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Nominated for Best Battle Sequence '03

Patience

By: Lord Skyfire

Note: This fic is placed right after the Beast Wars episode ‘Other Victories’. 

A small silver ship cuts through the darkness of space. It’s sleek body speeding through a transwarp conduit. The stars pass by as the crew within scan for new adventures, new things to learn, but mostly for something to do.

It’s been several days since anything exciting has happened. The commander of the vessel, Captain Taelon, was beginning to feel bored. So was the rest of his crew. They were sent out to explore, but so far there has been little or nothing for them to explore.  

His commanding officers back on Cybertron expect a report soon on their progress. He was writing one just as they dropped out of transwarp. He felt the ship vibrate as they slowed to sub-light speeds. A feeling he hadn’t felt in a while. The sub-light engines were used only when something interesting is ahead. 

“Captain Taelon to the command center.” 

Chimed a voice over the communications system.

He sprang up form his seat. Excited.  

Could there be something to be done?  

He walked from the room, down the corridors, and finally reached the command center. It was a big room. Bright white lights lit his crew’s bodies as they worked at their stations. He could sense their feelings of excitement.  

There was something out there. What was it?  

He walked to his science officer, a Lieutenant Skyfire. He was manning the sensor array at the time, “Report.” 

Skyfire look up seeing the excited expression, which decorated Taelon’s face. 

“We’ve detected a temporal anomaly, sir.”  

Eyes wide, he turned to his pilot, “Set a course.”

Spirit, the pilot, swung around in her chair, “Already done Cappy.”

He smiled. She had a unique personality, he liked that. 

Taelon left his science officer to the scanners and smiled as he sat down at his seat.

It’s been sometime since he’s been on the bridge. It felt good to be back. He usually sat in his quarters or in his office passing the time by writing reports and catching up on a few books. Luckily he had his second in command, Void. An odd fellow. Showed little emotion, but was highly intelligent. He had a strategic mind. That’s probably why he served as both second in command and tactical officer.

Void sat next to him. He was just staring off into the view screen. Searching for the anomaly.

He could see curiosity in his eyes as well. And a tad of excitement.

“Finally something to do,” said Taelon with excitement.

Void sat there fixed on the stars infront of him, “Indeed.”

Taelon could hear the faint sound of excitement his executive officer was trying to hide.

His gaze soon met the view screen as well. The stars were beautiful. Quickly dancing across the view screen. But soon they began to slow. A bluish green splattering of color soon filled the screen. It was swirling around. It was beautiful.  

“We’ve reached the anomaly,” exclaimed Spirit with excitement. 

Taelon sat up with sharply, “Begin sensor sweep.”  

“I suggest we do not move in too close. I’m detecting a strong gravitational field emanating from it,” cautioned Void as he looked at his console.

Taelon nodded and stood up, “Understood,” he walked up behind Spirit, “Bring us in at a safe distance Spirit. Try and get us as close as possible so we can get as much data as we possibly can.” 

“Okay doke,”

Her fingers soon ran across her console activating the thrusters to slowly maneuver them in.  

The bridge began to shake. Taelon stumbled back to his seat, “Report!?” he asked over the growing rumbling of the ship. A conduit exploded from the back of the bridge, as Skyfire began racing through sensor data.

His mind was working over time. He had to figure out what was happening. Suddenly he got it, “Our energon—“ 

He looked up in terror. 

“They’re producing fluctuations in the anomaly,” he shook from the gravitational pull, “We’re being pulled in!”

Taelon’s eyes widened with fear, “Reverse all engines!”

Spirit grabbed the side of her console to steady herself enough to input the command. It wasn’t working they were being pulled in just the same. Taelon watched, as the image of the anomaly grew larger on the screen.  

What was going to happen to him and his crew once inside?  

He stared out blankly at the screen unsure of what to do or say.

Void saw this look of unknown in his eyes. He knew he had to formulate some kind of plan to back up his captain,

“I’m preparing to fire at the anomaly maybe that’ll weaken its grip on us.”

Void said as he began inputting the firing sequence.

Skyfire jumped from his seat and stumbled at another shake, “No! That’ll only make things worse. The more our power output rises the stronger the gravitational pull becomes. It seems this anomaly feeds on energon emissions,” he sits at his station to steady himself, “I suggest we cut all power.” 

Void looked to Taelon, “Your orders sir…” 

“Cut power.” 

Void didn’t agree with this, but it was his duty. His mind was that of a fighter. It had little knowledge of science and physics. He knew that the others knew more about these situations and decided to follow their suggestions. He began powering down system after system. The hum of power draining echoed through the rumbling of the anomaly. The lights dimmed leaving only the glow of their optics in the dark bridge.  

