Chapter Text
“Prime! The ship is loaded, fueled an’ ready to launch!” Optimus Primes’ second in command, as well as communication officer Jazz reported in. The black and white mech met his commanding officer as they had started to head toward the ship. The ship appropriately named The Ark, was pivotal to the Autobot movement. Recently, their head scientist Perceptor found a planet supposedly rich in energon, which made everyone excited. Energon, which was running lower and disappearing faster than ever, was essential to Cybertronians. Autobots and Decepticons alike need energon to continue to live and function.
“How much longer until we will be ready to launch?” Optimus asked, as they made their way through the base.
“No more than in the next few cycles. We should be able to launch soon and reach this planet soon after.” Prowl stated as he kept pace with Optimus’ hurried stride. He was put in charge of the management of all aspects of the launch, including overseeing the selection of Autobots to accompany them on their voyage. Not an easy task for anyone, but Prowl prided himself on his analysis of the choices made.
“Hopefully this fraggin’ planet will be worth it, ah aint gonna like leaving Cybertron at ah time like this.” Ironhide mused. All the Autobots selected for this venture were uneasy as the time to depart drew nearer. They knew that they needed the energon, but to go out on a scouting mission now? Most Autobots hadn’t left Cybertron in a very long time. Not to mention how quiet the Decepticons have been, it had been particularly unusual of them to keep in hiding for as long as they had been in. That’s what scared Optimus the most about leaving.
“I understand your concerns Ironhide, but we need energon to continue the fight. We must also stay on high alert, Megatron is planning something. I can feel it in my spark,” Optimus informed his seconds. It was a risky decision to bring all of his seconds along with him, he knew the value of Jazz, Prowl and Ironhides’ guidance, however it was even riskier to lead the voyage himself.
Ultra Magnus walked silently behind the group of four. Optimus Primes’ top lieutenant had voiced his opinion frequently. Knowing that the Prime himself was leaving didn’t sit well with him. Being given the commanding position was an honor to have in his absence, but knowing he’d have no second council was irritating. Ultra Magnus hoped to remain in communication as much as possible during this scouting trip. But the fact that Optimus Prime trusted his leadership abilities to stay on Cybertron comforted his spark for now.
Time passed slowly for those Autobots who were selected and had to wait to board. The collective uneasiness turned into impatience and boredom. Everyone except for Wheeljack, who was not waiting and mulling over this trip, had recruited Bumblebee to gather last minute supplies before the launch. The two had not needed to go far before Wheeljack signaled him to stop driving.
“Alright, Bumblebee,” he said while he transformed from his alt mode, “The energon rods I need are under this panel!” he pointed at the ground, lights on each side of his head flashing with each word.
Bumblebee laughed, “Oh, now I see why you needed my help Wheeljack!” he exclaimed with some humor regarding the smaller size of the panel.
“Ha! Thanks for your help again.”
“No problem Wheeljack. It’s good to be outside one last time before we leave. It’s kinda peaceful out here.” Bumblebee replied as the two of them managed to pry off the panel, revealing several, but not all glowing energon rods.
“As peaceful as this place is ever gonna get anyway.” Wheeljack grunted as he transformed back into his alt mode. “Just load ‘em carefully Bee, leave the drained ones behind.”
As Bumblebee continued to load the delicate energon rods, Wheeljack suddenly detected a very distinct signal coming in fast.
“Scrap!” He shouted “Bee grab what you can! We got Seekers!” He exclaimed as he revved his engine, rushing the minibot faster.
“I’ll cover you!” Bumblebee yelled at Wheeljack “Go!” he commanded, and transformed as both he and the engineer took off just as Decepticon fire rained down on them.
“It must be a Seeker patrol!” Bumblebee yelled dodging laser fire, and attempting to get a clear shot back at the fliers.
