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?

13. Fight and Flight Part 1

Chapter 6: Fight and Flight Pt: 1

---

Belt

"Enemy vessel is coming about," A vehicon soldier said. "They're coming at our portside."

The Bridge of the Nemesis shook as UNS fusion beams slammed into the shields. Megatron looked on calmly as the human battleship came for his flagship. "Redirect shield power to the port side. And prepare a full broadside." He ordered.

"Lord Megatron," another Vehicon shouted. "Enemy fighters inbound. A full squadron, it looks like they're targeting our engines."

Megatron frowned. "Get the fliers on them, now," he ordered.

"Negative," the vehicon said. "Most of our fliers are heavily engaged with UNS fighters."

"Then get me to the League forces," Megatron said. "Tell them to get me fighter support."

"Yes, my lord," the vehicon said.

But there would be no need for fighter support from the League. A new contact appeared on the tactical display. It was around the size of a flyer and had a decepticon ID. An Id Megatron recognized with a smile.

So, he had finally shown himself, Megatron thought. The new contact flew straight for the squadron of UNS fighters bearing down on the Nemesis. Before they could react, half of them vanished from the display. The survivors quickly broke off their attack and scattered. They tried to evade the new contact attacking them. It would be a futile effort.

In minutes, all the UNS fighters had been destroyed. They had put up a good fight. Megatron would give them that, against a Decepticon Seeker of that skill and ferocity, it was a meaningless action.

In the meantime, the Nemesis had crippled the UNS battleship that had dared to challenge her. Megatron saw several League shuttles approaching the floating remains on the tactical display.

"My lord," a vehicon said. "The rest of the UNS fleet is retreating. Shall we give chase?"

Megatron shook his head. "Let them run and cower." He said. "They will spread fear of this ship and the power of the Decepticon cause."

"You mean the Decepticon and League cause?" A human voice called out.

Megatron turned his head to see Yuda walking up behind him. He smiled at the human. "But of course," he said. "Our victories are your victories."

Yuda grinned back at him. "Just as ours are yours." He said. Then, he turned his attention to the tactical projection. His eyes settled on the new contact. "Who is that flier?" He asked. "They are not anyone I recognize, and certainly not one of those Vehicons."

"An old friend of mine," Megatron said. "And a trusted Lieutenant. Come, I shall introduce you."

---

Nemesis Hanger

Dreadwing transformed and landed in the hanger bay of the Nemesis. It was good to be back on this ship after so many megacycles. But the Decepticon Seeker did not allow himself to dwell on nostalgia; he had a mission and purpose to fulfill.

Not long after, he was greeted by Lord Megatron and what appeared to be a high-ranking human military officer. "Dreadwing, it is good to see that your spark still lives," Megatron greeted him.

Dreadwing bowed to his lord and master. "Lord Megatron," he said. "I am at your service."

"Raise Dreadwing," Megatron said. "There is no need for such formality here."

Dreadwing nodded and rose to face Lord Megatron. His gaze quickly went to the human. Dreadwing noticed the smile on Megatron's face as he gestured to the human male. "But where are my manners?" He said. "This Fleet Lord Yuda, a high-ranking officer in the navy of our newfound allies, the League of Independence."

"I have heard of this League on the decepticon network," Dreadwing said. "It sounds as though we have much in common."

The man nodded his head. "Indeed, we do," he said. "For we both fight for a common cause, to free ourselves from those that would oppress us. It matters not what they call themselves, the UNS, the Autobots, they are the same."

Dreadwing hid his smile. He was starting to like this human. "Dreadwing," Megatron said. "I know that you did not come here simply to offer your services to me."

Dreadwing looked at Megatron and bowed to him deeply. "No, my Lord," he said. "I fear my intentions are not as pure as that. You remember my brother Skyquake?"

"I do," Megatron said. "If I remember correctly, you two were more than just brothers."

"Indeed, my Lord," Dreadwing confirmed. "We were born from the same spark. We each are one half of a whole. We can feel what the other does. As such, even across the galaxy, I felt my brother dying."

Dreadwing remembered the feeling vividly. First was the sense of shock, like his brother could not believe what had happened, followed by a burning pain. After was the growing sense of coldness before it finally ended, and Dreadwing felt a part of him was empty. There was something else in there as well. But there was something he would have to dwell on for later.

A mournful expression appeared on Megaton's face. "Yes, it was truly a sad day for the Decepticons when Skyquake went to join the All Spark." He said.

Dreadwing carefully controlled his anger when he spoke to the lord and master of the Decepticons. "I seek the one that slew my brother in the War for Luna," He looked Megatron in the optics. "I know he was not felled by the hands of an Autobot but rather by a human." How was such a thing possible? How could a mere organic being be responsible for the death of his brother? This was something Dreadwing had to know."

Megatron had a thoughtful expression on his face. "Much occurred during that battle," he said. "So, I was not aware of all the details that occurred. But I believe that our human ally may know something."

Dreadwing turned his attention to the human standing next to Megatron, demanding an answer. "While we did not take part in the battle. The League does maintain a number of sources within the UNS." He pulled out a small device. A holographic image of a young human male appeared. Dreadwing studies the image closely. "This is who you are looking for. A young pilot named Jack Witwicky."

---

Axalon

Jack lands his bird on the hanger of the autobot cruiser. "Flight Control," he said, switching his fighter to standby mode. "Cobalt-3 has landed in the nest. I repeat, Colbalt-3 had landed in the nest. Requesting permission to disembark."

"Permission granted Cobalt-3," the flight controller said. "Power down your systems. Maintenance teams are on standby. You may disembark from your craft when you are ready. Welcome back."

Jack nodded and started to switch the systems off. A minute later, he was out of the cockpit and walking through the hangar. "So, how was the flight?" Hotrod's voice reached Jack's ears.

Jack looked at the flame-colored mech as he walked up beside him. "Pretty good, a tad boring, but still good." He said. "Wheeljack's modifications were a nice touch. She was flying smoother than anything I've flown before."

Hotrod smiled and nodded. "That's good to hear," he said. "I was slightly worried when I heard you were testing the fighter out. Wheeljack's modifications are some good stuff, but they tend to blow up in your face."

Jack snorted. He had seen a couple of examples of Wheeljack's more explosive experiments. He could see why he was an explosive expert. "Well, thank god, that was the case today." He said. "Speaking of that crazy inventor, what is he doing now? Working on the Jackhammer, I bet."

Hotrod gave a mischievous smile. "In which case, you would lose out," he said. "He offered to modify your people's plasma rifles."

Uh, oh, now that could get explosive. A worried expression crossed Jack's face. "Nothing has happened yet. Right?"

Hotrod smirked at him. "I wouldn't worry about it, my friend." He said. "Wheeljack as been really careful with his modifications lately. Especially when it comes to you humans. Plus, your chief engineer has been keeping a close eye on him. So, nothing has happened."

Relief flooded through Jack. "That's good to hear," Jack said. "Plasma explosions are nothing to scoff at, and the fires they make are a nightmare to deal with."

Hotrode shrugged. "Like I said, Wheeljack has been really careful," he said. "He wants to make sure that you guys have all the advantages you get over the cons."

"And the League," Jack said with a smile. "I don't think they'll like the new upgrades any more than the cons. Is he testing them out now? I wouldn't mind looking at what he's done."

"They got a shooting range up now," Hotrode said. "Come on, I'll give you a lift." Hotrod held his hand out.

Jack looked at it for a second, deciding whether to take Hotrode up on his offer or walk to the range with his own two feet. Jack made his decision. He walked into the palm of the Autobot. Allowing himself to be held up and placed on the meche's shoulder. "All right, but if you drop me. I'll haunt you."

"Sure, sure, do whatever you want," Hotrode said. Then, a perplexed expression crosses his face. "Haunt me?"

Jack grinned. He could have fun with this.

---

Shooting Range

Wheeljack inspected the plasma rifle one last time to ensure it worked as he wanted. "All right, it looks like everything checks out." He looked at Corporal Hatsuko.

There was a glint in her eyes as she looked over the plasma rifle. If he was anyone else, Wheeljack might have been put off by the glint in her eyes. "If your modifications work the way you say they do," she said, picking up the rifle and inspecting it. "Then that would go a long way to helping us fight the cons. Hell, even the League could start to think twice about this war."

Wheeljack smile. "Only one way to find out," he said, gesturing to the shooting range behind them. "Just be sure to give them a good show." He nodded his head to the crowd of Marines and Autobots watching them.

Hatsuko smiled and held the rifle in her arms. She walked out to the shooting range, stopping beside a Marine holding a standard UNS plasma rifle.

