Transformers: Eternal War by Hmb3

NOTES: This fanfic series is not complete. This is all that I
have, plus the preview chapter summaries provided by the original author.
If anyone can help by contributing other complete chapters, please let me
know. If you are the original author, please get in touch! Many people
would like to read more!


LEGAL NOTE: Transformers and all affiliated characters are the
property of Hasbro, Kenner, Takara, and anyone else who has a copyright
in regards to them. This is written by a fan, for fans, and is entirely a
non-profit venture. Hey, we buy your merchandise! Please don't sue us!

INTRODUCTION:

  This is my very first attempt at fan fiction. If you are reading this,
then you are undoubtedly a Transformer fan. I'm not a talented writer (My
first love is art. Maybe you'll see some of my illustrations on the net.)
and my grammar is suspect. But give it a chance. Since this will be an
ongoing story, perhaps my narration skills will improve with further
chapters.

CONTINUITY AND CHARACTER PROFILES:

  Continuity will be more along the storyline provided by Simon Furman,
although some elements from other continuities will be equally as
prominent in this fiction. That's the great thing about fan fiction, you
can create your own continuity and not be condemned. One thing you will
not see however, is any of Bob Budiansky's continuity or character
portrayals from the G1 comic. I believe Bob is a talented writer, but the
Transformers were definitely not his calling.

  I have provided profiles and bio specifications (to be posted upon
completion) for the prominent characters appearing in my fan fiction.
Characterization will be similar to their tech specs portrayals from the
toy line (generation 1 and 2). I have taken some creative liberties with
the technical readings to give the readers of this fanfic an idea on how
the characters relate to each other physically and mentally in my
universe. I use the "10+" scales employed by the Beast War lines. Any
character possessing a 10+ ability score in any attribute represents less
than one percent of Cybertron's total population. You will note that
there are actually an abundance of maximum ability scores in the featured
characters, but remember that these are considered the elite, having
earned recognition for their various abilities and military feats, and as
such will have a higher percentage of maximum ability scores in relation
to the millions of nameless denizens populating Cybertron.

  You will also note two statistical readings in the speed category. The
first one is the running speed of the transformer in robot mode, the
second for their transformed mode if it is applicable. In reference to
triple-changers and other multiple configuration Transformers, the second
speed score will represent their swiftest form.  

  Endurance will represent the overall durability of a Cybertronian
instead of its stamina. The higher the resistance to firepower and other
forms of physical punishment, the higher the endurance score will be. 

  For all the Transformers purists who may be offended by the stat
changes or those who have different perceptions on who is stronger or
faster than what I have displayed, please accept my most sincere
apologies. This is purely fan fiction and is not meant to be an
infringement on anyone's concepts in reference to the shape-shifting
marvels. Those of you who are put off by the overused plot themes, that
apology extends to you as well. But please, give it a chance.



PROLOGUE:

  The vast expanses of Cybertron spread before his watchful eyes. From
the immense viewport that dominated the north wall of the throneroom, he
studied the metal plains and symmetrical canyons and the luminous city-
states that composed the planet's topography. A magnificent, mechanical
marvel, much like himself. It was a fitting world for him to rule. His
focus shifted to the face reflected fom the polished transparisteel. It
was an ancient visage, wise and powerful beyond comprehension. Eyes of
the purest crimson burned with frightening power. He lowered his gaze to
observe the powerful body mirrored in the viewport, drinking in its
massive proportions and destructive potential. Gunmetal gray appendages
had been replaced with power packed limbs of green and purple. His torso
was larger now, no longer the color of polished nickel and chrome but the
same camouflaged pattern as his arms and legs. Even his trademark weapon
was not immune to some change. Once mounted on his forearm, it was now
permanently affixed to his right shoulder. It was an awesome body,
capable of bestowing death and destruction in mass quantities. His eyes
drifted up to rest on the face once more. Yes, his body had changed since
he last stood in this spot, but the face was unmistakably his. The face
of Megatron, Supreme Commander of the Decepticons and Ruler of Cybertron.



CHAPTER ONE: HIDDEN AGENDA 

  Two years earlier, the combined might of the Autobot and Decepticon
forces defeated an army of new generation Cybertronians led by the
warlord Jhiaxus. It was not to be the only threat to the Autobots' and
Decepticons' continued existance however. An enigmatic entity known as
the Swarm would also confront the fledgling alliance that day, decimating
and absorbing all in its path. Both factions suffered numerous casualties
combating the Swarm, only to see them revived by the Matrix-spawned
devil. In the aftermath of the battle, Optimus Prime and Megatron decided
to continue their temporary alliance to restore a Cybertron that had
delapidated from a civil war spanning 4,000 millenia to its former glory,
and to liberate the worlds conquered by Jhiaxus' forces. 

  Old hatreds die hard however, and in some cases, not at all. The
damnable Dinobot, Grimlock, protested Prime's decision. The Dinobot
Commander argued vehemently with his comrade, but Prime's decision
remained undetered. In the end, Grimlock and the other Dinobots seceded
from the Autobot ranks, never to be seen or heard from again. Other
hardships were encountered for the first few months. Minor disagreements
between the groups usually ended in brief skirmishes, but as a whole the
treaty withstood. It was only a matter of time before even these episodes
faded away.

  Cybertron was nearly rebuilt. The numerous city-states had been
ressurected by the concerted efforts of Autobot and Decepticon. Autobot,
Decepticon, it was time to erase the titles that separated these
Cybertronians from each other and allow them to embrace their true
heritage; to protect Cybertron and to wage war against Unicron in the
name of Primus. Megatron would reluctantly admit to any who questioned
his decision that the Autobot and Decepticon forces performed
exceptionally well together. It was this belief which persuaded Megatron
to approach Optimus Prime with his proposal for a formal unification, to
eradicate the concepts of two individual factions and to become united
once more. Optimus Prime proudly accepted, believing The civil war which
threatened to destroy a universe was now over.

  Megatron chose the Gladitorial Amphitheater, located approximately
fifty miles from New Iacon, as the site for the grandiose occasion. The
arena is where the Decepticon Commander first experienced the art of
fighting, and was the appropriate location for his combat career to come
to an end. As an arena, its size was unprecedented. Over a mile in
diameter, it could accomodate half of a million spectators. The walls
that separated the arena floor from the audience stands reached a height
of 250 feet, allowing fusilateral combiner teams to compete in the games
in their much larger united forms. The north and south walls were broken
by immense archways which served as the entrance for the opposing
combatants. Obstacles and debris covered the arena floor for use as
weapons in melee combat. In the center of the arena was an immense torch
positioned on top of a multi-stepped dais, burning with an azure flame.
In pre-war times, the winner would ascend the steps leading to the torch
and place his defeated opponent's weapon in the super-hot flames
emanating from the metal brazier, melting the firearm and signifying
their victory. Megatron had climbed those steps numerous times as an
arena gladiator, more than any other competitor. But those days were long
gone. The torch had remained unlit for 4 million years, but was rekindled
for the day's events.   

  Megatron and his two Lieutenant Commanders, Soundwave and Shockwave,
awaited at the base of the dais for his former rival to enter the arena.
The wait was a short one. Optimus Prime and a delegation of thirty
Autobots, including Prowl, Kup, Ironhide, the Technobots, the
Protectobots, and the Aerialbots, entered the arena. The Autobot
Commander was resplendent with his polished armor of crimson and chrome
hues. He approached Megatron, every bit his equal in height, stature, and
ability, and greeted the Decepticon leader. "I am honored before your
presence, Mighty Megatron." He spoke in formal Cybertronian and performed
a chivalrous bow.

  Megatron mirrored the Autobot Commander's movements with his own. In
the same formal speech, he addressed the stoic Autobot. "And I yours,
Greatest of Primes and Benefactor of Peace." The Decepticon Commander
pointed to the bright blue flame erupting from the torch, fueled from a
mixture of energon and combustible gases unique to Cybertron. "In ancient
times my friend, when a gladiator was unable to defeat his opponent and
vice-versa, the contest would end in a stalemate. Both competitors would
approach the Victory Flame, as shall we." Both leaders began to climb the
stairs as Megatron continued his recital of gladiator history. "The two
Gladiators would use an energy knife to cut their palm and would clasp
his opponent's hand. Their energon would mingle, signifying their mutual
respect for each other as equals. In my many years of arena combat, I
never had the company of another in my walk to the Victory Flame. Never
would I consider anyone my equal, until now." When the two commanders
reached the torch, Megatron drew a blade of the sharpest Cybertronian
steel from subspace. With his left hand, Megatron made a lengthy incision
along his right palm, allowing energon to bleed freely. "In every way
Prime, you have proven to be my equal." He then offered the blade to
Prime, who accepted.

  "Once again Megatron, I am honored." Cutting his own palm, he returned
the knife to Megatron and extended his hand for Megatron to clasp. The
massive Decepticon shunted the blade to subspace storage and grasped his
life-long adversary's hand with a mighty grip. Prime returned the grip
with equal strength. Their handshake extended over the torch, and energon
dripping from their wounds flared brightly as the flames ignited the
flammable drops with an audible hiss. Prime met Megatron's stare as he
spoke. "The war is over my friend. Primus' dream is finally realized for
we are united once more. We will celebrate this reconcilation properly,
once the day's work is done." Releasing his grasp, the Autobot Commander
descended from the dais to stand by the sides of his comrades.

  Megatron stood atop the dais, smiling at his Autobot counterpart as he
was turning to leave. Acute audio receptors could detect the faint sound
of approaching fusion engines. He shouted down to the Autobot Commander.
"YES PRIME, THE WAR IS OVER!"

  Optimus Prime turned back towards the direction of the dais. What he
saw froze his energon blood. In his right hand, Megatron held an exact
copy of Prime's personal firearm. The Decepticon leader casually thrust
the weapon into the flame, melting the rifle to unrecognizable slag. With
a look of amusement, Megatron spoke to Prime once more. "Yes Prime, the
war is over." The sound of the fusion engines grew louder, causing
Megatron's smile to widen. He tossed the burning remnants of the weapon
to the ground at Prime's feet. "The Decepticons win!" 

CHAPTER TWO: AMBUSH

  Completely invisible to radar, none of the Autobot sentries detected a
cloaked Dreadwing on attack vector to the peace conference. Targeting key
members of the Autobot delegation, the Decepticon stealth bomber
unleashed a full salvo of air-to-surface missiles on his unsuspecting
prey. The scream of incoming warheads and their resulting detonations
served as the Autobots' only warning. After expending his lethal payload,
Dreadwing sped off towards the horizon. Ebony armor blended in with the
night's darkness, masking his presence in the Cybertronian sky. 

  Optimus Prime took two direct hits, but somehow managed to stay on his
feet. Ironhide wasn't as fortunate. The venerable Security Director
became the first permanent casualty that day as four missiles struck home
in rapid succession. Their cumulative destructive power was too much for
even Ironhide's renowned durability to withstand. His broken body
collapsed at his commander's feet."...dirty...sons...of...bitches."
Ironhide spoke his last words as the light faded from his eyes forever.

  "IRONHIDE!" shouted Prime. He watched with anger and grief as his
oldest friend's spark was extinguished. His mourning was cut short
however, as he was forced to dive for cover from a super-heated blast of
atomic energy from Megatron's fusion cannon. The spot where Prime had
been standing a split second earlier was transformed into a gaping crater
over forty feet wide and thirty feet deep. Ironhide's remains settled at
the bottom of the crater, partially covered by metal debris from
Cybertron's unique topography.  

  Megatron's ambush had begun. Two years of peace had caused his Autobot
counterpart to grow complacent. Prime's soldiers scattered, searching for
cover from the relentless enemy bombardment. The Decepticon leader
quickly seized the initiative from the ensuing chaos left in the wake of
Dreadwing's sneak attack. His battle cry served to rally his anxious
troops strategically placed in the stadium stands. "DECEPTICONS! TOTAL
VICTORY IS MOMENTS AWAY! DESTROY THESE PEACE-LOVING COWARDS AND THE
GALAXY WILL BE OURS FOR THE TAKING!!" His soldiers shouted their consent
with cries of battle-lust. Undeniable death rained down on the Autobot
forces in the form of mortar rounds and heated shrapnel. The Decepticons
remaining on the arena floor took up their predetermined firing positions
and joined in the mounting fray.

  Prowl tried to unite the scrambling Autobots into an organized retreat.
Severely outnumbered and outgunned, they were being pummeled by
Megatron's forces. If they could reach the Amphitheater's arena entrance,
they would be able to access the subterranean tunnels and escape
underground. Darting in and out from the ample cover provided by the
amphitheater's obstacles, the Autobots approached their intended
destination in carefully measured intervals. "Less than a hundred meters
now." Prowl said to himself. 

  "Lord Megatron," Blitzwing paused from his rapid-fire assault long
enough to address his leader. "The Autobot cowards are escaping."

  "Worry not my dear Blitzwing, they won't be leaving here alive.
Megatron directed his attention to his most trusted warrior. "Soundwave?"

  "Acknowledged, Commander." The indigo communicator transmitted a short
radio burst to a relay station miles from their position. An encrypted
response affirmed the transmission had been received.

  Megatron smiled a shark's smile. "Now the fun really begins."

  As the arena's entrance loomed nearer, Prowl felt a glimmer of hope. A
few more minutes and they would reach the relative safety of the streets
and the sewers below them. With renewed vigor, the Autobot lieutenant
continued to lead his comrades to their goal. A steady humming however,
forced Prowl's attention. Whatever hope Prowl may have experienced was
completely crushed as he observed the shimmering distortion in the
skyline fifty meters from his position, heralding the arrival of the
Spacebridge. As Prowl spoke, obvious dread consumed his voice. "Oh no,
not now. Please...not now."

  Prowl's prayer fell on empty ears. The smell of ozone hit his olfactory
sensors as the bridge's entrance exited subspace. With the roar of
Cybertronian jet engines, Five Seekers took to the air. Noticeably
missing from their ranks was the Decepticon Air Commander, Starscream.
Thundercracker appeared to be commanding the group in his absence. Along
with the fliers, Twenty ground troops, all armed to the teeth, also
exited the Spacebridge. The additional warriors took up firing positions
in front of the fleeing Autobots, efectively cutting off any means of
escape.

  Optimus Prime and a squad of Autobots-Kup, Hotspot, Silverbolt, and
Inferno-provided coverfire for their retreating comrades from the cover
of a durasteel barricade. "Prowl, I need a situation report."

  "They've got us in a pincer formation Prime. All avenues of escape have
been blocked off. We're holding our own with the ground forces, but those
Seekers are picking us off one at a time."

  "Have you radioed for reinforcements?"

  "I've tried Prime, but Soundwave is jamming all frequencies. Short
range communication is all we have."

  "Damn it!" Prime was overwhelmed with self-loathing. How could he be so
blind to Megatron's duplicity. He swore to himself that if he should
survive this ambush, there would be a day of reckoning between him and
his Decepticon rival. "Silverbolt, get your troops airborne. If we are to
have any hope of living to fight another day, We must rid the skies of
any opposition. Inferno, I want you and Hotspot to concentrate firepower
on Soundwave's position. If we can take him out, we can radio Ultra
Magnus at HQ for reinforcements."

  "We're trying Commander, but that bastard is dug in pretty good."
replied Inferno.

  "Stay on it, Inferno. Silverbolt, as soon as you establish air
superiorty, send your fastest team member to HQ and get word to Magnus in
case we can't get to Soundwave. Understood?"

   "Yes sir!" Silverbolt relayed the command to his subgroup team
members. The five Aerialbots-Silverbolt, Air Raid, Skydive, Fireflight,
and Slingshot-transformed into their respective jet modes and rocketed
into the night sky to engage the Decepticon fliers.

  The resulting dogfight was a spectacular aerial display. Dozens of
explosions turned night into day and The sound of multiple sonic booms
rocked the amphitheater and other surrounding buildings. 

  Silverbolt had managed to position himself behind Skywarp as the
Decepticon dropped a laser guided bomb into the arena. A stream of bright
blue electricity from the Aerialbot Commander just missed his target. "So
ya wanna shoot me in the back do ya? And I thought you were the good ?
guys." Skywarp challenged his pursuer. "Let's see how you like it." 
  Silverbolt had accumulated enough static electricity for another  
discharge. Before the Autobot could fire however, Skywarp accessed his
personal subspace rift. With a loud "pop" of air rushing to fill a his
vacuum, Skywarp teleported out of nowhere
behind him. Silverbolt had anticipated the maneuver. He had in fact,
hoped for it. As soon as Skywarp blinked from his view, he engaged his
airbrakes and full reverse thrust. The resulting somersault looked ugly
and the inertia stressed his airframe to maximum tolerance levels, but
Silverbolt had achieved his desired results. Instead of facing his
opponents aft, Skywarp was locking on to an incoming SST. Before he could
fire his air-to-air missiles, Silverbolt's nosecone flashed with
Lightning-like brilliance. Skywarp screamed in ear-splitting agony as
150,000 volts of electricity coursed through his frame, incapacitating
the Decepticon and sending him careening into the amphitheater's exterior
wall. "Thank you for being so predictable, Skywarp." gloated a triumphant
Silverbolt.

  The combined firepower of Air Raid and Fireflight managed to bring down
Thundercracker. After a lengthy air battle punctuated with a half-dozen
of Thundercracker's self generated sonic tremors, the acting Decepticon
Air Commander finally succumbed to a shower of ammunition and missile
fire. The two Aerialbots neither knew nor cared if Thundercracker
survived the crash. Their attention were focused on their other team
members who, at that precise moment, did not seem to be faring as well.

  Slingshot was caught in a fierce crossfire from Thrust and Dirge.
Unable to outrun the swifter Seekers, the Aerialbot performed a series of
evasive turns and maneuvers trying to become a more difficult target. In
his effort to avoid the barrage of bullets, Slingshot failed to notice
his proximity warning sensors indicating a rapidly approaching bogey on
an intercept vector. When he finally noticed the impending danger, it was
far too late. Ramjet slammed into his target at over 1500 mph. The
resulting collision tore the Autobot air warrior in two, each half
spiraling downward to impact on Cybertron's surface in a fiery explosion.

  "SLINGSHOT, NO!!!" Skydive witnessed the death of his friend and
teammate in muted horror. Grief-stricken and seeking vengeance, The
Aerialbot Tactician poured on the afterburners and overtook Ramjet.
"Ramjet, you murdering bastard. I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!!!" Flying above
and parallel to Ramjet, Skydive performed a midair transformation and
landed on the Seeker's fuselage.

  "Get the hell off of me ya freak!" Ramjet bellowed to his uninvited
passenger. He attempted to dislodge Skydive with some high speed banks,
turns, and rolls, but the Autobot's grip remained adamantine. Drawing his
automatic rifle from subspace, Skydive unloaded a full clip of incendiary
rounds into Ramjet's back and wingspan. Ramjet's armored exterior
resisted the first few rounds, but soon buckled under the constant flow
of shells. The Seeker's screams of pain and cries for mercy fell on deaf
ears and eventually faded as the Decepticon neared death. Skydive
maneuvered the dying Ramjet, aiming him at the Decepticon Leader several
thousand feet below. Skydive engaged his own thrust to add additional
speed. Grim determination shone fiercely on Skydive's face as his
Kamikaze dive exceeded 2500 mph. "This is for Slingshot you
megalomaniacal bastard." hissed Skydive through clenched teeth.

  Skydive's attempt at martyrdom was a short lived one. The sound of
roaring jet engines could be heard over the din of battle and alerted
their intended target. Megatron turned in the direction of the sound and
observed the suicidal Skydive and Ramjet only seconds away. The
Decepticon Commander unleashed a powerful burst of energy from his fusion
cannon, incinerating both Autobot and Decepticon in a tremendous
explosion. The charred remains slammed into the planet's surface,
skidding to a halt inches from Megatron's feet. A scorched Autobot
insignia glared at Megatron from the wreckage with stolid defiance, only
to be crushed by the Decepticon's massive foot. "Such heroism, only to be
wasted on foolish dreams and idiotic beliefs. It is this weak-minded
dogma which has doomed your kind to extinction." With the potential
threat eliminated, Megatron reverted his full attention back to the land
based Autobots before him.

  The other Decepticons enjoyed similar success. Having secured a
flanking position to Megatron's left, Shockwave transformed into his
massive artillery mode. With a firepower surpassed only by Megatron, he
fired swathes of energy, eliminating his foes with calculating precision.

  Hotspot was Shockwave's first victim. With perfect timing, Shockwave
released an inundatory burst of energy as Hotspot raised up to draw a
bead on Soundwave. His aim proved to be as flawless as his timing. The
Protectobot's headless carcass collapsed in a lifeless heap.

  Another blast from Shockwave crudely eviscerated Lightspeed as he
sought cover from a massive pillar. The Technobot lived long enough to
discover his destroyer's identity.

  Kup seen his opening. With unerring aim, the grizzled veteran tossed a
high-explosive grenade into Shockwave's massive gun barrel. The resulting
explosion wasn't fatal to Shockwave, but did knock him out of the fight.

  Despite insurmountable odds, the Autobots fought on. Prime's
incomparable warrior and leadership skills managed to keep the
Decepticons at bay for the moment, but he knew he was only delaying the
inevitable. A dozen Autobot corpses, nearly half of their original
number, littered the arena floor. Unless they could reach the arena's
entrance or radio for help, Prime knew the bodies of his remaining troops
as well as his own would join those of his slain soldiers. Suppressing
the feelings of hopelessness rising within him, the Autobot Commander
continued to fight.

  Brawn grew tired of the cat and mouse game. Picking up a massive
girder, he hurled it with all his considerable strength at the nearest
foe. The Insecticon Chop Shop was impaled by the make-shift javelin, the
end of the girder exiting his back and embedding in a steel wall. His
comrades locked their sights on the stocky Autobot, but conventional
artillery proved useless against his thick hide. Brawn beat his hands
across his chest in a primal display of challenge, but a glancing blow
from Megatron's fusion cannon forced him to find cover. 

  Despite sensations of vertigo, Silverbolt risked a downward glance. The
carnage he witnesses caused the Aerialbot to momentarily forget his
acrophobia. "Step it up team. If we don't clear these skies soon, all
will be lost."

  Air Raid acknowledged his commander by shooting down Dirge. The
Seeker's banshee-like wail abruptly ended when his bullet-riddled body
smashed into a highway overpass."

  Not by any cry of the imagination was Thrust considered a valiant
warrior. He was reliable when the odds were overwhelmingly in his favor,
but should the balance of power tip towards the opposition, he became a
gross liability. In light of the 3-to-1 odds aligned against him,
Thrust's sense of self-preservation forced him to do the only thing he
could conceive at that precise moment...he turned tail and ran.