The ship continued to be pulled into the swirling blue mass. Closer and closer it drew. Until it was engulfed by it. It was gone. 

 

The wind rushed through the rocky hills, which stretched for miles. Rattrap and Dinobot slowly walk in the light of the stars through the harsh terrain that surrounds a Predicon jamming station. Their usual banter continues even at this late hour as they make their way to the station. In beast mode they stay low and from any view of their enemy so not to be caught, but Rattrap’s continuous jabbering continues to grate on Dinobot’s nerves and could put them at risk.

“… Yeah so… eh, anyone on Cybatron ya lookin forward ta seein?” asked the rat as they slowly walked.  

“No a warrior like me can not have the distraction of love. On the battlefield I must remain focused on victory and not wondering if I would see my love once more.” Replied Dinobot in his smooth strong voice.  

“Uh huh.” 

“Although love can give strength at such times, but I am not skilled in the areas of loving and caring.” Continued Dinobot.

“Eh no kiddin’. I’d feel bad for da dame dat would be stuck wit you.” Snickered the rat. Dinobot merely shook his head and moved forward infront of his annoying comrade, “Yes well what about you. I can not see you with a young female transformer. Your stench alone would scare any interested female off before they could get within a few feet of you,” muttered Dinobot.

Rattrap looked up at him sharply, “ ‘ey! Back on dat big ol’ silva ball of metal I was da lady’s man,”

Dinobot smirked in disbelief, “Yes of course you were,” he turned away, “In you mind.”

Rattrap stopped walking and got up in his comrade’s face, “I heard dat ya overgrown briefcase! I had lines of femmes just waiting for da chance to get wit dis hunk o’ metal.”  

“I see,” muttered Dinobot as he focused on the terrain infront of them and their scouting mission.

Rattrap began walking again following in the shadow of his friend,

“What do you know anyway. Da femmes love me…”

His mumbling trailed off as they reach the top of a hill, which the station was standing, “Are you done vermin?” 

“Yeah yeah. So ya getting jealous, ‘uh?” replied Rattrap. Dinobot just growled in annoyance,

“If you would shut your cheese licking mouth from time to time you’d realize that we’re on a mission. Now stop your ramblings rat and transform,” exclaimed Dinobot. Rattrap’s eyes widened. He wasn’t gonna let Dinobot off without a good come back. He transformed and brought out his gun. He cocked it, “Yeah yeah. Our mission,” glaring at Dinobot with a smirk, he leveled his gun directly at his head, “Deconstruction.”

Dinobot chuckled as he transformed. Rattrap looked up at his towering comrade. His gun was now at Dinobot’s gut, “Deconstruction indeed vermin. Deconstruction of a worthless rodent.”  

Dinobot drew his sword. 

 

Rhinox sat at his station. He was working on the sentinel system. In the past the shields haven’t been able to withstand much punishment. Optimus asked him to somehow increase the length of time the shields can hold out. He thought maybe by transferring more power to the field emitters the shields could be increased by 13%.

As he began to make the power transfer the chirping of a console caught his attention. He looked around the room.

No one was there.

Getting up, he slowly walked to the alarming console. His optics grew with excitement as he read through the data. He brought up a visual the data was describing. It was a ship. A Maximal exploration vessel much like the Axalon, but smaller. He turned around and hit the comm. channel,

“Rhinox to Optimus.”

The comm. was silent as Rhinox stared at the image of the ship, “Optimus come in.”

He was met with only static.

“They must not have disabled Megatron’s jamming stations yet. Slag!” said Rhinox to himself. He turned around and hit the center console, a little frustrated.

“Computer, which units are within range of our communications?” 

“Unit Silverbolt.” 

Opening a comm. channel he turned back around facing the image of the ship, “Silverbolt where are you?” he said. Static buzzed through the speakers. Rhinox was beginning to become irritated. But then a soft yawn came through.

“In my quarters,” he paused at another yawn, “What may I do for you Rhinox?”  

“I need you to fly out to the others. Tell them to return to base at once.” 

“May I ask why?”  

“A ship has entered orbit--”

“It’s Maximal Silverbolt. We’ve been found, but if Megatron has detected it I’m bettin he’s gonna strike,” he quickly replied.

“That is wonderful news my friend. I will leave at once. Silverbolt out,” the fuzor said happily.  

