It was currently nighttime at the military warehouse the Autobots are now using to meet up with Fowler in and a large ground-based vehicle drove into the facility where Optimus and Rodimus were currently standing. The vehicle parked in front of Optimus and Agent Fowler emerged from the driver's seat.
"Optimus, what we have here is an experimental all-terrain expeditionary fighting vehicle." Fowler introduced. "Designed by the finest in our MASK division."
"Thank you, Agent Fowler. This will most certainly do." Optimus replied before he shot two blue beams from his eyes and scanned the expeditionary vehicle, acquiring a new vehicle mode.
Fowler then turned to Rodimus, "And Rodimus, since you became a Prime, we decided to help upgrade your Vehicle mode with something more fitting for you." He said as he gestured outside for another Vehicle to come in, the front part was a larger version of Rodimus's old car mode while the rest of it in the back acts like some kinda trailer or mobile base. "Don't worry, we kept some details of your old vehicle mode. This is a prototype mobile base for long distance squads. Able to cover ground and move at high speed, since knowing you like the thrills."
"Much appreciated Agent Fowler." Rodimus said as he then shot his beams out of his eyes and scanned his new vehicle mode.
Meanwhile, in Metroplex, which is behind the military base as a hanger, the Autobots salvage much of what was in the Harbinger and brought it back to their titan base and adjust it to Autobot details as best they could while the Autobots walked around and entered the Hanger Bay as Ratchet, Perceptor, Fixit, and Raf just finished setting up the Ground Bridge next to the Space Bridge as they opened up a portal.
"Return trajectory fluctuations have been stable." Raf said to the three Autobots.
"The Ground Bridge is now stabilized for proper use." Fixit added.
"Ultra Magnus, we are ready to receive you and your team." Perceptor said as a blue semi truck and a porsche 911 drived in with some Energon cubes and other supplies, which Bumblebee, Moonracer and Springer took them.
"This is all you could get?" Moonracer asked as the truck and car transformed into Ultra Magnus and Mirage respectively, while the former has taken up to adopt Optimus's old vehicle mode.
"We didn't find much else in the rubble of your former base," Ultra Magnus told them.
"Ya call this 'not much else'?" Crosshairs questioned as he walked in with a lobbing ball, "Think fast!" He said throwing it to Bulkhead.
"Huh?!" Bulkhead yelped as he braced himself, as it bounced off his chest towards Wheeljack, who managed to catch it but was knocked back towards Jack and Miko who jumped out of the way of the Wrecker.
"Crosshairs! You could've caused serious damage!" Ratchet snapped.
"To me!" Miko snapped with a glare.
"But good throw, Cross!" Wheeljack said with a smile.
"Don't encourage him, Jackie." Springer said with a dull look.
Ultra Magnus turned to Crosshairs. "What were you thinking, soldier?" He questioned firmly.
"I was thinking Bulk could catch that lob, but it looks like Jackie beat him to it." Crosshairs said with a natural smile.
"Which I did! Still got it!" Wheeljack said as he walked up to them while twirling the metal ball.
"Allow me to make myself clear!" Ultra Magnus said sternly, "As Optimus Prime's Third in Command, I have no intention of tolerating Wrecker behavior!"
Wheeljack and Crosshairs just gave a displeased frown, "Tch, Somethings never change, huh?" Crosshairs asked Wheeljack.
"No they don't, Cross." Wheeljack said as the others watched in the tension.
"Jackie, Cross." Bulkhead warned as Ultra Magnus glared harder.
"Need I remind you both that it was Optimus Prime himself who assigned me to command your Wreckers back on Cybertron, and get you loose cannons under control?!" Ultra Magnus questioned. "An effective combat unit begins with discipline, exactly how Springer has earned his title of lieutenant to the Wreckers. If you two won't except that, feel free to choose the path of least resistance. As one of you did before."
"If old Buckethead weren't still putting around this planet, I'd take the First Space Bridge to Velocirtron right now, Commander." Crosshairs said snidely before walking away.
"And if my ship weren't a twisted wreck at present, I do that, sir." Wheeljack added with a sneer as he walked after Crosshairs.
"What crawled under their hoods?" Sideswipe questioned with a brow.
"Let's just say, Ultra Magnus's way of doing things, didn't sit right with Jackie and Cross," Springer said with a frown with his arms crossed as Ultra Magnus gave a sigh.
"Has the away team returned yet?" Ultra Magnus questioned.
"No word from the yet but," Raf started before there was a beep, "Oh, nevermind," He said before answering the call.
"This is Windblade, mission complete, requesting a Space Bridge." Windblade requested over the comms.
