Chapter 15: Hunting Season

"Oh, ja, ey. I'm from the park service. This trail is closed, don't ya know?" Denny said, trying out a park ranger disguise. "Wow! It's like one minute, you're that guy, and then boom! Suddenly, you're somebody else." Grimlock said as he and Knock Out watch Denny test out disguises. "Yes, truly fascinating. How do you do it?" Knock Out asked. "The trick is to really get inside a character's head." Denny said, putting on a fake moustache and a Sherlock Holmes hat. "Lots of actors and celebrities do it as they prepare for their roles in movies and TV shows." Katie said. "Oh, do another one! Do another one!" Grimlock exclaimed excitedly. "I say! I'm Inspector Nigel Nigel of Her Majesty's new Scotland Yard." Denny said, putting on a British accent. "And I'm the inspector's assistant, Sir Duke of Earl." Russell said, coming up with a top hat and a monocle. "Hey, Duke, we need to talk." Denny said. "It's extremely important." Katie said. "Uh-oh. Heavy drama alert." Russell said, knowing what was about to happen. "I don't think we should take you with us on anymore missions." Denny said. "What? Why?" Russell asked. "A parent's number 1 job is to make sure their kids survive to adulthood." Denny said. "He's right. If you get run over by a robotic buffalo or even kidnapped by Transformer-hunting terrorists, that's pretty much an epic failure on the parenting front." Katie said. "But…I thought I was part of the team. I thought we were a team." Russell said, feeling hurt. "We are, Rusty, but-" Denny tried to say, but the alarm went off in the Command Center.

"What's the story, Fixit?" Bumblebee asked as he and the team gathered. "Sensors detect 2 Cybertronian ships landing in the forest west of Crown City." Fixit said, detecting 2 signals from Cybertronian ships. "Autobot or Decepticon?" Smokescreen asked. "Unknown, I'm afraid. Scans are inconclusive." Fixit said. "Hmm. What do you think, Bee?" Raf asked "We should prepare for hostiles just in case." Bumblebee said. "Okay. I'm prepared." Grimlock said, ready to fight. "Hang on, Grim. I've driven up there with Jack. There's a hunting lodge in that area. If we run into locals, it might be tough to explain a big metal you." Arcee said. Grimlock glared in disappointment. "We might need you, Katie and Russell to run interference for us, Denny." Bumblebee said. "We're in Bee. But Russell won't be coming on anymore missions." Denny said. Russell frowned at that.

Later, the team arrived at the hunting lodge. "No sign of humans." Bumblebee said, seeing no humans around. "Strange. This place is usually so crowded with licensed hunters." Jack said with confusion. "Maybe it's not hunting season." Denny guessed as he, Katie and the other Nebula Rangers hopped out of their Autobot partners before Team Bee transformed. "Denny, Katie, take cover." Bumblebee said. "Don't have to tell us twice." Denny said before heading for cover with Katie. Just then, a purple Cybertronian motorcycle drove out of the forest, leapt up and transformed into a male purple Cybertronian bearing a Decepticon insignia. As he landed, he set his optics on Cinderray. "There's my prize."

(Intro)

Cinderray gasped, recognizing this Decepticon. "You okay there, Cinderray?" Sideswipe asked. "I…remember that Con." Cinderray said. Suddenly, before anyone could ask, an orange car drove up and transformed into a samurai-themed Cybertronian bearing an Autobot insignia. The 2 Cybertronians glared at each other, making Team Bee and the Nebula Rangers confused. "Airazor, Divebomb, bring them down!" The Decepticon ordered. He fired 2 rockets from his shoulders, which both transformed into Mini-Cons. "Jetstorm, Slipstream, go!" The Autobot ordered, launching 2 disks from his wrists, which both transformed into 2 mini samurai Mini-Cons.

Team Bee and the Nebula Rangers prepared for action as both groups charged towards them. But then, the one Mini-Con known as Slipstream bashed into the one called Divebomb. Jetstorm, wielding a nunchaku, threw and lassoed Airazor. But Airazor pulled the chain, making Jetstorm ski on the dirt. "I have him, Master Drift!" Jetstorm said as he skied beside his master, who was named Drift. "Never gloat, pupil." Drift said, sternly. He leapt in front of his adversary, drawing his sword and preparing to fight. "This bounty is mine! As is the Autocon!" The Decepticon exclaimed as he drew his own wrist blades and started clashing with Drift. Slipstream and Divebomb tumbled along as they fought while Jetstorm continued skiing while trying to contain Airazor. "Did he say bounty?" Strongarm asked. "That's what I heard." Smokescreen said. Suddenly, as Drift and the Decepticon continued clashing blades, the Con head-butted him, disarming him and knocking him down. "Wait. I know that Bot." Bumblebee said. Suddenly, there was a humming sound in the air. Team Bee and the Nebula Rangers looked up and saw a helicopter flying towards them. It then transformed into a female Cybertronian bearing a Decepticon insignia. As she landed, she ran towards the fight. "And I know that Con." Arcee said.

