This comment about Transformers: Classics from Botcon got the gears in my mind turning and I thought I'd give writing the story a shot. I'll keep adding to it as I go, so any comments or criticisms are greatly apreciated...and away we go!



Nov 27 2007, 4:50 PM PST

Autobots to reduce presence on Earth

PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) – Starting early next year, the Autobots will reduce their presence on Earth and leave only a small rotating caretaker contingent in residence at Autobot City, sources close to the Transformers say. Autobot spokesperson Goldbug could not be reached for further comment, but a press conference is scheduled for tomorrow, November twenty-eighth, at approximately noon, Pacific Standard Time where further details are expected to be released.

The Autobots have retained a strong presence on Earth since they and their Decepticon adversaries were awakened from their four million year slumber in 1984. The continued threat of the Decepticons prompted the construction of a permanent base, Autobot City, in 2003. Recent victories against the remnants of the Decepticon Army and the capture and incarceration of Decepticon Leader Galvatron earlier this year suggest a major reduction in the intensity of the war between Autobots and Decepticons, and may be a major contributing factor for this move.

While Jump Gate, starship, and Space Bridge contact with Cybertron is expected to remain uninterrupted, the seeming lessening of interaction between Cybertronians and the people of Earth has far-reaching social implications that can only currently be speculated upon.

Some high-placed government officials muse that reduced Transformer activity on Earth could result in greater global stability and security, however many speculate that regional conflicts could increase significantly due to a lessening of the direct threat of random Decepticon assault.

Human/Transformer relations have been on a downswing as of late, mostly owing to fallout from last year’s Hate Plague and the most recent incursion of Cybertron into the Solar System. Cyber-Technology exchanges have slowed to their lowest point since 1999, causing lobbyists for the tech sector to ramp up their petitioning of Congress for a new and stronger exchange treaty. International pressures on the Autobots have also increased as of late where the recent uproar in the United Nations by the self-titled Coalition of Cyber-Tech Developing Nations leveled charges against both the United States and the Autobots of denying Cyber-Technologies to countries the United States deems “unfit�. The growing power and influence of the CCTDN could become a major factor in the upcoming vote concerning funding percentages for the Earth Defense Command, and could result in the United States and Japan bearing the burden for the lion’s share of funding costs.

Every major television, radio, and internet network will carry the noon press conference live.

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.





EIGHTH-LOCK MAXIMUM SECURITY CONTAINMENT FACILITY
HUB CAPITAL IACON
CYBERTRON

The long corridor was smooth and featureless and the sound of Optimus Prime’s footfalls seemed to resonate through it and amplify with each step. The thick door at the far end looked like little more then a solid wall closing off the tunnel into a dead end, this only added to Prime’s sense of foreboding as he approached it.

A dead end. For so long it seemed as if our race had been hurtling towards a dead end. Careening towards inevitable self-destruction. But now, could it finally be that peace is within reach. Is there a light hiding behind this seeming dead end? Or am I doomed to repeat this same dance over and over again until the end of time?

The Autobot Leader stepped up to the solid slab of metal and a small hatch slid aside to reveal a scanning eye. For a few silent moments the eye diagnosed Prime’s energy signature before a muffled click sounded from somewhere inside the door casing. The heavy door slid downwards into the floor and Prime stepped into the receiving chamber beyond. Red alert and Pointblank nodded to Prime and, contrary to soldiers in just about any other army in the Galaxy, the pair seemed to relax slightly in the presence of their commander.

“We’re 110 percent secure here sir.� Red alert reported, “Ready when you are.�

Optimus Prime nodded his head and stepped up to the console in the center of the room facing the chamber’s back wall. Red alert and Pointblank approached the console, one on either side of Prime and flipped open a pair of covers hiding computer uplink ports. Prime keyed in an access code and another panel snapped open revealing a palm shaped recess glowing with red scanner light. Both Pointblank and Red alert’s index fingers split open along the sides and extended computer data-jacks from within. Armored panels on Optimus Prime’s palm slid open to reveal the delicate circuitry and servos inside. Prime pressed his palm to the scanner at the same instant the other two mechs jacked-in to their respective computer ports.

Readouts on the console flashed green and a tone sounded signaling the Autobots that they could remove their appendages from the scanning points. A throaty, mechanical growl reverberated through the chamber as the back wall split down the middle and the heavy slabs of the vault door slid into the walls. Beyond the door was a powerful magnetic force field that hummed with blue energy. Protected behind the field was a surreal and disturbing tableau.

A heavy looking armature held a Transformer stripped of all its armor down to the bare skeletal frame and the minimum of circuitry, wiring, and servos. The figure hung suspended, arms and legs stretched wide, with a thick armored band clamped around its torso. Strong, bulging cuffs encased its arms from the fists down to the elbows as well as identical cuffs securing the legs from foot to knee. Barely visible around the armature were the muzzles and barrels of several stun-blasters and other more lethal weapons.
The mech almost appeared lifeless and dead, except for its face. The lidless optics seemed to stare through the one-way field, their fiery red cores blazing with pure, unadulterated hate. The metallic teeth were clenched and grinding in anger and frustration. Point Blank and Red alert both took involuntary steps backwards, but Optimus Prime advanced around the console to stand just a meter in front of the field. He held out his hand in an affirmative signal and Red alert stepped back to the console and pulled back a series of slider switches that deactivated the shimmering energy shield.

With the shield gone the imprisoned mech could now actually see through to the other side, and the instant his optics settled onto the features of the Autobot Leader, a feral growl rumbled from somewhere deep within his vocabulator and his fierce teeth split to emit a furious and rageful voice.

“Prime! Destroy you! I will destroy you!�

Bucking uselessly against his restraints, the mech gnashed his teeth and tried desperately to lean forward as if to devour Prime in a blind, primal rage. Pointblank and Red alert raised their weapons but Optimus Prime stood stock-still until the tirade seemed to reduce in intensity somewhat. Looking the crazed mech straight in the optics, Prime then spoke in an even and measured tone.

“Galvatron. Let me help you.�

The mech, Galvatron, laughed spitefully and snarled back at Prime.