"Opening the Space Bridge now," Preceptor said as he opened the Space bridge as Windblade, Prowl, Drift and Hound returned with some Energon cubes, weapons and other supplies.
"Good thing I had off-planet weapon caches across the galaxy for emergencies before Metroplex found me," Windblade said with a smile.
"And it's a good thing Optimus used the Forge to make both sets of our Ground Bridges into a Space Bridge before we left for Cybertron." Prowl said as they put the supplies down. "And with the one at base destroyed, this is the only Autobot Space Bridge left."
"And it is a good thing we took the Harbringer's Ground Bridge as backup." Hound added. "I mean, we may have a Space Bridge, but better be prepared and save Energon."
Optimus and Elita then walked in and saw the supplies, "Excellent work, Autobots." Optimus complimented, "These supplies will most definitely aid us."
"We did all we could to grab as much at my cache, Prime." Windblade said with a smile.
"Speaking of which, where's Hot R-I mean… Rodimus?" Acree asked, seeing that the new Prime is not with them.
"Indeed, any word from Rodimus Prime?" Ultra Magnus asked.
"He's out investigating recent Decepticon activity." Elita explained. "Trying to find an Energon mine."
"On…" Reck started.
"...his Own?" Ruin finished.
"You sure he can handle it?" Jazz questioned.
"Um, Hello? New Prime, remember?" Mirage reminded them.
"Yeah. The kid should be fine." Kup assured. "If he can go toe to toe with Megatron, he can handle anything."
"And it will get him to experience some more training as the new Prime." Elita explained.
"If Rodimus is to grow as a Prime, he must be able to learn where and when he must stand on his own or require assistance." Optimus explained.
"Indeed." Drift said with a nod as he was cleaning his sword. "Rodimus will handle things. If he requires backup, he will contact us."
"If you say so." Acree said with a concerned look, which Elita noticed.
In the sky, Rodimus was flying around the sky as he followed the coordinates to where Decepticon Activity was as he landed on the ground and stood in front of a cave. "Hmm. A bit small for someone the size of Megatron." Rodimus noted. "It's a good thing Optimus isn't here. He wouldn't fit unless he went into vehicle mode. I on the other hand,"
He then transformed into his Mobile base form and rolled into the cave to search for an Energon Mine.
"How cool is it that now we have two Primes?" Miko said with a smile, "Bet King Con is quaking in his boots right now!"
"Megatron was shocked to see two Primes." Sideswipe said with a smirk. "Heheh, bet no one saw that coming."
"And won't it be rad if you all had jetpacks or the ability to fly like Optimus and Rodimus? Not counting the flyers, but for ground forces?" Miko added.
"Quite rad, Miko." Ratchet said dully while fixing up an equipment. "But the Forge has been depleted of its power to do that." He explained while seeing the powered down Forge behind them, resting beside the Enigma of Combination that Elita managed to snatch during the chaos on Cybertron.
"Now it's only good for pounding out digs." Bulkhead added.
"We were lucky that Elita managed to snag the Enigma of Combination during the chaos with the Omega Lock." Ironhide stated.
"Which was pretty clever." Jazz added.
Suddenly a blue and yellow car raced in and stopped in front of the Autobots while leaving a trail of smoke, "Smokescreen?" Firestar asked with a smile as the car transformed into a repainted Smokescreen.
"Aw what gave me away?" Smokescreen complained as the Autobots gave him 'really' smiles, "Come on. 'Robots in Disguise', am I right?" He asked with a smile.
"Where have you been, Smokescreen?" Elita asked, walking up to him.
"Scanning new warpaint. Thought it be proactive to follow the Primes' lead," Smokescreen explained, "And Bumblebee's." He added, turning to the Autobot scout.
"Thanks, Smokey," Bumblebee said.
"Even Grimlock's getting in on it," Smokescreen told them.
"Grimlock?" Ironhide asked in surprise, as were the others.
"But, I thought Dinobots couldn't disguise themselves." Miko said in confusion.
Suddenly they heard and felt a loud stomping approaching, "Impossible, huh?" They all turned and saw Grimlock in his Dinobot form, now sporting a more robust build, a new silver paint job, a red underbelly, yellow claws, shorter two clawed arms, and a yellow tail with a drill on the end, "Say hello to Grimlock 2.0." Grimlock said while giving a loud roar.
"Sweet Solus Prime!" Strongarm said in surprise, as were the other Autobots.
"Nice makeover, Grim." Jack complimented.
"Grimlock, how did... I mean, when did you…" Chromia tried to ask while trying to process how Grimlock changed.
"Where did you score the upgrade?" Bulkhead asked in amazement. "We know it's not the Forge."