  "Woo Hoo, look at that coward high-tail it outta here!"

  Silverbolt shared Fireflight's feelings of exultation. Their odds and
those of their comrades were steadily improving. "Air Raid, you know the
drill. Get your ass to New Iacon and alert Magnus. Tell'em we need help
and FAST!!" A moving object caught Silverbolt's attention. The Air
Commander watched as an ebony and midnight blue apparition raced towards
the Amphitheater at low altitude. Fireflight's celebration proved to be
premature. "Belay that order, Air Raid. It looks like Dreadwing has
reloaded and is on his way for another strafing run. We got to beat him
there." The three Aerialbots dove towards the phantom jet.

  Despite Silverbolt's concern, the Autobots were proving to be at their
most dangerous when their backs were against the wall. Jazz managed to
pick off Runabout and Bombshell. Pipes used a rocket launcher from one of
his fallen comrades to take out Mindwipe and Apeface before he himself
fell victim to Megatron's fusion cannon. Mirage accounted for three more
Decepticon casualties before suffering a crippling wound.

  Megatron could feel his anger rising by the nanosecond. This skirmish
should be over. He had it all planned. Superior numbers and greater
firepower coupled with the element of surprise. He should be standing
over the prostrated form of Optimus Prime, celebrating his victory by
consuming energon from the Autobot Commander's hollowed-out head.
Instead, Prime and his lieutenants had organized a very effective
defense. The Amphitheater, once thought to be the perfect staging ground
for an ambush with its high walls and limited exits, was turning out to
be a bigger disadvantage. The arena's numerous obstacle's provided a
plethora of defensive positions for the Autobots to hide behind. Despite
insurmountable odds and numerous casualties, the Autobots were gaining
ground. If they continued holding out, reinforcements would eventually
arrive and tip the balance of power. Even worse, the Autobots could
conceivably breach the Decepticon perimeter with the momentum swing they
had gained. The Decepticon Commander's rage manifested itself as he
reprimanded his troops for their gross incompetence. "HEAR ME
DECEPTICONS!!! IF ONE AUTOBOT ESCAPES, YOU WILL ALL SUFFER MY WRATH!!!" 

  The Decepticon commandoes redoubled their efforts, hoping to avoid
their leader's displeasure. Several more Autobots fell from the
onslaught.

  Neither particularly fast nor agile in bomber mode, Dreadwing was
easily overtaken by the pursuing Aerialbots. The tremendous amount of
destructive ordinance Dreadwing carried into the fight however, made him
more than a match for three battle-weary Autobots. The Decepticon warrior
laughed aloud at his pursuers. "You pathetic weaklings can't stop me."
Dreadwing punctuated his remark by firing a missile at the Autobot
fliers. When the missile was near its intended targets, Dreadwing
triggered the remote detonator. A shower of shrapnel peppered the
Aerialbots' hides. "When I'm through with the scrap metal below, I'll
come back up and finish the job."

  Silverbolt shook off the effects of the missile's detonation. Regaining
his composure, he spoke to his subordinates. "He's right. We can't beat
him like this. But if he gets off another bombing run on the Autobots,
they're finished. We need to give him another target and hopefully take
him out in the process. Aerialbots, form...SUPERION!"

  "But Silverbolt, there's only the three of us. How can we-"

  "Damn it Air Raid, I'm still in command here, and I expect you to
follow my directives without question!" Desperation began to overtake the
subgroup commander, and he took it out on his subordinates. He regretted
his tone towards Air Raid and hoped he would be able to apologize later,
but right now was not the time to worry about hurt feelings.

  "Yes sir." Air Raid replied obediently. "Engaging Superion programming
now."

  Fireflight looked over at his leader. "I sure hope this works Boss."

  "So do I Fireflight, so do I."

  The three Autobots merged into a single entity. With one arm and one
leg, the gestalt warrior was a pitiful sight indeed. With the absence of
two team members, the mental anguish to hold the team together was
grueling. From deep within the core consciousness, Silverbolt prayed they
could get the job done.

  Dreadwing was less than a minute away from the Autobots. Targeting
computers identified friend from foe and assigned individual targets to
individual missiles. If his targeting sensors were accurate, Ten Autobots
were all that remained standing. He would see to it that there were none.
An immense shadow fell upon him, interrupting his targeting calculations.
Fixing his optic sensors above him, he witnessed the giant Superion
poised to strike. Dreadwing attempted to dodge but he was too late.
Although avoiding a fatal blow, a glancing punch was sufficient in
crippling the Decepticon flier. Dreadwing's unconscious form crash landed
at nearly 600 mph, carving a deep furrow in the planet's surface.

  The mental and physical strain in maintaining Superion intact was too
much for the three Aerialbots to bear. The super warrior managed one more
transmission to Prime, "Superion...to...Prime...Air...
resistance...eliminated." and to reach the ground before separating into
his individual components, each one collapsing from fatigue. 

  A trembling Air Raid managed to stand. "Gotta...get...help." With the
most supreme of efforts, Air Raid transformed and took to the sky once
more. Destination: New Iacon.

  Soundwave contacted his leader. "Megatron, I've intercepted an Autobot
transmission. It would seem our Seekers have been eliminated."

  "DAMN THEM!!! I grow weary of such incompetence!"

  The lengthy firefight began to take a toll on the Decepticon
reinforcements. Their opponents were not the weak pushovers that
Decepticon doctrine portrayed them to be. The Decepticons covering the
Autobots means of escape began to fall back from the continuous gunfire.
Prowl saw the opening and pressed their momentary advantage. "Now's our
chance, Brawn. I want you to clear us a path to that exit."

  Brawn rushed into the remaining Decepticon warriors blocking his path.
"BATTER UP!" shouted the demolitions expert as he swung a fallen support
pillar like a massive bat. Decepticons were knocked aside like paper in a
windstorm, broken by Brawn's powerful swings. 

  Prowl radioed his commander on their command frequency. "We made it
Prime, we're at the exit."

  "Good work, Prowl. Kup, Inferno, fall back on Prowl's position. I'll
cover you."

  The two Autobots transformed into their vehicle modes and raced across
the arena, dodging left and right to avoid the spatter of enemy artillery
fire that followed them. Optimus Prime raised up from his cover and laid
down suppressive fire.

  "Kup to Prime. We're here boss. Beat feet and join us."

  "I'm on my way. Now GO!!! The Autobot Commander fired two more bursts
and then transformed into his tractor-trailer mode to join his retreating
comrades.

  "NO!!!" shouted Megatron. "YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE ME PRIME!!!" With a
series of mechanical clicks and whirs, the Decepticon Commander shifted
into his dreaded tank form. With a spectacular burst of energy, Megatron
fired, the recoil of the blast moving the Decepticon several meters
backwards. The shot destroyed Prime's trailer/mobile command center, the
concussion of the blast momentarily stunning the fleeing Autobot. 

  Shaking off the effects of the blast, Prime reverted to his humanoid
form and fired back. Megatron shrugged off the counterattack and leveled
his cannon at his rival. The deafening sound of two blasts echoed off the
arena walls. The first shot shattered the kinetic bonds that fortified
Prime's armor. The second punched through armored exterior and mechanical
interior to leave an ugly, gaping exit wound. Prime felt his motor
functions falter and he collapsed face-first into the arena floor.

  Megatron reverted back to his robot form. The barrel of his fusion
cannon still smoked from his earlier display of firepower. With arrogant
strides and a triumphant smile, Megatron approached his nemesis. "Before
I send you to hell Prime, you have something I want." Prime managed to
raise up to his knees, but a double-fisted blow from Megatron forced him
back down, partially embedding him in the arena floor. Using his foot,
Megatron turned the prone Autobot over onto his back. Kneeling down
beside his fallen opponent, Megatron gripped Prime's damaged breastplate.
With the sickening sound of tearing metal, Megatron ripped open the
Autobot's chest compartment, revealing the sacred Matrix of Creation.
"For far too long I have been denied this precious gem. On the few
occasions I have touched its light, I bathed in its purifying
power...only to have it stolen from my grasp. Now I am the sole possessor
of Cybertron's greatest treasure. With this, I shall create
thousands...no, millions of Decepticons to spread out to the far reaches
of space, reshaping the universe in my image, for I am truly a god now."
Megatron paused in his soliloquy long enough to take in his surroundings.
"How fitting that my greatest triumph should take place here, at the
roots of my beginning. From Grand Champion of the Gladitorial Games to
Supreme Commander of the Decepticons, and ultimateley, the Ruler of
Cybertron. Can you appreciate the irony Prime? My humble beginnings
culminating in this glorious grandeur." Megatron turned to the two
warriors who now approached him. "Blitzwing...Astrotrain...pick him up
and place him against the wall."

  The two triple changers complied, each one grasping an arm and hauling
Prime to his feet. The Autobot Commander was in too much pain to resist.
Prime glared at his executioner, trying to speak. "Megatron...you...will
never...win. Somehow...someway...you will...join...me...in death."

  Megatron aimed his cannon at the Autobot's head. "Hush Prime. This will
only hurt for a moment."

  The Decepticons were so captivated by their leader's approaching
victory that they failed to see Kup sneak back into the arena. He had
waited at the tunnel's entrance for his commander's arrival, but when
Prime failed to show up, Kup decided to go back after him. From the
arena's entrance Kup watched in horror as the two Decepticon warriors
positioned the Autobot Commander against a wall. The glow of energy from
Megatron's barrel indicated he was about to fire. "NO!!!" he shouted,
charging Megatron and company with rifle and missile-launcher blazing.
The trio of Decepticons took cover to avoid the deadly barrage. Kup
reached his commander and helped him to his feet. "Get outta here Prime,
I'll hold'em off."

  Energon fluid poured from Prime's wound. Too weak to transform, he
spoke to his friend and comrade. "Kup...no. Get out...of here...NOW!
That's...an order."

  "Stuff it Prime, I ain't gonna watch you die. Now get moving!"

  "You are right about one thing Kup." Megatron's sinister voice roared.
"You will not watch Prime die...because you will already be dead."
Megatron had regained his composure and charged the smaller Autobot.
Afraid of hitting their leader, the Decepticons ceased firing on the
Autobot duo. Megatron connected with a vicious punch, dropping Kup where
he stood.

  No stranger to the gladitorial games himself, Kup counterattacked with
a skillful leg sweep, tripping his larger adversary. Megatron was on his
feet in a second however, and he seized Kup's neck with an iron-tight
grip. The Decepticon Commander lifted his opponent from the ground to
stare directly in his eyes. Kup tried to fight back, punching and kicking
at Megatron, but the blows barely dented his armor. Megatron's fusion
cannon shifted slightly on his shoulder. "Goodbye Kup." 

  Megatron's weapon flared once, twice, and then a third time. White-hot
energy poured into Kup's torso, disintegrating it, leaving only the head
and neck which Megatron still held in his grasp. The stalwart Autobot
died without a sound. Megatron studied the head of the vanquished Autobot
with amusement. The Decepticon Leader admired his grisly trophy, turning
it left and right, before centering on the scarred and ancient face.
Sinister eyes met with lifeless ones. He tossed the head to Scrapper.
"Mount it with the rest." he ordered the Constructicon.

  Prime was unable to help Kup and hated himself for it. It was over.
Megatron had won. Prime conceded defeat and found joy in the fact that he
would finally know peace in death.

  "Now where were we Prime? Ah...yes. The killing blow." Once again
Megatron aimed his fusion cannon at his beaten adversary, but once again
was interrupted from firing the fatal shot by a hail of missile and
gunfire, this time coming from the air. Looking for the source of the
interruption, Megatron observed a red and white swept-wing plane with
guns and particle beam cannons ablaze. "Jetfire? I swear these Autobots
are more annoying than Insecticons."

  "Never fear, the cavalry is here." the flamboyant Air Guardian
performed a graceful looping climb, then followed up with a powerdive to
initiate a second strafing run.

  "Cavalry? Please Jetfire, you suffer from false pretenses of power.
Come on down here and embrace the death you so richly deserve." Beams of
nuclear fire screamed towards the Autobot flier, but were deftly avoided.
As the swiftest of Autobots, Jetfire was entirely too fast for Megatron's
fusion cannon to lock on.

  "No thanks Megatron, I'll have to pass on that. Besides, I didn't plan
on staying." 

  Jetfire's hit and run attack was no more than a diversionary tactic.
With superior grace and finesse, Sky Lynx in dinobird mode swooped
towards the arena floor. Like an eagle snatching a mouse from the earth,
Sky Lynx snatched his wounded Commander and retreated to the heavens. By
the time Megatron could recover from Jetfire's interference, it was too
late to stop Sky Lynx. Assorted weapon fire from the Decepticon forces
chased the fleeing Autobots, but they were too far out of range for it to
be effective.

  Soundwave emerged from his protective confines, his electronic jamming
abilities no longer needed. He approached his Commander, the only one
courageous enough to do so in light of Prime's rescue. "Commander, the
spacebridge is refueled and ready. Shall I request a Pursuit and Capture
Team to intercept the Autobots."

  Megatron turned towards his indispensable comrade. A mighty warrior in
his own right, Soundwave's unwaivering loyalty separated him from the
other Decepticons. Their methods were as different as their appearances,
but Megatron felt a kinship with the communicator that resembled
brotherhood. Soundwave had the ability to read minds by detecting and
translating electronic pulses from a Cybertronian's neuro-center, but
never did so with Megatron. This choice was not born out of fear, but
respect. For that reason and others, Megatron would confide the very
depths of his soul in this one. No, Soundwave had nothing to fear from
his commander's obvious displeasure. Others however, would not be so
lucky. "No Soundwave, they are too far gone and they probably have fresh
troops on their way to combat us. I will not risk further losses at this
time. Besides, we have what we came for. It is not the first time Prime
has escaped my clutches. It appears that is to be part of my destiny. To
have Prime within an instant from death, only to be spared by some
miracle. I have grown accustomed to it." Turning his attention to his
weary warriors, Megatron spoke. "Gather our wounded and prepare for
departure." The Decepticon Commander surveyed the battleground. Despite
Prime's escape, the ambush had been a complete success. The Autobots had
suffered a 70 percent loss, including several of their elite warriors.
"Scrapper, assign a detail to gather up the Autobot corpses. They will
serve our cause by becoming raw materials for the birth of new warriors.
"As the Decepticons labored in completing their leader's orders, Megatron
awaited the arrival of the spacebridge, dreaming of future conquests.  

*               *               *

   A call on Megatron's personal command frequency brought his thoughts
back to the present. "What is it Soundwave?"

  "You left instructions for me to notify you when Starscream's trial was
to begin. It is time Commander."

  Megatron smiled at the mention of Starscream's name. Once his Deputy
Commander, Starscream was undeniably one of the finest and most capable
warriors under his command. He was also the most treacherous. "Very well,
Soundwave. Inform Shockwave that I will meet you both at Judicial Hall."

  "Yes Commander." Soundwave signed off leaving Megatron alone in his
thoughts. I wonder what lovely surprises this day has in store pondered
Megatron. 


CHAPTER THREE: IN SEARCH OF THE DINOBOTS

  Blurr's humanoid form raced across the treacherous landscape, a bright
blue blurr of moving limbs as he name so richly implied. He was not
exceptionally thrilled with this particular assignment. In fact, he was
quite nervous. Despite its glamorous name, the Argentium Mountain Range
was an ugly, desolate region. Refered to unaffectionately by
Cybertronians as the Wastelands, it was, to quote a terran expression,
'No man's land,' an environment completely hostile to all Transformers. 

  No, Blurr had no desire to be here. He had to admit however, that his
unique design and uncanny speed in robot mode made him the best suited
Autobot for this mission. Most vehicle modes were unable to traverse the
uneven and broken terrain, and the ones that could were slow and
cumbersome and would fall victim to the numerous dangers that infested
the Wastelands, both natural and unnatural, sentient and non-sentient.
Decepticons maintained strict superiority of Cybertron's airspace, so
Autobot fliers were excluded from this mission for fear of encountering
the ever present air patrols. 

  A trio of Seekers sped by over his position, as if in response to
Blurr's thoughts. Instinctively, he searched for a place to hide. Even
though the strong electromagnetic emissions prominent in the Wastelands
rendered even the most advanced avionics useless, optic sensors remained
unaffected. If he was spotted, Blurr knew a lone Autobot may be
considered a target too tempting to resist for warriors who were probably
bored with the unexciting reconnaisance missions they had been assigned
to. Blurr's position remained uncompromised however, at least for the
moment. 

  The hazardous terrain and numerous Decepticon patrols were by far the
least of the courier's worries. The indigenous residents of the
Wastelands were viscious cyberbeasts who had aquired a taste for
Transformer flesh. Rows of metal rending fangs dripped with an acidic
toxin particularly deadly to Cybertronians. They were rumored to be as
numerous as Sharkticons, and twice as deadly. These rumors were
unconfirmed however, as few Cybertronians ever ventured into the
Wastelands, and those who did were never seen functioning again. These
unpleasant facts only added to Blurr's growing uneasiness. 

  Blurr's thoughts raced back to the moment he had been assigned this
mission. Optimus Prime had Windcharger relieve him from his scheduled
scouting duties. In the confines of the command center, The Autobot
Commander informed Blurr he had received a transmission from an anonymous
source, declaring that a race of vastly powerful and belligerent
Cybertronians whose beast forms resembled dragon-like creatures of an
unknown origin had set up refuge in the Wastelands, fighting and
defeating the native cyberbeasts to become the new dominant lifeform. The
description matched the Dinobots perfectly. Prime concluded It would be
apt of the war-mongering Dinobots to establish their domicile in a region
of Cybertron where every day was a fight for survival and only the strong
survived. Grimlock, who prided himself (sometimes too much, thought
Blurr) on being the strongest Autobot, would view the Wastelands as the
perfect home for a warrior race to constantly challenge their fighting
skills. The ultraswift Blurr had been charged with finding the Dinobots
and enlisting their aid against the Decepticons once more.

  It was proving to be a very daunting task indeed, for the Wastelands
were fairly large with a complicated network of naturally occuring
canyons and caves. Blaster had tried to triangulate the signal to
pinpoint the exact location of the transmission, but the sender had used
an ancient Autobot code to encrypt the message. The lengthy time required
to decrypt the message had interfered with the Autobot's direction
finding attempts. It didn't matter really. The strong electromagnetic
interference would render any of Blaster's calculations highly
inaccurate. 

  Another Decepticon flyby forced Blurr to seek shelter from a nearby
cave. He watched as the three Decepticon Seekers flew by in perfect
formation. He recognized two of the three. Windrazor and Terradive. They
had elected to maintain their more aerodynamically sound earthen jet
modes as opposed to the forward swept wing design adopted by the newer
generation of Seekers. The other Seeker was also of human design, with a
hunter green fuselage and wings. Matching ailerons adorned either side of
the nosecone region. Blurr thought it may have been Eagle Eye since the
plane matched the Decepticon Infiltrator's profile, but was not positive.
The two he did recognize however, were renowned as merciless combatants
in the air. The Autobot wondered how they would fare in combat if they
were grounded. Equally as well, he assumed, if their reputations were
accurate indicators of their abilities.

  Blurr was so transfixed by the flying Decepticons that he was oblivious
to the gutteral growl coming from behind him. A hulking mechanoid stood
crouched in the darkness, ready to pounce. Nightvision locked on to
Blurr's slender form, causing a fresh surge of digestive acids to drool
from the gleaming fangs. The cyberbeast leapt for his unsuspecting prey.

  As the sound of the Decepticons' fusion engines faded, the Autobot
courier sensed he was no longer alone. The Autobot detected a flash of
sudden movement in his peripheral vision, accompanied by a bestial roar.
The Autobot's incredible dexterity prevented the Cyberbeast from scoring
a lethal blow, but even his quickness was not enough to prevent him from
surviving the encounter completely unscathed. Razor sharp claws raked
Blurr's lower left leg, opening a nasty, ragged gash. Blurr's cry of
surprise and pain echoed off the canyon walls. Fresh energon fluid bled
from the wound, the odor of the hydrocarbonic blood hitting the
cyberbeast's olfactory sensors and exciting it into a feeding frenzy.
Blurr tried to stand, but his damaged leg prevented it. He rolled to face
his assailant, drawing his firearm from his subspace pocket.

  The creature's hideous appearance beggared description. As tall as
Blurr with twice his mass, the cyberbeast was a nightmarish creature. It
walked in a crouched posture, with its four skeletal arms, each one
ending in savage looking pincers, dangling inches from the ground. Six
gleaming optics were centered on the massive ovoid head, lending an
insectile appearance to the creature. It was the immense jaws, equipped
with rows of viscious mechafangs, that received the most concern. 

"NiceCyberbeast,GoodCyberbeast,GeeGrandmaWhatBigTeethYouHaveCyberbeast!"
Blurr fired at the monstrosity, but the rounds glanced harmlessly off the
creature's hide. The Autobot's defensive efforts were rewarded with
nothing more than a very angry, very hostile killing machine.

  The cyberbeast attacked the supine Autobot. Blurr was helpless to avoid
the creature's assault. The monster managed to pin the Autobot with his
four appendages, and aimed his head at Blurr's torso for the kill. The
panicked Autobot held the creature's head at bay, but the Cyberbeast's
strength far exceeded his own. Glistening drops of venom fell from that
enormous maw, burning Blurr's chest as they landed. More and more drops
fell from the gaping, ravenous mouth as the head moved closer to its
target.

  A solitary figure watched the skirmish with interest from his perch
high above the two combatants. A few more seconds and the Autobot would
be finished, devoured by his primitive attacker. He decided now would be
a good time to intervene and provide neccessary assistance. Brandishing
an immense spear forged from superdense Cybertronian alloys, the lone
warrior leapt to the doomed Autobot's rescue. 

  Blurr's vision caught the sight of a vaguely familiar figure plummeting
from the heavens. The ground tremored from the impact as the robot landed
on his feet and approached the fray, weapon in hand. "SWOOP!!!" Blurr
yelled, recognizing the Dinobot.

  The cyberbeast turned to face the oncoming threat. Blurr watched with
immense relief as the Dinobot plunged a fierce looking spear into the
creature's dorsal section and lifted him off the Autobot, flinging him
away to impact against a canyon wall.

  The wounded cyberbeast got to his feet and howled with rage. Swoop
lifted his polearm, still dripping with the creature's life fluid, and
threw it at the monster. The spear entered the creature's mouth and the
blade exited the back of its head, killing the beast instantly. The
impaled cyberbeast fell, kicking involuntarily as his life functions went
offline. 

