Book 2 - Exiles
VOICE CAST
Barricade - Steve Blum (WFC)
Brawl - Nolan North (WFC)
Blackout - Noah Nelson (TF Game, Jackie Chan Adventures)
Bonecrusher - Charlie Adler
I - Orion Pax, Part One
00000
Hidden in the shadow of the moon, aboard the Nemesis, on the landing platform, Megatron waited.
And then he saw it.
It started as a pinprick that was steadily moving and getting closer.
And then, slowly uncovered from the dark by the sunlight, the starship revealed itself.
It was of gunmetal steel alloy, its color shining in the moonlight like a black silk curtain.
A cylindrical ship with two frontal mandibles like that of a galactic predator.
The Eclipse, a Class 2 Crystal Star Freighter, equipped and modified by the Decepticon scientist Oil Spill.
It lands.
And its docking bridge opens.
Barricade, flanked by Brawl, Blackout and Bonecrusher walks out.
Barricade, a Decepticon about Knockout's height, albeit several feet taller, with a color scheme of black, grey and purple. His fierce purple optics stared with such a burning hatred, it could smolder a hole right through the heads of his enemies. But they also shone with a cold, calculating intelligence, not of a scientist but of a suspicious and untrusting opportunist. A loyal soldier but not above questioning Megatron's orders when appropriate.
Brawl, a Decepticon tank of a deep forest green. Two massive protruding turrets on his back, a battle mask with a yellow visor. He was by no means a genius but he is known as one of the mightiest of Megatron's fighters as well as one of the more notorious Decepticon tanks and one of Megatron's chief lieutenants. Loyal, daring and dedicated with an immense love for blasting things.
Blackout, a Decepticon helicopter with a grey-black color scheme with massive rotor blades hanging from his back. A scout and destroyer. His speciality: reconnaissance and search and destroy. Fiercely loyal, disciplined, and in no way sloppy when it comes to his duty.
Bonecrusher, an armored terrain vehicle of the color of sand. A destroyer among destroyers. So full of hatred. So full of hunger. No qualms. No honor. And no mercy. Megatron still mulled over whether it was wise to have him here on such a fragile world.
They would remain on earth as a standing force for Megatron in his absence while he and Orion Pax travel the stars for a very specific purpose.
1 Month Later…
November 1st, 2011 - Eclipse Starship - 10,900 Light Years from Regulon 4
Megatron, Leader of the Decepticons, could scarcely believe it, even now.
Optimus Prime, Leader of the Autobots, the Last Prime, has lost his memories.
This was almost too good to be true.
And now they were aboard the starship Eclipse, provided by the none-too-soon arrival of the latest addition to their forces, now enroute to Regulon 4.
To oversee the initiation and execution of the Gigantion Protocol.
To rally and reunite their remaining forces.
To find the right doctor who can bring Soundwave out of his coma.
And to keep Optimus Prime or Orion Pax, far from earth, far from his fellow Autobots.
With the arrival of the latest reinforcements, Barricade, Brawl, Blackout and Bonecrusher, the Decepticons' strength on earth has now equalized that of the Autobots, if not surpassed them once more.
Airachnid would assume command in Megatron's absence.
She would command the Nemesis, its forces and the assignment of harvesting the earth of all Energon.
Barricade and his impromptu squad would answer directly to her so long as they were assigned there.
Soundwave would remain on earth under Knockout's care as intergalactic travel would prove too much of a strain for him.
Barricade had voiced his doubts about this.
Leave Airachnid in charge of earth and the Nemesis, especially when it was not clear how long Megatron would be gone?
A deserter? As well as a ruthless scavenger notorious for her brutality and cruelty?
It was madness, Barricade had said.
Megatron's answer was the back of his hand.
Barricade objected no more after that.
Megatron chuckled in his throat, concealing his joy from his most bitter unsuspecting enemy.
The tide has turned at long last.
And then he received a visual transmission from Stockade, who apparently had made a remarkable recovery from his injuries inflicted by his master. "Lord Megatron, I have a message…from Commander Airachnid."
Megatron rolled his eyes. "What does she want?"
"She said that Bonecrusher took out a human 'tour bus.'"
Megatron looked down at his newest lieutenant.
"What?"
"There were no survivors, she said."
Megatron looked bored. "So?"
Stockade looked dreadfully uncomfortable. "It's caused quite the stir up my liege. That Bonecrusher is a violent maniac. And if Commander Airachnid is weary of him, he's gonna be a big problem. He's going to expose us."
Megatron paused for a moment. "Very well. Confine Bonecrusher to the ship. And if he causes any more trouble, have Brawl knock some sense into him."
"Yes sir. But what about the humans investigating the incident? What if they find something?"
Megatron waved a dismissive hand. "Laserbeak will take care of it."
Stockade gulped. "As you say, Master."
