In deep space, the Planet Cybertron, once a lifeless graveyard, was now a bustling world of Cybertronian life, culture, and most of all peace. All Cybertronians have returned to their homeworld after the Great War had ended and with a few years of effort and rebuilding, the scars from it had all but faded away.
But even still, the Autobot and Decepticon fractions still exist, but in separate sectors and even if the physical scars can be healed, some emotional ones can never be gone. But when Megatron disbanded the military of the Decepticons, some chose to embrace the new peace while others became common criminals, still trying to take over a sector.
Meanwhile, in the skies of Cybertron, Rodimus Prime, formerly known as Hot Rod, was flying over the skies of Kaon city, looking down at the Cybertronians going about their day. He flew past the Gladiator arena where two Cybertronian fighters were duking it out. The young Prime then passed by the Iacon Hall of Records, which he gave a sad look to as he remembered the most noble archivist who became something greater for Cybertron; Optimus Prime, his predecessor before him who sacrificed himself to return the Allspark to Cybertron.
"Till all are one," Rodimus said softly before flying towards a large tower, pulling up and landing on the balcony. He then walked into what was his quarters. After the Allspark was returned, a new generation of Cybertronians were born, some thinking the Great War was just a tale, but to other war variants, they told the tale to the new generation. And as the only remaining Prime left on Cybertron, Rodimus was tasked with leading Cybertron to a better future.
Rodimus gave a sigh as he looked out to Cybertron. "I wish you were here to see this, Optimus. You would've been so proud." He muttered with a frown, wishing Optimus got the chance to see their home back to its former glory.
"Do all Primes talk to themselves?" A familiar voice teased, making Rodimus perk up as behind him was a purple and pink Femme, smirking with her arms crossed.
Rodimus gave a chuckle. "It's part of the title, Acree." He said with a smile as Acree walked towards him. "I once said that Optimus makes being a Prime seem so easy, and as hard as it is to believe, I still think that." He joked.
"Well, it wasn't Optimus who managed to build all that, was it?" Arcee questioned, gesturing to the city below.
"No. But it took many efforts in rebuilding and calling back refugees." Rodimus said with a small smile at the city. "Of course, trying to lead all… this, is no picnic, as what the humans would say."
"It's been quite a bumpy ride," Arcee commented, leaning against the railing.
"But this sight made it worth it in the end," Rodimus said, gesturing to their restored home, "So, anything to report?" He asked.
Arcee sighed, "Apparently there was a case of Decepticon talk breaking in Tiger Pax," She explained tiredly.
Rodimus sighed. "Even when Megatron declared the Decepticons are finished, there are still some who won't accept those who have chosen a peaceful route." He muttered while rubbing his forehead, knowing that in the time that had passed much of the Decepticons had turned their life around but were subjected to a lot of harsh stereotypes and prejudices because of their actions, even those who were never involved or born after the Great War.
"Trying to take a fight out of a bot is hard, Rodimus," Acree said to him. "Some of our old friends have similar situations."
"What, again?" Rodimus said in surprise. During the time of rebuilding, there had been some rumors and harsh criticism against the Autobots.
"Yeah, I even heard some bots saying that the Great War was Optimus's fault," Acree said with a frown. "Hmm, if they ever read carefully or seen the action, they would change their minds."
"Not every bot sees Optimus like that, Acree." Rodimus said to her. "I mean, remember when Wheeljack didn't want to join the team because he knew Optimus wouldn't take risks?"
"Yeah, but only because he didn't know Optimus like we do," Arcee told him.
"And the same thing with the citizens, they don't know what Optimus gave up to save our planet." Rodimus said to her. "So far, they only heard tales and old stories about him and they have their own point of view. Still, I feel like we should put these rumors to rest before things get worse."
"You gonna inform the High Council about it?" Acree questioned.
"I'll try. But sometimes, it can be hard to get through to them." Rodimus said with a frown, when the new High Council was selected, they weren't expecting there to be a Prime outside of Optimus. When Rodimus took charge, the Council handled the politics of Cybertron while Rodimus handled the bigger issues if he was needed.
"Maybe you just need some time outside of Government Affairs," Arcee told him, "Why don't we see what Bee's up to?"
Rodimus gave a smile. "It has been some time since I've seen Bee. Or any of our old friends. Let's go find him." He said as he went up to the console. "And it's a good thing our Autobot signals are still on, because if I know Bee, he could be riding down the road by now." He said before he picked up Bumblebee's signal. "Hmm, he's heading to Kaon Plaza."
"Think he's going to pay respect to Optimus?" Acree guessed.
"Knowing Bumblebee, Optimus was like a father to him, so yeah." Rodimus said as he shut off the console. "Let's join him," He said as Arcee nodded and they started to leave.
"Rodimus…" A voice called out as Rodimus stopped.
"Huh?" Rodimus turned to the source of the voice, a photo of the Autobots and their human friends together on the wall.
"Rodimus? What is it?" Arcee asked as Rodimus looked at Optimus specifically.