Wheeljack deactivated his Holoform and walked out in front of the watching crowd. "Ladies, gentlemen, meches, femmes, and those between, I present to you the PAR-37-WJ1." Hatsuko held the rifle in arms out for everyone to see. The marine beside her did the same with his weapon, allowing the crowd to get a good look between the two.

"She packs more punch than the standard PAR-37," Wheeljack explained. "If you two would be so kind?"

Hatsuko and the marine nodded. They turned around to face the shooting range. The marine lined up the sights of his rifle and fired several bursts at the targets. In this case, they were representations of vehicon soldiers and League soldiers. Many of the targets went down as bolts of plasma hit them. It took about a minute for the marine to clear all the targets.

Now, it was Hatsuko's turn; the targets were reset. She aimed her modified rifle and fired. The results were noticeable. The plasma bolts were brighter and appeared slightly bigger than the ones fired by the marine. Each target went down with fewer shots, allowing the marine Corporal to switch over targets quickly.

In about forty seconds, all the targets on the range were down. Hatsuko turned around with a satisfied smirk on her face. The crowd was impressed. "So, we got a stronger rifle now, nice." A marine said.

"But what about power consumption?" Another asked. "With how those bolts looked, it must eat through a lot of energy?"

"And what if it overloads?" A third asks. "I wouldn't want to be around when one of those things goes off."

Wheeljack smile. "Not to worry, everyone, I thought of everything," he said. "While the bolts are stronger and more powerful. You would be surprised to find that power consumption has only increased by a marginal amount. Sure, you get a couple fewer shots, but you are kidding more kick in all the rest. As for overloads," he shrugs. "Some more lab testing can iron out such problems. Otherwise, I would recommend good old fire discipline. If it looks like it's about to overheat, pull back to cover and let the thing vent for a moment or two."

Small conversations were breaking out among the crowd of marines. Then one of them stepped up. "Can you show us how you did it?"

Wheeljack smiled. "More than happy to," he said. "Come one, I will show you all the steps."

A couple of hours later, the demonstration had finished, and the Marines, for the most part, had dispersed. A few remained to test the new modifications Wheeljack had made to the standard plasma rifle. But judging by the looks on their faces, Wheeljack knew he had made some very happy customers.

"I think that was a good sales pitch, don't you?" Wheeljack asks the marine Corporal next to his holo-form.

Hatsuko let out a single chuckle. "At the very least, you impress me," she said. She was looking at her new plasma rifle. "I don't know what all you did with this girl. But I like it. How quickly can you apply these modifications to all our weapons?"

"Me and chief Gusev were discussing that," he said. "With some more testing and approval from your commanding officer. We should be able to get it done in two or three days."

Hatsuko nodded. "That's good to hear," she said. "I can't wait to see the looks on our enemy's faces when they see what we're packing now."

Wheeljack grinned. "They'll be in for a surprise, I'd say."

"I would say," a familiar voice joins the conversation. Wheeljack looked over, and his grin broadened, seeing Jack approaching him. "That was some demonstration."

"I thought I spotted a familiar face in that crowd," Wheeljack said. "How are you doing, buddy? How's the bird handing?"

Jack gave him a welcoming smile. "Just fine, Wheeljack," he said. "Just got from a flight test. The engineers created some new stuff they wanted to try, and I volunteered for the extra flight hours. When I got back, I heard you were showing some modifications you made to the plasma rifles. So, I thought I would swing by and see what's up."

"Well, it's nice that you dropped by," Wheeljack said. "What did you think?"

"It was something," Jack said. "Certainly, made the Corporal's day.

Hatsuko smiled and held her rifle lovingly. "What can I say? A girl has got to have her accessories," she said.

"Are you planning to do the same for all our weapons?" Jack asked. He patted the plasma pistol to his side. "Wouldn't mind if this little puppy had some extra kick.

Using his holo-form, Wheeljack examined the weapon at Jack's side. "Can't say I haven't thought about it," he said. "You humans have a lot of toys I can play with. I would love to get my fingers on some of your grenades—the things I could do with those little guys. But I'm afraid not all your weapons can be given more of a kick, mostly because they're not designed for something like that. Your pistol is one of them, I'm sorry to say."

Jack looked disappointed but not surprised. "Well, it was worth a shot," he said.

Wheeljack nodded, then smiled at Jack. "I can tell you this," he said, getting the human's attention. "I can't give it an extra punch. But I might be able to give you an extra shot or two with that thing. It might not sound like much, but believe me, every shot you can make counts in a firefight. How does that sound?"

Jack smiled at him. "That sounds great," he said. "When do you think, you can get started?"

"Right away if you like," Wheeljack replied. "It might take a day or two."

Hatsuko walked up beside the holo-form. "I wouldn't mind if you did the same for my pistol," she said, unholstering the weapon. "That is if the offer is open to others."

Wheeljack grinned. "What is that human saying? The more the merrier?" he asked. He got nods from the two humans. "I draw some plans and try to look over your weapons' designs. I'll let you know when I,"

"Attention." Commander Raymound's voice sounded. "All senior personnel are to report to the conference room aboard the UNS. Jasper for an emergency meeting."

Wheeljack looked at Jack and Hatsuko. "I'll have to get back to you have that."

---

UNS. Jasper

Jack was fidgeting in his seat. It had been over an hour since the call to gather in Jasper's conference room had been sent out. He looked around and saw several senior figures of the task group talking to each other in small groups. Some of the Autobots were even present in the room, in holographic form, for obvious reasons. He could see Wheeljack having a conversation with Hatsuko and another UNS officer.

At the end of the table were Optimus Prime and his second-in Commander, Elita-One; they appeared to be conversing. An air of anticipation weighed over the room as everyone waited for the meeting to start.

"So, what do you think this is about?" Jack almost jumped when he heard the question. He turned around to see another guy sitting next to him. He had medium-length blonde hair and light green eyes. He was kind of cute.

I'm sorry I missed that," Jack said. "What did you say?"

The man, who appeared to be a year or two younger than him, smiled. "I was asking what you think this is all about?" He said. "This meeting that we've been called in for."

Jack shrugged his shoulders. "I honestly don't know," he said. "If I had to guess, probably an operation of some kind."

The young man nodded, rubbing his chin. "That does sound about right," he said. A smile spread across his face as he held his hand out. "I'm Aiden Travers, Chief Strategic Information Officer, I was just posted here a couple of weeks ago."

Raising an eyebrow, Jack shook the man's Aiden's hand. "Jack Witwicky, senior fighter pilot," he said. "Callsign Colbalt-3. I don't think I've heard of a strategic information officer."

Aiden chuckled. "We're more or less glorified data-entry clerks," he said. "We go through and catalog all information a ship comes across, such as senior logs, daily reports, mission debriefings, and that sort of stuff. Then, we compile them into strategic reports for command officers to review. It's not quite the glamorous life that fighter pilots like you have. But it is important stuff to do, or at least what the military says."

Jack smiled. "A pencil pusher, except you don't get a nice desk position back on Earth," he said. "You're stuck with the rest of us."

Aiden smirked at him. "Perhaps so," he said. "But I don't mind it too much. Especially when the sights aren't half bad." Aiden gave Jack a look that told what kind of sights he was liking.

Jack felt a slight blush creeping on his cheeks. "By nice sights, you mean?" he asked carefully.

Aiden's smirk grew. "You're a cute one," he said smoothly. "I wouldn't mind having a drink or two with you. After that, we'll let events take their course."

Jack fought back a blush as he averted his eyes from the man. "I'm sorry, I'm flattered really," he said. "But I can't. It's just that I," he started to rub the back of his neck, wondering how he would put this into words.

A chuckle from Aiden had Jack looking back at him. "I was just pulling your leg," he said warmly. "Besides, I'm already spoken for. Engaged actually, my fiancé is back on Earth."

Jack let out a sigh of relief. "So, who is the lucky person?" He asked. "Are they?"

"Another guy, yeah," Aiden said with a gentle smile. "He's another strategic information officer like me. Except he got that nice desk position back on Earth. Which is fine by me. That way, I know he's safe."

Jack kept the frown off his face. "But I can imagine how worried he is about you," he said. "You're stationed on a warship. I don't think that puts his mind at ease." It certainly didn't put Jack's mind at ease when Conner had been deployed in the belt. Plenty of restless nights during those two years.

Aiden nodded his head from side to side. "I try to contact him regularly to put him at ease," he said. "Put, I can still see the worry in his eyes. No matter how much I assure him that I'm fine."

Jack chuckled, remembering the same assurances Conner had given him. "All right, I wouldn't mind having a drink or two with you. And maybe a bit of conversation." Jack held a finger up, wagging it with a smirk. "But nothing else. Wouldn't want to upset your fiancé, would we?"

