In the Eyes of an Innocent
Sept 20, 2012 22:10:34 GMT -8
Post by sunstar on Sept 20, 2012 22:10:34 GMT -8
Been a while since my last update! Enjoy!
Elita had finally been allowed back by Optimus. Jazz had asked her if he could take Altima out on an energon search and she had agreed, recognizing that Jazz was planning to test the future Prime. Elita knew Altima would make him proud of her. Optimus had made sure that Altima knew quite a bit about military maneuvers and he had taught her how to fight. Altima was good enough to give Jetfire a workout.
Optimus’s hand felt cold and stiff. Wheeljack had explained that Optimus’s body was turning all resources it had on healing. Everything looked okay and there was no sign of infection. Red Alert had already begun the long process of micro repairs which meant he had to put sub routes in place to allow the energon to go where it was needed the most. She sighed.
“You are fighting so hard right now. I know how easy it would be to slip away and let go. I don’t want to have to say good bye to you after finding you again. I don’t ever want to live on Cybertron without you there. I love you, and so does Altima. You’ve done beautifully with her. She is going to be an amazing Prime someday.” Elita felt her vocal circuits choking up, “If it is your time, if Primus is calling, then don’t fight it. You can go, knowing I’ll do my best as their queen. You know they will follow me. If you need to go, then go ahead and go. Just know that we love you.” Elita stopped talking, wondering if Optimus could even hear her. Red Alert had said that talking might help Optimus rise out of his coma, but it was a slim hope.
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The Dinobots shuttle appeared over the Manhattan skyline. Something small peeled away from it to fly silently toward the circling Starscream. Swoop took a deep breath and readied himself. He stayed well out of Starscreams radar range. Diving low, Swoop passed under Starscream and pointed himself toward Megatron. He would only get one chance at this. Swoop hugged Starscreams shadow. The Decepticon second in command and leader of the seekers never realized what was happening. Starscream saw something orange flash just below him. He angled down, putting Megatron right into Swoops line of fire. Swoop took the opportunity. He let loose with another wave of flame, causing Megatron to scream and break free from Starscream. Transforming, Megatron searched for the fire that had hit him. He was damaged, but it was only cosmetic. Where had the fire come from?
Swoop rose behind Megatron. Chip had pointed out that Megatrons weakest points were his joints. If Swoop could hit Megatron in the neck joint, he would deal a lot of damage. A few corrections later, Swoop slipped into position.
“You surprise me.” Megatron turned, “I do not like surprises, Swoop.”
“Me, Swoop, want answers! Where you send Autobots?” Swoop asked.
“I sent them back to Cybertron.” Megatron’s grin was feral, “After I crushed Prime with my bare hands. I relished every torturous scream from that ravaged throat. His expression as I sent the daughter through the space bridge was priceless. I recorded every beautiful moment.” Megatron ran his tongue over his lips sensuously.
“Cybertron? That bad! Big storm make hurt!”
“You are right, Swoop.”
Megatron was enjoying the emotions flickering through the flying Dinobot. He would realize much later that he should have been paying attention to his surroundings. Starscream screamed, falling past Megatron with a pair of Dinobots on him. Something huge, heavy, and very angry slammed into Megatron with a deafening roar that scrambled Megatrons audio circuits momentarily. His flight stabilizers failed moments later, the result of a large metal toe claw, courtesy of Grimlock. Starscream had transformed, but the Brontosaurus and the Stegosaurus hung on, only to be joined by a Triceratops. Starscream did the only thing he could do. He screamed as he fell toward the hard, cold, very unforgiving pavement far below him. Megatron twisted and thrashed, trying to throw off the T-Rex clinging to him.
“Me, Grimlock, getting airsick!”
“Me, Mega-Gah! You got me talking like you! I don’t care- ugh, Grimlock!” Megatron let himself fall back first. Starscream had recovered and was taunting the three Dinobots below him when Megatron slammed into him, trapping Grimlock between them. This time, Starscream groaned and braced for the painful landing he knew was coming. Grimlock gave a violent jerk, tossing Megatron who somehow wound up under Starscream. The T-Rex leapt away from the falling Decepticons. It wasn’t long after that a Megatron shaped hole appeared next to a Starscream shaped one on the pavement.
“Ow… Mighty Megatron?” Starscream climbed out of his hole and went to Megatron’s hole, “Is that supposed to bend that way?”
“No! Get me out of here!” Came the angry scream, “This is your fault, Starscream!”
“My fault? Everything is my fault! I out to leave you in there for that!” Starscream stomped a foot and pouted.
“STARSCREAM! I’M GOING TO MELT YOU TO SPARE PARTS FOR THAT! GET ME OUT OF HERE!”
“You haven’t said the magic words!”
“No desert.” Megatron’s voice was ominous.
“That’ll do!” Starscream reached in and pulled Megatron up out of the hole, “happy, now?”
“No, I am not happy!” Megatron straightened out his left arm with a loud crack before finally realizing he was surrounded by the Dinobots, “Starscream, you fool!”
“Megatron mine.” Grimlock growled ferally, showing off his white teeth.
Megatron turned white.
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“Did… is my home still standing?” Altima was afraid of the answer.
“You mean the mansion?” Jazz asked.
Altima nodded, “Yes, my home.”
