Transformers: Sol Wars

by storyseeker7

Fleeing a dead Cyberton the Autobots find themselves in the home of humanity. But unlike in so many other universes the Humanity they find is different, it is a humanity that as spread itself across its home system. Will the Autobots find allies in this different humanity? Or will they find that they are just as divided as Cybertron was?

7. Alliances Part 1

Chapter 3: Alliances: part 1

---

Unknown location, Unknown time

Within the bridge of what remained of the Decepticon flagship, the Nemesis, Megatron frowned. "How long until we are operational?"

Following their retreat from the battle with the humans and autobots, something happened that caused the space bridge to be destabilized. Shockwave theorized it had something to do with weapons fire damaging their ship as it entered the vortex. Not that it mattered to the master of the Decepticons. All he knew was they somehow survived.

They had woken some days later, the force of being ejected from the space bridge having sent them all into stasis mode. They woke up to a badly damaged Nemesis and had no idea where they were.

So, the decepticons set about the only thing they could do at the time. Repairing the ship with a focus on the sensors, weapons, and communications. That was about four days ago.

"It will likely take several more days," Shockwave reported. "By my estimate, approximately five days. Full repairs will take longer."

Megatron's frown deepened. He did not like that they would be vulnerable for so long. If the Autobots happened on them, it would spell disaster. "Any good news?" He asked.

Shockwave nodded. "Affirmative, my lord," he said. "We managed to get sensors and limited communications back online. We now know where we are and what is around us."

Megatron nodded, and he walked up to a viewport on the bridge. "Tell me," he said.

"Firstly, we detected other decepticon warships near our location," Shockwave began. "They must have been thrown out of the space bridge like we were."

"I see," Megatron said. "Any reason why they haven't tried contacting us or sent someone over?"

"Unknown," Shockwave answered. "It is possible their ships are in a similar state of disrepair, or their crews are still locked in stasis mode."

Megatron rubbed his chin plate and nodded. That was a reasonable explanation but not one he would let stand for long. "I want teams dispatched to those ships to investigate," he said. "If their crews are in stasis mode, I want them brought back online as soon as possible. Understood?"

Shockwave nodded. "Yes, my lord," he intoned. "It shall be done."

Megatron nodded. He knew he could rely on Shockwave, unlike a certain seeker. "Now then," he said. "Tell me, where are we?" Megatron knew Shockwave purposely left that information out until now. It was something that he wasn't going to like hearing. "In the middle of nowhere, I would hope."

Shockwave remained silent for a second, an uncharacteristic thing to do for him. "We are still in the Human star system."

Unknown to them, a human scout ship passed by the area.

---

Three days later, Naval HQ on Luna

"Are we certain it's them?" Admiral Cartwell asked.

The intelligence officer nodded his head. "Yes," he said. "We identified the ships as Decepticon in origin. We even contacted the Autobots to confirm."

Everyone turned their head to face the other being present on the holo call. Optimus Prime nodded his head. "They are indeed Decepticon, and what's more."

"And what's more," Cartwell cut him off. "One of the ships belongs to the head honcho himself. Megatron."

Optimus nodded. "It appears my old enemy has survived," he said.

"Now the question is, what is he doing out in the middle of nowhere?" Cartwell said. "I thought when that space bridge collapsed, it would have destroyed his ship and him with it."

Optimus shook his head. "No, while that was a possibility," he began to explain. "The more likely outcome would have been his ship, and any others would have been ejected at a random exit point."

"I see," Cartwell said. "I'm guessing the reason why his ship is still in the Sol is because he opened a spacebridge here or because of happenstance."

Optimus looked uncertain. "That I cannot say," he said, rubbing his chin plate.

"Not that it matters either way," another admiral on the link said. "What matters now is what will we do about it?"

Cartwell had already reached a decision. One he came to shortly after he got the news. "Simple," he said. "We take him down."

---

Near luna

Jack smiled as he sent his fighter into a forward burst. He felt his body being pressed down into his seat as the inertial dampeners took a moment to catch up. He was finally back where he felt most at home, in the cockpit of a fighter surrounded by the stars.

Jack took his craft into a loop, followed by a spin as it came down and flew back to the Armstong. "Everything looks good," someone said over the comm, an engineer. "Let's try a few more maneuvers before we call the bird back in."

Jack wasn't paying all that much attention to what the man was saying. He was more engrossed in flying, his fighter around the space near Luna. It had been several days since he last sat in the seat of a fighter, and Jack intended to make up for every moment lost, which was why he volunteered for test flights in one of Armstrong's fighters.

Apparently, some engineers had made improvements to this fighter's performance, and they wanted to test it. It was a slight change, barely noticeable. But as a pilot, it was something that he noticed right away as he flew his bird out of Armstrong's hanger.

The fighter had a little more thrust and was more stable when it turned. It wasn't a lot, but it was something that Jack noticed and enjoyed. He had to thank the engineers when he landed back on the Armstrong. With that in mind, Jack took his fighter into another tight set of maneuvers.

About half an hour later, the engineer commed him again. "I think that will be good enough for the day," he said. "Bring her back in so we can have a look at the girl ourselves."

Jack nodded, a little disappointed that the flight didn't last longer. "Copy that, Armstrong," he said. "Red-Five coming back to the nest."

He switched the comm off and was about to pull his bird into a turn. When something blipped on his proximity radar. Jack's eyes narrowed at the blip fast approaching his fighter. "What the," he said. He turned his head around to look out the cockpit.

What he saw had him momentarily awestruck. What was a large blocky shuttle was heading right at him and at a speed that no human craft of that size could achieve. It was with that thought he realized it wasn't a human-made craft.

He checked his sensor readings. Sure enough, it was one of the autobot's attack craft. With one question answered Jack looked back out his cockpit and the approaching autobot craft. The other question was, what was it doing out here and heading for him? Jack would get an answer in a moment.

The autobot craft swung around as it got close to Jack's fighter. Its momentum was carried over for a few seconds as it came to a stop parallel to the UNS fighter. A moment later, Jack heard a beep from his comm system.

Jack answered the call. "Well, fancy meeting you out here," a familiar voice answered him.

Jack raised an eyebrow at the voice. "Wheeljack?" He asked for clarification.

He heard a soft chuckle on the other side of the line. "Of course, it's me," Wheeljack said. "Unless you know some other devilishly handsome meche named Wheeljack."

Jack grinned and rolled his eyes. "You got me there," he said. "What the hell are you doing out here, anyway? With the way you flew at me, I'd have half a mind to blow you out of the sky."

He heard the Autobot wrecker let out a hearty laugh. "You blow me out of the sky?" he said. "Dream on, kid. You're a thousand years too early to even think you can shoot the Jackhammer out of the sky."

Jack tightens his grip on the controls of his fighter. He was reasonably certain his bird could outfly that thing. Then, a softer chuckle reached his ears. "But to answer your question, I was doing some work on my girl. So, I decided to give her a quick flight to see how the modifications would hold up. I was about to fly her back to the Ark when I saw you flying around."

Jack nodded. "Funny, I was just doing the same," he said. "The engineers back on the Armstrong made some modifications to some of the fighters."

"And let me guess," Wheeljack cut in. "They wanted some of you flyboys to test them out."

Jack smiled. "Something like that," he said. "I volunteered for this. You'll be seeing more of our birds out and about like this soon." Really, Jack would have flown out regardless of what reason he was given. He just liked to fly. "I was about bring my bird back in for the eggheads to look over. Then you came flying in."

Wheeljack chuckled. "Sorry about that," he said. "But while we're both out, how about one last test for our girls?"

Jack raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by one last test?" He asked.

Somehow, Jack could see the smile on Wheeljack's face. "Well, we're both out testing our ships," he explained. "Making sure that they're holding up well and that they're the best they can be, right?"

"Right," Jack said with a nod.

"Then I can't think of a better test than against each other," Wheeljack said.

Jack smiled, getting an idea of what the Autobot was proposing. "Care to explain?" He asked to be certain.

Again, Jack could see the smile on the wrecker's face. "A race," Wheeljack said. "Your fighter against my Jackhammer. Let's see who has the fastest ship."

Jack's smile widens. "Let me clear it with the eggheads first," he said.

He heard Wheeljack snort. "What?" He asked. "Afraid they'll throw a wrench at you if you get a scratch on that thing?"

Jack rolled his eyes. "That and they have the ears of my superior officers," he said. "I would rather avoid the dressing down," he heard a small chuckle on the other line. "Red-five to Armstrong."

"Armstong to Red-five," Jack's eyes widened. That was the voice of the flight deck officer. "We heard everything."

Well, that cuts things short, Jack thought to himself. "So, what do you think?" He asked the flight deck officer. "I'd say this a good chance to further relations between our two peoples."

He could almost see the man rolling his eyes. "You don't have to sell it to me," the man said. "I'm clearing you for this test."

Jack smiled. He was going to owe this man a favor. "What do the engineers think?" He asked. "You think they'll go with it?"

"They're practically chomping at the bit," the flight deck officer said. "They're hoping to see how our birds compare to theirs."

Jack chuckled. He could picture that scene in his head. "Then it is a race," he said. "Wheeljack, you hear that?"

"Every word," Wheeljack said. "So, how are we going to do this?"

The flight deck officer answered that one. "We're sending you two sets of coordinates," Jack looked at his monitor just in time to see the numbers come in. "The first one is the starting point of our little race. The second,"

"Is the finish line," Jack said. The starting coordinates weren't too far from his and Wheeljack's position. The endpoint was a good distance from that start, although it would make the race a little on the short side for Jack's liking.

"Very good," the flight deck officer said. "At the second set of coordinates, you should find a beacon. The first one to reach the beacon and return to the starting line wins. How does that sound?"