Megatron sat in his hot tub relaxing. His eyes shut as he let the bubbling fluids flow around him. He almost succeeded in gaining real power. In conquering the Maximals. But yet again his victory was stolen from him. He had confidence that he will succeed one day. Those aliens. They had such power. He lusted for it. If he could harness their power he would be unstoppable. But he had to put that in the back of his mind until they strike this planet once more.

The screen infront of him flashed. The computer alarmed Megatron of the situation, “Alert. Maximal vessel entering high orbit.”

Megatron’s optics glowed red. His hold caused a squawk come from the rubber ducky.

“Have all units return to base!” he grumbled. His clutch of his hand grew tighter with frustration. “This is a time I have been fearing,”

He stood up and threw the duck in the bubbling fluids 

“The last hand must be played now.” 

He arose from the tub. Slowly walking to his thrown chair. He sat his hands folded together. His mind racing. 

“Yes.” 

The bridge was dark. Sparks fluttered from a conduit every few cycles as the ship floated within the grasps of the Earth’s gravitational pull. The crew laid offline. But slowly Skyfire sat up from the ground. His wounds dripped with mech. fluid as he stood. He looked around the dark bridge, his optics lighting it up. He looked at his comrades through the smokescreen of dirt and ash.

It looked like Taelon and Void took the most damage. Probably because there was a large power transfer conduit beneath them. When it exploded from the gravimetric pressures they must have taken the brunt of the blast. He moved through the mess and came to the helm.

He pushed Spirit’s unconscious body off the chair and sat down.

He had to safely land the ship so they could make repairs.

He looked at a damage report on his console as he laid in a flight plan.

Weapons were fried, engines were burnt out but salvageable, hull fractures, energy fluctuations, and the comm. was down. As he looked through the report the ship slowly descended into the atmosphere under his previously imputed flight plan.  

Optimus and Cheetor quickly came up from the lift and rushed behind Rhinox, “Is it true? Are we going home?” asked Cheetor excitably. Rhinox tilted his head and nodded, “Yup.”

Optimus and Cheetor looked at each other, their eyes wide with excitement, “All right! Yeah!” yelled Cheetor giving a high five to his leader. Optimus smiled, “Rhinox open a channel to our rescuers.”

Rhinox hit a few buttons, “Channel open.” 

“This is Optimus Primal, commander of the Axalon. Welcome to Earth,” he chuckled a bit, “We’re all extremely glad to see that the Maximals haven’t forgotten us.”

They waited for a response, but were only met with static. Cheetor looked at Optimus in confusion,

“W… Why don’t they answer big bot?” 

Optimus shrugged and turned to Rhinox.

“Rhinox?”

Rhinox began scanning the ship. The screen infront of him flashed an image of the maximal vessel. Reviewing it he sighed.

“It seems they took some damage coming through the temporal anomaly. Their communications are down,” he answered in a deep mellow voice.

“They could be in trouble,” Optimus turned to the center console and brought up a grid map, “Computer display predicted landing site of the Maximal vessel.” 

“Acknowledged.”

Stated the computer blankly as the holographic map replied with a red marker on the grid the ship will land.

“Looks like Pred territory big bot.”

Optimus stood there looking at the grid. It was far into Predicon territory and if he knew Megatron he’d attack as soon as they land. They’d loose their only hope of getting home.

“Lets move,” ordered Optimus as he walked to the lift, “We have to get there before Megatron does. If we don’t,” his head dropped, “our Maximal friends will be landing into a trap.”

“Right big bot. I’m with ya.”

Cheetor stood besides Optimus in the lift.

Optimus stood there waiting for Rhinox to come, “Coming Rhinox?” 

“I should really get these shield modifications online incase Megs decides to attack the base.”  

“Negative. We’re gonna need all the help we can get. Since we have no way of contacting the others we’re all those Maximals have got,” replied Optimus sharply.

Rhinox nodded and joined his comrades on the lift. It quickly rushed down to the ground. Optimus there after transformed to flight mode as Cheetor did the same.

“Get on Rhinox.”  

Rhinox looked nervous.

“Oh slag.”

Reluctantly he hopped onto the front of Optimus’ board. They ascended into the air rushing towards the landing site of the Maximal vessel.  

A small deer lies on the floor of Tarantulas’ lab. It struggled against the numbing grip of the devious spider’s poisons. Tarantulas slowly crawled closer. His eight legs made a pinging sound as he slowly drew closer. The transmetal spider now towers over the stunned beast. His spark pulsating with the lust for the raw flesh within his prey. He did not care for the nourishment, but the action of ripping the flesh from one’s body and watching as it quivered in pain from each rip. It excited him. He giggles maliciously as he moved in about to strike.  