As Drift recovered, the Decepticon pinned him down. "It's always been your weakness, Drift. You fight fair." The Decepticon said as he prepared to kill Drift. But then, the female Decepticon bashed into him, knocking him off Drift. As he recovered, he glared at her. "You!" He exclaimed. "The feeling's mutual old friend." The female Decepticon said as she glared back at him. The Decepticon was about to recover and attack, Bumblebee and Arcee ran up, drew their blasters and started firing on him, forcing him to take cover. "Guess we picked a side." Sideswipe said. "Looks that way to me." Strongarm said. Team Bee and the Nebula Rangers prepared to fight. As Airazor had Jetstorm pinned down, Strongarm, Gears, Shawn and Annika scared him off by blasting him. As Slipstream fought off Divebomb with his bladed bō staff, Sideswipe picked up Divebomb. "Why don't you try picking on someone not your own size?" Sideswipe asked with a glare. "Sure." Divebomb said as he extended his claws and started scratching Sideswipe's arm, forcing him to drop him. "Scratch this, pipsqueak!" Miko exclaimed, punching Divebomb hard with a chi punch and sending him flying.

The Decepticon continued to hide from Bumblebee and Arcee's lasers behind the tree. "Come out with your hands up!" Bumblebee demanded. "Or else we'll come in after you!" Arcee exclaimed. As Drift drew his other sword, and the female Decepticon drew 2 swords from her back, they all started walking towards the Deception as Team Bee and the Nebula Rangers rejoined them. "Too many big ones, Master!" Divebomb exclaimed as he and Airazor returned to their master. "Divebomb is right, boss! And those fleshlings are equally tough!" Airazor exclaimed. "Tactical retreat is called for." The Decepticon said, seeing that they were outnumbered. Airazor and Divebomb transformed and linked back with their master before he transformed and drove off into the forest.

"We need to go after him!" Gears exclaimed. "By the time we cut our way through the forest, he'll be long gone." Strongarm said. "I don't think we're done with him. Or he with us." Bumblebee said. "But what about these 2?" Nalu asked, gesturing to Drift and his partner. "You're Drift, right? We met in Kaon. I'm Bumblebee." Bumblebee introduced, offering a handshake. "I know. I came to collect a bounty that has been placed on you and Arcee for unauthorized use of a Space Bridge, unauthorized travel between Cybertron and Earth, and kidnapping." Drift said. "Do we look kidnapped to you?!" Strongarm exclaimed, feeling insulted. "And you…" Arcee said, turning towards the female Decepticon. "…you're Skyblade. I remember you back from the war." Arcee said. "Yes. I was one of Megatron's Seeker commanders." Skyblade said. "A Decepticon Seeker?! I smell promotion for arresting one of Megatron's top lapdogs!" Gears exclaimed, aiming his blaster at Skyblade. But then, Arcee blocked him. "Stand down, hothead. Skyblade may still hold the Decepticon insignia, but she no longer holds any allegiance to the Decepticons." Arcee said. "That's right. She deserted Megatron's forces and went MIA for years. You haven't been seen in over 10 years." Bumblebee said. "Yes. Because I needed to find my true self. All my life, I've been fighting for the Decepticons, and for what?! Enslaving the galaxy?! Not for me. During my travels, I met up with Drift. Together, we formed a partnership, hunting down wanted criminals and collecting bounties. Including yours." Skyblade explained.

"Yet, you still bear your Decepticon insignia." Gears said, gripping his blaster. "Yes. I chose to keep it because while I chose to leave, I remain a Decepticon in my spark." Skyblade said. "None of it matters now. And neither does your bounty. You saved us from Fracture. I now owe you a life debt which must be repaid in kind." Drift said, bowing to Bumblebee and Arcee. "Your blade, Master." Jetstorm said, presenting Drift's sword to him. "It is dirty." Drift said, noticing a clump of dirt on the blade. "Humble apologies, Master Drift." Jetstorm said, backing away to clean the sword. "Slipstream, secure our ship and place it in synchronous orbit." Drift ordered. Slipstream bowed and headed off towards their ship. Denny and Katie came out from behind the sign they were hiding behind. "We can come out now, right?" Denny asked. "Ugh! Shoo bug!" Katie exclaimed, trying to swat a bug that's been buzzing around them. They ran up to Drift and Skyblade. "Hi. Denny Clay." Denny introduced. "And Katie, his wife." Katie introduced. "Skyblade." Skyblade said as she knelt down and gently shook hands with the Clays. "Your pets have poor manners." Drift said. "PETS?! We're nobody's pets!" Denny exclaimed. "Yeah! You are so rude!" Katie exclaimed. "Later, you 2." Bumblebee said.

