Author's Note: Ok, I think this is the longest Chapter I have ever written for thi story, being roughly 6,500 words long. Plus, I have a strong feeling that Chapter 16 will be just as long too... But, who doesn't love a long Chapter, right? ;) Hope y'all enjoy, and please R&R to let me know what you think! :)
Reference:
Vorn: 83 Earth years or one Cybertronian year
Breem: 8.3 minutes
Klik: less than a second
::Comm. link:: -Designation of speaker
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers in any way or form; I only love to write about them. However, I do own the plot and my OC, Gregory Finch.
Chapter 15
It took a good ten minutes for Optimus to explain the whole ordeal while Bumblebee, Sam, and a very fidgety Carly listened to his every word. The Prime's smooth baritone voice rolled through Bumblebee's speakers, listing the events that had happened the past couple of days. Sure, there were some things that Sam was already aware of, but as for the rest of it, not so much. However, one thing he did know for sure, was that he was angry. No, beyond that! He was infuriated! Why you may ask?
Optimus had lied straight to his face.
Sam had taken comfort that Optimus reassured him that he would not enter the Matrix and go after Unicron. He promised him, yet, he went ahead and dove straight into the Matrix. The Autobot leader didn't share any specific details of what took place inside the mysterious Cybertronian artifact, but he did state that he had an 'unpleasant' meeting with Unicron. And now, ever since Optimus shared that bit of information with them, Sam has been on the verge of screaming at the Prime for doing something so stupid. He did not give in to the temptation; but rather, sit silently and listen to the rest of the explanation.
The rest of the details failed to comfort Sam in any way. The Matrix of Leadership was kaput; Unicron was content upon destroying Earth; there was a slight chance that Megatron could once again be revived; and now, the two unnamed Cybertronians, who were of Decepticon origin, wanted to change sides. Sure, the last bit of news was good in its own way, but during this time of crisis, Sam was having a hard time finding an upside to it.
Optimus finally finished his explanation, adding a 'that is why I wish you had kept our human companions away from the situation, Bumblebee.' Bumblebee gave a few whirrs and clicks in response before everything fell silent again. Sam glanced at Carly to the temporary NEST base to the ex-Decepticons and then back to Carly. Several things were running through his mind, but he cast the spotlight on three specific objectives: get Carly back to safety, have a nice long talk with Prime, and figure out why those two Decepticons suddenly wanted to change sides. He had some work to do.
Unsure if his guardian was still conversing with Optimus, Sam lightly thumped the steering wheel. "'Bee?" The engine revved in response, as well as a click from the radio. "Can you drive us on up to the base?" Bumblebee was silent a moment before giving another click through the radio. The Autobot scout slowly rolled up the base entrance, the wreckage becoming more visible and devastating. Sam spared a quick glance at the ex-Decepticons, noticing that the black and blue armored mech was watching them curiously before the young man's view was blocked by the walls of the base.
Clearing his thoughts, Sam stepped out of his guardian's cab, Carly following suit. Once the couple was out of his cab, Bumblebee transformed, glancing around at the wreckage. Most of the 'Bots were already working on cleaning up the damage while a few others were helping out any NEST soldiers. It was hard to explain, but it seemed like this odd mixture of solemn, depressing anger was settled upon the whole group; and it really unsettled the young man.
"Sam!"
Sam directed his attention to the voice that called name. Immediately, he laid his eyes on Robert Epps striding towards him, a grim expression on his features even though he tried to force a friendly smile.
"Epps! How's it uh…going?" Sam greeted back, nodding timidly towards the wreckage. Epps turned around to take in the situation for a moment before turning back to the young man, all traces of the forced smile gone from his face.
"Comin' along. We were able to get away with very few casualties; but it's still pretty rough. I can tell you I'm far from excited about the other Decepticons that are suppose to be arriving."
