, in his stereo-like voice.
This brought a small surprise, to Jack's face. "Oh, so to a small degree, you can speak? Well, regarding what you just said. We'll see about that! So bring it, boombox!" Jack answered, while pounding his fist into his palm. Jack and Soundwave got into a fight with each other; it seemed as if they were evenly matched, at first. But there were times when Soundwave ended up beating him, because of how he was one of the toughest Decepticons. But there were also times, where Jack got the upper hand. Jack punched him in the face so hard, that it sent him flying a few yards away. The fight between Optimus, Bumblebee, Raf and Skyquake, was pretty much, the same. Raf used his suit's energy cannons against Skyquake; it was helping a bit, but not a lot. He even continued to use the enhanced strength, provided to him by the Tech Jacket, and repeatedly punched him hard, in the face. Skyquake fell to the ground, after that.
Optimus & Bumblebee heard a sound and looked in the sky, seeing a jet. "Fowler?" Unfortunately; Skyquake saw the jet too. He smiled and shot green scanning lasers from his eyes, scanning the jet. "Agent Fowler, fall back!" The Prime instructed through his comm. But it was too late, Skyquake transformed and took flight in the sky, right next to Agent Fowler.
"Well I'll be a bald eagle." Agent Fowler said with shock.
"Air superiority, achieved!" Skyquake gloated, then shot at the two Autobots from above. Prime and Bumblebee transformed, attempting to evade the incoming fire. Skyquake continue to shoot at them with his machine guns, until he decided to switch to missiles. But before he had the chance to use them, Agent Fowler flew behind him, shooting at him.
"Stealing plans for a classified military aircraft, will not be tolerated on my watch." Fowler said with determination. Soon enough; it was Skyquake who ended up chasing Fowler. He shot heatseeker missiles at him. "Heatseekers?!" Fowler said with surprise, viewing it on his scanners. The missiles continue to follow him for a bit, until he flew into a dead end, and pulled up at the last minute, causing the missiles to explode on impact. "I still got it!" Fowler praised himself.
Elsewhere, in space; Starscream arrived in chat mode, transformed into robot mode and landed in the destroyed site of their Space Bridge. "No one could have survived this." Starscream released a sigh of obviousness, before continuing. "As I suspected, faulty sensors. The last thing I need now is rumors that Megatron is still..." Starscream stopped halfway through his speech, because of a whimper of pain reaching his audio receptors. So he decided to investigate, stumbling upon what remained of Megatron's mangled body. And to his surprise, he was still alive. "Megatron?!" He said with shock. Megatron grabbed onto Starscream's shoulder, momentarily rising to face him, only to fall back from the immense pain, later. "But how?" Starscream wondered how he was still alive. He then set his optics on The shard of Dark Energon, resting in his spark chamber. "Dark Energon. Everyone believes you are deceased. Who am I to disappoint them, master?" Starscream plucked the Dark Energon from Megatron spark chamber, killing him. "And this time, stay dead!" Starscream said, pushing him deeper into the dark void of space. Suddenly; he heard a strange sound, and turned around to see Laser Beak, spying on him. He had The shard behind his back, trying to think of a good excuse. "Soundwave, if you are listening, I have found Lord Megatron. And he is... unwell. We must transport him to sick bay, immediately."
Back on Earth; Optimus and Bumblebee continued to evade Skyquake's incoming fire. Optimus transformed to robot mode, after nearly getting hit by one of the missiles. Jack and Raf slammed into Skyquake, in midair, with their great strength. "So much for achieving air superiority, pal!" Invincible commented. Bumblebee still ran enemy fire; until he made it to the top of the mountain and transformed. Bumblebee saw an opportunity when Skyquake flew by. He jumped on skyquake, holding on for dear life. And Optimus saw the whole thing from the ground. "Agent Fowler, we require immediate assistance." He informed the government agent. Bumblebee continued to hang on, as he began ripping out Skyquake's circuits, causing him to take a nosediving crash landing from the air.