"So, now you 2 don't want the bounty and we're all friends?" Sideswipe asked in confusion. "In a way, yes." Skyblade said. "Skyblade and I retrieve fugitives so that they may explain their actions to the Council. And eventually, choose a more honorable path. Fracture has no honor." Drift explained. "I should know. He and I worked together in the past. He's part of the reason why I deserted the Decepticons back during the war." Skyblade said. "And he will not give up easily. To repay the life debt, I will protect you from the attack he doubtless plans even now. And I shall not move from your side until that is done." Drift explained as Jetstorm returned his sword, now all clean from dirt clumps. "That really isn't necessary." Bumblebee said as Drift stood close to him and Arcee. "Really. It's not a big deal." Arcee said. But as the team tried to back away from him, Drift kept his close distance as he followed them. "So, 4 more places at dinner?" Denny asked. "Sure, looks like it." Katie said, still trying to swat the bug.

Meanwhile, on Fracture's ship, Airazor activated the ship's cloaking program. "We've engaged the cloaking program, boss. Drift and Skyblade will never see us." He said. "Those self-righteous scrapheaps!" Fracture exclaimed angrily, punching the holo-screen. "What's so honorable about stealing my bounties?! Or attacking a fellow Decepticon?!" He exclaimed. "It's all good, boss. Your camera micro-drones will show you what tactics Drift and Skyblade plan." Divebomb explained, revealing the bug buzzing around Denny and Katie to be a Cybertronian camera micro-drone, programmed to spy on Drift and Skyblade. "And how to defeat them." "Yes. This will be a day to remember. The day I finally put Drift and that traitor in their graves, collect a tidy sum and finally capture the one I've been chasing for a long, long time." Fracture said. He, Airazor and Divebomb cackled.

Meanwhile, after the team returned to the scrapyard, Fracture's micro-drone landed nearby. "The boundaries of your garbage repository, they are reinforced only by derelict machinery?" Drift asked as he got a look around the scrapyard. "This is actually a vintage salvage depot-" Denny tried to argue. "Drift, we can defend ourselves." Bumblebee said. "Yes. We have no need for bodyguards." Arcee said. "The life debt demands that I do all I can to protect you both. And the Autocon you harbor." Drift said. "Bee's right. These Bots are good." Russell said as he walked up with Team Bee and the Nebula Rangers. "They've stopped a bunch of Decepticons. Even with our help." Jack added. "I can list them for you." Fixit said, uploading the Alchemor's prisoner manifest. "Would you prefer alphabetical order, by size, weight or perhaps some other grouping?" He asked. "I punched a Sharkticon, a Buffaloid, and, uh…oh, that one with all the eyes. Creepy." Grimlock said, reliving the fight with Opticon. "And we get the job done pretty well." Sideswipe said. "Especially when Gears isn't breathing down our necks." Mirage said. Gears grumbled at that. Skyblade actually hinted a small chuckle. "And we've been a big help to that too. And they've helped us with problems regarding the villains me and my team face." Jack said. "Your inexperienced law officers, juvenile delinquents, oafish Dinobot, damaged Mini-Con and human pets are no match for an enemy as devious as Fracture." Drift said. "HEY!" Team Bee exclaimed. "Strongarm is not inexperienced! And Grimlock is not oafish!" Sideswipe exclaimed. "And in case you didn't see us, Knock Out and I are experienced warriors! I served under Optimus Prime while Knock Out's a former servant of Megatron, just like Skyblade!" Smokescreen exclaimed. "Irrelevant." Drift said, without a care. Smokescreen was about to throw an angry punch, but Bumblebee and Arcee stopped him. "Easy there, Smokey. I'm as angry about this as you are, but it's not worth it." Arcee whispered. "Anyway, Smokescreen, why don't you and the others set up some temporary quarters for our…guests." Bumblebee suggested. "Fixit, the Nebula Rangers and I can show our guest partners around the base." Russell said as Bumblebee and Arcee led the team away.

