Chapter 6: Fight and Flight Pt: 2

UNS: Jasper

"And that concludes my report, Admiral," Commander Raymond said with a stone face.

Admiral Cartwell maintained a neutral expression throughout the commander's report, occasionally asking a question for clarification. "Do you know where the enemy has gone?" he asked. "Did the Nemesis use its spacebridge to withdraw?"

Raymond shook his head. "We did get a course from the enemy fleet," he said. "But that is only up to where they left long-range sensors. After that, they could have changed course and speed. Or even used a spacebridge. The enemy left a small force to keep us occupied."

Cartwell nodded. "Then let's assume for the moment they have not done either thing," he said. "What is the most likely course they have set for?"

Commander Raymond moved his hand over to a console close to him. A moment later, a holographic map of the local space appeared. Station Apollo-9 was in the center. "I have been working on it," he said, highlighting three areas. "First is a League Fort station. It is the closest and most fortified position in the local region. It would be a safe place to transport the emitter; from there, they could carry it deeper into League."

"Until it arrives on Titian," Cartwell observed. "To one of their research stations. What are the other locations? Are they league installations?"

Commander Raymond shook his head. "They're ours, actually," he said. "The enemy may want to field test the device like we had planned. But unlike us, they might not limit themselves to rocks or legitimate military targets."

Cartwell nodded again. "The League is no stranger to such things," he said. "Nor are they Decepticon allies. What are the targets?"

"The second target we believe is outpost Delta-12," Raymond continued with his report. "It's one of our monitoring stations and has a small garrison. If it were to fall, it could leave several positions in this sector vulnerable to a surprise attack. The third target is a colony, New Ohio. It has suffered attacks before, and the latest reports indicate its defenses may be understrength."

Cartwell had a calculating expression on his face. "All them lightly defended, so they won't have to worry about risking their new acquisition," he said. "Any of those two could make for a tempting target."

"And those are just the most likely ideas my people could come up with," Raymond said. "We don't know what the enemy is thinking or what they could be planning. They could strike those targets. They could retreat into League-held space. They could do any number of things. We just don't have enough information."

Cartwell nodded and rubbed his chin. "We have people working on that," he said. "Intelligence is working overtime to determine what the League and the Decepticons could be planning." Then, something seemed to catch the Admiral's attention off the projection. "Speak of the devil. That might just be the break we need. Hold up just a moment."

The Admiral's image winked out for a moment. When he got back, he had a grim face on. "We have a confirmation of where the enemy is." He said.

Raymond kept a passive expression on. "So soon?" He asked. "Where?"

"The confirmation comes in the form of distress signal," Cartwell said. "It is a colony, but not one of ours."

Nemesis

"Begin the test sequence," Megatron ordered.

"Yes, my lord," the holographic of Shockwave said. "Activating the gravity emitter."

If it were possible, the Decepticon and League forces would have seen a beam of gravity hit the cylindrical human colony. Within moments, the outside shell of the large artificial habitat was subjected to elevated levels of gravity starting at one g.

"The gravity emitter has been activated," Shockwave reported. "The habitation is now currently subject to a gravity level equal to the human homeworld of Earth."

A raised platform nearby Fleet Lord Yuda had a pleased look on his face. "Amazing," he said. "To think that our enemies had access to a technology like this. You said that the emitter is generating one g of gravity?" And it's spread out across the colony?"

Shockwave nodded. "Affirmation, Lord Yuda," he answered. The colony is now trapped in a gravity well."

"According to the data, it was only to create a well around one kilometer in size, but you managed to expand it to encompass a colony like this," he said. "Are the inhabitants feeling any effects of the emitter?"

"Decepticon technology is superior to that of which you humans possess," Shockwave answered. However, I am impressed with how the device works. It is a crude but practical design. I have improved it to increase the size and power of the gravity wells it can generate. As for whether the people inside are feeling the effects, I do not believe so. I calculate that the gravity plating inside the structure will counter the effect until we have increased the power of the gravity well."

Yuda nodded. "Then do so," he said. "I want to see what your improvements to this technology can do." Then he looked at Megatron. "That is if you are interested in seeing them as well."

Megatron nodded. "Do as he says, Shockwave," he ordered. "Increase the strength of the gravity well. I want to see that colony broken apart or reduced to a ball of metal. Either will serve our combined interests."

From a distance, one of the decepticons felt a frown tug on his face. "Lord Megatron," Stealjaw said, stepping into view. "I know it is not my place to question your judgment. But why are we targeting this New Jamestown? From the records, this colony declared neutrality in this war. They are not our enemies. Why not target something more valuable to the enemy?"

Megatron smiled at the Decepticon lieutenant, pressing his irritation. "Ahh, but such records can be deceiving," he said. "Isn't that right, Fleet Lord?"

The League Fleet Lord nodded. "We do have intelligence reports that say that this colony harbors UNS sympathies," he said. "It is only a matter of time before they declare their loyalties to the United Nations of Sol."

Megatron stepped up and placed a hand on Stealjaw's shoulder. "We must strike before they can do that," he said. "To show the folly of breaking their neutrality and siding with our enemies. Do you understand now, Stealjaw?"

For a moment, Stealjaw still looked divided on the matter. Then he got a determined look in his optics. He nodded. "I understand my lord," he said. "These people will pay for daring to consider siding with our enemy."

Megatron smiled. "Good," he said, taking his hand off Stealjaw's shoulder. "Go to the Wraith of Kaon, where the gravity emitter has been installed. You will protect it at all costs."

Stealjaw bowed. "Yes, Lord Megatron," he said. "I promise you that none shall come to harm the device."

"I will hold you to that Stealjaw," Megatron said. "Do not disappoint me again."

When the Decepticon Lieutenant was gone, Fleet Lord Yuda spoke up. "Are you sure it is wise to trust him with such a task?" he asked. He failed the last time you entrusted him with an important mission."

"I concur with Lord Yuda's assessment," Shockwave agreed. "It would be more logical to send someone more capable."

Megatron nodded, taking in the advice of the human and his head of science. "He may have failed the last time, but he is still a capable lieutenant and remains useful to the cause," he said. "His previous failure, while a disappointment, will motivate him to do better this time."

"I see," Yuda said, crossing his arms. "So, it's a test then."

Megatron spared a slight glance at Yuda. "Perhaps," he replied. "Either way, he is still of use. However, if failures continue, I may rethink his usefulness. As goes full my followers."

"As is the League policy," Yuda said.

Megatron smiled.

Jasper, Medbay

"Would you hold still for a second?" The nurse asked.

Hatsuko shifted uncomfortably in the bed. "I would if you would stop poking and prodding me," she said. "Is this examination almost over?"

"Almost," the nurse quipped. "But only if you do as I say and hold still."

Hatsuko rolled her eyes. She hated being around doctors and nurses. Too much poking at her with needles and sharp objects for her liking. Not to mention, they had a habit of getting into her business, something about ensuring she was in good health. So, she made a point to avoid going to Medbay and centers where possible.

Another couple of minutes later, the nurse gave her a happy nod. "They're all done," she said, looking at a datapad. It seems like everything is in order. Your back injury has been dealt with. You should be able to fully recover in a day or two. Until then, I recommend that you take it easy. No more getting tossed into walls, you hear."

Hatsuko nodded. "Don't plan to," she said. She slid off the bed and moved for the door.

A familiar figure walked through the door on her way out of the medbay. Wheeljack's holoform smiled at her. "Well, it looks like someone finally got out of the slammer," he said.

Hatsuko smiled at him. "I see someone shares my distaste for med centers," she said.

Wheeljack smirked. "Not a distaste, I would say," he replied. "Just don't like to be in them. If you're stuck in one, you're away from the action. Not something I enjoy."

Hatsuko smiled. She felt much the same way. Then she saw Wheeljack shudder. "Also, I don't like needles," he added.

Now, Hatsuko could not help picturing that. Wheeljack, one of the fiercest fighters she had seen on the battlefield, was hiding away in a corner from the big bad doctor and his needles. She was having a hard time suppressing a laugh.

Wheeljack looked at her. "What?" He asked. "Something the matter?"

Hatsuko shook her head. "No, no," she said with a chuckle. "I'm having a hard time picturing it. The great and mighty Wheeljack is afraid of needles."

The meche in question gave her an offended expression. "It's not that I'm afraid of them," he said. "I just don't like being poked and prodded like that."

"Sure, whatever you say," Hatsuko said. However, she did have to wonder what kind of needles they would have to use to get through cybertronian skin. "But never mind that. What are you doing here? Come to pay me a visit?"

Wheeljack nodded. "Actually, I've come to collect you," he explained. "Prime and Commander Raymond have called for a meeting. We know where the cons and the League are hitting."

Jasper, War Room

As Jack settled at the table, his newest friend, Aiden, approached with a visible sigh of relief. "Thank the mother you're alright," he exclaimed, sitting at a chair beside Jack. "When I heard your fighter taking damage, I was worried."

Jack nodded at the man. "Aside from some bumps and bruises, I'm just fine," he responded. "A small headache from the neural load, but that's subsided." He was thankful he had gotten the newest generation of implants. The neural load was less of an issue, and they did happen. The headaches were mostly minor. Still, it was not something Jack liked to deal with, but they were quick to subside.

Aiden shook his head. "I don't think I could deal with having implants like in my head," he said. "Even if they are as useful as they say."

Jack looked at the man with surprise. "You don't have any implants?" He asked. He knew that there were people who refused to have implants in them or even receive gene therapy, but they were rare and few. Jack never thought he would meet one, especially in the service.

"Oh, I do have some implants," Aiden said with a wave of his hand. "Just none in my head, and yes, I've undergone some gene therapy if that was going to be your next question."

Jack shook his head. "It wasn't," he said. "I guess you get that a lot."

Aiden shrugged. "Not a lot, lot," he replied. "But enough that I do have to explain to some people. I just don't like anything in my head like that."

Jack nodded. He could see where the man was coming from. "I'm just surprised," he responded. Being in the military, I thought they would force the issue."

Aiden shook his head. "It depends on what service you're going into," he said. Since I'm just in the administrative division, I don't have to worry about that—not unlike a flyboy like you. Thank the mother for that."

Jack conceded that point. Being a fighter pilot, the neural implants were a requirement, practically speaking, anyway. He knew there wasn't any regulation against not having them, but he did know a pilot would not be as effective without them. Then, the rest of what Aiden caught up in his mind.