"I-It's nothing." Rodimus said as he shook his head. "I must be hearing things." He said as he walked by to Acree. "Let's Roll." He said as Acree stood back a bit before turning to their photo with a frown as she knew that there was more than what Rodimus was letting on.
On the road of Cybertron, a couple of familiar Cybertronians were driving by the road. "We have a two-one-one in progress." Their comms spoke before the two Cybertronians went over the road and transformed, revealing to be Strongarm and Bumblebee as they took out their blasters.
"Get it in gear, Strongarm." Bumblebee informed.
"Whatever we're doing, it'll feel like old times." Strongarm said with a smile as the two rushed off. "After all, we fought against the likes of Megatron, Starscream, and Unicron alongside Optimus and Rodimus Primes." She said as they hid behind a pillar.
"But?" Bumblebee asked, knowing there's more.
"It's just… after all we did for Cybertron, I'm surprised we weren't made something more prestigious than street cops." Strongarm said with a frown as Bumblebee sighed.
"Life has its ways, Strongarm." Bumblebee said before he turned a corner and saw the statues of the Prime and saw a Cybertronian car driving in circles. "That has to be our disturbance." He said as the two rushed up to the bridge and then saw a familiar red Cybertronian.
"Sideswipe?" Strongarm questioned as Sideswipe stopped and noticed the two.
"Oh, hey guys." Sideswipe said to them as his lights flickered. "Just hanging around." He added as he did a donut move and sped off, scratching the leg of Optimus Prime.
"In front of the Optimus statue?!" Strongarm questioned, a bit annoyed by what Sideswipe just did. "That punk is going down!" She yelled as she aimed her blaster at Sideswipe.
"Easy there, Strongarm," Arcee said as the two turned to see Arcee in motorcycle form with Rodimus in his trailer-home car form, rolling up to them before they transformed into bot form. "Sideswipe has his way of annoying people."
"Rodimus, Acree." Bumblebee said with a smile.
"Sir! Ma'am!" Strongarm said as she gave a salute.
"At ease, Strongarm." Rodimus said with a chuckle. "We're friends here." He said as he walked forward. "Let me guess, been tracking down a lead and found Sideswipe drag racing again?"
"Yup, despite being the only thing interesting about this job, he's not really dangerous," Bumblebee shrugged.
"Yeah, well, he should find a new hobby," Acree said with a hand on her hip.
"Agreed." Strongarm added.
"Well, I suggest you stop him so we can…" Rodimus trailed off when he noticed something in Energon lake and gasped silently as he saw the image of a familiar bot in it, Optimus Prime. He then slowly looked at the Optimus statue before looking back down at Optimus's face as he stood quiet.
"Rodimus?" Bumblebee asked as Rodimus turned and saw him, Acree, and Strongarm looking at him in concern. "What's wrong?"
"Don't you, see that?" Rodimus asked, pointing to the reflection. The others looked down and saw nothing.
"Uh, Rod, there's nothing there." Acree said with a brow.
"Don't worry, sir, you meditate." Strongarm said to Rodimus. "I'll handle Sideswipe." She said as she rushed off.
"Strongarm, wait." Bumblebee said but Strongarm was already gone.
"Optimus?" Rodimus asked as he kept seeing Optimus's reflection before Optimus slowly pointed at the Cybertronian Museum close by and noticed a glowing spot on a certain planet on the billboard. "Earth?"
"What is he talking about?" Bumblebee asked Acree in concern for Rodimus.
"I have no idea." Acree said with a shrug.
With Sideswipe, he kept racing around before Strongarm got in front of him. "Stop, Sideswipe! Or I'll-" She yelped when she avoided getting hit by Sideswipe.
"Hahah! Eat my exhaust?! Whoo!" Sideswipe cheered.
Strongarm growled. "I hate it when he does that." She muttered as she took out a baton and rushed off as Rodimus kept looking at Earth's picture while Acree and Bumblebee watched Sideswipe and Strongarm.
"Whoo! Alright! Haha! Yeah!" Sideswipe cheered as he kept driving around.
"Pull over!" Strongarm yelled as she tossed her baton right in front of Sideswipe, who got lifted up like a ramp as Strongarm jumped up and delivered a kick to Sideswipe, causing him to flung back and crashed into bot form right into Optimus's statue leg as he fell to the floor with a thud as Strongarm walked up to him and placed stasis cuffs on him.
"W-What?! Are you crazy?! Shouldn't that be Felony assault?!" Sideswipe questioned as Strongarm pull him up before the Optimus's statue began to crumble from the crashed crack Sideswipe caused.
"The Optimus Prime's!" Strongarm called as she and Sideswipe rushed off.
"Let's get clear before Optimus rains down on us!" Bumblebee called as he and Acree moved aside, but Acree stopped as she turned and saw Rodimus still looking at the energon lake.
"Rodimus, look out!" Arcee yelled to him as that statue began to fall just as Rodimus looked up and gasped before quickly running just as the statue crashed through the bridge, "NO!" She yelled in fear.