Jack smiled. "It's okay by me," he said. "What about you, Wheeljack?"

"Fine by me," Wheeljack replied. "Let's see what that little bird of yours can do."

Jack smiled in the cockpit of his bird. "I'll show you what she can do," and then some. Jack's grip tightens on the controls. He was going to win this race.

---

Armstrong Hanger

Jack jumped down from the cockpit of his fighter and took his helmet off. He ran his fingers through his hair to straighten out the mess. His heart was still racing following his competition with Wheeljack.

The race had been very tight. Wheeljack's ship was faster and more agile than it looked. Jack chalked that up to whatever advanced technologies the ship had in it. Regardless of the explanation, Jack had been hard-pressed during the race.

Walking away from his fighter, the flight deck officer greeted Jack. A man in his early forties. "That was a good showing out there," he said, holding his hand out for Jack.

Jack took it and shook it. "I know," he said. "Those shuttles of theirs are faster than they look."

The flight deck officer nodded. "That much I gathered," he said. Then, he began to rub his chin. "Although calling that ship a shuttle might be a bit misleading. I think calling it a gunship would be more accurate."

Before Jack could give an answer, he heard the hum of an engine enter the hanger. Jack turned around and was surprised to see the Jackhammer flying in and landing in the hangar. Jack gave the flight deck officer a curious raise of an eyebrow.

"Your friend asked for permission to land in our hanger," he explained. "He wanted to talk to you in person. I saw no reason to deny his request."

Jack shook his head and smiled. "Probably to gloat," he said. Then the two started to walk off towards the autobot ship. "So, what did the eggheads thank of our little race? Did they get all the information their little brains could handle?"

The man next to him smiled. "Let's just say you probably made more than a few friends today," he said with a chuckle. Jack snorted in response.

The two arrived at the Jackhammer just as its bay doors opened. A moment later, a smiling Wheeljack walked out and greeted the two humans. "Well, kid, I must admit you impressed me out there," he said with a smile. "Not many people can give me a run for my money like that."

Jack smiled back at the meche. "Well, you still won in the end," he said. "So, obviously, I'm not as good as I thought."

The Autobot knelt. "Don't sell yourself so short, Jack," Wheeljack said. "You made me work for that victory, which is better than most seekers I have known. You got flying in your energon, uhh, blood."

Jack smiled at the compliment. "Thanks," he said. "But next time, things won't be the same. I won't just make you work for your win. I'll snatch it right out of your hands."

Wheeljack smiled at him and rubbed his chinplate. "I look forward to that," he said. Then he looked over at the fighter Jack piloted and stood up. "It helped that you had a good ship to fly in. What do you call those things?"

Jack turned over to face the fighter and gave it a good smile. "She's an SF-108 Hornet IV," he said. "She's the UNS's mainstay fighter. Though that won't be for much longer." Wheeljack looked at him with a raised eye ridge. Jack explained himself. "She's currently being phased out in favor of the SF-109 Viper III."

Wheeljack nodded, though it was clear he didn't fully understand. "Still, she was pretty good," he said. "A lot more capable than I gave it credit for. "You, humans, know how to build your machines," then he rubbed his chinplate as a smirk formed on his mouth. "Then again, with the pasting, you gave the cons. I should have known better."

Jack smiled and was about to respond. "Perhaps you should have," a voice cut him off.

Jack's eyes widened as he turned around and stood at attention. "Fleet Admiral," he said, saluting the man standing in front of him.

Admiral Cartwell had an impassive look on his face. "That was some showing out there," he said coolly. "I believe the whole fleet was watching."

Jack suppressed a gulp in his throat. "I apologize, Sir," he said. "I didn't think that it would matter."

Then, he saw a shadow form over him. "Hey, now," Wheeljack said. "Don't go blaming him. It was my idea in the first place."

"And I was the one to authorize it," the flight deck officer said. "I'll take full responsibility for this incident."

Admiral Cartwell held his hand out to stop the three. Then he looked at them sternly for a second or two. Before, a small smile broke out across his face. "No need to excuse yourselves," he said. "It was a good showing. It served as a good moral boost for our people."

Jack rubbed the back of his head as the flight officer spoke. "Honestly, we wanted to see how our birds compared to their ships," he pointed to the Jackhammer.

Cartwell nodded. "Next time, though," he said more sternly to the man and Jack. "If you want to do something like this, run it by me. Understood?"

The flight deck officer and Jack both saluted the Admiral. "Sir, yes, Sir," they said.

The Admiral waved for them to be at ease. Then he gave Jack an amused smile. "Though I am disappointed that you didn't make a good showing for us," he said. "Next time, I expect you to win."

Jack smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. "Understood, sir," he said.

Admiral Cartwell nodded. "Now, with that said," he turned to face Wheeljack. "I don't suppose you will be willing to give me a ride down to Luna?"

Wheeljack looked at the Admiral strangely for a couple of seconds. "Yeah, sure," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But why?" Before the Admiral could answer, Wheeljack suddenly stiffened and held two fingers to the side of his head.

"I think you're about to find out," Cartwell said.

Wheeljack raised an eye ridge as he received a message. Jack looked between the Admiral and Wheeljack. "What's going on here?" He asked. "Why do you need to get to Luna? And why take Wheeljack's ship? Why not one of our shuttles?"

"A war meeting is being held on Luna," Admiral Cartwell said. "A matter of great importance has come up. One we must be swift to respond to."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"

"Megatron is still in the Sol system."

---

Luna, Autobot ship Ark

Bumblebee furled his eye ridges as he processed what he and others had just learned. "Megatron is alive?" He asked for clarification. "And he's still in this star system. How? Why?" Next to him, his brother was looking on expectantly at Optimus Prime.

"According to Ratchet," Optimus began. "It may have been due to the instability in the space bridge. His ship and a few others were thrown out instead of being destroyed, as some would have thought."

"You don't sound all that surprised," Hotrode pointed out.

Optimus nodded. "Megatron and I have a history that goes beyond the great war. We were close friends. Once, I even called him a brother. I knew that he would not be so easily felled."

Wheeljack snorted. "For once, I had hoped you would have been wrong," he said. "That fragger has caused enough trouble."

Bumblebee nodded, agreeing with the wrecker, though perhaps not in so many words. "So, what do we do now?" he asked, looking at Optimus. "Surely Megatron can't cause that much trouble right now."

"True as that may be," a voice joined the conversation. Bumblebee looked over at the holo-table, seeing a representation of Cartwell standing above it. Several other humans joined him, including Jack. "We still cannot allow Megatron to roam the Sol system freely."

Optimus nodded and looked at the assembled Autobots. "To that end, I have agreed for us to take part in a joint operation with the humans," he said. "Together, we will assault Megatron's ship and, if at all possible, capture Megatron himself."

Bumblebee felt his optics widen. "Capture Megatron?" He asked. "Is that possible?"

"Yeah?" Hotrod joined in. "Why not just finish the guy off once and for all?

"While I would like nothing more than to see that man dead," Admiral Colson interjected. "There are others who would rather see him stand trial for his crimes," he looked over Optimus. "I suspect that your leader is chief among them."

Optimus nodded slowly. "I do not wish to see Megatron's spark perish," he said. "I believe he deserves the right to stand trial for what he has done. And I believe that some part of him is still the meche I knew before the war began."

"Whatever you say, Prime," Wheeljack said. "Regardless of whether we offline Megs or not, this is our chance to deal a crippling blow to the Decepticons. If we take Megatron out of the picture."

"We cut the head off the snake," Admiral Collison said.

Wheeljack nodded at him. "Precisely," he said, then got a questioning look on his face. "What's a snake?"

Admiral Cartwell crossed his arms. "Or we could be dealing with a hydra," he spoke.

"Hydra?" Hotrod questioned.

Jack explained. "It's a mythological creature from a place on Earth called Greece. In most depictions, if you cut the head off, two more would grow to replace. Cut those off, and two more would take their place, and so on."

Cartwell nodded. "I believe you can see the metaphor here," he said.

"You are afraid that someone else might take Megatron's place," Elita One said.

Hotrod snorted. "Like who?" He asked. "Starscream? He's not nearly the leader Megatron is." Bumblebee gave his brother a hard stare. "What?"

Optimus rubbed his chin plate thoughtfully. "I would not downplay Starscream's traits," he said. "While he is no Megatron. Starscream is far from predictable and possesses a mind for the unorthodox. He could prove to be more dangerous than Megatron in that regard."

Admiral Cartwell raised a worried eyebrow. "I see," he said. "Then perhaps we should consider him a priority target as well. Will he be on Megatron's ship as well?"

Optimus shook his head. "Starscream has his own command ship, the Blood of Unicron," he explained. "A ship that may have escaped the battle."

Admiral Cartwell let a sigh. "I was afraid you would say that," he said. "If this Starscream does manage to take leadership of the Decepticons. It could be a problem for us later down the line."

Admiral Collison nodded. "I agree," he said. "Unfortunately, that is a problem we may have to deal with later. From now we must deal with the one we have. Cartwell," he turned to face the other Admiral. "Since this will be your operation, I will let you explain it. The rest of us have other duties to attend to."

Cartwell nodded. "Very well," he said.

Collison nodded at him. "Good luck out there," he said. "And good hunting. To all of you." Then his image and a couple of others winked out, leaving only Admiral Cartwell, Jack, and a few others left.

Cartwell turned his attention to the others in the room. "Alright, people," he said. On his end, it looked like he was working at a terminal. "Our plan of attack will be simple and straightforward." His image and Jack's moved across the Holotable and stopped beside it to where they now stood next to the Autobots. Bumblebee found it a bit comical that their holograms stood at the same height as the bots.