"What's this mother you keep talking about? Jack asked. Something about that phrase rang a bell in his mind.

Aiden gave him a confused look for a second. Then, he understood what the question was about. "Oh, that?" He said, his cheeks turning a slight tent of red. "I'm a Gain."

"A Gain?" Jack parroted. Then it clicked in his mind. "Oh. Oh, okay."

Aiden nodded. "Yeah, I was just praising the mother," he said, "like how you would say thank God."

Before Jack could respond, the meeting was called to begin. "Now that everyone is here," Commander Raymond said. "Let's begin."

"First off," Optimus said, stepping forward in a holographic image. "I know we have had a setback in our last mission. It is the reason why we are here today. But we must not let that hinder our ability to look forward to the future. We must set aside our failure and learn from it."

Hatsuko was the first to respond. "Prime, I think I speak for all of us here when I say. I'm itching for a little payback against the League and the Decepticons."

There were murmurs of agreement around the table. Prime nodded and looked at Raymond. The Commander took a breath and spoke. "We know where the enemy is," he tapped at his control station. The image of a colony appeared over the table, identical to Valhalla-Seven.

"New Jamestown," Commander Raymond named the colony. "Sent out a distress signal two hours ago. They reported being attacked by an enemy force identical to the one that attacked the research station."

Jack looked at the station. "Are we sure this is the same enemy force?" he said. "And not an attempt to throw us off the trail?"

Commander Raymond nodded. Sensor logs from the colony confirmed that the Nemesis was part of the attacking force and reported strange gravitational anomalies.

Chief Gostov, "That sounds like the Gravity Emitter to me," she said. "The enemy is already trying to test the device out."

"And they're using one of your colonies as a dummy," Wheeljack said. "Can't say I'm surprised."

"Actually, it's technically not one of our colonies," Raymond replied. "New Jamestown is one of the colonies that declared a stance of neutrality when the war broke out."

"A stance of neutrality?" Hotrode asked.

"It means they're not taking any side in this war," Wheeljack explained. "They're not fighting this war at all."

Hotrode looked confused. "So, they're not fighting for the UNS or the League?" He asked. "Are they like some kind of third faction here?"

"Something like that," Wheeljack replied. "But, like I said, they're not actively participating in the war. So, if no one comes knocking at their door, they'll be happy to wait out the conflict. It used to be the same on Cybertron in the early stages of the war. Plenty of cities that didn't want any part of the fighting." A bitter expression spreads across the former wrecker's face. "Though now, that word hardly has any meaning anymore."

"Well, it still has some meaning to us," Gostov said. "The UNS respects the neutrality of any colony that declares it, and depending on the situation, so does the League. So, as long they're not fighting us or actively helping the enemy, we leave them alone. That's the general attitude."

"But obviously, they're not respecting it this time," Bumblebee said. "Could this cause other neutral colonies to turn against them?"

Commander Raymond shook his head. "Not likely," he said. "Some might, but most won't if the League makes a good enough excuse."

Jack sighed. "I can already see it," he said. "Something like a rogue commander or claiming the colony harbored UNS sympathies."

"Or they could blame the decepticons," Elita said, getting the room's attention. "Think about it: the Decepticons are a new element in all of this for humans. With the information we made available, all the League has to do is point the finger at Megatron."

Hotrod let a snort. "Oh, I'll bet Megatron will like that," he said. "I can already see him vaporizing the leaders of the League for that."

"Or he could always point the finger at someone else as well," Bumblebee said.

"I don't think that either Megatron or the League will be that brash," Optimus said. As uneasy as it may be, their alliance is necessary for both. They will not turn on the other so quickly. I believe Jack's suggestions will be accurate."

"Agreed," Commander Raymond said. "Future relations of our enemies notwithstanding, we have our orders. Task Group Omega-1 is being rerouted to New Jamestown. There, we will meet up with the eleventh fleet. Our main objective is to deny the enemy the gravity emitter."

"And by deny, you mean?" Hatsuko asked for clarification.

"If possible, retrieve," the Commander said. "But destroy if necessary. Our objective boils down to saving the colony. If destroying the emitter saves the lives of the colony's people, then we will do it. As the senior UNS officer here, I'll take responsibility for any backlash our superiors may have. Any objections?"

Looking around the table, the UNS commander saw that there were none. "All right, then, let's move on to our plan of attack." It would be a full hour before everyone left the room.

New Jamestown, space

It would be another two hours before Task Group Omega-1 linked up with elements of the eleventh fleet and then arrived in the airspace of the neutral colony.

"We got the enemy on radar, Prime," a crewman said. "I'm picking up eleven ships. Eight of them are league warships, including one of their battleships. The other three are the cons, including the Nemesis."

Optimus nodded and assessed the current strength of his command. Linking with the ships from the UNS's eleventh fleet gave him ten ships to work with, including a battleship. Well, he had one more ship in his roster, but for this plan, it would not directly join the battle.

"Can we determine where the gravity emitter is?" Optimus asked. He looked at Elita for an answer.

Elita nodded as she worked at one of the sensor stations. "One of the decepticon cruisers is embittering a tight gravity beam," she said. The projection of the enemy fleet zoomed in on a decepticon cruiser. "Showing it now."

Optimus scanned the decepticon warship. Compared to its cousins, it looked unassuming, particularly when put next to Megatron's flagship. Optimus knew better, though. He knew what sort of deadly secrets that ship now housed.

"And the beam is directed at the colony?" Optimus asked.

He got a swift reply from Elita. "Yes, Optimus. The beam has created a localized gravity well that encompasses the colony. According to our sensors, it is now being subjected to five times the gravity of Earth."

"Get me to Commander Raymond," Optimus ordered.

A moment later, the UNS commander appeared in front of Optimus. "Prime," he said with a salute. "I assume that you all are seeing what I'm seeing. Probably a bit more."

Optimus nodded. "The League and the Decepticons have targeted the colony," he said. "It seems they have decided it is a suitable candidate to test the gravity emitter. The colony is now experiencing gravity five times greater than your homeworld's."

Commander Raymond nodded. "I've been in contact with the governor of the colony," he said. "He's getting reports of gravity flashes across the colony. Nothing serious so far, but a lot of people have been hurt. The grave plates appear to be holding back the full effect of the well, but they're starting to give out. We need to act quickly."

Optimus could not agree more. "How much longer do you think we have?"

The UNS commander shrugged. "I'm not a scientist, Prime," he said. "So, I can't give an exact estimate. But my instincts tell me we don't have long. Maybe an hour or two if fate is smiling on us today. After that, things were going to get serious for the colony. The materials we use to make these types of colonies are tough. They have to be for an object of this scale. But they were designed with a zero-g environment in mind."

"If the colony's structural integrity fails," Elita said, "I don't want to imagine what it would be like for the people inside. The vacuum is hard enough on us cybertronians with preparation. I can imagine human bodies are even less suited."

Optimus nodded. "That's why we're moving quickly," he said. Commander Raymond, is the Jasper ready for its mission?"

Jasper

Commander Raymond looked at his people. "Engines are hot and ready, sir," the helmsmen said. "The stealth systems are ready to be activated."

Raymond looked back at Optimus and nodded. "We're as ready as we'll ever be," he reported. We're just waiting for your orders."

Optimus nodded at him, a small smile forming at the mech's mouth. It was uncanny how human these beings could be. It both assured him and scared him a little. "Then you may begin your mission. As we begin ours well. Good luck out there." The transmission was cut.

Raymond nodded, acknowledging the Prime's wish of goodwill. For this mission, they could use all the help they could get. Raymond's hand went to the cross around his neck, and he muttered a silent prayer.

"Take us out," the Commander ordered. "Activate the stealth systems and set our course."

"Aye, Captain," the helmsmen said. "Taking us out."

From inside the autobot ship Aurora Star, the UNS stealth corvette slowly lifted off into the air. Its landing struts folded into the hull, and alarm sirens sounded for all personnel to keep their distance.

Then its engines roared to life at low power, pushing the vessel outside. Before its engines switched to full burn, the Jasper's advanced stealth systems were activated, allowing the vessel to hide itself from all sensors.

As it flew off, a wave of UNS fighters and Autobot Aerialbots flew out behind the vessel, further masking its launch.

Back aboard the Jasper, Commander Raymond was smiling. Another successful take-off. "I hope these systems hold up," the helmsmen said. "I don't fancy our chances against that decepticon cruiser."

"I don't either, lieutenant," Raymond said. "Our systems have proven effective before. Remember the Energon mine? Have faith in her and the improvements our allies have made."

"Either way, I'm holding my breath," the helmsmen said with a wide smile. "Might buy me a few extra seconds."

Commander Raymond shook his head and activated a com-link to the landing bay. "Wheeljack, is your strike team ready?"

"As ready as we'll ever be, Captain," Wheeljack responded quickly. "The cons and their league lackeys won't know what hit them."

Raymond smiled. That was the kind of news he liked to hear. "Good," he said. "We'll let you know when we've arrived. Raymond out." He cut the comms and looked at the projection ahead of him.

"Helm full speed ahead for the target," he ordered.

Space

The battle for New Jamestown started as soon as the ships of SOG Omega-1 and elements of the UNS 17th fleet closed into weapons range. In this instance, they would be the first to fire, though only by the thinnest of timing, as a second later, the League/Decepticon ships fired.

Beams of fusion energon and energon tore across the void of space, reaching both sides of the conflict. At this range, most of the beams would miss their mark, sailing further into space, later to dissipate. The few that did find their mark would impact harmlessly on shields as the beams had lost most of their power by that point. The attacks would grow more deadly and accurate as the fleets closed on each other.

However, long before this strike craft, Autobot Aerialbots and Decepticon seekers raced across the battlefield, firing swarms of missiles first and then closing into dogfighting range. In all the chaos, the League/Decepticon forces never realized that a small ship was making its way past their lines.

Nemesis

"The enemy has closed into effective range of the fleet, my lord," a vehicon crewman said. "The fleet's weapons will be much more effective now."

"And so will the enemy's," Yuda said, a tight expression on his face. He looked up at the decepticon leader, Megatron. "Will we be joining this battle?"