"Rodimus!" Bumblebee cried out while Strongarm and Sideswipe looked in horror.
But to their relief, Rodimus survived as he got out of the debris as he took a breath as the others were at one end of the bridge as Rodimus looked and saw Optimus's statue head in the lake as Rodmius looked down. "Optimus…" He muttered while also not seeing Optimus's reflection in the lake anymore.
"Uh, Buddy?" Bumblebee spoke up as Rodimus turned to him and other looking at him weirdly, "Are you talking to the statue's head?" He questioned with a brow.
Rodimus stood quiet as he just looked at them. "He might have brain rust." Sideswipe said while knocking his own head. "So sad."
"Not the time for jokes, punk!" Strongarm said while yanking Sideswipe up with a glare.
"Strongarm, this accident happened because you committed felony assault outside of the command of your superior officer," Bumblebee said sternly.
Strongarm flinched a bit as she gave a sheepish look. "W-Well, at least I caught the fugitive." She said optimistically.
"And nearly flatten the Last Prime in existence," Arcee added with a look.
"Oooh, yeah, that's a one way ticket to the Stockade there." Sideswipe joked as Strongarm growled as the others didn't notice Rodimus turned away from them before he gave a determined look.
"Strongarm, take Sideswipe down to the station for processing. Bumblebee and Arcee, you're with me." Rodimus ordered, which surprised the Autobots of his orders.
"Seriously?!" Sideswipe questioned in disbelief.
"W-Whoa, Rod, what are yo-" Bumblebee said as Hot Rod began to walk off.
"H-Hey, wait for us!" Acree said as she and Bumblebee rushed after him after jumping over the destroyed bridge.
"Sirs, Ride along regulation 201 section 4, requires…" Strongarm tried to say.
"Uh, I'll meet you there, Strongarm!" Bumblebee called as he and Acree rushed after Rodimus.
"Good plan, sir." Strongarm said as she and Sideswipe watched them go.
Rodimus jumped onto the road as he avoided the Cybertronians as Bumblebee and Acree followed. "Wait, Rodimus, where are we going?!" Bumblebee asked as he and Acree avoided the citizens.
"I'll fill you in later." Rodimus said firmly as he made it to the museum's door while seeing Earth glowing on it. "Right now, we need something in that museum." He added as Acree and Bumblebee looked at him in confusion.
Meanwhile on Earth, a bearded man wearing a hawaiian shirt was using a magnet while listening to music as he moved to the tunes as he used a magnet to lift up a decommissioned train before a boy wearing a blue jacket with a suitcase behind him was shown behind it, which made the man smile. "Rusty!" The man cheered as he rushed up to the boy.
"It's Russell." Russell said as the man hugged him and rubbed his head.
"Come on, on. You're not that grown up. Not yet." The father said with a smile as he stood up. "Hey! We're gonna have a blast and a half while your mom's away working in-" He tried to remember the name.
"Copenhagen. You know, a real city. Like the one across the river." Russell said as he gazed out towards Crown City.
"I never get into Crown City. I…We have everything we need right here." the father said.
"Except excitement." Russell sighed as the father scoffed.
"Oh, Rust-Russell, I still have a lot of the stuff you used to love playing with." the father told the boy.
"Because you won't sell anything." Russell retorted.
"And check this out. It's the 14th St. Diner." The father said, gesturing to an 80's diner behind him. "They were gonna tear it down, so I had it moved here, piece by piece. Isn't that awesome?" He asked as the street lamp lost a light.
"It's kinda weird. Like living in a scrapyard." Russell commented with a brow.
"Please. Vintage Salvage Depot for the Discriminating Nostalgist." The father said with a hand out.
Suddenly, everything started shaking. The family held onto each other as it passed. "Was that an earthquake?" Russell asked.
Turns out, the source of the earthquake was a Cybertronian ship that crash-landed in the middle of the woods. "May-da-day-da-day-day-da-da-day. M-Ma-Ma-Mayday." A damaged Mini-Con, none other than Fixit, said as he recovered from the crash. An Autobot symbol on the ship showed that it was an Autobot ship.
Back on Cybertron, Rodimus, Bumblebee and Arcee entered the museum as the receptionist-bot was typing down in front of them, "Welcome to the Cybertron History Museum, do you need a map?" She said almost robotically.
"No thank you, Ma'am," Rodimus told her as he walked past the receptionist.
"Rodimus, hey." Bumblebee said as they followed Rodimus while some Cybertronians around muttered at seeing the last Prime among them as Bumblebee and Acree kept following. "Mind explaining where we're going?"
"Yeah. You've been pretty silent when you gave an order." Acree said in concern. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know how to explain it. But you have to trust me." Rodimus said with a serious tone as he then noticed a door, which he pressed the button to unlock it as it showed a storage room with items as he looked around and walked in as Bumblebee and Arcee followed him. Inside were several familiar relics and weapons.
"The Phase Shifter. The Immobilizer. The Polarity Gauntlet. Resonance Blaster. The Enigma of Combination." Arcee listed.