Meanwhile, after slipping away from the group, Cinderray hid herself in order to split herself into 2 again. "Okay, Cinderray, just like with Quillfire. Split into 2, send one to find Fracture, hopefully find out something about my past and quickly escape before he imprisons me." She whispered to herself. But before she could try to split apart, someone cleared their throat, surprising her. She turned around and saw Arcee loitering against some of Denny's things. "Trying to go on another mission to reclaim your memories?" Arcee asked. "I…I, uh…" Cinderray tried to say. "Cinderray, I understand your intentions to restore your memories, but Fracture appears to be far worse than Quillfire was. Trust me. I've been through these situations." Arcee explained. Cinderray listened carefully. "When Airachnid killed Tailgate and when I learned that Starscream killed Cliffjumper, I was just so…angry, confused. All I wanted was to seek closure on the loss of my 2 partners, whom I once considered brothers, by scrapping their sparks." Arcee explained. "Then why didn't you?" Cinderray asked. "If I had, I would've been no different than the Decepticons." Arcee said. Cinderray understood this. "So, just have patience. When the time is right for you, then the answers to your questions be revealed." Arcee said. Cinderray looked down at her feet, knowing Arcee was right.

Later, as Bumblebee, Arcee, Drift and Skyblade spoke with Denny and Katie, Russell, Hank, Fixit and the Nebula Rangers spoke with Jetstorm and Slipstream in the command center. "That Bot's your sensei?" Russell asked. "Like an alien robot samurai?" Hank asked. "Master Drift is a wonderful teacher. He took us from lives of petty thievery and granted us the honor of serving and learning from him." Slipstream said. "I am a constant disappointment." Jetstorm said with sadness. "Jetstorm, that is not true. Master Drift has high standards and he does not give praise easily. Sometimes, we wish he would show more confidence in us like Skyblade does, so we can feel more like part of a team." Slipstream explained. "Yeah. I know what you mean." Russell said, remembering how his own parents decided to stop bringing him on missions. Hank put a comforting arm around his shoulder. The Nebula Rangers looked at him with concern.

"So, what do you guys do when you're not learning from your master?" Hank asked. Jetstorm and Slipstream looked at each other in confusion. "Yeah, I'm thinking that these 2 don't know how to have fun." Miko said. Just then, Russell had an idea. "Fixit, load up our last save." He said. "Aye-aye, Star Commander." Fixit said. "You are a commander?" Jetstorm asked. "In a small way." Annika said. "Commander, I've picked up an incoming battle fleet." A voice called. "We are under attack!" Slipstream exclaimed, mistaking the voice as an alert. "Summon the master!" Jetstorm exclaimed as he and Slipstream readied their weapons. "Guys, it's just a simulator." Russell said. Fixit brought up the holo-screen of Russell's game. "Ah, a training exercise." Jetstorm said. "To sharpen our battle skills." Slipstream added. "Wanna play?" Russell asked. "Play?" Jetstorm and Slipstream asked in confusion. "Here, I'll show you." Russell said. Jetstorm and Slipstream watched him as he walked over to the control section. "This Commander Russell, he appears to be something special." Jetstorm said. "Yes, indeed. Like something very special." Slipstream said.

"No way. Grimlock! Put that down!" Denny exclaimed as Grimlock was stacking his stuff. "There is no time for debate. We must construct a barrier across the main entrance." Drift said. "Not with my 1953 vindoriser!" Denny cried. "You have no idea what my husband went through to get those!" Katie exclaimed. "Drift, we appreciate the help, really, we do. But-" Bumblebee tried to say. "Lt. Bumblebee! Lt. Arcee!" Fixit called.

Team Bee and the Nebula Rangers, Drift and Skyblade gathered at the command center. "There's a Cybertronian lifeline-*glitch*-lifestyle-*glitch*-life sign near the northwest corner of the scrapyard." Fixit reported. "It begins. And we are not ready." Drift said. "Team, Rangers, let's check it out. The rest of you into the command center." Bumblebee instructed. "Where you go, Bumblebee, we go." Drift said. Jetstorm and Slipstream leapt out of the command center, transformed and linked back up to Drift. Bumblebee gave a careful nod to Sierra, who nodded back as she was twiddling her fingers.

