Sorry for the delay with this chapter. However, I hope going back and re-editing all the other chapters makes up for it. Special shout out to Monkey D. Conan who managed to guess one of my plot twists in this chapter. zzStrap in, cause here we go.
It was two days after the beach trip and things had become tense around the base with the addition of Depthcharge. Most of the bots didn't trust the former Decepticon, as their aversion to him showed. It culminated in Bulkhead 'accidently' throwing their lobbing ball at him during a two-on-two game with Wheeljack, Bumblebee, and Smokescreen. Depthcharge managed to deflect it with a newly discovered sword, but redirected it without thinking at Sierra and Miko who were talking on the other side of the room.
Miko managed to teleport them away in time, but it didn't stop Bulkhead from tearing into Depthcharge about the incident. The two would have come to blows had Jack not run into the hangar hearing the commotion.
Pulling his best impression of Optimus, Jack asked the bots in question. "Alright, what happened?"
Bulkhead spoke first. "Dreadwing here nearly killed Miko." He exclaimed pointing to where the two femmes were standing and the ball was now wedged into the side of the hangar.
Depthcharge growled. "This scraphead aimed that ball at me Leobolt, I deflected it on instinct. I didn't see where it was going until Wingsaber and Botanica teleported away." He explained, more comfortable using the maximals field names.
Jack looked at Bulkhead, who now looked guilty. Partly because he knew this was true, and because Miko and Sierra had just walked back into the hangar glaring at him. "Look Bulkhead, I know we all have history with Depthcharge." He said, putting emphasis on the new name, causing Bulkhead to cringe. "But he is a Maximal now, and on our side, we need to put our history aside for all our sakes."
He turned towards Depthcharge who was barely containing a smirk. "And Depthcharge, please be more aware of your surroundings." Jack sighed. "It may have been the ball this time, but if it were one of your plasma disks in a battle."
Depthcharge cringed at the visual. "Understood sir." He apologized.
"I couldn't have put it better myself." Optimus said from the doorway, making everyone jump. How did a bot that size move that quietly? "Bulkhead, take a drive, cool your wheels, Miko please go with him and stay in beast mode. Jackson, please come with me."
Gritting his teeth, Bulkhead nodded and transformed and drove out of the hangar. Giving Jack a quick peck on the cheek, Miko transformed and followed her partner out of the hangar. Nodding to Sierra and the other bots Jack followed Optimus to the next hangar. Entering it he saw that Ultra Magnus was already waiting for him.
"Ah, Leobolt, thank you for coming." Magnus said as he stepped away from the console he was working on and picking up a datapad.
Optimus stood next to Magnus and spoke. "Magnus has brought something to my attention recently Jack." At Jacks' suddenly stiff posture Optimus gave a sigh. "Nothing problematic, it was only something that Magnus suggested that I happen to agree with. Magnus." He gestured to the bot next to him.
Ultra Magnus cleared his throat. "Considering that the three, now seven of you, are now more closely aligned with our cause than you were before and have been key to several victories, I would like to offer you the chance to become an unofficial Autobot unit, like the Wreckers or The Elite Guard. That said, I'd also like to name you as commander."
Jacks' eyes widened and he had to stop his jaw from dropping. A commander, him? "I, I think there's been a mistake Magnus. I mean Depthcharge is the only one of us with any kind of military training and we don't really have a chain of command." Magnus' brow twitched slightly. That was exactly why he suggested this, not that he'd say it out loud.
"It would only be in name Jack." Optimus consoled. He'd already had this argument with Magnus. "This is only a formality, meaning that when the Maximals are introduced to the other Autobots, you would be seen as the main liaison. In addition, it would allow you all some privileges and allow me to officially request certain training instructors."
At Jacks' raised eyebrow, Optimus continued. "For example, our team has the extreme luck of having the best medic of all the Autobots, an excellent teacher for Rafael. In addition, Arcees' already planning to teach the six of you about Cybertronian history and culture soon. However, when it comes to any form of specialized combat training, Ultra Magnus is all we have."
Jack nodded, that could really come in handy. "I like the idea of being at least an allied group. However, I don't want to be the only commander." At Magnus' and Optimus' confused looks he continued. "I think command of the Maximals would be best split between myself, Miko, and Raf. Technically, since we can combine into Magnaboss, I think the three of us can handle any kind of decision needed."
