Forever Is a Long Time Coming
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Chapter 10: A little Timeskip
2403 BC
City of Uruk
Enkidu stood at the edge of the mighty city walls of Uruk, his gaze fixed upon the bustling streets below. The inhabitants of the city went about their daily lives, unaware of the internal struggle that consumed him. They were beginning to see him as a divine figure, a deity of sorts, attributing their current prosperity and safety to his interventions. Yet, Enkidu couldn't help but question whether he should embrace this newfound godly persona or reject it.
While he had indeed aided the people of Uruk, healing their sick, enriching their harvests, and defending them against enemy forces, he grappled with the implications of such adoration. These powers he possessed, the legacy of the Eternals he had consumed, these set him apart from the humans. The thought of becoming a ruler and taking over the vacant seat at the heart of Uruk's governancet didn't intrigue him.
Amidst these contemplations Enkidu's gaze shifted to the grand Ziggurat, the centrepiece of Uruk. Currently bereft of a ruler, it was the symbol of power and authority within the city. The town council governed in its absence, but their expectations hinted at a possible future where Enkidu would assume the mantle of leadership.
However, his immediate concern lay elsewhere—on the lifeless body of the metallic titan. It was she who had slain the Eternals and facilitated his rise to power after all. Her remains proved to be a troublesome issue for Enkidu and the city of Uruk. A mysterious purple liquid oozed from her insides, possessing a strange and corrupting effect on any living beings who ventured too close. The living were transformed into grotesque beasts, while the dead became mindless husks of their former selves.
Thus, the titan had to be dealt with. However, carelessly disposing of her was not an option that satisfied Enkidu. This matter resonated with him on a personal level, prompting him to step out of his passive role in Uruk's leadership. The titan deserved acknowledgement for her pivotal role in eliminating the Eternals and the promise of the planet's destruction. The people of Uruk were ironically willing to accept this truth in turn when he told it to them.
Humans did not find it hard to understand the concept of being raised like cattle so they could be slaughtered in one fell swoop. This realization gradually permeated the minds of Uruk's populace. It didn't help that their loyalty to the Eternals wasn't as solid as once thought.
There are only so many times that a "god" can control his followers before they begin to realize the evil that is forced upon them. Now, with them gone, the old Statues of Gilgamesh and his fellows were destroyed and looted while new ones were being carved. Statues of him and Statues of the Titan.
But back to the object of his interest. With the council's permission, Enkidu set to work constructing a subterranean chamber beneath the Ziggurat, drawing upon the knowledge he had gained from his consumption of Phastos. His transmutation abilities enabled him to shape the stone and complete the underground structure single-handedly if need be. To his surprise, some civilians were deeply moved by his cause and offered their unwavering support. They joined him in adorning the massive underground chamber with intricate carvings, turning it into a solemn and sacred place befitting the titan's final resting place.
But on the day they had designated to move the titan's colossal body to its eternal abode, an unforeseen occurrence disrupted their plans.
A sudden tremor reverberated through the ground, jolting both the inhabitants of Uruk and Enkidu himself. The unsettling vibrations were accompanied by a deafening roar that echoed through the air. All eyes turned towards the source of the disturbance, and their gaze settled upon a massive dust cloud billowing on the outskirts of the city.
The sight that unfolded before Enkidu's eyes raised his concerns. The dust cloud settled, revealing a group of towering metallic beings, their shapes reminiscent of ancient creatures long extinct. Enkidu was combing through whatever data and memories he had to find some kind of resemblance. They weren't Deviants. He was confident in that assessment, at least.
But they were similar to something else. Enkidu, lacking knowledge of the beings in front of him, could only describe them as a peculiar amalgamation of these prehistoric creatures that were already extinct.
As the metallic beings drew nearer with menacing growls, Enkidu's instincts kicked in, fearing their intentions. His eyes darted to the object of their focus—the body of the titan, carefully placed upon a massive sled he had constructed outside the city. Understanding the imminent danger, Enkidu swiftly leapt from the city wall, his arms exploding with controlled bursts of intense heat. The bursts of air beneath his arms propelled him forward, aimed at intercepting the approaching beings before they could reach the dead titan.
However, in a bewildering turn of events, the metallic creatures underwent a startling transformation. Their limbs retracted and elongated, reshaping into humanoid forms eerily reminiscent of the fallen titan herself. The realization hit Enkidu like a bolt of lightning, intertwining shock and curiosity within him. Were they of the same species or type of being?
No…Where the titan's body was sleek and orderly, these were not. But the similarity could not be ignored.
Momentarily suspended in mid-air, Enkidu assessed the situation. The transformed beings, now resembling humanoid versions of the fallen titan, continued their approach, albeit with an air of uncertainty. Enkidu's initial impulse to attack wavered, replaced by a newfound curiosity. He landed gracefully, his intense gaze fixed upon the approaching figures, ready to address them.
"I….I am Enkidu. I do not know your intentions here, but should you wish to desecrate the body behind me, then know you will be destroyed!" He yelled with a solid voice, betraying none of his uncertainty. He could only hope they understood him. He was stronger than the Eternals, but he had no combat experience with their powers. Other than raw instinct, he has nothing else to rely on should he need to fight them.
The largest titan, adorned in shimmering silver and red armour, took a step forward, his imposing figure casting a shadow over Enkidu. He gazed intently at the enigmatic figure before turning his attention to the body of the fallen titan and then back to his companions. Their eyes flickered with bursts of light, indicating some form of communication taking place among them.
Finally, the titan, who appeared to be their leader, spoke again, though his words were fragmented, "Our...Master...still...functions."
Enkidu's surprise only deepened, and he couldn't help but ask for clarification, his voice tinged with a mix of trepidation and intrigue. "Do you refer to the one behind me? And Do you mean that she still lives?"
The titan's deep metallic voice rumbled as he elaborated, "Master...creator...Terrorvolt is...Stasis locked...asleep..." His arm then transformed into some kind of cannon, aiming directly at Enkidu. "Step away...from her."
Enkidu could sense that he may have misunderstood this entire situation, realizing that this being called Terrorvolt held a significant role in the lives of these creatures. However, he was not willing to back down, especially when it came to honouring the fallen titan who had saved him.
His voice remained steady as he raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, trying to reason with the titan before him. "I am not your foe! She saved my life and that of everyone here. We merely wished to give her a burial... I am Enkidu. I am no enemy."
The titan's glowing eyes bore into Enkidu, uncertainty lingering in the air among the other beings behind him. The tense stand-off continued for a few moments before, the metal giant lowered his weapon, retracting it back into his arm.
"I... Am Hungurr. Of the Terrorcons," he introduced himself, finally revealing his name and the name of his group.
Enkidu observed the group of now-dubbed Terrorcons, his mind racing as he tried to comprehend the unique nature of their existence. While unsure of their exact origin and abilities, he could sense a certain sincerity in their intentions towards the fallen titan, Terrorvolt.
Apparently, they were creations of hers rather than comrades. The others in the group approached, their eyes locked on the body of their slumbering leader, awaiting Enkidu's questions.
"You mentioned she was still alive. Can I assume she is merely injured, then?" Enkidu inquired, his gaze alternating between Hungurr and the motionless titan.
"...yes," Hungurr replied, his tone carrying a hint of sombreness.
Enkidu's thoughts quickly turned to a different possibility concerning her. "Can you heal her then?" he asked.
Hungurr seemed to hesitate before responding, "We...Do not have the knowledge. She would... We know general care...But the Dark...Energon." He pointed towards the body and the purple substance that seeped from within.
As the name "Dark Energon" echoed in Enkidu's mind, he now realized that it was the sinister substance responsible for the corruption he had witnessed earlier. It was clear now that it posed a serious threat to the well-being of the titan, preventing her from being easily healed.
