On the Nemesis, Megatron saw where the next set of Iacon coordinates were located as Soundwave continued to work at the terminal.
"The coordinates indicate that the second of these four Iacon relics lies at the very bottom of this world." Megatron said.
"I will journey to the ends of this or any world to serve your will, Lord Megatron." Dreadwing replied respectfully, standing behind his leader.
"Then return with my prize with Lockdown and Clobber, Dreadwing. And prove you are more worthy of being my second-in-command than those who have preceded you." Megatron told him.
On the Harbinger, Starscream gathered around the materials he had while in a laboratory. "Inner stat, cross clam, laser scalpel, durabyllium drill and one slightly damaged, but operational T-Cog." Starscream listed out as he looked at the T-Cog with a smile. "Courtesy of my traitorous clone." He added as he picked up the durabyllium drill. "Everything I required to make myself whole again."
Starscream then laid on the perch as he looked at his schematics and then the drill nervously, since there was no one to help operate him since he would've been in stasis for it to pull it off, but he's the only one in the Harbinger. "A simple… painless procedure." He said as he started up the drill while still looking at it nervously. "Nothing to it, really, provided one possesses the nerve." He said as he slowly inched the drill closer to his chest.
Just then, a beeping sound was heard, which made Starscream yelp as he turned to the console and saw five Decepticon signals on different continents. "Five detachments of Decepticons Ground Bridging to five different continents at the exact same time." He said before he gave an intriguing smirk. "Ah, procedure postponed." He said with a smirk.
At the Metroplex, Optimus sends off Bulkhead, Grimlock, Crosshair through the Ground Bridge, "Be on your guard, Autobots." Optimus advised as the four Autobots went through the Ground Bridge. "Rafael, lock onto the remaining coordinates. Windblade, Ironhide, and I will embark for the antarctic, along with one more,"
"Who?" Winblade asked before familiar orange car drove in and transformed.
"Optimus Prime, you summoned me?" Drift said with a bow.
"Drift, thank you for answering my call." Optimus said to him with a bow in return.
"Drift?" Fixit asked in surprise. "I see you came to aid us."
"Optimus informed me of your mission, and I knew that this one require my expertise." Drift said to him.
"Well, it is good you are here, Drift." Optimus said with a nod before turning to Ratchet. "As for you, old friend, you are with Jetfire, Whirl and Rack'n'Ruin."
"But Optimus, We'll be down one bot since I'm just a medic." Ratchet said to him. "And no other bot except for Kup and Fixit are left to join us. Even if Agent Fowler were alert…" He started as they all turned to Agent Fowler, who is still on the medical table.
"Uhh, who's the other boogy." Fowler muttered before he fell back with a soft groan.
"He's human." Ratchet muttered.
"I was considering the only remaining Autobot alternative on this planet." Optimus said, which made the group realize who he was talking about.
"But, y-you can't be serious!" Ratchet exclaimed protestingly, not liking what Optimus was suggesting. "Jetfire, Whirl and even Rack'n'Ruin I can endure but Wheeljack is insubordinate, a ruffian! Besides, he's better suited to our other Wreckers."
"Your expertise is scientific. But Wheeljack and Rack'n'Ruin are a highly capable warrior. And Jetfire and Whirl is a flight specialist." Optimus replied. "You would be wise to welcome the temporary alliance." He advised as Ratchet sighed while pinching his bridge between his optics.
Back on the Harbinger, Starscream held up a controller, which activated the Ground Bridge in front of him as it turned on. "Ah, a remote control for the Ground Bridge. I love Decepticon scientists." Starscream commented as he turned to a Cybertronian scooter he would use for transportation.
In the Antarctic, the Ground Bridge portal appeared and Starscream emerged from it while riding a Cybertronian hover bike. The former air commander began to shiver from the cold atmosphere.
"I despise this planet. If it isn't a scorching desert, it is a frigid wasteland." Starscream complained. "Now, where are you, my Decepticon brethren?"
Just then, two familiar fighter jets flew in from behind Starscream while accompanied by two Vehicon flyers and they soared right over the former air commander. When the four flying vehicles made a turn around, they began shooting static at Starscream this caused him to quickly turn the bike around. Starscream drove his slow-moving transport away from the Decepticon flyers before he gasped fearfully from seeing his attackers soaring in for another blaster attack.