"There are more of them coming here?" Carly all but squeaked, horror dawning on her face. However, Sam was still trying to comprehend what Epps just said. Why would more 'Cons be coming? Why would the Autobots even be allowing them to come after all this happened? Sam gave the Autobot leader, who was standing not too far away, a sideways glance. Optimus met his gaze evenly, not revealing any emotions; but Sam could still see in his optics the inner war he was battling. He was tempted to ask Optimus what he was thinking or if he had some kind of game plan, but he decided it was better not to right now and returned to the conversation. However, when he did, he noticed that he had tuned out most of what Epps had been speaking about.
"-although, I'm not sure how long it will take those other 'Cons to get here, considering they've been landing all over the globe. So, like I said, we're hoping to get this place patched up before they show up. Who knows how they will react once they arrive…" Epps finished, trailing off slightly at the end.
Sam opened his mouth to ask a question, considering he hadn't been listening very closely to what Epps had been saying; however, he never got the chance before he was interrupted. "Sam, you always choose the wrong times to show up, you know that?" Major William Lennox spoke up irritably. Sam met his gaze, giving a sheepish grin in return. Lennox openly ignored it as he turned his attention to Optimus. "Optimus, General Morshower has been trying to contact us for the past twenty or so minutes. We were finally able to establish a stable connection with him and he's asking for your presence. It appears NASA has made a recent discovery in our solar system." Sam, Carly, and Epps all snapped their attention back to the Major, shock clear on their features while all the Autobots, with their acute sense of hearing, directed their attention to Lennox and then to their leader. It was Ratchet who finally spoke up as he joined the conversation.
"What type of discovery?" the CMO questioned warily and Lennox gave him a grim expression.
"He said that he wanted Optimus present before he started sharing details," Lennox replied before turning back to Optimus. "You up for it, big guy?"
Optimus nodded. "I will speak to General Morshower. Show me the way, Major."
Optimus knew that Sam would figure out that he had lied to him when he had explained (in as little detail as possible) about his encounter with Unicron within the Matrix. And he wanted to explain to Sam reasons behind his actions, even though, he wasn't sure if Sam would truly listen or not. However, his unspoken plans were abruptly cut off when Major Lennox had brought him the news about General Morshower and his new discoveries. His processor tried to figure what NASA had recently found. At first, he thought maybe it was another Autobot or Decepticon ship, but the urgency Lennox had expressed seemed to crush that possibility. Then another thought formed in his processor.
Unicron.
The thought gave Optimus an unsettling feeling. If it was Unicron already in Earth's solar system, then there was no doubt he would reach Earth in a matter of days; and they weren't even close to prepared for his arrival. Not only was he and his Autobots not prepared for that type of attack, neither was Earth itself. The beings of this planet may have experienced the power they possessed and seen the destruction they could cause, but that was minor compared to what a being like Unicron could cause. He was not called the Chaos Bringer for nothing.
Optimus was quickly drawn from his thoughts when Lennox directed him towards the small screen that revealed the image of General Morshower. Another soldier stood beside the TV screen, holding the device that would carry his voice over to Morshower's end of the line. The Autobot leader strode calmly towards the short, elevated platform and waited patiently for Major Lennox to finish speaking with the General.
A fraction of a breem later, Lennox stepped out of the way so Optimus could have a clear visual of the General. "Optimus Prime. It's good to speak with you again. Although, I wish it wasn't under such a dire situation," Morshower spoke flatly while lacing his fingers together in front of him. Optimus gave a single nod, even though Morshower more than likely couldn't see him.
"And the same to you, General. I am under the impression you have something urgent to report to me?" Optimus asked slash stated in his normal, even tone. The General straightened ever so slightly before giving a faint sigh.
"That I do, Optimus. Early today, I received a phone call from NASA, requesting my presence immediately. Turns out, one of Saturn's satellites, the Cassini, has made a new discovery. Another mass, actually. Video and data records show proof of a large, metallic mass positioned close to Saturn. Never before has something like what I just saw has ever been near Saturn, or even in our solar system, for that matter." General Morshower hesitated before continuing. "I am led to believe that this new mass is of Cybertronian origin - your origin - and there is the possibility that this thing is alive."