"I'm guessing its nature isn't beneficial for her either, then?" Enkidu surmised, seeking confirmation of his understanding.
In response, another Terrorcon stepped forward, their eyes flashing with light, signalling an exchange of information. Enkidu instinctively absorbed the communicated data, and an inexplicable connection formed between him and the group. He may not fully understand his own nature, but he could at least provide confirmation.
The Terrorcon stepped forward, it's speech was far more sophisticated than that of Hungurr it seemed. "We don't have the tools to filter out the corruption...nor the expertise. But her stasis mode should be able to restore her in time. She has enough Energon for it."
The explanation, while he was unsure of certain aspects, brought some relief to Enkidu, knowing that there was hope for the fallen titan's recovery. However, it also raised a pressing question. "But what is to be done with her then? Can this dark Energon be removed?" he inquired, aware that Terrorvolt's presence might potentially draw unwanted attention or become a source of concern for the people of Uruk.
The Terrorcons exchanged glances, a silent deliberation passing between them. It was the same one who eventually responded, "We...do not know yet. She must be secured but…It would be unwise to move her in this state and our base is in the South Pole. She…You mentioned you wished to bury her?"
Enkidu was taken aback by the Titan's unexpected question, but he quickly composed himself and clarified his intentions. "Yes, I wish to bury her beneath the Ziggurat," he states while pointing towards the structure," Underneath it is a chamber I've constructed with my transmutative powers. It was also designed for the sake of quarantining the Dark Energon away from the populace. No citizen will be able to interfere with her after the burial."
Another titan voiced his concerns about the structural integrity of Enkidu's proposed burial site. He questioned the capability of the chamber to withstand the potential influence of the Dark Energon and the immense weight of the titan's body.
Enkidu met Hungurr's gaze, as he did seem to be the group's leader and responded with unwavering assurance. "I understand your concerns, but rest assured, I've taken all precautions to reinforce the chamber. The materials I've used are incredibly strong and flexible, ensuring that they can withstand any potential pressure. Additionally, I will personally oversee the process to ensure her remains are placed securely and respectfully."
While speaking, Enkidu was shifting the ground beneath him with the use of his power. He used a human-sized flower made of titanium, nacre, and other materials he used to construct the chamber.
The second titan to speak with him spoke up, "The Stasis lock might be longer than you expect. Nacre will degrade over time. Replace it."
Now a bit flustered, He quickly listened as the larger Terrorcons laid out his commands, listing possible materials that Enkidu hadn't considered initially. As the minutes passed, Enkidu listened with interest as he heard their suggestions. Soon after, he led the Titans through Uruk and gained their aid in constructing the chamber. The people of Uruk were sceptical of them, but none were outright hostile. The Terrorcons, they were a great help, all things considered.
Before long, the Titans had to extend their stay as the construction continued. The people began approaching them, now aware they meant the people of Uruk no harm. Soon enough, the burial turned into a far more festive and formal event. When the construction had finally finished, and they could move Terrorvolt's body into the tomb, the sides of the road were filled with people trying to honour the event in their own way.
Enkidu was interested how it seemed that they were enacting similar traditions they would when burying or crowning new kings. Before long, The cold metal body of his saviour was placed into an obsidian sarcophagus and the entire structure was soon sealed in a manner that it was impenetrable from the outside.
The others guaranteed that it would still allow Terrorvolt to escape when the time came.
Soon after, the Terrorcons left, heading eastwards. They were meant to secure some kind of crash site as well as build a beacon of some kind at the "South Pole" they mentioned. It was a task apparently given to them should Terrorvolt not be able to do it herself. Enkidu wasn't sure just where that was…but he would like to visit one day, perhaps.
In all honesty, he thought it was time for him to leave soon anyway. Uruk needed to settle their own problems without him, and he simply didn't want to have the responsibility over them really. So, he vowed to leave within a year.
He wondered what he would do during his travels. His abilities allowed him many paths to choose from. He could easily take some land for his own, or maybe even create his own kingdom. But he remembered. When he was still a mindless monster, he saw many places and landscapes that truly intrigued him. He wants to see what this world has to offer. And it was only requested that he kept his interference with humanity to a minimum…
Perhaps he'll be a merchant.
Unknown time frame
Attilan
Prorex
The minicon finds himself in a precarious situation. While he still didn't understand the nature of the place he found himself in, he did get the gist of it. Based on what he's seen so far, he was currently in some kind of mining complex inhabited by variations of genetically modified humans. They all had some unique ability to themselves. Most were small inane powers, like creating a small flame in a hand or lighting up their body with bioluminescence. They could barely change their current situation with such things; others were disfigured in some manner or form, and others were permanently in chains due to the danger they supposedly presented.
It was clear to see that he found himself in the lowest caste of this civilization. Their selection process became clear when a new shipment of workers arrived. One's caste was apparently decided by these innate abilities they had.
There were no Sparklings… or children among the people around him. He soon found out why as well. The young were quickly taken away at birth and assigned to their own caste before their powers manifested
Prorex disliked the situation, it reminded him too much of Cybertron. Even if Minicons were considered to be more akin to pets rather than their own bots, they were subject to similar lack of rights as the cold forged they worked with. And even while he never faced too many injustices himself, his partner did. And it's something he never forgot.
And that's why he has to do something. He needed to get out of this place. He needed to find Terrovolt…He hasd some ideas on how to do that at least. There was a signal coming from the outside. The caves would hide most frequencies from the outside. However, Prorex specialises in frequency and signal analysis. So picking up the signals from a Decepticon outpost with Terrorvolt's encryptions was a given, considering his immense familiarity with her systems. After that, he quickly proceeded with his own scans of the cave networks.
The calculations took a while but he was able to map the networks as well as deduce his location relative to TV. The distance was sizable but not enough to be interplanetary. So the distance from an asteroid or moon to its planet. Without access to the surface, he doubts he'd be able to figure out which is which for the time being.
His maps and detection skills have come to be useful to the organics that have been housing him as well. His help in navigating the caves has been a great boon in hiding their young and any tools they've been modifying from the regular inspections. He was surprised at first that the ruling body would allow such an oversight. Many of the caves were unused and undocumented. So, some miners used them to conceal births and hide away their children from the overseers.
Prorex initially assumed this was to create the opportunity at having members with better abilities which could serve in a prospective revolution. But none of the children he's encountered have shown any abilities, of any kind really.
Still, it was no surprise that the people here desired freedom; why wouldn't they? They were thinking and feeling individuals. Unless bred for servitude, mentally conditioned for eons or placated with comforts and entertainment in order to be nothing other than slaves, a lower caste like this would always desire freedoms.
The knowledge of a greater quality of life exists, and the injustice one feels at being denied this for their nature alone was all that was required to despise the System. And this was what created rebellions, after all. Chances of success are a different thing, though.
The law enforcement of this system sported better weapons, technology and abilities as well. With no means to achieve change through violence, very few options remained. What he remembered from Terrovolt's midnight musings were that in such a situation, only insiders and supporters in the upper caste could change the tide of such a conflict….Or something from outside the System.
The so-called Outside-Context Problem. A foreign entity that was never conceived by the powers that be and one which they are fully unprepared for. Something just like him.
And it's not as if there was nothing in it for Prorex himself. The technology here was barbaric in some cases, requiring it to be powered by its populace through the use of their powers. In others, it showed a sufficient degree of complexity. Complex enough to perhaps have a means to travel to Terrorvolt's location.
But that still needs confirmation. Something he would be getting soon. After all, he understood them now.
Although he had never shared the same prejudice against aliens as many other members of his race did, needing to know another species' language was a completely foreign thing to him. Ironically, it was by accompanying the children of the mines, that he managed to make headway in that. The simple act of pointing at an object and saying its name proved a solid start. From there, it was simply about observing the parents' attempts to teach their children. He made no headway in understanding their written word due to the lack of quality of the education possible down here, but he had the spoken word soon mastered.