"Faster, you pathetic excuse for transportation!" Starscream yelled, steering his bike around to avoid the blaster shots.
But then, Starscream crashed off his ride and fell straight onto the snowy floor with the hover bike crashing next to him. Two Vehicons transformed and landed in front of Starscream while aiming their blasters at him.
Starscream slowly got up and shook his head in agitation before looking straight up at the two Seekers. "Decepticons, do you not realize you have just shot down your ship's commander?!"
Suddenly, Starscream felt something else landing behind him and he yelped in shock to see Dreadwing standing over him in intimidation.
"You command no one, deserter!" Dreadwing proclaimed as Lockdown and Clobber driving up behind him as they transformed.
"Hi Starscream," Clobber said with her arms crossed.
"Long time, no see," Lockdown added.
"Lockdown? Clobber?! S-S-Skyquake?!" Starscream asked fearfully, mistaking the Seeker captain for his deceased twin. "Bu-bu-but you're-"
"You mistake me for my brother, who is one with the Allspark. As you are no doubt aware, former-Commander Starscream." Dreadwing said with a stern glare, making Starscream stutter nervously. "Were it up to me, I would end this here…and now."
He then put a pair of Cybertronian cuffs onto Starscream to keep him restrained.
"But it is my duty as First Lieutenant of Megatron to render all traitors to my lord and master, for due punishment." Dreadwing declared.
"First Lieutenant?! That's my post!" Starscream shouted, only for Lockdown, Clobber, and the Vehicons to aim their blasters at him. "Eh, was my post."
"That's what we thought," Lockdown said.
The Cons soon started trekking through a blizzard with Starscream as their prisoner. Starscream walked up to Dreadwing, who was currently holding a scanner device.
"Commander Dreadwing, this must be a very important mission if Megatron has dispatched his second-in-command. Scouting for Energon, or something else all together?" Starscream asked.
"That is none of your concern." Dreadwing replied, walking away from the former air commander.
"If I knew what you are looking for, perhaps I could help." Starscream offered, only for one of the Vehicons to shove him with his blaster.
"Will you keep quiet, Screamy?" Lockdown questioned with an annoyed look. "You're lucky we decided not to snuff you on the spot."
"Grr, excuse me for trying passing the time." Starscream growled.
"Seriously, how did you even become Lord Megatron's number 2? All you do is talk." Lockdown stated.
"Maybe he was lucky?" Clobber questioned with a shrug.
"Not lucky!" Starscream yelled before the Vehicon pushed him forward.
Very soon, the blizzard died down and the Decepticons had made it to the coordinates on Dreadwing's scanner.
"We have arrived at the coordinates." Dreadwing said, only for them to stop when they saw a huge hole in the ice with flags surrounding it.
"Uh, is the relic invisible by any chance," Clobber asked.
"The relic, it has been taken." Dreadwing realized.
"Relic? What sort of relic?" Starscream questioned, only to be ignored.
"Search the area!" Dreadwing ordered before Lockdown, Clobber and the Vehicons spread out to find clues.
From the top of a nearby ice hill, Optimus, Drift, Ironhide and Windblade were watching the Decepticons below them.
"Dreadwing," Drift said while narrowing his eyes.
"With Clobber and Lockdown," Ironhide noted.
"And Starscream," Windblade snarled.
"It would seem that Starscream has somehow discovered the existence of the Iacon relics as well." Optimus said seriously.
"Should we take them out, Prime?" Ironhide questioned while charging up his cannons.
"Not yet, Ironhide. Let us see what we can learn first." Optimus said as they kept watching the Decepticons.
Back with the Decepticons, Clobber approached Dreadwing with something to report.
"Commander Dreadwing, we've found some vehicle tracks in the snow." Clobber informed.
"The Autobots." Dreadwing growled, believing they had taken the relic.
"Perhaps. Though, I've never known them to plant flags at the site of their victories." Starscream admitted before Dreadwing suddenly grabbed him, hoisting him above the ground.
"Do not try me, traitor. I will leave your lifeless husk in this frozen waste." Dreadwing said threateningly.
However, they started to heard engine noises and they turned around to see Optimus, Ironide, and Drift driving up to them in their vehicle forms while Windblade flew above them. Dreadwing dropped Starscream and began to walk towards the Autobots with Lockdown and Clobber by his side.
"You two, guard the prisoner." Dreadwing ordered the two lower Cons.