Alive. Alive. Alive. Alive.
Vents heaving, Optimus continued. "If what you are saying is true, and that this mass is a sentient being, then I am afraid this is painfully dire. Do you currently have the images with you that I may see them?"
Morshower seemed to wince at the words 'painfully dire'; Optimus could not blame him. This world has already faced and fought in many of their own battles, the worst one - the one they had been quite close to losing - just occurring recently. Another such battle, or one of greater chaos and casualties, would only result in disaster and unrest amongst the nations of Earth. And Optimus knew the inevitable battle against Unicron and whatever forces he had gathered would easily belittle the Battle of Chicago.
Suddenly, half of the screen produced a new picture, shoving Morshower's image to other side of aforementioned screen.
"This is the live video feed I recovered from NASA," General Morshower stated. Optimus studied the image carefully. There was no missing the giant metallic world that was positioned close to planet Saturn, its own single orange almost touching the rings of Saturn. Throughout the vorns, Optimus had never seen a planet like this. Cybertron may have had the same metallic structure and roughly the same size and mass, but there was no mistaking the two for the other. Indeed, this planet was of Cybertronian origin, and Optimus had the sickening feeling that Morshower was correct to believe this…thing…was alive. It was alive. Optimus could feel, deep down in his spark, this was Unicron. This was the Chaos Bringer, the Destroyer of Worlds. The same Unicron who stole the power of the Matrix for his own, the same Unicron who wanted to unmake creation. And his first goal was to destroy Earth; and already, he has entered the same solar system.
Letting go another vent of air, Optimus refocused his optics on the live image of General Morshower. "You most certainly have a right to be concerned, General. You are also right that this planet is, indeed, a living sentient being; but far from peaceful. This planet is no planet; but rather, a living Cybertronian by the name of Unicron."
"A…unicorn?" The General seemed genuinely confused. In the background, Optimus audio receptors could pick up the snorts of amusement from Major Lennox who stood off to the side.
Optimus shook his head. "No, General. Unicron. And he is a threat to be concerned about deeply." The Autobot leader cast a quick sideways glance at Lennox, who had taken the hint and quieted down. "To my people, Unicron is known as the Chaos Bringer, and he only wishes to destroy everything that makes up the universe; to submerge every species, planet, star, solar system…everything into complete and utter darkness."
The news garnered silence from the few attendants of the meeting, only to be broken abruptly by Major Lennox. "If what you say is true, then why start now? I am very well aware that your species has been around longer than that of us humans, so this Unicron mech more-than-likely had ample time to strike. So why the sudden uprising so late in time?"
Optimus regarded the Major for a moment, thinking of how to explain centuries of history in such little time and little complexity. Venting harshly, he replied, "Unicron has tried to accomplish this complex task long ago: during the beginning of time. The only reason he failed his personal mission was because of an equally powerful being known as Primus. Primus is the creator of the All Spark and of the first Primes - my line of command. And with his Primes, Primus seemingly destroyed Unicron, imprisoning him in his current planetary make."
"And where is this Primus? If he defeated Unicron before, he can do it for a second time, right?" Lennox asked, hope rising in his voice. However, aforementioned hope quickly diminished as Optimus gave a weary shake of his helm.
"I'm afraid not, Major Lennox," Optimus replied gravely, optics dimming slightly. "When Primus trapped Unicron in his planetary mode, the same happened to him as well. Primus planetary mode, however, became the home world of my people: Cybertron."
"And Cybertron is…gone," Lennox concluded, and Optimus noted - with gratitude - that Lennox had used the word gone instead of destroyed, the word that occasionally ran through his mind when he thought of Cybertron. After a moment's consideration, Lennox spoke up once more, "There's gotta be another way to kill this thing, then. You said that Primus and the Primes trapped Unicron before; and since you are a Prime, isn't there something you can do likewise? At least hinder him until more can be done?"
