President Frank Welker, Peter Cullen. That's funny.

Keep it coming, good job.

Chapter 20 – No Matter The Cost

 

As the Optimus Prime stands outside the Ark many hours later, he gazes out into the night sky and views all the stars as they shimmer and glisten in the vast darkness of space. Bumblebee suddenly reappears from his long walk alone, and as he returns to the Ark he notices the large robot staring at the heavens above. He curiously walks over to Prime and looks up at the sky just as he does, with out even noticing the small yellow robot beside him, the Autobot leader lets out a sigh and a prayer.

 

“For all things worth life and death…let them still be alive and on a world that remains to us as our home.�

 

“What was that Optimus?� Bumblebee says to him.

 

Prime flinches slightly as he was unaware that the small yellow mini bot had stepped up beside him.

 

“Oh…Bumblebee. Nothing. I was just thinking aloud. Actually…that’s not true, I was just hoping that Cybertron still exists and that those that were left behind are still alive and safe.�

 

Bumblebee sighs.

 

“Yeah…I do that sometimes too. You know Optimus, being here has really changed me…not so much with the terrible things I saw…but rather being with Spike, Carly and Sparkplug. Out of all the humans that have been trying to use us non-stop those three really have gone out of their way to be our friends and treat us as one of them. It makes me feel so angry that everything that we try to do for them always ends up hurting their kind. I feel so out of place on this planet that I don’t know if we’ll ever be accepted by all of them.�

 

Prime continues to look down at the small low ranking Autobot and agrees.

 

“Indeed. Since the day we were reawakened our troubles have seemingly blended into this world’s as well. These humans will study our every action, in the past and from this moment on…if we’re not careful, we could be jeopardizing our very relationship with them. Which is why I’ve come to a decision, one I knew I’d have to make some day, I just didn’t think this would be the place it would happen.�

 

Bumblebee looks up at him with curious eyes.

 

“What? What decision?�

 

Prime lets out a large sigh and looks at the stars one last time. Without even looking back down at the little yellow robot, he gives him an order.

 

“Call everyone to assemble Bumblebee…I want a line up and a role call of all Autobots out here.�

 

The mini transformer nods slightly and begins walking into the Ark. As Prime lowers his head deep in thought, Ratchet drives up the side of the mountain and comes to a stop near him. Both Spike and Carly step out of his Ambulance doors and look at Optimus Prime.

 

“Well, we’re back Prime. We told the local hospital what happened and they’re taking care of him now.�

 

“What do their doctors say Spike? Will he be alright?� Prime inquires.

 

“They say if Ratchet hadn’t operated when he did…well…he might not have made it.�

 

The giant leader turns front ward to face them and looks down at them all. Ratchet quickly transforms into his robot mode and folds his arms together.

 

“It took some time to explain about how I managed to do it so quick, but they seemed very impressed with my knowledge and skill. Even if I did kind of scare them a bit as I transformed before their eyes. While Spike and Carly took Sparkplug in, I managed to help a few other medical emergencies…naturally they had to bring them out to me since I couldn’t go inside…�

 

Prime places his hand on Ratchet’s shoulder and looks at him proudly as he interrupts the chattering medical robot.

 

“You did that? That was very thoughtful of you Ratchet, these humans need to know we’re not here to conquer or even destroy them all. If there is one thing I want this world…these people to understand…it is the Autobots who come in peace and we are in no way like our destructive kin the Decepticons.�

 

“It will take a lot more then that to convince them Optimus.� Ratchet says with some hesitation. “With every attack the Decepticons make on them, the more they seem generally afraid of us all, despite our help every now and then.�

 

Prime’s bright glowing blue eyes flash as Ratchet points that out to him.

 

“That’s why this war has got to end…and end it will.�

 

The entire Autobot group now comes running out of the ship and begin to line up single file. Each Autobot looks at the humans and Prime as they join together and nod at all of them as they go rushing by. As Prime gazes at Ratchet, the medical robot quickly catches on and joins the others in the line up. Carly and Spike look at the various robots creating a formation that are now all standing at attention.

 

“What…what’s going on?� Carly says curiously.

 

Prime walks over to the robot soldiers and stands at a point where they call all see him clearly. Spike watches the meeting with great confusion, but as he looks over at Bumblebee, he notices the small robot is trying not to look in his direction.

 

“Soliders! Comrades! My Autobot Brothers….�, Prime announces to them all in a proud voice. “Megatron and the Decepticons have no doubt repaired themselves by now and are ready to blast off at any given moment. Telatran One confirmed the fact that their ship is ready and set to launch at any time.�

 

A great buzz among the group began to slowly rise; all whispered to each other about the announcement and seemed generally worried. As the looked at one another and chatted, Optimus began to speak again and as he did, they all quieted down and listened.

 

“There can be no more mistakes this time my friends. We set out on a mission to liberate Cybertron and return home with enough power to end the tyranny of Megatron’s rule. Our mission almost failed had it not been for some brave souls that reawakened us to finish what we started.�

 

Carly and Spike both felt honored to be praised by the leader as he spoke, and as they were mentioned in reference, the Autobots all nodded to them and smiled. Bumblebee lowered his head in shame and again avoided eye contact with Spike. Once again, Prime continued his speech to the Autobot soldiers.

 

“Earth has become as dear to us as Cyberton, for it is here that our friends have made many a sacrifice for all of us…some gave their very lives to stop our greatest enemy. I will not let them die for nothing, their determination, strength and friendship have shown us that they are also willing to do whatever it takes to end evil…no matter what form it comes in. Which is why I believe we must strive to do the same. We brought this curse to these fragile beings; we are responsible for their lives and their world just as much as ours. If Cybertron is gone, and our Autobot brethren are no longer…then let us make the final stand here once and for all.�

 

As the leader begins to pace up and down the line of robots standing at attention, he gazes on each face as he passes; all of them seem to be showing a proud look as they listen to his every word.

 

“Megatron must not be allowed to leave this planet alive. His wave of chaos would be damaging to not only this planet, but other star systems he would surely try to dominate as well. I know I am asking a lot of many of you, to give your very life if need be to stop the Decepticons, but I ask you not to do this for me, nor for Cybertron, Earth or even each other…but for the sake of the galaxy and all life where ever it may be found. As our dear liberator and greatest leader once spoke, ‘Let justice and freedom always be protected and do whatever it takes to stop the darkness that spreads beyond. Always value honor and life and let nothing destroy it…no matter the cost.’�

 

Stopping at Bumblebee at the very end, the leader stares down at him and put both his hands on his shoulders, giving him a small nudge as he says his final thought.

 

“We should do whatever it takes…and not let evil men get away with such evil.�

 

Bumblebee un-slouched himself and looked at the massive leader with pride. A quick nod from Optimus gave him a notion that he was glad to see he understood his words and soon Prime walked back to where he was originally standing and looked at all of them again.

 

“I say it’s time to give Megatron and his unwelcome bunch a big goodbye. Not just for now, not just for tomorrow…but for all time! Who’s with me?�, he shouts at them.

 

The entire group steps forward in unison, the sound of their feet tromping the ground makes Carly and Spike shiver with awe as the Autobots show the greatest act of loyalty they’ve ever witnessed. Jazz steps out from the group, salutes the leader and raises his voice.

 

“Autobots! Sound off!�

 

Each Autobot gives his name and salutes.

 

“Hound, ready.�

 

“Sunstreaker, ready.�

 

“Cliffjumper, ready to kick some Decepticon ass!�

 

“Ironhide, ready…and so are my fists.�

 

“Prowl, ready.�

 

“Bluestreak, ready. Just try and stop me.�

 

“Mirage, ready.�

 

“Gears, ready. I may be old…but I’ve still got some fight in me yet.�

 

“Smokescreen, ready.�

 

“Trailbreaker, ready.�

 

“Windcharger, ready.�

 

“Brawn, you bet your sweet behind I’m ready.�

 

“Sideswipe, ready.�

 

“Silversteak, ready and pumped!�

 

“Huffer, ready. Just give the word Prime.�

 

“Wheeljack, ready.�

 

“Ratchet, ready.�

 

“Bumblebee…er…oh, ready. I guess.�

 

Jazz salutes the leader again and shouts out like a drill sergeant to a superior officer.

 

“Jazz, ready for battle Prime! We await your orders, sir!�

 

Prime clenches his fist and raises it half way.

 

“By Primus…we’ll make them all wish they were never assembled. Autobots…Transform!�

 

The entire group transforms in unison at his command, each one converts into their car mode like bunch of dominos falling one after the other. As Spike runs over to Bumblebee before he transforms, he looks at him and holds his hand.

 

“Spike…I…I…� the yellow Autobot says trying not to look at his face.

 

“I’m not mad at you anymore Bumblebee. I know now you were only trying to protect him, I still think of you as my best friend and wanted you to know…if I could still be yours.�

 

Bumblebee smiled at him, he took his hand and shook it with great care.

 

“I’ll always be your friend Spike. Just so long as you forgive me for what I’ve done…tell Sparkplug…I’m sorry.�

 

Spike chuckles and can see the spark of friendship between them coming back.

 

“You don’t have to say it buddy. He knows…he just wants you to do him a favor, go clean their clocks. And give them hell for me too.�

 

Bumblebee giggles and lets go of his hand. Transforming into his Volkswagen yellow beetle mode, he opens both his doors and shouts at both him and Carly standing not too far off.

 

“Get in guys, I’ll drop you off before we get to the Decepticons and you can watch the fight at a safe location.�

 

Spike smiles and signals Carly to join him.

 

“Now you’re talking! Come on Carly, let’s cheer them on!�

 

Carly runs over and gets into the drivers side. Spike hops into the other seat at looks at her with shock as she steals the spot wanted to be in.

 

“Sorry Spike, but I’ve seen you drive. Trust me…I’ve got better handling of the wheel.�

 

Bumblebee laughs.

 

“Ooooh you just got burned. Bzzzzzt!�

 

“I think I should have left you on the road thumbing for a ride.� Spike says back to her sarcastically.

 

She winks at him and both share a laugh as Bumblebee closes his doors. Optimus Prime looks out at all the Autobots revving their engines and ready to drive out. Such a sight makes him proud of them all and he quickly transforms into his tractor-trailer mode. All turn on their headlights and await his command.

 

“Till all are one!� Prime shouts in his cab mode.

 

“Till all are one!� They all respond back to him.

 

The red and grey rig pulls out past them and begins to drive down the mountainside road.

 

“Autobots! Roll out!!�

 

The entire fleet of cars moves with him and drive down together at high speed. As the group of Autobots rush down though the dirt road and on to the paved highway beyond the area, Optimus Prime once again gives an order that they can all hear.

 

“Trans-boosters online! Activate scanners!�

 

Jazz speaks up and gives the command they all want to hear.

 

“HIT IT!�

 

With one massive green flash, the whole driving fleet warps down the road and nothing is left but smoke, burned tire marks on the asphalt and a massive scoop of wind that sends wild brush flying down the road.

 

••••••••••••••••••

 

Snoring away in his large empty room, Doctor Archeville is soundly asleep as he still clutches his rather tattered photo of his days as a Nazi officer. On his table sits a nearly empty bottle of whiskey and a glass that sits on it side. The man has been drinking the night away thinking of his old life and trying to blur away those memories with liquor. The man is totally unaware of the hour, as the constant sound of the female computer voice tries to ask him if Agent West can enter the room. The Doctor’s sound sleep is disturbed once the voice is accompanied by the thumping of someone’s fist upon the door. The banging echoes in the room and forces Archeville to awaken in a most foul mood.

 

“Alright…� he says as he start to stir at the growing noise. “I said ALRIGHT!! Computer open the door, over ride procedure 117 and just let them in already!�

 

The door swings open and West rushes into the room in total panic. His out of breath gasps suggests he’s been running for some time and that he’s in a hurry to tell the Doctor something.

 

“Doctor Archeville! It’s…it’s….�

 

The old man wipes his face with his hand as he tries to sober up.

 

“Oh for Pete sakes! Just spit it out already!�

 

“Sir! The Autobots have left the Ark and are on their way to launch a major attack on the Decepticons!�

 

Archeville quickly rises to his feet in shock and drops the photo on the floor beside him.

 

“WHAT! My god…what time is it? Sweet Jesus, why didn’t you wake me earlier? It’s nearly dawn!�

 

Calculating the distance and time it would take the Autobots to reach the destination, Archeville’s eyes become a flutter as he works it all out.

 

“They’ll be there in a few minutes…and the Decepticons will blast off the moment they spot them. We have no time to waste anymore…I want that technology and I want it at all costs Commander West!�

 

The agent nods agreeingly to the raving old man as he helps him try to stand up, Archeville seems wobbly as he tries to compose himself and smacks the agent’s hands for even helping him.

 

“Get off of me! I’m fine…I SAID I’M FINE!! Damn my stupidity for slacking off in a crucial time…�

 

Archeville tries to fix his hair, or what little he has left on the sides, and quickly runs out the door with the Agent.

 

“Sorry sir, but I was trying to get you to open up the door for nearly ten minutes!�

 

“That’s no bloody excuse…come on lets fire up the weapon and set the base on alert one!�

 

As the door shuts behind them, all that is left in the room is a desk with spilt liquor on it and a picture of the young Nazi Archeville on the floor. The picture is being slowly destroyed by the dripping alcohol as it taps down off of the table, the image becoming soaked and absorbing the continued drips hitting it each time.

 

End of Chapter Twenty

Chapter 21 – One Shall Stand And One Shall Fall

 

As the Decepticons continued to finish loading up the ship with energon, Megatron walks all around the vessel for one last personal inspection. Each Decepticon soldier picks up as many cubes as they can, walk over to the duel lift that awaits them and step on to the platform that quickly elevates them to the top. Once there, they step off and into the open doorway that leads in. Since many Cybertronians have magnetic pads attached to their feet, they can walk on any metallic surface that does not lay vertical. This allows them to move about a ship sitting upright freely and with out having to have the vessel laying flat on the ground. To them, this simple way of moving is nothing, more than any human walking on stairs or even just walking centrally inside a spinning cylinder. This sort of technology has been with them as long as their shrinking technology or any other technology they use on a regular basis, an advanced way of living for them and the means to do their jobs more efficiently. The Decepticons load the storage bay down inside the ship and return outside to bring in more.

 

Megatron watches the men proudly as they perform their duties, circling the ship one last time the evil leader is approached by Soundwave, the robot raises his right arm up to his chest as a form of salute.

 

“Energon storage now complete Megatron. Ship is prepared for immediate launch.�

 

“Very Good, Soundwave.� The leader smiles.