"Perceptor figured I needed a new form to gain some advantage with the Cons." Grimlock explained. "So, he souped up my T-Cog and upgraded my Dinobot form."
"Wait, you can upgrade T-Cogs?" Raf asked in surprise while looking at the Autobot chief scientist.
"It was a simple procedure." Perceptor said with a shrug. "A Cybertronian can be improved or, achieve a higher level of their vehicle mode with proper and time patience, with this new form, Grimlock now has better strength, agility and fire power."
"Yowza, he's good." Sideswipe commented in surprise while the others nodded.
"That's Perceptor." Some of the Autobots said in unison with shrugs.
"Now you two can look your best while stacking those empty cubes." Ultra Magnus said while gesturing to the empty energon cube containers at the corner.
Grimlock looked at the cubes and then at his much smaller arms, "Uh…" He started, seeing his arms weren't that good at picking things up. "Hang on." He said as he jumped up and went back into bot form which was also got upgrade with spiker armor, broader shoulder pads and a blue vizor over his eyes, "Much better." He smiled.
"Whoa! Nice form!" Miko said in awed.
"You look battle ready, Grim." Kup said with a smile.
"Thanks." Grimlock said with a smile before turning to Smokescreen. "Come on, buddy. Let's start stacking."
Smokescreen sighed, "Best friend of a Prime but still stuck as a Rookie," He complained.
"What was that about a Prime?" Fixit asked in confusion.
"Uh, time." Smokescreen quickly said. "Time to stop, acting like a rookie." He said as he and Grimlock went to work at stacking.
Arcee then walked next to Optimus and Elita, "Smokescreen and Rodimus were the only ones who went back," She noted to her leaders, "If it weren't for them, you wouldn't be here, Optimus." She said with her head down, still feeling a bit of guilt for what she said to the two of them some time back.
"You all were under the strictest of orders and had human partners to protect, Arcee," Optimus said to Acree. "You have nothing to be ashamed of."
"We should be grateful for Rodimus's courage and Smokescreen's loyalty to disobey protocol." Elita said with a smile. "Reminds me of some bot I know." She added while looking at Optimus, who gave a small smile in return.
At one end of the cave, some Insecticons were with a signal mining bot while drilling through a hole as one of them looked through it. "There. I can see it." The Insecticon said while seeing a Cybertronian bone in the hole as he was about to pull it out.
"Abandon the drilling excavation, Cons." Rodimus's voice spoke up as the group turned and saw him at one end of the tunnel. "Now." He added with a serious look as he then rushed towards them.
"Attack!" An Insecticon yelled as the rest of them charged at Rodimus, who then ready his flamethrowers and blasted fireballs a few Insecticons in the air before two more charged at him and fired. Rodimus went into his vehicle mode, dodged the lasers and rammed into one before transforming back, punched the other Insecticon up to the ceiling and then smacked him away as he raised his arm transformed into a big blaster as he aimed at the Insecticons chest, causing it to go through it's spark chamber before he jumped over it and continue to charge at the remaining Insecticon.
The remaining Insecticon quickly reached for the skull and pulled a horn from it before it transformed and took off with a shriek as Rodimus stopped. He then looked at the hole in the ceiling before he turned to the one in the wall before his eyes widened when he saw the skull.
"It…can't be." Rodimus muttered in shock.
Back at Metroplex, the others were hanging around before the Ground Bridge opened and Rodimus walked through, "Rodimus how did your mission fare?" Optimus asked.
"Did you find any new Energon?" Elita asked him.
"No. I found something even more disturbing," Rodimus said as he placed the skull down on a table.
"By the Allspark," Elita breathed out in shock.
"It cannot be…" Ratchet muttered as he and Perceptor walked over to it and scanned it.
"Be what?" JAck asked.
"It is a fossilized skull of a Predacon." Perceptor answered grimly as they all looked at the skull in shock. "My scan indicates the owner of this skull perished thousands of earth years ago. Though reason for it being found on this planet is unclear, it does clarify some variable about the Predacon under the Decepticons command."
"What's the deal with these Dragon bots anyway?" Miko asked.
"In the beginning, Predacons were the first creatures to come into existence on Cybertron, long before Primus created our species," Preceptor explained, "Some tens of millions of cycles ago, there was a great cataclysm that completely eradicated the Predacon Race, leaving only fossil remains buried beneath the metal of our home world."
"They're like Earth's dinosaurs." Raf summarized in amazement.
"Which means for you guys, running into one would be like us meeting a T-Rex," Jack commented before turning to Grimlock, "Well, a real one anyway." He added.
"Eh, it's cool." Grimlock said with a shrug.