With the Matrix of Leadership in hand, buzzing with its power wisdom, then I could help our cause greatly. But Unicron has drained it for whatever purpose. I do not know how to stop him otherwise, Optimus thought to himself, but dared not to speak those words aloud. It was true that Primus also created the Matrix of Leadership, passing it down to the Primes so they could use it to destroy Unicron. Its power had greatly effected the odds, weakening Unicron enough for Primus to trap him in his planetary form; but without the Matrix, Optimus was only an extra soldier against Unicron's forces. That would not be enough to stop the Chaos Bringer in the slightest.
However, his answer was timid and concealed, not revealing whether he could truly make a big difference or not. "My power against Unicron is limited, and whether it would work or not is unknown. I will do what I can and must to stop Unicron and his plans, but I do not know if it will make a difference."
"From what you are telling me, Prime, any help we receive would be a blessing. In my eyes, I see war on the horizon and our men are exhausted from the previous fight in Chicago. We need all the help we can get, from whatever source possible, or else there will be nothing to fight for if Unicron succeeds," Morshower added grimly. "I will do what I can from here, contact whoever needs to be informed of this new threat. I will keep contact. Stay safe and armed, and work diligently, Optimus."
"The same to you as well, General."
With that, the screen went black and the man transmitting Optimus's vocals over the link relaxed somewhat and turned off his machine. Shifting, Optimus once again turned to face Major Lennox, examining him with deep blue optics. Lennox did likewise with his hazel eyes, exhaustion evident on his features and in his posture.
"Do you believe the Decepticons would be willing to fight against Unicron? From what we can tell, Scourge and Cyclonus are willing to do so, and they are contacting their 'buddies' as well; even though, we're still not sure if they are going to cooperate. And we have a whole army of Decepticons lurking around the far reaches of space. Would they go against Unicron, or are they just as messed up?" Lennox asked, arms crossing over his chest as he gazed up at the Prime. Even with the raised platform, Optimus still managed to tower over the Major.
Optimus considered the question before answering flatly, "I do not know, Major Lennox. I do not believe they are 'messed up' as you claim, but rather determined to fight against the Autobots in any way possible. Megatron has driven the fact home in several of his followers' processors that they are to never side with our cause; to forever fight in this War until one of the factions is all but dead. He led them to believe that his cause is the one that will win the War; the side that is better suited to lead a prosperous world. To lead Cybertron."
"But his acts destroyed your home! He has killed more people - Cybertronians and humans alike - than many of the wars we fought here on Earth. Megatron has driven your race to near extinction. Don't the Decepticons see that?" Lennox argued, making Optimus wince at his words.
"There are, no doubt, Decepticons who have seen the consequences of this War. It is hard not to take notice in the destruction Megatron has caused; but myself and my Autobots also have a role to play in the devastation. None of us are truly innocent in this War, and we all believe that, when we chose our side, we were choosing the right side. Or, in some cases, the side that would more-than-likely win the War."
"And you? Why do fight for the Autobots, for peace? What encouraged you to take this side?" Lennox asked rather quietly.
Optimus's optics brightened as he met the Major's gaze again. "I chose this side because I do not believe in Megatron's version of peace. I saw Megatron as a tyrant and not a worthy leader of Cybertron. The title of Lord Protectorate he once held - the mech I saw him as - died a long time ago and has remained that way since." Optimus turned to leave, adding in a lower tone, "I will protect my people - any sentient being for that matter - from such a tyrannical reign so long as energon still runs though my veins."
Lennox blinked a couple times in awe before giving a faint smile. "You got a good spark Optimus. I would hate to be the one blocking your way." The light joke failed to amuse Optimus, his grim thoughts still overwhelming his processor. He needed to prepare his soldiers for the upcoming, inevitable battle. A long, rough road was ahead of them, and he was determined to win this battle; this War. He may have said it a hundred times before, but he will say again. It was time that this War ended; for the good of his people and that of all other sentient beings that have suffered from their conflict.
As he strode away from the elevated platform, Optimus's comm link crackled to life, carrying with it the gruff voice of Leadfoot.