Ironhide and Jazz both locked optics. Optimus had forbidden them from ever telling the truth to Altima about the ancestral home of the Primes. Altima walked away a bit. She looked around, searching for something recognizable in the ruins. Spotting a still flickering sign, she rushed to it and turned left. Yes, there was Cyber Park, where she’d spent many a happy day as a child without a care in the world. Optimus had always taken her to the park on his very rare days off. Altima glanced back at the four adults who were locked in an argument over something. She quickly ran into the park. The setting sun stretched out the shadows of the dead forest, making visibility difficult. Altima decided against turning on her optic lights. Moving deeper into the forest, she followed a familiar trail that led her to what was once a beautiful glade. She turned toward where the Cyber River would be flowing. The river bed was bone dry. Altima closed her optics, remembering how she used to play here. Turning again, Altima walked to a large tree in the middle of the glade. The tree was long since dead. Yet on the trunk was a hand carved heart with the initials OP in one corner, and E1 in the lower corner. Below were the initials AP. Altima felt her optics water.
“ALTIMA!”
Altima jumped, and recognized the voice calling her name.
“Jazz! Over here!” She called.
Jazz entered the clearing, “Found her! Altima! What were you thinking? You know better than that to run off!” His expression softened, “I don’t blame you, but you scared us.” He looked around, “Altima, did Optimus take you here before the war?”
“Father would take me and Mother here on his days off. It was our time to be a family. I loved coming here.” Altima faced the carving on the tree, “It was our special place.”
Jazz saw the carving on the tree. Ironhide and the twins came up behind him.
“I feel like I’m intruding on something I shouldn’t.” Sideswipe saw the carving, “Wow, I never pegged Optimus as the romantic type.”
“Optimus was always like that, sending Elita little gifts to brighten her day. He wasn’t romantic. It was his way of showing her he was thinking about her. Elita did the same for him. It was their way.” Jazz replied.
“We should be returning to the clinic.” Altima turned to leave. She froze, listening.
“We’re lost, Hot Rod. I saw that tree five minutes ago, and five minutes before that.”
“We’re not lost, Drift. We’re in Iacon, inside Cyber Park’s forest. I know exactly where we are.”
“Hot Rod! Drift!” Altima took off with the four adults behind her. It wasn’t long before she led them right to Hot Rod and Drift. “You guys are okay!”
“Princess!” Drift bowed formally. Hot Rod hugged Altima.
“Please, Drift, no need to be so formal.” Altima smiled at the former Decepticon. Drift had switched sides once he realized that Megatron planned to kill him. He now knew he was meant to serve proudly at Optimus’s side. Drift was loyal to Optimus and would do anything for his Prime. He still wore his old Decepticon badge right under his Autobot badge. Altima had asked about that and Drift had said that even though he was an Autobot now, the Decepticon badge reminded him of the life he left behind and the friends he’d promised to save.
Click! Click! Click!
“The swarm?” Altima asked fearfully.
“I hope not.” Hot Rod held Altima close, “We gave them the slip back at the docks.”
“We saw them last at the Refinery.” Jazz whispered as the adults subconsciously clustered around their juvenile member.
“This isn’t good. Who knows how far they’ve spread? They may have drained the refinery dry. The ones Hot Rod and I saw were starving.” Drift drew his double swords while Hot Rod gripped his blaster. Jazz, Ironhide, and the twins clenched their fists and readied themselves. Altima knelt, her hand flat against the ground. She drew in a small amount of power from Primus, ready to help defend her friends.
Click! Click! Click!
“I’m not seeing anything.” Ironhide whispered.
“Where are they?” Jazz asked.
“They are tormenting us.” Drifts voice was flat.
“No, they are not doing anything to us because they can’t see us.” Altima spoke up, “I remember this from Zoology back in school. Many insects go still during the night because they can’t see. It’s the same for many animals, on Cybertron, that is.”
“Altima, can they hear us?” Hot Rods voice was low.
“Um…yes, they can, but they won’t attack if they can’t see their prey.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes, yes, I am. Why?”
“Cause here they come!”
“Scrap!” Altima took a deep breath, “Stop defying the laws of nature!” she punched an Insecticon that tried to jump for her face, “I hate Insecticons!”
Drift was a blur of movement. The swarm fell around him as they met his twin swords. He nearly decapitated Jazz who had performed a flying kick at an Insecticon. The two Autobots glared at each other before going back to back. Drift ducked down and flipped one of his swords straight up into the sky. Jazz snatched it out of the air easily. Jazz ducked right as Drift came up swinging, and nearly getting himself decapitated a second time.
Hot Rod wasn’t an expert marksman, nor was he an expert with his rifle. He wasn’t Optimus, who was an expert sniper and marksman as well. Rumors claimed that Optimus once took out a high ranking Decepticon from the roof of the Hall of Records while that Decepticon was crossing the great bridge of Iacon. Hot Rod was pretty sure that was just a rumor, but he wished Optimus were here all the same. Optimus would be able to make a dent in the swarm with the Matrix armor. A fist shot mere millimeters from his face, causing him to jump. Altima grinned, turning to gut a second Insecticon that tried to claim Hot Rods left leg as its own. She was holding her dagger which flashed in the waning light as she struck again.
“Where’d you find that dagger?” Hot Rod asked, laying down a cover of fire.
“The Con’s took their weapons, but it never occurred to Megatron that I was armed.” Altima twisted around Hot Rod, “Father gave me my dagger on my tenth birthday saying it was time I learned to defend myself.”
“Less talk, more fight!” Sunstreaker ordered, punching an Insecticon on Sideswipe’s back. Sideswipe twisted to sock a flying Insecticon away from Sunstreaker.