"The relics we collected during our time on Earth." Bumblebee summarized.
"Not what we're looking for." Rodimus said to them as he searched around. "There are two things I need."
"And what are you looking for if you're not telling us?" Acree questioned as Rodimus stopped and saw something in another part of the room and saw something.
"For one of them, that." Rodimus said while pointing his finger, which Acree and Bumblebee turned and saw what he was looking at.
What they saw was a Space Bridge in a room on the right. "A Space Bridge." Bumblebee said in surprise.
"No way." Arcee said.
They jogged into the room and noticed a panel with coordinates programmed for Earth as Rodimus looked at the console. "Are those Earth coordinates?" Bumblebee asked.
"Who put those coordinates in?" Acree questioned.
"Whoever did it, got us to the precise place." Rodimus said before he started typing.
"Rodimus." Optimus's voice spoke up, which stopped Rodimus as he lowered his hand and saw Optimus's reflection again, standing behind them, "I knew you would understand." He said as Rodimus turned around and saw nothing except Bumblebee and Acree before turning back to Optimus's reflection.
"Optimus. Is it really you?" Rodimus asked while looking at the console.
"Optimus?" Bumblebee and Arcee asked in surprise while looking at each other.
"Optimus, where are you? How can I see or hear you but not the others?" Rodimus asked his mentor.
"You are a Prime, Rodimus. You once held the Matrix of Leadership. It is through that connection that I am able to communicate with you." Optimus said to Rodimus. "And I need you and a team on Earth, a new mission, a dire threat."
"A team?" Rodimus asked in surprise.
"Go there and we shall speak again." Optimus said as his reflection faded.
"W-Wait, Optimus, can't you tell me-" Rodimus tried to say.
"Okay, Rodimus, what's going on here?!" Bumblebee questioned impatiently.
"You start spacing, run across the street, head into a closed off section of the museum to find a space bridge, and now you're talking to your own reflection." Arcee listed off, frustrated by the Prime's behavior, "What aren't you telling us?"
Rodimus stood quiet as he sighed. "Okay, I'll tell you. But let's be quick before-" He was trailed off.
"Sirs?" Strongarm's voice spoke up, causing the three Autobots to turn and saw her and Sideswipe in the museum.
"Please, take me to jail! This place is so much worse!" Sideswipe complained, not wanting to be in a place to learn as Strongarm gave an annoyed look.
"Strongarm, I told you too-" Bumblebee tried to say.
"Sir, with all due respect, Ride-Along Regulation 201 Section 4. A ride-along shall accompany a senior officer for an entire shift. No exceptions." Strongarm said, reading through her regulation's manual.
"Hey, what are you doing here?!" A familiar voice said as the five turned to see a familiar wrecker walking in, "This room's off limits and…" Bulkhead trailed off when he realized who it was.
"Bulk?" Bumblebee and Arcee said with smiles.
"Bee? Cee?!" Bulkhead cheered as he rushed up to the two Autobots and gave them a tight hug, which surprised them. " How ya been, buddies?! Loving the new paint by the way, Cee!" He said with a smile.
"Ugh, Bulkhead, good to see, you too!" Bumblebee choked out.
"Can you, put us, down now?" Arcee strained.
Bulkhead then saw Rodimus with Strongarm and Sideswipe, "Whoa, Rodimus," Bulkhead, dropping Bumblebee and Arcee as the two groaned, "Heh, if I knew you were coming for an inspection I'd roll out the red carpet."
"Heh, thank you Bulkhead. But it's not an inspection I came here for," Rodimus told him.
"Then what are you here for?" Bulkhead asked.
"What are you talking about sir?" Strongarm asked as Rodimus sighed as he looked at everyone in the room.
"Okay." Rodimus said as he took a breath and spoke. "I've been following a trail. One that you five can't see. A trail laid out for me by…" He trailed off as he closed his eyes before opening them. "Optimus Prime."
This made the five Autobots look at him in shock. "Optimus?" Strongarm asked slowly.
"Who is no longer alive?" Sideswipe asked while pointing a finger up.
"Wait, are you saying, he could still be alive?" Bumblebee asked in shock.
"B-But, that's impossible," Arcee stated.
"We were all there, we all saw Optimus fly down the Well with the Allspark," Bulkhead reminded him.
"I know it's a bit much to believe, but I know I saw him." Rodimus said to them. "And he sent me a mission that takes place on Earth. Something is coming, and he wanted me and a team to prepare for it."
"Optimus is sending us back to Earth?!" Strongarm asked in excitement. "I am so, so in!"
"No, you and Sideswipe are out." Rodimus said to her. "It's a mission for me, and I'm gonna take Acree, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead. It could be dangerous." He said before they heard stomping noises, Bulkhead rushed to the door as he saw two Cybertronian guards walking towards their way.
"Oh, guards." Bulkhead whispered as the others looked in worry. "I'll handle this. You guys see if you can disable the stasis fields around the Space Bridge."
"Tampering with museum property?" Strongarm whispered. "Sir, you know that violates Protocol Section 116, Paragraph…" She stated as she reviewed the manual again.