  Swoop helped a thankful Blurr to his feet. He looked at the Dinobot,
noticing his changed appearance for the first time. Swoop's wings now
swept downward at their pivoting point in his humanoid form, where once
they had folded back on themselves. They also appeared sturdier, more
durable. Blood-red war paint adorned the wings in random, dripping
patterns. Even the massive Pteranodon head, flushly folded to his chest
Seeker-style, was of a different design, appearing more primal and
primitive than ever before. Blurr continued to watch the Dinobot as he
went to retrieve his spear from the slain cyberbeast. Having removed his
weapon, Swoop labored to wipe away the gore with his hand. When the
weapon was cleaned to his satisfaction, Swoop picked up the cyberbeast
and slung the creature's carcass over his shoulder. He approached the
Autobot once more. 

  The Dinobot was the first to speak. "You shouldn't be here Blurr. This
is Dinobots' territory, and we don't take too kindly to intruders. You
might wanna' go now before you piss me off." Swoop flung the carcass at
Blurr's feet, emphasizing his displeasure.

  An intimidated Blurr spoke camly and slowly as not to arouse more of
the Dinobot's ire and suspicion. "Swoop, I need to speak with Grimlock.
We are at war with the Decepticons again, and Prime needs the Dinobots'
help."

  "I don't think Grimlock gives a damn about the Autobots anymore. I tell
ya another thing. Had it been him hunting this sector today instead of
me, he would've let that cyberbeast finish you off before making the
kill. It just so happens I have a soft heart. Now get the hell outta here
before I-"

  "They killed Kup." Blurr said, interrupting the Dinobot.

  "Wha...what?" A shocked Swoop stared at the Autobot, optics widened by
Blurr's statement. All of the Dinobots held the hard-charging veteran in
high regards. He was one of the few Autobots who did not look upon the
Dinobots disdainfully for their ruthless battlefield tactics. On the
contrary, he praised them for their combat prowess. The Dinobots felt a
kinship with Kup that they could not feel with the rest of the Autobots.
Besides, he told the best tall-tales in the galaxy. 

  "I'm sorry to have to tell you under these circumstances, Swoop."

  Swoop looked at Blurr's wounded leg, trying to judge its seriousness.
"C'mon. We have to tell Grimlock. I don't guess you can walk, can you?"

  "The wound is healing, but it will be a few hours before I can use this
leg again."

  "Looks like I'll have to carry ya." Swoop transformed into his dinosaur
mode. The shaft of his spear attached to his body, becoming pliable and
forming a prehensile tail. He wrapped his tail around the cyberbeast
corpse and grabbed the wounded Autobot with his claws before taking to
the air. 


"Swoop,Don'tYouThinkWeShouldStayOutOfTheAirWithAllTheDecepticonPatrolsFly
ingAbout?" a nervous Blurr questioned the Dinobot's judgement, resuming
his normal (for Blurr that is) rate of speech as he spoke to the air
warrior.

  "Do you forget what I am?" replied Swoop "I have no fear of
Decepticons." The Dinobot continued his steady ascent, despite his double
burdens. After attaining his desired altitude, Swoop engaged his minimal
thrust and headed east to rendezvous with his Dinobot brethren.

  A full ten minutes had elapsed before Swoop, flying at his maximum
speed, reached the base of the immense cave which served as the
Dinobots' lair. The whole trip had been one of complete silence as Swoop
lamented the loss of a friend. The Dinobot air warrior flew through the
cave's mammoth entrance, setting down his excess baggage before
transforming to his humanoid form.

  Slag and Sludge ceased their sparring practice to observe their
brother's find.

  Snarl, who was sharpening his broadsword, looked over at Swoop's cargo.
"What is that Swoop?" he said, pointing his blade at Blurr. "Dessert?"

  Blurr looked at the assembled Dinobots uncomfortably. Swoop wasn't the
only one to go through some physical modifications. All the Dinobots
appeared different now, less civilized, if such a term could ever apply
to the violent warriors. Spike-studded armor plating and war paint the
color of human blood seemed to be the fashion attire of choice for these
barbaric 'bots. Absent from their midst however, was their leader
Grimlock.

  Swoop addressed his brothers as they approached him, encircling the
Autobot envoy. "Where's the boss at? We've got something to tell'im."

  Sludge looked over at Swoop, shaking his head with concern. "What were
ya thinking Swoop, bringing that Autobot here? You'll be damn lucky if
the boss don't rip your wings off. No... I don't think ol'Grimlock will
want to see this."

  "Will want to see what?" 

  All heads turned to the source of the thunderous voice. Standing at the
cave's entrance was the massive, iron-gray form of the Dinobot Commander.
His powerful arms were at his sides, each hand clutching a battered
cyberbeast corpse larger than the one Swoop had slain. A necklace of
gleaming cyberbeast fangs hung around Grimlock's massive neck, giving him
the appearance of an ancient warrior chieftain. The Dinobot tossed the
carcasses aside, before affixing his glowing red visor on the unwelcomed
Autobot. Murderous intentions radiated from Grimlock's icy glare. "How
did you get here Autobot?" Grimlock advanced towards a visibly frightened
Blurr.

  "I came here with Swoop. I need to-" Blurr tried to answer, but was
snatched off his feet by one of Grimlock's powerful arms. Steel sinews
sheathed in metal skin flexed ever so slightly, causing the fingers of
the Dinobot's hand to puncture Blurr's armor plating. Blurr struggled to
break free, but was hopelessly outclassed. His painful protests were
completely ignored by the Dinobot Commander.

  "I thought I made it crystal clear when I left that I never wanted to
see another Autobot again. Maybe I need to make an example out of you so
the rest of your kind will get my message!"

  "Put him down Boss."

  Grimlock turned towards Swoop, redirecting his fiery anger at his
comrade. "Perhaps you wanna take his place? You have your own explaining
to do, for bringing this wimp to our home."

  Swoop spoke calmly, trying to placate Grimlock's rage. There was no
easy way to tell his commander what he had to say. "Listen Boss. He came
to tell us about Kup."

  "What about Kup?" Grimlock said, heedless of the struggling Autobot in
his grasp.

  "TheDecepticonsKilledHim." Blurr hastily said to his aggressor.

  Grimlock's grip on Blurr slackened. He gently set the Autobot down, not
wanting to believe what he had just heard. "No. You...you must be
mistaken."

  Blurr, visibly shaken from the encounter with the Dinobot Commander,
continued. "I'm afraid it's true Grimlock. Our war with Megatron has
started anew."

  "Tell me what happened Blurr. Tell me everything."

  Blurr recounted the events leading up to the ambush and the events that
followed. Although he had not been present that day, he had reviewed all
available holovids. He didn't spare any of the gory details. The Dinobots
listened attentively, completely silent during Blurr's depiction of the
battle.

  Blurr looked at Grimlock, deciding to ask some questions of his own.
"What's the deal Grimlock? Why the new look?"

  Grimlock hesitated as he reeled from the emotional impact of Kup's
death. Finding his voice to repond to Blurr had been difficult, but the
Dinobot managed to answer. "It's tough out here Blurr, even for us
Dinobots. The cyberbeasts are good fighters, and there's a lot of'em. We
get wounded sometimes, so we try to improve ourselves. Besides, these
changes are necessary for our survival."

  "Survival? What do you mean?"

  "We don't have any ready energon fuel sources out here. We had our
systems modified to process fuel from foreign sources in the absence of
pure energon. All we have to do is eat what we kill. That's why we hunt.
Not only for pleasure, but survival."

  Blurr felt slightly queasy at the thought of the Dinobots devouring
their grotesque prey. "I don't mean to pry, but I thought you lacked
the...uh, technical expertise to perform these modifications." Blurr
hoped his tone sounded uninsulting.

  "We had help." Grimlock replied matter-of-factly.

  "Help from who?"

  "That would be me, Blurr." part of the cave's far wall slid open,
revealing an ancient Autobot only slightly larger than Blurr. His
coloring, once royal blue trimmed in silver, had faded into a dull
bluish-gray. His eyes revealed the keenest of intellects. "I'm Xephyros,
a resident of these parts for nearly 4 million years."

  Blurr looked confused. In his lenghty cycle of existance, he had
encountered that name only once. "You're Wheeljack and Grapple's mentor.
You and Wheeljack designed and created the Dinobots, back before the Ark
departed from Cybertron and crash-landed on Earth."

  The ancient Autobot smiled "Guilty as charged. The Dinobots were the
first true warrior race of the Autobots. Built by Wheeljack and myself
and infused with life from the Creation Matrix. I must say I'm quite
impressed with the results."

  "All records say you were destroyed in the first siege of Iacon, when
the Academy of Structural Engineering and Design was destroyed by a
Seeker bombing run."

  "Highly exaggerated, I assure you. I was injured, but I managed to
escape. I fled the city, fearing Megatron's plans of genocide. I found my
way here, away from the death and destruction that haunts this planet,
establishing my personal sanctuary. I became a hermit of sorts, living
off hunted cyberbeasts. The war was over for me. Where before I was an
engineer, I became a survivalist. When I ran into the Dinobots, I
recognized them immediately. They were nearly in stasis-lock from energon
depletion. Hundreds of defeated cyberbeasts surrounded the fatigued
warriors, telling the tale of the massive conflict that had taken place.
I took them under my wing and performed the necessary adaptions they
needed for their survival in the wastelands. I also corrected a few
design flaws that they possessed in their earlier incarnations. Grimlock
has more speed and mobility; Snarl is equipped with internal batteries
for storing solar energy, eliminating his earlier vulnerability to
nighttime attacks; Slag's flamethrowing abilities have been augmented;
Swoop now possesses wings made of a more durable alloy than his previous
ones; and Sludge, well...augmenting mental abilities is beyond my current
capacity, but his demolition techniques are improved.

  "Easy there Xephyros, I'd hate to try out my demolition techniques on
you." Sludge said jokingly. He wasn't very good at feigning anger. His
good-natured personality always betrayed him.

  The other four Dinobots laughed warm-heartedly at Sludge. The slow-
witted giant was often the butt of many of his brothers' jokes, but he
always laughed with them. It was part of his likeable charm.

  Xephyros looked at Blurr. "So Prime decided to send you to investigate?
A very wise choice."

  "SoItWasYouWhoSentThatTransmissionToOptimusPrime?"

  "Once again...guilty as charged."

  Grimlock's humor quickly faded. "Transmission to Prime? What in the
hell are you talking about? How could you betray us Xephyros? I'll never
help Prime again. He can rust in hell for all I give a damn."

  "My friend, your place is on the battlefield. That's what you were
designed for. When I heard of the renewed hostilities between Autobot and
Decepticon, I knew it was only a matter of time before Prime needed you.
I created you and the Dinobots to be the perfect warriors, unbeatable in
battle. I refuse to believe you would let personal grudges keep you from
your true calling. Go to Prime. Embrace your warrior heritage. Live up to
your true potential. This will always be your home, and you will always
be like sons to me. But how long will we be able to keep our home if the
Decepticons aren't defeated?"

  The Dinobot nodded his acceptance. Xephyros was right. It was time be
rid of his prejudices against the Autobots. Besides, his immense repect
and affection for Kup demanded he exact some vengeance of his own for his
friend's death. "You won't be going with us then?" It was more a
statement than a question.

  "No Grimlock. As I have said, the war is over for me. I am destined to
live out my remaining days here. Whether they are cut short by a blast of
Megatron's fusion cannon or spent in peace and harmony resulting from the
Decepticons' defeat is in the hands of those able to fight. Leave me, and
help the Autobots gain victory over our would-be oppressors."

  "I understand. We will make you proud of us." Grimlock extended an open
hand to his creator, who accepted it with his own. A hearty handshake
followed.

  "You already have my friend. You already have."

  The Dinobot Commander looked at Blurr. "How's your leg squirt?"

  "AboutSeventyPercentOfOptimalCapacity.I'mCapableOfWalking."

  "No matter. You can ride on Sludge's back." Grimlock turned to face his
brothers. "Dinobots, transform and move out." The Dinobot Commander then
shifted into his new Tyrannosaurus Rex mode, one that was even more
frightening than his previous form. 

  The other Dinobots bid their own brief farewells to the venerable
Autobot before transforming into their respective dinosaur forms. Sludge
lowered his neck to allow the injured Blurr to climb on. The five
Dinobots then departed the cave that had served as their home for the
past two years, starting their lengthy journey through the Wastelands for
their reunion with the Autobots in Vortros.  


CHAPTER FOUR: THE TRIAL

  Before the Great Civil War, Iacon was the largest of Cybertronian city-
states and served as the planet's capital. Boasting a population of
millions, it was the greatest testament to Cybertron's galaxial glory.
Then came Megatron and his army of Decepticons, shattering that glory.  

  The once gleaming spires had fallen and the great domed walls had
collapsed during 40,000 centuries of warfare that plagued Cybertron's
history. The city's peaceful denizens either fled or were systematically
terminated as the war reached a fiery crescendo of slaughter and mayhem.
Iacon became a living hell, occupied by the Decepticon war machine in the
towering buildings above and fierce brigands and cut-throats in the
streets below. It would not be long however, before the burned out shell
of Iacon would be abandoned by them as well.

  New Iacon had been built on its predecessor's ruins. The combined
efforts of Autobot and Decepticon during their brief reconcilation had
restored the city-state's former glory. When the Autobots were driven
from the city, Cybertron's self-proclaimed ruler decided that he would
govern the reestablished Decepticon hierarchy from the newly-built New
Iacon, just as he once had done from Iacon 4 million years before.

  The edifice known as Judicial Hall was an anachronism, symbolizing an
era that had perished during the Decepticons' bid for planetary
domination, becoming one of the countless casualties of war. It was
Prime's idea, back when Autobots and Decepticons were still allied, to
erect the structure and reestablish Cybertron's judicial system. At the
time, Megatron agreed and assigned a detachment of Constructicon drones
to facilitate its construction. Now however, Autobots no longer occupied
New Iacon, except maybe as ghosts, and the Decepticons had little use for
a judiciary branch of government. Decepticon justice usually meant harsh
and swift punishment. Summary executions or indefinite enslavement were
usually the only forms of justice bestowed upon the accused, and rarely
with any semblance of a fair trial. True testimony to Megatron's iron-
fisted rule. As such, Judicial Hall deteriorated from disuse.

  This day would be different. The accused was special, a renowned and
highly decorated warrior. Having earned legendary status with his
victories in battle, it was his politics outside of combat that earned
him the notoriety that tainted his mythical persona. As such, the
eventuality of this day's events seemed preordained.

  "Starscream, Supreme Commander of the Decepticon Aerospace Corps, you
are declared guilty for the crimes of high treason by the Elite Judiciary
Council. Does the condemned wish to speak in his defense before
sentencing is passed?"

  The red and silver-gray air warrior glared at High Justice Krax and the
twelve council members positioned at the podium high above him with stoic
defiance. He flexed his forearms, testing the strength of the kinetic
bindings which secured his hands. Similar restraints fastened his legs to
an antigrav platform, preventing him from flying through the ceiling and
escaping into Cybertron air space. Once airborne, his matchless speed
would enable him to evade recapture, a fact that had not gone unnoticed
by his jailers. Two bailiffs armed with particle-beam sidearms stood to
his left and right. Megatron had gone to great lengths in insuring this
trial would reach its conclusion. 

  Although Starscream's existence appeared to be approaching a fatal
finale, he was unusually cheerful in spite of his bleak future. Two years
confined to a cramped holding cell was cruel and unjust punishment for
one who claimed the skies as his domain, and the brief respite from the
suffocating walls was pure bliss. He spoke to the assembled council
members, condescension dominating his voice as if they, not him, were on
trial. "Yes, I have openly opposed Megatron's rule. I have attempted to
wrest sole leadership of the Decepticons from Megatron on numerous
occasions, not to further my own goals and agendas, but to further the
overall glory of the Decepticons. My loyalty to the cause has never
waivered. If you doubt me, then review my combat records. I have amassed
an Autobot body count second only to Megatron himself."

  "Your patriotism and military feats are not on trial here." replied
Krax cooly. "Your treachery against the Decepticon Supreme Commander is."

  "If we were represented by a competent leader, than such events would
never have transpired. Megatron's gross ineptitude has forced me to take
matters-"

  "SILENCE!!!"

  All eyes were averted to the possessor of that deep, sinister voice. In
the doorless entry stood a tall green and purple Cybertronian, solidly
built and radiating undiluted power. The room's dim lighting reflected
off the immense barrel of the super-weapon positioned on his right
shoulder. To his right flank stood the cyclopean Military Operations
Commander, Shockwave. To his left, his most loyal lieutenant and Chief
Advisor, Soundwave.

  "So the accused has earned the right to face his accuser. How noble of
you to join us Megatron." Starscream made no attempt to hide the sarcasm
in his voice.

  Megatron looked at his former Air Commander with mild amusement.
"Really Starscream, did you think I would miss the trial of the century?
Oh by the way, I hope your confinement wasn't too uncomfortable. I went
to great lengths in providing you a cell with a view. I know how much you
enjoy staring at the starry sky." His amusement grew as he rubbed salt in
Starscream's wound. His attention shifted to Krax and the panel of jurors
who had risen upon Megatron's entrance. "Has sentencing of the condemned
been imposed?"

  The Judiciary Council resumed their appropriate seats as Krax addressed
his Commander. "No your excellency. It was my understanding that you
wished to be present in light of the fact that the proposed sentence was
of your design."

  "That was indeed my wish. You may proceed."

  Starscream listened to the conversation being exchanged between the
Decepticon judge and his leader. Proposed sentence? What cruel demise has
Megatron conceived? As Starscream pondered these dark thoughts, a feeling
of uneasiness crept into his system.

  "Very well, your excellency." Krax returned his attention to the
Seeker. "Starscream, you hereby forfeit all rank and titles bestowed upon
you in service of the Decepticons. All personal belongings are also
forfeit. You are discharged from the Decepticon Unified Army. Finally,
you are banished from Cybertron for eternity, or until Lord Megatron
reinstates your citizenship. Violation of this exile will be rewarded
with immediate termination."

  Starscream's optics flared with his reaction to Krax's declaration. How
dare he, thought the air warrior. Megatron had affronted his honor. There
would be no honorable execution as he expected. The ever-cruel Decepticon
leader could not have chose a worst punishment. The warrior's murderous
gaze could melt titanium steel, and he focused it on Megatron as he
exploded with the anger that was consuming him. "You've made a grievous
error by not killing me! You have destroyed my honor, and only your
shattered and smoking corpse will avenge it. I promise you, I will have
my revenge!"

  Megatron's laughter reverberated through the vast expanses of the
courtroom. "Yes, I'm sure you will Starscream." The Decepticon leader
dismissed the threat with a casual wave of his hand.

  The members of the High Council rose with Krax. "Court is adjourned."
he spoke, dismissing his fellow council members. The two bailiffs grabbed
a still-seething Starscream to escort him to a holding cell through a
doorway leading to the confinement chambers.

  "His sigils are to be removed prior to him being transported off the
planet." Megatron said to the departing guards. 

  Soundwave was the first to speak after the trial's adjournal.
"Commander, was that a wise decision, letting him live? Starscream is a
deadly adversary. He will not rest until he finds the means to make good
on his threats."

  "I understand your concerns Soundwave. They are not completely
unfounded. He has great pride in his abilities, and with good reason. He
is lethal, swift, and cunning. He is a powerful warrior and his ambitions
and charisma make him a natural leader. In a lot of ways, we are the
same. He is like a bitter sibling to me, jealous of my accomplishments
and wishing to supercede them with his own. Still, his misdeeds could not
go unpunished. I do not desire to kill him however, for it is an ill-
suited punishment for one such as him. An honorable execution for one
whose honor is his most prized possession would not serve as a reminder
that all who betray me risk losing that which they most cherish. His
pride is his weakness, so I chose to punish him with the means that would
cause him to suffer the most. Besides, the undeniable threat he poses
will prevent me from becoming complacent after we have eradicated the
remaining Autobots." 

  "That will be a problem quickly remedied Megatron, provided my battle
strategies and logistics planning are followed precisely and not
improvised upon." Shockwaves single eye flashed brilliantly in unison
with each spoken syllable.

  Megatron spun to his right to face Shockwave, neary toppling the sub-
commander with the barrel of his fusion cannon. "Soundwave's input is
welcome Shockwave, yours is not. You would do well to learn from
Starscream's trial. Would-be usurpers have no place in my future empire.
I wonder what it is you most cherish, Shockwave? Dare I presume it to be
that logic processing neuro-center buried in that bizarre head of yours?
It would be a shame to lose that, not to mention fatal." Megatron's
unveiled threat hung thickly in the air.

  Shockwave, only slightly shorter than Megatron, capitulated before his
leader's icy stare. "I meant no offense Commander. I only wished to point
out that I endeavor laboriously in collating all known Autobot weaknesses
and technical data that we currently possess in our archives to formulate
an infallible battle strategy. The logical assumption would be that the
warriors under your command suffer from a lack of competence. The
leadership is undoubtedly sound."

  "Shockwave, your dedication to logic prevents you from truly knowing
your enemy. The Autobots have avoided total destruction thus far by
combining tremendous courage with Optimus Prime's battlefield
improvisation abilities. My lifelong adversary is proving to be a better
tactician than the three of us combined. Still, with the Matrix of
Creation in my possession, the Autobots are steadily losing ground. When
I finally do stand before Prime's lifeless form, I will assign the
Constructicons to establish a monument to the fallen leader, for he has
earned my respect as well as my emnity. Shockwave, you are dismissed.
Return to your post to await further orders."

  "Yes Commander." Shockwave exited the building, leaving Soundwave alone
with his leader.

  "Commander, Shockwave covets your position. In his own way, he poses as
much of a threat as Starscream."

  "I don't have to be a mind reader to see through Shockwave's boot-
licking ploys. With his high command position, he believes he can
convince some of my troops to swear fealty to him, hoping to aquire a
large enough power-base to openly challenge me for the mantle of
leadership. But Shockwave, a being devoid of any emotion, lacks charisma.
He'll never inspire true warriors. Only weak-minded fools will follow
him, and they will fall with him. But enough of this. It is time to
promote a new Air Commander." With Megatron in the lead, the two giants
of the Decepticon High Command headed for the command center.

*               *               *

  The Decepticon shuttle Predominance had been in flight for nearly six
hours. Piloted by Thundercracker and copiloted by Skywarp, the shuttle's
crew consisted of five armed guards and their one prisoner, Starscream.
The warriors were rotating guard duty on the prisoner, leaving one to
maintain vigil while the other four indulged themselves on pure energon.