“They are everywhere! I can’t keep this up much longer!” Altima panted.
“BACK!” A light lit up the area. A very large Insecticon stepped out of the light followed by Vector Prime, “I said back! Move it!” The Swarm moved back, “Names Anamolgus Prime, this ain’t my real form.”
“I am Vector Prime.” Vector Prime replied, driving his sword through several insecticons at once, “I will always appear to protect my linage.”
“As will I.” Solus was with them, “Who wants a taste of the forge? I warned you!” She brought her beloved hammer down on the ground, creating a shockwave that flattened the Insecticons around her, “Altima, lead our people back to the clinic! Vector, Anamolgus, and I will deal with them!”
“Solus, your command has been received and will be followed.” Altima bowed in respect to Solus before turning, “Let’s go!”
“Anamolgus, make sure they get home.” Vector ordered as soon as the others were out of audio range, “And do not let them see you.”
“You got it!” Anamolgus seemed to hiss into smoke. He rose and took on the form of a cloud. Thankfully, the thin atmosphere of Cybertron was in a cooperative mood. The jet stream was moving west, toward where the clinic was. Also, he wasn’t the only cloud in the sky. Far below him, Altima was leading the adults through the forest. They broke out of the forest and into the actual parklands. Altima knew the way. She led them west through the dark alleys of the slums of Iacon. The slums weren’t really slums at all. Sentinel Prime had improved the slums and made it possible for those who didn’t have homes to have homes of their own. He had created more jobs and tried to make life better for everyone. Even Kaon had thrived. Then the war began. Sentinel had done his best, but he was killed by Megatron during the battle of Tyger Pax. It had been feared that he was the last of the Primes, until Vector and Alpha Trion revealed that Sentinel had a son, named Orion Pax. Alpha Q, a high ranking Senator, had raised the then future Prime. Anamolgus watched as the group reached the old refineries. He spotted Hot Rod. Alpha Trion had said that there was something special about the young autobot. Hot Rod did remind him of Romulus and Remus. Romulus was a confirmed bachelor, unless… Anamolgus’s jaw would have dropped if he were in a form that had a jaw. It couldn’t be true! There was no way! Did Vector know?
Altima looked up, easily recognizing Anamolgus’s cloud form. Faintly, her audio sensors picked up a sharp scream. Altima turned a bit. The sky was dark and both moons were up. None of the stars were out yet as it was still too light to see them. What was making the noise? There, was that an early star? No, it’s moving, fast. Altima zoomed in on the moving star. It changed to a burning silver and green ship.
“They are crashing!” She called out.
“What?” Jazz looked up, “That looks like Kups ship.”
“That is Kups ship!” Ironhide gasped, “Kup must not be driving.”
“Remember the time Grimlock drove the Ark? That’s what it is reminding me of.”
“We don’t talk about that time, Sideswipe!”
“We all know you got sick, Sunstreaker.”
“I didn’t know you could look that green!”
“You stay out of this, Altima!”
“You were greener then Springer.”
“Altima, not another word!”
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Kup wasn’t too worried about the upcoming crash landing. The Trion could handle it. He was more worried about his team. Springer was calm, no point worrying there. Blurr and Blaster were playing a round of cards to take their minds off the fact they were all about to die, and Preceptor was staring at the new upgrade he’d made for himself, likely upset he would never get to use it.
Why did time seem to crawl just before imminent death? The ground didn’t seem to be any closer. Kup stole another look at his team. Springer had moved to the helm and was trying to get control back. The helm would never respond again thanks to the fact they were used for target practice by several Decepticon warships. Preceptor sighed and downloaded his new upgrade into himself. He would enjoy it while he could. Blaster and Blurr were now arguing over their game. Kup was sure Blaster had cheated again.
“I’ve got helm control back!” Springer called out, “It’s sluggish, but it is there!”
The Trion crashed. As soon as the shaking and rattling stopped, the five members of the team rose from their places.
“Preceptor, my cy-gar, please? Damage report?” Kup clamped the cy-gar tightly between his teeth. Preceptor was responsible for making the cy-gars that delivered medication to Kup that calmed him and made it easier to think.
“I think I’m still alive.” Blaster groaned.
“I’m functioning, I hope.” Springer added.
“I’m okay.” Preceptor went next, “Although I can’t say the same for Blurr.”
“I’m still here.” Blurr said, “but I’m not moving for a long time until my back heals.”
“Good.” Kup went to the airlock doors which hissed open to reveal Altima, and a weird mix of transformers standing behind her. “Greetings my Princess.”
“I hate royal titles.” Altima entered the downed ship, “This is Anamolgus by the way. Any injuries?”
“Blurr is the only one. Altima, why are you here on Cybertron?” Kup asked.
“Megatron dumped them here.” Anamolgus shifted parts around, finally settling on Vector Primes legs, Alpha Trion’s arms, Optimus Primes body, and Sentinel Primes head. It was rather creepy to look at. “He left Optimus in a really bad way and I mean bad. We’re talking strong possibility of losing his life bad.”
“Scrap, I forgot, I can’t tap into the Matrix.” Altima covered her mouth, “I wasn’t supposed to say that!” She placed her hand on the ground, “Not to worry, I’ll borrow a little power from Primus,” She placed her other hand on Blurr, “And send it into Blurr to speed up the healing process.”
It wasn’t long that they all left the ship to join the six waiting adults.
“Preceptor, thank Primus you are here!” Jazz rushed toward the scientist, “Optimus is in a real bad way!”