Megatron was looking at the tactical projection with an unchanging expression. Yuda knew the alien was deep in thought. "No, we will keep our distance like in the previous battle," he said. "We will safeguard the Harbinger as it tests the power of the gravity emitter. I will not risk another failure here."

Yuda was pleased to hear that. Since the beginning of their little alliance with the alien machines, matters had not panned out as the League would have liked. Yuda still questioned the High Chancellor's wisdom when he chose for the League to ally with the Decepticons. But he understands the necessity of the decision in light of the Autobots residing on Earth's moon.

He knew a friendship between the bots and the UNS could spell disaster for the League and their cause. It was one of the reasons why he didn't offer a pretest against aligning with the cons when he wanted to. That and he was a loyal officer in the service of the League of Independence. Even if he was a high-ranking officer in the navy, it was not his place to question the wisdom of the High Chancellor.

Still, the man could not help but note that the alliance had not had the desired effect of turning the war in the League's favor. Yes, it had caused a stall in the UNS war machine and allowed the League to take the offensive for a short while, but now the battle lines were back at a standstill.

"Good," Yuda said. We can finally force the UNS to submit to our demands with this new technology and its possibilities."

"And those demands would be?" Megatron inquired.

"The recognition that colonies of the League and others like us are wholly independent from the United Nations of Sol and are free to govern ourselves," Yuda answered. "And, of course, that what belongs to you will be returned."

Megatron smiled. "And we will support you in your endeavor," he said with a bow, "so long as our goals remain aligned."

Yuda nodded, understanding the veiled meaning in his words. "After this battle, I will be returning to my flagship. Together, we will coordinate our efforts. Our enemies will reckon the day that they went to war against us. May the chains that bind us be broken."

Then he turned around and left.

Megatron watched as the Fleet Lord Yuda left the bridge of the Nemesis. For small organic, the man had bravery.

"Rather brave for a bug," Starscream said, stepping into view. I bet he wouldn't be so brave if one of us were to step on him. Squash him like the bug he is."

Megatron hid his smile well. "Now, now," he said in a placating tone. "No, need to speak so low of our honored allies. After all, we share the same goal."

Starscream gave him the side optic. "My lord," he said. "If I maybe be allowed to ask?"

Megatron knew his SIC would ask, regardless of how he responded. "Go ahead," he replied. Best to humor him now.

"Why are we aiding these humans?" asked Starscream. "Surely you have not forgotten about the Proto from Formation Chambers? Have you?"

Megatron kept his back to Starscream as he answered. "No, I have not. Our goal remains the same."

"Then why have we sided with this League?" asked Starscream. "Why even partake in this little war of the Humans? It has nothing to do with us; we have our own war to handle. Why not launch another attack on Luna and claim the Ark for ourselves?"

Megatron turned around to face Starscream and stared at him intensely. "In due time, we will," he said. But that day must wait for the moment. The Autobots have no doubt reinforced their position on the lunar body. The UNS will likely have tightened their defenses there as well. After our last attack, do you honestly believe the humans would sit idly by as their moon was attacked?"

"Yes, I suppose you are right," Starscream acknowledged. But surely, we could break through their combined defenses and seize the Ark if we were to gather the full strength of our forces."

Now, Megatron was growing irritated with his SIC. "Oh, we could," he replied. "But what would be left of forces then? The Autobots are not as soft as we thought, and the humans of the UNS are not as weak as they appear. The assault you are proposing would either result in our decisive defeat or leave us in a position that even if we were to win, we would not enjoy it for long."

Now Starscream is starting to think. "I see your point, my lord," he said. "So then, what purpose does allying with these humans serve?"

Megatron smiled. "I thought you could figure that out," he said. Starscream frowned at him, but he held his tongue.

"A frontal assault will get us nowhere," Megatron said, turning around and returning his gaze to the battle. "No, for some time, for that matter. We must rebuild our numbers, secure means of supply, and begin the construction of new warships. At the same time, we must grind the Autobots and their allies down. Only then can we claim our true prize."

Now Starscream would start to understand. "The League is a means to an end," the SIC said. "We will use them and their matrials to rebuild our forces and grind away at the Autobots."

Megatron smiled. "It may not be the ideal future we had hoped for," he said. But the PFF chambers will be ours, and with them, the future of the Cybertronian race will be ours to mold. It is only a matter of time and patience."

"And when we have achieved our goal, what of the Humans then?" asked Starscream. "What further use will they be then?"

Megatron's smile grew as possibilities ran through his head. "I believe they will be of more use than you think," he said. These little flesh bags have potential—potential that we can mold for our own gains."

"Lord Megatron?" Starscream asked.

Megatron held up a hand, and it looked like he was holding one of the human warships on the projection. "My vision goes beyond just being the master of the Cybertronian race," he said. "We bless people, Starscream. Our future does not reside on Cybertron alone. Once we have recovered and rebuilt our home, we will spread out and create an empire that stretches to all corners of the Universe. All races will come to know the glory of the Cybertronian people. Humanity will be first to serve us, and perhaps, if they have earned it, will be our most favored subject."

Megatron did not have to turn around to see that Starscream was smiling. "I see, and the League is our means of molding not just the future of our people but also the humans," he said.

"Truly, your vision has no bounds. I am humbled by your glorious ambition."

Megatron lowered his hand and turned his head to glance at Starscream. "I would have done the same for the UNS, but they had allied themselves with the Autobots. In retrospect, it is quite clear that ideologically, they are too similar to the Autobots, with a profound and unwarranted belief in the rights of beings. The League is a better alternative."

Megatron smiled. He knew the propaganda that the League was only fighting for the rights of the common people and the ability to govern themselves away from the United Nations of Sol. But he knew those were just pity words meant to tide over an ignorant population. For what it claimed, the League was much more like the Decepticons than they would like to admit. That was something he could use.

"Then the future is bright indeed," Starscream said with a flourish. Megatron turned his attention back to the battle at hand.

Space

Jack pulled the firing trigger for his fighter, sending out a burst of fusion bolts. The bolts slammed into the back of a League fighter; however, the bolts were not enough to destroy the craft. But it was heavily damaged, forcing it to withdraw from the battle.

Jack varied his bird away to hunt for another enemy. His comm line was buzzing with chatter from dogfights around him.

"I got one. "

"Watch your tail, Colbot-7. You got two fliers, one you.

"I see them."

"Kill confirmed, another down."

"I've been hit. Jackle-3 withdrawing from the battle. Someone cover me."

On his HUD, Jack two enemy fighters on an intercept course for his fighter. Jack spun his bird around to come at them. Even as he focused on taking out his latest opponents, Jack kept an eye out for the same Decepticon seeker that nearly killed him in the previous battle. The same opponent that now had the appearance of a Viper-3.

The two league fighters that came for him were quickly dealt with. A missile launch had one breaking away from their wingman. Who was almost immanently eliminated by a burst of fire from Jack's fighter.

The other League was destroyed by another UNS craft flying by. Then he got the warning on his HUD. It was going after a UNS fighter, but Jack recognized the energy signature and had even programmed his fighter to ping him if it picked it up. He had found Dreadwing.

Jack flew his craft around and raced towards the energy signature of Dreadwing fusion cannons, hot and ready. It was time for a bit of payback.

Space

As the battle continued to wage, with neither side willing to back down, the Jasper flew around the battle and was now moving past a screen of fighters left behind to protect the Decepticon cruiser Harbinger, where the Gravity Emitter was installed and currently being used to crush a colony.

Inside the UNS stealth vessel, its occupants held their breath as they flew past three squadrons worth of fighters and the imposing visage of the Decepticon flagship, the Nemesis.

Some had let out that breath once the Corvette had moved past the protective screen with no sign they had been detected. Even then, everyone maintained an air of professionalism, regularly checking their stations. No one relaxed when the Jasper, after what felt like an eternality, made it to the Decepticon cruiser.

Jasper, loading bay

Wheeljack knew well before the commander contacted him. "We've made contact with the decepticon cruiser."

Wheeljack nodded. "I was hoping that shuddering was us docking and not being shot at," he quipped. He saw some smiles being passed around among his team. "Are we cleared to leave?"

"You may leave when you want," Raymond said. "And godspeed. We'll try to remain in range for extraction."

Wheeljack nodded. "Just remember that it'll likely be a hot one," he said. Then he turned his attention to the strike team. He was with the Hotrode and Bumblebee and two dozen UNS marines led by Hatsuko. "All right, is everyone ready?"

Hotrode slammed a fist into his hand, and a broad smile spread across his face. "Ready to kick some con tin cans," he said. "I sat out the last brawl. There's no way I'm missing this one." Next to him, Bumblebee nodded with a smile.

Wheeljack smiled and turned his attention to Hatsuko. "What about you, little lady?" he asked. You only just got out of the med-bay. Are you sure you're up for this?"

The Marine commander gave him a broad smile. "Sure, as hell I am," she said. "You can't keep a good marine down for long. Besides, I'm itching for some payback against that Barricade guy."

Wheeljack cracked a smile. "He might be a little out of your weight class," he said, and the woman gave him a mocking glare. But that's where I come in. You're not the only one who wants to pay Barricade back."

"Just let me get a couple of good shots in on him," Hatsuko said, holding her rifle to her chest.

"Deal," Wheeljack said. Then he turned his attention to the loading bay doors. "Everyone ready for this?"

"Ready!" Everyone shouted.

Wheeljack opened a link to the loading bay control room. "This is strike team Alpha-One. We're ready to depart. Decompress the loading bay and open the doors."

As the bay decompressed, silencing the noise of the alarms, a communication channel was opened for the strike team. The bay doors opened, and Wheeljack reeved his engines.

"Alpha-One roll out." He speeds out onto the haul of the Decepticon Cruiser. Followed by Hotrode, Bumblebee, and the rest of the strike team.

A moment later, they were treated to the sight of the Jasper taking off and flying off into space.

Decepticon Cruiser Harbinger, Emitter Room

"Such a fascinating device, and to think the UNS has the science to make it."

Shockwave nodded. "While crude compared to what we Cybertronians can do, it does show that your species is more capable than many believe," he said.

The scientist, a man named Tamil Bedi, stood up, looking away from the gravity emitter. For a second, his image flickered, showing he was only here in holo-graphic form. "Oh?" he said. I thought you, of all the Decepticons, would think of us as little more than primitives."

