They are a species that have existed before life on Earth even existed, sentient machines that created a world of their own so advanced and beyond any imagination. But through civil war their home world of Cybertron was ravaged and its energy resources all but depleted. And so they fled their home world to find new energy sources to save it and the war continued again on Earth, with the fate of two planets now in the balance. They are the Autobots and the Decepticons, they are The Transformers.

It is the year 1996, the Cybertronian Wars has reached a dramatic point, Megatron's determination to claim Cybertron fully as his own has left the Autobot resistance on the planet desperate. Much of the Autobots resources on Earth are tied into Project Autobot City, a joint operation with Earth. As well as the creation of the Cities own Guardian, a Gigantic Autobot known as Metroplex. With Ultra Magnus heading the Projects Optimus Prime has made contact with Elita-1 and the other Cybertron Autobots to discuss their next move at the Ark.

"As it stands Elita a full on attack is impossible, our best option now is to get the remaining Autobots off Cybertron to be relocated to Earth for the time being before we can make a decisive plan" said Optimus as he contacted the last Autobot stronghold located in Iacon. Elita-1 nodded in agreement, the communication was hazy even with Prime gaining assistance from Blaster.

"We would have considered that by now Optimus, however ever since Shockwave captured Sky-Lynx our safest bet has been to try and capture the Space Bridge Control room, but security has been increased heavily since the Combatacons takeover" explained Elita.

"And Omega Supreme will be a easy target for the Aerial Defences. Our options are limited unless we have a plan" said Optimus.

"Until then we have made sure our own defences keep us safe, I know you worry Optimus but we'll find a way. And though they are not large reinforcements, sending Jazz and Cliffjumper has helped boost morale" said Elita with a smile.

"And I know those brave Autobots are safe under your command" said Optimus.

"What of Hot Rod?" asked Elita.

"Ever since you ordered him to go with Ironhide's Team Last Month he has been trying to adjust to life on Earth. I'm sorry that final Energon delivery wasn't as large as hoped" Optimus said, sounding guilty as he did.

"You did your best, it was a great help" Elita said giving him a reassuring smile, "I just hope the experience helps him grow, he is the youngest Autobot ever recorded"

"And shows it, he has talent but requires discipline" said Optimus.

"Just let him know Springer and Arcee are well, I better go to prevent us being spied on. Take care Optimus" said Elita as the communication cut.

"No matter what happens she's always keeping a cool head" said Blaster as he transformed back to robot mode only to suddenly hear the screeching of tyres.

"Shame no everyone is like her" said Optimus as he let out a sigh. With the sounds of several Autobots yelling after him the flaming paint job of a sports car drifted into the base and stopped at Teletran 1 before transforming into the Autobot Hot Rod.

"Ha Ha! I win!" he cheered to himself as right behind him was Bumblebee who transformed as he entered the room. Alongside the little Autobot was the Autobots Human ally Spike Witwicky, now in his early 20s wearing black jacket with the Autobot symbol on it.

"It was'nt a race to begin with" Bumblebee fumed as he got right up to Hot Rod and started up at him.

"Yeah your lucky we didn't nearly get killed when you pulled that stunt near the cliff edge" Spike added.

"Your just jealous that I'm the fastest Autobot here little guys" Hot Rod said in a taunting tone.

"Why you flame brained Turbo Fox" Bumblebee growled.

"Enough, what happened?" asked Optimus.

"Well like you asked Prime we took Hot Rod to the local forests to teach him about Nature and Wildlife" explained Bumblebee.

"And it was going great until a fallen tree was in our way so Hot Rod decided to remove it with his blasters" Spike continued, "every animal fled in fear with a 3 mile radius"

"And so he gets bored and challenges us to a race back here and pulls off several dangerous stunts on several dangerous roads. I'm going to get recharged" Bumblebee grumbled as he stormed off.

"It was all in good fun" Hot Rod said casually as if everything he had done was an achivement. Optimus looked sternly at him.

"When you came to join us on Earth I told you our goal here is to protect innocent lives on Earth and safeguard this planet from any Decepticon threats. We need to show restraint and not use our weapons for everything problem" he explained.