“Alert. Alert. Maximal vessel entering high orbit.” 

Chirped Tarantulas’ computer. 

Tarantulas awoke from his beastly urges to devour the animal and turned to the computer. He groaned at delaying his feast but turned his attention to the newly reported information. 

“Calculate landing coordinates.”  

“Grid 518.”  

The spider’s eyes glowed with excitement, “Heheh Predicon territory. Perfect.”

He transformed to vehicle mode and drove off cackling.  

Blackaracnia stands before Megatron. She watched as he surveyed a small black disc.

Megatron fiddles with the item while sitting in his thrown chair.

“So?” 

He looked up. A pleased look stretched across his face.

“Yes work further Blackaracnia. Yes.” 

He flicks his hand.

“Signal the others my dear.”

She gives him an annoyed glance but hovers away on a platform.

Turning to his holo-bubble he begins scanning the vessel that slowly descends closer to earth. His holo-bubble flashed as he brought up a scan of the ship’s engines. His face expressed disappointment,

“Hmmm. A burnt out transwarp cell.”

His troops slowly entered in and stood at attention.

“Fortunately I have a few transwarp cells at my disposal.” 

Inferno stepped forward and bowed, “Royalty we have arrived as you requested. What is your command?”

Megatron smiled at his servants stance of respect, “Ah yes--”

“A Maximal vessel has arrived. We Predicons will not let the Maximals return home and end up in slavery once more.”

“No.” 

He sat up looking down on his troops. 

“Our goal is to capture the vessel and refit it with a fully functional transwarp drive, which will be your duty Blackaracnia. Be sure to…. give me your best efforts.” 

He flashed a threatening smile at her. 

She gave him a sour look, but returned with a compliant nod, “Yes Megatron.”  

The great tyrant turned to his loyal drone, “And Inferno. I want you to secure the area and wait for my signal.” 

Bowing on one knee he let out a breath of air, “Your will will be done royalty.”  

“A… Good.”  

Rolling his eyes he continued, “After which we will make use of the vessel’s… other uses.”  

He snickered at the thought. His troops, excluding Blackaracnia, snickered with their commander. Soon after Megatron calmed himself, “Yes as amusing as this thought is we must leave.” 

He stood and transformed to vehicle mode. Hovering over the pulsing lava pits he let out a breath of power.  

“We will get what is rightfully ours. The night is young and this war is old.” 

“Let us bring it to its final game. And to victory!” 

Inferno broke out in a cheering fit followed by Quickstrike and Waspinator. Megatron hovered taking in the praises of his minions. It pleased him greatly as he slowly floated passed them.  

Outside the base Inferno’s jet echoed through the opening as he flew out into the sky followed by the buzzing hum of Waspinator, “Wazzzpinator hope he not get blown to scrap dizzz time.” Creating a swirling dust vortex below his flight, Megatron followed.

“Yes let us hope not.” 

Blackaracnia and Quickstrike soon followed in beast form.  

“Oh yeah. Kiester kicking time. Gotta love dos maxes.”  

The she spider just ignored her extremely battle hungry comrade and scurried on. 

The command center was quiet. Only the hum of the holographic grid map echoed through the lonely ship.

“Sentinel shield deactivating.”  

The holographic grid map changed to display the Axalon. The shielding fell down.

The lift swooshed up revealing Rattrap and Silverbolt. They walked into the bridge a bit confused,  

“A where in Cybertron is our fellow pred slaga’s?”  

“It would seem they have left the Axalon.” 

Rattrap snorted at the silver wolf, “Ya tink?”  

The lift swooshed up once more. Dinobot stepped out.  

“Where are the others?” 

“Its seems we weren’t invited to da party chopperface.”

Rattrap lowered his head, “I’m hurt.” 

Dinobot pushed passed the rat and activated the holographic projection, “Sulking won’t bring forth answers vermin.”

Searching through data Dinobot became frustrated, with a snort he hit the console, “There’s nothing here of to where they have gone.”  

“Eh ya tink they’d leave a note or somethin” 

“Perhaps they’ve gone to the Maximal vessel.” Injected Silverbolt.

“Indeed,” snorted Dinobot, “Computer display maximal vessel landing site.” 

The computer chirped in acknowledgement and brought up the previous grid map with a red indicator. 

“Oh for cryin out loud. Pred territory. Great spot for a goin' away party.” Griped Rattrap as he threw up his hands in frustration.  

“It is a rather unlikely spot for rescue, but our rescuers do not know our boundaries we have established. It does not matter. I am betting the others have gone there,” said Silverbolt.