Optimus and his team came to a halt as they transformed and turned their attention to the Decepticons.
"Optimus Prime, I will request only once that you and your allies surrender the relic." Dreadwing demanded.
"I was going to request the same of you, Dreadwing." Optimus replied as Drift, Ironhide, and Windblade prepared for battle.
"Does it look like we have the relic?" Lockdown questioned.
"Then I would say that we are on equal footing. Were it not that there are five of us, only four of you." Dreadwing told his enemies.
"Six, if you'd relieve me of these ridiculous manacles!" Starscream stated in annoyance.
"And actually, we too are six," Drift corrected as he launched Slipstream and Jetstorm.
"How do we keep forgetting those Mini-cons?" Clobber questioned with a brow.
"So now that we are on equal terms." Windblade said with a glare as Optimus and Dreadwing glared at each other while Lockdown and Clobber did the same with the other Autobots, as were the Vehicons while Starscream could only watch in silence. The arctic wind blew across the area as both sides continued to stare each other down for a few seconds, until Dreadwing, Lockdown, and Clobber follows quickly fired their respective blasters at the six Autobots. The Autobots quickly returned fire while avoiding the shots as Windblade Transformed and flew into the air as a vehicon chased after her while Ironhide, Drift, Slipstream and Jetstorm charged at Lockdown and Clobber as they started clashing it out., Optimus brought out his blasters and fired them at Dreadwing while avoiding his own shots. Optimus then managed to shoot Dreadwing in the shoulder, which made the Seeker captain frustrated as he reloaded his cannon and fired three explosive projectiles at the Autobot leader.
"Optimus, watch out!" Ironhide exclaimed as he wrestled with Clobber as Optimus ran forward and jumped over the explosive projectiles, causing a massive explosion behind him before the Autobot leader brought out his blade and leaped at Dreadwing. The Seeker captain put his cannon away and pulled out a long sword from his back, blocking Optimus' blade with it before they pushed each other back. They both engaged in a blade duel and Optimus kicked Dreadwing back before the Seeker captain twirled his sword around and charged at Optimus again with a loud shout. Optimus and Dreadwing struggled their blades against each other and the Autobot leader was able to shove Dreadwing's weapon to the ground, only for the Seeker captain to then knock his enemy away. Seeing that Optimus was close to the edge of a large cliff, Dreadwing put his sword away and then charged directly at the Autobot leader before tackling him, causing them both to crash down to the surface.
"Optimus!" Windblade called in concern.
"Hah! So much for the Prime!" Lockdown taunted as Drift yelled and he clashed blades with each other while Lockdown used his hook while Slipstream tried to help his master. Ironhide and Jetstorm are fighting harder against Clobber as their blows shook the area a bit while Windblade kept fighting from the air.
"Windblade, what's Optimus's status, is he alright?" Ironhide questioned as he fired at Clobber.
"He's seems okay, for now." Windblade answered as she saw Optimus and Dreadwing still standing and fighting.
"We must assist him!" Drift exclaimed before he knocked Lockdown away as Ironhide did the same with Clobber as the two Autobots and Mini-cons rushed to the edge and jumped down while Windblade flew down after them.
"Come on, Clobber! Let's not let Dreadwing have all the fun!" Lockdown called out as the two Decepticons stood up.
"Right!" Clobber called as she and Lockdown rushed to the edge and jumped down as they continued the fight as the Autobots and Decepticons clashed out, but soon, the Decepticons had the upper hand and smack the Autobots down as they groaned and turn to the three Decetpicons behind them.
Optimus looked at the icy cliff behind the Decepticons and brought out his blaster before shooting directly at it.
"Ha! Nice shot!" Luckdown insulted.
"Your aim is poor." Dreadwing said as he bought out his cannon, not noticing the cliff beginning to crack apart.
"That is a matter of perspective." Optimus retorted.
"Just a heads up, you three might wanna start running!" Ironhide stated as he Windblade and Drift ran with their leader.
"Slipstream, Jetstorm, undeploy!" Drift called as his Mini-cons return to his arms and rushed after the others
When Dreadwing, Lockdown, and Clobber turned around, they were shocked to see the ice cliff fall apart and collapse. The three Decepticons tried to escape ahead of their enemies, but it was all too late.
"Scrap!" Clobber exclaimed before she and Lockdown tripped over.