The automatic doors to the bridge opened and Orion Pax entered, still in his black and silver finish, and with the Decepticon shield on his shoulder plates where the Autobot insignia used to be.
"Megatron."
Megatron smiled as his 'old friend' entered.
"Ah Orion, what can I do for you?" Megatron said jovially.
Orion shifted uncomfortably. "Are you alright, my friend?"
"Why of course, why wouldn't I be?"
"I've been in stasis for so long, missed a great many things. It's still hard to believe that our home is dead. All the lives that have been lost due to this destructive conflict."
Orion closed his eyes mournfully. "So many friends, well-meaning friends, gone."
Megatron felt disgust growing in his circuits.
They were a weakness, Orion. What did they ever do for you?
"I know," Megatron said gently, placing a hand on Orion's shoulder. "But the past is dead, Orion. We are here now and we must focus on who we can still save."
Your own words, Optimus. You preached them so much I can recite them in my sleep. You just don't remember.
Megatron felt a flash of sorrow in his spark.
Not that it matters much. Even with your memories, you can't even remember the promise we both made together when we swore to save Cybertron from the corrupt Primes.
Megatron buried that feeling.
Orion opened his eyes and faced his new leader with a new hope. "You're right, Megatron. We must honor their memory by pressing forward, if there can be any hope of restoring Cybertron."
Flattered, Megatron nodded. I could get used to my worst enemy actually saying I'm right. "Very good. Now, down to business: what is your progress on Project Iacon?"
00000
Denver, Colorado - 3:00 pm
A sullen Rafael Esquivel laid on the grass beneath the pine tree in his winter clothes.
Frost was already setting in.
School just got out and it was Tuesday.
A slow day.
And no sign of Optimus.
Lifting his glasses, Raf wiped his eyes.
Sari laid beside him.
"We'll find him, Raf."
"How can you be sure?"
"I just believe we will, Raf. I got to."
Raf smiled lightly. "I hope so. Where are the others?"
"Wheeljack took Vince for a drive. Jon and his dad are riding with Jazz for a little 'boy time.' Sierra and Katie are at cheerleading practice. And Jack and Miko went mountain climbing."
Raf looked surprised. "Jack? Mountain climbing?"
Sari shrugged with a cheeky grin. "Yeah, I couldn't believe it either."
She prodded her forefingers together nervously. "Do you want to go for a walk? Or maybe have a study group?"
Raf's cheeks went a tad rosy. "S-sure."
00000
Nemesis Warship - Just Over Siberia - 3:00 am
"Commander Airachnid."
"What do you want, Barricade?"
"The Autobots' activities are at an all-time low."
"So?"
Barricade rolled his sharp purple eyes.
"Whatever it is Megatron intends to do with Prime, the Autobots won't take it lying down. They will try to find a way to get him back."
Airachnid tittered. "Then they got their work cut out for them. They don't even know he's off-world or that he's not even in this system."
"It would hurt their morale if they knew."
"Perhaps, but Megatron's orders are Megatron's orders. Now…what is the status of the extermination of MECH?"
Barricade grimaced. "47% of all their active soldiers have been terminated or brought under charges of treason or other egregious crimes. Either way, the parameters are acceptable per Megatron's orders."
"Good," Airachnid said. "What sort of egregious crimes?"
"Terrorism, aiding and abetting known felons, falsifying official/governmental reports, murder, torture, kidnapping, rape…" Barricade grunted in disgust. "And the abuse of children, which I'm putting lightly."
Airachnid felt cold. "And these soldiers…they are currently enlisted?"
"Some. Others have been dishonorably discharged or have deserted. Bottom line, common scum that misused their positions."
Airachnid paused. "Why are these details necessary?"
"Laserbeak wanted these particular details for our records. Soundwave's records. And all Decepticons know how dedicated he is to data, even for such a fragile, short-lived species."
Airachnid nodded begrudgingly. "And there's no change to his condition."
"None," Barricade said. "But Lord Megatron is confident that he'll find a specialized physician who can bring him out of that coma."
"Hmm." Airachnid turned to face the former Elite Guard officer. "You don't approve of my being here, do you?"
"What I approve or don't approve is irrelevant, commander."
"You will honor Megatron's command of my place here?"
Barricade nodded firmly. "I will."
Airachnid smiled. "And what of Lockdown's hunt for Starscream?"
"Starscream is a slippery one, that has never changed. Lockdown will run him down. But he believes Starscream has left earth."
Airachnid cocked an eyebrow. "Where would he go?"
Barricade shrugged. "Who knows."
00000
New Mexico - 4:30 pm
"Careful with that slab of Energon!" Brawl barked. "Drop that and I'll rip your face off!"
The Vehicon miner yelped in fear before doubling-timing and doubling his efforts as he pushed the hovercart up and out of the Energon mine.