Aiden had a broad smile on his face. "We can also admire all the hot muscly guys around us," he said. "The military seems to have no shortage of those."

Jack cracks a smile, remembering that Conner had been one such guy. "Too, right," he said.

"All right, everyone, let's begin," Commander Raymond said, standing at the front of the war room.

Jack and Aiden nodded at each other, silently agreeing they would talk later. Everyone else took a seat at the table. Commander Raymond looked around the room and nodded. He tapped at a control station at the end of the table. The lights in the room darkened as a holographic projection appeared over the table.

Jack and the others were looking at a space station, three rings attached to a central column. "This is Reach Station Appolo-9. A UNS-controlled research station in the belt."

"In the belt?" Wheeljack questions. "Isn't it a tad risky to have a research station in what is essentially the frontlines of a war?"

Commander Raymond nodded. "A fair point," he said. "But do remember that the belt is a massive region of space. It's not like with the inner solar system, where everything is quite a bit more clustered. There is a lot more space where one can hide something, not to mention the literal millions of hunks of rocks floating around."

Wheeljack nodded his head. "All right, you got me there," he said.

Commander Raymond smiled. "Plus, it does not hurt that most research stations are low priority on both sides. The League can go after plenty of juicier targets and vice versa. Plus, there are better ways of getting research data than smash-and-grab operations."

"I get the feeling this research station is a bit more special than others," Optimus said, rubbing his chin plate.

Commander Raymond nodded and worked at the control station. The station's image vanished and was replaced by the image of a large cyclical device. "While we try to keep our more special projects deep within our space. Some get to the point where they require field testing. Appolo-9 is home to one such field test."

"And by field test, you mean," Wheeljack lets the implication hang in the air.

Commander Raymond confirmed the meche's suspicions. "Pending on what it is, the test can be conducted in an empty patch of space, an asteroid, debris field, or" he paused for a second. "Or a small enemy unit caught out of position."

From across the table, Jack could see Optimus closing his eyes and opening them slowly. "Was this one such test?"

Raymond shook his head. "Not this time, Prime," he said. "I was told the device would be tested on an asteroid."

That was when Jack finally spoke up. "What is this device we're talking about?" He asked. He looked at the holo-image floating above his head. It almost looked like a tractor emitter, but something about the design felt off to him.

"I was getting to that airman Witwicky," the Commander said. "We are looking at the UNS's latest foray into gravity manipulation. A Gravity Emitter."

"A Gravity Emitter?" Chief Gusev said. She leaned in on the table, carefully eyeing the device. "I think I've read of such a device. It emits pulses to create a center of gravity at a fixed point in space, correct?"

Raymond nodded. "Exactly, Chief Gusev," he said.

"Sounds like what our gravity plating does," Hatsuko said. "What's so special about this Gravity Emitter?"

Jack already thinks of a couple of possibilities. "They are similar on a principle level," Commander Raymond said. "But the key difference here is that gravity plating and other related technologies can only create gravity in one direction. The Gravity Emitter differs in that it creates a sphere of gravity. That is to say, it generates a real gravity well that pulls things in from all directions."

Hatsuko's eyes widened. "How powerful can we make this gravity well?" She asked. "Like, can we make actual black holes now? Turn a hunk of rock into a neutron star?"

Wheeljack smiled at Hatsuko. "I don't think that's how neutron stars work," he said. "Plus, I don't think you would want one anywhere near your system, or a black hole for that matter."

Raymond nodded. "He's right. The emitter is limited by the amount of power needed to generate a gravity well," he said. "The more power we can pump into it, the stronger the gravity well. From my reading, we can only produce a gravity well equal to 1g safely with our current power generation capabilities. At maximum, we can go up to 1.3gs, but only for a limited time. The gravity well is also limited to a highly localized level of about ten to hundred kilometers."

"As opposed to normal gravity wells, which can be felt across a whole solar system," Gusev said. "A fascinating piece of technology, I would love to look over its design schematics. If this gravity emitter works, it sounds like there are many possibilities. But I imagine something like this isn't new to you cybertronians. You probably have something more impressive than what we are experimenting with."

"Perhaps we did," Optimus said. "But given the current state of our society, we may not be as impressive as you think. Our technology is not what it used to be, even before the Great War." He looked up at Commander Raymond. "Given that we are talking about this device. I assume your superiors have reason to believe it may be in danger."

"That is correct, Prime," Command Raymond said. "Recent intelligence reports suggest that the League plans to raid Appolo-9. They may have learned of the Gravity Emitter's existence and want it for themselves. I don't have to tell you how dangerous such a possibility will be if it comes to pass."

"Agreed," Optimus said. "Can not allow such a technology to fall in the hands of the League or into decepticon hands."

If Jack had shuddered at the thought of the League getting their hands on the device. Then, the idea that the Decepticons could felt like ice crawled up and down his spine. Those monsters had been willing to deploy a planet-killing weapon to get what they wanted. What would they do if they got their hands on something like the gravity emitter? Worse yet, with their more advanced understanding of science and technology, they could improve upon it, so there was no telling what could happen.

"That is not a thought I would like to think about," Optimus said. "So, what is our mission here? Are we to provide protection while the device is tested?"

Raymond shook his head. "No, this time, superiors decided to go with the wisest course of action." He said. "They want to relocate the device back into UNS-held space. Namely, it goes back into the inner solar system, where it can be safe. That is where we'll come in." The holo-image shifted again, showing the station for a second time. However, this time, representations of Task Group Omega-1 were displayed near the station.

"TG Omega-1 will rendezvous at Appolo-9 to pick up the Gravity Emitter," Commander Raymond explained the mission. "Then we will set a course for the following coordinates." The holo-image showed the task group moving away from the station and through the belt to a highlight point. "There, we will meet with Task Group Bravo and hand off the device to them. They will carry the emitter the rest of the way back into the inner solar system. After which, we will resume normal operations. Any questions?"

Jack was the first to raise his hand. The Commander quickly acknowledged him. "What are our chances of encountering a combat situation here? And what sort of resistance should we expect if we do so?"

Commander Raymond nodded his head. "While this is only an estimation, we expect a high probability of encountering an enemy force. As for the size and disposition of said enemy force, we do not have enough data to make an accurate guess. Our best speculation puts the largest force to be encountered at either the research station or near it. After that, speculation is that smaller enemy units will try to engage us."

A lot of frowns were being passed around the table. In the military, unknowns and speculations were not something that anyone liked. "What of the research station itself?" Hatsuko asked. "Does it have any defenses of its own?"

"Being a research station, Appolo-9 has little in the way of defensive armament. So, it relies on a local fleet for defense. Aside from that, that station does have its own security forces and a contingent of marines. We will, of course, be working closely with them as the transfer is made. I'll put you in touch with the security chief and marine Commander so we can coordinate our efforts."

Hatsuko nodded. "On it," she said.

"Any other questions?" Commander Raymond looks around the room. When no one else responded, he nodded. "Then this debriefing is over. Dismissed."

"Well, it sounds like we're going to have a lot of fun," Jack said, looking at Aiden.

"Ha! "You're the one to speak," Aiden said. "All you must do is fly around in your fighter. Meanwhile, I get to go through and file all the reports that will hit my desk for this operation. Normal operations are bad enough, but something like this will have me pulling an all-nighter for the foreseeable future," he sighed. "It's times like this. I wish my fiancé were here so I can drown myself in his presence."

Jack smiled; he felt the same way about Conner sometimes. "Well, you can always drown herself in good a drink," he said.

Aiden smiled back at him. "Then I would have to deal with the hangover the next day, not to mention it would be against regulation," he said, then rubbed his chin. "Though I suppose that hasn't stopped others from doing it. But the paperwork would still be there, waiting for me."

Jack chuckled. "You got me," he said. He stood up. "Be better get going before our superior's notice. I don't think either of us needs a reprimand today."

Aiden nodded and stood up next to Jack. "You're right," he said. It was nice meeting you, Jack Witwicky. Maybe when we're off duty, we should try hanging out. I wouldn't mind having another friend on this ship."

Jack smiled. "That would be nice."

---

Axalon, near Appolo-9

"Looks like we managed to get here before the enemy did," Bumblebee said from his station.

"Uhh, and here I was hoping for some action," Hotrode said, slumping his shoulders. It's been boring the last couple of weeks."

"Kid, you should know better than to tempt fate like that," Wheeljack said. "You'll never know when she'll take you up on your offer."

Elita One looked at Optimus with a smile. "To be young again," she said.