“How bad?” Preceptor asked.
“We’re talking losing him bad. Megatron did a number on him.” Jazz explained, “He is really bad, Preceptor.”
“Show me Optimus.” Kup ordered.
Nodding, Jazz led the way back into the clinic.
“Did you find any energon?” Prowl asked.
“No, Prowl. I did find Hot Rod, Drift, Kup, Preceptor, Blaster, Springer, and Blurr.” Jazz took Kup and Preceptor to the operating room, “He’s in here. Brace yourself as Optimus is not in a very good way.” He knocked.
“Who’s there?” Red Alert called, “You are going to have to wait a moment. I’m trying to stop up a leaking line!”
“It’s Preceptor, with Kup.” Preceptor called.
“Preceptor?” The door opened as Red Alert yanked the scientist through, “Optimus is not getting enough energon to his brain. I can’t get the sealant to hold on the leaking line.”
Preceptor didn’t answer. He looked like the proverbial cyber-deer caught in the headlights. Red Alert wasn’t sure if the scientist was even breathing. Ever so slowly, Preceptor moved closer to Optimus. When Jazz had said Optimus was in a bad way, Preceptor had thought it was a difficult repair not taking well. This was just wrong. Optimus looked like the Decepticons had used him for target practice. Preceptor was pretty sure that wasn’t far from the truth.
“Preceptor?” Red Alert was worried now. He did not need Preceptor to suffer a mental shut down here and now of all places and times.
“it’s fatal. Even he can’t survive injuries this bad.” Preceptor began to mutter over and over again. He suddenly bolted for the door and shot outside as if he were fired from a rocket. Kup slipped in next to Red Alert.
“Preceptor needs a little time to himself right now.” Kup walked over to Optimus’s side, inclining his head in respect to Elita. He leaned in for a closer look.
“Sargent Kup, it’s good to see that you are well.” Elita managed a thin smile.
“Stupid kid. Never figured out how to stop being a soldier.” Kup whispered, “This was Megatron’s doing?”
“He did. Kup, there is something you need to know. Jazz and Altima are the only other ones who know. Megatron has the Matrix.” Elita rose, “and we have a traitor in our mist.”
“My Queen, you leave that to me. Your duty is here, beside your mate.” Kup gently took her hand in his and kissed it.
“I know my place, Sargent Kup. I also know that my duty is to my people. There is a traitor among us and I intend to root them out. I cannot do much for my King right now.” Elita’s tone was sharp yet gentle. Yet her words cut worse than any sword Kup had ever been cut with.
“Have I stepped out of line, my Queen?” he asked, his tone hurt.
“You have not stepped out of line, dear Kup. Come, we must go so Red Alert can work his magic.” Elita stepped through the doorway, her gaze taking in each member of her people. Sad, downcast faces met her own. Altima joined her mother, longing to bury her face in her mother’s chest and cry. She knew she had to hold firm.
“My Queen.” Drift bowed and kissed Elita’s hand much like Kup had.
“Former Decepticon.” Elita smiled, “You are not the traitor. You were my first suspect. I see now that I was wrong. You hate Megatron almost as much as Optimus does.”
“You want the traitor? Here he is!” Ironhide snapped, grabbing Mirage and throwing him toward Elita.
“I am not the traitor!” Mirage cried out, “It’s not me! I would never betray my Prime, my Queen, and my Princess!”
“Calm down, Ironhide.” Elita ordered, “I know the traitor is here in this room and I will find out who it is. Right now, Preceptor needs me more.”
“Firestar went to talk to him, Elita.” Chromia said, “My future Lifemate is a little hot under the collar.” Ironhide blushed as Chromia joined his side, “I don’t think it is Mirage. He is fiercely loyal to the royal family, much like the Dinobots are. Paddles hates it when Elita is out of her sight.”
Outside, Preceptor was on his hands and knees, sides heaving. Firestar came out and sat beside him. Preceptor focused on keeping his breathing even. Slowly, he sat back onto his knees. Firestar stayed back, letting the scientist calm down on his own. She knew that he knew she was there. That was all he needed right now.
“Are you okay?” Firestar asked, staying in place. Preceptor wasn’t one to be hugged.
“I will be.” Preceptor looked ahead, “Did it shock you, when you first saw Optimus?”
“It did. I can only imagine what Elita and Altima must be going through. If it were Inferno in there, I don’t know what I would do.” Firestar said.
“You would come to me for comfort. I would tell you that Inferno is a fighter. I would do everything I could to save him.” Preceptor answered, “I’m okay now. I know what needs to be done.”
“You will try to save him?”
“I will try, but it depends on Optimus. He may lose this fight.”
“Preceptor, they need you in there! Now!”
“I’m going, Inferno! Come with me! I need all hands on deck!”
Firestar followed the two Bots into the clinic. Outside, the sun sank beyond the southern horizon. Inside, no lights burned. Altima was already asleep, her head pillowed on Chromia’s lap while Ironhide sat beside his Lifemate. They both wanted sparklings of their own someday, but they had decided to wait until the war ended. Elita sat on the other side of Chromia, Altima mostly on her lap.
“Looks like somebody had a busy day.” Chromia smiled.
“We all did. Hard to believe we were on a different planet this morning.” Ironhide yawned, “There isn’t much we can do but wait. We should sleep while we can.”
Coming up next, Megatron faces off against Grimlock in a one on one battle while Optimus faces his biggest battle yet, the fight for his life. His only chance is a very risky procedure Red Alert has only performed twice. The swarm reaches the clinic...
