Chapter Two

Chapter Two

President Raymond Chandler saw the red and white jet land and let out a single passenger and then transform. Five other planes landed nearby and turned into towering robots, falling in behind the other two. Chandler recognized Optimus Prime, but he couldn’t remember the other six.

Optimus walked over to the raised platform where Chandler and his entourage were held. “Greetings, President Chandler. If I may introduce my comrades. This is one of my military advisors Jetfire and the Aerialbots: Silverbolt, Air Raid, Skydive, Slingshot, and Fireflight.” Optimus pointed to each warrior in turn and Chandler nodded to them.

“I must say that your visit is unexpected, Optimus. Is everything all right?” The former admiral asked with concern.

“I will explain the situation to you once we are in private,” Optimus replied politely.

“I understand. Just follow me.” Chandler and his group turned and climbed into a pair of hoverlimos. The limos took off and Optimus transformed and followed them. Jetfire signalled to the Aerialbots, who transformed and formed up just over their leader. The little convoy headed into Toronto, the capital for the Terran Confederation. Optimus turned his sensors to the tall buildings and the needle-shaped tower that dominated the city’s landscape. He had always been impressed with the level of the human’s culture and art. It always made him wish that he had not inadvertantly crashed the Ark on Earth.

Originally the Terran Confederation had been headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. But when the Decepticons has taken over Earth, many of the major cities were leveled, including Geneva. Toronto was one of the few left standing and was chosen because it had the facilities needed to run the government and house enough military forces. Besides, many cities were leery of being the capital after Scorponok, Predaking, and Trypticon had wiped out Geneva.

Optimus had seen the devastation to Earth and been helpless to stop it. As far as he was concerned, the blood of all those humans who had died during the war was on his hands. He had steered the Ark into Earth, if it had not been for that, the planet could have remained innocent for much longer. Then again, we may not have won without the help of the humans, Optimus thought as he saw Confederated Hall come into view. The Hall housed the legislature and Chandler’s office, which is why five Autobots and a platoon of human troops were always on guard.

The limos stopped and Optimus transformed. Jetfire and the Aerialbots did the same and Chandler motioned for them to go around back, where there was a special entrance for Transformers. Even so, Optimus and Jetfire had to duck in order to get through the door. There was a long metal corridor that led to a special meeting room. Chandler usually took guests to his office, but it wasn’t nearly big enough to accomodate an Autobot larger than a Micromaster.

The humans sat at a small table at one end of the room which was raised higher than the other. The Autobots sat in chairs at the other end of the room, but Optimus remained standing. “The reason I asked for this meeting is that something serious has happened on the colony word of Hreda Prime.” Optimus pulled out a disk and inserted it into the holoprojector in the middle of the room. Hreda Prime was shown in the projector and Optimus zoomed in to the swamp where Override had been killed. “One of my soldiers was butchered in this swamp. Most of his body has not been found, but we were able to recover some pieces of him. The evidence points to either a rogue Autobot or a Decepticon.”

“How does concern us?” Minister of Defense Bill Beckett asked.

“In order to protect our colonies, I have ordered that troops be removed from some colonies and shuffled to the ones on the edges of our territory. Because we are so thinly spread out, in order to make this possible, three colonies are being put under Decepticon control.” The map shifted to show a planetary system of eight planets. Three of those planets were highlighted in red. “The Vala system houses three of our most productive mining colonies. This system is also located deep in our territory, which is why these are the three colonies being put under Decepticon control.”

“Decepticons? How can you trust them after the war?” General Arnold Sharpe demanded.

“These Decepticons have pledged allegiance to the United Cybertronian Government. I don’t trust them, but I will keep ships in the area to monitor the situation. If they try anything, we’ll be able to stop them.”

“Don’t be so sure. You thought you had the situation on Gyron under control, but Megatron nearly blew the place to atoms,” Sharpe pointed out.

Optimus kept his anger in check and replied, “I am aware of what happened on Gyron, and I am not ignorant of the cleverness of the Decepticons. However, my people cannot abandon our colonies, nor can we leave them unprotected after what happened on Hreda Prime. I have come here to ask if you can spare some ships to help us transport the Decepticons.”

“No way will we help the Decepticons!” Beckett blurted out, leaping to his feet.

Chandler motioned for him to be quiet and responded, “The war is over, Bill. I can understand the situation the United Cybertronian Government is in. We will help in any way we can.”