A new image appeared above the holo-table, showing Megatron's warship and four others around it. "Now, as far as we can tell, we will be dealing with five enemy ships," Cartwell explained.

It was here that Optimus took over. "Aside from Megatron's ship, based on the information that was gathered. We will be contending with two cruisers, a frigate, and a heavy attackship." Bumblebee nodded. Outside of a significant fleet group, that was a lot of firepower.

"It should be noted," Cartwell cut back in. "That by our standards, the cruisers would be considered battleships, and the frigate as a light cruiser. As for the attackship, I would consider it analogies with a human destroyer."

That left a lot of room for thought for the gathered autobots. Meanwhile, the humans fought well against the decepticons and could even hurt them. A decepticon warship was still superior to human warships. By some estimates, without autobot assistance, it would take the humans two or three to one advantage to prevail over the cons.

Noticing the other humans whispering to themselves, Bumblebee looked at Admiral Cartwell and Jack worriedly. "You said this would be a joint operation?" He asked Optimus with concern.

Optimus nodded. "It will be," he said. "I understand your concern for the humans, Bumblebee. I tried to raise my concerns with their leadership." While he got some disapproving looks from the humans. Most of them gave him appreciative nods of their heads.

Admiral Cartwell nodded. "We were appreciative of Prime's concern," he said. "And his regard for human life. But I will tell you the same thing I told him. Sol is our home, and we have a right to defend it. Not to mention Megatron led an assault on Luna, right on the doorstep of Earth itself."

"And let's not forget," Wheeljack added. "The cons tried to deploy a weapon that would have destroyed their moon and taken their planet with it. Honestly, I can't blame you guys for wanting Megatron's head on a platter. Believe me, plenty of autobots want the same after what he did to Cybertron."

"I just don't want lives to be wasted unnecessarily," Bumblebee said. "We can handle Megs ourselves."

Admiral Cartwell nodded. "That I can understand," he said. "But we still want to take part in this operation. But we will not be going into this blindly or alone." The Admiral worked his terminal, shifting the images to show a representation of a human fleet. "While the operational status of the enemy is unknown, we will not be taking any chances in this operation. To this end, the United Nations of Sol will be deploying three battleships, including my ship, five cruisers, and four other smaller escorts. Additionally, we will be deploying one of our carriers."

Bumblebee noticed the looks of surprise on the other humans' faces. Among them was Jack. "One of our carriers?" Jack said. "Which one?"

"Excuse me?" Hotrod asked. "What's a carrier, and what's the big deal about it?"

Jack turned to face Hotrod. "A carrier is our largest and arguably most powerful warship," he started to explain. "But most of its firepower doesn't come from its weapons. In fact, they're limited when considering their size."

"So where does most of their firepower come from?" Hotrod asked. The other Autobots looked at the human for an explanation.

"It's fighters," Jack answered. When he got quizzical looks from the bots, he explained. "You see, a carrier's main purpose is to carry fighters into battle. Bombers too. Any strick-craft, really, and they can bring in a lot of them. More than what two or three battleships can carry."

Optimus rubbed his chin plate thoughtfully while Wheeljack looked like he was swinging between surprise and thoughtfulness. "That," he drew out like he was sure what tone of voice he wanted to use. "That makes sense in a strange sort of way. The cons have shown us how important maintaining air superiority is. And it is well known that a swarm of flyers can be deadly to a warship. So why not make something whose whole purpose is to bring in a whole lot of flyers or strike craft, as you humans call them."

"Still kind of an out-there ideal," Hotrod said. "Not something we would have thought of, or even cons for that matter."

Admiral Cartwell looked pleased by that fact. "So, you people have no concept of a carrier," he said, getting nods from the bots. "Interesting, then our carrier may be of more use than thought. I'll have to make a report to the rest of the Admiralty," he shook his head and turned to face Jack. "To answer your question, we'll be sending the big E herself."

That was when one of the humans cut the Admiral off. A female that, if Bumblebee was judging right, was about two or three decades older than Jack. "The Enterprise," she said. "My ship."

If Jack looked surprised before, it was almost comical how wide his eyes got. Yet, again, Bumblebee was surprised by how expressive the human face could be. A lot like a Cybertronian's. "Is there something special about that ship?" Optimus asked.

Jack nodded at the autobot leader. "You could say that," he replied. "Let's just say that the name Enterprise holds a special place in the hearts of humanity."

The human captain smiled. "And a ship I am quite proud to be in command of," she said.

Admiral Cartwell nodded at her. "Indeed," he said. "And it should show just how seriously we take this matter. So, in total, the UNS will be bringing thirteen warships to bear." Then he nodded to Optimus.

Optimus looked at the assembled Autobots. "For our part, we will be sending three of our warships," he said.

Hotrode and Bumblebee looked at Optimus with surprise. "Only three?" Bumblebee asked. "Why not more?"

"Yeah," Hotrod agreed. "Why not send a whole fleet after Megatron? We do want to take him out of the picture, don't we?"

Wheeljack had a frown on his face. "Let me guess," he said. "There were some concerns about leaving the Ark undefended."

Optimus nodded. "Ultra Magnus felt that every ship we have should be left to defend the Ark," he explained.

"Figures," Wheeljack snorted. "But still, a few ships are better than none. What are they?"

"A battleship and two cruisers," Optimus answered.

"So altogether, Megatron will be dealing with sixteen warships coming for him," Cartwell said. "Our plan will be nothing fancy. We go in, take out the escorts around his ship, then take his flagship. For that last thing, we'll trust you bots to do the heavy lifting."

Bumblebee nodded, understanding what the man was getting at. While the humans weren't to be underestimated, a boarding action on Megatron's flagship was something beyond them. Not without help. "Once the space around Megatron's flagship is cleared, we will launch several boarding parties to take the ship," Optimus explained. "I will lead one of the teams to take the bridge."

Bumblebee's optics widened, and he could see that his brother was barely containing his excitement. "Wait, does that mean?" Hotrod began to ask.

Wheeljack nodded and answered for Optimus. "We will be joining him."

Hotrod beamed at Bumblebee. "You hear that?" he whispered to his brother. "We'll get to go toe to toe with Megatron. How awesome is that?"

Bumblebee wasn't sure if that was the word he would use to describe it. In fact, the young autobot suspected that there was only one figure in the room who stood a chance of fighting Megatron and surviving. Yet alone winning.

Bumblebee starred at Optimus for a second. The autobot leader noticed and gave him a quick, silent nod. Bumblebee returned the nod. He had decided that he was going to keep himself and his brother out of that fight.

"Now then," Admiral Cartwell said, getting Bumblebee's attention. "Any questions?" He looked around at the assembled figures.

"Where is Megatron's ship?" Jack asked. "And when do we depart for the operation?"

Cartwell nodded. "Megatron's ship was found deep in the belt," he answered. He then brought up an image of the solar system. The image zoomed in on a region between the fourth and fifth planets. "At the following coordinates. As for when we'll leave, we'll depart tomorrow."

The female captain from earlier had a tight frown on her face. "Are we sure we'll reach Megatron's flagship in time?" She asked. "I don't know about the Autobots, but even at top speed without conventional drives, it will take us a little over a month to reach the coordinates."

"And that's assuming we're gathering at Luna," another human captain said. "Wouldn't it be more prudent to send ships that are closer to Megatron's ship? Surely, we must have ships in the area."

"And what about League intervention?" Someone else asked. "These coordinates are a little too close to the front lines for my taste."

Cartwell nodded. "All very good questions," he said. "To answer that last one. We believe we can complete the operation before the League can notice what is happening."

"That's good to hear," the captain of the Enterprise said. "We really don't need them getting into this mix," then she started to rub at her chin. "Come to think of it, have we heard anything from them regarding the Cybertronians? You'd think this would be something they would speak up about."

An odd look crosses Cartwell's face. One that Bumblebee couldn't quite read. "I admit their silence through this whole affair is concerning," he said. "The UNS hasn't kept the Cybertronians' existence quiet."

Hotrod looked at Bumblebee with a questioning look. "Uh, Bee?" He asked. "What's this League they're talking about? And why do they seem so concerned about them?"

Bumblebee shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure," he said. "I've heard the humans mention them off and on. From what I can gather, they're another Human faction. One I think that might be at odds with them."

"It's more than that," Jack said before Hotrod could reply. "We're at war with them and have been for the last seven years."

That was something new to Bumblebee and Hotrode. But it did explain a lot of things to the pair of autobot brothers, particularly to Bumblebee, who was always more perceptive of such things.

Bumblebee looked around the room to see what the reactions of the others would be. Optimus and Elita had calm expressions on their faces. Bee suspected that they already knew this nugget of information. Wheeljack didn't seem all that surprised, either. Whether it was because he already knew or just suspected, Bumblebee could not tell."

"There is little chance of League intervention," Cartwell continued. "But rest assured, Captain Mendez. If the League does take notice, they will not arrive in time to intervene."

The now-named Captain Mendez nodded her head. "Very well, Admiral," she said. "But now, about my next question? Do you think we can arrive at Megatron's flagship before they can repair it?"

Admiral Cartwell smiled. "We will," he said. "In fact, we will arrive there as soon as tomorrow."

That got looks of surprise from everyone around the table. Including the Autobots, but not Optimus. "Admiral, if I may be so bold to ask?" Jack said. He got a nod from the Admiral. "How will we do that? Our ships are not anywhere near fast enough."

A smile spread across Cartwell's lips. "I think I'll let Prime answer that," he gestured to Optimus.

Optimus looked around the table, a calm expression plastered on his face. "We will use a spacebridge."