“I don’t need help from the likes of you Prime. It is you who will need help when I break free of these shackles and rip your processor out with my bare hands!�

Optimus Prime sighed inwardly as he continued to calmly gaze at Galvatron. “When Unicron remade you, something deep inside your being was corrupted, damaged. We can help you. Help restore your sanity.�

Galvatron sneered with contempt. “Sanity? Sanity! It is your mind that is addled! How dare you accuse me of being mentally unhinged! Could a lunatic destroy the Autobots single-handedly as I am about to? Could a deranged maniac conquer the Universe as I am on the verge of doing? I’ll show you INSANITY!�

Galvatron struggled against his bonds once more and this time Prime didn’t wait for him to finish; he raised his voice to be heard over Galvatron’s grunts of effort. “The Decepticons are all but defeated Galvatron. Nebulos is liberated and Scorponok destroyed. Your army hasn’t marshaled more then a squad’s worth of troopers at one time in several cycles. On every front Decepticon boltholes and hideouts are being raided and neutralized by our forces. You’ve lost, Galvatron. Admit it to yourself before your denial consumes you.�

Galvatron no longer heard him. He continued to struggle and scream at Prime in a shrill tone! “You can’t beat me Prime! I am more powerful then you or any Autobot will ever be! I am more powerful then Unicron himself! My circuits seethe with his power!�

Prime continued, undaunted. “Unicron is dead, his evil influence wiped clean. Any traces of his power can no longer aid you; only further corrupt you from the being you were.�

Prime stared off at a point behind Galvatron for a moment, remembering back to several incidents during the war when Megatron had seen reason and united with him towards a common threat. Megatron’s schemes and goals only seemed deranged in retrospect compared to Galvatron’s obvious insanity.

“Galvatron. Let me help you reclaim your identity as Megatron. Megatron was intelligent and rational. Megatron…�

A terrifying bellow issued from Galvatron and his head looked as if it were about to leap from his neck assembly. “Megatron is dead! I killed him! Me! I did what you and Starscream failed to do. I killed Megatron! Ripped him to shreds and rose in his place. Megatron was weak and stupid! He was nothing to my power! Nothing!�

As Galvatron’s rant degenerated into unintelligible snarling and epithets, Prime let his head drop slightly. He had known deep down that talking would be useless, but he had to make the attempt. He had to see if even the tiniest thread of reason still remained intact inside Galvatron’s mind. Instead he had learned what he already knew…this Transformer was a lost cause. A being whose existence could only be spent locked away deep within the bowels of Cybertron in this facility.

Megatron, Galvatron, had waged war against the Autobots, Cybertron, and all of existence and had lost his sanity in the process. And through this, had lost any right to freedom he inherently possessed as a sentient being. The cold realization of failure settled over Prime. It was a heady disappointment that once again he could not save a being who so desperately needed saving, whether deserving or not.

“Raise the field.� Prime said. The one-way energy shield snapped back into place and Galvatron’s voice was cut out by the sound dampening properties of the field. He turned around to see Red alert and Pointblank watching him.

“New orders?� Pointblank asked.

“No.� Answered Prime. “Seal him up.�

“Yes sir.� Said Red alert as he pushed in a large red knob that sent the vault doors slamming shut.

“alert me of anything unusual.� Prime added as he headed towards the main door of the chamber. The guards issued affirmatives as the Autobot leader exited into the long corridor beyond.

The trek back up the corridor felt unusually long and lonely. All signs pointed to the possibility that this was it, the end of the arduous war that had gone on for far too long. But Optimus Prime still felt the sad and heavy weight settling into his chest cavity. Hostilities may nearly be over, Galvatron captured, but it all felt incomplete somehow. Hollow. The old Autobot maxim about “All being one� left unfulfilled.

Every single erg in his logic circuits screamed at him to abandon the idea that Galvatron had to somehow be “saved�, but something in his being wouldn’t let him reject the idea outright. That something continued to gnaw at him like a crazed Scraplet.

Reaching the end of the corridor, he emerged back into the main portion of Eighth-Lock and eventually wound his way through the various security stations back to Cybertron’s surface. As he made his way past the high-intensity energy fields, he noticed Grimlock leaning against one of the exterior vehicle barricades waiting for him.

“Galvatron still locked up?� Grimlock ground out in his broken manner.

Prime took a momentary pause before answering. “He is secure Grimlock, yes.�

“Good. Me Grimlock not want Galvatron on the loose again. Me Grimlock say we should just crush him for good.�

Prime shook his head at the Dinobot’s simplistic view. “I wish it were that straightforward Grimlock. But there is something about Galvatron that still needs to be figured out for me personally. I just don’t know what that thing is.�

Grimlock appeared to not be paying attention, staring up into the sky towards Cybertron’s lone moon. Prime took the opportunity to slightly unburden himself further.

“He’s ruthless, dangerous, and completely insane. And yet I feel as if he is still a vital piece to some puzzle I can’t comprehend.�

“Dichotomy.� Grimlock added. “Optimus and Galvatron different sides of same coin. You linked in that way. Optimus need opposite number to make feel balanced and whole. Optimus no have Galvatron, Power unchecked. Make Optimus uncomfortable.�

Prime took in Grimlock’s words then blinked. “Grimlock…where did that come from?�

Again staring at the moon, Grimlock looked back confused. “Huh?�

Grimlock had been acting strange as of late. This sudden philosophical diagnosis of his quandary with Galvatron was another incident to add to a growing list. Prime pushed it from his mind and clasped a hand on Grimlock’s shoulder.

“Come on, we’d best return to base.�

Grimlock nodded as Optimus Prime transformed into his semi-truck mode, his trailer appearing behind him from subspace. Grimlock simply raised his arms and kicked in his flight capability, turning in the air in the direction of the command center.

Prime spent the short drive back to base pondering many things, chief among them Galvatron.