  Thundercracker looked through the pilot cabin's entrance at the
makeshift brig in the aft portion of the shuttle. His former Commander
was secured inside, silent and sullen. Dreadwing had been promoted to the
rank of Supreme Aerospace Commander, becoming the newly appointed leader
of the Seeker Corps. Thundercracker was displeased with Megatron's
decision, not because he coveted the position, but because Dreadwing was
not a true Seeker. Megatron's original harbingers of destruction, the
Seeker Corps' rich heritage had been sullied by the includance of an
outsider. Disgruntled, Thundercracker removed himself from the pilot
seat. "Skywarp, maintain our present heading, I'm going to be temporarily
indisposed."  

  "The armed guard stiffened slightly as Thundercracker approached
Starscream's cell. "What do ya need Thunder?"

  "I wish to talk to the prisoner, you are relieved until I am finished."

  Not one to look a gift-horse in the mouth, the guard made a quick exit
to join his comrades and partake in their drinking festivities.

  Thundercracker shook his head in disgust. He despised the guards.
Decepticon ground troops, unable to fly and therefore, beneath his
concern. He turned his optics to the figure sitting in the far corner of
the dark cell. Careful to avoid the transparent energy field confining
his former commander, Thundercracker spoke to Starscream. "For what it's
worth Starscream, it has been an honor and pleasure serving with you. I
liked the way you did things, the way you commanded. All of us Seekers
did. The skies belonged to us Starscream, and we displayed our superiorty
before the land based Cybertronians by bombing them into non-existance.
The sky won't be the same without you."

  Starscream stood and approached the air warrior. His wings still burned
slightly from where the laser welders had crudely removed his insignia.
Scorch marks marred the otherwise perfect sheen of his silver-gray wings.
Ignoring the irritation, he spoke to his former comrade. "Don't count me
out just yet, old friend. Adversity and me have a long history, and it
has yet to beat me. There will come a time when we rule the heavens once
more, and the Seekers will be known as Cybertron's greatest champions. I
guarantee it. By the way, who have they replaced me with?"

  "Dreadwing beat out Windrazor by a slight margin. Windrazor will serve
as his second."

  "Yeah, I thought as much. I tried to win Dreadwing over, but he
wouldn't budge. Like Soundwave, Dreadwing's loyalty is unwaivering to
Megatron. No matter. Bear with it Thundercracker. It will only be for a
while."

  "Look Starscream, I wouldn't suggest coming back to Cybertron. There
are swarms of glory-hungry Decepticons who feel that the head of the
legendary Starscream would make a terrific addition to their trophy
collection."

  "Give me a little more credit. If I was so easy to kill, do you think I
would have openly defied Megatron for so many years?"

  Before Thundercracker could issue a response, Skywarp's panicked voice
blared over the ship's intercom system, interrupting the conversation.
"THUNDERCRACKER, I NEED YOU UP HERE NOW!!!"

  Thundercraker sprinted to the bridge, yelling on the run to the guard
he had relieved. "Resume your post Decepticon!" The guard's comrades
ceased their activities to see what the hell was happening in the
cockpit.

  Thundercracker entered the pilot cabin, searching for the source of
Skywarp's dismay. "What's going on? What the hell has got you so
spooked?"

  "We got a wormhole opening up, a big one!"

  "A wormhole? How big?"

  Skywarp pointed at the monitor. "Look for yourself." 

  Thundercracker's eyes widened at the readings being displayed. What the
hell could make a hyperspace vortex of that size, he thought. He stared
at the section of space indicated by the computer coordinates through the
cockpit's viewport. The hyperspatial hole, already the size of a large
moon, widened even further. Stellar gases and celestial debris swirled
around the wormhole in a descending spiral. It wasn't the wormhole which
had instilled such dread in Skywarp however, but the object which was
emerging. The very sight of it chilled Thundercracker to his very core.
"Dear Primus..it...it can't be...you're dead." 

  A planet sized sphere, composed entirely of metal, had departed
hyperspace. Luminous bands of metal encircled the longitudinal
circumpherence, creating the illusion of being an unnatural celestial
body, like a grotesque, steel-clad Saturn. A dark, ravenous maw, larger
than any known starship, stood slightly agape at the center of the
sphere. Mandibles protruded from both sides of that ghastly mouth, each
measuring over twenty miles long. The worst part was the monstrosity was
heading straight for the Decepticon shuttle.
ir rushing to fill a his

ading straight for the Decepticon shuttle.
ir rushing to fill a his
  Thundercracker tried to evade the oncoming juggernaut, but a powerful ?´???
tractor beam had locked on to the tiny frigate. Skywarp, clearly werful ?´???
overtaken by fear and panic, began powering up the shuttle's complement ?´???
of weapons, knowing that it was pointless. "What do we do, Thunder? WHAT ´???
DO WE DO?!!"
owing that it was pointless. "W

  A hopeless Thundercracker responded to his comrade's frantic queries.
"Nothing Skywarp. There is nothing we can do." He powered down the engine
and weapon systems and prepared to surrender to his ominous foe.


CHAPTER FIVE: HOSTILE REUNION

  Vortros was one of the few remaining city-states currently under
Autobot control. Once a vast metropolis dedicated to trade and commerce,
it now served as the headquarters for the Autobot military forces.
Autobot patrols swarmed the mega-highways surrounding the city,
maintaining a constant vigil against Decepticon infiltration. The
civilian population however, fearful of an inevitable Decepticon attack,
remained in underground bunkers outside the city, providing sanctuary to
any war casualties unable to return to Autobot headquarters.

  Located at the center of the city, Autobot HQ towered above all the
other buildings. Inside the command center, numerous Autobots worked
incessantly at various computer terminals. Data and technical readings
reflected off polished metal skin.

  Seated in his command chair, Optimus Prime observed his tireless
soldiers perform their assorted tasks. Although some of them were trained
combatants; warriors by profession, not circumstances, most of the
Autobots were forced into their unwanted roles to escape the oppression
of Decepticon tyranny. United by the conviction of their beliefs, the
Autobots were nothing more than a motley bunch of freedom fighters under
the guidance of a tactical military genius. The Autobots admired their
legendary leader, and he returned it ten-fold.

  This camaraderie did little to ease the pain of loss Prime had to
endure in his role of commander. Countless deaths of friends and comrades
weighed heavily on his mighty shoulders. Brave and noble souls,
sacrificing their lives in a war that had no purpose, except to propagate
the Decepticons' perceived superiorty to other lifeforms. How many more
would die before war's end?

  He found his thoughts drifting to the days following Megatron's savage
ambush. New Iacon had been the first to fall. The Decepticon vanguard of
gestalt super warriors wreaked havoc on the depleted Autobot forces,
crushing all obstacles in their path. With the absence of the Dinobots
and the destruction of key members of the Autobot gestalt teams, their
unyielding rampage went virtually unchallenged. Autobots fought and died
by the hundreds. Without the Creation Matrix, the Autobots were unable to
bolster their ranks with newly created warriors. The Decepticons suffered
no such dilemnas. For each Autobot lost, Megatron gained one more step to
planetary domination. First Cybertron, and then the universe. The
Autobots were helpless to stop him, but continued the fight in spite of
their dismal situation.

  The Autobots suffered their greatest loss during the seige of New Iacon
when the enormous guardian robot Omega Supreme fell to the combined might
of Predaking, Abominus, Menasor, and Devastator. Powerful and lethal as
individuals, the Predacons' abilities were augmented ten-fold in their
combined form. Still, Omega Supreme's superior strength and firepower
made him a highly lethal adversary, even to one such as Predaking. The
addition of three gestalt super warriors combined with the fighting
prowess of Predaking overwhelmed the last guardian, but not without
losses of their own. Menasor was careless and got caught in the giant
Autobot's clawed hand. Omega Supreme crushed the gestalt's torso, killing
Motormaster and effectively defeating Menasor. The remaining Stunticons
did not appear overly distraught by their loathed commander's death, but
they did retreat from the skirmish, not wishing to share Motormaster's
fate. Abominus and Devastator used their comrade's death to their
advantage, and managed to secure Omega Supreme's claw and weapon
appendages, although it required every ounce of their titanic strength to
restrain the Autobot. Predaking approached the captured titan, massive
broadsword raised for the kill. It required several minutes of continuous
hacking to cut through the thick armored hide possessed by the mobile
defense base, but once a vulnerable spot had been exposed, Predaking used
his arm-mounted laser cannon to burn away Omega Supreme's vital
internals. It was a brutal and agonizing death.

  More city-states fell before the Decepticon juggernaut. Their
systematic assault was a carefully planned strategy, targeting the city-
states that were most vital to Autobot survival. Brilliant military
tactics, undoubtedly of Shockwave's design. The desperate Autobots found
sanctuary in Vortros on Cybertron's northern hemisphere. It would only be
a matter of time however, before Vortros was trampled as well.

  While Prime brooded over past and future events, he was oblivious to
Blaster's approach. The red and gold communicator had to gently shake him
to get his attention.

  "What is it Blaster?"

  "Commander, Blurr has reported in. He's cleared checkpoint one and is
proceeding to HQ. Oh...and Prime, he's brought guests."

  "The Dinobots?"

  "He didn't specify, but my guess is yes."

  "Excellent. Inform Blurr to meet me in the main conference room once he
arrives. I'll be in my personal chambers until then, should anything
require my attention. Ultra Magnus?"

  Prime's Deputy Commander arose from his work station in a position of
attention. His impressive height and heroic stature combined with his
rigid, military posture portrayed an image of the model soldier. It was a
reputation hard-earned and well-deserved. "Yes Commander?" Ultra Magnus
spoke with a voice befitting his dignified appearance.

  "You are in charge until my return. All command decisions will be made
by you until then." After delegating all authority to Ultra Magnus, Prime
left the command center to await Blurr's arrival.

  "Yes sir!" reponded Ultra Magnus, stiffening slightly. He was never
comfortable being in charge. Obviously not possessing complete confidence
in his abilities, he worried that he would make the wrong decision in a
critical moment. Optimus Prime knew better however, and openly encouraged
and nurtured Magnus' natural leadership abilities.

  A short time later, Optimus Prime and a contingent of Autobots-Jetfire,
Prowl, Hot Rod, and the remaining Aerialbots and Protectobots-amassed
inside the main conference room in preparation for Blurr and the
Dinobots' arrival. Idle conversation, bristling with eager anticipation,
filled the air. All attention was averted however, when the immense
double doors leading into the room parted with a loud WHOOSHHHH,
revealing a slender blue humanoid followed by five massive, metallic
monstrosities. The Dinobots entered the vast expanses of the conference
room and regarded the welcoming party with contempt as well as a certain
amount of distrust. For some unknown reason, the Dinobots held the
Autobots responsible for their self-imposed exile. The assembled Autobots
returned the Dinobots' stare, albeit with much less malice and a lot more
curiosity. They observed the Dinobots' battlefield modifications with
mixed feelings. The Air Commander Jetfire was the first to comment. "Look
at them Prowl. All them spikes and bladed weapons. They look completely
barbaric!"

  "C'mon 'fire. They weren't exactly the poster children for civility
ya' know." Prowl replied in his annoying matter-of-fact tone.

   "I like the new look personally. It really suits'em." Blades had
always respected the Dinobots and shared their love of combat. He
admitted, albeit grudgingly, that their passion for warfare exceeded his
own. Blades and the Dinobots were kindred spirits, and as such, he leapt
to their defense. 

  The lead Dinobot, a half head taller than any of his brethren,
approached the Autobot Commander. His powerful build and confident stride
betrayed the obvious might he possessed. Even Optimus Prime felt a
certain amount of awe at the sight of this prodigious powerhouse.

  "Grimlock old friend, it's good to see you ag-"

  Before Prime could finish greeting his former second-in-command, he was
sent flying fifty meters from a hard right hand, the impact of the punch
causing the walls to vibrate and cracking Prime's faceplate. But instead
of crumpling to the floor in an unceremonious heap, Prime's incomparable
reflexes, honed from countless centuries of war, took over as he
performed a seemingly impossible acrobatic maneuver for one his size.
Tucking his knees to his chest, he somersaulted in mid-air, landing on
his feet in a defensive stance.

  "THAT'S FOR KUP, YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!" snarled Grimlock, his voice
dripping with anger.

  The remaining Autobots, momentarily shocked by the events transpiring
before their optics, snapped out of their brief lethargy. Drawing their
weapons and engaging their battle programming, they took aim at the
Dinobots and their belligerent leader. Blurr, who scarce moments before
had been between the two factions, rushed over to his comrades and
followed their lead. Even Blades, unsure of the Dinobots' intentions,
hesitantly leveled his particle blaster at Grimlock. It was, as he knew,
a hopeless gesture. Their combined firepower wouldn't be enough, nowhere
near enough, to stop them.

  Slag seemed to brighten at the Autobots' reaction. "Oh look, the wimps
finally found some guts" he bellowed to his brother Snarl. 

  "Good. Once we kick their lil' asses, we'll take those guts and
choke'em with them."

  Slag, Sludge, and Snarl transformed into their respective dinosaur
modes. Swoop was forced to remain in his humanoid form due to limited
flying space. All four quaked with eager anticipation at what appeared to
be an inevitable confrontation with their former comrades. Fighting is
what they did best, and they had been denied that simple pleasure far too
long. Looking very much like a prehistoric stampede from the late
Cretaceous Period, The Dinobots approached the armed warriors, growling
with bitter emnity and drooling digestive fluids. Each thunderous step
from their massive feet reverberated through the entire building. To
their credit, the Autobots stood their ground.

  Before any actual conflict could occur however, Grimlock's deep,
booming voice halted the advancing Dinobots. "NO!! This is between Prime
and me. STAY THE HELL OUT OF IT!!!"

  The four Dinobots, none of whom were eager to challenge the enraged
behemoth's authority, conceded to Grimlock's demands. The Dinobot ground
warriors transformed back to their humanoid forms, but maintained their
weapons with safeties off in the event Grimlock should change his mind.

  Hot Rod on the other hand, had a completely different agenda. He was
determined not to allow Prime to be victim to Grimlock's tantrums and
rushed to his side. Extending his arms, Hot rod aimed his wrist weapons
at the Dinobot's center mass. "I don't think it's gonna go down that way,
Grimlock. You may think you and your Dino-pals are the baddest boys on
the block, but I ain't impressed." Grimlock snickered with obvious
contempt at Hot Rod's pitiful bravado.

  "Stand down Hot Rod." Prime directed his would-be bodygaurd.

  "But Prime, I..."

  "That wasn't a request Hot Rod. Stand down now!"

  The chagrined cavalier, still eyeing Grimlock with suspicion,
reluctantly engaged the internal safeties to his wrist weapons. The other
Autobots, not nearly as anxious as the impulsive Hot Rod for a
confrontation with the immensely powerful and battle-hardened Dinobots,
shunted their personal weapons to subspace pockets with obvious haste.

  With purposeful strides, Optimus Prime, one of the few known
Cybertronians who was not intimidated by Grimlock, closed the gap between
him and the larger Dinobot. He still maintained enough distance however,
to react accordingly should Grimlock decide to take another swing. His
head still ached from the first punch, but his healing programs were
online and already repairing his damaged faceplate. "I guess I deserved
that."

  The Dinobot Commander appeared to be containing his anger...barely.
"What were you thinking Prime? You know Megatron better than any of us.
His proposals of peace and alliances were nothing more than stalling
tactics so he could marshall his forces and regain his strength after the
battle with Jhiaxus and the Swarm. He craves power and conquest. Always
has. It was only a matter of time before he reverted to type. And you,
out of all the Autobots, fell for it. And it cost Kup his life."

  Optimus Prime maintained his composure, despite Grimlock's accusatory
tone. "How can I make someone who craves combat understand? I'm weary of
this war Grimlock. I've beared witness to so many deaths. Friends,
comrades, even innocents caught in the struggle between Autobot and
Decepticon. Each death has cost me a piece of my soul. It is the price I
pay for this burden of leadership I accepted over 4 million years ago. I
saw a chance to end this needless death and wanton destruction, and I
embraced it. I was blinded by my dreams of seeing this war end. I know
Kup was your friend Grimlock. I'm truly, truly sorry."

  Grimlock's earlier hostility seemed to melt away. The anger in his
voice was still present, but less pronounced than before. "He was more
than that Prime. He was a hell of a soldier, worth any three Decepticons
in a fist-fight and the only one among that group..." Grimlock gestured
towards the Autobots,"...of wimpering weaklings that I respected. More
importantly, Kup accepted me and my Dinobots completely. His death is
gonna cost the Decepticons big time."

  Prime extended his arm and placed a hand on the Dinobot's massive
shoulder. "I share in your grief Grimlock. Before I assumed the mantle of
leadership, Kup and I, along with Ironhide, were inseparable. We were
what humans refer to as 'best-friends.' His death was very hard for me to
accept, and I would gladly give up my own spark if it would bring him
back."

  Grimlock continued to meet Prime's solemn stare for a few moments,
before lowering his head in silent resignation. With his head bowed, the
proud Dinobot appeared more humble than one of his renowned reputation
could possibly look. In a voice not much more than a whisper, the Dinobot
Commander spoke. "Most important of all, Kup was an Autobot and he shared
your beliefs. He sacrificed his life fighting the good fight and died a
true warrior. I will gladly do the same, if that's what it takes."

  The Autobot Commander consoled the mighty warrior. "Grimlock, I thought
you left us because the fighting was over. But the truth is you left
because there was fighting to be done, and I refused to see it. It would
be an honor for such proud warriors to rejoin our ranks. But there is a
condition."

  The Dinobot raised his head to meet Prime's gaze once more.
"Condition?"

  "We fight to the finish. There will be no quarter given, no talks of
peace. We will not rest until every Decepticon is destroyed or in our
custody." Prime's voice dripped with deadly venom as he spoke.

  "And Megatron?"

  Optimus Prime's optics narrowed, shining with fierce intensity. "Only
Megatron's utter destruction will serve to avenge our fallen brethren."

  Grimlock's spirit brightened immeasurably at this declaration. Crossing
a massive arm over his broad chest, he saluted Prime in a semi-military
gesture. "It is our honor to serve, Commander Optimus Prime."  

  "The honor is mine old friend. Come, your journey was a long one and a
celebration is in order. Prime reverted his attention to his huddled
troops. "REJOICE AUTOBOTS, THE DINOBOTS ARE OUR BROTHERS ONCE MORE!!! WE
WILL CONSUME ENERGON UNTIL IT FLOWS FROM OUR OPTICS AND THREATENS TO
BURST OUR SEAMS!!"

  In reponse to the reconcilation of the two commanders, the Autobots and
Dinobots joined together with equal fervor in a cacophony of raucous
cheers and unbridled camaraderie. All earlier transgressions were either
forgotten or forgiven as the celebrating warriors exited the conference
room and headed for the energon lounge.


CHAPTER SIX: DARK DESIGN

  The cold and calculating Shockwave walked the corridors leading to his
command center with a sense of purpose. A conflagration of rage
threatened to rise up and consume the icy veneer Shockwave had spent
millenia perfecting. He thought about the events which caused the sudden
surge of rage and tumultuous emotion which were so very rarely felt. How
dare Megatron speak to him so imperiously, thought the Military
Operations Commander. How could he so eagerly accept counsel from
Soundwave, a being far inferior to himself, and casually dismiss him like
cannon fodder. Shockwave, whose carefully thought-out plans rarely
failed. Shockwave, who commanded the military in Megatron and
Starscream's absence. He deserved better, and he would ensure that he
would receive his just dues in the near future.

  The Decepticon sub-commander reached the sealed double doors that
served as the entrance to the Military Operations center. Located in the
north-eastern wing of the massive citadel which headquartered the main
contingent of the Decepticon Unified Army, the MILOPS center was where
the majority of the battlefield strategies and long-term plans were
formulated. Secrecy was of the utmost concern. The automated security
system came online per its programming when the massive Decepticon got
within several meters of the door. An emotionless voice, very similar to
Shockwave's cold monotone, seemed to emanate from the walls as it
addressed the newcomer. "You are in a restricted sector. Please
identify."

  Only members of the Decepticon High Command or those soldiers who had
the unenviable functions required to work in MILOPS were allowed access
to the command center and its vast network of supercomputers and
databanks. As a result, this section employed strict security measures to
deter any unlawful entry. Shockwave was the section commander, and as
such, seemed unaffected by the powerful particle beam cannons emerging
from the ceiling, locking on to his center mass and ready to fire should
he attempt an unauthorized entry. He responded to the computer in an
equally cold, machine-like tone. "Computer, Commander Shockwave
reporting, clearance code Alpha six, zeta one, oh-one, priority sigma."

  "Security clearance code acknowledged. Stand by for metallurgical
scan."

  Scanning lasers struck the burnished armor plating that comprised
Shockwave's skin. After a few seconds the particle beam cannons powered
down and receded into their storage cavities in the ceiling. "Identity
confirmed. Welcome Commander Shockwave." The double doors parted,
revealing a spaceous room occupied by twenty or so Decepticons at various
work stations. The Soldiers each stood at attention as their commander
entered. He dismissed them with a nod of his hexagonal head, allowing
them to return to their duties.

  Shockwave entered the room and seated himself in his command chair. He
began calculating his chances for wresting leadership from the current
commander in a direct confrontation. A hundred different scenarios and a
thousand different conclusions were formulated and dismissed in the span
of a decisecond by one of the most efficient neuro-centers on Cybertron.
The best case scenario revealed less than a 11.2 percent chance of
emerging victorious. Furthermore, there was a 72.4 percent chance he
would not survive the conflict. He would have to increase those odds
considerably before he would openly challenge the vastly powerful
Megatron. After all, Shockwave had weaknesses. Megatron, to Shockwave's
knowledge, did not. 

  While Shockwave's power had limits, his patience did not. He would
wait, and that wait would be rewarded. Sooner or later, he would find a
way to gain the advantage over his adversary. What he really needed was a
powerful pawn or pawns willing to do his dirty work. Starscream was gone
now, banished for eternity. Even if he wasn't, the former Air Commander's
chances of defeating Megatron were only a fraction better than his own,
and only by the virtue of his overwhelming speed and dexterity. None of
the current city-state commanders, except possibly Galvatron of Polyhex,
stood a chance. Megatron's power was indeed the stuff of legends. Still,
he was not unbeatable. Optimus Prime had shattered that facade on many
occasions. 