Elita had finally been allowed back by Optimus. Jazz had asked her if he could take Altima out on an energon search and she had agreed, recognizing that Jazz was planning to test the future Prime. Elita knew Altima would make him proud of her. Optimus had made sure that Altima knew quite a bit about military maneuvers and he had taught her how to fight. Altima was good enough to give Jetfire a workout.
Optimus’s hand felt cold and stiff. Wheeljack had explained that Optimus’s body was turning all resources it had on healing. Everything looked okay and there was no sign of infection. Red Alert had already begun the long process of micro repairs which meant he had to put sub routes in place to allow the energon to go where it was needed the most. She sighed.
“You are fighting so hard right now. I know how easy it would be to slip away and let go. I don’t want to have to say good bye to you after finding you again. I don’t ever want to live on Cybertron without you there. I love you, and so does Altima. You’ve done beautifully with her. She is going to be an amazing Prime someday.” Elita felt her vocal circuits choking up, “If it is your time, if Primus is calling, then don’t fight it. You can go, knowing I’ll do my best as their queen. You know they will follow me. If you need to go, then go ahead and go. Just know that we love you.” Elita stopped talking, wondering if Optimus could even hear her. Red Alert had said that talking might help Optimus rise out of his coma, but it was a slim hope.
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The Dinobots shuttle appeared over the Manhattan skyline. Something small peeled away from it to fly silently toward the circling Starscream. Swoop took a deep breath and readied himself. He stayed well out of Starscreams radar range. Diving low, Swoop passed under Starscream and pointed himself toward Megatron. He would only get one chance at this. Swoop hugged Starscreams shadow. The Decepticon second in command and leader of the seekers never realized what was happening. Starscream saw something orange flash just below him. He angled down, putting Megatron right into Swoops line of fire. Swoop took the opportunity. He let loose with another wave of flame, causing Megatron to scream and break free from Starscream. Transforming, Megatron searched for the fire that had hit him. He was damaged, but it was only cosmetic. Where had the fire come from?
Swoop rose behind Megatron. Chip had pointed out that Megatrons weakest points were his joints. If Swoop could hit Megatron in the neck joint, he would deal a lot of damage. A few corrections later, Swoop slipped into position.
“You surprise me.” Megatron turned, “I do not like surprises, Swoop.”
“Me, Swoop, want answers! Where you send Autobots?” Swoop asked.
“I sent them back to Cybertron.” Megatron’s grin was feral, “After I crushed Prime with my bare hands. I relished every torturous scream from that ravaged throat. His expression as I sent the daughter through the space bridge was priceless. I recorded every beautiful moment.” Megatron ran his tongue over his lips sensuously.
“Cybertron? That bad! Big storm make hurt!”
“You are right, Swoop.”
Megatron was enjoying the emotions flickering through the flying Dinobot. He would realize much later that he should have been paying attention to his surroundings. Starscream screamed, falling past Megatron with a pair of Dinobots on him. Something huge, heavy, and very angry slammed into Megatron with a deafening roar that scrambled Megatrons audio circuits momentarily. His flight stabilizers failed moments later, the result of a large metal toe claw, courtesy of Grimlock. Starscream had transformed, but the Brontosaurus and the Stegosaurus hung on, only to be joined by a Triceratops. Starscream did the only thing he could do. He screamed as he fell toward the hard, cold, very unforgiving pavement far below him. Megatron twisted and thrashed, trying to throw off the T-Rex clinging to him.
“Me, Grimlock, getting airsick!”
“Me, Mega-Gah! You got me talking like you! I don’t care- ugh, Grimlock!” Megatron let himself fall back first. Starscream had recovered and was taunting the three Dinobots below him when Megatron slammed into him, trapping Grimlock between them. This time, Starscream groaned and braced for the painful landing he knew was coming. Grimlock gave a violent jerk, tossing Megatron who somehow wound up under Starscream. The T-Rex leapt away from the falling Decepticons. It wasn’t long after that a Megatron shaped hole appeared next to a Starscream shaped one on the pavement.
“Ow… Mighty Megatron?” Starscream climbed out of his hole and went to Megatron’s hole, “Is that supposed to bend that way?”
“No! Get me out of here!” Came the angry scream, “This is your fault, Starscream!”
“My fault? Everything is my fault! I out to leave you in there for that!” Starscream stomped a foot and pouted.
“STARSCREAM! I’M GOING TO MELT YOU TO SPARE PARTS FOR THAT! GET ME OUT OF HERE!”
“You haven’t said the magic words!”
“No desert.” Megatron’s voice was ominous.
“That’ll do!” Starscream reached in and pulled Megatron up out of the hole, “happy, now?”
“No, I am not happy!” Megatron straightened out his left arm with a loud crack before finally realizing he was surrounded by the Dinobots, “Starscream, you fool!”
“Megatron mine.” Grimlock growled ferally, showing off his white teeth.
Megatron turned white.
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“Did… is my home still standing?” Altima was afraid of the answer.
“You mean the mansion?” Jazz asked.
Altima nodded, “Yes, my home.”