Unknown to them, a coded transmission was sent out from Luna. If anyone had managed to detect it, they would have known it was sent out to Titian. The Capital of the League of Independence.

---

The next day

"I'm surprised that you won't be using the Enterprise as your flagship Admiral," Captain Mendez said.

Cartwell and Mendez were working on the fine details of the task group's deployment before they were sent out. While Cartwell had overall command of the fleet, Captain Mendez was the flag captain. If something happened to him, she would take command of the fleet.

Cartwell smiled at the holographic Captain Mendez. "I was sorely tempted to," he admitted. "Enterprise is a larger, more advanced ship than the Armstrong. Nor does it hurt that she's the flagship of the UNS Navy. Who wouldn't want to command her?"

"Apparently you," Mendez pointed out.

Cartwell's smile grew. "Point taken," he said, sitting back in his chair. "But I did think about it. But ultimately, I decided that the Armstrong is best suited to my needs. She is my ship," and had been ever since he was a Captain. He had other commands before, all temporary. But the Armstrong had been his first and only lasting command. When he got the position of admiral, he had made it a point to make the Armstrong his personal flagship.

"As is the Enterprise is yours," he finished his thought.

Captain Mendez smiled at him. "I think I understand, sir," she said. "And thank you."

Cartwell nodded. He understood where Mendez was coming from. Captains like her didn't like it when their ships were taken from, even for a short time. It was a feeling he understood well.

Then, the captain's face took a serious tone. "Should we really be getting involved in this?" She asked. "I know these Decepticons attacked Luna, but this is still their fight. Not ours."

Cartwell nodded at the woman. He understood where her concerns were coming from. "I understand, Mendez," he said. "Before the War for Luna, this was their war. In some ways, it may very well still be their war."

"So then," Captain Mendez said. "Why get involved? If it is none of our business?"

Cartwell smiled. "Because I believe it is the right thing to do," he said. When he got nothing from the captain, he explained himself further. "Mendez, you know I have served in the Navy for a long time." He had just been out of high school when he applied to join the service. He was now in his mid-eighties.

"Longer than most," Captain Mendez said.

Cartwell nodded. "Then you should know I have acquired a wealth of knowledge and wisdom," he said.

Mendez looked at him strangely. "I wasn't aware there was a difference," she said.

Cartwell said. "Trust me, there is," he said. Few knew the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Cartwell certainly didn't know when he first joined the Navy. "It's something you'll have to learn for yourself. Among other things."

"Such as?" Mendez pressed.

"Knowing when and where to get involved in other matters," he said. "Mind you, it is not an easy thing to learn. For the most part, I believe we should stay out of others' affairs. Let them resolve their problems by themselves," he paused for a moment to let Mendez think. "But there are times when we have to step in and get involved. Not for the reasons that politicians and the media would give you. But because it's the right thing to do. Because you have to."

"I see," Mendez said. "And this one of them?"

Cartwell nodded. "These decepticons are not people I want running around in the galaxy," he said. "Let alone in our solar system. Plus, there is the fact they did attack Luna and had every intention of destroying it and Earth." Lord knows what they would have done with the rest of humanity.

Mendez was silent for a moment. "I think I understand, sir," she said.

Cartwell didn't believe her. "You will," he said. "Someday."

Before they talked more, a voice came over the com. "Admiral, the fleet reports ready. Optimus Prime says they are ready to engage their space bridge anytime."

Cartwell nodded. "Very well then," he said. "I'll be on the bridge shortly."

"Understood, sir," the line went dead.

Cartwell looked at Mendez. "Well then," he said, standing up and straightening his uniform. "It's time we got to work."

"Understood, Admiral," Mendez said, saluting him. "Permission to be dismissed?"

Cartwell smiled and saluted her back. "Permission granted," he stated. "Before you go, I have one last thing to say." Captain Mendez looked at him expectantly. "Think about what I said here. I think it might be a help."

Mendez nodded at him. "I will, sir," she said before her image vanished.

Cartwell smiled. He knew Mendez would go far in the Navy. She already had. Cartwell left his office, departing for the Armstong's bridge.

---

Hotrode was bouncing with excitement. Any moment now, they would go through the spacebridge. After that, the fleet would set a course for Megatron's flagship. He and Bee were about to get their shot at the leader of the Decepticons. Or at least seeing Prime beat him down.

Was he scared? Sure, just a little bit. Megatron wasn't the leader of the Decepticons for nothing. He knew the guy wasn't going down easily. But the excitement of it all drowned that fear out. Besides, they had Optimus Prime at their side. He would make sure that nothing happened to them. Who knows, they may be seeing the end of the war soon.

"Kid, if you keep bouncing like, you're going to be sent flying off and put a hole in the ship," Wheeljack said humorously. "Calm down, kid. It is just another battle we'll be going into. Nothing to get excited about."

Cartwell was on the line talking with Optimus. They were going over the final details of the mission. Hotrod looked at Wheeljack incredibly. "Nothing to get excited about?" he questioned him. "We're going to be fighting Megatron himself. We could be seeing the end of the war today. And you're saying it's nothing to get excited for."

Wheeljack gave him a smile. "That's exactly what I'm saying," he said. "I know you're excited, kid. I know we'll be scraping with Megatron, but that doesn't mean the war will end today. Megatron is a slippery slag." He got nods from the autobots throughout the bridge of the Starsaber.

"Come on, Jackie," Hotrode said, waving the older meche off. "Don't be such a spoilsport. Megatron is going down. I know it. We have Optimus Prime with us. How can we lose? This war is ending today."

Wheeljack just frowned at him and shook his head. "Whatever you say, kid," he said with a shrug. "Just don't get your rotors in a twist when Megs finds a way to slip out of our fingers."

Before Hotrod could make a remark, the commanding voice of Optimus grabbed everyone's attention. "Autobots," he said. "Prepare for space bridge jump."

Gazing outside the bridge's viewport, Hotrod saw the familiar green vortex that heralded the opening of a space bridge. Then, that vortex got closer as the Starsaber, and the rest of the fleet set out. Around Hotrod, the bridge of the old cybertronian battleship became a cluster of activity as everyone ran to their stations. A shot of excitement went through Hotrod. Soon enough, they would come face to face with Megatron and his Decepticons and end this war.

He stole a glance at his brother, who was giving him a worried expression. Hotrod smiled at Bumblebee. "Don't worry, bro," he said. "We'll get through this and finally put an end to this war." The smile he got from Bee wasn't entirely convincing, but it was good enough for Hotrod.

He looked out the viewport just in time for the vortex to consume them.

---

Nemesis

Megatron knew well before the reports reached his receptors. "My lord, we have a problem," Shockwave said.

Megatron kept his optics on the projection. "I can see that," he said. It would seem luck out not been on their side. Somehow, at some point, they had been detected. Now, the Autobots and their new human allies had sent a fleet. "Report."

"Hostile fleet detected, my lord," a vehicon said. "We're picking up three Autobot warships, two cruiser types, and a battleship. We are also detecting thirteen human warships." The vehicon then lists out the human fleet's competition. "And one ship of an unknown type."

Megatron raised an optical ridge. "An unknown type?" he questioned. "Explain."

The vehicon brought a representation of the human warship. "It is the largest human warship we've seen," the drone explained. "It is almost the size of one of our battleships."

"A super capital ship, perhaps?" Megatron suggested. Like his Nemesis, but something about that felt wrong. He took a closer look at the large human warship, noting the large open bay doors in the front. That would suggest the ship had a massive hangar compared to its size. An unusual design, Megatron would admit.

"Unknown, my lord," the Vehicon said.

"My lord," Shockwave said, walking up to him. "Conventional wisdom would suggest that we are at a disadvantage. Logic would suggest that we should attempt to withdraw."

Megatron didn't turn to face Shockwave. Instead, he pulled away the projection of the unknown human ship and pulled up a projection of the attacking fleet. They were at the very edges of the Decepticon's short-range sensors and still out of weapons range. But that would change very soon.

"A wise course of action," Megatron admits, hiding the venom in his voice. "But where would you suggest we'd run? Where would we hide? We do not have our space bridge generator, and we are in the home system of the humans. So, tell me, Shockwave, what does your logic tell you?"

Shockwave remained silent for several moments. "I cannot answer that without further analysis," he said.

Megatron let a smile spread across his face. "Then I will tell you what we will do," he said. He turned around to face Shockwave. "We will do the only thing we can do. We will stand and fight our enemies as they come to us. We will either drive them off or make them pay so dearly for their victory that it will be as though they were defeated. Am I understood?"

Again, Shockwave remained silent. Then he slowly nodded. "Yes, my lord," he said. Then he turned around and started to walk away. "I shall prepare my lab for combat scenario."

Megatron smiled and turned back to the project of the enemy fleet. "Soundwave," he addressed his most trusted lieutenant. Silently, Soundwave emerged from the shadows.

"Command?" He asked.

"Open a channel to the fleet," Megatron ordered. A moment later, he heard a beeping sound from the meche. "Decepticons rise up and engage the enemy."

---

Armstrong

"Looks like they noticed us," Cartwell said.

One of the decepticon cruisers (Cartwell mentally replaced it with a battleship), and the heavy attack ship were now approaching the fleet. A swarm of vehicon flyers swarmed around them.

The holo-image of Optimus Prime nodded. "It would appear so," he said. "It would appear that the Decepticons have gotten their ships operational since your people detected them."

Cartwell nodded, agreeing with the assessment. They had hoped the Decepticons would be in no position to defend themselves by the time the fleet arrived. That would have made this operation significantly easier. No matter, they had been prepared for this situation.

"But not fully operational," Cartwell noted. "Otherwise, they would have buggered out of this system. Safe to assume that their Spacebridge and any other FTL have been damaged?"