 

Starscream steps off the lift as he finishes loading the ship and steps up to Megatron.

 

“That was the last load Megatron, perhaps now we can finally leave this dull planet?�

 

The silver polished leader snickers at Starscream’s impatience, like a bored child, the jet commander seemed overly ready to leave.

 

“And here I thought you wanted to stay and study the humans some more Starscream.� Megatron says with sarcasm. “But if you are in a rush…then yes…time to say farewell to Earth and it’s primitive culture. Inform the men…at once!�

 

Starscream gives the same arm salute as Soundwave did moments ago. Rushing to the platform where the Decepticons had gathered after loading, Starscream points to the ship and gives the command.

 

“Decepticons we are to board the ship! We’re going home!�

 

The evil horde of robots all cheer at the news, as they continue to celebrate, they all gather on to the huge lift that can carry them all up and start to move towards the top. Soundwave and Megatron stay below until the lift can return to the ground for their use.

 

“What of the Autobots? Will we leave them here alive?� Soundwave asks the leader in his monotone humming voice.

 

“Yes…for now.� The leader says with a serious look. “Let Optimus and his band of rebels enjoy the short lived feeling of freedom. For once we return to Cybertron, refuel our soldiers and destroy any remaining Autobot faction there…we’ll return to this planet and finish them off properly. More mercy then they deserve…�

 

Soundwave looks up and sees the elevator returning to them. The Decepticons now inside the ship, it now becomes their turn to head up as well. As it finally reaches them, Megatron and Soundwave step on to it and slowly ascend upward. Megatron smirks with great evil as he thinks of all the things he’s going to do once he reaches his home world again.

 

“So close Soundwave…I can almost feel our destiny at hand, Cybertron, the galaxy and the universe at large under our empire…�

 

As the roar of the ship engines begin to sound below, Megatron chuckles and finishes his thought.

 

“So close…to total conquest.�

 

Soundwave starts to laugh with the leader as his giggling becomes infectious. But suddenly, the blue and sliver robot stops immediately and looks out at the horizon. Like a rabbit sensing danger near by, the robot perks up and focuses his attention towards it.

 

“Megatron! I am detecting a large energy signature heading our way!�

 

“Eh?�, the leader says as he too stops laughing. “What now? More humans….�

 

“Negative!� Soundwave says shaking his head. “The energy reading is that of the Autobots!�

 

“No…�, the leader gasps. “How many? How many of them Soundwave?!!�

 

“All of them!� The single eyed robot says in a shocked breath.

 

No sooner had he said that, than out of the barren wasteland came a large streak of green light and all of the Autobots rushing in with their car modes. As the dusky sky began to reveal the beaming light of the new day sun, the entire line up transformed together and took out their weapons ready for battle. Megatron’s surprised look was enough to make Optimus Prime give the command so many want to hear the moment they changed modes.

 

“Autobots! Let them have it!!�

 

Running in as they fired their weapons at the ship, the Autobots screamed as they charged, the laser fire was so intense that even Megatron needed to shield himself from the streaking blaze.

 

“Gaaah!! We can’t have them destroying the ship!�

 

Opening a small panel on his silvery arm, Megatron talked into the built in microphone attached to it, his booming voice echoed to all of his warriors inside as they could hear his words.

 

“Decepticons! We’re under attack! Scramble! Scramble! SCRAMBLE!!�

 

Pouring out like a flock of birds, the Decepticons quickly came out of the vessel and opened fire on the Autobot shooters. Each one on both sides took up protective shelter as they continued to pummel one another with gunfire. Optimus Prime looked up and saw Megatron firing down at his location with his side arm cannon. Prime’s trailer appeared out of its temporal fold and quickly transformed into its battle platform mode. The large gun turret and a robotic multi-armed crane with missiles attached, targets the evil leader.

 

“FIRE!� Prime shouts as he commands the trailer platform.

 

The gun turret shoots rapidly at Megatron and the missiles quickly speed over to strike the silver commander. The impact is so swift it catches him off guard and causes him to fall to the ground in a fiery ball. As Prime prepares another strike at the Decepticon leader, Megatron rises up after his fall. With the flames dying out on him and his metal body steaming as it cools, the evil leader whips his black arm cannon out at the trailer and sends out a massive blast in it’s direction. While Optimus Prime still motions to fire at Megatron, the evil leader’s blast manages to destroy the trailer’s gun turreted multi-armed crane. The explosion shatters it to pieces causing Optimus to fall from the massive shock wave it gives.

 

“Fool Prime! You’ll have to do better then that!�

 

“I’ve only just begun, Megatron!� The Autobot leader says, as he stands up undamaged.

 

Opening up his side leg compartment, Prime’s large black gun pops out and instantly comes into his hand, a scenario that almost resembles a gunslinger from an old west movie. Megatron quickly dodges the Autobot leader’s fast trigger shots as he points the weapon at him, diving for cover behind one of the massive concrete struts holding the ship, Megatron fires back with out looking. Optimus blasts the dirt floor in front of him, creating a massive pile of rock and sand large enough to shield him from Megatron’s returning shots. As the two hold themselves up under their separate protections, they shout out at one another over the sound of the lasers ringing through the air.

 

“This is madness Prime! What do you hope to accomplish by this? You seriously think you’ll survive this slaughter?�

 

“No Megatron…I don’t. But I know, neither will you…I’m make sure of it…personally!�

 

The Decepticon leader squints his eyes as he hears Prime sound more determined then ever to finish him off. Something he has not heard in the Autobot leader’s voice since the dawn of the Fourth War, back then, he was full of hope and even had the arrogance to continually challenge him on daily basis. As the war raged on, Prime would become more careful in his methods, no longer as brash and bold as he was before, Megatron felt he was finally wearing him down. But after hearing his voice today, it became very clear to him that Optimus wasn’t going to stop until one or all of them were dead.

 

“You can try Optimus, but you will never…NEVER…beat me!� The leader screams out as he fires his arm cannon at him.

 

As the battle rages near the ship, the other Autobots scatter and create rocky dirt trenches for themselves as Prime has done. The Decepticons use any form of shelter they can to fight on the ground, the cement struts near the ship, left over materials from the construction, even using the lower half of the ship to protect themselves. Bumblebee, Brawn and Gears all manage to share one of their makeshift trenches and take turns firing at the enemy.

 

“Cozy little shack you’ve got here Gears…mind if we bunk?� Brawn says laughingly.

 

“Come on in fellas, the only thing this thing is missing is quiet neighbors.� Gears jokes back in his aged voice.

 

Bumblebee groans at the two sharing terrible banter to one another.

 

“Ah put a cork in it you two…we’ve got Decepticons to kill!�

 

“Look who thinks he’s grown up?� Brawn laughs as he stands up to shoot.

 

Gears leans back down and reloads his weapon with another energon power pack.

 

“That’s the youth of today…no respect for elders or for their sense of humor.�

 

The little yellow Autobot darts up and down as he shoots and hides from the return fire.

 

“I got your humor…I just think you need more practice at it.�

 

Over in another dirt mound, both Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are poised over the heap of it firing their weapons at Starscream and Soundwave.

 

“HAHA! This is the life huh, Sunstreaker? Boy, Kup would really love to be in this battle I’ll bet.� Sideswipe says with youthful enthusiasm.

 

“Speak for yourself bro.� Sunstreaker says back at him. “I would rather be somewhere else living the high life.�

 

Both Autobots quickly duck as the return fire forces them to hide downwards.

 

“Well it doesn’t get much higher then this…� The sleek red and black colored robot says in a cheerful smirk.

 

“What do you mean higher?� Sunstreaker looks at him questioningly. “We’re chompin’ on the dirt!�

 

Starscream and Soundwave continue to fire away at every Autobot they can, the air commander uses both his null rays to blast the invading force and Soundwave uses his blue and sliver tipped laser weapon with equal strength.

 

“We’re being overrun! Megatron has enraged them into madness!!� The jet commander panics in his irritating whiny voice. “Soundwave! We need reinforcements, NOW!!�

 

The newly appointed second in command nods at the suggestion, he presses his top chest button and his chest plate pops open as he ejects the other minions.

 

“Ravage! Laserbeak! Eject and attack!�

 

Shooting out of his data disk compartment, both Ravage and Laserbeak transform into their animal robot modes. Ravage sprints across the ground and launches his two sliver side missile launchers attached to his back hips. Laserbeak soars high above in the sky and dives down for a quick scatter shot at the warring Autobots. Windcharger looks up at the swooping robotic bird and uses his anti-gravity power to leap onto it’s back. The bird is slightly smaller then Windcharger, but Laserbeak is powerful enough to continue to fly around with him on it. The red-grey Autobot pulls on the creature’s wings and causes the bird to tumble.

 

“Time to clip your wings Laserbeak…� Windcharger grunts as he pulls. “Cause this is a no fly zone!�

 

As Laserbeak shrieks in pain, Windcharger once again uses his anti-gravity to leap off the bird just as it smashes into the ground, with a double flip and landing on his feet, Windcharger manages to avoid harm.

 

“Sweet dreams bird brain.� He calmly spouts off like the one liner of an action movie star.

 

Laserbeak tries to climb out of the smoldering crater it made as it crashed, flapping it’s metal wings and limping like a wounded animal, the Decepticon spy has become the first casualty on the Decepticon side.

 

Far away from the heated battle, both Carly and Spike watch the valiant Autobots on the top of a near by plateau. Bumblebee dropped them off there earlier and managed to catch up with the others as they raced in to fight. The plateau is a few miles away from the site, but thanks to Spike and his handy pocket fold up binoculars; he could keep an eye on how the war was progressing. Holding the small black binocular in his hand, he zoomed in with the focus to watch the bot’s duke it out. Carly looking very worried beside him, simply kept her own eyes focused on the never-ending scene of laser fire that lit up the sky. Nervously she fiddled with her hair and tapped her other hand on her side as she waited for the outcome.

 

“My god…� Spike utters in awe. “It’s like watching a science fiction epic!�

 

“Please Spike, those are our friends down there.� She says with worry. “Don’t cheapen this by making it sound as if it’s nothing more then an amusement.�

 

Spike lowers his binoculars and looks at her.

 

“Sorry Carly. I don’t mean to sound as if I’m not attached to them. But it is an impressive sight to say the least, I’m worried about them all as well and hope that Optimus can finally rid himself of Megatron for good.�

 

Carly grabs the black colored binoculars out of his hands and takes a look for herself, though the lenses she can see the various Autobots and Decepticons shooting at one another and trying to better position themselves by moving about.

 

“So far it’s going good…oh be careful guys.�

 

Spike comforts her by placing his arm around her shoulder; he looks out to the blazing lights and also gives a sigh.

 

“Yeah, be careful. For all our sakes.�

 

Carly soon rests her head on Spike’s shoulder and suddenly looks up at him as he gazes down at her. Neither one knew why, but for that split second there seemed to be something between them. Eyes locking on to each other seemed to awaken a passing feeling or even a moment of clarity. Spike and Carly both realize what they’re doing and began to shy away from one another as if they were embarrassed by the action. Spike nervously snickers a bit and gulps as he recoils from her.

 

“Uhm…sorry…�

 

Carly fiddles with the binoculars and almost blushes as she retracts herself as well.

 

“No. I mean…thank you…I…I mean I was just…my head was tired.�

 

“Oh…me too. Not my head I mean…my arm…it needed to…uh…so…so how’s the battle going?� He says trying to shake off the awkward moment.

 

Carly flutters her eyes as she tries to also come back to her senses.

 

“Oh...uh…like I said…they’re doing…uh…good. Battle is going fine…I guess.�

 

As the two continued to nervously chuckle, three news vans pulled up towards them and camera crews bolted out of the doors as they slid open. The plateau had a small road that led up to where they were standing; it was the very road Bumblebee used to drop them off before he rejoined the Autobots. As the various sized vans pulled up and newsmen came running over, Spike and Carly began shout at them all.

 

“Hey how’d you guys get here?!� Spike demanded to know. “I thought the military had those roads blocked!�

 

“You shouldn’t be up here!� Carly now ordered. “This is a dangerous place right now!�

 

The one newsman putting on his brown blazer screamed back at them both.

 

“Freedom of the press lady! Besides, those military morons left long ago…about time too, we’ve got to show the world what those monsters are doing to our planet!�

 

Spike frowned at the Caucasian man trying to fix his appearance and getting ready to go on camera.

 

“They’re not all monsters! There’s a group down there trying to save us all from extinction!�

 

“Please kid.� The man scoffed at him. “I’ve seen what these guys are like in action. I should know…I was there at Sherman Dam in the helicopter they nearly crashed!�

 

Carly pointed her finger at the man in anger.

 

“Well who do you think saved your ass when you nearly bought it, pal?! The Autobots that’s who…but your so wrapped up in getting the story you couldn’t give a crap!�

 

The man stepped out in front as the cameraman pointed the lens at him.

 

“That’s right babe. This is the story of a lifetime and I’m not going to let them leave this planet without winning me the award for best news coverage. I’m destined for bigger things thanks to them. So shut up and let me do my job! Phil…PHIL! You got that thing ready or what?�

 

The other Caucasian man holding the video camera gives him a thumb up and shouts at him.

 

“Your on live right now Jerry!�

 

Now looking calm at the man filming him, the newsman is seen with the fighting going on behind him and tells the audience of what’s happening.

 

“This is Jerry McLane of Action 7 news. I’m here live at the site of what must be the most impressive battle happening at this very moment. Not long ago these creatures were creating havoc on various fuel and energy plants around the country, now they’re here fighting amongst themselves in what must be a major power struggle. We’ve confirmed the fact that they are in fact not of this world, attempts where made to study the original ship the government was trying to hide, but for some reason we were unable to enter the area.�

 

Spike looks at Carly as he hears that fact and she smiles back with pride at him.

 

“That’s Telatran One…Prowl gave it instructions to erect a force field around the area with the help of some of Trailbreaker’s shield generators. All part of his new security protocols.�

 

Spike shakes his head in and snickers.

 

“My man Prowl. Looks likes trying to keep everything secure now that the army isn’t around.�

 

Turning back to hear the newsman, both listen to his attempt to describe to the viewers what is taking place. The camera shows a shaky close up view of the battle happening around the ship, the Autobots and Decepticons now using missiles at one another causing massive shockwaves. Every blast seems to quake the ground the newsmen are standing on and almost lose they balance.