Ironhide and Jazz both locked optics. Optimus had forbidden them from ever telling the truth to Altima about the ancestral home of the Primes. Altima walked away a bit. She looked around, searching for something recognizable in the ruins. Spotting a still flickering sign, she rushed to it and turned left. Yes, there was Cyber Park, where she’d spent many a happy day as a child without a care in the world. Optimus had always taken her to the park on his very rare days off. Altima glanced back at the four adults who were locked in an argument over something. She quickly ran into the park. The setting sun stretched out the shadows of the dead forest, making visibility difficult. Altima decided against turning on her optic lights. Moving deeper into the forest, she followed a familiar trail that led her to what was once a beautiful glade. She turned toward where the Cyber River would be flowing. The river bed was bone dry. Altima closed her optics, remembering how she used to play here. Turning again, Altima walked to a large tree in the middle of the glade. The tree was long since dead. Yet on the trunk was a hand carved heart with the initials OP in one corner, and E1 in the lower corner. Below were the initials AP. Altima felt her optics water.
“ALTIMA!”
Altima jumped, and recognized the voice calling her name.
“Jazz! Over here!” She called.
Jazz entered the clearing, “Found her! Altima! What were you thinking? You know better than that to run off!” His expression softened, “I don’t blame you, but you scared us.” He looked around, “Altima, did Optimus take you here before the war?”
“Father would take me and Mother here on his days off. It was our time to be a family. I loved coming here.” Altima faced the carving on the tree, “It was our special place.”
Jazz saw the carving on the tree. Ironhide and the twins came up behind him.
“I feel like I’m intruding on something I shouldn’t.” Sideswipe saw the carving, “Wow, I never pegged Optimus as the romantic type.”
“Optimus was always like that, sending Elita little gifts to brighten her day. He wasn’t romantic. It was his way of showing her he was thinking about her. Elita did the same for him. It was their way.” Jazz replied.
“We should be returning to the clinic.” Altima turned to leave. She froze, listening.
“We’re lost, Hot Rod. I saw that tree five minutes ago, and five minutes before that.”
“We’re not lost, Drift. We’re in Iacon, inside Cyber Park’s forest. I know exactly where we are.”
“Hot Rod! Drift!” Altima took off with the four adults behind her. It wasn’t long before she led them right to Hot Rod and Drift. “You guys are okay!”
“Princess!” Drift bowed formally. Hot Rod hugged Altima.
“Please, Drift, no need to be so formal.” Altima smiled at the former Decepticon. Drift had switched sides once he realized that Megatron planned to kill him. He now knew he was meant to serve proudly at Optimus’s side. Drift was loyal to Optimus and would do anything for his Prime. He still wore his old Decepticon badge right under his Autobot badge. Altima had asked about that and Drift had said that even though he was an Autobot now, the Decepticon badge reminded him of the life he left behind and the friends he’d promised to save.
Click! Click! Click!
“The swarm?” Altima asked fearfully.
“I hope not.” Hot Rod held Altima close, “We gave them the slip back at the docks.”
“We saw them last at the Refinery.” Jazz whispered as the adults subconsciously clustered around their juvenile member.
“This isn’t good. Who knows how far they’ve spread? They may have drained the refinery dry. The ones Hot Rod and I saw were starving.” Drift drew his double swords while Hot Rod gripped his blaster. Jazz, Ironhide, and the twins clenched their fists and readied themselves. Altima knelt, her hand flat against the ground. She drew in a small amount of power from Primus, ready to help defend her friends.
Click! Click! Click!
“I’m not seeing anything.” Ironhide whispered.
“Where are they?” Jazz asked.
“They are tormenting us.” Drifts voice was flat.
“No, they are not doing anything to us because they can’t see us.” Altima spoke up, “I remember this from Zoology back in school. Many insects go still during the night because they can’t see. It’s the same for many animals, on Cybertron, that is.”
“Altima, can they hear us?” Hot Rods voice was low.
“Um…yes, they can, but they won’t attack if they can’t see their prey.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes, yes, I am. Why?”
“Cause here they come!”
“Scrap!” Altima took a deep breath, “Stop defying the laws of nature!” she punched an Insecticon that tried to jump for her face, “I hate Insecticons!”
Drift was a blur of movement. The swarm fell around him as they met his twin swords. He nearly decapitated Jazz who had performed a flying kick at an Insecticon. The two Autobots glared at each other before going back to back. Drift ducked down and flipped one of his swords straight up into the sky. Jazz snatched it out of the air easily. Jazz ducked right as Drift came up swinging, and nearly getting himself decapitated a second time.
Hot Rod wasn’t an expert marksman, nor was he an expert with his rifle. He wasn’t Optimus, who was an expert sniper and marksman as well. Rumors claimed that Optimus once took out a high ranking Decepticon from the roof of the Hall of Records while that Decepticon was crossing the great bridge of Iacon. Hot Rod was pretty sure that was just a rumor, but he wished Optimus were here all the same. Optimus would be able to make a dent in the swarm with the Matrix armor. A fist shot mere millimeters from his face, causing him to jump. Altima grinned, turning to gut a second Insecticon that tried to claim Hot Rods left leg as its own. She was holding her dagger which flashed in the waning light as she struck again.
“Where’d you find that dagger?” Hot Rod asked, laying down a cover of fire.
“The Con’s took their weapons, but it never occurred to Megatron that I was armed.” Altima twisted around Hot Rod, “Father gave me my dagger on my tenth birthday saying it was time I learned to defend myself.”
“Less talk, more fight!” Sunstreaker ordered, punching an Insecticon on Sideswipe’s back. Sideswipe twisted to sock a flying Insecticon away from Sunstreaker.
“They are everywhere! I can’t keep this up much longer!” Altima panted.