AUTOBOT CITY METROPLEX
OREGON
EARTH

Goldbug staggered into Autobot City’s main command center and smacked his palms down on a tabletop. He shook his head dejectedly as he stared off into nothing. “I…I wasn’t ready…their ferocity was just…I never expected. I don’t think I can do this, we’re done for.�

Spike Witwicky chuckled as he entered the room behind the golden mech, loosening his tie and unbuttoning the top button of the dress shirt beneath his suit jacket. “I imagine you’d rather face down a squad of Decepticons armed to the teeth then go up against our Earth media reporters any day, huh?�

Goldbug shook his head and turned to Spike. “They’re monsters!�

Even Ultra Magnus’s mouth formed a wry grin at Goldbug’s assessment. “Not quite what you were expecting when you accepted this new role as acting Autobot spokesmech?�

“Don’t get me wrong, I love the humans, always have.� Goldbug asserted as he turned to the City Commander, “It’s just that the ones I’ve interacted with since we came here have either been kind and genial beings, or raving madmen intent on destroying us…I’m not sure where reporters fit in between the two.�

“More towards the negative side of that scale I’d guess.� Spike added lightly. “You’ll get used to it Goldbug. I’ve never seen you back down from any challenge. This is just one more.�

Goldbug nodded to his human friend of over twenty years. “Of course Spike, thanks.�

The press conference announcing the Autobot plans to leave only a token force on Earth had been a prickly and uncomfortable affair. Even after all this time on Earth, the Autobots still understood very little about the intricacies of human sociopolitical issues. What seemed to them as a simple “strategic redeployment� had ballooned up into an issue that was causing much unrest and debate worldwide. The economic implications were also making investors in the world’s markets jittery, which only served to further fuel the rhetoric on the issue.

Goldbug did, however, hold his own during the questioning, with Spike being no small help, but it was still taxing for the former Autobot espionage agent. But he would adapt and he would improve. At least he didn’t feel any pressing need to prove himself in his new position…those insecurities had been discarded along with his old frame. No, this was more like a challenging opportunity like Spike had said, not an enemy to defeat.

“So Magnus,� Spike began as he draped his suit jacket over the back of a human-sized chair and took a seat, “have you heard from Optimus about what we discussed?�

Ultra Magnus walked over and took his own seat nearby, one suited to his bulk. “No, but I still think it may be a good idea. I was reviewing Metroplex’s maintenance logs and if we can get the jump gate working like we want to, the switch-out will give us a chance to get the city a good overhaul on Cybertron and even repair some damage still not 100 percent repaired from the initial battle with Trypticon from a few years back. I also looked into the foundation schematics and the entire infrastructure is readily adaptable to be integrated in with Fortress Maximus. It’s a sound plan Spike. I’m sure Optimus Prime will approve as soon as he gets to it in his office work.�

Spike’s current status as the binary-bonded head of the Autobot Cerebros, who was in turn, the head of the giant robot battle-city Fortress Maximus, now made him an integral part of the Autobot forces, and no longer simply a valued and trusted human friend. With Nebulos freed and the Decepticon Headmasters defeated, however, he was free to decide where best to deploy Fortress Maximus. Having the gargantuan Autobot Headmaster relieve Metroplex’s “guard duty� looked to be the best current course of action. Plus, it would give him the opportunity to stay on Earth for a while, to stay home.

Spike nodded his agreement at Ultra Magnus’ analysis of the city swap and turned to Goldbug. “What do you think buddy? You ready for new living conditions here on Earth for a while?�

Goldbug nodded but then paused before answering. “I think it’d be great…and it may make the human governments feel a little more secure if we temporarily replace Autobot City with Fortress Maximus at the outset of our diminished presence.�

“Agreed.� Magnus said. “You’re better at this then you realize Goldbug.�

“Aww, you’ll make me blush.� Goldbug joked. Ultra Magnus just looked at him straight faced. This, in turn, caused Spike to laugh.

“Hah…I’m afraid your humor is lost on our esteemed City Commander.�

Magnus crossed his arms over his chest. “What? I have a sense of humor. I’m funny.�

This resulted in both Goldbug and Spike breaking out into raucous laughter. Ultra Magnus just looked at them blankly. Right at that moment, Hot Rod walked into the command center and flashed a wide grin as he encountered the laughing pair.

“Hey, what’s the punch line people?� he asked in his usual easy manner.

“Ultra Magnus was just informing us as to how funny he is.� Spike answered.

Hot Rod grinned and looked at Ultra Magnus who now had his stony gaze fixed on him. “Oh yeah, Magnus is a real laugh-riot. A stunning comedic virtuoso.�

Ultra Magnus was now becoming visibly annoyed with the mirth at his expense.

“I may not be holo-vid material, but that’s not my function. I’m a soldier not some buffoonish, gaily adorned clown.�

He then uncrossed his arms and pointed to Hot Rod.

“That’s his function.�

Hot Rod’s optics grew wide and his mouth dropped open in disbelief. Spike and Goldbug were now howling in laughter as the corner of Ultra Magnus’ mouth turned up into a barely perceivable grin. “I told you I was funny.� He stated.

Hot Rod glowered. “Yeah, like a crutch.�

Spike rose, grabbing his jacket, and walked over to swat Hot Rod playfully on the leg. “C’mon Bozotron, you’re supposed to be my ride home today.�

“Okay fine,� Hot Rod said before he pointed to Magnus and Goldbug in turn, “but this isn’t over.�

Ultra Magnus just spread his arms innocently as Goldbug stepped over to see Spike off.

“Say hello to Daniel for me if you talk to him on the comm tonight.� Goldbug said.

“I will.� Affirmed Spike. “You two take it easy.�

Spike followed Hot Rod out into the corridor walking at a brisk pace he had developed over his many years trying to keep up with the longer striding Autobots. Hot Rod got over the good-natured ribbing in the command center quickly.

“How’s Daniel doing on Nebulos?� Hot Rod inquired.

“Oh, not too bad.� Spike said in what Hot Rod had come to know as Spike’s parental voice. “It’s quite an adjustment for a kid his age. This is really the first time he’s been off on his own like this without either myself or his mother close by, but he’s surrounded by friends. Plus there’s the whole binary-bonding to Arcee, so he’s never really lonely or isolated.�

Hot Rod nodded. “Yeah I get that. I’m usually around Firebolt nowadays.�

“Where is he?� Spike asked, suddenly realizing that Hot Rod’s Targetmaster partner was nowhere to be seen.

“He’s actually back in town with Recoil and Haywire.� Hot Rod revealed, “I believe they intended to sample some ‘heat tempered protein cylinders with extra relish’.�

“Ah, hot dogs.� Spike said and grinned.