Brawl nodded affirmatively at the miner's obedience.
"Brawl? You nearly done?"
Brawl pressed his comm. "Yeah yeah Cade, just need to get that last bit."
"Brawl, when we're on duty, it's Barricade, not Cade. Got me?"
Brawl scoffed. "You got it, chief. You know we'd be able to move a lot faster if we had Bonecrusher down here."
"You know he's confined due to his…latest escapade."
"Yeah yeah, after blowing up that human bus. What about Blackout?"
"He's still out scouting and doing recon of human military bases."
Brawl scoffed. "Waste of time if you ask me."
"I didn't."
Brawl growled. "You've been a real grump lately, Barricade. More than usual."
"That's none of your business. Just do your job."
"At least the Bots are out of commission, right?"
"Just because Prime is gone? Doubt it."
00000
Autobot Base Omega Two - 5:00 pm
Jack looked down at the Key to Vector Sigma as he sat on the couch in the rec center.
It's been over a month now. We're not any closer to turning our groundbridge into a space bridge. And we still have no word about Optimus.
"Hey."
Jack raised his head to see Vince, former school bully, and now friend. Not a close friend but a friend all the same.
"Hey Vince, what's up?"
"Bummed."
"Me too."
Vince sat down next to Jack.
"Still nothing?" Vince asked.
Jack looked terribly weary. "Still nothing."
Vince stood up, fists clenched.
"Stinkin' buckethead."
Jack nodded in fierce agreement.
After breathing in and out of his nostrils, Vince settled down and sat back down.
"You miss him," Jack said.
"You're darn right I do," Vince almost snapped. "Don't tell anyone I said that."
"My lips are sealed."
Vince nodded thankfully, which took some effort to do so. His pride was still a thing that needed unlearning on his part.
Vince paused and his eyes misted over. Optimus Prime was kind to him, in such a way that he hadn't known since his own father.
Remember Vince, it was either them or you.
"We'll get him back Vince," Jack said, standing up and putting a hand on Vince's shoulder.
The former bully flinched.
He instinctively pushed Jack's hand away.
Jack felt awkward. "You wanna get a pizza?"
Vince shrugged. "Whatever."
00000
5:45 pm
At a local pizzeria in the uptown area of Denver, Jack and Vince walked out and towards the nearest bus stop.
"Aren't we taking a bit of risk going without either Arcee or Wheeljack?" Jack asked.
"Sure, but it's nice to not have to rely on robot bodyguards for once. Besides, the 'Cons and MECH have been quiet for a while."
That's what worries me.
"Fine, but let's stay out too long. It's starting to get dark."
Vince waved a dismissive hand. "Yeah, yeah, whatever."
The peace and quiet was interrupted by a shrill scream.
Vince and Jack were on alert at once.
"Did you hear that?" Jack asked.
"Of course I heard that." Vince looked to his left and right, then he set his sights on an alleyway just down the sidewalk. "It came from over there."
The two young men approached the alleyway, very quietly.
They peaked around the corner and saw a clearly terrified woman in a long brown coat, cornered by three men in street clothes, all with cruel, lecherous grins on their faces.
"Those guys are going to hurt that lady," Jack said as he pulled out his phone.
"Not on my watch," Vince said through clenched teeth as he advanced into the alley.
"Vince, no!" Jack cried under his breath.
"No please!" The woman cried, tears in her eyes.
The lead thug, a tall man with a black ski hat and a goatee, laughed as he brandished a switchblade knife.
"C'mon babe, this won't hurt."
"Wanna bet?"
A trash can lid spun out of nowhere and slammed right into the back of the lead thug's head.
He cried out in pain as he dropped his knife and it fell into a sewer grate.
The other two turned with a start and saw a tall young man with red shaggy hair, freckles and fierce furious green eyes, staring at them with clenched fists and clenched teeth.
"You little punk!" one of the thugs roared, a man with a green camp jacket and a toothpick in his mouth. "You're gonna pay for that!"
"Yeah!" The other one said, a big dumb looking brute missing some teeth. "With your life!"
The lead thug stood up, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Why you-!" He pointed at Vince with a threatening finger. "I'll take your head off for that!"
Jack, with some hesitation, joined Vince and flanked him.
"Who's this toothpick?"
"Uh Vince?" Jack whispered. "We'd better run."
Vince looked incredulous. "What? Are you crazy?"
"They probably have guns."
Vince shook his head. "No they don't."
"How do you know?" Jack asked.
"Because they don't have any bulges in their jackets, nothing in their pants or their socks where they could hide a gun."
Vince cracked his knuckles. "I've been aching for some trouble for a while now. I've been in a foul mood."
The lead thug smirked. "Well I'm in an even worse mood. Get ready to die pup."
"Hey Nolan, that chick's getting away!"
The lead thug, Nolan, cursed. "So go get her!"