::Prime, I believe you should come outside now. We have company…:: -Leadfoot
::On my way.:: -Optimus Prime
It wasn't till shortly after the Autobot scout and his human companions drove inside the Autobot base that Cyclonus had received the brief comm message from Thundercracker. Basically, it was warning that he, Skywarp, Astrotrain, and Blitzwing would be arriving at his coordinates in less than a breem. Nothing more, nothing less, and Cyclonus hated that. What did they think? They could just fly on over (or whatever mode of transportation they were using to get here) and land at the Autobot base with no problems, no dilemmas or worries? If so, Cyclonus would bash the glitches' helms together once they arrived.
Nevertheless, Cyclonus had turned to Scourge to inform him that the four mechs would be there shortly, but the black and blue mech simple waved his servo to the side and gave Cyclonus a knowing look. He had received the message as well, and he didn't seem pleased either. The two had conversed through private comm link over the matter, trying to decide how they were going to handle this matter. The only mech within the group of four that was at least sensible was Thundercracker; the other three were a little…unpredictable, to put it lightly. Cyclonus knew they had their work cut out for them.
And now, in the background, Cyclonus picked up the rumble of multiple engines; and they all sounded like jet engines. Purple optics scanned the still ominous skies, searching for any sign of the four mechs. Sure enough, he spotted four jets speeding their way, fanned out and flying hard. He wasn't the only one to spot them either.
"Looks like your buddies are comin' in…" Leadfoot acknowledged, optics looking in the same direction of the approaching jets. "I need to alert Prime before they touch down." And with that, Leadfoot quieted down and dimmed his optics, no doubt contacting the Prime as he had promised.
Scourge slowly walked over to Cyclonus' side, eyeing the distant - and fast approaching - jets. "Think they'll listen to us? Think they'll actually join the Autobots like we did?" Scourge wondered, directing the question at Cyclonus. The black armored mech frowned in thought, considering the possibilities. Truly, anything could happen when it came to those four; he wasn't joking that they were so unpredictable.
"Thinking is one thing, knowing is another," Cyclonus supplied, "and I don't know what will happen once they arrive. If any of them were to join, I believe Thundercracker would be the mech to most likely do so. And if he does join, then Skywarp will follow in his footsteps. Mainly, I am concerned about how Astrotrain and Blitzwing will take the offer. They could accept or rebel. They could fight with Unicron or against him. It's, as the humans put it, a fifty-fifty shot."
"Then let's hope they choose the Autobots, and prepare to take them down should they choose otherwise," Scourge rumbled, turning his back to the approaching forms and falling into silence. Cyclonus let him have his silence; let him mull over the benefits and consequences that those four mechs could bring. Because, once they arrived, possibly all Pit could break loose.
When Optimus reached the NEST base entrance, he immediately spotted the four new mechs that stood front-and-center. Two of the mechs looked like replicas of Starscream except for the different paint schemes and they appeared to be a little shorter. Optimus easily recognized them as Thundercracker and Skywarp, Starscream's trine mates. Thundercracker stood attentive, aware of the Autobot soldiers that trained their weapons on them. As mentioned, he had the same build as Starscream with a blue paint job and black, red, and yellow highlights, while gleaming red optics studying his surroundings. Skywarp, on the other hand, looked ready to jump into battle with guns blazing. His posture was slightly crouched, like he was about to dart forward any second, and he flexed his fingers, no doubt anxious to pull out his guns if necessary. Still retaining the same structure as the Decepticon SIC, he was a deep purple with black and silver highlights and red optics.
Then, there were the other two Decepticons. It required some thought, but Optimus eventually recognized them as two of three Decepticon triple-changers, Astrotrain and Blitzwing. Astrotrain was purely purple, the shades varying from light to dark, and he stood taller than the rest of the mechs present. His servos were clenched and he had a scowl on his faceplates, red optics filled with fierce determination. Blitzwing stood as his side, his armor retaining the same purple as Astrotrain on his forearms, lower legs, chassis, and torso; the rest of his armor was a shining white. A glowing red visor hid his optics, but Optimus could easily detect the frustration and anger on his faceplates as he took on a similar position as Skywarp, servos clenched.
