Battle of Jasper Part IV: Aftermath

Time: 12:30 P.M., Location: Southern Jasper, Urban Combat Zone

The battle continues to rage on in the heart of Jasper, with the Autobots desperately attempting to push back MECH's* relentless forces. Optimus Prime led the charge, his blaster tearing through another MECHcon soldier. But despite their overwhelming combat skill and determination, the Autobots were suffering. They were up against more than just MECH's brute force; the enemy had adapted. MECHcon Troopers had access to heavily modified weaponry, and their armor-piercing rounds were beginning to take a toll.

"I need backup on the southern flank!" Optimus shouted over the comms, his voice crackling with static. "The enemy's dug in deep."

Bulkhead, though visibly weary, swung his wrecking ball, smashing through a barricade that was proving too tough for the Autobots to break. However, his injury was apparent—a deep gash in his side, likely caused by one of the armored-piercing rounds fired from a distant machine gun nest. A pained groan escaped him, but he fought through it, clearing the path for civilians to evacuate.

"Bulkhead, you need repair!" Ultra-Aid's* voice came over the comms. The medic's sharp optics scanned the battlefield as she worked to keep up with the injuries piling up. She was the only one capable of treating their most serious injuries in the field.

"Negative, Ultra-Aid!" Bulkhead grunted. "Focus on the others. We need to hold this position."

But it was becoming harder to hold the line. Just ahead, Smokescreen ducked behind a burning car as more MECHcon troops charged their position, firing RPGs. A direct hit to the side of the car sent debris flying, and the shockwave pushed him back, leaving him gasping. A piece of shrapnel lodged itself in his shoulder, and sparks flew as his arm trembled.

"Smokescreen!" Razor-Eyes, already on the move, shouted.

"I'm fine!" Smokescreen replied, though his voice was strained. "Just get me a few seconds, Razor-Eyes... Then we move."

Ultra-Aid, not wasting any time, sprinted through the smoke and chaos, her medical tools activated and ready. She crouched beside Smokescreen, pulling out welding tools to seal the wound before it could cause further damage. "Hold still, soldier. We don't have much time."

"I've got your back!" Quick-Draw, his weapons blazing, provided covering fire, forcing the MECHcon troops back momentarily.

Meanwhile, the sound of heavy artillery echoed through the air. Nova-Strike Prime's* team* pushed forward, but the landscape was littered with the smoldering wreckage of their enemies and their own fallen comrades.

"Get those civilians out of here!" Nova-Strike Prime barked. His voice was commanding as always, but the exhaustion weighed heavily on him. He spotted Lighting-Striker*, whose face was grim as she dispatched a squad of MECHcon troops near a crumbling building.

"I'm on it," she called back, but even she could feel the pressure mounting.

Ultra-Aid, already finishing with Smokescreen, rushed to Nova-Strike Prime, who had taken a hit in the upper leg—a dangerous area where armor was thinner. She immediately set to work, welding and patching his injury with swift precision.

Nearby, Quick-Dodge and Quick-Step, the twin brothers, darted through the chaos with expert agility, weaving between MECHcon Troopers with lethal precision. Their synchronized movements were a blur of light and steel as they dismantled any soldier that crossed their path. But even they could see the toll the battle was taking.

"Quick-Dodge, the southern flank is clear for now!" Quick-Step shouted, his voice steady. "We need to regroup, now!"

Quick-Dodge glanced around, his face set in a look of determination, though he knew they were fighting a losing battle unless they could turn the tide soon. "Understood. But we're not leaving until every human is safe."

In the skies above, the situation was no better. Shadow-Hunter and Serenity were locked in a vicious dogfight with MECHcon aerial units, their sleek fighter modes weaving and diving between the clouds. The MECHcon jets were fast, but the Autobot flyers were faster, expertly using the terrain to their advantage. But even their skill couldn't fully protect them from the relentless assault.

"These guys are relentless!" Serenity shouted over the comms, her voice tinged with frustration as a near-miss missile exploded close enough to rattle her systems.

Hardwire's voice crackled through their comms, cutting through the chaos. "I've hacked their targeting systems! One of you, finish them off!"

Serenity banked hard, targeting a rogue MECHcon fighter, and in a split second, her lasers cut through the enemy's engine. The fighter exploded in a fiery ball of debris, sending fragments careening across the sky.

"Nice work," Shadow-Hunter remarked, his missile launcher locking onto another target. In seconds, another MECHcon jet went down.

But despite their efforts, more MECH reinforcements arrived. The skies darkened with enemy aircraft, and the battlefield was quickly becoming overwhelmed.