The leader of the Autobots nodded. "It would appear so," he said. "But to what extent and for how long remains to be seen."

"Then we will have to make this quick," Cartwell said. "How are your systems functioning?"

"Perfectly," Optimus said. "What about yours?"

Cartwell nodded. "For the most part, they are functional," he said. "But our long-range sensors are still down. Our ships were not made to go through those space bridges." Nor was the human body. Going through the green vortex had been an interesting experience, to say the least. If there was a way to describe it, Cartwell would have to say that it felt like his atoms were vibrating.

Optimus nodded. "Will your ships be fit for combat?" There was no mistaking the concern in the bot's voice.

Cartwell held back a snort. "Very much so," he said. "We can still put up a fight. Speaking of," he turned his attention to the intercepting Decepticon warships. "How long until we are in weapons range?"

"About three minutes, sir." An crewman said.

Cartwell nodded. "Then let's get to it," he said, turning his attention back to Prime. "Let's give these cons a good showing, shall we?"

Optimus nodded at him. "May Primus be with us on this day."

---

Space

The battle between the Autobot-UNS alliance and the Decepticons began with little fanfare. The UNS forces, led by Fleet Admiral Archie Cartwell, sent a message out to the Decepticons. They were ordered to stand down and wait for boarding action. Optimus Prime did the same thing for the Autobots, personally making a plea to Megatron to end this madness.

Both figures, though, knew their message would fall on deaf ears. For Optimus, he had held out the small hope his old friend would finally see reason. For Cartwell, it was just a formality to get out of the way. That way, in the after-action reports, he could say that he tried to extend an olive branch to the enemy.

Both figures would be proven right when the Deception cruiser and its accompanying heavy attack ship opened fire on the UNS-Autobot fleet. Since they were on the edge of their weapons range, the energon beam lost much of its strength before hitting a couple of UNS warships. Their shields flicked as they held out against the attack. The Battle of Sector 537, as it would later be called, had begun.

In retaliation, two UNS cruisers and a frigate surged toward the attacking Decepticon warships. Close behind them, an Autobot Cruiser joined the fray. The UNS cruiser and a frigate fired their fusion beam cannons at the con warships, having little effect since they were at max range. This would change as the two groups drew on one another.

As they closed the distance, fighters from both sides surged toward each other. They would be the first to engage in effective combat range. Like with the War for Luna, the UNS fielded most of the fighter strength for the alliance. Since the autobots had little in the way of fliers.

The capital ships closed into range, their weapons becoming much more effective this time. Fusion beams racked across the shields of the Decepticon warships' shields. Some beams are even able to get through and scrotch the hulls of their targets.

The Decepticon warships, though, for the damage they took, returned it. Energon beams tore into the three UNS warships. A frigate exploded as beams tore into its hull and caused its reactors to breach. The second frigate suffered heavy damage as an energon beam penetrated its shields and struck the hull, but the smaller vessel was still able to press on the attack.

It was around this time that the Autobot cruiser was able to add its firepower to the mix. Most of its attack was focused on the Decepticon cruiser, forcing most of its attention on the larger threat. This allowed the UNS cruiser and damaged frigate to concentrate their fire on the Decepticon heavy attack ship. The smaller Con warship didn't last long under the combined pressure of the two UNS warships. It did not help that a swarm of UNS fighters managed to get in close enough to fire a barrage of missiles.

Because of this, the UNS would learn the heavy attack ship had little in the way of point defenses (the same thing could be said about all cybertronian ships). The missiles tore into the heavy attack ship, ripples of explosions blanketing the hull. A moment later, it broke in two.

With the decepticon heavy attack ship out of the fight, the UNS cruiser and frigate turned their weapons to the Decepticon cruiser. By this point, both the autobot and Con warships had suffered notable damage, but the decepticons were in a worse position. Its fate would be made clear when the UNS ships started to add their weapons to the mix.

Another interesting thing to note is that, unlike the battles around Luna, ships from both sides were able to close into the range of their mid and short-range weapons. For the UNS, this was their fusion bolt cannons, and for the Cybertronians, energon pulse cannons. Both weapons were much less powerful than their beam counterparts but could be fired faster and consumed less energy.

Now in range, the UNS warships fired their fusion bolt cannons. Bolts of white light racked against the shields, then the hull of the decepticon cruiser. Before it exploded, it fired several energon beams at the UNS warships. One beam struck the damaged UNS frigate, where it speared the ship through the side of the ship, sending it adrift.

The rest of the UNS-Autobot fleet closed in on what remained of the decepticon forces.

Jack pulled on the trigger. Seconds later, he smiled when a vehicon flier disappeared from his screen. That was his third kill so far in that battle. He looked outside his cockpit, seeing the battle raging around him.

This engagement was much smaller than the previous two he had seen. But it felt no less heck and confusing. Dog fights between fighters tended to feel that way. Unlike battles between capital ships, it was typically easy to tell what was happening and typically know who had the advantage.

That wasn't the case with fighters most of the time, at least to the untrained and inexperienced eye. To Jack, though, he could tell that vehicons were on the backpedal, though they still put up a good fight. There were some autobot fliers in the battle as well (Aerialbots, he believed they were called). Jack would admit they were not all that bad, certainly better than the drone fighters they were up against.

In the mix, he could see some of the autobot attack ships flying about, shooting down any vehicon that got into their sights. Speaking of sights, Jack pulled his fighter into a sharp turn and accelerated after a vehicon flier. He lined up his plasma cannon on it. Noticing it had an attacker on its tail, the vehicon went on a series of maneuvers to lose Jack.

But Jack was not so easily lost. The vehicon's movements, while fast and sharp, were predictable. He keeps on the flier long enough for his fighter's computers to get a target lock. With the press of a button, the twin barrels of his fighter fired.

Half a second later, he got the kill confirmation. Jack smiled another con down and many more to go. Glancing around his cockpit, Jack saw that the rest of the allied fleet had closed in on the Decepticon fleet. Jack's smile grew feral; payback was coming, and he would see to it that he got his fair share.

---

Armstrong

"Admiral," an officer called out. "The remaining Decepticon cruiser is closing in on the fleet."

Cartwell nodded. "What about that frigate?" he asked.

"It appears that it's staying close to the enemy flagship," the officer reported. "Probably as a last line of defense."

Cartwell agreed with that assessment. So far, the battle has been going well. They had managed to destroy two of the decepticon warships. Leaving only two others between them and the Nemesis.

Once its escorts were eliminated or disabled, the Allied task force would begin boarding operations on the Decepticon flagship. That task Cartwell knew would be left up to the Autobots. UNS marines will still take part in the operation, but the Autobots will be doing the heavy lifting, with the marines acting as a supporting force.

"Helm, take us on an intercept course for that cruiser," Cartwell orders, quickly receiving an affirmative. Then he turned his attention to the communications officer. "Order the Gordon Cooper to follow us along with the Faithful Spirit and the Amur."

"Yes, Admiral," communications responded.

"Tell the Enterprise to hold back and have the Spirit of Lighting and the Yukon stay back to protect them," Cartwell continued to give out orders. "Then inform Prime I trust him to take care of the rest of the enemy warships. Tell our people that unless I directly countermand him, his orders are to be treated like mine own."

"Yes, sir," communications said. "Orders sent out and acknowledged."

"Good," Cartwell said, nodding his head. He kept his attention on the projection of the battle. The Armstrong had closed in on the Decepticon cruiser. Three other UNS warships had followed them: another battleship, a cruiser, and a frigate.

"Sir, the Decepticon cruiser is still attempting to go after the main fleet," tactical said. "Admiral, it is firing weapons."

At the same time, he saw the Decepticon flagship, the Nemesis, doing the same. Cartwell winced when the weapons fire contacted the main body of the fleet. One of the ships vanished, while another faded to a dull grey color. They had just lost one of their smaller escort ships, and a cruiser had been badly damaged. Enough to take it out of the fight.

Cartwell didn't allow himself to dwell on the losses taken. "Fire the main cannons," he ordered. A moment later, he saw beams of energy fired from his ship and the other battleship. The cruiser also had its weapons in the mix. Three sets of fusion beams raced towards the decepticon cruiser, and moments later, contact was made.

Tactical reported. "Contact made. Impact on shields confirmed, shield penetration confirmed. Reading damage along the hull. Admiral the Decepticon cruiser is coming about."

"Second volley, fire!" Cartwell ordered.

Again, fusion beams erupted from the three large UNS warships. However, the frigate fired its fusion bolt cannons this time now that it was in range. Cartwell smiled a little at seeing several contacts being made.

"Hit confirmed," his tactical officer reported. "Reading heavy damage on the Decepticon cruiser."

Cartwell was about to give another order when he saw beams fired from the decepticon cruiser. Half a second later, he realized the beams were being aimed at the Armstrong. "All hands," he said, activating the ship's internal comms. "Brace for impact."

He held tightly to the rails on his command station. Around him, crewmen braced themselves. Seconds later, the Armstrong shook violently as the energon beams struck. Cartwell held firmly to his feet as the command center shook around him. Then, the shaking stopped just as quickly as it came.

He looked to the crewman manning the damage control terminal. "Damage report!"

"Sheild strength holding, Admiral," the crewman said. "Minor shield penetration detected. Minimum damage to the hull."

Cartwell nodded, glad to hear the report. The damage could have been worse, and he figured the damage to the decepticon cruiser had affected its weapon's power. He turned his attention back to the projection.

"Let's finish this thing," he said. "Fire main cannons and bolt cannons. Target their reactor section." When the order left his lips, he saw the Armstrong fire most of its weapons. Beams and bolts of fusion energy surged toward the heavily damaged decepticon cruiser. They were joined by weapons fire from the other three UNS warships.