Optimus closed his optics. "I believe that will be acceptable. We shall list Magnaboss as the Maximal commander to cover all three of you. Again, the Maximals are our allies, and NOT true Autobots, Magnus." He said giving a sidelong look at Ultra Magnus who looked ready to blow a neural cluster.
"That said, the Lost Light has received the data package we sent and is ready to bridge an advance party to our base. However, due to the distance, only a limited number of Autobots are coming through and an equal number from our side must go through as well."
Looking at Optimus Jack couldn't help but ask. "Who's going to be going." Part of him was afraid of the answer.
"We are going to be sending Smokescreen, Wheeljack, and Arcee in a little over an hour." Jack winced and swallowed a lump in his throat at the fact his partner was going to be leaving. He just had to remind himself that she'd be back in less than a week. No worse than a stakeout.
As if reading his mind Optimus continued. "It was her idea." He explained. "She and the Lost Lights' science crew are planning to boost the phase shifters' power to place the ship underneath the base. There is a cavern roughly a hundred feet below this base large enough to hold the ship. She'll begin her lessons with you after the ship arrives."
Jack gave a gulp. "If that'll be all Optimus, I'd like to go speak with her before she goes." At Optimus' nod he turned and left.
It took a few minutes, but he found Arcee in vehicle mode in the bots' main hangar. Seeing Jack enter she changed back into her bot form. "I'm guessing Optimus talked to you?" She asked.
"Yes. I-I guess I just want to know why you didn't tell me? Was it what we talked about yesterday?" He asked.
The day after they brought Depthcharge back Arcee'd pulled him aside and asked if it was possible for Optimus and Magnaboss to resurrect Ciffjumper like they had Depthcharge. Depthcharge, who'd followed the two, explained that he was asked to come back by Vector Sigma and that the two of them had only been the means. Arcee then resignedly admitted there probably wasn't enough of him to revive anyway. She'd been distant with Jack afterwards.
Arcee gave a sigh. "No Jack. Like I said, I accept that Cliff is gone. The simple fact is, out of the three bots coming here, one of them is Rung. I already planned to go to the Lost Light so that he could come here to help you. Between your mom, Miko, and the other Maximals, I felt you had enough emotional support until I got back. Raf and Miko need Bumblebee and Bulkhead, and all of you need Rung more than you need me. Although it seems I was wrong in any case." She kicked herself for not thinking it through.
She crouched down to look her partner in the eye. "It was process of elimination Jack." She smiled. "And I was already planning a scouting mission when I got back, just the two of us. Give us a chance to talk about what's happened while we were apart."
Jack gave her a weak smile. "Thanks Arcee, I guess I'm being a little sensitive about."
Arcee cut him off. "You're not Jack, not at all. I know that this was sprung on you suddenly; with everything you've all been through, I'd be surprised if you didn't have any reaction. I only found out about the exchange when you were at the beach, and with everything that happened since then, I just couldn't find the right time or way to tell you." She pulled him to her chest, hugging him like a sparkling. "And for that, I'm sorry."
They stayed like that for a few moments. Finally, Jack wrapped his arms around Arcees' back, hugging her too.
While Jack and Arcee were having their 'spark to spark', Bulkhead was smashing through sand dunes while Miko circled overhead watching. Part of her missed riding inside Bulkhead when he'd do it, but she loved flying just as much. Now if only she could still play her guitar. She sighed, ever since it'd been returned to her it'd been gathering dust in a corner of the den.
Pulling herself from these depressing thoughts, she saw that Bulkhead had come to a stop and transformed. Landing in the sand next to him, she looked up. "Alright Bulk, what's up?" She wasn't even upset about the ball anymore. She'd just never seen her partner attack someone unprovoked before.
Giving a sigh Bulkhead sat down next to her. "It just burns me that a Dreadwing would get a 'get out of death free' card, and yet good bots like Cliff, Seaspray, and who knows how many more of our friends haven't." He gave a sigh.
Miko transformed. Orders be damned, she was going to comfort her friend. "Bulk, don't forget I was there, I'm part of Magnaboss. At the time we were just trying to purify the dark energon so he'd go back to being dead. We didn't expect the matrix to contribute to it. But ultimately, from what I understand, it was Vector Sigma that made the choice."