"So what does that make Dinobots, Like Grim?" Miko asked.
"Totally different compared to them." Bulkhead answered.
"With Megatron seeming new interest in the excavation of prehistoric skeletons, and a certain scientist back among the Decepticon ranks…" Ratchet started.
"It would stand to reason that Shockwave cloned the beast from one such find." Optimus finished.
"And now Megatron is looking to clone another," Jetfire guessed.
"What makes you think Buckhead would stop at just one?" Wheeljack questioned with a brow.
"If there are more bones like this on Earth," Strongarm started.
"We could have…" Reck started.
"...beast wars on our hands." Ruin finished
"One unique strand of CNA is all that is required to incubate a new Predacon," Preceptor analyzed, "And seeing how Shockwave managed to acquire one such strand…"
"He already has the means to engender one," Rodimus stated seriously, "Well Autobots, it seems we've gone from relic searching to Beast Hunting."
"Agreed." Optimus said with a nod.
Moonracer rubbed her chin, "Still, something doesn't make sense," She spoke up, "Predacons went extinct on Cybertron,"
"Exactly, so what would their bones be doing here?" Smokescreen wondered.
At the same time on the Nemesis, the Predacon bone that the Insecticon collected was resting on a Cybertronian table and being scanned by Shockwave, with Megatron and Starscream standing by, looking bewildered as to how a Predacon bone was found.
"On Earth?!" Starscream asked in disbelief. "I mean, isn't it just a little preposterous?!"
"These are not the remains of Predacons, Starscream. But rather, the remains of Predacon clones." Megatron revealed. "For you see, our recent Autobot hunter wasn't the first beastly super soldier Shockwave ever attempted to breed from prehistoric matter." He explained before that he had flashbacks of Predacon clones awakening from stasis pods in a lab and then attacking Autobots on Earth in ancient times. "During the War for Cybertron, I sanctioned the dispatch of a small army of these Predacons to Earth. To unleash the beasts on unwitting Autobots forces. Once they accomplished their mission, the surviving Predacons held sentinel on this very world for ages to come, guarding the Energon reserves they've managed to secure while awaiting my arrival. Of course, our reunion here was much delayed and it would seem we lost the beasts to the ravages of time."
"But not their endo-matter, from which I am logically able to extract their very CNA." Shockwave said, holding up the Predacon bone.
"Pfft, another scavenger hunt?" Starscream asked with a scoff. "How logical would it really be to locate all the dusty remains of your former pets?"
"You are not suggesting that I would send my creations to a distant planet without first having them microchipped?" Shockwave questioned in response.
"Uh, well…well, I was…" Starscream stuttered. "Seriously, you did?" He asked.
At Metroplex, Fixit brought up images of robotic versions of Earth mythological beasts, such as Griffons, Sea-serpents, Dragons and more, "Historical records of Predacon clones sanctioned here on Earth to exterminate Autobot forces stationed here." Fixit explained.
"But those are metal versions of creatures from our Greek mythology and medieval literature." Jack noted.
"Not Dinosaurs." Raf added.
"It would stand to reason that Predacons did indeed walk upon this Earth in ancient times." Optimus spoke up. "As they seemed to have been the basis for much of humankind's folklore. Illustrating once again that the pasts of Earth and Cybertron are inextricably linked."
"Two halves of the same whole, Order and Chaos. Primus and Unicron." Elita added.
"But perhaps we can use this to our advantage," Rodimus spoke up, "If human mythology was indeed based upon the Predacons, then perhaps by following these records it may lead us to more of their remains."
"Okay, it's official, these three are wisecracks." Crosshairs commented with his arms crossed.
"Get ready bots, it's gonna be a long operation." Jetfire advised.
A bit later, the Autobots stood ready while monitoring their progress while the children decided to bunk with the Autobots while having some furniture around for comfort and to feel right at home while some of the Autobots began their search for any Predacon bones while the rest are just waiting or doing their own things until they are called.
With Rodimus, he was walking down the hallway as he had been thinking about Megatron's Predacon plan as he was deep in thought. "As if one Predacon was already enough, a small squadron of them will do to us like they did to the Autobots who fell before." He muttered.
"Do Primes always talk to themselves?" Acree's voice spoke up, which made Rodimus turn to her as he saw Acree walking towards him. "I thought that was just an Optimus thing." She teased with a smirk.
"Heh, it comes with the package deal, Acree." Rodimus said with a slight chuckle. "The Matrix of Leadership certainly has an effect on those it chooses."
Arcee then gave a curious look, "What is it like? Taking in the wisdom of the Primes, I mean?" She asked.