The decepticon cruiser vanished from the projection. "Target destroyed, Admiral," Tactical reported.

"Very good," Cartwell said. "Then let's rejoin with the main fleet." The battle was going well. Perfectly well, even despite the losses they took. The bulk of the allied fleet was closing in on the Nemesis, and the vehicon fliers were being mopped up by the combined efforts of UNS birds and autobot aerial bots. Everything indicated that the operation was going to be a success.

But Cartwell, no matter how much he pushed it down. Had a sinking feeling that something was going to go wrong.

---

Nemesis

Throughout the course of the battle, Megatron steadily grew angrier. Such was his anger that all nearby could feel an aura of malice that dared anyone to come near. Almost no one obliged.

"My lord," Shockwave said, stepping up behind Megatron. He cared little for what his master was feeling, only what logic demanded. Still, even he knew he had to speak carefully. "The fleet is lost. The enemy closes in on us."

Megatron continued to stare at the projection of the battle. Really, anyone with even a fraction of sense could see how the battle was going. Usually, Megatron had much more than a fraction. But Shockwave knew that the leader of the Decepticons could, at times, allow his pride to get the better of him.

It was at times like this that Shockwave volunteered his service and offered words of advice. "A tactical retreat may still be advisable."

This time, Shockwave got a reaction from the Megatron. The large grey meche turned around to face him. Seeing the look of utter contempt on his face, Shockwave readjusted his calculations. "Tell me, Shockwave," Megatron said in a voice laced with bitterness. Anyone else might have taken a step back in fear. Shockwave remained passive. "If we do retreat, where would we go? This is the home system of our enemy, and we have no way of leaving."

Shockwave looked at Megatron impassively. "That may be so," he admitted. "But a star system is a large place. It is doubtful that the humans have fully charted their home system. There may yet be places where we can hide and conduct repairs on the Nemesis." He paused for a moment, allowing Megatron a moment to think before Shockwave brought up other possibilities. "And even if we do happen on a human settlement. There may be options to consider."

An intrigued look spread across Megatron's face. "Elaborate," he said.

"The foremost option would be to assault such a settlement," Shockwave said. "We can take whatever resources we deem important enough. The population can either be eradicated or pressed into our services." A thoughtful expression appeared on Megatron's face. He was considering what Shockwave was saying. A promising sign that Shockwave chooses to press upon. "That is assuming they are compliant with the main human government."

It took a few moments for Megatron to realize what Shockwave was implying. "Are you suggesting that not all humans follow the orders of their government?"

Shockwave nodded. "It has been noted that most advanced biological races are divided between several political states." Shockwave used advanced loosely when he talked about biological races, as the most advanced ones they knew were still using tools cast from iron and beasts of burden. That is until they made contact with humans. "Nor were our people fully united under the Council of Primes. Why would the humans be any different?"

Megatron rubbed at his chin plate. "That may be a possibility to look into," he said. The bridge of the Nemesis shook. "But that is something we must investigate later. Right now, we must handle our more immediate problem."

Both decepticons turned their attention to the projection of the battle. From there, Shockwave noted that the human-Autobot fleet had gotten into medium fighting range. Their last remaining escort ship, a frigate, was hanging close to the Nemesis, doing everything it could to defend the flagship. Shockwave calculated it would not last long.

"A tactical retreat is still advisable," Shockwave said.

Megatron was calmer now and more inclined to listen to reason. "Even if we were to do that," he said. "How would we do it? Our enemy has sight of us. They will follow us wherever we go."

That was something Shockwave would trust Megatron to handle. Shockwave's field of expertise was in the sciences, not strategic planning. Shockwave narrowed his optic as he noticed several small blips coming from the human-Autobot fleet. They were too large and slow to be missiles. So that meant.

"My lord," a vehicon shouted. "The enemy has deployed shuttles. They are on a direct course for the Nemesis."

"They intend to board us," Megatron stated. His hand curled into a fist. "Let them come. energon and human blood will be spilled on the decks of the Nemesis." The hand with a cannon attached transformed into a long blade. "Decepticons! Prepare to repel boarders!"

---

Enroute to the Nemesis

Hotrod braced himself as the shuttle shook again from the fire of decepticon weapons. His smile never left his face. They were doing it! They were about to bring the fight to the Megatron. They were finally going to end this war.

Hotrod even found it strangely fitting that Megatron would be defeated in a system no one even knew existed until now. Thousands of lightyears away from Cybertron, where the Great War started. The shuttlecraft shook again.

Hotrod saw the pensive look on his brother. "Come on, Bee," he said, getting the meche's attention. "We're going to be fine."

"I know," Bee said. "But that weapon fire is hitting hard. What if they breach the hull?"

"Don't worry, kid," Wheeljack called from the cockpit. "The Jackhammer is tougher than she looks. I modified her to take some hits. We'll make it."

Hotrod smiled and looked at his brother. "See?" he said. "We'll be fine. Just relax and save your energy for the cons."

"Your brother is right," Optimus said. "Calm yourself. Letting your anxieties take over will only endanger you and those around you. The battle to come will not be easy. But together, we will prevail."

Next to him, Elita One nodded. The whole of Team Prime had been assembled for this mission. While there were other teams taking the ship, Team Prime would head directly for the bridge. The other teams would focus on bringing the Nemesis's scattering field down so ground bridges could be used.

"Everyone, hang on!" Wheeljack shouted. "We're coming in hot!"

Hotrod did just as Wheeljack said. He grabbed onto the nearest guardrail and held on tightly. Not a moment too soon, he was almost thrown to the floor as the Jackhammer shook violently, followed by a loud thudding sound.

A moment later, Wheeljack walked into the holding bay of his ship, hands clapping together. "Alright, boss," he said with a smirk. "We're in."

Optimus nodded at him and looked over the rest of the team. "Everyone," he said. "We know our mission and what we must do to accomplish it. We must reach the bridge of the Nemesis and capture it. In doing so, we will also capture Megatron. I know this war has been long, and it has taken much from us. Friends, family, and even our home of Cybertron have been lost to the ravages of this war. All of you have sacrificed much in the Great War. But I must ask you this. One last sacrifice, one last battle to end the war. Today, we end this war and Megatron's ambitions for conquest. Will you stand with me?"

All around him, the other members of Team Prime nodded their heads. They were ready for this.

Optimus nodded. "Autobots," he said, transforming a hand into a double-barreled cannon. "Roll out!"

The bay doors opened, and the group of five autobots charged out. Almost immediately, they were beset by weapons fire from vehicon troopers. The autobots didn't waste any time returning fire, mowing down several defending vehicons.

The others wisely took cover and continued to fire at the charging autobots. Hotrod dodged out of the way of an energon bolt and slammed his shoulder into a vehicon. The decepticon drone was sent tumbling back. Hotrod quickly aimed a cannon at its spark chamber and fired. In an explosion of sparks, the con went down.

Then Hotrod quickly moved his head, avoiding a punch to the side. Hot swung his arm out, hitting the attacking Vehicon in the head. While it was staggering over, Hotrod swung his arm cannon out and fired. A bolt of energon slammed into the con's shoulder, blowing its arm clean off.

Then, keeping his motion, Hotrod transformed his other hand into a bald and swung it out at another vehicon that charged at him. He cut right through its spark chamber, killing it instantly. Still keeping his motion, he spun around and angled his blade up to cut through the neck of the single-armed vehicon. Its head was separated.

Just as the headless vehicon hit the deck, Hotrod turned his cannon at a group of four vehicons approaching him. He fires several bolts, most of them missing, but a couple of bolts find their mark. One con went down when two bolts tore into its body. The others took glancing blows.

Hotrod frowned when he saw the remaining three turning their cannons on him. Hotrod transformed his bladed hand into a canon and prepared himself for a fight. The sound of missiles caught his attention.

Hotrod looked up to see a swarm of missiles flying overhead. He followed their path where they raced towards the vehicon soldiers. A moment later, the vehicon soldiers were engulfed in fiery explosions that had Hotrod looking away for a second. When Hotrod looked back, none of the vehicons were standing anymore.

Hotrod looked behind himself to see where the missiles had come from. He saw several transports landing in the hanger bay. One of them was an autobot ship, the rest were human.

Within moments more autobot soldiers and UNS marines pour out from their transports, joining the fight for the hanger. With reinforcements behind them, Team Prime was able to clear out the remaining vehicon soldiers. Securing the hanger.

"The hanger has been secured, Optimus Prime," a marine said. "The rest of the boarding teams are reporting success as well."

Optimus nodded at the human. "Well done, corporal," he said. "How were the losses?"

"All teams report minimum casualties," the marine said naturally. "They are waiting for your orders to proceed."

Optimus nodded. "Then tell them to proceed with their objects," he said. "We'll proceed with ours."

"Other objectives?" Hotrod questioned. "I thought we were here to take the bridge and Megs with it."

Wheeljack gave him a disappointed look. "What, kid, you thought that was our only objective?" He asked. He got a hesitant nod from Hotrod. "Man, kid, you got a lot to learn. Yes, our main objective is to take the Nemesis's bridge, but that won't be enough to take the ship. The other teams will try to take the ship's main engineering and shut down the scattering field."

"Scattering field?" Hotrod questioned. "What good does taking that down do?"

Wheeljack rolled his optics. "For one, it will let us use ground bridges."

Hotrod made the mental connections. "Which will let us get more of our guys on the ship," he said.

Wheeljack smiled and nodded at him. "Which will let us take the rest of the ship," he said. "Glade, something is working in there," he tapped the side of his head.

Hotrod glared at Wheeljack, getting a cocky smile from the wreaker. Before Hotrod could get a rebuttal out, Optimus's voice cut through the conversation. "Autobots roll out! Move to secure the bridge."