"NOOOOO!" Dreadwing yelled as he and his comrades were consumed by a massive ice cloud.
Once the avalanche came to an end, the two Vehicons and Starscream made their way down to the bottom to see if anyone had survived.
"A stalemate would leave us where?" Starscream asked.
One of the Vehicons looked deep into the icy clouds and noticed three shadowy individuals walking in it.
"Commander Dreadwing! Lockdown! Clobber!" The Vehicon called out.
When the individuals emerged from the cloud, they were revealed to be the Autobots, "Not quite," Windblade retorted, drawing her sword and spreading her wings.
The Vehicons fired while Drift and Winblade provided cover by blocking the shots with their blades while Optimus and Ironhide returned fire as they rushed up to them. Starscream then grabbed the blaster arm of the Vehicon that was next to him as the other Vehicon saw this and turned around to shoot Starscream. The former air commander pulled the other Vehicon in front of him as a shield before Drift swiftly stabbed the remaining Vehicon from behind with his blade. With both Vehicons offline, Starscream dropped the body he was holding and approached the Autobot.
"What a team we make! I am so glad that you and your comrades prevailed, Optimus Prime." Starscream said gratefully. "That wretch, Dreadwing, and his two lackeys were going to terminate me. Now, if you could just remove my bonds, I can lead you four straight to the relic."
But in response, Optimus and Ironhide aimed their blasters at Starscream and charged them up while Windblade and Drift aimed their blades at him.
"You will lead us there, regardless." Optimus replied firmly.
"And if this is one of your tricks, Starscream," Ironhide started.
"You best tell us how you wish to see your end," Drift continued.
"Cause that's what gonna happen," Windblade promised with a glare.
"Hmph, You're welcome," Starscream said sarcastically.
Once they made it back to the top surface, Starscream was leading Optimus and his team to where he assumed the relic was as the Autobot leader kept his blaster aimed at him.
"Be reasonable, Autobots. This cold will freeze our actuators." Starscream complained.
"The current temperatures are not extreme enough to effect our biology. You'll be fine." Optimus said.
"Fine, but miserable. And I cannot believe that you take our alliances for granted." Starscream muttered with a grumpy expression. "After all I have done for the Autobots. Helping to restore your memory, saving Arcee's life."
"Threatening to gut me and frying Bee's T-Cog." Windblade reminded with a glare.
"And not to mention that when you gave us the info of the Insecticon from Airachnid, you seemed to leave out the details that Megatron would be there too." Ironhide added with a glare.
"Uh it, um, slip my mind," Starscream explained sheepishly.
"And while you have at times proved beneficial to us, it has been only to further your own interests." Optimus proclaimed.
"Well, we can't all be as selfless as you now, can we?" Starscream asked rhetorically as they kept on moving.
A few more minutes of walking later, the group arrived at the edge of another cliffside and they looked ahead to see a large military base in the distance, with some lights on to show that there were people in it.
"Aha. As I suspected, humans. We will find the relic here. So, let us reclaim what is rightfully ours." Starscream said before he attempted to walk towards the base, only for Drift to pull him back.
"What sorts of fools do you take us for, Decepticon?" Drift asked with glare.
"We're not dumb enough to enter a human military base in search of a Cybertronian relic, Starscream." Windblade firmly said.
"Not even if they stole it?" Starscream asked while smiling innocently.
"Nor can we expose innocent humans to a dangerous Decepticon," Optimus said, causing Starscream to groan before the Autobot leader activated his com-link. "Rafael, Fixit, has Agent Fowler regained consciousness?"
"I'm here, Prime. What's your situation." Fowler's voice asked.
"We require access to a research facility at our current coordinates." Optimus explained.
"Let me make a call." Fowler replied.
Back at the sight of the avalanche, a laser shot was fired out of the deep snow and Dreadwing emerged out of it. He then heard a couple of muffles within the snow and pulled out Lockdown and Clobber, who both shook themselves to get the snow out of their metallic bodies.
"I'm so going to smash those bots for this." Clobber promised, slamming her fists together.
"I hate this snow stuff. It gets everywhere." Lockdown complained while brushing some snow off his right shoulder.
The three Decepticons walked past the two dead Vehicons as Dreadwing placed his cannon and sword onto his back before they saw some footprints in the snow, which obviously belonged to the Autobots and Starscream.
"I'm guessing we follow those tracks?" Lockdown asked.