Optimus nodded and looked at the holo-projection of the station the humans called Appolo-9. Five UNS warships were orbiting near it, two cruisers and three smaller ships. The station's defense fleet, Optimus guessed.

"Open a hailing frequency to the station," Optimus said. "And inform Commander Raymond that we are nearing our destination."

A moment later, the image of an older human male was shown. "This is the station commander to the approaching fleet. Identify yourselves and state your intentions." The man said.

"I am Optimus Prime, in command of Task Group Omega-1," he said, stepping up to the image. "We are here for the Gravity Emitter to escort it back to the Inner Solar System. We will be transmitting our authorization codes in a moment."

Optimus nodded at Elita. She nodded back and tapped at her control station. The station commander vanished from the image for a minute. When he reappeared, his expression was relieved.

"I apologize for the cold reception Prime," the station commander said. "We're not used to these types of operations. We're just a research station, not a military outpost."

Optimus nodded his head to show he understood. "Not to worry, commander, I understand this is unusual to you," he said.

"You're telling me," the station commander said. I'm talking to a giant robot who happens to be an alien as well. I don't think these are normal times. But still, we'll be relieved once you take the gravity emitter off our hands. I have more than a few nervous researchers who have voiced their concern about an attack from the League."

"You won't have to worry about anything, commander," Elita One said, stepping up next to Optimus. "We'll have the Gravity Emitter off your station soon enough, and your people can return to whatever you are researching."

The station commander nodded his head. "We'll have the Gravity Emitter ready by the time your people arrive." Then his image vanished.

Elita looked at Optimus. "Well then, Optimus," she said. "Shall we get to it?"

Optimus smiled and nodded his head. "We shall." He hoped Primus would smile upon them, and they would encounter no difficulties.

---

Nemesis

"Well, it looks like my old friend has beaten us here," Megatron said with a vicious smile. Ahh, Optimus, you never disappoint—unlike you, Starscream." He glared at his second in command.

Said seeker laughed nervously. "I shall endeavor to do better in the future, my lord," he said. He held his nails out. "If you would permit me, I shall lead the first stirk on the hu- UNS station. I am eager to avenge my previous failures at the hands of these primitives."

"My Lord, I request that I be allowed to join this battle." Megatron turned his head to the side and saw Dreadwing walking up. "If this is the unit known as Omega-1, then I am eager to show them my might."

Megatron smiled. "Would this not have anything to do with a certain human fighter pilot?" He asked.

Dreadwing hides his surprise well. "I have read up on this Jack Witwicky, I know he has been assigned to this Task Group Omega-1," he explained. "If that is true, I will avenge my brother this day. If not, then I will be satisfied with the spill of the last Prime's energon."

A frown almost crossed Megatron's face at Dreadwing's last comment. "Optimus Prime is not so easily felled Dreadwing," he said with a note of warning. "We over many millennia of battle to prove it. But very well, you may join the battle. But remember, our highest priority is to secure the Gravity Emitter, not your personal vendetta against a human. Am I understood?"

Dreadwing bowed deeply to the leader of the Decepticons. "Yes, my master," he said.

Megatron nodded. "Good, then you may lead a seeker armada against the enemy fleet, keep them occupied. Starscream, you, and Barricade will assault the station to secure a foothold for our League allies so they can claim our prize."

"Yes, my lord," Starscream said, bowing. "I assure you that the gravity emitter will be ours."

"I will hold you that, Starscream," Megatron said. Then he stepped forward across the bridge. "All ships engage the enemy. And Dreadwing, one last piece of advice."

"Yes, my master?" Dreadwing said.

"These humans may be primitive, but they are dangerous," he said. "Do not underestimate them. Or else you will soon be joining your brother in the Allspark. Do you understand?"

There was a long silence before Dreadwing answered him. "Yes, my lord." Then he was gone.

Megatron smiled. A blade shot out from his arm, and he raised it into the air. "Decepticons raise up and attack!"

---

Appolo-9

When she got the call, Hatsuko was talking to the station's security chief about the final transfer arrangements. "Corporal Hatsuko, we got trouble," Commander Raymond's voice said through her comm link. The marine Corporal quickly answered the call.

"What's going on, commander?" Hatsuko asked. "Has the enemy appeared? Are we under attack?"

"I'm afraid so, Corporal," the Commander answered. They just appeared on our radar and are coming in fast. They've deployed fighters and are on a direct course for the station. They'll be on you at any moment."

Hatsuko cursed under her breath. "We'll get things moving right away," she said. As soon as she did, the alert klaxons started to blur.

"Corporal," Commander Raymond said. "You should also know we've identified one of the ships attacking us. It's the Nemesis."

Now, Hatsuko cursed aloud. "We'll make that double time. Hatsuko out." She said, cutting the communication. She walked straight up to the security chief. "We'll have to forget those last arrangements and move the emitter now. The enemy has come knocking at our door."

---

Space

The battle for Appolo-9 began shortly after the UNS had sighted the enemy force. The League/Decepticon alliance was fielding eight ships for this battle. A league battleship, two cruisers, two smaller vessels, two decepticon escort ships, and most prominently, the Decepticon flagship, the Nemesis. The final of which was considered to be the most powerful warship in the entire Sol system.

On the UNS/Autobot side, they fielded ten warships: the defense fleet of Appolo-9, two cruisers and three smaller ships, Task Group Omega, An Autobot Cruiser, and frigate, along with a UNS cruiser and two escort ships. In terms of numbers, the defenders had the advantage; however, in terms of firepower, the attackers stood above.

The first part of the battle began when a large force of League and Decepticon seekers assaulted the station itself. With a limited point defense system, the station could only cut down a few of its attackers as they made their attack runs.

A large part of that force broke off their attack on the station and made course for the defending fleet.

A force of UNS fighters and Aerialbots quickly intercepted them.

---

Jack pulled his fighter sharply to the side, avoiding plasma fire from a League fighter. In that same motion, he used the thrusters on his fight to spin around a hundred-eighty degrees, bringing him face to face with his pursuer. The League fighter was surprised by the maneuver, and they flew on for another couple of seconds. Those would be the last seconds of their lives.

Jack fired his fusion bolt canons after the target lock was confirmed. The league fighter was consumed in fire as the bolt tore into its frame. Jack flew past the debris field.

The comm chatter was alive with the sounds of battle.

"Cobalt-4 here. I see an enemy squadron going for the Spirit of Water."

"This is Cobalt-7. I have someone on my tail. I can't shake them."

"Hang on, Cobalt-7, Brave-6 coming your way."

"Bravo-5 here, I've taken a hit. I'm returning to the nest."

"More attack runs coming at the station."

"Colbalt-3, here," Jack said into his comm system. "Requesting permission to lead a squad or two in defense of Appolo-9. Their defenses are being overwhelmed."

A moment later, he got a response from Cobalt leader: Permission granted. Cobalts five to ten, Bravos one through seven, and Charlies ten to sixteen, go with Cobalt-3 and reinforce the defenses of Appolo-9."

"This is Optimus Prime," the Autobot leader said over the comm. "I am also assigning a squadron of Aerialbots to assist you."

Several acknowledgments sounded over the comms as Jack spun his fighter around and set a course for the research station. "All fighters on me," Jack said. We're going in hot. As soon as we're in range, we'll fire off a cluster of missiles to clear the skies around Appolo-9. After that, pick a wingman and break to engage the enemy. Remember, the defense of the station is our priority. Do not go headhunting. Am I understood?"

A chorus of acknowledgments answered him. "All units advance."

---

Decepticon shuttle

"Barricade, is your team ready to assault the station?"

Barricade transformed his hand into a mace. "What is it, Starscream?" He said with a smug smile, knowing the SIC would not be able to see it. "Having some trouble out there. I thought that these humans were just primitive nuances."

He could hear the seeker growling over the comms. "It is nothing that I and my armada can't handle," Starscream all but snarled. Just make sure that you complete your mission, or it will be you who will have to explain yourself to Lord Megatron."

Barricade shook his head. "Don't get your turbines into a twist screamy," he said. "I'll get the job done. Even if I must tear this entire station apart, bolt by bolt."

He could almost see Starscream's sadistic grin as he spoke. "That's what I like to hear, Starscream out."

Barricade turned to face the shuttle pilot. The UNS research station had an interference field around it, preventing ground bridges from forming. This was undoubtedly a gift from their Autobot allies, much the same way the Decepticons had given to their human allies, the League. Barricade would admit he was impressed with how quickly and widely both human factions had implemented the technology.

So, without the ground bridges, his assault force would have to come in the old-fashioned way. A smile spread across Barricade's face. He didn't mind that too much. He liked to have a little excitement in his battles. If the humans had proven one thing, they provided a level of excitement the Decepticon lieutenant had not felt in a long time.