“That’d be it.� Hot Rod answered as they reached the exterior hatch of the command building. “Ready?�

“You bet.� Spike said as Hot Rod slid into his sleek, red car mode and revved his engine a little louder then he really needed to. Spike hopped into the open cockpit, at least that was the closest thing he could think of it as, and settled in behind the wheel. “I think I actually prefer this vehicle mode for you Hot Rod.�

“Yeah, actually I do to.� Hot Rod admitted. “I never got used to toting around that weird disappearing trailer-thing I had as Rodimus Prime.�

His back tires squealed on the hard metal surface of the Autobot City street and the fiery cavalier accelerated rapidly, causing Spike to franticly clutch at the steering wheel just for the simple security of holding on to something. Hot Rod wasted no time speeding off towards the main gates of the city as he made a cheery suggestion to Spike.

“Don’t forget to buckle-up!�











AUTOBOT PACIFIED ZONE EPSILON-TWELVE
SHADOWSCAPE SPACEPORT
CHARR

The Shadowscape Spaceport was just barely that. A series of flattened and cleared landing pads melted into the uneven metal surface of the planet, the area also contained several starship fueling silos and a handful ordinance sheds. Well, it had. All the fuel and weapons stores were currently nothing more then molten slag heaps and greasy fires belching black smoke into space. Shadowscape was now simply a parking lot for Autobot assault landers, one of which sat close to a burst open service tunnel near the edge of the perimeter. A quartet of ragged yet determined looking Decepticons crouched low into the shadows and made sure to keep beneath the thick sensor-dampening properties of the tunnel’s housing.

Scourge scanned the area once more before turning to his squad. “Okay, still looks clear. If we are going to do this, we do it soon.�

“Ready here.� Said Stormfront as he ran his hands over the device he had built. The red and black Alpha Series Seeker then turned to the other two members of the raiding party. “Just make sure the seal is tight. As long as there’s only minimal leakage, we won’t blow ourselves up.�

“That’s reassuring.� Griped Ramjet. “But that could be fun.� The Beta Series Seeker chafed slightly that their whole scheme depended on the work of, what he considered to be a “Prototype run relic�, but if Stormfront’s device was as advertised, he’d be inclined to cut the old timer a little slack. Astrotrain, for his part, just nodded and gripped his rifle tighter.

Scourge held one clawed hand in the air for a moment, and then dropped it to his side. “Let’s go.� Her ordered and headed out into the open towards the lander nearby. The other three Decepticons filed out quietly behind them, eyes scanning the terrain for Autobots or automated defense guns.

Reaching the rear section of the lander, the squad set to their appointed tasks. Scourge took up a guard position while Astrotrain helped Stormfront locate and undog the lander’s fueling port. Ramjet took charge of Stormfront’s patchwork creation, which looked like a burnt-out plasma cannon barrel stuffed with bailing wire.

The hatch clunked open and Stormfront motioned for the device. Ramjet hefted it and pressed it firmly against the fueling port. He held it steady as Astrotrain took a couple steps away from the lander’s hull and took up another watch position. Checking readouts on the side, Stormfront turned and nodded to Ramjet.

“Pressure steady. Seal is good. We’re green. Just keep it still.�

“Yeah, got it.� Answered Ramjet. The device hummed and vibrated slightly. Stormfront stared at the controls and made a few adjustments with some dials set into the side.

“How much longer?� Queried Scourge.

Stormfront tapped a readout then motioned towards Astrotrain. “Now.�

Astrotrain turned back to the device and pulled a handful of cables from the end Ramjet was holding. He then opened a cargo hatch on his leg and plugged the cables into four ports connected to small boxes inside. Reaching into a compartment on his waist, he extracted an adaptor plug and attached it to a fifth cable before attaching that one to a larger port on the left side of his own torso. Stormfront peered down at the connections and nodded.

“Running good Scourge. Just a little longer.�

“We may not have that long.� Scourge answered back in a hushed tone. “I think I just detected something.�

Ramjet looked around expectantly and Astrotrain raised his rifle. Scourge just continued to stare off into the smoky distance, tapping out a quiet and steady rhythm on the trigger guard of his Nebulan incendiary cannon, Fracas, and listening for any sort of noise.

“Almost.� Said Stormfront quietly. Thrust fidgeted, looking over his shoulder at one of his arm cannons trying to check its charge level.

“Keep it steady!� Hissed Stormfront. “The leakage indicator just spiked.�

Thrust glowered. “Alright, alright. Don’t get your filters in a wad.�

Astrotrain issued a small sigh and whispered to Scourge. “Transfer progressing.�

Scourge said nothing, focusing on one specific part of the landscape, a small rise just off to the left. He flashed the Quiet! hand signal and crouched low.

“Crikey!� came a shot from the rise and all the Decepticons except Scourge tensed up and primed their senses for battle. Scourge remained stock still as a shadow moved across the near horizon, barely discernable through the thick smoke in the air. There was a long moment of silence before a loud crashing noise echoed across the field and a muffled curse split the air.

“Slag! That’s twice now. Can’t see a bloody thing in this soup!�

Everyone stayed absolutely still, Stormfront nervously watching the leakage levels. There was another clatter, and this time the voice that rose in annoyance sounded farther off, the words unintelligible. Scourge seemed to relax slightly and came out of his crouch. At his motion the other three Decepticons loosened up a little and turned their attention back to the task at hand.

Stormfront looked up at the Decepticon steadying the device. “Ramjet…�

“Hold still. I know, I know.� Ramjet ground out.

Astrotrain glanced down at his cargo compartment briefly before reaching down and disconnecting four of the cables. He then tapped the connector still attached to his torso and sent a whisper back to Scourge. “Almost there.�

Stormfront nodded and looked at a readout on the far end of the device. “Everything holding at nominal. Ramjet, would you please just hold it stea…�

Stormfront’s face exploded outward, shards of what used to be his main processor and optics pelting Ramjet’s armor. His now headless body pitched forward, knocking the device off center and unbalancing Ramjet.

“What the …holy slag!� Ramjet shouted as the device slipped from his grasp and clanged to the ground. Scourge spun around and Astrotrain gripped the cable plugged into his body to yank it out. For a split second everyone froze expecting a hot and loud explosion from the broken seal. When this didn’t occur, the three Decpticons dove for cover just before a second loud projectile impact smacked into the lander’s hull.

“’Cons! Four of them!� Came a shout from somewhere up and to the right. Seconds later there were clanging footfalls and then blaster bolts split the air around the trio of Decepticons.

“Slag! Autobot patrol!� Ramjet shouted, bracing himself beside the lander’s bulk.

“What was your first clue?� Astrotrain sneered. The triple-changer shouldered his rifle and returned fire in the general direction of the incoming bolts.