All in all, Optimus was not liking the odds.
::Do not take their defensive actions the wrong way. They're just a little…wary, I guess you could say.:: -Scourge
Optimus was taken aback by the message that was sent to him through his private comm; and even more so by the designation of the mech who sent it. Blue optics left the four visitors and scanned through the many mechs that now stood present, until finally they found their target, staring into the blood red optics of Scourge. The black and blue mech met his gaze evenly and inclined his head. Optimus considered him for a moment before he reluctantly replied to the comm message in a wary voice:
::I am curious to know how you were able to access my comm link, considering I never gave you the uplink codes to access it in the first place…:: -Optimus Prime
Scourge fidgeted uncomfortably, pausing before cautiously giving his answer:
::No, you did not give me the codes. Rather, I hacked them myself and downloaded the codes into my memory banks. During the War on Cybertron, I was considerably good at the task. I apologize if this upsets you, my Prime, but I would not have done so if I did not find the action absolutely necessary.:: -Scourge
::It is not a wise move; especially in your current position.:: -Optimus Prime
::Understandable. But, as I stated previously, I would not have hacked and downloaded your codes unless it was necessary.:: -Scourge
Optimus's deep blue optics studied him one last time before returning back to the four new mechs standing defensively before him. He still did not take comfort in the fact that Scourge could so easily hack into his comm link. And, even if Scourge had promised to only use the codes for important necessities, Optimus would have to watch what he transmitted through his comm until further notice. For now, he tried to take advantage of the new link.
::Very well.:: -Optimus Prime
::Thank you, my Prime. As I said earlier, do not take their defensive actions the wrong way. They're just wary and very anxious. Thundercracker would be the one who would be most willing to listen, and Skywarp would follow suit if so. As for the triple-changers…be cautious. As much as I hate to say it, they are the most unpredictable and I fear they will not take the 'joining forces' lightly.:: -Scourge
::Your advice is appreciated, Scourge. Just pray to Primus that all goes well.:: -Optimus Prime
::I have, sir. More times than you can count. I wish you luck, and if you need my assistance, I will help in any way I can. Scourge out:: -Scourge
The comm link was severed, and Optimus found himself left with his own thoughts. Sending a quick prayer to Primus, Optimus strode forward, garnering the attention of the four mechs. The Autobot leader was taller than all of them, the tallest of the group being Astrotrain, who stood a helm shorter than he.
Speaking of the purple mech, Astrotrain shoved Blitzwing out of his way to confront the approaching Prime, red optics burning with fury. When Optimus finally paused in his stride ten feet away from the group, Astrotrain spoke in his deep bellowing voice, "So is this your plan to ensure all of our capture, Prime? Have 'Clonus and Scourge comm us, direct us to your little base and surrender? Well I can tell you right now, it ain't gonna work."
Optimus did not miss the threat that lay hidden behind the triple-changers words, but he maintained his composure as he supplied his answer: "I have no intentions of capturing you, Astrotrain, so long as you maintain the peace and lay down your weapons."
"And if I don't?" Astrotrain challenged.
"Then I'll shut down your battle computers and weapons subspace personally," Sideswipe, who stood not too far away from Optimus's side, growled. However, he was quickly silenced as Dino elbowed the silver mech in his side.
Astrotrain did not move, scowling deeply in un-satisfaction. Tense kliks dragged out before Thundercracker relaxed from his defensive posture and raised his servos in the common human form of surrender. Skywarp looked to his Trine mate, to Astrotrain, to Blitzwing, and then to Optimus before finally following suit. Blitzwing and Astrotrain remained the same, not quite ready to submit.
"I will listen," Thundercracker stated flatly, slowly lowering his servos back to his side. "I believe that Cyclonus and Scourge would not lead us here if it resulted in our capture." Thundercracker cast aforementioned mechs a quick glance before letting his attentive red optics meet that of the Prime's. A quick nod let the Autobot leader know he wanted to hear what he had to say.
