V - Chain of Command
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Autobot Base Omega Two - November 12th, 2011 - 2:30 pm
Jack Darby stood in Optimus Prime's hand, unsure of himself, quite nervous, and yet he stood his ground and stood tall as the Prime looked him straight in the eye with a warm smile.
The other Autobots stood at attention, facing Jack, giving him looks of great pride and deep pleasure
Ratchet simply had a tight smile as though he was trying very hard to appear pleased but not too pleased.
Typical of the old bot.
Arcee stood at the front, flanked by Jazz and Bumblebee.
She winked at the boy with a big smile.
The others were standing at the front on top of a catwalk.
Miko, Raf, Sari, Jon, Sierra, Katie, Vince, June, Agent Fowler and Captain Fanzone.
All ranged with smiles of pride, looks of adoration and gestures of great respect.
The three closest to Jack however stood the closest to him.
That is, Miko, Raf and his mother June leaned on the railing.
Miko wore the biggest smile and winked a sultry wink at her boyfriend.
Jack hoped the blush in his cheeks wasn't obvious.
Optimus finally spoke. "Jack, I owe you my life. The Autobots are in your debt."
"Whuh…uh-huh…" Abashed, Jack rubbed the back of his neck. "I know you'd do the same for me."
Optimus smiled, pleased by the boy's humility.
"Jackson Darby, for your gallant service to your planet and mine, from the fullest extent of my authority as Prime, I am naming you an honorary lieutenant in the Autobot Resistance."
Stunned beyond belief, Jack nearly fell off Optimus' hand.
He would have if Optimus hadn't closed his fingers slightly to prevent the boy from slipping.
"Optimus!" Jack exclaimed. "I…I…what?!"
"Jack, you are not yet of age, but every indication of your courage shows you are worthy for more than when I first trusted you to safekeep the Key to Vector Sigma."
Jack rubbed the back of his neck bashfully. "Does my mother know?"
"Yes, I've discussed it with her and she's agreed, as long as I don't make any plans to shoulder you with any responsibility without assuring your safety."
June nodded emphatically with her arms crossed.
"But you can't make that assurance, can you?"
Optimus shook his head sadly. "We are at war, Jack. And like it or not, earth is part of it too. Your mother understands this."
"And she's ok with this?"
June put her hands on her hips. "I'm right here, Jack. I can speak for myself, but this time, I'll let Optimus answer. This time."
Jack gulped.
Optimus cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Your mother believes you need to make that decision yourself, Jack."
Jack nodded, both humbled and full of pride. "Optimus…I really don't know what to say."
"It's yours if you want it, Jack. But you must understand, if you intend to take a more active role in this war, there will be certain responsibilities."
June rubbed her arms anxiously.
Jack gulped. "I understand." He cleared his throat. "Sir."
Raucous laughter erupted from the Autobots, with the exception of Ratchet and Arcee.
Arcee cleared her throat while giving them all a look.
Who knew alien robots needed to clear their throats?
They all silenced right away.
"I want to help however I can," Jack said, trying to keep from shaking with the new responsibility. "I just hope this promotion won't be necessary by the time I'm 18."
"Perhaps…" Optimus said. "But all the same, whatever the circumstances, I believe you've earned this honor, Jack. For your valor, for your intelligence, your dedication to the safety of your fellow humans and your otherworldly friends."
Jack chuckled. Otherworldly? That's a funny way to put it.
"I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. Think about it."
Jack grinned up at the Prime, thoroughly touched.
Optimus did not grin but he gave the boy a small smile.
The familiar and blaring alarm went off.
Decepticon activity.
Wheeljack grinned savagely as he checked to make sure he was carrying a grenade.
"Welp! Duty calls."
"Word," Jazz said with an excited grin.
Jon cocked an eyebrow. Did he just say 'word'?
Wheeljack activated his battle mask.
The others stared dumbly at the Wrecker.
"What? What are you looking at?"
Miko, Jazz and Vince started roaring with laughter.
Chuckles and stunned amused looks followed.
Wheeljack was thoroughly stumped.
"What?! What's so funny?!"