Rodimus looked at her for a moment as he thought of his experience. "If I am being honest, it was…strange. It felt as if memories that weren't my own rose up inside, strength I never knew I had was awakened. It was as if I was reborn." He said.
"Well, the Matrix did hold all the collective wisdom of the Primes." Acree noted. "And from recent experience, it can also hold memories of all the other Primes as well."
"Not quite all the other Primes." Rodimus said a frown.
"What do you mean?" Acree asked.
"When I came in contact with the Matrix I saw the spirits of the Original Primes within it…except for one." Rodimus explained.
"Who was it, Optimus?" Acree asked.
"No. He was there briefly before I brought him back." Rodimus answered before he gave a thought. "But other than that, not counting Optimus… I'm not sure who."
"Wait, if that's true, I guess he didn't wield the Matrix long enough to leave his memories in." Acree said with a shrug.
"A mystery for another time I'm afraid. For now all our focus should be on collecting any Predacon remains found on Earth." Rodimus said to her with a serious look. "Knowing Megatron, he is probably out collecting the bones right now."
"Yeah. Sure." Acree said before she gave a sigh. "Rodimus, I just… wanted to say that I'm, sorry."
"For what?" Rodimus asked in confusion.
Acree looked away a bit. "I'm sorry, for the mean and harsh things I said about you and Smokescreen before you two were captured by the Decepticons when we were searching for the Omega Keys." She apologized with a shameful look. "I was just so frustrated with everything going wrong lately and Smokescreen showboating, I let it all build up in me and I ended up taking it out on you two."
"Acree, while in war, we all must focus, but there are times when they have their own way to cope." Rodimus said to her. "Smokescreen was trying to prove to himself how valuable he is, since he was out of the war."
"I know. I see that now." Acree said with a frown. "And you were only trying to look out for a friend, and I blabbed out Optimus's secret to you and made you think you were never worthy as a Prime."
"It is alright, Acree." Rodimus assured her as he placed a servo to her shoulder as she looked at him. "It's all in the past now. And Smokescreen and I have already forgiven you."
Acree looked at him for a moment as she gave a smile. "Thanks," She said.
"Anytime." Rodimus said with a smile as he turned around. "Now, let us prepare for a mission. I have a feeling it will be soon." He said as he walked off as Acree watched him go with a small smile.
"He really has changed a lot." Acree said to herself with a fond smile before she realized what she said as she shook her head. "Why did I say that?"
Meanwhile, in the lab part for Metroplex, Perceptor and Ratchet were on a console as Ratchet showed Preceptor a familiar formula as the two were studying it as Optimus came up behind them. "Synthetic Energon?" Optimus asked, knowing what the formula is.
"With Energon mines scarce on this planet, I believe it would be wise for us to complete the formula to create our fuel," Preceptor explained, "Ratchet's progress on it is promising but still unstable."
"Indeed. I am concerned that with our Energon reserves being really low since our base was destroyed, our ability to deal with impending crises will be severely hampered." Ratchet explained.
"A wise decision, old friend." Optimus said in agreement.
"Just please, manage your expectations." Ratchet said before gesturing to some very old Earth equipment. "Perceptor and I are working with even more rudimentary hardware than before. But with the help of our chief science officer, our Synthetic Energon is possible."
"While the formula is incomplete, if we figure out the rest of the equation, we don't have to worry about shortage." Perceptor added. "But, with our crisis, it will take some time."
"So until the formula is complete, we will isolate ourselves in the lab while Fixit handles Ground Bridge and Space Bridge duty." Ratchet stated.
"Understood, old friends," Optimus said with an understanding nod before beeping sounds were heard.
"Fixit to Autobots available, meeting at the Ground Bridge and Space Bridge Hanger. Fowler wants to pot to, trot to…" Fixit glitched in the speakers before smacking sounds were heard. "Talk to us about a mission."
"Looks like its time." Elita commented from the doorway as Optimus nodded as he walked up to her.
At the hanger, the Autobots, except Ratchet and Perceptor, gathered around the hanger where Fowler is by, since he is close by, he walked and saved him the call so he can speak in person while the children are there too after being awaken up by Fixit's announcements.
"Primes, satellites surveillance has picked up two signs of Decepticon activity." Fowler explained to them as the Autobots and children listened. "One near an oil field outside of El Paso, the other near the Hiberties Bluffs in Scotland. So don't forget to pack your kilts."
"We'll have to divide and conquer," Rodimus told Optimus.
"Agreed. Ultra Magnus, lead the Wreckers to the Bluffs." Optimus instructed their third commander.
"Yes, Optimus." Ultra Magnus replied before he then stepped forward with a confused expression. "Uh…what's a kilt?"