“They shouldn’t follow us – ugh” Wheeljack started to say but cried out as he was hit from the side. Shaken, but not slowed Wheeljack pressed on, paint blistering. Bright pink energon dripped from the wound, as they were but minor injuries, he pressed on. Static erupted through his comm link system as he tried to pass on the Decepticon encounter. “Slag – they must be blocking the comms!”
“Scrap, you’re right.” Bumblebee tried his comm too, as the Seekers seemed to lose interest, once they started to reach closer to the main city of Iacon. “You alright Wheeljack?!” he asked has he noticed the energon trail Wheeljack was leaving behind him.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Hopefully though, I won’t see Ratchet before we leave.”
They continued to chat as they drove past many more familiar buildings and over several bridges. Just as they went past the last bridge and entered their city-base of operations, a Decepticon silently watched them, listening to every word they spoke. He was the reason the Autobot comms were down so he could listen to every detail spilled.
At the mention of ‘leaving’ Soundwave; Megatrons’ communication officer as well as one of his most loyal Decepticons, became increasingly more interested. “Laserbeak: eject. Surveillance; Priority: High.” He told his Cassetticon as he released him from his chest compartment.
\”Hey, Boss! When are ya gonna let us out!?\
\”Yeah Boss! Let’s crush those two Autoscrap!”\ Rumble and Frenzy commed to Soundwave, a bit jealous that Lazerbeak got to leave and they didn’t.
“Assistance: Unnecesary. Return to headquarters.” He told his cassettes in a monotone voice. He’d hope Laserbeak would come up with more information, as he headed back to report to Megatron about the information he gained.
Bumblebee grabbed the energon rods so Wheeljack could transform. The wound he had gained was on his left arm, it wasn’t bad, but Ratchet, being Chief Medical Officer, would throw a fit. More literally than one would expect.
Examining the exposed wires, Wheeljack asked Bumblebee if he could carry the rods to his lab, where the rest of the things he was planning to bring on board were. Bumblebee not having anything else to do before the launch, happily agreed.
“Thanks Bumblebee. Are you sure you don’t need any repairs? I could save you the trouble!” Wheeljack offered eyeing his friends’ own blast marks and peeled paint.
“It’s nice of you to offer Wheeljack, but I should probably go report this to Prowl or Optimus. They’ll want to know that there were Seekers this close, and comms down outside the city.” The minibot frowned, hoping that the launch would go uninterrupted.
“That’s probably for the best,” Wheeljack admitted. As they reached his lab, he found it already open. Peeking in he saw Perceptor on his stool examining some data pads in hand. “Hey Perceptor! What brings you here? Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the launch?” the engineer questioned. He turned to Bumblebee, “You can put those here,” as he pushed random equipment aside on a table.
“Alright! Bye Wheeljack, bye Perceptor!” Bee said as he left to make his report.
As the lab doors shut behind him, Wheeljack looked at his friend. “That’s what I came to speak to you about Wheeljack. I cannot make this trip.” He said somberly.
“Wh-what!? Perceptor! You found this planet! It was your research that discovered it could have energon!”
“I understand that Wheeljack, but Ultra Magnus has requested that I stay behind, in case the planet does not. Finding energon would be highly likely considering its organic nature, but if it dosent... It’s a very long shot, but my skills are still needed here. That’s why, Wheeljack, I’m letting you have the position of head scientist on this trip. And –I hope I do not regret to say this- full scientific freedom. Collect as much data as you can.” The scientist handed over a stack of data pads into Wheeljacks’ arms. “Here; I’ve even prepared some data pads of things I would like you to look into. If, you could.” Perceptor explained.
Wheeljack stood silently as Perceptor shared his decision. He was right, it was a long shot. But if there was energon on this organic planet it could mean so much to everyone.
“Alright Percy. I can do that for you. Just promise me you’ll look after my lab for me, okay?” Wheeljack agreed, he’d miss his home lab here, but Optimus had provided him and Perceptor a lab on the ship, he guessed it was just his own space now.
“I’m actually very interested in the organic-ness of this planet, Wheeljack – I know you’ve met some in your time before the war, albeit briefly. Do you still have your notes? I’d like to compare them quickly…” Perceptor began again excitedly.