Bulkhead looked at her. "Maybe." He stared off into space a bit before sighing. "Alright, I'll play nice-er with Drea- uhm, Depthcharge. We better get back to base, they'll be sending the advance party from the Lost Light soon." With that he transformed and adjusted his seats. Opening his door, he said. "Transform and get in Miko, I think you should still be able to fit in beast mode." With that she transformed and clambered in (barely fitting) and the took off back to the base. Bulkhead smashed through a sand dune on the way, relishing Mikos' cryies of happiness.
After arriving back at base Miko was pulled into quick conference by Jack and the other Maximals. He quickly explained the discussion with Optimus and Magnus. "So wait, were now officially a group and the three of us are leaders. Ohhh, does that mean I can call you Primal Prime, or Optimus Primal?" Miko asked jokingly.
Jack sighed. "As Optimus explained it to me the bots consider us allies and apparently, we need a sub faction name. Officially Magnaboss is the Maximal leader so it'll cover the three of us, and no." He finished, looking at Miko who stuck her tongue out at him.
Allison raised her eyebrow. "How'd they come to choose you three as our leaders?"
"Allie, be nice." Sierra said elbowing her sister.
"It was probably based on our history with the bots and cons." Raf explained. "We've been doing this secret war thing for a while now and have more experience."
"Right." Miko said. "Trust in the Maximal elders."
"We're NOT calling ourselves that."
"Just so were clear." Depthcharge interjected, stepping closer to the group. "The Maximals aren't officially part of the Autobots? We're simply an ally group with similar goals?" He didn't like the possibility that he'd be going back on his word about joining the Autobots. And something about the whole situation didn't sit right with him for some reason.
"That's right." Jack replied. "It'll be no different from before." He winced a bit and looked at Vince, Sierra, and Allison. "We'll explain everything we can to you three after the advance team arrives."
With that the group assembled in the control room with the Autobots as well as June and Agent Fowler. The communications console (recently updated with technology from Onyx) beeped signaling a message from the Lost Light. Connecting, the screen displayed a bust of a red and yellow bot with a flame pattern and blue optics. "This is Rodimus, captain of the lost light, reporting that the advance team is prepped and ready to bridge to your location." He reported with a light French accent.
"You needn't be so formal Rodimus." Optimus replied. "The exchange team is ready for the shift as well."
Ratchet butted in. "The two teams will have to pass through the portal simultaneously for the exchange to go smoothly." He gestured to the red line on the floor before the space bridge. "When I give the word, both teams run for the bridge and they shall arrive with microseconds of each other."
Smokescreen, Wheeljack, and Arcee stepped up to the line. Taking one more look at her partner, Arcee gave a wink and a nod. "See you when we get back." Jack nodded back to her.
"Ready?" Ratchet called, Rodimus saying the same thing. The space bridge flared into existence in front of them. "Go!" He yelled.
Transforming the three bots charged through the gate. The second the last bit of them was through a new trio of bots emerged. One looked like a red truck with treads in place of rear wheels. Next to it was a white Nissan Silva with a red Japanese kanji and wave like lines. The third ran through the gate and was an orange and silver mech, barely taller than Raf with a blue light glowing in his chest.
"Exchange party has arrived Optimus." Rodimus said on the comm.
Optimus turned to him. "Your team has arrived safely as well Rodimus. Contact us when you are six Earth hours out so we can make final arrangements for landing." This would only be in four or so days.
"Very well sir, over and out." With that the connection was cut.
With that the two vehicles transformed. The truck turned into a red and blue mech who looked like he had a glass chest and either a bazooka or some kind of telescope on his right shoulder. The Silva turned into a samurai style mech with a sword on each hip and one on his back that seemed to convey both youth and great wisdom.
Bulkhead gave out a cry. "Drift, Percy, great to see ya." He ran forward and drew each bot into a one-armed hug.
Optimus walked over to the third bot who seemed to be attempting to regain his composure. "Greetings Rung, and welcome to Earth."
Rung took a deep breath and straightened up. "Thank you, Optimus." He gasped with a British accent. "Apologies, but space bridge travel has never agreed with me, let alone a maneuver like that one. Now, I believe I have some patients to attend to."
Optimus shook his head. Rung was as dedicated to his patients as Ratchet was. "Yes, I believe some introductions are in order." He signaled to the other two bots who were still being hugged by Bulkhead. Breaking free of his grasp they joined Optimus who introduced them to the Maximals.