The camo wearing thug chased after the frightened woman.
"Get back here!"
"Hey!" Jack called out, stepping forward. "Leave her alone!"
"Sam?" Nolan said. "Take them."
"No problem," said the big thug as he lurched forward like a bull about to charge.
"Oh boy," Jack said nervously as he took a step back.
"Steer clear of him, Jack! Just go help the lady!"
"Uh right!"
Jack dashed forward dodging Sam but Nolan blocked him.
"Where do you think you're-AGGHH!"
The next thing Nolan knew, he was on the ground in a fetal position with his butt in the air.
Sam and Vince saw the whole thing with shock and awe.
"Good God!" Vince exclaimed. "You kicked him in the balls!"
Jack didn't respond.
He just kept running after the thug chasing down the accosted woman.
Sam snarled and turned to face Vince.
"I'm gonna tear you to pieces and take those pieces and tear them into even more pieces."
"Shut up and fight stupid."
Sam paused as he let that insult sink in. "I don't like being called stoopid!"
"Then do something about it, stupid."
Sam exploded as he charged Vince, who just sidestepped and tripped him.
Sam fell flat on his face and laid there.
But only for a second.
He lumbered to his feet, blood leaking from both nostrils, eyes filled with rage.
Vince felt his heart jump. "Oh no."
Vince dodged to the left as Sam tried to grab him in a bear hug.
He smashed a boulder fist right by the point of the galoot's chin.
Sam cursed loud and hard.
"You kiss your mom with that mouth?" Vince said.
"My mom is in the nuthouse!" Sam screamed.
"I'd go nuts too if I had a son like you too!"
"SHUT UP!"
Sam plowed into Vince, knocking the wind out of him, sending him into a brick wall of the adjoining alleyway.
Sam chuckled in a slurred voice. "Hahaha, I'm gonna crack your skull like an acorn."
"I'd like to see you try."
Vince kicked out and hard, right into Sam's left kneecap.
Sam screamed bloody murder as he collapsed to the ground.
He thrashed and screamed as he grabbed his busted knee.
Vince tried to stand but a sharp pain shot up into his torso.
Oh man, I think I cracked a rib. Sorry Jack, you're on your own.
00000
"Get away from me!"
"The more you fight, the worse this is gonna be!"
The woman in the long brown coat had a lead pipe in her hands.
The thug in camo was mad beyond reason but kept his distance.
The woman was cornered anyway, having been chased into a deadend.
The thug approached and the woman swung the pipe.
He caught the pipe in both hands, wrenched it out of her hands and tossed it behind him.
It didn't make a sound of hitting the ground.
The thug didn't even notice.
"Now come quietly and we'll make this-!"
He didn't get to finish as a blow like that of a hammer slammed into the back of his head.
The thug fell with a bloody goose egg on the back of his head.
Jack stood there with the lead pipe, which he caught, in his hand.
"Are you ok?"
The woman in the long coat smiled and cried as she threw her arms around the shaken young man.
"Oh God! I was so scared! Thank you! Thank you!"
Jack blushed. "Oh, uh, it was, it was nothing."
00000
Vince managed to pick himself up, albeit painfully.
"Ugh," he groaned.
And then iron jaws clasped around his throat, lifted him off the ground and pinned him against the brick wall.
It was Sam, eyes burning, wide open and wild.
"I'm gonna beat you like a redheaded stepchild!"
Vince spat in his face. "I hate that joke," he choked.
"Me too."
The voice wasn't Sam's.
A hand grabbed Sam by the back of his hair and yanked him back.
Another reached over right under Sam's arm, clutched the wrist that held Vince by the throat and twisted it with iron fingers, followed by a snapping of bones.
Sam squalled like a baby as he was thrown to the opposite wall.
He was out cold before he hit the ground.
Vince coughed hard as an open hand reached out to help him up.
Vince looked up to see a face he didn't recognize.
It was a man with solid muscle, crystal blue eyes, rock solid jaw, a thin scar across his lip, a deep tan skin with minor wrinkles, and thick grey hair.
"Who are-?"
"You've gotta be the most pig-headed little punk I've ever met."
Vince blinked. "Wheeljack?"
00000
Jack waved the woman goodbye as she entered a taxicab and drove away.
Suddenly, a womanly hand grabbed and tugged Jack's right ear.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ok, ok mom, I can explain-!"
"I'm sure you can, Jack."
That wasn't his mother's voice.
"Arcee?"
It couldn't be.
If that were Arcee, she wouldn't be able to grab his ear. Any attempt to do so would be more likely to pull his own head off.
Jack, through the corner of his eye, saw a very cross, very beautiful woman, appearing to be of Asian-descent, except her eyes were an electric blue with flecks of pink, dark hair with blue and pink highlights.
"Arcee? How-?"
"Later, now come on."