Bulkhead covered his mouth to stifle a laugh with one hand and with the other, pointed at Wheeljack's face.
Wheeljack touched his face and then his mask.
He saw that his fingers were covered with black paint.
He suddenly noticed something strange in the reflection of a monitor to his left.
To his bewilderment and annoyance, Wheeljack could see that someone painted a black mustache and crooked teeth on his battle mask.
Only one person would be so bold.
And so immature.
And the prime suspect had apparently slipped out of the room.
Wheeljack exploded. "Sideswipe!
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2 Hours Ago…
The Nemesis Warship - Just over the Atlantic - 12:00 pm
"I don't want excuses, Airachnid! I want results!"
Airachnid, Acting Commander of the Decepticons frowned contemptuously at Megatron's back.
Yes, Acting Commander as her position was under severe consideration after the latest failure of not only allowing their space bridge to be commandeered but also allowing an Autobot to not only infiltrate the Nemesis Warship, but also leaving a comatose Soundwave in Arcee's hands.
Megatron was especially furious when he discovered evidence of scorch marks on Soundwave's helm, as though someone pressed a charged blaster against it.
And he'd know those marks and the type of blaster that left them.
How Megatron raged when he discovered just how close to death the closest thing he had to a friend had come.
At the hands of the two-wheeler no less.
His only friend perhaps.
Megatron wanted to kill Airachnid right then and there for her failure.
He had killed for less.
But what would that accomplish? What would he gain?
He would have to find a new lieutenant to help pick up the slack.
And Decepticon ranks were dwindling as it is.
Barricade could hardly do a worse job.
And Stockade, a loyal soldier, had been hard hit for her. Almost died.
No, Airachnid will simply have to redeem herself through hard work.
Demoting might be an option.
But that would mean other bots assuming new responsibilities.
No, Airachnid will simply have to have additional attendants to help fulfill her duties.
Megatron smirked deviously.
And I know just who to assign.
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"You can't be serious!" Airachnid said.
Megatron frowned. "I've scarcely been more serious, Airachnid."
Airachnid was outraged. "Why? Why her?! Of all bots?!"
"Our resources and facilities are expanding. Responsibilities must follow. And like it or not, Thunderblast has to start somewhere. She's your responsibility now."
Airachnid's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Why was Flamewar passed over for the position?"
"She already has an assignment and she can't fly."
"But-!"
Megatron raised a hand. "I will say no more. Get out."
Airachnid turned and left Megatron's office without another word.
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Thunderblast grinned like a fool, yellow optics shining like stars.
Airachnid wanted to puke.
To have this…this…impulsive girl under my direct command! In my care! It's inconceivable! Unacceptable! And yet, I cannot defy Megatron's command, not openly away, nor can I do Thunderblast any harm, aside from punishment for failure, or put her in a position where she might get killed or captured, which is nigh impossible since we're at war. All responsibility will be placed on me, whether it is my fault or not. Megatron will have my spark on a plate if my negligence gets her killed, if her parents don't get to me first.
Airachnid shuddered inwardly.
The might and brutality of Lugnut was legendary.
But the skill and strength and cruelty of Strika was unmatched.
Airachnid would be scrap metal in seconds.
That is, if they don't decide to take their time.
"Commander? Hi hi! Hello! Cybertron to Airy!"
Airachnid snarled. "Do not call me that! I am your commanding officer and playtime is over, Thunder!" She bellowed. "Do you understand?!"
Then Thunderblast did something that even Airachnid did not expect.
She stood at attention, at her full height and saluted.
"Yes ma'am!"
Airachnid blinked.
There was not a hint of childish foolishness in her voice or body language.
What the?
"Awaiting your orders, ma'am!"
Airachnid did not answer at first.
Perhaps she'll survive us yet.
A snooty whining voice broke the awkward silence.
"Only a few cycles stationed here and already made the personal attendant to Megatron's second-in-command! Good for you, Thunder!" Flamewar chimed with a dirty smirk as she peeked from the doorway to Airachnid's quarters.
Airachnid exploded. "DON'T ENCOURAGE HER!"