"Children, and Depthcharge." He said, gesturing to the red and blue mech. "This is Perceptor, Autobot chief scientist and Mechanic, in addition to being one of the greatest technological minds on Cybertron he is a well accomplished sniper."
Continuing down the line to the Samurai, he continued. "He, is Drift, as Bulkhead may have mentioned he was a Wrecker and is one of the best swordsmechs to join our ranks. He will be acting as your instructor in learning whatever fighting technique fits your fighting style."
Finally, he came to the smaller bot. "And this is Rung. Autobot psychologist. We believe he will be able to help you all cope with what has been done to you and help you find a new normal. Gentlemen, these are the Maximals. With the exception of Depthcharge, all of them started out as humans who were transformed into these bodies through Decepticon experimentation."
Rung stepped up to the Maximals. "Greetings, as Optimus said my name is Rung, like a step on a ladder." He held out a servo. "I just wish to assure you that anything that comes up in our sessions will be strictly confidential and I am sworn to codes as strong as this planets' Hippocratic oath. So please understand, I'm here to help."
Jack took the offered hand. "Thank you doctor, I'm sure we'll all get to know each other quite well." He said awkwardly.
Rung nodded. "We can begin sessions as soon as tomorrow. I just need to set up my temporary office and I can do that anywhere."
Nodding Jack turned to the other two bots who had both kneeled down to see them better. "On behalf of the Maximals, welcome to Earth."
"And on behalf of the United States government." Fowler followed up. "Welcome to America, it's a pleasure to meet you three."
Perceptor looked at Fowler. "Thank you, sir." He replied. "I believe we'll be able to help both team Prime and your government in our coming trials. Although, despite my expertise, my capabilities are somewhat limited until our ship arrives." Fowler nodded. That was understandable.
Drift looked at the Maximals. "So." He began, his voice only having a mild Japanese accent. "You're going to be my students huh?" At some of their awkward looks he smiled. "Not a problem. Part of the data packet we received was on your capabilities. Once the three of us are settled in, we can begin training. Knowing how to protect yourselves is paramount even if you're not regularly in the field."
Miko however was looking at Drifts' side where his car doors had shifted. "I like that the Japanese word for honor is included in your vehicle mode." She said in Japanese, to the confusion of the other Maximals.
Drift smiled at her. "It seemed an appropriate way of honoring my teachers." He replied in Japanese as well. "She was complimenting my paint job; the symbol means honor." He explained to the confused Maximals, gesturing to the kanji. "And I get the feeling we will learn a lot form each other."
June walked up to Rung. "I know that Optimus and Arcee vouched for you, but I would like to know your qualifications." She was responsible for at least half of the Maximals, including her own kids, and she wasn't about to let just any bot work with them. It was just a shame that G.B. was in Boston dealing with business matters.
Rung smiled, that was a fair question. "I have been a practicing psychiatrist for the last two million years. Now, while most of that is the Cybetronian equivalent, I have spent the last few weeks studying everything there is to human psychology and I believe we can find a happy medium." June nodded; it would have to do. After all, this shrink had been practicing roughly as long as modern humans had existed on Earth. Hopefully, it would be enough.
Meanwhile aboard the Nemesis, Megatron, Starscream and Shockwave were awaiting the arrival of Scrapper. The Resurwrecked had arrived not ten minutes ago thanks to Shockwaves' new transwarp driver. The yellow and black bot in question stumbled in. If Megatron hadn't known that Scrapper was a teetotaler, he'd have assumed he was intoxicated.
Scrapper saluted Megatron. "Constructicons reporting for duty lord Megatron." He slurred in a slightly gruff voice. "Permission to speak freely?" At Megatrons' nod he continued. "While we appreciate the assistance with our arrival, we collectively ask that the transwarp driver be adjusted before being used again. Mixmaster in particular is still purging his chem tank." He felt bad for the chemist, he'd started puking the minute they arrived.
Shockwave looked at the Constructicon leader. "I'll take it into consideration." The transwarp drive wouldn't be a very logical method of transport if the passengers arrived barely able to function. However, the pulse beam to draw in Astrotrain shouldn't be as disadvantageous.