Scourge backed to their position and fired along Astrotrain’s sight line. “Stow it. We need to get out of here. Astrotrain, are you fueled?�

“Not enough to get us to Cybertron, but enough to get us far from here!� he answered.

“Transform then. Ramjet, get aboard and I’ll join up once we break orbit.� Scourge ordered, and Astrotrain wasted no time getting a little distance between himself and the lander so he could transition to his shuttle mode. Once transformed and expanded, he opened a side hatch and shouted to Ramjet.

“Hurry up! My armor isn’t as thick as yours!� Astrotrain roared to Seeker.

Ramjet was dragging Stormfront’s body by the armpits, the added weight slowing him down considerably and exposing the party to increasingly accurate fire, some of which was smacking into Ramjet’s thick armor.

Scourge scowled at Ramjet as he fired at the Autobots. “Leave him!�

“Frag you!� Ramjet cursed. “This guy is a treasure-trove of spare parts!�

Scourge really couldn’t argue with that logic, so he fell back somewhat to give Astrotrain and Ramjet more covering fire. Closing in around them, the Autobot patrol was becoming bolder in their attacks.

“Surrender!� called Sideswipe as he pulled off a pair of shots at Astrotrain’s hull. “This planet is under Autobot control. You can’t escape!�

“They sure think they can.� Muttered Cliffjumper as he ducked to avoid incoming fire from Scourge. “They’re fighting like cornered animals.�

Outback laughed at the assessment. “More’n true, that’s what they are!�

The Autobots continued to fire, trying to pin the Decepticons down and keep them on the ground while Tracks and Sandstorm moved to bracket their position from opposite sides. Sandstorm’s high-velocity sniper rifle had already taken one of their number out, if he could get back into a good firing position he may be able to take out a couple more before they got away.

Ramjet heaved and managed to pull Stormfront’s legs past the edge of the hatch just as the incoming fire was becoming too much of a health risk. Astrotrain sealed the door and his frame rumbled with barely restrained power. “All aboard for anywhere but here!�

Bluestreak pointed to Astrotrain’s aft end and shouted above the din. “Guys! If you have a shot take it now because old Astrotrain’s engines are flaring up and I think he and his buddies are about to make for…� The rest of his comment was cut off by the noise of the Decepticon’s engines firing. The deafening roar shook the ground as he punched his engines to full throttle. He briefly soared horizontal over the flattened field before jerking upward sharply to ascend into the air. Seconds later Scourge transformed and rocketed straight up, corkscrewing in midair to align his course with Astrotrain’s.

Cliffjumper dejectedly lowered his blaster and narrowed his eyes at Bluestreak.

“You couldn’t have just said ‘Astrotrain is launching’?�

Bluestreak was uncharacteristically silent, while at the same time, Sideswipe was urgently talking into his comm.

“I need interceptors. Two bogeys lifting from Shadowscape.� Sideswipe ordered. He looked out over the spaceport to see Sandstorm now in his helicopter mode flying along the launch track, unable to give chase but in the air nonetheless in a determined, yet futile gesture. Sideswipe shook his head and watched Astrotrain’s thruster glow begin to fade into the starry beyond.

“Damn.� He whispered to himself as Cliffjumper stepped over.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get another chance at those guys, I’d bet on it.� The red Minibot assured Sideswipe. Sideswipe looked down at his long time brother-in-arms and managed a slight smile.

“You’re right.� Sideswipe agreed. “I’m sure we will.�

At that moment, however, Astrotrain and Scourge had other things on their mind then a rematch with the ground-based Autobot patrol. Sideswipe’s call for pursuit had been granted, and now Skyfire, Strafe, and Scattorshot were closing fast on the pair of Decepticons.

“Can you outrun them?� Scourge asked the larger transport.

“Not a chance. I didn’t get a full Energon flow, they’ll be on me like rust on a radiator.� Came Astrotrain’s grim assessment.

Scourge growled. “I’ll take them then. Just keep going.�

The former Sweep leader peeled off and headed right for the trio of incoming aircraft. Once in cannon range he opened up on the formation hoping to scatter them, but Skyfire held course, and by doing so kept Strafe and Scattorshot in line. Screaming past each other, the lone Decepticon and the three Autobots only scored weak glancing hits on each other.

“Go after the transport, I’ll take Scourge!� Skyfire ordered, and the pair of Technobots dutifully kept going after Astrotrain while Skyfire looped around.

Coming around to the heading Scourge had been traveling on during the pass, Skyfire was ready to line up for a cannon shot as soon as he got into position. What he wasn’t ready for was the bulk of robot-mode Scourge slamming into his cockpit section feet-first at the bottom of his turn.

Scourge then flopped down on his belly along Skyfire’s dorsal surface and grabbed the mech’s blazing hot thruster nozzles with his bare hands. “Guyahhh!!! Take this Autobot!�

With a surge of Unicron-granted strength, Scourge squeezed Skyfire’s engines, warping the edges of the nozzles and tossing the Autobot’s thrust dynamics completely out of line. Scourge then pushed off and reverted back to this flight mode as Skyfire went cartwheeling off in the opposite direction.

Skyfire quickly transformed into robot mode, shutting off his main engines and trying to use the secondary thrusters inside his legs to slow his tumble. By the time he stabilized and had his cannon drawn to fire at his attacker, Scourge was already out of range, and closing on the Technobots.

“Strafe, Scattorshot, I’m out.� Skyfire called over the tactical channel. “Scourge is coming up on your six.�

“We’ll have Astrotrain’s goose cooked in just a second here chief.� Strafe gleefully reported as he sprayed the Decepticon with bolts from his light pulse blasters.

Scattorshot repeatedly fired his electron pulse cannon while shouting vehemently at Astrotrain through the universal channel. “You’re slag ‘Con, might as well give up now!�

At that moment Ramjet’s upper body popped from a quickly opened door on Astrotrain’s side and the Seeker began firing his high-powered laser bots at their pursuers. “Says you!� he shouted into the nothing of space.

The incoming fire was enough to make the pair of Technobots break off their attacks for just a moment. That was all the rapidly approaching Scourge needed to close the gap and pepper their aft ends with blasterfire.

“Slag he’s fast!� Strafe exclaimed as he rolled to avoid the incoming beams.