Arcee dragged a whining Jack by the ear, and flagged to a man who had Vince by the arm.
Jack knew that stride and smug grin.
"Wheeljack?"
"Give the kid a prize." Wheeljack pressed a comm device in his ear. "Hey Doc, we got 'em."
"Sending groundbridge. And don't call me Doc!"
00000
Autobot Base Omega Two - 7:00 pm
"Jack, I'm waiting to hear what you were thinking? Taking off like that."
Jack and Vince sat on the rec couch, both looking humbled and a little embarrassed.
Arcee and Wheeljack stood over the boys, looking quite angry. They were still both occupying their protoform avatars, both manufactured and provided by the ingenious design of both Perceptor and Ratchet as suits for undercover purposes so that the Autobots could mingle among humankind undetected on a more personal scale.
"We just wanted to blow off some steam," Jack said.
"And taking on a violent gang was your idea of blowing off steam? You could've been killed."
"A woman was in trouble, Arcee. We had to do something."
"They weren't even a real fight anyway," Vince said, rubbing his throat. "We did take them, you know that?"
"That's not what I saw," Wheeljack said, frowning. "That big guy was choking you out and he would've finished the job if I didn't come along when I did."
Vince's face went red with anger and embarrassment.
"Bottom line," Arcee said. "Going off like that without either of us is not ok. It's still not safe, whether MECH or the Cons are off the grid or not."
"But why?" Jack asked.
"Because we don't know what they're doing. We don't know what they're planning or when they'll rear their ugly heads again. We can't take any chances. Wherever you go, we go, got me?"
Jack bowed his head. "Yes ma'am."
"And that goes for you too, Vinny," Wheeljack said sternly. "If you need a ride into the city, you wait for me."
Vince stared defiantly at the older man or bot. "And if I don't?"
Wheeljack did not falter or show the slightest sign of being angered by Vince's impertinence. "You'll stay here is what you're going to do."
"What?! You can't keep me here against my will!"
"You're still a minor and your mother has given us permission to do so, especially since we're at war."
Vince's face twisted with anger.
This was an enormous stroke to his pride but he accepted it.
Not like I've never been locked up before.
"Fine, but don't do me any favors."
Wheeljack smirked. "You can be sure of that, kid."
Vince grimaced and then winced from the pain in his side.
"You're hurt," Wheeljack said.
"I'll call June," Arcee said.
Vince bowed his head.
Pity is just what I need.
00000
Nakadai Household - Denver, CO - 7:30 pm
"Whoa, I've said it before, you're pretty fierce."
Miko knew Jack would be blushing if she could see his face.
"It was stupid but there was no time to wait for help to come. Ironically, Vince took more of a beating than I. Actually they didn't even get a shot at me."
Miko grinned. "Cuz you kicked one in the batteries and hit the other with his back turned."
Miko heard Jack groan over the phone.
"It sounds pretty bad when you put it like that."
"Well they had it coming. And you're not exactly the fighting type, babe."
There was a pause.
"You still there?" Miko said.
Jack sounded terribly abashed. "You called me babe."
Miko smiled, a bit of color in her cheeks. "Is that ok?"
"No-I mean yes! Of course it is. You just…surprised me. We haven't gone out for that long…but it's nice. Now I gotta find what I'm gonna call you."
"Oh?"
"Yup. Let's see…babe is taken of course if I want to be unique…hmm…how about lotus flower?"
Miko put on a mock offended look. "Wow, racist much?"
"W-What what?! No! That's not what I-!"
Miko giggled. "Pfff, wow. I'm joking, Jackrabbit."
"Oh. I hate it when you do that sometimes."
Miko rolled her eyes playfully. "You can joke around with me too. I have a sense of humor, you know."
"Yeah, I know. Just haven't had a lot of luck making jokes."
"Aw, you're plenty funny."
Jack scoffed. "Yeah, when I get myself in trouble maybe. Heck, I can get into trouble and need no help from MECH or the Cons to do it."
Miko covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. "See, you're funny."
"Aw…"
"I bet you're blushing."
"Am not."
"You totally are!"
"Miko!" A woman's voice called out. "Dinner's ready!"
"Coming!" Miko said. "I gotta go babe."
"Right, see you soon…sweets."
Miko squeaked bashfully before hanging up.
00000
Autobot Base Omega Two - 8:00 pm
"Wow!" Sari cried. "Arcee, you're so pretty!"
Arcee, still in her protoform, smiled sweetly. "Thank you. Ratchet did a good job didn't he?"
"He sure did, in fact. Could you kneel down for a second?"
Arcee cocked an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Just do it, please." She said the last word with a pleading puppy eye look.
Arcee looked slightly annoyed. I hate it when she does that.
Arcee knelt down before the smaller girl and to her surprise, Sari wrapped her arms around Arcee's neck in a tight hug.