  The earlier felt fury had finally abated. The flood of rational
thinking smothered the fiery emotional surges that Shockwave had
temporarily fallen victim to. He cursed himself for his brief bout of
weakness, and vowed that it would be an isolated incident. He took
comfort in the fact that a new power would emerge one day, and that power
would snatch the burden of leadership away from the current commander.
After all, it was only logical.

  Still, logic moves in funny circles. Shockwave was correct in his
predictions that a new power was destined to arise. But it would not be
his...at least not this time. 

*               *               *

  "What are you doing Thunder?!!" Skywarp asked his Seeker companion as
he labored to power down the Predominance's engines and weapons.

  "You know what that is Skywarp. A dozen Armageddon-class starcruisers
would fall before that, what chance do you think an escort frigate has?"

  "What's going on up here guys?" a new voice asked.

  Thundercracker and Skywarp turned to the cabin's entrance to see
Starscream watching them with a mixture of confusion and concern. Skywarp
was quick to react and brought up his arm mounted cannon to aim it at his
former commander. As quick as Skywarp was however, Starscream was
quicker. Catching Skywarp's arm by the wrist, Starscream used his
superior strength to force the warrior to the floor. "Settle down
Skywarp, I'm here to help." The prone Decepticon reluctantly obeyed.

  "What about the guards, Starscream?" asked Thundercracker, noticing the
weapons mounted on the Air Commander's arms for the first time.

  "They have been temporarily indisposed. They learned a little too late
about my null-ray rifle prototypes which I had stored in a secret sub-
space pocket for such emergencies. I was waiting for the right moment to
use them. The guards will be useless for a while. Now what's going on?"
Starscream's commanding presence manifested itself as he took charge of
the situation.

  "It's Unicron. He lives again"

  "Unicron?!! I thought that abomination had been destroyed. And what
does he want with us?"

  Skywarp, who had picked himself up from the floor, jumped in at this
point. "Isn't it obvious? He wants to destroy us!" The panic in his voice
seemed to increase.

  "That doesn't make sense. As close as we are now, he could have
obliterated us with a thought. Thundercracker, open us up a comm
channel."

  Thundercracker did as he was directed, flipping up a switch to activate
the shuttle's tranceivers. "Unicron, this is the Shuttle Predominance. We
are prepared to offer our unconditional surrender. Please state your
intentions."

  In response, a corruscating beam of blinding white light emanated from
Unicron's mouth like opening, bathing the Predominance and its occupants.
The frigate's hull collapsed within seconds and the Predominance was
ripped in half by an unimaginable force. The eight cybertronian
occupants, although stranded in deep space, remained unharmed.

  "WELCOME STARSCREAM." Unicron's eery voice resonated inside of the air
warrior's head as the sinister planet spoke to him telepathically. 

  "I thought you were destroyed." Starscream's voice went unheard in the
vacuum of space, but his thoughts were crystal clear, and Unicron could
decipher every word.

  "MY PHYSICAL BODY WAS DESTROYED. BUT I AM A GOD, AND MY ESSENCE,
ALTHOUGH WEAKENED FROM MY BATTLE, ESCAPED BEFORE PRIMUS COULD FINISH ME.
I AM HERE FOR REVENGE." 

  "Fine with me, just let us go. What threat could we possibly pose."

  "LESS THAN NONE...BUT I WISH TO EMPLOY YOUR ASSISTANCE."

  Starscream took a moment to let Unicron's words to sink in. "What could
a god want with me?"

  "THE ENERGIES I EXPENDED TO RECONSTRUCT MY BODY SO QUICKLY WAS
IMMEASURABLE BY YOUR STANDARDS. IT WOULD TAKE MILLENIA FOR MY ENERGIES TO
REACH THEIR FORMER LEVELS. BUT MY THIRST FOR REVENGE PREVENTS ME FROM
WAITING PATIENTLY AS MY GREATEST ENEMY'S VERY EXISTENCE MOCKS ME. STILL,
PRIMUS' CHILDREN STAND IN MY WAY. IN MY CURRENT STATE I CAN NOT OVERCOME
THEM. I NEED AGENTS TO AID ME."

  "Um...why don't you create your own army of beings, an army of
Unicronians so to speak."

  "I AM A GOD OF DEATH! I CAN NOT CREATE LIFE FROM NOTHINGNESS. BUT I CAN
EMPOWER THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO SERVE ME. SERVE ME STARSCREAM, BECOME MY
AGENT OF DEATH, AND I SHALL GIVE YOU THE POWER TO DEFEAT MEGATRON AND
RULE THE DECEPTICONS."

  Thundercracker looked over at Starscream, knowing that Unicron's offer
would be too tempting for the air warrior who was hellbent on leading the
Unified Armies to refuse. Starscream's optics appeared to shine brighter
with the thoughts of unbridled power. Thundercracker knew what his
comrade's answer before he reponded to the enigmatic giant.

  "I accept your terms, Unicron...but I require powerful lieutenants to
aid me in our cause." Thundercracker wasn't sure if he liked that last
statement from Starscream.

  "VERY WELL, STARSCREAM. WE ARE IN AGREEMENT THEN. BEHOLD..." The
blinding white light centered on the silvet-gray and crimson air warrior,
changing to a brilliant blue. Starscream's body contorted as the
modifying energies washed over his form, obviously wracked by severe
pain. His screams were unheard in the vacuum but his body language was
deafening. 

  And then it happened. Thundercracker and Skywarp, unable to escape the
clutches of Unicron's tractor beam, watched with mute horror as
Starscream's form mutated, becoming larger, broader, vastly more
powerful. His vehicle wings grew longer, sweeping downward to appear as a
cowl and cape fashioned from metal. Ornamental spires emerged from his
massive shoulders. Even his coloring had changed, becoming predominately
blood red and majestic gold. 

  "...MAELSTROM!" Unicron's booming telepathic voice echoed in the
transformed warrior's head. The warrior who had been Starscream relished
his new name, for he intended to be an unyielding tempest of death and
destruction to all who challenged his might. Unicron continued, seemingly
uninterested by Maelstrom's mental images of conquest. "AND THESE TWO
SHALL BE YOUR MINIONS." Thundercracker and Skywarp fell victim to the
same transforming energies that had changed Starscream into the powerful
new warrior before them. The pain was excruciating, but as their new
forms emerged from the azure fires they could feel the raw power coursing
through their system.

  "TURBULENCE...THE HUNTER." Thundercracker rose up in his new body, blue
and silver armor reflected the sourrounding starlight. He was aptly
pleased with his new title and body that Unicron had bestowed upon him.

  "AND VELOCITOR...THE TRACKER." The being once known as Skywarp admired
his new form with its ominous ebon and steel gray hues. He, like his
Seeker companions, had become a weapon of mass destruction. He yearned
for an opportunity to display his newfound might. 

  Maelstrom watched as Turbulence and Velocitor flexed their limbs,
guaging the depths of their power. Yes, he thought, the perfect
individuals to assist in his conquest. Although their bodies had been
modified beyond recognition, he could tell they had remained aerial
vehicles, just as he had, staying true to their original design and their
proud Seeker heritage.

  Unicron earned their attention once more as he focused his tractor beam
on the unconscious guards who had been dispatched by Starscream, drawing
them inside his planetoid body. "THESE FIVE ARE MINE. THEIR LIVES WILL BE
SUBJECT TO MY WHIMS. YOU MAY SEE THEM AGAIN...IF I ALLOW THEM TO LIVE.
BUT NOW...YOU ARE IN NEED OF A SHIP."

  The pieces of the Predominance's hull elongated, reformed, and then
reattached to each other, becoming a spaceworthy vessel- albeit of a
different design- once more. This new vessel was promptly boarded by the
three Unicron altered Cybertronians.

  "GO NOW MAELSTROM. RECRUIT YOUR ARMY AND DISPOSE OF THE COWARDS WHO
WOULD SERVE PRIMUS INSTEAD OF CONQUERING THE UNIVERSE. RECRUIT YOUR ARMY,
FULFILL YOUR DESTINY. BUT MOST OF ALL, BRING...ME...THE MATRIX!!"

  Maelstrom's new voice resonated with dominant power. "I shall fulfill
my part Unicron. I assure you of that. And when I am finished, no
lifeforms in the galaxy will dare oppose the Decepticons."

  Turbulence ran a diagnostic check on the Predominance. The steady
humming of the main reactor echoed from the engine compartment as the
flight systems came online. "We have a green light on all systems,
Commander. Shall I set course for New Iacon."

  Commander...Yes, Maelstrom thought. He wore the name well...very well.
"No Turbulence...not yet. It has been too long since I have held council
with the 'Recycler' It is time to pay him a visit. Megatron can
wait...set course for Polyhex."

  The apotheosis of monsters watched as the Predominance's main thrusters
flared, catapulting the frigate to rendezvous with Cybertron's orbit.
"FOOLS!" Unicron said aloud. "HOW IRONIC PRIMUS, THAT I CHOOSE YOUR
CREATIONS TO BE THE HARBINGER OF YOUR DOOM!" 


CHAPTER SEVEN: DOWNTIME

  Several hours and energon cubes later, the moods of the assembled
Autobots and Dinobots had improved immeasurably. Due to the advances in
energy production achieved in the past 4 million years, energon shortages
for either of the warring sides were obsolete. As a result of the energon
abundance, over-indulgent excursions such as what the Autobots and
Dinobots were partaking in were common, although certain precautions had
to be observed because of the fuel's intoxicating effect. The loud and
boisterous Dinobots were engaged in reciting their exploits in the
Wastelands, exaggerating certain details for dramatic effect. During
Swoop's depiction of Blurr's first encounter with the native cyber-beast
(drawing several laughs and teasing jaunts from Blurr's comrades), Slag
separated from the group to retrieve another energon cube.

  Hot Rod, whose back was turned to the oncoming Slag, partially impeded
the Dinobot's path to the energon stores. Not especially known for his
social graces, Slag decided it was too much effort to go around Hot Rod
and walked into him instead, sending the Autobot Cavalier sprawling into
the polished floor facefirst. A smirking Slag spoke to the prone Autobot
who returned the Dinobot's glare with one of equal contempt. "That's for
your smart-ass mouth earlier, kid."

  Hot Rod leapt to his feet and lashed out with a metal-jarring punch to
Slag's midsection. The sound of metal meeting metal reverberated
throughout the energon lounge, interrupting the jovial festivities shared
by their respective factions. The much larger Dinobot didn't even budge. 

  The remaining Autobots grew silent as they witnessed the commotion.
Slag's Dinobot brethren, no stranger to the Flamethrower's bullying
tactics, watched with mounting interest. Even with audio sensors on a
minimum, a pin dropping would sound like thunder in the deafening
silence.

  Slag and Hot Rod continued to glare at each other for a few moments
before simultaneously erupting into laughter. Slag patted the young
Autobot on the shoulder as he spoke to him. "You really do have guts kid.
I think we're gonna get along fine. C'mon, let me buy ya a drink." The
two Cybertronians retrieved an energon cube each and rejoined their
comrades' festivities.

  The three highest ranking Autobots serving on the High Council held
their own conversation in Prime's spaceous private chambers. After
consuming several flasks of a rare but stable nucleon enhanced vintage of
energon, Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus began filling Grimlock in on the
events of the previous two years.

  Grimlock took a brief moment to ponder the imformation, before
addressing the two Autobot Commanders. "So what's the plan Prime?"

  "With the addition of the Dinobots, we can effectively combat the
Decepticon gestalt teams, but we are still sorely outnumbered and
outgunned. We need our own combiner groups to help even the odds, and for
that we need to reclaim the Matrix."

  "I don't get it Prime, why don't you convert some of the Autobots to
replace the dead team members?"

  Ultra Magnus, nearly Grimlock's equal in height and girth, was the one
to respond to the Dinobot's query. "It's not that simple Grimlock. Could
we redesign an Autobot to transform into a dinosaur configuration and
call him a Dinobot?"

  The Dinobot Commander was taken aback by the question. "HELL NO!!" he
reponded. "Besides, I doubt if he would survive the initiation." he said,
chuckling.

  Optimus Prime nodded his head in affirmation. "Exactly Grimlock. You
share a unique bond with your siblings because all of the Dinobots' life
essenses originated from one Spark. Every so often the Matrix of Creation
creates an extraordinary Spark which replicates into two or more Sparks.
These sparks allow for the creation of tightly knit teams- such as you
and your Dinobots-or fusilateral combiner teams. The combiner teams rely
on this bond to unite in their gestalted forms. All other sparks are
incompatible and may actually cause irreparable harm to the team if they
attempted to unite."

  "I see...but how do you plan on recreating the combiner team members if
you can't use another Spark?" 

  "I'm not sure exactly Grimlock. Wheeljack and Jetfire believe they can
prompt the Matrix into reproducing the original Spark by returning the
sibling Sparks into the Matrix. It's a very risky plan, and the results
may prove fatal, but the Aerialbots have volunteered to undergo the
procedure despite the risks. If it works, we can ressurect some of our
fallen brethren. Wheeljack has even concluded that their personalities
and memories will be exact because he has hypothesized that all sibling
Sparks are connected, even after the loss of life. That is why our first
priority is to regain the life-giving Matrix."

  "That's all fine and good Prime...but soldiers like Kup are lost
forever." Grimlock's tone grew solemn as he spoke the admired veteran's
name.

  "I'm sorry Grimlock...that is a battle we can never win.' Prime watched
as Grimlock lowered his head, undoubtedly suffering from a fresh surge of
grief. "Ultra Magnus?"

  "Yes Commander?"

  "I need to speak to Grimlock alone. Wait for me at the command center
with your prepared battle plan proposals." 

  "Yes sir." Always the perfect soldier, Ultra Magnus snapped a quick
salute and exited the room, leaving Optimus Prime alone to confer with
his Dinobot counterpart.

  "Come with me Grimlock, I have something to show you." The Autobot
Commander led the Dinobot over to a storage compartment in the east wall.
After quickly entering a numeric code in the adjacent panel, the
compartment opened, revealing a golden broadsword of alien origin. "I
know of your preference for edged weapons Grimlock, and decided to show
you this." Prime removed the sword from its cradle and handed it to the
Dinobot, who hefted the blade with effortless skill. Grimlock turned the
blade over and over, admiring the sword's craftmanship and its razor keen
edge in the room's bright lighting. "It was part of Kup's personal
arsenal. If I remember correctly, he received the sword while on an
exploratory mission. His exploration team encountered some Decepticon
bandits who were raiding an unknown planet for its superdense minerals
and metallic ores. The planet's inhabitants were no match for the
Decepticons. Kup and his troops repelled the Decepticon attack, saving
the planet's denizens. The appointed leader of the aliens bestowed this
magnificent weapon to Kup as a reward for his efforts. It's only
appropriate that you should wield it in his honor."

  Grimlock continued to admire the weapon before finally speaking. "I'll
use this sword to avenge you Kup. I'll use it to part Megatron's ego-
inflated head from his broken body. I promise Kup, you will be
AVENGED!!!" He raised the sword overhead as he spoke these last words,
then shunted the weapon to his personal subspace pocket before speaking
again. "Thank you Prime, I mean it. Now... what's the game plan?"


CHAPTER EIGHT: VISIONS

  Primus, the elected champion of the Elders and most courageous of Light
Gods, hefted the weapon bestowed to him by the Elder Gods. It had been
christened the Matrix Sword by the nameless creators who had smithed the
god-slaying weapon. Forged in the fires of the explosion which spawned
the known universe, it was rumored to be unbreakable. Mystic runes were
emblazened upon the mirrored blade. Autros-the red rune of defense, would
protect Primus from his opponents dark magics. Deceptos-the purple rune
of power, would enable the blade to penetrate the Dark God's defenses.
The pommel of the sword possessed a magnificent jewel which shone with
the intense light of a blue-white star. Primus could channel his energies
through this jewel to empower the blade with the gift of life in order to
counter the aura of death that Unicron would employ as his weapon. This
weapon was destined to become the bane of the Dark Gods and the tool to
bring about their ultimate demise.

  Still, Primus could not help feeling apprehensive at the approaching
battle as he adorned his crimson and gold suit of divine armor. Unicron's
power was unmatched among his pantheon of Dark Gods. He had single-
handedly defeated several Light Gods in open combat, consuming their
essence and assuming control over their dominions, increasing his own
power in the process. But Primus was the Light God of Justice and
Righteous Warfare. He would not fall victim so easily to the malevolance
of Unicron. Primus steeled himself for the upcoming battle, and went
forth to the celestial battlefield where his opponent awaited.

  The battle was indeed cataclysmic. The conflict spanned millenia,
destroying whole worlds and civilizations with its intensity. Neither
side could gain ground on the other, but Unicron was winning by default
due to the destruction and loss of life resulting from their personal
war. To bring about a swift conclusion Primus had only one option open to
him. He entered the astral plane of reality, prompting Unicron to pursue
him. He allowed Unicron to reach him, hoping the Dark God would try to
destroy his astral form. While the two combatants struggled with each
other, Primus reemerged into the physical plain, bringing his opponent
with him. They emerged into the confines of an immense asteroid, their
physical bodies merging with the asteroid on a sub-atomic level and
entrapping their essences in a giant prison of metallic ore. Both
essences, weakened from their struggle, were unable to free themselves.
Primus' gamble had worked. Both gods surrendered to their fate and
entered a deep slumber to regain their strength.

  The burden of holding the lifeforces of two gods was a task too
difficult for a mere asteroid, even the one the size of an average
planet, to withstand. The mighty rock of minerals and metal ore split in
two. Both halves, each one housing a god's essence, drifted to parts
unknown.

  Billions of years passed by. The asteroid which housed Unicron's
lifeforce drifted into the gravitational pull of a red giant star, where
it become one of the dozen planet sized celestial bodies to orbit the
massive sun. The heat of the star awakened the Dark God, who even after
countless years of slumber could not free himself from his prison.
Instead, he channeled his mammoth energies into changing his prison into
a physical body strong enough, a vessel to channel his lifeforce energies
and reclaim his position as the most feared and destructive force in the
universe. 

  Hundreds upon hundreds of millenia had elapsed before Unicron completed
his task. The immense asteroid had been transformed into a demonic
looking metal planet of Terra-like proportions. Engulfed by an insatiable
hunger, he set about consuming the solar system which had claimed him as
one of its own. Planets, moons, even comets fell victim to his ravenous
appetite with absolutely zero concern afforded to the countless lifeforms
inhabiting the worlds. Only the star itself was immune to his greedy
gluttony. Fully fueled from his cosmic feast, Unicron set forth on his
interstellar sojourn to locate and confront his enemy, feeding on planets
and other celestial bodies along the way, becoming a planetary harbinger
of death.

  The asteroid imprisoning Primus continued to float upon the endless
seas of the universe. The Light God had also awakened in the immeasurable
interim. He too converted his prison into a new body, a life sustaining
planet also composed entirely of metal. A dark dread plagued him however,
for he sensed that Unicron had also cheated death, and was searching for
him again. Too weak to combat the approaching menace, he labored to
create an army of invincible warriors to defeat his immortal enemy. Using
the metallic soil of his new body for raw materials, a race of sentient
robotic beings molded in Primus' image emerged. And thus, his children,
the Transformers, were born. Their sole purpose was to wage war in his
name. 

  With the last of his strength, Primus managed to obtain a shard from
the jeweled pommel of the Matrix Sword. All of his remaining energies
were channeled into the azure gem, and the jewel itself was placed into
an indestructible container to be handed to a selected protoge. The
Cybertronian who would bear this burden would be known as the Prime
designate. He would have the power to create life of his own kind, to
build reinforcements against Unicron. With this last task performed,
Primus returned to his lengthy slumber to regain his strength for the
inevitable battle that was to come.

  No, wait...it was too late. Unicron was upon them. The Dark God charged
Cybertron, the name given to Primus by the Transformers. His herald, a
frightening apparition of gold and crimson, arrived before his master. He
held the Matrix, stolen from a Prime unit, aloft with upraised hands. An
evil smile crossed that sinister face, a face so familiar in its
appearance that Cybertron's inhabitants fled before it. With startling
strength, the figure brought the matrix down upon his knee, shattering
the precious jewel within. The energy released from the broken Matrix
disintegrated the amassed army opposing the Dark God's servant. Primus'
scream could be heard from hundreds of lightyears away as thousands upon
thousands of his children died. Unicron's laughter however, was even
louder. The planet-sized devil transformed into a robot of goliath-like
proportions and consumed his enemy, devouring his lifeforce and killing
Primus forever.

*               *               *

  Reality came rushing back to Optimus Prime. Momentarily startled, the
Autobot Commander took a moment to observe his immediate surroundings. He
was still in his private chambers where he had retired after his reunion
with Grimlock and the Dinobots. What had caused this sudden feeling of
dread? Memories of the dream danced in his neuro-center, answering his
question. Faint and blurry images coalesced into discernible ones.
Primus...Unicron...some unknown but vaguely familiar agent of evil
destroying the matrix. These thoughts and more competed for dominance in
the recesses of Prime's mind.

  He had such visions before, at times when he had interfaced with the
Matrix. But the matrix was gone, now in the clutches of his eternal
enemy. This was the first time since losing the Matrix that he had
received a premonition. Prime dismissed the vision, believing it to be
just dream spawned by the hopelessness he felt in the ongoing war. His
gut instinct however, said it was more...a lot more. The need to reobtain
the Matrix was stronger now, despite the magnitiude of difficulty
associated with that task. Its current owner had no desires to be rid of
it. Prime would find a way, no matter what, to remove it from its present
possessor, to remove it from Megatron...

*               *               *

  "...Megatron. Megatron! MEGATRON!"

  The Decepticon Commander awoke, blinking his optics as awareness
flooded his senses. He turned to face his communicator who was
steadfastly shaking him. "Wha..what is it Soundwave?"

  "You collapsed Commander. I have been trying for two minutes to get you
to respond. You seemed to be in some sort of trance, mumbling about
Primus and Unicron. I initiated a neuro-scan, but the readings were off
the scale. I've requested a med-team to examine you." Soundwave helped
his visibly shaken leader to his feet.

  Megatron shook the cobwebs from his head. "Belay that order, Soundwave,
I'm alright."

  "Are you sure Commander? A thorough diagnostic scan may-"

  "DAMN IT SOUNDWAVE, I'M ALRIGHT!!!"

  Soundwave reeled from Megatron's sudden hostility, but quickly regained
his composure. "As you command, Megatron."

  Megatron immediately regretted his tone. Soundwave was his oldest
friend, and had always been loyal to the Decepticon Leader while others
plotted to overthrow him. But the images he had been privy to had
disturbed him more than he let on. "Forgive me Soundwave. I appreciate
your concern, but it's nothing to worry about. It's only fatigue I suffer
from. My circuits are overtaxed and I need rest. I'll be in my chambers.
Inform Shockwave he is to assume command. You are the only one who may
disturb my rest, and that will be at your discretion. All others will be
severely reprimanded. Now go old friend, and ensure Shockwave follows my
orders to the letter."