This caused some concern from Bumblebee; luckily, Agent Fowler was flying right beside him. "Anytime fella. Ground floor's coming fast." He instructed Bumblebee. Even Tech Jacket reassured him, to jump. Bumblebee jumped off of Skyquake, and onto Agent Fowler's plane. He barely made the jump to his jet. As a matter of fact, he started falling, as soon as he did. But luckily; Tech Jacket was able to catch him at the last minute, and place him on Fowler's jet. Skyquake crashed to the ground, almost immediately after. "Happy landings, Con!" Agent Fowler commented. Bumblebee jumped off his plane and landed on a mountain top. Optimus approached Skyquake as he slowly died, by succumbing to his wounds. Bumblebee walked next to Optimus as he began to speak. "Had Skyquake chosen to stray from his master's path, we might not be burying him today." Soundwave observed the whole thing, from afar.
Autobot Base
Jack & Raf had already left by the time they got back, to present their projects at school.
"Bumblebee, putting yourself at risk was perhaps not the wisest of strategies. But, you performed admirably." Optimus complimented as Bumblebee stepped out of the recovery chamber. Ratchet heard the honking of a horn, indicating that the kids and their Autobot guardians were back.
"There you are." Ratchet said as he approached them. The kids got out/off of their guardians. "Well? How were my... ahh, our projects received?" Ratchet corrected himself the last second, speaking with enthusiasm.
"Well..." Raf replied, not knowing how to tell him, exactly.
(Flashback)
With Miko: "Ms. Nakadai, what planet would that be?" The teacher asked Miko, seeing a huge metal sphere hanging from her solar system model.
"Umm, Cybertron." Miko answered. It fell from the model onto the teacher's desk, immediately after.
With Jack: "It's large, Mr Darby. But, is it operational?" The teacher asked Jack. Jack turned on what was originally supposed to be a motorcycle engine, only for it to wreak havoc in the classroom and exit through the door, by breaking it down.
With Raf: "I I hesitate to ask, Mr Esquivel. But, is it active?" The teacher questioned Raf, census project was a big and metal model of a volcano, that was giving off electrical currents. Raf press the button on a remote in his hand; this caused the volcano to shoot a laser blasting through the roof, and into the sky.
(Back to present)
"Well, on our planet, you would have been awarded the highest honors." Ratchet fussed, he started mumbling his complaints while walking away.
At that point; Bumblebee said something to their leader in his beeps. "Indeed, Bumblebee. Our human friends would have been wise to stray from Ratchet's path." Optimus commented.
Now that he had a moment to himself; Jack approached Arcee, speaking to her. "Hey, Arcee. Can I speak to you, for a moment?"
"Sure, Jack. What's on your mind?" She replied.
Jack released a breath of air, before getting this office chest. "I should have been there in space, with you guys, when you blew up the Space Bridge."
Arcee didn't understand, what he was trying to say. "What are you talking about, Jack? You couldn't have been there with us. You wouldn't have been able to survive up there, without a space suit." She reminded him, or so she thought.
"Yes I could have. One of the incredible powers, us Viltrumites have, is an enhanced lung capacity. We can hold our breaths in space, for weeks. I almost lost you, that day, Arcee. And that's one of the reasons I regret not telling you my secret, sooner. If I had, then maybe I could have protected you, up there. And I'm so sorry that I didn't tell you, and that I wasn't there!" Jack expressed his deepest concerns, in that apology.
Arcee formed a smile of sympathy on her face. She knelt down to him, and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, before speaking. "Jack, it's okay. I'm alright. And even if you had been there, you don't know things would have been different. Who knows, maybe things would have turned out the same? But I appreciate your concern for me. That just proves we're friends. So no more secrets, okay?" She elevated his chin with her fingers, so that he was looking her in the eyes, on that last part.
Jack smiled, and took her hand in his. "Okay, no more secrets." He answered.
Aboard The Nemesis
"The troops will be pleased to hear about our success, of rushing Lord Megatron into stasis. Let us hope that our master pulls through." Starscream said in an annoyed manner. Megatron was on a medical slab, hooked up to life support, with a big gaping hole, clearly evident in his chest.
A/N: I thought this chapter would go by, a lot quicker, considering that I copied and pasted the material pertaining to the episode. But, stuff happens. And I hope the things I wrote in this chapter, helped draw the difference between it, and the one I pasted on.
And just a heads up; there are chapters that I won't be doing. Such as, "Operation Breakdown" and various others. I just haven't got all the details worked out, yet.
Anyway; I'm hoping to get some more chapters for this story, and some of my other story chapters, done before the 4th of July. So that way, they can be posted on the actual day. But it's going to take me time to put all the pieces together. But I swear, I'll go as fast as I can.
This is your resident rookie, Cloud Prince J'onzz, signing off.
STAY COSMIC!