Arcee chuckled. "What's that for?"
"Just nice that I can finally hug like a real human."
"Aww," Wheeljack said, also in his protoform. "Hey, don't I get a hug too?"
Sari stared at Wheeljack then smiled. "Sure."
Sari skipped over to Wheeljack and jumped into his waiting arms.
Wheeljack chuckled, remembering how it felt when his own daughter Strongarm ran into his arms whenever she saw him.
Almost brought a tear to his artificial eyes.
And then he noticed something strange when Sari started trembling in his arms.
"Sari?"
Sari held on tightly as hot tears leaked from her eyes.
She croaked. "Any word…on Optimus…and my dad?"
Wheeljack looked sad.
Being a father himself, seeing this little girl cry hit close to home.
Arcee put a hand on her back. "Sari…"
"No, we haven't heard anything of them."
Arcee looked disapprovingly at Wheeljack,
"But we're going to find them, Sari," Arcee said assuredly. "You'll see."
For a month now, Optimus had been missing in action. Everyone knew why. After emptying the contents of the Matrix of Leadership in order to put Unicron back into stasis, he had lost his memories as a Prime. Megatron took advantage of his amnesia and convinced him that he is a Decepticon and his fellow Autobots are his 'mortal enemies.'
As for Dr Isaac Sumdac, he had been missing ever since he entered that secret passage leading from the base to a secret compartment in the sub level of one of his office buildings in Denver. It was like he had vanished into thin air. And he has not been heard from since. No one knew where he was or even how to find him, not even Captain Fanzone or his Board Chairman Porter Powell.
Was Dr Sumdac taken by the Cons too?
No one dared voice that possibility, especially around Sari.
But they all thought of it but none would dare speak it.
Dad, where are you?
00000
Nemesis Warship - Just Over Japan - Nov 2nd, 6:00 am
Bonecrusher sat in his cell, locked behind a force field.
He grumbled to himself.
All this for a bunch of insects. They breed like there's no tomorrow. What difference does it make if I squash a few. They were just a bunch of decrepit ones, they didn't have long to live anyway.
"Comfortable?"
Bonecrusher looked up to see Blackout enter the detention level.
"What do you want?" Bonecrusher said haughtily.
"Just making sure you haven't entertained any delusions of escaping…or any more plans of massacring humans for your own amusement."
Bonecrusher scoffed and he smirked mockingly. "You're getting soft in your old age, Blacky baby."
Blackout wasn't the least bit irritated. "Got nothing to do with it. You know why you're here. The humans are not here for your amusement. The Autobots are our priority. Them and harvesting the Energon on this planet."
"No one cares about those worthless insects."
Blackout glared hotly.
Writing off this arrogant butcher as being from the bottom of the barrel would be too good for him.
Blackout knew full well he's no saint. Never claimed to be. But the rules of war still mattered to him, Decepticon or not, Megatron or no Megatron. Wanton slaughter, even for a bunch of short-lived flesh bags, left a bad taste in his mouth.
Besides, it was a ludicrous waste of Decepticon resources and a gross misuse of a soldier's energy.
Bonecrusher was a bloodthirsty lunatic, so full of hate. A psycho so hungry for violence and bloodshed, even more so than Airachnid, even more so than Flamewar.
Blackout almost shuddered at the mention of that name.
"You're only guaranteeing your permanent confinement with that talk, Bonecrusher," Blackout said, folding his arms. "Your stay of execution will be suspended if Megatron approves of it. And guess who will carry it out."
Bonecrusher snarled. "Get fragged."
Blackout shook his head. "And good riddance. Especially after what you did to those prisoners on Regulon 4."
"They were going to die anyway."
Blackout said no more.
He just walked out of the room.
Bonecrusher smashed his fists against the force field wall, making a high pitched hum.
"This cell can't hold me, Blackout! You'll see! I'll bust out of here and I'll find you! I'll rip your head off, I'll rip your spark out and make you watch!"
00000
"Well?" Barricade barked.
"No change," Blackout said respectfully. "He's as defiant as ever."
"Surprise surprise," Brawl said. "What does Megatron say?"
"He hasn't answered yet," Barricade said. "Just keep him confined until he gets back."
"No doubt if an execution is involved, he'd want to do it himself," Blackout said. "But it's going to be a long time before he finishes whatever he's got planned for Pr-excuse me. Pax."
Brawl laughed. "Let Bonecrusher sweat it up as he waits for the executioner's axe. He's gonna be in there for a while."
Blackout fixed Brawl with a disapproving glare.
"What?"
"I suppose you'd want to do it yourself."
Brawl pumped his arms. "You bet I do. So do you, don't you?"
"Perhaps," Blackout said. "But he was still one of us."
"Not anymore he's not," Barricade snapped. "He's a liability and an unstable maniac. We don't need him anymore."