Dinobot nodded,

“Megatron will most likely arrive at those coordinates as well. They will need our assistance.”  

Silverbolt entered the lift, “Yes. Let us go out and help our friends in the battle against the scum of Megatron.” 

Rattrap made a gagging motion as he entered behind. The lift dropped to the ground then returned to the command center and picked up Dinobot also bringing him down. Silverbolt transformed to beast mode as Rattrap transformed to vehicle mode. Dinobot reluctantly sat on the rodent’s back.  

A small deer and its mother walk through a field. The young child smelling and running through the tall grasses. It was spring at last. Food was now plentiful and the air was sweet with warmth once more. Both deer lower their necks at a small pond. Water trickled down a rocky edge from up the mountain. This was a valley. Green and luscious with life springing from every crack. A peaceful wind scurried around the small family.

But then the peace broke.

A loud roaring sound echoed throughout the valley. The mother deer’s head shot up. Her ears searching for the direction of the ominous noise. It drew closer. From above. She looked up to see a massive vessel blocking the sun light. She yelps to her child. They both ran franticly away.

The ship slowly lands kicking up dirt and leaves. Landing struts touch the soft earth as the thrusters deactivated.

It was silent.

The two deer hunched in fear behind the brush of a forests’ edge.  

 

Skyfire, hunching over a conduit, attempted to reactivate the main power grid. It wasn’t damaged, but the connection that feed the power to the rest of the power conduits was severed.

He grew tired.

It was the night shift when they found the anomaly and he was about to go off duty to get some rest.

But he fought through his fatigue.

He finished connecting a few more power transfer cables and stood up. A smoky fog filled the dark room. His optics squinted through the smoke, which poured from a damaged console. His comrades laid still. Still unconscious from the forcing barrages of the anomaly.

He felt alone.

Would they survive through these traumatic events?

For that matter would he?

On descent he noticed high levels of energon in sporadic formations all over the planet. He knew the ships energon field dampers were offline and that his circuitry would not protect him or his comrades for long.

Sitting down he activated the power grid. A few moments of silence was followed by a loud humming sound. The lights began to flicker on.

Hope ran threw his being.

“Now to find protection from the energon fields.” 

A hatch on the top of the ship slid open. The bio scanner folded out slowly. It slowly revolved around several times.

“Four compatible lifeforms found. Begin replication sequence.”

“Error two units sustained extreme damage replication will not commence for units.” 

The mother deer peers from her cover. She listens for any dangerous movement. Any predators. But heard none. Seeing the still ship she slowly creep out. Her son followed close behind. They both slowly and cautiously creep towards the pond. They arrived. She looked around. Nothing. No movement at all. It was calm once more in their quiet secluded sanctuary. Lowering her head slowly, she drank from the pond.

BOOM!

The whirling sound of Inferno’s jet echoed through the valley. Both the mother and child scurried back into the forest’s edge. Inferno landed and stood guard at the front of the down vessel.  

“Area secure Royalty.” 

“Good stand guard for now.” 

Inferno nodded as the comm. link closed. His weapon at his side he began to paced back and forth.  

 

Optimus and Cheetor glided threw the air. Rhinox sat uncomfortably on the front of Optimus’ airboard. Looking down his stomach felt squeamish. 

“I hate flying.”  

Optimus smiled with a slight chuckle, “Hang on Rhinox we’re almost there.”  

Behind the cover of the clouds a mountain range came into view. Optimus signaled ahead, “Its just behind that mountain range.” 

Cheetor’s internal sensors alarmed, “Uh oh big bot. I’m pickin up a pred near the landing site.”  

Optimus closed his eyes.  

Would they loose their only chance home to Megatron? He couldn’t let him do that. He wouldn’t. Ever since they had crashed on this planet his main goal was to try and find some way to get his people back home safely. He felt responsible for them. It was his duty as their leader and friend.  

“Rhinox hold on tight.” 

Rhinox’s visibly gulped as his grip tightened. 

“Maximum burn!”

Both maximals shot off speeding through the air towards the valley, which lay, between the mountains.  

They soon after entered the air space above the valley. Inferno marched at the front of the vessel, his gun loaded and at his side. The flyers stopped above. Cheetor turned to Primal with worried eyes letting out a deep breath. 

“How we gonna handle this Optimus?” 

He hovered there for a moment. Staring at the ship.

With a sigh he grab his two maces, “Carefully.” 

Rhinox turned back, “Right we don’t want to damage our only way home.” 

“Gotchya! Maximize!”

Cheetor transformed to robot mode and began falling while firing down at Inferno.  