"Bring us into the station," he ordered the pilot.

The drone nodded its head at him. "As you wish, my lord," it intoned.

Then, the shuttle began to shake. "What's going on?" Barricade asked, already having a suspicion.

"Enemy weapons fire," the vehicon pilot said. "Enemy point defense systems have responded to our landing. We are taking evasive maneuvers to avoid destruction."

Barricade frowns just a little. Damn, Starscream, he was supposed to have taken care of the station's point defense systems. "Just make sure you get us there in one piece," Barricade threatened. "Otherwise, I will be the one to claim your spark."

If the Vehicon felt any fear it did not show it. "Yes, my lord."

Fortunately for the drone pilot, the shuttle made it inside the human station. Though not without taking what Barricade suspected to be a nasty hit to its hull. Barricade just shrugged; he could always take another shuttle back to the Nemesis if it came to it.

The sounds of something pelting the shuttle hull could be heard on the inside. Barricade transformed his left hand into a giant cannon. "Sounds like these UNS dogs are rolling out the red carpet," he said with a broad smile. Too bad I didn't come dressed for the occasion. Open the doors; we're attacking now!"

On command, the shuttle door opened. Almost instantly, a hail of plasma fire filled the shuttle. A vehicle soldier was down in a matter of seconds as its spark chamber exploded. The rest of the chamber's occupants, including Barricade, charged out of the shuttle.

Within moments, the hanger bay was filled with the sounds of battle as plasma and energon fire were exchanged between the two sides. Barricade dived into cover as UNS fire licked at his shoulders.

He fired a shot from his energon cannon and was pleased to see three UNS soldiers reduced to dust. He went back to cover, avoiding more plasma fire from the enemy. More vehicons poured into the battle, providing the enemy with more convenient and disposable targets.

A vehicon strides up to a position close to Barricade. It fires its energon cannon towards the enemy position. A moment later, a hail of plasma fire pelts the drone soldier from above. The soldier's head and chestplate melt under the intense wall of plasma as it falls to the deck plating.

Barricade looked up at the overhanging walkways. He saw about a dozen UNS soldiers pointing their weapons down and firing. The Decepticon frowned when he saw they weren't carrying the standard issue rifles one would see so often among the rank and file. What they were carrying looked like they were meant for heavy-duty action.

Anti-vehicular weapons, Barricade concluded, or least weapons meant for heavily armored targets. Decepticon soldiers would count in that category.

Barricade sidestepped out of cover and pointed his energon cannon up at the walkways. He fired. The enemy soldiers saw him firing and returned fire. But it was too late; several bolts of energon slammed into the walkways, breaking them apart. The broken walkways swung down, sending many UNS soldiers plummeting down to the deck plating below. Barricade mused on how much of an impact the human body could survive.

His musings were cut short when an energon blast narrowly missed him. Barricade stepped back into cover and looked over. Autobot soldiers had joined the battle. None of the big names, just the cannon folder. A shame Barricade would have liked another round with Wheeljack.

He supposed the rank and file would have to do. Barricade stepped out from cover again and fired his energon cannon. A bolt of red light sailed through the air, slamming into the chest plate of an Autobots soldier. The meche stepped back, clutching at the smoking ruins of his chest plate. The spark chamber had not been breached. Barricade would change that soon enough.

Continuing to fire his energon cannon Barricade charged out from his position. Another Autobot soldier went down as their head exploded into a shower of sparks and metal. A third tried to charge the Decepticon lieutenant. Still, Barricade saw the attack coming long before the bot could reach him. He transformed his other hand into a mace and swung it upward just as the autobot reached him.

The bot had no time or room to react as the massive mace buried itself into the under section of his chest plate. Metal and sparks flew into the air as the mace tore through the chest plate coming out on the right shoulder. The bot fell to the ground, groaning in agony. Barricade did not waste any time when he slammed his foot down on the bot, breaching into his spark chamber.

Barricade moved on to his next target/victim. Another blaster and another autobot were sent to the Allspark, and he reached the bot he had shot moments ago.

The meche was still clutching to the ruined remains of his chest plate with one hand. The other arm was transformed into an energon cannon. The bot got off one shot before Barricade reached him. He missed.

Barricade grabbed the bot's cannon and twisted it and the arm around. With a gleeful smile, he brought his mace down on the chest plate and into the spark chamber. Barricade heard a scream from one of the other autobot. Perhaps the name of the meche had just slayed.

An energon blast came for Barricade, which he easily avoided. Then, another and another, a hail of frantic energon blasts rained on Barricade. Most of which the Decepticon easily avoids. The rest he took cover from.

The autobot attacking him charges up to a furious and grief-stricken expression on his face. "You'll pay for what you did, too," he never got to finish his statement.

Barricade's hand shot up and latched onto the smaller meche's head. Barricade pulled the bot's head down, dragging his body with him. The back of the bot's head slammed into the deck, plating with enough force to put a dent in it.

A second later, Barricade's hand transformed into a cannon and fired. The autobot's body twitched for a second or two, then it went completely still. Barricade was smiling the whole time. "Don't care."

He stood up straight and surveyed the battle in the hangar. His smile grew when he saw they had essentially secured the hanger. Small pockets of enemy resistance were left, but they were in full retreat. Barricade turned around to face where the autobots had come from.

There was no ground bridge, and Barricade knew there had been no bots in the hanger when his assault force landed. He found what he was looking for. An extensive set of doors close to him. Big enough for vehicles or cybertronians to fit through.

For a moment, he wondered what something like this was doing on a human station. Then it hit him. "A cargo transport lane," he muttered to himself. Now, that presents him with options.

"Lord Starscream," Barricade activates his comm unit. "My assault force has secured the hanger bay."

"Good," Starscream said. "Proceed with the plan."

"Starscream," Barricade said before the SIC could cut the transmission. "I have found something that may open up some possibilities for us."

---

Deep within Appolo-9

"Corporal Hatsuko," a marine next to Hatsuko said. "We've lost control of Hanger Bay 3."

Hatsuko resisted the frown tugging at her face. "Damn it," she cursed under her breath. "What about the reinforcements we sent?"

"They were taken out by the cons, sir," the marine reported. Hatsuko could not mistake the dark look that fell over Wheeljack's face. Hatsuko had worn the expression several times before. "They're saying there was another decepticon in this group, someone who wasn't a vehicon. He's the one that tore through the autobots."

"Might be one of Meg's lieutenants," Wheeljack commented. "Did you get a description of the con?" He asked the marine.

"A large mech, black and white coloring," the man reported. "And apparently, he was using a mace for a melee weapon."

"Barricade," Wheeljack said with enough venom that a snake might take issue with.

"Sounds like you know this guy," Hatsuko comments. "Got a history with him?"

Wheeljack nodded. "Yeah, we go back," he replied. "We've had more than a few scuffles. I've lost a couple of good friends to the ex-enforcer."

"Enforcer?" Hatsuko quired.

"Thank it as like your police officers," Wheeljack replied. "And he had been nasty one before the war."

"Right, bad cop," she said, noticing that Wheeljack was walking away from the escort. "Where are you going?"

"Where do you think?" Wheeljack replies. "I'm going after Barricade."

"This isn't some revenge thing, is it?" Hatsuko asked.

"Partly," at least the autobot was being honest. "But Barricade is a bit above what most other autobots can handle. There's a reason why he's one of Megatron's lieutenants. I'm afraid I'm the only one here who has a chance of stopping him or at least slowing him down."

Hatsuko wanted to protest, but she knew what Wheeljack said made sense. This Barricade guy sounded like real trouble, and sending the rank-and-file soldiers after him would be a waste of resources and lives. "You be careful and take some backup with you."

Wheeljack snorted as he reached for his swords. "There's something you should know about us wreckers," he said. We don't call for backup. We call for clean-up. Don't worry about me. Just worry about getting that out of here," he pointed to the gravity emitter.

Hatsuko nodded and was about to reply to the wrecker when the same marine from before made another report. "Corporal, the Decepticons have breached into the cargo transport lanes. They're on their way here."

"Shit."

"Scrap."

---

Space

Jack fired his fusion cannon, downing another Decepticon flyer. Bolts of energon flew past his fighter's frame, missing a wing by a narrow margin. Jack flew into evasive maneuvers as the decepticon flyer kept on his tail, firing its energon cannons every few seconds.

Looking at his HUD, Jack could see that his maneuvers kept an even pace with him, but they kept throwing the thing off. This meant he wasn't being chased by one of the seekers but just another vehicle flyer. Good as they were, vehicles were just drones, so they lacked the creativity a real thinking being would have, like a seeker or even a human.