Shockwave was quick to deny what the man said. "Your technology may be lesser than our own, but I would not use the word primitive to describe your kind," he said. "A more suitable word would be young." While many in the Decepticon ranks still thought of the humans as primitive savages, Shockwave refused to accept that idea. Too much information suggested otherwise. It was true that humans were technologically inferior, but that did not mean they were primitive, far from it.

Unknown to his Decepticon fellows, Shockwave had studied the humans, their history, culture, and science. He had downloaded all the information he could get his servos on and analyzed. He dissected it with the same cold, clinical efficiency as he would with his experiments. Young was an apt word to describe the species, but not primitive. They were an advancing species with a clear understanding of the sciences and branching off into fields that cybertronian science took for granted.

He wouldn't admit this aloud, but he suspected that, in the same ways, the humans may have a better understanding of their technology and science than the Cybertronians did with theirs. But he had brought his concerns to Lord Megatron. He hoped that by the end, he would impress upon him not to underestimate the species.

He continued speaking to the League scientist, whose mind he found to be more logical than most cybertronians he knew. "The gravity emitter is proof of this precept. The manipulation of gravity, while simple for us, is a significant breakthrough for a species like yourself. It shows you are advancing, and already, your kind has proven to be able to stand against us."

The League scientist curtly nodded. "That is heartening to hear," he said, looking back at the device. "Sometimes I feel we are not advancing at all, with all our protestations of morality and ethics. Not to mention those of ignorant minds and high power who fear what such knowledge would mean for them. Such things have no place in real science."

Shockwave nodded. He started to check the power readouts of the gravity emitter. "On that, we can agree," he said. The concept of morality was not unfounded in Shockwave's mind. He understood it as a necessary tool of control for a society. But for the fields of science and advancing knowledge, he felt they were not necessary. It annoyed him that he had to work with others who did not have the same mentality. Bedi was a refreshing experience, some who understood.

The League scientist perked. "Oh, you will be pleased to know that our latest collaboration is already yielding fascinating results," he said. "Subject S17-1984 has shown the most promise, as I had suspected he would."

Shockwave reviewed his internal database on subject S17-1984 to know which project the man was discussing. It was one of the projects he was interested in as well. "You will have to send me the data," he said. "The results should be fascinating.

I look forward to seeing the results in person."

Bedi looked up from the emitter, but the alarms began to sound before he could say anything.

Harbinger bridge

Stealjaw frowned as the intruder alarms began to blare. "What's going on?" He asked a vehicon crewman.

The drone answered swiftly. "It appears we have intruders, sir," he said.

Stealjaw repressed a growl. "That I can see," he said, gesturing to the klaxons around him. "What I want to know is where and how."

"On it," the vehicon said, working his station. A moment later, a live feed of the intruders was brought up for Stealjaw to see. "The intruders have been detected in corridor 27, section 03, grid 108."

Stealjaw reviewed the Harbinger mental map as he looked at the intruders. He recognized the autobot elements of the enemy force, Wheeljack, and two autoboots, Bumblebee and Hotrode. All three of them are members of Optimus Prime's team. He didn't know who the UNS personnel were as they had full combat gear on. However, if they were with Team Prime, he would expect them to be some of the UNS's best.

Stealjaw stood up and started to walk for the doors. "Send a message to Lord Megatron informing him of the situation," he said.

"Yes, sir," a crewman answered.

Stealjaw activates a comm-link. "Barricade, we have a problem."

Wheeljack fires several shots from his energon cannons, cutting down a vehicon soldier. Then he spins around, swinging a sword, cutting right through the neck of another con. Bolts of energon came for him, and the former wrecker rolled out of the way, taking cover by a corridor wall.

Close by, he saw Bumblebee and Hotrode tag-teaming a vehicon, quickly cutting it to pieces. Then they moved to cover the other's backs as they fired their energon cannons. On either side of the corridor taking cover, the UNS marines concentrated fire from their plasma fire, keeping the cons from advancing too far. A few had even been cut down by the smaller, weaker force.

Wheeljack dashes out from his cover, sheathing his sword and transforming the freed hand into an energon cannon. Now having two such cannons, Wheeljack fired barrage after barrage of energon bolts. One, two, three vehicon soldiers went down as the former wrecker continued to blast away.

Several vehicon soldiers turned their attention and cannons on him. Bolts of energon sailed for Wheeljack. Who, in turn, easily avoids the bolts. Wheeljack smirked, thinking these drones couldn't hit the broadside of the barn, let alone a moving target like him.

Wheeljack jumped and flipped through, continuing to fire his cannons, cutting down more of the decepticon soldiers. Landing, Wheeljack shot forward, racing towards a line of decepticon soldiers.

The cons reacted quickly and fired on him. Their shots missed, whereas Wheeljack's didn't. Two more vehicon soldiers went down before Wheeljack reached his target. Wheeljack turned his cannons back to his hands and quickly grabbed his swords.

The vehicon in front of him tried to bring his weapon on him. But the drone was a little too slow. Wheeljack got to it first, slashing both his swords across the chestplate. The cuts went deep, penetrating the spark chamber. The con hadn't even hit the ground when Wheeljack cut into another vehicon soldier.

Keeping his momentum, Wheeljack throws himself into a slide, throwing his blades out to either side. His actions had the desired effect of cutting through the legs of two vehicon soldiers. The cons fell as Wheeljack spun back up and plunged his blades down into their backs, killing them. He pulled his swords back up, quickly sheathing them, and fired an energon can at a con charging him. They went down as their chestplate exploded in a shower of sparks and metal.

Wheeljack smirked when he saw the other cons retreating further down the corridor. "Impressive," Hatsuko said over a com link. "No wonder they call you guys the Wreckers."

Wheeljack smiled at the compliment. "We are a tough bunch," he answered, looking around to see if he could find the UNS marine. He found her tucked by a corridor wall. She fired a burst from her plasma rifle before pulling back to cover. "I might not be with them anymore, but I'm still a proud Wrecker at heart." He fired an energon blast, taking the head of a vehicon.

He could almost see the smile on the human's face, even if she were wearing a helmet. "I hope I'll feel the same if I ever retire from the military," she said.

The strike force continued to advance through the Decepticon cruiser's corridors, encountering heavy resistance at every turn of the corner. "I thought the League and cons were supposed to be allies," Hotrod said after a while. "Why haven't we seen any League soldiers? Not that I'm complaining."

The young autobot was right. As far as Wheeljack had seen, no League soldiers had been fighting alongside the cons. In his mind, that meant one of two things: either the League had no presence on this ship, or…

"If they do have forces on this ship," Hatsuko obviously having come to the same conclusion as Wheeljack. "They'll be stationed where the gravity emitter is."

That would be the one Wheeljack would put his money on. "I know this a bad time to ask this question," he said, firing his energon cannons, forcing a pair of cons to take cover. "But can your people unhook that thing from this ship's systems? It would be embarrassing to come all this way to get it and find out you can't uninstall the thing."

Hatsuko nodded. "We have several combat engineers with us," she said. They should be able to figure something out. Your tech may be alien, but from what I've seen and heard, it's not so dissimilar that we can't figure a solution out."

Wheeljack nodded. "That's Good," he said. I would hate to break something your people worked so hard to make."

Hatsuko nodded. "Let's not worry about that," she said. "Besides, even if we are forced to destroy the device, we can make another one. We have the semantics and the research data. We can do it once; we do it again."

"You won't be doing anything once I'm done with you," a voice called out.

"Scrap," Wheeljack mutters, recognizing the voice. He turns to face Barricade. Barricade, I was hoping to see your ugly mug again. I've been itching for some payback since our last bout."

Barricade smiled, transforming one of his hands into a mace. "I'm more than happy for round two, Jackie," he said. "And look, you even brought some playmates. How considerate of you."

Wheeljack suppressed the urge to growl. He held his arm out to stop Hotrod from charging in. "He's mine," Wheeljack hissed to the young bot. "You, Bee, and the others get to where the emitter is. I'll handle him."

Hotrod looked like he wanted to protest but held his tongue and nodded. He speeds off with his brother and the rest of the strike force. Wheeljack noticed that Hatsuko had opened a com-link to him. "Good luck," she said. "And give him one for me." The link went dead.

Wheeljack smiled. He unsheathed his blades and started to walk towards Barricade. "Round two, punk."

Space

Dreadwing banked into a sharp turn, avoiding a burst of fusion bolts from the UNS fighter. In his altered form, the Seeker was smiling. This human was giving him a far better fight than any of the others in this battle had so far—better than most Autobots he had battled before. Of course, Dreadwing knew who he was fighting.

So we meet again, Dreadwing thought when the UNS fighter craft came for him. It was a different craft from before (the other one was obviously too damaged). Still, somehow, the Seeker knew it was Jack Witwicky flying that thing. An instinct deep within Dreadwing told him how the fighter craft was being flown.

Dreadwing opened a communication channel with the UNS fighter. He was not all that surprised when he got a response. "I was not expecting to see you so soon, Jack Witwicky," he said to the UNS fighter pilot. I thought your injuries would have kept you from this battle."

He heard a snort from the human on the other side of the com-channel. "You would be surprised how good our medical technology is," he said. Dreadwing banked again, avoiding another burst of fire from the enemy fighter. Then, using his momentum, he made a sharp turn, coming straight for the UNS fighter. He fired shot after shot of energon blasts. The UNS fighter avoided all of the shots. "All I got out from it was just a bad case of headaches."

Dreadwing's smile grew. "Then I shall endeavor to leave you in a worse state than last," he said. Whether or not his opponent would come alive would depend on his ability to survive. The two fighters came right at each other, and just when it seemed like the two would collide, the UNS fighter fired off its thrusters and spun around and past Dreadwing.

Dreadwing turned around to give chase to his opponent, who was already flying to a sharp maneuver. Once again, Dreadwing found himself impressed with how maneuverable the human fighter craft could be, and they knew how to use it to their full advantage. Particularly the opponent he was faced with now.

Dreadwing fired off his engines to chase his query.

Harbinger

Hatsuko fired a burst from his plasma fire, nailing a League soldier in the chest. The man hits the deck, and his body twitches for a couple of seconds before going completely still.

Just as Hatsuko predicted, once they could close to where the Gravity Emitter was kept, the strike team encountered a force of League soldiers. Now she, her Marines, and the two autobots were in pitched battle running down a corridor.