Flamewar took off cackling like a maniac.
Thunderblast's head went a tilt, as though she couldn't comprehend why Airachnid would be so upset. "Is there a problem, Commander?"
"Everything's fine!"
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Science Lab - 1:00 pm
"Breakdown, place that crate over there for me."
The one-eyed Decepticon grumbled as he lifted a heavy metal crate with relative ease. "Fine, Oil Slick."
"Hey! Save some heavy lifting for me!"
A disgruntled Brawl laid on a medical berth, a railroad map of welding marks all over his body. He was shaking his fist which seemed to be a great struggle for him and he was trying hard not to show it.
"Not a chance, Brawl," Oil Slick said flatly. "You're still not cleared for duty. And I'd advise you stop doing that. The more you get yourself worked up, the longer it will take for you to recover."
Brawl grumbled, crossing his arms across his chest.
"Oh, don't sulk," Knockout said, rolling his eyes. "I swear you're fussier than Starscream."
Brawl glared balefully at the flamboyant medic.
But then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Whatever happened to Starscream anyway?"
Knockout performed the universal gesture of not knowing. "Don't know. Don't care."
Breakdown frowned. "That's cold, Knockout, even for you."
"Oh, please. Starscream was a tool and you know it. A deceitful, duplicitous, self-serving fool who copped out everytime he took a breath."
"But…aren't most of us Cons?"
Knockout's eyes opened wide for a moment, stunned by his partner's words.
Oil Slick decided that this argument was over. "Enough, you know your assignments. Continue."
Both Knockout and Breakdown obeyed without question. Neither of them dared to defy the cold, calculating scientist.
Brawl, still sulking bitterly, looked over to Soundwave, still comatose.
"He's going to wake up, ain't he doc?"
Oil Slick looked over his data pad but did not take his eyes off his assignment as he answered.
"His brain activity has shown remarkable improvement. But it isn't his brain I'm the most concerned about, it his spark. I've discovered multiple cracks."
Brawl gawked. "That can get bad."
"Indeed."
"Is he going to make it?"
Oil Slick tapped his plexiglass dome. "As long as there are no further complications. But if the worst happens, he'll need open spark surgery, which is a very, very risky procedure."
"What about a spark bond?" Brawl asked.
"That is not something to take lightly. Spark bonds are sacred, be you Autobot or Decepticon. Even Lord Megatron was hesitant to consider such a thing. Spark bonds are done between close friends, not just lovers, those who have established a bond, closer than even kin. Closer than family. That is why Soundwave and his minicons are so close. Not just because of the spark bond but because they have been through thick and thin together."
Brawl bowed his head sadly. He remembered the group he rode the cosmic trail with.
His Combaticons. His brothers.
Blastoff. Vortex. Swindle. Onslaught.
He had sparkbonded with Vortex when he was in critical condition from a scraplet attack. A last resort but Brawl couldn't bear to lose his friend.
They had been honorary brothers ever since.
Brawl took off his visor and rubbed furiously at his eyes.
I hope they're ok, wherever they are.
Oil Slick pretended not to notice the brawler's emotional state. "If it comes down to it, if Soundwave is to survive, someone who's willing to establish a literal bond with him will have to do the deed."
And it can't be Rumble, Frenzy or Laserbeak. They have already sparkbonded with Soundwave. They can't do it twice.
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Nemesis Bridge - 2:00 pm
Stockade performed a system check on the warship's mainframe.
The bridge was clear of personnel as he was being charged with restricted information.
Stockade nodded with satisfaction.
The army sleeps peacefully tonight.
He closed the window.
"Hey Kadey-Wadey!"
Stockade jumped up several feet in the air with a yelp.
He turned fast with a scowl to address a cackling Flamewar, who was rolling all over the bridge, clutching her stomach as tears rolled down her face.
"Flame! That's not funny! What if one of the other soldiers saw me?!"
Wiping her eyes, Flamewar stood on her feet, still fighting giggles.
"It was the look on your face that was worth it."
Stockade shook his head in annoyance. "Where's Thunderblast? Has she reported to Commander Airachnid?"