“I will not order any ships to aid in this effort!” Beckett shouted.

“You don’t have to. Don’t forget that I am in charge here. The Cybertronians are our allies, we will give them the help they need. General Sharpe, contact Admiral Ramsey and ask her how many ships we can spare.” Sharpe nodded, looking almost as angry as Beckett.

“Thank-you, President Chandler. We will be most appreciative of whatever help you can offer,” Optimus said.

“Think nothing of it. I guess that settles things then. Everyone clear out of here, I need to speak to Optimus, alone.” Optimus motioned for Jetfire and the Aerialbots to leave and soon he was alone with Chandler. Chandler leaned up against the guardrail separating the room. “I think you can see that we’re starting to have a problem here.”

“Yes, your men seem less than eager to help.”

“The Decepticons killed over a billion humans and occupied this planet for eight years. They have a right to be suspicious, but even so, there is a growing resentment towards Cybertronians.”

“We Autobots have done nothing wrong, there is no feeling for humans to resent us,” Optimus replied.

“There’s a word that describes this situation called ‘xenophobia’. It means the fear of foreigners. As far as most humans are concerned, any Transformer is a foreigner on Earth. Humans have always been hateful and suspicious of groups that are different, and your people are no exception. My intelligence agents tell me that a group called the Anti-Transformer League is becoming quite popular.”

“I see. This attitude is not the majority, though, is it?”

“No, not yet. Still, the feelings of resentment are growing with every peaceful year. Now that the war is over, a lot of people don’t see any reason for Autobots to be here.”

“The Decepticons may be scattered, but they can still cause problems. Until every last one of them is out of action, Earth, Cybertron, and every other planet is not safe. Our presence here is needed.”

“I know, but a lot of people don’t understand that. You and I are warriors, we see things in a different way. I just thought I should warn you before the problem gets worse.”

“Thank-you Raymond. You have always been a good friend.”

“Thanks. And I’ll talk to Sharpe about mentioning Gyron. I know that you lost a close friend there and that it was a cheap shot for him to bring it up.”

“He was right, though. I thought that I had beaten Megatron and that the planet was free. If Ironhide hadn’t detected those bombs and stopped them, the planet and a good many Autobots would have been destroyed.”

“Ironhide was one of the great ones. We need more like him.”

“If peace continues to prevail, we won’t need any more like him.” Chandler nodded in agreement and Optimus left the room. He saw Jetfire waiting outside and headed for the exit, Jetfire falling in beside him. “Once we reach the airfield, I will need you to take me to South America. Have the Aerialbots stay here, secrecy is essential.”

“Why?”

“The situation on Earth is becoming worse. I need someone to monitor it, and I have just the Autobot in mind.”

***

James’ lab was packed with five people, the command council for the Anti-Transformer League. James activated a monitor that showed the dark swamps on Hreda Prime. The League members watched in fascination as they saw a first-person view of Override’s destruction. Once the monitor went dark, James stood up and addressed the League.

“There, you have proof that this new weapon works. Using the body of a dead Decepticon I was able to replicate Transformer design and create something that would let humans fight them on the ground at their own level. For too long we have thought that there was no way humans could ever beat a Transformer on the ground without a fighter or starship, but now we have a way to fight back.”

“What we must do now is create an army of these machines. Using this new Autobot body I think I can perfect the design even more, so there is more maneuverability and more firepower.”

“How will that take?” Carl Rhinehard, CEO of Microsystems software, asked.

“A month for research and then another for production and testing of a new model. Within four months we should be able to begin creating an army of these machines.”

“Excellent. Then we should discuss funding and where to put a factory,” League President Robin Hoover said.

“I have properties in the Amazon rainforests that no one will notice,” Takashi Koromi, head of Koromi Motors and a noted environmentalist, suggested.

“What about satellite scans?” Rhinehard asked.

“We can build the factory under the foliage, so photographic scans won’t detect it and shield it from other forms of scanning. Unless the Confederation does a detailed survey of the area, they won’t know it’s there,” Koromi replied.

“As soon as you have the factory built, I’ll transfer my laboratory equipment there,” James said.

“I think everything is settled,” Hoover interrupted. “General Marshall, how are things in Toronto?”

“Optimus Prime met with President Chandler and requested help in shifting his forces around. Decepticon units are taking over three mining colonies so the Autobots can redeploy they’re troops,” Marshall reported.

