Transformers: Cold Steel -Chapter 3

Autobot Headquarters,

Two solar cycles later...

"What are the odds of me knowing that, Magnus?" asked Chromia, annoyingly. "In all honesty, I have no idea if Grindstalker is dead or alive."

The room was silent with the exception of Magnus taping his index figure against the table, "But you wouldn't mind seeing him dead, correct?"

"Who wouldn't? Isn't that how we feel about most Decepticons?"

"I meant even more so due to recent events."

Everyone sitting at the table turned to Chromia, wondering how she would answer. Chromia took in all the faces regarding her, "Our actions can't change the past. It's a wasted effort to even think about trying."

"Right," said Magnus, though not convinced Chromia meant what she said. "Two solar cycles ago, Grindstalker and his crew were confronted in the ruins of Defaxus, in the city-state of Vos. At an establishment known as the Morning Star. Do you know anything about that?"

Chromia only replied, "My knowledge of Grindstalker's activities is limited. I only know what my team and I learned on our last mission."

"Please share with the rest of us what you discovered?" requested Magnus.

"Is this really necessary?" asked Chromia. "Am I here because I'm in trouble or because something is wrong with my reports?"

Chromia's response drew some comments from the room, Magnus raised his hand for the room to be quiet. "Chromia, share with us what you discovered. That's an order."

Chromia shifted her body in her seat slightly. It appeared she was trying to get comfortable when in actuality, she was fighting the urge to give Ultra Magnus more attitude, "My team and I went undercover in various locations in the northern section of the planet. Where towns and cities were still populated. Our objective was to gather Intel on Decepticon interactions with said populations to see what we could learn. Besides trying to root out Autobot resistance fighters, we learn that some Decepticons were stealing shanix from any functioning establishments."

"Which led you to discover that it was Grindstalker's soldiers who were doing the looting, correct?* asked Magnus.

"Yes," confirmed Chromia. "When we asked why, the most common answer we received was something about gaining more power to contend with Shockwave. What that meant we never confirmed."

"Perhaps to bribe other Decepticons to ally with him when it came to overthrow Shockwave?" pondered Magnus. "Regardless, if Grindstalker's soldiers were tasked with collecting shanix, Grindstalker may be close by and easier to find. After all, even the most loyal of Decepticons can't be trusted with large amounts of wealth for long periods of time."

Chromia knew where this was going, "Knowing where Grindstalker's squad is doesn't tell you where he is. He could be on the other side of the planet for all we know."

"Incorrect," said Magnus. "After analyzing your team's reports, a pattern appeared. Grindstalker's soldiers would often visit the same areas within a deca-cycle. The only significant difference between each visit was the duration of how long they stayed. The only other variation is when the pattern is cross-referenced with Decepticon military operations occurring in the area. Military operations Grindstalker was involved with."

Chromia shifted in his seat again. "I'm not privy to information that tells me what the Decepticon's next move is or how Grindstalker is involved. Even during the mission we never found him looting alongside his soldiers in the establishment they robbed."

"True, while you never found him in action he did manage to find you."

Magnus' words shook Chromia. She felt like she was sinking in her seat and couldn't move to get up. Then Magnus asked, "You and your team were forced to engage Grindstalker in combat, correct?*

"Affirmative." Chromia felt a coldness creep up her back

"In the report, it states you believe that one of the locals informed Grindstalker's troops that you and your teammates were asking about him, right?"

"That's right."

"And the three members of your team fought to escape but only two of you made it back to base safe?"

"...yes."

Chromia gripped her seat's armchair, squeezing it to the point she thought she was going to break it. She retreated within her mind, trying to find something to distract her from the emotional build-up that Magnus' line of questions was causing. She told herself to forget where she was and to ignore everyone in the room as she brought up a distant memory to focus on.

Many Vorns ago…

Stomping out from the firing range within Autobot headquarters, Chromia blazed past a group of warriors who knew better than to get in her way. Though they didn't want to get on her bad side, they couldn't help but laugh at the fembot as they knew exactly why she was angry.