Flamewar smirked. "Oh yeah, and she's less than pleased about the arrangement."
"Who? Airachnid or Thunder?"
"Airachnid of course! Thunderblast couldn't be happier. But if you ask me, I bet Megatron did this to punish her for almost getting Soundwave killed."
Stockade frowned behind his mask. "That's hardly fair, Flame. Thunder is assigned to Airachnid above all because we all have certain duties to follow and new responsibilities to assume if we're ever to revitalize and conquer Cybertron. As for what you mentioned, Arcee infiltrated the ship using one of our own portals, an almost impossible feat. After her leader was taken captive, whether he knew that or not, she's naturally beyond livid and determined to reclaim her leader as any of us would if it were Lord Megatron. And clearly, she's not above using a comatose Soundwave as a hostage. Pretty low if you ask me but we've done worse."
Flamewar cocked her head. "You an Autobot lover now?"
"Hardly. I'm loyal to the Decepticon cause. And while I think some of Lord Megatron's tactics are a bit too brutal at times, Prime's no better. He's far too soft to be the protector Cybertron needs."
Stockade eyed Flamewar suspiciously. "And if I recall correctly, you had fought alongside the Autobots not too long ago."
Flamewar snarled. "I was trying to save Brawl's life!"
"Right, because the life of a comrade was more important than our hatred for the enemy."
Flamewar scoffed. Megatron would eat his own cannon before fighting alongside Prime, even if it meant saving one of his own. He's gladly killed his own soldiers for so much as questioning his orders.
Stockade took no notice of the fiery frontliner's flippancy.
"And of course, when the Chaosbringer was on the verge of rising again, Megatron aided the Autobots in putting him back in stasis without hesitation."
Flamewar recoiled as if struck. "Say what?"
The automatic doors opened behind her. "He's not lying, Flamewar," said a deep, rich voice.
"Commander Airachnid?" Stockade said.
The spider-like Decepticon smiled as she entered the bridge, being flanked by Thunderblast, who practically stood over her. "Finished that system check already?"
"I did, ma'am," Stockade nodded proudly with great satisfaction.
"I take it you've seen the updated chain of command?"
"I did."
"Why don't you tell me the new updates, per review of your knowledge of the new officers."
Stockade nodded obediently. "Let's see…Barricade, Security Chief. Blackout, Chief Scout. Brawl, Ground Commander and Heavy Weapons Specialist. Sergeant Breakdown will serve as his right-hand bot and will be in charge during Brawl's recovery. Oil Slick is Chief Medical Officer and Scientist since he has seniority. Knockout will be serving as his deputy scientist."
Airachnid nodded. And he took remarkably well that he was no longer in charge of the science division aboard the Nemesis than I expected.
Stockade suddenly looked uncomfortable as he didn't seem to like what he was about to say. "And then there's Flamewar and Thunderblast."
Airachnid frowned with deep annoyance.
Flamewar smirked smugly.
Thunderblast's optics glowed with excitement.
"Thunderblast will be serving as Commander Airachnid's personal attendant. Flamewar will serve under Barricade."
Flamewar's face fell.
Now it was Airachnid's turn to smirk.
Barricade.
If ever there was a tough-as-nails officer among Megatron's inner circle that did things by the book and showed no mercy to deviants to Decepticon law, it was Barricade.
And Flamewar was to serve as his personal attendant.
"Run that by me again?" Flamewar said, leering at Stockade.
"You heard me."
Flamewar looked ready to spit fire.
But then, she slumped and then shrugged. "Oh well. I could be assigned to someone worse than Barricade."
Thunderblast giggled. "Yeah, like Starscream."
Flamewar shuddered. "Oh man, don't get me started on that stiletto-heeled freak."
"Hmm," Thunderblast mused. "Whatever happened to him anyway?"
"He deserted and went off world," Stockade said.
"I heard but to where?"
Airachnid shrugged her shoulders. "Who cares?"
A sharp chime echoed off the Decepticon mainframe.
All present turned toward it.
"A distress message?" Stockade said, suddenly concerned.