   "Yes Commander." The indigo warrior departed, allowing Megatron to
ponder the ominous visions he had witnessed. One name kept resurfacing in
his thoughts, and Megatron could not understand why. The name of his
former Deputy Commander. The name of Starscream. 


CHAPTER NINE: FIRST CONTACT

  Darkmount citadel gleamed like a jagged fang thrusting upwards from
Cybertron's surface. Located in the center of Polyhex, it served as the
headquarters for the Decepticon forces commanded by the brilliant and
brutal City-state Commander, Galvatron the Recycler. 

  Once a powerful warlord, Galvatron had been promoted to City-state
Commander when Straxus was defeated by the Autobots. Megatron's return to
Cybertron and consequent reemergence as Leader of the Decepticons only
cemented Galvatron's position in the Decepticon High Command, although he
secretly craved the position of Supreme Commander. Feared by most for
possessing strength and firepower that rivals even Megatron, Galvatron
knew that even he could not beat the current Decepticon Commander in a
fair fight. While the more devious Decepticons who plotted against their
leader had no compunctions about cheating to win, Galvatron followed a
strict code of honor that would not permit him to resort to such tactics.
His aspirations to lead would have to wait until Megatron was destroyed,
a seemingly impossible feat.     

  Galvatron entered the command center at the urgent request of his first
officer. Flanking either side of the command center's entance were
carcasses of vanquished Autobots refashioned into grotesque, gargoyle-
like statues of Galvatron's own demented design...hence his savage
nickname. "What is it Cyclonus?" he said as he approached the warrior's
work station.

  "Governor Galvatron, long range scanners have detected a frigate size
vessel of unknown origin entering Cybertron's orbit at high velocity.
Their flight vector has been determined and they will enter Polyhex
airspace in several minutes."

  Galvatron studied the series of holograms on the vid display indicating
the vessel's size, shape, and flight path. "Life readings?"

  "Three, sir. All Cybertronians, although their bio readings do not
match any Autobots or Decepticons that are currently archived in our data
banks."

  "I see...where will be their incursion point?"

  "If they maintain their current heading, they will land at sector seven
alpha near the Mercury Sea."

  Galvatron nodded in agreement as he calculated the imformation
displayed in the monitor for himself. "Seacon domain. Excellent.
Cyclonus, I want you to contact Team Leader Snaptrap and inform him of
the intruders' whereabouts. He is to detain them at all costs until there
identity can be confirmed. I will dispatch a squadron of Sweeps for
reinforcement. Then notify High Command in New Iacon and inform them of
our situation. Let Supreme Commander Megatron know that we will provide
up-to-date imformation the moment we know more about these 'anonymous'
Cybertronians."

  "Yes Governor." The blue and silver air warrior set about completing
his commander's directives as Galvatron exited the Command center. 

  Keying up his personal communicator, Galvatron contacted another of his
high ranking subordinates, the tracker and Sweeps Leader, Scourge.
"Scourge, I want you to meet me at hangar four. Bring a detachment of
Sweep Hunter-Killers with you for a mission briefing." A short response
from the message's recipient acknowledged the directive had been received
and understood. Satisfied with the reponse, Galvatron headed to the
predetermined hangar at a liesurely pace. 

*               *               *

  As anticipated, the frigate had set down no more than 200 meters from
the Mercury Sea's boundaries, waves of liquid metal reflecting the
vehicle's landing lights as they crashed on the silvery shores. Landing
jets left multiple scorch marks on the metal terrain as the vessel was
expertly landed on its five landing gear, the hydraulic struts
compressing as the ship's weight settled. Clouds of billowing smoke
poured from the primary and auxillary thrusters as the engines cooled in
Cybertron's chilled air.

  Snaptrap had his subordinates located in key locations surrounding the
landing site which provided every Seacon a clear line of fire to the
disembarking crew. A massive red and gold Cybertronian- a warrior no
doubt, judging from his design and the fact his size and stature equaled
Megatron's- was the first to exit, walking down the narrow boarding ramp
that had lowered from the frigate's underbelly. He was followed shortly
afterwards by two more rather large and intimidating figures. 

  The air of confidence and arrogance the first figure exuded was nearly
tangible, and he regarded Snaptrap in his heavily armored tortoise mode
with no more concern than one would afford an Earth mouse, despite the
massive dual concussion cannons trained on his form. The voice with which
the warrior spoke reeked of the same arrogance that dominated his
posture. "Greeting Snaptrap, Team Leader of the Seacons...I am Maelstrom,
and these..." he gestured to the warriors who took up flanking positions
near their apparent leader, "...are my esteemed associates. To my left is
Turbulence. To my right is Velocitor. Are you the welcoming party
Galvatron has decided upon?"

  Snaptrap showed no reaction to Maelstrom's knowledge of his identity,
chalking it up to the notoriety he had earned through his combat feats.
"Stow it Maelstrom, I'm taking you into my custody. Surrender your
weapons and submit to restraints, now!" Snaptrap motioned his tortoise
head to Overbite and Tentakil who began approaching the trio with kinetic
bindings in hand.

  Maelstrom's optics narrowed and an evil grin spread across the
hauntingly familiar face. "What happens if I refuse to submit?"

  The steady humming of weapon generators increasing to maximum power
levels emanated from the armored shell that housed Snaptrap's primary
weapons. The large bore cannon barrels began to glow as the energy begged
for release. Snaptrap's voice became equally as threatening as he steeled
himself to a possible conflict. "I suggest you don't refuse."

  Maelstrom's smile broadened at Snaptrap's response. "To hell with your
suggestions." 

  And then all hell broke loose. 

*               *               *
            

  Galvatron was in the middle of his mission briefing with Scourge and
the Sweep HK's elected to perform the assignment when Cyclonus' concerned
voice announced itself on the City Commander's personal intercom. "What
is it now Cyclonus?"

  "Governor, Snaptrap's team made contact with the unknown Cybertronians.
They were overwhelmed by them, defeated in a matter of minutes. Snaptrap
managed one short transmission before being cut off."

  "WHAT?!! A party of three Cybertronians managed to best the Seacons,
one of the most formidable teams in the Unified Armies? What were they,
Dinobots or something? Cyclonus, play back Snaptrap's entire message to
me."

  "Yes Governor, transmitting now."

  Cyclonus relayed the recorded message to his commander's personal
frequency. "...olyhex...Sna.. rap...requesting...immediat...ackup...I
repeat...mediate...backup. Too..owerful...noth....slows them...own. Not
eve....denting...their...rmor." The message was garbled and broken, but
Galvatron could sense the urgency and haste in the Team Leader's voice,
possibly even fear. That last bothered Galvatron the most. The City
Commander was well aware that few things could inspire fear in the
monstrous Snaptrap. 

   The massive Decepticon glanced down at his right forearm. Mounted to
it was the polished fusion cannon he used to channel his self produced
destructive energies. Finally, he thought, an enemy worthy enough to
require his vast powers to defeat. It had been too long since he had
added to his grisly trophy collection. He bristled with anticipation at
the thought of three new statues adorning his personal chambers or trophy
room. "Cyclonus, turn over command to Hun-grrr and come to hangar four.
It would seem that these unknown Cybertronians require some additional
persuasion to surrender themselves into our custody."

  Moments later, Cyclonus' immense starfighter form had reached the
landing site, followed closely by the Sweeps Leader, Scourge. From within
Cyclonus' cockpit Galvatron observed the grim spectacle below. 

  The Seacons lay scattered, deactivated by the trauma of the numerous
injuries they had sustained. Three unfamiliar warriors stood among the
carnage, reveling in their victory. The sight which drew the most
attention from Galvatron however, was the largest of the three warriors
standing over a defeated Snaptrap with one foot casually resting on the
Seacon's head, appearing like some sepia toned photograph from Earth
depicting the triumphant big game hunter proudly displaying his kill. The
warrior looked right at Galvatron through Cyclonus' transparisteel canopy
and smiled. 

  "Cyclonus...Scourge...transform and prepare to engage these pompous
fools!" Galvatron jettisoned himself from Cyclonus' cockpit as the three
most powerful of Polyhex's warriors prepared to set foot on the surface
of Cybertron.

  Maelstrom watched as the three warriors landed 50 meters from his
position, weapons primed and ready to fire. He knew their commander and
his reputation well. He was one of the few Decepticons he felt he could
not openly defeat in his previous incarnation. If his new form was
powerful enough to beat Galvatron (of which he had no doubts after
achieving a relatively easy victory over the Seacons, although he didn't
allow them to become the more puissant Piranacon for obvious reasons),
then his power would indeed be on a level comparable to Megatron.

  "Well, well. I see we actually rate an appearance by the mighty
Galvatron. So how are things in Polyhex oh 'mighty' Governor."

  The City Commander allowed a smile to surface on his own face,
performing an exaggerated curtsy as he spoke. "You must forgive my lack
of manners. Welcome to Polyhex, stranger. I had hoped the Seacons would
receive you with a warm welcome, but judging by their current state, I
see they were most unsuccessful. I'll give you one more chance to
surrender, and I really hope you refuse."

  "Stranger? STRANGER?!! Is that how you greet an old comrade...and old
FRIEND?" Maelstrom feigned hurt and betrayal at Galvatron's greeting.

  Galvatron appeared slightly confused. "Comrade? What are you talking
about? Who are..." Suddenly the warrior's identity dawned upon him
"...you? YOU!! Starscream! I should have known. Your arrogance is
unmistakeable! You were warned to stay away from Cybertron or suffer the
penalty of death. I'm extremely pleased I found you first. Before I add
your new body to my trophy collection, perhaps you would like to tell me
where you got it?"

  Maelstrom sneered at Galvatron's threat. It was as if the City
Commander had a watergun affixed to his forearm instead of a fusion
cannon. "Actually...no, I wouldn't like to tell you. Just say I made a
deal with the devil, and this was part of the bargain. As for Megatron's
imposition upon my earlier incarnation...I'll take that up with him after
I dispose of you. You should feel honored really. I actually consider you
a fair challenge of my mettle."

  "So you wish to challenge me?" Galvatron's response was coupled with a
chilling laugh. "You are a fool to challenge me, Starscream. My power is
everything; defeat is absurd!" Cyclonus and Scourge distanced themselves
as their commander assumed a combat stance. Galvatron had not earned his
formidable reputation with a war of words alone.

  "I am Maelstrom now. Remember my name Galvatron...and fear it. For it
is the sound of your doom!" The warrior that was once Starscream readied
himself with a combat stance of his own.

  "Fool, I...FEAR...NOTHING!!!" The attack was nearly too quick to see.
In one deft motion, Galvatron lifted his arm and aimed his fusion cannon
at his opponent. A mental command fired the weapon, releasing a sizzling
burst of raw energy which struck Maelstrom dead center and sent him
flying into his own Frigate. Turbulence and Velocitor regarded their
leader with growing concern as he impacted against the vessel's hull and
fell to the planet's surface.

  Maelstrom let out a grunt of pain, but rose to his feet. He looked at
his chest to observe the damage and was surprised to see that there was
only a slight dent where he was struck, and even that was healing at an
astonishing rate. Yes, he thought, the body wuld suit his needs
perfectly. After rising to his full height he approached the shocked
City-Commander, his frame still steaming from the heat of the fusion
blast. "A shame if that was your best shot. It might have been enough to
incapacitate Starscream, but I am so much better now.
Turbulence...Velocitor...take care of his cronies. Galvatron is mine."

  Where Galvatron's attack had been quick, Turbulence's and Velocitor's
were lightning like. Velocitor disappeared in a flash of light to
instantly reappear behind Scourge who he subsequently pummeled into
unconsciousness. Turbulence unleashed burst after burst of raw sonic
energy at Cyclonus' head until he too suffered a similar fate as Scourge.

  Galvatron averted his attention to his fallen warriors and was rewarded
with a savage punch to the head by Maelstrom who had bridged the gap
separating them with startling speed. Galvatron fell from the impact and
was immediately kicked by his attacker. The former warlord skidded to a
halt forty meters away from Maelstrom, momentarily startled by the
warrior's physical prowess. Starscream's new form was powerful, very
powerful. Judging from the force of Maelstrom's blows, the former Air
Commander's strength was nearly equal to his. Maelstrom's overwhelming
speed tipped the balance of power in his favor however, and Galvatron had
yet to witness his firepower.

  "I'm impressed Starscream...you are improved. Let's see how you handle
this." Galvatron's form shifted, treaded wheels emerging from his upper
arms as he lowered himself onto his belly. His head receded into his
chest cavity and his legs folded on to themselves. The fusion cannon
barrel disappeared from his forearm to reappear from the crown like
spires that adorned his helm. Galvatron had changed, becoming his self
propelled artillery mode, a truly daunting sight to all who witnessed.

  Maelstrom halted his advance and braced himself. The City Commander
calibrated his aim and fired a full powered blast into the air warrior,
the concussion of the resulting explosion knocking Maelstrom's two
lieutenants off their feet. Maelstrom withstood the blast, but felt
several large pieces of armor shred away, only to see them replaced
nearly as quickly as they were lost. Galvatron fired again and again, but
couldn't destroy his seemingly invincible opponent. Disgusted with his
firepower's ineffectiveness, Galvatron reverted back to humanoid form to
engage his foe in hand to hand combat.

  The warlord charged Maelstrom and connected with a powerful blow to his
chin. Maelstrom staggered, but countered with his own punch into
Galvatron's midsection, doubling up his powerful adversary. The two
Decepticons exchanged blow after blow, neither giving or losing ground to
the other. No shouts of omnipotence were issued, no braggadocious remarks
of superiorty were made. Only the clamoring of metal meeting metal with
tremendous force could be heard as the battle progressed. Turbulence and
Velocitor watched impassively as the fray grew in intensity.

  Maelstrom's superior speed and durability started to take their toll on
Galvatron. Where the damage inflicted upon Starscream's new body seemed
to heal instantly, Galvatron's injuries would require extensive
recuperation after the battle's conclusion, provided he survived it.
Galvatron's foe seemed to be bereft of any weaknesses he could exploit,
and he was landing more and more blows as the City Commander began to
slow from his mounting injuries. Galvatron could not recall the last time
he was so near to defeat.

  Maelstrom seized the advantage. He unleashed a furious combination of
metal shattering punches to Galvatron's head and torso. The City
commander tried to block them as best he could, but there were too many,
too fast. Galvatron covered up, reeling from the impact of the blows, but
Maestrom's onslaught was unyielding. The City Commander finally fell,
tasting his first defeat in years.

  Maelstrom, Turbulence, and Velocitor watched with amusement as the
defeated City Commander tried to rise. He managed to stand on very shaky
legs and staggered toward Maelstrom, hands outstretched to clutch at his
opponent's throat. "I'll...kill...you...Star...scream." Galvatron's
voice was as shaky as his stance.

  "You are a sturdy one, Galvatron. But this fight has to end. I have
bigger fish to fry, to quote the Terran expression." Maelstrom casually
shoved his beaten opponent down and rocketed into the air, transforming
into his sleek starfighter mode as he ascended into Cybertron's thin
atmosphere. He then performed a casual, albeit graceful, loop and dove
for the planet's surface. Cluster bombs were jettisoned in large numbers ´???
from the weapon racks mounted to the underside of his fuselage. The bombs ???
released their individual warheads which raced to the planet's surface to ???
detonate on their intended target, the City Commander Galvatron, opening  ???
his wounds even further. A final blast from Maelstrom's 'null beam' ning  ???
cannons entered the breaches in Galvatron's armor, sending the Decepticon ???
into the realm of unconsciou
duration. 

  Maelstrom reverted back to robot mode as he landed. He approached the
partial crater his bombs had created and the heat scorched figure that
lay within. No signs of movement could be detected from the prone
Decepticon. Maelstrom picked up his vanquished opponent and spoke to the
unconscious form. "Your power is nothing; defeat was inevitable!"
Maelstrom said, mocking Galvatron's earlier declaration. "Polyhex is now
mine, Galvatron, as are you. Soon, Megatron will suffer the same fate,
and New Iacon...no, all of Cybertron will be mine as well." Satisfied
with his conclusive victory, Maelstrom turned to his Lieutenants and
spoke. "Gather up these wounded, they are our comrades after all, and I
will require their future services. After all, what good is a leader
without troops to lead?"


CHAPTER TEN: INITIAL STAGES 

  Darkstar Citadel, New Iacon. Incandescant lights illuminated the
spotless medical center, reflecting off the lime green armor of the
residential medic as he stood over the occupied operating table, laboring
with the application of metal grafts to an unconscious Shrapnel. The
prone warrior was scorched from head to toe with blaster marks and gaping
holes loomed like ravenous maws through out his armored chassis. Shrapnel
from missiles or grenades protruded from his torso at odd angles, giving
new meaning to the Insecticon's chosen codename. Extracting tools which
would be used to remove the jagged shards of metal lay in orderly fashion
on an adjoining table. Other surgical tools joined them with the same
neatness. The entire atmosphere of the medical center screamed clinical
efficiency, methodical technique, and supreme competence; and it seemed
to radiate from one source. The one Decepticon whose peerless skill
beggared description. The Constructicon known as Hook.

  Hook's attention was interrupted as the room's double doors parted,
allowing the entrance of a rather large figure. The physician paused in
his work, turning his head just enough to view the source of the
interruption. It was Soundwave.

  "What is the prognosis of Rumble?" spoke the new arrival with obvious
concern.

  Hook regarded Soundwave with an air of overall haughtiness, apparently
displeased with the communicator's untimely interruption. Disgusted, he
slammed the grafting plate onto the instrument table, destroying the
surgical tools' superneat arrangement. Without saying a word, he stepped
away from the operating table and walked to a series of computer terminal
that predominated the north wall of the center. The table's proximity
sensors registered Hook's absence and engaged the stasis beam which
regulated Shrapnel's vital systems while the patient was left unattended.
The Constructicon punched up several diagnostic readings before turning
to face the Decepticon Communicator once more, impatience flooding his
voice as he spoke. "Rumble's appendages require reconstruction at a
molecular level, but the wounds to his torso area are superficial at best
and his vital systems are strong. He will be fully operational within an
hour of receiving treatment."

  "He is to be attended to first."

  Hook was taken aback by Soundwave's orders. "Now wait a minute
Soundwave. Many Decepticons were injured during the raid on that Autobot
stronghold. Several require extensive medical attention or face permanent
deactivation. Rumble's injuries are not life threatening. Need I remind
you that doctrine governing medical priority has been established by High
Command itself?"  

  "You need not remind me of anything concerning the Imperium. Need I
remind you that I am the Chief Advisor to the highest authority on
Cybertron? Rumble will be attended to first, as per my orders, is that
understood?" Soundwave's icy cool monotone seemed to pierce Hook's
armored skin.

  Hook refused to capitulate before the Decepticon giant. "Now don't try
pulling rank on me Soundwave. In this department, I am in charge. You
spout about your loyalty to the cause, yet you are willing to sacrifice
the lives of these soldiers who were out enforcing the cause just for
your personal whims." 

  "Rumble's worth to the Decepticons far outweigh those other patients. I
want him at full operating status within two hours. All other patients
will wait."

  "Forget it Soundwave. If you want him up and running, you do it. I
answer only to Megatron on medical matters. Therefore, your 'orders'
carry no weight in here. Now if you will excuse me, I have a patient to
attend to." Hook resumed his position at the operating table, reverting
his full attention to the fallen Shrapnel.

  "I see. I had hoped to reason with you Hook. But your aristocratic
attitude prevents you from seeing the error of your ways. By the way, I
understand you have been attempting to persuade Scrapper to side with
Shockwave should he decide to challenge Megatron for leadership. A
foolish notion, one I'm sure our current leader would find disdainful.
Perhaps I should inform him of your treacherous thoughts."

  "Wha...what are you talking about?" a startled Hook replied,
momentarily losing his composure in face of the accusation. But it was
brief, and Hook's vanity and pretenses of superiority reasserted itself.
"You don't have any proof Soundwave. if you did, you would have told
Megatron a long time ago."

  "I'm a mind reader Hook. Also, who do you think Megatron will
believe?" Soundwave folded his arms across his chest in a display of
triumph. "Besides...I do have proof." His head turned to look at a
darkened corner in the medical center's far wall. "Ravage?"

  From his peripheral vision, Hook could detect the faintest of
movements. As he turned his head to the spot Soundwave had affixed his
view, he observed the stealthiest of Decepticons casually and soundlessly
exiting the shadowy recesses that had hidden him from all optic sensors.
He regarded Hook with a bestial glare and a sinister growl. As he
approached the giant form of Soundwave, Ravage tensed his rear haunches
and leapt. In midleap, Ravage's form folded onto itself as he transformed
into his more compact cassette mode, allowing his momentum to carry him
into Soundwave's open chest compartment. "Let's see what Ravage
overheard." The amusement in Soundwave's voice was distinctly audible as
he spoke to the Constructicon.  

  "You have no proof Soundwave. If you did, you would have told Megatron
a long time ago." Ravage's recorded playback was a carbon copy of Hook's
earlier conversation with Megatron's loyal advisor. His voice was
unmistakeable, and despite the technology they possessed which could
reproduce any Transformer's voice down to the minute detail, Hook knew
only too well this would be all the proof that Megatron would require.
Considering the source, Hook doubted if the Decepticon Leader would need
even that. Despite his unparalleled skill and his necessity in forming
Devastator, the Constructicon entertained no doubts that the Supreme
Commander would make a very painful example out of him, especially with
the number of gestalt teams serving under him reducing the invaluability
of Devastator. Megatron could ill afford to allow such a powerful faction
as Devastator to side with one of his most ambitious rivals. While
antiquated compared to some of the other gestalt super warriors,
Devastator's raw strength, second only to Trypticon among the known
Decepticons, gave him an advantage over most of his combiner comrades.
The Surgical Engineer knew he had only one option available to him.

  "Computer...pull up Rumble's premedical diagnostics. Assign patient as
Priority Alpha and disengage stasis field. File override on my authority.
Prep him for immediate medical attention."

  "Acknowledged. Shall I arrange all preexisting Priority Alpha files in
order of significance?"

  "Yes computer. Start by engaging stasis lock on patient Shrapnel."

  Soundwave looked very please despite a lack of facial features.
Satisfied with the result of his extortion tactics, he spoke to the
Constructicon once more with his nearly monotonous voice. "You have made
a wise choice Hook. But we still have unfinished business, you and I."