Hatsuko pulled back into cover, narrowly avoiding weapons fire from a group of league soldiers. She turned her attention to the private next to her. "How much longer until we get to the emitter?" She asked over a com-link to the man. The sounds of battle had long since drowned out any other noise.

"Not much further," the private said, checking a scanning device attached to his arm. "Did you see that big door on the far end of the corridor? The one with an army protecting it."

Hatsuko slid her head out from the cover just enough to see what the private was talking about while keeping safe. She saw the door, guarded by about half a dozen vehicon soldiers, an outpost's worth of League soldiers.

She pulled her head back and talked back to the man. "Yeah, I see it," she said.

"That's where our emitter is," he said. "Now we just need to get through those doors."

Just then, a bolt of energon sailed past them, impacting a corridor wall. Luckily, no one was killed or hurt. "That would be easier said than done," Hatsuko commented. She then opened a com-link to the pair of autobot brothers. "Hotrode, Bee, our objective is to pass those doors over there."

From her vantage point, she saw Bumblebee nod. "We see it," he said. "Hold on a moment, and we'll clear you a path."

"This is going to be over quicker than you can blink," Hotrode said boisterously.

"Just be careful, you guys," Hatsuko responded. She tucked out from her cover and fired two quick bursts from her rifle, then tucked right back in. Something tells me getting past those doors won't be the hard part."

Bumblebee nodded. "I'll make sure my brother stays out of trouble," he said.

"Hey!" Hotrod responded.

Then, without a moment's notice, the two auto brothers charged at the set of doors, cutting a swath through the enemy force. "Fire Teams 2 and 3, lay down suppression fire on the enemy," Hatsuko ordered. "Everyone else advanced on those doors. Fire Teams 1 and 4 cover our flanks. Move out!"

With her orders given, Hatsuko charged out from cover, keeping her plasma rifle steady and pointed at the enemy. The rest of the UNS marines followed her, with two fire teams taking the rear and putting out suppression fire.

The enemy tried to stop the advance from the strike team, but with heavy suppressive fire coming their way, they couldn't do much to slow them down. It didn't help that two autobot soldiers were tearing up their lines from behind.

Still, a few brave souls tried to make an effort. One of whom Hatsuko put a burst of plasma bolts into his chest, dropping the man. Then, the marine commander ducked into cover to avoid a burst of fire from the enemy. She pulled out and fired in the direction of the attack, then charged out, not checking to see if any of her shots landed.

A quick glance around showed that the enemy's defensive lines were crumbling. Between the autobot brothers tearing through the vehicon soldiers and a force of UNS marines charging at them, the league soldiers crumbled under pressure.

Still, Hatsuko would give credit where credit was due. The League soldiers were trying to hold the line, even if they were being pushed back.

A roar caught Hatsuko's attention as she charged past a barrier set up by the League. Her head turned to the side, and she saw a League soldier charging at her, his rifle raised in the air. Hatsuko quickly turned her rifle on the man and fired a shot at him.

With little time and room to properly aim, the plasma bolt clipped the soldier's shoulder as he pressed on with his charge. A second later, he was on top of Hatsuko and brought the butt of his rifle down her. Hatsuko blocked the blow with her rifle and pushed back.

However, the man kept pushing down on her, putting some strain on her muscles. Thinking quickly, Hatsuko shot her leg out and connected with the man's kneecap. The force of the blow broke the soldier's kneecap, forcing him to one knee with a screech of pain.

Not giving the man time to recover, Hatsuko hits him with the side of her weapon, sending him to crumble to the floor. Then she rolled to the side, avoiding two bursts of plasma bolts. Coming to the end of her roll, the marine whirled around and fired her plasma rifle. One of two League soldiers fell to the ground as a hole was burned through his abdomen.

The second one dived into cover as Hatsuko took aim at them. Up ahead, Hatsuko noticed a group of League soldiers clustered behind a barricade, trying to rain down a hail of plasma bolts on the advancing strike team.

Several members took cover by the walls or behind makeshift barricades, avoiding the worst of the fire. However, one member of the strike team was unlucky and took a hit to his chest. The man fell to the ground, where he was dragged behind cover by a nearby comrade.

Hatsuko prayed the marine would be okay and turned her attention to the enemy formation. A plan formed in her mind when she turned her head to a nearby marine. She made a series of hand gestures at the man. The marine nodded and pulled an object off from his side.

As he tossed the object, a single word was uttered over an open communication channel: "Grenade!"

The grenade flew through the air, landing right around where the enemy had clustered. It didn't take long for some in the group to realize what was at their feet now. With a panic shout, the League soldiers ran from their cover.

A second later, the grenade detonated, enveloping two league soldiers in a ball of fire and sending a few others to the ground from the Shockwave. Before the explosion could die down, Hatsuko and her marines charged out from their cover, firing plasma weapons. Many league soldiers were cut down, and now they were exposed.

Up top, Hatsuko could see they were not far from their target, just a few meters. Already, she could see Hotrode and Bumblebee had made it to the doors and were finishing off the last of the Vehicon soldiers.

"Move it, everyone," Hatsuko shouted. "On the double!"

From the corner of her eyes, Hatsuko saw a League soldier stepping out from cover and taking aim at her. Hatsuko, however, already had her weapon drawn out and aimed at the man. With one squeeze of the trigger, the League soldier went down.

The strike team then saw a vehicon taking aim at Hotrode while he had his back turned to deal with another enemy soldier. A hail of plasma bolts kept it from putting a bolt into the young autobot's back. The drone soldier turned around, pointing his arm cannon at the center of the strike team.

Hatsuko and her marines were ready to dive into cover when Bumblebee appeared over the con. A second later, the yellow and black bot decapitated the vehicon with an arm blade.

The strike team reached the set of doors. "Can one of you open these things?" Hatsuko asked the bots.

Hotrod nodded, slamming a fist into a wall panel next to the doors. The doors slide open with a loud hiss. Before Hatsuko could give an order, she heard the sound of an energon cannon discharging, which was quickly followed by a loud thud.

Hatsuko glanced over to see a vehicon with a hole through its head lying on the ground between the doors. Hatsuko then looked up, seeing the smoke coming from Hotrod's arm cannon. He had a cocky smile on his face. "I'll go in first," he said. "Try to draw some of the fire away from you guys. What about you, Bee?"

"I'll stay out and try to keep enemy reinforcements from getting in," he said.

Hatsuko nodded. "That would be a good idea," she said. "I'll have fire teams three and four stay back as well and give you some support."

"Appreciated," Bee said, nodding. Both of his arms transformed into twin-barreled cannons.

Hatsuko turned her attention to the rest of the strike team. "I want the rest of us to go in after the muscle car here does," she thumped at Hotrod. After he causes a racket, I want two fire teams to provide covering fire as the rest of the charge in. Our orders are simple: find the emitter. Secure the emitter and determine if it can be retrieved. I'll leave that to our combat engineers."

One of the aforementioned engineers nodded his head. "Not to worry, Ma'am," he said. We'll have that gravity emitter back in our position soon enough."

Hatsuko nodded. "I'll hold you to that," she said. As for how we'll get it out of here," she looked up at Htorod.

The red and orange mech smiled and began to flex. "That's what these are for," he said. "I'll carry that thing out in no time."

Hatsuko rolled her eyes. Males, it didn't seem to matter what species they were. They always liked to show off, though Hatsuko knew she shouldn't be the one to speak on that. Are we clear?"

"Sir, yes, sir," the strike team members chorused.

"Let's do this," Hotrod shouted, running through the doors. Barely three seconds passed before Hatsuko and the others started to hear weapons fire.

Hatsuko counted to ten and motioned for the strike team to run in. Running into what appeared to be an engineering compartment for the decepticon warship, Hatsuko saw what could only be described as controlled chaos unfolding.

Hotrod was tearing through vehicon after vehicon, while also taking shots by league soldiers. He never took a direct shot at the human fighters, but the blasts from his energon bolts sent out concussive waves that had them flying back. It was a situation that Hatsuko and her forces took full advantage of.

Several League soldiers were caught out of position when bolts of plasma rained on them. Several of them were cut by weapons fire from the UNS before they reacted and took cover. A second later, they were firing at the UNS marines to slow or push their attack back. But by then, it was already too late. The UNS marines were already entrenched and pushing towards the gravity emitter.

"The emitter is up head," a combat engineer said. "We should be able to see it."

From her cover, Hatsuko quickly surveyed the large chamber. Just as the engineer said, she found the emitter. With wires connecting to and from it, a large semi-cyclical object rounded off to a dome on one end with circular groves lit up with purplish light around it. On the other end, it was connected to a large machine with cybertronian writing.

"I have the target in sight," Hatsuko said. The emitter had an entire squad of league soldiers guarding it, and two vehicon soldiers were standing on either side. "And it is heavily guarded. One full squad of league soldiers and a pair of con soldiers."

"What do we do, sir?" The combat engineer asked.

"Simple," Hatsuko answered. We secured the objective. Hotrod, can you take care of the cons guarding the emitter?"

"Already on it," Hotrod said over a comm. A second later, a bolt of energon slammed into the chest of one of the vehicon soldiers. The blast blows a hole through the drone's chest, causing it to topple over.

The second one was quick to react and started to fire toward Hotrod. The League soldiers, however, kept their attention and fired on the UNS marines. Hatsuko nodded, knowing one problem had been taken care of.

"Fire Team 2, give us some covering fire," Hatsuko orders. "The rest of us get to the objective. Watch out for our flanks and check your fire."

"Yes, sir!"

"Move!" Hatsuko shot as she jumped over her cover and fired her weapon. Plasma bolts were exchanged on both sides as the marines charged on the position of the gravity emitter.

Luckily, there was plenty of cover for the UNS forces to use as they advanced on the enemy position. The League soldiers, however, remained dug in even as their numbers started to dwindle under the assault.

The remaining vehicon soldier guarding the device turned its cannon on the UNS soldiers, who were ready to take cover. However, the con's decision to switch targets proved fatal, as Hotrod appeared next to it and swung his blade out.

Its arm cannon fell to the ground as a deep gash was opened across its chest. The UNS marines then took the chance to feel the thing with plasma bolts. The vehicon soldier stumbled back from the assault before it still and fell over to the ground.