Optimus and Elita silently looked to Fowler and leaned towards Ultra Magnus a bit. "Agent Fowler can at times be oblique. We find it best to simply nod and mobilize." Optimus said.
"Trust us, you'll get used to it." Elita said in agreement.
"Wreckers, Let's roll." Ultra Magnus ordered as Wheeljack and Crosshairs sighed as Ultra Magnus then walked up to the Forge of Solus Prime, "Optimus, Rodimus, I understand there are many emotions tied to the forge."
"This is no time to stand on ceremony." Optimus said to him.
"While the forge may be powerless now, it is not useless," Rodimus added.
Ultra Magnus then picked up the Forge, "Allow me to put this to some practical use," He requested.
"Fixit, fire up the Ground Bridge." Rodimus said before Elita spoke up.
"Rodimus, while we should divide and conquer, perhaps you stay back incase of another Decepticon sighting." Elita said to him.
"She's right." Windblade said in agreement. "If they're searching for bones, it would be best to have our second Prime on stand by."
Rodimus looked down for a moment before he sighs. "Agreed. Good luck out there, Autobots." He said as they all nodded.
At the oil field in El Paso, a Ground Bridge appeared on a bridge and Optimus, Bumblebee, Jazz, Smokescreen, Elita and Windblade emerged from it in their vehicle modes. All six Autobots transformed and Optimus looked at the oil field ahead before turning to the others.
"Windblade and I will search this quadrant." Optimus said.
"And I'll lead the ground search at the oil field." Elita replied.
"Good luck, guy. We'll catch up later." Windblade said as she and Optimus took to the air and turned to the opposite direction as Elita and the three mechs transformed and drove off in another down the bridge as they then arrived at the oil field as they transformed and had their blasters out in ready as they searched around.
"Be on your guard, Autobots." Elita said to them. "This oil field is highly flammable. So watch your aim."
"No kidding. One bad blast and it's straight to Allspark," Jazz commented.
As they searched around, Smokescreen had a thought. "Hey, Bee? Jazz? Commander Elita? Have any of you ever thought you might wanna be a Prime?" Smokescreen asked.
"Uh, what kind of question is that?" Jazz questioned confusingly.
"Just curious." Smokescreen replied
"Do you mean right now?" Bumblebee asked.
"Not now. Someday." Smokescreen said. "I mean, we saw how Rodimus became one, but Elita, you were Optimus second in command. I wonder why he didn't make you a Prime as well."
"I'm not sure that I would ever want the title of Prime, Smokescreen. Optimus is more worthy of being the leader for the Autobots than I will ever be." Elita admitted. "I'm at peace with who I am; the future Conjux Endura of Optimus Prime."
"Nobody's tighter to Prime than you, ma'am." Jazz quipped. "As for me, I'm better off being the cool, tailpipe-kicking veteran that I am."
"Same here. I'm just working hard to become a warrior, one day." Bumblebee said.
"Warrior, yeah. You and me both, Bee." Smokescreen replied in agreement. "But we've seen you in action. Optimus knows you can scrap with the best of them. Why won't he just promote you from scout already?"
"Actually, it was Bumblebee's choice to stay a scout, Smokescreen." Elita said with a smile to Bumblebee.
"Your choice? Huh. So, why wait?" Smokescreen asked.
"Figured it'd be worth more if I became a warrior on the steel of Cybertron." Bumblebee said.
"Guess it would be more meaningful to be graduated back home, on Cybertron." Smokescreen admitted. "Can't say I see that happening anytime soon. I mean with Cybertron now permanently dead."
"Don't throw in the towel just yet," Jazz told him, "I got a good feeling in my chassis we'll get Cybertron back."
"We just need to have hope, Smokescreen." Elita said with a smile. "We'll find a way to restore Cybertron. There's always a way."
"Yeah, we waited this long to find a way to restore our home, we can wait a little longer." Bumble added with a confident tone.
"Wow. You guys are one patient bots." Smokescreen said with a smile. "I should take a cue."
Just then, they heard drilling noises as Elita held up a servo and they became concerned when they saw the Decepticon mining crew drilling through a hill. "Looks like we found our target." Elita said with a serious look.
"Then let go. We got a bone to pick with the cons." Jazz quipped with a smirk as they ready their blasters as they got closer to the mining crew. But what they didn't notice were Vehicons were behind them on some facility buildings for an ambush. Fortunately, the Autobots quickly noticed the ambushing Vehicons around them.
"You all ready to dance?" Jazz asked, smiling confidently.
"Definitely." Smokescreen replied before the Autobots rushed separate ways, avoiding the Vehicons' blaster fire.