Airachnid frowned as she tapped a button on the Holo Keys.
Airachnid's frown deepened.
The others gawked.
Airachnid spoke in a displeased voice. "It's an encrypted message…from Lockdown. Starscream has been captured by mercenaries and has been taken to Junkion."
"Junkion," Flamewar said, sounding quite disturbed. "A wasteland of a planet, a cesspool and free for all for warlords, outlaws, slavers and black market merchants."
"And now Starscream has been taken there to be a slave or worse," Stockade said grimly. "If they torture him, he'll turn over everything. All of our intel. Galactic trade routes. Defense codes. Any one of those crime syndicates could become an enormous shrapnel in our sides that may rival even the Autobots."
Airachnid shut her optics tight. "Megatron is not going to like this at all."
00000
More furious than even when Optimus reclaimed his memories, Megatron brandished his sword and proceeded to cut his personal mainframe into wires, shrapnel and smoking metal.
After a full minute, his broadsword red hot, Megatron heaved, his breath heavy with rage.
Airachnid instinctively swallowed.
"Anything else?"
Airachnid did not hesitate. To do so would only infuriate her master.
"Lockdown said his price just went up by double."
Megatron slowly turned to glare at Airachnid. "Is that all?"
"And he wants a Class-A Starcruiser, the Delta series."
Megatron snarled. "Tell him…it is his, if he secures Starscream, alive."
Airachnid nodded. "Want to whip out punishment yourself, do you?" she asked with an air of smugness.
Megatron turned away and his voice became dangerously low. "Not your concern. Leave me."
Clearing her throat to hide her nervous shakiness, Airachnid bowed and strode out of the chamber without another word.
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New Mexico - 4:00 pm
Megatron exited through a groundbridge into an enormous stone chasm, newly excavated by Decepticon miners.
In record time, considering this was the coordinates from one of the entries of the Iacon Database.
Megatron grumbled to himself.
If he hadn't lost his head, his personal console, which was now destroyed, would've informed him of the find and he would have been there as soon as the mining team found what they've been looking for and Stockade wouldn't have had to inform him personally.
This delay would cost the Decepticons dearly.
Two Decepticon miners presented a freshly excavated Cybertronian canister.
Megatron grinned as he removed the lid.
And his blood red optics flared with delight as he observed the large circular silver disc like device. It had ancient Cybertronian designs on it, Second Age by the looks of it.
"Megatron!"
The Leader of the Decepticons turned as he saw his most bitter enemy approach, blasters at the ready, flanked both by Ratchet and Jazz.
"I cannot allow you to pilfer Autobot relics!"
Megatron scoffed. "Not only are you misinformed Optimus but I" - He reached into the canister containing the relic and presented it for all to see - "would advise you lower your weapons unless you're in the mood for mutually assured destruction."
Ratchet blinked. "It can't be."
"The Spark Extractor," Optimus said, his voice grim.
Jazz whistled. "Of all the weapons for Megatron to find, it had to be that one."
"Indeed," Megatron quipped. "Rather unassuming, yet capable of extracting every spark within its radius. But none of this would have been possible if you hadn't lead me to it, Optimus, or should I say Orion Pax did."
Optimus' optics widened in shock but then narrowed in anger as he collected himself.
Megatron continued to mock his adversary. "What a shame you did not leave your Decepticon shield intact. You have no idea how useful your code breaking skills were during our all-too brief time together. And I must say" - He smirked evilly - "your new color scheme suits you. Especially after some lines you were forced to cross as of late."
Optimus' fists clenched.
"Tell me Optimus, have you washed the human blood from your hands yet?"
Jazz exploded. "THAT'S IT!"
He rushed Megatron, path blaster burning hot.
Optimus yelled. "Jazz no!"
Jazz leapt into the air, preparing to snag the extractor from Megatron's grasp but the Decepticon leader was ready for him.
Or so he thought.
As Megatron prepared to snatch Jazz out of the air, the Saboteur aimed his path blaster at the ground and opened fire.
The blast created a dust cloud so large and so thick, even Megatron had to shield his optics from the particle storm.