"Settle down everybody, settle down," said a young Autobot exiting the firing range. "There's no shame in losing to the best."

The comment only drew more laughter at Chromia's expense, who earlier had accepted the challenge from a young Autobot boasting they could outshoot the best of them. Chromia saw this as an opportunity to put the trash-talking Autobot in their place and accepted the challenge. Chromia soon learned the young Autobot had marksmanship skills beyond her years.

The firing range was set up within a maze where the participants would shoot holographic enemies as they appeared. The appearance of targets occurred randomly so those who took the test repeatedly wouldn't know what to expect on their next run. But regardless of the difficulty of the firing range, the newcomer hit every target with precision. It was almost as if she knew where they were going to appear. Chromia found herself shooting nothing but air as her opponent managed to shoot the hologram before she did, making it disappear.

Unable to accept that she was beaten fairly, Chromia made for the armory. As soon as she arrived, Chromia approached the closest quartermaster and slammed her pistol down on top of his workbench, "The sites are off! Do you expect me to go into a firefight with a piece of scrap like that?"

While the quartermaster began inspecting the weapon, Chromia's opponent entered the room, "Not to preach, but it's a bad warrior who blames their firearm for poor shooting."

Chromia's optics flared as she turned to face the Autobot, "The luxury of the firing range is holograms don't shoot back. The battlefield is a different story."

"Which is why I like to keep sharp," replied the Autobot. "By the way, once your weapon has been seen to, I won't refuse you a rematch, out of fairness and all."

"You think I'm looking to prove myself?" spat Chromia. "I don't know who you think you are, but I've put down more Decepticons than you've deactivated soft targets. With or without a firearm."

"I think we've gotten off on the wrong servo," said the other Autobot, hands raised in defense. "Full confession, I was actually trying to introduce myself. I'm-"

"Moonracer," interrupted Chromia. "I know who you are. I figured it out once I saw you in action. They say you never miss."

"I'm sure I've missed maybe once or twice," said Moonracer, extending her hand in an attempt to shake Chromia's.

Slowly, Chromia took the other's hand and shook it, "Chromia. Now I'm not looking to make friends so if you excuse me, I have to report back to my commander"

"Actually, we have the same commander."

"Sorry?"

"The reason why I wanted to introduce myself was because I've been assigned to Elita-1's unit. We'll be serving together."

Chromia dropped Moonracer's hand when she let go to cross her arms. "You've been accepted into Elita-1's elite commando squad? When?"

Chromia wasn't happy to have found out this way. She was always the first to know what was going on with Elita-1's squad. Chromia figured it must have been a last-minute decision for her commander not to inform her ahead of time and for a good reason. Regardless, Chromia didn't like finding out like this.

"It was news to me as well," began Moonracer. "I got my orders about 12 cycles ago. I was already with a solid squad but to serve under Elita-1 is an incredible honor but I'm sure you know that."

At that moment, Chromia realized she would rather be pinned down in a firefight, outnumbered and with only one clip left, "Well, good for you. Now, if you're looking to make new friends just remember, I ain't that Autobot. We're fighting a war and if you think you can win it just by shooting everything that lines up in your sights, think again. It's like you new recruits think you got enough laser charges to take on the entire Decepticon army. Trust me, they'll keep coming well after you've become a memory. If you want to prolong that from happening, and it will, stop trying to make friends and impressing others. Show-offs don't last long and the memory of their actions even less."

And to punctuate that she was finished making her point, Chromia snatched her firearm from the quartermaster and walked out of the armory, without giving Moonracer a chance to respond.

The quartermaster looked at Moonracer while shaking his head, "I don't think she gets invited to many parties."

About an astro-hour later, Chromia, looking over his pistol as she sat at a table in the middle of the base's common hall, fiddled with her weapon trying to locate any possible problems it could be experiencing.