 

“As you can see ladies and gentlemen, the war is heating up between them and the dangers out here are high. This is the most intense conflict I’ve ever been a part of folks…not even the wars of our generation come close to this level of brutal raw devastation. I think that who ever wins, we’ll be the ones to pay the price afterwards. This may be the beginning of a full blown invasion of Earth and the end of civilization as we know it.�

 

Spike’s eyes harden at the man as he spouts that hysterical nonsense to the viewing public, even Carly’s mouth dropped at such an absurd observation, the man is clearly in the wrong and is bound to cause panic to the world as it watches.

 

“Hey!� Spike yells at him.

 

The man doesn’t pay attention to Spike and continues on about what he feels is going to happen.

 

“With our military unable to stop these creatures and weapons as useless as toys, we might be on the verge of being taken over and slaves to their almighty will. I implore the nations to stand up! Stand up and nuke these bastards before we’re all destroyed ourselves!�

 

Spike heard enough of the man’s stupidity and started to charge over angrily. Carly tries to stop him, but soon lets him pass as he gazes down at her. She knew what he wanted to do and let him go without question. Storming over to the newsman as he continues to spread his word of panic, Spike yanks the microphone out of his hand and pushes him aside.

 

“That’s enough! I won’t let you continue this crap anymore! The Autobots are good guys…get it? They’re here to save us from the Decepticons!�

 

The man rushes back in and tries to take the microphone out of Spike’s hands.

 

“Give me that you little twit! This is big news…I’ve got to tell the people the truth…you’re nothing but a government plant trying to spin it your way! Uhhhnngggh…the people have a right to know!!�

 

Spike clenches his fist and pounds the man in the face. Falling to the ground out cold on his back, the newsman lets out a sigh as he fades out. Spike faces the camera with his eyes looking dead serious. The cameraman filming the whole thing lets out a big toothy grin and nods slightly.

 

“Right on man! I was just waiting for someone to do that!�

 

Spike lifts the microphone up and speaks.

 

“People of Earth! The battle you see behind me is not the end of the world, but a battle to protect our freedom and the freedom of the whole galaxy! These aliens have been in a long bloody war that unfortunately came to our planet by mistake…but please believe me when I say that not all of them are evil. The Autobots are here to protect us all from this deadly enemy and only want to live in peace themselves. What they’re doing down there is what any of us would do if freedom and liberty was threatened…they’re giving their lives to protect ours, soldiers of an alien race trying to preserve a human species they’ve only just encountered. Don’t give in to hate, don’t let yourselves be fooled by what others may say about them…I’ve seen what they do, I’ve been with them every step of the way…these are good beings and they only want to be our friends.�

 

Carly now steps in to the camera view and takes the microphone.

 

“The evil robot beings called the Decepticons are the ones doing all the damage. Unlike the Autobots they only live for chaos and destruction. But much like our world, there are those that stand up against this sort of evil and try to bring back peace and harmony. They’re doing this for us…and for every living sole in the universe. Don’t judge them for how they look, or what others might try to tell you about them…these are our friends.�

 

Throughout the world, on every television set in shops, towns, homes and screens able to see this broadcast, men and women of every age and color watch Spike and Carly as they tell the world of the real truth. In the hospital where Sparkplug lays, he too watches his son on TV as he recoups in a room lying on a bed. The small television on the wall above shines down to him as he proudly stares at his son with a smile. As the camera now zooms back onto Spike’s face, he stares directly into the lens and gives his final statement.

 

“A brave man once said to me…’Evil men should not be allowed to get away with such evil’. I’m here to say that no words were ever more true in the history of our kind. Life is worth protecting…no matter the cost.�

 

Sparkplug stared at his son as the young man lowered his microphone and proudly stood there with his face still staring at the screen. The father almost let his tears fall as he heard his son speak so boldly and nodded happily.

 

“That’s my boy…that’s my boy.�

 

Inside the base of Area 51, Archeville was also watching the portable TV near by him and looked at Spike’s face with disgust.

 

“Oh please…I’m going to be sick.�

 

As he steps away from the television, we now see the room he is in, a fully automated control center with a command chair placed in the middle for him. At the controls are several men and women of different colors and nationalities; they all fiddle with various buttons, knobs and tap on the keyboards placed in front of them all. As Archeville sits down he lets out a sigh and looks over at his right hand man, Agent West.

 

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this world, its that the only truth is pure might! Evil has nothing to do with it at all.�

 

Looking back at the control center ahead of him, the old man raises his voice and sits up in his chair as he speaks.

 

“Charge the weapon, clear the area…open the rabbit hole!�

 

Outside the dusty base asphalted area, the ground begins to open up in the center of the base. People, soldiers and vehicles all manage to get out of the way as it slowly unfolds like a large flower blossoming. The sound of gears and metal scraping fills the air, more noises begins to arise as something stirs from with in the large opening blackness. Soon a massive purple colored spire rises out of the pitch black hole, the slow rising object becomes larger and larger as it lifts up. Just like their other previous weapons, the mixed technology is all over this massive rising behemoth, large wires and tubes wrap around the cannon like structure as the sun shows it to be just that. Large as a city building, the purplish cannon now finally comes to a stop as it has fully risen to its maximum height. Acheville smiles with delight as he sees it; a slow giggle creeps out of his mouth, which soon becomes an all out insane laughter.

 

“Wonderful! Hahahaha!! Wonderful!!�

 

End of Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter 22 – Point Of No Return

 

On the battlefield, the Decepticons and Autobots continue to blast away at one another. But the Autobots start to notice their energon packs wearing out in their weapons. Jazz and Cliffjumper pinned down in one of their dirt mound protections begin to realize this almost immediately.

 

“Damn…we can’t keep this up for much longer Jazz.� the red mini Autobot says as he takes a shot and scrunches down.

 

“You got that right man. I’m nearly drained on my blaster…�

 

“What about you Mirage?� Cliffjumper says as he turns to face him. “Hey! Where is he? Where’s Mirage?�

 

Jazz takes a few shots and then lowers his head.

 

“I dunno, the guy just up and boogied on out. You don’t think he’s hiding again do ya?�

 

“He’d better not be…� Cliffjumper scowls. “Or else he’ll find my high glossed foot up his tail pipe!�

 

Across the fields, Trailbreaker has created a force field around him, Prowl and Smokescreen. Small openings appear as they shoot and quickly close as soon as it passes through. Trailbreaker stands and has both arms held over his head as the dual generators on his arms pulsate. The hazy, blue energy surrounds them all like a closed in dome, as waves of energy surges ripple along the half sphere.

 

“Guys!� Trailbreaker says out of breath. “I can’t hold this up for much longer…I’m slowly losing power.�

 

Smokescreen looks up at him as he’s crouched down for shooting.

 

“Just hang on bud! Give us all you can…we don’t want to end up on the scrap heap!�

 

Prowl shakes his head as he stands beside the black bulky robot creating their only means of shelter.

 

“This is a tight spot we’re in. Trailbreaker can’t keep protecting us for long Smokescreen sooner or later we’re going to have to let him stop.�

 

“Jeez…there’s nothing to protect us out there. If we lose his shields we’ll be goners!�

 

“Then we’ll have to improvise won’t we...� The black and white security chief says.

 

Trailbreaker looks down at him.

 

“How? It’s not like we can just rush them…�

 

Prowl looks at his gun and notices the energon gauge, the electronic indicator is showing a low energy status and flashing red as a warning. The Autobot sighs and lowers his gun.

 

“Yes we can. Kup said to me once, ‘when you’re out of ammo and your back is to the wall…there’s only one thing to do…’�

 

Both Autobots looked at Prowl with curiosity.

 

“Well?� Trailbreaker asks. “What was it?�

 

Prowls eyes flashed and clenched his fist.

 

“Transform and start a demolition derby!�

 

Trailbreaker and Smokescreen smiled and nodded to one another, as they liked the sound of that plan.

 

“As humans say…LET’S ROCK!!� Smokescreen screams loudly.

 

Trailbreaker disengages his force field and all three of them transform into their vehicle modes. The Autobots then rush towards the attacking Skywarp, Thundercracker and Frenzy, causing them to fire at them more intensely as they drive closer. Trailbreaker instantly runs down Frenzy, as the bot’s reflection in his grillwork is the last thing the tiny robot sees, like a hit and run accident, the impact sends the mini-disk robot spiraling in the air.

 

“BAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!� He screams as he hurls helplessly.

 

Smokescreen tries to hit Thundercracker but misses him as the blue robot jet dodges his attack. Skywarp still tries to fire upon Prowl as the Autobot roars towards him at break neck speed, but as soon as he lands on the surprised black and purple jet warrior, he transforms back into his robot mode and begins pounding away on him with his fists.

 

“This one is for Kup! And for the Autobots! And this one is from me!!� He howls away at the Decepticon as he thwarts him.

 

Sunstreaker and Sideswipe watch the three boldy attack the Decepticons that had been shooting at them, and quickly get the same idea as they gaze back at one another.

 

“You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?� Sideswipe smirks at him.

 

Sunstreaker sighs and looks at his reflection in his well-polished yellow paint.

 

“Oh well, I suppose some sacrifices have to be made. Guess it’s better to go out fighting then to stay here and get all dusty.�

 

“Now you’re talkin’!� Sideswipe laughs.

 

Together they leap out of their crumbling dirt shelter and transform. The sleek red Lamborghini Diablo GT and the chrome rimmed yellow Pagani Zonda C12 S Hardtop Roadster both spin their wheels and speed for both Soudwave and Starscream. The air commander gasps at the rushing Autobots and fires his side-mounted weapons furiously.

 

“Die Autobots! DIE!!�

 

The null rays miss the two as they swerve, and then as Sideswipe gets close enough he transforms with a mid-air kick to Starscreams chest. The hit throws the grey jet robot backwards and makes him smack into the side of the ship. Landing safely to the ground, Sideswipe stands ready in a fighting pose as he looks at Starscream gasping to recover.

 

“How dare you hit me!� Starscream shouts at him.

 

Sideswipe smirks at the Decepticon jet and taunts him by moving his finger in a ‘bring it on’ fashion. This enrages Starscream as he lunges at the cheeky Autobot with both fists out front, activating his back legs equipped with the jet engines, the Deceptcion manages to tackle the Autobot and both begin giving fist on fist blows to one another. Sunstreaker is still out maneuvering Soundwave in his vehicle mode as the one eyed robot continually fires at him.

 

“Stand still coward!!� Soundwave shouts in his monotone electronic voice.

 

Sunstreaker spins around to face the robot and revs his engine.

 

“Coward?! That does it…nobody calls me that and lives!�

 

His tires squelch as he spins them in the dirt; a sudden thrust of power races him straight for Soundwave as he takes aim with his gun. Using his headlights, Sunstreaker blinds the towering Decepticon by using his ultra bright high beams. The intense light causes Soundwave to shield his vision as he raises his arms, and as he peers through his fingers, all he can see is Sunstreaker transforming quickly and his sliver polished fist flying straight for him. The punch drives the blue mini disk player robot to the ground as the impact nearly knocks him unconscious.

 

“Now look what you’ve gone and made me do…it took me days to get the gloss on these fingers just right!�

 

Watching his warriors fail was very embarrassing to Megatron, seeing the Autobots leap out and attack his men with little resistance made his circuits fizzle. As Starscream managed to kick Sideswipe off of him, the evil leader shouted at him as Prime continued to blast away at his position.

 

“Starscream! Stop fooling around and counter attack them already!!�

 

“I’m doing just that Megatron!� He says back in his shrill of a voice.

 

“You’re an air commander for Cybertron’s sake! Transform and attack you stupid dolt!!�

 

Starscream realized that Megatron was right and quickly did as the infuriated leader commanded. In his F-19 mode, Starscream propelled himself to the sky and shouted down to his fellow jet warriors who were busy battling Trailbreaker, Smokescreen and Prowl.

 

“Thundercracker! Skywarp! TRANSFORM!!�

 

The two robots heard their commander and quickly converted into their jet modes, unable to get a solid hold Skywarp, Prowl soon found himself being left on the ground alone. Looking up at the fleeing black Raptor stealth jet, he shook his fist in the air.

 

“Get back down here! I’m not finished with you yet!!�

 

Thundercracker swoops in overhead and unfolds his weapons from their hidden compartments, the wings now hold two multiple rocket launchers and fires a shot directly at Prowl.

 

“But we’re done with you!� The blue angel F-18 shouts down at him.

 

The impact smacks the black and white Autobot in the chest causing a massive explosion; Smokescreen transforms into his robot form and rushes over to the smoldering security chief as he drops to the ground.

 

“PROWL!!�

 

Taking hold of his head, Smokescreen looks at him as Thundercracker rises back into the sky.

 

“Talk to me buddy! Say somethin’…�

 

Prowl looks up at him as the smoke billows out of his mouth.

 

“Ow.�

 

The Autobot chuckles at him as he hears him utter that word.

 

“At least your humor chip is still functioning.�

 

Prowl giggles back and then flinches from the internal pain that must be going on in his shredded circuits.

 

With no one looking at the ship, or high above it, the slow rising elevator reaches the ship’s doorway with no one on it. Inside the newly constructed vessel, a few heavy steps are heard as if metal is hitting metal. A few feet into the control room and soon the footsteps stop. An ambient green light flashes with the outlined shape of a robot. As the light gives way and the robot becomes transparent again, we soon see that it is Mirage, gun in hand and carrying a cluster of miniature devices in the other hand. The devices look about the size of a credit card and roughly about the same in width, three small buttons are grouped on it just below the liquid crystal screen display at the top of them. As Mirage walks in, he points his gun ahead with caution, checking every corner and behind every door he walks through. Walking deeper into the ship, through the long spacious corridor, he finds the door that leads into the energon storage bay.

 

“My, my, my…� He merely utters as he gazes at the massive collection. “Busy little Decepticons weren’t we?�

 

Setting his gun down on the floor as he kneels, he begins programming one of the card-like devices as he scrolls with the buttons. With the flashing light on the last button, he reaches over to the lower end of the energon collection and starts to place it on the side of it very gently. Suddenly a gun barrel appears to the side of his head and the Autobot stops moving immediately.

 

“Naughty, naughty Autobot.� The person carrying the weapon says to him. “Didn’t anyone tell you its not nice to plant bombs on someone else’s ship?�

 

••••••••••••••••••••••

 

The battle continues to heat up as the Autobots all do their best to stop the Decepticons from leaving Earth. Optimus Prime and Megatron both look at their weapons and realize that their energy is getting low on them. Megatron continues to hide behind his ever dwindling cement barrier, and Optimus Prime is nearly exposed as his self made trench.

 

“Prime…are you still alive?� Megatron shouts with curiosity.