Small explosions hit around the Predicon drone. He swiftly drew his gun, “Enemy of the colony.”

He began firing up at Cheetor missing each time.

Cheetor landed hard on the ground. On one knee he slapped his arms together and returned fire. This time hitting Inferno in the shoulder.

Inferno was knock back a bit but soon regained balance. He smirked at Cheetor, teasing him, “You will burn feline.”

Cocking his gun he leveled it at Cheetor with precise aim. 

Cheetor stood their scared. His mouth chattered with fear.

The Predicon squeezed the trigger almost to its firing point, but his weapon was hit from his hand by the mace of Optimus Primal. He turned and saw Rhinox slam into the ground a few meters away. Optimus landed besides him and transformed.

Bringing out his gun he moved towards the ant bot.

“Better be going Inferno. Tell Megatron he won’t destroy this chance at getting home.”  

Inferno laughed and shook his head. 

“My queen will triumph. He will not fail to the likes of you Maximal scu…” 

Rhinox roared loudly. He was sick of this. Inferno looked in terror as Rhinox whipped out his machine guns and let lose a barrage of bullets. Inferno tremored at the continuous beating. Falling backwards the weakened Predicon hit the ship. Rhinox stopped and blew the smoke from his guns. “Go Rhino!” exclaimed Cheetor as he regained his awareness. “It was nothin.”

He smirked as he put the weaponry away.

Inferno slid down the hull to the ground leaving a scratch mark as he descended. “My queen where are yo….”

His head drooped, lifeless. 

The Maximals stood there a moment and looked upon the smoking Inferno.

“Man Rhinox when you do it you do it.”

Rhinox blushed at the praise of his commander, but shook off the feeling.

“Now then, lets see if there are any survivors.”

The leader headed towards the entrance hatch but was then hit in the back. He turned around, “Megatron!” 

Rhinox and Cheetor gasped as they turned to look at their enemy floating on a purple wake. His arm cannon pulsing with energy, “We-will-not-be-slaves!” bellowed the tyrant. He lifted his arms, “Predicons attack!” 

Waspinator flew down next to his leader as Quickstrike and Blackaracnia hopped down from a cliff that over looked the valley. 

“Let the battle for freedom begin!” screamed Megatron as he charged his weapon further.  

Optimus swung around as his pulse cannons flipped forward and began firing in the air at Megatron. His enemy countered with his purple pulsating laser cannon. Both missing each other, but only by a fraction.

Rhinox ran forward to Quickstrike. 

Quickstrike stood from his leap and whipped his snake head forward at the incoming Rhinox.

“So ya wanna play iron hide ‘eres something ta play wit!”  

Rhinox charged at Quickstrike as his weapon charged. Finally the fuzor’s weapon was charged to full. He let rip a few volleys of cyber venom towards Rhinox. All missing his charging assault. Quickstrike looked at his incoming enemy in terror, “Oh no.” Quickly before he hit, Rhinox reverted to beast form, “Oh yes,” and slammed his horns into the gut of Quickstrike carrying him into the rock face.  

Meanwhile Cheetor was slowly creeping around the edge of the forest. He saw the devious she-spider craw on all eight’s in there. His arms together he entered the brush. He heard the fluttering of leaves and turned quickly. It was just the wind. He moved on. The noise of battle behind him echoed through his spark. He was nervous. It was dark. He couldn’t see far into the trees only a few meters away. He was about to switch to night vision mode, but was kicked in the face by the swinging foot of Blackaracnia. She had swung from a tree by means of cyber webbing. Cheetor fell flat on his face. Groaning with pain he struggled to get up. The she-spider stood over him, putting both hands on her hips, one holding her gun.

“Don’t bother pussy cat.”  

She raised her gun and aimed at Cheetor’s head. His eyes widened with fear as his mouth dropped. She chuckled at the sight of fear in his eyes and fired. Cheetor was thrusted from the brush of the forest and back in open area. She slowly walked out with a mocking laugh, “That one hurt ‘em.” 

She made her way through the exchange fire between Optimus and her two comrades. She knew her job. Install and new transwarp cell into the engines.

‘Yeah yeah. Megatron’s orders.’  

Optimus was now pined against the hull of the ship. His hand gun lay a few meters away and he was in no position to reactivate his pulse cannons. Megatron’s usual arrogant smirk covered his face as he moved in for the kill. “Oh it has been enjoyable Primal, but all good things must come to an end.” He landed 2 meters from his target, “Yes.” 

Waspinator fluttered above his leader with his weapon leveled for Optimus. “Let the final card be played…. Fire!”  