This is why he was lying in wait at one of the cave ends for other members of the cast. One of the women who were among the first to unearth him was already there.
Her name was Emera,
-average height, -light build, -ability = Hyperkinetic: Perfect synchronisation between mind and body for precise control.
She was accompanied by two males. The first he recognized, Romulus. -Greater than average height, -lean build, -Ability = Perfect Processing: body perfectly processes any resources it takes in, leaving no waste and leaving him in prime physical condition.
The second was of smaller build. He turned to the female and asked "This is the machine you found? I…I didn't expect it to be the size of a child?"
Romulus was the one to speak up, "Do not question its ability, Brother. It has proven itself invaluable in navigating the caves and hiding our young."
The man turned back to Emera, "I heard it apparently spoke some of our words recently, does this mean we can communicate with it now?"
She shrugged her shoulders before the Minicon in question answered., "I have learned your tongue to discuss our futures" he told them with a voice filled with static
The sudden and unexpected noise of his voice startled the others, he stepped forward while preparing his holographic displays."And if you wish to guarantee our prolonged existence, id recommend you listen. While i do not have the stature that garners your respect….My experience will."
He had no clue what he was doing with these people…but he did believe his friend would be proud of him once he was done with them.
Septemus 7, Supermax Wing
Nitro Zeus
Nitro Zeus was bored. Painfully, mind-numbingly bored. He lay sprawled across the hard surface of his cell, the only sound the faint hum of the prison's energy barriers. The cycles stretched on, blending into an endless monotony of waiting. He'd been confined to solitary since his latest transfer, and the isolation gnawed at his circuits.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the door slid open with a sharp hiss. A hulking guard gestured for him to follow. "Mess hall time, Zeus. Don't get any ideas."
Nitro Zeus smirked, his optics flickering with a brief spark of mischief. "Wouldn't dream of it, big guy."
The mess hall was a cacophony of noise and movement, a stark contrast to the silence of his cell. Decepticons of all shapes and sizes crowded around metal tables, engaged in animated conversations, arguments, and the occasional scuffle. Nitro Zeus scanned the room, searching for familiar faces amidst the chaos.
It wasn't long before he spotted Misfire, his primary companion in this twisted version of socialization. Misfire waved him over-enthusiastically, nearly knocking over his energon cube in the process. Nitro Zeus couldn't help but chuckle; the mech was aptly named.
"Zeus! Over here!" Misfire called out, his face lighting up. As Nitro Zeus approached, he noticed the scattered energon splatters on the table and the slight scorch mark on the wall behind Misfire.
"Already causing trouble, I see," Nitro Zeus teased as he took a seat.
"Just the usual," Misfire replied, grinning sheepishly. "You know how it is."
"Yeah, I do." Nitro Zeus's optics drifted to the other two Decepticons seated nearby. Krok, with his meticulously organized tray, was inspecting a severed finger—his supposed 'communicator.' Krok's obsession with finding his squad was well-known, and no one had the spark to tell him they were long gone.
"And how's the squad search, Krok?" Nitro Zeus asked, more out of habit than curiosity.
Krok's optics flickered with a mix of hope and determination. "I've picked up a signal. It's faint, but it's there. I've modified the frequencies," he held up the finger, "I'll find them soon."
"Of course it is," Nitro Zeus said, his tone carefully neutral. He'd learned quickly not to question Krok's delusions too harshly. "Keep us posted."
The last member of their little group was Flywheels, who was deep in prayer with another inmate.
He was a Neoprimalist, a Cybertronian who believed in Primus. The religion had massively increased in new members in the years since the destruction of Trypticon station. Zeus himself admitted that having proof of the literal devil did make even him a little religious.
And Flywheels' newly invigorated religious fervour had become a defining trait, and while it was a bit intense, it had given the bot a sense of purpose in this prison.
"Flywheels, still preaching the word of Primus?" Nitro Zeus asked after the other con finished his prayer and joined the group once more.
Flywheels turned, his optics shining with conviction. "It's not preaching, Zeus. It's spreading the truth. Unicron's real, and Primus is our protector. You'd do well to listen."
"Yeah, yeah," Nitro Zeus waved him off good-naturedly. "Maybe one cycle, I'll see the light."
As the cycles had passed, Nitro Zeus found solace in these moments of camaraderie, however dysfunctional. Misfire's clumsiness, Krok's obsessive quest, and Flywheels' unyielding faith provided a strange comfort in the otherwise bleak existence of the prison. Oh right. He forgot to mention that Flywheels was also comically incapable of lying. He transformed whenever he did…Though that was not very comfortable to see on account of shifting into one's alt form in this prison was….Rather hard.
Either way, they were a strange bunch, and he's surprised he grew to like them. Even more surprised that they put up with his crap as well. He knew he was a bit… enthusiastic when it came to what he considered his heroes.
Even his old unit wasn't that fond of him going on rants of all the great Decepticons that rose from the terrors of Empurata... But these guys? Maybe knowing these Scrapheads wasn't too bad.
He's been in this facility….for a while now. It's been a few primic cycles since Terrorvolt disappeared, and he was interned less than a stellar cycle later…Bah, it hardly matters right now.
Nitro had grown accustomed to the routine of prison life, finding a twisted sense of order in the predictable cycles of confinement, mess hall gatherings, and idle conversations with his fellow inmates. But recent cycles have been different. The atmosphere had changed, becoming thicker with tension and unease.
It all started when Shockwave became the new administrator of the facility. The calculating Decepticon and fellow Empurata victim had taken the position unexpectedly, stepping down from a far higher rank within the Decepticon hierarchy. It didn't make sense to Nitro Zeus. Why would someone with Shockwave's intellect and power want to oversee a prison?
Ever since Shockwave's arrival, inmates had been disappearing. Whispers of hellish screams echoing from deep within Shockwave's lab spread like wildfire among the prisoners. The once monotonous background noise of the prison was now punctuated with tales of horrifying experiments and tortured cries. Even the toughest inmates seemed unnerved.
Today, an inspection team had arrived to investigate the growing concerns. The sight of the team, stern and methodical, moving through the prison brought a brief spark of hope to some. Nitro himself wasnt too concerned. Shockwave was one of the greatest researchers the Decepticon empire had…and as much as he liked him, he didnt see it as bad as the others.
Most of the inmates taken were the worst of the worst, or just simply Autobots. And he didn't really care for them. Shockwave managed to find out how to manipulate and control the T-cog in the past. Nitro had zero imaginations that this didnt require live testing on other bots.
So, who knows what he could be working on now?
He would deny that he had fears that he might be picked up for the next experiment once the worst inmates were already gone, but the truth was very different.
"Do you think they'll find anything?" Misfire asked, his voice low, glancing nervously at the passing inspectors.
"Who knows," Nitro Zeus replied, watching the team with a bit skepticism. "Shockwave's not one to leave loose ends. If there's anything to find, it won't be easy."
"Why would Shockwave even want to be here?" Flywheels mused, his faith momentarily overshadowed by the strange situation. "He's always been more of a scientist than a warden."
Nitro Zeus nodded, his thoughts aligning with Flywheels. It was odd, indeed. Shockwave had always been driven by logic and science, often operating in the highest echelons of the Decepticon ranks, there should be no issue for him to get subjects through official channels.
. This role seemed beneath him, yet here he was, and the prison had become his new laboratory. Nitro Zeus couldn't shake the feeling that there was a greater purpose behind Shockwave's decision, one that none of them could comprehend. One that Decepticon High Command might not even be informed of.