With their decepticon allies dealt with, the League soldiers quickly crumpled under a combined assault from the Marines and Hotrod. Seeing where the wind was blowing, the League soldiers chose the better part of valor. They started to retreat from the room, laying down suppressive fire.

Hatsuko didn't give the order for a pursuit, instead allowing the enemy to withdraw. She had no orders to defeat the enemy. The object was the gravity emitter.

"Secure the room," Hatsuko ordered as the battle died down. Hotrod was finishing off the last of the vehicons in the room. Then she turned to the team of engineers. "Get that thing unhooked and prepped for transport."

"Yes, sir," the engineers said.

"I do hope you're not here to interrupt the experiment." A calm voice said.

Hatsuko whirled around to face the source of the voice. Her years of trigger discipline kept her from pulling the trigger on the man the moment she recognized him. "Kumar," Hatsuko replied to the man with enough venom to kill a herd of elephants.

The league scientist smiled at her. "I see my reputation precedes me," he said. "I can only assume you're here to take back gravity emitter."

Hatsuko kept her rifle on the man. "You're people steal it away from us," she said. Then, she motioned for a pair of marines to apprehend the scientist. "Though I didn't realize we would get you as a bonus."

One of the marine's hands grabbed the man by the arm. Only for the hand to phase through the infamous scientist's body. "I'm sorry to disappoint," he said as his image flicked. "But as you can see, I am not even here."

Hatsuko looked around to see where the holo-projector could be. "So, where are you?" The marine commander asked, finding the projector. "Somewhere on this ship?"

"Oh, heavens no," Bedi said. "I am much too busy of a man to come here in person. My experiments need me, after all."

Hatsuko kept the grimace off her face, knowing what sorts of experiments this man could be conducting. "Too bad," Hatsuko said, pointing her rifle at the projector. "I know plenty of people who would love to get their hands on you."

"Now, hold on," the league scientist said. Before you do anything hasty, I plead with you not to return the gravity emitter to the UNS. This is a remarkable invention, but its potential is wasted by the UNS. Imagine the things we can do with this technology. The advances in humanity we cou_."

Hatsuko fired her rifle, destroying the projector. Bedi's image remained long enough for a frown to settle on his face.

Hatsuko turned around, seeing the engineers hard at work disconnecting the gravity emitter from the decepticon warship. "How long until we can get out of here?" She asked the engineers.

"Just a few more minutes," one of the engineers said. "In fact, we're about to turn this thing off."

"I would advise against that."

Hatsuko turned around and nearly froze in place. The decepticon known as Shockwave was towering over them, pointing his arm-mounted cannon at the marine squad. "Such an action would result in the early termination of the experiment."

"Scrap," Hatsuko said.

Luckily for her, fate was kind. A metal fist struck the side of Shockwave's face. The one-eyed decepticon stumbled back, and another blow hit his chest, sending him back further.

Hotrod looked at Hatsuko. "I'll keep him busy," he said. "You get the emitter disconnected." Then he charges at Shockwave.

Hatsuko turned her attention to the engineers. "Move it, people," she ordered them. I want to be out of here yesterday." She opened a communication with Bumblebee. Bee, we got a problem."

"Can I get a rain check on that?"

"Commander," Lieutenant Aiden said. "We just got word from the Axiom. The gravity well around New Jamestown has dissipated.

Commander Raymond nodded. "Good," he said. "Then that means our strike team is working on the emitter. Open a channel to the strike team."

"Channel open."

"Commander Hatsuko," Raymond said. "Statues update on the mission."

Commander Nakama's voice came clear on the comm system. "We've gotten to the objective," she reported. In the background, Raymond could hear weapons fire. "And are now in the process of securing the gravity emitter. We've already managed to shut the thing down. Has the gravity well around the colony vanished?"

"We just got a report from the Axion. The colony is safe," Commander Raymond reported. There was a loud explosion on the other side of the comm, followed by shouting. "Sounds like you got your hands full out there."

"More than I would like," Hatsuko said. "The cons and League do not like we're trying to take their toy away. The Decepticon head scientist is down, mixing it up with Hotrod as we speak."

"What of the other bots?" Raymond asked.

"Currently tied up," the marine commander replied. "Wheeljack is having a rematch with the con that took the emitter. While Bumblebee is fighting the ship's commander while he guards our rear. If we do get the emitter, you will have a hot extraction on your hands."

Raymond nodded. He thought it would happen. "Just get the emitter if possible and arrive at the extraction point," he said. "I'll have the Jasper waiting for you." He motioned for the helm officer to move to ship the extraction point."

"Copy that," Hatsuko said. "One more thing, I just had a nice little chat with a certain league scientist."

Raymond frowned. "Who?"

"Dr. Tamil Bedi," Hatsuko replied.

A cold chill went through the air as Raymond almost muttered every Catholic curse he knew. "Did you apprehend the man?" Shooting the man would have worked, too, in his book.

"I'm afraid not," Hatsuko said. "He was only here on holo-form; otherwise, I would be requesting the use of Jasper's brig. He had an interest in the emitter."

That alone was enough for Raymond to want to keep the device out of the League's hands. The public had a general view of what the infamous scientist did. However, Raymond had a high level of clearance, so he got some of the more graphic details. There was no telling what Bedi would do with a device like the gravity emitter.

"Then all the more reason to retrieve or destroy the gravity emitter," Raymond said. Unconsciously, his hand had gone to the cross around his neck. "Jasper out."

Behind him, he could hear Aiden muttering a prayer to some holy mother. "Get us to the extraction point."

Jack flew his fighter into the tight turn, going around a large chunk of debris from another ship. On the HUD, he saw that his enemy was still on his tail. "But not for long," he muttered, whipping his fighter back around the debris, circling around just as Dreadwing made a pass."

Jack's fighter came up right behind the decepticon seeker. After confirming the target lock, Jack pressed his fingers on the fire controls. Several bursts of fusion bolts flashed from the fighter's cannons.

However, Dreadwing managed to swivel from the shots, avoiding most of the shots. But not before a pair of bolts clipped him in the wing. Like a shark tasting blood in the water, Jack kept on the tail of the con, matching his speed and maneuverability.

Jack presses some buttons, preparing a missile strike on the decepticon. "Payback time, you bucket of bolts," he said.

His HUD flashed with the words "Target Locked." Jack pressed the fire ignition for the missile, which flew straight for Dreadwing.

Dreadwing grimaced, still feeling the sting in his wings. He had made a careless mistake earlier and almost paid with his life for it. He detected the missile launch from the UNS fighter. If he had teeth, Dreadwing would be clenching them right now.

Human missiles were not as powerful as their cybertronian counterparts.' But they did have one advantage over them: human missiles could track and chase their targets. Dreadwing flew into a sharp turn to avoid the missile, but it turned with him and kept on his tail.

Worse yet, the UNS fighter was still flying after him, and fusion bolt cannons were ready to end him if the missile did not. Dreadwing surveyed the battlefield, seeing if there was anything he could use to turn this situation around.

He could have managed it if it were just that missile he was dealing with. However, with the UNS fighter also giving chase, his options were limited. Anything he could do to deal with the missile, the UNS fighter could counter with deadly consequences.

That was when Dreadwing surveyed the ship debris floating throughout the battle. He smiled. Perhaps he could turn his mistake into an opportunity.

Jack saw his opponent flying right for a chunk of debris and quickly realized what Dreadwing was trying to pull. "Oh, no," Jack said aloud. "You're not pulling the same trick on me."

Jack closely watched Dreadwing to see which way he would fly around the debris. In which way the deception would go, Jack would go to the other side and face him head-on with a barrage of fusion fire.

At the same time, Jack tracked the missile he fired, seeing it inch closer to the Decepticon seeker. Just as it looked like Dreadwing would crash into the debris, along with him the missile, the Decepticon seeker made a sudden sharp turn away.

Because of the sudden movement, the missile's guidance system was confused for a second. The missile crashed into the debris, engulfing it in a ball of fire. Jack ignored this and flew his fighter around the debris in the opposite direction of Dreadwing's path.

In a moment, he would see his opponent and fire. Instead, he got a warning flashing across his HUD, and instinct forced Jack to roll his fighter to the side, avoiding a barrage of energon bolts. One bolt skidded across the hull and near enough to give the fighter a heart attack.

But Jack managed to keep control of himself and maneuvered his fighter away from his opponent's weapons fire. Jack cursed himself for allowing himself to fall for such a ruse. But he would not give up; this battle was far from over.

Bumblebee ducked under a claw swipe from his opponent, the commander of the decepticon warship.

Bumblebee had been fighting off a pair of vehicons to keep enemy reinforcements from breaching into the lab. As he despatched the drone soldiers, the decepticon commander approached him, introducing himself as the Stealjaw.

Shortly after exchanging banter, the two started to fight. Bumble jabbered his fist forward, aiming for the con's midsection.

Stealjaw parried the attack, grabbing Bee's hand and unsheathing the claws on his free hand. The autobot scout saw the attack coming, pulled himself away from the claw swipe, and wrenched his hand from the con's grip.

Bumblebee transformed his hands into twin-barreled cannons and tried to shoot the con at point-blank range. Stealjaw sidestepped the attack, answering with his own cannon fire. Bee jumped back, avoiding the energon blast while shooting at the con.

Stealjaw smirked at him, then charged at the autobot with extended claws. Bumblebee quickly prepared himself for the attack.

The first claw he avoided with a step to the side. The second claw that came out at him, Bee quickly shot his hand out and grabbed it by the wrist. A look of surprise flashed across Stealjaw's face before Bumblebee's fist connected with it. The large decepticon was stumbling back. This gave Bee an opening, and he would not pass up. He lunged at the con.

Before Stealjaw could react, another fist connected with his jaw a second to his chest, and a third struck at the side of his cheek. More blows connected with the con, staggering him more, until finally, Bee sent Stealjaw flying with an uppercut to the jaw.

Stealjaw lands on the deck with a loud thud followed by a groan. Stealjaw sat up and rubbed his mouth, waiting away fresh energon. The con looked at his bloodied hand and started to cackle.

"Not bad, Autobot," Stealjaw getting himself back to his feet. "You fight well for a scout. If I didn't know better, I would have mistaken you for someone from the warrior class."

Bumblebee kept himself in a fighting stance when he responded. "Don't tell me you will go soft on me, con. I was just getting warmed up."