 

“Well I wouldn’t be answering you if I wasn’t Megatron.� Prime shouts back. “This shooting is getting us no where Megatron…why don’t you stop hiding and come out to face me Autobot to Decepticon. Or are you afraid…�

 

Megatron’s left eye twitches after hearing that, he growled under his breath and stood up to see Prime rising up to face him.

 

“I am not afraid…not even the likes of you can cause me to quiver in fear Optimus Prime!!�

 

“Prove it Megatron.� Optimus says to him. “Show me that you don’t have to hide behind the lives of humans, dense cement walls…or even your own dense soldiers. Let’s finish what we started on Sherman’s Dam…but without the energon weapons.�

 

The Decepticon leader lowered his arm cannon as he was aiming it at the Autobot as he stood up. The evil robot snickered with delight at Prime’s offer and clenched both fists tightly.

 

“A test of strength Optimus? Bold…very bold of you. But foolish. If you wish to die by my hands…then so be it!�

 

Prime readies himself for the Decepticon leader, holding up his fists and crouching in a position like a boxer.

 

“Enough of your endless posturing Megatron…lets get this war over with.�

 

Megatron rushes in screaming at the Autobot leader, a quick swing with his right fist misses Prime as he moves out of the way. As Megatron goes past him, Optimus gives him a sharp elbow blow to the back. Megatron nearly drops but recovers fast from it as he swings around with his other arm. Optimus leaps out of Megatron’s reach and lands back onto his feet a few meters away from him. Megatron whips himself around to face the Autobot again and this time leaps up into the air with his right leg jutting out as he comes back down fast. The split second reaction of the evil leader was too quick for Prime to move out of the way again. This time he got a full jaw full of the silver leader’s foot and while he stood there dazed for a second, Megatron landed in front of him and head butted him to complete his attack. Prime falls to the ground in pain with the sound of Megatron laughing at him.

 

“I told Optimus…it’s foolish to think you could best the likes of me.�

 

Prime lifted his head up and stared at the leader standing over him.

 

“And I told you Megatron…ugh…I’d finish you no matter what!� the Autobot says as his blue eyes flash with a surge of power.

 

Prime clasped his legs together as he lay there and kicked upwards to the Decepticon in a forceful thrust to his chest. The kick was so intense that Megatron hurled across the battlefield screaming in pain. Bumblebee and Brawn watched the leader fly by their heads and past the other Decepticons they were fighting.

 

“Looks like Prime is getting a ‘kick’ out of Megatron� Brawn giggles at Bumblebee.

 

As the Decepticon leader finally impacts on the ground, the sheer force creates a small crater around him that he has to climb out of. Megatron’s hand rises up and grips the edge of it as he pulls himself out. Dirty and dented, the leader rises up in anger; his red eyes burn with pulsating energy as he watches Prime slowly walk up through the crossfire of lasers.

 

“You’re DEAD PRIME!!! Do you hear me? DEAD!!� The leader screams at him.

 

Prime walks through the laser fire calmly as if no one is even targeting him, the Autobots are managing to keep the Decepticons preoccupied separately while the two leaders duke it out.

 

“Is that all you have to say? I’ve heard that one before…face it Megatron, this is the end of the road for you.�

 

Megatron sprints over to Optimus Prime and the two leaders lock in hands as they clash. Both trying to now over power each other as they used every ounce of their strength to pull the other one apart. Breathing heavy and groaning from the stress they both stare at each other while they fight.

 

“Ggggaaah…this isn’t the end for me Optimus. Nnnnaaaah! It’s the final battle for the Autobots and their failed leader. As the only survivors of a doomed race, your kind will now join them in total obliteration!�

 

“Rrraaahh! I’ve watched kill so many Megatron…if we have to die to stop you then so be it. Aaarrggh! A small price to pay to end your miserable tyranny and liberate the galaxy from the likes of you!�

 

Megatron snickers as he continues to struggle with the Autobot leader.

 

“There will always be some one like me out there, Optimus…some one that will bring the universe into submission…and rule by the fist.�

 

“Never…� The Autobot leader says as his eyes squint hard. “NEVER!!�

 

He picks the Decepticon up in a massive burst of strength and holds him up in the air as if he was going to drive him down headfirst. Megatron gasps at being lifted and soon realizes what Prime is trying to do. Megatron quickly switches his mid-section around, spinning his lower torso and folding his legs down in the opposite direction. The gravity of the evil leader's legs dropping behind causes Prime to be lifted up into the air, Megatron grabs hold of Prime's arms as his feet return firmly on the ground again. Optimus Prime now lifts overhead of Megatron and the evil leader rotates himself back into his front position. The Decepticon leader holds the squirming Autobot leader high above him and looks up at him. Megatron laughs out loud with joy as Prime struggles to break out of his grip.

 

“One turn deserves another Optimus! Let’s see how well an Autobot can fly!!�

 

Megatron chucks Optimus Prime across the battleground just as the Autobot leader did to him before. Optimus now hurls across the Decepticons and the Autobots as he hits a distant cliff wall back first. The leader smacks against it, causing him and the rock face to slide down, as he strikes the ground below the rock and debris fall on top of him. Megatron places his hands on his side and laughs with delight.

 

Bumblebee looks at the sight where Prime lays, buried under tones of rock and only seeing his blue hand sticking out of the rubble.

 

“Optimus!�, he says in a low gasp.

 

As the Autobots all witness their leader being tossed like a rag doll to the cliffside, they increase their firing at the Decepticons and move in closer as they attack. Hound, Jazz, Ironhide, Huffer and Bluestreak continue to shoot at the Constructicons they’ve managed to pin down. As the six green Decepticon builders regroup behind another one of the ship’s concrete struts, Rumble joins them as they all check their weapons.

 

“This…this is bad!� Rumble complains. “We’re getting our tails whipped here.�

 

“Indeed� Scrapper nods in agreement. “We can’t keep them held back for much longer�

 

Starscream flies in and transforms behind the barrier just as a laser shot misses his head. Ducking down with the others he points at the others sitting there looking bewildered.

 

“What are you fools doing?!� He shouts. “Transform into Devastator and end this already.�

 

Scavenger looks at the air commander and yells back at him.

 

“Look who’s talking…you aren’t even doing a good job either.�

 

“He’s right though…� Haul now says to them. “Let’s form Devastator and kill them all!�

 

Mixmaster snickers at Haul and points out the obvious.

 

“That would be the ideal thing. But you’re forgetting we’re missing a man here. Where the hell is Hook? We can’t form Devastator without him here.�

 

Rumble snaps his fingers.

 

“I bet I know where he is…give me some covering fire and I’ll go fetch him.�

 

“You?!� Starscream laughs. “Why should we bother to cover your sorry steel hide? You should be laying down suppressing fire for the likes of me and my jet squad!�

 

“That would be a good idea Starscream…if you guys actually DID ANYTHING!! You guys are just hovering around dropping the odd bombs at them while we're getting creamed on the ground!� Rumble screams as he shakes his fist at him.

 

Starscreams eyes lower in anger and grabs the lippy robot.

 

“Fine…I’ll do something right now!�

 

As the Jazz and the others continue to fire away at the concrete wall, Rumble suddenly appears out from the barrier as if he was chucked out. Landing on the ground between the two forces, Hound looks up and grins.

 

“They must be running out of ammo…they’re throwing out the duds!�

 

Hound transforms into his combat Hummer and leaps out towards the small robot still trying to get up. Jazz sees Hound speeding in and shouts at him.

 

“You crazy fool! Get back here!!�

 

Rumble shakes his head from the impact and suddenly sees the Hummer Autobot rushing in; he changes his arms into his massive pile drivers and beings to pound the Earth. The shockwave is causing Hound to lose balance and swerving all over.

 

“Oh no you don’t…not this time!� Hound says.

 

He targets the mini bot and shoots him with his mounted missile launcher sticking out from the rear of his roof. The strike knocks Rumble off of his feet and lands on his back, the Autobot Hummer jumps above him and transforms into his robot mode in mid-air. Landing back down hard, he pins the small Decepticon with his knees and looks at him with anger.

 

“I owe you one from Sherman’s Dam, Rumble! And one from my good human friend Spike!�

 

Hound gut punches the Decepticon mini bot repeatedly as he lays helpless to his attack. Rumble tries in vain to stop him as each hit becomes increasingly painful. As Hound is preoccupied with him, Starscream lurches out and takes aim at the Autobot fully exposed in the open. Snickering with evil, he points his right arm cannon at Hound’s head and prepares to fire. Jazz and the others see him taking aim and quickly jump into action to save him. Jazz transforms into his Sportec model car and zooms over to Hound. Bluestreak, Huffer and Ironhide give him covering fire as they shoot up the wall Starscream is using to protect himself.

 

“Baaah!! I can’t get a clear shot!!� Starscream screams as he covers himself with his arms from the attack.

 

Jazz finally reaches Hound and transforms. Leaping into the air he grabs the Autobot and rolls along the ground with him as if to save him. Rumble now free, jumps up and flies away from Hound’s reach. Jazz helps his friend up and then strikes him in the head with a fist tap.

 

“You got lead in that head! Starscream nearly had you dead to right out here.�

 

Hound pushes him away.

 

“Don’t tell me what to do! I had Rumble in my grasp and you let him get away!�

 

Jazz ducks as a laser shot barrels past him from the Decepticons, transforming quickly, the sleek Autobot rides back to the others waiting.

 

“Fine! Stay out here and get killed then…see if I care. Just don’t come crying to me if you get a blast hole in your noggin’!�

 

Hound’s anger soon fades as he suddenly realizes he’s out in the middle of the battlefield all by himself. Slapping the top of his head with his right hand, the Autobot transforms into his Hummer mode and heads back to the Autobot side.

 

“What the hell am I thinking? Jazz is right...I'm a sitting duck out here.� Hound mutters to himself.

 

As Bumblebee continues to look over at Prime trapped underneath the massive pile of rock, Ravage jumps down from the top of their dirt mound and tries to slash his claws at the three Autobots sitting behind it. Another shot rings out from beyond and soon the black cat is hurled out of their trench as the blast hits him. Running up with his weapon, Cliffjumper slides down with the others and knocks Bumblebee on the head.

 

“Wake up stupid! You nearly got your arm torn off by Ravage!�

 

Bumblebee looks at the red robot and just gives him a blank look.

 

“We have to see if Optimus is ok.�

 

This time Brawn smacks the yellow robot on the head and points at him.

 

“This is not the time to go out and check! We’ve got a major battle on our hands incase you haven’t noticed! Optimus would want us to push through no matter what!�

 

Gears looked as if he was thinking about that very thing, the sound of the rushing laser fire overhead made him remember the number of battles he was in and how Optimus Prime was the only Autobot leader he’d ever known that was willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. The mini bot looked at his weapon and saw how old it looked, chuckling slightly to himself, he seemed to remember a time when he was just a rookie and had to keep the Decepticons at bay with his trusty rifle.

 

“You’re right Brawn…� Gears said aloud to them.

 

Brawn looked back at him and smirked.

 

“Did you say something you cranky old timer?�

 

“I may be old…and set in my ways.� Gears replied. “But dangnabbit! I don’t want to sit here all day and wonder what a world without Decepticons would be like. I didn’t think much of Optimus when he first appeared as our leader. I thought he was too young and hot headed…it burned me that such a young whipper snapper like him got command so quickly and I had to climb over endless promotions and dead friends to get the rank I had then. But you know…he turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to us….�

 

As Gears looked up at them all, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper and Brawn were all nodding in agreement and smiling at the old Transformer as he babbled on.

 

“Without the likes of him and his spirit…we would have been destroyed long ago by Megatron.� Gears continues to say. “Come on Autobots! Hiding is for weak…plus my joints are getting rusty just sitting here. Let’s meet our fate head on…�

 

Gears rises out of his crouch and suddenly runs over the dirt mound protecting them all.

 

“Till all are one!� He shouts as he leaves.

 

“Wait! GEARS!!� Brawn shouts as he tries to stop him.

 

Bumblebee and Cliffjumper gasp in amazement as they watch the crabby robot leap out for attack. Gears fires his weapon at the Decepticons trying to shoot at him and transforms into his blue, red and grey colored Smart Roadster-Coupe. Dodging the laser fire with grace and speed, Gears manages to leap over the cement wall hiding Starscream and the others and runs them down like bowling pins. The Constructicons weren’t prepared for such a swift attack and found themselves being run over by Gear’s tires. Cliffjumper and Brawn laugh out loud as the watch him.

 

“How do you like that? There’s still some spunk in that robot’s wheels after all.� Brawn says.

 

“Now there’s a guy who knows how to fight the right way!� Cliffjumper muses. “COME ON!�

 

The two quickly leap over the mound and fire their weapons as they appear. Bumblebee still stays behind as he becomes uncertain about the method they are all using. He thinks their insane for leaving their cover and trying to out race the Decepticon’s fire, but mainly he’s still focused on Optimus Prime as he turns to see Megatron standing over the debris pile the leader is lying in.

 

“Aaaah, Optimus Prime.� Megatron says as he stares down at the rocky mess. “It seems that I’ve given you the proper ending that so many before you had. Quick and easy…so much for the great leader of the Autobots.�

 

Taking aim with his fusion cannon arm weapon, he targets the boulder like rocks that cover Prime and prepares to fire.

 

“So long Optimus…�

 

Suddenly, Prime’s fist comes rising out of the rocks and manages to punch the Decepticon leader in the face. The impact drives Megatron into the air and then quick return to the ground flat on his back. Shrieking in agony, the Decepticon leader looks up to see Optimus Prime rising up out of the rock.

 

“Oh, it’s not over yet Megatron. Far from it…I’m just getting warmed up!�

 

Megatron gasps at the sight of Prime still living and watches the Autobot pick up a massive boulder near by and raising it over his head. The shadow of it eclipses the evil leader lying there and screams in fear, as he has no place to run in time. Prime slams the huge rock down onto him with all his strength and makes the boulder drive down into the ground causing it to nearly crack from the sheer impact. Seeing the Autobot leader alive and attacking Megatron, makes Bumblebee cheer loudly and brings back a sense of hope to him again.

 

“Alright Optimus!!� He shouts.

 

Gears spins around and transforms again as he hears Bumblebee scream out Prime’s name. The old mini bot sees the leader as well and gives a thankful smile that Optimus isn’t dead. Brawn and Cliffjumper shout out with joy too as they look quickly to see him. But then Brawn turned around and shouted at Gears with panic.

 

“Gears!! Look out behind you!!�

 

Gears looks behind and sees the tri-group Reflector standing over him as they fly in and land. Pointing their weapons down at him, the three chuckle in unison.