“Astrotrain,� Scourge began over the comm., “plot a Transwarp jump for the Askerpon system!�

“Where?� Astrotrain asked as he started sifting through data files. Scourge closed with the transport as Ramjet continued to hang out the door harassing the Technobots with laser fire.

Scourge ignored the question and continued. “Just be ready to jump once I’m aboard.�

Astrotrain didn’t respond, he was too busy plotting the course to the nearby system he’d never heard of, but which was defiantly listed in his charts. The pair of Technobots had now regained their composures and were concentrating their fire on the greatest present threat, which happened to be Ramjet. Several electron pulse bolts smacked into Ramjet’s armor and he gritted his teeth in enjoyment.

“Ohhh yeah! Is that all you pansies have? I barely even felt that!� Ramjet chided over the universal channel.

If Scattorshot had been in robot mode, he’d have shrugged. “Guy is a loon.� He said as he tried to get a bead on Astrotrain’s engines. “I’ll try and disable the shuttle instead.�

Scourge came up alongside the door Ramjet was leaning out of and transformed, hurling himself into the Seeker and sending both Decepticons into Astrotrain’s cargo area.

“GO!� Scourge bellowed and Astrotrain shuddered as the Transwarp drive kicked in and began ripping a small hole in the fabric of time and space. A nanoklik later Astrotrain slipped out of realspace and entered the chaotic pink, white, and blue jumble that made up the bizarre dimension of Transwarp Space.

Scourge picked himself up off of Ramjet and rolled over onto his skidplate, tiredly leaning against one of Astrotrain’s interior bulkheads. Before he could even make the suggestion, Ramjet was already opening a cargo compartment and extracting two of the four freshly recharged ration dispensers. The Seeker tossed one to Scourge before pressing out an Energon wafer and greedily scarfing it down. Scourge consumed a few himself before speaking again.

“That could have gone better.� He lamented.

Ramjet just shrugged and ate another Energon wafer. “Wasn’t so bad. We only lost one guy.�

Scourge frowned, his metal whiskers drooping. “There was a time when we didn’t loose any guys. Just goes to illustrate how bad things are.�

“I hate to interrupt the post-battle debriefing, but why are we going to some galactic backwater twelve systems over?� the disembodied voice of Astrotrain asked.

“The Askerpon system has a Warp Gate. From there you should have enough fuel to reach Cybertron and one of our safehouses.� Scourge answered.

“Got it.� Astrotrain said and then moved his attention back to maintaining their position within Transwarp Space.

“Safehouses, siphoning Energon like empties, running from Autobots instead of wiping them out…hasn’t been this bad in a long time.� Ramjet said.

Scourge could only nod in agreement. He dispensed another Energon wafer and stared at the headless corpse that was their third passenger. Things were grim. But all that could change if he could just get some weapons and reinforcements. And one other thing…but freeing Galvatron was a far loftier goal then his little band was capable of accomplishing at the moment.

MASEFAU BEACH
TUTUILA, AMERICAN SAMOA
EARTH

Captain Marissa Faireborn crouched low behind the crumbling volcanic rock wall that ran along the tree line 150 yards from the target warehouses. She frowned at the fact that the starkness of her white Earth Defence Command uniform was only partially broken by the black tactical armored vest she had slipped on back on the boat. Had she and Mirage not been last-minute additions to the strike before it was scheduled to go in, she may have been able to scrounge herself more appropriate attire, but this would have to do. The soldiers behind her, however, were decked out in dark blue fatigues and black vests, the vibrant EDC or United Nations insignia hidden behind velcroed flaps.

The lone Autobot in the party, Mirage, didn’t have any camouflage issues. He was currently invisible, rendered so by his amazing electro-disruptor. As useful a talent as this was it did have its limitations, and three minutes of its six-minute effectiveness time had already elapsed.

Marissa peered cautiously over the edge of the wall towards the warehouses and the pair of trucks parked nearby. The canvas covers were drawn tight over their cargo beds so there was no telling what, or who was inside. Every few seconds a lone figure armed with an AK-47 would walk along the warehouse parameter, keeping lazy watch. Marissa was just about to contact Mirage when his voice came through her secured earpiece.

“Yeah, those are Cybertronian cargo cases alright.� Mirage said, his voice transmitting over the channel despite his physical body not issuing a sound. “Those weapons are right where your intel said they’d be. First warehouse, nine humans. Second is cold. Trucks are cold.�

The UN/EDC troops were also privy to the transmission and tensed, ready for the order. Marissa gripped her null-pistol a little tighter as she responded. “Roger that Mirage, we’re coming in.�

She tapped the unit commander, a man named Molyneux, on the shoulder twice and he flashed a series of hand signals to his men. The troopers silently slipped over the wall and began jogging for the warehouses, crouched low in the tall grass, only the occasional barely audible squeak of an attachment clip or buckle against a vest or webbing issuing any sound, sound that was swallowed up by the crash of the surf on the nearby beach.

They were about 30 yards from the closest warehouse when Mirage cursed over the tactical channel. “Slag, here comes the guard! Wait…I’ve got him.�

The grass in front of the warehouse wall seemed to bend and rustle all on its own. There was a muffled thump and the guard came flying into view from one side of the warehouse and then went sprawling into the underbrush, silent.

“Jesus Christ Mirage, did you…� hissed Marissa into the comm.

She could hear Mirage’s grin in his voice. “Negative. Just popped the wind out of him is all. He’ll live but he’ll know he was in a fight tomorrow.�

Marissa bit her bottom lip in annoyance but quickly shoved it out of her head as the squad reached the warehouse wall and spread out along the rusted and peeling siding. The twenty-four UN/EDC troopers passed hand signals back and forth and they all separated into groups, heading for doors and windows. Marissa noticed the grass bending now in the direction of the trucks and once again she heard Mirage in her ear.

“All set here. Ready when you guys are.�

There was a stretch of quiet moments while the soldiers made their final preparations. Then suddenly there was the crash of breaking doors and windows and frantic shouting echoed through the warehouse. Voices in English and French shouted the familiar law-enforcement phrases about dropping weapons and getting on the ground while other voices in Bahasa Indonesian and Arabic spat words that sounded like panicked curses and threats.

Marissa ran for the nearest door just as several automatic weapon rounds slammed into and through one of the warehouse walls followed by the sharp squealing return fire of stun rifles. By the time she came up behind a trio of troopers covering a door the shooting had stopped and the fight was over.