Thankfully, he didn't have to worry for long as another UNS flew at the flyer and destroyed it with a burst from their plasma cannons.

"Thanks, Bravo-7," Jack said over a link with the other fighter pilot.

"No problem, Cobalt-3," Bravo-7 said.

Jack looked at his HUD, seeing another attack wave approaching the station. "The enemy is making another pass at the station," he said over open coms. "All nearby friendlies form up on me. We'll intercept."

He barely got the warning in time to veer his fighter off. Bolts of energon sailed through empty space. "The hell," Jack shouted. More bolts came at his bird as he flew into evasive maneuvers. On his HUD, he saw a decepticon flier chasing after him. This time, it wasn't a Vehicon.

Jack cursed under his breath. It seemed he had gained the attention of one of the Decepticons' aces. "Scratch that," he said over the coms, bolts of energon passing by his cockpit. "Bravo-7, you'll lead the interaction force. I'll handle this joker."

He flew his fighter close to the station, hoping to use the structure as a cover. "Copy that, Cobalt-3," Bravo-7 said. "Do you need an assist?"

Jack shook his head. He flew up along one of the station's arms, looped around it, and came face to face with his attacker. His opponents reacted almost the same instant he fired his fusion cannons. White hot bolts of light flew past where the con had been.

Jack frowned. "Negative. I'll handle this guy myself," he said, flying his craft after the decepticon seeker. You just focus on defending the station." The dual was on.

---

Dreadwing fired on his query. Bolts of energon surged toward the human fighter craft, and the decepticon seeker eagerly waited to see the ball of flames that would consume it. Only for the fighter to pull away at the last second.

Dreadwing would have to admit he was impressed with this human. The same could be said about most of the human fighter pilots he had seen in the battle. At first, he had dismissed the notion that mere organic beings could match a seeker, that their emulations of flight would never match up.

Then he saw them in action and realized he underestimated the humans. They easily surpassed the vehicon fliers buzzing around (albeit that wasn't hard to do) and matched their seeker counterparts. He would even say some would have made fine seekers had they been cybertronian.

But then there was this human, the one named Jack Witwicky. He was far beyond anything the other humans had displayed. With any other opponent, Dreadwing would have dispatched them within seconds, or a minute had they been lucky enough.

This opponent was more than that. As impossible as it seemed to Dreadwing, this human kept up with him. He moved his craft so that there were moments Dreadwing thought he was fighting another seeker, and a very good one at that.

Had this Jack Witwicky been born a Cybertronian, Dreadwing knew he would have made an excellent seeker, perhaps even one of their best. He was seeing how his brother could have fallen to this human.

Dreadwing flew after the UNS fighter as it hugged the station's hull tightly. A clever ploy to limit Dreadwing's range of movement. He fired his energon cannons whenever he got a clear shot. Still, Witwicky proved to be a while foe as his craft shifted from side to side, avoiding destruction by a hair breath.

Then, without warning, the human craft spun around, bringing its cannons to bear on Dreadwing. White bolts of light surged towards Dreadwing as he forced himself into an upward climb.

The enemy fighter then came after him. A smile was forming as Dreadwing flew to avoid destruction. He opened a commlink with the UNS fighter.

---

When Jack got a communications ping, he expected to hear the voice of another UNS fighter pilot, maybe even one of the Aerialbots. It could have even been a communication from the fleet, likely to give him new orders and lend out some information.

The voice he heard was none of these things. "So, little human," a deep voice said. "You were the one to kill my brother."

Confusion shot through Jack's mind. That wasn't a human voice he was hearing; somehow, he knew it wasn't the voice of an autobot. So that left one option. "You're a decepticon," he said. He even had a good idea who it might be. "Who are you, and why are you talking to me?"

He heard a chuckle over the comm line. The decepticon flier behind him had stopped firing their energon cannons, but they were still close in on his tail. "I am Dreadwing, the brother of Skyquake whom you slew."

"Skyquake?" Jack asked. That name rang a bell in his mind. Then, a flash of memory came to him. His fighter was critically damaged, a shuttle carrying dangerous cargo, and a relentless enemy. He remembered firing the plasma bolt that got the decepticon off and the missiles that ended his life. "The War for Luna," he said in a whisper.

This Dreadwing must have heard his low whisper. "Yes, indeed," he said. "That the conflict where you two met in battle, it was over your homeworld's moon that you ended his life." There was no mistaking the venom in his voice, but at the same time, Jack noticed an odd tone of respect.

"I must admit I never expected my other half to have been felled by an organic," Dreadwing continued. "But from what I have seen. I can now see that he fell to a worthy opponent. Consider that a small comfort as I take life for vengeance."

That was not comforting to Jack, considering it had earned him a decepticon personal out for his head. "Your other half?" Jack asked, hoping to distract the con long enough for him to figure something out. Jack had flown his fighter back over the station's superstructure, hugging it tightly, but Dreadwing had followed.

"My brother and I were born of the same spark, split in two," Dreadwing explained. "And since we were two halves of the same whole, I felt his death from across the galaxy."

"Born of the same spark?" Jack questioned. "Twins? Were you twins?"

Jack couldn't see it, but the tone Dreadwing when he responded suggested he was smiling. "Twins, yes, while a crude term for what we are, but it is not inaccurate."

Jack gritted his teeth. The two flew across one of the station's arms and out to the ring. "Look, I could try to apologize," he said. "But it was war, and something tells me you won't take it." Then he saw a flash of Conner's face in his mind. He felt a lump forming in his throat. "Plus, if I didn't kill him, he would taken someone precious to me."

There was a short silence over the comm. "To answer your other question," Dreadwing said, "I wanted to hear the voice of my enemy at least once before I sent them to meet their maker. So, little human, say your prayers to whatever god or deity you believe. For soon you shall meet them."

Bolts of energon flew towards Jack's fighter. Jack cursed, taking his fight into a swing. The battle was rejoined.

---

Appolo-9

"Barricade, what is taking you so long?" Megatron said over a comm link.

Barricade fired an energon bolt, downing another autobot soldier. The autobot fell over, almost crushing a squad of UNS soldiers. They dived out of cover, leaving them wide open for their League counterparts. Most of them were gunned down before the few survivors ran back to cover.

Barricade answered his comm. "We have met heavy resistance from both the autobots and their UNS pets," he explained. "But do not worry, my lord. The device will soon be ours to do with what we please."

"Remember, Barricade, I do not like failure," Megatron said with an edge of warning. "We have had far too many of those of late."

Barricade nodded. He swung his mace, ripping apart the face of an autobot soldier. They swung down, crushing a UNS soldier. "Understood my lord," he said. "The next you see me, I shall present to you the Gravity Emitter." He cut the link.

He was about to issue orders to his assault force when an all too familiar voice reached his audio receivers. "You shouldn't make promises you can't keep."

Barricade turned to face Wheeljack. Both his blades were drawn, and his battle mask shut. "Wheeljack, I should have known you would be here," he said.

Barricade didn't have to look under the mask to see the cock grin on Wheeljack's face. "What can I say? I like to be where the party is." A vehicon soldier charged him. But Wheeljack quickly sidestepped the attack, and a slash from one blade caused the soldier to fall to the deck in two pieces.

More of Barricade's Assault force turned their weapons on the former wrecker. He stopped them with a motion from his hand. "No, he's mine," he transformed both his hands back into hands and curled them into fists. "Continue the advance; do not stop until you have the Gravity Emitter. Understood?"

The Vehicon wordlessly followed his order while the League soldiers shouted. "Sir, yes, sir."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Wheeljack moved towards the assault force.

But Barricade was on top of him a second, a fist sent flying to Wheeljack's face. The autobot ducks under the attack and an arm to block another. "The only thing you should be focusing on is me," Barricade said with a wide grin.

"We have incoming," a marine shouted.

Hatsuko turned around just in time to hear the sounds of battle. Further down the cargo lane, several squads of League soldiers advance on her unit's position and the Gravity Emitter. She could see several Vehicon soldiers advancing behind them.

"I thought Wheeljack was supposed to keep them busy," a marine beside her said.

Hatsuko shook her head and pulled her plasma rifle out. She quickly checked it over. "No, he's keeping Barricade busy," she corrected the marine. The only cons she saw were the drone soldiers, vehicon none of the true decepticons.

She considered that a blessing. From what she had heard about this Barricade, she doubted her unit could hold him off. "Squads three and five take up position and lay down suppressive fire. Squads one, two, and four form a perimeter and hold the enemy off. We can't let the enemy get the emitter." She looked up at an autoboot. "We need some autobot help here. Both in the suppression squad and the main battle line. The rest of us will escort the emitter out of here."