The day dragged on, the inspection team moving systematically through the facility. Nitro Zeus observed them quietly, noting the way they scrutinized every detail, their expressions growing grimmer as they proceeded. But no immediate actions were taken, and the unease continued to fester among the inmates.
As the cycle neared its end, the announcement came over the intercom. "All inmates return to your cells for the night."
The mess hall emptied in a slow, reluctant shuffle. Nitro Zeus exchanged a few final words with his companions; the usual banter tinged with a shared sense of dread.
"Stay sharp, Misfire," Nitro Zeus said, clapping his friend on the shoulder.
"Will try," Misfire replied, though his smile was more strained than usual.
Krok gave a curt nod, clutching his severed finger, while Flywheels offered a solemn prayer to Primus, asking for protection and guidance.
Nitro Zeus made his way to his designated recharge bay, his mind a whirl of thoughts. The inspection team had come and gone, yet nothing seemed changed for now. Shockwave's presence loomed larger than ever, his motives an enigma shrouded in fear and suspicion.
Settling into his recharge bay, Nitro Zeus tried to push the worries aside. The hum of the facility's energy fields provided a familiar backdrop as he powered down for the night. Despite the uncertainty, despite the darkness that seemed to encroach with each passing cycle, he found a measure of comfort in the routine. Tomorrow would bring another day, another cycle of survival in this twisted prison.
That's what he expected at least.
And Instead,a few Hours later, Nitro Zeus was yanked out of his recharge cycle by the deafening blare of alarms and flashing red lights. The automated announcements filled the air, their urgent tone unmistakable.
"Attention all inmates: evacuate the prison immediately. This is not a drill. Repeat: evacuate the prison immediately."
Nitro Zeus shot up, disoriented but driven by a spike of energon in his system. He dashed out of his cell, joining the frantic throng of inmates surging through the corridors. His optics scanned the chaotic scene, searching for his friends.
"Misfire! Flywheels! Krok!" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the din.
As he rounded a corner, he stumbled upon a horrific sight: an inmate thrashing wildly, strange black tentacles erupting from his joints, servos, and eye sockets. The grotesque appendages writhed, lashing out at anyone nearby. Nitro Zeus's circuits chilled at the sight, but he forced himself to move, sprinting past the chaos.
His path was littered with panicked prisoners and fallen guards. He spotted a dead guard slumped against a wall, his scatter blaster lying nearby. Nitro Zeus seized the weapon, the familiar weight of the shotgun-like armament bringing a grim sense of comfort. He couldn't integrate it into his own arm because his T-coc was nonfunctional at the moment, but manually triggering the weapon was possible.
Just as he armed himself, a deranged inmate lunged from a corner, eyes wild and foaming at the mouth. Nitro Zeus fired instinctively, the scatter blaster's shot blasting the assailant back. The crazed inmate staggered but wasn't entirely down. Before he could attack again, Krok appeared, swinging a severed arm with brutal force, bashing the inmates' skull into the ground. The tentacles within thrashed for a few more moments before stilling.
"Nitro, get over here already! Over here!" Krok yelled, his voice strained with effort.
"Krok! You alright?" Nitro Zeus called back,as he quickly jumped over the odd corpse and began closing the distance.
Krok nodded, panting. "For now, just some cuts and bites. We need to find the others."
"Right….ok, I'm armed, so I'll take point," Zeus added as he started moving.
Together, they navigated the chaos, dodging more crazed inmates and stumbling upon grisly scenes of carnage. The corridors were littered with corpses, the air thick with the acrid smell of burnt circuits and EnergonTheir olfactory sensors also picked up something else. The vile stench of organic matter. Whatever these tentacles were…They weren't of cybermatter or made of nanotechnology.
It was some kind of vile infestation instead, made of organic matter… a biological pest…Did Shockwave have anything to do with this?
They ascended to the catwalks, the elevated pathways offering a precarious vantage point over the pandemonium below. The guards' control areas, usually symbols of order, were now overrun and deserted, a stark reminder of the facility's collapse. Nitro doubted they would be using this site again any time soon.
Shockwave's lab dominated a vast section of the prison, its entrance marked by more bodies—these felled by blaster shots rather than the brutal maulings seen elsewhere. The lab was a sprawling complex of machinery, tables, and strange devices, each corner probably hiding untold scientific advancements. Nitro Zeus almost stepped into a new corridor before Krok yanked him back.
"Insecticons!" Krok hissed, pointing to the swarm that buzzed furiously through the passage, narrowly missing them. They waited, breathless, until the swarm passed without noticing their presence. Nitro had never seen the creatures, but people knew of Shockwave's private army of monstrosities here and there.
They pressed on, the eerie silence of the deeper prison areas amplifying their every step. Faintly, they heard Shockwave's voice echoing through the corridors. Nitro Zeus's circuits buzzed with tension as they moved upward, eventually finding themselves on the rafters overlooking a large hall.
Below, they saw various inmates in shackles, along with the inspection team from the previous day, all held captive. Looming before them was Shockwave, his single optic glowing ominously as he addressed the prisoners. But what the pair of Decepticons were focusing on, were their two friends that were among the chained prisoners.
Before they could formulate any kind of plan of attack, they felt the barrels of weapons press against their backs. They promptly froze.
"Turn around. Slowly," a cold, authoritative voice commanded.
Nitro and Krok turned, their optics widening as they took in the sight before them. Surrounding them were Decepticons of all sizes and builds, each marked with the unmistakable insignia of the Decepticon Justice Division. But it was the bot holding Krok at gunpoint that made Nitro Zeus's circuits nearly short out. It was Tarn.
Tarn, the leader of the DJD, was an imposing figure clad in dark armor, his faceplate designed to resemble the Decepticon insignia itself. His presence exuded an aura of absolute authority and menace. He was known for his unwavering adherence to Decepticon law and his ruthless efficiency in eliminating those who betrayed their cause.
"Why didn't you evacuate?" Tarn silently demanded, his voice like a razor's edge.
Nitro Zeus swallowed hard, his processor racing. "We were looking for our friends," he said, gesturing towards the prisoners below.
Tarn's optics flickered as he considered their response. "Your loyalty is commendable, but this situation is beyond your understanding. Shockwave's experiments are a violation of Decepticon law and regulations. We are here to arrest him."
Krok, still holding the severed arm, stepped forward cautiously. "Anything you need from us then?"
Tarn's gaze bore into them, calculating. "If you want your friends to survive, you will help us…" He stares downwards once more, "Shockwave is projecting his image down there, he's done a surprising amount of work into stealth technology. His actual position is highly fortified, and his abominations are numerous. We need to take him down swiftly and decisively."
Nitro Zeus nodded in understanding, and asked, "Tell us what to do."
Tarn gestured to the other DJD members, and they lowered their weapons slightly, though their vigilance remained. "First, you will assist us in creating a diversion. We need Shockwave's focus diverted long enough for us to breach his defences."
Nitro Zeus and Krok exchanged a look, then nodded. "We….We can do that," Nitro Zeus said.
"Good," Tarn replied, his voice a low rumble. "Follow our lead and do not deviate from the plan. Failure is not an option."
The DJD members moved with precision, positioning themselves for the assault. One of the other soldiers turns their arm into a combat blade and uses it to destroy the pair's Transformation inhibitors. The things were standard equipment for prisons after all.
Krok was given an energy axe, and Nitro Zeus integrated his scatter blaster, reloading the weapon with newfound determination. The pair took a moment to steady themselves, their optics flicking towards their captured friends below. They couldn't afford to let fear or hesitation stop them now.
With a final nod from Tarn, they sprang into action. Nitro Zeus and Krok jumped down, shouting at the top of their vocal processors. "Come get us, you dirty scraplets!" Nitro Zeus yelled as he fired wildly at the infested horde. The walls seemed to come alive as a swarm of Insecticons crawled out, their metallic legs clattering against the prison's interior.