Stealjaw stood on his own two feet and faced the black and yellow autobot. Both of his hands unsheathed their claws. "Then let's end this little warm-up," he said. "And get to the real fight." He lunged at Bee.

Bumblebee briefly wondered how the others were doing.

It turned out that Wheeljack was not having a fun day fighting Barricade. Wheeljack stepped around the downward swing from Barricade's mace and swung his swords. Barricade pulled back, but not before a gash was sliced across his arm.

Barricade snarled and lunged at the former wrecker. Wheeljack jumped back and sheathed one of his swords. His now free hand transformed into a cannon, firing three shots at the decepticon Lieutenant.

Barricade blocked the shots with his other arm. "You were always an annoying little scrap," he growled. "Could never learn his place."

Wheeljack smiled as he ran at Barricade, blade in one hand and the other transformed into an energon cannon. "What can I say?" he responded, swinging his sword, twisting around Barricade, and firing his cannon. "I never learn."

Barricade swung a mace down on Wheeljack. "I like it better when the only things that came out of that mouth were your screams," he snarled at Wheeljack. "I always did enjoy those screams you made."

Wheeljack frowned but kept his cool. He wouldn't let the former enforcer get under his metal again. "Your days of torturing me are long gone, con," he said. He took a swing at Barricade.

The large decepticon grabbed the blade as it arced down. "But it wasn't all torture, was it?" He said with a growing grin. "I remember those special nights we had, too. The noises you made then were my favorite. What I would give to hear those noises again."

Barricade tried to pull Wheeljack in. But the former wrecker lets go of his blade and shoots at Barricade's hand. The shot landed, forcing the hulking con to open his hand and drop the sword.

Wheeljack darted right at Barricade. He ducked under a swing, quickly grabbed his sword, and swung up. Just in time for it to meet with Barricade's mace. "What do you say?" Barricade asked with a sadistic smile. "Want to scream for me, for old time's sake? One last time."

Wheeljack held back a growl.

Hotrode didn't have a good time either. He dodged a massive bolt of energon, then another and another. Hotrode manages to dive behind a support pillar. What was one doing in a decepticon science lab, he didn't know. Chalk it up to decepticon architecture, but he was thankful it was there.

Hotrode transformed both his hands into cannons and took a breath. He leaned out from his cover and fired several bursts at the decepticon scientist who was already fast approaching.

Soundwave quickly dodges most of the shots and tanks the few that landed. "Damn, for a scientist, you're tough," Hotrod cracked. He was quickly answered by an energon bolt aimed at his face.

Hotrod quickly pulled back to cover, avoiding the shot. He opened a comm to the Marine commander. "Hatsuko, please tell me your people are done," he said. "I'm not sure how long I can keep the one-eyed freak at bay."

To punctuate, Hotrod heard loud footsteps moving over the pillar. Hotrod pulled out in time to avoid a punch to his head. Hotrod transformed one of his cannons into a blade and lunged at Shockwave.

Shockwave blocked the attack with his arm cannon and curled his hand into a fist. Hotrod pulled back in time to avoid the punch to his chest. Shockwave swung his arm cannon out to hit the young autobot.

Hotrode ducked under the swing and threw himself at the decepticon. "We're working on it," Hatsuko answered. "Just give us a few more minutes."

Hotrod slammed into Shockwave, pushing him back. "Then work faster," he said. "This guy is way tougher than he looks." Which was saying something. Thinking about it now, the decepticon scientist looked pretty intimidating.

In his distracted state, Hotrod did not notice Shockwave's hand grasping his head until it was too late. He struggled against Shockwave's grip as he was left up. "Let go of me, you one freak."

"Very well," Shockwave intoned. He slammed his cannon into Hotrod's mid-section and then threw him across the floor.

Hotrod landed in a heap, feeling the pain in his mid-section spreading through to the rest of his body. Hotrod felt like his head was spinning as he tried to pull himself to his feet.

In his field of vision, he saw Shockwave walking up to him. "Once I am done with you. I will ride this ship of its infestation." He said.

Hotrod activates a com-link to the other autobots on the warship. "Guys, I could use some help here."

"Guys, I could use some help here."

Wheeljack whirled around Barricade, his blades poised for a strike. "I'm a bit preoccupied, kid," Wheeljack retorted, narrowly evading a lethal mace swing. He lunged, aiming to catch Barricade's arm with his sword.

However, the Decepticon knew what was coming and pulled his arm back just enough to avoid being cut off. Then he swung back at Wheeljack.

The autobot warrior flipped back. "Try getting your brother to help you," he suggested.

"I'm afraid I'm a little tied up as well," Bee responded over the comms. "The commander of this ship decided to pay me a visit."

"Scrap," Wheeljack muttered under his breath. An energon blast erupted on the floor, forcing Wheeljack to leap back, narrowly avoiding a full volley from the former enforcer.

"Oh, what's the matter, Jackie?" Barricade mocked. "Your buddies having a little bit of trouble?"

Wheeljack frowned at the con. "Nothing they can't handle," he said. "Not when I get there."

Barricade gave him a mocking smile. "Oh, please, you won't even get past me," he said.

Wheeljack smirked as he spotted a door. "You want to bet?" he taunted the decepticon. After quickly reading the lettering next to the door, Wheeljack already had a plan in his mind. Now, he just needs to bait the big guy.

Barricade glared at him. "I'll wipe that smug look off your face," he said, transforming his other hand into a mace. Then he charged at Wheeljack with sets of maces ready to swing at him.

Wheeljack charge at Barricade. "Come on, big guy, show me what you're made of," he said, swinging at the con.

One of Barricade's maces stopped the first sword swing while the second came down on Wheeljack. The former wrecker ducked under the swing, pulling his first sword away. Barricade tried to swing at him, but Wheeljack was already sliding under and around the larger mech. One sword cutting across Barricade's leg was not enough to do any real damage, but Wheeljack could see a trail of blue leaking out.

Getting behind Barricade, Wheeljack shot up and swung his blades across the con's back, leaving a pair of gashs. With a roar of rage, Barricade twisted around and swung both his maces down on Wheeljack.

However, the autobot warrior had already jumped back. Hence, the maces came down on the corridor deck plating, creating a noticeable dent. Wheeljack twirled one of his swords in his hand. "Come on, Barricade," he said. "I'm sure there are healthier ways of venting your anger. I don't think the repair crews appreciated you messing their floors up."

Barricade lifted his maces off the floor, glaring at Wheeljack with enough intensity to melt through the hull of a battleship. "I know of one way," he said with a mad smirk. "And I'm looking right at him." He charged at Wheeljack again.

Wheeljack smirked, his optics glancing at the door behind him. "That at my boy," Wheeljack quipped. "I'm more than happy to help you with your anger issues."

Barricade roared and sped his charge up. Wheeljack ready himself for Barricade's attack, looking like he would stand his ground. He swung Just as Barricade got on top of the former wrecker.

But Wheeljack did not stand his ground against the attack. He slipped around behind Barricade in a blur of motion. Wheeljack was treated to an expression of surprise on Barricade's face as he appeared behind the mech.

"You slippery little," that was all Barricade got out.

With all Wheeljack's strength, he shot his leg out, connecting it with Barricade's back. The force of the sudden blow sent Barricade tumbling forward. Right into the door as it slides open. Wheeljack swiftly moved to the door panel as a loud, crushing noise sounded in the corridor.

He slammed his hands on the panel, rapidly closing and locking the door. Then, he stopped his blade into the control panel, causing an explosion of sparks.

Not even a second had passed when he heard something slamming into the door from the other side. Wheeljack cracked a smile. "You really should keep that temper of yours in check," he said loud enough for Barricade to hear from the other side. "It could get you in trouble."

The response he got was a pounding noise on the door. By the time Barricade managed to break out of the supply room, Wheeljack would be long gone.

Bumblebee felt his back slamming into a corridor wall. Stealjaw sent a claw strike at the young autobot, forcing him to move along the wall. Then, the Decepticon commander started to drag his claws across the wall.

Bumblebee kept moving down the wall, doing his best not to wince from the noise of metal raking across metal. Then, the young autobot came to the other end of the wall, almost falling over as he came to a corridor.

He was able to right himself just as his opponent came at him with a swipe to his head. Bumblebee ducked under the attack and tackled Stealjaw into a nearby wall. The decepticon commander lets out a grunt of pain as his back slams into the corridor wall.

Before he could recover, Bumblebee slammed his fist into his head, followed by another. Then, a punch to his chest was followed by a fourth swing from the yellow and black scout.

Before the punch could connect, it was caught by Stealjaw, who smiled at him. Bumblebee tried to pull away from the grip of his opponent. But Stealjaw held tightly, and with a flick of his wrist, he twisted Bumblebee's hand around.

Pain shot through Bee's arm as his hand twisted in a way it was not meant to. Then he was pulled in. Bumblebee let out a started grasp, which was then quickly silenced as he felt a powerful blow to his midsection.

Bumblebee felt his hand being let go, allowing him to stumble back. He held his arms tightly around his midsection. Bumblebee looked at his opponent, steadily walking towards him, claws extended out.

Bumblebee transformed his unbroken hand into a cannon and fired a shot at Stealjaw. The con quickly sidestepped the blast without breaking his stride. A wide smile broke across his face. "You put up a good fight, autobot," he said. "But it is time I put an end to this."

Bumblebee glared at the mech, refusing to go down without a fight. He transformed his cannon into a blade and pointed it at Stealjaw.

This, however, only causes the con's smile to widen. "That right, autobot," he said. "Keeping fighting, let me give you a warrior's death. You have earned it this day."

Before any more fighting could happen, though, a low noise caught both of their attention. Bumblebee saw a confused expression flash across his opponent's face as he turned to face the noise source.

Bumblebee did the same, thinking the noise sounded like an engine roaring. What he saw brought a smile to his face. Wheeljack, in his alternate form, sped right at Stealjaw. A second later, the former wrecker transformed and flew at the decepticon commander, kicking his face.

The con flew back from the impact and landed several meters away with a loud thud. Bumblebee turned around to see Stealjaw lifting himself up partially with his arms to look at the two autobots with a mix of confusion and anger. Then he collapsed back to the floor.

Wheeljack stepped up next to Bumblebee, giving the younger mech a worried look. "You okay, kid?" he asked.

Bumblebee nodded. "Yeah, I'll be fine," he replied. "What took you so long?"