Later, the team arrived at the location, where they keep their stasis pods. But there wasn't anyone there. "We're not seeing anything, Fixit." Bumblebee said. "I'm still reading something at your position. And now there's another one at the southeast side." Fixit reported through the com-link. "Party time!" Grimlock exclaimed as he transformed and ran off. "Grimlock, don't run off alone!" Bumblebee exclaimed. "Strongarm, Gears, back up Grim!" Arcee ordered. "Yes, ma'am." Strongarm said as she and Gears followed Grimlock. "Shawn, Nalu, Henry, go with them!" Jack ordered. "On it!" Shawn said as he and his 2 brothers followed. "Something's not right." Bumblebee said. Suddenly, the power went dead. "You think?" Sideswipe asked. "Fixit, we lost power here. Cables may have been cut. Are you alright?" Bumblebee asked through the com-link. "The command center is fully operational, sir." Fixit said. "I have a backup generator, Bee. Katie and I will go fire it up." Denny said. "Hang on, Denny. Sideswipe, Mirage, Smokescreen and Knock Out are gonna be your escorts. I don't want anyone going anywhere alone." Bumblebee said. "And I'm sending the rest of the Gonzalez siblings with you too." Jack added. Sideswipe nodded as he, Mirage, Smokescreen and Knock Out transformed, picked up their Gonzalez passengers and drove off to the command center. "I don't suppose you 2 would want to go with them?" Arcee asked. "The life debt demands that-" Drift tried to say. "Ugh! Never mind." Arcee groaned.

"I'm coming with you." Russell said. "I don't think so, Rusty. You and Hank stay here and help Fixit." Denny said. "And honey, please be careful." Katie said. "Don't worry, Katie. I'll watch over them." Sierra said. Russell frowned as he watched he parents head out of the command center. As Sideswipe's group arrived, he opened his door for Denny and Katie to hop in. "The generator's back by the Rocket Boy mascot." Denny said. "You point, I'll steer." Sideswipe said before driving off with the others following.

Bumblebee, Arcee, Cinderray, Drift, Skyblade, Jack, Miko and Raf stood on top of the crane. "Seems like we have everything under control. Not bad for delinquents, oafs and inexperienced law officers." Bumblebee said. "And not bad for human pets either." Arcee said. "Hey!" Jack, Miko and Raf exclaimed. Suddenly, Drift heard a familiar buzzing sound in the air. He drew his sword at lightning speed and stabbed the drone. "Um, Lieutenant? The Cybertronian life signal in the northwest corner just vanished." Fixit said through the com-link. "A remote-controlled micro camera wired to emit a false life signal." Drift said, showing the drone. "And if Fracture is using this one, he's undoubtedly using many." Skyblade said.

Meanwhile, as Strongarm, Gears, Grimlock, Shawn, Nalu and Henry reached the southeast corner of the scrapyard, they noticed a bush rustling. "Let the punching begin." Grimlock said as he started walking towards the bush. "Wait! We're supposed to-" Strongarm tried to say, but Gears stopped her. "Look. On the ground." He said, spotting something. Strongarm saw it and picked it up. "A Cybertronian D-Pad?" She asked. "Yeah. What's that doing here?" Gears asked. Suddenly, the D-Pad let out an electric shock on them, knocking them both out. "Strongarm! Gears!" Shawn cried. "Grimlock, it's a trap!" Henry exclaimed. Too late. Grimlock moved the bushes and found a Cybertronian mine. As it activated, it ensnared Grimlock with coils of Energon, knocking him out. "Grimlock!" Nalu cried as he and his brothers were about to run over to help. But then, a grenade was tossed at them and exploded, knocking them out and trapping them in a bubble of vibrational energy. Just then, Fracture came out from the shadows and walked over to his new prisoners.

Meanwhile, Sideswipe, Mirage, Smokescreen, Knock Out and the Gonzalez siblings stood guard while Denny and Katie tried to fix the generator. The married couple was trying to fix it with a pipe wrench. "Maybe it needs more fuel or something." Sideswipe said. "Hey, do we tell you how to do…whatever you do?" Denny asked rudely. "Nope. That's usually Strongarm's job. And she's actually better at it than you, Denny." Sideswipe said. Suddenly, a Ground Bridge portal opened in front of them as Fracture walked out of it and confront them. Sideswipe drew his sword and prepared to engage. "Sideswipe, don't!" Mariposa cried. But as Sideswipe attacked, Fracture blocked his attack and tased him with a Cybertronian taser, knocking him out. "SWIPES!" Mirage cried as she, Smokescreen and Knock Out charged towards Fracture. But one by one, Fracture tased them too, knocking them out. "Protect Denny and Katie!" Mariposa exclaimed as she and her siblings prepared to fight, protecting Denny and Katie. Suddenly, Fracture tossed a disk at the Gonzalez siblings. As they stared in confusion, they suddenly got trapped in an energy cage. "Secure the other 2 pets." Fracture ordered, launching Airazor and Divebomb. As they transformed, they captured Denny and Katie. Russell, who was hiding behind the Rocket Boy mascot, watched as Fracture and his Mini-Cons took their prisoners through the Ground Bridge. He ran after them to try and help them, but the Ground Bridge closed too quickly. "NO!" He cried.