Both Predicons lifted their weapons up and at Optimus.

Optimus closed his eyes expecting the blow any moment, but only found the sound of weapons fire. His optics flashed on, “Rhinox.”

He smiled wide, but soon turn his attention to the battle. He hopped and rolled to his hand gun as Rhinox pelted away at both Megatron and Waspinator. Optimus, recovering from his roll, fired at Waspinator.

Hearing the missiles rushing behind him the bug turned around, “Doih!”

The impact sent a spray of Waspinator bits covering the ground below.  

Rhinox stopped pelting Megatron after using his load of ammo. Optimus moved in closer to Megatron keeping an aim on him. “Go home Megatron.”  

The angered tyrant turned around snarling at Optimus,

“I will not let you get in my way yet again.”

“I will no longer kiss the skit plates of those fools!”

He stepped closer with his weapon pulsating,

“I will not be a slave to your Maximal Elders.”

“No.” 

Optimus shook his head, “Don’t even try it Megatron. You’re without troops. You’ve lost this one.”

Blackaracnia slowly sneaked behind Optimus with her weapon aimed at him. She winked at Megatron who kept a calm face.  

“Once again Primal you are a fool.”

He nodded.

Optimus turned around after hearing the click of a weapon cocking. He met with Blackaracnia’s weapon barrel, “Bye bye Captain furball.”

She fired.

He flew into the side of the ship, denting it even more. Cyber venom ran through his circuitry numbing his limbs. Rhinox yelled as he charged towards Blackaracnia with his fists reared back for a swing. His right fist soon met with her face throwing her to the ground. Megatron lifted his laser cannon and walked towards the last remaining Maximal,

“Ah Rhinox. Such brute strength. A quality I admire in a bot like yourself, but…”

He leaned into Rhinox.

“Admiration will not save you from my wrath. No.”

He backed away extended his laser cannon and let it charge, teasing Rhinox with time.  

“Well get on with it,” bellowed Rhinox frustrated.  

Megatron smirked, “If you insist.” 

 

“Two Replication cycles complete. Maximals online.” 

 

Megatron turned his head towards the ship, “Wha?”

Rhinox quickly smacked his hand into the face of Megatron knocking the tyrant off balance and to the ground. He quickly dodged a few blasts from the down tyrant and grabbed Blackaracnia’s weapon. Quickly leveling the gun at Megatron. “Still admire me?” 

Megatron growled at the Maximal. His eyes grew read with frustration.  

So close to victory, but to be stopped by a weak minded fool.  

A faint sound of a motorcycle echoes through the valley. Both Rhinox and Megatron look around trying to find the position of the sound. They both knew it very well. It was Tarantulas. Rhinox looked back at Megatron worried.  

With two Preds here I’ll be scrapped.  

Megatron looked back at the worried _expression, which lined Rhinox’s face. He smiled. “Almost got me my dear rhino.”  

“I’m not slag yet.”

Rhinox cocked the gun. The barrel dripped with cyber venom as he held it out. He fired, but Megatron quickly rolled from harms way and fired at Rhinox knocking him down.  

Tarantulas sped up to the cliff’s edge and ran off still in vehicle mode. He flew through the air as if in slow motion. Hitting the ground he transformed.

“Welcome to the party Tarantulas.”

Megatron stood to his feet keeping his laser cannon charged and aimed at Rhinox.

“I have no time for your ramblings Megatron.”

He went off towards the entrance hatch of the ship.

The spider began typing on the console next to the door. With little luck. He growled at the console slaming his fists on the hull. 

“My dear spider. What could be the matter?” mocked Megatron. Tarantulas looked back annoyed, “It won’t allow me to open the doors!”

“It only response to Maximal energy signagers!” 

Megatron thought for a moment then turned back to Rhinox.

“Oh Rhiiiinoxxxx….”

The maximal shuttered as sparks poured from his shoulder.

“Would you be so kind and unlock this pesky door for us?” 

Rhinox stood up a bit shaky, “Like slag I will!” He charged at Megatron putting his entire weight into slaming down the tyrant. They both fell to the ground. Megatron a bit stunned by the rhino’s actions lies motionless. Rhinox got up only to meet the unfriendly end of Tarantulas’ gun. He rolled his optics in disbelief.

“Slag”

Tarantulas broke out into a hysterical laugh, but kept the weapon on his opponent.

The hatched slide open. Smoke poured from it creating a shadowy image of a transformer within. It was Skyfire! Tarantulas turned around and gasped. Skyfire, now with eagle components decorating his robot form, flew out over Megatron and Tarantulas, aimed his arms at them both and pelted them with a continuous stream of energy discs.