 

“Out with the old…it’s time you retired permanently!� The three say together.

 

Their guns fired at the surprised Autobot, as he stood there with his mouth open in shock. The blasts ripped into him with deadly accuracy and send him flying a few feet back from the weapon blasts. Bumblebee watched in horror as if everything was happening in slow motion. The guns ripping through his structure, the sudden gasp from the old robot as he felt their lasers pierce his chassis and the three Decepticons laughing as they shot him together. Bumblebee’s eyes widened and screamed with anger.

 

“GEEEAAAARRRRSSS!!!�

 

The smoldering body of old Autobot crashed to the ground, as Cliffjumper, Brawn and Bumblebee watched him fall, it almost seemed like his ‘thud’ echoed in their heads. Bumblebee’s lip quivered as the flood of horrible memories flashed over his mind. The war on Cybertron, the human casualties and now his friend Gears being blasted by three Decepticons. The feeling over powered him, the rage inside built up and suddenly came screaming out just as his voice was doing. The little yellow Autobot jumped over his dirt mound and began wildly shooting at the Decepticon tri-group that killed his friend as he ran forward. Cliffjumper also joined Bumblebee in his rage, the two mini bots continually fired on Reflector as the three unified team backed away from their laser blasts. Brawn rushed over to see Gears as he lay there dying, and held his head up with his hands.

 

“Don’t die old buzzard!� Brawn commanded. “Come on now…stay with us!�

 

Gears was burning and his body riddled with fractures and blast marks. The exposed parts within him were now tweaking with sparks and smoke. Reflector had done the Autobot in for good, Brawn could see that his wounds were too far gone for repairs and sat there helpless as the old warrior opened his eyes at him for the last time.

 

“I…I…sure would have like to have seen Cybertron…one…one last time.� Gears spoke in a garbled electronic voice.

 

“You will Gears…just don’t die.� Brawn said as he sniffled.

 

“Don’t tell me how or where to die dangnabbit! And stop fussing over me and get them…them…Decept…�

 

Gear’s final words sputtered and faded, his eyes became dim and his body became lifeless as the sound of his power core shut down. Brawn’s face showed his sorrow at first, but then snickered slightly after his passing.

 

“So long old timer. A cranky old bastard to the end…may Primus lead you to the never-ending spark. Just don’t piss him off, huh?�

 

Brawn laid him down gently and then rose up cracking his sliver polished knuckles.

 

“Time for some payback…Brawn style!�

 

End of Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter 23 – The Final Solution

 

As the video cameras of the human reporters focused in on Brawn running in and launching himself into a flying upper cut to one of Reflector’s clone triplets, grainy footage of it soon panned over to Bumblebee still firing away at the rest of the Decepticons like a madman as he screams away.

 

“Hot damn this is good stuff!� the cameraman says as he zooms in.

 

The reporter standing next to him gazes in awe at the battling robots, in fact every reporter and camera crew assembled on that cliff top ridge is enthralled with the massive war going on a few miles away. As Jerry McLane rises up after his few minutes of unconsciousness, he wipes nose smeared with blood and flinches as he discovers it’s broken. Suddenly seeing all the men and women media facing the ongoing battle distracts him. Walking over to his cameraman named Phil, he taps him on the shoulder and scowls at him when he turns his way.

 

“We’ve got to get down there and film this close up! Now get your ass in that van and lets move!�

 

As the two start to walk away from the edge Jerry points at him while trying to use a wad of Kleenex to stop his nose from bleeding.

 

“Oh and remind me to sue that Spike kid, I’ve got a good mind to have him sent to jail for this!�

 

“Uh…Jerry?� The cameraman says with hesitance.

 

“What? What’s your problem now?!�

 

Phil points ahead and shows him that the van they came in is no longer sitting there. The reporter looks down the roadway and sees it driving off down the narrow path they all came up on. Jerry angrily throws down his blood soaked tissue and starts to rant and curse, shaking his fist he screams at them as they drop out of sight.

 

“I’ll get you for this you goddamn punks!! Just you wait and see!!�

 

Now he storms over to Phil and grabs the man rather roughly and shouts at him.

 

“Idiot! You should have stopped them from stealing our van! Now we’ll have to borrow one of the other newsmen’s van.�

 

Phil shakes loose and shouts back at him.

 

 

“Hey! Hey! I don’t have to do dick for you…besides I don’t think we’re going to get very far in anyone else’s van either.�

 

Jerry laughs, “Oh really? And what makes you say that?�

 

Pointing to the other vehicles tires, he shows the reporter why.

 

“Cause they took out all the tires while we weren’t looking…that’s why!�

 

As he inspected each news van it was very apparent that he was speaking the truth. Spike and Carly had managed to deflate all of their tires by slashing them on the side. Once again the reporter when into a madman fury and kicked the dirt with his foot. The cameraman stood there and shook his head at the twit, he simple chuckled at the guys’ bad luck and looked over at road where Spike and Carly had drove of from and gave a thumbs up.

 

“Nice one kids. Good luck to ya.�

 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••â€

••••

 

Optimus Prime started to walk away from the massive boulder he had just dropped on top of the evil Decepticon leader, and just when he thought it was over, a huge red laser blast ripped through the big rock. Shattering into millions of pieces, the boulder soon became a non-existent as Megatron stood up after its destruction. Looking tarnished and even dented in a few places on his body, the evil leader growled at his nemesis and squinted at him with great hatred.

 

“PRIME!!!�

 

Optimus had seen the blast wave and had his arms up to deflect the debris hurling everywhere. As he lowered them, he saw Megatron taking strong slow steps at him, each one became faster and faster, until Megatron was suddenly rushing at him in anger. Optimus Prime and Megatron clashed with one another and began exchanging blows to the head, torso and even trying to lock one another in a bear hug. The rival leaders were matched for one another as every attempt made by one of them led to the other doing almost the same maneuver. Megaton soon found himself in a strong vice grip in-between the Autobot leader’s arms and struggled to break free.

 

“This must end Megatron!� Prime grunted at him as he continued to squeeze the Decepticon. “You’ve destroyed enough life as it is…now I must finish you before anymore must suffer from your evil hand!�

 

Megatron’s eyes flashed as he listened to him.

 

“If my hand is evil to you…then by all means…try this on for size!!�

 

The Decepticon smacks the Autobot leader in the face with his forehead and continues to bash Prime with it until he stuns him enough to let go. As Megatron becomes free, he quickly transforms into his gun mode and sends a powerful plasma blast at Prime’s chest. The impact sends Optimus flying down to the ground and Megatron quickly transforms back into his robot mode as he completed the shot. Megatron aims his arm cannon at the damaged Prime and grins at him.

 

“I could give you pounding all day and not be tired, but like you said Prime…it’s time to end this!�

 

Optimus got the strength to stand up and grab hold of the leader’s arm cannon just as it nearly missed hitting him. This time, Prime took hold or Megatron’s head and flung him with all his might to the ship still sitting in its launch bay. Megatron’s body smacked the side of the vessel and caused him to stick to the side as force imbedded him into the metal.

 

“That’s the impression I get out of you Megatron.� Prime laughingly says to him in bad bout of hammy dialogue.

 

Groaning with pain, the Decepticon leader peels off and drops to the ground like a magnet that has lost its grip. Soundwave, having recovered from his fight with Sunstreaker, drags the leader over to his side of the cement barrier and sits him up.

 

“Megatron…Megatron!� The monotone electronic voice says with concern.

 

The leader’s eyes focus on the cycloptic yellowed eyed Decepticon and tries to speak.

 

“The…the Autobots must not win Soundwave. I…I will not be defeated by a mere batch of renegades!�

 

Starscream soon makes his way over to the two of them and looks at Megatron with unsympathetic eyes.

 

“So this is the great Megatron’s end…it appears that Optimus Prime has gotten the best of you after all. Ha! Some leader you are…�

 

Megatron sneered at him with great anger and found the power to rise up and choke the mocking Decepticon with his hand. His squeeze was powerful, Starscream was surprised by how tight his grip was and gagged as the leader continued to apply pressure.

 

“I’m not finished yet you cowardly dolt!! Prepare for a second wave of attacks!�

 

“But...ack! But Megatron…� Starscream tries to speak. “We’re losing …we can’t take this pounding much longer…aagghh!�

 

“I’ll have no Autobot take me alive! Nor any of my Decepticons if need be…we will fight till every last warrior is out of energon from his very spark!!� The leader screams.

 

Then from high above the two struggling evil robots, a voice echoes down to them as the sound of the ship’s elevator lift comes down to their level.

 

“We may not have to do that after all Megatron…�

 

The leader looks over and sees Hook standing with Mirage as his prisoner on the platform, the Autobot is bound by powerful magnetic shackles and seems unable to break free of them.

 

“Hook! Where the blazes have you been? You should have been here to form Devastator and ended this whole thing!� Starscream howls at him as Megatron lets go of his throat.

 

Pushing the helpless Autobot spy with cruelty, Hook steps off and hands him over to Megatron.

 

“I had to make sure the ship wasn’t going to be a target…something about the Autobots attacking us and not on the ship made me suspicious. That’s when I found him lurking around our energon storage bay.�

 

Megatron gabs hold of Mirage and brings him up close to his face.

 

“Soooo, you thought you could sneak by and destroy our only means of escape. The explosion from the energon surly would have wiped us all out and left nothing in it’s wake. How typical of Optimus Prime…to win at all costs and still become the righteous hero for those here on Earth.�

 

Mirage scowls at the Decepticon and stares at him with anger.

 

“Better to die as heroes then ego maniacal metallic morons!�

 

“Let me kill this one Megatron!� Starscream shouts as he points the barrel of his side arm cannon at the Autobot’s head. “Lets make him an example to the Autobots that no one does this to us!�

 

Megatron chuckles softly, he lowers Mirage from his grip and pushes Starscream’s weapon away. You could see there was an idea forming in this evil brain of his, a quick glimmer in his eye as his red optics lowered in thought.

 

“No Starscream…I have a much better idea. Lets see just how far Optimus is willing to sacrifice his own men for the greater good…it seems a bargaining chip has once again stumbled upon us with remarkable timing.�

 

Megatron looked at his various warriors, those trying to retrieve the wounded and those trying to keep the firefight going. His small hand gesture to end their attacks was enough to make them all stop and regroup to him. The Autobots became confused at their retreat, not to mention the silence of their weapons fire. Prime raised his hand at the Autobots, all of who obeyed him without question. Cliffjumper had to help stop Bumblebee who was still firing away like a madman, you could see in his eyes that Gear’s death had affected him and drove him to the brink of insanity. Brawn came to help the mini red Autobot as he removed the weapon from Bumblebee’s hands and together they tried to calm him down. Optimus Prime finally saw Gears lying there in the open, his body broken and smoldering; somehow in his spark he knew the old fighter was dead. But as he tried to morn the loss of one of his fallen kind, the unsettling cease-fire was more on his thoughts then Gears at the moment. Ironhide stepped up beside the tall Autobot leader and whispered to him as he kept his gun poised and ready for anything.

 

“What the heck is going on Optimus?! Why are we stoppin’?�

 

“Something doesn’t feel right Ironhide….� Prime says as his eyes squint. “Megatron is up to something.�

 

Ironhide snickers, “He’s always up to something…lets just go in and rush them. Finish it off like you said…once and for all.�

 

Suddenly, Megatron could be seen standing up, his hand began waving as he tried to speak to Prime.

 

“Hold your fire Autobots!! I have something you might like to see!�

 

Coming out from behind the cement barrier was Mirage, Megatron grabbed him as the other Decepticons pushed him out and took hold of the back of his head firmly. With his massive arm cannon pointing at the Autobot spies’ head, Megatron laughed with pride as he showed them all that he had managed to capture one of their own.

 

“Oh boy…� Prime simply mutters.

 

The other Decepticons now step out behind the leader and all point their weapons at the Autobots defensively. The Autobots now group up beside Optimus Prime and also keep their guns aimed at the now fully exposed foes.

 

“How utterly disappointing Prime.� Megatron chuckles. “This was a well conceived plan but apparently you failed in choosing the right warrior to carry it out. Getting us away from the ship and sending in a spy to rig the energon for detonation was very clever indeed, but very poorly executed as you can see.�

 

Prime lowers his gun and stares at his nemesis, “It was a spur of the moment idea Megatron, one I thought we could manage and end this war forever. If we are to be wiped out of existence…then you should be the ones to join us in that final moment.�

 

“Till all are one Prime?� The evil leader snickers. “How stupidly cliché you’ve turned out to be. And here I thought you’d be more original, more cunning in your strategy then holding on to a belief of a dead robot’s empty promise.�

 

Bumblebee shakes his fist at Megatron and blasts him for mocking the words of Primus.

 

“You coward!! How dare you insult the memory of the greatest leader of Cybertron…he fought for your freedom just as any of ours! I’ll make you pay for saying such a thing! And for my good friend Gears…you murdering bastard!!�

 

“Control your lap dog Optimus!� Megatron shouts. “Or there will be another one to mourn only this time in a much more painful manner!�

 

Optimus walks over to Bumblebee and calms him by placing his hand on his shoulder. The small yellow robot looks at him a sorrowful look and backs off from his angry stance. The Autobot leader looks back at Megatron and points at him.

 

“Let him go Megatron…he’s no use to you, no more then any Autobot that you’ve manage to kill over the long warring years.�

 

“True Prime, but this one has a valued cost to me now. I now have a hostage worthy of taking with me back to Cybertron and getting us off this miserable planet. Or is he nothing to you? Perhaps I should kill him now and get it over with?�

 

As Megatron points his cannon barrel closer to the prisoner’s head, Optimus Prime looks into Mirage’s eyes and finally drops his weapon to the ground. His hands rise up slightly to show him he is unarmed and gives in.

 

“No…no I give up Megatron. You win.�

 

Ironhide runs up and points his blaster at the Decepticon leader, “No!! We’ve got to stop him at all costs!! I’ll kill that son of a Starscream, even if you won’t!!�

 

“No Ironhide!!� Prime shouts.

 

He grabs the red robot and smacks the gun out of his hand.

 

“Why?! Why won’t you do it?!!� Ironhide demands as he shakes the leader in anger.

 

Prime manages to ease the frantic southern speaking Autobot and pushes him off gently.