“They’re starting to make their move!” Rhinehard burst out. “They’re going to pretend like they’re moving troops to their borders and secretly prepare an invasion force.”

“That is what we’ve always feared,” Hoover said quietly. “Simon, is there any way you can step up your timetable a bit?”

James nodded sadly. “I think I can. Knowing these robots, we won’t have too much time before they launch an attack. When it comes, we will be ready for them.”

“That’s good to here. Takashi, get that factory going, Celia, keep your ears open for any news, and Simon, get us some of those wonderful machines. If the robots want a fight, we’ll make sure they get one.” All three nodded and Hoover got up. She turned away and left, followed by Rhinehard and Koromi. Marshall stood and went over to a cabinet. She poured herself a drink and motioned to James if he wanted one. He shook his head and she shrugged, downing a shot of brandy.

“I think Hoover is overreacting,” Marshall said.

“I know. However, we can work with her fear to get our project completed. We are now guaranteed her full support and funding.”

“It helps to have the richest woman in the world as your sponsor.”

“Yes, much better than trying to rely on grants from the Confederation. At any rate, I must get to work. Hoover will expect results soon and I don’t want to let her down.”

“Right. I’ll hop the next plane back to Toronto and see if anything’s changed since I left.” She took another shot for the road and left quickly. As she reached the door, James called out her name.

“You forgot this,” he smiled and held up her bra. Marshall’s face reddenned and she snatched the undergarment from him.

“Thanks, Simon, you’re a lifesaver.” The door slammed shut and James chuckled as he headed for the cave where Override’s body was being kept with the Decepticon’s. He had already taken the Autobot apart and just needed to begin studying him. Hopefully he could replicate the musculature and joints so he could make a more maneuverable design. After all, a lot of people were counting on him and he would hate to disappoint them.

***

Jetfire extended his legs and cut his engines. He landed on a small landing pad cleared from the trees and popped his canopy. Optimus Prime climbed out and stepped down to the ground. He looked around him, but could see no one around. “Ambush, come out here! I don’t have time for this!” Optimus called out as Jetfire transformed.

“Get out of the open,” a voice hissed from the darkness. Optimus nodded and moved into the cover of the trees, Jetfire following him. Shadows moved and suddenly there was a gun at Optimus’s chest. “Identify yourselves.”

“I am Optimus Prime, clearance code 51683730.”

“Acknowledged. Hi, Jetfire.” From the darkness emerged a green and black warrior that stood to Optimus’s shoulders.

“Ambush, why do you always have to do that?” Jetfire asked in mock-anger.

“I make it a point not to trust anyone, not even you. Now, what brings you out here?”

“Perhaps we could discuss this at your base, providing you have one,” Optimus replied.

“Fine,” Ambush replied in his low voice. He transformed into a Hummer and Optimus went to truck mode. Jetfire managed to squeeze himself into Optimus’s trailer and the two vehicles moved out. They travelled through the dark jungles of the Amazon rainforest towards a destination only Ambush knew. After ten minutes of travelling over the rough ground they reached a clearing. The clearing was huge and contained the ruins of flat-topped pyramids.

“This is your base?” Optimus asked.

“Yes. These are pyramids erected by a primitive tribe called the Incas a long time ago. Since I moved here, no one has visited this area. The rumors of pirates and bandit gangs inhabiting the jungle generally keep humans away.” Ambush stopped at the first pyramid and transformed. He pressed in a stone that opened a door. Jetfire climbed out and Optimus transformed, both following Ambush inside. They rode a lift to the top of the pryamid, where Ambush had set up a command center packed with surveillance gear. He sat down and motioned for Optimus and Jetfire to also have a seat. “Why have you come?”

“The situation between us and the humans is becoming worse. I need someone to discreetly monitor the situation and report if things start to get even worse,” Optimus explained.

“Why me? Mirage or Punch would be better suited for the job.”

“Mirage can make himself invisible, but not for long periods, and his vehicle mode is very conspicuous. As well, he isn’t trained for long-term assignments. As for Punch, I have other plans for him. You have the most experience in staying unnoticed for extended periods and you know Earth better than any other Autobot.”

“All right. Specifically what do you want me to do?”

“Monitor their broadcasts, civilian and military, public and private. I’m sure you can do that, right?”

“Of course. The gear in here can monitor every frequency in the spectrum all across the planet. But monitoring that much traffic will be difficult. You should have Brainstorm or Perceptor stop in here to program some kind of filter.”