In truth, she knew there was nothing wrong with her pistol. She only did it to distract herself from the anger she felt. And she was more angry at herself than losing to Moonracer.

Chromia had meant what she said to the young Autobot earlier. She had seen too many hot shots come and go, all due to their over-inflated egos and inability to listen to advice. And while any Autobot who was killed in action was tragic, it was especially so when they processed a great deal of skill when it came to combat or any other talent for that matter.

Moonracer's reputation was known to many Autobots. Tales of her sharpshooting were the subject of many conversations, ranging from the realistic to the exaggerated. Many wondered how one Autobot could be so good while others criticized the authenticity of each story. Some claimed to have witnessed her in action, saying everything was true while others criticized Moonracer's weapons of choice, stating that anyone could use the pistol she used and make accurate shots. If she was using a heavy firearm that packed a bigger punch, then that would make a difference in her shooting. And if not, only then would they be impressed.

And now, Chromia had seen the young Autobot in action and was leaning towards believing every positive word spoken about her. The fembot had the talent and worked hard to keep her skills sharp. Chromia just wished these hot shots weren't so cocky and tried to at least act like they were professionals.

The sound of something sliding towards her broke Chromia's train of thought. Arriving in front of her on the table was a cup of energon. Chromia's optics darted toward the direction it came from and saw Moonracer standing there with a cup of her own. "You look like you could use some cheering up."

"Just because I don't smile doesn't mean I need cheering up," countered Chromia. "Ultra Magnus never smiles and no one is trying their luck to make him happy."

"I've seen Shockwave smile more than Magnus," said Moonracer as she grabbed a chair to sit down. "And I bet he tells funnier jokes."

Chromia forced back a grin at the fembot's comment as she looked down at the drink. She picked it up and swirled its contents around, "Magnus reacts to humor like a slap in the face. I think I'd rather defuse a bomb than listen to him put together an anecdote."

Chromia sipped her drink and realized it was stronger than she thought. "Where did you get the beverages? This isn't standard rations."

Moonracer reached behind her back and pulled out a canteen, "Swiped a little extra charged energon from the armory. They won't miss it."

"That's against regulations!" Chromia almost said louder than she intended to.

"Well then, stop drinking it and report me," said Moonracer as she took a gulp.

Chromia put her cup down, "I should. But why would you do something so stupid?"

"Well, I figured you needed a drink since I know I can be annoying as frag." Said Moonracer. "So, I figured if you want to report me for stealing you can and get back at me at the same time."

"You think I'm that petty?"

"Yes."

Stunned by Moonracer's comment, Chromia couldn't help but laugh, "You really like walking on the edge, don't you? Ok, so since you're trying to get on my good side, tell me, in all honesty. Have you ever missed a shot? Most of the stories present you as a living legend and that you've never missed the mark."

Moonracer looked around as if seeing if anyone else could hear them, "You really want to know?"

"Of course."

"Between me and you, ok?"

"Whatever. It better be a good one or I'm reporting you and taking your stash for myself."

"Deal," said Moonracer as she leaned over the table. "Ever hear about the weapon's depot in the upper north region of Tyrest?"

"Yeah, they were turning out high long-range rockets for their tank squads and airborne forces. The Autobots destroyed that facility in a sabotage mission."

"Yes, but the only thing that went wrong was the Decepticon in charge wasn't there. His name was Gremtron, a Decepticon weapon engineer. Nothing to speak of on the battlefield but he was known for designing some of the nastiest stuff the Decepticons have ever thrown at us. Anyways, the mission was originally supposed to be a raid but my commander realized we'd be better off sneaking in and setting some charges to take down the whole place. Save us a whole bunch of Autobot lives."

Chromia interrupted, "What about stealing the ammo they already had in stock there?"