 

“Because we’re better then him. We’re not so sadistic that we’d kill our own just to satisfy our own sense of justice. We’re not Decepticons…we’re the Autobots! Honor, courage and compassion is what makes us the very living image of what Primus had wanted us to become…not evil monsters.�

 

Megatron shakes his head and laughs, “Such utter nonsense! Your speeches amaze me to no end Prime. So what will it be Autobots? Will any of you challenge us and send your friend to the great spark beyond?�

 

Looking at one another with concern and deep in thought, the Autobots hesitate with their guns and then soon end up throwing them to the ground in surrender. Brawn chucks his with reluctance as does Prowl, Sideswipe, Hound and Jazz. Cliffjumper growls to himself as he mutters obscenities under his breath, with his weapon now thrown with anger to the ground, Megatron smirks with delight.

 

“So much for your great leader Autobots.� He says sarcastically. “He’s betrayed you by using your honor like a shield, that is why you are weak and have outlived your time on Cybertron. Welcome to the end…losers!"

 

Optimus walks carefully over to Megatron as he keeps his arms stretched out in surrender.

 

“Give me one last request Megatron…�

 

“You?!� Megatron scoffs. “Why should I bother?�

 

“Because you owe me at least that…from one warrior to another.�

 

Sighing in disbelief, the Decepticon leader grants Prime’s request.

 

“Very well…if only to look generous in front of your men. I shall hear this one last request from you…and only one!�

 

Prime lowers his arms, stares at Mirage and then looks up at Megatron with a dead serious look.

 

“Take me instead.�

 

The Autobots all gasp as they hear Optimus Prime offering himself as a prisoner, as do the Decepticons who all give a shocked look at him for such a stupid move. Megatron isn’t surprised at all that Prime asked that of him, in fact he had a very pleased air about him as his greatest rival was practically giving him the victory he so yearned for. With a smirk on his face, Megatron laughed out loud at the offer and lowered his arm cannon away from Mirage’s head.

 

“You? You would take his place? Oh this is too good to be true! Sparing his life at the cost of your own…as I said Optimus Prime…how predictable of you.�

 

“No need to rub it in Megatron…� Optimus squinted in anger. “Just let him go and I’ll be your prisoner. I’ve tried all I can to stop you…but when it comes to ending lives or sparing lives…you and I are just totally far apart on what that actually means.�

 

Megatron chuckles at his comment and prepares to hand over Mirage, but Starscream rushes in and points his two arm blasters at the Autobot leader. The action causes the Autobots to hold up their fists defensively, just as their Decepticon counterparts do as well; the minute someone shoots, they’ll be all over each other within seconds.

 

“No Megatron!! You have him right where you want him! Kill him now and be done with it!� Starscream howls at him.

 

“Take one shot Starscream and I’m gonna rip out some permanent air holes in your chassis!!� Cliffjumper screams as he points at the air commander.

 

“Don’t be the fool Prime!� Ironhide now shouts from behind the Autobot leader. “You know they won’t honor their agreements! This is a trick! Let’s run them all down and get this stalemate over with already!�

 

Megatron now points his arm cannon over at Starscream’s head; the jet commander standing beside him notices the weapon being pointed at him and gasps in shock.

 

“Shut up Starscream and get back in line!!� Megatron says angrily at him. “If Optimus Prime wants to return with us and face his doom on Cybertron…then so be it!�

 

“But…but…Megatron!� Starscream whines. “What about the others? You will leave them here? Free to plot our doom upon our return?�

 

The leader smacks the air commander’s arms down with his arm cannon. Gazing at him with a flash of red angry eyes, the silver robot points at Starscream’s face and forces him to step back into place with just the sound of his booming voice.

 

“Shut UP!! I will do as I see fit because I am leader…not you! These lowly few Autobots are of no concern to me…without their precious leader to guide them, they will not be able to mount a big enough assault for us to even worry about. Now step back!�

 

Prime shakes his head at Megatron’s rant, “There will always be an Autobot who will rise from our ranks and defy those who would bring about death and destruction. Silencing me will make no change of that; you’ll only make me a martyr and inspire each of the few that remain to challenge you in the future. But I can only foresee that in the end Megatron…you will be destroyed by your own greed.�

 

The Decepticon leader calmly claps sarcastically at the Autobot and mocks his words of wisdom.

 

“I think you should have become a poet instead of a leader Optimus Prime, it would have suited you much better in the long run. Now let us make the switch, I grow tired of hearing anymore of this gibberish you constantly swing at us.�

 

As Prime walks forward giving a look back at his troops to remain where they are, Megatron unlocks the energy bonds on Mirage and keeps his cannon aimed at him to make sure he doesn’t try to run, Prime and Mirage meet in-between and pat one another one the shoulder.

 

“I’ll send ya a postcard from Cybertron, Mirage. Sorry I have to take your place and ruin the fun ride home.� Prime jokingly says to him.

 

“It’s ok Optimus…I’d rather be here then bear the weight on your shoulder right now. Besides…I think the ship will be too full for my liking.�

 

Both nod in understanding and finally pass each other as they reach the other sides. Prime sighs as he stands in front of Megatron and looks up at the silver shining leader.

 

“Let’s get this over with Megatron.�

 

“Gladly Prime…gladly.� The Decepticon leader smirks.

 

He quickly shoves Prime aside and fires his cannon into the back of Mirage as he still stands there not facing them. The impact tares off his upper back and collapses to the ground in pain. The smoldering robot is soon surrounded by the other Autobots, all of whom are trying to care for his sudden wounds.

 

“We had a deal Megatron!!� Prime shouted at him after seeing the results.

 

The grinning devil stood there and chuckled at him, “We do Optimus…we still do…but I will not let that one robot live for trying to destroy our vessel. Be grateful I’m letting your men live at all.�

 

Megatron points over to both Skywarp and Thundercracker standing near by and shoves Prime over to them both.

 

“Take him and keep your weapons locked on him. The minute any Autobot dares to fire on this ship…Optimus Prime dies!�

 

The Autobots still helping Mirage hear his words and all scowl at the leader for bullying their leader and threatening them at the same time. Mirage still gasps in pain as Ratchet tries to mend his wounds; Wheeljack looks over at Prime and tries to give him a grain of hope.

 

“We’ll keep the mission alive for you Prime! Cybertron will be free some day, bet on it!�

 

Starscream laughs at Wheeljack and mocks his foolish words, “Oh please…that’s a bet you’ll never win. Face it Wheeljack…you’re history! Bwaahahahahahah!!!�

 

The Decpticons all board on the platform that barely fits them all and Optimus Prime as well. The lift rises up to the opening and the evil faction of transformers all enter inside. Standing in the doorway, Megatron looks back at the Autobot’s angry faces and waves to them with a devilish grin.

 

“So much for the almighty Autobots! Farewell…Losers!�

 

The door shuts as his laugher grows, the roar of the engines powering up and the laughter of all the Decepticons inside meld as one as the ship slowly begins to rise from its concrete moorings. Bumblebee shakes his fist in anger as he watches the Decepticon ship rise up into the sky and shout with all his might.

 

“We’ll get you for this Megatron! We’ll get you back…do you hear me? MEGATRON!!!!�

 

 

As the ship soon fully leaves the rocky canyon, the TV van both Spike and Carly are in drives up and comes to a screeching halt just beside the Autobots. Carly steps out slowly and sees the ship.

 

“Oh god…they’re getting away!�

 

Spike bolts out of the driver seat and heads over to Ironhide looking helplessly at the sky.

 

“What happened?! Why aren’t you all shooting? Where’s Optimus?!�

 

Ironhide looks down a the panicky human and sighs, “He’s on the ship…Megatron has him.�

 

“What?!� Spike says in shock. “Th-th-that’s impossible! You guys were winning! You can’t let him escape!!�

 

Brawn and Cliffjumper step over to him and try to explain.

 

“We have to Spike…as much as we all hate it…� Cliffjumper tries to explain.

 

“We had no choice…Optimus Prime gave his life to spare ours.� Brawn says sorrowfully. “Mirage was going to plant a bomb…but…it kinda went south…if you know what I mean.�

 

Spike looked over and saw the badly damaged Autobot spy gasping for breath. Carly ran over and wept for her friend who seemed very glad to see her again.

 

“Hey…there Carly. Ooooh…how’s my brave human female?�

 

“Don’t talk Mirage.� Carly says with a slight smile. “Save your strength to live…you still owe me a fast drive on an open road remember?�

 

Ratchet looks at her and gently pats her as lightly as he can, it feels more like a nudge from large animal, but not at all harmful to her.

 

“I’m doing my best to save him Carly…we’ll need to get him back to the Ark soon.�

 

Spike shakes his head in disbelief, all this fighting, all the lives lost…only to end up losing. He runs over to Sideswipe and tugs away at his hand.

 

“You’ve got a rocket pack right?�

 

“Uh…yeah…why?� Sideswipe looks at him with curiosity.

 

“Then take me up there and we’ll get aboard to stop them ourselves.�

 

Sideswipe looks at his back, his jetpack is attached to his body and undamaged from the battle, but then he pulls away from Spike and nods in disagreement.

 

“I…I can’t let you do that Spike. We’re not supposed to interfere…�

 

Spike kicks him in the leg and shouts at him.

 

“Damnit! You owe me at least the effort to try!! If none of you wants to risk the chance…then let me!!�

 

Sideswipe looks over at Jazz, who now seems to be in command of the team in Prime’s absence. A simple shake of his head of approval gives the tall red robot the permission to carry out Spike’s foolish plan. Jazz and the others felt that Spike had every right to give it a shot, seeing how it was his world and his people that gave their lives to protect them. As Sideswipe sighs with reluctance, he takes hold of the angry human and bends his legs down as they prepare to blast off.

 

“Ok Spike…I don’t know how far we’ll get though. But if you want to try…then I’m with you all the way. Till all are one.�

 

Spike looks up at the ship as it rockets into the heavens, “Till all are one…and the end of Megatron!�

 

Sideswipe’s jet pack roars and soon the two lift off the ground in a fiery streak of blue flame as they speed towards the ship. The force of the take off takes its toll on Spike, as the G-forces alone keep him pinned in Sideswipes hand. On the Decepticon ship, Soundwave monitors their approach as he sits in front pilot chair and looks at them on the view screen ahead.

 

“We have an intruder approaching us, Megatron.� The monotone cycloptic Decepticon says to him.

 

Megatron walks past Optimus Prime and sits in his new command chair. Both Skywarp and Thundercracker keep their weapons pointed at the Autobot leader and never take their eyes off of him. Megatron spins around in his new chair and looks at the widescreen viewer that Soundwave is pointing too. The image of Sideswipe and Spike rocketing up to them makes the evil leader laugh, a mere human and one defiant Autobot trying to challenge the likes of him and his vessel was comedy upon itself. Optimus look up at the monitor as well and notices the frail human friend in Sideswipe’s hand.

 

“Spike? Oh no…no Spike, go back!�

 

Thundercracker keeps the massive leader back with his weapon, “Don’t move Autobot scum!�

 

“Teach these two fools the meaning of ‘Death from above’� Megatron commands to Soundwave.

 

Soundwave bows at his command and pushes various buttons in front of him. As Megatron laughs riotously, the back outside part of the ship opens up to bring out a large double cannon, which then points at the two heroes racing their way. The weapon charges up and shoots two long purple colored laser blasts at them, before Sideswipe could react, the shot manages to take out his rocket pack in a massive explosion. Optimus is horrified by the sight of them being hit and watches the two fall to their deaths in the sky.

 

“No!� He shouts. “Damn you Megatron!!�

 

The Decepticon leader spins around to him in his chair and giggles.

 

“They should have listened to my warning. Now that they are disposed of…its time to take you back to Cybertron were you will be publicly sliced apart limb from limb and have your head placed at the top of the tallest building of Iacon. You will be the symbol for all who challenge the might of Megatron and the Decepticon Empire that only one faction is supreme in the universe!!�

 

“Sounds like you’ve had this planned all along…� Prime notes with a sound of suspicion.

 

Megatron nods agreeingly, “Right you are, Optimus. And it gets even better…if you think I’m going to truly spare your friends and this planet from my wraith…you are sadly mistaken. Their fate is as sealed as yours.�

 

The leader begins laughing evilly and the other Decepticons also begin to share his laughter, as the thought of total victory over the Autobots now seems at its very end.

 

“Just wait Megatron…you’ll see…someone will always be there to take you out. Maybe even someone you least expected.�

 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••â€

•••••••••

 

Back at the Area 51 base, the large pulsating purple cannon sticking out of the ground swings slowly to the left and pivots to the sky above. Inside the solid lower structure below the ground, Doctor Archeville commands his soldiers as they control the massive weapon from their computers.

 

“Target that ship and get a lock on its right side engine.�

 

“Aye sir.� The blonde woman responds to Archeville. “Target lock acquired.�

 

“Prepare to fire on my command.� The old man says sipping on his hot tea as it gets handed to him.

 

Agent West kneels down beside him quickly after handing him his tea and whispers at him as if he’s embarrassed to give him some news.

 

“Sir…uh…the weapon isn’t at full capacity yet.�

 

“What?� Archeville sneers in anger. “Why has it not been charged?! You had plenty of time to have this blasted thing ready!�

 

West nervously blinks as the man gives him a foul look and starts to explain.

 

“Nine hours was only a reasonable guess…we…we didn’t expect it to be so damn powerful that it requires a full day and a half to charge. The most we could manage is only a quarter of its power need…�

 

Archeville slams his chair arm and shouts at him.

 

“You fool!! This is not the time to tell me this!!�

 

Standing out of his chair and walking over to the computer controls, he hovers over the woman operator and leans on the console.

 

“Damn…to hell with how much we have. There’s no more time to argue this…I want that ship and I want it now! One shot will have to be enough…give me everything you have and fire it!!�

 

The woman looks confused and tries to explain, “But sir, with only so much power there won’t be enough to even bring it down to the specified site!�

 

“Blast you woman! I said FIRE!!!� Archeville screams.

 

Pushing her out of the way, the crazed man pounds on the red firing button sitting in the middle of the board and screams at the monitor looking at the targeted Decepticon ship.

 

“You are mine Megatron!! MINE!!!!�

 

End of Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter 24 – The Long Journey’s End

 

The crazed laughter of Doctor Archeville echoes in the entire room as he watches the massive gun from the monitoring station below ground. With a large whine of power build up, the massive towering weapon grumbles as the energy flows through it and causing the tip of the barrel to glow as the charge comes to the surface. The cannon suddenly launches a burst of energy that streaks across the sky and causes the ground to tremble by the sheer power it unleashes. The men standing all around close by shield their ears from the loud scream it produces, the calm silence before the massive shot of power didn’t prepare them any as they all dive to the ground after hearing the laser being sent out. The neon glow of the purple ray of light streams high above and over a long distance as it heads for its primary target.