Smokescreen and Jazz got behind an oil machine while Bumblebee and Elita were behind some crates for cover. Bumblebee and Elita managed to shoot down some Vehicons as Smokescreen and Jazz moved to the side and shot two more from atop a silo. But then, a pair of Vehicons started rushing at Smokescreen and Jazz while shooting their blasters before Smokescreen ran out and suddenly disappeared behind one of the oil machine's pieces. The Vehicons looked around in confusion, but Smokescreen suddenly jumped down from the oil machine and instantly shot a Vehicon before tossing him into his partner, making them both fly into another machine. The remaining Vehicon looked at Smokescreen, who pointed upwards as the Vehicon saw he was sitting under the machine's crane piece as it smashed right onto him.
"Ooh! That's gonna be a hard dent to fix." Jazz cringed before shooting a Vehicon on his left without even looking.
Bumblebee skillfully blasted apart a Vehicon that was attacking on his left side, only for another Vehicon to start attacking. Elita jumped in front of the Vehicon and used a powerful spin kick to knock him down before one last Vehicon tried to shoot her from behind, only for the female Commander to shift her right hand into a blade and cut off the Vehicon's blaster, stab him through the chest and cleave through his torso to his head as he then collapsed back. Bumblebee could feel two more presences nearby and aimed his blasters immediately, only to see it was Jazz and Smokescreen.
"Easy with the trigger, Bee." Jazz said, putting his arms up assuringly.
"Like I said, you've got nice chops for a scout." Smokescreen complimented as Bumblebee put his blasters away.
Elita then walked up to them. "Okay, with the Vehicons dealt with, we should have an easy time to dig up and recover the Predacon bone before Shockwave gets it." She said to the three mechs.
"Uh, I think it might be a little late for that," Jazz pointed behind her to the hole as she turned and saw Shockwave climbing out with the jaw of a Predacon as coming up beside him were Lugnut, Blitzwing, and Shadow Striker as the four Autobots aimed their weapons.
"Scrap." Bumblebee said.
"Hello Autobots. I think it's time…" Blitzwing said calmly before his head turn to his angry face. "For you all to get scrap!" He exclaimed as he, Shadow Striker, and Shockwave fired their blasters at the Autobots while Lugnut watched.
They quickly moved aside as Smokescreen turned to the three-headed con. "Way to say it, Con." Smokescreen said with a smirk.
"The name is Blitzwing! And we're just getting warmed up!" Blitzwing shouted as he and the other cons continued to fire.
The Autobots return fire as one of the shots hits Shockwave, making him move his blaster arm to one of the oil machines. Oil started raining down from the explosion, but this caused a chain reaction as many more nearby oil machines began exploding.
"Scrap! Scrap! Scrap!" Jazz panicked.
"Take cover!" Elita shouted as the four rushed out before they were flung back a bit by the explosion as they hit the ground as they groaned as they got up.
"How epic was that?!" Smokescreen asked the group in excitement before they heard transforming as they saw the Depecticons rolling or flying out of the area.
"After them!" Elita shouted as they quickly transformed and drove after the Decepticons. "Optimus, Windblade! The Decepticons have the Predacon bone, they're heading to our position of arrival!"
"Stay on them, Elita. We're on our way." Optimus said to the coms.
Just then, Blitzwing and Shockwave moved their tanks cannons and fired at the autobots, causing them to server around as the Decepticons made it to the bridge just as Optimus and Windblade flew.
"It's Optimus and Windblade!" Shadow Striker exclaimed.
"Blast them out of the sky!" Blitzwing told them.
Shockwave and Blitzwing aimed their cannons at the two flying Autobots as Optimus and Windblade flew around to avoid them before Optimus brought out his blaster and shot a single blast at the four cons, causing them to tumble around the ground and transformed into bot-form as they crashed into the ground as Shockwave lost his grip on the Predacon bone.
"Woo! And that's why Optimus is a Prime!" Smokescreen cheered.
As the Decepticons recovered a Ground Bridge opened and Soundwave flew out from it, "Soundwave." Elita said seriously.
The Autobots moved out of the way as Soundwave fired at them before Shockwave stood up and rushed to the bone while Soundwave handled Optimus and Windblade in the sky. The Autobots raced towards the Decepticons just as Shockwave picked up the bone, Bumblebee then transformed, jumped and kicked Shockwave in the back as Shockwave was sent flying before Smokescreen kicked him down from the face.
Bumblebee rushed up to the bone and tried to pull it out of Shockwave's grip, but the Decepticon Scientists knocked him back with his blaster as Jazz, Elita, and Smokescreen started firing at them.