Optimus and his main command, entered the makeshift hanger bay for the Ark. Many Autobots were there waiting to finally board, and those not going stopped to say their goodbyes.
Trailbreaker called Ultra Magnus over and spoke briefly first further away, as Optimus and his seconds evaluated the hangar bay. Trailbreaker walked over to Optimus to report in.
“Are all here and accounted for?” Optimus asked, as he too let his seconds mingle before departure.
“Well-mostly-yeah.” Trailbreaker hesitated. Optimus confused, eyed Ultra Magnus. “All Autobots accounted for except Elita-1 and her squadron.” He finally admitted.
Optimus Prime vented air, cooling down his system before they could even remotely over heat. He pinched his nose bridge, of course Elita would be late. For a good reason, he thought, but sill, why wasn’t she here yet?
“Very well, Trailbreaker, make the final announcement, could you?” Optimus asked, “Have everyone be here shortly, and those who are ready may begin to board.” as he also commed Elita-1.
\Elita?\
\Yes, Optimus?\
\…Why aren’t you at the hanger yet? We’ll be boarding soon.\
\I understand Optimus, we’ll be there soon. We just needed last minute items.\
\Very well Elita, I trust your judgment.\
\You better! See you soon.\
Optimus Prime reassured his lieutenant that Elita-1 and her femme squadron would be arriving soon. The stoic lieutenant only gave a slight nod in response.
“Do not worry Ultra Magnus; hopefully we will not spend long traveling.” He paused to look at the Autobots in the hangar all gearing up. “Have you decided as to who your seconds will be?” Optimus asked.
“I was thinking of Kup, he is a reliable soldier and his knowledge of the outpost will do well. Other than that, I was thinking of… Springer.” Ultra Magnus confided in Optimus.
Springer was a younger bot, but his ability to triple change was not a secret. An excellent fighter, though headstrong, would be an interesting match-up with Ultra Magnus’ stricter personality.
“I will trust your judgment Magnus. I now you will do well. I also assume Jazz’s position will be filled by Blaster?”
“Yes. Blaster is the logical choice.”
“Magnus, make sure you keep in contact with us as much as possible.”
“Yes, Prime.”
As Optimus walked away from Magnus, Laserbeak had recorded all that he could before Soundwave requested him back.
Megatron grew increasingly interested at the static-y sights before him. A ship? When had the Autobots had time to build such a vessel? That fact irritated him, but none the less he was proud of his communications officer for bringing in such information.
“Excellent job Soundwave. And to you too Laserbeak,” he complemented the mechs. “This information will provide us with an advantage!”
“What advantage mighty Megatron? The knowledge that some of the scared little Autobots are running away?” Starscream asked, mocking Megatrons’ interest in the ship. Starscream, second in command, and leader of the head Seeker trine had a fatal flaw. He tested Megatrons’ patience, knowing that Megatron needed him. But to Megatron that was not even remotely true.
“Because Starscream.” Megatron snarled, an Autobot ship is always something to have interest in, especially one that large.” Megatron kept staring and examining the footage Laserbeak took.
“Lord Megatron, if I may, if the Autobots do plan on leaving, why not follow and crush them?” Megatrons’ top lieutenant Shockwave suggested. “The Nemesis is fully operational and is the top ship of our fleet.”
“An excellent idea Shockwave. This ship of yours could become extremely useful. Soundwave, send Laserbeak and Ravage back out. I want them to sabotage the Autobots’ launch!” Megatron ordered. “Shockwave, prepare that ship. And Starscream, I will be more than happy to leave you behind the next time you doubt my leadership. Is that clear?” he asked standing up from his throne to his full height.
“Oh, yes, mighty Megatron.” Starscream praised as he half bowed to the tyrant. Some say Starscreams’ presence just makes Megatrons’ grimace etch deeper into his faceplate; and on this occasion the stories do not lie.