“BACK!” A light lit up the area. A very large Insecticon stepped out of the light followed by Vector Prime, “I said back! Move it!” The Swarm moved back, “Names Anamolgus Prime, this ain’t my real form.”
“I am Vector Prime.” Vector Prime replied, driving his sword through several insecticons at once, “I will always appear to protect my linage.”
“As will I.” Solus was with them, “Who wants a taste of the forge? I warned you!” She brought her beloved hammer down on the ground, creating a shockwave that flattened the Insecticons around her, “Altima, lead our people back to the clinic! Vector, Anamolgus, and I will deal with them!”
“Solus, your command has been received and will be followed.” Altima bowed in respect to Solus before turning, “Let’s go!”
“Anamolgus, make sure they get home.” Vector ordered as soon as the others were out of audio range, “And do not let them see you.”
“You got it!” Anamolgus seemed to hiss into smoke. He rose and took on the form of a cloud. Thankfully, the thin atmosphere of Cybertron was in a cooperative mood. The jet stream was moving west, toward where the clinic was. Also, he wasn’t the only cloud in the sky. Far below him, Altima was leading the adults through the forest. They broke out of the forest and into the actual parklands. Altima knew the way. She led them west through the dark alleys of the slums of Iacon. The slums weren’t really slums at all. Sentinel Prime had improved the slums and made it possible for those who didn’t have homes to have homes of their own. He had created more jobs and tried to make life better for everyone. Even Kaon had thrived. Then the war began. Sentinel had done his best, but he was killed by Megatron during the battle of Tyger Pax. It had been feared that he was the last of the Primes, until Vector and Alpha Trion revealed that Sentinel had a son, named Orion Pax. Alpha Q, a high ranking Senator, had raised the then future Prime. Anamolgus watched as the group reached the old refineries. He spotted Hot Rod. Alpha Trion had said that there was something special about the young autobot. Hot Rod did remind him of Romulus and Remus. Romulus was a confirmed bachelor, unless… Anamolgus’s jaw would have dropped if he were in a form that had a jaw. It couldn’t be true! There was no way! Did Vector know?
Altima looked up, easily recognizing Anamolgus’s cloud form. Faintly, her audio sensors picked up a sharp scream. Altima turned a bit. The sky was dark and both moons were up. None of the stars were out yet as it was still too light to see them. What was making the noise? There, was that an early star? No, it’s moving, fast. Altima zoomed in on the moving star. It changed to a burning silver and green ship.
“They are crashing!” She called out.
“What?” Jazz looked up, “That looks like Kups ship.”
“That is Kups ship!” Ironhide gasped, “Kup must not be driving.”
“Remember the time Grimlock drove the Ark? That’s what it is reminding me of.”
“We don’t talk about that time, Sideswipe!”
“We all know you got sick, Sunstreaker.”
“I didn’t know you could look that green!”
“You stay out of this, Altima!”
“You were greener then Springer.”
“Altima, not another word!”
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kup wasn’t too worried about the upcoming crash landing. The Trion could handle it. He was more worried about his team. Springer was calm, no point worrying there. Blurr and Blaster were playing a round of cards to take their minds off the fact they were all about to die, and Preceptor was staring at the new upgrade he’d made for himself, likely upset he would never get to use it.
Why did time seem to crawl just before imminent death? The ground didn’t seem to be any closer. Kup stole another look at his team. Springer had moved to the helm and was trying to get control back. The helm would never respond again thanks to the fact they were used for target practice by several Decepticon warships. Preceptor sighed and downloaded his new upgrade into himself. He would enjoy it while he could. Blaster and Blurr were now arguing over their game. Kup was sure Blaster had cheated again.
“I’ve got helm control back!” Springer called out, “It’s sluggish, but it is there!”
The Trion crashed. As soon as the shaking and rattling stopped, the five members of the team rose from their places.
“Preceptor, my cy-gar, please? Damage report?” Kup clamped the cy-gar tightly between his teeth. Preceptor was responsible for making the cy-gars that delivered medication to Kup that calmed him and made it easier to think.
“I think I’m still alive.” Blaster groaned.
“I’m functioning, I hope.” Springer added.
“I’m okay.” Preceptor went next, “Although I can’t say the same for Blurr.”
“I’m still here.” Blurr said, “but I’m not moving for a long time until my back heals.”
“Good.” Kup went to the airlock doors which hissed open to reveal Altima, and a weird mix of transformers standing behind her. “Greetings my Princess.”
“I hate royal titles.” Altima entered the downed ship, “This is Anamolgus by the way. Any injuries?”
“Blurr is the only one. Altima, why are you here on Cybertron?” Kup asked.
“Megatron dumped them here.” Anamolgus shifted parts around, finally settling on Vector Primes legs, Alpha Trion’s arms, Optimus Primes body, and Sentinel Primes head. It was rather creepy to look at. “He left Optimus in a really bad way and I mean bad. We’re talking strong possibility of losing his life bad.”
“Scrap, I forgot, I can’t tap into the Matrix.” Altima covered her mouth, “I wasn’t supposed to say that!” She placed her hand on the ground, “Not to worry, I’ll borrow a little power from Primus,” She placed her other hand on Blurr, “And send it into Blurr to speed up the healing process.”
It wasn’t long that they all left the ship to join the six waiting adults.
“Preceptor, thank Primus you are here!” Jazz rushed toward the scientist, “Optimus is in a real bad way!”
“How bad?” Preceptor asked.