"Like any of you are any better," said an insolent and sickly sweet voice.
The trio turned to see Airachnid enter, flanked by Stockade, who's left arm was in a steel brace, a minor injury still recovering from Megatron's assault when he was half mad with dark Energon.
An assault that was intended for Airachnid for her objections to one of Megatron's dangerous plans.
But Stockade shoved her aside and took the blow himself.
A selfless act that still left Airachnid stunned to this day.
Foolish boy.
"Well? What are you standing around for? Resume your stations at once!"
"Yes commander," Blackout said as he walked away.
Brawl nodded in acknowledgement as he flanked after Blackout.
Barricade said nothing and followed after them too.
00000
Regulon 4 - Decepticon Outpost Gamma Seven
The Eclipse approached an outpost in the form of a massive metallic tower attached to the outcropping of a massive cliff, overlooking several Cybertronian settlements on a nearly-barren desert planet.
The ship touched down on the landing bay, a circular pad with the Decepticon symbol in its center.
The docking bridge opened and touched down.
Megatron and Orion Pax walked down it to meet the massive bot waiting for them.
Lugnut, one of Megatron's most loyal soldiers and oldest confidants.
The massive one-eyed Decepticon stood at attention.
No other soldiers were present, per Megatron's instructions through the encrypted message he sent to Lugnut's private server.
All soldiers and staff present at the Decepticon outpost of Regulon 4 will have been sworn to secrecy, the same secrecy those on the Nemesis were sworn to.
Megatron and Orion walked up to meet him.
Lugnut didn't even look at the amnesiac Prime.
This must be quite a shock for him, Megatron thought. But I scarcely know a more disciplined soldier.
Lugnut bowed. "Welcome Lord Megatron, it's been a long time."
"Indeed it has," Megatron said with a polite smile and he extended a hand of greetings.
This surprised Lugnut at first but he didn't show it.
He heartily took Megatron's wrist as Megatron took his.
A handshake between brothers in arms and old friends.
"All is prepared?" Megatron asked.
"Yes my lord."
"Hmm, good. And Oil Slick? Is he prepared to leave?"
Lugnut nodded.
"Excellent. Call him."
Lugnut activated his commlink.
Megatron singled Orion out so he could speak with him in private.
"Orion, you will be stationed here for the time being. In the meantime, I will be on an inspection tour. Once my business here is finished, we will depart to inspect other outposts."
"And I am to accompany you for them all?" Orion asked.
"Of course!" Megatron said with some enthusiasm of an old friend wanting to catch up. "What better way to begin your acclimation into our ranks than take part in the inspection tour?"
Orion thought for a moment and nodded. "I see your point."
And then he noticed something approaching Megatron from behind at a great speed.
"Megatron, look out!"
Megatron did not turn.
But his face took on one of an anticipated foreboding.
Oh no.
He knew that energetic gallop.
In a blur of grey and light-purple, Megatron felt a pair of thin but strong arms wrap around his neck in a tight hug.
An inappropriately cheerful voice squeaked out. "Megatron, I missed you so much!"
Megatron looked more annoyed than furious. "Hello Thunderblast."
Orion looked surprised. "Thunderblast?" Then his optics widened in recognition. "Of course, Thunderblast! Lugnut and Strika's daughter."
Thunderblast, a young Decepticon air warrior, not much older than Bumblebee, stared at Orion with puzzled yellow optics.
"Do I know you mister?"
"His name is Orion Pax," Megatron said. "He is my data clerk."
"Ooooh!" Thunderblast said in awkward enthusiasm.
"Ahem!" said another voice, one with a sassy and ill-tempered tone. "Thunderblast, professionalism!"
"Oh right."
The one that spoke was a Decepticon two-wheeler, just a few feet shorter than Thunderblast, with a black and orange color scheme, with sharp orange optics, burning with a passionate promise for a long bloody battle.
"Sorry my lord, I didn't know she would do that."
"It's quite alright, Flamewar," Megatron said. "But why are you two here? I gave specific orders that this landing platform was to be clear of all Decepticon personnel."
"We are accompanying Oil Slick to earth. We are his bodyguards."
Megatron blinked. "You and Thunderblast?"
"Yes sir."
"Who assigned you?"
"Air Commander Lugnut, with Science Officer Oil Slick's approval, Lord Megatron."
Megatron frowned slightly.
"Orion, please excuse me. Feel free to mingle with these two if you like."
Orion nodded.
Megatron left the group to approach Lugnut who was talking with another bot, a tall, slim Decepticon in a color scheme of mostly black with fine lines of toxic green.
His head was encased in a cyber glass dome, filled with a clear green liquid.
And his face was a deep stoic look, silver face plating with cold, calculating red optics.
Oil Slick noticed Megatron's approach and knelt before him respectfully.