The autoboot soldier nodded. "Got it," he said, transforming his hands into cannons. He ran down the lane with several other autoboot soldiers. Some took up position with the suppression force, while others joined the main line to hold off the enemy's advance.

"What are you going to do, sir?" A marine next to her asked.

Hatsuko's plasma rifle whirled to life. "I'll be joining the main battle line," she said. "I think it's time I test out these new modifications." A wild grin spread across the woman's face. "You just make sure the Gravity emitter is taken to Hanger Bay Five and get it off the station. Understood?"

The marine salutes her. "Sir, yes, sir." He said, then ran off towards the precious cargo.

Hatsuko nodded and ran towards the frontline.

---

Axalon

"The Spirit of Spring is reporting heavy damage," a crewman said. "Most of their weapons are down, and shields are failing."

Optimus nodded. "Order them to retreat and make repairs. Then have the Spirit of Courage move in to take their place."

The crewman nodded his head. Elita stood next to Optimus. "This is not good," she said. "That's the third ship we've lost, two badly damaged and the other destroyed. The rest of the fleet is reporting damage to all ships."

Optimus nodded. The battle had been drawn out, and none were coming out untouched. "The same can be said about our enemy," he replied. Two enemy ships had been knocked out of the battle, A league cruiser and a decepticon escort. "Except for the Nemesis." He eyed Megatron's flagship as it hung at the back of the battle lines.

Thus far, it had not directly joined the battle, seemingly content to sit back, taking shots at the allied fleet and sending in wave after wave of Vehicon fliers. Elita frowned. "Megatron is being unusually cautious here," she said. "I would have expected him to dive right into the battle. He should know you're here."

Optimus nodded. But he knew his old friend even better than Elita did. It was true Megatron had a deep hunger for battle. But had a keen mind and knew when to focus on an objective. "His goal isn't to kill me today," Optimus said. "He only wants the Gravity Emitter. He'll be focusing on that rather than fighting us."

"Optimus Prime," another crewman said. "We're in position."

Optimus nodded. It had taken some tricky maneuvering on his part, but they were in engagement range of the League Battleship. "Fire the main cannons," he ordered. "Try to target their engine section, and have the secondary weapons target their weapons array. I would rather cripple them than destroy them."

The autobot crewman nodded and turned to relay the orders.

---

Appolo-9

Wheeljack ducked under another swing from Barricade's mace. Then, he sidestepped an energon blast from his cannon. He swung up with one of his swords, with the second slashing across the waist of Barricade.

Barricade blocked the first attack with his arm and stepped outward to avoid the second. He stepped back, swinging his mace around to strike at the former wrecker from his side. Wheeljack bent down and swung around to the side of Barricade, the mace swung by his head, missing him by the tiniest hair. He swung his swords out as he stopped next to the Decepticon lieutenant.

Barricade jumped to the side, but not before a gash was cut across his side. It wasn't deep but drew energon from the corrupt former enforcer.

Barricade put a hand to his side, then held it out to examine his energon. A smile spreads across his face. "Agile as always, Wheeljack," he said with a chuckle, his blaster arm transformed into a second mace.

"And you're as lumbering as I remember," Wheeljack quipped back. "Though for a big guy, you're surprisingly fast." He stood up and held his swords. Both opponents started to circle around each other, looking for an opening to exploit.

Barricade's head twitched to the side. Wheeljack's optics eyes narrowed as the con transformed a mace into a hand and put a finger to his head. "Not yet, my lord."

Wheeljack smiled. "Getting a call from your boss?" He said with a smirk.

Barricade turned his other mace into a cannon and pointed it directly at Wheeljack. A sharp glare met Wheeljack's smirk. "I've been held up, lord Megatron. Let's just say an odd friend has come out to play. Don't worry. The emitter will soon be yours to use as you please."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Wheeljack said under his breath.

A frown creased Barricade's mouth. "Yes, my lord," he sent a glare at Wheeljack. "I understand. Your command is my will." He put his hand down. He glanced at Wheeljack. "Sorry, Jackie, but we'll have to cut this short."

Wheeljack smirked at Barricade. "What? Your boss saying you're a disappointment?" He asked. "I could have told you that."

Barricade frowned at the former wrecker. "You know I never liked that mouth of yours," Barricade said. "Even before the war, you always shot your mouth when even I detained you."

Now Wheeljack was frowning. "I wouldn't call what you did detaining me," he said in a growl. Memories of dark cells flooded back to his mind, and what happened in them.

Barricade smiled at him. "I remember you had a friend with you," he said. Wheeljack's hands tightened around the hilts of his swords. The image was clear in his mind. "He was almost as much trouble as you were. Whatever happened to Whirlwind?"

He remembered holding him, energon pouring out from his wounds. He remembered seeing the life leaving his optics and his last words. I'm sorry, Jackie.

Wheeljack roared and charged at Barricade. He swings his swords at the con, left then right. Barricade parried the first attack with his mace and grabbed the other sword with his free hand.

Wheeljack's optics barely had time to widen when he felt a fist connect with his body. If he were human, the blow would have been where his gut would be, and like with a human, it took his breath away.

From the corner of his vision, he saw Barricade smiling. "Good try," he said. Then Wheeljack felt another blow that sent him flying and crashing into a wall. Wheeljack heard the metal of the wall bending. "As much as I want to finish you now, I have other things to do. Better luck next time, Jackie. Troops keep him busy."

Wheeljack transformed his hands into cannons and took aim, ignoring the pain in his body. A line of Vehicon soldiers got in his way just as the decepticon transformed into his alternate mode and sped off.

The Vehicon soldiers took aim at Wheeljack. "Frag," Wheeljack cursed. He moved out of the way just as a hail of weapons fire came down on him. Keeping his speed, he quickly grabbed his discarded swords and swung at the nearest con.

---

"Fall back!" Hatsuko shouted over the sounds of battle. She fired a burst from her rifle. The bolts found their mark on the chestplate of a vehicon. It fell over as the previous fire had already eaten away at the armor.

Then she fired a shot at a League soldier who had gotten a little too bold and had broken from cover. The shot nailed him in the should, sending him to the ground. Two of his buddies went to rescue him; one lay down to cover fire while the other dragged him to safety.

Hatsuko had fallen back by the time the suppressive fire reached her position. She had no intention of finishing the downed soldier. She wanted to keep the rest of the League forces busy long enough for her unit to pull back.

The suppression force behind the UNS battle line sent a heavy wave of fire, keeping the League forces and their decepticon allies boggled down. She looked behind to see that the Gravity Emitter was almost to a large set of doors above the lettering for Hanger Bay Five hang.

Hatsuko hid a smile when she activated her com. "This is Corporal Hatsuko," she said. "The Gravity Emitter is almost at Hanger Bay Five. Extraction Team, are you ready to get this thing out of here?"

"Affirmative, Corporal," a voice answered. "The shuttle is prepped and ready to launch. Just load the emitter, and we'll be out of here."

That was the kind of news she liked to hear. "Be warned, the package will be coming in hot," she replied. "Enemy forces are right behind us, including a small force of decepticons."

"Acknowledge," the man said. "We'll be ready to lay down heavy covering fire. Just get those doors open."

Hatsuko nodded. "Acknow," she paused as she heard the sound of engines roaring above the battle noise. She looked in its direction, seeing a black vehicon speeding behind enemy lines.

The vehicle roared past the enemy lines before the marine Corporal could shout a warning. That was when everything became a blur. All that Hatsuko could piece together was that she heard a cybertronian transforming. Then she heard weapons fire, big weapons, and lastly, she was on the ground feeling like her bones were rattling.

There was a ringing noise in her ears as Hatsuko helped herself to her arms and knees. She could hear her unit shouting, more weapons fire, and screams of panic. Hatsuko took a breath to focus her mind and let the ring noise subside.

It was then she noticed a shadow looming over her. She looked up, seeing a Cybertronian standing next to her. On his shoulders, she could clearly see the emblem of the Decepticons.

The con started to walk away, turning one hand to a cannon, and raising the other to the side of his head." Barricade here," he said. "I'm about to secure the package. Have the shuttles ready for exact." He fired a shot, and more sounds of screaming.

"Oh, hell no," Hatsuko said. She looked around and spotted her plasma rifle a short distance away. She quickly grabbed it, set it to the highest setting she could, and turned around to face the con. She took aim and fired a burst.

Three bolts of plasma slammed into the side of the con's face. The con let out a yelp of pain. Hatsuko fired another burst, this time hitting in the shoulder. Barricade whirled around to face; an intense glare directed at his attacker.