"This is no time for regulations Strongarm, the sake of Cybertron and Earth could be hanging in the balance," Rodimus told her as he went to the Space Bridge controls.
"Better hurry." Bulkhead said as he walked out.
"Sideswipe, you know how to take out security systems, right?" Acree questioned.
"No!" Sideswipe shook his head before he saw the looks the others were giving him. "Maybe?" He said with a sheepish look.
Meanwhile, on Earth, Russell's father was in the diner making breakfast while Russell watched the news on the TV. "Experts say the tremor downtown Crown City just experienced was from a low-level sonic boom just across the river. Scientists suspect a meteor might have finished burning up while passing through Earth's atmosphere." The newsman said before Russell's father turned off the TV.
"A meteor?" the father said in interest. "Exploration time." He told Russel.
"You mean wander through the woods looking through a sliver of rock that probably isn't there time?" Russel corrected dully.
The doorbell then rang, "We'll have to go treasure hunting later, that's my Nine Am," the father told him, "He wants to sell a full set of life size, aluminum billy the breakfast beaver figures." He stated as he prepared some eggs and bacon for Russel, shaping them to look like a smiley face, "Wanna help your old man close the deal?"
"Uh, why not I go see if I can find that meteor?" Russel suggested.
"Divide and conquer. Great plan." His father said with a smile as he walked out the diner as Russel sighed as he turned his bacon upside down with a frowning face.
Meanwhile, at the crash site, Fixit was trying to reopen the ship's communications. "Okay, stay calm, speak clearly." He said as he opened communications. "Mayday. Mayday, Cybertron Control. If you can hear me, this is Maximum Security Prison Ship Alchemor. We have crashed on Earth." He looked around the crash, turning towards a stasis pod. "Many of the containment pods were disengaged, but the one I can see still appears to be intact. So, I am hoping none of the prisoners have-" Just then, the pod opened, revealing to be empty. "Uh, Control? Updating that last report." He said nervously.
Meanwhile back at the Museum, the security guards walked off before Bulkhead walked up to them. "Hey, guys." Bulkhead said with a nervous smile. "All clear back there."
"Bulkhead, is it true that Rodimus Prime is here?" One of the guards asked.
"Uh, what makes you say that?" Bulkhead asked with a nervous smile.
"No. Disable that relay." Strongarm said as her voice echoed.
"Adjust the stabilizer," Sideswipe added.
"Don't distract me. I'll have this Space Bridge Operational soon." Rodimus told them.
"Rodimus Prime is a very busy bot." Bulkhead said with a nervous smile.
"What's going on?" The second guard questioned as Bulkhead blocked their path many times before one of them rushed past him, but Bulkhead's reflexes kicked in as he tossed the guards down.
"Security officer Bulkhead has gone rogue and is aiding intruders!" the First Guard reported through his comm "Send backup!"
"Oh Scrap." Bulkhead winced as blasters were firing at him as he rushed into the room and hid behind crates as the guards kept firing at him. "Uh, guys, could we maybe move that opening that Space Bridge soon, to right now!?" He exclaimed while dodging a blaster shock as he took out his. "Take it easy! Mine's set on stun!" He said as he blasted one of the guards down.
The other guard rushed to Bulkhead and kept blasting him before the Wrecker blasted one of the planet chandeliers out of it's hanging rope and fell on the guard, knocking him out as Rodimus kept fiddling with the Space Bridge controls before he got a beep and the Space Bridge portal opened up.
"Yes!" Rodimus cheered as he then turned and headed back to the relic vaults, "Now I just need one more thing before departing," He said.
"What?!" Bumblebee and Arcee questioned as Rodimus rushed off.
"Just keep the guards busy!" Rodimus called as they watched him rushed off.
"What is it with Primes and last minute surprises?" Acree questioned with a look.
"They're built that way." Bumblebee said.
"Well, whatever he's getting, let's hope it's quick!" Sideswipe called as they saw more guards coming.
Rodimus rushed down the halls as fast as he could before he found himself in the Prime section as he looked around for what he's searching for. "Let's see. It must be here somewhere." He muttered as he searched frantically for something as fast as he could.
Soon, Rodimus caught sight of a banner of Prima holding the Star Saber high, with the real one on display as he smiled. "Ah, Here it is!" Rodimus said as he walked up to the case before he raised a fist and cracked the display open as he pulled out the Star Saber, which glowed blue once held. "Hello old friend." He said with a smile before he gave a determined expression. "Now, back to Earth," He said as he rushed back to the others.
Soon, the other Autobots are facing the guards as they duck in for cover. "Seriously, where is he?!" Sideswipe exclaimed in panic. "And I can't do much with this paperweight handcuffed to me!"
"Watch it, Punk!" Strongarm told him.
"Rodimus must've gone for something important, we just have trust that he-" Bumblebee was cut off when a blue energy wave hit the guards, knocking them out. "Be back." He finished with a surprise look.