Team Prime left the hangar accompanied by several squads of the UNS marines. The rest of their forces would stay behind to hold the hanger.

---

Bridge of the Nemesis

"My lord," a vehicon soldier reported. "Several of our hangers have been taken by the enemy. We have been boarded."

Megatron wanted to snarl at the drone, but he kept his temper in check. "Have we managed to contain them there?" He asked.

The Vehicon shook its head. "Negative, my lord," it said. "A combined force of autobots and humans have managed to break out from the hangers. They are moving through the ship. They appear to have two main objectives, main engineering and the bridge."

Megatron was about to shout at the vehicon soldier when something clicked in his mind. "Tell me," he said. "Have we identified who is a part of the enemy force that is heading for the bridge?"

The vehicon nodded. "Yes, my lord," it answered. "We have identified the Autobot leader, Optimus Prime, who leads the assault."

Megatron rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He was still irked by the fact that his ship had been boarded. But now, an opportunity had presented itself. One he would be remised not to take. "Very well then," he said, turning away from the drone. "Have all available forces defend the main engineering. We cannot allow the Autobots to take down our scattering field. Barricade will lead the defense."

"Yes, lord Megatron," the vehicon intoned. "What of the bridge?"

Megatron sent a sideways glance to Soundwave, who was hidden in the shadows. "Secured the bridge," he ordered his most trusted lieutenant.

"By your command," Soundwave said.

Megatron nodded and started to walk away. "Lord Megatron," he heard the vehicon call after him. "Where are you going?"

A blade shot from Megatron's arm. "I will personally deal with Optimus Prime and his team," he said without stopping. A cruel smile spread across his face. Today was the day the Optimus became one with the Allspark.

"Autobots, Marines," Optimus called out. "Keep moving forward."

"Yes, Sir," the human marines shouted.

The members of Team Prime nodded their heads and continued the assault. Hotrod fired his cannons at a pair of vehicon soldiers as he charged through the hall. Both were down under a hail of bolts. Next to him, Bumblebee sent a kick out that had a decepticon flying back, then promptly cut to pieces by Wheeljack as he went from one con to the next, cutting them down with his blades.

Not far behind Elita, one fired at the cons with her crossbow like a blaster. Each shot she fired was aimed precisely so that heads and spark chambers would explode. Piercing through a vehicon's spark chamber with his blade, Hotrod was left mesmerized by everything that was happening.

Even the Human marines were putting up a good fight against the cons. With concentrated fire from their plasma rifles, they had gunned down more than their fair share of decepticon soldiers. It helped that they had heavier weapons like handheld rocket launchers.

But none of them, Autobot or human, could compare to what he was seeing from Optimus Prime. It was like watching a whirlwind tearing through a forest. Hotrod's optics could barely keep up with the meche. One moment, he was shooting at the enemy with his cannons. The next, he was in the thick of them, taking them down with axes. It was awe-inspiring watching him fight and more than a bit humbling. Hotrod had to wonder if Optimus even needed them to take the bridge.

"Hotrod, watch out!" Hotrod barely registered the warning when he felt a fist collide with his face. He was sent stumbling back as he fired his cannon at his assailant. One short managed to clip the vehicon's shoulder, but the drone aimed its cannon at him.

Thankfully, Hotrod was saved when Wheeljack jumped in front of the con. He swung one of his blades down, slicing the arm off the vehicon, taking the cannon with it. Then slashed up with the other blade, cutting through the attacker's chestplate. Then, finally, with a twist, Wheeljack kicked the con away, sending it to the deck of the Nemesis.

By the end of this exchange, Hotrod had regained his footing and was letting out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, man," he said. "I was in a tight spot there for a second."

Wheeljack nodded at him. "Nothing to it, kid," he replied. "But you have to pay attention. The cons won't hesitate to take you down if you're distracted."

As he said this, one of the cons aimed a canon at his back. Hotrod was about to warn the wrecker. Wheeljack shot his arm out behind him, transformed it into a cannon, and fired. The vehicon's spark chamber exploded a moment later.

Wheeljack smiled at the dumbfounded Hotrod. "Like I said, kid," he cracked. "Got to pay attention."

Hotrod nodded at him and transformed his arms into cannons. "Right," he said. Both autobots stood beside each other as they fired at the enemy. "So, how far do you think we are to the bridge?"

"I would say we're about halfway there," he said. "If we keep this pace up. We'll be seeing Megatron in about." Wheeljack threw himself at Hotrod. Knocking the young autobot to the deck as a large bolt of energon flew overhead.

Both bots looked in the direction of where the bolt came from. Hotrod felt his spark freeze up when he saw the towering figure across the corridor. With a twisted smile, Megatron lowered the massive cannon attached to his arm.

"Right about now," Wheeljack finished his sentence. Both bots got to their fight as the fighting had paused with the arrival of Megatron.

"Megatron," Optimus said evenly.

Megatron's smile never left his face. "Optimus Prime," he said. "It is so good to see you, my old friend. If I'd known you were coming, I would have had the place cleaned up. I see you brought your team," he said, and then he looked at Hotrod and Bumblebee. Hotrod wouldn't admit it, but he felt a shiver as Megatron's gaze turned to him. "I can see you have a couple of additions as well. A bit young, aren't they?"

Optimus stepped in front of his autobots. One arm transformed into an axe. The other into a double-barreled cannon. "Megatron," he said as his battle mask closed around his face. "Today, we end this. This war perpetuated by your madness ends here."

Megatron stood there silently. Hotrod could feel the tension building up in the air. More Vehicon soldiers appeared behind Megatron. Then suddenly, a blade extended out from the arm with the cannon attached to it. "Yes," Megatron said slowly. "I do believe it's time to end this. Once and for all. Decepticons attack!"

Megatron charged at Optimus Prime.

---

Armstrong

Admiral Cartwell watched the projection as the battle continued. Even though the battle had progressed in their favor, the old Admiral kept a natural expression on his. The last of the Nemesis's escorts had been disabled, but not before two more UNS warships were taken out of action. That brought the total task force down to twelve warships, nine belonging to the United Nations of Sol and the other three to their autobot allies.

Cartwell crossed his arms while they had the Nemesis surround. It had not been without cost. Thousands of lives have been lost today. "I hope this will be worth it," he mutters to himself.

"Sir?" A nearby crewman said, looking at him curiously.

Cartwell waved them off. "Just talking to myself, crewman," he replied. "Statues on the boarding parties?" He asked the communications officer.

"Strike teams Alpha and Beta are still trying to make their way to the ship's main engineering," communications replied. "They're reporting heavy resistance from the enemy but are slowly making progress."

Cartwell nodded, pleased by the report. If they managed to reach Nemesis's main engineering, the strike teams could take down the scattering field mentioned by the Autobots. After that, the autobots could use their ground-bridge technology to transport more forces onto the decepticon flagship.

"Very good," Cartwell said. "What of Prime's team? What are their statues?"

"Hang on getting that report now," communications said. A look of surprise flashed across her face. "Admiral. Optimus Prime and his team have engaged Megatron."

Cartwell raised an eyebrow. "Have they reached the bridge already?" He asked.

The communications officer shook her head. "Negative, sir," she replied. "According to the report, Megatron has personally engaged Prime and his team before reaching the bridge of the Nemesis."

Cartwell was surprised for a moment. He had expected Megatron to remain on the bridge of the Nemesis, waiting for the strike team to reach him. Then Cartwell put some thought into it and realized he should not have been surprised. "I see," he said, rubbing his chin. "Then perhaps we can end this battle sooner than we thought. Inform the fleet to,"

"Admiral!" The officer manning the tactical station shouted. "Multiple contacts have just appeared on the edge of our short-range sensors."

Instantly, Cartwell's mind was on alert. "Decepticon reinforcements?"

The tactical officer looked over his station. "No sir," he said. "They're League Warships."

Cartwell cursed.

---

The arrival of league warships had caught the UNS-Autobot fleet by complete surprise. Particularly since the UNS long-range sensors were still down and the Autobots were not paying attention to theirs.

As the fleet was ill-prepared for their arrival. This allowed the League warships to quickly enter the range of their weapons and fire on the nearest UNS warship. This battleship was cut to pieces by the fusion beams of the League ships, and a nearby autobot frigate took heavy damage.

With the destruction of the battleship and an allied ship severely damaged, a hole was opened around the Decepticon flagship. A hole that the League forces took advantage of, much to the surprise of the UNS and Autobot forces. Shuttles with the markings of the second human force were sent through, and communication between the League and the Nemesis was intercepted.

---

Bridge of the Nemesis

If Soundwave was surprised, he never showed it. As always, he kept his expression impassive, and his thoughts hidden.

"Identify," he intoned. He was looking at a human male. But he wore a distinctly different uniform from the humans in the UNS. A uniform that bore a different sigil. His thoughts went back to the conversation between Megatron and Shockwave.

"It has been noted that most advanced biological races are divided between several political states. Nor were our people fully united under the Council of Primes. Why would the humans be any different?"

"I am Sub-Lord Nathaniel Ortiz," the human male said. "And I represent the League of Independence." It would seem he found that answer.

Within a nano-second, Soundwave had processed what this could mean and how it could benefit Lord Megatron. "State your business."

The human, Sub-Lord Ortiz, smiled. "We have come to aid you," he said. "We are sending shuttles full of League soldiers to help repel boarders. Will you let them in?"

Soundwave already had an answer. "Granted," he said. Then opened a line to Megatron. "Lord Megatron, a development."