"Yeah well I didn't want to come in the first place. I should be on Cybertron fighting to take our home back" Hot Rod argued.

"Earth is our Home too Hot Rod, the Humans are our friends, don't forget that" Optimus said, now calming a little, Hot Rod however looked frustrated.

"No Cybertron is my home, you took me away from it!" he shouted. A silence filled the room before Optimus placed his hand on the young Autobots shoulder.

"I understand Hot Rod, you were angry when you first came here. But Elita-1 didn't want you to just learn about the Cybertron side of our fight. She wanted you to see what else we fight for, that is why she asked me to take you in. Plus once Autobot City is finished you'll have somewhere that can be a home away from home" he said, speaking in his tone that gave inspiration and understanding. Hot Rod looked angry still but then slowly calmed down as he looked at Spike.

"Sorry about today Spike, I'm just not feeling like I belong here" he said.

"Its cool Hot Rod" Spike said with a smile, "you just need time, and I bet you'll get a chance to fight some Decepticons soon"

"I can take a entire Seeker Army if I want" Hot Rod said with a cocky grin.

"What you need first Hot Rod is more training, that is why I managed to track down a Old Friend of mine who has agreed to mentor you and perfect your capabilities" said Optimus as a nearby door opened and a older looking Autobot walked in.

"Whose the older model?" Hot Rod snorted, clearly not impressed. The Old Autobot just looked at him with unimpressed face. Before Hot Rod could react he suddenly found himself on the floor after being lifted over the Autobot's head with ease.

"Hot Rod, meet Kup, a seasoned Autobot veteran, and one of the finest soldiers I know" said Optimus as he and Spike just watched the scene unfold.

"That was a cheap shot!" Hot Rod moaned.

"It's called experience Lad, something you need alot more of" Kup said back as he watched Hot Rod get back up and try to throw a punch but it easily be blocked.

"I know your kind, shoot first follow orders later" Kup added as Hot Rod tired to land a few more blows but everyone missed as Kup blocked and dodged and evetually had Hot Rod on the floor again. Optimus walked over and helped the young Autobot up who gave Kup a Hard stare.

"Kup has agreed to train you, under his teachings I'm sure you'll improve as a Autobot" Optimus said with great positivity.

"We start right away, lets get going" Kup ordered.

"But I havn't recharged yet" Hot Rod groaned.

"Well time to earn it, now move Soldier!" Kup barked as he led Hot Rod out the base.

"Sure this will work? Kup looks like he'll have Hot Rod in pieces" asked Spike.

"I'm sure it will help him, I'm going to check on Project Metroplex, want to come?" asked Optimus.

"Sure, Carly's plane doesn't even leave Narita Airport for another 2 hours" said Spike as Optimus transformed and allowed his friend into the cab. Carly, Spike's Girlfriend, had been on Holiday in Tokyo for the past two weeks.

"I'm sure she'll be quite surprised by the progress we have made" said Optimus.

"I think she's jealous she's missed out" Spike chuckled as the two left the Ark to see the progress on Metroplex.

Deep within the waters of Earth's oceans the Decepticon's Earth Based Headquarters continued its day to day routines. Shockwave's continued victories on Cybertron were making the Earth Bound Decepticons both joyous but also frustrated, many wished to return to their home planet to join the fights. But as always they were kept in line by their leader, Megatron who was at the main computer in a communication link with Onslaught of the Combatacons.

"We managed to claim the materials you requested Megatron, however Autobot presence on Earth makes it clear they are heavily fortifying their allies for protection" Onslaught reported.

"With Cybertron within our grasps it is only fair to say Optimus Prime is determined to try and ensure we don't take this planet as well" chuckled Megatron, "it matters not, once our little project is complete nothing shall stop us from taking Earth also"

The control panel on the console began to light up as Megatron pressed a button resulting in a second screen popping up, it was Scrapper, Leader of the Constructacons.

"Lord Megatron, we have intercetped a communication hailing from the Country of Japan, a Cargo Ship named The Yahata Maru is transporting a large amount of Nuclear Materials for disposing of. I believe the Energy stored in these materials can be of great use to us" he reported.