"Guys! Help me!" Russell cried as he ran back to the command center, alerting the others. "Russell, what's wrong?" Jack asked. "What happened?" Fixit asked. "My parents are gone, Fixit! So are the Autobots and the Gonzalezes. Fracture took all of them!" Russell exclaimed. "Which means he must be close." Arcee guessed. "So, what's the plan, Big Bee?" Miko asked. "Fracture's drones are so small, they can't have much range. Once Fixit gets a lock on his ship, Arcee, Cinderray, Jack, Miko, Raf and I will go-" Bumblebee started to explain. "No, you will not. You will stay here under my protection." Drift interrupted. "What?!" Bumblebee exclaimed. "What did you just say?!" Arcee exclaimed angrily. "But that creep has my parents!" Russell exclaimed. "And our friends!" Raf exclaimed. "My life debt is to Bumblebee and Arcee. Their safety is all that concerns me." Drift said, not even caring. "Why you heartless…!" Miko exclaimed, trying to attack Drift. But Jack held her back. "Honor is not just a set of rules, Drift! It's about loyalty! Never turning your back on your friends!" Bumblebee exclaimed. "That doesn't matter to Drift. Because he doesn't have friends. Not even in me or his pupils." Skyblade said. Drift glared at her as she said that.

Suddenly, another Ground Bridge opened near them. They turned around as Fracture walked through. "Leave now, Fracture." Drift threatened. "I'm not here to talk to you. And certainly not to the traitorous deserter." Fracture said, glaring at Skyblade. "What have you done with our team?!" Bumblebee demanded. "I'm a business man, Lieutenant. I simply want the bounty. Let me turn you and your partner in and your friends walk away unharmed." Fracture said, showing a hologram of Team Bee, the Gonzalez Nonuplets, Denny and Katie all smooshed together in the same cell. "Oh, except for the Autocon. I got a bigger plan for her." He said, glaring sinisterly at Cinderray. "Let's be honest, Fracture. I know you won't let anyone go." Bumblebee said. "Of course not. I get a whole package if I turn all of you in at once." Fracture cackled. "But there's one thing you need to know." Strongarm's voice said, startling Fracture and Drift. Suddenly, the supposed captured team came out of hiding. "How'd you get off my ship?! H-How are still on my ship when you're off my ship?!" Fracture exclaimed in confusion. Suddenly, the captured team on the video disappeared into dust. "What did you do?" He asked venomously. "Skyblade told us about how you use your drones to throw off your prey." Arcee said. "And before we split up, Sierra created life-size puppets of everyone to throw you off our scent." Jack said. "We figured if you could capture most of our team, you'd eventually come looking for us." Bumblebee said. "You allowed them to bring themselves into danger while under a life debt?!" Drift asked in angry disappointment. "Yes, because unlike you, I understand true honor in teamwork." Skyblade said.

"No matter! I captured all your puppets easily and I can capture all of you again!" Fracture exclaimed. Bumblebee shoved Drift aside as he and Arcee charged towards Fracture. But Fracture activated flash flares, blinding them and forcing them down to their knees. "Bee!" Raf cried. "Arcee!" Jack shouted. "It can be just this simple, Drift. I collect this bounty, you and Skyblade collect the next. Perhaps." Fracture said as he was about grab Bumblebee and Arcee. But Drift threw one of his swords in between them. "This is no longer about a bounty." He said. "It's always about a bounty." Fracture said. "Not when it comes to protecting friends from creeps like you." Skyblade said. "Says the one who used to be a creep before she decided to turn her back on her own KIND!" Fracture exclaimed as he kicked Bumblebee and Arcee into one of the shelves. The impact caused a bunch of Denny's stuff to fall onto them, burying them. Denny cried in terror at this. "Ooh, that's not good." Katie said with a cringe.

Fracture fired Airazor and Divebomb from his shoulders. Drift drew his other sword and slashed at them, knocking them aside before they transformed and landed safely. "Defend Bumblebee, Arcee and the Autocon at all costs!" Drift ordered as he launched Jetstorm and Slipstream to protect Bumblebee, Arcee and Cinderray. "We will not let you down, Master." Slipstream said as he and Jetstorm prepared to fight. Team Bee and the Nebula Rangers joined in as they got ready. Airazor and Divebomb chuckled sinisterly. As Fracture brought out his left wrist blade, he and Drift charged towards each other and started clashing blades. As they fought, Fracture knocked Drift back. Just then, Skyblade and Team Bee joined in and fought back. Meanwhile, Jetstorm, Slipstream and the Nebula Rangers fought against Airazor and Divebomb. As Divebomb pushed Jetstorm into the pile that covered Bumblebee and Arcee, some of the stuff shifted, uncovering their heads. But as they started to recover, a couple other things hit them in the heads, knocking them out again.