Soon, coming out from the corner was Rodimus, who was holding the Star Saber as the Autobots looked in surprise by this. "The Star Saber?" Bulkhead asked in surprise.
"Why would you grab that?" Acree asked in wondered.
"You never know when you might need it." Rodimus said with a serious look as he heard more guards coming. "More guards are coming. Strongarm, tell them that you tried to stop Bee, Acree, and Bulkhead. Sideswipe, find a new hobby, okay?" He instructed as more guards came to them as Sideswipe fearfully raised his arms, which raised Strongarm's as well as she gave a dull look. "Autobots, let's roll!" He called as he, Acree, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead rushed into the Space Bridge.
Once the four Autobots exited the SpaceBridge, they stopped as they slowly walked and saw they were back on Earth in a forest area as they looked around, having missed being on Earth for so long as they saw a river and some birds around.
"Earth." Bumblebee muttered.
"It's still as beautiful as I remember," Acree muttered with a smile.
"It's been a long time." Bulkhead added.
"It is good to be back." Rodimus said with a smile.
"Earth!" Strongarm called out, which made the four Autobots turn and saw her and Sideswipe exiting the Space Bridge, much to their shock.
"Strongarm! What are you doing here?!" Rodimus demanded, "Sideswipe, what are you doing here?!"
"Oh, the punk, forgot all about him." Strongarm said as Sideswipe gave her look.
"Look, we can't risk putting you two in da- Strongarm, Sideswipe, go back through!" Rodimus ordered. "The Space Bridge's gonna close any-"
"Sir, Ride Along regs, I'm with you." Strongarm said to him as Rodimus groaned.
"Uncuff Sideswipe!" Rodimus ordered.
"Yeah, uncuffed Sideswipe!" Sideswipe said in agreement.
"I know I have violated protocol and I will fill out all the paperwork when we-" Strongarm trailed off when Rodimus swung the Star Saber, making the two yelp as he cut the cuffs.
"Move it, you two!" Rodimus yelled while pointing the Star Saber to the Space Bridge.
"Whoa, Optimus never snapped like that." Bulkhead muttered as he, Acree, and Bumblebee looked surprised by that.
"Well, Hot Rod's no Optimus." Bumblebee commented.
"Sorry, RP. But it's been a while since we've been on Earth." Sideswipe said with a smirk as he rubbed his wrists. "I'm making up for lost time." He said as he rushed off.
"Sideswipe!" Acree yelled before the Space Bridge closed, much to Rodimus's frustration.
"And now I am stranded on Earth, with three veteran Autobots and two juveniles." Rodimus muttered as he took a breath. "Let's get Sideswipe before he reveals our existence to the world." He muttered as he stepped forward.
"Heh, just like old times, eh?" Bumblebee asked Arcee and Bulkhead.
"Sure seems like it." Acree said with a smirk.
"I am so happy to be here again!" Strongarm said in excitement.
"You're not the only one, kid," Bulkhead said with a grin.
Meanwhile, Russell wandered through the woods, looking for any signs of the 'meteor'. Just then, he saw something. It was a carving on a tree. "Rusty, Mom, and Dad were here and had a blast and a half." Russell added, remembering when they carved that. "Yeah. A long time ago." He said sadly before continuing. Little did he know, he failed to notice a set of unknown tracks.
Meanwhile, Fixit, out of annoyance, was trying to fix up whatever was broken with the communications. "Mayday. For the 342nd time, Mayday. This is Fixit, caretaker for the Cybertron max-security prison ship Alchemor, still on doo-doo." He said before he realized what he had said before shaking it off.
"Fixit?" Rodimus's voice spoke up, which made Fixit turn to and saw Rodimus, Acree, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Strongarm behind him as he looked surprise by seeing them. "You're here too?"
"Oh Bottomless, Homeless," Fixit glitched before hitting himself, "Rodimus Prime! By the Allspark it's been so long! It feels like only yesterday we all united to defeat Lord Megatron and save the Earth."
"And you're still glitching, buddy?" Bulkhead asked with a brow. "I thought you were repaired after Unicron was defeated."
"Oh, I was, until the crash damaged me, again." Fixit said with a dull look as he glitched a bit before smacking himself. "But, still, even with my glitches, I'm still operational."
"I guess that's true." Bumblebee said with a shrug.
"Where're the rest of our comrades?" Fixit asked as he looked around, expecting more of their old friends to be around.
"Sorry, Fixit, but we're the only ones here." Rodimus said to him. "We didn't even know you were on Earth again."
"Not by choice I'm afraid. After Optimus Prime's sacrifice, I became the Caretaker of this, or what was a Prisonship: the Alcamore." Fixit explained while gesturing to the wreckage. "Bearing Cybertron's most wanted Decepticons and Renegade Autobots. Now I recombed the crash sight and are missing most of our stasis cells. Several nearby have ruptured, their inmates are presumably at large." He informed.
"How many Cons and Bad Bots are we talking about?" Arcee questioned with a hand on her hip.