"Excellent Scrapper" praised Megatron, "you and your team are to capture that Ship at once"

"We request assistance Megatron" Scrapper continued, "Autobots have been assigned to guard the vessel with a escort from the skies via the Aerialbots"

"Await further orders, I'll have a team join you" Megatron ordered as Scrapper cut communication as Megatron turned his attention back to Onslaught's Screen.

"Deliver the Materials and await further orders, even if we claim that vessel we can expect an Autobot response" he instructed.

"Yes Lord Megatron, Onslaught out" said Onslaught as his transmission ended. Megatron rose from the chair he had been sitting in and turned as the doors to the command centre opened and Starscream, The Decepticons 2nd in Command and Commander of its aerial forces walked in.

"Starscream, I have a mission for you, take Thundercracker, Skywarp, Ramjet, Thrust and Dirge and aid the Constructacons in capturing a Human Cargo Vessel full of Nuclear Energy being transported for disposal" Megatron ordered.

"Capture of an entire vessel? Would it not be easier to deploy Soundwave to absorb it into Energon Cube?" Starscream asked.

"Nuclear Energy is perhaps the most volatile of energy since the Anti-Matter Cube Incident. In its current state the chance of an explosion is much smaller. Have the vessel captured and placed under our control. I will make the arrangements for the energy conversion myself. Now go, every second wasted makes me question your abilities" Megatron said with harsh tones. Starscream walked out as he gathered his fellow jets, mumbling to himself in the process.

"Some day Megatron, I will lead the Decepticons, perhaps this vessel you seek will grant Me the energy needed to take over" he said quietly.

"Talk to yourself again Starscream?" asked Ramjet.

"No surprise, sounds like this mission has Megatron wrapped round your Null Rays" sniggered Skywarp, only to have a said Null Ray to his face.

"Though I may not be Deceticon Leader I am still your Commander" Starscream said with a smile that meant he was very tempted to shoot, the other Seekers got back in line as they transformed and took flight.

THE YAHATA MARU: 15 MILES OFF THE COAST OF DAIKOKU ISLAND

The mighty vessel Yahata Maru moved through the waves with ease, there was a coll wind with some cloud but the sun was shining bright. Its crew of humans worked as normal but were careful around their additional guests. On the top of the ship were the Autobots Prowl, Ironhide, Brawn, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe while above were the Aerialbots Silverbolt, Air Raid, Skydive, Fireflight and Slingshot. Also amongst the crew was a Japanese Military Lieuteant named Kiriko Tsujimori who was stood at the very front of the ship with Prowl behind her.

"We appreciate the assistance you were willing to offer us" said Kiriko.

"When word of this reached Prime he wasn;t about to let something this dangerous fall in Decepticon hands" said Prowl, "he had me choose the team, though in open waters we are still at risk, especially when barring yourself the crew is made up of civilians who are part of the ships crew"

"I'm largely here to report back once the mission is over, any combat is in your hands...Prowl was it yes?" asked Kiriko.

"Indeed, a pleasure to work with you Lt" Prowl said as he smiled and nodded his head.

"Your Japanese is superb" Kiriko complimented.

"I studied up on every human language, with every passing Day Earth becomes more a home to us then sadly Cybertron" Prowl explained. As his conversation continued Brawn and Ironhide took note and chuckled.

"Lets hope he's not like Powerglide or Seaspray when it comes to choices in women" Ironhide joked.

"Least he's finding ways to have fun, I'm getting restless, could use some Decepti-Creeps to pound" Brawn said as he clenched his fists and did a few punches at the air.

"Let me guess, someones bored down there?" Silverbolt asked over radio.

"All clear on your end Silverbolt?" asked Ironhide.

"So far, so blue, will keep you posted" said Silverbolt as the Aerialbots continued flying over the ship.

"Hey Silverbolt, what do you know about this cargo anyway?" asked Fireflight.

"About 5 Days ago on a mountain range Japanese Military detected a high level of Radiaiton coming from a cave in one of the mountains" explained Silverbolt, "they discovered barrels of Nuclear Materials, enough to make up to 10 Bombs to be exact."