Wheeljack smiled at him. "Traffic was a nightmare," he quipped. "Come on, kid. Your brother needs saving."

Hotrod fired his energon cannon. His opponent, Shockwave, took cover behind a nearby terminal and fired his cannon. Hotrode ducks into cover to avoid getting hit by a blast from Soundwave.

Getting hit by a regular energon blast was painful enough, but Hotrod was reasonably sure if he took a shot from Shockwave, the thing he knew, he would be meeting Primus. The same thing could be said about Megatron's arm-mounted cannon.

Another energon blast from Shockwave slammed into Hotrod's cover, almost putting a hole through it. Hotrod ran from his cover with one arm turned into a cannon firing at Shockwave. While the other went to his ear and made a comm-link to Hatsuko.

"Please tell me you're almost done here," he said. "I'm running out of places to take cover here."

"Our engineers just severed the last connections," the Marine commander reported. "Now we just need someone to transport it out of here."

"Hotrod smiled. "Right on it," he said. But first, he needed to take care of the one-eyed freak in the room. Shockwave was still shooting at him. Thankfully, he couldn't get an accurate shot with how fast Hotrod was moving.

By now, most of the science lab was a smoking ruin, something Hotrod had imagined Shockwave would not be pleased with. "Surrender, Autobot," Shockwave said. "It is the only logical move. Our forces will soon storm this room, and the gravity emitter will be reactivated. The logical course of action would be to give up."

"Well, I've never been the one for logic," a familiar voice answered the con. Then, a hail of energon and plasma fire came to Shockwave. Hotrod smiled when he saw Wheeljack, Bumblebee, and several UNS marines charging into the battle.

Hotrod adds his own energon fire into the mix, catching the decepticon scientist between two fronts. A third front opened when the marines near the emitter saw their chance. Taking fire from all sides, Shockwave did the only logical thing. He transformed into his alternate form, some kind of tank, and charged out of the room.

Hotrod took a breath, turned his weapons back to hands, and was quickly greeted by the other two autobots. "Thanks for the save there," he said. "I wasn't sure how long I could hold out against him."

Wheeljack smirked at him. "What?" He said teasingly. "Is that humility I hear coming from you?"

To Hotrod's horror, Bumblebee also cracked a smile. "Remember this moment," he jested. "It's a truly rare moment."

Hotrod huffed, crossing his arms. "I could have taken him," he said. "If I didn't have to worry about our friends here." He gestured to the humans in the room.

Wheeljack chuckled and placed a hand on Hotrod's shoulder. "You did good, kid," he said. "Now, let's get that emitter and get out of here."

Hotrod nodded. "Right behind you."

Jasper

Commander Raymond was tapping his finger on the armrest of his chair. A small nervous habit he had never entirely suppressed. The Jasper was currently docked in one of the decepticon cruiser's hanger bays. Stealth systems are set to their maximum level.

Luckily for the crew's nerves, the hanger bay had very few decepticons in it, and all had been dispatched with the Corvette's lighter caliber weapons. All transmissions had been blocked.

Thus far, the UNS stealth corvette had evaded detection by the enemy. But Raymond knew it was only a matter of time before an enemy patrol stumbled across the hangar and found them, hence the commander's apprehension.

But Commander Raymond never showed up for the sake of his crew. He could feel how nervous his bridge crew felt, and showing his own apprehension would only worsen the situation. His crew depended on him to be an anchor in times like this.

"Commander," Lieutenant Travers said at the coms station. "We're getting a transmission from the strike team."

"Put it through," Commander Raymond said.

"This is strike team to Jasper," the voice of commander Hatsuko said. "Do you read, Jasper?"

"Loud and clear, commander," Raymond said. "Report."

"We've secured the objective," Hatsuko reported. "And we are now on our way to the rendezvous point. We should be there in but a moment. Expect a hot extraction. I repeat, the objective has been secure; the package is on its way."

Commander Raymond felt a shift in the air all around him. The apprehension was fading and giving way to excitement.

"Copy that strike team," Commander Raymond said, barely keeping the smile off his face. "We'll be waiting." The transmission was cut. "Well, it looks like the good lord has been smiling at us after all."

He looked over to see that Aiden was giving him a smile. "Funny, I was going to say the same thing about the mother," he replied.

From up front, the helmsmen snorted. "Either way, somebody out there was listening," he retorted. "And I'll take all the help I can."

Raymond chuckled. "Armed the anti-personal weapons," he ordered and turned to face Aiden. "Inform our people outside to expect company. We're going to have a hot extraction on our hands."

It turns out that 'in a moment' was fast. "The strike team just entered the hanger bay," Aiden reported.

"I see them," a crewman at the tactical station said. "Along with a whole lot of enemies."

"Lay down cover fire," Commander Raymond ordered. "And ready the missile tubs. Load them with anti-capital ship tips."

"On it, sir," Tactical replied. "Laying down, cover fire with the forward turrets. Loading missile bays with anti-capital ship ordnance."

"Fire teams six and seven report they are laying down suppression fire on the enemy," Aiden reported.

Commander Raymond nodded. "Good," he said. "Open the bay doors and let our people in."

A minute later, he got the report. "The strike has been extracted," Aiden said. "All fire teams report they have retreated back to the Jasper."

"Close the bay doors," Commander Raymond said. "Helm, get us out of here. Tactical fire missiles on my command. Target the hanger bay."

"Enemy is firing on us," tactical reported. "Minimum damage to the shields."

"Jasper is away," Helm shouted. "Distance one hundred meters and raising."

"Tactical fire!"

On a projection, Raymond saw a pair of missiles exiting from then Jasper and fly right for the decepticon cruiser. With Jasper's proximity when it launched its missiles, the enemy warship had no time to react, allowing the missiles to meet their target in the hanger bay.

"Hit confirmed," Tactical said as the missiles blinked out from the projection.

"Damage on the enemy ship?" Commander Raymond asked.

"The enemy ship was not destroyed," Tactical reported. "They did suffer severe damage. They're crippled, sir."

Commander Raymond nodded. "Then let's get out of here."

Nemesis

Clenched his hand into a fist. A sneering frown was working its way across his mouth. On the projection, he could see the crippled state of the cruiser that housed the gravity emitter. Or rather, had as the master of the decepticons was beginning to suspect.

"Get me a channel to Stealjaw, Barricade, Shockwave, or anyone who can answer," he said.

"Yes, my lord," a vehicon said, terrified.

A moment later, the image of Shockwave appeared before him. "My lord," he said with a bow.

"Shockwave, Megatron responded to his head scientist. "Care to explain to me what has just happened? Why is the colony not being crashed on its own by a gravity well? Why has your cruiser crippled? And why have Stealjaw and Barricade not responded?"

Megatron did not like any of the answers he got from Shockwave.

Space

Dreadwing avoided another fusion blast from his opponent. He saw two more UNS fighters heading his away along with an aerial bot. In his alternate form, Dreadwing frowned. More and more enemies had started to come after him now that a sizeable portion of the vehicon fliers had been wiped out along with their league counterparts.

It was clear to the seeker that UNS pilots were superior to the vehicon fliers and their League counterparts. Dreadwing primed his energon cannons. He could handle the rank and file of the UNS fighter corps. And the Aerialbots. It was his current opponent he needed to focus his attention on.

Then he got an open transmission from Lord Megatron. "All allied forces fall back," he ordered. "We are retreating from this battle."

If he had been in his normal form, Dreadwing would have frowned. But he followed his lord and master's command. He started to fly away from the battle and to the nearest allied vessel.

It seemed the Autobots, and their human allies had won this day.

Jack saw his opponent flying off towards the retreating enemy fleet. For a second, he was very nearly tempted to give chase after Dreadwing. But a split second of reflection had him deciding against it.

His craft was now operating at its limits, and he was starting to feel the pressure from the neural load. "I'll get him next time," Jack muttered, flying his bird back to the Axion.

"This is Cobalt-2, to Axion; I'm coming for a landing," Jack said through a comm link to the autobot cruiser. "Requesting an engineering team on standby."

It would appear his newfound rivalry would have a long lifespan.

Axion

"The Jasper has just landed in the hanger bay," Elita reports.

Optimus lets out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Elita," he said. "I'll inform our human allies of the safe return of their gravity emitter."

Elita nodded and turned her attention to the image of the colony. "I'm just glad he much to shut it down in time," she said. "Primus, I don't want to think about what would have happened had the enemy crushed it."

Optimus nodded. "Then it is a good thing we never found out," he said. Today reminded him too much of the crimes committed back on Cybertron. Even if the action had the backing of the decepticons, the League had perpetrated the act. They had been willing to crush a colony full of human beings, their own species, and for what? To test the capabilities of their new technology? To demonstrate their resolve in a war? Or simply because they could?

It was a disturbing line of thought for the Prime. More so when he realized that humanity and the cybertronian race were more alike than he would have liked to admit.

"Inform the people of New Jamestown that they can now rest easy," he said. "And get me a channel to Admiral Cartwell. It's time we told him of the good news."

Secret League Research station

"I'm glad to see that you are still intact, my friend," Bedi said as he walked beside the holographic image of the decepticon Shockwave. "From what I have heard of your leader, he does not take well to failure."

Shockwave nodded. "I am fortunate to have proven myself to be a valuable asset to Lord Megatron," he said. "So, I only escaped with a warning not to fail him again. Stealjaw and Barricade were not as fortunate."

"Are they still alive?" Bedi quired.

"Yes, but they did feel lord Megatron's wrath," Shockwave answered. "They will be out of action for a while. To recover."

Bedi smiled and shook his head. He knew what it was like to work for a boss with a temper. "Still, the loss of the gravity emitter was regrettable. Thankfully, your people were able to get through scans of the device. So, replicating the technology should not be that hard. And what we did get from our experiment is already yielding interesting results."

"Speaking of interesting results," Shockwave said as the pair stopped before a door marked S17-1984. "You said subject S17-1984 was showing the most promise. I must admit I was not expecting that. I thought the older subjects would yield more results."

Bedi nodded and touched his hand on a pad next to the door. A viewing slot opened on the door. "I would not underestimate us humans, my friend," he said, looking into the room. "We are far more resilient, especially the young among us."

Inside the room, a young child lay with his head down. The boy looked up and gazed at the door with blue cybertronian eyes.