All nine of the men inside the warehouse were on the floor, most with their hands behind their heads, but a pair sprawled out on their backs, their shirtfronts smoking from stun-bolt impacts. A UN trooper was sitting down, propped up against one of the warehouse walls, the front of his vest pocked with bullets and a pair of gushing red holes punched through his uniform pant and into his leg. Another trooper was quickly breaking open a medkit while the unit commander called into his mouthpiece for extraction for the wounded man.

The rest of the troopers were now policing weapons and placing plastic cuffs on the wrists of the prisoners. One man continued to curse at the troopers in Arabic, none of which Marissa understood. She holstered her pistol as Mirage’s voice came over the radio again. “Coming in the door.�

The large rolling door at the end of the warehouse creaked and began to roll upwards and Mirage, now fully visible, stepped in and looked around. “Well, looks like we got them all clean.� He said with a grin.

The unit commander flipped up the visor on his helmet and spoke to Mirage in English with a heavy French accent. “The man outside?�

“Secure.� Mirage said.

Commander Molyneux motioned for two of his troops to go retrieve the last prisoner and then went back to looking after the wounded man. Marissa strode over to one of the twenty silver cases stacked against the far wall and lifted the lid on the closest.

Packed inside were several computerized boxes and circuit boards of obvious Cybertronian origin. Mirage stepped over and carefully removed a second case from the top of one stack and opened it as well.

“Yeah, bad news all around.� He tipped the case so Marissa could see inside. A trio of plasma warheads, the kind usually mounted on Cybertronian starship torpedoes. “No telling what the bad guys were planning to do with this stuff…it’s enough to arm a short-range cruiser.�

“Good thing we intercepted it then.� Marissa agreed. The black-market sale and transfer of Cyber-Tech had increased since the Autobot withdrawal announcement. Apparently the armament consumers of the world were nervous that the supply of advance weapons would be cut off soon, and were scrambling to secure as much as possible.

Mirage began unstacking and opening cases while Marissa went over to the unit’s commander who was tapping on a large PDA. He looked up as she approached and motioned at one of the prisoners with his chin.

“Henri Desmarais. Known weapons smuggler and black-marketer. The two guys over near the window,� he gestured, “are his men. The other seven are a mixed bag. Mostly Indonesian by the sound of them, probably members of Jemaah Islamiah. The one with the filthy mouth debasing us in Arabic could be from anywhere; good chance he’s Al-Qaeda.

“Sir,� Came the voice of from one of the troopers over the radio. “Could you send the Autobot back out here sir?�

“Why sergeant?� Molyneux asked.

“He hung the guard by his belt from the edge of the roof and we can’t reach him.�

Mirage continued to innocently line the crates he had been opening into neat rows, trying not to look at the commander. Marissa giggled briefly before waving the commander off. “Mirage, would you go help them?� she asked smiling.

“Sure, no problem.� Said the mech as he turned to exit. Just then the thump of helicopter blades began to echo against the warehouse walls and the troopers seemed to relax slightly. It seemed the extraction choppers had arrived. But a few seconds later they tensed up again as they realized the noise was way too loud for a pair of transport helicopters. In fact the powerful beats of a couple engines sounded like the sinister thump of attack helicopters.

The joint UN/EDC force glanced around nervously and began looking for cover in the shabby structure just as a quartet of spotlights began dancing around the grounds and vehicles outside, some probing into the warehouse and settling on the small knots of troopers. The grass outside started to flatten as a pair of hulking gray CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters touched down followed by a pair of AH-1W Super Cobra Helicopter gunships on each cargo chopper’s wing. The troopers could hear other attack choppers circling the area and they all now knew that another force was asserting its dominance, and hard.

The doors on the Super Stallions slid aside and several United States Marines spilled out and took up covering positions around the helicopters. Emerging next from the transport were a pair of Marine officers and a man in a crisp Army general’s uniform. The UN/EDC troopers relaxed only slightly as the Marines secured the landing zone and the officers strode forth. Commander Molyneux straightened and turned to face the trio. Marissa squinted into the lights then frowned deeply as she recognized the General approaching them.

The General stuck out his hand as he came to a stop in front of the group. “Commander Molyneux, I’m Major General Faireborn of the United States Army, attached to a special counter-terrorist joint task force by the National Security Agency. This is Brigadier General Garroway and Colonel Williams of the United States Marine Corps.�

Molyneux took his hand and shook it firmly as General Faireborn turned to Marissa.

“Hello Marissa.� He said genially.

“Hello Dad.� Marissa returned with an even but icy voice. Molyneux tried to ignore the uncomfortable exchange, but Mirage looked at the two with a hint of astonishment. General Faireborn seemed to take his daughter’s attitude in stride but was stopped short of further conversation with her by Molyneux.

“So why have you come General? Has the United States decided to let the United Nations do its dirty work and then swoop in and take the credit?� Molyneux said with an undercurrent of hostility in his voice.

“By no means.� General Faireborn answered. “We are simply here to take charge of the prisoners.�

The commander snorted. “I think not, General. This is an Earth Defense Command operation under the authority of the United Nations. Our forces took the risks and we will be the ones to handle any further questioning of prisoners and impounding of weapons.�

“You’re more then welcome to the weapons. The charter of the EDC clearly guarantees that, given their mission, but the terrorists come with us. In case you have forgotten, this is American Samoa, so our authority overrides yours.�

Molyneux was livid. “No General, Samoa is a sovereign state with its own government. A government that is in no way obliged to bow down before America’s wishes, we are acting here by their hospitality and did not bully our way in due to some archaic colonial alliance.�

General Garroway stepped forward and extended a sealed manila envelope stamped EYES ONLY towards Molyneux. “I’m afraid, Commander, that you’re mistaken. This is written approval from His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegoai, and Ambassador Ali'ioaga Feturi Elisaia for our task force to obtain, and retain custody of any foreign nationals captured on Samoan soil in accordance with our mission.�

Molyneux didn’t take the envelope; he just stared at General Faireborn accusingly. “I suppose these men will now just disappear into one of your American gulags. Guantanimo perhaps?�

Molyneux then visibly seethed when General Faireborn smiled, he actually smiled, at the suggestion! “Don’t be too hasty to knock our so-called gulags commander. The prisoners get better meals then I do and get to relax a hell of a lot more. Nice tropical location, free health services, all the Subway sandwiches I can eat, I’ve personally been considering joining Al-Qaeda just to win myself a nice cushy vacation there.�

“Insufferable fool!� Molyneux spat. “Very well, take them. However keep in mind that I will be transmitting a full report to the Security Council at the earliest opportunity.�

General Faireborn tipped his head. “I expect nothing less. Good day Commander.� He turned slightly to address the second Marine officer behind him. “Colonel Williams.�

“Aye sir!� the Colonel snapped as he turned and began issuing orders to his Marines to secure the prisoners and begin loading them onto the helicopters. General Faireborn then looked at his daughter.