"So thats what we're transporting? Sounds dangerous if you ask me" said Slingshot.

"Yeah, I did a little research and Japan's history with Nuclear Weapons isn't a happy one" Air Raid added.

"Which is why they called us in to help. After the Kremzeek Incident Japan was heavily grateful for Optimus' aid and reached out to him personally in getting rid of the materials. So Perceptor had a special Box that contains the materials without harming anyone on this ship. That is whats below deck" Silverbolt continued to explain.

"But if its so dangerous why a civilian Vessel and a small team?" asked Air Raid.

"Something like this being discovered is very fragile information and dangerous in the wrong hands. Other Governments of the world may worry Japan is hiding more, even though no one knows where it came from to begin with. And thats why they chose not to use a full military escort, even though its likely gonna be targetted by Decepticons" Silverbolt continued.

"How are they going to get rid of it?" asked Skydive.

"This part I do know" said Air Raid, "Hoist and Grapple are waiting with some construction companies to bury the materials on Daikoku Island. Most likely cement mixed with some gardening"

"Pretty Much Air Raid, the box will be placed deep underground, also hopefully will never harm anyone" said Silverbolt.

Back on the ship at the back Sunstreaker was keep as far away from the edge as possible.

"A single splash hits me and my new Paint will Peel, or worse the Sea Breeze will make me rust" he moaned, Sideswipe paid no attention, he was talking to some of the crew and showing them his newly built Jet Pack, something he had been after since the original was accidentally broken by Optimus years ago.

"You should be on watch you know" Sunstreaker pointed out.

"As should you be Rust Worrier" chuckled Sideswipe as he let the crew get back to work as the ships captain walked out, he was a man of a older status when compared to the crew.

"Captain Hideto Ogata yes?" Sideswipe asked.

"Indeed" said the Captain, "it should not be long now till we reach our destination, though as I warn my men, be ready"

"For Decepticons?" asked Sunstreaker.

"No" said Hideto, "for the terrors long forgotten, the Gods among men"

The two Autobots looked at each confused but then could hear a noise, the sound of jets.

"Silverbolt, is that you making those noises?" asked Sideswipe.

"No, but we see what it is, Decepticons are flying up front!" Silverbolt reported as the Seekers were flying in and met the Aerialbots in a dog fight as blaster shots were all over the skies in a matter of seconds. The ships alarm blared out as the crew made for thier posts with Hideto giving out orders quickly.

"Lt Kiriko, head down and guard the container!" Prowl shouted over the noise, Kiriko nodded as she raced downstairs, the Autobots on the ship laying down cover fire until shots from the side caught their attention as the Might form of Devastator landed on the ship, causing it to rock due to the extra weight of six more robots at once.

"This ship is now Decepticon property Autobots" the giant laughed as the Autobots opened fire to not much effect as they had to now dodge any attacks from Devastator while trying to remain on the ship.

"Silverbolt! Swap Dance Partners!" Prowl called out as the Aerialbots broke off their attack and their allies below gave cover fire from the ground against the Seekers.

"Looks like we got a stowaway on the ship" said Fireflight.

"Then lets throw him overboard, Aerialbots, combine into Superion!" Silverbolt ordered as the five came together as the Autobot combiner, Superion, who at once dived into Devatsator and the pair plummeted into the ocean, causing a huge splash to hit the ship.

"Hey! Thats gonna take forever to dry out!" Sunstreaker complained as the Ship's team continued firing on the Seekers as they in turn Transformed to fight back.

"How can it be so difficult to captured a single Human Ship!" Starscream growl only to hear someone flying at him as Sideswipe used his Jetpack to punch the Decepticon.

"With you leading the charge Screamer, very difficult" Sideswipe joked until he noticed something.

"Hey guys" he shouted, "anyone seen Skywarp?", a grin over Starscream's face said it all.

"Oh no" said Prowl as he activated his communicator, "Kiriko I need a status on the cargo, one of the Decepticons may have teleported in"

"I'm already on my way" Kiriko reported back as she entered the cargo deck of the ship with her gun drawn. It was almost empty barring a large Black Heavily Armoured Metallic Box in the centre, and next to it was Skywarp. Kiriko moved and hid behind some oil drums to her left as she watched Skywarp.