Seeing the Insecticons swarming was a clear cue to run for it. "Time to go!" Nitro Zeus shouted.
Without another word, the pair transformed into their alt modes. Nitro Zeus shifted into a sleek jet, while Krok's transformation caught him by surprise. Instead of a ground vehicle, Krok turned into a small bomber, his thrusters roaring to life.
"I thought you had a ground-based form!" Nitro Zeus exclaimed, his engines revving as he prepared for takeoff.
"I'm a triple changer!" Krok shouted back, his voice tinged with a hint of pride.
They took off, zipping through the inner structure of the prison. The narrow corridors echoed with the sounds of their engines as they manoeuvred through the labyrinthine passages. Nitro Zeus glanced back, expecting to see the Insecticons in hot pursuit, but to his surprise, the swarm wasn't following.
"Do you think the distraction failed?" Krok asked, his voice crackling over the comms.
"Could be," Nitro Zeus replied, unease settling in. "We might have to go back and help the DJD. We're not the best combatants, but we can't just leave them."
Reluctantly, they slowed to a halt, transforming back into their robot forms. They found themselves in a deeper area of the prison, a section that seemed neglected and forgotten. Dust coated the floors, and the walls were lined with rusted metal.
A low, guttural growl echoed through the corridor, accompanied by the eerie sound of scraping metal. Nitro Zeus and Krok exchanged uneasy glances before cautiously moving towards the source of the noise.
As they turned a corner, they saw a giant gated cell reinforced with multiple forcefields. Behind the barriers stood a truly massive Cybertronian, his imposing form casting long shadows in the dim light. The faded Autobot symbol on his back confirmed their suspicions.
"Grimlock," Nitro Zeus whispered, awe and fear mingling in his voice. The Autobot had a reputation after all. A very, "tear you apart and use your spine as a toothpick" reputation…Well not that bad.
The Dinobot leader's optics glowed faintly as he stirred, sensing their presence. His powerful frame, even in captivity, radiated an aura of untamed strength. He was virtually covered in chains, shackles, and
Krok's optics widened. "What's he doing here?"
"I don't know," Nitro Zeus replied, his mind racing. Interning him here….made sense, honestly, but why was he unguarded? Was Shockwave stretched so thin?
Well…..as much as Nitro Zeus should want nothing to do with this juggernaut of a Cybertronian…He also knew more than most. He…He hadn't achieved much in his life, but as mentioned, he looked up to others he imagined to be like himself. He counted shockwave among them, but after today, that might not be the best idea.
But he also knew from their history, that before the Civil war even began,…maybe…he might be willing to help somewhat.
Nitro Zeus turned to Krok, determination etched into his features. "We need to free Grimlock," he said firmly.
Krok recoiled, shaking his head. "Are you out of your mind? He's a walking wrecking ball. He'll probably tear us apart first."
"Listen, Krok," Nitro Zeus insisted, lowering his voice. "Flywheels and Misfire are a few cycles away from being turned into some organic monstrosity's egghive. If we don't do something, they're as good as dead. And we can't take on Insecticons on our own. And hell, Grimlocl's practically made for it! Remember the battle of the Rust Sea? He scorched them by the hundreds…Grimlock might be our only chance to turn the tide against Shockwave."
Krok hesitated, his optics darting between Nitro and the massive form of Grimlock. "But he's an Autobot. We can't trust him."
"Maybe not," Nitro Zeus conceded, "but we can't take on Shockwave alone. Grimlock has a reason to fight him, too. Remember, the Dinobots almost joined us once before the war started. We just need to convince him."
Krok sighed, his internal grip tightening on his energy axe. "Alright, but if he starts tearing us apart, I'm blaming you."
Together, they approached the cell and began working on the initial force fields. Sparks flew as they hacked and slashed at the barriers, each strike bringing them closer to their goal. Grimlock stirred, his optics flickering to life as the energy fields weakened.
"Who…who you?" Grimlock's voice was deep and gravelly, his optics narrowing as he tried to focus. "Terrorvolt…?"
Nitro Zeus quickly corrected him. "No, I'm Nitro Zeus. This is Krok. We're here to help you."
Grimlock's optics scanned them, noticing the faded Decepticon insignias. "You…prisoners too?"
Krok nodded, his voice steady. "Yeah, we're inmates. Shockwave's got our friends. We need your help."
As they continued to disable the shackles, Grimlock's strength began to return. Before they finished with half the shackles, he snapped the remaining chains and stood up, towering over them. Nitro Zeus took a step back, both in awe and in caution.
"What happened to the other Dinobots?" Nitro Zeus asked tentatively.
Grimlock's optics flared with anger. "Shockwave…took them. Don't know if…alive or dead."
Krok shared a worried glance with Nitro Zeus before speaking. "Our friends are held by Shockwave too. We need to get them out. Will you help us?"
Grimlock's optics burned with a fierce intensity. "Already hunting Shockwave. Extra guns…not bad."
Nitro Zeus felt a surge of hope. With Grimlock on their side, they stood a chance against the scientist. "Alright then."
Grimlock nodded, a grim determination in his gaze. "Lead the way. Time to smash that EGGHEAD'S SKULL."
As Nitro Zeus and Krok transformed back into their aerial forms, Grimlock followed suit, shifting into his bipedal T-rex form. Despite his massive size, Grimlock managed to keep pace with the two Decepticons, his powerful legs propelling him forward with surprising agility. The trio didn't retrace their steps but instead followed the distant sounds of fighting echoing through the large hallways of this section of the prison.
They navigated the winding corridors, the sounds of battle growing louder with each passing moment. Eventually, they emerged into a vast hanger bay, not an official one, but a large area lined with various ships that seemed to have been modified for unknown purposes. The scene was chaotic; Shockwave stood behind makeshift barricades, commanding a swarm of Insecticons to load one of the ships with various containers. Others were engaged in a fierce firefight with the DJD.
The stalemate was evident. The DJD held their ground, their heavy firepower keeping the Insecticons at bay, but they were outnumbered and pinned down. Shockwave's cold, calculating presence loomed over the battlefield, his single optic surveying the chaos with analytical precision.
Grimlock wasted no time. With a thunderous roar, he charged into the fray, his massive form tearing through the Insecticons like a whirlwind of destruction. His claws ripped through metal and circuitry with ease, dismantling the smaller Cybertronians in a display of raw, primal power. One Insecticon attempted to leap onto his back, only to be swatted away with a single, devastating blow. Another bunch tried to engage him from the side, but Grimlock's tail lashed out, smashing them into the ground with bone-crushing force.
Nitro Zeus watched in awe as Grimlock continued his rampage. The Dinobot leader's sheer strength and ferocity were unmatched, and His flamebreath certainly made short work of the critters attacking him. For such a simple Bot, it amazed the pair of Decepticons how each movement was a calculated strike, reducing the Insecticons to piles of scrap. Grimlock's optics burned with a relentless fury, his focus entirely on decimating the enemies before him. He bit down on two Insecticons by their heads, smashing them together with a resounding crash, before tossing the mangled remains aside.
Krok entered the fight with equal vigour, transforming mid-air from his bomber form into his crocodile form. He landed with a heavy thud, his powerful jaws snapping shut on an unfortunate Insecticon. Nitro Zeus couldn't hide his surprise. "That's your ground form?" he exclaimed, momentarily taken aback.
Krok didn't respond, too busy tearing through insecticons with the right savagery, but definitely not enough skill. His crocodile form was a blur of teeth and claws, each movement clumsy, but still effective. Not being able to use one's alt form did leave you rusty after all. He lunged at another Insecticon, his jaws crushing its exoskeleton with a sickening crunch.