“Optimus!” Bumblebee called as he crossed the hanger bay.
“Bumblebee, how are you?” Optimus asked eyes smiling.
“I’m good but you have to listen to this, me an’ Wheeljack, we left the city to get some energon rods, and while we were only a few clicks from the city, Decepticon Seekers started to fire at us! We would have commed, but they had blocked that too. We drove them off, but they were really close to the city!” Bumblebee spat out, at a rate that would make Bluestreak look slow.
“Decepticon Seekers?” Optimus reiterated worried. “We may need to leave sooner than I thought. If the Decepticons find out, I shudder to even think. Thank you Bumblebee, this is good information to know.” Optimus nodded, and walked over to Prowl who was speaking to Smokescreen.
“Prowl. A moment.” Optimus said as he pulled his second aside. “Bumblebee reported Decepticons outside of Iacon, we need to move up the launch to a few breems from now. Can you do that?” Optimus asked, already knowing Prowl could have his command fulfilled.
Prowl nodded, his CPU kicking into overdrive as he started to analyze the best possible moments for the launch especially if he took into account the possibility that the Decepticons could know of their plan. Prowl was Optimus’ tactician, no move was made without his cost analysis. This decision was no exception. “I’ll get everyone moving,” Prowl shared. “We’ll begin final boarding.” He stated as he started to walk away to perform and handout boarding duties. He paused, “That means Elita-1 as well.” He reminded Optimus.
“I know. Thank you Prowl.” Elita-1, he thought to himself, where are you?
As jobs were being assigned and Autobots running about performing final tasks before the launch, no one noticed a small, slim, black figure lurk in the shadows; waiting for his opportunity. Ravages’ job was to sabotage the launch, as Laserbeak watched silently overhead. The pair of Decepticons had a job to do and it needed to be done right.
“Moonracer! Hurry up with those crates! We don’t got all day!” Firestar called out. “We actually have to make it to the launch!”
“I know, I know, I’m coming!” Moonracer huffed as she helped move crates into their transport shuttle. The Autobot femmes were strong fighters, but Elita-1 had insisted that the femmes have their own squad, led by her. She insisted to make her femmes a special operations unit and to move underground to avoid any detection.
“Alright, that will be good enough. We need to start leaving for Iacon. Let’s roll out!” Elita commanded, as the transport shuttle was loaded and ready to leave.
“An organic planet! This is exciting!” Lancer exclaimed.
“Yeah, I doubt you’ll be saying that when ya get there. Ha!” Chromia replied sarcastically. “Organics are nothin good.”
“Now Chromia…” Elita began.
“I know, I know, freedom blah blah sentient beings blah. Until I see even organic with one single sentient thought with my own eyes, I’ll believe it.” Chromia snapped.
“You’re just excited to see Ironhide, aren’t you Chromia?” Firestar pushed, as she nudged Chromias’ shoulder.
“And what mech are you there to see Firestar? I… I think I lost count which one it could be.” Chromia retorted tapping her chin.
“Ha. Ha. Very funny.” Firestar said flatly, walking to the back of the shuttle in a huff.
Elita-1 smiled, her femmes were funny and took jabs at each other as often as they could, but in all good humor. Their shuttle was slow, but quiet and hidden from possible threats, as they made their trip to Iacon.
\Optimus. All mechs onboard, an’ all mechs cleared from the hangar floor. ‘Cept you that is.\ Jazz commed his C.O. as everyone was settling into their positions.
\After Elita arrives you can close the ship doors.\
\Yes, Prime! Jazz out!\
Optimus walked into the Ark and anxiously awaited the femmes arrival.
\Alright mechs!\ Blaster’s voice was heard through the ship. \I know ya need some last minute passengers, but ol’ Blaster here is gonna make sure things are lookin’ sharp!\
However, unknown to the Autobots, Ravage had found himself below the hangar floor, right where the mechanisms that turn the ship nose up when ready for launch. Destroying a few struts, that would secure the flooring, that would be an easy task for him. Ravage began his mission to sabotage the departure of the Autobots piece by piece.