Optimus let his gaze study each mech one last time before letting it fall back on Astrotrain - who still glared up at him - and continued. "As I have said, I did not let Scourge and Cyclonus summon you so my Autobots could capture you. I had them summon you here to ask you to join our side in this War. For far too long we have fought in a war that has only brought pain, loss, and death to us all, neither side gaining much; and now, we are all - Autobots and Decepticons alike - faced with a common foe. The Chaos Bringer himself: Unicron." Optimus paused for a moment to study their reactions before he went on. "We have fought against each other in a fruitless war, and with Unicron lingering on the horizon, content to bring destruction to all sentient beings, our war efforts will be even more futile. I know that for several vorns we have said countless times that this War needs to end, but we never truly delivered. But now is the right time to end it once and for all and bring all Autobots and Decepticons together as one and take down this threat."
"And say if we Decepticons did join you, and if we are able to stop Unicron, what happens then? Ignite the War again and fight to the last faction standing?" Astrotrain demanded hotly, and Optimus noted the sound of both Scourge's and Cyclonus' engines revving.
"There would be no reason to reignite the War. The Autobots and Decepticons could live in peace again," Optimus answered.
Astrotrain snorted and shook his head in frustration. "Yeah, good luck with that. I know a lot of Decepticons who rather continue fighting than turn to your leadership. You may be able to convince some of us, but I guarantee that that peace will not last more than a few vorns." The venom and possible truth laced within those words made Optimus stiffen, but Astrotrain continued without notice. "So then, you would be left with different options to try to maintain peace, two of them quite obvious in my optics: either carry on with another long-term war, or kill any Decepticons that would not accept the peace you offered."
At those final words, Optimus's engine roared with barely contained fury and his optics flashed dangerously, his piercing gaze staring into Astrotrain's narrowed optics. "Neither option would even be considered as a choice for me. Only a tyrant like Megatron would stoop down like that just to maintain power." Behind Astrotrain, Thunderwing, Skywarp, and Blitzwing shrunk back slightly at the deep, angered tone of the Autobot leader. But still, Astrotrain stood his ground unflinchingly.
"To be honest, I don't see a difference between you two. You two were brothers once, correct? It wouldn't surprise me if you followed in Megatron's steps," Astrotrain said coolly, and his words sparked a hidden rage within Optimus spark; a rage the Autobot leader always tried to control. But hearing the recount of Megatron's and his own brother bond together…Optimus couldn't stop the twinge of pain, loss, and anger he had kept hidden for so long. Actually, if a certain black and blue armored mech had not intervened, Optimus wasn't sure if he could restrain himself from driving his sword into Astrotrain right there on the spot.
As to how Scourge was able to slip by the Wreckers to stand between Optimus and Astrotrain, Optimus would never know. But, here he was, standing here and glaring defiantly at the triple-changer with burning red optics. Roadbuster started to move forward to pull Scourge away from the confrontation, but Optimus motioned for him to leave it be.
Scourge took the opportunity to speak his mind. "Astrotrain, we do not know what will happen if - and when - Unicron is beaten; but you and I both know that there is a profound difference between Optimus Prime and Megatron. Nevertheless" - Scourge then regarded all four of the Decepticons - "it's your choice upon what you want to do. Choose to fight with the Autobots against Unicron, or deny the opportunity and sit by and watch. So what's it going to be?"
Silence fell upon every Autobot, Decepticon, and human present as they waited for the four Decepticons to make their decision. Nervous looks and low whispers spread across the Autobot ranks while Optimus, Scourge, and Cyclonus (who was still being carefully watched by the Wreckers) looked upon the four mechs expectantly.
Finally, Thundercracker stepped forward with Skywarp right at his heels. Both of them inclined their heads. "We will fight with you, Optimus Prime. Till all are one."
No sooner had Thundercracker finished his statement, Blitzwing stepped forward as well, but a little more reluctantly. "I may still have some grudges against the Autobots, but I'm no mech to sit by and watch. Count me in."