The signal from Agent Fowler and the military reinforcements was finally clear.

Time: 12:40 P.M., Location: Approaching Jasper

The rumble of jet engines could be heard, followed by the unmistakable whine of helicopter blades cutting through the air. The U.S. military's mechanized units were arriving, reinforced by an aerial squadron of fighter jets and helicopters, led by Agent Fowler.

"Autobots, hold on! We're almost there!" Fowler's voice came over the comms, the familiar presence of the human liaison bringing a brief moment of relief.

As the military machines descended upon the town, Fowler's voice cut through the airwaves again. "We've got orders to work with you, Autobots. We're here to capture MECH personnel for integration, but we need your help securing the area. Prioritize enemy capture!"

Nova-Strike Prime nodded, his optics scanning the horizon. "Autobots, concentrate fire on MECH units. Let's give our human allies the opportunity they need."

The battle was far from over, but the arrival of U.S. military reinforcements had given the Autobots a much-needed advantage. With Fowler's coordination, they might finally turn the tide and secure Jasper from MECH's grasp.

Time: 1:30 P.M., Location: Southern Jasper, Urban Combat Zone

The battle was winding down, the last of the MECHcon forces retreating or incapacitated. The sound of gunfire had faded, replaced by the low hum of machinery and the occasional rumble of distant explosions. The once chaotic and fiery urban battlefield now stood quiet, save for the occasional scream of a siren or the clanking of metal as the Autobots tended to their wounded.

"Keep moving, Bulkhead," Ultra-Aid's voice was calm but firm, her diagnostic tools scanning the massive Autobot's armor. "You're good to go for now. We'll need to get you to base for a full diagnostic, but you won't be a liability in the fight anymore."

Bulkhead nodded, his expression tired but resolute. "Thanks, Ultra-Aid. I'll be fine. Just... hold the line, alright?" He clapped the medic's shoulder plate lightly before moving off, limping slightly but still capable of keeping pace.

The battlefield was littered with debris—destroyed MECHcon drones, charred wreckage of military vehicles, and the burnt-out remains of buildings that had seen better days. Smoke lingered in the air like a heavy curtain, but the atmosphere was less tense now. The Autobots had won this battle, though the cost had been high.

"Smokescreen, report," Optimus Prime's voice was steady, even after the grueling fight. He stood tall, his blaster lowered but still at the ready, his optics scanning the area for any remaining threats.

"I'm good, Prime. Nothing I can't handle," Smokescreen replied, his voice sounding more fatigued than he'd like to admit. His shoulder still smoked where Ultra-Aid had sealed a wound, and his armor was dented and scorched, but he was functioning. For now, anyway.

Nearby, Razor-Edge and Quick-Draw were assisting the last of the civilian evacuees, guiding them away from the danger zone and toward a safe location. The human survivors were a mixture of gratitude and fear, unsure what had just happened but thankful for the Autobots' intervention.

"Quick-Step, any sign of stragglers?" Nova-Strike Prime called out, his voice strong but strained. The battle had taken its toll on him, his armor bearing multiple scorch marks and his steps heavier than usual.

"Negative," Quick-Step responded, scanning the area with his sharp optics. "We've got the southern area locked down. No signs of movement from MECH's remaining forces."

Ultra-Aid moved between the Autobots, quickly patching up any remaining injuries with her welding tools. She moved with a practiced precision, her tools clicking and humming as she worked. Her optics flickered slightly from exhaustion, but there was no time to rest. The battle was over, but the cleanup was just beginning.

"Hold still, Smokescreen," she instructed, her voice surprisingly soothing despite the chaos around them. "This won't take long."

"I don't know how you do it, Ultra-Aid," Smokescreen grunted, trying to remain still as she sealed another wound. "It feels like every time we fight, there's always someone needing repairs."

"We do what we must," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact, though there was a hint of weariness in it. "And believe me, you're all getting better at not needing so much repair." She gave him a small smile as she finished the final weld.

"Good to go," Ultra-Aid reported, stepping back and wiping her brow. The battle was won, but now came the part that weighed heavily on her—getting everyone back to base and out of sight. "Let's move out. Ground Bridge is prepped and ready for extraction."

"Agreed," Optimus Prime said. "We've done all we can here, Autobots. Let's make sure we get our human allies clear of the area."

The Autobots gathered in small groups, moving toward the area where the Ground Bridge was set up. As they activated their portals, the sounds of helicopters and military vehicles continued in the distance, the human forces still busy dealing with the aftermath of the battle.