Laserbeak had also taken it upon himself to perform his own sabotage duties as well, changing the frequency and the timing of the launch by hacking into the unsuspecting Autobots’ systems. Their collective goal was to launch the ship early before their systems were fully operational and overload the ship. Hopefully they could blow up the ship during it’s launch.
\Laserbeak, Ravage: Return. Duties: Fulfilled.~\ Soundwaves’ voice filled their audios. And both Decepticons left as quietly as they arrived.
“Excellent job my Decepticons. Optimus will have no idea of what he’s gotten himself into.” Megatron noted from the commanders chair of his own ship, waiting to watch a hopeful fireball on Cybertrons’ horizon. But in case, their ship was fueled and ready to launch as well. What they lack in numbers, they had the firepower to take down more than just the Autobot ship. “Shockwave, come here.” The tyrant ordered.
“Yes, my Lord Megatron?” he asked.
“In my absence, I trust your loyalty. I want you to lead here on Cybertron.” Megatron looked down into his lieutenant’s optic.
“Of course Megatron, I will not change a thing. Cybertron is for you to rule alone. Not those Autoscum. I will assure that much.” Shockwave confided in his leader.
“Very well, Shockwave, very well.”
As Blaster and Perceptor ran through the launch sequences, several errors started to reveal themselves, as they pressed through the start ups.
“This is interesting.” Perceptor analyzed. “I’m not entirely sure what’s wrong.” He stated as his fingers quickly brushed over the controls, figuring out why the systems are producing errors.
“What’s happening?” Ultra Magnus asked concerned.
“There’s just some nasty bugs in the system, there! All- “Blaster started as he and Perceptor attempted to remove the possible causes. Until one screen popped up that shouldn’t have been engaged yet.
[Thrusters: OFFLINE] it flashed, before it turned green and flashed once again [Thrusters: ONLINE].
“Frag!” Blaster yelled as the thrusters began to glow and engage. The entire command booth shook as the engines of the Ark, were turned on to full throttle.
“Turn them OFF!” Yelled Ultra Magnus as he grabbed onto a chair tightly, trying to keep his balance.
The Autobots on board were shocked as their ships’ thrusters turned on, without being in launch sequence, and they were thrown about.
\Blaster, man! What’s wrong?!\ Jazz’s voice was barely heard above the thrusters in the command center.
\Shut down the ship immediately!\ Prowl ordered as the command sequence was taken from him and the ship began to start up.
\I’m tryin’ man! The only thing I can do is launch ya guys! A virus took over the controls! But the ship aint ready for it!\
“Elita.” Optimus whispered and ran from the main control deck.
At the sound and shake of the thrusters, Elita and her femmes stopped unloading their transport and stood in silence, shocked and even more surprised.
“Those… can’t be the engines. Can they?” Arcee asked quietly.
Elita flinched and held her hand up to her audio to hear better, as Optimus’ voice rang out her name.
\Elita!\ His voice came through her comm.
“Run.” She commanded as they all took off running.
As they entered the hangar floor, it wasn’t a smooth launch surface anymore. The heat from the thrusters tore through the metal foundation. She could see Optimus hanging out of the loading doors.
“Optimus!” She cried out, but was drowned out by the engines.
\Optimus! What should we do?!\ Ultra Magnus repeated into the comm.
Prowl watched as Optimus left, and he saw the grimace on Ironhides’ face that he was failing to conceal. But Prowl couldn’t ignore the other mechs on the ship. He looked at Jazz, and Jazz just gave him a quick nod.
\Ultra Magnus, this is Prowl. I need you to launch the ship immediately. Is that clear?\
\But-\
\Immediately.\
Ultra Magnus’ frown etched deeper into his faceplate. “Launch The Ark! Now!” Perceptor and Blaster silently followed the orders given, as they began the full launch sequence of The Ark not knowing what to expect next.