Megatron tried to stand his ground but the pelting was granting on his circuitry. He had taken to much damage previously. He was weakening. It was time for a tactical retreat he thought. After dodging a volley of energy discs he transformed to flight mode and zoomed off into the air.

Tarantulas hopping out of the second barrage and fired back at Skyfire. But after he let off a few volleys of cyber venom he was struck in the back. Smoking, he fell to the ground. Spirit, now with deer form components, stood with her gun in hand.

“I hate spiders.”  

Rhinox shook his head in agreement, “Thanks.” 

Skyfire floated down to the ground next to Rhinox and put an arm on his smoldering shoulder, “Your welcome.”  

 

Optimus looks out the window catching a glance at their ride home. It was damaged but had a functioning transwarp drive. His Maximals stood in the command center with their rescuers talking. Optimus turned back to the conversation. 

“… So when our beast forms were integrated into our bodies we heard the battle going on outside and decided to help. Unfortunately Captain Taelon and Void suffered too much internal damage when we entered the anomaly. They didn’t make it.”  

Skyfire’s head lowered.

“I’m sorry Skyfire,” said Optimus sincerely, “I know how it is to lose some friends.” 

Rhinox hunched back in his chair.

“We all do.”  

A few moments of silence filled the room. They were all remembering the ones lost in the Beast Wars.  

Rattrap stood up quickly.

“Oh come on. Let’s hit -- da road.”  

“Yeah,” muttered Optimus still in a daze of memories of lost friends. 

“But what of Megatron and his troops. They can not be aloud to roam freely on this planet,” said Silverbolt.  

Rhinox nodded sadly.

“He’s right. Think of all the damage Megatron could do.”  

“Less tinking and more movin. We’re goin home fer cryin out loud.” 

“Rattrap be quiet.”

“If Megatron is able to find the Ark, the ship of our Autobot ancestors, he will be able to change time itself. We… I can’t let him do that.” 

“We’re staying.” 

Rattrap’s jaw dropped.

“WHAT!?”

“Ya mean afta all dis time on dis dirt ball we finally get rescued, but now yer tellin me we can’t go home!?”

Dinobot rolled his eyes, “Selfish rodent. Do you not see the consequences if we leave?” 

Rattrap just glared at Dinobot. 

Spirit moved to the center console.

“But you would go home. Just not yet.” 

“Right, only a small group would have to remain here to watch over Megatron,” said Skyfire. 

“Well then it seems we all have a choice to make,”

Optimus walked to the center of the room, “Go home with Sky and Spirit or stay here and protect our futures.”  

The Maximals all stood there thinking. They all wanted to go home, but more was at stake here.

Cheetor stepped next to Optimus, “I’m with ya big bot.” 

Rhinox followed silently.

Silverbolt stood in a heroic stance, “Until the threat of Megatron is quelled I will stay to protect and serve!” 

Cheetor chuckled.  

Dinobot pushed by Rattrap to get to Optimus.

“I have sworn my life on this planet to the defeat of Megatron.”

He drew his sword and held it up, “I will not rest until he is no more.” 

They all stood together, united as a crew, a family. They all then fixed their optics on Rattrap.

“Well Rattrap,” said Primal.  

Rattrap slid his hand over his face, “Awww man. But I wanna go home…” 

Optimus raised an ‘eyebrow’. 

“But I guess…… I’ll stay.” 

A teasing smirk ran across his face.

“Who else is gonna keep an eye on chopperface?” 

Dinobot growled softly.

“Wouldn’t be the same with out you Rattrap,” said Rhinox smirking. 

“Yes, it would not smell like the inside of a sewer any longer!” said Dinobot smiling slightly. 

Optimus starts to laugh as the others join in. Rattrap just rolls his eyes and sits down hunching over. 

The sun rises slowly creating a beautiful landscape of colors in the sky. A gentle breeze kicks up leaves as the Maximal vessel, now repaired, ascends into the sky. The Maximals stand at the base of the Axalon watching it disappear behind the clouds. 

“I can’t believe we’re all just sitting ‘ere as our ride home just fades away. You bots are loose a couple bolts if ya ask me.” 

Optimus smiles as he watches it fade from view, “Don’t worry Rattrap. We’ll be home soon.” 

“Yeah well not soon enough. Its gonna take ‘em three months there and back. Then anotha three months there if we’re not cold slag by dat time.” 

Optimus shook his head softly. Extending his arm he placed it on Rattrap’s shoulder.

“We will be free of this world, this war. Soon. Have patients.” 

The end