"We do." Dreadwing answered before they transformed and went off to confront their enemies.
Meanwhile, Starscream was walking around impatiently as the Autobots stood their ground.
"Are we really going to wait out here in the freezing cold, completely at the mercy of human bureaucracy?" Starscream asked in annoyance.
"I'll snap you in two if you don't stop that kind of talk," Windblade threatened while clenching her fist as Starscream gulped and took a few steps back.
Just then, the group heard helicopter noises in the distance and they saw some of the said-aerial vehicles flying away from the base.
"Looks like Fowler did it." Windblade remarked.
"Base is clear, Prime. Try not to wreck the joint." Fowler said on the com-link.
"Many thanks, Agent Fowler." Optimus replied as he moved Starscream and they all advanced to the base.
Soon, they arrived at the base and Optimus and Drift opened the door to a large hanger. The group walked inside and they saw a massive piece of ice at the back, with some kind of Cybertronian device within it.
"The relic remains sealed within the ice." Optimus said.
"I knew you were of questionable honor, Starscream." Dreadwing said as he, Lockdown, and Clobber came from the entrance. "But aiding the Autobots, that is a capital offense." Dreadwing declared, holding his cannon.
"What?! But I…I left tracks for you, on purpose!" Starscream stated, showing some slight sign of awkwardness. "So you could rescue me from my captors."
"Why am I not surprised," Ironhide commented dully.
"Dreadwing, we cannot allow you to leave here with this relic." Optimus announced firmly.
"I know that, Prime. But we do not intend to give you a choice." Dreadwing replied as he aimed his cannon at the Autobot leader, while Lockdown and Clobber prepared their weapons.
The Autobots tackle them outside! Dreadwing ended up dropping his cannon as while the Autobots and Decepticons faced each other in close combat, all while Starscream turned his attention to the relic with all his enemies occupied.
"Given all the fuss, this relic must be truly special." Starscream said curiously before he reached to his side and grabbed the device that Lockdown gave him earlier. "But now, I believe I should call in some extra help to make sure my enemies stay destroyed for good this time."
Starscream pressed on a button and the device sent out a signal to his Mercenary allies. After dropping the device onto the floor, Starscream approached the large chunk of ice and began slamming his cuffed wrists onto it as each slam made it crack apart.
Back outside, Dreadwing was holding Optimus from behind before the Autobot leader elbowed him away. Ironhide and Drift faced Clobber and Lockdown while Windblade supported as best she could while either on the ground or in the air before knokcing them back as they crashed into Dreadwing.
The Autobot team regrouped and saw Dreadwing pulling out his remote before he pressed a button, hearing a beeping noise coming from Optimus. They saw a Proximity Bomb strapped to Optimus' chest and the Autobot leader quickly threw it off as he and the others made a run for it. The bomb exploded and sent the Autobots flying back.
Meanwhile, Starscream had finished smashing the ice and he saw what the relic contained within it was.
"Armor, of Decepticon origin." Starscream said before he picked up the relic and placed it on his chassis.
Just then, the relic began to expand and transform around Starscream's entire body while breaking off his cuffs in the process. The relic soon became a ginormous suit of armor and Starscream smirked sinisterly at his new weapon.
Back outside, the Autobots laid on the floor in weakened states as Dreadwing stood over them with his sword raised up, while Lockdown, and Clobber prepared to fire their blasters.
Suddenly, a large figure jumped out of the hanger's roof and crashed behind them. The Autobots and Decepticons saw that it was Starscream in his brand new Cybertronian armor.
"Oh no." Windblade muttered in dread.
"Uh, what is that?" Clobber asked nervously.
"The Apex Armor," Optimus answered grimly as Starscream looked at the armor with an impressive smile.
"A perfect fit." Starscream said with a smirk as he faced down his enemies.
"You dare to claim that which rightfully belongs to Lord Megatron?!" Dreadwing asked angrily, posting his sword at Starscream as the former air commander simply chuckled.
"And what do you intend to do about it, Commander?" Starscream questioned, Dreadwing fell for the taunt and he charged at Starscream before bringing his sword down, only for it to immediately bounce off the Apex Armor. Starscream laughed as he brushed himself off and smacked Dreadwing away effortlessly while Clobber and Lockdown fired their blasters at him, but they didn't do damage as Starscream laughed and whacked the two away as they crashed beside Dreadwing. "Not so big and strong now, are you?!" He asked mockingly. "I haven't had this much fun since I punched that hole in Cliffjumper!" He exclaimed as he walked forward and picked up a truck. "Allow me to reunite you with your beloved twin!" He called before he was knocked back Optimus, which send the truck flying as the three Decepticons avoided it as they looked in surprise by what just happened.