“Elita!” Optimus called as he clung to the ship, as he was unable to leave. The ship had started to point skyward, making him slip in the loading door frame, but he quickly regained his balance.
“Stay here!” Elita called to her femmes, giving Chromia a grave look as she stood dumbfounded. She rushed through the hot, cracked floor to try to meet Optimus.
\Prime! We are shutting the loading door!\ a voice called through his comm, irritated he shut it off. The loading door began to shut while he was still in the frame of it.
“Elita.” He sighed as he tried to grab her hand and try to pull her up, but as the door was being shut he was using much of his own strength to keep it open.
“Optimus! Let me come with you!” She cried out, trying to get her hand up to him, but the sound of the thrusters drowned her voice out.
\Elita\ he commed quietly. They both knew they could not be together for this journey, though neither would say it. \They need you here Elita, please.\
\I know. But I still want to be with you.\
\You will, in time, I’ll see you again.\
She could barely see his face, as the only thing keeping the door open was his arm, which was starting to spark and get crushed between the door.
He watched the ship create distance between them and she scrambled to get out of the way of the engines. Optimus Prime realized that actually he was having a harder time getting his arm out, as his armor started to bend. Until, that is, a red hand helped push the door far enough to release it.
Optimus looked down guiltily into the angry, but understanding optics of their Chief Medical Officer, Ratchet.
“You’re a fragging idiot. Get your aft back to that command deck before I kick you up there.” Ratchet scolded. He also eyed the new dents in the Prime’s arm. The pair made their way back, as the ship started to take off. No one wanted to say anything, but so far at least they were in one piece. “And turn your comm. back on. Don’t make me do it for you.”
Elita-1 and her femmes made their way slowly up to the command deck above the melted hangar ground, her head held high, to meet with Ultra Magnus.
“Well that was somethin’,” Blaster commented, as the Autobots watched the ship disappear from sight.
“Contact the ship. Make sure we have communications.” Ultra Magnus ordered.
“Soundwave, launch the Nemesis.” Megatron ordered as he watched the Autobot ship glow in take off. The remaining Decepticons also now watched as their leader left Cybertron to follow his foe.
\Blaster ta’ Jazz can ya here me?\
“Loud and clear Blaster man! One fraggin’ launch though. Remind me not to do that again for a while.”
\Just keep ya optics peeled man, that asteroid field is up ahead and she aint lookin’ too pretty today!\
“Will do. Jazz out! Hey Prowl, Blaster says we got an asteroid field up ahead.”
“Noted. Field check report says we’re in the clear for now.” Prowl confirmed. He took note of Optimus and Ratchet entering the command center.
“Thank you, Prowl.” Optimus said returning to his commander duties, and pushing aside the sabotaged launch. “Keep her steady. Teletrann-1, how long until our arrival at this planet?” Optimus asked the ships’ computer.
[Maintaining course: Destination arrival: 2 cycles with no space bridge use.]
“Ugh that’s so long, and why can’t we just bridge there?” Sideswipe whined. One of Optimus’ greatest fighters, but also one of the youngest. His immaturity can keep the Autobots on their toes, but his tricks at times keep the morale up.
“Ah shut ya mouth,” Ironhide retorted. “Ya better not whine th’ entire trip.”
“Do we have enough energon to use the space bridge?” Optimus asked.
“We would have enough to bridge, but I wouldn’t suggest it. I would wait until after we leave this asteroid field at least, but who know what we could encounter there. I would save our energon.” Trailbreaker responded looking over his monitors as well.
“I agree,” Prowl started, “We should save ener-“ Suddenly, Prowl was cut off and the Ark’s warning alarms sounded [Impact Alert: Collision Imminent]
\There’s two large asteroids about to impact into each other dead ahead in your path!\ Perceptor commed warning the Ark crew.
“Primus, you don’t say?” Ratchet commented as he gripped Optimus’ chair.