Together, Krok and Grimlock (mostly Grimlock) carved a path of destruction through the enemy ranks, their combined might overwhelm the Insecticons. Nitro Zeus, inspired by their ferocity, joined the fray, his scatter blaster firing in rapid bursts as he provided cover for his allies. (even if he stayed back quite a range even though the weapon is mainly effective in close ranges.)
The tide of battle began to shift. The DJD, seeing the unexpected reinforcements, rallied with renewed vigour. Tarn's voice boomed over the battlefield, coordinating their efforts to push back Shockwave's forces. As Grimlock continued to wreak havoc, Shockwave's attention finally shifted to the new threat.
"Focus on the Dinobot," Shockwave ordered, his voice devoid of emotion. The Insecticons obeyed, redirecting their attacks towards the massive Dinobot.
Grimlock, unable to close the distance to their commander, assessed the situation quickly. With calculated movement, he transformed back into his humanoid form. He glanced at Krok and, without warning, picked him up. "What the—!" Krok managed to yell before Grimlock hurled him through the air towards Shockwave.
Nitro Zeus watched in astonishment, "You've got to be kidding me!"
Shockwave's optic widened slightly, taken aback by the unexpected move. Krok, mid-flight, transformed back into his crocodile form. Shockwave tried to defend himself, raising his weapon arm, but it was too late. Krok's powerful jaws clamped down on the arm with brutal force.
Shockwave struggled, trying to shake Krok off, but the crocodile-like Transformer bit down harder, his serrated teeth cutting through metal and circuits. Shockwave's attempts to activate his weapon systems were futile; Krok's bite had destroyed the internal mechanisms.
Shockwave grunted in pain and frustration, his voice a low growl. "Release…me…you Insignificant-"
Krok ignored him, biting down even harder. With a final, wrenching twist, he severed Shockwave's arm completely. Shockwave stumbled back, his balance disrupted, and Krok swung his tail, smashing it into Shockwave's midsection and sending him sprawling onto his back.
As Shockwave tried to recover, he found himself surrounded. Grimlock, and the DJD closed in, their weapons trained on him. The situation had turned dire for Shockwave; his forces were in disarray, skittering away and fleeing the battlefield. He was done for.
Nitro Zeus, Krok on the other hand had approached the now freed inmates that joined the conflict and managed to find their kidnapped compatriots.
"Thank Primus, you two are alive!" Flywheels gleefully yelled as he ran towards Nitro Zeus and Krok. Misfire was close behind, carrying a severed Energon blaster pistol, with the arm still attached to it.
"That was amazing, you guys!" Misfire exclaimed, his optics wide with excitement.
Nitro Zeus forced a smile, his mind replaying the battle. "Yeah, it was something, alright." He couldn't shake the feeling that he had barely made a difference, the glory of the fight overshadowed by Grimlock's sheer power and Krok's unexpected ferocity.
Flywheels clapped Nitro Zeus on the back. "Don't sell yourself short, Nitro. You were great out there!"
Krok, meanwhile, barely registered the compliment. He gave a curt nod, his focus already shifting back to Grimlock. Without a word, he started walking towards the massive Dinobot.
Flywheels and Misfire exchanged a glance before following. "Why is Grimlock here?" Flywheels asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
Nitro Zeus sighed, still feeling the weight of the battle. "Shockwave had him locked up. We freed him to help us take the egghead down, and he did."
Misfire's optics widened in amazement. "You freed Grimlock? That's insane!"
In Return, the other Decepticon gives him a simple shrug, "Enemy of my Enemy is my friend"
As they joined Grimlock, the Dinobot stood imposingly over Shockwave, who was now being restrained and shackled by Tarn and the DJD. The scene was tense, but there was a palpable sense of relief and victory among the group.
Grimlock stepped forward, his optics blazing with fury. He raised his fist, ready to deliver the killing blow. "Time to end this, Shockwave."
"You will do no such thing, Autobot!" Tarn's voice cut through the chaos, firm and commanding. Grimlock hesitated, his fist still poised to strike.
"Why?" Grimlock growled as he turned his blazing optic to the JD commander, his voice full of anger.
Tarn stepped closer, his gaze fixed on Shockwave. "He needs to stand trial, and we need to determine the true nature of his experiments."
"What you really should be asking," Shockwave stated to the group, clutching the sparking stump where his arm used to be, "is what I managed to achieve."
"And what is that, traitor?" Tarn spat with disdain.
"What I did was in service to the empire," Shockwave turned to one of the crates he had tried to escape with. A small command from his system opened it up, revealing a T-Cog, surrounded by another set of coiled tentacles.
"What in the name of Primus did you do?" another member of the Justice Division muttered upon seeing that. T-Cogs couldn't be created artificially, so whatever that was, a Cybertronian died for each and every one of them.
Shockwave's optic flickered, his voice now laced with defiance, "I WON US THE WAR."
"What?"
"We have been stuck in a barely changing status quo for nearly a millennium now, and I had the mind to fix that."
"What are these things, Shockwave? Quit your cryptic nonsense!" another DJD member yelled at him as Tarn simply stared at him.
"We have been in a cold war for so long now, no ground has been won in literal ages, and our foes still live while our leaders either grow complacent or deranged."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "Fine… each of these is now a fully functional quantum-displaced communication node."
"And… what are those supposed to do—" Flywheels, surprisingly, was the one to ask.
"Speak when spoken to, inmate," Tarn suddenly interrupted.
Shockwave continued, "Simple. While we cannot transfer matter, troops, or ships within an instant anymore, with these, we can do so with information instead." He paused for dramatic effect. "These nodes are all we need for a fully functional communications network… transfers data instantaneously. No more do the reaches of space hamper us. We can react to any attack instantaneously and plan any objective with complete logistical oversight."
"And how did such a thing require such barbarism?" Tarn responded with a low tone.
"These organics? Most of you are too young to remember the beasts that the Quintessons used against us. These 'Klyntar' eventually found themselves in my lab, and along with the data and samples I managed to take from the Celestial that was there when our empire was put into this pitiful state, I created this."
Shockwave's voice grew more fervent. "The hivemind of these organic monstrosities, combined with the cosmic energies of Celestial matter, all under the control of a Cybertronian T-Cog to interface with. This is what I have achieved, and it will win us the war."
Tarn stared at him for a good while, his expression unreadable.
One of his lieutenants walked up. "Sir… what are your orders?"
Tarn turned to face those around him before looking down at the restrained scientist, "Release Shockwave. Take aim at the inmates." His words shocked Nitro Zeus and his crew. Grimlock snarled with further rage.
"Glad that you see reason then," Shockwave responded, a bit of arrogant glee in his tone.
"Next time you do anything remotely like this, you clear it with the proper authorities first…" Tarn turned towards the inmates. "The value of this invention cannot be understated, but the knowledge of its creation is not something that can be exposed until properly handled." He turned towards them, his plasma cannon charged. "Know that your deaths are for the good of the empire."
The group of inmates panicked, scrambling to find cover or some semblance of safety amidst the chaos. To the surprise of many, Grimlock moved first and promptly shielded the group of four Decepticons who had helped him, his massive frame absorbing the brunt of the incoming fire. "You bunch… useful," he grunted, his voice carrying a strange mix of begrudging respect and irritation.
Around them, the prison had devolved into utter mayhem. Inmates, some armed with makeshift weapons, others with nothing but their bare hands, launched themselves at the DJD forces. The sound of metal clashing against metal, blaster fire, and the cries of wounded Cybertronians filled the air. Nitro Zeus fired his blaster with renewed vigour, their shots finding marks in the chaos, though his group knew their time was limited.
Flywheels, his optics darting around the hangar, pointed towards a ship. "We should escape while we can!" he yelled, his voice barely audible over the din.