Mild shock and great hope flowed through Optimus spark as he inclined his held, accompanied by an almost silent "thank you…" before he looked upon Astrotrain. The purple mech looked at his three companions, frowningly slightly.
"I ask again: what is your choice, Astrotrain," Scourge asked warily and Optimus noticed the black and blue mech flexing his fingers slightly, just in case Astrotrain chose to strike. However, the action proved unnecessary.
Straightening, Astrotrain answered: "I will fight with you against Unicron, but know this" - the purple mech then pointed solely at the Autobot leader, optics narrowed - "if your life ever comes down to the line, I'm not risking my aft for you. I have hated you from the beginning of the War, and I will continue to do so till my spark is extinguished."
At that, Scourge vented harshly and opened his mouth to retort, but Optimus laid and servo on his shoulder. The black and blue mech looked up at him, and the Autobot leader shook his head before regarding Astrotrain. "I understand, Astrotrain. All I ask of you is to help us defeat Unicron and end the War." The purple mech vented, giving a curt nod before turning his back on the Prime and retreating back into the group.
Scourge watched him for a moment before looking back at Optimus. "What now?"
"I will tell you 'what now,'" Dino supplied, the red mech stepping forward to stand by Optimus's side. "I received news from Will Lennox during your little 'talk.' He has informed me of another Decepticon landing; and he's a big one, too."
Greg hesitated as he stared at the flash drive in his hand to the computer and back again. He had been like this for quite some time now in his home office, trying to decide if it was a wise idea to look through the information contained inside. The last thing he wanted was his home to be invaded by the government just because he was looking at some classified information; but on the other hand, his curiosity nagged at him to just take the risk and plug the dang flash drive into his computer.
In the end, his curiosity won the mental battle.
The NASA worker quickly re-watched the live video feed Cassini was able to record and then he skimmed through the limited data stored within the flash drive. He bit the corner of his lip as he reviewed the mass calculations and RAD levels. Whatever this thing was, it easily matched the size of Jupiter and its RAD levels were too far off the charts to be considered safe.
He was about to plunge deeper into Cassini's records and calculations, but then, the doorbell rang.
Greg's heart nearly leapt out of his chest, eyes flying to his closed office door. He faintly heard the footsteps of his wife shuffling over to the door and the turning of the knob. Voices echoed through the house, but Greg could not make out the words. Finally, his wife shouted from down the hall.
"Gregory! There is a man at the door looking for you!" his wife called, and the NASA worker jumped from his chair in an instant. He pulled the flash drive out of his computer and placed it in a drawer to his desk, closing and locking it before he left his office. He took quick strides down the hall and to the front door, forcing a smile on his face when he came to his wife's side at the door. Although, the smile quickly faded to awe - along with a twinge of jealousy - as he studied the man before him.
He had to be at least 5'8 in height - easily surpassing Greg's own height of 5'3 - and he looked to be in his early thirties. He had dusty blonde hair that was pulled back in a small ponytail and shockingly blue eyes that seemed to examine every minor detail. A strong jaw-bone complimented his features quite well, along with the whitest smile Greg had ever seen in his life. As for his body structure, he has surprisingly lean and muscular with not a single flaw on his skin, much to Greg's surprise. He also wore a brown suit with pants to match it, along with a red tie and dark brown shoes. Overall, Greg was pretty convinced this guy could be some kind of male model.
"I take it you are Gregory Finch?" the male visitor guessed, cocking an eyebrow and smiling a pure-white smile. Greg blinked a few times before he was finally able to regain reality.
"Uh, yeah, sure. That's me. Something I can do for you, sir?" Greg asked, stuttering slightly to get the words out. The other man's smile widen into a broad grin.
"Indeed, there is something you can do for me," he replied, blue eyes glinting dangerously. "May I come inside?"
And...scene! Hope you enjoyed this Chapter, and thank you for reading. Also, a special thank you to the readers who have followed, favored, and/or reviewed this story. The support and encouragement you all give me is amazing, and I hope to continue not to disappoint. :)
Until next time...