 

••••••••••••••••••••

 

Meanwhile, as Spike and Sideswipe continue to fall to their doom after Megatron’s deadly blast, Sideswipe manages to eject his damaged rocket back as it continues to smolder and flame. Pressing a small button on his right hand wrist, the pack snaps away and continues to fall downward well beyond them. Still within his clutch, Spike tries to stay alert as the speed in which they continue to fall is causing him to slowly black out. Sideswipe looks down at him and tries to keep him talking, even though the earth his coming closer with every second.

 

“Come on Spike…stay alert!�

 

“You…you think that’s wise Sideswipe?� The young man chuckles. “We’re about to become the largest street pizza in the history of the world.�

 

The Autobot laughs slightly as well, “Guess that might be so…but how can you not enjoy that view before the end.�

 

“You’re…a strange…Autobot Sideswipe. It was great knowing ya.�

 

Down below on the ground, the rest of the Autobots watch them plunge in horror. Ironhide uses his optical sensors to get a better look and describes it to the others.

 

“For Primus’s Sake! They’re dropping like asteroids in the sky! Sideswipe just ejected his pack and now they’ve got no way of slowin’ down!�

 

Carly looks up in the sky with tears forming and shouts in panic, “SPIKE!�

 

Jazz frantically runs over to Windcharger.

 

“You’ve got to slow them down before they impact!�

 

“I need a refuel for my anti-gravity system…that’s more then a leap for me Jazz…I’d have to use up everything I’ve got and then some.�

 

“Ok you got it!� Jazz nods as he runs back to the other Autobots. “We need all the energy packs you can muster…so lend a hand and give it up busters!�

 

The entire group takes out any extra power pack cell from within their chassis’s and gives them to Windcharger as he quickly walks around taking them all. Wheeljack looks at his and sighs.

 

“You’d better grab them in one leap Windcharger. By my calculations, if you over shoot there’s no way you can manage to lower yourself in time to properly catch them.�

 

Windcharger takes the concerned robot’s power pack and smirks, “Well then…I’d better not miss huh?�

 

The small red and grey robot opens up his chest and places the extra packs into his spare reserve slots. Each one is capable of holding more then two, normally he wouldn’t be able to keep so much power in his body, too much would overload his circuitry if he didn’t expel that power quickly. As he closes his chest, the surge of power causes his eyes to glow brightly.

 

“Stand back people…time for me to fly!�

 

The little robot crouches down as he prepares to leap, keeping an eye on his falling targets, the small robot volts away like a superhero rushing to save the day. On chest is a small indicator of how much energy he is using on his anti-gravity unit, the bars slowly begin to fade one by one as he manages to get closer and closer to Sideswipe. With his hands reaching out, Windcharger makes contact with the two and grabs hold of Sideswipe’s waist as they collide.

 

“Going my way?� Windcharger chuckles after taking hold of him.

 

“Bout time someone showed up.� Sideswipe smirks.

 

Spike still looking very pale gazes at Windcharger and smiles.

 

“Super Windcharger to the rescue. They should make...a…a comic book of you.�

 

The tiny Autobot begins to slow them down and uses the remaining power to hover safely back to the ground. More of his power bar indicators begin to fade off as he nears the halfway point on it. Suddenly, the large laser blast from Archeville’s weapon streaks over their heads as the light nearly blinds all three of them.

 

“What the hell is that?� Sideswipe utters as he shields his eyes.

 

“More trouble by the looks of it.� Windcharger says with a serious tone.

 

On the ground, all of the other Autobots see the bright flash as well, a large purple laser heading deep into the sky and giving a slight curve as it continues on into the stratosphere.

 

“Leakin’ Lubracants!� Ironhide exclaims.

 

“You can say that again Ironhide.� Cliffjumper utters in awe as he looks up at the sight.

 

Wheeljack looks over at Jazz and whispers, “Dear Primus…its heading straight for the ship!�

 

“Well, I’ll be…its just as he said it would happen.� Jazz said to himself in thought.

 

••••••••••••••••••••

 

On board the Decepticon ship, Megatron continues to gloat over Optimus Prime as the silver robot chuckles away in his chair.

 

“We’re almost clear of this planet’s biosphere Prime…take your last look at it. For soon this whole world will be nothing but a memory to you for as long as you live…which, I’m afraid, won’t be very long at all.�

 

“Wait for it Megatron…just wait for it…� Prime speaks to him in a rather curious tone.

 

The Leader rises out of his chair as he wonders what Optimus is talking about. The Autobot doesn’t look frightened at all to him; in fact, Prime is tapping his fingers on his folded arms and looking very patient.

 

“Wait? Wait for what? Why aren’t you trembling in fear?�

 

Soundwave quickly spins around in his chair and shouts at the leader.

 

“MEGATRON!!! INCOMING FIRE!!�

 

The Decepticon leader turns to see the large main viewer, on the screen is the laser blast heading straight for them and with no time to react, Megatron just utters the only thing he can.

 

“NO!�

 

The blast strikes the side of the ship, just where the right engine happens to be, and manages to slice it off completely from the hull. With no engine on it’s right side, the ship veers quickly to the left and begins to spiral down ward into the atmosphere again. Everyone inside is thrown about as the vessel buckles from the new direction, warning sirens and red lights flash throughout the ship as the screams of all the Decepticons join in with the panic. The smoke fills the control room and fire shoots out from the exploding computers around them. Prime manages to stand up again as the ship levels off and becomes trapped in a slow descent down to the planet again. With both Thundercracker and Skywarp no longer near him, the leader quickly opens his left leg compartment and a replica of his gun pops out into his hands. Equal in size and looks, the massive hand weapon glistens in the soft light of the flames as he points it over to Megatron. The Decepticon leader kicks off Rumble who was lying over top of him after the spiral, and rises up from his spot slowly as he spots Optimus with his gun.

 

“Surprise Megatron!� Prime proudly states.

 

“You knew…� Megatron grumbles at him. “You knew this would happen!! Didn’t You?!!�

 

“That’s right Megatron…I told you not to underestimate these beings and certainly not me either. After seeing their secret weapons during our battles, I had a hunch this would take place…only much sooner. I knew those military men had a plan for us…I played their game long enough to get this ship well beyond their grip. Funny, how things turned out. But that’s humans for ya…unpredictable.�

 

“You…you planned this whole thing all along? That’s impossible!�

 

Prime continued to keep his gun aimed at the Decepticon, “Not impossible Megatron…inevitable. And that’s not the only surprise I’ve got for you. Mirage code 221, Activate!�

 

On the large Autobot’s shoulder, a small device begins to uncloak, Optimus Prime grips it off of his metallic structure and holds it up to show Megatron.

 

“Mirage gave me more then just a simple goodbye after our handshake…he gave me the means to end your little cargo run for good.�

 

Megatron’s eyes widened with fear, it was one of Mirage’s bombs that he had been attempting to place on the side of their energon stack down in the cargo hold. The two leaders locked eyes, Primes were calm and gave an air of control, while Megatron’s could see what the Autobot leader was thinking and flashed with anger.

 

“You wouldn’t dare!� Megatron screams.

 

“Oh wouldn’t I? How well do you know me Megatron? Hm? How well? Well, I’m afraid the time to figure that out…has long past. Welcome to oblivion.� The Autobot leader snickers.

 

Megatron points to Prime and orders his Decepticons recovering from the attack, “STOP HIM!!�

 

Prime fires his long black gun and takes out the few taking aim. Thundercracker, Soundwave, Starscream and two of the Reflectors all get a quick volley of Optimus Prime’s weapon, the leader is quick on his trigger and a skilled shot as he takes each one out. Megatron tries to transform into his gun mode, but Prime instantly gets another shot off in his direction and knocks the evil leader to the ship controls. He had managed to stop the Decepticon while in mid-transformation. With everyone clear of his path, the Autobot warrior transforms into his tractor-trailer mode and rushes for the corridor that leads to the cargo bay. Ravage runs in front of the doorway to stop him, only to be run down like critter on a freeway. The black metallic cat howls in pain as it feels the impact of Optimus’s grill work.

 

“After him you fools!! After him!!!� Megatron screams as he tires to recover.

 

Hook helps rumble and Starscream up as they all begin to quickly sprint for the cargo hold Prime is rushing too. The rest of the Constructicons are trying to repair the flaming ship inside as they hurry to regain the ship’s controls. The Autobot rig continues to speed down the long hallway as he notices the cargo doorway straight ahead of him. Waiting at the door was one of the remaining Reflector trio, pointing his gun and firing away, the Decepticon was doing very little to stop the bulky tractor trailer transformer from coming. With the last look of fear in Reflector’s eyes, Optimus Prime smashed through him and the doors as he broke inside the room. Reflector’s body was utterly destroyed into a million pieces, the sheer impact managed to kill this transformer instantly.

 

“Say hello to Gears for me!� Prime screams as he crushes the remaining parts of Reflector on the floor.

 

As he sees the Energon stack near by, he quickly transforms while still in motion. With the small bomb still in his hand, the massive Autobot flicks the center button with his thumb and throws it over to the energy-bonded cubes. The bomb instantly attaches to the side and starts an instant count down from ten seconds. The digital counter slowly rolls each second as Prime completes his transformation again as he flies though the air. Back in his rig mode, his wheels touch the floor again and continues to speed down the room. Rumble and Starscream run into the room and open fire at the fleeing Autobot. Hook runs in and suddenly notices the timer.

 

“OH SHOCK! He’s attached the bomb!!�

 

Rumble stops firing and runs back down the corridor in a panic.

 

“Waah! We’re all going to die!! Megatron…MEGATRON!!�

 

Starscream hears Hook’s grim discovery and goes into a violent shooting tantrum at Optimus Prime. Without even realizing it, one of the Decepticons crazed shots blasts a hole through the hull in front of the Autobot leader and watches him drive right on through.

 

“Thanks for the exit! See you in the Great Spark Beyond fellas!�

 

“NOOOOO!!� Starscream yells at Prime as he launches out of the ship.

 

As Optimus begins to drop away from the ship, he transforms back into robot mode and gives a last salute to them all. Megatron screams in anger as he witnesses his foe on the flickering widescreen.

 

“OPTIMUS PRIIIIIIME!!!�

 

Inside the cargo hold, Hook is helpless to pry the bomb off as the seconds continue to count down.

 

The Constructicon runs over to Starscream, “I can’t take it off!!�

 

“To hell with the Energon…I choose life!!� The air commander screams.

 

Smacking a small console beside him on the wall, the large cargo bay door swings open sideways and the entire energy bonded platform the cubes are sitting on ejects out of the ship. As the huge cargo just barely comes out and drops a few feet, the digits on the bomb come to their double zeros and the device triggers the explosive. As the small Autobot-made device detonates, so too does the entire energon stock in that split second. The massive explosion rips through the air and cripples the Decepticon’s ship yet again. This time all the engines have been destroyed, along with some of the ship’s hull and tilts the vessel in another direction, this time, it heads straight down. Megatron and Shockwave are the only survivors at the controls, as they both try to steer the craft, Soundwave gives the grim news to his leader.

 

“We have no control of our descent! The ship is on a collision course with the planet’s ocean!� The garbled, and often broken, monotone voiced robot states to his leader.

 

Megatron looks up at where the large widescreen monitor once was. The blast took away that chuck of the ship as well, now he has a gaping wide hole in front of him, showing the Earth’s ocean they are about to plummet into.

 

“No…No! Not again…� Megatron pounds on the dead controls. “I will not end this way Soundwave…Do you hear me?! Do something Soudwave! I command you to do something!!�

 

The leader frantically shakes his heavily damaged Decepticon soldier as he screams away at him, but as the two look up again, they both fold their arms over their eyes as they come crashing into the water as fast a bullet. The ship’s impact causes a huge water and foam plume that shoots up into the sky as if a nuclear bomb was set off in the deep. They had managed to drop dead center into the Pacific Ocean, the large water tsunami was visible from the coastlines of America, and millions of people along its shores were gasping at the sight of it. People quickly ran from the beaches and their homes fearing it was heading their way. Panic had gripped the people watching, the news media was covering the entire event in the sky and as the ship crashed into the ocean. All over the world people watched and prayed for the safety for the many caught in the drama that was unfolding on camera. The deep blue waters swelled with large waves, and as they came crashing to the shores, the continuous strikes they made did less damage that many expected to happen.

 

Prime was still dropping like a rock in the sky and from the high altitude he was in, he could see the devastation the ship was causing below.

 

“Primus…forgive me. I could not see any other way, now...the task is done. Take me....I am ready to be with you and all those that paid for the price of freedom.�

 

The robot spread his arms as he continued to fall, dimmed his eyes and began to accept the deadly fate that awaited him as well.

Archeville sat in his chair with a sour look at the monitor’s repeating shot of the Decepticon ship crashing into the vast, deep blue ocean. The others around him were quiet and looking at the man as if to wonder what he will do next. The large TV screen beside the monitor he was previously looking at had the live satellite camera shots of Optimus Prime falling back towards Earth. The old man breathed with contempt as he gazed at the victorious Autobot and rose out of his chair slowly.

 

“Can we send out another shot?� He asks the woman sitting at the console.

 

“No sir. The energy output has fallen to even attempt a second attack.�

 

Walking over to the monitor, the old man purses his lips in frustration and taps lightly at the image of Optimus Prime.

 

“So much for giving you a quick death Prime. Perhaps the crushing pain of hitting the Earth will be the last painful memory you’ll ever remember. I hope you die horribly.�

 

Turning around, Archeville looks at Agent West and folds his arms together.

 

“Can we locate the Decepticon ship position from the satellite?�

 

West nervously twiddles his fingers and licks his lower lip before he speaks, “Sir…the impact would have scattered the ship all over the bottom. Tracking will be impossible from space seeing how the Autobot computer Telatran One will be monitoring our movements up there.�

 

“Yes…�The Doctor thinks as he rubs his chin. “That blasted computer of theirs would alert the Autobots if we tried, I should have secured that Ark better when it was discovered and had that ship’s computer core ripped out. But…what’s done is done.�

 

He walks over to a large electronic map of the Earth, a see-through plastic one that displays the area of the Pacific Ocean where the Decepticon ship crashed.

 

“We must begin to prepare for retrieval. I want submarines modified immediately, contact the levels of Government to avoid this section of the ocean and select the best soldiers for deep sea assignment.�

 

West points to the various people around him to do as the old man instructed and sighed as he approached him with caution.