Grimlock, sensing the urgency, continued to provide cover, his hulking form an indomitable barrier. The group moved towards the indicated ship, a science vessel or exploration craft of some kind. Flywheels and Misfire were the first to reach it, with Flywheels shoving Misfire away from the controls before he could make things worse. "Don't you dare! I've got this," Flywheels said, quickly starting the boot-up sequence with practised efficiency.
Nitro Zeus, staying close to Grimlock, fired at the advancing DJD forces. The giant Dinobot, now in his T-rex form, unleashed a torrent of flames, setting the platform in front of them ablaze and providing a temporary but crucial barrier. The heat from the flames was intense, casting dancing shadows on the walls and causing the advancing DJD soldiers to hesitate.
As they reached the ship, Grimlock turned to face the advancing enemies one last time. He roared, a primal sound that reverberated through the hangar, before making a powerful leap towards the ship. Nitro Zeus was momentarily frozen by the display, torn between closing the airlock for their safety and waiting for Grimlock. But he couldn't betray the Dinobot now, not after everything they'd been through.
Grimlock landed inside the ship with a heavy thud, and the airlock sealed shut behind him. The ship lifted off the ground, its engines roaring as it sped away from the prison that had held them captive. The sense of urgency was palpable as the vessel shot out into the void of space, putting as much distance between them and the prison as possible.
Inside the ship, Grimlock settled himself down at the side of the cargo hold, his optics dimming slightly as he rested. The other Decepticons gathered around, the weight of their escape and the uncertainty of their future hanging heavy in the air.
"So… any ideas on what we do now?"
The Late Bronze Age collapse refers to a period towards the end of the 10th century BC. According to contemporary historical records (e.g. Ramses' Wall, Tablets of Ugarit), it was due in large part to a mass invasion by forces unknown. Most documentation of the period remains either untranslated or contradictory. A translated inscription from an edict of Ramsses proclaims: "Those who reached my boundary, from the west their seed is not; their hearts and their souls are finished forever and ever devoured by the Hungering One (believed to be a primitive name for Ammit). As for those who had assembled before them on the sea, the full flame was their front before the twin mouths (An unknown Egyptian deity depicted as two intertwined snakes), and a wall of metal upon the shore surrounded them. The Abominable One (Believed to be an ancient term for Apophis) dragged, overturned, and laid low their armies upon the beach, slain and made heaps from stern to the bow of their galleys, while all their things were cast upon the water. " the rest of the inscription is lost, but it is believed to have banned the worship of the Goddess Bast as evidence has been uncovered which points to widespread persecution of her cult.
References to the event also appeared in the Homeric Hymns, specifically the hymn to Zeus: "I will sing of Zeus, chiefest among the gods and greatest, all-seeing, the lord of all, the fulfiller who whispers words of wisdom to Themis as she sits leaning towards him. Be gracious, all-seeing Son of Cronos, most excellent and great! For it was he who summoned forth the five-bodied Typhon to the defence of Olympus against the spawn of Oceanus. O Loud Thunderer, at whose bidding did the mighty Typhon break the armies of our enemies and consign them to the depths of the Ocean."
The depictions of 'Typhon' and 'Apophis' in inscriptions from this period share striking similarities with depictions of the five-headed Niinazu mythological son of Ereshkigal. Up to and including bearing the Sigil of Eresh. Examination of ancient battle sites from this period has yielded astonishing quantities of primitive Vibranium weapons. A single battle site has provided us with 200% of the amount of Vibranium previously believed to exist on Earth. The Sumerian epoch of the late Bronze Age could almost be renamed to the Vibranium Age due to the extreme amount found in associated sites.
It is my recommendation that the Führer approve funding for an expedition to the region to survey for possible Vibranium mines and/or sacred places for the worship of Eresh due to her cult's notable association with it and other rare metals. If found, these sites would prove valuable for our weapons development programs and ensure the longevity of the Thousand Year Reich.
Hail Hydra
Excerpt from report by Dr. Willi Sondheim sent to the office of Reichsleiter Alfred Rosenberg.
Augusts, 1939 AD
Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq
Looking back to the report written a few years ago, Leutnant Simon Kaulbach finally saw at least some sense in this godforsaken mission. For days, they had travelled across British-controlled Iraq with scant information about their objective. Frustration gnawed at him, fueled by the endless dust and the oppressive heat. The letter he had just read, however, revealed their true interest: Vibranium weaponry. He's heard of the metal. Stronger than steel and four times lighter. And apparently capable of absorbing impacts like nothing else. For tanks or armoured vehicles, it would probably prove invaluable.
As he pondered this revelation, his eyes drifted to the officer leading their expedition, Isaac Kästner. Unlike Simon's standard Wehrmacht uniform, Kästner's was adorned with the Squid and skull insignia of HYDRA. The emblem glinted ominously in the torchlight, a constant reminder of the shadowy organization's presence. He was followed by other HYDRA soldiers, their black leather uniforms clear to see.
He has to commend them for wearing such uncomfortable clothing in the desert sun for the days he's known them. He had his own men with him. So far, they had been used to ferrying the others around and, lastly, blowing holes into the ground for them all to explore. He did warn that the structure might be unsound, but the ones from HYDRA had no issue either way.
The minimal time limit also wasn't the best. Hitler had promised the Italians that he would start the war next year, giving them plenty of time for a mission like this. But he's been getting information from his friends in the east. Apparently, an Invasion of Poland might happen next month.
And Iraq is a British puppet. While they were able to get into the nation with some minor difficulties, if they tried to leave after a war had already started, finding themselves inside British POW camps was not out of the question.
So their group ventured further. Their guide was certainly unnerved. Farid was initially hired as a Translator, but he knew his way around the area fairly well. Ever since they blew the hole into the backside of the ruin, Simon was certain he was cursing them in his mother tongue.
But the boy's ramblings certainly painted a different picture of what was in this place. And it bothered him. This was not a site of battle, but rather some ancient Tomb found underneath an ancient city. Were they here for some armoury, then?
The boy simply kept pleading for them to turn back. As the "Dead" are known to walk down here. Whatever that meant.
Moving closer to the HYDRA group, he began listening to whatever they had begun talking about. Simon always had better hearing, and he managed to pick out certain voices when needed.
"For what reason are we traipsing in some long-lost ruin on the other side of the globe?" one of the underlings grumbled, his voice tinged with frustration.
Isaac Kästner chuckled softly, the sound carrying a sinister edge. "Relax, Sargeant. We are an eighth of the way around the world at most. Besides, this discovery may very well eclipse our find in Norway in its entirety."
"So Red Skull found some kind of proof that Norse gods exist, and now the Egyptian ones are suddenly real? Please, this is ridiculous," another officer scoffed, the scepticism clear in his tone.
Kästner's eyes gleamed with excitement. "My friend, these gods are Mesopotamian… And do you truly mean to say you are not intrigued? A tomb that has not been opened in over 4,000 years is said to contain the devil that slaughtered an entire pantheon."
The officer shifted uncomfortably. "I didn't exactly read the history lesson on this find. What's so special about this… Ereskigal?"
"It's Ereshkigal," Kästner corrected, his patience thinning. "And quite a bit. Ereshkigal is a titan of the ancient religion of this region. Something rather unique as our findings suggest that Greek myth developed separately from these. But yes, Ereshkigal was a titan of death who slew the gods who guarded—or enslaved—mankind. There seem to be different accounts depending on the time period."
The officer frowned, clearly still dubious. "What do the Greeks have to do with this?"
Kästner smirked. "You don't think it odd that they have the concept of titans as well? Not to mention the many other similarities. Who's to say they weren't just as real or even related to our findings in Norway?"
"But how are they even confirmed? It's not like we can just invade the nation to check," the officer argued.