Scrapper continued. "That said, it's good to be back. Now, Shockwave, what exactly do you need done to get this lab set up. I'm sorry but the schematics were lost in transit."
Turning to Scrapper, Shockwave explained. "The lab will be set up in a cave system in the mountain range at these coordinates." He said pointing to the Appalachian Mountains. "Initially, I require the cave system to be expanded and leveled out to house the equipment. Afterwards I will begin having various systems bridged to the location for your team to assemble."
Stroking his jaw with his thumb, Scrapper nodded. "Should be simple enough, the cavern layout actually did come through. We can have it ready to move equipment in in about a day and a half." Any further conversation was cut off by a roar and a sudden shaking of the ship. "What the pit was that?"
The four ran out of the bridge down a hall where a large red and white Constructicon whose body seemed to be all arms and two wheels with a head in the middle, as well as a portly looking green and black one was in a fight with the original Predacon. "Scavenger, Long Haul, what do you think you're doing?!" Scrapper yelled.
"We were just on our way to the space bridge when this lizard jumped us." Scavenger called in a Jersey accent. Long haul nodded in agreement.
The Predacon growled and hissed before finally surprising everyone by rearing up onto its' back legs and transforming into a black and orange winged robot mode taller than Megatron and Shockwave. "That." He growled, surprising them all. "Is untrue. I was returning from a meal only to be accosted by these two."
Starscream stared. "I, I did not realize the beast was capable of transformation."
Megatron growled and turned to Shockwave. "Nor did I." He turned to Scrapper. "Get your team refueled and to the space bridge.
Nodding, Scrapper kicked the two out of their stupor. "We are going to have a SERIOUS talk before we get to the work site." With that they transformed into a front-end loader, backhoe, and dump truck and headed for the space bridge.
The Predacon glowered at the retreating Constructicons and turned back to Megatron. "So, the rumors are true. I will no longer be alone, surrounded by pretenders." He grimaced at the thought of the 2.0 Predacons.
"And I see you've been keeping secrets." Megatron replied. This was a surprising turn of events.
"The ability to transform is a fundamental part of Cybertronian physiology." Shockwave stated. "We simply possessed no evidence that the Predacon species reached that evolutionary stage. Since they were all wiped out in the great cataclysm."
"And now we know." Starscream growled.
"It was never my intention to deceive you, Lord Megatron." The Predacon began. "I only recently became aware of my abilities. All I remember of my beginning is hunting, and battle." He said remembering his battles with the Autobots and Maximals. "And the Wounding of my pride."
He gave a sigh. "Thus I began to burn with questions. Who am I? Where did I come from? The warships' databanks provided me with historical fact, but still, I possessed no memory of my own past. So, I began to reconsider my place in the present, and wondered, could I be like the others." He smiled, looking down at his bot form. "And now I know."
Turning to Megatron, the Predacon kneeled. "It is with deepest gratitude for my creation, that I pledge my undying obedience to you, my one true master. However, if more of my species are to tread among us, I beg your permission to, in turn, lead them, as their commander."
Megatron weighed his options. This was an entirely unexpected situation. Unfortunately, with his troops so severely diminished, he could not simply terminate the Predacon projects. While he wasn't worried as much about the 2.0 Predacons, if the cloned ones became sentient as well and found their might surpassed his.
"Your vision, is boundless. However, we are limited in supplies. We only have enough materials to create a dozen or so of your kind." Shockwave tensed slightly at the lie, but made no other movements. "However, once we have more supply and they've proven viable, we shall create more. Now, what do you call yourself."
The Predacon growled. It wasn't what he'd hoped, but it was a start. Rising up he looked Megatron in the optic. "Originally, I planned to call myself Predaking, however after reading the scripture called The Covenant of Primus, I found myself disgusted at his rule. Particularly his habit of killing other Predacons for his own gain or amusement. And so, I shall name myself Scourge, after what I am to my enemies in battle."
Megatron grinned. "Very well Scourge. Welcome to the Decepticons."
A/N: There we go. The versions of Perceptor and Drift I'm using are based on the Generations toys of which I have Drift. The Constructicons are based more on their movie counterparts than G1 although there is still six of them. Rung is based on his IDW comics representation. That said, read and review. Seriously, I like it, and sometimes it helps me find plot holes that need to be closed.
Next time: Dealing with a Doubledealer.