  "Unfinished. What do you me-ack" Hook turned to face Soundwave just in
time to see the larger Decepticon reach out and clutch his throat. With
one hand, Soundvave lifted Hook from the ground and slammed him against
the nearest wall, holding him in place with his iron tight grip. 

  "If you ever challenge my authority...or my loyalty...again, I will
ensure your medical file will be labeled as 'Priority Alpha.'
Understood?"

  Hook was too startled by Soundwave's physical display to give a verbal
response. He had nearly forgotten in Soundwave's hiatus away from combat
that he was a very accomplished warrior and superb hand-to-hand
combatant. A frantic nodding of the Constructicon's head seemed to be
enough of a response to satisfy the Communicator. He released his hold on
Hook's throat, allowing the Constructicon to slide down the wall onto the
floor. The shaken Hook remained silent for fear of promoting another
outburst as the indigo warrior stood intimidatingly over him. 

  Pleased that his business with Hook was concluded, Soundwave turned
towards the exit and departed the medical center. He smiled to himself
despite the unflattering thoughts that he was detecting from the
Constructicon. Unbeknownst to the surgeon, Soundwave had already warned
Megatron of Hook's dissension, and the Decepticon Leader had a private
meeting with the Constructicon team leader, Scrapper. Soundwave knew that
Scrapper's true fealty was to Megatron, and so did the Supreme Commander.
Scrapper assured his leader that Hook would realize the error of his
ways, even if it meant ordering Bonecrusher to physically pound it into
him. There was a natural dislike between those two brothers anyways. Hook
frowned on Bonecrusher's brutal and skilless tactics, while Bonecrucher
viewed Hook an an arrogant wimp who was afraid to get his hands dirty.
Soundwave admitted that he would enjoy watching the Constructicon
demolitions expert wipe that smuggish smirk off of his brother's face.
Sibling rivalry at its brutal best. The Decepticon Communicator pondered
these amusing thoughts as he went to inform Rumble's siblings the good
news about his impending recovery. 

*               *               *

  Autobot Headquarters, Vortros. Optimus Prime had called for a meeting
of the various Section Commanders and team leaders to discuss several
battle strategies. The Autobots present included Ultra Magnus, Sky Lynx,
Prowl, Silverbolt, Jetfire, Scattershot, Jazz, Roadbuster, and a few
others. Grimlock, ever resentful of authority other than his own, decided
to be fashionably late. As he entered the conference room, Prime, who was
standing next to an Autobot Grimlock didn't know, motioned for the
Dinobot Commander to join him. The Dinobot approached the duo in
disinterested fashion. "Grimlock, this is Roadbuster." Prime said,
acquainting the two field commanders. "He is the current commander of the
Devildogs, an elite infantry unit stationed here in Vortros." 

  Grimlock eyed the unfamiliar Autobot. He was impressively tall,
approaching the height of a Dinobot. He looked powerfully built, unlike
most Autobots Grimlock had encountered, and he was packing some ferocious
looking weaponry. Roadbuster extended his hand which the Dinobot
accepted. Roadbuster's grip suggested that he was every bit Ultra
Magnus' equal in strength, which was no small feat. Ever arrogant,
Grimlock returned the huge Autobot's grip with one that would suggest his
strength was without equal. Roadbuster smiled in response, and a hearty
handshake followed. 

  Roadbuster spoke with a gruff voice befitting his persona. "It's an
honor to meet you Grimlock. Your rep precedes you." 

  The Dinobot chuckled, releasing Roadbuster's hand. "Well, if what you
heard was good, then it's true."

  Roadbuster laughed in response. "And what if I heard was bad?"

  "Then it's doubly true." This response received laughter from everyone
present. 

  After the laughter subsided, Optimus Prime took a seat around the
massive table in the room's center. The remaining Autobots mirrored their
leader's actions, with the exception of Grimlock who was a little too
large for the chairs and and the quadrapedal Sky Lynx for obvious
reasons. Neither seemed to mind. Standing over the assembled Autobots
only served to feed their already over-inflated egoes. 

  Prime's commanding voice received everyone's attention. "Autobots. We
are at a critical junction in our war with the Decepticons. With the
Matrix of Creation in Megatron's possession, we are facing complete
genocide. Each life lost is one step closer to planetary domination. Our
first priority must be the reclaiming of the Matrix. But to do that, we
have to draw out Megatron, get him on the frontlines. We will be stepping
up our raiding missions on Decepticon perimeters in an attempt to lure
him out of Darkstar Citadel.

  "Why don't we storm his castle and pry the Matrix from his broken
body?" Grimlock's strong point had never been the planning phases of
military operations. he was a creature of action, preferring to initiate
impromptu tactics when the situation warranted.  

  "Because Grimlock, we are without the resources and manpower to
initiate a lengthy siege. We would be driven out of New Iacon within
hours, losing half of our troops in the process. A direct assault is
futile."

  Roadbuster interceded at this point. Unlike the Dinobot Commander,
Roadbuster had an immense aptitude for tactical planning."Wait a minute
Prime. Grimlock may be on to something. With the addition of the
Dinobots, we can give a legitimate impression that we are indeed making a
last ditch attempt to take back New Iacon, sort of a desparate bid to
save our race. Megatron will deploy large numbers of troops to engage the
main forces leaving only a token defense to guard the citadel. My
commando unit could get in and overwhelm the opposition in the right
conditions, if we knew the layout of the automatic defenses inside the
castle walls. If Megatron doesn't become involved with the battle, my
team takes him out and retrieves the Matrix. If he does, we'll hack as
many archives as we can and while you blast Megs, we'll get the hell
out."

  Ultra Magnus chose this moment to announce his concerns. "There's too
many variables Roadbuster, the failure rate is too high. Megatron is a
very dangerous opponent, no matter how many warriors you align against
him." 

  "You're forgetting Magnus, my team is dangerous too. There isn't a
Decepticon alive that I feel we can't take. We'll get the Matrix back."

  "Your confidence and courage are admirable," replied Ultra Magnus, "but
speaking from experience, a direct confrontation with Megatron is
something you want to avoid. If you lose even one team member to the
remaining guards or automatic defenses, none of you may make it out
alive."

  Prime interrupted his Deputy Commander. "You speak true Magnus, but the
plan may work. If we continue to wait, we are only weakening our forces
more as we suffer casualties. But the key to the success of the mission
lies in discovering their defense network. And for that I need spies.
Bumblebee?"

  The appointed commander of the Counter Intelligence Division faced his
superior officer. "Yes Commander?"

  "I need that imformation. I want you to prepare a team of covert
operatives to facilitate this particular mission. Emphasize to them that
this mission is crucial but extremely perilous. The mission candidates
will be on a volunteer basis only, and you are to personally vouch for
their credentials. Can you handle that?"

  "I'll personally handpick the team. And for the first volunteer, I
elect myself. I'll get Roadbuster his schematics and I believe my
credentials are adequate." Bumblebee flashed a confident smile towards
his commander.

  Prime felt a surge of pride with his espionage expert. "Indeed they are
old friend...indeed they are. But remember, we have an extremely small
time frame to work with. We won't be able to mobilize our main forces
until we get the castle's layouts."

  "Hey...have I ever let you down?"

  "No you haven't Bumblebee, for which you have my eternal faith and
confidence. Now, let's discuss the initial stages of the full-scale
frontal assault."

  But before any further discussion could commence, Blaster entered the
conference room with obvious haste. "Prime. Inferno's team has run into a
company sized unit of Decepticon shock troopers. The 'cons got them
pinned down and they're running low on ammo and energon. He's requesting
immediate backup."

  Ever calm under pressure, Prime began issuing orders to his various
subordinates. "Get on the horn Blaster and let Inferno know an extraction
team's on the way. SkyLynx, take an infantry unit and a field medic out
there as fast as you can. Blaster will relay the coordinates to you. Take
as many troops as you can hold, but leave enough room in your cargo bay
for Inferno's team. Jetfire, you and Silverbolt get some warriors
airborne and give the extraction team the air support they need. Now go!"

  Prime watched as his chosen warriors hastily exited the conference room
to fulfill their missions. The Autobot leader deduced that the Decepticon
Company Commander suffered from overconfidence and decided not to radio
for reinforcements against a squad sized element. Prime found comfort in
that fact. Otherwise, his extraction team would also be in extreme peril.
He looked over at Grimlock, who returned his look with one of eagerness
and anticipation. The Dinobot Commander was well known for his insatiable
battle lust, a trait Prime found displeasing, but one he exploited
nonetheless. "Grimlock, have your Dinobots on standby, I'll contact the
hangar control and have them prep a transport shuttle. Be ready to move
at a moment's notice."

  "My Dinobots are always ready, Prime. This is what we live for." It had
been two years since Grimlock had felt the exultation of slaying an enemy
in open combat. He was eager to renew his addiction to warfare.

  "Let us hope that their services will not be required this day." 

  As it turned out, the Dinobots' services were not required, much to
their disappointment. The extraction team was successful, suffering only
one permanent casualty. The Decepticons however, suffered a 50 percent
loss. The Company Commander, who would later be demoted three ranks for
his lack of insight, had forgetten his arrogance long enough to contact
HQ for additional troops. By the time they arrived however, SkyLynx was
lone gone with his cargo.

  And so ended another day for the Autobot resistance.


CHAPTER ELEVEN: TEAMWORK

  I watch in silence as Optimus Prime gives the mission briefing to all
field operatives, waiting impatiently for its conclusion. I turn to look
at some of the Autobots who are present noticing with some amusement that
his troops gaze upon him with awe and admiration, regarding him as a
legend. Legend... BAH! I'm still the strongest fighter. We bump heads all
the time on how things should be done, but his troops never question his
orders. Even the brief moments I was in charge of the Autobots, I
remained in his shadow. All I heard from his advisors was "Prime would do
this," or "Prime wouldn't do that." As if I gave a damn what Prime would
do. Maybe it was my former speech impediment which prompted others not to
truly respect me as a leader. I admit it forced many to underrate my
intelligence, a trait I actually took advantage of in combat. I mean...
I'm no Perceptor by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm actually
pretty intelligent. Since I've corrected the problem, a lot more Autobots
seek my advice on a variety of matters... where before the only advice
they sought was combat oriented. A little too late now. No matter, the
majority of Autobots are whimpering weaklings, well beneath my concern
and unfit for my leadership. Let them worship their precious Prime
Autobot if they want... they won't win this war without the Dinobots'
much needed muscle to back'em up. Like it or not, the Autobots need us a
lot more than they want to admit. Still, I must give credit where
credit's due. When Prime is on the battlefield, he really knows how to
throw down... even I'm impressed. I may be stronger, but he is the more
skilled fighter (I hate admitting being second to anyone... ESPECIALLY
him). Too bad we're on the same side, I really wouldn't mind testing his
mettle. Ah... it's just as well. I have a very grudging admiration for
the Autobot Leader. I even follow his orders some of the time. Besides,
it's not his combat or leadership skills I question, just his wisdom. He
chooses to be weak in his ways after we've gained the upper hand in
battle, preferring to let the 'Cons retreat and lick their wounds when we
have them on the run instead of going for the kill. Oh well... despite
our philisophical differences, I consider him a friend as well as a peer.
I even manage to get along with some of the more physical Autobots...
although I prefer to keep to my own.

  Speaking of my own, I turn my head to watch my Dinobot brethren as they
prepare for the upcoming mission, conducting firearm inspections and
sharpening their blades to pass the time away. Each one is bristling with
eager anticipation at the chance to mix it up with some 'Cons. It's been
far too long for all of us. Combat is what they're... what WE'RE... best
at, and I don't blame them for being anxious. Their look soon becomes one
of disinterest however, as battlefield strategies and tactics are
discussed by the Autobot High Council members. They leave that sort of
stuff to me and follow my lead... and my lead only... on the battlefield.
Like myself, they hate authority. Their fierce loyalty and complete
obedience to me is the only acception... and I know a lot of it is due to
our familial link and admiration for each other... and the fact that I am
the strongest and smartest among them. I admit it's a primitive way of
selecting a leader, but well suited for warriors of our design and
abilities.

  I reflect on my siblings' individual personalities... as different from
each other as their appearances... Slag... nasty and mean to his very
core... and that's to his friends (I've had to take several measures in
the past to ensure family was excluded from his tantrums). He likes to
bully any Autobots who cross his path, and they hate'im for it
(personally, I find it very amusing). But the Decepticons hate'im a lot
worse because of what he does to them. Sludge... physically the strongest
of my four siblings, mentally the weakest. He is shy... and very gentle.
But when he's fired up, almost no one can stand up to him. Believe me,
he's not one to piss off. Snarl... every ounce of him shouts warrior.
Craves combat more than anyone I know, including myself. Always has. He
use to keep to himself all the time, but since our return to Cybertron he
has opened up a lot more, become more receptive to the company of others.
I guess he was just a lot more homesick than he cared to admit. He still
has his moments where he likes to be alone... but they have become pretty
rare. And finally, Swoop... a little too friendly with the Autobots for
my taste, but a powerful air warrior. His dinosaur mode is considered the
most hideous among us and it spooks a lot of warriors on both sides... as
if his combat abilities weren't enough to fear. Most outsiders consider
their traits to be character flaws. I see them as individuality. I
couldn't ask for finer soldiers... or siblings for that matter. They are
my concern above all others, and we always stick together. As
individuals, each Dinobot is a vast powerhouse of primal power. As a
team, there isn't a power on Cybertron that we don't feel we can take
down... including that giant Dinocon (as I like to call'im) superweapon,
Trypticon... although he is presumed to have been destroyed on Earth in a
cataclysmic battle with Metroplex in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. The
Autobot giant is believed to have perished as well, although neither body
was recovered.

  As usual, my Dinobots choose to stand apart from our Autobot comrades.
A natural rift exists between us. We are NOT Autobots... never have
been... even though we fight on the same side. In fact, most Autobots
have a hidden resentment of us. I like to think they're jealous because
we're much stronger and tougher fighters, although I really don't care
either way. They scorn us for our ruthless battlefield tactics and our
'might makes right' attitude... although never within earshot. Few
Autobots have the guts to voice their opinions around us, and with good
reason. We aren't very good with constructive criticism and civilized
debate. No matter what they're opinion of us is however, the bottom line
is that we are very good at what we do. My Dinobots are responsible for
thousands of confirmed enemy kills without a single casualty. Can the
Autobots make the same claim? I think not.  

  The mission parameters are simple. We need to cut off as many
Decepticon supply routes to New Iacon as possible before the upcoming
siege of Darkstar citadel. While Bumblebee gathers his intelligence on
the fortress' layout, My Dinobots will team up with Roadbuster's
Devildogs and stage an assault on a remote weapons and munitions factory
which serves as the primary supplier of artillery to the Decepticon
controlled city-state. Located in the Bismuth Valley about 1500
kilometers south of New Iacon, Prime had remarked earlier that the
facility was partially imbedded in the foot of a mountainside and the
superstructure that remained exposed was heavily reinforced. Probably
designed by that damned Constructicon Scrapper. Aerial and artillery
bombardments were useless in past attempts to destroy it. There's a
massive highway that leads right up to the main entrance, but that route
was too high profile and too heavily patrolled by Decepticon air and
ground forces for a land vehicle assault to be effective. Heavily guarded
vehicle checkpoints only added to the risk factor of that strategy. Our
goal is maximum destruction at minimal loss. Only a ground deployed
commando unit travelling through the mountains that surround the valley
on foot stood a chance of circumventing their defenses and destroying the
plant. And who's better for that type of mission profile than my Dinobots
and the Autobot Special Forces unit led by Roadbuster? I'll tell ya...
Absolutely no one.

  As an added bonus, Bumblebee has learned that landline communications
were down due to recent seismic activities resulting from mining
excavations. All comms were being maintained via radiowave until secure
comms could be reestablished. This means that the facility comms are
vulnerable to Autobot jamming techniques. Blaster will be joining us to
facilitate that part of the mission, jamming all frequencies from a
secured position near our landing zone to prevent the 'Cons from radioing
for reinforcements. As it is, we'll be facing over 100 armed guards and
laborers... against five Dinobots and six Autobots. Nearly 10-to-1 odds
aligned against us. Hmmm... maybe they could use the help. I wonder what
ol' Roadbuster thinks.    

  Speaking of Roadbuster, this will be our first joint mission. In the
very short amount of time I have known him, he has impressed me a great
deal. A former gladiator, Roadbuster has risen through the Autobot ranks,
obtaining a lofty command position with his accomplishments both on and
off the battlefield. Rumor has it that he was offered the Deputy
Commander position before Ultra Magnus, but refused it because of the
limited combat action that accompanied the position. His troops afford
him the same respect as they do Optimus Prime... and with good reason. He
is a very talented fighter and exceptionally strong for an Autobot. He
has earned my respect... hell, I even like him, although he's no Kup. 

  Prime's commanding voice receives my attention once more. "There is one
last issue I wish to discuss..." he says before dismissing us. "You are
to afford the Decepticons every chance to surrender. Kill only those who
choose to resist." I shake my head in disgust at his last remarks, barely
believing what I just heard. I thought we had reached an understanding
when me and my Dinobots agreed to aid the Autobot war effort once more...
but then he turns to look directly at me and I understand. I read the
duplicity in his eyes. He has selected me for this mission for other
reasons in addition to my fighting skills. We do not have the resources
or manpower to care for prisoners of war, and my merciless nature is well
known among the Autobots. Prime must maintain an untarnished image for
his troops, be that icon of peace the majority of Autobots wish him to
be. As for me... I don't suffer from any such limitations. Prime knows
all too well there won't be any prisoners... I won't allow it. The
knowledge that he must revert to such ruthless tactics to ensure his
race's survival must weigh heavily upon him. With a final "goodluck" and
"farewell" Prime adjourns the briefing.

  As the mission operatives exit the briefing room, we are joined by
Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, and Hammerfist who will provide perimeter
security for our designated landing zone as well as physical security for
Blaster as he jams Decepticon comms. A short walk (filled with boasts and
waigers from our individual groups on who'll score the most kills) and
elevator ride later, we arrive at the hangar where our shuttle awaits. 

  We enter the hangar just as maintenance personnel finish prepping the
specialized troop carrier parked aside from the complement of various
combat, cargo, and passenger vehicles occupying the vast room. The
hangar's overhead lighting casts a dull reflection off the matte black
finish and angular airframe of the shuttle we will be using, a vehicle
designed to absorb enemy radar and reduce energy signatures. A belch of
thick, billowing smoke exits the exhaust nozzles as Hangar control brings
the primary fusion engines online. One of Roadbuster's team- Crosshairs I
believe- will pilot the shuttle to our area of operations. He enters the
craft first and begins to conduct his preflight diagnostics and system
checks. Normally, that egotistical Sky Lynx would shuttle us into the AO,
but this mission's success requires that we remain undetected until we
can get set up. Sky Lynx lacks any form of stealth shielding and The
Decepticons' advanced target identifier and acquisition systems would
lock onto him within moments of takeoff. He would be pummeled by the
facility's anti-aircraft weapons before he could get within 50 miles of
the plant. It's just as well. He gets on my nerves with that vanity of
his. And the Autobots say I'm arrogant. Not a chance... I'm just damn
good.   

  Crosshairs completes his system checks and gives Hangar Control a
thumbs up. On cue, fourteen warriors board the shuttle, each one armed to
the teeth and full of piss and vinegar (I've never been much on humans...
but they have the coolest damn cliches). Blaster- who will serve as
Crosshairs copilot- enters the cockpit and takes his designated seat
alongside the Devildog weapons expert. The rest of us sit on the lengthy
benches running along both interior walls; me and my Dinobots on one
side, the Autobots on the other side opposite us.  

  We receive final clearance for departure and Crosshairs powers up the
VTOL engines, steadily increasing the throttle. The shuttle rises off the
tarmac, slowly at first... but as Crosshairs pours on the juice the
shuttle's acsent increases rapidly. Crosshairs stops our ascent a couple
meters below the hangar's ceiling before vectoring the thrust for forward
motion. He manuevers our vessel out the massive opened bay doors of the
hangar's exit, entering Cybertron airspace at a casual pace. The
shuttle's open bay interior allows me to see Cybertron's starlit sky from
the twin viewports at the front of the vessel. I watch Crosshairs nudge
the throttle forward, the ship quickly accelerating in response. And
we're off.    

  Since we'll be flying at extremely low altitudes, Crosshairs chooses a
flight path that avoids all heavy traffic areas and known nomadic
settlements. At a subsonic flightspeed of 600 MPH, it will take us a
little over two hours to reach the Bismuth Mountains. I decide now is the
time to lay the law down and let the strike team know what I expect from
them. I rise from my seat and walk to the rear of the craft, turning to
face the seated troops. "Listen up everyone," I say to the gathered
warriors in the passenger bay, waiting until I have each one's undivided
attention before continuing. "I don't plan on boring you with any pep
talks. Every one of you are damn good fighters. You wouldn't be here with
me if you weren't. We know what our job is, all we gotta do is bust some
Decepticon heads. We hit'em hard, and we hit'em fast. We don't let up
until we're through. Kill or be killed... that's the bottom line. And one
last note... there will be NO prisoners... is that understood?"

  "No prisoners?" Warpath says to me, genuinely surprised. How quick some
forget. "But... but Prime said to allow the Decepticons to surrender...
we have our orders."

  "Now you have new orders." Roadbuster tells his subordinate calmly,
silencing his protests. He stands up from his seat and walks over to
stand beside me before addressing the rest of his team. "Prime hand-
picked Grimlock to lead this mission. What he says goes. Any of you
backsliding will answer to me... is THAT understood?" I watch as each
member of his team shake their heads in affirmation. I look at him out of
the far corner of my optic visor and he gives me a slight nod with his
head. Yeah... Roadbuster and me are gonna get along just fine.    

  The flight is uneventful, although Slag threatened Hardhead on at least
two occasions to find out how hard his head really is after our mission
was over. Two hours and eight minutes after our launch we reach our
chosen landing zone... an old service ramp for large mining vehicles cut
directly into a mountain peak near an abandoned mine shaft. Crosshairs
expertly lands the shuttle on the fairly even surface, leaving all
systems on standby in case we have to make a hasty departure. The strike
team is on their feet as soon as the shuttle's landing gear touchdown,
anxious to scratch their itchy trigger fingers. The bay doors open and
the security team exits first, finding cover among the heavy mining
equipment abandoned by the 'Cons when the mine ran dry and establishing a
secured perimeter in case we chose a hot LZ. Sideswipe gives me the "All
secure" sign and the rest of us exit with weapons charged and ready.