"Teleport in and secure the payload Skywarp" he muttered, doing a bad impression of Starscream, "and how I am to secure it you Wing-Brained Moron?"

As Skywarp complained someone else was in the room, at first no one could see them until Kiriko noticed something almost shimmer towards Skywarp, before she could call out the Decepticon was shocked in the back of the net and hit the ground out cold. The shimmering stopped as the attacker made themself known, another Seeker, their colour was largely a light purple and their Faction logo was scratched with a X through it, and they were female, their body having a similar look compared to the other seekers.

"Hold it!" Kiriko shouted as he drew her gun and aimed, the female seeker looked and smiled as she placed a small disc on the crate. The disc lit up with a red colour before it and the crate vanished. Kiriko looked in shock before the female seeker tilted her head before vanishing as well.

"Prowl, the Cargos been stolen!" Kiriko shouted as Skywarp slowly was coming round, just as the roof above him was torn open and Brawn leapt down on top of him, fists ready.

"Wheres the Cargo Skywarp? And I hope you lie" Brawn threatened.

"You tell me Autobot" Skywarp snarled as he used his teleporter to escape and rejoin the other Decepticons.

"Starscream!" he shouted, "its been stolen"

"WHAT!? HOW?" Starscream bellowed, as he grappled with Sideswipe.

As the fight above went on Devastator and Superion continued to trade blows as they went further into the waters.

"I'll rip you down for spare parts!" Devastator shouted, somehow both able to speak underwater.

"You got a 6-Bot advantage over my 5, but I'm a newer model!" Superion taunted as he fired a shot from his blaster at Devastator's chest, pushing the Decepticon down onto the sea bed. Devastator growled as he pounded his fists on the floor as he stood back up, making a heavy noise as he did.

"Wait, when does sand make loud noises?" Superion said to himself as suddenly the sea bed began to shake, something was stirring as the ground began to rise around the two, the pair at once calling off the fight and flying back to topside.

The fight above continued, Sideswipe had been kicked from the sky back to the ship, his jetpack damaged in the fall as Starscream was now so enraged over the surprised turn of events he had ordered the ship be sunk.

"Destroy it, no one makes a fool of Starscream!" he screamed.

"Thought that was a regular thing?" joked Ironhide, suddenly the boat began to shake as the water began to bubble heavily. Both Devastator and Superion emerged and decombined to rejoin their respected teams.

"Whats going on?" asked Prowl, as he picked up Kiriko to keep her safe, the rest of the Autobots helping the crew also.

"Devastor woke up something" explained Silverbolt.

"Something what exactly?" asked Ironhide, his question was soon given an answer as the water exploded and a huge high pitched roar emerged.

"What in the name of Kaon is that!?" asked Ramjet, no one could believe their eyes or optics, Captain Hideto stared at the new arrival, a grim look on his face.

"So it begins" he said, "which means he will not be far behind". He stared out as everyone present was faced with a gigantic Lobster.

SOUTH POLE

At a large hole which led down into ice caves far below the surface the Box from the Yahata Maru reppeared along with its new owner. She removed the disc on her arm which had burnt out.

"Shame they only last a one way trip" she sighed as she turned to the box and aimed at the lower side which was closest to the hole and fired a single blaster shot that pierced the metal. The Radioactive material began to gush out and fall into the Hole. The female Seeker watched as he went in till the very last drop and then scanned the area, a geiger counter going off but then dissappeared as no trace of the materials was present. The female Seeker smiled as she opened a communication.

"Test was successful, no sign of anything radioactive, its him alright" she reported as she listened to her next intructions, "Understood, returning to base"

She took a third disc and attached it to her right hand before pressing it and vanishing again. Deep in the ice caves the last of the nuclear materials were absorbed as something glowed for a breif moment, causing some of the ice and snow to melt away, revealing a spiked fin glowing light blue.

NEXT CHAPTER: Dinobots vs Ebirah