Optimus was about to punch Starscream, only for the former air commander to grab his fist and make him kneel down while clenching his hand tightly. "And you, Optimus Prime, I will beat the living Spark out of you! Just so I never again have to endure your pontificating!" Starscream declared, throwing Optimus into a pile of containers.
Soon, Ironhide, Drift, and Winblade all started fighting Starscream as they tried to fight him, but he was unfazed by their attacks as they were punched or whacked back while Lockdown and Clobber joined in, but they had the same results as they crashed beside their respective leaders.
"That armor is Inpentrable!" Drift stated.
"Not even our blasters can put a dent on him." Ironhide said with a glare at Starscream.
"Dreadwing, Lockdown, Clobber, our battle remains unfinished. But if we do not unite against our common foes…" Optimus started.
"Starscream will destroy us all." Dreadwing finished.
"Yeah, I prefer not to go offline," Clobber said nervously.
"So, truce for now?" Lockdown asked with a look.
"For now," Windblade replied in the same down.
"But once Starscream is dealt with, we return to our previous battle." Drift added.
"Wise words as always, Deadlock." Dreadwing said with a determined look.
"Deadlock?" Ironhide questioned as they look at Drift in confusion.
"I will explain later," Drift said as they heard Starscream's chuckle as he marched towards them.
"I will draw Starscream's attention." Dreadwing replied, handing a Proximity Bomb to Optimus. Dreadwing and Windblade transformed and flew over Starscream before coming back around and firing their weapons. The blasts had absolutely no effect on the Apex Armor and Starscream jumped up before smacking Dreadwing and Windblade hardly, making the Seeker captain and City Speaker crash down and transform.
"Might beats flight!" Starscream said smugly.
Then a team up with the Autobots and Decepticons attack Starscream together as best they could, but Starscream easily beaten them back again just as Optimus managed to get behind Starscream and latched onto his back, only for the former air commander to immediately punch him off. Dreadwing stood back up and brought out his remote detonator.
"You shall be the one to join with the Allspark!" Dreadwing told Starscream before pressing a button.
As it turns out, Optimus had planted the Proximity Bomb on Starscream's back and the former air commander gasped fearfully when he heard the beeping. "Duck and cover!" Lockdown exclaimed as they step some distance from Starscream, who tried to reach the bomb before it then exploded, leaving a fiery smoke around it as they all waited to see what happened.
The group looked deep into the smoking crater, until Starscream was shown to be unharmed with his Apex Armor as he gave a laugh. "That tickled!" Starscream stated before he cackled like a maniac. "Fools! Not only am I intelligent, I am INVINCIBLE!"
"Yet you cannot fly!" Optimus replied.
"Nobody's perfect." Starscream said simply as he marched towards the Autobots as Dreadwing, Lockdown, and Clobber looked at the shattered ice Starscream was standing on, getting the same idea as Dreadwing took out another bomb and went down to the ground. "Now, tell me of the other four relics. Are they as powerful as my shiny new armor?" He questioned before he swatted the Autobots as they tumbled back.
"We're not telling you scrap, Screamy!" Ironhide exclaimed with a glare.
"They were hidden away precisely to keep them from the hands of those like you." Optimus said while tightening his fists.
"And we're not letting anyone get them!" Windblade added.
"We would sooner give our sparks than allow you to possess them!" Drift added as the Autobots then threw punches at Starscream, but did nothing with the Apex Armor on him.
"Autobots! Move your wheels and get out of here!" Lockdown exclaimed.
"Yeah! Starscream is too powerful!" Clobber added.
"Fall back!" Dreadwing added, knowing they were outmatched, the Autobots transformed into their vehicle modes and went to the Decepticon trio.
"Cowards. You will not escape my might!" Starscream boasted before he realized something. "Wait… You seven are up to something."
"All I can say is," Windblade started with a smirk, "See ya next fall, Starscream."