  "Ok Blaster... get setup and start jamming. Listen up team... from now
until we've completed the mission we'll be maintaining strict radio
silence." Within minutes Blaster had transformed into his communications
mode and began emitting powerful jamming signal across all Decepticon
bandwidths. Complete radio blackout was now in effect.  

  Me and Roadbuster walk over to survey the valley and find our target
before setting out. We use the highway as a reference point to locate our
objective, finally spotting the munitions plant imbedded at the base of
the mountain adjacent to our position. Hexagonal in shape, each dark gray
wall measures over 150 feet tall and is adjoined at the corner by a
massive cylindrical column topped with several particle beam cannons
each. A massive landing pad for VTOL cargo vehicles sits atop the
facility's enormous roof, protected by the anti-aircraft weapons emplaced
on those columns. High powered lamps atop the roof and along the facility
grounds provide plenty of lighting to visually spot would-be assailants.
In all honesty, this place looks more like a fortress than a factory.
This may be a challenge after all... and we all know that I love a
challenge. 

  The details of the mission are very simple. Me and my Dinobots are the
vanguard. We can weather all their firepower so far as I can see. We'll
go in and let'em know where here with Roadbuster's team right behind us.
As we draw out and engage their main forces and automatic defense
network, Roadbuster waits for an opening to get his team inside the
factory and sets the charges on the primary reactor. If everything works
out right, we should eliminate most of the opposition before he goes in,
leaving only a skeleton crew inside the factory which Roadbuster's team
can mop up easily. 

  Sureshot finds a high spot about 300 meters from the shuttle and sets
up his tripod weapon mount. He has a clear view of the factory grounds
from his position and will remain there to pick off as many Decepticons
that are vulnerable to his high powered sniper rifle. As eager as the
rest of us to fight, he's a little disgruntled by Roadbuster's decision
for him to stay behind... but he knows it's for the best. Sureshot lacks
the durability to face the odds the rest of us will be confronting, so
it's best that he stays behind and helps us with his superb sharpshooting
skills. He's all too happy to help his team in any way he can. A good
attitude in my opinion.

  I give the order for my warriors to transform into their dinosaur
modes. I watch with pride as each transforms into a massive metallic
beast modeled after primitive Terran creatures, then I do the same. Slag
begins sharpening his horns against the mountain wall near our LZ,
sending up a bright spray of sparks each time he rubs the tip of the
metallic horn against the rough, steely surface. Roadbuster directs his
crew to lock and load, the sounds of power and ammo packs being slapped
into place on the various firearms clearly audible as his anxious troops
zealously follow his orders. He then informs me he's ready, and we begin
the march to the valley from our LZ, ten battle-hardened warriors eager
to have some fun. 

  At a hard march it takes us nearly fifteen minutes to cover the five
kilometers to the factory's perimeter. Despite the seismic tremors caused
by my Dinobots thunderous footsteps, the facility's motion detectors fail
to go off... chalk up another security breach to the recent mining
activity of this area. I guess with all the blasting setting them off,
they finally decided to shut'em down temporarily until the mining ops
were complete.  

  The proximity sensors are another thing altogether. As we get within
500 meters of the plant Alarm klaxons announce our presence to the
Decepticons laboring within. Within seconds, massive particle beam
cannons lock on to our oncoming forms and unleash a massive barrage of
heated energy. 

  As planned, Me and my Dinobot ground troops lead the charge into
battle, absorbing the brunt of the automatic arsenal that pelts our
sturdy hides and smashing through the paltry perimeter patrols that rush
out to greet us. Our immense size and ultra dense body armor are better
suited for withstanding weapon assaults of this magnitude when compared
to our Autobot comrades. Besides, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Roadbuster, Crosshairs, Warpath, and Hardhead follow closely behind us in
their robot modes. They target the cannons perched upon the turrets
adjoining each corner of the building firing from the relative safety of
the moving shield we Dinobots are providing. 

  Swoop and Springer, apart from the main vanguard, take to the skies and
begin strafing the Decepticon weapon emplacements and firing positions
with laser guided bombs and air-to-surface missiles. The resulting
explosions do very little damage to the superstructure, but manage to
take out the automatic weapons pounding away at us.

  With the automatic defenses down and complete radio blackout blocking
all their comms, the Decepticon troops within the factory decide to
manually deter our attack. The main doors part and at least sixty armed
troops rush out to engage us, breaking into squad sized formations and
forming a a dozen living barricades between us and the factory. An
additional twenty or so exit from the rooftop access hatches and begin
setting up firing positions from the roof. I watch several fliers take to
the air... not knowing whether they intended to fight or flee. The main
event was on.     

  The action is fast and furious. Swoop and Springer circle overhead,
engaging all Decepticon fliers as they take to the air in an effort to
prevent any airborne warriors from escaping Blaster's jamming range and
calling in reinforcements. Sureshot assists Swoop and Springer in
accomplishing their mission objectives by using that specialized sniper
rifle of his to help ground the Decepticon air combatants. I catch
several faint muzzle flashes out of the corner of my eye coming from his
post 5 klicks to our rear, watching as a Decepticon with a delta winged
vehicle mode falls victim to his flawless aim.   

  I am the first one to reach the Decepticon's line of defenders. I grab
the first warrior at his midsection with my dinosaur jaws as they rise up
to try and stop us with the sheer numbers in their favor. With a powerful
snap of my jaws, I bite him clean in two, watching as the halves of his
body fall among his comrades. Two more warriors rush up to avenge him,
but are quickly cut down by my clawed feet and forelimbs. A fourth
warrior falls before my might as they swarm upon me... and then a
fifth... my levels of battlelust rising with each kill and increasing my
ferocity until I become an unstoppable engine of destruction. I continue
to bite and tear at the opposition, littering the facility grounds with
the bodies and bodyparts of the Decepticons who try to test my might. My
own body is covered from head to tail with the energon fluid of those I
have slain. I cease my mayhem long enough to unleash a bestial roar, an
open invitation to any and all who wish to challenge me. None do. I pause
briefly to see how my brethren fare.    

  Slag sets his sights on his own target, a squadron of five ground
troops who have their weapons at full power vainly trying to slow him
down. Laser fire ricochets off his armored head crest as he advances on
their firing position. He unleashes a blast of superheated flame at the
closest 'Con who is unable to avoid it in time. The Decepticon screams in
intense pain as he is consumed by Slag's fiery breath. He then runs at
the still burning Decepticon and slams into him at full speed, sending
him flying in several directions. The other four warriors try their best
to fight him, but he's way too strong for them and are soon dismantled by
a combination of horns and claws. 

  Sludge's bulk and lack of speed make'im a tempting target for any 'Cons
who don't know his reputation. Several of the stronger 'Cons break off
from the main group and attack my slow moving brother all at once. They
hit him with everything they got, but to no avail. He overpowers them
with incredible ease. Within minutes, Sludge is surrounded by their
corpses, smashed to unrecognizable clumps of metal by his powerful steps.
The Decepticons who witness the grisly spectacle realize that a direct
confrontation with Sludge is suicide... pure and simple... and retreat
from his stampeding form.

  Snarl activates his internal batteries, his spinal plates begin to glow
as the stored solar radiation empowers his strength to maximum levels. He
smashes through the Decepticon shocktroopers that try to block his path,
swinging his tail into their bodies like a massive warclub. Decepticon
after Decepticon falls victim to his powerful attacks. One of the
unfortunate victims remains impaled on the rows of spikes that adorn his
tail, becoming another weapon Snarl uses to break through his opponents'
defenses. 

  Swoop continues his aerial attacks on the Decepticon soldiers firing at
us from the factory rooftop. Between his precision bombing runs and the
Devildogs'- particularly Sureshot's-well aimed firepower, the rooftop
assailants are quickly eliminated.

  Speaking of the Devildogs, they seem to be doing pretty well in the
ground war themselves. Springer rejoins the ground battle after aiding
Swoop and Sureshot in eliminating all air resistance. One Decepticon
falls victim to his proton beam rifle... another one is decapitated by
his slashing sabre. Warpath, Hardhead, and Crosshairs use their vehicle-
mounted weapons to pound away at the Decepticon firing positions,
clearing a path to the factory's main entrance. And leading the charge is
Roadbuster, beating back the opposition with sheer brute force and hand-
to-hand know-how.      

  The facility foreman exits the factory even as his defeated troops
begin falling back. Obviously concerned by his superior number of troops
being overwhelmed by our small combat unit, he decides to enter the fray
himself. The typical Decepticon subcommander... strong, fast, and packing
some vicious looking hardware. He begins shouting commands to his troops,
inaudible over the intense crossfire. Some of the remaining Decepticon
troops are galvanized by the presence of their commander and redouble
their efforts to drive us back, but their ranks are sorely depleted
already, and they quickly fall victim to our continued attacks. 

  The Decepticon subcommander watches with growing anger at the carnage
unfolding on the facility grounds. The battered and broken bodies of most
of his troops litter the battlegrounds already, crushed from the
Dinobots' and Devildogs' combined might. He searches for the command
presence among the mayhem, and locks his sights on me as I defeat another
of his subordinates, still clenching the arm and most of his shoulder in
my jaws. I return his stare with equal malice and hatred.  

  "Grimlock," Roadbuster shouts to me amidst the dwindling weapon fire.
"Now's our chance to get inside. The rest of the 'Cons are falling back
into the factory. I'm taking my team in after'em, but I'll need some help
with them blastproof doors."

  "You gotta it" I shout back to him. I look over at my warriors, who
continue to wreak havoc on the opposition... or rather what little is
left of it. "Slag... get them doors open and keep'em open. Snarl... go
with Roadbuster's crew and ensure that the 'prisoners' receive proper
treatment. Sludge, and Swoop will help me clean up out here. Now get
going!" 

  "Consider it done boss." Slag says, acknowledging my directives by
ramming the massive meters-thick doors of the factory's main entrance at
full speed. The doors buckle from the initial impact, the massive door
frame warping from Slag's primary attack... but somehow manage to hold...
if just barely. I laugh with amusement as he audibly curses the door's
craftsmanship. "Damn... now that's a door." I hear him say. "But there's
not a door on Cybertron I can't open. I just have to use my head."
Slag's second strike does the job, sending the doors crashing inward with
a thunderous roar. Roadbuster enters first, weapons ablaze. He is
followed almost immediately by the rest of his team. Slag and Snarl both
transform into their robot modes and with axe and sword in hand, enter
the facility to aid Roadbuster in finishing off the remaining Decepticons
within the factory's walls.

  The cries of the wounded and dying Decepticons outside are cut short as
Swoop and Sludge end their misery. I look at the Decepticon Commander who
is obviously shocked by the defeat of his warriors. "I guess it's just
you and me now." I tell'im as I begin walking towards him, completely
confident that he would be part of the bodycount very shortly. His
opinion would seem to differ however, as he throws a few curses my way
and then transforms into a treaded combat vehicle. The dual cannons
mounted on his vehicle turret scream their protests at my tresspasses.
The barrage pelts me dead center, but the energy is repelled by my sturdy
skin. It stings a little, but otherwise has no effect. I roar aloud-
pleased as the feral sound echoes off the surrounding landscape- and
prepare to lock horns with him.  

  I sprint at him as he transforms back to his bipedal mode, his cannons
still blazing as they fold over his shoulders to track my oncoming form.
I continue my headlong pace, jutting my head forward and opening my jaws
to show off my teeth, not even slowed in the slightest by his firepower.
He shuts down his weapon systems and stands there unflinching, bracing
himself for impact. I lunge for his torso to bite him in half and score a
quick kill... but at the last possible moment he moves to his left,
avoiding my crude attack altogether. He performs a quick leg sweep, using
my own momentum to trip me. I hit Cybertron hard and headfirst, my jaws
slamming shut with an audible snap and my mechasaurian chin carving a
nice little groove in the planet's surface.

  Ok... I'm slightly embarrassed now... and really PISSED OFF! I push up
with my forelimbs to regain my footing and whip my weight around,
unleashing a counterattack with my tail. The lil' bastard somersaults
over my tail and unleashes a quick flurry of punches to my head and neck
as I complete the turn. During his attack I observe the sigil laser-
welded on his left shoulder pad... a grim tattoo of a three-eyed
monstrous face surrounded by six fists clenching bladed weapons. Although
the colors are faded from centuries of age and abuse, this warrior
proudly displays his emblem... the emblem favored by the pre-war
gladiators heralding from the School of Metallikado Fighting Arts. It's
now apparent that this 'Con is a former pit fighter, schooled by the same
esoteric warrior clan that produced Bludgeon. He confirms my suspicion by
unleashing a spinning backkick which catches me full force in the jaw.

  Excellent! I actually felt that one. Not only is he a pit fighter, but
a good one... maybe even a champion. A perfect opportunity for me to
resharpen my battle skills which have declined a little from years of
disuse. While it's true the cyber-beasts native to the Argentium
Mountains were dangerous fighters, especially en masse, they served as
pretty poor substitutes for trained and battle-hardened warriors. I
decide to take full advantage of the one-on-one confrontation with the
Decepticon Commander, suppressing the urge to relent to my primal
programming which becomes dominant in my dinosaur form and try to end the
battle too quickly. 

  I back up a few steps, trying to get enough distance where I can react
to his ligtning quick attacks. While I look for an opening to strike, I
notice that the shouts of warriors and the sounds of weapon fire begin
have within the the munitions factory have ceased. I see Slag and Snarl
exit the building, indicating that Roadbuster's team has succeeded with
their mission. Roadbuster and his troops' subsequent exit confirm my
assumption.

  The Decepticon notices it too, but continues in spite of the losses he
has endured. This has become a matter of honor for him, and he hopes to
score at least one kill to avenge his defeat. We circle each other as my
warriors gather around to watch. "Stay out of it." I tell them, "This
one's mine." I move in for the attack, but he easily evades my series of
bites, head-butts and tail whips, countering with kicks and punches of
his own after each one of my attacks. His hit-and-run tactics are
becoming quite irritating, and I have to resist the temptation of
reverting to my more dexterous robot form to fight'im instead of my
preferred method. 

  Instead, I try a different strategy. I slam one massive foot down onto
the planet's surface. The impact tremor opens a small fissure and causes
the Decepticon to stumble as he briefly loses his balance. I see the
opening I was looking for and lash out with my tail once more, aiming for
his chest. But he pivots to his right, rolling with the blow which ends
up hitting him in the shoulder instead of the chest. Damn... he's
quick... I have to give'im that. I see him wince in pain (albeit briefly)
from the attack however, giving me some small satisfaction. Even a
glancing blow lets him know that he can ill afford to let me get a grip
on'im.

  On the other hand, he observes that his hand-to-hand tactics are having
absolutely no effect on me, except pissing me off further. He elects to
try a different tactic of his own. He summons a wicked looking barbed
mace and performs a series of skilled weapon attacks... also to no avail.
"You're a sturdy one Autobot... I'll give you that. But sooner or later,
I will beat you." 

  "Not very likely." I tell him, lunging again with my head. Once again
he dodges, but a little slower this time. I can tell he's beginning to
tire. He hits me in the head with his mace twice more as I stand there
laughing at him. Desperation begins to overtake him at the futility of
his situation and his swings become sloppy. Most opponents would have
fallen from his physical and weapon attacks by now... but I'm not most
opponents. "Let's finish it!" I growl, rushing at him headfirst.

  Instead of moving this time, he swings his mace with all the strength
and power he commands, hoping to stop my headlong charge. At the last
instant, I drop my head beneath the attack, lowering my chin to mere
inches above the planet's surface. As I anticipated, he was unprepared
for me dodging his attack and overcommits his swing, leaving himself
undefended for my counterattack. I thrust my head upwards into his
exposed torso with tremendous force, the impact breaching his armor and
launching his now injured body into the air where he crashes in a bundle
over a hundred meters away. He still functions, he's way too sturdy for
that attack to have killed him. But he is stunned by it. I am only
faintly aware of my comrades' cheers as I decide to press my advantage.
Their fighting is over. The facility is now ours. Only this one
technicality remains... which I'll remedy very shortly.

  I charge the Decepticon once more as he tries to stand, covering the
last 50 meters in midair as I leap to pounce upon his fallen form. He
screams in obvious pain as my full weight crashes down on his injured
body. I restrain him with one clawed foot, watching as he struggles
vainly against my overwhelming physical strength. As a last ditch attempt
to escape my grasp, his shoulder-mounted cannons come to life once
more... hoping against hope that they will have some effect on me at
point-blank range. Too bad for him... they don't. I lower my head beneath
his arc of fire and sink my teeth into his armored torso. The armor
resists for a brief moment, but quickly collapses as I increase the
pressure of my bite. The hot surge of energon that floods my mouth from
his open wounds only fuels my battlelust further, and I lift him bodily
in the air by his damaged breastplate, completely relenting to my primal
nature. To slay an opponent in combat is the greatest feeling. Like a
massive beast toying with its prey, I shake my head back and forth. His
screams are deafening this close to my head, and I dampen my audio
sensors to compensate for them. The Decepticon's breastplate tears away
from his torso, sending him crashing into the planet's surface once
again. It is over. The Decepticon Base Commander is defeated.  

  I spit the large piece of armor onto the ground near him as he lays on
his side, clutching his damaged chest and writhing in pain. I then
transform into my robot mode for the first time since our assault began
and draw my ceremonial broadsword from my subspace armory. He raises his
hand in a submissive gesture, admitting his defeat. "Stay your hand
Autobot..." he says with obvious effort. "I... yield. I shall... be...
your... prisoner." 

  "You misunderstand Decepticon. This fight was to the death. I don't
believe in taking prisoners." I raise the razor sharp blade overhead,
pausing long enough for him to observe the instrument of his demise. He
looks at the broadsword, and his look becomes one of resignation as my
intentions become clear to him. "You have fought bravely." I tell him.
"Now die with the same bravery."

  Like the true warrior he is, the Decepticon rises to his feet on very
shaky legs to embrace the death I intend to give him, despite the severe
pain his wounds cause him. He looks at me with grim resolve. "Very
well... then... Autobot... you have earned... your kill. Finish it."

  "I intend to." I tell him coldly, bringing my weapon down full force.

  "Decepticons... FOREVER!!!" he shouts, making no attempt to halt the
killing blow. The golden blurr of my Deathstroke passes clean through
him. He remains upright for a moment, the look of stoic defiance still on
his face... but then falls to his knees, splitting in two from my sword
stroke as his knees hit the cold metal soil. Each half of the Decepticon
falls to the ground in opposite directions, before being consumed by the
small explosion caused by his breached lasercore igniting the energon
lifeblood that pools around his corpse. I use my hand to shield my optics
from the bits of flying debris.

  I stand there for a moment, watching the bright flames quickly subside.
I touch the sword, still dripping with the blood of its first kill, to my
forehead and utter a silent prayer to unseen ears. I dedicate my victory
to the memory of the blade's previous possessor... the Autobot whom I
respected above all others, wishing he could be here to fight by our side
once more.

  A hand on my shoulder interupts my private memorial, and I turn to
look, half expecting it to be one of my Dinobot brothers. I am wrong.
It's Roadbuster. Scorch marks and minor dents cover'im from head to toe,
reminding me to check for Autobot casualties. A quick headcount confirms
all team members are present, all of them in similar condition to
Roadbuster. No one appears to be seriously injured from the battle
however. Swoop's wings have taken some damage, but he's use to it and
they'll heal on their own. Only Hardhead's wounds are severe enough to
require any medical attention.

  "Very impressive Grimlock." Roadbuster says to me after I am certain my
Dinobots are all right. I shouldn't worry about'em so damn much...
they're as tough as I am... but I can't help it. Roadbuster continues to
talk as he examines his own team. "Vengeance was one of the premier
fighters representing Bludgeon's academy... five wins away from the rank
of Grand Champion. You could have been a hell of a pit-fighter back in
the day, judging by the way you handled him. One question though. What
took ya so damn long?" he laughs.

  "You should be thanking me Roadbuster," I tell the Autobot veteran in
jest. "If it wasn't for me he'd be using you for raw materials in that
factory of his." I use my sword to point at the blackened crater and
charred pieces of debris which is all that remains of the Decepticon
Roadbuster labeled Vengeance. "Didja ever throw down with him in the
arena?"   

  "Yeah, we went at it on a few occasions, back before the war. I hate to
admit it, especially to your arrogant ass, but I lost to him a few times,
although he lost to me a lot more. But that was when it was all for fun.
I wish I had known he was running the show here... I never did like him.
I've been itching to try him in real combat ever since I found out he was
running with Megatron at the onset of war... an itch I'll never get to
scratch, thanks to you. Oh well, I doubt your ego could have handled me
upstaging you." I laugh with him at his statements, but despite his good
humor, I can tell he really did want a piece of this joker, but for
deeper reasons than ancient gladitorial rivalry. War has many secrets,
some of which are better left undiscovered. "Anyways," he continues, "the
charges are primed and ready."

  "Excellent. We'll detonate them from the air on our way outta this
hole. Let's call it a day. I'm in the mood for some serious energon
consumption."

  "I hear that! You heard'im 'Bots. Let's pack it in and head for the
shuttle. There's some energon back at HQ with our names on it." Our
troops cheer with equal fervor, all of'em satisfied with this day's work.
If these Devildogs can party as well as they fight, it should make for a
very interesting mission debriefing.

  As we begin the five kilometer hike back up to our landing zone, I
speak to the Devildog Commander one more time. "Roadbuster... there is
one last thing we need to discuss before we get back to HQ."

  "What's that Grimlock?"

  "The drinks are on you my friend, and get ready to pay up bigtime."

CHAPTER PREVIEWS:

CHAPTER TWELVE:
Fly on the Wall- Bumblebee uncovers some vital imformation while deep behind enemy lines.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
Challenge to the Imperium- Megatron vs. Maelstrom in a no holds barred battle for leadership of the Decepticons.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
A Matrix Reclaimed- The Autobots make their bid to recapture the Creation Matrix.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
Alliance- Megatron and Maelstrom put aside their differences, much to Unicron's displeasure.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
Feminine Persuasion- Introducing Elita-One and the Decepticon femme combat unit, the deadly "Sisters of Supremacy."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
Resurrections and Revelations- The Autobots attempt to resurrect their fallen gestalt team members.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:
Family Reunion- More on the mysterious leader of the "Sisters of Supremacy."

CHAPTER NINETEEN:
Command Decisions- Optimus Prime is confronted with a most difficult decision.

CHAPTER TWENTY:
Changing of the Guard- Optimus Prime steps down, heralding the arrival of Rodimus Prime.