Kästner's smile turned cold. "Not today... but who's to say about tomorrow? Nevertheless, this is why we are here. And—"
He was suddenly interrupted by a strange, purple glow emanating from a corner of the chamber. The entire group halted, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons. Simon's heart raced as he considered the possibility that someone else might be there.
But what they saw was certainly not what anyone imagined. Emerging from the shadows was a humanoid form, more of a husk, really. Its body was a grotesque sight of rotten flesh, with a mysterious purple substance leaking from wounds and orifices. The liquid was the source of the eerie light, casting an otherworldly glow over the decayed figure.
The creature moved with a slow, deliberate gait, its hollow eyes fixed on the intruders. Kästner and his men stood frozen, a mix of horror and fascination etched on their faces.
Farid began yelling something they couldn't understand, his voice rising in panic. The creature reacted, its head snapping towards the sound.
With a sudden burst of speed, the creature broke into a sprint, closing the distance with terrifying swiftness. One of the Hydra soldiers was quickly grabbed, the monster's grip unyielding. The other soldiers hesitated, their guns at the ready but frozen by shock.
The hesitation cost them. The creature bit into the soldier it had captured, a sickening crunch echoing through the halls. The Hydra commander reacted first, a loud crack of a bullet piercing the creature's head. Despite the shot, the creature barely seemed bothered, its grip on the soldier unrelenting.
"Open fire!" Kästner ordered, his voice a sharp bark that cut through the chaos. The soldiers obeyed, gunning down their own comrades along with the creature. Simon watched in slight disgust as the bullets tore through both flesh and undead matter, the air thick with the stench of gunpowder and blood.
But the creature did not relent. Even with its head nearly destroyed, it continued its assault. The soldier it had bitten was already dead, his throat a mangled mess. The creature, however, seemed no worse for wear.
Realizing the futility of their gunfire, Simon grabbed one of the shovels his men were carrying and rushed the creature. He pierced its neck, feeling the resistance of ancient, decayed muscle, then hacked through its spine with brutal efficiency. With a final, desperate swing, he severed its head entirely. The creature fell still, at last, its body collapsing in a heap.
Breathing heavily, Simon looked around at the carnage. The relief was short-lived. The purple liquid from the creature had seeped into the wounds of their fallen comrade. Before their eyes, the dead soldier began to twitch, then growl, the same eerie light flickering in his eyes.
The group backed away in horror as the newly reanimated corpse rose to its feet. Kästner, however, began to smile in abject fascination.
"This... this is extraordinary," he whispered, his eyes gleaming with a mad excitement. "Make sure to restrain him without inflicting too much damage."
Simon felt a chill run down his spine as he watched Kästner's reaction. This was…This was something vile and unholy. It had every right to stay buried away from modern man…
But he was a soldier at his core. And he was outranked at that. So, as much as he wanted to say something, he would still follow orders.
Restraining the newly reanimated man proved easier than imagined when mutliptle people were doing it with at least some cohesion. The handle of a shovel was forced into the undead's mouth as a temporary gag as rope was used to secure his limbs.
Four men were ordered to bring the reanimated soldier outside to their entourage of vehicles while the rest ventured further into the ruins. They managed to come into a rhythm of sorts.
Whenever a creature was spotted, it was stunned with gunfire first before being decapitated. The HYDRA soldiers were slow on the draw, but the others were able to make up for it. Simon also didn't like how they were constantly taking samples of the strange purple liquid, but he stayed his tongue.
This process continued until they came across a chamber of sorts. It was open, made of some unknown material, and inside was a sarcophagus of unbelievable size. The sight was astonishing, especially on account of the size of the chamber and it's surrounding corridors. This didnt seem to have been made for humans, but rather….Perhaps a god, just as they what the HYDRA man considered….
but seeing the sarcophagus open with its lid broken on the floor did nothing to calm Simon's nerves. The eerie purple liquid was seen pooling in the sarcophagus and leading out of it in a trail.
Kästner noticed something and pointed his flashlight towards the floor. "Look here," he said, his voice a mixture of curiosity and excitement. Others followed suit, their beams illuminating the ground.
On the floor was an indent of sorts, unnoticeable at first due to the size. It seemed like simple cracks in the floor after all, but now they realized it was, in fact, a footprint. A series of them, leading away from the sarcophagus.
Kästner's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Follow them, NOW," he ordered, his voice cutting through the silence. Despite their growing nerves, the group obeyed.
They continued through the giant corridors, now seeing even more lines of the purple fluid on the ground below them. They didn't want to touch it with their bare hands and carefully stepped around it as they pressed on.
Finally, they came across something spectacular. The trail stopped in front of a giant metallic being. A colossal humanoid figure was slumped against the wall, with more of the fluid leaking from its chest. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
The being was enormous, easily the size of a building, towering over the soldiers like a forgotten….Like a Titan…yes.
Its black armour plating gleamed in the dim light, with silver joints visible underneath. Where a face should have been, there was a single, large eye, cold and unblinking, reminiscent of a cyclopean sentinel. One of its arms ended not in a hand, but in a cannon, an ominous weapon fused seamlessly with its body.
The soldiers were shocked, their eyes wide as they took in the sight. The sheer scale and possible power of this being was undeniable…and he had seem some of the films back home. Metropolis, or "der Herr der Welt" came to mind. Stories where machines made by man were able to walk and talk just like them…Is that what this was? Did the mankind of so many millenia ago create their own gods? Or….was there more to this?.
Kästner stepped forward, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. "Gentlemen, I think we may have, in fact, blown the findings of Norway straight out of the water."
Simon stared at the metallic giant, a sense of foreboding settling over him. The discovery was indeed monumental, but what exactly did it mean? The HYDRA soldiers seemed to have things in mind, but…He truly had no idea.
1941 AD
HYDRA site "Babylon"
Terrorvolt
{Stasis Lock disengaged. booting up systems}
{ERROR: Low Energon reserves detected}
{Booting up sensory and auxiliary systems}
Well then….I have to say, Stasis locks are…Fucking horrible. Like falling asleep in the afternoon and waking up with the worst fever along with a cold sweat. It's really not nice.
My systems were flaring up with god knows how many alerts. It seemed my fight with the goddamn Celestial really didn't go as planned, but looking at the recordings I was able to take; I managed to fuck him up somehwat. So my idea panned out, and I have new weapons tech to tinker more with, at least. Nice.
I could maybe make something of a hydrocutter with the differing beams of energon that would combine upon impact with the target….
Right, why am I still blind?
{Not enough power for primary optic sensors}
Ok… time to fuck a bit with my systems then. I have enough power to think, so I don't really need much more to get my bearings. Primary sensors are extremely energy intensive, yes, but…
Why the fuck are my Energon Tanks completely empty. The stasis lock should have prevented anything of the sort.
{Stasis lock has been in halfstage mode for: 57 Stellar cycles}
Oh, right… I kinda remembered that. I woke up in a god-damn sarcophagus of all things and made it a few steps before collapsing again. Who doesn't want a tiny coma after their big coma?
But that still doesn't explain why my tanks are empty…Ah Fuck. I have backups for a reason; I might as well use them. The ammo packages for my arm-cannon are still present. So, I may as well use some of them.
And Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, we are back in Business. My eye finally activates, and I'm beholden to…
A room, a fairly large one at that, made of cement of all things…And Humans standing around me on scaffolding that's been seemingly built around me. While my sensors were still on the lowest power mode I could possibly use, recognizing the Swastika on their uniforms was not outside my capabilities.
Fuck my life.
WELL THEN. Been a while. Sorry for all that.
This story is up and alive again, I promise that. And well….
Hope you are all doing great.
But yeah. I also have a . Can't promise much there, but I do post early drafts and future scenes there. As well as, all the Art for the stories I make will be posted there. Have a wonderful day!
Pat reon Link: ww reon La_Pucelle_Altre
(Remove the spaces on the link, and it should work)