"Oh, a couple of hundred." Fixit answered, which shocked the group as he went to the only secure Stasis Cell.. "In fact, this is the only pod still in tacticanin, in tachometer…" He glitched before he hit himself. "Intact." The Stasis Cell behind Fixit moved as he flinched back as the bots looked surprised by it. "And its cryostasis mechanism may be a wee bit damaged too."
"Fixit, were you the only Bot on the Prison ship?" Bumblebee asked.
"Oh no, Grimlock was here too." Fixit told them.
"Grimlock?!" They all said as Bulkhead gave a laugh.
"Haha, where is the old Dinobutt?!" Bulkhead asked as he looked around for any sign of him.
"Unknown." Fixit answer. "I suspected that we got separated in the crash."
Just then, Rodimus heard beeping as he turned to the still working console. "Fixit?" He asked as Fixit went to the beeping flashes.
"Right. A tracking system just rebooted, sir." Fixit said as he opened up a screen that showed a map. "I can't lock on to the prisoner's locator chips, but I am definitely getting a Cybertronian life signal. Odds are it's a food…" He glitched. "Fugitive."
"Or more likely it's Sideswipe having his fun." Rodimus said with a sigh. "Alright, Fixit, stay here and continue repairs. Acree, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Strongarm, with me." He ordered as the five Autobots walked off.
"Oh, it's great to be back at it again." Fixit said in excitement. "The adventures, the missions, the repairs! I missed this!"
Meanwhile, Sideswipe was exploring the forest. "Wow. Never thought I would miss the smell of Earth." He said. He continued through the forest until he came to a quarry. "Hello!" He called. The call echoed through the quarry walls. He walked down into the quarry and looked around. "Hello!" He called again, getting only the echo.
"Hello!" Another voice echoed through the canyon. Sideswipe turned around as Russell came out from behind a rock. They both screamed at the sight of each other. "What are you?!" Russell asked.
"Who are you?!" Sideswipe asked back. Suddenly, there was a growl.
"What is that?!" They asked simultaneously. A big purple Cybertronian called a have a physical features of dog-like creatures, specifically Pitbulls and Rottweilers. Having large head with powerful jaws, it is a Chompazoid roared at them.
"This isn't happening. Nothing happens here. Nothing like this happens anywhere." Russell panicked as he backed up against the wall.
"Stay behind me. I'll handle this." Sideswipe assured Russell as he stood up. "Hey. Crazy meeting someone else from Cybertron way out here." Just then, he noticed that the Chompazoid had a Decepticon insignia on his chassis. "A Decepticon. That's cool. Get ready to roll." He whispered to Russell. "I'm Sideswipe. And you are?"
"Underbite. Heard of me?" The Chompazoid, Underbite, asked, but Sideswipe shrugged. "You ever been to Nuon City?" Underbite asked.
"No." Sideswipe said in confusion, trying to shoo Russell away.
"That's cause I ate it!" Underbite exclaimed before lunging to attack. But Sideswipe and Russell jumped out of the way and ran towards the forest. Underbite recovered and started to go after them, but then he noticed an abandoned van. "Little more juice never hurt anyone." He said. He picked up the van into his mouth and ate it whole. His whole body then started powering up. "Oh yeah. Beautiful!" He said as he stood up and kissed his biceps before chasing after Sideswipe and Russell into the forest.
Russell ran through the trees while Sideswipe leapt off them. "Are there any clearings around here?" Sideswipe asked.
"Follow me!" Russell called. They exited the forest and stopped in an open field to rest. "Wait. Now we're out in the open! How is this better?!" Russell exclaimed.
"Because now I have room to do this." Sideswipe said. He leapt up and transformed into his vehicle mode. Russell was shocked and impressed by this. But suddenly, Underbite leapt out from the woods and found them.
"Yeah, transforming into a car will make a huge difference. Hello! I ATE A WHOLE CITY!" Underbite exclaimed.
"Get in!" Sideswipe exclaimed.
"To you?" Russell asked. Sideswipe rolled down his window.
"Come here!" Underbite exclaimed as he lunged for them. Russell climbed through the window as Sideswipe drove off, dodging the Chompazoid's attack.
Sideswipe put a seatbelt around Russell. "Seatbelt?" Russell asked.
"You're gonna need it." Sideswipe said. He started to speed up as Underbite chased after them.
Meanwhile, Rodimus and his team walked through the forest. "Heh, Earth is just like how we left it." Bulkhead said with a smile.
"I've been working hard and following the rules that I might someday receive an assignment on Earth to come back here!" Strongarm said with a smile. "Sideswipe just caught a break he doesn't deserve." She added with a frown.
"This is not an assignment, Strongarm, this was a mistake," Rodimus told her, "I need a team of veteran warriors, not young bots who still have a great future ahead of them." He mentioned. "And second, go easy on Sideswipe. We know he's an okay kid. He just has a love for adventures. And he's still need guidance and…" He stopped when they heard horn honking as they saw Sideswipe driving towards them as he server to a stop.