“Marissa, would you walk with me for a moment.� He asked.

Marissa, who had been quiet during the exchange, simply nodded and stepped away from the angry UN/EDC Commander and followed her father out of the warehouse. The United Nations extraction helicopters were just touching down as the exited. Marines had secured the entire grounds, but the pair managed to wander far enough from any soldier that they could talk in private.

“What the hell are you doing here Dad?� Marissa hissed as soon as they were far enough.

“I was about to ask you the same thing.� The elder Faireborn said. “But I take it by your reaction that we indeed don’t have a security leak, you had no idea I’d be here. And I had no idea you were here, at least until we were airborne from the Saipan�, he said, referring to the helicopter assault ship steaming twenty-five miles offshore.

Marissa frowned “Why do I find that so hard to believe.�

“God’s honest truth Missy.� He said using her childhood nickname, which only served to further infuriate her.

“Dad!� she snarled “Look, okay, so you didn’t purposely follow me here, but that doesn’t change the crap you just pulled. I can’t believe this! The United States perpetrating a stunt like this to make a grab for more so-called terror suspects.�

General Faireborn’s kind expression dropped at her words. “Marissa. These are more then suspects. If our intelligence was correct I know what is in those crates back there.�

Marissa could only glare at him. “There are better ways Dad.�

“Look, I’ve been at this my whole adult life,� her father explained, “I know a thing or two about what needs to be done and I’d be the first one to sound the clarion call if we were doing anything wrong. But we’re not.�

“Believe what you want.� Marissa said turning away, “but it seems to me you didn’t need these draconian tactics until just recently.�

The General could only sigh. “Marissa, Cobra caused property damage and economic disruption that probably figures well into the trillions, the bean counters still can’t calculate a solid number,� he was silent for a long moment, “but Cobra never killed three thousand Americans in one day. They were minor-league compared to this. Terror Dromes and Weather Dominators seem silly compared to hijacked airliners filled with innocent people used as missiles.�

“Dad…� she whispered, “I just wish…�

“Yeah, I know.� Her replied, “But we both made our choices long ago. I’m not happy with the choice you made and you’re not happy with the choices I continue to make. Until we can both get past that, things are going to remain…�

“Awkward.� Marissa supplied.

“Yeah.� General Fairborne agreed, now looking back at the warehouses and the Autobot gingerly removing a man hanging from the exterior of the near building. “So you and the Transformer were called in suddenly?�

“Yes.� Marissa affirmed. “The nature of the weapons wasn’t solidified until yesterday. The EDC wanted an Autobot in on the raid to handle any Cyber-Tech we might encounter. Mirage’s espionage skills were perfectly suited and as the de-facto liaison between the EDC and the Autobots I was added as well.�

The General nodded and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Despite our differences I’m proud of you Marissa. You may not have chosen the right team, but you chose the right side.�

Marissa took the backhanded compliment for face value and nodded. Her father looked her solid in the eye for another moment then gave her shoulder a quick squeeze before heading back to the helicopters. A few seconds later Marissa began walking back towards the warehouses where she met with Mirage.

“Your dad huh? Why don’t you two get along?� he asked…then, remembering the complicated intricacies of human emotions hastily added, “If you don’t mind me asking of course.�

“It’s okay Mirage.� She said as she watched the Marine gunships circling overhead. “My father wasn’t around much while I was growing up, spent most of his time chasing a madman with a bag on his head around the world. After that, when I was a teenager he started pushing pretty heavily for me to enter into some sort of military service. After some schooling and training I joined the EDC, which did not please him. He wanted me helping to protect his little corner of the world specifically and not the whole thing.�

Mirage, not the most dedicated Autobot, but still loyal to the core, nodded his head in understanding. “I think I see what you mean. That must be hard, him being one of the primary contributors to your genetic structure and all.�

Marissa could only smile at the Transformers’ continued bafflement by human actions and the odd ways they chose to describe those complex interactions. “That it is.� She said. “Now Come on Mirage. Let’s get those weapons secured and logged in.�

From : Dr. Terrence Staley
Reply-To : tstaley@ princeton.edu
Sent : Sunday, December 2, 2007 9:20 PM
To : Dr. Janet Monge
Subject : Fragment

Attachment: fragment01.jpg, fragment02.jpg, fragment03.jpg, fragment04.jpg

Dr. Monge,

Attached to this email you will find the images of the fragment I described to you earlier on the satellite phone.

Our party has been examining the fragment feverishly since we uncovered it and we are no closer to determining its true origin now then we were three days ago. Further examination of the layer it was found in could uncover no evidence of geological disturbance or any other sort of artificial implantation. For all intents and purposes it truly does seem as if it has been resting in that soil layer since the late Pliocene. Only further testing and carbon dating in a dedicated laboratory will give us a true measure of its age.

Again, while we lack the proper tools to execute a thorough metallurgical analysis of the object, it does appear to contain trace amounts of gold in its structure. Whether this is a naturally occurring effect given the inherent mineral composition of the soil here in the Rift Valley is unknown.

Examination of the fragment under our best microscopes on site reveals that this can only be a manufactured item, however whatever machining process that we assumed was used to create the piece is obviously not of an unknown level of technical sophistication, and could be readily duplicated with the minimal of equipment.

We have not as of yet notified the Kenyan Ministry of Antiquity and Archeology as to this find, but will do so after we have been afforded the opportunity to examine the object for a few more days. Rest assured we will abide by all antiquities treaties and laws and the object will not be removed from the country without the proper permissions.

As you can tell, we are baffled. While this has certainly sidetracked our expedition for remains of A. afarensis we will return to the main purpose of our dig here once our obvious curiosity for this mystery has run its course.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this discovery.

Sincerley,
Dr. Terrence Staley PhD.