Megatron knew that he had to move fast if he wanted to keep his prize secured.
"Soundwave! Activate the" - Megatron mentally cursed himself - "Laserbeak, groundbridge."
"Yes my lord."
"Yoink!"
Megatron's hand suddenly felt empty and with widened eyes of shock, he saw the extractor had been taken.
He could see a blur of yellow and black disappear into the sandstorm.
The scout.
"NOOOO!"
Megatron rushed through the dust cloud as it began to clear.
He brandished his cannon, preparing to fire at the last direction he saw the scout.
Only to find all of his soldiers either dead, dying or hurt so bad they couldn't get up.
Megatron growled in defeat.
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Autobot Base Omega Two - 4:30 pm
"-and then I snatched it right out of Megatron's hands and barreled for the groundbridge. He never knew what hit him."
Bumblebee said this as he puffed out his chest in pride.
Raf's eyes shined.
Sari's eyes shined all the brighter.
Jazz, grinning broadly, patted the scout on the back. "We make a pretty good team, don't we?"
"You said it. That was a nice move. Megatron was this close to ripping you in two."
"Pfft!" Jazz said. "He couldn't do that with a scatterblaster and a head start."
"Get serious Jazz," Arcee said sharply. "Megatron is the one Decepticon you never, ever, EVER get cocky with. If he had gotten his hands on you, you'd be as good as dead."
Jon flushed.
Jazz's confidence deflated as he thought this over. "Right. Getting cocky with Megatron: bad."
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Nemesis - 6:00 pm
Megatron slammed his fists on his newly repaired and upgraded console.
"The Spark Extractor was within my grasp! That scout has been a thorn in my side for far too long! I should've ripped out more than just his voice box when I had the chance!"
The sound of flapping metallic wings filled the room as Laserbeak perched on Megatron's shoulder.
"We still have two decoded entries, my liege. And Barricade has been working tirelessly, studying and memorizing the security logs of Orion Pax's workstation. While his code-breaking skills are not the same as Soundwave's or Pax's, he can find the pattern and crack it. His reputation for recognizing patterns for behavior in his days as an investigator with the Elite Guard is unmatched. The Iacon Database will be decoded, in due time."
Megatron frowned. "Indeed."
But to entrust the Iacon Database with Barricade?
Laserbeak seemed to read Megatron's thoughts.
"You needn't worry, my liege. Like Pax, his progress will be tracked as well as documented. But I don't think you have to worry about him misusing his findings. Barricade is many things but an ambitious sort is not among them."
Megatron nodded, despite his annoyance for having his mind probed.
Laserbeak raised his head sharply, alarm coming off him in waves.
"Curious."
Megatron scowled. "What's curious?"
"Am Autobot distress signal, much like what was emitting when we found the Extractor. Except…this signal isn't anywhere near the coordinates of the other two entries."
Megatron paused in thought. "Investigate. And report back to me."
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Utah - 6:30 pm
Bumblebee drove through a myriad of desert rock and brush as the sun set on the horizon.
He closed in on the signal as anticipation grew on what new treasures he might be taking home this time.
"Bulkhead, you close?"
"Yeah Bee, I'm close to the homing beacon. I'll meet you at the rendezvous."
Bumblebee drove through a narrow crevice and in the dark, he saw a blinking yellow light.
Puzzled, Bumblebee approached.
What sort of relic was this?
Close enough to see, Bumblebee transformed and he saw among a pile of stones some kind of bulbous transmitter.
Neither Autobot or Decepticon.
It was as if it was placed there to be found.
A trap! Have to get out!
Bumblebee turned to make a break for it, but it was too late.
Detecting the presence of another, the scout's guard was up.
But it was not enough to prepare for the bolt of EMP energy that nailed him in the center of his chest.
Bumblebee fell to the ground with a crash.
And knew no more.
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Several small dark figures emerged from the dark corners of the desert and approached the fallen Bumblebee.
"Joker," one said. "Incoming bogie. Arrival time: two minutes."
"Take his T-Cog."
…..
NEXT CHAPTER: Operation Bumblebee