“We’re talking losing him bad. Megatron did a number on him.” Jazz explained, “He is really bad, Preceptor.”
“Show me Optimus.” Kup ordered.
Nodding, Jazz led the way back into the clinic.
“Did you find any energon?” Prowl asked.
“No, Prowl. I did find Hot Rod, Drift, Kup, Preceptor, Blaster, Springer, and Blurr.” Jazz took Kup and Preceptor to the operating room, “He’s in here. Brace yourself as Optimus is not in a very good way.” He knocked.
“Who’s there?” Red Alert called, “You are going to have to wait a moment. I’m trying to stop up a leaking line!”
“It’s Preceptor, with Kup.” Preceptor called.
“Preceptor?” The door opened as Red Alert yanked the scientist through, “Optimus is not getting enough energon to his brain. I can’t get the sealant to hold on the leaking line.”
Preceptor didn’t answer. He looked like the proverbial cyber-deer caught in the headlights. Red Alert wasn’t sure if the scientist was even breathing. Ever so slowly, Preceptor moved closer to Optimus. When Jazz had said Optimus was in a bad way, Preceptor had thought it was a difficult repair not taking well. This was just wrong. Optimus looked like the Decepticons had used him for target practice. Preceptor was pretty sure that wasn’t far from the truth.
“Preceptor?” Red Alert was worried now. He did not need Preceptor to suffer a mental shut down here and now of all places and times.
“it’s fatal. Even he can’t survive injuries this bad.” Preceptor began to mutter over and over again. He suddenly bolted for the door and shot outside as if he were fired from a rocket. Kup slipped in next to Red Alert.
“Preceptor needs a little time to himself right now.” Kup walked over to Optimus’s side, inclining his head in respect to Elita. He leaned in for a closer look.
“Sargent Kup, it’s good to see that you are well.” Elita managed a thin smile.
“Stupid kid. Never figured out how to stop being a soldier.” Kup whispered, “This was Megatron’s doing?”
“He did. Kup, there is something you need to know. Jazz and Altima are the only other ones who know. Megatron has the Matrix.” Elita rose, “and we have a traitor in our mist.”
“My Queen, you leave that to me. Your duty is here, beside your mate.” Kup gently took her hand in his and kissed it.
“I know my place, Sargent Kup. I also know that my duty is to my people. There is a traitor among us and I intend to root them out. I cannot do much for my King right now.” Elita’s tone was sharp yet gentle. Yet her words cut worse than any sword Kup had ever been cut with.
“Have I stepped out of line, my Queen?” he asked, his tone hurt.
“You have not stepped out of line, dear Kup. Come, we must go so Red Alert can work his magic.” Elita stepped through the doorway, her gaze taking in each member of her people. Sad, downcast faces met her own. Altima joined her mother, longing to bury her face in her mother’s chest and cry. She knew she had to hold firm.
“My Queen.” Drift bowed and kissed Elita’s hand much like Kup had.
“Former Decepticon.” Elita smiled, “You are not the traitor. You were my first suspect. I see now that I was wrong. You hate Megatron almost as much as Optimus does.”
“You want the traitor? Here he is!” Ironhide snapped, grabbing Mirage and throwing him toward Elita.
“I am not the traitor!” Mirage cried out, “It’s not me! I would never betray my Prime, my Queen, and my Princess!”
“Calm down, Ironhide.” Elita ordered, “I know the traitor is here in this room and I will find out who it is. Right now, Preceptor needs me more.”
“Firestar went to talk to him, Elita.” Chromia said, “My future Lifemate is a little hot under the collar.” Ironhide blushed as Chromia joined his side, “I don’t think it is Mirage. He is fiercely loyal to the royal family, much like the Dinobots are. Paddles hates it when Elita is out of her sight.”
Outside, Preceptor was on his hands and knees, sides heaving. Firestar came out and sat beside him. Preceptor focused on keeping his breathing even. Slowly, he sat back onto his knees. Firestar stayed back, letting the scientist calm down on his own. She knew that he knew she was there. That was all he needed right now.
“Are you okay?” Firestar asked, staying in place. Preceptor wasn’t one to be hugged.
“I will be.” Preceptor looked ahead, “Did it shock you, when you first saw Optimus?”
“It did. I can only imagine what Elita and Altima must be going through. If it were Inferno in there, I don’t know what I would do.” Firestar said.
“You would come to me for comfort. I would tell you that Inferno is a fighter. I would do everything I could to save him.” Preceptor answered, “I’m okay now. I know what needs to be done.”
“You will try to save him?”
“I will try, but it depends on Optimus. He may lose this fight.”
“Preceptor, they need you in there! Now!”
“I’m going, Inferno! Come with me! I need all hands on deck!”
Firestar followed the two Bots into the clinic. Outside, the sun sank beyond the southern horizon. Inside, no lights burned. Altima was already asleep, her head pillowed on Chromia’s lap while Ironhide sat beside his Lifemate. They both wanted sparklings of their own someday, but they had decided to wait until the war ended. Elita sat on the other side of Chromia, Altima mostly on her lap.
“Looks like somebody had a busy day.” Chromia smiled.
“We all did. Hard to believe we were on a different planet this morning.” Ironhide yawned, “There isn’t much we can do but wait. We should sleep while we can.”
Coming up next, Megatron faces off against Grimlock in a one on one battle while Optimus faces his biggest battle yet, the fight for his life. His only chance is a very risky procedure Red Alert has only performed twice. The swarm reaches the clinic...