“No need, I can handle it,” Jetfire replied. He went over to the computer and analyzed the controls. He began typing in instructions and turned back to the other two Autobots a moment later. “There, I’ve got it programmed to search for certain words and phrases. That should limit the traffic.”

“Good,” Ambush nodded solemnly. “Still, this seems like more of a job for Blaster or Rewind than myself.”

“I know that you are better suited to raiding Decepticon command centers, but right now you’re the best one for this job. I could have Blaster, Rewind, or Hubcap monitor things here, but if things start going bad, I will probably need you to launch some kind of attack to do something about the problem. Your experience is needed, Ambush,” Optimus replied.

“Fine. I’ll get started right away and let you know if anything happens. I’ll pass along messages through the communications center in Cleveland. I’ll make a broadcast every two weeks unless something important comes up.”

“Understood. Thank-you, Ambush.”

“You’re welcome, Optimus. Just let me know if you need my skills in any other way.” Optimus nodded and he and Jetfire took the lift down. Soon they were flying back to Toronto to meet with the Aerialbots.

Optimus sat back and thought about Ambush. Was he really the right Autobot for the job? Ambush had originally been a Decepticon, created by Megatron to destroy Autobot and human targets behind the lines. Something had gone wrong in his programming, though, because when ordered to destroy a civilian target, Ambush refused. Megatron and his forces had nearly destroyed the commando right then, but a squad of Autobots arrived and drove the Decepticons away. Ratchet, Brainstorm, and Mainframe were able to somehow reconstruct the warrior. He had sworn allegiance to the Autobots, so long as his targets were of military importance and would not harm innocent beings. Since then, Optimus had found Ambush invaluable as a covert operative and commando. Still, Ambush’s attitude troubled the Autobot commander. Ambush was sullen and antisocial and refused to work with others on any mission. He was prone to spending long periods of time alone in some out of the way place, from arctic tundras to the Amazon rainforest. Despite Brainstorm and Mainframe’s best efforts, some traces of his Decepticon programming seemed to be intact. But so long as Ambush didn’t act cruel or evil, Optimus couldn’t do anything about it and he knew that he could never get Ambush to a psychologist. Perhaps someday he will realize that he is not alone, Optimus thought.

***

Four Autobot transports were surrounded by six human cruisers as they entered the Vala System. On the lead transport was the head of the new Decepticon military force, Banzai-Tron. Banzai-Tron had never been of very high rank in the Decepticon army, but he was one of the first to surrender to Autobot forces when they took Cybertron back.

Banzai-Tron fought for profit, not for losing causes. Once the Autobots had recaptured Earth and Cybertron he knew which way the wind was blowing. So he had surrendered to the Autobots and sat out the rest of the war on Cybertron, enjoying a life of relative comfort while many of his comrades were getting blown to scrap. Once the war had ended, Banzai-Tron found that he had seniority among the other defectors, so he had become their leader. Of course, until recently he had little to lead.

It had come as quite a surprise when Prowl had come to his small quarters and told him that the Decepticons were going to be rearmed and moved to the Vala system. Banzai-Tron touched the rifle at his side and smiled, it was good to be a warrior again. Sitting beside him was his second-in-command, Axer. “It’s nice to have something to do once more,” Axer said in his usual grouchy tone.

“Yes, it is. Of course we won’t have much to do guarding three planets in the middle of Autobot territory,” Banzai-Tron replied.

“Even so, it’s just nice to have a weapon and a job again.” Axer had been a bounty hunter, searching captured areas for Autobot or human forces. He had surrendered once it had become unprofitable after the Decepticon base on Charr was overrun and the Decepticons had been forced into deep space. “I just wish I had my Turbo Cycle back.”

Like Banzai-Tron, Axer was one of a small group of Decepticons that had been created to test out a new technology stolen from Autobot scientists. Instead of being able to transform themselves, Banzai-Tron, Axer, and others like them had specially designed partners that could transform into weapons systems. Banzai-Tron had a crab named Razor Sharp that had turned into a plasma weapon and Axer had a Turbo Cycle that transformed into a battle station. Those had both been taken by the Autobots and not returned. As far as Banzai-Tron knew, only he and Axer remained of the Decepticon Action Masters, as they were called. He remembered watching his comrade Krok be blasted into scrap by Kick-off and Rad, two of the cursed Autobot Action Masters. Krok had been a bull-headed idiot, but the Action Masters were a tight-knit community because their differences made them despised by the other Decepticons, so the loss had angered Banzai-Tron. Even so, Banzai-Tron knew there was nothing he could do about it now.