Another burst landed on his leg. The con's glare turned into a smile as he approached her. "Brave little thing," he said as he held his hand.

Hatsuko moved, but Barricade's hand was already coming for her. With the feeling like she had been hit by a truck, the marine Corporal was sent flying, and her body slammed into a nearby wall, knocking the breath from her body. The last thing she saw before

unconsciousness took her was the Decepticon turning around and moving for the gravity emitter.

---

Barricade picked up the large container that housed the Gravity Emitter. Even for him he admitted it was a bulk piece of equipment, but he could still pick it up. He activates his comm. "This is Barricade. I have acquired the package," he said. "All allied forces full back to the extraction point."

"It is about time," Starscream said over the comms. "I was beginning to think you weren't up to the job."

Barricade smiled. "And you would have done better, Starscream?" He asked, knowing it would get a raise out of the SIC.

"Remember your place, Barricade," Starscream spat.

"Enough squabbling," Megatron commanded. "Barricade, bring me the emitter. Our allies are eager to test this device and have already chosen a suitable target. We will set up a course once you have returned to the Nemesis. Understood?"

Barricade nodded. "Yes, Lord Megatron," he intoned. "I shall not fail you. Barricade out." He cuts the transmission. He hefted the storage device over his shoulder and placed it on his back.

He started to walk down the cargo lane. He looked over at the unconscious form of the human female on the ground. His hand went to the burn mark on his face, a frown creased across his face. A quick scan of the female revealed she was still alive, albeit in a bad condition. If her comrades got to her quick enough, there was a good chance she would survive.

For a second, he thought about finishing the job; one blast from his energon cannon, and there would be nothing of the female. Or even a light press from his foot, and they would clean up the mess afterward.

Then, his frown was replaced with a smile. She deserved a chance to live if this little organic had been brave enough to shoot at him. If she had the will to live, then she would.

Barricade looked at her for a second longer and walked away. These humans, small as they are, were interesting.

---

Jack pulled his fighter into a tight turn, avoiding a barrage of energon blasts. Jack gritted his teeth as he was forced into another turn. He knew he was in a bad situation. This Decepticon, Dreadwing, would not let up in his chase.

No matter how much he tried to get away, the number of times he had lost him, the con would show right back up and begin blasting. Worse, Jack did not get a clear shot at the seeker to end the battle. He had gotten a couple of glancing hits on his enemy, nothing that would put him down.

More bolts sailed past his fighter. Jack looked everywhere and found something catching his eye. No smile came to his face as he realized this would likely be his last gamble. He pulled his fighter in.

In his alternate form, Dreadwing smiled as his opponent veered off from his sightlines, bolts of energon missing the fighter by a hair's breadth. Dreadwing turned to face the UNS craft. This had been a good battle that he would give to the organic.

Jack Witwicky had lasted far longer than Dreadwing had expected him to. He did better than most seekers and Aerialbots would have. But in the end, Dreadwing knew he would be the better. He knew this battle was ending, and he would avenge his brother.

His smile grew when he saw his opponent disappear over the ledge of the station's arm. It was a clever little thing, but it was too bad it wouldn't work. Dreadwing flew on.

Jack was breathing hard, and once more, he found himself in a familiar position. He just hoped what he was about to pull off would be as effective on Dreadwing as on his brother.

He waited, cannons charged and ready. The last of his missiles primed as well. He was going to end this one way or another. He waited. And waited. And waited?

Jack's eyes narrowed. The decepticon flyer should have flown over now. But his HUD was showing nothing. Had he somehow lost his pursuer? Had this Dreadwing finally given up on his chase?

No, Jack told himself, something was wrong here. This was his first encounter with the Decepticon named Dreadwing, but somehow, Jack knew he was not the type to give up. Not without a reason behind it. Which meant that his opponent was up to something.

Jack didn't know why he fired his engines at full blast. He felt an instinct yelling at him, a prick at the back of his neck that his hair standing on edge. He would be thankful for that voice, as it kept him alive at that very moment.

Bolts of energon went past Jack's fighter as the engines roared to life, sending the craft surging forward. But one of the shots grazed the wing of his fighter, and suddenly, Jack was jolted to the right. His fighter nearly spun wildly.

Thankfully, Jack was able to gain control of his fighter and keep it from crashing into the station. However, that was the least of his worries right now. Several warning messages flashed across his HUD.

Inertial dampeners damaged. Partial functionality.

Maneuvering thrusters down.

Engine 2 damages. Functionality at 45%.

Hull integrity is down to 67%.

Other warnings flashed by, but all boiled down to one thing. Jack was in serious trouble. Dreadwing came for him.

---

Dreadwing had a victorious smile as he lined up his energon cannons on the human fighter craft. He could see the craft had taken enough damage to tell him it could no longer avoid him.

Even still, his opponent fought for every moment of his life. You have proven yourself as a worthy opponent, Jack Witwicky Dreadwing thought. He had felt his brother's death from across the galaxy. He felt the pain and anguish that had consumed him in his last

moments. Strangely, he also felt a sense of contentment, even as he died, and Skyquake felt a sense of peace.

Now, Dreadwing understood why his brother had died a warrior's death at the hands of a worthy foe. Now, he would return the favor. "Farwell Jack Witwicky," he said. "And may you find comfort in the arms of whatever deity your kind believes in."

He locked onto the fighter craft and ready his cannons to fire. "All allied forces fall back," Megatron's command came over the comm. "We have acquired the package. All forces are to fall back immediately and arrive at the rendezvous coordinates."

Dreadwing paused for a second, cursing the timing of the message. Just a second longer, and he would have had his revenge. He could still have it; one burst from his cannons, and he would be on his way.

But then another thought occurred to Dreadwing, one that had him seriously thinking. The war in the human home system would likely go on for some time, and there would be many more battles.

If he had been in his cybertronian form, Dreadwing would have smiled. Yes, he wanted to see what more humanity could offer him in a challenge. He wanted to see how much this Jack Witwicky could grow. Yes, he had defeated him here. However, one lesson Dreadwing learned was that defeat was a strong motivator for improvement. How much would this little human grow after this battle? After many more battles?

Dreadwing powered down his cannons, finally reaching a decision. "Be thankful, little pilot," he said. "I am granting you a stay of execution to see how far you can go. Do not disappoint me." He was about to turn around when another idea occurred to him.

He ignited his engines, flying right for the UNS fighter craft. Just when it appeared he would smash into the craft, he transformed, letting his momentum carry him forward. He sailed past the craft, glimpsing into the cockpit, where he saw his opponent looking at him in shock.

Dreadwing smiled at him, and then a moment later, green rays of light shot out from his eyes, bathing the UNS fighter. In an instant, Dreadwing had scanned the aircraft over, the lights died down, and a second later, he transformed into a replica of the fighter and shot off into space.

"This is Dreadwing," he commed to the decepticon forces. "I am returning to the Nemesis. Please note that I have taken on a new alternate form." He would avenge his brother, but that time could wait.

---

When Hatsuko came to, the first thing she saw was the worried face of Wheeljack. Then, her memories returned. "The Gravity emitter," she said, trying to get up. But a sharp pain had her leaning on the wall.

"Easy there," Wheeljack said. "Someone should be here to look at that."

"But the?" The marine Corporal asked.

Wheeljack shook his head. "Long gone," he said. "Barricade got the emitter off station, and the enemy buggered out."

Hatsuko balled her hand into a fist and slammed it into the wall. "Damn it," she said. Then, she winced again when she tried to move. "Are we going after them? We can't let a device like that fall into enemy hands."

Wheeljack nodded. "The Omega-one is getting ready to chase the cons," he said. "But you need some medical attention first. Believe me, I know what it's like, but you're no use if your body gives out under you."

Hatsuko wanted to protest, but a sharp pain had her nodding. Before the medics carried her off, she and Wheeljack shared a look. They might have failed here, but next would be a different story.

---

Nemesis

"So, this is the gravity emitter," Yuda said, passing a hand over the device's container. "Such a fascinating piece of technology, I thought it would be bigger." He turned to face Megatron. "But I'm sure that you have seen more impressive."

Megatron smiled at him. "But it will still be useful to us," he said. "Isn't that right, Shockwave?"

The Cyclopes decepticon walked up behind Megatron. "Indeed, Lord Megatron," he said. "The device may be crude by our standards. But it is functional, and I believe I can improve on it."

Megatron nodded. "Do so quickly," he ordered. "I imagine our allies are eager to test this device out."

Fleet Lord Yuda nodded his head. "I have already received an update from Titian," he said. "They have a suitable target in mind."