Once the smoke cleared, Russell was shown in Sideswipe as they gave a shock look while Russell looked in awed at seeing them. "Wonderful. We've been here less than an hour and he's already revealed himself to a human." Bumblebee sarcastically said.
"At least it's a kid," Strongarm said with a smile.
"Well, Acree and Bumblebee exposed themselves to two, aka Jack and Raf. Remember?" Bulkhead reminded them with a chuckle.
"Don't go there, Bulk." Acree said with a look.
"Uh, guys! Run!" Sideswipe yelled as he drove off when he saw Underbite, which the others noticed as Underbite stopped in front of them as the Autobots looked in shock at what they're seeing.
"I know what you're thinking. 'Is that tall, dark and handsome really Underbite, devourer of Nuon City?'" Underbite said. But the Autobots just drew their blasters and started blasting Underbite. But Underbite shook off the blasts. "No one recognizes me?!" He exclaimed.
Rodimus drew the Star Saber and launched a wave of energy that sent Underbite flying, "WHOOOOAAAHHH!" Underbite yelled as he landed with a loud crash.
"Good call on bringing the Star Saber along." Bulkhead commented.
"But wouldn't that hurt?" Bumblebee asked.
"Chompazoid have high endurance." Rodimus explained. "And besides, that was a low pulse I sent."
"Good plan." Acree said.
"Okay, let's roll and lead him back to the Alchamore," Rodimus said as the Autobots transformed and drove after Sideswipe and Russell as Underbite got back up.
"Whoo boy, If I was famous enough, Rodimus Prime would definitely chase after me one day." Underbite commented before he shook his head before he smirked. "But I love me a challenge!" He yelled as he chased after the other Autobots, who drove up beside Sideswipe.
"Sideswipe, what did you say to him?!" Strongarm questioned as they regrouped at the Alchamore and transformed as Russell got out of Sideswipe as they transformed.
"Hey, guys." Fixit said with a smile before they heard Underbite roaring, which frightened Fixit as he hid behind Russell as Underbite tried to bite them, but Rodimus grabbed them out before Underbite could attack them.
"Human!" Rodimus called.
"Russell." Russell corrected as Rodimus put him and Fixit down.
"Get behind that stasis cell! Fixit, stay with him!" Rodimus ordered as he drew the Star Saber and charged at Underbite.
"What's a stasis cell?!" Russell questioned as Fixit grabbed him and hid behind the stasis cell as they watched the fight. "Who is that giant Robot?
Before Fixit could answer, the stasis cell started moving before a certain head poked out, and that head was no other than Grimlock. "I hear fighting! Who's fighting!? I wanna fight!" Grimlock exclaimed as he shook in his stasis cell.
"Grimlock?!" Fixit asked in surprise.
"Oh, hey, Fixit." Grimlock said with a smile. "How's it going?" He asked before they heard roaring as they saw Underbite tossing the Autobots around, which they were having trouble with dodging his attacks.
"Autobots, fan out!" Rodimus exclaimed before Underbite knocked Acree onto him as he whacked the other Autobots before he tossed a big piece of debris, tossing it to where Grimlock, Russell, and Fixit are as Grimlock rolled across the ground in his cell while Russell and Fixit rushed to safety.
As Underbite walked over, he noticed one of the wrecked pods. "Ah, my old stasis pod. Should give me a little boost." He said before eating a piece of the pod and powering up again. "FEELING THE BURN!" He called.
"Hey. Aren't you Underbite, the Con who ate that city?" Grimlock asked, getting Underbite's attention as the Chompazoid walked towards him.
"Finally! What gave me away? The muscles?" Underbite asked, flexing his mechanical biceps.
"The smell." Grimlock said. Feeling insulted, Underbite grabbed Grimlock's pod and started slamming it against the Alchemor, not noticing that Grimlock was knocked clear out of the pod.
"How's that smell, you little…" Underbite started to say, until he finally saw that Grimlock was gone. "Where'd he go?" Just then, he noticed Denny's scrapyard in the distance. He chuckled evilly. "Headin' for hugeness." He transformed into a tank and drove off towards the scrapyard.
Soon, the Autobots regrouped while recovering from their beatdowns. "Okay, I don't remember that happening when we were fighting Starscream and Soundwave," Arcee commented.
"Guess we're a little rusty when it comes to con crushing." Bulkhead said while rubbing his head.
"Only downside of years of peace, warrior skills go dull," Bumblebee told him.
"We'll worry about our skills later." Rodimus said as he turn to Fixit. "Fixit, I assume that was one of your escape prisoners?"
"Yes, sir." Fixit said as he activated the ship's manifest and opened up Underbite's mugshot and file. "A Chompazoid named Underbite. The more metal a Chompazoid consumes, the more powerful it becomes." He explained.
"Then I guess it's not good that he's heading towards a metal graveyard then." Sideswipe said, gesturing to the scrapyard.
"If Underbite gets all that into his jaws, we'll never bring him down." Strongarm said.
"Wait. Do you mean the scrapyard? My dad is there!" Russell exclaimed when he realized that his father was still in the scrapyard.
To Be Continued...