“Optimus?” Prowl asked, giving him a glance. Optimus Prime weighed his options quickly.
“Prowl, Ironhide! Prepare to bridge! We’ll warp just before the asteroids collide!” Prime ordered.
\Ultra Magnus to the Ark, be careful! Watch-\ as the com system stopped abruptly.
“Ultra Magnus! Ultra Magnus come in!” Optimus pressed.
“Com lines are out! I’m trying to bring ‘em back online!” Jazz reported.
“Asteroids are getting’ closer!” Ironhide yelled.
“Prowl warp…” Optimus waited to give the command as he watched the asteroids in front of him, and just as they began to touch; “NOW!”
As the Ark lurched forward into the space bridge, the warp took pieces of asteroid with them, but no Autobot expected that when they warped closer to their destination, it would land them in another asteroid belt, not far from the organic planet they were heading to. The crew of the Ark were too busy keeping the ship from another disaster to notice the blue dot of a planet they were headed to.
“Frag it all.” Ironhide muttered.
“The asteroids are hitting us!” Prowl informed the crew, “Our shields will not be able take much more! We are down to 60% after the warp.”
“Sideswipe! Use the lasers and clear us a path!” Optimus ordered.
“Finally, some action!” Sideswipe said giddy.
“Whatever, they’re just rocks. Not even Cons. What fun is that?” Commented his yellow twin Sunstreaker.
Meanwhile, Megatron followed the Ark just out of sensory range. He was curious. Why was Optimus in such a hurry to leave Cybertron? What could he possibly have interest in?
“Asteroid Collision: Imminent.” Soundwave reported.
Megatron watched as the Ark warped out of sight, and all he could see with his own optics were asteroids.
“Soundwave! Track them down! Find out where they warped, now!” Megatron ordered.
“Well, Megatron, it seems this time the Autobots slipped from your grasp.” Starscream commented.
“Coordinates: Obtained.” Soundwave countered.
“Excellent, Soundwave. Warp, now!”
Starscream stood baffled, those coordinates seemed familiar, and Starscream searched his processor for the lacking information.
“Megatron finally get you to shut up this time Screamer?” Skywarp asked jokingly.
“Knock it off Warp.” Thundercracker scolded. “Now isn’t the time.”
Skywarp and Thundercracker were the two Cons apart of Starscreams’ Seeker trine. Skywarp; the cocky idiot, Thundercracker; the quiet thinker, and finally Starscream, the pompous leader.
The Nemesis followed the Ark and warped not far behind.
“Follow them!” Megatron cried from his seat, enraged. The Autobots were not slowing down, but were using most of their fire power to create a maneuverable path through the asteroid debris. The Nemesis, being a larger ship, had more trouble following, but the asteroid pieces merely bounced off their stronger shields.
Clear of the debris, and all Autobots shaken, Prowls’ voice was heard above the commotion. “Field check report Prime, -we are being followed.” No Autobot had hoped the Decepticons had followed them, but that would mean that they had underestimated their long time foes.
“Megatron.” Optimus snarled, “Prowl, the controls!” as he sat and took control of the navigation, and steering The Ark away from the Decepticons ship.
“We have been detected.” Soundwave reported. Megatron grimaced, he knew the Autobots would notice, but so soon were not in his plans, the warp put them closer than anticipated.
“Stay with them Soundwave.” He ordered.
The two ships glided through space, trying to outmaneuver each other, in the hopes that the other would fall behind. Starscream immediately grew tired of the chase. “Let’s just blow them away already!” He whined, “They’ve seen us!”’
“Quiet Starscream. I want to know what they’re after. Optimus wouldn’t just leave without this being of great importance.” He mused, thinking over his possibilities. “Prepare the tractor beam!” He commanded his crew. As the Nemesis flew next to The Ark, tractor beam activated and quickly locked their ships together.
“They’ve activated their tractor beams! I can’t shake ‘em!” Jazz called out.
“Fire our lasers!” Optimus desperately ordered.