"The Decepticons had already shipped out most of what they had, now it was time to stop them from making any more. So some of the team snuck in, and rigged an explosion for maximum destruction, while in there they learn Gremtron isn't around. They come back out and report to the commander all is set to go but no Gremtron. The commander goes ahead and orders that the facility is to be destroyed. So the place goes up and lights up the sky, black smoke everywhere, I mean you could see it for miles. So after the place went up, my commander got this idea. He orders the team to head back to base as originally planned but the two of us stay. He figures the attack will bring Gremtron out from wherever he is and if so, we need to take him down. He stays since he's the only one who knows what he looks like and he chooses me to take him down since I'm the best shot out of the squad.

"So we find ourselves a hiding spot in direct view of the carnage and wait. My commander describes what Gremtron looks like. The commander is playing spotter with a pair of high-powered optic scopes while I'm armed with an eliminator rifle. The rifle is equipped with long-range sights, I could shoot a Decepticon in between his insignia's optics. Anyways, the commander spots our target as he rolls up with a group of Cons. I go to train my sights on the target but there's one problem; there's so much smoke we can't find him again. I'm aiming in his general direction but I'm not seeing him. My commander tells me that as soon as I lay optics on him I'm to open fire and not to stop until he says so. So while we're waiting, more and more Decepticons are showing up.

"Even with the highly advanced sight that I have attached to my rifle, I can't find him. I can't use infrared with the facility on fire, night vision can't help, it's like looking for a nanobot in a stack of wires. So I'm waiting to catch a glimpse of the target, the smoke isn't letting up and with more Decepticon reinforcements arriving, chances of our escape are getting lower. But then for just a 16th of a microsecond, I see the target's head in my sights. I didn't hesitate, even before my commander gave me the word I took the shot. I can't see the target anymore and I don't know if I hit him but I continued shooting as ordered. I get off seven shots before the Decepticons start shooting back. They don't know where we are exactly but I've given away our general position. My commander then says it's time to leave and we break out of there as fast as we can before they're on us. Took us two solar cycles to return to base since we had to hide most of the time. And when we returned, we were unable to confirm whether or not we terminated the target. You know what they say, it doesn't count unless you see the optics go dark. I didn't see Gremtron go down, nor did my commander. So even though sabotaging the facility saved a bunch of Autobots, the mission was considered a failure. They reasoned that since we couldn't confirm that I struck and killed Gremtron after firing 7 times, he could still be alive and working at another weapons depot. After that, I swore to myself I would never miss another target again and practiced whenever I could. I was a pretty good shot before, and if I may say so, I got a lot better. Before I knew it, I wasn't using the target scope or looking down the barrel of a pistol. I could line them up and knock them down as I saw them.

"Then sometime after that, I heard that Gremtron was dead. Not one Autobot spy had seen him since destroying the weapons depot but they learned he was no more. Maybe I did shoot him or maybe some Decepticon warlord killed him out of anger for not having more security posted at the weapon depot. Who knows? The bottom line is, I can't say I got him when I tried."

Clutching her cup and her optics wide, Chromia sat silently after the story was finished. "You missed seven times? Does anyone else know that story?"

"Just my commander and the higher-ups at Autobot command."

Chromia leaned back in her chair and thought about what Moonracer had told her. The story was more than just Moonracer's first major failure, it was the beginning of how this expert sharpshooter came to be. Any knowledge of it could potentially harm Moonracer's reputation, especially among the more macho Autobot, who Chromia found to be the most aggravating when it came to being taken seriously. This young fembot, who owed Chromia nothing, shared with her a secret not many knew about and one that could cast her in a different light. If the truth got out, Moonracer may lose the trust of others and worse, instead of her being selected for a mission dependent on her skills, some other Autobot not nearly as good would be chosen instead.

Chromia swore to herself to never reveal what she had learned today to anyone. And now she realized Moonracer was just trying to make friends with one of her new squad mates. Chromia wanted to say thank you to Moonracer for sharing her story but in her own way.

Picking up her cup, Chromia finished off its contents in one go before slamming it down on the table. "Pour me another and listen up. I got a story for you..."