 

“This will take time sir. We didn’t anticipate for this contingency.�

 

“And why the hell not!� Archeville shouted. “This is what we do for god’s sake! Plan for every sort of possibility!�

 

Once again the room stood still as his outbursts of utter rage nearly scared the room to death. Adjusting his light suit jacket and tie, he eyes them all as his scowl of disparagement quickly changes into that of calm. The old man starts to head out of the room, pausing for a second at the doorway, he turns around and gives the soldiers one last order.

 

“Proceed to lower the weapon, turn off all energy reserves and have all troops stand down from their positions.�

 

West approaches Archeville with concern.

 

“But sir? What of the Autobots and the millions of people that witnessed the laser shot?�

 

“Come with me West…there is so much to do and so little time to do it. The Decepticon’s will be ours, no matter who stands in our way.� The old man giggles as he grabs hold of the Agent’s arm and pulls him along.

 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••â€

•••••

 

As Windcharger lands with Sideswipe and Spike in his arms, Carly runs over to the bewildered looking young man and gives him a large hug as he steps down on the ground.

 

“You idiot! Never make a stupid mistake like that again.� She said.

 

“Well I had to do something.� Spike says back at her. “Besides…you had your big adventure with Mirage…guess it was my turn.�

 

“Show off.� She smiles as she continues to hug him.

 

Sideswipe and Windcharger run over to Ironhide who is still using his visor to look at the sky with a horrified look on his face.

 

“Oh…Oh Primus no!!� The robot screams as he gazes up. “Optimus Prime…he…he made it out of the ship and falling down to Earth as well!!�

 

Hound steps up beside Ironhide and uses his superior optics to zoom in at the sky as well, with his mounted shoulder rocket, a small green holographic light pierces out of the tip of it and gives everyone a glimpse of what he can see. The hologram display is round and looks more like a flat 2D image of Optimus Prime falling in the blue atmosphere. Bumblebee rushes over and looks at it with panic.

 

“Optimus! We gotta do something guys!�

 

Jazz looks over at both Windcharger and Trailbreaker, “Quick Windcharger, fly back up and slow his fall. Trailbreaker, make a force field to help ease their return.�

 

“I’m all out of juice Jazz!� Windcharger reveals to him. “I barely have enough to even go a few feet up. It was a long way up and a waste of more power just to hover back down again.�

 

“I’m out of power as well.� Trailbreaker speaks in a worried tone. “What with the battle with the Decepticons and giving Windcharger my power pack…I’m totally spent. Besides, even if I did have enough to create one…at the rate Prime is falling, he would shatter like glass on my shield as well.�

 

“At the rate he’s falling…� Wheeljack estimates. “We’d need more then one of us to slow him down. But with no power and no one else with flying capabilities…face it…we can’t do anything!�

 

Cliffjumper pounces on Wheeljack and shakes him in anger, “That’s it?! That’s all you got for us smart guy? Some genius you are…you can’t even save your own leader!�

 

Hound suddenly tracks something in the sky and moves his holographic eye over to the incoming shadows heading straight towards falling Autobot leader.

 

“What the heck? Guys…Guys!! Take a look at this!�

 

Spike, Carly and all the other Autobots ran up to see Hound’s hologram image; peering at it with curiosity, Spike and Carly tried to make out the faint blurs.

 

“Wha…what is it Spike?� Carly asked him.

 

“I…I dunno.� He utters softly. “But if I didn’t know any better…I’d swear they were…�

 

His eyes quickly light up and starts to shout out with joy. “YEAAAH! GO AIR FORCE!!�

 

It was indeed a group of four jets heading towards Optimus Prime; the bulky looking high flyers were streaking in with large magnetic grapples attached to their underside. All four were top of the line new aircrafts, a similar design as the F/A-22 Raptors, but with new hovering thrusters built into them making the jets look more bulky. The pilots swooped in over Prime and adjusted their speeds to follow his angle of decent, with a flick of a switch on their consoles; the magnetic grapplers powered up and grabbed hold of Prime’s metallic body. A quick jerk slung the jets down as they locked on and soon fired up their powerful sounding hover jets to slow him down. Optimus switched on his optics again and saw the brave human pilots trying to rescue him. He looked over at each one of them and gently nodded at them as they all gave him a thumb up. The Autobots on the ground cheered in delight as they witnessed his miraculous survival, some screamed out at the humans in praise and both Carly and Spike hugged each other in relief. That was when Spike looked at Carly and embraced her in a very passionate kiss. She seemed surprised by his sudden move, but rather then complain or slap him in the face, the woman gave in as well and continued to make the kiss last. Bumblebee watched them from where he was and smiled, a smile that he had long missed since the accident with Spike’s dad.

 

“Now that’s more like it…� The yellow Autobot simply states to himself.

 

The human aircrafts soon brought Optimus to the ground, the two back ones holding his legs let go first, allowing the leader to stand up on his own. Then as he touched down, the second two turned off their magnets and backed away from him. The four lifted back into the air and started to make their way back into the bright blue sky. Prime looked up at them all and waved with gratitude.

 

“Thanks for the lift friends!�

 

Once they were gone, the Autobots ran to the leader and all greeted him with joyful faces.

 

“Welcome back Optimus!� Ironhide said in an almost tearful glee.

 

“We almost lost hope there Prime.� Bumblebee says as he shakes his hand.

 

The Autobot leader looks at them all with pride and nods in thanks.

 

“I’ve always said…no Autobot is doomed to die alone…so long as has friends to be there with him in the end. Even human ones…�

 

As the massive red robot looks down below, Spike and Carly approach him with great big smiles and touch his metal blue leg with care.

 

“You did it Prime…just like you said you would. Megatron is history.� Spike says looking up at him.

 

“But I don’t understand, who could have sent them to save you?� Carly inquires.

 

Prime rubs his manifold mouth and thinks about it. “Hmm. Well if I had to take a calculated guess…I’d say it’s the one person who needed to redeem himself, not just for us…but for his kind as well.�

 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

 

Far off into the near by rocky plateau, a lone figure stands on the top of the rise and observes the celebrating Autobots a few miles away. Lowering the massive binoculars, the man reveals himself to be General Hank Pressman. Still in his military suit and displaying all of his metals upon his left pocket, he gives a tender smirk and holds a small cellular phone up to his right ear.

 

“Mission successful base commander. I thank you for your help.�

 

“A pleasure to assist you General, consider it a payback for all you’ve done.� The other male voice says back to him on the phone.

 

“And thank those brave pilots for me as well…I know they’ll have a lot of explaining to do once Archeville finds out.�

 

In a far off air base, thousands of miles away from the General’s location, the middle aged Caucasian base commander sat in his black leather chair and smirked as he talks to the other man on his modern looking black phone.

 

“Balls to that Hank. If Archeville doesn’t like it, he can kiss my ass two.�

 

The General’s voice snickered at the Base Commander’s comment.

 

“You’ve been the best Ted. Don’t forget to give that special package to that certain someone for me. And be sure to keep an eye on my son and granddaughter from time to time, huh?�

 

Base Commander Ted leans on his cluttered grey metal desk and holds the phone receiver closer to his mouth.

 

“Hank…maybe it’s not too late. If you come here now I might be able to help…�

 

The General sighs, “It’s way past time for that buddy. Just make sure you deliver that parcel for me, consider that my final gift to mankind…and the one weapon to put an end to Archeville once and for all. I’ll see ya when I see ya.�

 

“I’ll see ya when I see ya too. God bless you my friend.� Ted sighs in pity.

 

He hangs up the phone and looks over to the large flat brown envelope sitting beside his arm on the desk. Picking it up, the Base Commander looks at it with concern and eyes the General’s writing on it.

 

ATTENTION: SENATOR SHAWN BEGER

CONFIDENTIAL FILE - FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

 

Back at the rocky plateau, the General flips his cell phone and places it into his pocket. With a quiet sigh and looking out across the beautiful landscape before him, he just utters out loud what he’s thinking at that moment.

 

“Beautiful.�

 

“It sure is.� Another deep male voice booms out from behind him.

 

Without acting surprised or even turning around to look at the person, the General continues to look out at the sight before him.

 

“What kept you?�

 

Agent Drakemore now steps out beside him and looks out at the valley with him as he answers the question.

 

“Traffic is horrible. Not to mention the fact that there’s a lot of reporters trying to get over here.�

 

Pressman smirks. “Should have taken the south route into this region, less security and lots of kick ass trails.�

 

“Cool.� The Afro-American man in black says as he adjusts his dark sunglasses. “I’ll have to remember that next time, bring the RV and do some off-roading.�

 

Looking over at him, Drakemore gives a slight smirk. “So…anything you want to say before we do this?�

 

The General squints as he thinks, shuffling the ground with his shined black shoes, and then straightening his tie with a calm manner.

 

“Just two conditions.�

 

“Name it.�

 

“One, you stay the hell away from my family for good. I don’t want anyone hounding my son and granddaughter…got it?� Pressman demands of him.

 

“Ok…done. The Second?� Drakemore nods.

 

“My disappearance…make it look like I was lost in combat. That way my family gets the benefits and no one can link me to the Project. I died as a soldier and with honor.�

 

Drakemore nods again and smiles. “You got it. General, you’re a good man. It’s been a pleasure serving with you and well…I trust there are no grudges between us.�

 

“No…no grudges, son.� The General says as he shakes the Agent’s hand. “You’ve done your job well. And I’ll see ya when I see ya.�

 

Drakemore nods to him as he shakes the old man’s hand back and starts to walk away. The General looks out at the horizon again and breathes in the air once more.

 

“As I said…my god…it’s a beautiful day. Make it quick.�

 

The sound of a gun calking behind his head makes him close his eyes slowly.

 

“I always do General…I always do.� Drakemore’s voice booms out from behind him.

 

The black suited man pulls the trigger and the sound of his shot rings out across the valley, the calm sounds of the wind soon take over from the loud banging noise and all that can be heard now is the cry of a lone hawk flying in the sky.

 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••â€

••••

 

Optimus Prime walks up to Mirage as he’s being carried over to Ratchet awaiting him to be placed into his open backend. Prime takes hold of the robot’s hand and looks at his damaged areas with concern.

 

“Don’t worry Prime…I’ll be…I’ll be ready for duty before you know it.� Mirage jokingly says to the leader.

 

“You’ve done me proud soldier.� Prime replies. “As far as any Autobot here is concerned…you’re the bravest and the boldest out of the bunch.�

 

Mirage smiles at the leader’s comments and soon gets placed in by the bunch carrying him; Smokescreen, Huffer, Bluestreak and Prowl all lower him in and shut the door with care. Ratchet quickly turns on his Emergency lights and heads down the road. Prime then walks over to where the body of Gears lay and kneels down. Placing his hands on the robotic corpse, he gives a solemn prayer.

 

“May the Matrix guide you back to the All Spark, to await those of us who love and miss you dearly…when we shall all return and become one with Primus again.�

 

Standing back to his feet and looking over at the other Autobots watching him with somber looks, the leader looks over at Ironhide and asks a personal favor.

 

“Will you do the honor and carry his body back to the Ark?�

 

“I’d thought you’d never ask Prime. It would be my pleasure…for an old friend.� Ironhide salutes to him.

 

The Autobots pick up Gears remains and place him inside Ironhide as he transforms into his Minivan mode. Optimus Prime closes the backend door and taps Ironhide to head on out. As the red Minivan moves down the path, the Autobots all line up beside the trail and salute the car as it drives past them all. Spike and Carly, standing at the very end, also salute the dead soldier robot and hold their other hands together as they watch. Ironhide and Ratchet meet up on the dirt trail and quickly trans-warp out of sight.

 

“Autobots!� Prime shouts out to them in a commanding voice. “Let’s go home. Transform and roll out!�

 

The group instantly all transform in unison into their various vehicles, each one revs their engines and prepares for their leader's next order. Carly and Spike casually walk up to Prime as he watches his soldiers with pride.

 

“Hey, think we could get a lift back as well?� Carly says as she sticks out her thumb in a hitchhiking manner.

 

“Yeah, how bout it Optimus? I’m sure my dad would like to see you guys pop by the hospital to visit along the way.�

 

Prime nods with agreement. “Sounds like a good plan to me Spike.�

 

The massive robot leader folds down into his tractor-trailer form and opens both side doors for the two of them. As they climb in and shut the cab doors, Spike gives an uneasy look and asks the leader a question.

 

“Aren’t we forgetting something?�

 

“Like what Spike?� Prime’s voice inquires back at him.

 

“Archeville. What about Archeville and his secretive bunch?�

 

Carly realizes the same thing and agrees, “Yeah, that’s right. Shouldn’t we go after him as well?�

 

“In due time you two.� Prime says. “Right now, lets just see what tomorrow brings. I think he’s going to have his hands full after such a large display of fire power the entire world saw. But rest assured you can bet Archeville isn’t going anywhere at the moment, now that Megatron is scattered in pieces at the bottom of your ocean.�

 

“I guess that’s the end of them, huh?� Spike sighs with relief.

 

“I hope so Spike…I hope so.� Optimus simply states.

 

The big red and grey tractor-trailer begins to drive out past his awaiting Autobots, and as he passes them one by one, they soon follow behind as they head for home. They all honk their horns with joy as they all trans-warp into a massive green streak down the dusty road and vanish from the scene.

 

•••••••••••••••••

 

The deep blue ocean rolls as the sunlight sparkles on the top of it as it penetrates the down into its murky depths. Deeper and deeper into the vast Pacific, fish swim with calm pacing and shadows of sharks skim below the prey the watch from underneath. Like a heavy weight dropping to the very bottom of the water, we see a large crevasse in the rocky ocean floor that takes us deeper still, the water is pitch black with very faint light giving off the smallest detail to the various creatures swimming around in its unreachable fathoms. A soft outline of a metal structure appears, large enough to be a ship and looking very fractured as it lies there. Deep within the various dark rooms, we see more faint outlines of robotic bodies lying on the floor, and as we peer into the last room at the end of the long tunnel, the very dark room suddenly shows a pair of glowing red eyes that puncture through the pitch black darkness with a gaze of utter anger.

 

“Op…Optimus…Prime!� The badly garbled voice of Megatron strains to whisper out.

 

 

 

END

Is Hound like his G1 self or is he a Jeep Wrangler? Keep it coming.

After reading the other part now, great ending.

Thanks...Sequels are in the works...in fact in the mists of one right now. I hope my fic explained what exactly Hound was....(a green Hummer if you're still not sure).

 

The one I'm doing right now is titled - Generation One Universe: The Project N Crisis. I might post most of what I have later....I'm just hoping to give this one time so ppl can come and read it and get more feedback.