The Autobots were going to keep a close eye on he and his command and human ships would be in the area to blast them from orbit should anything go wrong. He hated the humans and their blasted ships. The human proficiency at creating starships had given them a technological edge in space battles, which had cost more than a few Decepticons their lives. Should Banzai-Tron try to form any plan to get back at the Autobots it would be crushed in its infancy. Banzai-Tron sighed and noticed that the transport had reached Vala Three, the planet where Banzai-Tron was to set up his command post.

Twenty minutes later the transport touched down on the rust-colored, wind-swept soil of Vala Three. A pink sky was overhead and there was little in the way of scenery all around. A small party of Autobots, headed by Skyfall, one of the Autobot Action Masters. “Welcome to Vala Three. I’m Skyfall, former commander of this garrison. I hereby transfer command to you, Banzai-Tron of the United Cybertronian Forces. Primus protect you.” Skyfall extened his hand but Banzai-Tron merely stared at him in silent hate. United Cybertronian Forces, what a joke! The Autobots could spin it any way they wanted, but Banzai-Tron and those like him had only surrendered to save themselves, not to partake in the Autobot cause.

“Thank-you, Skyfall. Now get off this dirtball before I have you shot,” Banzai-Tron responded coolly. Skyfall looked a little surprised but motioned for his comrades to leave. One of them, Topspin, transformed and the other two climbed inside. Topspin tore away, heading for the Autobot shuttle transferring them to wherever they were headed.

Banzai-Tron and Axer piled into a hovercar and headed for the Autobot base, which was already abandoned. The base was little more than a handful of igloo-shaped buildings grouped in a ring. The blue and red flag of the United Cybertronian Forces hung in the air limply and Banzai-Tron wished he could have it taken down. “Deploy and secure the area,” he ordered his forces over the comlink. He let Axer out to supervise and drove to a small igloo that was his command center.

The command center was completely dark, except for the small red points of light coming from inactive computer terminals. Past the terminals was his small office. He opened the door and saw that the room was dark, except for a desk and a shelf. As he stepped into the room, Banzai-Tron knew that he was not alone. He struck a defensive pose, knowing several martial arts techniques that could easily overwhelm anyone out to kill him.

He carefully began to survey the small room, sweeping it with his senses. He stopped and turned around to the door. Just to the left was a small device, a tape recorder. It transformed into a large, blue and gray robot whom Banzai-Tron was certain was dead. “Soundwave?” Banzai-Tron asked cautiously.

“Yes,” the former Decepticon communications officer replied. “I bring you a message.”

Soundwave tapped a button on his shoulder and a hologram projected from his chest. It showed a stern black and gray face with fiery red eyes. Banzai-Tron had never seen this robot before in his life. “I am Omitron,” the robot said in a feminine voice. “I am creating a new Decepticon Army to retake all the worlds lost to the Autobots and their human allies. I know that our forces have been reduced to almost nothing, but I have a plan which will increase our number.”

“You, Banzai-Tron, are in a position of great importance. The colonies in the Vala system are important to Autobot weapons production. These materials will be useful in helping to forge new weapons for us. I need you to begin stockpiling some of these materials in a secret place so that the Autobots cannot find them. Swindle will know how to forge the records to keep the Autobots in the dark. I will relay further instructions later. Soundwave will remain there to monitor your progress. Rest assured that the tyranny of the Autobots will soon end, but be patient, for it will take some time to rebuild our strength. But we will avenge Megatron and all those slain at the hands of the cursed Autobots and their human allies.” The message ended and Banzai-Tron looked skeptically at Soundwave.

“You expect me to believe that this female can lead the Decepticons to victory?” He asked Soundwave.

“Omitron is our new leader. I trust her fully.”

“You trust her? Why?” Banzai-Tron knew that Soundwave was not one to give away his loyalty lightly.

“She was the consort of Megatron.”

“What? Since when did Megatron have time to romance anyone?” Sounwave glared at Banzai-Tron and said nothing.

“You will do as ordered,” he replied simply. Banzai-Tron sighed and sat down at his desk. If Sounwave trusted this Omitron, Banzai-Tron would have to as well. He would have to call Swindle and Axer and confer with them, but he knew he could count on their support. Perhaps, he thought, I will soon be able to get into combat once more. He couldn’t wait.