---

Optimus Prime parried another attack from Megatron. Then, a second one that would have taken his arm off. He grabbed Megatron's arm and twisted around, transforming his free arm into a cannon. He fired a quick burst that downed a vehicon soldier running up to aid Megatron.

Then he let go of Megatron and ducked under a blade that would have gone through his head. He transformed his cannon into an axe and swung up at Megatron. Megatron parried the attack.

Then Megatron took aim with his blaster. Only for a wall of plasma fire to rain down on his back. Megatron snarled and twisted his head around to face the squads of human marines firing at him. He swung his cannon around, preparing to fire at them.

Optimus wasn't about to let anything happen to them. With a loud battle cry, he threw himself at Megatron.

The Decepticon leader looked over at him in surprise just as Optimus collided with him. The two combatants were sent flying across the corridor. Their exchange devolves into a fistfight.

Optimus took a punch to the side of his face but sent one into Megatron's in return. Neither figure staggered as they took each other's blows. But Optimus had always been the more nimble of the two. With his free hand, he punched the Decepticon leader's midsection. Megatron staggered, a look of shock spreading across his face.

Then Optimus delivered an uppercut to his chin that sent him flying. Megatron hit the deck some distance away from Optimus. A moment later, Megatron got back to his feet and wiped some energon away from his mouth.

Megatron chuckled as he examined the energon on his fingers. "Ever the skillful fighter," he said, looking at his oldest rival and former friend. "It is a shame we had to be on opposite sides. Imagine what we could have accomplished if he had fought together."

Optimus transformed both of his hands into axes. "I chose my side long ago," he said.

Megatron chuckled some more. "As we both did," he said. He stood up, a blade extending from his arm. He held his bladed arm into the air, ready to charge. Then his eyes widened as he held his hand to his head. "Report Soundwave."

Roughly at the same time, Optimus got some chatter on his comm. "Opt… ime," a voice said. "artwell w… ave… uation."

Optimus farrowed his optical ridges. He recognized the voice as belonging to Cartwell, but he could not make out the message. Optimus activates his comm. "Repeat that again, Admiral Cartwell," he said. "I did not get your message clearly."

Cartwell's voice came over the comm again. "Optim.. ime," he said, his voice coming in clearer than before. "This… Miral Cartwell we… ve a sit…tion."

A situation? "What's going on?" Optimus asked.

"Enemy contacts!" A voice shouted over the noise of battle. "League force imbouuaagh!" Which was then cut off by weapons fire. Weapons fire that sounded a lot like plasma fire.

Optimus turned around to see several squads of human soldiers joining the battle. Human soldiers in different armor than the Marines from the UNS and were firing on them. Several of the UNS marines were cut down, taken by surprise by the newcomers to the battle.

Cartwell's message finally came through clearly. "Optimus Prime, this is Admiral Cartwell. We have a situation. League forces had joined the battle and appeared to be reinforcing the Deceptions. Several shuttles have landed on the Nemesis."

That was when Optimus heard laughter coming from behind him. He turned around to see Megatron smiling at him. "Well, Optimus," he said mockingly. "It appears you are not the only one without new friends." A twisted smile spread across his face.

Optimus glared at the Decepticon leader. He brandished his axes, ready to charge at Megatron. But the stinging pain of plasma fire on his back put an end to that action. Optimus turned around, transforming one axe into a cannon, and took aim at his attackers.

Then his conscience caught up with him, and he hesitated. He couldn't kill humans, could he? "Optimus!"

Optimus didn't have enough time to react as he felt a weight push him to the side. Stumbling back, he saw Elita had been the one to push out of the way of an energon blast. A blast that struck her in the shoulder.

With an anguished cry, Elita fell to the floor. Optimus felt his spark freeze. "Arial!" Optimus ran to his spark mate, firing his cannons at Megatron wildly. He got to her and knelt to examine her. A large hole had been blown into her shoulder with a lot of energon coming out. Elita One was barely hanging to conscientious.

Around him, Optimus heard the sounds of battle, Megatron's cackling, and the voices of his autobots and the UNS marines.

"The enemy has us between two fronts."

"More cons incoming."

"Strike teams Alpha and Beta are reporting heavy causalities."

"Optimus! Optimus!"

All Optimus could do was stare down at the prone form of Elita-One. He was finally snapped back to reality when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Optimus looked over to see Wheeljack looking at him with a grim face. "Boss," he said. "Things are looking bad right now. The cons just got reinforcements, and we're fighting on two fronts. The team meant for the main engineering are being pushed back." He looked at Elita. "I think you know what we need to do."

Optimus nodded. He did, and he hated it. It looked like this war would not end today. Optimus activated his com. "All units," he said. "Fall back. We are withdrawing." Then his hands fell to his side, and carefully, he picked up Elita. Making sure she was secure in his arms, Optimus looked over the rest of Team Prime and UNS marines. A part of him was proud of them. Even though things were looking bleak, victory had been snatched right out of their hands. They still fought on.

He knew that they would fight to the last man if they had to. But Optimus wasn't going to let any more losses happen. "Everyone," he said. "Roll out."

Thankful the retreat to the Nemesis's hanger had been quick, but not without cost. Several UNS marines had been cut down by weapons fire from the decepticons and their new allies. The members of Team Prime had not lost anyone, but all of them sported new injuries.

By the time they arrived at the hangar. The UNS force left behind was heavily engaged by a large enemy force. Hotrod could see that several of the UNS shuttles were burning wrecks.

The retreating force ran behind the allied defense line. Reaching the Jackhammer, Hotrod and Bumblebee turned around and began to lay down, covering fire. "Everyone get inside," Bee said above the noise of battle.

From the corner of his optics, he saw Optimus run into the Jackhammer, still carrying the wound Elita One in his arms. Hotrod grimaced. He hoped she would be okay.

With no more reason to hold the hanger, the remaining UNS forces also began to retreat. Bit by bit, the marines piled into what remained of the shuttles. More than a few ran into the Jackhammer and the other autobot shuttle. Once the last of the allied forces had retreated into the shuttles, Hotrod and Bumblebee ran into the Jackhammer.

Running inside the bay, Hotrod hit the controls, closing the door. "We're all in," he said.

"Hang on!" Wheeljack shouted from the cockpit.

Not having enough time to react, Hotrod was sent tumbling back as the Jackhammer went into flight and soared out of the hanger of the decepticon flagship. After a moment, Hotrod was able to regain his footing. They had gotten out alive, but looking around, Hotrod could see that there were no smiles in the bay. Both autobots and humans had looks of defeat on their faces.

Hotrod could not blame them. They had been so close. Victory had been in hand. Megatron was beaten by Optimus. For a moment, Hotrod thought he would see the moment the war would end.

Then, it all was taken away from them. Hotrod looked at his brother, who tried to give a reassuring smile. But it was a futile effort as Hotrod looked over at Optimus. Elita One was still cradled in his arms.

She was unconscious now, something that Hotrod was thankful for. He didn't want to imagine the sort of pain she would be going through if she was. Optimus looked at her with an expression Hotrod never thought was possible for the meche. Greif mixed in with failure. Hotrod had never thought he would see the Autobot leader so vulnerable.

Unable to bear the sight anymore, Hotrod tore his optics away and looked at the others in the bay of the Jackhammer. It was then he caught the eye of a marine on their comm-link. From the expression on his face and his posture, he wasn't hearing anything good.

"What's the situation?" Hotrod asked the man.

The UNS marine looked at him in surprise but nodded his head after a moment. "Nothing good," he said. "The fleet is in full retreat. League warships are taking up position around the Nemesis."

Hotrod sat down, taking the news in. How? How could this happen?

---

Titan

Deep within the structure known as the Palace of the High Chancellor, the Leader of the League of Independence smiled as the good news reached his ears.

"Well done," High Chancellor Gallen Bhalla said. "You have served your nation and Chancellor well, Sub-Lord Nathaniel Ortiz."

The Sub-Lord bowed. "It was my pleasure, your Chancellorship. I live to serve the League and its ideals. Death to tyrants within the United Nations of Sol."

High Chancellor Bhalla smiled. "And may the worlds of man be free from their chains," he said. "Now then, I wish to converse with the leader of these Decepticons."

Sub-Lord Ortiz rose from his bow. "Yes, your Chancellorship," the man said, vanishing from view.

The image of the Decepticon leader Megatron appeared before the High Chancellor. "Lord Megatron," Bhalla greeted the alien. "It is a pleasure to meet you at last."

The alien machine gave him a warm smile or its best impression of one. "The pleasure is all mine," it said. "Your Chancellorship. You have my sparkfelt thanks for the rescue of my flagship. Without you, we would not have survived the assault from our enemies."

Bhalla's smile grew. It was good for others to know their place. "No need for thanks," he said. "Like you, the League fights against the tyranny of those who claim to rule us. We have much in common, Megatron. Perhaps we can make something of it."

Megatron's smile grew. "What can I say?" He said with a chuckle. "It is good to have friends."

To Be Continued…

---

Enter stage right the League of Independence. I've hinted at them a few times in the previous chapters, and they made an appearance at the end of the last chapter. But they have made their full appearance and have come to the end of the Decepticons. You can already see how this affect the future.

I know I might have done Elita One a dirty in this (the second time I've done something like this, I hope its not a habit). But don't worry I'll make it up to her in the next chapter; not part 2 to this one mind you I mean the one after that. So, now brings to a issue for the near future, the possibility of Autobots and more over Optimus having to kill humans. I've somewhere before that Optimus swore to never kill a human. As far as I know that was only a thing in the bayverse movies. I never found anything that indicate he had similar rule in other Transformers series, if someone could point that out somewhere, I would appreciate it. For obvious reasons that might be harder for Optimus to maintain in this series. But I do want to get your thoughts on this.

Until the next update, stay safe out there.