“We got nothin’! Fire power’s all used up!” Ironhide responded frustrated, “Someone used it all up to destroy them asteroid bits!”
“Nice going Sides. Way to screw up.” Sunstreaker scoffed, pushing Sideswipe back into his chair.
Megatron smirked; he knew if the Optimus had the power he would have already fired upon their ship. “Deploy the boarding chute,” he said smugly. The boarding chute was deployed from the side of their ship and attached to the side of the Ark. The inside of the Ark started to burn and become filled with smoke as the chute made a hole for the Decepticons to enter.
\All hands at the main command deck!\ Prowl commed to everyone. \The Decepticons are coming aboard!\
Optimus Prime stood at the head of his warriors, and looked them over. There was no retreating this time, this fight could very well be their last. With a silent nod he turned and exclaimed “Prepare for battle!”
Megatron and his soldiers entered the ship with determination. “Attack! Attack!” he screamed out pointing to the Autobots, with his eyes on Optimus Prime. The battle had just begun in full swing in the main command deck of the Ark as both Autobots and Decepticons fought each other in such close combat, they all assumed in this battle only one could truly be a victor. Until the Ark started to shake uncontrollably and threw around Autobot and Decepticon alike.
Mid battle with Megatron, Optimus knew something was wrong. “What’s going on!?” he cried as he hit Megatron hard enough, with the help of the tipping Ark to make him go flying.
“It’s the g-forces! The planet is dragging us down!” Wheeljack shouted out only one side of his head flashing, “We didn’t realize the pull that the planet had was this strong! This is incredible!” he exclaimed dodging lasers to get closer to Optimus. He and Optimus were trying to stabilize the ship, but the added weight of the Nemesis, which was still attached, made it difficult.
“We’re out of control!” Optimus yelled as the ships entered the atmosphere, pieces of both falling off and burning up.
“This is definitely not good.” Wheeljack commented as the Ark started to glow red and heat up significantly.
“You think!?” Ratchet sarcastically called from off to the side, as he quickly patched quite a large hole in Bluestreaks’ side. He was a fragging good sniper, but in close hand to hand he fell short.
As they passed through layers upon layers of white smoke, or what they thought it was, the organic planet grew nearer and nearer as they fell. The Nemesis chute broke off from the Ark and was sent spiraling off in another direction. As Megatron got up and watched his ship slowly drift in the opposite direction, he grew enraged.
Mad with Optimus Prime for leaving Cybertron, mad that all he had was on his home, mad that all his supplies were on his ship and mad that Optimus was stopping him at every turn and mad that Optimus Prime wasn’t dead yet.
“NO!” he cried, reaching for Optimus Prime as the ship neared an organic obstruction that didn’t look it was going to move for them. He tried to lunge at Optimus Prime but before Megatron could move Starscream had lost his balance with the forces of the open hole in the Autobot ship, slamming into the Decepticon leader and sucking them both out of the ship. Only the last two Decepticon Seekers on board remained, and outnumbered they chose to flee the same way they entered, but at these forces, that almost caused them to be ripped to shreds in the process.
Someone shouted, “BRACE FOR IMPACT!” above all the noise, damage and chaos and the Cybertronians world went dark as they crashed.
“Ultra Magnus to the Ark, be careful! Watch out! We’ve detected Decepticon signals behind you!” Ultra Magnus tried to warn Optimus. “Optimus Prime, do you read?”
All that Magnus got in response was static.
“What’s going on, why are communications down?” Elita-1 asked. “Blaster what can you pick up?” she asked.
“I’m not pickin’ up anything.”
“Perceptor. Coordinates?” Magnus asked still hopeful.
“I can’t find them, they’re off the radar. I can’t pick them up anywhere. Even near the organic planet.” Perceptor admitted grimly.
“What do you mean you can’t find them!? What the frag is that supposed to mean, where did they go!” Chromia snapped furious.
Ultra Magnus hung his head, Optimus Prime, what have you gotten us into? He thought.