Transformers: Casualties of Hope (a Transformers short story)
PREFACE: The author of this work has taken liberties with the material it's based on. The reader will notice some minor to major details within the written work of a well-established Transformers tale. It was done to tell another side of the story left untold until now.
Casualties of Hope, Part 1
"Ready to transmit Autobot identification code, Lord Megatron."
Standing behind the Decepticon leader, ready for the biggest fight of their lives, a small army of battle-hungry warriors stood waiting to be ordered into action. "Are you sure you were able to extract the proper information needed, Soundwave?" asked Megatron.
The Decepticon communication officer looked down at the dead Autobots before him, "Brain modules easily accessible. Resistance, non-existent."
A smile crept across Megatron's face, conveying his satisfaction at how well his plan was proceeding. He had the upper hand as he and his Decepticons waited in secrecy to launch their attack on the Autobots. So long as they kept the element of surprise, the battle ahead was theirs to win.
"My loyal Decepticons," Megatron said to his troops. "Our moment of victory is at hand. The Autobots are completely unaware that we are about to strike a decisive blow against them. You have your orders and remember, spare no one."
Megatron's warriors couldn't hold back the perverse joy that overcame them at the thought of finally destroying the Autobots. As the Decepticons rejoiced and battle cries echoed, Megatron longed to bring an end to the conflict with the accursed Autobots. Once he had crushed the last of those who would oppose him, his universal campaign of total galactic domination would begin. Today's battle would change everything.
Walking down the empty corridor that he had done too many times before, Windcharger practically dragged his feet as he made his way to his next assigned task.
The impatient Autobot was at his limit. He was somewhere beyond the realm of boredom where the simplest task felt like torture. The seemingly never-ending list of duties he had been assigned didn't help to distract him. Instead, he felt trapped in a mundane loop of activities that didn't interest him. But it was to be expected since he was stationed with a small team of Autobots, a skeleton crew as the humans called it.
Desperate to break up his routine, Windcharger activated his comlink. "Windcharger to Blaster. Anything new to report?"
"Be with you in one second, WIndcharger," replied Blaster as Windcharger could hear he was on another call. "Identification received, Autobot shuttle. You're cleared for landing. So what's the haps, Windcharger ol' buddy?"
"Absolutely nothing," came the lackluster reply. "I'm bored and I have a list of duties that could slow down the speed of a comet. It's like watching a Vanguard-class Interceptor getting eaten by rust."
"That's what happens when you're close to winning the war," said Blaster. "Any plans on what you're going to do when it's all over?"
When it's all over? Windcharger never thought about what he would do after the last laser bolt had been fired. With the end of the great Cybertronian war in sight, Windcharger would have nothing but free time on his hands. Sure, he wanted this war done with but adjusting to a regular life on Cybertron felt like a daunting task and more boredom to contend with.
"You know what, Blaster? I've been fighting this war for so long I don't even remember what I used to do before it all began."
Windcharger could hear Blaster laughing on the other end, "Cybertron is going to need a major makeover when it's all said and done. And I doubt whatever Decepticons are left will stick around. Tracking them down across the galaxy could be the next big thing. Not to mention—"
A muffled sound came over the comlink, pulling Windcharger back to reality. "Blaster, what was that? Sounds like shooting."
"Sweet Primus! Someone is attacking the shuttle!"
Hearing Blaster, Windcharger ran to find an exit that led outside. He found a doorway to an outer walkway and ran outside to see where the shooting was coming from. "Blaster, who's shooting at the shuttle?"
"I don't know but the attack is coming from Lookout Mountain."
Looking where Blaster said the attack was coming from, Windcharger saw laser bolts slamming against the side of the shuttle as it descended toward Autobot City. He didn't understand what was going on. Was it a Decepticon ambush? Before he could think of any more possibilities, an explosion erupted from the side of the shuttle, followed by several familiar shapes Windcharger knew too well.
Coming directly towards the city was a massive group of Decepticons. A squad of Seekers flew ahead, releasing a barrage of missiles. Windcharger was helpless and could only watch as the projectiles flew overhead and slammed into the various city structures, hitting towers and buildings.
Seeing as it was too dangerous to stay outside, Windcharger ducked back in just as a missile stuck where he stood only a moment before. As he picked himself back up, Windcharger could hear the alarms go off, followed by more explosions. Autobot City was now on full alert and under siege. This wasn't the change of routine Windcharger would ask for but he'd take it.
"Windcharger, talk to me, good buddy. You ok?" came Blaster's voice through the comlink.
"I'm good," said Windcharger as he ran back down the corridor. "Did you get hit?"
"That's a hard negative. And I think it's time to go on the defensive and show these clowns they ain't wanted in this neighborhood."
"Sounds good to me. See you when it's over."
As Windcharger came to the end of the corridor, he found a lift that would take him to the lower levels and got in. Descending, the Minibot took a moment to think about the situation. A massive squad of Decepticons had just shown up, bypassing the defensives and by the looks of it, they outnumbered the Autobots stationed here in the city. In Windcharger's opinion, It beat the burden of his tasks and their tormentous nature. At least the boredom won't kill me.