Dreadwing pressed on his remote again and a bunch of Proximity Bombs were activated around Starscream. Before he could react, the bombs exploded and the Autobots and Decepticons ran away from the huge explosion. Starscream could only scream out loudly as he fell deep down a massive hole the explosion left in their place. The Autobots approached the giant hole and looked down it.
"Well, there goes our relic," Ironhide commented.
"In Starscream's servos no less," Drift added.
"We'll find a way to get it from him." Windblade assured. "If we see him again."
"Do not so quick to assume Windblade. I have learned that Cybertronians such Starscream are not easily extinguished." Optimus told them.
However, the moment was ended when Dreadwing brought his sword out, Lockdown raised his hook, and Clobber smashed her fists together.
"Now that our alliance has served its purpose…" Dreadwing started.
"We will end you four once and for all." Lockdown added with a smirk.
"And must we." Drift said as the Autobots took a ready stances.
"Starscream are gone and the Apex Armor with him." Optimus added, bringing out his blade. "Is there really a need to renew battle when the goal has been lost?"
"We have other unfinished matters." Dreadwing replied coldly.
"What is he referring to?" Drift questioned.
"He's talking about his twin, Skyquake." Ironhide said to Drift.
"We weren't there, but Megatron showed us a video feed of how you Autobots snuff out his twin." Lockdown said. "And he wants vengance for his brother."
"I bore Skyquake no malice, and I regret the role I played in his demise." Optimus said before he placed his blade away, causing the other Autobots to stand down. "So I will appeal to you three as I once did your twin, Dreadwing. Turn your back on the Decepticon cause and help us end this war, for Skyquakes sake and for all who have fallen."
After an intense moment of silence, Dreadwing raised up his sword and placed it onto his back. The Seeker captain gave a commanding expression to Lockdown and Clobber, which made them reluctantly put their blasters away.
"You and your comrades saved my life today, along with the lives of Clobber and Lockdown." Dreadwing said as he and his followers walked past the Autobots with a glare. "I will terminate you the next time we meet, Prime."
"Besides, we're pretty comfortable where we are right now," Lockdown said simply.
"Yeah, the Decepticons are where we belong." Clobber said in agreement.
The three Decepticons transformed and drove/flew, leaving the Autobots by themselves.
"So be it, Dreadwing." Optimus muttered.
"You did your best, Optimus." Windblade said to him. "Even some Cons have trouble changing from the path they choose."
"But some have chosen the right path, isn't that right, Drift?" Ironhide questioned as the Autobot Samurai did not turn to him, "When Dreadwing called you Deadlock, there was only one possibility that made sense,"
"Indeed. I was once a Decepticon." Drift said as he turned away from them, which surprised the Autobots. "When I first began my training, I was originally designated as Deadlock in my bounty hunting career with a hunter group known as Ronin. But after some time, I saw the lack of conscience in them, which is why I left them and started searching for my own path."
"A very noble choice you made, Drift." Optimus said to him.
"But wait, is that why you prefer neutrality over the Autobots? Because you were once a Decepticon?" Windblade asked.
"I prefer to never choose one side over the other, as our kind is suffering extinction since our planet was destroyed." Drift said with a frown. "Which is why, I deal in business with either side of Cybertronians, one such bounty, your Autobot scout who opened my ideas to the proper path."
"Bumblebee." Windblade said, seeing that Bumblebee's words still hit on Drift.
"I wish to not choose one side over the other, and I must find my own path. And this planet has much to offer." Drift said as he looked around the arctic. "I will continue my path, but know that if you ever need my assistance, I'll be by your side."
"Thank you, Drift, we shall return you and your students to your journeys once we return to Metroplex," Optimus told the Bounty Hunter.
"Thank you, Optimus Prime." Drift said with a bow as Ironhide went into his commlink.
"Fixit, Raf, if either of you are available, we require a Ground Bridge." Ironhide said through the commlink as the four Bots waited for their ticket back to base.
But what the Autobot group didn't know was that below the ice surface they were standing on, Starscream was walking his way through the freezing water and still wearing the Apex Armor as he growled, he may have lost the fight, but he wasn't out of the game.
The second relic, the Apex Armor is not in the hands of the Bots or the Cons, but in the servos of Starscream who intends to make good use of it.
Also, I revealed here that Drift was once a Decepticon named Deadlock and part of a subgroup of others called Ronin from the RID book.
Stay tuned for we see our first Original chapter where Elita leads her team to a Relic that will definitely bring them closer together in "Till All Are One".