"Bumblebee! Arcee!" Russell cried. He tried to run over to help, but Fixit and Hank held him back. "We need to get back to the command center." Fixit said. "He's right, Rusty." Hank said. But as they hurried to the command center, Airazor cut them off. "Rusty!" Denny cried as he and Katie hid behind some stuff. They tried to run over to help, but they were cut off by Divebomb fighting with Slipstream and Miko. Jetstorm, having recovered, saw them in trouble. "Master, Skyblade, the young humans are in trouble!" He exclaimed. "Do only as I order! Protect Bumblebee and Arcee and the Autocon!" Drift ordered as he and the others continued fighting Fracture. "No! Go help the young ones! They matter more than the life debt!" Skyblade ordered. Jetstorm looked between the unconscious leaders and the young humans in trouble. "Jetstorm! Do only as I order!" Drift ordered angrily. "No! Help them!" Skyblade exclaimed as she pushed Fracture back. Jetstorm looked back and forth, feeling pressured. "JETSTORM! Don't you dare!" Drift exclaimed. Making his choice, Jetstorm ran towards Russell, Hank and Fixit. "JETSTORM!" Drift exclaimed angrily.

"I-I won't let you touch them!" Fixit exclaimed, defending Russell and Hank. But Airazor knocked him aside. Suddenly, Russell's eyes glowed as he got angry. He formed an energy orb in his hand and fired it at Airazor, blasting him away with a strong force. Hank and Fixit, having recovered, saw that and were shocked. Just then, Divebomb was knocked down as, Jetstorm, Slipstream and the Nebula Rangers joined in. Airazor and Divebomb recovered and ran off. Denny and Katie ran over and hugged their son in relief. "Are you injured, Commander Russell?" Jetstorm asked, referring Russell as Commander. "No, I- Commander? Commander!" Russell said, getting an idea. "Oh, I see what you're up to." Hank said as she followed him into the command center.

Meanwhile, having beaten most of Team Bee, Fracture continued fighting with Drift. Wielding both his swords, Drift managed to flip Fracture over his head, breaking off his left wrist blade. But Fracture recovered and activated his right blade. They charged and slashed at each other, but seemingly missed. But then, Fracture chuckled sinisterly. As Drift turned around, Fracture held up a detonator. Just then, there was a red light blinking on Drift's back. A bomb! "Drift!" Skyblade cried as she recovered. Suddenly, Cinderray ran in, grabbed the bomb and threw it back at Fracture. "What?!" Fracture exclaimed. Then Cinderray pulled out Arcee's blaster and fired it at the bomb, causing it to explode. Fracture got caught in the blast and was fatally injured.

As Bumblebee and Arcee recovered, they saw Jetstorm and Slipstream run into the Ground Bridge as Fracture recovered from the blast. "Fighting fair, Autocon. It's bound to cost you sooner or later." He said, spitting Energon from his mouth. "Not so fast, Fracture!" Russell exclaimed over the P.A. in the command center. Fracture turned around as the screen from Russell's game opened up. "We've called in a battle fleet from Abrapos 4, one of Earth's most powerful allies, also the scariest, and some of Bumblebee and Arcee's best friends." Russell explained. The plan seemed to work until the ships started firing, and brought up the 'Game Over' sign. "Fixit!" The Nebula Rangers exclaimed. "I know, I know!" Fixit said with worry, trying to fix it. But then, Airazor and Divebomb hopped into the command center. The Nebula Rangers prepared to fight, Divebomb threw a net at them, capturing them all. "I admire your duplicity, humans." Fracture said as Airazor and Divebomb brought the Clay family, the Nebula Rangers, Hank and Fixit out of the command center. "But now the game really is over."