Time: 1:45 P.M., Location: Field Outside Jasper

As the Autobots began stepping through the Ground Bridge, one last glance was cast back toward the battlefield. The city was a mess—buildings half-destroyed, streets littered with debris, and the heavy scent of smoke hanging in the air. But the MECHcon threat was eliminated for now.

Smokescreen was the last to enter, but before he did, he cast a glance at Agent Fowler, who was standing with his arms crossed, looking as though he'd aged ten years in the last hour.

"I'll need a report," Fowler said gruffly, his voice betraying his exhaustion and frustration. "And a cover story for all this mess. If you think I'm letting anyone find out about you guys... this is going to be a nightmare."

Optimus Prime turned to face the human agent, his expression stoic. "Understood, Agent Fowler. But remember, we are here to protect Earth. We will stand by you, as we always have. The truth may be difficult to conceal, but together, we will keep it hidden."

Fowler's eyes narrowed, but there was a flicker of something in his gaze—respect, perhaps. "I know, Prime. But that doesn't mean it's going to be easy."

With a heavy sigh, he turned toward the soldiers behind him, barking orders to begin cleanup and coordinate the next phase of the military's involvement. He'd have to come up with something convincing, and fast, but for now, he felt a small amount of relief that the battle was over.

Ultra-Aid's voice came through the comms, cutting into the tension. "All Autobots are accounted for. Time to head back to base."

Optimus Prime nodded, his expression resolute. "Let's move out. The Autobots have earned their rest."

As the last of the Autobots vanished through the Ground Bridge, the quiet of the aftermath settled in. The sun still hung high in the sky, but the weight of the battle lingered. The Autobots had triumphed once more, but Agent Fowler knew that, in the end, it was only a temporary victory. There would always be more battles to fight, more secrets to protect.

And, as he looked toward the horizon, he couldn't help but wonder how long they could keep this hidden.

Time: 2:00 P.M., Location: Autobot Base outside of Jasper

The Ground Bridge flared to life one last time, depositing the weary Autobots back at their hidden base. They were tired, bruised, and battered, but they were alive. And for now, that was enough.

"Welcome back, everyone," Ratchet's voice echoed through the base. "Come on in, I'll get you all patched up—no time to waste."

As the Autobots entered the base, the closing of the Ground Bridge signaled the end of the battle. But the aftermath had only just begun.

*MECH: Mechanical Engineering Cybernetic Humans.

*Ultra-Aid is formerly Team Prime's Human nurse and medical specialist: June Darby and the mother of Jackson 'Jack' Darby. She is now the Medic of the Nova-Strike Prime Team.

*Nova-Strike Prime is formerly Team Prime's Human ally Jackson 'Jack' Darby; As well with him becoming the team leader of the Autobot Team: Nova-Strike Prime Team.

*Nova-Strike Prime team made up of himself, Ryu Senshi*, Hardwire*, Serenity*, Shadow-Hunter* and Ultra-Aid. However with is main team temporarily divided he emerge what was left of his team with most of Lighting-Striker*'s team temporarily.

*Ryu Senshi is formerly Team Prime's Human communication's expert: Miko Nakatia. She is as well a Wrecker in training.

*Hardwire is formerly the Human computer expert and hacker: Rafael Esquivel and he is an Autobot Ariel Flyer. His Ariel vehicle mode is that of a Northrop Grumman RQ Global Hawk.

*Serenity is formerly Jack Darby's High school crush: Sierra Michelson and is an Autobot Ariel flyer. Her Ariel vehicle mode is that of an F-35 Lighting fighter.

*Shadow-Hunter is formerly Jack Darby's childhood friend and High school rival High school: Vince Jones and now is an Autobot Ariel flyer and team Nova-Strike Prime 2nd in command. His Ariel vehicle mode is that of a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.

*Lighting-Striker is formerly a Human named Amber Martin that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer. She is as well the Leader of her own Autobot team: The Lighting-Strike Team.

*The rest of Lighting-Striker's Autobot team is made up of Scatter-Shot*, Ninja-Knight*, Quick-Dodge*, Quick-Step*, Long-Rifle* and Nitro-Smoke*.

*Scatter-Shot is formerly a Human named Nicholas Anderson that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Ninja-Knight is formerly a Human named Elizabeth Williams that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Quick-Dodge is formerly a Human named Samuel Davis; He is as well the older twin Brother of Daniel Davis that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Quick-Step is formerly a Human named Daniel Davis; He is as well the younger twin Brother of Samuel Davis that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Long-Rifle is formerly a Human named James Miller that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.

*Nitro-Smoke is formerly a Human named Alexandra Smith that MECH captured and transformed into a Cybertronian/Transformer.