"Autobots, you cannot defeat us!" Lugnut exclaimed as he fired his rocket fists at them, which knocked them back as they fell to the ground. "This planet will belong to the Decepticons!"
Windblade and Optimus are still trying to avoid Soundwve's shot as they see their comrades down. "Okay, I'm getting tired of getting shot at!" Windblade yelled in irritation. "Optimus, I'll handle Soundwave, you help the others!" She said to him.
"Understood!" Optimus confirmed as he broke away from Windblade as Soundwave continued to chase her as Optimus flew down to where the others were.
"You've flown far enough today, Soundwave!" Windblade yelled as she spun around and returned fire at the Decepticon communication chief and shot his wing before Laserbeak latched onto her and gave her a complete shock, causing her to groan in pain and start losing altitude.
"Windblade!" Optimus shouted when he saw her falling as he flew down and grabbed her as Windblade went back into Bot form as he lost control of his flight as Laserbeak got off of Windblade and flew back to his master as the two flying Autobots crashed into the ground into the canyon under the bridge.
Soundwave started descending due to his damaged wing and transformed, landing on the ground and running towards the edge of the bridge canyon. The communication Decepticon saw Optimus and Windblade were struggling to stand up and he turned his attention to the other Decepticons, who were still fighting with the other Autobots.
"Somebot, anybot! Get that bone!" Elita ordered as she fought Shadow Striker.
"A bit busy here!" Jazz exclaimed as he and Bumblebee were fighting Lugnut and Blitzwing while Smokescreen was fighting Shockwave as he grabbed onto his cannon cable, but Shockwave tossed hi over to the bridge and charged at him, but Smokescreen thought quick and activated the Phase Shifter, causing Shockwave's strike to phase threw him as Smokescreen then grabbed hold of the jaw as the two were in a tug-a-war as the Autobots and Decepticons went to their respective comrades and started pulling.
"Will you bots let go?!" Shadow Striker questioned as they kept pulling on the jaw.
"Why don't you cons let go?!" Smokescreen shot back.
The two sides kept pulling until eventually they pulled so hard the bone broke apart, the Autobots got both pieces but a single fang fell over the edge, "Optimus, the Fang!" Elita called.
Optimus looked up to the falling fang and flew up to grab it before Soundwave activated the Ground Bridge portal between them, as the fang fell through back to the Nemesis and right into Megatron's palm before closing, "No!" Optimus said in dread.
The Decepticons stood back up and turned to Soundwave, "Nice job, Soundwave." Shadow Striker smirked.
"We have all that we need," Shockwave said to them.
"Then let us return to our master." Lugnut said as Soundwave flew up and he and the other Decepticons rushed into the Ground Bridge while the Autobots kept firing at them until the Ground Bridge closed on them.
Optimus then came back up while carrying Windblade as Bumblebee went up to her, "You okay?" He asked in concern.
"I'm fine, Bee." Windblade said with a weak smile. "Just got zapped by Laserbeak." She added as she managed to stand while Bumblebee supported her.
"We got the jaw." Elita said as she and Smokescreen held up the two halves of the jaw.
"But they still have a single strand of CNA." Smokescreen added grimly.
"If this keeps going, we'll have a whole swarm of Predacons breathing down our neck stabilizers." Jazz stated as the Bots looked to each other in concern.
On the Nemesis, Shockwave was scanning the fossilized tooth on his table before Megatron approached him.
"Shockwave." Megatron said, earning the one-eyed scientist's attention. "I understand that you engaged Optimus Prime in the field."
"Only in order to secure the specimen, Lord Megatron." Shockwave replied.
Megatron picked up the tooth. "I believed that you had perished once, my most prized engineer. And I highly doubt that Project Predacon can be completed without you. Even if you had backup with you." He said.
"I shall leave the fetching of bones to the other Decepticons and confine myself to my laboratory in order to accelerate results." Shockwave said to him.
"Excellent." Megatron nodded as he looked at the tooth in his claws. "For I am rather impatient to witness my army of best trample humankind under foot." He said with glee, at the thought of having his Predacon army ready to rule Earth and defeat the Autobots.
And with that, the Beast Hunter Arc begins.
Rodimus's vehicle mode is a more updated version of it from the Transformers Movie: Till All Are One.
Grimlock's new appearance borrows elements from his WFC/FOC Counterpart.
Also, Ratchet's work on the Synthetic-Energon is much improved with the help of Perceptor. Unfortunately the Autobots starting to keep the Decepticons away from Predacon fossils isn't off to a good start.
Stay tuned, for soon the Predacon returns to finish things with the Wreckers as Wheeljack and Crosshairs' resentment of Ultra Magnus's way of doing things may cause them more than a Predacon bone, in "Chain of Command".