"That is not for you to decide." Drift said. "Righteous till the end." Fracture said. They slashed each other, seemingly missing each other. But Drift's leg was injured from the slash and fell to his knees. "Emphasis on the end." Fracture said as he prepared to finish off Drift. Suddenly, Fracture's ship appeared over the command center, aiming its cannon at him. Jetstorm and Slipstream waved from the cockpit, revealing to be piloting it. And then, Team Bee and Skyblade recovered, getting ready to get back into the fight. The Nebula Rangers broke free of their net, surprising Airazor and Divebomb. "Surrender, Fracture. You're outnumbered." Skyblade said. "Let me go or I'll blow my ship to scrap and your Mini-Cons with it." Fracture threatened, holding up his detonator. "Let him go." Drift said, not wanting any harm to come to his pupils. Fractured grinned sinisterly at this. "Game over." Bumblebee said, having recovered, and punched Fracture, knocking him out. "For real." Arcee said. "Master!" Airazor and Divebomb cried with worry as they ran over to their master and helped him up. "Well played, Lieutenants. I look forward to our next meeting." Fracture said, preparing to escape. "Wait!" Cinderray exclaimed as she stepped forward. "Ah, the Autocon." Fracture said. "Save it. I know you were with Quillfire when his old crew captured me. I want to know who hired you guys." Cinderray demanded. Fracture just chuckled sinisterly. "You'll never know…until it's too late." He said, activating his flares and blinding the team. That also caused Jetstorm and Slipstream to steer the ship out of control. As Airazor and Divebomb linked back up with Fracture, he transformed and escaped the scrapyard. Jetstorm and Slipstream leapt out of the ship as it crashed into the scrapyard. "That…sounded expensive." Denny said with worry.

Later, as Grimlock, Gears and Knock Out were helping Fixit with salvaging Fracture's ship, the rest of the team spoke with Drift and Skyblade. "We saved you and you saved us. I hereby release you from your life debt with our deepest thanks." Bumblebee said as he and Arcee bowed in respect. "That is not how you conclude a life debt." Drift said. The team groaned at this. "But the debt has been paid. Although the bounty on you remains." Drift said. "Are you 2 planning on claiming it?" Strongarm asked, ready to fight. "No. I saw how Bumblebee and Arcee were willing to fight for all of you. And how they were willing to fight for their leaders. I would never believe how one so honorable could be a criminal." Drift said. "Thank you. Both of you." Arcee said. "And thanks for helping Cinderray keep Fracture busy while your Mini-Cons could hijack his ship." Russell said. "I meant only to protect Bumblebee, Arcee and the Autocon, not hijack Fracture's ship. Skyblade thought it appropriate for Jetstorm to go against orders." Drift explained, glaring in between Skyblade and Jetstorm. "But accidents do happen." "The plan wouldn't have worked without Jetstorm and Slipstream. You know you appreciate them." Russell said. Drift looked down at his pupils. "They performed their duties quite…admirably." Drift said. That made Jetstorm and Slipstream happy. "But they still have much to learn." Drift said, making them stand at attention.

"Well then, I guess this is where we part ways, Drift." Skyblade said. "Yes. I believe it is that time." Drift said. "Part ways?" Bumblebee asked. "Drift and I spoke earlier and…we both thought it would be best if I remained on Earth and joined up with you." Skyblade said. That surprised the team. "And while I still remain a Decepticon, I believe in the heart and valiant of an Autobot. And I overheard what Cinderray said about recovering her memory. If you will allow me, I will do everything in my spark to help you and help her." Skyblade explained. The team looked at each other, then at Cinderray. She smiled and nodded. "Then there's no other choice. Welcome to the team, Skyblade." Bumblebee said, holding out his hand. Skyblade accepted it and shook it. "And Skyblade." Drift said, getting Skyblade's attention. "You were wrong before, about me not having friends. I may not have shown it, I always considered you a good friend." He said. Skyblade smiled at that.

Later, Drift and his Mini-Cons boarded their ship and left the Scrapyard. "Well, I have some good news and some baboons-*glitch*-bathrooms-*glitch*-bad news! Fracture's is unsalvageable. But his Ground Bridge still works." Fixit said. "We can definitely use that." Bumblebee said. "Just like the one we used to have last time." Arcee said. During this, Denny and Katie spoke with Russell. "We've been rethinking our thinking. What better way for us to make sure you're okay than to have you right by our side?" Denny said. "Yeah. You knew how to try and distract Fracture while the Mini-Cons boarded his ship. Consider yourself able to come on missions with us again." Katie said. "Epic win!" Russell cheered.

Well, how was that, readers? The Decepticon Fracture, and his 2 Mini-Cons, Airazor and Divebomb, come to Earth, looking to claim a bounty on Bumblebee and Arcee, as well as capture Cinderray. But the samurai Autobot Drift, along with his 2 Mini-Cons, Jetstorm and Slipstream, and Decepticon deserter, Skyblade, intervened. Now bound by a life debt, Drift and Skyblade stay by Bumblebee's side until it's repaid. But luckily, when Fracture came to kidnap the whole team, they managed to trick him with Sierra's puppets. But Fracture managed to escape. With the life debt repaid, Drift and his Mini-Cons depart from Earth while Skyblade decided to stay with the team. But who hired Fracture and Quillfire to capture Cinderray from the start? Are there other Decepticons like Skyblade? Leave a review if you'd like.