He spoke in a clipped, sophisticated and proper accent. "Greetings Lord Megatron."
"Arise, Doctor."
Oil Slick stood up. "I shall prepare to board then, sir."
Megatron nodded and Oil Slick rolled a large hover cart, carrying his medical tools no doubt, aboard the Eclipse.
Once he was out of earshot, Megatron spoke to Lugnut in an irritated voice. "You assigned Thunderblast and Flamewar to guard Oil Slick?"
"They have completed their training with the highest honors, my Lord. They're…eccentric. But they both have proven to be capable soldiers."
Megatron looked skeptical. "And Oil Slick approved their positions?"
"He did. After some coaxing."
"And what does Strika say?"
Lugnut looked mildly uncomfortable. "She agreed. After some coaxing. Much coaxing."
Megatron was still unconvinced.
"Thunderblast has to leave the outpost sometime, my lord."
Megatron rolled his eyes. "Very well. Better off world than here where she might blow Orion's cover."
"My thoughts exactly, master."
00000
"So what's your story, tall, dark and stoic?" Flamewar asked.
Orion Pax craned his head in puzzlement.
"I…was a data clerk at the Hall of Records in Iacon."
"Ooooh, fancy living!" Thunderblast chimed. "Where were you during the war?"
Orion looked deeply troubled. "I was…in stasis."
Flamewar whistled. "Lucky you."
"What about you two?" Orion asked politely.
Flamewar answered. "We've been on the frontlines towards the Fall of Cybertron. But we've mostly been hunting for Energon depots off world."
"We've been promoted since we completed our training," Thunderblast squeaked. "Now we're watching the back of one of Cybertron's greatest minds."
Orion smiled warmly. "Indeed. I've heard of Oil Slick. His technological advancements have revolutionized the medical field, especially in the area of spark surgery."
Flamewar nodded. "Which is exactly why he's been transferred so he can fix up Soundwave."
Orion nodded sadly. "Such a tragedy."
Thunderblast agreed. "Yeah, he was nice, even though he didn't say much."
"Thunderblast. Flamewar. We're leaving now."
Coming Doc!" Thunderblast called out.
Orion followed after her and caught up the landing bridge just as Oil Slick prepared to enter.
"Science Officer Oil Slick, I am Orion Pax. It is an honor to meet you at last," Orion said with a polite smile.
Oil Slick did not smile but he acknowledged the greeting all the same.
"Thank you. You as well, Sir Pax. Your station has already been secure and prepared for you. One of my attendants will help you to your quarters. Now I must be going."
"Of course, safe travels."
00000
Thunderblast and Flamewar secured themselves into their seats, preparing for takeoff.
"He was nice," Thunderblast said.
"Only because he doesn't remember who he is…or was."
Oil Slick entered the cockpit.
He pressed a few keys and issued a command.
"Next stop: earth," he said.
"Whoohoo!" Thunderblast cried, throwing her hands into the air. "Space trip!"
Flamewar groaned. "Murder me, Doctor," she said.
"Can't do it, you're one of my guards."
"Then murder her!"
"Hey!"
Oil Slick shook his head. "If I even tried, her father would feed me my own spark."
Thunderblast giggled. "He totally would."
00000
Level 32 - Data Records
Orion activated his private server.
"If you need anything else, just call."
Orion nodded. "Thank you Thrust."
The cone-headed seeker nodded appreciatively before turning away with a grin.
It's just too funny.
The automatic door closed and locked.
Orion got started on his work, the work to decode the Iacon Database, a nearly impossible task.
But not for the brilliant archivist Orion Pax.
After the first hour, Orion Pax deciphered the first section and he discerned that the Autobots, before Iacon fell, had jettisoned certain items into space, bound for earth for safekeeping.
Not historical documents or cultural artifacts, but most likely weapons of mass destruction for later use.
The information would be sent to the Nemesis and any Iacon relic would be recovered at once.
Orion prepared to resume his work and move onto the next section when he heard a sound behind him.
Orion Pax turned to see nothing.
But he knew he heard something.
"Who's there?"
And then, almost of thin air, a bot phased into existence.
An blue and white bot stared with dumb shock at Orion Pax.
Orion noticed the Autobot shield on him.
Instinctively, the next step would be to trigger the alarm.
But something in Orion held him back.
"Who are you?" Orion asked, keeping calm at the sudden intrusion. "And how did you get in here?"
The Autobot gawked as though that question was the last thing he expected.
"Optimus? Optimus Prime. You know me, don't you?"
Orion paused, reading the Autobot's face, trying to remember.
"It's me, Mirage!"
…..
VOICE CAST
Lugnut - Christopher Judge
Thunderblast - Hynden Walch
Flamewar - Grey DeLisle
Oil Slick - Michael York
Thrust - Eric Artell (Transformers: WFC)
Mirage - Gideon Emery